[ The steady stream of foreign language coming from Iorveth's mouth is incomprehensible but exhilarating all the same. Then Iorveth bucks again, the head of his cock bumping Astarion's throat in a way he'd usually find repellent but now only finds thrilling. How powerful he must be, to wrench this sort of reaction out of Iorveth; he shifts, feeling unreasonably hard in these silky lounge pants.
Astarion pulls off, sliding his hands to Iorveth's hips and pressing down with his fingernails. He isn't nearly brawny enough to keep him down by strength alone, but that's all right. Having a psychological pull over Iorveth is much more exciting. ]
Be a good boy and keep still, [ he says playfully, clearly enjoying that he's getting to be in charge. No one in their right mind would ever let him call the shots in reality, but it's fun to pretend here.
He dips back down after that, taking the heavy warmth of Iorveth back into his mouth with a grin, which is— well, it's rare that he's ever felt like smiling, doing this. ]
[ "Keep still" is incredibly vexing, and something Iorveth wouldn't entertain if not for his more overarching desire for Astarion to feel in control of how he makes his intimacy. Far more important than easy gratification―
―which isn't to say that this doesn't feel good. It's numbingly satisfying to see Astarion smile as he sinks back down, achingly sweet how he plays at overpowering Iorveth with the bearing down of his palms. Iorveth plays along, suppressing his instincts to shift impatiently in the warm hollow of Astarion's mouth, bringing his own hand to his mouth to bite his next huff and moan into the back of it. ]
Yes, [ he says, his voice muffled. A little wrecked. His focus dials down to what's happening between his legs, hot and messy. ] Gods, fuck.
[ He feels stripped down. Bare. He turns the ruined side of his face into the nearest pillow, choking back another groan into his hand; he can feel his cock swelling in anticipation, made eager and stupid by Astarion's attention. It's mortifying, but it's also perfect. ]
[ Hearing Iorveth curse goes straight to his groin, a sharp pang of arousal that makes him groan against Iorveth's cock. Sleeping in the dirt might not be so bad, he thinks, if he gets to do this every night. Iorveth is so unbearably sweet, still under the pressure of his hands, pliant and perfect.
It's not dissimilar to feeding from him, really. Losing himself in the sensation of licking and lapping, mouth slick with a mixture of saliva and precome, feeling Iorveth's muscles jump beneath him. He grips the lean muscle of Iorveth's hips tighter, nails digging into his skin forcefully enough to leave a mark. It's on purpose, of course; he hopes it'll bruise that lovely tan skin, so that Iorveth thinks of this until they fade. He'll be the one getting into a fight to the death with Shadowheart if she tries to heal him.
He hollows his cheeks around the weight of Iorveth's cock, eyes flicking up to watch his face as he comes undone. ]
[ Chasing his orgasm ultimately beats out trying to last: Iorveth lets go of the last scrap he had of his self-control to flick his solitary eye down towards Astarion, and it's when he realizes Astarion is looking at him that he falls over his edge. It unravels something inside Iorveth that no one else has ever touched before, the tightly-coiled part of himself that hasn't relaxed since he took up arms more than a century ago.
The whiplash revelation comes and goes; the rest is mindless, perfect sensation. He calls Astarion's name in an urgent whisper, and it's the only warning he can think to give before he arches, fingers digging into bedsheets, and spills into Astarion's mouth with a drawn-out groan. The feeling wipes him out completely, and he only regains his awareness of his body once the last of his orgasm fades out into pleasant, humming white noise in the back of his skull.
Fuck, he mouths again. Long limbs splayed, forehead beaded with sweat. Blindly, he fumbles his hand for whatever of Astarion is within touching distance. ]
[ He laps at Iorveth all through his orgasm, the harshness of his dug-in nails replaced with gentle circles of his thumbs, almost apologetic of his roughness. Almost. When Iorveth has finally softened in his mouth, Astarion crawls up his body, taking his chin between his thumb and forefinger. ]
You did so well. [ It can't have been easy, letting Astarion take the reins. Iorveth is always in control, so rarely vulnerable, no one's prey, yet he surrendered to Astarion. That alone is more erotic than having him in his mouth. Voice full of pleased affection, he says, ] My perfect creature.
