#Two Can Play That Game | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

bibooozeta · 10 months ago

Text

Just the tip?

Astarion x Alicent (bard!tav)

Summary: Ali was injured by a goblin arrow, someone had to keep watch over her while the party went on adventuring, and Astarion saw the perfect opportunity to keep working at his plan of seduction. He may find out that he is not the only one who can play, though.

Snippet from Act 1, relationship status = SITUATIONSHIP. They haven’t smashed it yet, but they’re working on it.

English is not my first language!

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

As her eyelids fluttered open, a scene of unexpected tenderness greeted her. Astarion was there, reading a book while watching over her. His care was evident as she took in the details around her: Clean bandages and a dampened washcloth on the side of her bedroll.

She heard Astarion mutter to himself, "God, this book is awfully boring."

She blinked grogginess and sleep out of her eyes. There was a raspy sensation in her throat as she tried to down her spit through it, and a dull pain from her shoulder. She slit her eye open towards the presence that she knew was his. "Bad read?"

Astarion looked up from the page to meet her gaze. "Ugh, you have no idea. This book is nothing but a poorly written fantasy romance. It would be so much better if these characters used the brain they've been given to get out some of these situations, but instead, they just pine after one another and whine about everything."

He sighed and set the book to the side, crossing his arms over his chest. "I suppose if you like that sort of thing, it might be enjoyable, but I can't stand the melodrama."

"Somehow I find that hard to believe." She smirked up at him, trying and failing to sit up. She winced against the burning sensation in her shoulder. "Ouch. Fucking Goblin assholes."

Astarion gently pushed her back to lie down on the cot. "Don't strain yourself. Your shoulder is still healing." He frowned as he examined her wound, the bandages were still fresh, the stitching holding up well. "You were hit by a poisoned arrow during the fray, it's a miracle it didn't pierce all the way through. We had to get the damn thing out, and the cleric healed most of the venom."

His voice softened as he placed a hand on her forehead. "Get some more rest, I'll keep watch over you."

Ali looked at him dumbfoundedly "Who are you? WHat have you done to the nasty vampire?" She joked, breathing through the pain.

Astarion rolled his eyes lightheartedly. "Oh, aren't you the funniest. I'll have you know, I can be caring and sweet if I want to be." He smirked playfully and leaned in closer, his fangs on display. "But only for those who deserve it, of course. And you, my dear, are dangerously close to slipping to the other side of that fence. So mind your tongue."

"Oh, I'll mind it, alright." She flirted playfully, knowing he could take it without making too much of a deal about it.

Astarion smirked and leaned in closer, hovering just inches away from her face. His red eyes glimmered mischievously, reflecting the flickering light of a nearby flame. "Well, well, aren't we feisty? I can handle a bit of fire, my darling, but let's not get too carried away. You're still recovering from your little injury, after all. It could be quite the scandal if someone else ended up taking care of you in my absence." His gaze lingered on hers for a moment longer before he pulled back with a playful flutter of his lashes.

"Oh you're just awful, you know?" She rolled her eyes. "Where are the others? Is everyone okay?"

Astarion feigned innocence, placing a hand on his chest in mock affront. "Why, I'm appalled that you would even suggest such a thing. You wound me." With a sly grin, he continued, "But to answer your question, the rest of our party is fine. They're busy with some 'urgent matter', so I volunteered to keep watch over you. I couldn't stand the thought of you missing out on my company."

"Which urgent matter? What's more urgent than getting our bran buddies our of our heads?"

Astarion shrugged nonchalantly. "Some nonsense about seeking out a wise hermit or delving into ancient ruins for clues. Honestly, it all sounds like a complete waste of time to me. But you know our beloved companions; they have a tendency to get distracted by shiny objects and grand adventures."

He sighed dramatically, "I, on the other hand, chose to remain by your side. Because I am the most wonderful partner one could hope for."

"How lucky I am." She jabbed at him.

Astarion chuckled, his eyes sparkling. "That's not all, dear, I also happen to be the most handsome amongst us. Which is only a bonus, I assure you."

He grinned charmingly as he added, "But enough about me. You're the one we should be fussing over. How are you feeling? Any more pain? Are you hungry? Thirsty? Do you want some more ointment on that shoulder?"

"I could do with some water. It feels like I chewed on sand."

"Of course," Astarion replied, his voice softening. With a gentle touch, he reached for a nearby container of clean water and brought it to her lips. "There you go," he murmured, guiding the vessel to her mouth. "Take small sips now."

