The pat was light but nice. He always did love being touched. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself back up on hands and knees, crawling up Quatre's side and plopping down on the other side of him. Arms wrapped around the boy, Maraich roused his courage and spoke as firmly as he could about it.

"So-so... Since Quatre will be staying here, you two will have to get along."

There was always fear tingling in the back of his mind, but he chose to act as confident as he could, treating Quatre much like he would a new expensive outfit that he was demanding to keep. Plus, the boy's skin was soft against him. No jealousy allowed.

"It could be for a long time."