Slumping the moment the door closed Spud limped to the couch, he'd managed to keep the fact his ankle was hurting from Zema but he wasn't sure he if wanted or even could keep up the act in front of Ethan. Rifling through his luggage for the ankle brace he'd bought earlier he paused at the brisk knock on the door, a quick check of the time showed it was too early for Ethan to arrive, Zema must have forgotten something.

Shuffling painfully to the door he threw it open, blinking in surprise at the sight of a smiling Ethan Carter he slowly flushed at the look of frank appreciation in the dark eyes raking over him. It was only when Ethan's smile deepened into a smirk that he finally found his voice and stepped aside, barely noticing the sting of pain from his ankle, "you're early."

"I didn't want to wait any longer," shutting the door Ethan didn't bother to hide his admiration, "you look good." Watching the flush spread down Spud's neck it took a second to notice how stiffly he was standing, frowning, "and you're still hurt." Ignoring the smaller man's half-hearted protest, he slipped a steadying arm around Spud's waist and helped him over to the couch.

Touched by Ethan's concern he couldn't find it in him to be too annoyed that he'd been found out so quickly, "it's not quite as healed as I would have hoped." Picking up the brace he bit his lip when Ethan stilled his fingers and pulled it out of his hand, warmth filling him as affection softened the arrogant lines of Ethan's face.

"I'll just have to take good care of you then," tugging Spud's leg across his lap Ethan carefully inched his fingers under the bottom of the other man's pants, gently massaging the injured area he greatly enjoyed Spud's low moan of appreciation. Forcing his attention onto how his hand just about fit around Spud's ankle, he teased, "I'd almost forgotten how small you are." Smirking when Spud scowled and kicked out at him with his other foot he easily captured it, trapping both legs across his lap.

"Git," rolling his eyes Spud leaned back against the cushions, relaxing as Ethan positioned the brace around his ankle with such careful concentration a lazy curl of pleasure drifted up his spine. "I hope this doesn't mean our date is off."

Fastening the velcro neatly Ethan caught Spud's hand and pressed a kiss to his palm, "not a chance tiger, I'm more than willing to carry you if needed." Meeting the warmth in Spud's eyes he stood and easily pulled the smaller man up with him, "after all it's not like you weigh very …" wheezing he laughed when Spud immediately elbowed him in the stomach.

"Not another bloody word," shaking his head at Ethan's unrepentant grin Spud smacked his shoulder and turned away with a huff, he'd never admit it but he enjoyed the other man's teasing, it had always felt much more light-hearted than from anyone else.

Waiting until Spud grabbed his shoes and slid them on Ethan stepped closer, "you shouldn't make it so easy for me then tiger." The resulting annoyed sigh had him holding back another laugh, how he had ever given up this easy companionship he didn't know, those bleak months filled with rage and pain seemed so distance now.

"Watch it, Sir, or it's the last thing I'll make easy for you tonight," stressing the last word provocatively Spud smoothed his hands along the broad slope of Ethan's shoulders, breath catching at the heat in the other man's dark eyes.

Swallowing Ethan struggled not to simply sweep the other man into his arms and kiss him breathless, "I consider myself duly warned." Spud's pleased smile made it difficult not to suggest they forget about supper and stay in but he settled for snagging the crutches from the corner, holding them out until the other man grudgingly took them.

Fitting the crutches under his arms under Ethan's watchful gaze Spud followed him out of the room, "so where are we going anyway?" He'd been a little put out by Ethan's complete secrecy on the subject, even Robbie hadn't been able to annoy an answer out of him.

"Not far," adjusting his pace to match the other man's slower one Ethan held the elevator door, pleased at the gleam of excitement deepening the blue of Spud's eyes, rarely had he anticipated a date more yet felt none of the pressure to impress or be on his best behavior. Instead, there was just the familiar camaraderie that had drawn him to Spud in the first place, even before he'd admitted to himself that he was attracted to the smaller man.

Reaching the ground floor he pressed his hand to Spud's back and nudged him to the hotel's restaurant, "I've heard good things about this place." Smiling innocently at Spud's quickly hidden flash of confusion he opened the door, smile spreading into an outright grin as Spud took in the empty restaurant with a startled blink of astonishment. Dipping his head he pressed his lips to the delicate shell of Spud's ear, thrilled at his shaky exhale, "I wasn't in the mood to share you with anyone else."

Shuddering as Ethan's warm breath raised goosebumps on his skin it took a second for the words to sink in, twisting around to take in the pleased look on Ethan's face sheer want flooded in so quickly he was throwing his arms around the other man's neck and kissing him before he knew he was going to. Not even hearing the clatter his crutches made when they fell his focus narrowed to the feel of Ethan's mouth, the way his lips parted so willingly and the large hand pulling him closer.

Parting long enough to breathe Ethan dragged Spud back in for another slower more languid kiss, marveling at how perfectly the smaller man fit against him. A polite cough from behind had him pulling back and with unsteady hands he cupped Spud's face, dipping in for one last kiss at his groaned protest, "I think the Maître D is waiting to seat us tiger." He couldn't help the smug satisfaction when it took a few seconds before those dazed blue eyes focused enough to look over his shoulder.

