Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Louis drove back home. His encounter with Rashid had left him feeling lighter and refreshed. Yet as he drove back home, his heart began to feel heavy knowing he was going back to Lestat, the man he loved deeply but was undeserving of his love. 

Louis walked in, arms weighed down with shopping bags Tom Anderson got him from the boutique. He was later than usual, deliberately ignoring Lestat’s texts all day. His phone buzzed again as he fumbled with the keys, but he didn’t bother checking. He already knew the mood waiting for him at home.

Once inside, he nudged the door shut with his foot, balancing the bags awkwardly as he made his way to their bedroom. He didn’t need to see Lestat to know he was there; Louis could sense him. 

Setting the bags on the bed, Louis began unloading them, deliberately slow, as if the task could delay the inevitable confrontation. Somewhere in the house, Lestat was waiting. And he was sure, waiting furiously.

Like clockwork, Lestat entered the room, his movements graceful but his expression stormy. His voice was firm, laced with disapproval. “Louis,” he began, the edge in his tone impossible to miss. “Why did you ignore my messages all day?”

Louis’s grip tightened on the shopping bags, his knuckles white against the straps as he fought the surge of irritation rising within him. The memory of Lestat’s careless slip—calling someone else baby after their intimate moment—still churned in his mind, fueling his simmering anger.

“Sorry, love,” Louis said, his tone clipped and insincere. “I was busy all day.”

Lestat’s gaze dropped to the bags in Louis’s hands. “Did you go shopping?” he asked, his brows furrowing slightly.

“I visited Lily at work,” Louis replied, deliberately avoiding the directness of Lestat’s question.

“That doesn’t answer my question, Louis,” Lestat pressed, stepping closer.

Louis finally relented. “I got them at her boutique,” he said, his voice devoid of warmth, daring Lestat to press further.

“You got all these? So unlike you,” Lestat remarked. And he wasn’t wrong. Louis had always disliked excessive spending, often turning down Lestat’s attempts to spoil him unless it was for practical things, never frivolous, never indulgent.

Louis merely shrugged, his expression carefully neutral, refusing to rise to the bait.

Lestat stepped closer, his gaze softening, his voice lowering into something vulnerable. “Why are you being so distant mon cher? I missed you.”

The sincerity in his voice was disarming, cutting through Louis’s defenses like it always did. For a moment, Louis felt the old, familiar pull—the urge to believe in Lestat’s charm, to fall into his orbit again. But then he remembered.

Baby.

That word, so carelessly uttered, spoken to Antoinette over the phone just last night. The bitterness churned in his chest, stinging like fresh betrayal. And the possibility that Lestat had been with her today twisted the knife further.

But Louis had his own secrets. He thought of Rashid, the way he’d worshipped Louis’s body, looking at him with devotion, pleasuring him. That encounter had momentarily leveled the imbalance, leaving Louis feeling empowered, though not quite absolved. It wasn’t even. Not yet.

“I’m sorry, my love,” Louis said at last, his voice quiet but distant, his gaze fixed on the floor. “I’m just… a bit tired.”

“Take tomorrow off. Let us spend the day together, mon cher ,” Lestat suggested, his voice soft with longing. “It has been far too long since we’ve enjoyed each other’s company properly.”

Louis exhaled, his grip tightening momentarily around the edge of the counter. Once upon a time, an invitation like that would have thrilled him, he had always cherished their time together. But now, the idea felt like another weight to carry.

“Lestat, I can’t just take tomorrow off,” Louis replied, his tone edged with weariness. “I have work.”

Lestat groaned, a petulant sound that grated on Louis’s nerves. “ Toujours work! It is always work with you,” Lestat said, throwing his hands up in frustration, as if the world had wronged him.

Louis’s patience, already threadbare, snapped. “Don’t start,” he muttered as he turned to walk away. But Lestat, relentless as ever, followed close behind.

“I am sorry, mon cœur, ” Lestat said, his tone softening, earnestness bleeding through his words. “I do not mean to be… needy, but I miss you more than I can bear.”

That gave Louis pause. He hadn’t expected Lestat to sound so genuine, so disarming. His steps faltered as he half-turned toward his fiancé.

“I want to spend as much time with you as I can,” Lestat continued, his gaze searching Louis’s face. “And I was thinking…”

“What?” Louis asked, his brow furrowing.

“Our wedding,” Lestat said simply. Louis froze. Of course, they were engaged and it wasn’t unusual to talk about their wedding. Yet, they rarely did. Early on, Lestat had insisted on handling everything, mentioning once that he wanted a grand Christmas wedding in December. December was still months away, so why was he bringing it up now?

Was he canceling it? Louis’s chest tightened at the thought, a reaction that surprised him more than he cared to admit.

“What about it?” Louis asked cautiously.

“I don’t think I can wait any longer,” Lestat replied, his gaze unwavering.

Louis’s eyes widened in surprise.

“I want to marry you now,” Lestat continued, the words spilling out with fervor. “I want to call you my husband. I want to wear your ring and see mine on your finger. I want us to be bound forever, mon amour. ”

“What are you saying, Lestat?” Louis whispered.

“Let’s get married this weekend,” Lestat said, his voice alight with excitement. “I’ve arranged everything. You don’t have to do a thing—just say yes and show up. I’ve got our suits, the rings, the venue. Your family already knows—”

“What the fuck ?” Louis interrupted sharply, his voice slicing through Lestat’s enthusiasm. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”

Lestat blinked, clearly taken aback, as if he’d just been struck. His face twisted into a mixture of confusion and hurt. “Not the reaction I was expecting,” he murmured, his voice barely audible.

“Oh, you were expecting me to be happy? To jump for joy because I’m so lucky to be marrying you?” Louis’s voice was sharp, tinged with the bitterness of buried insecurities. His chest tightened as he remembered his mother’s words—how he should feel grateful. He couldn’t shake the thought that maybe, deep down, Lestat felt the same.

“Louis,” Lestat said, his tone softening, “Where is this coming from? We’re engaged. The whole point of an engagement is to eventually get married.”

“You planned this behind my back!” Louis shot back.

Lestat’s jaw tightened. “You weren’t answering your messages,” he said, a touch defensive. “I had the idea today—after our wonderful night last night, when I thought we were on the same page!”

“We’re not on the same page!” Louis yelled, his frustration spilling over.

“Why not? What changed?” Lestat’s voice cracked, his desperation showing.

“I know you went to see Antoinette today,” Louis said, his tone quieter but no less venomous.

Lestat’s face paled, caught off guard by the accusation. “Louis,” he began, his voice low and deliberate, “I went to see Antoinette because I needed to end it. For good. I wanted you to know I was ready to be only yours.” His eyes met Louis’s, pleading. “I thought last night meant something to both of us.”

Louis laughed bitterly. “You ambushed me with a wedding I didn’t agree to. I need honesty and trust, not grand gestures. You always do this.”

“But this is me being honest!” Lestat said, his voice rising. “I don’t want to lose you, Louis. After last night, I know you don’t want to lose me either. I thought the wedding would show I’m serious.”

