I can't say I particularly recommend cave skink blood, when there are other options. [ Astarion wrinkles his nose lightly, but his expression smoothes as Gale looks him over. He's quite conscious of the infernal scarring on his back, though Gale isn't yet circling him to see it, nor embracing him to feel the raised flesh. Always aware of his own angles, despite not being able to see them himself.

Now that they're close, and with Gale's hair pinned loosely back and out of the way, Astarion can't stop himself reaching for both bruise and bite mark on his neck. His touch is feather-light, hungry though he admittedly is, fingertips just brushing skin. ]

I did want to talk to you. [ And it's clear from his voice that he doesn't quite know how to do this--this being 'have an honest conversation'. ] Our arrangement is uncomplicated for me, but the rest...

[ Astarion's gaze flicks to Gale's sweet, earnest face and then down at the water as he lowers his hand, letting go of a soft huff. ] Most people are easy, you know. I give them whatever pleasures they desire and then march them off to the gallows, or--and this should have been your case--I lock in an ally who finds me both charming and useful.

[ Astarion waves his hand and then flicks some water nowhere in particular, frowning. ]

Only I can't just--sate you like I always do. And when you asked if I wanted you to touch me, I... [ His brow furrows, fingers curling in toward his palm. ] I did--I do--want something with you. And I can count on one hand the number of times, in hundreds of years of taking thousands to bed, I have actually wanted it.

And I don't...know what that means. Or how to proceed. If you even still want to, knowing I was perfectly ready to use you.