It is unconscious, the way Nathaniel shifts his body so it is closer to Asher, skin touching skin. He is a lycanthrope and that call to be touched and touch is built into him. He'd never blame Asher for wanting such contact.

"I have been happy, Asher," he murmurs, nosing his shoulder. "When I'm with you, my stomach goes all tight and my heart jumps and I just want to touch you, listen to you, make you laugh and see that smile I so rarely see. The one where I know I've truly made you happy in some way. I just... sometimes selfishly want more."