The setting sun painted the nearly deserted parking lot pale pink and yellow, softening the harsh lines of the bleak concrete. Straightening up from stowing away his luggage Ethan closed his eyes, tilting his face to catch the last rays of warmth from the fading sun a slight cough had him spinning around with a curse, arms half-raised in defense. "God dammit Zema," glaring at the other man he blew out a breath, pacified when Zema at least had the good grace to look apologetic, "what do you want?"
Smiling sheepishly Zema held his hands up, "sorry about that Ethan, I didn't mean to startle you." Waiting a beat as the other man sighed then nodded, he widened his eyes and tried to look innocent, "we need your help. Our rental broke down and we need a lift into the next town."
Rubbing his temples Ethan sighed, "isn't there someone else you can ask?" It didn't take the other man's half raised eyebrows at the almost deserted parking lot to answer his question. Holding back a groan he shoved his hands in his pockets and scowled, he was already in a filthy mood from missing his chance to talk to Spud but he also knew Aunt D would not approve if he left any member of the roster stranded when he could easily help.
"You know I wouldn't bother you if I didn't have to," knowing Ethan was on the verge of agreeing Zema bit his lip against a smirk, not wanting to ruin his chances. "Please Ethan, you really are our last chance."
Stepping away from his jeep Ethan gestured towards the trunk with ill-grace, it had been a long, frustrating night and all he wanted now was to get to the next town and rest, "fine, load your gear in. Where's your worse half? I want to leave within the next five minutes."
Throwing a look over his shoulder Zema didn't have to pretend to be worried, "he's in the trainer's room, waiting for the Doctor to release Spud." He had briefly considered cancelling their latest scheme when Spud had been injured but now seeing the concern flash over Ethan's face he was glad he hadn't.
"Spud's hurt?" At Zema's wide-eyed nod Ethan took a deep breath, struggling to tamp down his worry, "what happened?" In the second it took for Zema to open his mouth he'd already decided he couldn't wait, "never mind, I'll check on him myself, just finish loading the car so we're ready to go." Leaving the other man behind he strode towards the building, imagination already running wild on how Spud had gotten hurt, each idea worse than the last until his stomach was tied in knots.
Spotting one of the on-site doctors exiting the trainers' office Ethan paused just outside the door, taking in the sight of Spud sitting on the exam table, ankle heavily bandaged and looking utterly exhausted. Swallowing down the desire to gather the smaller man into his arms he waited until Spud took the pills Robbie was holding out before clearing his throat and stepping forward.
"Zema told me you were hurt," focused on the relief in Spud's blue eyes when he looked up Ethan moved closer, smiling reassuringly and pointedly ignoring Robbie's smirk. It was only on stepping closer that he noticed the light bruising along the other man's jaw, capturing one of Spud's hands he frowned at the battered and bloody knuckles, "were you in a fight?"
"Anderson attacked him backstage," unable to help but interject Robbie grinned as Ethan reluctantly pulled his attention away from James, with the concern the other man wasn't even trying to hide he was sure their plan to get two together was succeeding. "James was lucky Zema and I were there to rescue him."
Rolling his eyes at Robbie's dramatics Spud squeezed Ethan's fingers when the other man tensed, he knew that look, knew it meant Anderson was in trouble and he couldn't deny it thrilled him to have Ethan's protective instincts flare on his behalf. "Don't listen to him, I had it under control."
"Sure, you did James," making sure to sound as patronizing as possible just to get under the other man's skin Robbie patted him on the knee, ignoring the dark look Ethan shot at him, "up until you sprained your ankle."
"Your better half convinced me to give you a ride to the next town," breaking in Ethan's mouth quirked at the grateful look Spud shot him, as usual he couldn't decide if he was more amused or exasperated by the two men's friendship. Tossing the car keys at Robbie he gestured to the luggage, "finish loading the car and move it close to the exit, I'll help Spud." Watching as Robbie huffed but moved to gather the bags he couldn't help adding, "and grab an ice pack on the way out."
"Yes Sir, Mr. EC3 boss Sir," snapping off a sarcastic salute Robbie struggled to open the door, Zema owed him for putting up with Ethan's crap, dinner out to his favourite restaurant at the very least.
