Walking back through the park Spud peered up at Ethan's face, "did you have a good time Sir?" The quick smile Ethan flashed him calmed the last of the doubt if inviting the other man to the homeless shelter had been the right choice.
"I admit it's not my usual thing but yeah, I did. It was nice to directly give back for once," tucking Spud's hand around his arm Ethan slowed his steps, "my family gives generously to various charities of course, but it's mostly for appearances. This was much more satisfying," breathing in the crisp air and glancing down at Spud's tender smile he marvelled at how he'd ever been able to convince himself he hated the man by his side.
"Just don't let your Aunt hear you say that," despite meaning the words to be teasing Spud wished he could take them back at Ethan's grimace. "Sorry, Sir I …"
"It's okay, you don't need to apologize," interrupting Ethan stopped walking, tipping Spud's face up he smiled painfully at the wariness in those blue eyes. "If anything I should be apologizing to you for everything my Aunt and I …" This time Spud was the one to interrupt him, thin fingers curling around his wrist and squeezing.
"How about neither of us apologize … at least until the new year," Ethan nodded in solemn agreement before his gaze drifted over his shoulder and Spud felt his pulse jump at the bigger man's absurdly attractive smile.
"How about we seal the deal of not apologizing by taking a ride in a horse driven sleigh?" Curling a hand around Spud's neck Ethan turned him in the right direction, heat pooling low and potent as the smaller man's shivered under his touch.
Biting his lip against a gasp as Ethan's hand slid down his back in a move that was unmistakably possessive Spud summoned a teasing smile, "and would this sleigh ride be another first for you Sir?"
Humming Ethan nudged Spud forward, "no, not my first sleigh ride but certainly the first with someone I actually want to go with." Nodding to the driver he climbed in and offered his hand to Spud, quirking a smile at the smaller man's doubtful look, "come on tiger, I wouldn't lie about something as important as a sleigh ride."
Rolling his eyes Spud accepted the help, hiding his pleasure when Ethan kept a hold of his hand, "do I want to know the story?"
"Let's just say it ended with my companion getting sick all over my lap," pretending to scowl at Spud's startled laugh Ethan relaxed back against the plush velvet seats.
"Would you two love birds like a blanket before we get started?" Flushing instantly at the driver's innocent question Spud felt his flush deepen when Ethan didn't correct him and simply accepted the blanket with an easy smile.
"Sir," hissing in protest Spud smiled weakly back at the driver's cheerful wave, jabbing Ethan in the ribs when the bigger man released his hand to wrap an arm around his shoulders. "You're making it worse."
"Am I?" Blinking innocently Ethan fought back a smirk at Spud's annoyed huff, he didn't fail to note however that Spud didn't move away.
Shaking his head Spud gave in, shifting closer to Ethan's warmth he closed his eyes and breathed in the rich scent of other man's cologne. With the soft sound of the horse's bells jingling around them and despite the biting cold he never wanted this perfect moment to end.