The smell of smoke drifted languidly through the dark apartment, silver grey tendrils weaving into every room like silent ghosts. The alarms that normally would have been stridently blaring the danger had failed long ago due to faulty wiring. It was the people on the first floor of the building that finally raised the alarm, frantic calls going out to the local fire department as the blaze flickered and leapt up the outside walls, devouring the structure and sending plumes of black smoke billowing into the early morning air. By the time the uproar of screams and sirens reached Spud it was almost too late, smoke had engulfed his small apartment, a deadly fog that hung menacingly in the still air.
Choking and coughing on the deadly air Spud rolled out of bed, falling to his knees he struggled to understand what was happening, the acrid taste of smoke filled his mouth and nose, clogging his lungs and making it painful to breath. Staying low, as he'd been taught so long ago he struggled to draw in a lungful of cleaner air as he crawled into the bathroom and wet a facecloth. Covering his mouth and nose his head started to clear from the daze he'd awoken in, leaving him very aware there was no room to let the panic and fear flooding his body takeover. Crouching he ran towards the front door, snatching his wallet and cellphone from the console table almost as an afterthought he stuffed them in the pocket of his shorts.
Touching the door knob and finding it blessedly still cool he swung the door open, the hallway was flooded with dense smoke and he could hear the distant roar of fire. Shoving his fear down Spud took a deep a breath as he dared, eyes already stinging he fumbled his way to the stairway, dizzy and half-blind the stairs wavered like a mirage under his feet. Staggering out of a side entrance he greedily sucked in lungful's of clean air as his knees finally gave out, the rough gravel sidewalk scraping his bare legs.
A fireman found him not three minutes later, pulling him further away from the compromised building and half carrying him to one of several waiting ambulances. Despite his protests and crowded in with several of his neighbours looking as shocked as he felt they were all transported to the hospital, where after a battery of tests that left him exhausted he was admitted for observation no matter how much he argued he was fine.
It was mid-day by the time he learned his entire apartment complex had burned to the ground, one of the nurses commenting it was a miracle no one had died when she thought she was out of earshot. Huddling further under his pile of blankets on the narrow, uncomfortable hospital bed Spud wanted nothing more than to ignore reality, ignore the fact he only had a pair of shorts and an old t-shirt to his name. The one bright spot was he had his phone and more importantly his wallet, trying to replace his identification and credit cards before he had to fly back to Orlando would have been a nightmare.
As much as he hated to admit it he really would need to call someone, his parents were too far away to really help and plus he didn't want to bother them; his father had only retired last month after a lifetime of hard work. Jeremy had his own family to take care of and depressingly there was no one else he was close enough with to intrude on. Unbidden the memory of how Ethan had taken care of him after Anderson had smashed him in the head sprang to mind. Maybe it would be worth the risk of trusting Ethan again, of letting him even further back into his life.
Relaxing by the pool, drink in hand Ethan almost ignored his phone when it buzzed, only the Nashville area code attracting his attention, smiling as he recognized Spud's number. It had only been a few days since they'd all parted ways, but he'd found himself already missing the other man.
"Spud," leaning back into the lounge chair Ethan teased lightly, "I didn't expect to hear from you so soon."
"Ethan," Spud's voice was raspy and he could tell right away something was wrong.
Sitting forward Ethan carefully set his drink aside, a surge of worry focusing his attention to the other man's hoarse breathing, "what's wrong Spud?"
"There, there was a fire at my apartment building," uncertain of his welcome Spud wavered over his words, "I'm sorry for bothering you, I ..."
Fear quickening his pulse Ethan interrupted, "are you hurt?" Fingers tight on the phone he held his breath waiting for the answer.
"No, I'm not hurt," pausing to cough Spud cursed the wheeze in his voice. "The Doctor is concerned I might have inhaled too much smoke."
"Doctor? Where are you right now?" Striding into the house Ethan jammed the phone between his ear and shoulder, hastily stuffing clothes into a backpack. Spud may not have asked but he had no intention of allowing him to deal with this situation alone.
"At the Hospital," a flicker of a smile crossed his face, Spud's annoyance was clear even over the phone, "they won't release me yet. I, I need your help Ethan, I lost everything," there was a hitch in his voice, "I don't even have any shoes."
