Riding on the crazy train

Name: Erik "String Master" Ivarsson
Age: 24
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Dyed black
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 170lbs
Race: Human
Ethnicity: Swedish
Gender: Soft Masculine Male
Sexuality: Bisexual (With a preference for older masculine men)

Profession:
Guitarist, painter, photgrapher arranger and composer.

Distinguishing marks:
Erik has a tattoo of a Nordic cross on his right shoulder. Also a Gibson guitar on his left shoulder.

Pets: A 5 year old Norwegian Elkhound called Sigge.

Abilities/talents:

A talented guitarist and artist, Erik can also play the ukulele and paint with oils and acrylics, as well as take decent photographs. A good swimmer and athletic. He has lots of stamina and is good at climbing and can herd reindeer better than his brother can. He's also good at sledging and can speak Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian and English.

Personality:

To most Erik can come off as a energetic and slightly crazy guitarist with a lot of energy to burn. Unlike his brother, Erik is the more mischievous of the two and often gets into trouble with the authorities for doing crazy stunts with his friends. He loves to drink and get high on coke like most rock stars and doesn't like so say no to anything. Aside from the energetic side, he can be very caring and has a warm heart. He is a very patient man and has a soft spot for animals. His choice of romantic partner tends to be that of an older man since he prefers mature people over boys his age.

Background:

Erik grew up in the northernmost city in Sweden, Kiruna. He and his brother, Hunter, rockin_thehousedown were born there amongst the locals who still adopted their tribal ways. When Hunter was 8 and Erik was 6 their parents moved to Stockholm because they were actors in Swedish language films. All the work was in the more populated cities and both boys had to adapt to a more modern way of life compared to the rural setting they left behind. Erik started showing interest in music at quite a young age. At around 7 he was bought his first instrument a ukulele, which his father bought him at a local music store in Stockholm. It was a child's sized one and Erik loved it, playing it wherever he went, just twanging on the strings until he got a good sound out of it. Trial by error. His brother, Hunter was more into singing, which he did loudly in the bath at home. This was before his music career kicked off in his late teens. As well as music, Erik is a talented painter, often painting people in his village and landscapes with oils and acrylics. Knowing there was more likely a career in music, he chose to pursue his dream job of being a guitarist.

As for Erik he was a bright student at school but a rebel at heart. His friends often dared him to do stupid things like climbing onto the school bus when it was parked up to moon at other kids. He did this and got in trouble more than once or twice. Aside from his chaotic pranks, Erik got through school and left at 16 wanting to take up music at college. He got his first real guitar at 17 because he decided he wanted to become a rock star. His first electric guitar was bought by his parents and was a 1955 Fender Stratocaster.

This was bought by his parents who were now making a lot of money through the Swedish language films they were acting in and some adult films along the way. The family was now very well off so Erik got sent to the best music school in Stockholm when he was 17 where he learnt to play his brand new guitar. The years after he moved around Europe playing solo at gigs he could get into and playing as sideman for a lot of new acts. It was mainly glam rock since that was the style of music both he and his brother were into. When Erik was around 21, Hunter formed his own band The Hammers and became lead singer for them. Erik, however, was on his own course wanting to play separately away from his brother to start his own band, but it never materialised.

Erik was more of a drifter than Hunter, ending up making new friends in bars and playing at shows and performances mainly around Scandinavia. He did end up going to the UK and New York a few times, hoping to bump into some famous rock stars. Guitar is his love and always will be.

Special people: Robert Sterling thisisgroundcontrol



Hunter "The Man" Ivarsson. My brother.

Erik stirred with a soft groan as his hand drifted over the soft furry chest of Robert who was sleeping in, currently reading a book with his glasses on. The young Swede next to him was naked as he was and warm. So very warm and comforting. The Brit smiled as he felt Erik's hand drift over his chest during the throws of drifting into a lighter stage of consciousness. They were in the cottage and Erik slowly opened his eyes and came to rest with his head on Robert's chest as he often used it as a soft pillow.

