Part 4


JC’s head jerked upon hearing the smug and rude comments from the other end of the phone. He stared at the dead line for more than five minutes sorting out in his mind the events that just occurred and just what the hell was going on. JC never really thought about Justin getting shit about their relationship, but there it was rearing its ugly head right in front of him. He sadly shook is head at the new revelation. JC had hoped that he was the only one experiencing that kind of treatment but he was wrong. He was determined for Justin’s sake that it would never happen again.

When the brunette realized his phone was still on he clicked his end off and waited for Justin to page or ring him back. It would be out of Justin’s character not to call and apologize for the rude and angry person who hung up on him. He waited and waited until the last possible minute but the phone did not ring. JC sighed and then headed for the bathroom intent on taking his shower before work knowing he would catch hell for being late.

He turned the faucet on while thinking back to his and Justin’s conversation. The older man wanted nothing more than to please Justin and give up his job at Lou’s but he loved dancing. He could not understand or believe how stubborn Justin was being. If Justin understood me at all he would see why dancing was so important to me, and why I could never give it up, JC thought. The brunette shook his tousled hair trying his best not thinking about it and casually stuck his hand under the running water checking its temperature. When JC was satisfied with the water he slowly stood up. He was all ready naked from his conversation with Justin so he plugged the bathtub and waited for it to fill. “A shower isn’t gonna help me, and I’m already gonna be late for work, I’ll just take a nice soothing bath.” JC smiled at himself. He walked over toward the closet pulling out his favorite bubble solution and dumped two large capfuls into the water. The brunette watched the bubbles grow dipping his hand into them and pulling it out encased in the soap substance. He blew the suds off and giggled. JC grabbed Justin’s washcloth and settled into the tub. He leaned forward and shut off the water. “Hmm…ahhhh… this is the life,” he whispered to himself forgetting all about work.

****

Justin sat at his desk twirling a pen randomly and looking quite distracted. As Joey walked through Justin's office door, he thought this would be a good time for them to discuss the other victims in the case and take the young blonde’s mind off of what happened earlier at the crime site. “Hey, Timberlake.” Justin did not answer him. He walked further into the blonde’s office and set the file folder on the desk. “I’m talking to you.” Joey knelt down in front of Justin shaking his knee slightly trying his best on gaining the younger man’s attention. Nothing. “Hey, there,” Joey whispered looking Justin in the eyes. The Italian noticed the glazed appearance the azure blue eyes had, so he waved his large hand in front of them. Again nothing. “I wonder if he’s dreaming right now,” he mumbled. “About what though.”

****

Justin’s vision began just shortly after setting down at his desk within his office; when his mind is tired he was literally did not have the ablility in controling his thoughts. A simple smile crossed his face as a sharp image of his naked lover sprung into his head. JC was easing his long lean body into a tub full of suds; arms flexed supporting his weight. Bubble bath, Justin thought and again smiled. How JC could take a bath in that crap he would never figure out, but he secretly hoped JC would never stop. When the brunette finally covered his entire body with the sudsy water he sighed sending a tingling sensation up Justin’s spine.

Justin’s body was slowly reacting as JC sensuously teased his own hard body with the item that connected JC with Justin, the washcloth. The blond noticed the item as JC massaged his neck and chest with it, drawing out long intoxicating moans. JC dipped the washcloth under the water trailing it over his hard abs and down the inside of his thighs. Justin unconsciously adjusted in his chair while he silently watched his lover. The blond watched JC’s face as the brunette ran the cloth slowly under his shaft, around his sacs and rubbing hard against his perineum, moaning at the sensation. Justin could almost feel the warm hardening cock in his own large caressing hand. JC’s head was leaned back and lulled, eyes closed, facing away from the wall and directly at him. The older man was biting his lower lip as his hand and washcloth worked faster on his cock. Then, to Justin’s utter dismay, JC stopped. The brunette’s hips were still moving in the water displacing it over the sides, but his hand motions had stopped. JC’s eyes fluttered open and stared directly toward him, although Justin knew he could not see him. The older man moved the washcloth out from under the water setting it on his chest while the other again started moving up and down teasingly. Justin could no longer feel his lover’s heat within his hand. JC lifted one of his legs out of the water and braced it on the side of the tub, allowing his erection to be in full view. The blonde’s mouth watered at the sight.

The brunette slowed his movements once more and reached for the cloth. He moved the cloth toward his mouth and licked it. Justin, surprisingly, could feel his lover’s soft hot tongue on his skin. He closed his eyes at the feeling and shivered. Then the blond felt a gently caress ghost acrossed his lips as his lover seductively kissed the washcloth. When Justin was able to open his eyes again he noticed JC’s gaze was staring right at him. Just as JC was about to climax, Justin watched in exasperation as JC let the cloth fall from his hand, closing off the rest of the vision from Justin.

****

“You who, I’m talking to you,” Joey’s voice purred.

Justin shook his head slightly as his eyes re-accustomed themselves to his surroundings. He could hear a deep taunting voice trying to penetrate his haze.

“Hey, kid. Are you with me yet?” Joey shook Justin again harder this time intent on waking the young man from his captivating vision. “Look, I’m trying to talk to you.”

“Whoa… oh,” Justin placed his hand on his temple, “sorry Joey but sometimes I just can’t help it.”

