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Chapter Text

The pounding in his head woke him up. He groaned, shifting as his slumber had been disturbed by the results of his actions the night before. He hadn’t partied that hard since his early 20s in his college days but last night…last night is actually a blur to him. The last thing he remembers is staring at a pair of amber colored eyes, Armand. He remembers being with Armand. Perhaps it was all a dream and he and Louis just had a fight again wouldn’t have been their first fight and he knows it certainly won’t be their last. 

Lestat groaned again and slowly peeled his eyes open, expecting to see the familiar bedroom he shared with his husband, only to be met with something completely different. Their once dark green walls were now cream colored, he looked down and their bedding was different, the sheets were different, he looked over and the person lying beside him was different. 

“Oh god.” He mutters under his breath. That’s not Louis lying there beside him. 

Here he was in someone else’s house, someone else’s bed, and not at home with his husband, Louis. Louis who was going to skin him alive if he found out about this. But then he remembered something, he was a thousand miles away from home. He was in Europe for two months gearing up for Spring fashion-week, next month in May, surely not this type of business though. He was with Armand, the boy who helped mend his broken heart. 

He thought for a second. Louis’ back home in New Orleans while he was in Paris with someone he’d obviously met the night before and slept with. Was that such a bad thing? To Lestat, there was no such thing as a bad thing. As he’d told his husband long before they were dating or even engaged he liked to have a little variety but he forgot about all of them when he vowed to Louis that he’d be his partner in life, till death do us part. But no. How could he do this to Louis? Just disrespect him and their marriage? Then again, they were separated, on the verge of a divorce. He remembers their explosive fight just two weeks ago, he wished he could forget and put it all behind him but he can never take back what he said to Louis that day and what he had done to their family.

“When is the lying going to stop!? I know you’ve been “working” extra hours just to avoid me! You’re never here anymore!” Louis was drunk, having started drinking his wine earlier in the day and he was already a bottle and a half in.

"I’m always here!” Lestat spat. “Every day I’m here listening to you mope about this and cry over that! I’m getting tired of it!” 

“So you spend all your time away from us and our home? Weekend trips here and there, claiming they’re work trips?! What’s really going on Lestat huh?! Got a new fling?!” 

“No!” Lestat took a deep breath and put his hands up in defense. “Let’s just stop talking about this. It’s late and I’m tired and you’re clearly drunk so let’s just go to bed.” 

“I’m not done talking about this! Tell me! Who is it?!”

“Louis, please-”

“-No Lestat! I know you’re seeing someone! Why?! Am I not good enough for you anymore?! Do you not love me anymore?!”

"Louis, c’mon let’s get you up to bed.” Lestat tries to lead Louis upstairs.

“Get off of me!” Louis shoves Lestat away from him. “You’re a fucking coward, Lestat! You’ve always been a coward! Tell me the truth! Tell me you don’t love me anymore! Say it!” Louis gets in Lestat’s face. “You’ve always been a little bitch! Always running away from your problems like a little bitch !”

“Enough!” Lestat barks. “Maybe I do that because I’m unhappy being here! Because I’m not allowed to live the life I want to! Because-

“-Because what?!” Louis cuts in. “Say it…SAY IT!”

“BECAUSE I DON’T LOVE YOU ANYMORE!”

They both went quiet. 

“Louis,” Lestat swallowed as he saw all the color drain from Louis’ face and tears well in his eyes. “Louis, please-”

“-Don’t.” Louis backed away and looked around the room, it was spinning. “We’re done! You and me…that’s it. Pack your shit and get the fuck outta my house!” Louis stormed past the blonde and marched upstairs, disappearing into a room where he slammed the door so hard the walls rattled. 

Every memory they shared together flashed through Louis’ mind ranging from the moment they first met, their very first date, nights spent out together, their wedding, his pregnancy with Claudia, welcoming their baby girl, their life with her, and everything else up until now. He felt betrayed, heartbroken, unwanted, and unlovable. Lestat painted a clear picture for him and after everything they’ve been through he doesn’t think he can ever forgive him for this. 

Lestat stood in the middle of their living room, unable to breathe. What had he just done? How could he say such things to Louis? His one true love? The reason he continues living?

He stumbled over his feet, vision blurred by the tears that stung in his eyes, needing to make his way upstairs but he stopped when he spotted Claudia sitting on the stairs, silently crying to herself. 

“Claudia, I-”

“You break my heart daddy…Then again you break everyone's heart.” She ran upstairs, leaving him all alone.

Lestat left the house and somehow found himself on a familiar doorstep two and a half hours later. He didn’t even have to knock because the door opened and he fell into the thin arms of his lover. 

“Come my love, I’ll take care of you.” Armand takes him in and walks him to the living room where they collapse onto the couch.

Lestat’s gut-wrenching cries echoed through the New York City penthouse as Armand held him and helped soothe his broken heart. He cried for hours, well into the morning while Armand sat there and comforted him the only way he knew how; by showing him endless love and affection to let Lestat know he didn’t need Louis or Claudia and that he had him instead.

“What’s wrong, babe?” Lestat hears Armand ask from where he lay beside him. 

“Hmm? Oh nothing, just…” Lestat moves to face Armand and wraps his arms around him, pulling their warm bodies close to each other. “I love you.”

Armand smiles and kisses Lestat, “I love you too.” He deepens their kiss as his hands travel down Lestat’s back and to his plump ass, squeezing it getting a moan out of his blonde lover. 

The two of them proceed to make love in bed until it was time for them to get their day started, another day together in Paris. 

•••

Six weeks went by and Lestat stood in front of the house, staring at it. He knows Louis was home, his car was parked in the driveway. He just had to work up the courage to walk inside and face his husband, ex-husband, whatever he was.

It took him a good hour of just standing there until he found himself walking up to the front door. 

“Like ripping off a bandaid.” He mutters to himself, turning the lock to open the door. He enters the quiet house and feels a sense of comfort being back home but still has anxiety and regret bubbling in his belly. “Hello?” He calls out and hears footsteps coming down the stairs. 

Lestat looks up and Louis’ standing there on the stairs with his hands stuffed into the pockets of his navy blue sweatpants. 

“Hello Lestat.” Louis says. 

“Hello Louis.” God he’s missed him. “You look,” Lestat looks at him, feeling himself grow hard. “Beautiful, mon cher. I’ve missed you.”

Louis tuts and slowly descends down the rest of the stairs until he’s face to face with his husband.

“Louis, look about that night I-” Louis slapped Lestat across the face for all the hurt he’s caused him…. “I deserved that.” Lestat says while holding his face. “Louis, please, can we talk?”

“I have nothing to say to you.” Louis breathes and in a split second, pounces on him like a beast, kissing him fiercely and ferociously. Tongues dancing together in pure ecstasy.

Lestat surely wasn’t expecting that type of reaction but wasn’t going to stop it either. He’d craved for Louis’ mouth on his and for their bodies to be bare and pressed together. They stumbled their way to the living room, knocking over anything that was in their way, tearing off each other’s clothes, falling onto the couch where they made love. This was their apology to each other, the rekindling of their relationship. This was something they both needed and were going to get it one way or another, craving the intimacy they so longed for.

•••

Another month and a half had gone by and Lestat was having a fantastic day. He had probably one of the greatest nights of his life last night and he was feeling better than ever.

Lestat was sitting in his home office at his desk, sketching away when a knock came about at the door. 

"Come in.” He calls and takes a sip of his tea, keeping his eyes focused on his latest design. 

“Working on another masterpiece?” Louis asks, coming up behind his husband bringing his hand to rest on Lestat’s shoulder, squeezing it. “Looks good.” He says and feels Lestat’s hand join his, rubbing his knuckles before bringing his fingers to his lips, kissing them with a smile. 

"Come mon cher, have a seat.” Lestat turns in his seat and welcomes Louis to sit on his lap. He snakes a hand up Louis’ back and eases him into another kiss, the two of them moaning into each other’s mouths until Louis pulls away. “What is it?” 

“I…There’s something I have to tell you.” Louis begins with a nervous smile. 

"Whatever it is, mon cher, you can tell me.” Lestat urges and keeps a hand on Louis’ back, rubbing small circles. 

Louis bit his lip and took a deep breath, “I’m pregnant.” 

"You’re what?” 

"I’m pregnant.” Louis repeats. 

“I thought that’s what you said.” Lestat blinks, stunned at the news. “This is…Wow this is some news.” 

“I know it’s unexpected and definitely a shock but I dunno,” Louis shrugs and sends a hopeful look to his husband. “Maybe this…maybe this could help us? Maybe this is a good thing?” Lestat remains quiet, his mind racing. “Please say something.”

“What do you want me to say?”

“That you’re happy about this. This can help bring us together as a family again, Lestat You can get rid of your plaything and we can be a family again. Me, you, Claudia, and this baby.” Louis says and presses a hand to his flat stomach. “I think if we really try and work things out we’ll be okay. I’m willing to try if you are.” 

Lestat thinks for a moment, how can I stop seeing someone I’ve fallen in love with? He lets that thought escape elsewhere in his brain as he sends a beaming smile to his husband. “Whatever you want my darling. Anything for you.” He assures and reaches up to capture Louis’ lips in a kiss. “We’re having a baby.” 

"We’re having a baby.” 

So you can imagine his surprise when Armand came waltzing into his office carrying two cups of what he assumes to be their usual lattes. They agreed to only meet strictly for business and would be told when to meet so having Armand here so soon wasn’t the plan. He was going to have Armand meet with him to end things. He can do this.

“Armand? What are you doing here?” Lestat asks, accepting one of the lattes. 

“Remember when we were in Paris and we had the house to ourselves?” Armand starts and lowers himself onto Lestat’s lap. “You got spooked by one of the sculptures that night before we had what seemed like never ending sex that carried on until morning.”

“Yeah? Why?” Lestat smirks, having an idea of where this was going.

“I bet I can spook you again.” Armand bites his lip and leans closer to the blonde so that he’s just a short distance from his ear. “I’m pregnant.” He whispers. 

Lestat’s demeanor changed completely.

“You seem unhappy about this? I thought this is what you wanted? Louis couldn’t give you another baby but I am.” Armand takes Lestat’s hand and presses it against the very faint swell he had in his midsection. “We’re going to have a baby.” 

Lestat didn’t know what to do or how to take this type of news, seeing as not even twelve hours ago Louis had shared that he was also pregnant. 

Lestat quickly removes his hand and shakes his head. “No, this, you can’t be. Please tell me you’re lying.” 

“Why aren’t you happy about this? I thought…I thought you wanted this for us?” Armand was now on the verge of tears standing up looking like a little sad puppy. “Lestat?”

“Louis’ pregnant!” Lestat sharply announces. 

“W-What?” 

Lestat sighs and runs a hand through his hair. “He told me last night. I’m supposed to end things with you because we’re going to work on our marriage.” 

Armand swallows back the lump forming in his throat. “You…You were going to leave me? I’m pregnant with your child and you were going to leave me?”

“Now that’s not fair. I did not know you were pregnant until thirty seconds ago. You know Louis and I have been trying to work things out-”

“-Yes and you told me they weren’t looking good so what changed?!” Armand grew louder which only caused the people in the office to listen in on their conversation. 

“We’re not doing this here. We can talk about this later once I’ve figured things out with Louis-” 

“-So you’re just going to pick him over me?”

“No I didn’t say that. I just…I can’t think straight right now and need some time.” Lestat sighs again. “Just give me some time.” 

Armand didn’t say anything and strode over to the door, ready to open it but turned back around to face Lestat. “Just so you know, I’m keeping this baby. It’s all I've ever wanted in life and I’m not going to let you or anybody else take that away from me.” With that he exits the office, leaving Lestat reeling from the news. 

Armand was almost out of the building when a sudden wave of nausea came over him. He covered his mouth and ran to the nearest bathroom dropping to the floor as he threw up his stomach contents. The nausea came from a mix of morning sickness and anxiety due to Lestat’s reaction to the news. He knew he should’ve told him sooner but he was scared because he wasn’t sure how Lestat would react. Maybe if he had told him sooner, Lestat would choose him instead of Louis. Just maybe he’d finally have the blonde all to himself but right now he was still off limits and it gutted him. 

When the nausea passed, Armand picked himself back up and threw some cold water onto his face then proceeded to leave the office building, straight into the car that was waiting for him. The driver brings him to his penthouse where he takes a hot shower and offloads from his rather unwelcomed encounter with Lestat. 

He lays in his massive bed with his hands folded over his still flat stomach and stares up at the ceiling, thinking back to when he found out he was pregnant not long after their time in Paris. He became very ill a few days after they landed back in New Orleans. He figured he caught some kind of virus and just let it ride its course until it was out of his system but the nausea lingered. He asked his assistant, Lila, to make an appointment with his doctor but instead she went out and bought him top of the line pregnancy tests. 

“My sister was the same when she was pregnant with my nephew.” She claimed and handed him the box. “Better to be safe.” 

Armand trusted her with his life and knew that if he was pregnant, she’d be there for him no matter the outcome. So he locked himself in the bathroom to take the tests while she waited out in the hall. Fifteen minutes later, the door opened and he walked out face flushed and clammy. 

“Well?” 

“They’re all positive.” He says quietly then looks up at her with fear in his eyes. “Not a word until I’ve spoken to him.” 

"Of course.” She responds and gathers him into a hug. “Whatever happens you know I’m here for you.” She whispers to him and kisses his cheek letting him cry in her arms because he didn’t have the one person he wanted there to comfort him. 

Now, after having false hope that Lestat would be happy about this he lay in bed, sobbing because he felt like his world was crumbling around him. Armand cried himself to sleep, a much needed nap to ease his horror of having to go at this new chapter of his life alone.

When Armand awoke many hours later, it was now nightfall and the sound of his phone vibrating beside him disturbed his sleep. He groans, scrolling through all the messages and notifications he received. Several texts from his assistant, emails from his team, meetings he missed, but the one thing that caught him by surprise was that he had one missed call and one text message from Lestat.

Lestat 🍆💦❤️‍🔥

Please call me xx

He stares at his phone, debating whether or not he should call or text him back. He decides to put his phone on do not disturb and stays in bed for the rest of the night. 

Armand awoke again the next day. More messages and notifications and another message from Lestat. 

Lestat 🍆💦❤️‍🔥

I’m seriously getting worried. Please call me!

With a huff, Armand decides to call the blonde and see what he had to say to him now even though he wasn’t all that keen on the baby news yesterday.

The phone rings and Lestat picks up right away. 

“Thank god, I was getting worried about you.” 

“You know where I live.” Armand responds, looking over his freshly manicured nails, still waking up. “What do you want, Lestat?”

“Are you really pregnant?” He asks with slight concern in his voice.

“I have an appointment tomorrow morning to verify whether or not I am actually pregnant-”

“-So there’s a possibility it’s a false positive then?” Armand wasn’t fond of how hopeful Lestat sounded.

“...Perhaps but I want you to be there with me. It’s your baby too Lestat and even if you don’t want anything to do with me, at least make an effort to be there for your kid.” Armand knew how to get under Lestat’s skin, even if that meant making him feel so small just to get his way. 

“What time tomorrow morning?” 

“Eleven thirty with Doctor Hayden.” Lestat quietly gasps at the mention of the doctor’s name because Doctor Hayden was Louis’ OB/GYN when he was pregnant with Claudia and Louis was scheduled to meet with her again at the end of the week. “Is that time good for you?” 

“Hmm? Oh yeah, that time works.”

“I’ve already had Lila send over the NDA’s so we should be all set.” Armand informs him.

“Okay, I guess I’ll see you then.” 

Armand suddenly felt a wave of nausea come over him. “I gotta go. Bye.” He abruptly ended their call and ran to the bathroom, almost missing the toilet. 

“God I hate this.” He mutters into the bowl as another bout of sickness comes up, leaving him retching and coughing until he’s done. He wipes the corner of his mouth and stands up. He washes his hands then throws some cold water onto his face to wake himself up a little bit. After, he dries his face with a face towel and his eyes travel down to his midsection. He lifts his shirt and turns to the side to see if there were any signs of a small swell. 

He couldn’t exactly tell just yet but he still felt like something was in there. 

“If you’re really in there darling, I promise to do everything in my power to make sure you know you’re loved.” He says to it as he brings both hands over his abdomen, closes his eyes, and says a little prayer for his baby. This little baby that’s half him and half Lestat. “I promise my love.” He adds at the end of his silent prayer and puts his shirt back down. He made his way to the kitchen to start the kettle and opened his laptop to tackle his thousands of emails, getting back to work.  

•••

The next day Lestat picked up Armand for his appointment and drove them to the office. Luckily, Armand didn’t have to sit around and wait, instead a nurse escorted them both to a room right away. Sometimes being famous did have its perks. 

The doctor didn’t keep them waiting either and was making her way into the room shortly after. 

“Hello, I’m Doctor Hayden.” She introduces herself and shakes their hands as if it was the first time she met either of them, which wasn’t the case. “Wonderful to meet you both.” 

“Likewise.” Armand responds, having no idea Lestat already knows her. 

“So, we’re here to verify a pregnancy?” 

“Yes. I took a few tests about a week ago and they’ve all come back positive. Plus I’ve been extremely nauseous the last month or so which is why I tested in the first place.” Armand explains.

“Okay. Do you know how far along you think you might be?” 

“I dunno, seven maybe eight weeks if my calculations are correct.” He answers and looks to Lestat for confirmation. “How long ago were we in Paris?” 

“Um, I think it was eight weeks ago.” Lestat shrugs. “I’ve been a little bit busy in between now and then, Armand.” 

“I know, just nevermind.” Armand sighs and looks at the doctor. “I just want to know if I’m pregnant or not.” 

“Very well.” She nods and goes across the room to wash her hands. “We’ll perform an ultrasound and see if we’ve got a baby in there, okay?” He nods and takes a deep breath. “I’m going to have you just lay back for me, lift your shirt and if you could just lower your pants as well.” 

“Okay.” Armand watches her every move, head moving back and forth as she gets everything set up and situated.

“I’m just going to squeeze some gel onto your belly, it’s going to be cold.” She warns and squeezes a generous amount to his lower belly. “Okay, I’m going to apply some pressure here.” 

The moment the transducer makes contact with his skin it suddenly feels so real that he could potentially have a little baby in there. He laid there keeping his eyes on the doctor, watching her study the screen while moving around the transducer until she stops and a small smile breaks out across her face. She turned on the tv that was mounted on the wall, directly across from them and the black and white image of a tiny bean shape appeared on the screen. 

“There’s your baby.” She tells them and Armand’s breath hitches as he sees the little thing that was currently taking up residence inside his womb. 

“They’re so small.” He comments. 

“Actually they’re measuring right on target for being eight weeks along.” She says. “See here is their head and body, starting to develop with slightly more definition. And there,” She zooms in on something moving inside the baby. “Is the heart beating.” She flips a switch and the room is filled with a fast thumping sound that brought Armand to tears. 

“Wow.” She sniffles and looks down at his belly then to the screen. “That’s really inside me.” 

“Sure is! Congratulations sweetheart.” She hands him some tissues and he takes them.

“Thank you.” He wipes away his tears and looks up at Lestat who looked equally stunned but was also crying. 

“It’s amazing innit?” Armand nods and feels Lestat’s hand grab hold of his, bringing it up to his lips, kissing the clammy flesh. “That’s our baby.” 

Armand blinks back up at the screen and smiles, never wanting to take his eyes off of it. “Can I have this sent to me please?”

“Of course. We’ll have it sent directly to your email.” 

“Wonderful.” 

Armand is given some paper towels to wipe the gel off his belly then he and Lestat are told to follow the doctor to her office to discuss a few things.

They sit across from her and she doesn’t keep them waiting, getting right to the point. 

“Before I say anything I want you to know that this is a safe space.” She says directly to Armand. “I’m here for you, whatever you need okay?” 

“Thank you, I appreciate that.” He warmly smiles and plays with his clammy hands as they sit in his lap.

“Now, with this being your first pregnancy I understand you may be feeling all sorts of emotions and that’s okay, it’s normal. This is a huge event happening in your life so it’s normal to feel anxious and scared but also excited and happy at the same time and sometimes it’s hard to handle all these emotions. So I want to ask if you have a good support system?” 

Armand looks to Lestat then back at her. “Yes. I have all the support I need.” 

“Great. It’s crucial to have a support system during this time in your life so as long as you have someone or a team of people in your corner, it’ll really make a difference.” She explains. “You’ll have to start taking prenatal vitamins everyday up until you give birth or if you choose to breastfeed, I recommend taking them then as well. You can buy them over the counter, no need for a prescription to get some.” She continues and Armand nods, listening intently. “And you said you’ve been having morning sickness?” 

“All the time. Sometimes all day even.” Armand says. 

“Unfortunately that comes with the pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. If the nausea becomes too much for you to handle I can write a prescription for you to keep it at bay so it doesn’t disrupt your day to day activities but ginger ale will also work just the same, whichever you prefer.” She grins and takes a look at her calendar. “I’d like for you to come back in four weeks for another scan so we can see how the baby is progressing and lastly, not to turn this joyous moment sour. I need you to understand that being in the first trimester does put you at risk for a possible miscarriage. Some spotting and cramping is normal in the first trimester because your body is getting used to having something new inside of it, have you had any spotting or cramping at all?”

“Not really.” He responds with a small head shake.

“Okay, and that’s fine. Some people don’t but if, at any point during the pregnancy, you’re heavily bleeding or experiencing severe cramping, go to the nearest hospital.” Both him and Lestat nod in understanding. “Now, like I said, I want you back here in four weeks for another scan and if you have any questions at all please don’t hesitate to reach out oh and one more thing.”

“Yes?” 

“Are you planning to stay in New Orleans?”

It had been a question he’s asked himself constantly since he took the test. If he stays in New Orleans he’ll have Lestat. If he goes back to New York or eventually Europe, he’ll be by himself, but is that such a bad thing?

He glances over at Lestat who sends him a questioning look. “As of right now, yes.” He answers. 

“Perfect so then, I’ll see you in four weeks.” She smiles at them and they both rise from their seats. “Oh, I almost forgot,” She goes and grabs the sonograms that she forgot she printed. “Your baby’s first picture.” 

Armand takes them, still in disbelief that he had a little life inside of him. “Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome.” She says and takes Armand by surprise when she gives him a hug. “Hang in there okay? I know this is a scary and exciting time in your life but I can already tell the love you have for this baby. You’ve got this.” She tells him and he begins to tear up hearing her say that. 

“Thank you.” He whimpers into her ear and feels her rub at his back. 

“I’m always here if you need me okay?” He nods as he lets her go and is handed some tissues. “I’ll see you soon.” She adds before walking them out. 

Lestat and Armand get into Lestat’s car and the driver brings them both back to Armand’s apartment building. During the drive they ended up getting stuck in some traffic due to construction but Armand didn’t mind because he was lost in a trance looking at the black and white sonograms of his little baby. He didn’t say a word to Lestat and just stared at the film thinking about what the next seven months are going to be like for him. 

Upon arriving at Armand’s building, Lestat invites himself to join him, following him into the elevators and up to the penthouse. 

Although Armand seems oblivious of Lestat’s presence, he looks up at his blonde, face unreadable. 

Lestat is prepared to meet his wrath but instead notices how Armand eyes him softly and sends him a gentle smile. 

“Should we order lunch?” 

“Um, sure. I’d like that.” Lestat relaxes and Armand places an order at Sweetgreen then sits on the couch with a bottle of sparkling water he grabbed from the fridge. 

“So,” Lestat starts and nervously rubs his hands together. 

“So.” Armand drawls.

“Are we just not going to discuss the future of our child?” Lestat questions. 

“What do you mean?” Armand questions.

Lestat shrugs and takes a look around Armand’s apartment. “You’re going to stay? Here in New Orleans? For good?” 

“Well, for now I have no other choice.” Armand supplies. “I have no one else, other than you. My entire life is back in Paris but do you want me all the way over there while pregnant with your child? Just uproot your family and move them to a whole different country?”

“Absolutely not.” Lestat scoffs and sits back with a sigh. “That would never fly with Louis…or Claudia.” 

“Speaking of which, what are you going to tell them?” 

“Well, I’m going to have to tell him the truth.” 

“Should I expect you back in my bed tonight?” Armand smirks.

“Not funny.” Lestat deadpans. “I’m sure we’ll have it out but I don’t know what will happen after that, I honestly don’t.” He says with another shrug and a sigh. “If need be, do I have an open invite?” 

“Always.” Armand responds and moves across the couch, his lips landing on Lestat’s, giving him a brief kiss. “Even if your husband throws you out again, you’ll always be welcome here.” 

“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Lestat adds and Armand hums in agreement, giving him another kiss. 

The two lovers spent their afternoon enjoying their massive salads and being with each other until Lestat realized the time. He said bye to Armand with a solid kiss before finding his way down to the lobby and discreetly hailing a cab back to his house. 

When returns home that evening he finds the house to be empty and dark. Assuming no one was there, he makes his way towards the kitchen to pour himself a much needed glass of wine. 

“Hi.” A voice startles Lestat as walks through the living room. 

“Jesus Christ!” Lestat exclaims, his heart beating out of his chest. “Louis? Why are you sitting in the dark?!” The lamp beside him flips on and Lestat can see he had visible tear tracks along his beautiful face. “Have you been crying?” 

“Your assistant stopped by.” Louis began and Lestat knew this wasn’t going to end well. “Told me you were at a medical office downtown…and you weren’t alone.” Lestat laughs in annoyance knowing two things; one his assistant was going to be fired immediately and two, he got caught. “Care to tell me what you were doing there with him and where you’ve been the last eight hours?” Louis asks, crossing his arms over his chest.

“The truth?” 

“The truth.” Louis confirms.

“It’s Armand, he’s…he’s pregnant.” Louis scoffs, appalled at the bomb his husband just dropped on him. Lestat runs a hand down his face. “He told me two days ago and we went to the doctor this morning and…he’s eight weeks along and-”

“-You son of a bitch!” Louis gets up and pushes past Lestat but is stopped. 

“Louis, please.” Lestat grabs his arm, preventing him from leaving. “I had no idea until he told me! I was going to break it off with him but he told me and I-”

“-You…You left me broken and hurting at home while you fucked someone else?!” 

“You kicked me out!” Lestat was quick to defend himself, rising to his feet in the midst of having another screaming match with his husband. “I didn’t leave you! You kicked me out!” And like when he returned home from Paris, a hand slapped him across the face, leaving his cheek red and raw. 

“Fuck you!” Louis spits in his face and pushes him out of the way. 

Louis wanted to lock himself in his room and cry. He was overcome with a wave of nausea from all the emotions and constant betrayal he was being put through. It felt like deja-vu. After their last explosive fight, he cried all night long being comforted by Claudia who laid with him and held his hand as he sobbed over his broken heart. But she was staying at a friend’s house tonight so he was going to be left all alone with his feelings. 

“I want to divorce you!” He blurts out. “I want to take Claudia and leave your sorry ass because you are a poor excuse of a husband and a father! You don’t deserve to be part of this family!” 

“I know.” Lestat takes it because he knows he doesn’t deserve to be part of their lives after ruining them.

“But this baby deserves to have their father in their life and I’m not going to take that away from them.” Lestat nods and looks down, tears filling his eyes to the brim. “I’m done playing these games. I’m done always taking you back no matter how much you hurt me. I just can’t do it anymore, Lestat…”

“I know.” 

“But another part of me can’t let you go.” Louis pauses and shakes his head. “I must be crazy. I must be bat shit crazy but you’ve cast some sort of spell over me Lestat De Lioncourt and maybe it's the pregnancy hormones but no matter how hard I try I can’t get you out of my mind. I can’t move on from you.” 

There’s an awkward silence between the two of them then Lestat speaks up.

“So where does that leave us?” 

“I don’t know.” Louis heaves a heavy sigh and sniffs. “All I know is that I need to take care of myself. My health and the baby’s health comes first before our relationship, or whatever it is we have or don’t have. I don’t need the added stress trying to make “this” work when you just go and ruin it.” Lestat is quiet, taking every word to heart. “As for Armand, well that’s your business but if you choose to be with him then I’ll know where our relationship stands.”

“What about Claudia?” Lestat questions.

“What about Claudia?” Louis repeats.

“Am I allowed to see her?”

“She’s fifteen years old, Lestat. She can make some decisions for herself. If she wants to see you then she wants to see you. If she doesn’t then I would hope you respect her decision and not make her feel guilty in any way.” 

“Never.” Lestat says and shakes his head. “Where is she by the way?”

“Staying over at her friend’s house tonight.” He says with another sigh followed by a yawn. “I’m gon’ go to bed. Dealing with you is always exhausting and I just don’t have the energy or need to talk to you for the rest of the night.”

That’s fair. “Okay. I’ll uh, I can sleep on the couch?” It came out more like a question than a statement. 

“Whatever.” Louis shrugs and turns around to head upstairs without another word to the blonde. 

He locks himself in his room for the night and takes a hot shower, standing under the water sprayer for a bit to let the heat melt away the tension in his body. When the water started getting cold, he turned the shower off and changed into some pajamas before crawling into bed letting is mind wander for the rest of the night while playing with his wedding ring that he’s taken off for the first time in almost twenty years.

•••

It wasn’t until the following weekend that they sat Claudia down and told her about their current situation. She knew they were on the verge of getting a divorce but she wasn’t surprised to learn her father had gotten someone else pregnant because he just couldn't keep his dick in his pants. However, she was shocked to learn how accepting Louis was about all of this. She was expecting papers to be drawn up right away, for her father to be thrown out for good, but instead he and Louis were still “working and figuring things out” Such bullshit.

“So where does that leave me?” Claudia asks, looking between her parents. 

“I told your father that you’re at an age where you can make some decisions independently.” Louis says.

“And whatever decision you make, I’d fully understand and respect it.” Lestat adds.

Claudia sighs and quirks a brow. “Well, I’m your blood and you’re still my father whether I like it or not so I guess I’m stuck with you.” 

Stuck with you. I guess I’m stuck with you. He was such a permanent burden to Claudia that she felt she couldn’t get rid of him no matter how much she wanted or tried to.

“I’m really going to try to be more present with you, both of you.” He says. “I want to be here as often as I can because you two deserve nothing less and I’m going to prove to you both that I am a worthy father and husband.” 

“And how do you plan on doing that when you’re having a baby with someone else?”

“I don’t know.” Lestat shakes his head, starting to feel a headache coming on. “I’ll figure it out.” 

Claudia hums. “Are we done here? I have homework to do.” 

“Yes.” Louis answers and gets up to leave her room along with Lestat. 

“That was…” Lestat didn’t know what to say because he too was still trying to figure out how he was going to make this all work. “I think…I think I need some air.” He gets up and rushes outside to their backyard, gasping for the air to fill his lungs as the weight of this all comes crumbling down on him.

How could he be so reckless? So careless and cruel to go and have sex with Armand and then with Louis within weeks of each other only for them both to end up pregnant at the same time! Damn the universe for making two of the most attractive men in the world also be the most fertile. 

What was he going to do?

“Lestat?” Louis’ voice cuts into his thoughts. “Les? You okay?” 

Lestat’s head shifted to his left where Louis was walking towards him. He looks at Louis, seeing the man who’d captured his heart all those years go. The sweetest, kindest, warmest, most gentle man he’d fallen in love with. How could he ever forgive himself for doing this to Louis?

Lestat walks the short distance towards Louis and sniffles, taking a good look at his husband. “I will always love you, Louis.” He tells him and grabs hold of his hands. “But I also love Armand.” He looks down and swallows, ashamed at himself. “And I think I need some time to myself for a little while.” He lets go of Louis’ hands and takes one more look at him before walking past him to the front yard. 

“Where are you going?” 

Lestat turns around and shrugs. “I don’t know. But wherever I go, please don’t follow me. I need to be alone.” He turns back around and carries on through the gates and out to their driveway where he gets into his car and leaves the estate without another word. 

Louis would later come to find out that Lestat had taken himself to their villa in Italy, where he’d spend two weeks detached and silent from the rest of the world. 

•••

Two weeks later found Louis and Claudia sitting together at the table in their kitchen, sharing a dinner of ramen noodles together. Claudia’s favorite. 

“Armand wants to meet with me.” Louis says to his daughter while slurping his springy noodles. “I think I might go.” 

“You can’t be serious.” Claudia deadpans.

“Why not?” Louis shrugs.

“Mama, he’s the reason you and dad are getting a divorce!” 

“We’re not getting a divorce, not yet anyway.” He looks down and sighs before looking back up at her. “Besides, what's going on between me and your father is more than that.”

“How can it be more than him having an affair and getting that son of a bitch pregnant the same time he got you pregnant?!” 

“Why are you so against me going to see him?”

“Because…” She drawls. How is it going to look for me? She wants to say but doesn’t. She’s been keeping her school life under wraps because Louis already has enough to deal with. So she comes up with a lie. “What if your blood pressure spikes? Doctor Hayden did say it was a little high when we saw her last.” 

“My blood pressure is fine. It’ll be a quick chat then I’ll be on with it. I just think talking to him will help me.” 

“I think you’re crazy, mama.” 

“I know.” Louis finishes his noodles and gets up to get a second serving. “But you gotta stop worrying about me. I’m an adult, I can take care of myself.” He tells her on his way to the kitchen. 

“No you can’t.” She mutters under his breath. 

“What was that?” Louis calls.

“Nothing!” She shouts back and plays with her noodles.

Louis returns with another heaping bowl and sits back in his seat. 

“You know how crazy you sound for even wanting to see this guy?!” 

“Maybe I am crazy?” Louis shrugs. “Pregnancy alters your mood.”

Claudia shakes her head. “That’s no excuse. I don’t think you should go. He’s just going to make you upset.” 

“You don’t know that.” 

