The next morning Jc walked out in his snow gear. Tiffany's eyebrows raised. She hadn't seen him in full winter gear in a long time. The inn had alway been first. She knew her boss didn't ever take a day for himself. 
"Where are you going?" She asked. 
"Snow boarding."
"Oh really? Damn boss I think it's been years since you took a day off. Are you just going?"
Right then Justin walked up dressed to go. Tiffany's grin widened even more. 
"Good morning Justin." 
"Morning Tiffany," he said smiling at her. "Hey you ready?"
"Yea just need to double check some things," Jc replied.
"Boss man everything is fine, go. I don't want to see you until dinner."
"Come on Josh let's go," Justin said pulling on his arm.
Tiffany watched as Jc's cheeks turned red. But a small smile formed. 
"Be careful," she said. 
"We will."
"Make sure he doesn't go tumbling down the mountain Justin."
"Tiff," Jc warned. 
"Should I remind you of the one time?"
"Goodbye Tiffany!" Jc said walking away.
"What happened?" Justin asked curiously. 
"Nothing," he mumbled. 
"Don't break any bones, cuz I don't want to have to deal with you!" Tiffany called as the door shut.
Justin laughed and Jc shook his head and rolled his eyes. 
"I'm going to guess you broke bones one time."
"One time. And I will never live it down."
"Let's not break any bones today," Justin said as they walked to Jc's car.
"Yea, I would prefer not to as well."
They put the rest of their gear and boards in the car and got started on the drive to Jc's favorite mountain. 
"So how many bones did you break?"
"Justin."
"What? I'm just making conversation."
Jc took a deep breath and kept his eyes on the road. "Five bones."
"Five!?" Justin exclaimed. "Jeez Josh."
"Yea was in the hospital for a little while."
"What the hell did you do?" 
"Hit a rock and lost balance and couldn't stop. I just kept rolling down the mountain."
"I do not want to see that."
Jc laughed. "I wish I had a video of it actually." 
"Oh no. I wouldn't want to watch that." 
Driving into the ski lodge Jc parked the car. 
"Ready?" Justin said putting his gloves in his pocket.
"Are you?"
"More then ready let's go."
They walked to the building carrying all of their gear. 
"Hey Jc." The guy behind the counter yelled when they walked in.
"Matt man, how are you?"
"Good how are you?" He said looking over at Justin then to Jc. 
Justin watched as the younger man smiled.
"You want to go on your favorite mountain?"
"Is it open?"
"It sure is." 
Jc pulled his wallet out and paid for the two of them. Matt handed then each their ticket to put on their coats. 
"Have fun."
"Thanks Matt," Jc said taking Justin's hand. 
"Do you know everyone?"
Jc laughed. "It's a small town Justin have you forgotten that plus I'm the only inn in the town."
Justin just smiled. He couldn't believe that Jc had actually taken his hand. He didn't want to say anything or make a reaction of it. But his insides were smiling and enjoying the feel of their hands interlocked together. 
Getting out to the slopes, Justin looked around. There was a restaurant with tables outside. Many people were sitting there having a beer. The slopes were pretty empty. 
"Which one is your favorite?"
"We have to go up first," Jc said smiling. 
He walked them over to the lift. Sitting on one of the carriers, it started making its way slowly up. Justin was shocked at how beautiful everything was. The mountains were gorgeous and it was a perfectly clear blue sky day for this. Jc watched him look around as the lift took them higher. 
"We're not at the top yet?" Justin asked looking behind them at how far they had come. 
"It's the highest mountain Jus. It's the best one."
Justin's head snapped to looked at Jc. 
"What did you just call me?"
Jc swallowed. "Jus. I hope that's ok."
"Nobody has ever called me that before. I like that."
"I don't have to. I'm sorry, I have a tendency to give everyone a nickname."
"As long as you let me call you Josh. I know it shocked you last night."
"It had been awhile." 
"So we have a deal?" Justin asked smiling. 
He watched Jc smile and again he took Justin's hand in his. Justin gripped it as tight as he could through the gloves they had on. 
"We have a deal."
They sat there holding hands as the lift brought them to the top. 
"So this the same mountain you fell down?" Justin asked as they got off the lift.
"Yep."
They put their boards on and made their way to the edge. Justin looked down and couldn't help but mumble oh shit. 
"See you down there," Jc said smiling then pushing off sending him down the mountain. 
Justin's mouth dropped. He was good. Pushing off Justin sent himself down the mountain. 
