Flinging the covers over his head Spud groaned at the repeated knock on the door, his head was killing him and all he wanted was to go back to sleep. "Go away," shouting at the third knock he flung a pillow as the door opened, unburying himself from the blankets at Ethan's warm chuckle.
"Be nice tiger, or I'll think you don't want any tea," setting the tray on the bedside table Ethan smothered a grin at Spud's impatient gesture. Handing over a cup his fingers itched to smooth down the wild tangle of blond hair. "Aspirin?"
Inhaling his first mouthful Spud glanced down at the small white pill Ethan held out, taking it he sighed in pleasure when a warm hand settled on his back and massaged his tense muscles. "Thank you Sir."
"I figured you'd have a headache," reaching over to snag a plate of toast he placed it within easy reach, Spud was warm and relaxed next to him and Ethan knew if he didn't leave soon he'd end up joining the smaller man in bed. "You rest and recover, I'll make sure Toby gets breakfast in the meantime."
"Are you sure you can handle that?" Munching on a piece of toast Spud swallowed hastily at Ethan's offended look, easily able to spot the flicker of hurt he grasped the other man's arm to hold him in place. "I'm sorry Ethan, I didn't mean it like that, it's just that … well, cooking isn't something you do often."
Shrugging off the sting of injured pride Ethan patted Spud's hand, after all it wasn't like he was wrong, "it's okay tiger, I promise not to burn the place down." Standing he met the other man's anxious expression, lips quirking in a smile he leaned down and pressed a kiss to the corner of Spud's mouth. Lingering, breathing in Spud's shaky exhale he finally pulled back, satisfied to see all signs of distress erased.
"You did that last night too," flushing Spud touched the spot Ethan had kissed, the warmth in the other man's dark eyes had his headache all but disappearing and he leaned into the hand carding through his hair. Sighing his pleasure he knew despite everything there still wasn't anything he wouldn't do for Ethan.
"I did," confirming Ethan reluctantly dropped his hand and took a step back, then another until he was by the door, Spud's eyes followed him, hunger clear in the blue depths and he vowed to make his move today. Holding that gaze he promised lowly, "and when you make it out of bed I'll do it again."
Groaning Spud buried his head in the blankets as Ethan left, face flushed from the heat bubbling through his veins he closed his eyes and concentrated on breathing. Slowly sleep claimed him again and he dreamed of long ago nights where they'd never been enemies, where Ethan had stood up for him when Dixie went through a table and where nothing had come between them.
Feeling much better the next time he woke up Spud dragged himself out of bed and hit the shower, staying under the hot water until it ran cold. Munching on the last of the toast he dressed, relieved to find no sign of his headache returning he ventured out in search of Ethan and Toby. Following the sound of laughter he turned the last corner to the kitchen only to stop and stare. Pancake batter decorated almost every surface and he glared as the laughter cut off, Ethan's contrite expression doing nothing to cool his ire while he was holding a spatula dripping globs of batter onto the floor.
"We're making pancakes," piping up Toby felt his smile falter as he took in Spud's expression, looking around at the mess he dropped his eyes. If his mom was home she'd be having a fit over him being so careless, but he'd just been having such fun with his Uncle he hadn't noticed how messy they were being.
Watching Spud's anger soften as Toby's smile fell Ethan stepped forward, smiling charmingly, "don't worry about the mess, we'll clean up. In the meantime we have a whole stack of pancakes waiting to be eaten." Spud's gaze dropped to his hand and taking the hint he guiltily dropped the dripping spatula in the sink before gesturing to the kitchen table laden with pancakes.
"Don't think I won't hold you to that Sir," arching an eyebrow Spud relaxed and clapped Toby on the shoulder, happy to see the kid's expression brighten again. He hadn't meant to make Toby feel bad and so he made the effort to ignore the drying mess and nod approvingly at all the various toppings. Sitting and taking several pancakes he layered it with whipped cream and strawberries, humming in appreciation he met Ethan's deservedly smug grin, "this is delicious, you two make a good team."
"Thanks," mimicking his Uncle and digging into a huge stack of pancakes Toby concentrated on eating, letting the adults conversation flow over him. Clean up wasn't as terrible as he'd thought it would be, Uncle E made it fun and he watched how close the other two stood with interest. Last year his friend Colin, who had two dads had told him how he'd thought his Uncle and Spud had been a couple. He hadn't understood it then and his mom had not been happy when he'd asked her about it but now … now he could see what Colin had.
