[ Not long ago, Astarion would have taken this as a hint that Iorveth wants to get rid of him. 'Do you want me to reconsider?' he'd snap, made insecure by the mere suggestion of ending their relationship. He'd be lying if he said part of him didn't still feel that way, didn't doubt that Iorveth could really care for him the way he claims to. Time and time again, though, Iorveth has been there, consistent in his affections. It's enough to almost make Astarion believe that he really is someone who somebody could love.

He ties off the end of the bandage, then folds his forearms on the edge of the mattress and rests his chin atop them, red eyes watching Iorveth with just as much interest as the tortoiseshell's green ones. ]

And seeing the cadre of starving spawn in Cazador's dungeon might make one reconsider staying with a vampire.

[ Nobody's perfect. They've both got flaws. ]

The last thing I want is to leave. I— [ He stumbles over his words, ears turning red. Funny how he can say all sorts of depraved things without feeling the slightest bit embarrassed, but saying something nice makes his whole face feel hotter than Avernus. ] I do love you.

[ Saying so makes him feel like a foolish little child playing at adulthood. Iorveth, at least, knows what it feels like to give and receive love. Astarion doesn't. Is this what it feels like? In truth, he's not certain, but it does feel like a terrible understatement to say I like you. ]

—Well, [ he says abruptly, pushing himself up off of the floor. ] I'm going to go see if that old biddy has anything for you to eat that isn't cat food.

[ The tortoiseshell meows, as if offended. ]