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When Tav suggested they go shopping, dealing with a rat infestation was the last thing Halsin expected. What they had thought would be a passing word of caution quickly turned into a call for extermination. It was certainly an odd start to an otherwise promising day. Though he supposes it couldn’t be helped, the man wouldn’t heed their warnings otherwise. Halsin didn’t allow it to dampen his mood. After all, today was the first time that all three of them were able to spend some quality time together. Not long has it been since Halsin and Tav started seeing each other, and even less so with Astarion joining them. So Halsin was excited albeit a touch nervous. Tav’s intentions behind their outing were apparent, they were testing to see whether Halsin and Astarion were compatible. While Halsin’s presence was most welcome, it was still unclear whether Astarion was keen to explore something with him as well. Halsin would be lying if he said he wasn’t curious, but he also understood if that crossed a boundary for the vampire. As long as he could continue to remain at Tav’s side he was content.
Perhaps if their lodging situation were any different Halsin would’ve recommended foraging instead of navigating these bustling streets. Though, he had a feeling Astarion would’ve much preferred what they had already planned for today. The rogue had a talent for needle and thread, but even he grew tired of repairing clothing that was well past its prime. As Astarion put it, there are so many times you can mend the same patch before it starts to drive you mad. Besides, they were long overdue a day to spoil themselves, and Halsin was inclined to agree.
Still, the city was not ideal. In truth, being around so many people for so long gradually takes its toll on him. Years of experience as archdruid has certainly given him better practice, not nearly receding into himself as quickly as before. Even so, he was aware that he still had his limits. Already Halsin has felt his mind begin to wander now and then despite his best efforts, only giving soft grunts in reply instead of his full-undivided attention. Given how long they planned to remain in Baldur’s Gate, he knew he would eventually have to step away lest it visibly worsen his mood. Soon enough he’ll find solace in nature once more, if only for a brief moment. There was still much to be done. In the meantime, Halsin was pleased to be spending the day with his partners. Even if it was within crowded city walls. Astarion, however, was much more vocal with his annoyance as they finally made their way out of the tavern.
“That’s it. No more favors. This is supposed to be our day off, remember? I want to buy some boots, not bloody the ones I have.”
He could see Tav wanted to argue that preventing an innocent’s murder was hardly something they would consider a ‘favor’, but the tiefling bard stopped themself to shoot him a sly little grin.
“What? I thought you liked getting bloody!”
“Well usually, yes.” Astarion huffed, “But not today. Besides, I’ve had enough cellar rats to last me two lifetimes over.”
Halsin frowns. He was still unsure how to properly respond when such deep wounds were brought up. Having traveled together for far longer though, Tav seems to have learned its best not to dwell on them unless Astarion feels the need to. The words will come whenever he’s ready. Most importantly, today was about creating new and far more pleasant memories.
Tav sighs, “Yes yes, alright. No more distractions.”
Almost as if on cue, Tav immediately strays away from Halsin and Astarion to look around for loot. Halsin stops in his tracks to watch them curiously as they run checking from crate to barrel before descending back down into the basement. Halsin immediately looks to Astarion, fully expecting him to be put out and complain about the further delay. To his surprise, the vampire just waits patiently for them to finish their search as if he had already seen this coming. Sensing the druid’s confusion, Astarion glances out of the corner of his eye and gives him a little smirk.
“Ah yes, they like to do this from time to time. They say it never hurts to have extra provisions on hand. Although, I think it’s just a terrible excuse to rummage around for something shiny. Best to let them get it out of their system…”
Halsin chuckles at that. "I see. So our Tav is quite the scavenger it would seem."
"Hah! That's an adorable way of calling someone a dirty thief."
Tav shortly returns to them with a spring in their step. They must've found something worthwhile.
"Find anything interesting, darling?" The vampire drones.
The tiefling shrugs, "Just some meat, some wine...Oh, and this!"
They grin wickedly and with a flick of the wrist, they reveal a beautiful ring adorned with aquamarine stones and dipped in gold.
"Ooh, why hello."
"Right? Look, Halsin!"
He must admit, he has never truly understood the appeal of jewelry, nor fashion for that matter. Still, he tries his best to show appreciation for the ring presented before him.
"Hm, yes. Very pretty."
Something in the way Tav quirks a brow at him tells Halsin that he wasn’t very convincing. Astarion snorts beside them but manages to hold his tongue. The bard smiles and shakes their head.
“Not just so. Take a closer look, it’s infused with magic!”
So it was, held even closer he could now feel nature’s arcana rolling off of it. They gently take him by the hand to turn it over and place the ring into his calloused palm.
“Here, it’ll help you commune with any more unsavory beasts we may come across.”
He looks over the piece of jewelry. “Huh, I see. How thoughtful!”
Halsin’s fingers close securely around the ring. His other hand reaches to gently hold the base of one of Tav’s horns, encouraging them to tilt their head to look up at him. Leaning down, he presses a kiss to their lips before pulling back to smile down at them warmly.
“Thank you, my heart. I shall cherish it.”
Tav ducks their head to hide the stupid smile on their face, suddenly bashful under his loving gaze. They try to shrug it off, but their tail eagerly swaying behind them completely gives them away. Occasionally thumping against Astarion's leg, who simply rolls his eyes fondly at the sensation of it.
