Chapter Text
“Nope we’re not doing this.”
Gale looked up to see Wyll standing at his office door, leaned against the open frame.
“Pardon?” Gale responded, not quite sure what the other man was saying. There was a glint of mischief in Wyll’s eye and Gale could feel a pit forming in his stomach.
“Every single Friday night you’re been here, holed up in your office, when the rest of us leave. You’re taking a break tonight, my friend. We’re going to go to a bar and bond through getting shitfaced. And don’t think I forgot about your promise to spill all about your drunken college days while I revel in the mayhem.” Wyll responded with what Gale could only describe as alluring. Though somehow the man managed to be alluring in a platonic way and Gale found himself cataloguing the information away to ponder later at home.
“Well I thank you for the offer but if I remember correctly I didn’t actually promi-” Gale began to protest but Wyll cut in with a hearty laugh.
“All work and no play makes for a very dull life. Midterms don’t start until next week and Family Weekend is still three weeks away. Besides, you’d be doing me a favor. Dad’s been in a shit mood this week and if I have to spend another night listening to him bitch about how the city council’s trying to send him to an early grave then I’ll be the one in an early grave.” Wyll bulldozed on in a somewhat petulant tone. Gale hesitated for a moment attempting to remember if Wyll had ever given his age. Surely based on his looks he was on the younger side. The alluring smile returned to the professor’s face however this time there was a pleading in his eyes. How was this man so good at projecting with only his face?
“Perhaps one drink wouldn’t hurt,” Gale conceded, hoping his apprehension wasn’t too obvious in his tone.
“Great, I’ll give you a half hour to finish up whatever you’re doing. Give me your phone so I can text you the address. And don’t give me some excuse of getting caught up and not realizing the time. You don’t show and you’ll regret it.”
Thus twenty minutes later he found himself waiting on a bar stool in a place named Alfira’s. This was far enough away from the campus that students had to pass multiple other bars but he did recognized a few townsfolk. Very early in moving here he realized many of the residents seemed to know each other and it was easy for them to distinguish residents from students. In fact, the first weekend he left his townhouse someone immediately waved him down for introductions and by the next weekend everyone seemed to know he was the new professor who’d just moved here. The grocery store clerk even asked him about his neighborhood even though Gale had never told him where he lived. It was quite different than the sprawling metropolis of Waterdeep he’d grown up with.
This bar seemed to be no different, people passed him with a quick hello as if he’d lived here his entire life. One woman had even let him know how much she loved seeing Tara in the window when she walked down the street though Gale had no idea who she was or where she lived. As much as he considered his personality to be very introverted he was finding himself warming up to the community feeling each day. Perhaps this was exactly the reason a change of pace was necessary for him.
“I see you heeded my warnings well.”
Wyll placed a hand on Gale’s shoulder, his charismatic smile almost infectious as he sat down next to the history professor. His hands laid lazily atop the bar however he swiveled his head towards the door as if expecting it to open.
“And it looks like Astarion did too.” Wyll added and sure enough, the art professor was seated next to them a mere few moments later, already asking the bartender for a glass of full-bodied red.
“Gods he dragged you out too? What’d he use? The puppy dog eyes or the bedroom eyes?” Astarion asked once he looked over at the other two men. He too plopped down onto a barstool and soon the three had taken up a large portion of the hightop.
“Contrary to popular belief people do enjoy my company ‘Star. Hoots can we get two glasses of my usual,” Wyll responded looking towards the bartender. He continued to hold his ever present smile and twinkle in his eye.
“Yes we all know how sickeningly in love you and Karlach are. Though I don’t think she’d mind if you had a lapse in judgement tonight. After all, I’m looking extra ravishing.” Astarion responded in his usual drawl.
“Only in your dreams, my friend. I am happily exclusive.” Wyll quipped back not delaying a single second in his retort. It was clear this bit occurred often between Astarion and his friends from what Gale had observed thus far.
“I’m sorry did you just refer to the bartender as Hoots?” Gale asked suddenly as he finally managed to comprehend the last few moments. Somehow in the short time he’d known Astarion he’d already gotten used to the constant flirting.
“Hoots Hooligan. I know, a very easy to remember name. He’s been a bartender here for decades at this point. The man probably knows every secret ever in this town, whether you want him to or not. He also has the best commute in the world since he lives right upstairs.” Wyll responded with nonchalance as two wine glasses were placed in front of them.
“Speaking of housing,” Astarion cut in on the conversation, “Have you broached the subject about trying to get Karlach and your father under the same roof? Or are you still chickening out?”
Wyll let out a sigh as he spun his wine glass on the bar. The man’s demeanor changed drastically, the gentle warmth no longer radiating from his form. His nose wrinkled slightly as he seemed to ponder his response.