"You were talking in your sleep again."

Robert's soft words causing the young man to open his eyes a little wider, feeling the morning light from the bedroom window pierce his foggy gaze, instantly causing the boy to squint.

"I was?"

The Brit nodded, gently stroking his boyfriend's hair, loving the soft moments they shared together like this. Now that he was back home, Robert felt more at ease than he'd done in a long time. Erik yawned and was still half asleep.

"What was I saying?"

Robert chuckled a little.

"You were talking in Swedish so I didn't get most of it."

Erik rubbed at his eyes and wondered what time it was. Morning had broken and the sun was piercing through the clouds showering the bedroom in sunlight. The window was closed because it was winter and both men were in the UK where it was much cooler than LA. More akin to Erik's homeland but warmer.

"You smell nice."

Robert raised a curious eyebrow and kissed the young man on the forehead, loving how cute he was. Erik inhaling Robert's signature scent of gardens, leather, cologne and tea. Always tea. Also musk from working with animals. Erik loved it.

"It's 7 o'clock and I would have got up to make breakfast but you had your hands locked inside my hair."

Erik instantly burst into giggles because he always slept cuddling Robert with his fingers trapped inside the Brit's golden curls. It was nice and warm amongst other things. The Swede loved this just being close to his man alone.

"I don't want to get up."

Erik buried his face into Robert's neck, kissing it and letting his fingers slide through the older man's belly hair because he loved how it felt under his touch. Robert just sighed and smiled because they didn't need to get up just yet, did they? The animals though...

"You know I'll have to get up to feed and tend to the animals, Erik. You can help if you'd like."

The Swede looked up, nodding and then sleepily kissing Robert on the lips before putting his head back onto the chest pillow.

It had been a few days since Erik had come out of the hospital and was now walking with crutches, ambling along at his own pace while still keeping that cheeky smile plastered to his youthful face. He wasn't going to let his injury get him down and stop him doing his guitar playing and painting because he didn't want the thugs to win.

He was the one who would win and get better because he owed Rekker a thanks because of the man's actions and indeed sacrifice of chasing down the thugs who attacked him. The ginger Brit had been caught of course and could face being locked away at some institution or worse. Erik just couldn't stomach that so had decided to get Rekker something. Or rather, make him something.

"Hej, everyone! I'm back!"

Erik was now walking through the hotel doors and ambling into the lobby walking on two crutches, smiling and beaming being his usual self. The pain was still there throbbing gently where his stitches were underneath the bandage on his thigh. He was wearing loose fitting pants so the fabric wouldn't rub where he'd been bandaged up. How long had he been in the hospital with Robert at his side? A few days at least. The young Swede couldn't wait until the doctors gave him the all clear and eventually discharged him from hospital so he could carry on resting up back at the hotel.

"I've missed everyone and---I've got a present for Rekker. Where is Rekker?"

The guitarist clutching his present underneath his right arm, while he walked on his crutches. Surely, the ginger Brit was about with his loud blond. Bjorn might be back at the mansion with him but Erik hoped he would be at the hotel since it was still early in the afternoon. He'd worked on the present while laid up in the hospital bed, enjoying Robert's company and the cards and things he'd received from various members of the tour. It really was touching.

For Nexus Prompt: 1. A practical joke gone wrong.

It was all set. The prank Erik, Billy, Fredrik and Hjalmar had thought up was perfect. Foolproof. Billy would get all the tarts in one place at one time while Erik and Fredrik would pelt them all with waterbombs filled with glue, glitter hearts and syrup. All sticky and disgusting. Perfect for getting back at the bitchy-mouthed tarts. Fredrik came out of Billy's room and was wiping his hands down his front, trying to get some of the glue off.

"I think we're all ready now, Erik. This will be hilarious!"

Fredrik giggling as he was now shoulder bumper by Hjalmar who came to join them. Billy was soon following Fredrik out of the room with a basket full of the bombs.

