Refusing the offer to help clean up Spud ushered Ethan towards his couch, turning the game on and bringing over a cup of coffee he tried not to squirm under the bigger man's warm regard. Locating his mother's recipe for eggnog he quickly assembled all the ingredients and soon had it simmering on the stove.
"Hmm, something smells good," tearing his eyes away from the action on tv Ethan peered over at where Spud was stirring something on the stove, curiosity stirring at the other man's sheepish smile. "What are you making?"
"Eggnog, I'm sure you've had it before at those fancy parties but I thought it would go good with our cookies," judging it to have reached the right consistency Spud turned his attention to carefully pouring the mixture in a jug and putting it in the fridge to cool. Turning around and bumping into Ethan's chest he flushed at the high-pitched yelp that escaped, eyes flashing to the bigger man's amused smirk he shivered as strong hands steadied him.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," smoothing his hands down Spud's arms Ethan drew him closer, licking his lips his skin prickled with heat when the smaller man's gaze dropped to his mouth. "You seem to have a knack for finding things I haven't tried before," grudgingly stepping back from temptation he forced himself to go back to the game, not hiding his satisfaction when Spud followed and sat next to him.
Curling up Spud twisted so he was half facing the other man, relaxing into the cushions he pretended to pay attention to the game while watching Ethan's contented expression. "How have you never tried eggnog? I can't imagine all those fancy parties didn't have it available."
"Oh there was eggnog alright, usually presented in some ridiculously elaborate ice sculpture," lips twitching at Spud's snort Ethan nodded his agreement, "yeah it was as absurd as you're thinking. Plus I never saw any one take a glass so it always seemed the wiser decision to stay away."
Grinning at Ethan's exaggerated grimace Spud patted his arm, "I'm glad I'll never be invited to a party like that."
"There are some good things," biting his lip and forcing his voice to be casual Ethan kept his gaze on the game, "the food is good, the booze is free and if you go with the right person dancing the night away can be … fun." Spud only hummed noncommittedly and he let the subject drop.
The game was almost half over by the time Spud allowed him to try the eggnog, bringing over two glasses and a plate of cookies he settled back besides him. Taking a glass Ethan raised it in a toast, "to eggnog and cookies." Clinking glasses his gaze lingered on Spud's soft smile.
"To eggnog and cookies," repeating the toast Spud took a sip and watched for Ethan's reaction, huffing when the other man sniffed it and swirled it like it was a glass of fine wine. "Just try it Ethan," exasperated he smacked Ethan's shoulder at his amused laugh.
Swallowing a mouthful Ethan hummed in approval, "it's delicious, thank you tiger." Taking another sip he enjoyed Spud's pleased satisfaction almost as much as the eggnog.