“You told my family behind my back! Do you ever think when you do these things?” Louis snapped, his anger laced with hurt.

Lestat flinched, visibly wounded. “I don’t know if I can trust you again,” Louis continued, his voice softening into something raw and vulnerable. “I’m always going to be thinking about her.”

“Louis,” Lestat said, his voice trembling, “you slept with others too, and I’m overlooking that.”

“That’s different,” Louis replied sharply, his words a dagger aimed straight at Lestat’s heart.

“How is it any different, Louis?” Lestat asked. “I know you slept with someone today. I can feel it. I’m using every ounce of my control to hold in my jealousy because I don’t want to scare you again.” His gaze flicked to the bags on the bed. “I know he bought you all of this. It hurts, especially after last night, when I thought we were finding our way back to each other. But I’m choosing to overlook it. Why can’t you do the same?”

“I would have never slept with any man if you hadn’t asked for an open relationship Lestat. Don’t try to make me a bad guy in this. You cheated on me. You were talking romantically with Antionette before you got my permission for the open relationship! You talk to her all the fucking time, sometimes it feels like you even love her. The opposite of me Lestat, how could we get married when I’m always gonna be thinking you’d rather have a white girl instead?”

“Louis,” Lestat’s voice softened, almost pleading, “that’s not true. I don’t want her. I wanted us , a chance to have what we used to. That’s what I’m offering by marrying you. I’ll cut off everyone else. I just want you.”

“You can’t always get what you want. This was your choice Lestat You were the one who couldn’t be satisfied with what we had . Call of the wedding.” Louis said. He felt bad, Lestat looked really hurt and all his instincts were screaming at him to comfort him. But he remembered last night, how he was culled to a false sense of security and he believed Lestat was being genuine only for Lestat to call Antionnette baby on the phone. He knew Lestat definitely had feelings for her, it was the only thing that made sense. So he swallowed his feelings, and hardened his heart. He needed Lestat to feel what he had made him feel. 

Lestat sighed, defeated, and gave a nod. “Whatever you want, mon cher,” he murmured, his words tinged with resignation. It was a quiet, broken acceptance that left both men standing in silence.

—

The next few days felt heavy and tense. Lestat barely left the house, his presence a constant shadow that hovered just out of reach. He seemed drained, spending most of his time in bed, quiet and withdrawn. Louis felt like Lestat was doing it on purpose to get his sympathy. And the worst part was, it was working. Louis felt the urge to comfort him, to reassure him, and he hated that. After everything, he shouldn’t feel responsible, but he did. He hated that Lestat was miserable. It made him miserable as well.

Then his mother called, screaming at him for canceling the impromptu wedding. And he felt less guilty about Lestat being miserable seeing as he caused the entire situation. 

In the meantime, he’d been exchanging messages with Tom Anderson here and there, with Tom persistently suggesting they meet up. Louis thought about it each time, but something held him back. With Lestat so visibly sad, meeting Tom felt off somehow, almost callous. So, he kept pushing it to another day, waiting for something in himself to shift.

At work, everything felt strangely normal. Louis found himself surprised by how smoothly things were running, as if nothing had changed between him and Rashid. Rashid remained utterly professional, showing no hint of anything beyond their usual work dynamic. But every now and then, Louis noticed Rashid’s gaze drifting, catching on his body a moment too long. He wondered if Rashid had always did that and he just hadn’t noticed before. 

After work, Louis decided to meet up with Daniel, it had been too long since they’d last caught up. Daniel had been out of town for a week for work, and now that he was back, Louis was excited at the thought of seeing him again. 

They decided to meet up at the park that wasn’t so far from work. Louis didn’t want Daniel to come to the gallery again, Rashid already knew his face and he didn’t want him to think they still had something going on. 

“Danny!” Louis greeted warmly, closing the distance to give Daniel a hug. He wrapped his arms around him, and Daniel hugged him back, holding him close, the embrace lingering with a warmth that felt too intimate for a friendship.

“Hello, Louis,” Daniel murmured with a soft voice. “I missed you.”

Louis pulled back slightly, looking at Daniel with a smile. “I missed you more.” And he meant it, realizing just how much he really did miss Daniel.

“That would be impossible,” Daniel chuckled. “So, what have you been up to without me?”

“A lot,” Louis sighed. He knew Daniel was an amazing listener, but he felt like he always burdened him with his relationship problems. “I feel like I always burden my relationship mess on you. Tell me about you instead, how was your trip?”

“I don’t mind, and you’re never a burden. But if you want a break from drama tonight, I get it. I missed you a lot on my trip.”

Louis laughed, feeling a blush creep up. “Well, did you meet anyone special?”

“Come on,” Daniel scoffed, “you know I can’t meet anyone half as special as you.” He said it with an ease that made Louis’s stomach flutter, but he quickly shook it off, covering his reaction with a chuckle.

“Oh, stop it, Danny.” He rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t quite hide his smile.

“Never.” Daniel’s tone was playful, but his gaze softened before he continued. “But seriously, work was solid. Interviewed a few people, went to this massive gallery event... I was just thinking while I was there how much more you’d have appreciated it. I’ll have to take you with me next time,”

Louis let himself drift for a moment, imagining how freeing it would feel to travel with Daniel, to leave behind his tangled life with Lestat. The idea of escaping the constant tension at home, of putting physical distance between himself and the endless cycle of guilt, insecurity and anger felt almost like relief. 

“Maybe next time,” He said. But the thought of traveling away from everything lingered in his head, tempting him.

Daniel’s eyes glimmered with hope. “Next time, huh? I’ll hold you to that.”

Louis chuckled softly, his own voice a bit lighter now. “Yeah, next time,” he repeated, almost as if he were promising himself too.

“I’ll pick someplace far away, where you won’t have a thing to worry about,” Daniel said, his voice full of promise.

Louis smiled, relaxing a bit. “I’d trust you to pick somewhere good.”

Daniel chuckled, his eyes sparkling. “Of course you would. I have impeccable taste.”

“I know,” Louis said softly, feeling the warmth in Daniel’s gaze.

“So…” Daniel leaned in, his tone light but with a hint of concern, “are you actually going to tell me what’s been going on? Or are we sticking to the surface level?”

Louis took a deep breath, feeling the weight of everything he’d held in. With Daniel, he could finally let go. He started from the beginning, laying it all out: the disastrous dinner, his mother’s angry reaction, and Lestat's flirtation with his cousin. Then he went into the more painful details, the night he'd felt close to Lestat, only for him to call Antoinette “baby” the very next morning.

As he spoke, he could feel Daniel listening intently, not judging or interrupting, just present. Louis shared how, in a moment of vulnerability, he’d ended up with Rashid—and though part of him wrestled with guilt, he admitted he didn’t regret it. When he saw Daniel’s expression shift slightly, maybe even a flash of jealousy, he almost paused. But he kept going, ending with how Lestat had ambushed him with a wedding plan and was now sulking around the house.

By the end, Louis was drained but felt a strange relief. Daniel’s silence stretched between them until he finally spoke.

“Leave him Louis,” Daniel said. “You deserve so much better, trust me. He’s constantly hurting you.”

