Ascended Astarion Fanfiction - Blog Posts

The Take Over, The Break's Over - 14

Ascended Astarion x Marin (Tav/OC, cis woman)

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Words: 900 (chapter 14 of 17)

Setting: A!Astarion's palace

Content: Marin's POV, Astarion wants to take her out so she gets a nice dress, Astarion sees her in the dress and is incredibly horny and in love with her, like whoa, down boy

This is not the place for anti-A!A discourse. I love both versions of Astarion, and it's okay to have issues with the Ascendant route, but I will block you if you clown on these posts~

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Marin returned from the shops with Evi and Reardon, all with their arms partially full. They'd gotten food from the market, as well as a few other things.

“Astar-” she called out, stopping when she saw Astarion’s head poke out of the sitting room immediately. She blushed and let out a laugh. “Oh, hello there. I thought you’d be upstairs.”

“I was excited to see you,” he replied sheepishly. “Did you get something to wear tonight, my sweet?”

“Yes,” she giggled. “It feels a bit fanciful compared to my other dresses, but Evi assured me it looked nice. I hope I won't look silly.”

“I’m sure you chose perfectly,” he replied, grinning eagerly. “Go on, then! Get upstairs and show me. I can lace it for you.”

She obliged, carrying the dress box upstairs to Astarion's bedroom. Our bedroom? He shut the door behind them.

“Now, off with those clothes,” he purred. “I want to see your new purchase.”

“Well, turn around then,” she responded, blushing. “I want you to be surprised.”

He turned so his back would face the mirror while she changed. She pulled it from the box, feeling the finely-woven cotton and remembering how much she loved it. She slipped into it, tugging at the lacing slightly to make it fit her chest. It was a light turquoise dress, delicate and high quality with a few flourishes, but more simple than most of the gowns she saw in the shop. Though they were enviable, she wasn’t quite ready to dress so fancifully, and certainly not on Astarion’s dime. Perhaps for a party someday.

“All right, turn around.”

He spun to see her again, looking at her in the mirror and from behind. His face was soft, eyes wide, his mouth slightly open as he looked at her. That same face from the moment he first saw me again, in the bar. She could feel her heartbeat race as he stood in silence, staring at her body.

“Well then?” she pried, slightly impatient. “Will you give me a hint? I’m a bit nervous.”

“I’m sorry, my dear,” he finally responded, a funny smile spreading across his face. He walked up behind her to meet her eyes in the mirror. “You took my breath away. You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, Marin. You’re incredible.”

“What about the dress?” she teased, embarrassed by his intensity. “You can be a little hard to read, you know.”

“The dress is perfect for you,” he declared. “The color matches your eyes, and your hair contrasts against it without clashing. Delicate and sweet, but simple, like you. It shows off your pretty shoulders and collarbones; it hugs your frame exactly right. You look perfect, darling. The loveliest creature I’ve ever laid my eyes upon.”

She watched in the mirror as her face went bright pink from his compliments. She was incredibly flattered, but also surprised by how much he picked up on. I forgot how fashionable he is. Does he always take me in with this much detail? Gods above. I hope not.

“Th-thank you,” she managed, butterflies in her stomach. “You promise that I don’t look silly?”

“Darling, it looks so perfect that it feels like a shame to lace it up and go anywhere,” he chuckled. “If I hadn’t promised you a real date tonight, I would keep you in this room, in that dress, and…”

He took a deep breath, shuddering as he let it out. He pressed up behind her, his hands on her hips, his interest poking at her tailbone. His cock was completely hard already, without a moment of attention from her.

“Holy hells,” she whispered. “Really?”

“It’s certainly not a lie, darling,” he responded breathlessly, making her giggle.

“So…” she went on flirtatiously. “Are we still going out?”

“We are, my sweet,” he declared. “I want to take you on a proper date, like I never could in the past. You deserve it. And to be honest… I would like to show you off a little.”

She blushed even more at the prospect of being seen out with Astarion, Lord Astarion, by people who knew who he was.

“But I want you to know,” he whispered in her ear, “that I will most likely be hopelessly aroused by my beautiful date the entire time. Perhaps you’ll take pity on me and… we can keep our outing slightly brief this time.”

He smirked at her in the mirror, his hands on her waist where the dress cinched in close. She turned around and kissed him, swooning and growing excited herself. He pulled away from her at last, seemingly with great effort, taking another deep breath to steady himself.

“Bleeding hells, Marin,” he murmured. “My head is light. I should get dressed. Something with long shirttails in the front…”

She giggled at his honesty.

“What about me?” she protested as he started to wander away.

“Hm? What about-”

“My lacing!” she laughed. “You said you’d help me!”

“Oh! Shit.” He came back and took the laces in his hands. “I did say that. I’m sorry for behaving like such a fool. You have a way of unraveling me, I told you.”

He pulled each section of the ribbon until it was perfectly taut against her skin without causing discomfort. His nimble fingers moved quickly, but with precision, brushing across her upper back as he worked. She desperately wanted those hands all over her body, without delay. Holy hells. This will be the longest dinner of all time.

The Take Over, The Break's Over - 13

Ascended Astarion x Marin (Tav/OC, cis woman)

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Words: 600 (chapter 13 of 17)

Setting: A!Astarion's palace

Content: Astarion's POV, Astarion's PTSD is really bad after last chapter, Marin comforts him, they talk about the ritual and other stuff from the past

Warnings: PTSD symptoms and mentions of ab*se (Astarion's past) and violence

This is not the place for anti-A!A discourse. I love both versions of Astarion, and it's okay to have issues with the Ascendant route, but I will block you if you clown on these posts~

First chapter

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Astarion laid his head back on the edge of the tub, letting the warm water calm his senses and quiet his mind. The water was a pale, transparent pink from the dissolving blood. He stared blankly at the tiled wall where it met the ceiling.

“May I come in?” Marin’s muffled voice asked from the other side of the door.

He nodded faintly, before remembering she couldn’t see him. “Yes,” he mumbled, his voice low.

He flicked his eyes to her form as she entered the room, wearing one of Astarion’s robes, shutting the door behind her. Her hair was wet from the bath. She perched on the edge of the tub, watching him.

“My silver star,” she fawned, trying to soothe him. “I’m so glad you’re not injured.”

He stared straight ahead, numb.

“I attacked him. He was unarmed.”

“But so much can go wrong in a fight,” she responded. “We both know that. And I’m glad you’re all right.”

“Am I?” he muttered, almost to himself. “I feel so very… hollow.”

“Please, Astarion,” she whined. “Come back to me, my love.”

He turned his head, taking in her gentle face, full of sympathy and concern. For me. Those oceanic eyes. Marin.

“I’m a killer,” he said flatly, reciting from memory. “A monster.”

Her eyebrows furrowed hearing that.

“That’s not how I see you,” she responded, her voice soft. “No matter what was done to you, or what you were made to do.”

“I was enjoying his pain, Marin,” he muttered. “Of my own volition. Just like I enjoyed Cazador’s. I’m a terrible, evil man. I’m a monster. I don’t deserve to be loved.”

“But you feel my pain, don’t you?” she countered. “You’d do everything under the sun to make it better. You’ve said so a thousand times.”

He nodded, meeting her eyes.

“Then you’re not a monster,” she went on. “You’re not him, Astarion. Cazador was a monster. He deserved to die, and it was the only way out. I will never blame you for killing him, my love.”

“But all those other people… They’re dead because of me. Suffering in Avernus, instead of me.”

“And Cazador would never have felt guilty, if he’d gone through with the ritual,” she replied. “He would have killed them all, extinguished my precious star, and never worried about it for as long as he lived. You’re not him.”

He submerged his head, thinking as he worked the dried blood off of his face and hair. He re-emerged to her still staring at him with concern.

“You missed some,” she remarked, reaching for a cloth. “Here.”

She wetted the cloth and rubbed his sensitive elf ear; behind his earlobe, and inside the conch, close to the opening. He relaxed his eyelids and subconsciously tipped his head towards the side she was touching. His inner ear felt pleasantly fuzzy with the stimulation. He regained his senses as she moved her hand away.

“Why are you so kind to me, Marin?”

“You’ve been kind to me,” she responded without hesitation. “And besides, you deserve it, even if you don’t believe you do.”

He stared quietly up into her blue-green eyes, feeling like she was sucking the poison out and replenishing him, as she often had, years ago. She gave him a gentle smile, holding his gaze.

