Waking up to the dim morning light filtering in past the blinds Ethan turned his head, reaching out to lazily graze his fingers through the inviting gleam of Spud's hair. Even after a week of sharing a bed the delight he felt at waking up next to Spud hadn't faded, despite mutually deciding to take the physical side of their relationship slow neither of them had been able to resist the comfort of sleeping together.
Trailing his fingers down the smooth slope of Spud's back Ethan tiptoed across the bumps of his spine, smiling at the sleepy hum of approval he got in response, not even the wildest sex of his life compared to the pleasure of simply holding someone he cared so much about. Shivering as Spud rolled towards him and pressed a warm kiss to his shoulder he sucked in a breath at the smaller man's sleepy smile, god he had it bad and he couldn't find an ounce of regret for it, "morning tiger."
"Morning Sir," shifting to kiss along the sharp curve of Ethan's collarbone Spud gasped when Ethan easily pushed him onto his back and crawled on top, pressed together so firmly he could feel every inch of the bigger man's arousal.
Dipping his head Ethan nipped Spud's lower lip, sucking on it to sooth the sting, "god I love it when you call me Sir." Gripping Spud's thigh he groaned when the other man grinned impishly and rocked up into his body, so gloriously close to exploding it was all he could do to hold on.
Laughing huskily Spud curled his fingers through Ethan's dark hair, tugging his head up for a kiss, "well now, I'm learning all your secrets," murmuring against Ethan's mouth he pouted when the bigger man pulled away. "Sir …" his voice dissolved into a low whine as Ethan swept large hands over his chest, fingers brushing across his abs with a possessive touch that send heat prickling across every inch of his skin.
"Don't worry tiger I fully intend to take great pleasure in finding all your secrets," knowing if they didn't stop now going slow would be a thing of the past Ethan dragged his hands off of Spud's body, his control severely tested at the smaller man's groaned protest. Breathing deeply he leaned down to steal one last sweet kiss before climbing out of bed, "I'm going to make you some breakfast, you're way too skinny," he chuckled at Spud's offended huff.
"You can't even cook," shouting after Ethan's retreating form Spud rolled over and buried his face in the other man's pillow, breathing in the lingering scent of sandalwood as he waited for his body to calm down. Maybe taking things slow hadn't been one of his better ideas. Still, a goofy smile spread across his face, it was certainly proving fun getting there. The smell of bacon finally roused him enough to get out of bed, throwing on a t-shirt he wandered towards the kitchen and leaned against the door, watching Ethan dish the freshly delivered food onto plates and set them on the table. "I knew you weren't going to cook."
"Why cook when I can pay someone else to do it for me," flashing an arrogant smile at Spud's eye roll Ethan pulled a chair out with a flourish, "I did however make you a cup of tea."
Pulse jumping at how adorably pleased with himself Ethan looked Spud moved closer, sliding his hands along the soft fabric of the other man's well-worn t-shirt he stood on tiptoe to kiss the corner of his mouth teasingly, "my hero."
"Better believe it," smiling smugly Ethan tugged Spud back for another kiss, deeper this time before reluctantly releasing him to sit. Taking the other chair he dug into the expertly prepared omelette, content to let the silence reign until all the food was gone. Belly full he stretched and leaned back, sipping contentedly on his coffee until Spud also set his fork aside, "so do you have any plans for today?"
Amused Spud raised an eyebrow and pulled his teacup closer, "you mean other than lay about in the sun like a lazy sod?" He laughed at Ethan's over the top sigh, "then no mate, I don't have any plans."
"How do you feel about getting in some wrestling practice? You could help me prepare for my match against Angle." Fingers clenching into a fist under the table Ethan hated the wary expression that flickered through Spud's expressive eyes, hated that he was to blame for putting it there.
Taking a hasty sip of tea Spud dropped his gaze from the pain creeping across Ethan's face, he wanted to just be able to say yes but there was a part of him that vividly remembered what had happened the last time they'd had a match together. Remembered the heart break of fighting the man he'd been in love with, the man who had no problem hurting him and humiliating him. Unconsciously his hand strayed to his hair, only aware of what he'd done at the ragged sound of pain in Ethan's shaky inhale.
"Spud … I," feeling helpless under the crushing weight of remorse Ethan leaned forward and gently entangled their fingers together, thumb rubbing circles over the back of Spud's hand. "I ..."
