#they are well aware astarion is toying with them but are still so heart eyes over him

[soupandsorcery]

sunshine and fury in one pink package

[spiritproductionsart]

"What do you see, Astarion?" Cass whispered - or rather, whisper-yelled. The remainder of the party watched, eyes focused on the top of the stone ledge.

They were just out of sight here, hidden beneath the vines. It was a rather common practice for the pale elf to scout ahead, given the rest of them were... Well, let's say plate armor wasn't the quietest.

Still, Cass couldn't help but worry a bit. Things had been treacherous ever since their escape from the Nautiloid. Everything from goblins to gnolls to dragons seemed to be in these parts. Silence was an indicator that the rogue was doing his job well - or he'd been snatched.

It took Cass a great deal to resist the urge to check. It would not only blow their cover, but could prevent Astarion from getting the jump on someone. As much as he hated to admit it, Cass had grown rather attached to his traveling companions. Given his history, he tried to keep his distance. Getting attached meant an eventual heartbreak, especially given his age.

At the same time, he couldn't help it. He wanted to be close to people. Even if only for the companionship. He wasn't sure what he'd do if he had to face this trial alone.

"Come on Astarion, if you're intent on surprising someone at least tell me first-" Cass thought, his ilithid powers reaching out towards the pale elf. There was no response, only a distant sense of struggle - of fear.

Suddenly, there was the sound of clashing swords. A cry of pain, a strike, and a twisted hyena-like cackling. The party jumped to high alert, and an onset of mild panic seemed to grip their minds.

THUD

Before Cass could so much as touch the vines, something flew over the stoney edge. The sight of white hair caused a sudden spike in adrenaline, and before Cass even thought to react, he reached his arms out.

He was heavier than expected, requiring Cass to kneel as he nearly stumbled. That was too close. A few inches further and Astarion would've fallen into the chasm - lost to the river.

The vampire was bloodied, bearing a large gash on his chest as he had clearly taken a heavy blow. He laid limp in Cass' arms, and for a brief moment - Cass worried he might be gone.

Cass leaned in, trying to find any signs of life. Checking for a pulse didn't exactly work for vampires. He needed to see if he was breathing.

To hells with it, I won't risk losing another...

The markings on Cass' face glowed, and through his hand, he channeled divine power. The wounds on Astarion's chest and back slowly closed, and with a free hand, Cass wiped away some of the remaining blood. His face was mere inches away from the vampire's - his ear primed as he listened for any breathing.

"You know if you wanted to kiss me, you could've just asked," Astarion whispered.

Cass' brow furrowed, his expression of concern turning to a mixture of anger and annoyance. He stood up, though he kept Astarion held in his arms. The surface wounds were closed, but there wasn't much way of telling if he had any other injuries.

"Have you been conscious this whole time?" Cass sighed.

"Partially, I just wanted to see where this was going~" Astarion teased. "It's not every day a paladin nearly weeps for the life - or I suppose unlife of a vampire. Let alone a vampire spawn."

Shit, he'd caught on.

It wasn't common for Cass to cry, but when it came to losing someone - that was one of the very few moments. He hadn't even been aware of it, but now that Astarion had mentioned it, he could feel the warmth in his eyes. A small tear had caught itself on his silver eyelashes, and for a moment he kept his back towards the rest of the party.

"I could still drop you, you know," Cass choked, barely managing to keep his composure. "It's not kind to toy with a man's heart, especially mine." Truthfully, Cass had never told the party the reason for his reaction. If the party learned of his loss, it would be a source of never-ending comments of weakness and teasing, especially from Lae'zel.

Astarion's expression softened slightly. His smug grin turned more genuine as he sat up in Cass' arms. Wait, did he actually care?

"Oh please, you like me too much to do that," Astarion teased, albeit his tone was far softer. With a free hand, he grabbed Cass' jaw and squished his cheeks. It would be more endearing if Cass were younger, but he was twenty years older than Astarion. It was demeaning to be treated like a child.

"I'd be feeding the vultures if it weren't for you." Astarion noted.

A roundabout way of saying "Thank You," but Cass would take it over nothing.

"Now come along, we have some gnolls to kill," Astarion waved his hand. "Or would you rather spend some more time with me, darling?"

"Shut it..." Cass sighed.

-

My addiction to BG3 continues. Astarion's just so extra like man he's great.