Chapter Text
It's just a little crush, nothing more. If you get yourself involved, it's going to hurt more.
Eldrin huffs as he turns onto his left side, staring at the toasty fire flickering in the night. Ever since the Elminster visited them, Eldrin couldn't help but worry. Gale was willing to toss his life away like that, without any regard. Eldrin clenched his fists. It was selfish but at the same time, it was important. Gale needed to know that someone cared for him, so deeply that this decision wasn't something he could snap like that.
The half-elf sits up, rubbing his face in defeat. It was no use, he might as well do something else than lie down worrying. Standing up, he makes his way to a small pond.
Breathe in... breathe out...
The frustration was killing him. To word vomit to Gale how he felt... Hell, did Gale even feel the same way?
Sure, they've had a moment in the Weave and quite enjoy each other's company. But was it romantic at all?
Eldrin picks up a small round stone, the moonlight bouncing off like a mirror.
I'm sure I'm just a good friend. Nothing more, or less. Plus, there are plenty of lovely folk who would be a better match.
"Idiot!" He chucks the stone, a soft thunk hitting the water's surface and sinking.
"Doing some stone-skipping?" Eldrin nearly jumps at the voice, turning around he sees Gale with his head slightly turned. "Or perhaps something's on your mind?"
"You read me like a book." Eldrin looks down, trying to hide his reddening ears. Hiding his hands behind his back he sighs. "Yeah, I'm just a little stressed." Eldrin sits on the dirt, head on his legs.
Stupid, stupid!
He hears the soft pitter-patter of shoes before feeling a slight breeze at his side.
"Mind letting me in?" That comforting voice, Gale. The wizard sits alongside him, brows furrowing in concern.
"I can't." He mumbles.
"Eldrin..." Conversations like these weren't a rare occurrence. Throughout their journey, Eldrin had many doubts, so much so that he almost lost faith in himself. How easy would it be for him to disappear, after all, he had nothing. He has no home, family, or pets, only the clothes on his back and endless stacks of junk that Astarion insists he should drop.
The half-elf sits his head back up, chin on his knees, not realizing the wetness on his cheeks. Turning his head he sees Gale giving him that look, the one that always makes his heart do flips and confide everything.
"I..." He shuts his eyes, feeling warm fingers wiping his tears. "Gale..."
"Did you have another nightmare?" Eldrin shakes his head.
Usually, that was the main cause, various dreams have cycled through since the start of their adventure. Some odd, some pleasant but mostly nightmares. Turning into a Mind Flayer, Laezel and Shadowheart killing each other during the night, losing control or even giving up.
When he realized he was starting to feel something towards the wizard, it gave him something to look forward to. Hearing about Gale's Tressym Tara, his home and his endless library-he was intrigued. Not to mention that smile, that look in his eyes and his gentle touch when cleaning his wounds.
"Can I be selfish?" Eldrin whispers.
"Whatever you need." The half-elf places his shaky pale hand on Gale's hand.
"Don't do it Gale... please..." Another tear drops onto their hands. With a sniffle, Gale frowns in concern.
Despite no words exchanged, Gale hears the Illthid connection.
The orb. Please... there's another way. I care about you, a lot and I don't want you to leave me. I like you, more than a friend. I just don't know how to navigate this, it's all new to me.
"Eldrin, I didn't know. I'm sorry..." With his other hand, Gale clasps the elf's face. "You deserve to have someone much better than me. I'm nothing but a mere-"
"Stop that." Eldrin opens his eyes and with a quick huff, curses under his breath. "You always think you're nothing when you're so much more than you think. You're wonderful, talented, smart, funny... The moment in The Weave with you, our battles together, quiet reading within the night, all of this I want to experience more. Through you I've found hope, that we both would get through this and find a cure." Gale remains silent, eyes shifting toward the water. Eldrin lets his hand go. "I'm sorry, I know I don't really have much to offer..." He stands, covering his reddening ears with his hands. "Forget I said anything."
He proceeds to walk away before feeling a tug on his shirt sleeve.
"Wait." Gale stands, tilting his head up to meet the tall elf's gaze. Eldrin suddenly gasps. Gale's warm arms wrapped around his torso, soft brown locks touching his chin and a familiar scent of musk. Eldrin's arms were stiffly at his side. He'd never been hugged before, at least that he remembered. Any memories before the ship were beyond him. The feeling was... nice.
Slowly, Eldrin places his hands on the small of Gale's back. With a deep breath, he feels his mind clear, his worries dissipating like mist. This concept of affection, he liked it. This feeling of security and what he assumed was love.
"Eldrin, my dear." The elf feels blood rise to his cheeks at the pet name. "I do very much care for you too. I didn't realize how much this would affect you, let alone the others… I don't want to cause you any more distress or anxiety." He lets go briefly, holding his face. "I know you already deal with enough with that. I can assure you I'll try to find any means possible before it comes to this."
"Promise?" Eldrin grips the fabric of Gale's shirt.
"I swear... Now, you must be exhausted. We should rest." Gale guides him to his tent, the two entering carefully.
Outside there’s a hint of devilish laughter.
"You owe me." Astarion smiles, standing up from the bush adjacent to the campsite.
"Just because they went into the tent does not mean anything!" Shadowheart retorts, accent thick
"Why else would the wizard invite him in?"
"I'll find out." Both the vampire and elf jump, seeing Karlach standing beside them, a smile on her face. She begins walking over to the tent.
"No! Karlach!" Astarion whisper-yells, gesturing aggressively for her to come back.
She continues to walk and Shadowheart is contemplating whether or not to just cast Sleep on her.
Gale downs a cup of water before lying down. Eldrin sitting alongside him.
"Your tent is a little small." Within the tent was a soft cot, and table littered with books, potions and a few bags of food and clothing.
"Well, typically it's for one man, not two." The wizard replies. "But I could always rearrange some things if it's too tight." The elf shakes his head.
"No need." Eldrin lies down, the beige pillow is quite soft. As he turns he sees Gale looking at him, eyes filled with adoration and comfort. "Um..." The shyness hits him again.
Eldrin hasn't exactly slept alongside someone, not to mention his body was 70% legs 30% everything else.
What do I do with my arms?
"Aren't you cute?" Gale boops Eldrin's nose. All of the elf's knowledge of love came from books and maybe some open-ended questions with Astarion.
Eldrin however never saw himself as a suave macho person. He was quite shy and his shaky hands did not exactly make him look confident. He contemplated maybe having a drink to loosen up but he found his memory would be quite hazy. He hoped Gale would take the reins. Before they can even imagine getting closer a loud voice joins then
"HI!" The two turn to see Karlach peering in with a huge smile. "What're you two doing?"
"Just having a late chat." Eldrin explains.
"Something you need, Karlach?" Gale inquires.
"Oh, no, it's just that Shadowheart and Astarion were making bets on whether or not you guys were having-" With a loud donk, Karlach drops to the ground, along with a cheese wheel. Astarion peeks in before beginning to yell.
"That's a waste of perfect cheddar!" He snaps to Shadowheart.
"We can still eat it!" She yells dragging Karlach away by her feet. Astarion opens the tent flap, receiving a glare from Gale and a clueless look from Eldrin.
"Karlach was just having a bit of a fever is all. Rest well you two." He closes the tent.
Gale shakes his head, offering his hand out to Eldrin's hold.
"Is there anything else on your mind?" He asks.
"No... other than, thank you." He smiles as a weight is lifted from his shoulders. "Perhaps another moon we could actually uhm... go out?"
"Of course. I'd love to. But till then… You and I should rest up. Sleep well, my dear."
"Goodnight."