Louis, shockingly sober thanks to the tempering presence of Rachida and Ramiz, possesses the reflexes to catch himself rather than be knocked out of his chair. The look he gives Lestat is affectionate, rather than annoyed.

And it lifts too to Daniel beyond him. Understands this sensation as an affirmative, feels it high in his chest. There's little else to do but let it sit, because getting overly sentimental in a Vermont karaoke bar is a recipe for some kind of disaster.

Still, some soft, sweet squeeze of emotion in answer. Louis is here because of Daniel. It is an undeniable truth.

"He won't say which song," Louis mock-complains to Lestat. Reaches over to touch his wrist, a little insurance against Lestat tipping too far in his seat.