Louis looked down, struggling with his response. “I-I can’t, Daniel. It’s not that simple. Despite everything… I still love him.”

“He doesn’t love you,” Daniel said, his tone soft but insistent. Louis looked at him, feeling the weight of each word settle heavily. His first instinct was to shake his head—because if there was one thing he was sure of, it was that Lestat did love him. Maybe he didn’t always respect him, but he loved him. Louis saw it in the way Lestat looked at him, in those rare, vulnerable moments when he dropped his guard. And despite everything, he still felt incredibly special to Lestat.

“Daniel,” Louis warned, his voice carrying a mixture of resistance and pleading.

“Even if he does love you,” Daniel continued gently, “it’s not the same way you love him. Look at you—you hold back with everyone else, saying you’d only sleep with them once, only giving yourself to him because deep down, you’re saving your heart just for him. And yet, he lets someone else have pieces of him. Someone who probably doesn’t love him like you do.”

Louis’s face fell, feeling the truth of it sink in deeper than he wanted to admit. It wasn’t just jealousy; it was the reality that he had been giving Lestat his all, while Lestat seemed willing to share his heart.

“You deserve better,” Daniel said, lifting Louis’s chin, his gaze steady and sincere. Louis met his eyes, feeling the sincerity there, the warmth he wasn’t sure he deserved.

But did he really deserve better? His mind drifted back to who he’d been before Lestat. Lost, shut off, painfully alone. Lestat had seen something in him no one else had, pulled him out of the darkness when no one else cared to try. How could he just walk away from that? From the one person who had seen through the shadows he hid in?

“I don’t,” Louis whispered, shaking his head, eyes downcast. “I don’t deserve better. He’s the only one who could ever love someone as messed up as me.”

“That’s not true, Louis,” Daniel replied gently, his voice soft but unwavering. 

Louis’s shoulders slumped as he looked down, holding onto that belief as if it was his last shield. “It is,” he insisted, voice barely above a whisper. “You don’t know… how I was before him.”

Daniel’s expression softened as he took in the words, reaching over to rest a hand on Louis’s shoulder. “Doesn’t matter,” he said, tone gentle but firm. “Louis, don’t stay with him because you think no one else would love you.”

“That’s not why I’m with him.”

Daniel took a steadying breath, a brief hesitation flickering in his eyes. “I love you, Louis.” He said it softly, almost like he didn’t want to disrupt the fragile balance between them.

Louis’s eyes widened as he stared at Daniel, momentarily speechless, processing what he’d just heard.

“You… you shouldn’t have said that,” he managed, his voice tight. Daniel looked wounded, but Louis pressed on, feeling frustration bubbling up. “Not now. Not when everything’s already so messed up. I thought you were my friend, Daniel. I needed a friend, not… this. You can’t just—just throw that out there when I’m barely holding it together.”

Daniel’s face fell, his gaze dropping to the floor as he took a step back. “You’re barely holding it together because you’re choosing to stay with him. It’s like… you’re punishing yourself by staying for some reason I can’t understand.” He took a deep breath, his voice cracking slightly. “I know this wasn’t the right time, and maybe it was selfish of me, but I’ve never just wanted to be friends with you, Louis. I wanted more. I could treat you better than he does, I know I could. I don’t want you to settle. And I thought maybe… you felt something that night too.”

Louis’s throat tightened, and he shook his head. “Daniel, I’m sorry. I-I can’t return your feelings. I’m sorry.”

Daniel gave a small, sad smile, his eyes distant. “Yeah… I know. I kind of expected that.” He looked down, clearing his throat as he tried to keep his voice steady. “I’m sorry for making things more complicated.”

A silence settled between them, thick with the weight of unspoken words, before Daniel gave a slight nod. “Take care of yourself, Louis.”

Daniel gave him a hug that felt like a goodbye. Louis watched him leave, and he wanted to call him back, but he didn’t know what he would say. He feels like he messed things up. He always closed his heart to the thought of falling in love with someone else, Daniel was right about that. He didn’t want to risk it. But now he couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like if he fell in love with Daniel. Would it turn out well?

Would he move into Daniel’s apartment after breaking up with Lestat? He imagined the life they could have. Mornings with coffee, Louis going to the gallery, would Daniel pout every morning like Lestat did when he told him he was going to work? Probably not, Daniel worked too and he would be even more busy. But he knew Daniel would make time for him, even in their short friendship Daniel always did. 

Daniel had a daughter too, he would be nervous about meeting her, Daniel assuring him that she’d love him but he would be anxious regardless. She would love him. And maybe a couple years later they’d have children of their own.

The fantasy felt… nice. But as nice as it felt, Louis knew it would never happen. Not when Lestat had such a huge hold over him. 

He would give Daniel space, as much as he needed. He just hoped they were still going to remain friends. 

—

Louis felt worse when he got home. His heart felt heavy. Lestat wasn’t there this time, and somehow, Louis missed him, even if all Lestat did was sulk. A wave of jealousy surged through him as he imagined Lestat with Antoinette.

He couldn’t shake the anger that followed. Here he was, rejecting someone like Daniel, who genuinely cared for him, while Lestat picked some random woman over him. The realization stung. And the worst part was that he couldn’t call Daniel to vent about it, not now.

Subconsciously, he found himself scrolling through his messages with Daniel, a small smile creeping onto his face as he noticed that most of them were from him. Daniel preferred to talk on the phone, so whenever Louis sent a message, Daniel would call instead. Just as he sighed, a notification popped up on his screen, pulling him out of his thoughts.

It was from Tom Anderson, and while that was not surprising, it could be a helpful distraction. He called him instead. 

“Hi Tom,” Louis said as Tom answered. 

Tom’s voice came through on the other end. “Louis,” he said, sounding genuinely pleased. “What a surprise. I was just thinking about how much I missed the sound of your voice.”

Louis let out a small laugh. “How are you Tom? At the store today?”

“No, but I could be if you’re there,” Tom replied, his tone warm and inviting. “Just got a shipment in from Rome, actually. I picked up a few things that would look absolutely incredible on you.”

“Oh, really?” Louis said, intrigued. Most of the items Tom got for him last time were still unused, but he found it interesting their dynamic of Tom always wanting to spoil him. “I’m at home now,” he added softly. “Feeling a bit… lonely.” The words left his lips in a tone laced with something more than just casual longing, surprising even himself.

Tom's warm chuckle came through the line, and Louis could almost see his self-assured grin. "Lonely, hmm?" Tom replied, his voice rich and playful. "Well, I think I can help with that."

Louis could feel his own pulse quicken slightly. He knew this was likely just a distraction, just a way to ease the ache of everything happening with Daniel and Lestat. And Lily had already given him permission, her knowing smile when she told him she didn’t mind if he entertained her boss. But still, was he really going to follow through?

"Yeah? And how would you help with that?"

"Just say the word, and I'll be there," Tom replied, his tone smooth, almost reverent. "A prince like you should never feel lonely."

Louis couldn't help but smile, indulging in the attention of someone he knew he didn’t care about, just to quiet the mess of his thoughts. It felt easy, even comforting, to lose himself in Tom’s smooth words.

