By the time they landed in Nashville Spud was able to walk without a limp, but not without pain – infuriatingly well-hidden pain. If there was one thing Ethan had learned it was how much Spud hated to be considered a burden to those he cared about, a trait that made it increasingly frustrating to try and keep the smaller man safe. Especially when it seemed like every time he turned his back Spud was getting injured. Which was why he insisted they stay in and have a movie night, forcing Spud to stay off his ankle while he collected the popcorn and drinks, something he made sure Serg didn't see. It was becoming way too entertaining to watch the vein at his temple throb whenever he ordered Spud to do something.
Snatching a handful of popcorn out of Spud's bucket Ethan teasingly flicked a few at him. "I get to choose the movie since I slaved away making this popcorn."
Tossing a handful back Spud hid a smile as one landed in the other man's dark hair, "of course Sir, I do hope Serg didn't spot you. I'd hate for him to think you've given up on ordering me around," laughing outright at the teasing swat to the back of his head he leaned into Ethan's side, grateful for these precious moments of peace. Lately it seemed like all he was ever doing was recovering from an injury or worrying about what either Willow's or Angle's next move would be. Not to mention Dixie's growing fixation on Bully so just the simple act of spending time with his best friend was enough to lift the weight of worry from his shoulders. Soon lulled by the warmth at his side and surrounded by the earthy richness of Ethan's cologne he drifted off to sleep.
Swimming up through the layers of sleep Spud blinked in confusion at the darkened room, unsure what had disturbed him he was just about to drift off again when the sound repeated, a low cry breaking the silence. Twisting sideways it took him a second to realize the distressed moans were coming from Ethan. Scrambling to sit up he leaned over and squeezed his shoulder, "sir, sir wake up." Biting his lip when Ethan flinched away he shook him just a little harder, trying to pry him out of whatever nightmare held him under. "It's okay Ethan, you're safe. It's just a nightmare," murmuring softly he desperately curled his fingers into Ethan's shirt, holding on as the bigger man woke with a choked off shout.
Gasping and shaking Ethan dragged himself up from the depths of an old memory, calming as Spud's soothing accent washed over him. Exhaling roughly he didn't resist when Spud pulled him into a hug, burrowing into the smaller man's warmth, "sorry tiger," swallowing past the tightness in his throat he breathed steadily, Spud's scent slowly replacing the horror. He'd been dreaming of the first concentration camp his team had entered, the surrounding stench of death and despair had been so thick even more than fifty years later he doubted he'd ever fully escape its grip.
Weaving his fingers through Ethan's dark hair Spud rubbed comforting circles against his scalp, keeping his voice to a quiet murmur, "no need to be sorry sir. I've got you now, you don't have to be strong all the time," smiling when Ethan leaned further into him despite his rumble of disagreement. Not willing to disrupt the fragile peace he shifted and tugged until they were both comfortably sprawled out on the large couch, wrapping his arms around Ethan's shoulders he resumed his careful petting strokes. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"No," shaking his head Ethan took comfort in the steady beat of Spud's heart. As much as he wanted to confide in the smaller man there was no way he could talk about his memories of the war without sounding crazy or confessing the truth. "Maybe someday," fumbling for the remote he turned the tv off and plunged the room into darkness. "Do you might if we just stay here for a while?" Normally he wouldn't have allowed anyone to hear the weakness in his voice but Spud had managed to slip past all his normal defenses.
Curving a hand protectively around the back of Ethan's head Spud held on a little bit tighter, "of course not sir." Closing his eyes he drew random patterns up and down Ethan's broad back, forcing himself to ignore a bolt of lust when the bigger man moaned in sleepy enjoyment and pressed closer.
Waking in slow degrees Ethan instinctively nuzzled closer to the source of the delicious scent making his gums ache, fangs descending he nipped lazily, hips thrusting against an answering hardness that had him fully aroused in an instant. Groaning awareness abruptly swept over him, raising his head he stared down at his best friend, breath hissing out in a startled whine when the smaller man threw a leg over his hip and tried to pull him back. Swearing, vision swimming with red he gripped Spud's hip and halted his motions, wavering so close on the edge of losing control he had to sink into his mind and block out how sinfully perfect it felt to have Spud under him so obviously hard and wanting.
Shutting down every instinct screaming at him to press forward and wake Spud, to claim the smaller man like his other half wanted Ethan forced himself to pull away, fingers ripping through the couch cushion at Spud's disappointed sigh. Long moments passed as he regained control, not daring to move or even look at Spud until his vision returned to normal and he could retract his fangs. Finally standing he turned his attention back to the other man, huffing out a laugh at the contorted position Spud had managed to roll into.
Easing Spud upright, soothing his sleepy protest Ethan gathered the smaller man in his arms and carried him to his room, drawing the covers over him securely he left and shut the door behind him. It was only as he sank into his own cold, empty bed that he realized for the first time he'd managed to fall back to sleep after having a nightmare about the war. Hugging his pillow the arousal still raging under his skin melting into something softer, the peace he'd found in Spud's arms following him into sleep once again.