I—

[And despite himself, he hadn't expected that. The clattering of books and rapidfire footsteps, Astarion's eagerness audible through the door. He had missed him, he had thought of him endlessly, he had wished so desperately for his companionship these past lonely few nights, but he hadn't thought it would be returned.

He pauses for just a little longer than he should, his eyes locked on the flush in Astarion's cheeks.]

Of course I have.

[His tongue moves without input from his mind, his thought still struggling sluggishly with the concept that he was missed. It's only with the greatest of efforts that he tears his eyes away from Astarion's face, realizing belatedly he'd begun to stare.]

I told you I would.

[No, he hadn't. But he'd meant to— and before Astarion can call him out on that, Fenris tips his head in invitation, then glances around to be sure they're alone.]

And I promised you a drink. Several, in fact. Five days is quarantine enough, and I have not fallen ill, besides.

[A lopsided little smirk, then, as he focuses back on Astarion and clarifies:]

I'm here to break you out, if you wish.