#Halsin/Astarion

[silverlunarella]

I always bring Halsin with me so I can get forehead kisses before and after spilling the blood of our enemies. uwu

[cylin-aka-ankamo]

Sleep perchance to Dream

[gale-dekarios]

quick halstarion sketch based off of this post. easiest way to rile up a massive druid? comparing hand sizes.

but be careful that you don't get more than you bargained for ;)

[stormcallart]

Camp kisses 💋

[charmandabear]

Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy

Summary:

Just some nice little smut inspired by Noctis’ Rockstarion render as well as Purple Danger Noodle’s incredible art. (Seen above, and I have permission to post this!)

Pairing: Astarion/Halsin Rating: Explicit Word Count: 2k Tags/Warnings: modern au, rock band au, band manager halsin, rockstarion, anal fingering, hand job, anal sex, desk sex, soft daddy dom Halsin, brat Astarion, blood drinking

I’d been meaning to post this for a while, but I figured today is a good day because tonight I’ll be streaming my Astarion origin run, right in time for Halsin’s romance scene! Check me out on Twitch, I’ll be streaming at 7:30 Central time. Hope to see you there!

Read it on AO3

Astarion swaggers offstage, covered in sweat and glitter, endorphins running high. He bursts into Halsin’s office only to find his manager bent over some papers with a serious expression on his face. Well, this simply won’t do at all. He pops himself onto the corner of Halsin’s desk, leather pants squeaking as he crosses his legs. Halsin glances up at him over his glasses, unamused by the rock star’s antics.

“Astarion,” he says in a low voice, a warning. A cheeky grin slides onto Astarion’s face as he nudges Halsin’s thigh with the toe of his boot. Halsin sighs, takes off his glasses, and stands to tower over Astarion.

“Another charge from the hotel. What on God’s green earth possessed you to steal the hair dryer? Did you need to rip it out of the wall?” He folds his beefy arms and fixes Astarion with a reproachful stare. Astarion uncrosses his legs and leans back on his hands, returning Halsin’s stern look with an impish one. Halsin steps between Astarion’s legs and slides a hand into his long silvery locks, giving a quick little tug. Astarion’s mouth pops open as a satisfied groan escapes his painted lips, his hips tipping forward to try to close the distance between them.

Halsin pulls him into a hard kiss, pressing his groin against the growing bulge in Astarion’s pants. He slips his tongue past the musician’s lips, the acrid taste of menthol cigarettes and tequila lingering in his mouth. He breaks the kiss, keeping their faces in close proximity.

“I thought I told you to stop smoking those awful things,” he says gruffly. “They’ll ruin your voice and then I’ll be out of a job.”

“Don’t worry, Daddy Halsin, with a talent like yours you’ll never be out of a job,” he says with a breathy chuckle, and reaches forward to palm his manager’s cock, earning a low grumble in return. Halsin tightens his hand in Astarion’s hair, who gasps and pulls his lips back into a smile, his fangs glinting in the low light of the office.

“I’ve told you not to call me that.” Halsin’s tone is threatening, but his rutting hips give him away. Astarion hooks his thigh high boots around Halsin’s waist and pulls him closer.

“So do something about it, daddy,” Astarion taunts, and with a single motion Halsin tears through Astarion’s pants, the leather ripping easily at the seams. The rock star isn’t wearing any underwear, most likely because he knew he was going to get lucky one way or another. His cock springs forth, pink bulbous tip already leaking with a drop of precum. Halsin takes it in his hand and swipes his thumb over the slit, gathering the liquid onto his finger.

“Open,” he commands and Astarion obeys instinctively, taking his thumb into his mouth and sucking ferociously. The taste of himself dances over his tongue and he looks up at Halsin with round coquettish eyes. Halsin returns the look, heavy lidded, his breath stuttering as Astarion’s tongue swirls around his thumb. With his other hand, he quickly undoes his belt, pulling out his own girthy cock and letting it land with a thump on the desk. When Astarion sees it, his moan vibrates through Halsin’s hand.

Halsin curls his fingers around Astarion’s jaw and pulls him forward so his lips can press against the pale elf’s ear. 

“Little one, how much of my cock do you think you’ll be able to take tonight? A third? Half?” he hums in a low tone, and Astarion shudders.

“All of it, please,” he whimpers as he pops Halsin’s thumb out of his mouth, a trail of saliva still connected to his lips. Halsin utters a low and dangerous chuckle, taking his slick thumb and pressing it to Astarion’s puckering rim. 

“Will you let me take the time to stretch you out properly? You have not been known for your patience, historically.” He pushes his thumb past his entrance and Astarion rewards him with a needy whine.

“Yes, please, I’ll be patient,” he says through gasping breaths, “just please don’t stop.” He lets his vinyl jacket slide off his arms and latches his hands onto the back of Halsin’s neck to brace himself.

Continuing to work his thumb inside Astarion, Halsin’s hand fumbles with his desk drawer, pulling out a jar of coconut oil. He yanks one of Astarion’s hands from his neck and presses the jar into his palm.

“Be good and open it for me, would you, love?” He grunts, focusing his energy on twisting and pumping his thumb. Astarion opens the jar eagerly, holding it out for Halsin to scoop it with his unoccupied hand. The sweet smell he now associates with fucking his manager wafts up to his nose and his cock twitches in response.

“Coming around on the coconut oil, are you?” Halsin laughs, and Astarion makes a failed attempt to pout.

“You fucking hippie,” he gasps, his voice completely overtaken by desire. Halsin takes a generous chunk of the white substance and it quickly melts on his warm fingers. He pulls out his thumb and replaces it with two oiled digits and Astarion drops the jar somewhere on the carpeted floor.

“That better not have broken, my Star,” Halsin warns as Astarion pushes himself further down onto his thick fingers. He roughly grabs the vampire’s pointed chin, holding it tight between his forefingers and the thumb that had just been inside him. “Understood? I’d rather not have to punish you for something so trivial.” A wide grin breaks out across Astarion’s lips.

“I promise, Daddy Halsin, when you punish me it will be for a very good reason,” he replies wickedly, running his tongue across the tip of his fangs. Halsin let out a primal growl before silencing him with another fierce kiss. He roughly thrusts his fingers into Astarion, putting the weight of his hips behind it. Halsin’s throbbing cock skids across the glossy surface of the desk, aching to be inside his obstinate charge. He scissors his fingers hastily and Astarion cries into his lips, hooking his heels into the soft flesh of Halsin’s ass.

“Well then why don’t you put those pretty little lips to good use before you give me one?” Halsin growls, pulling his fingers out and replacing them with the tip of his cock. He bares his neck to Astarion whose tongue darts over his lips hungrily. “Kissing and licking only, you must earn the right to bite,” he clarifies and Astarion lets out an exasperated whine that gets quickly cut off by Halsin pushing into him.

“Fuck, Astarion,” he groans as the musician licks the sweat from his neck. “You’re so tight, are you sure you can take it?”

“Yes, please,” he says on a breathy moan, his fingers coiling into Halsin’s auburn hair. “I need to feel you, I need to taste you, please, I can take it, I promise, I’ll be so good for you.” 

Halsin laughs quietly; he has such a way with lyrics, and yet it’s still so easy to reduce him to a babbling mess. He slides in a little deeper, Astarion panting and squeezing his eyes shut. Halsin grabs his chin again and brings the musician’s gaze to him.

“Look at me, my Star, look at me and breathe,” he coos gently and Astarion’s wet eyes lock onto Halsin’s face. He kisses him again, languid and slow this time, and pushes in a little further. “That’s my good boy, taking me so well.” Halsin strokes Astarion’s neglected cock, earning a stuttered whimper in response. His hips cant into Halsin’s hand, desire and need driving him forward.

“You’re almost there,” Halsin continues his tender coaxing, “and you feel so good, my Star.” His forehead falls onto Astarion’s shoulder, the spice from his cologne overtaking his senses. He’s trying to control his speed, but his head grows cloudy with the rocker’s heady scent and he pushes a little too fast. Astarion cries out in response and Halsin instinctively pulls out slightly.

“No, please don’t stop,” Astarion mewls pathetically, “I can take it, I need you inside me, please Halsin.”

“So hungry,” Halsin laughs, “but for my cock or my blood, I wonder?” Astarion clings to his hair and tightens his legs, pulling Halsin in completely until he bottoms out. They both groan loudly, their voices mixing together in a symphony of hedonistic desire. 

“Hnng, such a good boy,” Halsin wheezes and tilts his head, exposing his neck. “My good boy has earned his reward.” Astarion sinks his fangs into Halsin’s thick jugular and drinks deeply, his sweet blood flooding his mouth and rushing directly to his cock. He grabs onto the collar of Halsin’s button down, his breaths coming in short stuttered puffs with each thrust of Halsin’s cock. Halsin growls wordlessly into Astarion’s ear, his lips brushing against the tip. Astarion unlatches from Halsin’s neck, blood dripping down his front and splashing onto his chest, seeping easily through his mesh shirt.

“Must you always leave a mess wherever you go?” Halsin grumbles and Astarion lasciviously licks blood off his fingers.

