macaroni-with-the-chick3n-strips - Tumblr blog

macaroni-with-the-chick3n-strips · 14 days ago

Text

Something as Ridiculous as Tickling

i am experiencing monthly astarion brainrot. i need him tickled bad. took matters into my own hands. oh and because i'm a fucking nerd i decided to write a short fic to accompany it. also click for better quality!

Warning: This is a tickle fic.

Features: lee!astarion, ler!tav and ler!karlach (with lee!tav and ler!karlach at the beginning, couldn't help myself)

Spoilers?: None! This does take place in Act 3, though.

Word Count: 885 (short... can you even call this a fic </3)

Karlach’s laughter rings through the camp, disturbing Astarion's tranquil, meditative state. Tav’s laugh follows. The vampire huffs and opens his eyes, rising from his bedroll. The sun has only risen minutes ago, he assumes, and it is not time for the party to set off yet. Any individual with a brain, whether it be infected with a parasite or not, would still be asleep, or awake and avoiding waking the others until they decide to wake themselves. And of course, as Astarion had learned long ago, Tav and Karlach lack said brain. What are they up to now?

Stepping out of his tent, sunlight hits Astarion’s face. The elf squints; he’s yet to get used to it. Tav’s laughter, by now, has risen an octave, assaulting his ears. A frown painting his face, he approaches the source of the noise – Karlach’s tent – to perhaps grasp what could be so funny this early in the morning. He is met with a sight that… he has not seen before.

“KAHAHARLAHAHACH!” Tav is red to the face, lying on the ground with their arms and legs flailing around helplessly. Karlach, clearly overpowering them, is sitting on their thighs, fingers mercilessly wiggling around their entire torso. Astarion barely registered their movement, as no spot on Tav’s torso was left untouched. The tiefling has a smile on her face, a devilish one, as her hands move, skillfully dodging Tav’s almost pathetic attempts at grabbing her wrists to cease their torment.

“What? You started this. Revenge is best served hot, my friend,” Karlach says, not stopping her hands for even a second. And there was Tav, losing their shit. Children, is all Astarion can think to himself at their behavior.

The elf clears his throat loudly, catching the attention of Karlach, who finally stops her hands, hovering them over Tav’s sides. They continue to giggle, panting to catch their breath as they open their eyes, wiping tears of mirth. Both look up at Astarion.

“What, if I may ask, in the Nine Hells, are you doing?” Astarion crossed his arms, an eyebrow raised. He wasn’t exactly mad with them, simply annoyed at how loud their antics can get.

Karlach released Tav, finally, standing up and dusting her hands off. “Tickling the shit out of Tav. That’s obvious, isn’t it, soldier?” She smirks, eyeing them as they sit up, rubbing tingles off their sides.

“I have two functioning eyes, darling, I can see that.” Astarion’s gaze follows hers, watching Tav recover. He never understood why some fold so quickly at something as silly as tickling. Not that he has experienced it in the past two centuries of his life, but that doesn’t change his stance. The act is ridiculous on its own. “My question is why you felt the need to do it now, and this early in the morning. The whole damn camp must be up in arms, thinking our poor Tav has been hit with Tasha’s Hideous Laughter by an enemy.”

“Sorry, Astarion,” Karlach replies, shrugging. “But blame Tav. They tried tickling me first.”

“To be fair, you have vampiric hearing,” Tav mutters as they sit up, dusting off their clothes. Seems they have finally recovered. “I didn’t laugh that loud.”

“Trust me, you laughed louder than an owlbear squeals,” Astarion retorts, earning a huff from Tav.

“You’d laugh too,” notes Karlach, backing up the one who was her victim a mere minute ago. “If I got my hands on you.”

“My dear, I am nearly two centuries old. Do you really think I’d succumb to tickling? Don’t make me laugh,” taunts Astarion, tilting his head to the side. Not that knows if he would succumb or not. He’d rather not wait here to find out, though. The vampire was not liking the look Karlach and Tav exchanged as he said that. “Anyway, as lovely as it was conversing with you… intellectually challenged individuals, I do believe our dear Wyll is making breakfast for us.”

“Won’t succumb, huh Astarion? Sure, let’s see about that.” Karlach’s voice sends a shiver down his spine. The elf spins to face the duo again, just for his arms to be caught by Karlach’s hands. He has to give it to her, she is one strong woman, and he can not pull his wrists from her grip. In an attempt to save himself, he steps back, only to feel Tav’s chest against his back. They were smiling too. Fuck.

“Seriously, this is childish- mmh!” His back arches as Tav’s hands meet his hips, earning them a panicked smile on Astarion’s face.

“If it’s so childish, you won’t laugh, right?” Tav adds on with a sing-song tone, and to Astarion’s demise, they begin to wiggle their fingers.

“Yeah, soldier. You can handle some silly tickling, can’t you?” Karlach’s voice did not make Astarion’s situation any better. Pulling away from her is no use, even if his body is fighting her hands on its own anyway, and he has too much pride to say anything that would get him out of this ridiculous position.

All he has left to do is pray to the gods that he can handle himself, or that someone will come to his rescue. Though, knowing the band of idiots he’s found himself with… they will only join in. “Ah!” Tav’s hands have found his sides. Gods, help him.

#embarassing myself once more. im great at that #im not a writer not gonna lie sorry guys #to anyone who read this far i apologize that you did #lee!astarion #ticklish!astarion #ler!tav #lee!tav #i guess #ler!karlach #i was too lazy to draw their full bodies sorry to my floating hands haters #bg3 tickling #sfw tk art #tavs hands are purple bc my tav is a drow. ignore that #my art #my writing

118 notes · View notes

macaroni-with-the-chick3n-strips · 14 days ago

Note

God, your fics are a delight to read! So cute and orgsnic and I feel for Tav everytime, I can feel the adrenaline drum up in my chest. And I saw your requests are open!

Not to be a basic bitch, but I would love, love, love something with lee! Astarion. You know that sour, grouchy way he gets sometimes? His haughty complaining at the tiefling party, "Go away I'm brooding", teasing him to thank you and him going, "Hmm? 🤨 Hmmph. 😒 Thank you for helping me, it was very kind 😡😡😡". He really starts earning his 10 charisma stat when he's flustered or embarassed.

Could you whip up something along those lines? There's some mishap or situation that has Astarion snappy and scowling and probably playing at being mad a bit more than he actually is. Tav makes it their mission to coax him into a better mood. (Or forgiveness depending on the circumstance). It just so happens that, as they're laying on the charm, they happen to brush against a ticklish spot...

A Little TLC

Who knew that stealing the Blood of Lathander would lead to an explosion strong enough to level the Rosymorn Monastery? Tav’s curiosity got the better of them, and all of their companions made it out safely, save for Astarion. He is understandably cross with them, and Tav makes it their mission to earn his forgiveness. Sweet words and a little massage can go a long way...especially if the recipient is ticklish.

Pairing- Astarion x Tav

WC: 2.9k

Warnings- Spoilers for Act(s) 1-2 for Gith creche.

“What in the sweet hells were you thinking, activating that lance? I was right there!”

Tav recoiled as Astarion, brought back from the dead, shouted at them. There were hidden secrets in the Rosymorn Monastery that promised a powerful, holy relic up for grabs. Tav led their party through secret passageways and found the Blood of Lathander in all of its glowing, shiny glory. All they had to do was reach out and take it.

The next thing they knew, the entire monastery was primed to explode. Gale had teleported himself and Shadowheart to safety. Karlach managed to leap out of the blast radius through a window. That left Tav and Astarion. Tav was sprinting as fast as their legs would take them.They ran through collapsing corridors, turning wildly with no thought but escape. Astarion had been right on their heels—until he wasn’t.

They hadn’t even realized they’d lost him until they burst out into the open air, lungs burning. Only then, as the radiant explosion consumed the monastery behind them, did Tav see no sign of him.

