interviewee | INBOX;

[Louis enjoys the embrace, leans into Lestat enough to feel grounded after conversations about loss and grief. When Lestat suggests they drink, Louis nods. He leans up and settles the glasses and the bags of blood on the table. He takes the seat beside the head of the table and nods for Lestat to take the spot at the head of the table.]

Let's drink.

All right. [He nods at that, feeling a soft another soft pang as Louis encourages him to the head of the table. Lestat takes a blood bag and glass and starts to pour, watching it pour out slowly and keeping an eye that Louis does the same before he drinks.]

[Louis follows suit, piercing the bag with a sharp finger and allowing it to pour into his glass. He looks over at Lestat and realize they're doing the same thing. They both want to watch the other take care of themselves.

Louis sets the bag to the side and begins to drink his fill.]

[Lestat does the same, sipping blood down readily, noting the sweet absurdity of them both eyeing the other without speaking. Another note of affection in such an odd, wild day.

He feels steadier as he finishes off his bag, some color returning to his face. Lestat had not noticed feeling hungry before all this, but then, his mind had been entirely untethered. Another reason to be grateful for Louis.

Glancing at him, he asks:] Feeling better?

[Louis finishes his bag quickly, also feeling much refreshed for the blood. He sits back in his seat a moment, just watching Lestat, thinking of Claudia.]

Much better. [Louis wipes his lips with the napkin despite not having spilled a drop.]

How about retiring early? I could read to you in the coffin.

[Lestat nods thoughtlessly, trying to avoid invasive thoughts, focusing himself on Louis alone and his gentle offer.]

I would like that very much.

[With a soft, fond smile, he asks:]

What will you read to me?

I'm reading through Sense and Sensibility and Strange Cocks.

[Don't judge him. There's not much in terms of reading material here in the City. What he wouldn't give for a nice non-fiction piece.]

[In spite of the seriousness of the day, that does earn a chuckle, surprised and genuine. With a small smile, he teases:]

I'm sure it will make for informative reading material.

Don't mock me. Erotica is all we have to read.

[He starts to make his way up the stairs, looking back at Lestat.]

[Lestat chuckles softly, following Louis only a step behind as they stride up the stairs.]

Who is mocking, cher? I do so like hearing you read filth to me. I learn so many new vulgarities when you do.

[Louis chuckles as he heads up into the wardrobe and begins to change into his bedclothes.]

I'm sure they've got plenty of books on those too.

Mm, then you shall have to read those to me as well, non?

[He says the words softly, idly teasing as he strips down and starts to change into his own sleeping clothes in turn -- with one of Louis' hoodies, as well, for extra warmth.]

I will. [Louis replies with a smile. He lifts the bedframe for the coffin underneath before he reaches over for the book in question.] We'll get through this.

We will.

[After all, hadn't they already lived through it? They'd been present for the entire lifespan of Claudia, from her rebirth through undeath through ash. This was a new lens, a new layer to the tale, but the tale had happened, even if it rattled them and kicked up the grief that still sat under their skin.

When they've both settled into the coffin, he curls against Louis' side, leaning his head against his chest to hear the reassuring rhythm of his heartbeat. So long as that remains, he can manage the rest, whatever tides of emotions they bring.]

[Louis curls an arm around Lestat and presses a kiss to the top of his golden hair. He can hear Lestat's heartbeat as well, loud and present as Louis reaches up to close the coffin around them. They can make it through this caveat to their own story. Even if it hurts more than Louis can describe.]

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wrap? (unless you'd like to dabble with nightmares!)

Wrap is good by me!