🔮 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

Comments

[mystracal]

[Oh, he likes that smile. He likes it quite a lot.

He sets his glass to the side.]

I wanted to, erm. Talk about the other night, if we could. While the spirits are still high.

[sangwhine]

[Astarion sets his glass aside as well, his posture straightening up slightly.]

What part of it?

[mystracal]

You know which part.

[He takes a second to put his words together, trying to be more concise, clearer than usual.]

Now that I've had some time to clear my head, I just wanted to say that... I don't blame you for how you acted. You were desperate. Resigned to how things had to be. I've been there, in a way. Not the same, but a similar sort of hurt.

[sangwhine]

It was less resignation and more instinct.

[He shifts, his posture closing off somewhat, but he still keeps his gaze on Gale.]

I couldn't see any other way forward, any other path. You don't deserve that, though.

[mystracal]

[Gale's posture remains open, despite the difficult subject.]

Neither do you.

[sangwhine]

[His expression is pained for a moment. He turns away from Gale, his gaze fixing somewhere on the ground a short distance away.]

I don't know how to think of myself that way. As something more than an object of use. It's not something I've even thought possible for the past two hundred years.

[mystracal]

It is possible, Astarion. And, if you would—

[His eyes flick upward to meet his companion's.]

I'd like you to start with me.

[sangwhine]

[Astarion is visibly startled, looking up to meet Gale's gaze.]

Really? Truly.

[mystracal]

[Gale smiles, his grin pushing at his eyes.]

Yes. So long as you're willing to trust me from now on, and be honest. You needn't worry about me seeing you as anything less than a person. You make your own choices now, and those shouldn't include who you have to throw yourself at just to feel safe.

[sangwhine]

[Astarion can't help but smile in response, a warmth fluttering in his chest.]

I'd like that. Starting with you. Having something real.

[mystracal]

Yeah. Something real.

[That ember is back in his chest. He thought it might have been smothered yesterday by the crushing disappointment; he thought it might cool if he ignored it long enough.

However, here he is, back in Astarion's tent, drinking and chatting and honest-to-gods flirting when he gets the gumption because he cannot help himself. It's not just that Astarion is easy on the eyes and has a sharp wit that cuts in all the right places - Gale still feels they have more in common than either of them is willing to openly admit. The comment Astarion made in regards to Mystra, his concern for Gale's well-being in the sewers, his commiseration in being irrevocably changed by horrors in their respective pasts - they meant the world in those moments, lingering with Gale even now, acting as tinder for that ember.

He has another drink. Yes, that will help how dry his mouth suddenly feels.]

[sangwhine]

[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.

[mystracal]

Perhaps.

[He's feeling just a little bold tonight. Must be the good atmosphere.]

But only if they're genuine compliments. You said you'd be honest, and I'm going to hold you to that.

[sangwhine]

Darling, I'm always honest with my flattery.

[He gives Gale a wide smile in response. It's hard to stop smiling.]

[mystracal]

Really.

[Gods, the way his fangs show when he really smiles captures Gale's attention so thoroughly that he has to take another sip just to look away.]

Need I remind you what you've said about me.

[sangwhine]

Only the parts you're doubting.

[mystracal]

As I recall, you said you um. Liked the rugged look of it. Said it was quite charming.

[sangwhine]

And I do.

You're very charming.

[mystracal]

[Annnnnnd there's the color on his ears. It's the wine, he swears.]

Well. In the spirit of honesty, I suppose I should tell you that you're also charming. [A beat, then immediate course correction in light of the earlier discussion.] When you want to be, not when you feel you have to be. It's a different kind of charming, of course, and knowing you're sincere about it now feels quite a bit... better.

[Nailed it.]

[sangwhine]

Well, I do try. [He pauses a moment.] It's not the charm or the conversation that ever felt forced, just what I knew had to come at the end of it.

[mystracal]

Ah. And how would you prefer they end now, now that you can decide however you wish?

[sangwhine]

[After a pause.]

I don't quite know. I don't think I would mind simply having you here, when it's all said and done.

[mystracal]

[Gale smiles widely; it's a little lopsided, but utterly sincere.]

I'm happy to stay as long as you'll have me. I, ah. [A chuckle, oh no, and back comes the gesticulation, as though that'd help him from emptying his glass.] I actually did have something I've been meaning to discuss with you, when I found the time. Probably terrible timing right now, but if you'll indulge me.

[sangwhine]

Go on. I'm feeling indulgent.

[The smile helps to put him at ease. Not that he's too worried anything they might discuss can be much heavier than what's behind them now.]

[mystracal]

Right. What do you know about abjuration magic?