"I know Ethan," smiling painfully Spud squeezed Ethan's hand and determinedly dismissed the ghosts of the past, wanting nothing more than to wipe to look of shame off the other man's face. "I'll spar with you, though I'm not sure how much help I'll be in preparing for Kurt Angle."
Awed by Spud's sheer generosity Ethan silently promised himself he'd never again allow anyone or anything to hurt this man. Swallowing down his guilt to deal with another time he allowed a teasing smile to cross his face, "will you wear your new wrestling gear?"
"Uh, sure, if you want me to," teeth digging into his bottom lip when Ethan pressed a warm, lingering kiss to his palm Spud was caught by the smoldering heat in his dark eyes.
"Good, I've been wanting to get my hands on you in those pants since I first saw you in them." Chuckling at the delightful way Spud instantly blushed Ethan stood and pulled the other man up with him, "go get changed tiger, I'll meet you down in the gym."
Tilting his head up for a kiss Spud murmured at quick, "yes, Sir," against Ethan's mouth, smirking at his sharp inhale. "I do hope you'll also be wearing your wrestling trunks." A flicker of excitement flared to life at the other man's nod, perhaps this sparring session would be fun, after all rolling around with a half-naked Ethan Carter was a fantasy for most people.
Ducking out of the kitchen Spud hurried down the hall into the spare room that had been his for a short while, grabbing his duffle bag out of the closet. Dressing in his full wrestling gear felt a little odd knowing it was just for practice, usually he'd only throw on an old pair of jogging pants. Still if this is what Ethan wanted … eyes falling on his leather jacket still hanging in the closet a devilish smile curled his lips, might as well give him the full experience.
Flicking the gym's lights on Ethan surveyed his basement with deep satisfaction, it had been a lot of hard work and a lot of money but he was proud of what he'd designed, even if Aunt D had taken one look and chastised him for the waste. Climbing into the ring he tested the strength of the ropes, making sure each side was tight, he hoped he could use this opportunity to create some good memories of wrestling against each other.
Hearing footsteps Ethan turned to face the stairs, mouth dropping at the sight of Spud strolling confidently towards him, blond hair glowing in the bright lights, sinfully tight pants and half-zipped leather jacket highlighting how slender he was … how on earth had he ever been oblivious to how much he wanted this man. It was only at Spud's light cough he realized he was staring, hands aching from gripping the top rope.
Climbing into the ring Spud couldn't deny the way Ethan looked at him made him feel desired and it felt good. In his dismal experiences with dating he'd always found the other person had been put off by his height, his love of wrestling or movies or video games or anything really … things had rarely lasted past the second date let alone to seeing such a look directed at him.
"That is … such a great jacket," voice a husky rumble Ethan couldn't drag his eyes away from the way Spud's fingers fiddled with the zipper, revealing tantalizing glimpses of golden skin.
Watching the zipper creep down another inch Ethan's eyes flew up when Spud reached out and gripped his hand, a shyly inviting smile on his face as he placed it on the smooth leather, "do you want to help me take it off Sir?"
Breath punched out of him at the provocative offer Ethan groaned and cupped Spud's jaw, kissing him until they were both panting, "do you even have to ask baby?" Grinning wickedly he pulled the zipper all the way down, slipping his hands inside to press against smooth, warm skin to the sound of Spud's low gasp. Tossing the jacket aside his heart threatened to pound out of his chest at how Spud trembled under his touch, leaning into him so trustingly he wanted nothing more than to drag the smaller man back to bed. Opening his mouth to propose just that he grunted in surprise when Spud swept his leg and dropped him on his ass.
"Why you …" lips twitching at Spud's delighted laughter Ethan twisted around to grab his ankle, yanking him down on the mat, "you are going to pay for that." Trying to pin the smaller man down was an exercise in futility and he huffed when Spud used his quickness to squirm away completely.
"You didn't think I'm going to make this easy on you, did you?" Taunting Ethan with a grin, blood singing wildly through his veins Spud dodged the next attempt to grab him, using a twisting shoulder throw to send the larger man back to the mat with a muffled curse.
Unexpectedly flat on his back once more Ethan snorted and rolled to his feet again, cracking his neck he held his hands up in the classic gesture for a lock up, waiting patiently for Spud to come closer. "I was hoping you wouldn't tiger," tangling their fingers together he used his superior strength to back Spud into a corner, stealing a kiss from his smiling mouth.
