He was almost glad to be home, the safety of his studio apartment welcoming in contrast to wild array of patterns and colors that made up Milla's large home. The muted colors of his walls and low light from the sunroof over head which let early dawn sunrise seep into the studio apartment. It felt more like home than anything else to the German man by this point. He slid off his coat and shoes, taking a moment to ensure they were in their proper places before he lurched over to his bed. He falling back onto his ratty futon with a low thump. Just missing his pillow as he let most of his legs hang off of the end of the bed. Just content to watch the sunrise slowly come to fruition as he lay there. Embarrassment and shame burning low in his belly as he clasped his hands atop his chest. If he had been a melodramatic teenager he would have wished himself dead.

He felt guilty for what happened last night and for bailing on Milla before she woke up. A flimsy excuse of needing to work on some paper work more than likely not going to be enough to deter Milla from calling him later. He knew his girlfriend, she would be a buzz with concern. Milla wasn't one to let things go very easily. This was going to be one of those things. He already knew that much.

"Damn it," he breathed to himself as he strewn his arm over his face. Moping openly already able to conjure up excuses Milla would make up for what happened.

He twisted around where he lay, eventually sitting up to get off his bed. If he was going to mope, he was going to be comfortable. He dropped his clothing into his laundry basket, for once not really caring to fold anything. Plucking the pajama's he left folded on his dresser for himself and pulling them on. He collapsing onto the bed once again, reaching out to grab a pillow to cover his head.

He gave into melodrama for a moment and vaguely hoped he would accidentally smother himself in his sleep.

####

The reverberation of the phone was what woke him up first, the shrill ringing was what got him next. It making Eddie growl a little as he reached out to grab onto his phone. His voice low and half gravelly as he answered it, "What?"

"Good to see you're in such a pleasant mood,"

"Sasha? Sup?"

"I was wondering if you'd be free tomorrow or Wednesday, I'd like to talk to you about something important,"

"Somethin' important?"

"Important enough that I would rather discuss it in person,"

"Yeah, yeah, sure, and I don't got a preference for a place or time. So we can go- whenever, long as it's not now," Eddie squirmed where he lay, the small mattress on the floor hardly able to hold the broad set man. Eddie's leg half hanging off of the old uncovered mattress as he tried his best to get comfortable again. It not likely he would be able to get comfortable anytime soon.

Eddie's sleep filled words warranted a low laugh from the German man. "Not now, I've just gotten home myself,"

"Ooh, late night with Milla?" He waggled his brows along with his words. Not surprised by this bit of news considering Milla had been all over Sasha the night before. Always looping her arms with his, leaning into him and stealing kisses. Eddie half expected to get cavities from the display. The two were intensely sweet on one another.

Sasha's amusement drained at that, doing his best not to sound uncomfortable at the mention of his girlfriend. "One could say that,"

Eddie opted not to comment on it as he teased the German man. "There you go again, being fuckin' mysterious,"

The green skinned man was able squash his uncertainty to bring up a deadpan. "I am a man of mystery, Mr. Riggs,"

"Yeah, yeah, just- pick a day, place and time, Mystery," He let his cheek squash against a rumpled pillow. "Just remember, man its like the 26th now, shit ain't even gonna be open today,"

"Ah, true," Eddie heard Sasha shifting the phone around as he spoke again, "Then lets say, Wednesday at Vivian's, 4pm?"

"Sounds good to me, that place is really close by, I'll meet you outside,"

"See you then, Mr. Riggs,"

"Right, see you, man of Mystery,"

With that Eddie hung up, depositing his cellphone on the floor as he moved around again to vaguely try to stay in one spot. Though he speculated he would wake up on the other side of the room with how much he was moving tonight. His thoughts lingering on the German man, half surprised Sasha had even called him like that.

####

He dug his heels into the icy ground as he lingered near the entrance of the diner. The German man chewing his bottom lip awkwardly. He just waiting it out as he wondered why he called Eddie of all people. It wasn't like the other man didn't know Milla, he proved he was friendly enough with her when the two started talking music in the middle of the party.

The only thing that really drove Sasha was the fact he didn't think Eddie would ridicule him. The lanky man could already picture Che, Truman, Morry and anyone else he tried to talk to about this mocking him or being baffled. Milla was a talented, brilliant, playful and beautiful woman, how could he have problems like this when she was trying to get intimate with him?

The thought still made his stomach twist into knots of discomfort. He hated this. He hated how he could barely keep it up when they were together. Sasha was half terrified to even try again.