"Robbie really has no shame," awkwardly shifting on the cold table Spud flushed under the full force of Ethan's attention, self-consciously licking his lips when the other man's gaze dropped to his mouth. "I'm sorry if Zema badgered you into giving us a ride Sir, but thank you, I wasn't looking forward to trying to rent another vehicle at this time of night."
"You know me, always happy to help," grabbing a clean cloth and wetting it from a bottle of water Ethan shared an amused look with Spud, glad to see the other man looking more relaxed. "So why did Anderson attack you, I thought you two got along," gingerly wiping the blood off Spud's knuckles he looked up when the other man didn't respond, catching the uncomfortable expression that flit across his face.
Picking at the edges of his shirt Spud fought down the angry flush spreading across his face, mumbling, "he was angry I wouldn't go out with him." A light touch to his jaw forced him to raise his head, warmth curling through him at the soft look in Ethan's dark eyes.
"I guess I'll need to have words with him about accepting rejection," voice tight with rage at the idea Anderson had attacked Spud for simply saying no Ethan dropped his hand to the smaller man's shoulder, squeezing gently, "and let him know I'm the only one you're dating."
Half laughing, half groaning in exasperation Spud shivered as Ethan raised his hand feathered gentle kisses across his knuckles. Voice breathless he resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the other man's smug smile, "we might actually have to go on that date first."
"Tomorrow tiger," promising Ethan brushed a lock of hair off Spud's face, the pleased warmth in those blue eyes made it difficult not to give into the desire to kiss the smaller man until all traces of pain were erased. Swallowing he managed to step back, "for now let's get out of here before Robbie gets it into his head to leave us behind."
"Yes, Sir," quickly stifling a yawn he muttered an apology, the pain medication was taking effect and all he wanted to do was take a nap. Gingerly sliding off the table he stiffened as Ethan swept him up into his arms, "what are you doing? I can walk."
Ignoring Spud's protest Ethan kept his grip gentle, "I'm not letting you walk on that ankle so you might as well relax and let me help." Heading for the exit he suppressed a smile on how despite the other man's scowl Spud was quick to quick to relax into his hold.
Huffing and pretending to be more annoyed than he was Spud slid his arms around Ethan's neck, marveling at how far they'd come, just a few short weeks ago he wouldn't have dared to be so openly affectionate with the other man, "fine, but put me down before we get outside, the last thing I need is Robbie seeing you carrying me."
"Whatever you say," eyes crinkling at Spud's eye roll Ethan didn't try to hide his reluctance to let go when they reached the exit, satisfaction humming through him at the other man's fond smile. Luckily Robbie had done as ordered, the car waiting for them just outside the door, keeping a steadying hand on Spud's arm he helped him climb into the backseat.
"You wanna drive bro?" Glancing over to the back seat Robbie winked slyly at his boyfriend, somehow, he had no doubt that Ethan was going to choose to remain in the back to take care of James.
Hesitating Ethan finally shook his head, while he hated to allow Robbie to drive, he couldn't leave Spud in the hands of anyone else while the smaller man was injured, "no speeding this time." Warning, he shut the door on Robbie's protest that it had only been one time and walked around to the other side to climb in.
Smiling reassuringly Zema handed Ethan the ice pack, "don't worry Ethan, I'll keep Robbie in check." Tuning the radio to a soft rock station he set the volume just loud enough to give the men in the back the illusion of privacy. It was worth all the planning and scheming of the last few weeks to watch how easily the other two men were getting along now. Laying his hand over Robbie's he settled back to enjoy the ride.
"Thanks, Zema," gesturing imperatively until Spud rolled his eyes but finally obeyed Ethan carefully arranged his legs to rest across his lap. Pulling off his shoes he pressed the ice pack against Spud's injured ankle, looking up apologetically at his hiss, "sorry, tiger," keeping his voice low he inched his fingers under the cuff of Spud's pants and petted his skin soothingly.
"It's okay," even the cold from the ice pack couldn't repress the warmth flooding through him at Ethan's touch. Relaxing he closed his eyes and simply enjoyed the other man's gentle caresses along his leg, distracting him from the lingering pain and cold.
Watching the lines of pain on Spud's face smooth out Ethan gently fitted his hand just above the heavy bandage, holding on and lulled half asleep by the gentle rocking of the car he listened to the soft murmur of voices from the front and enjoyed the comforting weight of Spud's legs across his lap.