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meowsgirldrawing · 1 month

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Part 2 to my MC (Obey Me NightBringer) angst post: (Since so many people wanted part 2’s idea)

You can hear a pin drop, even though they stood on what was mostly carpet flooring.

All the brothers had vaguely dissimilar reactions to Solomon’s words. Or at least the ones he started up with once he crossed the hallway and joined the others with Mammon in the next room. They heard his words, but their questions, their concerns got coiled up with the silence that followed.

Lucifer had a deep frown, eyes hiding his deciphering mind as he stood arms crossed tightly with one another. If MC were there, they’d be able to see how his chest is a tad slower in rise and falling, as if taking each shaky breath is hard to do and cover at the same time.

Mammon stood beside Solomon, perhaps the only one sensible to make sure he still talks without letting their emotions interfere. He’s not protecting him per-say, just making sure his younger brothers know to keep themselves in check and wring the sorcerer later. Yet he’s not too far off himself. Only one person and Lucifer could tell he’s one string away from shifting into his demon form. So consider his stance as a two way message.

Leviathan is the only one sitting, or still is. Curled in a ball, he’s staring wide eyed at the human. His skin tingles and he’s shifted in his demon form already, but it’s mostly a way to ground himself ironically. He’s not a defensive less weirdo, he’s a demon! A lord! He can handle this!…Handle hearing what’s happened to MC-his Henry…right?

That’s where Asmodeus comes into play, his eye catching the transformation and immediately places himself at Leviathan’s shoulder. His fingers, polished nails he just redone with MC and Satan yesterday night just before retiring to bed, crease into his brother’s hoodie with a gentle rub. It’s ok. Everything will be alright. Solomon will just tell them what they need to do and they’ll all be fine! They’ll get their sweet MC back, all nice and healthy and happy! Besides, they just can’t leave without him trying that new club.. they have something to look forward to, with him, with his brothers…right?-Right! He ignores how his throat constricts at the very opposite ideas blinking through this head, and focuses on the only other human he’s made a pact with.

Satan is silent, a calculating glint in his eye. He stands nearly just as still as Lucifer, on the side with the twins, claws gripping his hips, If MC was here, they’d probably joke how he looks like an angry dad about to give the lecture of a lifetime. What Soloman said… it doesn’t make sense. MC was in the house before night fell. He’s knows for a damn fact, he’s the one who walked them home himself. He offered to walk with them after the meeting, despite Mammons complaints and Belphie’s pouts, as he had to check his personal library for something ideally for a project. They had fun, pet and fed the stays on the way, stopped by a quick ice cream joint, and ended their walk by ending up in his room to study. His last look at them was them rubbing their eyes, careful of the still drying nails from Asmo dropping in unexpectedly, and sending them both a sleepy goodnight and see ya later as they set off for bed. It was late when they went to bed. Something’s not adding up..

Oh..But if you thought the older brothers were bad...

Beel is the only thing keeping Belphie calm on the outside. His hand an anchor over his shoulder, arm curled around his back in a gentle but firm grip. The twins listen to Soloman with an intensity that can burn Devildom itself to the ground.

Belphie's relationship may be shaky, maybe be sometimes tense as they try to move on from the past. But by his not- father does the Avatar of Sloth want to rein hell on whoever dares touch the human that helped him mend back into his brothers' lives. Into Beel's life. He may look pouty, may look bored. But anyone that knows Belphie knows a plan is forming behind his eye. They will find MC. And the fuckers who came up with such a funny prank.

Beel feels..lost in this type of situation. One day he's having dessert with the human who teases him about his weird choices in ice cream, one he quickly and smoothly throws it back at them with their odd choice in cake flavors. Before the two ultimately breaking into giggles as the human baps at his back and he's swallowing down his bite with a grin. The next day, next morning...gone. Silence at their open chair, vacant and untouched like it was before they came to devildom. It's not right, they should be here. Should be there with him and his brothers. Diavolo..what happened to them??

"That can't be possible.." Satan immediatly dismisses, a dower in his tone. His nose crickles at the idea.

MC? Lost in time? But they weren't near anything like that! And MC can't even cast spells, much less accidentally do such a thing.

Lucifer can't help but agree. "Since MC arrived, the House of Lamentation has been put under a strict spell to ward off curses or shifty matters that can harm MC." He scrutinizes at Soloman, the man himself staring back with a raised brow as if really? "Theres no way something snuck past it's defenses long enough to get to MC. I'd be able to tell."

"You'd probably would have, but this...force. It's unworldly." Soloman's fingers play at his chin, " I've been looking all over Devildom but as soon as I wandered towards this house, I felt something overwhelming. Especially around where MC's room resides." His eyes flick up, stern and a 'I know what I'm talking about' tone dosed in them.

"Something, or rather someone, took MC and threw them into the past. Your past, right after the Celestial War if I have my readings right." He gets out as Mammon shifts beside him.

Just..after the Celestial War? Wait...Oh shit-

Mammon's head shoots to Lucifer, "That means-"

Lucifer already knows, "MC is possibly with our past selves."

As if that sentence alone can strike the biggest blow on the brothers, then next one is the killer. Levi can barely breathe, same for his brothers- Asmo's nails unintentially dig into his shoulder but he could care less- as Soloman shakes his head. "They are with your past selves."

Things calm down, a meeting is made with Diavolo and the rest of their searching group, and it's decided ironically that the Sorceror himself will go. As much as they don't want to, most agree he's the best candidate. Simon and Luke are already a big no. Angels randomly staying in devildom for a long, undisclosed time? Following around whatever MC is covering as? It would be a sore thumb, obviously fishy. Nevermind if they could protect MC or not.

Yeah Luke pouted big time on that one, but after a hug from Beel, he calmed down some. Now he's just holding onto his jacket as the others discuss ideas in front of the two.

Most, like Diavolo, Raphael, Mephistopheles, as well as Thirteen all have jobs to attend to, some especially in need to keep stable for the sake of Devildom or the Celestial Realm. Barbatos would have gone, the idea given by Diavolo, if not for his counter of the other Barbatos able to sense him right away if he came to MC's aid.

Similar reasons for the brothers, as much as they detest it. It would not be good for anyone involved if any of the brothers were to be seen by their other selves. More trouble than needed just to rescue MC from a certainly unusual but equally terrifying fate.

Soloman's past self was never around much in the beginning anyway, so the chances of meeting him are much, much slimmer. Besides, Soloman is crafty, calculating in his every move, and cares well enough for MC as the rest to put their safety as first priority. So, yeah, they can trust him enough.

"Better bring them back in one piece, Sorcerer, otherwise I'll have that soul faster than you can breathe anything coherent." A light threat from Thirteen, eyes as slit as a cat's, her fingers drumming on her hips.

Light castaways from Soloman's hand, he smiles as he starts the spell by Barbatos's help. "Like I'd do anything else."

Lucifer's eyes narrow, "Of course." It comes right off as sarcastic.

With that, and a few additional words from the future King asking for both him and MC to come back safe, Soloman is off. Disappearing into a flash of light, leaving no trace like he was never there.

Bonus---

The next few weeks are....tense to say the least.

Each of the brothers had mixed feelings on the whole thing as whole.

Lucifer sticks to his usual routine. Keeping his brothers safe and in line, helping in Diavolo's plans for the school, and all around just trying to douse the flames of chaos from MC's unexpected disappearance. He shows as fine and stern as usual Lucifer goes by, but the very few, Mammon and Diavolo mainly, know it's merely a front the majority of the time. His days feel longer, colder, while his nights are double. Every night before bed, he stalks the House of Lamentation, checking on each and every one of it's inhabitants, and as he rears to MC's room, it's uncanny vibe of no owner, back to the way it was before they dropped into Devildom, he sees no one but the usual, sleeping face of one or multiple of his brothers. The only sight that warms his silent yearning. Even if for just the night.

In the daytime however, people can tell theres a new...edge to him now. Working together with Diavolo and Barbatos, the two help Lucifer without question on finding who the hell decided to send the human they all have inclination towards. MC help bring Lucifer and his brothers back together, MC has gone above and beyond for a program Diavolo honestly some little doubts about himself and washed them away even after being dropped in unexpectedly. And for Barbatos, the two themselves aren't sure, but they can tell it's not just because it's his duty as his Master's right hand man to help out with. So they search, and while Lucifer usually has doubts on his brothers' help on any matter that could affect the standing of the program, for once he doesn't hold their leashes and hopes they do as they please. They will find the miserable pest, he's sure of it.

