Bg3 X Tav - Blog Posts

☆ a dance for two

wyll ravengard x male reader [he / him]

sypnosis: a ball is being held in baldur's gate, and of course the blade of frontiers is invited. wyll brings along his newly-wed husband, [name], along with him which leads them to share a dance. (meant to be viewed as romantic)

the lowercase is intentional !

being the blade of frontiers, and duke ravengard's son, wyll was invited to many balls, parties and festivals. it was what he grew up with, it was what he was accustomed to.

however, what wyll wasn't accustomed to was actually having a dance, let alone a date, to any of these events. but, that all changed once wyll met [name].

after the nautiloid crash, the two men had hit it off. they got closer during their adventures, sharing stories of their pasts and hopes for the future. they shared a few dances together and a few kisses before it was finally made official. the two started to travel as lovers through the lands of

the two had been through it all, and it felt like they could get through more. so, of course, wyll proposed. it wasn't anything expensive or fancy - but it was special. it was special and unique for wyll and [name]. they didn't need anything other than eachother. they were enough for eachother.

time went by and the couple had gotten married. they defeated the absolute, helped fix eachother, settled down and had a nice ceremony. family, friends and loved ones were invited to the ceremony - and it felt like all of baldur's gate almost showed up.

of course, after the wedding, wyll was reinvited to many parties as the blade of frontiers. the buildings in baldur's gate were all repaired after the fight with the absolute, so more people started hosting parties and galas and balls to celebrate. wyll was practically invited to each one of them.

being newly wed, wyll decided to ask [name] to come along with him to these events. [name] accepted, a bright grin on his face as he did so. how could he ever say no to his husband?

and so, the two of them went off to each event they were invited to in baldur's gate.

one night, wyll and [name] were invited to quite the prestigious party. many lords, royals, and people of the sort came along. that meant that wyll was automatically invited.

the two arrived at the party. a large house, if you could even call it that anymore due to the sheer size of it, was infront of them. colours of gold, white, and other prestigious colours were draped on every surface. [name] hadn't ever seen such a sight before, but he was glad he could share it with his husband.

the two men entered the building where many were talking amongst themselves. it was all conversations about business, riches or whatever people talked about in situations like these. [name] was just mesmerised by everything in that moment that he wasn't paying attention.

wyll took [name]'s hand in his own, shooting the other male a smile as they advanced forward. they reached a table that was decorated with expensive food and drink. everything at this event was tailored to the people and the actual building - being expensive and luxurious as possible.

wyll picked out a few things from the table and he handed them to [name]. they were most of [name]'s favourite things. wyll just wanted to see [name] smile more.

[name] took the items from wyll eagerly, a bright smile on his face as he did so. it was the very smile that wyll wanted to see. [name] immediately started eating the food, and drinking the drinks. he savoured every last bit of them. after all, it was expensive and something to be enjoyed.

wyll smiled back as he saw the light of his life smile. it was perfect, just what he needed to keep himself smiling and feeling happy. he felt like he could engrave his husband's smile into his brain forever and never think of anything else again.

[name] peers over at wyll briefly, raising an eyebrow at the man. "you seem to be deep in thought. is something wrong, love?" [name] questioned, brows furrowing as he waited for a response from his husband.

wyll chuckled and he shook his head, still smiling a little at [name]. "nothing's wrong, my dear. i'm just thinking of your smile and how i love it and you so much." wyll replied with a hum.

[name] scoffed in return, rolling his eyes playfully. his face softened and he returned to smiling after wyll had complemented him.

"why thank you, love. i must say i love your smile and you so much too." [name] retorted back, putting his plate down onto the table. he takes a few steps forward to kiss wyll on the forehead. "i love you so, so much." [name] mutters against wyll's forehead.

wyll opens his mouth to reply, but there's a sudden change in the atmosphere.

the music being played by the orchestra has changed, the lighting of the hall has dimmed. everything seems slower and more intimate. the mood was perfect for a slow dance. dance - one of wyll's specialities.

wyll lets out a deep breath, before he looks at [name], flashing his husband a smile. his eyes were already giving away what he wanted to ask.