Oh no. No, no, no!

“ASTARION!”

Their shout echoed through the now ruined monastery, mingled with coughing. He didn’t answer. That sinking, guilty feeling weighed them down all the way back to camp, where Withers waited to bring back fallen companions.

When Astarion materialized in front of them, his clothes and hair were covered in soot. And he was not happy.

“I’m sorry, Astarion! I didn’t know the temple would explode—I wasn’t thinking!” Tav blurted, hands raised in a placating gesture. “I just... I thought about the relic and what it could do for us. I didn’t mean to put you in danger!”

“Well, I suppose that makes up for this, doesn’t it?” He hissed, “A quick apology with a dash of whining. Never mind the fact that I was obliterated into ash all because you couldn’t keep your grubby little hands to yourself.”

“But-”

“I mean honestly, what did you think would happen?” Astarion shook the dust from his curls in frustration. “Did you really think you’d just waltz in and take it? That all of the bloody traps were just for show? Gods! It’s one thing to be impulsive, but to be a damned fool-”

“I’m sorry!” Tav frowned. “I swear, I’ll be more careful next time.”

“Next time?” Astarion echoed indignantly. “No, no, no! If there is a ‘next time’, I’ll be pointing the all powerful weapon, thank you.”

Tav winced at Astarion’s words. They hadn’t meant for things to go so wrong, but the sharp sting of Astarion’s anger made it harder to explain.

“Astarion, I… I really didn’t think it would get that bad,” Tav muttered, lowering their hands to their sides. “You’re right, I should have been more careful. I wasn’t thinking about the consequences, but I didn’t want you to get hurt.” They paused, taking a breath. “I never want to put you in danger. You know that, right?”

Astarion fixed his gaze on them, still looking angry, but the look had softened slightly. “I know,” he muttered. “And yet you did put me in danger and I got hurt. Blown to pieces if I’m being more accurate. If we’re going to reach Baldur’s Gate, I want to be in one piece, if it’s all the same to you.”

“You will! I promise. Next time I find an ancient relic, I’ll make sure you’re at a safe distance, okay?” Tav took a hopeful step towards him. Astarion crossed his arms, but didn’t move away.

“I suppose that’s better than nothing.”

There was a sudden bout of silence before Tav spoke up. “Can I, um,” they hesitated. “Can I help clean you up?”

“No, you’ve done quite enough already,” Astarion huffed and finally moved out of their reach. “If you want to be useful, draw me a bath and get me some clean clothes. And I don’t want cheap rags.”

Tav slowly nodded. “Alright. Give me a moment, and I’ll have a nice, warm bath for you.”

It took a little bit of Gale’s magic and a lot of Karlach’s heat to get the water warm. You’d already done the hard work of filling up the wooden bath in your shared tent. Now, you kept on checking the temperature, waiting for it to be soothingly warm. Once satisfied, Tav withdrew their hand, calling, “It’s ready, Astarion.”

“Finally.” Astarion entered the tent shirtless and huffed. “Took you long enough. It is freezing out here.”

Tav stepped aside, letting him approach the steaming bath. “I wanted to make sure it was perfect,” they admitted, watching as Astarion eyed the water with something almost like approval—almost.

“Are you certain this won’t explode? No hidden traps anywhere?”

Tav deflated. “I’m positive, love,” they sighed. “This is completely safe.”

“Hmph. As you say..” Astarion put one hand on the edge of the bathtub, waving Tav away with the other. “Now, off with you. I've got layers of dirt to scrub off..”

It stung to be abruptly dismissed, especially since they usually helped with washing his back, but Astarion was still understandably annoyed. So, with a curt nod, they left him to take his bath.

While they waited for him to finish, their heart raced. It wasn’t the first time Astarion was cross with them. But this was something that was their fault. They paced outside of the tent, intermittently wringing their hands, until a metaphorical light bulb went off in their head.

If he was willing, a massage was the perfect solution. What better way to make him feel better than to rub that tension away?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

By the time Tav returned back to camp, Astarion was finished with his bath. He reclined outside of the shared tent with plush cushions underneath him. Tav eyed him from a distance. They were trying to read his face, but with his nose buried in his book, it was difficult. They approached him slowly, trying not to make a sound, but the crunching of their boots gave them away.

Astarion’s red eyes flicked up to them. He sighed heavily. “Gods above, what do you want now?”

Unlike before, his words didn’t carry a sharp bite. It was a grumble if anything. Tav hoped this meant that the bath had softened his anger.

“I was hoping I could make all of this up to you,” They murmured softly. They stood a couple of paces away with something held behind their back. “If you’ll let me.”

He glanced between their face and whatever it was that they were hiding behind their back. He looked wairly intrigued. “Hm, now there’s an idea. Though you should know by now that I am not somebody who’s won over easily. So, what is it you have there? A gift? A bribe?”

“Well, maybe a little of both,” Tav admitted and brought their hands from behind their back, revealing the lavender massage oil. “I can’t stand you being mad at me. So, I was hoping I could give you a massage? You know, something to work out all of that tension?”

Astarion blinked. “Oh. That is a little…novel, I suppose. If anything, I half expected you’d bring me some wine. A couple of swigs down and I’d probably forget about all of this exploding temple business. But no, you’d rather dote on me?”

“Yes.” Tav smiled hopefully. It was one of those damned adorable smiles that he’d come to like so much. “It’s the least I can do. I expect you’re still a bit sore?”

“A bit. No thanks to you, I might add.” He huffed dramatically, looking between them and the massage oil. “But if you’re serious, and you’re not god awful at this, then I suppose I can tolerate a massage.”

Tav brightened and cheered. Their cheeriness tugged at Astarion’s undead heartstrings, but his face remained neutral. “Thank you, Astarion. You won’t regret this.”

“We shall see, won’t we? Now, make good on your promise..” He turned so that he was laying on his stomach, letting his loose shirt slip down to expose some skin. Tav nodded obligingly. They knelt down to straddle his back, already having taken the cap off the bottle to put a few drops in their hand. They rubbed their hands together to warm it up, then pressed their fingertips where his shoulders met his back.

They started out gentle as they kneaded into the tight muscles. Astarion initially tensed and rolled his shoulders until they found the right spot at the base of his neck. Then, he let out an almost imperceptible sigh, head tilted to the side. Tav let out a breath they’d been holding and chuckled quietly.

“Feel good, love?” They slid both hands up his neck, moving their palms in circular motions before sliding back down. Astarion gave a minimal hum.

“Mm— you’re not—not terrible at this,” he mumbled. He almost purred when they rubbed down his spine, careful to avoid pressing on his scars. He picked up the quiet hush of their giggle and quickly added, “Don’t let it get to your head, dear.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Tav chuckled. They rubbed along his back and shoulders for a few moments more before switching over to his sides. They used their knuckles to knead over his skin, and he shivered.

Tav momentarily froze. “Everything okay?”

“Yes. Keep going.” Astarion shifted under them, clearing his throat. Tav’s brows furrowed, but they went back to massaging his sides. They felt him shiver again and lightened their touch so that they were barely caressing his skin. They couldn’t see it from where they sat on his back, but he briefly grinned. A successful perception check helped them detect the faintest giggle. Tav smiled and, not wanting to immediately call him out, decided to play along.

“You know,” they started softly. “I really am sorry about what happened earlier. I hope you can forgive me.” Their fingers ghosted over his waist, and he sucked in air through his teeth. Tav craned their head to try and look at him, but he turned his head out of their view. “Astarion?”

“Hmm?” He propped himself up on his elbows, shoulders shaking a bit, as if holding back a laugh. He pursed his lips to conceal a smile. “I heard you, Tav. Now would you shut up and let me relax?”

Tav huffed lightly. Their smile widened. “Oh, I do apologize. How careless of me. Of course I want you to relax. I shall be as quiet as a mouse, my love.”

