Finding a New Normal

[runs_on_batteries]

Who: Tony + Gladio, Tony + OTA
Where: His office, the gym, anywhere but the kitchen
When: Egret 22-24
What: Tony dealing post-breakup

[For Gladio: Egret 22, evening]

He left the quiet room they'd been talking in and headed down the hall. It was late enough not too many people were around but not quite so safe as the middle of the night. His expression was hard. Anger and hurt were turbulent inside him for however long they'd been in that room. Now things were starting to just feel numb. He paused at the door to his office before he shook his head and continued on to the standard car where the store was. Damn party draining him of all his- what had Ignis called it? His vices.

Just as he picked the bottle up, he straightened and inwardly cringed as he stood face to face with Gladio. He took a ragged breath. "You should go find Ignis. He's going to need a friend."

[OTA]

There had been friction often in his relationship with Ignis. There had been many high points, but also some impressive lows. None so much as the other night. He sighed as he poured himself another glass. The details didn't matter really. He still cared deeply for the younger man and that wouldn't change. The simple fact that it became apparent they couldn't agree on some very fundamental things made them realize this wasn't working. So now he had a fresh bottle of bourbon and his ring back.

The first day was mainly spent in his office drinking and watching the Void till it gave him a headache. The second, he hit the gym. Wrapping his fists, he pummeled one of his dummies he'd made till his knuckles split and then switched to a sword.

That evening, he requested from one of his friends to get dinner delivered to his office so he wouldn't have to deal with Ignis' domain (i.e. the kitchen).

[OOC: Come bug him anywhere along this timeline.]

Comments

[runs_on_batteries]

He was just starting to wonder if he could find a blanket and stay in this room all night alone when the Thunderstorms showed up. He might have been able to beg off the company if it was one of them or if they hadn't brought dinner but.. it was more trouble than it was worth.

"You brought me dinner?" He asked, surprised. "I can offer booze but one of the cups will have to be a coffee cup."

He noted that Dread wasn't going to fit well in the booth seat across from him with his wife. "You can use that trunk over there for a seat."

[sweetnessandfight]

"Of course we did! All things considered." She scooted her way over to the booth seat, so Dread could divest himself of the tray. "Nor do I mind a coffee cup. Especially if there is also coffee with said booze."

That and she didn't want a great deal of booze--Tony indulging was one thing.

She reached over to take the lid off the tray, exposing what was going to be dinner--a salad with onions and greens, a small roast (but enough for three!) that had clearly been slow cooked over a bed of onions, a few hard-boiled eggs, and caramel flan for dessert. She glanced over at Dread, giving him a slight smile.

"Well, here it is, gentlemen. Dig in?"

[thebiggestguy]

Tony indulging was no good thing. Getting drunk wasn't going to help him.

Dread lowered himself carefully down to the trunk, making sure it would actually hold his weight before he relaxed fully. So far so good. "And we just keep getting more crowded," he mused. "Sarai caramelizes onions like no one's business, so you're in for a treat."

[runs_on_batteries]

Tony would disagree over being drunk helping him. It numbed the pain to a tolerable level and if it was destroying his liver, well then that was the price he paid. There were healers on this train for a reason, right?

After setting out the spare cup and mug, both filled with coffee, his attention was drawn to the food. "This looks fantastic." His gaze shifted to Dread's remark on the onions. As many dishes as they'd had recently with onions, a well done dish was a well done dish. He took it upon himself to carve up the roast and spoon out the servings- his friends' plates first.

He hummed pleased as he took a bite. Dread hadn't been completely biased with that comment. Those onions were delicious.

[sweetnessandfight]

Which made Sarai's pleased expression all the more obvious. There was nothing quite like food done well, shared with friends.

She didn't mind just having coffee, but Sarai couldn't help teasing Tony just a little. "Oh, not going to share that booze? I suppose I cannot fault you, all things considered..."

The Au Ra frowned a little, though. She did want to ask more about what had happened, but there was never a good time for that. Still. Maybe she'd wait for dessert. Or after.

[thebiggestguy]

Dread, on the other hand, was less subtle than his wife.

"Talking will help. That's part of why we're here." Of course, the other major part was simply to be with a friend in his time of need. Nothing would happen overnight, but even small steps were still steps forward.

[runs_on_batteries]

Tony gave Sarai an apologetic half smile and offered up his silver flask. "Whiskey. I also have some vodka in a bottle if you'd rather that." He didn't mind sharing the booze with friends. He was running low though. Between parties and emotional episodes, his alcohol supplies continually took a hit.

He sighed at the remark, though he saw the wisdom in it. Where to even start with this? They already knew bits and pieces having been on the council with the couple and around in general. Still, there was plenty only the closest of friends would see. "We've just been fighting a lot. It seemed like it would get better for a while and then something else big would come up. He was wanting me to go with him to the blue team. I told him I couldn't and things went very south very there."