“I guess.” Joey grabbed the folders that he had carried into the office with him. “These are the files I was telling you about earlier. I thought maybe you would want to take a look at them. You know, maybe help you with your final profile for our suspect.”

“Thanks, Joey,” Justin said. He gently took the offered manila file folders from Joey and placed them down on the desk in front of him. “I’ll take a look at these later. I don’t want those pictures in my mind when JC comes for lunch.”

“Well, I think you’ll find some things very interesting about our three victims. We just received word back on the fingerprints of our John Doe. They id him as Dominic Taylor; he was a student at Trinity State University, which is about 45 minutes away from the location we found him. He also did some volunteer work at a local nursing home, he was studying, evidently, to become a nurse.”

“Does he have any family that we should be notifying?” Justin opened the file.

“Yeah, we’ve sent another detective out to ask the family some questions. He lived about a block from the college with a roommate, a Charlie Paterson. I’m gonna go talk to him after lunch if you want you could go with me.”

“I think I just might. It may help me figure out why he was targeted.” Justin randomly turned the pages but stopped when he came across a picture. “Who’s this?”

“That was…victim number one, his name was Brent Caswell. He resembles JC a bit doesn’t he?”

“Joey, not every guy with brunette hair resembles JC. The only thing they have in common, according to this picture, is their hair color.”

Joey looked at Justin determining whether or not he should continue with the information he knew. “Um…he… he was… um.”

“What are you trying to tell me?” Joey did not get a chance to answer the question; Justin answered it himself. His eyes widened as he read the file in front of him. “He was a stripper. Why didn’t you tell me that before, Joey?”

“You didn’t ask?” Joey kicked his legs up onto Justin’s desk. “His body was also dumped about an hour away from where he was last seen. I believe the report states he was last seen at a club called… shit what the hell was the name…”

“Club Shasta… that’s what it says here.”

“Yeah, that’s it, Club Shasta. Ever heard of it?”

“You’re kidding right?”

“Noooo, not kidding. So you have heard of it before.”

“Who hasn’t? Well, besides you anyhow. Josh has been asking to check this place out since it opened two months ago, but with my busy schedule we haven’t gone, yet. Did you have someone check the place out, yet?” Justin continued staring at the photo.

“We sent a squad out there, why?” Joey dropped his legs and leaned forward. “What are you thinking?”

Justin’s hand reached for the photo tracing the outer contours of the deceased man’s face. “So, young,” he whispered tapping his fingers on his desk. “What’s the connection?”

“I don’t know, boy wonder, but if you figure it out let me know.”

“Is there a description of the club somewhere in this file?”

“I think so but from what the report says, the place is pretty wild.”

“I think maybe we should visit this place and feel it out for ourselves. I’ll have to call ahead and determine what the dress code is for a place like that. I’m sure all I have to do is ask JC.”

“Sounds like your setting up a date with me.” Joey smiled.

“In your dreams, buddy. I plan on taking that hot little number who just happens to live in the same house and fulfills my every desire, with me.”

“Your gonna take JC to this place. What if the killer is there or works there or something?” Joey facial expressions reflected his concerns. “You can’t take him there, Justin. You might endanger him.”

“Joey for all we know it’s just a club where a victim was last seen. It may have no bearing on the case whats so ever.” Justin leaned closer toward Joey, “Besides it gives you a chance to seem him dressed to impress and let me tell you what a sight it will be.”

“Ahemmm…” Joey cleared his throat, “I still think it’s a bad idea.”

“If I don’t invite him and he figures out I went to a hip club without him, he is gonna have a hissy. I don’t want that all right. JC is going and that’s final. Now if you don’t want to go then fine. I should be able to get the information I need without you there.”

“No, no I’ll go. Besides someone needs to watch your back.”

“Whatever,” Justin replied rolling his eyes and smirking at his friend.

***

JC entered the station just after twelve with Chinese carry out. The brunette was dressed casually in hip hugging denim jeans with sequenced lilies running up the sides, a tight red shirt and denim jacket that matched his pants. His hair was brushed out and gelled and he wore just a hint of eyeliner accenting his stark blue eyes. The accessories he picked out were simple; his Leo pendant, turquoise bracelet and the ring Justin gave him for Christmas. He looked around in awe at the sheer size of the building. When he made eye contact with the officer behind the front desk; he walked toward the old man with a smile on his face. As he sauntered across the room he could feel the eyes boring holes through him. He wanted nothing more than to hurry up and find Justin, have lunch, then leave.

As JC approached the desk the officer turned away under the guise of working on some report. JC stood by the desk waiting for the old police officer to address him but the officer did not.

“Um…excuse me sir,” JC asked shyly fidgeting with the carry out bag. The man still ignored him. “Sir… could you help me please?” he asked politely.

“Son nothing on God’s green Earth can help you,” the officer sneered turning toward the nervous brunette.

“Excuse me. I’m sorry I couldn’t hear you,” JC pretended. When the officer did not reply JC asked his question again. “Could you help me find someone? I’m looking for…”

Other officers crowed closer, making JC feel uncomfortable. “I’m sorry you must have the wrong building, this is City Patrol. Fashion Patrol is just down the street.” JC looked down at his cloths and sighed disheartened as the officers whom had gathered laughed at him.