Astarion finally gave them a quizzical look. The way they were smiling at them now made him fidget, but he made no move to get up. Slowly, he lowered himself back onto his stomach. “Good. Keep it that way.”

Ah, so that’s how he wanted to play this?

Tav smirked to themselves and, as promised, didn’t say another word. Instead, they doubled down on their efforts. They wriggled their fingertips ever so slightly up his sides and across his ribs. Again, Astarion fidgeted, but it was becoming more difficult for him to stifle his giggling.

Whenever he squirmed, Tav’s fingers weren’t far behind, lightly scribbling and kneading over his skin. They didn’t hone in on any one area; instead, they leisurely went from one spot to the other. Tav’s fingers traced a slow path down his sides, brushing across his ribs and making their way back to his waist, where they gently danced over the curve of his hips. This time, Astarion jolted and belted out a loud, startled giggle. He swiveled his head to give a lighthearted glare, and Tav was already grinning at him.

“You wretch-”

Tav laughed in earnest. They continued their gentle pinching and tickling over his hips, and Astarion squealed. His hands shot out behind him to grip their wrists, but he didn’t make any move to truly stop them. “Come on, Astarion. I just want to see you smile. You wear it so much better than a scowl.”

“You are delusional if you think you can-” His sharp words were dulled as he tittered and grit his teeth as Tav traced along his waist. “C-Can tickle mehehe into forgiving your idihihidocy!”

“Maybe. But, it’s worth a shot, no?” Tav giggled and pried their hands out of his grip. Then, their hands scampered back up his sides, finding purchase on his ribs. Astarion sputtered and writhed, giggling frantically. He tried to sit up and turn around, but Tav wouldn’t let him. They flattened themselves on top of his back and alternated between gently pinching at the bones and scritching over them. They scooched up a bit just so they could nuzzle their head into the crook of his neck. He tried to shut them out by raising his shoulders, shrieking.

“Please forgive me, Star..” They murmured into his ear, pressing a kiss to the shell. He shook his head as those ticklish kisses continued, his high pitched giggles rounding out to laughter. “I didn’t mean to blow up the temple with you in it. It’ll never happen again.”

“GAhahaha! Oho, I’m going tohoho end you, Tahahav!” He threatened and leaned his head far enough away to avoid the ticklish kisses. So, they moved to his other ear. Meanwhile, they were still tickling along the length of his ribs.

“But then how would I be able to say I’m sorry?” Tav laughed. After a couple more kisses on his ear, they relented, not wanting to get headbutted accidentally on purpose. They suddenly raised their hands higher and plunged them underneath his arms. Astarion arched his back and cackled.

“AHA! Nohohoht thehehehre—!” He shrieked and clamped his arms down, trapping their wriggling fingers against him. With a sudden burst of strength, he rolled both of them over, and Tav yelped. Before he could recover, Tav hooked one leg over his waist, returning to their gentle scritches over his armpits. Astarion threw his head back in laughter, hands gripping their arms, but still not fully pushing them away.

Tav chuckled fondly. They halted their tickle attack to bring both of his hands up to their lips, kissing the tops softly. “See? You’re beautiful when you laugh…and even more so when you aren’t angry with me.”

“Y-Yehehes, well, I’m afraid you’re not off the hook, darling.” He breathed and chased after the warmth in their touch. “In fact I think I need an even longer massage now because of your antics.”

“Oh? I can manage that,” They grinned. “Do you have any suggestions for where I should t—er, massage next? I’m nothing if not a good listener.”

Astarion leered, squeezing their hands. “Tickle me again, and you just might lose these hands.”

“Huh. Decisions, decisions..” Tav pursed their lips as if they were thinking. “Make my dashingly handsome lover laugh, or help him feel good?”

There was a beat, and Tav slowly pulled their hands out of his grip. They idly wriggled their fingers just a hair above his torso, not quite touching. He narrowed his eyes, still playful, and lowered one protective arm over the same area.

“Tav, my love, I do hope you make the right decision..” He whispered in a low, suspicious purr. He watched their movements like a hawk and, for a moment, it looked like they were going to resume the massage.

But then, they tentatively poked him in the tummy, and he flinched. Tav grinned a playful grin.

“I’m gonna go with option one~” They sang, continuing to poke and prod at his belly at a pace that he couldn’t keep up with. He growled in between his giggling and tried, and failed, to grab their hand.

“Nahahaha! Youhuhu little- ah! Nohoho! When I geheheheht my HAHAHAHNDS on youhuhu!” Astarion squealed and buckled at each poke, opting to cover his face with his hand. His face was flushed from laughing and his fangs were 100% visible, if he hadn’t been covering his face, that is. Tav laughed along with him and pressed their thumbs into his hips, kneading softly. He jolted and lurched forward, uncovering his face to wrestle with their hands.

Again, he threw his head back in laughter, but he still wasn’t quite stopping them. He’d grip their wrists or hands and push them, though if he really wanted to, he could’ve stopped them ages ago. Tav’s heart warmed with the notion that he was having fun, and that maybe he wasn’t quite as angry with them compared to when they blew up the temple. Tav alternated between kneading his hips and running their nails along the bones, and their lover was in stitches. To add fuel to the metaphorical fire, they leaned back down to press kisses into his cheeks and ears. Astarion wheezed.

“TAHAHA! Y-you’re sohoho dehEHEAD—!” Astarion’s shrieked threats dissolved into squealing cackles. He pushed his head into theirs as his legs drummed against the ground. Tav snuck a quick kiss to his nose with a giggle.

“Promises, promises, my darling. You already said—”

But before they could finish, Astarion found a last ditch burst of strength, and he lunged. Tav barely had time to react before the world flipped—one moment, they were on top, and the next, they were pinned on their back, staring up at a panting, wild-haired Astarion. He gathered up their wrists and held them above their head with one hand. Tav blinked and looked up at him with a wobbly smile.

“Oh. Um, heh. H-Hang on, Astarion..”

After Astarion caught his breath, his slow, wicked grin returned. “I warned you, darling.”

Well, he certainly didn’t seem angry anymore. After all, he believed that the best apology was well placed revenge.

A/N: I really hope this fic is to your liking, anon! I'm nervous to post it if I'm being honest because I was juggling this idea with another one and I finished this fic whilst sick, so I don't know about the quality. Anyways, I hope you like it. Also I love how you depicted Astarion's grouchiness through emojis- that was the favorite part of this ask 😆

#i'm going feral #bg3 tickling #lee!astarion #ler!tav #i need to get him so bad

59 notes · View notes

macaroni-with-the-chick3n-strips · 14 days ago

Text

A/N I’ve become obsessed with writing for bg3. I cannot stop. Send help.

I hope everyone enjoys part two of “Astarion opens up to the concept of tickling and might actually enjoy it, oh no.”

Some mentions of sex but nothing explicit. Other than that, it’s pretty much SFW.

Wattpad version: https://www.wattpad.com/1525366886?utm_source=ios&utm_medium=link&utm_content=share_reading&wp_page=reading&wp_uname=cutefluff177

Another phenomenal fic submitted to me by @bexorok !

————————————————————————

Touch was a strange thing for Asterion. Usually, he used it as a means of seduction, a way of making someone drop their guard after flattery and flirting, all in a ruse to lure them to Cazador. Night after night, year after year, he grew numb to it all as he went through the motions, letting himself float somewhere far away while his body did the work.

That all changed after meeting Tav. The parasite they were all infected with brought them together, and gave him freedoms he’d never dared to dream of. He could walk in the sun, cross water, go where he pleased without the compelling voice of a master ordering him around, but it didn’t take long for him to realize that he was still trapped. Trying to seduce Tav, he cycled through the same routine he always had, drifting away emotionally any time he did so. But the moments when he wasn’t trying to flirt or manipulate, he felt something akin to attraction. Not a sexual kind, or a drive for power, but a spark of real connection.

