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+---- Thread: the holy blade (/showthread.php?tid=11628)
RE: the holy blade - Astaroth - 07-01-2025
Numb fingers rake through the butcher's hair, but they feel determined in the way it adds to the careless sleep tossed way the long strands of onyx have become. He indulges in the touch, catching his breath as much as he can as the weightlessness comes careening down back into reality. Reality in which his emotions haven’t changed despite the release.
So when he hears the whisper, the answer is nothing short of no, not really. But unsure how to even explain it, the butcher finds himself hesitating, indulging in the press of lips to his crown, the way he still is writhed in shadows as he curls into Danta for a few moments longer before beginning to withdraw.
Not far, though. Just enough to sink back into their bed and tug his lover back in with him. “[say]I feel… wrong.[/say]” He starts to admit, the smile lines on his face tugging awkwardly with the frown that finds its place there, his shadows disappearing from his shoulders to sneak up into his horns to make them larger, pointier, one akin to what he’d prefer if given the choice. “[say]In the sense that I need you close.[/say]” It’s so cryptic but he doesn’t know how else to describe it. So he shifts a little instead, fingers dancing up Danta’s side as he lets his amber gaze swarming with his confusion scan his lover’s stunning face. “[say]I do not know how to describe it.[/say]” The apology in his tone is only barely there, gentle as he tries to parse the sensation.
RE: the holy blade - Dantalion - 07-01-2025
Happily manhandled back into the sheets, Danta relaxes bonelessly against the pillows and curls towards Asta as his voice, rough and quiet, hits the air. [say]"Wrong?"[/say] he echoes with a slight tilt of his head, his blue eyes flicking across the other man’s body as if he might find the answers there, ultimately settling on the crown of dark antlers that extend out from his horns. As Asta explains as best he’s able, though, the Maverick’s expression softens.
[say]"Is that all? Well, it’s easily solved if you keep me close,"[/say] he reasons, shifting to properly entangle himself with the butcher. Hooking a bare leg around his waist and hips and pressing flush against Asta’s chest, Danta’s arms curl loosely around the other man as well until there’s hardly any place they aren’t touching. [say]"Is this better?"[/say] he wonders, a smile in his voice, though the words are muffled against the side of Asta’s neck.
And then, more softly, [say]"Maybe it’s just the change in season. Especially given everything that’s been happening,"[/say] he says. [say]"Either way, there’s nothing to feel sorry about. I’m hardly going to complain about being wanted by you."[/say]
RE: the holy blade - Astaroth - 07-01-2025
Wrong. Though he can’t explain why. Even as he has the correct sensation lingering under his skin in the ways that prove to him that he isn’t how he was just days before, the butcher’s inability to speak it into existence grates against him. At least he has Danta right where he wants him, his arms slipping around his lithe torso, hooked comfortably into being pressed into the mattress and under the weight of his lover against his chest.
“[say]Yes.[/say]” He hums confidently, tilting his head to nose his way into Danta’s sage and citrus smoke hair, fingertips trailing idle designs into his back as he feels the smile in his voice. At the idea of it being the change of season, though, Asta shifts to curl in a bit closer, both arms wound around Danta in loose loops. “[say]It is suddenly so overwhelming, though.[/say]” He pauses, lips parting as if to say something else when he hears a knock on the door.
The tension lances through him immediately, tail back to whipping as he clutches the Maverick against his chest, glaring down the door opposite of the entrance to their den as if it might harbor an enemy on the other side. And well, it very well might, except for the way the knock had occurred – a very specific Kiada type of knock, before a paper slips under the doorframe.
RE: the holy blade - Dantalion - 07-01-2025
[say]"It’ll be alright,"[/say] Danta says softly, dropping a slow line of kisses along the column of Asta’s throat until he reaches his collarbones and his scarred chest. [say]"Maybe you had a weird dream and you’re still shaking it off,"[/say] he suggests, fingers stroking idly against his side, the Maverick peeping up at him with eyes still hazed with the pleasure of his unexpected wakeup. After all, given that Asta has only ever really had nightmares in the time Danta has known him, it can’t be unheard of that his regular dreams would be intense.
