Date: Wed, 23 May 2007 00:53:13 -0700 (PDT)
From: Kirk Landers <ilj4ever44@yahoo.com>
Subject: Phases- part 26

Copyright and Disclaimer:
1. This is a fictional story with fictional
characters.
2. No one is to steal this story under any
circumstances.
3. This story deals with relationships and not sex, so
if you're looking for a story with a lot of sex in it,
this isn't the story for you.

Hey everyone!  Hope all is well and everyone is doing
great!  Here's part 26 entitled "The Event"

'THE EVENT'

     Three weeks have passed since Tristan left and
Leo hasn't heard from him since.  He went back a few
times over the course of the three weeks to see if he
came back, but he knew in his heart that Tristan
wasn't coming back.  Leo was very upset over the whole
situation, he found someone he felt he could really
connect with, but in the end he left as well.  While
Leo was upset, he hoped and prayed that Tristan was
okay, even though he knew that Tristan had obviously
gone back to drinking and probably back into drugs.
The last time Leo went to Tristan's apartment he saw
all of his furniture outside on the curb of the
apartment complex.  The management there obviously had
to clear out the place since Tristan wasn't coming
back.

     It was obvious that Leo was a changed man,
because instead of resorting to drinking how he did in
the past to cope with loss, he instead began to write
like Kurt and Nick had suggested.  It felt good for
him, it was a way for him to let out his emotions in a
productive and healthy way.

It was a typical Friday morning at the Gay and Lesbian
Center.  Leo was in his office going over the center's
calendar of events and marking off the ones he needed
to be sure to attend.  He was also getting the final
preparations done for a meet and greet gathering the
center was having that night.  As he was working he
looked up from his desk and out the open door to his
office and for a moment saw someone pass by who looked
very familiar to him.  He got up from his desk and
looked outside, but when he got to the doorway of his
office he saw no one except his other co-workers.  He
shook his head, wondering if he was imagining things,
because for a split second he thought he saw Jesse.

Meanwhile, Kurt was in his office at work when his
boss, Claudia called him in.  When he got there he saw
the latest issue of West Coast Style sitting on her
desk.  The issue had a great shot of Gabriel on the
cover and inside was the interview the two did
together, the interview that caused Kurt and Gabriel
to lie low for three weeks until it hit news stands.
As far as Kurt knew there were no pictures anywhere on
the web or in any celebrity gossip magazine that
linked the two of them together.

"So, as I'm sure you're aware the latest issue hit
newsstands yesterday," Claudia said holding on to the
magazine in her hand.

"Yeah, I went and got a copy," Kurt said, "It looks
great doesn't it?"

"Of course it does," Claudia replied simply, "And I'm
also sure you're aware that you now have the freedom
to publicly date Gabriel Brocks."

"Thank you Claudia," Kurt said.

"But I'm sure you are unaware of the fact that we've
been getting calls non-stop since yesterday regarding
your interview with Gabriel," Claudia said. "Lots of
publicity around this interview."

"Wow, that's great right?" Kurt asked.

"Of course it's great," Claudia answered, "This issue
already has outsold our past three issues and it's in
large part due to you.  So congratulations."

"Thank you Claudia," Kurt said gratefully.

"Since you did very well with this I'm going to have
you be one of our feature writers," Claudia said.

"Wow, thank you so much Claudia," Kurt said.

"Don't thank me yet," Claudia replied, "It's hard work
and you better be up to the challenge."

"I am," Kurt said. "Thank you."

"You can leave," Claudia waved Kurt off.

This was the first time Kurt has ever left Claudia's
office happy.  He raced into his office and quickly
called Gabriel.

"Hey you," Gabriel answered.

"Gabriel, your issue of West Coast Style is one of our
best selling issues," Kurt gushed. "And Claudia is
making me a feature writer!"

"Awesome!  I'm so happy for you," Gabriel elated. "My
publicist has been getting hundreds of calls asking
about it.  Barbara Walters wants to do a one on one
interview with me."

"Gabriel that's amazing," Kurt said. "I guess lying
low for three weeks was worth it after all."

"Yeah," Gabriel said, "We both got a big pay off.  So
lets go out and celebrate tonight."

"Well there's that event going on at the Gay and
Lesbian Center that Leo invited us to, remember?" Kurt
asked.

"Oh yeah, I forgot," Gabriel said, "I'll make
reservations for tomorrow, but tonight after the event
how about you stay over at my place?"

"Sounds perfect," Kurt said.

"I'll see you tonight," Gabriel said.

"All right, I'll talk to you later," Kurt said.

"Kurt, congratulations again," Gabriel said. "I love
you."

"Whoa," Kurt said shocked to hear Gabriel say I love
you.