"You can come," Louis said, typing out his address and sending it to Tom. He imagined Tom’s self-assured grin on the other end as he replied with a quick, "On my way."

A few minutes later, a message lit up his phone. Tom was outside.

Stepping out, Louis noted the gleaming Bentley that Tom had arrived in. He wasn’t crazy about cars—that was more Lestat’s domain—but the elegance of the Bentley drew him in immediately. He could tell it was pricey.

Louis smiled as he got in. “Hi.”

“Hello Louis,” Tom said. Louis was suddenly nervous, he had no idea why. Maybe it was because Tom was over twenty years older than him, or the events of today with Daniel. He also barely knew Tom and he was the oldest person he has been with.

“Thanks for coming on short notice,”

Tom’s lips curved slightly as he met Louis’s gaze, his expression one of genuine intrigue. “Of course. Anything for you,” he said, his tone as smooth as the leather seats. The way he looked at Louis was attentive.

Louis should ask where Tom was taking him too, he should be curious but he just felt like relaxing today and having decisions made for him. They drove on the bentley and they stopped somewhere.

As they pulled up to an upscale watch store, Tom glanced at Louis with a half-smile. "Mind if I pop in? Need to pick up a gift for a client."

Louis shook his head, feeling a bit of déjà vu. He’d been with Lestat long enough to see through these gestures, the casual displays of wealth meant to impress. But tonight, he welcomed the distraction.

Tom returned a few minutes later, slipping into the Bentley with two small bags. He handed one to Louis, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. "This is for you."

Louis opened it, a faint smile crossing his face when he saw the gleaming Rolex inside. "Thank you, Tom. You really didn’t have to."

Tom leaned closer, his gaze intent. "Louis, if you’d let me, I’d adorn you with every fine thing life has to offer."

The sincerity in Tom’s voice stirred something unexpected in Louis. It felt good to be desired so openly, with no pretense, no hidden agenda. "Thank you," he said softly, looking up into Tom’s steady gaze. "I appreciate it."

Louis paused, considering his next words before leaning just slightly closer. "But if I’m being honest... I’d rather you take me somewhere private."

Tom’s eyes widened in surprise, and Louis couldn’t help but feel a thrill at his own boldness. There was something freeing in the recklessness of it, an escape from his own tangled feelings.

Tom’s eyes sparkled with interest, his grin widening. “Yeah?” he murmured, clearly intrigued. “I know just the place. Passed a hotel on the way here.”

Louis nodded. “Let’s go check it out then,”

At once, the atmosphere in the car shifted. Louis could feel it, a change in the air that made his skin prickle. The man wasn’t even trying to mask it anymore; his lust was written all over his expression, in the way his eyes roved over Louis. 

As they walked through the hotel lobby, Louis felt a mix of anticipation and hesitation. Tom was charming in his own way, but this felt unlike anything he’d experienced. There was a power difference between, maybe from age or status but it was there. Tom was older, confident, and direct, different from the other men he had slept with, and that unspoken control both unnerved and attracted him.

In the elevator, Tom looked at Louis, eyes dark with intent. Louis held his gaze. When they finally entered the suite, Tom's assured manner made it clear he was no stranger to situations like this. He took off his coat, gesturing toward the plush seating. "You seem a bit tense," he observed, voice softer but no less compelling.

"I’m good." he replied with a half-smile, avoiding eye contact. He was a bit nervous.

“I’ll order some wine for us,” Tom offered, and Louis nodded, feeling the need for a bit of liquid courage to settle his nerves. As Tom placed the call, Louis watched him, unable to deny the strange attraction he felt for this older man. He almost reminded Louis of Lestat. He watched as Tom picked up the hotel phone, casually dialing for room service as though this were just another day for him. 

Louis couldn’t deny that Tom held a certain appeal, an allure he couldn’t quite pin down. Louis suspected that he might be the type of man to get what he wanted without much thought for others, he didn’t seem like a good person but at the moment, Louis didn’t care. 

Louis could feel his own conflicted attraction. He thought of his complex relationship with Lestat and wondered if this strange pull he felt was just another echo of what he had felt before when he first started seeing Lestat. He almost laughed at himself, perhaps it was just some unresolved issue, some craving for authority, a father figure or maybe he was just lonely. Whatever it was, tonight he’d let it guide him, at least for now.

“Make yourself comfortable,” Tom said, casually picking up the TV remote. He flicked through the channels until settling on a soap opera, the overdramatic dialogue filling the silence. As he unbuttoned the first few buttons of his shirt, exposing a hint of his gray chest hair, Louis felt his throat tighten.

Tom caught his gaze for a brief moment, his lips curving into a knowing smirk before he said, “I’ll go shower.” Without waiting for a response, he disappeared into the bathroom, the sound of running water breaking the growing tension in the room.

The knock on the door came as a welcome distraction. Room service. Louis thanked the staff, accepting the wine and setting the tray down. He poured himself a generous glass, noting the label—strong, twenty percent—and downed it quickly. His stomach grumbled, he hadn’t eaten all day, and the alcohol hit him fast.

The warmth spread through him, loosening the knots in his chest and dulling the weight of second thoughts. He stood, his fingers brushing over the buttons of his shirt as an idea crept into his hazy mind. Bolstered by the liquid courage, he shed his clothes one piece at a time, leaving them folded on the chair.

The bathroom door was slightly ajar, steam wafting through the opening. With a deep breath, Louis stepped inside.

“Louis?” Tom’s voice echoed softly through the steam-filled bathroom. He turned slightly under the stream of water, his graying hair slicked back, droplets trailing down his chest. His gaze met Louis.

“Expecting somebody else?” Louis grinned as he stepped in the water. “I figured we save water.”

Tom leaned back slightly, his gaze lingering on Louis, the faintest hint of surprise flickering in his eyes. “Well, that’s certainly an efficient way to save water,” he said, the words slow and warm, barely above a murmur as he let his eyes roam over Louis’s figure.

Louis played coy and innocent, washing off. He was here to forget—to stop thinking about Daniel and Lestat—but this scene, this dynamic, brought Daniel to the forefront of his mind. It reminded him too much of their time together. And he didn’t want to think about Daniel right now, didn’t want to confront the gnawing guilt of breaking his heart.

Louis walked out of the shower, expecting Tom to follow shortly after. He grabbed a towel, dried off, wearing a robe and made his way back to the couch. Picking up his wine, he took a few sips, letting the alcohol fuel his confidence. A few minutes later, Tom emerged, his presence filling the room as he moved to sit beside Louis. He poured himself a glass of wine, and they sat in silence, watching the content on the TV.

Gradually, Tom inched closer, the gap between them disappearing until their thighs brushed. Louis felt the subtle weight of Tom’s hand resting lightly on his thigh, the touch casual yet unmistakably deliberate.

Louis glanced at Tom, allowing himself to revel in the warmth of Tom's gaze as it drifted over his body, lingering with appreciation. He took another sip of wine, savoring the mix of heady relaxation and the intensity simmering between them. When Tom’s hand settled firmly on Louis’s thigh, Louis responded by moving a little closer, letting the tension build.