Billy's job was to draw the tarts out of their rooms and tell them that someone from a fashion magazine was downstairs waiting to take their photo for a famous LA magazine. Fredrik and Hjalmar had been busy making up the bombs using cheap balloons from the local store along with some red glittery hearts and some sugar syrup. The glue wasn't that strong so they should be able to wash it out of their hair. Or maybe it would take several washes. It was all fun! The tarts would get showered in glue and glitter hearts.

"Ok, so Hjalmar, you get the tarts to stand in the corridor together. That will be Gilly, Lars, Hunter and possibly Bjorn."

Erik giving out the orders as the others nodded. Right, it was time to get this show on the road. Billy smirking as he watched Hjalmar knock on Gilly, Hunter, Lars and Bjorn's room doors. He knocked loudly as all four tarty band members were wondering what was going on. Bjorn coming out behind Lars, who looked tired.

"What the hell is this all about? I was trying to sleep! You rude---"

Bjorn beginning to shout and scream as he pushed his unkempt blond hair away from his face as Billy nodded, giving Erik, Fredrik and Hjalmar the cue to throw the bombs. Fredrik drew out a bomb from the basket first with his quick reactions and aimed for Bjorn's head. Suddenly, a large ginger man appeared next to Bjorn. Rekker.

Oh god.

Fredrik was already launching the bomb now straight towards Bjorn but it was off course. Now veering to where Rekker was standing it hit the ginger Brit square on the shoulder. Oh no! The young Swede bassist gasped and then went to hide behind Erik because everyone knew how bad Rekker's temper was.

"Oh, it was meant for Bjorn! Not---"

Billy just going wide-eyed glancing between the other pranksters knowing the whole thing had gone wrong. Rekker now storming over, grabbing the whole basket of bombs, snatching it off the floor and growling. He was not happy at all. Not saying another word he smashed a bomb over each of the heads of the pranksters. Billy, Erik, Hjalmar and Fredrik now all covered in a mess of glue, red glitter hearts and sugar syrup stuck to their hair.

"Ugh! This stuff stinks! Yuck!---"

Fredrik pawing at his long blond hair now lank and sticky with the glue. The red glitter hearts shimmered in his blond tresses as Hjalmar just laughed because it was still funny regardless even if he too was now covered in the gloop. Lars, Hunter, Gilly and Bjorn were laughing but Rekker wasn't. He was still pissed because he had the glue and crap on his shoulder. Throwing the basket at full force towards Hjalmar causing the drunken guitarist to duck.

"Sorry---it was a mistake."

Rekker just scowled as Bjorn kissed his cheek.

"You bet it was a mistake. Idiots. You can spend hours trying to get this crap out of your hair. See how you like it. I'm going to shower."

Moving back into his room he slammed the door behind him. Bjorn following with a kiss blown at all the pranksters. Hunter just shaking his head but smirking because it was funny. Gilly sticking his tongue out and Lars rolling his eyes and making a disgusted face. Erik snorted out a small giggle because it was sort of funny. They all looked a right mess!

"Wait until Robert sees me like this! Oh, next time we'll get the tarts properly. No hitting Rekker."

The prank had gone terribly wrong.

For Nexus Prompt; 5. Making breakfast isn't just for mornings.

"It's nearly ready, sötnos! Just give me a few minutes to finish."

Erik called to Robert who was in the shower. The young Swede was cooking breakfast for them both apart from it wasn't early morning as such, more the middle of the night. It was pitch black outside yet the hotel inside was still buzzing with activity. The bands just coming back from their performances, still amped up with energy. It was currently 2am and Robert had just come back from driving the limo from the performance venue with the bands. Tired and needing a shower the Brit was now dousing himself in the hot jets in the bathroom while his young man made breakfast. It was Erik's idea of course because why should breakfast just be for mornings!

