As If Wounded Without the Pleasure of a Scar - gildatheplant (2024)

Chapter 1

Chapter Text

"The smell of rain, slick mud, the riverbank/eyes closed, I press my naked skin against the tree bark/slide down and savour the pain of scraping away/until my back bleeds and the scent of copper/joins the rain, plants, fresh flowers, rotten wood/a perfume that calls to the deepest part of me/I offer my blood in supplication/to the memory of what I lost/and what I gained/pushed, gripped, aching, against the rain-soaked cypress"

The poetry reading was a rather large affair, at least in terms of how small these events usually are in this day and age. Well over two hundred people sat in the theatre, yet the dim lighting and focused quiet of the room gave the illusion of a far more intimate setting. Clearly, Armand was not the only soul enraptured by the poet currently onstage, his warm, soothing voice casting a spell upon his audience, drawing them into the lonely yet seductive world he painted with his words. As the last syllable of 'cypress' echoes like a gentle breeze across the audience, Armand feels a profound sense of longing towards the beautiful poet on the stage.

The Grand Poetry Slam Paris was an event that drew poets from around the world to share their gifts with a large and passionate audience. Armand had witnessed many talented poets on the stage but none had been so captivating as the one now gracefully bowing his head beneath the soft stage lights.

The host stepped out, applauding, "Thank you for sharing with us. The poem was from a collection you recently published, yes?"

The poet smiled- oh what a gorgeous sight!- and nodded his head, "Yes, the collection is called Under the Shadows of the Bayou."

"Ah magnifique! Let us once again thank Louis de Pointe du Lac of New Orleans, America."

*****

"Monsieur du Lac? Do you have a moment?" Armand watched as the poet turned in his direction, appearing somewhat startled by the attention. The lobby of the theatre was filled with audience members, poets, critics, waiters carrying drinks and hors d'oeuvres, yet somehow Louis de Pointe du Lac seemed to stand alone. Good. Armand would tolerate no competition.

The poet gave him a demure smile, "Oh, yes, of course."

Armand placed a hand on his heart and bowed his head, "My name is Armand Rashid. I wanted to congratulate you on a truly remarkable performance tonight. Your poetry spoke to me like no other."

Louis' smile grew brighter, even as he seemed to struggle to remain modest, "Thank you, I really appreciate your kind words."

"The host mentioned you are American and yet your poem was entirely in French, did you translate the poem for this event or?" Armand let the question hang, inviting Louis to speak, to get comfortable.

"While I wrote all of the poems for Under the Shadows of the Bayou in English initially, when I decided to publish them as a collection, I immediately started work on the French translation. Both versions were released just last month."

Armand sensed an opportunity, "I would love the chance to hear you read your poems in their original English. I am terribly curious how the ebb and flow of your work would change."

A flash of surprise crossed Louis' lovely face before his mask of calm covered it. However, Armand could sense a gentle wave of regret from the poet. "I'm very flattered, but unfortunately, I'm only in the country For the Poetry Slam. I'll be returning home by the end of the week."

Armand stepped closer, his arm brushing the poet's. He tilted his head down, so his lips nearly brushed Louis' ear. "If your time here is so short, won't you allow me to help you make the most of it?"

His pretty prey swallowed, the poet's pupils blown wide. Armand controlled his triumphant smile, passing it off as something gentler. He brushed his fingers against the tips of Louis', leaving that subtle touch as the only point of contact as he pulled away. Follow me. Follow me, my beauty.

The vampire's beloved poet followed.

*****

They sat together in Louis' small but comfortable hotel room- it had taken some gentle nudging with the Mind Gift to make the poet relaxed enough to bring a stranger home- Louis' smooth, mellow voice flowing over him. The small sofa they sat on left little space between them, though Louis did his best to perch as demurely far away from Armand as possible. Armand didn't mind; he would not allow the space between them to last for long.

At Armand's request, Louis was reading his poetry in its original English. It was a testament to Louis' mastery of both languages that Armand found the two versions equally beautiful. Of course, it was not simply the poet's words that had Armand so deeply enchanted. No. Louis de Pointe du Lac was the most gorgeous of mortals in mind, body and spirit. His delicate features, soulful eyes, graceful neck, slender form...he seemed designed by the universe to have Armand's hands wrapped around his waist. His mind spoke to Armand of tragedy, melancholy, loneliness, yet there was fire there too- passion and a strength to endure.

Not since Lestat had Armand wanted someone so desperately, though the two men could not be more different. Yet, Armand could well imagine how immensely jealous Lestat would be if he beheld the great beauty Armand had discovered. Even after all these years, he knew Lestat well enough to know the blond vampire would be instantly enchanted by Armand's darling poet.

And indeed, Louis de Pointe du Lac was Armand's.

Louis paused in his reading, taking a sip of water. He'd been embarrassed when they had first arrived that he had no other drinks to offer, but Armand had assured him that water was perfectly fine. Still, he knew Louis wished for something stronger to help ease his anxiety. Louis had never brought a stranger home before; he was not the type for casual hook-ups. Little did Louis know that this would not be a casual hook-up. Armand had no intention of letting him go.

The poet licked his lips nervously, "What do you think so far?"

Armand smiled, leaning towards him and capturing his eyes with his own. "I think no mortal has ever come so close to the divine as you. Your words, your face, your mind," he let his eyes slide down Louis' form, "your body," his gaze returned to Louis' doe eyes as he raised a hand to gently cup his poet's cheek, "Truly you are God's most perfect creature."

His poor poet was clearly overwhelmed, his breathing quick and uneven, his eyes wide. He seemed to struggle to speak for a moment before softly whispering, "Are you gonna make love to me?"

Armand felt a predatory smile curve his lips, "Oh yes, dear Louis. I'm going to make you mine."

The vampire slid his claws to the back of the poet's head and pulled him into his devastating embrace.

Chapter 2

Chapter Text

Armand reluctantly left his sweet poet just before dawn, with a gentle kiss and a promise to return to him that night. Louis had been mostly asleep, mumbling softly in response, too exhausted to even open his eyes. Perhaps Armand had been a little…overzealous with the mortal. Yet, how could he resist? Louis was made to be ruined by a man. The pleading in his doe eyes, the breathy moans from his sinful lips, the way his graceful body desperately thrashed as Armand brought him to the edge, over, and over, and over again. By the time Armand had bitten his beloved, the poor thing was gasping and trembling from over-stimulation.

And his blood! Oh what a sweet, luxurious nectar it was! It had taken nearly all of Armand’s considerable willpower to take only a little drink. Yet he was glad he did. To make another a vampire should be a careful process. Far too many vampires rushed the turning, and their fledglings came to resent them for it. Armand would not have that for Louis. He would be patient.

The sun was rising as Armand came upon the Theatre de Vampires. In the morning light, the old building looked surprisingly unimpressive for what it contained within. Armand entered through the back and climbed down a long narrow stone staircase. He passed by the coffins of his Coven, all of whom were deep in their daylight slumber.

All but one.

Armand frowned at the sight of Santiago, holding a lone candle, lounging against Armand’s coffin. “Why have you not gone to coffin?”

Santiago tilted his head to the side, “I could ask the same of you. Is the sun not up?”

Armand kept his expression neutral, “It is.”

He watched as the other vampire struggled for a moment to control his emotions- envy, bitterness, anger- before returning to his seemingly disinterested expression. “You can walk in the sun now.”

“I can.” He approached his coffin, a careless wave of his hand signalling Santiago to move away from it. “I do however still need my- what is it the mortals say? Ah yes. Beauty rest.” He opened his coffin, “Sleep well, Santiago.” With that he slipped into his coffin and closed the lid with casual finality.

He could sense Santiago’s barely contained fury as he moved away from Armand’s coffin. Despite having known each other for more than two centuries, neither considered the other a friend. Santiago was far too sad*stic even for Armand’s loose sense of morality, and Armand was too aloof for Santiago’s over-bearing ego to handle. Armand had no doubt that if he had been a weaker vampire, Santiago would have long ago killed him and taken over leadership of the Paris Coven. It was undoubtedly why Santiago was so outraged at his discovery of Armand’s ability to now walk in the sun. The younger vampire’s abilities had seemed to stagnate, while Armand’s continued to grow with each passing decade.

An unpleasant thought occurred to Armand- if Santiago was so desperate to hold power over him, would not Louis become a clear target? Armand had the blood of ancients in his veins, and his power was thus far undiluted, but even so, a vampire as old and bitter as Santiago could pose a threat to a fledgling Louis.

Armand lifted the lid from his coffin and slipped out. He looked around at all the coffins surrounding his own, the coven he had brought together over hundreds of years. Yet who were these vampires to him? He was their leader, but he was not their maker. He had spent seemingly endless nights in their company, yet he felt no deep attachment to any of them. When was the last time he had a truly interesting or thought-provoking conversation with his fellow vampires? For all that they were immortal, they seemed to hold little interest in doing anything with their added time. Most were chosen by their makers for their physical beauty- but oh how quickly that kind of beauty grew dull when there was no spirit or personality to go with it. The Dark Gift had given them great physical strength and durability, but it did nothing to enhance their minds. Devoid of curiosity or creativity, most of them were as vapid at two hundred years old as they were at twenty. They were creatures of thirst and lust, little else.

Only one night in Louis de Pointe du Lac’s company and Armand had already come to understand why he had felt so painfully, utterly alone for so long, despite being surrounded by others. He left the coffin room and headed to his office. He had plans to make.

*****

Armand had only slept for a few hours. His mind had been far too busy to go to coffin until well into the afternoon and he wanted to get up before Santiago because he knew it would irritate him. You wish to question me? Here’s a little reminder why that’s a bad idea. Armand did so love being petty.

Upon waking he had immediately returned to his office. During the day he had meticulously gone over the theatre’s insurance policy- one of the many annoying little details of having to operate in the modern world- and what he found seemed very promising indeed. However, the theatre was hardly Armand’s only source of income. One of his responsibilities as leader of the coven was to deal with the theatre’s financials. To do so in the modern age, he’d been forced to acquire a human lawyer, a man every bit as ruthless as any of the vampires Armand had met. Through him, Armand had built a great deal of wealth for himself, using the theatre’s profits to make a series of lucrative investments. He had also amassed an extremely valuable art collection, opening a gallery of his own in the 1990s. Almost by accident, he had become a rather successful art dealer.

Armand was especially glad to have the art gallery. It gave him an excuse to get away from the theatre. He had even set up a living area, complete with bedroom, on the upper floor to stay in when he grew tired of the tediousness of the coven. He was also able to use the gallery as his official address, making it far easier to deal with the various paper trails of the 21st century.

The vampire was eager to give his dear poet a private tour of the gallery tonight.

After one last check to make sure all the paperwork was neatly filed, his desk organized, his laptop shut down and stored away (not that it really mattered- most of the vampires in the coven wouldn’t know how to turn it on, much less be able to decode his password), Armand carefully put his contact lenses in his eyes and grabbed his coat. He turned and opened the door.

Standing there was Delphine, one of the older members of the coven. She looked him over, eyes lingering on his coat, before speaking. “You are leaving us again tonight, Armand?”

“Yes, there is much I need to do.” He brushed past her and started heading down the corridor.

She hurried after him, clutching his arm desperately. He swiftly stopped, glaring down where she had dared to touch him. She raised her hands in supplication, “I merely wish to speak with you, which has become so difficult these days. Up and gone before dawn, returning when the rest of us are already asleep.” She leaned forward, her voice a low whisper, “There is talk among the others that you plan to leave us.”

Armand was hardly surprised by this news. He hadn’t exactly been subtle in his growing disinterest in the theatre or the coven. It had been decades since he bothered acting in one of the shows- and he mostly left the creative aspects for Santiago to deal with. His only contribution to the shows these days was script approval, and that only because he wanted to be sure Santiago hadn’t created a play that would get them all caught. Santiago’s combination of sadism and arrogance had drawn far too much suspicion over the years. Yet another reason why Armand was building the means to untangle himself from the coven.

He raised his eyebrows, “And what care would any of you have if I left? Would you mourn my loss? Would it truly change your night at all?”

Delphine’s eyes widened in shock. She lunged forward clutching desperately at his chest, crumpling the fabric of his shirt, “How can you say that? You are our leader, our king, our god!”

Armand gripped her hands tightly, forcing her to let go of his shirt, “If I left, you would simply replace me with Santiago.”

She shook her, “No, no! He might not wish to admit it, but even Santiago knows we would be bereft without you! Leave us?! You would be far kinder to kill us all!”

Armand stared at her for several long moments, his face devoid of expression. Slowly, he nodded, “Perhaps you are right.” He turned away and began heading down the corridor once more.

Neither she, nor anyone else, tried to stop him.

*****

Armand held Louis’s hand as he guided him into his art gallery. With the flick of a few switches, the front room was illuminated.

Louis looked around in wonder, “This is remarkable! When you said you had an art gallery, I wasn’t expecting…” He shook his head and smiled at Armand, “This place is huge.”

Armand felt himself smiling wider than he could ever recall. Louis’ excitement was contagious. “Come, let me show you everything.”

Hand in hand, Armand and Louis wandered the art gallery. They discussed art styles, philosophies, and preferences. They talked about their favourite artists and those they felt were over-rated. Louis made him laugh, truly laugh, as he described his very first visit to an art museum as a child, and how he’d horribly embarrassed his parents when he’d pointed at a painting he didn’t like and loudly declared he’d made “way better pictures” with his crayons.

Armand was so captivated that he had lost track of time. It was only by noticing a slight hoarseness slipping into Louis’ voice that he realized they’d been talking for hours. “Oh Louis, I’m terribly sorry! Listen to your poor voice, you must be terribly thirsty.”

Louis smiled and gestured to his throat, “I didn’t realize how parched I was ‘til you mentioned it.”

Armand took his poet’s hand and gently pulled, “Come, I have living quarters upstairs. We can take a break and have some refreshments.”

*****

Armand found it nearly impossible to stop touching Louis. As they sat on his small sofa, talking, and nursing their second glasses of wine, the vampire found his free hand sliding along Louis’ shoulders. His fingers gently squeezed the back of his neck, moving upwards to gently scratch his nails against the man’s scalp. He could hear the mortal’s heart quicken, could smell his growing arousal. Armand placed his glass on the coffee table, then gently took Louis’ glass and placed it down as well. For a moment they held each other’s eyes, then Louis was pressing his lips against Armand’s.

The vampire groaned, pulling Louis onto his lap, rubbing his hands up and down his back. He gripped the mortal’s backside and squeezed roughly, digging his claws in just a little. Not hard enough to rip the cloth but hard enough to feel. Louis moaned, his hands running up Armand’s chest, across his shoulders, into his hair. Armand thrust his hips upward as he sucked on Louis’ tongue hard, swallowing the poet’s muffled cry.

Louis pulled back, gasping, “How do you do this to me?”

Armand’s answer was to drag him back, grip him tight, and stand up.

Louis’ eyes went wide, “How the f*ck are you so strong?”

He smiled wickedly, “I am very motivated right now.” With that, he carried him to the bedroom.

*****

Armand gently wiped a warm, damp cloth down Louis’s stomach. His lover was struggling to keep his eyes open, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he came down from the high of their lovemaking. The vampire paused to press a kiss over Louis’ heart.

Louis closed his eyes, “I’m going to miss you.”

The muscles in his back tensed, “No you won’t.” He pressed another kiss to Louis’ heart before carefully dragging his fangs down Louis’ chest, causing the smaller man to arch his back. “You won’t miss me because I won’t let you go.”

Louis shook his head and smiled sadly, “I’m sorry, Armand. But you knew from the beginning I’d only be here until the end of the week.”

“Extend your stay.”

Louis raised himself up on his elbows to better look at him, “I can’t. I’ve already been away from home too long. I have responsibilities. People I need to take care of.”

People I need to take care of. Jealousy dug its poisonous talons under Armand’s skin. He pushed Louis back down on the bed, even as he claimed his lips and forced himself into Louis’ mind. The image of a much older man came to him, along with feelings of intense guilt and love. Armand dug a little deeper. Perhaps the man was simply a family member…in the next image the old man was sitting at a table, smiling up at Louis as the poet brought him a plate of food. The image was suffused with comfort and warmth. A caregiver. Louis was simply caring for him…yet even as Armand began to pull his mind away, satisfied with his answer, another image appeared. The old man’s hand on Louis’ throat, gripping his jaw and pulling him in for a kiss. Another one, Louis going down on his knees between the old man’s legs and reaching for his belt-

“You’re hurting me!” Louis had managed to free his lips from Armand’s brutal kiss. The vampire looked down at his hands, the way his claws were digging deep into Louis’ shoulders. Blood slowly trailed from the small wounds, and Armand felt his teeth extend as the sight and smell overwhelmed his senses. He clenched his jaw to resist the temptation of biting Louis- he was too out of control. Carefully, Armand loosened his grip on Louis’s shoulders and began gently running his hands over them to soothe the panicking mortal. Unfortunately, that further smeared his lover’s blood around, and the smell of it…

NO. Armand tore himself from the bed. He covered his face and turned away, using every scrap of his formidable willpower to rein himself in.

“What the Hell was that?” Louis was afraid. Though Armand did not turn to look, he could hear the mortal scrambling from the bed.

“I’m sorry, Louis. The thought of losing you…I lost control.”

“Lost control?” Louis’ voice was incredulous, “Look at me! I look like I got mauled by a f*cking tiger!”

Despite everything, Armand felt a little thrill go through him at Louis’ display of anger. He had sensed that his poet had a fire within him, but this was the first time he bore witness to that fire being unleashed.

“I can heal you,” Armand said softly. He kept his back to Louis as he slipped a finger into his own eye.

“That’s not the point!” Louis snapped in frustration, “You went from gentle kisses over my heart to clawing at me like an animal.” He huffed, “And now you won’t even look at me. I know you’re upset about me not being able to stay but-“

Armand turned around, carelessly dropping his contacts to the floor. “I apologize for hurting you, Louis. I normally have much better control than this.”

Louis started backing away, fear choking his voice, “Your eyes, what did you do to your eyes?”

The vampire began walking towards his frightened lover, “Don’t be afraid, my darling poet. I’m going to take care of you now. When you wake in the morning, you will have no memory of this unfortunate incident and no marks upon your gorgeous body.”

Chapter 3

Chapter Text

Armand’s poet was in a deep sleep as the vampire pressed gentle kisses on his lips, cheek, forehead. He’d spent the last hour at war with himself about whether he should return to the theatre or stay with Louis during the day. Unfortunately, while Armand was able to be up during the day and even walk in the sun, he still needed some rest, which would be safer in his coffin. Louis was still unaware of his vampiric nature, and Armand wanted to keep it from him a little while longer.

It was why Armand had felt the need to use the Mind Gift on Louis to make him forget his loss of control. He wanted to savour these last few days of Louis’ humanity. To pretend, at least for a little while, that he was not a monster, but a normal, mortal man in love. When Louis woke up, he would remember only the wonder and desire of the night before. He would believe that Armand had needed to go to work early, and that he was invited to stay at the gallery as long as he liked.

The vampire finally pulled away from his lover and began to dress. The sun would be risen by the time he arrived at the theatre, a blessing at least in the sense he would not have to speak with anyone from his coven. Armand thought back to his brief conversations with Santiago and Delphine. Santiago was clearly chafing under Armand’s leadership and power, yet Delphine had been adamant that Armand would be far kinder to kill them all than leave them.

As Armand briskly walked through the hazy light of pre-dawn, he deeply pondered his situation. Even before Louis’ sudden appearance into his life, Armand had grown bored of his life at the theatre. While the others seemed to thrive in their repetitive, dreary existence, Armand had found himself longing for more. He began thinking often of Lestat, and his refusal to bow to vampiric rules. Last, he had heard, the younger vampire had made his home in America…perhaps Armand should follow his lead and leave Paris. Maybe even seek Lestat out.

Now, Armand also had Louis’ well-being to think of. There had been no new additions to the coven in nearly a hundred years- Louis would have no peers, no one aside from Armand that he could truly talk to. A brilliant mind and sensitive soul like Louis’ would struggle to adjust to the other vampires’ narrow minds and old-fashioned ways. No. If Armand wanted to preserve Louis’ spirit, he would have to keep him away from the coven.