Tom leaned in, his hand tracing light patterns on Louis’s skin before sliding his fingers beneath the fabric of the robe. Louis’s breath quickened as he relaxed further into the couch, feeling the thrill of surrender. Tom’s gaze met his, a silent question lingering there.

“You have such a gorgeous body,” Tom murmured, his voice a mix of reverence and hunger, his touch growing bolder.

Louis felt heat rise in his cheeks as he leaned back, his robe falling open as he surrendered to the moment. Tom’s gaze sharpened. He reached out, grasping the edge of Louis's robe and parting it further.

“Get on the bed,” Tom said, his voice low, steady. Louis felt a thrill shoot through him as he obeyed, moving to the bed with anticipation.

Once Louis was settled, Tom took his time, positioning himself in a chair opposite, his robe casually falling open. Louis noted the sight, and a small, mischievous smile tugged at his lips; Lily would be hearing about this. Tom, certainly not three inches, sat back, watching Louis with a smoldering patience.

“Touch yourself for me,” Tom instructed, his voice softened by desire.

Louis's heart raced. “You gonna join me?” he asked, his tone playful but wanting.

Tom's lips curled. “I want to watch first,” he murmured, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes.

Louis's hand moved slowly, savoring the tension in the room. He felt Tom’s unwavering gaze on him, heightening every sensation as he let himself be taken by the heady mix of indulgence and desire.

Louis lay back, letting his robe slide completely off as he stretched out like a cat, putting himself on full display. He moved slowly, knowing Tom's eyes were on him, savoring the attention and letting the thrill of the moment build. He spat onto his fingers, wrapping his hand around himself and stroking slowly, deliberately, his eyes closing as he sank into the feeling.

But then, an unexpected flicker—a brush of another presence. Louis’s heart skipped as he opened his eyes, half-expecting Tom. Instead, he saw him again: Lestat, his face so vividly present, watching him with that familiar intensity. Louis’s heart pounded. Not again.

He blinked hard, forcing himself back to reality. The vision vanished, and Louis exhaled, willing himself to stay focused on the man in front of him. Tom hadn’t noticed his lapse and was already moving closer, his touch warm as he traced his hand across Louis’s chest, his eyes meeting Louis’s with genuine desire.

“Need a hand?” Tom asked, his voice gentle but laced with suggestion.

Louis nodded, eager to keep himself in the present. Tom’s lips met his, slow and thorough, grounding him with every touch, bringing him back fully to the here and now.

Tom’s hands found their way across Louis's chest, fingers brushing over his sensitive skin as he leaned down, taking a nipple between his lips. Louis’s head fell back, a soft moan escaping as Tom's hand moved lower, pressing his knees apart with firm insistence. One hand drifted downward, finding its way to his entrance; Tom wet his fingers with saliva, teasing him gently at first, then pushing one finger inside, then another, the stretch sending shivers through Louis’s entire body. It hurt. He knew he should ask for lube but at the moment he welcomed the pain.

When Tom reached for himself, positioning against Louis, Louis twisted slightly, breath catching. “Wait, you need a condom,” he said firmly.

A flicker of irritation crossed Tom’s face, but it disappeared instantly as he stepped away to retrieve one. Once ready, he returned, the barrier of the condom there. As he eased in, Louis’s body protested at the intrusion, the raw sensation consuming his focus entirely. It was uncomfortable, the only lubrication was Tom’s saliva, and he had barely been prepared. But he welcomed the ache because it pushed every thought out of his mind and he desperately needed his mind to be clear, he didn’t want to hallucinate Lestat again. 

Tom's hands cradled his face, wiping away the single tear that slipped down. “Does it hurt?” he murmured, with a glint that said he already knew the answer. Tom seemed to find some pleasure in his pain. 

Louis nodded because it did. It hurt and it burned but it was exactly what he needed. He wrapped his legs around Tom, welcoming the pain and the release it offered from the chaos in his mind. Tom moved with a rhythm that left Louis gasping, his soft cries mingling with Tom’s deeper breaths. At last, Tom pulled out, his touch insistent but with a quiet command.

“Ride me.” He said, and Louis hesitated for a bit, he was already feeling slightly overwhelmed from taken a cock in his poorly prepared hole, having to exert himself further seemed like work. But then he would be taking some control back and controlling the pace. Tom leaned back, signalling for Louis to get on top. Tom, at his age, had shown surprising stamina. 

Gathering his breath, Louis climbed on top, positioning himself and bracing for the pressure. He moved slowly at first, feeling the friction build as Tom’s hands gripped his waist, guiding him. Despite feeling slightly on edge, Louis matched Tom’s rhythm, feeding off both his desire to distract himself and the small thrill of seeing Tom’s reaction to him taking charge.

Louis drove himself up and down , his focus narrowed on the pure, physical release. Tom's groans grew louder, hands gripping Louis's thigh as he began to ease back, letting Louis set the pace. The older man’s satisfaction only spurred him on, each movement more purposeful, though he felt his own release frustratingly out of reach.

When Louis slowed to catch his breath, Tom's voice cut through, firm and demanding. “Don’t slow down,” he ordered, his tone laced with authority.

Smirking, Louis leaned down, his face hovering inches above Tom’s, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Such a demanding man, aren’t you?”

Tom’s hand moved to cup Louis’s face, his gaze steady. “I like my boys obedient,” he replied possesively.

Louis raised an eyebrow. “I’m not your boy.”

Tom’s grin only deepened. “Maybe not yet,” he replied, his voice low and calm. “But I want you to be.” His hand shifted, moving down to grip Louis’s length, finally giving him the attention he’d been craving. Louis sucked in a breath as Tom’s touch sent a shiver through him, though he was still far from his peak. “Imagine this in a pink cage. Gonna look so pretty,” Tom mused, his tone both playful and possessive. “Nothing but a soft, helpless ache until I decide otherwise.”

Louis let out a small whimper, caught off-guard by his own reaction. “That... doesn’t sound like much fun,” he managed, but the suggestion was tempting.

Tom chuckled, his hand moving with a steady rhythm, teasing Louis mercilessly. "I think you need it, don't you?" His fingers pressed just right, and Louis whimpered, grinding back against Tom’s length. The friction there had him seeing stars, and he was lost in the sensation, forgetting himself as Tom’s hand moved faster. “Normally, I don’t let my boys come just from touching their clits.”

Louis flushed, hating how that remark made him feel. "Shut up," he muttered, his embarrassment only making him more aroused.

"But yours is so fun to play with and adorable,” Tom teased, tightening his grip. “You wanna come?"

Louis nodded, picking up his pace, his breaths quickening as Tom's hand traveled lower, finding the stretched rim where they joined. Tom’s finger traced the edge, and then slid in alongside, adding to the intensity.

Louis froze for a moment, caught between surprise and pleasure, before Tom’s hand spanked his bare ass harshly. Louis whimpered at the force of impact. “Keep moving,” he ordered, his voice firm. Louis took a breath and resumed, slowly at first, then picking up his rhythm with growing intensity. Just as he was reaching his stride, Tom slid his finger back inside, stretching him further. It burned so bad, but Louis leaned into it, finding a thrill in the sensation.

