Raphael nodded his head slightly. It was better. It itched less and it was kind of nice. Not the sort of nice he was allowed. Gentle touches were always mocking. Sometimes Lazar stroked his hair or made him sit on his lap, sometimes he kissed his cheek with a strange kind of tenderness but it wasn't real softness. It was something much worse.

He looked at Sam properly and then finally, he worked up enough courage to poke Sam. Yes, he poked him. Right in the chest. If he was an illusion, he was a damn solid one. Jesus, this man was build like a wall.