"If it's too soon for you to say that I understand,"
Gabriel said. "I just wanted to tell you."

"No," Kurt said realizing he felt the same, "I love
you too."

"Looks like we have one more thing to celebrate,"
Gabriel said.

"I'll see you tonight," Kurt said unable to stop
smiling. "Love you."

"Love you too," Gabriel replied wanting to keep
telling Kurt over and over.

"Bye," Kurt smiled as Gabriel headed out the door,
"Love you again!"

"Love you too again," Gabriel replied as he closed the
door to Kurt's office.

"I love that man," Kurt said to himself.

Over at Luke's work he was in his office when Wayne
walked in.

"Wayne what are you doing here?" Luke asked, obviously
unhappy to see him.

"Don't get upset," Wayne said, "I didn't come here to
try and win you back."

"No?" Luke asked skeptically.

"No, I came here to say sorry," Wayne replied.

"That's so unlike you," Luke replied.

"Well it's true," Wayne said. "I wanted to apologize
for trying to interfere with what you have going on
with Nick."

"Well, apology accepted," Luke said hoping that would
get Wayne to leave.

"I don't know what got into me," Wayne said, "I've
just been missing you I guess.  But I've had the past
three weeks to think things over and realized that I
just would really like it if we could be friends."

"Friends?" Luke asked.

"Yeah, you know some people are able to do that from
after they break-up," Wayne replied.

"I don't know Wayne," Luke said, "That might just make
things more complicated."

"How so?" Wayne asked.

"Nick is probably not going to be real comfortable
with you and me being friends," Luke pointed out.

"How about the three of us go out for a drink
tonight," Wayne suggested, "Nick can get to know me
and see that I'm not such a bad guy.  I mean, I
couldn't be that bad considering we dated for three
years."

"Tonight's no good," Luke said, "Nick and I are going
to this social gathering at the Gay and Lesbian
Center."

"Well, how about another night?" Wayne asked.

"Let me talk to Nick okay?" Luke asked. "And I'll let
you know."

"Great," Wayne smiled, "Thanks Luke."

"And Wayne, if you want to talk, please just call me
first before you show up at my office," Luke said.

"All right," Wayne said, "Thanks.  I'll talk to you
later."

"Bye," Luke waved as Wayne left his office.  Luke took
a moment to think over his situation, did he really
want Wayne back in his life just when things are going
great with him and Nick?

Over at Nick's apartment he was busy working when
there was a frantic knocking on his door.  He hurried
to answer and opened the door to a disheveled Leo.

"What's wrong?" Nick asked concerned, "Is it Tristan?"

"No, Jesse," Leo replied.

"What?" Nick asked.

"I thought I saw Jesse," Leo replied.

"What do you mean?  Where?" Nick asked.

"At the center," Leo replied. "I was in my office and
I thought I saw him walk by."

"Was it him?" Nick asked.

"That's the thing, I don't know," Leo replied. "I
don't know if it was someone who just looked like him
or if it was just my mind playing tricks on me."

"Then why are you panicking?" Nick asked.

"Because if my mind is just playing tricks on me then
I'm afraid of falling off the wagon," Leo confessed.
"With Tristan leaving and everything I've sort of felt
off lately and I don't know what to do."

"Leo, don't sell yourself short," Nick said. "You've
been doing great since leaving rehab.  You've been
attending your AA meetings, you've been working hard,
you're doing great.  Don't let something like this
make you feel like you're losing it."

"I just feel like everything is going to fall apart
again," Leo said.

"What do you mean?" Nick asked.

"Everything was going great at first," Leo began, "I
got out of rehab, I had a great guy, great job, I felt
that I moved on from Jesse.  Then all of the sudden,
Tristan disappears, I'm stressed out all the time
because of it, I've thought about drinking and now on
top of it I think that I see Jesse now."

"First of all, it's not your fault that Tristan left,"
Nick said. "He obviously wasn't well enough yet to
leave rehab and you couldn't force him to go back when
he didn't want to.  Second, of course you're going to
think of drinking when you're upset, but the you
haven't touched a drop which is what you should be
focusing on.  Think of how great it is that you
haven't resorted back to drinking.  Finally, it's only
natural you think of Jesse, he was a big part of your
life.  Thinking about him doesn't mean you're going to
lose it.  Okay?  You're doing good."

 "You really think so?" Leo asked.

"Yes, I do," Nick replied. "Just get back to work
okay?  You have that event at the center tonight
right?"

"Yeah," Leo replied. "Are you coming?"

"I'll be there as soon as Luke gets off of work," Nick
replied.

"Luke's coming too huh?" Leo asked clearly
disappointed.

"Leo, I told you already, he explained everything
about his ex," Nick replied.