Closing his eyes Ethan forced a reassuring tone, "alright Spud, don't worry. I'll be there in a few hours. Call me if anything changes." Hanging up once Spud agreed he immediately dialed his father and got permission to make use of their private jet for a trip to Nashville. It was only after he had changed into more suitable clothes that he remembered Spud had left a case with him for safekeeping. Grabbing it he quickly rifled through the contents, noting in relief that it contained the X-Division belt, he had no doubt Aunt D would have taken the cost of replacing it out of Spud's salary.
Alongside the belt was Spud's wrestling gear, a leather jacket, jogging pants, various odds and ends and a pair of sneakers. Well at least he could solve one of Spud's immediate problems, throwing the shoes in with his own clothes he called his private car service to take him to the airport.
The flight to Nashville was barely an hour and by the time the plane landed another car service was waiting to take him to the hospital. He had briefly considered calling Aunt D while in route but ultimately decided against it, not sure if he wanted to know what her response would be to Spud's plight.
Pushing his way through the crowded hospital entrance Ethan approached the busy receptionist, "excuse me, can you tell me what room James Curtin is in?" He struggled to keep his impatience in check as the woman slowly and methodically checked her records.
"Mr. Curtin is in room 318 Wing B on the third floor," she finally responded without even looking up. Muttering a quick thank you Ethan swiftly made his way up the stairs. Closing in on the right room he could hear Spud's voice raised in frustration.
"I'm perfectly fine," protesting for what had to be the third time Spud was forced to break off, coughing so violently it was a struggle to catch his breath. He didn't need to look up to know he had no chance of convincing the Doctor to release him now.
"I'm sorry Mr. Curtin, I'm afraid you can't leave without someone to monitor you for the next twenty-four hours, smoke inhalation can have dangerous side effects if not caught in time."
Pushing the door open Ethan let out a pained breath, Spud was sitting on a hospital bed looking pale and exhausted, practically lost in a sea of blankets his normally shining blond hair was limp and dirty with soot. Dressed in scrubs that were much too big for him Spud triggered every protective urge he had ever possessed.
"Spud," completely ignoring the Doctor, who had the presence of mind to quietly slip from the room, Ethan tried to smile encouragingly despite his worry as Spud looked up at him with undisguised relief.
"Ethan? I didn't expect you so soon," lips parting Spud was caught off guard by the burst of relief as Ethan laid a reassuring hand on his shoulder and squeezed. Smiling weakly he straightened up from his hunched position and leaned towards the other man, the stress from the last few nightmare hours fading away under the warm rush of affection.
Not even trying to resist the urge to comfort Ethan brushed his fingers through Spud's hair, rubbing soothing circles over his scalp as the smaller man leaned further into him. "Dad lent me the plane, I got here as soon as I could."
"I'm sorry to drag you all the way here," letting his head rest fully against Ethan's chest Spud relaxed into the other man's solid strength, surrounded by the comforting scent of sandalwood from Ethan's expensive after shave.
"Have you ever known me to do something I didn't want to do Spud," smiling as Spud shook his head weakly Ethan continued to gently run his fingers through his hair and down his neck. Despite the unpleasant smell of smoke hovering in the air he took pleasure in the way Spud melted trustingly under his hands, "can you tell me what happened?"
"There was a fire at my apartment building, it was only sheer luck I escaped in time." Trembling at the memory of waking up choking and gasping to breath Spud curled his fingers into Ethan's shirt, calming as the gentle strokes through his hair continued, "the entire building burned down to the ground."
Pulling the smaller man into a hug Ethan simply held on until Spud finally pulled away with a weak smile. Meeting the other man's exhausted and blood shot eyes he needed to know, "are you hurt?"
Groaning in frustration Spud scrubbed his hands through his hair, "I'm fine but they won't let me go without supervision." Digging his fingers into the scratchy hospital blanket he sighed, overwhelmed by the sheer amount of obstacles facing him, "not that I have anywhere to go … or shoes."
"Well that's one problem I can solve at least," rummaging through the bag he'd brought Ethan pulled out Spud's sneakers and triumphantly handed them over to the startled man. "You left your gear with me."
"I, I'd forgotten," clutching the sneakers Spud raised his eyes to Ethan's pleased smile, feeling a weight lift from him, "that means my belt is safe too." Laughing he pressed a shaking hand against his stinging eyes, "thank god." Breath catching, he fought off a cough, gratefully taking a sip from the glass of water Ethan all but shoved in his hands.
