JC let the water pound against his back as he worked the shampoo into his hair. His ears perked up suddenly, and his hands froze. The phone was ringing. What if it was Justin? He threw the shower curtain back and ran out of the bathroom, soap dripping everywhere, shampoo running into his eyes. “Fuck!” he cursed, nearly tripping over his own feet in his haste to get to the phone. He plopped down on his bed, not even caring about the puddle of water and soap that he was creating. “Hello?” he breathed into the receiver. “Um…JC?” Justin said softly. “Justin?” “Yeah. Yeah, it’s me.” The corners of his mouth turned up in a tiny smile, and he closed his eyes. “I didn’t think you’d call.” “I said I would.” “I know.” They were silent for what felt like forever, until Justin finally broke the ice. “What are you doing for dinner tonight?” The butterflies in JC’s stomach did flipflops at Justin’s words, and he took a deep breath to calm himself down. “No plans. You?” “Um…I was hoping maybe you and I could get together…” “I’d like that.” “So would I,” Justin whispered. “I’ll pick you up around 7?” “Sure. Yeah, that sounds good.” “Ok. I guess I’ll see you later then.” “Yeah…later.” “Justin?” “Yeah?” “I love you.” Justin sighed into the phone, closing his eyes to get rid of the tears that were pooling there. “I know.” He hung up the phone with a soft click, burying his face into his pillow and finally allowing himself to cry. A knock on the door startled him, and he wiped his eyes quickly, pulling the covers over his head. “Justin?” Lance said softly. “Baby, are you ok?” “I’m fine,” came Justin’s muffled reply. Justin felt the bed shift and Lance sat down, jumping when he felt Lance’s hand on his waist. “Justin, you’re crying. I don’t think you’re as ok as you say you are.” “I’m fine!” Justin snapped, pulling away from Lance’s touch. “I’m fine.” Lance sighed, standing up. “All right, Justin. If you say so. I ran to the store and got some cereal. It’s there if you want it.” Justin lay there for a moment, then sat up. “Lance—“ He sighed when he realized Lance wasn’t there anymore. Kicking the covers away and swinging his feet over the edge of the bed, Justin stood up, stretching. He made his way to the bathroom, staring at his red, puffy eyes in the mirror as he brushed his teeth. “God, I’m fucked up,” he mumbled, spitting into the sink. After washing his face, he padded downstairs to the kitchen, where he found Lance sipping a cup of coffee and reading the newspaper. The older man’s back was to him, and Justin smiled a little as he walked towards him. Lance jumped slightly when Justin wrapped his arms around his waist, placing a small kiss on the back on Lance’s neck. “Morning,” he whispered, and Lance shivered as Justin’s breath ghosted across his ear. “Morning.” “I’m sorry I’m being an ass,” Justin said, sliding into the chair next to Lance’s. “I’m just…I don’t know. But I’m sorry.” “It’s ok.” “It’s not ok, Lance,” Justin insisted. “You don’t deserve this, ok? I shouldn’t be taking it out on you. You’ve been nothing but amazing to me.” “Justin, I—“ The shrill ring of the phone interrupted Lance, and he sighed in frustration. “Hello?” “May I speak to Mr. Bass, please?” “This is he.” “Mr. Bass, this is Detective Kirkpatrick from the Orlando PD. It is my understanding that you have a Mr. Justin Timberlake living with you, is that correct?” “Yes sir, that’s correct.” “Mr. Bass, we’d like to bring Justin in for some questioning.” Lance frowned. “Why?” “I think you know the situation, Mr. Bass. Mr. Timberlake has been missing for an entire year, and suddenly he just shows up out of the blue, his kidnapper dead. It’s standard procedure to want to speak with Mr. Timberlake.” “Yes, I understand,” Lance said. “When would you like to see him?” “This afternoon, if possible.” “I’ll get him there,” Lance said. “Thank you, Mr. Bass. We look forward to meeting with you.” With a click, he was gone. Justin eyed Lance wearily. “What’s going on?” “The police want to question you.” Justin’s eyes filled with fear, his heart racing. “No, Lance! No…I can’t…why? Why do they need to see me? I’m fine! I’m back, and I’m fine, and—“ Lance stepped forward and pulled Justin into his arms, whispering soothing words into his ear. “It’s ok, Justin. They just want to make sure everything is all right, ok? It’s normal. I promise, ok? I won’t let them hurt you.” “But Joe said—“ “Justin, we’ve been over this. Joe is dead. He can’t hurt you anymore.” “I’m scared, Lance.” “It’s going to be fine, Justin. I’ll be right there with you. I promise.” “Lance?” “Yeah, baby?” “I…can…um…” Justin was suddenly very nervous, and Lance pulled away, trying to make eye contact with him. “What is it, Justin?” Justin looked up at him, eyes wide and pleading. “I want JC there,” he whispered, immediately ducking his head. Lance’s heart stopped, and he took a deep breath, once again pulling Justin close to him. “Ok, Justin. I’ll make sure he’s there.” “Thank you,” Justin whispered, squeezing Lance tightly. “Why don’t you go up and shower, ok?” Lance said, kissing Justin’s cheek softly. Justin nodded, cupping Lance’s cheek in his hand. “Thank you, Lance. For everything.” He leaned forward and pressed his lips to Lance’s, closing his eyes and putting his hand on the back of Lance’s neck, pulling him closer. When Lance finally pulled away, they were both breathless. “Shower, Justin,” Lance whispered. Justin grinned and pushed himself out of Lance’s lap. Lance watched him walk away, only allowing himself to groan once Justin was out of hearing range. Now came the hard part. He dialed JC’s number and waited. “Hello?” “Is this JC?” “Yeah. Who’s this?” “This is Lance Bass.” “Yes?” “Um…Detective Kirkpatrick called just now…wants Justin to come in for some questioning.” JC’s brow furrowed. “Why?” “Standard procedure, he says. Anyway, Justin…he wants you there. He’s really freaked out about the whole thing…Joe told him if he ever went to the cops, he’d make sure something terrible happened.” “Of course I’ll be there,” JC said. “What time?’ “Probably around…” Lance glanced up at the clock. “2:00. Um…I was thinking about grabbing some lunch first, maybe around 12:30…you’re welcome to come if you’d like.” “Are…are you sure?” JC stuttered. “Yeah. I’m sure,” Lance said, though his breath was shaky as he answered. “That would be great,” JC replied. “Where?” “I was thinking the Ale House…” “I’ll be there,” JC said. Lance hung up the phone, mentally slapping himself upside the head and wondering what the hell he was getting himself into.