Because
by Annie

Lance slowly became aware of everything around him, just like everyone does when they first wake up. He blinked a few times to get the tiredness out of his eyes. The early morning sun came shining through the large window in his bedroom, and all he wanted to do was roll over and cuddle up next to...

...a piece of paper? Lance, who had closed his eyes, hoping to just hold his lover and fall back to sleep, was met with emptiness and a sheet of paper. He sat up and grabbed the paper, seeing what it said.

I love you because of the way you look when you're asleep.

Lance looked at it in confusion, and then he looked up at the door that lead out of the bedroom. He saw that the door was shut and there was another piece of paper taped onto it.

He got up out of bed, his drawstring sweatpants falling loosely around his hips, and reached the door, pulling the paper off it and reading what it said.

I love you because of the way you look when you first wake up, so innocent and beautiful.

Lance smiled slightly and opened the door, noticing another piece of paper on the door of the guest bedroom.

I love you because of the way you're there for anyone, always willing to help them, lend them a hand (or a room), no matter who the person is.

There was another paper on the bathroom door.

I love you because you let me have the right sink.

Lance had to laugh at that. When he and his lover had first bought their house together, the thing they had argued over most was who got the right side of the bathroom sink, the side they both liked and wanted. In the end, Lance had been the one to cave.

Lance got to the stairs that lead to the main floor of the house, and noticed that there was a note on the last step, the very middle step, and at his feet.

I love you because of the way you smile.

He went down halfway and picked up the next note.

I love you because of the way you light up everything in a room when you walk into it, including me.

To the bottom of the stairs, and he was holding the increasing pile of notes in his hand.

I love you because of all the little touches and looks that say so much.

Lance looked around, trying to see where the next paper was, if there was one. He saw one in the hallway that lead into their kitchen, and hurried over to grab it.

I love you because of the way you feel in my arms. So right.

The next paper was on the kitchen counter.

I love you because of the way you inspire me when I write, when I sing, when I do anything.

Lance saw that the next note was hanging on the fridge.

I love you because of the way you complete my soul.

Lance felt himself getting a little choked up, and he looked around for another piece of paper. Through another door way he got to the living room and found the next paper.

I love you because you love me back, and that's something I never thought I'd ever have.

He saw the second one in that room sitting on the couch.

I love you because your laugh is so infectious, and your personality is perfect.

Lance left the living room and passed the front door, almost missing the next sheet of paper, but the slight breeze of his fast pace made it flutter and he turned around, grabbing it.

I love you because I love to love you.

There was a single, thornless red rose taped to the doorknob, and Lance took it off, and opened the door, guessing that if there were anymore notes, they'd be outside. Sure enough, he saw the next one on the porch swing.

I love you because you have the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen. I can look into them and not only see all of you, but all of me.

Lance walked around to the side of the house on the winding porch, looking for more notes. He got into the back yard and looked around for a moment, seeing nothing. He almost thought that those were all the notes, but then he saw one taped to the back door.

I love you because you're my rock, and I know you'll catch me if I ever fall. I can trust you with everything I am, and I love you for that.

Lance opened the door and was back in the house, looking around for more notes. He walked for a moment or two before coming to the door of the studio he and his lover had built in the house. There was another note on the door.

I love you because I can, and that's one of the best things in the world.

Lance walked into the studio and saw the white sheet of paper sitting on top of the large, black piano. He walked over and picked up the first paper, noticing then that there was another paper under it.

I love you because of a million different other things that I can't say right, don't even know of yet, or can't put into words. I just know that life without you is only half a life, if it's even life at all. You are my world Lance, and I can't imagine being without you. I love you.

He looked at the other piece of paper, which was folded in half. He picked it up, and the surprising weight of it made the paper drop open, and something tiny fell out and hit his bare foot.

Lance knelt down and picked up the object. He looked at it, and his throat suddenly became constricted and he felt tears welling up in his eyes.

It was a small, gold ring. Nothing too fancy, just simple and gold, but the tiny specks of diamond dust that were all over it shined when they hit the light just right. Simple as it was, Lance knew exactly what it was for.

Lance stood up slowly, still looking at the ring. The sound of feet at the doorway made him turn around.

"Well?" a voice asked quietly.

Lance sniffed and smiled, nodding his answer. Soon he and his lover were in each others arms, holding each other so tightly, as if letting go would mean falling down forever.

Lance watched as his lover took the ring out of his hand and placed it on his finger, sliding on like it was made just for his hand.

"I love you," Lance said, looking up into the deep blue eyes he loved so much.

JC smiled. "I love you too... just because."