And the very next day Louis was downtown, on his way to meet up with Armand at the cafe. He’ll admit he was nervous about this meeting but he wants answers, answers Lestat wouldn’t give him.

“Here goes nothing.” He says to himself as he takes a deep breath and opens the door. 

Armand’s hard to miss so he makes his way over to the table where he was scrolling through his phone. He looks up and smiles. “Louis, thank you for meeting with me. Come have a seat.” He welcomes Louis to join him at the table. “Please feel free to order anything you’d like, it’s my treat.” 

“I’m all set.” Louis takes off his coat and sits down across from Armand. He’s trying to be positive and control himself no matter how much he wants to pounce on him for what he did to their family. “So, how long were you two seeing each other?” He asks. 

“I see we’re just getting right to it then.” Armand laughs but Louis doesn’t find it funny. “We had done business together and became friends. He’d always flirt but I’d never let it go any further because I knew you two were married, I respected that. But I will admit there were some times we’d drink and he’d kiss me but it was never anything more but when you,” Armand stops for a moment, thinking if he should be telling this to Louis. “When you kicked him out, he showed up at my doorstep in New York and drunkenly cried on my couch then one thing led to another and-” 

“How long did you two continue seeing each other after that?” 

“We were together in Paris.” Armand admits, swirling the spoon around his cappuccino. “To be fair you broke him, Louis.” Louis shook his head in disbelief, his leg shaking beneath the table as his anger and frustration grew. “He was heartbroken when he came to see me so I fixed him during his time of need. You weren’t around. I didn’t see you chasing after him.” 

Louis breath hitches, “You took my husband away from me! You took my daughter’s father away from her!” 

“Louis, please you two were separated! On the verge of a divorce!” Armand was quick to fire but didn’t persist and caught himself. “Look, I don’t want there to be any bad blood between us.” 

Louis tutted and scoffed. “And yet here I am, meeting my husband’s mistress for lunch.” Armand went silent, “I knew this was a bad idea.” Louis stands and puts his coat on, fuming with rage. “I hope you’re happy with what you’ve done to my family, Armand. You’re a homewrecker! Always remember that!” 

To say he was embarrassed was an understatement. All eyes were on him after Louis yelled at him and stormed out of the cafe. He cleared his throat and got up as the people in the restaurant resumed their quiet conversation. He tossed a twenty onto the table, put on his sunglasses and practically jumped in his car on the verge of having a panic attack. 

“Where to sir?” His driver asks. 

“Please just take me home.” He whimpers and the driver doesn’t ask anymore questions. 

Armand is back at his penthouse not even five minutes later. He runs himself a warm bath and tries to steer his mind from all that happened less than an hour ago with Louis but couldn’t.

“You took my husband away from me!”

“You took my daughter’s father away from her!” 

“I hope you’re happy with what you’ve done to my family, Armand!” 

“You’re a homewrecker! Always remember that!” 

Armand takes a deep breath and closes his eyes, sinking deeper into the water. “Everything’s going to be okay.” He whispers to the little baby in his belly. “Everything will all be okay.” 

Meanwhile across town, Louis had just gotten home and was livid. 

“Mama?” Claudia calls out when she fears their front door slam. She heads downstairs and sees Louis standing there, a crying mess. 

“Please don’t say it.” He asks her. 

“I won’t.” She promises and hugs him. “He’s an asshole. Dad’s an asshole too. This world is filled with assholes.” 

“It is.” Louis agrees. 

“C’mon, I’ll make us some spicy hot cocoa with extra marshmallows just the way you like it.” She tells him and he moves to wrap an arm around her. 

“God what would I do without?” He asks her with a slight chuckle.

“Probably lose your mind.” She states and rubs his back, leading him off to their kitchen. “C’mon mama, let me take care of you for a change.”

•••

Claudia, Louis, and Lestat had just returned home from a week-long trip to Malibu. It took a lot of convincing from Lestat to get Louis on board but it was even harder for them to get Claudia on board seeing as she was still apprehensive about her father’s intentions. But she went and promised to behave to please Louis since he didn’t need the added stress. 

Claudia was able to get excused from her classes, with permission to do her school work while she was away but the little genius she was, she had it done the first day so she was able to enjoy the California getaway. 

The family stayed at their beach house on the Pacific coast and it was a surprisingly good trip for all of them. They spent their days either on the beach or shopping around, eating at all their usual favorite spots and trying some new ones. Getting just the tiniest bit sunkissed which made Louis feel some type of way seeing the tinges of red on Lestat’s forehead, cheeks, and nose. 

Now back in New Orleans, they called it an early night. Claudia had gone off to her room saying goodnight to her parents, Louis went to the master while Lestat got comfortable in the guestroom. He called Armand to check in on him and talked Armand to sleep, growing tired himself so he put on his eye mask and was snoozing not long after that. 

It was midnight, and on the opposite side of the city Armand was woken up by a sharp cramp in his belly. He wasn’t sure if it was gas or maybe what he’d eaten for dinner but whatever it was, it lingered and was strong enough that it had his toes curling, fisting the sheets beneath him. He hisses as he sits up, feeling a dull, throbbing ache in his pelvis.

He groans and decides to get the heating pad to see if it’ll help. He turned on the light beside him so he could see where he was going and retrieved the heating pad from where he kept it in the linen closet. 

He laid with it for a bit but couldn’t get comfortable, not just from the pain but with what’s been on his mind. The conversation with Louis had been playing over and over in his head every single day for the last week and a half, so much so that he couldn’t even focus on his work plus dealing with the stress of trying to make his deadline for his winter line he just couldn’t handle it. He’s cried himself to sleep every night since and it didn’t help that Lestat hasn’t been around much to see him because he’s been spending time with Louis and Claudia. Armand didn’t want to be selfish because he knew Lestat already had a family but he needed Lestat, he needed the man who had his heart to come and comfort him and tell me everything was going to be alright.

Armand figured maybe a hot shower would help him at least relax his muscles to alleviate some of the pain. When he went to remove the sheets to get out of bed, that’s when he saw the nearly dried blood staining the white fabric. He quietly gasps upon seeing the blood and feels his heart drop into his gut. 

“No.” He breathes out and rushes to the bathroom, suddenly feeling very dizzy and faint. He clutches onto the sink to steady himself and puts a hand onto his forehead, closing his eyes, allowing himself a brief moment to pause and catch himself. The pain just grew worse and his vision was starting to go. He was just in so much pain, heavily bleeding, and feeling like his world was ending because he knew he was losing the baby. 

With a shaky hand he calls Lestat, feeling blood seep down his legs and soak through his pajama bottoms. He whimpers at the sharp pain in his belly and begins to cry as he gets Lestat’s voicemail. He tries him again and again until finally he picks up. 

“Armand?” Lestat’s tired voice comes over the speaker. “Why’re you calling…Everything okay?!” 

“T-The baby…I’m…” Armand groans, feeling more pain. “It hurts…please, hur-hurry.” 

“I’m on my way!” 

“Mkay.” Armand whimpers, hearing shuffling on Lestat’s end.

“Where are you going?” Louis asks, yawning. He’d been woken by Lestat moving around their guestroom doing whatever it is he was doing which he turned out to be getting dressed. 

“Something’s wrong with Armand. I-I don’t know what but he needs me there.” 

“Do you want me to go with you?” Louis offers as Lestat runs downstairs. 

“No.” Lestat answers without missing a beat. Louis didn’t actually want to go but he saw how frazzled Lestat seemed. He then turns around and looks at Louis. “Thanks, but I think I should go alone.” He says to Louis and hears Armand’s voice calling for him, still on the line. 

“C-Can you stay on th-the phone with me?” 

“Of course baby. I’m leaving the house now.” Louis hears Lestat as he heads out to their garage.

Louis heads back to bed, now wide awake thinking about the fact that Lestat was also someone else’s. He’s still not able to come to terms with the fact that he has to share his husband but he just can’t seem to let him go either. 

When Lestat arrived at the penthouse, the ambulance got there at the exact same time, he called them on his way. He lets them in and calls out for Armand. He searches for him and runs into the bedroom where he sees the bloody sheets. 

“Armand!” He calls out for him again and finds him passed out on the floor surrounded by a small pool of blood coming from in between his legs. “Oh God!” He covers his mouth in shock seeing his lover unconscious on the floor.

“Sir, we need you to step back okay?” One of the paramedics says while they quickly assess Armand. 

He’s loaded onto a stretcher and taken to the hospital with Lestat never leaving his side. 

•••

Armand awoke several hours later, groggy, sore, and confused. He feels something pulling as he slowly moves his head around and brings a hand up, touching what appears to be a nasal cannula around his face. Everything felt like a blur as he carried his gaze around the room, finding that he was in the hospital. He also found a familiar blonde head laid on the bed beside his legs. He reached a weak hand out and ran his fingers along the hair, waking up the sleeping man. 

“Armand?” He lifts his head and sends a smile of relief to the dark skinned boy. “I thought I lost you…I thought I lost both of you.” He breathes and stands up, pressing a kiss to Armand’s forehead. 

“What happened?” Armand asks.

“You don’t remember?” Lestat questions, slightly concerned and Armand shakes his head.

“Not really.” 

Lestat sniffles and rubs Armand’s hand as he holds it. “You-uh were bleeding a lot so you were brought here because they thought you were having a miscarriage.” 

“A miscarr-” Armand’s hand suddenly finds its way to his midsection where he’s met with a swell. “D-Did I lose our baby?”

“You lost a lot of blood so they had to give you a transfusion.” Lestat explains instead of answering Armand’s question. 

“Did I lose the baby?” 

Lestat swallows and looks down at their hands, taking a shaky breath. “Everything was happening so fast and the doctors, they did everything they could…” 

Armand knew it. Their baby was gone. He lost their baby. Lestat was never going to forgive him.

“They haven’t told me anything because they were waiting for you to wake up.” He adds and presses the button to call for a nurse. 

The young girl came running in, relieved to see Armand was awake. She informed them she was paging for the doctor and got to checking Armand’s vitals to see how he was doing. 

Doctor Hayden came in and Armand relaxed seeing a familiar face. He was hopeful but also scared. 

“How are you feeling, honey?” She asks, standing right beside his bed. 

“Very weak and tired.” 

“You lost a lot of blood and it’s a good thing Lestat found you in time. You had to receive two blood transfusions and it looks like the second one is almost done so we’ll run more labs to see where your levels are at but aside from that when you were brought in we did perform an ultrasound and the baby’s heartbeat was very weak so I’d like to check you again to see.” He nods and sniffles, preparing himself for the news that he’d lost their baby. 

The nurse gets an ultrasound machine and stations it beside the monitors. 

Lestat helps him lift his gown to expose the small bump that sat in between his hips and covers his legs with the blanket to give him some modesty. 

“It’s gonna be okay, baby.” Lestat assures while Armand tries to remain calm, feeling Lestat draw circles along the top of his hand. 

Armand felt like days went by waiting for her to find something. He stared ahead, lost in his thoughts feeling his eyes fill with hot tears as she moved the transducer around multiple times.

It took her some time but soon the booming sounds of their baby’s heartbeat could be heard from the machine and fill the room. 

Armand’s breath hitches and relief washes over him hearing their baby’s heart beating. They were alive, still growing and still thriving inside him.  

“Baby’s looking and sounding wonderful.” Doctor Hayden says with a warm smile. “I’m not seeing anymore bleeding which is good but I’d like to do a pelvic exam just to rule out my suspicions as to why you were bleeding so heavily in the first place.” She explains and instructs the nurse to take over for her while she changes out her gloves for sterile ones. “You’re going to feel me touching you followed by some pressure.” 

Armand tenses at the feeling and squeezes Lestat’s hand, closing his eyes and groaning. 

“I know it’s not pleasant but I’ll be quick.” She adds inserting her fingers further inside his entrance while watching the screen. “Can you move it down just a bit…Perfect.” She feels around, eyes glued to the screen then removes her hand. “No signs of placenta previa or a prolapsed cord.” She announces and takes off her gloves. “Which brings us to the reason why you had that episode. Have you been under any extreme stress lately?” 

“....Yes.” He swallows. “I-I’ve been dealing with stuff for my job and I had a meeting with someone the other day that didn’t end well.” 

“You didn’t tell me that.” Lestat speaks up. “What happened? Who did you meet? Did they hurt you?” 

“Physically, no…mentally, well let’s just say I know to never contact them again.” 

“Well whoever and whatever it was, I want you to take it easy from now on, okay?” Armand nods. “I’m serious. I understand your work can be a bit demanding at times but you really need to take care of yourself and keep yourself healthy for your baby.” 

“I understand. I’ll work on cutting back my time spent at work.” 

“Wonderful. Might I suggest trying some meditation as well? I’m not saying you have to do it but it really does help ease the mind.” 

“I’ll look into it. Thank you.” 

Doctor Hayden nods her head with a smile. “Of course. Now I’ll let you get some rest and will be back to check in on you in a couple of hours.” 

“Okay. Um, when can I go back home?” 

“I want to keep you here for one more night to be sure then depending on how everything goes you should be good to go home by tomorrow afternoon, okay?” He nods and she sends him another warm smile. “I promise we’ll get you out of here soon.” 

Armand and Lestat are left alone and Armand shifts in the bed, taking long blinks. 

“Tired my love?” Armand hums and closes his eyes, moving his head along the pillow. “You can sleep, baby. I’ll be right here when you wake up.” Lestat assures and strokes Armand’s hair back, putting him to sleep in seconds. 

With Armand asleep, Lestat sits back in the hard chair and pulls out his phone to see he received a text from Louis. 

Louis 💍❤️🧑🏼‍❤️‍💋‍🧑🏾

You owe our daughter big time!

Lestat doesn’t respond and ignores it, deciding to check through his emails and socials to kill some time because he wasn’t prepared to deal with Claudia at the moment. 

…three hours earlier

Claudia’s alarm blasted in her face, waking her up from a deep sleep at seven thirty in the morning. The teenager groaned realizing it was morning already then remembered what her plans were for the day. Lestat was going to take her with him to the office to see the new Fall line and told her he had a special surprise for her. 

With excitement thinking about her day to come, she squeals and flies out of bed running off into her attached bathroom to get ready. She showers, does her makeup, styles her hair, and throws on the outfit she picked out the night before. She was grateful to have a fashion designer as her father otherwise she’d be clueless when it came to clothes. 

She was ready an hour later and headed downstairs where she found Louis nursing a cup of coffee. 

“Morning mama.” She greets and kisses him on the cheek as she passes him to get to the fridge. “Where’s daddy?” She asks, pulling out the fresh squeezed orange juice. 

“I guess you haven’t checked your phone.” He says and her brows knit together, confused. “Daddy’s not here.” He tells her. “Something happened to Armand last night. They’ve been at the hospital all night. He called me a little while ago, he was a mess but he said he was going to message you about today.” 

“So we’re not going?” She frowns on the verge of tears.

“I don’t think so, honey.” He walks over and gathers her into his arms. “I know you were so excited about today but right now dad needs to be with Armand and their baby.” 

“Of course he does.” She huffs and rolls her eyes. “Another broken promise, once again.” 

“I know you’re upset baby but I was thinking since your day opened up maybe we can go get breakfast together? Just me and you like we used to?” He asks, moving to hold her hands looking into her sad eyes. “C’mon, you’re really gon’ say no to your mama?” 

Her frown turns into a smirk and she gives in. “Okay.” She sighs and softly smiles as Louis wipes away her tears. “Is this how it’s going to be from now on? Armand and that baby coming before us?” 

Louis exhales and moves to tuck a stray curl behind her ear. “M’afraid so honey.” He swallows, feeling his eyes begin to fill with tears as well. “Anyway, I’ll go get ready then we’ll go okay?” She nods and lets go of Louis, watching him leave the kitchen. 

Louis doesn’t take long to get ready. Throwing on a simple pair of jeans, which thankfully still fit with his small belly, and paired it with a solid colored shirt, finishing it off with a knit cardigan. He never cared how he looked when he was out in public, especially when he was pregnant. Sure he’s dressed up whenever he’d go to big events with Lestat and there would be cameras but there were several occasions when he was pregnant with Claudia and was photographed by paparazzi wearing lowrise baggy sweats, belly hanging out from his tight shirt. That was his usual look whenever he had errands to run with or without his husband while they were living in California. Thankfully the paparazzi never bothered them much in New Orleans but as of recently Louis’ been made aware that their current situation has been discussed all over social media and in tabloid magazines, people giving their unwanted opinions, reading false stories about their family. He tried not to let it bother him because it just came with Lestat’s celebrity status unfortunately. 

He pushes those thoughts aside and heads back downstairs to join Claudia who changed into some ripped jeans and a hoodie. 

“Ready, sweetheart?” 

“Ready, mama.” 

The two of them head out into the city and spend a much needed day together. Louis will be the first to admit that since finding out he was pregnant he hasn’t exactly spent much time with Claudia so getting to spend this time with her was special to him because in six months he’ll have another little one, it won’t be all about Claudia anymore. And to Louis, it was a bittersweet feeling. 

So far he’s had no complications this pregnancy, nor did he when he was pregnant with Claudia. Even if it was fifteen years ago. But he’s had minimal morning sickness, really the only time he got nauseous was in the very beginning but lately he’s been doing good. He hopes he has another easy pregnancy and a part of him also feels somewhat guilty that he hasn’t had any scares or intense nausea compared to Armand who was being put through it all. Karma does work in mysterious ways. 

Their day was well-deserved and Claudia really needed the mood boost so Louis came to her rescue. They got breakfast, drove to their favorite outdoor mall to do some shopping afterwards, then Claudia convinced Louis to start buying some stuff for the baby. He had argued with her that it was too early to be doing that but she tells him if he didn’t start now, he’d wait until the last minute and not have anything for when the little one arrives. So he compromised and bought a few gender neutral outfits for now, listening to Claudia go on and on about hoping the baby was a girl and planning out her nursery as if she was the one having the baby. Louis brought her back down from the clouds when they were on their way home, promising to stop for Bobas, one of Claudia’s favorites. 

By the time they got back, the sun was starting to set. They’d been out pretty much all day and Louis’ feet were killing him but he wasn’t going to complain to Claudia because she had a great day with him. She had settled on the couch beside him, joining him in putting her feet up, aching from walking around all day. 

Louis was flipping through the channels while she was on her phone, texting her friends and scrolling through her socials when the sound of a car pulling up in their driveway could be heard. 

“Who’s here?” She asks Louis.

Louis shrugs and grabs the security tablet to check the cameras and sees Lestat’s familiar black Tahoe pull up in their driveway. “It’s your father.” He says. 

Claudia scoffs and rolls her eyes. “What does he want?” 

“Be nice. He’s had a long day.” Louis warns her and puts the tablet down, hearing Lestat making his way inside through the garage. 

“Louis?” The thick french accent calls into the house.

“In here, Les.” Louis calls back and looks towards the hallway where his husband appeared, looking like a sad puppy. “You okay?” He asks and watches as Lestat comes over, collapsing onto the couch, crying in Louis’ arms and Louis just letting him. “Shh, it’s okay.” 

Claudia could not believe her eyes. How could Louis be so willing to mend her father’s broken heart when all he’s done is break their hearts time and time again. She shakes her head in disappointment and takes herself upstairs knowing if she stayed it wouldn’t end well. 

“What happened, Les?” Louis asks once they were alone. 

“I thought I lost them.” Lestat cries. “T-They’re okay, thank god but I thought…I thought I lost them both.” It was like a knife to the heart hearing him say that. 

“Did they rule out what could’ve caused it?” 

“Stress.” Lestat answers. “Armand’s been stressed about his work and he apparently met with someone last week and it didn’t end well so he’s been thinking about that encounter as well which just set him off.”

“Oh.” Louis’ face paled. Did he actually feel guilty and at fault for this happening to Armand? “Les, there’s something you should know-”

“-I know it was you, Louis.” Lestat sits up and faces his husband, seeing the hurt in his eyes. “I may not be around much but I’m not stupid. I know you met with him and I know all about your outburst. People talk.” 

Louis nods, tears filling up in his eyes as the guilt bubbled in his gut. “I-I’m sorry I didn’t mean fo-for this to happen, I-he just got under my skin and I snapped and I’m so sorry, Lestat.” 

“I know you are but I don’t have the energy to be mad at you for it, not right now.” 

“That’s fair .”

“I just needed someone to talk to who I knew would listen.” That silenced Louis. Was he really that gullible to a point where even though his husband had an affair and got his mistress pregnant, he welcomed him with open arms because that was still his husband? Maybe Claudia was right? 

Louis wanted to do one of two things. He wanted to yell at Lestat for saying that but he also wanted to just accept it and hold his husband since he longed to feel Lestat in his arms again after not being near him for months. He chooses the latter and consoles Lestat, his motherly instincts and tendencies kicking in to comfort him. 

Claudia came back downstairs a little while later, clearly on her way out the door.

“Hayes’s mom invited me out for dinner then I’m gon’ go to his house after okay?” She asks her parents. 

“Okay.”

“Uhm no.” 

Both Louis and Lestat gave her different answers. 

“Claudia it’s nearly seven thirty, by the time you get back it’ll be much later.” Lestat points out. 

“Yeah and? Mama has no problem with it, right?” Louis nods and Claudia smiles at her father with an ‘I told you so’ look on her face. “See. I’ll be back by eleven.” 

“Your curfew is at ten. It’s always been ten.” 

“I changed it.” Louis states. “She’s old enough to prove she’s responsible so I changed it to eleven fifteen only on weekends. Plus she hasn’t been late once.” 

“Oh, uhm okay then. Make sure your location is on please.” 

“Whatever” She groans and leaves to meet her boyfriend and his family in their SUV that was parked on the other side of the gates. 

“I don’t like her being with that boy. He’s a distraction.” He comments. 

“A distraction from what exactly? Besides you didn’t have a problem with him before, now all of a sudden he bothers you?” Louis questions then shakes his head. “Claudia is a big girl and she really likes Hayes. They’ve been seeing each other for almost a year now. Don’t you dare ruin this for her.”

Lestat rolls his eyes. “They’re teenagers and-”

“-And you remember being young and in love. I think it’s cute, plus he treats her well so you shouldn’t be complaining. Unless you rather our daughter date some asshole.”

“Absolutely not!” Lestat was quick to assert. “She deserves someone who will treat her like she’s their entire universe. Someone who will love her endlessly and effortlessly. Someone who will never hurt her.” 

Hearing Lestat speak about the kind of love Claudia deserved really made Louis wonder how he could say those things and not live up to them himself. Always a mystery with him.

•••

Armand was just wrapping up at his twenty two week appointment with Doctor Hayden. He attended this appointment solo because Lestat had an important conference to attend but he was fine with coming alone as he was slowly getting used to Lestat not always being there with him since he had another family to care for. 

The appointment went well, the baby was still looking great, and he was feeling great. He’s no longer feeling as nauseous as he was in his first trimester and things were moving along just nicely. He had expressed to his doctor about the possibility of meeting with a midwife, knowing there was one who worked alongside her in the office who had magnificent reviews. He’s been thinking about his plans for the birth and potentially having a homebirth has crossed his mind, once or twice, maybe three times since becoming pregnant. But he wants to get more educated and familiar with home birthing as well as hypnobirthing before he makes any decisions. 

Doctor Hayden introduced him to the midwife, Cassidy, who stopped to chat with him for a few minutes before having to run off to a family emergency. She gave him her number and told him to call or message her with any questions… Though their initial meeting was short he knew he was going to like her just based on their brief interaction. 

He left the medical office and was driven back home. He finds his way into his apartment and changes into something more comfortable than his maternity jeans and an oversized button down blouse. He puts on a pair of Lestat’s sweats and paired it with a long sleeve shirt. On his way out of his room, he catches a glimpse at himself in his mirror and softly smiles when he sees the bump. He smooths two hands along the small curve and looks down at it, feeling a sense of warmth flow through him.

Lately, He’s been catching himself with his hands always on his growing belly. It’s just grown into a habit of his but he loves it because it brings a sense of relief to him knowing his little one was in there. He remembers the first time he noticed he was showing, he thought his eyes were deceiving him but they weren’t.

Armand had quite a miserably long and exhausting day. He wanted nothing more than to take off his shoes and kick his feet up, maybe even run himself a warm bath. Trying to meet his deadline for Winter was proving to be difficult when most of his team was still in New York City so he’d often have to join a video conference with them or he’d rip up his designs and start from scratch because he thinks his work isn’t worthy enough to be put out into the world even though he’s been in this industry for nearly ten years. 

It doesn’t help that Lestat was always busy with his other family and working on his own designs for Winter and Spring. Lestat and his team were usually ahead of schedule, something Armand envied.  

He decided to draw himself a bath and call it an early night. He’s constantly tired so he usually spends his downtime in bed using his iPad, slowly starting to shop for the baby and doing some research as he gets further along in his pregnancy.

He puts on one of his favorite albums and turns on the surround sound so he can hear it while in the bath. Humming along to the song, Armand takes himself to his en-suite and turns on the faucet in the tub. He dims the lights as he begins to undress, removing one layer at a time. 

With his shirt off, he moves to unbutton his pants and as he lowers them down he can see it. He stares at himself in the mirror and blinks several times, unsure if he was actually seeing that. He brings his hands up and sure enough, it was real.

He finally had a little belly.  

Armand’s laugh caught in his throat and tears flooded his eyes. “Hello in there, little one. You’re finally making your presence known, I see?” With both hands on his bump he feels a rush of adrenaline and relief knowing his little one was safe and sound inside of him. He was growing his baby boy or baby girl. “I know you’re just a small thing in there but you’re going to keep growing then eventually we’ll get to meet. Mama will finally get to meet you, my precious baby.” Rubbing his hands along the swell and seeing that his body was changing just did something to Armand that he couldn’t describe.

Ever since that day he was constantly looking at himself and has even gone so far as taking pictures of himself in the mirror everyday to see his progress. He took one that morning before leaving for his appointment. But anyway, he goes over to the freezer and takes out a carton of his favorite vegan ice cream, grabs a blanket, and parks himself on his couch with plans to binge Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He had nothing else planned for the rest of the day and since he was supposed to be “taking it easy” what better than binge one of his favorite shows with ice cream. 

He finished his ice cream halfway through the episode and was too tired to get up and grab another one from the freezer, since he had them stocked for the next year. Instead he decided to check on his little one and see how they were doing in his belly. He reached over and grabbed the doppler he had purchased online not long after having that scare eight weeks ago. He couldn’t get over his fears and felt the need to constantly check to make sure their heart was still beating. He’s grown excessive about it but it helped ease his mind so he wasn’t going to let anyone take that away from him, not even Lestat, who told him he was getting too obsessed over it when in fact Lestat secretly enjoyed it just as much as Armand did. Those late nights they’d spend in bed cuddled up together listening to it meant everything to Armand and it meant something to Lestat too but Armand had to keep reminding himself this wasn’t Lestat’s first rodeo. 

Removing the blanket from his body, Armand then lifts his shirt to expose his swollen belly and turns on the doppler before pressing it beneath the curve. 

“How are we doing today, my love?” He asks, searching around for his little bub’s heart. When he finds it he smiles and closes his eyes letting the sound fill his ears as if he was being put into a trance. “I love listening to your heart beating my angel.” He checks the device and records the number to put in the log he’s been secretly keeping to notice if there are any dips or elevations in the numbers. 

Armand found listening to his baby’s heartbeat to be very soothing and reassuring, he couldn’t quite explain how it felt. The pangs in his heart whenever he heard that little heart beat. Not bad pangs, not painful ones that you think you’re never going to get rid of. No, these were like flowers blossoming in the depths of his chest. When he first heard that noise, it was like the first time you see a butterfly batting its wings, you don’t quite believe a thing that beautiful could even exist. 

He had been worried, of course he had, that he would have to do this alone. It was just a feeling he couldn’t shake. A part of him hated that feeling, the other found it interesting. He knew it would be difficult, if he had to go through this ordeal alone but knowing he would hold an angel by the end of it...Well, it made him believe that perhaps a place called Heaven did exist. 

•••

Claudia was on her way down the school steps to meet Hayes at his car. She makes her way over and is stopped by a group of girls who, as of recently, have been giving Claudia a hard time. Being the daughter of Lestat De Lioncourt didn’t come with many perks, just a lot of downfalls that she had to deal with, however being the daughter of Lestat De Lioncourt meant she was fierce and didn’t take shit for anyone. 

“Claudiaaaaa.” One of the girl taunts her and Claudia ignores her but that doesn’t stop the girl. “Hey! Listen to me when I’m talking to you bitch!!” She snapped as she grabbed onto Claudia’s arm. 

Claudia tries to yank her arm away but the girl just tightens her grasp on her.

“Trying to run away? Just like your daddy? Always running away from you because he doesn’t love you anymore?”

“Why don’t you shut your fucking mouth!” Claudia shoves past the girls and hurries to Hayes’ car, climbing into the passenger seat. “Bitches.”

“You okay?” He asks. 

“Yeah.” She smiles at him and puts on her seatbelt. “Let’s go.” 

Hayes drives them to her house where they spend the evening doing homework together in her room, with the door open of course. Her parents’ rules, not her own.

“You know I think you should tell them.” Hayes says, pulling Claudia’s attention away from her notes. 

“What?” She asks, face scrunched together, confused. 

“Your parents. I think you should tell them about the girls at school. I know they’ve been bothering you.” 

“I’m not telling my parents anything.” She states and gets back to her homework. 

“Why not?” 

“Why are we talking about this? Can we just forget it happened and move on?” 

“Or what?” He asks and closes his own textbook, crawling across her room to kiss her from where she was laying on her stomach on the bed. Claudia giggles and kisses him again, then again, and again until they’re sharing heated kisses with Louis just downstairs. 

And as if he were eavesdropping, “Kids, dinner’s ready!” He calls. 

Hayes then pulls away and folds his hands together, resting his chin on them while looking into Claudia’s green eyes. “Please promise me you’ll tell them? I don’t want you getting hurt.” 

“It’s not me you should be worried about. I’m a Lioncourt.”

“So I’ve been told. Your dad was sure to remind me when I first asked you out. Him and that intimidating french accent and sharp blue eyes, ready to attack me like I’m some prey. I thought he was going to kill me.” Hayes shudders at the memory. “He’s scary.”

Claudia laughs. “Yeah my dad’s a lot but he’s still my dad and raised me to be a strong and fearless woman.” She says and rolls off her bed, holding her hand out for her boyfriend. “Let’s go before he starts questioning us.” They walk out of her room hand in hand and head downstairs where Louis appears to have made extra cheesy enchiladas with spanish rice. 

After dinner, Hayes thanked Louis for having him over and said goodbye to Claudia with a kiss and another plea at her telling her parents about what’s been going on at school. She promised him she’ll take care of it as long as he promises not to talk about it when her parents are around. She then got ready for bed and while in the middle of texting her friends, Lestat facetimed her. 

She groans and accepts the call, not bothering to show herself on the camera. 

“Hi dad.” She greets when she knows it connects.

“Why can’t I see you?” He asks. “Claudia?” 

“One second.” She rolls her eyes and closes iMessage, now able to see her father’s face on her screen. 

“There you are. How’s my girl?” Lestat asks. 

“I’m fine dad.” Claudia flatly answers. She was too busy looking through her socials and seeing all the shit that’s being posted online about her and her parents from news outlets, fans, and even kids at her school. She knew some girls at her school had a crush on her dad, which was gross but lately it’s been nothing but her family drama exploited for the world to see because of gossip. 

Louis and Lestat warned her about having social media accounts due to Lestat’s fame as a designer but she never expected it to come to this, well she didn’t expect her father to cheat on her mother either but it happened. 

“How was school today?”

“Fine.” She flatly answers again….

“When’s your next game?” 

“Hmm? Oh, Saturday I think.” She checks her calendar and nods. “Yeah it’s Saturday at eleven.”

“I’ll be there.” He tells her. 

“No you won’t. You barely make it to my games.” She reminds him. 

“I cleared up my schedule so I won’t have any disturbances. Promise.”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep, dad.” Ouch. “When do you get back?”

“Tomorrow evening. I was thinking of taking you guys out for dinner. How’s that sound?” He really was trying. She could hear it in his voice that he was trying so she was going to give him the benefit of the doubt. 

“Sounds great, dad. Should I make us a reservation?” 

“I already took care of it, ma petite.” He tells her. “By the way, I have another fashion show coming up in a few weeks here in New York and I want to take you with me.”

“Really? You don’t want to take your mistress?”

“Stop calling him that, Claudia! And yes I want to take you. I owe you from last time.” Claudia rolls her eyes at the thought of her plans getting ruined by Armand, as always. “I already spoke to your mama and he’s okay with it but there is one small detail.” 

“What?” 

“Armand is going to be there too since his line is also being shown on the runway.”

“Wonderful.” She groans. 

“I do have one more surprise for you though.” Her brows furrowed together and he smiled at her through the screen. “Go open the envelope on your desk.” 

Claudia looks over and sees a manila envelope that wasn’t there before, at least not when she and Hayes left her room hours ago. The word confidential is bolded across the front and it’s sealed. She brings it back to the bed and moves so that her phone is resting against her pillow so she can open it. 

Lestat watches her pull the tab then stick her hand inside, pulling out a letter of approval from Lestat’s company stating that she, Claudia De Lioncourt, was going to be the face of his Spring line and that she was going to be walking his runway.

“Are you serious?!” She squeals.

“Yeah. I’ve arranged for the photoshoot to take place while we’re in New York, you and I will pick out our favorites then they’ll get published to be used in magazines, put on billboards, you name it.” He keeps smiling at her, she’s too stunned to speak. “I know it’s not an ideal way to apologize but I really want us to do this together and I think you’re old enough now to finally be part of the fashion world and see what it's like from the inside out and-”

“-Just stop talking dad I accept your apology!” She shouts and he laughs at her reaction. 