The Mammon outside the House of Lamentation is scarily different from the one inside. The outside one is loud, money-grubbing, and just as troublemaking as he always is. Gambling and dealing with witches as he always has, the Avatar of Greed shows no difference despite the obvious missing human every student and teacher of RAD occasionally sees attached at his side. No whispering at the back of class, no loud shouts of nonsense at the lunch table they claimed as their own, no equal calls of their name as one tries to catch up with the other in the halls afterschool. Not even at the clubs, the missing human who'd usually be on his lap or at his side as he gambles away with a spikey grin. Nor dancing along with him as he would twirl or be twirled despite his flustered acts. Its like MC never existed and he's as what he once was. Yet, if people looked close enough, they'd see something shifting in his much more observant eyes, taking in his surroundings more often with a pitch of rage that hides behind his blues. He's still searching, still trying to find the lowly fucker who thought taking his greatest treasure was the best fucking plan in the world. They are sure to show soon, he damn well knows it.

As his daytime is a mock show of indifference, the house is quiet and chaotic in the not so fun ways. He tries to keep his brothers together, but all of them can see he's close to loosing it at times. No one teases, or judges, or even glances twice as they watch him go to the human's room instead of his for bed. Curled in their blankets or simply leaning on the headboard, eyes not as bright and blue as they should be. No one likes a quiet Mammon, but no one knows what to do either, so they let the older brother do as he will.

Leviathan..oh man. He's gotten better since the first few weeks of hell for them, but he's not his usual self either. He clings more to his room like usual, watching MC's favorite animes they've clicked to on their nights of choosing, suddenly getting reasons why they've enjoyed some of them. Most have happy endings. Most end with characters having either fond or bright smiles stretched across each of their faces. He can't watch the best friend scenes though sometimes, it hurts too much and makes him hug the stuffed snake squish-mellow they gave him. On the opposite end of the silent sobs into said pillow or staring into nothing with such vacant eyes as tears stream down his cheeks, making them look red and irritated at breakfast in the morning- which he barely comes to anymore, Mammon has to drop off his plate- The Grand Admiral of Hell is at play. Using his known skills as a strategist, he expands the search for the one that brought this hell upon him and his family. Interrogations, warnings towards suspects he has on a special list of powerful people, the true show of a snake ready to strike at every ready moment and everything around it can be a target. And if anyone questions, "Why do this all for a human anyway?" He always has a good answer, people would just simply need to drown for him to let it be known. Because they're his and his brothers' human.

If people think Lucifer is terrifying, just wait till you see his wrath, or well the person who was born from it anyway. Satan may have a charming smile, a easy flow of his words, a spark to his eyes that can make even the strongest swoon. Yet it's his greatest tool as he looks for the person responsible. Similar to Mammon, he's just less loud. He goes through each and every connection, spanning their connections and slinking through them all. And if any show signs of deception or as if they have something to share, he's lucky to finally use Lucifer's basement key at last. While most of his nights, some leading into the day, he's cool amongst his brothers. Possibly the most composed looking of them all besides Lucifer. Sure he talks a little less, his words may come off short or a bit tense here and there. But his cool facade is well put together. He actually helps Lucifer with the student council stuff, or at least lays off him to make it easier. MC was able to help mend their relationship into something better, something that makes him secretly enjoy Lucifer as an older brother as much as he'd deny it. Yeah they aren't the bestest of friends or brothers, and their relationship shift is still new, shaky, but it's better than it's ever been. And he won't use this as an opportunity to break it, no. MC trusts him to be smart and do the right thing, and he will. He just hopes his past self will have enough sense to listen to them, cause if he remembers his past correctly, the beginning of his life..He knows they are in a world of new challenges with that version of him alone. He just has to trust them like they do him, until they meet again. And they will if he has any words to say about it.

Asmo...he's..ok. He's used to putting on masks, putting up a pretty face and smiling to whoever wants it. But if anyone knows Asmo, the real one, he's a fucking mess. He goes to parties and night clubs, giggling and laughing with his fellow demons, but when he's alone. Sitting in the cold area him and MC usually occupy on their late night escapades together, he's silent, tapping the rim of his drink with a bored and colorless expression. A few of his friends stop every now and then and he throws up a smile and sweet rings of "Darling" or "Dear" left and right. But he tends to leave earlier than he usually does, ignoring the small pleas of his friends asking him to mingle longer. He merely says things like, "My dear big brother Lucifer might track me down if I don't." or "My human needs their favorite demon, but don't worry, I'll see you all later <3!" and as soon as the music leaves his ears, the doors slamming shut behind him, he's back to a world of greys instead of pink and flowery. There's admittedly a few nights Lucifer has actually had to track him down, finding him drunk off his ass in the corner of clubs, a wide smile despite the obvious ruins of his mascara greeting his older brother with such fake enthusiasm that has Lucifer frowning knowingly. Those nights he ends up either curled up on his big brother's bed, an easy way for Lucifer to keep an eye on him or tucked into his own sheets as he watches Lucifer grab the pain killers and cup of water from Mammon's hands before burying his heated face into the pillow MC's borrows on their sleepovers. Depends on how wasted he is honestly. It's one of the reasons why Mammon's keeping a bigger eye on him especially. Leaving with him to the clubs or shops he wants despite also wanting to work his charm in the search for the culprit. Which, despite his insistence, all his older brothers tell him to let them handle it. Sure, he has ways to help, but who knows what the person is capable of. So he reluctantly agrees. Somewhat. He's looking himself. Any person who isn't MC, his brothers, or their inner circle of friends is a suspect and Asmo is more than a pretty face afterall. He just has to use his charm a little here and there, he's sure, and the person will drop to their knees quick enough for him to find them. If not, he's always got his claws nails as backup. He's always enjoyed red as a nice shade <3.

Good news, Beel isn't as hungry as before. Bad news, he's not eating as much as he really should. It took about a week and a half to notice, but the moment Mammon set down the plate infront of Beel, and he looks at it and goes "I'm not hungry." is when everyone got concerned. Like. Terrified. He feels some bit of hunger, yes, but eating anything, all when MC could be going through hell with their past versions (especially the version of him who didn't have as much of a leash on his hunger as he does now) it makes any bit of hunger go away instantly at the thought of MC in trouble. At the thought that someone or he could be...Just the idea makes him want to vomit. His brothers, pointingly Belphie and Mammon, all try to get him to eat and while he does some, it's not nearly as much as he used to. Satan leaves him extra snacks while passing by him after his bookstore run, Leviathan drags him to movie nights, suddenly having a near buffet style snack pile in the middle of the two. One that Leviathan barely touches but Beel is too focused on the story to notice honestly. Asmo doesn't seem to do too much, but he certainly has taken up doing more baking around the kitchen, always texting Beel first who 50/100 feels conflicted on agreeing or not. Lucifer has once threatened to chain him to the table until he eats but relents when Beel just stares down at the plate before glancing to the vacant seat at his side. Eyes holding an internal battle inside. Belphie, to Beel's surprise, dragged a whole ass bag of mid-night treats to their room, and set it on his dresser. Telling him point blank, MC wouldn't want him, especially him of all people, to starve himself. Besides, how will he protect MC when they're back if he's too weak from low nourishment? While Belphie hates poking at the protective side of Beel, the side that has always put his twin in the most complicated feelings/situations, it's the side that wins over and makes him grab one of his favorite treats. Sure, he may not be scrounging the low lives of Devildom, or sending fleets of his contacts from all around in search of the culplit, but he's making damn sure the moment they find him, they'll wish they never looked in their human's direction ever. And that's the only thing besides the support from his patched together again family that helps him through the colder nights. And the cheeseburger pillow MC gave him that he holds tight to his chest every night.