Worried by the violence of the cough Ethan squeezed Spud's shoulder to get his attention, "I'm going to talk to the Doctor, see if I can't spring you from this place." At Spud's nod he ducked out of the room and scanned the hallway, spotting the man that had been in the room when he first entered down by the nurse's station. Approaching he cleared his throat until the Doctor turned and looked at him.
"Yes, can I help you?"
"Yes, Doctor …" trailing off Ethan raised an eyebrow and waited pointedly.
"Oh, sorry," smiling ruefully the other man held out his hand, "Dr. Ramen."
"Dr. Ramen, I'm Ethan Carter," shaking his hand briefly Ethan got straight to the point, "I'm here for James Curtin, the man in room 318. I'd like to know if the cough he has is normal and when he can be released."
"I'm afraid I wouldn't feel comfortable releasing Mr. Curtin unless I was assured someone can monitor him for the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours." Dr. Ramen fiddled with his pen absently. "As for his cough it's perfectly normal and to be expected. It should die down over the next day or two as long as he rests and drinks plenty of fluids."
"James will be staying with me for the foreseeable future, I'll keep a close eye on him." Reassured he could handle Spud's cough Ethan hoped the Doctor was willing to be reasonable, he really didn't want to have to bribe him if he didn't have to.
Grabbing the chart one of the nurses held out to him Dr. Ramen smiled, "that's excellent news, I know how much Mr. Curtin wants to leave. I'll fill out these release papers and be in to see you and Mr. Curtin shortly."
"Thank you, Doctor." Nodding in satisfaction Ethan hurried back to Spud, pleased to see the other man looking more cheerful than when he'd first arrived. "Good news Spud, your Doctor has agreed to release you."
"About bloody time," forcing a smile Spud looked out the window at the darkening sky, trying to hide his sudden anxiety, "I, uh, I guess I'll go to a hotel until I can find another apartment."
Leaning against the wall Ethan hesitated, feeling a brief prick of fear at the possibility of being rejected, "why don't you stay with me? I have plenty of room." The offer hung between them, heavy and momentous it signified a potential shift in their relationship, the last time they'd lived together had been the few months Spud had spent at his Aunt's home, when they'd been best friends.
"I …" touched by the unexpected offer Spud was torn between the desire to say yes and the fear of what might happen if he did. "Are you sure? I wouldn't want to be a bother."
Releasing the breath he'd been holding Ethan shook his head with a slight smile, "when have you ever been a bother, Spud?"
"I think your Aunt would disagree with that," tone dry Spud felt bad at Ethan's grimace, waving off the start of an apology he abruptly decided since the fire had taken everything it was about bloody time to do what he wanted and damn the consequences. "Thank you, Ethan. I promise I'll find a new place right away."
"There's no hurry, my house is big enough for both of us," pleased by Spud's easy acceptance when he'd thought he would need to fight to get him to agree Ethan impulsively reached out and pulled the smaller man into a hug. "Thank you for trusting me enough to ask for help."
Pulling back when the door opened Ethan's gaze lingered on the warmth in Spud's eyes, only looking away when the Doctor entered the room, chart in hand and interrupting whatever Spud's reply would have been.
"Mr. Curtin, I have your release papers here to sign." Handing the clipboard over to the eager man Dr. Ramen added, "if your cough worsens or you have difficulty in breathing I want you to come back to the hospital right away." The warning was stern and Ethan made a note to monitor Spud closely over the next few days.
"Is it safe to fly?" Ethan questioned as Spud handed the signed papers back, already planning on where they'd stay in case the answer was negative.
"Flying is perfectly safe," pleased to see it looked like his patient was in good hands Dr. Ramen smiled briefly at both men. "You can leave at any time Mr. Curtin, please don't hesitate to call me if you have any questions."
"Yes, Sir," hopping off the bed Spud shook the Doctor's hand, trying to not let his impatience show, "thank you for all your help."
"You're most welcome Mr. Curtin," with a friendly nod, mind already moving on to his next patient Dr. Ramen left the room.
Shoving his feet into his sneakers Spud rolled up the hem on his pants so he wouldn't trip on the extra length, huffing at Ethan's amusement, "let's get out of here." Shaking his head he shoved the grinning man out the door, double checking his cellphone and wallet were still firmly in the pocket of the scrubs the hospital had given him.