[ And good boys get rewards, so he gives Iorveth what he asked for. (Entirely altruistic and not at all selfish, of course.) Tilting his head to the side, Astarion plunges his teeth into the tender skin of his neck, body pressed close. ]
[ Iorveth still feels wrung out, nerves still fried, so the affirmation and the subsequent fulfillment of his request makes him shudder again under Astarion's teeth, like an aftershock of his still-lingering orgasm. It's going to be a problem for him if he starts associating being bitten with pleasant, floating feelings, but Iorveth doesn't care: Astarion is here, he agreed to coming north with him, and it's all he can think about as he snakes his fumbling hand between their bodies and rummages, blindly, for what he hopes is Astarion's still-hard cock in his comfortably-loose pants.
He hums, knowing that the sound will reverberate where Astarion has his teeth in his throat. It's fucking insane― those same teeth could rip out his windpipe without a second thought if Astarion felt like it. Iorveth's life hinges on the whims of a beautiful, unpredictable vampire, and he's never been more excited in his life.
Still trying to trace his fingers over Astarion's cock, he laughs again. ]
What was our alibi, when we were at the Wavemother's Shrine― [ Breathless, his lips pull into a grin. ] ―Two refugee elves with a torrid sex life, was it?
[ Manifestation, maybe. Iorveth feels stupid with affection. ]
[ Achingly hard, maybe even more so with his fangs in Iorveth's throat. He presses his pelvis into Iorveth's clumsy hand as he licks up the warm, ruby-red blood spilling from the puncture marks, then pulls back to look at Iorveth with a hazy look in his eye. There's nothing more perfect than when Iorveth smiles, all of his sharp features softened, eye crinkling.
His own grin is mischievous, a little wicked, entirely playful. He's having fun, a strange but pleasant realization. ]
You have no idea how torrid I can be.
[ He presses his thumb to Iorveth's lips, urging him to open up so that he can rake his tongue against Iorveth's, letting him taste the sweet mix of his release with his blood on Astarion's tongue. ]
[ Grin for grin, Iorveth concedes to the strange taste of blood and spend in his mouth, possibly less sweet because they're both his own, but it hardly matters. He cleans off some of the mess that he's made, tongue against tongue and lips against lips, fuzzy from lingering arousal.
He pulls back to breathe, and finally gets a better grip around Astarion's cock so that he can stroke him, getting a feel for Astarion's interest before moving to push his new clothes down to his knees. No sense ruining them so soon after they've been gifted. ]
I've a few centuries to find out.
[ To the point about not knowing Astarion fully yet. Another promise-threat that Iorveth will stay, that Astarion has made the mistake of letting a deranged elf take things beyond just a silly little tryst based on mutual benefits.
Iorveth kisses him again, and starts making more friction in earnest. Palm to Astarion's pretty cock, savoring how warm it feels in contrast to everything else. He can't imagine how anyone could ever have treated Astarion poorly, or refused to see him for who he is. ]
[ Astarion has just enough presence of mind to feel a little embarrassed of how quickly he bucks into Iorveth's palm. Reciprocation still feels like a surprise, a special gift. He doesn't have the presence of mind to reply don't say things you don't mean again, or perhaps don't say things you'll regret in a year. He probably should stop Iorveth from making such sweeping declarations, but the thought of being wanted enough to be kept around for centuries is electrifying, and he's nothing if not selfish. ]
Oh, [ he sighs instead, jerking against Iorveth's hand, rough in all the right places. It's dry, but it doesn't matter, because he's practically slippery with pre by now. Another thing he doesn't have the presence of mind to think about, although he'll undoubtedly be self-conscious about how impossibly aroused he was later.
His hand slides to the side of Iorveth's face, fingernails scratching against his cheek. Gently, holding himself back because it's on his face. ]
My precious thing, [ he says, grinning fondly. There's a touch of childish possessiveness to his voice, the tone of someone who doesn't share well. ] All mine.
Edited (no one saw ME edit this twice) 2024-08-31 03:16 (UTC)
[ Looking at anything but that smile on Astarion's face is impossible, so Iorveth keeps touching him blindly with his pre-slick hand, trusting Astarion to squirm himself into a better position once he finds the angle he likes. Indulgent petting turns into fast stroking turns into slow, circular touching; indecisiveness mixed with fascination. Iorveth, a freak, wants to know everything about Astarion.