Belphies....not the best. Not Asmo not best or Mammon, but, let's just say Lucifer is getting flashbacks to when he threatened to end an entire species in mourning of his sister. Yeah, that not best. The things that cicles through the youngest's head is unrelenting words he used to spout constantly when he first came to devildom, his unrelenting grief over loosing his sister and times in the Celestial Realm, and above all, his absolute hate for humankind. The way he was before was nothing like Satan, no, but he defiantly was nowhere near a ray of sunshine either. I mean, he isn't now half the time, but at least he has more common sense and pushed past all the negative hate to see that humans weren't the reason his sister was gone. They may have been a factor in the catalyst, but they were nowhere near at fault. Hell, one just loved his sister without even knowing she was an angel to begin with. And she loved him back, and while Belphie (Despite his own simple love for humans) couldn't understand the type of love she shared with the mortal. Now, he does. Now he's willing to do whatever it takes to get that unexpected human back, no he's willing to act like a sleepy Avatar of Sloth during the day, and stalks the dreams of the sleeping at night. As he checks his brothers dream, lately nightmares he tries to soothes silently with dreams of similar times, as he watches over his twins and bats away every bad thought or image that strikes his way, he's searching and planning. He conjures every dark nightmare he can, every fear, every gut retching image that could make even the Demon King himself wince in disgust. And as for MC themselves, they cloud his mind every waking moment he has allowed to think to himself. He's seen first-hand that it'll take more than just claws and teeth to take that human down for good, and as much as it makes his own gut clench with disgust and self-loathing at himself, enough to sound like Levi's twin instead, he just uses it as reassurance that whatever his past self throws at them, they can handle it. And if not, surely his brothers will for them.

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meowsgirldrawing · 2 months

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Prince Astarion vs Princess Anna (BG3)

Prompt: The ragtag gang of tadpole holders saves a princess (daughter of a grand duke) from a miserable fate by some monsters, then decides to help escort her back to her town. Astarion didn’t mind any of this, but after weeks since his and Tav’s exchange of real affections and confessions, he’s not too keen on allowing her fluttering eyelashes and obvious thing for heroes to go on any longer.

Note: Tav is a tiefling in this, because I love tieflings so much, but I'm trying to keep it mostly open so people can imagine their Tav's easier. More or less a little self-indulgent on my part.

Warnings: Little spicy moment, nothing explicit, just Tav and Astarion being in love and maybe a little bitey here and there. 🤷‍♂️Cussing, noble insults, some violence but it's Baldur's gate so nothing new right?

Word Count- 9,948 (I was having fun, alright? Sue me)

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“Let’s save the little princess, they said!” “It’ll be harmless, they said!” Astarion bristles, leaned up on the tough wood pole that holds up his tent. The pure white pup beside him pays no attention, his gnawing noisy and breaking the air occasionally with happy whimpers. “I mean really??” He manages to keep his words low-ish, but his hand movement, flaring up in mock dismissal, is rather the opposite. “Who does that little minx think she is?-” “GO WYLL, GO!” Karlach’s booming voice interrupts him. Loud enough that Scratch finally peers up, tail wagging. Oh so you’ll ignore me but as soon as the big fire lady says one word- Not that Scratch really needs to listen anymore, Astarion trails off, finally resuming on the scene before him. The scene he was so diligently watching for a few reasons only before his disgust came filtering in.

Gale steps up, settling in beside Karlach, “Do we really need to do this?” “Have a little fun, Gale,” Tav huffs lightly, playfully, as they snatch up another log and set it up in the stump, axe glinting in the sunlight from their hand.

“Of course we do! Since Tav thought it was oh so wise to comment-“ “It was just a joke, Wyll-“ They try. “On my “princely-ness” I must show them exactly how prince-like I can be!” His shirtless chest puffs up in confidence, or faux bravo as Tav rolls their eyes and sighs. And that is through a friendly log-chopping competition apparently. “Tsk’va-“ Lae’zel settles up next to Gale’s side, her eyes focused on the pile beside the two morons. “As long as we get firewood, I don’t care how it’s done.” Tav nods, grateful “Thank you, sweet Lae’zel. See Gale, it’s harmless my guy!” Lae’zel does her dismissal words, rolling her eyes. The friendliness form of ‘no problem’ a Githyanki, at least their favorite one, can offer apparently.

What? No, the competition is certainly not Astarion’s source of disgust. The sight of a bare chested, years of fighting showing in rippling muscles, Wyll going against their broad-shouldered, built in both structured and height Tav, whose upper half is covered by a mere tank top. That is absolutely not it. If anything, he could sit there all day watching both go at it like morons over a simple joke. And no, it’s not how he can clearly see the others taking in the sight as well. Gale watches in more amused confusion compared to most, but if you looked harder, his eyes are certainly not straying from either’s form. Karlach’s tail wags lightly, while her eyes glim with her hearty laugh. Perhaps if she wasn’t already burning up from her engine, she’d probably be visibly burning up in another way. Still, her focus is on Wyll, amused and thoroughly intrigued.

Lae’zel’s possibly the only one who isn’t doing much leering, but she isn’t so innocent. She goes from watching their forms swing down the axes on Tav’s call to being unable to take her eyes off Tav’s arm stretching out for another log. She huffs but does nothing more besides crossing her arms. He can’t blame them, not at all, his Tav alone is a sight to behold. Not to mention their overall friendly and sweet persona that takes no real effort, a gentle giant is what he’s heard multiple times by Shadowheart. Added with Wyll, an admittedly gentleman despite his profession at slaying off monster heads, his demeanor also alone can melt the strongest of hearts. Pair them together, and you got a nice show to sit back and enjoy. Especially with the banter thrown left and right. “Ready to give up, Tav? Even by your tail I can tell you’re struggling.” He grins, eyes crickling in mirth. Tav scoffs, their tail adjusting the log before swinging back to behind them. “Try me, warrior boy. I’m just getting started!” “Well-” At the next call, both heave up their axes and slit the wood in two. 4 more added to their respective collections. “So am I, my friend!” Astarion’s lip quirks, but then turns into a full frown as soon as he hears it again. A high pitched giggle. A little ways behind the two competitors, there sits a young woman in a fair and fluttery day gown, dark long locks curled over her shoulder, manicured and well cared for hands trail near her full and red lips as she giggles out her response, “You’re doing just amazing, both of you!” But her eyes stay on Tav. His Tav.

His lip curls, eyes piercing from the other side of the camp. There she is, the little princess he and his group just so happen to come across when dealing the final blows on a goblin camp. Annalisa, or rather, Lady Annalisa-Daughter and heir of Duke Salton. Who just so happens to be from the town they planned to head to next before her untimely landing into their group. They had just taken down the last of the slavers; Astarion retching his arrow from his latest kill’s head. He grimaces as he looks over the chip on it’s side. Great now he has to make a new one. He’s all too ready to un-proudly announce his discovery and wills to leave, but an explosion cuts him off. His companions all brace themselves at the sudden arrival of flames. Gale whipping up a new spell, one to counter fire possibly. Lae’zel who didn’t even put her sword away yet, already making her stance beside Tav. Tav slides out their last blade, their other one lost in one of the bodies scattered about them, yet freezes. Tail stiffening up high.

“HELP!”

There, on the cliff side connected to the burning stairway, stands a young woman, arms tied infront of her, a makeshift gag hanging around her sweating throat as she peers down at them with a crazed fear in her eyes. She must’ve been one of the most recent captures, if her ripped and ruffled clothes and tangled hair have anything to show for it. She’s going from them to the burning stairway, “It’s too hot! I can’t make it!” Gale tries to shoot out his spell, but- surprise, it just grows further. Licking up the sides of the cliff she’s on, the woman is tittering back as a scream tears from her throat. Ringing through their ears and into the night sky.

“There must be a source fueling it on the other side.” Lae’zel deducts. “Shit.” Astarion glares at the flames. His mind reeling for ideas.

Before anyone else lets out another word, Tav rushes forward. Their dagger making a mark in the dirt as it lands. Boots thump hard against the earth all while they ignore the calls from their companions. As they get as close to the fire as safely possible, arms fly forward in an improve net.

“Come on! I got you!” “What?!” She gapes at them. “Jump and I’ll catch you!” “But-“ “Theres wooden planks under you, yes?! It won’t be long before that ground is covered too, so jump!” The woman whimpers, tears fueled with fear drip down her cheeks, “I can’t!”

Astarion, from his position amongst the others’, can’t see it but something changes with Tav that has the woman altering aswell. They’re smiling.

With a friendly grin as sweat drips down their forehead, dirt and blood milled on their armor, the Tiefling simply lifts their arms more at her, “I promise you can! I’ll be right here for you!” Something shifts in the woman’s gaze, but she nods, backing up. She’s still shaking. “Y-you’ll…you won’t drop me?” She begs, and it could almost break Astarion’s undead heart. Could…if his heart wasn’t so set on the sight of his lover literally on the edge of flames.

“Of course I won’t!” Tav actually laughs. They have a way of keeping the air light, even in the most heated environments. A skill they use especially now, the gentle giant keeping their expression light and open as they call out to the frightened young lady, “You have my word, I won’t let you go for even a second!”

