Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters, and they are just the characters represented on tv and not the real people behind them. I am not making any profit from these. All ideas represented are mine, as are any spelling or grammar mistakes. Au from the point where Spud has to decide to cash in his X-Division title for a shot at the Heavy Weight title.
Exchanging an annoyed look with Angle Spud fought the urge to curse when Ethan's music started playing, as if the night wasn't stressful enough now he had to deal with his former best friend. Settling the X-Division belt more firmly against his shoulder he waited impatiently to see what Ethan could possibly have to say, who knew maybe his hair had grown back enough to start offending him again.
Holding his hand out for a microphone Ethan struggled to sound sympathetic, "Spud, I know you have a million people pulling you in a million different directions," walking down to the ring with Tyrus in tow he watched Spud's eyes narrow in suspicion, attempting a charming smile. "But look at you, look at you right now. You're standing in that ring a two-time X-Division champion. I mean, that's enough right there to hang your career on," he was unable to resist a little dig even though Spud glared at him. Still he was confident he could get him to fall into line, despite how much the smaller man had changed in the last few months tonight he held the trump card that would pull Rockstar Spud back in line.
Watching warily as Ethan and Tyrus climbed into the ring Spud dug shaky fingers into the soft leather on his title belt. So far he'd been surprised by how reasonable and half assed complimentary Ethan's words were, he'd expected a lot more insults about how he had no chance in hell to beat Kurt Angle.
"But you need to take a good look around you, you're a fish and you're swimming with sharks." And there was the insult. Frowning Spud turned his gaze away from Ethan and snuck a look at Kurt Angle, not that he was completely wrong. His attention was dragged back by the softness in Ethan's voice, by the tone of familiar affection.
"I'm the man who told you you could become a champion Spud, I'm the man who called you a lion, a gazelle, a tiger." Stepping close to his former friend Ethan fixed his gaze on Spud's face, willing the stubborn man to actually listen to what he was saying. "But that man right there," he gestured to Angle without taking his eyes off of Spud, "is the greatest professional wrester to ever live." Then he couldn't resist smirking as he half turned to face Kurt, satisfied to see the Olympic pain in the ass was getting increasingly irritated, "well until I came along."
He was standing close enough now he could hear Spud's huff of mixed amusement and exasperation as he turned back to the smaller man. "Spud I'm here to offer you something, I just got off the phone with Aunt D and we are willing to offer you a lifetime contract as the Chief of Staff." Placing a subtle emphasize on the word contract he watched understanding flash across Spud's face.
Staring into Ethan's stupidly gorgeous brown eyes Spud's breath caught in his throat at what such an offer could mean, he hadn't told anyone yet but his contract was up in a short two months and with the current animosity between him and the Carter's he didn't have much hope of it being renewed. The moment his contract was over his work visa would be void and he'd be forced to return to England no matter how much he didn't want to.
Ethan knew he had Spud right where he wanted him when painful hope flared in his expressive blue eyes. Time to seal the deal, "one more time Spud, you can work for me. We can be a team again and that is something I know you cared about." If there was one thing he was positive about it despite everything that had happened and every horrible thing he had done was that Spud still cared about him, it showed in so many small ways he doubted the smaller man was even aware of. "All you have to do is not cash in Option C. Allow me, the number one contender to fulfill my destiny and defeat Kurt Angle for the World Heavy Weight Championship." Moving closer he resisted the desire to put a hand on Spud's shoulder knowing it wouldn't be welcome, willing the smaller man to believe with every ounce of his being. When this plan had first come to mind he hadn't anticipated how much he'd want it to work and not just to get his title shot. "Come back home," allowing a small hint of real vulnerability to show, knowing Spud would be the only one to pick up on it he repeated softly, "come back home."
Ensnared by Ethan's passionate entreaty Spud swayed slightly towards the bigger man, he wanted to believe in what Ethan was saying, despite all attempts to bury his feelings he still harboured a giant soft spot for bloody Ethan Carter the Third. Plus on the logical side he knew he was lucky to have achieved what he had. Two-time X-Division champion when no one thought he'd ever win a title. Smaller than even some of the knockouts it was only his sheer determination to do what he loved that had gotten him this far and he was willing to do whatever it took to keep on doing it. So yeah, Ethan's offer was tempting. Lifetime contract to allow him to stay in the United States even though Chief of Staff wasn't a position he wanted anymore. However if Ethan was desperate enough to offer him a contract in the first place perhaps he could work in a few conditions.
