[A mismatch of feelings, a mismatch of coping. It was a gap he could feel, but was still struggling to find a way to bridge. Amazing, really, how this felt so more uncomfortably intimate than sex. If it wasn't a feeling he was so well acquainted with, he might have thought about it for a moment. It'd be abandoned instead, giving Astarion back that space it seemed the other man needed.]

I'll find somewhere for the flowers.

[Moving on from it, trying to find a way to segue with as little awkwardness and with as little damage as possible. It was a task that was proving a little trying even for him.]

You are of course, welcome to join me for one last day out in Eltrut, before we return to Nogard, if it would please you. I do intend on being a bit lazier than usual today however, so I understand if you decline.

['Lazier' for obvious reasons that didn't need to be said, but a fair warning of potential boredom, and an easy out for Astarion as well.]