#one day i'll do something from tg days that aren't sad lmao

[leslutdepointedulac]

Armand/Louis: “ why did you help me? ”

For context, this is set shortly after Louis first arrives at Trinity Gate and follows my fanon idea that he moves in after (and because of) the events of Merrick.

Armand sits with his back against Louis’ chest, as they watch the fire blazing in comfortable silence. He releases a content sigh at the sensation of Louis running his long fingers through his hair, and places a hand over the arm which is draped across him. Just as he starts to close his eyes, the movements falter and he feels Louis take a shuddered breath from behind him. 

“Something’s the matter.” It’s not a question, Armand knows when Louis is feeling troubled. He doesn’t receive a response right away, so he switches to speaking in his mind instead, hoping that maybe it will encourage him to speak if it’s not out loud.

Talk to me, Louis. I can’t bear to see you suffer, I can help. 

There’s another pause before Louis finally speaks, though he says the words out loud. “Why did you help me?” 

A frown comes over Armand’s expression and he chooses to go back to talking aloud, sensing that’s what Louis feels most comfortable with right now. “I don’t think I understand, beloved.” 

“You accepted me into your home, with the children. You’ve allowed me to stay here with you all, despite the responsibility you knew you were taking on. You didn’t have to, and yet you did.” 

Armand sits up straight and turns to face him, his frown only deepening when he sees the distant look in Louis’ eyes, as he stares off into the flames. “Of course I did. Did you think I would turn you away, that I would leave you alone to your pain?” 

He studies him carefully, watching as Louis continues to gaze ahead before going on in a gentle voice. “Louis, look at me. No, I didn’t have to let you stay but I did because I know what you’re going through. I knew you’d be better off here than anywhere else, as did Lestat; he entrusted me to keep you safe because he knew this is what’s best. We’ve both been where you are now and neither of us can stand to see you hurt. You’re here because I made him a promise, which I intend to keep, but most importantly, you’re here because my love for you won’t allow me to have it any other way.” 

A silence falls between them, with Armand peering at Louis, praying he takes his words and feels the purity of his love blazing through them. 

Louis blinks at him slowly with an almost feline quality, then he gives him a subtle nod in acceptance. His thoughts are open to Armand, and rather loud, with feelings of guilt and sorrow that he’d ever doubted him and his intentions. 

In an attempt to prevent any further spiralling from Louis, Armand stands and heads over to the bookcase which sits to the left of the fireplace. He selects a book before heading back to the sofa and settling beside Louis again, opening to the first page and holding an arm out to give Louis the chance to nestle in if he wishes. 

Louis complies, his head resting against Armand’s, and lets the calming sound of his voice wash over him as he’s read to.