"will you take this dance, dear?" wyll asks, holding a hand out for [name] to take. immediately and without hesitation, [name] takes wyll's hand in his own.

the warlock then leads [name] to the clearing in the hall where many couples were already dancing. the two join the other couples and get ready to share their own slow dance.

wyll puts a hand on [name]'s side, the other holding [name]'s hand. [name] knows what to do after this, having danced with wyll many times at their camp. he places a hand on wyll's shoulder, whilst the other is clasped in wyll's own hand.

the couple sway in time to the music, wyll guiding [name] in case he still felt unsure about dancing. yet, this just came so naturally for both of them. it was as if they had spent their whole lives dancing together, having their bodies molded perfectly so they fit outstandingly whilst dancing. everything about the couple just seemed perfect. but perfect to them just meant being with the other.

"i love this.. these dances with you." wyll whispers into [name]'s ear as they kept dancing. it felt as if they were the only couple dancing. it felt as if they were the only people in the room. it felt as if the world revolved around them in that moment. it was absolutely perfect.

"and most importantly.." wyll continues, a smile playing at his lips. "i love you. i don't think i'd be here right now if it wasn't for you, so thank you." wyll whispers again, pressing a quick peck to [name]'s lips.

once the warlock pulls away, [name] smiles and he starts his response to his husband. "i'd like to thank you too, for always being by my side and making the world seem perfect whenever you're with me." [name] hums, leaning forward to give wyll another peck. "i love you too." [name] whispers as he pulls away.

the two keep dancing. they stare into eachother's eyes as they do so, unable to look away for even a second. they are so captivated and mesmirised by eachother, it would make any other couple jealous of the loge the two men shared. their love was unstoppable.

once the music started to come to an end, wyll leaned in once again and he kissed [name]. it wasn't a quick peck like before, it was a tender kiss this time. the kiss was full of love, speaking greater than words ever could. it held a weight that nothing else ever could, that no words ever could.

wyll pulled away, chuckling to himself lightly. "as much as we kiss day to day, your lips never fail to get me flustered." he admits, feeling all warm and lovesick inside. only [name] could make him feel such a way.

[name] grinned and he kissed wyll's cheek in response. he too felt warm and giddy inside after all of wyll's words and actions. he never wanted them to end. [name] was just so glad that he was married to wyll now. wyll was his, and [name] was wyll's. that was how it was always meant to be. that's how it's going to be like forever.

"i hope we get to share more dances, dear. you're the only partner i want, in life and for dancing." wyll mutters before he kisses [name]'s lips again, letting the fading music drone out in the moment. all he cared about was [name] in that moment and no one else.

☆ author's note: i LOVE wyll. he is my husband for real !! larian is not giving wyll the treatment he deserves 😒

☆ masterlist ▪︎ request

☆ i want you

astarion x male reader [he / him]

sypnosis: under cazador's rule, astarion never got what he wanted. but, that changed ever since he met [name]. (meant to be viewed as romantic)

the lowercase is intentional !

for the past 200 years of his life, astarion never had a say in what he wanted to do. he had to go out, look for people to lure back to cazador and sleep with those said people. it was never what he wanted. it was what cazador wanted.

astarion had to listen to orders from his 'master'. he had to always follow his 'master's wants and demands, or else something bad would happen.

but astarion didn't want to listen.

astarion wanted to chose to do what he wanted, not what cazador wanted. why did he have to do what someone else wanted him to do? why was that person not able to accomplish their wants on their own? astarion did understand.

by coincidence, astarion found himself on a mindflayer ship and soon crash landing near a beach.

the spawn was free from cazador, at least for now. he was able to walk into the sun too for the first time in 200 years. most importantly, astarion felt free. well, his idea of 'being free' was quite restricted. he now had a parasite that could turn him into a tentacled, brain eating monster at any point. astarion didn't like how that was his definition of being free from cazador.

of course, down the line of astarion's new found and temporary freedom, he met [name]. from that day forth, the two started travelling together.

there was something about [name] that astarion couldn't understand. he was nothing like the other people astarion knew. he was nothing like astarion's brothers, or sisters or even cazador. there was something different about him.