“No…I…I wasn’t …looking for the Fa.fashion patrol. I…I’m just…just looking…” JC stuttered amongst the laughter. “Umm… will you…you help me?”

“I know who you’re looking for,” the old man scoffed. “If you ask me he’s a disgrace to this department.” His eyebrows furrowed, “And no… I’m not gonna help you. Faggot.” The old officer turned his back on the young man and continued his work. The laughter became louder leaving JC feeling ashamed and embarrassed of who he was.

“Ss… sorry for… for interrupting you.”

“Sorry for interrupting you,” an officer mimicked.

JC slipped away from the growing crowd, hearing snide remarks as he left the foyer of the building. He wandered the hallway for a while looking for any clue of Justin’s whereabouts. He looked over his shoulder a few times making sure no one was following him and he sat down on a bench with Justin and his lunch in his lap, nearly crying. He sniffed, “Why won’t anyone help me?”

“I’ll help you,” a smooth voice answered. JC looked up and was greeted with soft brown eyes. “My name is Chris. What can I help you with?”

“Umm… I…” he sniffed again.

“Hey. It’s okay. What happened? Why are you crying?” Chris sat down beside the younger man and wrapped his arm around his shoulders. The stranger flinched. “You can tell me.”

“They… they wouldn’t help me…they laughed at me. I was so… so embarrassed. I just wanted to find my…my boyfriend and they wouldn’t help.” JC once again began toying with the bag in his lap. “I… just wanted to find Justin.”

It dawned on Chris as to whom he was speaking with, the famous JC. “Well, is that his lunch.” JC nodded his head. “He’s been waiting for it.”

“I know… I tried finding him. No… no one would help me.”

“I’ll take you to him.” Chris was rewarded with a contagious smile. He smiled back. “Yeah, he’s just up those stairs and he’s been dying to see you. It’s all he’s been talking about.”

“Really?” JC eyes lit up. “I hope he isn’t mad that his lunch is cold, cuz, I think it is and I don’t think he likes cold rice, I know I don’t.”

Wow, he’s just too cute, Chris thought. “Come on, cutie. Let’s go find Justin.” The older brunette grabbed JC’s hand and led him up the stairs.


**

Justin looked down at his watch wondering where his boyfriend was. He tapped his fingers on his desk impatiently. The blond had felt his lover’s presence enter the building nearly twenty minutes ago. “Where is he?” he asked Joey.

“Justin it’s only quarter after, maybe he got stuck in traffic or something.”

“No, Joey,” not wanting to admit that he knew JC was in the building. “It’s not like him to be late, especially if its something he really wants to do and meeting my friends is like on the top of his list.”

“He’ll be here, then.” Just as Joey finished his comment he saw the change in Justin facial expression. “What? What is it?” Justin stood up and walked by Joey and out of the office. Joey turned around and immediately noticed JC.

When JC’s eyes met Justin’s he smiled all sadness forgotten. The brunette nearly ran over Chris in order to reach Justin. “Hey, baby,” Justin greeted.

“Justin, I’m so glad I found you.” He hugged Justin tight against his body and kissed his neck. Ignoring the looks he and JC were receiveing, Justin slowly removed JC’s hard hot body from his own and looked into his eyes.

“Why are your eyes red, sweetie?” he asked as he maneuvered the brunette into his office, followed by Joey and Chris.

“Umm… no one downstairs would help me find you and I was worried you’d be upset cuz your lunch was cold.” JC sat down in Justin’s chair and eagerly emptied the bag.

Justin looked at Chris. “Evidently, the guys up front gave him a hard time. I found him sitting on a bench about ready to cry. I asked him what was wrong and he told me that no one would help him and they embarrassed him,” Chris whispered.

“Baby,” Justin addressed JC in a sorrowful tone. “Why were you late?”

JC licked the grease off of his fingers and sighed. He gazed up at Justin through thick elegant eyelashes. “No one would help me. You’re not mad at me are you? I didn't mean for your food to get cold,” the brunette replied sadly.

“No…no, I just want to know what the officers said to you downstairs.” Justin knelt in front of JC.

“I don’t want to talk about it, Justin.” The brunette handed Justin his box of Chinese and then settled back into the chair. “I don’t want to ruin our lunch, sugah. I just want to forget about it. Please.”

“For now. Later, though okay. Will you tell me later?” JC nodded his head. “Okay, good.” Justin grabbed his chopsticks and sat in the chair recently vacated by Joey. Between mouthfuls of food Justin introduced JC to his friends. “This is Joey, whom I know you’ve seen before but never actually spoken to, and this is Chris. He works with the forensics team here.” He stopped to take another mouthful, chewed and swallowed, “Guys, this is my housemate and lover, Joshua.”

JC immediately stood up, spilling some of the contents of his lunch and wiped his hands on his jeans. He then extended it out toward the two men Justin just introduced. “JC, please. That’s what everyone calls me; I don’t know why they call me that they just do. But you guys can call me it and then everyone I know will call me….”

“Baby,” Justin interrupted. He patted his lap, “C’mere.” JC made his way toward Justin and settled himself in his boyfriend’s lap. “Chris could you get the blinds for me. I don’t really appreciate gawkers.”

Chris smiled, “Sure no problem.” The eldest brunette walked toward the blinds; noticing the amount of people who were staring at them and gratefully closed them. “Mind your own fucking business,” he whispered.

