Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2006 16:14:50 -0700 (PDT)
From: Kirk Landers <ilj4ever44@yahoo.com>
Subject: Phases- part 3

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.

Here is part 3 entitled "A New Day"

"A NEW DAY"

Kurt was in his kitchen cooking dinner for himself
when Ryan came home.

"Hey," Kurt said seeing Ryan, "I'm making dinner, you
want any?"

"Yeah," Ryan replied, "What are you cooking?"

"Chicken noodle soup," Kurt answered.

"Need some help?" Ryan asked.

"Well, tell me what you think," Kurt said getting a
spoon full of soup. "I think it might be too spicy."

Kurt and Ryan got close to one another so he could try
the soup.  Kurt then help the spoon up to his mouth
and fed the soup to Ryan.

"Mmm," Ryan said tasting it.

"Yeah?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah," Ryan replied as he leaned in and started
kissing Kurt.  Kurt wrapped his arms around Ryan and
melted into the kiss.

"Kurt," Ryan said breaking the kiss.

"Yeah?" Kurt asked.

"Kurt," Ryan said again louder, only this time his
voice sounded different, it sounded like...Scott.
Kurt then opened his eyes and found himself laying in
bed, the morning sun shining in on his face, and Scott
laying next to him.

Kurt," Scott said again.

"Hmm?" Kurt asked waking up.

"It's 8 o'clock," Scott replied. "You told me to wake
you up so you could take your article to the
magazine."

"Oh yeah," Kurt said groggily waking up. "Thanks."

"No problem," Scott said giving Kurt a kiss. "I'm
going to go get dressed."

"Okay," Kurt said sitting up in bed.

Scott went to go get ready for work while Kurt sat up
looking around the room, sighing that it was just a
dream between him and Ryan.

After they got dressed, Kurt and Scott sat down for
breakfast.  Scott made the two of them some toast and
eggs.  As they were sitting at the table Scott noticed
that Kurt was distracted.

"Is there something you want to talk about?" Scott
asked.

"No," Kurt said quietly shaking his head.  He felt so
horrible for what he was putting Scott through.

"You sleep okay last night?" Scott asked. "You kept
tossing and turning."

"I slept all right," Kurt said, then looking down at
his watch, "I have to go.  Can you let yourself out?"

"Wait, Kurt," Scott said. "There's something I want to
talk to you about."

"Can it wait until later?" Kurt asked putting on his
jacket. "I have to go to the magazine."

"I guess," Scott sighed. "I'll see you later."

"All right, have a good day," Kurt said heading out
and closing the door.

"Love you," Scott said quietly.

After he closed the door behind him, Kurt leaned
against the wall in the hallway feeling like the worst
person in the world.

Over at Nick's place he had just gotten done running
and was getting ready to take a shower when he got a
call from Kurt.

"Hey Kurt," Nick said picking up the phone.

"Hey, we still on for lunch?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah," Nick replied.

"All right cool," Kurt said. "I just had a dream about
Ryan last night."

"Good dream?" Nick asked.

"Great dream," Kurt replied.

"Kurt, you have to decide what you want sooner or
later," Nick said. "You're not only hurting yourself,
but you're stringing Scott along if you really don't
want to be with him."

"I know," Kurt sighed, "And I hate the idea of hurting
him in any way."

"Well, we'll discuss this more at lunch," Nick said.
"I have some stuff to talk about also."

"What's up?" Kurt asked.

"I have a date tonight," Nick replied.

"That's great!" Kurt said happily. "Who is it?"

"Some guy Leo is setting me up with," Nick replied.
"He just set this up yesterday.  Is it pathetic that I
agreed to a date the very next day?"

"It's okay," Kurt said. "Maybe you two will hit it
off!"

"Maybe," Nick said.

"All right, well we'll talk a lot more about this
later," Kurt said.

"Yeah and Leo has some news for us," Nick said.

"He does?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah," Nick replied. "He didn't tell me what it was,
but he said that it's something he feels will help him
keep busy and move on from Jesse."

