#octavia is so sensitive to astarion's needs and is very anxious about it

[theshotsheardacrossworlds]

Comforting

Octavia (tiefling!Agi) has a rough day and seeks comfort from everyone's favorite pale elf. SFW mostly.

Since becoming infected with the fucking tadpole, Octavia Harrow had many long days.

This day was no different, but it somehow was longer and more painful than most. She, Shadowheart, Astarion, and Karlach encountered Malus Thorme and his hospital of horrors with Shadowheart taking the lead speaking to him. Him. That monster. That fucking monster. Then after Thorme and the sisters were dead, they found Arabella’s poor parents.

It brought back too many terrible memories for Octavia. All she could think about was the illness and death of her mother. Octavia and her mother’s former employer Countess Luci Wildheart contacted numerous healers. These healers tried many treatments with zero success. She and the countess, along with Octavia’s oldest friend Nadia, sat with Sylvia Harrow as she drew her final breath.

And now I need to tell a child that her parents are dead.

She told Arabella, who predictably was inconsolable. Octavia had tried to give the child a hug but was pushed away. Her heart broke. Again.

Octavia returned to her tent, closed the flaps, and as quietly as she could, began to weep. I’m sorry I couldn’t save that poor man being experimented on. I’m sorry I couldn’t save Arabella’s parents. I’m sorry I can’t comfort Arabella the way she needs. I’m sorry I couldn’t stop that piece of shit hurting Astarion. Her mind drifted to the small tidbits she learned from her conservations with him. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.

Oh gods, Mum…I need you. I miss you.

“Octavia?”

She sniffled and wiped her aquamarine eyes. Astarion. “One moment!” She called out, trying desperately to not look like she had been crying. He needs me to be strong. I need to protect him. I need to help him. He deserves so much more than I could ever— “Okay, I’m decent.” She said, hoping her eyes were not too red and puffy.

The flaps opened, and Astarion sauntered in. Whatever witty thing was he was going to say died on his lips once he saw her. “Rough day, darling?”

Is it that obvious?!?!? Octavia nodded. She sat in a chair with her hands folded in her lap, her tail swaying behind her. Astarion grabbed the other chair and dragged it next to hers. The two sat in silence for a few moments before Astarion did something Octavia did not expect.

He took both her hands in his and squeezed him. “Whatever you need, my sweet.” He offered her a small smile. Not a fake one that he flashes so easily. This is real. He’s real.

Shutting her eyes, she felt hot tears on her face again. “Just a really bad day, love. I’ll be okay.” He needs me to be strong. I need to protect him. I need to…I need to… A broken sob escaped her, her hands now trying to cover her face. “Gods, I’m so sorry! You should go have fun with the others.”

Astarion rolled his eyes. “If I wanted to go drink piss and hear about Gale breaking up a barfight one more time, I will, quite literally, kill myself. Besides,” he pulled her into a hug, which he was doing more frequently since their talk after dealing with that weird bloody Drow. “I’d rather be here with you, sweetness.”

She stopped sobbing and wiped her eyes. Again. Fucking hells, I’m a mess. “C-could you…rub my horns?”

He blinked. “Pardon me?”

Fuck. Octavia shook her head. “Nevermind. It’s stupid—”

“It’s not stupid if that’s what you want, my love.” He said more gently than she expected.

Finally meeting his gaze, she smiled ruefully. “Mum used to do that when I had bad dreams or was sad. She said it was something loved ones do for comfort.”

He looks genuinely shocked. Oh love, you are such a comfort to me. He nodded wordlessly.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to. I’d never—”

“I know.” He said quietly, that small smile that was reserved only for her present on his lips. “But I want to. How do I…?” He gestured a little towards her horns.

Wrinkling her nose and giggling, Octavia’s head tilted towards her bedroll. “Might be easier if we lie down.”

Astarion shook his head. “No no, that won’t do. Your head in my lap, darling.” He got up and sat on her bedroll, his legs out in front of him. Patting his thighs, he smirked. “Come on now, my sweet treat.”

Octavia could not help but roll her eyes at the pet name. “Sweet treat?” She teased, making sure her horns did not hit Astarion as she laid down.

“Because you’re sweet and my favorite treat. See, makes perfect sense!” He stared down at her with a smirk, his hands meeting her horns. Slowly, he began rubbing her black horns. Just like Mum used to. It always felt so good. Could melt into a puddle… “How am I doing?” He asked gently, a small smile on his lips.

She smiled at him. “Amazing, love. You could use your nails too a bit if you want.”

“Oh really? A little nail it is, darling.”

As his nails scratched her horns, Octavia bit back a moan. Oh. My. Gods. This is not like how Mum used to do this. “Erm, maybe no nails.” She muttered, hoping Astarion did not notice me stopping a moan that I’m sure I’m made when we fucked in the woods.

He laughed heartily and resumed rubbing. “What’s the matter, my dear? Got a little too excited? Why, I’m shocked you didn’t come right then and there!”

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. FUCK. She tried to sit up, hoping the ground would swallow her whole, but Astarion put on a hand on her shoulder. “Please, I—”

The pressure on her shoulder was firm, and he flashed his fangs. “I’m only teasing. Relax, my sweet. Relax.” He resumed rubbing her horns and hummed softly.

“I just…I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable, love. I know we’re still not doing any of that, and I…I…” I don’t want me being unexpectedly horny ruin our relationship. He needs to heal. He deserves better. He deserves—

“Let me make something very clear to you, Octavia,” he stopped what was doing and stared down at her, his red eyes full of emotion. “You have never, ever made me uncomfortable. You’ve been nothing but patient with all this. So put whatever horrid, putrid thoughts you have swirling about in the trash.”

Tears pricked her eyes as a hand grazed his pale arm. “I love you.” She whispered. “I just want you to be comfortable and happy.”

“And in this moment, I am.” He cupped her cheek, his thumb touching the corner of her mouth. “So please, let me get back to it, darling. After all, these horns won’t rub themselves!” His expression was light again, humming as he rubbed. “Speaking of Gale, I heard some juicy gossip while you were gone…”

When it came time to go to sleep, Octavia was shocked that Astarion not only offered to stay in her tent (we’ve only ever been in his) but also insisted on holding her as she slept. I told him he didn’t have to. He said he wanted to.

Then he put his hands on his hips and sighed dramatically. “You’re such a stubborn thing, my sweet treat. Do you want this? Because I know you. You want this, but you’re trying to be the selfless hero and put me first!” He smirked at her. “Tell me I’m wrong.”

I love you. Octavia fidgeted, a small smile tugging the corners of her mouth. “You’re one hundred percent right.”

“THERE! Was that so hard? Now be a dear and lie down.” It’s always so sweet when he fusses over me. I still don’t think I’m worth it, but if he thinks so, then I guess…I am. He spooned her from behind, his arm snacked around her thick waist. “See, isn’t this lovely? I think you’re going to sleep so well tonight, darling, and if you don’t, well…at least this is nice.”

Sleep slowly claiming her, Octavia stifled a yawn. “I’d be open to more nights like this, if that’s something you’re comfortable with, Astarion.” She giggled. “The cuddling I mean, not my embarrassment from earlier.”

He gave her soft middle a squeeze, chuckling softly. “Ah, but you’re positively adorable when you’re like that, my sweet.” Astarion nuzzled her shoulder. “Take your rest, and fear not, I shall be here when you wake.”

Just as she drifted off to sleep, she heard him whisper, “I love you. Have the sweetest dreams for me, my dear.”