“But you’ll put up with it for this tight little hole,” he responds with a cheeky grin, the recent blood he drank making him bold. Halsin roughly pulls out of him and grabs the leather collar around his neck, pulling him closer.

“What was that about me punishing you for a good reason?” he hisses, and before Astarion can respond the burly elf has him flipped around and bent over the desk, his rock hard cock caught between the smooth mahogany and the leather strap across his stomach. Halsin grabs hold of Astarion’s silver locks and pulls his head up as he continues fucking him from behind. 

“You’ll clean up after yourself, won’t you little Star? Say ‘Yes, Daddy Halsin.’” Halsin’s voice is gruff and stuttered, and Astarion can tell he’s getting close. The friction from Halsin’s thrusts pushing his cock into the desk is bringing Astarion to the precipice as well.

“I thought you didn’t like it when I called you that,” Astarion rasps, his words losing some of their sharp edge given how strangled they are. Halsin pulls harder on Astarion’s hair and the rock star gasps out a laugh.

“Yes, Daddy Halsin,” he huffs, and his compliance earns him Halsin’s hand on his cock. He groans with relief, pushing his hips back into his manager’s while also thrusting into his hand. 

“My beautiful Star,” he grunts into Astarion's shoulder, his thrusts losing pace and growing erratic. Astarion lets his head fall back, breathing heavy, losing himself in the sensations. Halsin pumps his hand vigorously and moans loudly when Astarion comes, his seed spilling over his fingers and dripping down onto the desk. A few more rough thrusts and Halsin's coming too, groaning and feeling Astarion clench around his pulsing cock.

The two of them still, panting and coming down off their sex-induced high. Halsin kisses Astarion’s shoulder and pulls out, stepping back to survey the damage. He has blood splattered across his collar and down his arm, sweat and semen mix together in the crumpled mess of papers on the desk. Astarion leans forward on his hands, giggling.

Halsin tucks his softening cock back into his pants and straightens his bloodied shirt. 

“Well now,” he says in a much more genial tone, “you can get started on cleaning up all of this, and I think I'll go take a shower.” Astarion whips around, fixing Halsin with a shocked glare.

“There is no way in hell am I cleaning up this mess,” he pouts, and Halsin hooks a finger through the o-ring on Astarion's collar, a dangerous smile playing on his lips.

“You will, little Star, if you don't want the hotel damages to come out of your bottom line,” he murmurs, reaching around and giving Astarion’s bare ass cheek a tight squeeze. “But I suppose you've earned the right to clean yourself up first.” He tugs on Astarion's collar and the musician stumbles forward, his lips curling into a smile as Halsin leads him to the shower in the adjacent room.

[baldurs-gape]

True Freedom

Tadpole or not, 200 years of habit was hard to break. The fact Cazador had offered to ally himself with the party in exchage for Astarion had been sickening. Even worse was that the answer wasn't an immediate "no" or "fuck off" which Astarion had really been needing to hear. Instead they had reached a stalemate of sorts that was to be resolved over a glass or two of wine and blood. If only Astarion hadn't been pulled aside into a lavish room and told to make himself presentable; which meant finery, demurely revealing clothes and a complete wrapping up of the personality Astarion had managed to tease out during his freedom.

While Astarion was sorting himself out, Cazador glided back to the rest of the party with a small, almost apologetic smile.

"You'll have to excuse the boy, he's been acting under my orders."

"Your orders mean nothing, not when a tadpole has ousted you," Gale replied, finger raised and wagging to drive his point home. "Astarion's been free for the first time in so long."

Something akin to pity made Cazador's face twist into a mockery of emotion. "My dear, you are too young to understand such things. I didn't want to hurt you, but allow me to prove my point. Astarion, as always, has been loyal to me and only me."

Even Halsin looked a little put off by that, face scrunching up in concerned disagreement.

"Are you saying he feigned being in love?"

Laughing lightly, Cazador shook his head. "I am so sorry if he has hurt your feelings. Astarion has always been a bit on the greedy side when it came to feeding his ego. But the only thing that boy loves is himself."

"I refuse to believe that!" Gale stood up, helpless to do anything in the face of such words. No spell could refute the words, make them fall on deaf ears.

"Very well. Allow me to prove my point. If you'd be kind enough to make yourselves invisible, I'll permit you to be present while I talk to the boy."

Exchanging glances, the group nodded to each other. Vials of potions of invisibility were distributed and murmurs for scrolls and spells filled the air. Eventually, they were all invisible and headed to the room where Astarion was veritably lounging, a goblet of something deep red in his hand. He looked comfortable and cocky in a way he hadn't been at camp. In fact, he looked right at home.

"Tell me, my boy, how have you ingratiated yourself with the be-wormed group?" After a beat, Cazador added, "Tell me like you'd tell Petras, be concise and clear so he could easily understand."

"Master-" Astarion swirled the liquid in the goblet before setting it aside, "-even Petras could do it with ease. As long as he can remember who is who."

"And who, exactly, is who?"

"The group is made up of six core members, they each have their weaknesses. Take Wyll for example, a desperate boy at heart in need of feeling like he could be a hero and his daddy would approve of him at long last. Simper about monsters to him, present one bigger than yourself and he'll be eager to become the shining night to your damsel in distress."

"Good. Who else?"

"Lae'zel, all that's needed to win her over is to give her a decent fight. I've calculated that a 60-40 ration of losses to wins is enough to keep her at peak attention. Let her win 60% of the time so she's not disheartened but grind her to dust the other 40% of the time. Give her a hard fight plus a hard fuck and she'll do all the fighting for you."

"That's two, what about the other four?" Through it all, Cazador stayed impassive, watching Astarion who seemed hesitant for a moment until Cazador pressed, "Tell me, little one."

"Shadowheart is a mean bitch. A bottle of wine and some barbed comments and she's your new best friend. Meanwhile, Karlach is the opposite in a way. She wants a friend, she craves touch since her engine has been contained. A friendly shove, a pat on the back with some praise and she's putty."

"That leaves Halsin and Gale, am I right?"

"As you always are." Astarion smiled though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Pitiful really. A tree hugger who likes sex almost more than nature. Bend over in a field of flowers for him, let him be as animalistic as he wants and he'll be like a pathetic puppy, ready to roll over and do as told." Swallowing, Astarion looked away from Cazador who stood, waiting and immobile. "Then there's Gale. Discarded and demoted. Marvel at his silly little cantrips, praise him for any spell and give him a bit of good old mortal romance. All he needs is some admiration to wrap him around your little finger."

Cazador nodded. "I see. That will be all for now. Be good and stay quiet until Godey comes to fetch you."

Like that, Cazador marched out and the invisible group followed like disillusioned ducklings. Back in the room Cazador had set aside, they all slowly turned visible again.

"As you can see, he has always been working for me. He needed your protection and needed to bring you to me. Initially you were to be a meal but I see now your value in fighting against The Absolute." Looking them all in the eye in turn, Cazador spoke, "Drop the foolish endeavour of keeping him 'safe' and being his 'friend'. Allow him to return to my side and I'll offer assistance in the fight to come with some of the bravest and best spawn. They'll make you forget Astarion and the heartbreak he's wrought."

Anger and disappointment made for a bitter mix. Without having to really even discuss it, the group trailed out, Halsin's arm around Gale. The soft "but I loved him" was met with "I know, me too", voices drenched in heartbreak.

With the group out of the way, Cazador sent for Godey to fetch Astarion. His wayward spawn was harshly shoved to his knees even as he glanecd around desperately for the others.

"What have you done to them? Where are they?" Panic clawed at Astaion's throat.

"Left. They weighed up your worth against mine and made the obvious choice. Did you really think you could win against me in any race, little one?"

Face falling, Astarion snarled. "You monster! I hate you!"

Staring impassively down at him, Cazador watched. "When you're quite done." He waited a beat but Astarion remained silent. "If you're so miserable here then I release you. No more compulsions. Go if that's what you desire. I have no need of you."

For a moment Astarion didn't move. Then he was scrambling to his feet and staggering towards the door, eyes wild at the prospect of escape.

"That's it," Cazador sneered. "Run if you want to. I've already replaced you, no doubt so has your little party of so-called friends. You'll be crawling back here in no time, you'll see."

"Never." The word was near enough spat as Astarion turned and scurried towards freedom. He had to find the rest of the group, give them a piece of his mind about being left behind. But he could maybe forgive them because, deep down, Astarion knew his help was worth less than Cazador's. Maybe, if he hadn't given his cold dead heart to two people in the group, he'd have chosen the same.

It was only back at the Elfsong that Astarion caught up with his friends. Near enough tumbling through the door in desperation to get home and share the news of his freedom, he clattered through the door. Icy silence greeted him and cold eyes stared.

"Well," he huffed, trying to break the strange mood, "an apology would be a nice start."

"I don't think my father would approve of me apologising to a monster," Wyll called, eyes narrowed to a glare.

"If you want an apology, I'll need to start winning our sparring sessions under my own merit." Walking closer, Lae'zel had her sword in hand in a rather unfriendly merit. "Even if by some miracle our ratios swap."

Gulping, Astarion tried to place the words and the hostility. He eyed as Halsin approached, looking more heartbroken than angry. "I would have helped protect you without you needing to trample my heart. Gale's heart. You could have always said no to my advances, especially if my wildshape caused you more harm than pleasure."