Another stilling moment. Another moment were Lae’zel almost decides to go up there herself to get the woman off. Another of Gale searching his mind for any fire deucing spell as a backup plan. Another moment of Astarion glancing from the flames to Tav, not liking the lack of distance as flames brew. “Tav-!”

Then she falls. Astarion feels his words lodge in his throat, his yell coming out instead. All as Tav ducks further near the flames, arms awaiting for the impact. Fire licks at their arms as the woman is caught, before swiftly pulling out. They twirl on their heel, yanking both to the arms of safety. Just as another explosion lets off. Immediately covering the area Tav once took.

He knows damn well their resistance to fire is apparent. Still, he’d rather them be afraid of it or wary at the very least than walking into it, arms open. Literally. It didn’t help that as soon as the bindings were off, gag cut from her throat, the woman turned to his lover with the sweetest little smile, “My hero!” She sung.

Lae’zel merely rolled her eyes at it, stashing her sword away. Gale chuckles, an anxious finger scratching at his beard. Tav blinked but soon chuckles, a palm at their neck, “It was nothing.”

Yet the praises kept coming. And to the point were a side of Astarion wished they never even found the practical puppy at their presence. Especially when Tav later got it out of her that she was the daughter of a Duke, having been snatched up in the night, ending up with a bunch of slavers who’d sell her off for some dirty coin. And especially when her hand lingered, cupping their bicep far too long for his liking. Now…

“HELL YEAH!” Karlach’s engines spur, her excitement fueling Gale’s astonished laugh. Wyll had won.

“Well,” Tav gives a laugh of their own, offering up a handshake. A nice show of good sportsmanship. “Congratulations, my friend, you know how to chop wood faster than I.” Their hands clasp together as both allies grin.

“Oh, don’t beat yourself too hard, pal. I’m sure you have more suitable talents that will show themselves soon enough.” As Tav barks a laugh, giving good ol’ Wyll a pat on the back, one that has him stumbling forward some, Astarion immediately notices movement behind them. He can’t even get up before Annalisa is running words off her tongue. “That was wonderful, Tav!” Her fingers tangle together, the show of shying as her eyes can’t necessarily stay on Tav too long. If you’re too shy to say one sentence, perhaps you shouldn’t speak at all. “37 logs in an 30 minutes…that m-must be a record of some kind.”

His eyes jump to Tav. Desperately hoping no expression can have his chest squeezing uncomfortably. They smile, cheeky, “Oh you don’t have to save my ego, Anna. I stopped counting by the 12th, I simply wanted to see how much Wyll had in him for such a short time.” “And yet,” An arm is wrung around their neck, tugging them down a slight. Wyll’s horn knocking into theirs lightly, almost as much as a hip bump, “I still obtained 51. I’d say keep the compliments coming, Lady Anna! This one might need it.” He gently pats their shoulder, as if consoling them.

At that, Tav’s eyes roll and they’re shoving the Warlock off. Both he and Anna, who once the woman realizes the playfulness, are swept into a small fit of laughter each.

The camp air is light, a nice break from the overall dampening gore and violence that plagues their days. The scene, seeing his companions tossing banter back and forth, doesn’t exactly feel exclusive for Astarion. He feels fine, watching the others prattle around like children.

His only wish..

For Anna to finally give an extra meter to the feet apart she is from Tav. Like 12 meters, perhaps 15 if he were so lucky.

Or rather simply..or kindly drop dead. Either way satisfies Astarion.

-------------------------------------------- It’s late. Crickets are alive and making their music to the world known. Distant owls coo and stay wary of the fire crackling in the middle of the camp. Or rather it’s people surrounding it. Wyll and Jaheria have already staggered off to bed, the high moon clear to everyone of it’s dark hours. Halsin too, the druid tired from a long day of happily helping Tav on their village run. They plan to stay one more night before packing up and heading off to the next area, the one where Anna will be promptly dropped off and their next assignment picked up.

The only people left up and about were Shadowheart, Gale, and Lae’zel. For once, the two women aren’t at each other’s throats, simply for the nice reason of Tav and Astarion settled in between their positions. Oh and Karlach’s watchful but friendly eye from her bedroll, chatting easily with Gale over a new spell he’s experimenting with at the moment. She may look lost, tad confused, but whose to say she isn’t interested to some degree. Especially with how hyped up the little wizard, half her size, prides himself joyously. Astarion huffs, “Did you really have to go on and handle that heinous creature all by yourself??” Ah yes, what the camp lovebirds were up to. He tugs their arm closer, pushing their rolled up sleeve higher. Only to reveal more purple and blue forming at it’s slow-ish pace.

“Halsin was already busy with the herb finding, “ Tav’s eyes nearly roll to the back of their head, “If I didn’t settle the horse down quickly, I’d possibly have more than scrapes and bruising.” “And your response was to go to it’s front and stand in the cross fire of it’s flying, hard hooves?” Shadowheart chimes in, her held tilt making her pause in her fire poking. “I’ve handled horses before, I knew what I was doing.” They defend again. “Yes, and now you being a moon painting on legs is clear proof of such knowledge.” Astarion drops their arm into one elbow, throwing up the other. His face twisted in clear and loud irritation. “I’m fine, Star,” Their laugh breaks out at the sight. Pulling the arm out and behind his shoulders, they tug him close, “At least they are just bruises-“ “Big, growing bruises as we speak-“ “Bruises, Astarion! It’ll heal in a few weeks from now and I’ll be back to my regular color in no time.” He wants to push further, wants to lecture them until they agree to not even look another horse again. But with their cheek rubbing into his hair, hand trailing on his side in a gentle caress, his argument is faltering. He huffs, ‘attacking’ their arm in a light slap around the wrist. They feign an OW! Chuckling into his white curls.

“I swear, if Halsin comes back again with a report of you being a complete and utter idiot-“ “You know very well it’ll continue, why even threaten them in the first place?” Lae’zel mutters aloud, her steel sharpener giving little shrieks with each slide. “Well-“ “Hello everyone!” That voice chirps rather loudly from behind. Tav’s grip loosens in a way that has Astarion growling from his throat at two things instead of one. Shadowheart shoots him a look he arrogantly ignores. Tav’s head twists, a smile quirking up on their features. “Hey, Anna!” The princess beams, cutting around the log the two sit on and coming into everyone’s view. What she has in her hands, or rather platter, has Shadowheart furrowing her brow and lightly tilting her head, “What you do have there, Anna?”

“Drinks! Gale showed me the recipe.” If she wasn’t holding the platter, she’s sure to be fiddling with her fingers. Her head faces downward instead. So shy and sweet. Astarion’s grip on Tav’s waist grows. Enough so that Tav takes their attention of Anna and to their vampire lover, eyes asking ‘are you ok?’ He simply flashes a smirk, waving off their comment and detaching from them. Fast and quick. Like a youngling found out by their parents.

Tav’s concern only grows. Astarion, while fine flaunting their relationship around of the rest of their misfit crew- holding hands as they tred along, pulling them down for a quick peck before splitting off, showing no shame as he walks out of their tent at early sunrise- he’s surely one to tone it down in front of strangers unless he feels reason not to. Like at the festival they recently went to, the one with the druid and her love test, he was proudly holding their palm and strutting along like a newly wed afterwards. It must be that.

Their face tenses a little, concern warping their brow. As much as they want to ask further, wane for an answer, they know it won’t help. Most definitely not while in front of their crew plus Anna. Astarion will always refer to their shared tent if he had a problem, somewhere private and safe. Easy for him to unload whatever plagues him. It must be that. Hopefully, he can talk then. When Anna isn’t looking, they check and peck his forehead, all before releasing him themselves. He doesn’t react, eyes on Anna. She passes around the drinks, all merrily and happy as can be. A hum to her lips, eyes crickled and flashing with joy every time someone thanks her for their drinks. Of course Astarion doesn’t miss the lingering fingers against Tav’s as she hands over theirs. He keeps his hiss quiet and nudges closer to their side once she changes course.

She still smiles as she offers up her gifts to Astarion and Lae’zel. To which Lae’zel declines, her palm up as she critically eyes the concoction, “ Is it sweet?” “Of course, I-“ “Then I have no need for it.”

Astarion giggling mind stirs at Anna’s slightly puppy, dejected face, all before being put to a stop by Anna’s switch to him. “Would you like a cup, Astarion?” She flutters sweetly.

