The airport was a hot, crowded mass of people running to catch flights and kids screaming at the top of their lungs. His sweet Aunt D had arranged exclusive lounge access for all talent and staff to make use of and Ethan had never been more relieved to reach its quiet, air-conditioned coolness in his life. Sending Tyrus off to collect drinks he went to claim the corner of the room with the best view and seating, scowling to find half of the area already occupied.

Nudging Zema as Ethan looked around their corner in clear distaste Robbie couldn't resist getting a dig in, "well, well look who's decided to grace us with his presence." Pleased when his boyfriend snickered he pressed on, "what's the matter Ethan, private plane not available?"

"As usual your wit slays me," dryly Ethan shrugged off the other men's laughter, dropping his luggage and suit jacket by the window. Taking a seat in the leather chair across from the couch he bit back a groan at who was taking up the space, the man's arm may have been covering his face, and he was dressed unobtrusively in jeans and t-shirt but he knew that blonde hair and slim frame all too well.

Having followed Ethan's gaze to the couch Robbie exchanged a quick look with Zema, as annoying as Spud could be he found himself feeling protective, "leave him alone Ethan, James is sick and hasn't been getting a lot of sleep lately."

Struggling not to smile as Ethan crossed his arms and visibly sulked Zema gently pinched Robbie on the arm, "bro, you know he hates it when you call him James."

Pinching back Robbie rolled his eyes, "well he's stupid bro." Their playful jostling quickly devolved into a tickle fight until Zema was giggling helplessly under his determined attack, only stopping when a pillow was flung at their heads.

"Would you two bloody shut up," blinking groggily at the two troublemakers Spud yawned and stretched, falling asleep hunched over had done him no favours. Rubbing his burning eyes he finally stood, stumbling as a wave of dizziness swept over him he would have fallen if not for the strong hand steadying him. "Thanks," looking up he expected to see either Robbie or Zema, certainly not Ethan Carter the Third, "Sir?" He blamed the fever for his verbal slip and not the leap of excitement in the pit of his stomach.

There had been no disguising the affection in the smaller man's voice, and he smiled slowly as Spud blushed and yanked his arm free. It was darkly satisfying to know that even after everything he had done to this man that Spud still cared, "you're welcome." Fascinated, he watched Spud lift his chin, blue eyes glaring up at him defiantly, he'd never admit it, but he found the other man's tough attitude charming.

Taking in a deep, fortifying breath Spud pointedly turned his back on the other man, addressing Robbie and Zema who were staring at them with interest, "right then, I'm going to get a tea, would you mind watching my stuff?"

"Sure James," nodding in agreement Robbie grinned as Spud rudely flipped him off, calling out to his retreating back, "bring me back a pepsi."

Ducking into the bathroom Spud splashed cold water on his face, bracing himself against the cool marble, his body ached in a dull wave of pain and having to fly out at the same time as being sick was just the cherry on top of an exhausting week. Feeling a little refreshed he made his way to the beverage area, grateful to find they had a fantastic selection of teas, including his go-to when under the weather, peppermint. Waiting for his tea to steep he grabbed a bottle of water and took his second dose of flu medication, it would knock him out for a few hours, but the relief was well worth it.

Picking up his mug, remembering at the last moment to grab a can of soda for Robbie he ventured back to his corner, sighing at the sight of Ethan stretched out on his couch and Tyrus now taking up the matching chair. Robbie and Zema were cuddled together in the loveseat and despite his annoyance it made him happy to see the ease in their new relationship.

"Here Robbie," tossing the can over once the other man looked up he waited for the resulting explosion.

"Bro!" Sitting up indignantly Robbie waved the can, just barely missing hitting Zema in the face. "This is coke not pepsi."

"Oh, I'm sorry," widening his eyes Spud pasted on an innocent smile, "isn't it annoying when people mistake one thing for another like that?" He outright grinned when Zema laughed, flushing in unwilling pleasure on hearing a faint huff of amusement from Ethan.

"Point taken Spud," rolling his eyes Robbie hauled himself to his feet, "now I need to go correct this travesty." Planting a quick kiss on his boyfriend's lips he eyed Spud's pale face as he passed, "you should sit down before you fall down."