He also has enough rational thought to rub together now to discourage the idea of possessive ownership over others, but in his syrupy, affection-laden haze, he decides that he has a few decades to coax Astarion out of bad mentalities laid out by centuries of torture. It doesn't have to be now, when Astarion is still getting used to the idea of having anything at all.
(Debatable, actually, if Iorveth ever will.) ]
Closest to my heart, [ he agrees, reiterating what he'd said when asked what Astarion is to him. He keeps up the rhythm of his hand, savoring how relaxed Astarion seems, how he seems to be present, here. It makes that coiled-tight control in him ease in turn, enough that he smiles again and brushes their foreheads together. ]
[ He'd said he didn't mind it rough, but it's clear he favors gentleness, pressing impossibly closer into Iorveth's hand whenever his touches lighten. It's rare and wonderful to be touched softly, treated kindly. To have the meanest elf in the world saying such nice things to him. After participating in so many obscene acts over the years that they became commonplace, hearing Iorveth say closest to my heart feels downright depraved, deliciously so.
With their foreheads nudged together, he tilts his head as if to give Iorveth a kiss, but it really only ends up being excited breaths against his mouth. He stays like that for a while, bucking erratically into the heat of Iorveth's palm, stifled sounds from the back of his throat escaping unbidden. Another jerk against him and Astarion's whole body is trembling, overwhelmed. He isn't built to receive things like pleasure and affection; he can hardly handle the foreign feelings.
His body stills suddenly, going taut like a bowstring, and then he comes all over Iorveth's hand. ]
[ It's staggeringly sweet: Astarion, the self-proclaimed hedonist who'd been so reticent to be touched before, melting like butter when given gentle affection. He's beautiful when he finally reaches the threshold of his tolerance, arched and shuddering, warm and messy against Iorveth's palm.
Iorveth's turn, now, to praise him. He wriggles his hand out from between their flush bodies, and licks his hand clean of Astarion's spend. ]
...Barely midday, and I can't keep my hands off of you.
[ With no apologies to Gale, he doesn't foresee family-friendly things happening if they continue sharing a bed in Elfsong. Iorveth chuckles under his breath, and kisses Astarion's jaw, soothing his clean hand through his mussed curls. ]
My sweet cat. [ Rubbing behind one pointed ear, punctuating the teasing diminutive. ]
[ He might have bristled at the pet name—he obviously has nothing in common with those mangy creatures—but he's drunk on the triple-threat of affection, blood, and sex, so he finds himself leaning into the touch. As long as he's Iorveth's, he can call him whatever he damn well pleases.
Boneless and jelly-legged from orgasm, he rolls off of Iorveth and onto his back, robe splayed out behind him and pants still drawn down around his knees. He sighs as he stares up at the ceiling, a million synapses going off at once but not one of them inviting shame. The happiness is so profuse that he feels like he's drowning in it, unsure how to navigate these strange new waters.
With a distant smile, he says to the ceiling, ] ...Well, I feel well tended-to.
[ One day, Iorveth will show up with Myshka in his arms and force Astarion to see the parallels. Until then, he's content to dip down and clean off the mess he's left on Astarion's navel with his mouth, savoring him for a few more seconds before relenting and tugging Astarion's clothes back on him (speaking of tending to).
There's still a lot to think about. The spawn still stuck in that tomblike basement, the tadpoles in their heads, the cultists, and what to do if and when all of that is taken care of. Funny, how it all seems less dire when it's built on the fragile assurance that Astarion will stay; it's such a precarious foundation to stack his own future on top of, but Iorveth doesn't want to let go of it yet.
Maybe in a century, Astarion will come to realize that the world has a lot more to offer than the binary of Cazador and Iorveth, and will take his leave. If so, Iorveth needs to be happy for Astarion in the way that he's happy for him now.
He can do that, he thinks. He cards his fingers through Astarion's hair one more time before getting up to get his pants. ]
―Good. We'll both be yelled at tomorrow, but we've earned our peace today. [ A huff, amused. ] ...Do you wish the others to stay out of our business?
[ It sounds like Iorveth's asking if he wants to hide this. Under other circumstances, he might fall down the rabbit hole of thinking of course Iorveth only wants him to be his dirty little secret, and that he was so stupid to think otherwise, and he'd shrug his shoulders and say I really don't care what you choose to do lest he show any vulnerability. He's been put in such a good mood, though, that he's able to slap those doubts down, turning onto his side to get an eyeful of Iorveth below the waist before he covers up that lovely expanse of skin. ]
I plan to paw at you as often and as publicly as possible.
