"I'm gonna head out now Spud," grabbing his bag Tyrus frowned when there was no response, turning he found his sometimes tag partner slumped on the couch, still dressed in his wrestling gear it was clear he hadn't moved in the time it had taken him to shower and dress. The last few weeks had been rough on the other man, his mood often dropping to where he refused to speak and now, losing their association with Matt Hardy seemed to have sent him into a further tailspin. Sighing, knowing there was nothing he could do, he pushed aside his worry and quietly left, considering their history he didn't blame Spud for not accepting his support.
Heading towards the exit he caught sight of Ethan Carter chatting up one of the newest Knockouts, hesitating as a terrible idea on how to counter Spud's miserable mood popped into his head. Even after all this time nothing drew more of a reaction from Spud then the man he professed to hate so often he doubted there was any truth in the statement. Plus, having been involved in the breakup of the two men's previous relationship he damn well knew Ethan had never been as indifferent to Spud as he claimed.
Walking over he smirked when Ethan immediately scowled, it gave him great joy to cause any sort of inconvenience to his former boss. "EC," greeting calmly his smirk increased as the Knockout, a blonde bombshell with a hell of a figure, even if she was too short for his tastes, smiled vaguely at him before quickly excusing herself.
Annoyed at the loss of a potential date Ethan glared, "what do you want Tyrus?"
Shrugging off the other man's irritation Tyrus crossed his arms, making sure his tone was casually indifferent, "your little British Rockstar isn't doing so well," the flash of concern that crossed Ethan's face gave him the satisfaction of being right.
"Why would you think I care?" Shoving his hands in his pockets Ethan half turned away to hide his expression, annoyed by Tyrus's knowing look, he hated that his ex-enforcer was one of the only people to know he still cared about Spud.
Rolling his eyes Tyrus waved his hand impatiently, already sick of dealing with Ethan's little games, if he hadn't reluctantly come to admire Spud's crazy British ass he wouldn't even have bothered. Frankly neither Matt Hardy or Ethan Carter deserved Spud's loyalty, it was just too bad he'd never be able to convince the other man of that, "don't bother kidding yourself E, you may have everyone else fooled, including Spud but I know you care about him. He's still in our locker room, go help him or don't, I've done my part."
Watching Tyrus walk away before he could summon a protest Ethan cursed the desire urging him to check on Spud, it had been difficult enough resisting the first time, when he'd caught sight of how shattered Spud looked on losing his match. After everything the smaller man had done lately, including trying to jam a belt buckle into his eye it was frustrating that he just couldn't shake his worry for him, even though he suspected that Spud's recent change in behavior could all be laid to blame at Matt and Reby Hardy's feet.
It might be conceited of him, but he knew Spud, knew the smaller man and all his personality quirks, knew in fact that Spud still cared for him under all the anger and pain. Maybe it was time to put aside his ego and finally admit he'd been wrong to throw Spud aside the way he had and actually apologize. For so long he'd been recklessly determined to maintain ties to his rich, so-called friends, uncaring of the cost to his personal or professional life. It was only when he'd caught onto the disrespect and disdain they'd had for him and his chosen career that he realized how toxic they were, and how much his entitled, self-serving actions had cost him. Now he was completely alone, with no friends and no one on his side. It was a sobering realization that this is how Spud must have felt when he'd fired him and then cut him completely out of his life.
Determination burned through him, it was long past time to take responsibility for his actions and finally find the courage to fix what he'd broken. Making a pit stop at catering he took the time to gather the most important first step in dealing with his former best friend. Nudging the dressing room door open he knew that if anything Tyrus had undersold how distressed Spud was, he'd never seen the other man looking quite so lost and defeated, not even after that awful night he'd betrayed him and shaved his hair off. Cursing Matt Hardy and himself for the damage they'd both knowingly caused he sat next to Spud, patiently waiting for the smaller man to acknowledge his presence.
"I'm not in the mood to fight," dully Spud only looked up when a warm mug was thrust into his hands, glancing away from Ethan's faint smile down to the cup of his favourite tea, made just the way he preferred. Under the raging sense of loss from yet another foundation in his life being ripped away he was aware of being impressed that Ethan remembered something as trivial as how he liked to take his tea.
"That's good, since I'm not here to fight with you," sipping on his own cup of coffee he hid a fond smile as Spud instinctively clutched the mug closer, inhaling the fragrant aroma of freshly steeped tea.
Silence settled around them once again, the atmosphere growing slightly more comfortable as he slowly drank his tea, the hot beverage a soothingly familiar point of comfort. The only sounds came from the faint noise of the arena crew cleaning up.
Slow drowsy minutes passed before Ethan became aware of the shivers shaking Spud's slim frame, the other man staring into space and seemingly unaware of the chill in the room. Shaking his head he stripped off his suit jacket and settled it around Spud's shoulders, taking the now empty mug and putting it aside he was relieved to see the dazed look in Spud's eyes fade as he huddled into the jacket. Satisfied he sat back and stretched his arm along the back of the couch, being careful to show he was there but not infringing upon Spud's space, well aware it wouldn't yet be welcome.
As the warmth both from Ethan's jacket and body gradually seeped into his bones Spud found himself relaxing against his will,becoming more aware of his body he abruptly realized how exhausted he was, the match with Jeff had been short but brutal, even hours later his jaw ached painfully from the impact with the ladder. Ethan's expensive cologne was a familiar scent, one he hadn't forgotten in all those long, lonely months spent without friends or family. Inhaling deeply, he didn't fight the impulse to lean into the bigger man, resting his head on Ethan's shoulder he was dimly amazed the other man was willingly letting him so close.