"You don't think it'll be a problem if his ex keeps
popping up in your guys' life?" Leo asked.  "That has
destruction written all over it."

"It's not going to be a problem," Nick explained,
"Cause Luke told me he isn't going to see his ex
again."

"We'll see," Leo shrugged, "If his ex keeps showing up
though, I'm going to do something about it."

"Leo," Nick sighed.

"I'm just saying," Leo defended, "I don't want that
punk to ruin your life."

"Will you please give Luke one last chance to talk
things out?" Nick asked.

"I've given him enough chances," Leo replied.  "I'm
not going to make waves about you two or say anything,
but I'm not going to be friends with him."

"But Leo, he really wants to work things out with
you," Nick said.

"Well I don't," Leo replied. "I'm sorry Nick, but I
just don't like him.  I will fully support you if you
want to be with him, but I won't pretend to be his
friend."

"Fine," Nick sighed. "Will you at least be civil with
him?"

"Yes," Leo replied. "I promise."

"Thanks," Nick said.

"Well I should get back to work.  Sorry for bothering
you with my freak out," Leo said.

"It's okay," Nick replied. "Don't worry about it."

Nick gave Leo a hug.

"I'll see you tonight," Leo said as he headed out.

Later that day Kurt took the rest of the day off to go
shopping for the event that night.  He was just
leaving a store when he saw Ryan come out of an
apartment complex across the street.  Kurt wasn't too
sure how to react, he looked around to see if he
should pretend he didn't see Ryan or if he should go
up and say hi.  But before he could make a decision
Ryan made eye contact with Kurt and smiled.  He ran
across the street to give Kurt a hug.

"Hey Kurt," Ryan greeted.

"Hi Ryan," Kurt replied.

"It's good to see you again," Ryan said.

"Yeah," Kurt replied. "You too."

"I read your interview with Gabriel Brocks," Ryan
said. "It was great.  I think I got the last issue on
the newsstand."

"Oh thank you," Kurt said.

"I'm so jealous you met him.  He's my favorite actor.
Is he as cool as he seems?" Ryan asked.

"He's great," Kurt replied. "Really great."  He wasn't
too sure if he should reveal that he's dating Gabriel
or not.

"Well I'm really proud of you," Ryan said, "You seem
to be doing really good."

"I am," Kurt replied. "How about you?"

"I'm doing good," Ryan said, "I got that job that Leo
helped me out with."

"Yeah he was telling me," Kurt said,
"Congratulations."

"I hope you don't mind that I stay in touch with Leo
and Nick," Ryan said.

"No, not at all," Kurt replied, "They're your friends
too."

"We should hang out sometime," Ryan said, "It's been a
while.  I miss you.  There's some stuff I want to talk
to you about."

"What sort of stuff?" Kurt asked.

"Stuff about us," Ryan replied.

"Ryan, I'm sorry, but now is not really a good time
for that," Kurt replied.

"I know you're seeing someone else," Ryan said.

"You do?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah," Ryan replied, "Nick told me."

"Oh," Kurt replied, "I had wanted to tell you
eventually."

"You two happy?" Ryan asked.

"Ryan, I really can't talk about this with you now,"
Kurt replied feeling uncomfortable.

"You're right, I'm sorry.  It's none of my business,"
Ryan said.

"I have to get going," Kurt said.

"I'll see you tonight right?" Ryan asked.

"Tonight?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah at the center.  Leo invited me," Ryan replied.

"Oh, yeah.  Well I guess I'll see you tonight," Kurt
said.

Kurt walked away and as soon as he was out of range
from Ryan he quickly took out his cell phone and
called Leo.

"Hey Kurt," Leo answered.

"You invited Ryan tonight?" Kurt asked.

"Well yeah," Leo replied. "I thought it would be nice
for him to get in touch with some of his old
co-workers here.  He's all alone here you know?"

"This is going to be so awkward," Kurt said, "I'm
bringing Gab tonight."

"Oh I see," Leo said. "Ryan doesn't know you're dating
again?"

"He knows I'm dating again, but he doesn't know I'm
dating a movie star," Kurt replied.  "And not to
mention that Gab just so happens to be Ryan's favorite
actor."

"I'm guessing he won't be after tonight," Leo joked.

"Leo, I'm serious," Kurt said, "This is going to be a
disaster."

"Kurt, Ryan was bound to find out you were dating
Gabriel sooner or later," Leo said. "It's better he
finds out from you instead of reading it in the latest
issue of Us Weekly."

"I guess, but I wasn't ready to even see him again any
time soon," Kurt sighed.

 "Kurt, you don't still love him, do you?" Leo asked.

"That's such a complicated question to answer," Kurt
sighed.

"It's not really," Leo said. "You either love him or
you don't."

