[Astarion pulled up the shoddy blanket as he sat up, free movement of his hands again. His voice was stuck in his throat, and he struggled to get words out. For a few minutes.

With sheer strength of will, Shiro broke him free. Abilities or no, that anger and power came from within him. Hidden yet raw, and painful. Shiro’s pain set Astarion free, and he hated that. He felt his heart sing painful songs that he didn’t want Shiro’s pain to be his freedom. Yet his selfishness and self preservation led it there.

To protect Shiro. Or protect himself. Astarion was such a fool. A fool changed by the circumstances made by a tadpole in his brain and a kind Druid that was also stupid enough to trust him.

He couldn’t stand Shiro sitting here and apologizing for his own anger. He couldn’t take it.]

Shut up, you damn fool.

[His teeth clenched, and more tears fell down his face.]

You’re so stupid. Really stupid!

[His voice cracked with his sobs.]

Stop apologizing all of the damn time! I can’t take it! I can’t take your sad, kind face trying so hard to be so righteous in how you treat me!

You’re hurting too! Be angry at me, dammit! I made you do this!