Sneaking out the house was becoming increasingly difficult and Ethan couldn't wait until he didn't have to keep up the pretense of using Spud in order to further humiliate the smaller man. His family weren't going to be pleased but for once in his life he was going to decide where and with who his future lay. Parking and making his way up to Spud's apartment he couldn't stop the grin when the door opened before he had the chance to knock, Spud greeting him such obvious pleasure it confirmed he was making the right decision.
"Good afternoon Sir," stepping back to let Ethan in Spud firmly told himself to stop grinning like an idiot. "You're here later than I thought you would be."
Sighing Ethan snagged a cookie and flopped on the couch, "Aunt D wanted to make sure I was keeping you busy with menial tasks." Glancing up at Spud's vaguely unhappy expression he waved it off airily, "I of course told her you'd be busy chauffeuring me around town, being at my every beck and call." As he'd hoped Spud's expression lightened as he huffed and sat beside him.
"And where am I supposed to be driving you around to?" Stealing the last bit of cookie out of Ethan's hand Spud grinned at his outraged glare, the cold knot of anger at hearing Dixie was still out to humiliate him unraveling.
"To the mall of course," chuckling as Spud looked at him in mute disbelief he hauled the smaller man up off the couch and pushed him towards the door. "Come on tiger, we have ugly Christmas sweaters to buy."
Allowing himself to be pushed Spud grabbed his jacket on the way out, unable to stop the amusement from leaking into his voice, "you want to wear an ugly Christmas sweater?" Quirking an eyebrow at Ethan's faux-offended expression he deliberately eyed the bigger man's expensively tailored wardrobe, "I don't think I've ever seen you wear anything that wasn't perfectly matched and co-ordinated."
"Checking me out tiger," smirking at Spud's instant flush Ethan held the car door open for him, "I also don't go to malls but this journey has been all about firsts." Spud's gaze jumped to his, blue eyes blazing with such hunger it was all he could do to close the door and shuffle to the driver's side.
It took most of the journey to the mall to slow his pulse, his mind insisting on replying the husky note in Ethan's voice when he'd said 'firsts' and the way that dark gaze had dropped to his mouth until he no longer knew if it had all been his imagination. Once they'd parked and fought their way inside Spud was almost grateful for the crowd, it at least kept his attention focused on keeping track of Ethan and not their … relationship.
Stopping so abruptly that Spud bumped into him Ethan ignored his muttered apology and dragged the smaller man into a crowded store. Heading directly for a rack full of hideous sweaters he gingerly picked one up, "perfect. I can't imagine anything uglier than a sweater full of pink snowmen."
"Oh I beg to differ," pulling out a sweater depicting Christmas beverages strung together by a strand of lights that actually blinked Spud held it out, laughing when Ethan took a step back. "Come in Sir, it was made for you, the peppermint hot chocolate is front and centre."
"Fine," rolling his eyes Ethan took the sweater, handing the one he was holding over, "but this one is yours then." Making sure he had the right sizes he directed Spud to the change rooms, "go put it on and give me the tags."
"You don't need to pay …" trailing off when Ethan just shut the door in his face Spud rolled his eyes, knowing there would be no talking the other man out of it he did as ordered. Changing quickly and shoving his bowtie in his pocket he opened the door to find Ethan already waiting, shoulders shaking from holding in his laughter he touched one of the flashing lights, "it looks wonderful on you Sir."
"Of course it does, I'm a Carter," smirking at Spud's expected huff Ethan let his gaze flick over the smaller man. "I think you're missing something however," stepping closer and ignoring Spud's sharp inhale he searched through his pockets until his fingers curled around a scrap of silk. "You forgot to keep this on," holding Spud's gaze he carefully fastened the bowtie. Deliberately touching a finger to the rapid beat of a pulse he breathed in the smaller man's muffled groan before forcing himself to back off before he forgot they were in public. "There, perfect."
Heart racing out of control and swallowing back any number of responses Spud shakily smoothed his hands down Ethan's chest, not hiding his appreciation he boldly met the other man's intense gaze, "yes Sir, perfect."