Disclaimer: I own nothing other than my mind
Collection of fictlets of my male half-elf barbarian/monk Dark Urge and Astarion's slow-burn romance.
Spoilers for Acts 1 & 2
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Astarion stood at a desk littered with books and strewn papers as he perused the contents of the various items, and peeked into the drawers for anything of note. He noticed a slight glimmer in the back of the drawer and pulled out a delicate-looking golden ring with an inlay of jade. He glanced at his companions as they chatted near a pile of books and slipped the ring into his pocket. He'd look closer at it later when he had a bit more privacy at camp.
Returning to his search, he opened a well-worn book. His eyes skimmed the page as Shadowheart and Wyll passed behind him and Shadowheart seemed to be teasing the warlock.
"Wyll, I've noticed you and Karlach spending more time together," Shadowheart said casually, but Astarion could practically hear her interest bleeding through her aloof tone.
Wyll coughed and sputtered out, "O-oh, yeah, she's a fantastic sparring partner. She keeps me on my toes." The warlock laughed, the sound a bit forced to Astarion's ears.
"Hm, is that all? You two seem to be hitting it off rather well, and she's told me how much she enjoys your company," the cleric replied, trailing off as the two moved further away from Astarion.
"Find anything interesting?" Tav asked as he approached the pale elf, scanning the papers and books scattered on the desk.
"A few baubles. Nothing of extreme note sadly," Astarion said turning his head to the half-elf who leaned to look over Astarion's shoulder at the book. Astarion could feel the heat rolling off of Tav's body and he had to stop himself from leaning back into that warmth. He watched as Tav's eyes skimmed the page, his lips moving as he read the words.
Tav's eyes flicked to Astarion's as his fingers brushed against the pale elf's arm, "Interesting. Well, let's see what the next floor holds for us. Shall we?"
Astarion nodded and said, "I'll be right there." As soon as Tav turned and joined back with Wyll and Shadowheart, Astarion slid the book into his pack. Apparently, tragic plays piqued their fearless leader's interest and Astarion found that morsel of information very intriguing.
They gathered on the elevator and Tav pressed the ascend button and they found themselves surrounded by automatons once they reached the upper floor. Everyone was frozen in place, uncertain of the situation when the largest of the automatons spoke, "New sounds through damp and dark oppression break / Is it the foe, that foul, contemptuous heel?"
Tav stared at the automaton, confusion plain on his face, so Astarion stepped in quickly his mind immediately recalling the prologue of the book in his pack, "Or art thou friend, a rescue from my lonely wake?"
Everyone looked back and forth between Astarion and the automaton as it spoke once again, "Come out of love for me, not love for blood and steel..." and the automaton bowed at Astarion, the rest of the automatons returned to a passive state, and it continued in its hollow metallic voice, "Command as you see fit, my lord, my liege."
Astarion cleared his throat and shifted his weight, "That will be all for now."
As the automaton shifted back to a passive state, Shadowheart whispered loudly, "How in the Hells did you know what to say, Astarion?"
Astarion shrugged, "I like to read. And this place is full of interesting little tidbits."
"That was part of the prologue of that book downstairs, right?" Tav mused and scratched at his beard-covered chin, the hairs rasping against his fingers.
"Do you think there are other commands for it?" Wyll asked curiosity clear in his voice as he looked around the broken rooftop.
"I believe so," Astarion said as he set down his pack and searched it for the scattered documents he had picked up earlier. "Ah, here we are."
Turning to the large automaton Astarion said, "How can I trust? How will I ever know? / How can I show myself, my darkest me?"
The automaton responded instantly, "If you do not your deepest secrets show? / Reveal your truth, give what you wish to see." and it proceeded to place a ring on the table nearby.
Tav found that he was fascinated by the entire exchange. He would have to borrow the papers Astarion had collected, and perhaps go fetch that book from downstairs as well. The prose sounded like it had come from the same source.
Astarion approached the table, still cautious as a stray cat in an alleyway of dogs, and picked up the ring and another parchment. Turning back to the automaton he read, "These empty sheets are all that's left of you / The last of all the thoughtless gifts you have." It was a bit too dramatic for Astarion's taste as he rolled his eyes at his companions. Wyll smiled at him, Shadowheart chuckled and shook her head, while Tav gave him a curiously thoughtful look. Astarion looked away from Tav's gaze, feeling a bit vulnerable under the man's stare.
