The details in this page alone, I'm obsessed! Such a good passage for a closer reading, it's so rich . . .
Ordering the entire menu for Daniel is insane. Does he remember how much food a human can consume in one sitting? Is he expecting Daniel to eat it all or is it mainly for show/to give him options? And the fact that his smile is "absolutely ecstatic" as he tells him what he ordered! He knows he's being a little shit and he's waiting for Daniel's reaction.
And Daniel immediately takes it as a challenge: he thinks Armand is doing it to “drive [him] crazy.” Maybe, maybe not; either way, we know Armand is enjoying himself — in fact, as he watches Daniel eat, he is “delighted, laughing and laughing like a schoolboy.” Is his laughter a reaction to Daniel’s declaration that Armand’s existence is proof of his sanity? Or maybe to the spiteful way Daniel attacks the food (“lustily, furiously”), or the simple act of him eating? The laughter could be surprise or amusement at Daniel’s mood, the excitement of getting to watch him eat, the pleasure of having provided this for him, a whole host of things. And that he laughs specifically like a schoolboy in this instance is really interesting — it’s a carefree laugh, indicative of maybe curiosity and vivacity. You can tell that he’s taken in by Daniel, fascinated by him, delighted by him.
I also love that Daniel seems to eat with both anger (at Armand’s antics?) and lust. In this case it probably just means passionate desire, but obviously the word has strong sexual implications, which is really interesting to me that it would then be used in this scene. This is perhaps an extension of his desire for Armand(’s blood), but it could suggest something about Daniel’s relationship with food (or, more specifically, the idea of Armand feeding him). And that Armand’s “soft, silky . . . seductive” laughter is followed immediately by Daniel getting drunk “as fast as he could” — are these ideas related? Why is Daniel choosing to get drunk quickly? Perhaps as a reaction to Armand pulling this bullshit — or could it be something to do with the attraction he feels to Armand? Wanting to drown out his desire with intoxication, or amplify it/lower his inhibitions specifically so it’s easier to act on it? Much to think about.
And then they begin to talk more, going from “conversations” to “downright fights.” It’s interesting that this is arguably a love story and yet their courting is described as mostly conflict, mostly arguments. Is it because Daniel is being a grumpy jackass and/or asking for the Blood and Armand won’t give it to him? Does Armand have an equal hand in starting fights? What are they arguing about most of the time? I love the image of them having “sparring matches” — I know it’s metaphorical, a verbal altercation, but I’m enjoying the image of them fencing each other 😂
And I love the way Armand is so eager to satisfy his curiosity that he throws Daniel around so casually. Drags him out of bed and shouts at him to dial Paris — not a polite request, a shout. It could be rudeness, but more likely it’s his enthusiasm combined with his vampirism: he doesn’t realize how loud he’s being because he’s just so excited to see if he can call Paris that he’s lost control of his volume. Daniel’s certainly miffed by it (probably because he just got woken up), and answers with a wonderful, sassy do it yourself, bitch. “I will do no such thing!” Something about the declaration feels so formal and final that it’s almost funny, especially given that not five words later he’s already relenting (as long as Armand pays the bill). And that Armand had looked surprised at Daniel’s words! Is he simply shocked at the verbal abuse, or is he more taken aback by Daniel’s refusal? He was probably expecting immediate compliance — but has Daniel gone along with his schemes without a fuss in the past? Has he always caught him at a good time before this? It’s interesting that he’s so surprised that Daniel reacted the way he did; it’s also interesting that the structure of the narrative seems to imply that it’s simply Armand’s visible shock that convinces Daniel to agree to call Paris. Why does this make him give in? Does Daniel simply feel bad for yelling at Armand and so he says he’ll do it, or is Armand employing some subliminal Mind Gift suggestions to change Daniel’s mind? Either way, the quick transition from “I will do no such thing!” to “All right, I’ll call Paris for you” is immensely funny to me. And then Armand “innocently” consents to paying for the call — this could maybe support the idea that Armand used his vampiric abilities to subtly nudge Daniel into assenting. I’m absolutely delighted by Armand being a little gremlin and then batting his pretty eyelashes and acting like he’s done nothing wrong, and even more delighted that Daniel falls for it. Ugh, these two!
Then follows my favourite part: “He had drawn dozens of hundred-dollar bills out of his coat, sprinkling them on Daniel’s bed.” The image of Armand raining down money on Daniel is just golden! Armand, why do you casually have multiple hundred-dollar bills in your pocket 😂
And then we go right from that silliness to Armand asking deep questions about death 😭 but not to worry! It doesn’t stay serious for long! Because Daniel simply cannot be moved to give a shit about Armand’s queries. That’s so funny. “I’m tired and drunk Armand leave me alone.” He’s in no state to talk death with you, man! And again with Armand simply not caring about whatever Daniel’s up to — he really loves to wake Daniel up! That’s such a great detail; he’s like a little kid jumping on his mom’s bed at five o’clock in the morning. The text even supports this image, in a sense, with Armand earlier being referred to as a schoolboy and later as a “young student” — emphasizing his youthful appearance and demeanor, but also his nigh insatiable curiosity, his willingness to learn. Overall there’s something innocent and joyous about him, even as he’s a little shit terrorizing Daniel’s sleep schedule. God, such a fun character! And Daniel’s grumpy ass throughout — snarling and roaring at Armand, the way he eats the food, calling Armand an “immortal idiot” — like a feral lil guy! It’s so great. I’m obsessed with this page!!!!!