As Armand entered the theatre, he was extra careful to guard his thoughts. The coven was already suspicious of Armand’s desire to leave them, but Armand did not want them to know why. While he doubted any of the other vampires would be stupid enough to harm Armand’s mortal lover directly, he wouldn’t put it past them to try to manipulate, threaten or even capture him. The mere thought threatened to overwhelm Armand with rage. He clenched his fists as he walked past the coven’s coffins. Delphine’s words came to mind once more, Leave us?! You would be far kinder to kill us all!

*****

Louis awoke to the sweet, warm, spicy scent of Armand which lingered on the luxurious sheets. A part of him desperately wanted to remain in bed, awaiting his lover’s return. Truly it was madness that a man he’d known for only two nights already had such a powerful grip on his heart and mind. Louis sat up and stretched, reveling in the aches and pains that served as reminders of Armand’s touch upon his body. The temptation to simply lay back down and spread his legs in preparation for Armand’s return was nearly overpowering.

That mental image made Louis chuckle and shake his head. He only had three more days in Paris before he had to return home. Lying in bed all day was not an option when he had so much to do- there were performances to watch and take part in, networking events, site seeing… the list went on. Of course, he would make as much time for Armand as he possibly could, but as great as they were together, in a few short days there would be a literal ocean between them.

Louis sighed, going to the washroom to shower and prepare himself for the day. Louis found his clothes neatly folded in a pile on the bathroom counter, along with clean towels and an assortment of soaps. He allowed himself to indulge in the shower’s hot water for a little longer than he probably should have, but as Daniel told him before he left, “Remember you’re on vacation. f*ck feeling guilty. Relax and enjoy yourself God dammit.” After he was clean and dressed, he checked his phone and winced at the time. It was nearly noon. He needed to get back to the hotel, change into clothes that weren’t from last night, sort out his notes for the networking event, practice for his performance tonight, squeeze in a bite to eat, actually go to the networking event, call Daniel to check in, see if Armand was interested in another date, go to his performance…

Daniel’s voice rang in his ear once more, “Relax and enjoy yourself God dammit.” Louis smiled. To most people Daniel’s near brutal bluntness came across as rude, but for Louis it was oddly comforting. The older man’s directness helped him feel grounded. Daniel was Louis’ safe space, and despite how much fun he’d been having in Paris, he missed his grumpy old man terribly.

*****

The networking event was in full swing when Louis arrived. Poets, authors, artists, and publishers from around the world were chatting and trading information. Within an hour, Louis had made several very promising contacts, including an artist interested in incorporating some of Louis’ poetry in her work.

When Louis’ phone vibrated the first time, he ignored it. If it was important, they would leave a message.

When it vibrated a second time, only 10 minutes later, Louis decided to check if he recognized the caller.

Tulane Medical Center

Louis’ blood turned to ice as he scrambled to answer his phone. “Hello?” He hurried out of the room and into the hallway to get some privacy.

“Hello, is this Louis de Pointe du Lac?”

Louis suppressed his worry, “Yes, how can I help you?”

“According to our records you are the emergency contact for Mr. Daniel Molloy.”

“Oh God, is he alright?” Louis’ chest felt like a vice gripped it.

“I’m afraid he had a rather serious accident early this morning. He’s currently in surgery.”

Fear and guilt ran through Louis’ mind. Daniel was hurt, badly hurt, and Louis wasn’t there. “I’m overseas right now. I’ll try to get the earliest flight back I can, but I likely won’t be able to get there until tomorrow morning.”

“Thank you Mr. du Lac, if he awakens before that we will let him know you’re on your way.”

Louis was already racing out of the building.

*****

The first thing Armand had done when he woke up that evening was go to his office and check his cellular phone. A truly remarkable little device that he thoroughly enjoyed toying with. He unplugged it from the charger and pressed the button which lit up the screen. Armand smiled when he saw that there was a message from Louis and eagerly slid his finger upwards.

Armand- I am so sorry, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to see you again. An emergency back home forced me to cut my trip short. I’ll be getting on the earliest available flight to the U.S. Please forgive me for leaving so suddenly. I truly enjoyed our time together and will remember you with great fondness.

The phone slipped from Armand’s fingers as a deep, churning, wave of darkness spread out from the gaping hole in his chest.

Chapter 4

Chapter Text

When the darkness at last receded, Armand found himself covered in debris, surrounded by the devastation he had wrought upon the theatre’s upper floor. He looked up to see a massive hole in the wall and through it he could see the ruins of his office. He looked down, recognizing the remains of his office desk at his feet. At some point during his…loss of temper, he must have thrown his desk with such force that it broke down most of the wall between his office and the storage room he now stood in, shattering the heavy wooden desk in the process. The calm that normally followed one of his rare emotional outbursts was short-lived, as he realized the extent of the damage. He swiftly walked back through the wall hole to his office and dropped to his knees. With increasing desperation, he began digging through the piles of broken furniture, scattered papers, and shredded artwork.

“Armand? Are you-“ One of the younger vampires asked nervously from the doorway.

“Leave me be!” Armand snarled, then whipped a broken vase at the intruder. The vampire cried out in pain and hurried from the room.

Distantly he could hear the younger vampire speaking to the others, most likely hiding at the bottom of the stairs like the cowards they were. “He threw broken glass at me! And everything around him was destroyed.”

“Has Armand gone mad?” A woman’s fearful voice asked. Another voice, this time a man’s, “He has always been so stoic! What could have happened?” More urgent whispers and arguing. Armand tuned them out.

Let them gossip! He thought viciously, Why should I care what those insipid, spiteful creatures think? My beautiful Louis is gone! My beloved poet has left me!”

Armand continued searching desperately throughout the room, crawling on the floor like a great insect, until his fingers at last brushed against what he was looking for. He picked up his cellular phone and pressed it on, relieved to see it was working and undamaged. What little Armand had left of Louis was contained inside this delicate little device- Louis’ phone number, which Armand would likely need in order to track him down, and a copious amount of pictures Armand had taken while his beautiful lover had been sleeping. As added reassurance, the vampire clicked on the gallery app and scrolled through the images, soothed by the sight of Louis peacefully resting in the nude.

For the past three hundred years, Armand had rarely travelled outside of France, spending most of his time in Paris. He had often thought, particularly in recent years, of travelling to the Americas, but had not felt inspired enough to do so. It was far too easy to allow himself to simply drift in his boredom and depression. Louis had changed that. Louis was the inspiration to change that Armand had so desperately needed. After only two nights together, Armand felt his spirit reinvigorated, his life given purpose.

Unfortunately, travel to the New World was no easy task, even in this modern age. Armand would have to arrange for a plane ticket, and ensure he was given as much privacy as possible. He would also need to contact his lawyer to inform him that he was leaving the country. Armand was at a point that he did not really care what happened to the theatre, as it was nowhere near his most profitable venture these days, so he would simply inform his lawyer he was washing his hands of it. Let Santiago and his talentless hoard of ‘actors’ run the theatre without him. He had no doubt it would fall apart within a year.

Mind set, Armand untangled his coat from the remains of a chair, dusted it off, and headed for the open door. Everything of real value was at the gallery, there was no reason for him to linger at the theatre.

At the far end of the hallway, Armand saw the majority of the coven, some twenty or so vampires, huddled upon the stairs. He gestured imperiously, “Out of my way.”

The other vampires fluidly stood aside making a path for him, even as they glanced nervously at each other. Armand had no doubt they were struggling to decide who among them would speak up. He had made it halfway down the steps, when Santiago stepped out of the shadows, standing at the bottom.

“Our dearest Armand, surely you will not leave before telling us what has troubled you so?” Santiago spoke with his typical, tiresome, theatricality.

Armand stared down at Santiago, “I should think you would be pleased, my good friend.” He gallantly bowed, “I bequeath Le Theatre des Vampires to you. May it bring you the same joy it has brought to me.” Armand let just a hint of sarcasm creep into his voice.

The look of surprise on Santiago’s face was almost worth his annoying presence. Clearly, he had expected Armand to deny his desire to leave. The coven’s second most powerful vampire rallied to cover his shock. “You plan to simply abandon us?”

“Abandon? No, no, my dear friend. Of course not. Have you not longed to be the master of this coven for decades? You have chafed under my leadership for too long.” Armand smirked and grandly gestured around him, “Come, Santiago, it is time to take your rightful place!”

Though Santiago often played the fool onstage, he was wise enough to recognize Armand’s mockery. He knew this was no passing of the crown, no parting gift. “I thank you for the honor, dear leader, but what of you? What has sparked this sudden change?” Santiago tilted his head and scratched his chin with exaggerated curiosity, “Surely it has nothing to do with some lovely mortal at last capturing your eye?”

It was surprisingly easy for Armand to maintain his calm façade. Whether Santiago knew anything of Louis or was simply guessing did not matter. What else could cause a sudden change in a vampire aside from getting involved with mortal affairs? Yet again, Santiago believed himself far cleverer than he actually was. Louis was most likely on an aeroplane to America by now; Santiago posed him no true threat.

Of course, that didn’t mean Armand wouldn’t put him in his place one final time.

Armand shrugged and smiled blandly down at him, “I suppose since gaining the power to walk under the sun, hiding in the shadows has lost its appeal.”

Gasps and shocked whispers surrounded him as the coven processed his revelation. Only Santiago, who had already known, remained stoic. Armand took another step down, then another, and another, until there was only one step left between himself and Santiago. He stared down at the vampire who had so long envied Armand’s power and position. The other vampires went silent, watching in anticipation of what Santiago would do. Would he step out of Armand’s way or dare to challenge him? Armand’s revelation of just how powerful he had become left no one in the coven doubting who would win in a battle between their two leaders.

Santiago performed a sweeping bow as he gracefully moved out of Armand’s way. “I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say, farewell and bon voyage!”

Armand left the coven without looking back, though he was somewhat surprised when he heard the sound of numerous voices weeping behind him.

*****

Louis took a taxi straight from the airport to the hospital. He was exhausted, too worried to sleep during the long flight. His clothing was rumpled, his hair a mess, his eyes framed by dark circles. The nurses at the front desk took pity on his miserable state, giving him little hassle when he asked for Daniel's room number.

He hurried through the hospital's winding corridors until he finally found Daniel's room. His hands shook as he opened the door.

Daniel sat propped up in bed, eyes not leaving the book he was reading as he spoke, "Lunch better not be as awful as breakfast. I don't understand how anyone can mess up breakfast. It's the easiest meal of the day."

Louis smiled as a wave of relief and fondness nearly knocked him over. "I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Molloy, but I didn't bring you any lunch."

Daniel looked up sharply, "Louis de Pointe du Lac, tell me you did NOT end your vacation early on account of me."

The younger man shook his head, "How was I supposed to relax knowing you were hurt? Besides, who else would look after your grumpy old ass?"

"The nurses, Louis. You know, the people who are getting paid to take care of my 'grumpy old ass'." Despite his rough demeanor, it was obvious that Daniel was glad to see Louis.

To see Daniel, battered but alive and snarky as ever, brought a sudden rush of tears to Louis' eyes. He felt his face crumple, his hand automatically raising to stifle the well of emotion that seemed poised to erupt from him.

He heard Daniel sigh, "Come here sweet boy."

Louis moved to the bed, collapsing into the chair beside it and gingerly taking Daniel's hand. He felt the tears start sliding down his cheeks, "I was so worried. I was so, so worried."

Daniel squeezed his hand, "It's ok baby. I'm ok. Look at me," he waited until Louis raised his eyes to his, "I'm here. I'm alive. I'm still a cranky old bastard."

Louis smiled despite the tears, "I don't know what I'd do without you."

A shadow passed over Daniel's face. He looked down at the covers, at his leg propped up in a sling. He took a deep breath, "Louis..."

"Please! Don't say it. I can't... I can't hear it right now." The younger man's voice sounded so soft and broken.

Daniel closed his eyes, took a moment to rally himself. He didn't even need to look at Louis' sad puppy eyes to be unable to resist them. He'd seen them enough to picture them with perfect clarity.

Time to steer the conversation to safer waters then. "How was Paris?"

Louis smiled, appreciating the topic change. "It was great. I got a lot of really positive feedback for my work."

A sly smile spread Daniel's lips, "Meet anyone fun?"

Louis instantly thought of his time with Armand. He glanced away, "I met lots of fun people."

"Oh no you don't, I know that look," Daniel leaned forward with a grin, "Did my little Lou get laid?"

Despite his embarrassment, Louis laughed, "Oh my God, don't call me that!"

The older man chuckled; glad he got his normally too serious poet to laugh. "You did, didn't you?"

Louis bit his lower lip, glancing away again, "Yeah. His name was Armand."

"Hot?"

"Yeah, very hot." Louis looked up at him and smiled, "You'd approve. I promise."

Daniel relaxed back onto his pillows, "I'm glad you had some fun. I would've been crushed if you didn't get laid at least once over there."

"Twice." Louis blurted out.

"Huh?"

Louis avoided eye contact, fiddling with the hem of his shirt. "I slept with Armand twice."

Daniel was quiet for a long moment before letting out an annoyed groan, "You would've slept with this guy again if this stupid hospital didn't call you."

"Hey, don't do that," Louis took Daniel's hand again, giving it a kiss then squeezing it gently, "I mean sure, I liked him and we had fun, but it's not like it was gonna last. Three more days and I was never gonna see him again anyways."

"Would’ve been three more days of you getting f*cked properly by a hot guy you like."

Louis shook his head and smiled teasingly, "When you get better, you can make that happen again."

The sadness crept back into Daniel's eyes, but he didn't try to argue. He'd just gotten Louis to relax, he didn't want to upset him. "You look like hell, baby. Go home and get some rest."

"I just got-"

Daniel held up his hand, "Go home, take a shower, order some takeout, and go the f*ck to sleep." He softened his voice, "please baby."

Louis nodded slowly, "OK. Yeah. You're right. I'm sorry." He stood up, then leaned forward to kiss Daniel's forehead.

Daniel closed his eyes and sighed. When he opened them, Louis was pulling away. Daniel stared up at his beautiful young poet. How the hell did a bitter old man like him get so lucky? Daniel swallowed, "Don't be sorry, Louis. I love you. I want you to be happy more than anything in the world."

Louis smiled, "I love you, too. And I am happy, so stop worrying about me already."

*****

While Armand had wanted to simply drop everything and chase after Louis, the more logical side of himself knew he had to be better prepared than that. On his way to his apartment above the art gallery he booked a ticket for an overnight flight to New Orleans International Airport. When he got to his apartment, he decided he only needed to pack light, an overnight bag would have plenty of room for a few spare changes of clothing, anything else he could just purchase when he arrived in America. He sent a message to the art gallery’s staff via electronic mail to let them know he would be taking a sabbatical out of the country, for an unknown amount of time, and arranged who would be running things in his stead.

By the time he had finished making all his arrangements, there was very little time for him to rest before he had to leave to catch his flight. The heavy curtains over his windows had almost made him forget that he should’ve gone to coffin hours ago, but he was too full of energy to lie down.

Soon he would be in New Orleans, reunited with Louis, and ready to start a new and exciting life with his beloved. Perhaps while he and his poet traveled across the country, he would hunt down Lestat. Armand would thoroughly enjoy rubbing it in his face that he’d found the perfect companion after the younger vampire had dared to reject him all those years ago.

As Armand grabbed his suitcase and headed out the door, he felt a thrill of anticipation the likes of which he had never felt in all his long centuries of existence.

Chapter 5

Chapter Text

The sun was just beginning to rise as Armand’s plane landed in New Orleans. During the long flight, the vampire had occupied himself by making plans for reuniting with his beloved poet. Thankfully finding him shouldn’t be too difficult. Louis had mentioned his reason for leaving so suddenly was an emergency, which most likely meant someone close to him was suffering from a severe illness or injury. Thus Armand would start his search at the city’s hospitals. Once he found Louis, he would follow him to find out where he lived, get a sense of his routine, and decide on the perfect moment to reveal himself.

Upon exiting the airport, Armand hailed a cab. As tempting as it was to simply order the driver to take him to the closest hospital, Armand knew he should go to his hotel and rest. While he could now endure the sun’s rays, he still did not enjoy being out in broad daylight. Besides, he wanted to be at his best when he saw Louis again, and that meant proper rest, a shower, and clean clothes.

After informing the driver of his destination, Armand settled into the worn-out backseat, closed his eyes, and envisioned having Louis in his arms once more.

*****

While New Orleans was nowhere near as large a city as Paris, it had far more hospitals than Armand had anticipated. Even with vampiric speed, the Mind Gift, and his cellular phone’s internet, Armand was beginning to doubt he’d be able to check all of New Orleans thirty-one hospitals in one night. He was also aware that there was a strict timeline- from what he’d gathered, once visiting hours were over, the chances of finding Louis actually at the hospital would be gone. The vampire would be forced to rely on the memories of staff or patients who might have seen Louis. The timeline also meant that Armand had been forced to start his search in the early evening, before the sun had set.

Armand slipped into the twelfth hospital of the night. He used the Mind Gift to ensure that the people around him took no notice of his presence. He had also chosen clothing that was unlikely to catch too much attention- a plain grey suit with a white dress shirt, no tie. Armand had lost count of the number of men he saw dressed just like him. As he did with the other hospitals, Armand went to the receptionist first. If she couldn’t answer his questions, he would use the Mind Gift to scan the minds around him to check for any glimpses of Louis.

The woman behind the desk, a haggard looking creature, kept her eyes on the computer screen. She looked exhausted and frustrated. “Can I help you?”

“I hope so,” he said sweetly, “A friend of mine sent me a rather alarming text about one of their loved ones being in the hospital. I haven’t heard from them since, and I’m very worried. His name is Louis de Pointe du Lac.”

The woman looked up at him at coldly. Armand gave her his most innocent, pleading look. Her eyes softened and her voice came out much gentler. “We’re not supposed to give out information on visitors; it’s confidential…” Her eyes glazed over as Armand pressed her mind into submission, “One moment, sir, I’ll check the guest registry.”

This was the hard part. The waiting, the anticipation, the creeping dread that this would be another dead end. The receptionist turned to him, “Louis de Pointe du Lac checked in to visit a Daniel Molloy in the intensive care ward. Visiting hours will be over in fifteen minutes.”

Armand smiled pleasantly at the woman and released her from his spell. “Thank you for your assistance.” The vampire turned, following the signs toward the intensive care ward. Of course, as much as he desired to reunite with Louis, he wasn’t foolish enough to reveal himself in such a public place. As out of touch as he could sometimes be with human social mores, he knew flying across an ocean to chase after a lover he’d known for only two nights- exquisite as they were- could be seen as suspicious behaviour.

No. Armand knew with Louis he would have to be patient. He would not pursue his lover directly yet. Instead, he would connect with Louis by messaging and calling him, pretending there was still an ocean between them, building his friendship and trust to the point that Armand could suggest coming for a visit. In the meantime, the vampire would watch over Louis, learn all about his life, his interests, strengths, and weaknesses.

One final turn, and Armand at last found the room he was looking for. The door was opened, and Armand could see there were three beds, each with a curtain that could be closed around it. The two beds closest to the door had their curtains closed. A quick look into the patients’ minds told him one was awake, listening to music on headphones, while the other was asleep. He swiftly slipped behind the curtain of the sleeping patient. From this hidden vantage point, Armand could watch his beloved Louis unimpeded.

Armand’s eyes instantly narrowed when he noticed the figure on the bed. So, this Daniel Molloy was the old man he’d seen in Louis’ thoughts. Louis was sitting in a chair next to him, one hand holding Daniel’s and the other holding a book. The poet’s voice was soft, warm, hypnotic as he read.

“When we swam onceI touched you in waterand our bodies remained free,you could hold me and be blind of smell.You climbed the bank and said

this is how you touch other womenthe grass cutter's wife, the lime burner's daughter.And you searched your armsfor the missing perfume

and knew

what good is itto be the lime burner's daughterleft with no traceas if not spoken to in the act of loveas if wounded without the pleasure of a scar.

You touchedyour belly to my handsin the dry air and saidI am the cinnamonpeeler's wife. Smell me.”

Louis closed the book and smiled at the man on the bed, “What did you think?”

Molloy blinked, clearly drowsy from listening to Louis’ soothing voice, “ The Cinnamon Peeler by Michael Ondaatje…I’ve heard that name before.”

”Michael Ondaatje wrote the novel The English Patient,” Louis explained.

Molloy nodded, “I never read it, but I watched the movie. Won a bunch of Oscars, as I recall.”