"Oh, sorry," swallowing dryly Spud could feel himself blush bright red, smacking Ethan on the arm when he only laughed, somewhat reassured when the head waiter only smiled and bent down to pick up his crutches. Accepting them gratefully he followed behind the other two, willing his pulse to slow, kissing Ethan had been more amazing than he'd ever dreamed and despite their unintentional audience he didn't regret one second.

Settling at a table with a spectacular view of the harbor he couldn't help but count all the empty tables. Waiting until their drink order had been taken he gestured to the room, "I can't believe you actually got them to close the restaurant for you, it must have cost a fortune." His pulse which had just slowed to normal, spiked at the slow, sweet smile Ethan directed at him.

"I thought there might be a chance your ankle wouldn't be up for much," capturing Spud's hand Ethan squeezed gently, "and you're worth every bit of spoiling I can treat you to." If these last few weeks had taught him anything it was how wrong he'd been and how much he had to make up for.

Ducking his head to hide his pleased smile Spud's gaze dropped to their joined hands, for the first time noticing the damage on the other man's knuckles, frowning he gently touched the reddened skin, "what happened Sir?" Catching the way Ethan shifted uneasily he knew even before he opened his mouth what had happened, tone exasperated, "Ethan …"

"Anderson needed to be taught a lesson," interrupting Spud's attempt at being stern Ethan fought to keep his tone even, teeth clenching in rage at the very memory of Anderson's filthy insinuations. "The things he was saying about you, well he's lucky I stopped at one punch."

Stomach dipping in familiar longing Spud did his best to ignore the liquid hot flash of heat at the possessiveness in Ethan's voice, "you know I can take care of myself, right?" It was important to him for Ethan to know that, to know he could deal with the likes of Ken Anderson.

Leaning back in his chair Ethan smiled wryly, "oh I know all too well how fierce you are tiger, Anderson wouldn't stand a chance." The waiter dropping off their meals gave him the chance to truly appreciate the way Spud's expression softened in reaction to his statement, the smaller man looking in fact the very opposite of fierce in this very moment, "but just because you can take care of yourself doesn't mean I can't beat up him for you. Now," filling Spud's wine glass and grinning at his eye roll, he raised his glass in a toast, "what do you say we forget all about Anderson and enjoy the rest of our date."

Reassured Spud smiled slowly, clinking their glasses together, "I say that sounds bloody brilliant Sir." The rest of the meal passed too quickly, the flow of conversation easy and familiar like it had been from the very beginning of their friendship. In what seemed like no time it had gotten so late he had to stifle a yawn, flushing under Ethan's fond look.

"It might be time to call it a night," gesturing to the patiently waiting waiter Ethan accepted the bill and quickly scrawled his signature. Picking up Spud's crutches he pointedly handed them over, ignoring his grimace of distaste, "join me for a drink in my room?" Snagging the other man's leather jacket he rested his hand on Spud's back, heat gathering low in his stomach at the shy smile curving Spud's mouth.

Disregarding the common sense telling him he shouldn't be alone with Ethan, especially in a room containing a bed he didn't hesitate to agree. Hobbling out of the restaurant, crutches squeaking loudly on the marble floor the only thing on his mind was how warm Ethan's hand was on his back and how much better it would feel against his skin. So distracted it was only when a loud voice spoke up to the left that he realized Ethan was stopping.

"You took him to the hotel's restaurant? So much for the vaunted Carter charm," arm tucked around his boyfriend's waist Robbie waggled his eyebrows, wincing at the sharp elbow to his ribs in response. Throwing a wounded look at Zema it took a second to register the thunderous scowl on Ethan's face, but it was the glare Spud shot him that made him want to take a step back.

"I suppose you took Zema out to Cici's then did you mate," Zema's muffled laugh broke the rising tension and Spud held back on the more vicious insults trembling on the tip of his tongue. "Besides I'll have you know Ethan rented out the entire restaurant," he didn't care how sappy his smile was the pleased warmth lighting up Ethan's dark eyes made him want the other man with a fierce ache.

Groaning Robbie rolled his eyes, "ugh bro, you guys are so gross I ummph ….." the rest of his sentence was muffled by Zema's hand slamming over his mouth and Robbie grudgingly acquiesced to his boyfriend's clear disapproval.

"What my loving boyfriend means is that was very thoughtful of you Ethan, I'm sure you both had a wonderful time," clamping his free hand around the back of Robbie's neck while being careful not to let him speak Zema resisted the urge to crow in victory. There was no doubt with how Ethan hovered protectively over Spud's shoulder and the barely detectable way his friend leaned into Ethan the plan to get the two together was on the verge of complete success. "We're going to go now," dropping his hand he pushed his boyfriend towards the elevator, holding back a groan when Robbie just had to have the last word.

