Work Text:
The clean, blank page of his notebook stares back at him. With a pen in hand, he's ready to spread ink across the page. Words are formed so carefully, despite this only being notes for his upcoming novel. Orpheus plans everything out precisely to the smallest details. He leaves no room for error even in his brainstorming.
No one else is allowed to see what this notebook contains. The last thing he wants is unwanted eyes trying to steal his work. Granted, he doubts that no one in this manor would dare try it; he'd rather be safe than sorry.
Despite his caution as this page fills up with dark ink, he isn't alone. Sitting across from him is none other than the professor, Luchino Diruse.
The novelist enjoys his company. He never poked or pried at his writings and could provide some great intellectual banter. Although he had to make sure the topic didn't end up landing in the professor's field of study, or else he'd find himself with unwanted reptilian facts. While they were interesting, they provided no use to his creations. The thought of adding someone obsessed with reptiles in a novel had crossed his mind a few times, though.
Luchino keeps to himself for the most part. He wraps himself up in his own research, flipping through a book on reptiles or whatever else may interest him. If he wasn't working on something scientific, he was most likely flipping through a book.
Perhaps that is why Orpheus enjoys his presence. When the chatter dies down, he can hear the page of a book being turned, the subtle change in breathing whenever he stumbles over new or old information. While the professor didn't read fiction regularly, when he did, it would bring up comments for small discussions.
Writing on his own is what he's used to, but now he's growing used to having a partner with him.
If only he could cover up that blatant display of exposed skin.
The novelist isn't sure when he started to become...distracted. At first, Orpheus never minded how the professor dressed himself. Plenty at the manor have distinct outfits for their unique personalities. Luchino's clothes were relatively normal aside from one small feature.
The man never buttoned up his shirt completely. The buttons at his collar never met, always left open for his chest to be out. Mostly, anyway. It wasn't open at an indecent level, but it's clear that Luchino didn't have an interest in covering up more skin. The only time he bothered to do so was when the temperature dropped. Even then, the novelist suspected that underneath a sweater, his shirt wasn't buttoned up all the way.
What makes this worse is the fact that Orpheus found his eyes traveling towards his exposed chest. It started as small glances, but the more time they spent with each other, the more the novelist stared at the professor's chest.
He knows he shouldn't be staring. It's rude and uncalled for. But he can't help but lift his eyes from his notebook and watch as his chest rises and falls with every breath. If he caught Luchino moving, flipping a page of his book, sometimes he could see patches of green shining against his flesh. Most of his scales were kept hidden, but Orpheus knew where the more prominent spots were on his torso.
"Ahem."
Luchino clears his throat, his gaze drifting from his book in his sharp hands to the novelist himself. The professor wears a grin, and Orpheus has a feeling that he has been caught.
"You're staring."
Orpheus was right. Instinctually, the novelist looks down to avoid having his gaze flick back to his chest. In doing so, he sees when his pen stops moving over the paper. With a quick glance at the last words written down, he feels embarrassed. When had he started to write about Luchino's chest rather than notes of his own novel?
"Sorry," Orpheus coughs out quickly. He turns his head, a hand covering his mouth as he clears his throat. The novelist needs to learn to be more efficient at hiding his gaze.
"It's alright," Luchino brushes his apology off, yet there is a curious glint in his eyes. "I've noticed that you do seem to eye me frequently. Is there a reason why?"
Observant, as usual. A professor needs to be after all. Perhaps the novelist is becoming sloppy in what he does. Or maybe this man just makes him lower his guard without even knowing.
"No reason." It's a poor excuse, even for him. "I was just thinking, is all."
"While staring at me?" The professor hums as he sets his book down. He straightens his back, stretching slightly. That causes him to puff out his chest, the fabric straining against his flesh. And he does this all so nonchalantly.
Orpheus snaps his notebook shut. Whether this is intentional or not, he doesn't need the provocation.
"Does it bother you?" He asks defensively.
Luchino hums in thought. His sharp nail tapped against the cover of the book. His eyes never return to the book, but rather stay focused on the human sitting across from him.
"No, not really. I suppose if it helps you with your writing, I don't mind."
The professor smiles, a look of intrigue flashing in his eyes. It wasn't often he saw Orpheus like this. And he liked it. Perhaps he could push him a little more.
"And if you're ever curious ," Luchino pauses as he slowly gets to his feet. He walks around the table, passing by Orpheus. "You can always ask for a better view."
As Luchino continues his walk out of the room, Orpheus is glad that he doesn't have a drink or else he'd nearly choke on it.