Runaway Chapter 19

"Tyler?" she asked quietly, noticing his distressed state. "Would you like me to get Brian?" she offered, knowing that the young man felt better with Brian around.

Tyler released a shuddering breath and sat up, shaking his head. "No. I'm okay," he said weakly.

Kelly contemplated him. "Okay. But if you feel yourself getting too anxious, let me know Tyler. I don't mind Brian being in here if it's alright with you."

Tyler nodded. "Thanks."

"Okay, lets get started." Kelly started the exam by checking his pulse and blood pressure. She avoided anything too physical, knowing Tyler wasn't ready for that. A short while later, she finished and told Tyler he could dress. "I'll get Brian and we'll talk again for a few minutes," she said as she closed the door.

Tyler was trembling, his anxiety nearly overwhelming him. His hands shook as he zipped and buttoned his jeans. He was still attempting to button his shirt with shaking fingers when Kelly and Brian returned.

Brian walked over to Tyler and quickly finished buttoning the shirt for him, before giving him a hug. "You did good, babe," he whispered.

Tyler released a shuddering sigh. "I was so nervous, Bri," he admitted.

"I know. But you made it through," Brian said encouragingly.

"You were great Tyler," Kelly added. "I know it wasn't easy, but it was a great step forward." The two men sat down and faced the doctor again. "Okay, I've written down the name and address of a psychologist I know. His name is Jason Benjamin. I think you'll like him. He's quite a relaxed type of man." She handed the card to Tyler. "As for your check-up, Tyler. Everything looks good. You appear to be completely healed physically from the assault. Your blood pressure was up a little, but I think that was due to the situation. We'll check it again in a few weeks."

Tyler looked surprised. "You're going to be my doctor?" he asked.

Kelly smiled. "I thought I would, as long as you're here. Is that okay?" Tyler nodded. "Do either of you have any questions for me?" she asked.

Brian looked at Trevor. Trevor shook his head. "Not right now," he said softly. "but, um, if…if something comes up, may I call you?" he asked.

Kelly smiled and nodded. "Of course Tyler. I'd be happy to answer any questions or concerns you have." She handed him one of her business cards, before standing. "I want you to take it easy for a couple of more days okay? Try to just relax and get plenty of rest. Call the office next week to set up another appointment." She held out her hand and Tyler shook it.

"Thanks Dr. Armstrong, for everything," he said sincerely.

She smiled. "You're welcome Tyler."

Brian followed Tyler through the door but paused and offered his own thanks to the doctor. "Just take care of him Brian," she said. Brian nodded and joined Tyler in the hall.

They left the office and walked back to the car. Once inside, Brian paused and looked at Tyler. "How are you really Ty?" he asked.

Tyler scrunched up his face then smiled at Brian. "Actually, I'm okay Brian. It was rough for a while. When you and the doctor left the room, I thought I was going to throw up or hyperventilate, but I managed to keep it together."

"I'm so proud of you Ty," Brian said seriously.

"Thanks," Tyler mumbled as he blushed.

Brian reached over and picked up Tyler's hand, giving it a squeeze. "Where do you want to go now?" he asked, leaving the decision up to Tyler.

"Why don't we go back to the house?" Tyler suggested. "I'm a little tired. I can give this Jason Benjamin a call too," he added.

Brian agreed and started the car. Once he pulled out of the parking lot, he picked up Tyler's hand again. Tyler glanced over and they smiled at each other. They drove home in a comfortable silence, hands clasped between them on the seat.

"Why don't I go make us some lunch Tyler?" Brian suggested when they got back to the house.

Tyler nodded and smiled. "Sounds good, Bri. I'm going to go into the den and call the therapist, okay?" Brian gave Tyler a gentle kiss before going to the kitchen. Tyler walked slowly to the den. He sat down on one of the comfortable chairs and pulled out the card Kelly had given him. He took a couple of deep breaths to calm himself then picked up the phone and dialed.

"Hello, Jason Benjamin's office, Chris speaking," a man answered.

