Tess O-Meter -- Green.
You can dip in and out of this unexpected series, but for a richer read and character development they are best when read in the order of writing.
Therefore, I would suggest, if you enjoy this, then go back to the beginning.
Correct order is, Broadway Lust Story, Broadway Love Story, Broadway Luck Story, Broadway Beginnings, Broadway Bust, Broadway to Vegas, Broadway Betrayal, Broadway Battle, Broadway Break, Broadway Threat, Broadway Baby, and Broadway Darling.
-X
Ty felt his grandfather's hand cover his. He must have been tapping the arm rest again. He turned his head and smiled thanks into dark eyes that were a mirror of his own.
In the next seat up, his grandma, who looked amazing in dark blue, gave him an encouraging smile.
There was no doubt that he was more nervous than Tony.
Taking a deep breath, Ty looked to his left and met Tony's grin.
It had been quite some experience getting glammed up and chauffeured (by Thomas, his boss, Cal's driver) to the Tony Awards. Ty and Tony had left their wardrobe up to Frank and Pip. Assisted by half the Engagement team, it seemed.
Dan and Gabi, Tony's parent's, had been due to attend with them, but were now watching with Tony's family, friends and neighbours back in Philadelphia, due to Dan having had a minor operation on his knee that Tony wouldn't allow him to postpone.
It had been a last minute change, but Frank had taken it in his stride. Saying he and Cal would come, and then producing Ty's grandparent's, flown up from Florida, as a surprise.
Both Tony and Ty had been amazed and thrilled to find Frank's door thrown open by his grandma this evening. Ty had been even more astounded to walk in and see Frank putting the finishing touches to his grandpa's long thick braid.
Never in his life had he seen anyone but his grandma touch his grandpa's waist length hair.
"All done," Frank had proclaimed. "It's great for conditioning. I'll put some aside for you."
"Smells nice too," Grandpa Maka had proclaimed, before standing and greeting his grandsons.
Ty's grandparents had pretty much adopted Tony within a few seconds of meeting him. Then several years later, once Ty and Tony were married and Tony fit and well, they had made it official via a Hopi elder who Frank had tracked down in New York to perform a 'mostly authentic, semi-adjusted, worked for them' ceremony in which Ty's grandad claimed Tony as his grandson in spirit.
Tony had then astounded everyone present (apart from Frank and the elder) by claiming Ty's grandparents as his, and promising that with or without Ty he would be as a son and friend to them always. (Not that he was EVER going to be without Ty. Hello?)
It had been beautiful and respectful, the Hopi elder and Cal were the only people who didn't get teary eyed. (Cal later admitted that it had cost him.) Tony had even managed some words in the language of the Lakota, which Ty hadn't understood, because he didn't practise enough, but his grandma had cried and hugged Tony like she would never let him go. Ty never had found out what he said.
Now, Ty hugged them both, delighted with the unexpected visit.
How Frank had pulled everything together in a couple of days, Ty had no idea. But his grandma looked outstanding in her dark blue, shimmery dress, with a beaded choker.
His grandpa had a dark grey suit that fitted perfectly, and had a matching beaded edging.
Frank had even managed sympathetic and respectful use of colour in the beading. He must have been cramming Lakota traditions and crafts. The man was a miracle.
Grandpa Maka had told them in the car how honoured and respected they had felt by Frank's care and attention. And how sweet Frank's nervousness had been.
They knew Thomas would report back how pleased they were. And Thomas, winking at Ty in the mirror, knew they knew.
Tony had been nervous, but on finding their seats he had inexplicably calmed down. Stating that he was sat too far back and pointing out other nominees who were much closer to the stage.
"It'll be one of them," Tony said firmly, seemingly relieved, and pointing out two Broadway stars who had an extra decade or more on him.
"Then why is Izzy presenting?" Ty questioned.
Tony rolled his eyes. "Because this is the first year in ages she hasn't been nominated. They grabbed the chance while they could. And what else is she going to present, but this award?"
Ty wasn't so sure.
It wasn't just that Tony was outstanding in a draining and demanding production. But 'Finding a Way' and the Jackson Derby story had really captured the public's imagination. And also been picked up for highlighting the bullying and abuse that was, sadly, still an issue in the entertainment industry.
So far tonight the show had dominated, and collected six awards.
Randall, who had won Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical, two years ago, for 'Empty Nights'. Had only just returned to his seat from collecting Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical.