Helpless, Astarion glanced towards Karlach who snorted. "Don't look at me. Even your gaze repulses me now, let alone your touch."

"I had to say all that!" Astarion's voice buckled. "What did he tell you?"

"Nothing." Gale stepped next to Halsin, eyes red rimmed and puffy. "You did all the talking. Were we ever worth anything to you?"

"Just take what's yours and leave," Shadowheart butted in. "You're not welcome here but it seems I'm the only bitch mean enough to say it. Gather your belongings, you have a minute."

The group parted and Astarion hesitantly walked past, head turning to keep an eye on Lae'zel and her sword. Once past them, he darted for his bed where he kept things stashed. Except, truth be told, none of it was his, not really. Everything was stolen, borrowed with no intention of returning. There was only one thing that was his and only his. Grabbing the flimsy, moth eaten blanket he'd taken from Cazador's palace, he had one more thing to do. Dressed in his old clothes, the only ones he could truly call his, he headed for the door.

"I didn't mean any of it. You don't understand, if I didn't say what he wanted to hear, how he wanted to hear it, he'd have killed me! Now he's set me free." His words went ignored as the group sat on the couches, turned away from him. Desperate, Astarion threw one more thing out, wanting Halsin and Gale to look at him, to maybe see the truth in his eyes. "I love you!"

Shadowheart approached and gave him a flat look. "Your silver tongue isn't going to get you anywhere. Go running back to your master, little spawn. You already took more than your fair share from us. There's nothing left for you here."

Just like that, Astarion trudged out of the Elfsong. He looked back over his shoulder and watched as Shadowheart closed the door in his face with a finality that made something ache with terror in his chest. The whole world was his oyster yet the only place he wanted to be was now forever denied to him.

In the tavern, the mood was somber. Nobody quite knew what to say and Gale intermittently sniffled as his broken heart's jagged edges caught on hiw raw emotions. It was safe to say they were all in various states of shock, the betrayal of their companion sat heavily upon them. They stayed up late into the night, half expecting Astarion to try and sneak back in. Instead there was a knock on the door.

"Do you think it's him?" Gale whispered to Halsin.

It was a blessing yet a curse to find Dalyria on their doorstep. She looked behind Wyll, as if searching for someone. Shifting to block her view, Wyll tried to be kind. "Can we help?"

"Please. I don't know how you did it. He was always the favourite. But if Cazador has let him go, maybe he'll let the rest of us free too."

Nostrils flaring in annoyance, Wyll shook his head. "We did nothing. Astarion returned to his master as he wanted, of his own volition."

A small laugh escaped Dalyria. "No. Astarion would never return by himself. He was always plotting his escape, even when he could barely move, he promised me he'd get out and he'd try and take us with him. Promised through a broken jaw and barely intact throat."

"If he set you up to this, please, just leave. We know what he thinks of us, heard it right from his mouth. You'll need to take up the matter of your freedom with Cazador, that's not something we can do for you."

Dalyria's face fell. "I don't know what you heard. But I had to help him get ready for his meeting with Cazador. He said that if anyone can help it would be you. Even if you didn't think him worthy enough not to trade away for more firepower. I've never seen him so hopeful. Or healthy."

Uncertainty took root in Wyll. As much as he didn't want to believe Darylia, wanted to stick to his own truth that Astarion had used them, it just didn't feel so true now that the harsh burn of hurt had ebbed away.

"Stupid istik!" Lae'zel's words snapped Wyll to attention and he turned to find her. The others were also migrating towards the other side of the large room where she was sifting through what Astarion had left behind. Or rather, all of Astarion's belongings. There were pouches filled with insignificant magic trinkets and the emroidery on the canvas simply read 'snacks' in a rich purple. In another bag were healing potions, scrolls, alchemical ingredients. Not to mention the armour and weaponry that Astarion had been so fond of. "The she'lak only took what was literally his."

"What does that mean?" Gale looked helpless, hands fisted in his robes so he didn't clutch the snacks bag to his chest in place of where he wanted to hold Astarion.

Eyes closed, Halsin took a deep breath. He was beaten to speaking by Karlach.

"I think it means we made a real mess of things, soldier. Astarion always said Cazador was a master manipulator."

"We need to find him," Halsin said softly. "We have connected some dots but missed the picture as a whole."

It was easier said than done. Baldur's Gate was sprawling with ample places for Astarion to hide, especially given his knack for getting into places he shouldn't.

"He used to spend time in the graveyard," Darylia offered. "He probably went there."

An odd place for a vampire to want to spend time. There were a few other places to search first, taverns and houses they'd gained access through via not quite rightful means. Astarion wasn't in any of them. Reluctant to believe Darylia, Halsin and Gale made their way to the graveyard. Shadowheart was already there, searching with Wyll.

"Over there!" Karlach called as quietly as her excitement allowed. "By my parents' graves!"

Sure enough, a lone figure was huddled by the headstone of a grave near Karlach's parents. He didn't move when the others stood around him.

"Astarion? What are you doing here?" Halsin asked. Slowly, he sank to his knees within reaching distance but he held back from reaching out.

Slowly, Astarion turned to look at him and eyed all the others.

"Come to do what I couldn't?"

"Which is?"

A stake clattered on the ground by Halsin's knee.

"No! Little star, never!"

Gale joined Halsin on the cold ground but he didn't hold back from extending a hand and squeezing Astarion's shoulder. "What were you going to do instead?"

"Go to the palace." The words were nothing more than a whisper. "He said I'd go crawling back and he's always right. It's the only place where my presence is accepted in this world."

Swallowing thickly, Gale had to hold back his tears. "But all those horrible things you said?"

"It was what he needed to hear. I didn't want-" Astarion cut himself off, eyes squeezed shut. "I didn't want you to see what he could reduce me to. And you needed him for the fight. Between him and I, we all know who has more value."

"You do," Halsin rumbled. He copied Gale and reached for Astarion. Rather than just touch, he tugged and ended up with a lapful of cold, shivering vampire.

"I have nowhere else to go. Just wanted to see one last sunrise. He'll take it from me, no doubt. Wanted to see my grave in the light just once."

Sure enough, it was Astarion's grave they were sitting by. Something made Gale's throat tighten but he pushed through it.

"Come home. Come back to us."

"I'm not welcome there anymore."

Various murmurs of disagreement went up as the others tried to reassure Astarion that he was actually very much welcome there.

"You left most of your shit at the tavern," Shadowheart grumbled. "I'm not cleaning up after you."

Something akin to a wet laugh bubbled out of Astarion. They had a long way to go yet before things were fixed again, nothing was resolved yet. But there was hope and that had to be good enough for now.

[sleep-deprived-onion]

A druid walks out of a bar-

Halstarion doodle based on the post by @vole-mon-amour and my brain a few days ago bone apple teeth <3

[strawberrycheeseycake]

Under the moon's embrace

[halsinsnaturepocket]

WIP Wednesday - Help me decide where to go with my Fic

Help me make a decision on the direction of my fic Yearning for a Taste I'm going to post what I have so far under the cut. Consider it a teaser, or a chapter 1 with a cliffhanger. (This is a bit that might make it into my longifc, but I'm playing around with it as a oneshot with a generic femme Tav because I think its hot and can go in a few different directions and I'd like to explore those directions.) Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure fic and the final piece will be posted on Ao3 reblogging for sample size / commenting&tagging with suggestions is always encouraged :3 MINORS DNI

Summary:

After one night in the shadow-cursed lands, Halsin is in his tent minding his own business reading a book when he hears Tav allowing Astarion to feed on her but it becomes….more.

Halsin hears the whole thing and is trying to be Normal about it, but the poor elf has been pent up for so long and is trying to focus on lifting the curse...but alas, he has needs.  CW: Voyerism, dirty talk, Astarion feeding on Tav

Halsin was lying in his tent, using a bedroll to prop himself up as he read one of the books Tav had managed to find during her travels. A book on mindflayer anatomy - a fascinating read, bringing him further insights into the threat they were facing. His attention was so focused he almost didn’t hear the sounds of two people meeting up near his tent. Unfortunately for him, his hearing was rather keen, and the secluded clearing he had settled in blocked out most of the noises from camp, but not the sounds of anyone in the clearing.

“Gods you're such a little freak,” he heard one voice purr. “You're so good to me, sitting in my lap, letting me feed on you.” The praise was followed by the sound of lips smacking against skin followed by a soft moan – he recognized those voices. 

“Did you want more, darling?” Astarion’s voice was silken, lined with hazy lust. “Or did you just want to be my little snack for the evening?”

“You’re sure you saw Halsin go towards the north of camp?” She heard her whisper.  That was most definitely Tav, her soft voice was very distinctive. There was nobody else that voice could belong to.

“Almost positive, my dear. There’s no light on in his tent either, he’s probably off meditating or whatever it is he gets up to.”

They were quiet for a moment. It was true, he had wandered to the north of camp earlier in the evening, but while everyone was enjoying a meal by the fire, he had returned to his tent, rather exhausted from trying desperately to commune with whatever living things he could find in the shadow-blighted village that surrounded them. There wasn’t much, and his efforts had expended quite a bit of his magic. 

