Yes, yes, I've spent enough time with arrogant vampires to recognise a huff, thank you very much.
[ As novel as it might be to tease and nudge Gale, to cause him problem upon problem, he does have to admit that the book was a decent recommendation. He can't exactly lie about having enjoyed it, not when he had, and he doubts he would be entirely believed anyway.
Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, he sighs instead. ]
The main character was tolerable, given the fact that all I could picture was you, thanks to your determination to compare yourself. It was easy enough to figure out the conclusion, though I believe that was intentional for the more wise of readers. Plot points were written with care.
[ His expression twists into one of frustration. ]
[ Ah, 'tolerable' — truly the refrain of Gale's life. He resolves to take it in stride. There are many great things in this world that are merely tolerable to those who haven't the inclination to understand them. He likes to think of himself as one of those great things. An acquired taste, like a fine wine. Or perhaps a particularly pungent cheese.
Despite Astarion's rather dispassionate review, he finds himself glowing with the delight of a job well done. He thinks he's known Astarion long enough to know this is probably as gushing as his evaluation is going to get. In Astarionese, he imagines this is probably something like, 'Oh, Gale, this was a life-changing experience. You're the smartest, most interesting person in the entire world.'
Something like that. He may have used a little bit of artistic license, but the sentiment is surely there. ]
Happy? [ Obviously. It's written all over his face, but he makes a poor attempt at acting disinterested. ] I suppose I'm... 'fine'.
[ Maybe Astarion had a point about him acting like a toddler, but he won't be examining that. ]
Have you any feedback for next time, then?
[ He stares with expectant sincerity, having already decided on his own that, of course, there will be a next time. The possibility that Astarion wouldn't want to be book buddies hasn't even crossed his mind. Despite the worry for his book's safety, the endless anticipation, and Astarion's irritating review... it was fun. ]
[ If anyone else was to hear their conversation, they would surely think that Astarion is being a deliberate asshole - and maybe he is, going out of his way to poke and prod and upset Gale. It does make it feel too easy, sometimes, the way that he reacts, the determination to have Astarion say something he's not willing to offer. Gale is open and honest in his feelings in a way that Astarion simply cannot be; he has been forced into making sure that he was never vulnerable, never at risk.
... There is something rather refreshing about his keen energy when Astarion gives him a taste of praise, something that he could indulge in were he a worse person, but he tucks that away and keeps it to himself.
Arms crossing again, leaning forward, he speaks as if all of this were a terrible secret. ]
Then you understand what I meant with the word. I am glad you understand.
[ If he's offended by the use of his own phrase, he keeps it to himself, not even considering making a point of it. There are better ways to torment. ]
Is there going to be a next time? Do you intend to give me more of your library to indulge in, Gale? How daring of you.
[ It does feel strangely intimate, offering something that is clearly so important to him. ]
[ Astarion treated Gale's book gently. He actually read it. He was vexing and entirely withholding, but if Gale's honest with himself, that only makes the challenge of drawing kudos out of him all the sweeter. The way he sees it, there's no reason not to continue. And, of course, he wants to. Since isolating himself in his tower, it's been a painfully long time since he's had real social interaction; even Astarion's deliberately irritating ways are a balm for loneliness. ]
You know, I'm more daring than you give me credit for, [ he says, a little bitter at how milquetoast Astarion must find him.
The doubt Astarion casts on continuing creates an embarrassment that wasn't there before, and frankly shouldn't be there — it's just reading. Gale's grip on the book tightens like a security blanket. ]
I'd like there to be a next time. If you'd be so inclined.
[ Astarion does feel a little... Touched at the notion of being so trusted. The idea of Gale being willing to share more of his library is not what he had expected, especially when the first time had been a favour for a favour. The fact that there might be more literature does capture his interest, because he has been terribly bored over the last few weeks of their journey together. ]
I will believe it when I see it. [ Arms still crossed over his chest, almost defensive, Astarion watches and waits.
... And is rewarded. He sighs. ]
Very well. Astound me with another choice, then, and I will grant you my judgement.
Do you always sit back and merely wait for astonishment to drop in your lap without any input from yourself?
[ That's right, he's calling Astarion out. Thrilled as he is to continue the world's tiniest book club, he refuses to do all of the work himself. This is now a two-way street, whether Astarion wants it to be or not. Gale is stubborn enough to make it so. ]
You've clearly... opinions, however lukewarm. Surely you can help guide me in the right direction by sharing a few more.