“I think I’m clean enough,” he muttered finally. “I want to rest.”

“Me too,” she admitted. “I’m exhausted.”

He put his hand on hers as she turned to get up from the edge of the tub.

“Thank you,” he whispered. “For caring.”

“Always, my love.”

The Take Over, The Break's Over - 12

Ascended Astarion x Marin (Tav/OC, cis woman)

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Words: 1.4k (chapter 12 of 17)

Setting: A!Astarion's palace

Content: Astarion's POV, Marin's ab*sive ex shows up looking for her, Astarion does a "muahaha" and literally tortures him oops (sorry I know I was meant to be watching him dammit), Asti has some PTSD stuff and Marin comforts him

Warnings: graphic descriptions of violence, PTSD symptoms (Astarion), brief mentions of emotional ab*use

This is not the place for anti-A!A discourse. I love both versions of Astarion, and it's okay to have issues with the Ascendant route, but I will block you if you clown on these posts~

First chapter

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Next chapter

Wouldn't you rather be a widow than a divorcee?

3 Days Later

“Lord Astarion,” came Reardon’s voice from the other side of the heavy door. “It’s urgent. Someone’s at the gate.”

Astarion’s heart started to pound at once. The moment I’ve been waiting for. He tossed his book aside, grabbed his dagger and threw a robe over his nightclothes, tying it closed in a hurry. Marin stirred from sleep.

“What’s going on?” she mumbled, confused.

“Stay here, my love,” he whispered, harsher than intended. “You’re safe here. I’ll be back.”

Astarion closed the door behind him and took a deep breath, slowing his movements and putting on an air of confidence. He made his way down the stairs, meeting Reardon at the bottom.

“I’m sorry to disturb your rest, m’lord. I think it’s him.”

“Quite alright,” he muttered. “Send Evi to my room to keep Marin calm. Stay on the landing with them.”

“Of course,” Reardon replied. “The sentries have him under control. No weapons on him. He’s right outside.”

He could feel his heart pounding, but forced himself to remain calm. He opened the front door wide, as if he were greeting a guest.

“You’ve finally arrived,” he snarled. “I’m surprised it took you three days to find me. Tsk, tsk. Perhaps you’re even slower than I reckoned.”

Del was being held between two guards, his eyes wild at the sight of Astarion.

“Please, gentlemen; bring our guest inside for me, will you?” He turned on his heel and strode in before them.

The guards dragged him in, putting him on his knees on the tiled floor, still holding either arm. Astarion brandished his dagger, the precious Rhapsody, with a flourish. He pricked the tip of his own finger, just enough to draw a drop of blood, as Del watched in confusion. He brought the finger to his mouth, licking the fresh blood.

“Mm, delicious,” he mused, turning his eyes towards Del, grinning to be sure his fangs showed. “Now, I don’t think you wish to challenge me, hm? That would be… so very dangerous.”

Del shook his head, apparently realizing his position.

“Thank you for your excellent service,” he said coolly to the guards. “If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to speak with him. Alone.”

The two armed fighters looked at each other, then to Astarion, before releasing their grip on the captive.

“We’ll be right outside, my lord,” one replied as they took their leave.

“Now that it’s just the two of us,” he growled down at Del, on his knees a few feet away. “I’d like to share what’s on my mind.”

“Marin wouldn’t come here to be with a little dandy like you,” Del shouted. “And a fucking vampire. You must have taken her, you monster!”

“I’m not sure you know who exactly you’re speaking to, darling,” he drawled, his voice calm. He bared his fangs again, summoning a black mist around him, feeding off the fear in the man’s eyes. Some theatrics before I crush you.

“Now, Delaney,” he hissed, every syllable sharp. He twirled Rhapsody with ease as he spoke. “I’d like to tell you how I came to control this place. I killed the vampire lord who owned it before me, by sacrificing him to a devil. I carved his flesh with this very weapon, in fact. And through that ritual, I was imbued with more power than any vampire in Faerun has ever known. More power than your tiny mind can comprehend. Now, since you’re already on your knees, perhaps I’ll allow you to beg for your life to be spared, like he did.”

Del watched him, eyes wide, seemingly trying to discern if he was serious.

“Go on!” Astarion shrieked suddenly, his voice ricocheting in the enormous hall. “Beg!”

“Please, don’t kill me, I’m- I’m sorry for trespassing-”

“Ha! You think that’s what this is about?” he snarled. “You really are slow, aren’t you? I want you to apologize for hurting my lovely Marin. Perhaps, if I like what I hear, I’ll pass your message along.”

“I love her-”

“I don’t want to hear such nonsense,” he growled, cutting Del off by gripping his jaw, hard enough to inflict pain. “I told you to apologize.”

“I’m s- I’m sorry, I don’t know what I did, please don’t-”

“Pathetic,” he sniped, cutting him off again. “You know exactly what you did. You hurt her, and now, I’m going to hurt you.”

Astarion moved swiftly and noiselessly, taking one of Del’s wrists in his hand, slashing at his arm with the dagger. He writhed and screamed, trying to pull away from his powerful grip. Astarion yanked his bloodied forearm to his mouth and drank from the wound. He pushed Del onto the marble, placing his heel on the man’s stomach and kneeling down.

Astarion drew the knife across his chest slowly, over and over, slicing through his clothes and letting out a wicked, manic laugh. He kept him pinned with his foot as he worked, bathing in his screams of agony.

“Astarion, no!” Marin’s echoing voice stopped him in his tracks. He pressed the dagger to Del’s throat before turning his head to look at her. At the top of the stairs, his servants were holding her back, trying to keep her from running into danger. Gods damn it. They were supposed to keep her upstairs; to keep her from seeing this.

“Please, Astarion, stop!” she cried, desperate. “Don’t kill him, please!”

He looked back down to the disgusting creature writhing and bleeding beneath his foot. I wanted to kill the bastard slowly. But she’s seen enough death for seven lifetimes. Especially after what I did. I can’t make her watch this. With great struggle, Astarion wrested control from the bloodthirsty monster inside him, longing to slit the man’s throat and bathe in his blood.

“This is her mercy, not mine,” he growled slowly, keeping his dagger still against Del’s neck as he knelt to lean close to his face. “I would have enjoyed killing you, slowly and painfully. If you ever return, I will end your life without hesitation. Hm?”

Del nodded, his eyes huge and terrified.

“I’ll be watching you,” he snarled, down to a whisper. “For the rest of your wretched life. You will never again take advantage of her kind heart or trouble her mind.”

“Let him go,” Astarion yelled to the guards outside in advance. He relaxed the blade, standing and taking the pressure off of his chest. Del immediately scrambled to his hands and knees and out the front door, running for his life. He stood and watched, motionless, before letting the bloodied Rhapsody fall from his hand. The heavy dagger clattered to the ground and broke the deafening silence left behind.

“I’m so sorry, my love,” he called out, not turning to look at her, still frozen in place. “I’m sorry that you saw. You don’t need to be afraid.”

He heard quick footsteps down the stairs, and turned to see Marin running towards him, slipping in her bare feet across the smooth floor. He absorbed her force as she crashed into him. He buried his head in her shoulder.

“I’m sorry, Marin,” he whispered, feeling manic. “I’m sorry. I wanted to make him pay for what he did, to make him suffer-”

“Cazador is dead, Astarion,” she insisted. His whole body stiffened upon hearing his tormentor’s name, his stomach churning. “You don’t need to be afraid anymore. You don’t need to kill him ever again.”

“What in the hells-”

“You were the same way at the ritual,” she whimpered. “You were so scared then, and you did a terrible thing because of it. I couldn’t watch it happen again.”

“I’m not scared of Del,” he snapped, his tone harsher than he ever used with her. “I wanted to taste his fear. I was going to torture him to death. I only stopped because I… I know you’ve seen enough.”

“You were afraid of losing me. Afraid he could hurt me. But you don’t need to kill him to keep me safe, Astarion.”

Hearing those words, he felt a wave of sorrow rising inside him. All his defenses fell. He burst into tears, sobbing mournfully into her shoulder. Her long hair stuck to his cheeks.

“I don’t even know why I’m crying,” he lamented. “I don’t know why it hurts.”

“It’s all right, love,” she whispered, holding him tight. “It’s all right to hurt.”

