Even with the blessing of Selûne, it was no easy feat making it through the shadow-cursed path to Moonrise Tower. Everyone was on high alert, but Astarion even moreso. He was used to being the monster that hid in the dark, not being hunted by them.
Something moved in the corner of his eye, and he immediately startled. Reflexively, he reached out for Falerin's hand, gripping it tightly. He'd laugh it off in a moment, but for now, it was…
…wait.
This hand was large, and warm, and calloused. Falerin was fresh off a feeding, which left his hands chilly, and his delicate fingers were built for magic, not work. So then who…
Oh dear gods.
Astarion slowly looked up in barely-disguised horror at Halsin, whose hand was still firmly clasped by his own. One of them had to die. Right here, right now. He would never be able to live this down otherwise. Just as he was figuring out how to best make it look like an accident, Halsin's gaze trailed over to him, and he gave him a small smile.
"It's unsettling out here, isn't it?" he said, quietly enough the others couldn't hear. "Even after everything, I find myself nearly jumping out of my skin at every sound." The bastard then had the audacity to squeeze Astarion's hand reassuringly. "It helps to have something to anchor you."
Astarion put on a smirk, and he was extra simpering as he said, "Oh, that's adorable. Big strong fellow like you needs his hand held? I'm so sorry to disappoint; I was going for my crossbow." Just as he was about to slip his hand out from Halsin's grip, a rush of wind rustled the dead trees nearby, and Astarion jolted back to look at it. And, damn it all, another squeeze from Halsin did keep him from completely breaking.
"We can't do this on our own," Halsin murmured. "Not you, not I, not any of us. No one will think any lesser of you for leaning on your allies. And like I said, I appreciate the anchor."
Astarion glanced down at their hands, then gave a huff.
"If anything comes out at us, I'm throwing you at them," he threatened, knowing full well that both of them were aware of how empty that threat was. "And for the gods' sake, tell me if you're about to turn into a bear."
Halsin chuckled. "I will. And I'll even let go if those two turn around."
Astarion gave a stiff nod, then, after hesitating, squeezed Halsin's hand back. "And we are never speaking of this again."
