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Chapter Text

Vampirism fit Daniel like a leather glove.

Two years after Dubai, Daniel had reached his peak. He published Interview with the Vampire, he gave interviews, podcasts, bibliographies and anything else the attention he received could buy. Including eternal life, of course. This, being given to him as a bloody and vengeful "parting gift" by the vampire Armand. No hard feelings, but fuck that asshole. Daniel has never seen his maker again since, having learned to deal with his new life after death thanks to the lessons in the book itself and of course, Louis' help.

So yeah, the nights of shaking hands and tiredness are over, and the nights of alcoholic blood and eternal life are here to stay.

Except the weather has been heavy lately.

Every day, he received more threats from other vampires, against him, against Louis, and against the rising rock star: the vampire Lestat. Man, he had to interview this vampire and make a sequel soon! But then, this heavy, mysterious cloud hung over him as well. Yes, the vampires were more agitated, even Louis cut off communication with Daniel altogether. For him, it doesn't matter, the dark-haired guy must be out there fucking the blond guy or something, but again, the bad feeling came. And there was a name, a whisper coming from the other side of the world: Akasha.

What was she? Who was she? He didn't know, he knew as much as the voices buzzing in the communication network that is the vampire mind, and only two things seemed certain: she was a potential threat and even the elders were worried.

But Daniel went on with his life, strolling through the empty streets of New York at three in the morning. Hand in pocket, cigarette against lips. He liked that breeze that announced an approaching autumn. The vampire walked the streets like a nomad, perhaps to release his own anxiety or, with luck, find a drug addict to satisfy his desire for another taste of ignorance. He hunted alone, of course, which made each night last even longer.

But then Daniel stopped, as he felt two presences following him. He was being watched, of course, by many immortals, mostly curious fledglings. But not this time, he could feel that ancient power nearby, enough to make the hairs on his arms stand up against the leather jacket he wore. There was no point in running away anymore, but he tried to ignore the presences. He walked faster, bumping shoulders with the few young adults and vagrants who wandered around Times Square. He heard whispers, footsteps, he was used to being watched from afar, but not like this.

Frustrated, he walked down an alley, turning toward the street, waiting in growing tension for the feeling to go away. But it didn't, and two vampires materialized in front of him. Young faces, old blood. They wore old-fashioned cloaks, as if they had come from the eighteenth century or something, they growled.

"Hey folks, if you wanted an autograph you could have just asked, I don't really like being followed" Daniel said, the cigarette fell from his fingers. He tried to appear calm, even though he had a feeling of foreboding - he had never seen another vampire other than Louis and Armand.

The two vampires exchanged glances. The one who seemed to be in charge spoke. "Daniel Molloy. Your recklessness will doom us all," his voice said gruffly, "We've been watching you for a while"

"Wait, you guys work for the Talamasca?" Daniel frowned, taking a step back as the vampires seemed to be cornering him.

The elder laughed out loud, "That bunch of inferior beings think they know anything. They don't. We work for the great mother of the damned" Another step forward, his dark gaze was mesmerizing, as if every word and step he took, made waves vibrate against Daniel's bones. "We will kill the agents of chaos one by one. Starting with you."

The two vampires hissed together, baring their massive fangs as they advanced on Daniel. Adrenaline coursed through his veins. He could fight, maybe he wasn't as strong as the old ones, and this the idea made his chest tighten with fear.

Daniel then quickly lost his breath as his lungs felt the impact he had against the wall. He was pushed, not by the hideous vampires, but by something else. His eyes widened as he watched three shadows move in the alley. This new figure came from above, probably jumping from the roof and, with one blow, decapitated one of the vampires. Blood ran down Daniel's face as within seconds he saw a head on the ground and a body without it standing, and then, before the body hit the ground, the figure was already on top of the other vampire, who was shaken and pinned against the wall.

Armand. It was Armand who Daniel saw pressing down on the vampire who was choking on his own blood, throat slit. Vibrant orange eyes stared into black ones, followed by sharp fangs that snarled at the pursuer's face. "Keep sending your friends and I'll kill them one by one."

Armand's voice was cold, menacing, drawling as their faces came closer, the cornered one gasped, and Armand looked at him in disgust, pressing his claws against his neck, making him scream in pain, forcing him to pay attention to the following words. Armand's bloodstained hand pointed at Daniel as he fought the vampire. "You're not to harm him. Daniel is under my care, the next one who comes to him will have to go through me, do you understand?"

The vampire groaned in pain, shaking his head rapidly. He had seemed so strong before, but now he seemed like a mere fly on a enormous web. The eldest of them growled and let the other go. The vampire looked at his decapitated companion beside him, muttered a curse, and crawled out of the alley, probably to warn the others. Daniel was almost shaking as he watched the scene. The world seemed to freeze, fuck these vampires, because his maker was standing in front of him.

Armand was fine, though the lines under his eyes made him look insane. His black curls fell perfectly over his face—just like in San Francisco, He was wearing a long black patterned coat and had an unreadable look on his face. Fuck, the last time his fledgling saw that look was when he was slammed into a wall in Dubai.

"Hello Daniel"

Daniel had a lot to say: where have you been all this time? Who are these? Who is this great mother? Were you following me? Why didn't you come before? You're a shitty maker. "I could handle them myself" the journalist replied angrily.

Armand smiled. Like he had never smiled in Dubai, even though it was shy and discreet. "I guess we'll never know now" the voice took on a sweet echo, each gesture making Daniel wonder more and more what the hell was going on.

There was an awkward silence, as Daniel watched his maker intently, seeing him through the vampire lens for the first time. Armand sounded so otherworldly. "Ask me, Daniel. I know you want to."

"Who were they?" Daniel asked, thinking that these would be the most basic question.

