#please be niceys to me this is my first fic in 10 years

[jupyt3r]

Brilliant

After defeating the netherbrain, Tav returns with Astarion to the Underdark to deal with the consequences of releasing 7,000 hungry vampire spawn after stopping the rite of ascension. Astarion learns to navigate a complicated relationship with his siblings in the absence of Cazador's influence. Tav tries to show him that he's worthy of her love.

Chapter 1: Sunburn

Astarion flinched as Tav spread the cool balm across his cheek. He sat in front of her on the edge of the ornate bed in their room at the Elfsong. His skin, for so long unused to gentle touches, prickled at the soft motion of her fingers as she soothed them over his burns. He shifted his focus to the dust motes dancing lazily in the evening sunlight streaming in from the window, which he'd insisted Tav open (much to her disapproval) despite it being the cause of his burns in the first place. After all, this would be the last chance he'd have for a while to see the city – his city – before they departed. He wanted to remember it the way he could see it now, peering through the curtains: bathed in golden light, which glimmered off the rooftops and waters of the Chionthar beyond, like magic.

“ Tch, " Tav fretted as her hand clutched his jaw and gently guided his head back from where he'd unintentionally leaned around her to better view the window. “This is going to peel badly in a few days when the blistering goes down. We're lucky it wasn't any worse."

“Yes, darling, lucky for you. We both know how much you’d miss this pretty face," he smirked, meeting her eyes. Of course he couldn't see his reflection to know to extent of the damage (perhaps a blessing in this instance), but it felt horrible, so he assumed he must look a sorry mess.

"Not what I meant,” she replied, playfully swiping a glob of balm on the tip of his nose before screwing the tin shut and packing it along with the rest of their effects. He rose from the bed and snaked his arms around her waist to pull her against him, leaning down to retaliate by rubbing his nose off on her cheek, then continuing lower to place an appreciative kiss on her neck. He lingered there a moment, inhaling her warm scent before straightening and releasing her. His hesitation had not gone unnoticed.

"Why don't you feed? You'll need energy for the journey, and to heal.”

"A tempting offer, my love, but I'll be alright. You need your strength as well.” He still couldn't believe that she could willingly offer herself to him, despite all they'd been through together. Whatever selfless yet stupid motivation had led her to propose the idea that first night in the face of all self-preservation, he'd never understand. She'd have gotten herself killed if he were in less control of his more monstrous impulses.

Proving him right, she turned around to face him, shifting her hair and exposing her delicious , fragrant jugular. “Come on, Star… you’ve barely left this room in days. I know you must be starving.”

His pupils widened and he swallowed, staring at her neck. She was right. Ever since the business with the netherbrain and the regrettable death of his tadpole, and with it, his time in the sun, he'd been sulking at the Elfsong, putting on appearances only to bid farewell to their companions as they departed for their next adventures: Wyll and Karlach to Avernus; Lae’zel to the Creche; and Shadowheart with Isobel and Aylin to the Selunite enclave. Only Gale remained, and he intended to stay and explore newfound purpose rebuilding the city. As for Astarion and Tav, they were about to leave for the Underdark, to take on the task of leading 7,000 angry vampire spawn- a small feat which posed no dangers at all, surely. It was quite the journey to get there, one which would be made all the worse if he was hungry. And he was hungry.

He leaned in and closed his eyes, letting the siren call of her blood overwhelm him. “You're sure?" he whispered against her soft skin, his voice deep and breathy. Betraying his desire.

“Yes," she answered, bringing her hands to tangle in his hair, holding him there. He needed no more encouragement. Sinking back down to the bed, he pulled her in to straddle his thigh as his fangs pierced her neck.

Gods, she tasted heavenly. After two centuries of dining on nothing but vermin, it was sometimes all he could do to resist her offers. What had he possibly done to deserve her? Reflecting briefly on his long and rather tragic life, he concluded that he didn't. He set his mind to the impossible task of stopping, determined not to sap too much of her strength before their journey. She'd bear it in quiet bravery, like always, and he didn't want her to have to. He pulled back, savoring one last taste as he trailed his tongue up her neck where the wounds had dripped. She shivered and pressed her head against his chest, letting the dizziness pass.

“You are perfect. Every time."