Louis scoffed, “The movie is nowhere near as good as the book. Once you read the book, you realize how badly Hollywood botched it.”

“Given Hollywood, that’s hardly a surprise,” Daniel said dryly. “But to answer your question- I liked it. A lot. I can see how you found inspiration from him, even though your poetry is quite different.”

Louis looked down at their joined hands, “I’m worried about my book. What if it doesn’t sell well? What if no one cares and it just gathers dust on the shelves?”

Daniel sighed, “Poetry will never sell as well as novels do. It’s an acquired taste- those who love it, really love it, and those who don’t simply…don’t. If you want to sell big these days, you need to write novels. About murder mysteries. Or dinosaurs.”

“Or dinosaurs solving murder mysteries?” Louis grinned.

The older man laughed, “Not gonna lie, I’d probably read that.”

Louis shook his head, still smiling, “No you wouldn’t. That kind of popular novel is too far beneath you…unless the dinosaurs were also involved in some kind of political scandal.”

The two men laughed. Armand felt a swell of jealousy rise inside of him at how happy they looked together. His jaw clenched as he watched Louis lean forward and give the old man a sweet, gentle kiss on the lips.

Louis pulled back, smiling softly, "Just one more night, and you'll be able to come home.”

Strangely, to Armand, the older man didn't look relieved. Louis also noticed and ran his fingers through Daniel's grey curls to comfort, "What's wrong? Most folks would be happy to hear that."

Daniel looked away, "I hate that you'll be stuck taking care of me. You're young and beautiful; you should be out having fun with-"

Louis tskd, "None of that. You took care of me for years, what kind of person would I be to leave you now?"

"A smart one."

The poet shook his head, chuckling and wrapping his arms around Daniel's shoulders, "I love my curmudgeon." He kissed the man's grey temple, then stood up. "Get some rest tonight, OK?"

Daniel watched him, a small smile on his face, "Love you baby."

“Love you too.”

With that, Louis was gone. Though the conversation was short, it provided Armand with a great deal of important information. One, he had not mistaken the relationship between the two men, they were clearly lovers. Two, they lived together and had known each other for years. Three, Daniel Molloy felt horrible guilt for what he perceived as holding Louis back from a better life with someone closer to his own age.

A part of Armand wanted to linger with the old man and rifle through his memories of Louis, but the greater part of him wanted to follow the young poet himself. He slipped out of the room unnoticed.

*****

Now that Armand had found him, it was easy to follow his beloved without drawing any unwanted attention. Louis got into a rather drab older car- drab and old seemed to be a thing with him - Armand thought cruelly, then drove off. The vampire did not need a vehicle to follow his sweet poet. Instead, he rose to the skies.

Armand flew above the city, following Louis' car as it wound through the streets. It was not long before Louis was parking at a charming apartment building. The vampire lost sight of Louis physically but was able to sense his presence. He would be able to use it to find Louis' windows.

He slowly circled above the building until he could sense that Louis had reached his apartment. Armand carefully descended, ensuring no one was able to see him, and settled into the shadows of the balcony to watch his beloved through the window.

Hours passed, Armand content to watch Louis eat dinner, type on his laptop, and retire to bed, where he read a book until he fell asleep. The vampire silently opened the balcony door and slipped inside. For a long moment he stood there, absorbing all the small details of his lover that permeated his home. Artwork on the walls that spoke of Louis’ fine tastes. Multiple bookshelves lining the walls. The scent of him in the air.

Armand frowned as another scent caught his attention. Daniel Molloy. It was faint, since he had been in the hospital the last few days, but it was still a reminder that he had competition for Louis’ heart. The memory of Louis and Daniel in the hospital- their obvious affection and deep connection, the tender way Louis ran his fingers through the old man’s hair, the way Louis sweetly kissed him, caused an ugly swell of jealousy to rise within him. The vampire entered the bedroom, where Louis was sleeping peacefully. Armand stared down at him, eyes tracing his long, graceful limbs, his smooth brown skin, his elegant neck and lovely face. His plush lips looked so inviting, and Armand desperately wanted to possess them, to use his own lips to erase any trace of Louis’ other man.

He bent down to claim that irresistible mouth for his own. Even that simple press of lips sent heat pulsing through his veins. Hunger rose within him, and he deepened the kiss, until Louis began to softly moan. Armand kept Louis asleep but sent images of their time in Paris to his sleeping mind. The vampire wanted his sweet poet to dream of nothing and no one other than him.

Chapter 6

Chapter Text

Daniel would need to use a wheelchair to get around, while his old bones took their time knitting themselves back together. With the assorted bandages on his hands and arms, that meant he'd either have to find an electric wheelchair or rely on Louis to push him around everywhere.

One was financially expensive, the other was emotionally expensive.

Because the thing was, Daniel knew Louis would do it. He'd look after Daniel's every need, take him wherever he wanted to go, wait on him hand and foot...and he'd do it all with infinite patience and a gentle smile.

Daniel's beloved martyr.

When Louis entered the hospital room, Daniel was on the bed fully dressed (thanks to the gentle but vaguely threatening Damek the PSW). Louis was pushing a hospital issue wheelchair.

"This is just a temporary one we're renting from the hospital," Louis explained. "We can buy a better one on the way home or we could order one online, though that may take a few days to be delivered."

"Couldn’t we keep renting? I mean, I'm not gonna need it for long, just a couple months," Daniel didn't add the fingers crossed out loud.

"Not from the hospital, it only lends for a week, but from what I've read, a lot of places that sell also rent."

Daniel reached out and Louis helped him down from the bed and into the chair. "I'd rather rent. It's pointless to buy something so expensive when it won't be used long." If he kept repeating it maybe it'd even be true. "But let's worry about all that when we get home. I skipped breakfast because the food here is crap and I wanna order a huge pile of Chinese takeout."

Louis laughed, "I'm down with that."

*****

Daniel closed his eyes as he savoured his first bite of General Tso's chicken. "Jesus that's good."

"I feel a bit like a voyeur watching you with that chicken. Should I give you two a moment?"

Louis laughed as Daniel threw a napkin at him, "Gimme a break, kid. I've endured egg salad sandwiches for lunch three days in a row. No green onions, not even pepper. Bread so white, stale, and flavorless it sang in a 90s boyband."

Louis cracked up, doing that scrunchie nosed smile that made Daniel's heart ache and brain melt.

"Oh man, I missed your snark," Louis shook his head, still grinning. "No one makes me laugh like you do."

Daniel couldn't stop the smile that turned up the corners of his lips. Even after all these years, making Louis laugh filled him with pride. It pushed back the part of his mind that nagged him about being too old for Louis. It pushed down the part that accused him of holding Louis back.

If he could make Louis happy, wasn't that the most important thing?

*****

Armand stood on Louis' balcony, watching his poet and the old man eat dinner and talk. He could hear their conversation as easily as if he was in the room with them.

He could also listen to their thoughts.

Somewhat frustratingly, Louis had pushed aside the memories of their time in Paris that Armand had brought out in his dreams the night before. His focus was entirely devoted to Daniel Molloy.

And as much as it pained Armand to admit, he was beginning to understand why .

Daniel was old enough to be Louis' father, physically struggling, and rough around the edges- but he clearly loved the younger man fiercely. He made Louis laugh , a sight more beautiful than Armand had ever seen. When Louis was with Daniel, there was a lightness of being that surrounded the poet, one that Armand had not seen from him in Paris.

Perhaps most importantly for Armand, was that Daniel's deep love was accompanied by intense guilt and worry. Daniel was haunted by the fear that Louis' devotion to him would prevent him from finding someone to take care of him after Daniel passed.

Armand could work with that.

The vampire rose up into the sky, though it pained him to no longer have Louis in his sight and took out his phone. He pressed Louis' number.

It rang a couple times before Louis' sweet voice answered, "Hello?"

"Hello, Louis, it's Armand. I apologize for calling like this, but you left so suddenly and with such a concerning message, I could not stop worrying about you."

"I'm so sorry, Armand, I'm such a jerk. I was so caught up with everything here, I didn't think to let you know I'm ok now."

"I'm very relieved to hear that you are doing well. How is the loved one you mentioned?"

"He's out of the hospital and resting at home, thank God."

"I am glad. Listen, I know we didn't have much time together in Paris, and now there's an ocean between us, but I'd very much like to continue our acquaintance. I confess I miss your voice."

There was a pause. Did Louis think he was being too forward?

"Um sure. We can do that. Do you have WhatsApp or Skype? Might be easier than calling."

Armand didn't know what those were, but he could grab some mortal off the street to explain it. "I will get them."

"Cool, yeah. You have my number and email address and I have yours, so um, yeah. Let's keep in touch."

A smug smile twisted Armand’s lips. To hear Louis so clearly flustered just speaking over the phone made the vampire feel proud. "I would like that very much."

Louis' voice was soft, "Yeah, I'd like that too."

"Enjoy the rest of your night."

"Thanks. You too."

After hearing Louis' phone click, Armand lowered himself to the balcony. As he expected, Molloy was asking Louis about who he'd been talking to. The older man didn't seem jealous, just curious. Good.

Now Armand needed to hunt. He had to find a meal he could question about this “WhatsApp” before eating him.

*****

It took a tremendous amount of willpower not to contact Louis every night.

Armand visited every night, of course, but that was in secret. Standing on the balcony, he watched his beloved poet and his grumpy old man, whom -he hated to admit- he was growing rather fond of too, talk, read, watch TV, kiss, and sleep. Contacting Louis, speaking directly to him, was different. He had to be careful not to overwhelm him.

Thankfully, moving to a new city had him occupied in many other ways. First and foremost, after staying over a week in the hotel, Armand was itching to find a place of his own. Despite his lawyer living in France, the man was able to put Armand in touch with realtors in New Orleans. Money was no issue, Armand wanted the absolute best for his dear Louis, but he was still struggling to find a place that met his high standards.

After yet another disappointing home viewing, Armand found himself wandering the streets. The air was warm and heavy with the scent of flowers, food, and people. It was Saturday night, so the streets were bustling with people searching for entertainment. The main streets were far too busy for hunting, so Armand turned down a side street.

“Hey there handsome, you lookin’ for a good time?”

Armand turned to see three scantily dressed women smiling at him. There was no doubting what their profession was. The one who spoke was short and buxom, her eyes raking over Armand’s body boldly. The woman on her right, taller and covered with tattoos, spoke up next, “I’d give you a discount, since you’re so pretty!” She smiled like a shark. The third one, a far too skinny and sickly looking blonde, remained silent, her smile being almost ghoulish with her yellowed teeth and dead eyes. Even from the distance he was standing, he could smell disease and drugs poisoning her blood.

He gave them a charming smile and gracefully moved towards them, “Good evening, ladies. I confess I was not looking for company this evening. I’m new to this city and just learning my way around.”

Short and Buxom moaned, “Ugh don’t you talk so sweet!” She turned to Tall with Tattoos, “Do you hear this man, Monet? I call dibs. I mean it, I will fight you.”

Monet wagged her finger, “Ah ah ah, Babette.” She smiled seductively at Armand, “It’s up to our handsome friend.”

Armand took Monet’s hand and lifted it to his lips, his eyes gazing into hers as he pressed a slow, lingering kiss to the top of it. He continued to hold her hand as he turned to Babette and took her hand in his free one, “Can a man be expected to choose between the brilliance of the sun, and the glitter of the stars?” He pressed his lips to the top of Babette’s hand, before continuing, “What cruel beauties would ask me to make such an impossible choice?”

The prostitutes no doubt believed his kisses were meant to seduce and charm them, but that was only part of it. The blonde’s sickly scent was too overwhelming for him to smell the health of the other two women. The hand kissing provided him the opportunity to smell whether or not they too were in poor health. Thankfully for Armand’s growing appetite, the other two prostitutes were healthy, with only a small amount of drugs and alcohol in their systems.

Babette’s voice was breathy as she spoke, “Well, we don’t wanna be cruel to a man as nice as you-“

“No, sir,” Monet continued, “We’d be happy to give you the sun and stars tonight.”

Armand smiled, “Do you have a place in mind?”

Baby, I’d let you f*ck me inside a garbage truck. Babette thought so loudly Armand almost mistook it for something she actually said.

Monet squeezed his hand, “We’ve got a room this way.” She and Babette began pulling his hands, leading him further away from the main streets and deeper into the underbelly of the city.

“Wait!” Skinny arms were suddenly wrapping around his waist, as the sickly blonde pressed herself against his back. “Take me with you! Please, please! Why them and not me!”

Armand let go of the other women’s hands and turned to look down at her. She clutched at the front of his shirt, bony hands feeling him up, skinny fingers digging into the muscles of his chest. The unwanted touch sent a wave of revulsion through him, a feeling that must have shown on his face, for Babette and Monet moved forward, pulling the blonde away from him.

“God damnit, Roxy, the hell is wrong with you?” Monet growled low, her anger barely constrained.

Roxy struggled against them, trying to reach out for Armand again. “Please, please take me! I never get ones like you!” She turned her pleading eyes to Babette and Monet, “I only ever get the ugly ones, the mean ones, the ones that hurt-“

Armand’s revulsion was now met with equal pity. He had not used his powers on any of these women. Roxy’s desperation was born entirely from watching Armand’s romantic behaviour towards the other two prostitutes.

He sighed, “Let her go.”

The sickly blonde immediately threw herself at him, nuzzling her face into his chest, digging her ragged fingernails into his back. He wrapped his arms around her, soothingly rubbing her back with his hands. He pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head, ignoring her greasy hair. “You know why I didn’t choose you,” He spoke softly, regretfully. A miserable sob escaped her throat, was muffled by his chest, “You don’t need me, you need a doctor.” The blonde was crying in earnest now. “There, there, sweet girl. Let it out.”

Armand held her as she cried, the other two prostitutes silently watching, until the blonde finally tired herself out. She was almost limp against him, Armand holding her weight entirely. He finally looked up at Babette and Monet, “Does she live with you?”

Babette’s voice sounded choked, “No, she’s homeless.”

The vampire nodded, “Perhaps it’s best to get her to a hospital then.”

Roxy weakly shook her head, whispering, “I can’t afford it.”

Armand began guiding her towards the main streets, the other two women following behind him. He glanced down at her. “It’s alright, dear girl. I can.”

*****

While making their way out of the underbelly and back to the main streets, Armand became aware they were being watched. Not by mortal eyes, no, these belonged to a fellow vampire. One powerful enough to hide their mind from him. Still, he sensed no immediate danger, so he ignored it in favour of hailing a taxi cab and taking the prostitutes to the nearest hospital. Even in the moving vehicle, he could sense the other vampire keeping pace.

Interesting.

The hospital staff were clearly confused by Armand’s willingness to pay for Roxy’s treatment. He could hear their thoughts, their many theories. Long-time customer who felt pity for his favourite whor*. Guilt-ridden pimp trying to make up for his misdeeds. Good Samaritan who got lost in the wrong side of town…the list went on.

Though his favourite theory was Babette’s. She was convinced he was a lonely foreign prince, seeking love in America. He was amused by how surprisingly close she was to the truth.

Was Armand not a prince among vampires?

After Roxy was put in a wheelchair and taken away, Babette and Monet followed him out of the hospital. At the bottom of the steps, Babette took his hand and pressed against him, “I don’t suppose you still wanna join us tonight?” Her wistful tone told him she already knew his answer.

Armand smiled gently down at her, “Not tonight, I’m afraid.” He pulled out his wallet, “However, I realize our journey has taken up much of your time, and I feel beholden to make up for your lost revenue.” He handed each woman a handful of bills, “I hope this will suffice.”

He could feel their shock when they realized he’d given them over $500 each. Monet looked up at him wide-eyed, “This is…yeah. This is…good…”

Babette stared at him, eyes longing, “Will we see you around?”

Armand bowed his head to them, “Perhaps.”

With that he walked away, though he could still hear Babette’s voice, “See? I told you. He’s a prince! He’s gotta be!”

*****

With the prostitutes taken care of Armand was free to focus on the vampire following him. He was fairly confident he knew the vampire’s identity, though a little surprised that he had not yet approached him directly.

Armand looked around, and noticed he was very close to Jackson Square. As his eyes fell on the place, he felt a little push to go there. Ah, so his old friend had a particular destination in mind for their reunion.

He crossed the street, entered the square, and walked along a path until he found a somewhat secluded bench under a tree. He sat and waited.

“Armand,” a deep, familiar voice purred, “How long has it been, mon ami?”

“Lestat,” Armand looked up at the younger vampire, “What brings you to New Orleans?”

For a moment, Lestat’s brow furrowed, but he recovered quickly and smiled, “I should ask that question of you. I have lived in New Orleans on and off for over a hundred years.”

“Are you going to sit down? I’m growing tired of tilting my head up,” Armand kept his tone bored. He didn’t want to give Lestat the impression he found the blond interesting.

Lestat’s smile widened, “Of course! I would be delighted to sit with you.” He sat down right next to Armand, leg brushing against his, despite the bench being large enough to fit three people with space in between. Lestat turned, eyes bright and watchful, “You are wearing contacts, how disappointing.”

Armand shrugged, “Unusually pale blue eyes can simply be passed off as unusually pale blue eyes. It is much harder to excuse orange, especially in this far too brightly lit day and age.”

“Perhaps,” he leaned forward with a conspiratorial smile, “Though I must say, I prefer your true eyes.”

Armand raised an eyebrow but did not respond. In truth, he was somewhat confused. The last time he had encountered Lestat, the younger vampire had thoroughly and completely rejected Armand’s affections. While it was true that happened a very, very long time ago, he still found Lestat’s flirting…odd.

With no response, Lestat continued his chatter, “You have not yet answered my question, what brings you to New Orleans?”

How much to tell him? Short of killing Lestat, there wasn’t much Armand could do to stop the blond from following him around. He might as well be honest. “I came here to find someone. We met in Paris-“

Lestat’s lips were suddenly pressed against his. Instinct, more than anything, had Armand responding to the kiss, opening his mouth when Lestat’s tongue pressed for entrance. One broad hand gripped Armand’s hip, the other tangled in Armand’s curls. Even as Lestat’s talented mouth distracted him, Armand had enough presence of mind to realize why Lestat had suddenly kissed him. He believed Armand had come to New Orleans for HIM.

How embarrassing.

Armand pulled away, pressing his hands against Lestat’s chest to prevent him from leaning in for another kiss. “Do control yourself, Lestat. Had you let me finish, you would have realized I wasn’t talking about you.”

Lestat let him go, laughing in a slightly manic way, “Of course, of course!” He waved a hand, “Do continue your story.” But there was something about his smile, the twist of his lips, that reminded Armand of someone who had swallowed a particularly nasty bug.

How very odd.

“As I was saying, I met someone in Paris. An American visiting for work,” Armand wanted to keep the details vague, for now, “Unfortunately, a sudden emergency forced him to return home sooner than expected. I decided to follow him.”

Lestat’s expression was now serious, his eyes searching, “You guard your thoughts of this lover jealously. Your mind is a brick wall, blocking me out.”

Armand’s eyes narrowed, “Why do you wish to see him?”

Lestat laughed brightly, standing up and doing a twirl, as though he could not contain his delight. “Why do I wish to see him?” He clapped his hands together, “I understand it all now.”

Armand scowled, “What are you babbling about?”

Lestat pointed to him, “I saw you with those prostitutes. At first, I thought your pity was simply a ruse, an attempt to trap them in your web. Imagine my surprise when there was no trap, no web! Your pity for them was real . I thought to myself, ‘what could turn the wicked Armand so soft?’ Now you tell me you left your home of some two hundred years to follow your mortal lover across the ocean.” Lestat leaned forward, voice growing soft and conspiratorial, “I understand now- the great and terrible Armand has fallen in love!” He began to laugh again.

Armand stood slowly, his growing anger a sharp contrast to Lestat’s manic behaviour. Part of him wanted to throw the blond vampire to the ground, force him to calm down, make him submit. The other part of him was aware that Lestat wanted him to do just that. The older vampire pushed down his rage, allowing cold, soothing logic to take over and his mind to think clearly.

The reason behind Lestat’s bizarre behaviour was suddenly obvious- he was lonely.

Armand was a familiar face, one who once sought to be Lestat’s companion, and his sudden appearance in Lestat’s city must have brought a feeling of hope. A promise of an end to his loneliness…only for Armand to admit that he was not here for Lestat at all.