"Hi, my name is Tyler Johnson. I was calling to set up an appointment with Jason Benjamin. Dr. Kelly Armstrong referred me to him," Tyler said quickly.

"Hi Tyler. We can certainly set up an appointment with you. Do you have a preferred time?" Chris asked.

"Uh, not really. I guess as soon as possible," Tyler answered.

"Okay, Tyler. How is tomorrow afternoon at 3pm?"

Oh! That soon? Okay," Tyler said in surprise.

"Great. I'll put your name down for 3 then. Do you know where the office is located?" Chris asked.

"Um, my friend does. He'll be driving me."

"Okay Tyler. Then I'll see you tomorrow at 3pm."

"Thank you," Tyler said softly before hanging up. He sat quietly for a minute. He knew the therapist was a good idea, but that didn't lessen his nervousness any. He took a deep breath and resolved to try to be strong. He knew Brian would help him.

He walked back to the kitchen and found Brian making sub-sandwiches. He smiled at the intense expression on Brian's face as he tried to put the top part of the bun on the overflowing ingredients. Brian stuck a toothpick through the center to keep the sandwiches together. He looked up, saw Tyler watching him and blushed slightly.

"So what do you think?" he asked.

Tyler sat down at the counter and grinned. "Looks delicious, sweetie." Tyler remembered a line he'd heard from a movie. "And the sandwiches look good too!" he added and waited for Brian's reaction.

Brian looked at Tyler in surprise, then the faint pink blush turned to crimson. Tyler giggled and Brian walked around the counter to stand beside him. "You look pretty tasty too," he said softly, before leaning in and kissing Tyler. Tyler turned on his stool so Brian was standing between his knees. Tyler put his arms around Brian's neck, while Brian's arms wrapped around Tyler's waist. The kiss deepened and food was momentarily forgotten.

Lost in the wonderful feeling of the kiss, Brian's hands began to run up and down Tyler's back, as they gradually worked their way lower.

When Tyler felt Brian's hands cup his butt, he tensed. Tyler pulled his mouth from Brian's and moved his hands to grab Brian's arms. "Brian. No," he said quietly, but firmly.

Brian forced himself to calm down as his brain registered Tyler's words. He released Tyler and stepped back. "Okay. Sorry I got a little carried away," he apologized.

Tyler smiled and shook his head. "Its okay. We both did."

Brian moved back to his own stool when it finally hit him. He turned back to Tyler. "Ty! You said no. You didn't freeze or break down. You just said no!" Brian said proudly.

Tyler blushed a little, but smiled happily. It was true. It wasn't much, but it was still a good step.

They both picked up the sandwiches and began to eat. Afterwards they wandered out onto the back deck. Tyler noticed the hot tub and glanced at Brian. Brian had been looking at the same thing. They grinned at each other and ran back into the house. Brian found an old suit that he gave to Tyler. Five minutes later they were sinking into the relaxing hot water of the tub.

"So what happened with the phone call?" Brian asked after they had been relaxing for a few minutes.

Tyler rolled his head to look at Brian. "I have an appointment at three tomorrow. Will you drive me?" he asked.

Brian smiled and nodded. "Of course."

They soaked in the tub for over an hour. Finally they got out, went upstairs to rinse off and dress. Brian's parents were back so the four had a leisurely dinner. Afterwards, Brian and Tyler wandered around the property enjoying the warm spring evening before calling it a night and going up to bed.

"Are you ready Brian?" Tyler asked again anxiously.

After a leisurely morning and early lunch, the two had gone back upstairs to shower and change for Tyler's appointment. Tyler was ready first and as he sat waiting for Brian his nerves began to take hold.

Brian finally walked out of the bathroom as he fastened the last button on his shirt. A quick glance at Tyler showed Brian how anxious Tyler was getting. He walked over to his boyfriend and pulled him to his feet.

"Tyler, listen to me," he said seriously. Tyler met his gaze. "No matter what happens, I love you and I will always, always be here for you. And if you don't like Benjamin, he's gone. We'll find someone else, okay?"

