November...Next day...Saturday Morning...

A Little One-On-One Time

"In the arithmetic of love, one plus one equals everything, and two minus one equals nothing" - Mignon McLaughlin

I remember some time ago when I vowed to never consume alcohol like this again and look at me now. I have a massive headache and the fact that I feel like throwing up concludes this to be a terrible hangover. Shooting up in bed, I nearly fall off the mattress and I can feel my head spinning. My vision is burry and I can't make high or low of anything. Groaning, I grip my head before I stumble over to stand up straight. I need a bathroom. But, my thoughts drift when I feel something cushiony under the sole of my feet. Casting my vision south, I frown when I wriggle my toes and note the carpeting underneath. I can't remember my bedroom having...wait a minute...

Mindlessly strutting over to where I know the exit of my room and hallway is supposed to be, I slam hard into a wall and literally fall to the floor with a thud. "Ouch...ah shit." I cry out, trying to get up when I hear a door slam and someone laughing under their breath.

"Did you just walk into the wall?" The person asks incredulously before their laughter increases in volume.

I so do not need this. Still fighting to regain my balance, a pair of strong arms instinctively wraps around my waist and in the blink of an eye I'm standing again. Turning around to face whoever thinks my distress is funny, I'm met with a pair of sparkling blue eyes that are filled with pure amusement.

"Justin?" I ask a bit stunned. "What are you doing in my room? Malcolm will kill you." I slur, still feeling buzzed and just wanting to sleep but desperately needing to stop the pain.

Blinking rapidly, I try to clear my vision since my eyes are seriously betraying me right now.

Arching a brow at me, Justin shakes his head sadly not saying anything at first but then he says: "You really are badly off. This isn't even your room. I can't believe you just walked into to a wall like that. Aw man, I wish Trace was up here to see this." Justin laughs out while clutching his stomach and dipping his head back.

"What?" My mind isn't working right. I can't think straight. "Where am I?"

"Uh, you're still at my place why?"

"Oh is the party over?" I ask again, squinting in the process. Why the hell is the room so bright? Ugh. I just want to crawl back under the sheets and knock out.

"Uh." Scratching at his stubble, Justin slicks his hands through his curls before he grabs my hand and pulls me along with him. "Yeah, it was over since last night." He chuckles uneasily.

"Last night?!" I belt. "What the hell!" Nearly tripping over my feet, Justin catches me before I can fall flat on my face.

"Wow berry." Justin grips me around my waist and pushes a door open before he ushers me in and places me to sit down on top of something.

Hunching forward, I shut my eyes tighly and grip my head in my palms as I take in deep breaths. I feel like I'm going to throw up then pass out at any minute. "What's going on?" I whine.

I can hear him shuffling around but I have no idea what's happening. "Well, you sort of passed out last night in the middle of our game and since everyone was too intoxicated to drive home, I invited them to crash. They left a few hours ago, but since you were still knocked out I offered to take you home when you woke up. Uh, Trace is still here somewhere, I'm not sure." He explains before he takes a seat next to me. "Here take this." He states and I flutter my eyes open noting a glass of water and two pills in his outstretched hand.

"God, this sucks." I moan feeling my head pulsing and my heart beating rapidly.

"It will pass. That's what happens when you have a hangover." He muses before I take the items from his grasp. Swallowing the painkillers and downing the glass of water, I grimace a bit then hand him back the glass.

"Why aren't you as bad as I am?" I inquire, sighing with relief when my vision begins clearing up.

"I have a high tolerance and I uh, sort of threw up last night so there's not much left in my system." He shrugs and I just roll my eyes.

"Lucky you." I giggle, as my eyes dart around the room. Oh, so we're in his bathroom. I'm sitting on the closed toilet lid and he's sitting on the edge of the shower wall and hold on...I didn't go home last night! "Oh no!" I panic before I jump up.

"What?" Justin asks, placing the glass down by the sink before he stands and stretches over to the shower dial to turn it on.

"My brother I..." But he cuts me off.

