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+---- Thread: southern comfort's comforting, isn't it? (/showthread.php?tid=12431)
RE: southern comfort's comforting, isn't it? - Astaroth - 01-23-2026
“[say]Ah, ah, I asked you.[/say]” The butcher points out with an affectionate grin that he’s sure Danta feels with the kiss pressed to his neck. The butcher melts under the attention, warm and invigorating.
But then they’re parting, the butcher snagging the Maverick’s hand and guiding the way through the door, looking impeccably beautiful as ever tonight, with Danta sporting the faded acid washed rust red shirt and billowy pants and the butcher harboring a menacing figure as he steps beside the other Ancient.
As they reach the front door, the butcher listens for Danta’s whisper, noting the way he doesn’t look up at him. The whisper has his tail wagging again, a warm chuckle leaving him as he leans in to press a kiss to his lover’s temple. “[say]Not just a fiancé. I have the best one.[/say]” He boasts proudly in the low thrum of the whisper he offers back.
Pushing open the door for them to emerge out into the waning sunlight, stretching long shadows in the streets as they make their way toward the restaurant in the distance. It isn’t too far, thankfully, high up in the risers of the city with a breathtaking view of the ocean at sunset, with balcony seating that people seem to mostly be avoiding in favor to remain in the shade with the heat that blooms through everything. It has a beautiful scrawling sign above the teal paint that makes up the entrance, boasting in dark paint against the light background The Wildfin. “[say]I heard this place was a wonderful restaurant to celebrate events.[/say]” Not that he intends to draw more attention to them. All he wants is the ability to relax with some wine or too-fancy cocktails and indulge in a hearty dinner with Danta at his side.
RE: southern comfort's comforting, isn't it? - Dantalion - 01-24-2026
[say]"Fine, yes, you asked me,"[/say] Danta agrees with a sly smile. [say]"But for the record, I'd have done as I was told even if you'd been bossy about it."[/say] Laughing softly as he spots the butcher's tail wagging again and turning his head to better enjoy the kiss pressed to his temple, as they emerge out into the late afternoon light, dying now towards evening but still searingly hot and just the way he likes it, the Maverick lets out an undignified snort.
[say]"Impossible,"[/say] he declares, fingers squeezing warmly against Asta's. [say]"You can't have the best one, because I do."[/say] And if ever there was a time to lay the lovey dovey affection on thick, it's right now, and so it's with an unapologetic grin spreading across his face that he follows the other man out towards the upper echelons of Haulani.
Caught by the sparkle of the sunset on the ocean and the way those waning fingers of light sear across the port and through the palms, Danta doesn't realise where he's being led until The Wildfin is almost entirely upon them. [say]"Oho,"[/say] he drawls, impressed as he glances around, the Maverick nodding to the balcony seating in full heat of the last bit of sunlight. [say]"You have outdone yourself. Shall we sit out here? Unless you've already booked a table and prepared something obnoxious, of course."[/say]
RE: southern comfort's comforting, isn't it? - Astaroth - 01-24-2026
Conceding the point, the butcher’s laugh is warm as he squeezes his lover’s hand once they emerge from the Wildering House’s doorstep. Leading him toward the restaurant in the waning sunset that paints Haulani in shades of gold and orange, the butcher hears Danta’s declaration and shoots him a most vibrant grin. “[say]Mm, I think you may be right.[/say]” He winks, always happy to have the ego boost that Danta always was able to provide him.
He’ll let him win that round too over who’s the best fiancé when they both know it’s the other for each of them.
The restaurant is upon them quickly, however, and Asta can’t help but to watch the way the Maverick takes it in. At the question, though, the butcher practically beams, gliding through the doors to pass by the tables toward the other side of the wrap around balcony that makes it feel as if they’re completely surrounded by the water and the view of the sunset everywhere they look. “[say]I have already picked the best spot.[/say]” And Danta would see just how much of the best spot it is, because it’s certainly a table for two with wine glasses prepped on the table and rather than a bouquet on the corner of vibrant tropical flowers, a singular rose seems to sit — but not any ordinary one. From a distance it appears to be a cream rose, but upon getting closer it certainly has the butcher’s touch. The rose is made of bone, sat perfectly in the vase between the two seats as Asta pulls Danta’s chair out for him to sit in (as the gentleman he is) and slips over toward the other side to take his own seat. “[say]How is this, darling?[/say]” He asks, unable to look at the view but instead captivated by Danta entirely.