"Just remember James I want full details in the morning," laughing uproariously at his own wit Robbie flinched at Zema's pinch, rubbing his arm with a pout. "Et tu bro?" Before the doors fully closed he waved cheerfully at the one-fingered salute Spud was giving him.

Slipping his hands around Robbie's neck Zema pressed a light kiss to his boyfriend's pouting lips in silent apology for the pinch, deepening the contact at the soft sound Robbie released, even over six months into their relationship the effect he had on the other man turned him on like nothing else. Breaking the kiss he rested his forehead against Robbie's, "we've worked really hard to get those two together, maybe you shouldn't try so much to get a rise out of Ethan."

Interlacing their fingers Robbie sighed, "I'm still not sure this was a good idea. What about when Ethan decides he needs a scapegoat again? James might be a pain in my ass sometimes but I don't want to see him heartbroken like last time."

"Spud," stressing their friends preferred name Zema grinned at Robbie's eye roll, "will be fine. Did you see how happy he was, how quickly he jumped to Ethan's defense? They'll be okay this time," shrugging he tucked his arm through Robbie's and cuddled into him, "and if Ethan messes up again we'll simply have to hurt him."

"God I love you," the happiness in Zema's gorgeous brown eyes had him yanking his boyfriend into another kiss, growling as teeth dug into his lip Robbie pushed him against the wall and slid his hands under the offending shirt keeping him from touching all those wonderful muscles. Swallowing Zema's whine his fingers had just grasped the other man's belt buckle when the elevator dinged open. Stepping back as an elderly lady shot them a dirty look before getting on he winked salaciously in her outraged face and dragged Zema out.

Reaching their room Zema leaned against Robbie's back, arm wrapped teasingly low around his waist, "just for the record bro, I love you too." Planting his lips just below Robbie's ear he grinned smugly as the other man fumbled to open the door. With all the evidence pointing that way he hoped Spud would soon be as happy as he was, after everything he'd been through no one deserved it more.

Pushing aside his irritation with Robbie's teasing Ethan wrapped an arm around Spud's chest and pulled him into a loose hug, careful not to upset his balance. The easy way Spud relaxed at his touch sent heat flooding through him, after everything he'd put the smaller man through this second chance felt like a miracle. Pressing his lips to Spud's temple he murmured, "maybe you should tell Robbie why prefer Spud."

"It's none of his bloody business," scowling at the elevator doors Spud carefully turned within Ethan's embrace, "you're the only one I've told." Smiling faintly as Ethan's eyes widened then darkened, he didn't resist the large hand sliding around the back of his neck and tugging him closer.

Giving into the thrum of possessiveness Ethan couldn't stop his desire from showing any more than he could stop breathing, "please tell me you're planning to spend the night with me." Only the people still lingering in the lobby stopped him from kissing the other man the way he wanted to.

Holding tight to his crutches Spud leaned up the few inches separating them to kiss the corner of Ethan's mouth, pulling back he grinned teasingly, "you mean sleep with you on the first date Sir? That's awfully bold." He only had a moment to enjoy the amusement on Ethan's face before a sneering voice popped the warm bubble of intimacy surrounding them.

"Well, well, it didn't take much for you to forgive Carter did it Spud," glaring at the disgustingly happy looking couple Anderson crossed his arms. "I guess instead of playing the hero I should have bullied you for months and shaved your head," his bruised nose twinged in alarm when Ethan took a threatening step towards him, hiding his relief in a sneer at how a single touch from Spud stopped him.

Raising his chin Spud covered Ethan's clenched fist, squeezing gently, "don't flatter yourself Anderson, you're not my type." Watching the cold fury cross Anderson's face he'd never admit how reassuring it was to have Ethan at his back.

"What type is that? The backstabbing, betraying kind?" Gesturing angrily in the direction of Ethan Carter, hating the smug expression on his big nosed face with every fiber of his being Anderson pushed down the desire to rip Spud away from him. Despite the senseless stupidity in accepting Carter back he still wanted the smaller man, wanted to hold him down and fuck him until he was tired of him.

"No, the tall, dark, incredibly handsome kind," ignoring the audible grind of Anderson's teeth Spud turned his back dismissively and raised his eyes to Ethan's, "the answer to your question is yes, I will." Watching the slow change from fury to startled delight on Ethan's face falter as Anderson muttered an offensive slur behind them he finally felt anger spark deep in his gut. Seconds away from using a crutch to smash Anderson across the shin he drew in a deep, cleansing breath when Ethan's hand slid around his arm and squeezed lightly.

"Come on tiger, let's get out of here," tightening his grip Ethan tugged the smaller man towards the elevator, as much as he wanted to crow at Anderson's impotent anger the fact he was the one leaving with Spud by his side dissipated some of the anger he'd been holding onto. Stepping into the elevator with Anderson still gaping after them for one moment he felt sorry for the other man, he knew he didn't deserve this second chance, but then Spud sighed, awkwardly transferring his crutches to one hand to lean against him and he remembered how the other man's ankle had been injured. Tucking his arm securely around Spud's waist his sympathy evaporated.