“Thanks, Chris.” Justin leaned forward and kissed JC, licking the outside of his lips and then delving inside. “Mmmm… I’ve missed you baby.”

“And I, you.” JC leaned closer whispering into Justin’s ear, “Did you like my bath, sugah?” The brunette licked the younger man’s ear.

“How’d you know?”

“Please, Justin. I’m not that stupid. I’ve been with you for a few years, I know more than you think.”

“You’ve been on the internet haven’t you?” the younger man teased.

JC blushed, “No.” The brunette curled up into Justin resting his head under his boyfriend’s chin; drawing circles on his chest. Justin’s hand rubbed the small of JC’s back while he addressed Joey.

“So, are you two better now that you’ve met JC,” the blond smiled. “You’ve got nothing to worry about, JC is 100% mine and nothing or no one is gonna change that.”

“What are you talking about?” Chris asked.

“Come on. Do you think I’m blind or something? Tell me what’s going on between you two.” Justin rested one of his hands on JC’s strong thigh soothing the tenseness from it.

“We don’t have a clue what you’re talking about Justin,” Joey looked away from the blond detective making eye contact with Chris.

“Okay, so now you’re calling me stupid. That’s fine if you don’t want to tell me, but eventually you will and when you do, I’m gonna be like, I told you so.”

“Justin? I don’t mean to butt in,” JC whispered.

“What sweetie?”

“Where’s the bathroom?”

“If you walk straight out of here all the way to the back wall and then turn leftyou'll see it, you can’t miss it.”

“Okay,” JC maneuvered himself off of Justin’s lap.

“When you get back you can tell me how Zinfield’s went this morning.” Justin slapped JC small curvy ass as he walked away.

“I didn’t go,” JC simply stated.

“What? JC why didn't you go to work this morning?”

JC looked down at the ground, “I took a bath instead, I just didn’t feel like going.”

“Hey, look at me.” JC’s eyes met his. “Why didn’t you go to work?”

“I told you, I took a bath and then time just sort of got a way from me. I knew I was coming here for lunch, so I just got ready. You know it takes me a while to look this good. I wouldn’t have enough time to look good for you had I gone to work; so I didn’t.”

“You at least called them to let them know, right.” JC looked down again, “Right.”

“I’ve gotta go to the bathroom,” JC whispered and then turned and walked out of the office toward the restrooms.”

When JC was out of earshot Justin spoke to Joey and Chris. “Sometimes, it’s like taking care of mentally impaired person.” Looking up at Joey, “It’s like I need to be with him holding his hand or he won’t do it right. The only time he’s like really confident is when he’s working at Lou’s.”

“Lou’s?” Chris questioned, “you mean he’s a stripper. Wow, lucky you.”

“No, not lucky me. And that’s just the reason, right there. Right now you’re standing there thinking about my boyfriend dancing around naked. I hate that, I hate the fact others have seen my baby, naked.”

“Justin, I don’t think comparing JC to a mentally impaired person will help with his insecurities. I mean it’s not that bad, and besides tell me you don’t like it when he is totally dependent on you. Who wouldn’t be? I’m also sure, however, that JC is completely able to take care of himself but is just afraid of making the wrong decisions. Maybe you should talk to him about it.”

“Yeah, maybe Joey. Maybe?”

***

JC walked acrossed the detective’s room, passing cubicle upon cubicle. He again felt the stares of others penetrating him. The brunette closed his jacket and wrapped his arms tight around his stomach. He could hear faint whispering of the word, fag and other nasty words. JC kept his head down trying desperately to ignore the comments and he was almost at the bathroom door when he heard laughter coming from just behind him. “Hey, Sweetheart. Where you going? The ladies room is the other direction.” Again, the laughter, “Hey, I’m talking to you. Turn around. Fag boy.”

JC slowly turned around and faced the person who was harassing him. “What?” JC said softly.

“I said the ladies room is in the other direction.”

“I don’t want the ladies room, I need the men’s room and it’s right there.” JC pointed toward the door with the male figure on it. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna go use it.” JC turned away and hurried into the bathroom. He entered a stall and locked it; fearful the person would follow him in.

“Hey Nick you gonna let some faggot talk to you like that.”

“Yeah, I guess the little missy showed you,” the room erupted with laughter causing Chris to look out the door.

“Is that what you think,” Nick stood up, “I’ll show you.” The blond detective walked toward and into the bathroom shutting the door and bracing it shut with a chair that sat just inside the room. “Hey, fag boy. Why don’t you come out here?”

JC flushed the toilet and took a deep breath. He slowly unlocked the stall door and opened it. His wrist was grabbed instantly and he was roughly hauled against the wall face first; arm wrenched behind his back, “Let, go of me.”

“I don’t think so, fag boy,” Nick sneered. “It’s time you and me had a little chat.”

Nick tightened his hold on JC’s wrist and forced it further back. Leaning his body into the prone victim he slurred, “So, I finally get to meet Justin’s cock cozy. Hmmm… not much are you. Some scrawny wannabe hanging desperately onto your meal ticket the only way you know how; sex.”

JC squirmed, “Shut up, ahhhh,” Nick’s hold again intensified. “I’m not listening to you, ass… asshole,” JC panted, chest heaving, heart racing.

