Runaway by Kenitra

Runaway Chapter 9

by Kenitra

Other Stories by Me!

(under College section)
Fated
(Posted Dec 16/00)

(All under boy-bands)
NEW! Admitting the Truth
(Posted July 12/01)

What If
(Posted May 29/01)

Blissful Tears
(Ended Jan 28/01)

First Anniversary
(Posted Oct 31/00)

Fates Reason
(Ended Feb 6/00)

Ice Storm
(Posted May 8/00)

Set You Free
(Ended Apr 11/00)

Ten Guys, One Night
(Posted Apr 7/00)

This story, Runaway, is about Brian and an original character. There are 22 chapters and an epilogue... and just to Let everyone know there is reference to a past rape...and basically no sex in the entire story. So if anyone is looking for a 'quick fix' this story is not it!

A 'Thank You' must go to David, for maintaining the best free story archive I've ever found.

Heartfelt Thank Yous go out to my chat friends: Neo and Rune. You guys are truly the best.

Disclaimer: Well, I'd hope by now everyone knows it, but just in case:
1. If you shouldn't be here, don't tell me and don't get caught!
2. I don't know any of the people mentioned in the story...it's fiction folks!

If you have any comments about this story, please email me at kenitra_canada@hotmail.com
I try to respond to every single email I get!

As always, thank you for reading!
Kenitra:-)

_Chapter 9
_
"What the hell is going on?" the loud voice echoed through the room.

Tyler woke up with a jolt. He could feel the protective arms wrapped around him, snuggled up behind him. It took a moment for him to realize what woke him. He glanced down to the foot of the bed and saw Brian standing there, wearing only pajama bottoms, his hands on his hips.

The man behind Tyler stirred. Tyler turned within the confines of the arms to face a groggy Nick.

Nick slowly opened his eyes and found himself face to face with Tyler. "Morning Nick," Tyler said softly. "I think Brian wants to talk to you."

Nick's eyes popped open and he looked down the bed, suddenly realizing Brian was standing there. He could easily read the unhappy expression on Brian's face. Before Nick could explain, Tyler spoke.

"Thank you Nick," he said softly as he sat up, looking at the blond man lying beside him. "I don't think I would have slept at all last night if you hadn't heard me and come in. You made me feel safe." He looked at Brian, "You all make me feel safe. It's a feeling I haven't had in a very long time."

Brian gradually relaxed his stance as he listened to what Tyler was saying. He really didn't believe Nick would take advantage of the boy, but when he walked in and saw the two in bed, he couldn't help but wonder. And he also felt a pang of jealousy, which unnerved him.

Brian walked around to Tyler's side of the bed. "Did you have more nightmares Ty?" he asked gently.

Tyler shook his head and looked up at Brian. "No. I just started thinking about Friday and the test results. I...I got frightened that you guys would dump me...if the test was positive...I started to cry and Nick heard me."

Brian knelt down beside the bed. "Oh, Ty. You won't get rid of us that easily," Brian said tenderly as he reached out to touch Tyler's arm.

Tyler smiled and glanced back at Nick. "I know. That's what Nick said."

There was a knock at the bedroom door and Kevin walked in. "Um guys breakfast will..." his voice trailed off as he noticed Nick, still lying in the bed next to Tyler. He glanced up and saw Brian too. "Um...is this a bad time?" Kevin asked as he stopped partway into the room.

Brian stood up. "No, Kev, everything is fine. Ty was more upset about the HIV test than he let on. Fortunately Nick heard him and comforted him," Brian explained. "We'll be out shortly, cus."

Kevin nodded and left the room. Nick rolled off the bed and stood up. "I'm gonna go back to my room and take a quick shower. I'll see you both at breakfast." He stopped and looked down at Tyler. "Remember what I said Tyler, don't be afraid to tell us how you're feeling, about anything, okay?"

Tyler looked at the young blond. "Okay. Thanks, Nick, for everything."

Nick left the room and closed the door behind him. Tyler glanced over at Brian, who was standing staring at the closed door.

"Brian? Are you mad at me?" he asked softly, looking down at the bed. "I wouldn't have let Nick stay if I knew you'd be upset. I..."

Brian sat down on the bed in front of Tyler and gently lifted the boy's chin. "Tyler, I'm not mad or upset. You didn't do anything wrong. I was just surprised. But I'm glad Nick was here for you, and made you feel better. That's all I want is for you to be happy, okay?"

Tyler smiled and nodded. "I guess we should go get some breakfast huh?" he said.

Brian grinned and stood up. "Yeah. I'm gonna go get dressed and I'll see you out in the lounge." Brian walked back to the room he was sharing with Kevin and closed the door.

Tyler got out of bed and proceeded to take a quick shower before throwing on some clothes. He looked in the mirror and was relieved to see the bruises, at least the visible bruises, were healing quickly. He was feeling stronger every day. Tyler joined the five singers in the lounge, while they waited for breakfast to be delivered.