"Aw, It's nothing. One could always do with better gear, right? Especially the lives we lead. Come to think of it, I uh might have another you could use? Back at the inn, I mean. A little something I picked up from Last Light. Though, heh, you don't want to know how I got it. Trust me. I swear I'll never be able to look at an ox the same again. It was uh...yeah."
Halsin quickly found that the bard tended to ramble whenever they were nervous, which seemed to happen a lot when receiving praise much to his amusement. It gave him great pleasure that he was able to tie that silver tongue into knots every now and again. Astarion takes the opportunity to give Tav's tail a cheeky tug, pulling a gasp out of them.
"Halsin gets a present and I don't?" He tuts, pretending to pout. "So much for not picking favorites..."
The tiefling scoffs, wriggling their tail out of the vampire's grasp to whip his backside. Astarion jolts, letting out an undignified sound that has Halsin biting back laughter.
"Oh? And what's that pretty thing wrapped around your finger?"
There resting on his pale finger is a beautiful enchanted ring with a golden band and a pointed onyx gem. A gift given to him long ago while on the road, yet clearly taken care of given its shine. Astarion holds it up to look upon it with disinterest.
"What? This old thing? Hardly even counts. I can think of something far better on my fingers..."
The vampire gives a mischievous smirk, his ruby eyes looking over them hungrily as he curls two fingers in a come hither motion.
Not his best work, but it eventually gets the reaction he wants nonetheless. Tav squints at him initially in confusion before their eyes bulge, a lovely flush decorating the tips of their ears and traveling up along their neck. They playfully smack Astarion's chest earning a laugh out of the man.
"Oh, shut up."
They scold him, trying to hold back a smile. Astarion sighs woefully, dramatically pressing the back of his hand to his temple.
"First you neglect me and now you're abusing me? Unbelievable."
Much to Astarion's delight, Halsin chuckles deeply and joins in on the act.
"Truly, and after he had painted such a lovely image for you." He shakes his head in fake disappointment, "I had thought you better. What would the others think?"
Tav gives an almost pained whine. "Please don't encourage him."
Halsin could tell Tav was already regretting their decision to have the two of them accompany them for the day. Separately did he and Astarion already enjoy getting a rise out of the little tiefling, but together? Halsin suddenly found he wanted nothing more than to back Tav into a corner and tease them relentlessly. Between the two of them, he had a feeling they could really make the bard squirm. And what a lovely thought that was. Perhaps someday, when there were less eyes and ears about. Astarion was proving to be a bad influence on him.
Tav finally gives in, "Ugh, fine."
Pulling Astarion in by the collar, they give a quick apology peck to his cheek. "I promise. I'll give you the next thing I come across, ‘Star."
Astarion tips his head gracefully in appreciation like he wasn't just making a fuss not a minute ago.
"Thank you, that's all I ask."
"Uh-huh, be sure to remember that when it turns out to be a rotten tomato. Now come on, I still wanna check out that bookshop!"
With that they start to walk off, leaving the two men standing together behind them. Astarion crosses his arms and regards Halsin with a lazy smile.
"I think they like you."
"Heh, you don't say?"
Astarion's eyes take their time to drift along his larger frame before settling back to the druid's face. It was as if he was looking for something, or perhaps he simply was taking in the view. Though Halsin knows he's seen that look before, particularly whenever Astarion was focused on picking a rather troublesome lock. Halsin could understand how easily people would fall victim to such a beautiful creature. If he were a much younger man, his skin would prickle and burn hot under those piercing red eyes of his. Instead, he patiently holds his gaze, his face open to be read freely. After all, he had nothing to hide. Not from Tav, and not from one whom they also held so dear.
The corner of the vampire's lips curl slightly.
"Hm."
And just like that, Astarion steps away without another word seeming satisfied. Halsin wasn't sure what conclusion he had come to, but he was hopeful it was a good one.
The two men start following Tav as they lead the way. Astarion quickly caught up to them to lean in and suggest they should make a stop by Facemaker’s next. Tav takes him by the hand and teases him that the boutique is clear on the other side of the Lower City.
"So is Chromatic Scale, my sweet."
"Don't tempt me. Remember how long it took for us to leave last time? I'm surprised you'd even suggest it."
Astarion hums thoughtfully, "I admit, it was rather cute to see you get excited over worg hair of all things." He groans, suddenly making a face as if disgusted with himself. "Ugh, what have you done to me?" Tav laughs brightly, in that boyish way the two of them found so charming.
Halsin smiles as he watches the two of them banter for a moment, then looks down at the ring in his hand. He quietly slips it on and picks up the pace to join them at Tav's side. Something in the druid's heart flutters when he feels them slip their other free hand into his. The overwhelming buzz of the city seemed to drown out almost entirely, as he marveled at how much smaller and softer their hand was compared to his own. There he could feel the faintest traces of callouses beginning to form in their grip. Not just the ones from years of playing the violin, but fresh from having to learn to wield a dagger. It dawns on him that Tav must've not known the hardships of battle before all of this. To be pulled from a simple life full of music only to be thrust into one of chaos and destruction. He gives their hand a gentle squeeze, which they return in kind. At that moment Halsin knew deep down he'd do anything to keep those hands soft and warm.