[ He plans to make poor Gale have an aneurysm. ]
I'm sure they'll have something to say about it. They'll be beside themselves with jealousy, certainly.
[ Then, a little of that feigned nonchalance does creep back in, face becoming impassive. He's not quite as brave as he thought. ]
[ "Jealous" is a funny thing to contemplate. It's not like anyone in the group was jockeying for Iorveth's affections (can't be disappointed by a door closing when there wasn't one in the first place), but he supposes that it's far more likely that someone will be vexed by Iorveth receiving Astarion's affections. A truth that will probably extend into Iorveth's future, a lifetime of having people look at him with "really??? this guy???" painted clearly on their features.
Sitting on the edge of the bed again, peering at the impassivity creeping back onto Astarion's features: ]
I'd rather not hide anything. [ It was more of a courtesy question than anything else; if Astarion wanted to be private, he would've understood. But. ] Besides, making enemies is a hobby of mine.
[ He hikes the corner of his scarred lip, clearly amused by the prospect. ]
I expect half the city to want my head for standing next to you.
[ Relief paints his features at that, his body relaxing into the mattress. He grins again; he really can't stop doing that around Iorveth. It's becoming a problem. ]
I hope you'll do more than just stand next to me.
[ Besides, he thinks, the moment they set foot in wood elf territory he'll be the one being glowered at. Even putting the egregious sin of his vampirism aside, he's a high elf and a city slicker. He doesn't exactly fit in among Iorveth's comrades. Not that he wants to. Right now, and perhaps forever, he only has enough love in his heart to care about one person. Even that is overwhelming at times.
He frowns, then, that spoiled brat expression returning. ]
Darling. [ He pats the mattress beside him demandingly. He might as well be snapping his fingers and saying chop, chop. ] I can't very well bask in post-coital bliss if you're all the way over there.
[ Iorveth could get used to the luxury of knowing exactly what Astarion wants at any given time― it's refreshing not to have to bother with coyness, and it's pleasant to know that Astarion trusts him enough with these petty little demands (affectionate).
Sliding onto bedsheets to oblige the request, Iorveth positions himself on the designated spot of mattress, then presses closer to Astarion. Just as demanding, he loops an arm around his partner's middle in a silent come here, rest your weight on me. ]
We'll only need one bed in Elfsong from here on out.
[ Not really a question, but a statement. ]
And since it seems to be a day for making pledges, [ which is something Iorveth apparently took the liberty of deciding, with no input from Astarion whatsoever, ] I've one more promise for the day. Will you hear it?
[ Speaking of beds. Iorveth is aware that there's been A Lot to digest, but just one more to add to the pile. ]
[ It's a demand he's happy to comply with, draping his weight over Iorveth's front and propping his chin up on his forearms, crossed over Iorveth's chest. He has no problem with sticking his tongue down Iorveth's throat in public, but if the others ever find out how much he likes to be cuddled, he might actually die.
At the question, he furrows his brow. ]
How delightfully ominous of you to ask.
[ Cynic that he is, he can't help the little part of him that wonders if it's something bad. It wouldn't be a surprise, really. He's never had a good thing for this long without the other shoe dropping. ]
[ Ominous, Astarion says, and Iorveth huffs a breath in light exasperation. A silent "why would I promise you something bad, you ridiculous creature", which he doesn't say, because. Well.
Swiftly moving on: ] The promise is thus: no matter the disagreements we may have, I'll always return to our bed at the end of the day.
[ Simple. He traces the point of Astarion's ear, enjoying how it feels between his fingers. ]
You can do as you please, but the matter of where I'll return to shall never be a mystery to you.
[ A matter of principle. One unshakeable point of consistency is an important thing to have, like a good weapon; because their circumstances are in a constant state of unpredictable flux, having any single assured focal point can feel grounding, no matter how insubstantial that focal point may be. ]
[ Head popping up, defensive: ] Why do you assume we'll have disagreements?
[ Well. Maybe that's why, because Astarion is immediately offended. Instantly cowed by his own behavior, he lowers his head. ]
Of course you'll come back to me.
