[To be thanked by Astarion while the man smiles, it makes his heart flutter pleasantly in his chest, a warm radiating feeling. He hadn't realized he missed the man until he was back, but he finds himself pleased enough to be back in the man's company that all the conflicted emotions about his return seem trivial in comparison.

When he first met the elf, he thought that they would burn fast and then go out, but even with how fast their friendship was borne, it seems to have reached a steady and intense warmth that does not feel like it will fade. While he wishes the other had different circumstances, he also cannot deny the way it has made their souls recognize the other as kindred.

There's no hiding the soft smile that creeps across his features when his friend tucks the hair behind his sensitive ear. The most subtle tilt of his head into that hand. He did not mind Astarion's touch. Indeed, he even welcomed it.]

And I lucky to have met you, to have returned while you were still here. You are a rare and beautiful person, Astarion. [He reaches forward to take Astarion's free hand in his own for the moment, wanting to touch, to feel the pleasant sting of his markings at the other's touch, a pain that reminds him this is real.]