[name] listened. he listened to everything astarion, and other companions, said to him. he was so attentive and observant, which was quite unlike all the people astarion had met before. it was all about them and their feelings and their wants, not astarions.

it made astarion feel something. it made the vampire spawn feel something that he hadn't felt in his 200 years of 'living'. yet, astarion couldn't bring himself to understand what this feeling was. or, well, he didn't want to confront the feeling after being trapped for so long not being able to have what he wants.

night had fallen upon camp, and everyone was sitting around the fire. everyone was laughing, making jokes and telling eachother stories about their pasts before the parasites. that was everyone except astarion.

astarion was lurking in the shadows, just as he did before when he did the things cazador wanted him to do. astarion's mind was just rattling, plaguing him with different ideas about [name] and he just didn't want to confront himself about it. astarion tried his hardest to push away these thoughts and feelings, to lock them away forever, but nothing was working.

a sudden snap of a branch was heard, making astarion shoot his head towards the noise. it was [name], a smile plastered on his face and a glass of wine in his hands that he held out for astarion to take.

"you looked lonely, i thought you might want some company." [name] said as he walked closer to astarion, taking a seat on the floor besides the spawn.

astarion took the wine and he started to sip on it, not making any eye contant with [name] whatsoever. why did the man he was just thinking of and trying to hard to ignore the feelings he had for have to show up? and why did he have to be so nice, and caring, and considerate all the damn time?

the vampire spawn sighed to himself, although it was still loud enough for [name] to hear him do so. he took another sip of the wine and his eyes darted from his glass, to [name] and back again. he wanted to say something to the other man, but he didn't know what to say.

"i think.. i think i've finally figured out what i want." astarion mumbled into the glass, his eyes fixated on it, no longer moving to look at his companion.

[name] turned his head towards astarion and he raised an eyebrow. he was definitely curious as to what his friend 'wants'. he was surprised that astarion even decided to bring up such a thing in the first place. "oh?" is all [name] responded with, wanting astarion to keep the conversation going.

astarion cleared his throat before he spoke yet again. "i mean, i've always had to do what others wanted me to do, like cazador.. but i've finally figured out what i want." astarion continues speaking, secretly hoping that [name] isn't weirded out by what he's saying.

"well, what is it that you want?" [name] hummed in response, a smile forming on his lips as his face was still turned towards astarion. he'd be willing to help out the spawn with his desires, no matter what those desires may be.

astarion took a deep breath and he finally looked at [name]. for some reason he felt so flustered and mushy, he never felt like this when luring people to cazador. but then again, [name] always made him feel so different.

"i want you." astarion whispered, his crimson eyes glimmering in the moonlight as they stayed fixated on [name]. "not just for sex or passion, i want you fully. for love and simple pleasures between us two." astarion confessed, feeling relieved for finally admitting his feelings but at the same time feeling proud for saying what he wanted.

[name] sat there processing astarion's words for a few seconds. astarion was getting a little nervous admittedly at [name]'s lack of response. nobody who astarion manipulated or tricked before ever stayed this silent at some seduction. but this wasn't just simple seduction, this was the truth. astarion truly did want [name].

a smile was still on [name]'s lips after he had processed the words astarion had given him. there was no look of disgust or annoyance on the man's face, and quite frankly astarion was glad.

"i think i could make that work." [name] finally replied, taking astarion's empty hand into his own. he then stroked the pale elf's hand gently, still looking up at his face. "we could make this work." [name] finished his response with a kiss to astarion's hand, and astarion felt the happiest he had ever felt in years.

astarion had finally gotten what he had wanted. he now had [name], and [name] had him. astarion couldn't feel any better. he was so glad that he could get the things that he wanted, not the things that others wanted.

astarion finally felt the freest he had ever felt in 200 years.

☆ author's note: hope you guys enjoy (even if this is kind of short)! i finally triggered astarion's confession scene today :') keep requests coming! you guys can also request some valentine's day themed things too!

