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Loud thunder can be heard from outside the tent, it’s raining up a storm outside. The couple are enjoying a bit of backpack travelling for the first time since the fight with the Netherbrain. A bit of time in Gale’s tower got them back on their feet but soon enough the call for adventure came in like a gush of wind. No fire tonight it seems. Astarion is lounging, listening to the rain fall on the tent and the rumbles of the earth that follow the flash of lightning. Gale is finishing up a cold meal, looking at his lover pensively. His gaze caught by the corner of an eye.
What are you thinking about?
Gale approaches and lays down, with inviting arms he calls;
Come here.
Astarion slides into the embrace, his darling’s fingers finding the curls on his head and pulling him close. Gentle pets soothe him as he is nestled in the pit of Gale’s neck.
Hm, funny. You have enough trust to let a vampire rest by your neck. It’s… sweet.
A soft smile pulls at the corner of Gale’s mouth.
I do trust you. I love that we trust each-other… I don’t want you to go out in that storm-
Oh don’t worry, I wasn’t going to.
But I don’t want you to go hungry either.
Astarion tenses up and freezes for a moment, registering the implication in those words.
You haven’t tasted my blood since I’ve gotten rid of the orb, I figured maybe I can I feed you a little.
Astarion props himself up on his arms to look down at Gale, searching his face, his eyes.
You- You’re offing me your blood?
Yes.
Insecurity, worry, and a fuzzy cloud of emotions lace his tone, whilst his lover answers with calm asseriveness.
Are you sure?
Yes I am sure. I’ll let you know if there’s anything wrong, don’t worry.
Astarion’s face softens, a glint of doubt in his eyes still, as he lays back down. Gale is holding still, mentally preparing for the pain as the vampire against his neck breathes in and bites.
There’s a moment of tension, a hit of pain running through his veins, but it quickly ceeds its place to softness. As he relaxes, Gale brings back his hand to Astarion’s hair, gently petting him, holding his head like a nursing babe. A few drops slide down his neck, but they are cold, and his lover pulls out, licking the wound, oh so gently. When he turns to look at him, he knows it wasn’t blood he felt there.
Are you crying? What’s going on?
The silence of a twisted throat and the redness of eyes helplessly tensing against a flood of tears.
Astarion.
A voice that sounds like a warm blanket.
Come here.
As Gale is holding on tight to his beloved, the tears are bursting out with choked quivering whimpers. Once the wave passes, Astarion tries his voice again, quiet, honest.
I don’t think anyone’s ever been this kind to me. It was just so… soft, caring… loving.
The response comes as a tightening hug, and a long moment without words.
None are needed.
Warmth and a gentle heartbeat lulls the vampire to sleep.
As Gale is drifting off to sleep he whispers;
I love you.