Eugene giggled, listening to Sasha's rambling. He almost found it… adorable. Of course, he'd never admit that. Once the other had finished talking, he answered. "Yeah, I do have working heat. I'd actually die if I didn't have any. And I parked about a block away, but we're almost there." He said, turning a corner. His car was a few houses down.
"I'm so glad you could park a block away in the world's largest neighborhood. I'll be able to meet my exercise quota for the year thanks to you," Sasha said, gently tapping the stick against the sidewalk as they moved, "Say… what's your opinion on birds? This is a very important question so be truthful."
Eugene could only laugh, that was definitely the best conversation starter he had ever heard. "Birds? Well, gotta love 'em. Except pigeons, since we all know they're spies for the government. If I wasn't so afraid of heights, I'd love to be one." He explained with a large smile. "Oh, but if I were a bird I wouldn't be able to bake or play volleyball, so I take that back."
"Woah there, hold up. You'd trade out being a bird to bake and play volleyball? I'm almost disappointed in you," Sasha said, pouting in Eugene's direction. "Then again, if I were a bird, I'd still be able to do the exact same things as I do now; eat, sleep, and avoid people."
Sasha went silent for a second before continuing his thoughts. "At least you like birds. You should come inside for a second once you get me home to meet my bird! He's a Cockatiel named Naga, like the mythical creature."
"Okay, okay, okay. But to be fair, I've played volleyball since middle school and I'm aiming to be the ace our senior year. That's a big deal, you know? And baking? My grandparents taught me how to bake so I could help at their bakery. I'm gonna get a tattoo of baking utensils one of these days, just you wait." Eugene explained defensively. If he was offered one million dollars, but he had to give up baking and volleyball forever, he would decline the offer.
"Just wait 'till you try one of my baked goods, then you'll understand. But yeah, I'm down to see your bird."
"Get a tattoo of baking utensils and I'm never looking you in the eyes ever again," Sasha chuckled, "On the other hand, does this mean I'm getting cookies? Chocolate chip pecan sounds good but I suppose it's really up to you," he stopped talking as they came up to a row of parked cars. "So uh, which car is yours?"
"I see how it is. You just don't appreciate how sentimental I am and the art of baking. But yes, that does mean you're getting cookies. I'll surprise you." Eugene kept walking, not bothering to see if Sasha was following him. He had an old, yellow Volkswagon Beetle. "This beauty right here." He said with a bright smile, unlocking the car.
"I appreciate the art of baking when I get to eat it," Sasha said, climbing into the passenger seat, "I live in the next neighborhood over, it's only like 10 miles. Hopefully, you know which one I'm talking about."
Sasha was quick to buckle himself in and turn on the heat- without permission, of course, but he didn't think Eugene minded at all.
"Perfect, maybe you'll accept my tattoo idea once you have my cookies." Eugene buckled himself in as well. He didn't start driving yet though, he wanted to wait until the car warmed up a bit more. "Also, I do know this neighborhood pretty well. But if I make a wrong turn, just yell at me or something."
"Very well. On the subject of tattoos, would it be bad to get a matching tramp stamp with my sister?" Sasha asked, looking up at the roof of the car as he spoke, "We've been planning since she was 9 and I was 12. She still thinks crowns would be a good idea, but I'm more for like, crossed daggers or something more badass. Then again, maybe a tramp stamp is a bit… inappropriate," he mumbled, letting out a loud sigh.
Eugene giggled at the idea. "Well, that is definitely an idea. I mean, honestly, that sounds pretty cool. But it could be a little inappropriate. Then again, you gotta add a little spice to your life from time to time." He said, considering both sides. "As for the idea, you could compromise. Have a crown in the middle and two daggers on an outward angle on either side of the crown. Like a crown and dagger ice cream cone." He suggested, hoping the other understood his explanation.
"I see what you're thinking, but as I've always said," Sasha replied, "Death before dishonor! A crown would be too flashy in any situation, and I'd feel sorry for the artist who gets stuck tattooing that near my ass. Maybe I'll rope her into getting something more simple like… the sun and moon with a few stars? She's a bit of an astrology geek so she'll probably suggest the stars are in the shape of our zodiac or something."
Sasha leaned back into his seat. "Enough about tattoos, though. How'd you get into volleyball?"
Eugene nodded, listening to Sasha. He realized they were already talking like they were good friends. A rush of happiness washed over him. Not realizing it, his mind had drifted off a little. Although, he was brought back hearing Sasha's question.
"Well, when I was in elementary school, I went with my friend to watch his sister's volleyball game. I was amazed. The power of the ball, the long rallies, and the teamwork involved. Right into middle school, I joined the boy's team. As amazing as it looked and no matter how fun it was in gym class, it was so much work and I was not very good to start. I thought about quitting so many times. But since we had already paid the fees, it would be a waste of money to actually quit. At the end of the season, I was a regular. So obviously the hard work paid off. And I've been playing as a regular since." He explained, reminiscing on it all.
"Cool, cool," Alexander said, "Is your friend's sister hot by any chance? Or did you actually just want to see her play?" he asked, giving Eugene a side-glance. "Y'know the only reason I'm into birds now is that I went over to the house of someone I had a huge crush on at the time. They had three budgies and through association with that person, I began to absolutely adore birds."
"Well… it was actually my friend that I found hot," Eugene admitted with a nervous chuckle. "Of course, I didn't quite realize that until a few years later. But if it had been any of my other friends I would have not wanted to go." Finally warm, Gene started driving towards Sasha's house. "But here I am, in love with baking and volleyball since I'm forever alone at this point."
