Searching backstage for his boyfriend Robbie scowled as Ethan Carter paused in his conversation with Tyrus to wink at him, ever since Spud had told that story the bastard hadn't lost a chance to try and rile him up. A touch on his back made him jump, twisting around he frowned at his boyfriend before noting the unbearably smug grin on his face, "bro, I know that look, you've been up to something. What gives?"
"I managed to convince our little rockstar to let me take him shopping while you were busy doing media the weekend, and let me tell you," waggling his eyebrows Zema tried to keep a straight face at his boyfriend's wary expression, "if I didn't love you I might make a play for him myself."
Startled Robbie choked on a laugh, grabbing Zema in a headlock he demanded, "take that back bro." Giving the other man a noogie he held on as his boyfriend giggled and squirmed to escape.
"Alright, alright," breaking the hold Zema nuzzled into Robbie's neck with a warm laugh, pressing a tender kiss on his jaw he enjoyed how easily his boyfriend leaned into him, "you know you're the only one for me love."
"Good answer," mollified Robbie wrapped an arm around his boyfriend's waist, "because I don't share." Zema's huff of amused exasperation had him pinching his side until his boyfriend pushed his hand away with a fond grumble. Smirking he let up on the teasing and nodded over in Ethan's direction, "so what's the plan for this week?"
Pouting Zema rubbed his side, rolling his eyes as Robbie just raised his eyebrows in amusement, "fine, I do have an idea. We arrange supper at the hotel after work, you get Ethan to agree and I'll get Spud," tapping his phone he grinned slyly, "then halfway through the meal I get an urgent call where we have to go, leaving Spud and Ethan all by themselves."
Eyes widening Robbie looked at his boyfriend in open admiration, "bro that's sneaky … I love it," cupping Zema's face he kissed him softly, "and I love you." Pulling back, he grinned slyly, "who knows, maybe we'll get lucky and Ethan will get his head out of his ass in time to invite James up to his hotel room."
Snickering Zema pushed Robbie in Ethan's direction, "we can't expect miracles with these two, love. Now, go get Ethan to agree," sharing one last conspiratorial grin he split off to track down Spud and put phase one of his plan into action.
It was just past eight by the time they made it to the hotel's signature restaurant, and despite running a few minutes late they were still the first to arrive. The restaurant wasn't busy, and they were seated shortly after walking in at a table with a gorgeous view of the city, lights spread out like a wave of glittering jewels. Surrounded by warm, rich wood tones and lush fabrics that created a quiet, cozy feel it was possibly the most romantic restaurant they'd ever been to and for a moment Robbie regretted inviting the other two men.
"No trouble getting James to agree?" Chugging down half the bottle of ice-cold Corona the waitress brought Robbie slumped back into his chair with a sigh of pure contentment.
Shaking his head Zema fiddled with the umbrella on his mojito, easily ignoring the familiar look of amusement his boyfriend shot at his drink, "he seemed pretty happy to be invited, I think he's been lonely."
"Well luckily James has us to fix that for him," sliding his hand over his boyfriend's restless fingers Robbie squeezed reassuringly. "I had no problems with Ethan either, once I managed to get him away from Tyrus. Which, speak of the devil," standing he waved until Ethan spotted them.
The waitress was quick to stop by once Ethan had joined them and Zema waited until she left to greet the other man, "glad you could make it Ethan, we're just waiting on one more person now." Reaching under the table he gripped Robbie's leg to contain his excitement at Ethan's hopeful expression.
"Who are we waiting for?" Shrugging off his jacket and rolling up his sleeves Ethan tried to ignore the faint hope that it would be Spud. Drinks last week had been a sharp reminder of how much he'd tried to forget the fun he and Spud used to have, of how easily they fit together.
"James wasn't doing anything, so we invited him as well," aiming for a casual shrug Robbie's eyes widened, staring past Ethan he let out a low whistle. "Wow Zema, you weren't kidding when you said you'd taken him shopping."
Twisting in his seat Ethan felt his pulse jump when he caught sight of Spud walking towards their table, the smaller man was dressed in a well cut, dark blue suit with no hint of a bright colour or crazy pattern. Swallowing, his gaze dropped lower, damn those pants were extremely well fitted and even in the restaurant's dim lighting he could see how amazingly well the dark blue of Spud's jacket brought out the blue in his eyes.
"I'm very good," smirking Zema winked as Ethan managed to drag his eyes away from Spud long enough to shoot him a dirty look. "Hi Spud," greeting the smaller man he smiled cheerfully as Spud hesitated briefly before claiming the chair next to Ethan.
"Robbie, Zema," pausing Spud turned towards Ethan, hoping since they'd managed to have a decent time together last week that the other man was still willing to be civil. "Hullo Ethan, I didn't expect to see you here."
"Spud," nodding polity Ethan subtly inhaled the other man's cologne, stomach dipping pleasantly at recognizing the scent as one he'd purchased for him on their first memorable trip to Japan. "I wasn't expecting you either."