Armand tilted his head to the side. "Ask me what you really want to know"

Daniel frowned, fear returning to his body. He didn't say anything. The journalist without limits, risking his own life for a good story... didn't want to know the answer to the question 'are you here to stay?'. And maybe Armand doesn't deserve to be asked that question.

The older man stared at the fledgling for a few seconds, then reached into the hidden pocket of his own coat and took out a pack of cigarettes. Daniel watched suspiciously, his mind working quickly to try to understand what the hell was happening to the world and to him, the presence of his maker made him feel helpless. Fuck the vampire bond. The orange-eyed vampire smoked, lighting the cigarette with the power of his mind, generating a spark at the tip, just enough for the cigarette to be lit. Then he walked over to Daniel, who was still suspicious.

"Here, you'll need it, as long as you pay attention to what I'm about to tell you." Armand warned, taking the cigarette from his own lips and placing it on Daniel's. The fledgling has no idea why he accepted, pressing the wad between his own lips and drawing in air. That was new, whatever  the fledgling-maker thing was.

"Come" Armand said, turning to walk out of the alley and into the streets without thinkig twice before leaving the body behind. And he didn't even need to ask, because Daniel was pretty much on his maker's radar. He walked beside the other, smoking actually calming his nerves. Armand rested his hands in his pockets. A warm feeling filled him. For the first time in his life, the journalist said nothing, he just absorbed the strange sensation.

"I don't have the answers you seek, Daniel," Armand sighed between the brief silence.

"Then what the fuck are you doing here?" Daniel retorted, as it was easier to act defensive than emotional.

Armand shrugged, seeming to think about it, not to care. But he did care, and he knew exactly why he was there. "I know people who have answers, and who can offer us protection and even, perhaps, solve the imminent threat" He concluded, his voice not betraying his tension.

Daniel rolled his eyes, making a sound of disdain. "You mean Akasha? Who is she and why is she a threat? My Talamasca informants really messed with you"

"They're not from Talamasca, Daniel," Armand snapped. "They're vampires, powerful and potentially to blame for what's happening, whatever is going to happen. And yes, it has to do with her."

"Do these vampires have names?" Daniel continued with the mockery.

A smirk appeared on the older man's face. "Some have not yet crossed your path, Santino, Pandora, Khayman.." Armand sighed, face sad as if all the breath in the world wasn't enough. "Marius de Romanus."

"The name is not unfamiliar to me. Marius the painter?" Daniel frowned, flicking his cigarette so that the ashes fell to the ground. He kept walking, but noticed that his maker had remained standing where he was.

"Marius, my maker" He replied calmly.

That's when things started to get weirder, not that Daniel wasn't used to it. Another lie? Of course, he couldn't expect anything less from Armand. "Oh really? Didn't you say he was dead or something?" The journalist replied mockingly as he crossed his arms, and indeed, it was hilarious.

This seemed to hurt the vampire behind the orange eyes, that confused look of victim spreading across his face. "He was." Gaze drifted to Daniel's feet "Dead or something" Another sigh that wasn't very well received, but that didn't matter now, and feeling the other's distrust he had to be a little more insistent.

Armand took a step closer to Daniel, pupils dilating in despair. "I know I didn't give you any reasons, but I need you to trust me." He had barely finished the sentence and Daniel rolled his eyes, but he insisted. "They'll keep coming after you until they stop, because something much worse is coming. I need you to come with me, I need you with me before someone less desirable makes you this offer"

"And why should I?" Daniel retorted angrily, trying to ignore the slight sensation of Armand's fingers falling on his arms, uncrossing them.

"Because Daniel, you and I are vampires, powerful and potentially to blame for what's happening, whatever is going to happen" He spoke clearly. His hand was hot as hell, firm, and Daniel once again found himself unarmed.

"Who else is involved? Where would we go?" More questions, as it seemed like a comfortable mask.

"I fear that your friends Louis and Lestat are the epicenter of this chaos. We must find them and the rest of the Council in the Night Island, Florida"

Daniel raised his eyebrows, giving a wry chuckle. "You want to go to an imaginary island with your ex-lovers who happen to be together now, what the hell?"

"I don't want to, Daniel, I need to," Armand replied, patient with his fledgling's doubts, and that was fine, he always knew Daniel would be difficult to deal with. "And Night Island is my property, it's not imaginary. You've been there, but you don't remember it," he replied promptly, once again showing an offended face. No, not offended, maybe hurt? The journalist couldn't say.

Daniel's lips dropped open, trying to understand that sentence and what it meant, but before he could protest and curse that lying maker, he was interrupted. "We don't have much time, Daniel. I'll answer your questions when I can, and you'll have your answers when we meet them. For now, we need to go," he warned.

The vampires exchanged glances, the older one looked tired, having burned all the tape and good impressions he could have already made on the other. But this was too important to be ruined. "You have beautiful eyes," he murmured, sincere, miraculously sincere and embarrassed.

"The only thing I inherited from my maker I hope" Daniel retorted.

A small smile tugged at the corner of Armand's lips. "Let's go on my jet. That way you can.. rest. Beloved."

The last two words came blurred in Daniel's hearing, and he felt his soul momentarily unfold to a neutral place. A well-dressed Armand was looking at him saying the words, he heard glasses toasting? A fancy place?, but the vision was quickly gone, as fast as the fragments in Dubai once did. The vampire blinked hard, what the fuck was this again? Stunned, he felt the older vampire grab his wrist and pull him away through the streets. Disarmed again, he found himself following his maker, squinting to see if that fragment would come back to him.