Gasping Spud bit back a moan, "cheater." Breathless he spread his hands on Ethan's chest, digging his fingers in the firm muscles he shoved abruptly, putting some necessary space between their bodies. Rolling his eyes as Ethan only laughed and once again held up his hands he moved in like was going to lock up, instead hooking his leg behind Ethan's knee and pushing. Yelping as Ethan's flailing hand grabbed his wrist and dragged him down he scrambled to roll away, kicking out at the strong grip around his ankle.
"You're not getting away this time," yanking the smaller man back inch by inch Ethan paused with his hand around Spud's knee, silently marvelling at how his hand could almost wrap all the way around. "You might as well surrender now," stroking the warm material he grunted when Spud kneed him in the stomach, glaring blue fire at him.
"Not bloody likely," choking back a groan when Ethan's fingers teasingly grazed along his ribs he pushed his growing arousal aside and used the other man's distraction to reverse their positions, scrambling to kneel over Ethan's body he pinned his hands to the mat. Laughing in triumphant he leaned in and kissed the smug smile off Ethan's face, stopping the other man's instinctive move to get free. Nibbling on Ethan's full lower lip he shuddered when the other man's mouth parted under his, deepening the kiss he freed a hand to bury his fingers in Ethan's dark hair, lust pooling hot and potent when the bigger man moaned but remained acquiescently under him despite being more than capable of getting free. Panting he tore his mouth away and tapped his hand against the mat three times, "1, 2, 3 … looks like I win Sir." The glazed look in Ethan's eyes faded and he squeaked embarrassingly when one large hand moved to squeeze his ass, the thin material of his pants offering no protection against the burning heat of Ethan's touch.
Kneading the firm flesh under his hand Ethan watched Spud's eyes flutter shut, mouth falling open in a soundless moan, tugging his other hand free he gripped the back of the smaller man's neck and growled, "cheater." Rolling them over he shuddered at the glorious feeling of so much bare skin, a whine escaping when Spud only dug desperate fingers into his shoulders and arched into him. Leaning down he sank his teeth into the vulnerable curve of Spud's neck and sucked, a distant part of his mind wondering if he could talk Spud into wearing a bowtie again. Lifting his head, voice wrecked he observed the dark mark he'd left with deep satisfaction, "if you'd done that in our hair match you would have won."
Fighting to find the breath to respond Spud forced his eyes open to meet Ethan's smug smile, "you … you would have looked terrible bald." Shivering when Ethan pulled back, leaving a strip of coldness behind he swallowed when the other man's gaze travelled down his body and landed on the very obvious evidence of how much he'd enjoyed their tussle.
"God I want you," reverently smoothing his hands down the dips and curves of Spud's chest Ethan was almost unware of having spoken, only the other man's sharp inhale alerting him. Faltering he took Spud's hand and feathered warm kisses across his fingertips, "only when you're ready of course, there's no rush here, no pressure." Shifting back on his heels to make room for Spud to sit up he took comfort from the amused smile directed at him.
"I know Sir," wrapping his arms around Ethan's neck Spud smiled when strong arms settled around his waist, "you must know I want you as well." Bracing himself on Ethan's sturdy shoulders he pushed himself to his feet, brushing a stray curl off the other man's forehead he bit back a whine when Ethan nuzzled his stomach and looked up at him with such vulnerable fear he was kissing him desperately, needing to erase that look.
Mouth parting Ethan surrendered to the warm reassurance in Spud's kiss, sighing when the other man pulled away and straightened up. Accepting a hand up, grimacing as his knees cracked he shuffled over to the ropes to hold them down, realizing only at the last second what memories it could invoke. Breath sticking in his throat he fell that much more in love when Spud didn't hesitate to cross in front of him, pausing only for a sweet, lingering kiss before climbing out of the ring and wiping away that awful moment when he'd made the decision to betray him all over again in his quest to hurt him as much as possible.
Turning the lights off, deciding all in all getting in the ring together to wrestle had been worth the risk Ethan cheerfully slung his arm around Spud's shoulders and led the way upstairs, "do you want to shower first or shall I?"
"You go ahead, I'll whip us up a nice protein shake." Very aware of how much Ethan hated waiting to shower Spud hid a smirk at his grunt of approval. Veering off for the kitchen he waved to acknowledge the shouted request for pineapple and mangos, smirk softening into an indulgent smile he was once again grateful he'd taken the risk to forgive Ethan. Even with Dixie Carter's disapproval hanging over them like a distant cloud he'd never been happier.
