[Milliways]: New York, New York

[golden_lyre]

Orpheus wasn't entirely sure the ring would work as a way for him to get to Steve's world, but he was going to give it a shot. If it didn't work, he'd explain it to Steve the next time they were both in the bar, and they could figure something else out.

His guitar slung across his back, Orpheus turns the ring on his finger and opens the door, pleased to find himself in Steve's apartment when he steps through.

Comments

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

It's morning--late morning--and Steve is in bed, asleep. The pieces of his uniform strewn across the floor should explain why Captain America is not up with the sun.

[golden_lyre]

Orpheus is pretty pleased to find Steve at home at all. He pauses in the bedroom doorway, watching Steve as he sleeps a moment. Then he leans his guitar against the wall, toes off his shoes, and pads across the floor to the bed, carefully climbing in, arm sliding around Steve's waist.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

After a moment, Steve stirs--but just enough to pull Orpheus's arm tighter around him and snuggle closer to him.

[golden_lyre]

Orpheus smiles at the reaction, pressing his (smooth-shaven) face to Steve's shoulder.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Well, that gets a little bit more of a reaction. Steve reaches back to cup his cheek, with a soft, "Orpheus?"

[golden_lyre]

"Good morning," Orpheus murmurs, turning his face to kiss Steve's palm.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"I thought it was you," Steve says sleepily. "Wasn't sure, without the beard." He turns back his head to give Orpheus a quick, soft kiss.

[golden_lyre]

Orpheus smiles and returns the kiss. "I said I'd shave..."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"Mm, you did..." He rubs Orpheus's cheek slowly. "Feels good, honey..."

[golden_lyre]

Orpheus chuckles. "I'm glad you like it."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"I do, I do." His hand slides back into Orpheus's hair.

[golden_lyre]

He smiles and kisses Steve slowly. "Would you like me to keep shaving."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"If you want to," Steve says generously. "But I won't miss the beard burn."

[golden_lyre]

"So that's a yes," Orpheus says with a laugh. "I suppose I could do that."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"You may get even more fans," Steve warns him, "once they see how handsome you are."

[golden_lyre]

"Or they may stop recognizing me," Orpheus offers.

"Am I not handsome with the beard?" he adds, teasing.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"Of course you are, but you're also scruffy. Some people find that intimidating."

[golden_lyre]

"It's never been a problem for me."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"Probably because you're so pretty," Steve teases and kisses him again.

[golden_lyre]

Orpheus laughs. "When I was young, beards were a symbol of manhood. If you didn't wear one, you were little better than a boy."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"Then it's a good thing you have one, isn't it?" says Steve with a low laugh.

He adds, stroking his thumb along Orpheus's cheekbone, "But I was thinking more of your mouth... your eyes... your skin..."

[golden_lyre]

"And do they suffer from the beard?" he asks softly.

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

Steve shakes his head, smiling. "They're beautiful. Every part of you is beautiful.

"I think the beard makes you more appealing to some people than others. I've never minded it--I like it. But you are really somethin' without it, honey."

[golden_lyre]

"Then I will keep shaving it, lovely."

[thekidfrombrooklyn]

"Thank you," Steve whispers and kisses him deeper.