[ It's not an 'of course' at all when he'd just been worried that Iorveth would tell him something awful, but he pretends it is anyway, preening a little. Then, face falling a bit: ]
It's not your affections I'm worried about.
[ Well, obviously, there's a worry that Iorveth will grow weary of him and his complications. But more than that— ]
[ Iorveth, the meanest elf in the world, actually laughs when Astarion takes offense to their prospective disagreements. Just in case Astarion has forgotten that he is, in fact, a huge asshole. Of course they're going to butt heads about things― he'd find it more unnerving if they didn't.
Still amused, with one brow raised, he reaches sideways for a pillow and makes himself more comfortable in the messy nest of limbs and blankets that they've made. ]
There's no collective opinion, I suppose. Individually, there are bound to be some who dislike the concept of vampires in general. But our knowledge comes only from lore― the distant, vague threat of ambitious nightwalkers was rather far from our mind, considering the immediate threat of ambitious humans.
[ A vague gesture with his free hand, as if to swat away even the thought of humans. ]
You're the first vampire I've ever met. Which would make you the first vampire any Aen Seidhe has met in recent history. It's likely that the Northern Territories have always been too politically fraught for any of your kind to take interest in.
[ It's a good thing for Iorveth that Astarion finds his laugh charming. Otherwise, he'd take that pillow from behind his head and smack him in the face with it. Instead, he only pouts childishly in response.
He sighs at the explanation of the political disquiet in the North. Sure, it's relevant, but the truth is that he doesn't really care about other vampires. He only cares what it'll mean for himself (and Iorveth, he supposes, by association). On one hand, if the Aen Seidhe aren't familiar with his kind, it could be an opportunity to persuade them into open-mindedness. On the other hand, people tend to be afraid of things they don't understand, and they tend to kill the things they're afraid of. ]
That was a lovely little history lesson, my dear, but I'm really more concerned with whether they'll assume I've enthralled you and try to burn me at the stake.
[ Which, he notes, Iorveth didn't give a direct answer to. ]
[ Speaking of butting heads. Iorveth almost looks like he'll bite back with a you're the one that asked, but the rest of Astarion's statement tempers it.
Instead of being offended, he just laughs again. Aware that it's a legitimate concern, yes, but the way the concern is framed tickles something in his gut. ]
If any of my people seriously believe that I can be enthralled, [ again, a real thing that vampires can really do, but. ] They wouldn't know me very well at all.
[ What kind of stupid vampire is going to choose to enthrall a weird, unpleasant wood elf terrorist anyway??? For what gain??? Iorveth can't imagine it, so he continues to chuckle about it. How absurd. ]
Mm. I'll silence the detractors. This wouldn't be the first time I've done something that many consider completely mad.
[ Another, even bigger pout; it is a very legitimate concern, and Iorveth should be taking it seriously. If even he, who hardly thinks past the present moment, has it on his mind, it's worth considering. ]
Mm, [ he echoes grumpily. ] I'm sure.
[ Iorveth is mad, so he has no doubts that this won't be the first time his people question him. He worries, though, that the Aen Seidhe will help him see the light. Turn him against Astarion, as it were. They'll tell him what a stupid idea it is to get involved with a vampire, and because they're the only people in the world Iorveth seems to give a damn about, he'll listen.
Perhaps he can hide his true nature. Then they'll only have his charming personality to go on, and they'll have to like him.
He shifts, arms coming down possessively around Iorveth's sides, head resting against his shoulder. ]
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Astarion pulls off, sliding his hands to Iorveth's hips and pressing down with his fingernails. He isn't nearly brawny enough to keep him down by strength alone, but that's all right. Having a psychological pull over Iorveth is much more exciting. ]
Be a good boy and keep still, [ he says playfully, clearly enjoying that he's getting to be in charge. No one in their right mind would ever let him call the shots in reality, but it's fun to pretend here.
He dips back down after that, taking the heavy warmth of Iorveth back into his mouth with a grin, which is— well, it's rare that he's ever felt like smiling, doing this. ]
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―which isn't to say that this doesn't feel good. It's numbingly satisfying to see Astarion smile as he sinks back down, achingly sweet how he plays at overpowering Iorveth with the bearing down of his palms. Iorveth plays along, suppressing his instincts to shift impatiently in the warm hollow of Astarion's mouth, bringing his own hand to his mouth to bite his next huff and moan into the back of it. ]
Yes, [ he says, his voice muffled. A little wrecked. His focus dials down to what's happening between his legs, hot and messy. ] Gods, fuck.
