[ This moment is so pure that Lestat is sure he could close his eyes and slip into a dull early morning nap if he were given the opportunity. Just tucked up here against Louis' shoulder, perhaps turn to press his nose into his clavicle, bring a hand up to his shirt to keep purchase there as though he might slip away without it. Listen to him breathe, listen to the footsteps of his heart instep with his own. Such a human fantasy to have.

It's maddening to feel like he's been given such an opportunity - the one who loves him, here in this place when so many others have been ripped from their families and are braving this world alone - and to feel so undeserving of it, to be so uncertain despite wanting so badly to just be content with what he has. But then he has always been a selfish creature, hasn't he? Constantly wanting more than what he's given, pushing the limits and breaking boundaries, and--

He feels Louis' affection burn through him like a brand from the way he playfully scrubs through his hair, and it's so freeing that it actually makes him laugh. Then those words, and Lestat carefully retracts from the hold just enough to be able to look at his face with an expression of wonder as if he's not convinced Louis actually said them. ]

You are? [ He murmurs, eyes very obviously flicking down to his mouth for just a moment before fixing on those emerald jewels he could so easily get lost in. He smiles, strangely tentative. ] I don't think I've ever heard you say something like that.

[ Another shift, and Lestat brings the hand he still has over his heart up to his mouth again, pressing his lips to his fingers because if he were to kiss him now, he's not sure he could stop. ]

And to feel such happiness before we've even got the couch home. You might burst with joy.