Brotherly love

I'm not sure how it started, but our youngest, Ethan, has found it necessary to distinguish between brotherly love, and "love love" as he calls it. Zach, our oldest, enjoys toying with Ethan on this topic. The two of them were with me as I cleaned out my office at work recently. Rather than help, they entertained me with their banter.

Zach: Ethan? Ethan. Ethan, I love you.

Ethan: Like a brother or love love me?

Zach: Both.

Ethan: That's gross.

Zach: But it's true.

Ethan: No. 

Zach: But Ethan. I love love you too. I can't help it.

Ethan: Mom? Zach is using inappropriate language with me.

Zach: Ethan? 

Ethan: What?

Zach: Will you date me?

Ethan: No. I won't date you.

Zach: Why not?

Ethan: Because I have to be 16 to date. Mom says.

Zach: I don't think you need to be 16 to date me.

Ethan: Yes I do.

Zach: Well, what if you were 16? Would you date me then?

Ethan: No.

Zach: Why not?

Ethan: Because you'd be too old for me.

Zach: Okay. What if we were both 16. Would you date me then?

pause

Ethan: Sure.