"I do love him, but I'm just not able to be in love
with him," Kurt said, "Our relationship just became
way too complicated.  First we both liked each other,
but we both had other boyfriends, then we finally got
together, then Reese came in, and Ryan's daughter came
into the picture, then he left, then he came back and
then he didn't want to get back together.  It's just
too much, there obviously was a reason why we're not
together."

"So you don't think you'll ever get back with Ryan?"
Leo asked.

"I don't think so," Kurt replied. "Besides, I'm really
happy with Gab right now.  We just said 'I love you'
to each other."

"Really?" Leo asked. "That's great!"

"He's such a great guy Leo," Kurt gushed, "And it's
just so easy with him.  This relationship isn't
complicated, we have fun together and are care-free
with each other.  It's perfect."

"I'm glad.  You deserve it," Leo said. "Well I'm sorry
that I invited Ryan.  I hope it doesn't complicate
things too much."

"You know, you're right though.  I'd have to face him
eventually with me dating Gab," Kurt said. "I guess
I'll just have to figure out what I'm going to say."

"Good luck with that," Leo said.

"Thanks," Kurt replied. "I'll see you tonight."

"Bye," Leo answered before hanging up.

Back at Nick's place he was finishing up his work when
Luke called him.

"Hey babe," Nick answered.

"Hey," Luke replied. "You busy?"

"No, I just finished my work.  What's up?" Nick asked.

"I have to ask you something and feel free to say no
because I would," Luke replied.

"What is it?" Nick asked.

"Wayne stopped by my office again today," Luke
replied.

"Oh?" Nick asked, already not liking where this
conversation was headed.

"Yeah, and he apologized for trying to interfere with
our relationship," Luke said.

"That's nice of him I guess," Nick said unsure of his
motives.

"And he wants to be friends," Luke said. "He wants the
three of us to meet for a drink sometime."

"Seriously?" Nick asked.

"Yeah," Luke replied. "I know it sounds ridiculous,
but he seemed pretty sincere."

 "Do you want to?" Nick asked.

"Be friends with him?  I'm not sure," Luke replied.
"He was a good guy and all, but he turned pretty nasty
after I broke up with him.  I'm not sure if he has
some ulterior motive by trying to be friends."

"If you think he does then maybe it's best if we just
say thanks, but no thanks," Nick said. "But if you
want to be friends with him then it's your call.  I
just know that I can't.  It would be too weird for
me."

"Yeah, you're right," Luke said. "It is weird.  I'll
call him and just tell him no."

"Okay," Nick said.

"Oh, so did you talk to Leo?" Luke asked.

"Yeah," Nick sighed.

"I'm guessing it's not good news," Luke said.

"I'm sorry babe," Nick said. "He just doesn't feel
like he could be your friend."

"I can't believe this," Luke sighed. "I really lost
him as a friend huh?"

"You know, maybe he'll come around," Nick said, trying
to give Luke hope.

"No, if he hasn't changed his mind by now then he's
not going to," Luke said. "I guess I just have to face
the fact that I blew it with him."

"You know it's just like me and Bradley," Nick said,
"I tried apologizing for how things turned out, but he
didn't want to hear it.  Sometimes in the end we just
have to accept that we can't fix everything."

"I wish that wasn't true," Luke said.

"Me too," Nick said, "But hey, at least Kurt still
loves you and I of course do."

"Yeah," Luke said looking at the positive, "I love you
too.  So I'll see you tonight."

"See you then," Nick said.

"Love you."

"Love you too."

Nick hung up his phone and went back to work.

That night at Kurt and Leo's place the two were
getting ready for the event that night.

"So I got this new shirt from Theory," Kurt yelled
from his room, "Can you come in and tell me what you
think?  I don't know if I should wear it or if I
should just wear the black Hugo Boss one."

"You always wear the black Hugo Boss," Leo called out
coming out of his room and went into Kurt's.  Kurt
just finished buttoning up the Theory shirt before he
turned to Leo.

"What do you think?" Kurt asked.

"I like it a lot," Leo admired.  The shirt was a light
gray color, very sophisticated looking. "Wear that
one."

"Yeah?" Kurt asked.

"Definitely," Leo replied.

"So what exactly is this event for tonight?" Kurt
asked.

"It's getting the Gay community together to mingle,"
Leo replied. "A lot of younger people are coming to
meet other homosexuals and feel safe and welcome.
It's just to reaffirm that the Gay and Lesbian Center
is a safe place for people to come to if they're
questioning their sexuality."

"Any fundraiser's?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah, we're going to be raffling off tickets to
concerts that were donated to us by bands," Leo
replied.

"That's great," Kurt said.

"And I'm sure people there will be even more thrilled
when they see Gabriel there," Leo pointed out.

