Crossing his arms Spud glared angrily at the opposite wall. They'd had Willow in a handicap match and still lost. As much as he'd tried not to let his fear control him there had been times when all he'd wanted to do was get out of the ring and as far away from Willow as possible. It was this distraction that had allowed him to be pinned, frozen under Willow's weight until the three count was and the other man was ripped off him. He'd instinctively rolled out of the way and sat up, watching Ethan lay into Willow with such fierceness he lost his breath at how beautiful Ethan was in his rage. That was when Angle's music rang out and the newly returned wrestler ran out, going after Ethan and forcing him to abandon his beat down of Willow.
Darting a look over at Ethan engrossed in his phone and showing none of the disappointment he felt in himself he massaged his aching forehead. Finally tired of the silence he sighed and stood up, walking over to stand in front of Ethan until he looked up.
Quirking an eyebrow at the serious expression on Spud's face Ethan set his phone aside and gave the other man his full attention, "something on your mind?" It had taken some heavy meditation to calm his rage at how Willow had manhandled Spud and even now with Spud standing safely in front of him his other half still wanted to track Willow down and rip his throat out.
"I'm sorry for losing the match Sir. I didn't mean to let Willow get to me I just …" rushing almost desperately through an apology Spud broke off, biting his lip when Ethan grabbed his hand and tugged him closer.
Smiling reassuringly Ethan rubbed his thumb across Spud's knuckles, "don't worry about it, Willow will get what's coming to him sooner or later." Clearing his throat he forced his fangs back at the way Spud's pulse jumped under his touch, "right now I have something else on my mind."
Shivering as Ethan's fingers curved snugly around his wrist Spud glanced down, a slow trickle of heat at the way the bigger man's hand completely encircled his wrist made his voice breathless, "is it something I can help with?"
"Yes, in fact you're a rather integral part," tightening his grip Ethan was thankful for his decades of control as Spud looked at him, the usual warm blue of his eyes dark with desire. "I want you to move in with me for a few weeks."
Blinking rapidly Spud was only aware of his mouth falling open when Ethan laughed lightly and gently nudged his jaw shut. Flushing bright red he pulled his hand free and crossed his arms, "you're bloody joking right mate?"
Grinning at Spud's disbelieving stare Ethan kept his voice firm, "I'm not kidding. Willow is crazy and I want you safe and sound behind a top of the line security system." He held up a hand when Spud would have protested, "and before you think of a reason to object Aunt D and Uncle Serg are in full agreement." There was a small stubborn frown on Spud's face so he pulled out the big guns, "please tiger, for me."
Groaning at the puppy dog eyes Ethan turned on him Spud felt his resolve to say no melt away, "I … if you're sure Sir then yes of course I will." Huffing at Ethan's satisfied smile he cursed the fact he found it impossible to resist the bigger man. "I just hope you don't come to regret the offer."
"I think I'm safe on that Spud. Now come on let's get out of here and go for a drink." Snagging his luggage Ethan held the door open, already his other half was purring in contentment at knowing Spud was going to be under his protection at all times.
Dragging Spud to his favourite bar Ethan ordered their drinks and silently clinked glasses, "here's to living together." Stilling the other man's nervous tapping he turned Spud's hand over and squeezed his fingers, hiding the hint of emerging fang as Spud's heart beat picked up, "stop worrying tiger."
"Are you sure your Aunt is okay with me moving in?" Licking his lips Spud hesitated on voicing his fears, only the warmth of Ethan's hand in his giving him the courage. "You know she doesn't exactly approve of our … friendship right?"
"My Aunt is old-fashioned in some of her ideas," amused by Spud's painstakingly careful word choice Ethan sighed when he didn't look reassured. "It's nothing you need to worry about I promise. They both agreed it was a good idea for you to move in until this situation with Willow is settled and that's all that matters."
Allowing his fears to be allayed Spud nodded, relaxing enough to take a sip of his drink, "okay Sir. I guess I'll pack a few things and talk one of my neighbours into keeping an eye on my apartment. It shouldn't take more than a few days."
Instant red sweeping over his vision Ethan closed his eyes and breathed in Spud's unique scent for a second, so easy to pick out even in the crowded room. "You have until tomorrow Spud, then packed or not you're moving in." Turning his head he glared when Spud opened his mouth to protest, "tomorrow Spud. I won't have you spending another day at risk."
"Honestly Ethan," huffing Spud turned to fully face the other man, protesting despite Ethan's increasing scowl, "I need more time than that." He tried not to be charmed out of his determination when one of Ethan's eyebrows rose, a slow, sweet smile spreading across his face.
"Don't worry tiger, I'll help," dropping a handful of bills on the bar and nodding to the bartender Ethan draped his arm around Spud's shoulders, steering him towards the exit. "You just point me towards who you want to look in on your apartment and I'll take care of it."
"You don't have to do …" swallowing when Ethan squeezed the back of his neck Spud tipped his face up to meet the other man's amused smirk, cursing the burn of arousal that made his heart race.
Smirk deepening Ethan opened the car door, leaning in towards Spud he lowered his voice, "I don't know if you've noticed this tiger, but I can be awfully charming when I want to be." Laughing lightly and pretending to pout when Spud thumped him on the shoulder his other half rumbled in pleasure at the unsteady beat of the other man's heart. There was no doubt living so close to Spud was going to test his self-control in every single way … he couldn't wait.