Chapter Text
You sigh as you turn the key in the lock of the house you share with Tara, Eugene, Abraham, and Rosita. Your shift on guard duty has left you exhausted and you want nothing more than to lie down and get some rest. When you pass through the living room, you can’t help but notice Eugene sitting by the window. He has a book in his hands but it hasn’t been able to hold his attention. Instead, he stares absentmindedly out the window. “Hey, Genie, what’s on your mind?” you ask as you plop down onto the sofa next to him.
“Nothing of import,” he replies, continuing to stare. This was anything but his usual response. Normally he would go on about your poor choice of nickname for him given the fact that he does not live in a lamp or grant wishes.
“It’s obviously something, I can tell,” you reply, furrowing your brow, “You know you can talk to me right?”
“Affirmative,” Eugene answers with uncharacteristic brevity. You follow his gaze and realize what, or rather who, has been distracting him. Rosita stands not too far from the house, her back to the window with her hand on her hip as she talks to a group of survivors.
Jealousy begins to bubble inside you, though you knew you shouldn’t feel this way. Eugene was never yours and your crush on your best friend doesn’t justify preventing Eugene from being with Rosita, if that was what he really wanted. You do your best to mask your true feelings and be supportive.
“Rosita?” you ask gently.
“Affirmative,” he replies again. He sighs and looks down at the book in his hands. Eugene had been infatuated with Rosita ever since you’d met the pair, but she never seemed to give him the time of day; not to mention the fact that her interactions with Eugene are less than positive more often than not. The fact that Eugene is still interested in her despite the way she treats him is irritating to say the least.
“She’ll come to her senses eventually,” you try to assure him, placing a hand on his shoulder. There was a time he’d move away or freeze when you touched him, but your touch doesn’t vex him any longer.
“I’ve been thinking,” Eugene tells you, “Some women prefer men with experience and perhaps Rosita is of a similar notion. It would explain her apathy toward yours truly and toward the prospect of a relationship.”
“Some people might think that way,” you say with a shrug, “But just because you don’t have as much experience as some other people might, it doesn’t mean you should be overlooked.”
“Despite your efforts to bolster my confidence, I do not believe Rosita sees things in a similar light,” Eugene informs you, “In fact, I believe Rosita sees my severe lack of experience as a fault.”
“Oh, come on,” you say nudging his arm, “You’re making it sound like you’ve never even kissed a girl.”
“That would be correct,” Eugene confirms.
“You’re kidding,” you chuckle.
“I most certainly am not,” Eugene refutes, his cheeks turning a deep shade of red.
“Oh, God, Eugene, I’m so sorry,” you say, your laughter dying, “I didn’t think you were being serious. I didn’t mean to upset you, please forgive me.” You feel terrible for having upset and embarrassed him.
“You are forgiven,” Eugene mumbles, still refusing to look at you. There’s a long moment of silence as you try to think of something to say.
“You know, not having been kissed, it’s not that bad, really,” you tell him, finally breaking the silence, “If Rosita can’t get past something as silly as that, then she doesn’t deserve you in the first place.”
Eugene continues his silence, only speaking when you place your hand against his back in an attempt to comfort him. “Y/N, what would be the probability of you giving a positive response if I were to request a favor of you?” he questions.
“I guess that depends on the favor,” you answer.
“Would you be inclined to instruct me in how to kiss?” he asks.
“Oh, Eugene, I - I’m not sure-” you begin, but Eugene cuts you off.
“You would be compensated for your time and efforts,” he assures you, “I would repay you in any way you deem fit. Though, of course, if you still say no, I will respect that decision; however, I would be thankful if you would assist me in my endeavor.”
“Your first kiss should be special,” you reply, trying to skirt around his request without hurting his feelings, “And it should be with someone you love.” You quickly regret refusing him even though you know that if you so much as kiss him, you’ll be done for.
“While the kiss would be void of romantic feelings for both parties involved, I do not dare to imagine that it would result in anything less than special,” he informs you in his usual monotone, “You are one of my few and best friends. If you would be inclined to assist me, I would be forever grateful to you. Not to mention the fact that I cannot go to anyone else for assistance. You are the only one I trust enough to ask for something relating to this particular, personal matter.” His plea, and his trust in you, makes your heart melt.
“You really want to do this?” you ask, interrupting his rambling.
“Please,” Eugene requests, finally looking up at you with those blue puppy dog eyes, “I don’t want to be the cowardly loser that Rosita knows I am.” How could you say no to that face, even if you wanted to?
“Eugene, you’re neither of those things,” you tell him as you turn your body so that you’re facing him. Eugene sets his book on the sofa beside him as he looks at you in awe.
You cup his cheek as you lean in and press your lips to his. Eugene isn’t quite sure how to respond, but he slowly begins to follow your lead. Your tongue sweeps along his bottom lip and Eugene gasps. You take the opportunity to slip your tongue into his mouth, mapping it out. Eugene groans as you deepen the kiss.
You lose yourself in the kiss, your fingers tangling into his hair. A buzz of excitement runs through your veins and you continue to kiss him even as your heart breaks. There was no going back. You’ve loved him since you’d met him and you know you always will, even if he doesn’t return your feelings; even if he loves Rosita in a way he’ll never love you.
Eugene’s hands hover over your arms, unsure of how to touch you, or if he even should. Slowly, you take hold of his wrists and place his hands on your hips. Eugene squeezes gently, pulling a soft moan from you. The sound only serves to egg him on. His confidence seems to grow and you back off a little to see if he’ll take control of the kiss. As Eugene kisses you, one of his hands slides to the small of your back and he pulls you closer. In the blink of an eye, you’re straddling his lap.
“Y/N,” Eugene mutters against your lips. As he pulls you down against him, you can feel his growing erection beneath you. The feeling brings you back to reality and you know you have to stop things before they go too far. He’d asked you to kiss him, nothing more.
You pull away and break the kiss, leaving Eugene staring at you with wide eyes. “There,” you say as you settle back against the sofa, trying to hide the ache you feel in your chest, “Now you’ve had your first kiss.”
“Was I - did I perform adequately?” Eugene questions.
“You were perfect,” you tell him. Your praise makes Eugene smile.
“I recognize the fact that this is more than I have the right to ask of you, but what would be the probability of you granting me a second favor?” he questions.
“What kind of favor is it?” you ask in return.
“I was hoping that you would be inclined to teach me how to please a woman,” Eugene requests, “I have observed the act before in videos and … such; but for me, hands on experience, so to speak, is often the best method of learning.” He runs his hand nervously through his hair as he awaits your answer.
“When did you get so bold?” you tease him, nudging his arm out of nervousness. His cheeks turn bright red again.
“I acknowledge it is a lot to ask. If you don’t want to help me, I understand,” Eugene says, awkwardly looking away, “I am used to rejection and would never harbor you any ill will if you refuse. Please don’t feel pressured or -”
“Are you absolutely sure you want this … with me?” you question, cutting him off.
“Without a doubt,” Eugene answers, “But only if you are amenable of course. I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable because of me.”
This isn’t how you wanted things to be, by any means. You wanted Eugene to love you, not Rosita, but if this is the only way you can be with him, you aren’t sure you have it in you to pass up the opportunity. The fact that Eugene has placed so much trust in you only makes you want to help all the more. Even though you know you’ll likely regret it when everything was said and done, in this moment you want nothing more than to be with him in any way possible.
“I’ll help you, Eugene,” you promise him.
“You will?” he asks, his eyes lighting up, “Thank you, Y/N.” He wraps his arms around you and pulls you into a tight hug.