This is an amateur effort and does not intend to infringe on the rights of A. Rice and her companies. No money is being made from this endeavor.

Spoilers to the Vampire Chronicles up to Queen of the Damned.

The story is set a few months after Lestat and Louis visited David in London for the first time.

Warning: Some of the scenes have vampire sex.

Louis parts will be written by Deb and Armand parts by Cecilia.

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~~~
Part 1
Louis

~~~
The night awoke slowly around the small, seemingly abandoned shack. Louis de Pointe de Luc also awoke slowly. He reached up to push the lid of the coffin back. He sat for a moment and stretched, trying to decide on his plans for the evening. Getting out of the coffin, Louis smoothed his clothes and lit a single candle.

Louis briefly wondered where Lestat had disappeared to. "Where ever you are Lestat, at least when we parted it was on good terms." Sighing, Louis picked up his current book and sat down to read.

A few hours later, Louis stretched and stood up. He had put off his hunger long enough for tonight. He had already decided to take a leisurely walk after he finished feeding. As Louis stepped from his home, the warm breeze gently played with the long black strains of his hair. Whistling, Louis started to meander down the path that would eventually lead him into the heart of New Orleans.

It was still a couple of hours before sunrise, when Louis returned home. He had just closed the front door when he heard a sound from outside. For a moment he couldn't place the sound, then he finally recognized it as the sound of footsteps. "But who would be coming here," he wondered out loud.

With no idea what or who to expect, Louis cautiously opened the door. Gazing through the darkness outside, Louis could not see anyone. Now, however, he could feel the presence of someone. And that someone was another vampire.

"Whose there?" he queried.

When no answer was forthcoming, Louis stepped out onto the porch and focused all his abilities on determining where this vampire was. Finally able to determine this unknown vampire was somewhere to his right, Louis stepped off the porch and headed in that direction.

"I know your there. Who are you? What do you want?"

Standing as still as he could and listening very closely, Louis was able to hear his name being called. It was very soft as if whoever this was were miles away instead of just a few feet ahead of him. It wasn't until he heard his name the second time that he was able to place the voice.

"Armand? Is that you? Where are you?"

"Help...me..."

Louis was at last able to determine exactly where Armand was and rushed to his side. He gasped when he saw the auburn-haired vampire lying on the ground. He was curled on his side as if in pain. Even in the darkness, Louis could see the bruising. Kneeling down beside him, Louis could tell that Armand was barely conscious.

"Dear God. What happened?" The question was out of Louis' mouth even before he realized it. It wasn't as if he even expected an answer. At least not yet.

Even being as gentle as he could, Louis heard Armand let out a small gasp of pain when he picked Armand up in his arms and carried him inside. Louis carefully placed him on the settee.

Louis backed away from Armand and sat on the red velvet chair that had once belonged to Lestat. He ran his hands through his tangled hair and wondered what he should do about Armand.

~~~
Part 2
Armand

~~~
Armand was barely aware of his sorroundings, the pain in every part of his body the only real thing to him. Images of what had happened flashed in his mind, fading then to the back of his memory as he lost consciousness again. A face and a reason. That bastard! Pale blue eyes and long dark hair. And a name Armand could not recall just now. But he was sure he had known him once...

He had arrived near Louis' shack without really thinking about it. He had just walked, letting his instincts guide him to a hiding place. The city around him was no more real than a dream. And then he had collapsed... somewhere.

The next time he regained consciousness a piece of soft cloth was on his forehead. It was refreshing on his bruised skin though it also brought pain. Armand opened his eyes and saw the strands of dark hair sorrounding a face he could not see clearly in the candle light. Dark hair... a face full of hatred... The memory came again to him... hands shoving him roughly against a brick wall. Fangs bared on his throat, the dizziness he felt when that bastard was draining him. Armand tried to raise a hand to protect himself, but he found it impossible. He closed his eyes preparing for the pain.

"It's me, Armand. It's Louis." That soothing voice... Armand could barely understand the words, but they had a calming effect on him. Then gentle hands smoothing his hair... a blanket warming his cold skin. He opened his eyes again and recognized the pair of green eyes peering at him. "Louis," he said, before everything turned black around him once more.

The blood in his mouth awakened him, the rich blood giving him back the life he had almost lost. An image blazing in his mind of soft and unkept black hair, an inner fire in those beautiful green eyes. Walking together somewhere in Europe. Just talking... The fountain of life was suddenly closed and Armand's hand groped for it in vain.
"I can't give you more," the gentle voice soothing his nerves. "Now rest." The soft touch of Louis' lips in his forehead. Armand wanted to say something but no words came from his lips. He sighed softly, closing his eyes and falling asleep.