Tav made him realize that he had the freedom to make choices for himself now. They never forced him to do anything he didn’t want to do, never belittled him for having his own wants and needs. Even more than that, they supported those wants and needs. He came to his own conclusion that he didn’t just want some superficial relationship to protect himself, he wanted Tav.

He had no idea that confessing his feelings would go so well. Any sane person would hear him admit that he was trying to manipulate them and show him the door. Tav was truly unhinged to let him stay, much less give him a chance at a real relationship, and he was grateful for it. He was even more nervous to ask that they hold off on having sex for now, but he was surprised to find that they weren’t in it for the sex. Tav explained to him that they preferred to be intimate for the sake of their partner rather than their own desires. Basically, if he wasn’t in the mood, they weren’t in the mood either. It was a perfect arrangement.

After that, Tav slowly introduced him to physical affection that wasn’t inherently sexual. A hug, a cuddle, a try at being the little spoon, and soon he felt himself becoming emotionally receptive to touch, no longer letting his consciousness drift. Which brought him to his current predicament.

The entire camp seemed to be getting closer, both physically and emotionally. He chalked it up to being forced to travel through the shadowlands. The curse that hung over their heads, the despair that surrounded them every moment, made every day a challenge. The only thing they had to hang on to was each other, taking care of one another, lifting each other's spirits, being each other's light in the dark. Yes, physical affection had become much more common amongst the group. From hugs, to pats on the back, a hand on the shoulder, the occasional head nudge, and thanks to what was dubbed “the timmusk incident” even tickling was a common occurrence.

It wasn’t that Astarion minded, to each their own after all, but he couldn’t ignore the feelings it would elicit in him when he saw Tav poke Gale in the side, or when Karlach would find something to graze over an unexpecting companion's ribs. At first he thought the feeling was of annoyance. They were in the middle of the darkest, most dangerous lands, and they were behaving like children. But he found he couldn’t stop staring any time it happened in front of him. After thinking about it, he realized the feeling was a combination of curiosity, jealousy, and a bit of fear. Why fear? He wasn’t sure. Hell, he had no idea why he was so infatuated by something so ridiculous, and it was eating away at him.

It all came to a head one night after having a few too many drinks. The party managed to find an old wine cellar in the ruins of the shadowlands, somehow untouched by the curse, unlike all the food that appeared to rot there. It was rare to find good booze, especially in a place as inhabitable as this, so of course they all decided to indulge, and it didn’t take long for everyone to loosen up.

“Kahahaharlack!” Wyll suddenly giggled from his seat at the fire pit, trying to hold onto his drink in hand, “Knock it ohohohoff!”

Karlach had taken quite the liking to sneaking up on her party members with whatever she could find to graze their sides with. This time she found an old cattail to try.

“You know, you should really wear something other than that crop top,” she smirked. “It leaves you vulnerable.”

“Myhyhy wardrobe is none of your concern,” he said, swatting the plant away.

Tav, from the other side of the fire pit, got a mischievous gland in their eyes. “Oh, but I think Karlach’s right. You have no idea when someone might try something.” They got up from their seat and made their way towards him.

“Oh no, you stay back!” He got to his feet and stumbled a bit, a wobbly smile on his face.

Everyone looked at the spectacle from their own seats, fondly rolling their eyes and continuing their own conversations, now used to the occasional sound of laughter whenever a tickle fight broke out.

Astarion watched from his own seat near the camping supplies, looking for more booze to hammer away. He stared at Tav as they and Karlach closed in on Wyll, giggling and swatting their hands and cattails away.

In his drunken state, he felt more antsy than usual watching them. He itched to move, to squirm, to feel what it was like to have fingers scribble along his sides, to feel the carefreeness Wyll must have felt in this moment, tipsy and helpless to defend himself from the playful attack.

“Eh, better him than us,” Gale approached him, holding out a glass of wine.

Astarion huffed as he got up. “You know, I think I’ve had quite enough for tonight. You all have fun, I’m going to do something actually worth my time.” He left for his tent that he had been sharing with Tav, trying to not make eye contact with them as he walked past. Tav noticed his sudden disposition and stopped their current assault on Wyll as they all watched him walk away.

Everyone assumed his dismissive attitude was just Astarion being himself. Tav was the only one who saw through him. The pained look in his eyes seemed obvious to them, but they knew if they asked about it he would deny it and shut down. No, they knew he would talk when he was ready. He always did.

They decided to let Wyll go after that, unable to get Astarion’s sudden departure out of their head. As the rest of the party continued drinking before inevitably turning in for the night, they decided to call it early and join him.

They tripped a bit as they made their way back to the tent, a goofy grin still on their face as they felt the effects of the alcohol. They pulled the bit of fabric covering the entrance and crawled into the space. Once inside, they whispered an incantation that would sound proof the tent, giving them a bit of privacy for the night.

Astarion laid on his bedroll with a book in hand and a lantern by his head to light the pages. He had taken his shirt off for the night as he always did before bed, though he wasn’t tucked into his bedroll.

“Turning in already?” He commented without looking up from his book.

“I figured I’ve had enough to drink,” Tav yawned as they stretched. They undressed down to their underwear before they laid down next to him, making sure not to jostle him too much as they drew close. “I’m surprised you’re reading right now, I can barely focus my eyes after drinking.”

Astarion tried to keep pretending he was focused on the book, determined to not give away that he’d previously been staring up at the tent, fantasizing about Tav ticking him.

He coughed, “well, I’m not that drunk.” He still put the book down as he finally worked up the nerve to roll on his side to face Tav.

“There’s… something I wanted to ask you.”

“Yes, dear?” They smiled, taking his hand in their own.

“Do you remember, after tormenting Gale for the first time, when I told you to never try that with me?”

“Like it was yesterday,” they chuckled.

“Well, I suppose I’ve been having… mixed feelings about that.”

He could tell Tav was excited, they always were when he chose to open up a bit. They usually curbed their enthusiasm in an effort to not scare him away. Sometimes he wished they didn’t. He didn’t want them thinking he could be dissuaded too easily, and they talked together about it before, but he appreciated the sentiment. This time though, after the drinks from that night, they couldn’t hide their stupid grin.

“Mixed feelings? How so?” They tried to play it off.

“I suppose I’m just… curious.” He concluded. Yes, of course. These thoughts were just the result of his own curiosity. He still hadn’t had much experience in these physical forms of affection, and it was only natural for him to want to at least try it out for himself. There was no deeper desire of longing to let go of all his worries and completely put his trust in someone for once.

“Oh,” Tav said as nonchalantly as they could muster. “And you’re sure this isn’t the alcohol talking?”

“Pfft, as if I’m a lightweight,” he sniffed. “I just thought that since we’re experimenting with things like cuddling and hugging, a bit of- ah hem- tickling, wouldn’t hurt to try.” He could feel his heart skip a beat uttering the word.

Tav could hardly contain their excitement before, but now there was no hope. “Of course,” they beamed as they clapped their hands. “Honestly, I’ve been dying for you to ask!”

Astarion regained his composure, at least enough to look the part on the outside. “So eager to get your hands on me,” he flirted, “I’m flattered.”

Tav playfully rolled their eyes. “Alright, love. I do love any excuse to touch you. But now I have an excuse to touch you and make you laugh.” Their enthusiasm returned to their face, overjoyed at the prospect.

“So,” Astarion trailed off, now a bit awkward. “What exactly should I do?”

“Nothing much, I’d just say lay on your back and you’ll be good to go,” they grinned.

Astarion did just that, rolling back over, resting his head in the middle of the pillow.

“Do you want to keep your arms up?”

This is how they always were with Astarion. They never instructed him to do anything when they were being intimate, they asked. It was never “you be the little spoon tonight”, instead it was “would you like to try being the little spoon tonight?” It was a small distinction that Astarion found made a big difference, and he was fascinated that Tav picked up on it so easily. He didn’t even have to tell them that he didn’t like being told what to do, as it brought back bad memories. Just one of the many reasons they were amazing.

