They finished dinner and talked about light, mundane things for a while. Both of them were somewhat drunk, but Elias, having a low tolerance, was soon slumped back against the chair, asleep.
Louis had his arms crossed as he just... stared at the other. His expression was somewhat soft, almost fond. The sight was a painful reminder of fifteen years ago. His eyes raked over the other, slowly, silently, taking in the man's appearance. His mind wandered to memories of the past, ones he had painstakingly forced out of his mind over time. Elias looked so similar to how he used to fall asleep on the stands or in the lockers during practice. Louis shook his head, clearing the reminiscing thoughts. Still, his gaze continued to roam over the other, taking in everything.
He didn't know what he was doing or what he wanted to do. His body moved of its own accord as he stood up silently, walked over to the other, and kneeled down so they were at eye level.
He knew the responsible thing to do was to wake Elias up and take him to his bedroom. But he... he just felt so damn tempted right now, the wine making his mind fuzzy and his impulse control much, much weaker. He was drunk, and so was the other. He had alcohol to blame for everything. Maybe... he could be selfish, just for tonight.
Just this once.
He leaned forward, his eyes focused on Elias, his breath ghosting over the other's face. He raised a hand and gently cupped Elias's cheek, caressing it with his thumb, feeling the soft skin under his fingers. Just like old times. Fifteen years had passed, but it didn't feel like it had even been a fortnight since those days. He knew the other wasn't his anymore. But he was a selfish, greedy man.
"Eli…" Louis whispered in a low, soft voice, quiet like a reverent prayer. He didn't know what he wanted to do. All he knew was that he wanted to make Elias his, keep him safe, and ensure... the other didn't abandon him again. A bitter feeling clouded his mind. He loved him... and hated him. He wanted to ruin Elias, just like Elias had ruined him, and at the same time, ensure no harm came to him. He knew he'd gladly take a bullet for the other... But at the same time, he knew if a situation like that ever arose, he would probably be the one holding the gun. He didn't understand what exactly he felt for Elias, but whatever it was... it was intense. Like a flame threatening to consume them both.
His gaze wandered over Elias's features, from his closed eyes to his nose, his full lips, his sharp but soft jaw, the hollow of his throat. He wanted to kiss him, mark him as his own. The urge to press his lips to the other's skin grew stronger with every passing moment. He wanted to make sure no one else touched him again. He almost leaned in.
Louis's warm breath ghosted over the swan-like curve of Elias's neck. He was so close to giving in, to just surrender all his rational thoughts and... but then he heard the other let out a quiet, soft whisper.
"I asked for the 11 blade, not 10, you fool... Interns, ugh…"
That made him stop. He could only blink for a moment as he stared at the blonde, who had suddenly spoken up. His stupor was broken when he let out a disbelieving and amused chuckle, his head still a mess of alcohol-fueled thoughts. Even in his sleep, the other was still thinking about work.
However, the sleep-talking broke the alcohol-induced haze in his mind as he realized the situation they were in. Was he just about to... kiss Elias while he was unconscious? Like a creep? He knew it wasn't right. Not like this.
He let out a long, tired sigh as he pulled Elias closer, hooking one arm around his waist while the other hand moved to support his back. He picked the younger man up, lifting him like a bride, and headed to the bedroom.
"You, seriously," he muttered with resignation and fond tiredness as he shook his head at the unconscious blonde, who was now leaning against his chest, mumbling some jumbled words about how the bastard director always dumped babysitting interns on him or something along those lines.
"You'll be the death of me someday."