The Take Over, The Break's Over - 11

Ascended Astarion x Marin (Tav/OC, cis woman)

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Words: 1k (chapter 11 of 17)

Setting: A!Astarion's palace

Content: Marin's POV, Astarion & Marin arrive home, he's worried about her, Marin talks to housekeeper about Astarion and hears how he was when they broke up, they have a date at home together

Warnings: brief talk of leaving an ab*sive relationship; conversation about sex work (housekeeper's and allusions to Astarion's)

This is not the place for anti-A!A discourse. I love both versions of Astarion, and it's okay to have issues with the Ascendant route, but I will block you if you clown on these posts~

First chapter

Previous chapter

Next chapter

“Marin, my sweet,” came Astarion’s gentle voice from above. She felt his thin, chilled fingers against her cheek. “We’re home.”

She opened her eyes to see him smiling down at her on his lap. The golden sunshine of the early evening lit his eyes from the side, making them glow red-orange.

“Let’s go inside, hm?” he prompted.

She nodded, fighting through her drowsiness as he helped her sit up against his shoulder. Her belongings were gone.

“What about my things?” she asked, blinking away sleep.

“Reardon carried them in for us, darling,” he assured her. “I didn't want to disturb you, so I let you stay on my lap for a little while longer. You looked so peaceful.”

“Oh,” she mumbled. “You're sweet.”

“I'm so very glad to have you here, my love,” he whispered, kissing her forehead before rising to help her out of the carriage.

“Perhaps we'll eat on the terrace,” he remarked, offering his arm to walk with him. “The sunshine is lovely this evening.”

The front door was left open for them. Astarion led her down the hall towards a savory smell.

“Good evening,” he greeted Evi as they entered the kitchen.

“Welcome home, my lord! And you've brought Lady Marin.” Evi smiled kindly at her.

“Yes,” he replied, admiring Marin. “Would you mind keeping her company? I'll only be a few minutes.”

“Of course,” Evi responded graciously as Astarion left the room. “You look like you've had a long day, dear. Why don't you make yourself comfortable?”

She obliged, sinking into a kitchen chair. Evi turned her back to cut some bread on the counter. He doesn’t want to leave me alone after today.

“It’s so fortunate to have you here,” she continued. “If there's anything I can do to make you more comfortable, please tell me, my lady.”

“Thank you. It means a lot.”

“Of course,” Evi responded. “I've seen how nasty men can be in my old profession. I'm glad you're safe, here, with us.”

Marin felt a blush spreading across her face. How much did Astarion tell her?

“Working here has been more pleasant,” she went on. “Lord Astarion has been very kind to me. He’s a respectful man.”

“What was he like?” she asked, trying to hide her interest, despite her warm face.

“Back then? Well, I shouldn't say too much,” she replied, lowering her voice before continuing. “He was never my client; don’t worry, dear. He was an occasional guest that the men and women fought over, since he was rich, and charming. He used to stay for a drink and talk with us, as if he wanted the company more than anything else we offered. That’s how I learned he was looking for a housekeeper, and I was tired of my trade after so many years. He was such a gloomy man back then, haunted by something. Despite his best efforts to cover for it.”

“That was… after we broke up,” she managed, her throat tight.

“Was it, dear?” Evi turned to face her again, looking shocked. “I could tell you were special to him right away. He isn't normally so accommodating. No one stayed overnight here in the past, even his dates. I’ve not seen him so excited about anyone. But he never told me you were the one from all that time ago.”

“He told you about our relationship?” she choked out.

“Never a word about it, and I never wanted to ask,” she replied, keeping her voice low. “He’s a private person, of course. But I know a broken heart when I see one. Reading people was part of my work, you know?”

Marin nodded, her face burning.

“He likes to keep some distance from his staff, so I shouldn’t intrude,” Evi went on quietly, turning back to the counter. “I know he’s got a soft heart under all that pride, though. Not a lot of noblemen are kind to brothel girls. Or servants, for that matter.”

“Thank you for telling me, Evi,” Marin responded earnestly.

“Of course, my lady.”

They heard a door open, and Astarion’s quiet footsteps approaching the kitchen. He popped in with a flourish.

“The terrace, my lady?” he purred, offering Marin his hand. She giggled and took it. “Evi, would you mind bringing it out?”

Without another word, he swept Marin out of the kitchen and down the hall. They stepped outdoors onto a brick patio surrounded by planters. On a table, there were three glasses: two with wine, and one with little flowers he’d picked.

“Is this where you went?” she asked, a smile spreading across her face.

“Yes,” he responded with a chuckle. “I thought it would be sweet. Perhaps it’s silly.”

“It's not silly,” Marin assured him. “I love it.”

Astarion tried to suppress his own smile as he led her to the table and took a seat across from her. Evi appeared with food and silverware for them before excusing herself. It was soup with a variety of vegetables, and some fresh bread. Marin started to eat right away, realizing how hungry she was.

“I know today was… difficult,” Astarion said carefully. “I want you to know that I don’t have any expectations, all right? You don’t even have to sleep in my bed, if you don’t want to. There are plenty of spare rooms. I don’t want you to feel rushed, or guilty. Not with me.”

“I feel… numb,” Marin admitted. “I’m unsure how to feel. But not about you, Astarion.”

His eyebrows went up with surprise, his eyes remaining soft.

“I just want you to feel safe,” he pressed. “Like you did for me, back then. I can’t repay the debt I owe to you, but… I need to try.”

“I do feel safe here,” she replied honestly. “I always feel safe with you.”

The Take Over, The Break's Over - 10

Ascended Astarion x Marin (Tav/OC, cis woman)

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Words: 700 (chapter 10 of 17)

Setting: Marin's house

Content: Marin's POV, Marin & Asti go to Marin's house for her things, she gets emotional about leaving her old home, she leaves a break-up note for her husband, they're both anxious, Asti comforts her

Warnings: brief talk of leaving an ab*sive relationship

This is not the place for anti-A!A discourse. I love both versions of Astarion, and it's okay to have issues with the Ascendant route, but I will block you if you clown on these posts~

First chapter

Previous chapter

Next chapter

Marin laid her head on Astarion’s lap in the carriage, unable to relax, despite the comfortable seat and his hand in her hair. They had been laughing and kissing for the first part of the ride, but both had grown increasingly quiet as they approached their destination: her home.

“I don’t want to feel like I’m forcing you to do this, darling,” Astarion insisted quietly. “I’m here to help, and that’s all.”

“You aren’t forcing me,” she replied blankly.

“Are you sure? You feel so far away from me, my love,” he responded. She looked up at him from his lap, her face empty.

“I don’t know how to feel. I’m numb. But I know it’s the right thing.”

His eyes were a pale red in the midday sun; his brow furrowed with concern. 

“This has to come from you,” he insisted. “If you change your mind, you don’t have to go through with it, all right?” She nodded.

“Nearly there, m’lord,” called the driver, Reardon, from the front of the carriage. Marin sat up, looking out the window again, her heart racing.

“It’ll be all right, my love,” Astarion whispered, likely listening to her heartbeat.

They pulled up at the edge of the street. The house looked exactly how she'd left it the night before, thankfully. He hasn't been home yet.

“Did you want me to go in with you?” Astarion asked gently. “If it makes you feel better, I can. But I don't want you to feel pressured just because this is what I want.”

“I want you to,” she mumbled. “I don't know if I'm strong enough.”

“Of course.”

Astarion exited the carriage, standing below and offering a steadying hand up to her. She took it and stepped down herself. My garden, she thought. I won't get to see it anymore. She teared up at the thought.

“What's the matter?”

“My garden,” she admitted. “I'll miss it here, in some ways. It's home.”

“I understand, my sweet,” he replied, sympathetic. “You can plant whatever you’d like again, hm?” She nodded.

He placed his hand gently on her lower back and followed her inside the house. She searched quickly for her things - her clothes, her hairbrush, her favorite books, her old sentimental items. Her favorite blanket, and her old apron, and her gardening tools and seeds. Astarion’s letter from its hiding place. She was leaving all the furniture, food, and anything else she shared with Del behind. Before leaving, she scrawled a short note on a piece of paper, leaving it on the kitchen table:

Delaney, I’m leaving. I’m sorry it had to come to this. We can deal with the paperwork in the future, after things have settled. If you care for me, please allow me space to live my own life. -Marin

Astarion and Reardon helped her take her things to the carriage. Seeing all her belongings collected in bundles reminded her of their adventuring days, when everything they owned came along with them. Is my life here really that small? She would miss the plants, and the little birds who visited the front garden in the morning.

“We should get on the road as soon as possible,” Astarion told her, gently as he could. “I don’t want to run into him if we can help it.”