His thoughts were disrupted by the abrupt greeting of, "Yo," Sasha blinked somewhat, glancing up as the roadie walked over towards him. His hands jammed into his pocket as he smiled back at the German man. "Hey, man, I didn't keep you waitin' long did I?"

"No, I only got here a moment ago,"

Eddie patted Sasha's back in a friendly manner. Sasha decently glad he balanced himself first otherwise he would have fallen into the snow. "Good- cause fuck, I didn't think it'd be this cold, lets head inside,"

"That would be good, I'd prefer to warm up." The German man agreed as he moved towards the door, he holding it open for the larger man. Eddie offering Sasha an appreciative smile as he stepped into the restaurant. He pulling his fingerless gloves off and tucking them into his pockets. He casting a glance back as Sasha walked in after the roadie. "Think we should grab a booth or table?"

"Either is fine with me," Sasha shrugged back, he unwinding his scarf and tucking it away with his own gloves into his pockets. "I am not particularly picky either way,"

"Booth it is," Eddie said with another smile as he waved his fingers in greeting at a familiar waiter. The waiter offering a friendly wave of his own, it not taking long before he approached the waiting area near the entrance of the restaurant. "Same as usual, Eddie?"

"Yep, lead the way, man," He gestured for the orange skinned man to lead the way, the waiter wasting no time in doing just that as Sasha followed along behind them. The German man somewhat bemused at the fact Eddie enjoyed a small diner like this enough that he was a frequent customer.

"You come here often I take it?"

"Yeah, s'nearby my place, nice food, good service," He rattled off back at the German man. He casting a glance back in Sasha's direction as they walked. "Hard to say no to this place,"

Sasha kept quiet on the fact he wasn't really fond of the service here, he simply nodding. He could agree on the food at least, everything else was not up to the German man's standards. "The food is good,"

"Best stake and fries for miles round here," Eddie offered easily back, smiling warmly back at the waiter as the man gave a laugh. "You're just trying to get free food again, I see,"

"Ey, I'm just callin' it as I see it, Tony!"

Tony merely chuckled, he stepping aside to let the two sit down at the booth, handing the two menu's before he departed. Eddie slipped out of his coat, dropping it at the side as he opened the menu. Sasha more calmly folded his own coat putting it down at his side. "Do you have any suggestions? I haven't really been here in quite awhile,"

"Well, the steak and fries are good- like I said earlier, but I also like the veggie burger they got here."

"Veggie burger?"

"Yeah, it's real good." Sasha's incredulous look just warranted a snort from Eddie, the roadie elbowing Sasha playfully in the side. "I do eat other things sides meat, Sasha,"

Sasha rubbed his side, he wrinkling his nose disapprovingly at the soreness. "I'll take your suggestion then, though I'd prefer it if you served it with less jabs,"

"Oh- whoops, sorry, man," He pulled back apologetically at Sasha's words. Very carefully resting the offending elbow on the smooth surface of the table in front of them. Clearly admonished if anything. "I forget I do things too hard sometimes,"

"Keep it in mind, I do value my bones not being broken," The lanky man dryly intoned as he opened his own menu, skimming over it to find the veggie burger. Reading over the calorie count and contents of the dish before nodding approvingly. He flicking his gaze back up at Eddie as he spoke. "I think I will go for the veggie burger, it certainly sounds good,"

Sasha's choice earned a bright grin from the roadie. "Told you, man,"

"Are you always this quick to say 'I told you so'?"

"Depends on the situation," He waggled his brows playfully in Sasha's direction before glancing at his own menu. It left the German man just lightly rolling his eyes back as he set his own menu down. He keeping his hands busy as he waited for Eddie to finish. Simply unrolling the napkin secured around the utensils and settling the napkin onto his lap. He placing the fork on one side, the knife on the other. Neatness an automatic habit of his by this point, especially when he needed something to do with his hands.

"Oh- I meant to ask, what do you wanna talk 'bout today?" Eddie's words jarred Sasha out of his thoughts, the german man giving a startled blink back as he looked over at the man sitting next to him. Eddie inquisitively tilting his head somewhat to the side as he smiled. Clearly he was interested as he was concerned. Any other time Sasha would have analyzed Eddie for this, the two weren't that close, but Eddie was already solidly invested in Sasha's well being if his reactions were anything to go by. The German man wasn't used to people being so genuinely interested in him, usually they were interested in his fame or abilities.

