(no subject)

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve wanted someplace warm, so Orpheus delivered Australia. Steve considered himself a fairly seasoned traveler, since he'd been to one end of the States to the other and seen as much of Europe as a man could in wartime--but Australia is like no place else. Ancient and mysterious while open and friendly, starkly beautiful in some places and overflowing with nature in others.

Best of all, there's no shortage of warmth.

Steve has acquired a decent tan on his pale Irish skin, a basic understanding of the Australian accent, and a reputation among other tourists of always winning the drinking contests.


[ooc: Adult content warning.]

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[golden_lyre]

Orpheus leans against him, curling his arms around Steve, and continues the song.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve strokes his back.

[golden_lyre]

Orpheus tucks his face against Steve's neck, pressing his lips to Steve's skin as he hums.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve gently kisses the side of his face.

[golden_lyre]

Orpheus strokes his fingers across Steve's shoulder.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve whispers, "If I don't come back..."

It's a hard thing to say. He always believed before that he would come back--that they all would come back.

He's not so confident anymore.

[golden_lyre]

Orpheus presses his lips firmly to Steve's neck. He wants to interrupt, but he doesn't.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"I need you to know that I'll fight every step to come back to you."

[golden_lyre]

"I know," Orpheus whispers. "I know you will, lovely."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"But if I don't--"

His mouth works a moment, and then he kisses Orpheus fiercely.

[golden_lyre]

Orpheus makes a surprised noise into the kiss, but he clings to Steve as he returns it.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve clings in return, shaking. The core of his being is about hope and determination--he hates feeling uncertain about anything, but especially about this.

"I will come back to you," he whispers. "I will."

[golden_lyre]

"Please don't," Orpheus says, begging really. "Please don't promise."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"You're the only thing I have to come back to anymore," Steve says, holding Orpheus tighter. "If I lose you, I lose everything."

[golden_lyre]

"So do your best, lovely," Orpheus murmurs. "Do whatever you can."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"I will." He brushes his hand over Orpheus's face. "I will."

[golden_lyre]

"That's all I'll ask of you," Orpheus murmurs. "That's all I can ask of you."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"But is that all you want?" He gazes at Orpheus earnestly. "Is that all you want me to promise you?"

[golden_lyre]

"That's not all I want," Orpheus says, touching his cheek. "But it's all I want you to promise."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"Tell me what you want." He grasps the front of Orpheus's shirt. "Tell me."

[golden_lyre]

Orpheus frowns, his face contorting as he chooses his words carefully.

"I want...

"I want you to come back. Always. I want you to be safe and whole and happy. Always. I want you be with me."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"Of course I'll give you that. Of course."

[ooc: Bedtime.]

[golden_lyre]

"You'll try," Orpheus says, shaking his head. "Please, don't promise that."


[ooc: Goodnight!]

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve leans back against the chair, mouth twisting in frustration. "We're both scared I won't come back," he says. "The only thing I can do to defeat that fear is refuse to let it win."

[golden_lyre]

"So don't be afraid, just...don't promise me something out of your control," Orpheus says, desperation clear on his face. "Please."