She looked back at her home before accepting his help into the carriage. Her little life. The love she thought she shared with Del, once. Did he truly care for me, even back then? Perhaps it had all been doomed from the very start.

As they pulled away, Marin could feel her stomach churning. She whimpered with anxiety.

“My sweet, what can I do to help?” Astarion asked, uneasy.

“It hurts so much,” she cried. “I can’t bear to look.”

“Rest on my lap again, darling,” he reassured her, guiding her down to his thighs. He pulled the blanket from her things and laid it across her shoulders. “Everything will be all right. I promise.”

She felt her discomfort easing slightly as he petted her hair, with her favorite blanket covering her. She realized how very tired she was, having spent the night tossing and turning, and the morning worrying. She looked up at Astarion’s gentle face, watching her with concern. Finally, her eyelids started to feel too heavy to keep them open any longer.

The Take Over, The Break's Over - 7

Ascended Astarion x Marin (Tav/OC, cis woman)

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Words: 800 (chapter 7 of 17)

Setting: Marin's house

Content: Marin's POV, forbidden relationship, Marin's husband fucking sucks but on screen this time, Astarion sends a letter via his servant, they are so in love and miss each other an excessive amount

I went too far for the bit on these letters and made visuals but I included a text-only version below it for accessibility~

Warnings: descriptions of emotional ab*se & dialogue (I really tried to make this guy an emotionally ab*sive creep without being in-depth enough to bother people, difficult line to walk so I'm sorry if he seems either one-dimensional or is still upsetting)

This is not the place for anti-A!A discourse. I love both versions of Astarion, and it's okay to have issues with the Ascendant route, but I will block you if you clown on these posts~

First chapter

Previous chapter

Next chapter

Marin loaded the bread dough into the oven, drying the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand as she stepped away.

“You smell like an ox,” Del chided as he entered the kitchen. Marin sighed to herself.

“I'm sorry. The oven is hot. Baking is hard work, you know.”

He snickered as if the very idea was foolish, making her cheeks burn.

“Speaking of hard work, I'm off,” he muttered as he finished fastening his buttons. “Behave yourself, a’right?”

She swallowed the urge to say something nasty. “Of course I will, Del.”

“Good,” he replied, kissing her on the cheek. She plastered a smile on her face and followed him to the door.

“Have a good night,” she called as he started down the path. He responded with a half-hearted thanks, not looking back.

“Fucking prick,” she whispered to herself once the door was shut. He seemed to have grown more irritating since her return, but maybe that was imagined. He was acting the same as always, while something inside her had changed.

She took off her apron and grabbed the cushion and gloves she used for her garden. She left the door open behind her so that she could smell the bread cooking, as a reminder to check on it.

She perched on the stones around her front garden, the cushion under her knees. Feeling the sun warm her hair from behind and smelling the soil, she felt the stress of dealing with Del melt away.

“My lady?” came a woman’s voice from behind her. My lady? Marin turned to see a cloaked figure walking up her garden path. She dropped her hood as she approached, revealing a familiar face.

“...Evi?”

“Good afternoon, my lady. I come bearing a parcel from Lord Ancunín,” she announced, speaking formally as if Marin had any social standing.

“A letter? Oh, um, thank you,” she stuttered. “You didn't run into anyone on your way up the path, did you?”

“I waited for his departure before I approached,” Evi reassured her. “Lord’s orders. He wants me to confirm that you're all right.”

Marin’s face burned thinking of Astarion’s concern for her. “I am, thank you.”

“Excellent. I have one more gift from his lordship.” Evi reached into her bag, pulling out a single orange, fragrant and perfectly ripe.

“Oh, thank you!” Marin took it from her, delighted with the surprise.

“Have a pleasant day, Lady Marin,” she said, pulling up her hood before walking down the path.

“You too,” she responded, feeling like she was in a dream. She floated inside, closing the front door and putting her back against the inside of it. She held the letter tightly to her chest, her heart pounding. She checked the oven before scurrying down the hall, letter and orange in hand. She didn't want to be caught reading it in plain view, on the tiny chance Del came home to get something. She locked the bedroom door behind her, sank into the bed, and opened the envelope, addressed only Marin. The letter was written on thick, expensive paper, with Astarion's careful calligraphy folded up inside.

Marin, my sweet,

I was heartened to see your letter this evening. I miss you terribly, darling. Your visit has served as a harsh reminder of my empty bed and lonely existence. Of course, I do not blame you for that. Our time together was far more valuable to me than any continued delusion of self-sufficiency. Your joyful presence feels like sunshine on my skin after so many years in the darkness, a bittersweet feeling with which I am intimately familiar.

We disagreed at the time of my ascension on your vampiric transformation. I recall the details of those arguments quite clearly when I am lonely and disappointed in myself. I want you to know that I will accept you in any form, my love. I am not the man I used to be, but I realize I will have to prove myself worthy of your trust.

I will happily make space for you in my life if you ever feel ready for a future with me. I want nothing else as much as I want to see you happy. There is a greenhouse here which is hardly used, and it makes me long to see you working on your garden to your heart's content.

You are welcome here anytime, my dear. I hope you know that I eagerly await our next meeting. Until then, I will think of you anytime my mind wanders, as I do already.

Stay safe, darling.

Yours eternally,

Astarion

Your comment about beetroot juice made me smile. You enjoyed the fresh oranges when you were here, so I hope you will smile for me in return.

Marin flopped back on the bed, the letter pressed to her heart as if it were part of him. She stared blankly up at the rafters, tears running down her face and into her hair.

The Take Over, The Break's Over - 6

Ascended Astarion x Marin (Tav/OC, cis woman)

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Words: 300 (chapter 6 of 17)

Setting: A!Astarion's palace

Content: Astarion's POV, forbidden relationship, Astarion needs help from his servant to get a letter to Marin, he explains the plan to her

Warnings: mentions of emotional ab*se

This is not the place for anti-A!A discourse. I love both versions of Astarion, and it's okay to have issues with the Ascendant route, but I will block you if you clown on these posts~

First chapter

Previous chapter

Next chapter

“Evi, would you mind taking a day trip for me tomorrow?” Astarion simpered into the kitchen where she was sweeping up.

“Of course, my lord.” she replied. “What sort of errand might it be?”

“It's beyond the Gate. A couple of hours by carriage,” he explained. “I have a letter to be hand-delivered. It's a bit of a… delicate task, so to speak.”

Evi grinned at those words, pretending to busy herself with sweeping. “And who might be the recipient?”

“Marin,” he admitted, feeling his heart flutter as he said it aloud.

“And the postal service won't run it for you, hm?” she replied, smiling to herself.

“Cheeky,” he grumbled. “She's married.”

“Married?”

“Yes, all right?” he snapped, a bit annoyed at her for prying into his life. “I can't take the chance it will fall into the hands of her husband. That's why the post office won't do. You’re a woman, so you won’t raise suspicion if you’re seen speaking to her. I need you to deliver it personally.”

She avoided his sharp gaze, a small blush across her tanned cheeks. “Of course, my lord.”

“Thank you,” he growled. “She should be at home during the daytime. I'd like you to wait out of sight until the afternoon, when the husband leaves for work. I'm not sure what hour he leaves the house, mind you - only that he works in a tavern. Bring something to keep busy while you wait.”

“Understood, my lord.”

“I’ll provide you with some extra gold for your discretion,” he impressed upon her, speaking carefully. “I'm paying you more than usual to take most of the day off, Evi. It needs to be done exactly right. This is a matter of her safety.”

She stopped pretending to focus on her task and met his eyes, looking sincere. “There’s no need to worry, Lord Astarion. I won't let you down.”

The Take Over, The Break's Over - 5

Ascended Astarion x Marin (Tav/OC, cis woman)

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Words: 400 (chapter 5 of 17)

Setting: A!Astarion's palace

Content: Astarion's POV, forbidden relationship, Marin sends a letter, her husband fucking sucks, they are so in love and miss each other an excessive amount

I went too far for the bit on these letters and made visuals but I included a text-only version below it for accessibility~

Warnings: descriptions of emotional ab*se

This is not the place for anti-A!A discourse. I love both versions of Astarion, and it's okay to have issues with the Ascendant route, but I will block you if you clown on these posts~

First chapter

Previous chapter

Next chapter

Several days later

“My lord,” came Evi’s muffled voice from beyond his study door. “The evening post has arrived.”