~~~
Part 3
Louis

~~~
Louis had given Armand all the blood that he could. Now Armand was asleep and Louis was very hungry. Knowing that he would have to replace the blood that Armand had already taken, Louis decided to gamble on Armand's exhaustion and leave him alone for a very brief time.

Running his hand through the tangled mass of hair again, Louis tucked the blanket around Armand and left.

He found his victim very quickly. He had returned to Armand's side within the hour and it appeared as though Armand hadn't stirred once during his absence. Now with the sun soon to rise, Louis needed to figure out what to do with his unexpected guest.

Finally with no other recourse, Louis carefully picked up Armand and carried him to his coffin. Louis wasn't sure how he felt about sharing his coffin with Armand, but he had little choice. Dawn was approaching.

After a great deal of manipulation, Louis was able to get himself situated and into his coffin lying face up. It was more of a challenge then he had thought, but Louis was eventually able to Armand into it as well. Louis had managed to get Armand onto his side and partly on top of himself before the death sleep overtook him.

Opening his eyes the following evening, Louis was momentarily startled by the presence he felt in his coffin. It took him a minute to remember the events of the previous evening. Quickly Louis pushed the lid off and began to make preparations to get himself and Armand out of the coffin.

Once he had Armand settled back on the settee, Louis decided he needed to take a closer look at Armand's wounds. Louis unbuttoned the shirt that Armand was wearing and was shocked at the damage that he saw. Whoever had done this to Armand was obviously very old and very powerful.

Armand's upper body was covered with burns, scratches and bite marks and they did not appear to be healing. After hesitating only for a second, Louis removed the rest of Armand's clothing. The lower half of Armand's body was in much the same condition.

Louis went to get a damp towel and another blanket. The one from the previous evening was too soiled to reuse. Covering Armand's lower body, Louis took the damp towel and began to bath Armand's face and chest, hoping that the cold water would revive Armand some.

Armand moaned as the water began to awaken him. As soon as he heard the moan, Louis bite into his own wrist and placed it over Armand's mouth. He knew he still wouldn't be able to give Armand much of his blood, but right now he was the only source of blood available to Armand.

~~~
Part 4
Armand

~~~
Pain coursed through his body as he felt a damp cloth against his skin. Was this another torture his tormentor wanted to inflict on him? Armand had dreamed he was safe. He had seen Louis as a ministering angel taking care of him. But now it seemed to him that he was in Giacomo's hands again... Armand let out a deep moan, unable to control his own reactions, his body starting to tremble by its own volition. Armand fought for control but he was just too weak. And then, to his surprise, the sweet blood started pouring down his throat and he almost choked before he started swallowing it. The pain in his body lessened, the new infusion of blood starting to heal the multiple injuries. But his mind was not clear enough still, confusion showing in his eyes, now open, as Louis continued feeding him.

The fountain of life was taken again from his lips. "Armand?," he heard Louis' gentle voice. "How do you feel?" A hand stroking his hair, concern in the beautiful green eyes.
Armand stared at his savior, trying to focus in Louis' words. But images of Giacomo appeared superimposed on Louis' soft features. What was real and what was being created by his own confused mind? He closed his eyes trying to concentrate in his other senses. The soothing voice telling him he was safe, the soft touch of Louis' hands on his bruised skin. When he dared open his eyes again, it was Louis' face he saw. And he knew he was safe.

Louis had dressed Armand up with some of his own clothes. They were oversized for him, but it was perhaps better for his still raw skin.
"The bruises are already healing," Louis said, looking intently at him. It was obvious he was afraid for Armand's sanity, as the auburn-haired vampire had not uttered a word still.
"Thank you," his own voice sounded strange to his ears. "I would have died without your help..."
The relief in Louis' features was plain to see. "You are safe now, Armand," he said. "I will try to call the others. I hope they would listen to me."
"Call the others...," Armand's eyes closed again as a wave of dizziness coursed through him. "Beware...," Armand managed to say, "he might still be out there..." He felt Louis' hands on his forehead as the blackness came again over him.

