Euronymous

Chapter Six

I walked up the driveway, following my Dad and Erik who walked ahead. The Volvo was parked in the driveway. I hadn't expected him to be here. Mrs. Aarseth answered the door, a welcoming smile and open arms as she hugged each of us briefly as we walked in from the cold.
I glanced around the house. Nothing had changed much, but it had been a few years since I was here last.
Mr. Aarseth shook Erik's and my dad's hands, then mine, greeting each of us kindly. Anita smiled. "Else!" She pulled me in for a hug and I returned it. She was a sweet kid.
The parents chatted and we wandered into the living room while they departed into the kitchen.
Thumping footsteps came from the stairway and I turned around. Anita was talking to me, but Øysteins eyes met mine as he stopped at the bottom of the stairs, distracting me. His hair looked a little longer, but the black dye was fresh. He wore a beige sweater with black patterns along the torso and cuffs and black jeans.
"Erik." He turned his attention to my brother, nodding.
"Else." He then nodded at me, a small smile playing on his lips.
"I didn't think you'd be here." I blurted out. I could feel Erik's eyes on me.
"He knew you were coming over so he drove home for it." Anita grinned, like she'd just told the funniest joke. Øystein tensed.
"No, there's no food at my place. Didn't feel like going to the store." He sounded defensive but shrugged, trying to play off the accusation casually.
I didn't buy it. A smile tugged at my lips and I looked away. Erik stood silently, awkwardly but I hardly noticed, until he broke the silence.
"Working on anything new, man?" He asked Øystein. They sat and chatted on the couch. Anita had gone to help her mother in the kitchen. I wandered slowly along the edge of the room, taking in the family photos and knick knacks that decorated the space. I could feel Øystein watching me, despite him being in what seemed to be an engaging conversation about music with my brother.
There was a family photo, in a simple wooden frame above the fireplace. Øystein looked younger, but he hadn't aged much. His hair was brown and he was smiling. He was even wearing the same sweater he was wearing tonight. He looked somewhat out of place, despite being a part of the family. Maybe he just felt uncomfortable during the photo. I was lost in thought when a voice came from the kitchen.
"Kids, dinners ready." Mrs. Aarseth. Erik immediately stood and left toward the dining room, but glanced back, realising I wasn't following immediately behind him. He didn't stop walking though.
Øystein approached me, hands at his sides. He seemed nervous.
"You good?" His voice was light, curious.
"Mhm." I nodded, meeting his gaze.
"Nice piercing, Peach." He smirked. I shot one back at him. My nose piercing was a new addition. My ears were lined with several, and I planned on my lip next.
"Thanks." Such a mundane conversation, but he was standing so close that I could feel his warmth. It made my stomach flutter.
"Else." Erik appeared in the hallway, beckoning me. He looked annoyed, but he was trying to hide it.
Dinner went smoothly. It was mostly the parents chatting. Anita and Øystein would exchange humoured glances whenever their dad made a terrible joke. I found it endearing, especially when he had to cover his face, holding back his laugh as his parents playfully bickered. Euronymous had nothing on Øystein.
He kept noticing me watching him from across the table, smiling. Every time he caught himself smiling, he'd try to hide it, as if to save face. I wished he wouldn't.
My father had an early start, so we left shortly after dinner. As we put our coats on to leave, Øystein's eyes meet mine.
"Erik, are you coming to the gig on Saturday?" His eyes didn't waver. They didn't even glance toward Erik, staying locked on me.
"I'll try man." Erik replied, not noticing the stare off between us.
Øystein finally bowed out of our staring contest, saying goodbye to Erik and my father. I said goodbye to his family and as I walked by him, I was suddenly filled with a sense of confidence.
I stopped short in my tracks, right beside him, turning to face him.
"You're a man," I whispered lowly, quiet enough that no one else around would hear. "If you want me there, ask me yourself." I smirked at his reaction, relishing in the surprise that flashed across his face. He quickly composed himself but I saw a small smile tug at the corner of his lips.
I didn't wait to see if he'd ask me or not. The confidence was fleeting and the adrenaline had kicked in quickly. He knew where to find me.