( Louis sets the empty bottle behind him in the nest of pillows as Lestat draws him close, making a mental note to take care of it later. He sighs against Lestat's mouth, slipping his foot between Lestat's calves and cuddling close; his palm presses against Lestat's heartbeat and stays there, and when Lestat pulls back from the kiss, Louis traces the tip of his nose slowly up and down the side of Lestat's. )

Always.

( Another brush of lips. He feels a pang of guilt, and the urge to apologize for everything that happened, for losing himself, for harming Lestat's friend — but he swallows it down. It won't help to hear Lestat reassure him. )

Thank you for letting me come with you... for letting me stay by your side all this time. You're so much stronger than I am, I know, but I've been so, so proud to be your partner.