"Did you tell people he was going?" Kurt asked.

"I may have mentioned it to a few co-workers," Leo
replied.

"Leo, promise me you won't make a spectacle of Gab
being there," Kurt said.

"I promise," Leo said, "But people are bound to notice
him there.  I think just his presence will make this
one of our biggest events."

"Well, just as long as he isn't made out to be some
sort of show horse," Kurt said.

Just as they were finishing up Gabriel came to pick
them up.

"Hey you," Kurt smiled opening the door and greeting
him with a kiss. "Come on in.  Leo's just finishing
getting ready."

"Sorry," Leo said running to his room, "Kurt started
talking to me.  It's his fault."

"It's okay," Gabriel said.

"So how was your day?" Kurt asked as him and Gabriel
gazed and smiled at one another in living room.

"It was good," Gabriel said, "Missed you though."

"Missed you too!" Kurt said giving Gabriel a kiss.

"You're too cute," Gabriel said in awe of how happy he
was with Kurt.

"I know," Kurt joked with mock vanity.

"So can I tell you something?" Gabriel asked.

"Of course," Kurt replied.

"I love you," Gabriel said sweetly.

"I love you too," Kurt answered as the two started
kissing.

"Not now.  Save it for later when I'm not around," Leo
said coming out of his room. "I'm ready."

"All right," Gabriel said, "Let's go."

In the car ride Leo was feeling pretty fancy riding in
Gabriel's Porsche.

"This is so cool!" Leo exclaimed.

"Calm down," Kurt said.

"So Gabriel, you know, Kurt's pretty much my brother,"
Leo brought up.

"Yeah, he was telling me you guys were really close,"
Gabriel said.

"So, since he's my brother and you're dating him in a
way that could possibly make you my future
brother-in-law," Leo floated.

"Leo shut up!" Kurt said laughing, but clearly
embarrassed.

"Okay, go on," Gabriel replied clearly enjoying Leo's
company.

"So since you're my future brother-in-law, we are
pretty much family," Leo said.

"I guess we are," Gabriel said.

"Do you think then that I could drive your Porsche
sometime?" Leo asked, "Since we're family and all."

"Leo, you are more then welcome to drive my Porsche,"
Gabriel replied. "In fact, I'll even let you drive my
Bentley."

"You have a Bentley?" Leo asked in awe.

"Yeah," Gabriel answered.

"So, did Kurt mention that my birthday is in a couple
months?" Leo asked jokingly.

Gabriel and Kurt just laughed along with Leo.

"I'll tell you what Leo, on your birthday I'll let you
have my Porsche the whole day," Gabriel said.

"Did I ever mention to you that I'm one of your
biggest fans?" Leo asked clearly charmed by how nice
Gabriel was.  Leo then leaned in to whisper to Kurt,
"Gabriel is a really great guy."

"I know," Kurt whispered back.

"Are we whispering about something?" Gabriel asked.

"Just about how cute you are," Kurt replied squeezing
Gabriel's cheek.

 "Stop, you're making me blush," Gabriel dead panned.

"And he's funny too," Leo said.

"I know.  I got a good one," Kurt smiled.

"Me too," Gabriel replied giving Kurt a wink.

When they got to the center there were tons of
photographers there all waiting for Gabriel.

"I guess someone tipped the press that you were coming
here tonight," Leo said.

"Yeah, well someone shouldn't have said anything about
him coming," Kurt said to Leo.

"I already said I'm sorry," Leo replied.

"It's okay guys," Gabriel said parking his car. "I'm
used to it."

"All right," Kurt replied. "Lets hurry in."

When they got out of the car they all raced inside to
avoid the press.  As they were hurrying in Gabriel was
holding onto Kurt's hand which caused a frenzy of
questions.

"Gabriel is this your boyfriend?" reporters asked.

"Who is this man you're holding hands with?" others
asked.

"How does it feel to be a role model to the gay
community?" another reporter asked.

Gabriel ignored all the questions and just hurried
inside.

"You two all right?" Gabriel asked.

"Yeah," Leo replied a little out of breath for having
to run so fast to get inside.

"How about you babe?" Gabriel asked giving Kurt a
kiss.

"I'm fine," Kurt replied. "It was just different."

"Yeah, sorry, but I'm afraid you're going to have to
get used to it," Gabriel said. "Will you be okay with
that?"

"Yeah," Kurt nodded, "I'm sure I'll be fine."

"Good," Gabriel smiled taking hold of Kurt's hand and
giving it a little squeeze. "I love you."

"I love you too," Kurt replied.