"That's good," Kurt said.

"So I'll see you later okay?" Nick said.

"All right.  Bye," Kurt replied hanging up.

Kurt arrived at the magazine to meet with his editor,
Martin.  Martin was as flamboyant of a gay man as
there ever was.  Today Kurt walked into his office and
found him sitting behind his desk wearing a bright
pink, silk shirt, tight leather pants and suede boots.

"Hey sweetie!" Martin said as Kurt walked in.

"Hey Martin," Kurt replied.

"What's up girl?" Martin asked enthusiastically giving
Kurt a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"Brought in my article," Kurt said taking the article
out of a folder and handing it to him.

"Great!" Martin said, "I always get so excited to read
your articles.  It's like a little surprise on what
Kurt's views on love are this week."

"Well, this week I wanted to write about finding love,
when you already have a love," Kurt began to explain.

"Hush child," Martin said. "Let me read and find out
for myself."

Martin put on his glasses and began reading Kurt's
article:

    'You've found the love you've been waiting for,
that one love that offers comfort, security, and
kindness.  When you find this kind of love you feel
you can just stop searching because you know that
you've found something genuine and real.  However,
what do you do when surprisingly and unexpectedly
someone comes along who has the potential to offer you
so much more, someone who has that great draw about
him that makes you want to leave everything behind and
see what he can offer you.  Do you leave the love you
have behind and pursue someone who has the potential
to give you more?  Or, do you play it safe and stay
with the love you have now and let that potential move
away?
    Throughout life it has been said that to find one
great love is hard enough, but what happens when you
get to be lucky enough to find two?  And what happens
when you're with one love when the possibility for
another comes along?'

"Where's the rest of the article?" Martin asked
turning the page over to see if there was anything
else written.

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about," Kurt
replied. "I'm going to need an extension on my
article."

"Kurt, you know how this works," Martin said. "The
article is due tomorrow.  I can't make any exceptions
on this."

"I know, but I'm just having a lot of trouble writing
this article," Kurt said.

"Why?" Martin asked.

"Because I honestly don't know how to write this one,"
Kurt sighed.

"Come and talk to me," Martin said going and sitting
on the sofa in the corner of his office.

Kurt walked over and sat next to him.

"Let's hear it," Martin said.

"You know how much I care for Scott," Kurt began,
"He's a great guy, sweet, kind, everything a guy could
want."

"Oh my God," Martin realized, "This article is about
you!  You have someone else you're interested in."

"Yes," Kurt confessed.

"So did you do anything with this new person?" Martin
asked.

"No, it's just that I've been thinking about this
person a lot," Kurt replied. "And thinking about him
and feeling things for him that I never felt towards
Scott."

"Honey, do you want my advice?" Martin asked.

"Yes," Kurt replied.

"Don't lose Scott," Martin said. "He's the type of man
that doesn't come along very often.  He's sweet,
caring."

"I know," Kurt nodded.

"And it doesn't hurt that he's rich," Martin joked.

"Martin," Kurt sighed shaking his head.

"I'm kidding," Martin said. "But in all seriousness,
stay with Scott.  You might not get what you want from
this guy you're infatuated with and then what would
you have left?  You'd lose this guy and Scott in the
process."

Kurt sighed, knowing that Martin was probably right.

 After the meeting Kurt went and met up with Nick and
Leo at a little cafe by the office.

"Everything all right?" Leo asked, "You've seemed a
little distracted today."

"Yeah, just having some trouble with my article," Kurt
replied.

"Need to talk about it?" Nick asked.

"No, it's fine," Kurt replied. "I think Leo wanted to
surprise us with something right?"

"Right," Leo said.

"So what's going on?" Nick asked.

"Well, as you both know I've been having some trouble
dealing with my break up," Leo began.

"Yeah we know," Kurt said sympathetically.

"So I've decided to keep myself busy volunteering at
the Gay and Lesbian Center," Leo enthused.

"Really?" Nick asked impressed, "That's great!  It's
constructive, it will keep you busy, it's a great way
to meet new people.  I'm so proud of you."

