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+---- Thread: ghost towns (/showthread.php?tid=11530)
ghost towns - Astaroth - 06-17-2025
Already feeling better about not being near the wicker woman, Asta’s back to his mostly usual self. On guard a touch more than he had been previously - evidenced in the smiling shadow that follows them as they follow the well worn path toward a tree that certainly rivals the Hanging Tree in multiple ways. It’s vibrant, huge, and beautiful if you preferred the idea of liveliness.
The butcher’s somewhat indifferent toward it though, preferring the bloody bark and ropes and skull crabs that wandered about. “[say]When I first went to the celebration and saw what it was for, I immediately returned back to my den with a drink and let everyone else indulge the night.[/say]” And every time since then, he’d kept to himself. A thought that isn’t as sad as it sounds when it leaves his lips.
RE: ghost towns - Dantalion - 06-17-2025
[say]"Yeah? I can imagine that, actually,"[/say] Danta says through a huff of laughter as they meander through the trees and along dirt pathways until, quite by accident it feels, the enormous mother tree appears before them in full bloom. [say]"The Mighty Astaroth, prowling, judging, and then promptly taking his leave."[/say] Grinning and relaxing now that he's sure they aren't being pursued by any flora that shouldn't, by all rights, be able to pursue them, he lets his hand slip casually into Asta's back pocket.
[say]"You didn't miss much, from what I remember. Then again, though, I was usually delegated to the sidelines, or I was kept away from the celebrations entirely."[/say] Shrugging, because like his lover, the pain of the past is easier to speak about now than it ever has been, the Maverick falls to a halt before the Mathair. [say]"It's a shame when you think about it,"[/say] he says, reaching up to brush his fingers through the vibrant leaves. [say]"We could have spent that time together, if things had been different."[/say]
RE: ghost towns - Astaroth - 06-17-2025
“[say]Oh, if you think I am bad now, I was far more judgmental back then.[/say]” His agreement comes wrapped in the warmth of his accented laugh, coming to a stop before the green and vibrant tree, pausing to spot the grin that splits across his lovers face like Asta’s own personal form of sunlight. He leans into him a bit more with the warmth of his hand in his back pocket, nodding and smoothing the front of his shirt down. “[say]I do think you would have liked my den.[/say]” He admits a touch softer, because it wasn’t that different from the den they’d created together in their room.
His gaze follows the trail of Danta’s jeweled fingers as they brush along the green leaves, reflecting within the silver. “[say]It is a shame.[/say]” He agrees on a softer note as his shadow extends up to the base of the tree, a clawed hand formed within it to reach up to mimic Danta’s movements in the shadows the leaves leaves behind. “[say]I suppose it makes it all the more important that we make up for it now, doesn’t it, love?[/say]” Squeezing the Maverick’s middle gently, he tilts his head to press his cheek to the edge of his lover’s golden hair, peering up at his shadow as it does its best to mimic Danta’s movements, as if his shadow, too, was hopelessly in love with the man at his side.
RE: ghost towns - Dantalion - 06-17-2025
[say]"I absolutely recall the judgemental side of you, even if it was only ever briefly and in passing,"[/say] Danta says with a smirk that's mostly affection but with a touch of wicked delight. [say]"There's a reason they'd say you had a Stick up your Astaroth behind closed doors, you know."[/say] Whether that's actually true or if it's something Danta has just made up is irrelevant - he finds it just as amusing now either way.
His smile softens at the thought of the butcher's den up in the Climb - dark, cozy, away from any open spaces where gore crows might fly in, and fit to bursting with the butcher's creations and belongings - Danta can only nod his agreement. [say]"I think I would have too,"[/say] he agrees. [say]"If we ever go back to the House of Midnight, maybe you can show me."[/say]
Halfway to letting his hand drop from the leaves when he notices the play of shadow and mimicry against the Mathair's trunk, for a moment the Maverick freezes as if wondering what's happening, before he slowly relaxes against Asta's side again with a small smile. [say]"Are you doing that on purpose?"[/say] he purrs, his tone playful.