Astarion rose from his desk immediately. There wasn't much point in hoping, but he did, every time. He opened the door and took the envelopes from her hands.

“Thank you,” he muttered absent-mindedly, thumbing through them right in front of her. Is that-

“You're welcome,” Evi responded with a knowing smile, excusing herself. One was addressed in Marin’s handwriting, Ld. Astarion Ancunín, with a return address reading only M. He took it to his desk and cut it open immediately, his heart racing, careful not to slice through her handwriting on the envelope.

Dearest Astarion,

The days have been so dull since we parted. Del has been watching me more carefully than usual since his return, and I’ve been busy with my housework. I don't think he suspects me of our visit, but I have been more absentminded than usual, which may have set him on edge. I've been trying to keep up with my duties around the house, so as not to alert him to any changes. However, I think of our time together ceaselessly.

I long to join you again. Even returning to the bustle of Baldur's Gate felt magical compared to this town, and reminded me of our adventuring days. Del won't tell me the next time he goes out of town until a few days in advance, so I'm unsure how long it will be until I can get away again. I wish we could be together already, but we will have to wait for the next opportunity, my silver star.

My garden is thriving as the weather warms, which is cheering me up. I planted a few beets early this spring, and I think of you when tending to the sprouts. (because of the red juice)

I will write again as soon as I can. I have to be careful with this letter and will place it in the public postbox myself. In the meantime, I hope you are thinking of me the way I think of you. Our night together was far more special to me than a merely physical affair.

All my love,

Marin

Below the writing, there was a tiny doodle of a vampire (is it me?) looking at a beet.

Astarion leaned back as he finished reading, slumping down in his seat, his chest aching. She is so sweet. He almost felt guilty for being aroused at the conjured memories of her in his bed, but he knew it wasn’t a reflection of his heart. She is so much more to me.

The Take Over, The Break's Over - 4

Ascended Astarion x Marin (Tav/OC, cis woman)

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Words: 2.4k (chapter 4 of 17)

Setting: A!Astarion's palace

Content: Astarion's POV, oral sex, blowjob, Astarion comes all over her, dirty talk, praise, teasing, fingering, cunnilingus, PIV sex, riding, multiple orgasms, Marin comes all over him, I specifically hate the words squirting and female ejaculation both!!! but that's what happens, Marin's romantic confession, crying/comfort, soft Astarion is sad because she has to go home and he's lonely without her

There is so much fuckin' in this one, I'm only 5% sorry; these horny idiots are in LOVE and I will cry in this club about it

This is not the place for anti-A!A discourse. I love both versions of Astarion, and it's okay to have issues with the Ascendant route, but I will block you if you clown on these posts~

First chapter

Previous chapter

Next chapter

“I haven’t had a breakfast like that in a long time,” Marin chirped as she went up the stairs. The morning sun was bright now, shining in through the huge windows at the front of the house. Her red hair gleamed like raw gold in the sunlight. Gods, she’s beautiful.

“I’m glad I could treat you to it,” Astarion purred. “My servants do all the hard work, of course. I just slink between my bedroom and my study most days.”

He swatted at her butt as they reached the landing, eliciting a lighthearted protest from her.

“It’s a nice view,” he chuckled.

Marin led the way into his room, bouncing a little as she walked, acting comfortable in his home. His heart ached to share it with her for more than one night.

“So, darling. What’s next?” he prompted.

Without another word, Marin pulled him close and kissed him. His heart fluttered with excitement as she snaked her hands under his robe, grabbing at his bare chest.

“I couldn’t stop looking at your skin peeking through the top of your robe,” she whispered. “You’re so handsome.”

“And I couldn’t stop thinking about how you’re wearing nothing but my bed clothes under your robe,” he responded with a grin. She giggled, her cheeks pink.

“You were incredible last night,” she fawned.

“Why, thank you,” he replied, feeling his cock harden at the memory. “You were so very… exciting. I was rather embarrassed I couldn't go on for longer. I had hoped you enjoyed yourself enough to make up for that.”

“I haven't gotten off like that in forever,” she said earnestly, still blushing. “I'd forgotten how much I missed those skilled hands of yours.”

“These?” he purred, reaching around for her ass, causing her to jump.

“Ooh! Yes, those,” she giggled. He ran his hands over her, reaching down to where her thighs began, rubbing gently. She shuddered from the stimulation, and Astarion felt himself stiffen completely from the feel of her. He was slightly frustrated at his inability to keep his controlled demeanor with her. But perhaps it was a good thing that she made him feel differently than everyone else. Gods, I haven't lost control of myself like that since… well, since I last laid with her.

“I can feel you,” Marin remarked. She started to grind against his cock, making him pulse from the excitement.

“Well, you… have a way of unraveling me,” he admitted, inhaling deeply. She reached her hand down, beneath his robe and his underclothes, and took his cock in her soft hand. So warm.

“Is this all right?” she whispered.

“Yes,” he managed, his heart pounding. Her hand moved up and down the length of him, eliciting a groan. He shrugged off his robe, the silky material falling to the floor with a rustle.

“What do you want, Astarion?” Your hands, your mouth. Everything.

“You,” he replied. She giggled, her pink blush reappearing.

“Silly boy,” she teased. Nobody ever talks to me the way she does. “I meant, whatever shall I do with you?”

“Whatever you’d like, I suppose,” he muttered. “I'm yours.”

“Good boy,” she whispered. His cock pulsed in her hand as she praised him. “Oh, did you like that?”

He nodded, looking into her eyes. She pulled her hand away to wiggle out of her robe. He took the opportunity to grab the hem of her nightshirt, and she let him pull it up over her head. Her bare, freckled chest looked so lovely in the morning light.

“I thought I could have my fun with you, first,” she pouted as he worked his borrowed underclothes down over her hips.

“You can,” he insisted. “I wanted to see your beautiful body, darling.”

Marin’s cheeks and ears went red at his compliment.

“Then let’s dress you for the occasion as well,” she giggled, tugging at his waistband. He let her slide his underclothes off, his cock springing free. “Now, let’s get comfortable.”

She took his hand and pulled him to the bed. He sat on the edge, looking up at her.

“Good boy,” she repeated, eliciting a tiny gasp. Marin moved to her knees, taking his cock in her hand again. She licked the underside, making him shudder. She looked up at him with those enormous blue-green eyes, watching his reaction as she licked her lips and put them around the tip of his cock. He swallowed a moan and propped himself up with his arms straight behind him. Gods, I love her so much.

He bit his lip, trying to keep himself grounded. Don’t say anything stupid this time, he thought. He could feel his control slipping away as she sucked him off.

“You feel- d-divine,” he stuttered, trying to regain his eloquence. It wasn’t working. He could feel her tongue lapping, slightly stiff against the sensitive underside of his cock. He shuddered, a moan escaping his throat. He began to thrust towards her, restraining his movements to keep her comfortable.

She moaned a little with him in her mouth, driving him wild.

“Oh-h, Marin, you’re per- perfect,” he whined. “You make me want to-” Oh, shit. He felt his hips stiffening up, desperate to fuck her mouth harder. Tension was building in his belly. He tapped her shoulder, and she looked up at him with lidded eyes. Fuck, fuck.

“H-hand,” he managed. “Your hand, darling, I’m-”

She pulled her mouth off of him, leaving his cock slippery. She straightened up, leaning closer, and started jerking him off in front of her breasts, bouncing as she worked. He let his hips loose, his eyes fixed on her jiggling chest, thrusting as hard as he’d wanted to before. He rolled his hips, fucking into her hand, feeling her tits bump against the tip of his cock. He came suddenly, surprising even himself, like tumbling over a cliff. He watched as the valley between her breasts became covered in his fluid, letting himself finish before flopping back onto the bed. His arms felt like jelly.

“Holy hells, Astarion, that was a lot,” Marin panted. Fuck.

“I’m sorry,” he managed, breathless. “What a mess.”

“I didn’t say it was a bad thing, love,” she said adoringly, laying on her back next to him on the bed. Love? No, better not to make a fuss about it. It’s just a pet name.

“Oh?” he asked. She grabbed for his hand, pulling it to her body, his fingers on her cunt. She was radiating heat and very slick. “Oh, I see.”

He looked over to see her eyes glimmering back at him, her face eager. He summoned the strength to get up and crossed the room for a towel, handing it to her with a chuckle.

“What shall we do about that, I wonder?” he mused as she wiped at her chest. “I suppose… it’s only half past seven, and you have earned a reward. For your… excellent service.”

