Oh. Oh, he’s being very earnest. Almost too earnest. Matthias long wondered if there weren’t some feelings on Sam’s part. Maybe not romantic, but something still more than platonic. He never asked because he didn’t need to know. Feelings only mattered when he could toy with them and, truly, he had no desire to play those kinds of games with Sam. Sam knew exactly what Matthias was. The wolf didn’t need to be manipulated to give Matthias what he needed. So there was no need for Matthias to worm into his inner life.

“You don’t need my protection, either. You have it, nonetheless.”

Alright, let’s just avoid that whole feelings part. Matthias knew he was a selfish creature. It’s the nature of most demons. Sam didn’t need him to confirm what they both knew was true. Nor did Sam need him to deny how much he enjoyed being adored. Being on the receiving side of whatever undefined feelings Sam had has had Matthias basking like a cat in midday sunshine for years, decades! One of the reasons he was so comfortable with Sam was because Sam never expected any reciprocation. Nevermind that Matthias actually did consider the wolf as something of a friend.