RE: ghost towns - Astaroth - 06-17-2025
“[say]Ha! They did not.[/say]” The butcher says with another warm laugh, the smile tugged on his face in pure amusement - even if he could absolutely believe that they had. He’d only had a few friends within the Climb, and those had always held loyalty of ruining Morax over any loyalty to him. Which, at the time he understood. But here? Where the only ones in charge of their own destiny and how they live were the very two of them standing here? He finds it horribly oppressing. “[say]They never came to find out, such a shame.[/say]” He drawls once he gets his laughter under control, his smile softening but no less sharp for it.
His cheek brushes against Danta’s crown, careful to avoid pricking himself on any sharp juts of diamond that glitter in the light. “[say]I would not be opposed to going back.[/say]” He admits, watching his shadow idly as it tries its best to mimic Danta’s movements. He feels the tension stir, before it relaxes, and he tilts his head to press a kiss to his lover’s temple before he draws up a little straighter.
“[say]He was restless with the wicker woman appearance. And, he likes you.[/say]” Sure, the illusion is an extension of himself in more than one way, but the butcher’s content in pretending the shadow is of its own mind and not the subconscious thoughts that linger within the confines of Astaroth’s dark mind.
The shadow, as if being noticed, freezes too - a hole opening within the black pit of it, flashing a sharp grin back and eyes that clearly seem to be happy at being noticed. The claws reach up again, prodding at another shadowed leaf for an experiment before it stretches out again to vanish momentarily, presumably in the rest of the shadow of the Mathair.
RE: ghost towns - Dantalion - 06-17-2025
[say]"How do you know? You weren't meant to be aware of it,"[/say] Danta quips in return, flashing a fanged grin up at the other man, his tail flicking its amusement at his heels. [say]"But no, I suppose they didn't, did they? A crying shame,"[/say] he agrees, his fingers slipping out of the butcher's pocket to curl around his waist properly. He's quietly surprised - but not unpleasantly so - to hear that Asta would be willing to take another trip into the heart of Sunjata's territory, and he doesn't try to hide his delight.
[say]"Perhaps that's what we'll do for your birthday this year,"[/say] he suggests. [say]"Since I've already harrassed you and thrown you a surprise party. I feel like I ought to take pity this time."[/say] Tilting his head up to deliver a kiss against the sharp curve of Asta's jaw, it's with one eye on the shadow that Danta notices that it's smiling at them. Not to mention that apparently it likes him, the Maverick raising an eyebrow at his lover that's equal parts scepticism and affection.
[say]"Mmhm,"[/say] he drawls, leaning in to kiss his cheek this time. [say]"Well he's not so bad himself. Granted, I do prefer the monster he's attached to."[/say] That's you, Asta, in case you wondered.
RE: ghost towns - Astaroth - 06-17-2025
“[say]That sounds far better.[/say]” He purrs playfully, because yes Danta, you did harass him with the surprise party. A pity one, despite it being in Sunjata’s territory, meant that at least it was a private room for whatever they desired and if he wanted it to be distinctly a space where Sunjata wasn’t welcome? Well, he could do that gladly.
Ah, but the gentle press of Danta’s kiss to his bearded jaw has his arms looping around him properly, hands flattening out to spread his starbursting fingers along his back and shoulders, slouching with his posture only a touch so that Danta’s kiss hits his cheek properly, and if it has the benefit of pressing his hips into him, it’s Astaroth’s little secret.
Instead, the butcher gasps a playfully dramatic sound, shifting them slightly so that his shadow can’t make an appearance as he hears it, the grin that splits across his face is playful and warm. “[say]Do not let him hear that. He is the horribly jealous type.[/say]” A conspirators whisper as he lowers his forehead to Danta’s own, before withdrawing just a fraction to claim a very much needed kiss.
RE: ghost towns - Dantalion - 06-17-2025
[say]"Then it's a date,"[/say] Danta chimes, getting ever more used to those words spilling from his lips. It's almost laughable to think that they had once been so afraid of change that they wouldn't even stand too close to one another lest people catch on. These days, at least, their affection is casual and easy in public (and downright voracious in private).
