[Oh, absolutely it will help. Astarion sinks back down into his seat, suddenly more at ease, resting his chin casually against a hand as he takes Gale in. It feels surreal, that after all that's happened, after all he's done, Gale would still want something more, want something genuine. But he does. At least he says he does, and Astarion can't see a reason to doubt him.

Now all the reasons why he'd targeted Gale in the first place take on a different light. His wit, his intelligence, the cocksure way he grins, the charming color of his blushes. None of those things are simply assets to be used, or balms to ease the task of seduction along for Astarion. Now they're color and embellishments to the canvas that is a man who wants Astarion for who he is, and a man who Astarion wants in ways he's never truly considered before.]

I hope this means I can pay compliments to your finer features without worry of seeing you scurry away like a frightened rabbit.