"And I thought that since Ryan works there, I might be
able to throw in a few good words about you Kurt," Leo
suggested.

"What?" Kurt asked. "No, I don't think that's a good
idea."

"Why not?" Leo asked.

"Because I'm with Scott," Kurt replied.

"But do you want to stay with Scott?" Nick asked.

"Yea," Kurt answered weakly, "At least, I think so."

"Kurt, you have to stop obsessing over this and just
go with the flow," Nick suggested.

"I'm not obsessing," Kurt defended.

"Kurt, you always obsess about things," Nick said.
"It's what you do."

"I never obsessed over Scott," Kurt replied.

"Yeah, and doesn't that tell you something?" Leo
asked. "You've only obsessed and over analyzed
situations on guys you really like.  Isn't it weird
you never did it with Scott?"

"I never really thought of that before," Kurt replied.
"When I talk about a guy I like a lot, I usually
always talk a lot about them because I have those
butterflies in my stomach and I just want to think
about them all the time, that's why I talk about them
a lot.  But I never had that with Scott."

"Maybe because you never really liked him that much,"
Nick suggested.

"Think about it Kurt," Leo said. "Look at how close
you guys became with Jesse because he was with me and
I loved him so much.  We've only hung out with Scott a
couple times, the rest of the time you usually like to
do stuff with out him."

"It's very telling," Nick said.

"How did we get on this subject anyway?" Kurt asked
wanting to end this conversation, "Weren't we talking
about Leo and his volunteering efforts?"

"All right, but before we end this can I just say
something?" Nick asked.

"Sure," Kurt replied.

"Don't stay with Scott just to avoid hurting him,
you'll just hurt him more if you stay with him if your
heart is somewhere else," Nick said.

"Okay," Kurt answered understandingly.

"All right," Nick said turning to Leo, "You're up, so
when do you start?"

"I start today," Leo replied.

"That's awesome," Kurt said. "Do you know what you'll
be doing?"

"Not yet," Leo replied.

"Well that's great," Nick said.

"Thanks," Leo replied, "Oh so Nick, are you excited
for your date with Jeremy tonight?"

"I'm not sure yet," Nick said.

"Why not?" Leo frowned.

"Because I don't know this guy," Nick said. "I don't
know if we have any common interests at all.  None of
the blind dates you guys set me up on work out."

"Well, he works at the restaurant with me, he's nice,
very charismatic, very handsome," Leo said.

"Then why aren't you dating him?" Nick asked.

"Cause I'm not ready to date yet," Leo said. "You on
the other hand, have been single for long enough.
It's time to get you out there."

"Yeah, what's the harm in just seeing where it takes
you?" Kurt asked. "You might have fun."

"Nick, I know how picky you are, believe me, I almost
gave up on setting you up with people," Leo said. "But
I really think he's different."

"You say that about every person you've set me up
with," Nick said.

"But I really mean it this time," Leo joked.

"Come on Nick," Kurt said. "Take our advice for once,
just go out there and have some fun."

"Okay, okay," Nick sighed.

"You know what this calls for?" Kurt asked.

"What?" Nick asked.

"Shopping," Kurt replied. "We should go get you some
stuff for your date."

"Sounds like a good idea to me," Leo said. "I have a
couple hours before I have to be at the center."

After lunch the three hit the mall to do some
shopping.

"I know you like going for your runs Nick, but you
have to admit, there's no better cardio then
shopping," Kurt said as they were walking around the
mall.

"Doesn't this excite you a little bit?" Leo asked.
"Shopping for a big date."

"Yeah it's fun," Nick admitted.

As they were shopping Kurt's cell phone rang.

"Hello?" Kurt asked answering.

"Hey it's Martin."

"Hey Martin," Kurt replied.

"I have a proposition for you," Martin said.

"What's that?" Kurt asked.

"What would you say if I told you that you didn't have
to turn in your article tomorrow," Martin replied.

"I'd say 'what do I have to do to get that to
happen?'" Kurt asked.

"I want you to use that idea and expand on it," Martin
replied.