“I’ll… try, I suppose,” he stumbled over his words. He did as he said and lifted his arms above his head, resting them on the pillow he laid on.

“Don’t worry,” Tav reassured him, “I won’t do anything that would restrain you. You can put them down whenever you need to.”

“Hm, bold of you to assume I would “need” to. I still don’t even know if I’m ticklish.” He sassed.

Tav chuckled. “Okay, okay. But seriously, just say the word and I’ll stop.”

He would never admit it, but butterflies fluttered in his stomach as he looked at Tav, nervous in anticipation for what he knew would come next. He wanted this, so why was it so intimidating? Not even in a bad way, no anxiety rushed through his veins, only a strange, gleeful buzz. Perhaps it was just the alcohol.

“I know you will,” he finally whispered back.

Tav beamed as they looked at him. It wasn’t every day they got to see him flustered like this.

“I should ask first, is there anywhere off limits?” They said as they laid on their side, close enough to reach around his body when given the okay.

Astarion huffed as he thought about it. He wished he considered it before now.

“Just not my neck, if you please,” he asked. Unsurprising, that was an area he wasn’t too fond of anyone touching for obvious reasons.

“Of course, love.” They promised. “How about I start with your hands and work my way down?”

“Hands? Really?” He scoffed. “Is that even a thing?”

“Anywhere can be sensitive,” they winked, “if it has nerves, it can be ticklish.”

“Oh, alright, but don’t be disappointed when I don’t laugh.”

They grinned in amusement as they reached a hand to him, gently making contact with his palm facing up. They lightly brushed their fingers down, slowly, feather-like. To his surprise, Astarion felt a sort of tingle. Not enough to make him laugh, but enough to notice. They continued past his wrist and down his forearm, and the same sensation followed. It wasn’t until they brushed along his inner bicep that he felt a shiver run up his spine. The feeling there was more noticeable, and he felt his arm twitch a bit.

“Oh?” Tav noted, “looks like I found a spot.”

“Oh please,” Astarion rolled his eyes. “That was hardly anything.”

Tav wasn’t hearing anything that indicated he wanted them to stop, so they traced back up and down the bicep until they reached his underarm. That’s when the sensation grew far greater. Astarion let out a gasp of surprise as he shot his arm back down.

“Too much?” Tav asked, obviously amused.

“N-no. Just a surprise,” he replied, stubbornly lifting his arm back up.

“Okay, I’ll keep going then.”

This time they took a single finger and traced along the edge of his armpit. Astarion felt a smile forming, and fought the urge to slam his arm back down. He twitched as Tav teased at the spot.

“I’m going to try a bit rougher. Is that okay?”

Cringing as he tried to resist smiling, he gave a grunt of approval.

As promised, Tav scribbled with a bit more pressure, earning themselves a gasp as Astarion squirmed, small huffs of laughter escaping. The touch was firm, yet gentle as it lingered. It felt… strange, but not in a bad way, in a way he hadn’t expected. It didn’t feel like he was losing control like he worried it would, it was more like a fuzzy, playful tingle. He tried as long as he could, but his arm slammed down in an effort to block the wiggling fingers.

“Okay,” Tav laughed, “How about I just try some other spots?”

Astarion never liked admitting defeat, but keeping his arms up was more difficult than he anticipated.

“Alright,” he sighed, deciding it would be easier to lay his arms at his sides. “You know, I can’t help but feel like you're going easy on me.”

“Just want to make sure I don’t go too far,” they said sheepishly.

“Perhaps we need a safe word,” he remarked with a raised brow, always having to sprinkle in a little flirting in anything he did. “‘Blood’, that’s always been my favorite to use.”

“So, you give me permission to tickle away until you tap out?” They smirked, wiggling their fingers just above his ribs.

Astarion felt giddy anticipation at the sight, but was determined to keep up his suave attitude. “Do your worst, darling.”

Tav grinned as they took their fingers and brushed further down to his ribs. The sensation was far greater than it was with his arms, and the second they made contact with his first rib, Astarion let out a sudden giggle. His eyes widened in shock at the involuntary noise and he brought a hand to his mouth.

He wasn’t the only one surprised at the outburst. Tav stared in wonder at their lover, with possibly the most fondness they had ever felt at his delightful little laugh. It was much more goofy than they imagined it would be, and it made them fall even more head over heels for him.

“Well, looks like you're quite ticklish after all,” they goaded, continuing to scribble along.

Asterion's giggling continued as he kept his face covered, unable to bring himself to block Tav’s ticklish onslaught. He no longer had much control over his reactions, but it didn’t bother him as much as he thought it would. Originally, the image of losing control of himself intimidated him, but something about the situation made him feel safe. Like the only purpose those spidering, wiggling fingers had was to make him laugh and enjoy himself.

Meanwhile, Tav was entranced by his giggles. They stared at him as he lay in a heap under their touch, noting how he kept his hands covering his face. It seemed he was more keen on keeping his smile hidden from them than actually making them stop, and though he squirmed from side to side, he made no real effort to escape.

“Love,” they purred, “it’s only us two in here. No one outside can hear us. You don’t have to be afraid of looking silly or foolish. Your smile and laughter is the only thing I desire right now.”

He was well aware of that, and in a way that was exactly what he desired as well, but why just give up what Tav wanted? If he was going to give himself like this, to lay vulnerable with the only person in the world he trusted while he laughed helplessly, he wanted Tav to earn it, even if he found himself enjoying the treatment.

“Nahaha! Nehehehever!” He replied defiantly.

Tav gave a mocking gasp. “Oh, you're really asking for it now.”

Taking their other hand, they sat up on their knees, leaning over him as they reached to spider their fingers across both sides of his ribs. Astarion managed to keep his face covered even as he threw his head back in laughter.

“Let’s see,” Tav sang while meticulously scribbling over every rib, “there must be a spot that gets you howling.”

“Ihihihi do not hohohowl!” He retorted.

“Oh, we’ll see about that.”

Excruciatingly slowly, they drifted their hands to his belly, tweaking at the sides. His giggles continued, though less frantic. It seemed this spot absolutely made him melt. Each touch made the butterflies in his stomach flutter all the more, adding to the sensation in a way that felt like he was buzzing with energy.

“Ah, a real sweet spot,” Tav smirked. “Not quite the hysterical cackling I was looking for, but a pleasant surprise.”

“Ihihis that ahahahall you gohohot?” It was amazing how Astarion could keep up his sass in this position.

“Oh, don’t worry, I’ve got plenty more.”

Suddenly, the light squeezing at his sides shifted to his hips, and that’s where things took a turn. The feeling of gentle buzzing turned into a sudden jolt of ticklishness, and his steady giggling turned into a shout, followed by more frantic laughter.

“Tahahahahahav! Ihihihihihts bahahahad!” He snickered as he finally brought his hands down, attempting to grasp at his partners hands.

His face was scrunched up, eyes crinkled with the widest grin plastered on his face, his fangs just barely visible in the dim light of the lantern.

“There’s that smile,” they cheered in triumph.

“Yohoho are suhuhuch a dork!” Astarion half heartedly insulted, struggling to grab onto Tav’s hands as they wreaked havoc.

“Ah, you really think grabbing my hands will save you?”

“Whahahat are you ohohon about?” He asked through his laughter. He sighed in relief as he finally managed to catch both of Tav’s hands, holding them to his chest. “See? No way of getting at me now, is there?”

The jab was clearly a challenge. Either he was expecting Tav to make a great escape or find some new way of sending him into hysteria.

“You’ll see, love.” They purred as they pushed their hands out of the way, resting at Astarion’s sides, then lowered their head to his stomach.

“What are you-“

He was interrupted as Tav blew a raspberry onto his lower belly. The buzzing from before returned, feeling twice as powerful, the vibrations seemingly reverberating across his entire midriff.