“NNnnf…Don't stop…” Her voice was barely a whisper, a near-silent plea. 

Halsin squirmed uncomfortably in his tent. Of all the people to have a liaison behind his tent…it had to be these two. From the sounds of it, Astarion was drinking from her neck, his hands likely snaking beneath her clothes, pleasuring her…

Halsin was desperately trying not to listen in. He had been pent up for so long, and the two of them had tried a few times to bed him; it had taken everything in him not to give in. He was glad they sought company with each other, but did it need to be right outside of his tent? There was a pause in their sounds, and he breathed a sigh of relief. Hopefully they were through. Hopefully he would just bite her and be done with it. 

His hopes were futile as he heard a soft gasp escape from Tav. “Astarion–gods that feels so good.” 

“Breathe a bit deeper for me darling - that's it.” He heard Astarion coax. “Good girl, that's my good little treat. You're so nice and wet for me…” 

Halsin turned on his side, his back towards their sounds as he tried desperately to focus on the words swimming around the page of his book, trying to ignore the sound of the two of them, but it proved…difficult. Her stifled moans were stirring emotions he had been trying to suppress for far too long. Both Tav and Astarion had long since held his attention - maybe it was just the kindred feeling of being around two other elves, or maybe it was more…He didn't want to think about it. He had to stay focused on his goals, the shadowcurse lurked right outside the edge of their camp. He couldn't entertain such frivolous thoughts of companionship —

A loud moan interrupted his thoughts. 

“Bite me again, Astarion.” 

“With pleasure.” He heard him murmur, followed by the sound of Tav hissing from the sting of being bit, followed by another soft moan. 

“Gods you taste so sweet when you're on the edge…cum for me darling. Cum while I drain you dry.”

Halsin froze, recalling the sensation of Astarion’s fangs when he sunk into his flesh. He had allowed the spawn to feed on him once or twice when Tav was too exhausted. It was an intimate experience, to say the least. Silvanus forgive him, but it must feel amazing at the precipice of pleasure, to be on the edge of pure ecstasy and feel yourself shaking with the cold chill of life being drained—fuck. He turned his attention back to his book. "Many curious scholars have noted the illithid's disdain for arcane magic, yet do not understand the reasons behind it. In traditional illithid circles--" Yes, quite interesting, to find that illithids were weak to magic. He had noted the tadpole he studied had reacted to arcane magic when used on it. He had read this same sentence at least 4 times now.

“Oh gods, fuck, Astarion!” He heard Tav cry. They weren't even trying to be quiet anymore. 

He couldn’t avoid it any longer. The familiar sensation of arousal gripped at his senses as he felt his heartbeat quicken and his trousers grow tighter. If they kept this up for much longer he’d have to find a way to relieve the tension himself.

“Shhh… my love you'll wake up the whole camp at this rate,” he said, a twinge of teasing laced with lust spilled from his voice. 

Halsin had always wondered what sounds Tav would make…he'd heard her laugh, cry…her sneeze even. He savored the sound of her moving, of humming to herself. Her battlecry, her happiness…they were all so beautiful. But the sounds of her ecstasy…he didn't realize they could sound so sweet. 

“Don't make me gag you darling.” He heard her moans become muffled, as though a hand had come to cover her mouth…likely exactly what was happening. 

Halsin gritted his teeth, picturing the image of Tav tied up his vines, a thin cloth gagging her. And then the thought of her entwined in the pale elf, one hand over her mouth while the other was plunging himself into her sopping wet cunt while a trickle of blood from his fangs runs down her neck… He couldn't help himself. A groan escaped from him. He stifled himself, a worried hand covering his mouth, trying not to let the longing into the sound that dared escape his throat.

The sounds stopped. Utter silence. The silent eeriness from the shadowlands was not helping. 

“Shit–Astarion you said he wandered off to the north of camp, is Halsin IN HIS TENT?”  He heard Tav whisper angrily. They had heard him. Hopefully…this would pass, and it would never be brought up again. 

“I–ugh, I don't know, Tav, I thought I saw him leave his tent. What's it matter anyway?…I'm sure he’s enjoying the show. If he was so inclined he could join if he wants. Though, perhaps he’s deep in a trance.”

“Gods…damned it Astarion—” She moaned loudly. 

‘Should I stop?” He asked. 

[reformedvillain]

I just like the idea of Sebastian being included in the Halsin/Astarion polycule, sue me

[silverlunarella]

"You'll be given love

You'll be taken care of

You'll be given love

You have to trust it"

When a "quick sketch" turns into a full drawing session.

I am never drawing Astarion's scars by hand again. 💀

Pencils on paper and digital colors.

[denimaww]

Halstarion draft

Currently writing chapter 7 for my halstarion fic Desire flowers wherever it finds purchase (here on AO3)

Draft: “Where did you go?” Astarion's tone of accusation is not entirely concealed despite his best efforts, and he hopes Halsin will miss it. 

“To the springs that you and Gale found, when you so laboriously sought the jewelweed. They were not on the map, and I had to see them for myself. We are likely to move camp there today. Everyone is in need of a bath and by Silvanus’s grace we’re blessed with warm waters.” 

It mattered little to him in this moment, where they were moving on to or what was to be found there. But to know that his and Gale’s discoveries meant something to them all, satisfied a small piece of him. 

“I see. I suppose I could use a rinse myself. These travels prove distastefully unhygienic.” He complains, content to hear a rumbling chuckle on the other side of the tree. 

“Ah, distastefully unhygienic. Tell me, is that why you ran off with my distasteful clothing? To wash it?” Halsin’s tone is light and amused, though there is genuine curiosity as well. Well-founded, too.

A cold wave of being found out rushes over Astarion, like having a bucket of ice tipped onto his head. Followed by the warmth of embarrassment, a flush so strong that it would’ve colored any living creature a bright red.

[gale-dekarios]

idk what bg3 put into those elves but goddamn do i need all of them carnally

[bloodlessbhaalbabe]

Pleading the Fifth - Part Two: Unwrapping a Present

Summary: Now that Astarion and Halsin spent the night together, the desire they feel for one another strengthens and Astarion wants to treat Halsin to a little gift.

Rating: Explicit

Length: 6,328 Words

Relationship: Halsin & Astarion, Halstarion

Modern!AU, CEO Halsin and Lawyer Astarion.

Yet again, thank you so much to @tatterings & @lotsofthinkythoughts for beta-ing and reviewing. I wouldn't be writing without you two. &lt;3

Part One on Tumblr or AO3 // Part Two on AO3 & Below

Part Two

The following morning, Astarion woke up pressed between Halsin and the chaise, his legs and arms sprawled across the larger man’s body. Both his eyes and mouth were dry and the corners of his eyes were crusty. His typically coiffed waves were spiraled in all directions. His bangs flopped down onto his forehead. He blinked into the distance and took a half-lidded look around the office. Towels and blankets littered the floor, and the soft morning sun filtered through the sides of the window shades. Underneath him, Halsin stopped snoring; he twitched slightly as he was awakened by the shift in pressure at his side. He opened his eyes, blinking blurrily until they focused on the white puff of hair below him.

Halsin ran his fingers through Astarion’s silky strands and pushed them from his forehead. The muscles in his arm ached, sore from last night’s exercise.

“There you are,” Halsin joked with a smile, “Good morning. How did you sleep?”

Astarion blinked slowly up at him with a straight face. Halsin’s hand trailed down to brush away some dried spittle that lingered on the corner of Astarion’s mouth with his thumb.

“Mmph,” Astarion grunted in response before laying his head back down. His nose pressed into Halsin’s neck.

“Ah, not a morning person. Our afternoon meetings make a lot more sense now,” Halsin said with a chuckle. He ran his fingers softly up and down Astarion’s back, noting the way his fingertips caught on a few ridges on the lawyer’s skin.

“And you being a morning person makes perfect sense,” Astarion mumbled into Halsin’s skin.

Halsin chuckled and pressed a kiss into Astarion’s forehead, his hand cupping Astarion’s jaw. He gently tilted Astarion’s face upward. Halsin leaned down, pressing his lips to Astarion’s, and kissed him slowly. Their tongues gently danced against one another, neither one of them caring about the taste of their morning breath. Astarion moaned happily into the kiss; the sides of his mouth curled into a smile. Halsin pulled away, his teeth slightly dragging against Astarion’s bottom lip.

“Let me buy you breakfast,” Halsin whispered against his lips. “A coffee. Croissant. Anything.”

“If you insist,” Astarion laughed softly and pushed himself up from Halsin’s embrace.

Both men moved to sit up. Halsin ran his tired hands over his face and through his hair as a makeshift comb. He pressed his hands onto his knees and stood up with a grunt.

Most of the morning was spent in contented silence as both men wandered through the office; it could bear no evidence of their after-hours activities. Astarion shuffled along, pulling on his clothes and tidying up the office. Halsin jogged up to the roof to retrieve the empty bottle, glasses, and shirts from the night before; he took special care to clean any remaining residue from their endeavors. As Halsin walked back into his office, he caught Astarion bent over, placing the neatly folded blankets back into the closet.