Tyler nodded and smiled. "Okay." He reached up to touch Brian's cheek. "I love you," he whispered and leaned forward to kiss Brian. It was a short, sweet kiss that left Brian smiling. "Lets get going," Tyler said as he turned to leave the bedroom.

"Yes Sir!" Brian saluted, but followed.

Once in the car Brian checked the address again and pulled out a map to make sure he was going to the right place. Brian left Tyler to his thoughts, simply holding his hand on the console between them as silent support.

They arrived at the address at a quarter to three and looked around in surprise. Both had been expecting to find some type of office complex. Instead, the building before them was an old renovated mansion.

They looked at each other. "If it weren't for the sign on the lawn, I'd think we had the wrong place," Brian commented. Tyler agreed.

He took a deep breath and opened the car door. Brian followed. When they reached the top of the front steps, Tyler paused. He looked at Brian and held out his hand. He knew he was asking a lot of Brian to openly hold hands, but he didn't think he could do it otherwise. Brian simply smiled and took the offered hand.

Tyler rang the bell and opened the door as the sign on the door instructed. They paused in the foyer and removed their shoes as requested by another small sign. They both glanced up as they heard footsteps.

"Hi, I'm Chris Michaels," the man introduced himself. He was in his late twenties, tall with shaggy blond hair and blue eyes. "If you would like to follow me, I'll show you around and get the paper work filled out. Jason will be here in a few minutes." He waited for their response.

Brian watched Tyler, to see how he reacted. He was happy when Tyler smiled slightly and nodded. "Okay. I'm Tyler Johnson and this is my friend Brian," Tyler said quietly.

Chris shook Tyler's hand, then Brian's. Brian knew the moment Chris recognized him but was grateful nothing was said. They were there for Tyler after all.

Chris led them into an old fashioned sitting room filled with antique furniture. He directed them to a couple of comfortable chairs.

Chris handed Tyler a clipboard with some forms. "I know, I know, more paper work," he said lightly with a smile. "Unfortunately we can't get away from it." Tyler smiled, immediately liking the easy manner Chris had. He concentrated on filling out the forms while Brian looked around the room. Tyler was grateful that the forms didn't require much more than his name, address, method of payment, and a brief summary of why he was there. He was just signing his name when the door opened and another man walked in.

"Hi Jayce," Chris said quietly. Tyler took a look at the therapist. He was not quite as tall as Chris was, but much bulkier. He had curly dark hair, dark eyes and looked to be in his mid-thirties. Jason looked around and his eyes fell on Tyler. Tyler met his gaze and smiled hesitantly. Jason smiled in return and walked over.

"Hi Tyler, I'm Jason Benjamin. Welcome," he said and held out his hand.

Tyler stood up and shook hands. "Hi…Do I call you Doctor?" he asked shyly.

Jason grinned and shook his head. "Nope. I'm a therapist not a doctor and I prefer first names," he explained. Tyler nodded.

"Are you done with the forms Tyler?" Chris asked, walking over to him.

Tyler nodded again and handed the forms to Chris. "So who is your friend Tyler?" Jason asked.

Tyler glanced at Brian. He couldn't see that the expression on his face as he looked at the singer, was one of pure love, but everyone else in the room could. Brian smiled back lovingly and walked over to the two men. "This is Brian Littrell," Tyler introduced him.

"Tyler's boyfriend," Brian added proudly, smiling at the little gasp of surprise Tyler emitted.

Jason shook his hand. "Nice to meet you Brian. I'm glad you came with Tyler today. I hope you are willing to join us for at least this first session?" he asked.

Brian could hear the real question beneath the words, but wasn't angered. He was glad Jason was trying to find out how dedicated he was to Tyler. "I'll be here for however long Tyler wants," Brian said firmly as he put his arm around Tyler's shoulders.

Jason smiled. "Good! Why don't we go to my office?" he suggested and turned. He stopped beside Chris and kissed his cheek. "Thanks Love," he murmured before taking the forms from Chris.

Tyler looked at Brian in surprise, but Brian just shrugged. Hands clasped, they followed Jason into the hall.