Yeah, the only reason he gets picked up as being sweet, I think, is that he is good to Horatio. But really, he has very little time for anyone else, unless it's someone like Wellard, who he does keep an eye on. He's got a sharp mind and a sharp tongue and is quick to mock people. He doesn't suffer fools gladly. Would he have made up that confession for anyone but Horatio? I have my doubts.

I do think he has a mile-wide romantic streak though - not in the horrible modern sense of the word, but in aspiring to, and admiring, grand things. Joining the Navy, and his excitement at getting to go to war, seem to be a part of that.