Tom pleasuring him with his hand brought him closer and closer to his peak, suddenly the pleasure surged, driving him to his limit as he spilled over Tom's hand. Tom’s gaze was dark, satisfied, as he raised his fingers to Louis’s lips, guiding him to taste himself. Louis obeyed, sucking on the finger.

"Good boy," Tom murmured, his tone dripping with satisfaction. "But Daddy's still not satisfied."

Louis flushed, feeling slightly embarrassed. “Stop talking like that,” he muttered. “I’m not calling you that.”

Tom only chuckled. “We’ll see.” He shifted, lifting himself onto his knees and positioning Louis back against the bed. Hovering over Louis’s mouth, he guided himself close, his intentions unmistakable. “I’m going to fuck your throat now. If it’s too much, tap my thigh three times.”

Louis nodded, and Tom removed the condom, easing himself into Louis’s mouth. Tom began to move, starting slow but quickly building to an eager, insistent rhythm, his grip tightening as he thrust deeper. Louis closed his eyes, mentally detaching, imagining he was savoring a lollipop to keep his composure.

As Tom’s pace quickened, his hips stuttered, and Louis braced himself, determined to take it all. Finally, with a groan, Tom reached his release. Louis tapped his thigh three times, and as Tom withdrew, he darted to the bathroom to spit. After a few moments, he returned to find Tom lying back with a satisfied grin, his arms open in invitation.

Louis settled beside him cautiously. Tom wrapped an arm around him and smirked, breaking the silence. “Let’s make an arrangement.”

“What kind of arrangement?” he asked.

“I want to be your sugar daddy,” Tom said, his expression utterly serious.

Louis couldn’t help it, he laughed. “Wait, you’re serious?”

“Yes,” Tom replied smoothly. “Twice a week.”

Louis’s expression cooled. “Not my thing.”

Tom didn’t falter. “Name a price.”

Louis’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not easily swayed by money. I slept with you because I wanted to, not because I wanted anything from you.”

Tom cocked his head. “So, you’d rather do it for free?”

“No,” Louis said sharply, standing his ground. “This is the only time this is happening.”

Tom gave him a look that was part challenge, part persuasion. “But I don’t want just one time. I want to see you again. I’ll pay whatever you ask. Get you anything. I’ll take good care of you.”

Louis's face tightened. “Do I look like I need taking care of? I’m not interested. I don’t know what kind of ‘boys’ you’re used to, but I’m not one of them.”

Tom smirked, a hint of mockery in his gaze. “You’re not? Then explain why you’re here, in a hotel room with me, without so much as a date. At least with the others, I had to wine and dine them. But one watch from me, and you were ready to go.”

Louis’s patience snapped, and he stood up, anger sparking in his gaze.

“You think your watch or those outfits mean anything to me?” He threw the watch back to Tom when he found the bag. “My fiancé has bought me a car, funded my business, and has bought me a house and multiple properties. I can literally buy your store you scumbag.”

“So, why are you here, Louis, if he’s given you all that?”

"Because he’s another arrogant white man who thinks he can control me—just like you. I really have terrible taste," Louis said, simmering with anger as he began putting on his clothes.

Tom held up a hand, attempting a placating tone. “Alright, maybe we went off course. Let’s start fresh. I want you, Louis.”

Louis shook his head, grabbing his belongings. “I don’t care what you want. Don’t contact me again.” He turned and walked out, ignoring the ache in his chest.

He felt humiliated and furious, as though Tom had stripped away his dignity, leaving him feeling small and cheap. Down in the hotel lobby, the full weight of his solitude hit him. He didn’t drive here and he hadn’t arranged for a ride. Sighing, he pulled out his phone, scrolling through his contacts. His thumb hesitated over Daniel’s name. For a moment, he thought of calling him, seeking comfort or at least a familiar voice. But the memories of what he’d put Daniel through stopped him cold. He wouldn’t pull Daniel back into his chaos, not again.

Louis knew it was a risk, reaching out to Lestat like this, but he needed him right now. As the line connected, Lestat’s voice was immediate and tender, wrapping around him like a comfort he'd missed.

"Louis," Lestat said, his tone soft but attentive.

“Lestat,” Louis’s voice wavered, barely containing the ache of frustration and longing.

As soon as Louis heard Lestat’s voice, the weight of everything he’d been holding back came rushing to the surface. He almost broke down right there, gripping his phone tightly. The night’s events had chipped away at his pride, leaving him feeling exposed and used. All he could think about now was how much he missed Lestat, and how desperately he wished things were simpler between them, no complications, no messy entanglements. Just him and Lestat.

The realization stung as he waited, listening to Lestat’s concerned voice. This wasn’t how he wanted to feel. Louis was proud, fiercely independent, and being reduced to this vulnerability was like salt in a wound. Yet he couldn’t help himself.

“Louis. What is it? Are you okay?”  Lestat’s voice was soft, threading worry through the line. That gentle question was enough to undo him. Louis sniffled, his fingers trembling.

“Could you… come get me?” he managed, barely holding back tears.

“Of course, mon cher. Where are you?”

A few minutes later, Louis slid into Lestat’s car, the familiar scent and low hum of the engine surrounding him in a strange comfort.

“What happened to your car?” Lestat asked quietly, breaking the silence.

“Left it at home,” Louis mumbled, his gaze fixed out the window, avoiding Lestat’s searching eyes. Another silence settled between them, one heavy and unfamiliar.

“Okay,” Lestat said.

The silence settled between them like a heavy weight, thick and unnerving. It was never like this before. They had once been comfortable in each other’s quiet, filled with an unspoken understanding. But now, the emptiness spoke louder than words, filled with everything unsaid, everything left unresolved. Louis felt the ache of it, a chasm that hadn’t been there before, and in that stillness, he could feel his own vulnerability.

Lestat glanced over, his voice soft and hesitant. “What’s wrong, Louis?”

“I had sex with a total asshole,” Louis said.

Lestat’s jaw clenched as he gripped the wheel, a barely restrained tension visible in his features. Louis could see the familiar flare of jealousy in his expression, but Lestat’s next words surprised him.

“Did he hurt you?” Lestat’s voice softened, his anger tempered by genuine concern. The question, asked so quietly, made Louis’s heart ache. He hadn’t expected that level of care amidst Lestat’s obvious jealousy.

The concern in Lestat’s voice, that gentle urge to make sure Louis was alright despite everything, warmed something inside him. It reminded him why he loved Lestat, even when things between them were a mess. Lestat’s protectiveness was raw and real, and at that moment, Louis felt a spark of comfort that he hadn’t felt all night.

Louis shook his head. “He didn’t hurt me.”

Lestat exhaled, visibly restraining himself. “Très bien,” he said, voice low. “But, Louis, do you think it is so easy for me to simply ignore this? I am attempting— truly attempting—to restrain myself from a scene here like the last time. But understand, I have just collected you from a hotel where you were with another man. As the one who cherishes you, as the one who will be your husband, that does not sit comfortably with me. I’m trying to withhold my anger.” 

