Stepping outside the store while Ethan paid Spud closed his eyes and breathed through the ebbing arousal that had made it difficult to walk, even now he could still feel Ethan's fingers on his skin and he was grateful when a childish shriek of joy jolted him out of the memory. Looking around his attention was caught by the line to meet Santa, abruptly knowing what they needed to do next he couldn't help but laugh when Ethan stepped out of the store, took one look at his face and immediately shook his head.
"Whatever you are thinking the answer is no," catching Spud's arm and attempting to tug him towards the exit Ethan groaned when the smaller man planted his feet and resisted. Blowing out a breath he turned to face Spud's playful grin, "alright, what is it?"
"We are going to get our picture taken with Santa Claus," not letting Ethan's instant protest deter him Spud widened his eyes and looked up pleadingly, gesturing to their sweaters. "Come on Sir, we're dressed perfectly. Don't you want a memento of this Christmas?"
Giving in with a groan Ethan allowed Spud to lead him to the back of the line, "I don't know how I let you talk me into these things." Making a face as a little boy stuck his tongue out at them he glanced down, heart turning over at Spud's tender smile.
"Because you've secretly always wanted to sit on Santa's lap," heat pooling at Ethan's wicked grin Spud fought back a shudder as a heavy hand curled around the back of his neck and squeezed lightly.
"Or maybe I just wanted you to sit on my lap," keeping his voice low, aware of all the young eyes around them Ethan had to force himself not to crowd closer as Spud shuddered under his hand.
"You," gathering himself Spud smiled innocently as one of the mothers looked over at them, "you should have dressed as Santa then Sir." Ethan laughed softly and he felt bereft when the other man dropped his hand.
"I'll remember that for next time tiger," nudging Spud forward as they came to the front of the line Ethan shrugged apologetically at Santa and lowered himself very carefully so it looked like he was sitting. Lips twitching in genuine amusement when Spud was easily able to sit on Santa's lap he barely noticed the click of the camera. Bowtie, pink snowmen and all it hit him all of a sudden that there wasn't a time when he hadn't been in love with Spud.