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Louis looked at Armand like he’d grown a second head. “Why the fuck would you pretend to be Rashid?”
Armand can’t blame him, it was a strange request, especially to Louis who was blissfully oblivious to the years-long affair he’d had with Daniel while Louis was off draining random boys around the world. “We cannot have my presence stir up some old memories in our boy.”
“Then don’t be present,” Louis shrugged as though that were an easy solution.
Unimpressed, Armand gave him a flat look. Perhaps it was a solution for that problem, but it would cause a whole bag full of others. Ever since Louis had first brought up re-doing the interview they’ve had on and off arguments over it. Now there was just the simmering of unresolved issues—a cornerstone of their whole relationship. “That is out of the question.” Armand needed to be there… Just in case anything went awry. “This is non-negotiable Louis.”
They stared at each other for a few seconds, challenging the other to break first, eventually Louis sighed and relented, “Fine.” It had been better than the other suggestions Armand had, namely not doing the interview at all.
So, with that, Louis had scheduled the interview, received his reply, and Armand got into his role—dressing in the all black clothing of a regular worker and informing the staff of the plan. He’d attempted to prepare himself as best he could, running through a routine on what to do in his head. Yet, the second they were face-to-face again, his mind went completely blank—all he could do was stare. He’d kept track of Daniel regularly since their parting, he knew he’d grown old, he’d watched it. Still seeing every sign of age clear on his face—every wrinkle, every pore, every bump—he was overwhelmed by how beautiful he was.
Quickly, he composed himself as though nothing had ever happened, “Greetings Mr. Molloy, Mr du Lac is waiting for you just through here. Please, follow me.”
“Right… Nice place,” Daniel commented, unenthused, “How long have you worked for Mr. du Lac?”
Armand smiled, knowing Daniel couldn’t see him from where he was walking, but didn’t respond. Hadn’t even started the interview yet and he was already asking questions…
Daniel hummed, “Not much of a talker, are you? Got a tight NDA?”
He continued his silence, just as the actual Rashid would have, then he pulled open the door to the living area, gesturing for Daniel to enter, “Just through here.”
Being able to listen in and observe the interviews as a separate entity, no attention on him, was just as he’d imagined and better. It allowed him to admire the features of his aging boy and still have a hand in the narrative. However, there was an ever present ache in his chest, even with how close they were he was untouchable, unreachable. Daniel stared at him with cold eyes with zero recognition, which is exactly as he intended and wanted, yet still stung like a deep, old wound.
The power Louis exerted over him, ordering him around and dismissing when he wanted, was also tantalising fun. Especially when returning to the bedroom after Daniel finally went to sleep.
Until… “I’d give it to you now.” Armand’s eyes flicked up from his tablet to Louis, staring at him in slight disbelief.
“ What are you doing? ” he asked in Louis’ mind, trying to suppress the panic and anger in his tone. “ We didn’t discuss that. ”
“A still hand,” Louis continued, ignoring Armand’s question, “Time to watch your daughters marry.”
“And divorce and die,” Daniel continued, bitter and rueful. Then, he glanced over to Armand, “Save it for the rent boy.”
Armand blinked, his mouth opening slightly in disbelief. He said no? He could feel his mask slip. “May I be excused,” he struggled to look away from Daniel, old memories and feelings bubbling up, “Mr. du Lac?”
“Are you planning on slapping me again, Daniel?”
Unbothered, Daniel opened his can, “No.”
So, Louis nodded and Armand immediately stepped out, closing his tablet on the way. Once he left the room he was finally able to stop his Rashid persona and pace the hallway, his mind running a mile a minute. After years and years of begging for Armand to turn him, all of the arguments, the resentment, everything, he said no. He didn’t know how to feel. Relieved? Happy? Sad? Confused? All his emotions mixed together in a strange, uncomfortable brew.
This was everything he’d wanted—Daniel living out a full life. It should feel good, it should , but it doesn’t. Armand didn’t know what it meant if Daniel didn’t want to be immortal, except he did, it meant he’s going to die. That fact seemed impossible, unimaginable, but it was inevitable, he always knew it was inevitable, so why did it hurt so much? Why were his eyes stinging with tears? What was wrong with him?