After all pride aside, he knew he couldn't beat Kurt Angle, anyone else yes but not Olympic Gold medalist Kurt Angle. Lifting his chin he stepped a fraction closer to Ethan, breathing in the still comforting scent of the other man's rich cologne, "you know when I became the chief of staff I took a lot of pride in the job. I loved being the chief of staff." He fingers tightened into a fist; hating to think back on those days and how scared he'd been of being in a new country with no family or friends. "I loved your Aunt D, I would have done anything for her and I would have done anything for you Ethan. Anything," he had to look away briefly from Ethan's intense gaze, that had been a little more truthful than he'd intended.
Taking a deep breath Spud continued, voice firm, "and then you slapped me, fired me and bloodied my forehead." Fighting a smile when Ethan looked taken aback he was surprised, and as much as he hated to admit it pleased by the flash of regret crossing the bigger man's face, "and then you shaved my head bald." The crowd was solidly behind him now, clapping and cheering loudly and he regretted he was going to have to disappoint them. "So I'm sure you can understand why I want some conditions put in the contract." Vicious boos greeted his statement and he could dimly hear Jeremy's grumble of dissatisfaction behind him, Ethan's frankly gob smacked expression was almost worth the decision alone.
"Of course," straightening up to his full height Ethan scrambled to hide his shock, he'd been so sure Spud was about to refuse and he'd been shaken by how disappointed that made him. "I'm sure that can be arranged."
"Good," turning to Jeremy Spud ignored his friends disapproving look. "As long as the contract gets signed by the end of the night I won't be cashing in my X-Division championship." Looking over at Angle he couldn't tell what the other man thought of the situation. "Mr. Angle, it would have been an honor to face you. I hope one day you'll still give me that chance," holding out his hand he released a shaky breath when Kurt shook it. Throwing one last longing look at the World Heavy Weight belt he left the ring head held high, very aware of Ethan's dark gaze following him up the ramp.
Relieved to leave the crowds voracious booing behind him Spud passed Austin Aries just inside the curtain, the creator of Option C giving him a subtle thumbs up. Smiling back weakly he was glad there was at least one person pleased with his choice. Walking the familiar path to Ethan's locker room he leaned against the wall, breathing slowly and deeply to calm the part of himself freaking out at giving up his shot at the World title, at trusting Ethan to honour his side of the deal. Needing a distraction he pulled a notebook out of his pocket and jotted down the additions he wanted, they might not be much but they were vital. So intent on the task he didn't notice Ethan until the other man was standing directly in front of him.
"Well Spud," grinning sharply as Spud visibly jumped Ethan pushed the door open and gestured the smaller man in, "you certainly surprised me tonight."
"Why?" Walking in first Spud couldn't stop his shoulders from hunching under the uncomfortable itch of turning his back to the other two men, turning slowly he was determined not to show any weakness in front of his former friend and Tyrus's intimidating size. "I know you're aware my contract is up soon and your Aunt is not likely to renew it." Scowling at Ethan's smug expression he forced down the urge to punch him, "I love this business Ethan and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to remain in it."
"Smart of you to realize that Spud," clapping a hand on Spud's shoulder Ethan easily ignored how the smaller man tensed. Snapping his fingers at Tyrus he took the contract from him and handed it over, smiling as Spud's eyes immediately dropped to the papers, "I think you're find the terms are more than fair."
Reading quickly Spud was almost disappointed to find he couldn't disagree with Ethan's statement, the contract was fair, more money than he was currently making, built in raises, paid vacation and health benefits. His duties appeared to be much the same as before, assist with anything the Carters required and absolutely no mention of wrestling, which is what he'd been most worried about. Time to see exactly how much Ethan didn't want him to cash in the X-Division title.
"It is fair," tearing the page out of the notebook he'd been writing in Spud handed it to Ethan, raising a challenging eyebrow, "if you add these conditions I'll sign and you'll get your title shot."
Grabbing the piece of paper Ethan quickly scanned the two scrawled lines, first Spud was to remain as an active wrestler and second his work visa for the US was to be kept valid. Shoving the paper in his pocket he looked consideringly at the smaller man, he had rather expected a demand not to take orders from him or provide any form of in-ring assistance, seems he still had a habit of underestimating Spud. "I don't see any reason I can't get these approved."
