Armand watched as Daniel and Jamie reunited in truth. Every whispered word, kiss, and thrust was like a jackhammer to his heart. He had not been this agonized since Lestat had rejected him in Paris. Not even Louis' rejection of him earlier this century in New Orleans had hurt this bad. Now he watched as the light was leaving his life. He knew that Jamie had seen him before she fell asleep. It didn't matter to him whether or not that she had seen him. He felt Daniel's eyes on him and realized that he had been spotted. He watched as Daniel gently disentangled himself from Jamie's arms and rise from the bed. He saw Daniel slip on his jeans and walk towards him. He turned away from the door so he wouldn't be faced with Daniel's desertion. As he lay next to Jamie, Daniel realized that someone was outside, peering in. He probed out with his mind and felt nothing, which meant that it was Armand. His rage burned white-hot. It reminded him too much of the days when he was mortal and he had to “perform” for Armand, his demon lover. He planted a soft kiss on Jamie's head, and extricated himself from her grasp. He pulled on his jeans and walked outside. He went and stood beside Armand. With his arms folded over his chest, he asked, “ Did I perform well, lover?” Those words nearly sent Armand to his knees. Only then did Daniel realize the look of utter despair on his maker's face. He had seen that expression on Louis' face just after the “interview”, but he had never seen it on Armand's face. In an instant the rage melted, and concern took its place. He put his finger under Armand's chin, and tilted up his head. Their eyes met, and Daniel was rocked by the bleak hopelessness in Armand's gaze. “What is it, my love,” Daniel asked, “What's wrong?” Armand said simply, “You're leaving me.” Daniel was stunned for a minute. “Leaving you?” he asked, “where did you get such a foolish idea?” Armand shifted his gaze away from Daniel, and murmured, “You have her again. You need me no longer.” Daniel folded his arms around Armand, and kissed the top of his head. “Oh, Armand,” he sighed, “you foolish idiot. Don't you realize it yet? I'm never leaving you.” Armand looked up at him in surprise. “What do you mean?” he asked warily, seemingly afraid to allow himself to hope. “You're not remaining with her? I thought you loved her.” Daniel smiled, “I do love her, very much in fact. I fully intend to keep on seeing her at times, but it is you that I want to be with. Too much time has passed for Jamie and I to be together again. She has her life, and I have you.” Armand appeared somber as he said, “I wish I could believe you.” A soft voice spoke up from behind them, “Believe him.” They both turned around towards the entrance way and saw Jamie standing there watching them with an aura of sadness emanating from her. I awoke as soon as I felt Daniel leave the bed, but I did not move. I heard him put his jeans on. Through slitted eyes, I watched as he walked over to the balcony door and went outside. He was speaking to the auburn-haired one, Armand, I believe his name was. They were talking with their backs to the door, so I quietly got out of the bed. I slipped on my robe and I tiptoed over to the door. I wanted to listen to what they were saying to each other. Daniel appeared angry at first, while Armand appeared desolate. He said something that I couldn't quite hear, and Daniel's countenance went quickly from anger to concern. I just caught Daniel's statement about still loving me, which made me smile a little. I felt a sharp pang of hurt though when he said that it had been too long for us, but he was correct in that regard. It had been too many years for us. When I heard Armand say that he wished he could believe what Daniel was saying, I spoke up immediately, “Believe him.” Daniel and Armand turned quickly and peered at me. They had been so involved in each other that they didn't realize that I was awake and listening to every word. I was overwhelmed by a sadness that probably was reflected on my face. I noticed an unusual glance pass between them, but I didn't inquire as to its meaning. I was too focused on the problem at hand. “You heard then?” Daniel asked me. I nodded, “Yes, I did.” My eyes locked on Armand's and I said, “It is true. Too many years have passed for Daniel and I to just ‘pick up' where we left off. It will never be the same for Daniel and me.” Armand looked confused, “But what about....?” I smiled at him, and my humor must have reflected in my eyes, because I caught a glimmer of a smile from him. “You mean about what happened a while ago?” When he nodded, I continued, “What happened before was a purely physical thing. I was angry at Daniel for lying to me all of these years. Although I now understand the reason for the lies, I was still pretty pissed off and I wanted to make him pay, which seemed to work like a charm. And Daniel, of course, was pissed at me because I chose Lestat over him last night. The mutual anger turned to passion, end of story.” I winked at Daniel who simply grinned broadly at me. Maintaining a serious pose once again, I emphasized my next point to avoid confusion. “Daniel and I have reunited, yes, but we haven't reconciled. Armand, Daniel and I grew up together, and we were best friends long before we ever became lovers and spouses. If I have anything to say about it, he will continue to be my best friend.” Both Armand and I looked questioningly at Daniel, who nodded. Daniel said, “ Yes, Armand, Jamie is still my best friend. Now that I've reconnected with her, I fully intend for her to remain my best friend. But that does not mean that we are getting back together, because we aren't.” I said, “That's right. We are NOT getting back together. Daniel has his life with you Armand, and I have my life back in Texas, which satisfies me to no end.” Briefly the images of Michelle and Michael ran through my mind, and I wished I could tell them that their father is indeed alive and well. Daniel spoke up sharply, “Why do you say it like that? Surely you're not leaving yet?” he asked. I nodded and said softly, “Yes, love, the day after tomorrow. I've been away for much too long. I have responsibilities that need my constant attention.” Daniel shook his head in denial, “You can't leave yet, Jamie. We just found each other again.” I smiled at Daniel and Armand, “You two are welcome at my house any time. Daniel, beloved, if you don't come visit me, I'll kick your ass. And you know that I won't be afraid to do it, even if you are a ghoul now.” Daniel laughed heartily, and wrapped me in a giant hug. I returned his hug with one of my own. But then I released Daniel, and walked straight up to Armand. “Well? Are we friends? Or do I still have to persuade you as to my lack of intentions toward your lover?” Armand laughed his soft, beautiful laugh. “No, Jamie, my dear, you have convinced me to my satisfaction. And yes, we will definitely come visit you. I am most anxious to know what Daniel was like as a child.” Armand winked at Daniel, and I laughed at the horrified expression on Daniel' face. Suddenly Armand embraced me warmly. I returned Armand's embrace, and I had to fight back tears as I said, “Go on, now...the two of you. I believe you have some making up to do. Just be sure to come see me before I leave.” All the next day I spent most of it packing my things up. That night as I was resting, I pondered at what had occurred over the past few days. First , I found out in truth that vampires do indeed exist; second, I found out that my beloved, not-so-dead husband was one of these creatures; and third, I had made love to not one, but two of them. What a caption that would make on a postcard. I then sensed a presence in the room with me, and I recognized it immediately. I smiled, and said, “Lestat.” He walked up to me and grabbed me in fierce hug. He kissed me hard, and then said, “You're leaving. Why?” “Because I have to, love. I have things at home that need to be taken care of,” I said, softly. Lestat waved away my remark, “Hire someone to take care of them for you. I'll pay for it if it would please you.” I laughed and rubbed his cheek. “I'm sorry, love. This is something that I have to take care of myself. I have enough money, thank you. But you will come to visit won't you?” Lestat picked me up and twirled me around, “Just try to keep me away. Louis and I might visit quite often, you know. I'm very possessive of my new friends' time.” Getting dizzy, I said, “I have plenty of rooms available. I have my room, Michael has his room, and Michelle has hers. Besides those three, there are three more.” Suddenly he stopped all movement. I looked up at him confusedly. He asked, “Who are Michael and Michelle?”
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