"Well, since we're all here now we might as well order," opening the menu Robbie used it to hide his satisfaction as both Ethan and Spud followed suit without complaint, their waitress quick to approach once they set the menus aside. Sitting back he relaxed as the conversation slowly picked up and by the time their food arrived Zema was practically vibrating in excitement next him at how well their plan was going.
"So, Spud, did you throw out all your old suits like I told you?" Raising an eyebrow Zema held back a sigh as Spud's mouth firmed into a stubborn line, it had been a delicate battle to get the other man to try on clothing in a more flattering fit let alone in dark colours.
Smoothing a hand down the soft, black fabric of his new shirt Spud was careful to sound appropriately grateful, despite being pushed out of his comfort zone it had been a fun day and he did like his new wardrobe, "I appreciate your help on the shopping trip, but I'm not ready to throw out my suits."
Blinking Robbie turned to stare at Zema, "bro you told him to throw out his suits?" Ignoring the quelling look from his boyfriend he pouted, "I like those suits."
"Thank you, Robbie," smiling at the unexpected support Spud pointed his fork triumphantly at Zema, "I told you people like them." From the corner of his eye he could see Ethan fighting a grin as Zema threw up his hands and scowled at them both.
Groaning Zema rubbed his temples, "people with bad taste maybe." Rolling his eyes at Robbie's huff he turned to Ethan, secretly hoping the other man would take this opportunity to come to Spud's defense, "you agree with me don't you Ethan?"
"Well …" stalling for time Ethan hesitated when Spud looked prepared to brace himself against a biting comment, it had only been a week ago that he'd been cheerfully mocking the smaller man for his wardrobe choice but now … well now it just didn't feel right. Choosing his words carefully he stretched an arm across the back of Spud's chair and gently patted his shoulder, "I do like the paint splattered one."
"Really Sir?" Mortified by using his old nickname Spud flushed and looked away from the other man's unbearably attractive smirk, clearing his throat he hastily corrected the slip, "I mean Ethan."
"Ugh, you're all hopeless," giving up the argument in mock anger Zema bit his lip in glee at how well everything was working out. Tapping Robbie's foot he flashed a quick ten-minute warning to alert his boyfriend how much time was left, barely holding back a groan as Robbie immediately started to eat faster.
Grimacing, Ethan glanced over at Spud, sharing a disgusted look with him at the way Robbie was stuffing his face, putting his fork down he raised an eyebrow, "are you in a rush Robbie?"
Choking Robbie swallowed his mouthful, trying not to wince as Zema pinched his leg in retaliation, he wouldn't hear the end of it if he ruined things now, "um, no bro, just hungry."
Sighing dramatically Zema awkwardly forced a laugh, "I can't take him anywhere."
"Well mate at least he isn't stripping this time," teasing Spud leaned back in his chair, smirking as Robbie glared and flipped him off.
Scowling when his boyfriend had to smother a grin Robbie leveled a threatening finger at Spud, "be careful James," putting extra emphasis on the name and ignoring how Ethan's eyes narrowed he found his annoyance lessening as Spud's increased, "or I might start telling stories on you next."
Irritated at himself for letting Robbie get under his skin Spud tilted his chin up and pasted on an innocent expression, "who's James?" Pleased at Robbie's frustrated eye roll he was quietly thrilled when Ethan chuckled softly and bumped his arm in silent approval.
"I hate when you do that. What do you have against your name anyway?" Genuinely curious Robbie ignored Zema's sigh of aggravation, his boyfriend had made it plain his stubborn refusal to call James by his preferred name was both highly annoying and insensitive.
"None of your bloody business," stabbing a piece of chicken Spud could feel the muscles in his shoulders tighten until Ethan slid a hand over his clenched fist, squeezing gently. Closing his eyes for a second he flashed a grateful smile at the other man, tension easing at the unexpected gesture of support.
Repressing a sigh of relief when his cheerful ringtone broke the awkward silence Zema smiled apologetically, turning away from his dinner companions to have a brief conversation with Velvet, who he'd talked into helping with the plan. Hanging up he dug out his wallet and hastily dropped some cash on the table, "sorry guys, Robbie and I need to bail … bit of a family situation on the go." Shading just the right amount of regret and anxiousness into his voice he pulled Robbie to his feet and shoved him towards the exit, leaving no time for the other two men to question them.
"Alright, see you guys ..." half rising out of his chair as Robbie and Zema left with barely a backwards glance Spud looked self-consciously at Ethan, sitting back down with a nervous smile, "I guess it's just you and me then." Picking at the remains of his meal he struggled to maintain an indifferent expression as Ethan looked at him with knowing dark eyes, "you don't have to stay if you don't want to."
"I want to stay," smiling as Spud's eyes widened in surprised pleasure at his decisive answer Ethan took a sip of his wine, finding it easy to admit, "it's been … nice spending time with you." It was worth all but confessing he'd missed Spud to see how the smaller man blushed bright red, clearly at a loss for words.