The eggs were nicely done as was the toast, just crispy enough so that the edges of the bread were nicely browned off. Not burnt. Hunter had taught his younger brother how to make a decent egg on toast and it seemed Erik had listened and learned. Placing the eggs out from the pan and onto the toast he then presented it onto a nice clean plate. The telltale sign of the shower door closing could be heard which meant Robert had finished his hot shower and would soon be ready to eat.

"I know you'll like this."

Erik moving to place the plate of eggs on toast onto the table as the Swede pushed some of his jet black hair from his face. Robert entering the bedroom in nothing but his night robe as he sometimes did with instantly inhaling the smell of cooked eggs. Breakfast at 2am? Of course. He tightened the robe's tie as he walked towards the the table. The telltale sign on the young Swede's face was all too clear to Robert that something was up.

"This is for me? You didn't need to go to the trouble, Erik. It's two O'clock in the morning."

Robert just coming over to ruffle his lover's hair up and offer a gentle kiss to the Swede's cheek. Erik giggled and then sat down opposite the Brit on the table hoping he liked what he made. Sitting down Robert pushed some of his damp curls away from his face and then took the fork Erik was now keenly offering him.

"It does smell delicious. You learnt to cook like this yourself?"

Erik smirked and nodded. Hunter did help him but he learnt this himself in his own way of cooking simple things. He didn't spend hours in the kitchen like Hunter did but liked to do the odd thing now and then when he wasn't playing guitar or painting.

"Hunter helped teach me but it was mostly me."

Nodding silently, Robert began tucking into his eggs on toast and found it to be delicious. The cheeky Swede had outdone himself this time and he'd have to make a note of this. Erik's egg on toast was perfect almost by the way the boy had gotten the consistency of the egg and the crispiness with the toast. Not being too drunk either, Erik had given Robert a very nice early morning snack. Very early morning.

"Thank you, Erik. It was delicious. Remind me to cook something up for you but perhaps at not such a late hour. How about we have a glass of wine together and then settle down for some sleep?"

The young Swede smiled broadly, nodding as he got up to put the dirty plate in the sink and then came back to hug his Fluffig. He loved Robert and little things like this really mattered to him because this is what people in love did.

Erik mumbled in his sleep as he rolled over and then yawned. What time was it? Was it even morning yet? The Swede groaned sleepily and then could feel sleep pulling him back into the land of dreams. Wasn't he supposed to be cooking with Robert today? That's what they talked about last night didn't they? The guitarist nuzzled into the pillow and felt too tired to get up.

"Sötnos?"

It came out as a tired mumble more than anything because Erik just assumed Robert was already up and awake since the bed felt empty and not as warm as it has been when the fluffy Brit was there. Half-asleep Erik rubbed at his eyes and scratched his head before slumping back underneath the covers.

For Nexus writing prompt: 2. A day when every little thing seems to go wrong.#


Today was the day where both Erik and Hjalmar had to replant the flowers they had crushed when falling into the hotel flowerbeds drunk. It wasn't intentional of course it was more Hjalmar had stumbled out of the hotel after an evening of heavy drinking and had found himself somehow outside in the flower beds behind the hotel. Erik, who had been caught relieving himself at the back of the hotel because he too was drunk managed to get pulled down into the flowers next to Hjalmar. Two hapless drunken Swedes running amok in the hotel's garden.

Then Tom came outside and saw them.

That was yesterday. Erik and Hjalmar both walked outside bleary-eyed hungover and groggy feeling the morning sun piercing their eyes. It was too early! Tom and Robert were making the two Swedes replant the hotel's flowers because it was the right thing to do.

"Do we have to do this? It's total---"

Hjalmar's whining cut off by Tom coming outside, holding a mug of tea in his hand, sipping at it slowly, whilst watching the two rock stars. Tutting at the older Swede's negative attitude the astronaut waved a finger at Hjalmar offering a pissed off glare. These two needed to learn that crushing people's flowers was just not on. Beside Erik's feet was a bag of compost, some garden forks and a spade. Alongside were some fresh flowers waiting to be planted.