“We’ve talked. Karlach always said she knew from the start I was sort of a package deal since he can’t really get by on his own these days. And the last time she said anything about it she seemed really excited. But then I brought it up again and suddenly she said she’s not sure we’re ready for ‘the next step’. At first I thought maybe she was having second thoughts about being with me but I realized that’s insane. I mean we’re perfect for each other you’d have to be blind not to see that. Now I have a hunch the real reason is she doesn’t want to leave Tavia.” Wyll finally stated and for once his face showed no hints of a smile. His lips turned down and he almost seemed defeated in his stance.
“Is she worried about money because Tavia could very easily pay the rent on that shitehole by herself. Hells, Tavia could afford to move into a lot better places by herself without any issues.” Astarion responded almost immediately and Gale could tell there was an added annoyance to the man’s tone. As if there was something behind Astarion’s view of Tavia’s living situation.
Gale felt something ache within his chest suddenly. He tried not to think about it as he continued to listen. A small voice pushed into his mind regarding how his study could easily be made into another bedroom for a possible roommate but he quickly pushed it back. Surely Tavia had many other people she would live with first before a new work colleague.
“No, I don’t know what happened but I know she started dropping hints about waiting after that night Tav… Well, after the cough syrup incident.” Wyll responded quickly as if attempting to slur the words together. Gale caught the man’s quick glance over towards him and felt similar to back when they were all hiding Tavia’s identity.
“That doesn’t make any sense. It’s not like that’s the first time Tavi’s gotten shitfaced and probably won’t be the last. Why would that change Karlach wanting to live with you?” Astarion continued on without pause and the annoyance was made even clearer with his tone. The man’s pale face scrunched up as well the longer the conversation persisted.
“I don’t know for sure but I think something happened that she’s not telling us. I dunno, she just seemed really worried after that night. Remember how pushy she got about all of us keeping Tavia busy?”
Once more Wyll glanced over to Gale for a fraction of a second before he cleared his throat.
“Regardless, I told Karlach once we move in together we can finally get a dog like she’s always wanted. So Gale, you live alone? Or have you been keeping a secret lover from us?”
Gale coughed on his sip of wine, choking as he had not been expecting the rather hurried change in subject. As he brought a hand to his chest to dislodge the liquid his mind attempted to catch up. Though he had not spoken he had been busy filing away questions regarding what this “cough syrup incident” could be.
“No secret lovers, just my cat, Tara. She seems to have finally forgiven me for the move, though I think she still misses watching the hummingbirds outside my old house.” He finally responded, glancing between to the two other men. There was a tension he couldn’t place but it was clear there was something they didn’t wish to share with the class.
“Astarion named his cat His Majesty. Ugly thing, one of those hairless cats. He hates basically everyone. Is Tara the same way?” Wyll continued on with his questioning, ignoring the pointed glare Astarion wore at the ugly cat remark.
“No, she’s certainly not a hairless breed. Quite the opposite as she has a beautiful long coat. But she will make it abundantly clear if she doesn’t like someone. Absolutely hated my ex and made it everyone’s problem, I can’t even begin to tell you the amount of sweaters I’ve lost over the years due to her.” He said, taking another sip from his own glass quickly. This was the first time he had brought up anything regarding Mystra since the Tavia-Astarion Incident.
“Oh? Did you two live together?” Astarion asked, a glint appearing in his eyes. Not for the first time, the man seemed incredibly interested in Gale’s personal life before he moved here.
“No, she was someone who enjoyed having her own space so we always lived separately.” He remarked, unable to keep the twinge of bitterness out of his voice. At the time he tried not to let it get to him, but now, no longer in denial, the reminder that she never thought of him as a permanent fixture in her life still brought about a dull pain. As he brought a hand to rub the spot right over his heart he caught Astarion glancing at him with a strange expression.
“How long were you two together?” The pale man asked. His tone still held the usual uninterested drawl but Gale caught the look in his eyes, the look of… Pity? Sympathy?
“It depends on who you ask.” Gale answered back, far more honestly than he had meant. He cursed his lack of tact that usually came with discussions of the whole sordid affair. Both men stared at him with questioning gazes, waiting for him to continue. He felt his throat close partially, the dull pain from Ariel and her actions still taking hold on his heart. He knew if he didn’t change the subject, and quickly, he would say far too much.
“Anyway,” He said after a quick clearing of his throat, “Is the Disappointment Owlbear really something that occurs after Family Weekend?” He asked, his mind using the first bit of information to move away from his life back at Waterdeep. Astarion groaned but Wyll seemed delighted to discuss the stuffed animal based on the sudden look of glee on his face.
“Oh I can assure you she is very real and very much a motivator for students.” Wyll answered and took another sip of wine.
“Oh for God’s sake not you too. That damned owlbear is so stupid I don’t know why the stupid thing is still around,” Astarion huffed and waved at Hoots for a refill. The man wordlessly walked over and quickly assisted Astarion before moving back towards the other end of the tabletop.