It was rather pathetic. Yet perhaps Lestat was right about him getting soft, for his anger left him. “Goodbye, Lestat,” Armand turned and began to walk away.

He’d only taken a few steps before a grip of iron wrapped around his wrist. He stopped, turning to face Lestat. All traces of humour were gone from the younger vampire’s face, his expression serious, “Wait, please.” Lestat closed his eyes for a moment, steadying himself, “I…apologize for my behaviour. It was…inappropriate. I would like to try again.”

Armand nodded, “I accept your apology. Would you like to continue our conversation?”

Lestat smiled, this time genuinely, “Very much so. Come with me.” He gestured grandly. “Let me welcome you to my home.”

Chapter 7

Chapter Text

Lestat’s home was a well-appointed townhouse on Rue Royale. Large and comfortable but not so extravagant as to draw unwanted attention. Lestat led him to the salon and gestured for him to have a seat on an old-fashioned green velvet sofa. The blond then moved to an elaborate sound system and fiddled with it until soft jazz music filled the room. The mix of old and new furniture, electronics, and art was oddly comforting to Armand.

Lestat walked over to the sofa, “I realize that you did not get a chance to eat tonight, would you like me to order in?” There was a sly smile and a twinkle in his eye.

Armand shook his head, “I’m fine. These days I don’t feel the need to feed every night. Besides, I can always grab a quick bite on the way back to my hotel.”

“Of course,” Lestat flopped down on the sofa, body turned to face Armand, with barely a hair’s breadth between them. “How are you enjoying New Orleans?”

“I like it well enough. Admittedly, I’ve been more occupied with settling in than exploring the night life. I’m having a damnable time finding a decent place to live. The housing market is dismal.”

“Hmm,” Lestat looked away, and Armand realized he was trying to hide a smirk.

Armand narrowed his eyes, “What is it?”

Lestat lost the battle with his mirth, letting out a sharp laugh, and turning back to face Armand with a dazzling smile, “You have told me so much with so few words! Truly you are lovestruck! I assumed you were merely visiting New Orleans, perhaps planning to drag your runaway lover back to Paris…yet instead you admit to me that you are planning to move here and settle in with him!”

Armand went back to what he had told Lestat and…yes, it was true. Though he had not mentioned his dear poet, the mere fact he was looking for a permanent home here was a dead giveaway. He resisted the urge to growl and held his head up haughtily, “So what if it is my plan? Did you not leave France for similar reasons?”

The blond brat was still grinning like a loon, “I must meet this love of yours! What kind of glorious creature could so thoroughly seduce the cold and stoic vampire Armand?”

Armand stood up, “I did not come here to be mocked, Lestat!”

Lestat stood up as well, putting his hands on Armand’s shoulders in an attempt to soothe him. Armand pulled away. Lestat’s hands remained hovering somewhat awkwardly in the space where Armand had been before gesturing in a calming manner. “My apologies. I did not mean to offend. I am …I am just so curious about this man.” Something dark seemed to flit across Lestat’s eyes. “That I have lived in New Orleans for so long and have not come across anyone as...beguiling… as this lover of yours seems to be.” A hint of bitterness slipped into Lestat’s voice. “How is it that this perfect man is supposedly from New Orleans, yet in all my years here, I’ve never met him, while you got to meet him during some trip he made to Paris.”

Armand stared at him for a long moment. Beautiful, golden, bold Lestat. Clever and talented, charming, and sinister. Able to seduce anyone he set his eyes on…yet somehow alone. “I honestly cannot tell if you are jealous of me or jealous of him.”

Lestat’s answering smile was brittle, “Can it not be both?”

Armand sat back down, “I suppose it can be.” He watched as Lestat sat back down as well, this time keeping a more respectful distance. Armand continued, “I do not know if it will be a comfort to you or add to your frustration, but I was not seeking love when I found him. I had simply attended a festival out of genuine interest in the topic matter.” He shrugged, “Perhaps the key to finding love is exploring the things you love-“

Lestat scoffed, standing up and starting to pace in frustration, “You think I don’t already do that? I have traveled all across this country exploring every concert hall, club, bar, theatre, and art gallery that even remotely catches my attention! I have had countless lovers- many of whom shared my interests, could make me laugh, could provide stimulating conversation- yet all were missing something. A- a- a spark!” He turned to Armand, gesturing somewhat wildly, “I want a love that would inspire me to cross an ocean for them! And you, in your dusty old theatre, in your stubborn old ways, have somehow managed to find what I could not!”

Armand stared up at him, impassive throughout his little tirade, “Need I remind you that I am your elder by well over two centuries? My search for love has taken far longer than yours, and I have faced far more defeats. Including, as I recall, one at your hands.”

“I was young then,” Lestat ran a hand distractedly through his hair, “I didn’t truly understand what the passing of years would be like.” He looked up at Armand with haunted eyes, “I didn’t understand the intensity of the loneliness. The hollow feeling even in the most crowded and noisy of rooms. I can endure any pain, any cruelty, anything other than the emptiness that gnaws at my insides!”

Armand stood up, “I know well the emptiness of which you speak. It has haunted me across the endless years.” He reached out and brushed the tips of his fingers against Lestat’s cheek; the blond shuddered and closed his eyes. “Why did you not come to me, if you were feeling this way?”

Lestat opened his eyes and stepped even closer, “I did, didn’t I? The moment I saw you again, I pursued you.”

The smallest of smiles touched Armand’s lips, “You know what I meant. Why did you not return to Paris?”

Lestat scowled and turned away, “I still have some pride, thank you. Besides, I cannot stand the others. Your miserable, ignorant, boring coven. I despise them.”

Armand sighed, “Had I known they were an obstacle to you returning to me, I would’ve gladly killed them.”

The younger vampire looked up at him with wide eyes, “You would have killed your own coven for me?”

“By their own admittance they would be better off dead than without me, yet I abandoned them anyway.” He shrugged, “Very few of our kind are truly made to last. Too many given the dark gift for shallow, foolish reasons. Of the entire Paris coven, the only vampire I could see enduring as long as I have would be Santiago, and he’s an insufferable ass.”

Lestat cackled, “Yes, I believe I remember him! Following in your shadow, yet trying to take the lead, desperate for your attention, yet jealous of your power…It’s a sad thing indeed if he is the best your coven has to offer!” Lestat’s laughter trailed off and he grew thoughtful, “You say few of our kind are meant to last. I gather you believe I am one of them, but why? What separates me from those who do not last?”

Armand took Lestat’s hand. Despite Armand being slightly taller than Lestat, the younger vampire’s hands were larger than his- broader and stronger looking. He thought of Louis’ graceful hands and for a moment pictured how slender they would look held in Lestat’s grip…

The older vampire looked deep into Lestat’s eyes. The walls to his mind were still up, but Armand could see tiny fissures cracking through. Lestat was vulnerable. Lestat, whom he had wanted so badly for so many years, finally wanted him. “Did you not say mere moments ago how you despised them? Did you not call them ‘miserable, ignorant, boring’? Surely, that is not how you think of yourself.”

That sly, flirtatious smile returned to Lestat’s lips. He stepped closer, so he stood almost but not quite touching Armand’s chest. They were still holding hands, “And you, Armand? How do you think of me?”

Armand leaned forward, his lips a breath away from Lestat’s, “I think you are the prince of brats.”

They were both smiling as their lips crashed together.

*****

For the first time in decades, Lestat felt alive. Tearing at each other’s clothing in the middle of the salon, battling each other for dominance with teeth, fangs, and claws- Armand was a challenge that sent a thrill through him. A gasp left his mouth as Armand threw him against a wall, rattling the paintings around him. Lestat groaned, smiling, and bared his throat. Armand licked a cool stripe along a large vein...

He caught a quick glimpse from Armand’s mind- a longer, more elegant throat, brown-skinned, and graceful as a swan’s. Lestat tried prying deeper, but Armand growled, pulling away.

“Stay out of my head, Lestat.”

Lestat grinned, “How could I resist when you let me glimpse such a beautiful sight?”

Armand’s hand was wrapped around his throat, “If you want to see my beloved then you will need to prove yourself worthy,” his hand slid to the back of Lestat’s skull, gripping his hair tight and dragging him down. “So get to work.”

Lestat tore open Armand’s trousers, breaking the zipper, and yanking both trousers and underwear down to the older vampire’s ankles. Armand’s co*ck was long, hard, and very, very ready. Lestat looked up at him with a smirk, then grabbed the base of that delightful co*ck firmly, holding it still as he swiped the flat of his tongue against the swollen flesh from base to tip.

Armand hissed, his grip on Lestat’s hair getting even tighter. “Open your mouth and take me in.”

Lestat obeyed, enjoying the fullness in his mouth and throat. He would turn the tables soon enough, but for the moment he would simply savour the taste. Armand’s stoic mask began to slip, as Lestat sped up. Armand’s voice was ragged, “I knew that big mouth of yours must be useful for something, my golden slu*t.”

His lips were too stretched to smile at the nickname, so he demonstrated his approval by humming. Armand groaned and threw his head back, closing his eyes. Now thoroughly distracted, Lestat pulled off Armand’s co*ck, stood up, and turned Armand around, pressing the taller man’s chest to the wall. He pressed his lips to Armand’s ear, “Does your little mortal suck co*ck like I do?”

Armand’s voice was amused, “No, he actually gets me to finish.”

Lestat laughed, “Oh don’t worry, I fully intend-“

A blur of motion and suddenly Lestat was looking at the wall. Just as swiftly, he felt his trousers and underwear hit the floor. He turned to look over his shoulder. Somehow, Armand had managed to turn Lestat around, pull down his pants, and remove his contacts, all before Lestat was fully aware of what was happening.

Looking into those burning orange eyes, he could admit that Armand earned the smug look on his face. Lestat grinned, “I do hope you don’t do everything so swiftly.”

Armand’s strong hands gripped Lestat’s hips, slid down to massage his ass, “Don’t worry, dear Lestat, you’re in good hands.” With that Armand slapped his ass, hard, then shoved his fingers in Lestat’s mouth as he gasped. After several moments of sucking, Armand moved his hand, and Lestat pressed his forehead against the wall, bracing himself.

*****

Tangled in the ruined bedsheets, sweaty and sated, Armand and Lestat both looked to the ceiling and waiting for their hearts to calm. Lestat turned his head, “Stay for the day.”

Armand sat up, “Do you have another coffin?”

Lestat smirked, then shifted to press a few kisses to Armand’s stomach and chest, “I don’t really think we need two coffins, do we?”

The older vampire reached up and started detangling Lestat’s blond hair, “What do you hope to achieve, Lestat?”

“A heavy question, mon ami. There is much I hope to achieve.”

Armand rolled his eyes, “You know what I mean. Stop being a brat.”

Lestat sat up, facing Armand. The younger vampire’s face looked strangely intense in the dim light. “I want a companion. I want someone to share eternity with. I want to rid myself of loneliness forever.”

“Hmm,” Armand stared into his eyes. Both of them were hiding their minds from the other. “If you had come to me, even a few months ago, I would have dropped everything for you.” He caressed Lestat’s handsome jaw, “I would have worshipped you.”

“Now another holds your heart in his hands.” Lestat’s expression, his voice, are hard to read.

“Yes.” Simple, brutal truth.

Lestat turned away from Armand, straight ahead. For a long moment they were both silent, each deep in thought. Lestat spoke softly, “Are we only to have one companion? Who is to say we cannot have two or three?”

Armand got out of the bed. All of his clothing was still downstairs in the salon, and likely ruined. He opened Lestat’s closet and started pilfering his clothes. Black trousers, a white shirt. He didn’t need socks or underwear. He would retrieve his shoes before he left. He liked that pair.

Lestat scowled as he sat up properly and put his feet on the floor, “First you reject me, then you ignore my question, and now you steal my clothing? You’re a truly terrible date.”

“If you hadn’t torn through my clothes like a cat in heat, I wouldn’t have to borrow yours.” Armand smiled at Lestat’s sour expression.

Lestat stood up and crossed his arms, “I am not one who gives up easy.”

“Of course not,” Armand turned to him trousers and shirt now on. “You would be as boring as the others if you were.” The smile dropped from Armand’s eyes, and he grew serious, stepping close to Lestat. “However, I say this to you in all seriousness- I will NOT tolerate you harming my beloved. Do you understand?”

“I understand,” Lestat’s lips twisted into a sly smile, “but you must know, I will stop at nothing to meet this beautiful mystery man of yours. What scraps you have given me have sparked my curiosity beyond endurance.”

Armand walked to the door. Hand on the frame, he looked over his shoulder. “I’ll be sure to invite you to our wedding.”

Chapter 8

Chapter Text

Slipping into Louis’ apartment was worryingly easy. The lock on the sliding balcony door was no match for a patient vampire. While Armand appreciated that it allowed him access to his beloved poet, it had the potential to allow others in as well.

Others like a particularly persistent blond pest.

In the three weeks that had gone by since his reunion with Lestat, the younger vampire had made himself a fixture in Armand’s life. Every night Armand would evade him, until Lestat eventually managed to track him down. Thus far, Armand had managed to avoid revealing Louis’ home to the younger vampire, but it required him to limit his once nightly visits to only a couple nights a week. He was still able to call Louis most nights, Lestat had yet to hassle him at his hotel, but Armand was aware his time for seducing Louis was running out. Thankfully, Lestat seemed to assume that the wild nightlife of Friday and Saturday nights meant Armand would be cruising the bars and clubs...quite the opposite of what Armand really did. Eventually, he knew, Lestat would realize his error and broaden his search, but for now, Armand would savour his time near his beloved poet.

The apartment was mostly dark, though he could see a faint glow coming from under the bedroom door. He approached on silent feet.

“It’s Friday night, Louis,” Daniel’s gruff voice came through the door.

“So what?” Louis’ voice was a little too innocent to be genuine.

Daniel huffed, “So, you are young and gorgeous and need to go out and live a little.”

“Why do you wanna get rid of me so bad?” While Louis’ tone was playful, there was an undercurrent of genuine hurt.

“Oh for God’s sake, come here.” The sound of rustling fabric and a soft creak told Armand that Louis must’ve joined the old man on the bed. “Louis, sweetheart, we’ve been through this. I don’t want to be rid of you. I love you like crazy, but you also drive me crazy.”

“Hey! What do you-“

“Ssh! Just listen baby. Ever since I got hurt, you’ve barely left the house. You wait on me hand and foot -which I appreciate I really do- you cook, clean, write, read, and go to bed. Every day. You don’t hang out with friends, you hardly go outside-“

“That’s not true! We go for a walk every day.” Louis protested.

Armand peaked through the crack in the doorway. Daniel was sitting up in bed, dressed in pajamas, while Louis was lounging beside him in nothing but his underwear. The long, graceful lines of his body were curled towards the old man, shapely legs on glorious display, glowing skin the perfect picture of youth and health. How Daniel managed to resist, let alone argue with, such a flawless nymph was almost beyond Armand’s understanding.

“Stop pouting. You know what I mean. Pushing me around the block in my wheelchair does not count as a social outing, or an exciting adventure.”

“You’ve always been the more adventurous type. I’m more of a homebody...” Louis shifted closer to Daniel, laying his head in the older man’s lap.

Daniel smiled down at him, “Are you telling me you didn’t enjoy France? Are you telling me you don’t wish you could go back?”

“I’d like to go back with you.” Louis purred.

Somehow, Daniel managed to ignore Louis’ playful seduction, “Who’s that guy you met there?” A sly smile twisted Daniel’s lips, “The one you talk on the phone with every night?”

Louis sat up, “Why do you ask?”

Daniel smiled knowingly, “Call him. Call him right now. Ask him to come visit you.”

Armand leaned forward. What was Daniel thinking? Did he truly want another man to steal his beautiful lover away?

Louis seemed confused too. “Why would you want that? Besides, we only spent two nights together. He wouldn’t wanna come all the way here just to visit me.”

Armand bit his lip to prevent an ironic chuckle from escaping.

“Are you seri-“ Daniel shook his head, “Louis, the man has called you almost every night since you came home. You have to realize he’s pining for you.”

Now Louis shook his head, “Nah he just wants to be friends...”

“Louis, I love you, but for God’s sake, no man calls a guy he only banged twice. Every. Single. Night. Unless he wants to take things further. I’m willing to bet my car that if you called your Paris guy and said, ’Andre, it’s Louis, I’d really like you to come visit me-‘”

“I do NOT sound like that!” Louis laughed as he protested, “And his name is Armand!”

“Sorry, ‘oh Armand, won’t you come visit me in New Orleans? I really, really miss you, and the old curmudgeon I live with says if I don’t start having some fun, he’s gonna kick me outta the house...’ ” Daniel’s impression of Louis was high, whispery and simpering. Armand would be offended on Louis’ behalf if the younger man didn’t clearly find it so amusing.

“Cut it out,” Louis laughed, “You’re the worst!” They both laughed for a few moments.

Daniel looked at Louis fondly, “In all seriousness though, I think you should call him. Invite him to visit for a week or two.”

Louis looked down at the bedsheet beneath his fingers, “You mean, invite him here? To stay at our place? He’s basically a stranger...”

Daniel shrugged, “If he’s not comfortable with it, he can get a hotel, but I don’t mind. I can stay in your old room.”

“I’m not kicking you out of your room-“ Louis protested.

“You’re not. I’m volunteering.” He reached over and slapped Louis’ backside, making the younger man jump. “Now go grab your phone and get callin’ your French boy!”

As Louis scrambled out of bed to grab his phone, Armand swiftly fled the apartment. He looked around quickly before jumping off the balcony and rising into the sky. Thankfully, his phone didn’t start ringing until he was well out of hearing range of any humans.

“Hello?” Despite his hurried escape, Armand was proud of how calm and collected he sounded.

“Hey, it’s Louis, is this a bad time?” Louis sounded a little nervous. Poor darling.

“Of course not. I am always happy to make time for you, Louis.”

“I’ve been thinking...would you...uh... would you like to come visit me? Here in New Orleans? For a week or so? I...I have a roommate, but he’s cool with it. I mean if you are.”

Armand closed his eyes for a moment, a smile spreading across his face. He didn’t understand why Daniel was so determined to share Louis, but Armand would thank the man, nevertheless.

“Why, Louis, that sounds like a wonderful idea. I would love to come visit you. When would you like?”

There was a pause, and Armand could hear Daniel say, ”I f*cking told ya!” in the background. Louis sounded a little shocked, “Um, when would work for you? I mean, I work from home and my schedule is really flexible, but I know you have the gallery and-“

“I am long overdue for a vacation,” Armand reassured him. “Today is Friday night, I could book a flight as early as Monday, if you’d like.”

“Monday?” Louis now sounded very shocked, “You can make all your arrangements so quickly?”

Armand cursed silently. Louis sounded too surprised by his answer. He must have miscalculated how long it normally took people to arrange these kinds of things. What to say that would both comfort Louis, and allow him to still visit quickly? Perhaps a half truth? “It is the benefit of being my own boss. No one can really stop me if I want to go.”

Thankfully, Louis chuckled. “OK, I guess you have a point. Yeah. If you want to come for a visit Monday, that would be great. Just, um, let me know your flight details and I can pick you up from the airport when you get here.”

Flight details. Armand would pick a late night one, go to the airport, and pretend he got off the plane. A little convoluted but doable. He would also have to come up with excuses to sleep during the day. Some sunlight was tolerable but sleeping during the day was still far preferable. Still, all these things were minor details. “You cannot imagine how delighted I am that we will see each other again.”

He could hear the smile in Louis’ darling voice, “Yeah, I’m excited too.”

*****

The man on the bench was old, though he still had a head full of grey curls and a sturdy build. It was those grey curls, really, that drew Armand’s attention. What was a man his age doing, sitting alone in the park so late at night? The vampire kept his distance but circled closer so he could get a better look at the man. A brief, but intense, moment of disappointment struck Armand, when the face revealed to him held little resemblance to Daniel. The old man’s face was too round, his mouth and eyes too small. Yet from behind, those grey curls were so similar, the shoulders a similar broadness...

Hunger rose inside of him. He looked into the old man’s mind.

Someone’s gonna come along. Someone’s gonna see an old man by himself, easy pickings. They’re gonna slit my throat and take my wallet, and I won’t have ta worry ‘bout all the debts, and the loan sharks, and all the other vultures circling my ass.

Armand smiled slowly. If this man wanted to die, he would be happy to deliver...