And so as Asta's arms wind around him and he turns them, however playfully, away from the envious gaze of his shadow, the Maverick can't stop the laughter that spills from his lips, a wicked gleam in his eyes - and no, he's absolutely not oblivious to the subtle press of the butcher's hips into his own. [say]"Is that so?"[/say] he purrs. [say]"You know, I rather thought it was the other way around."[/say]
Raising his eyebrows as if inviting Asta to rebuke that point, instead Danta is treated to the taste of his lover's lips. Humming a note of pleasure and approval into the butcher's mouth, he all but drapes himself against the other man, craving every touch he's willing to give, every taste of him that he can get.
RE: ghost towns - Astaroth - 06-17-2025
It’s a warm appreciation for the plan already made, one that had this been a year ago would have been harder to handle, worried that there might be some amount of recoil or punishment (given that the both of them were used to receiving something they liked only for it to be taken away, a tactic that kept them sharp). But now? Now he can provide all the comforts and adoration that the butcher has for the other Ancient. And he won’t be caught slacking.
Danta’s laughter warms him, the way his grin spreads across his face and his eyes warm with delight. It’s infectious, and when he hears the retort he’s too busy finding his lover’s lips to be the lantern that he helplessly is drawn to. The approval is felt in the vibrating hum against his lips, his arms tightening in where he wraps around him and keeps him close.
His kiss is devouring but still tinged with a sweet affection, a distraction for the way he starts to push Danta back, invading his space enough to hopefully walk him back into a smaller tree — unsure if the Mathair would appreciate this against her bark, but with the full intent of pressing his lover back against the trunk of the nearby tree, to pin him before he responds. “[say]I am not without my faults, my crow.[/say]” He purrs, the shark tooth grin widening across his face.
RE: ghost towns - Dantalion - 06-17-2025
Happily ferried to wherever Asta wants him - and even if it had been against the Mathair, he'd have gleefully risked the goddess's wrath for it - Danta's back hits the rough bark of a neighbouring tree and he gasps into their kiss. [say]"I happen to quite like your faults, so that's lucky,"[/say] he huffs, content to be pinned right here for the foreseeable future. His hands drift to the butcher's sharp attire, smoothing out a crease in his waistcoat and deftly straightening the collar of his shirt, even if his chaotic fingers want nothing more than to pluck and tear at the threads.
[say]"And,"[/say] he adds, his voice lowering to a whisper as if he doesn't even want the trees to hear, [say]"I think I'm starting to like some parts of your haunt, too. Small parts. But let's not get ahead of ourselves."[/say] He winks at the butcher, leaning in for a kiss before the other man can question him too much, looping an arm around his neck and rolling his hips against Asta's as if to keep him distracted.
RE: ghost towns - Astaroth - 06-17-2025
Content to not find out whether or not they’d be battling the goddess’ ire, perhaps a show would be better suited for her. So he happily pushes Danta around until he can get him pinned, chuckling breathily to hear the huffed response, to feel his hands smooth out the crease in his waistcoat and shift to straighten the collar of his shirt.
A brow lifts curiously to hear the conspiratory whisper, leaning in a touch to ensure that the words are only for him (like anything else might overhear). The surprise is so horribly easy for Danta to see, the way his eyes widen a fraction, this close to him. But any words are mumbled beyond recognition with Danta’s lips that silence him. And the press of his hips keeps the butcher very well distracted.
Rather than responding vocally, he chooses to respond physically, with the swoop of his hands down Danta’s bare sides, snagging within the fabric of the shirt draped over his one shoulder. It doesn’t stop his intentions, though, not as his thumbs dip into the hollow of his hips, long fingers stretching out to splay along the jut of bone and the swell of flesh. He presses into the kiss harder, surging in like Danta’s his line of oxygen to breathe life into him, only parting when he thinks his lungs are about to collapse. It’s with warm panting breaths shared against his lover’s lips, the curl of his ashen spaded tail as it winds around Danta’s leg, that the butcher can surmise any kind of response. “[say]Let us focus here first, mm?[/say]” As if for emphasis, the butcher tugs at Danta’s waistband, a cocky and arrogant grin on his face despite the panting.
