[He's The Physical Contact and Affection Sword™ so this is his primary method of communication, honestly. And his lips quirk upward briefly into a smile when the gesture isn't rejected - and when she laughs, because it's nice to hear after everything else.]

I do, I'm serious! For one, sticking with people you know's normal when you get to a new place. Besides, it's not like you've been following me everywhere, and it's not like I'd mind it even if you did. [He himself is a barnacle?!] So I mean it. Promise!