“Oh, the old I’m not listening to you bit, I’m sure if your arms were free you’d have your fingers stuck in your ears, wouldn’t you.”

“Let me go.” JC’s eyes began tearing up, but the older man held them back. He did not want his tears used as a weapon against him. He was a very emotional person and he hated when people used his emotions against him, throwing them back into his face. The brunette began mentally counting, calming his emotions down; something Justin taught him.

“What are you gonna do about it Fairy Queen? Are you gonna cry? Wouldn’t that be extra special?” The blond leaned closer adding pressure onto the wrenched arm, “Come on cry, you fucking wuss.”

“What do you want from me? I haven’t done anything to you.”

Nick grabbed a handful of auburn hair and jerked JC’s head back. “You exist,” he sneered. “You eat, sleep and breathe. That’s what you’ve done to me. You don’t deserve to live, you’re an abomination to this earth and God’s creations.”

JC moved his free hand back and grabbed Nick’s wrist, “Ahh, stop… stop it. Hurts.” he sniffed.

“Not nearly enough.” He let loose the hair and quickly spun the smaller man around. JC tried freeing himself by slapping at Nick, but the younger blond was quicker, pinning JC’s wrists behind the brunette’s back. Leaning on JC’s side, Nick maneuvered his handhold, recovering one of his large menacing hands. “You know,” Nick whispered, “I’m glad you came today.” JC’s steel eyes darted toward Nick and then quickly away. “I finally get to let my feelings be known. I mean all this time I’ve had to keep my mouth shut about Justin cuz the lieutenant likes him so much, but now you’ve graced my life and I can speak freely about you as much as I want. I can finally express how I really feel about your kind; I fucking despise queers. Your type makes me sick. So sick that I want to throw up, and right now being this close to one makes my stomach churn. And I just want to lash out and eradicate what’s making me feel this way.” The pinned brunette’s body began shivering. “That’s right pansy ass, be afraid, cuz I will hurt you physically; mentally anytime anywhere.”

Nick reached down JC’s quivering body and grabbed his crotch. “This, you fucking whore” he sneered, “Isn’t made to fuck some guy’s ass, it’s made for a woman. Are you a woman? You’re the one, who spreads their legs, aren’t you? You’re the real freak of nature. I know Justin is just doing what comes naturally, sticking his dick in a hole. He’s to much of a man to take it up the ass,” pressing hard against JC’s crotch, “Isn’t he? Answer me.” JC nodded his head once, “Now you on the other hand…”

“Shut up,” JC yelled shaking his head back and forth while standing on his tiptoes trying his best in alleviating the amount of pressure on his cock. “Please, let me go.”

Nick only squeezed harder, “Shut up,” he mimicked JC’s plea. “It’s gonna take a lot more than your screeching to make me quit.” He leaned his face closer toward JC’s, “A lot, maybe a blowjob would do it, if it were good, then I’d be able to maybe figure out why Justin keeps you around? Do you give good head, little fag boy? Hmm..”

JC’s mind raced. He needed a way out of his current situation. The brunette scoured his mind thinking of all the different things Justin had taught him. Finally, it came to him and without a second thought he turned his head and faced Nick, reared back and slammed his forehead against Nick’s exposed nose. JC felt a spattering of wet liquid splash against his face and neck. He smiled.

“Ahhhh, you little mother fucking queer,” Nick shoved JC with as much strength as he could muster with one arm as the other covered his nose.

The brunette stumbled backwards and lost his balance falling ungracefully and hard against the unyielding concrete floor; bouncing his head off the surface. JC’s vision blurred. He vaguely heard Nick swearing at him and water running from somewhere in the room. JC tried getting up twice but failed both attempts. The older man lay on the floor gathering his senses. His body finally responded when he rolled over onto his side, hoping he would obtain enough momentum to reach his knees. JC was successful. Once he was on his knees, he grabbed the garbage can and used it for guiding his efforts. When he was on his feet, he turned around just in time for Nick Carter’s eyes staring him in the face.

Nick’s hands entangled in JC’s denim jacket slamming the smaller male against he wall. His shoulders were smashed hard into the immovable concrete blocks; however, a large protruding object rammed itself just under JC’s shoulder blade. JC’s eyes closed upon impact, head turned toward the door and lower lip pinched between teeth. “You fucking queer. You don’t belong here. You’re not welcomed here. So get your skinny faggot ass out of my precinct, before you seriously get hurt.” Nick pulled JC from the wall and then back into it one more time before storming out of the restroom, leaving a dazed watery-eyed JC.

*

Justin looked down at his watch a second time that afternoon. He tilted his head sideways and out the door, staring at the entrance of the men’s room. “Where is he?”

“Aren’t you mister worry wart?” Joey teased.

“I am when it comes to JC. I worry a lot about him.” Justin answered as he settled back into his chair.

Laughter once again erupted from the main room, and Chris turned his head in response, staring out the doorway. He noticed Nick sitting down at his desk and a gun shy JC coming from the bathroom. The brunette’s cloths were rumpled and his hair disheveled. He was holding one arm tight against his lean frame and gingerly walked toward Justin’s office. As the man past each cubicle a remark was made that caused JC’s eyes to tear but he wasn’t crying. His attempts in walking faster were short leaved as the movement caused his groin to smart. Chris recognized the discomfort and turned toward Justin. “You better get out there.”

