Louis must contend with the instinct he has now, which is to hold fast. To fold Daniel in against himself, clinging and close like that can dispel all the unsteadiness of transformation. Of walking into the world as something new.
Of how Daniel was vulnerable for so long, hurting for so long, alone with Armand.
Armand, who is now silent.
Louis lets go. (Recognizes, in some way, the thing that had lived in Daniel's face when Louis had made an offer to him months back, mid-interview.) Touches Daniel's cheek briefly, fingers light at his cheek before Louis too straightens. Finds some composure, so he might look less split open by their present circumstances.
"We can go."
Softly.
You don't have to be okay, as a whisper in the back of Daniel's mind. Louis' voice, private, just for Daniel, as they begin to walk once more. You don't have to be okay with me.
New Rashid is already collecting what little luggage Daniel has. Louis' hotel is not a far walk. (Lavish, old building, beautiful artwork upon the walls, a breath-taking view from the window.) They'll need only spend a few hours, long enough for a flight to New York to be arranged. They can simply go. Louis has so much money. It makes all things possible.
no subject
Louis must contend with the instinct he has now, which is to hold fast. To fold Daniel in against himself, clinging and close like that can dispel all the unsteadiness of transformation. Of walking into the world as something new.
Of how Daniel was vulnerable for so long, hurting for so long, alone with Armand.
Armand, who is now silent.
Louis lets go. (Recognizes, in some way, the thing that had lived in Daniel's face when Louis had made an offer to him months back, mid-interview.) Touches Daniel's cheek briefly, fingers light at his cheek before Louis too straightens. Finds some composure, so he might look less split open by their present circumstances.
"We can go."
Softly.
You don't have to be okay, as a whisper in the back of Daniel's mind. Louis' voice, private, just for Daniel, as they begin to walk once more. You don't have to be okay with me.
New Rashid is already collecting what little luggage Daniel has. Louis' hotel is not a far walk. (Lavish, old building, beautiful artwork upon the walls, a breath-taking view from the window.) They'll need only spend a few hours, long enough for a flight to New York to be arranged. They can simply go. Louis has so much money. It makes all things possible.
Almost.