"I will hold onto them; it's all that I can do. / I can't throw them away; I've never been that brave," the automaton replied and produced a large potion bottle filled with a ruby liquid.
Astarion took the vial, then walked back to his companions and handed the bottle to Tav. "You'll no doubt need this more than any of us," Astarion said with a grin.
Wyll laughed at the offended look Tav gave the pale elf as Shadowheart said, "It's getting late, lets's make our way back to the others now that we've inadvertently explored this arcane tower and discovered a few secrets."
"I'd like to take a quick detour to the third floor again, there was a book I'd like to read more of down there," Tav said as they gathered on the elevator.
Astarion cleared his throat and looking smug interrupted with a purr, "No need. I already laid claim to it, though I'm sure you can convince me to part ways with it if you ask nicely enough."
Tav's ears turned red as he looked away from Astarion's gaze and Shadowheart piped up, "Oh come now, Astarion, you can't tell me you could say no to our fearless leader. He's like a large golden version of Scratch and we all know you can't say no to that fleabag."
"Don't compare him to a dog!"
"Scratch doesn't have fleas!"
Tav and Astarion stared at one another, startled by the combined outbursts, and Shadowheart and Wyll burst into laughter.
"Damn, Shadowheart. You're too insightful for your own good," Wyll said as he chuckled.
"You don't know half of what I'm capable of, Blade of Frontiers," Shadowheart said as she gave Wyll a devious look, which caused Wyll to blush and look away as she pressed the button for the elevator to take them back to the ground floor.
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Astarion rested his head in Tav's lap as the barbarian read quietly of the tragic play he had found in the arcane tower earlier in the day. They were settled comfortably against a pile of pillows in front of Astarion's tent near the campfire.
Tav's fingers gently carded through Astarion's curls and Astarion couldn't help but close his eyes and lose himself to the peaceful feeling.
Their next destination was across the waters of the Underdark. Astarion knew Tav was apprehensive about the trip, due to the unknown nature of what lay beyond, but the half-elf had agreed to help the myconids and that deep gnome, and nothing would stop the man from fulfilling his promises.
Astarion thought it was all quite ridiculous and they should at least get paid to help, but he honestly had a hard time saying no to the puppy dog looks Tav could give him. So he grumbled and huffed but always followed along with Tav's ideas.
Astarion listened to the conversations that floated through the air: Wyll and Karlach chatting as they played with Scratch and that wretched owlbear cub; Shadowheart and Lae-zel arguing about dinner; Halsin's soft humming as he whittled away at a scrap of branch.
Astarion cracked open an eye and let it roam the camp, silently checking in on his companions on Tav's behalf. Gale was reading a book his conjured mage hand was holding aloft, as he did the dishes at the water barrel. Everyone was content and settling in for the night. Good. He wanted nothing to spoil this moment. Tav's large hands were surprisingly delicate as he massaged Astarion's scalp. Astarion closed his eyes and went back to drowsing.
Astarion realized he had fully fallen asleep after he felt Tav shift under him. Tav's arms pulled him close as the barbarian stood effortlessly with Astarion cradled against his chest. Astarion couldn't help but snuggle closer to the half-elf as he was carried. Astarion rarely slept in his tent anymore, preferring the comfort and warmth of Tav's body over the uncomfortable pallet he had fashioned for himself in the early days of their time together.
Tav stopped outside of his tent, feeling Astarion stir against his chest. "Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you."
"Mmmph, don't apologize, I would much rather wake up in your arms than stay in my dreams," Astarion mumbled against Tav's chest. He heard the soft intake of breath from Tav and pulled back to look up at the half-elf.
Tenderness flared in Tav's eyes as he spoke, "Can I kiss you?"
Astarion responded by sliding a hand up to Tav's neck half pulling himself up and half pulling Tav's face down to capture his lips. It was soft and tender, and Tav's arms held him gently. An overwhelming feeling of safety flooded through Astarion, and it brought back vague and fleeting memories of his childhood.
Tav broke the kiss and settled Astarion back onto his feet his hands lingering around the pale elf's waist as he spoke, "Do you need to feed tonight?"
At Tav's words, Astarion felt the gnawing hunger slam to the forefront of his mind and his mouth watered so much that he had to swallow hard before he spoke, "I wouldn't be opposed to it."