And if he gripped those grey curls just a little too tight, closed his eyes and thought of someone else as he fed...well that was between himself and the corpse.

*****

It was roughly an hour before dawn, as Armand approached his hotel. He was in a truly exquisite mood- from his conversation with Louis, the anticipation of their reunion, and the delightful dinner in the park- Armand felt light in a way he couldn’t remember ever feeling.

“What has you in such high spirits?” Lestat’s rich voice cut through Armand’s sense of peace. Armand turned to see the younger vampire strolling up the street towards him, a deceptively pleasant smile on his face. “You look like the cat that got the cream.”

“A not entirely incorrect analogy,” Armand couldn’t keep the small, satisfied smile from his face.

Lestat’s own smile faltered for a moment before he regained control, “You spent the night with your beautiful mystery lover. I do not understand why you are so determined to keep us from meeting. We could all be wonderful friends...”

“Perhaps one day we all will be. But for now, I am most content to keep him entirely to myself. Enjoy the rest of your evening, Lestat.” Armand turned to leave only for Lestat to grab his upper arm.

The blond vampire leaned close, “I spent the night looking for you, the least you could do is invite me to stay the day with you.”

“The least I could do? Pray tell me what the most I could do for you would be?” Armand kept his expression cool and aloof.

Lestat pressed his body firmly against Armand, his grip still an iron band around his arm. His voice was velvet against Armand’s ear. “The most you could do for me would be to take me to coffin now, sleep the day with me, and then introduce me to your other lover tonight.”

The older vampire looked to the horizon, “There is time enough before dawn for you to make your way home, Lestat.”

Lestat smiled seductively, “Time enough then for you to come with me.”

Armand shook his head, “I have important business to attend to. I cannot waste all day and night with you.”

Perhaps his words were a little harsh.

Lestat pushed away from him, handsome face twisted in anger, “If that is how you feel, I will waste your time no longer.” He stormed away, long strides quickly taking him past the hotel towards his home. Suddenly he stopped, turning back around. He shouted, “Perhaps I will find your mystery lover myself. Show him all the love and care you once showed my Nicki!”

Armand barely registered his own movement until he was slamming Lestat into the ground. The younger vampire snarled; his face bloodied from the impact on the sidewalk. Despite his own rage, Armand was still aware enough to realize they were too exposed fighting on the sidewalk. He swiftly grabbed Lestat and hauled him into a nearby alleyway.

Lestat broke out of Armand’s grip and swung a fist at his jaw. Armand dodged and Lestat spat at him furiously in French, “Tu dis que tu es amoureux, mais je n’y crois pas!”

The younger vampire lunged at him again. This time, Armand allowed Lestat to pin him to the wall. Lestat’s face was inches away from his own. The blond’s handsome features were twisted with pain and rage, his eyes bloodshot. “Tu es un monstre froid et haineux. Destiné à être seul.”

Armand remained calm, “What is this truly about, Lestat? One moment, you act like you want me, the next you threaten my lover, then accuse me of being a hateful monster...what do you want? Love or revenge?”

Lestat’s bloodied lips pressed against his and Armand took a moment to savour the taste before turning his head away. “No, Lestat. You need to use your words.”

Claws dug into Armand’s shoulders for a moment before Lestat pushed himself back, turning away in frustration. “I have lived for nearly three centuries, and in that time, I have constantly searched for love. For all the women and men who have claimed to love me, none have truly lasted, and with each passing year the aching loneliness seems harder and harder to overcome.” He turned to face Armand once more, “Part of me hates you for your part in Nicki’s death- for taking away the one love I thought would last forever- and another part of me understands you- the desperate lengths one will go to for true companionship- I thought now we could put aside old grievances and become true lovers...” His haunted eyes bore into Armand’s, “Only for you to treat me as a pest to swat away.”

For a long time they merely stared at each other. At last, Armand pushed himself away from the brick wall. “The sun will be rising soon.” He held out his hand towards the other vampire, “Come with me. We can share my coffin and speak more in the evening.”

Lestat stared at his hand for a moment, “Is this pity?”

Armand shook his head, “Does it matter? What purpose does pride, or shame serve for ones such as us? You and I, we are beyond such things. Come with me.”

Lestat took his hand and followed Armand to the hotel.

Chapter 9

Chapter Text

Two adult men should have been an uncomfortable squeeze in the coffin, however, when Armand awoke wrapped within Lestat’s arms, he felt oddly content. Armand could sense that sunset was at least another hour away, so he had some time before the younger vampire was awake and ready to be a nuisance.

He slipped out of the coffin and headed into the washroom. He was still wearing his clothing from last night, now thoroughly rumpled, so he stripped and tossed it on the washroom floor. He would have to call the front desk to see if they had some sort of cleaning service. Armand turned on the shower and stepped into the warm spray. He let the water soak his curls before grabbing the shampoo and lathering his hair. Showers were one of Armand’s favourite modern inventions, though he supposed they’d been around for a while by mortal standards. The ritual of showering also gave Armand a chance to think, something he doubted he'd have time to do once Lestat awoke.

For the greater part of five centuries, Armand had felt alone. The few close relationships he had been blessed with all ended far too soon, usually horrifically. After his experiences with the Children of Satan, and running his own coven in Paris, Armand had thought himself numb to the human desire for love and companionship...

Then Lestat had appeared in his life, violently tearing the veil of numbness from his eyes, and making him painfully aware of just how miserable his existence was. Lestat was bright, golden, and unapologetic about being so. Armand found himself completely infatuated, drowning in desire...yet Lestat rejected him. Too devoted to his beloved Nicki, even when the violinist scorned his love and blamed Lestat for his misery. Armand would take some responsibility for Nicki’s fall from grace, but despite what Lestat might think, his relationship with his gloomy lover was doomed even if Armand had never come into their lives. For years, decades afterwards, Armand had hoped that Lestat would return to him in Paris. That Lestat would realize what he and Armand could be...yet he never did.

For a very long time Armand allowed the numbness to take hold once more. However, the complexities of the modern world, and the increasing difficulty of survival without adaptation, forced Armand out of his numb shell. Learning to adapt led to a genuine curiosity towards all the new and exciting changes before him- from technological marvels like cellular phones and the internet to cultural changes like rock music and modern fashion to social changes like the Pride movement. He felt an over-whelming desire to explore the human world in a way he hadn’t felt in ages. And it was during these explorations that he came upon his beloved Louis...

Discovering Louis at that poetry festival had been a revelation. He was the perfect man- intelligent, sensitive, beautiful, witty, and playful. Listening to his warm, soft voice recite poetry on that stage was hypnotic. Once more he found himself completely infatuated. In a way it was strange, to be so completely enamoured with two men who were so very different. Lestat was bold, adventurous, defiant... Louis was thoughtful, cautious, sincere. Lestat was the sun that burned through the shroud of shadows that surrounded Armand; Louis was the moon that gently lit the path out of the woods of loneliness. Could he really be expected to choose between the sun and the moon? Would not the sky be a much poorer place without them both?

Armand stepped out of the shower and began drying his body. Of course, both men also came with complications. His history with Lestat was rife with jealousy, resentment, cruelty, and mistakes. On top of that, Armand knew little of what Lestat had been through during their years of separation. In comparison, Louis seemed a more...innocent choice, at least at first glance. However, Armand knew he was still missing a great many important details about his beloved poet’s life. While Louis had yet to admit it to Armand, it was clear he and Daniel were in some kind of romantic relationship, one that had likely been going on for many years. Their age gap reminded him uncomfortably of his own relationship with his maker, Marius. Granted, Daniel seemed to be far more... affectionate with Louis than Marius ever was with him, far more giving and supportive.

The vampire closed his eyes and shook his head. That wasn’t a path Armand wanted to walk down.

He left the washroom and pulled some clothing out of the closet. Simple black button up shirt, grey slacks. Dressed he sat at the desk and opened his laptop, determined to get some work done before Lestat awoke. Unfortunately, Armand’s mind continued to wander to his thoughts of Lestat, Louis, and even Daniel. As much as he ached to hold Louis in his arms once more, a part of him dreaded the inevitability of Lestat meeting his beloved. After all, if Lestat was the Sun, would he not chase the Moon? How long would the Moon be able to resist the Sun’s light? He also had not decided what he wanted to do about Daniel. He thought back to the old man he had killed in the park, how disappointed he was that he didn’t look like his old man.

After centuries of dealing with few romantic relationships, he now found himself entangled in two, possibly even three. It was a lot to process.

*****

It was Saturday night and Daniel wanted to go out. He wanted to see live music, have a great dinner, maybe go to a show. There were tons of things to do, and Daniel was tired of letting his injuries get in the way of living his life.

He maneuvered himself off the couch and into his chair. While the injury to his left hand meant he couldn’t push himself in his chair for long, he’d gotten strong enough to navigate the apartment on his own. Now, he headed to the office, where Louis was trying to get some work done before Armand’s visit.

“Knock, knock!” He called before pushing the door open and barreling into the room.

Louis looked startled then smiled brightly, “Well, don’t you look ready to take on the world! Let me guess, you wanna go out tonight.”

Daniel grinned, “You got it babe. Dinner at The Jazz Playhouse, then go see a play, movie, or concert. You got a preference?”

“If we go to The Jazz Playhouse for dinner, we’ll get to see live music anyways, so how about we check if there’ll be any plays we’re interested in. Gimme a sec,” Louis turned back to his laptop and started tapping the keys. “Oh, Twelfth Night is playing at Lupin Theatre tonight!” Louis looked up at him with big Bambi eyes, “You wanna go see that?”

Of course, Daniel could never say ‘no’ when Louis gave him that look. Fortunately, Daniel had a healthy love of the Bard too. “Sure, think we can still get tickets?”

Louis was already scrambling for his phone, “I’ll call now.”

*****

Armand was busy answering emails about a potentially lucrative deal involving the buying of several paintings in his collection, when Lestat barged into the room like a bull on cocaine.

“Armand! We must go out tonight!” He wrapped his arms around Armand’s shoulders, pressing his cheek against Armand’s. “I have the perfect evening planned for us. Dinner, a show, and...” he paused to kiss and nibble at the side of Armand’s neck, “then we come back here, and I can give you a personal show.”

Armand considered, “Can you even get tickets on such short notice?”

Lestat pulled away, dramatically pressing a hand to his heart and the other to his forehead, “You wound me, Armand! Of course I can get tickets!” He gave a sly grin, “In fact, I already ordered them before I came in here.”

Armand rolled his eyes, “Of course you did. When does it start?”

“At 7:30.”

Armand spun around in his chair, “What? It’s almost 7! We hardly have time to eat, let alone get through traffic...”

Lestat waved a hand, “Which is why you need to get off that computer and put on the outfit I laid out for you on your bed.”

Armand narrowed his eyes as he took a better look at Lestat, “You’re wearing my clothes.”

The blond annoyance did a twirl, “A little snug around the shoulders and derriere, but overall, I think I wear them well.”

Annoyingly, Lestat did wear his clothes well. A deep blue suit, paired with a crisp white shirt. The older vampire sighed. He finished his last email while only half listening to Lestat rambling in the background.

“Despite your flaws, I know that overall you are a man of good taste, which is why I’m sure you will appreciate the show I chose for tonight...” Lestat spoke while flitting about the room, examining the rather bland hotel décor as if it was terribly interesting. “I’ve rarely seen a Shakespeare production by the Lupin Theatre that I haven’t liked, and I’ve read excellent reviews of their version of Twelfth Night...”

Armand finally closed his laptop and headed toward the bedroom to change. He was a little surprised Lestat chose a comedy, but then again, the blond always had a passion for Shakespeare. The outfit Lestat chose for him was black slacks, a black jacket, and a red silk button up shirt. Armand thought it was a bit bold for a night at the theatre, but he didn’t care enough to pick out something different. It was also an admittedly perfect contrast to Lestat’s outfit. Stylish bastard. He was straightening his collar in the mirror when Lestat poked his head in.

“Ah I love how that colour brings out the red in your eyes,” he purred.

“I’m going to put my contacts on in a moment, you blond fool.”

Lestat pouted, “It’s such a shame to mask your unique beauty so.”

Armand was already putting the contacts in, “Are you ready? We won’t have much time to hunt.”

Lestat looked him up and down, then licked his lips. “Oh I’m very ready.”

*****

Given the lack of time, Armand and Lestat chose to quickly share a victim on the way to the theatre and dispose of the body in a dumpster. Lestat casually pulled out a flask and poured the contents all over the corpse. He tossed the flask in, then got out a lighter, quickly setting the body on fire. He closed the dumpster lid.

“By the time anyone notices the smoke, the body will be far too charred to get any meaningful clues from it,” Lestat explained.

“I’m impressed by your creativity.”

Lestat shrugged, “I’ve spent enough time in this city to have to be very careful how to cover my tracks.”

They began walking towards the theatre. “How long have you lived in New Orleans?”

Lestat took a moment to think, “Overall? Probably around 75 years, though not all in a row. It was the first city I stayed in for any significant amount of time when I arrived in America, and I keep finding myself drawn back to it. I’ve lived in other cities though. San Francisco is another favourite of mine. I lived there throughout the 1960s, 70s, and most of the 80s. They’re the two cities I’ve lived the longest in, though I spent about a decade in New York, and a couple years here and there in other cities across the country.”

Armand hummed, “I can see why New Orleans appeals to you so. I haven’t had a chance to visit any other American cities yet, but from what I’ve seen and read, New Orleans has a unique vibrance all its own.”

Lestat nodded, “I feel at home here, like nowhere else.” He smiled and pointed, “Here we are! Let’s find our seats.”

*****

Lestat had gotten them excellent seats. They were in an exclusive box to the side of the stage, which gave them not only a fantastic view of the stage, but also a good view of the audience. The blond vampire sat beside him, reading the playbill, and speaking animatedly about the various performers in the show. Lestat seemed familiar with the whole cast, a testament to how frequently he must patronize this theatre. Armand was content to listen to the younger vampire’s words, while he watched the rest of the audience find their seats.

It didn’t take long before he felt a familiar presence.

Allowing none of his sudden storm of emotions to show on his face, Armand calmly looked towards the main floor entrance. There, at the top of the stairs, were Louis and Daniel. An usher was guiding them to their seats, with Louis carefully pushing Daniel’s chair down the aisle. They were seated in the perfect spot for Armand to look down and watch Louis’ beloved profile.

Unfortunately, Armand was not the only one who had a perfect view of them.

He glanced up at Lestat, who was watching him with a shuttered expression. “Is something the matter, Armand? You suddenly seem rather tense.”

“Nothing is the matter; I just want the show to start.”

Lestat narrowed his eyes for a moment, then swiftly turned his attention to the audience below them. Inwardly, Armand cursed. Of course, it didn’t take Lestat long.

“Mon dieu, who is that?” The blond leaned forward more, “What a beauty!” He turned to Armand, “Did you see...” He trailed off. Armand could see in the younger vampire’s eyes the exact moment that understanding dawned on him. They stared at each other for a long moment before Lestat finally broke the silence. “It’s him isn’t it?”

Armand clenched his jaw and glared. There was no point denying it, but that didn’t mean he had to answer Lestat either. The other vampire let out a low, phony sounding chuckle, “We still have time, why don’t we go down and say hello?”

Armand grabbed Lestat’s forearm before the younger vampire could even consider standing up, “No.” He growled, “You will not go near him. Louis doesn’t know I’m in New Orleans, yet. He thinks I’m coming to visit him on Monday.”

Lestat looked at him in surprise, “What are you talking about? I’ve accused you of visiting your lover multiple times and you’ve never denied- “He cut himself off, a strange smile twisting his lips, “You weren’t visiting him, you were stalking him.”

Armand dug his claws into Lestat’s arm and glared, “Quiet, Lestat. I’m warning you.”

Lestat glared right back, “Tell me about him. If you don’t want me going down there, tell me. ”

The lights dimmed, and the curtain began to rise. “Enough!” Armand hissed, “The show is starting.”

*****

Lestat could not bring himself to feign interest in the show now. His attention was unabashedly drawn to the mysterious and beautiful Louis. He wanted to pry into the mortal’s mind to find out more about him, for he knew even the man’s great beauty would not be enough to enrapture Armand so thoroughly. Yet, his mind was blocked to Lestat, undoubtedly Armand’s doing. A neat use of the Mind Gift, being able to hide a mortal’s mind from another vampire.

Armand was rigid beside him. He was clearly angry and trying to hide it. In some ways, the night Lestat had planned was ruined- neither of them could focus on, let alone enjoy, the play. However, that seemed a small price to pay to at last look upon his competition...

Even with the mortal’s mind blocked to him, there was much Lestat was able to learn. For one, his smile was absolutely, distractingly gorgeous. So much so, that it took Lestat awhile to notice who he was directing his smile at. Beside him was an old man in a wheelchair. At first, Lestat assumed the old man was perhaps Louis’ father. But then he noticed how they held hands...adult men do not hold their father’s hands like that. What was their relationship?

Lestat turned the Mind Gift on the old man. He struggled to keep the smile off his face when he realized that Armand was not shielding his mind. Unfortunately, said vampire must have noticed the change in his expression, because once again his hand shot out to grip Lestat’s arm.

“We are leaving,” Armand hissed.

“Why? We have not even reached intermission!” Lestat smiled with faux innocence.

Armand’s glare would’ve quaked the knees of a lesser man. He growled low, “Do not play the innocent with me Lestat. We. Are. Leaving.”

Lestat gave a bow of his head, “Of course, of course. If that’s what you wish, let’s go.”

Without another word, Armand dragged him out of the box.

Chapter 10

Chapter Text

Armand had barely managed to control his frustration as he dragged Lestat out of the theatre. The only thing keeping him under any kind of control was the idea that Lestat would kick up a scene and Louis would notice them.

All his patience and carefully laid plans would be ruined if Louis saw him before Monday.

Lestat followed after him, though any time he started to slow down, Armand would grab his wrist and start dragging him again. The blond pest seemed to find it amusing and would purposely test him by lagging behind. By the time they were within full view of the hotel, Armand was at the absolute limit of his patience.

“Why mon cher! Are you so desperate for time alone with me, that you could not wait for intermission? I am flattered my-“ Lestat was cut off by Armand spinning around and grabbing his shoulder painfully tight.

If it were not for the crowds of people milling about on the streets, Armand would’ve gripped his throat instead. “Listen carefully, Lestat. We are going to my hotel room, and I am going to set some rules that you will follow if you want any hope of continuing our relationship. Do you understand?”

A slow smirk crossed Lestat’s lips, “Oh yes, I understand.” He stepped closer, so his nose nearly touched Armand’s, “But if you want me to follow your rules,” He slid his eyes down Armand’s body before meeting his eyes again, “You need to provide me some incentive.”

Armand stared at him, feeling strangely detached. Something about his expression must have gotten through to Lestat because the blond stepped back and raised his hands in surrender, “My apologies, Armand. Lead the way.”

*****

As they rode up the elevator to Armand’s hotel room, Lestat could admit he might’ve pushed the other a little too far. In fairness to him, he’d never seen Armand genuinely care about a human before. Armand’s protective behaviour was so far outside of what he’d ever expected to see from the older vampire...

Who was this mystery mortal? How had he so thoroughly snagged Armand’s cold, shrivelled little heart? Lestat had to know. If only to prevent the beautiful man from ensnaring him, too.

Armand threw open the door to his room with a little too much force, undoubtedly denting the wall behind it. He pointed to the small dining table and chairs, “Sit!”

Lestat sat. Armand did not.

Instead the older vampire began pacing, “What did you hear from Daniel’s mind?”

Lestat grinned, “So your lover’s name is Daniel?”

Armand glared at him, “No. Daniel was the old man he was with.”

He scoffed in annoyance, “Nothing. I’d barely grazed his mind before someone was hauling me out of the theatre like a madman!”

Armand gave a sharp nod, “Good.”

Technically, Lestat knew he should leave it at that. Let Armand think he hadn’t noticed anything of import. Lull him into a false sense of comfort and seduce him. But Lestat just couldn’t let it go. “However,” his lips twisted into a sly smile, “I found it very strange how your pretty young thing was holding hands with a man at least twice his age.”

He could feel the cold rage emanating from Armand. The elder vampire’s voice cold and quiet as a grave, “You will not approach either of them do you understand?”

