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When Tom reads the text from Ryland asking for him to call him as soon as possible he’s not sure what to expect. He’s just stepped away from a morning promotional video shoot for Metalstorm and is sitting in his car when he makes the call.
Ryland’s voice shakes when he picks up, “T-tom?”
Tom wastes no time in asking what’s going on. Ryland sounds afraid, distraught, on the verge of panic. Tom hates that he is too far away to really be there. As he listens to Ryland explain what happened he feels his own fear rising. Ryland’s apartment was broken into. His property destroyed. His safe space taken from him. The school wants him to take a sabbatical. His landlord is letting him move units, but he knows he won’t feel safe there. Tom’s mind supplies scenario after scenario. What ifs upon what ifs. Ryland could’ve been hurt. He could’ve been killed. That thought almost makes Tom lose it. Ryland could be dead right now. Tom wasn’t able to protect him. It all goes back to it being Tom’s fault. Tom should’ve been more careful. Should’ve done more to keep Ryland safe. He comes back to himself. Ryland needs him. He can’t spiral right now.
If Tom feels afraid he’s sure Ryland must be terrified. He says what he can to console him. Apologizes for the injustice of it all. It's not fair that this is happening to Ryland. He offers his help financially, Ryland’s pay is going to be cut during his sabbatical. He won’t be able to afford his apartment anymore once he burns through his savings. Tom has resources he can help. In the meantime, Ryland can come to Sydney. Tom can make sure he’s safe and taken care of. At least until he feels safe enough to return home. Some part of Tom hopes that when that happens home no longer means a place separate from him. If Ryland ends up wanting to move back to San Francisco, Tom would happily go with. They plan for a flight three weeks out to get Ryland to Sydney. It's a tight turnaround for a big change like this, but Ryland doesn’t want to wait too long.
Tom orders Ryland a ride from the airport when he arrives. Tom meets him at the front door. He shows him around the place. Tells him where he can unpack his things and offers to help. The loft is similar to Tom’s apartment, just larger and including a cockatoo. Tom laughs at Ryland's surprised expression at the sight of the bird. They end up in the kitchen when they’ve finished.
“There’s something I wanna talk to you about,” Tom begins. Ryland looks at him curiously.
“What’s up?” He asks.
“I’m going to try to end this thing with Iggy,” Tom starts.
“But won’t that hurt your reputation?” Ryland questions worriedly.
“I don’t really care about that. I only agreed to it to keep you safe. It was all Gail’s idea,” Tom admits. “There’s no point in keeping that going and hiding you if it doesn’t actually work.”
“So you’re going to have a fake break up with your fake girlfriend?” Ryland says it with a dry tone.
“A very public fake break up with my fake girlfriend, yes,” Tom quips. “It does mean we have some things to consider though.”
“Like what?”
“Well we could go public or we could just stop hiding and let things happen naturally.” Tom starts. “Or we can keep things the way they are. You don’t have to decide right now.”
“We were only keeping this a secret before, because I didn’t want to tell Colt,” Ryland starts. “He’s not talking to me, so it doesn’t matter anymore,” He pauses for a second. “I don’t think I want to make any big announcement, but if things happen, they happen.”
Tom can’t help the smile that comes to his face, “Okay then that’s what we’ll do. No more secrets.”
Tom decides to talk to Gail first. He’s done hiding. Done pretending. It's too close to production for the studio to change things. His reputation is good enough. Ryland is on board. That's all that matters. He’s not going to keep this ruse up with Iggy anymore. If Gail and his PR team can’t find a way to spin it then they aren’t very good at their jobs.
Filming for Metalstorm hasn’t yet begun, but there are trailers beginning to be set up. Set pieces are being built and Gail is on site most days. Tom reaches out to her and sets a meeting for two days after his talk with Ryland. He’s going to blind side her with this, he’s almost certain.
“Gail, I’m done,” He states, as he walks into her trailer and sits down. “I’m not doing this thing with Iggy anymore.”