"Excuse me?" Kurt asked.

"Next issue is our anniversary issue," Martin replied.
"And instead of your shorter articles, I want you to
do a short story."

"A short story?" Kurt asked.

"Yes," Martin said.

"You want me to write a short story about that article
I'm working on?" Kurt asked.

"Yes, and this will give you an extra three weeks to
write it," Martin said.

"What are you going to put in to replace my article in
this issue?" Kurt asked.

"We'll just put an advertisement letting the readers
know that you'll be doing something special for the
anniversary issue," Martin said.

"Are you serious?" Kurt asked.

"Very," Martin said.

"Thank you so much," Kurt said. "I can't believe
this."

"It took some convincing, but I was able to pull
enough strings," Martin said.

"Martin, I can't tell you how grateful I am," Kurt
said.

"It's no problem," Martin said. "Just come in next
week and we'll go over this some more."

"Great," Kurt said. 'Thanks so much Martin."

"Anytime sweetie," Martin said.

"I'll talk to you later," Kurt said hanging up.

"What was that?" Nick asked.

"That was my editor Martin," Kurt said. "He's having
me write a short story for the anniversary issue!"

"That's great!" Leo enthused.

"Oh my God!" Nick said happily, "I'm so happy for
you."

"Thank you," Kurt said. "Four years of working there
and working to get experience so I can finally become
an author.  This short story is going to help so
much."

"What is the short story supposed to be about?" Leo
asked.

"That's the catch," Kurt said. "I have to write about
my article I'm working on."

"What's it about?" Nick asked.

"Someone who is struggling between two men," Kurt
replied.

Nick and Leo both gave each other a look knowing that
this is going to be tough for Kurt.

"Well, only way to find an ending to that story is for
you to make a decision," Nick said.

"Yeah," Kurt sighed. "I know."

 Later that day Leo arrived at the Gay and Lesbian
Center.  It was a nice little place, very warm and
inviting.  He walked in and went to the front desk
where there was a very charming, mid-30's female,
short hair, business attire, sitting and doing some
paper work before she looked up and saw Leo.

"Hi," she said cheerfully, "How can I help you?"

"Hi," Leo said then looked at the name plate on her
desk, "Rita, my name is Leo, I'm supposed to start
here today."

"Oh yes," Rita replied picking up a folder with Leo's
name on it. "We were expecting you.  If you would like
to go down the hall, there is a room where you'll be
working.  Ryan should be in there, he'll explain what
you'll be doing."

"Ryan?" Leo asked smiling at the coincidence.

"Yes, do you know him?" Rita asked.

"No," Leo said getting serious again, "Thank you."

Leo then took the folder and walked down the hall.
When he entered the room, Ryan was in there painting a
banner for a food drive the center was hosting.

"Ryan?" Leo asked entering.

"Yeah," Ryan replied looking up.

Leo was impressed, Ryan was every bit as good looking
as Kurt had said he was.

"Hi, I'm Leo," Leo extended his hand to shake Ryan's.

"Nice to meet you," Ryan replied. "So you're the new
volunteer?"

"Yeah," Leo said.

"Great," Ryan said, "Cause I need a lot of help.  I'm
so behind."

"Well, whatever you need," Leo said.

"Great," Ryan said. "Would you mind helping me with
this banner?"

"No problem," Leo said.

"So just grab a paintbrush and you can help me out,"
Ryan said.

Leo went over and began to help Ryan paint the banner.

"So what made you want to volunteer here?" Ryan asked.

"Well, I just broke up with my boyfriend," Leo began,
"And I needed something that could help me move on.
So I thought volunteering here would be good, it would
keep me busy, and allow me to do something helpful to
the gay community."

"That's good," Ryan said. "Much better than wallowing
in self pity."

"Yeah," Leo agreed.

"Sorry, but you look really familiar," Ryan said.
"Have we met?"

"No," Leo replied, "But you've probably seen pictures
of me.  I'm best friends with your roommate Kurt."

"Oh my God," Ryan said surprised. "Small world."