Louis could hear them from his room where he was smiling while leaning against the doorframe, listening to their entire conversation. Lestat approached him with the idea and Louis was, well, still apprehensive about it, but if it makes Claudia happy then he’ll be happy too. 

“Will there be a hair and makeup team?!”

“Yes, my love, there will be plenty of people there to make you look even more beautiful than you already are. But please don’t boast about this at school okay? Not even to Hayes. Let this be our little secret until the launch, okay?” 

“Okay, daddy.” She grins which is quickly followed by a yawn. 

“I’ll let you go so you can get ready for bed. I love you Claudia, always remember that.” 

“I love you too, dad.” 

“Goodnight sweetheart.”

“Night.” She ends their call and squeals again while kicking her bed, thrilled to be part of this upcoming project with her dad. 

Once she’s come down from being high on excitement, she showers and gets ready for bed. 

“Claudia? Can I come in?” Louis asks from the other side of her door. 

“Yes.” She answers.

He opens the door and finds her climbing into bed, getting under the covers. “How was your call with daddy?” 

“Good.”

“Just good?” He questions. 

“Okay it was great! He wants to make me the new face of his Spring line!” She boasts proudly and can’t help but notice the smirk on Louis’ face. “You put the envelope there didn’t you?” 

“Guess I’m guilty.” He shrugs and sits down on the bed beside her legs. “Daddy and I talked about it for quite some time and I told him you can do it if you wanted to but if you don’t then that’s okay too.” 

“Oh I want to do it! Are you kidding me?! I get to walk on a real runway while modeling daddy’s line! It’s a dream come true!” 

“For someone who’s been giving her father the cold shoulder you sure seem to have had a change of heart.” Louis points out. 

“What can I say? I’m a woman of many talents.” 

“Yeah, okay.” Louis mocks, earning him a slight nudge to his arm. “I think someone else is excited for their big sister too.” He adds and looks down at his small swollen belly. 

“Is the baby kicking?!” Claudia gasps and moves to place her hand on Louis’ belly. “I can feel it! There’s actually a little person in there!” 

“Cool huh?” He asks. 

“So cool!” She giggles. “How long have they been kicking?” 

“Started feeling flutters two weeks ago but this morning was when I started to feel like from the outside. It reminded me of when I was pregnant with you and the first time we felt you kick.”

“We?”

“Yeah, me and your dad.” Louis stares off in a gaze having that day so vivid in his memories. “It was raining out so we decided to take a nap because rainy days in Los Angeles were never any fun. Anyway, we put on a movie and cuddled together in bed when we both felt you moving inside my belly.” He smiles as the memory plays out in his head. “It was weird at first but over time I got used to it and eventually you were moving all day everyday to a point where I couldn’t wait for you to be born.”

“Sorry I was such a pain back then.” 

“You’ve always been a pain.” Louis states then looks at her and tilts his head slightly. “But I will never forget the first time I ever laid eyes on you. You had the biggest, most beautiful green eyes, a head full of dark curls, and the chubbiest cheeks ever. I had you laying on my chest and while I was looking at you I just felt all this love I had never felt before. I mean there you were, after nine months of waiting, there was my little girl and now,” He pauses, thickly swallowing past the lump in his throat. “Now you’ve grown up on me.”

“I still have a lot of growing up to do, mama.” 

“I know.” He breathes and clears the thought from his head. “Well I just came in to say goodnight.” He leans towards her and presses a kiss to her cheek. “Don’t stay up too late. You have school tomorrow.” 

“Yeah, yeah. Night mama.” 

“Night Claudia.” Louis gets up and leaves her room, turning off her light and closing her door on the way out. 

•••

Claudia was shocked to see both of her parents cheering her on from the stands. Well it was no surprise Louis was there, he was her number one fan but Lestat actually kept his promise and showed up. Along with her parents was her boyfriend, there to support her. They had an area sectioned off, away from most of the other families because Lestat didn’t want any interaction with people he didn’t know. Nothing like taking away Claudia’s thunder by drawing more attention to himself having a section of the bleachers roped off. 

She has been an avid soccer player since she was four years old, playing as often as she can whether it’d be indoor or outdoor, she was always on the field. 

“God I’ve missed seeing her play.” Lestat says with a smile as he watched his daughter run back and forth on the field.

“Maybe if you came to a game once in a while you’d see her play more often.” Louis counters. 

“Let’s not do this here, please?” 

“I’m sorry.” Louis apologizes. “I’ve been a little moody lately. Claudia likes to remind me everyday.” 

“Well she’s not wrong.” Lestat mutters. “Changes in mood are normal with pregnancy. M’surprised you haven’t torn my head off yet. When you were pregnant with Claudia I was afraid I wasn’t going to live to see the end of it.” 

“Don’t push it, Les.” Louis warns and Lestat throws his hands up in playful defense. 

Just then, Lestat’s phone started to vibrate in his pocket. “I thought you promised her no business today.” 

“I did.” He says and pulls out his phone to see that it was Armand calling him. “I’ll be right back.” He says, stepping down to take the call. “I told you not to call me until later.” 

“Cassidy’s coming over right now and I need you here.” Armand demands.

“Armand, I’m at Claudia’s game-”

“I need you here with me while we meet the midwife who’s going to potentially be delivering our child. Don’t you want to be involved in our child’s life?” Armand knew how to get into Lestat’s head and Lestat is quiet. “Please?” 

Lestat huffs and shakes his head, looking out at the field where Claudia was still playing. “God she’s going to kill me.” He says to himself. “Alright, fine. I’m on my way.” He hangs up and goes back to where Louis was waiting for him. “I have to go.”

“What? Why? The game’s not even done.” 

“I know, I…I just have to go and take care of some business. Tell Claudia I’m sorry and I’ll call her later.”

Louis scoffs. “Always running off to cater to him at his beck and call. Fuck you.” 

Lestat frowns and leaves without saying another word to Louis. As he’s walking to his car, the crowd started cheering loudly so he turned around and watched Claudia score the winning goal. 

“That’s my girl.” He smiles, blinking back tears and proceeds on to his car, having the driver take him to Armand’s.

Claudia and her teammates are cheering and celebrating their win. Jumping up and down, relishing in the bliss of their success, when she looks over to where her parents were and her smile falls when she doesn’t see Lestat standing there anymore. Her eyes travel to Louis who stood there looking equally as upset as she did. 

“He left.” He mouths to her and she shakes her head, tears pooling in her eyes, heartbroken that her father broke another promise to her. Neither Claudia or Louis were ever first to Lestat, they always came in as a close second no matter the circumstances. 

Claudia went to get her things before meeting Louis and Hayes by the gate, tears running down her cheeks.

“C’mere baby.” Louis gathers her into his arms and hugs her, kissing her sweaty forehead. “I’m sorry he left.” 

“Where did he go?” 

“I don’t know.” Louis lies. He didn’t dare tell Claudia the truth, fearing how she may react. “But listen to me. No more tears okay?”  He bends down so that he’s directly in her face, thumbing away her fallen tears. “No more tears.” She nods and sniffles. “We’re going to go out and celebrate you scoring the winning goal. Your eighth winning goal, yeah?” She nods again, licking her lips. “So what’ll it be, pizza or sushi?” 

“But you can’t have sushi.” Claudia points out. 

“They have other things on their menu that I can eat.” He reminds her. 

“Can we get sushi then?” She asks. 

“Whatever you want, my love.” He smiles and cradles her face in his hand. “C’mon let’s go.”

While Louis, Claudia, and Hayes go out together for sushi, Armand and Cassidy are seated in his dining room talking, waiting for Lestat to arrive. The blonde soon walked through the door and apologized for running late, taking the seat beside Armand, getting a smile from him. 

“Nice of you to join us,” Armand’s voice was calm, eyes remaining on Lestat for several moments. 

“Sorry,” Lestat cleared his throat, running his fingers through his hair, “There was traffic. What did I miss?” 

“Not much, don’t worry.” Cassidy reassures with a kind expression, “We were just covering the basics, really. I was just explaining to Armand how long I’ve been a midwife for, and the type of care I provide to my patients. Simple things like that.” Cassidy explained whilst gesturing with her neatly but professionally manicured hands. 

“Ah, wonderful.” Lestat’s face had grown a grin as he rubbed a  hand along Armand’s thigh. 

“So, I see you have a folder with you, Armand,” Cassidy indicates, with the tips of her fingers facing  the two of them, towards the abundance of papers that Armand had. “I'm assuming it pertains to our little meeting.” 

“Yes,” Armand nodded , in a slightly regimented way, “I’ve written down some things I wanted to discuss with you. I will admit that it may be a tad on the excessive side but I had a lot of questions I hope you will be able to clarify. I apologize if it is too much.

Armand fidgeted a little, anxious and a little sheepish about his need to write down every single thought he had about the situation he had found himself and the baby nestled safely in his womb.

"You don't need to apologize, hon," Cassidy offered a supportive smile, "That's what I'm here for. Now, where would you like to begin?" 

Armand cleared his throat, not in a dissimilar manner to the way Lestat had entered the room. "I've been thinking about possibly doing a homebirth."

The sentence, the words, they were like a lightning strike crackling down a tree. 

Lestat's eyebrows furrowed together, swallowing nervously before he asked, "You have?" 

"Yes," Armand said slightly forcefully, but really noticing the nervous look on Lestat's face or the bewildered glint in his eyes. Instead, he took out his notes on the subject. "I've been reading up on it. I believe it's truly something I want. Truthfully, I haven't thought much about other objects. This just seems right."

"Okay," Cassidy appreciated Armand's enthusiasm and took it all in. "Well, obviously, I am able to give you some further insight into homebirthing." 

Lestat puts a hand up, it was slightly comical, like he was a schoolboy nervously asking the teacher for help. 

"Armand, love, wouldn't you feel safer in a hospital?" 

"I feel safe at home, Lestat." Armand put a hand on Lestat's leg, gently rubbing his knee. 

Cassidy opened her mouth to interject, "Homebirths are really quite safe, there are risks of course but there is a risk in everything. It is most important to feel safe, and to be in a comfortable environment. Some people prefer hospitals, some prefer being at home." 

Lestat, of course, wanted Armand to be where he felt was best but he couldn't help but feel like something could go terribly wrong. Even with the calm demeanor of Cassidy the midwife, he just felt nervous about the idea of Armand giving birth at home. But, as much as he did not enjoy it, it wasn't him that was giving birth. With some time, he was sure he would get accustomed to it sooner rather than later. So, he sat back and listened to the conversation between Armand and Cassidy, hoping his nervous expression and slight tremor to his hand would go unnoticed for the duration of Cassidy's visit. 

•••

The image above was taken this morning in the parking lot of a medical office building located on Hollywood Blvd. It appears fashion designer Lestat De Lioncourt and husband, Louis De Pointe Du Lac were arguing. While we’re not sure what was being said entirely we were able to catch some of their argument. 

“We’re not ready for this baby, Lestat!” 

“Why couldn’t you just let me get the abortion?!”

“It’s my body!” 

“If I don’t want to have this baby then I shouldn’t be forced to!” 

“I don’t give a fuck about your money!” 

Claudia had no idea this article even existed. She couldn’t prevent the flood of tears that filled in her eyes as she read through the article about her parents' apparent argument on her failed abortion. Was she an unwanted child? Did Louis actually not want her? She scrolled through more articles and found one that was time stamped four months after that article with a photo of Louis wearing a simple fitted t-shirt and sweatpants, visibly pregnant. 

Louis De Pointe Du Lac was spotted, walking around Downtown Los Angeles unhappy while sporting a baby bump following separation from husband, Lestat De Lioncourt. When approached, he denied speaking with us and carried on into the smoothie shop where he appeared to be meeting with someone. Was this a new lover? 

“Claudia? Sweetheart, are you doing okay?” Louis knocks. 

Claudia’s eyes fill with more tears but she quickly wipes them away. “Yeah. Be out in a second.” She goes into her bathroom and splashes some cold water onto her face. She takes a look at herself in the mirror. She was a pristine blend of her parents, earning her beauty  from both her parents, gaining her fierceness from her father while also obtaining the kindness from her mother who wanted to abort her. It was a hard pill to swallow knowing that Louis wanted to get rid of her. She shakes the thought from her head and takes a deep breath before leaving both rooms. 

She finds Louis downstairs waiting for her. 

“Ready to go love?” 

“Yeah.” She fakes a smile and grabs her jacket. “Is dad coming?” 

Louis sighs. “He’s supposed to be meeting us there. Promised he wouldn’t miss it.” 

“And you believed him?” 

“Well,” With another sigh, Louis takes a good look at his daughter. “You sure you’re okay? You been crying?” 

“I’m fine mama, I promise. I just got some moisturizer in my eye.” 

Louis saw right through her but didn’t want to meddle. “Okay. Well let’s get going then.” He opens the door for her and she thanks him as she walks past him, down the steps to their stone driveway. “Try to get a hold of your dad and see when we should expect him. He might already be there.” 

“I doubt it.” She murmurs. “But okay.” 

Claudia spends the entire fifteen minute drive texting and calling her father and leaving many messages. 

“Do you think he’s okay?” Louis asks. 

“I’m sure he’s fine. Just being his normal self, you know.” Claudia didn’t want to think anything worrisome happened to her father, no doubt he was with Armand or doing something unrelated to his own family. She tries him once more and he finally picks up, only it’s not his voice who greets her. 

“Hello?”

“Hello?” Claudia asks. “Who’s this?” She looks over at Louis, who’s staring back at her, confused. “Hello? Dad, are you there? Hello?” She can hear that person saying something then her father’s voice comes through. 

“Claudia? What’s wrong?” 

“Nothing’s wrong. Where are you?” 

“I’m in New York.” He answers and she feels her heart drop. 

“You’re…Why are you in New York?! Without me! I thought…I thought we weren’t leaving until the end of the week?!” 

“Something came up.” He tells her. “Armand and I had to fly out last night to deal with some business.” Claudia scoffs and shakes her head at the mention of Armand. “But you can still come. You can take my plane up here and we’ll meet you.” 

“Absolutely not!” She barks. “I’m not getting on a plane and flying to New York City just to be a third wheel once again! It’s always the same with you isn’t it dad?!”

“Claudia-”

“-NO! I’m tired of the lies and I’m tired of the broken promises! Armand’s always gon’ come first now right?! Have fun with your new family! And your little slut! Fuck you dad!” 

“Claudia!” She hung up on Lestat, full of rage and hurt. She wipes away her fallen tears and takes herself back inside.

“Sorry.” She apologizes when she enters the room again. 

“What happened? Where’s your father? Claudia?” 

“He’s not coming! He’s in New York with Armand!” 

“Oh.” Louis didn’t know what to say. He wasn’t surprised. Knowing Lestat for nearly twenty years, he knew how his husband was but he just hated how much this affected Claudia. He goes to say something but there’s a knock at the door that interrupts them. “Look, we'll talk about it after, okay?” She nods and sniffles, moving out of the way. “Come in.” 

“Hello, hello. How are we this morning?” Doctor Hayden asks upon entering the room. 

“We’re doing okay.” Louis answers for himself and Claudia. “Just anxious to see if I’ve got a little boy or girl cooking in here.” He adds and rubs his belly. 

“Well hopefully they won’t be shy and will show us.” She sits down and starts asking Louis the same questions she always asks before moving on to the scan.

Louis’ laying back with his belly exposed. Doctor Hayden stuffs a folded paper sheet into the top of pants so she doesn't get any gel on them. She then grabs the transducer and presses it to his bump, moving it around with some pressure. 

Both Louis and Claudia were looking ahead at the screen on the wall. 

“Here’s baby’s face.” Doctor Hayden says while keeping the transducer still against Louis’ bump. 

“God it looks like they have my nose.” Louis comments. “I’m sorry baby.”

Claudia and Doctor Hayden laugh while Louis smiles and keeps his eyes on the screen. Doctor Hayden shows them the different parts of the baby and Louis loved every second of it, feeling the same like he did when he was pregnant the first time. 

Claudia gasps seeing the baby’s little foot on the screen. “Look at how tiny it is!”

“I know. Hi little foot.” Louis says to the screen and sees the toes wiggle. “Ooh, guess they heard me.” 

“Appears so. Now, let’s see what we’ve got in here.” Doctor Hayden moves the transducer around then stops and applies some pressure to get a clear look. “Can you see what it is?” She asks them. 

Claudia and Louis squint at the screen and it takes them both a bit but then, “Is that...Is that a penis?” Claudia asks. 

“It sure is. Looks like you’re having a baby boy, Louis. Congratulations!” 

“Oh my god! A boy! It’s a boy?” He asks, huffing out a laugh. 

“Yes, here’s your proof.” She zooms in on the baby’s genitals to give Louis verification that he was in fact carrying a baby boy. 

“Ohh!” Louis’s overcome with emotions and finds himself a blubbering mess at the news that he’s carrying a son. Lestat’s son.  And Lestat wasn’t here to bask in the joy that he was getting a son. “Sorry. I’m just so happy.” He apologizes and grabs a few tissues from the box Doctor Hayden was offering him. 

“Aww mama, you’re making me cry.” Claudia sniffles and Louis looks over, seeing that she was in fact crying with him. 

Louis clicks his tongue and reaches for Claudia’s hand. “My girl. Happy tears.” He confirms and she nods, wiping them away with her sleeve.  

“Would you like extra sonograms to take home?” She asks. 

“Please!” Doctor Hayden nods and captures several pictures before printing them to give them to Louis. She wipes the gel off his belly and he sits up, pulling his shirt back down. “So I’ll see you again in four weeks?”

“Yep. I’ll make an appointment through the portal.” 

“Perfect! Well as always if you need me please feel free to call me. Take care, stay out of trouble.” She jokes at the end and shares a laugh with Louis and Claudia.

“We’ll try.” He eyes Claudia and gets down from the bed. “Thanks again, Doctor Hayden. We’ll see you in four weeks.” She smiles and says bye to them as they all leave the exam room. 

Louis and Claudia run some errands before returning back home. Claudia went to go take a shower because she unexpectedly got her period while they were out and she always felt dirty whenever this time of the month was happening. 

With Claudia in the shower, Louis was planning to relax in bed, maybe take a nap when his phone started ringing. 

“What do you want now?” He asks himself when he sees Lestat’s name on the screen. He sighs and accepts the call. “Yes, Lestat?” 

“Where’s Claudia?!”

“She’s taking a shower. Why?” 

“I want you to ground her for what she said about Armand earlier! She hurt him and he’s been a mess ever since!” Lestat yells loud enough for Louis to pull the phone away from his ear. 

“What? Lestat what are you talking about? Last I knew you were in New York without her! You left her here!” Louis snaps back.

“I did not leave her! We weren’t scheduled to come until Saturday! I had to come early with Armand because we had an important dinner to attend to!” 

“Oh I’m sure!” 

“I told her she can take the plane and came meet us here to which she then called Armand a slut and told me to go fuck myself!” 

Louis was appalled but also somewhat proud. On one hand he respected Claudia for sticking up to her father but on the other he knew she needed to be disciplined because she knows not to disrespect her elders. She was definitely her father’s daughter. 

“I want her to be grounded for three months! No phone! No friends! No boyfriend!-”

“-Would you stop yelling?!”

“NO!” Lestat bellows “She’s gone too far Louis and I’m sick and tired of her attitude!” 

“Can you blame her Lestat?! You’re always going around making plans and promises with her then always run off with Armand! She’s just as upset as you are, if not more!” 

“She has no right to be upset! She’s a kid! She acts like her life is so important!”

“She’s our daughter Lestat! You keep hurting her…hurting us.” 

Lestat scoffs and Louis can just tell he’s wearing that same snarl he usually wears when he’s angry. “You always like to play the victim Louis.” 

“How am I playing the victim?!”

“Your meeting with Armand?! Don’t think he didn’t tell me what you said to him that day! He was so worked up and stressed over it that he almost lost our baby! And if he did I would have blamed you until the day I died because you’re just jealous I have someone else! Someone better than you!” 

“FUCK YOU!” Louis hangs up and throws his phone across the room, causing it to shatter. 

Louis closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, holding a hand over his heart, feeling it pounding against his chest. He can’t get worked up. He takes a few deep breaths to calm himself then brings a shaky hand down to his belly. 

“I’m sorry, baby. Mama’s sorry for getting upset.” He apologizes to his little one, still trembling. “We’ll be okay. I promise.”

He lays there for a while so deep in his thoughts he barely hears the quiet knocks at his door. 

“Mama?” It was Claudia. She had heard the end of their conversation and jumped when Louis threw his phone, hearing the glass shattering against the hardwood floor. 

She slowly opens the door and pokes her head in. “Can I come in?” 

Louis doesn’t say anything but she welcomes herself in and goes over to the bed, laying across from him so that they’re facing each other. She can see that he’s crying.

“What happened?” 

He stares at her and slowly blinks, tears rolling down his cheeks. “Your father just…He’s an asshole.” 

“I could’ve told you that.” Claudia softly laughs but Louis doesn’t. “Something else is wrong. Please tell me.” 

“He told me what you said to him about Armand and I know you’re upset for what he did. I do, but you know better than to go around saying those things about someone. And I’m no better.” Her brows knit together in confusion. “When I met with Armand a few months ago I yelled at him for ruining our family and called him a homewrecker and that stuck with him. It bothered him so much that he nearly lost the baby due to excessive stress.”

“Okay…” 

“Your father told me if they lost their baby he would’ve blamed me until the day he died and I,” Louis swallows. “I regret what I said to Armand. I know I shouldn’t have said it to his face but like you I was upset and it felt right to target my feelings at the thing that was causing me so much anger.” He bites his lower lip and pauses for a moment. “Your father wants you to be grounded for three months. No phone and no boyfriend.” 

“What?! But that’s so unfair!”

“Calm down. You’re going to be grounded but only for one month. You can have your phone with you at school but when you get home it stays with me, same goes for the rest of your electronics. I can’t stop you from seeing Hayes at school but he can’t come over here and you can’t go over to his house for the next month okay?” 

“Okay.” She sighs. “I’m sorry for what I did, mama.”

“I know you are honey. And I want you to know that your feelings are valid okay? I’m always here for you, no matter what the circumstances may be. You’re still my daughter and I still love you very much.”

“I love you too, mama.” Claudia grins as Louis moves and places a kiss onto her forehead. “Can my punishment start tomorrow?” She asks, on her way out of his room. “There’s a new episode of Pretty Little Liars coming out tonight and you know how obsessed my friends and I are.” 

“Yes but this will be our little secret.” 

“My lips are sealed.” She mimics zipping up her lips and smiles. “Thanks, mama!” She says and skips down the hall to her room. 

Thirteen hundred miles north, Lestat decided to show Armand just how much he loves him. He wasn’t going to let Louis or Claudia ruin the week for them, especially now that it was just going to be the two of them. Lestat fucked Armand like he never had before and Armand was enjoying every second of it. He’s noticed a significant increase in his libido since becoming pregnant, but the last few weeks he’s been so horny and aroused. Armand was pleased to finally be getting some action from his lover to say the least. 

They spent an extra week in the city after all their work stuff was done and shopped around. Well Lestat shopped around for Armand and their little one, after promising he’ll make Armand the nursery of his dreams. Armand wasn’t complaining, in fact he cried. He cried when they were laying in bed after making love for the umpteenth time, tangled in the sheets, with Lestat’s fingers dancing across his bump. His taut skin was peppered with soft kisses, while Lestat murmured how much he loved them, loved their mama, and couldn’t wait to meet them. It moved Armand to tears, partly due to his hormones, but also because hearing Lestat so eager to be involved in their child’s life warmed his heart. 

And of course when they returned back to New Orleans, all that they had shipped to the penthouse had already arrived which meant Lestat and Armand got to planning and creating the perfect for their little bundle of joy. 

•••

Even though Louis and Claudia haven’t seen Lestat in over a month, the three of them were sitting in the principal’s office at Claudia’s school. They were both called in for a meeting to discuss Claudia’s grades since they’ve been slipping in the last few weeks and were not made aware of the situation prior. 

“I told you, it’s that boyfriend of hers. He’s a distraction!” Lestat states while Claudia huffs and rolls her eyes. 

“Les, please.” Louis looks over at their daughter. “Care to explain to us why you haven’t been paying attention in class and failing to do your assignments?” 

Claudia shrugs. “I dunno. Guess I’ve just got a lot on my mind.” She says directly to her father although it was much more than him being a shitty parent lately.

“Don’t you dare blame this on me! You’re responsible for your own school work, Claudia! I pay for you to go here because they are the best in the state but if you’d rather go to public school then just say the word!”

“Whatever dad.” She murmurs under her breath. 

“And stop with the attitude! I’m tired of it, Claudia!” 

“I don’t have an attitude!” 

“Enough!” Louis demands, his voice raising slightly. “Will you two knock it off and take this seriously please?!” Both Claudia and Lestat apologize and Louis looks up at the principal who appears concerned. 

“As you know Mr. Du Lac, Mr. Lioncourt, we are a prestigious private school and it is in our policy that students must pass all classes with a B plus average or above. If Claudia continues on this route then I’m afraid she will be terminated from the school.” Louis nods in understanding while Lestat eyes the principal, staring right into her soul. It made her uneasy. “W-What we could do is arrange for Claudia to meet with a tutor twice a week to get her grades up and if that doesn’t work then we’ll have to look into options.” 

“I don’t need a tutor!” 

“You’re getting one! Now zip it!” Louis presses. “Are we all set here?” 

“Yes. I will be sure to send an email to our on-site tutor and have her reach out to Claudia to arrange meeting times and what not. Again, I apologize for pulling you both away from other priorities but we here at Westlake Academy know how smart Claudia is and we understand that sometimes things happen but we want her to be successful and I think she’ll be on the right path in doing so.” 

“Thank you! I’ll see to it that Claudia meets with the tutor and her grades will improve. Let’s go!” Louis exited the office with Claudia and Lestat hot on his heels. 

“In the car. Now!” He demands in a fit of rage.

Claudia obeyed and got in the car, Louis closing the door on her. He walked around and looked at Lestat before getting in himself. He proceeded to scold his daughter about her grades, going on a rant about how privileged she is to be going to the kind of school she is and letting her grades get this bad. He went on and on and Claudia just listened with a pout of her face because he was grounding her in the process. 

When she got home, she marched right up to her room, slammed her door shut and screamed into her pillow while Louis stood in his kitchen and pinched the bridge of his nose, humming as he exhaled. 

“Teenagers.” He sighs and gives himself a moment before starting to work on dinner. 

•••

“I’m afraid I’m going to have to order you to be put on bed rest for the remainder of your pregnancy, Louis.” 

“What? Why?” 

“You’ve developed preeclampsia which means your blood pressure is and has been elevated and if we don’t control it then it can progress to eclampsia which can cause you to have seizures.” Doctor Hayden explains. 

“What does being on “bed rest” pertain to? I don’t work so I’m home most of the day, dealing with my fifteen year old daughter and thirty six year old husband who acts like a child.” He says looking at both his daughter and husband who were invited to join him at his appointment today.

Doctor Hayden suppresses a laugh. “Well since you’re home most of the time I’m not going to put you on strict bed rest however, I really need you to take it easy between now and when you’re scheduled to be induced in ten weeks. I know that seems like a long time but trust me it’ll go by fast.” 

“So basically no strenuous activity and extensive stress?” 

“Pretty much. We want to try to keep your blood pressure from rising. Try meditating, find a new hobby, something that will relax you or keep you relaxed.” 

“Easier said than done.” He adds and she nods in understanding. 

“However I’d like for you to come in weekly instead of every other week and I’d like for you to start taking your blood pressure everyday so we can keep an eye on that as well.” 

“Okay. I think we can manage that.” He sighs.

“Great. Here’s a pamphlet on preeclampsia, just some do’s and don'ts and here is a booklet on some creative things to do while on bedrest. I know the boredom can get to some people so if you ever find yourself in need of something to do look in here.” 

“Thank you.” 

“Oh and can’t forget,” She hands him the printed sonograms with a smile. “Pictures of your son.” 

Louis takes them with a smile. His boy was getting big and he couldn’t wait to finally meet him. “Thank you, Doctor Hayden.” 

“You’re welcome, honey. I’ll see you next week.” He nods and leaves the room with his family in tow. 

Louis, Lestat and Claudia returned home and went their separate ways. Claudia up to her room, Lestat to his office, and Louis parked himself on his extra large sectional where he dozed off the moment his body made contact with the inviting comfort of the plush fabric.

•••

Louis’ eyes slowly flutter open to the usual sound of bickering between his husband and daughter. One would presume that he would be used to the sound now alas, he found himself sitting up from where he had been napping, eyes narrowing in irritation. 

“What are you two arguing about now?” 

“He wants to stay here and help!” Claudia made it seem like helping them was going to hurt them. Like his words were laced with venom.

“Please, it's the least I can do.” Lestat calmly says to Louis. 

“NO!” Claudia yells at her father. “Ain’t no way you’re staying here! I can take care of him like I’ve been! We don’t need you here!” 

“Who are you to make the decisions around here?! You’re not the boss of me, young lady! If I want to stay I can! It’s my house!” 

“We don’t want you here! You’re just going to ruin everything!” Claudia’s nostrils flared with her anger and deep frustration, it had been brewing consistently for some time. 

“ENOUGH!” Louis interjects and feels his heart racing inside his chest. “I don’t need this from either of you. You’re both the reason I have high blood pressure and why I’ve been put on fucking bed rest!” 

“I’m sorry, mon cher.” Lestat apologizes, genuinely guilty about being the cause of Louis’ anguish. “I want to help you. Claudia shouldn’t have to be the only one who’s here. I want to be here too. You’re still my husband and he’s still my son. Please, let me do this for you. For both of you.” 

Louis looks at his husband and sighs. “Lestat, if you really want to stay and help then you can-” Claudia huffs and crosses her arms over her chest, pouting. “ However , you are to not speak about Armand or to Armand whenever you’re around me or Claudia. We do not care about him in this house and we do not want to hear about him. You will continue to stay in the guestroom and you will not give me an attitude when you don’t get your way. I don’t need another brat to manage.” Lestat swallows and nods as Louis continues. “Lastly, I can’t have this tension between you two when I’m supposed to have a calm environment. You’re both going to get rid of this attitude you have and endure each other for my sake or else.” Claudia and Lestat are quiet. “Am I understood?” 

“Yes.” Lestat happily complies, knowing he had to do anything and everything to gain Louis’ trust.

“Whatever.” Claudia rolls her eyes and disappears upstairs, leaving behind an awkwardness in the air. 

Louis hears her close her door and sighs while rubbing at the back of his neck. “I’m gon’ go take a bath.” He says without another word to his husband, taking himself up to the ensuite, in need of some alone time from his family. 

Lestat lasted two full weeks being at the house until one Friday evening he got a call from Armand, crying about how he never sees him anymore and begging him to come back since he was nearing his due date and there was still much to get done. Armand didn’t want to do it by himself. Anyone in his situation didn’t deserve to go through the toils and highs of pregnancy alone, not when they didn’t have to. 

Louis overheard their conversation, hearing Lestat try to soothe Armand while also telling him he was planning on leaving anyway because as he put it, “Fuck Louis’ rules. I’m a grown man. I can do what I want.” It’s true he could do what he wanted but Louis wanted him to prove that he was able to handle this and he knew Lestat would crack under the pressure. 

So when Saturday morning came, Lestat packed his bags and was on his way out. 

“Leaving again?” Louis asks from where he was sitting on the couch, reading one of his books. 

There was a beat before Lestat looked over his shoulder, eyes teetering over Louis’, “I’m going away for a while.” 

“You mean you’re going to be with Armand?” He asks without looking up from his book. It obviously was a rhetorical question. Even if he hadn’t overheard the conversation over the telephone, he knew eventually Lestat would leave again, as did the tide returning to the sea. It was inevitable. 

“Yes.” Lestat looks down and swallows. “The baby’s due soon so I figured-”

“-No need to explain.” Louis interrupts. 

“Do you want me to stay? I can-I just…it’ll be hard.” 

“Do I want you to stay? Hmm let’s see you cheat on me, knock me up, leave for weeks at a time to go be with your other lover, you’ve been a shitty father to our daughter, you’ve been a worse husband to me, and I’ve been put on bedrest because my blood pressure is sky high thanks to you so no I don’t need you to stay.” 

Without another word Lestat leaves and it was then Louis looks up at the spot where Lestat stood just seconds ago. 

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be more for you.” He flips the page and clears his throat. He wasn’t going to cry, no, he had wasted far too many tears already. Lestat didn’t deserve a single one. “You can come out Claudia. I know you’re lurking.” 

The floor creaks beneath her feet and Claudia appears in the living room after hiding in the hallway. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.”

“It’s okay.” He sighs, getting back to his reading. 

“Mama?” Claudia approaches him with her hands folded, biting her tongue thinking about what she wants to say. “I’ve given myself an attitude check and I want to apologize for how I’ve been acting lately towards you and dad.” Louis lowers his book and gives her his full attention. “I’m really going to work on my attitude and work on being a better person.” 

“I appreciate that, Claudia.” He sends her a warm smile and waves her over to join him. Claudia sits beside him and he wraps an arm around her shoulder. “I think we all need to apologize to each other and work on ourselves, as much as I hate to admit it.” 

“Do you still love dad?” 

“Of course I do. It’s hard to explain but we’ve been with each other for over twenty years. I’ll always love your dad no matter how much he hurts me or screws me over time and time again.” 

“That doesn't sound like a healthy relationship, mama.” 

“It’s not but we make it work. We always have. Like I said it’s hard to explain and I’m sure it’s even harder for you to understand but right now I think if all of us just spend some time apart it’ll be good for us.” 

“If you say so.” She sighs. 

“Hey,” He drops his book and moves to turn her face towards him. “I thought we were trying?” 

