Tony Rydinger

He usually wasn't the one to do those breakdowns and setups but the Court was busy that night and the bar wasn't, so he was trying to help out where he was needed.

But he wasn't making much progress.

"Anybody seen th'cord to th' second mic stand? Looks like it disappeared into thin air."

In short, Tony was a little distracted.

He was pulled out of his scheduling spiral by the gruff but soft sound of Lucky's voice floating across the stage. "Oh, uh, I think Aria moved it? She said something about a tripping hazard?" The guitarist had disappeared into the dressing area moments prior. "Think it's behind Alexia's drum kit?"

"Town is still going to be here, if it hasn't managed to destroy itself by this point I don't think it's ever going to," Ian chuckled, a bit morbid, that thought, but it also felt true. With all the magic that went haywire around there the town persisted, largely because people stepped in and made sure that it did, but there would always be people who would.

"I'm sure it will feel much more real then," he agreed, smiling with the kiss he presses to Tony's lips and reaching for his hand, "you've spent decades living a life that didn't feel real, I don't think anyone would be surprised that big changes are a lot harder than you thought they would be. For the longest time nothing changed."

Except things between the two of them; during the curse and those years cycling back over and over in that pattern the only certainty had been the uncertainty between the two of them.

"And there are a lot of people who are going to be really proud of you, me included." He reminded Tony, because he knew none of those people could take the place of some that time had taken away from Tony and a person couldn't replace family and friends that were gone. But he wasn't alone anymore, and he wouldn't be again.

Ian laughed softly and took a step back, nodding, "oh, he'll be exhausting. We'll be lucky if they don't throw us out because he's too loud." But it was a fond complaint; for everything that Barley was, being larger than life included, he was also One of the most supportive people in Ian's life. And he knew it was a lot for Tony, because Tony wasn't used to how loudly and absolutely Barley loved people, but his brother's heart was in the right place.

Tony would have thought rushing into the future's larger harvests would have been more likely from himself. Back during the curse he'd dreamed about all of the things he was going to do once he was freed. Traveling far away from this place had been top of his list then, getting away from Swynlake until it was only a horrid memory.

Now the idea of leaving Swynlake behind, leaving all of the lives and connections he'd made here, felt like one of the biggest mistakes he could possibly make. He was a part of this town as much as it was a part of him.

Moving toward the door leading outside, Tony tried to hide the smile on his face when Ian said hew as proud of him. "Well you're graduating too, can't hog all the pride for myself." He was teasing, of course, but it was easier this moment to deflect somewhat. "So maybe if we direct all of Barley's energy onto you then I can slip under the radar."

"Is that enough or are there any other conditions I should be made aware of? You'll probably need to get back out soon - its not fair for Jared to be down the both of us for long."

"And I'm gonna get all the other employees to yell at you if they see you working!" He called over his shoulder, a smirk firmly upon his features. It wasn't the first chaotic night at the Court, not by a long shot, nor would it be even close to the last but Tony knew that the entire staff list would go to bat for Jess any day.

"You've been waiting a few decades to get to this point already," Ian pointed out, reaching to give his hand a squeeze, "and we'll figure out a way to make it work; it's not that far away and it just means you won't be in town during the day sometimes. You've spent a very long time not being able to leave this town so I don't think you should be talking yourself into ways to keep from doing it now even if that feels safer.

'It also means you won't get stuck in some of the chaos that happens around here and you know I personally like that idea," he chuckled.

But it was true that if Tony was in NTO during the day he wouldn't be in the midst of the strange town magic that might pop up during those daylight hours and Ian would have to worry a little bit less about him.

So maybe he was biased about that being a good thing.

"Sometimes you spend so long planning for something and wanting it that it doesn't feel real when you get there but it is real and that didn't happen by accident, you've worked really hard to get that far."

The comment about his parents though was something that made Ian smile; even though he had never had a chance to meet them it was hard to imagine they wouldn't have been proud.

"I think you're right, they would be very proud and very excited for you. And so is your family here."

"Leaving town isn't the reason I like it," Tony chuckled softly. "If anything, I hate being that far away these days." It was an odd feeling, knowing just how desperate he'd been to run far far away from Swynlake before the curse had broken to now. He hadn't had anything worth staying for before, though, so could you blame him for digging his heels in now?