He saw Nick sitting in front of the TV playing another video game. Tyler smiled at the other singers and walked over to join Nick on the floor. "What ya playing?" he asked.

Nick glanced at Tyler and grinned. "Got ya hooked, have I?" he commented as he handed Tyler the second controller.

The two played until the food arrived, and then broke only long enough to eat, before returning to the game.

Brian couldn't help but glance fondly at his best friend as he laughed and talked at the TV screen. Brian turned his attention to the boy sitting beside Nick. He smiled to himself when he saw Tyler smile then heard his laughter. That was the first time Tyler had laughed and Brian found the sound exhilarating. He thought about what Nick had said the day before. It was true; Tyler wasn't just a kid. He was only a couple of weeks away from turning 18. Most people would even think he was older at first glance. However, his naivete and insecurity quickly dispelled that idea.

Brian turned his attention to his cousin when he realized Kevin was talking to him.

"So are we going to stay here all day, or check out the town?" Kevin asked.

"I'd like to see some of the city," Brian said. Howie and AJ quickly agreed.

All eyes turned to look at Nick and Tyler. Neither had heard the question.

"Guys?" Howie said.

"GUYS!" AJ shouted. Both Nick and Tyler jumped and turned to look at the three other men.

"What?" Nick whined.

"We thought we'd go tour the city," Brian explained, unable to take his focus off Tyler.

Tyler smiled at Brian. "That sounds like fun," he said.

"Aawww. But I wanna stay here," Nick whined.

"So stay," Kevin sighed in exasperation. "I'm gonna change. Everybody be ready in twenty?" he suggested.

Everyone nodded. Howie and AJ went back to their rooms to change and Nick turned his attention back to the video game. Tyler set the controller down and stood up.

"Where ya going?" Nick asked, looking up in surprise.

Tyler looked at Nick. "I...I thought we were going out? I need to change into warmer clothes," Tyler explained.

"Tyler," Nick sighed, "just because Kevin says 'jump' doesn't mean that you have to. If you don't want to go, don't. I'm not," he added.

Tyler glanced over at Brian then back to Nick. "Will you be mad if I go with the guys?" Tyler asked Nick softly. Brian was closely watching the exchange and waited to see Nick's reaction. Nick glanced at Brian then stood up to face Tyler.

"Tyler! Of course not. It's your decision. I'd like the company, but if you want to see the city then you should go," Nick said, trying to contain his annoyance. It wasn't directed at Tyler, but Tyler's family.

Tyler slowly nodded. "Okay. I'd like to see the city," he said softly. Then he raised his head to look at Nick. "But can we play again later?" he asked.

Nick grinned. "Anytime bud," he replied.

Tyler smiled and walked off to change. Brian waited until the bedroom door closed, and then looked at Nick. "You handled that well," he commented.

Nick sighed. "I didn't realize it was that bad, B. That man must be a monster. Its like Tyler's never been allowed to make a decision in his life." Nick shook his head and sat back down on the floor.

"Nick, I'm sorry about this morning," Brian apologized as he walked over to where Nick was and sat down beside his friend. "I know you wouldn't take advantage of Tyler. It's just...what you said yesterday got me thinking...then finding you...with him...I jumped to conclusions without thinking."

Nick looked at his friend. "Brian, can I say something without you over reacting?" he asked. Brian nodded and Nick continued. "I've known you for a long time, and I think I can read you pretty well. I think you need to step back and figure out what you're feeling for Tyler." Nick glared at Brian, stopping his interruption. "B, I've seen how you look at him, hover around him. If you're just feeling like a protective big brother, that's good. Just make sure you don't cross the line. But if you're feeling more for him and B, I think you do, you need to figure out what you're feeling. And you need to be careful, for your sake and his." Nick stopped talking and stared at Brian, waiting for him to burst into denial.

Brian absorbed what Nick said. As the words sunk in, Brian realized that Nick was right. He wanted to protect Tyler, no question. But he also wanted to hold the boy, and see his smile. He wanted to hear Tyler laugh again. A picture of Tyler's face popped into Brian's mind making him smile. He remembered the one sweet, gentle kiss they had shared. He wanted to feel Tyler's lips again, wanted to know what his mouth tasted like. Brian shook himself out of his thoughts. How could he even think about letting Tyler know his feelings? Tyler didn't need a declaration of love, he needed friends and support. He needed Brian to be his friend and help him learn how to be independent.

Brian looked ruefully at Nick, who was still watching him. "When the hell did you get so smart?" he muttered, with a smile.

Nick shrugged and smiled back before returning to his video game.

The guys began streaming out of their rooms, dressed in sweaters and warm jackets. Nick waved as Tyler joined the four singers as they walked out of the suite and to the elevator.

"So where are we going?" AJ asked.

Kevin shrugged. "Don't know. I got a rental for us so we can just tour around, stop when we want to. Maybe we'll go to the 'needle'?" he suggested.