Tav grinned and laced his fingers with Astarion's as he pulled him into the privacy of his tent. Tav sat and unlaced the collar of his rough cotton shirt and Astarion joined him on the plush fur-lined bedroll. Astarion noticed the barely healed marks from a couple of nights ago on Tav's neck, and stopped the larger man's hands, "I have another idea."
He knelt and pushed Tav's sleeve up to his elbow and glanced at the half-elf. The man gave him a nod as his jaw muscle jumped, catching the moonlight that shone through the gap in the tent flap. He gently kissed the skin of Tav's wrist as his hunger thrummed through him and his stomach cramped painfully. He darted his tongue out before sinking his fangs into Tav's skin. He heard Tav's sharp hiss at the initial pain, then the low groan that filled the tent. He wasn't sure if it was Tav or himself that had made the noise but the blood coating his tongue and sliding down his throat took all of his attention.
Astarion could feel the pulse of Tav's heart as he drank. It always started fast and strong and he could easily tell when he needed to stop from how the half-elf's pulse would slow and weaken. He was always careful now, after the very first time Tav allowed him to feed, he had almost taken it too far and drained the man then and there.
Feeling Tav's pulse beginning to slow, he pulled away and realized they had shifted position. Astarion was practically straddling the man. Holding onto Tav's wrist he applied pressure to stem the flow of blood and said softly, "You'll never understand just how delicious you are."
Tav chuckled softly, cracking open an eye at Astarion. He shifted position, his free hand sliding around to the small of Astarion's back as he sat up. "Let me rectify that then," he said as he pressed his lips to Astarion's. His tongue slipped between Astarion's lips their tongues clashed and slid across one another. Tav's hand gripped the back of Astarion's shirt, pressing him close. Desire set his skin on fire as the vampire spawn's fang snagged his lower lip, breaking the skin just enough to cause a droplet of blood to well up.
Tav knew that a split lip would now bring this memory to the forefront of his mind. He growled into Astarion's mouth before he broke the kiss turning his head away to suck in a ragged breath. "Gods, you have too much control over me," he groaned as he rested his forehead against Astarion's shoulder.
Astarion barked out a laugh, "I don't see that as a problem." Lifting Tav's bitten wrist he licked away the now-dried blood both on the half-elf's wrist and from his hand that had staunched the bleeding. He felt Tav shudder underneath him and a coil of guilt twisted in his stomach, he didn't like being the cause of Tav's discomfort. "I could relieve some of your discomfort, love."
"Stop teasing me rogue," Tav growled tightening his grip on Astarion's hips.
Astarion pressed his lips to Tav's hair, "I apologize, my sweet. Sometimes my mouth runs faster than my brain and old habits pop out." Astarion pulled back and lifted Tav's chin so he could look at him, "Now, how about we settle down for the night and I read you more of that tragic play you've been fascinated with, hm?"
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Astarion watched Tav's face twist into a mask of fear and then utter rage before he realized the bite of the crossbow bolt in his gut. He looked down at the offending bolt buried deep in his guts and snarled at the blaze of pain that caused his knees to go out from underneath him.
He fell to his side, a grunt passing his lips as a fresh sheen of cold sweat beaded on his face despite the heat from the nearby lava pools. He watched as the duergar that had shot him only a handful of paces away, screamed as the dark and vengeful form of Tav fell on him.
Astarion watched impassively as the deep dwarf's scream was cut short in an explosion of viscera as Tav's hand axes came down in a flurry of savage blows.
Astarion's eyes fluttered as he heard Gale yell, "Tav! Behind you!"
Tav turned but not fast enough to fully block the blade that narrowly missed stabbing through his eye. Instead, the blade left a gruesome gash along Tav's temple that buried itself into his hairline above his ear. Blood sprang from the gash like a waterfall, coating the side of Tav's face in even more blood than was already there.
Another duergar fired off a crossbow bolt at Tav and it bit into the flesh of his thigh. Tav simply cleaved the shaft with one hand axe as he defended another sword thrust from Nere with the other hand axe. The two seemed evenly matched as they fought, a snarl on Nere's face and a look of cold fury on Tav's.
A bright light flashed and Astarion could hear the roar of flames as one of Gale's spells incinerated the deep dwarf that had fired off the bolt that hit Tav. He could hear somewhere behind him, the sound of Wyll fighting off a couple of enemies as well. The reverberating thuds of his eldritch blasts and a cut-off scream let Astarion know at least one foe wouldn't be standing back up.
