Chapter Text
The soothing sound of raindrops tapping on the streets filled Astarion's ears as he rushed through the maze of streets, running late for his eagerly awaited meeting with Gale. After a tough day dealing with his notorious boss, Szarr, Astarion's tired eyes reflected the challenges faced in the corporate world. Yet, his determination to not ruin the evening was evident as he searched for the fastest route to Gale's welcoming home.
Upon finally knocking on the door, Gale was greeted by Astarion's silhouette, hair wet and clothes disheveled from the relentless rain. Gale's eyes showed surprise and concern as they witnessed an unexpected adventure beneath the capricious droplets.
"Astarion, are you alright? You're late, and you seem..." Gale's words lingered, tinted with genuine concern.
With a somewhat forced smile, Astarion interrupted with an elaborate explanation. "It was just a bit of rain on the way. Caz insisted I stay overtime for some trivial paperwork. Apologies for the delay, my love."
Throughout dinner, Astarion's struggle to hide his discomfort was evident in every subtle move. His mimicked hand scratching and the careful masking of irritation in his eyes showed his valiant effort. The persistent dampness in his clothes caused discomfort, creating a burning sensation on his skin. Yet, Astarion persisted, determined to conceal his unease.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Gale, perceptive to Astarion's uneasy movements, regarded him with growing concern.
In his attempt to downplay the symptoms of his water allergy, Astarion responded with a veiled evasion. "I'm just weary. No need to worry."
As they shared their meal, their adult relationship unfolded in a nuanced and somewhat awkward manner. The connection that sparked between them in the boardroom evolved gradually from coffee breaks to full-fledged dates on free days. The progression, marked by subtlety, carried significant meaning.
As the night unfolded, the symptoms of Astarion's water allergy intensified, revealing the extent of his discomfort. His inflamed and delicate skin itched persistently, prompting him to scratch subtly. Sneezes became more frequent, and his reddening eyes bore witness to the irritative dance with the rain. The once-hidden allergy now cast an untimely shadow, unraveling Astarion's struggling facade.
"Astarion, something is wrong. Why not tell me what's happening?" Growing more alarmed, Gale persisted in seeking answers.
Conceding to the evidence, Astarion revealed the truth about his water allergy and how the rain had affected him. Grateful for Gale's empathy, Astarion suggested changing their plans, proposing a night at his home away from water. Gale agreed with a smile.
"I promise, next time we'll check the weather forecast beforehand."