They had agreed to meet in front of the building and go from there. Louis pulled on his coat then a pair of gloves.. Perhaps he should have told Regulus what he was. Oh, by the way, I'm a vampire but don't worry I won't kill you or suck your blood. It wasn't something you just dropped into conversation, but maybe he should have. Maybe he didn't because he feared rejection. For so long he'd hidden who he was for obvious reasons, but it did mean he'd lived a mostly solitary life after Lestat and Claudia.
Louis stepped out into the cool night air and saw the other man already waiting. "You must be Regulus," he smiled. "Thank you for agreeing to go for a walk with me. It's always nicer to have company. Shall we?" He had no set path or destination in min, but would let their feet lead them where they may. Regulus wasn’t exactly bundled up against the cold, wearing only a light black jacket over his clothing, but he had several warming charms in place to make sure he wouldn’t freeze. Considering the amount of time he spent outdoors these days he’d become something of a pro at the spell. Cold or not, it was a lovely night for a walk. The night sky was clear and the wind wasn’t overly cold or biting. Back home he would’ve taken the opportunity to slip out of the house after everyone was asleep and do a little stargazing. While he hadn’t wanted to risk looking up at the night sky since their strange little town was transported to this even stranger little world, maybe that would change tonight. Maybe he would give the sky more than a passing glance.
He tore his eyes away from the night sky as he heard footsteps approaching, studying the man who walked up to him curiously before offering him a smile. “And that would make you Louis. It’s a pleasure to meet you in person.” He greeted, before nodding his head and falling into step with the other. It didn’t matter if there was a destination or not. Regulus had nowhere to be and nothing planned. As long as the charms held up he could spend as long as he wanted out. “Well, thank you for inviting me. I probably would’ve just shut myself indoors if you hadn’t.” "It's nice to meet you in person as well," Louis said, returning the smile. "You're the first person I've met or interacted with since arriving here...I guess it's been just over two weeks." Of course the hours he kept didn't help with that. Most people weren't just starting their day after the sun set. He wondered what had Regulus up and agreeing to go for a walk with a stranger on Valentine's Day. He imagined most humans would be spending it with a partner or at least some friends if they were single.
"It's a beautiful night," he added as they walked. Even though Louis didn't breathe there was something about the cold, crisp air that was invigorating and made him feel a little better about being here. He still questioned why he was here as well as why Lestat was. Of all the vampires in the world, it had to be him. Though it seemed the other vampire hadn't changed much from what he'd gathered with their one meeting. "When I was a boy I used to wish for snow on Christmas day. New Orleans obviously isn't known for snow and even though the weather gets cooler, it's not like this." “Well. That would explain why you invited me.” He chuckled. Regulus didn’t, personally, think he had an off-putting personality or anything like that but he was far less social than his brother or any member of the group who had been transported here from home. “But two weeks really isn’t a lot of time to adjust to this place. I’m sure you’ll have a few more companions to choose from next holiday if you want them.” He didn’t want to make assumptions about Louis. For all he knew, the other man usually preferred his solitude. Regulus wasn’t sure what he preferred. He’d really only pulled back because he hated drama and had, somehow, managed to run into it.
“It is. This is the sort of night I may have spent slipping out of the house to do a little star gazing.” Or, if he were in school, he may have snuck out to the Astronomy tower. Sometimes he envied the Ravenclaws whose dorms were somewhere within that very tower. Then again, he had his moments of envying any student who didn’t have to spend their nights in a cold and dreary dungeon. “What is the weather like around Christmas?” He was curious. Having spent the winter holidays either in London or at school in Scotland he could hardly imagine a Christmas without snow. “I grew up in London. We didn’t usually get snow until January or February but I did, occasionally, spend the holiday at the school in Scotland. There was usually an over abundance of snow.” Though if that was just the Scottish countryside or the result of some sort of magic he had never thought to ask. "No, I invited you because you seemed nice and like you might appreciate a night walk." He was genuinely surprised his offer had been accepted. "I didn't mean you're the first person I've talked to. I have talked to some others on the network, you're the first I've met face to face." And so far things were going well. Regulus wasn't a vampire, his senses told him that. "It's not that long, but...I have led a more solitary life for a while." By choice and not by choice. "I would like to make more friends." If that were possible. Apparently some knew what he was. Maybe everyone here knew of the existence of vampires. That didn't mean they would want to befriend them.
"I have spent many nights gazing at the heavens and stars and moon. There isn't much that can compare to its beauty. Louis smiled a little. "I have been to England, but it was long ago. I've never been to Scotland though. I imagine it to be beautiful and filled with much sprawling wide open land. Is England your home, where you were living when you were brought here?"