~~~
Part 5
Louis

~~~
"Beware...," Armand managed to say, "he might still be out there..." He felt Louis' hands on his forehead as the blackness came again over him.

"He who? Armand, who's out there?" Louis questioned although Armand had already lost consciousness again. Louis stayed where he was, kneeling on the floor beside Armand, for a moment. He wanted to be certain that Armand was asleep before he rose and moved to stand in front of the brick fireplace. Armand's words kept coming back to him.

Louis was very worried about Armand's recovery and he was also worried about whoever Armand had been referring to. Louis thought aloud, "If he's strong enough to do this kind of damage to Armand, whoever this was would probably be able to kill me." Louis shuddered at the thought. As much as he hated being what he was, he had no desire to die. Now that Lestat and he had met again, he had something to live for.

As Louis continued to think, he started to build a fire in the fireplace. He wasn't sure if the heat from the fire would help Armand any, but he didn't think it would hurt any either.

Once the fire was going, Louis sank down in the chair. He could still remember when Lestat had brought this chair over here. It always made Louis smile to think about how Lestat had tried to provide him with material comforts, although Louis always protested.

A moan of pain interrupted Louis' thoughts, but before he could move Armand seemed to settle down again. Without the help of others and only having his own weak blood, Louis knew it would take a while for Armand to heal.

Closing his eyes, Louis concentrated all his energy into contacting other members of their newly formed coven. He wasn't sure if anyone would hear or even respond to him but he had to try. Whatever Louis had hoped for didn't happen. He wasn't sure if anyone did take the time to listen and respond to him if he would even be able to hear them. After close to 30 minutes of trying, Louis finally gave up not knowing if he had succeeded in reaching anyone or not.

Rising from the softness of the chair, Louis returned to Armand's side. Gently, Louis reached out and began to stroke Armand's hair.

"Armand, I don't know if you can hear me or not, but I need to leave for a while. I haven't fed yet tonight and I've already fed you, so I need to go hunt. I promise to return just as quickly as I can."

As he did the previous night, Louis tucked a blanket around Armand. He was hoping that Armand's exhaustion would keep him asleep until he returned.

Stopping in the doorway and turning back to look at Armand, Louis again heard the warning Armand had spoken. Not wanting to dwell on it for too long, Louis told himself that no one would be able to find them here. Although he knew it this person had probably attacked Armand in New Orleans, he hoped whoever might have left Armand for dead and left the area. Louis didn't want to admit it, but he really didn't think that was very likely.

~~~
Part 6
Armand

~~~
Armand was barely aware that Louis had left the shack. He was drifting in and out of sleep as his body worked to heal the worst of his injuries. Armand wanted to stay awake but his limbs were heavy like lead. Everytime he closed his eyes Giacomo's face appeared in front of him. And everytime the other vampire's hand reached for Armand, the auburn-haired vampire awoke with a scream. Now Armand was awake and having managed to sit up he looked around the shack, realizing for the first time where he was. He tried to stand up but he was still weak. He had to get out and leave, Giacomo might be still near and now Louis was in danger also.

Finally, exhausted with the effort, the auburn-haired vampire drifted once more into sleep, and his overtaxed mind started to replay, once more, the events of the past nights... In the dream Armand was standing in a dark alley... He had fed recently and his body was still warm from the kill. He had been looking for Daniel. His fledgling had left the Night Island after a terrible fight, and the auburn-haired vampire had come to New Orleans in search of his lover and child. Suddenly a hand had slapped him in the face, shoving him roughly against a brick wall. The pain in his whole body convinced Armand that this was a very powerful vampire and that he was badly hurt. But who was this vampire? Armand was still lying on the floor when a hand was on him and then he felt the sharp razor of fangs in his neck. He fought wildly, but the hands that were pinning him to the floor were like iron bars, the hold unbreakable. And then Armand recognized his enemy. Giacomo. The dark-haired vampire drank until Armand was limp in his arms, and then he took the auburn-haired vampire to a cellar, somewhere in the city. He chained Armand to the wall, and the torture began. Giacomo was an expert. "Why don't you scream, Amadeo?," he said mockingly, "Or should I call you Armand? I remember that you never screamed when Santino punished you. But that he rarely did." Laughter again.
"Let's see how much you can bear now." This continued for hours, for many nights, and Armand lay there starving, the pain and the thirst almost driving him mad. Finally, one night when he had lost consciousness after a rather prolonged torture session, Giacomo left him for dead. Armand opened his eyes to find himself free from the chains. Almost by instinct he crawled out of the cellar. And now in his dream Armand was walking fast in the streets, running away from the place. And Louis' shack was at sight. And suddenly two strong hands were on his wrists, and he screamed...
"Armand! Wake up! It's me, Louis!"
Armand's eyes shot open and he realized he was still in the old shack. He was trembling badly and he could not stop.
"Hush, calm yourself cher," Louis sat beside him in the settee and took Armand in his arms, smoothing the soft auburn curls. "You are safe now."
"No," Armand's voice was hoarse, "he's out there... I can feel him... Louis... you must leave."