Chapter Text

Curiosity was what made Daniel get into an armored car with Armand and then into a private jet at the airport, and his maker made sure to take full advantage of that. So now he saw a vampire very far from the submissive and quiet one he saw in Dubai, yes, this vampire was much more like the crazy one from San Francisco. Armand led the way as they boarded the jet in the early hours of the morning, closing the windows with a brief wave of his hand. Daniel peered through the cracks, curious. He had traveled first class before and still he found the luxury impressive. The perks of being the only child of a multimillionaire vampire, he supposed.

Armand sat on the padded sit opposite to his fledgling, removing his coat and and rang a bell next to his seat. The mechanism called an employee, making Daniel wonder where they got these people. The man brought two martine glasses he assumed, except the drink was red. 

Daniel watched, narrowing his eyes in suspicion, quiet in his seat as he just watched Armand raise his glass as if to make a toast. "To our meeting" he said.

"Fuck you" Was Daniel's reply, which made the older vampire smile. And there he was with his journalist hat on, crossing his arms again. "You said I've been to this island before but I don't remember. What kind of nonsense is this? Should I blame you for this? Or was it just a lie to get on my good side?" He asked, deciding that he would take advantage of this time together to decipher his maker.

Armand sighed. "It wasn't a lie, Daniel." He took a small sip of the drink served in the fancy glass, the smell of blood rising in Daniel's nostrils despite not having touched his own drink.

He waited for the other to explain, but the vampire said nothing more. "And? That's it? You're not going to elaborate?" Daniel muttered, a little more aggressively, but his maker seemed willing to not touch on the subject any further. It was frustrating. Sighing angrily, he continued. "You know what? Fuck you. You won't tell me? I'll fucking find out for myself, just like I did in Dubai." He said angrily, his maker stared back at him.

"Oh I'm sure you will" Armand shivered on the seat, standing up and leaving his drink next to Daniel's which was on a support board next to them. "Take mine too, you'll need it" he asked before leaving that cabin. Okay, maybe Daniel has managed to hit a nerve after all.

They flew over Miami to land on the so-called Night Island. It was six o'clock in the morning when they flew over the place, despite the brightness of the rising sun Daniel looked through the cracks in the window. 

He saw shops, restaurants, bars, five levels of richly carpeted corridors. Silver escalators, glass walls rising above the terraces of the harbor, long, narrow beds of daffodils and tulips blooming eternally out of season; he could even imagine a hypnotic music that beat like a heart beneath it all at night. He imagined a hunted animal wandering through the dimly lit rooms of the villa, within walking distance of the tourists and shoppers. 

And then he saw their destination, completely sealed off by steel doors and white walls, a vast palace of floor-to-floor windows and wide balconies, perched on white sand. Alone, yet close to the endless commotion, its vast structure faced the twinkling lights of the Miami coast.

They landed in a huge shed, the roof of which closed in on them. Daniel took both drinks, as he was going to need them. The vampires met at the exit, Armand waited for the other to come down, a little smile on his face, as if bragging about something. "So, what did you think? Did you like the island?"

Daniel shrugged, something that would have broken the other's smile if it weren't for the third vampire who was entering the garage to greet them. Daniel observed a tall man with black hair and velvet clothing approaching, he immediately knew he was a vampire and that he was ancient.

Armand walked over to the figure and they embraced, whispering something to each other before formal introductions were made. Then the two looked at the fledgling. "Daniel, I want you to meet the vampire Santino" Armand smiled, as if excited by that. "Santino, I believe you've heard of my only fledgling, Daniel Molloy." He spoke proudly. Daniel exchanged glances with the other vampire, sketching a brief 'hello', filled with questions. 

But of course, perhaps out of pure habit, the other came to greet him formally. "It's a pleasure to meet you." 

"Is everyone here yet?" Armand asked, visibly agitated, looking around. 

Santino nodded. "Yes, they are waiting in the meeting room."

"Excellent," Armand replied, leading the way and looking around as they exited the garage into the marble hallways of the vast manor. "I missed this place," he muttered as they walked down the stairs. 

Daniel had a déjà vu, he was standing behind Santino and deciding to start his own investigation. "So...how did you two meet?" 

The black-haired vampire seemed to think for a moment about what to say, a shy smile, as if a movie was playing in his mind. "Well, let's say I rescued Armand, and introduced him to his new religion, gave him a coven, a home." He described, and before Daniel could ask more, Armand intervened.

"I didn't need to be saved, mio amico" There was no resentment in his voice, in fact Armand seemed more interested in walking faster and faster. He glanced back at them. "Daniel, it was Santino's coven that set fire to Marius' studio." He explained, sighing and looking back to the front. "I hope everything is fine between you two"

Santino shrugged with a mocking laugh, "Well, I helped bring him back, and let's just say that right now there are bigger things to worry about than something that happened centuries ago." He explained, then looking at Daniel who was walking beside him "Besides that a common factor made us act for a greater good" 

"And what is that?" Daniel tilted his head to the side and watched Santino point in Armand's direction.

Then Armand stopped, sighing deeply as he stared at one of the doors in the hallway. Tense, anxious, hurt. He felt a hand on his shoulder. "They're waiting for you," Santino's support was enough for Armand to walk through the door. 

And there he was, his maker. Marius took a step forward, but kept a polite distance. Always the gentleman, even before there was such a word. In ancient Rome, they must have had a term for such a person, infallibly good mannered, and considerate as a point of honor, and wholly successful at common courtesy to rich and poor alike. This was Marius that Armand knew. The figure wore a long, structured gray wool coat, his yellow hair was long like Lestat's hair but deeply cold rather than golden, full of random light and unruly in the damp, the same dew clinging to his golden eyebrows and darkening his long curling eyelashes around his large cobalt blue eyes. 

How trivial all his bitterness seemed. How many times over the years had he dreamed of such a reunion, and Armand had never had the courage for it; and now on this battlefield, in this time of ruin, they were at last to meet.