"We have you covered. Trace said he, you and Yolanda went out to chill last night and you got too drunk to drive home. He told Malcolm you were cool and he'd bring you home today." Justin smiles for me before he sets the temperature in the shower then shuts the glass doors. "Malcolm really likes Trace. I don't know it's weird." Justin says with a pout.

"Aw Ju, you're jealous." I grin for him and he just nudges me playfully before placing a quick kiss on my lips.

"Whatever, I don't want to talk about any of that. I'm still trying to get over last night." He tenses and I glare at him.

"What happened last night?" I inquire before I rub at my stomach. Bowing my head, I notice I'm only wearing a large red t-shirt with the words Hard Rock Café written on it. It smells like Justin too. Oh he's not getting it back.

Lifting my head to stare at him, I yawn lightly. Smoothing his hands over his bare chest, he scowls then turns away from me before he begins rummaging through his cabinets, pulling out two towels.

"Justinnnn..." I whine.

Whipping around, he shakes his head, indicating he's not cooperating.

"Fine." I huff. "Will you tell me later when you're over it?" I ask hopefully.

"Uh huh." He mutters, before he bends down and drops his blue boxers.

Gasping in shock, I whirl around and shut my eyes. "Oh my god Justin!" I belt.

"What?" He chortles, and then I hear the glass doors to the shower slide open. "It's not like you haven't seen me..."

"But that doesn't mean you should just strip in front of me like that with no warning. God!" I blush.

"Whatever. You're weird." He mocks in a bemused tone.

"Seriously I'm getting out of here." I feel around for the door knob hearing him laughing but I'm ignoring. He so doesn't need to tempt me like that.

"You really are serious huh berry? I was hoping you'd join me." He says in a low raspy tone and my eyes shoot open instantly.

Turning to look at his figure behind the foggy glass, I tilt my head to the side and lick my lips slightly. He's standing under the water with his hands in his hair and oh my god; my entire body is on fire right now, but no. No, I can't do this now. I still feel too sick. "No, no I'm going to look for something to eat. When you're done, I'll take my turn and then you can bring me home." I suggest.

"Fine suit yourself. But I was thinking we could hang out for the day and you'd head home later. We'll get Trace to uh, tell your brother something." He explains but I shake my head rapidly, still staring at him through the glass doors. He's, he's freaking showering right in front of me and he doesn't even care. That's so mean!

Ugh, I'm seriously hypnotized right now with the way he's passing that bar of soap over his firm, hard, succulent muscles and...

"Just get in Zara. I promise the view is a lot better on the inside." Justin laughs.

"No!" I protest, with a smile on my face. "I'm too sick."

"Ok, your loss. I could make you feel better." He snickers.

"I'll get you back don't you worry." I point out.

"Looking forward to it babe."

"Perv."

"Only for you."

"Ahhhh. I'm leaving. When you're done let me know." I giggle before swinging the door to the bathroom open.

"So are we on for the day?" Justin asks before I can exit.

"What did you have in mind? We can't be seen in public together Justin. And I have nothing to wear." I point out.

"I'll think of something." He says in a muffled tone.

"Ok but Trace better be a good liar."

"Oh he is." He chuckles and I just scoff before I exit the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind me.

Gazing around the bedroom, I'm trying to remember what exactly happened last night but I'm unsuccessful. I hate this. My memory is cloudy. All I know is we were playing this game called ‘I've never' which was a terrible game because it was putting everyone's private stuff outside but whatever. It's Saturday and I'm glad. My brother is out of the hospital and really, life is good right now, so I'm not about to dampen my mood with negative thoughts.

Figuring I really don't care much about how I look since my head is still pounding, I exit Justin's room and jog down the stairs. Walking through the threshold and heading into the kitchen, I stop abruptly when I see Trace lying on the island groaning in pain. Slapping my palms over my mouth, I stifle my laugher before he suddenly seats up to glare at me, stretching out his limbs.

"You're one to laugh. You look like shit." He hisses, before he hops off the island and swings the refrigerator door open.

