[Astarion leans down to meet him without hesitation. To see his own joy reflected in Gale's eyes is a wonder he never thought he'd behold. It's something so precious he feels nearly overcome with emotion because of it. He tenderly cradles Gale's face in both hands, thumbs wiping away the sweat of their lovemaking. When he pulls away he doesn't go far, resting his forehead against Gale's to savor the heat radiating off his skin.]

You are everything that I thought I had lost. Everything I had given up on wanting. I truly meant it when I said you have my heart. It lives again because of you. Because of your love. Because of how much I love you.

[He knows they'll have to move before long, perhaps fetch the tub once again. Gale can't very well sleep like this and it's in no way suitable for his meditation. But he's willing to put that moment off for as long as he can to let this one linger, to truly fix it in his memories.]