RE: southern comfort's comforting, isn't it? - Dantalion - 01-24-2026
Content to be right even if the result is to feed Asta's already considerable ego (what is the best fiancé for if not that?), Danta is happily ferried along in the butcher's wake, content to take in the restaurant and the wrap around balcony. He can already smell spices and seasoning and hear the crackling of meat and fish being cooked, peering over his shoulder as they glide out to the other side of the balcony.
It means he's a little late in turning back around, caught off-guard by the perfectly secluded little table in full sun with the water glittering all around. His eyes widen, lips softly parting in an oh that never fully makes it out, the Maverick wandering closer as if he's convinced he's clearly in a dream. [say]"You were very confident I would say yes, weren't you?"[/say] he says, smiling quietly back at Asta as he draws out his chair for him.
Sitting comfortably down, he's drawn immediately to the macabre little rose in its vase, not daring to touch it but drinking it in with open wonder. [say]"You have outdone yourself,"[/say] he says, his tone carrying both love and a hint of warning. [say]"Keep this up and I'm not sure you'll be able to handle all of my gratitude."[/say]
RE: southern comfort's comforting, isn't it? - Astaroth - 01-25-2026
The spices dance with citrus and salt, smoke and chilis, but Asta is not surprised by it. He’d scouted this out, ensured that bone flower would be in precisely the right seat in order to make this exactly the way he wanted it to. And seeing the surprise on his fiancé’s face when he takes it in makes it worth every single thing.
A warm chuckle leaves him as Danta takes the chair and he moves to his side, slipping into the seat with a meticulous kind of grace. “[say]I was optimistic, darling. And if you had not, I suppose this would have been quite the awkward dinner, no?[/say]” His shark tooth grin is soft as he aims it at his lover, scooting in enough to sit properly and let his long legs stretch out under the table, one brushing against Danta’s leg as his tail seeks out wrapping around his other leg or his tail if it’s in the vicinity.
Splitting the menus between them, the butcher can’t help the quiet satisfaction and contentness to see the way the sun plays off Danta’s ring in the sunset just the same as it does off his own horns. It’s that which has him looking up to catch mostly the tail end of Danta’s announcement, a warm chuckle leaving him as he tilts his head, the golden chains dancing with the movement. “[say]Is that so? I suppose we will have to find out, then, won’t we?[/say]” Tipping a wink that is a touch eager to see what Danta has in mind, he tries to distract himself by looking at the menu.
Verbalizing the portions he thought sounded good or ones that Danta thought might be good, it’s the usual game he plays when they go out to eat at new places. A casual comment that helps Danta pick up where he might be unable to fully read the menu himself. “[say]Shall we start with wine or cocktails?[/say]” He asks, his voice backed up by the cry of hels and the roar of the ocean as it hits the shore.
RE: southern comfort's comforting, isn't it? - Dantalion - 01-25-2026
[say]"Only you would insist on still going to dinner if I had declined your proposal,"[/say] Danta says with a fiendish smile, settling comfortably in his seat and watching Asta flit about with affection in his eyes. A control freak the other man might be, but Danta loves him for it, no more so than on occasions like this where his meticulous nature clearly pays off.
Accepting his menu and humming over it as though there's really any doubt in what he's likely to order, he's crossed his legs loosely at the ankle beneath the table, his tail hooking around Asta's with the sort of ease that had once caused arguments between them. [say]"Oh, we certainly will,"[/say] he purrs, smiling to himself as the butcher engages in their usual game of menu theatre, his foot brushing gratefully against his calf.
Snapping his menu shut only a short time later (he can read the words surf and turf easily enough, it turns out) and setting it back down on the table, it's at that point that Asta comes up with a much more important question - arguably as important as his proposal. [say]"Cocktails, I should think,"[/say] he replies immediately. [say]"They tend to be sweeter, and a wine connossieur taught me to pair my wine with my meal. Besides, food tastes better when you're already a little buzzed, no?"[/say]
RE: southern comfort's comforting, isn't it? - Astaroth - 01-25-2026
A knowing grin spreads across the butchers face as he looks across the table at his fiancé. “[say]It is a delightful spot and I already made the reservation.[/say]” He protests playfully, even though Danta’s 100% right. He is a control freak, for everything else except for the Maverick. For Danta, he finds his plans go awry more often than not and where in the past it might have fueled his frustrations or anger, there’s none but appreciation for the other Ancient for adding his brand of chaos into the butcher’s otherwise stalwart rigidity.