If he'd had a heart, Louis was sure it would have been lost and stayed in New Orleans. For all the tragedy that took place there it still held some very fond memories for him and would always be home. "The weather for Christmas and winter has temperatures in the forties to low fifties. Cooler than what we're used to, but not the cold that brings snow very often. The sun would shine more often than not. It's not like the cold frosty snow weather of other cities I have been to. The kind of nights where you want to draw near the fire to keep warm or cover yourself with a warm blanket and listen to the wind howling while watching it snow." He wasn’t sure anyone who had just met him had ever described him as “nice” before. Maybe back when he was younger and things were different but… Regulus decided to see it as a good thing. A sign he was finally figuring out how to break free of the person he felt he had to be in order to live up to the family name and his mother’s expectations of what a good son and heir should be. Unfortunately, the seriousness of Louis’ reply also meant that Regulus hadn’t hit the right note with his self deprecating joke. “Well, thank you and, you were right, I do appreciate a night walk.” Usually he did these things by himself. He might have considered the little group from home “friends” but only in the loosest sense of the word. He would never ask one of them to come along with him. “I don’t talk to many people here but I could introduce you to a few.” The few Regulus did speak to were a little more social than he was. They could introduce Louis to bigger groups and he could decide if he wanted to try and pursue a friendship from there. He wasn’t sure if that was the way most people made friends or not. He just knew that was the way things were done back home.
Regulus returned the smile and tilted his head towards the sky. “I’ve been too worried to actually spend much time gazing up at this sky. I don’t know what I’ll do if I find stars I don’t recognize. It might be better to have another set of eyes on things just in case I miss what I’m looking for.” Probably not tonight. It seemed a little too cold to actually lie in the grass and stare up at the sky but he was inviting Louis to do a little star gazing with him. “England was home. Considering the way things were going for me, however, I’m not sure how much longer I would’ve been living.” In fact, he was pretty sure he was drowning before he was brought to this place. If that were true then maybe he was one of the few who had no home to get back to and would be better off stuck in Westview.
He found that he liked listening to Louis talk. The other man had an almost poetic way with words that painted very specific pictures. Regulus let out a soft sigh as he tried to imagine bright, sunny winters with warmer weather. “It’s a shame we can’t really leave this place. I would’ve liked to visit New Orleans.” It would be nice to have someone to go on walks and explore Westview with. Someone who didn't mind going out at night, but sooner or later he would notice. Anyone would. Louis wasn't going to think about such things for the moment. He was going to enjoy the night stroll and company. "That would be nice," he smiled. Though he could not say whether anyone would actually want to be friends with him if they knew his true nature. Even Regulus who even in this short time together was kind and pleasant to talk with.
Worried? "Why?" So far this place seemed rather quiet. "If it's something personal, I'm sorry. You don't have to tell me anything." He wasn't one to poke prod especially a stranger who very well may have been speaking to themselves. Louis stopped and looked up. He would never tire of the beauty. "I'm afraid I don't know much about stars or constellations. Did you study astronomy?" His gaze turned to Regulus and he spoke without much thought. "Did you invite me to stargaze with you?" Not now obviously, but did he mean when the weather warmed? It had been a long time since someone had invited him to do anything. "If you are, I would be delighted to join you. If you're not then I apologize for misunderstanding you." And he would be greatly embarrassed as well.
"Then perhaps it is good you were brought here." Maybe Regulus was content with that being the reason he was in Westview. Maybe the Gods or powers of the universe spared him and had another purpose for him. If only Louis could say anything like that for why he was here because he had no clue why.
"Maybe one day you will be able to visit New Orleans. I would show around if it were possible. It is a beautiful and haunting city. I don't believe there is another city like it in the world." Of course he was biased. “It’s probably just me getting myself worked up over nothing but…” How did he explain this to someone who hadn’t been in Westview for very long? “We were brought to this place by some sort of magic. Powerful magic that I know absolutely nothing about.” And he hated how out of his depth he felt. He had read about and learned about some powerful magic but nothing that could transport people to an entirely different world. He hardly wanted to believe they were in a different world. “Looking up into the night sky, studying the stars and not finding what I know to look for. It would make the idea that we were transported to some other world entirely too real.” It felt better to talk about things and Regulus had, unfortunately, spent far too long keeping everything bottled up inside.
He listened to Louis and smiled softly. “I was asking you to come stargazing with me. There’s no need for embarrassment. As I said, I’m a little worried about looking up there and not finding what I’m used to but it might be a bit more bearable with someone beside me.” He really didn’t want to be alone. No matter how effortless he liked to think he made it look in front of other people. Neither his brother nor Damien needed confirmation of his loneliness. “Studying the night sky was something of a hobby of mine. The family has this ancient tradition of naming their children after stars or heavenly bodies. Sirius, Orion, Bellatrix, Regulus… all stars or constellations. I could point them out to you if the conditions are right.” And if they weren’t in some odd other world where those stars no longer existed.
Maybe it was for the best that he was brought here. Whether he’d died or been completely removed from his world the end results were the same. His family would be protected. They wouldn’t be punished for what he did. “Maybe it is. I try not to question it too much. I’m here. I’m alive. And now I’ve met you.” No matter what happened here it was a much better alternative to what he could only assume was his end.