Gathering his fading energy Spud approached the couch and ignoring Ethan's glare he kicked off his shoes and settled back into his corner, forced to curl his legs under him to fit into the leftover space. Sipping on his rapidly cooling tea he made himself relax as the peppermint and medication started to take effect, it wasn't long before he no longer cared that he was sitting next to his traitorous ex-best friend. Setting the now empty cup on the ground he leaned his head back onto the cushions, closing his eyes and gratefully drifting along the tide of exhaustion.

Scrolling through social media Ethan was exasperated to find his attention slipping more and more to Spud than his screen. Now that he was looking it was easy to tell the smaller man was sick, there was a faint flush on his face and his sleep was restless, shifting fitfully every few minutes. Robbie's warning cough made him grit his teeth, he might not always be the most considerate, but he wasn't about to pick on someone who was ill, even if that someone was Spud and tormenting the smaller man was a highlight in his life.

Silence settled amongst the small group as time ticked past, Tyrus was dozing in his chair, Robbie and Zema were sharing a set of headphones and watching a movie on a laptop. Bored, he idled time away by tweeting out sarcastic responses to all the unflattering comments on his timeline, flinching when a warm weight touched his shoulder. Looking up his eyebrow's rose, Spud had twisted in his sleep until his head had come to rest against him, subduing the first urge to shove the smaller man away he darted a quick look over at Robbie, thankful to find both men still engrossed in whatever they were watching.

Spud moaned faintly then, muttering something he couldn't quite hear. Dipping his head he was just able to pick out the words, "no Ethan, please … don't …" The distress in Spud's voice sent a jolt of shame burning through him and he fell back on his oft-fought instinct to take care of the smaller man. Wrapping a supporting arm around Spud's waist he awkwardly patted his back in reassurance, shifting so they were both in a more comfortable position.

Vaguely aware of a warm touch on his back and the familiar scent of sandalwood Spud struggled to lift his head, blearily focusing on Ethan's handsome features, "sir?" Barely awake he registered only cool relief at Ethan's reassuring smile.

"Go back to sleep Spud, everything is fine," murmuring soothingly Ethan tightened his grip, guilt pressing heavily on his heart. The dazed look in Spud's feverish blue eyes proved how out of it the smaller man was and his guilt increased at the startling realization it had been months since Spud had looked at him without fear or pain in his eyes.

"Okay," sinking further into the solid warmth of his best friend Spud was dimly conscious of a feeling of unease threading through his mind, sleep pulling him under before he could figure out what was wrong with the situation.

Releasing a slow breath Ethan picked up his phone, careful not to jostle the other man he tried to get back in the flow of dealing with his social media. However, he found his attention could no longer be held by the device, absorbed instead by the feeling of Spud's hair tickling his neck, warm breath gusting across his collarbone. Giving it up as a lost cause he leaned back and closed his eyes, allowing himself to enjoy the feeling of Spud pressed so close, for now at least he could pretend they were still … friends.

Looking away from his laptop Robbie's eyes widened, "Zema," hissing he nudged his boyfriend, silently gesturing over to the couch, "would you look at that."

Looking up Zema bit his lip to stop the delighted shout that wanted to spill out, "how adorable." Pulling out his phone he snapped a few pictures of the sleeping figures, "they look good together."

Taking a second look Robbie noted this time how carefully Ethan held the other man and how utterly relaxed Spud was despite how sick he was, no sign of his former fitful rest. "Yeah," smiling he held onto Zema's hand, kissing each knuckle, "almost as perfect as us." His boyfriend laughed warmly and leaned into him.

"Well now no one's that perfect." Selecting another movie to watch Zema found his eyes drifting back to the other couple, "we should help them get back together. Spud has been so sad since Ethan, asshole that he is, fired him."

"You're such a romantic," murmuring Robbie leaned in to kiss the other man softly. "I don't think Ethan, or James for that matter would welcome our help …" smirking he shared a fist bump with Zema. "Let's do it," snickering they shared a devious look, neither man would know what hit them once they were done.