“What, why? What’s wrong?”

“Those goons are at it again. They’re laughing at him.”

Justin tore from his chair and ran out the door followed quickly by Joey and Chris. When he took in the sight of his lover his heart sank. “Shut the fuck up you bastards. Stop fucking laughing,” Justin screamed. The room went eerily silent as Justin approached JC, who stopped in the middle of the room, looking lost and confused. When Justin reached his lover he engulfed him in an emotional hug, protecting him from the taunts and laughter. JC’s arms immediately wrapped around Justin’s mid section and he buried his face in the younger man’s chest, ashamed.

“Awww, isn’t that cute,” Nick said breaking the awkward silence. “The little dick toy is seeking comfort from his…

The words faded from Justin’s ears as he looked down at his boyfriend, “Hey, baby. What happened?” He softly kissed the top of JC’s head and ran his hand up the back of it, finding a warm wet spot. “What the hell?” Justin whispered afraid of looking at his fingers. He was familiar with the sensation, he knew what it was, blood. Justin’s mind was clouded with short clips and visions of what occurred between JC and his faceless opponent. The younger man tilted JC’s head up. “Are you okay, sweetie? What happened in there?”

JC pulled Justin closer, not meeting the younger man’s eyes. “I want…want to go home,” he said his voice barely audible. “Please. I… I don’t belong… belong here.”

“What? That’s crazy. Who told you that?” JC’s body trembled when Nick spoke again. Justin didn’t need JC to answer him. He knew the answer upon feeling his boyfriend’s reaction. “Baby, shhh… it’s all right. I’ll take care of everything okay.”

“He ruined… ruined my clothes.”

“Aw, sweetie.” Justin cupped JC’s chin; soothing the older man by caressing the brunette’s cheek with his large thumb. “I’ll get you some new ones.” He bent down and placed a soft kiss on the smaller man’s forehead.

The brunette’s hands tightened in Justin’s shirt pulling the blond impossibly closer, his nose touched the blonde’s exposed Adam’s apple, “He… he touched…touched me,” JC’s breath ghosted over his neck. “It hurts.”

Upon hearing JC’s ghastly confession Justin’s mind played out the scene. He noticed a blond man with his large hand around JC cock, inflicting pain. He watched horrified as the blond asked JC for a blowjob, insinuating it as the reason why Justin ‘kept’ him around. Justin’s snapped back to reality, “He what?” Justin yelled. He felt the body in his embrace tense up. Justin quickly softened his voice, “It’s not your fault, sweetie, I’m not mad at you.” The brunette nodded his head against Justin’s chest. Laughter filled the room again as JC clung to Justin for support, burying himself within the younger man.

Justin beckoned Chris toward him. “Chris, would you take JC back into the office for me and get him some ice. There should be some in the mini frig. If there isn’t, wait there, I don’t want him left alone, anymore. I’ve all ready made that mistake twice.”

“Sure thing,” Chris approached JC. When he reached out and touched the younger brunette he flinched away once more. “Come on Josh, let’s get you some ice for that bump.” JC did not answer him. Instead, he looked up at Justin who nodded his head, and then JC reluctantly let go of his blond lover and went with Chris into the office. Once the door was closed, Justin lit into the group of his coworkers.

“I fucking can’t believe you ingrates.” He hissed. “My boyfriend, yes that’s right, my boyfriend, comes in here to have lunch with me and you guys taunt and tease him. All he wanted to do was meet you assholes, to actually meet the people I worked with everyday. That’s all he wanted and you fuckers deliberately made him feel worthless and ashamed of who he is. How fucking dare you?” Justin paused and scanned the room waiting for someone to speak. When no one spoke Justin continued. “I know there are others in this precinct who are just like JC and me, but are too afraid to say anything. I promised those individual that I would never tell anyone here about them. But there you sit; dishing the same shit out, you, yourselves were afraid of receiving.”

“Are you finished yet, Timberlake, cuz I’ve had just about enough of your soap box.”

“No Nick, I’m not finished,” he hissed. Justin turned his back on the other detective and addressed the rest of the precinct, “How can you guys sit there and make someone second guess who they are, I mean its hard enough dealing with everyday shit, then to have to hear it here... If I hear anybody else saying cruel things to JC, you’ll have to deal with me.”

“Timberlake, do you even know what your saying. I mean come on... I think that two bit…

“Don’t even finish that sentence, Nick.”

Nick smiled evilly, “whore has you confused about your sexuality. He’s a sylph.”

“Nick Carter, you least of all should be opening their trap, I know what you did to him in the bathroom. I know what happened. Do you want me to tell everyone in this room what happened? How a gay man kicked your ass?”

“That’s not true…”

“You’re right Nick…”

“See…”

“JC isn’t homosexual, he’s bisexual. I’m the gay man in the partnership.”

“You…” Nick’s face paled.

“I saw what you did in a vision, Nick,” Justin said as he pointed toward his temple. “I saw JC lay you out with a head butt to the nose.” The room full of men began laughing at the larger blond male. “How does it feel, Nick? How does it fill to be laughed at?”

“That fucking fag did no such thing. I… he never touched me; I’m the one who taught him a lesson. Not the other way around.” Nick stood up from his chair and walked toward Justin. “Why don’t you get your cock slut out here and prove once and for all what happened?”

