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Gale’s ass looked amazing. Hugged tight by elegant magenta robes that were intricately decorated with gold embroidery. The bird on the lapels, (a phoenix? Astarion wasn’t sure) were a bit much. However, the rest of the outfit compensated for the minor aviary flaw and as previously stated accentuated Gale’s ass. Which was why Astarion had insisted he wear it.
Astarion took a sip of wine as he enjoyed the view from across the ballroom. Letting his eyes trace up and down the wizard’s tantalizing form, before settling on his face.
Despite Gale’s initial reluctance to attend the Winter Solstice Ball, he seemed to be enjoying himself. A genuine smile graced his handsome features, making adorable creases near his eyes that Astarion would never admit he was fond of. His cheeks were flushed from drinking wine, which he waved around in his hand as he spoke. Spilling some on a few members of his audience that stood too close. Good.
Astarion’s eyes drifted from the man’s smile to his neck, partially hidden underneath a collar to cover the bite marks from his most recent feeding.
The wizard's health had vastly improved after their little adventure and the removal of that wretched orb meant they’d been able to indulge Astarion’s nature with a taste of Gale’s blood.
Astarion had found out that he had an insatiable appetite for ambitious wizards in more ways than one.
They had both benefited from their new lives in the City of Splendors. Which was why when the council of Waterdeep had invited them (technically the archmage Gale Dekarios, but as if the wizard would attend with anyone else) to a ball to celebrate the Winter Solstice, Astarion had accepted on their behalf. Much to Gale’s chagrin.
Thankfully Gale had brightened when they arrived. He’d been swarmed by admirers and eager young mages asking questions about their adventure. Gale had lit up and happily given them his attention before beginning the tale of their heroics. Astarion had of course lived the tale and heard its retelling repeatedly now.
Astarion had taken a moment to step away when Gale started telling of their battle with Ketheric Thorm. The crowd had made him a bit anxious and Gale was the better storyteller of the two anyway and he didn’t appreciate it when Astarion added exaggerations to the tale.
He’d entertained himself by walking around the ballroom looting its unwary patrons of any valuables that caught his interest.
The council had clearly spared no expense for the celebration. All the décor were in varying shades of blue and gold, matching the crest of the city of Waterdeep.
The mages had created trees from ice that branched up from the floor in crystalline spears, looking elegant but also deadly if one fell from the second floor. Astarion could appreciate the versatility of the design.
He’d paused by a pillar after making his way back to watch from afar, enjoying Gale’s theatrics from afar.
A patron passing by too closely made him flinch. His grip tightened on his wine glass before he forcibly relaxed to ensure it wouldn’t shatter.
The beautiful banners of the hall seemed to shift in the corner of his eyes, changing from blue and gold to black and red. The sigil of Waterdeep overlaid by the family crest of Szarr.
Astarion shook his head to dispel the image. He was not at one of Cazadors balls, but the sights and sounds were more similar than he’d expected. The memory of many nights socializing and luring victims for his old master made the wine in his stomach sour.
He closed his eyes and tried to focus on the differences, which was easy with the distinctive lack of blood and sacrifice that usually took place at Cazador’s parties.
The sound of familiar steps pulled him from his spiraling thoughts and he looked up to see Gale’s approach. The man was already halfway to Astarion and grinning widely.
The sight filled Astarion with warmth, the man never failed to find Astarion when he was feeling off and the vampire was pleased to note that he’d abandoned his fans for him. Most of whom were watching his departure from them with bitter jealousy.
As Gale drew nearer Astarion resisted a lovestruck smile, but could feel the corners of his lips lift against his will. Curse this wonderful man for making him soft.
“Astarion, my love,” Gale said as he leaned in happily, nearly falling into the vampire in his attempt to kiss his cheek. He missed, lips landing closer to Astarion’s ear.
Astarion steadied him with an arm around his waist. Holding the taller man up easily.
“Hello darling,” he greeted.
When the man pulled back there was a dopey smile on his face that Astarion was all too familiar with. It seemed in the time he’d taken to walk around the room, his love had become thoroughly drunk.
“This was a wonderful idea,” the wizard drolled, “Thank you for convincing me to come.”
“Well I’m glad you’re enjoying it my dear.”
“Yes, I’ll have you know that despite your best efforts I have s-successfully told the tale of our heroics most accurately but humbly.”
The man dramatically placed his hands on his hips in triumph, but nearly fell off balance with the gesture before leaning once again into Astarion.
“Though I must say it is becoming increasingly annoying having to argue with my peers over what actually happened. Especially when a certain vampire I know,” Astarion feigned innocence at his pointed glare, “keeps adding falsities to the tale. Between you and that bard, Volo, the story will devolve until people think we rode dragons to fight the Netherbrain!”
“Ooh that’s actually not a bad idea, my heart. I’ll have to write that one down.”
Astarion did so love spinning a good tale. It wasn’t his fault that the masses were so easily gullible. Volo’s rendition of their adventure was as hilarious as it was inaccurate, but he enjoyed it.
Plus it drove Gale mad anytime he caught the vampire reading it. He’d burned three copies already, but Astarion had more hidden away for future use.