Tony started to pack up his things, not wanting to delay Ian from getting home at a reasonable time, even if he felt that itch to stay and study just a little longer. He'd probably study more in the morning before Ian woke up, some quiet in their own space might be even more effective than the library.

"I feel both like I've clawed my way here and like the world spun without me even knowing it to get to this moment." He tilted his head up, asking for a kiss. "But I'm grateful for it all, nonetheless. Maybe it'll feel real after graduation." Graduation felt like such an ugly word to Tony but this one would be different.

Tony's throat tightened as he pictured his parents' faces seeing him get his degree and he had to banish the image so he wouldn't become a mess in the center of the library. "Who do you think is going to shout the loudest at our ceremonies and why is it Barley?"

Still, she understood what he was saying between the lines. Between working and looking after Penny, she didn't have a lot of time these days.

"Go ahead and let Jared know I'll take tonight off from seeing guests. Does that satisfy you?"

"An early night might be good for you anyway."

Tony was more grounded anymore, with all the ups and downs that came with it, and Ian hoped the accomplishments felt larger because of the work he'd done for them. From the outside it was hard not to see those changes and that real confidence settling into place along the way.

He nodded, listening while Tony explained his plans and thinking, once again, how different the world felt anymore now that they were both living outside that bubble of repeating time.

"That's pretty soon?" He didn't mean it in a negative way at all; just that it was a big deal and right out of uni no less. He had every confidence in Tony, but it was equally understandable if he needed some time to catch his breath before jumping right into that idea.

"I know you can do it, you've worked this hard already," he added; there was no doubt Tony could get through the rest of this year and navigate his way through that internship.

Tony frowned, running his fingers through his hair anxiously. The little motion was not so common these days, his nerves required less attention now that fraying was less frequent, but the telltale sign of Tony's dismay was clear on display now. Thinking about how close the internship was practically gave him hives.

"That's soon, yeah. Feels like it shouldn't be, I don't know if taking a break would help or hurt, but I think getting my foot in that door would be beneficial. It's.." Tony trailed off, thinking about what that future might look like. He had daydreamed of working in that industry for so long and now.. it was within reach.

"My parents would be wigging out right now..."

"You don't need to do that. I'm sure he's deep in his writing rhythm - either for school or for the next book. I can't be responsible for delaying the creative genius," she said. With that she sat up straighter, rolling her shoulders back and letting out a long sigh. "I'm all right Tony. Really."

"I know you're alright," Tony insisted, though his tone gave away his discomfort over the whole ordeal. "I just think you ought to eat something that we don't serve for once. Nothing wrong with me taking care of you on top of you already being okay." He looked up at her, really studying her face. "And this job can be stressful."

Tony was surrounded by his own efforts, and Ian knew it had been a struggle at first for him to get back into the habit of not simply taking for granted but he already knew everything he needed to know for the school year. That had been one of those odd double edged swords to the curse that; Tony had never really worried about his grades and his classes because the material very rarely changed in secondary, to the point he had to put practically no effort into the school year. But it had also been tedious, he had complained more than a few times about just how tedious it was at times to sit through classes he had heard practically every variation of the lesson.

And then it had become difficult, he'd had to relearn how to study, how to apply all those little skills into new information stick. Ian had always enjoyed school, was obviously very meticulous about note-taking and studying and had tried to help as much as he could but it had taken a while for Tony to get the hang of it again.

He had, eventually and for the most part, and Ian was very proud of him for that; but sometimes he could still see the hints of frustration that led his husband to overdo the idea out of Tony's own refusal of failure. Not passing those classes would have been frustrating for anyone but If he had to guess he would have thought for Tony it would have been more than simply frustration because he took practically anything he felt he should already know and the curse made difficult for him to adjust to after it's break and held it against himself far too much.

"I think you lost track of time, love," Ian informed him; the only part of British slang he had picked up to much of a degree over the years had been terms of endearment and that had largely been because they made Tony smile. "I got off of work a little while ago and since you weren't home I thought I'd see if you were here."

It was less intrusive than a phone call, or a text that he knew would have gone unread if Tony was focused, but it was also an effort for the things Ian had worked on over the years; not letting himself jump to conclusions that anything unusual immediately meant Tony was in danger. His anxiety had a nasty habit of doing that and keeping it reframed in the idea that sometimes time just was lost along the way was a constant, but more easily pacified those days, battle.