"Very," Leo replied.

"Well it's really nice to meet a friend of Kurt's,"
Ryan said.

"Yeah, it's good to finally meet you," Leo replied.
"Heard a lot about you from Kurt."

"Good things I hope," Ryan joked.

"Very good things," Leo replied. "So how do you like
living with him?"

"He's great," Ryan said. "I never became friends with
someone so quickly like I did with him.  I just talk
to him really easily.  He's great."

"Yeah, he's the best," Leo added.

"And I just want to assure you that I'm not going to
try anything with him," Ryan said.

"Sorry?" Leo asked confused.

"Well, he told me that you were concerned that him and
I might fall for each other," Ryan said. "But I know
he's with Scott and I'm with Craig, so I just want you
to know that I don't plan on breaking up him and Scott
or ruining things with my boyfriend."

"Oh.  Ok," Leo said shrugging it off like it was no
big deal.

That evening Nick went to the restaurant to meet
Jeremy.  Nick took a once over at his clothes, he was
wearing his favorite pair of black slacks, an olive
green button down shirt and a brown leather jacket.
When he got there Jeremy was already sitting at the
table.  He got up to greet Nick as he approached the
table.  Nick was impressed, Leo wasn't lying, Jeremy
was every bit as good looking as he told him he was.
Nick was very impressed at Jeremy's clothing choice,
slacks, deep red sweater and a black sports coat was
resting on his chair.

"Hey Jeremy," Nick said. "Nice to meet you.  Hope I
didn't keep you waiting."

"No, you're right on time," Jeremy replied as the two
shook hands.

"This is a nice restaurant," Nick commented at the
atmosphere to make small talk, "Haven't eaten here
before."

"It's really good," Jeremy said. "They have the best
lobster tail."

"Sounds great," Nick said. "So Leo tells me you and
him are pretty close at work.  I'm surprised we never
met before."

"I know, he's actually invited me to a couple of the
parties that you guys have had, but I was never able
to make them," Jeremy said.

"So what do you do at the restaurant with him?" Nick
asked.

"I'm the assistant manager," Jeremy replied. "For now
anyway."

"Oh yeah?" Nick asked. "Got big plans?"

"Yeah, I'm actually hoping to run my own restaurant
one day," Jeremy replied.

"Impressive," Nick said.

"Yeah, so I'm just taking a lot of business classes
now," Jeremy said. "So how about you?  How does it
feel to be one of the few successful male advice
columnist?"

"I love it," Nick said. "I love helping people."

"That's awesome," Jeremy said.

"Would you two like to start with anything to drink?"
their waitress asked approaching their table.

"Yeah, may I please have a glass of your house
chardonnay?" Nick asked.

"Certainly," she answered.

"And I'll have a martini please," Jeremy said.

"Dirty?" she asked.

"Very," Jeremy replied giving Nick a little wink.

Nick smiled politely, but then rolled his eyes when
Jeremy was looking at his menu.  He would have some
major recovery to do to make up for that ridiculous
remark.

Meanwhile, Kurt was in his apartment beginning to
write his short story.  He sat there looking at the
blank screen on his lap top, not knowing where to even
begin.

"I want to be a writer and I can't even write a short
story," Kurt sighed in frustration.

Kurt leaned his head back to rest a little when Ryan
came home.

"Hey Kurt," Ryan said walking in.

"Hey," Kurt replied.

"So your friend Leo is a new volunteer at the center,"
Ryan said.

"Oh yeah," Kurt answered, "He was telling me that,
how'd he do?"

"He's great," Ryan said, "Helped me out a lot."

"Good," Kurt replied. "He really needs to keep himself
busy now.  He just got out of a relationship."

"Yeah, he was telling me that," Ryan said as he went
to the kitchen to get a glass of water. "So how was
your day?"

"It was all right," Kurt replied. "You?"

"Good," Ryan said. "Just a lot of work has to be done
down at the center still, so I'm stressing a little."

"I know what you mean," Kurt replied. "I have to write
a short story for the magazine and don't even know
where to begin."

