He is ticklish and, as quiet as it’s kept, he enjoys it. Laughter is liberating. And, after his mistakes with Mystra, he is overdue for a good laugh. 

But Gale is still Gale. Gale of Waterdeep. Prodigal wizard. So, he has a reputation to uphold before he openly indulges in playful antics. 

 So long as he doesn’t detect any mischief, he’ll give an honest answer. “First, let me say that I am honored to be the subject of your curiosity. Truly, among all the fascinating individuals in our party, it is flattering that you sought me out for this... inquiry. As for your question—yes, I am quite ticklish. Now, as to where—ah, well, that is a secret I am inclined to keep. After all, even a wizard must retain an air of mystery.”

“There. I hope my answer quenches your curiosity, hm?” Gale believes you trustworthy enough to divulge this secret. He does, however, remind you that he told you this in confidence, and that this knowledge was for your ears only. 

But, either through your lingering curiosity or through an eavesdropping party member, Gale's ticklishness becomes common knowledge for your party. 

Gale giggles, and he giggles a lot. He giggles so much that Karlach likes to call him “Giggles of Waterdeep” whenever she tickles him. It starts off as soft, gruff-ish chuckles before turning into these wild, impish giggles and cackles, with plenty of “teehees” and “hahas”. The harder he laughs, the higher pitched these giggles and cackles become. It’s highly infectious.

Astarion swears he sounds like a squealing gnoll, or a giddy hag. But late at night in camp, when the wizard’s cackling laughter echoes across the fire, Astarion finds himself grinning—though, of course, he’d never admit as much.

Gale’s especially ticklish on his stomach, thighs, and neck. And, he is an easy target to tickle if he’s distracted by a book or a magical tome. He’ll insist on finishing, but he’ll be laughing too hard to actually do it. 

Gale doesn’t really try to stop his ‘ler too much. He may grab their hands or arms, but that’s about it. Part of the reason for that is because the tickling’s far too distracting for him to will his hands into doing something. The other reason is that he likes it. 

Gale talks a lot, and being tickled doesn’t change that. He will finish his thought or make whatever point he was trying to make…it’ll just take him a minute. Or several minutes. Sometimes, his ‘ler starts giggling with him too. 

Speaking of which, tickling him is a great way to humble him a bit, get him to take a break from his studies, or interrupt one of his lectures that could go well on into the night. Astarion, Shadowheart, and Karlach have all poked at his sides or ribs to get him to, as Astarion puts it, “kindly shut up”. 

Gale has had the rare hiccup with his magic that has left him more susceptible to touch, and therefore more sensitive towards tickles. It has only happened once or twice, and thankfully no one was around. Tickling him in that moment would’ve had him in tears laughing. 

As a prime target for tickling from the more mischievous companions in the party, Gale has to be extra vigilant when sitting too close to Karlach at the campfire, or even engaging in a good-natured argument with Shadowheart.

Many companions seem to delight in exploiting his ticklish nature, and Gale has learned—often the hard way—that even the smallest slip in focus can leave him gasping and squirming in laughter.

"My dear, could we speak privately for a moment?"

"Hm? What's this about, darling?" Astarion glanced up from his book, a frown flitting over his face as he took in the tension in Gale's shoulders, his hands awkwardly fidgeting at his side.

"We can talk in my tent. There is… something I'd like us to try, if you'd allow it."

Something like dread settled in the pit of his stomach. Gale wanted them to be alone. Was this what he thought it was about?

They'd spoken about his… desire to take their relationship slowly, to be intimate together without the physicality that sickened him. Gale had seemed fine with it, been plenty supportive. Enthusiastic, really. He was so careful, always checking in, always trying so hard for Astarion. 

He supposed it was only natural for him to tire of it. Which conversation would it be then, he wondered as he stood, taking his careful time in tucking a ribbon in between his pages and setting the book beside the fire before walking towards his tent with slow and steady steps; would Gale say that it'd been long enough and demand they have sex again, or would he simply break it off with Astarion entirely?

Gale's smile did little to ease his nerves. It was tight, strained at the edges, and his eyes flitted around between the useless knick-knacks he'd collected and strewn throughout his tent, refusing to meet Astarion's own gaze.

"I must say, I have a bit of an odd request. You don't have to agree, of course—I wouldn't want you to do anything you're uncomfortable with—but quite frankly, I've been wanting this for quite awhile and thought it wouldn't hurt to ask—"

"What is it?" Astarion cut him off, an edge to his voice as he crossed his arms.

He ducked his head, looking bashful as he gestured to the two rickety chairs he'd managed to scavenge during their travels. They sat, and when the lingering silence grew too uncomfortable, Gale finally spoke up with a heavy sigh.

"I don't know if you recall—I'm sure you don't—but in one of our conversations about Tara, it was… you said something, surely it was a jest, but I was hoping to take you up on the offer of a—a tummy tickle."

"Is that a euphemism?"

"No, no! I assure you, I meant nothing uncouth! I only thought that it may be nice to unwind a bit and… share a laugh together."