☆ masterlist ▪︎ request

☆ touches

astarion x male reader [he / him]

sypnosis: astarion doesn't remember the last time he felt the touch of someone that wasn't for sexual purposes. he hopes to remember all of [name]'s touches. (meant to be viewed as romantic)

the lowercase is intentional !

astarion doesn't remember the last time he's felt the sweet, loving touch of another. for the past 200 years it's just been touches of agony, or touches of sexual pleasure. nothing else.

but, then there was [name]. a man he met right after the nautiloid crashed, and he's been travelling with the other ever since then.

astarion had grown quite fond of [name], but he wasn't going to admit that. he couldn't admit that because he quite frankly didn't know how to. all he knew about loving another was just seducing and manipulating them so they'd sleep with him, trust him forever. astarion didn't know true love yet.

a sigh escapes the vampire spawn's lips as he rests at his tent. he's reading through a book, sipping from his goblet, wine pouring down his throat and for some reason astarion just can't get [name] out of his head.

he wants to care for the man, to be held by the man. he didn't just want something sexual with [name]. he wanted something romantic, something sweet and innocent. something that wasn't like anything else had experienced. something new.

astarion shook his head, trying to shake off the thoughts that were plaguing him. he couldn't think of another like this, it was unusal and nothing at all like him.

[name] noticed the small look of sadness that was plastered on astarion's face. it was something different - [name] never noticed the vampire spawn to have such an expression. naturally, the man was concerned for his companion.

"astarion?" [name] said as he approached the said male, a small smile on his face as he got closer to astarion. he tried to reassure him with his words and the look on his face, not make him any more upset than he already was.

"is something wrong, darling?" astarion replied, his face immediately being wiped of any sign of saddness or discomfort. he was hiding his true feelings, like always.

[name] studied astarion's face well, looking him up and down to see the hint of sadness that was on his face before. astarion's face didn't show it, he hid it. but his eyes told his secrets.

"you.. there's something wrong isn't there?" [name] responded to astarion's question with another question, crossing his arms over his chest. "i won't pry.. but i'm worried for you astarion. i've never seen you, well, upset before." [name] sighed, a small frown now forming on his lips.

astarion was surprised with [name]'s answer, to say the least. he didn't expect the man to be so perceptive of everything, let alone of someone like astarion.

the gesture warmed astarion's cold heart, and astarion felt like it was beating again. nobody had ever made him feel such a way these past 200 years. nobody cared about what astarion felt or wanted, they only cared about torturing him or trying to get into bed with him.

"i care for you, astarion. truly." [name] continued as he took a few, cautious steps forward, not wanting to startle astarion. "i'm here for you, and i want to help you with whatever it is you're upset about." the male carried on speaking gently before he took ahold of both of astarion's pale hands, stroking them.

astarion felt like he was melting. [name]'s soft touches were just doing it for him, he wanted to stay like this for as long as possible. he wanted to remember this moment for as long as he lived. he was finally being touch with such gentleness, such softness and love. he felt as if his heart was actually beating again.

"it's nothing, my dear. just.. something silly. it's nothing, really." astarion smiles at [name], but the other is not convinced at all by the elf's words.

"i don't think it's nothing, astarion. you were upset and even if it is something.. i still want to hear it." [name] insists, even though he said a few moments prior that he wouldn't pry if astarion didn't feel like it. he still held the elf's hands in his own, never wanting to let go.

astarion submit to [name]'s words and soft touches. he couldn't say no to the man infront of him, even if he tried, and he tried, and he tried again. it wouldn't work.

astarion sighs and he shakes his head, taking a deep breath before speaking up again. "it's just.. i wished to have someone touch me in a more romantic, non sexual way. but.. you've fulfilled all of my desires, love. so there's nothing else to be said." the vampire spawn expresses his worries, a smile on his face as he speaks to [name].

[name] nods and listens intently to what astarion has to say about his worries. [name] feels sorry for astarion, how could he not? the other knew nothing of kindness, nothing of love and non-sexual intimacy for 200 years. he had been tortured, sleeping with other people without ever feeling the love of another.

