Broadway Friends

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, Broadway Darling, Broadway Moves, Broadway Fantasy, Broadway Cherish, Broadway Expansion, Broadway Ghost Story, Broadway Seduction, Broadway Five Hole, and Broadway Friends.

-X

Tony eyed Logan, who was slouched against the wall, staring at his feet with a despondent expression.

He looked half melted and yet still elegant.

One of the most talented ballet dancers of his generation who could contort himself into the most insane positions, often while flying through the air, and yet, did he ever not look elegant?

Even so. "POSTURE." Tony barked, and cracked up when Logan straightened at the speed of a bullet, then glared at him.

"Oh my God, that was so funny."

Logan rolled his eyes and let himself fall back against the wall. "Jesus, Tony. You scared me, I thought Madam had caught me."

"You scared of Madam?"

Logan half laughed. "Oh, like you're not."

Tony couldn't argue that point. The woman was terrifying.

"She's always on at me. Something to do with my left shoulder. I don't even understand what she's saying. I've tried pleading that I'm not a ballet dancer, but she just shoots me down."

Logan flashed a grin, "Like this." Then suddenly looked stern. "You are a ballet dancer when you dance in my class. Or leave." His version of Madam's accent was spot on.

"Okay, now you're scaring me."

"I'm gonna have to come to your class one day. It would be quite restful to observe her nagging someone else." Logan smirked. "By which I mean nurturing talent, of course."

Tony wasn't impressed at that idea so changed the subject by moving to a nearby full length mirror and trying to turn to see both shoulders from behind.

Which oddly, didn't work.

"You drop your left shoulder slightly when you are about to jump, or when you are transferring your weight to your right leg." Logan looked apologetic.

"I do?"

Logan nodded, then laughed when Tony started robot-dancing in front of the mirror.

"Fucks sake, it's not that obvious you plonker." He moved over and pressed firmly on both Tony's shoulders to still him.

"What did you call me?"

"Nothing. Stand still."

"But."

"Hush. Now." Logan released the pressure to let his hands rest lightly. They were both watching Tony in the mirror, natural as breathing for them. "Weight on the left, keep your shoulders level."

Tony's face took on a look of intense concentration and Logan smothered a smile.

"Now slide glide to the right." Logan helpfully started humming 'Thriller'.

Trying not to be distracted, or rush, or completely embarrass himself. This was, after all, Logan Murray-Parker. Tony moved.

"See?" Logan said, satisfied.

"No!"

"Do it again," this time as well as humming, Logan's hips started to move.

"That's not helping," Tony complained, but repeated the move.

"Did you see it that time?"

"Maybe?"

"I expect Madam and I are the only ones who have. It's minute, but she's a perfectionist."

"Ty's never mentioned it."

"Ty's blinded by lurve," Logan pulled a soppy lash fluttering face. Tony just put his palm over the whole of it and shoved gently. Then turned back to the mirror.

"Jesus. I shouldn't have told you."

"Can you help me fix it?"

"Dunno. Are you left handed?"

"Yea."

"Then no."

Tony turned with a hurt look.

"Okay, maybe. Let me get some advice from Madam and maybe."

Tony gave him a beaming smile.

"Even though this is something that five people will notice ever. If that."

Tony shrugged (evenly) and wandered back. "One should never stop trying to improve oneself."

"That sounds like a quote. Who said it?"

"Aydin. I think you met him at the first show?"

Logan clicked his fingers. "Irish guy. Tall, blonde, gorgeous. Plastered himself all over me and then invited me to a drinking competition at his bar."

"That sounds like Aydin. Especially the plastering himself all over you bit."

"Any Irishman can drink any Scotsman under the table any day of the week." This time Logan did a perfect impression of Aydin's accent, much to Tony's delight.

"I wish I could do accents," he mused.

"What is your accent repertoire then?" Logan asked.

"Oh, um." Tony looked at the ceiling. "Er, Philadelphia, Cockney by way of Sydney Australia apparently, and I'm really good at Philadelphia."

Logan bent over laughing. "Wow. Such talent."

"Well, I don't like to brag." He paused. "What's a plonker?"

Logan straightened looking sincere. "It's British slang for a person who has great talent in acting, song, and dance. People like you, who go around winning Tony Awards. I think in America it's called a triple threat."

"I thought it was called a triple threat in the UK as well?"

"Of course. Officially. Plonker is the slang."

Tony narrowed his eyes, but Logan looked perfectly serious. "If I ask Aydin what it means, will he tell me the same?"

"I couldn't say. He's not from the UK is he? Might have a different meaning in Ireland."

"You asshole," Tony shook his head as Logan started laughing again.

His laughing stopped abruptly when the door opened and Ty emerged. "How it is, are you okay?"

Ty just rolled his eyes. He was walking carefully, and slowly, but upright. "Thanks, Claire."

The physio smiled. "No problem. You know what you're doing, but just give me a shout if you want to come back in. Otherwise, feel better soon."

"Thanks so much, Claire," Logan gave her a hug.

"No problem. Now stop worrying, he'll be fine."

She smiled and closed the door, returning Tony's smile.

Ty spoke before Logan could. "It's just a torn muscle, it'll heal. And she's got enough to do with an entire ballet company, without looking after me as well."

"And she got tickets to my show," Tony added. "Stop feeling guilty."

Logan gave them big eyes. "I feel bad. I've got coffee in my dressing room."

"Lead the way," Ty decided and smiled at Tony when Logan looked happier.

The two of them had been performing a special routine on and off for more than a year, with big gaps in between, but at the final performance at the final Fire Island show, Logan had messed up the timing on a lift.

He'd been hair-shirting ever since, even though Ty and Tony had pointed out it was a part of dance. Logan was one of the most recognizable male ballet dancers in the world, so he knew mis-times and accidents happened.

He just wasn't used to being the cause, and hadn't coped well with the guilt.

Tony had seen the dance many times, but watching that performance sat next to a group of friends and Madam, he and Madam had glanced at each other in the last twenty seconds.