"There you are, boys. Fresh flowers to go into the ground where your drunken asses squashed the last lot. Robert will be much happier with you Erik if you plant them."

Erik just going wide-eyed and nodding. He didn't want to disappoint his fluffy teddy bear so instantly began digging the dirt up with the spade, noticing it was ruining his shoes. Oh well. What else could go wrong today since both rock stars woke up with splitting head aches and hadn't even had breakfast yet. What time even was it? 6am? Damn. Way to early!

"Let me do some digging too, Erik. I want to make some holes to put the flowers in."

Hjalmar taking the spade from Erik now digging some holes and groaning because of his pounding head. It felt like someone had snatched the spade from him and smacked him over the head with it. Erik's own head pulsing like a bitch. Tom just stood by the wall of the hotel watching the boys to make sure they'd plant the flowers properly without leaving.

"Make sure you dig them in deep. The roots need enough soil around them."

Tom knew Robert was more into this than him but the driver was currently busy driving people around in the limo. Some of the bands had an early practice at the venues. These cheeky boys would have to learn their lesson before they would drink again. Hjalmar dug the holes then wiped his forehead with the back of his soil-caked hand.

"Can we go in now, old man? We've done the digging. Can't you get one of the hotel staff to do the rest?"

Hjalmar already wanting to give up. Erik shook his head pushing the other Swede a little in anger. No. They had to do this even it meant hard work and getting dirty with soil. Tom chuckled and shook his head too. Nope. They'd have to do it. Tom meant what he said.

"Come on, we can do this."

Erik determined, grabbing the fork as he began to plant some of the flowers into the freshly dug holes. The Swede suddenly cried out in pain as his hand brushed a thorn from a nearby spiky weed. Ouch. He winced as he pulled the tiny shard of spike out of his finger. There wasn't any blood but it hurt! Tom just rolled his eyes at Erik's misfortune as he downed the rest of his tea but not moving. Oh no. He would make sure the job was done.

"A weed thorn got me!"

The guitarist then bashing the weed with the fork, proceeding to yank it out with the fork blades, tossing it behind him. Hjalmar felt the weed hit him square in the chest because Erik wasn't looking where he was flinging it. Soil and bits of weed now smeared the Swede's shirt. Erik! You clumsy---

"Watch what you are doing! You threw bits of weed and soil at me. Ungh---my head."

Hjalmar gripping his forehead as a bout of nausea threatened to overwhelm him. So far he wasn't doing much gardening but watching Erik do it instead. If he bent down to dig or put flowers in he might throw up so he decided to just pass the flowers slowly to Erik as the guitarist planted them. Soon, the boys had finished and Erik was filthy with soil caked to his fingernails and his clothes. Hjalmar yawned and then turned to see Tom smiling and nodding.

"Alright, boys. Back inside. Not a bad job considering you two pissheads aren't gardeners. Robert should be pleased."

Shooting a sly wink to Erik, Tom disappeared back inside the hotel to read his paper and steer clear of anymore band craziness. Hjalmar and Erik walked back inside needing some rest.

Erik had his painting canvas propped up on his easel as he was now standing in the middle of the Plaza area, delving about in his leather painter's bag for some oil paints. He'd got his wooden palette already covered in an array of different colours which were swished across in painted dabs on the wood. Big blobs of blue, white, black and yellow were covering it since he was painting a sky portrait. The clouds slowly drifting across the Plaza sky, slow and lazy. The guitarist's instrument nowhere to be seen today as he was on a break from touring just for a few days before delving back through the portal into the crazy world of LA. The PINpoint was his go to when he wanted to leave the Nexus and head back to the LA hotel in which he was staying at. Robert's hotel room to be precise. Ziggy's limo driver.

"Where is it? I thought I brought it with me. Var är du? Säg inte att jag lämnade dig på hotellet."

