🔮 exsanguinated (with @sangwhine)

[mystracal]

tfln | invitations | and there was only one bed | undermountain alurlyath | what could be | blood bond | the price of freedom
it wore his face | dinner with morena dekarios | rediscovery

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[mystracal]

Not all of us are comfortable in the city, Astarion. And anyone would be hard-pressed to find a stylish wardrobe while on the road.

[sangwhine]

Yes, yes. At least I'll keep you well dressed from here on out.

[He strokes Gale's cheek, softly affectionate.]

[mystracal]

[Gale's smile widens, his eyes softening, cheeks reddening until he can't bear to look Astarion in the eyes any longer. He's painfully aware he looks like a lovesick puppy.

He bites the inside of his lip, thinking.]

I know I crossed a line earlier, asking you to turn your back on me, but... would it be all right now, with both of us clothed?

[sangwhine]

[The situation is different now, less charged, but there's still a momentary hesitation in Astarion's reply.]

To look at my scars? Or some other reason?

[mystracal]

[Despite that hesitation, Gale can't help but chuckle just a little, a quiet push of air from the back of his throat; he's so sure his suggestion will be benign compared to any reasoning Astarion is considering.]

I'd like to hold you. Or, perhaps, you could hold me?

[sangwhine]

[It is much less threatening than any of the thoughts that were swirling at the edges of Astarion's mind. He smiles in return, shifting to turn his back to Gale.]

Ah. You'd like to be my big spoon? I think I could allow that.

[mystracal]

I seem to recall you offering yourself for that position, once.

[That night hiding from the Fists in the lonely shack seems so long ago now. He scoots closer until his chest and stomach press into Astarion's back, then wraps an arm around the vampire's middle, letting his head rest against the back of his neck.]

[sangwhine]

I prefer it, if I'm pressed. But this is nice as well.

[He puts his hand to Gale's arm, squeezing softly as he settles into the other man's hold.]

[mystracal]

[Gale lowers his voice to a whisper, pressing a gentle kiss to the back of Astarion's neck.]

We'll take turns. I'd hate for us to lose what we have, all because we couldn't decide who'd get to hold whom.

[sangwhine]

[Astarion closes his eyes, a faint smile on his lips.]

And I would hate for you to not know the feeling of resting in my arms as I watch over you.

[mystracal]

It's a pleasure I will bask in next time. For now, allow me to act as deterrent for any would-be vampire kin who try to bother you during your beauty rest.

[sangwhine]

[Astarion gives a soft chuckle in reply, threading his fingers with Gale's.]

Do get your own rest as well, dearest. Lest we forget which of us is the human.

[mystracal]

I always rest well when you are near, my love.

[Astarion may prefer to be the big spoon, but as he threads his fingers through Gale's, the wizard smiles against him, his heart - so full of adoration - beating just a little faster. He takes a deep breath, closing his eyes as he lets the smell of Astarion's hair flood his senses.

It's very different to lie with someone like this in a physical body as opposed to bonding intimately the way gods would. To make love to Mystra was often an abstract affair; by comparison, having Astarion in his arms is positively simple.

And yet, there's so much nuance to be found in the vampire's affection - in the way his timbre changes when he speaks to Gale as opposed to anyone else, in the smoothness of his skin as he graces the wizard with soft caresses, in how protective he is of someone so utterly flawed, gazing upon him as though he were the most perfect being in the Realms.

Yes, Gale of Waterdeep is human, but he is loved, and that means more to him than he can put into words.]