Something had gone wrong, but what?

It was a complicated move, but Ty wasn't meant to stay on his knees.

Logan covered so expertly that Tony didn't think anyone else had noticed there was an issue. Until Ty stayed on his knees during the applause, and Logan waved for help.

By the time Logan and an EMT had slowly lifted Ty to his feet and guided him off the stage, Tony was waiting.

Logan was distraught and Ty pale and speaking through clenched teeth. Their friends Cal and Frank had been there and Cal soon had Ty being assessed and treated.

A week later Ty had given in to Logan's plea to be assessed by their expert physio, but she and Ty were both happy that he knew what to do and had all the help he needed.

Still, Ty was sore and stood in Logan's dressing room to drink his coffee.

"So you're touring the next six months?" Tony was saying.

Logan nodded. "More or less. I'll be popping home a couple of times during breaks, as we move around Europe, then the Far East before back to the States."

"When will you be home then?" Ty asked.

"Urgh. Christmas which is nice, and February, which'll be dire."

"Won't there be snow in Edinburgh in the winter?" Tony asked. That was where Logan was from and his parent's still lived.

"No. More like sleet and rain coming at you sideways."

"Nice," Ty snorted and Logan glared at him.

"Then back to New York?" Tony asked.

"Maybe. My contract will be done. They may not ask me back."

"They will," Ty said so matter of factly that Logan believed him.

"I hope so. I want to develop some projects. Although," he fluttered his lashes at Ty. "I maybe had some ideas for Pip as well."

"Really?" Logan and Pip had met a few times and got on well, but Ty was the chorographer at Engagement.

"If you fancied a collaboration?"

"When you're back, you mean?"

"Yea, I'll be too busy until, and half way around the world."

"Pop by one night before you go and we'll chat with Frank," Ty suggested.

"Yea? Really? Okay," Logan beamed.

-X

"After you saved the day with that dance, Logan, you can have anything you want," Frank said from his perch next to Logan's girlfriend where they were comparing manicures.

"The dance I messed up you mean?"

"Stop. Enough." Frank's dark eyes were fierce. "It's over and he's moving better every day. I'm not going to let him do more than he should, don't you worry. You move on now. We'll look forward to having you work with us. We'll talk when you're back."

Logan hunched his shoulders a little, but smiled. "Thanks, Frank."

Frank merely nodded then turned to quiz Logan's girlfriend on her roles in the ballets that they would be performing on the tour.

Tony and Ty didn't usually come down on a Monday. It was a night off for both of them. But, of course, it was Logan's night off as well, and the last before he went on tour.

It was packed though, as Engagement was about to close for three weeks and a mini refurbishment.

Ty was flying out to San Francisco in the morning for five days to work on some new routines out there, and Tony was already sulking.

They couldn't always be together, but both hated being apart. More than that, Tony was worried about Ty coping with his back injury.

Frank was travelling with him though, and was even more a mother-hen than Tony, so deep down he knew it would be fine. Plus his back was much better, even than it had been when they last saw Logan two weeks ago.

Ty gave Tony a knowing smile and pulled him in for a soft kiss and semi hug, moving his hips gently so they were swaying just a little.

With a sad little sigh Tony placed his hands on Ty's waist and moved. "Go careful."

"I'm fine."

Ty saw Tony look over his shoulder with a querying expression, his beautiful hazel eyes puzzled. "Hello?"

"Hi, I'm sorry to interrupt but. Ty? Is that you? My God it is!"

Ty turned, his face lightening up. "Where did you come from?"

"New Zealand, actually. I'm just here for a visit. Ty, you look amazing. And big!"

Laughing, Ty flexed his arms, and then surprised Tony by pulling the man into a hug. Tony thought he knew all of Ty's huggable friends. He glanced at Frank, who simply raised a brow.

"New Zealand? I didn't know," Ty said as they pulled back.

The man, who was far too good looking for Tony's liking, grabbed Ty's hand. "Jesus, Ty. Are you married?"

"Christ, shit, yea," he turned to Tony. "Shit, sorry. This is my husband, Tony. Tony this is Oxley."

"Pleased to meet you," Oxley shook, then looked startled at Tony's clear delight as he pumped his hand.

"Not THE Oxley? Really? It's a pleasure."

"Okay, thanks," Oxley glanced at Ty for guidance.

"And this is my boss, Frank. This is Frank's club."

"Pleasure," Frank purred as they shook hands. "So how do you know Ty?"

Oxley glanced at Ty again, but he was laughing into his hands.

"Well, we. We have mutual friends," he tried.

"Ty and Oxley had a dirty weekend, several years ago," Tony said, a wicked grin on his face. "And may I thank you, sincerely, for everything you taught him."

"Oh, fuck off, Tony," Ty grumbled, as Oxley laughed with relief.

"You know. That's good."

"We don't have secrets."

"I'm very pleased to hear it."

"I need to hear more," Frank declared. "Why don't we have champagne?"

"Good idea," Tony rubbed his hands together. Thrilled at Ty's discomfort. "Not you," he told him. Whispering as an aside to Oxley. "Ty's terrible on champagne."

"Oh, I know."

Frank clapped in delight. "This is going to be so much fun."

"Maybe we could catch up in private," Ty tried, but was shouted down.

Soon they were settled, Logan and Melissa too, and Ty's face was hot as Tony explained how Oxley had inducted Ty into the fabulous world of what two guys could do with condoms and lube.

Ty stuck with Pepsi, as Frank filled everyone else's glasses with champagne and flirted with Oxley, who flirted right back. Knowing, as Frank had made it clear, he was happily married.

They were similar ages though, and Ty should have known they would get on, should they ever meet.

"And Ty in turn taught you?" Logan asked cheekily, and Tony's mouth fell open before he recovered.

"Well, yea. I guess that's true. Thanks again," he said clinking glasses with Oxley.