[say]"Maybe you’ll feel better after a shower and some breakfa–"[/say] The remark goes unfinished, unfortunately, because at that moment there’s a very familiar tap-tap-taping at their door, and before Danta can lazily turn towards it he’s being clutched against Asta like there’s a threat to be protected against.
His breath hitches automatically, Danta snaking a hand up to cup Asta’s cheek, a thumb brushing against his stubbled jaw. [say]"It’s just the door,"[/say] he whispers, leaning in for a purposely slow kiss as if to bring down the thunder of both of their heartbeats. [say]"Looks like it’s just a message. Do you want me to go and get it, or…?"[/say] Or shall he stay here where, apparently, it’s safer?
RE: the holy blade - Astaroth - 07-01-2025
The line of kisses are a warm fire as they descend down his throat and his collarbones, over the rough edges of where the scars of his chest flatten into unaltered skin. “[say]Perhaps.[/say]” Comes the low rumble, the hum that doesn’t seem like he believes it. He’s fairly certain he didn’t dream last night. He doesn’t dream most nights, now that the crow charm has permanently been wound around his wrist. But it’s easier to explain that idea than it is just why he’s suddenly so protective, as if he’s jealous of the way even the light spills across his lover’s face in it’s golden, muted light.
But all of it collapses down into the thought of breakfast, broken up by the knock on the door that sparks an over possessive hold and grip on the Maverick. His breath escapes him in a slow hiss, even as he tilts subconsciously into Danta’s hand as it cups his cheek. He shivers a little, into the kiss, distracted, melting briefly and for far too short of a time, before Asta’s withdrawing with an affectionate nuzzle. “[say]I will get it.[/say]” He murmurs softly, confident, unwilling to let Danta slip out of the bed.
He exhales another quiet sigh before he draws himself up, his shadows pulling into him as an onyx cloak, wisping as he slips out of the den, as if taking all of the shadows of it with him in a long train as he steps toward the door, horns wide and extended out in multiple tines. He waits a few heartbeats before he snags the paper, scanning it, and after a few more heartbeats does he open the door, snagging their breakfast tray to a blessedly empty corridor.
He closes it quickly behind him, bringing the tray and the letter back toward Danta, sitting on the edge of the bed with one leg tucked under him while his tail continues to whip about against the wood of the floor. “[say]Kiada was just informing you that she is back from her honeymoon.[/say]”
RE: the holy blade - Dantalion - 07-01-2025
[say]"If you’re sure,"[/say] Danta murmurs, relaxing to allow Asta to clamber around from him, taking with him every drop of darkness that remains in the den, or so it feels like. Peeping out between a small gap in their velveteen drapes, the Maverick seems small and tousled in the mess of sheets and furs and pillows, hiding a wide yawn behind his hand and squinting to watch the butcher prowl across the room. He’s tilting his head at the letter like he might stand any chance at all of reading it before the other man explains its contents, though he does perk up considerably as their breakfast is also retrieved.
[say]"Oh, that’s kind of her to tell us,"[/say] he trills, shifting to drape himself against Asta’s back, one arm looping around him while the other steals a bit of bacon from the tray. [say]"I put up signs in the Backroom, to warn about the monsters,"[/say] he adds like it’s nothing, devouring his piece of bacon before relaxing back against the butcher.
[say]"Will staying here for the day help, do you think?"[/say] he asks regarding Asta’s feeling strange, sitting up enough that he can trail his fingers across his back and shoulders in gentle swirls. [say]"Because I could be persuaded for a day in bed with you, even at the beginning of the season where we tend to get bedeviled by mischievous ghosts."[/say]
RE: the holy blade - Astaroth - 07-01-2025
He’s quite sure, as it turns out. Because scouting the hallway for threats was something that does soothe a bit of that possessiveness, even if it wasn’t enough to take the itch away. But he returns with the shadows he’d snatched, filling their den with darkness, and the tray of their breakfast with the letter in hand only to feel the warmth of Danta draping himself against his back. He sinks into it, still on edge but relaxing a bit more when he hears the mention of monsters in the Backrooms.