~~~
Part 7
Louis

~~~
"No," Armand's voice was hoarse, "he's out there... I can feel him... Louis... you must leave."

"Shhh, Armand. I am not going to leave you." Louis continued to hold Armand close to him, cradling his small frame.

"But you must." Armand's voice was weak but he was determined to make Louis leave. He gathered his strength and pushed Louis away from him. "Leave, Louis. You must. I will not be responsible should something happen to you."

"Armand..." Louis began.

"NO!" Armand made a move to stand again, but Louis reached out and easily stopped him.

"You are not in any position to tell me to do anything. Besides, I don't even know who or what did this to you. How can you think I would you leave you alone to face this unknown enemy? Would you leave someone when they needed your assistance?"

The question was out of Louis' mouth before he could stop it. But in the silence that followed, the answer became obvious. Realizing exactly who he was talking to, Louis was the first to break eye contact.

Wanting to change the subject Louis asked, "Why don't you tell me who did this to you? Tell me what happened."

Realizing that he was still too weak to force Louis to leave, Armand sighed and laid back down. Closing his eyes, he remembered the torture that he had endured, but he had no desire to share those memories with Louis. In another day or two he would be strong enough to either force Louis to leave or to leave himself.

Armand was still long enough that Louis thought he had drifted back to sleep. Louis sat watching Armand's face for another moment. There were still traces of the bruises on his face, but the worst of the damage had been erased. Louis reached out and gently brushed Armand's hair from his forehead.

Louis leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on Armand's cheek. Louis suddenly wondered what it would be like to kiss Armand elsewhere. Wondering where that thought came from, Louis abruptly rose from the settee.

The unexpected movement caused Armand to open his eyes. He reached out for Louis to restrain him from moving away from the settee. When their eyes locked, both became aware of the desire that each was feeling.

Louis sank back down onto the settee and leaning forward, he placed a kiss on Armand's lips. As Louis started to straighten up, he felt Armand's hands on his back, holding him in place.

After a moment's hesitation, Louis broke Armand's hold on him and sat up. "We can't do this Armand. Others will be hurt if we do."

"Others? Like who, Louis? Lestat? Daniel? Lestat has left you alone again as Daniel has left me. So what right do they have to control our actions?"

Taking his eyes from the attractive vampire, Louis stood and crossed to the fireplace. He stoked the coals to bring the fire back to life, then turned back to Armand. "I'm sorry. Maybe I just need more time, but I just can not do this now."

Armand did not answer but simply turned his head and closed his eyes.

Giving Armand one last look, Louis headed for the door. He needed to be alone to think. Louis remembered Armand's warning about Giacomo, but Armand had not told him much about his attacker. Louis had been able to sense someone when he had left Armand alone to go hunt this last time, but was not able to determine who it was. Now he realized that the presence he felt must have been Giacomo.

Louis overpowering need for solitude overrode his common sense and he left Armand alone again in his home.

~~~
Part 8
Armand

~~~
Armand opened his eyes slowly and watched silently the flames licking the stone fireplace. It felt good to be in a warm room, especially after so many nights starving in that cold cellar. The taste of Louis' lips still lingered in his own lips. Armand had never thought of Louis in that way. They had travelled for a time, that was true, but Louis had been only a distant companion. And then they had parted in New Orleans after a bitter argument.

The auburn-haired vampire sighed softly. He cared about Louis, but it was obvious Louis still blamed him for Claudia's death. Armand was not going to deny he allowed that to happen, but he had been convinced it was necessary. He had traded Claudia's life for Louis' survival. And after all Claudia had tried to kill Lestat. Armand's face darkened. Lestat was another ghost from his past, another one who could not love him. He closed his eyes, holding the tears back. He would leave as soon as he felt stronger. He was sure Giacomo was still out there. And if it was so, the italian vampire would eventually realize that Armand was not dead.

His mind drifted again as he lay resting on the settee. This time to the Venice of the fifteenth century. The year 1473, just before Marius brought him through. He had been late in the street after a whole day watching the artists in the Piazza with the other apprentices. Marius would be angry with them. They were hurrying home when a tall man appeared suddenly in front of them. His pale blue eyes locked on Armand, briefly, and then he disappeared in the night. He had long dark hair and his skin was as white as the Master's. But Armand had not told Marius about this encounter. Indeed he had forgotten, strangely enough, about it. Only when Santino's coven attacked Marius's palazzo did Armand remember Giacomo. Only then, when after the nightmarish trip in the bowels of a vessel, Giacomo shoved him to his knees, forcing him to watch his mortal friends dying in the bonfire. Armand shuddered at this thought. He had no clue then. But his answers came after a time.

He had been watching a Sabbat, a year after he was forced into the Coven. Santino had allowed him to withdraw from the dance, and he was leaning on a tree, his huge brown eyes fixed in a faraway point. Suddenly a bonelike hand on his shoulder had startled him. Giacomo.
"You should be grateful Santino is pleased with you," he had said. "If it were me, you would be dead by now."
Armand had stared at the tall vampire before him, his mind locked, his eyes burning with an inner fire.
"You are beautiful," the bony hand was now on his neck, the nails drawing blood. "But Santino will eventually tire of you. He doesn't like lifeless mannequins." The hand had closed slowly around Armand's tender neck until he had fell to his knees, everything turning black around him. When he opened his eyes again, Santino was near, watching him intently. Giacomo was not there anymore. And Armand did not see him again. Until now.

