Astarion Oneshots

Hearts Unveiled

Summary: In the fantasy realm of Baldur's Gate, a band of adventurers battles a formidable foe. Tav's sacrificial act to save Astarion awakens his suppressed emotions. His feral transformation to protect Tav reveals his true feelings. As they both heal, their bond evolves into a passionate love, proving that even amidst danger, true emotions prevail."

Word count: 1000+

Pairing: Astarion x Gender Neutral reader

Warnings: violence, injury, blood, emotional distress, dark themes.
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In the tumultuous world of Baldur's Gate, where alliances could be as fragile as glass, an unlikely band of adventurers had formed. Tav, Astarion, Karlach, and Halsin found themselves united by fate, thrust into a series of events that would forever intertwine their destinies.

One fateful day, the group set out on a perilous mission. Their objective was clear: to confront a menacing force that threatened to plunge the region into chaos. They treaded carefully through the dark forest, guided only by the faint glimmer of moonlight filtering through the dense canopy. Tav, a steadfast leader, held the group together with unwavering determination.

As they approached their destination, tension hung thick in the air. Suddenly, the silence was shattered by a guttural growl. Astarion's sharp instincts kicked in as he sensed danger. But before he could react, the enemy emerged from the shadows: a formidable opponent they had underestimated. With swift and precise movements, this adversary wielded twin daggers, their glinting edges promising a swift and deadly end.

The battle erupted in chaos. Karlach's spells crackled in the air, Halsin's fierce druidic powers contended with the enemy's dark magic, and Astarion danced like a phantom, attempting to strike back at the relentless assailant. In the midst of this chaos, Tav's stalwart courage came to the forefront.

Seeing Astarion momentarily distracted, Tav's heart surged with a mixture of panic and determination. Time seemed to slow as they made a split-second decision. With a selfless abandon, Tav threw themselves between Astarion and the incoming daggers. The blades sank deep into Tav's chest, the searing pain stealing their breath.

Astrayion's eyes widened in shock as he witnessed the scene unfold before him. In that heart-stopping moment, clarity pierced through the haze of battle. His feelings for Tav, once buried beneath layers of cynicism and detachment, now surged to the surface with overwhelming force. The realization hit him like a tidal wave - he cared deeply for Tav, more than he dared to admit even to himself.

Driven by an unquenchable rage, Astarion's transformation was nothing short of primal. His feral instincts took over as his eyes turned crimson, his fangs elongated, and his speed increased exponentially. With a fierce growl, he lunged at the assailant, his movements a blur of lethal precision.

Karlach and Halsin, still caught in the midst of their own battles, watched in astonishment as Astarion's newfound ferocity turned the tide. The enemy, caught off guard by his sudden transformation, faltered, and Astarion's relentless assault left them reeling. It was as if he had tapped into an untamed wellspring of power fueled by his emotions.

Finally, with a final, bone-chilling howl, Astarion struck down the adversary. The battle ended as abruptly as it had begun, leaving the forest once again in silence. And in the midst of the aftermath, as the group gathered around Tav's wounded form, Astarion's heartache transformed into a newfound resolve. He would protect Tav at any cost, no longer allowing fear or uncertainty to hold him back.

As the group tended to Tav's wounds, Astarion's eyes never left their face. The realization of their own mortality had cast a spotlight on the depths of their feelings. From that day forward, their bond grew stronger, shaped by sacrifice, realization, and an unwavering commitment forged in the crucible of battle.

In the aftermath of the battle, the forest seemed to exhale a sigh of relief, its rustling leaves echoing the collective breath of the adventurers. Tav's breathing was shallow, their pale face a stark contrast against the darkness of the night. A heavy silence settled over the group as they worked feverishly to stabilize Tav's condition.

Karlach's hands glowed with a soft, soothing light as they channeled healing energy into Tav's wounds. Halsin, his expression grim, utilized his druidic magic to accelerate the natural healing processes of the body. Astarion hovered nearby, his normally confident demeanor replaced by an anxious tension.

As moments stretched into what felt like an eternity, Tav's eyelids fluttered. Their eyes, clouded with pain, flickered open, and for a fleeting instant, their gaze met Astarion's. It was as if time had frozen; the world around them ceased to exist as they locked eyes.

Astarion's heart raced, his emotions a tempest within him. He had been haunted by his vampiric nature, his doubts about his own humanity. Yet, in this moment, as he stared into Tav's vulnerable gaze, he realized that it wasn't his own condition that defined him. It was his choices, his actions, and the connections he forged.

Tav..." His voice was raw, cracking with emotion. He reached out and brushed a strand of hair away from Tav's forehead, his touch gentle, almost reverent. "You saved me. I should have been the one to protect you."

Tav managed a weak smile, their voice a mere whisper. "We're a team, Astarion. We look out for each other."

Karlach and Halsin exchanged glances, sharing a moment of understanding. With Tav stable for the time being, they discreetly retreated a few steps, allowing Astarion and Tav a semblance of privacy amidst the chaos.

Astarion's eyes never left Tav's face, his fingers tracing the lines of their hand as if trying to reassure himself that they were real, that they were still there. The realization of his feelings had ignited a fire within him, a fierce determination to protect and cherish Tav.

"Tav," he began, his voice a mixture of vulnerability and determination, "I've spent a lifetime avoiding attachments, fearing the pain they might bring. But seeing you, risking your life for me... it's opened my eyes."

Tav managed a faint chuckle, wincing as pain flared in their chest. "Better late than never, I suppose."

Astarion's gaze hardened, his crimson eyes blazing with determination. "I won't let you down again. I won't let anything harm you."

Their hands found each other, fingers intertwining as if sealing a pact. In the midst of uncertainty and danger, amidst the scars of battle, a new connection was forged - one that transcended their differences, their fears, and their pasts.

As the night wore on, the group tended to their wounds and rested, knowing that their journey was far from over. The scars of battle would heal, but the bonds between them had been forever changed. And as the first light of dawn broke through the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold, Astarion stood watch over Tav, his resolve unshakeable.

They were a testament to the fact that even in the darkest of times, love and friendship could bloom, fierce and unyielding, like the most resilient of wildflowers in the heart of the forest.
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Link to the story (https://www.tumblr.com/azyexia1/727070680694374400/hearts-unveiled-astarion-x-reader)