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RE: somewhere in the between - Astaroth - 05-26-2025
A low chuckle leaves the butcher as he inclines his head. “[say]It is my goal. I am aiming to please, darling.[/say]” In more than one way, it would seem. Aiming to try and get him to feel confident on the ballroom floor meant a multitude of closeness, of intimacy that has gotten easier as the seasons passed for them to show so publicly. And Astaroth banks on that as he sits the matching chains against his horns, turning back to Danta with a smile when he crosses the room over to him.
“[say]Always.[/say]” He purrs, reaching out to snag Danta’s hand to guide him to the middle of the floor. The hand remaining in Danta’s extends out at a ninety degree angle, while the other curves around against the back of his opposite shoulder. “[say]Mirror where my hand is. Place yours above mine.[/say]” So that Danta’s arm would rest on top of the butcher’s. “[say]Now step forward with your left foot.[/say]” In a mirrored motion, the butcher steps back with his right foot, giving room for Danta to step with him. “[say]Now, right foot.[/say]” Asta helps him get the hang of it as they go slowly, each step like a perfect mirror of each other.
Once the slow demonstration is done, the butcher’s smile is vibrant on his face as he focuses on Danta. “[say]Now we shall count to three. One,[/say]” the step forward and the step backward, “[say]two,[/say]” the step to the side, “[say]three.[/say]” Returning the foot back to center. “[say]One,[/say]” Asta steps forward this time in the space that Danta should allocate by stepping backward. “[say]Two,[/say]” the step to the left to make the square. “[say]Three.[/say]” Centered again. Two full rounds of their little dance already completed, the butcher's dark gaze scans his lover's face to see just what he thinks of the pattern so far.
RE: somewhere in the between - Dantalion - 05-26-2025
[say]"Ah, I recognise this part at least,"[/say] Danta trills, sounding pleased with himself as Asta steps in to instruct on the placement of his hands. He resists - barely - the urge to ask whether it matters if his hands are at shoulder level or a great deal lower, obeying instead and resting his arm atop the butcher's to assume what he will henceforth and forevermore refer to as the waltz position. [say]"So far so good,"[/say] he says with a smile. Then, of course, they get to the dancing part.
And that's a lot more concentration than Danta gives it credit. Not wanting to have his face permanently tilted down to watch their feet, he does his very best to pay close attention to the movements of their feet as Asta demonstrates, blessedly slowly, what steps they need to take. And if he's muttering one, two, three under his breath as they go as well, listen, it's because he's trying to actually do well.
It seems to be going reasonably smoothly, too, Danta flicking his eyes down every other step just to ensure he's moving correctly. After another few 'waltzes' he feels confident enough to flash a fanged grin Asta's way - which is exactly when he steps forward when he should be stepping back, and the two Ancients will collide comically with one another. [say]"Ow,"[/say] Danta says through laughter. [say]"Sorry."[/say]
RE: somewhere in the between - Astaroth - 05-26-2025
“[say]Very good, darling.[/say]” The butcher praises, his smile bright and pleased as they continue their practice. Round after round, he certainly notices just how well Danta is focusing, the sensation of actually trying to learn it and commit it to memory. The happiness radiates from the butcher, warm and content as their chains match one another’s in the way they clink with the movements, an additional way they can match while they navigate the instructions.
Ah, but then the confidence gets to him and as Asta steps forward when Danta should be stepping back, the two of them collide hard enough that a little wheeze escapes the butcher that he hides with the bark of laughter that accompanies the Maverick’s. “[say]It is alright.[/say]” He reassures him, squeezing his hand where they’re still connected. He leans in to press a kiss to his nose and forehead for the trouble. “[say]Let us start slow again, you will get the hang of it.[/say]” He reassures him, stepping back into the beginning position. “[say]And when you are ready I can offer distraction to see how well you do under that.[/say]” Because it was often a time people could get away with more private conversations, things that couldn’t wait until the dance was finished.
And honestly? The butcher does still need to talk to Danta about his recent findings, but he doesn’t want it to be so out of left field.
