[Though grateful for the accuracy of Astarion's assessment, Gale can't help the ache he feels on the vampire's behalf. The others may tease the wizard about his awkward flirtations from time to time, but when he gives his heart to another, he does not intend to take it back. Yes, even if they never have a single night of passion - of making love like mortals, of ravishing one another until their bodies ache with ecstasy and exhaustion - Gale will still love Astarion wholeheartedly. He's not sure he could do otherwise.

But Gale has seen how worthless Astarion feels in his inability to perform for the one person he wants to perform for. He can relate to that, to having his entire value as a person tied up in a single skill. People only wanted Astarion for his body, and as for Gale...]

And you would love me even if I had not a drop of magic at my command. You have my heart, Astarion, for as long as you'll have me.

[He extracts himself from between his lover's legs, turning to lie on his back beside Astarion so he, too, can stare at the ceiling. It offers him no more answers than it did his partner.]