#comforcember day 7

(For some context, when Gale and Finley first announced their marriage there was a subsect of Gale’s family who were not pleased with Gale marrying a ‘no name’ Halfling, with no money and no prospects. Of course, this was somewhat put to bed when Finley proved to have some powerful adoptive family (including a very rich dwarven godfather) but are still some who view the marriage as a problem for the ‘Dekarios’ family name. Gale’s mother is not in that group of course, she is a wonderful woman who kicks butt all the time. Love you Morena!)

“Finley, darling, there you are,” Gale sighed with relief as he rushed out onto the balcony overlooking the gardens of the Dekarios family home. He shut the glass door behind him, leaving behind the noise and business of the room behind him. Outside there was only the sound of the nearby ocean and the silence of the night, as Gale settled in beside his partner, frowning with worry. “Are you alright? Did someone say something to you?”

              Finley smiled a little. “No, I just need a bit of air. Never ceases to amaze me how many family members you actually have.”

              “Indeed, and luckily we only have to see some of them once a year,” Gale groaned as he rolled his eyes. He took Finley’s hand in his, pressing it gently to warm it. “Tell me the truth darling, has anyone said anything to upset you? If they have, I will go back in there and- “

              “Gale,” Finley said firmly, placing a hand on his cheek, “I know you’re worried about me but really, it’s okay. I know there are gonna be people in your family who don’t like me because I’m not some pretty elf or a goddess- “

              “Which is insane because my dear you are far more beautiful and, in my eyes, far more wonderful,” Gale interjected, squeezing their small hand, “and some people in there can’t see it then to the nine hells with them!”

              “And I feel the same way, darlin’,” Finley chuckled. “I mean I worried about it before, but really there are only a few opinions now that matter to me. At top of that list is the amazin’ wizard that I married, the man who from what I can like me, just a little.”

              Gale’s face fell as he brought Finley’s hand to his lips. “If you think that I only like you a little my dear Finley, then I have not done my job properly as your husband,” he said softly, “because I swear to you that you are everything to me. You are the warmth I come home to each night and the song that plays in my heart. I love you Finley, and no matter what my some of my family might think I would have no one else by my side.”

              Finley smiled softly. “I love you too Gale,” they whispered as they kissed him tenderly.

              As the kiss broke Gale leaned his forehead against Finley’s, smiling lovingly. “I swear darling, give me the word and we can be home with the hour, in our warm bed without any of them.”

              “Tempin’,” Finley chuckled, “but we should probably stay at least for your poor mother, who also has to deal with all these people.”

              Gale sighed in defeat. “Fine, for my mother, but I’m going to need another mug of brandy* if I’m going to deal with these people.”

              “Gale, darlin’, how many have you had exactly?” Finley asked, raising an eyebrow.

              “Not enough, my love, not enough.”