Blank stares, faithless
Vampires at the same places
Shadows, traces
I know that you feel me

You're runnin', runnin', runnin', runnin'
Making the rounds with all your fake friends
Runnin', runnin' away from it
You can strip down without showing skin, yeah

I can see you're scared of your emotions
I can see you're hoping, you're not hopeless
So why can't you show me? Why can't you show me?
I can see you're looking for distractions
I can see you're tired of the acting
So why can't you show me?

~In the Dark, Camila Cabello

Ruby found herself unexpectedly touched by Astarion's gesture of assistance. The initial wariness she harbored, fearing abandonment in her vulnerable state, dissolved as he returned, bearing sustenance in the form of a freshly killed boar. Despite her exhaustion, a weary smile graced her lips as she drifted into a peaceful slumber, the rhythmic sounds of nature lulling her into a sense of security she hadn't felt in days. When she awoke, nestled within the confines of her tent, the memory of his gesture still warmed her weary soul.

As days turned into a full tenday, their journey continued with a surprising lack of significant turmoil. The only notable event was their assistance to a druidic sanctuary in repelling a goblin invasion, a task they accomplished with skill and cooperation. It was during this time that Ruby made the decision to come clean to her companions about her own nature and Astarion's, promising to keep his vampiric impulses in check. Despite initial hesitance, her companions accepted them both, recognizing the value of unity in their quest.

By the end of the tenday, their numbers had grown with the addition of Wyll, a seasoned monster hunter whose skills complemented her own. As they welcomed him into their fold, Ruby couldn't help but feel a sense of optimism for the journey ahead, knowing that together, they were stronger than they could ever be alone.

Wyll's arrival brought a subtle shift in the dynamics of their group. While he seemed to accept Ruby and Astarion for who they were, the vampiric duo couldn't help but maintain a heightened vigilance around him.

However, Ruby's demeanor softened when she realized Wyll's true quarry wasn't just any monster but a devil—a foe they all could unite against. Her initial wariness eased, replaced by a sense of camaraderie as they shared stories of their past encounters.

Astarion, on the other hand, remained cautious despite acknowledging Wyll's undeniable charm and attractiveness. His instincts as a vampire compelled him to remain on guard, wary of any potential threats, even those disguised behind a handsome facade.

One evening, after the day's journey had come to an end, Ruby went through her usual routine of checking in with each member of the group. As she shared a lighthearted moment with Gale, her keen senses detected a presence observing her from the shadows. Turning her gaze, she caught sight of a pair of crimson eyes, their expression shrouded in mystery.

Curiosity piqued, Ruby bid Gale goodnight before making her way towards Astarion's tent. Upon meeting his gaze, she noticed a subtle shift in his demeanor as he quickly diverted his attention back to his book.

Ruby couldn't resist the opportunity to tease him, her playful nature urging her to sneak up on him when she thought he wasn't paying attention. With a mischievous glint in her eyes and a grin dancing on her lips, she approached him silently, relishing the chance to catch him off guard.

As she drew closer, she noticed the subtle shift in his expression, the barely perceptible twitch at the corners of his lips betraying his amusement. It was a small victory for Ruby, knowing that she could elicit such a reaction from the typically composed vampire spawn.

"Trying to cause some mischief, are we darling?" Astarion's voice cut through the air, his tone tinged with amusement and a hint of affection. Despite his playful remark, his gaze remained fixed on the book he was engrossed in, his attention divided between her and the words on the page.

Caught in the act, Ruby met his gaze with a playful glint in her violet eyes, a smirk playing on her lips as she slowly straightened up, peeking over the top of his book. Astarion closed it with a soft thud, setting it aside on the small table beside him.

"Hello, my dear." Astarion's voice, smooth and velvety, greeted Ruby as she approached him, causing a faint flush to spread across her cheeks. His words carried a tenderness that resonated deeply with her, igniting a shy smile as she returned his greeting.

In the quiet moments they shared, Ruby couldn't help but notice the genuine enjoyment Astarion found in her youthful presence. There was a lightness to their interactions, a sense of joy that permeated the air whenever they were together. It was as if she had breathed new life into him, and in return, he had given her a reason to keep fighting.

Their bond deepened with each passing day, their experiences forging a connection that transcended the barriers of time and circumstance. Together, they navigated the treacherous paths of their quest, finding solace in each other's understanding and support.

Their nightly hunts and walks became a ritual, a sacred time reserved for just the two of them. Under the moonlit sky, they would roam the wilderness, sharing stories and secrets, their laughter mingling with the rustle of leaves and the whispers of the night.

For Ruby, these moments were transformative. For the first time in a long time, she felt seen and understood. She wondered if he felt the same way.

In Astarion, she had found a kindred spirit, someone who knew the pain of loss and the struggle for autonomy.

In Astarion, Ruby found not just a companion, but a friend. Despite his outward façade of aloofness and indifference, she sensed a depth of caring within him that he was reluctant to acknowledge, even to himself. It was in the small gestures, the subtle glances, and the moments of vulnerability that she glimpsed the truth of his feelings.

"Shall we go, Ruby-Alazne?" Astarion's voice, tinged with a hint of formality yet warmth, broke through the tranquil silence of the forest. He stood before her, a picture of elegance and grace, his hand extended in invitation.

