[Astarion is so insistent with his decision — and it is his decision — that Gale can't help but laugh, a quiet chuckle bubbling in his chest and rattling from his throat as a realization hits him.]

A world's worth of wizardly intellect, and I'm still a fool. I tried to give you all the agency in the world this evening, only to doubt it when it came to the most important choice of all: who you want to be with. It might feel a little licentious, but I should consider myself the luckiest man alive to even have your attention... to know who you are.

[He brings Astarion's hands to his lips, kissing them tenderly. That touch means so much to him.]

Forgive me.