Walking over to him, I rest against the counter just eying him in amazement. "Tracey-poo, you have a hangover too?"

"We are never playing the game again." He mumbles grumpily while pulling out sliced cheese, a head of lettuce and some ham slices from the refrigerator.

"Damn, it was wild." I laugh out before I grab the sliced bread and hand it to him.

"Thanks. You want me to make you a sandwich?"

"Yeah that would be great. My tummy hurts but I definitely need to eat." I smile for him.

"Ok." He yawns while placing the items on the counter next to me. Lifting his head to lock eyes with me finally, he smirks slightly. "Your hair is flying everywhere and you look like death. Justin must really love you to wake up to that." He chuckles and I smack his arm.

"Hey!" I pout.

"Girl you know you're still cute so don't even fuss. You're lucky he carried your deadweight ass up to his room last night else you would have just crashed on the couches with everyone else." Trace explains.

"Yeah well my baby loves me. He wouldn't let me sleep on a couch." I stick my tongue out for him but he just rolls his eyes completely unfazed as he begins preparing our sandwiches.

"No shit. He had to seriously cover for your slip up last night too." Trace shakes his head sadly before reaching for a knife but I stop him.

"What slip up?"

"Let Justin tell you. I'm not getting into this. Could you please get me the mayonnaise?"

"Fine, fine whatever. It couldn't be that bad." I easily hand Trace the item before I wipe my hands over the t-shirt I'm wearing.

"Oh it was...interesting. What are you all doing today? I think I'm going to head home but if you need me to check Malcolm for you first I will." He says knowingly not even bothering to face me.

Staring at the back of his grey t-shirt, I fold my arms across my chest in thought. "I don't know yet but that would be great thanks." I sigh.

"Cool."

And just like that the silence takes over. It's not awkward or anything. I guess we're both just too tired to really carry on a conversation. I know I am.

Helping Trace with the sandwiches, I go in search of the plates and grab a few napkins as well. Rummaging through the cabinets, I pull out two glasses and a bottle of OJ for us to drink.

In no time flat, we're sitting at the island munching down in silence when Justin finally struts in fully dressed, smelling good and looking fresh.

"You guys eating without me?" He muses and Trace grumbles something incoherent without looking at him. "Shit man, what crawled up your ass? You are one ‘pissy' guy when you're hung-over." Justin laughs before he walks over to me and wraps his arms around my waist from behind. Leaning down to place a delicate kiss on my cheek he mutters "It's your turn berry," before he lets me go in search of his cereal. "Oh and I got something for you to wear so it's on the bed." He adds in and I wonder what it is. Shrugging, I don't bother to respond.

Gulping down my juice, I grab the other half of my sandwich and rush up to give Justin a peck on the lips before I sprint out of the kitchen and up the stairs to shower and change. I hope we stay in today just hanging out and being couch potatoes. I'm kind of up for it. Plus, I'm paranoid whenever we're out in public. I guess I'll have to learn to deal with that fear somehow. Our relationship won't be a secret forever and when that day comes I want to be prepared.

*****

Hours later...

Justin's Home...

"Ok next question. If you could come back as someone else in this life who would it be and why?" I inquire.

"Uh...definitely Chris Brown." She blurts out and what the hell?

Looking down at Zara, I frown before I seat up slightly on the couch where we've been lounging for the past couple of hours. "Ok berry, either you're freakishly obsessed with the dude or...why the hell him?" I snap, eyeing her bemused expression as her hazels twinkle with mischief.

"Because Ju, I'd get to see what it's like to be a guy and I'll be able to do all those stellar dance moves." She giggles while hitting my chest playfully. Oh she's messing with me, I can tell. She's lucky she didn't say JC or Robin Thicke else so help me god...

"Are you jealous Ju?" She's lying sprawled out on my chest and her hand is in my hair messing with my already untamed curls. I don't even know why I have the damn thing. I need to cut them seriously. It keeps me hot and it's a fucking pain. I actually had to pay my hairstylist extra to make house calls. Shit. But, she likes playing with it for some reason and goddamn, it's not like it doesn't feel amazing to have her fingers massaging me like that. "Ju..."

