[ Again: Astarion is impossible. He critiques Iorveth's lack of objectivity while asserting that he enjoys Iorveth looking a fool, sulks and pouts when Iorveth hints at acting more like an adult to spare Astarion the embarrassment of having a companion that hovers like some sort of besotted idiot. Which is it, Iorveth half-wants to say, but the louder half (the besotted idiot half) tells him to just let Astarion have this. At least, for now. ]
Astarion. [ A low, deliberate sigh. ] The point is―
[ Another soft breath, as he shakes his head and leans in. ]
―and listen when I say this. [ He emphasizes that word, listen. Like he fully expects some sort of pushback, a "but", an "actually". ]
The point is, [ each syllable enunciated clearly, ] I love you.
[ A declaration he's never made to anyone before Astarion, and one he won't make to anyone else. Not to mention that he doesn't deserve the sanctity of those three words, and they probably should earn him a healthy amount of derision: what gives him the right? Who does he think he is? What is he?
But it's the truth, and Iorveth doesn't lie. He combs through Astarion's hair again, and pinches the tip of his shapely ear. ]
no subject
Astarion. [ A low, deliberate sigh. ] The point is―
[ Another soft breath, as he shakes his head and leans in. ]
―and listen when I say this. [ He emphasizes that word, listen. Like he fully expects some sort of pushback, a "but", an "actually". ]
The point is, [ each syllable enunciated clearly, ] I love you.
[ A declaration he's never made to anyone before Astarion, and one he won't make to anyone else. Not to mention that he doesn't deserve the sanctity of those three words, and they probably should earn him a healthy amount of derision: what gives him the right? Who does he think he is? What is he?
But it's the truth, and Iorveth doesn't lie. He combs through Astarion's hair again, and pinches the tip of his shapely ear. ]