I have no problem with slash (as readers of my lj will atest) but there are some pairings that benefit, in my opinion anyway, from as you say, remaining subtexty. I want Gene to stay just that right side of sympathetic. I don't want him "understanding" or "empathising" too much. That would spoil the tension between them, and the vibe. It's one of those rare and beautiful relationships were they're more kinky without the, um, kink.