“Just because you don’t care doesn’t mean your students don’t. And this is why polysci has been ready for weeks. My students and I have been putting everything together since before the semester started. I can’t wait to wow everyone with what’s up my sleeve. But you’ll have to wait for the reveal on that Saturday.” Wyll responded, his eyebrows wiggling at Gale as Astarion rolled his eyes.
“Yes, yes, you love putting far too much energy into the weekend every year. Thank Gods I was able to pawn it off on my seniors. Between your show, the incompetent freshman, and Tavi I’ve scarcely had a moment to myself.” Astarion added and once more Gale felt something of a twinge in his chest he couldn’t place.
“You’re such an asshole, I’m telling her you said that,” Wyll responded cheekily as he bumped shoulders with Astarion.
“Excuse you I’m a classy asshole, a Classhole if you will. And be my guest, I’m lucky she decided to hole herself up in the library for some stupid re-cataloguing bullshit this whole weekend otherwise I’d probably be strapped to my bed right now.” Astarion responded just as cheekily though he didn’t return the shoulder bump. Gale watched as Wyll shot a warning glare at Astarion while the paler man was apparently pretending not to notice.
“Why don’t you and Tavia live together?” Gale found himself asking, surprising even himself as he spoke.
“Oh Gale,” Wyll said, placing an arm around his shoulders, “If you wanted Astarion to be murdered there are much easier ways to do it. Like telling him to go a whole day without insulting a student.”
Though he used a serious tone there was an obvious smile on Wyll’s face making it clear this was yet more teasing.
“Excuse you, Tavia and I have lived together before and we’re both still alive.” Astarion interjected childishly.
“The last time you two shared an apartment was when they had an exterminator come. And if I remember correctly you ended up with a concussion after you locked her out of your apartment at 3a.m. because she was snoring.”
“Oh please she punched me because I was being too loud when she was reading, not because I locked her out. She taught His Majesty how to open cabinets when I did that.”
“Oh I’m so sorry for misremembering, how rude of me. I’ll make sure to update my notes so I don’t make the mistake again. I am such a terrible friend for not being updated in all the ways you and Tav have made each other miserable over the years. You two are worse than having siblings sometimes.”
The two bickered back and forth good-naturedly and Gale wondered if this truly was what it was like to have best friends. How long did it take for these two to be so comfortable with one another?
“Speaking of family, anyone we should know about coming in a couple weeks for the festivities? Any siblings who don’t have a whole ‘boring professor’ vibe?” Astarion asked turning towards the history professor. Once more the glint returned to the other man’s eyes with his question.
“Sorry to disappoint but I’m an only child so no. However my mother is planning to visit from Waterdeep and attend, yes. Growing up it was just the two of us so I think she’s dealing with some empty nesting now that I’ve left town,” He responded, wondering if he should be on his guard with Astarion’s current line of questioning. He almost felt as though this was a man who forgot very little when it came to gossip.
“And also Halsin said he would try to join,” Gale added as well, remembering the most recent email from the man.
“And Halsin is..?” Wyll asked leaving the end of the sentence to be completed by Gale.
“Oh my apologies, he’s a friend who plans to move here very soon. He’s an incredibly nice fellow and I’d be happy to introduce you all to him. Though I would ask you not to tell him you’re students if you wouldn’t mind.” Gale answered back and only felt slightly guilty for teasing them on such a sore subject. To their credit the other two were silent for a few beats, Wyll’s smile dropping as he cleared his throat nervously.
“Right, well we’re glad you’ll have some visitors. Other than Shadowheart and myself nobody really has family to attend. I don’t know if you’ve been told but the whole town gets completely decked out for the weekend.” Wyll finally said as his eyes moved to look at anything other than Gale.
“So I’ve managed to gather, it truly seems like this is a rather large ordeal for everyone around here.” Gale responded however Wyll swiftly spoke again just as Gale finished his sentence.
“I know you and Tavia have already decided it’s all water under the bridge and everything but we are so sorry we tricked you like that. It really wasn’t fair to you and we promise to never do anything like that again to you or anyone else. I think we’ve all learned our lesson.”
“I’ve forgiven you all. I’m sorry I made the remark, it was a poor attempt at humor. Though, if you did want to make it up to me you could tell me if ‘Shadowheart’ is actually part of Jen’s name. Is it a second last name or something similar?” Gale asked and the two men visibly relaxed once more.
“To make a long story short Jen was born and raised here in this town. So when she went through a bit of a rebellious phase and started telling everyone her name was Shadowheart they didn’t forget the fact even after she came to her senses.” Wyll informed.
“And by ‘came to her senses’ Wyll means she realized what a terrible idea it had been to run away and join what was basically a cult,” Astarion added and once more Wyll glared at the man, “And now here she is in charge of religious studies for us. Amazing how good an ex-cult member is when it comes to religion. Who would’ve thunk.”
The sarcasm was basically dripping from the pale man’s answer.
“Alright Gale, enough stalling. I believe we were promised more drunken tales from your collegiate days,” Wyll nudged after a beat of silence, a wide grin spread across his features.