~~~
Part 9
Louis

~~~
As Louis wondered around the streets of New Orleans, he considered Armand's words "Others? Like who, Louis? Lestat? Daniel? Lestat has left you alone again as Daniel has left me. So what right do they have to control our actions?"

This issue had never before arisen between himself and Armand. Even now, Louis was not sure where his feelings were coming from. Did he really care for Armand? Or was he simply lonely and in need of company? Was he looking for a substitute for Lestat? Did he really care what Lestat thought?

Suddenly sensing another vampire's presence, Louis stopped and glanced around him. Before he was able to locate the source, the presence was gone and Louis knew whoever it was had hidden from him again. The brief feeling that Louis had picked up on was anger. It had not seemed to be directed at him, but with this vampire that had attacked Armand somewhere in the area, Louis could not be certain of that.

It had not escaped Louis attention that Armand had failed to supply any details and who had hurt him. After standing still for another minute, Louis finally decided that it was not a good idea for him to be out here alone and to have left Armand alone so he headed back home.

When Louis was almost halfway home, he stopped suddenly again when he felt the presence of another of his kind. This time Louis sensed not just anger, but pure hatred. And he knew this hatred was directed at him. Louis could tell this vampire was different from the one he had felt earlier. Could there have been two vampires who attacked Armand?

Louis turned around in a slow circle, his eyes scanning for anything that could he could use to defend himself against this unseen enemy. Louis didn't know who was out here with him, but he knew this person meant to do him harm.

"Whose there?" Louis called, with as much confidence as he could. Louis knew he could look like a killer if he wanted to, and although his enemy was bound to be more powerful than he was, Louis was not going to give up without a very vicious fight.

Before Louis could say anything else, he felt strong hands grip his neck from behind. Instinctively, Louis' hands reached up and he tried to free the vise-like grip that was choking him.

As Louis' nails scratched at his unseen assailant, he heard laughter and a whispered voice, "Are you the best thing that he could find to protect him?"

With Louis' vision turning black from the lack of oxygen, he heard the voice again saying, "You are no where near good enough to stop me."

The next thing that Louis was aware of was the hands on his throat released its grip and he was picked up and thrown several feet before he collided with a large tree and lost consciousness.

~~~
Part 10
Armand

~~~
As the hours passed, Armand started to worry about Louis. The green-eyed vampire had been outside for hours. If only he could convince Louis to leave. Lestat's fledgling would be no match for Giacomo. With his coming here, Armand had placed Louis in the middle of a battlefield where he might die. The auburn-haired vampire sighed. He still had no idea how he had reached Louis' shack.

Armand had managed to sit up again and was about to try standing up when he sensed someone outside. And it was not Louis. The auburn-haired vampire closed his eys, concentrating in whoever was out there. But the creature had strong shields. Armand tried to leave the settee, but he fell to his knees, the whole room spinning around him. He stayed there kneeling in the floor, his head bowed, trying somewhat to stop the dizziness. Armand was able at last to stand up, his hands clutching at the velvet chair Louis had left nearby. And then was that Giacomo entered the shack. "That vampire, he is just too weak," the Italian vampire said disdainfully. "I got rid of him already."
"You bastard! What have you done to Louis!"
"So you love him," Giacomo's face twisted in a vicious smile. "Maybe I should kill him also... slowly..." He reached for Armand, his hands burying painfully in the younger vampire's arms. Armand tried to get loose, but Giacomo was just too powerful, and Armand was weak still.
"Don't fight me, Amadeo," the bony hand was again in Armand's neck. "This time you are doomed!"
Armand started to lose consciousness as the hand closed around his neck, it was happenning all again! Gathering the strength he had left Armand managed to loosen the grip of his attacker. He rolled on the floor and away from the other vampire, but Giacomo was again at his side, pinning him to the floor.
"It's useless, Amadeo," Giacomo paused to look at his victim, "this time I will make sure you die!" And lifting Armand in his powerful arms he shoved the auburn-haired vampire against the brick fireplace, his pale blue eyes showing nothing but hatred.
Pain exploded in Armand's head when he hit the fireplace and slowly everything turned black around him.