Halsin’s eyes trailed down Astarion’s back and saw a handful of raised, scarred circles dotted over his skin. He frowned as he observed them, wondering how he had missed them entirely during their shower together. The marks looked as though they had been mindfully placed to keep them well-hidden. Curiosity pulled at him. Not wanting to cause unnecessary awkwardness, he chose not to ask about them and pushed it to the back of his mind for now. A heaviness in his chest lingered momentarily, but faded once Astarion turned around and greeted him with a smile.

Astarion plucked his shirt from Halsin’s grasp and thanked him with a kiss on his cheek.

The men took one last look around the room and nodded at their job well done. Without a word, Astarion strode out of the office and turned to look at Halsin.

“Stay there a moment,” Astarion requested, as his hand lingered on the door handle. “I’m going to close this. In five seconds, I need you to scream as loud as you can.”

Halsin cocked his head in confusion and a wide smile crinkled his eyes. “Very well,” he said, amusement rising in his voice.

Astarion closed the door and took a step back, counting down the seconds. Nothing. He smirked to himself and opened the door again. “Did you do it?”

“Yes, I did. As loud as I could possibly yell,” Halsin laughed.

“Interesting,” Astarion said. His eyes glittered with mischief.

“Why?” Halsin asked using Astarion’s same inflection. “You’re not planning on killing me, are you?”

Astarion looked up at Halsin with wide, innocent eyes. “No, no. Just wanted to test a theory. Don’t worry about it, darling,” he said with a wave of his hand.

Halsin’s eyebrows pinched together. His thoughts spiraled to what Astarion could have up his sleeve. He defaulted to ideas that were not workplace appropriate, and his heart pounded in his chest. Halsin shook his head and exhaled at the lawyer, letting him have two secrets for now.

After breakfast, they parted ways with a kiss and a promise; they would keep in contact over the weekend until their standing meeting on Monday afternoon.

Halsin returned home for the evening. He padded around the dark hardwood floors, checking his phone as it buzzed, embracing the warmth of contentment with every message received from Astarion. For the first time in a long while, Halsin’s shoulders did not sag with the weight of loneliness that often came with how isolated his property was. Instead, while chatting with Astarion, he found comfort in the quiet solitude of his home.

Late into the night, Halsin had texted Astarion that he was heading to bed for the evening. Astarion’s reply was almost immediate:

What are you wearing?

Moments later, Astarion’s portrait glowed on Halsin’s caller ID. His heart skipped a beat before he answered. His inquiry devolved into a heated, breathy conversation which ended with both men’s hands wrapped around their own cocks and covered in their own spend.

Their texting conversation carried on throughout the day Sunday. Both men sent pictures of their events for the weekend. Halsin stayed home to clean up his house after not having been there in about a week, while Astarion had been invited by a friend to go to a drag show.

That evening, Halsin’s phone vibrated in his pocket every few minutes. Images of Astarion’s friends dancing and wearing lingerie poured into Halsin’s phone. Halsin smiled as he scrolled through them, admiring the slightly drunk grin plastered upon Astarion’s face.

You are a vision, Astarion. Let me know if you need someone to give you a ride home, Halsin texted.

Yu jst want 2 see me agin 😘, Astarion sloppily replied . His horrible grammar, unheard of during their normal communications, pulled a laugh from Halsin.

That is true, but I will not intrude on your night out. I only want for your safety, my heart, Halsin replied. Before he had the opportunity to lock his phone, three little dots jumped along the bottom of his screen as Astarion typed out his response.

AwwWw, so cute. Im saf. 😇Promise. The dots popped up immediately after Halsin received his message. Next tim ur coming with me.

Halsin’s thumbs pecked out his response: Are you going to be performing in lingerie like your friends? His thumb hovered over the “send” button. He bit his lip as he sent his response.

You wuld like that, woulnt you? 😈, read Astarion’s reply.

Absolutely. Halsin smiled at his phone. He felt himself swaying side to side as he sat on his bed. He nearly laughed when he realized he could kick his feet at how giddy Astarion made him feel. It was like he was a teenager again, waiting for his crush to call him after school.

Astarion’s response was suddenly free of typos and emojis: That could be arranged. The animated dots appeared again, and moments later, a second half flickered onto Halsin’s screen: If you’re good enough.

Halsin sucked in a deep breath as he typed his reply. Looking forward to it.

Their chats dwindled after that, but Halsin tossed under his blankets waiting for one last text from Astarion letting him know he got home safely.

He received a picture of Astarion with one of his friends, a shorter girl with long black hair and bangs, kissing him on the cheek that read: Made it home safe. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow.

Halsin smiled to himself, his cheeks aching from grinning all day. He set the alarm on his phone and snuggled down into his bed, quickly falling asleep.

___________________

The following Monday, Halsin sat behind his desk, although the word ‘sitting’ had to be used loosely. He was nearly vibrating with energy; his leg bounced as he read and re-read his emails. He glanced over at the clock as it ticked closer to noon.

Astarion had messaged him an hour ago. It was a picture of his calendar reminder of their meeting with a text that said: See you soon.

Halsin had not been able to focus the entire morning, even before the text. He had gone to the gym in his building as soon as he arrived to burn off some of his energy, but it did not help.

Halsin felt silly at the way he felt nervous about seeing Astarion all of a sudden. His heart had raced since he woke up that morning. They had seen each other regularly for years prior and he had never been jittery. He had always been pleased to see his lawyer, and had thoroughly enjoyed his company and friendship over the years. But that pleasure paled in comparison with the intensity he felt now.

He showered, sprayed on cologne, and walked around in a circle. He made eye contact with himself in his office’s bathroom mirror. A smile pulled at the sides of his lips.

“Get it together, Halsin,” he told the mirror, “It’s just Astarion.”

He noticed that his eyes dilated at the mere mention of his name. Halsin groaned. The feeling of his heart pounding in his chest returned; he sucked in a deep breath to calm himself as he left the bathroom and sat behind his computer.

After the first hour passed, Halsin was caught up on work. The pressing matter of his legal troubles would come later - whenever Astarion got there. His meeting was four hours away. Halsin stood up and decided to keep busy by making his rounds, speaking to his employees, checking in on their projects and chatting about their weekend.

He had gone through ten floors before he found himself back behind his desk once again, his leg bouncing, and watching the time slowly tick away.

Right on time, the ding of the elevator sounded and Halsin’s eyes shot up from his desktop. Astarion waltzed out, a hand in his pocket and a smirk upon his face.

Astarion’s body language was clear - he knew he was being watched from the moment he stepped into the lobby. Halsin’s mouth fell open as Astarion leaned over the receptionist's desk and smiled at her, engaging in some friendly banter as he normally did whenever he came in.

He wore a new suit. Under his coat, was a deep burgundy jacket paired with a silky, black button up and a matching black tie. He wasn’t wearing his glasses today, but instead accessorized with a golden watch, his trademark hoop earrings, a few shiny rings, and freshly-polished black leather shoes.

Halsin stood up, adjusted his trousers in the front, and walked around his desk to lean against his door frame. He crossed his arms, taking in the absolutely stunning man in front of him. Astarion glanced over and gave him a wink before returning to his conversation. Halsin’s breath caught in his throat and he clenched his jaw to maintain his composure. A curl dropped down onto Astarion’s forehead as he spoke. He dragged his fingers through his hair to put it back into place.

Halsin’s heart pounded in his ears. His fingers dug into his bicep and before he knew it he was yelling across the floor, "Astarion! I don't have all day!"

Astarion jumped and looked over at Halsin. His head cocked over to one side with his eyebrows raised. He licked his bottom lip before slowly dragging his teeth over it.

The office had gone silent; everyone’s heads turned to look at Halsin and then over at Astarion. Halsin felt a blush rise to his cheeks. He had never raised his voice before to anyone.

Astarion apologized to the receptionist and stood up straight, pulling his satchel up his shoulder. His eyes blazed with intrigue as he made his way to Halsin’s office. He maintained eye contact the entire time, seemingly blind of the curious onlookers.

Halsin stepped to the side and let Astarion pass through; he pulled the door shut just a little too hard, for good measure. The window shades fell shut with two quick pulls of the cords.

Just as the shades fell to the bottom of the window frames, Astarion dropped his satchel. He rushed at Halsin, grabbing him by the collar and pressing him up against the wall. A wicked, teasing grin lit up his face.

"Oh, I love it when you play boss with me,” Astarion leered, leaning in close. He rose to his tiptoes to do so. “You made everyone think that you’re mad at me, but they have no idea."

Halsin’s hands cupped each side of Astarion’s face as he pulled him into a desperate kiss. His tongue teased across the lawyer’s lips. Astarion opened his mouth and pressed his thigh between Halsin’s legs, pulling out a moan from the larger man.

Halsin was already half-hard in his slacks. Halsin’s hands moved from Astarion’s face to his waist, pulling him in closer, flush against his chest and firmly against his groin. Halsin pulled his lips away, breathless, and rested his forehead against Astarion’s.

"I missed you," Halsin said softly against his lips.

"It's been a day and a half," Astarion replied, leaning into his tall frame.