The Swede shifting back into his own language because he often did when upset or worried. The worry now being he thought he'd left his favourite small paintbrush with the tiny head back home. Or, rather, back in the LA hotel room in which all his art stuff was currently being stored in. Damn. Sighing, he pulled out a slightly bigger brush and began swiping the rather worn bristle head into some blue paint and then across the canvas. He had painted a few clouds and blue sky but it was far from finished. Erik often enjoyed the break from the chaos which was the world of being a rock star. Sometimes, the pressure got too much and the young Swede withdrew to dissolve himself inside of a sketchbook or canvas. That's if he wasn't absorbed in his music, plucking away on his strings of his electric guitar.

"Don't you ever worry when you've left something behind and then can't remember where you've put it?"

That part infuriated the guitarist. His question directed towards anyone who may be curious about his painting or those wandering around the Plaza doing some shopping or out for a drink or bite to eat.

For Hand holding 39: Holding hands in a museum Botanical Gardens or Zoo to pull them to the next exhibition - Erik/Robert

"Come on, sötnos! There is a huge snake in this tank here. He looks hungry."

Erik had his camera draped around his neck on a strap as he went to pull Robert's hand, tugging him along towards the next exhibit inside the reptile house within the Botanical Zoo and Gardens. Along with flora there was some interesting fauna to view and the young Swede had made Robert come inside the reptile house with him. He had taken some pictures of plants and animals which he would use as possible prints for his sketches and art later on. Squeezing the Brit's hand, Erik then leant into his lover, pressing a kiss to his cheek. They were alone inside the reptile house since it was now evening and a few hours before the museum closed for the night.

"Are you enjoying yourself? We could kiss and cuddle in here too if you like."

A cheeky wink and the guitarist reached around to slip a hand up Robert's neck to tickle inside his mass of curls. Of course he was on good behaviour because they were in public and the Swede knew Robert wasn't as daring or outlandish as the other rock stars regarding public lewdness. Robert smiled back at his boyish Swede and then shot a slight disapproving look.

"I'm not doing anything lewd in here with you, Erik. We don't want the animals watching us, do we?"

The Swede grinned and then giggled, stepping back slightly, taking a photo of Robert right there and then. The Brit just shaking his head, laughing softly. Erik was such a boy and his boundless energy had the driver run off his feet some days. But then life with rock stars--he had adapted to that but having a lover who was one was proving to be even more of a commitment. Erik kissed the tip of Robert's nose while they were still alone inside the reptile exhibit and then tugged on some of his hair.

"How about I buy you a big, cute fluffy toy in the museum shop? A huge teddy bear because you are one."

Robert just stared at Erik incredulously but loved how sweet the younger man could be. He slipped his hand into Erik's and squeezed it, just glad to have the guitarist close and to be spending some quality time outside of the usual craziness.

"Do I get to buy you one too, älskling?"

Erik nodded and then took a few photos of the large Rock python curled up in a ball inside his enclosure. He then turned back to Robert, nuzzling into the man's neck, holding him close. If anyone walked inside the enclosure now then so what? They could stare. Erik loved his big fluffy sugar daddy teddy bear. Both men eventually made their way out of the reptile house and into the large museum shop. It had everything and Erik made a beeline towards the large stuffed animals by the counter desk.

"Oh look! This one is you, sötnos! A Robert bear!"

The Swede giggled and pulled off the huge brown grizzly bear toy from the shelf practically thrusting into Robert's face. The Brit laughed and found it amusing but it was bloody huge! Where would they even put it back in the hotel room? Erik didn't care. He was already grabbing it and paying for it at the desk. Robert just went along with it as he always did but didn't leave the shop without getting Erik a little something. He picked up a small reindeer toy which had soft antlers and looked rather life-like. Offering it up to the Swede once he paid for it, Robert smiled at seeing Erik's young boyish face light up in joy.

"Oh, it's so cute! Thank you."

He kissed Robert on the cheek in front of everyone then walked out with his sugar daddy holding a huge bear toy. What would Joe or Aarne say about it? No doubt the hotel would find out soon enough.