She sat up on the edge of the bed with her tits pushed out. “Yes, I have,” she responded playfully.

“You’ll have to convince me you really want it, of course,” he growled. Her face reddened even more.

“Please, Lord Astarion,” she pleaded, flirtatious. His stomach flipped, hearing her call him by that title. “I do.”

“Do you really?”

“So badly,” she continued, flopping onto her back, legs slightly open. “I just want you to touch me, more than anything in the world, Lord Astarion.”

He pounced on her and pinned her to the bed softly. She moaned and squirmed under him, not trying to escape.

“Touch you, hm?” he muttered. “Touch you where?”

“Everywhere, my love,” she whispered. There it is again. Love.

“Here?” he asked, running his fingers down the side of her neck and to her shoulder. She shuddered, nodding.

“And… here?” He clasped her breast with his hand, her nipple caught between two of his fingers, making her squirm again.

“Yes, please,” she whined.

He pulled back, standing on the edge of the bed on his knees, and hiked her up the bed. He came back down, his mouth at her breasts. He licked her nipple, pulling it gently into his mouth, painstakingly careful not to scrape her with his fangs. She moaned louder than he expected. I forgot how much she liked that.

He worked his tongue across her nipple, flicking at it with the tip of his tongue, feeling her hips roll underneath him. He moved his head to the other breast and repeated the treatment.

“Ohhh, Lord Astarion, yes,” she whimpered. She was still using his title, playing along. Such a cheeky girl.

He pulled his head away, hearing her whine at the loss. He looked up into her eyes again, seeing them glazed over with lust.

“Shall I touch you here?” he offered, brushing his fingers over her pelvis, eliciting a gasp.

“Yes, yes,” she moaned. “There, please, Lord Astarion.”

“As you wish, my lady.” He crawled down again, his face at her bellybutton, kissing his way down. She tipped her pelvis up at him impatiently. He reached between her legs, finding her entrance and pushing two fingers inside. She was dripping wet. He felt for her most sensitive zone, feeling the taut place at the front and pressing upwards against it. She moaned and stiffened her hips as he touched her there.

Once he was propped on his elbow, he lowered his mouth to her cunt, lapping at her. She let out a surprised whimper, lifting her head to look down at him. He froze, watching her eyes, until she nodded at him. Thank the Gods.

He worked his tongue slowly over her, moving his fingers in rhythm with his mouth. She moaned, higher pitched and more urgently the longer he worked on her. Gods, you’re beautiful, I love you, he thought. He felt his cock pulse, starting to harden again at the temptation, but remained focused on touching her.

“Oh, fuck, Astarion,” she whimpered. “Please don’t stop.”

He shook his head slightly, not lifting his mouth from her body. I’m not stopping unless you say so. He worked faster, hearing her voice cutting out as she moaned his name.

“Oh A- star-” she cried out. “Oh Gods- I’m comi-”

He felt her insides flutter and pulse around his fingers. Oh, fuck. She was so, so hot. He felt himself sweating too, his cheeks and ears slipping against her inner thighs. She panted, trying to catch her breath, so he gave her a short break from the stimulation before starting up again. Her moans resumed, high and urgent, and it took even less time for her to wind up the second time.

“Fucking hells,” she whimpered. “You’re going to make me-”

“Mhm,” he murmured against her cunt, nodding slightly, encouraging her. She cried out, pulsing hard around his fingers again. He felt himself get completely, desperately hard as he listened to her falling apart. Bleeding hells, she is so lovely.

His fingers pushed against the inside of her, realizing the front was more taut and resistant to his touch than before. Suddenly, a few of the times he’d fingered her into oblivion came rushing into his mind. This might make a mess. He wanted her on him so badly, tight like that around his cock. He pulled his head away, keeping his fingers still.

“Marin,” he purred. “My sweet, we should get off the bed. I’m going to get something to put underneath us.”

She nodded, her eyes wide, seemingly having realized it as well. He pulled away from her and grabbed several towels from across the room. He laid them all down, creating thick layers on top of the bedding.

“Will you let me fuck you?” he pleaded, her eyes glancing down to his cock standing at attention.

“Yes,” she panted immediately. “Lay down.”

He laid on his back, positioning his pelvis on top of the towels. She climbed onto the bed and into his lap, holding his cock still so she could sink down onto it. He could feel her all around him, tight and soaking wet. His earlier release would buy him some time. Thank the Gods. The sensation of her was so very overwhelming.

“Oh-h-h,” came her broken moans as she settled onto him. “Astarion-”

“You’re perfect,” he huffed, trying to hold still while she got comfortable. “Absolutely perfect.”

Her cheeks were bright red, the flush spreading like wildfire over her ears and shoulders. She rocked against him, trying to get as close as possible. He put his hands on her hips and pulled her down onto his pelvis, hard. He bounced her on his cock, using his grip to keep her close, watching her tits bounce along. Her mouth was open in a beautiful oval, her eyes rolling upwards behind closed lids. I will not come before her, he thought. I have to give her this. She deserves to be happy. He felt his eyes well slightly at the thought. Gods damn it.

She looked down at him with that doe-eyed face of desperation. She didn’t say a word, but her face gave her away.

“It’s all right, darling. Let go,” he begged, his voice high and breathless. “Come for me, Marin. Mess be damned.”

She kept her eyes locked on his, letting out staccato cries as he felt her waves come crashing down around him. Her eyes slammed shut, barely any sound escaping her, pulsing so hard around his cock as more and more fluid puddled between them, running down over his hips onto the towels below. That’s it. He lost any semblance of control.

“Fuckfuckfuck,” he whimpered and came inside of her. He felt her swaying above him and grabbed her shoulders to guide her down onto his chest. He held her as they both shuddered and caught their breath.

“Astarion,” she mumbled against his neck, her voice muffled.

“Yes, dear.”

“I love you. I never stopped,” she admitted quietly. He stayed silent, holding her tightly, his face solemn. He felt her closed eyelids grow wet against his bare skin. “I don’t even know why I’m crying. I’m sorry.”

“It’s all right, my sweet,” he consoled her. “It’s quite natural to cry after a release like that.”

“All right,” she muttered. Her tears slid down over his shoulder, soaking into the bedding below. His own eyes welled up, knowing their time together was almost over. She’ll be leaving again, and I’ll be here alone. Again.

The Take Over, The Break's Over - 1

Ascended Astarion x Marin (Tav/OC, cis woman)

Overview: I was inspired by an old favorite song - The Take Over, The Break's Over by Fall Out Boy. I really wanted to make a story about a protective A!Astarion reuniting with his ex-lover who has a shit husband and it became a WAY longer story than I intended. Super smutty and quite heavy throughout. Astarion's PTSD and Marin's emotionally ab*sive husband are triggers later on!

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Words: 3.7k (chapter 1 of 17)

Setting: Baldur's Gate, post-plot of BG3

Content: Marin's POV, ex-lovers reunited, forbidden relationship, semi-public make-out, dirty talk, hook-up, fingering, quickie, standing/wall sex, romantic confession, soft Ascended Astarion is lonely

This is not the place for anti-A!A discourse. I love both versions of Astarion, and it's okay to have issues with the Ascendant route, but I will block you if you clown on these posts~

Next chapter

Don't pretend you ever forgot about me

Marin arrived at the bar in the early evening, the fourth place she'd checked for Astarion. The servant at his front door said he went out for drinks and wasn't expected back for several hours, but she couldn't afford to wait in his sitting room for him to come home. Instead, she went searching for Astarion at the fancy establishments near his home, despite the sprinkling rain. As she stepped past the entranceway of the tavern, she spotted him from behind.

There he was, perched on a small chair like a peacock, gesturing as he spoke. A nobleman sat across from him, drunkenly laughing at his story, a courtesan giggling between the two. She was leaning against the other man, but clearly enraptured by Astarion. Marin could hardly blame her - the other man was likely a well-paying client, but nowhere near as charming.

Time seemed to stand still. The drunken man must have noticed her standing across the room, staring at the group of them, and smiled in her direction. Trying to figure out what he was looking at, the woman ended up spotting her as well. She smiled and gave a little wave to Marin.

Astarion glanced over his shoulder, his characteristic smirk still plastered on his face. It quickly dropped when he saw Marin. He didn't look upset, to her relief. His eyes were wide, lips slightly parted. He furrowed his brow and squinted a little, as if he couldn't believe his eyes.

“... Marin?”