"I don't see your point," Halsin smiled, leaning forward to give him a quick peck. "You look phenomenal… but if you expect me to take anything you say seriously today, you chose your wardrobe poorly."

Astarion took a step back and did a little spin, smiling as Halsin lustfully ogled him from his position against the wall. “Well darling, normally I wouldn’t hide all of this behind layers when I see you, especially now,” he admitted coyly.

Halsin swallowed, completely transfixed on the lawyer’s movements as Astarion shrugged off his coat and tossed it over the desk. Halsin’s hands clenched into fists, his fingernails digging into his palms.

“But there was just… something about the idea of you unwrapping me like a present that intrigued me,” Astarion turned around, bringing his finger up to his lips in faux thought. His eyes dragged down Halsin’s massive form and he smiled, pleasantly delighted by Halsin’s feral, hungry gaze.

Halsin pushed himself from the wall. But before he could pull Astarion into another kiss, the smaller man’s hands grabbed Halsin’s wrists. Halsin allowed himself to be guided backwards until he felt the chaise on the back of his calves. Astarion gently pressed his hands against Halsin’s chest and forced him back onto the cushioned seat.

Halsin looked up at him, pupils practically taking up his entire iris, dilated in lust. Astarion brought up one of his smooth, polished shoes and pressed it onto Halsin’s throbbing groin. Halsin whimpered at the pressure, wrapping his large hands around Astarion’s leg, and rutted himself up against the sole of Astarion’s new Italian shoes.

Astarion pressed harder onto his groin, pulling out a moan from Halsin. "Ah, ah, ah, these were expensive. Untie them please."

Halsin’s hands slid down his leg and eagerly untied the knots in his laces. Astarion pulled his leg away, agonizingly slowly, and switched his feet. He pressed the hardened bottom of his other shoe onto the larger man’s aching member.

“And this one," Astarion commanded. His hands perched on each hip as he loomed over Halsin.

He grinned at Halsin’s restraint; Halsin’s teeth dug into his bottom lip, leaving indents behind in an attempt to control himself. Halsin untied Astarion’s shoe then grabbed his calf once more and pulled him closer, whimpering softly at the added pressure against his crotch. He ached to press kisses into Astarion’s shin, but just as soon as his lips brushed against the soft fabric of Astarion’s slacks, the lawyer pulled his leg away.

"Sweet Halsin, I didn't say you could touch me yet,” Astarion chastised, clicking his tongue in disapproval. He slowly took a few steps back. "You're going to sit there like a good boy and watch."

Astarion tugged at his tie, pulling it from its perfect knot, and tossed it on over to the desk.

“Seems like you’re the one doing the unwrapping,” Halsin huffed and leaned over, bracing his elbows on his knees. Halsin noticed a twitch of Astarion’s lips at his comment before he composed himself.

“Hmm, you’re right. But I’ve known you for years now. Your tells are obvious to me; I knew you would like this more,” Astarion replied, his fingers undoing the buttons of his shirt. It revealed a matching black tank top. Halsin swallowed, his throat bobbing visibly.

Astarion turned to face the desk, away from Halsin, as he let the shirt slowly slide down his arms. He delicately folded it atop his coat. Halsin admired the lean muscles that rippled along Astarion’s back. Halsin squinted at the lawyer in curiosity. More straps peeked from the fabric of the tank top.

As Astarion grabbed his undershirt on either side and pulled it above his head, Halsin’s eyes widened. Astarion continued to face away, so only the wall would witness his giddy smile. He heard a gasp catch in Halsin’s throat.

Wrapped around Astarion’s pale torso were several matte black straps. The straps met in the middle and rose vertically along Astarion’s spine. They were attached to a fabric collar circling Astarion’s throat. More delicate straps descended his sides, accentuating his hips before disappearing into his slacks. Lingerie. He was wrapped up like a present, indeed.

Halsin’s mind flashed to their conversation yesterday. That could be arranged. If you’re good enough.

Halsin slid his hand against his slacks. His fingertips grazed over his erection that pulsed against his thigh, gingerly stroking it as Astarion removed each garment. His cock pulsed at the slightest touch. A small wet spot of pre-cum soaked into the fabric of his pants. His other hand rested under his chin as he leaned forward.

Halsin’s eyes locked onto Astarion as he followed every movement. Desire pooled deep and ached inside Halsin’s stomach. Never before this moment had he felt a stronger urge to tear anyone apart with his teeth– to lick every divot Astarion had on his body from head to toe. Halsin’s mind went hazy with the need to devour Astarion. He needed Astarion to satisfy all of his senses.

Most of the time Halsin was a patient man. But watching him was excruciating. It was as though his skin was vibrating. His jaw clenched and he huffed out a breath of air. He wanted Astarion carnally.

Astarion pushed his toes onto the backs of his shoes and kicked them to the side. His rings hit the desk with a clatter. His hands shook slightly with excitement as they caressed his own body, sliding from his ribs down his waist, toward his belt. He hooked his thumbs behind his belt, pulling at it slightly.

He was being an insufferable tease. Halsin smacked his lips, trying to remedy the dryness in his mouth. “Astarion…” Halsin whimpered softly.

A wry smile tugged at the corners of Astarion’s mouth. He unlatched the leather belt, pulling it from the loops then placed it on the desk. His hands drifted back to the button of his slacks, undoing them slowly and sliding down the zipper.

His hands slid tauntingly over his skin as he tucked his fingers into the waistline and pushed down his slacks over his ass, bending over at the waist, until the fabric bunched at his ankles.

Astarion’s asscheeks looked almost damp as they glistened. Tucked in between his cheeks was a black lacy thong. Above the waistband of the panties was a banded garter belt resting snuggly against his hips. Halsin’s eyes followed the suspenders on the belt down; hooked into the thick bands of the black mesh stockings. The stockings accentuated Astarion’s well-muscled legs; Halsin’s cock pulsed again in response to the sight.

Astarion turned around and leaned back against the desk. Halsin’s eyes trailed upwards, taking in every detail of his outfit. Astarion shivered with delight; he felt like a three-course meal, set before a starving man.

Astarion’s cock pushed against the delicate fabric of his lacy panties; its flushed head slightly peeked up over the waistband. Around his chest was a matching bralette with a lacy leaf design covering up his nipples. The entire set was decorated with little golden studs where the straps connected. He looked expensive– like a piece of art painted by the finest renaissance artist.

Astarion, as though he had practiced choreography, bashfully looked down to the floor. He ran his hands up his thigh, grazing over the fabric covering his cock, and up his stomach. As his fingers pulled at the strap of his bralette, he raised his eyes to Halsin’s hunched-over figure. Halsin’s own erection pushed at the seams of his pants as he gawked, slack-jawed at the man in front of him.

"Astarion," Halsin whispered, pulling himself to the edge of his chair. "Please... Let me touch you."

"I’ll allow it,” Halsin moved to stand. “But only if you crawl.”

Halsin glanced up at Astarion and laughed, shaking his head and smiling wildly.

There was no question from him. In an instant, he dropped to his hands and knees and crawled over, his throbbing erection bouncing between his legs, straining against his slacks. Halsin pressed his lips to both of Astarion’s mesh-covered feet, then kissed his way up Astarion’s legs.

He paused for a moment to drag his wide tongue over the fabric covering Astarion’s cock. The lawyer shivered at his ministrations. Halsin sat back on his feet, and wrapped his large hands around Astarion’s hips. Astarion ran his fingers through Halsin's hair and took a small step closer.

"Do you want me, Halsin?" Astarion asked, his tone dripping with seduction.

Halsin had no voice; Astarion had stolen his breath away. He could only press his forehead and nose against Astarion's stomach. He nodded, a whimper rumbling in his throat.

“Well, well,” Astarion said, "You're an obedient pup, but way too quiet. I like it when my dogs bark. Do you want me, Halsin?"

"More than anything," Halsin choked out, as he looked up at Astarion. He smiled wide and brought his mouth closer to his lover’s twitching cock. Astarion pressed his hips forward as Halsin slid his tongue over the fabric once more, sucking on his length through the lace.

Astarion gasped softly, before pulling his hips backward. "Then beg,” he said, his voice a little unsteady.

Halsin dismissed his command with a smirk. He had been teased long enough. His hand pressed into the skin on Astarion’s inner thigh as his tongue slid along the edge of the fabric, trying to get a taste of him. Halsin’s mouth watered as it brushed against Astarion’s tender flesh. Astarion shivered and tightened his grip on Halsin’s hair. A warning.

Halsin again disregarded him, and nosed his way under the fabric. His teeth nipped at the edge of the lace and pulled until Astarion’s throbbing erection sprang loose.

Halsin had just opened his lips to wrap them around the head of Astarion’s cock when he felt a sharp tug at the crown of his head. Astarion had pulled his head backwards, away from his erection. It glistened at the tip, wet with pre-cum. Halsin pleaded with Astarion using only his big, round eyes.

"You can't beg with my cock in your mouth,” Astarion spat, his nose crinkling in mock frustration. He grabbed Halsin’s chin and pulled his mouth open, “But if you want it so badly then take it."