"In all seriousness," Ty started, everyone's attention turning to him. "It was more than just sex. Although that was, for me, a very healing experience. But Oxley taught me also about respect and started my love for cooking and good nutrition, so I can honestly say that weekend changed my life. I'm glad to have the chance to say thank you."

"Wow. Well," Oxley blinked a little, but then rallied and gestured at Ty. "The nutrition thing clearly paid off, you were a skinny thing when we met. Skipping too many meals."

"I know, I know," Ty rolled his eyes.

"Ty's a fabulous cook," Frank told the group at large, as Tony nodded enthusiastically.

"What did you mean, a healing experience?" Melissa asked, her eyes on Ty's. Tony immediately gripped his hand.

Ty took a breath. "Er, my first experience was not consensual," Ty admitted quietly. Frank letting out an involuntary sound of distress and grabbing his other hand.

Oxley nodded, his eyes sad. "I've always wondered," he admitted.

Ty smiled, his eyes warm, "I'm fine, Oxley." Then he kissed both Tony and Frank's hands. "I'm fine."

"Oh sweet boy, I'm so sorry," Frank eyes were liquid chocolate.

"Hush. Here," Ty grabbed a clean napkin and handed it over. "Watch your mascara."

"It was the same for me," Melissa said quietly. "We're lucky to have this kind of love in our lives, I think." She smiled as Logan kissed her cheek.

"I feel very lucky," Ty said with complete honestly.

"Can I have a hug?"

"Of course," Ty grinned and stood to pull Melissa in, leaving Tony to settle Frank. Before sitting down as the conversation moved to the ballet tour and Oxley's new life in New Zealand.

It wasn't too late when Logan, Melissa, and Oxley decided to share a cab. Tony and Ty deciding to head on up.

Frank was just doing a couple of numbers before he too headed for an earlier night, as they were travelling in the morning, but he followed Tony and Ty to the stairs.

Tony hugged Frank goodnight then went up, giving Ty a soft smile.

Ty turned to Frank and held out his hands. Squeezing when Frank took them. "I don't talk about it much. I don't even know why I said that tonight, except something in Melissa's eyes told me she knew."

"How old were you?" Frank asked quietly.

"Eighteen. Twenty-one when I met Oxley. My boss basically said to go with him, have some fun. I never would have guessed it would change my life."

"He seems like a really nice man."

"He's lovely. I have a lot of lovely men in my life. Please don't be upset about this, Frank. I promise you, I've dealt with what happened. And the guy who hurt me went to prison five years ago. He can't hurt anyone else."

"About the time we met?"

"Yea."

Frank nodded before hugging Ty gently. "If you ever need me, you know where I am."

Ty smiled up at him. Frank in heels towering as always, over his six-two. "I know that you or Cal would be there for me whatever I needed. You have been since we became friends, and it works both ways."

With a final squeeze Frank released him to go upstairs and Ty found Tony waiting.

"Frank okay?"

"He's upset for me, but he'll be okay. Took him by surprise, I think."

"Because you're a big tough guy." Tony kissed Ty's laughing lips," And speaking of?"

"What?"

"I'm not gonna see you for five days. I need sex to sustain me." Tony started tugging Ty towards the bedroom.

"Like an incubus?"

"Exactly like that."

"What if my back's too sore?"

"That's where the tough guy part comes in."

-X

"Oww! Fuck, fuck, fuck!"

"Stop moving so much."

Ty huffed. "I'm trying."

"You're very trying."

Ty laughed then winced. "Shit. Tony, this isn't working."

"Urghh," Tony sat back and scowled.

"Just do what you've been doing the past week," Ty hadn't dared even attempt more than a kiss and cuddle until a few days ago.

"What? Jack off on your tummy again, Whoopie. Exciting!"

"Excuse you," Ty slapped Tony's thigh. "It is exciting for me." He lowered his voice. "Always. Watching your cheeks flush, your lips part, your eyes grow heavy, as you stroke your beautiful cock before erupting over my sculpted abs." He ran a hand down his ridges as he spoke.

Tony smiled and braced over him, leaning in for a slow kiss. "It sounds much sexier when you say it," he admitted when their lips parted.

Ty just grinned and fondled his half hard cock as Tony slid backwards and watched him, as he started to stroke himself and bit his bottom lip.

"Hmmmm," Ty released himself to caress Tony's leg. "You look so hot, so." He broke off as Tony gasped and flooded over Ty's groin and thighs.

Tony snorted a half laugh and flopped part way over, bracing over Ty again, his shoulders shaking as Ty's fingers carded through his hair.

"He shoots. He scores. Prematurely, again!" Ty did 'fake' announcer voice.

Tony laughed and lifted his head to kiss Ty's palm. "Sorry. Must be the champagne."

"Or, maybe just you," Ty teased. Tony did have a habit of going off early, especially when he was tired.

Tony shook his head, amused at himself. Lazily trailing a finger through the mess on Ty and casually licking his finger.

"Stop it," Ty warned in a low voice.

"Do you want to?"

"No. It'll hurt too much."

Tony sighed and gave Ty a cum-smeared kiss. "Okay. I'll go get a cloth."

-X

The following Monday, Tony and Ty arrived at Pip and Colton's apartment where they had been invited for lunch.

Both disappointed to discover that Maria was on a sleepover.

"That's why I suggested Pip invite you over," Colton admitted, as he chopped peppers. "We could use the distraction."

"She's not even two yet," Pip pouted. "And so grown up she's staying out all night."

"More grown up than you, that's for sure," Ty murmured, stealing a slice of pepper and getting his hand slapped by Colton.

"Fidgety fingers face. Frantic." Pause. "Slapping."

"Didn't think that one out did ya," Ty teased.

"Whatever!"

Tony smiled at their antics. "You make it sound like she's out clubbing. Becca and Matt are good kids and they adore Maria."

"They are, but they're a lot older than her," Pip worried. "I wonder if she spends too much time with them."

"Please," Ty scoffed. "Maria has two overprotective dad's, plus Frank and Cal, all of who treat her like a princess. She'll learn independence and curiosity from Becca and Matt."