"My beautiful Amadeo," Marius whispered, as if he never had spoken those words more heartfelt. And Armand watched him reaching out, he felt the touch of his maker's hand- still cool and so soft. He couldn't help himself now. He was weeping. Oh, such a temptation for his broken heart, blossoming so accepting, so yielding. Then he was welcomed in those arms. For a long time he tried to understand this love, what had been its lesson? That this gift of devotion or abandon has been present in two damned souls? 

"I longed for our meeting, all the long nights." Armand murmured against his shoulder, he saw the face that painted him, and he saw the same love he had counted upon so totally in those lost nights. Marius tightened his arms around Armand, kissed his curls, running his hand covetously over Armand's shoulders. Every detail he had sought to preserve forever on canvas; every detail he had certainly preserved in death.

"I know" Marius whispered suddenly, passionately as a mortal man might. "I have always longed for you." Some small sound interrupted them. Daniel had come to the door, arms crossed and an indescribable expression, thoughts somewhat guarded. 

Well, Marius knew who he was, Daniel, pretty Daniel, the reporter with his little tape recorder who with Louis in a room on Divisadero Street had somehow started all of this! He smiled in acknowledgment, darting a glance at Daniel. It hit him quickly that this was Armand's child, the only child Armand had ever made. A good start on the Devil's Road this creature had, this exuberant and intoxicated being, strengthened with all that Armand had to give.

Daniel watched as Marius reached out to shake his hand, hesitating a little. He didn't know if he had formed an opinion about this guy yet, felt his ancient power was overwhelming, and perhaps a little dangerous. But by now he should be used to it.

They shook hands. "Marius de Romanus. It's a pleasure to finally meet you Mr. Molloy, I've read your book." He smiled.

"Of course you did," the youngest replied ironically. 

"Daniel." Armand warned, frowning in reproach. Despite knowing that his fledgling is far from being able to be corrected at this point.

However, Marius seemed to like this. Daniel didn't know what to think about this man yet, other than that he was as immoral as anyone else there. He looked like an adult, unlike the other vampires Daniel had met, he felt his wisdom, his ancestral power, and a certain patience. Of course, he put up with a teenage Armand for years, he must have been the most patient person in the world.

Marius gave a mischievous and discreet chuckle, making Daniel realize that he had just read his thoughts. Okay, now he didn't like him at all.

"I like him," Marius said to Armand, who was pinching his folded arms thoughtfully. 

Before the conversation could proceed, more characters came from another door in this room. Daniel's chest filled with relief when he saw Louis there, and next to him, the much talked about vampire Lestat. 

The rock star wore vinyl pants and a dark blue shirt, and had a picturesque look. Seeing him in person was captivating and exciting. Lestat smiled until his fangs showed. "I was telling Louis that I heard some noises down the hall, I knew I'd see the gremlin gnawing on the walls here." It was his friendly comment to Armand.

Louis glanced at Lestat, most likely to shut him up. Louis was dressed in a green and black patterned jacket and jeans, looking comfortable yet introspective. He and Daniel exchanged looks of recognition. 

Armand sighed, actually he snorted, but he held his pose. "Lestat. Shouldn't you be miles away on a stage moaning about your miserable life?" He tilted his head to the side.

The brat prince smirked, having that moody passive aggressive tone that Louis had talked so much about. "I should. But thanks to Mr Molloy's great campaign" He pointed to Daniel "I believe my concert is under threat" 

Armand's eyes twitched. "This is all your fault, and don't pretend you're being selfless, you only came to save your own skin" He replied coldly. 

"Said the cowardly rat, who preferred to burn his lover and a child than to fight for them" Lestat responded promptly, gradually increasing the tone of his voice, no one dared to move.

Armand growled. "They weren't my responsibility, you threw your own fledglings into the arms of the coven."

"And you threw yours for Louis to take care of," Lestat replied, not sounding particularly angry about it, but pleased to have that answer.

"Hey I don't need a babysitter, no offense Louis" Daniel added, now also angry.

Armand's orange eyes darkened, his face closing in. Daniel saw Marius stare at the two of them intently, claws poised. "At least I didn't bring ruin to everyone I love," he murmured. It felt personal. Claudia? Nicolas? Louis? 

Lestat's eyes widened, just as fierce. "At least I'm loved."

This seemed to snap something in Armand, who made a move to attack Lestat. However, Marius's reflexes were quicker, grabbing Armand by the collar of his shirt, like holding the skin on a cat's neck. Like that, he pushed the two of them away. "That's enough, you two." The elder spoke coldly, ending the tension at once, he looked angry.

Louis also had to hold the blonde, who seemed to melt at the touch slowly, meanwhile Armand's face was as red as wine.

Marius looked tired watching the two arguing, he glanced at the curtain absorbing the sun from one of the glass windows, and considered. "We are all tired from the journey here and the sun is coming up. I suggest you rest, we will discuss the current situation tomorrow" He stated, and Daniel didn't think it was such a bad idea.

There was a general consensus that they needed to rest, and that it was going to be a long week. Well, not everyone was as civil about their differences as Marius and Santino. Thus, the vampires headed towards their respective rooms. Louis and Lestat side by side, despite Lestat having left his coffin in the early hours of the morning to go and bother Louis in his coffin. 'I won't leave you alone with the gremlin on the loose' was his excuse to snuggle with his fledgling.

Armand accompanied Daniel to his room. A large room, with marble stone walls, red carpet on the floor, a rustic bed with brown satin sheets, and a silver coffin with angels carved into it by its side. Everything in that room screamed Armand. 