Well, well, well, that was certainly interesting. “Wait. Don’t tell me you have feelings for the old man too?” When Armand said nothing, Lestat started laughing, “Oh mon Dieu! What an interesting little threesome you have planned!”

Armand’s expression turned aloof, “I don’t know why I ever thought you were special. You’re just a shallow little fool.”

Lestat’s laughter died immediately, “I am not shallow or a fool. I simply do not understand what you are trying to achieve here-“

“What right do you have to question what I want? Why do I need to explain anything to you? If I say I want them unharmed, all you need to do is respect that.” Armand looked down at Lestat, making him feel like an idiot child, instead of a powerful vampire in his own right.

Lestat bristled, “Do I not have a right to understand what is happening with your heart, Armand? One moment you seem to enjoy our little chase, the next you are barking and snarling at me like a guard dog!”

Armand leaned forward, hissing, “They are mine. I want them. For what purpose, I know not yet, but I want them. Above all other things, that is what you need to know.”

Lestat raised his hands in submission, and sneared, “I will not touch a hair on the old man’s head.”

“And Louis?” Even as he finished the last syllable, Armand seemed to realize what he had revealed.

“Louis,” Lestat savoured the name on his tongue. “Of course his name is Louis.”

Armand lunged forward, grabbing a handful of Lestat’s hair and yanking his head back, “What do you mean by that?!”

Lestat ignored the pain in his scalp and smiled, “When I had arrived in America, I had planned to move to St. Louis. It was to be my destiny...but instead I fell in love with New Orleans...now I understand. It is not the city of St. Louis that is my destiny...but a lovely young man-“

Armand howled in frustrated rage and threw Lestat to the ground, “He’s not your anything! He’s mine! He’s mine! I worked for him! I planned! I waited and waited and WAITED!!!”

Lestat stared up at Armand’s rage filled face. He raised his hands placatingly, “Mon ami, mon bien-amié, I have no intention of stealing him from you. Don’t you see what you’re doing?”

Armand said nothing, just continued to glare down at Lestat...but he didn’t move to strike again, so Lestat would count that as a win. Slowly, he reached out and took Armand’s hand. Cradled it in both of his own. He looked up with all sincerity into Armand’s eyes, “Don’t you see what you’re trying to build here, old friend?”

The elder vampire shook his head and pulled his hand away, “What are you babbling about?”

Lestat shifted to his knees but did not try to stand. “A beautiful, innocent young man, the wise old man he loves, me, you...Armand...you are building a Coven .” Armand shook his head at Lestat’s words, but the blond continued, “Not some dusty, miserable group of devil worshipping sycophants, but a true family.” Lestat rose to his feet, “A group of people you genuinely love.”

Armand stared at him. He opened his mouth, closed it, then opened it again, forcing the words out, “I don’t...I...is this a trick? To lull me into letting you near Louis?”

Lestat shook his head, “Non, mon ami. I have simply realized we have both been making the same mistake for centuries... we’ve been looking for one companion to fill the void inside us, when we should’ve been building a whole family.”

Shaking his head, Armand turned away. “Have you forgotten? I’m no stranger to being part of a group. I was the defacto leader of the Paris coven. I felt no kinship or love among them.”

Embolden by Armand’s calmer and softer disposition, Lestat approached the older vampire and wrapped his arms around his waist, pressing his chest against his back. “You did not choose the Paris coven for companionship. You drew them to you for a mission, for beliefs you have long since abandoned.” Lestat kissed Armand’s neck, “Now you are free of them. Now you seek to create something for yourself. Embrace it, Armand. Embrace me, embrace Louis, embrace Daniel... join us together. Allow yourself to have all that you desire.

Armand turned in his arms and pressed their mouths together. Armand’s arms quickly wound themselves around Lestat’s shoulders, long claws found their way into his hair...Lestat’s hands slid from Armand’s waist down to his slender hips, one reaching further to grip the meat of Armand’s ass.

As clothing was torn and thrown carelessly on the floor, Lestat felt a wave of joy. He would not be alone. He would have a whole family to fill the void.

Chapter 11

Chapter Text

This time tomorrow night, Louis’ Paris lover would be here, in their home, likely in his and Louis’ bed. Daniel had insisted on taking the guest bedroom, in large part because he knew the bed in there couldn’t comfortably fit two people...and Daniel didn’t want to deny Louis any comfort or happiness.

He’d been far too selfish, too greedy and possessive of Louis for far too many years.

Of course, Louis didn’t see it that way. When he wasn’t cleaning the place from top to bottom in preparation for Armand’s visit, he was completely spoiling Daniel. Every meal Louis prepared was one of Daniel’s favourites, every spot Louis took him to on their daily walk was Daniel’s favourite, every poem he read to him was one of Daniel’s favourites, every album Louis played, every show they watched on TV, everything was for Daniel. And greedy old man that he was, Daniel soaked the attention up. As addicted to Louis now as he always has been.

The bathroom door swung open, and Louis stepped out, drying his hair with a towel, another towel wrapped around his slender waist. The younger man’s skin was dewy and glowing from the water. A couple stray droplets trailed from the fine hairs of his chest, down his gently sculpted abs, one droplet dipping into his navel...If Daniel was a younger, stronger man, he’d pounce on Louis, rip the towel off and chase that droplet into Louis’ navel with his tongue. He’d hold his gorgeous young lover down until he was so overwhelmed with pleasure tears would trail down his cheeks.

Daniel both hoped and dreaded Armand fulfilling this desire.

Apparently, at least some of Daniel’s lusty thoughts must’ve shown up on his face because Louis smiled playfully and dropped both towels. He gave Daniel a cheeky smile, “Like what you see?”

Daniel rolled his eyes, “As if you don’t know. Get over here you gorgeous little twink.”

Louis brought a dramatic hand to his chest, scandalized, “Daniel! I am not a twink! A man of my age and build is called an otter! Thank you very much!”

Daniel laughed, shaking his head as Louis grinned. It truly wasn’t fair that someone so beautiful also had such a good sense of humour. Sarcastically Daniel replied, “So sorry. Get over here, you hunky little otter!”

Louis laughed, wiggled his eyebrows, and gave him a sultry look. He moved towards him with the sleek grace of a leopard, crawling up the bed and placing a tender kiss on Daniel’s lips. The younger man was still being so careful around him, like he was made of glass. The thought made Daniel growl. He gripped one hand into Louis’ hair and the other wrapped around his waist, pulling their bodies tight together. Louis let out a surprised whimper before melting against Daniel’s body.

Soon another man was going to have Louis like this. Another man, younger and more handsome, was going to hold Louis like this. Make those gorgeous sounds escape his lips. The thought made him rage with jealousy even as his veins flooded with desire. Louis pulled away, shifting down so he could lower Daniel’s pajama bottoms, revealing his hard co*ck. Louis looked up at him, those big, soulful brown eyes meeting Daniel’s, as he parted those plump, gorgeous lips, slid out his pink tongue and glided it up Daniel’s co*ck from base to tip.

Daniel hissed, hand gripping Louis’ damp curls once more, “Good God, baby!” That warm, perfect tongue slipped around the head of his co*ck, trailed back down, up, then repeated again. Daniel moaned, throwing his head back, “Jesus baby, open your mouth.” Louis opened his mouth and Daniel thrust his co*ck into it, the warm, wet heat setting his blood on fire.

It was easy to get lost in the pleasure of Louis. After years together, the young man knew exactly how to please Daniel, how to draw his desire out, tease him, fulfill nearly every desire that came to Daniel’s twisted mind. If Daniel’s injuries were healed, he would be pushing Louis onto his back right now, spreading his legs and sucking his co*ck down until he was on the edge...then he’d move his tongue lower and dive it into Louis’ tight little asshole. Work him till he was begging him and then plunge his co*ck inside...

But Daniel’s injuries weren’t healed. His health, even before the accident, had been declining for at least a year. Despite Louis’ protests to the contrary, Daniel could no longer take care of him as he needed.

Which is why Daniel had encouraged Louis to invite his French lover to stay with them. He wouldn’t have to feel guilty about being unable to care for Louis anymore because someone else would be there to take care of Louis. Someone with the youth and strength to give Louis the thorough pounding he had gone too long without. Daniel wouldn’t be able to participate, he’d be tucked away in the guest room, but he was sure he’d hear the occasional cry, the occasional slam of the headboard against the wall, and be able to take comfort in the knowledge that his sweet boy was getting utterly debauched.

The thought of Louis being held down and pleasured, face twisted in ecstasy, tipped Daniel over the edge.

*****

Part of Lestat’s deal with Armand was that he was not to approach Louis or Daniel, until after Armand’s reunion with Louis. Of course, Lestat was more than capable of finding a loophole or two in Armand’s harsh little edict. For instance, since Armand was currently sneaking into the apartment where Louis lived, Lestat could count it as a reunion of sorts, leaving him free to peep through the bedroom window. Admittedly, he highly doubted Armand would feel the same way, hence why he was guarding his mind carefully.

By some delightful twist of fate, Louis had left the curtains partly open, allowing Lestat to peer into the bedroom beyond...

And mon Dieu, what a view!

Louis stood completely naked, every inch of his flawless body on display. He was smiling and laughing, flirting with the old man lying in the bed. Then he was crawling up the bed, kissing the old man, before going back down to...”

Lestat had heard the term ‘choking on emotions’ before but this was the first time he’d ever choked on his own jealousy. How in the Hell did this homely old man manage to snag such a perfect specimen? Lestat went to poke into the old man’s mind but retreated quickly when he sensed Armand was already there. Hopefully, the older vampire was too distracted to notice.

Wait. If Armand was in Daniel’s mind, then Louis’ mind would be unguarded.

Lestat licked his lips and gently pressed his mind against Louis’. Gotta make this good for him. Gotta make him understand that no matter what happens when Armand gets here, I will always love him. Unbidden, Louis pictured Armand in Daniel’s position...only Armand was pulling Louis’ hair to bring him away from his co*ck, his free hand going to Louis’ hip and with startling strength hauling Louis onto his lap, pressing his co*ck into Louis’ body, splitting him open...

For a moment, Lestat could feel the phantom pleasure pain of Armand splitting him open too. Then the thought of Armand disappeared, replaced once more by Daniel, and Lestat watched through Louis’ eyes as the old man arched his back and came. Louis continued to suck him down like a perfect f*cking whor* not missing a drop of cum. Then, because he apparently wanted to drive Lestat completely insane, he smiled brightly, and with a slightly raspy voice asked, “You good?”

It took every ounce of self-control in Lestat’s body not to break through the window, throw the little minx over his shoulder and carry him away. Armand could keep the old man.

Louis snuggled up against Daniel, or Old Dirt Bag as Lestat was beginning to think of him, smiling as the bastard kissed the top of Louis’ head, “What can I do for you baby?”

You can toss him out the window and into my arms. Sadly, Louis did not make that suggestion. Instead, he kissed Daniel’s lips sweetly, “I just wanna fall asleep in your arms.”

Old Dirt Bag had the audacity to frown, “Are you sure baby? I can take care of you.” He slid his hand down Louis’ arm, then rubbed his thigh, before trailing between Louis’ legs. The deep breath Louis took told Lestat exactly what Dirt Bag was touching. A loud crack cut through the sensual moment, causing both mortals to sit up suddenly. Lestat blinked then looked down at his hands. His grip on the wooden window frame had crushed both sides.

“Merde,” Lestat muttered before quickly flying down to a nearby alleyway. There’s no way Armand wouldn’t realize what happened. Still, Lestat was torn whether it would be better to let his fiery eyed lover confront him now, or to let him cool off a bit first.

“LESTAT!” Armand snarled as he touched down at the opening of the alley. So much for options.

He turned to face him with a bright smile, “Well that was a lovely bit of entertainment, n’était-ce pas?”

Armand glared furiously, “I asked one thing of you. I asked you to wait. Now, you’ve frightened them. Louis will look out the window and see those marks you left. It will put them on edge!”

“I highly doubt they’ll assume their window frame was broken by a vampire, mon cher,” Lestat purred with just a hint of condescension.

Armand slammed him into the wall and hissed, “You broke your word!”

Pressed so close to each other, it was immediately apparent that Armand had been as affected by the show as Lestat had been. He thrust his hips against the angry vampire. Armand’s hips jerked and he gasped. Lestat grabbed his ass and rubbed their fronts together. He pressed his lips to Armand’s ear, “We could fight, or, we could go back to your hotel and put on our own show.”

Armand crushed their mouths together, and Lestat moaned shamelessly. Armand pulled away.

The little demon straightened his clothing and looked down imperiously at Lestat, “I will not reward you for disobeying me.” His eyes slid down Lestat’s body before meeting his once more, “You can go home and take care of yourself tonight.”

With that, Armand turned and calmly walked away.

Lestat rolled back his head against the brick and chuckled. Perhaps it would be better if he did go home alone tonight. After all, he had plenty of new memories to ‘take care of himself’ with. He turned his head to look out the alleyway, Armand long gone. Perhaps it would be better to leave Armand to cool off, leave him be until after his reunion with Louis tomorrow night. Lestat thought once more of Louis’ gorgeous body, his playful smile, sparkling eyes, and plump, perfect, co*ck-sucking lips.

A grin spread across his face. Non. Il ne rentrerait pas seul ce soir.

*****

Louis opened the window and looked around outside, “What the hell could’ve caused that noise?”

“I don’t know. Sounded like something wood, or maybe plastic, breaking. Something fall off someone’s balcony maybe?” Daniel’s voice was calm and logical. Nothing could ever spook him for long.

Louis looked over his shoulder at Daniel on the bed. After years of knowing the man, Louis knew his lover was more upset about being unable to get up and play protector than he was about the noise that startled them. Still, Louis found he couldn’t quite feel as comforted by Daniel’s words as he normally would be. “I don’t know, Danny. The balconies are on the other side...this sounded like it was right outside the window.”

He turned back to the window, looking to the side, when his eyes landed on the frame itself. “What the...” He looked to the other side of the window and saw the same thing. “Hey Danny. Have you ever heard of a window frame suddenly busting?”

“Suddenly busting? What do you mean?” He sounded confused, so at least Louis wasn’t alone with that feeling.

He turned to look at him, “It’s the weirdest thing. Both sides of the window frame look all splintered and cracked. Almost like they were crushed or something.”

Daniel’s eyebrows rose, “Well that does sound bizarre. I mean, it’s normal for wood to warp over the years, but I’ve never heard of it suddenly cracking. I guess we’ll have to bring it up with the superintendent tomorrow.”

Louis scowled. He hated the superintendent. “Maybe we can fix it on our own.”

Daniel laughed, “Louis, I love you, but you are not a Mr. Fix It kinda guy.”

Louis crossed his arms, “And Frank-no-last-name the superintendent is?”

Chuckling, Daniel beckoned for Louis, “Now don’t be like that sugar pie, I just don’t want you hurting yourself before your Frenchman comes. You don’t want to have a reunion in the ER do you?”

A wave of anxiety hit Louis. He crawled back into bed and turned off the light. “You’re sure you’re OK with all this, Daniel? I know it’s a lot to ask...”

Daniel raised his arm for Louis to press against him. “I was the one who encouraged you to invite him, baby. It’ll be good for you to be with someone your own age for a while.”

“We’ve been through this,” Louis said softly, “You know the age thing doesn’t bother me.” He nuzzled Danny’s chest hair and pressed his ear against the older man’s chest. The steady thump of the older man’s heart began to lull Louis to sleep.

“I know, Louis. But you’ve brought me so much happiness over the years. Let me do this for you.”

“You’ve brought me happiness, too, Danny. Don’t you dare forget it.”

Chapter 12

Chapter Text

Armand stood in the pick-up area of the airport, waiting for Louis to arrive. He had offered to simply take a taxi to Louis’ place, and thus avoid the need to go to the airport at all, but Louis had sweetly insisted on picking him up. His beloved had explained it would give him a chance to show Armand around New Orleans and grab a bite to eat. At this point, Armand was well familiar with the city, but Louis did not yet know that.

The sun was just beginning to set when he spotted Louis’ rather bland car park nearby. Louis got out, scanning the crowd before he spotted Armand. The mortal smiled brilliantly and waved his hand at Armand before hurrying over.

“Armand! It’s so good to see you!” Louis’ voice was filled with warmth, but he seemed a little unsure of what to do with his body. Armand knew he wasn’t sure whether a hug or a handshake would be more appropriate.

Thankfully, Armand knew exactly what he wanted to do. He reached out and put his hands on Louis’ shoulders, “Louis, it is marvelous to see you again.” Then he leaned forward and kissed both of Louis’ cheeks. When he pulled back, he noticed a slight blush to Louis’ skin. “You have no idea how much I have missed you. I know we didn’t have much time together, but it felt like so much more...”

Louis smiled, ducking his head modestly before looking up through his long, long lashes. “I know what you mean. I’ve missed you too.”

Despite having been watching Louis for weeks, Armand hadn’t gotten this close to him since Paris. He felt struck anew by Louis’ beauty. A swell of pride hit him as he realized from Louis’ expression that the feeling was mutual.

Armand leaned down and picked up his bags, “Shall we go, my darling?”

Louis shook his head, as if he was coming out of a trance. “Oh sorry, of course. Here let me help you with your bags.”

“It’s quite alright, they’re not heavy.” Armand replied calmly and began walking towards Louis’ car.

Louis hurried after him, “Are you sure?”

Armand chuckled, “Oh yes, these aren’t heavy at all to me!” He knew the luggage looked heavy, and that Louis would be impressed by the ease with which Armand carried it all. Was he showing his strength off a bit? Of course he was. Vampire or not, he was still a red-blooded man eager to prove to his chosen mate that he could provide for him.

From the way Louis bit his bottom lip, the show was very much appreciated.

After loading the suitcases into the back of the car, they drove away from the airport. Louis glanced at him from the driver’s seat. “How are you feeling? Are you up for a bit of sight-seeing, or do you need to rest after the long flight?”

Armand smiled. He found himself doing that so much around Louis. “I feel quite well-rested actually and I would love to tour the city with you.”

“Great! Let’s take in a few sites, and then we can go to one of my favourite restaurants. How does that sound?”

“Wonderful.”

*****

After giving Armand a brief tour of some of Louis’ favourite haunts around New Orleans, he’d taken him to The Jazz Playhouse for dinner. They were seated at a table with a great view of the live Jazz band. “The music here is excellent,” Armand gestured to the band, “it’s so rare these days to have live musicians at a restaurant.”

Louis smiled, “It’s what this place is known for. Don’t get me wrong, the food is great, but it’s the music that makes it real special.”

Armand hummed in agreement but said nothing. His eyes seemed to study Louis, examining his face his hands, his body. A heavy ball of nerves started to form in his stomach. What if he’s disappointed in me? What if he remembered me as better looking or more charming and interesting than I actually am?

A small, gentle smile lifted Armand’s lips, “I apologize if I’m not carrying my end of the conversation,” those beautiful intense eyes held him mesmerized, “I find myself completely captivated by you. You don’t know how much I’ve longed for this moment. To be with you, in the flesh, once more.”

In the flesh... Louis found himself leaning towards Armand, only the pressure of the table’s edge against his belly breaking the spell he was under. He shook his head and gave his guest a shaky smile, “You must be hungry. We should order. Do you know what you’d like?”

Was it his imagination or was there something...predatory about the small smile on Armand’s lips now? The man glanced down at the menu for a moment then looked back up at Louis. “Honestly, I’m not familiar with most of the cuisine on this menu. Perhaps you could choose something for me?”

“Oh of course. How hungry are you? We can do individual meals, or we can get a selection of bites to try?”

“A selection would be nice, I think.” His eyes wandered to Louis’ lips for a moment before meeting his eyes again, “I’d like to taste everything this lovely city of yours has to offer.”

It was a good thing Louis was sitting because he felt weak in the knees. “Right, OK, I’ll just,” he turned to look for a waiter or waitress, “Sorry, it’s pretty busy tonight.” Louis’ eyes were on the kitchen and the restaurant was loud...

“Come to me.”

Louis blinked and turned back to Armand, “Did you say some-“ He cut himself off when he saw a waiter suddenly standing next to their table. “Oh sorry, I, well that was quick.”

After ordering a selection of appetizers that he hoped Armand would enjoy, he found himself nervously trying to think of what to say. Not that he didn’t have a great deal to talk to Armand about, but that there was one topic he knew was important yet wasn’t sure how to approach.