Her heart raced hearing her name from his mouth again.

“Astarion.”

He'd completely lost interest in the others at his table, rising slowly from his chair. He strode elegantly across the bar, despite his surprise.

“Bleeding hells. It's actually you,” Astarion said, his mouth breaking into a genuine smile. “What are you doing here?”

“I thought we could have a drink,” she responded, trying to keep her voice from shaking. “The two of us. Catch up.”

Astarion's brows knitted together in disbelief, but he played along regardless. “All right, then. Let's have a drink.”

He extended an arm, offering it to her like a gentleman. She took it, tighter than she intended. Without missing a beat, he led her across the floor, walking all the way to the back of the establishment. He presented her with a pair of comfortable armchairs, waiting for her to sit before sinking into one himself, signalling for a waiter.

“Wine for you, darling?”

Marin’s stomach jumped at the pet name.

“Liquor,” she replied, trying to sound composed. He perked an eyebrow with curiosity, but didn't challenge her. He turned to the waiter who had appeared.

“Brandy, for both of us. Thank you,” he requested, before turning back to Marin.

“Sooo, you know I must ask. What brings a married woman into a bar for a drink with her old lover?” he drawled. “I hadn’t the faintest clue you were in town.”

“I wanted to see you,” she replied, earnestly.

“After all these years?” he asked with surprise, watching her carefully. “Obviously, darling, I'm flattered. But I thought you were finished with me.”

“I don't hate you. I never did,” she countered. “It was just too hard to be… close to you, after everything that happened. And then I met Del.”

“Yes, Wyll told me you were leaving town to get married. I assumed that was the end of it. Of us.” His tone was still calm and measured, despite the subject.

The drinks arrived, and Marin immediately took hers from the table. She took a big drink, hoping to steel her nerves, and coughed a little. Damn, it's been a long time since I had something this strong, she thought. How embarrassing. She looked up to see Astarion smiling at her.

“You're cute, you know that?” Astarion mused, admiringly. “I have missed you, dear. Despite myself.”

“Did you really?” she asked, being cheeky despite her nerves. “I thought a lordship would have plenty of distractions. Especially one as handsome as you.”

Astarion tipped his head back with genuine laughter.

“Distractions, certainly. You wouldn't believe the parties,” he purred. “That doesn't mean I haven't missed our… little talks.”

He looked as beautiful as he always had. No, even better. Years of luxury and rest seemed to have helped his skin. The dark circles and fine lines had eased slightly since their adventuring days. She blushed at the realization, hoping she hadn't aged too noticeably in his eyes.

“So, darling, how long are you in town?” Astarion asked, snapping her out of her own thoughts.

“Well, I need to be home tomorrow to prepare the house. My husband will be home from his trip tomorrow night, and I need to get it fixed up for him.”

He furrowed his brow. “Why do you have to fix up the house for your husband?”

“Not all of us have servants to clean up and cook dinner,” she scoffed, teasing him. “I have to do that stuff myself. He expects it to be perfect when he’s around.”

Astarion stared at her suspiciously, looking like he wanted to press it further, but he dropped the subject. “Well, then. Dinner?”

She shook her head. “I thought maybe I could see your home,” she chirped. “I went there first. It looks great. I haven't been there since…” Marin trailed off, realizing what she was saying. Since I helped you kill Cazador.

“Yes, it's changed a lot,” Astarion responded, steering the conversation. “Obviously, with the city in such a state, it was hard to get repairs done. Things have quieted down, though.”

The two stared at each other for a moment.

“Well then, shall we take a little walk?” Astarion said, rising from his chair and extending a hand to her. “I believe the rain has slowed since I arrived, so it should be rather pleasant.”

Marin accepted his hand and stood as well, swaying a tiny bit. Hells, that drink went to my head more than I expected, she thought. Astarion was gracious, offering his elbow for her to grip and walk with him. He led her across the bar, collecting their cloaks at the door.  His was a fine garment meant to protect his expensive suit from the elements. Her simple traveling cloak looked very plain by comparison.

Outside, the soft pattering of rain set a very different tone from the warm, crowded tavern. The streets were fairly empty, aside from a few carriages passing by. Most people were indoors after sunset on a rainy evening.

“I have a confession to make,” Marin admitted.

“I knew it,” came Astarion’s smug voice from beside her. “There's more to this, isn't there?”

“I didn't come here to ask you for money, if that's what you're implying,” she hissed. “I did come to see you.”

“Why would you want to see me, darling? Not only for a free brandy and idle chatter, I hope,” he sneered. “Perhaps to see the look of shock on my face in a crowded bar? To taunt me for my loneliness, despite my hedonistic life? To remind me of what I'm missing?”

Marin stopped and turned to look at him. “I didn't come here to taunt you. I'm not that kind of person.”

“I know that, dear,” he said, a bit exasperated. “I'm just trying to understand why a good girl with a loving husband would track down an old flame.”

“He's not that loving,” Marin snapped, starting to walk again. “Can you stop being a prick?”

Astarion snorted. “Not really, no,” he responded playfully. “What-”

She surprised him into silence, pulling him down a secluded alleyway with a jerk. She pulled him to face her and clumsily kissed him on the cheek, too close to his mouth for a friendly greeting.

“What in the- Marin, are you feeling alright?”

Instead of answering, she grabbed the lapels of his suit and kissed him again, this time on the mouth. He didn't protest.

“There. Is that clear enough for you?” she huffed. Astarion watched her face carefully, thinking before he spoke.

“You're not drunk,” he started, slowly. I forgot he can smell my blood. “You're not joking, either. You came all the way to Baldur's Gate, just to see me? To… be with me?”

“You used to say you were always up for ‘a sordid little affair’ after we broke up,” Marin sniped, mimicking his accent. “What’s the problem?”

“Well, naturally, I am,” he drawled. “But I didn't think you were the type to take me up on it.”

“Maybe I've changed!” she snapped. “It's been a long time since you knew me. Is that really so hard to believe?”

“Yes, it is, dear.”

“This was a mistake,” Marin huffed with frustration. She turned to leave, but he kept a gentle grip on her forearm.

“Please, don't go,” he said, his voice softening. “I was only trying to help. I don't want you to run off just yet.”

She stopped, still turned away from him. She didn’t really want to leave, but her face burned with embarrassment.

“I was trying to protect you. I didn’t want you to make a mistake and… regret me,” he admitted. “I’m sure you already do.”

Marin turned back to him, her brows knitted with uncertainty. How much do I share? Will he think I’m a fool?

“Del slept with somebody else,” she blurted out, staring at the pavement. “So I stopped fighting my urge to come back here. To see you. I thought about it for a long time.”

“I presume… it wasn’t a planned arrangement, then?” he asked gently.

“No. He fucked some other woman for no reason at all,” she hissed, fighting back tears. “He doesn’t even know that I found out. I’m sure he thinks he’s rather clever.”

Astarion took her hand in his. They both stood silently for a long time, with light rain hitting the pavement as the only sound.

“I don’t want you to make a mistake,” he said earnestly. “But I’ll have you, darling. If this is truly what you want.”

“Yes, it is,” Marin responded without hesitation.

Astarion’s eyes searched her face cautiously, looking for any hint of doubt or regret. He moved closer, his eyes locked on hers, gently backing her up against the bricks behind her. She stared up at him, holding her breath, exhilarated from how close he was. His eyes gleamed a deep garnet in the growing darkness, his gaze now fixed on her lips. The damp wall was cold against her back.

He put a hand behind her head and kissed her, his chilled fingers at the nape of her neck making her shiver. Marin leaned deeper into the kiss, poking his lips ever so slightly with her tongue. He responded with his own tongue in her mouth, and before long, they were kissing messily like a pair of horny fools. She rubbed up against him with her hips, feeling the outline of his cock press against her. He inhaled at the sensation, grinding himself against her, his hands on her waist to hold her close. He moved one hand down to her ass, grabbing at her and eliciting a muffled moan.

“Gods, I’ve missed you,” he panted. “I’d forgotten how much until I saw you.”

“And you still know how to drive me wild,” she whispered.

She reached down between them, feeling the firm outline of his cock. His pants were perfectly form-fitting and made of a silky material. They can’t be very comfortable, but Gods damn it, they look so good on him. She felt him pulse at her touch, looking up to find his eyes had gone glazed over, almost feral.

“Just don’t bite me, okay? I can’t go home with a mark like that.”

