Josef was prepared to sit Bagoas' watch for him, willing to sit there and keep the fire stoked and hold that sensual yet mentally sharp man leaning against his arm for as long as was needed, if needed.

He winced though when Bagoas pulled back. So much for that need. He didn't look away though, meeting that dark gaze steadily. "Everything you have of me has been given freely," he said plainly. "I may be shocked by my feelings but I don't regret a minute of having them for you."

The honesty came a moment before the nuzzle, the soft touch making him sigh. "You speak of a time and place that wasn't mine, nor was it Madelyne's, I suspect. Hers seems something like my own, but with mutants. "Why she was concerned. They expect people to be a certain way, with only one person. Sometimes it is difficult to think of a way that allows for emotions without constantly checking them," he admitted.

"It was... For a bit it was hard for me to care about you with Sarah still back there. I haven't allowed myself to be close to anyone but Mick since she... became ill."