“We are, we are. It’s just going to be an adjustment. I have to get it out of my system first.” Louis hums with a smirk and Claudia giggles at him. “Anway, can we order pizza for dinner?”

“I was thinking Chinese.”

“Even better.” Claudia pulls out her phone and places an order from their favorite spot thinking of no better way than to indulge in some Asian cuisine while spending some quality time with Louis. 

•••

Armand was officially at thirty nine weeks, and it was another boring day in the city of New Orleans They went to another midwife appointment that morning where she swept Armand’s membranes and informed him he was barely dilated one centimeter but she has a feeling by her sweeping his membranes it’ll help him go into labor and allow him to progress. After they came back home Lestat took an important call while Armand spent time sitting on his bed, folding more clothes he washed for the baby. 

Their little one has quite the wardrobe already, they’ve been gifted and bought enough clothes for them to have all the way until they were three or four. He’s reached the nesting period of his pregnancy and wanted everything to be sorted before his little one’s arrival so that meant spending days tidying up and finishing as much as he can while he had the time because once they’re here he knows time is going to be very limited. 

Since he woke up very early that morning he’s been having cramps here and there, timing them, realizing they’re still very far apart so he went about with his day not even telling Lestat because he knows it’ll send him into a frenzy when he’s dealing with his own anxiety just thinking about labor starting. 

He smiles and looks down at his bump as he’s rubbing it. “We’re ready for you sweetheart.” He tells them and in response gets another contraction. “Ohhhh.” He breathes out. It was manageable yet still painful so he kept to his breathing. “Fuck.” He curses under his breath as it peaks. When it passes, he goes back to his room to grab his phone and heads to the kitchen to make lunch for himself and Lestat.

“Les! Lunch is ready!” He calls down the hall once their food is done.

Lestat emerges a few minutes later. “Sorry, I wasn’t expecting to be on so long.” He apologizes and kisses Armand. 

“S’okay love.” Armand tells him as he sets the plate down in front of him. “When you’re done eating, I need a favor from you.” 

“What is it?” Lestat questions.

“Well.” Armand blushes. “I’d rather tell you after you eat.” 

“Babe, there's no need to be embarrassed. Whatever you need done just say it, who cares.”  

“Okay, well uhm, I need you to wax me.” Lestat stops chewing and scrunches his brows together. “Down there.” Armand finishes. 

“Okay.” Lestat slowly nods. 

“I would but I can’t see past my belly to shave.” 

“Okay I can do that but won’t it hurt?” 

“Probably.” Armand shrugs. “But maybe not as bad as pushing out a baby so I’m sure I can tolerate it.” 

After lunch Armand gets the wax melted and ready to use. He puts out several towels for him to lay on and makes sure there’s more than enough strips of paper to use. He was a very hairy guy so he wanted every last bit gone because if he was going to be exposing his nethers he’d like to at least not have a bush.

When he’s ready, he removes his pants, then gets onto the bed and lays back while opening his legs. 

“Please be gentle.” Armand says as he adjusts himself on the bed. 

“I can’t make any promises, love. But I will try my best.” Lestat tells him. 

Lestat gets to waxing Armand and it hurts like a bitch but Armand keeps still, curling his toes at the stinging that came when each strip was torn off with force. 

Six strips later, Armand was now hairless. He thanks Lestat and is helped off the bed.

“M’gonna go shower.” He says. 

“Okay. I’ll change the sheets then join you?” Armand nods and finds his way to the ensuite.

Some time after their shower the lovers were cuddling together on their bed when his intercom buzzed. Armand groans and starts to get up but Lestat pulls him back, going to answer it himself.

“Yes?” 

“You have a package here sir. It’s quite big. Should I send it up?” 

“Sure.” Lestat releases his hold on the button and joins Armand back in bed. “I wonder what it is.” 

“Did you order more stuff for the baby?” 

“No. Everything I ordered is already here.” 

“Hmm.” 

They hear the doorbell go off and Lestat goes to retrieve this mystery package. Armand waddles his way to the front of the apartment and finds four giant rectangular shaped packages, each sealed off with a cream colored bow, as well as a smaller package in a padded envelope with another bow.

“What are those?” He asks. 

“I think I might have an idea.” Lestat says, and hands Armand the envelope first, seeing the post stamp was from the Vogue offices in France. 

He gasps and immediately unboxes the packages, revealing four photos of himself from the Vogue maternity spread he did several weeks ago. He’d spoken with the rep from Vogue France in New York after being approached about possibly being on the cover and doing a story about his upcoming parenthood. At first he was apprehensive but Lestat talked him into it and the next day they were at the shoot. 

Armand wasn’t sure how well they would turn out, not even wanting to see the photos until they were printed but he looked stunning. 

“Damn, you make being eight months pregnant look so sexy.” Lestat comments, practically drooling over the pieces. 

Three of the photos were framed single shots of Armand while the fourth was the full cover shoot from Vogue that was framed as well. 

In the first one it was a black and white image of him with just a piece of sheer fabric. He stood on a slight angle and had his right arm up in his hair while his left arm came over his chest, holding the fabric that covered his body and accentuated his pregnant figure beautifully. 

The second was of him clothed, wearing an oversized white button up, buttoned only to the top of his belly with blue jeans that were unbuttoned so his belly was popping out. He had his hand on his back and was looking down at his belly as it was popping out from him. 

The third one was him standing sideways, wearing a pair of Calvin Klein briefs, the same white shirt coming off his shoulders with his arms wrapped over and under his belly while he was looking right at the camera giving that famous Armand De Romanus tantalizing gaze with those amber colored eyes. 

The fourth one, the cover shoot was of Armand with the piece of fabric, again standing at an angle but this time with his left leg popped out his body kind of turned slightly to the right. His right arm was dangling over his head while he was looking up at the camera, his chin tilted upward, lips just slightly parted looking fierce and gorgeous. 

“Look at you, my love.” Lesrat ogles over the photos and Armand blushes taking in each and every photo. 

Armand proceeds to open the envelope and inside was a letter from Vogue France as well as the published magazine for the month. He flips through and gets to his spread where he shares his hopes and dreams about parenthood.

Skimming through the articles he reads one line that stands out to him.

‘I’m excited to have a child. I’ve dreamt of this my entire life so I can’t wait to see what parenthood is like. Not long now.’

Then suddenly, it hits him. 

He was going to be a parent. He was about to have a child. An entire person, a life, he’ll be responsible for. He starts to panic. His breathing becomes quick and shallow and eventually he’s crying while feeling his heart pounding against his chest like a hammer. 

“Armand?” Lestat reaches out to touch him but Armand slaps his hand away. 

“No! I have to…Oh god this is happening too fast!...I-I can’t do this…I-I-I d-don’t know what I was thinking…Oh my god I-I’m gonna ha-have a baby soon…” Armand started to pace, unable to catch his breath, and rambled on about not being prepared for this baby or to be a parent. 

“Hey,” Lestat steps in front of Armand, stopping him, and holds his face in his large hands. “We’re doing this together. You and me.” Lestat warmly reminds him as Armand stares at him with tears streaming down his cheeks. “You and me.” Lestat confirms and kisses him softly. “I promise.” He breathes then goes in for one more kiss and pulls away to rid Armand of his fallen tears. 

•••

Two weeks later found Armand and Lestat on edge because he could potentially go into labor any day now, however, Armand has been having contractions on and off since early yesterday evening. He didn’t tell anyone, not even Lestat and just went about his morning as if nothing was happening. 

He was sitting on the couch, watching some tv while enjoying a bowl of oatmeal with fresh berries to keep his energy up. He didn’t really think much of his contractions because he’s read that first timers can spend days in labor and he was certain he wasn’t in active labor or going into active labor just yet. He was enjoying this time while he could before the real pain started.

He got through a handful of Buffy episodes before Lestat woke up and trudged out of their room with his robe covering his nearly bare body.

“Morning.” He grumbles and scratches his chest as he yawns. “How long have you been up?”

“Couple hours.” Armand sighs while finishing his oatmeal. “I’ve been having contractions.”

Lestat nearly chokes on his coffee and sets the mug down onto the coffee table, looking over at his lover with wide eyes. “Actually?”

“Yeah, I mean I think so.” Armand shrugs, folding his hands over his bump.

“You think so? Armand, are you or are you not?”

“Well, I’m not sure.” He shrugs again. “I’ve never been in labor before so I don’t know what it feels like but I know I’ve been having contractions because the pain comes and goes every few hours so I definitely think it’s the beginning stages of labor.”

Lestat slowly nods, “Okay, what do we do?”

“Nothing.” Armand simply answers, his hand smoothing down the front of his bump. “We just have to wait I guess.”

“S’gonna be a long time waiting then huh?”

“Probably.” He keeps his hand on belly. “You know for someone who’s had a child before you’re acting like this is your first time.”

“Sorry. I just get nervous. I was a mess when Louis went into labor with Claudia.”

“Well please control yourself. I don’t need you going mad while I’m in labor, it’s not the time.” 

“Okay, okay.” Lestat lifts his head slightly then leans down to Armand’s bump. “You ready to come out then, baby?”

“Oof.” Armand’s belly twitches and there’s movement under his shirt. “They heard that.”

“Good. Don’t put your mama through a lot okay? We want this to be easy going, or else you’re gonna have to deal with an angry daddy when you come out.”

Armand smacks him upside his head. “Don’t tell ‘em that.”

“Fine, sorry.” Lestat apologizes to the bump. “But please be nice to mama. He’s been doing a good job keeping you safe inside his belly and is going to do an even better job getting you here to meet us.”

Armand grins and twirls his fingers through Lestat’s locks, “They say they’re going to try their best but can’t make any promises.”

“Good enough.” Lestat smiles and presses his lips to the belly, giving it a firm kiss then lays his head on it. “I can stay here all day.”

“So let's do it. We’ve got no plans until they get here so I’m all yours.” Armand says.

“Just how I like it.”

The two stay on the couch for the remainder of the morning and well into the afternoon. Their day was rather easy going and nothing out of the ordinary occurred. Armand ended up having two more contractions between lunch and dinner and that was it really. He went to bed around 8 having been very tired and fell asleep pretty quickly which was a good thing seeing as he wasn’t up all night.

The next day, his contractions seemed to have dissipated and he had a sudden burst of energy so he decided to do some yoga in his small home gym. It was quite refreshing to Armand being able to focus on his body and breathing while preparing it for labor and delivery. He read that yoga was good during pregnancy so he put in his earbuds, went to his usual yoga playlist and did his entire routine that lasted an hour and a half.

He felt great afterward, like he could run a mile. He took a shower and went to the living room where he stayed for the remainder of the day. He was fine all throughout the day. He didn’t have any more contractions and was his usual active self, well with some limitations of course.

3:04 a.m.

Armand was wide awake.

He was tired but just couldn’t sleep. He started to have contractions when he was in the shower earlier but they weren’t bad and when he got into bed he fell asleep pretty quickly. But now he was awake and timing them as they came a bit more regularly.

He’d been tossing and turning for the last hour and half trying to find a side that was comfortable for him but when he did it was either too hot or too cold for him so the blankets were on and off all night. He got to a point where he had enough and sat up, huffing quietly. He got out of bed and went out to the kitchen to make himself some nighttime tea, hoping it would help him sleep.

He tried to be as quiet as he possibly could while filling up the kettle and setting it onto the burner to heat up. He got a mug and tea bag ready, waiting for the water to boil.

He got a contraction while standing in the kitchen and it was a lot harder than the last few. He gripped the countertop and hunched over, taking shallow breaths feeling the pain spread throughout his core.

“Oooooh.” He deeply moans. “You’re a big one. Okay.” He remembered his breathing and took it one breath at a time, feeling the contraction eventually easing away. “Guess this is happening.” He says to himself but mostly to the baby. “You getting ready to come on out, love?” He’s obviously met with silence but smiles just the same when he feels them move just slightly. “We got this. You and me. Pretty soon we’ll meet, little one, pretty soon.”

About ten minutes later the kettle started to scream and Armand quickly took it off the burner so it didn’t wake the whole house. He quickly poured the hot water into his mug and let his tea steep for a few minutes before drinking it. He took it with him back to the bedroom and sipped it while sitting in the dark, feeling himself grow sleepier and more tired. He got halfway through his tea when he started to nod off so he set it down onto the nightstand and laid down. He closed his eyes, hopeful to get some sleep.

Unfortunately he didn’t.

He kept his eyes closed and tried not to think about anything, just sleep. He was tired and knew if he didn’t get any sleep he’d be exhausted considering the circumstances.

He didn’t give up on trying and did his best attempting to fall asleep. He ended up finishing the rest of his tea with another contraction starting and remained still while again breathing through it. Armand was annoyed that he couldn’t seem to get any sleep and was back to just lying there awake. Sleep was heavy on his mind but not so much on his body.

6:54 a.m.

The break of dawn lit the house in a dim hue of gold as a new day was in the midst of starting. Armand was still awake, his eyes were extremely heavy from having watched tv for the rest of the night.

His lover slowly stirred awake beside him and his eyes opened just a bit, even for Armand to see his pupils. “Wha” time is it?” Lestat moans and closes his eyes again.

“Almost seven.” Armand answers. “Sleep alright?”

“Mhm.” His lover hums, ready to fall back asleep. “You?”

“No.” Armand sighs with a frown. “Haven’t gotten any sleep all night.” Lestat’s eyes open and he stares at the brunette. “Been having contractions all night and couldn’t get comfortable no matter how I laid so I’ve been up.”

Lestat frowns, “M’sorry babe.”

“It’s fine. I just want a few minutes of some sleep before it gets worse.” Armand breathes and slowly blinks at his lover.

“You want me to go sleep in one of the rooms?” Lestat suggests.

“No! Don’t be silly.” Armand waves off at his lover. “You don’t have to do that. I’ll be okay.”

“Are you sure? Maybe if you have the bed to yourself you’ll get some sleep?” Armand thinks for a second and doesn’t say anything. Lestat starts to get up and is prepared to leave the bed all to Armand.

“You wouldn’t mind Les?”

“Of course not.” Lestat turns onto his side and tiredly smiles. “Get some sleep okay. I’ll come check on you a little later.”

Armand smiles and nods, lips puckered for a kiss. Lestat delivers the favor and kisses his lover before pulling away with his pillow and his phone, disappearing down the hall.

Now with the bed to himself, Armand sprawled himself out like a starfish and was out within minutes. Maybe having Lestat leave was a good idea but he felt bad that his lover had to sleep in one of their guest rooms instead of this king sized cloud.

He fell asleep with a smile on his face, finally relieved to get some actual sleep with or without Lestat.

9:16 a.m.

Armand was still in bed when Lestat came to check on him. He was lying on his side so his belly was heavily resting on the bed, looking very uncomfortable.

“Hey babe.” Lestat enters the room and Armand grins slightly, turning off his phone. The blonde approaches the bed with his cup of coffee in his hands. “Feeling a bit rested now?”

“I feel fine.” Armand answers with a nod. “Just tired and kinda anxious now that this seems to be actually happening y’know?”

“D’you get any sleep?”

“Not really.” Armand sighs, unsatisfied. “I’ve been dozing on and off but I haven’t been able to stay asleep much.”

With a frown, Lestat sighs and sits down beside his lover. “Sorry, love.”

“S’okay. I’m fine here though. I just want to rest for now if that’s okay?”

“Do whatever you want babe.” Lestat tells him and stands back up. “I’m probably gonna conjure up something for breakfast. Fancy anything?” Armand shakes his head and Lestat smiles.

They share a quick kiss before Lestat leaves the room and Armand goes back onto his phone, playing one of the many games he has downloaded.

Armand labored in bed for quite a while, surprisingly. Even though he didn’t get any actual sleep, he was feeling relaxed and practiced more of his meditation which really helped. He ended up dozing off again and got some sleep but only for a couple hours because by noon he was wide awake again and wanting to get out of bed.

He helped himself up and off the mattress, stuffing his feet into his slippers before joining Lestat in the living room.

“Mon cher,” Lestat greets, quickly rising to be by his lover’s side. “I didn’t hear you get up. Hungry? Do you want anything?”

“Some toast would be nice.”

“On it.” Lestat got busy preparing that for Armand while he went to sit at the table. “How’re you feeling, babe?” 

“Exhausted but my contractions seem to have stopped and I dunno if it’s a good thing or a bad thing.” He supplies while smoothing a hand down his very large belly. “I should probably message Cassidy to let her know what’s been going on.” He says and goes onto his phone to text his midwife. Once he sends her a message, his toast is done and on a plate in front of him with a cup of orange juice and a napkin. “Thanks, Les.”

“Welcome.” Lestat presses a kiss into his lover’s messy curls as the latter takes a bite of his toast.

The day went by rather slowly and Armand spent a majority of it lounging around. He didn’t have much energy to do anything and was feeling very fatigued but he didn’t want to sleep the day away so he opted to rest while watching the Real Housewives of Orange County with Lestat. 

By nightfall, things had slowed down and Armand was feeling defeated that he wasn’t in labor yet. He spent the entire day inside to preserve his energy only for his labor to stall and the thought of having to go through yet another day wondering if it was going to happen or not.

He went to bed with Lestat and actually slept for several hours then around four in the morning a strong contraction woke him up and he remained awake ever since.

At eight thirty Armand decided to give his midwife a call just to inform her of how he’s been feeling.

“No, none of that. They’re coming every thirty to thirty five minutes…Yeah….No it hasn’t broken yet….A little…Mhm…” Armand stifles a quiet yawn trying not to be rude and do it while speaking with Cassidy on the phone. “...M’kay…I will…See you soon…Bye.” He ends the call and tosses the phone onto his bed.

“What’d she say?” Lestat asks, perched against their headboard.

“She had it sounds like it may be the real deal but won’t know until they get closer together or my water breaks.”

“So another day of waiting then?”

“Mhm.” Armand hums, seemingly feeling defeated again. They had to spend another day of waiting and guessing if he was actually going into labor or not.

4:14 p.m.

It was much later in the day, Armand was sitting on the couch, on foot tucked under him and the other hanging off the edge. He was looking for something good to watch when suddenly a pain hit him much stronger than the others had been.

“Oh.” He stops channel surfings and furrows his brows, looking down at his belly as the pain intensifies. “Lestat! I need you!” He shouts and his lover comes running from upstairs followed by his mum and sister.

“What is it love?” Lestat asks and takes Armand’s hand.

“Big…contraction.” Armand manages as he takes it slowly getting off the couch and remains in a slightly crouched position, putting both hands on his knees. “So sudden.” He breathes.

“Okay, take it easy baby.” Lestat soothes and rubs his lovers back. “Want me to run you a bath?”

“Please?” Armand whimpers.

“Course darling, let’s just get through this and I’ll go get it ready for you.”

Lestat assisted Armand to the bathroom where he undressed without a second thought of modesty and lowered into the tub instantly feeling relief from the warm water.

Armand remains in the tub for about an hour then decides he wants to get out a move since his contractions were now coming every twenty minutes. He wrapped his damp body in his fluffy robe, slid on his slippers and started to walk about in his room in no particular pattern. Moving eased his body and he matched his deep breathing with his steps which was helping.

Everyone let him be to himself and he was thankful he didn’t have anyone doting on him while he labored. He had his earbuds in and was listening to his birth playlist he created specifically for this. He moved around their room then made his way out into the hall just outside where he paced back and forth at a slow speed, hands pressed to his lower back and bump protruding in front of him.

It was a constant back and forth for two hours, stopping whenever contractions got too difficult to move through. When those contractions did come, he held onto whatever was closest to him whether it be the banister, doorframe, dresser, or bedpost and tucked around his belly while breathing through it. He did sway slightly which helped a bit but he was mostly focused on his breathing and getting through the pain. His deep breathing was really helping him too which he was glad he actually took the time to do research on and watch those hypnobirthing videos Cassidy had told him about.

He’d hoped he was still going to be prepared for the worst of it coming but God knows when and how bad it will be.

8:18 p.m.

Cassidy had just gotten to the house as well as her team which consisted of two midwives, Tallulah and Sage, Lestat had shown them through to the living room where he was busy getting themselves and their area set up if need be while Armand was in the bathroom sitting on the birthing ball in their shower, laboring with the water hitting his back.

His hair had been pulled back so that it was out of his face as he had it pressed against the cool tile wall in front of him. His playlist was on and sounding over the speakers as he was humming and rocking his body with the waves of his contractions, completely in a peacefully serene oasis at the moment.

“How’s he doing?” Cassidy asks Lestat when she goes upstairs.

“Alright I think.” Lestat shrugs and nods his head towards their bathroom where Armand was currently laboring. “I dunno if he knows you’re here.”

“I don’t want to bother him if he’s comfortable right now. Has he mentioned anything that may bring up concern to you?” She asks.

Lestat shakes his head, “No, not really. He’s just been laboring and having contractions and we’ve been trying to make the time go by.”

“Yeah.” She nods slightly and looks towards the slightly ajar bathroom door. “I’ll let him be for now. We’ll be downstairs getting our things ready to be used. Have you decided where the birthing pool is going to go? Or has he changed his mind about it?”

“Umm, I think he wants it in here so it’s close to the bed.”

“Splendid. Let me know if he needs me alright?”

“I will.”

Cassidy exits the room and Lestat decides to enter the bathroom. When he does he sees his lover now in a different position this time facing the sprayer, legs wide so that the water could cascade down his belly and thighs.

“Armand.” Lestat pauses the music and walks towards their shower as his lover looks up at him. “Cassidy’s here. She’s downstairs with two other midwives. How’re you doing?”

“M’alright.” Armand answers. “Getting a bit pruney but I’ll live.” He manages to be humorous even though he was struggling and in pain.

“You wanna get out or stay?”

“I’ll stay for a bit. The water is helping.” Armand says, continuing his movements on the mound of rubber he was sitting on.

10:23 p.m.

“Baby’s heartbeat sounds great, love.” Cassidy grins and keeps the doppler steady against Armand’s bump. She puts it away not long after that then starts to palpate his belly. “Any discomfort?” She asks.

“No.”

“Okay, well everything seems to be going well here.” She gets up from the edge of the bed where Armand lay, closing up his robe. Armand decided against pelvic exams instead wanting to follow his body and its urges during labor.

He moves to lay onto his side with his pregnancy pillow wrapped around him. “M’gonna stay here for a while.” He says to his midwife.

“Okay hun, that’s perfectly fine. Do whatever you have to.” Cassidy tells him with a gentle pat to his side. “Try to get some rest if you can because depending on how far progressed you are you may not be pushing for another few hours, considering your water hasn’t broken yet either.” He nods and closes his eyes, slowly blinking at her. “Get some rest, darling. We’ll be just downstairs if you need us.” She says before leaving him and Lestat alone.

“Need anything babe? Some water or tea? Maybe a hot compress for your eyes?”

“Water please? I filled my bottle up before, I think I left it in the bathroom.” Lestat nods and quickly retrieves the stainless steel jug filled with ice water.

“Here you are, babe. Anything else?”

“My earbuds.”

“Got ‘em right here for you, love.” Lestat hands the earbuds to his lover for him to put on. “Gonna be alright for a little while?”

“Yeah.” Armand tiredly nods. “I’ll call you if I need you.”

“Okay.” Lestat whispers and presses a kiss to his lover’s lips before leaving the room.

Once Armand was alone, he put his earbuds in and started up his music again, closing his eyes. He let the soft music carry his mind elsewhere and focused on that, rather than the pain his body was going through as it worked to bring him closer to meeting his baby.

2:25 a.m.

Armand was on his knees, hugging the ball, rocking his body and moving it in a circular motion. He was humming through the contraction and shifted his hips side to side to alleviate some of the pain. Lestat had come back with the warm cloth and pressed it just above Armand’s bum to help with the pain he had in his lower back. He was bent over his lover, palms digging into Armand’s skin moving along with his body as the brunette continued to labor.

Armand’s pain was increasing and becoming even more uncomfortable but he was trying to stay as calm and focused as he could.

“God these are awful.” He moans. “Just constant pain.”

“Is this helping at all, love?” Lestat asks.

“A little.” Armand lifts his head from where it was hung over the ball. “M’just having a fuck ton of back labor and I…Jesus!” He was unable to truly focus through the contractions and moaning deeply with each one seemed to help him.

“Breathe Armand-“ Lestat’s cut off by a loud whimper from his lover.

Armand’s teeth were clenched and eyes screwed shut as the pain intensified at the base of his spine. “God, this fucking hurts.” He brought his head back down and pressed his cheek against the ball, breathing out, nose scrunched from bout of pain.

“Just breathe Armand. Breathe the baby down, remember from those videos? Breathe the baby down.” Armand nods and continues his sporadic breathing until the pain eventually releases within. “That was a big one there huh babe?”

“The biggest I think.” Armand responds and sits back up knowing he was in between contractions now. “That one was so painful.” He mutters, out of breath.

“You’re doing so well though, darling.” Lestat praises and runs his fingers through Armand’s slightly damp curls. “M’so proud of you.”

And for the first time since labor started, Armand broke out into a smile. At that moment he felt proud of himself and his body for working so hard to bring his baby Earth side with them. He knew the fight was only going to get stronger and more difficult but he was willing to do whatever it takes to meet his baby girl.

Armand was okay and able to talk for a good few minutes then the contractions returned and he was back to humming while leaning over the ball. His hands were folded together and he was leaning his forearms against the ball as he rocked back and forth, opening his hips as he sunk back to engage the baby down.

“This may sound a bit odd but maybe sitting on the toilet will help encourage the baby to move down? Not saying you have to, it’s completely up to you but my patients in the past have done so and it helped immensely. Just thought maybe we can try it?” Cassidy suggests with a small shrug.

“Okay.” Armand nods, breathing out. “I’ll try it.” He says and pulls away from the ball, standing on his knees. Lestat pushes the ball aside and holds his arms out for Armand to grab onto, which he does and hauls himself up onto his walk. He slowly walks towards the bathroom and lowers down into an almost squat like position while sitting on the seat.

“Ohh wow that’s quite a difference.” He quickly notices and places his hands on his knees, slowly swirling his hips. “Feels like it may fall out.”

“They won’t but they may come down a lot more which means you’ll be closer to pushing.”

“Even if my water hasn’t broken yet?”

“Surprisingly, yes.” Cassidy admits with a nod. “But I’m hopeful that with you sitting like this for a bit and if the baby descends they’ll break your water for you.” He nods and sits there, laboring through contractions as his lover and midwife stayed with him.

“Mind if I do another check up on ‘em? See how we’re doing in there?” She then asks and Armand nods again. She excuses herself from the ensuite to get her doppler and a pair of gloves on. “Okay let's see what she’s up to in there.” She gets some gel onto the doppler then presses it against Armand’s massive bump. It didn’t take her long to find the baby’s heartbeat, beating loudly as per usual.

Cassidy smiles up at the parents letting them listen to the sounds of their baby’s heartbeat echoing around their bathroom.

“Sounds better and better every time I hear it, doesn’t it?” Lestat asks.

“Yeah.” Armand agrees with a big grin on his face. “So ready to meet them.” He says, running a hand down his bump. “Hopefully they’re as ready as us.”

“They are, baby.” Lestat says with a grin and Armand looks up at him still smiling.

Cassidy wraps up using the doppler and puts it away in the small bag it came in. “Okay so I’m gonna go downstairs and add more notes to my file for you and baby. Let me know if you need anything.”

“We will.” Armand tells her with a nod. She smiles a bit, nodding as well before leaving the bathroom.

With Armand sitting still on the toilet, his body was opening and stretching a bit allowing the baby to move down some but also triggered his waters because while he was sitting there, he started to leak. It wasn’t a full gush of fluids but just a trickle every so many seconds, so it was a good thing he was on the toilet and didn’t have a mess to clean up, even though every inch of the floor surrounding him was covered in absorbent pads because he was not risking the mess of birth to ruin his white bathroom.

He didn’t say anything and just let himself continue to leak knowing he was getting closer to his waters breaking fully then finally meeting his little one.

6:24 a.m.

The pain was becoming agonizing. Armand couldn’t remain in his peaceful state as his muscles contracted every few minutes. He was ready to break down and cry but he needed to conserve his energy for later.

But he couldn’t. He couldn’t do this anymore.

“Les…” He whined with his hands pressed to his back.

“Wha’baby?” Lestat went around the bed to where Armand was now laying on his side, groaning in pain.

“M’so tired.”

“I know my love.” Lestat cooed and carded his fingers through Armand’s curls. “Do you think you’re getting closer to pushing?” Armand shrugs and whimpers as Lestat presses a kiss into his lover’s hair.

This was a lot harder than either of them thought, Armand had never endured such pain like this. There was no going back now though. He’d already made it so far and at this point it was either keep going and have the baby at home or risk giving birth in the car.

Lestat hated seeing Armand in so much pain. He just did whatever he could to help him. “You’re so strong baby you know that?” He asks and runs his hand down Armand’s bare back. “You’ve been so strong and so brave and so invincible through this.”

Armand begins to moan while shaking his head. “I can’t do it anymore, Les. It’s too much and I’m so tired my body’s tired.”

“I know, baby.” Lestat whispered, watching his laboring lover. “But you’re doing so well. You’re almost there. Just breathe and focus on that, work with the pain and breathe-”

“-Ohh…” Armand moans again and instantly squeezes Lestat’s hand as a contraction starts.

“Breathe baby, do your deep breathing love.”

Armand’s body felt weak, his legs were shaking, and he was losing his grip on things. 

As Armand got further along in his labor, the louder he became and he did not hold back. He kept vocalizing through the waves of contractions and eventually through the pushes he was ready to give. He rocked on all fours as he pushed and sunk back into it hoping to feel some relief, which he had to admit as much as it hurt to push, he couldn't control the urges and went with it so it felt like the most natural thing to do was give his body what it wants. 

Ahhhhing through the pain helped him. His midwife told him to let his jaw drop open as he worked through the pain to help him. At first he didn’t understand the correlation but he felt his pelvic muscles loosen allowing for the baby to move further into his birth canal. 

And Lestat just remained as present and focused as he could be while also still slightly grossed out and anxious. He never liked the concept of childbirth, he thought it was gross and very overdramatic yet he’d never admit he had those opinions to Armand or Louis. He just swallowed the rising bile in his throat and gave his full attention as best as he could. Although he did almost pass out when Claudia was being born. 

He made the wrong decision offering to hold one of Louis’ legs during the birth and when the doctor encouraged him to look at his daughter’s crowning head, Lestat regretted it. He had that image forever burned in his memory. He got very pale and clammy and felt faint so he kept his focus solely on Louis. 

Louis, however, was all about watching it. He requested a mirror for the birth and when he was struggling to get the baby’s head out it really helped him know which pushes were helping bring her down and which weren’t. He had a perfect view too as it was centered just for him and according to him, it was a sight to see. 

But for Lestat, seeing that on top of hearing the way Louis screamed through it was god awful. He didn’t know someone as quiet and delicate as his husband could make such noise. But when Claudia came out and the doctor placed her onto Louis’ chest to be cleaned, he was told by his husband to look at her so he took a quick peek and again wished he hadn’t. The slimy, bloodied baby, covered in vernix and fluids was enough to make Lestat’s stomach churn. 

He hopes that if Armand does deliver in the water it won’t be as messy or chaotic. Maybe he will feel brave enough to steal a few glances but right now that was the least of his worries seeing as Armand was his main focus at the moment.

“I think I need to push.” Armand breathes.

“Okay, when you feel the contraction go ahead and push.” His midwife instructs. 

He nods and continues taking deep breaths waiting for the pain to return. He was in a supported squat. Lestat was sitting on the bench at the foot of their bed and Armand was in between his legs, holding onto them while he was lowered into a squat trying to push. 

Armand pushed against the pain and the pressure for a good twenty minutes and with every push he was told he was bringing the head down more and more but he wasn’t bringing it out because every time he’d push it’d make itself visible then withdraw when he stopped. 

“That’s it Armand. Down, down, down, down, down. Good job love.” 

“Feels like nothing’s happening.” 

“It is. We’re able to see a little bit of a head, honey. Here.” She takes a picture on her phone and shows him. “This is what I can see when you’re not pushing.” She says and Armand can see an almond shaped like formation with the smallest bit of dark hair, the top of his baby’s head peeking out of his entrance, the slight bulge of the baby’s head sitting low, ready to come out.

“Oh it’s close.” He brings his hand down and inserts his fingers into his entrance, feeling his baby’s head. “Oooh you’re right there honey. Okay.” He sighs and moans out feeling another contraction. 

“Ready to push again?” He nods and grips onto Lestat’s legs, preparing to push. “Go for it love. Right down through your bottom, Armand.” He pushed down as hard as he could with his fingers still inside him. “Good job darling. Well done, Armand. Well done.” 

“Good job baby.” Lestat whispers. 

Armand released his push with a loud grunt and laid back against Lestat for a split second then went back into it just as hard. He closed his eyes and really bore down as hard as possibly could, body stiff and face turning beet red. He kept on pushing and listened to his body as it guided him, bringing him closer to meeting his baby. Forty minutes of pushing in a squat, Armand’s legs started to cramp so he got up and walked around.

“Do you want to get in the water? I know you were hoping to have ‘em there.” Cassidy suggests. “We can top it off for you and have it set.”

“Mmmmm….yes.” He answers and begins swaying in Lestat’s arms at the start of his next contraction. His belly hung low and heavy in between his hips and was an added weight he found uncomfortable. “So much pressure.” He complains. 

“Feeling like you have to push?” He shakes his head, still swaying and waiting. 

It doesn’t take long for the pool to be topped off and shortly after Armand was submerged in the water feeling some relief. 

As the surge started he hummed loudly which then turned into a groan the moment he gave another push. Bearing down into the pressure in between his legs.

