Fenris relaxes just slightly to find himself understood-- he should have never doubted Astarion-- but the kiss breaks what remains of his resolve. He deepens it of his own accord, until it occurs to him the mixed message he must be sending. Abruptly, unsubtly, he moves away, embarrassed and awkward.

"Know that my hesitance is not for lack of desire," he says. He stares at Astarion's chest, the open window that his blouse makes, and imagines the bright and beautiful soul Astarion surely believes he lacks. "Tonight, if I have not disgusted you, but... slowly."