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It was the first time they had the chance to properly rest since their arrival at Baldur's Gate. So many things had happened in those past few days that Astarion was starting to wonder if he would die from exhaustion before their enemies or the tadpoles in their heads had the chance to kill him.
But now, there he was… Alive and fairly content, and forever free from Cazador. It was still hard to believe that he had finally gotten his revenge, and more importantly: his freedom. Giving up on that ritual and the chance to walk under the sun hadn't been easy, but now that everything had passed, he felt nothing but relief — and possibly even joy.
How curious… He spent so much time feeling nothing but pain, anger, and fear, that he found it difficult to name the good things. The one thing he knew was that he could associate most of them with Gale. That man had said he would stand by him, and he did; he promised him his freedom, and now he had it; he had given Astarion his love, and now Astarion didn't want to imagine a future without him. He cared for Gale more than he ever cared for anyone, and no longer had any doubts that Gale felt the same way about him.
Gods, he never imagined himself to be the kind that got so attached, but now, being four steps away from his wizard was distracting enough that Astarion couldn't even focus on his book. So, without a word, he approached Gale's tent, sitting by his side. Gale lifted his gaze from his own book for a second to glance at Astarion, offering him a sweet smile. Astarion kissed his temple, then got comfortable by his side, opening his book once again.
His warmth was so comforting… In moments like that, one could almost forget that the world was about to end. But, surprisingly enough, Astarion wasn't worried. After facing the man who tormented him for nearly two centuries, everything else seemed small in comparison. Besides, he wasn't alone… Maybe Astarion was being too optimistic, but since their little group got together, he had the feeling that nothing in the world could stop them.
Astarion closed his book, looking at his partner, who was still focused on his reading. He was such a beautiful man… Without thinking, Astarion touched Gale's hair, playing with it between his fingers.
"Your hair has grown a little longer," he observed.
"Has it?" asked Gale, without looking away from his book. "I haven't paid much attention to it, to be honest."
"But I did." Astarion couldn't hold back a slight smile. "It is at a nice length to play with."
"Is that so?"
Seeming amused, Gale closed his book, looking at Astarion. He raised his hand, touching his hair as well.
"Yours is much prettier, though…" he said. "I especially like the way it curls around my fingers."
Gale said those words naturally, as if simply voicing his thoughts without the need to filter them — which sometimes turned against himself, but never enough to make him stop. Part of Astarion appreciated it, since it had been one of the reasons why he felt he could trust Gale. On the other hand… he still had no idea how to respond to that kind of sincerity. Astarion was physically unable to blush, and yet, it made him feel warm in ways he normally wouldn't.
"Astarion?" Gale looked at him, his face suddenly brightening up. "Don't tell me I actually left you flustered?"
The satisfaction in his voice made Astarion look away, slightly annoyed. "Oh, shut up…"
Gale laughed, clearly pleased by his reaction. "And I thought I would never see the day…"
"I said shut up, you insufferable wizard." Astarion lightly shoved him away. "You simply caught me off-guard."
"Which means you do have your weaknesses, even if you try to pretend you don't."
If he admitted to it, Gale would give him no peace. So, instead, Astarion narrowed his eyes at him. "You are enjoying this, aren't you?"
Gale grinned. "Very much so."
It was hard to feel annoyed when he looked that pleased. Astarion leaned closer, barely able to contain a slight smile.
"Well, fine," he said. "If this is what you want, then you better not regret it later."
Still smiling, Gale closed his eyes, and Astarion cupped his cheek, kissing him. He had never cared much for kisses, and usually saw them more as a means to an end. But there was something about Gale's kisses that Astarion simply couldn't get enough of.
And not just the kisses: his touches, his voice, the smell of his skin, the warmth of his body… He couldn't have enough of Gale and everything about him, even if it was just having him there, by his side.
Astarion broke the kiss, furrowing his brow as he looked at Gale. "What's with the smug face?"
"Nothing…" Gale's grin widened. "Just appreciating how head over heels you are for me."
Astarion grunted, moving away. "Gods, Gale… You are the most self-centered man I have ever met."
Gale sighed half-heartedly. "If only you were this passionate when complimenting me…"
"Do you really expect me to keep feeding your bottomless ego?" He held Gale's chin, staring into his eyes. "You annoy me so, so much…"
Gale tried, but failed to hold back a smile. "I can see that."
Astarion didn't even try to refute, slowly leaving small kisses over his face, down to his neck. To be honest, he quite enjoyed that kind of back and forth — maybe as much as the kisses themselves.
"Keep trying my patience," Astarion murmured against his skin. "One day you won't have this cursed orb to protect you, and I will suck you dry."
That one earned him a laugh. "You wouldn't… You would miss me too much."
"Would I really?"
"Yes, you would."
It was nice to see his confidence grow. Gale had the frustrating tendency to think that he wasn't enough, and that he always had to be "better" in some way. Astarion never cared for that part of him, and was more than happy to see it slowly fade.
"I wish I could deny it," he said in fake exasperation. "But I can barely stand the thought of returning alone to my tent."
Gale's expression softened. He reached for Astarion's hand, intertwining their fingers without looking away from his eyes.
"Then don't." He lifted Astarion's hand, kissing its back. "I was hoping you would stay."
Astarion couldn't hold back a small, pleased chuckle. "Oh, my sweet… You like me so much it's embarrassing."
"Good thing I seem to have lost my sense of shame."
"Oh?" Astarion grinned, interested. "Shall we put that to the test?"
As if only then realizing his mistake, Gale grimaced slightly. "Have I, perhaps, walked into a trap?"
Astarion hummed, pleased. He leaned forward, whispering close to Gale's lips. "Too late to back away now, my little wizard."
Despite his previous words, Gale didn't seem displeased by the idea.