"Barley might kick you out before long," he added with a softer laugh and rather than rush him, Ian sat down in one of the other chairs at the table. "Is this all for just one class?"

Tony glanced at his pile, mulling over the question. "Well, mostly. I do have two that are for another but if I don't actually pass this exam I have a feeling that I will never actually get that damn degree." His tone was joking but there was a lot of truth behind the statement. Tony had been clawing his way through this major, he just needed to make it to the finish line.

"My professor knows the bloke who runs the smaller recording studio in NTO, the one I've already sent my portfolio to. Technically it'd be as an intern but it doesn't require being an actual student to qualify so Professor Stein said that it's likely I'd be able to be hired on for real by the end of the summer if I started in June?" His head spun just to think about it.

Tony reached over to one of the books at the top of the pile and gently tipped it over. He could hear Barley laugh from across the room and quickly hush his own noise. How Barley worked in a place meant for quiet still baffled Tony.

She wasn't hungry at all, but that didn't really matter. It wasn't the point and they both knew it.

"I think that sounds good. Maybe an order of their tea with it." That piping hot green tea with just a hint of bitterness would probably soothe her more than anything else.

"If you hadn't suggested their tea I was going to have to text Ian to pick up some Hatter's for you," Tony joked. He knew Ian would have done it, though. Jess was beloved here. "Your son-in-law's gotta pull his weight here." He glanced around the room, the memories curling around them like a warm blanket. There was something about this space that always just felt.. safe.

As the man was walked out towards the exit, he looked like he was dealing. That meant it was time for her to finish doing her own job.

The rest of the show progressed smoothly enough. It wasn't her best work, but the occasional cheers and whistles were enough to reassure her that the remaining audience were still enjoying themselves which was what mattered the most.

With a final smile and wave, Jess swirled off stage to the applause behind her. It was only once she made it back to the dressing room she finally felt that tension release. She collapsed on the couch back there to try and take a deep breath.

When he entered, he saw Jess already sitting down. He walked over, settling himself down beside her. Tony didn't speak at first, letting her wind down from pushing herself out like that to keep the audience's attention.

"I'm gonna order us takeaway. Imperial City? You deserve it."

Today, however, Tony had hunkered down in a corner of the library few students tended to frequent. He had a pile of books surrounding him like the walls of a fortress. His professors had piled on the theory homework and, while he knew it would make a difference for his Production degree, it was maddening to try and memorize some of these things with names far too similar for this midterm.

He'd completely lost track of the time he'd been spending there, having settled in around ten that morning, but the darkness of the library hid the creeping twilight from him.

Who knows how long Tony could have stayed there if not for the feeling of a hand upon his shoulder, pulling his mind from the pages splayed out in front of him (no less that three open textbooks and two open notebooks he'd been scribbling in like his life depended on it). He turned, wondering who it was that dared touch him and interrupt his reverie, but was pleasantly surprised to find his husband standing there.

"Ian? What are you doing on campus?" Ian was hardly ever there, at least not during the hours Tony spent on campus, given the hours of his internship with Jiminy. "Alright?"

Soulmates

@foreverydinger & @ianthedisastrous

Look, call me basic, but I am a sucker for a good “omg they were soulmates” romance. I choose to blame Soul Eater and Pacific Rim being Formative Pieces of Media to a young Silv. I truly have so much love for these boys and the way they work together is brilliant. The hardest part to me about the soulmate trope is actually making them believable! You can tell me all day long that they’re destined to be together and made for each other and blah blah blah, but if you don’t show me why, I won’t believe it.

I believe it with Tian.

They’ve been through so much together -- through curses and Swynlake dreams and amnesia -- but they always come out on the other side together, and they always come out stronger. I’ll gladly admit I teared up a bit when they eloped, and I can’t wait to see where they go from here!

Unless she made it hers. This was her show. This was her club. No one could take that from her now.

Instead of moving away, she moved closer. She smiled at the audience. She smiled at the man attempting to crawl up the stage, kneeling down, she seemed to smile right at him - although at the last moment her glance flicked over and met Tony's.