"Huh?" Glancing down from where she's gazing up at me as we lay on the couch, I give her a sheepish grin.

"You need to stop spacing out Justin. I don't do it nearly as much as you do now." She laughs out and I huff.

"Like I said, I blame you. You gave me ‘berryitis' or something." I chuckle when she shoots me a disbelieving look.

"You really pride yourself on these word inventions eh?"

"It's what I do. They should name a dictionary after me." I beam in a cocky tone receiving another smack. "Woman, you are too damn abusive." I mutter.

"Oh shush. It's my turn to ask you a question."

"Hell Na. I still can't get over this Chris Brown thing." I say seriously.

"Justin come on. The guy is just..."

"Ok stop right there." I mumble before pushing her off me slightly so I can fully seat up. "You know, I can break-dance too you know. I mean, I don't do it in excess like he does, but I can twist and flip and do all that hand and foot thing." I assure her. She pauses for a split second to take a good look at me before she busts out into a fit of giggles. "Hey! It's true!" I defend but can't help the smile that's on my face right now.

God, she just looks so happy and it's genuine too. I've never really seen her like this. She always used to seem like the weight of the world was on her shoulder. It's amazing how time changes a person. And I'm more than content that I can be part of her happiness too. It's like we don't have anything to worry about though I know we do. We're heading home to Tennessee next week. I should maybe talk to her about that little trip. We haven't really discussed it. Still, I'm loving the fact that we can just hang out like this. We've been messing around the house for the entire day. I can't remember the last time I had this much fun just sitting around at home doing nothing.

I brought her down to the studio and showed her some stuff I was working on. I tried to bribe her into singing with me but she refused. I found out she's shy about that, but, so are most people. I know she has a sweet voice so I'm going to try and break that shyness and maybe get her to record something for me personally. Besides that, we went in the pool for a bit when the sun was blazing earlier, had the biggest water fight that stretched to the kitchen and bathroom; then we turned it into a food fight. My kitchen is still a mess because of it. In fact, my freaking carpets might be spoilt because of it, but it's nothing that can't be replaced. Even Buckley and Bren were right there with us. It was hilarious.

We ordered Chinese for lunch and Trace actually came over during lunch time to hang out. He ranted on and on about how childish we were when he saw the state of the kitchen but we didn't care. We went into my game room and played some pool after that. Of course, Trace and Zara just had to get into one of their stupid arguments slash bets. This time, they were arguing over Shaq and Kobe. You don't even want to know. I left the damn room when they started.

When Trace left, we watched some of her sappy love story movies and I wanted to rip my eyes out by the end of the second one but I did it for her. But damn that was pure torture. You know it's really true what they say about relationships not being solely based off sex. Now, I'm a guy, so for a guy to admit that, that's epic. Plus I mean it's Zara and I can barely keep my hands off her.

Still, if I can feel that way with Zara and cherish these simple times with us just being in each other's company and having these one-on-one bonding times, then I know I have something special to hold unto with her. I'm just a little worried about making this public. Actually, it's been on my mind for some time now, but I don't think she's ready to discuss that just yet. She needs to get on stable ground with Dr. Lake first. But other than that, today was fun. Plus, Trace covered for her brother, so he's expecting her home tonight. It's late afternoon now so we still have some time.

Now, we've been sitting here playing this twenty-twenty question game and it's fun because we're just lazing around and I hardly ever get to do that. Yolanda should be by later when she gets out of the studio with Tim. He might stop by too. Maybe we could all hang or something before I get Trace to bring Zara home tonight. I would do it myself but well, you know...shit's not in my favor with Malcolm right now...

Hold on...you know, she's still laughing. In fact, she's on the damn floor right now. Holy shit, what did I say that was so funny?

"Uh berry you..."

"Oh my god you're jealous." She blurts out while wiping at her eyes and I scowl.

"I am not."

"Yes you are, Ju, I know you can break-dance baby. I was just messing with you." She's trying to sober up and really, it's not that funny.

