might think that the relationship was becoming less passionate. Believe me, Fazzi, the passion is still there but now it is more refined and I find that I like this more... There is no hurry, no war between us or even that inner war within myself. I don't need to be the conqueror, the lord and master and I don't find the need to prove my manhood. I have accepted the fact of what I have become. There is just the overwhelming need to be together with you and the need to prove my love and satisfy you. I have become more and more at ease not only with you but also with myself and with others. I hope this pleases you as much as it does me!"

"I think it means that aside from the sex, we are beginning to love each other more and that you are accepting the fact that you can remain a man while you make your life together with another man. To tell you the truth, and I hope it is the truth; I do not think that you would want to go back to my daughter or even Dina. And, perhaps it signifies that you are approaching the time when you will be ready to make another choice. The one you may soon have to make, if we are to be "one" together." Fazzi said in a low guarded voice, almost as if he was walking on a bed of broken glass barefooted.

"As much as I hate to think about it-yes you are right. I do find myself thinking more and more about my faith. It is most distressing at times and very hard." Joseph said, not really lying about his inner feelings. "I do think about it but keep pushing it away. Just like I'm going to do right now; come let's go to eat."

They went out to a Burger King and Joseph ordered for Fazzi and they sat in a corner booth and ate.

"You know this is not half ba," said Fazzi. "I could get used to eating this. Are you sure there is no pork in these? Not that I have not tasted pork before; I just don't want to eat it where my friends could see me."

"They do advertise them as pure beef and I don't think they would make that claim if they were not. The competition would soon scream its head off if it were not true. I can check if you really want to know or next time I could order you the vegetable patty burger."

"Perhaps in the future, but for now forget it. Even though it is no excuse, I can always say I did not know." Fazzi said as he downed the last of his burger and licked his fingers and then wiped them on a napkin.

"Yussef, there is a big favor I would like you to do for me tomorrow. I noticed that you and Allie did not 'hit it off' when he was at my house. Could you please try to get along with him? You know you are very special to me, and no matter what happens you will always be first in my heart. However, he is an old friend and he is an important man in the embassy."

"I don't know where you got the idea that I did not like him. Just because we have differing opinions and ideas does not mean I dislike him. If it is anyone that I didn't care for,