Daniel walked in, looking around. "I didn't know you had themed rooms, let me guess, this one came straight from Versailles?" He said sarcastically, throwing his leather jacket awkwardly on the bed, and began to climb into the coffin. He was exhausted. The coffin was comfortable, large and had a pinkish tone inside, like resting on a princess's bed or something like that. Daniel sighed, the vibrant Miami sun taking over his faculties, his eyes then fell on his maker who was standing in the doorway.

"Tell me you're not expecting an invitation," Daniel muttered, frowning. 

Armand looked like he had seen a ghost, his lips parted for a few seconds. "Of course not, dear." He smiled weakly. "I'll be in the next room if you need anything." He stood in the doorway for a few more seconds before leaving, and when Daniel finally fell asleep, he dreamed of Armand.

Chapter Text

Night Island, Miami 1980

A young Daniel was drinking a mysterious drink in the cabin of a jet, it was red. He liked to think it was blood. A small sip and he tasted currants, he looked almost disappointedly at the vampire in front of him.

Armand just looked at the boy, completely in love, he chuckled. "Here love, have mine too." He stood up, leaving his drink on the table next to Daniel's drink. And of course the young journalist drank it, tasting the bitter taste of blood against the sugar in the drink. His lips turned red, and the vampire had to move away to avoid biting them.

They landed in a huge shed, the roof of which closed in on them. Armand waited for the other to come down out of the jet, a little smile on his face, as if bragging about something. "So, what did you think? Did you like the island?"

Daniel smiled. "Damn awesome, boss. Is this all really mine?" 

"Of course it is. What's mine is yours, my beloved." The vampire wrapped his mortal lover's shoulders and they walked out of the garage to the living quarters, into the marble hallways of the vast manor. The young man looking around curiously as they walked up the stairs. 

Armand accompanied Daniel to his room. A large room, with marble stone walls, red carpet on the floor, a rustic bed with brown satin sheets, and a silver coffin with angels carved into it by its side. Everything in that room screamed Armand. 

Daniel walked in, looking around. "This reminds me a lot of Versailles, did you steal the furniture from there or..." The journalist joked, winking at the vampire who was watching him. 

"This is my room, Daniel. And of course it's yours too," the vampire said.

Daniel was throwing his leather jacket awkwardly on the bed, and began to climb into the coffin. He was exhausted. A peculiar choice considering the comfortable, made bed next to the coffin. But Armand left whatever his beloved wanted. For the mortal, the coffin was comfortable, it was large and had a pinkish tone inside. His eyes then fell on his maker who was standing in the doorway. The young man had a mischievous look on his face

"Tell me you're not expecting an invitation," Daniel muttered. "Just fucking come already" He called out, hurriedly, hurriedly to get his hands on that immortal.

Armand seemed to admire the beauty of the scene for a while before entering the room and climbing into the coffin next to his lover. They entwined. The mortal was warm, so warm next to him, pressing kisses against the vampire's neck. It was hard to sleep when they were together.

"Do you ever get tired, boy?" He cupped the mortal's face with both hands, looking up at him once Daniel had already climbed on top of him.

"Are you going to show me the city tomorrow?" Daniel pouted, kissing Armand's fingers that were close to his face. The vampire didn't remember receiving so much affection, in pure delirium with those dark brown curls, endless kisses.

"Of course, all your wishes will be granted" They kissed, and Daniel rubbed himself against him for the rest of the day until a final realization left him tired enough to make them sleep

_____

The vampire Daniel woke up scared, causing him to stand up and hit his head on the coffin lid. He let out a weak groan, instinctively bringing his hand to his forehead. A dream. He had a dream. Or a memory, or whatever it was. No, it was a memory, it was real, it was terrifyingly real, and being with Armand, being trapped there on that damn island was triggering it.

Daniel prepared himself for the night, walked through the corridors and observed the open windows, glass panes that showed the luxury outside. Vibrant city lights reflecting off the coast. He leaned on the counter of one of the huge balconies, taking in the fantastic view. Yes, the young version of him would love this as much as the adult version was loving it. Such a soft breeze.

He reflected for a moment on how he felt about this. He was so in love, he could feel his young self's love for him, he was brutally volatile yet honest. And why doesn't he remember everything? What was Armand up to?

Caught up in his thoughts, he barely noticed the vampire sneaking up beside him. "Louis." He smiled. He liked Louis.

"Your thoughts are loud, Danny" Louis smiled back, he looked worried but calm as he spoke. He seemed fine, considerably less disturbed than he usually was. Yes, he has learned to live honestly.

"Hard to avoid when I have more questions than answers." Daniel shrugged, eyeing the other before looking back at the shore.

Louis exhaled. "I could warn you about him, but I think you've heard enough from me for one lifetime." They both chuckled. A pleasant silence settled in for a few seconds, he liked it, it was like being in Dubai, looking at the buildings. They had become silent friends.

"Good evening" A voice came from behind them. The two turned to see the vampire Armand from a distance away, he seemed a little shy. None of them responded, each due to their own personal reasons. Daniel watched the former companions glance at each other slightly, until the sun-eyed demon spoke.

"I'm afraid we didn't get to greet each other earlier. It's good to see you Louis". It looked sincerely, vulnerable 

Enough to make Louis uncomfortable, the vampire looked away. If he was angry, he would have killed Armand a long time ago. What he had was hurt, he looked at his feet, sighing. "Hello Armand" It wasn't much, but it seemed to be enough for both of them.

Then attention turned to Daniel, Armand took an encouraging step forward, hands clasped  "Daniel, I'm tempted to take you for a hunt by the coast."

"I can hunt alone you know" Daniel replied instinctively. 

Armand looked down, as if recalculating or absorbing the comment. "Yes, of course" Was the answer, even though the mind was wandering. "I'll be upstairs if you need anything," he stated before leaving. A quick and disturbing visit. The vampires exchanged glances, as if watching a ghost dissolve against the wall. 

