I...[Their gazes meet but for a moment, and the vulnerability in those red eyes is too much for Taryon to bear. He glances away at the colorful mosaic on the bathroom wall.] I don't know how I feel. But I like being friends anyway.

[He runs his fingers through his hair.] You know, now I have a feeling how my friend back home felt when I mentioned my feelins for him. I- didn't kiss him or anything, but looking back, admitting it in front of everyone and my parents wasn't the smartest idea. I think I can get past it.

[There's something else he should do. There is no months of longing on his end, no desire to jump into a relationship, but that shouldn't be a requirement. Taryon lowers his hand, moves it towards Astarion's, then stops.

A second later, he decides to throw all caution to the wind and grabs it.]

We can try. See how it works out, for now. [Taryon's chest his trembling on the inside, and he wonders why he hasn't collapsed to the floor.]