Leaning back as their waitress came over and efficiently cleared the table Ethan watched as Spud visibly tried to regain his composure, carefully hiding his amusement. "Would anyone like tea, coffee or dessert?" Offering politely their waitress waited, tray of dishes balanced precariously.
Taking a quick peek at her name tag Ethan nodded, ordering before Spud could refuse in some sort of attempt not to overstay his welcome, "thank you Betsy, coffee for me please and tea for my companion."
A few minutes of easy silence passed until their beverages were brought out and placed before them. Stirring cream into his coffee Ethan shifted the conversation towards something that was bothering him, "you and Zema must have grown close to go shopping together." Flicking his fingers over the sleeve of Spud's new jacket his previous light-heartedness faded under the sting of jealously at the thought of Spud spending so much time with another man. It might be petty, but he had always been pleased that Spud had never been close to anyone after their … friendship came to an end.
Torn from his lingering enjoyment at Ethan's admission Spud groaned, just the memory of the five-hour long shopping trip was enough to make his feet ache, "Zema wouldn't take no for a bloody answer, I had an entire new wardrobe before I knew it, but …" with a fond smile he admitted, "Zema and Robbie have been good friends."
Stretching his arm across the back of Spud's chair Ethan allowed his fingers to brush the smaller man's shoulder as he sipped his coffee, suppressing his envy enough to tease, "just don't share a room with them or you might see more than you bargained for."
"Thank you, Ethan, for that lovely mental image," grimacing Spud slouched in his chair, repressing a shiver as Ethan's fingers grazed against the back of his neck. Looking up he risked broaching a subject that he'd been curious about, watching the other man closely, "will Tyrus be concerned about you being out so late?"
More pleased than he probably should be at the underlying jealousy behind the question Ethan shook his head, "my arrangement with Tyrus is strictly professional, we don't spend time together outside of working hours." Winking he squeezed Spud's shoulder before withdrawing his arm, "he's no Rockstar Spud after all."
Flushing Spud took a quick sip of his tea to stop the sappy grin that wanted to spread across his face, "careful Ethan that almost sounded like a compliment." Flush only deepening at the other man's thoughtful look and slow, teasing smile.
"Maybe it was," relishing in the fondly exasperated expression that crossed Spud's face Ethan sat back, cradling the fading warmth from his mug it eased his guilt to see affection instead of fear in Spud's eyes. With regret he caught a glimpse of the time, "for now I think it's best if we head out, it's getting late, and I need to get up early in the morning."
"Of course," pulling out his wallet Spud swallowed his disappointment, as late as it was he didn't want to leave, didn't want to lose this connection with Ethan, "I need to get up early as well." Dropping enough money to cover his portion of the bill he stood awkwardly next to the table, biting his lip against the urge to delay.
Gesturing Spud to precede him Ethan followed, eyes dropping to how fantastic the other man's ass looked it was growing difficult to remember why he'd been so determined to keep Spud out of his life. The ride up to Spud's floor was quiet, the silence between them comfortable in a way it hadn't been in far too long and he could sense the other man's surprise when he walked him all the way to his room.
Awkwardly sliding his room key out of his pocket Spud gave a moment of consideration to inviting the other man in before dismissing it, "well good night, I … I had fun tonight." His pulse leapt unsteadily when Ethan reached out and touched the lapel on his blazer with a look of tenderness he never thought he'd see directed at him again.
"I had fun as well," smoothing his hand across the soft fabric Ethan couldn't resist the urge to tug Spud closer, heart racing as the mood in the air turned electric. "I like the new clothes tiger, you look good," deliberately using his old nickname the look in Spud's eyes had him inches away from finally giving into the desire to find out what it would be like to kiss him, to find out if the smaller man would melt into his arms like he'd fantasied about for so long.
Licking his lips Spud flushed, heat growing and spreading as Ethan's gaze dropped to his mouth. "Ethan," the name was dragged out as a low groan, and he shuddered as Ethan slid a large hand around the back of his neck, the hold so hotly possessive he had to steady himself against the other man's chest.
Dipping his head Ethan feathered his fingers along Spud's jaw, almost groaning at the surge of lust as the other man's mouth parted invitingly, "how about we do this again next week?" Enjoying the rasp of stubble under his fingertips as the other man nodded almost frantically, he reluctantly dropped his hand, Spud's disappointed whimper had him laughing lowly even as his body raged at him to finish what he started.
Groaning Spud fought against the heat blazing through his body, glaring at the insufferable smugness radiating from the other man, "git." Thumping a fist on Ethan's shoulder he shoved him into the opposite wall, "next time you do that Ethan you better follow through," growling he didn't care his voice rasped, or that his words clearly showed the affect Ethan's stunt had on him.
Straightening up Ethan smiled slowly at Spud's bold challenge, "duly noted tiger." Eyes bright as the anger on Spud's face shifted into something hotter and deeper it was a struggle to take a step back and then another. Walking away was one of the more difficult things he'd done, and he couldn't wait to see what changes next week would bring to their relationship.