Hefting a box full of dvd's Ethan pretended to struggle under the heavy load, "did you really need to bring all these?" Grinning as the look of uncertainly on Spud's face shifted to irritation he dropped the box in the corner of the room, satisfied he'd done what he could to distract his friend from Aunt D's less than warm welcome.
"You're going to be bloody grateful I brought them Ethan, don't think I haven't noticed how much you love my 80's movie collection," rolling his eyes at Ethan's unrepentant smirk Spud shook his head and laughed, carrying the last of his luggage into the guest … into his room. After spending last night worrying how he was going to handle living so close to Ethan and then catching the split-second grimace on Mrs. Carter's face before she'd welcomed him to her home it felt good to laugh. None of those concerns seemed to matter however when Ethan followed him in and sprawled out on the bed, a reassuring presence even when doing nothing more than watching him put away his clothes.
"Uncle Serg is barbequing, you're invited to join us of course," holding in a sigh at the doubt flickering across Spud's face Ethan stood and clapped a hand on his shoulder, squeezing firmly. "I know this might be awkward for a few days so you don't have to, but I do want you there." The shy smile Spud flashed at him had his gaze dropping to the pulse beating invitingly under his fingers.
"Of course I'll join you Sir," distracted by the warmth of Ethan's hand Spud shivered at the thumb rubbing slow circles against the side of his neck. It might be too late to prevent Ethan from being aware of how much he enjoyed his touch but it would be disastrous if Dixie ever guessed the thoughts he had about her nephew.
"Good man," dropping his hand Ethan hastily turned away in order to hide his emerging fangs. "Come on now I'll show you around the gardens," regaining control he held the door open and waited for Spud to proceed him, pressing his hand against the smaller man's back he guided him towards the back garden. Stepping out onto the patio he couldn't help but tuck Spud closer when they came within sight of his Aunt, the flash of disapproval on her face making the smaller man tense unhappily.
"There you two are, I was just about to send Serg to get you," holding back a frown Dixie did her best to sound cheerful, Serg had gently reminded her since she'd given permission she might as well make the best of the situation. Plus on the bright side, even if he was standing much too close to Spud her nephew was looking more relaxed than he had in weeks.
"Come on Aunt D you know I wouldn't miss one of Serg's famous grilled burgers," lightly massaging the tight muscles under his hand Ethan was proud of the way Spud lifted his chin and smiled politely. Nudging him gently towards the patio table loaded with food he was grateful when Serg broke the slightly tense atmosphere to draw Spud into an easy conversation on life in America.
Digging in Ethan felt a glow of satisfaction when Spud forgot to be nervous and relaxed beside him, it reassured him he'd made the right choice in inviting the smaller man into his home. Feeling a spark of mischievousness he set his empty beer bottle down and nudged Spud's foot under the table, "would you mind getting me another beer Spud?"
Recognizing the playful look in Ethan's eyes Spud kept his expression pleasantly serene, "of course not Sir." Pushing his plate aside he raised an eyebrow at Dixie and her husband, "can I get anything for either of you as well?"
Shaking his head Serg's mouth thinned a little when his wife chimed in an order for iced tea, surprised she would send Spud for something she'd normally go get herself. Not sure why it bothered him he dismissed his uneasiness to enjoy the rest of the beautiful evening.
However it was an uneasiness that continued to grow over the next few days as Ethan continued to take advantage of Spud's presence until he expected the younger man to snap, especially since his nephew had the knack of asking for the most menial of things. However not once did Spud give any indication it bothered him and he resolved to bring it up with Ethan if the trend continued, perhaps he'd been wrong about the potential for a bond to form between the two.