[ Curled into Louis' arms, they could be utterly alone. Armand listens to the slow beat of Louis' heart, though he doesn't drink from him. Somehow it feels better to just be close, to experience it as they might have done if they'd been mortal, together.

Calmer now, Armand lets a silence stretch out for a few moments, taking those careful words from his beloved -- still, always -- and folding them carefully away inside himself. I wanted you to live. The same impulse that had saved Daniel, the guardian angel, now promises to save him. How long had he spent with that tiny seed of jealousy, that he'd had to witness those words and never hear them for himself? And now this. A lifeline. ]

But you tried. Nevertheless.

[ Still, he has to ask. Armand pulls back a little so he can look at Louis properly, frowning, wanting to understand. ]

And, I find that I must know, Louis.. why? After everything -- after I wronged you. The fights we used to have. But you're here.