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After months of traversing and fighting his way through the wilderness, Gale is thankful for a moment of respite after the Shadowlands. He is eager to venture into Baldur’s Gate now that he is back in civilization, and he appreciates that everyone is able to spread out at the new campsite. He picks a spot away from everyone else and looks forward to a bit of peace and quiet. When he returns from the market, he is surprised to see that someone else has set their tent up next to his. With a bit of investigation, he discovers it belongs to Astarion. Gale walks down to the docks and sees him laying down, basking in the sunshine.
“What are you doing, Astarion?” Gale asks as he walks towards the vampire.
“Watching the clouds. I don’t know how much longer I will be able to do this, so I want to make the most of every moment.” Astarion responds.
“Do you mind if I join you?”
Astarion looks up to see Gale standing beside him. “Be my guest.”
Gale sits next to Astarion and looks up at the clouds. “I see you picked your camping location.”
“Would you like me to move?” Astarion asks, anxious that Gale doesn’t want him near.
“No, that is alright. I’m just a bit surprised you chose to camp next to me. I was under the impression that you find me insufferable.”
“What if….I don’t find you insufferable?” Astarion can feel his heart beating in his chest.
“That would be welcome news. I do enjoy our conversations, and the chance to have more late at night sounds pleasant.” Gale turns to look at Astarion.
Astrion knows if he is going to say anything, this is the moment. “We could…have more than just conversations, you know?”
Gale is stunned. “Wait…are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
“That depends. What do you think I’m saying?” Astarion sits up but can’t look at Gale. He has never had feelings like this, and he’s not sure what to do.
Gale’s heart is pounding in this chest. “That you want to be something more than just traveling companions.”
“Then yes. I am saying what you think I’m saying.” Astarion's mouth goes dry as he waits for Gale's response.
“Astarion, I never considered that you might feel that way about me. It is surprising but not at all unwelcome.” Gale takes a moment before continuing. “In fact, I may feel the same way.” Gale continues to look at Astarion who doesn’t meet his gaze.
“Really?”
Gale reaches out and lightly grabs Astarion’s chin, turning his head to look at him. “Really.”
Astarion looks into Gale’s brown eyes before his gaze travels to his lips. Gale leans in for a kiss, and Astarion meets him halfway.
The kiss is unlike anything Gale has experienced before. Astarions lips are cold, but his passion is undeniable. All these months of traveling, Gale’s feeling for him grew everyday. He breaks the kiss and smiles looking into Astarion’s eyes.
Astarion lets out a soft chuckle. “Oh darling, you really are out of practice, aren’t you?”
Gale shifts his gaze to the sea and drops his hand. “Well, it has been…a while. With the orb, I did not want to test its limits.”
“What about now that the orb is stabilized?” Astarion moves his hand to hold Gale’s.
“I think I do not need to hold back anymore.” Gale intertwines his fingers with Astarion.
Astarion leans in for another kiss, but Gale stops him. “Not yet. I want to do this right.”
“You don’t need to woo me Gale. I’m already here.” Astarion tries to assure him.
“I know. But I do not just want to woo you. I want to wow you. Will you let me do that?” Gale grabs Astarion’s other hand.
Astarion’s smile grows, and he nods. “Who am I to try and stop Gale of Waterdeep?”
“Good. I need to go prepare. I will see you tonight.” Gale kisses Astarion’s forehead before walking back to their tents.
Astarion lays back to watch the clouds drift by. He is nervous to be back in the city and so close to Cazador, but soon, he will defeat his master once and for all. And with a powerful wizard at his back, he is unstoppable.