He let it out with a grunt then took another deep breath and bore down just as hard. He was trying to visualize what was happening down there in his mind like the lamaze instructor had taught him. Think of a flower blooming during your pushes. The petals opening up as a new life emerges. He tried his hardest to see that image in his head but couldn’t because the pain was enough to send him spiraling. 

“Still feels like nothing’s happening.” 

“Would you like me to put a mirror into the pool so you can see?”

“Please? That would be lovely.”

Cassidy nods and lowers a mirror into the water along with a flashlight since Armand requested the room be dim, only lit by fairy lights and aromatherapy candles. 

He felt another need to push and sunk down into it, hissing as he began to feel movement. He briefly stopped then went again to make full use of the contraction.

“It’s like,” Armand takes a moment to catch his breath and sits back on his knees. “This pressure every time I push. Feels weird.” 

“That’s the baby’s head pressing down. It’s working its way out.” 

Armand inwardly groans and sits in the silence until another wave of contractions starts. 

“Doing okay love?” Lestat asks, running a hand down Armand’s face. 

“Yeah.” Armand whispers and leans forward to get a kiss from his lover. 

“You’re doing so well, mon cher. I’m so proud of you.” Armand half grins and closes his eyes knowing another contraction was coming. 

This time he decided to open his hips wider and get lower into the water to hopefully give the baby more room to come out. He was sitting in an almost frog-like position, both arms now under the water, holding him up, and his head pressed into the edge of the pool. 

“Doing so good, baby.” Lestat praises and kisses Armand’s head while running his hands along the laboring man’s back for comfort. 

“Another big one. Oh god.” Armand groaned and was very loud during his pushing. Grunting and groaning he pushed and pushed with Lestat whispering sweet nothings into his ear as he did so. 

Then contraction soon ended and Armand was able to catch a break. He sat back on his knees and cradled his heavy belly in his hands under the water and slowly exhaled with his eyes closed. When he opens them again he sees Lestat there with those baby blue eyes staring back at him. 

“They feel a lot lower.” Armand says as he smooths one hand over his bump and uses the other to check his own cervix. “I can feel their head. It’s right t-there. Ohhhhhh c’mon baby. You need to come out.” He braces himself again, bringing his hands back onto the tops of his thighs feeling another urge to push. 

He just did what his body was telling him to do and Lestat watched as Armand worked to birth their baby. 

Another round of pushing and little to no progress was made but he was not admitting defeat just yet. 

“Beautiful babe! Absolutely beautiful! Just like that Armand!” He held the push for ten seconds then released it, moving forward into Lestat. He took a few seconds to catch his breath then pushed again, sinking back into his bottom, pushing against the pressure and with the pain. 

Although he had somewhat better leverage, he seemed to still be having a hard time. 

“Push, push, push, Armand. Push down honey push down. That’s the way! Beautiful! Can you feel ‘em moving through?” 

“A little. S’lot of pressure.” He breathes and goes back to rocking his body. “Oooooooohh.” He sings, feeling two cool hands rub his arms. Having Lestat sitting right in front of him made him feel safe, secure, and supported.

“You’re doing so good, baby. D’you want some water?” He nods and feels him shifting a bit. Lestat reaches for his water up and pops off the top where an attached straw comes out. “Here you are my love.” Armand sits up on his knees and takes the bottle, glugging down the cold water, making it almost empty. “Thanks.” He pants when he hands it back..

He remains up on his knees, having a break in between waves of contractions. Both hands smoothed down his perfectly rounded bump and he was taking deep breaths. His hair was a mess and his bangs were starting to matte to his forehead from the sweat he’s accumulating. 

“Doing alright my darling?” Lestat asks, running a hand along Armand’s face. “You look a bit flushed and feel warm. Want me to get the fan?” 

Armand nods as he attempts to take some deep breaths but fails and groans before sinking down into a push. He kept moaning and grunting and pushing, unable to keep for more than five seconds. “N-Nother push.” He mutters and gives a hard push which moves the head through some more. “AGH!” He felt the burning right away but stuck to pushing. 

“Well done Armand. Just like that.” Cassidy coaches.

Lestat had quickly returned with the fan and wrapped it around his shoulder so it was blowing onto Armand. 

Armand pushed and breathed, pushed and breathed and he was making more progress. 

He did several rounds of hard pushing and spent another forty five minutes actively pushing on his knees. His thoughts were everywhere, crowding his mind, all he wanted to do was just leave everything behind if it meant getting rid of the pain. He wanted to surrender. 

He could feel the head slowly moving through and stuck his hands down in between his legs and could feel his opening, searing and raw. He hissed sharply upon contact from how badly it burned but slowly eased his fingers further, against the pain. 

With another push, Armand felt the baby’s head pressing against his palm as it emerged through his entrance. Soon, his entire hand cupped the top of his baby’s head feeling it bulge out until he stopped to take a breath and felt it go back in. 

“No, no!” He groans. 

“Take a break, Armand. Catch your breath.You’re doing a wonderful job and the baby's close but seems a little too comfortable in there.” Armand nodded and closed his eyes as had a hand pressed firmly to his belly, feeling his baby moving around while he waited for another wave of contractions.

•••

Childbirth was a grueling process Armand had come to loathe. He’d been enduring an endless amount for the last twenty four hours and was having a difficult time trying to deliver his baby. Each push brought them closer to meeting their baby, he thought, but it just remained stationary inside him making him work extra hard. 

“Push, darling. That’s it. Push, push, push.” Lestat quietly whispered into Armand's ear. “Good job, love. Good job.” Armand sunk back into Lestat’s chest, exhausted. 

Pushing grew to be difficult in the pool and wasn’t helping him much either so they retreated to the bed where Armand was laid up against Lestat’s chest. 

“Well done, love. push again.” Cassidy instructed as she too was watching but remained hands off. “Well done, Armand. You’re stretching beautifully and doing so well. Just let your body guide you, love.” 

“Why aren’t they coming out?! Are they too big?!”

“No. The baby just appears to be taking its time. It happens.” She says and moves to get the doppler again to check on the baby’s heart rate. “Let’s have a listen here.” He pushes it against his belly and moves it around until she finds what she was looking for. They listen for a full minute then she turns it off. “Heart rate sounds marvelous so I’m not worried we’ve just gotta work with the baby to get them here.” 

The next contraction started and Armand pushed down hard. He started to feel movement again so he bore down and pressed two fingers right at the top of his entrance to ease some of the pressure.

Push after push Armand strained to get this baby out.

“Big push Armand. Push, push-ARGH! FUCK!-You’ve almost got it! Push right down into your bottom honey.”

He released it with a heavy grunt and blew out his breath, craving for a break. “Doesn’t feel like anything’s even happening.” Armand groans, feeling defeated. “I’m so tired. Please don’t make me go again.” 

“Okay love.” Lestat looks up at the midwife who solemnly nods and allows Armand to take another break. 

“Mind if I have a feel?” Armand nods, allowing her to probe at his entrance. He quietly gasps as the feeling and it was over within a millisecond. “The head is right there, Armand. I think the next push or so will finally have it crowning.” 

Armand hums while subconsciously smoothing his hands along his bump. “Mmmmmm-why is this taking so long?” He whispers to no one in particular. “I just want to see my baby.” He leaned forward into Lestat’s embrace and began to cry. “...Hurts so much.” 

“My darling, shh, shh.” Lestat rubbed Armand’s back and pressed a kiss into his hair knowing his lover had reached a breaking point. He lifted Armand’s head from his shoulder and wiped his tears. 

“M’so tired.” 

“I know, baby. I wish I could take all of this away from you and we can finally have our little one here.” 

Armand cried to Lestar that he couldn’t do it. His body was failing him. He’d never felt so weak and hopeless in his entire life. He  lays there for a few moments, regulating his breathing, saying another silent prayer to himself. He closed his eyes and took slow breaths, in and out trying to keep himself from getting worked out. 

“Hey, listen to me.” Lestat gets close to Armand’s ear, so he can hear him clearly. “You can do this.” He states. “You are so strong and amazing and you are going to bring our baby to us. You’ve got this. I’m right here with you. Always with you….Now, let’s meet our baby.” He kisses his lover’s cheek and proceeds to hold him while Armand gears up for another push.

Even though his cries of pain weren’t loud, to him they were deafening and he couldn’t hear his midwife telling him he was doing it and that he was doing good and that the head was coming out. 

He lifted his head up and groaned through the pain. Nothing felt good or like it wasn’t working but by some miraculous being he powered through and kept pushing. 

“Big push Armand. Big, big, big, big! More, more, more, more! Harder, harder, harder, harder!” Armand released it feeling unable to have held it much longer.

“You’re doing so good, baby.” Lestat praised and replaced the cool rag on Armand’s forehead with another, to keep him from overheating but that still didn’t stop the sweat that was dripping down his face or how hot his body was becoming. 

He was able to inch the head out slowly and it crowned again then stayed there. No matter how hard he pushed it didn’t move as if it wasn’t fitting. 

Armand’s given some oxygen to help his breathing while waiting for the contraction to return.

“Ready to do this baby?” Lestat asks and his lover nods. “You got this Armand. Bring our baby to us.” 

“Kay, Armand, deep breath in and push.” Cassidy had her fingers lightly stretching around Armand’s entrance as the head slowly emerged again. “Good job, honey. Good, good job. Excellent.” Armand pushed as hard as he could, pulling back on his thighs, using all the strength he had to deliver his child. “Well done, well done, well done! Beautiful Armand.” 

Each push was draining because he’d been pushing for hours but it was bringing them further to seeing their baby. In between pushes, one of the midwives would use a doppler to check the baby’s heart rate while Lestat provided him with water and another cold compress.

After another round of pushing, something finally started to happen. 

“Good Armand, the head’s coming out more.” 

“I feel it!” He screams and lets go of his breath, fogging up the mask. 

“Keep pushing baby.” Lestat whispers in his ear, helping to keep Armand’s legs open. 

Armand takes a quick breath and goes again, leaning forward as he pushes hard, gritting his teeth, body trembling in anguish and Lestat continues to coach him through it. 

“Baby’s trying to crown again, Armand. Big push honey, big push.” He grunts and takes a quick breath in, bearing down, releasing it almost instantly, causing the head to retract back once again. 

“I can’t! It’s burning too much!” 

“Okay, Armand, honey, I’m going to add some more oil to help you stretch okay? Just take some deep breaths for me honey.” 

“I can’t! I have to push!” He urges due to the amount of pressure he was feeling that craved for relief. 

“We’ll get you pushing in a minute, just breathe for me.”

“-No! No! I need to push! Let me push!” 

“Breathe Armand. Breathe, baby.” Lestat says softly. He lowers Armand’s legs and rubs his thighs. “Good job baby.” 

“It hurts so bad.” Armand cries. 

“Shh, it’s okay love. She’s only helping you, Armand. Our baby is almost here because of you.” 

“It doesn’t feel like it's close at all.” 

“Look Armand,” Like before the midwife angled the mirror and showed him. He saw the shape of his baby’s head filling out his entrance, begging to be released. “The head is out much further even now and you’re not pushing. Trust me, babe, they’re almost here.” 

Another set of contractions start and he gets on to pushing again. 

“Deep breath in and push into your bottom, Armand.”

Trying to push was hard enough but also trying to look into the mirror was difficult so he just focused more on his pushing and less on the viewing. 

Half an hour went by and Armand was growing restless. They waited for another contraction to come and when it did, Armand sat up, legs pulled back, and pushed with all of his might.

“Big push Armand! C’mon baby needs to come out! Push!” She kept her two fingers at the bottom of his opening to encourage the baby to come out some but that baby was as stubborn as their mama. 

Armand released his breath, completely worn out and tired of pushing.

There seemed to be a pause for what felt like eternity between the baby crowning and the next wave.

He didn’t know how many more waves came as the head was nearly out. He could feel their ears, eyes, and nose passing through the tight space and out into the world.

“Keep breathing, Armand. The head is almost out.” Armand kept breathing, puffing out his cheeks as the waves of pain were coming more intense, one on top of the other. “Here comes the head, Armand. Good job, honey.”

“Ohhh.” He whimpers. The odd feeling in between his legs was rather unpleasant and made him tremble with anxiety from how badly it hurt. “Oh god.”

“Keep going, Armand. You got this! Baby’s head is so close to being out!” Armand wanted to stop but he was determined to keep going. “Push with the contraction Armand, push with the contraction!”

In the midst of giving yet another big push when he suddenly gasped as the head popped out of his body, with a gush of the fluids that soaked the bed beneath him. He blew out a heavy breath that caused one of his curls to fly away from his face.

“Heads out, Armand. You’re doing marvelous sweetheart!” 

“I'm holding their head!” He announced in shock and moved himself a bit trying to get a look at the baby that was almost halfway out. “You’re almost here, love.” He mutters under his breath and brushes a slender finger along the babe’s skull. “They have hair.” He grins, out of breath. He sits back slightly, cupping his entire hand around their baby’s head.

Lestat moves some hair away from Armand’s face and rubs along his sweaty shoulders. He tries to hold back his tears knowing they were closer to meeting their baby. “You’re doing amazing, my darling.” 

“Catch your breath honey.” His midwife coaxed. “During the next contraction I want you to work with it and let it help you. You’re going to try not to push but instead breathe so that the baby's shoulders can turn and then you can push them out the rest of the way.” 

“Okay. Am I hurting them?”

“Not at all. When you start to feel the shoulder’s turning you can bring your other hand down and guide the baby out and bring them up if you want to, okay?” Armand nods and waits for the next round of contractions to start. 

It did take a bit so the time was spent still holding onto his baby’s head, feeling their tiny eyes, nose, mouth, and ears at his fingertips. 

Feeling the pain soon begin to form inside him, Armand closed his eyes as his brows furrowed, trying to resist the urge to push and focused on breathing. Thankfully, Lestat helped him and did the breathing with him. In through his nose and out through his mouth and he could feel the baby slowly moving and turning within his grasp. 

“Oooh.” He whimpers, biting his lip. “I don’t like this feeling.” 

“I know love, just keep breathing. You’re doing wonderful.” Cassidy praised.

“Keep going baby. You’re almost done.” Lestat continued with his breathing to help Armand until the laboring man let out a loud gasp. “What is it?! What’s wrong?!” 

“It’s moving a lot!” 

“They’re just turning, Armand. You’ve almost got it.” 

His breathing quickened, now having both hands down around the baby feeling the turn during their slow entrance into the world. “C’mon, c’mon, c’mon.” He groaned, eager to just push and get it over with. He bit his tongue and blew out weak raspberries as the urge grew stronger. “I can’t, I can’t please let me push! I have to push!” 

“You can push, Armand.” His midwife instructed and Armand didn’t hold back.

Bearing down hard again, he was ready to get this baby out. “Ugh, Lestat I ca-I can’t!”

“Yes you can, baby. You’re almost done.” Armand shakes his head against Lestat’s chest and whines from the immense pressure that was being felt in between his legs. “C’mon love give us a big push. Let’s finally meet our baby, yeah?” 

He takes a second then nods, closing his eyes that were starting to burn with tears. “Let’s meet our baby.” 

“Okay, love.” Lestat helps Armand sit up and like before held his legs back for him as he worked himself up to push. He was coaching his lover through his final pushes and Armand was so ready for the pain to end.

Armand pushed again, giving all he had, and felt something but it just wasn’t enough yet. He groaned and arched his back, his screams echoing throughout the room.

“Armand, you need to focus that energy into pushing your baby out. Hold in your screams and focus on birthing your baby. It’s almost out!” His midwife prompts with her hands supporting the now delivered head. 

He continued to grunt, scream, and push through the rest of the birth.

Armand was aggressively blowing out air as he felt more stretching and burning while the baby’s shoulders tightly squeezed through. 

“C’mon, gimme a nice big push. Baby needs to come out.” She gently tugged on the baby to help free them, fearing the worst if the baby wasn’t born soon enough.

“Oh look baby here it comes! Here it comes! Push, push!” Lestat couldn’t believe he was actually willingly watching this.

“Fuck pull ‘em out!!” Armand seethed and went in for another big push. “Aghh! Fuck me!” He screams once he feels a shoulder release then another and soon the baby’s upper body had been born.

“C’mon Armand, this is it! One more big push, darling. One more then we’ll finally be a family.” Lestat’s words meant absolutely everything to Armand.

Then everything happened in an instant.

“Reach down and grab your baby.” Cassidy guides as the baby starts coming out more. Both men lean forward as best as they could and Armand puts his hands around them while Lestat’s hands are around Armand’s. 

Armand gives another hard push, screaming from the intensity and out she comes. Armand inhaled a gasp knowing the baby was out. They quite literally burst out with a gush of amniotic fluid and blood. He rushes to bring them up to his chest and, out of breath, sends a stunned look to his midwives as he cradles the babe who wasn’t crying yet. It takes him a moment to wrap his head around what he’d just done and he looks back at Lestat.

Lestat knows that look. He remembers that look because it was the same look Louis gave him when Claudia was born.

“Let baby breathe.” The midwife was quick to turn the baby’s head sideways and sweep through their mouth and nose which allowed for the babe to take their very first breath on earth. “There we go. Well done.”

Armand whimpers into the masl, trying to catch his breath and looks down at the babe he was holding. “Hi there.” He whispers breathlessly and Lestat kindly removes the mask from his face. “Oh love, hello. I’m your mama. Hi, sweetheart.” He looked back up at Lestat, who had tears in his eyes, both in a state of awe.

Both of them are joyfully crying to each other, but for Armand, this meant everything to him because this is all he’s ever wanted and worked so hard for this baby and they were finally here. Nothing could’ve prepared him for what it was like having a baby, no matter how much they planned and read and took classes and listened to advice. Nothing prepared him for this kind of overwhelming love he has for his baby.

Lestat cries as Armand moves so he’s able to capture Armand’s lips in a heated kiss. Kissing him several times each one lasting longer than the one before while Armand cradles their tiny baby in his arms, still making their presence known from in between them.

“Did you two see what you’ve got?” The midwife asks, covering both Armand and the baby with a warmed towel

Armand carefully brings the baby forward so they can see and he feels another sudden burst of hormone-induced emotion. 

“What is it, love?” Lestat asks, trying to have a look as well. 

“We have a baby girl.” Armand cries and cradles her close to his chest again. “My sweet Avalon, babe. Thank you.” He keeps crying as he holds her close. “Thank you, sweet girl.” He thanked her because she made him something he’s always dreamt of being his entire life. She made that dream come true and he owes her his life. “Avalon Star, my darling girl, welcome to the world sweetheart.” 

Avalon Star, a name Armand fell in love with early on. Here she was, their little star, she was their entire universe and she was only a few seconds old. Armand had her lying on his chest, lost in her grayish blue orbs, telling her how long he’s been waiting for her, how long they’ve been waiting for her. 

Lestat was stroking Armand’s sweaty hair with tears rolling down his cheeks smiling and looking at their daughter in just as much disbelief as Armand that they had a baby and she was actually real. He cranes his neck down and audibly kisses his lover, “I’m so proud of you my darling.”

It was a magical moment 

Lestat soon moves out from behind Armand and sits up against the headboard beside him. Armand delivers the afterbirth and was being tended to by Cassidy while Tallulah and Sage examine his placenta. 

“What do you think of her?” Armand asks. 

“She’s amazing.” Lestat says and kisses her head then kisses Armand. “I love you both so much.” 

After, their baby girl is checked over by the team of midwives, taking her measurements, weighing her, taking her footprints and whatever else they needed to do. 

The next few hours were spent getting acquainted with this miraculous new being that just came into the world. Armand was given a shower by Lestat so he’d feel somewhat normal again then he went back to bed in nothing but his robe since his body was incredibly sore and tender to the touch postpartum. 

“Hello sweetheart.” He welcomes his baby girl back into his arms with smiles and warmth. She starts rooting for his nipple and he doesn’t know what to do. “Are you getting hungry?” 

“I think we can try nursing if you’re up for it? Unless you plan to bottle feed?” 

“I’d like to try breastfeeding if I can?” 

“Absolutely. Here let's get you sitting up and open your robe,” Lestat and Cassidy help Armand into a good position for him to nurse the baby. Lestat then opens Armand’s robe, exposing his swollen chest and dark, puffy nipples. “Okay, what we’re going to do is turn her so that she’s sideways…yep and just lift up a bit and bring her to your nipple then we’ll see if she latches.” 

Avalon took some time trying to latch. She didn’t quite understand it yet, but who could blame her she was only a few hours old. 

“She’s not latching.” 

“That’s okay. Give her a few minutes. This is all new to her and to you, it’s all a learning process.” Armand nods and patiently tries again. 

When Avalon does latch, he feels her suckling away and it makes him emotional. “Wow, she’s doing it. Good job, my love. Good girl.” He whispers, snuffling a little as his tears fall. 

Everything after that seemed like a blur. Armand doesn’t remember much because he was so tired from the endless hours of labor to even longer delivery. His mind and body were exhausted so once he got some food into his own belly, his midwives as well as Lestat left him to rest after cleaning up the room. Well Cassidy stayed behind to do one final check on both him and the baby. She gave them both a clean bill of health and he thanked her kindly for the care she provided him throughout his pregnancy and the birth of his daughter. She was moved to tears by the sweet words Armand had shared with her and made sure to get in one more hug, reminding him she’ll be by within the next few weeks to check on them both and to not hesitate to call her if he needs her. 

Lestat always thanked her, as well as the others, and cut all three of them a generous check. Certainly overpaying them for their services but that was his way of saying thank you. Armand showed affection while Lestat showed dollar signs and added zeros. Once the women were gone, Lestat got busy finishing cleaning up. Tallulah helped him drain and deflate the birthing pool, putting it out on the terrace to air dry for now. He started to wash the towels and blankets that were laying around the apartment, throwing away the ones that were bloody since there was no returning from that. 

Soon the place was looking like it’s old self again, just with loads of baby stuff all over the place since they still haven’t decided where they wanted to store everything yet. 

When he was satisfied with what he'd done, he plopped down onto the sectional and pulled out his phone. First he scrolls through the many pictures Sage had taken of him and Armand during the birth and after the baby had been born. Armand didn’t want to hire a birth photographer and have more people in his personal space so Sage offered to be in charge of photos and she did not disappoint. 

Lestat smiled looking at all of them. Birth was a mind blowing experience you really don’t know unless you’ve gone through it or have been there to witness it. He was stuck swiping between two photos. One of Armand laboring in the pool and the other the moment Avalon was born and seeing the look of pure shock and joy on Armand’s face as well as his own. Being able to witness something as beautiful as a new life coming into the world was indescribable and Lestat knew he and Armand were going to cherish these captured moments forever. 

He soon realized he’d been looking at all the photos for over an hour and decided to call Louis and share the news. Surely he didn’t expect to find himself willing calling his husband to bask in the joy at the arrival of his and Armand’s baby but they’re working on being civil towards each other, no matter how hard it is for the both of them

“Hey, what’s going on?” Louis asks. 

“I just wanted to let you know Armand had the baby this morning…She’s healthy.” Lestat says with a tired smile.

“That’s great, Les. Congratulations. You sound exhausted.”

“Thank you. I am. He was in labor for well over twenty four hours and pushed for a while but he did it.”

“Geez. Is he okay?” 

“Yeah. He’s resting right now but I just felt the need to tell you, not in that way just-”

“-I know what you meant.” Louis says. “Do you want to share the news with Claudia? She’s right here.” 

“Sure.” Lestat waits and hears Louis hand the phone to their daughter. 

“Hi dad.” 

“Hi sweetheart. I wanted to be the first to tell you you have a baby sister.”

“Oh wow that’s great.” He knew Claudia was just being nice because Louis was most likely standing right beside her. 

“Yeah. We’d love for you to meet her sometime in the next few days.” He tells her, hopeful she’ll come around.

“Yeah I’ll see, dad. I have to go.” She doesn’t say bye and just hands the phone back to Louis. It breaks her father’s heart. 

“I’m sorry about her, Les. She’s still adjusting .” 

“I know Louis. I don’t blame her, I’ve hurt both of you so I understand if she needs time. I’ll give it to her.” 

“I think that might be best.” Louis sighs. “I’ve gotta get going. Claudia’s arranged for us to have a spa day.”

“Oh that sounds nice. I hope you two have a good time.” 

“Thanks. I’ll talk to you soon.”  

They share their goodbyes and Lestat puts his phone down with a sigh. 

The last few weeks have been nothing just adjusting and accommodating with Louis and Claudia. He, Louis, and Claudia all sat down one evening two weeks ago and had a long discussion about their relationships with each other. Claudia wasn’t all that concerned about her father’s willingness. But apologies were said from both parties and as a family they agreed to be respectful and civil towards one another because having all this hate and anger towards each other wasn’t getting anyone anywhere, especially with Louis’ health and Claudia’s struggles at school that she still has yet to come clean about with her parents. But they were trying nonetheless. No matter how hard it may seem. They were all trying and that’s all they cared about right now. 

Lestat was pulled from his thoughts when he hears Armand moving in the bedroom and soft coos coming from their baby. He listens and can hear Armand with her, making his heart soar. 

In the bedroom, when the baby wakes up, Armand tends to her, enjoying the one on one time with her. He nurses her then burps her and lays her down beside him and strokes her tummy with his finger, staring at her in silence and amazement. He scoots down beside her and presses his nose into her wispy hair and sniffs her, closing his eyes as the intoxicating scent fills his nose. 

“My little babe. I love you so much, Avalon. Thank you for choosing me to be your mama.” He kisses her little button nose and continues to stare at her in a daze until he falls asleep.

Lestat comes in a little later and finds both Armand and the baby asleep in the bed. He nuzzles his nose against Armand’s cheek, giving him a kiss which wakes him up. 

“Sorry love. Didn’t mean to wake you.” 

“S’fine.” Armand whispers, keeping his eyes closed. 

“You two doing alright?” 

“We’re perfect. Come join us.” 

Lestat lays behind Armand, bringing his arms around him and stuffs his nose into Armand’s hair, breathing him in. “Rest my love. You worked so hard to get her here and she’s perfect.” Armand hums already on the cusp of sleep. 

•••

Armand and Lestat lost all concept of time since Avalon came into their lives. It’s been a month since she was born and they were both struggling in their own ways. Lestat was of course trying to be present for both Avalon and Armand but also for Louis and Claudia since his husband was still on bedrest and Claudia couldn’t do everything for him, being at school for eight hours a day she wasn’t home all the time. 

As for Armand, well he’s been getting used to the demand of having a newborn and finds it challenging, he’s exclusively breastfeeding, and has a lot of separation anxiety whenever he’s not with her so she’s been sleeping in their room, this is all new to him so he’s still adjusting. He’s barely let Lestat tend to their baby, instead caring for her every time she cries or lets it be known she needs something. It’s starting to concern Lestat but he didn’t want to say anything to Armand just yet because he knows how fragile and emotional he’s been postpartum. 

And Lestat, well he’s been trying to make an effort to prove to both families he’ll be there for them but lately it’s growing to be difficult. He knows that too because he’s constantly being reminded by his daughter who texts him non-stop about things that still need to get done for Louis and the baby, only for her to take care of it in the end while trying to get her grades back up, deal with her boyfriend, being bullied by the girls at school, the list just goes on and on. Claudia was struggling, mentally, but she wasn’t going to let it be known so she kept it a secret no matter how much it was killing her. 

Luckily she was on winter break this week so Lestat wasn’t needed that much at the house but he still found himself over there around lunch time on a random Tuesday. No matter how many times Louis told him to go be with Armand, Lestat ignored him and because was trying to prove to him he still loves him and wants to be there for him even after all they’ve been through. Louis would never admit how much he enjoyed Lestat being home and willing to help while he’s on bedrest. 

There’s only so much you can do when you’re put on bed rest so Louis was going crazy but having Lestat there at times helped him cope with the boredom and they started to work out a plan for the upcoming birth of their second child, as well as something else. 

Louis and Lestat were sitting at the table having a late brunch when Louis decided to bite the bullet and share with him what’s been on his mind the last few months. 

“Les, there’s something I’d like to talk to you about.” Louis begins and Lestat raises his brows while sipping his orange juice to let Louis know he was listening. “I’m not looking for a fight nor am I going to be angry or upset about this. I’ve just been thinking about it a lot over the last few months and I think for myself and for Claudia and for our son we should get a divorce.” 

Lestat wants to yell but doesn’t because he can see how calm Louis is so he takes a moment and thinks about what to say. 

“I know you’re trying for us and I appreciate that but I know it’s taking a toll on you and now you’re paying for your own consequences.” Louis states in a slightly bitchy tone. “But I know our marriage and our relationship is never going to be the same now that you share a child with Armand and they’re going to be in your life. I just think this will be good for all of us, I’ve made peace with it already and I’m ready to move on.” He finishes with a slight whimper in his voice, noticing the tears welling up in Lestat’s eyes. 

“I don’t want a divorce, Louis. I love you.” 

“I know you don’t and I love you too. I’ll always love you but,” Louis sniffles. “I can’t do this anymore, Lestat. It’s exhausting being in a relationship with you and trying to make this work even though we both know it never will. We’ll never be the same again.” Lestat sniffles and looks down, nodding because he knew everything Louis was saying was true. “I know this is going to be hard for both of us and I’m sorry but I’m tired. I can’t go on like this.” 

“C-Can I still see our children?” 

“Of course.” Louis huffs out a little laugh. “I would never take our children away from you. You’ll always be more than welcome to be in their lives, we just won’t be together anymore. We’ll co-parent, like we’ve been.” 

Lestat didn’t want that but there was no use in arguing with Louis. He moves and hides his face in his hands as he sobs at the table, his heart shattering over the fact that his life with Louis was coming to an end. He can hear the chair across from him skid across the floor and soon there’s a hand on his shoulder. He looks over and Louis’ standing there. 

Lestat stands up and immediately wraps his arms around him as they cry in each other’s embrace. 

“I’m sorry.” Lestat quietly apologizes in the crook of Louis’ neck. 

“I’m sorry too.” 

They stood there, hugging each other close, as if it were the last time they’d ever see each other again. Crying to each other over the fact that after twenty years together it was all coming to an end. 

Shortly after, Lestat helps Louis clean up from their meal then leaves. And just like he did over a year ago, he went to Armand and cried to him over Louis while Louis was left alone with his feelings once again, yet feeling a slight relief that he and his kids were going to be getting a fresh start and that’s all he wanted for his family. 

•••

Louis had officially reached his eighth month of pregnancy and fourth week on bed rest. He was scheduled to be induced at 38 weeks due to his preeclampsia so he just had six more weeks of waiting to do. 

Today was yet another boring day for him. He’s been getting ready for his son’s arrival in increments. He didn’t want to do everything all at once so today’s project was sorting through the clothes he got for his baby boy ranging from 0 to 1 years. He found it therapeutic sorting through all the little outfits and onesies, putting them away in their designated bins while setting aside newborn and 0 to 3 months because one thing he knew about babies was that they’re constantly growing. Claudia outgrew her newborn clothes within a week, she was a rather chunky baby but she was the cutest and had the yummiest rolls, as Louis would tell her whenever he pretended to nibble on them getting a loud shriek of laughter from her. 

He spent some time going through as much as he could then started to feel a little dizzy so he decided to lay down for a while. Maybe he overdid it just a tad. 

While laying in bed Louis started to feel some cramping in his lower belly. He knew it was getting a bit compact in there and he’s been told by his doctor that this baby was going to be a big one so he shrugs it off thinking nothing of it. 

But the cramping never subsides. In fact it persists, getting more painful without ease. 

“Okay, what are you doing in there baby boy?” He asks his belly while rubbing it. Another sharp cramp comes and nearly takes his breath away followed by a shooting pain groin away. “Ohh, fuck” He breathes and helps himself to sit up, struggling a bit with the heavy weight of his bump. 

He brings his legs around so they’re hanging off the bed and groans. 

Were these Braxton Hicks? He thought. He had them before when he was pregnant with Claudia but these seem to real to be Braxton Hicks. These seem serious. 

The pains keep on coming, causing him to hunch forward, almost screaming out from the intensity of them. 

With no idea what to do he tries calling Lestat and it goes to voicemail right away. 

“Son of a bitch.” He mutters under his breath and groans again, feeling the baby shifting inside him. “Okay, it’s okay, ooooh.” He breathes and tries to stay calm, unsure of what to do. 

A few minutes later, he hears the front door open and is relieved to hear her voice. 

“I’m home.” Claudia announces. 

“C-Claudia!” Louis tries to scream out for her. “Claudia!” 

“Mama?!” Claudia runs upstairs and finds him sitting on his bed, grimacing in pain while clutching his belly, panting. 

“Claudia….something’s wrong.”

Chapter Text

“Claudia…something’s wrong.”

Hearing those words sent a flood of panic through Claudia’s body.

“W-What do you mean? What’s wrong?” She asks and watches as her mother tries to sit himself up on the bed.

“I-ah-I don’t know something's…the baby…” Louis struggles to speak as the amount of pain he was in was so overpowering he was seeing stars. “C-Call your father. T-Tell h-him to me-meet us at the…the-the hospital. Can you…can you help me?” He asks.

The teenager nods, though terrified, goes to Louis and gets him up onto his feet. When she does so, she can see the bed was stained with blood as were Louis’ pants.

“Mama y-you’re bleeding.”

Louis looks back and nearly faints at the sight. He knew something was wrong, something was seriously wrong and he needed his husband.

“C-Call daddy! I’m gonna…I’m gonna…” He was feeling very faint, unable to finish his thought. “Okay,” He breathes and sits back on the bed to steady himself.

Claudia desperately tries to call Lestat but his phone goes to voicemail each and every time.

