Even for a vampire, it is a formidable amount of wasted time. More than half his life, more than half of what he's lived thus far.

He does not say this to Daniel, offering reassurance and optimism. Yes, Louis has more. He will have more years and Daniel will have more years, and perhaps Daniel will permit Louis to lay claim to a handful of them even though his story is told and what's missing may well be less compelling than what's already been put to page.

Daniel will be fascinating still. Louis has no doubts.

He lets a smile slant between them, warming to Daniel's teasing. Doesn't matter if he holds fast to these doubts and regrets; it matters that he warms to Daniel, easier than he might have if they dipped too far towards what happened.

"I'd have had a good time arguing with you then."

And Daniel would have gotten better at it. Louis observed his progress in glimpses of late night appearances, print interviews scoured to find familiar voice in each line.

"But I'll give you this one. Now's got some merit."

Daniel, in his home, no longer shaking or in pain.