Sleeping arrangements.

“You seem nervous, Louis.” Armand’s voice was soft and kind, “Is there something troubling you?”

Louis cleared his throat, “Well, um, I told you about my roommate Daniel, right? Well, our place has two bedrooms, and um, he has one, and I have the other. So, when you stay, I mean, of course, you get my bedroom. I just, I don’t want to be presumptuous, you know?” He glanced up at Armand’s bemused expression than back down at the table, “What I mean, is, if you’re not comfortable, I can take the couch.”

Armand smirked. He leaned forward, sliding one long fingered hand across the table and wrapping it around Louis’ own. He captured Louis with his gaze and purred, “I didn’t cross an ocean to see you sleep on a couch.” The pad of his thumb made slow circles against the skin of Louis’ wrist, “I came here to be reunited with you Louis. In all the ways we were together in Paris.

Louis nodded slowly, “I’d like that. Very much.”

*****

Armand smiled as Louis led him to his apartment door. His sweet poet had imbibed a few too many drinks (thankfully agreeing to give Armand his car keys), leaving him loose and giggly in a way the vampire had never seen him. Too charming to resist.

As Louis struggled to get his key in the lock, Armand wrapped his arms around his waist, pressed against his back, and kissed the delicate shell of Louis’ ear. He felt a shiver run through his beloved.

“You know, I won’t be able to unlock the door if you keep distracting me,” Louis purred.

Armand nuzzled his neck, “Then I will simply kick it down and carry you off to bed.”

Louis groaned and tilted his head to the side, giving Armand better access to his gorgeous neck. He pressed a gentle kiss to that warm, smooth skin, felt the pulse beat against his lips. Temptation clouded his mind, and he pressed another kiss against that perfect neck, sucking gently at the flesh, feeling the blood pound harder so close. So deliciously, terribly close.

The key rattled slightly as Louis’ hand fell away from it, instead reaching back to grip Armand’s hair. Far from being painful, the pull seemed to awaken his scalp, leave him tingling. His gums ached to unsheathe his fangs into Louis’ flawless skin.

“Mmm...the door...Armand we gotta...” Louis murmured softly.

Armand growled, reluctant to use his hands for anything aside from touching Louis, but he reached out and twisted the key, shoving the door open. Then he swept Louis into his arms and carried him across the threshold.

“Holy sh*t! You’re so strong!” Louis stared at him in wide-eyed awe.

“Point me in the direction of your bedroom, love, and you’ll see everything I am capable of,” Armand purred in his ear.

His beloved shivered in his arms and pointed towards a door. Armand kissed him deeply as he swiftly crossed the distance, opened the door, and pressed Louis into the bed. The vampire began making swift work of Louis’ clothing, tossing it carelessly on the floor- anything damaged Armand could easily replace- then sat back to look upon his treasure.

Louis was panting softly, his gentle brown eyes wide and glazed, lips full, cheeks flushed. His glistening body was slender and graceful as a dancer, even lying sprawled upon the bed. Armand wanted to devour him!

Lunging forward, Armand began kissing Louis again, pressing him firmly into the mattress, pinning his nude body against his still fully clothed one. Louis was arching against him, his hardness no doubt chafing against the fabric of Armand’s trousers. Sweet, gasping sounds slipped from Louis’ lips, swallowed by Armand’s starving mouth.

Louis broke the kiss, “Clothes...” he was cut off for a moment by the press of Armand’s lips. “You’re still...too many clothes.”

Armand growled, pulling away and ripping his shirt off. He tossed it aside, uncaring of the buttons that scattered onto the floor. He swiftly pressed their naked chests together, hands gripping Louis’ wrists and pinning them above his head, lips and tongue ravishing Louis’ hot wet mouth. He ground his still clothed co*ck against Louis’ naked one, and Louis cried out in sweet pleasure/pain.

“Armand! Please! Please! I can’t! It’s too much!” Louis’ eyes were wet, his voice broken.

“You can and you will ,” Armand barely recognized his own voice. He pushed down his trousers and kicked them off. He gripped Louis’ thighs and spread them apart, pushing his hips between them and grinding their co*cks together.

“Uhhnn Oh God, Oh God!” Louis arched his back, neck bared, eyes closed, hands gripping his pillow with white knuckles.

“I’m your God now,” Armand snarled. He reached into the bedside table, grabbing the lube he’d seen Louis use with Daniel. He poured some into his hand and paused his grinding against Louis just long enough to slick his co*ck up. Then he grabbed Louis’ thighs once more, lifting and spreading them, exposing Louis’ most intimate parts to his ravenous desire.

“Say it. Say I’m your God now,” Armand began pressing his co*ck against Louis’ tight hole.

Louis’ eyes shot open. Aroused, inflamed, afraid. “I- I- that’s-“

Armand shoved in.

Louis let out a strangled, wordless cry. Armand continued pushing in, pulling back, working himself into Louis relentlessly until he was buried to the hilt. Only then did he pause to let Louis adjust, his body clenched tight around him, hips shifting and convulsing from over-stimulation. Armand leaned forward and licked his throat, sucked hard enough to leave a mark before whispering in his beloved’s ear, “You’re mine now. And I’m going to ruin you for all others.”

With that warning, Armand at last began taking his long-awaited prize.

Chapter 13

Chapter Text

The good thing about the guest bedroom was that it was on the opposite side of the living room from the master bedroom. The bad thing about the guest bedroom was that it was on the opposite side of the living room from the master bedroom . Part of Daniel was relieved that after Louis and Armand entered the master bedroom, he wasn’t really able to hear them, while another part of Daniel desperately wished he could. Part of this desire came from his protectiveness over Louis, but the other part... he loved the sounds Louis made when he was in the throes of passion.

Given what he’d overheard when Louis and Armand had entered the apartment, he suspected his sweet boy was getting thoroughly debauched.

Honestly, Daniel could hardly blame Armand for his enthusiasm. If Daniel had experienced the great joy of having Louis in bed, only for him to suddenly disappear, he likely would’ve jumped on a plane to find him too. The fact Armand had waited weeks before visiting Louis showed a great deal of restraint.

As he laid in the dark bedroom, staring at the ceiling because he’d long given up trying to read or watch tv, he wondered how he would deal with Armand’s visit. Sure, he had been the one to practically push Louis into this stranger’s lap but talking about it was very different from experiencing it. How would he bare going from Louis’ lover to his roommate? His elderly roommate that Louis had to take care of?

Logically, he knew it was necessary. He was getting older, and sicker, and he wouldn’t be able to take care of Louis for much longer. Hell, he couldn’t really take care of Louis now. Finding someone to replace him was the best way to be certain Louis would be looked after when he was gone.

Daniel sighed and sat up. Louis, of course, would argue that he didn’t need to be taken care of at all. He was a grown man, and he’d come such a long, long way since Daniel had first met him. Still. There were times when Daniel could see the storm clouds of melancholy start to grip Louis and he felt an overwhelming fear of what would happen if there was no one around to pull him away from the darkness. A shiver ran up his spine and he shook his head, as if the physical act could somehow rid him of the most horrifying memories of his life.

The digital clock showed 2:17 in the morning. There was no point continuing to toss and turn in bed. Daniel reached out and pulled his wheelchair closer to the bed, then carefully hoisted himself into it. Moving across the living room towards the kitchen, Daniel noticed how quiet the apartment was. The others must be sleeping. He debated whether he felt like coffee or alcohol. Louis, of course, would scold him that neither was appropriate at this time of night. A soft smile curled the corners of his lips at the thought. He grabbed a diet caffeine free co*ke out of the fridge.

And nearly dropped it when he heard a cough behind him.

“JESUS!” He looked over his shoulder, “You nearly gave me a heart attack! I thought you were both asleep.”

A tall, slender, and very handsome young man stood at the entry of the kitchen. He was in nothing but boxer shorts, and a half buttoned up dress shirt. “My apologies, I thought coughing would help...warn you of my presence.”

Daniel huffed, “Some footsteps or something would’ve helped more.”

The young man smiled softly, “I will remember that for the future.” He tilted his head, “You’re Louis’... roommate, Daniel, yes? I am Armand. It’s very nice to meet you.”

Daniel didn’t miss Armand’s slight pause before saying roommate. Did he suspect their true relationship? What would he think? If he got judgy with Louis about it, Daniel would toss him out the window. Wheelchair be damned.

“I’m surprised you’re up,” Daniel opened his co*ke and took a swig before continuing, “I would’ve thought between your flight, the tour and the rest of your evening, you’d be in dreamland by now.”

Armand slipped into a chair at the small kitchen table. “I did sleep for an hour or so, but I suppose the thrill of waking up in bed with my dear Louis...” he smiled and shook his head, “How could I not feel awake and revitalized?”

“Hmm,” Daniel tried to push down the surge of jealousy that went through him. This whole thing was his idea- he’d suggested Louis invite Armand here to visit- it wasn’t fair for him to hold it against Armand. He needed to at least try to be cordial. “Would you like something to drink?”

Mr. Annoyingly Young and Beautiful shook his head, “No thank you. However, if you’re not planning to go to bed soon, I wouldn’t mind some company.”

Daniel resisted the urge to huff and moved to the table. “Sure, I’m not gonna sleep anytime soon.”

Armand tilted his head, “Is something troubling you?”

The little bastard had to know. Didn’t he? Maybe Armand was genuinely trying to be polite. Maybe he just wanted to get to know Louis’ ‘good friend’. Maybe Daniel was being a suspicious asshole to a completely nice guy. He sighed, “To be honest, I’m just...feeling protective of Louis. I’ve known him a long time and I don’t want to see him get hurt.”

“Of course. I imagine it was not an easy decision to agree to a stranger staying at your home.” Armand’s voice was soft and understanding.

Daniel shrugged, “I know you guys hit it off in Paris, but most of your relationship has been online and over the phone. Don’t get me wrong, I know for kids like you online dating is the norm, but I’m old and it still feels a little weird to me.”

Armand chuckled and shook his head, “Honestly, it feels a little strange for me too. I’ve never done something so...bold and spontaneous before. But there’s just something so special about Louis. I had to at least try to find him again.”

Daniel nodded, murmured, “Yeah I get that.” He straightened up, “So what do you do for a living Armand? Louis mentioned something about being an artist?”

He shook his head, “Not exactly. I am more of a patron of the arts. I used to run a theatre, but now I focus more on the visual arts. I own a gallery in Paris, act as a consultant and appraiser for both rediscovered art pieces and new works, sponsor artists that I think have potential, that sort of thing.”

“Not as interested in the written word?”

“On the contrary, I am fascinated by the written word.” He looked thoughtful for a moment, “When I worked in the theatre, I would often take part in writing and editing scripts, and for a time I found great meaning in it all.” He sighed, “If I’m being perfectly honest, it wasn’t writing that drove me away from theatre, it was those I was collaborating with. It’s hard to appreciate writing when those you are writing for insist on performing variations of the same basic script over, and over, and over again for centuries on end.”

Daniel couldn’t help it. He laughed, “You’re what 25? 26? You talk like you’re an old man. When you get to my age, then you can start talking like you’ve been around for hundreds of years.”

Armand chuckled, “I suppose you have me there. Now, tell me about yourself. What do you do for a living?”

“I’m a journalist. Been in the field for years, though I’m mostly retired now. I still do some online courses, you know, teaching the future journalists of the world, but honestly, the field’s not what it used to be.” Did he sound crabby? He probably sounded crabby. In fairness, he was.

“Have you consider another form of writing? If you’ve lost your passion for journalism, perhaps it’s time for something new.” Armand’s voice was light, but there was something intense about the look in his eyes.

Daniel shrugged, “I’ve been thinking about writing a memoir. Well, another one. I did one a few years back but...I don’t know. I wasn’t really happy with it.”

Armand tilted his head. He looked like a curious little bird. For a weird moment, Daniel pictured himself as a worm being hunted. “Why weren’t you happy with it?”

“I don’t know,” he ran a hand through his hair, “I guess it just didn’t feel authentic.”

Armand nodded. His big, soulful eyes seemed both intense and understanding. “I should probably leave you to get some sleep.”

Why did he feel so tired all of a sudden? His head felt so heavy, and he was struggling to keep his eyes open. Vaguely he felt like he was moving. First in his wheelchair, then... and then he was floating.

Rest old friend.

Daniel obeyed.

*****

Despite himself, he was charmed. Armand looked down at the sleeping Daniel, having just finished removing his slippers and tucking him into bed. The old man was irritable, guarded, and a little condescending, but Armand knew much of it came from a place of insecurity and wariness, which Armand could hardly blame him for. After all, Daniel did have genuine reason to not trust him, he just didn’t understand why . Still, the vampire found he liked the old man far too much to contemplate harming him.

He was, of course, tempted to take a little drink from him, as he had with Louis. However, while sitting with Daniel in the kitchen, Armand came to realize something he hadn’t before- Daniel was ill.

From what he could piece together from the old man’s mind, his illness was in its early stages. Armand heavily suspected that Daniel had not yet informed Louis, and his recent accident made him feel even more vulnerable and frail compared to his young lover. In all Armand’s long and twisted life, he very rarely felt sympathy, yet something about Daniel tugged at his heart. Made him reach out his hand to smooth back his grey curls and kiss his forehead.

Armand quietly left the bedroom and went to the balcony. Both Louis and Daniel would sleep now for at least a few hours, giving Armand a chance to do some hunting. Armand jumped over the railing and gracefully landed on the street, too fast and too silent for mortals to notice what he had done.

He headed towards the sleazier parts of town.

*****

“I am surprised to see you out tonight. I thought for certain you would spend the night wrapped around your dearest treasure,” Lestat watched as Armand continued to drain the life out of a handsome young man that had made the colossally foolish mistake of trying to sell drugs to a vampire.

Armand finally pulled away from the corpse, “I intend to go back, as soon as I dispose of my friend here.”

Lestat sighed melodramatically, “Sometimes I think all that holds our relationship together is the disposing of bodies.”

Armand rolled his eyes, and Lestat couldn’t help but laugh. The older vampire smirked, “If it makes you feel any better, I didn’t ask you to come along.”

The blond pouted, “You wound me, mon petit demon.”

“Do not call me ‘petit’. I’m as tall as you,” Armand scowled at him. He threw the corpse over his shoulder and began walking deeper into the twisted alleyways, away from the main streets.

Grinning, Lestat couldn’t resist teasing him further, “You are tall, yes, but you are built like a bird. Like one of those willowy ladies they have walk around in front of an audience showing off the latest fashions.”

Lestat was walking behind Armand, but he could still picture the annoyed expression on his face. “I doubt you would see a fashion model hefting a 200lb man around a dark alley looking for a dumpster, you golden brat.”

“To your left,” Lestat sweetly offered, “And he is at most 170lbs.”

Armand turned and found the dumpster Lestat had referred to. He opened the lid, tossed the corpse in, then pulled out a lighter. Thankfully, there was quite a bit of cardboard in the dumpster for him to light and use as kindling. Soon the fire took hold and the air was filled with the scent of roasting meat. Lestat waited patiently, if somewhat disappointed that Armand didn’t respond to his latest jab.

After watching the fire grow for a few more moments, Armand finally responded, “What is it that you want tonight, Lestat? You must realize I’m not going home with you.”

Admittedly, that stung a little, but Lestat had expected it, “I simply want to know when I will be getting my invitation.”

Armand frowned, “Invitation to what?”

Surely Armand was not truly this naïve. “Invitation to join you and Louis for a ménage à trois, of course.” Lestat replied patiently.

Instead of reacting with annoyance, as Lestat had expected, a slow, mischievous smile curled the corners of Armand’s lips. He began to saunter slowly towards Lestat, a rather mesmerizing sway to his hips. “What makes you think it will be a threesome?”

That...stopped Lestat’s thoughts for a moment. Was Armand saying Lestat would only be invited to look but not touch? Impossible! How could Lestat be expected to watch such beauties as Armand and Louis in coitus without touching? Armand simply continued to stare, smirk still firmly in place. Wait, no. It was something else. The number. Not a threesome. More?

Understanding dawned on him, “Est-ce que tu baises le vieil homme?”

Armand chuckled, “Not yet. But I am certainly considering it.” He paused, looking suddenly contemplative. “In a way, I think it makes sense. Sweet Louis is my bright, youthful spring. Wise Daniel is my cool, silvery winter.” Armand cupped Lestat’s strong jaw, “And you, first in my heart, my fierce, golden summer.”

Lestat should have been offended. The idea that he was only one of three loves in the older vampire’s heart...yet Armand also said he was first. That implied...it implied power over the other two. Did it not? Lestat’s voice was husky, “How can we be your seasons, if you do not allow us to meet? How can I be first when I am unknown to the others?”

Armand’s hand slid up his jaw to the back of his head. He firmly gripped Lestat’s hair and yanked his head back. Lestat gasped, a bolt of arousal shooting from the sharp pain in his scalp to his groin. Armand tsked in his ear, “My poor impatient summer. So desperate for attention. Do you need a little taste to get you through the cold, lonely night?”

Lestat groaned, “Yessss.”

Armand released him, and Lestat watched as he pulled his own collar open, tilting his head to the side to reveal his long, elegant brown neck. “Then come, mon garcon impatient . Come have a taste.”

Lunging forward, Lestat wrapped Armand in his arms, gripping him tight as he sank his fangs into that gorgeous neck. Ambrosia on his tongue and a sweet moan in his ears.

Lestat could be patient for this.

Chapter 14

Chapter Text

Louis was very glad he didn’t have a typical 9-5 job because he just woke up and it was almost noon on a Tuesday. Still, the temptation to stay in bed was nearly overwhelming. Armand’s deceptively slender but powerful arms were wrapped around him, his body pressed firmly to Louis’ back. Louis carefully slipped out of Armand’s hold, not wanting to wake his sleeping lover. Once free, he looked down at the beautiful man in wonder. Exhausted and jet lagged as he must have been, Armand looked peaceful in his slumber. Gently, so as not to wake him, Louis traced his fingertips across his forehead, down his cheek, ghosted over his lips...

For a split second, Louis thought he felt no breath there. Before he could panic, Armand grumbled softly and nuzzled against Louis’ hand. He sighed in relief. Armand was just deeply asleep, and Louis should give him his rest.

Carefully rising from the bed, Louis stretched his aching body. Truthfully, given how intense and almost... rough their lovemaking had gotten, Louis didn’t feel as bad as he probably could have. Sure, he still felt exhausted even after sleeping in so late, but he wasn’t all that sore. A shower would help ease away the rest of his aches and pains.

Louis turned on the shower, stepping in when it was nice and hot. For a moment he just enjoyed the water pressure on his sore muscles, then he lathered up, and began scrubbing himself clean. As much as he wanted to stay in the soothing hot water, he needed to brush his teeth and finish up in the washroom. Usually he would already be making Daniel’s lunch at this time.

After he was done, he stepped back into the bedroom. Armand still appeared deeply asleep. Poor guy, Louis almost felt a little guilty, he was clearly really worn out. His lips twitched, then again, it was Armand who had set the pace...and dear God what a pace it was.

Louis shook his head. It was far too easy to be swept away by memories of last night. He needed to focus. He needed to get dressed and check on his Danny.

Dressing quickly in jeans and a plain black golf shirt, Louis headed to the office. The door was closed, so he knocked softly.

“Come in.”

Louis opened the door and smiled at the sight of Daniel typing away at their desk. The office wasn’t big enough for two desks, so they took turns with the one. If they both had to work at the same time, Louis would usually take his laptop to the kitchen table.

“Hey Danny, you hungry? I was gonna make some lunch.”

Daniel looked up at him then quickly looked down at his laptop, “No, you and Armand should get as much time together as you can.”

“Armand’s still sleeping, but even if he wasn’t, I’d want you to join us,” Louis sat at the edge of Daniel’s desk, “I want you to get to know him. You know your opinion means the world to me.”

Daniel swallowed, cleared his throat, “Well, actually I met him last night.”

“Oh?” Louis was too surprised to form an actual question.

The older man leaned back in his chair and looked up at him. “Yeah. I couldn’t sleep last night, so I went to the kitchen to grab a drink- a non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drink so don’t start with me- and he came in.”

Louis looked down at the floor, feeling a hint of apprehension, “What did you think of him?”

“First impressions?” Daniel smirked, “He’s disgustingly good-looking. I mean, it is an honest to God tragedy that the two of you can’t have kids because they would be the most beautiful people ever.”

