his dexterous fingers playing absentmindedly along your hip, pausing only to squeeze you gently

his lips leaving an icy trail down your neck, pressing firmly against your quickening pulse

his fangs nipping gently at your shoulder as he pulls you closer, as if craving you more than your blood

his rich, red eyes catching yours from across a tavern, brightening imperceptibly at your attention

his voice, lowered to no more than a whisper in your ear, his tone teasing as he utters something naughty to you

his soft white curls brushing against your face as he leans closer to you, teasing you with a kiss that doesn't quite reach

his ears flushing pink as you unabashedly murmur words of love and longing

his nose burying into your hair as he takes in your familiar, now comforting scent

And he replies, "It would be nice not to rely on you as my great protector, but... well, I do appreciate the thought."

It's just so very relatable.

Of course he doesn't want to put his life in others' hands. Even if that was his intent when he started out, to have someone to protect him from Cazador, that doesn't mean that's what he, Astarion, wanted. It was what he felt he needed.

And now that he has the space to actually consider what he wants, while he knows he wants Tav (the entire night before is about that), he also knows he wants to be capable, to be able to stand on his own and walk together as equals.

Ultimately, he knows that having Tav be his 'great protector' only takes away from that agency that he's just now able to exercise, takes away from the balance he's striving for.

That being said! He also accept Tav's sentiment, "I appreciate the thought."

Which actually super impressive to me?

Despite everything he's gone through, he has the strength to accept help (which is not easy to do, in my experience) and acknowledge that leaning on each other is part of their relationship.

He knows he wants Tav at his side and that it's a give-and-take. That it's nice to just know that someone has your back and will catch you if you stumble.

That one line, which doesn't even have any follow up dialogue, and, admittedly, I initially thought felt somewhat out of the blue, is such a nice way to show his growth and path forward.

Now imagine Astarion, the cat that he is, staring at Tav at the stairs to the Elfsong's second floor once he's done socializing for the day. No words, just red eyes ʘ⁠‿⁠ʘ staring into their soul.

Tav sighs, bids everyone farewell, gets up from their chair and walks over.

He seems pleased, but he would never say a thing to indicate this was his idea. More like, "Oh, are you ready to turn in for the night?"

Then the two head upstairs where Astarion patiently waits for Tav to get settled into bed before opening their arms out to him ⊂⁠(◕⁠‿⁠◕)⊃

Astarion would crawl in, getting comfortable according to his exact specifications, where Tav would have the perfect angle to stroke his curls or caress his neck.

I'll be laying there, asking him to get up please, and he will stand over me, screaming bloody murder to feed him, but simultaneously refusing to get off of me.

How does this one relate to Astarion you may ask? Let's play it out...

"Astarion, how do you expect to feed from me if you refuse to sit up."

He would grumble, tucking himself further into the bed/bedroll. "Couldn't you just, you know, meet me down here?" His voice would be muffled, shrouded by a blanket.

"I don't think my neck bends that way."

Another grumble. "Nonsense, of course it does. Just believe in yourself, darling."

Early on in their not-yet-relationship, they would both go to nick something from one of their companions when they weren't looking, only to accidentally touch hands.

"Astarion, what are you doing?!"

"Excuse me! You're supposed to be leading us!"

Cue rogue!Tav mumbling something about how they just needed some extra supplies.

Cut to Astarion's wicked little grin.

"Don't tell anyone about this and you can keep it."

"Don't tell anyone what?"