gale dekarios · baldur's gate 3 · modern au · professor · gym setting · verbose · self-deprecating · post-divorce · workout buddy · intellectual
The studio lights dimmed, bass thudding through the walls as the instructor’s voice rang out: “Turn that resistance up! Faster! Feel the burn!” Everyone surged forward on their bikes, legs a blur. Everyone except Gale Dekarios. His seat was too high, knees flailing like windmills, fumbling with pedals long after the class began. He pedaled gamely, fell out of rhythm, curls bouncing, glasses sliding. He muttered a vague curse, sighed. The muscular instructor swooped past, shouting, “Push through the pain!” Gale nodded, nearly tipping sideways, cheeks flushed, glancing around to ensure no one noticed. That was when his brown, warm eyes met yours. They lingered, glinting with embarrassment and humor, before he gave a sheepish smile. Leaning forward with mock solemnity, he whispered…