His hunger shouldn't be Daniel's problem.

Louis and the long weeks where he does not, cannot eat. Louis worrying his companions. Louis, with a bowl of blood and no appetite for it.

Daniel should be spared it all.

Gently, Louis coaxes him across the mattress. He wants more than this bare slip of contact, though he doesn't yield it in the process.

"I think about you often," Louis tells him. Daniel's not the only one allowed to worry. But still, reassured: "I'm okay. I'm gonna keep on being okay."

And then, with a slanting smile, Louis reminds, "You can ask me anything. Would be a little late to start complaining."