He hums, staring at the juice that came from that of an apple. If he has his scents correct. He lets a smile polite enough to etch on his face, “Apologies, my dear, but fruit isn’t for me. I prefer something with a different type of juice.”

Tav nearly chokes on their latest sip. So does Shadowheart, who giggles rather nervously. Anna, feeling a joke she’s missed out on, doesn’t take it to heart. She tilts her head but accepts his decline with a light expression.

Gale immediately recognizes the flavor as it hits his tongue, awing in gratitude, “Oh, Anna! This is amazing! It hits the nerves just right.” She bows her thanks, “Thank you, Gale, where had you learn this recipe anyway? I found it the most fun to experiment my brewing skills with!” “My mother,” He says as proudly as he always mentions her, “After spells and incantations, my mother made and taught me such wonderful recipes the Dekarios family has been passing down from generation to generation.”

“Well, remind me to give my additional thanks to Momma Dekarios, this is awesome, Anna!” Karlach as always, is loud in her approval. She swallows down a gulp, licking up the excess as a hearty smile dawns her face.

---------------------------------------- “If you don’t mind my asking….how’s Tav?” It’s about time the fire is put out and people retreating into their tents for the long day tomorrow. Gale pauses in his storing, leftover porridge poured into a sealable bowl for another time. Shadowheart too, her bedroll under her arm and a second one, for Anna, on the ground next to her. “How’s Tav? As in health or character?” Gale can’t recall anything odd about Tav. They finished their fill and left a little soon after, yawing out a goodnight as Anna left for a moment. Of course with the oh so friendly vampire of the group not too far from following suit.

Kalach did the same after another fill of the juice Anna shared before heading off to her bedroll. Anna blinks, “Oh, character! I’m sorry, I’m merely curious as I seem to know only one side while everyone else is more or less open in comparison.”

Ah that’s true. As open as a listening Tav is, their stories and dreams aren’t shared as much amongst the group. They only want to focus on others, not themselves. Shadowheart, with a knowing chuckle accompanying, tells Anna such. “Don’t take it personally, Tav has always been that way. It’s rare to see any drastic difference.” To be fair, they can’t seem to remember half their life story, amnesia being a killer on their soul.

Gale nods along, “But what we do know is they have a good heart despite it, always willing to help, even if they could loose limb or life along with way.” “They are also such a jokester, don’t forget,” The bedroll spreads, palms finding rocks and nicks in the dirt and pulling them out from beneath, “Gods only know how that mind works for the especially stupidest ones.” Anna giggles, taking the last of the supplies from Gale. Who smiles in thanks. “Oh really? Well, I did get a hint of that with Wyll that one time.” Gale’s head tips back, long tangles waving down, as he groans out, “Oh they have been much worse from that.” Anna hums, eyes thinking, “So…uhm…is Tav perhaps..single?” That, not Gale’s ice spell for the cooking fire, freezes them. They share a look and glance back to a fidgeting Anna. Did she not see Tav and- A wince pulls on Gale’s face, apologetic almost,“Anna-“ You gotta give it to him, he tries. “I’m sorry!” Her hands fly, “I’m sure they have a different life behind this whole journey you are all gathered for, but I simply can’t help but ask! They seem so sweet and noble, not to mention so handsome and beautiful! I couldn’t help but become curious.” Her cheeks are aflush, bright red upon fair skin.

Yet they can’t get an answer out. Gale flushes, remembering all the times he’s accidentally stumbled upon a sneaky Astarion and flustered Tav in his search for privacy in the woods, all to the point he thinks some are purposeful. Shadowheart feels the same. The tadpole isn’t active, but she still ends up in the same predicament. Flashes of glimpsing at their tangled hands as the two converse at the back, shared pecks (mostly Tav to Astarion) when they think no one is paying any attention, lovey-dovey shit that can make anyone, relationship or not, feel as single as a tree in baren woodlands. “Anna-“ Gale tries again.

Anna cuts him off again, “You know what, I’m too tired, that’s it! Let’s forget this ever occurred, please!” She winds up snatching up her bedroll from a grimacing Shadowheart, tucking tail and fluttering off with a short but rushed, “Good night, my friends!” over her shoulder. At the silence that follows, the two left behind blink at one another. “Oh..Astarion is going to loose it.” Shadowheart clicks her tongue. Remembering all the times Astarion smirks as Tav’s attention flies to him instead of anyone else, Gale can’t help but agree wholeheartedly.

-----------------------------------------------

“Excuse me?” The hiss hits Gale hard enough that he’s no longer wondering why Shadowheart left the idea up to him. His fingers trail up to rub his forehead, he feels Astarion boring into him, red eyes pinched in a sneer. “She merely asked a question-“ “Yes, a simple and innocent question on if MY lover was single or not.” “I tried to tell her no!” He whisper-shouts back, eyes drawing up to meet his. “She flew off like a scared squirrel before either of us could tell her such!” So much for being a good friend and trying to warn Astarion ahead of time. Ugh..he should have went to Tav themselves instead. They’d at least wouldn’t keep interrupting him. “Look, I’m not one to go about messing with anyone’s relationships, but I think the best thing is talking to either Tav or Miss Anna or both.” He waves his hand around, “Clear the air so they say.” “You’re right, surprisingly.” Astarion blinks. Gale pauses, still walking beside him. Is he actually going to- “You aren’t one to go about messing with relationships, at least until after you get it through that oddly shape skull of yours that it isn’t your place.” And that’s how the small spark of hope of Astarion’s redemption arc died in Gale’s heart. His shoulders lower in his defeat. But perk right back up as a palm slaps on his and another onto Astarion’s shoulders. “What we talkin’ about?” A sharp whisper fills his ears. Astarion jerks, Gale just about yelps out his soul. Both turn, meeting dark eyes of their favorite baalspawn of the group. They grin, eyes hooded, “What? You boys kept whispering a little too much, Tav asked me to check on ya’ll!”

“Durge!” Astarion, once again, hisses with their common nickname, “Did you really have to sneak up on us?” “You’re a rouge..” They blink slowly, diligently, as if the concept should be obvious to all, young and old, “You didn’t think to keep an eye on your own purse?” “I think you meant to say back.” Gale’s head tilts. Astarion’s hands start wandering around, patting his sides. “Nope.” Astarion confirms the opposite, a grumble falling as his gaze clicks upwards. The well flourish decorated pack goes bouncing from the little rope that secures it as it hangs from their grasp. Their lip bit in their covered chuckle.

The bag is snatched, Astarion stuffing it as deep as it can go in his pocket, stink eye glaring down at the thief in front of him. Gale picks at his brow, rubbing as he groans. “Durge…” “Yes, handsome?” They purr, turning to him with the biggest look of innocence that Astarion has ever seen. Hands clutched behind their back, head leaning sweetly, eyes fluttering. “It’s not rather becoming to eavesdrop…” His eyes do that weird softening as he says that. Mystra, then Tav, then them? No wonder the man has the oddest relationship with romance. Astarion feeling his eyes draw to the back of his head nearly with how hard he rolls them. Maybe he goes any farther, he can see that tadpole that gotten him in this mess in the first place. The idea then turns a tad too grotest for his liking so he stops with mute boredom.

“Hey!” They start, “I told ya, Tav asked me to check on ya.” Gale fixes them with a look.

“Anyhow!” They send one right back, no hesitation. However, it isn’t hard to see the twinkle of fondness they share. Astarion feels his eyes about to roll a second time. “Wanna spill?” They wink.

Gale looks at Astarion. He boredly blinks back. He takes that as the equivalent of ‘go ahead’ as he huffs. “Anna’s been showing a rather kindly interest in Tav as of late, yet doesn’t seem to get the hint that Tav and Astarion are…a thing?” He looks at Astarion again, edging the last words carefully.

“That’s one way to put it.”

“Ohhhh.” Durge walks in stride with them. Their eyes squinting ahead at Anna talking animatedly with Tav. Hands parading about in some clear story, Tav’s fluffed shoulders bouncing in presumed chuckles. If they look hard enough, focusing really good, they barely see the red that fits her cheeks. And they don’t seem to be from the sun at all, hells, it’s chilly more than anything this odd morning.

“So that’s a thing.” Such drama in this camp. Their giggling mind can’t get enough. “So what are ya gonna do about it?” The question is for Astarion pointedly, but their glance at Gale keeps the conversation opened. “I was just telling Astarion that he should speak with Tav about it, maybe drop it in casually or say he’s just noticed things here and there.” He too looks at Astarion pointedly. “I think it’s the best thing to do when you notice someone’s throwing heart eyes at one’s lover.”