“What are you talking about?” She asks, tone demanding.
“The only reason I agreed to it at all was to keep Ryland safe. Well that didn’t work out,” Tom looks at her with disdain. He never should’ve gone along with this, but the threats and doxxing toward Ryland got to him. He thought it was the right choice. Gail’s whole plan just made things messy. Complicated.
“Tom don’t be ridiculous, you broke up months ago,” she sighs like this conversation isn’t worth her time.
“We didn’t actually,” He smiles at the fact that Tom Ryder got one over on Gail Meyer of all people. “We’ve been more discreet, better at hiding. But I’m done doing it, Gail. I’m done keeping him, us, a secret. I’m going to break it off with Iggy. I’m going to do it publicly and there’s nothing you can do to stop me. Even if Iggy doesn’t agree to go along with it, I’ll still do it.”
“And what if that goes badly? Your reputation could take a dive again,” she tries to convince him. He’s not taking it. He’s made his choice. “This could hurt the film.”
“Well I guess that's your problem, isn’t it?” He smirks and walks out.
Iggy doesn’t care. That’s something that Tom can rely on being consistent. She takes little convincing to make her own “break up” post. They agree to both keep it as positive as possible. He gets a little bit of flack on his post, most people tell Iggy good riddance, but over all it goes over fine. Tom tells Ryland that its all taken care of that evening.
They have a lot more time available to spend together now. Tom still has engagements and the recent news of his “break up” with Iggy adds some extra stuff, but overall it's alright. They decide to give it a few weeks at least before they start loosening their self-imposed restrictions and go out. The optics wouldn’t be ideal if Tom was seen out and about with Ryland so close to breaking it off with Iggy. He can tell that Ryland is getting a bit restless now that he doesn’t have teaching to do. It's about a month from the start of shooting when Tom decides to bring Ryland with him to production. He has a fitting. He’s also hoping that Ryland might bump into Jody or Dan. At minimum it’ll give Ryland someone to be with and something to do when Tom isn’t available or if he just wants a night out.
It works out better than expected when Jody offers Ryland a position as a consultant for the film.
Filming starts shortly thereafter. They no longer really try to hide when they are out and about. They aren’t openly advertising their relationship, but they aren’t denying it either when asked. There’s been a little discourse online but not as bad as it was months ago. It seems that people are kind of over it at this point. If anyone tries anything Tom feels prepared to personally take them on. He doesn’t need his security to defend his boyfriend. Maybe the positive spin that Iggy and Tom put on it made it less offensive? Maybe Gail and his PR team worked some magic? It doesn’t matter.
Their schedules are packed and don’t always line up. Tom sometimes has to stay longer to talk about a scene, look at rewrites or go over scheduling. Ryland sometimes gets pulled by Jody to talk about the scientific feasibility of a scene or character or how real life science might apply to something they want to do. Occasionally one or both of them will choose to stay at the hotel that production provides instead of coming home, it's closer. There are some late nights and early mornings.
Living together gives them plenty of time to spend together though. Some days are undeniably domestic and easy. Just quality time spent with their favorite person. They find themselves spending most of their days off just relaxing inside. Ryland is also apparently a sucker for the beach especially on an overcast or foggy day. It’s an easy choice to just find a spot and sit together. Sometimes they’ll bring a bit of work with them but otherwise it's just quality time.
Tom still goes to a party or event here or there. Ryland usually uses those nights as an opportunity to go out with Dan, Jody or some others on the cast or crew he’s managed to befriend. They are consistent in texting or calling each other if they are going to be home late or choose to sleep at the hotel room instead of going home. Most of the time though they stay in the same place.
Tom has on a few occasions tried to invite Ryland out with him. Tonight he plans to go to the club. When he asks he’s surprised that Ryland says yes. He brings Ryland over to his closet to pick an outfit for him.
“What about this?” Tom holds up a short sleeve, black and white, loose button down with a vertical stripe pattern.
“It's better than the last four shirts you picked at least,” Ryland says. “It might go okay with my lightwash jeans?”