"All right, well you two just go on in and I'm going
to get to work," Leo said as they all entered the big
hall the event was in.  When they walked inside they
were impressed by the turn out, there were tons of
people filling the room.  Many all looked over and
shouted in excitement when they saw Gabriel enter the
room.

"He is here!" a very flamboyant boy around 17 years
old shouted.

Many raced over to Gabriel.

"Oh crap," Kurt said, "I'm going to go get us a drink
before I get tackled by these people."

"Okay, sorry," Gabriel said feeling bad for all this
attention.

"It's fine babe," Kurt replied as he hurried out of
the way just as a mob of fans came running up to
Gabriel.

Kurt went to a refreshment table to get some punch.
As he was there Nick and Luke came up to greet him.

"Looks like Gabriel is the hit of this event," Nick
said giving Kurt a hug.

"I know, did you see all the press outside?" Kurt
asked.

"It was insane," Luke replied giving Kurt a hug as
well.

"How are you two doing?" Kurt asked.

"Doing good," Nick replied.

"Is Leo here yet?" Luke asked.

"Yeah, he's somewhere," Kurt replied looking around
the room for him. "But Luke, I don't think talking to
him is a good idea."

"Yeah Luke," Nick agreed, "Just let it rest for now."

"I just want to make one last attempt," Luke said.

"Luke I think it's great you want to make amends with
Leo, but he's so stubborn that once he's made up his
mind he usually sticks to it," Kurt said.

"I know, but I have to give it one more try," Luke
said.

"Well good luck," Kurt said as he saw Leo enter the
room talking to one of the other workers from the
center. "There he is."

Luke saw him, "I'll be back."

"Got to love the guy for trying so hard," Kurt said.

"Yeah," Nick replied. "He's really shown that he's
come a long way."

"Good for him," Kurt said.

"His ex has been showing up though," Nick said.

"Really?" Kurt asked, "And what has he been doing
about it?"

"He told him that he didn't want to see him," Nick
replied.

"Good," Kurt replied.

"But his ex wants us all to be friends," Nick said.

"What a joke.  That's never going to happen," Kurt
said.

"Exactly," Nick said, "That's what I said."

"His ex is just going to try and make waves for the
two of you," Kurt said, "Don't let him get to you."

"I won't," Nick replied.

"Hey guys," Ryan said walking up to them.

"Hey Ryan," Nick said giving him a hug. "How are you?"

"I'm good," Ryan replied. "Hey Kurt."

"Hi," Kurt smiled giving Ryan a quick hug.

"I didn't know Gabriel Brocks was going to be here,"
Ryan said, "How did Leo pull that off?"

"He didn't," Kurt replied, "I guess you can say I
did."

"Oh because of the interview you did with him?" Ryan
asked.

"Sort of," Kurt said.

"He doesn't know?" Nick asked.

"Know what?" Ryan asked.

Kurt quickly gave Nick a punch in the arm for blowing
the secret.

"Ryan, can I talk to you for a minute?" Kurt asked.

"Sure," Ryan replied as him and Kurt walked away
together to talk privately.

"You look nice tonight," Kurt said trying to ease into
the conversation.

"Thanks," Ryan replied, "So what did you want to tell
me?"

"It's about Gabriel Brocks," Kurt said.

"Aw Kurt, did you ask him to come because you knew I'm
such a big fan of his?" Ryan asked feeling flattered.

"Not really," Kurt replied not too sure how to say it.
"Um, Gabriel is a really great guy."

"Yeah, he seems like it," Ryan said, "I didn't hear
him being rude to any of the people around him when I
walked in."

"Ryan you're making this really hard for me to tell
you," Kurt said.

"I'm sorry," Ryan said, "What is it?"

"Gabriel and I are dating," Kurt said spitting it all
out.

"Huh?" Ryan asked confused. "Dating?"

"Yeah," Kurt replied. "Him and I are a couple."

"Whoa!  Wait, that's the person you're dating now?"
Ryan asked shocked.

"Yeah," Kurt answered. "We've been dating about a
month now."

"You're dating a super star," Ryan said.

"I guess you could say that," Kurt said.

"Can't really compete with that huh?" Ryan asked.

"What do you mean compete?" Kurt asked curious.

"It's nothing," Ryan said, "Kurt, I'm glad you've
found someone great to start dating."

"Thanks," Kurt replied sheepishly, he hated to make
Ryan feel uncomfortable.

"Well I should let you get back to him," Ryan said,
"It was good seeing you tonight."

"You're not leaving are you?" Kurt asked.

"I think so," Ryan replied. "There's no real need for
me to be here."

"No, don't leave," Kurt said. "I don't want you to
leave because of me."

"Kurt, I just feel weird being here with you and your
famous boyfriend," Ryan said.

"Ryan, please just stay," Kurt said.

"Why?" Ryan asked.