Astarion blinked and when he opened his eyes again, Nere's body was cooling on the ground behind Tav, the drow's head sitting at an impossible angle, as the barbarian sprinted towards the rogue.
Tav slid to his knees at Astarion's side, the rage in his eyes still burning hot, as he cradled Astarion's head in one hand and pulled out a vial of red liquid from the pouch at his waist. He held the vial between his teeth as his fingers wrapped around the bolt and yanked causing a scream to rip through Astarion's throat. Tav's hand was shaking badly as he tossed the bolt away, but he managed to uncork the vial with his teeth before gently feeding it to Astarion.
Astarion felt the potion working immediately as his thready pulse stabilized and the gut wound partially healed. His vision swam from the pain but he still managed to find Tav's face through the haze. He managed a weak smile for the blood-soaked barbarian. Tav's face remained unchanged, all harsh lines, rage, and blood. His deep blue eyes had turned to steel as his attention was pulled away from Astarion.
"Take him back to camp. I have a head to collect." Tav said as he stood and stalked towards the dead body of Nere.
"Are you sure, Tav? We should stay just in case there are any more duergar-" Wyll began, his voice flooding with concern.
Gale stepped into Astarion's view and crouched to help pull Astarion to his feet, "Come on Wyll. I can't get him back by myself. Tav will be fine."
Astarion swayed as Gale held him up and then Wyll joined the wizard on Astarion's other side and they half carried the pale elf back in the direction of their camp.
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Tav stalked back into the camp covered in blood and carrying a burlap sack that was stained dark with blood at the bottom. Halsin and Shadowheart approached the barbarian cautiously. The rage was still rolling off Tav in waves and neither wanted to agitate the man further. Halsin cleared his throat, "Astarion is well. Gale and Wyll got him here swiftly enough for myself and Shadowheart to heal him completely."
Tav's eyes met Halsin's and the fire inside his belly went out and exhaustion bled into his muscles. He gave the large druid a weary smile, "Good. Good. Thank you both." Looking down at the burlap sack clutched in his fist he shrugged, "Who wants to keep this safe, while I go clean up?"
Halsin grimaced and Shadowheart frowned but spoke up, "I'll keep it safe...is...is it Nere's head?" At Tav's nod, she took the bag gingerly and moved away.
"Now, sit down and let me look at that head wound. It's still bleeding, though I will admit it's difficult to tell," Halsin said as he steered Tav to the campfire. The druid turned Tav's head so he could see the gash on Tav's temple in the firelight. Murmuring Halsin pressed his fingers to Tav's cheek and a gentle blue-green magic swelled from Halsin and into the wound. Tav felt the relentless headache and dizziness dissipate. "Are there any other wounds that need attending," Halsin asked, giving Tav a cursory look.
"Yeah, let me dig out the rest of the bolt," Tav replied as he pulled out a dagger and got to work on the shaft of the bolt that was still embedded into the meat of his right thigh. Halsin noticed Astarion's approach from behind Tav but said nothing as he returned his attention back to the barbarian. Tav pulled the head of the bolt out, gritting his teeth at the pain and Halsin swiftly summoned the magic to heal the wound.
"Now if you'll excuse me, I believe there's someone that wants a word," Halsin said as he nodded at Astarion and moved away.
Tav spun and his eyes locked on to Astarion. Astarion stared back watching as emotions flooded over Tav's tired and bloody face. Concern and then relief were the most prominent, yet Astarion could tell from the set of Tav's jaw and the tightness around his eyes that anger lurked just below the surface. When the half-elf stepped closer it took all of Astarion's willpower not to step back.
Tav saw the flicker of panic in Astarion's eye and stopped short. His shoulders sagged as he let out a sigh, "I'm not angry at you, love. I'm angry with myself. I'm supposed to protect you.."
Astarion closed the distance between them and leaned to catch Tav's downcast eyes, "I'm fine, darling. Halsin and Shadowheart patched me up easily, they didn't even break a sweat."
Tav choked out in a low voice, "I was terrified I wasn't going to make it in time. I thought I was going to lose you, 'Star."
"I recall a certain someone saying, 'A measly crossbow bolt wound isn't enough to take me down', though I will admit, that wasn't a pleasant experience," Astarion said chuckling lightly. "There's no use worrying about what-ifs. Let's get you cleaned up, you look fucking terrible, darling."
