[ 'I promise not to waste my life' should be reassuring, but this is Iorveth. Astarion wouldn't be surprised if he thought dying in service of protecting someone he cares for was a 'good death'. Ridiculous. Astarion would risk his life for Iorveth, too, but he'd really rather stay alive. In fact, he'd be pretty pissed off if he died, even for Iorveth. ]

Ugh. Why must you lack all sense of self-preservation?

[ The real, stark difference between them. Iorveth has spent the majority of his life willing to lay it down for others. Meanwhile, Astarion spent most of his life sacrificing whoever it took to keep his head above water. Out of all of the things he lacks, a healthy sense of self-preservation isn't one of them. ]

I'm afraid there's no reasoning with a stubborn mule like you.

[ He rests his head on Iorveth's shoulder, sighing. ]

Do try to be careful. The sunlight means nothing to me without you there to bask in it with me.