The weight of Danta’s tail wrapped around his own has him relaxing into the seat more, grateful for the silent ways in which they’ve gotten used to showing their affection and even pridefully doing so these days. As he reads the menu out and continues to read as Danta snaps his menu shut, he does draw silent as he picks out a few options for himself silently — glancing up to hear his answer for their drinks.
Lips quirking into an amused smirk, the butcher’s warm rumble of a laugh leaves him as he nods. “[say]Quite right, darling.[/say]” He hums, deciding on his own meal — another variant of the surf and turf Danta likely has his eyes on.
Beckoning the waiter over, the butcher starts the order off with cocktails for the both of them and an appetizer of spicy prawns to get the evening started off. He lets Danta order whatever it is he wants before ending with his own and tacking on the bottle of their finest wine to come when the entrees finally come out.
Once that’s all done, the butcher sits back and looks across at his lover, a warmth to him that seems to settle and coil comfortably around him. “[say]So, should we tell Flora tonight or wait until the morning?[/say]” He puts the ball in Danta’s court, supposing that the Maverick might have his own plans for how the rest of the night is going to go.
RE: southern comfort's comforting, isn't it? - Dantalion - 01-25-2026
[say]"It would've been a shame to let it go to waste,"[/say] Danta agrees, leaning an elbow on the table so he can peer over the balcony a little, the dying rays of light catching in his hair and on his jewellery, engagement ring included. [say]"You'd never catch a view like this at Jack Tar, much as I do love the place,"[/say] he adds with a light laugh. No, Jack Tar Landing is for dramatic rainy days and cozying up with good food and a fire, and it's got its own rugged charms.
Torchline, though, truly is a jewel in Caido's south.
Smiling in satisfaction when Asta approves of his remarks - as he well should, since they are basically his own - Danta glances over towards the waiter the butcher summons over. He's always quietly charmed to watch the other man at work when he's in his element, whether that's efficient violence or wining and dining at a fancy restaurant, ordering his own entree of filet mignon and lobster tail with a side of buttery scallops when it's time.
Surrendering his menu and returning his attention to his fiancé (a term he'll have to get used to), his answer to Asta's question is immediate and perhaps a little shy. [say]"It can wait until tomorrow, if that's all the same to you?"[/say] he murmurs. [say]"It isn't that I'm not excited to share the news, I just..."[/say] He shrugs helplessly. It's a myriad of reasons, truly, but he also shamelessly wants Asta to himself tonight.
RE: southern comfort's comforting, isn't it? - Astaroth - 01-26-2026
“[say]Precisely.[/say]” He hums with all the confidence in the world. He’s on cloud nine, after all. Danta had said yes, they have a brilliant meal to look forward to, and as his gaze flits between his stunning fiancé to the equally stunning view of the sunset and ocean waves crashing below, he can’t imagine a better night. It’s certainly one of those highlights of his life, regardless of which century you’re looking at.
He hums his agreement as they peer out over the view, the mention of Jack Tar and the truth behind the words certainly there. “[say]Jack Tar has its own beauty. A little less pristine than this, but I am a fan of the grittier places.[/say]” He tacks on, looking back to Danta briefly with a brighter smile before he’s shifting into a different version of himself – the confidence in ordering their food, ordering himself a filet and a larger, meatier fish.
As the waiter departs, Asta’s focus returns to his lover – adorned in gold in all of the ways Danta looks like he was born for. It settles on him like a coat made for him, fitting him in all the ways that takes his breath away. As such, it’s the shy answer that also adds into taking him by surprise – his smile softening as his tail squeezes the Maverick’s. “[say]I am more than happy to let tonight be just about us.[/say]” He reassures him, reaching out across the table to rest his warm hand along Danta’s own, thumb brushing the engagement ring. “[say]And I will never complain about having you to myself, my love.[/say]” His voice drops slightly, not withdrawing as the cocktails arrive to their table.
RE: southern comfort's comforting, isn't it? - Dantalion - 01-26-2026
[say]"Oh, don't I know it."[/say] Danta says through a rich laugh, arching a sly brow across to Asta. Liking grittier places is one way of putting it, though the Maverick will happily argue that his fiancé fits in wherever he decides to be, and it has nothing to do with how he chooses to dress himself and everything to do with the presence he exudes. Intimidating, effortlessly confident and with a social mask tougher than the diamond of Danta's horns, being able to talk to waiters is only a fragment of his endless charm.
