(no subject)

[golden_lyre]

Back home things are being finalized for the album he never wanted to produce in the first place. (Despite his knowledge that it shouldn't exist and his annoyance at having been entangled in the whole process, he can't help feeling rather pleased with how it's turned out so far.)

Here, though, he doesn't have to worry about any of that.

So he doesn't.

Instead, he orders a beer from the bar and settles into a chair near the fireplace, guitar settled in his lap. He doesn't bother with the warning sign today. He's fairly certain no one will object to his quiet tune of fading summer.



tiny!tag: Eric Northman

Comments

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve follows the sound of music, and slides his hands down the back of the chair to rest on Orpheus's shoulders.

"Hey, music man," he says softly and brushes his lips over Orpheus's hair.

[golden_lyre]

Orpheus smiles up at him, his fingers still idly strumming out his tune.

"Hey," he says quietly.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve kisses his forehead.

"Can I sit at your feet and listen to you play?"

[golden_lyre]

Orpheus laughs softly. "If you really want to, yeah."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"Yeah, I do." He kisses Orpheus's hair again and comes around the chair to sit at his feet, his back to the chair.

[golden_lyre]

Orpheus touches his hair lightly. "What do you want to hear?"

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve tilts back his head. "Moonlight," he says softly, "and sweet dreams."

[golden_lyre]

"All right," Orpheus says, stroking his fingers over Steve's hair and down his neck before moving back to his guitar.

And he starts a song that sounds exactly like that.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve smiles and leans his head against Orpheus's knee with a contented sigh.

[golden_lyre]

The song is slow and sweet and soothing.

And affectionate, though Orpheus didn't quite mean to put that in.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve rubs his head against Orpheus's knee and wraps a hand around his ankle.

[golden_lyre]

When he finishes, Orpheus lets the last chord fade from the air completely before saying quietly, "Steve?"

ooc

[onceaviking]

Someone is oddly moved by this tune - and doesn't like it. Okay with a drop in?)

Re: ooc

[golden_lyre]

Absolutely!

[onceaviking]

The chairs around him are empty. And them, one of them isn't any longer.

Eric practically sprawls in the chair, the picture of unconcerned existence.

But he is not at all unconcerned.

Teja had hinted at Orpheus being bewitching. And how could that music be anything but? If he closes his eyes he can feel the sun. Not the way he would feel it now, scorching his skin, incinerating his flesh. But the way he dimly remembers it feeling - on his back, running through a field. Reflected from the waves into his face.

The scent of the sun on the wind.

So he doesn't blink. He doesn't close his eyes.

It may make him look just a little bit intimidating.

[golden_lyre]

Orpheus is rather used to being stared at when he plays. He gives a faint smile in acknowledgment of Eric's presence, but he plays the song to conclusion.

[onceaviking]

"You should be careful," Eric says, his voice smooth and cool.

"I would imagine that the stories about you were not all just old tales and fantasy. I would imagine that you you often find yourself in trouble because of it."

[golden_lyre]

"Very few of the stories about me are entirely fantasy," Orpheus admits. "But I do not often find myself in trouble because of my talent."

Not often, but not never.

[onceaviking]

"Really? Most men are tempted to use what power they have. And you have power over men - are you not tempted?"

[golden_lyre]

"I prefer to think of it as influence more than power. I can't make anyone do anything they aren't already inclined to.

"And I find most people don't realize they're being influenced."

[onceaviking]

Eric snorts. "Trust a Greek to enjoy discussing semantics."

He stretches his long legs out in front of him. "And that men do not notice does not surprise me. They can be almost willfully blind. How have you been, Orpheus?"

Not that he cares. But he will play by the rules. And perhaps this time, he will get something for his troubles.

And as long as they are talking, Orpheus is not playing.

[golden_lyre]

"I've been well enough," Orpheus says.

Better than usual, but he's not used to being truly well.

"And you?"

[onceaviking]

"Somewhat bored," Eric replies, studying his nails. And then looking at Orpheus from under lowered lashes.

"And hungry."

[golden_lyre]

Orpheus smirks at the comment. "Why do I get the feeling you're always hungry?"

[onceaviking]

"Oh, but I am. I am hunger personified," Eric purrs.