“TAHAHAHAV! WHAHAHAHAT IS THIHIHIHIS?”

Tav smiled against his stomach, feeling it shake as his belly laughter filled their tent.

“It’s called a raspberry,” they said proudly, “tickles a lot, doesn’t it?”

“Ihhihihits uhuhunbearable!” He snickered as let go of Tav’s hands, halfheartedly trying to push their head away from his torso to no avail.

“I haven’t heard you say ‘blood’ yet.” They teased in a sing-song tone.

“Ihihihi don’t want to give you the satisfaction!”

“Alright then,” they smirked right before lowering their head back down to deliver another, just as loud and ridiculous sounding as the first.

“NAHAHAHAHAHA YOHOHOU AHAHASS!”

Tav laid their head down on his stomach, now laughing along with him as he hurled insults at them while he tried to regain his composure.

“Ahahahare you done?” He finally asked, feeling warmth radiating in his chest as he felt Tav lay on him, seemingly in a drunken, tired, blissful state.

“If you’d like me to be,” they answered. “But there is one more spot I’d like to try, if you're willing.”

Astarion groaned, though it was only to prevent himself from breaking into another fit of laughter. His own drunken state certainly wasn’t helping his composure.

“Oh, I suppose if you really want,” he said as nonchalantly as he could muster.

Tav delightedly rose from off their lover, sitting down comfortably near his legs.

“You can rest your feet in my lap, if you please,” they asked, “it’ll make it more comfortable for you, and perhaps will keep you from accidentally kicking me in the face.”

He was a bit apprehensive at that, unsure just how bad this could tickle. He’d been enjoying himself so far, but nothing had gotten him hysterical yet. Still, his curiosity was palpable, unsatisfied. He had to know how it felt to completely lose himself to mirth, or he feared he would never be satiated.

Cautiously, he moved his feet to rest in Tav’s lap. They grinned their goofy, fond grin, and wiggled their fingers close. After making such a big show, Astarion was surprised that they only used a single finger to gently trace along his arch, and-

“BAHAHAHAHAHA!” The sensation was unlike any that came before. He felt his leg involuntarily kick as he smacked a fist at his side, pounding the ground as he threw his head back in laughter. Fortunately, Tav prevented him from kicking too far up, keeping an arm just a couple of inches above his leg to stop it from rising too high, but not to restrain it.

“Seems you have devilishly ticklish feet,” Tav said, absolutely thrilled at the discovery.

“IHIHIHITS- ACK! NAHAHAHAHAHA!” He cackled as Tav switched to scribbling all their fingers down the soles of his foot, the sensation made ten times worse. He claimed the raspberry earlier was unbearable, completely naive to the feeling that now tormented him.

Though it was the strongest he’d felt so far, he revealed the feeling. Any worries that plagued him before disappeared at that moment. The only two people in the world were him and Tav, and the only feeling he had was of joy and bliss.

Still, he was far from used to the sensation, and though he enjoyed it, he found that even that had its limits.

“BLOHOHOHOOD!” He called out, nearly exhausted from thrashing about. As promised, Tav stopped immediately, holding their hands in the air to show they would no longer be a threat.

Astarion tucked his legs in, rubbing at the foot that had been so brutally tortured, trying to get rid of the phantom tingling that he found still radiating throughout his soles.

Tav grew worried for a moment. “Are you alright, love? Did I push it too far?”

Astarion took a moment to steady his breathing, before giving a last giggle. He sat up, still drunkenly smiling, as he pulled Tav into a deep kiss.

They lingered for a moment, tasting the alcohol and a faint metallic flavor, before breaking away.

“So, I take it that you enjoyed yourself then,” they goaded.

Astarion rolled his eyes. “I suppose I didn’t hate it.”

The glint in his eyes told Tav everything they needed to know; he didn’t just enjoy himself; he loved it.

“And,” he continued, “I suppose I’d be open to doing this more often. Just in the privacy of our tent.”

Tav laughed at that. “That’s fine by me.” In time he may change his mind again, being more open to connecting with his other companions, but for now Tav was perfectly content keeping this their little secret.

“And one more thing,” he said before he crashed into Tav, knocking them on their back on the bedroll. “I do expect to get a bit of revenge.”

Again, the sound of laughter boomed in the tent, unnoticed by the world outside. Eventually, the two would grow tired and fall asleep in each other's arms, but for now, they would continue their journey of discovery in the privacy of their own, small tent.

#i have ascended #i need to draw astarion getting his shit wrecked now #lee!astarion #bg3 tickle #ler!tav #ler!reader #this is so good. and so in chatacter? IM INSPIRED #IT DOESNT GET BETTER THAN THIS

29 notes · View notes

macaroni-with-the-chick3n-strips · 14 days ago

Text

Hidden Desire

BG3 - Tav x Astarion

Summary: A telepathic enemy informs Astarion that his partner that he trusts oh so dearly is hiding something from him. The truth behind it is surprising to say the least [THIS IS A TICKLE FIC]

can you say... wish fulfillment? also wanna say thank you to everyone who comments on fics yall are like 50% of the reason i keep writing

>>>BOOKMARK MY AO3 HERE<<<

---

Astarion had come a long way since first getting his tadpole. Sure, he saved the world and defeated an Elder Brain, but more importantly he was learning to love again. Truly love, not sex and manipulation wearing the skin of what was once love.

At the center of it all was Tav. Astarion never would've given someone like Tav a second though. They were a strong paladin, a goody two shoes type. They charged into combat fearlessly and would stop their day to help a child tie their shoes or whatever they thought was an injustice of the world.

Astarion used to hate those types of people. But this journey he had been on for the past however many months had changed him. Now whenever Tav helped a child find their parent or gave some food to a beggar, Astarion would just smile knowing that they were his. That giant marshmallow chose him.

Tav was big, strong, and a fearless leader. They always had an answer to everything even when they honestly shouldn't.

So why oh why was he doubting his partner?

Well it started on the party's last battle. Astarion didn't pay attention to specifics but they were up against some humanoid with telepathic powers. Astarion might've gotten along with it in years past as it was very happy to engage in psychological warfare, taunting them with visions and words in their minds. It begrudgingly reminded him of their many escapades with mind flayers.

"You mean a great deal to the paladin, pale one." Words like honey oozed into his mind. "Yet they don't trust you. How sad."

Astarion's tempers flared. "You're lying." He said under his breath, knowing his thoughts alone would reach the creature.

Karlach swung her axe at the thing but it continued taunting while it dodged.

"I just visited your companion's mind and they were guarding something in the back of their mind very deeply, even from you. I wonder. What could be so big a secret that a leader doesn't even tell their partner?"

The creature was quickly slain by the weapon of the very person being doubted. Tav shot a victorious grin to Astarion who instinctively returned it, though the back of his mind was now awash in anxiety and doubt.

They've bore their souls to each other. Astarion told Tav things he's never spoken aloud before.

It was probably nothing. Everyone has their secrets.

But Tav? What could Tav be hiding?

...

Astarion was sipping wine on his bedspread when Tav entered his tent.

"Hey, Star. How you doing?"

Astarion hesitated. "I'm doing alright, Darling."

Tav clocked it immediately. They had always been perceptive.

"You okay?" They seemed a little panicked which was odd.

"I'm fine. I'm just... thinking about our little skirmish earlier."

Astarion raised an eyebrow. They looked like a deer in headlights.

"What did it tell you?" Their voice was soaked in anxiety.

"Why do you ask? Is there some big secret you've been keeping from me? Bigger than anything I've told you in our time together?" Astarion didn't hide the bitterness in his voice.

"I mean... define 'big'"

"So it was telling the truth. There is something you've been keeping from me."

Tav held up their hands with wide eyes. "It's nothing huge, I promise."

"Then why? Why do you feel the need to hide it? Tell me, Tav."