The trip out of the building was quick and painless, stepping outside Spud took in a deep breath of the sweetly scented evening air, ignoring the sideways stares at his attire he followed Ethan over to a waiting car. Sliding into the spacious back seat it was only now in the enclosed space that he realized how much he stank of stale smoke. "I need a shower," grimacing at the smell he glanced apologetically over at Ethan who just waved it aside and rolled the windows down before directing the driver to take them to the airport.
"Don't worry about it Spud, it's not so bad," squeezing Spud's knee at his doubtful look Ethan pulled out his phone to give him a moment of privacy to relax in the peace and quiet of the car. Scrolling through his missed texts he frowned at one from Aunt D asking if he would be dropping by while in Nashville. God knows how she even found out he was in town, quickly he sent back a reply that he'd already left, hoping she wouldn't bother to inquire further.
Resting his head against the door Spud closed his eyes to enjoy the cool breeze on his face through the open windows. Fighting to stay awake he lazily turned his head just enough to glance over at Ethan, struck once again by the sense of security the bigger man provided to his uncertain future. "Will my lack of passport cause any problems?"
"No, it'll be fine," smirking Ethan flicked an imaginary piece of lint off his shoulder, "private jet remember, one of the benefits of being filthy rich." He laughed when Spud rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed, he'd always been charmed by the smaller man's complete lack of envy or awe towards his wealth. It was a stark contrast to most people's reaction when they learned how much money he had.
The flight back to Florida was quiet, Spud had fallen fast asleep the moment they'd taken off and for the first half hour Ethan found himself watching him, taking note of every hitch in his breathing and every cough. Once assured Spud wasn't going to suddenly start choking he turned his attention back to his phone, sending a text to get his lawyer started on the task of procuring a replacement passport for Spud. The rest of the hour slipped away, Spud waking just before the plane landed in Boca Raton, with his private car waiting for them it was only short time later that he was ushering Spud into his house.
"Welcome home, Spud," taking in the air of exhaustion hanging over the other man despite his nap Ethan decided to put off the full tour until later, guiding Spud down the hall. "There are several guest rooms but I believe you'll enjoy this one the most." Pushing open the door on the largest of his spare rooms he gestured Spud in, the warm colours and comfortable furniture gave the room a cozy and welcoming feel.
Taking in the wide windows and massive bed that was easily double the size of his old one Spud turned to Ethan with a grateful smile, "tts great Ethan, thank you." Running a hand over the lush silk bedding he wanted nothing more than to fall on it and sleep for the next week, but the stench from his hair and skin was getting unbearable. "I'd really like to take a shower," ruefully he picked at his scrubs, "but I don't really have a change of clothes."
"You left a pair of jogging pants in with your gear and I think I could manage to find a shirt to fit you," eyeing the smaller man's doubtful look Ethan's lips quirked into an amused half smile, "well maybe not fit, clean at least. Towels are under the sink, I'll leave the clothes on the bed."
Rolling his eyes at Ethan's gentle teasing Spud huffed out a small laugh and waved the other man off. Entering the bathroom in a slightly more cheerful frame of mind he turned on the shower, standing under the massaging jets with a groan of pure relief. After an indulgent moment he scrubbed himself clean, remaining under the hot water until his skin wrinkled and his stomach growled.
Drying off with quite possibly the most luxurious towel he'd ever touched Spud wrapped one securely around his waist and ventured out into the bedroom. The clothes Ethan had promised were laying on the bed. His jogging pants while a little ragged fit, the shirt however … sighing he could only laugh, the shirt made him look like a kid playing dress up.
Leaving his new room Spud followed the delicious smell of fresh pizza wafting through the house, finding Ethan looking very out of place in the spotless large kitchen. Joining him at the dining table he ignored the other man's amused glance at his outfit.
"Dig in, Spud," pushing the box closer to the smaller man Ethan took a bite out of his own slice, "I figured you must be starved by now."
"Yes, Sir," biting his tongue Spud darted a quick look up at Ethan, hastily correcting himself, "I mean Ethan." Flushing he started eating, hoping Ethan hadn't noticed his slip.
"I don't mind you know," meeting Spud's wary gaze Ethan shrugged slightly, "if you call me Sir that is. Despite my teasing last week I know you don't mean it subserviently." Smiling gently as Spud's blue eyes widened, he wisely changed the subject. "If you're not too tired how about I show you around when we're finished?"