"Good." Pulling his belt higher Spud straightened up to his full height, "I suggest you confirm that while time still remains. Because if I don't sign before the end of the night I am cashing in this championship." He was undaunted by the glare Ethan shot at him, if nothing else the past months had made him immune to the other man's disapproval.
"Stay here," Ethan ordered, jaw clenching when Spud only shrugged back disinterestedly before flopping on the couch. Nodding to Tyrus he silently indicated for him to keep the smaller man in the room, it wouldn't do to let one of Spud's friends persuade him he was making a mistake. Time to get this situation finalized, the threat of Option C eliminated and Rockstar Spud back on his side.
Leaving the room Ethan dialed his Aunt and relayed Spud's demands exactly as written. As expected she couldn't find much objection to the rather simple conditions either, she didn't actually want him to take up his old duties in Nashville, keeping him busy wrestling would keep him out of her hair. Plus she could use him as a liaison for the staff at the arenas, to her bafflement Spud was actually well liked and would do quite well in that position. This plan of Ethan's might turn out cost-effective after all so she promised her rather anxious nephew she'd have the contract revised and faxed over immediately.
It took a nerve wracking twenty minutes for the new contract to arrive, every passing second counting down closer to the end of the show. The main event had already started before the fax machine spat out the important document. Walking back into his dressing room Ethan observed Spud curled up on the couch, clutching his belt much like a child would clutch a teddy bear. It was gratifying to see that sign of nerves, a small hint of the old Spud shining through before the smaller man caught him looking and straightened up. Tyrus was on his phone and he doubted the two men had talked at all in the time he'd been gone.
Holding out the still warm contract Ethan watched Spud skim through the revisions, relief an easy emotion to read when he hit the agreement to keep his work visa up to date. When Spud looked back up he silently held out a pen ready for him to sign.
Reaching out slowly Spud took the offered pen, eyes tracing over Ethan's familiar features he prayed he wouldn't regret letting this man back into his life. It had been painfully difficult cutting Ethan out the first time and he didn't think he could do it again if this all went wrong. Breathing out steadily he committed his life to a new path and scrawled his name on the dotted line.
"Welcome home Spud," holding out his hand Ethan was amused at how reluctantly Spud shook it. While he'd never admit it out loud he had missed the smaller man and all his ridiculous British ways.
"This doesn't make us friends again," swallowing as Ethan hung on fraction longer Spud couldn't help but note that this was the friendliest contact they'd had in months.
"No, perhaps not," shrugging off the slight sting those words caused Ethan rolled the contract up and carefully slid it inside his jacket, "but it does make us colleagues again. Tyrus, come say hello to our new ally." Not taking off his eyes off Spud he gestured the big man over, lips quirking in a half smile at Spud's grimace.
Moving closer Tyrus held out his hand to Spud who scowled and shook it with even more reluctance then he had Ethan's. "Don't ever manhandle me again," glaring up at the much larger man he warned stiffly.
"Don't screw with me and I'll resist the urge," Tyrus dryly offered in return.
"Deal," ignoring Ethan's amused grin Spud picked his belt up from the couch, utterly exhausted by the drama this night had thrown his way, "and now it's been a long day and I'd like to get back to the hotel."
"Yes, of course," smirking Ethan relished the next surprise he had for his former friend, "I'll expect you to move into our suite tomorrow," holding his hand up when Spud opened his mouth to disagree he took great glee in the smaller man's frustration. "As my employee it only makes sense for you to be close by."
"Your employee," eyes narrowing at Ethan's smugly satisfied expression Spud snorted, "last time I checked Dixie Carter was the President of TNA not you."
"True enough," shrugging carelessly Ethan gestured to Tyrus to gather their stuff together, smiling calmly in the face of Spud's mounting irritation. "But she has permanently assigned you to work directly with me, so that makes you mine."
"Bloody hell," muttering curses under his breathe Spud hated the way his pulse jumped at the other man's words. Steadying his voice he pointed a finger warningly at Ethan's chest, "the first time you ask me to get you coffee I will pour it all over your head."
Grinning at the threat delivered with all the with all the intimidation of a puppy trying to be mean Ethan held up his hands placating, "I consider myself duly warned. I'll expect you tomorrow Spud."
"Fine, tomorrow," unable to find the will to argue further and only wanting to get away Spud nodded in agreement, "send me a text with the room number." Pushing the door open he waved a careless hand in farewell, Ethan was obviously determined to mess with his life as much as possible and he was equally determined not to get upset, he could put up with Ethan's plans as long as he was able to keep doing what he loved.