They settled down inside Tav's tent with a warm basin of water and clean rags. Tav stripped his blood-splattered chest piece off and grimaced at the aching in his muscles.
Astarion handed him a damp rag and Tav got to work cleaning blood off his hands and arms. Astarion sat across from him, the basin in between them, as he worked on cleaning as much blood and gore from Tav's chest piece as he could. Once his arms were clean, Tav knelt in front of the basin of water and dunked his face into the water scrubbing the blood away, making sure to get his hair as clean as he could manage. Pulling his head out of the water he watched the streams of water flow from the wet strands of his hair for a moment before wiping his face and slicking his hair back as he sat back on his haunches. He watched Astarion's eyes track the rivulets of water trailing down his bare chest.
Tav saw the moment Astarion realized he had been staring for the pale elf stilled and his eyes glanced up into Tav's. A blush spread on both of their faces but neither looked away.
"Thank you. For saving me today," Astarion said, finally looking away, back down to the task at hand.
"Of course. You're-" Tav started and cleared his throat as he wiped away the excess water on his body with a clean rag, "You're important. To me...to the group."
Astarion nodded absentmindedly, his fingers wiping at an already cleaned spot on Tav's leather armor. Tav knew the pale elf didn't believe him, at least not fully, but pressing the matter felt like a recipe for a fight. Grabbing the dirtied rags and the basin he stood and said, "I'll get fresh water and more rags." After a short time, Tav returned with a fresh basin of water and clean rags and set the supplies down in front of Astarion before sitting down once more. He began cleaning and sharpening his dual hand axes and by the time he was satisfied with the edge, Astarion was finished with Tav's chest piece and set it aside.
"You've got a hole in your trousers. I can mend them tonight while I patch my chest piece," Astarion said, his voice soft over the gentle noise of the camp winding down for the night.
Looking down at the hole in his trousers, Tav poked a finger at the bare skin beneath, "Oh well, I don't mind a little wear and tear." Looking up he flashed Astarion a grin and was glad when a smirk spread on the pale elf's face in response.
"You wouldn't, but I have higher standards. I can't let you walk about in a state of disarray, it would reflect poorly on me," Astarion said as he leaned close and dragged his forefinger across Tav's jaw which was sporting a fine growth of hair, "Which means you need to shave. You're beginning to look like Halsin when he's a bear."
Tav captured Astarion's hand and pressed a quick kiss to his knuckles before releasing it, "As you wish. Though I have to confess, I don't have a razor." Turning he grabbed a freshly sharpened hand axe and gave a shrug, "I could always use this I guess?"
Astarion smiled humorlessly and pulled the hand axe from Tav's hand, "I think not. You're liable to give yourself more scars on that pretty face of yours. I'll retrieve a few supplies. Make yourself useful and fetch fresh water."
Astarion slipped out of the tent and Tav followed with the used rags and the water basin soon after. He dumped the reddened water out, refilled the basin with fresh water from the water barrel, and made his way back to his tent. Settling cross-legged on his bedroll he waited patiently for Astarion's return, letting his mind wander.
A faint memory crawled to the surface of his mind. He was looking down at his hands and they were slick with crimson blood. Joy and pleasure thrummed through his body as he reveled in the feeling of someone else's life being ripped apart with his hands. Disgust and panic flooded through him as his eyes snapped open. He was breathing heavily and a sheen of sweat coated his skin. His stomach felt like it was doing somersaults and he battled the need to vomit. Putting his head between his knees he tried to get his breathing under control. Tav shivered as his body finally calmed and he heard a soft inhale. Lifting his head, Tav saw that Astarion had reentered the tent, a look of concern knitting his brow.
Tav stood, stooping as his head brushed the top of the tent, "Here, let me help." Reaching out he took some of the supplies from Astarion's arms and they both sat.
Astarion set aside his chest piece and the tailoring kit as he spoke, "Tadpole giving you trouble?"
Tav shrugged and changed the conversation awkwardly, "Ah, well, I see you found a razor. Hm, that's quite sharp." A bead of blood welled up on Tav's thumb after he tested the razor's edge.
Astarion leaned forward taking the razor as Tav wiped the blood on his trousers. "Yes well, it was practically brand new when I...found it back in the druid's grove. Honestly, I'm more worried about you shaving with this razor than that hand axe of yours. You're not very dextrous."
Tav snorted a laugh as he replied, "Then how about you shave me? Since my beard offends you so greatly."