"Oh, okay," Sasha responded, "I feel ya on the forever alone part. It's okay though, cause I've taught Naga to tell me that he loves me. I've also… taught him how to curse like a sailor on accident," he said, face going a little red at the last part. "When we get inside, don't be surprised if he's making kissing noises or yelling 'get your ass in here'. Also, if we're unlucky, my entire family will be up playing Mario Kart. Just a bit of a warning in case you'd like to run rather than enter the fortress of doom."
Eugene giggled. "Well, at least you have a pet, especially one that can talk. My dad is against pets of any kind. He'd rather sell the house and everything inside it than have even a goldfish. That's one of the many reasons I got koi fish tats, and they're pretty visible too." He glanced over at Sasha, a bright smile on his face. "But why would your family be playing Mario Kart this late? My parents are probably asleep and my sister… who knows what she does."
Sasha sighed dramatically. "My family is a bunch of loons. Knowing my mother she probably roped my father into making a full-course meal so they can interrogate me about what happened at the party while we eat. The interrogation could stretch into the early morning, maybe even the next day," he said, a smile on his face as he imagined what food he might be welcomed home with.
Eugene couldn't keep a smile off his face. "Maybe I shouldn't come in then. That might complicate things more than they need to be." He said while turning onto a street. "This is the right road, right?" He asked, glancing over once again.
"This is the road but like," Sasha turned to Eugene, making his best puppy-dog eyes, "You've got to come in to see Naga. He's adorable. Very adorable. He'll sit on your shoulder, maybe even nuzzle your arm. It's worth the hassle my parents provide, I swear," he finished, his foot visibly bouncing as his house came closer and closer.
Oh fuck. That was adorable. Eugene had thought, opting for keeping his eyes on the road. "Well, you've convinced me. If you say it's worth it, I guess I'd better come inside." He said, smiling. Slowing down the car to make sure he didn't miss the house, he realized, he didn't actually know which house was Sasha's. "Hey, which one of these is your's?"
"The dark blue one, with the wooden porch swing," Sasha said, pointing in the direction of his house as well. The lights inside were on, and sure enough, his family could be seen playing Mario Kart through the front window. "Please don't respond when my family asks astonishingly invasive questions to try and scare you off, just head straight for the birdcage and they'll stop."
"Ah why? That's rude and I ain't about that life." Eugene giggled and soon pulled into the driveway of Sasha's house. He honestly loved the sound of Sasha's family. He almost got the feeling that they would have been the 'cool' family in elementary school and everyone would want to go to Sasha's house to hang out.
Sasha was quick to unbuckle and get out of the card, making sure to smooth out his clothes before approaching the front door. Right as his hand went to grasp the knob on the front door, Sasha spun around to face Eugene.
"One more warning; my sister is delusional and thinks every male on the planet would like to date her. She may flirt, but she may also flat-out ignore or hate you," he said in a slightly-hushed tone. "Just… don't say anything about her appearance no matter how much she presses you about it."
Eugene unbuckled and locked the car. He followed behind Sasha and was surprised at the other's sudden warning. He just nodded with, at this point, a smile stuck on his face. This had definitely been a turn in events. He had expected to stay in a corner all night then help clean up and give the people, unable to drive, rides. But this was definitely better.
The second Alexander opened the door it was like all hell had broken loose-his family started shouting for him, a dog ran to the entry hall and started barking, and Naga the cockatiel could be heard screaming 'Sasha'.
"Goddamnit. Get back, Laika, back!" Sasha yelled, trying to push past the dog who was clearly excited by Eugene's presence. Once Laika tailed back into the living room, a new obstacle appeared- his younger sister. Her eyes instantly went to look Eugene up and down before she let out a low whistle.
"Kristen. You're literally 13. Stop it. He could be rabid for all you know. He could punch you in the face and run to never be seen again," Sasha said, quickly turning to give Eugene an apologetic look. "He's here to see Naga, not you."
Eugene blinked, already a little overwhelmed. He petted the dog, kneeling down a little. Hearing Sasha's hypothetical description of him he giggled. "Rawr. Fear me, child." He said in a sarcastic, yet nonchalant voice. Of course, being him he wasn't able to stop himself from another little laugh as well as a smile from appearing on his lips. He stood up all the way and put his focus back on Sasha and Kristen.
"I'm marrying him when I'm old enough providing he likes girls. Just you wait, Sasha," Kirsten said, a venomous smile on her face as she melted away into the kitchen- presumeable
"Yeah, you do that, champ," he said, now guiding Eugene to the living room where (sadly) both his parents and Naga were. They both turned to look at Eugene, but said nothing, rather nodding at each other and then turning their attention back to Mario Kart.
"Uh, mom, dad? Say hi to Eugene? Please? That was weird. Like, really weird," Sasha said, chuckling nervously as he finished his sentence.
Eugene stayed quiet as Kirsten left and they went to the living room. He got a glimpse of Naga but was focused on Sasha's parents. He really didn't know what to do or say. He didn't want to appear rude by ignoring them but he didn't want to seem annoying by interrupting their game and talking. Then he realized he was thinking all of this and questioned himself even more. Why did he care so much about what Sasha's parents thought of him? He only met the guy less than an hour before, so he shouldn't be so worried about impressions.
"Hi, Eugene," the two said before Sasha's mother started bombarding the poor boy with questions. "How old are you? Where'd you meet Sasha? Are you drunk? What are your intentions with our son?"
Sasha sighed very loudly as he fidgeted with Naga's cage, eager to show off the bird and get Eugene out as soon as possible so he wouldn't have to put up with his parents.
"Ma, chill with the questions, would you? He's chill," Sasha yelled over his mother whilst trying to coax Naga from his cage.