“Lestat. I would never have come anywhere near this hotel or been with someone like that if you hadn’t opened our relationship in the first place,” Louis said, his voice tight.

Lestat sighed, his gaze softening. “I know, and I regret it deeply, Louis. Every day. We’ve spoken of this already, and I have ended things with Antoinette. I’m committed to repairing what we have, please believe me, mon amour.”

Louis swallowed, the weight of his insecurity surfacing. “Then why her, Lestat? Why did you risk us? What was it about her that made you willing to step away from what we had ? Was it because… she’s white? A woman? Things I could never offer?”

Lestat’s expression softened, his guilt and urgency plain in the way he looked at Louis. He slowed the car to a stop, parking it on the quiet street. Reaching for Louis’s hand, he spoke with a trembling sincerity, his eyes locked onto Louis’s.

“No, Louis. Don’t you dare think that. I was foolish and selfish. My reckless choices hurt you, and I’ll never forgive myself for that. But don’t punish yourself because of my mistakes.” His voice dropped, gentle and pleading. “I know you’re tired of this...”

Louis’s face twisted in anguish. “You’re right. I don’t want this. I want you—I want us —but you broke it all apart. Now, what do I do? Do I keep trying to fill that void, seeing your face in strangers? Or do I try to forgive you, even when I feel stupid for loving you so much that I can’t let go? Because clearly, you don’t love me the way I love you. If you did, you wouldn’t have opened this relationship in the first place.”

Lestat’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Louis, don’t ever doubt my love for you. I am ashamed of what I’ve done, and I know words can’t repair the trust I broke. But please, know that loving you is the one thing in this world I am certain of. I have never loved anyone the way I love you. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to fix this.”

“I don’t know if it can be fixed Lestat. I would always be thinking about her. I would always feel like the third in this relationship.”

“We can start couples counseling, we can take a vacation together. We can move away. I can earn your trust. Louis please don’t give up on us.” Lestat was teary. 

“Tell me about her,” Louis said. “I want to know what’s so special bout her.”

Lestat nodded. “She’s not special. She’s nothing. But if that can earn a little bit of your trust then of course.”

“Let’s get home first,” Louis said. Lestat nodded without a word, starting the car again. The silence between them was heavy, punctuated only by the hum of the engine. When they reached the carpark, Louis exhaled deeply as he stepped out, the weight of the day pressing down on him.

Daniel’s confession, having sex with Tom and the regret that followed. It all churned within him. And now, Lestat, waiting, patient yet unknowable. He felt filthy, inside and out. 

“I need a shower,” Louis muttered as they entered their home, not meeting Lestat’s gaze. Lestat gave a soft nod, watching him retreat.

Under the stream of hot water, Louis scrubbed at his skin as if it could wash away the choices he’d made, the feelings he couldn’t shake.

When he emerged, Lestat stood by the window, draped in a velvet robe that Louis loved.

“Mon cher,” Lestat greeted him with a smile that barely hid his apprehension.

Louis’s chest tightened. He hesitated, then met Lestat’s gaze.

“Lestat,” he began, voice steady but low, “tell me about Antoinette.”

“Okay,” Lestat said. “She was a brief infatuation, she was never anything like you. She’s an artist, I was taken by her voice. We would sing together in my studio. It felt harmless at first. But she started… flirting, finding reasons to touch me. I told her about you, but I should’ve been firmer. I let my guard down.”

Louis’s gaze remained hard, unreadable.

Lestat’s voice wavered as he continued, visibly grappling with the weight of his confession. “I’m not a good man, Louis, nor a good partner, but you are the only one I want. You always have been.” He took a breath, his words slow and careful. “I was… distracted. When I suggested opening our relationship, I never thought you’d agree. My mind was screaming at me to stop, but I kept talking, blinded by my own foolishness. It was the worst mistake I’ve ever made.”

He looked at Louis, his eyes earnest, raw. “The night I was with Antoinette, it hit me that I opened up our relationship for nothing. She was… nothing compared to you. And seeing you with others, watching you drift further from me… it’s unbearable. It’s the worst punishment I could imagine.”

“You called her the night after we slept together a week ago,” Louis said, his voice trembling with frustration. “I wanted to trust you again, despite knowing it was a bad idea, and you showed me exactly why it was.” He exhaled sharply, his gaze dropping. “I’m scared of trusting you again, Lestat. I can’t.”

“Louis, I was only—”

“This isn’t healthy. This back and forth. I need space to think about us.”

Lestat’s face softened, but his voice remained firm. “I can leave if you want space.”

“No,” Louis said, shaking his head. “I can’t be in this environment either.”

“Louis, I don’t want you to leave because of me. This is your home.”

Louis bit his lip, torn. Just seeing Lestat, his perfect hair, his pretty eyes made him want to give in. He always forgave Lestat. But he needed clarity, time to think, especially about Daniel. Daniel’s confession still echoed in his mind.

“I met someone,” Louis admitted quietly.

“Oh,” Lestat said, visibly startled. The pain in his expression deepened as he asked, “Is he… is he good to you?”

“Yeah,” Louis said carefully, “but it isn’t what you’re thinking. He was the first person I slept with after our arrangement. Daniel. I probably wouldn’t have done it with anyone else, but he made me feel… safe.” His voice softened, weighed down by memories. “That’s why I decided not to sleep with the same person twice. I didn’t want to risk feelings. And I realize now it’s because I was scared I’d fall for him—because I was still saving my heart for you, even though you didn’t deserve it.”

Lestat winced, but Louis pressed on. “I chose you. That’s why what you did with Antoinette hurt so much. It wasn’t just anyone. It was her. You chose her. You can say you didn’t love her all you want, but you still chose her.”

“Louis… please, mon cher.” Lestat’s voice cracked, tears welling up in his eyes as he reached for Louis’s hand. “I don’t like how this is sounding. I’ll give you all the space you need, but please don’t leave me.” His tears fell freely, and Louis could see the true desperation in his face. This was the kind of pleading he had wanted to hear weeks ago, when Lestat had told him he needed variety—but now, it seemed nothing could fill the void. Lestat clung to Louis’s hand, kissing it desperately, his tears soaking into the skin.

“Please. I’ll do anything. I’ll change. I have changed. I’d never hurt you again. I’ll never look at anyone else. No one compares to you. I belong to you. Always. Please, Louis. Don’t leave me.”

Lestat sank to his knees, his lips pressing against Louis’s hand again and again. “I can’t be without you. I can’t live without you. I’m so dumb, so foolish. I can’t even look at anyone else without hating myself. You don’t have to forgive me yet, Louis, but please… don’t leave me.”

Louis, swallowing the painful lump in his throat, whispered, “Get up, Lestat.”

Lestat did, his body leaning heavily into Louis. He stumbled a bit, but Louis caught him, holding him close. In that moment, Lestat felt more like a child, broken and sobbing from the consequences of his own actions. Louis’s heart softened, though the hurt still lingered.

“Let’s get you to bed,” Louis murmured, his voice thick with exhaustion.