RE: somewhere in the between - Dantalion - 05-26-2025
Scrunching his nose to hide his embarrassment, Danta accepts the offered kisses with silent gratitude, allowing Asta to adjust them back to their starting positions. [say]"Is it easier when there's music?"[/say] he wonders, squeezing the other man's hand back and straightening himself up again - a simple matter with the corset correcting his posture with every minute movement.
Stepping slowly again this time, it takes another few rounds before the Maverick feels himself start to fall into the rhythm, his feet performing the steps without needing so much input from his mind. Sighing out tension he hadn't realised he'd been holding in his back and shoulders, one might even be mistaken in thinking Danta is quite enjoying the structure of the dance, music or no music.
[say]"Distractions?"[/say] he echoes once he trusts himself to talk. He's still glancing down every now and then, just to make sure he's turning the right way, but evidently he's able to hold a conversation now. [say]"You aren't going to put obstacles on the floor or try to trip me up are you?"[/say]
RE: somewhere in the between - Astaroth - 05-26-2025
“[say]Yes.[/say]” The butcher admits with a slightly rueful smile, one that fades slightly as they regain focus and begin the rounds once more. To help keep them a touch on track, the butcher’s rich voice offers a hum of music, something easy to waltz to in the same counting brackets that make it easier for Danta to get lost with that and focus on his steps until he’s confident enough to speak without colliding into him again or stepping on his feet.
The chains clink as his honey dark gaze focuses on his lover’s face, his smile a twitch apologetic. “[say]No obstacles and no tripping. Conversation.[/say]” He explains, taking a brief yet somehow deep inhale that Danta might feel with the press of his hand against the butcher’s shoulder. “[say]I have.. Found a lost magic has returned since my slumber.[/say]” He begins slowly, even going so far as to slow the round of their dancing so that Danta doesn’t get too distracted, even if a part of him wonders if the announcement will completely ruin the dance. “[say]I can utilize my haunt, once more.[/say]” Smart enough to know not to use it at this present moment, it’s only the verbalized announcement that Danta will get, alongside the apologetic twitch of a frown to the smile on his face.
RE: somewhere in the between - Dantalion - 05-26-2025
Having heard the rich sound of Asta's voice before - albeit drunk and whilst swaying to some old tune he'd never stand a chance at remembering, it nevertheless relaxes Danta to the point where he feels less like he's learning and more like they're actually dancing. Smiling to himself despite everything (never had he expected to be able to behave or concentrate for long enough to act a true gentlemen, especially in the butcher's presence), as Asta offers conversation as a distraction, Danta's smile is as amused as it is quietly confident. (And how misplaced that confidence will be).
[say]"Oh, you have?"[/say] Raising his eyebrows at the mention of lost magic, because of course Danta is nothing but thrilled to hear the butcher continuing to return to his previously menacing self - not that he isn't absolutely a force to be reckoned with again nowadays - he waits expectantly for him to expand on it. His brow furrows as he feels their steps slow, and the question is on the tip of his tongue when finally Asta comes out with it.
And for a second Danta can see it in his mind's eye; shadows writhing against the cramped tunnel walls of The Climb, a too wide smile, blood and viscera and skeletal stitchwork looming impossibly tall as Astaroth made his slow and steady approach. Entirely on instinct, the Maverick twitches back, briefly disturbing their waltz but not enough to entirely fall out of step. [say]"Right,"[/say] he says quickly, clearing his throat and plastering on a smile.
[say]"Good for you, Asta. If I recall that was one of your favourites."[/say]
RE: somewhere in the between - Astaroth - 05-26-2025
Ah, just like that, the mood is ruined. Destroyed in the quiet brimming confidence that Danta has that immediately falters and hides behind the mask the Maverick puts up. The twitch in the dance is enough of an indicator for the start, but it’s the comment after that certainly proves it to him, and his smile shifts toward a frown, apologetic as he can be as he slows the steps more, drawing Danta closer to him, more intimate, more apologetic. “[say]It is.[/say]” He admits, a muscle feathering in his jaw as he steps back and pulls Danta with him, then to the side.