"Cause it's embarrassing!" Tav shouted. Astarion was a bit caught off guard.

That wasn't the direction he was expecting this to go. He had assumed it was something big and notable. Something that could change their relationship. Why else would the creature taunt something like that?

Maybe it was just scrambling to sew discord amongst the party attacking it. Maybe it found something small and was grasping at straws to save its life.

Either way, a reason to make Tav squirm was a welcome one. Tav was, of course, strong and fearless... with everything aside from their relationship.

It was honestly an immense treat watching Tav first succumb to their obvious crush, going from confident and brave to flustered and blushing. It was disgustingly adorable.

Even now so much as holding their hand never failed to shade their cheeks a lovely pink hue.

Astarion's whole demeanor shifted in that tent from defensive to intrigued.

"Embarrassing you say?" Astarion leaned forward and swirled the wine in his goblet. "Do tell."

Oh how he loved the way Tav went pink in the face and rubbed their neck.

"Um..." They looked to the floor. "You can't tell anyone this."

Astarion's smile grew to show his fangs. "Not a soul."

"S-something I find, uh, appealing with a romantic partner..."

Astarion could feel the gleam in his eye. "Go on."

"It's, um... I, uh-" Tav took a deep breath. "I really like, uh..."

"Oh for Gods' sake just spit it out."

"I really like tickling. Like.. a lot."

There was silence in the tent. Mostly because Astarion didn't know what to make of it.

"Tickling... When you mean a lot-?"

Tav inhaled and quickly spat out their words so as not to lose their nerve. "I want to be tickled so bad. A-and I want to tickle you too if you don't mind."

After a lengthy pause Astarion snorted and broke into amused laughter. Honestly, how could he not? Tickling?! He laughed and laughed and laughed. When he wiped a tear from his eye he saw Tav looking more dejected than he'd ever seen them.

Realizing his massive fuck-up he quickly scrambled. "I didn't mean anything negative by that, love. It's just... I had all these scary ideas in my head of what that secret could be and it's as simple and harmless as you wanting me to tickle you?"

"I know it's weird."

"I'm not going to lie. It's definitely unusual. Is this a kink?"

"I don't think so. It's not really sexual. It's more of a fixation."

The vampire waved his hand. "Well whatever you want to call it, I'm sure I can have some fun with it." He placed his goblet on the chest by his bed and stood. "So, tell me dearest. What exactly do you yearn from me?"

Tav bore a shy shaky smile and avoided eye contact at all costs. Astarion could get used to this.

"You're the one who always insists we need open communication, and after all this secrecy I believe I deserve the entire truth. If you're too embarrassed to give me a straight answer I guess you'll never indulge in this hidden desire."

"I want to be, um... tickled. And-" Tav lowered their voice for a moment. "-teased. I don't mind like... being a little embarrassed. It's, uh, kind of... fun and flirty, I don't know. I want to laugh and b-be helpless. With you."

Astarion was beyond delighted with how the day was going. "Ticklish. Bashful. My dear, blushing Tav. I think I can make this work."

He had to hold back a chuckle when he watched Tav pretend to itch their face when clearly it was an excuse to attempt to cover up their flushed appearance and growing smile.

"Red is a gorgeous color on you, my sweet. Now... come here." Astarion beckoned Tav close with a single teasing finger. They stiffened and their smile grew the slightest bit, still shaky and shy as ever. They slowly approached, eyeing the ground.

"Look at me." Astarion sang in his sweetest teasiest voice.

Tav looked up through their eyelashes. They not so subtly covered their smile with their hand.

Astarion closed the distance and gently held their chin with his thumb and index finger. "We're going to have so much fun tonight, you and me." He leaned in for a kiss. Tav lowered their hand and accepted. As they kissed, Astarion started gently tickling under Tav's chin with his finger. He enjoyed feeling Tav's smile grow. Eventually they pulled back and scrunched up like a turtle.

"Do me a favor, darling and lay on my bed spread. I need full access for tonight's activities."

Tav obeyed, though a tad hesitantly. They laid on the bed spread with their hands resting on their stomach.

"Now, love... do you happen to know where exactly you're the most sensitive?"

Astarion chuckled when Tav, seemingly unknowingly, shifted one foot in front of the other, as if protecting one from an oncoming onslaught. There was one spot.

"Um, not really."

"Is that so? Well, just a hunch, but I believe you to be lying. What do you say to that?"

"I'm not really... that ticklish. Just a little bit."

Astarion knew what they were doing. They were digging theirself a giant hole. They said it theirself... they liked a little teasing and embarrassment. They wanted to be proven wrong.

Who was Astarion to turn down this little game?

"Two for two with the little fibs. I know you, Darling. I can see right through you. Maybe I just have to search for all your most ticklish spots myself, hm?"

Tav flinched at a very specific word and covered their wobbly smile with their hand.

"Whatever is the matter? Feeling ticklish?" Astarion tested out the word again, smirking as he heard their heart skip a beat. Vampire abilities had their uses but in this moment, his ability to hear every beat and skip of their heart and rush of blood in their face was a valued one.

Tav let out a few stutters and stammers. They were so clearly embarrassed and flustered and it was definitely doing something for Astarion. This wouldn't be one-sided fun for Tav. Astarion dared to guess they would both be enjoying this evening equally.

He placed his index and middle finger on Tav's side and slowly walked them up their ribs. "I guess I just have to figure out all your deliciously sensitive spots for myself. So sad. I bet you'll just hate that."

Tav's eyes were transfixed on his fingers and their eyes were wide as the smile decorating their face grew. The twitched at each 'step' his fingers took.

"Where should I go first?" Astarion used his other hand to stroke his chin as if in deep thought while he used his index finger to lightly draw little circles and swirls across Tav's ribs. He felt his own grin grow at the little hitches and gasps in their breathing. He could hear their heart going a mile a minute.

"I should try and find a spot right off that bat that's the most... ticklish." He accentuated that word and and couldn't help but snicker at the little squeak it elicited from his partner. "My, my. Do we have a little mouse in our tent?"

Tav avoided eye contact as if Astarion's eyes were the sun. They looked to the side and covered their blushing face with one of their hands.

"You know... I don't think I've ever heard you laugh before. Really laugh, I mean. I suppose this is my chance. Handed to me on a silver platter." Astarion quickly let his fingers flutter across Tav's bicep just above their underarm.

Tav let out a small stream of high-pitched giggles and slammed their arm to their side.

Oh. Those giggles along with the smile, the blush, the shyness... Oh this was definitely doing something for Astarion.

Maybe he liked this tickling thing too.

Astarion felt he gave plenty of build up. He began skittering the fingers of one hand across Tav's torso. The paladin began flinching from side to side, away from wherever his fingers hit a particularly sensitive spot. They covered their mouth with their hands and curled in on theirself, shaking with concealed giggles.

"And now you're trying to keep from laughing. What's this about?" Astarion asked, genuinely confused... until he saw Tav's eyes gazing up at him with excitement and challenge. "Oh, I see. You want to resist so that I can break you." He said slowly, as if explaining to a child. Tav throwing theirself back with eyes squeezed shut graced his face with a smug smirk.

Astarion could hear grunts mixed with giggles as Tav desperately fought their already growing instincts to give in and laugh. He almost felt just as desperate to hear and see them laugh

Unluckily, or luckily for Tav, their partner had been scanning every jolt, flinch, and cringe, letting him make a pretty accurate map of where Tav was most ticklish.

Astarion was pretty good at finding weak spots on enemies and precisely attacking right at what will do the most damage. Let's see if that carried over to tickling.

Astarion began rapidly wiggling two fingers riiiight at one specific little spot right under Tav's ribs at their right side.

Tav exploded in happy laughter immediately, back arched and hands balled into fists at their sides.

"S-Stahahahahar, nohohohahaha- Dahahahamnit!"

