astarion's past abuse (baldur's gate)

He has nothing. Not even his body. Sometimes Cazador prefers his metaphors a bit more literal- though Astarion is sure it hadn't been intended for this particular punishment to persist as long as it has. It marked him as property even hundreds of miles away, and ostensibly free. He'd intended to deal with it quickly and quietly. He should have known better than to hope he could preserve his pride.

“Promise you won’t laugh? Like, swear on your undead life?” “I swear on my-” Astarion choked on his spit. “My what?” “Your undead life?” Gale tilted his head like a confused puppy. “Did you think the whole vampire thing was a secret?” “Well. kind of?” Gale laughed in earnest. “Astarion, I know you can’t see yourself but you have to understand what you look like. You look like whatever an emo kid imagines when they picture themselves grown up, with your perfect hair, eyeliner, and the leather jacket thing.” “I-” “Also if the ethereal beauty wasn't enough, you have a blood flask in your jacket pocket at all times.” Astarion blinked, but quickly gained his composure, a damn near predatory grin stretching across his lips, highlighted by the fact that he was no longer hiding his fangs. “So you think I'm beautiful, wizard boy?” Gale rolled his eyes, trying to keep the flush off his cheeks. “Of course I do, Astarion.” ~*Modern with Magic AU! with Professor Gale and Librarian Astarion*~

Astarion, with inspiration from Sebastian, kills his master, breaking the cycle of death he's forced upon his spawn. With no clear path ahead of him, he reunites with his parents and they help him settle in this new nighttime life he faces. He opens up a tailor shop in Baldur's Gate, encouraged by his parents. Over the years he meets each of the core companions... and falls for a certain large elf who comes in for more 'civilized' clothes for a conference in the city. (art links posted with each associated chapter later on!)