“Hmm yeah but you need some bling to go with it,” Tom goes over to a drawer and starts looking through his accessories.
“Bling? Did you really just suggest I wear bling?” Ryland motions to himself with one hand.
“It's a club you gotta be a little extra,” Tom says like it's the most obvious thing. “Don’t worry the glasses will help keep your nerdy image intact.”
Ryland looks at him in offense. Tom can tell it's fake. He loves Ryland’s nerdy look and never feels shy saying it. Tom hands him the shirt, a chain and a watch. “Just go put these on, I promise you’ll look good.”
Tom picks his own fit and changes while waiting for Ryland to finish up. His is definitely a bit more obnoxious, but he tries not to go as crazy with it as he normally would. It's just a bit more colorful. When he sees Ryland ready to go he smirks before walking over and messing up his hair a bit. Ryland yelps and swats his hand away.
“Now you look club ready,” Tom says.
On their way from the car to the entrance Tom can tell Ryland is feeling a bit anxious. Out of his element. He grabs his hand in his own and squeezes.
“If at any point you want to leave, let me know,” He reassures. Ryland nods.
They walk up to the bouncer and get let right in with no delays. Tom puts on his most confident facade and leads Ryland through the throngs of people with a hand on the small of his back. The bass is hitting with some kind of EDM song. A few people yell when they see Tom. One or two clap him on the back. He doesn't remember a single one of them. When they reach the main area Tom leans over to talk so he doesn’t have to yell.
“I’m going to say hi to someone, but then we can get a drink if you like,” Tom says. Ryland follows behind him. He meets Doone lounging on one of the couches. Doone is surrounded by a bunch of goons, who Tom does not recall the names of. He’s not planning on partaking in anything, hasn’t in a long while, but he still feels the need to say hello.
“Tom and ohhhh… the boyfriend,” He greets. He and Tom join hands and come together. Doone smacks a hand on his shoulder. “You’re the science teacher right? Middle school?”
“Oh um yeah, um Ryland.” He points to himself. “I’m not currently. Teaching that is. I’m actually working on Metalstorm as a consultant,” Ryland stumbles a bit at the start. Tom knows Doone can be an intimidating figure. Not to himself, but he can see how he might make Ryland nervous.
"Aw man that's cool," Doone compliments. "Nice to meet you, teach."
"Yeah, um, same," Ryland give a nervous laugh. Tom can tell he's struggling here. No reason to draw it out.
“Okay we’re gonna go get a drink, but I’ll catch you later,” Tom says. Doone tries to protest. He’s always been a chatty guy, but Tom knows he can just ignore him.
He leans back into Ryland’s space and walks shoulder to shoulder with him. “You good?” He checks-in.
“Uh yeah, it's just a lot,” He motions generally to the space. “I can chill though, it's fine.”
He’s trying to be so casual. Tom appreciates the effort. It helps that he finds it so endearing.
“Okay, well let’s get a drink in your hand then.”
They have one drink, which turns into a second, and do some people watching from an exterior wall. It feels a bit more secluded. Ryland points at someone’s over the top neon get up that includes a top hat of all things. Tom finds himself staring at Ryland. The lights hit him in a way that makes it hard not to do so. Ryland catches him.
“Like what you see?” Ryland teases.
“Always, sweetheart.” He smirks. If Ryland is going to tease him then he’s going to give it right back. “But especially when you’re wearing my clothes.”
“A little conceited, don’t you think?”
“Called out, by my own boyfriend. You wound me,” Tom jokes.
He takes note of Ryland’s empty glass and plucks it from his hand. He asks if Ryland would like another to which Ryland nods. He doesn’t know if Ryland got a heavy pour or if he’s just a lightweight, because he already looks a bit intoxicated. That’s perfectly fine, Tom can be DD tonight. He's not feeling it yet, but best to plan ahead. He’ll get a pace car for his next one and if Ryland wants to go then they will be perfectly good to do so. Ryland actually came out with him, might as well let him have some fun.
