"I can't believe you have never watched Scrooge," setting the bowl of popcorn down on the coffee table Spud ignored Ethan's eye roll in favour of putting the movie on.
"Yeah, I heard you the first two times," grousing Ethan crossed his arms and scowled, "and what I said is I might have seen it when I was a kid but I don't remember it." Relaxing fractionally at Spud's contrite smile he accepted the mug of hot chocolate the other man held out, humming in delight at the soothing taste of peppermint.
"Sorry Sir, it's just always been one of my favourites. I don't think a year has gone by where I haven't watched it." Arranging a candy cane striped blanket over their laps Spud cradled his own mug and moved the popcorn closer, the pleasure at being able to share this with Ethan flaring when the bigger man shifter closer until their thighs were touching.
"Alright then tiger, wow me with this must-see Christmas movie," stretching his free arm out behind the couch Ethan sighed in complete contentment when Spud leaned against him. Even if he hadn't been entirely enthused over watching Christmas movies there was no doubt this beat attending some stuffy party any day. His Aunt's annoyed complaining that now she'd have to explain to her friend's daughter why he wasn't attending had only cinched the deal.
Hours later, popcorn gone Ethan stirred as the credits played, glancing down at Spud's raised eyebrow he gave in, "alright fine, you were right. It was a good movie, I enjoyed it."
"I knew you would, you and Scrooge have a lot in common after all," teasing Spud couldn't avoid the gentle swat to the back of his head, Ethan's huff only making his grin grow. "Come on Sir, both rich, both used to rotten Christmases."
Eyes narrowing Ethan looked Spud up and down, smirking as the other man shifted awkwardly, "I guess that makes you Bob Cratchit then." Watching as Spud scowled his smirk only deepened, "what's wrong tiger, it makes sense. You're both loyal to a fault, both at Scrooge's beck and call."
"Scrooge did treat Cratchit terribly, so it does fit," Ethan's low growl sent a skitter of heat down his spine and Spud breathed through the longing to throw himself at the bigger man, digging his nails into his palms until the urge died.
"Scroogle also saved Bob Cratchit's son and made his family's life better," ticking the points off triumphantly Ethan watched Spud struggle to maintain a scowl, voice dropping to a husky rumble. "So if I'm Scrooge I guess that makes me your hero."
Ethan's smugness drew a smile from him and emboldened by the last few days Spud drew on his courage and admitted boldly, "you were my everything Ethan." His skin prickled with heat when Ethan's teasing smile dropped, those dark eyes fixing with thrilling intensity on his mouth.
Reaching out to graze his fingers along Spud's jaw Ethan drank in the way he shuddered, "not quite everything tiger." There was no mistaking his meaning and he very much enjoyed the flush spreading across Spud's face, blue eyes darkening with arousal. Knowing there would be no better time he curled his hand around the back of Spud's neck and squeezed lightly, "I want you to come to my families Christmas party with me."
Heart pounding Spud sucked in a sharp breath, eyes flying to Ethan's serious expression he protested weakly, "I … I don't think your family or your date would approve of that Ethan."
"You misunderstood me James, I want you to attend the party as my date," dropping his hand to tangle their fingers together Ethan found back the urge to beg, Spud had to make this decision on his own. Because he wanted to, not because he ordered him to.
"I …" hesitating Spud looked down at their hands, this was everything he'd wanted and it scared him how much he wanted to say yes. Watching Ethan's thumb slowly stroke across his wrist he abruptly knew he was being stupid, looking up he smiled slowly, "I would love nothing more than to go on a date with you Ethan, to anywhere."
Exhaling roughly Ethan raised Spud's hand, pressing a warm kiss to the delicate skin of his wrist he breathed, "thank you tiger." Lifting his head he took in the clear affection on Spud's face, smiling shakily, "now, I think you promised me all the Christmas classics." Leaning back against the couch at Spud's amused huff his pulse finally slowed from its frantic pace, a part of him still couldn't believe his good luck but he'd forever be grateful for it.