Alone again, Daniel crossed his arms, shaking his head. "He's hiding something from me. I think I've been here before, I think he fucked me more than I thought." He frowned, then looked at Louis. "Like, fuck me up, with my memories."

Louis shrugged, visibly not wanting to get involved in these matters any further. "Are you going to get the truth out of him?" 

"I was hoping to figure it out on my own, but I think he works well under desperation, I'll push him and see what happens" Daniel had the idea.

So, he says goodbye to Louis, and takes advantage of the free time he still has to go after his maker. He would make him talk, he had already played this game before and had won. It was difficult, but he was confident. Daniel found his maker upstairs, in a vast living room. He was sprawled in an armchair, legs tucked into his chest as he zoned out on his iPad. Daniel just watched for a few seconds before knocking on the open door.

"Hey boss, I'm hungry" He joked, despite being visibly frustrated. 

Armand tossed the tablet onto the chair and stood up immediately. A smile filled his angelic face. "Of course, Daniel. Anything you want," he muttered, stepping through the door, Their shoulders bumped and Daniel felt awkward, but he followed the other out of the property. 

The streets were beautiful, full of floors and flowers, making Daniel think he was somewhere in Italy. They were a little far from the establishments, although the nightlife was indeed there, bathing suits, casinos, drinks, perfume. An artillery of senses, made exclusively to leave Daniel disoriented. They walked in silence along the coast, on the stone sidewalk that preceded the sand and the sea. Neutral streetlights and moonlight.

"You were right, I think I've been here before. I think I remembered coming here," Daniel commented, trying to get into the subject. However, he received no response, observing how the vampire seemed calm, guarding something, almost happy to be guarding it. This really pissed Daniel off. He exhaled. Armand was joking with him, he had to be. What other explanation could there be for the silence? For the discreet smile? For the walks they took around the same places?

Okay, Armand couldn't be that complex. Daniel sighed, grabbing his maker by the arm and pulling him where he wanted to go. "Come on, be my maker for once in your life." He asked, sulking. Even more so when Armand smiled, he was warm, light, soft. Walking side by side. He had never done that before. It was cool, actually he didn't know if it was because of the company or his maker. His maker. Now he understood what Louis meant. It seemed like there were only the two of them in world.

Both eventually relaxed. And apparently Armand spent the entire walk in deep thought, because he exhaled wearily before speaking. 

"Daniel, I will grant you any wish. But your memories should be buried with me at the final judgment," Armand spoke calmly, his face sad. His fledgling tried to make sense of that, frowning. He made the two stop on a walkway between the rocks and the sand. They looked at each other.

"And why is that?" Daniel frowned angrily. And his expression seemed to soften Armand, who instinctively brought a hand to his face, fingers running along the back of the neck, thumb sliding over the cold cheek. 

"Oh Daniel. You would hate me, and I would rather die than have you hate me." He gave a distant smile.The fledgling looked more confused—but not that much. Because he could feel it, the cord pulling them, the affection. Armand was so strangely familiar, the phantom touch, the look he saw in dreams ... parts of Daniel's life that he once cherished. Immobilized by feeling. And damn, he wanted to feel something, deep hatred or unconditional love. Anything. All his life, two daughters, two wives, was Armand there? At the beginning? At the end? Will he be there?

Their faces were close together, and Daniel dreaded what was coming next, except for the laughter he heard in the background. Eyes drifted to a drunk boy, holding a bottle of beer and looking out over the dunes at the beach. It broke the mood, except that Daniel was hungry. He licked his lips, and Armand smiled. 

Time was only for him to blink, because when he realized it Armand had moved away from him, using his abnormal speed to reach the boy, pulling him down the dunes until the light could not reach. His throat was torn, he couldn't scream, pressed against the sand of the beach. Armand was on top of him, pushing his knee into his chest. There was blood on his lips as he looked up at the walkway where Daniel was standing. That creature was so agile. Orange eyes like lanterns glared down at him as the fledgling shook his head in disapproval.

"Hey that was my dinner!"

"I picked it up for you so you won't get dirty before the meeting" Armand grabbed the boy by the hair and stroked him, like some kind of gift. An offer. Was he being courted? Well, it seemed that way.

"Whatever" Daniel went down to the dune and took the boy in his arms, taking in the heat, the alcohol, the adrenaline. He sucked vigorously on his neck as Armand watched. Watched as his throat worked with each sip, his eyes lighting up, the way the fledgling held the boy, so firm, so personal. Well, it made him feel things.

Daniel swallowed every drop, thrusting against the victim as he drank the elixir. And then his eyes went up and there was Armand, beaming, lips parted as he watched hypnotized.

"You are a cold killer" He murmured. 'My cold killer' Daniel heard him say but didn't see his lips move in a sudden dizziness he had. He leaned on the sand and Armand held him, hands on his shoulders. Face close as in a vision, or a hallucination of a guardian angel sent by Botticelli.

"Easy, Daniel," he murmured, helping the other man to his feet. It was probably the alcohol. He licked his own blood-stained lips before Armand could, since he was still staring at him sweetly. The afterglow after the drink was so pleasant.

"You can go ahead, I'll take care of the body," his maker muttered. An irresistible suggestion, since he never really cared about washing the dishes after the meal. 

A nod was enough, as Daniel didn't want to get all sentimental about this shit or anything. If Armand wanted to play the hero now to convince himself of something, good for him. So the journalist left the dunes and the coast, brushing some sand off his pants as he climbed back up to the property. It was a quiet path, but he didn't like to think he needed company. 

