Rat wouldn't have agreed, probably never would, but hat was why neither of them said anything. He could feel Marius' intent over his skin in those tiny, comforting circles. The touch was no panacea but it was at least a balm on the freshest wounds.

And it felt so good to be kissed. There was no hesitation, no attempt to Push Marius away as Rat leaned back into the kiss, enjoying the sounds and touch of a person becoming more and more familiar every day whether he tried to stop it or not.

He wanted this warmth, this memory. Rat leaned forward and returned the kiss, his skin thrumming with the chance to love someone else.