A sparkle danced in Astarion's ruby-colored eyes at the suggestion. Tapping a finger to his chin he cocked his head at Tav and said, "I accept your challenge, barbarian." Tav couldn't help the wide grin that spread across his face as Astarion opened a jar and said, "Get comfortable, and wipe that smirk off your face, or else you'll make this much harder."
Tav did his best to fight the smile and watched as Astarion dipped two fingers into the jar and spread a vanilla-scented cream on Tav's jaw. "And where did you find shaving cream in the middle of the Sword Coast?"
Astarion flashed Tav a wicked grin as he slathered more cream on Tav's cheek, "I'm not sure I should tell you. You might give me that look."
"What look?"
The pale elf tisked and wiped the extra cream he had applied off Tav's lips as he spoke, "The one of vague disappointment whenever you catch me stealing, or lying. Now quiet down and stay as still as you can." Astarion maneuvered Tav's body so he could move around and began gently shaving the week's worth of hair growth that decorated the lower half of Tav's face. "I already know you're going to ask how I know how to shave, even though I do not need the skill." Shifting position he turned Tav's head to get a better angle and continued, "Before I became a magistrate, I apprenticed with a tailor for a couple of years before I decided to pursue being a magistrate. I admit I had a ridiculous crush on my mentor and learned many things from him."
"Hilarious enough, I don't remember what he looked like, even though he was the one that convinced me to pursue the path to becoming a magistrate," Astarion said softly as he finished shaving the last patch of Tav's beard. He set aside the razor and using a rag wiped away the remaining spots of leftover cream.
Feeling his now smooth chin and jaw Tav said, "He taught you well, if you still remembered how to do so after 200 years."
Astarion's fingertips gently traced Tav's jawline and in an almost whisper he said, "I remember he had a strong jaw like you," and his hand and eyes dropped to Tav's hand as he lifted it and traced the many scars on Tav's large hands, "His hands were much slimmer than yours. His fingers were long and precise in his work. He was a masterful tailor and even embroidered a shirt of mine, as a gift when I became a magistrate." Tav saw the sparkle of tears in Astarion's downturned eyes, yet the tears did not fall. "I wish I could remember him better. At least his name or face, but no...all I have now are vague memories, but you're no stranger to that, I guess," he said, his voice tight with a slight quiver as he spoke.
Tav felt a lump form in his throat so he squeezed Astarion's hand, "I'm sorry, 'Star. I know it's not much consolation," and pausing he cupped Astarion's cheek and pulled the pale elf closer so that their foreheads rested against one another, "However, I plan on making as many new memories as I can with you. I want to cherish every moment I have with you, for as long as you'll have me."
Tav felt Astarion shudder at his words, so he pressed a kiss to Astarion's forehead and then pulled him into a hug. Astarion's arms wrapped around Tav's chest as Tav buried his fingers in Astarion's silver locks.
After a few comfortable moments, Astarion mumbled something against Tav's neck that Tav couldn't quite understand so he pulled back and Astarion repeated himself, "The vanilla smells nice on you," he trailed off as he pressed a kiss to Tav's lips. Tav's brain felt like it had short-circuited, but he couldn't help but melt into the kiss after a moment, and it was over far too soon. "Sorry. The urge was too great. Now put on a shirt, or else I'll be too distracted to patch up my armor."
Tav grinned and said, "You know I like to sleep shirtless."
Astarion scoffed, "Oh, I know. However, I still need those pants of yours so I can mend them and I'm honestly not sure if you have another pair. And you being nearby practically naked will definitely distract me from my work." He turned and leaned to pull his armor and sewing kit closer.
"I do have another pair of trousers," Tav replied, pulling on his shirt and began undoing the laces to his trousers. He saw Astarion's eyes flicker to where his fingers worked and fought to control his desire for the pale elf after seeing his desire mirrored in those ruby eyes.
Astarion turned away, putting his back to Tav as the half-elf finished partially undressing and then redressing in another pair of pants he had pulled from his backpack.
Tav slid closer to Astarion, resting his chin on the rogue's shoulder, and setting the trousers down next to Astarion's knee, "I'll leave you to it then," he said as he pressed a kiss to Astarion's neck before pulling away to get comfortable on the rest of the bedroll.
Tav watched Astarion work on mending their clothing until his mind finally drifted into a dreamless sleep with a warm feeling settling in his chest.
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Thanks for reading