Arriving at the entrance, the vampire found the rock star at the entrance, smoking desperately while watching him. Lestat was indeed... captivating, seeing him in person after hearing so much about him was like seeing a demigod. The stylish Frenchman looked pensive in his feathered clothes even as he approached.  "Mr. Molloy"

"I don't think we were properly introduced" Daniel shrugged, while the other shook his head impatiently. 

"Yes yes, Louis told me everything about you." He inhaled, looking the journalist up and down. "Taking a little walk with our host I see"

"I put up him as much as Louis put up with you" Daniel shrugged.

The blonde's face closed, blue eyes narrowed along with a smile. "Louis and I are doing very well, thank you very much. In fact! We barely slept this morning,"

"Yeah, got you," Daniel agreed, with the same sly tone, they exchanged glances and he approached  "I couldn't sleep with the Delhi demon at my door"

"Come in, Daniel" Armand said, materializing behind him out of nowhere.

The journalist shivered in fright, turning to the intact vampire behind him. Armand had an indescribable expression, staring at him. Not knowing how long he stood there staring, Daniel just sighed, raising his eyebrows at Lestat and stepping through the front door. Behind him was Lestat, and then Armand, the meeting was about to begin. 

Chapter Text

Armand was in complete adoration watching Daniel. When they entered the vast meeting room, the vampires arranged themselves at a large rectangular table, with Marius sitting at one end, Armand next to him, and Daniel by his side. And then Louis, Lestat, Santino, a vampire named Pandora, and right behind Sam also entered and sat at the table. But he paid no attention to them. 

And how could he pay attention to anything other than his first and only child in 500 years? Blood of his blood, eyes of his eyes, sunset of his sunset. The sweet boy he took in, who got sick, and who he had to let go. His wrath, his greatest enemy, and now his protégé. His greatest adventure, every now and then looking back at him, as if seeking some kind of confirmation of the truth of what he heard, but Armand was in no condition to do anything but smile, and then divert his eyes elsewhere despite the awareness that he was being watched.

Only then did he seem to pay attention to the conversation, turning his eyes to the two blondes who were arguing.

"Akasha is in a deep sleep, you made me cancel the concert for nothing!" Lestat exclaimed, crossing his arms and leaning back in fury.

"She caused an earthquake miles away, sent me to another continent with the power of her mind, whispers words of hate into the minds of the youngest. She is waking up and you know it," Marius replied, his face serious, yet patient.

The Frenchman rolled his eyes, giving a sarcastic laugh. "And I assume this is my fault? That locking me up here will calm her down."

The older man seemed to think for a moment, blue eyes staring into the distance. Armand knew that look very well, that 'you're ugly when you test me' look. There was a silence between the side conversations at the table, Marius stood up, resting both hands on the table. His fledgling watched intently, until its eyes fell coldly on him as well. Marius seemed to take in the uncharismatic foursome. Louis, Lestat, Armand...and Daniel. Armand's heart tightned for Daniel. "You all have revealed your nature to mortals, actively publicized our existence, let a organization called Talamasca collect information about us, made hundreds of enemies around the globe and were about to start a war at said concert. Have I said enough, or do you want me to summarize anything other than the events of the last five years?"

Silence. Marius always knew how to suck the air out of a room.

And then the vampire sighed, trying to recover from his own speech, addressing Lestat once more. "She's never been this close. I have a lot of affection for you, but I won't hesitate to intervene if you put us all in danger again." He looked around, "any of you."

The character sat down again. Some seemed to absorve the information. Now Marius was staring at Pandora. Armand's eyes came back to his fledgling, who looked confused. "And why Lestat? Has this happened before?" Daniel asked. 

"I'd like to know more too," Louis added. "You're holding back information there," he crossed his arms. 

"Exactly what I was going to say." Daniel smiled at the brunette. Armand envied their connection.

"Alright," Marius sighed, "We'll tell you as much information as we can. You have the right to know everything." He looked hesitant, almost tired. But when Armand exchanged glances with him, it seemed to bring strength, some modest encouragement. It made him feel important, even though he already knew a lot of information. Then Marius began to tell, together with Pandora, Lestat would later add to the story.

_

For hours they stood there. The beginning of the beginning. The story of Marius, how he came to be in charge of the goddess, her story, red-haired twins, an ancient reign, a long and tragic dynasty. This made Armand feel... tired. It had been a few days since he had eaten. But he also couldn't help but notice the common mood in the others. Sweet Louis frowned, trying to follow the train of thought, but the way his eyes wandered around the table didn't fool the eventual arrival of the sun. One of the youngest at the table, along with Daniel. He looked to the side and saw that Daniel was also a little sleepy, young Daniel, newly made. He had his elbows on the table and his head in his hands, and Armand couldn't resist the temptation to comfort him.

Carefully, he brought a hand to Daniel's back, feeling the other's slight shiver, but slowly moving up to caress the nape of his neck. Daniel closed his eyes. A brief comfort, and for a few minutes they lay there. Armand stopped listening to Lestat, only filtering the soft sighs of his fledgling who mysteriously lay against his touch. And only after some time did he have to interrupt the narrative.

"Maestro," Armand looked at Marius. He couldn't help but call him that. "Perhaps we can end the session for today. The sun has already risen, and the younger ones are tired." He asked.

"Maybe we wouldn't need it if you all had been here as soon as night fell" Marius frowned. -Oh yes, he had a point of waiting for everyone, but punctuality was never anyone's strong point at the table.

Armand considered leaving it like that, but he felt sorry for Daniel and Louis. "The younger ones needed to eat, and as you said, it's been a long journey," he replied politely, his hand resting on the back of his fledgling.

The elder clearly didn't want any interruptions, but his pupil's request made him consider. And the expression on his face was evidence of some kind of compensation. "You're right, little one. We shall call it a day," he said to Armand, and then looked at the others, who seemed to agree. Except Santino, who looked agitated.