[ He feels stripped down. Bare. He turns the ruined side of his face into the nearest pillow, choking back another groan into his hand; he can feel his cock swelling in anticipation, made eager and stupid by Astarion's attention. It's mortifying, but it's also perfect. ]
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It's not dissimilar to feeding from him, really. Losing himself in the sensation of licking and lapping, mouth slick with a mixture of saliva and precome, feeling Iorveth's muscles jump beneath him. He grips the lean muscle of Iorveth's hips tighter, nails digging into his skin forcefully enough to leave a mark. It's on purpose, of course; he hopes it'll bruise that lovely tan skin, so that Iorveth thinks of this until they fade. He'll be the one getting into a fight to the death with Shadowheart if she tries to heal him.
He hollows his cheeks around the weight of Iorveth's cock, eyes flicking up to watch his face as he comes undone. ]
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The whiplash revelation comes and goes; the rest is mindless, perfect sensation. He calls Astarion's name in an urgent whisper, and it's the only warning he can think to give before he arches, fingers digging into bedsheets, and spills into Astarion's mouth with a drawn-out groan. The feeling wipes him out completely, and he only regains his awareness of his body once the last of his orgasm fades out into pleasant, humming white noise in the back of his skull.
Fuck, he mouths again. Long limbs splayed, forehead beaded with sweat. Blindly, he fumbles his hand for whatever of Astarion is within touching distance. ]
Come here, [ is hoarse, ragged. ] Bite me.
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You did so well. [ It can't have been easy, letting Astarion take the reins. Iorveth is always in control, so rarely vulnerable, no one's prey, yet he surrendered to Astarion. That alone is more erotic than having him in his mouth. Voice full of pleased affection, he says, ] My perfect creature.
[ And good boys get rewards, so he gives Iorveth what he asked for. (Entirely altruistic and not at all selfish, of course.) Tilting his head to the side, Astarion plunges his teeth into the tender skin of his neck, body pressed close. ]
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He hums, knowing that the sound will reverberate where Astarion has his teeth in his throat. It's fucking insane― those same teeth could rip out his windpipe without a second thought if Astarion felt like it. Iorveth's life hinges on the whims of a beautiful, unpredictable vampire, and he's never been more excited in his life.
Still trying to trace his fingers over Astarion's cock, he laughs again. ]
What was our alibi, when we were at the Wavemother's Shrine― [ Breathless, his lips pull into a grin. ] ―Two refugee elves with a torrid sex life, was it?
[ Manifestation, maybe. Iorveth feels stupid with affection. ]
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His own grin is mischievous, a little wicked, entirely playful. He's having fun, a strange but pleasant realization. ]
You have no idea how torrid I can be.
[ He presses his thumb to Iorveth's lips, urging him to open up so that he can rake his tongue against Iorveth's, letting him taste the sweet mix of his release with his blood on Astarion's tongue. ]
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He pulls back to breathe, and finally gets a better grip around Astarion's cock so that he can stroke him, getting a feel for Astarion's interest before moving to push his new clothes down to his knees. No sense ruining them so soon after they've been gifted. ]
I've a few centuries to find out.
[ To the point about not knowing Astarion fully yet. Another promise-threat that Iorveth will stay, that Astarion has made the mistake of letting a deranged elf take things beyond just a silly little tryst based on mutual benefits.
Iorveth kisses him again, and starts making more friction in earnest. Palm to Astarion's pretty cock, savoring how warm it feels in contrast to everything else. He can't imagine how anyone could ever have treated Astarion poorly, or refused to see him for who he is. ]
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Oh, [ he sighs instead, jerking against Iorveth's hand, rough in all the right places. It's dry, but it doesn't matter, because he's practically slippery with pre by now. Another thing he doesn't have the presence of mind to think about, although he'll undoubtedly be self-conscious about how impossibly aroused he was later.
His hand slides to the side of Iorveth's face, fingernails scratching against his cheek. Gently, holding himself back because it's on his face. ]
My precious thing, [ he says, grinning fondly. There's a touch of childish possessiveness to his voice, the tone of someone who doesn't share well. ] All mine.
