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It's a nice little spot he's chosen for this, Gale rather thinks. Tucked away down-river, close enough that he can hear his companions but far enough away for some limited semblance of distance.
Its the work of a few moments to use the natural materials provided by the creek to create a makeshift spot to relax and wash; a well-placed bit of Prestidigitation and Wall of Stone to shore up the bank for him to lean against, and some Burning Hands to heat some of the larger river stones; he's got himself quite the opportunity to bathe in relative privacy.
He hears soft footsteps just as he rests his head back against the wall he's created, sighing in bliss as the pressure begins to slough off his worn-out body where it's submerged in the hot water.
Gale blinks his eyes open at the soft sound of footsteps, and oh. There's the other component he's gotten used to over the past weeks of their journey.
Astarion nods at him as he slips out of his clothes; Gale looks away politely, trying not to flush at what sight he does catch of the graceful body undressing and slipping into the makeshift heated tub he's made.
It had been all too easy to offer, the first time he'd been stumbled upon like this; allowing their vampire to finally get warm in the way it would sink into his bones and linger. But now it's becoming a recurring thing, and Gale's not sure how much longer he can withstand the torture of being so close to the person he's come to admire and respect and yes, love; sitting tantalizingly out of reach.
It doesn't help when he catches the vampire's eye when it cracks open lazily and meets his own.
Gale flushes and looks away, missing the salacious smirk that graces Astarion's features as they sit, not speaking, a mere five feet between them.