“Anyway,” Gale continued nuzzling into the side of Astarions face, “I think we’ve indulged enough in high society.”
“Is that so?” Astarion purred.
“Indeed, I believe it’s time you and I made our swift departure,” Gale whispered into his ear.
A dirty trick when he knew how sensitive elvish ears were. “Or if you prefer a more direct request.”
Gale’s hands trailed teasingly down Astarions sides to rest on his hips. Fingers dipping lower with promise. Astarion was unsure if the electric buzz he felt was caused by magic or just an effect of the wizard himself.
“Why don’t you and I get out of here?” the wizard finished, a coy smile on his face.
Astarion suddenly felt as if he were underwater, nearly dropping his wine glass at the words. He quickly set his glass on the tray of a passing server before he could drop it.
The words echoed in his mind, overlaid with the voices of hundreds of previous targets who’d uttered some variation to him before he’d taken them to Cazador.
He gripped his wizard with both hands to center himself.
Gale was not a target, but the idea of taking the man home, even if it was safely to their tower and not Cazador’s castle made the vampire hesitant.
Gale, lovely, precious and foolish Gale. Who was staring at Astarion with nothing but love. The man knew about Astarions dark past and sins and yet, he still trusted a vampire to get him home safely.
Idiot , Astarion thought fondly.
Astarion felt as if he was filled to the brim with sunlight. Which of course would have been the death of him, but surely this was what it felt like. The trust this man gave him and continued to give was a gift he would greedily accept.
Resolved he took the man’s hand, pushing his own fears to the side.
“Of course my heart. Let’s get you home.”
He winked just to watch Gale’s cheeks darken under his beard.
They made their way to the exit, Astarion bared his fangs in a dangerous smile at anyone that tried to engage them in conversation.
His wizard wanted to go home and Astarion would not allow them to be held up by any waylaid admirers.
He guided his wizard along, steadying him as he faltered. Holding the man up more and more.
Astarion approached an attendant and cut his way passed the other waiting patrons despite their protests, “Good evening gentlemen, we wish to return home for the evening post haste. Your fastest carriage if you’d be so kind.”
“I’m sorry sir, but as you can see all the carriages are currently busy. You’ll have to wait in line with the rest of the guests until one is available.”
Astarion looked back at the obscene line he’d passed.
“That won’t do at all, how long until the next carriage is available?” The vampire was willing to bribe the fool if it would get them home sooner.
“Apologies sir, but the next one won’t be back for at least an hour.”
Unacceptable.
Gale seemed far less concerned about the situation as he stood behind Astarion, arms wrapped around him in a loose hug.
Luckily the crowd seemed more concerned with their own transport issues that they didn’t bother to pay attention to the arch mage sniffing a vampire.
“How do you always smell so good?” Gale asked, face buried in Astarion’s curls.
“Regular bathing habits darling, they do wonders.”
His only response was a hum of curiosity.
The wizard was leaning heavily into his side, mouthing kisses into his hair. It was endearing, but Astarion preferred to get them both home first.
If a carriage was not available they would simply walk.
The things he did for love.
Astarion did not care for the idea, walking a drunk partner home was another activity tainted by Cazador.
But the tower was not too far and he really would rather get Gale home sooner rather than later.
The man stirred as Astarion began to lead them down the street.
“Hmm? What’s going on?”
“A nice evening stroll, my dear. Doesn’t that sound nice?”
Gale’s face scrunched in distaste, “Now? Can’t we just take a carriage?”
“Unfortunately darling, they are all busy.” He said and pulled Gale along by the waist.
The look from his wizard was one of distaste and subtle annoyance.
“Don’t pout dear heart, it’s not that far. We’ll be home before you know it.”
“I’m not pouting.” He most definitely was.
They continued walking, stumbling with a bit of swerving mixed in for variety.
Astarion did his best not to track the shadows and reminded himself that he was not sneaking away with a victim. He was taking his lover home.
Thankfully the streets were well lit and crime in Waterdeep was low. They hardly met any passerby aside from a few guards on patrol. Who merely waved to them in greeting.
Their trek continued until Gale stopped dead.
Concerned Astarion turned to him, only to find the man's eyes sparkling and a wide grin on his face. Astarion knew this look all too well, as it happened often when the man was working and had been struck with an idea. Now was clearly no different.
“Astarion!” the wizard exclaimed
“Yes darling?”
“I’m a wizard!”
Astarion could not stop his splutter of laughter, pulling said wizard with him as he bent over to laugh. When he righted himself still chuckling, he was confronted by Gale's sour face.
“I’m sorry my love, but were you unaware of this?”
“Well if that’s how you’re going to behave then I won’t tell you my idea.”
“No please sir wizard, enlighten me.”
Astarion batted his eyes at the man to tease him further.
“I was thinking that… I hate walking,” Astarion chuckled but let Gale continue, “and as a master of magic, there must be better ways to get around than with my own two feet… and there is!”
Astarion kept them moving as he listened to Gale ramble.
“There are many options–”, they slowed as they descended down the stairs to the town square, “– teleportation–”
“Absolutely not,” Astarion interrupted, “we’ll end up in the middle of the forest if you try that right now. And I will happily leave you there for the wolves if you do.”