In the time it took to whisk up a protein smoothie the distant sound of the shower finally shut off, scooping up both glasses Spud strolled down the hall to Ethan's … to their room. Sipping on his he leaned against the door and appreciatively watched the impressive flex of muscle as Ethan pulled on a tank top, dark curls still dripping wet. Holding the glass out when the other man turned around he didn't even try to hide the fact he'd been checking him out, shivering when Ethan deliberately grazed warm fingers along his wrist as he took the glass.
"I'll be out by the pool," smug at the open appreciation on Spud's face Ethan waggled his eyebrows, "unless you'd like some help scrubbing your back?"
Shaking his head Spud laughed, "you do that and we won't be making it out of this room at all today." Ethan's unrepentant grin showed how little that idea bothered him. "Go on Sir, I won't be long."
Raising his glass in a salute Ethan left and headed towards the patio, the sun was already shining from a beautiful blue sky, promising the start of another perfect day. This week of having Spud by his side and in his bed each night had truly opened his eyes to how much of an idiot he'd been … how blind he'd been to his feelings. Granted he'd always done his best to supress any attraction he'd felt towards other men, not finding the risk of outing himself to be worth it but Spud … well Spud had always been the exception to so many things.
The unwelcome ring of the doorbell shattered the quiet, the glass in his hand threatening to crack under the sudden pressure as dread sunk into his bones. If this was his Aunt with another visit to talk him out of dating Spud he wasn't sure he'd be able to keep his temper, swallowing the last of the smoothie Ethan gathered his composure and made it to the front door just as another ring sounded. Flinging it open, scowl in place he blinked at the sight of his mother standing on his porch, "mom?"
"Yes darling," smirking at her son's blank stare Betty raised an eyebrow, "aren't you going to invite me in?"
"Sorry mom," sweeping the petite woman into a hug Ethan squeezed extra tight until she swatted him away with a familiar exasperated huff. "I wasn't expecting to see you this week. Is dad here too?"
Linking her arm with her son's Betty regretfully shook her head, "no darling, he couldn't make it this time, but he sends his love. Now," she patted his arm, "what do you say to getting your mother an iced tea and showing me out to your lovely patio."
"Of course, mom." Guiding the way down the hall Ethan resisted the urge to groan when his bedroom door opened and Spud walked out, busy buttoning his shirt up he hadn't yet noticed they had company.
"James darling, how lovely to see you," if her son hadn't been quite so tense Betty would have laughed at James's startled jump, a blush immediately stealing over his face.
"Mrs. Carter …" swallowing when the petite woman with Ethan's gorgeous brown eyes held up her hand Spud frantically looked over at his … his boyfriend only to see him looking equally stricken, he wasn't sure if their relationship could withstand the blow of her disapproval.
"What have I told you about that," clucking her tongue Betty had to pretend not to notice the look her two boys exchanged, unhappily aware of Dixie's influence at play, "it's Betty dear or I'll start calling you Mr. Curtin."
Releasing a breath Spud smiled weakly, "sorry, Betty." The coiled tension in his muscles eased when she drew him into a hug, holding him out to examine him with critical eyes before smiling happily.
"You look healthy, I'm glad to see my son has been taking such good care of you," suppressing a laugh when James's fading blush flared back to life Betty turned her attention to her son to give him a moment to recover. "Why don't you get those drinks darling, James can escort me out to the patio."
"Of course mom," giving into impulse Ethan squeezed Spud's shoulder as he stepped past him, smiling reassuringly at the remaining hint of worry on his face. By the time he made it back to the patio his mother and Spud were sitting together, heads bent over a phone and giggling. Setting the tray of iced tea down he peered over Spud's shoulder, snatching the phone away at the sight of one of his old elementary picture. "Mom, you can't show this to Spud," hissing he closed out the image of his seven-year-old chubby self with wild curly hair and gap-toothed smile.
"I don't know what you're so worried about son." Taking her phone back Betty aimed for a carefully casual tone, "after all if I can't show a few childhood pictures to your boyfriend who can I show them to?" She took a sip of iced tea to hide how much it hurt to see the way her son flinched and how horrified James looked at her words.
"My boyfriend?" Wincing at how high-pitched his voice came out Ethan attempted to laugh it off, "come on mom don't be ridiculous, you know Spud is just my friend." Catching Spud's gaze he swallowed at his weak smile, abruptly hating himself for even attempting to deny their relationship.
Hating the awkward atmosphere and how tense this conversation was making both her son and James Betty decided to get straight to the point, setting her glass gently on the table, "Dixie came to see myself and your father, I'm afraid she has quite a different tale to tell."