“He’s not answering! What do I do?! Should I call an ambulance?! I don’t know what to do?! I-”

“-Honey,” Louis swallows and looks at his daughter with a hand on his belly. “I know this is scary but…” He takes a second to catch his breath then grabs his daughter’s hands. “I know you’re scared…I’m scared too but I need you to do this for me. I-I need you to drive us to the hospital. I know you can and I’m going to try to get a hold of your father and everything’s gonna be okay.” He tried to remain calm for her sake but deep down he was equally as terrified for himself, his daughter, and his unborn baby. “Do you think you can-you can do that for me?”

Claudia blinks away her tears and nods her head, “Yeah. I-I can do this.”

“Okay.” Louis whispers and presses a kiss to her cheek. “Let’s go.”

The two of them very slowly but surely exit the bedroom and start their descent down stairs. Louis instructed Claudia to get some towels from the linen closet because he knew he was actively bleeding and didn’t want to ruin the seats in the truck. He was still considerate even in a state of emergency.

They made their way out to the SUV and Claudia helped Louis lay out the towels before he climbed into the passenger seat. She then went around to the driver’s side and buckled herself in, taking a moment before putting the keys into the ignition.

She’s only had a few lessons with Lestat but she knew Louis needed her to do this for him and she wasn’t going to let him down. She starts the truck and takes a deep breath, looking straight ahead, able to see Louis already bracing himself and begins to groan in her peripheral vision.

“I’m going to try to get a hold of your dad uhm…Just drive and get us there safely.”

“O-Okay.” She whimpers and takes another deep breath as they prepare their journey.

Claudia drove at a reasonable speed even though she wanted to step on the gas and get them to the hospital as quickly as possible. Beside her, Louis was struggling to keep himself calm but she knew he was in pain and that something was seriously wrong for him to be crying and suffering through whatever it is. She can’t remember all that was discussed in her Health 101 class but she knows that it’s too early for the baby to come. Too early for her sibling to be born yet.

When they got to the hospital, Claudia left Louis in the car while she ran inside to get help from anybody that was willing to listen. She tried not to show her fear and was able to explain the situation to some nurses and a doctor who rushed out to the car with a wheelchair.

They carefully assisted Louis into the chair then rushed him into the Emergency Room with Claudia following closely behind, having tossed the keys to the valet without a care in the world other than her mama and baby sibling.

She didn’t understand a single word that was being said amongst the medical staff as they worked on Louis. She remembers holding his hand while they tried to find the baby’s heartbeat then Louis suddenly began to seize and was rushed into surgery right away.

Everything happened so fast and so sudden that before she knew it she was sitting outside the double doors that lead to the operating room alone. She wasn’t allowed to go in there with Louis so she was all by herself, her father was a lost cause, not answering a single one of their calls or texts.

She sat out there, alone and scared. Knees up to her chest, crying to herself in the empty hallway. She doesn’t know how long it’s been since Louis went in there, minutes…hours…maybe even days. To her it seemed like a century. A century of waiting and wondering. She got so lost in her thoughts she didn’t realize someone was calling out her name.

“....Claudia…Claudia….” She knew that voice. That undeniable french accent. “Claudia!”

The girl lifts her head and can see the silhouette of her father approaching her through the tears in her eyes.

“Dad?” She gets up and runs to him, colliding into his body, feeling somewhat at ease knowing she was no longer alone. But that moment didn’t last long because she pulled away and began punching him and hitting him in the gut, letting out all her anger and frustration.

“Where were you!? We called you and called you and called you and called you! I was so scared! How could you do that to us! I was so scared!” She kept on going and Lestat just took it until she relented and broke down in his arms. “I’m so sc-scared daddy.”

Lestat’s heart broke hearing the hurt in her voice. He kept her in his arms and walked with her over to a set of chairs in the waiting area. He let her cry and let it all out, waiting until she was ready to talk but she had no words for him. She was angry and upset and just wanted Louis and the baby to be okay.

They waited for two hours until finally a doctor had come out looking for Louis’ family. Lestat carefully sat up since Claudia had fallen asleep against him and stood in front of the doctor who carefully explained the situation to him.

“How’s Louis?! Is he okay?! How’s the baby?!”

“Let’s chat over here.” She says and directs them to a pair of seats opposite to where he and Claudia were. “Louis suffered from a severe placental abruption which sent him into preterm labor. He was actively hemorrhaging when he was brought in and lost a lot of blood during the procedure so we had to hang several bags to ensure he didn’t have another hypovolemic episode. He did have a seizure prior to surgery so we thought it was best to put him under during the procedure. He’s headed to recovery right now, he’s going to be very weak and fatigued when he comes off anesthesia.”

“And the baby? Is the baby okay?”

“We had no choice but to deliver the baby prematurely and he’s going to be in the NICU to be continuously monitored because his brain and lungs are not fully developed yet, he’s underweight, his body temperature has been unable to regulate, and we did note a slight heart murmur so as stated he will be closely monitored until he passes all his tests and developmental milestones. Right now we have a team of doctors keeping a close eye on him to make sure he’s-”

Lestat hadn’t noticed she’d been saying he, referring to his baby. His son.

“-It’s a boy?” He asks.

“Oh, I’m sorry I wasn’t aware you didn’t know.” Lestat shakes his head. “You have a beautiful baby boy who’s going to need the support from his family to help him get better and improve but for right now so does your husband. They’re both going to need all the love and support you have to give them.”

“C-Can I see him? Louis?”

“Of course. Let me just find out what room he’s going to be in and I will send you both down.”

“Okay, thank you.” Lestat wipes away his fallen tears as the doctor smiles and walks away to go get that information for him. He walks over to his daughter and wakes her up. “Claudia, wake up baby.”

“Hmm? Daddy? What happened?!” She gasped.

“We’re going to see mama.”

“Is he okay?! Is the baby okay?!”

“They’re both going to be fine but right now we’re going to go see Louis okay?” She nods and sniffles, wiping away her tears. She gets up and keeps her hand in her father’s while they wait for the doctor to come back to them.

The two of them are given Louis’ room number and given directions on how to get there. Lestat thanks her again and takes Claudia to see Louis.

As they approach his room, he can feel Claudia’s hand tighten around his. He knew she was nervous and scared, of course she was. He can only imagine how it felt for Claudia to see Louis in such a state so he was going to make it a priority to be there for them and let her know he’s always there if she needed to talk but right now he knew she needed to see Louis. She needed her mama.

They enter his room slowly and find Louis asleep in the bed looking so helpless. He was hooked up to many different machines but he looked peaceful.

“Is he supposed to look like that daddy? Is he okay?”

“Yeah. The doctor said he will probably be groggy once he wakes up from the anesthesia so we just have to give him some time.”

“Can I…Can I hold his hand?” She asks.

“Of course, honey. I’m sure he’d love to know that you’re here.” Lestat supplies and directs her to sit in one of the chairs. Claudia scoots closer to the bed and grabs hold of Louis’ hand, careful of the IV he had sticking out of it

Claudia was very scared and apprehensive about even touching him, fearing she’d hurt him but once she felt his cool hand in hers she let go of the breath she didn’t realize she was holding. “H-Hi mama. I’m here. Daddy’s here too.” She tells him and feels tears burn in her eyes. “I’m so sorry, mama.” She shakes her head, crying at his bedside. “So sorry.”

“He doesn’t blame you, sweetheart.”

“I know but, he’s been so stressed out lately…I wish this never happened! I wish none of this had ever happened!” She emphasized, implying the shitshow that involved her parents and their extracurricular love life.

Lestat didn’t know what to say and stayed quiet, instead pulling up a chair on the other side of Louis’ bed and grabbing hold of his other hand, feeling as if he’d float away if he let go.

•••

“Everything’s gon’gon be okay, C-Claudia.” Louis reached out for her hand but a nurse stood in his way. “M-My daughter. I-I need to se-see my da-daughter….Claudia!”

“He’s severely hypotensive and tachycardic!”

“He’s actively hemorrhaging! Going into hypovolemic shock! We have to get him into surgery!”

“Possible placental abruption! Hang a bag of O neg!”

“Claud…Claudia, I…Cl…Claudia…” He felt his body start to rapidly convulse. The last thing he remembers hearing was Claudia screaming out for him and wondering if his baby was going to be okay.

Louis suddenly feels himself starting to come to. He’s in pain, his body feels heavy and weak and cold all at the same time. It takes everything out of him to even try to open his eyes so instead he tries to speak. It hurt to swallow but he tried.

“...C…Cl…Claudia…” It comes out as a very quiet whisper, not loud enough for anyone within close proximity to even hear. “Clau…Claudia.” He tries again and attempts to clear his throat. “Claudia.”

He felt movement beside him and again tried to open his eyes. It was slow but as they opened he was met with a bright light above him.

Am I dead? He wonders until he hears a familiar voice.

“Mama?” It was his girl, his Claudia. “Mama, I’m right here.”

“Claudia.” He rasps and moves his eyes to the right where her face starts to come into focus. He reaches a hand out and brings it up to cradle her face. “Hi.”

“Mama you’re okay.” She cries and carefully hugs his body, relieved he was finally awake. “I’m so glad you’re awake. I missed you.”

“W-What…what happened?” He asks and tries to move but winces in the process.

“Careful, Louis.” Another voice says. He looked and there was his husband sitting on the other side of him, with evident tear tracks streaming down his pale face.

“What happened?” He asks again and this time his hand travels to his midsection, expecting to feel his firm bump but instead it feels soft and squishy. He winces when he presses down on his incision unaware of what’s even happened. “M-My baby! W-What-What happened to my baby!” His monitor started to rapidly beep the moment his heart began to race at the thought of his baby being dead.

“Louis, please calm down.”

“No! W-Where’s my baby?!”

Lestat presses the button to get a nurse in here. She comes running in and grins when she sees Louis is awake. Lestat moves himself and Claudia out of the way as more medical staff come in to check his vitals, reflexes, ask him some routine questions, as well as his surgical incision before he finally got some answers regarding why he was there and his baby.

His OBGYN, Doctor Hayden, finally a familiar face had given him her full attention after observing his incision to make sure there were no signs of infection.

“Doctor Hayden, please, how’s my baby? Is he still alive?” He asks, holding onto Claudia’s hand.

“Your baby is alive and he’s in the NICU at the moment.” She says softly and Louis visibly relaxes. “We had to deliver him prematurely and due to this his brain is slightly underdeveloped as are his lungs, he’s a bit underweight, his body temperature has been unable to regulate, and we noticed a slight heart murmur so he’s being closely monitored until he’s in the clear to be discharged home. As I assured your husband earlier, we have a brilliant team of doctors keeping a close eye on him and will provide updates as they come.”

“B-But he’s gon’ be okay right? He-He’s gonna be able to come home with us right?”

“In time yes but as of right now he’s not in a good place to be sent home with all that he’s dealing with.”

“C-Can we see him?” He asks.

Doctor Hayden goes to say something but stops herself. “Let me discuss with the team in the NICU and I will be back with an answer, okay?”

“Okay.” He swallows and waits until she leaves to cry again.

“Saint Louis, oh love I’m so sorry this happened.” Lestat kisses Louis’ disheveled curls. “Shh, shh. I’m here, it’s gonna be okay.” He took the chance to climb into the bed beside his husband and cradle him in his arms, holding him close, protecting him. Louis didn’t know he needed this right now but he enjoyed it, surrounded by the safe and familiar feeling of being in his husband’s arms.

Doctor Hayden returned half an hour later with a reassuring smile. “So you are able to see him but you cannot hold him yet.” She says.

“O-Okay. I guess that’s better than nothing right?” He asks, looking at his husband. Lestat nods, hopeful this would boost Louis’ mood. “Can we see him now?”

“Yes, however it can only be you two.” She states. “Unfortunately, only the child’s parents are allowed into the NICU at this time; however, you're allowed to stand outside and watch from the window.”

“No.” Louis hastily responds.

“I’m sorry?”

“I want Claudia to come with us or I’m not going at all.”

“Mama, you don’t have to do that. I’ll be fine. I’m a big girl.” Claudia jokingly adds. “I’ll be okay.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. I promise.” She answers and moves to kiss his cheek. “It’s okay. Go be with my baby brother.”

“Okay, I’m ready.” He says to his husband and the doctor who both help him get up and into a wheelchair. It was too soon for him to be walking so he would have to manage with this method of transportation at the moment.

They’re taken down into the NICU where they have to put protective gowns on then follow Doctor Hayden to the incubator that held their little boy.

The moment Louis saw him his eyes instantly filled with tears as the feeling of guilt and sorrow washed over him knowing he’s partially the reason his baby boy was in there. It’s because of him that his son was born prematurely, having all kinds of wires and tubes attached to him, looking so small and weak. This is not how Louis imagines meeting his son. Not in a million years.

One of the neonatologist doctors who introduced herself as Doctor Stevenson very kindly and graciously explained what every wire and tube attached to their son was either providing or monitoring.

“I’m sure this all looks very scary but we are taking every precaution to monitor your son. We’ve inserted a feeding tube since it’s still too soon for him to be introduced to a bottle or breast just yet, however we encourage that if you’re planning to breastfeed you can supply us with your pumped milk so we can give it to him.” She explains with a warm smile. “He currently has a CPAP machine on to assist with his breathing because he has what is called apnea of prematurity which is a condition that can occur in premature infants when the brain and spinal cord are slightly underdeveloped.”

“How long will he have to be on that?” Louis asks.

“As of right now, maybe another week or two then we can start easing him off and see how he does without needing any support to breathe on his own.”

“And his heart? I was told you found a heart murmur.”

“Yes. We did note a heart murmur upon delivery and have been monitoring it very closely which is what those wires are that are attached to his chest and you can see on the monitor right here. At the moment, all his vitals are stable so in time we hope they’ll remain stable enough for him to be discharged home but for right now he’s been waiting to meet you.”

Louis looks up at her with teary eyes and takes a shaky breath. “Can I…Am I able to hold him?”

“Of course. It’s encouraged so if you feel ready we can get you both situated in one of the rockers.” She adds.

“Okay.”

With help from Lestat and one of the NICU nurses, Louis believes her name was Emma, He’s moved to one of the rocking chairs and his protective gown is taken off so his hospital gown could be opened. Lestat undoes the ties and lets it fall forward, exposing his chest.

“Okay, are we ready?” Doctor Stevenson asks, preparing to lift the baby from the incubator.

“Yes. I’m ready.”

She brings the baby over with all his equipment and carefully rests him against Louis’ chest, making sure to avoid any kinks in the wires and tubes. “There we go.” She finishes off by covering them both with Louis’ gown keeping the baby warm against his mama. “How’s that?”

“Perfect.” Louis breathed and felt as if he was lighter than air having this special moment with his son.

“We’ll give you both some time with him. Get to know him. He’s a very sweet little boy and I’m sure he’s been waiting to meet you two.” She adds and leaves the NICU along with Doctor Hayden and Emma.

Louis’ breath caught in his throat as he held his son, feeling the weight of his body against him, how fragile and small he was. He sat there in silence, embracing this moment, tears flowing down his cheeks holding his entire world right here in his arms.

The baby starts to whimper in Louis’ arms and he tucks his head back to look down at him. “It’s okay baby. Mama’s got you.” He says and shushes him. “Mama’s right here.”

“He still needs a name.” Lestat points out.

“Blaize.” Louis says without giving it a second thought, eyes never leaving his son. “Blaize Acacius.”

“Strong name for a strong little boy.”

“The strongest.”

Lestat reaches a shaky finger out and his son wraps his entire hand around it. “God he’s so small.” He sniffles.

“He is but he’s going to get bigger and healthier and soon we’ll be back home.” Louis turns to face Lestat. “We’ll be a family again.” He then kisses him softly. catching the blonde by surprise. He didn’t know what came over him but it felt right.

They spent hours in the NICU getting acquainted with their son, nearly forgetting about Claudia until they returned back to the room when Louis declared he was tired. They found her asleep in one of the chairs with nothing but her jacket covering her.

“Claudia. Sweetheart, wake up.” The teenager stirs awake and stretches looking around the room. “Have a nice nap?”

“I wasn’t sure what time you were coming back.” She says and checks her phone.

“Sorry sweetheart. We lost track of time.”

“It’s okay.” She yawns. “How is he?”

“Small.” Louis responds and takes a deep breath once he’s back in bed. “He has a lot of things attached to him right now to help him breathe and to monitor his heart but he’s doing okay. I got to hold him for a little while.” She nods, clearly still exhausted from the long night and day she’s had. “Why don’t you go back home with your dad? Get some sleep then you can come back tomorrow morning.” Louis suggests, seeing how tired she was.

“Are you sure? I don’t want you to be alone.”

“I’ll be fine.” He tells her and reaches for her hand. “Promise.”

“Okay.” She gets up and bends over to hug him, kissing him on the cheek. “I love you mama.”

“Love you too, baby girl. I’ll see you tomorrow okay?” She nods and he squeezes her a bit tighter then releases her. “Text me when you get home.”

“I will.” She says.

Louis tiredly smiles and watches them exit his room, leaving him alone for the night. He didn’t want to be alone, he wanted Lestat to stay but he also didn’t want Claudia at home by herself so he figured with Lestat at the house she’ll be okay

He spent the night in and out of sleep, unable to get comfortable, his mind going back to his kiss with Lestat. Was it the hormones that made it do it or was he changing his mind and wanting him back? He was confused about how he felt but hoped he found an answer soon.

•••

§one week later§

Louis didn’t feel ready to leave, especially not without his son.

Suddenly everything came to a halt and he found himself standing at his baby’s incubator crying into his hands.

“I-I don’t know if I can d-do this.” He stammers and feels a warm hand rub against his back.

Expecting it to be Lestat, he’s surprised when he hears his doctor standing there beside him.

“I know this may seem frightening. It is a scary feeling but he’s in the best care. We’re going to have eyes on him 24/7 and you can visit as often as you’d like but in order for him to get better, he needs you to take care of yourself too.”

Louis knew she was right but he refused to admit it.

When Louis removes his hands from his face, he takes a big inhale and wipes his tear stained cheeks. “Okay.” His lip twitches slightly and he reaches into the incubator, rubbing small circles along his son’s bare belly.

“I’ll see you later okay? You’re getting stronger everyday and mama has to do the same so that we can both be back home together soon.” He sniffles and more tears fill in his soft brown eyes. “I love you my sweet boy. I’ll be back before you know it.”

“Ready to go, my love?” Lestat asks.

Louis gazes up at him and nods. He was still sitting in his wheelchair being pushed by one of the nurses. He couldn’t explain his feelings towards going home without his son. Yes, he was more than ready to be back home in his own bed but he also was even more anxious about leaving Blaize at the hospital.

They went outside where Lestat’s black Escalade sat parked by the front entrance. Louis is helped into the car by his husband and the nurse while Claudia hops into the back where Avalon’s car seat platform sat.

During the drive back home, Louis kept dozing off as he sat slightly reclined in the passenger seat. He wanted nothing more than to take a real shower and lay down on a tempur pedic mattress. A part of him felt guilty that he was happy to be going home because he had to leave his son back at the hospital since he still has not met developmental milestones in order for him to be released. Louis knew this was going to be challenging for him to get used to but he hopes that his baby boy will be home with him sooner rather than later.

Arriving at home, Louis expelled the breath he had been holding and stared at the house. It appeared to have gotten bigger since the last time he was here.

Lestat and Claudia walk him inside and upstairs to the ensuite bathroom so he could shower right away. Claudia shuts the door behind her to give her parents some privacy while she goes to the kitchen to throw a prepared meal into the oven. Lestat had arranged for a private chef to prepare and freeze meals for them while Louis was at the hospital so they didn’t have to worry about cooking for a while. He also had a housecleaning service stop by to tidy up the place and even dispose of the mess that was left in the bedroom. That way there hadn’t been any lingering memories of that night leftover.

Louis stifles a yawn while holding onto Lestat as he’s helped out of his pants and underwear. He stood on wobbly legs, still feeling somewhat weak after hemorrhaging and nearly bleeding out several weeks ago. His shirt is removed then he’s standing there naked while Lestat quickly undresses and takes his hand.

“Here we go, cheri. Nice and slow.” Lestat guided Louis into their shower and under the sprayer.

After all they’ve been through as a couple and a potential pending divorce, he really didn’t give a second thought about being showered by his husband of going on sixteen years. He didn’t mind being pampered and cared for and actually reveled in it a bit. He was getting the deluxe treatment package.

Louis stood in the shower, letting the hot water cascade over his body and pierce his skin like hundreds of tiny micro-needles. Lestat washed his hair first, knowing what products to use in which order after all these years together, then moved onto his body. He was being rubbed down with a warm cashmere vanilla scented body wash that doubled as a moisturizer which he loved. Lestat was careful about the incision and washed around it with ease, even though Louis hissed slightly at the stinging and tugging he felt from the slightest bit of movement.

Once he was all cleaned and starting to feel like himself again, Louis gets changed into another pair of sweatpants and a baggy t-shirt, choosing comfort over style especially with his postpartum body still in recovery.

He crosses the room and sits on the bed, the comforter cool after having not been touched in some time. He catches a whiff of a savory aroma that travels through the vents of the house. “Something smells good. What’s Claudia cooking down there?”

“I believe she’s heating up some of that vegetable lasagne you said you had been wanting.” Lestat informs and shortly after Claudia emerges from the hallway carrying a tray of food towards Louis. “Speak of the devil.”

“Here you go mama.” Claudia smiles and brings the tray to him.

“Thanks, baby.” Louis smiles as she sets the tray down onto the bedside table.

“Can I get you anything else?” She asks.

“I’m okay.” Louis sighs and moves to sit back against the mountain of pillows he used to support his back. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” She leans down and kisses his cheek then brings the tray over to his lap so he could eat.

Claudia leaves the bathroom to go back downstairs and make a plate for herself soon joined by her father who informs her that Louis was eating and watching some tv for now.

“How’s Armand?” Claudia asks, breaking the silence surrounding her and her father.

“He’s good.” Lestat states and takes a bite of his food. “Busy with Avalon.”

Claudia hums showing some interest. “How’s the new line coming along?”

Lestat nods while chewing. “It’s coming.” He mumbles with his mouth full. “I’ve been a tad preoccupied with other priorities at the moment.”

“Gee I wonder why.” Claudia mutters under her breath.

“What was that?” He questions, having heard her.

“Nothing.” She takes another bite while her father glares at her.

“Look I know I have not been the best father to you lately-”

“-Lately? Try since I was born, maybe even before that.” She rudely interjects.

Lestat grimaces but continues. “Anyway, I’m trying…I have a lot on my plate so just give me a break.” He takes one last bite of his food then gets up from the table. “Petit enfant ignorant.” He comments as he leaves Claudia to finish her meal alone, disappearing into his study.

Claudia didn’t care nor did she let her father’s comment bother her. No matter how hard he tried she still didn’t trust him enough to be on good terms again. It was going to take a lot more than just sitting at Louis’ bedside while he was recovering, hiring a private chef, and housekeeping service. They may endure each other but he still had to prove his worth to her and that wasn’t going to happen over night.

Claudia cleans up and puts the leftovers into the fridge then ventures upstairs to check on Louis. He had eaten some of his food and moved the tray to the vacant side of the bed. Now he was sleeping soundly over the blankets with the tv playing at a low volume in front of him.

Claudia moves the tray off the bed and covers Louis with a throw blanket. She goes to get her school bag and brings it into the room, carefully sitting on the bed beside him so she doesn't disturb his slumber. She puts in her earbuds and takes out her homework, feeling at ease being with her mama than doing it in her bedroom.

•••

Louis wakes up a couple hours later and finds the tv was now off, he was covered with a wool blanket, and felt a presence beside him. He groans and shifts his body to sit up, moving his stiff neck over to the right where he saw Claudia sitting there writing something in her notebook while bobbing her head.

He smiles softly and taps her arm, getting her attention.

Claudia whips her head around and removes her earbuds. “Have a nice nap?”

“Somewhat. How long was I out for?”

“A few hours. How do you feel?”

“Okay, I guess.” He sighs and notices how quiet and still the house was. “Where’s your father?”

“I don’t know.” She shrugs. “He went to his study hours ago.”

Louis hums and picks up his phone, making note of the time while scrolling through his missed messages. Not finding interest in them, he tosses his phone onto the bed and lays back down facing Claudia.

“What’cha working on?” He asks.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” She giggles and he smiles. “AP Calculus.”

“Oof, I was never good at math. Barely passed.” He comments and takes a look at what she’s written. “You know who’s really good at math?”

“Let me guess, dad?” She rolls her eyes because of course he was good at math, he was good at a lot of things just not good at keeping a marriage or being a dad.

“Mhm. He used to explain all these equations and why they exist the way they do. It was pretty fascinating how his brain works.”

“I think he may need some repairs.”

“Claudia.” Louis warns and she stops. “I know daddy is not your favorite person right now but please just try for me? I can’t be dealing with this anymore. I mean look at where it got me.”

“I know. I’m sorry.” She apologizes.

“S’okay. I know you’re trying, just try a little harder.”

“I will, mama.”

“Good.” He sighs again and glances over at the bathroom. “Can you help me to the bathroom?”

“Yeah.” Claudia sets her things aside and goes around to help Louis up from the bed. “Got it?” She asks as he steadies himself on his feet. He nods and holds onto her as they slowly walk to the bathroom. She brings him inside then leaves to let him do his business in private before walking back into the room.

“I’m feeling a little bit hungry again.”

“Yeah? Do you want me to heat up some more lasagne? Or would you like something else?”

“That lasagne was delicious. I need to keep up with my appetite because I’ve been pumping a lot, which reminds me I need to bring my milk to the hospital tomorrow for Blaize.”

“Okay. I’ll be right back.”

Claudia goes downstairs where she finds her father sitting in one of the chairs, reading a book, sipping his usual glass of bourbon.

“Is he awake?” He asks, eyes never leaving the page.

“Yeah. He’s hungry again so I was going to heat up some more lasagne.” She explains and hears Louis’ voice in her head. Please just try for me. “Would you like me to heat some up for you too?”

Lestat looks up at her, with the slightest glint of astonishment in his eyes. “No. Thank you, mon chou.” He winks at her and gets back to his reading.

Well at least she tried.

Claudia made some more lasagne for herself and Louis to share. “We’re upstairs if you’d like to join us.” She tells her father.

“Okay.” He says and flips over to the next page he was reading.

Claudia returns back upstairs with the food and helps Louis get set up to eat, joining alongside him, resuming her homework shortly after. She picks at her food while Louis devours him at an alarming rate. She soon finished her homework and went to get ready for bed, going back to lay with Louis so she could help him through the night if needed.

•••

“How’d he do last night?” Louis asks, rubbing the last of the hand sanitizer in between his hands.

“He had a great night. No blips in his breathing and his heart rate has been staying steady.” The nurse happily explains as she opens the incubator.

“Good boy.” Louis smiles while stroking his son’s cheek. “Can I hold him?”

“Absolutely!” She exclaims and takes a quick listen at his heart and lungs with a small stethoscope made only for newborns.

It’s been a few days since Louis was discharged and he was back at the hospital to see Blaize. Even though Louis should be at home resting, he preferred spending time in the NICU with his son and that’s exactly what he did. Claudia was at school and Lestat had a business meeting but would be stopping by soon so it was just him and his little bean.

He sat in one of the rocking chairs and opened his shirt. He had purchased a bunch of nursing shirts so he had easy access to breastfeed but also to have his son lay on his bare chest during times like this. The nurse carefully lifts the baby from the incubator and carefully brings him over to Louis who was eager to hold him. They’re cautious of all the wires connected to him, careful not to remove them by accident so he can be constantly monitored while he’s with his mama.

Louis loved having this one on one time with his baby, just sitting with him and spending time with him while he was getting stronger and healthier everyday.

“Hey buddy. Hi.” The babe blinks up at Louis, recognizing his mama’s voice. “Nurse Emma said you had a great night. Mama’s so proud of you.” He smiles at his son proudly. “Has he eaten yet?”

“He has not. Do you want to try feeding him?”

“If I can, yeah.”

“Okay. Do you need any help?” She asks.

“No, I think I’ve got it.” He tells her and guides the baby to his nipple so he can nurse. The baby latches right away, knowing what to do. “There we go. Good boy.”

While Louis nurses his son, Lestat had arrived with breakfast that had to be left outside of the NICU because it was strictly prohibited.

“You always come bearing gifts.”

“Would you expect anything else for my two favorite boys?” Lestat asks and Louis sends him a questionable look.

“How long are you staying for?”

“As long as you need me too.”

And Lestat, true to his word, stayed just about the entire day until Claudia arrived to bring Louis home.

Lestat had left the hospital at dusk and found his way to a place he hasn’t been to in some time, Armand’s apartment. He parked his Escalade in one of Armand’s spots and took the elevator up to the penthouse.

Lestat enters the apartment and hears his daughter coo. He gasps when he sees the little infant. His face lit up with a wide grin as Armand walked towards him to greet him at the door.

“Hi.” He reaches up on his tip-toes and kisses the blonde. “We’ve missed you.”

Lestat hums into their kiss then pulls away breathless. “I missed you both terribly.” He kisses Armand once more then they’re interrupted by the tot in Armand’s arms.

“How’s my little star?” Lestat coos and takes the babe from Armand.

“Good. She’s just had a bath and is ready for her nap.” Armand smiles watching Lestat cover the baby’s face in little kisses. “We did some tummy time today and had some sensory play.”

“Well ma petite, sounds like you had an eventful day with your mama.” Lestat carries her to her nursery where he lowers into the rocking chair and picks up the book from the stack beside him. He reads to her until she’s sound asleep, laying her down into her crib and covering her with a blanket.

When Lestat leaves the nursery, he finds Armand in his office working on designs.

“Can you spare a moment or two?” Lestat asks.

Armand looks up where Lestat leaned against the doorway with a mischievous grin. He removes his glasses and smiles.

“Maybe later? I have a deadline to meet.” He says and bites on the temple tips of his frames. “I have a surprise for you.”

“Oh?” Lestat purrs and approaches Armand’s desk. He sits over his drawings and starts to pull Armand by the loose collar around his neck, bringing him just a few mere centimeters away from his lips. Teasing him with the ghost of a kiss. “That’s for later.” He pulls away and gets down from the desk, shaking his hips while walking out of the room knowing Armand was watching with hungry eyes.

When Lestat left, Armand resumed his work, shaking his head at the nasty thoughts that breached his mind involuntarily.

Much later in the evening, after taking part in some x-rated proclivities with each other – Armand had treated Lestat to some new lingerie he purchased and wanted to show it off to him – the couple found themselves laying beside each other in bed, freshly showered and relaxed.

Armand was laying on his side with his fist supporting his head while Lestat sat back reclined against the messy pillows

“So how is Louis doing?” Armand asks.

“He’s…” Lestat couldn’t even think of a word to say how Louis’ doing because he doesn’t really know. “You know how he is.” He adds.

“And Claudia?”

Lestat groans and rolls his eyes. “Irritating, as always.” He sips his bourbon and sets the glass down. “No matter what I do she is never satisfied with me. I do not know how much more I can handle.”

“Well, have you seen who her father is?” Armand jokes but Lestat didn’t find it funny. “Sorry.” Armand sighs and moves to lay down beside the blonde. “I’m sure she’ll come around in time. You just have to give her some time.”

“I’ve given her fifteen years, Armand.”

“I know but you know how girls are, more specifically teenage girls. They’re needy and selfish and hormonal and are going through a lot of significant changes in their lives. Claudia’s been through a lot of changes in her life, us being part of the problem.”

“What do you suggest I do?”

“Try to find a common ground or at least talk to her.”

Lestat was perplexed. “Forgive me but this is quite odd coming from you because last I checked you told me you despised my daughter after she called you a slut and a homewrecker. Why the sudden change of heart?”

“Dunno.” Armand shrugs. “Guess things are just much different now since I’ve had Avalon. Speaking of which,” He hears the monitor crackle to life. “Duty calls.” He kisses Lestat and gets up to tend to his baby.

Armand crosses the hall into the nursery where his baby was whining in her canopy crib.

“What’s the matter my little flower?” He picks her up and settles her against his shoulder, patting and rubbing her back while shushing her. He checked her diaper and it was clean but she still kept whining so he brought her back into the bedroom where Lestat smiled, making grabby hands towards her.

“Come to me, love.” Armand hands her over and settles in the bed beside him.

“I think she might be hungry.”

“Do you have any bottles already made?” Armand lies and shakes his head, holding his hands out for Lestat to give her back. He exposed his milk filled breasts and guided his little babe right to the source.

Lestat watched with dazed eyes as his lover nursed their baby with ease. To say it turned him on would be an understatement but he had to behave himself in front of his little girl. So instead he lay there, hiding the growing erection under the sheets, watching as quietly Armand nursed their daughter. He circled his finger along the curls that covered her little head, taking a quick sniff, baby powder, milk, and baby soap. It was intoxicating to say the least.

Avalon fell back asleep as she nursed so Armand went to put her back into her crib then returned to bed.

“As much as I would love to go again, I’m tired and by the looks of it so are you.” Lestat was hoping Armand hadn’t noticed the bags under his eyes but they were more prominent than he realized.

“Louis’ been a handful lately.”

“I’m sorry.” Armand apologizes, lip twitching into a half smile. “Get some rest.” He adds and kisses Lestat before moving to lay down in the bed.

Lestat sighs but listens, shutting off the lamp beside him, getting comfortable beside his boyfriend, drifting off to sleep not long after.
At some point during the night, Lestat’s phone was ringing from where he had left it on the floor. He reached for it with a wandering hand, finding it as it stopped ringing. Thankful the noise ended, he groaned and got back to sleep only to be awakened again by the ping of a text message coming through.

Armand hums and grumbles, as his sleep has been disturbed. “Who was it?”

“Louis.” Lestat sighs and moves to get comfortable again with Armand in his arms. “He wants me to go with him today…Again.”

“Well are you?” Armand questions.

“I do not know yet. He’s constantly pestering me about this. ” He sighs again and closes his eyes once more while Armand remains awake, thinking.