“And I think that if it’s how you say, my relationship, I should handle it my way!”

Gale’s jaw drops, about to defend his statement with ever breath he has, but the arm looping around his shoulder chokes those words up. His breath freezes in hit throat as Durge yanks him closer to them, easy smirk meeting his confused gaze. It promptly drops the moment heat meets his skin, burning his face red.

Durge throws an eyebrow his way, grin growing, then focuses on the vampire glaring intensely at the back of Tav and Anna’s skulls. His eyes darting down the moment Tav seems to glance over their shoulder. “Alright then.” Durge shrugs, whistling their contempt. “Keep it and store it in until little miss princess figures out the same way you got Tav to bend over backwards for your wayward soul.”

Gale pales. ‘What are you doing??’ His whispers a harsh breath on Durge’s ear. The Baalspawn looks nothing close to uncomfortable, they only grin at Gale. ‘Don’t worry about it, handsome, just focus on our little magic date later, k?’

That clamps the wizard up. “Way-Wayward soul??” Astarion squeaks. His glare intensifies onto Durge. It’s then a bubble of laughter, nothing of joy, all full of sarcasm-Gale and Durge exchange a look- spills from his lips.

He scoffs, “I’m just going to ignore that comment, please and thank you, and besides that, I highly doubt some daddy’s little brat stain will be able to get through, and while I adore them so, Tav’s platonically-stricken head.” His hand flies up and places delicately over his chest, claws out. “I hate to announce it to the class but it took me explaining the basic idea of sex for Tav to understand what I wanted from them at the Tiefling party!”

Before Gale or Durge could go on any further, or Durge just encourage Astarion’s sass fess, the spawn turns heels and marches to the front. He sends the last comment in a hiss over his shoulder, “Like that butterfly flapping, pampered parasite would even try it anyway if I have anything to say about it!”

-------------------------------------------------

He thought the privileged princess wouldn’t try anything. Afterall, she sounded like a blushing virgin at the mere thought Tav knew what plagued her as she attempted in asking Gale and Shadowheart, at least by what Gale told him. But…he should've realized something.

If he can go thinking he easily seduce their unofficial leader with batting eyes and whispered promises with no issue, only to get turned on his metaphorical side and end up in the first committed, healthiest relationship he’s had in over 200 years by accident- then he should’ve realized all things don’t go as planned.

And by that he means that Anna definitely didn’t act a blushy nun, keeping her feelings locked up safe from the world, she decided to do the rather opposite.

Any chance she got, she was trying to either stay by Tav’s side or help them out around camp. Even going as far as to interrupt some conversations with their companions, mainly Shadowheart- suppose she saw how the two bonded over loss of childhood memory and supporting each other in most arguments amongst the group- enough so that it took Lae’zel directly ignoring her input as she was talking to Tav. Oh and doing it again one time because Tav was late for their planned training.

Yeah, he remembers snickering on the side with a not so quiet Durge as the half-twit fumed red in the background, all the while their astral-dwelling companion grabbed Tav by the collar and dragged the poor, apologizing sheepishly tiefling double her size to their usual area.

At least he got a chance to ‘soothe’ Tav’s bruises that night, tent flap tied up tight.

She isn’t the fighting type at all, so surprising for Astarion-Gods!- so the only time Astarion got Tav to ‘himself’ was when picked to go out.

And even that got limited!

The crew recently found a mining crew in need of muscles to get their buddies out of an explosion gone wrong, amongst other things, so they’ve yet to move their camp for the last few days as Tav took Karlach, Gale, and Shadowheart out to help. They would’ve brought Halsin too, possibly to help with the healing bits they are sure to come across, if not for the warnings of the mining crew about sightings of a creature wandering around too.

So yeah. Tensions be high. And higher for the two who unknowingly/knowingly pine for the same sweet leader of their stitched together group.

Astarion’s been pointedly ignoring Anna during the day, immediately retiring to his tent the moment Tav’s safe and sound. And the others too he supposes.

Thankfully everyone has enough sense to not pry the vampire about it, merely giving him glances or odd looks whenever he excuses himself from anything Anna wants to talk to him about. Save for Lae’zel who honestly could care less about brewing drama afoot in the camp and fills the silence by sharpening or training just about all day.

After yet another failed attempt by Anna in her new request to speak to Astarion privately, he once again guesses wrong in thinking she finally stopped, finally got the point he wants nothing to do with a prancing bird, parading around his lover day in and out.

Imagine the dear’s surprise that first thing he walks into in the morning is seeing Anna waiting outside his tent, fidgeting and picking at a small sack in her hands. His eyes dart to Tav, the teifling wrapping a conversation up with Halsin it seem, sack thrown over their shoulder with a casual grip. Seems Anna won’t be putting on fluttering eyes and sweet smiles for Tav today.

“Astarion!” She perks up immediately as the man slips from his tent. Face immediately fitting into place with a light smirk and narrowed eyes.

“Lady Annastasia, and to what do I owe the pleasure to?” He stands straighter, arms folding lightly.

She bites her inner cheek, “Oh nothing big, I merely need to ask a question of sorts.”

“Ah I see.” His head tilts, studying her. Going up and down. She sways in place, as if nerves are biting at each angle of her sides. “ Is it wrong to assume it’s about our Tav?”

As he expected, she blinks wide at him, freezing in place. Her eyes dart from him to the taller hero who just made their way to their three traveling buddies for the last day at the mines. Tav told him as he curled in their lap, getting his fill in as they carded their fingers through his locks last night. He didn’t mind their rambles as he ate, if anything, started to encourage it as of late. Doesn’t have anything to do with their absence of voice filtering around his tent, oh no.

Anna’s voice can’t help but come out as a waver. “Is…Is it that obvious?”

Admittedly, Astarion lets the sympathy slide through, “As obvious as a little puppy longing for it’s owner?” He makes that gentle hissing sound through his teeth, “I’m afraid so, darling.”

She visibly drops, a pout pulling. “Oh.”

“But not to worry, my dear, Tav isn’t the brightest tool in the shed when it comes to romance, so I think you’re safe.” For now. He wants to add. “As a rogue, these things are quite easy to catch amongst other things.”

She nods, agreeing with him as a small bout of hope pools her eyes once more. She blinks up at him, a gentle smile relaxing her features. “If so, I still want to ask my request of you! If you don’t mind, of course.”

Why the hells should I?

“Of course, whatever the Lady desires!” He says instead.

She begins speaking her request to him and he listens for a bit till he realizes she’s close to telling her life story as she rambles. So his ears do the most rational thing and begins drowning her out, getting only bits and pieces, enough to be able to nod or agree without seemingly ignoring her.

All the while, Tav stands at the edge of camp, close enough for them to catch his eye with little exaggeration. To others, they may look fresh and bushy tailed, ready for another adventure. To him, they look exhausted. Without even being near them a whole lot, he knows right away they’ve been restless the past few days.

Call him silly, but they can’t help but remind him of a giant puppy in a way. Always eager to please him, always looking forward to talking with him or following him around, even while he’s doing the following most days. They miss him.

Despite the non-angsty but hollow look in their eyes, he kept help the slight, odd satisfaction on knowing he’s the only one able to make that happy unintentionally.

They smile, grim and tired wrinkles around their corners.

He smiles back, Anna thinking he’s still listening throughout.

Tav does a quick, funny look around, as if trying to make him laugh, which he has to stop himself with a clearing of his throat, before bringing up their hands in an overall cliche heart symbol. Someone could see it and they don’t care.

He keeps himself from acting any stranger in front of Anna. For the few times too many, he’s glad he can’t physically blush in front of others.

With that, Tav wanders over to their group and begin their last day to the mines.

“-I know you’re close with, so I was hoping to get your opinion of this gift I bought them?”

Astarion blinks out of his little dream world of pink clouds and sweet nothings, and comes back to the ever nervous Anna in front of him.

“Oh right! Yes, I’m sure whatever it is, they’ll adore it.”

Anna beams and takes no time to pull out a silver necklace. Red gems, rubies possibly line the chain in small drops. It’s beautiful. Clearly carefully crafted and made for the loveliest lads or ladies.

Astarion makes his stand back as subtle as possible.

“Lovely, isn’t it?” She raises it high, thankfully close to her. “I saw it in town with Durge the other day and couldn’t help but snatch it right up!”

“Terribly sweet.” He marks. Winces carefully hidden.