"well, i'm glad i can help you, star." [name] replies with a whisper, a hand moving up to touch astarion's cheek. his touch is soft, warm and everything astarion wanted. the vampire spawn never wanted this to end. he wanted to stay like this forever, even if he had mentioned that to himself multiple times before.

"thank you." astarion says back to the man infront of him, his voice slightly breaking as his smile wobbles on his lips. he truly feels that this is the life he wants for the rest of eternity. he wants nothing else but these touches and sweet, sweet words.

[name] hums and he continues to stroke astarion's cheek tenderly, his eyes filled with love for the other man. he also didn't want this moment to end, as much as astarion didn't want it to end.

"you don't have to thank me. i'll always be glad to be by your side, and show you as much love as you need. whether that be touches, words or anything else that you need." [name] whispers into astarion's ear before placing a sweet kiss on astarion's cheek. his words were true and sincere, full of a love that astarion hadn't felt in so long.

astarion nods along to [name]'s words, savouring the moment for what felt like forever. he wanted to savour it for forever, he wanted to remember it for forever and all of the moments similar to this one that would follow after.

"i want to remember all of these moments.. all of these touches for forever." astarion confesses, his words almost hushed so only [name] could hear them and nobody else at camp. it felt like they were the only two people there.

"then, i'll keep giving you new moments to remember too. for as long as possible." [name] responds, a feeling of truth and honestly behind his words. astarion definitely wouldn't be opposed to having more touches, words and memories shared with [name]. it would be simply wonderful. perfect even.

astarion knows he will remember the new memories of having felt the sweet, loving touch of another. for the next 200 years and beyond, he will remind himself of [name] and every moment they shared. they love that they had for eachother.

astarion is sure to remember.

☆ author's note: hope you guys enjoy my first bg3 fic! astarion is who i am currently romancing on my first try too. i'm looking forward to romancing wyll next, all of his scenes just seem so sweet. the dancing.. might write something about it. keep requesting too!

☆ masterlist ▪︎ request

Where the hell is yandere Gale? (The man is an ideal husband. But he's so desperate that he'll blow up the sphere if you leave him.) Or yandere Wyll? (He sold his soul to devil. He has nothing to lose. He really tries to move slowly, but the world is such a dangerous place :с ) What about yandere tieflings? (Almost the whole world does not like them and despises them. These guys are ready to grab anyone who tells them one kind word. They are so hungry for love.) And we don't talk about yandere illithids either? (Try to escape the Emperor when he's in your head.)

Am I supposed to do everything myself? Incredible. I roll my eyes theatrically

I just hope there is at least one collection of illithids jokes in Faerûn. Tav is required to read every joke to the Emperor. Dude will never admit he chuckled once.

Astarion X Reader

✨Reader is Horn✨

masterlist

funnily enough, there is no sex in this fic. Just a short drabble of communication.

The campfire crackled under the dim twilight, casting long shadows across scattered bedrolls and worn boots. The air was still thick with the scent of the last skirmish blood, sweat, and a hint of singed hair. Everyone was winding down. You sat cross legged near the fire, arms resting on your knees, deep in thought. Astarion lounged nearby, wine cup in hand, eyes glittering in the firelight. He watched you closely, as he often did, as though trying to read your every thought like a well worn book.

Then, with all the casual weight of commenting on the weather, you announced. “I think I’m going to have sex.”

Silence. Even Lae’zel paused mid sharpen, casting you a side glance. Astarion straightened slightly, eyebrows lifting in both amusement and interest.

“Are we now?” he drawled, setting down his cup. “Well, I’m flattered. Not surprised, of course but flattered.”

You blinked. “What?”

Astarion leaned forward, lips curling. “Darling, there’s no need for coyness. If you need someone to… satisfy your sudden urges, I’d be happy to oblige. Gods know I’ve been waiting for you to finally admit it.”

You stared at him for a beat, then snorted. “Oh. No. I wasn’t talking about you.”