He loved having Lestat home, being with him and Avalon but he didn’t love how Lestat was treating Louis and their son at the moment. He wondered if the roles were reversed, would Lestat act the same way? Would he be as careless and stubborn as he is now while his son was in the NICU fighting for his life and his…whatever he still considered Louis, was exhausted from the constant back and forth, running on hardly any sleep, being a doting mother to his children.

Since having Avalon, Armand has recognized a shift in his mood. He views life differently now and seeing how Lestat’s been towards Louis lately is not something he’s proud of or wants to continue to encourage.

•••

§three weeks later§

Louis was standing at his son’s incubator, listening as the doctor recalled all that occurred the night before just two hours after Louis had left to go home, after he was forced to leave by Lestat.

“He had another episode last night and stopped breathing. We’ve put him on this machine known to provide continuous positive airway pressure, otherwise known as a CPAP. As of right now we re-inserted the NG tube to assist with feedings and are closely monitoring him in case of another occurrence.”

“H-How..How long is he gonna need that?” Louis asks, referring to the CPAP machine.

“As of right now we’d like to keep him on it for a few days until he is able to breathe on his own without any support.”

“A-And the feeding tube?”

“We will remove that once he can breathe on his own.” She explains. “I’ll leave you both so you can spend some time with him. If you have any questions please feel free to have the nurse page me.” She adds. “We’re going to make sure he’s well taken care of. We just need to continue to be in his corner cheering him on.” She squeezes Louis’ arm reassuringly then leaves the NICU.

When they’re alone, Louis stares at his son for a few minutes in silence.

“I should’ve been here.” Louis says, looking down at his son, heartbroken. “I should’ve been here but you made me go.”

“Louis, I…”

“You.” Louis looks at him and Lestat can see the hurt and heartache in his eyes. “You made me leave him so I could go home with you beside you had some meeting to attend to. You.” He pushes his pointer finger deep into Lestat’s sternum. “You did this.”

“Louis, how could I have done something like this to our son?”

“Because!” Louis cries. “Claudia was right. You don’t care about anyone but yourself! He’s in there because of you…” Louis stops and shakes his head, closing his eyes. “Just go…Please…just leave.”

Lestat opens then closes his mouth, figuring it’d be best not to say anything at all. He’s heartbroken but obeys Louis’ wishes and leaves, tears streaming down his cheeks as he marches out of the NICU, hurt.

Louis sniffles and reaches into the incubator, rubbing a soft finger along his son’s arm. “My sweet boy. I’m sorry you’re going through this. Mama is so sorry.” His touch was delicate but in his mind it was the strongest thing ever to help his son. “I’m going to get better, okay? We can do this, baby…You can do this.” He swallows and nods as he breathes out. “You’re gonna come home with me soon.”

“Do you want to hold him?” A nurse asks from behind him, startling him.

“Jesus.” He looks over his shoulder and sees the nurse, one he hadn’t seen before in the NICU.

“Sorry I didn’t mean to frighten you.” She apologizes with a soft smile.

“It’s okay I was just…” Louis couldn’t think straight right now let alone form a legible sentence.

“You can still hold him if you’d like.” She says. “We just have to be careful.” She adds.

“T-Thanks but maybe in a little while. I just want to sit here with him if that’s okay?”

“Of course. I’ll be just over there if you need me.”

Louis thanks her and turns his focus back onto his son. He wanted to hold him but was unsure. He knows his son will be okay and will be able to overcome this but right now it seems impossible.

He’s taken back to the first time he saw his son in the exact same way. Breathing machine attached to his head, feeding tube to provide nutrition, heart monitors glued to his skin. He can’t help but feel like he’s failing his son. He knew better than to let Lestat get into his head and look at what happened. They may tell him none of this was his fault but deep down he knew it was.

It was his fault for getting pregnant while Lestat was having an affair.

It was his fault for bringing up the divorce.

It was his fault for putting so much stress on himself that he went into premature labor and now his son was suffering from the consequences of his actions.

His heart felt like it’d be forever wounded at the thought of all of this happening because of him and no one could ever change his mind.

Louis returns home much later than he was anticipating. He extended his visit with Blaize, working up the courage to hold him again. He was content having him laying on his chest while he rocked the two of them slowly, talking to his boy about any and everything, sometimes just staring at him lovingly.

He finds a large bouquet of yellow and white roses sitting on the island in their kitchen with a card sticking out on top. He plucks it from the plastic clamp and opens it.

Sending you warmth, strength, and thoughts of healing
-Armand

A sad smile creeps across Louis’ face as he reads the card. It was sweet of Armand to send these, letting Louis know he was thinking about it during this hard time in his life.

Maybe it was time to reach out and settle any discrepancies he’s had in the past with Armand. Turning a new leaf as they say.

Maybe one day but not right now.

Right now he needs time to take care of himself and his family and he wasn’t going to let anyone or anything get in his way.

•••

§month and a half later§

Today was a big day for the Lioncourts and Du Lacs because today Blaize was finally being discharged after spending ten weeks in the NICU. He was finally coming home and Lestat found himself on edge ever since Louis messaged him about it the night before.

The blonde was standing out on the terrace, smoking a cigarette lost in his thoughts. He wanted to be there but he wasn’t sure if Louis wanted him there. The message didn’t seem all that welcoming or inviting. Maybe he shouldn’t go and will just pop in for a visit at a later time.

Lestat finished his cigarette and dropped it into the ashtray before heading back inside where Armand was sitting on the sofa reading the newest Vogue issue and Avalon was laid on the floor doing her tummy time.

“Have you decided what you’re going to do?” Armand asks, flipping through his magazine.

“No.” Lestat sighs and runs a hand through his hair.

“I think you should go.” Armand urges and sets the magazine down onto his lap as Lestat sits on the cushion beside him. “I know you miss him and I know he misses you and wants you to be there for your son, even if he doesn’t show it.” He scoots over and lays against the blonde. “I know you want to go.”

Lestat audibly sighs and wraps his arms around Armand. “Why can’t I just stay here with you?”

Armand hums and turns, pressing his chin into Lestat’s chest. “As much as I would love that, I don't think it’d be right.” He puckers his lips and Lestat closes the gap between them with a kiss.

“Let’s ask the lady of the hour.” They turn towards Avalon who was making noise while moving during her tummy time. “What do you think? Do you think daddy should go be there for your brother?” Armand asks

“Do not pin my daughter against me.” Lestat says and moves Armand off of him to go pick up their daughter from the floor. He bounces her in his lap causing her to giggle while sticking a finger into her mouth. “What’s so funny? What’s so funny, pretty girl?” He blows raspberries on her pot belly and she giggles even louder making both her parents laugh with her.

She was almost four months old and was getting so big already.

Lestat continued to bounce her in his lap then handed her to Armand, getting up from the couch again.

“Have you finally come to your senses and decided to go?” Lestat doesn’t answer but puts on his jacket, slides into his shoes, grabs his keys and wallet and is out the door in seconds. “Your father is one confusing man, Avalon.” The baby looks at her mama and giggles again, agreeing with him.

“Come, let’s go make some lunch.” Armand takes her to the kitchen and settles her in the highchair to watch him while he whips up something to eat.

Lestat left Armand’s without saying another word and drove to the hospital. On his way he called a local restaurant and arranged for them to deliver food to the hospital as a thank you for all that they’ve done for him and his family during this time. It was the least he could do for them all. He found his way to the NICU where Louis just finished buckling their son into his car seat.

“You came.” Claudia comments and Louis looks up seeing Lestat standing there.

“Our son is going home. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Louis’ lips press together in a flat line across his face. “How is he doing?”

“Good, so far. He has to pass the car seat test then we’ll be free to take him home.”

“He’s got this. He’s a Lioncourt.” Claudia adds, for once being proud of her bloodline. At least that’s how Lestat saw it.

An hour and twenty minutes went by and Blaize was being monitored by the care team. They kept a watchful eye on his heart rate and oxygen levels while he was sleeping in his car seat.

He suddenly started to wake up, crying, causing the monitors to go off and Louis felt himself grab onto Lestat’s hand with a firm grip.

“Is he okay?” Louis asks the nurse.

“He could need a diaper change or is antsy for a nap. He has five more minutes to go then you can hold him.” She explains and Louis nods, still holding onto Lestat’s hands.

Those five minutes felt like five years but when the timer went off the care team celebrated which eased some of Louis’ anxiety.

“He did it! Blaize has officially passed the car seat, graduated from the NICU, and is free to go home.” One of the doctors exclaims while everyone clapped for him. “You may tend to him now if you’d like.” She adds.

Louis releases Lestat’s hand and goes to get his son out of the carseat. The infant whines as he’s moved from the warm seat but quiets once he’s in the warmth of Louis’ arms. Louis checks his diaper, low and behold he had pooped. He quickly changes his diaper then buckles him back into the car seat, taking it off the bed.

“Ready to go home, bud?” Blaize bats his long lashes up at mama and Louis grins feeling a sense of happiness wash over him because he could finally take his baby boy home.

The family leaves the hospital, all together again. They drove home in two separate cars but arrived as a unit.

Louis carried Blaize inside, taking a deep breath as he walked through the threshold. “Welcome home, Blaize.” He says and brings the baby with him into the living room, being joined by Claudia and Lestat. “Okay, hi baby boy.” He smiles down at the babe who was now awake. Louis takes him out and cradles him to his chest.

They spent some time getting used to having the baby home but treated it as any other afternoon. Louis spent most of his time holding his son but had to share with Lestat and Claudia who wanted some time with him as well.

The day had gotten away from them and before they knew it the sun was beginning to set.

Louis had just finished putting Blaize down to sleep in his crib. He stood against the pristine oak watching over his baby, sensing a presence watching him. He knew who was there.

“Can you stay?” Louis asks and turns around to see Lestat was taken back by the question. “Help out for a little while?”

Lestat blinks and his lips curl upward into a small smile. “I’d be more than happy to.” He approaches Louis and reaches for his hand, leading him out of the room and to the bedroom down the hall. “Perhaps a bath? You’ve been a bit tense lately, ma cheri, you need to relax.”

“Well I haven’t had it easy lately and you’re the blame.”

“I know.” Lestat was not up for arguing at the moment and wanted to prove to Louis that with all that’s happened he could still be a good father and a good husband.

Lestat draws Louis a bath and leaves him to rest, deciding to do some chores that have been neglected lately. He never understood why Louis didn’t want a maid or a housekeeper, instead preferring to do it himself using it as an opportunity to teach Claudia how to do basic things so she doesn’t turn out more spoiled than she already was.

He put an album on their record player, letting the music fill the speakers that were located throughout the house, and got to work. He did several loads of laundry, washed the dishes, placed a grocery order and was generous enough to fill Claudia’s credit card because he felt like it. He owed it to her and even if she didn’t like him at the moment, he hoped this could be a good start.

Lestat spent the remainder of the afternoon busy doing housework while Louis rested and tended to the baby.

Later in the evening the pair found themselves sitting in a comfortable silence in their living room when Lestat’s phone buzzed.

“Armand wants to know if he can come visit you and Blaize.” Lestat starts and re-reads the text message. “Said something along the lines of extending an olive branch?”

“Oh, uhm,” Louis pauses and thinks. He could tell Lestat was partial to Armand coming over but life’s too short to continue dealing with this kind of conflict so maybe, just maybe, they could be cordial with each other for their childrens’ sake. “Ask him if one o’clock works? We can order lunch, have a nice meal, and talk?”

Lestat nods, texting back Armand, getting a thumbs up in return. “Great. Now we just have one more thing to take care of.” He says and Louis sends him a confused look. Lestat points upstairs, where Claudia was doing whatever she was doing to keep herself busy.

“I’ll talk to her.” Louis says and checks on his sleeping son before making his way upstairs, saying a silent prayer that Claudia actually listens and doesn’t overreact.

Approaching her room, he notices the door was slightly ajar and can overhear a conversation she was having with someone. Perhaps her friends or her boyfriend, but it didn’t matter right now.

“Claudia? Can I come in?”

The girl looks up from where she was laying on her stomach and sees Louis standing in between the open gap of her door. She nods, wrapping up her phone call.

“...Yeah, yeah…I’ve gotta go, I’ll talk to you later…I love you too. Bye.” Claudia hangs up and sits up. “Hi mama.”

“Hi sweetheart. I’m sorry to have interrupted you but there’s something I need to talk to you about.”

“Everything okay?” She questions.

“Yeah just…” He pauses and crosses the room, sitting beside her. “Armand is coming over.” Her face falls and she rolls her eyes. “Trust me I was just so shocked as you are but,”

“I’m not shocked, just annoyed.” She explains and gets up from the bed, walking over to her large vanity. “You and dad are so stubborn. When are you going to realize that this is all just an act so he can keep you under his belt?”

“Claudia, your dad is trying to make amends and so is Armand. Maybe this will be good for us, give us some closure.”

“And has he signed them yet?” She asks, referring to the divorce papers that currently sat in a manila envelope next to Louis’ bed.

Louis’ quiet, seemingly answering her question. “‘Course not.” She scoffs and shakes her head. “No matter how hard you try, dad will always be the same. Just as controlling and malicious as always.”

“Maybe but he’s still your father and he’s trying. I thought you promised you’d try too?”

Claudia sighs and looks up at Louis through the mirror of her vanity. “Mama I’ve been trying but to be fair I’m tired of trying. Why can’t we just move on without him? Why do you keep trying to make things work between him? Inviting him to come back and now inviting his mistress into our home…After all they’ve put us through…Put you through.”

Louis says nothing because he knew she was right but he just didn’t feel ready to cut the cord of his relationship with Lestat. He sighs and pushes himself from the bed, striding towards the door but stops himself and turns towards Claudia.

“If you’re not going to behave then just stay up here and out of the way.” He says. “For someone who thinks she’s grown she sure does act like a child.” He leaves her room and closes the door behind him.

He knew better than to expect anything less from Claudia. She was Lestat’s daughter after all.

Louis jogs downstairs and settles back into his seat on the couch, picking up his book, resuming his reading.

Their doorbell rang twenty minutes later and Louis’ breath caught in his throat knowing it was Armand. Blaize started to cry in his cot from the sudden loud noise that woke him. He sighed and set his book down again as Lestat went to answer the door so he could tend to his son.

He scooped the babe up into his arms and cradled him close to his chest, one hand under his bum, the other over his head, sitting back down while shushing him.

As he looks up, Armand strides into the living room, sunglasses still perched on his nose. “Hello.” He smiles at Louis and sets the bag he brought for Avalon down on the floor, lifting his sunglasses into his styled curls.

Lestat rounds the corner with Avalon’s carseat in hand, the little one awake with a sensory toy in her hand.

“Is that,” Louis gestures towards the little girl Lestat unbuckled from the carseat. “She’s gotten so big.” Louis takes in the girl’s features, a mixture of both Armand and Lestat, complete with soft brown skin, dark curls, and pale green eyes. She was a beauty, Louis would have to give them that.

“She’ll be four months old next week.” Armand says, still smiling at his babe then shifts his gaze back to Louis and the baby he was holding. He gasps at the little being and approaches Louis with caution. “May I?” He points to the seat beside Louis and sits down getting a nod from the latter. “He’s adorable. How’s he been doing since being home?”

“Good. We’ve gotten a routine down. He’s been adjusting well.” Louis hums, rubbing circles along Blaize’s back.

“That's good. He looks so content.”

“He loves his mama, that's for sure.” Louis comments and peppers soft kisses along the crown of Blaize’s head.

They sit in an awkward silence for a bit, neither one of them knowing what to say to each other exactly. Then they simultaneously speak, breaking the silence.

“Louis, I-”

“Look, Armand-”

They both smirk, slightly embarrassed at themselves.

“I’ll take these two into the nursery for now. Come my darlings.” Lestat gets up with Avalon in his left arm and Blaize in his right, holding onto him carefully, and takes them both upstairs.

“You go first.” Armand says with a nervous grin.

“Well I want to apologize for how I’ve treated you in the past. I’m not mad at you. I mean yes at first I was angry and upset when Lestat told me but we weren’t in a good place in our relationship and we had separated…It’s unfortunate but there’s nothing I can do about it now. The deed is done. I just hope going forward we can be civil with each other. Surely I hope you understand I don’t want any bad blood between us.”

“I’d like that, Louis. And I’m sorry for causing this shift within your family. I meant for no such thing to happen, I was under the impression that it was done for good but Lestat being Lestat sent me mixed signals and of course I fell for them.”

“That’s Lestat for you. Stubborn and conniving yet so intriguing and superior.” Louis sighs and leans back into the couch. “As much as I’m grateful he’s here helping us I’m hoping he’ll get the closure he needs and sign the papers so we can all move on. For mine and my childrens’ sake.”

Hearing that the papers still weren’t signed hurt Armand. What was Lestat waiting for?

“Does it bother you that we’re still seeing each other?”

“No, not anymore. I’ve gotten the closure I needed so it’s up to him now to decide what he wants to do.” Louis wasn’t so sure about his statement after saying it aloud. He knew it was what Armand wanted to hear so he said it but he’s not sure if that’s what he wanted to hear. Maybe he wasn’t ready to move on from Lestat just yet and is hiding the papers purposely from him…maybe.

“Can I ask you something?” Armand asks and adds, “It’s a bit personal.”

“Sure.”

“Lately, I’ve been having these thoughts and feelings that I’ve never experienced before. At least not as in depth as they’ve been.”

“What kind of feelings?”

“Anxiety mostly, irritability sometimes, and uhm, feeling overwhelmed all the time. I’ve noticed it starting since she was born but lately it’s been affecting me more and more. Sometimes when she’s laying with me at night I watch her sleep, fearful she might stop breathing but then I also feel guilty because I don’t want to be on top of her all the time. I’m sorry I’m rambling, there's only so much posted in those blogs online and I figured you’re a parent and would understand.”

“Okay breathe,” Armand smiles and takes a breath. “And all these feelings are normal. This is what being a parent is all about, especially a first time parent. I mean I remember when I first had Claudia I’d lie awake for hours almost waiting for something to happen. I drove myself crazy but Lestat actually helped pull me out of my head and realize that yeah anything can happen to our babies, the world is scary no matter what you just have to accept that not everything can be in your control.” Louis explains.

“So aside from him getting you out of your head, did you seek help from someone?”

“No, but if you think you need to talk to a professional about this then I suggest you do before it gets worse.”

As the two of them were talking, an unexpected guest came downstairs.

“Claudia, hello.” Armand acknowledges her and she rolls her eyes in response, making her way towards the kitchen. “I guess my presence here is not exactly welcome by everyone.”

“Ignore her. Claudia’s been…having a hard time lately.”

“I’m sorry.”

“S’okay. Girls will be girls right?” Armand nods, unsure of how to take that but doesn’t speak further on it.

Lestat returns a little while later with both babies whining for their respectable mothers. Armand stands to take Avalon from her father while Louis remains seated and reaches for his son.

“Sounds like a hungry cry.” Louis says as he takes his son. “You know it’s time for you to be fed.” He kisses his son’s slightly parted lips. He grabs the wrap he uses when he breastfeeds his son and covers himself so he can nurse while Armand takes himself to the bathroom preferring to do it in privacy.

When the babies were fed and content again, lunch had arrived and everyone sat around the table dining together. Louis never thought he’d see the day where Armand was joining them for a meal but here he was. He figured if they can survive the afternoon then who’s to say they can’t have a decent relationship, or at least remain civil with each other.

•••

§two months later§

Armand had reached a breaking point he surely was not expecting to occur. He thought he could handle sharing Lestat. He thought he could handle being a solo parent a majority of the time. He thought he could do this but he was wrong.

Armand just had to postpone yet another trip to New York because Lestat couldn’t come with him to care for Avalon. He needed to stay in New Orleans because Blaize had important appointments Louis wanted him to attend and Armand understood where Louis was coming from but felt it was unfair how often Lestat was with him lately. He knew Lestat was staying not only for their son but also to try to fix a marriage that cannot be fixed, yet he still held onto hope for a reason Armand could not understand.

He’s trying his hardest not to get jealous but that was becoming a challenge within itself and he’d hoped Lestat would prove fruitful to their relationship but ceased to do so. He was finding this whole solo parenting to be a hassle, especially now that Avalon had teeth coming in along with an ear infection that came about just the other day. She was cranky all the time, refusing to breastfeed or take the bottle, just overall hating life much like Armand was at the moment.

Anxious to get back into the swing of things, with fashion week coming up in just a few months, Armand decided to end his maternity leave early because he wanted to get back to work but was also finding that difficult when realized he missed several crucial deadlines.

He may have thought he got ahead but was so far behind there was no way he’d recover from this downfall.

He was trying to get through yet another meeting. He had to move virtually because he couldn’t make it there in person. He was running on no sleep, hasn’t showered in days, and to be quite frank he was over having all these meetings but knew they came part of the job when he pursued a career as a fashion designer.

“Mr. Romanus we still have not received so sketches for the Spring line. Have they been sent out with the post?”

“I believe so.” Armand searches and sees them on his desk where they do not belong. “I apologize I must have forgotten to send them out.”

“That’s okay. Are you able to fax them to us?”

“Yes of course. One moment.” Armand hurriedly faxes the sketches over to the New York office, relieved he was able to get them sent one way or another.

He sat there waiting for their confirmation when Avalon began to cry in her nursery. He quietly excuses himself and goes to get her, bringing her back into his office.

“We just received them but these are not the sketches we were looking for. These are from last year's Spring line.”

“Oh uhm, so sorry about that.” He hoists Avalon back up, she continues to scream in his ear, causing those on his laptop to cringe at the loud and unprovoked noise. “I’m so sorry my daughter has been teething and neither of us have gotten very much sleep lately.”

“Armand, we appreciate your time but we don’t see fit that we continue with this meeting based on your current state,”

“Please I-I have all my designs here I just…” Armand shuffled through the papers that lay sporadic on his desk while holding onto Avalon as the girl shrieked in his face, disturbing the others who were on the call with him. “Please, just, give me another chance.”

“I’m sorry but we are going to have to remove you from this year’s line-up. But there is still Summer and Fall, god willing you have everything in order by then. We hope to work with you and your company again soon. Take care now.”

The virtual meeting ended and Armand stood in his office, overwhelmed and upset at what just happened. He couldn’t even think straight because Avalon was still crying. He huffs and marches out of his office, down the hall and into her nursery where he plops her down into her crib rather aggressively.

“Would you just stop crying!!” He shouts at his baby and instantly regrets it. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” He picks her back up and holds her while bouncing her lightly as she continues to cry. “Mama didn’t mean it. I’m so sorry, Avalon.”

“I’m so sorry, baby.” He rubs her back and kisses her temple over and over until she finally starts to quiet down. She rested her head on Armand’s shoulder and fell asleep as he expelled silent tears from his eyes feeling guilty for having yelled at her.

Armand may think he was the only one whose world was ending, but it wasn’t because just on the outskirts of the city and in the suburbs, stood Claudia half undressed, staring at herself in her full length mirror.

She heard what they said about her at school and online. She knows she put on a little bit of weight but she didn’t realize it was that noticeable to the naked eye. She’s been under a serious amount of stress lately, sue her.

“Have you eaten today?” A voice asks from behind her, watching her poke and prod at her body.

Claudia avoids the question and continues to stare at herself, feeling defeated.
“I think you’re taking this way out of proportion.”

“Okay then tell me.” Claudia turns around to face her boyfriend who was sitting on her bed holding one of her stuffed animals. “Do I look fat to you?”

“No and so what if you’ve gotten extra curvy. Bout time you put some meat on your bones.” Hayes says and gets up to hold her. “Don’t listen to those girls, you know they’re just jealous of you.”

Claudia scoffs with an unamused smile. “Yeah. Jealous of a fat pig like me.”

“Whatever.” Hayes rolls his eyes and lets go of her.

“What’s your problem?” Claudia asks with a hint of attitude.

Hayes shrugs and stuffs his hands into his jean pockets. “Nothing.”

“Well clearly it’s something so, please share with the rest of the class.” Claudia crosses her arms over her chest, raising an eyebrow in sternness.

“I’m sick and tired of you always playing the victim and thinking the whole universe revolves around you, Claudia because it doesn't.” Claudia’s arms fall from her chest and she turns to look back at herself in the mirror as he continues. “Lately you’ve been making everything about yourself and now you’re starving yourself for what? Just because some people said you put on a little extra weight?”

“You have no idea what it’s like being me!” Claudia counters, anger simmering in her stomach. “You try having your personal life spread all over the internet for everyone to see! I’ve been dealing with this since I was a kid!”

“Here you go again, always playing the victim. It’s never going to change with you is it? I don’t know how much more of this I can take.”

“So, what?” Claudia questions, fearing the worst was about to happen.

Hayes opens then closes his mouth briefly but she knew what he was gearing towards.

“I-”

“-DON’T!” She bellows because she already knew what he was going to say. “Get out! NOW!” She barks and shoves him out of her room, slamming the door behind him, kicking and beating it as she screams at the top of her lungs.

Thankfully no one else was home to question her outburst and she could be as loud as she wanted to right now.

Claudia slid down the back of her bedroom door once she heard Hayes leave, and cried, wrapping her arms around her knees feeling as if her world was ending. Maybe the world would be a better off place without her in it, right?

•••

After Armand’s breakdown last week he’s come to a decision regarding his and Avalon’s future. He poured himself a generous glass of wine and got busy preparing dinner for himself while Avalon napped in her cot.

The penthouse was quiet, nothing to interrupt Armand and his peace, at least he thought.

Lestat let himself inside, apologizing for his absence but Armand only had one thing on his mind.

“Well? Did you sign them?” He asks without turning to face Lestat.

“Armand-”

Armand chuckles, knowing Lestat didn’t do what he was asked. He sets his wine glass down and shakes his head. “What is keeping you from ending this marriage to Louis? Do enlighten me.”

“Louis needs me and I need to be there for him and for our family.”

‘What about our family? Did you forget you had another child? One who hardly sees you anymore.”

“Armand, I didn't come here to fight with you. You knew going into this I had to make sacrifices on both ends. I cannot please everyone.”

“Well that's a shame even after you promised a lifetime of happiness to me.” Armand finishes his wine and pours himself another glass. “If you don’t sign those papers by the end of the week, I’m leaving and I’m going to Paris…with Avalon.”

“You think you can just take my child away from me like that?”

“Why can’t you understand that I cannot do this anymore you complete imbecile!” He huffs, throwing his hands dramatically through his hair. “Just sign the damn papers so we can move on goddammit!”

Armand pauses to collect himself and his thoughts. He closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and when he opens them again he’s able to think clearly again.

“Look, I love you. I will always love you, Lestat, but this is too much for me. I can’t…” He shudders and takes another brief pause before continuing. “I’ve made my decision already and I need you to make one too.” Armand pressed and looked away for a moment, tears burning in his amber eyes, then looked back at Lestat. “So what will it be?”

“Him…or me.”

Chapter Text

“Him…or me.”

Lestat takes a step back, bothered and utterly offended by the ultimatum Armand had just presented him. 

“Well?” Armand’s eyebrows rose to his hairline as he waited for an answer. 

“I…I do not know what you want me to say.” 

Armand’s lips press into a firm tight line and he slowly nods his head getting his answer. He finishes his second glass, turns off the stove and whips around, fuming. “Fuck you!” He spat in Lestat’s face and marched off to the bedroom, slamming the door behind him, waking Avalon. 

The door swings open and he takes her into his room then slams it once again, locking it behind himself. 

“Armand,” Lestat calls out to him and walks down the hall, knocking on the door. “You’re being unreasonable. Please open the door.” 

Armand doesn’t say anything because he was busy soothing Avalon. He’d be well off if he didn’t have to see Lestat’s face ever again. He laid down with Avalon, trying to quiet her, with her laying against his chest as silent tears streaked down his cheeks leading to his broken heart. 

“Don’t ever fall in love, my sweet. Promise me.” He kisses her curls and inhales her powdery scent. “Don’t ever fall in love and don’t ever let anyone treat you the way you don’t deserve to be treated.” He kisses her again and she lets out a heavy breath, having stopped crying, relaxing on her mama. 

Avalon falls asleep and Armand moves her to lay beside him on the bed. He curls up into himself and cries himself to sleep with his snoozing babe beside him. 

Armand awakens some time later from Avalon’s crying. He’s not sure what time it is but his room was dark and Avalon was still sound asleep beside him. He rubs his hands along his face and feels the residue from his salty tears left over on his face. He sighs and gets up from the bed, body achy and stiff from how he fell asleep. He barricades Avalon with several pillows in case she rolls over.

He goes to unlock the bedroom but freezes, wondering if Lestat had left or not. He thinks about just staying here for the rest of the night but something was luring him to open the door so he did. He takes a step out, turns back to check on Avalon, then walks down the dark hallway that leads into the open part of the penthouse. 

Armand finds Lestat asleep on the sofa. He contemplates if he should wake him and throw him off but instead he finds himself approaching the blonde, practically levitating towards him. He lifts the blanket and makes himself a spot next to Lestat. Was he out of his mind? Probably but Lestat just had that — with people. 

Lestat stirs in his sleep and feels a weight beside him. He knew it was Armand and wrapped his arms around him, covering them both with the blanket. 

“I’m sorry.” He whispers and presses a kiss to the brunette’s forehead. He said nothing else, neither did Armand and they fell asleep in each other’s embrace.

In the morning, Armand awakens startled from a bad dream and feels himself being held down by a strong pair of arms. Arms that belong to his lover or well Lestat. He’s been confused between the two lately. 

He rubs the sleep out of his eyes and groans, hearing Avalon’s cries coming from down the hall. He removes himself from Lestat’s lengthy arms and pads to the bedroom to see his girl. 

“Morning my darling.” He picks her up and gives her some cuddles. “You slept all night, my love.” He peppers her chubby, rosy cheek with kisses and rubs her back, shifting her to his other hip. “Shall we go have a cuddle with daddy? Do you think he deserves one?” 

“Yes.” Lestat’s voice echoes down the hall. 

Armand rolls his eyes and a smile creeps it way onto his face. “Guess that answers that.” 

Armand and Avalon venture out to the living room and join Lestat back on the couch. He hands the babe over to her father and Lestat hums in delight, peppering kisses all over her face before setting her down to sit on his chest. 

“I love when they’re this little. So innocent and sweet.” Lestat comments. He appeared bothered while holding Avalon so Armand questioned him. 

“You seem upset. What’s going on?” 

Lestat sighs and shakes his head. “Last night, Claudia she…let’s just say she’s not too happy with me…again.” He blinks, his face pinched with hurt, recalling their conversation. “I thought we were just starting to break new ground but she let me have it.”

“What happened?”

“She came home from school seeming upset so I had asked her what happened and she ignored me. So I pushed for her to tell me, now thinking about it I knew I shouldn’t but something was bothering her and I’m her father I have a right to know and help her right?”

“Right.”

“She told me, no she yelled at me telling me how much I ruined her life, ruined Louis’ life, ruined my son’s life. She was throwing a hissy fit, if you will, going on and on about how she’s sixteen and she shouldn’t be dealing with all of this,”

Well she has a point. Armand thinks but remains silent as Lestat continues. 

“I’ve raised a spoiled brat, Armand. Louis and I threw her an extravagant Masquerade Ball for her sweet sixteen and this is the thank you I get. C’est une enfant impossible, incompétente et gâtée.” Lestat takes a breath and calms himself. “Anyway, I want to apologize for my behavior last night. It’s not fair to you or to her. Can you ever forgive me?” 

Armand’s quiet and thinks. It was now or never because he cannot keep dwelling on the fact that Lestat may still love Louis and leave him in the dirt. He needs to do the responsible thing for himself and his daughter, even if it means not getting what he wants in the end. 

“Lestat, I really want us to work but…look I accept your apology but I don’t think I can do this anymore…I think we need some time apart, at least for a little while.” 

Lestat looked at Armand with sadness in his eyes but he knew he was right. “Very well.” He sighs and hums. “Can I still see her?”

“Of course. You can see her anytime you’d like. I’m not going to stop you from seeing your own daughter, just make sure you make time for her. I know you have the other two but she’s yours as well and deserves to see her dad too.” 

“I know. How about I spend the day with her today?” Lestat suggests. 

“What did you have in mind?” 

Lestat shrugs, “Maybe I’ll just, how does Louis put it, wing it?

“Oh.” Armand’s lips curl into a smile and he sits up poking Avalon’s pot belly. “Do you want to spend the day with your daddy?” 

A loud giggle bursts from within the baby and her parents laugh with her as Lestat leaves wet kisses all over her face again. 

“Come love, let’s make breakfast together then we can decide what we want to do for the day.” Lestat gives her another kiss then moves to get up once Armand removes himself from the couch. 

The family of three had breakfast then Armand got Avalon dressed in her very best so she could spend the day with her father, giving him much needed time to himself. He of course took the opportunity and booked himself a spa day. He had nothing better to do. 

Armand didn’t know it but Lestat fully intended to work today, which he did, he just brought Avalon along to the office. He had to attend a meeting on the final looks that would be flown to New York City for fashion week. Along with the final outfit choosing came the models and they all fawned over Avalon, passing her around, giving her lots of attention. Avalon loved it and wore a smile on her face the entire time while her daddy worked. 

What Armand didn’t know won’t hurt him.

•••

A couple weeks later found Louis and Lestat at yet another appointment for their son, this time with a pediatric pulmonologist because Louis has noticed his son has still been struggling to breathe despite the previous treatments he’s been given. 

It was another afternoon spent sitting in the doctor’s office being told what was still wrong with their son and how they can go about it. 

“So you’re saying my son has to stay overnight at some facility where they monitor him like some kind of lab rat?” Louis asks.

“In order for him to be properly screened for sleep apnea we will refer him to a sleep center where he will be closely monitored to see if he stops breathing while he sleeps.” 