Moving slowly so as not to startle the smaller man Ethan slid his arm around Spud's waist and pulled him closer, considering it a minor victory when his only reaction was to curl further into him. It was both gratifying and humbling to know Spud could trust him this much but then he had always had more heart than anyone he'd ever known. Nuzzling against Spud's hair he closed his eyes and simply enjoyed the peace, it felt like forever since he'd been able to simply relax with another person like this.
"I still hate you," knowing his words lacked conviction when spoken against Ethan's shoulder Spud found he no longer cared about maintaining appearances, his planned revenge against Ethan hadn't been nearly as fulfilling as he'd anticipated. Most days it was only Reby's nagging that kept him from seeking out the other man and apologizing. Now, with that connection lost he saw no need to maintain the constant hostility, when frankly at this point, he was only hurting himself.
"Are you sure about that?" Stroking lightly along Spud's now warmed skin Ethan didn't hide the smile in his voice, the lack of conviction, and almost affectionate tone Spud had used gave him the hope their relationship wasn't quite beyond repair yet.
"I'm sure I wanted to hate you," squirming slightly as heat flushed along his skin Spud couldn't bring himself to pull away from Ethan's continued caresses, even if it was horribly distracting and brought back all the old desires he used to harbor towards the other man. It also woke him up to reality just a little more and he abruptly wondered why Ethan was being so nice, the last time they'd been in the ring together things had gotten pretty violent.
"Well, I do like the sound of the past tense," shifting to meet Spud's eyes he dropped the guard he kept over his emotions, "I'm sorry Spud, sorry for hurting you." Swallowing heavily guilt hit him hard at the stunned disbelief in Spud's eyes, "I'm sorry for so many things." Heart in his throat he squeezed Spud's knee and forced himself to continue, "do you think you could ever forgive me?"
Caught by the intensity in Ethan's gaze he wanted nothing more to throw himself in the other man's arms and agree … agree for the days when he ached to be close to Ethan, to be able to comfort the other man and seek comfort after a difficult day or a hard match. Taking a moment to study Ethan's ridiculously handsome face he allowed himself to hope this wasn't some sort of trick, the other man had never apologized for anything before and he desperately wanted to believe. Maybe it would be okay to let the past go.
Raising trembling fingers he brushed a curl off of Ethan's forehead, smiling as the other man leaned into his touch, it felt wonderful to just touch without hiding behind the excuse of violence. After the last few grim months and now being tossed aside once more he was done being careful, time to lay all his cards on the table, "you broke my heart, Ethan." Laying a finger across Ethan's lips when the other man opened his mouth to speak he shook his head, if he didn't say this now, he'd never say it, "I loved you … no," correcting himself he dropped his hand and looked away from Ethan's regretful expression, "I was in love with you."
"I was an idiot, I know that now," tugging on Spud's arm Ethan held the smaller man's hand over his heart, rubbing circles over his knuckles. Now that he knew how the other man felt nothing was going to stop him winning Spud back, "I never appreciated what I had until it was too late." Pressing a warm kiss on the smaller man's knuckles his courage grew at the pulse racing under his fingers, "all I want is a chance Spud, to prove to you I have changed, that we can make things work between us."
"Bloody hell Ethan, you aren't making this easy on me," shivering at the low laugh breathed against his skin he struggled to hide its effect on him, nothing had prepared him for the fact that Ethan could actually be attracted to him in return. It opened up a whole new world of possibilities and he had to bite back a whimper when Ethan nipped lightly before releasing his hand.
"Then just say yes," cupping Spud's jaw, careful of the bruise already developing he stroked a thumb under the other man's full lower lip and it took every ounce of his will power not to just kiss the smaller man at his soft gasp. Spud needed to make the decision to forgive him without their hormones making the choice for him.
Shuddering Spud closed his eyes and curled his fingers in Ethan's shirt, desperately fighting to think under the onslaught of heat pooling through his body, "okay Ethan," opening his eyes to Ethan's hopeful smile he committed himself, "you have your chance." It might be a risk he'd come to regret but with Ethan looking at him with such tenderness it was one he wanted to take.
Dragging Spud into a hug Ethan breathed out shakily, "thank you Spud, you won't regret it." Giddy with relief he squeezed until the smaller man squirmed away with a laugh and a thump to his shoulder, "now," eyes warm with happiness and desire he let his gaze travel down Spud's body, "as much as I truly do appreciate your new wrestling gear …" smirking as Spud blushed bright red he reluctantly let go and sat back, "why don't you change and we'll find somewhere to celebrate."
Skin burning from the heat in Ethan's gaze he stood, shaking his head at the other man's teasing, "give me ten minutes to shower and dress." Snagging his duffle bag he quickly headed to the shower, fighting the impulse to turn back and kiss Ethan's pleased smile, knowing if he did, they'd never make it out of here.
"Let me know if you need any help scrubbing your back," calling out after the retreating man Ethan laughed at the rude gesture he got in return. Leaning back against the couch he closed his eyes and listened to the shower start, happier than he'd been in what felt like years, he'd have to remember to thank Tyrus for the needed push to get off his ass and finally fix what he'd so thoughtlessly broken.