The elevator reached the lobby and the doors opened. All five men stepped off and Kevin walked to the front desk to pick up the keys for the van. The others leaned against the pillars in the hotel lobby waiting.

Without warning, Tyler heard the most dreadful sound.

"TYLER CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON get your ass over here," a loud voice commanded.

Tyler's heart momentarily stopped and his body froze as he heard that voice; the voice he never wanted to hear again. A hand suddenly grabbed his arm and spun him around. He was face to face with his nightmare. A heavyset man, about 5'11", with short brown hair, graying at the edges. The man had a perfectly trimmed moustache, and was neatly dressed in an expensive suit.

Tyler was too stunned to react. How had his father found him? Tyler looked wildly about him, trying to find a way to escape. He completely forgot about his new friends or even where he was. His only thought was escape.

"You ungrateful little..." his father started. The voice stopped, but Tyler didn't know why. He could sense people around him, but it didn't matter. The moment his father's grasp on his arm relaxed, he twisted away and bolted for the nearest door.

He ignored the voice calling after him. "Tyler!" It didn't register that it was a different voice. Away! Escape! Freedom! Live! These thoughts coursed through his mind as he ran. The door opened into a stairwell. The closest stairs were going up so without a second thought he began to climb, up and up, as far away as he could get.

The singers all heard the loud voice say Tyler's name. They turned to see who spoke and saw a man approaching Tyler. The man grabbed Tyler's arm and turned him around.

They all quickly ran over to their new friend as the man began to speak.

"You ungrateful little..." his voice trailed off as he suddenly noticed the four men standing behind his son. His grip relaxed slightly and Tyler immediately wiggled free.

He grabbed for Tyler when he began to run, but missed. Before he could go after the boy, arms grabbed him.

One of the men yelled after Tyler. "Tyler!" But the boy never stopped.

"Who the hell do you think you are?" he spat at the men holding him. "Release me this instant or you will regret it," he threatened.

The man struggled but Kevin and AJ held tightly to his arms. Hotel staff and security began to arrive, trying to figure out what was going on. Brian approached the restrained man. He noticed Marcus running over to the group and nodded at the security man. Brian stopped in front of Tyler's father and looked him over in disgust.

Marcus stopped the hotel security from intervening. A crowd was beginning to form, but none of the singers cared. Marcus spotted the hotel manager and waved him over.

"So this is what a child abuser looks like," Brian hissed. Tyler's father stopped struggling and looked at Brian in shock. Brian smiled harshly. "Surprised that Tyler finally told someone what a monster you are?"

Marcus walked quietly up beside Brian and leaned down. "Brian, we're going to take this into the small conference room over there," he whispered, pointing at a nearby doorway.

Brian moved back and nodded. Kevin and AJ kept a strong grip on the man's arms as they forcefully escorted him into the room. Brian, Howie and Marcus followed. Kevin forced the man to sit down, and kept his hand on his shoulder to ensure compliance.

Brian stared at the man with hate and rage. This was the monster who had hurt Tyler so badly. Brian had never been physically violent in his life but the sight of this man brought him to the brink. He walked over to the silent man.

He spoke quietly, but everyone in the room could hear the venom. "Tyler told me everything that you did to him. And you have no idea the hell he went through after escaping from you. I don't know how you found him and I really don't care. I know you don't know who I am. But let me tell you that I do have some power and I have money, and I will do whatever I have to do to protect that boy from you." Brian grabbed the front of the man's suit and pulled him to his feet. Their faces were inches apart. "I'm only going to tell you this once. Leave now. Don't ever try to find or contact Tyler again. Do you understand?"

Tyler's father stared at Brian, wondering who the hell he thought he was, giving out ultimatums. "He's a minor, and I have custody of him," he declared, unwilling to give up.

Kevin spoke up for the first time. "He will be 18 in a few weeks. He is over sixteen so if he runs away, he cannot be forced to return home." Kevin moved to stand beside his cousin. "And do you really want the world to know how you abused your son?"

"He was always an unruly boy and needs discipline," he countered.

"I don't think any court would look at the scars on Tyler as discipline. Are you prepared to have your secrets made public in a courtroom?" Brian asked, losing his rage. His thoughts were now on Tyler and how he would find him.

Tyler's father appeared to surrender. "Fine. You want to be responsible for that ungrateful little fag? He's yours. And you'll all go to hell for it too," he stated and began walking to the door.

A slight incline of Brian's head, and Marcus blocked the door. The man glared at Marcus. "I mean it Johnson. If I find out that you are even in the same city as Tyler, you will regret crossing me," Brian vowed.

Mr. Johnson nodded once, and Marcus moved, allowing the man out the door. The four singers all visibly relaxed, but only for an instant.

"God, we have to find Tyler!" Brian exclaimed.

Kevin pulled out his cell phone and called Nick. He told Nick what happened and Nick said he would be right down.

To be continued...