"Whatever." I brush her off before lying back down.

"Oh god, ok it's my turn." She swiftly jumps up on her feet and plops down right on top of me, knocking the air out of my lungs.

"God..." I choke out.

"Oh shut it. So, my question is, I want you to tell me what happened last night. Trace told me you had to cover up for something I did. What was it? I'm sorry if I was a burden. Alcohol and I don't mix well." She apologizes while situating herself on me, tangling our limbs together again.

"You know, you look really sexy in my boxers and t-shirt." I growl before my hands snake down her curves to grip her butt.

"Don't change the subject sneaky..." She coos before she stretches up to kiss me. Tightening my hold on her, I instantly deepen the kiss but the moment my tongue starts exploring her sweet insides, she pulls away causing me to groan.

"Jesus berry..." I mutter, trying to reach for her again but she stops me.

"Please tell me Ju." She begs.

I wish I didn't have to. It's not that big of a deal and I don't need her worrying about it. "Fine." I relent, slicking my hands underneath the blue shirt she's wearing to rest on the flat of her back. "When we were playing the ‘I've never' game, Brian said ‘I've never had an affair with a fellow co-worker' or something so and you downed your shot glass then passed out seconds later." I explain and I watch as her eyes grow as wide as saucers.

"Oh no." She breathes out before she buries her face in my chest. "I'm sorry." She mutters.

Bringing my fingers up to her dark curly hair, I move some of it out of the way. "It's no big deal. I handled it." I lie. The truth is I have no idea what Jeffery, Tameka or Brian will say or think when we get back to work on Monday. "I told them they couldn't hold that against you since we were all pretty gone and they agreed. Brian even threw up not too long after. Everyone played it off as you not even hearing the question to really know what he said. I honestly don't think you did. But uh, when we're back at work, if anyone asks you anything, you know what you have to do." I state calmly while skimming her back softly.

"Thanks Ju." I can feel her mouth moving against my abs. It kinda tickles.

"Babe I love you, seriously if I have to fire them to solve any drama that might arise I will." I say nonchalantly and Zara immediately snaps her head up to look at me.

"You will do no such thing!" She grins.

"I got you to look up." I point out with an arched brow and a half-smile.

"Ugh! Whatever. So this game just turned boring. What do you want to do now?" Getting off the couch, she stretches out her limbs and I get a peek of her navel ring.

"I swear to god, that fucking navel ring is hot on you. Even when I was a jerk to you all those months ago I couldn't stop thinking about how hot that was." I blurt out, before I shoot out of the couch and tackle her.

"Oh my god Justin! Hey!" Zara squeals when I easily hoist her up over my shoulder. "Ah! Justin put me down. You really are crazy. We should check on you with Dr. Lake. I think you're bi-polar too." She snickers as I smack her ass, while I maneuver around the furniture to exit the living room.

"You better watch it berry else I'll punish you for saying those things." I growl softly.

"Ah! Ha-ha put me down Justin." She wriggles in my hold but I'm not cooperating. That is until I feel a stinging sensation shoot through my side.

"Hey! You just pinched me!" I shout incredulously before I lift her over and flip her around in the opposite direction so her legs are hanging over my back.

"Would you stop manhandling me?" She shrieks as she fights to push up from where she's hanging.

"You're definitely going to pay for that one." I warn, making my way towards the stairs. This is so wrong that I can just handle her like that. I'm not going to say it gets to me sometimes, because she's getting help for it, but every time I look at her and how different she looks since she's lost so much weight I can't help but partly blame myself for that.

"Oh rough sex eh? Let's make a detour in the kitchen to grab some whip cream, a few strawberries and maybe chocolate syrup."

And I just dropped her. Holy shit! She does that a lot now. She blurts out stuff like that to fuck me up...in a good way of course.

"Justinnnnn." Zara whines when she hits the floor with a thud.

"Shit I'm sorry berry." I laugh out before bending to help her up. "I...you just...sort of shocked me...sorry." I mumble.