"Ah, yes, that," Sasha almost wished he kept the call much vaguer, it certainly would have given him more time to think of a better way to talk about this. "Lets just do small talk first- when we're alone I'll bring it up,"

The curiosity went up several notches as Eddie wrinkled his nose a little, "Uh, if you're sure, man. Whatever makes you comfortable,"

"I would be more comfortable bringing it up in private," He reiterated simply back, hoping that would be enough to make Eddie let go of it. The ploy seemed to do the trick as Eddie shrugged slightly back, his tone considerably relaxed as he replied, "Yeah, no biggie, when we're in the car or whatever or- if we decide to do anythin' else,"

A sigh of relief escaped Sasha before he could squelch it. "Thank you,"

The meal seemed to go by surprisingly fast, the two finding themselves outside of the restaurant. Sasha curling his scarf a little tighter around his face as Eddie glanced down at him, "Did you drive here?"

He shook his head in response as he tucked his hand into his pockets. The German man looking back up at the taller man. "No, I didn't. I took the bus,"

"How about we head back to my place and chill?" Eddie jerked his thumb in the direction of the parking lot. It hard to miss Eddie's car amongst the others as Sasha glanced over in its direction. It hard to miss the hot rod with its distinctive style. It like Eddie was loud and brash. "Sounds good to me,"

The ride over was uneventful, Sasha finding himself going quiet as he observed the scenery going by. They going from a relatively well to do neighborhood to sleazier ones as Eddie drove. The places getting more run down as they drove, Sasha's vague concerns were put to rest as Eddie turned into a middle of the road neighborhood. It settled solidly between mediocre and less than respectable. The pot holes in the road were certainly clear signs of that, as was the grass breaking through the sidewalk.

Eddie pulled up to an ugly looking apartment building, the building itself was a cream color with green trimming. Windows were closed up tight and barred on the lower floors. He easily parked the car in what seemed to be his designated spot as he gestured Sasha to follow him. The German man didn't need to be urged to do that. Though he did cast a small glance behind him at the car.

"…Will your car be alright here?"

"Yeah, course, s'my spot I parked in." Eddie answered with a slow shrug. "If I had parked anywhere else my window would probably get broken, parkin' is serious shit here,"

"So I gathered," The smaller man stated simply back as he eyed another car with a broken window. He keeping pace with the larger man as Eddie headed up a flight of stairs, pulling out his keys and entering the apartment first.

"Welcome to Casa De Eddie, our local delicacies include dinosaur oatmeal and coffee," Eddie spread his arms wide as he stepped aside to let Sasha into his apartment. The German man having to take a moment to look around. He unsurprised with the apartment over all, he hadn't really expected ritz on the way over. The apartment itself wasn't a mess, things were in relative enough order. The entry way was located within the kitchen/living room area, it making the small area feel more cramped than it actually was. Some part of Sasha wondered how Eddie could even stay here like this. He let the thought drift away as he replied.

"I think I can deal with that,"

"Good cause- I haven't bought groceries yet, so, that's all I really got at the moment." He said with a low laugh as he stepped further in, sliding out of his jacket and dropping it onto his old couch. He taking off his fingerless gloves as he strode into the apartment, stuffing them into his pocket.

Sasha's brows quirked at that, some amusement rising to the surface as he smirked faintly back at the roadie. "How long have you needed groceries?"

"A few days, m'just been kinda busy so I haven't had the chance to get any,"

Sasha simply took off his jacket, folding it neatly and setting it aside. "I can guess, you are a busy man if what you told me is to be believed,"

"Ey, do I not look like a dependable guy or somethin'?" He casually threw back as he moved to turn on the coffee machine. "You want some coffee?"

Sasha trailed after Eddie, coming to a stop as he took another look around. He eyeing a few posters on the wall, the heavy metal posters were expected by this point. Though he picked out a few others he hadn't expected amongst the lot. A Todd Klee print alongside a framed Kandinsky print. He surprised the other man knew anything about Bauhaus. "It would be nice, the restaurant's coffee was terrible,"

"Yeah, I can agree with that,"

"Interesting posters on your wall, by the way,"

"Oh- thanks," His words were distracted as he changed the coffee filters. He pouring water into the machine before closing the lid, reaching out to grab his mug and his guest mug from the cupboard.

Sasha felt like he to had to ask about it. He half expected the two pieces to be gifts from someone that Eddie hung up for friendships sake. "You know of Bauhaus?"