~~~
Part 11
Louis

~~~
Louis regained consciousness and shook his head to try and clear his vision. The last thing he could remember was being at the mercy of a very powerful vampire. Suddenly remembering Armand, Louis' eyes widened. He knew Armand was in danger and would need help. Armand was still too weak to be able to defend himself. Staggering to his feet, Louis continued on his way to his home as quickly as he could.

It was only a matters of a few minutes before Louis reached his destination. He stood outside for a moment, hidden in the shadows of the trees trying to determine what, if anything had happened. There were no sounds coming from inside. Was he too late? Had this unknown vampire already killed Armand? Had this vampire, somehow, not been able to locate Armand?

Finally deciding the only way to determine if Armand was safe was to enter his home, Louis quickly climbed the stairs and entered. The sight he saw shocked him.

Armand was lying unconscious on the floor while a black haired vampire was preparing to beat him. The black haired vampire must have sensed Louis presence because at that moment he turned around to look over at him.

"So you don't die so easily, weak one. We will just have to see about that."

Before Louis knew what had happened, his attacker had him by the throat and began to smash his head against the door. Louis never saw the vampire more.

As Louis began to lose consciousness, he thought he felt the presence of yet another vampire. His attacker abruptly let him go and turned to face the other side of the room. As Louis slid down the door, trying to focus everything on staying conscious, he heard voices but could not make out who was speaking or what was being said.

It wasn't until Louis heard the crash of the settee breaking did he realize that one of the other vampires in the room with him was Santino. Only now did Louis realize the first presence he had felt outside was not that of his attacker, but was Santino.

Louis could see a terrible fight raging between the two. At first, it was difficult to tell who was winning, but it eventually became clear that Santino was getting the upper hand. Louis was now breathing normally again and his vision had returned, but he was reluctant to enter a fight where he could be overwhelmed very easily by the more powerful vampires.

Deciding to stay where he was, Louis watched as the two vampires struggled with each other. Finally, Santino was able to get the black haired vampire cornered near the fireplace. Dealing the vampire a blow that caused him to double over, Santino quickly reached into the fireplace and extracted a burning log. Before his adversary was able to recover, Santino set him on fire.

Louis could hear the scream of agony as the vampire struggled to extinguish the flames, but was too weakened from the fight to be effective. Louis would have sworn he heard the screams for hours, but only a few minutes had passed before Santino knelt in front of him.

Assisting Louis to his feet, Santino quietly asked, "Are you all right, Louis?"

"Yes. I think so. Thank you for saving us."

Santino merely nodded his head. He led Louis over to where Armand still lay unconscious on the floor. "Take care of him and do not tell him I was here."

Louis had knelt down next to Armand to examine his wounds, but his head snapped up and he looked at Santino with a puzzled expression. "Why?"

"Because."

Before Louis could ask anything else, Santino then turned and left without looking back at either of them.

Louis returned his attention to Armand. The only wound Armand seemed to have sustained was to his head, but it was already beginning to heal. Louis picked Armand up and carried him to the very back of his home.

This room was a bedroom that contained a large bed. Louis still shook his head at Lestat about that. Lestat had shown up one night with the bed and said that Louis had to have it. Louis did not know why, but he had known that he would not have been able to talk Lestat out of the idea. So, Louis now had a king size bed in his possession. He had never dreamed he would use it for the first time to nurse Armand back to health. Since the settee was now destroyed, this was the only place Louis could lay Armand down and tend to him.

After getting Armand settled, Louis went and got a bowl of water and a clean towel. He soaked the towel and proceeded to bath Armand's head, trying to wash away the blood. The cool water had revived Armand the previous time so maybe it would work again.

~~~
Part 12
Armand

~~~
Armand came around slowly, the pain throbbing in his head as he regained consciousness. A soft towel was being pressed to his head, and a gentle voice was calling his name.
"Armand?"
He opened his eyes and saw Louis peering at him, concern showing in his beautiful eyes. Armand tensed suddenly. "Giacomo?," he asked, trying to sit up.
Louis pushed him down gently. "Giacomo is dead, Armand. Rest easy. He will never hurt you again."
"Dead?" Armand's eyes widened. "But how? He said he had killed you!"
"He attacked me, yes. But I'm not as weak as everybody believes."
"You killed him?"
Louis shook his head slightly. "No," he said, smiling faintly. "Let it go, cher. It's over."
"But who then? Louis, you must tell me!" Armand was growing agitated, trying to rise again.
"I promised not to tell." Louis gathered Armand to himself, stroking the soft auburn curls. He realized how afraid he had been of losing his friend.
"But..."
"Who was this vampire who attacked you?," Louis asked suddenly. "You never told me..."
Armand stiffened in Louis' arms. He didn't want to speak about Giacomo. The pain was too vivid still. He understood what Louis meant. So he relaxed, allowing Louis to hold him. "All right," he said softly. "I won't ask more. I will leave tomorrow night, Louis. I must thank you for your help."
"You are still weak, Armand." Louis cupped Armand's chin with a hand, looking directly into his eyes.
"I will manage," the auburn-haired vampire said, looking away.
"No," Louis insisted. "I want you to stay. Until you are stronger."
Armand looked at Louis again. "All right," he said, feeling a bit drowsy. "I will stay a few days.
Louis smiled. "It's almost dawn cher," he said, "let's talk about this tomorrow."
Armand nodded, feeling his eyes closing, the coming dawn taking hold of him. He was dimly aware of Louis carrying him to the coffin. And he drifted into sleep, feeling safe again.