Regulus smiled at the offer, brighter than the small ones he had been offering Louis before. “In that case, I hope we’re both capable of traveling to New Orleans one day. I’d enjoy a stroll around the city with you. You could show me all of your favorite places.” Maybe they’d get lucky and one day they’d be transported back somewhere a little more familiar. Maybe they’d even be allowed to explore the world around them like they could here but with far fewer monsters. He would have to change professions but that was fine. He’d never really wanted to be a potioneer anyway. It was just the most convenient thing here. Louis had never known someone with such a love and connection to the stars, constellations and nature, he thought it was beautiful. "I understand now, but I believe it won't be so bad if you have someone beside you when you look up. Even in a new and different world the beauty, allure and happiness that comes from the heavens is still there. Nothing and no one can take that away." For him the realization that he was in a different world had already sunk in for the most part. While it looked similar to many cities on Earth, he knew it was different from them. He sensed the other vampires that were there and that there was something different about Westview. He was going to try to make the best of it.
"Then I accept and I will hold your hand when you are ready to look up. You won't be alone, Regulus." It was the least he could do and he wanted to be there for his new friend. Louis smiled and nodded. "I kind of figured out that astronomy might be a hobby of yours. That's so beautiful that you and your siblings were named after stars or constellations. I didn't know there was a star named Regulus, but it's fitting for you." A shining 'light' that had stepped into his life.
"I hope that too. I would show you them, my favorite places." Including his home which still stood and he had on more than one occasion visited to wander inside. It was now a historical site with tours given. It comforted him in a way to know that people were still enjoying it. "Perhaps we should start making our way back." As much as he was enjoying the pleasant company, Regulus was human and needed rest and sleep. He didn't want to keep him out late. Part of that love and appreciation for nature came from Regulus’ upbringing and the sheltered life he’d been forced to lead. The matriarch of the Black family was a cruel and overbearing woman with strict standards. Here, where he was completely free of her, Regulus had indulged in things he would’ve never been allowed to back home. He spent time beneath the stars and digging in the dirt, appreciating both more than he had ever thought he could. “You’re probably right. There’s no real reason to fear it even if we’re in a different world altogether.”
That was… sweet. He’d never had a friend offer to hold his hand before. Then again, he’d never had friends he was allowed to admit his fears to. “Thank you, Louis. I appreciate that. Truly.” And he would do his best not to mess this friendship up. He’d had so few of them. “You think so? A number of people in our community thought it was a little… pompous.” He laughed a little at the thought. It was true, of course. His family was the only one he had so he loved them no matter what but even he could admit most of them were terrible. “It’s the star at the heart of the constellation Leo. If we can find that constellation I’ll point it out to you.” And he would probably talk his ear off about stars.
It was entirely unlikely they would ever get to visit New Orleans together but Regulus was willing to hope. At least for tonight. He sighed at the thought of heading back but it was getting late. Next time the two of them would have to see about going for a walk a little earlier. Maybe they could watch a sunset or he could talk Louis into helping him gather a few things from the forest. “As much as I would like to stay out longer… you’re right. It’s getting late. Thank you, again, for bringing me along.” "You're welcome," he replied, offering a warm smile. "Anytime." And he meant that. "I do really think so. How strange that anyone would think being named after one of the universe's great creations and beauties is pompous. It's unique. I would be proud of such a name." To be honest it bothered him that anyone would think it pompous. "I hope we can see Leo then. If cannon then we can find another star and name it Regulus. Map our own stars and constellations. Who cares what others think." And that, all of this wasn't like Louis. He kept to himself, had little hope and lived in his regrets and grief. Perhaps the time had to actually start 'living' again and enjoying life. Still, there was a part of him that feared rejection, feared Regulus would decide he wasn't good enough or would turn away from him upon learning his true nature.
"I'm so glad you said yes. This is the best night I've had since I arrived." He hoped that wasn't saying too much. It was true. Most nights he wandered the town or surrounding area alone or attempted to watch movies and read. They headed back toward the apartments and Louis felt a bit of sadness knowing they would soon part. "I hope we can do this again, soon." “I think it has more to do with my family in general than the names, really. They were just unfortunate enough to be attached to us.” He may not have been as proud of his family as he had once been but he was proud of his name. “It’s a harbinger of spring. Regulus is… and Leo in general. Next month we can definitely start looking.” While he might be a little upset if they didn’t immediately find it, the idea of picking out their own star and naming it after his was a nice one. If it was just for the two of them then what did it matter if they were wrong or if the star already had a name in this place? “I’d like to name the stars with you. Maybe next time I’m out here at night I’ll find a place for us to lie and watch the stars.”
He couldn’t help but smile at that. “I’m glad I could help improve your night.” He said, growing a little quieter before adding: “This is the best night I’ve had since my arrival as well.” And that was probably a sad thing to admit. Regulus had been trapped in this place for a few years. He’d lived past the untimely death he was meant to have at 17 but had often wondered what the point was. Stopping in front of the apartments, he turned so he could say his reluctant good nights to the other man. “I do, too. Call me if you want to talk or even go for another stroll together. I’d be happy to do either.”