He watched closely as she drank, waiting patiently for her to finish. When the last drop was consumed, he set the container aside, reaching for a cloth instead. "Allow me."

Astarion carefully ran the cloth over her forehead, cool and soothing against her skin.

"Oh, that actually feels nice." She closed her eyes, leaning to his touch. "I'm serious Astarion, are you okay? I wouldn't have pegged you for the caring type."

Astarion's gaze was fixed on her face as she closed her eyes, a thoughtful look crossing his features. "I'm...fine," he responded with hesitation, a touch of uncertainty in his voice. His hands paused their movements for a moment before resuming their tender caress over her forehead. "I just... I wasn't going to let you languish here without someone to look after you. Is it that unusual that I care, even just a little?" The words came out a bit harsher than he intended, a hint of defensiveness in his tone.

"Not what I'm saying. I'm glad you're here with me." She nodded. "I just... I don't want you to think that you... owe me. For, you know... The other night." When she woke up to his watering mouth, extended canines ready to puncture her neck. She was scared at first, but quickly let go of the fear. His tadpole showed something to her, made her feel his excruciating hunger. Blood. Blood. BLOOD. Her stomach was gripped in it, pain and fire, and so she let him drink from her, telling herself it would have made him stronger, but also, no one should ever be that hungry.

Astarion paused briefly, his eyes softening as he met her gaze. For a moment, a hint of vulnerability flickered across his face, as though he were struggling with something internal. But then it was gone, replaced once again by a facade of flippancy.

"That," he said, his tone light and dismissive, "was just business. Nothing more."

Astarion continued tending to her, his hands moving over her face and shoulders with practiced motions. But even as his motions remained steady and soothing, his words belied a complex inner turmoil.

"Business?" She furrowed her brow.

Astarion's gaze flickered briefly back to her, his eyes betraying a flicker of some unspoken emotion. "Yes," he replied in a cool, controlled tone. "A simple exchange for survival. No need to dwell on it further." His words were punctuated with calculated aloofness as if deliberately constructing a barrier around his own feelings. Astarion's hands continued their soothing ministrations over her face and shoulders, maintaining a measured and unperturbed demeanor despite the underlying tension that lingered between them.

"So... You're not here because you want to, but because you think you owe me for letting you drink my blood?" She batted his hand away from her face. "Would you stop?!"

Astarion's gaze sharpened as he withdrew his hands, his expression a blend of irritation and indignation. "Don't be absurd. I'm here because I choose to be. I'm not some puppet bound by feelings of obligation or debt." His tone dripped with a mixture of frustration and condescension, masking whatever complex emotions lay beneath.

"And don't presume to know my motives. I'll do as I please, and if you have a problem with that, I suggest you find someone else to tend to your wounds."

"Then why did you call it business? I let you drink from me because I chose to, not because I expected something in return. My motives are exceptionally clear, you know."

Astarion scoffed, the irritation evident in his voice. "Your motives are crystal clear indeed, darling. You're the epitome of selflessness, aren't you? Letting me drink from you out of the kindness of your heart. I'm touched, truly."

His expression turned sardonic, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "But perhaps the real question is, what did you expect me to do, thank you profusely? Shower you with gratitude for your generous act? Should I bow down and kiss your feet, perhaps?"

"I expected nothing!" She raised her voice, wincing as she pushed herself up into a sitting position. "Astarion, you really need to quit thinking the whole world wants something from you. I gave you my blood because I felt it through the tadpole, okay? The hunger?" She stuttered. "No one should ever feel like that. My guts were on fire, I... Your guts were on fire. You felt like you were gnawing at yourself from the inside, Gods above. I only wanted to help!" She shouted in frustration.

The sharpness in Astarion's expression softened at her words. The façade of aloofness wavered ever so slightly, a flicker of vulnerability slipping through the cracks. His eyes widened imperceptibly as he took in the genuine sincerity in her voice.

For a moment, it seemed as though he was at a loss for words, uncertain how to respond to the unexpected empathy thrown his way. But then, as swiftly as the vulnerability had appeared, it was suppressed, replaced by the familiar mask of charm and wit. "Ah, I see. You're a noble soul, aren't you?"

"I'm your friend. Nothing noble and mighty to my name." She spoke clearly, staring into his red ruby eyes, hoping she could see just how much meaning there was behind her statement.

