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“Daniel, what are you doing up at this time?” Armand asked as he stepped into the dining room, wrapping his robe around his middle as he crossed the room, sitting in the seat opposite Daniel.
“Can’t sleep,” Daniel shrugged.
“Any particular reason?” Armand pressed, placing his arms on the table and leaning forward, his attention easily settling on Daniel.
“Nope,” Daniel mumbled, running his finger around the rim of his near-empty glass.
“You are lying to me, Daniel,” Armand smirked. He eyed the glass of water, watching as a drop of condensation travelled down the side, stopping at the coaster. “Tell me what is on your mind?”
“Why do you care?” Daniel snapped, rolling his eyes. “Just – Just leave me alone,”
Armand sighed. He patted his hands on the tabletop as he chewed the inside of his cheek. He glanced at the cold drink set in front of him before pushing himself up and picking it up, waving away Daniel’s sound of protest.
“I’ll make you something warm to drink,” Armand said. “Would you prefer tea or something sweet?”
Daniel shrugged. That meant he wanted something sweet. In the past, he would tease him a bit, but tonight called for sensitivity.
Armand stepped into the kitchen and poured a glass of milk into a pan, heating it as he searched for the honey. When the milk was finished, he poured it into a mug and added a teaspoon of honey, stirring it slowly as he listened to the steady heartbeat coming from Daniel’s chest. It had always been a lovely sound.
Armand placed the cup in front of Daniel, letting his hand rest on his shoulder, lingering for a moment longer than necessary as he walked back to his seat. Adjusting his robe, Armand waited for Daniel to take a sip of his drink before beginning to speak again.
“My dear,” Armand said, pausing when Daniel flinched. “Is this about what you learned recently?”
Daniel shrugged. He looked down at the cup and avoided Armand’s patient gaze.
Armand sighed. He leaned back in his chair, placing his hands on his lap, and swallowed around the lump at the base of his throat. It had been a tough few days. Daniel’s memories had returned and now he was…different. Tired. It was frightening, but Louis was sure it wouldn’t last.
“What are you thinking about?” Armand asked.
Daniel raised the cup to his lips, took another sip, and licked his lips clean. He shrugged as he placed the cup back on the table.
“I didn’t remember you,” Daniel said finally. “I –,” He stopped and cleared his throat, and Armand was surprised to see tears filling his eyes. “I loved you more than anything, and I didn’t remember you,”
“Daniel,” Armand said softly.
“You took that from me,” Daniel continued as he curled his shaking hands together, glaring at the table. “You took those feelings from me, those memories, and you aren’t even sorry, are you? Because you think you did the right thing,” He shook his head and wiped his eyes.
Armand bit his lip.
“I…I can’t tell you that I’m sorry, but I – I have adored you for –,”
“Stop,” Daniel said, holding his hand up. “Just stop,” He picked up his cup and raised it to his lips, but stopped and placed it back on the table, shaking his head. “I, uh, I’m going to try and get some sleep,”
Armand watched as Daniel got to his feet and began to walk away.
“Goodnight, my boy,” He whispered, praying that he couldn’t hear.