“Je suis désolé… I know I’m a disgrace, unworthy of your patience. You should want better than this mess before you, Louis,” he murmured, voice trembling as he forced himself to meet Louis’s eyes. “I wouldn’t blame you for walking away.”

Louis’s heart tightened. “I won’t leave you, Lestat,” he replied softly. “Because I’m an even bigger mess.”

“I’d stop,” Louis said. He only had sex with Tom to distract him from Daniel. If he was being honest himself, he had gotten tired of it. They left him feeling emptier inside knowing he only did it to spite Lestat. And he didn’t want to hallucinate lestat anymore.

Lestat’s eyes lit up, a spark of hope flickering in the darkness. “Truly, Louis?” he asked, his voice almost trembling, his gaze fixed on Louis like he was afraid he might disappear.

Louis nodded, but his expression remained serious. “But this doesn’t mean everything’s fine between us. I still need time and space to think. I want a break.”

Lestat took a steadying breath. “I’ll give you all the time you need, mon amour, as long as I know you’ll come back to me in the end. Promise me that, Louis.”

“Only if you swear you won’t hurt me again,” Louis replied, his voice laced with both longing and caution.

“Louis, I swear on everything I am, I’ll never hurt you again.”

“Alright, then.” Louis moved to lie beside him, gently wiping a stray tear from Lestat’s cheek. A small smile played at his lips. “You’re such an ugly crier, Lestat.”

Lestat sniffled, giving a small, broken laugh. “I know. I’m sorry you had to see me like that.”

“I don’t think I’d be here now with you if I didnt see you cry pathetically. It felt… satisfactory.”

Lestat’s lips curled into a slight, self-deprecating smile. “Then I’ll cry as much as you need, if that’s what keeps you here. I’ll be pathetic, however much it takes.”

Louis shook his head, barely concealing a smirk. “You really are pathetic, Lestat.”

“I know,” Lestat replied with a solemn nod, his gaze dropping again. “Pathetic, stupid, and reckless.,” he admitted.

“You don’t think about consequences.” Louis said.

Lestat’s face softened, a sad smile playing on his lips. “Yes, I’m terribly shortsighted,” he admitted, voice tinged with regret. “I act without thinking. You deserve better, but I’m far too selfish to let you go.”

Louis gave a half-laugh, his voice laced with exasperation. “And I’m too stupid to keep staying with you.”

A look of pain flashed across Lestat’s eyes. “You’re the smartest person I know.”

Louis rolled his eyes, unable to hide a slight smile despite himself. “Oh, shut up.”

“Yes,” Lestat said. “I’m so glad you’re still here with me, despite.”

“I want you to block Antionette,” Louis said softly, his voice firm yet tender. “If you see her on the streets, turn away. If she tries to speak to you, ignore her.”

Lestat's gaze softened as he replied, his voice dripping with sincerity. “Oui, Louis. I will do as you ask.”

Louis nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Good.”

And so, the night wrapped them in its quiet embrace as they fell into a dreamless sleep. The next morning, Louis awoke to Lestat’s body tangled around his. He pushed gently against him to get up.

“Louis…” Lestat’s voice was thick with sleep, a groggy whisper. “Je t’aime. I love you.”

Louis smiled, his heart softened by the words, but a playful edge still lingered in his voice. His eyes were swollen from his crying, and he looked so adorable with it, He reminded Louis of a chipmunk. “Yeah? I’m still taking that break.”

Lestat groaned, rolling onto his back dramatically. “Can we take it together, mon cher? Let me hold you while we drift away from all this.”

“That ruins the whole point,” Louis said. “I’ve received a request from a collector in Paris, I didn’t want to go but now is the perfect opportunity.”

“Paris,” Lestat cringed, his nose wrinkling in disdain. “There is nothing there but rats and pretentiousness.”

Louis raised an eyebrow. “You used to live there, didn’t you? Seems like it suits you.”

Lestat smirked, rolling his eyes. “Très drôle, Louis. How long would you be gone?”

“I don’t need to be there long, just enough to confirm if some paintings are original,” Louis said, his voice casual, but his eyes betraying a deeper thought. “But I might extend it to a week, to get some space.”

Louis couldn’t suppress a smirk. “It’s either a week… or forever.”

Lestat sighed dramatically, as if his heart had been pierced. “A week, then. But no longer. I won’t survive much more.”

“No promises,” Louis teased, a glint of amusement in his eyes.

Lestat's gaze softened, but the vulnerability remained. “Louis… I need to know about the others. The ones who’ve captured your attention.”

Louis raised an eyebrow, feeling the weight of the question. “Are you sure, Lestat?”

Lestat met his gaze, his expression solemn but filled with a hint of longing. “Yes, I’m sure. I promise I’ll control my jealousy.”

“Alright,” Louis sighed. “Well, you know there was Daniel.”

Lestat's gaze darkened, his voice low and laced with tension. “Did he fuck you?”

Louis met his eyes, unflinching. “He did.”

Lestat’s expression twisted, looking hurt and jealous. “And?”

“It was good? Not sure what you want me to say.” Louis tried to keep his voice steady under Lestat’s intense gaze.

Lestat’s eyes narrowed. “Who else?”

“Jonah,” Louis answered, the name leaving his lips more easily than he expected. “We didn’t have sex—just hand and mouth stuff.” He swallowed hard, but didn’t dare add the truth—that he’d hallucinated Lestat during it. That was a line he wasn’t ready to cross.

Lestat’s eyes were searching him, relentless. “And then who?”

Louis hesitated. He didn’t want to give away too much, especially not about Rashid. “Some guy I met on a dating app,” he said, carefully avoiding mentioning that it was Rashid. He didn’t need Lestat turning this into an issue. “And then today… Tom Anderson.”

“What did he do to you?” Lestat asked. 

“He made me feel small,” Louis replied, his voice quiet but firm. “Said he wanted to be my sugar daddy and got snarky when I rejected the offer.”

“You should have told him I’m your sugar daddy.”

Louis rolled his eyes, half-amused despite himself. He didn’t mention to Lestat that he essentially did that. “Not sure that would’ve helped my case.”

“Louis… these men. Were they… bigger than me?”

Louis silently chuckled at the question. “I’m not telling you that,” he said firmly.

“Why not?” Lestat pressed, pleading.

“Because you don’t need to know,” Louis replied, rolling his eyes.

“But I do,” Lestat said. “Please?”

“Nope,” Louis said. 

—

They spent the rest of their morning together. Louis would be gone in a week, and Lestat hovered around him, talking to him, asking him questions, wanting to know more about his encounters but Louis stopped filling him in when he noticed Lestat just wanted to compare himself to them. When he finally was alone, he brought up his phone, reaching out to Rashid.

Can you book plane tickets to Paris today? And message the artist that I’ll be coming?

Rashid : Alright. What changed your mind?

Just need a change of scenery.

Louis set his phone down briefly before he thought about messaging Lily.

So, remember when you said I shouldn’t get you fired?

Lily : LOUIS DE WHORE DU LAC WHAT HAVE YOU DONE