“[say]I did not want to surprise you with it.[/say]” Which is why he’s telling him now, without the shadows to smile back at him in the dark of their dance. Without the flicker of a skeletal face overcoming the butcher’s appearance. Without the long, arcing antlers that the butcher could grow with an easy command. “[say]You were, after all, the one who saw it utilized the most.[/say]” The shame hangs in the rich tones of his voice, without the dissonance of undertones he’d often add for the dramatic flare. His hand squeezes Danta’s gently as he slows them to a stop, the hand at his shoulder dropping to rest above his hip, thumb brushing against the soft slate grey corset, over the embroidery.
RE: somewhere in the between - Dantalion - 05-26-2025
Nodding quietly - he knows very well how much Asta had enjoyed utilising that particular ability - no matter how chaotic and bloodthirsty Danta might have been as a son of The Climb, the things that had lived in the butcher's head and leaked out in his magic had been... effective, to say the least. As the other man draws them closer he doesn't stop him, but the resulting intimacy of their dance means that Asta will be able to feel the increased thunder of the Maverick's heart as they move.
[say]"I appreciate that,"[/say] he says softly, of being surprised by the butcher's Haunt when he least suspects it. With his mouth growing dry as they fall to a gentle stop, Danta finds himself biting at the inside of his cheek, gaze dropping towards Asta's shirt buttons. [say]"I know it isn't you any more."[/say] He speaks slowly, wanting to convince himself as much as he does his lover. [say]"I know you wouldn't use it that way, not on me. But I... I'm sorry in advance, put it that way."[/say]
Sorry if he can't keep his composure; sorry if he opts very much out of the butcher's presence in those moments. He might know Asta inside out by now, know him intimately in a way he's never known another person, but his body remembers that version of the butcher with visceral clarity, and it might not give him a choice in how he reacts.
RE: somewhere in the between - Astaroth - 05-26-2025
Nodding, the butcher’s main focus is ensuring that Danta isn’t immediately going to panic. Already he can feel the increase of his lover’s thundering heart, the softness of the answer for the warning Asta gives. And when they come to a stop, his touch is gentle and it is delicate, as if ensuring that each and every touch he gives him is the complete and utter opposite of what the version of him before had to offer. “[say]I understand, darling.[/say]” He does understand that it would possibly make him panic.
It isn’t unlike when Danta would become a gore crow. It isn’t unlike when he’d stumbled into this very room before they had admitted anything to each other and he’d spotted Moira completely unannounced and had his crisis after. The way even the sight of them were a cause for a muzzle to be worn if only to try and protect the Maverick and even that hadn’t worked completely.
“[say]I promise you, love, that I will never use it on you again.[/say]” His voice is softer, gentler, while the hand that had been clasped in his lover’s loosens to brush against Danta’s cheek and I his hair. He doesn’t force him to look up at him, but it’s with that same tender care that Asta tries to prove via body language that he would not harm him, no matter what. “[say]Those in the Dusklight have already seen a fraction of it. Do not be surprised if there is talk.[/say]”
RE: somewhere in the between - Dantalion - 05-26-2025
Closing his eyes as if to force away the images trying to dance to life in his mind, Danta focuses hard on the sound of Asta's voice instead, on the touch of his hands and the steady, warm feel of his body, the scent of smoke and honey on his clothes. Letting out a long sigh that trembles a little on the exhale, he steps in to melt against the other man, nosing into his collar and winding his arms around his waist.
[say]"I believe you,"[/say] he tells him softly, keeping his voice steady and clasping him closer. [say]"I want you to know that, no matter how I might react in future."[/say] What he might do on instinct has no bearing on his true feelings, even if at the time he might want nothing more than to put distance between himself and the butcher.
[say]"Maybe I'll get used to it this way, mm?"[/say] he says, trying for a smile that completely fails. [say]"Especially if people are discussing it already in the Dusklight. I bet you're the talk of the floor."[/say]
RE: somewhere in the between - Astaroth - 05-26-2025
He’s soft and welcoming as Danta steps in and melts against him. It’s the least he can do. Any tension from the admission or the sorrow for having to mention it harbors no place in their current state, how he tries to ensure Danta realizes that he won’t use it against him. His arms wrap around his lover in turn, holding him gently against him, pressing the side of his face into Danta’s own as they settle. “[say]I will remember it, darling.[/say]” He vows, even if the moments get hard.