"Short story?" Ryan asked. "What is it about?"

"You wouldn't be interested," Kurt replied not wanting
to let on that Ryan was one of the inspirations for
his story.

"Come on," Ryan said sitting down next to Kurt, "I
want to hear."

"Okay," Kurt sighed. "Well, it's about a person who
has to choose between two people.  He likes them both,
but doesn't know which one to choose.  Does he choose
the one who he's with who he knows will bring
security?  Or should be choose the one who makes his
heart skip a beat?"

"Definitely the one who makes his heart skip a beat,"
Ryan answered.

"Yeah?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah," Ryan replied. "That's the type of love that
makes life worth living."

"But what if that person doesn't feel the same way?"
Kurt asked.

"At least he went for it right?" Ryan asked. "There's
nothing worse than looking back and never knowing what
could have been."

"Ryan," Kurt began, wanting to tell him that he's
starting to fall for him.

"Yeah?" Ryan asked.

"Would you go for someone you think you could have a
future with if you're still with someone else?" Kurt
asked.

"If I didn't see a future with the person I was with,
then yes," Ryan replied.

"I have to do it," Kurt said to himself.

"Sorry?" Ryan asked confused.

"Oh, nothing," Kurt said getting up. "I have to talk
to Scott."

Kurt then grabbed his jacket and headed out.

Meanwhile, Leo got home and just finished cooking
himself something to eat when he got a phone call from
Jesse.

"Hey," Leo said answering.

"Hi, how are you?" Jesse asked.

"I'm doing all right," Leo replied. "How are you?"

"Good," Jesse replied. "Is it okay that I called you?"

"Yeah, of course," Leo said. "We're friends now
right?"

"Right," Jesse answered. "So what are you doing?"

"I just got done making some dinner," Leo said. "How
about you?"

"Just got home from work," Jesse said.

"Well, I made plenty of food if you want to come
over," Leo suggested.

"Yeah?" Jesse asked.

"Yeah," Leo replied.

"I'd love to if you're sure it's okay," Jesse said.

"Yeah, it'll be fun," Leo said.

"All right, I'll be there in a little bit," Jesse
said.

"Okay, see you soon," Leo replied before he hung up.

Leo looked down at his old jeans and plain white
t-shirt he was wearing.

"I have to change," Leo said to himself as he hurried
to his room.

Meanwhile, Nick and Jeremy were closing their date.
The two arrived to the apartment building Nick lives
at.

"Well, it was nice," Nick said politely. "Thank you."

"You want me to come up?" Jeremy asked suggestively.

"You know, I would, but I have to get up early
tomorrow," Nick replied. "Maybe another time."

"All right," Jeremy said. "Well, good night."

Jeremy leaned in to kiss Nick, but Nick quickly turned
his head so Jeremy reached his cheek.

"Okay, good night," Nick said. "Thanks again for
dinner."

Nick then went inside his apartment building and up to
his place.  In the elevator on the way up he called up
Leo.

"Hello?" Leo asked picking up the phone.

"That was a horrible date," Nick replied.

"Why?" Leo asked.

"All he wanted was just to get into my pants," Nick
replied.

"Would that be so bad?" Leo asked taking a couple
shirts out of his closet. "When was the last time you
had sex?"

"Shut up," Nick said. "Remind me to never have you set
me up on a date again."

"Fine," Leo sighed, "Well, I'm sorry it was a bust,
but I have to get going.  Jesse's coming over."

"Excuse me?" Nick asked.

Jesse's coming over," Leo repeated.

"At ten at night?" Nick asked. "Isn't it a little
late?"

"No," Jesse replied. "Besides, what does it matter?"

"Don't do anything you'll regret," Nick warned.

"I know, I know," Jesse said going through his closet
for clothes.

"Are you picking clothes out?" Nick asked.

"Excuse me?" Leo asked stopping the noise he was
making.

"Too late," Nick said. "I could already here you going
through your closet.  You're changing aren't you?"

"So?" Leo asked. "I don't want to look sloppy."