In time with the song, she gave the man a shove that looked playful to the audience but it carried enough force to rock him backwards.

In the crowd, she could hear a laugh and a wolf whistle.

He hesitated as Jess got close to the bloke, confused what her plan was, until she caught his gaze. Ah, add him to the performance. Got it.

Tony caught the man as he tumbled down, hearing him mumble drunkenly about her being his ideal woman. "Sorry, mate, Jess is taken and I don't think you wanna fight her partner. An elf general seems a little outside your weight class, hm?"

Desoto appeared then, grabbing the guy out of Tony's arms. Oh thank god, Tony did not want to drag him outside.

"At the creepy hotel thing?" Hiro was not the best when it came to things that went on on the social spectrum around town, he knew of the place, he had probably heard it mentioned before that vampires owned it, but it also probably just filed off into their recesses of his very busy brain as a fact to be stored but not really addressed much. Tony did have a point though; that could have been the easiest outlet to address his questions. That also required he go talk to people, which was less of a fun prospect but a necessity.

"Yeah that's what I want," he countered, "in this town that's not going to get the attention of any of the vampires, just all the weirdos. And there are plenty of those around here. Besides, Riley has tried to talk me into joining on there again forever and what am I supposed to do when someone actually talks to me?"

It still felt like some surreal concept, that was how he had met Pip and even after all that time he still thought about him, still missed him, and it still felt like a big what if even though he knew it wasn't. Pip had very likely just forgotten he even existed in his big, hectic life. He was never going to know how his presence had left a mark that Hiro still wasn't able to fully let go of.

He was almost afraid of history repeating itself somehow.

"Worrying about me doesn't mean she's not better off here though; if something happened and I had to leave again I wouldn't be leaving with anyone. I already messed enough people's lives up that way once." He couldn't do that again, it wasn't fair to do that again; at some point he had to stop being the problem even if the people around him were willing to put up with it.

The food had no appeal to him, and that wasn't Tony's fault at all, and just always felt like eating anything was just a rock in his stomach anymore. Like his stomach didn't know what to do with the idea, the same way that his brain didn't know what to do with the idea of sleep and he ended up staying up most of the night more often than not those days.

He relented, if only because it didn't seem like he was getting away from it, and finally took a bite.

Ian might argue otherwise once he was home but Tony would cross that bridge once the fire was already lit behind him.

"Oh c'mon, it doesn't have to be serious. Tinder can be good even for just.. making friends. Finding out about parties. I know those don't totally appeal to you but it's better than being a shadow in the night at all times of day." Teasing, gentle ribbing, that was how Tony showed his affection. Especially with Hiro. It had always been that way. He wasn't going to start now. But see how he didn't comment on the Riley of it all? He was listening!

Tony waited til Hiro took at least one bite before tucking into his own meal. He knew Hiro didn't want to eat, that he just didn't seem to be in the right mindset for it, but Tony worried about the kid and so he wanted to be sure he got at least a few bites down.

"I'm sure Riley would go with you if you asked," he murmured. "Probably Luca too, though they do love uni. Cass could stay here, maybe, or maybe she'd want to be with you wherever you are because she wants to be with her family. You're not the version of Batman that works alone, you're the actual Batman with a whole slew of family at your side. You're gonna have to wrap that big brain around that someday."

Right. Judy was telling herself things were okay. She had a doctor check out the graze on her arm, she was pushing John out of her mind and she was totally...definitely...very okay.

Though there was a moment where she rounded a corner on her patrol and thought she caught a glimpse of him and found her heart starting to pick up speed and herself ducking down a side street, not looking in time and colliding right into another solid person.

"Oh gosh I'm so sorry! Wait hold on... let me help you. That was bad on my part... just was trying to.... well anyway let me help you."

Now that classes were starting back up, Tony was pretty sure that this semester (his last one: scary) was going to go by quicker than he'd like. His mind was on syllabuses and course loads when he felt someone ram right into him. Tony was knocked off balance, tumbling to the pavement with a grunt.

He turned, facing the culprit and finding the woman to be in a Swynlake Police Department uniform. Oh. Joys.

"S'alright," he mumbled, getting back up carefully. "Nothing broken. Just.. y'know.. my pride a little." Bad joke, yes, but he couldn't help but make it. "You alright, Officer?"