Dropping the dish cloth in the sink Spud critically surveyed the kitchen to make sure they'd gotten everything, eyes crinkling in amusement on spotting a glob of batter stuck to Ethan's shirt. Stealing a clean cloth he clucked his tongue, "honestly Sir, can't take you anywhere." Cleaning off the mess he looked up Ethan's husky laugh, stomach clenching at the other man's warm smile.
"My hero," fanning his hand in front of his face Ethan grinned at Spud's amused huff, shifting forward he wrapped an arm around the other man's waist and spun him into a waltz. Ignoring Spud's laughing protest he simply held on tighter, Toby clapped a beat and he hummed a tune until Spud gave in and matched his steps.
"You're ridiculous," turning his head as Toby giggled Spud rolled his eyes, "both of you are ridiculous." Ethan's hand slid a fraction lower and biting off a gasp he burst out laughing when the bigger man dipped him smoothly. Breathless he smacked Ethan on the chest who only smiled unrepentantly at him, "enough Sir. I think it's time for some training before they day is gone."
"Of course, you're right as usual tiger," winking at Toby and not caring his Aunt might not approve of his actions in front of her son Ethan tipped Spud's face up, smirking as blue eyes widened in sudden realization he leaned down and kissed the corner of his mouth. Murmuring low enough not to be over-heard he basked in Spud's shiver, "maybe next time you should kiss me."
Swallowing and abruptly aware Toby was avidly watching Spud stepped back, resisting the urge to touch the spot Ethan had kissed, "I'll … take it under advisement. Now, let's go." Gesturing the two before him he steadied his breathing and followed, Ethan's flirting made it difficult to resist the temptation to respond in kind.
Bouncing into the gym Toby shadow boxed the air, pretending it was Carl in front of him he spun around to grin at his Uncle's amused expression, "so what will I be learning today Uncle E?"
"Well lad, I rather think learning to throw a proper punch is a good place to start," nudging Ethan to the centre of the room Spud raised an eyebrow and looked between the two. "Your Uncle will be our 'opponent'." Ethan huffed but didn't protest so he carefully demonstrated how to form a fist to decrease the chance of breaking a thumb.
Following Spud's detailed instructions Toby clenched and unclenched his fist until the motion became natural, pride welling at his Uncle's approving nod he eagerly waited for what was next.
"Alright, good job Toby, next we'll work on aim," squaring up in front of Ethan, hiding a smile at the other man's sudden nervous expression Spud held up his fist, pausing when Ethan put up a hand.
"You will both go easy on me right?" Toby giggled and Ethan lowered his hand at Spud's solemn nod. The mischievous gleam in those blue eyes warned him he was in for an interesting time and he fell that much more in love.
"Absolutely Sir, now," putting on his teacher's voice Spud tapped Ethan on the nose, turning to Toby to make sure he had his attention, "the nose is a vulnerable spot. One sharp punch and the eyes start to water, the pain might be enough to discourage your attacker. If that doesn't work aim for the stomach," demonstrating the correct spot he tried not to get distracted by Ethan's firm muscles. Knowing he hadn't quite succeeded at Ethan's purely male smirk he cleared his throat and continued, "at the same time stomp on your opponents foot, both blows should be enough to get them to back off."
"Right," nodding and facing his Uncle as Spud stepped back Toby chewed on his lip. "Nose, stomach and foot," chanting under his breath he went through the motions, Spud correcting his aim until he'd hit each target correctly. Then his Uncle made him try on Spud, both men praising him when he got it right the first try.
Smiling at Toby's obvious pride Spud decided one last lesson was in order, "and now lad, this last method is only to be used in the direst of situations." Approaching Ethan again, amused by his nervous expression he steadied himself on the bigger man's shoulders and mimed a knee to the balls, smirking at Ethan's involuntary wince, "I think you'll find no matter the size of your opponent a knee to the bullocks will end the fight."
Collapsing into giggles Toby watched his Uncle huff, spinning Spud around for a split second he was ashamed to admit he thought Uncle E was attacking until Spud started laughing. Squirming to get away in what was now clearly a tickle attack he met his Uncle's conspiratorial grin and jumped in to help.