He had joked that he would be going for best actress next year, but was clearly thrilled. He had stopped to shake Tony's hand on his way back to his seat, which as Tony pointed out, was closer to the stage.
"Well, if you do win, you should plant one on him as you go past. The crowd will love that." Next to Ty his grandpa chuckled.
"I won't win."
"If you do. I dare you."
"Whatever, Ty." Tony had scowled and watched the next award be presented.
Now Ty turned his hand over so he could grip his grandpa's, as Izzy was applauded onto the stage.
Looking stunning, she introduced the nominees and they all watched the short clips and applauded politely after each one.
There was good humoured groaning and laughing when Tony's clip came up. Everyone was seeing rather a lot of 'Finding a Way' tonight!
Izzy took a deep breath. "And the winner for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical, is."
She cracked open the envelope, her face lighting up.
"Anthony Thomas-Risio for 'Finding a Way'. Oh my God, Tony get up here!"
Ty's heart stopped, and he turned to Tony who was staring at the stage with a look of astonishment. Completely ignoring the approaching cameras.
Someone in the row behind them gave him a half congratulatory shoulder slap and half nudge to get moving. Ty turned and saw a grinning Hollywood superstar.
Then Tony finally moved. Only to look at Ty. "But?"
Ty gave him a brief kiss and then pulled back grinning. He knew he had tears on his cheeks, but didn't care. His heart had never felt so full. So much love. So much pride.
"But!" Tony said again.
Ty was pushed aside as his grandfather leaned over.
"Tony." He instructed sharply. "Act!"
"Yes, Sir." Tony automatically rose to his feet, sending one last wild look at Ty, and starting to walk.
More than one person was on his feet, including Randall, who grabbed Tony and kissed him, almost as if he had heard Ty's dare.
Tony was still sniggering after he had wriggled free and been directed onto the stage, where Izzy grabbed him in a swaying hug.
Then the glittering award was in his hands and he was pushed gently towards the microphone.
Ty noticed he kept a firm grip on Izzy and took her with him. His eyes wide and slightly terrified as he gazed at the audience.
"Okay, you've done this before, right?" he asked Izzy.
A pro to the core, she stepped closer and wrapped an arm around his waist, so the mic could pick up her voice. "Once or twice." The audience laughed. "Please tell me you prepared a speech?"
Tony winced, "Sorry!" More laughter.
But he was over the worst now and took a deep breath.
"Wow. Okay, so. Obviously, thank you. To everyone," he waved a hand as if indicating the entire world. Then took a steadying breath.
"I think it's clear from the awards that 'Finding a Way' has collected tonight, just how much goes into a production and how much of a team effort it is." There were a couple of whoops and some applause.
"They don't have a Best Performance by a Physiotherapist in a Musical, or Most Supportive Stage Door Guru, but they really should, because without the whole team it's not possible." Now there were cheers and applause.
"No one can do this alone," Tony continued when it quietened a little. "My deepest thanks to all of my family and friends. My colleagues and team, and incredible supportive fans. You all know who you are and how much you mean to me."
He squeezed Izzy close and took another fortifying breath. "But before I get dragged off, I also have to thank," he pointed into the room. "Sat out there with our wonderful grandparents. My husband. For supporting me through dance class, pushing me to singing lessons, and being with me through incredibly challenging times. Most of all, for always believing in me. I love you, Ty."
Tony's voice cracked on Ty's name and he dipped his head, then grinned ruefully and blew a kiss. Unable to speak anymore.
Ty watched as Izzy kissed Tony's cheek and led him carefully from the stage. Thanking his grandma when she pushed a tissue into his hand.
Then flushing when his grandad, looking delighted, pointed out the camera that was filming him being an emotional disaster.
Great. Just great.
-X
Just under two hours later, Tony dragged Ty into Frank's office.
Everyone was at Engagement, which had limited performances and capacity tonight, so the whole 'Finding a Way' production and anyone else who wanted to, could come along to celebrate.
Frank and MC were busy lining the eight Tony's up along the bar. Which included MC's Best Direction of a Musical, and Best Musical, which MC had sent the stage manager and one of the wig ladies up to collect. They had been more prepared than Tony was, and had repeated his team effort statements.
Tony still seemed slightly stunned, and Ty felt like he could fly. Was it possible to burst from happiness?