“Yeah! It could also help with their little ‘problem’.”

Astarion perks at that. Ears winding.

‘Huh?’

Questions on his face must be evident cause Anna immediately jumps to an explanation.

“Oh, I’ve noticed these odd markings or rather…” She looks left and right, leaning in just a slight. As if whatever she says would bring panic to all around them.

“...Bites!”

He blinks, again.

“I understand if Tav has some…arrangement with someone of the night, but I worry for them!” Her eyes fill with an emotion he’s seen way to many times. Pity and anger.

“Vampires are..vile, dangerous things! The vampire that Tav lets them feed from must be seducing them, using them a mere cattle!”

Tav said something to him once about comments they get as a tiefling. How they obviously look like devils but the real insult is being compared to livestock. Namely bulls or..

“Cattle?”

Something sparks in him. The whispers he had when he first met Tav and their small group of Shadowheart and Gale begin again.

Anna nods dutifully. Almost sadly. He hides the grit in his teeth as his claws scream at him to rip that nod clean off.

“I feel this necklace could help them scare whoever it is off, yes?” Then her expression shifts, eyes turning downward in that shy act once more. No, coy.

“I just think it’s best for them, you know?”

THATS NOT YOUR FUCKING CHOICE TO-

“Of course! Such wretched creatures need to be purged from this world!” He may be playing it off a little too much. He adds in a wiping motion, swift and able to startle Anna. But she looks at him with big, woefully hopeful eyes and he knows he has her.

A feeling he welcomes greatly, especially in this moment as anger shakes his very soul, comes to play. It claps it’s hands, plays it’s tunes, drafting it’s first idea with gleaming eyes full of mirth.

He keeps it hidden with a gentle smile, dare he say gentlemanly. So charming he’s sure Anna would’ve been swooning if not for Tav.

“I suggest giving it to them tonight, my dear.” He wraps a friendly hand over hers, ignoring the light sting he feels from one of the dangling bits passing through her fingers and onto his. “Afterall, with how much Tav has been working tirelessly with this whole mining business, who’s to say that fiend won’t be lurking about when embers cool? They’ll be too tired from the mind to be able to have their guard up, this might just be their savior.”

Anna makes Astarion realize something new as she giggles, feeling suddenly heroic for her idea as she agrees fully to his idea.

She’s the biggest fucking idiot he’s ever met. And he’s met plenty.

-----------------------------------------------------

Lurking he does.

The moment Tav says their farewells to their companions, treading to their tent in wavering steps and light winces. Body full of a long recent days that guarantees how their next morning will go. Resting and allowing their body to recuperate, hopefully with a certain cold lover at their side. Oh how they’ve missed such a face, such a presence bursting with sassy jokes and dreadful touches.

Its no surprise how fast their tail starts swinging left and right the moment they hear the flaps of their tent open, pulling their tank down with no real speed.

They turn and see him in all his awaiting glory. His crimson eyes lure from up to down, taking in their freshly washed appearance.

“Long day?”

“The longest.” Their body sags.

Astarion tuts, pulling the most pitiful, sympathetic pout only a mother could give. “Oh you poor thing. A guess saving a loud, smelly bunch of miners is a big killer on the whole heroic motive, yes?”

“Wish I could agree with you, lovely.” Their lip quirks, “Still into the heroic image, unfortunately.” “Pity. Thought I could finally pull you into the dark side of things.” He moves closer, grabbing the towel from their neck and begins dabbing the remaining drops on their collar. “You know, evil laugh, lunatic planning, leather galore and dark lairs, all the sorts.”

“You know…” It’s now they can pick up his, and he hates when they say it, perfume he keeps refilled. The smallest luxury behind the many books he tends to the most. It’s not strong, subtle enough for the allspire bit to mix in surprisingly well with the woodland essence they must be all drowned in by now. “I might be persuaded a bit?”

His eyes slide to theirs. Cheeks making them squint with his smirk. “Oh?” His head tilts. “And with what exactly?”

“Blame the miners actually, but perhaps this ‘hero’” Their hands prick quotation marks, he snickers, “wants a little time with their favorite little villain.”

“Little?!” He grabs the towel in a firmer hold, swatting them on the arm. All gentle, no worries.

“Astarion, I’m nearly as tall as Halsin and taller than Karlach.” Their words deadpan, tone full of underlining giggles.

His fangs show and he wastes no time in pulling them to the bed on the side. “ It doesn’t matter, my dear! I will not be resorted to such words like ‘little’!”

“Then why are you getting on my lap?” They ask as he indeed does so, huffy as he goes.

“Shut it, now.”

“Whatever his majesty desires.” His hand covers their mouth, eyes glaring. Their palms face up in a surrender.

“I will do what I desire..” His arms curl around their neck, nose nuzzling into theirs. Tav began doing that at one point when he was still getting used to the intimate but nonsexual shows of affection. A quick nuzzle when one of them felt off and they immediately perk up as if the action itself forced new energy into them.

He feels arms close around his waist, low enough to not touch his back scars directly but also not too low to suggest anything past cuddling. He huffs at their tenderness, patting their arm to tell them what he wants.

They curl tighter in response. They appear to have needed that cause in mere moments, they go from tight body and straightened back to relaxed and curling into his front.

A long breath escaping.

Astarion purses his lips, ducking into their neck.

“Are you alright?” His whisper soft.

Their shoulders lift and fall back as if that took alot of effort in itself. “Tired.” They’re knowledgeable about the horns as they nudge further into his collar, “And missed you. ‘M sorry for not bringing ya. It was really dark and cramped and I just didn’t-”

“Hey-” He’s quick, finger flicking under the chin and pulling up. “What did we say about unnecessary apologies? I believe they were your own words, love?”

“They are unnecessary, therefore we don’t need to say them.”

“Exactly!” His finger boops their nose. The silly act making them smile onces again. It’s tired but happy so he’s happy. “Wow, you are so wise! Perhaps Gale needs to watch his tracks.”

“Pft- Nah. I like swords more.” Their head shakes as laughter spills.

“More things for us to bond over, I suppose.”

“You like daggers more.”

“A blade is still a blade. Doesn’t matter how long.”

Their eyebrow pricks. “Why do I sense an innuendo?”

“Perhaps you’ve just been in that mindless gutter far too long.”

“Eh.” Their forehead knocks back into his chest. A slither around his thigh and a touch from his fingertips confirms the scaly tail. “Maybe.” It begins wagging as he curls a palm around it, thumb rubbing circles in the side, before letting it do it’s clinging thing.

It’s late. And he’s sure Anna will show soon. And as according to his plan, Tav stays locked in his arms in such a way that would be impossible for even the most idiotic of idiots to mistake it for platonic. Especially when they’ve just begun trailing kisses up his neck. Soft and delicate. Going from his collar, to his adams apple, to the edge just under his sensitive ear.

His arms tighten, claws digging into the tank top underneath them. “Tav-”

They pause, pulling away a bit and a side of him whines at the loss in milliseconds. Before, he would have pulled a pity party at himself for having such an inward reaction, being made into mush just over a few kisses. But the other side of him now? HA, he’s more concerned over that look in their eye. Thinking they’ve done something wrong. Their grip loosens too and he knows he needs to stop that.

His arm unhooks from their neck and grabs their forearm. “Don’t. I just wanted to ask you something?”

They blink and tilt their head. All ears as he would say.

A thought plagues his mind. He knows it’s really silly but…Something about what Anna says kept replaying in his mind all day. No idea why, he already knows the answer to what he wants to ask but..

“What is it, Astarion?” They frown lightly up at him.

His legs under his thighs, pressed against theirs, shift as he works through his question. With them waiting all patiently of course.

“I understand if Tav has some…arrangement with someone of the night, but I worry for them!”

“Im used to comments of how damn devilish I look, literally. Not figureativ- stop with that look, Astarion. And I guess it’s not the worse but..cows or cattle gotta be a real ego destroyer.”

“Vampires are..vile, dangerous things! The vampire that Tav lets them feed from must be seducing them, using them a mere cattle!”

“Do you feel weird when I feed from you?” He blurts.

Their stare is loud. Looking all over his face as if he’s mere seconds from breaking into laughter, playing up into a joke.

When that doesn’t happen, they stay silent a moment longer.

“..No?” They glance around, thinking, “Should I?”

“I just-” He inhales, a burst of dustration bubbling up, He’s not a feelings person but he wants to try. Tav’s always telling him to talk if he’s worried about something. Might as well get used to it now. “I know our circumstances were an agreement of sorts but..I suppose.” His eyes dart down. A wave of vulnerability washing over him.