The silence that followed was somehow louder than the last one. Astarion’s smile twitched, just a little. “I beg your pardon?”

You shrugged, nonchalant. “I was thinking… probably Gale.”

Astarion looked like you’d just slapped him with a wet sock.

“Gale?” he repeated, aghast. “You’re choosing the walking arcane lecture over me? That man has more monologues than passion, and his idea of foreplay is a history lesson.”

“He’s sweet,” you said simply, pulling your cloak tighter around your shoulders. “I don’t know. I just feel like I need to get it out of my system. Nothing deep. Just… need to do something irrational for once.”

“Gale,” Astarion muttered again, then let out a sound between a scoff and a laugh. “This is some sort of fever dream. Or perhaps a punishment from the gods.”

You smiled. “Astarion, not everything is about you.”

He grinned back, sharp and wounded. “It should be.”

You stood up, stretching. “Anyway. I haven’t decided yet. Maybe I’ll sleep on it.”

“Oh, by all means, take your time. I’ll just be here, knowing I was passed over for a man who talks more to his floating book than to actual people.”

You gave him a pat on the head like an annoyed cat and turned toward Gale’s tent.

Behind you, Astarion called out, “If he starts reciting poetry during the act, run.”

The fire had long since crackled into glowing embers, its warmth now a quiet hum in the cool night. The camp had settled into silence, the sounds of rustling blankets and steady breathing drifting in from the other tents. Astarion sat alone, still where you’d left him, wine cup now untouched.

He stared into the dark woods, eyes unfocused. He wasn’t thinking about monsters or traps. No. Something far more unsettling had taken root in his mind.

You. You and your ridiculous declaration. You and your infuriating unpredictability. You and… Gale. He scoffed aloud, quiet and bitter. Gale, with his grand words and glowing hands. Gale, who probably asked for consent like it was a spell component.

It doesn’t make sense, Astarion thought, fingers curling slightly at his side. You’re allowed to bed whoever you wish. You owe me nothing. I never claimed to He paused. Frowned.

“Gods,” he whispered into the dark, realization dawning like a slow, creeping horror. “I’m jealous.”

The word felt foreign on his tongue. He almost laughed him, jealous? It was laughable. He’d never needed anyone before. Never cared if someone wandered off after a flirtation, or if they found pleasure in another’s arms. That was the whole point, wasn’t it? Pleasure without consequence. Desire without attachment. But tonight, watching you casually toss aside what he thought was a mutual spark no, knew was had stirred something ugly and unfamiliar in him.

“I don’t get jealous,” he said aloud to the night, trying the words again, firmer this time. “I don’t do jealousy. It’s beneath me.”

But the fire in his chest said otherwise. It wasn’t just bruised ego. That he could handle. He wanted you to choose him. Not out of convenience. Not out of need. But because you wanted him, just him. He leaned back against a log, running a hand through his hair with a low groan. “This is an absolute disaster.”

For the first time in centuries, Astarion wasn’t sure how to play the game. Worse, he wasn’t sure he wanted to play at all. He wanted to be with you. But how the hells did he even begin?

Morning crept into the camp slowly, light spilling over bedrolls and dewy grass. Birds chirped far too cheerfully for anyone’s liking especially Astarion’s. He sat on a rock near the fire pit, legs crossed elegantly, skin glowing like always, and of course he looked amazing. Until you walked out of your tent.

“Well, well,” he drawled without looking up. “If it isn’t the temptress of the Weave herself, back from a night of sonnets and magical satisfaction.”

You stopped mid stretch. “What?”

Astarion turned to you, faux innocence painted across his face. “Oh, don’t play coy. I’m just dying to know how our dear Gale fares in the bedroom. Did he conjure you a glowing review? Perhaps summoned a satisfaction score from the Weave?”

You blinked, then burst out laughing. “Calm down, loverboy. Nothing happened.”

His smirk faltered.

“…Nothing?” he repeated, cautious.

You dropped onto a log across from him, grin wide. “Nope. We talked for like ten minutes, then he got distracted explaining the theory behind dreamscapes and how the mind processes intimacy while unconscious.”