RE: ghost towns - Dantalion - 06-18-2025
Humming a wicked laugh into the kiss he's stolen from Asta's lips as he realises he's thoroughly silenced him, Danta arches into the gentle, calloused touch of his hands, relishing the way they corset his body almost completely. A rough moan rumbles in his throat as the other man surges forward to deepen the kiss further, the Maverick automatically hooking a leg up and around Asta's hips as if to keep him pinned close.
Panting into the quiet space between them as they finally pause for breath, it's with a soft chuckle that he follows the butcher's gaze - and his clever fingers - to the waist of his pants (which have already started to tent, thanks Asta). [say]"Yeah? In front of the trees?"[/say] he asks, as if the other man has suggested something positively scandalous. [say]"Imagine the rumours they'll whisper across the forest."[/say]
Letting his fingers dance up the nape of Asta's neck to plunge into his dark hair, clearly Danta has no qualms whatsoever about being a raunchy story that the Greatwood tells to itself, and he bounces his eyebrows in challenge.
RE: ghost towns - Astaroth - 06-18-2025
Asta absorbs the laugh that escapes him, silenced by the kiss and the desire to indulge themselves after everything leading up to this. Between the haunt, the knife in the ribs, the shitty pool party, his trip out to the desert? It’s been very much needed. His fingertips stretch out across Danta’s back, pressing in with a silent possessiveness that they both know is just the start. Once the other Ancient’s leg is hooked around his hips, his hand smooths down from the jut of skin to drag delicately along the fabric of his pants, curving to the outside of his thigh to keep him precisely there (as if either of them really truly wanted to be anywhere else).
Diverting his gaze away to focus his attention on the waistband of the Maverick’s pants, the butcher’s smile is still just as arrogant and cocky as he glances back up to see the dramatics Danta pulls off. “[say]In front of the treeeees.[/say]” He purrs a breathy, low hum, as if the audacity of such a thing was beyond him, like this exhibitionism was a first for him.
His tail squeezes Danta’s leg gently when his fingers thread through his dark hair, dragging a pleased rumble from his throat. His fingers work with a determined precision to free Danta from the confines suddenly far more restricting than they once had been, shimmying him just enough a little harder against the rough bark of the trees. “[say]Perhaps they will spin it to make it seem as though we’ve committed quite the atrocity?[/say]” He hums, sharp teeth flashing with the smirk that graces his face, the one that lasts all of two seconds before he’s surging to steal another kiss, hand dipping into the front of Danta’s trousers, dragging calloused fingers along his length to try and draw him into fullness, effortlessly pinning him and rewarding him for it.
“[say]What impudence we have, mm?[/say]” He says as he parts, lips still close enough to brush against Danta’s with each word that leaves him.
RE: ghost towns - Dantalion - 06-23-2025
Tipping his head back and letting out a laugh as Asta’s sing-song confirmation purrs through the air, Danta can only hope that the trees are prepared for what they might unintentionally witness. His lips part to respond, but the butcher manages to steal the silver from his tongue alongside any retort with another claiming kiss, and Danta has every intention of losing himself to passion and instinct. Because yes, after everything, this feels more like a demand than a diversion, as if the other man’s touch is as necessary as the air they breathe.
[say]”I want you,”[/say] he whispers as they part, his voice rough and stripped of any playfulness, his back arching off the rough bark of the tree as if to offer more of himself to Asta’s wicked fingers. His cock throbs hard under the other man’s teasing, his grip tightening in the back of the butcher’s dark hair, and it’s with a soft and needy moan that he leans in, tongue flicking out to press against one sharp fang.
Drawing only the slightest bead of blood, Danta nevertheless kisses the taste of iron into Asta’s mouth, wanting nothing more than to bring his lover to the same height of need and fervour that he’s currently enduring.