"Overprotective?" Pip asked, immediately worrying about that.

"He's teasing you," Colton warned as Ty smirked.

Pip narrowed his eyes into his best glare, which had never been very effective.

Still, Ty hopped up and hugged him, then turned when there was a half knock, half crash against the door.

"What was that?" Pip asked.

"I'll check," as Ty was on his feet he went and peered through the peephole. Seeing golden hair, he assumed it was Pip and Colton's upstairs neighbour, and their friend, Aydin.

"It's Aydin," he called over his shoulder as he opened the door. His heart failing when he saw Aydin slouched against the doorframe, his arms clutching his stomach, and so much blood. "Fuck!"

"I couldn't. It wouldn't. Couldn't stop." Aydin's eyes rolled back and he fell sideways.

Ty grabbed him from behind, pulling both his arms and Aydin's against Aydin's stomach. "Call 911," he yelled at Tony as he dragged Aydin into the kitchen.

Tony was already dialling.

"Towels," Colton said to Pip who ran towards the bedroom as Colton helped Ty lower Aydin down. "What? He's been stabbed. Jesus, so much blood."

Pip ran back as Ty lifted Aydin's arms away from his abdomen to try and see a wound, quickly realizing the blood was pouring from his wrist. "Shit, it's here."

"Hold it high, against your shoulder," Colton instructed. Grabbing a towel and wrapping it tight around the wound pouring blood from Aydin's wrist, even as it coated Ty's tee shirt. "Pip. Belt. No scarf, and your big blusher brush."

Pip didn't question and was soon back with a silky pink scarf and his brush. Watching as Colton made a torniquet with the scarf and used the brush handle to tighten it.

"Tony?"

"Two minutes," Tony said, still talking on the phone.

"What's all this blood on the stairs?" Mrs James from the floor above came in with her son and her weekly shop. "Oh goodness."

"Sit here, Mom. I'll go let the medics in, Col."

"Thanks, Cliff." Mrs James' son ran back downstairs.

Colton was still trying to stop the bleeding.

"Pip?" Ty asked quietly. "Can you check his abdomen? Make sure there's no other wounds."

Pip gently wiped at the blood and searched with his fingers. Looking up as the EMT's rushed in. "No I can't find any other wound," he confirmed to all.

"Christ, he's made a mess hasn't he?" one of the EMT's said.

"He's blood type 0 negative," Ty told them urgently.

"Are you sure? Are you his partner?"

"No. My husband's calling his boyfriend," Ty glanced at Tony who nodded. 911 call ended, he was actually calling Cal. "Yes, I'm sure. He donates regularly, as does his business partner. They're both 0 negative. We talked about how rare it was."

"Okay, thanks. Keep the pressure on there for us." They moved as team and soon had a pressure bandage on the wound and fluid going into Aydin's other arm. One of the EMT's having a fast conversation with the hospital.

"Okay, we need to get him in. Is someone coming with him?"

Everyone looked down at themselves. The floor, Ty, Colton, and Pip were all covered in blood. Only Tony was clean.

"I'll come," he said. "I'll call Connor as well on the way. Cal is bringing Ben."

"Thanks, baby," Ty said. Knowing how much Tony hated hospitals.

With a brave smile, Tony and Aydin were gone.

-X

No sooner were they gone than four police officers walked in and immediately zeroed in on Pip. "Stabbing? Where's the knife?"

Before Colton could move in front of Pip, Mrs James did. They backed down fast in the face of an elderly lady leaning on a stick and glaring at them.

"Don't you even think about waving those nasty guns around in here. Aydin came down here for help." She turned and looked at her neighbours. "It must have been an accident. He would never," her voice faltered.

"Of course he wouldn't," Colton turned and washed the worst of the blood from his hands without bothering to ask permission. One of the cops went to speak, but a hard look from Mrs James stopped him. Ty bit his tongue to stop a smirk.

"Of course it was an accident. Let's go and look upstairs," He wiped his hands on a towel before taking Mrs James' arm. "Ty, you're covered. Take a shower, Pip will lend you some of my stuff. Can you help Pip clean up?"

"Sure," Ty moved closer to Pip who was looking close to tears, blinking at the blood on his hands.

"Can you just?"

Cliff stepped forward now. "Clifford James. It's good to meet you all." He was speaking in a calm friendly manner, but all four cops tensed a little as he shook their hands in turn.

Clifford James. Prosecutor. Not someone they wanted to get on the wrong side of.

"I think they're all shocked, so let me explain, I'm not so involved." He motioned at Pip and Colton. "Pip and Col live here, 3A. Ty is just visiting, but we've met before." He turned to Mrs James. "My mom lives upstairs 4B. Aydin, who just got hauled out of here lives at 4A with his partner, Ben."

"We're tracking Ben down," Ty confirmed when Cliff looked at him.

"And that was your partner that went with Aydin to hospital?" One of the cops was noting Cliff's words down, despite their bodycams.

"Tony, yes. My husband. He was the only one not covered in blood."

Cliff nodded. "So I suggest that Col, come here and let these officers check your hands and wrists, then you can help Mom upstairs to see if there's any sign of what happened. We'll be right behind you. Pip. Ty. I'll stay while they check you and then you can go clean up. Is that acceptable for you?" he asked the officers.

"That. Yes, that would be great," the bravest one said and quickly checked Colton's hands when he offered them. "Okay, clear. That's great thank you, sir."

"Is this because people who use knives often hurt themselves?"

"Um, yes, sir. Sorry."

"It's fine. I just want my friend to be okay and my partner not to be automatically a suspect because he happens to be Latino."

Cliff stepped forward and took Colton's shoulders. "Alright, Col, stand down. I've got this. Go help Mom on the stairs. Don't go in until I get there."

Encourgaed by Mrs James, Colton left, two of the cops heading upstairs with them.

As soon as he was out of sight Pip sniffled. Ty was right there. "It's okay, Pip. Come on."

"I," Pip just held out his hands. Ty took them gently.