Louis laughed, “Oh f*ck off, be serious!”

Daniel raised his hands but the sly smile on his lips ruined the ‘innocent me’ gesture, “I am being serious. Imagine- I’m rooting through the fridge in faded pajama pants and an even more faded Led Zepplin t-shirt- “

“Vintage clothes are in style!” Louis cut him off with a grin.

Daniel pointed at him faux sternly, “Don’t interrupt me while I’m gearing up a rant. Anyways, here I am, looking like a homeless man who wandered into your kitchen, head in the fridge, when, without any warning, I hear someone cough right behind me. Nearly dropped my drink and narrowly avoided a heart attack. I turn, and there in the doorway, is what appears to be a GQ underwear model. Nothing on but boxer shorts, a half done up dress shirt, and artfully tussled hair. Worse still, he politely asks me to join him for a chat, where he proceeds to be utterly charming and genuine.”

By the end of the rant Louis was grinning, “So you like him?”

Daniel groaned, “Yes, damnit, I like him.”

*****

Santiago sat in the theatre’s office- rather haphazardly put back together after Armand’s temper tantrum and subsequent abandonment of his devoted coven- and stared down at the piles of paperwork in front of him. A frustrating amount of the paperwork was money related: utility bills, maintenance bills, insurance bills, etc. etc. etc. It was as though the building itself reflected the coven that lived within it, falling apart without Armand’s indomitable will to hold everything together.

How long had it been since he’d left them? A couple months perhaps. The wounds left by his departure were still raw, ragged, festering within each vampire who lived at the theatre like maggots on a carcass. Is it any wonder that the coven’s latest show was not doing well? Ticket sales had never been so low. Even during times of war, of poverty and food scarcity, mortals had flocked to the theatre. Not so now. Even they seemed to sense that something vital was missing.

Armand, Armand, Armand

How Santiago both cursed and loved that name!

He growled and crumpled the papers beneath his hand. Perhaps that was the most frustrating thing about this whole sordid affair- Santiago’s hatred for Armand was still eclipsed by his love for him.

When Armand left, it was clear he believed that Santiago had grown to hate him, had grown jealous of his powers and position in the coven. A few of the other vampires seemed to believe this too, and thus blamed Santiago for Armand’s departure. Delphine, in particular, seemed to sew dissent against Santiago’s authority among the others, whispering poison about his thirst for leadership of the coven. The foolish woman even suspected him of plotting Armand’s murder!

Thankfully, most of the other vampires were not so incredibly stupid. It helped that Santiago had bluntly pointed out that had Armand truly suspected him of plotting a coup, he would’ve simply executed Santiago and been done with it. No. It was clear to anyone with an actual brain that Armand had not been driven out of the coven. He had wanted to leave them.

Santiago glared bitterly down at the desk. For all that Armand was aloof and cold towards his fellow vampires, he was still the spirit of the theatre. The one they all instinctively turned to for guidance and inspiration, even if only to bask in his beauty and power. More importantly, he was the brains behind the actual day to day running of the theatre and he hadn’t bothered to leave a manual for Santiago to follow.

A knock at his office door pulled him from his bitter thoughts. “What do you want?” he growled.

Felix, one of the oldest members of the coven, and one of only a tiny handful who had been at the theatre longer than Santiago, opened the door. “There’s a man here who wishes to speak with you.” Felix leans forward, “He says he’s Armand’s lawyer.”

Santiago immediately stood up. This could be his chance. He smiled, forcing his voice to sound pleasant and friendly, “His lawyer? Do send him in!”

Felix nodded, then a moment later, he ushered a balding, rat-faced mortal into Santiago’s office.

Santiago offered his hand, “Good evening. I am Santiago. I run the Theatre des Vampires now that Armand has moved on.”

Rat Face took his hand and gave it a firm shake before sitting down in the chair across from Santiago’s desk. A little presumptuous, but Santiago was willing to overlook it. “My name is Arnold Pound. I’m Mr. Romanus’ lawyer. I’m here to discuss with you the theatre’s current fiscal struggles.”

Santiago sat in his own chair and raised an eyebrow, “Armand had not informed me that his lawyer would continue to be involved with the theatre. I was under the impression he had washed his hands of us.”

The lawyer smiled blandly, but his beady little eyes watched him carefully, “Technically he did. He informed me that he was no longer interested in the theatre and wanted to focus on his other, more profitable, business ventures.”

Santiago frowned. He knew Armand dabbled in art collecting, and had a gallery of his own, but he had assumed it was more of a hobby than an actual profitable business. “If that’s the case, why are you here?”

Rat Face shrugged, “I’ve been involved in this theatre for years, managing things behind the scenes, as you might say, and I’ve caught on to a few things.” He leaned forward, “For one, I’m well aware that the vampire thing is more than just an act.”

Santiago’s eyes narrowed, “Exactly what do you mean by that?”

The lawyer scoffed, “Six years ago, the police came to the theatre asking about a young woman that had gone missing, a woman that multiple people had confirmed seeing ‘murdered’ on your stage.” Those beady eyes were razor sharp, “Four years ago, the police came by again, this time about a young man whose severed head was found three blocks away from the theatre, mere weeks after ‘performing’ on your stage. Three years ago, the police came by yet again because a pyrotechnic special effect ‘went wrong’ onstage and killed the actor involved...the show continuing, supposedly because no one realized that something was wrong.” The lawyer spread his hands, “There was no way I could keep the police off your backs without figuring a few things out about the true nature of this place.”

Santiago dipped into his mind and confirmed that the man did indeed know that they were vampires and could not care less about their crimes. He was after profit. Santiago smirked, “If you truly believe we are capable of the horrible crimes you are insinuating, why come to us at all? Would it not be smarter to wash your hands of us now that Armand has given you an out?”

The rat-faced lawyer leaned forward, “Do you know what all those police visits lined up with? They came after nights where Mr. Romanus was not at the theatre.” He pointed at Santiago, “You’ve been without him for some two months now, you’re going to need a lawyer soon.”

Santiago couldn’t help but laugh. The audacity of this mortal! “You said yourself the theatre was struggling financially, what makes you think we’d hire a pricey lawyer when our roof is about to cave in on us?”

The mortal tilted his head to the side, eying him for a moment, “The potential for great financial gain is well within your grasp. This theatre can once more achieve the prosperity of its glory days...if that’s what you want.” The lawyer’s beady eyes burned into Santiago’s own. A smirk twisted across his rat face, “But I don’t think that’s really what you want, is it?”

Santiago narrowed his eyes, “And what is it that you think I want?”

“I think you want to burn this place to the ground. I think you want to collect the millions of dollars in insurance money to start over. I think you want to use your newfound wealth and freedom to hunt down Armand, drag him back to you and put him on a leash.”

The image of beautiful Armand, weakened, naked, collared, and leashed, sent a thrill up Santiago’s spine. “Do you know where he is?”

The lawyer nodded, “He’s in America. New Orleans. Fell in love with a handsome young poet and chased him across the ocean.” He leered, “If you play your cards right, you could have two beautiful men on their knees for you.”

Santiago licked his lips, “Alright Mr. Pound. Consider yourself hired.”

Chapter 15

Chapter Text

“Should I wake him?”

“Yeah. Dump a glass of ice water on him.”

“Be serious, Danny.”

“I am being serious. It’s three in the afternoon. He can’t sleep through his whole vacation.”

“No water on me,” Armand grumbled. “I’m awake.” He slowly blinked his eyes open. He’d slept with his contacts in and now they felt dry and gritty. It was important to resist the urge to rub them. That would make the itchiness worse.

His hands rose up and started rubbing his eyes anyway.

From the doorway he heard a soft chuckle, “Oh my God, look at you.” Armand lowered his hands and squinted in Louis’ direction. Louis smiled brightly at him, “Hair sticking up everywhere, barely open eyes, rumpled shirt- you look like a grumpy cat.”

Armand frowned, “Cats don’t wear shirts.”

Louis laughed, shaking his head. He entered the room and sat next to Armand on the bed. “How you feelin’?”

Damn stupid itchy contacts. The vampire scrunched his eyes closed, then tried blinking one eye at a time. Louis started laughing. “I take it you wear contacts?”

“They’re for seeing!” Had he given himself away so easily?

Louis pressed his lips together in a poorly disguised attempt not to smile, “Yup, they usually are.”

Right. “I’m not a morning person.”

Louis patted him on the back, “Lucky for you it’s three in the afternoon.”

“It’s morning somewhere.”

Louis laughed, his whole face lighting up, his nose scrunching and his eyes glittering, “When did you get so cute? Last night you were some kinda sex demon but now you’re a sleepy baby.”

Armand winced and looked down at his lap. He had lost control last night and been far too rough with Louis. Thankfully he had held his vampiric strength in check, but that didn’t mean Louis hadn’t been hurt. “I apologize for being rough last night. I let my desires blind me to your needs.”

Louis sighed, “To be honest, it’s all a little fuzzy to me, but I have to admit I was a little sore when I woke up.”

The vampire slumped his shoulders. He’d hurt Louis. “I’m so sorry. I swear, I’ll be gentler next time.”

Louis leaned forward and kissed Armand’s cheek, “Of course you will be.” The beautiful man then pressed his lips to the vampire’s ear. “Cause next time, you’ll be the one bottoming.”

Armand shivered. It had been a very long time since he had allowed anyone to be intimate with him in such a way. Normally, he played the part of aloof Coven Master, always in control of every situation he found himself in....but as Louis’ warm lips left a gentle trail of slow, sucking kisses down his neck to his collarbone, he felt a long-buried urge to relinquish control to another. A moan slipped past his lips and his head rolled back as Louis sucked hard over the pulse in his neck. Handing control over to Louis suddenly seemed like a very good idea....

But Armand had hurt him last night. What if this gentle seduction was a ruse? An attempt to make him vulnerable to revenge?

“Do you want to punish me?” Armand asked softly. “Do you want a chance for revenge?”

Louis immediately pulled away from him, eyes wide. He studied Armand’s face for a moment, then his expression crumpled with concern, “You’re serious, aren’t you?”

“You said I hurt you. It’s only fair you get a chance to hurt me in return.” Armand tilted his head in confusion. He’d meant his words as a comfort, yet Louis looked even more distressed. Armand reached forward and carefully took Louis’ hand. “It’s alright. I wouldn’t hold it against you. I went too far. The fault is entirely mine.”

Louis was looking down at their joined hands, “Were you trying to hurt me?”

“No,” Armand was confused by the direction of this conversation, but he was at least certain of that. “I just thought...” He frowned, bit his lip, started again, “I guess it’s just what I’m used to.”

Louis finally looked up, and there was something in his eyes, some emotion, that compelled Armand to look away from them. When Louis spoke, his voice was very soft, “I don’t wanna hurt you, Armand. You said you weren’t trying to hurt me, and I believe you.” With his free hand, the mortal reached out and gently stroked the side of Armand’s face. The vampire closed his eyes. “So let’s move on cher,” Louis’ soft voice continued, “Let’s try being gentle with each other.” He raised Armand’s hand to his lips and kissed the back of it. “Let’s be soft and sweet.” Louis’ eyes met Armand’s and he leaned forward until their lips were a hair’s breadth away, “Let’s make each other feel good. How’s that sound?”

Words stuck in his throat, though he tried to compel his lips to move. He managed to nod, a miniscule gesture. Louis smiled gently, gave his hand a squeeze. Then they were pressing lips together...soft and oh so sweet.

The perfect kiss. Louis’ mouth was warm, his lips pillowy soft, his tongue gentle and welcoming. Strong, slender arms wrapped around him, pulling him close, even as he found his own arms rising and wrapping around his dear poet. Soft hums and sweet moans slipped from both their lips. Time seemed to move slow and sweet as honey.

Armand felt a pang of disappoint when he felt Louis pull away. He blinked his eyes open, only to scrunch them closed again. The damnable contacts were itching again. He growled and raised his hands to start rubbing at the cursed things.

Gentle hands took his wrists to stop him. Louis’ voice sounded amused once more, “Ah ah ah, you don’t wanna do that. Rubbing them ain’t good for your eyes. You go freshen up, rinse those contacts off and then we can start planning the evening ahead. Sound good?”

Truthfully, Armand rather liked the feel of Louis holding his wrists and was rather loathe for him to let go. Still, Louis was right, and his contacts were driving him crazy, so he would acquiesce this time. “I suppose you’re right.” Louis let him go and Armand stood, “I won’t be long.”

As he reached the doorway to the washroom, Armand realized how easily he had relinquished his hard-earned control to Louis’ tender wisdom.

*****

Armand sat on the couch in Louis’ living room, a cup of plain black coffee in front of him. All coffee tasted the same to him, so he didn’t bother asking for anything in it. Louis had sweetly made him a sandwich as well, and he did his best to pretend he was enjoying it. They were discussing potential evening plans.

“Is there an art museum we could visit?” Armand asked after finishing another sip of his coffee. He enjoyed the heat of it, if not the taste.

“The New Orleans Museum of Art is a must for your visit, but not today,” Louis’ lips curled in a sly smile, “Someone slept in until three in the afternoon, and the museum closes at five.”

Armand sniffed, “What a ridiculously early time for a museum to close. How is anyone supposed to visit after work?”

Daniel, who was sitting in his wheeled chair at the dining table working on a puzzle, spoke dryly, “Your art gallery opened all night?”

“Not all night, no. It is open from noon to 10pm Tuesday to Sunday. Which are the perfect hours for a museum or gallery to be open. People can go on their lunch breaks or after work.”

“What about Mondays?” Daniel had finally looked away from his puzzle and at Armand.

“Monday is the slowest day of the week, so it makes more sense to keep it closed to the public while we do inventory and maintenance.” Armand was a little baffled by Daniel’s seeming interest in his gallery’s hours, though the vampire suspected it was some kind of test.

The older man had a strange smile on his lips, “Makes sense. Unfortunately, we’re in New Orleans and the museum of art closes at five. So what are you going to do instead?”

“Sutton Galleries are open until 9:00. We can visit there once we’re finished lunch,” Louis smiled at Armand, “You’ll like it. Really wide variety of artists and styles. I can introduce you to a few of my favourites.”

Armand raised his eyebrows. The apartment had some art on the walls, but not as much as he would’ve expected from someone who loved the arts as much as Louis did. “Do you have any by your favourite artists here?”

Louis laughed, “I don’t know how much you think poets make, but it’s not ‘buy original artworks’ money.”

“Well when we’re at the gallery, let me know if something catches your eye. Money is no object to me,” Armand offered casually.

Eyes wide, Louis shook his head, “Oh no, no, that’s OK. I just thought you’d like to look around the gallery. I’m not...I mean, I wasn’t...” He glanced over at Daniel for support.

Daniel smirked, “What he’s trying to say is that he wasn’t fishing for gifts. He was just joking around.”

Armand glanced between them, then shrugged his shoulders, “The offer still stands. Now, let’s finish lunch so we have plenty of time to explore the gallery. Daniel, I’m assuming you will be joining us?”

Daniel looked up in surprise, “I...uh. I thought you guys would want some alone time?”

“You are Louis’ good friend, as such, I would like to get to know you too.” He looked to Louis, “If you are amenable, of course.”

Armand was rewarded with a brilliant smile from Louis. “That’d be great! It’s a chance for us all to get to know each other better.”

“Excellent. Then it’s settled,” Armand looked between the two men, satisfied that his plans were so perfectly coming together.

*****

The painting was a perfect balance of bold colours and soft lines. A misty, dreamy forest that Louis felt he could get pulled into. Beside him, Armand too seemed spellbound.

Until his phone buzzed for what felt like the 50th time.

Honestly, Louis found he couldn’t be annoyed at Armand, for the simple fact that Armand himself seemed far more frustrated. It was getting to the point that it was kind of funny.

He smirked a little, “You know, I won’t be offended if you answer that. Whoever’s calling you clearly thinks it’s urgent.”

Armand huffed, “I told him I was busy. He should take the hint.”

Louis couldn’t help his curiosity. He had never really heard Armand talk about friends or family, but his tone of voice suggested it wasn’t someone he knew from work. The annoyance was balanced with a hint of affection. He blurted out, “Who is it?”

The beautiful Parisian let out a long-suffering sigh, “A friend of mine. He moved to America years ago, but I had no idea that he lived in New Orleans until I mentioned I would be visiting you here.”

Louis’ eyebrows rose, “You have a friend in New Orleans? You should invite him to join us!”

Armand looked...doubtful, “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

“Why not? I brought Daniel, only fair you get to bring one of your friends.”

“Daniel is different-“ Armand started but was cut off by the man in question.

“And why am I different?” Daniel’s voice held an edge to it. Louis tried not to wince. He desperately wanted Daniel and Armand to get along.

“You are a witty, clever delight to be around,” Armand replied smoothly, “Lestat is the prince of brats.”

Louis chuckled, then laughed outright at the startled look on Daniel’s face, “See, Danny? I’m not the only one that thinks you’re a delight! Armand sees it too.”

To Louis’ further delight, Daniel started blushing. He crossed his arms and huffed to hide his reaction, but from the sneaky smile Armand gave Louis, the other man had noticed it too.

Daniel was rescued from further embarrassment by Armand’s phone buzzing yet again. He finally answered it, “Usually if someone doesn’t answer the phone after it continues to ring, it’s because they are busy.”

There was a pause as Armand listened to the other person speak. He scowled, “No. My answering now does NOT mean I am no longer busy. It means you have annoyed me beyond endurance.”

Louis glanced at Daniel and they both snickered at Armand’s clear annoyance.

“Well, luckily for you, Louis and Daniel have agreed to you joining us for the evening.” Another pause and Armand rolled his eyes, “Yes, yes. We’re at the Sutton Art Gallery. Do you know where- no I haven’t forgotten you live here. Of course. Of course. You know this city like the back of your hand. Right. Well excuse me- I’m hanging up now.”

Armand slipped his phone back into his pocket, his face a mask of irritation. Louis couldn’t help laughing. The handsome man looked up at him, “What’s so funny?”

“I can tell you guys are good friends because you talk like you can barely stand each other.” Louis teased.

“You and Daniel manage to be good friends without annoying each other,” Armand pointed out.

Daniel let out a sharp laugh, “We’re on our best behaviour because you’re our guest.”

Armand stared down at Daniel with stone cold seriousness, “There is no way. Absolutely no way, that you or Louis could annoy one another the way Lestat annoys me. It is impossible.”

Louis couldn’t stop laughing, the combination of Armand’s intense seriousness with his ridiculous words were too funny. “To be honest, I can’t wait to meet this guy!”

It turned out Louis didn’t have to wait long at all. Barely ten minutes had gone by before a boisterous voice cut through the quiet ambiance of the gallery, “Armand! There you are!”

The voice belonged to a tall, blond, Adonis of a man. Several gallery patrons shot the newcomer annoyed looks, but he didn’t seem to notice at all. He strode past them with a confident swagger, focused only on their little group. Without a hint of hesitation, he grabbed Armand by the shoulders and pressed a firm kiss on each of his cheeks. “Bon soir, Armand. It is so good to see you!”

Armand scowled, “Lestat-“

But before Armand could finish, Lestat had turned, grabbed Louis by the shoulders and pressed his lips to each of Louis’ cheeks too. The blond pulled back, hands still firmly gripping Louis’ shoulders, and smiled, “Enchante! You must be Louis. Armand has told me so much about you.” He looked Louis up and down before glancing over his shoulder at a quietly fuming Armand, “Truly your description did not do his beauty justice.” Lestat’s admiring gaze returned to Louis, and he found he could not meet the man’s intense, hungry blue gaze.

“I’m Daniel by the way,” the older man interrupted dryly. The look on his face made it clear he was not impressed by Lestat’s antics.

Lestat at least had the good grace to look a bit chastised, “My apologies.” He took Daniel’s hand and shook it firmly, “It is good to me you, Daniel.”

Daniel smirked, “Likewise, I’m sure.”

There was a slight pause before Lestat leaned forward, still holding Daniel’s hand. His voice was soft and conspiratorial, “Disappointed I did not greet you with a kiss as well? Forgive me.”

He turned his head to kiss Daniel’s cheek, but the older man pulled away. “Save the antics for the youngsters, sweetheart.”

The blond looked startled for a moment then laughed brightly, “Oh you’re fun!” He turned to Armand, clapping his hands together, “I think we’re all going to be great friends!”