Jc reached the bottom first with a huge smile on his face. He turned and watched Justin come down. When reached his side he looked at his watch. 
"Man it took you long enough."
"You didn't tell me you were a fucking pro."
Jc busted out laughing. Making Justin almost want to jump him right there and then. The laugh was the best sound he had ever heard. 
"I'm not a pro Jus. I've just been doing it since I was ten."
"Well damn, you could have fooled me." 
"Another go?" 
Justin got off his board and picked he up. "Let's go," he said with a grin. "This time I'll be better prepared."
"For what?"
"Beating your ass."
"In your dreams," Jc grinned. 
"You're on now inn keeper," Justin said laughing. 
They spent the rest of the morning going down the slopes. Justin could never get to the bottom first. Jc tried not rubbing it in but there were a few times he just couldn't help it. Justin was a good sport about it and Jc found that endearing. 
They went to the lodge and had a lunch of hot chili to warm them up. They couldn't help but sit close to one another talking quietly. Justin noticed Jc had let his guard down and he was slowly beginning to let Justin break the shell that was surrounding him. Justin couldn't help but put his arm around the back of Jc's chair as they talked enjoying every minute.
"You ready to go try to beat me?" Jc said giving him a smile. 
"You bet I am, but first," he said stopping. Putting his finger on the older mans chin he kissed his cold cheek. "Thanks for letting me in a little."
Quickly he kissed his cheek again then got up grabbing his board. Jc grinned and stood up with him. 
"Let's go," Jc said getting his own board. 
Getting back on the lift Jc took Justin's hand into his again. Justin turned his head to say something but noticed Jc was looking off in the distance. So he smiled and gripped his hand tighter. 
Something about Justin made Jc at ease. It was something he had never felt so quickly with someone. In fact, he had never ever felt like this about someone. It was happening too fast but he was trying really hard to enjoy it and not get scared instead. So he held Justin's hand because he wanted to. Because it felt good to. But he looked out over the scenery because it helped calm him. 
They spent the rest of the afternoon going up and down the mountain. Justin was in pure heaven. The mountain was perfect, the day had been perfect. He had even beat Jc down the hill once. Which made him cheer out loud. Jc laughed and pat him in his back. 
"It only took you all day."
"Hey at least I did it once," Justin said pushing him slightly. 
"One more time or are you done?"
"Nope let's go," he said grabbing his board then taking Jc's hand. 
After a few more rounds it was starting to get dark. The ski resort was beginning to close. Taking their boards off they headed to the car. Justin's body was killing him and he knew Jc's body was to by the way he kept moving in his seat. Nothing would feel more better then a hot shower. The day had been perfect. Nothing would take away from his mood. 
Pulling up to the hotel Jc shook his head at the brightly lit inn. He really hated those lights. Justin could see it in his face. So when they got out of the car, Justin picked up some snow and threw it at his unsuspected friend, hitting him in the back. When Jc felt the snow he turned quickly around. 
"What was that for?"
"What? I didn't do anything."
"Bullshit," Jc said bending down and picking up some snow then throwing it at Justin but missing. 
"Ah! You can snowboard but you can't throw to save your life," Justin giggled. 
Jc's eyes narrowed and he bent down to pick up more snow. Justin stood there sticking his tongue out. Jc quickly started making his way over to him when he was almost there Justin moved away and started running. The two went back and forth hitting each other with snow. Running around the back of the inn. Jc hide behind the shed with a large amount of snow. He watched quietly as Justin got closer. 
"Jc where did you go?" Justin called.
Jc couldn't stop the snicker. He hadn't had this much fun in a long time. With Justin everything was fun. He made him feel relaxed. What was he feeling? Was it love? His eyes widened, there was no way. But god he was enjoying every part of it. Maybe he was ready for this, he wanted this. Suddenly he was snapped out of his thoughts from a hard body knocking him over and into the snow. 
"What, you think you could hide from me?" Justin said laughing. 
Jc laughed. "No."
"What were you doing?" He said smearing snow on the older mans face. Jc coughed and laughed, shaking his head and trying to get the cold snow off his face. 
"Got lost in my thoughts. I was going to throw snow at you." 
Grabbing some snow he put it all over Justin's face, returning the favor. Justin couldn't help but laugh. He grabbed more snow and smashed it into Jc's face. 
"Brat!" Jc exclaimed spitting the snow out of his mouth. He quickly stopped Justin's laughs with a hand full of snow. 