With a graceful curtsy, Ruby responded in kind, a playful twinkle in her eyes. "Of course, Aestar," she replied, using the affectionate nickname she had coined for him.

Under the tranquil canopy of the night sky, a comfortable silence enveloped them as they wandered beneath the twinkling stars. Ruby sensed the weight of Astarion's thoughts in the furrow of his brow.

"What's on your mind?" she ventured, breaking the silence with gentle curiosity, her hands interlaced behind her back as she matched his pace.

Astarion paused in his stride, a flirtatious smile curling at the corners of his lips. "You know, this moonlight does wonders for you."

Despite the soft blush that tinged her cheeks at his compliment, Ruby met his gaze with a defiant stare, unwilling to entertain the notion of anything beyond friendship. "Astarion," she responded, her tone firm yet laced with affection, "we're just friends."

Though she spoke the words with conviction, a part of her couldn't help but wonder what lay beneath the surface of their camaraderie. There was an undeniable chemistry between them, a magnetic pull that transcended the bounds of mere friendship. Yet, for now, Ruby chose to cling to the safety of their platonic bond, wary of Astarion's intentions.

As his gaze delved into the depths of Ruby's violet eyes, his smile underwent a subtle transformation, softening from its usual playful demeanor into something altogether more tender and caring. The warmth in his expression spoke volumes, betraying the depth of his feelings in a way that words could never convey.

But as quickly as it had appeared, the softness faded, replaced by a bewildered expression that creased his brow with confusion. His features contorted as if grappling with an internal struggle.

"Friends?" he echoed.

Ruby's heart skipped a beat at the sudden shift in tone, her own emotions mirrored in the nervous chuckle that bubbled up from within her. The blush that had faded momentarily now returned with a vengeance, painting her cheeks in a rosy hue that betrayed her discomfort. "Well, at least I thought we were."

His avoidance of her statement left her feeling unsettled, a flicker of unease gnawing at the edges of her mind as she struggled to decipher the unreadable expression on his face.

"I'm just still genuinely curious about how trusting you are towards others," Astarion began, his words measured yet laden with an underlying sense of gravity. "It might lead to our little group's downfall one day."

Ruby's features contorted into a playful glare, her brows furrowing in mock indignation at his insinuation. "I'll have you know that I am very good at determining who is trustworthy or not-"

"I know that's a lie," he interrupted, his voice tinged with a hint of resignation. "For some reason, you trust me of all people. Not to mention you still hardly know me, and you act like we've known each other our entire lives."

Ruby's curiosity was tinged with a hint of vulnerability as she tilted her head, her gaze fixed on Astarion. "You're still questioning my trust?" she asked, her voice wavering slightly as she struggled to maintain her composure.

"I'm not questioning your trust towards me. I'm questioning why you trust me," he replied, his tone devoid of judgment but filled with a quiet intensity that demanded her attention.

His inquiry settled over her like a heavy cloak, the weight of her own doubts and uncertainties pressing down upon her shoulders. With a resigned sigh, she bowed her head momentarily before meeting his gaze once more, steeling herself for the confession she knew she had to make.

"Remember the lost souls I told you about the other night?" Ruby began as she braced herself for his reaction. Astarion's brow furrowed in response.

"They don't just... guide me toward their killers," she continued, her words coming out in a rush. "At least, my parents' spirits don't. They guide me toward who I can trust... and for some reason, whether you like it or not, they led me toward you," she concluded, her hands resting defiantly on her hips as she met his gaze with a sense of defiance.

Astarion's reaction to Ruby's revelation was a mix of incredulity and exasperation, his chuckle devoid of amusement as he grappled with the implications of her words. "So, you're just taking the advice of your parents'...spirits...who don't even know me?" he remarked. "Gods above, help us all," he muttered under his breath.

Despite his doubt, Ruby refused to be swayed, her determination shining through in the lopsided smile she offered him in response. "Well, you haven't given me any reason to lose your trust, so I don't see the problem."

A flicker of annoyance flashed across Astarion's features. "You are so infuriating at times," he muttered, his words carrying a hint of begrudging admiration.

The amusement sparkling in Ruby's eyes remained steadfast as she observed the gradual transformation in Astarion's demeanor. With a mixture of hope and trepidation, she reached out and clasped his hands eagerly, her touch light and tentative, mindful of his comfort.

"So, are we friends?" she asked.

For a fleeting moment, it seemed as though Astarion was on the verge of shedding the mask that he wore so effortlessly. But just as quickly as it had disappeared, his expression dissolved into a flirtatious smile.

"Darling, why be friends when we can indulge in other forms of entertainment together?" he replied, his voice smooth as silk, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Ruby's heart sank at his response, a mixture of disappointment and frustration swirling within her chest. With an exasperated sigh, she released his hands, the odd warmth of their touch dissipating into the cool night air.

"Ya know, Astarion," she began, her voice tinged with sadness, "I'd love to get to know the real you one day...once I've earned your trust."

With those words hanging in the air between them, Ruby offered him a sad smile before turning on her heel and making her way back to camp. Though her heart ached with the weight of unspoken truths and unanswered questions, she knew that their journey was far from over, and that perhaps, someday, Astarion would lower the walls he had built around his heart and let her in.