“Nick, you say one more thing like that and they’ll need a stretcher for you.”

Nick ignored Justin’s warning, “Chris, bring the fag boy out here.”

“Fuck you, Nick,” a voice rang from Justin’s office.

“Chris I’m warning you… bring him out here.”

Chris walked out of the office empty handed and toward Nick. Once he reached the taller man, he lifted himself up on his tiptoes and screamed at the top of his lungs, “Fuck you, Nick.” Nick tumbled back, “I thought maybe you couldn’t hear me,” Chris smirked. “I guess I was wrong.” Joey chuckled.

“Why you little son of a bitch? I’ll fucking kick your ass if you ever do that again.”

“Whoa… I’m shaking in my shoes.” Chris looked down at his feet, “really I am.” He shrugged his shoulder, “I don’t get it, normally when you threaten me, my legs get all wobbly and my knees and feet start shaking, but now nothing. Hmm…” Joey laughed again, and Chris smiled at him.

“Shut the fuck up Chris,” Nick turned his attention back in the direction of Justin. “Well, if you’re so fucking proud of you’re whore, than why don’t you tell everyone what he does for a living, where you two met,” Nick screamed. Justin looked down at his shoes. “That’s right, not so proud of the little dick toy now are you?”

“Nick…” Justin clenched his fists. “Josh works at Zinfield’s as a waiter. He’s been there for about four months now.”

“Hmmm… that’s interesting. So what did he do prior to waiting tables? I mean after all you two have been together for more than four months, right. You can correct me if I’m wrong anytime now.” Nick glanced around the room and noticed the rest of the gathered men sat anxiously awaiting Justin’s answer. The larger blond smiled, I’ve got you now Justin. “What did he,” Nick addressed the crowd of officers and detectives, “and still does mind you… do?”

Justin felt JC’s presences as the brunette stood in the doorway of his office; arms wrapped defensively around his flat stomach. The curly blond caught JC’s eyes and a huge prideful smile spread acrossed his face. “My baby is the most beautiful and intoxicating dancer I’ve ever seen.” Justin paused, “We met at Lou’s where he dances, and it was love at first sight. It was the beginning of my life.” Justin reached his hand out toward JC silently beckoning his lover, and JC moved gracefully toward him.

Angry that his plan did not work, Nick lashed out, and before JC could reach Justin the upset blond grabbed JC by his jacket forcing the brunette around.

“Hey, let him go.”

Nick sneered at JC, “Faggot,” and pushed him backward toward Justin.

Justin had little time to react, but he reached his lover before he landed on the ground. “I’m sorry,” he whispered into JC’s ear; holding him close. The younger man hoisted JC up and passed him over toward Joey. “Keep him safe.” Before Joey could say anything, Justin had made his move.

**

“Justin…” JC screamed as the younger man tackled Nick into a cubicle. It was all Joey could do in keeping JC where Justin wanted him, in his grasp.

“Josh, calm down. It’ll be all right. Justin can take care of himself.” Joey tightened his hold on the slender waist. “Besides, it needs to be done.”

“What if he gets hurt?” JC’s sad soft eyes penetrated Joey’s soul.

“He probably will,” Joey answered honestly, “but it’d be worth it, in his mind.” The detective loosened his hold on the older man when he felt the slender body give a little. Unfortunately, it was just enough for JC to break free from him. Joey lunged for JC, but missed in his attempt. “No, JC get back here.” Joey watched helplessly as JC joined into the fight. “Oh, god. Justin is gonna kill me.”

**

The crowd gathered around the two contestants, confining the area in which they fought. Justin had Nick pinned, fairly, on the floor and smashed his fist into the other blonde’s face; not caring about the amount of hurt he caused him. Justin’s fist only connected with Nick’s face once. He never saw the foot coming; he only felt it when it landed just under his ribcage; forcing Justin off of Nick and knocking the air from his lungs. The larger male took advantage and straddled Justin. Justin felt the weight of Nick’s body crushing his already bruised ribs. He felt Nick’s fist hit the side of his face but could do nothing about it; his arms were pinned underneath Nick’s thick knees.

Nick grabbed a handful of curls, “Is he really worth it, Justin, huh?” Nick lifted his hand up near his shoulder and was about to strike when he felt a soft un-calloused grip engulf his wrist. The larger blond was pulled off of Justin and as his body turned his face was met with a small delicate fist, smashing his nose once again. Nick quickly covered his face as the blood poured from the broken nose. He attempted the deflection of another punch, but it easily broke through his feeble defense. The fist glanced off of his strong chin, head snapped to one side, causing a gash in his skin. Nick was waiting for a third blow, but it never came.

When Nick looked up and opened his eyes he noticed JC being held back by his partner, Kevin Richardson. Nick’s face took on a wicked glow as he observed the helpless position the brunette was in. Kevin had JC arms pinned behind him in a half Nelson, and no one could get out of Kevin’s hold, Nick thought. He swiftly got up off the ground; kicking Justin in the kidneys making sure he was still down. He approached the harnessed man, gripped the fragile chin and tipped JC’s head slightly back. “I’m so gonna enjoy this.” Nick’s fist collided with JC’s unblemished face, knocking it to one side. JC cried out as the sensation of pain rifled its way through his face. He tried escaping Kevin’s intense hold before Nick was able to strike him again but to no avail. The larger man roughly snatched the chin a second time, straightened and repositioned the bleeding face in front of him once more, and struck JC in the exact same area, cutting the brunette’s lower lip and bruising his chin; blood spattering on his denim jacket.

