[ That look makes Astarion laugh — he can't help it. He'd be more cowed if he thought she were genuinely upset by the compliment, such as it is, but in this moment, all her reaction does is confirm what he already knows to be true. A sweet girl with a sweet nature, made to think otherwise by cruel circumstance. But he doesn't argue the point beyond that, simply nodding as though to say he'll agree with whatever she chooses to tell him.
His smile tempers itself a little as she crawls onto the bed, suddenly regretful that he hadn't had the time to fetch something for her to eat or drink, some further details that might have made her more comfortable. (He finds himself surprised, too, to have the thought at all. When was the last time he really cared, like this? He's been unlearning bad habits, over the past few months, but—) ]
Would you like me with you, for the night?
[ Perhaps he knows what it is she wants, perhaps he wants it himself; he finds it easier to give voice to, at least, and he understands the necessity of asking. Of making sure it's something they both want. ]
no subject
His smile tempers itself a little as she crawls onto the bed, suddenly regretful that he hadn't had the time to fetch something for her to eat or drink, some further details that might have made her more comfortable. (He finds himself surprised, too, to have the thought at all. When was the last time he really cared, like this? He's been unlearning bad habits, over the past few months, but—) ]
Would you like me with you, for the night?
[ Perhaps he knows what it is she wants, perhaps he wants it himself; he finds it easier to give voice to, at least, and he understands the necessity of asking. Of making sure it's something they both want. ]