And for a second he’s so close to asking what monsters, when he realizes it was his haunt that had stirred it. So before he can make a fool of himself, he nods and leans back into his lover. “[say]Oh, good. That is useful.[/say]” He hums, content to live in the fantasy Danta’s crafted, though he still seems distracted, even as he snags a piece of ham from the plate, tearing into it with his too sharp teeth.
His head tilts back slightly once he’s swallowed the bite, hair sweeping back in that loose V between his shoulder blades as he feels the whirls and designs of warm slender fingers. The offer has him looking over his shoulder, uncharacteristically ruffled and rugged looking even as his honey gaze tries to capture the stunning crystal blues in return. “[say]Gods, that sounds lovely.[/say]” It’s a quiet groan, shifting slightly to face Danta more than he had been over his shoulder, flashing a sharp smile that isn’t just charming as it is devilish. “[say]I shall ensure there are no ghosts or ghouls to ruin our day.[/say]” A pause then, the smile softening as he takes in the beautiful panes of his lover’s face. “[say]Is there anything I can get or do for you?[/say]” Because while yes, he isn’t feeling up to the task of doing much himself, he doesn’t want to deprive Danta of it.
RE: the holy blade - Dantalion - 07-01-2025
Unable not to smile at the butcher as he glances back at him, gruff and unfiltered and wanting to do little more than stay holed up together for the day, Danta reaches out to sweep his dark hair over one shoulder, if only so he can better fuss over him with gentle fingers. [say]"Then that's what we'll do,"[/say] he says with an easy smile, his touch sweeping across raised scar tissue and smooth skin alike, the Maverick leaning in to drop a kiss atop Asta's bare shoulder.
[say]"Oh, I'm sure,"[/say] he says through a soft laugh; based on his strange mood, Danta gets the impression that whether it's a ghost, an inanimate object, or the fucking weather, Asta will be meticulous with his punishment. [say]"Mm, I don't think so,[/say] he adds, considering what he might need and finding himself with everything he could want in the current moment.
[say]"Maybe later I'll change my mind, but right now I'm all yours."[/say] Winking at the butcher, Danta leans in and presses another kiss to his cheek this time, then to the corner of his mouth. [say]"Does that work for you?"[/say]
RE: the holy blade - Astaroth - 07-01-2025
He feels it the second Danta sweeps his hair over his shoulder, the sleep tangled knots loosening with the gesture as he peers back at his lover and indulges in the touch (because thankfully he is the only focus the Maverick has). He leans into the kiss, too, even as he aims his dangerous smile back at him. He’s half expecting the suggestion of tea or coffee to get Danta’s day going, but without anything particularly needed in this moment, he feels his motivation start to diminish.
So he nods, spies the wink with a flare of a brighter smile, twisting to catch his lover’s lips once the kiss is pressed to the corner of his mouth. It’s indulgent, sweet, equally as needed with the way he prolongs it sweetly. “[say]Yes. That works.[/say]” He murmurs softly when he withdraws. He reaches up to rub at one of his horns, even as the tines of it remain regal and fully pointed from the haunt.
The hand drops and he plucks a piece of bacon from the tray this time, stealing a bite of it before shifting to lean into Danta more, pressing him back into the bed all while offering the rest of the bacon like a carrot on a stick. “[say]I will likely require tea at some point, should you have any requests.[/say]” Obnoxiously leaning in to nuzzle his bearded cheek and chin into Danta’s shoulder, the butcher withdraws with a glint of mischief now that he’s satisfied there’s no longer any threats outside their door.
RE: the holy blade - Dantalion - 07-01-2025
[say]"Good,"[/say] Danta confirms, huffing out a laugh as his lips are caught in a real kiss, not that he's remotely complaining about it. [say]"And I'll certainly let you know. For now, though, you and breakfast seem like plenty, especially after our morning exercise."[/say] Bouncing his eyebrows towards Asta, the Maverick lets out a quiet laugh as he's more or less pushed back into the soft sheets and pillows, and he leans up to snap his teeth at the bacon to catch it.
Shifting to adjust himself as the butcher gets comfortable with his nuzzling and general neediness - which again, is a change from the norm, but not an unwelcome one - he feathers his fingers through the other man's dark hair around the base of his horns and relaxes completely against their bed. [say]"Does this mean we can have a guilt-free, after breakfast nap?"[/say] he wonders, tilting his head towards Asta.