"You're dressing up for him?" Nick asked. "Leo, what
are you doing?"

"Please don't get on me about this," Leo said. Before
he could continue he heard a knock on his door. "Oh,
that's Jesse.  I have to go.  I'll call you tomorrow."

"Be good," Nick lectured before he hung up.

Leo went and hurried to the front door.  Before he
opened the door he took a couple of deep breaths to
try and regain his cool.

"Hi," Leo said opening the door.

"Hey," Jesse replied.  He leaned in and gave Leo a
little kiss on the cheek. "Good to see you."

"Nice seeing you too," Leo said. "Come on in."

Over at Scott's place, Kurt walked up to the front
door.  He took a deep breath before knocking.

"Hey," Scott said opening the door. "I didn't know you
were coming."

"Yeah, I just had to talk to you," Kurt said.

"You want to come in?" Scott asked.

"Sure," Kurt said.

"So, what did you want to talk about?" Scott asked.

"Want to sit down?" Kurt asked as they approached the
couch.

Scott sighed knowing this wasn't going to be a good
conversation.

"What's going on?" Scott asked.

"Scott, I don't know if you've noticed that I've been
acting a little different lately," Kurt began.

"Yeah, I've noticed," Scott replied.

"Well, I know that I I've been real distant lately,"
Kurt said.

"Yeah?" Scott asked.

Kurt was quiet, not knowing how to even begin to break
up with a great guy like Scott.  He didn't deserve
this.

"Scott," Kurt sighed trying to find the words.

"You don't have to do this," Scott said.

"Sorry?" Kurt asked confused.

"This isn't working out for you," Scott said. "I've
noticed it.  Noticed it for quite some time now."

"Scott, I'm so sorry," Kurt said. "You're such an
amazing guy."

"But it just isn't right for you," Scott said. "I get
it."

"Scott, you can be mean to me. I deserve it," Kurt
said.

"No, you don't," Scott replied. "You're just being
honest.  I appreciate you being honest about it."

"Scott," Kurt began not knowing how to handle how nice
Scott was being to him.

"Is there someone else?" Scott asked. "Wait, never
mind.  I don't think I want to know."

"You deserve someone great," Kurt said. "Someone who
will appreciate you for being the amazing person you
are."

"Thank you," Scott said.

"I should get going," Kurt said getting up.

"Take care of yourself," Scott said walking Kurt to
the door.

"You too," Kurt replied as he leaned in and gave Scott
a goodbye kiss on the cheek.

With that final note Kurt left and was free to explore
what the future has in store for him, and if there is
any hope of a future with Ryan.

Over at Leo's place, the two went into Leo's kitchen
to get some food.  When they sat down Leo couldn't
help but notice how good Jesse looked tonight, he was
wearing a tan jacket that Leo had bought him.

"You look good," Jesse said.

"You do too," Leo replied.

"Thanks again for inviting me over," Jesse said.

"My pleasure," Leo said. "It's good seeing you again."

The two then began to eat quietly with one another.
They both kept looking up at one another from time to
time.  After a couple minutes Jesse finally broke the
silence.

"So," Jesse began, "You seeing anyone?"

"Wow," Leo said shocked, "Wasn't expecting that
question."

"I'm sorry," Jesse replied, "I was just curious."

"No," Leo answered. "I'm not."

Jesse didn't say anything, he just nodded.

"It's too soon," Leo said. "It's not exactly easy to
get over a two year relationship."

"Yeah," Jesse sighed.

"You aren't seeing anyone are you?" Leo asked worried.

"No," Jesse replied quickly.

"Sorry," Leo said, " I know that came out kind of
harsh.  I was just worried that maybe you were over me
already."

"It's going to take a lot for me to get over you,"
Jesse sighed.

"I miss you," Leo said. "Is it alright that I said
that?"

"Yeah," Jesse replied. "Because I miss you too."

The two then both leaned in and kissed one another.

"Should we be doing this?" Leo asked.

"Probably not," Jesse replied as they continued
kissing.

****************************************************************************

To Be Continued....

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