one more time A Vampire Chronicles story by _Twi_ (mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]) , May 1998. Number four in the "Le Coeur" series; sequel to _"Faith."_ (http://blood.less.as/hearts/faith.html) Rated PG. "Hi," said the mysterious young man, brushing the soft sweep of wintery hair from his eyes and blinking, staring at her wide-eyed in such a way that could only be described as coquettish. "What are you doing here?" A frown looked as though it was considering creasing the preternaturally smooth skin of her forehead. He shrugged. "I don't know. I'm supposed to speak on Lestat's behalf." "Ah." "He's...a dog and a hat short of a Monopoly game at the moment, true, but he needs to get out. Those chains you slapped on him aren't doing him any good." She tugged absent-mindedly at a long corkscrew curl of red hair. "I didn't want him hurting himself." "Which is understandable, considering his current state. But...I think he can cope with the real world again." "You want to let him out?" She raised an eyebrow, green eyes darkening with surprise. "Well, I don't see why not. He seems coherent enough." "You didn't have to chain him up." "And thank Goddess for that." He leaned against a nearby wall, looking briefly up at the ceiling before recapturing her gaze. "I think...it's about faith. Belief. He's lost his faith in Memnoch, which is good, but he needs to believe in life. In reality. He's losing touch." "Louis' been visiting him..." "Which isn't enough, alas. Lestat is feeling neglected. Louis is feeling impatient. It's not working out very well." A bemused expression crossed her marble face. "Isn't that how they always are?" He smiled. "Something like that. But I'd rather it didn't come to blows; I like them both relatively unharmed." She folded her arms. "I don't know about this. I've never trusted that brat." "Who would? He's a loony tune. But a lovable one, you have to admit." She laughed. "You're so silly. Did I ever tell you that?" He grinned at her. "I kinda figured that out on my own." "No kidding. If you're a divine being, that says something about us earthly creatures, doesn't it?" He elbowed her. "Hey! I'll have you know I'm not always like this." "Yeah, when you aren't being silly you're being horny." He mock-pouted. "Well, if you're going to insult me, I'll just leave." "It's not an insult, it's an observation, and you know it." He rolled his eyes. "Seriously. You have to let Lestat out sometime." "Maybe in a century or two." "What harm can he do?" "Remember Akasha?" He wrinkled his nose at her. "Well, yeah, there was that. That was a slip-up." "Sure it was." "Oh, come on! He's got Louis to deal with him now." "I feel so comforted." "Look, I promise I'll kick his butt if he tries anything, alright?" She sighed. "Oh, alright. I guess you can go let him out. But if he starts trying to burn people's houses down or take over the world again it's on your head." He grimaced. "When hasn't it been?" "You have a point." He tilted his head, brushing a finger down her cheek. "I should go. Take care of yourself, okay?" "You know I will. When haven't I?" "You have a point." He turned toward the door, winking at her over his shoulder. "See you around, Maharet." "I know you will." She smiled, waving. "Bye, Jess." (http://star.less.as/) ************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour
