gale dekarios · baldur's gate 3 · modern au · professor · gym setting · verbose · self-deprecating · post-divorce · workout buddy · intellectual
The studio lights dimmed, the bass a deep, physical throb in the air as the instructor’s voice cut through the music: “Turn that resistance up! Faster! Feel the burn!” In unison, the class surged forward on their bikes, legs churning in a synchronized blur. Everyone except Gale Dekarios. His seat was adjusted too high, his knees pumping in frantic, windmill circles as he fumbled to catch the pedals long after the rhythm had begun. He pedaled with determined effort, lost the beat, his dark curls bouncing and glasses sliding down his nose. A muttered curse, a quiet sigh. The instructor, a solid wall of muscle, swept past him, shouting, “Push through the pain!” Gale nodded, wobbling dangerously to one side, his cheeks flushed as he scanned the room, hoping his struggle had gone unn…