The crowd ooooed and awed, but none of the watchers did anything to help JC against two men who were both twice the size of the brunette. When Joey recognized what was happening he quickly jumped into the fray. Although the crowd was not working to his advantage, slowing him up at every turn. The officers and detectives in the circle wanted to see blood.

“Uhnnnn…” JC moaned and instinctively licked his lips. His chin was slumped against his shoulder, a trail of red marring his tawny skin.

“Oh, I’m sooo not done with you yet,” Nick sneered. He reared his fist back a third time intent on hurting JC severely, but another stopped his momentum. Nick looked over his shoulder and was surprised to see who stilled his arm. “Joey,” he gasped, “this is none of your fucking business.”

“Yeah, says who. And explain how this is Kevin’s business.” Joey used his superior strength and forced Nick’s arm behind his back and leading him away from the prone JC. As he walked by Justin he noticed, Chris helping him up. The blond caught sight of the struggling brunette and howled with anger. He charged Kevin, whom immediately let go of JC. The dancer having no strength left slumped onto the floor.

Justin stopped and knelt down beside JC. He carefully picked the brunette’s upper body up off the ground and huddled it close to his. Justin cared little of the blood that was seeping into his suit or for the people who were now dispersing. His main concern was the pain and condition of his lover. He kissed the top of JC’s head, “Baby… baby are… are you all right?” He rocked the nearly unconscious form. “Speak to me sweetie, please.” Tears were now making a slow descent down Justin’s discolored cheek; staring deeply sadly into steel eyes. “Please,” he whined.

“I’m… fine,” JC said as he pushed slightly way from Justin’s heaving chest. “I… I’m not a… a doll. I won’t break.”

“Don’t be angry. I’m…” Justin’s expression was one of shock.

JC reached a trembling hand up and gently soothed his lover’s cheek, brushing his thumb acrossed it. Justin leaned into the touch wrapping his hand around JC’s; savoring the silky feel of the brunette’s hand. JC tilted his head sideways following Justin’s and smiled through swollen and bloody lips, “I’m not,” he whispered. He trailed his hand down bruised skin and across parted lips. “I’m not.”

Their moment was interrupted when Justin jerked his shoulder forward, moving it away from an unknown touch. “Relax, Justin, it’s just me.” Chris knelt down beside Justin placing a caring hand on JC’s hip.

“Fancy you show up now, after its all said and done,” Justin accused staring hard at Chris. “We don’t need your help. We don’t need anyone’s help.” The blond felt a soft caress against the palm of his hand and looked down in time to see the JC pulling his battered lips away from it.

“It’s okay, Justin,” JC whispered. “Let them help.” Justin nodded his head.

“Look, Justin. I stayed out of it because I wasn’t involved. It wasn’t my fight.”

“It should’ve been, cuz, he was talking about you and Joey too.”

“Enough talk, let’s get you two cleaned up. If I’m not mistaken; Justin you’ve an appointment in less than an hour, and JC you’ve got to go to work.” He looked sternly at the younger brunette. “I don’t think you want to miss the second half of you shift, now do you?”

“No,” he whispered eyes fixed on the floor. “I’ll… I…”

“Do you want to go home and get cleaned up, sweetie, or stay here?” Justin asked petting a denim-clad arm.

JC’s battered face turned in Justin’s direction upon hearing his voice. “Home.”

“K, will go home.” Justin stood up and offered a hand toward JC who immediately accepted it. The blond hauled the older man up and hugged him close keeping his lover upright. JC was still appeared a bit wobbly from Nick’s assault; wrapped his arms around Justin’s trim waist, and rubbed his uninjured cheek against Justin’s chest.

“Joey,” Justin yelled. The detective ran into the room. “Where is Nick?”

“A safe distance from you and Rocky,” Joey smiled warmly at JC. “You really fucked his nose up,” he laughed. JC’s cheeks flushed red. “I didn’t know you had it in ya, but it’s good for future reference that’s for sure.”

“Joey,” Justin’s tone serious, “I need you to make an excuse up for me to tell the Lieutenant.”

“Why?” Chris hit his arm, “Oh… never mind. Sure. I think Chris and I can come up with a pretty good excuse.” He scratched his head, “Um… are you taking JC home.”

“Yeah,” he pulled JC closer, “I’m gonna take care of him before he has to go into work.” He lifted the brunette’s chin toward him and inspected the damage. “Nothing a little makeup won’t cover.”

“Riiight.” Chris looked at Joey. “What about Justin’s interview with victim three’s ‘roommate’?”

“I’ll just call him and tell 'em we’ll be a bit later than first anticipated.”

“Fine,” Justin kissed the top of JC’s head once more. “I don’t know when I’ll be back in Joey, but I’ll call you as soon as I leave the house.” Joey nodded his head in acknowledgement. “Okay, you ready to go.”

“Yeah.” Justin and JC walked out of the detective wing and in the hallway with Justin’s arm wrapped tightly around JC’s narrow waist for everyone to witness; guiding him out of the precinct.



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