"Yeah, I had some art history classes awhile back, I kinda took a shinin' to Klee and Kandinsky, I ain't a real art guy, but I liked their work."

"Ah, makes sense." He eyed the print he stood in front of for a moment before speaking, "These certainly aren't the most famous pieces they've made, it must have been hard to find these prints,"

"Yeah, it was. A big pain in the ass, but, I don't regret it." He rubbed the side of his neck idly as he continued, "Anyway, how do you like your coffee? A lot of sugar, right?"

"Yes, and cream if you have it,"

"No cream, I got milk though if it that's a solid substitute,"

"Yes, yes it is. Thank you,"

"No problem," Eddie waved his hand dismissively back at the gratitude, he moving away from the counter to head towards his fridge. He easily pulling out the half empty milk carton and setting it down on the counter next to the coffee maker. "After I get your coffee all served up, you better dish on what's got you so nervous, man. I'm all curious over here,"

Sasha found himself briefly blindsided again, realizing he hadn't thought about his problem again. "Oh- of course,"

"See, you're all nervous again, s'kind of makin' me weirded out," Eddie was half joking with his words, clearly a touch unsure how to fair against seeing his usually calm friend so uncertain for once.

"It is something embarrassing, so I am unsure how to explain it,"

"Just say what comes naturally, we got time today,"

"Right," Sasha wished it was that easy, it certainly didn't feel that way. He simply watching as Eddie stood by the coffee maker, the silence falling between them certainly wasn't comfortable, but it wasn't uncomfortable either. The German man has no real idea how to describe it.

"I wanted to, ask you for advice,"

"Oh, sure, I'm all ears, man,"

That was a small comfort for the lanky man as he awkwardly crossed his arms against his chest. "It is personal and embarrassing,"

Eddie stayed quietly, clearly listening as he arched a brow back. He wordlessly egging the smaller man into continuing what he was saying.

Sasha just covered his face with his hands, clearly openly embarrassed now, "This is idiotic,"

"Ey, I'm listenin', just tell me,"

"You remember how you teased me about Milla over the phone?" He paused letting the words sink in before verbally stumbling forward, "Well, I did spend the night at her place. I was nervous and, had a hard time, staying-." Sasha could only awkwardly mime his intention as he hoped the roadie understood what he meant.

Understanding blossomed across the roadie's features, followed shortly by an sympathetic grimace. "Oh, damn," He rubbed a cheek uncertainly as he tried to think of something helpful he could say, "Okay, so, you were nervous right?"

"Yes, it was our first time," Not to mention his own, Sasha wasn't sure if Eddie would suddenly shift gears and mock him for virginity.

"Okay, okay- I, can see why you'd have a hard time. Accordin' to Milla you two have been datin' for a long ass time. Never really got physical or touchy, yeah?"

"Yes,"

"And you two had like, crazy monkey sex on Christmas. So, romantic evenin', m'kinda surprised you didn't shit your pants in terror. She kinda threw a lot of shit at you all at once," The coffee maker beeping threw the roadie off from what he was saying. He quick to shift the mugs forward as he picked up the newly filled pot of coffee. He pouring the liquid into the mug as he spoke, "Not that she intended to, knowin', Milla. She just wanted to woo those pants off your fine booty,"

Sasha went a little red in the face at that, "I suppose so,"

"Pft, suppose my not so fine booty, it's a fuckin' fact,"

"Of… course," He wasn't sure if he should regret asking Eddie about this. Not that Eddie gave him the chance to really dwell on it as he plowed forward, "Next time, just go a lot slower. Tell her what you were feelin', even if you wanna pretend to be all manly and shit, it isn't advisable, not when you're tryin' to keep it goin',"

That sounded more logical, enough that what tension rolled through Sasha eased a little. "That does make sense,"

"You two just need to talk it over," Eddie answered back as he poured in some milk into Sasha's mug, "How much sugar?"

"Three spoonfuls, please,"

"Can do," He easily poured in three spoonfuls of sugar, he stirring it before gesturing Sasha over. "All ready," The German man didn't need much encouragement as he walked over to where the roadie stood. He accepting the mug from the larger man, taking a slow sip from it as Eddie poured a little more sugar in his own coffee. "Like I said, just talk, Milla is a damn fine lady, she's more than willin' to listen,"

"I will," The German man took an easy sip from his mug, "...Thank you,"

"No problem, man. I'm happy I'm helpin', you, kinda were flounderin' there for a second,"

The German man gave a small chuckle back, "I think I was, to be honest,"

###