"You know your relationship best," Richards gives. He moves his eyes skyward in consideration. "Let's see...

"Until recently we were fighting a group that believed themselves to be the New Roman Empire. In Rome, there were male-male relationships that were considered normal: Close 'friends', or a teacher and a student. Penetrative sex was saved for their wives, so they did the same act between the thighs. Using oil or other lubrication, you get the same act without penetration."