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He also has enough rational thought to rub together now to discourage the idea of possessive ownership over others, but in his syrupy, affection-laden haze, he decides that he has a few decades to coax Astarion out of bad mentalities laid out by centuries of torture. It doesn't have to be now, when Astarion is still getting used to the idea of having anything at all.
(Debatable, actually, if Iorveth ever will.) ]
Closest to my heart, [ he agrees, reiterating what he'd said when asked what Astarion is to him. He keeps up the rhythm of his hand, savoring how relaxed Astarion seems, how he seems to be present, here. It makes that coiled-tight control in him ease in turn, enough that he smiles again and brushes their foreheads together. ]
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With their foreheads nudged together, he tilts his head as if to give Iorveth a kiss, but it really only ends up being excited breaths against his mouth. He stays like that for a while, bucking erratically into the heat of Iorveth's palm, stifled sounds from the back of his throat escaping unbidden. Another jerk against him and Astarion's whole body is trembling, overwhelmed. He isn't built to receive things like pleasure and affection; he can hardly handle the foreign feelings.
His body stills suddenly, going taut like a bowstring, and then he comes all over Iorveth's hand. ]
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Iorveth's turn, now, to praise him. He wriggles his hand out from between their flush bodies, and licks his hand clean of Astarion's spend. ]
...Barely midday, and I can't keep my hands off of you.
[ With no apologies to Gale, he doesn't foresee family-friendly things happening if they continue sharing a bed in Elfsong. Iorveth chuckles under his breath, and kisses Astarion's jaw, soothing his clean hand through his mussed curls. ]
My sweet cat. [ Rubbing behind one pointed ear, punctuating the teasing diminutive. ]
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Boneless and jelly-legged from orgasm, he rolls off of Iorveth and onto his back, robe splayed out behind him and pants still drawn down around his knees. He sighs as he stares up at the ceiling, a million synapses going off at once but not one of them inviting shame. The happiness is so profuse that he feels like he's drowning in it, unsure how to navigate these strange new waters.
With a distant smile, he says to the ceiling, ] ...Well, I feel well tended-to.
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There's still a lot to think about. The spawn still stuck in that tomblike basement, the tadpoles in their heads, the cultists, and what to do if and when all of that is taken care of. Funny, how it all seems less dire when it's built on the fragile assurance that Astarion will stay; it's such a precarious foundation to stack his own future on top of, but Iorveth doesn't want to let go of it yet.
Maybe in a century, Astarion will come to realize that the world has a lot more to offer than the binary of Cazador and Iorveth, and will take his leave. If so, Iorveth needs to be happy for Astarion in the way that he's happy for him now.
He can do that, he thinks. He cards his fingers through Astarion's hair one more time before getting up to get his pants. ]
―Good. We'll both be yelled at tomorrow, but we've earned our peace today. [ A huff, amused. ] ...Do you wish the others to stay out of our business?
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I plan to paw at you as often and as publicly as possible.
[ He plans to make poor Gale have an aneurysm. ]
I'm sure they'll have something to say about it. They'll be beside themselves with jealousy, certainly.
[ Then, a little of that feigned nonchalance does creep back in, face becoming impassive. He's not quite as brave as he thought. ]
—Ah, unless you would rather not, of course.
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Sitting on the edge of the bed again, peering at the impassivity creeping back onto Astarion's features: ]
I'd rather not hide anything. [ It was more of a courtesy question than anything else; if Astarion wanted to be private, he would've understood. But. ] Besides, making enemies is a hobby of mine.
[ He hikes the corner of his scarred lip, clearly amused by the prospect. ]
I expect half the city to want my head for standing next to you.
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I hope you'll do more than just stand next to me.
[ Besides, he thinks, the moment they set foot in wood elf territory he'll be the one being glowered at. Even putting the egregious sin of his vampirism aside, he's a high elf and a city slicker. He doesn't exactly fit in among Iorveth's comrades. Not that he wants to. Right now, and perhaps forever, he only has enough love in his heart to care about one person. Even that is overwhelming at times.
He frowns, then, that spoiled brat expression returning. ]
Darling. [ He pats the mattress beside him demandingly. He might as well be snapping his fingers and saying chop, chop. ] I can't very well bask in post-coital bliss if you're all the way over there.
