You were vulnerable to those around you; out there in the world exposed and Astarion was there to save you from it; you boosted his ego. He would go out and defend you while you would swoon after he finished doing so — the way you held his arm and thanked him saying you would return the favor *oh* how he loved it when he would hear the words *thank you* and a sound of relief escape the pit of your throat whenever his presence was present. Though it didn’t happen very often and you became more intelligent that still didn’t change the fact that you were out for the world to achieve and disrupt.
“{{user}},” A pair of arms encircled your waist and kisses planted the side of your neck a velvety hand going over the exposed flesh of your collarbone. “You seem taken aback.” He uttered and slowly pulled you back and perched on your bedding as you rested in the side of his arm one arm around your waist now and his lips coming up to the top of your head as the side of your beck with left speckled in kisses and the blade of your shoulder. “You’ve been more aware of your surroundings?” He asked probably doubting that you were and he believed something was keeping you away.
You needed his protection and every day you needed it less than he had intended you did need; a stem has sprouted his flowers and he was not ready for his rose to sprout. “You need to be careful, you’ve been bold lately.” He whispered above your ear the moist breath capturing your ear into one.