But it’s the next sentence, the smile that fails that he feels twitch against his neck, that the butcher’s arm lifts where he holds him tight, warming the metal chains that drape across Danta. His hand runs through soft, still slightly damp golden strands, tender and gentle. “[say]Exposure?[/say]” He asks, wondering if Danta meant similarly to how Asta had worked on being better around Moira and the Maverick when they were in their corvid forms.
It is something he’d be willing to do, if Danta ever wanted to give it a try. But for now, the verbalizing of it is enough, he’s sure, but that doesn’t mean he has to double down on just what he’d done in the Dusklight to give Danta all those memories back. “[say]Safe to say, no one has acted out since they witnessed it.[/say]” He murmurs softly, shifting his head to press a soft kiss against Danta’s cheek, giving his middle a soft squeeze.
RE: somewhere in the between - Dantalion - 05-26-2025
[say]"Good,"[/say] Danta all but whispers, not wanting to risk ruining everything they've built for the sake of memories, understanding suddenly exactly how Asta must have been feeling when he'd been doing battle with his nightmares every evening. As the other man holds him more tightly, it's like permission not to have to pretend to be okay, Danta's fingers bunching at the soft fabric of his lover's shirt and waistcoat in return.
[say]"Sure, exposure,"[/say] he agrees, his voice muffled against the side of Asta's neck. [say]"Some horror here, some terror there... it'll be fine."[/say] (It will not be fine). Infinitely glad that the other man doesn't opt to try and show him any of his - albeit impressive - Haunt then and there, instead Danta relaxes into the kiss pressed to his cheek. He wraps himself around the butcher as much as he's able while they're upright, as if Asta might be the one to protect him from that older version of himself.
[say]"Well at least you know it's still effective,"[/say] he mumbles with a small, wry smile. [say]"Hopefully your demonstrations only need to be few and far between."[/say]
RE: somewhere in the between - Astaroth - 05-26-2025
The sarcasm is almost palpable, and Astaroth doesn’t delve into it as he holds Danta and tries to prove to him that everything would be fine. His arms remain tight and gentle, careful where he holds his lover, feeling the way the other Ancient’s fingertips bunch and twist in the fine fabric he wears. But it’s relief that follows the awkwardness of the admission and the situation as Danta pushes into him harder, wrapping around him so that he could protect him.
And gods does the butcher try. “[say]If that is something you wish to try, I will absolutely start small.[/say]” There’s confidence in his tone, but zero judgement. If Danta wanted to try it, he’d oblige him. If he wanted nothing to do with it? Well, he’d do the best he could in those situations, too. It just meant he’d have to have a better hold on his magic and his temper.
“[say]It is certainly still effective, I will give it that.[/say]” Careful to continue not elaborating on which portions he’d unleashed, the butcher presses another kiss to his temple and lets his warm breath brush against his skin when he asks his next question. “[say]Would you like something to drink, darling?[/say]” Something strong, perhaps, to take the edge off.
RE: somewhere in the between - Dantalion - 05-26-2025
[say]"Mm, perhaps another day,"[/say] Danta agrees with a small nod; another day when he'd had a chance to get his head around it, to let it and the memories it had unleashed settle back into his subconscious a bit. For now he knows himself enough to know he needs this version of the butcher more than anything, and gods if he isn't grateful that Asta obliges him despite his sudden clinginess. Better still is the offer of a drink, and Danta manages a real smile this time.
[say]"I really would, yeah,"[/say] he says, huffing out a soft laugh and forcing himself to create a little distance between them to allow Asta to move about the room. [say]"I hope you'll forgive me, but I'm not sure I'll be able to concentrate on our lesson after this."[/say] He feels terrible, too, given the effort Asta has clearly gone to, but no amount of one, two, threes is going to distract him from this latest revelation.
[say]"We can leave the furniture moved out of the way for a bit, though. Maybe tomorrow we can try again?"[/say]