~~~
Part 13
Louis

~~~
It took Louis a moment to realize something was different when the death sleep left him. Armand was missing. As soon as he grasped that, he quickly opened his coffin and climbed out. Rushing to his living room, he found Armand sitting quietly in the velvet chair staring blankly into the fire.

"Armand," Louis stated.

"I hope you don't mind," Armand said as he nodded towards the fire that was blazing in the fireplace.

Louis softly smiled and moved closer to Armand, "Not at all."

Silence descended between them for a moment. Finally breaking the silence, Armand said, "I should be going. Thank you."

As he rose from the chair, Louis moved to stand in front of him. "Wait. Please." When Armand did not answer, Louis continued on, "To start with, I feel that I owe you an apology."

"For what?"

"For my comment about you abandoning your friends in the time of need. I know I'm not the right person to be talking to you about that. Look at how I abandoned Lestat when he needed me."

Armand stood looking at Louis for a moment, before replying, "You did not owe me an apology, but I accept it. Now, if that is all, I want to be on my way."

Before Armand could move, Louis reached his hand out and placed it on Armand's forearm. "No. That's not all. I..." Unable to finish, Louis' sentence trailed off.

"What is it Louis?" Armand's voice was taking on an edge of irritation.

Taking a step forward, Louis was only a few inches from Armand. "I..." Still unable to finish his thought, Louis closed his eyes and quickly leaned forward catching Armand's mouth in a kiss.

Armand jerked back, not expecting this from Louis. "What do you want from me, Louis?"

Louis was not able to meet Armand's eyes any longer, so he turned his back on Armand. "I don't know. I know that your words last night about being loyal to people who've left us makes sense. I guess I just wanted..."

"You want what?" came the softly spoken question. Armand noticed that Louis' breathing seemed to be getting more rapid and he forced Louis to turn back around to face him.

Before Louis could stop the words, he replied, "I want you." Then he put his arms around Armand's waist and smiled. He slowly leaned forward and kissed Armand's cheek. Louis raised his hand to cup Armand's chin and tipped his face up slightly. Leaning down, he captured Armand's mouth in another kiss. This time, Louis did not allow Armand to pull away. As soon as Louis felt Armand's hands encircle his own waist, Louis deepened the kiss and slipped his tongue inside Armand's mouth.

~~~
Part 14
Armand

~~~
Armand sensed the love and the need coming from Louis and he relaxed in the other vampire's arms. He had been hurt with Louis' words two nights ago. But after all Louis had been there for him, had tried to protect him from Giacomo. Armand still wanted to know who saved them both. He dared not guess... He could force Louis shields, of course. But that he would not do. He cared too much for Louis to force anything on him.

He felt Louis' hands running freely through his body, having great care not to bruise the still raw skin. Armand shivered in the green-eyed vampire's arms. His hands went to unbutton Louis' shirt, his hand exploring slowly every piece of skin, leaving small trails of blood he then licked greedily. The silky dark trends brushed Armand's face as Louis arched his back, his knees seeming to give down. "Not here," Armand said, tugging Louis gently to the bedroom. "Come."

When they reached the bedroom Louis had already ripped off the shirt Armand was wearing, exposing the pale skin. Louis started sucking softly on Armand's nipples, pushing the auburn-haired vampire gently on the bed. Armand moaned in pleasure, feeling as electric shocks running dowm his body to his groin. He reached to touch Louis' bulging organ, still covered by the faded jeans. His hands went to the buckle and soon Louis' pants were discarded on the floor, the black haired angel naked in his arms. Louis smiled and proceeded to do the same for Armand, trailing kisses along the inner part of Armand's thighs as he tore the jeans down. Then he took hold know of Armand's already swollen organ and began massaging it, gently first and then at a faster rhythm. Armand's back arched and he tried to raise but Louis didn't allow it, taking Armand in his mouth and biting hard. Blood poured into the green-eyed vampire's mouth as Armand trembled in his hands. He withdrew gently and leaned over Armand, kissing him and allowing him to taste his own blood. "I love you cher," he said sweetly. Armand answered the kiss hungrily. ::I love you,:: he sent to Louis' mind.

Louis kissed Armand again and then rolled over the bed, until Armand was on him. The auburn-haired vampire smiled and then his hand went down, caressing Louis' sensitive skin, and the flesh between his thighs. Then his hand went to probe into the tight opening, Louis moaning in pain and pleasure as Armand's expert hands masagged him. "Take me!," he growled, unable to wait more. In a swift movement Armand's organ entered the opening and he started to thrust slowly, kissing Louis gently, licking the bloodsweat that had already broken out on the other vampire's skin. Armand whispered soft endearments as the rhythm grew faster, and he felt Louis' nails burying in his skin. Armand gasped in pain, but the pleasure was the more intense so he did not withdrew.
"I want you!," Louis' voice was hoarse, and he pulled Armand down, running his tongue along the vein.
"Take me, caro," came the soft response. "Let me feel your love." And his eyes widened when he felt the sharp stab in his neck, and he allowed Louis to take his life form him for a moment still before he himself made his way to Louis' neck. And they shared the blood and the love they were feeling for each other, until their bodies shuddered as they reached their peak.

