[oom: Orpheus]

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

[Previously.]

Steve's hand hovers over the small of Orpheus's back as they go upstairs to his room. He's still not sure what happened earlier, when they tried dancing, but the more important thing is that Orpheus is hurting and it's within Steve's power to help. Maybe even make him feel better.

This, he thinks, is what you do when you care about someone. Two backs to carry the burdens.

"Do you need help undressing?" he asks when they're in Orpheus's room.

Comments

[golden_lyre]

Orpheus doesn't even strap his guitar to his back as they walk up, just holds it by the neck. He manages to make it up without stumbling, though, which he counts a win.

And for once, he finds Steve's concern comforting, even likes the hand that's there to help should he need it.

The guitar gets carefully set aside before he turns to Steve.

"I think I'm all right," he starts, but when he goes to pull his shirt off, he hisses in pain.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"Let me," says Steve and starts unbuttoning.

[golden_lyre]

Orpheus' first instinct is to pull away from the help, but he resists, letting out a frustrated sigh as he submits to the assistance.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"You can undress me next time." He takes off Orpheus's shirt.

[golden_lyre]

Orpheus shakes his head. "It's not that."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"Then what is it?" He kneels to take off Orpheus's shoes.

[golden_lyre]

"I don't like that I can't," he says quietly.

"If we were going to fuck, I'd let you undress me easily."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"Next time," Steve says again and rises to undo Orpheus's jeans.

[golden_lyre]

"Next time," Orpheus echoes, half reaching for Steve's shoulder and then pulling his hand back.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve watches his face as he slides Orpheus's jeans down his hips.

[golden_lyre]

Orpheus mostly just looks exhausted, his eyes a little glassy as he looks at Steve.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve finishes undressing him and steers him to the bathroom. "C'mon. You'll feel better when you're washed up."

[golden_lyre]

He nods and lets Steve guide him into the bathroom. He leans against Steve a bit.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve holds him with one arm as he turns on the water.

[golden_lyre]

Orpheus lets his head rest on Steve's shoulder.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve caresses his hair. "Do you need me to get in with you?"

[golden_lyre]

"No," Orpheus says. "But I'd like it if you did."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve kisses his forehead. "Give me a second to undress."

[golden_lyre]

Orpheus nods and steps into the shower.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve strips off his service uniform hastily and gets in with him. He places his hands on Orpheus's shoulders and kisses his neck gently.

"You look like hard livin', music man."

[golden_lyre]

Orpheus leans back into the touch, already feeling better for having some of the grime of the past week rinsed off him.

(And also for seeing Steve again.)

"Hard livin', hm?" he asks gruffly. "I just feel like life."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"That sounds like blues lyrics," Steve observes as he starts up a suds in a washcloth. "Turn around, I'll start with your back."

[golden_lyre]

"I like the blues," Orpheus says quietly, turning for Steve.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"Me too." He moves Orpheus's hair aside to wash the back of his neck.

[golden_lyre]

Orpheus hums quietly as Steve washes him, a rough, bluesy tune.