“As much as I’d love to, I was thinking of something else,” he responded. He snaked a hand down the front of her body, grasping between her legs. Marin gasped, tipping her pelvis forward into his hand instinctively. He wouldn’t have any access through her long dress, at least not without a serious adjustment. Why did I wear this thing?

Astarion seemed to wrest control of himself with great effort, straightening up and pulling away from her with a deep breath. She whined at the loss.

“I don’t want any interruptions, darling,” he whispered. “It’d be a little unseemly to go any farther right here. People know me in this part of town.”

He once again offered her his arm, and she clung to him as they walked. The rain had started picking up again, and they both pulled up the hoods of their cloaks to keep dry.

“Do you know what I’d like to do with you, Marin?” Astarion mused quietly. “I would love to push you up against that wall and take you, here and now. Rain and reputation be damned.”

“I can’t imagine,” she responded, teasing him. “You’ll have to paint the picture a little more clearly for me.” He chuckled, realizing her game.

“Well, it would start with a kiss, just like that one. Our bodies pressed close together, and our hands on each other. Perhaps I’d touch you where it was sure to drive you wild. And perhaps you’d let me know how much you wanted it, and beg me to take you right then.”

She hummed as if she were pondering the scenario, her face scarlet.

“And after such an intriguing request from such a beautiful woman, well…” he paused. “I’d have no choice but to oblige. I’d hike up your dress and pick you up, both of your legs to one side.”

“Would you, now?” She was playing coy, despite how badly she wanted to hear the rest of his story. “And why is that?”

“So that I could pull your underclothes down over your ankles like the naughty little thing you are. Then I’d wrap your bare legs around me and pull your hips close, letting you feel just how badly I’ve missed you. How long I’ve missed you.”

She giggled at his double entendre.

“You’d be so close to my cock, and so ready to take it. I couldn’t resist you after that, naturally,” he whispered as they walked up the path. “I’d have to have you,”

Marin sucked in a breath, realizing she’d been captivated by his description for several blocks. They were nearly to the looming entrance of his palace. He stopped short of the front step to whisper in her ear.

“Of course, it’s all hypothetical, darling. I’m a gentleman, after all.” She snorted at the assertion as he stepped up and knocked, announcing himself.

The servant who had greeted Marin earlier opened the door. “Good evening, my lord. Ah, I see you found each other!” she said, recognizing his companion. “What good fortune.”

They stepped over the entranceway into the lavish home. “Thank you, Evi. You may retire for the evening,” Astarion said with a smile, his tone even.

“Thank you, my lord,” she responded cheerfully, hanging their damp cloaks on hooks. She glanced once more at Marin before heading down a nearby hallway.

“I only have two of them here unless I’m hosting,” he explained. “Their quarters are below the main floor. They won’t bother us.” He must have seen the unease on her face. He snaked an arm behind her waist and led her to the staircase.

“Or hear us, no matter how loud we are,” he added quietly. Her face burned fiercely at the very thought. “Now, let’s get upstairs and out of these wet clothes. There will be time to explore later.”

Astarion led her up the stairs with a haste she hadn’t seen from him that evening. He seemed to drop his gentlemanly demeanor more with every passing second, his excitement becoming more apparent. She followed him without a word. Several floors up, they reached a room at the end of a long hallway.

He swung the door open a little too hard, drawing her in behind him. He shut the heavy wooden door and pushed her up against it. Holy hells. She’d forgotten how fast he could move when he felt like it. Despite her pounding heart, she held her breath, noticing his eyes locked on hers again. They were ruby red in the candlelight, and hungry, like the bloodthirsty predator he was.

“Oh, Astarion,” she blurted out, stunned by the intensity of his gaze.

“This is still what you want, my dear?” he whispered, breathless and deadly serious.

“Yes. Gods, yes,” Marin replied immediately.

And with that, he dropped all pretense, kissing her like they’d resumed exactly where they left off. He pressed his hips against her body, his tight pants giving away how completely hard he was already. His little story on the way home hadn’t been only for her entertainment, apparently.

“You’re so hard,” she whined, grinding her hips against him.

“Of course I am,” he huffed. “You’re here, in my bedroom, after all this time.”

He reached his hand down and grabbed between her legs once more, the thick fabric of her dress in the way.

“Now, that won’t do,” he growled. He took her by the hips and moved her to the four-poster bed, gently pushing her down on her back. He hurriedly undid the buttons on his suit coat, and then his undershirt, before throwing both across the room. Marin watched his every move, her eyes wide. He always looks so good with his chest bare, Gods damn him. Same as he always did. He unfastened his terribly tight pants, adjusting his cock without exposing himself.

“Bleeding hells, that’s better,” he groaned. “It was getting painful.”

Marin let out a tiny giggle at his honesty. He hiked up her dress and kneeled in front of her, pulling at her wet underclothes. He got them down over her ankles and returned his attention to her, his cold, nimble hands snaking up her thighs. She shivered beneath his touch.

“You are… so beautiful,” he managed, trying to control himself as his fingers reached her hips. He met her gaze, an unspoken question on his mind. He was still careful about consent after all this time, no matter how mad he was with lust.

“Yes, Astarion,” she panted desperately. “Yes, please, touch me.”

He moved his hand quickly to comply. First one finger was inside, then another, searching for the spot that made her wild. He found it with a few strokes, making her hips tilt forward in surprise.

“Oh, Gods,” Marin whined, letting her head fall back on the soft bedding. She felt every ounce of tension melt in an instant, and then slowly return. His fingers beckoned inside of her, making her absent-mindedly wiggle closer to the edge of the bed, seeking more. His other hand was flat on top of her pelvis, applying gentle pressure to increase the stimulation inside, with his thumb rubbing at her clit. The combination of his movements was completely overwhelming, emptying her mind of anything else. Every bit of her attention was focused where his deft hands met her body, inside and out. She felt a hot wave of pleasure move slowly up her entire core. More and more waves followed, and she felt the pitch of her moans rising unintentionally. Oh, hells, here we go.

Marin finally perked her head off the bed to look down at him, his forehead dripping with sweat, eyes transfixed on his work. Astarion heard her move and glanced up to see her, doe-eyed and gasping.

“Oh, Astarion,” she whimpered. “I’m so close, I’m going to- ohhh-”

“Come for me,” he purred, enjoying the show. “Come, darling.”

Her thighs quivered, hips thrusting upwards as she reached her peak, crying out loudly as she tumbled down over the edge. As soon as she relaxed her hips, she felt his hands pull away from her. Marin propped herself up on her elbows to look down at him. He had pulled his cock out and was using his hand, still slick from touching her, to cover himself with some oil he’d grabbed.

Before she could say a word, he yanked her to the edge of the bed by her dress, wrapping an arm firmly behind her waist and pulling her up. She did her best to hold on as he stood up, her arms and legs wrapped around his bare torso, despite how weak and useless her muscles felt. He backed her up against the door, his cock touching the back of her thigh, her dress draped over where their bodies met.

“Ready?” he panted. She nodded eagerly, and he reached up under the fabric and guided his cock to her entrance, pushing inside of her. He groaned from the relief as he worked her smoothly down his own length, propping her on his hips. He put one arm out straight against the door to steady himself, the other wrapped around her waist to keep her close to him. He thrusted into her, making contact with her most sensitive spots and making her cry out.

“Oh, hells, Marin,” he whined at her. “You are perfect.”

“Oh, Astarion,” she moaned. “Oh, fuck me!”

“I will,” he grunted, trying to get even deeper. She could hear her back bumping clumsily against the heavy wooden door as he thrusted into her. She felt a hot ball of pleasure building in her chest, bouncing along with her tits and intensifying quickly.

“Oh, fuck! Fuck, fuck!” she cried out, ignoring the racket they must be making by this point. She could hear rhythmic moans rising from his throat as he slammed into her.

“Oh, I’m close, darling,” he panted, his voice higher-pitched and desperate now. “Please come for me, Marin, please- I ca- can’t stop-”

She felt the ball of pleasure explode behind her sternum like a firework, her mouth open wide, voice cracking as she cried out. He let himself loose as he felt her coming around his cock, falling apart, banging her back against the door, hard.

“Oh, Marin, I- love you s-” Astarion whimpered as he came. Her eyes went huge at his admission. She felt him go weak under her weight, and he slid slowly to the ground, careful not to let her fall. He landed on his knees and slumped all the way down, Marin still planted firmly on his hips with her back resting against the door. His head fell forward onto her shoulder, exhausted, his chest heaving.