from your hands to the heavens

[Astarion Ancunín]

Amusement's dancing on the corners of your mouth. You hold back the slightest noise of laughter and you're only doing so because you've got just the right amount of respect you should have for someone you share a campfire with. If she'd be a stranger on the street or some sad soul to lure back to Cazador you'd laugh in her face and feel no regret. (Teaching yourself not to regret was the hardest lesson.)

Astarion

Promising.

You say then after she's moved. Put enough space between you. And the smile you offer her it's a different kind of smile. Ultimately it's all made up, though. It's all a ploy to keep her distracted while you undo the necklace around her neck. Swiftly removing it from her collarbone when you lean forward again. Mouth at her ear yet again. Only to keep her focus on your voice. Not the fingers thieving away.

Astarion

Here's to hoping you're as good as your word.

And then you slip the necklace away. Halting for just a moment longer so she won't notice. Even brushing your lips against her ear. Just the faintest bit of touch. But you've cornered enough lost sheep to know which buttons to press to get your way.