"Come on, let the officer see, then we can hit the shower. Wash it all away."

"It's just procedure, can I call you Pip?" One of the officers came forward and smiled when Pip nodded tearfully. "That's good." When Ty held out his hands he was quickly checked. "Great. Thanks. I think you better let him clean up," he suggested kindly.

-X

By the time Pip and Ty returned, Colton was back with the nicer two cops and making coffee for all.

Mrs James has rallied the troops, and a neighbour from downstairs was tackling the blood on the floor, the police having taken pictures.

"Cliff has stayed with his mom. She insisted cleaning up the apartment."

"I should go help," Ty said as he eased Pip onto a stool.

"It's okay, my husband's up there. He won't let her do too much," the lady on the floor said.

"Ty, this is Karen from downstairs."

"Hi."

"Hi."

"Everyone in this building is so lovely," Pip said, his voice catching.

Karen stood to give him a quick hug. "I'm glad little Maria wasn't here. Must have been a shock."

"It was horrible. Have we heard anything?"

"Tony called," Colton placed a mug in front of Pip and kissed him. "Aydin's in surgery and Connor arrived demanding that they take his blood."

Ty snorted quietly over his mug and looked at the cops. "Connor is Aydin's business partner. They both have the same rare blood type and both donate as often as they can." He eyed the cops. "What does it look like upstairs?"

"It's pretty clear Mr Flanagan was chopping some vegetables, the knife must have slipped. But it would be very unusual for someone to attempt to take their own life in the middle of preparing a meal."

Colton eased onto a stool next to Pip. "Mrs James spotted a mark on the window and there's a dead pigeon in the courtyard. It may have flown into the window and startled him. Obviously the bleeding was too much and Mrs James was out, you can see he tried her door first, then came downstairs."

"Thank fuck we were here," Pip said.

"He's gonna be fine."

"Promise?"

"For sure." Colton kissed him gently.

The police officers stood up. "We may need to come back and take a statement, but for now we're going to go and update our colleagues, they went on to the hospital. If Mr Flanagan's statement matches what we think happened, then it's just an unfortunate accident."

-X

Tony sat and fidgeted as he waited. He had been pacing, but there wasn't room for him and Connor to pace, and Connor was freaking out, the cops watching the powerfully built man warily.

When Cal and Ben came in, he let out a breath of relief.

He stood when Connor released Ben from a hug and tried to smile, ooffing a bit when Ben pulled him in too.

"Thanks so much for staying with him, Tony."

"Of course."

"No, I mean it. I know you don't like hospitals, I really appreciate it."

"Shit, Tony. I'm sorry, I forgot," Connor said guiltily.

"I'm fine. He's in surgery."

"Was he conscious?" Cal asked.

"He passed out in the apartment," Tony confirmed. "Came round very briefly in the ambulance. I made sure he knew I was there, but he went back under pretty quickly. The doctors are really reassuring though."

"Did he say anything?" Ben wanted to know.

"He said, 'Jesus, fucking, holy mother of God.'" Tony admitted and Ben actually snorted a laugh.

"Could he be any more Irish?"

"Do we know how it happened?" Cal asked.

"Sounds like he was chopping potatoes," Connor said and Ben snorted again.

"Sorry. It's not funny," he winced.

"Could have been an eggplant, I suppose."

Ben laughed outright, then ran trembling hands down his face. "Fucking potatoes!"

"Uncle Ben, that's a grown up word."

Ben jumped as his niece, Becca, and nephew, Matt, ran in with his sister Sarah right behind.

"What are you guys doing here?" He went to his knees to hug them both. Burying his face in Becca's hair.

"They were worried," Sarah said. "Wouldn't wait at home. We dropped Maria back with her dads." She hugged Connor and shook hands with Cal, before giving Tony a shy hug and blushing.

"Uncle Ben, you're shaking." Becca stroked his hair.

"I'm a little shook up, honey. But I'm really pleased you're here."

"Shall we sit and cuddle while we wait?"

"You bet. Good idea."

Tony's heart went gooey at the sight of Becca comforting her uncle. Matt went and leaned into Connor. They all looked up when a doctor hurried in.

"Aydin Flanagan's partner?"

"Me," Ben raised his hand slightly.

"Hi, I'm Doctor Mason. Do you hold Aydin's Health Care Proxy?"

"No, that's me," Connor admitted. "Aydin's parents are in Ireland. We sorted that out for each other when we became business partners. I'm sorry, we just didn't think of updating them. I'm sorry Ben."

"It's fine, we should have thought of it. You'll need to update to Luc as well, but it's fine. Aydin trusts you. Do we need it?" he asked the doctor.

"Probably not, we're doing emergency lifesaving health care so that's our decision. It's just useful to know."

She turned to Connor. "Are you Connor?"

"Yes."

"You've been harassing my nurses about donating blood?"

Connor looked a little sheepish. "Sorry, it's just we're the same type."

She smiled and pulled him closer to Ben as she shook his hand before gently pushing him into the seat. "I called the center. You donated six weeks ago, so it's too soon." She held up a hand before he could protest. "You and Aydin donate four times a year like clockwork, and it's thanks to people like you can we can save lives like we have today. Your next due date is soon enough."

Connor nodded.

"And thank you, for being a regular donator. If you didn't know how important it was, you do now." She turned to Ben. "Aydin will need to get checked over by his usual doctor in four months and have some tests. He may have to wait a little longer before restarting his donations, it will depend on his iron levels."

"We'll take care with him," Ben promised.

"Can I donate blood?" Becca asked, closely followed by a, "And me," from Matt.

She smiled. "You need to be fully grown up and healthy, but we would be glad to have you participate once you are."

"Are you going to make Aydin better? We really love him," Becca looked at Matt who nodded. Tony noticed Ben blinking rapidly.

"He's already much better." She looked at Sarah. "Are you Mom?"

"Yes."

"Okay for me to explain?"

"Of course."