Astarion looked like he aged a century. “Of course he did.”

“I almost fell asleep standing up,” you added. “I think at some point he forgot I was there.”

Astarion made a strangled sound in his throat and tossed a twig into the fire. “Well. I’m sure that was incredibly titillating.”

You rested your chin in your hand, watching him with a glint in your eye. “What’s with the attitude? I said nothing happened. A girl’s allowed to have urges, you know.”

His eyes flicked to yours, fast and sharp. “…Urges?”

You shrugged, teasing. “Yeah. Just figured it was time to get it over with. Stress relief. You know health reasons.”

Astarion narrowed his eyes. “You were going to treat it like a medical appointment?”

“Exactly. Routine check up. The doctor was just… overbooked.”

The vampire groaned and threw his head back. “You’re going to kill me.”

“Mm, maybe I will, we will just have to wait and see unril you stop being jealous.”

“I wasn’t jealous,” he said quickly. Too quickly.

You raised an eyebrow.

“I was… annoyed. That’s different.”

“Mhm. You sure you weren’t picturing Gale putting on a robe and lighting candles while reading me his dissertation on foreplay?”

“I hate how accurate that sounds.”

You chuckled again, leaning back on your hands, eyes on him now with something softer. “You’re cute when you’re bitter.”

Astarion’s gaze flicked toward you again, but this time there was something quieter in it. Something careful. “And you’re a devious minx when you laugh like that.”

“Oh?” you smirked. “Scared I’ll seduce you with my wit?”

He looked away, but a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

“No,” he murmured. “Scared I already am.”

––––You sat cross legged on a blanket just outside the camp, your sketchbook resting against your knees. Gale was beside you, hunched over his own page with careful strokes, charcoal smudged on the side of his hand. It was quiet. You could hear the rustle of paper, the soft exhale of Gale’s breath as he concentrated. Every so often, he would glance at your work, but he never commented unless you did first.

“Is that the Underdark cave?” you asked after a while, tilting your head toward his page.

He smiled, barely lifting his gaze. “It is. Not as foreboding on paper, is it?”

You hummed. “I would say it is still very foreboding.”

“I like it too,” he said, voice quiet.

You looked at him then how the light caught in his curls, how the frown of focus softened his features. There was something incredibly human about Gale in moments like this. Something grounding. Then he set the charcoal aside with a gentle sigh and glanced your way.

“I’ve been meaning to bring something up,” he said carefully. “Last night… when you mentioned what you wanted from me.”

You tensed slightly, setting your pencil down. “Right.”

“I was flattered,” Gale said with a small smile. “Truly. You’re… lovely, and clever, and far more patient than this strange journey has any right to demand. But I want you to know it’s not about you.”

You blinked. “What isn’t?”

“I don’t exactly know my stance on physical intimacy without affection. Not for myself, at least.” His gaze dropped to his hands, fingers lightly dusted with black. “It would feel hollow. Transactional. And I’ve already been part of one dangerous entanglement with shallow roots.”

You were quiet for a moment, then nodded. “I understand. You deserve real love.”

Gale looked up at you again, softer now. “We all do.”

You bit your lip, nodding again. “I respect that. I hope it didn’t seem like I was pressuring you.”

“Dont worry your pretty little head about it. I know. You’re too considerate for that.” He paused. “Which makes it even more baffling how you endure him.”

You blinked. “Who?”

Gale looked toward the center of camp, where Astarion was perched on a fallen log, basking in the sun and pretending not to eavesdrop. “That creature,” Gale said, voice dry. “A walking vanity project, Honestly, it’s like camping with a predatory peacock.”

You snorted.

“Oh, don’t get me wrong,” Gale continued, warming to the roast. “I’m sure he’s quite talented in the dark. centuries of seduction will hone one’s… muscle memory but I imagine it’s about as emotionally fulfilling as being serenaded by a harpsichord made of teeth.”

“Gale.”