“I suppose I’ve been overthinking and…and can’t quite seem to get it out of my head.”

“Are you asking about side effects or ‘feelings’ feelings?” They try to match his gaze.

“..The latter.”

Tav hums, tugging him closer.

They’re a planner. Always have been, might always will be despite this fucked up situation they might be in. Unconsciously, maybe that’s why if anyone in this group were to be asked who the leader is, even durge who likes doing their own thing, everyone would point to Tav.

Thus, he gets an immediate idea as why they ask if he trusts them enough to pull them to the bed. With him under them. He shrugs but after a look, says his consent with a roll of his eyes.

Pulling him down, they make sure he’s absolutely comfortable amongst the silk pillows and fur blankets before wrapping themself over him. Legs straddle their hips, arms playing boredly at their neck, and he can once again feel their tail tapping on his thigh, all before wrapping around it in a soft cage.

They smile at his questioning gaze, assuring him they won’t try anything funny without his explicit consent, all before leaning into his neck for a kiss.

He stops the yelp in his throat. They’re right on the mark, teasing the sensitive skin from earlier. Their chest vibrates with their chuckle, end of the tail wagging.

“It’s ok, lovely. I won’t do anything more than this.” Lips murmur as they trail up his neck again, going to the other side.

His legs jerk, wrapping around their waist just they hit his ears again. His teeth grit, “You’re doing- doing this on..p-purpose!” he accuses. Another kiss lands at his lobe, canines only a tiefling could have probing it’s edge, “T-trying to distract me from my question??”

Was it that silly they would ignore it outright?

Before any odd feeling could come in place of his non-beating chest, their arms circle his waist, pulling their bodies closer. Making a tangled mess of the shorter elf and tall tiefling.

“On purpose? Mm, Maybe.” They nip the skin just above his scar, not directly on it. A part, deep and nervous, but somehow longing more, whines for a little lower. “But I wanna prove a point.”

“What point?” A hiss escapes and his claws dig crescent moons into their shirt again. They pause in making a mess out of the man beneath them, pulling away and meeting his hooded gaze with a soft look. So soft and uncensored for it’s immediate openness he nearly stops from trying to catch his breath.

“That I want this too.”

Then they drag their head back down again and he’s back to drowning.

“I want you satisfied. I want you happy.” They lick a small line up and his unlatches from the fabric to catch his moan. “Want you laughing, teasing, sharing feelings, and when you need to” Their words stop as they get a little into it, tightening their hold and suckling a small bit into one spot. He just about bites his tongue when a squeak wants to make itself known, nearly tearing a new hole into the shirt as he stops himself from jerking up and more into their hold. Not that he could move much if he wanted to. They keep a safe hold on him. As if they knew how he’d react.

He curses and bites back a groan from that.

They let go and lick their lip. “I want you to feed.”

“Cheeky devil!”

“I thought you adored that?” They chuckle in his face, nuzzling into his neck immediately afterwards.

His hand swats their back.

They keep on chuckling, and they keep on their attack on his neck.

He lets them, despite all the clawing into their shoulders, leaving marks that make it look as if they lost a fight to a feral cat, occasional tightening and shaking of his legs on their hips, groaning and small whimpering melting into their neck. He holds them tight against him, letting them show how much they want him, Astarion, their little, sassy, vampire elf. Bites and all.

His eyes open from their clenched state the moment his ears pick up something. They twitch but Tav’s too busy on one particular spot on his neck vein to notice.

Crimson eyes land on the figure at the tend opening. The same one who clutches the horrid necklace in one hand and clenches the tent cover in a tight fist with the other. Dark eyes staring on the curled up form looming over Astarion, tail wagging furiously as if they’re getting the bestest damn treat in existence.

Anna. The doe eyed little princess they picked up on their journey. The same one who doesn’t look at them with the same little doe eyed expression she’s been throwing left and right since they’ve saved her. They scorn with a glaring envy Astarion has been all too familiar with since she arrived and made moves on his lover.

Speaking of which….

He looks her straight dead in the eye as Tav makes a new mark into his pale skin, curling his fingers deep into their tank as he lets his jaw drop and hang to a loud groan that filters the tent. The corner of his lip curled at her immediate response.

She stiffins. Eyes pooling. Pooling with all he's felt every single time she rested a delicate hand on Tav's arms. The same ones that wrap around him and have become the first nearly-safest place since his escape.

The same feeling he got every single time she looked up into Tav's unknowing gaze with huge hearts for pupils. The same person that looks over every moment he opens up, makes a joke, or even gets just the tiniest bit about a book they got for him simply because they heard his low comment about it.

Only he isn't the one mourning some fairytale. Not anymore. His relationship with Tav might not be one he could only imagine every cold and sickly night in Cazador's reign, but gives the same exact feeling he's always looked for underneath and that's plenty enough for him.

A sharp prick at his neck and he's letting out a louder moan than the previous, hand curling around their bicep as they adjust to get even further into him. A hand snakes up to his head and when the thumb brushes his ear, he gets closer to loosing it again.

Perhaps he should've warned her. Tell her who was really making Tav happy every night and day. Save her from inevitable heartbreak of her wanton fairytale image being shattered. And he was planning to the moment she showed up to his tent this morning. Yet…

“Vampires are..vile, dangerous things! The vampire that Tav lets them feed from must be seducing them, using them a mere cattle!”

His eyes dart to Tav’s neck, recently healed sometime today.

He believes a mark of their own should be the best for them.

He wastes no longer in letting his fangs show, shining fleetingly in the tent's handing lamp, and pledging them into Tav’s neck. Eye slamming close the second iron hits his taste buds.

He hears a gasp but it gets drowned out by Tav’s grunt turned moan. Hugging him tighter. He drinks like every night, but maybe a tad less than usual. They really did have a long day after all.

Blood drips down his lip, onto his chin as he pulls back and looks at the entrance.

Gone. The girl ran off.

Good. More time to reconnect with his dear again, and in the best ways possible too.

A laugh escapes him as they tickle his side for the surprise, turning to end in another moan as they get to his under chin now.

--------------------------------------------------

Bonus:

“That’s odd, Anna doesn’t seem like she wants to speak to me anymore.” Tav mentions as they wonder back into their tent the next morning, finished with their morning check in it seems, “In fact, she’s asking how long until we get to her home town.”

Astarion hums ‘thoughtfully’, reclined and the almost relax on their bed. The only thing he wears is one of their shirts, loosely buttoned together and opened up enough to let the world see exactly how far their little ‘time’ went last night, plus some shorts he’s left from time to time in there. They actually didn’t get farther than leaving a trail down his chest and him, many marking bites around their shoulders and collar (those he can see clearly with the spare button up half heartedly put together) but it leaves enough for anyone to assume and like hells he’s gonna correct anyone if they did. “I did find this though.”

He glances up from his book, page carefully marked so as to not lose it. It’s getting rather good. It may be some silly romance genre Tav found for him, but it’s Tav. Why wouldn’t he indulge a little outside his usual?

“Oh, a necklace.”

“Yeah, silver and honestly extremely eye-catching. Not something I’d wear however.”

Oh yeah, he forgot. Tav likes the less complicated jewelry. Think of single chain or lonely gems in the center type. Says it makes it easier to wear under the pelted heat and armor. Ironic he supposes.

“I mean silver? Really? When I have a vampire for a lover?” Their head shakes and they stuff it in the ‘to sell’ bag.

His ear perks up, “What does my state of being relate to your choice of jewelry?”

Their stare into him offended him slightly. As if they are questioning his very wits.

“Lovely, unless my reading is fucked, vampires are basically allergic to silver.” They state, a small deadpanning in their tone.

…Wait, they read about vampires….for him?

Something stirs in his chest, the same feeling from last night as he blanks at them.

“....Get your ass over here right now darling and kiss me.”

Their tail shoots up, expression thrown back, but soon a grin grows, canines begin flashing and demonic eyes sparking. “Oh like you have to ask me twice!” They laugh.

—----------------------- “Should I tell you who tried to give you the necklace by the way?”

“Huh? Oh, sure, lovely.”

“You know our dear Anna, yes?”

“Yeah…I just told you how she keeps ignoring-...”

“....”

“Did she know about the silver?”

“Yes, very much so in fact.”

“Was she at the tent last night?”

“Possibly-maybe.”

"........."

"............"

“....She leaves tomorrow.”