“He does stop breathing. Sometimes for close to a minute. We’ve had to blow into his face to get him to breathe again.” Louis explains and looks down at his son who was asleep in his car seat with an Owlet baby sock around his foot that monitors his oxygenation and heart rate. “Lately I’ve noticed he grunts a lot when he’s eating.” 

“Okay well we can definitely screen him for asthma too. It is definitely a possibility he’s not receiving enough oxygen due to bronchial inflammation. He’s still quite young to do lung function tests but we can certainly run other tests to rule out if it is asthma or not.”

“And what kind of tests would that be?” Lestat asks this time, knowing Louis was about ready to implode from all this. 

“Well we have several we can conduct such as a normal exam where we simply listen to his lungs with a stethoscope, we can have him sent for a chest x-ray, run some blood tests, and perform an exhaled nitric oxide test.” She explains and can tell the parents appeared unsure of all this. “I understand this can all seem very scary but we will do everything we can to get to the bottom of this so your son can live a long, happy, and healthy life.” 

Louis sighs and looks over at Lestat, bouncing his legs in his seat. 

“Alright, what do you need us to do first?” 

They went on to schedule his sleep study as well as when they were going to perform these tests to rule out Blaize’s possibility of being asthmatic. 

It was a long afternoon and Louis wanted nothing more than to be back at home with his baby. 

After the doctors, Lestat treated them to lunch which was nice but Louis wasn’t necessarily in the mood. He felt a huge migraine blooming in his head and needed a hot shower followed by a long period of rest in a dark room. 

Once they returned home, Claudia was doing her homework at the dining room table. 

Louis ignores her presence and carries on into the kitchen to make himself some tea while Lestat gets Blaize settled into his Moses basket in the living room then goes upstairs to take a shower. 

Claudia continues to do her homework, keeping to herself for the remainder of the evening up until she decides to go bother Louis in his room. 

He had just gotten the baby to sleep and was scrolling aimlessly through the channels to find something to watch. 

“Hi mama.” 

“Hi baby.” He responds without looking at her. 

“Whatcha doing?” She asks and goes to sit on what used to be Lestat’s side of the bed.

“Trying to find something to watch.” 

She opens her mouth again to speak but Louis speaks first.

“Look m’not in the mood to talk right now Claudia. ‘Sides you need to get to bed. You’ve got that big game tomorrow after school.”

“Don’t remind me.” Claudia mutters and clears her throat to look up at her mother. “Night mama.” 

“Night sweetheart. Don’t stay up too late.” 

“I won’t.” Claudia stayed up another hour then went to sleep, well tried to sleep, thinking nonstop about what she’ll endure at school tomorrow knowing it was not going to be a normal day yet again. 

•••

Claudia had a big lacrosse game today after school and she was dreading it. She barely slept and was not in the mood to even go to school let alone leave her bedroom but-

“-Claudia. Get up.” Louis has knocked on her door twice now and she hasn’t moved since the last time he came half an hour ago. “C’mon. You’re gonna be late for school.” 

“I’m up.” She groans and sits up, reaching for her phone. 

Another day, another glimpse at the hate page that was created for her on social media. They consisted of either paparazzi photos of her or pictures people have snuck of her at school. Nearly the entire student body was following it and other people around the world were engaging and commenting horrible things about her and her body. She knew better than to feed into the drama but when she was being tagged or mentioned every minute it was a bit hard not too. 

She rolled her eyes and turned off her phone so she could get dressed and ready for school. 

Claudia thought this was going to be a good year for her but it’s just been a year from hell. From the drama with her parents to now this, she was exhausted from being pulled in both directions, unable to catch a break and knew she was going to snap sooner or later. 

When she was all dressed for school, she flew downstairs and hurried to get her shoes on. 

“No breakfast?” Lestat questions.

“No time.” 

“You need to eat something, Claudia.” Louis rounds the corner holding the baby. “At least take a yogurt and a granola bar.” 

“Fine.” She brushes past him to the kitchen and rummages through the fridge for a yogurt cup then grabs a KIND bar from their pantry. “I’ll eat it in my homeroom. Love you.” She quickly kisses his cheek and heads outside to Lestat’s truck.   

They drove to school in an awkward silence. She still hasn’t opened up much to Lestat and certainly wasn’t in the mood to start now, not with everything else she has going on. She has the entire weight of the world resting on her shoulders and she’s not sure exactly how much more she can take before she crumbles. 

After being dropped off by her father, she walked into the building and went straight to her locker to gather what she needed for the first few class periods of the day.  Then it began all over again. 

The day was spent like any other for Claudia. Another day being taunted, feeling like an outcast as many pointed and giggled at her. Another day hating her parents for who they were, especially hating her father for all the pain he’s caused their family. She has no one anymore. No friends, no boyfriend, not a single person cared about her anymore. 

As she walked through the halls going from class to class, her mind wandered and she just kept to herself ignoring all the side comments from people. She’s become the laughing stock of high school but she wasn’t going to give in. She has too much to lose.

But that hasn’t necessarily stopped her before.

•••

Four o’clock arrived much quicker than she wanted and it was time for her championship lacrosse game. At least some of the girls on her team weren’t as bad as the ones who ran the social media accounts that like to tear her to shreds. 

Standing in the middle of the field, Claudia started to feel different . The shouting and chatter from the crowd, the whistles being blown by the coaches, constant running back and forth, it was all catching up to her. 

Her vision started to go in and out of focus. She could see her parents were among the people in the crowds, cheering her on, but when she saw Louis he could tell something was up. 

Suddenly it felt impossible to breathe and the world was spinning yet she felt like she was floating until she collided with the ground and everything went quiet. 

“Oh my god.” Louis clutched onto Lestat’s arm as they watched their daughter go down. “Claudia!”

People around them gasped while Louis and Lestat struggled to get down to their daughter. A path was made and they made their way down to the field. Lestat ran full speed while Louis went as fast as he could with Blaize in his car seat. 

“What happened?! Is she alright?! Claudia!” Lestat dropped to his knees while the medic was assessing his daughter and taking her vitals. 

“Claudia! Claudia oh my god is she dead?!” Leave it to Louis and his flair for dramatics. 

“I believe she went into hypoglycemic shock. Is she a diabetic?” The medic states.

“Wh-What’s that?” Lestat questions.

“Her blood sugar is low. And judging by how clammy she is and how tachycardic she is I’d say that’s definitely what’s going on. When was the last time she ate?” 

“Uhm, I-I don’t know. Louis?” Lestat looks up at him and Louis shakes his head because he didn’t know either so they couldn’t provide a clear answer. 

One of the other medics checked her blood sugar and it was dangerously low, further confirming their suspicions. 

“We’re going to give her a glucagon injection which will release glucose into her system. Let’s get her up and somewhere a little more private.”

Claudia was carefully put onto a stretcher and removed from the field with Louis and Lestat following behind. She was brought into the school’s nurses office where they administered the injection and kept continuously monitoring her vitals.

She awoke almost ten minutes later, confused and lethargic. 

“Claudia.” The medic calls out her name and she looks around the room. 

“Where am I?” She asks, voice hoarse. “What happened?” She groans and rubs her head feeling the remnants of headache forming.

“Your blood sugar dropped and you fainted during the game.” He explains. “How do you feel?” 

She shrugs and groans again. “My head hurts.” 

“Drink this. It’ll help.” He hands her a juice box and she opens it, slurping away at the surgery liquid. “Good ain’t it?”

She hums and finishes it within seconds, forgetting what this tasted like since she’s been depriving herself.

“Did you eat today?” He asks. 

“I guess I just forgot to eat this morning.” She quietly replies.

“Just this morning?” Louis presses.

“Louis, not right now.” Lestat rubs his hand along Claudia’s and sends a soft smile in her direction. “Drink your juice, ma petite.” 

Claudia was able to be taken home half an hour later when her vitals stabilized and her blood sugar returned to normal. She was given strict instructions to no longer skip meals, as if she’d listen to what those people had to say because they had NO idea what she was going through. 

When they returned back home, Claudia was quick to divert her parents’ questioning and decided to take a long hot shower. But she was still forced to eat dinner with her family; however that didn’t stop her and her two best friends from throwing it all back up once she knew her parents were asleep.

•••

Since her “accident” during the game, it cost them their championship and life has just gotten worse for the sixteen year old. 

She’s become distant from everyone, even herself. She’s been skipping school some days and pretending she’s sick other days just so she doesn't have to deal with people. 

Today was one of those days and she needed to make an appearance from time to time. Today was just the wrong day for her to show up because today those girls decided to dabble in fuckery and Claudia would make them wish they hadn’t. 

Making the same walk from class to class as she did everyday, something felt off today. There was something in the air and she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. 

Her phone started to violently vibrate in her pocket so she pulled it out and saw she was being tagged in something. When she opened it there was a paparazzi photo of her parents very clearly in the middle of an argument. 

Louis de Pointe du Lac and Lestat de Lioncourt are seen arguing outside their estate earlier this week. More trouble in paradise or is it the end of an era?

She shook her head and stuffed it back into her pocket. Those articles were usually filled with nothing but nonsense and as for the photo well her parents argued all the time, it was nothing new, especially to her. 

She ignored it and continued on, making her way towards her sixth period class when she saw Tate and her posse standing by their lockers. She just held her chin up and kept on walking, rushing past them.

“What’s the matter, piglet? Mommy and daddy finally realizing what a shame their daughter is?” Tate teased and caught up to Claudia. “Hey I’m talking to you! What are you deaf now too?! Fat, stupid, and deaf?!” 

Claudia ignored her and kept walking. 

“Maybe they should’ve gotten rid of you like they were supposed to. Poor little Claudia. Even her parents don’t want a fatty to call their daughter.” 

“Why don’t you shut your fucking mouth and leave me alone?!” 

“Or what?!” The girl crosses her arms over her chest and tilts her head ever so slightly while popping out her hip. “Too fat to-”

Claudia didn’t know what happened but it happened so fast. One moment she was standing there and the next, Tate was on the ground holding her bloody nose. She gave her a right hook right to the nose and sent her to the ground. 

“Oh shit.” Claudia mutters once she realizes what she just did. 

Tate got up and punched Claudia back but Claudia barely flinched because this girl did not know how to throw a punch. 

And before they knew it, they were attacking each other in a cat fight, garnering a crowd surrounding them. Hair was pulled, scratches were given, punches were thrown, and Claudia was not going to let his girl win. She was a Lioncourt goddammit!

Claudia just saw red and was going to make the bitch pay for everything she’s ever said and done to her. If she could she’d probably kill her. She was filled with so much rage and anger. She just kept attacking her without a second thought. 

After a bit she feels herself being pulled away from Tate but holds onto her hair causing the girl to scream. It takes several other staff members to make Claudia release her grip and drag her away as the crowd disperses after being threatened with a detention if they’re late to class. 

Claudia is brought to the nurses office along with Tate, both sustaining very minor injuries yet both sporting bruises, bloody noses, scratches and Claudia had a sprained wrist but other than that she felt fine. 

“Are you two going to tell me what possessed you to attack each other?” The principal asks, cocking a slightly bushy bow at them.

Neither girl talked and just rolled their eyes at each other. 

“Well since neither of you are saying anything I will speak with you both separately. Your parents will be called in and we will further discuss punishment for your choice behavior. Expulsion is certainly going to be considered.” 

She decides to speak with Tate first. That’s okay. It gave Claudia time to think about what she was going to say and how she was going to continue to defend herself. 

Thirty minutes later she was escorted to the principal’s office by the secretary. Her wrist was wrapped in an ace bandage and she was given an ice pack to help with the swelling.

Tate exited the principal’s office with her parents behind her and very smugly eyed Claudia as she passed by her with her mother’s perfectly manicured hand on her shoulder. 

“Bitch.” Claudia mutters under her breath and enters the office. 

“Neither of your parents are answering their cell phones. We’ve called them several times but are unable to get through to them and I prefer to have a meeting with them here so for now I’m going to send you home until we can all sit down and discuss this matter but please know I will be sending a lengthy email to your parents explaining this situation-” 

“-Don’t you want to hear my side?!” 

“I will when you’re here with your parents.” She says and Claudia shrinks back in her seat, livid that she wasn’t even given the chance to defend herself. 

“This is so unfair!” 

The principal ignores her and continues on. “Is there anyone else we can contact to come get you? Another relative maybe?” 

Claudia thinks and rolls her eyes when she realizes who was left. 

“Well there is one other person.” 

•••

“I’m so sorry I’m late. Traffic was a nightmare!” Armand bursted through the front office with Avalon on his hip and a baby bag hanging haphazardly off his shoulder. “Claudia, mon dieu, what happened to you?”

“I’m sorry but who are you?” The principal asks.

“Oh, forgive me. I’m Armand. Claudia’s…uncle.” He lied. “I’m here to sign her out for the day due to an altercation?” It came out more like a question than a statement. 

“Yes. Claudia had an altercation with another student and since neither of her parents are available to meet with me today I’m dismissing her from classes for the rest of the week.”

“Very well. Claudia, are you ready to go?” He asks.

“Yes.” She got up from the seat and followed Armand as they left the school. 

They climbed into his black Denali and Armand sighed knowing he was now really involved in whatever was going on in Claudia’s life as if he wasn’t already.

“Would you care to tell me why I got a phone call to come pick you up? Me of all people. The what is it? Homewrecker?”

“You better hold onto the steering wheel for what I’m about to say.”

“What is it. You’re not pregnant are you? Your father is going to kill you!”

“No, I'm not pregnant. But I am sorry.” Armand’s head does a quick turn towards Claudia, unsure if he heard her correctly. 

“Y-You’re sorry?”

“Yes. I’ve been a terrible person to you. I’ve acted like a spoiled brat and I guess I’m just not so sure how I feel about all that’s going on with my parents but that’s my problem and I’ve taken it out on you.”

Armand swallows and looks into the rearview mirror to check on Avalon then glances at Claudia again. He’s not exactly sure what to say to her. 

“You have every right to hate me and not forgive me but you were kind enough to come pick me up when you could’ve easily ignored the call. I owe you big time, including an apology so again I’m sorry.”

“You really hurt me by calling me all those names and spreading lies about me and my daughter. What occurred between me and your father was something that happened due to poor judgment from both of us. But I hope that in time you and I can have some sort of friendship or at least remain cordial with each other.”

Claudia’s lips curl into a half smile at the proposal. 

“I understand you were put into a tough situation and I apologize for that. Plus you’re a teenager nonetheless, it’s no surprise you’re such a rebel. But Claudia, can I know what happened at school?”

“If I do, I need you to promise that you will not tell my parents, especially my father.”

“I promise.” 

Claudia cocked a brow because he didn’t sound believable.

“I promise I will not tell your father or Louis about whatever it is you’re going to share with me. So help me god.”

“Well you didn’t need to say all that but thank you.” She takes a deep breath and tells him everything from the social media pages being created to make fun of her to her and her boyfriend breaking up. She didn’t dare tell him about her eating and purging habits. That’s another story. 

Armand was appalled that someone as strong willed and tough as Claudia was dealing with so much. 

By the time she was done, they had arrived at the house where Lestat’s truck was parked in the driveway beside Louis’.

“Before we go in I want you to know that if you ever need someone to talk to I’m here for you. I know it may not be an ideal situation but I don’t want you getting hurt further.”

“I appreciate that. Thank you Armand.”

“And one last thing. I may have promised not to say a word to your parents but they will find out eventually.”

“I know but I’d rather they hear it from me first.”

He nods and they proceed to exit the vehicle. 

Once they’re inside, Louis and Lestat are standing there waiting for her and their faces just say it all.

“Care to explain the phone call and email we received from your principal today? You got into a fight with another student? What the hell’s the matter with you, Claudia?!” Louis was fuming, eyes wide and scary. 

Claudia’s quiet. She looked between her parents unsure of what to say or do. 

“Well? What do you have to say for yourself?” Lestat questions. 

“Answer us, Claudia!” 

She takes one last look at them then runs upstairs, slamming her bedroom door moments later, leaving the three adults in the foyer. 

“Why the fuck haven’t you said anything about this?! Did you know?” Louis asks, Armand. 

“I’m not here right now. And I am the least of your priorities right now because your daughter is struggling and she needs the both of you more than ever.” He tells them. “Go on. I’ll keep an eye on the little ones. But might I suggest you refrain from yelling. It won’t do anyone any good and frankly it’s quite annoying.” 

Louis and Lestat take Armand’s advice and venture upstairs to Claudia’s room. It was locked so they knocked and waited, leading to them having to use the spare key to unlock it. 

“Claudia-”

“-GO AWAY!” She shouts into her pillow. 

Lestat closes the door while Louis carefully approaches her. “Claudia, we just want to talk to you.”

“GET OUT AND LEAVE ME ALONE!” She screams at them and they can see the giant elephant tears running down her red and puffy face. 

“We wanna talk to you.” Lestat tries.

“Why?! I don’t have anything to say to either of you!” She spat and tried to make a run for it but Lestat stopped her by grabbing her shoulders. “Let me go!” She yells in his face and he wears a dejected expression on his face. 

“We just want to help you, cheri. Please let us.” He brings her back to her bed and sits her down beside Louis.

“Help us understand, Claudia.” Louis takes his daughter’s hand and holds it in his lap. “Please?” 

“UGH! You don’t know what it’s like!” She’s up again, but this time she doesn’t leave her room. Instead she looks at herself in the mirror, seeing something she’s come to hate over the last few weeks. “All anyone can do at school is look at me and whisper things about me and point at me because my father had a secret affair and now has two baby mamas while also having public outbursts that are posted everywhere online with whatever lover he’s chosen this week! It’s just a fun time being the daughter of Louis and Lestat lately! Whoopdy-fucking-doo!”

“Is that why you haven’t been eating and skipping meals?” Louis asks, eyes lowered to the ground. “I know Claudia. I know everything. But, why?” 

He knew. How did he know? She was careful, very careful. 

“Because!” She turns around to face them and they can see the hurt written all over her face. “I’m a fat fucking pig that everyone talks about and jokes about at school and posts about online and I had no one!...I have no one.” She covers torso with her arms and cries harder. 

“Oh Claudia, my beautiful girl.” Louis’ quick to get to her, engulfing her in his arms. “Why didn’t you say anything?” She cries in his arms because she’s missed the feeling of being in her mother’s arms. “Talk to us, love. We just want to understand and figure out how we can help you.”

She nods, sniffling as they give her some time to collect herself. Lestat had gone to get a glass of cold water for her to sip on. 

“There’s…There’s this account they made.” She wipes her tears and opens her phone to show them. “They post pictures of me and talk about how heavy I am and-and how much weight I’ve gained so I…” She couldn’t bear to give them the details of her purging. 

“What does Hayes say about all this?” Lestat asks. 

Claudia shakes her head at the thought of her ex-boyfriend. “Hayes and I broke up weeks ago.” 

“Well maybe it’s for the best.” He mutters and Louis sends him a knowing look as he’s handed the phone to see all the clearly photoshopped images of Claudia looking like she’d gained a significant amount of weight 

“We broke up and I needed my parents but neither of you were there for me. My heart was broken, is broken, and I needed you. I needed both of you.” 

“Claudia, we are so sorry about you and Hayes and-and all of this.” 

“So sorry that you wanted an abortion when you were pregnant with me?” Louis swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down. “You didn’t want me, right? You were going to get rid of me as if I was nothing.” 

“Claudia…I…-”

“-It’s true isn’t it? I wasn’t wanted. No one wanted me.” 

“Yes. It’s true…It was true at the time.” Louis says and tucks a few strands of hair behind her ear as she keeps her face down. “Your father and I were going through a very hard time in our lives when I was pregnant with you. I didn’t feel like we were ready but you have to believe me Claudia, I am so glad I didn’t go through with it because then I never would’ve been blessed with the opportunity to meet you.” 

Her eyes meet his and she can see he has tears in them. “You made this world a much better place, Claudia. You still do. You are beautiful both inside and out and I know it may be hard for you to see it now but it’s real.”

Lestat tilts his head and rubs a hand along his daughter’s back. “Claudia did you ever have any…desire to…” He hesitantly inquired, unable to face her directly.

“Sometimes, yeah.” She answers, quietly. “But I never actually tried anything.” 

Hearing that caused Louis’ heart to plummet to his gut. 

“Ma cheri,” Lestat drops to his knees and clasps her hands together in his. “Please, promise me you won’t ever do something like that. You are so beautiful and smart and probably more stubborn than me but you, Claudia,” He releases her hands and cradles her face in his hands. “You are the most special and incredible human being that has ever walked this Earth. Don’t ever forget that.” 

Claudia shakes his head and exhales a shaky breath, nose running and tears flowing down her rounded cheeks. “It,” She hiccups and shakes her head again. “It doesn’t feel like it, though.” 

“But it is true.” He stands up and presses a delicate kiss to her forehead. “Why don’t we let you rest while we talk okay?” She nods and sniffles, moving to lay down. 

“We’ll be just in our room okay? We love you.” 

“Love you too.” She whimpers and lays her head back against her pillows, taking shaky breath after shaky breath. 

Louis waited until they left her room and were behind closed doors to completely break down, nearly collapsing onto the cold hardwood but was caught by Lestat. 

“Shh, shh, Louis. She’ll hear you.” 

Louis shakes his head, sobbing in his hus-in Lestat’s arms feeling like he’s failed as a parent.

“Come, sweetheart. Let’s have a seat.” Lestat practically drags him to their bed and sits them down onto the mattress while holding him and soothing him. “Shh, shh, shh.”

Louis let it all out and didn’t hold back.

It took him a couple minutes to collect himself and his thoughts. He took a deep breath and wiped his face before moving across the room to open the window and let some fresh air inside.

“Okay, uhm, what’s the plan?” He asks while crossing his arms over his chest.

“What plan?” Lestat questions.

Louis zones in on Lestat, confused. “Our daughter is hurting and we need to help her.” 

“Whatever it is you decide I’m right there with you.” 

“I want us to make that decision together. You need to have some part in this too.” He walks back towards the blonde and sits beside him. “She needs help. A therapist, psychiatrist, counselor, something. She needs to see someone, Les, she’s not okay.” 

“What do you suppose we do? You know whatever we tell her she’ll just shrug it off. Have you forgotten where she gets her stubbornness from?” 

“Course not. I deal with it everyday…Well I was dealing with it.” Louis sighs and closes his eyes realizing how absent he’s been from his daughter’s life. Sure he was there, but he was never presently there. “God I’ve been such an awful parent to her lately.” He blames himself for this happening. He knew he was at fault for his daughter’s choices and actions. 

“I’m in just as deep as you, Louis. I haven’t been father of the year in a long time.” Lestat frowns and practically deflates. “When did we become like this?” 

“I dunno, Les. But right now we need to focus on helping our daughter first before worrying about ourselves.”

The two of them go back and forth with ideas until finally coming to an agreement. They walked back to Claudia’s room and quietly knocked before entering. 

“Claudia? Are you asleep?” 

“No.” She answers and turns on the lamp beside her as she moves to face her parents.

“How are you feeling, ma petite?” 

“Okay.” She shrugs and curls herself into her blankets. 

Louis sits down on the edge of the bed while Lestat scoots in by her head, pulling it into his lap, running his fingers through her hair. “Your father and I talked and we are going to meet with your principal tomorrow and make her aware of what’s been going on. We’re also going to bring this to the attention of the board of education because this should not be taken lightly and that girl deserves to be expelled from the school.”

Lestat slides his arm down and holds her hand, lacing their fingers together as Louis continues. 

“We think it’d be best that you start seeing a therapist because we know things haven’t been easy for you lately and that’s partly our fault but we want to help you in any way we can. We want you to see someone once a week or at least twice a month just to talk and get your feelings out. Would that be something you’d be willing to do?”

Claudia’s quiet as she thinks. 

“You don’t have to give us an answer tonight. You can sleep on it but we want you to know that whatever you decide we will support you, Claudia.” Lestat says. “Even if you need a few days to think about it and deci-”

“-I’ll go.” She says and sits up from his lap. “I’ll go see a therapist on one condition.” She looks at them both. “You two have to see one as well. I don’t care if it’s couples counseling or individual therapy but you both need help just as much as I do and if I’m going to be seeing someone I think it’s only fair you do too because the three of us all know things are not okay. No matter how much you pretend and play house, whatever is there needs to be talked about.” 

Louis looks at Lestat and Lestat looks at Louis, both of them giving the other the same look. 

“Fair enough.” 

“Very well.” 

“So then we’re in agreement? We’re all going to see someone because we’re all bat shit crazy?” Claudia asks and her parents chuckle but seemingly agree. 

They move to get up and leave her again but Claudia didn’t want to be alone. 

“Wait.” She says and they turn to face her. “Daddy, can you stay for a minute?” She asks Lestat. 

“As you wish.” He goes and sits back down beside her.

Louis exits the room, giving Lestat and Claudia some privacy to talk. 

“What is it you would like to talk about, ma petite?” Claudia looks at her father and can’t help but cry which confuses him. “Oh sweetheart. What is it? Tell daddy.” 

She shakes her head one second then the next she’s got her arms around him, hugging him, squeezing him tightly.

“I miss you daddy.” She cried and it was enough to break him. “I miss you terribly.”

“Mon chou, I miss you too.” He whimpers and wraps his arms around her. 

“You don’t have time for me anymore.” 

Lestat began to cry harder, feeling an actual physical pain forming within his chest. His heart was breaking.“I’m sorry for all the pain that I have caused you, Claudia. I never meant to hurt you. Never in a million years, my beloved.” He holds her tighter and kisses her curls, thinking back to when she was little. All cute and innocent, without a worry in the world. It broke his heart knowing and seeing how much pain she was in and that he was the reason for almost all of it. He needed to make things right. He needed to do right by her.

“I’m going to make things right again. I’m going to change, Claudia.”

“You promise?” She asks and pulls herself off of him. 

He looks at her and nods with a small smile. “I promise.” He says and reaches a hand out to wipe away her tears. 

Claudia stifles a yawn, all this crying made her very sleepy. 

“Why don’t you get some more rest, my love?”

She nods and moves to lay down. “Can you stay with me until I fall asleep?”

“Absolutely.” He grins and moves to lay beside her, much like he used to when she was five. He lays on his side facing her and twirls his finger around her curls. 

Claudia’s unable to keep herself awake, eyes growing heavy as sleep invades her mind. She mutters a quiet, “I love you” to Lestat before she’s completely out and he stays by her side for the rest of the night, keeping her safe within reach. 

•••

several weeks later

Louis and Lestat did not take the situation with Claudia lightly. They met with her principal, which resulted in an unsuccessful attempt at getting Tate expelled from school. Lestat could play dirty. After their failed attempt, they filed a lawsuit against the school and took it to the Board of Education who performed a thorough investigation on the matter, concluding that Tate, along with the other girls who created and ran the social media account and tormented Claudia would be expelled immediately. Claudia was suspended for three weeks, however, her parents gave her the decision to stay at that school with the girls gone or enroll elsewhere. She chose the latter, but with it being nearly the end of the school year she just decided to finish whatever she had left to do and be done with that place. 

They did suggest homeschooling her but she refused because she claimed she needed social interaction for her own sanity. She’ll start at a new school in the beginning of August. New beginnings was how she looked at it. New faces, new teachers, new classes, she had nothing to lose. 

With Summer looming right around the corner, the family was doing okay. Claudia started to see a psychiatrist not long after the incident and her parents decided to enroll in couple’s counseling. Louis even took it a step further and met with his own therapist, feeling like it would be good to vent to someone without judgement from Lestat. He encouraged Lestat to do the same but Lestat being Lestat disregarded the suggestion claiming he did not need it. 

Today he had planned to spend it with his other girl, Avalon. He feels he’s been neglectful of his time with her so he decided to spend the entire day with her. 

Lestat arrived at Armand’s apartment and used his key to let himself in, excited to see his babies, only to be met with silence. 

“Armand?” He calls and checks the rooms to see if they were there but no one was home. 

He went to Armand’s office and checked his calendar to see he had nothing planned for this week. He grumbles at the thought of Armand leaving with his daughter without any knowledge of it. 

Lestat whips out his phone and calls Armand.

“Hello Lestat. I’ve been waiting for your call.” Armand greets, smugly. 

“C’est quoi ce bordel, Armand?! Ou es-tu?” Lestat barks into the phone. “Where is my daughter?!” 

“She’s with me. We’re in Palm Springs.”

“Why are you there and why is Avalon with you?!” 

“I had to attend a business meeting so I brought her along. She’s loving the desert and being in the pool with all the models.” He can practically hear Armand smiling on the other end. “We’re having fun.” 

“What makes you think you can just take my daughter on a business trip without consulting me? I had things planned for us to do and you just disregard them!” 

“Excuse me? She is not just your daughter. She is our daughter. If I want to take her with me then I will. You do not control her Les-” 

Lestat scoffs and abruptly hangs up the phone. There was only one way to solve this and that was to fly to Palm Springs so he could confront Armand. 

Six hours later, Lestat landed in the desert. He ordered the driver to take him to Sonora Sunrise since he had some friends in low places who were able to locate exactly where Armand was. 

He arrives at a one level house thirty minutes later, gives the driver a rather large tip, grabs his bag and exits the vehicle. He walked up the path to the front door and just as he’s about to knock, the door opens and it’s Armand. 

“You’ve got to be joking.” Armand shakes his head in disbelief that Lestat took it upon himself to fly from New Orleans all the way to Palm Springs just because his daughter wasn’t where she was supposed to be. “What are you doing here Lestat?” 

“I’ve come to see my daughter.” Lestat curtly responds and enters the house, unwelcomed. “Where is she?” 

“She’s asleep. She’s had a busy day. What are you really doing here Lestat?” Armand knew Lestat well enough to know he was here for a different reason. He wanted closure. 

“This is it then?” He asks, breathless. “You’re moving on and taking her with you.” Tears sting in his eyes as the realization hits him like a ton of bricks. 

Armand huffs and goes to sit on one of the aqua blue couches, holding his head in his hands. He moves them back and forth in his hair before looking up at Lestat. 

“I will always love you, you know that but…” He takes a deep breath as he feels his eyes burn with tears. “I’m not meant for this love triangle I’ve found myself in.”

“I love you.” 

“I know you do but you love Louis more.” Armand says and Lestat knew he was right. He did love Louis more. Louis was his person and there was no denying that. Armand then stood up and approached Lestat so that they’re standing just a few feet away from each other. “Just because this is over doesn’t mean I’ll stop you from seeing Avalon. She’s still your daughter and I want you to be in her life but you need to get your life together, Lestat. You know it and I know it.” 

Armand reaches up and brushes his hand along Lestat’s jaw, using his thumb to wipe away the blonde’s fallen tears. 

“You’re a wonder, Lestat de Lioncourt. But this is the end for us.”

Lestat doesn’t say anything and instead kisses Armand, savoring it. He holds Armand’s head in his hands, deepening the kiss until he pulls away for the last time. 

“She’ll always be yours, Les. But for now she’s going to be with me and we’re going to see the world.” 

Lestat nods and looks down, feeling Armand press one more kiss to his lips then pulls away for the last time. Armand took himself to the back patio and stood there crying to himself while Lestat waited outside for the car he ordered so he could fly back home and be with his one true love. 

•••

When Lestat returns back to the house in New Orleans he’s met by Louis, who had no idea he even left the state and just returned all in the same day. 

“Hey, where were you?” Louis asks from where he’s stood at the bottom of the stairs with a basket of folded clothes. 

“I need to talk to you.” Lestat states.

“No, I…” Lestat then pulls out a small velvet box and gets down on one knee, opening it to reveal an Emerald ring with a gold band.

“Lestat,”

“I love you Louis. I have loved you since the day I first met you. You have given me more than I could ever imagine. You gave me a family, two beautiful kids, and you let me love you unapologetically. I’m not expecting you to say yes but I need you to know that you are the one for me, Louis. The only one. My Saint Louis. You’re my beginning. My middle. And my end. I want to continue this life with you and only you because I cannot bear to live in a world without you in it. Will you marry me, again?”

“Lestat, I…” Louis lets out a shaky breath unsure of what to say. 

“It’s you Louis…It was always you.”

Louis swallows and exhales. “I love you Lestat. I’ve always loved you but…I don’t want to get hurt again. I don’t want our kids to get hurt again.” 

“I know and I’m sorry for all the pain I’ve caused you but please let me prove to you that I’ve changed. Please let me love you for eternity, Louis.” 

Louis’ quiet and Lestat bites his tongue waiting for a response. 

“Okay.” Louis says softly. “Yes, I’ll marry you.” He adds and Lestat grins, removing the ring from the box and sliding it onto Louis’ finger. “It’s beautiful, Les. And it’s an emerald. You remembered.” Louis smiles as he admires the piece of jewelry that decorated his ring finger. 

“Always, Louis.” Lestat stands back up and wraps his arms around Louis from behind, watching his husband continue to stare at the ring. 

“What does this mean for us? What are we now?” Louis asks. 

“This is our vow to love each other endlessly until death do us part.” Lestat then dips Louis and kisses him, both of them moaning into each other’s mouths as they share probably one of the most heated, most consuming, most vicious and fiercest kisses either of them have ever received in their entire life. 

Chapter Text

Hi everyone, 

I never thought I'd be the author to make one of these but here I am. 

I don't know if I'll ever finish this series. The outline is done, I have it all planned out, but I have absolutely no motivation or desire to continue writing at the moment. 

Life is just getting in the way. I just worked my ass off to get my degree in a career I'm very passionate about and that career is starting very soon so I need 100% focus on that and not this. 

So unfortunately with that being said I'm afraid this is goodbye for now. I hope you can all understand and not hate me. Maybe in time this will get finished but I don't think it'll happen for at least a few months.

Take care <3 

Liza