Astarion's gaze softened, the walls slowly lowering as he considered her words. "Friend, eh? So you're saying you care about me, then?" He crossed his arms, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. "How... touching."

A beat of silence passed between them, and then he chuckled softly, as if amused by his own reluctance to admit what they both knew. "Well, I suppose... it's not entirely unpleasant to have someone around who doesn't want something from me. Perhaps... this friendship thing isn't entirely without merit, after all."

"That's okay." She took a breath, her previously harsh tone now gone from her voice. "I... I know what it feels like. Like... You're existence only being justified as long as you're worth something. I know. But it doesn't always have to be like that. Some people care, you know? You just have to find the right ones."

Astarion nodded slowly, his eyes darting away for a moment, as though he were still grappling with accepting the possibility that someone might actually care for him without expecting anything in return. His jaw tightened. "I suppose you're right," he murmured, a trace of vulnerability seeping into his words. "It's just... not the most familiar concept, that's all."

He met her gaze once more, a flicker of warmth lighting up his eyes. "But, I must say, your friendship is quite the rare treat. I'll do my best to not ruin it with my charming personality."

"I like your charming personality." She flirted, and the jabbed at him. "Most of the times."

Astarion chuckled softly, his composure fully regained. "Careful, darling," he warned playfully. "You might just find yourself addicted to my charming wit and dashing good looks. It's an easy trap to fall into, after all."

"Oh, wouldn't I know it." She smiled openly at him.

Astarion's grin widened, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Ah, so you're already well-acquainted with the irresistible appeal of my charms? I must confess, I do have that effect on people." His tone was undeniably conceited, but the lightness in his eyes gave away his playful nature.

"Well, considering that you seem hopelessly smitten, I suppose I'll have to grace you with my delightful company more often."

"I'll make sure to keep my schedule quite open for you, then." She grinned.

Astarion smirked, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, darling, don't you worry about that. I'm quite adept at making an appearance at the most unexpected moments. Consider it a talent of mine." He flashed her a charming grin.

"Besides, as we've already established, you're entirely under my spell. So let's not pretend you could resist my company if you tried. You're a moth to the flame, my dear."

"You are... giving yourself a lot of credit, aren't you?" She hoped she could mask her flushed cheeks.

A smirk danced across Astarion's lips as he noticed the subtle redness in her cheeks. "Ah, my dear, it seems you're attempting to maintain an air of nonchalance. How utterly endearing. But allow me to assure you, it's perfectly natural to be captivated by my undeniable charm and wit."

His tone turned playful, filled with mischievous delight. "And as for credit, I assure you, I'm a seasoned expert in the art of persuasion. After all, who wouldn't be seduced by a rogue such as myself?"

"I'm..." She breathed deeply. "Uh. Is that a vampire thing? Or an... Astarion thing?"

Astarion cocked an eyebrow, an amused glint in his eyes. "Vampire thing? Oh, you mean the charm and seduction? Allow me to clarify, my dear. That's not exclusive to my supernatural nature. No, no. I'm afraid it's an Astarion thing."

He leaned in closer, his voice taking on a seductive lilt. "You see, I don't need the aid of vampiric powers to bewitch and entice. It's simply my natural charm at work."

"You know, some would find the way you act and talk quite ridiculous." She leaned back on her good shoulder. "I don't know how you do it. I've been trying to be like that in every gods damned tavern on the Chiontar. Nothing’s worked until I started playing something."

Astarion chuckled softly, his gaze fixed upon Ali's face. "Ah, my dear, you flatter me. But please, do tell. What, pray tell, were you playing that finally allowed you to showcase your undeniable charm?"

A mischievous glint danced in his eyes. "Perhaps you can demonstrate for me sometimes. I have a certain flair for the dramatic, you know. I could offer some... constructive criticism. Or perhaps even participate in this little charade of yours."

"Oh I don't know, perhaps I've already been demonstrating, and you just haven't realized..." She said in a sultry voice.

Astarion's smirk widened ever so slightly, his eyes glinting with approval. "Ah, I see. You're no amateur when it comes to playing these games, are you?"

His gaze flickered over her, a playful smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Your attempts are quite impressive. But, darling, allow me to assure you, your technique could use a touch of refinement. I can see the potential, but with a bit more finesse and a dash of flamboyance, you could be dazzling every tavern-goer within a mile radius."