"No, no, enough," breathless, panting with laughter Spud tried to avoid the determined fingers dancing down his ribs. Falling in a heap he groaned when Toby jumped on top, Ethan's knee was precariously close to a sensitive area and tears were streaming down his face from laughing too hard. "I give up, Uncle, Uncle."
Relenting Ethan kneeled up, looking down at Spud's bright red face and ignoring how easy it would be to lean forward and simply kiss the smaller man until he was breathless for an entirely different reason he stood and extended his hands. Helping both Spud and Toby to their feet he slung an arm over each of their shoulders, "well I don't know about you two, but I am starved after all that. What do you say to ordering some takeout?"
"Can I pick?" Brightening Toby turned his best puppy dog eyes on his Uncle, he never got to pick the takeout when his parents were home, "please Uncle E?"
"Of course you can," huffing out a laugh when Toby fist pumped and ran ahead Ethan tightened his grip on Spud's shoulder, not at all ashamed at the roughness in his voice. "In case I forget to tell you, thank you for everything you've done this weekend tiger. You've helped me reconnect with Toby again and I'll never be able to repay that."
Heart turning over at the clear emotion in Ethan's voice Spud swallowed dryly, "you're welcome Sir." It was the smile that did it, a small quirk of the lips but so perfectly Ethan that he stood on tiptoe to claim a kiss. Groaning as a strong arm dropped around his waist and tugged him flush to Ethan's body he opened his mouth and sucked on Ethan's lower lip. Nipping he breathed in Ethan's gasp, liquid heat pooled in his stomach and he shuddered as fingers tangled in his hair, tugging his head back as a wicked tongue licked into his mouth.
Crowding Spud against a wall Ethan pressed his full weight into the smaller man, grinding against an erection that matched his own pure satisfaction shot through him at Spud's hungry gasp. Panting he tore his mouth away, "god I want you." Even knowing Toby might come back any second he was helpless to resist diving into another kiss, Spud was so warm and responsive under his touch he never wanted this moment to end.
"Ethan, please," panting Spud clutched the bigger man closer, rocking helplessly against the hard thigh between his legs he knew with certainty he was moments away from coming in his pants. Groaning he yanked on Ethan's shirt, desperately trying to warn him through the haze of arousal, "Sir, please, I'm going to …" breaking off he whined when Ethan's smugness only increased, head falling back to thump against the wall.
"Yes," groaning, heat flooding his body so fast it was hard to breathe Ethan surged forward, growling against the vulnerable curve of Spud's neck, "I want you to come for me just like this baby." Sinking his teeth in at Spud's wild moan he shuddered at every gasp of his name, hanging onto his own control as the smaller man fell apart in his arms.
Panting Spud sagged into Ethan's steady grip, fighting to catch his breath he could only mutely whine when a warm tongue soothed the faint sting from the other man's bite. "Ethan," sighing he tried not to flush when Ethan finally moved back a space, "I …"
"If you're about the apologize I don't want to hear it," pressing Spud's hand against his chest to show how fast his heart was racing Ethan couldn't contain his satisfaction on meeting blue eyes still glassy from pleasure. "That was the single hottest experience of my life."
Blowing out a breath and doing his best to set aside his embarrassment Spud smoothed out the wrinkles in Ethan's shirt, muttering, "mine too, I think I need to change my pants though." Glancing down at the obvious bulge straining Ethan's pants his slowing pulse jumped, licking his lips he looked back up at the other man's strained expression, "unless you'd like a … hand with your own little problem."
Pasting on a fake offended expression Ethan huffed, "I'll have you know there's nothing 'little' about my problem." Lips twitching in a smile at Spud's husky laugh he tugged the smaller man into a brief kiss before reluctantly pulling away, "but I'm afraid if you do that then we wouldn't be getting out of bed for the rest of the day and I think Toby would notice that." Spud looked so disappointed that he had to strangle the urge to drag him off the bed regardless of his responsibilities. Clearing his throat he didn't care how hopeful he sounded, "rain check?"
"Yes," swallowing dryly Spud briefly let his gaze dip down, no matter what else happened between them there was no way he wasn't going to let this be his only chance to get a taste of Ethan.
"Good, I'll … I'll just go check on Toby while you change," backing down the hall, skin prickling from the heat of Spud's gaze Ethan promised that tonight he'd ask the other man out on a real date. There was no way he was going to risk Spud think he only wanted him for sex.