"Thank you, Maestro." Armand gave a slight smile, then turning his attention to his fledgling. "Come, dear" he murmured. But his fledgling, deviated, possibly waking up to the reality of what was happening and how close they were. As the vampires left the room, Armand watched the fledgling go ahead, leaving only him and Marius at the table.He had to take a deep breath, and smile weakly.

"Am I that cursed?"

"I believe we are all doomed to our own personal hell." Marius smiled. "Even black-winged angels like you." He added, and the two exchanged a familiar look.

"I miss you," Armand confessed. 

"Go after your beloved. Then come to me," his maker murmured, getting up from the table and following the younger one out of the room. And Armand didn't mind, he liked to have him taking the reins, may this be his home, may he be the host, the protector, the tutor.

He watched the older man go up to his quarters, and Armand headed towards his room- now Daniel's room. Passing through the corridor, he could not help but notice the subtle sound of a pen writing on paper. He passed through the bedroom, and there he found Daniel.

Daniel was sitting on the wine-colored sofa, lying back on the support, relaxed, legs half open as he scribbled something in a notebook. He still looked sleepy, but busy. The maker stood in the doorway, watching carefully until he was noticed.

"Daniel dear, you need to rest." Armand tilted his head to the side, worried. 

The fledgling sighed, looking at the door impatiently. “Difficult with the current situations we find ourselves in.” He rubbed his temples, continuing to write in his notebook. 

Armand approached slowly, sitting on the sofa right next to Daniel, leaning his body towards him.They were close, and the fledgling seemed somewhat inviting despite its bad mood. "Wanting to break the same law again? One should not commit to writing the history of vampires," he said in a soft voice.

"Just a few notes, boss," Daniel said out loud, writing compulsively, as if he could end the matter right there. But Armand saw through it, the anxiety, the doubts, and Daniel was so worried, so warm and shy.

The older vampire hesitated for a moment, but took courage, putting his hand to the other's as he wrote, he expected a grumble, a knock, an argument. But Daniel just stopped and looked back at him. That magnificent instinct of newborn, broken Daniel, a new man for a new life. 

"I requested a break in the meeting so you can rest, I hope you enjoy this time, you're falling asleep" He said in a soft voice, watched the other look away, irritated, he thought. And with further insistence, Armand smiled a little. "Are you really going to be stubborn with me now, Daniel? You should rest"

"Rest?" Daniel snatched his hand away, scoffing. "I'm not fucking resting now. I'm not a kid anymore so you can fucking control my mind" He protested furiously, but it was no use. Armand loved it when his boy cursed. This made him tilt his head towards him, curious.

"Oh Daniel" The orange of his eyes sparkled and reflected in the other's. He came closer, and when he realized it he was on top of the other, sitting on one of Daniel's legs. "Your mind may have forgotten fragments," he murmured, holding the fledgling's face with both hands, his hands icy cold. "But the body...will never forget." He sighed, and they both closed their eyes as he brought his face closer. Their foreheads touched. Daniel opened his eyes suspiciously, but he didn't seem to have the strength to try to free himself.

Then Armand slid his fingers down the back of his neck, through his slightly sweaty curls, curling them close to his ear, just like he used to do. He watched Daniel's vision seem to blur. Was he daydreaming? An epiphany? An unlocked memory? Was Armand in the memory? Was he laughing? Tangled up in him? Cuddling in bed after exhausting him? "Rest, my boy," he murmured, and in the next moment Daniel closed his eyes again, his head weighing against his maker's shoulder. Something between consciousness and lack thereof, and Armand nuzzled the other's head. 

His body working exactly as it had become accustomed to, he stayed like that for a while. Lying back against the other vampire, he closed his eyes too, out of worry, out of sleep, eventually leaving Marius for later and falling with his body against Daniel's, sleeping with an arm around him.

He dreamed about the two of them, it was actually a memory. A good memory.

A young Daniel laughed at some idiotic comment, so entertained, so fascinated by the vampire. No one has ever been fascinated by him. 'give it to me' the mortal said, rolling around in bed on top of him. 'I'd rather die than see you die, pretty boy,' Armand replied. Taking that sad little face in his hands. They've had this discussion a million times, his biggest pain was that request, that suggestion, that little face of disappointment. But he didn't care, rolling the boy back over and covering him in kisses from neck to thighs. 'You torture me, boss,' one moaned tirelessly. 'I love you,' was the vampire's response.

_

When Armand woke up, his body was lying on the sofa, not a very comfortable position. The first thing he noticed was the other's absence, and when he raised his head he felt a brief relief when he saw Daniel on the other side of the room. He had his arms crossed and looked like he had taken a shower, as his silver curls were damp.

"Hello Armand," he imitated the other's introduction, only with sarcasm instead of affection. 

"Daniel," Armand sighed, standing up quickly and trying to smooth out his hair. "What time is it? Has the meeting started yet?"

"I wouldn't be worried about that if I were you." Daniel was blocking the door, and before the other could question, he moved quickly, appearing in front of Armand and pushing him back to the couch. Armand frowned, standing still for a few seconds where he was left. 

"Daniel?"

"I had a really weird dream yesterday, you know that?" Daniel began, looking down at the other, furious. "Why don't we talk about it?" The vampire looked a little intimidating, and whatever memory he had unlocked, his maker doesn't like it one bit. 

Armand stood there staring at him for a moment, trying to get a handle on the situation. "Marius doesn't like to wait." He exclaimed, going to stand up again, but Daniel's hand on his thigh made his legs tremble, along with all his nerves and senses.

"Then you better fucking start talking"

The two exchanged glances for a few seconds, a victimized face was adopted by Armand along with a sigh. "As you wish, pretty one."