Finally killing Cazador was a really big step for him. All those memories of servitude came rushing back at once, plaguing his thoughts. They all left the palace and made their way back to camp. Astarion trailed behind the group, lost in thought, just longing for a bit of space to himself when they get back.
At last, they're back at camp. Astarion didn't bother greeting his companions before speed walking into his tent. The second he considered it safe, he let himself regress. The memories still plagued his mind but started to feel fuzzy as he finally slipped into headspace and started sucking his thumb. Probably wasn't the best idea considering his fangs, but it would have to do.
Tav and Gale were worried about him, but they decided it would be best to give him some space for the moment. After all, he'd just killed his master. His torturer. The person who treated him like a measly pawn in a game of chess just for his own gain. Tav wanted to hug him the instant he'd started crying but held themself back, knowing it wouldn't fix anything let alone feeling like they'd breach his autonomy in the moment. So they decided it would be best to leave him alone for a bit.
A few hours later, there came a knock on the ground in front of his tent. He yanked his thumb away from his mouth and tried his best to put on a big façade even though he was feeling very little. "H-hi Tav" he greeted them as he opened up the tent flap to face them. "Hi Astarion, how are you feeling now that you're free" Tav queried as Astarion let them in. He wasn't prepared to have a conversation about it yet but deep inside he longed to be held. To be comforted by those who care. He found himself lost in thought again and almost absent mindedly brought his thumb to his mouth again.
He realised a few minutes later that Tav just sat there, waiting patiently for him to answer and not rushing him to say anything. "Surely they noticed the small cut on my thumb" He thought to himself, silently panicking. "Star, I'm not gonna rush you. Take as long as you need to process everything." they reassure him, giving his hand a small squeeze.
10 minutes later, he broke. He wrapped his arms around them and started crying soft tears. Tav was shocked at the sudden embrace but didn't leave as they brushed a hand through his hair and wrapping the other around him. "Hey Star, how old are you feeling?" They ask him. He gave a small squeak at the question. "Hm?" He mumbled in reply. "How old are you currently feeling?" They asked again. "I've seen others regress like this before and I can't help but notice that small cut on your thumb. You've been sucking your thumb, haven't you?" They explained taking note of the cut.
Astarion broke the hug and held up 3 fingers, nodding. "Ok, let's get you sorted. You're too little to be thinking about grown up things. Is it okay if I take care of you or do you want me to leave and let you take care of yourself? It's entirely up to you." They explain holding out their hands. "Right hand if you want me to take care of you, left hand if you want to take care of yourself while small" they clarify. Astarion taps on their right hand. "Ok, that we can do. First, let's get that little cut tended to." they inform him.
A few moments later, Tav made gel from a healing potion and applies it on his thumb before ripping off a small piece of a leaf and sticks it to the cut turning it into a makeshift plaster. Astarion shuddered at the feel of the gel on his cut. "I know it feels weird but I hope it helps." They reassure him. "And.. all done. I'm just gonna grab something from my tent real quick. I'll be right back" They inform him before leaving his tent and walks to their own tent.
Grabbing one of their teddies, they sprint back to Astarion’s tent. They knock on the ground outside his tent. "It's me" they announce to him before coming inside. "I brought you a little present" they inform him holding out the plush bear. "If you're feeling chewy you can nom on it's ear. Better that than your thumb, right?" They explain placing the bear next to him giving him the choice whether to take it or not. Astarion grabs the bear. "thank 'ou" He whispers thanks to them. "No problem little fangs. As long as you're comfortable and safe that's all that matters" they explain as he goes in for a hug again.
A few minutes later, he felt his eyelids getting heavy but he is trying his best to keep them open. Tav noticed. "It's okay to fall asleep fangs. Let them eyes close." They encouraged him. "But if i fall asleep, I might cut my thumb again" he worries, never losing his grip on them. Tav sighed reaching the teddy's ear up to his mouth. "Would you like me to stay with you if you do fall asleep or do you want me to leave?" They ask the tired vampire, holding out their hands. His finger touched the left hand for them to stay. "Okay, I'll stay. You're safe. Take all the time you need" they whisper reassurances in his elf ears.
It didn't take him long after that to fall asleep. Tav knew he was asleep when they felt his grip on them loosening. "There we go. Goodnight little star" they whispered soft goodnight wishes in his ears as they slowly lowered him onto his bedroll and tucking him in.
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