Tess O-Meter -- Green.
You can read these in any order, but they are best when read in the order of writing, which is Broadway Lust Story, Broadway Love Story, Broadway Luck Story, Broadway Beginnings, and Broadway Bust.
-X
Sunday morning, Ty paused at the mirror to examine the cut on his head. Thankfully the tape had survived a proper shower and hair wash and the cut had not re-opened. No way could he have gone another twenty-four hours without grooming.
The bruise though was really starting to bloom. An example of modern art in greens, greys and yellows, thanks to his boyfriend attracting the attention of crazy stalker land-lady. Oh and some purple. Nice. Real nice.
From one angle it looked like a butterfly, from another it could almost be Lebron James slamming in a dunk.
Tony had told him that it made him look dangerous and rugged and Ty had quipped back that people would think Tony had done it. Swiftly having to reassure Tony when he looked horrified and had become upset.
"Sorry," Ty had murmured as he kissed Tony's nose, forehead, cheeks, and finally mouth. "I was kidding. Bad joke. No one would ever think that."
Ty's next joke that obviously Ty, being bigger and stronger could defend himself from Tony any day, had resulted in a major tickle fight during which they had both nearly laughed up a lung.
Ty had won though, because he knew Tony had many more sensitive places, and Ty wasn't scared to get down and dirty. Hello -- tickly balls much!
Distracted and chuckling at the memory of Tony squirming under him and pleading for mercy, Ty left the room and walked slap into a chest.
As strong arms gripped and pulled him in, Ty realized in a moment it wasn't Tony, not carved enough. And although the body was firm and fit, it wasn't tall enough to be Frank.
He blinked and focused, seeing Tony stood in the centre of the room, smiling at him with his arm slung around his Mom's shoulder and both her arms tight around his waist.
Ah, so it must be Tony's dad who had him in a bear hug.
He squeezed back and was released. Tony's dad, Dan, moving to cup his face and study him closely. His eyes were intense and serious, and Ty felt, as he always did, a little shock at seeing Tony's eyes in the older man's face.
A warmth spread in his chest at the obvious concern in the familiar hazel and he smiled, rubbing Dan's arm, "Hey Dan, I'm okay. Don't look so worried."
Dan nodded, almost satisfied, "Yea? You gave us a scare kid."
"I promise. I've barely even got a headache," Ty reassured him. Startling slightly as Frank appeared as if by magic by his side, like the world's most glamorous fairy godmother. Glass of water and painkillers at the ready.
"Did I hear headache?" he flashed a grin at Ty. The one that said, 'don't test me.'
Ty didn't even bother arguing. He just sighed and took the painkillers.
Nodding with satisfaction Frank took the glass back into the kitchen, talking over his shoulder, "We were just talking about you going down to Florida with Dan and Gabriella to see your grandparents."
"What?" Ty asked, confused.
"Gabi and I are going on a cruise," Dan explained. "And we're staying with your grandparents for a couple of nights before we sail."
"Really?" Ty was delighted. "I didn't know you guys were in touch."
"Well really," Tony's Mom laughed. "How can we gossip about the two of you if we're not in touch?"
"Your grandma is worried about you," Dan said. "She was all for coming up here, but we said we would check on you."
"You should go see her," Frank said. "You'll have this sweet couple to keep an eye on you." He gave Tony's mom a kiss on the cheek and completely missed Ty's shoulders tensing and the rebellious look on his face.
Cal, Tony, and Dan didn't miss it though, and rolled their eyes at each other.
"More to the point," Dan said, before Ty could start arguing. "We can make use of a big strapping lad like you to help us out, and you know, I don't like flying that much. It would be a help to us."
Amusement overrode Ty's annoyance, and he gave Tony's dad a dry look, "Are you playing me, Sir?"
Dan tipped his head to one side and smiled, "Is it working?"
Ty grinned and raised his hands in defeat.
"Just a couple of nights, Ty," Frank said kissing his cheek. "Reassure your grandma."
"Okay," Ty agreed.
Frank flashed him a triumphant smile and then turned to give Tony's dad the same kiss, "Bye, Handsome Dad, I'll see you later."
Dan just laughed and patted his back.
Gabriella got a big hug and then Frank kissed Tony, "Bye, Handsome."
"See you later, Frank. Bye Cal."
Cal merely waved at them all and followed Frank out of the door.
Ty eyed Dan a little warily, "Er, Frank is really affectionate with everyone. I hope he didn't make you uncomfortable."
"Are you kidding?" Dan grinned. "Best nickname ever!"
Gabi laughing, moved forward and Ty found himself in another embrace. Despite being approximately half his size (he had no idea how she had brought forth three children, all of whom were pushing 6ft. He shuddered to think of it), she had the ability to enclose him in a hug that made him feel totally loved and protected.
She also was aware that her hugs made him overly emotional and he needed just an extra moment to compose himself. Gabriella Thomas was one of his favourite people and he was completely in love with her.
Over her shoulder he spotted Tony turned slightly away but still watching them. Tony was smiling but also rubbing the end of his nose really hard, which meant he was trying not to cry.
When Ty lowered her down from tippy toes, she reached up and pulled his head down. Touching her lips gently to his bruise. "Better?" she asked.
"Much," he managed, feeling a little choked up himself.
"I'm so glad you're both okay," she said in her gentle voice. "Are you up to coming out for lunch?"
"Sure, that sounds great."
"We'll drop your cases off on the way," Tony said, then looked at Ty. "Mom and Dad are going to stay at ours for a couple of nights. Apparently I have to stay here until you get back!"
"Frank being bossy?" Ty asked.
"Always. But it was Cal actually, he insisted."
"It's good," Dan said, "I'm glad you have someone to watch your back. Especially with the Thomas curse of attracting the ladies!" he teased Tony.
"Yea, yea!"
"Crazy ladies!" Ty agreed, playing along. Tony stuck his tongue out at him.
"If your head's okay, Ty. We've got some tickets for the garden tonight. A friend of mine passed them on, but it might get rowdy."
Ty hadn't been to Madison Square Gardens in ages. As a student he didn't have the money, and now he had the money (just about) he didn't have the time. But he knew about the game tonight and shot an evil grin at Tony's dad.
