It feels like an eternity since Louis has touched his mind in any serious way. Light connection, voices bouncing back and forth, but never delving beneath the surface. He doesn't reach for his mind now, even if he might find clarity there. He remembers then, what had bloomed in Daniel's mind. How Louis had been performing, how he had felt revulsion and desire and fear blooming in Daniel in turns.

He sets fingers beneath Daniel's chin, silent coaxing. Look at me.

Wanting to see him, even as Louis asks, "Am I a nightmare?"

Louis had been—was a monster. Had failed Daniel. Maybe he's a nightmare too.

Stay out of my head Daniel had snapped at him, sharp and angry. Afraid but it never tempered anything, never curbed Daniel's instincts, never made him pull his punches. Louis had admired that.