Caught by the affection in Ethan's deep brown eyes Spud could only nod wordlessly, not knowing what he would say if he dared open his mouth. It was getting difficult to resist falling back into the easy trusting friendship they'd once had, especially with Ethan being so thoughtful and kind. With the ease of long practice he ignored the little voice in the back of his mind that chimed up it wasn't just friendship he wanted from the other man … it never had been.
Once the pizza was finished Spud readily followed Ethan as he proudly showed off his home. Each room was effortlessly elegant without being over the top with extravagance, a welcome change from the Carter Estate in Nashville and certainly not what he'd expected from Ethan's house.
"Just one last room," Ethan murmured, this was the one part of the house he was most proud of and it had taken a lot amount of money and time to make it perfect. Opening the door to the basement he ushered Spud down first, flicking the lights on as he followed.
Stopping at the edge of the room Spud stared ahead of him in disbelief, "you, you have a wrestling ring."
Smirking Ethan slid an arm around Spud's shoulders as they both took in the full sized ring gleaming under the bright lights. "You don't achieve my level of awesomeness by not practicing Spud."
Rolling his eyes Spud elbowed Ethan in the ribs teasingly, "and you couldn't just go to a gym somewhere."
"Of course not," turning Spud to face the other side of the room Ethan smiled as his eyes widened, "besides I have a gym as well."
"I don't even know why I'm surprised," smothering a yawn Spud nodded to the ring, carefully keeping the sting of jealousy out of his voice, "I suppose you and Tyrus have made good use of it then."
Ethan shrugged nonchalantly, "Tyrus has never been in my home before." Ignoring Spud's look of surprise he led the smaller man back upstairs, "why don't you get some sleep Spud, it's been a long day."
"That's an understatement," pausing by the door to his room Spud looked up at Ethan shyly, shrouded by the dimly intimate lighting he was overwhelmed as the emotions of the day pressed in on him. "Thank you for …" voice shaky he searched for the right words, "… for rescuing me Ethan. I don't know what I would have done." Pressing a hand against his eyes he fought back tears as the reality of how much he'd lost crashed in on him.
"Spud," pained Ethan pulled Spud into his arms, heart aching at the despair threading the other mans words. Nuzzling against Spud's hair he breathed in the clean scent, no longer marred by the stench of smoke and ash. "It's going to be okay," murmuring softly he rubbed circles on Spud's back, feeling the hot brush of tears against his shirt as Spud clutched him desperately.
"I lost everything," safe in the warm comfort of Ethan's embrace Spud finally let the tears he'd been fighting all day out, crying for every irreplaceable possession lost in the fire. "So stupid," pulling back he wiped the moisture from his eyes, embarrassed at his loss of control.
Keeping a steadying hand on Spud's arm Ethan gave the other man room to collect himself, "it's not stupid to be upset Spud. I can't pretend to know what you're going through but I want you to know you can count on my help." While it may not be the best timing he had to reassure Spud he had nothing to worry about in trusting him, that he had no intention of ruining this second chance. "It's taken far too long for me to admit this Spud but I need you to know that I'm sorry for how I treated you in the past. It's not an excuse but I went crazy for a while and when I realized the consequences of my actions it was just …" sighing he shifted uncomfortably under the weight of his own regret, "just too late. It won't happen again Spud; I want us to be friends. I want you to feel safe here."
"You," glaring through the remaining tears, Spud punched Ethan hard on the arm, "were a complete wanker … still are most days but …" he was tired of fighting the uphill battle against his feelings for this man. It was time to let go of the past and build a new life, quite literally on the ashes of his old one. " … I accept your apology, I want to be friends again as well." Grunting he was dragged of his feet when Ethan pulled him into a bear hug, unable to help but laugh at the other man's delighted smile.
"Sorry," clearing his throat Ethan released Spud, glad the darkness hid the blush creeping up his face. "Well enough of this sappy stuff. Time to get to bed, we have a busy day tomorrow."
"Right, good night Ethan." Ducking as Ethan tried to mess up his hair he shoved the other man playfully. "Jerk."
"Night Spud," waiting until the guest room door had closed Ethan moved away, tidying the kitchen to give himself a moment to recover from the emotional impact of the last few hours, of finally reconnecting with Spud even though it came about through such awful circumstances. Turning off the lights and locking up he headed to bed, it might still be early but he was exhausted.