"Oh my fucking God!" AJ gasped.

Never in his life had AJ expected to see the sight he was met with.

Brian laying on the floor in the last stall of the bathroom, curled up into a ball with his pants around his ankles and blood coming out of his ass sobbing.

"Brian?" AJ said softly kneeling down on the floor. He slowly and carefully placed a hand on Brian’s arm.

"No!" Brian cried and quickly moved away from the person that was with him. He felt overwhelming fear wash over him again.

"Brian? Brian, it’s me, Alex. I swear I will never hurt you." AJ tried to say soothingly. He had to fight tooth and nail to keeping his calm. The last thing Brian needed was him freaking out.

Brian didn't move. He just stared at AJ.

AJ watched Brian’s face and expression as Brian stared at him. To AJ, it seemed Brian wasn't even aware that he was there. He looked completely dazed.

"Brian?" AJ said softly, not wanting to scare his friend any further.

AJ watched as Brian blinked a couple of times.

"Bri?" AJ said softly.

Brian looked at AJ.

"I wanna go." Brian whispered.

AJ nodded slowly getting up. He held out a hand to Brian, who was still on the floor.

Brian looked at the hand for a long moment then up at AJ. He slowly placed his hand in AJ's.
AJ carefully helped Brian up. He felt his heart break when Brian quickly let go of his hand after he was on his feet.

Brian felt shame and sadness overcome him as he pulled up his boxers and pants. He felt so dirty and used.

"Brian?"

Brian turned his head and looked at AJ.

"You ready?" AJ asked softly.

Brian nodded after zipping up his pants.

They walked out of the bathroom.

Brian felt fear again when he saw the amount of people in the club. He jumped when he felt a hand take his and saw AJ.

"I'm here with you, Brian. I won't let anyone hurt you again." AJ said soothingly in Brian’s ear.

Brian felt a sense of security as AJ’s hand held his. He allowed AJ to lead him out of the club and toward the car that was waiting for them.

AJ opened the door for Brian. He looked at Brian when he noticed Brian hadn't moved. He saw fear on Brian’s face.

"You want me to get in first?" AJ asked softly.

Brian looked at AJ and slowly nodded.

"Just don't let go." Brian whispered.

AJ stared into the older man's eyes. He knew he was talking about his hand even though a small part of him wished for more.

"I won't let go until you tell me to." AJ said softly to Brian.

AJ got into the car, still holding Brian’s hand. He watched Brian slowly get into the car and shut the door. He noticed Brian wince in pain when he sat down.

"Lean toward me if that'll be more comfortable for you." AJ whispered in Brian’s ear.

Brian raised their joined hands and wrapped AJ’s arm around his shoulders and leaned toward AJ.

AJ noticed the questioning look Howie gave them. He gave Howie a 'don’t ask' look. He looked down at Brian after he laid his head on his chest. He held Brian closer. He looked at Howie again.

"Tell the driver to take the underground entrance at the hotel. We don't want to have to deal with fans." AJ said.

Brian wrapped his arms around AJ’s waist.

The drive back to the hotel had been silent. Each man lost in his own thoughts.

When they arrived at the hotel, Howie got out of the car first.

AJ looked down at Brian.

"Ready, Bri?" AJ asked softly.

Brian slowly pulled away from AJ and got out of the car. He waited for AJ to get out.

AJ got out of the car and took Brian’s hand again.

They followed Howie into the hotel and into the elevator.

AJ leaned toward Brian.

"What do you want to do when we get to our floor?" AJ whispered in Brian’s ear.

"Get my stuff and take it to your room?" Brian whispered back.

AJ looked at Brian and saw a scared boy. His heart broke.

"Of course you can, Brian. You can stay with me as long as you want." AJ whispered to Brian.

It tore at AJ’s heart seeing the one he loved look so fragile and broken. He wished there was something, anything, he could do to erase Brian’s pain.

The doors of the elevator opened to their floor and AJ led Brian out of the elevator and down the hall to the room Brian shared with nick.

Brian gave AJ the room key and AJ opened the door.

They slowly walked into the room.

Brian was behind AJ praying silently, holding his breath.

"It looks like the room is empty." AJ said.

Brian breathed a sigh of relief.

"Let's just hurry and get my stuff and leave." Brian said nervously.

AJ looked at Brian for a long moment before nodding.

They quickly packed all of Brian’s things. When they were done, AJ led Brian out of the room and down the hall to his room.

AJ opened his hotel room door and motioned Brian to go before him.

Brian walked into the room and set his stuff down by the wall and just stood there. He felt sadness fill him as tears come to his eyes. He heard AJ shut the door behind him and set his stuff down.

AJ watched as Brian turned around and threw his arms around his neck. He felt Brian bury his face into the crook of his neck and heard him burst into tears. AJ wrapped his arms around Brian’s waist and held him close and comfortingly.

 

 

'How could anyone hurt the sweetest, most loving man I know?' AJ thought to himself sadly, holding Brian closer as the cried in each other’s arms.