"Because I still care about you," Kurt replied. "I
know we're not together anymore, but I do still care
about you."

"So you want us to be friends?" Ryan asked.

"Yeah," Kurt replied. "Do you think we can do that?"

"I'm not sure," Ryan said.

"Can we at least try?" Kurt asked.

Before Ryan could reply Gabriel came behind Kurt
wrapping his arms around him.

"Hey babe," Gabriel said, "Thank you for being so
patient."

"It's fine," Kurt replied. "Gabriel I want you to meet
Ryan."

"Nice to meet you," Gabriel said shaking Ryan's hand.

"Nice to meet you too," Ryan replied.

"How do you two know each other?" Gabriel asked.

Kurt wasn't too sure how to answer that, but before he
could Ryan answered for the both of them.

"We're friends," Ryan replied.

Kurt gave Ryan a grateful smile.

"Well I guess I'm going to go mingle.  I'll see you
both later," Ryan said excusing himself.

"Nice meeting you," Gabriel said.

"Thank you Ryan," Kurt said Ryan gave Kurt a smile
before walking away.  Gabriel looked back and forth
between Ryan and Kurt, he had a sinking feeling that
there is or was more between them then just
friendship, but decided to drop it.

"So they have some good music playing," Gabriel said,
"You want to go dance?"

"Love to," Kurt replied as the two made their way to
the center of the room where there was a little dance
area set up.

 Meanwhile, Leo was across the room working and doing
everything he could to avoid Luke.

"Leo, will you please stop walking away from me and
let me talk to you for one minute," Luke pleaded.

"Can't now, I'm busy," Leo replied.

"Leo, this is my last attempt to try and reconcile
with you," Luke said.

"All right, well I'll save you the trouble and tell
you how it will turn out," Leo said, "I don't want to
be your friend.  End of final attempt."

"Leo, nothing is going on with my ex and me," Luke
said. "I don't want him anywhere near me."

"Good for you," Leo said, "I wonder how long that will
last?"

"Dammit Leo!" Luke said, "Please just talk to me."

"Instead of spending all this time trying to talk to
me when you know I'm not going to change my mind, why
don't you just go be with Nick?" Leo asked. "I already
told him I'm not going to stand in the way between you
two."

"Luke!" Wayne said coming up to him.

"Wayne, what the hell are you doing here?" Luke asked.

"I can only imagine," Leo said sarcastically, "Excuse
me."

Leo then walked away from Luke and Wayne.

"Why are you here Wayne?" Luke asked.

"You said you and Nick would be here tonight and I
just wanted to apologize to Nick myself," Wayne said.

"I'll give him the message," Luke said grabbing
Wayne's arm, "You have to go."

"No," Wayne said shrugging Luke off, "This is a neat
little event going on here.  I think I'll stay."

"Wayne, you're going to make me and Nick uncomfortable
if you stay here," Luke said. "Please go."

"No," Wayne replied walking away. "I'll catch you
later."

Nick was talking with some of the guest at the event
when there was a tap on his shoulder, he turned around
and was surprised to see Joey.

"Joey!" Nick said giving him a hug, "How are you?"

"I'm okay," Joey replied, "How are you?  I was hoping
to see you here tonight."

"I'm good," Nick said, "How is everything?  How's your
mom?"

"Not great," Joey sighed. "She just couldn't accept me
being gay.  She tried her best, but she just couldn't
do it."

"I'm sorry Joey," Nick sighed sadly.

"Yeah, so last month when I turned 18 I moved out,"
Joey said.

"You did?" Nick asked, "Are you doing okay?"

"Yeah," Joey replied. "I'm doing okay."

"Well if you need anything I want you to call me
okay?" Nick asked. "You still have my number right?"

"Yeah I do," Joey said, "Thanks."

"All right well be sure to call me sometime okay?"
Nick asked.

"I will," Joey replied. "Thanks Nick.  It really meant
a lot to me that you helped me.  No one has ever taken
the time to do something like that for me before."

"You're a good kid Joey," Nick said giving him a hug,
"Just keep reminding yourself that and you'll be
fine."

"Well I'll talk to you later okay?" Joey asked.

"All right," Nick replied. "I'll talk to you later."

Luke came up to Nick just as Joey left.

"Hey," Luke said giving Nick a kiss.

"Oh hey," Nick replied. "Too bad you just missed
Joey."

"Who's Joey?" Luke asked.

"He's this kid that I tried helping out a few months
ago with his mom," Nick replied. "Real nice kid."

"So bad news," Luke said.

"What is it?" Nick asked.

"Wayne is here and he's looking for you," Luke
replied.

"Why would he be looking for me?" Nick asked.

"Because he's determined to make life hell for us,"
Luke replied. "Come on, lets get out of here."