~~~
Part 15
Louis

~~~
Louis removed his teeth from Armand's neck and felt Armand do the same. They lay still for a moment each lost in their own thoughts. When Armand finally drew in a deep breath and raised himself up onto his elbows, he looked down into Louis' face. Louis still had his eyes closed. For the time, Armand was content to simply stay where he was and gaze at the face of this most beautiful vampire.

Louis had felt Armand raise up but was too content to even open his eyes. He knew that Armand was watching him and although he never tolerated it when Lestat did it, Louis found he liked having Armand watch him.

Finally opening his eyes, he found himself staring up into two big brown eyes filled with love. Louis lifted his hand and gently brushed Armand's hair from his face. He smiled up at Armand and raised himself up enough to get another kiss from Armand.

Armand smiled back down at Louis and rolled over onto his side. When Louis turned to face him in the bed, Armand stroked the side of Louis' still flushed face. "You are beautiful."

Louis blushed and let the loose strands of hair fall over his eyes. He always hated being told that he was beautiful. He was just Louis. He knew he was anything but ugly, but to be considered beautiful. Louis had just never been able to find the beauty in himself.

Eventually Louis was able to force himself to look back at Armand, who was still watching him intently. Louis simply shrugged in a belated answer to Armand's words and sat up.

"I am sorry if I offended you, Louis."

"You didn't. It's just...well, I guess it's just too complicated for me to explain."

Armand nodded his head once in acceptance.

Wanting to change the subject, Louis stated, "The sun will be up soon, we had better start thinking about getting to my coffin."

Armand laughed softly, "You would keep a bed in an unsecured location wouldn't you?"

Louis looked at Armand and replied, "I never had any intention of using this bed, Armand. This," he said gesturing to the bed they were lying on, "was Lestat's instance, not mine. I feel much more safe if I'm someplace where I know that no sun will be able to touch me."

At the mention of Lestat's name, Armand stiffened and drew away from Louis. "We should probably go out and hunt. We both could use some...fresh blood." Turning his head back to the side to watch Louis' face, Armand saw the slight nod.

Without another word, Armand rose from the bed and held his hand out to Louis. "Come on. Let's go before it gets too late. Will you hunt with me?"

Again Louis nodded, then he reached up and took Armand's outstretched hand and rose from the bed as well. They dressed in silence and hunted without speaking.

It wasn't until they returned from their shared hunt that the silence was finally broken. "Armand, we need to talk." "Yes, but it is very close to dawn and we need to get to your coffin. We can talk tomorrow. Will that be all right?"

Louis gave a hesitant nod and without any further words between them, together they went to Louis' bedroom and climbed into the coffin. Louis lay on the bottom with Armand resting comfortably on his chest. They laid together in the silence each wanting to say something, but neither being sure what to say.

~~~
Part 16
Armand

~~~
It was night again when Armand opened his eyes and found himself in Louis' coffin. The events of the past night came again to his mind as a bitter smile played on his lips. Carefully he lifted the lid and left the coffin, looking at Louis one more time before closing the lid again. He was feeling stronger now, he really should be going. he had found safety with Louis, and even some measure of friendship. But now it was over. Armand sat in the velvet chair in front of the fireplace. He had to wait for Louis though, he owed him that.

He had been sitting for about an hour when he sensed Louis coming into the room. He turned around to look at him and smiled faintly. "Louis," he said simply.
Louis smiled. "You look stronger, cher," he said, placing a kiss in Armand's cheek.
Armand's expression changed. "Louis," he said, leaving the chair, "I must be going now." He ignored Louis' surprised expression. "I must thank you, again, for all your help."
"I hurt you, didn't I?," Louis asked, placing a hand on Armand's shoulder.
"No, caro," Armand smiled sadly. "You didn't hurt me. Just reminded me we are not to be together. But we already knew that, no?"
Louis' eyes clouded. "I am sorry," he said.
"Don't be," Armand cupped Louis' chin with a hand, looking at him intently. "You helped me in my hour of need, you gave me shelter. But there will always be hurt between us. Let us have this good memories."
Louis nodded and then he leaned onto Armand, placing a soft kiss in the auburn-haired vampire's lips. "I love you, Armand. Never forget that."
"And I love you too, beautiful one." Armand smiled, caressing Louis' cheek with the back of his hand. "Good bye, my friend," he said. And without another word, he left the house.

THE END