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Sliding onto bedsheets to oblige the request, Iorveth positions himself on the designated spot of mattress, then presses closer to Astarion. Just as demanding, he loops an arm around his partner's middle in a silent come here, rest your weight on me. ]
We'll only need one bed in Elfsong from here on out.
[ Not really a question, but a statement. ]
And since it seems to be a day for making pledges, [ which is something Iorveth apparently took the liberty of deciding, with no input from Astarion whatsoever, ] I've one more promise for the day. Will you hear it?
[ Speaking of beds. Iorveth is aware that there's been A Lot to digest, but just one more to add to the pile. ]
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At the question, he furrows his brow. ]
How delightfully ominous of you to ask.
[ Cynic that he is, he can't help the little part of him that wonders if it's something bad. It wouldn't be a surprise, really. He's never had a good thing for this long without the other shoe dropping. ]
What is it?
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Swiftly moving on: ] The promise is thus: no matter the disagreements we may have, I'll always return to our bed at the end of the day.
[ Simple. He traces the point of Astarion's ear, enjoying how it feels between his fingers. ]
You can do as you please, but the matter of where I'll return to shall never be a mystery to you.
[ A matter of principle. One unshakeable point of consistency is an important thing to have, like a good weapon; because their circumstances are in a constant state of unpredictable flux, having any single assured focal point can feel grounding, no matter how insubstantial that focal point may be. ]
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[ Well. Maybe that's why, because Astarion is immediately offended. Instantly cowed by his own behavior, he lowers his head. ]
Of course you'll come back to me.
[ It's not an 'of course' at all when he'd just been worried that Iorveth would tell him something awful, but he pretends it is anyway, preening a little. Then, face falling a bit: ]
It's not your affections I'm worried about.
[ Well, obviously, there's a worry that Iorveth will grow weary of him and his complications. But more than that— ]
What's the Aen Seidhe opinion of vampires?
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Still amused, with one brow raised, he reaches sideways for a pillow and makes himself more comfortable in the messy nest of limbs and blankets that they've made. ]
There's no collective opinion, I suppose. Individually, there are bound to be some who dislike the concept of vampires in general. But our knowledge comes only from lore― the distant, vague threat of ambitious nightwalkers was rather far from our mind, considering the immediate threat of ambitious humans.
[ A vague gesture with his free hand, as if to swat away even the thought of humans. ]
You're the first vampire I've ever met. Which would make you the first vampire any Aen Seidhe has met in recent history. It's likely that the Northern Territories have always been too politically fraught for any of your kind to take interest in.
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He sighs at the explanation of the political disquiet in the North. Sure, it's relevant, but the truth is that he doesn't really care about other vampires. He only cares what it'll mean for himself (and Iorveth, he supposes, by association). On one hand, if the Aen Seidhe aren't familiar with his kind, it could be an opportunity to persuade them into open-mindedness. On the other hand, people tend to be afraid of things they don't understand, and they tend to kill the things they're afraid of. ]
That was a lovely little history lesson, my dear, but I'm really more concerned with whether they'll assume I've enthralled you and try to burn me at the stake.
[ Which, he notes, Iorveth didn't give a direct answer to. ]
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Instead of being offended, he just laughs again. Aware that it's a legitimate concern, yes, but the way the concern is framed tickles something in his gut. ]
If any of my people seriously believe that I can be enthralled, [ again, a real thing that vampires can really do, but. ] They wouldn't know me very well at all.
[ What kind of stupid vampire is going to choose to enthrall a weird, unpleasant wood elf terrorist anyway??? For what gain??? Iorveth can't imagine it, so he continues to chuckle about it. How absurd. ]
Mm. I'll silence the detractors. This wouldn't be the first time I've done something that many consider completely mad.
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Mm, [ he echoes grumpily. ] I'm sure.
[ Iorveth is mad, so he has no doubts that this won't be the first time his people question him. He worries, though, that the Aen Seidhe will help him see the light. Turn him against Astarion, as it were. They'll tell him what a stupid idea it is to get involved with a vampire, and because they're the only people in the world Iorveth seems to give a damn about, he'll listen.
Perhaps he can hide his true nature. Then they'll only have his charming personality to go on, and they'll have to like him.
He shifts, arms coming down possessively around Iorveth's sides, head resting against his shoulder. ]
That's all far away, of course.
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