[ They both seem to have mutually agreed on the story to tell themselves, that it could be anyone under Alucard's arm right now. That he wasn't coming to care for Astarion's company and his well-being in particular. But it's a tale that's a lot harder to tell when he's awoken to soft sounds of harrowed sleep and shaking in his hold. In that moment, he has to acknowledge that there is still so much he doesn't know about this man. What demons haunt someone who acts so irreverent, and are they the reason for that behavior? Or is it just the lingering trauma of nearly being drowned and eaten by sirens today? How does Alucard, who currently feels responsible for his protection, chase the nightmares off long enough for Astarion to get some rest?
He'll start by trying to rub the man's back, by strengthening his hold enough to stifle some of the trembling and offer a measure of security. But if there's no settling the man that way, he'll softly call the other's name to rouse him, because at that point it just seems like being broken out of the nightmare is preferable. ]
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He'll start by trying to rub the man's back, by strengthening his hold enough to stifle some of the trembling and offer a measure of security. But if there's no settling the man that way, he'll softly call the other's name to rouse him, because at that point it just seems like being broken out of the nightmare is preferable. ]