RE: the holy blade - Astaroth - 07-02-2025
“[say]I am happy I have fulfilled you, then.[/say]” His voice is a smoky tease, an air of amusement filtering through even as he gives up the bacon quickly to the snap of Danta’s teeth, lest he get bit. And as he shifts them back further into the bed, Asta makes his obnoxious nuzzling, willingly and easily invading his lover’s space without a second thought.
It is out of the norm for him, though he pretends not to notice, instead growing even more satisfied by the feel of his fingers through his hair, pressing against the base of his horns that almost feel as though they ache. He chalks it up to placebo, for the imaginary weight of the haunt and the extension of his antlers.
It’s to a curious glint in his gaze that Danta will look down at him. The butcher with his chin propped on his lover’s chest, dark honey eyes meeting his warm blues, a twitch of a smile tugging on the corners of his lips in a graceful upward arch. “[say]Mm, when is it not guilt free?[/say]” He winks, before he’s surging up to steal another kiss, chaste and short as his arms slip up underneath his shoulders to tug him closer. He’s disheveled in the way he often was in the mornings, but he’s made absolutely no effort to fix it. “[say]My answer is yes, for the record, but I am afraid I cannot go back to sleep just yet.[/say]”
RE: the holy blade - Dantalion - 07-02-2025
[say]"You always fulfil me, Asta,"[/say] Danta purrs, curling an entirely filthy smirk down at the butcher and scritching at his horns as he peers up at him, as if knowing instinctively where to fuss at and focus his affections. [say]"Mm, and I suppose you're right. All of our naps are guilt-free - but this one feels especially good, given that we've decided not to go anywhere today, and Kiada is back to do what she does best."[/say] I.e. get to grips with everything she's missed on her honeymoon and make a list of things Danta needs to get on.
Humming contently against the sudden kiss pressed against his lips, Danta is manhandled all too willingly, his body warm and compliant beneath Asta's every touch. [say]"Mm?"[/say] Blinking down at him as he draws away, the Maverick tilts his head. [say]"Oh? Are there some chores you've forgotten to do?"[/say] he wonders; he wouldn't put it past the other man to need to fix or organise or clean something up before he can commit to leisure.
RE: the holy blade - Astaroth - 07-02-2025
Leaning into the scratches along his horns, the Maverick essentially has him precisely where he wants him - docile for the moment despite how they both know how quickly it could flip (for the both of them, as it turned out). “[say]I suppose I can agree with that.[/say]” The butcher purrs back up, letting the laugh settle in his chest as he closes his eyes to indulge n the touch.
It’s brief, as is the kiss that follows, through the butcher’s nonetheless resilient in the way he remains obnoxious with how he nuzzles in, nosing his cheek and the edge of his jaw. “[say]No, there are no chores.[/say]” For once. “[say]I just have too much energy.[/say]” Comes the quiet admission once he’s dove down into pressing his kisses to his lover’s jeweled ear and to the soft space beneath his earlobe. “[say]I feel as though I am a menace.[/say]” He admits, somewhat aware of it even if he’s doing absolutely nothing to prevent it.
RE: the holy blade - Dantalion - 07-02-2025
Unable not to laugh as Asta nuzzles back in, Danta's fingers press in against the butcher's horns as if to treat him to a scalp massage whilst he's being - in his words - a menace, though the Maverick can only scrunch his nose affectionately at the admission. [say]"Given that I am the one who often pulls the blankets off you when I've decided it's time to get up, I don't think you've remotely earned the title of menace just yet,"[/say] he reassures him, turning his head to smooch a kiss against his stubbled cheek.
[say]"Too much energy, though? I'm sure we can find a way for you to burn it off. You want to rearrange your closet while I watch? Bonus points if you decide to try everything on to show it off. Double bonus points if you strip off between each outfit."[/say] Finally his fingers drift from Asta's hair to trickle down the back of his neck and smooth between his shoulders. [say]"I'll admit that I'm not sure I've ever seen you this restless. Oh - maybe you forgot something you were supposed to do today, mm?"[/say]