"Does it?" She smirked, feigning innocence. She hummed two notes to herself, her shoulder slightly glowing in blue light, warmth spreading through her muscles, easing her discomfort. "Oh, then maybe you could teach me." She crawled down her bedroll on all fours, got closer to him, leaning over and whispering in his pointy ear, "Show me how to seduce you properly. I'm sure you'd have a tip or two for me to wrap around..."

Astarion's eyes widened slightly as Ali's voice dropped to a seductive murmur, her proximity to him sending a tingling feeling down his spine. He couldn't help but chuckle at her boldness. "Oh, my dear, you are a quick study."

He turned towards her, his gaze locked on hers. "But, let me clarify, darling. I think we both know I already find you quite... enticing." He let the words hang in the air for a moment before continuing. "Perhaps I can spare a few tips to further enhance your alluring appeal."

"Really?" She let her eyes sparkle, looking up at him. "Would you teach me?" She smiled and got closer once again to his ear, whispering right against it. "Even more than just the tip?" She then let her face nuzzle the lengthy line of his elven ear, her tongue quickly darting out to give the very point of it a slight lick. She had bedded elves before, she learned very quickly how to please them right. Ears were almost always an erogenous zone for them, and she hoped it worked for him as well, even in his undead form, and judging by the shudder that ran down his spine, she could very well consider herself pleased.

As Ali's tongue darted out to gently trace the very tip of his sensitive elf ear, Astarion jolted, his muscles tensing involuntarily. A low, involuntary groan escaped his lips, betraying his reaction to her touch.

"Gods, woman, you're quite... eager, are you?" he managed to utter, his voice huskier and slightly strained from the sensation. He reached for her chin, gently guiding her face up to meet his gaze, his touch lingering on her jaw. "Well, dear... I suppose I could enlighten you a little further."

"Could you?" She leaned on his face, glancing down at his lips and a bit further. Oh yes, he was clearly enjoying this, judging from the strain in his trousers. She pushed her lips a breath from his, feeling his cold puffs of air escaping them. Was he panting? "Would you teach me how to pleasure you?"

Astarion's breath hitched in his throat as Ali leaned in closer, her lips teasingly close to his. The heady mix of desire and anticipation was nearly overpowering.

"You have a rather... direct approach," he murmured, his voice husky with a hint of both amusement and longing. "But if it pleases you, I suppose it wouldn’t be entirely unpleasant to give you a few pointers."

His own eyes flashed with intrigue before he closed the tiny gap between them, and his lips met hers in a hungry, almost demanding kiss.

Ali responded fervently to the kiss, his cold lips pleasant on her heated skin. She let him lick her lips open, and as she let her hand run up his thigh right towards the place where he needed her touch the most, she felt it: a low grumble, a groan deep into his chest that sent warmth flooding right into her belly. It took all of her strength to act on her original idea. Did he want to play dirty? Fine. She was better at this game than anyone else.

She pulled back, leaving his lips, and let him chase her in the space between them. His eyes were still closed, but she could see the dumb confusion in them once he slit them open. She grinned at him. "You want to teach new tricks to an old dog, Astarion, but there's not much that I haven't learned already." She smiled devishly. "Besides, my calendar seems quite closed for the evening. We'll have to reschedule, I'm afraid." She stood up, ignoring her dampened smalls and relishing in his stunned glance as he looked up at her. "Have a great evening Astarion. Thank you for keeping me company." She turned around and ducked outside her tent.

Astarion's eyes widened with both astonishment and frustration as Ali pulled away from the kiss without warning. The sudden withdrawal left him reeling, his lips still tingling from the unexpected moment of intimacy. He watched, dumbfounded, as she stood up and swiftly excused herself, leaving him alone in her tent.

The shock quickly gave way to a mix of disbelief and irritation. With a frustrated growl, Astarion clenched his fists in a mixture of frustration and arousal. "Oh, you think you're clever, you little vixen, do you?" he muttered to himself, his voice tinged with both admiration and annoyance.

Leaning back against the tent's central pole, Astarion folded his hands behind his head, staring up at the canvas canopy above him and letting out another amused laugh. This would have been harder than he anticipated but she was clearly willing, and he already had her calling him a friend. There was no way he couldn’t get her on his side, and maybe he could get some fun out of it as well. She was clearly no prude, it seemed, but would she fall for him.

"Oh, my dear...," he murmured to himself, a sly chuckle escaping his lips. "It seems I might have underestimated you."

#astarion x tav #astarion #baldur's gate 3 #alixastarion #the vampire has charisma 10 #tension #these two dorks #two can play that game #pic by me

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