He tells Ryland he’ll be right back.
It takes a little bit but he eventually gets served. Its a busy night. Turning around he stops for just a moment. There’s a man talking to Ryland. It’d normally not be an issue. Ryland can talk to whomever he wants. In this case it's fairly clear he doesn’t want to talk to this guy. The guy is in his space. Ryland has his hands up in front of him in a defensive manner. The uncomfortable look on his face is enough to have Tom abandoning their drinks and striding over. The hand that lands on Ryland’s shoulder only makes him go faster.
Ryland notices him and looks relieved.
“Hey would you mind backing the fuck off?” Tom demands. The guy notices him. He’s a little inebriated obviously. He sends Tom a glare.
“Just having a conversation,” he says.
“Well it's over,” Tom moves himself between Ryland and this waste of space. “Step away.”
They have a stare down for a bit, but eventually the guy scoffs and walks off, deciding that it's not worth it apparently. Tom turns to Ryland. He looks fine, unharmed but a little frazzled. Tom can’t help himself. He puts a hand to Ryland's cheek and tilts his face to look at him.
“You wanna get outta here?” He asks, gently.
“Yeah,” Ryland grabs the hand on his face and they start their journey back through the masses.
Tom definitely doesn’t hear it when Ryland mutters, “Gosh that was hot.”
They didn’t stay long but it is still late. They get back home, clean up and snuggle in bed.
When they can, they find time to interact on set. They try not to do it often. Gotta keep it professional after all. If Tom makes excuses to go talk to Ryland about if his character motivation makes sense in the scope of the science of being on an alien planet then that’s their business. It’s obvious a good chunk of the cast and crew know about his relationship with Ryland now. It's nice not hiding it. A relief.
He likes to hear Ryland ramble about how the color of the explosions and type might mean the presence of specific elements on this fictional alien world. He throws in a couple jabs here and there when Ryland goes on a tangent about the type of alien creatures that would likely live and thrive on a planet described in Metalstorm and how the humanoid look is a very basic choice.
“Well thanks for all that, Mr. Grace,” Tom says with a flirtatious inflection. He knows using that moniker will get a little rise out of him. He’s leaning on the trailer wall next to Ryland.
“I’m going to start giving you detention if you keep calling me that,” Ryland gives him a sideways look.
“Are you going to break out the yard stick too?” Tom gives him a crooked smile. He expects Ryland to get flustered, but he’s been getting way better at dealing with Tom’s shameless flirting.
“We’d need to decide on a safeword first,” Ryland returns. He taps Tom on the shoulder and walks away.
Tom almost goes to chase him down, but a PA comes around the corner to retrieve him before he can. Disappointing, but there’s work to be done. The film is progressing well. They only have a couple more weeks of filming. They’re doing a lot of big parts and spectacle to finish it off.
Ryland is probably at home safely tucked into bed, Tom thinks. The picture of him curled up under the blankets would normally bring a smile to his face. If he were to walk in there right now he’d probably be gently running a hand through Ryland’s hair before falling asleep himself.
That’s not where he is though. In front of him there's a dead body laying on the floor of the hotel room. His stunt double, Henry.
Sure, Henry pissed him off. Sure, he was a cocky piece of shit. Too big for his britches. He had hit Tom in his pride. They were just rough housing, though. It was fun and games. This was an accident. He slipped and fell.
But a man is dead.
Iggy, Doone, Kevin and a couple extras stand silently beside him. Iggy is holding his phone. She was filming.
Tom doesn’t know what to do.
He borrows Doone's phone. His lost somewhere in the shuffle.
He thinks about calling Ryland.
He calls Gail instead.
Gail comes up with a plan. She gets people organized. Assigns roles. Bribes a couple of the people at the party to keep silent. She makes scripts that are loose enough if they need to improvise. Like making a movie.
Except this is Tom's life.
He wanted no more secrets.
If Ryland discovers the plan it’ll break his heart.
Tom can’t let him find out.