That touch was perhaps what was helping Josef to stay calm and think about it. Not just what Bagoas was saying but the emotions there between them. He wasn't sure how they had gone from those first angry moments to this. Just as he was not quite sure when he'd opened his heart again. All he knew was that he was glad both had happened.

"They were a way for the church to control people," he said, remembering those times when it began. "Now it's culture and most won't go against the system. In the last times I allowed myself something like this, just spending time alone with Sarah was pushing propriety."

Shifting, he leaned closer to Bagoas. "I feel the same. About it all. I am trying again, though I admit I'm nervous a lot about things. I'm not a good person with social situations. Or conversations. Or shutting up sometimes," he said, trying to smile but it seemed to fade.

"I feel the same. I don't own you," he said, remembering that talk. Nor would he want to. "I just want to know I have time in your life."