The warm hand landing atop his own shouldn't be as surprising as it is, but he finds his smile softening nevertheless, turning his hand palm up to clasp Asta's fingers. [say]"Good,"[/say] he chimes, [say]"because I'm pretty sure you just agreed to have me all to yourself for the rest of our lives, so if you were lukewarm about it I'd be a little worried."[/say] Chuckling and glancing up at the arrival of their cocktails, Danta murmurs a thanks and lifts his glass.
[say]"To us,"[/say] he announces, clinking it against Asta's.
RE: southern comfort's comforting, isn't it? - Astaroth - 01-26-2026
They do know it, intimately, that the both of them were flexible when it came to fitting into a variety of locales. And while he preferred the grittier ones, there was the beauty and charm that would linger in the space of the richer and finer spaces – even if they had far too many forks for ridiculous uses. Asta can navigate it, though, and with a little help, Danta can too. As far as he’s concerned – the world is their oyster.
But for now, he focuses wholly on the Maverick, his grin soft and warm as he makes the proclamation that he would never complain about having Danta to himself while their drinks arrive, and as he hears his fiance’s answer, the butcher can’t help the warm laugh that drags through his throat. Clinking his cocktail against Danta’s, he repeats the toast “[say]to us,[/say]” and takes a decent sip of it, relishing in the deep and sharp bite.
“[say]I am not going anywhere. Though, if you change your mind after this upcoming season change, please tell me before.[/say]” It’s a joke, because Danta has put up with him the previous season and through all the other bullshit, and he punctuates the point with a soft squeeze of his hand. But the sentiment is there – that if he ever becomes too much and it isn’t something the Maverick wants to do, the butcher would rather know before.
RE: southern comfort's comforting, isn't it? - Dantalion - 01-26-2026
Taking a similarly large sip of his cocktail - listen, he's wanted something to drink since the second the ring slipped onto his finger and he won't apologise for it - Danta hums his approval and sets his glass down, foot brushing against Asta's calf beneath the table. As for whether the butcher might be too much, whether this coming Leafchange or at any other time, Danta can't resist but to let out a chiming laugh.
[say]"Oh, sugar,"[/say] he purrs. [say]"Last year caught me on the back-foot, I won't lie. This year, though, is a challenge."[/say] Winking, he squeezes Asta's hand in return and takes another sip of his cocktail, letting out a content sigh. [say]"Alright,"[/say] he declares, [say]"by the time we leave here I want to be full and incredibly merry, if it's all the same to you. I have every confidence that the place will live up to our expectations."[/say]
RE: southern comfort's comforting, isn't it? - Astaroth - 01-26-2026
“[say]Have you been preparing, then?[/say]” The butcher teases, relaxing even more to the brush of Danta’s calf against his own. He too takes another big sip of his cocktail, letting it warm him. Danta’s plan is one that he can get behind, though, and he says as much.
The rest of the dinner goes off beautifully. The sunset warming and enclosing them in hues of oranges and reds before the sun fully dips below the horizon. During that time, the conversation is perfect and the food comes out phenomenal. The bottle of wine is gone, another ordered and half drank, a healthy buzz that coincides with the perfect fullness of dinner and a sweet yet not sweet dessert that the butcher had insisted on.
Once everything is finished, stars flit overhead though without having the sun, the heat still has not dissipated. It’s just as warm as he collects the bone flower, pays for their meal, and snags the half of the bottle remaining before taking Danta’s hand again to guide them back toward the Wildering House.
“[say]There is something truly special about a Torchline sunset, no?[/say]” He hums contently.
RE: southern comfort's comforting, isn't it? - Dantalion - 01-27-2026
[say]"Perhaps,"[/say] Danta says, his sly smile almost hidden behind the rim of his glass as he takes another drink of his cocktail. [say]"We agreed we'd spend a week or two up in Hak Etme for the beginning of Leafchange, so I might have acquired a tent and some other surprises for us to use while we're up there."[/say] Among other preparations that Asta will just have to wait to discover when the time comes.
Relaxing into his seat and into the warmth flooding his bones from the cocktail, Danta can only agree with the butcher's verdict on the evening. If anything could be close to perfect it's this; the food, the booze, the company, the insistence on dessert - all of it. Accepting Asta's hand as they stand to leave, he takes the bone flower with the other so his fiance can focus on the wine. That and so he can admire the detail of it more closely as they start to stroll back down to the beach.
[say]"Mm, I'm sure there is,"[/say] he purrs, glancing sidelong at Asta and grinning. [say]"Truth be told, though, I wasn't really looking at the sunset all that much."[/say]