"All right," Nick said as the two started heading out.
 Before they could go though, Wayne approached them.

"There you are Nick," Wayne said as he walked up to
them, "I've been looking for you.  Did Luke tell you I
was looking for you?"

"Yeah he did," Nick said through gritted teeth.

"Well good," Wayne said, "I just wanted to talk to you
and tell you that I'm sorry for trying to interfere
with your relationship with Luke."

"It's okay," Nick said as him and Luke tried to walk
away, but Wayne wouldn't let them.

"I mean, how insensitive of me to try and interfere
between two people who love each other," Wayne said,
"Kind of like how you did with Luke and me."

"Excuse me?" Nick asked, "I wasn't even talking to
Luke when the two of you broke up."

"Yeah, but you're the reason we broke up because all
he could do was think about you," Wayne said.

"Watch it Wayne," Luke warned.

"Or what?" Wayne asked, "You couldn't possibly hurt me
more than you already have."

"So much for us all getting together and becoming
friends," Nick said.

"Yeah, that was all a big lie," Wayne said, "I just
came to tell you that it's not over between us."

"What do you mean us?" Nick asked.

"Not you and me, I'm talking about Luke and me," Wayne
replied. "Him and I belong together.  He'll see that
eventually and come to his senses."

"If he was with you for three years and you couldn't
get him to stay then obviously it wasn't right for you
two," Nick said.

"Or maybe he just needed to get you out of his system
so he's just taking you out for one last ride before
he realizes that him and I are supposed to be
together," Wayne said. "Prepare for a fight Nick.
Because I'm not giving up."

"Let's just go Nick," Luke said pulling Nick away from
Wayne.

"This isn't over," Wayne said.

"Actually, it is," Nick said as he turned and walked
away with Luke.

"It's not over.  Not by a long shot," Wayne said
quietly to himself.

Before Nick and Luke left though, Leo quickly ran up
to them.

"Nick, I think Jesse is here," Leo said.

"What?" Nick asked confused.

"I'm losing it, but I thought I saw Jesse," Leo said.

"Where?" Nick asked looking around the room.

Leo looked around and couldn't see the person he
thought was Jesse anymore.

"I don't see him anymore," Leo said.

"Leo, if Jesse was awake I'm sure you would be the
first person he called," Nick said.

"I know, but I could have sworn that it was him," Leo
said looking around the room one more time.

"Leo, I think that maybe your mind is just playing
tricks on you," Nick said, "You've been under a lot
with Tristan leaving and this job and tonight's event
and the AA meetings.  I think you just need some
reast."

"Maybe you're right," Leo sighed, "Maybe I am just
working too hard right now."

"Yeah," Nick said, "Just take it easy."

"Okay," Leo said, "Thanks Nick.  Sorry for the second
freak out."

"It's fine," Nick said giving Leo a hug,"Luke and I
are going to go, but I'll call you tomorrow."

"Okay, bye Nick," Leo said, he then turned to Luke and
gave him a glare, "Luke."

"Night Leo," Luke replied letting the glare roll off
his shoulder.

After the event was over Kurt and Gabriel were saying
bye to Leo.

"You did a great job," Kurt said giving Leo a hug.

"Thanks," Leo replied.

"It was awesome Leo," Gabriel said giving Leo a hug as
well. "I'll definitely be coming to more of these
events."

"I'm sure they would love having you here," Leo said.
"Sorry for all the press that was here earlier."

"It's all good," Gabriel said as him and Kurt started
heading out hand in hand.  As they were leaving Kurt
noticed Ryan standing to the side of the room talking
to a very attractive man, about 6 ft. black hair and
even from far away he could tell that this guy had the
most amazing blue eyes.  The two were smiling and
talking together and he noticed the guy give Ryan his
number.  Kurt was happy to see that Ryan met someone,
but at the same time couldn't help but feel a little
bit of jealousy.

"Everything okay?" Gabriel asked seeing that Kurt
looked a little distracted.

"Yeah, I'm great," Kurt replied.

"You're going to stay over at my place tonight right?"
Gabriel asked.

"Definitely," Kurt replied giving Gabriel a kiss.

When everyone left Leo was just grabbing some papers
from his office and then headed outside.  He got
outside and looked the door, when he turned around he
saw someone with their back facing him looking around
the outside of the building complex.

"Hi, can I help you with something?" Leo asked.

"I'm really not too sure," a familiar voice replied.
The person turned around and Leo felt the wind get
knocked out of him when he saw the person's face, "Can
you help me?"

"Oh my God," Leo sighed, "Jesse."


To Be Continued...

With any comments, questions or feedback please e-mail
me at ilj4ever44@yahoo.com.  Thanks so much!