Never quite the same...

"Then why are you hesitating?" asked Heath softly.

Justin sighed. "Sometimes he wanted bigger meals." He said, quickly adding to it, hoping Heath didn't get annoyed again. "But I didn't mind doing it, I like cooking."

"Are you sure?" Heath asked, "I can kick his ass if'n ya want me to..."

Justin was quiet as he thought about it, a small smile on his face. "As amusing as that may be, it would mess up people's plans," He responded. "So it's probably not such a good idea."

"Okaaay," laughed Heath, sounding like an upset child. "So what have you been up to since I've been away."

"Honestly...not much." Justin said, sighing. "The house was silent most days..." He added, frowning.

"I'm sorry," Heath frowned, "I wish you coulda come with me. I went back home for a few days and boy was it nice. Woulda been nicer with you there though."

"You did?" Justin asked with a small smile. "I don't remember when I last saw your family... Wasn't it before we were even together?"

"I can't remember," smiled Heath, "They asked aboutcha though. I told 'em that you were doing fine. Momma said to make sure you was eatin right."

"Of course I am," Justin chuckled. "Would be silly not to when I do most of the cooking."

"Well you know Momma," Heath laughed, "she's always wanting to make sure you've got the best of everything. Including lovers."

"Oh really?" Justin said with a small smile. "What exactly did she say?" He asked as he absent-mindedly played with a bit of his dark hair, his eyes on Heath.

"Well she asked if I was takin' care of you," shrugged Heath, "she wanted to make sure that I was honest about you and well...not stringin' you along..."

Justin nodded before frowning, suddenly looking worried. "You...you aren't...are you?" He asked quietly.

"Oh god no!" Heath said, looking appaled that Justin would even suggest such a thing.

"Right, sorry..." Justin quickly apologised, flinching slightly at the way Heath responded, though he knew it had been a stupid question to ask.

"I can understand," smiled Heath, "with me being gone for so long why you'd ask such a thing."

"Oh no, it's not because of that." Justin told him, shaking his head. "I just...you know I worry too much sometimes, I understnad that you were busy with work...and family."

"You do worry way to much," Heath smiled, "oh! I got a present from mum when I was in the states. Wanna see it?"

"Oh you did?" Justin said with a small smile. "Uh sure..." He added nodding. "She likes getting you presents, doesn't she?"

Heath smiled and nodded as he led Justin to the living room where a small puppy waited for them, "The dog I had back home had a litter. Mama said she thought you'd like him. I thought you could name him too."

Justin followed Heath curiously, pausing in the doorway when he saw the puppy. "...what kind of dog is it?" He asked after a brief silence, not sure what else to say, though he had a small smile on his face at what Heath said.

Heath smiled and crouched down to pull the puppy into his arms, "He's a German Shepard."

"Oh..." Justin said, pausing, having been slowly moving closer to Heath. "Um...have you asked if it's okay to even keep a dog here...?" He asked as he ran a hand through his hair.

"I don't care what he says," Heath replied with a shrug, "He's not the boss of me.: