#tony|5

It’s been a week since the festival and, after many debates, heated conversations, and borderline arguments with his doctors, James was finally, finally able to start his physical therapy. Finally able to lean how to walk again with his new spine. Surprisingly enough, Tony had stayed out of it - James isn’t sure if it’s because he’s still hesitant for James to push himself, or just because he doesn’t want to get in the road of James’ persistent temper, but either way, he’s glad Tony let him argue this on his own. It’s his spine, his legs, his life. He’s taking it back on his own terms.

Standing at the festival had been one thing, but learning how to walk again is a whole other experience. It’s not as bad as it could be - if he’d gone from five years in a chair back to walking, he’s sure he’d have had more than a few falls in the process. He’s grateful he’s been walking for the past few years, it’s kept his muscles strong, he remembers the motions, how it feels to move one foot in front of the other. If anything, the weird part is just the new spine. The fact that there’s something completely new in his body but it manages to act just like his own spine had before the fall.

It’s almost as though nothing’s changed, and somehow, every step he takes in his first session is a whole other world. Part of James is astounded this is happening, another part is terrified it’s all just a dream. His physical therapist leaves him to take a break, noting the sweat rolling down his temple and making the decision that he’s earned some rest. And as much as James wants to continue, he nods, making his way over to a chair and easing down carefully, letting out a slow breath before he looks up at Tony. “You gotta be bored out if your mind, huh.” He jokes softly, but he’s glad Tony’s here. None of this would be possible without him, and he wants Tony to be there every step of the way as he gets through this.