Massaging his forehead Ethan barely refrained from swearing, giving up on the idea of hiding their relationship he held his hand out to Spud, headache immediately receding when the smaller man didn't hesitate to take his hand. "I don't know what she told you mom but Aunt D she …" trailing off in frustration he took comfort in Spud's silent support.
"Dixie hates everything that doesn't fit her narrow view of the world," interrupting Betty placed her hand over her boys hands and squeezed, "her opinion is disgraceful and in no way represents our family. Your father and I only want you to be happy Ethan and if James makes you happy then you have our full support. Plus we've known you liked men and women for quite a while," she couldn't help but chuckle at her son's astonished look.
"You never said anything," heart rate finally slowing from the fear his mother would judge him like Aunt D had Ethan winced at how accusatory he sounded, it was only Spud's slight squeeze that stopped him from apologizing when his mother sighed and sat back.
"We thought it would be best to wait until you were comfortable enough to tell us yourself dear," heart clenching at the hurt in her son's eyes Betty wondered for the first time if that had been the right choice or just the easiest. "I'm sorry if we ever made you think you couldn't date whoever you wanted."
Gaze flashing to Spud, who tightened his grip in support Ethan sighed faintly, "to be honest until I met Spud I never seriously considering dating a man." He only had eyes for the pleased warmth in Spud's eyes, wishing they were alone so he could kiss that shy smile.
Hiding her delight at how clearly in love her son was Betty judged it was time to leave, based on the looks they were giving each other the last thing they needed was company right now. Coughing lightly she made sure none of her amusement showed in her voice, "well I do believe it's time I get going." Standing she turned to James, meeting the faint worry in his blue eyes with a serious expression, "please don't let Dixie's attitude bother you, Ethan and I couldn't be more pleased you're dating our son. You're a good influence on him."
"Moom," using his best whiny tone Ethan smirked at their identical huffs of amusement, "how do you know I'm not the one who is a good influence of Spud." This time he pouted when they both laughed, unable to disguise his delight when Spud leaned across the table to press a kiss against the corner of his mouth in front of his mom like it was the most natural thing in the world. Suddenly the fact Aunt D didn't approve no longer felt like it mattered, not when he had Spud by his side and his parent's approval.
"Sorry son, naturally I meant you were the good influence," winking as James nodded in solemn agreement Betty collected her purse, "now why don't you show your poor mother to the door." She didn't want to mention Dixie's threat in front of James, considering his personal brush with her sister-in-law's vindictiveness it would be easier if he heard it from her son.
"Of course," hastily rising to his feet Ethan squeezed Spud's shoulder, "I won't be gone long tiger," revelling in the open affection on Spud's face he pointedly ignored his mom's indulgent smile. Leading the way to the front door he could tell from his mother's pensive expression that she had something to tell him he wasn't going to like. "So what's the bad news?"
Startled Betty's eyes flew to her son's face, sighing at his knowing look, "I should have known you'd be able to tell." Staring out at the car waiting to take her back to the airport she cursed Dixie for putting her in this position, "your Aunt informed us of your relationship with James so we could persuade you to break it off." Looking up at Ethan's pained exhale she forced herself to continue despite knowing how much it would hurt her son to hear, he'd always been close to his Aunt, seeking her approval throughout his childhood. "When we refused she didn't take it well, your father and I fear she's planning to do something to 'make you come to your senses'."
Breathing through the ragged sense of betrayal Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose, "she never could just leave things alone." Straightening up he met his mom's worried gaze, "don't worry mom, there's nothing Aunt D can do that will change my mind. I made the mistake of giving Spud up once, I won't do it again."
Beaming with pride Betty pulled her son into a hug, "you're a good man Ethan." She chuckled and took pity when he pulled away, ducking his head with a dull blush. "Why don't you and James spend the weekend with us? It might do you both some good to get away for a while."
Hesitating briefly Ethan nodded, there was no way he could say no with his mother looking at him so hopefully, "sure mom, that sounds great." Besides, he was almost sure Spud would enjoy seeing the house he'd grown up in.
"Wonderful, I'll make sure the plane is at your disposal then," rising on tiptoes to kiss her son's cheek Betty pulled the front door open and waved cheerfully. "Bye darling, call us if you need anything."
Waving until the car pulled out of his driveway Ethan closed the front door and leaned his head against the cool wood, gathering his courage to tell the man he loved that Aunt D was no doubt already scheming a way to split them up.