[ It's the least he can do. You know, after the whole 'fine' debacle. ]
What is it that you like to partake in? Tales of dashing warriors? Bloody revenge? Perhaps all this time you've hidden a predilection for romance. [ No, he imagines not. ]
Mostly. There wasn't a lot of time for the investigation of one's own astonishment, before.
[ He's trying not to dwell too much on the whole "stuck in a mansion for two hundred years at the mercy of a sire who used him as a sexual object to lure food back for him to feast upon" aspect of his history, but it is difficult not to.
Scoffing a little noise, Astarion waves a hand. As if he would read something as pedestrian as romance. ]
Adventure, I suppose. Intrigue, something with a little bite to it. Romance is all well and good when you're not living it on a day-to-day basis.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ As novel as it might be to tease and nudge Gale, to cause him problem upon problem, he does have to admit that the book was a decent recommendation. He can't exactly lie about having enjoyed it, not when he had, and he doubts he would be entirely believed anyway.
Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, he sighs instead. ]
The main character was tolerable, given the fact that all I could picture was you, thanks to your determination to compare yourself. It was easy enough to figure out the conclusion, though I believe that was intentional for the more wise of readers. Plot points were written with care.
[ His expression twists into one of frustration. ]
Happy?
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Despite Astarion's rather dispassionate review, he finds himself glowing with the delight of a job well done. He thinks he's known Astarion long enough to know this is probably as gushing as his evaluation is going to get. In Astarionese, he imagines this is probably something like, 'Oh, Gale, this was a life-changing experience. You're the smartest, most interesting person in the entire world.'
Something like that. He may have used a little bit of artistic license, but the sentiment is surely there. ]
Happy? [ Obviously. It's written all over his face, but he makes a poor attempt at acting disinterested. ] I suppose I'm... 'fine'.
[ Maybe Astarion had a point about him acting like a toddler, but he won't be examining that. ]
Have you any feedback for next time, then?
[ He stares with expectant sincerity, having already decided on his own that, of course, there will be a next time. The possibility that Astarion wouldn't want to be book buddies hasn't even crossed his mind. Despite the worry for his book's safety, the endless anticipation, and Astarion's irritating review... it was fun. ]
no subject
... There is something rather refreshing about his keen energy when Astarion gives him a taste of praise, something that he could indulge in were he a worse person, but he tucks that away and keeps it to himself.
Arms crossing again, leaning forward, he speaks as if all of this were a terrible secret. ]
Then you understand what I meant with the word. I am glad you understand.
[ If he's offended by the use of his own phrase, he keeps it to himself, not even considering making a point of it. There are better ways to torment. ]
Is there going to be a next time? Do you intend to give me more of your library to indulge in, Gale? How daring of you.
[ It does feel strangely intimate, offering something that is clearly so important to him. ]
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You know, I'm more daring than you give me credit for, [ he says, a little bitter at how milquetoast Astarion must find him.
The doubt Astarion casts on continuing creates an embarrassment that wasn't there before, and frankly shouldn't be there — it's just reading. Gale's grip on the book tightens like a security blanket. ]
I'd like there to be a next time. If you'd be so inclined.
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I will believe it when I see it. [ Arms still crossed over his chest, almost defensive, Astarion watches and waits.
... And is rewarded. He sighs. ]
Very well. Astound me with another choice, then, and I will grant you my judgement.
no subject
Do you always sit back and merely wait for astonishment to drop in your lap without any input from yourself?
[ That's right, he's calling Astarion out. Thrilled as he is to continue the world's tiniest book club, he refuses to do all of the work himself. This is now a two-way street, whether Astarion wants it to be or not. Gale is stubborn enough to make it so. ]
You've clearly... opinions, however lukewarm. Surely you can help guide me in the right direction by sharing a few more.
[ It's the least he can do. You know, after the whole 'fine' debacle. ]
What is it that you like to partake in? Tales of dashing warriors? Bloody revenge? Perhaps all this time you've hidden a predilection for romance. [ No, he imagines not. ]
no subject
[ He's trying not to dwell too much on the whole "stuck in a mansion for two hundred years at the mercy of a sire who used him as a sexual object to lure food back for him to feast upon" aspect of his history, but it is difficult not to.
Scoffing a little noise, Astarion waves a hand. As if he would read something as pedestrian as romance. ]
Adventure, I suppose. Intrigue, something with a little bite to it. Romance is all well and good when you're not living it on a day-to-day basis.
[ His version of it, at least. ]