Doctor Mason smiled and held her left wrist up. "So it seems like Aydin's knife slipped, possibly because a bird hit the window, but for whatever reason it slipped down his arm a little," she ran her finger down the inside of her arm. "But then went in deeper here," she pointed at her wrist. "Which is a major artery, so that was bad. Do you know what arteries do?"

Becca frowned, but Matt spoke up. "Is it to do with breathing and um,"

"Oxygen?"

"Yea, it's how the oxygen you breathe goes around your body."

"Absolutely correct. Smart kid." Matt beamed. "So we had to replace the missing blood so he didn't get too sick. Now my colleague is repairing the artery, to make it nice and strong again. Once he's done, I'm going to go in and make his arm better."

"With stitches?" Matt asked with relish. Connor chuckled.

"That's right."

"Can I watch?" Sarah groaned at Matt's gruesome question.

"Absolutely not," Doctor Mason replied with such humor that Matt burst out laughing.

"Is he scared?" Becca asked quietly.

"No, sweetie. We made Aydin sleep so he wouldn't be scared. And we'll make sure you are there when he wakes up so he knows he doesn't need to be."

"Okay."

"It is a little crowded in here though," she said, looking around.

"We'll be going," Cal gestured between him and Tony. "Keep us updated."

Ben nodded.

"We'll be going as well," the officers said. "It sounds like you support the accident theory."

"If I have any concerns once I can speak with Aydin I'll let you know, but I think that's unlikely."

The cops left and Tony took hugs from everyone before Cal pulled him out. Letting out a big breath when they hit the street.

"You okay?" Cal asked.

"I am now we're out of there. That sounds horrible."

"Not at all," Cal moved Tony forward as his regular driver, Thomas, pulled up. "It's the smell in those places.

-X

It was two days before Tony and Ty went to visit. They found a pale and embarrassed Aydin, his normally bright blue eyes dull and bruised, settled on the couch and being fussed over.

"How are you feeling?" Tony asked, bending over for a hug, then sitting cross legged on the floor close by.

"Like an idiot and I keep dropping off like a kid."

"Probably the blood loss?"

"Yea, they topped me up, but warned me I'd be exhausted for a while."

"It is sore?" Tony gently touched Aydin's arm, near the bandage.

"No. Bit itchy."

"Brought you something," Ty held up a container. "I'll put it in the fridge."

"What is it?" Aydin loved presents.

"Leek and potato soup. Made it myself." Ty winked and headed towards Ben who was making coffee in the kitchen and chuckling.

"For sure and you're a funny man," Aydin rolled his eyes. "Git!"

"Yea, but it tastes good," Tony said quietly.

"It better."

Ty stored the soup, giving Ben a quick hug at his mumbled thanks, and took two mugs for him and Tony. Still grinning as he brought them over.

After placing them on the table, he nudged Aydin forward and slipped in behind him, bringing him back against his chest for a hug. "Glad you're okay," he said.

Aydin returned Tony's fond smile, pleased and surprised at the hug. Ty wasn't particularly handsy as a rule. He normally tolerated Aydin's touchy feely self or hid behind Tony. "Is your back okay? Col said you caught me."

"It's good. Much better. You weigh less than that lump." Tony poked his tongue out at the comment then lifted his mug to sip.

"Really? Aydin's taller," Ben brought more coffee over.

"Yea, but Tony's packed with hidden muscle," Aydin pointed out. He was fit enough, but not dancer numerous shows and classes a week fit.

"I guess Frank kept a close eye on you in San-Fran," Ben suggested.

"Oh, yea."

"So is sex back on the menu?" Aydin asked, winking at Tony.

"You've already got a hot guy, you can't have me as well," Ty quipped, making Aydin roll his eyes.

"I meant Tony. Even I can tell he seems frustrated." He giggled when Tony choked a little on his coffee.

"Remember how we had some conversations about filters?" Ben asked firmly, as Tony and Ty laughed.

"What?" The blue eyes widened in innocence. Ben just shook his head.

"It's much better," Ty told them. "So we won't be visiting for long," he grinned when Tony flushed, Aydin and Ben cracking up.

"Actually," Tony started, seeking revenge. "I was a little worried about Ty being over in San Francisco without me to protect him. Having such a huge fan there," he fluttered his lashes as Ben looked interested and Aydin tried to turn to look.

"You mean Gil?"

"Hmm. Gil who tried to jump you when he was in New York." He looked at Ben and Aydin. "Gil's about as tall as Frank in heels. Massive guy. Brilliant dancer."

Ty grinned. "Yea, Gil's the dance captain over there," he explained. "He's great, but he's in love and so over me."

"Gil's got a guy?" Tony asked.

"Gil's got a girl."

"Really?"

"Yea. Crissie," Ty chucked as Tony's mouth dropped.

"Crissie? Our Crissie? Trans Crissie?"

"Yep."

"Crissie that came to the game?" Ben asked, and Ty nodded. "She was cool."

"How does Gil know Crissie?" Tony asked.

"She went to do a working holiday, same as she did here. They met and that was that. Personally I think Gil's perfect for her."

Tony stared into space as he considered, then smiled. "I can see that. Wow. But they live hours apart?"

"Maybe not for long," Ty said. "It looks like our Vegas and San-Fran dance captains may be able to do a job swap. Keith's partner has gone for a job in a vineyard about twenty miles north of San-Fan. If he gets it, it's the perfect solution."

Both Aydin and Tony held up crossed fingers at the same time and laughed at each other. Then the door opened and with a happy squeal Maria barrelled in, her dads close behind.

"Hey, sweetheart," Tony quickly stashed his mug out of reach as Maria clambered into his lap for a hello kiss.

"Hi, Hi. Hi." Having shouted hello to everyone and smacked a berry scented kiss to everyone's lips, Maria decided Aydin looked most comfortable and snuggled in when Ty moved to make space.

Aydin's eyes went soft when she gently kissed his bandage then looked up her dark eyes wide. "Better?"

"So much better. You have magic kisses," he told her, his voice rough.