He thrust his cock into Halsin's eager mouth. A surprised moan vibrated the head of Astarion’s cock as it hit the back of Halsin’s throat. Halsin moved his hands to rest on Astarion's asscheeks, fingers pressing into his skin, letting Astarion grab him by the hair and fuck his mouth. Halsin’s eyes closed in focus, gagging only for a moment, before controlling his breathing.

"You seem to have forgotten who's actually in charge here. I don't give a shit whose name is on the door, Halsin,” Astarion grunted, sliding his cock deeper until Halsin’s nose was flush against his pubic bone. "You'll know your place soon enough."

Tears pooled in Halsin’s eyes but he moaned in agreement. Astarion gasped as Halsin pulled back just slightly. The larger man sucked on his aching shaft and swirled his tongue around the head of Astarion’s cock.

Pressure bubbled low in Astarion’s groin. Halsin felt Astarion’s grip tighten even further on his hair, and his belly fluttered with excitement as he prepared himself for Astarion’s climax. To his surprise, Astarion pulled his hips away. Astarion shoved at Halsin’s chest, hard, and he fell onto his back onto the office floor.

Halsin opened his mouth to protest, but Astarion took a step closer to him.

"Take off your pants... Now,” the lawyer commanded, his cock bobbing as he drew in ragged breaths.

Halsin nodded and immediately pulled his shirt from his pants. He unfastened his belt and then his pants buttons, his fingers slick from the lube Astarion used to prep himself. Halsin toed off his shoes. In one swift motion his pants and underwear were off and kicked to the side. Astarion stepped over his legs and placed his feet on either side of the large man’s torso.

“You’re going to do as I ask.” Astarion said as he brought up a foot and gently pressed it onto his neck. "Beg, Halsin."

Halsin gasped, eyes wide in shock. Astarion added just a little bit more pressure, but not enough to prevent him from breathing. Halsin admired how controlled he was with his body and nearly grinned.

"Astarion, please..." Halsin choked out.

"Please what? Tell me what you want."

"You. I want–” Halsin corrected himself, “I need to fuck you. Please."

Astarion paused and stepped off of Halsin. He dropped to straddle Halsin’s waist. "No."

Halsin sucked in a deep breath. "What?"

Astarion’s hand darted behind him; he pulled aside the panty string and pushed Halsin's cock against his prepped rim. His eyelids fluttered at the pressure against his entrance.

"I'm fucking you."

Astarion slowly slid down until he was flush with Halsin's skin. Astarion stilled for a moment as he gasped, not nearly as prepared as he was when he was at home. He rose up just slightly and pressed back down. Halsin groaned and panted with every movement. His hands came up to cup Astarion’s lace covered chest, pinching his nipples through the fabric. Astarion shivered and rocked his hips up and down Halsin’s shaft

“Your office is soundproof, Halsin,” Astarion moaned as he filled himself entirely, tip to root with Halsin’s cock. “And I want to hear all of the pretty noises I’m pulling out of you.”

Halsin involuntarily let out a moan.

“That’s a good boy. Just like that,” Astarion said breathlessly. He leaned forward and gently pressed his hands around Halsin’s throat, pressing firmly on either side of his neck. Halsin’s eyes rolled to the back of his head with each push and pull of Astarion’s hips. The large man whimpered as he got closer to release.

Halsin’s hands dug into Astarion’s hips. With each rise up, he pushed Astarion back down. A tear trickled from the corner of one eye and down the side of his face as the pressure built inside of him.

Astarion slammed himself again onto Halsin’s cock and Halsin made a choking noise. He thrust his hips up Astarion, emptying himself inside. Astarion grinned and slowly released his grip on Halsin’s neck as Halsin’s cock pulsed deep within him.

Halsin’s vision blurred for a moment before he sucked in a deep breath, letting out a little breathy laugh.

“Fuck, Astarion,” Halsin exhaled, unable to hide his delighted smile.

Astarion leaned forward and pressed his forehead against Halsin's and kissed him softly. Halsin chased his lips as Astarion pulled back.

"How are you doing, darling?" Astarion said softly, his hands brushing gently against Halsin’s neck. Halsin sighed happily and stroked Astarion's cheek with his thumb. He pulled the smaller man down and kissed his cheek, jaw, and neck.

“You didn’t come yet,” Halsin murmured against his skin.

“You’re observant,” Astarion whispered, a smile spreading across his face, “and we’re not done.”

Astarion lifted himself off of Halsin’s cock, feeling Halsin’s spend dribble out slightly. Halsin grunted at the over stimulation.

“I told you that I’m fucking you,” he purred.

“Mmm, and I thought you just did,” Halsin said, and raised his eyebrows as Astarion leaned over to the chaise. He grabbed the pillow resting on it and settled between Halsin’s legs.

“Lift up for me,” Astarion said softly, patting Halsin’s thigh. The larger man complied, planting his feet into the ground and lifting up his hips for Astarion to slide the pillow beneath him.

Halsin eyed Astarion curiously as he leaned back to his pants and pulled out a tiny bottle of lube. Halsin chuckled deep in his chest and willingly spread his legs, shifting down slightly.

“Oh, I see,” Halsin said, smiling softly.

His smirk disappeared quickly as Astarion pressed a finger against Halsin’s entrance. Halsin, already relaxed from his orgasm, sighed and gasped at the pressure. Astarion’s finger slid in easily and pushed against his walls, not waiting too long before a second one joined, massaging and kneading the muscles. He curled his fingers slightly until he found Halsin’s prostate, caressing the sensitive bud. Astarion spread his fingers to press around it.

Halsin’s hand gripped into his skin. Despite just climaxing, his cock hardened again as jolts of pleasure rolled through his body. He pulled his arm over his face to bite down on his own muscled bicep.

He was burning up, consumed with need, as though every nerve in his body was pleasantly on fire. Halsin groaned into his elbow and lifted his legs up higher as Astarion slid in a third finger. It wasn’t enough. His mind raced back to their first night together. How he stretched around Astarion’s girth and how the curve of his cock always hit the exact spot it needed to. It had become a craving; his mouth watered impatiently, and his cock stood fully erect and dribbling at Astarion’s skillful touch.

Astarion seemed satisfied with his work and pulled out his fingers. Halsin moaned at the loss of stimulation, only to gasp as Astarion pressed himself against Halsin’s entrance. His cock pushed inside easily, and Astarion rolled his hips slowly, sliding in and out by mere inches.

Halsin whined with frustration, “Don’t do this to me, Astarion,” he begged.

“Do what?” Astarion replied, chuckling as Halsin squirmed. He quickly learned he adored to tease the larger man, especially when he was so eager and needy for him.

Halsin opened his mouth to reply, but then Astarion was faster. The lawyer grabbed his leg and pressed it against his chest, letting the back of Halsin’s knee rest on his shoulder, and rutted deep inside of him.

“Oh gods, thank you,” Halsin whined, as he wrapped his other hand around his over-sensitive cock and slowly stroked it. He hissed as his hand rose up over the head of his arousal. Goosebumps rose on his skin with each pull.

Astarion admired how unabashedly unraveled Halsin became at his touch. He had never felt more desired and beautiful than when he was with Halsin. Even before this weekend, prior to going this far, Halsin always gave Astarion his undivided attention. He would never let a meeting pass by without showering him with praise or appreciation. He was always polite, kind, and considerate. But that was just… Halsin.

Astarion swallowed and refocused his thoughts. He pressed his forehead on the inside of Halsin’s thigh and gazed at the wrecked man in front of him. With every push, Halsin’s muscles tensed as his mouth fell open. At every thrust, Halsin’s little hitches of breath escaped him.

Halsin removed his arm from over his eyes and tried to focus his blurry eyes on the man in between his legs. He savored the way Astarion’s arms wrapped around his thigh, and how his muscled torso rippled with each thrust inside of him. He couldn’t help the keening noise that escaped the back of his throat as he marveled at Astarion’s beauty. His hand uncontrollably pumped his cock as his eyes cascaded down the lawyer’s body, stopping to admire every piece of fabric that adorned it.

Astarion shifted lower and slowly pressed up inside Halsin. His body shivered with pleasure as his cock was enveloped by Halsin’s warmth and pressure along the entire length of his shaft. He pulled out from Halsin’s ass and rutted against his prostate with a steady rhythm, causing both men to become short of breath.

“A-ah, y-yes,” Halsin moaned softly, a pitch higher than normal, “There, Astarion. Right there…”

Astarion obliged, quickening his pace and shortening his thrusts, grinding himself against Halsin’s prostate. Halsin tightened around him and arched his back, unable to tear his gaze away from Astarion.

“So beautiful,” Halsin gasped as his toes curled, his cum spilling all over his hand and shirt, crying out and shuddering through his second orgasm. Astarion followed shortly after, slamming himself all the way into Halsin, blushing up to the tips of his ears as he climaxed and filled him with his spend.

His muscles relaxed, and Astarion let out a breath, groaning and shaking through each wave of pleasure that shot through him. Halsin’s head fell back as his chest heaved with exhaustion. A dopey smile was plastered on his face.

Astarion pulled himself out of Halsin and lowered the larger man’s leg down. Halsin unbuttoned his shirt and tossed the cum-soaked fabric to the side. Astarion crawled up Halsin’s body and laid down on top of him, resting his head on top of his hands. Halsin twitched as the aftershocks hit him and closed his eyes, humming contently as his fingers lightly brushed against the soft skin on Astarion’s arms.