Astarion stared at him for a moment until his words sank in, and he laughed, disbelief and relief mixing together and bubbling into an oddly euphoric feeling. 

"I'm sorry. You can forget I even asked that. It was a silly idea," he murmured, rubbing the back of his neck with a flush.

Humming softly, he reached out, cupping one of Gale's cheeks and stroking it softly with his thumb. "Maybe, darling, but a bit of childish exuberance never hurt anybody, hm?"

Gale finally met his eyes, nerves seeming to settle slightly as Astarion leaned in, kissing his other cheek. "But please don't scare me like that again, my love. I worried it was about something far more serious. If it hadn't already, I'm sure my poor undead heart would've stopped beating."

"What was it you thought?"

"That you wanted something far more… intimate, shall we say. But it hardly matters now."

Sitting up straight, Gale frowned, taking Astarion's hand in his own and saying earnestly, "I meant what I said that night. Your comfort is more important to me than anything. Truly. I—I care for you deeply, and I would never want to force you. You deserve far more than that."

"What a romantic. And here I was, thinking I was the only smooth-talker," he laughed again, burying his face in Gale's shoulder to hide his swell of emotions. He still couldn't quite believe his luck, ending up with someone as lovely and understanding as him.

"I meant every word," he said, running his hand through Astarion's hair, "I always will."

"Well, I think that's enough sappiness for one night," he shifted, leaning upwards to brush his lips against Gale’s. "I believe there's more important things to focus on," he murmured, pressing their lips together.

Gale reacted immediately, enthusiastically returning the kiss. Slowly, Astarion reached out, wrapping his arms around his waist. After Gale relaxed into the touch, he lightly ran a finger along his abdomen, relishing in his surprised squeak as Gale shot back.

"Is there a problem, darling?"

"You quite surprised me. I… thought you were uninterested in, well, you know."

"That is what you wanted, no?"

"I…" his flush returned, and he nodded slowly, "Yes."

"I can't say I get the appeal. But I wouldn't mind messing around a bit, if you enjoy it."

"I do," he admitted, fidgeting with Astarion's hands, "it helps me destress. Whenever I was younger and frustrated with my studies, my mother would do it to relax me. I suppose I've always had an affinity for it."

"How adorable. Now why don't we see what sort of boyish giggles I can draw from you?" He teasingly ran his fingers up Gale's chest, smile turning wicked.

A nervous smile flitted over his face, "Yes. That'd be—yes. But may we make ourselves a bit more comfortable first?"

"Of course, darling. Wouldn't want to hurt your poor knees, now would we?"

"Being eternally young and all that, I suppose you wouldn't know the pain us old men go through."

Astarion laughed, settling down on Gale's bedroll and watching him stand from the chair with a sigh, stretching his back. "Mm, hardly seems like a fair trade. Maintaining my youthful appearance but never being able to see it."

"Rest assured, your beauty has by no means faded through the years."

"Yes, yes, go ahead and praise me more," he carefully arranged the abundance of blankets and pillows, trying to make it as comfortable as he could for Gale, who settled down beside him.

"You're perhaps the most stunning man I've laid my eyes on. Admittedly, I've been enamored by you since I first saw you. And my desire only grew each time we spoke."

"I am quite irresistible, aren't I?" He smiled, gently pushing Gale onto his back and brushing strands of hair out of his face.

"Indeed. I doubt anybody could resist your charms, you handsome incubus."

"How flattering. I wonder, do you think that means I'll take it easy on you?" He hummed, tugging at Gale's shirt, who obediently pulled it off, quickly folding it and setting it aside.

"What a good boy," he praised, circling a single finger around his belly button. "You must really want this, hm?"

"Gods," he inhaled sharply, "you're always such a tease."

"Are we going to act as if you don't enjoy it?"

Pointedly, Astarion stared at the orb in Gale's chest that glowed with excitement, then, using his blunt nail, began tracing random shapes into his stomach.

"I dohohon't know what you meahan," he huffed, squirming slightly under his light touch. His hands balled into fists, clutching the blankets below him as giggles slowly poured out.

"Then maybe we should get right to the main attraction."

He brought both of his hand downs, clawing at Gale's stomach in a way that made his back arch, surprised laughter bursting from him. His hands shot down to push away Astarion's before he stopped himself, instead bringing them up to cover his mouth. 

"Come now, that's no fun. What's the point if I can't hear those sweet little noises?" One hand continued drilling into his stomach, while the other shot up and dug into his armpit, making Gale shoot it down with a gasped curse.

"Yohohou're awahaful!"

"But you love it, darling," he laughed but slowed his attack, firmly rubbing his stomach to dissuade the ticklish sensations. 

Even still, it seemed too much for Gale, who continued giggling and shot him a questioning look.

"Was that alright, or did you want something lighter, love?"

"Ah," his blush returned, and Astarion could feel his blood pumping faster, "it—it seems awfully mean to make me choose."

"I did mean it when I said I wanted you to enjoy yourself. And I've certainly never had experience… pleasuring someone in this context. Besides," he paused, hooking a finger under Gale's chin, "it's adorable, seeing you so flustered."