Ty rinsed his and Tony's mugs then pulled Tony to his feet. "We'll make a move, now this rowdy lot are here." He sniggered when Pip looked offended.

"You don't have to," Ben said, but Ty nodded at Aydin who had snuggled Maria into nap position, their eyes already closing.

"Promised this one diner treat then some of what Aydin was talking about," Ty said, giving Pip and Colton a look that made it clear what he was referring to.

"Have fun," Aydin mumbled.

Colton just fist bumped Ty after hugging Tony.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Ty." Pip said. They were into a rehearsal space the next day to start preparing for the reopening of Engagement.

They waved goodbye and closed the door quietly as Ben, Colton, and Pip settled at the kitchen counter to chat, allowing Aydin and Maria to drift into a nap.

-X

"Okay. Full." Tony leaned back and grinned at Ty, who was mopping up the last of his maple syrup with a hash brown. He just chewed and nodded his agreement.

Tony jumped when a young girl with waist length straight black hair, black eyes, and a curious expression suddenly appeared kneeling on the booth next to him. "Did you kiss my dad?" she demanded.

"What?" Tony awkwardly caught at her as she nearly toppled backwards. "What? Careful. Who?" He looked at Ty in discomfort, wanting to let the little girl go, but she wasn't very well balanced.

Ty was watching someone approaching.

"Dad said you kissed him."

"Um?" Tony looked up as an arm came around the girl's waist and lifted her, giggling, away.

"Sorry, she's terribly shy," he said. Settling the girl on his hip and smiling down at Tony.

Ty watched Tony's face light up. "Dex?"

"Hey, Tony."

"Oh my God. Dexter." Tony slid out of the booth to be caught in a hug. The little girl having slid to the floor approached Ty and eyed his toast with interest.

"It's cold," Ty apologised.

"I like it cold."

"Urgh, Gross. My husband's the same," Ty returned her smile and let her sit next to him and much on his spare soggy toast. Watching Tony and the tall sandy haired man with interest.

Dexter noticed the food theft as he pulled back. "Lisa! I'm so sorry."

"It's fine. I was done. I can't believe there's another person in existence who likes cold toast."

Dexter wrinkled his nose. "She gets it from my partner," he looked around as a shorter Asian man approached. He held in his arms a baby with curly sandy hair.

"Hey," the man smiled at them both.

"My partner, Rem. Our youngest, Pete, and you've met Lisa."

Ty reached over Lisa to shake hands with both. "I'm Ty. Tony's husband."

"I thought you might be. I bumped into Tony's parents a few months ago, we had a great chat. It's good to meet you, I'm Dex."

"You were in Bryn Mawr?" Tony asked.

"Yea, visiting Nan. She's good," he added, at Tony's unspoken question.

"Do you still play football?" Ty asked, showing he knew who Dex was.

"I coach. Local high school. Rem teaches there too."

"Science," Rem grimaced. "For my sins!"

"You have a beautiful family."

"Thank you."

Lisa finished her toast. "We have the same surrogate-mom. Tatay did me and Dad did Pete. And we have three half-brothers with Maureen and David as well. I'm the only girl though." She shrugged when her dads moaned. "What? Everyone always asks."

Ty chuckled. "Is Maureen your surrogate-mom?"

"Yea, she's really nice." Lisa looked back at Tony. "So about the kissing?"

"We were kids," Dexter told her. "And you shouldn't embarrass people. What if Ty didn't know."

"Oh!" her eyes went big. "Did you not know?" she asked Ty.

"Yea, I knew. But I see your dad's point. It's fine," he reassured her.

She smiled then pinned her eyes back on Tony, who squirmed in discomfort.

Rem sat when Ty moved up and nudged Lisa. "Tony was your dad's first. I know that," he winked at Ty. "First kisses are always sweet." When the baby made a grab for Ty who nodded, Rem handed him over.

"And I know Tony's dad interrupted them before they got too carried away," he grinned as he bounced the baby. "Tony's dad is super cool."

Lisa looked back at Tony. "Was Dad your first kiss?"

"Er. Yea. Actually, no." He blushed. "Apparently I kissed my sister's best friend when I was about four, but I don't remember that. And she would have been twice my age," he added, making Dex laugh as he slid next to Tony.

"Older woman. You rebel!"

"I suspect I wasn't given much choice," Tony admitted. "Knowing how bossy my sister is." He looked at Lisa. "You dad was my first proper kiss, with a boy, that I remember."

"Was it nice?" she wanted to know.

Dex and Tony glanced at each other and blushed, laughing awkwardly. Ty and Rem both grinned, thrilled.

"Yea, well. Your dad was pretty hot," Tony said.

"Really?"

"Hey!" Everyone laughed at Dex's indignant expression. "I'm still hot." He looked at Rem who belatedly agreed.

Dex sighed. "It was sweet. That's how I remember it," he said. "And pretty cool being able to tell everyone that Anthony Thomas-Risio was my first lip-lock!"

-X

It was an hour later than expected that Tony and Ty walked home. "They're a really nice family," Ty said, Tony agreeing.

They had swapped numbers, and next time they were in town visiting Rem's parents, Tony had promised tickets to his show.

They skirted the noise and dust emanating from Engagement, and climbed up to their apartment. Thankfully closing the door on the noise.

"Lucky bumping in to them," Ty suggested as he crossed the room. "I was so full I may have come home and gone straight to sleep otherwise."

"No, no. You promised." Tony whined.

Ty flashed a grin that made Tony's heart skip a beat. "Naked. Shower. Now."

"Yes, sir." Excited, Tony let clothes fly as he hurried to the bathroom.

Naked, they both grinned around their toothbrushes and hip nudged each other, then hurried under the hot water.

"Can I take care of you?" Tony asked as he angled the spray.

"I think you'd better," Ty admitted as he tipped his head. "My back's gonna need a few more weeks before I pound you into the mattress."

Tony groaned in the back of his throat at the idea, taking Ty's face and kissing him deep. "I can wait," he murmured. "But I want you now."