The two rolled around on the ground getting each other with snow. Until Jc yelled uncle, stopping them. They laid on the cold snow covered ground laughing and breathing hard. Justin held Jc close to his body his arm wrapped around his shoulders. 
"It's cold out Jus."
"It's starting to snow again." 
"It is," Jc said with a smile. 
Before Justin could really overthink it, his lips were on Jc's. When he realized what he was doing he tried pulling away, afraid Jc would get upset with him, but Jc stopped him by kissing him back and putting his hand at the back of Justin's head, keeping their lips together. When they pulled back both men had a wide smile on their lips. 
"We should get inside before we get sick," Justin said kissing him softly again. Jc melted against his lips. 
"Yea I think all my clothes are wet."
"Come on." 
Jumping up, Justin brushed the snow off then held his hand out of Jc to pull him to his feet. His head was spinning. They had kissed. Everything in that was perfect. The way Jc's lips felt on his was something he would never be able to explain. 
Jc stood up and grinned. He brushed the snow off of himself then he couldn't help but lean forward and press his lips to Justin's. They both sighed softly. The coldness was all around them but their lips together was warm. Both felt something in that moment. 
Jc pulled back and opened his eyes. He was greeted with Justin's blues looking back at him. 
"You make me feel something I haven't ever felt before Justin," he whispered. 
"I think I'm falling in love with you. I want to be in love with you."
"Justin it's been a really long time," Jc said quietly and tensing at the word of love. 
"We are taking it slow, slow Josh," Justin said kissing him again. 
"Slow is good," Jc agreed nodding his head. 
"Now let's get inside. We're freezing."
They walked in through Jc's apartment door and took their coats off.
"Meet me back here for hot chocolate," Jc told him. 
Justin smiled and nodded his head. He took his board with him and walked to his room. As quickly as he could he stripped his wet clothes on his body. He laughed seeing most of his skin was red. Going through his suitcase he grabbed his sweats. His body was shivering. When he finished getting dressed he walked out of the room, running right into Tiffany. 
"Hey Tiffany."
"I thought I heard his truck coming in a long time ago."
"Yea we had a snow ball fight."
Tiffany laughed. "How was snowboarding?"
"Great besides he's a freaking pro."
"Yea, I should have warned you." 
"I have to get back," he said walking past her. 
Tiffany smiled as she watched him walk quickly to Jc's apartment. Something told her that her boss was wearing the same kind of smile. She turned around and went back to work.  
Justin opened the door and closed it behind him. Right away he heard Jc in the small kitchen. When he walked around the corner he was shocked to see him working over the stove without a shirt on. 
"Where's your shirt?" 
"In the dryer. Warms me up faster," Jc said laughing. 
Justin stood there frozen in place. Damn this man was fine. The muscles in his back were strong and prominent. Justin wanted to run his hands all over him. 
"You can come closer, you know," Jc said looking over his shoulder. 
Justin swallowed thickly and willed his feet to move. Jc took the hot water off the stove and poured it into the two mugs. 
"Are you hungry? I have a pizza I could put in the oven."
"That sounds good."
"Great," he said turning the oven on and going to the freezer. 
Justin couldn't take it. He walked over, stopped Jc from anymore movements and pressed his lip onto Jc's. 
Jc moaned softly in surprise. He felt Justin's hands go to his bare waist and his body shivered. Oh god, this felt so good.  
Their kissing became more intense. Justin took the chance and ran his tongue across Jc's bottom lip. He never felt so much of a need to be with someone. Slow Justin, don't scare him, he reminded himself. 
Jc felt Justin's tongue and he slowly allowed the younger mans tongue into his mouth. Their tongues met and they both moaned. They could feel the sparks being created as they kissed. Justin pulled Jc's body against his, holding him tightly. Jc ran his hands through Justin's soft curls, pulling slightly at them as their breathing became urgent. 
"Justin," he gasped. 
"If you don't put a shirt on I can't be held responsible for what happens."
"What will happen if I don't put a shirt on?" Jc said with a smile. 
"Are you trying to find out?" 
"Maybe..."
"Just a few minutes ago you wanted to go slow. This would not be slow Josh," Justin whispered. He kissed Jc's cheek then kissed his way to the side of his neck. 
"I know I want to go slow with you I do, but yet I want you. My brain is having conflicts." 