“No, really. He pouted for twenty minutes this morning because his hair got flattened during trance. He looked like a drowned cat who couldn’t manipulate the mage hand spell to fix it.”

Astarion glanced over then, voice saccharine: “You’re talking about me again. I must be ravishing to live rent free in the brain of a man who hasn’t even kissed anyone this decade.”

Gale raised a brow. “I’d sooner kiss a gelatinous cube. At least it wouldn’t try to kill me afterward.”

You covered your mouth, barely muffling your laugh. Astarion scoffed but didn’t move. what? he was listening. he couldnt help it.

Gale’s voice softened slightly then, a lilt of sincerity slipping beneath the sarcasm. “But jokes aside… be careful.”

You blinked. “With Astarion?”

He nodded. “He’s clever. Charming. entirely capable of making himself whatever you want him to be until he’s not.”

Your gaze dropped back to your sketchbook, heart thudding.Then, as if to break the weight of it, he chuckled faintly. “Besides, if we’re talking about primal urges, I believe our resident vampire spawn has more than enough… enthusiasm to spare.”

You laughed, leaning your head back. “You think Astarion’s dying to jump my bones?”

“Oh, I know he is. He practically disintegrated when you told him nothing happened between us.”

“He did look like he’d swallowed a lemon.”

“He looked like he’d been given the feast of the century. Honestly before you said anything, I haven’t seen a man so heartbroken since… well, me.” You nudged him with your shoulder, smiling. “But,” Gale continued, quieter now, “just remember there might be someone else who wants that closeness with affection. Someone who might be afraid you’ll offer it to someone else first.”

You turned your head slowly, eyes meeting his. He didn’t say Astarion’s name again. He didn’t need to.for the first time in a while, your heart beat a little faster not from fear, but from the weight of someone else’s longing you hadn’t quite dared to name.

The sun had risen high enough to dry the grass and heat the stones, but the camp was still unusually quiet. Most of the others had wandered off some hunting, some meditating. You were by the water, splashing your fingers across the surface, letting your boots dangle in the current. Astarion’s shadow fell over you before his voice did.

“You know,” he began, casually enough, “I’ve been thinking.”

You looked up. He was standing just off to the side, arms crossed, expression unreadable but his eyes were trained only on you.

“is that new or did you want to share with the class,” you said

He huffed a laugh but didn’t banter back. He just stepped closer, his voice quiet. “Why didn’t you ask me?”

You blinked, confused for a moment. “What?”

He met your eyes now. “When you decided you needed… something. That night. Why didn’t you come to me?”

You turned your gaze back to the water, thoughtful. “Because I couldn’t.”

He tilted his head, studying you. “Couldn’t? Why?”

You were quiet for a long moment. Then, with a breath, you said, “Because I just wanted meaningless sex. Nothing more.” Astarion flinched not outwardly, but in the smallest corner of his expression, in the way his mouth parted like he’d just been stung. “And that’s not something I could ever have with you.”

You turned to face him now, fully. “Out of everyone in this camp… you’re my best friend. Like, yes, I care about the others. Gale’s a good man. I trust him, I do. But the bond I have with him it’s not like what I have with you.”

Astarion stood there, silent.

“With you,” you continued, voice softer now, “I can’t turn it off. I can’t just pretend it’s only physical. You’re not a passing urge. You’re the person I go to when I can’t sleep. You’re the one I want near me when things go wrong. You’re the one I trust when I don’t trust myself.” He blinked slowly, like the words didn’t quite register at first.

“And if we crossed that line,” you added gently, “I don’t think I could ever call it meaningless. Not with you. Not even if I tried.”

The air felt still around you, like the world was holding its breath. When Astarion finally spoke, his voice was rough around the edges. “I think you just ruined every one of my excuses for why I’m not already in love with you.”

You gave him a smile, wide eyed surprise. He sat down next to you without asking, his shoulder brushing yours. “I’m not saying I am,” he added quickly. “But if I were… that would’ve made it a lot worse.”

You laughed softly, leaning your head on his arm. “Sorry.”

“No, you’re not.”

“…No, I’m not.”