Surprisingly, Astarion didn't make a quip right away. Maybe it was because his undead heart was being warmed by the frankly adorable and hearty laughter of his lover.

He could only imagine how sappy he looked. Luckily, Tav was far too distracted to notice.

Tav, seemingly unable to take it, turned onto their right side, blocking it from the tickling. They curled up in a ball, still giggling all giddy and shy, even though Astarion had ceased his onslaught.

"I hope you don't think we're done, darling."

That elicited a few more giggles.

"Ihihi-it's soho much more intense than I imagined."

"That? That was intense?" Astarion snickered. "Love, you are not ready for what I have planned."

Tav looked up at them from their fetal position. "I-I can take it. Just yesterday I got half-mauled by a worg."

"True, you're quite familiar with pain and danger. Yet you can't seem to handle tickling of all things."

Again, Tav covered their face with their hand at that word.

"How about this," Astarion held up his hands with his fingers in a 'claw' position. "Imagine these are the terrifying talons of an owlbear. That should be more familiar, hm? They're coming for you, darling."

Tav giggled nervously and curled up more. That wouldn't stop their partner though who so lovingly wanted to tickle them to pieces.

He brought those wiggling claws down on Tav's left side and partially exposed belly. Instantly Tav was thrashing side to side and tittering endlessly as the claws followed them every which way.

The vampire got a marvelously mischievous idea and lowered their head to Tav's neck, lightly nibbling the sensitive skin with his fangs. Not enough to puncture skin, but enough to tickle like crazy.

They honest to Gods squealed and their giggling kicked up an octave.

"The mouse returns." Astarion chuckled into their skin. Tav's shoulder's were up to protect the new tickle spot and hands lightly pushing at their partner. Definitely not enough to actually push him away. Tav was strong. They could easily escape if they wanted, but everyone in that tent knew Tav didn't want it to end yet.

With their hand and shoulders up, Astarion's true target was valunerable. He quickly shot his wiggling fingers to their armpits and tickled with as much speed as he could muster.

The rogue flinched back in surprise when Tav shrieked and exploded into deep belly laughter. Their feet were stomping on the bedroll as they threw their head side to side and tears of mirth flicked through the air.

"Well now, it seems we've found a tickle spot. Ticklish pits? This must be torturous, My delicately manicured nails teasing and tickling what seems to be a horribly sensitive area. If your hyena cackling is anything to go by, I'd say you were hit by Tasha's hideous laughter. But alas, no spell is needed to turn you into this helpless ball of laughs, only wiggling fingers."

Astarion's grin grew along with Tav's scorching hot blush. So much delicious blood sent to their face due to sheer embarrassment and laughter.

He could hear their heart pounding as if they'd been running from a horde of monstrosities.

But no.

Just tickling.

Even in such a small spot as underarms there were weak points. His attention to detail was being worked tonight, allowing him to locate every fragile nerve to toy with.

The vampire began firmly pinching the flesh between the chest and the underarms, hearing and seeing the desperate howls of laughter it drew forth and wanting more. Within two seconds of honing in on this spot Tav flung theirself half across the tent with a mix between a cackle and a shriek.

They collapsed on their belly with their hands protecting their pits and continued laughing, now face first in their lover's rug.

Astarion watched their lover undone awash with adoration and sadism. Only because of their immense level of trust did he allow himself to crack up into giggles of his own at the silliness of it all.

"Gods you're adorable." He purred. He didn't know if Tav heard him or not. Usually they blushed at any comment like that but their face was already ten different shades of ruby so who's to say.

Tav curled on their side facing towards him. "You're unnaturally good at this."

"Or maybe you're just unnaturally ticklish."

"That just may be the case." Tav sighed and put a hand over their eyes and face, though Astarion could tell that smile wasn't dropping anytime soon.

Oh, Tav. Putting theirself in such a vulnerable position and covering their eyes? Was Astarion NOT supposed to attack them in that state?

Quietly, Astarion darted to their legs and ripped off their boot.

"Wait a minu-" Tav started as they felt the cool air hit their sock. As soon as Astarion swiped a few nimble fingers over their sole they were cut of by a loud snort followed by a hiccup.

Astarion let out a genuine string of amused chuckling at his partners expense. He laughed even harder when Tav groaned and collapsed on their back with their arms over their face.

"Just forget you ever heard that." They moaned pitifully.

"Never gonna happen, my sweet." He raised Tav's leg and held their calf under his arm with a hand at their ankle for good measure.

"Oh, gods, nohohohoho." They began giggling. Mind you, Astarion wasn't even touching their sole.

"What now, darling?" He said with nothing but the sappiest of love.

"It's gonna be sohoho bahahahad."

"It's going to... what so bad?" Astarion wasn't bothering to hide his shit-eating grin. Tav had their eyes covered. Even if they didn't, he'd still be taunting them with an expression.

"Yohohou KNOW whahahat."

"Is it going to... tickle? It's going to tickle really bad?"

Tav shifted their arms to their mouth to muffle the growing giggles, though their eyes were still squeezed shut.

"Don't think I haven't noticed your response to that word and any of its variations, my dear. I think we need to use the word more often, though. Tickle. It's perfect to describe you. Ticklish. I'll have to say it all the time now. Tickle... Tickle... Tickle..."

"Ehehehenough!" They half-shouted, their laughter growing.

"Goodness. Do you think you're in any position to be making demands? When I have the key to your demise resting at my fingertips?" He quickly skittered five fingers up the arch and nearly fell backwards at the yank of the foot it elicited, though he beamed at the loud forceful stream of laughter he heard.

He could hear them struggling through some deep breathing to stop laughing, though their breaths were stuttering and shaky the whole time.

"This may tickle," Astarion spoke slowly and delicately, "just... a... BIT!" Without a moment more hesitation Astarion furiously scribbled his fingers up and down the sole in his grip.

And, oh, the scream that came out of his partner... he'd never forget it.

Said scream was quickly overcome with laughter, truly hysteric and desperate. It took all of Astarion's strength to not only keep the foot in tickling range, but out of face-kicking range.

"DAHAHAHAMMIT- STOHOHAHAHAHAP!" Between each long stream of cackling was a period of silent laughter, their stomach seized up and face beaming bright as tears fell across their scorching red cheeks. After each silence Astarion would hear a stuttery wheeze and a return to helpless laughter.

"PLEHEHEHEASE-" They gasped between bouts of cackling "STAHAHAHAR!"

Astarion let go and clutched his stomach as he fell into a laughing fit of his own. It was just so... ridiculous! Usually he would never let himself lose him composure like that, but with Tav practically dying of mirth, his own amused chortles were stoic hums in comparison.

The vampire recovered from his tittering far sooner than Tav who had assumed a fetal position while rubbing at their soles, still giggling through tired panting. They fell into a small coughing fit and Astarion gently rubbed their back with a firm palm while they rode it out.

"So..." Astarion cooed. "How'd that feel?"

Tav's grin grew shy and they rolled onto their back with their elbows covering their face. He could hear a muffled word from behind their arm barrier but couldn't make it out.

"Speak up, dearest. I know you can. Your cries of ticklish hysteria were certainly loud enough."

Tav raised their arm barrier to cover their eyes alone, showing their bashful smile for a moment. "It was amazing."

Astarion tried and failed to smother an amused chuckle. "I'm glad. Because this certainly won't be the last time I toy with this weakness of yours."

There was a pause. And then a muffled 'Good.'

The vampire sat beside his lover and rubbed their back, gazing down at them with adoration and care.

He could get used to this.

#oh my god. oh my god? oh my god. my life has changed #this??? this. THIS. OHHH NY GOD #HOW COME I JUST DISCOVWRED THIS #what i love most is not just how ducking FLUSTERING this is but how in character its written for astarion? i could read all this in his voic #fantastic work holllyyy balls #lee!tav #lee!reader #ler!astarion #ive read peak

95 notes · View notes