“So, I must have been good enough,” Halsin said quietly, making Astarion huff out a small laugh.

“You disobeyed me half-way through,” Astarion reminded him.

“Mhmm, I couldn’t help myself. You are magnificent. The most striking and intelligent person I’ve ever met. Any time you ask it of me, I will get on my hands and knees, and I will worship the ground you walk on,” Halsin shamelessly praised.

Astarion turned beet red and hid his face in his hands. Halsin’s praise was different when he spoke it while the men were in the heat of passion. But to hear this heartfelt adoration tumbling out of his mouth without prompting him made Astarion’s heart pound in his ears. “Halsin, please, you don’t have to. You can stop,” Astarion said softly.

Halsin lifted his head to look at the man on top of him. He pulled Astarion up on his chest so they were face-to-face.

“Astarion,” Halsin said in a soft, low voice as he cupped the younger man’s jaw, “I am not… This isn’t… I want to be with you.” He paused for a moment to gather his words, his chest still rising and falling as he caught his breath. “You’re not someone with whom I want to have a quick fuck and then part ways. I desire you for more than what you offer me - sexually or otherwise.”

Halsin pressed a kiss against Astarion’s plump lips and smiled.

“I want to take you on a date. Or dates, if you’ll let me. I want to get to know you even more, and learn about you. Both the good things…” He paused, a hand delicately traced one of the raised blemishes that peeked over his back, “and the bad.”

Astarion shivered, frowning slightly at the tenderness Halsin showed for him. It was not common to speak to another person who could read him so well. Let alone a partner who could also communicate their feelings, instead of shoving them down to fester.

Yet again, Astarion was embraced in Halsin’s healing aura, feeling safe in his arms and unafraid to be vulnerable. Halsin patiently watched as Astarion’s eyes bounced back and forth, scanning over his face. Halsin allowed him all the time he needed to process everything he laid out on the table.

“You want to take me on a date?” Astarion asked, blinking in confusion. Halsin nodded, brushing his nose against Astarion’s, still smiling softly at his lover.

“Many dates, but I’ll happily take even just one,” Halsin murmured against Astarion’s lips, pressing another kiss against them. “Anywhere you want. Anything you want. I’ll give you the world.”

Astarion laughed softly and shook his head, “And here I thought I was the smooth talker.”

“I’ve got many skills to show you,” Halsin smirked. His confidence was warranted, but it still caused Astarion to roll his eyes.

“Very well,” Astarion smiled. “This Friday, then.”

Halsin wrapped his arms around Astarion’s torso and squeezed him into a tight hug. He pressed a kiss to his cheek, jaw, then neck. Astarion laughed at Halsin’s excitement and let himself be squished, relaxing into his lover’s embrace.

[baldurs-gate-official]

Big fan of this convo popping up after meeting Halsin. Love the implications. What other bear is he going to meet in the goblin camp, hmm?

[baldurs-gape]

Silently begging you to continue “the price paid”, your work is incredible!

Your kindness has me flustered and blushing, Nonnie. So it took me a little while to scrape together the goo that had become of my last brain cell. I'm more than happy to write a little more of The Price Paid for you. Not going to lie, it thrills me to be able to share more of the story with a willing and eager recipient.

Ownership of Pain

Just because Astarion was more visibly alert didn't mean things were magically back to how they used to be. On the surface he seemed to be settling back into the usual groove of the party. Maybe his flirting was a little more extreme, far too willing to try and seduce any willing member for a night. Except nobody was accepting his offer. Not even Halsin or Gale, both of whom had been so willing to promise their shared affections as long as Astarion came back to them. Because Astarion remembered those long days and nights where he was locked in his own body, unable to break free of the comfort of nothingness. It was the closest he could get to ceasing to exist even if it didn't make the past magically disappear.

If Astarion couldn't prove his worth with his body, he resorted to other skills. Tagging along with a group heading out, he made sure camp was always brimming with pilfered supplies. Not only was Gale able to cook veritable feasts, tents were suddenly more comfortable with extra bed rolls, stuffed toys and even art. While Astarion didn't claim responsibility for it all, he didn't make a secret of it, sighing in relief whenever he could dump a load of stolen wares somewhere in camp. The others could sort through it, he was only good for the acquisition, not for putting any of it to actual use. Though he did keep a pair of simple gloves for himself, ensuring the ring which kept him free was hidden from view and as secure on him as possible.

Things maybe were returning to a new equilibrium. One that wasn't as good as before, Astarion had a knack for serving in an unsettling way. If his presence wasn't requested, he near enough disappeared into his tent. At first the others left him to it, hoping he just needed to bit of time to himself. Alas, it seemed to be nothing more than wishful thinking. Especially when Lae'zel caught a whiff of garlic emanating from his tent one quiet evening.

"Your spawn may have looted the wrong thing," she told Halsin, not unkindly.

Approaching the tent with Gale, Halsin wished Lae'zel had been right. If only it had been the case of some fumble, uncharacteristic as it was of Astarion. Instead, Halsin stepped into the tent and almost turned to leave without a word but Gale was at his back and far more vocal about their discovery.

"Just what in the astral blazes are you doing?!"

Crouched on the ground, wearing his gloves, Astarion had crushed a whole head of garlic and scooped it into a pouch. His actions would have been considered odd but could have been ignored if not for the fact that all around his lips and nose was blistered and bleeding exactly in the shape of the pouch's neck. Halsin could feel his heart squeezing, on the verge of shattering as he struggled to keep calm.

"Astarion? What's the meaning of all this?"

The more he looked, the worse the picture in his mind became. There was a healing potion set aside that was only half full. A rag next to it, its corner dried and tinged with potion and old blood. Taking it all in meant Gale slipped past him and was taking the garlic filled pouch from Astarion's lax fingers. In fact, Astarion looked on the verge of getting lost in his head again. It pushed Halsin into action too.

"It's okay. We're not angry, you're not in trouble. We just want to understand."

"Here." A stronger potion of healing was pulled from Gale's robes and thrust at Astarion. His hesitation wasn't a good sign but Gale chose to ignore it in favour or wagging the bottle to encourage it. Even so, Astarion's motions were hollow and obedient without any sign of thought beyond doing as told. The first few swallows were obviouly agony but he didn't say anything.

Once the bottle was empty, Gale took it from lax fingers and asked, "Why would you do such a thing?"

"It stopped the screams." Voice devoid of emotion, Astarion didn't meet their eyes. Obviously there was more to it but now wasn't the time to push it.

"What screams?"

Silence stretched longer before Astarion complied and answered. "When I trance." Face crumpling a little, he battled tears. "I mustn't disturb anyone's sleep. Can't give them reason to leave me behind."

Gathering him up between them, there were murmurs of reassurance that almost definitely fell on deaf ears. But it was all they could do.

"Please let me be useful," Astarion begged quietly. "I can be good."

"You are good, so good." Nose buried in his hair, Halsin pressed a kiss to the top of his head and tried not to think of how the garlic must have burned Astarion's throat and lungs until it was too painful to scream. "You're loved, okay?"

Of course his words fell on deaf ears. So it didn't take much to try and make actions speak louder than words. Next time a party was heading out, Astarion was with them. A small fight was expected and Halsin deeply hoped it would help restore some of his confidence. Once more he was wrong.

As soon as the fight commenced, Astarion froze, weapon slipping from between his fingers. In the grand scheme of things it wasn't a huge issue, the others more than capable of picking up the slack. It wasn't a long fight but Astarion had no part in it other than standing at the very edge, eyes near enough glazed over.

Once the fight had concluded, Astarion didn't snap back into the present. In fact, he cowered as Shadowheart approached him to hand his dropped bow back.

"You okay there, soldier?" Karlach asked with as much softness as she could muster, standing next to Shadowheart.

"Don't send me back. Please don't." Whatever it was Astarion was begging for, it made no sense to them. "Don't leave me behind."

The way he swayed, like his knees were on the verge of giving out, on the brink of sending him crashing into the dirt so he could plead properly made the others unesay. Gale stepped forward and tenderly wrapped an arm around him, helping him stay upright.

"We're not sending you anywhere or leaving you behind. Come on home, back to camp we go."

Upon their return, Halsin was there, helping guide Astarion to the fireside. They didn't dare leave him alone in his tent anymore, not when they could avoid it. The smell of garlic and sight of blistered skin still haunted them.

After the incident it became an unspoken agreement. Astarion no longer joined ventures where fighting was expected. As exceptional as he was with a dagger, all skill was lost in the face of freezing at the sound of blades clashing. Gale and Halsin also stopped going out together on missions unless Astarion was with them. One of them was always in his orbit, ready to protect him at the drop of a hat.

Perhaps the worst was the way Astarion didn't seem to mind. He used to whinge and complain incessantly about being bored and being left behind. Now, he took his fate like a defeated dog, resigned and accepting as long as he was thrown scraps. Though what he was given was more than scraps, Halsin knew that it would be a long while before Astarion would take it at face value. For now, they simply had to give what they could and hope that Astarion would learn to eventually trust them again.