“I do not believe that I am so impaired that I could not teleport us to my own tower,” he sighed dramatically, “ but if you insist.”
“I do.”
“Very well, I would hate to be left alone in the woods.”
Astarion saw that Gale’s eyes were filled with a teasing glint of mischief.
Cheeky wizard.
“Indeed, you wouldn't want to end up in the arms of some predator, would you?”
Astarion asked, arching a brow as he tightened his grip around the man. He smiled, ensuring to reveal the tip of his fangs. The sound of the wizard's heart rate increased as Astarion presented the man with an alluring picture of danger.
“Yes,” Gale cleared his throat, “though I might enjoy being preyed upon. Depending on the situation, of course.”
“Oh? And what situation would that be darling?”
Before Gale could answer he missed a step and only Astarions quick reflexes stopped them from falling onto their faces.
Astarion held Gale close to his chest, taking deep breaths he did not need.
“Are you alright?” He asked.
“Yes, I’m fine, just my pride wounded, thanks to your timely intervention.”
Astarion lets out a relieved sigh, resting his forehead on the man’s shoulder. Despite being an archmage, Gale was still a mortal.
Astarion held the wizard at arms reach, and examined the man.
Despite their recent fumble, he looked completely happy, smiling at the vampire like a lovesick fool. No damage aside from a few rumples in his attire and a lopsided bun.
Astarion's heart ached. Even as he struggled with this evening, Gale had been a blessing. The man’s faith and love in Astarion made the vampire want to be better.
To treasure the gift he’d been given and show his own love for this wonderful man.
It could be the only explanation for what he did next.
With swift movements Astarion tucked one arm under the wizard's legs and the other behind his back, before lifting the man into his arms.
Gale predictably stuttered in indignation, but still wrapped his arms around Astarions shoulders for support.
“Wha-what are you doing? Put me down.”
Astarion simply smirked, “But darling I thought you hated walking,” he crooned before he took a step and continued walking toward the tower.
“Please Astarion I-I’m much too heavy for you to be carrying me. I can walk. It’s fine, truly.''
“Sweetheart, if you could walk I would not be carrying you and if you were too heavy, which you are not, then you would be walking. Neither of which seems to be happening.”
“This is unbecoming of an archmage,” Gale pouted, still trying to argue, but the scent of arousal gave away his pleasure.
“Oh?” Astarion paused in his stride, briefly checking the streets before crossing, “Well now I want to do it even more.”
“Are you sure I’m not too heavy?” Out of the corner of his eye Astarion could see that his beloved wizard was actually troubled by the thought.
“My heart, I am a vampire spawn, you could weigh twice as much and still not be too heavy.”
A fact that reassured the man until he realized exactly what Astarion had said and began to squirm anew, “Wait, that doesn’t make sense!”
“How so?”
“Just this past month you came into my study, demanding I open that bottle of wine when the cork was stuck!”
It was true. The wizard had been holed up in his study for days working on a transmutation spell requested by the Headmistress of Blackstaff. The man had been so focused on his task, that he’d forgone any distractions, including food.
Tara had sadly said this was a normal occurrence when the man was working and that Gale would come out when he was done.
Astarion had been concerned and also admittedly a bit lonely. Which was why he had barged into the wizard’s study with a bottle of wine and refused to leave until the man agreed to help him.
Which had conveniently led to the wizard coming out of his study and taking a break. Then Astarion had convinced him to eat and the two of them had enjoyed the evening together.
“Darling, I could have easily opened that bottle,” he confessed, “but why would I when I have an adorable wizard to do it for me?”
Gale looked equal parts charmed and peeved. Astarion gave him a quick kiss to appease him, delighted when the man relented and simply turned his face into Astarions neck.
“Yes, well… happy to be of help,” he mumbled.
Astarion of course couldn’t help but poke fun at his love, “However, if you truly hate being carried so much, I suppose I could put you down?”
“. . . well you carried me this far, you might as well take me home”, came the slow response.
Astarion walked in silence enjoying the evening air as they passed closed shops and neared the tower. The shadows that had plagued him in the night finally receded as they approached home.
It was only when he entered the tower and there was still no further comment from Gale that he glanced down to see the wizard had fallen asleep.
It stirred warmth into his cold undead chest.
His sweet and darling wizard trusted him to the point that he would dare to fall asleep in the arms of a vampire. He even had the gall to drool onto Astarion’s expensive silk neckline.
Astarion would make him pay for that later, but for now he lay the dozing wizard in their bed. He took the man’s shoes off and pulled the covers gently over him before preparing himself for rest.
As he lay down a quiet mumble drew his attention.
Gale Dekarios, half asleep and clearly exhausted, wore a soft smile on his charming face. His sweet brown eyes were only half open as he dreamily stared at Astarion with a look of pure love.
“Goodnight my love,” he said as he pulled Astarion down for a kiss, which was as warm and loving as the man himself.
When Astarion pulled back the man was fully asleep and he couldn’t quite quell the overwhelming emotions he felt for the man. He brushed a strand of hair from his lover's face before laying down, facing the wizard.
“Goodnight darling.”