"Aw, you're cute." She coos and the moment she leans forward to kiss me the doorbell goes off.

"Goddamn it." I grumble, wanting to kill whoever just interrupted us. "I'm going to kill them." I growl before gripping my crotch through my black slacks. She turns me on way too easily. That's not healthy at all.

Ruffling my white t-shirt, I whip around and head straight for the front door and Zara follows suit while giggling under her breath.

Flipping around to glare at her I mouth a ‘shut up' before I yank the door open.

"Justin hey!" Yolanda beams before she bum-rushes me with a tight hug.

"Hey Yol." I stumble back a bit but quickly regain balance.

When she lets me go, she greets Zara and Tim suddenly comes into view.

"Oh shit! Tim what's up man?" I instantly greet him and usher them both in.

"I'm good, just dropping Yol over here. We just came out of the studio. It was a good session today man." He speaks proudly and I nod in response.

"No doubt. Glad you stopped by; Zara and I were just chilling. You're welcome to join us."

"Yeah I could stay for a bit." He agrees.

When everyone says their ‘hellos,' I instruct them to make their selves at home before I grip berry's hand and drag her into the kitchen with me.

When we're out of earshot, I give her a warning look. "No messing with me while they're here Zara else I swear, friends, witnesses be damned, I'll molest you in front of them." I chortle lightly with an evil glimmer in my eyes.

She's just staring at me emotionlessly before her lips curve into an innocent smile. "Ok I promise. Let's go. We'll have a little movie night and order some pizza." Leaning up to kiss my lips softly, she grips my hand and drags me out of the kitchen. "It's getting late anyway. You should maybe call Trace to come over as well so he can bring me home soon." she suggests.

Shit, I don't want her to go, but, I don't want a bullet piercing through my body either. "Fine..." I pout, giving in since we don't exactly have any other choice.

When we're back in the living room, I notice that Yolanda and Tim are already lounging with the television on, flipping through some channels.

"You guys up for a little movie night?" Zara inquires and they both nod in response. "Ok..." But she's cut off by a shrilling sound.

Listening intently, I realize that I can make out the tune of the ring tone. "Zara, tell me you didn't put J.Holiday's Bed as your ring tone." I say fully stunned and amused at the same time.

"Well, yeah. I was going to put it for only you, but then, I placed ‘Be with me' by him for you instead."

"Unbelievable." I can't help but laugh heartily by that. Tim and Yolanda have no clue what we're even really talking about right now.

Shaking my head in amazement, I plop down on the couch next to them, grabbing the cordless phone to call Trace and then Dominos when Zara comes over and takes a seat by me with her cell clutched tightly in her palm, resting against her ear.

When her body tenses slightly against mine, I turn to face her with a curious expression as to who she's talking to.

"Uh yeah this is she." Her face instantly contorts into a frown and her eyes drop to her nails and yeah, that's not a good sign.

"Oh? Um sure I'm doing ok." She mumbles and by the look she has now, she's clearly perplexed.

"I'm sorry who is this?" Darting her eyes over to me she shrugs and mouths ‘wrong number' to me but then her breath hitches in her throat and her hands frantically grip my arm. Yeah that hurt. Making myself more comfortable, I rest back against the couch and drag her with me as I begin dialing Trace's number idly.

Only, I'm interrupted when she shoots out of her seating position abruptly and begins pacing like some mad woman. She looks like she's on the verge of passing out too. Who the fuck is she even talking to? She's not saying much but it's like hell just froze over. "Zara..." I whisper but she raises her hands for me to be quiet. Rolling my eyes in irritation at her dramatics, I ignore her until she screams out again a few seconds later.

"Aunt Patrice did what?!"

She's heaving and gasping for air now and I really think she's about to pass out from shock or something. Her nostrils are flaring and I can see her face reddening due to her fair complexion. Well shit, it can't be that bad can it?

Then her next outburst easily draws everyone's attention when she screams out in a high pitched tone: "Oh my god! Christian is that you?!"

Yeah and I'm pretty sure time just stopped...