"If you're having conflicts, you should go put your shirt on. I want you, but I don't want you having conflicts over it. When we get there, I want you to be sure."
Jc wrapped his arms around Justin's waist and hugged him. He placed his head on Justin's shoulder and kissed his neck. Justin smiled. 
"Plus you're freezing." 
Pulling back Jc went to the other side of his apartment and grabbed his shirt. He felt warm as soon as he placed it on his body. When he walked back into the kitchen Justin was finishing up the hot chocolate and putting the pizza in the oven. He stood there staring, almost wishing this is what it was going to be like from now on. But in the back of his head he knew this was short lived. Justin would be going back to Memphis, home, and it would be only him again. He was getting his hopes up. 
What was he doing? Suddenly he was regretting how close he was getting. You're being a fool Jc. His brain was going into over drive. He was regretting everything from that day. The kisses they had shared, to the laughs, to holding Justin's hand. Even though it had felt so god damn good he was making a fool out of himself and of Justin. He couldn't let him in.  
Justin sensed Jc behind him. Grabbing the two mugs he turned around. His smiled dropped when he saw the look Jc's face. 
"Jc." 
"I'm being a fool,"Jc said sadly. 
Putting the mugs down on the counter, Justin walked slowly over. Taking Jc's hand into his he brought up and kissed the white knuckles softly. Then he placed his hand on Jc's cheek. Jc couldn't help but close his eyes and lean into his hand. He wanted Justin so badly. Wanted to know what it felt like being with a man again. To be loved again. 
"I so desperately want to be with someone again. I want to be with you Justin." 
"That's why we are going to take things slow." 
"You're going to leave me."
"I don't know what's going to happen in a few days, but I want just as much to be with you Josh. We're just going to take it all slow." 
"I'm so tired of being alone." 
"I don't want you to be alone, Josh. I don't. I want to be here for you."
Jc stepped away and grabbed the mugs. 
"I'm sorry. Come on let's go watch a movie. I have a couple of really funny ones." 
Justin shook his head at the hundred eighty degrees Jc had just taken. Then it hit him. Jc had just totally let his guard down. He had just seen how sad and lonely he truly was. Putting his hand on his heart he felt it breaking a little. 
He followed Jc into the small living room and sat on the couch. Jc started looking through his collection of movies and pulled one out and put it in the player. He joined Justin on the couch.
Justin got the blanket off the back of the couch and then pulled Jc against his body. Jc snuggled close and they put the blanket over both of their bodies. They each took sips of their hot chocolate. 
They spent the rest of the night watching the movie. When the movie ended Justin moved and noticed Jc had fallen asleep. He slowly got up off the couch and laid him down. 
"Night Josh," he whispered kissing his forehead. 
Turning the tv off along with the lights he left, heading to his room. Even though he was exhausted he couldn't sleep. He was in trouble. Everything about the day was amazing. He has been thinking about what would happen tomorrow or the next day. He would have to go home at some point but then would that be it? Would he be able to leave Josh? As different scenarios ran through his head, he fell asleep. 

Some time in the middle of the night, Justin woke up with a start. Sitting up he looked around the dark room. 
"Josh." His heart was racing. 
Quickly he got out of bed, out the door and down the hall. He was glad he hadn't locked Jc's door. Going inside he found him on the couch where he had left him. Running his fingers through his hair, Justin took a deep breath. His dream felt so real. 
"Justin?" Jc whispered in the dark. 
"Yea."
"What time is it?"
"Three I think."
"What you doing awake?" He said sitting up as rubbing his eyes. 
"Just woke up."
Jc looked up and could see something was bothering him. 
"Hey you want to hmm...lay down with me?"
"Yea I would like that," Justin agreed. 
Jc moved over and Justin laid down. He put the blanket back over them as Justin laid his head on Jc's shoulder.
Jc watched Justin close his eyes. He ran his fingers softly through the curls and Justin smiled softly. 
"You want to tell me why you're really awake?" 
"It was just a bad dream."
"About what?"
Justin sighed heavily. "You told me to leave town. That you never wanted to see me again."
Jc gripped Justin's curls and swallowed thickly. 
"I know we don't know what's going to happen tomorrow or the next day, but I don't want to leave yet Josh."
"I don't want you to leave," Jc whispered kissing his head. "Let's just go back to sleep."
Justin nodded his head and turned so his body was facing Jc's. They were pressed together and so tightly wrapped in each other's arms, neither of them had a problem falling back asleep.