The extravagant party to celebrate the newly crowned champ was in full swing, food and alcohol flowing freely. Magnus, surrounded by friends and co-workers and drunk off being the centre of attention hadn't let go of the new belt even once. Tasked with making sure his fellow brit had all he needed or wanted Spud was still flushed with successfully carrying out his boss's plan. After the last few weeks of failure it was a welcome change to have Dixie pleased with his performance, topping up Magnus' champagne glass once again his smile faltered as the other man laid a heavy hand on his shoulder stopping him from moving away.

"Here's to Rockstar Spud," with a hint of a cruel smile curling his lips Magnus raised his glass, waiting a beat for his friends to copy the gesture, "for being strong enough to push over a ladder. Especially with someone on it."

Flushing under the rather mean-spirited laughter following Magnus' toast Spud used his experience in being dismissed based on his height to smile easily and raise his own glass. The narrowing of the other man's eyes at not getting a reaction warned him it might be best to make himself scarce for a while. "Cheers mate," holding up the bottle he shook it innocently, "looks like we're almost out. I'll go grab another bottle." Keeping his head high and his smile intact he strolled away from the group, not letting the laughter that followed his exit change his pace.

Once out of sight he set the near empty bottle down on a side table and bee-lined for the balcony doors, only allowing his posture to slump once the cooler night air hit his skin. Leaning against the nearest wall he groaned quietly, cradling his aching head in hands, "stupid James, so stupid." Magnus' shot at his height shouldn't have surprised him the way it had but he had thought he'd earned at least a little of his fellow countryman's respect.

"What's stupid?" Stepping out of the darkness Ethan held up his hands as Spud yelped and straightened up so quickly he briefly worried about whiplash. "Easy Spud, it's just me," he had to admit it was flattering how the smaller man instantly relaxed at his voice.

Taking a second to calm his racing heart Spud moved over to the far corner where the other man was hiding, "sir, what are you doing out here?" Eyes adjusting to the dim light he took in the bottle of vodka clutched in Ethan's hand. "Is something wrong?" Despite the earlier slap down from Magnus he couldn't prevent the concern from entering his voice even as his nails dug painfully into his palm in anticipation of another dismissal.

"I think that was my question. What's stupid?" moving back to his spot leaning against the glass railing Ethan hid a smile as Spud hesitantly joined him, clearly nervous about his welcome even after last week's rather enjoyable lunch together.

Sighing Spud braced his forearms on the cool metal railing and stared out at the glittering city lights, "Magnus made some crack about being surprised I was strong enough to push over a ladder." The faint hurt from yet another insult faded as the warmth from the bigger man fought and won against the chill of the night. Peeking at Ethan's understanding expression he tried to shrug it off, "it's okay though I'm used to it. I guess I just thought Magnus would be different."

"Hmm," humming Ethan took in the unhappiness in Spud's slumped posture, "I was under the impression you and Magnus were friends." He tried very hard not to let elation show in his voice, the faint flash of jealousy from Spud's earlier cheering for the other man had unsettled him and he very much liked the idea they weren't friends.

Snorting at the thought of someone like Magnus being his friend Spud's laughter had a tinge of bitterness, "blokes like Magnus aren't friends with guys like me Sir."

"His loss then," bumping shoulders with the other man Ethan smirked as Spud blushed and ducked his head. "You should ignore him, he's not worth your time. You did a good job tonight Spud, everything went as Aunt D planned." The grateful warmth in Spud's blue eyes soothed the annoyance he'd been drowning in ever since Magnus had won the title and his Aunt had seemingly turned her attention to her new acquisition. "Besides," smiling conspiratorially he threw his arm around Spud's shoulders and squeezed, "who cares about what Magnus thinks anyway. He's no Carter."

Closing his eyes Spud took comfort in Ethan's words, "you're right Sir. I'd much rather be here with you anyway." Aware of how his words sounded he flushed under the other man's amused smirk, "I just mean you're much better company."

"Of course Spud," smirking Ethan released the smaller man and took a swig of vodka, relishing the burn of quality liquor. Handing the bottle over to Spud he was unable to resist teasing as the other man choked and spluttered on the potent alcohol, "or should I call you James now."

Coughing Spud wiped his mouth and handed the bottle back to Ethan, "I guess I could let you Sir," it hadn't escaped his notice how the tension in other man's body had slowly eased slowly since they'd been talking. Choosing to take it as a positive sign their friendship was real he dared to tease back, "I'll even answer to it once and a while."

Laughing softly Ethan leaned back against the railing, "why thank you Spud, you're too generous. I guess I could let you call me Ethan as well … as long as we're alone. I do have a reputation to maintain." Spud's bright grin at his fake pompous tone forced him to recognize how much he enjoyed the other man's company. It was something of a rare phenomenon for him, he barely tolerated his fellow socialite friends but his Aunt's short, very British Chief of Staff had simply slid under all of his defenses.

"Of course you do Sir," breathing in the fresh night air mixed with the faint hint of Ethan's expensive cologne Spud exhaled slowly. Reluctantly eying the party behind them, which had turned impossibly louder and more rambunctious he sighed, "I guess I should head back in. Your Aunt did order me to ensure Magnus has everything he wants tonight." Unfortunately going back in was the very last thing he wanted to do.

"Once more into the breach," grumbling Ethan caught Spud by the arm just before he opened the door. "What do you say you check on Magnus, I'll tell Aunt D I need to borrow you for a while and we escape this poor excuse for a party."

Hesitating only briefly Spud was unable to resist the temping offer. Nodding he straightened his bowtie determinedly, "I say bloody brilliant idea Sir."

"Good, five minutes Spud," opening the door and grimacing at the blast of loud music and hot air Ethan pushed the smaller man forward. "Don't make me come look for you," he added warningly before letting Spud go.

A faint 'yes sir' reached his ears as Spud's slim frame rapidly disappeared in the crowd of larger wrestlers. Pushing his way to his Aunt's side Ethan held in a sneer as various acquaintances he barely recognized tried to stop and talk to him. It seemed the only good thing to come from tonight was he was now positive he actually had one real friend amongst all the fake, pretentious people in his life.