( Louis' shoulders straighten just a little at Armand's retort, and he wants to come to Lestat's defense: no, no, it isn't just the attention, I know it isn't, didn't you read his book, he truly believes that there's good in it, he always has...

It's hopelessly romantic, and probably a pointless debate to have. Some other night, perhaps. Besides, Armand has brought up an unpleasant thought, one Louis has had himself enough times that he can't help but wonder whether Armand plucked it straight from his subconscious. )

I've actually wondered whether that's part of the reason we're here. I haven't thought about it so much now that I'm not alone here, but I did think of it... that if this is an experiment, perhaps I'm not a subject, but a part of the test. Something more self-aware than whatever spirits caused the visions in the mall, but still...