"How about?" Ty pulled out the angled bench and sat, pressing his back against the cool tiles and shaking his head before pushing his wet hair back.

The low bench basically put his face at Tony's cock height.

"Yea?" Tony grinned.

"Christ, yes. It's been ages." Ty used Tony's hips to tug him forward a little. Then his hands slid around to the firm smooth skin of his ass, as Ty nuzzled and licked at Tony's already weeping cock.

"You gonna take me deep, babe?"

Ty blinked up, through the spray the Tony's back wasn't blocking. "Give it to me," he growled, then closed his eyes and moaned in his throat as Tony shielded the back of his head from the tiles and started to move.

Ty licked and swallowed. His head pressed into Tony's palm, Tony's other hand cupping his neck, this thumb carressing gently and he pressed forward.

Hot hard flesh pressed against his tongue and filled his mouth. Ty dragging in quick short damp breaths through his nose as Tony nudged against the back of this throat.

When he choked a little Tony eased back, but not too far. "Take me," he demanded in a harsh whisper, his voice full of need.

Ty pressed Tony's ass closer again and swallowed as Tony slid deep. Mostly curbing his gag reflex as Tony rocked gently, but so, so deep. His thumb pressing a little so he could feel himself filling Ty's throat.

"Cumming soon," Tony groaned and Ty pinched his butt to be allowed a breath. He gasped in deep, then rocked Tony forward again, swallowing and choking when Tony flooded into him.

Still coughing he licked and sucked as a giggling Tony eased backwards, then cradled Ty against his hip. Smoothing his hair and letting his shuddering gasps and coughs ease.

"That was so hot," Tony murmured in praise.

Calmer, Ty turned his head and kissed his hip bone.

"Okay," on a deep shaky breath, Tony poured shampoo into his hand and a minty scent filled the air as he massaged a grinning Ty's scalp. "You'll be purring in a minute!"

"You could make a living," Ty smiled, then tipped his head back to rinse when Tony moved the spray.

"Okay, stand up."

Ty stood and flipped the bench out of the way, then braced his hands on the tiles as Tony swept and massaged over his back and ass.

"Feel good? Not sore?"

"Hmmmm," was the best Ty could manage.

"Don't doze off," Tony patted Ty's ass gently. "I'm not done with you."

Ty turned as the pat dictated, hard cock in his fist. "I'm not done with you either."

Tony smiled and kissed him, before smoothing gel over his chest and washing his front.

Ty was wincing and gripping the base of his cock by the time Tony's clever seeking fingers were done.

"Fucking tease," Ty complained, but his eyes were hot with arousal.

Tony smirked. "I'll meet you in bed." He watched as Ty left and grabbed a towel before quickly cleaning up and shutting down the shower.

He found Ty propped up on pillows and a support frame that Frank had got him, like a cosy little nest, his hand back on his cock and a bottle of lube nearby.

He was mostly dry, but his hair was dripping a bit.

Tony scrubbed the towel over his own hair one last time and picked up Ty's, chucking both in the bathroom. Then he moved to the drawers and rooted around, coming out with a foil wrapper.

"What? Why?" Ty wanted to know as Tony ripped the end of the condom wrapper.

"Less clean up," Tony said, knee walking onto the bed, chucking tissues and open packet next to the lube.

Ty shrugged, his hands lifting to Tony's waist as Tony straddled him and bent down for a kiss.

They exchanged touches and breaths as Tony's half hard cock rubbed against Ty's desperate one.

Tony's hand on Ty's chest to stop him jerking around too much.

When Tony pulled back a little, his breath still ghosting across Ty's face, Ty was concerned to see his eyes were damp.

"Hey, what's this?" He reached up and pushed Tony's damp bangs back.

Tony blinked soft hazel and shook his head slightly. "I love you Tyee Maka. I love you so much."

Ty smiled, tugging at Tony's hair so he came down for another sweet kiss. "I love you too, Anthony Thomas," he said, making Tony huff a laugh. "More than I knew was possible. More every day."

Tony smiled happily and nuzzled a little, then lifted his head as their eyes met and they let the sweet moment slip into a treasured memory.

"Prep me?"

Ty grabbed the lube and grinned as Tony knelt awkwardly as they both slid slippery fingers around and into his hole. Tony moaned, his abs trembling as he was stretched.

"I'm ready," Tony wiped his hands on a cloth then frowned in concentration as he pulled out the condom and rolled it over Ty's length.

Ty holding himself and gritting his teeth so he didn't arch from the bed and bugger his back again.

"You okay?"

"Yea," Ty hissed. "Need to be in you."

Tony grinned and braced on Ty's chest with one hand. The other guiding Ty in, as Ty held his hips. His eyes closed as he felt the burn of penetration and he bit his lip. "Hmmm. So good."

"All the way, baby. Take me in."

They both moaned when Tony sank down and Ty bottomed out. Then Tony braced his other hand on Ty's chest and started to move.

"Won't take long," Ty warned. He was aching, his thighs trembling.

"Give me a few," Tony asked, as he started to bounce.

Ty braced, his breath staggered, as Tony used him. The clutching heat pushing him closer and closer. "Tony!"

"Two more," Tony lifted and fell with a groan.

"Tony!" Ty warned again after three.

"Just one more," Tony half cried half laughed, then fell down for a messy kiss as Ty gripped his hips hard enough to bruise and flooded into the condom.

"Fuck. Fuck. YES." Ty mumbled against his lips.

"Urgh." Tony went limp, still shaking with laughter, and pressed his face into Ty's damp neck.

Ty needed five or six harsh breaths as he ran his hand up and down Tony's back before he could speak.

"It's always one more with you, Mr shoot on sight!" he complained, and Tony cracked up breathlessly.

When he was able he lifted enough to lift the condom away carefully, snickering at Ty's sensitive wince, then wipe the excess lube away. He chucked both carelessly on the floor, moved the support frame and pulled up the cover, nestling into a now laying flat Ty.

"This okay?" he checked.

"This is perfect."

-X