[ Xenk blinks back to attention, focusing it fully on Astarion once he says his name. He listens, and he nods, and he doesn't understand Astarion's reasons but he does not need to. ]

Very well.

[ He complies, because of course he does. Astarion is his friend. If he is uncomfortable for any reason, then that is reason enough to stop.

Xenk pulls himself up onto his elbows, sitting up to further gaze into Astarion's eyes with his ever-serious serenity. The desperation from before has faded out, his breathing steadied.

That Astarion trusts him to end this prematurely, rather than continue when he was upset, simply shows his trust in him. That he apologizes now, when he has done nothing wrong, only further proves that he made the correct choice. ]

You need not apologize.

[ Really, it was Xenk who made things uncomfortable, at least from his perspective. But he isn't the type to dwell or blame himself—Astarion could have had any reason to stop, and it would be just as valid. Xenk won't question it, and certainly won't question him.

If they need to stop, then they stop. It was enjoyable for what it was, and Xenk may still have his feelings towards Astarion (feelings he needs to figure out,) but they could never supersede Astarion's own free will. ]

You have taken care of me, as you said you would. You have my thanks.