"I… maybe something more gentle, then."

"Is there anything, say, off limits?"

He shook his head. As if there was anywhere he wouldn't crave Astarion's touch.

"And you'll tell me when you've had enough?"

"Yes, how about I say 'red' if I need you to stop?"

"Splendid. Let's get back to it, as soon as you ask me to tickle your little tummy until you're delirious with laughter."

"I already did, if I'm not mistaken. Otherwise, I don't see how exactly we'd end up in this position."

"Mhm, but I want you to do it nicely this time," he raised his hands mere centimeters above Gale's stomach, slowly wiggling his fingers. "You are a wizard; you should know the magic word."

"You're even more wicked than I thought," he gasped, trying not to squirm without even being tickled, but he couldn't bring himself to tear his eyes away from Astarion's fingers.

"I don't mind the wait, but," he leaned his head down, whispering in his ear, "you should know the more impatient I get, the longer I'll have to have my way with you. I just can't wait to see you writhing beneath me, begging and screaming my name, utterly helpless."

"Gods, Astarion, please. Please just tickle me alreahahady."

He scribbled his hand across Gale's stomach before he had the chance to finish, slowly with just the tips of his nails. "Now that's what I want to hear. Try to keep quiet, unless you want the rest of our companions discovering just how vulnerable you are like this."

"Nahat a problehem! I alreheady soundprohohofed thehehe tehent!"

"Ha! You prepared for this? How precious. Now I suppose I don't have to hold myself back," he brought his other hand down, gently squeezing at his thighs.

"I wahahas hohoping you'd ahahagree!"

"And? Is this how you imagined it?"

He glanced at Gale's face, smirk growing at the sight of his flush, eyes squeezed shut and smile brighter than it'd been in quite some time. It was a welcome sight, considering how their journey had been as of late. Gale really did need something to relax, and Aatarion was, surprisingly, more than happy to see him like this.

It was an odd feeling, something like satisfaction bubbling his chest at not only getting to see his partner like this, but being the reason for it. Something about it made him feel slightly powerful, realizing that a few choice words and wriggling fingers were enough to reduce someone to this. How strange.

"Ihihit's behehetter!" 

And he was so earnest about it. His joy was palpable, and Astarion couldn't resist leaning back down to pepper kisses on his face, targeting the corner of his mouth, his nose, the dimple in his cheek, anywhere he could reach.

Gale's arms wrapped around his neck, and Astarion eagerly kissed his lips, giggles still freely pouring out as Astarion brought his hands up to squeeze his sides.

"You're absolutely lovely like this," he breathed, "I think I could just eat you up." 

"Thihis is whahat stihihirs your appehetite?" 

"Just for a quick bite," he lowered himself, bringing his teeth to Gale's neck, nibbling but careful not to pierce the skin. He worried Gale may pass out if he tried drinking from him now.

He squealed, swatting at Astarion's shoulder as the bites proved far more ticklish than either of them expected, his laughter raising an octave.

"Alrihihight!" He cried, "I thihink thahat's enohohough!"

Immediately, Astarion stopped, pulling back to let Gale catch his breath. It took him a few moments, his hands rubbing his face as his laughter faded, and when he took them away, he was still staring at Astarion with the most blinding smile he'd ever seen, eyes looking lighter than they had in a long time. 

"I trust you had your fun?"

"More than you could know. Thank you," he reached over and slipped his shirt back on.

"It was my pleasure. We should certainly do this again sometime."

"So you also… enjoyed yourself?"

"Seeing you like that? Of course, darling. But we can talk about it more tomorrow; you must be quite tired after all that."

"A bit. Will you spend the night?"

"You want me to stay for a cuddle?" He asked, already wrapping his arms around Gale's waist, resting his head on his chest.

They curled up together underneath the blankets, Gale toying with strands of Astarion's hair while he traced circles on his back. 

"If I may… do you think you'd ever enjoy a… tummy rub yourself?" Gale asked after a few moments.

"What? Dreaming of tickling me now, darling?"

"Just a thought. I wouldn't want to pressure you into anything."

"I… would have to think on it. I've never actually been tickled before, or that I can remember, at least."

"I suppose it isn't surprising, but it seems a shame. I'd be quite gentle, if you were ever so inclined to take my offer."

"How insistent. Is everyone as fond of tickling as you are?"

"Ah, no. I believe I'm a bit of an anomaly in that regard, but I may be wrong. I've never spoken about it with another as candidly as I have with you."

"Then do you enjoy tickling others as much as you do being tickled?"

 "I… yes, I'd say so."

"Well," Astarion untangled himself from Gale, laying beside him and crossing his arms behind his head. "We might as well try it."

Frowning, Gale looked deeply into his eyes, "Are you sure?"

"Why not? Who's to say I'll even be ticklish?" He shrugged his shoulders, "'Red' is still the word. And be a dear and stay away from my back."

"I wouldn't dream of it, my love," Gale smiled, pecking his lips.