Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:20:01 -0700 (PDT)
From: Kirk Landers <ilj4ever44@yahoo.com>
Subject: Phases- part 37

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.

Good day everyone!  Glad that you are here to read
part 37, entitled "Thank You"

'THANK YOU'

    It's been three weeks since Leo moved out and Ryan
moved in with Kurt.  Things so far have been going
well.  Leo and Jesse have been in the process of
redecorating their apartment together while Kurt and
Ryan kept dancing around the knowledge that Ryan wants
to get married.

Since Leo moved out, him and Kurt have made a new
tradition of having breakfast together every Monday
morning to start off their week.  They met at the
diner they usually go to and talk about their weekend
or anything that was on their mind.

"Ryan's going to propose soon," Kurt said taking a sip
of his coffee.

"He is?" Leo asked excited. "How do you know?"

"I just have a feeling," Kurt said. "When we last
talked about it, you were getting ready to move out so
I told him to ask me when I wasn't feeling so sad and
that I would say yes."

"Okay," Leo said taking in that information, "So what
makes you think he's going to ask now?"

"Well, it's been three weeks since you moved out, I'm
obviously not that sad any more.  It just makes
sense," Kurt said. "He wants to get married and I told
him I would say yes."

"And you still hate the idea of marriage, don't you?"
Leo asked.

"It's not that I hate the idea of marriage," Kurt
explained, "It's just not something I ever thought I
would want. Look at you and Jesse."

"What about me and Jesse?" Leo asked.

"You two have a history together that goes back over
three years," Kurt replied. "You two just moved in
together and the idea of marriage has never come up
and you're both perfectly happy."

"Yeah, but one day I want us to get married," Leo
replied.

"Seriously?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah," Leo replied. "I like the idea of us being
legally recognized as partners.  I want the whole
family thing too."

"Really?" Kurt asked. "Kids?"

"Yeah, I love kids," Leo said. "I want all that."

"How very Rockwell of you," Kurt said.

"You really don't want all that?" Leo asked.

"The marriage thing I can possibly deal with," Kurt
replied. "But the whole family thing, I don't know."

"Ryan has a daughter," Leo said. "Marrying him will
automatically get you a family."

"I know," Kurt said. "And that freaks me out.  You
know how bad I am with kids."

"What are you talking about?  Kids love you," Leo
said.

"The feeling isn't mutual," Kurt groaned. "They're
just so noisy and they cry all the time."

"But they're also a lot of fun and filled with so much
love," Leo said. "You really don't want that?"

"No," Kurt said. "And I think that's probably what I'm
most hesitant about if I accept Ryan's proposal."

 "Does he know this?" Leo asked.

"Of course not," Kurt said. "How do I tell Ryan, as a
father, that I don't like kids."

"Honesty," Leo suggested.

"Yeah, cause that always works so well," Kurt sighed.

"True," Leo said. "I should learn to take my own
advice."

"What do you mean?" Kurt asked.

"So, Jesse and I are redecorating the apartment," Leo
said. "And I don't know what his problem is, he must
be color blind or something."

"What do you mean?" Kurt laughed.

"He picks these paint colors that don't match," Leo
said.

"How bad could it be?" Kurt asked.

"Would you combine a peach color with bright green?"
Leo asked.

"Ew," Kurt replied.

"Exactly," Leo said. "And since we had such a big
fight last time about redecorating I am trying my best
to hold my tongue, but I'm afraid if I do then the
place will look like a disaster."

"Well, you either stop him or get used to an apartment
decorated by the color impaired," Kurt said.

"I would like to just do the whole thing myself, but
he's so into us doing it as a couple," Leo said.

"Then just take your own advice and talk to him," Kurt
said.

"Neither one of us is very good at confrontation huh?"
Leo asked.

"Nope," Kurt replied.

Later that day when Leo was in his office waiting for
Joey who called earlier to say he was coming by.  When
he finally came he had a big smile on his face.

"What are you so happy about?" Leo asked.

"Have you noticed how I'm dressed?" Joey asked
prompting Leo to look at his attire.  Joey was wearing
a suit, complete with a tie.

"Why are you all dressed up?" Leo asked.

"Remember when we sent out a bunch of job
applications?" Joey asked.

"Yeah," Leo replied hoping for the best.

"Well, I didn't want to say anything until I knew for
sure, but I got a job," Joey said.

"Really?!" Leo asked happily jumping out of his desk
to give Joey a hug.

"Yeah, I started last week," Joey said. "I wanted to
make sure it was a job I could handle before I told
you the good news."

"That's so great Joe," Leo said. "What's the job?"

"I'm a receptionist at the Riviera Art Gallery
downtown," Joey said.

"That's great," Leo said. "I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you," Joey said. "I just really wanted to thank
you for everything you did for me.  You and Kurt
really helped me out by giving me a place to live,
buying me groceries, paying the bills at the
apartment.  It means the world to me and I want to pay
you both back."

"Pay us back by keeping up the good work," Leo said.
"How about you come over to Jesse and my place for
dinner tonight?"

"I was supposed to see Hank tonight," Joey said.

"Bring him along," Leo said. "I'll have Kurt and Ryan
come over.  It will be fun."

"Okay.  That sounds great," Joey replied. "Well, I
have to get back to work.  I'm on my lunch break."

"All right, we'll see you tonight," Leo said.

"See ya," Joey said as he headed out.

Leo sat down at his desk smiling, proud to see how far
Joey has come.

At work Kurt was in his office when Claudia called him
into her office.

"Yes Claudia?" Kurt asked walking in.

"Sit," Claudia simply said with no clear emotion if
she was in a good or bad mood. "I've been very
impressed with your work lately."

"Thank you Claudia," Kurt said.

"But none of it has been quite as good as your piece
you did with Gabriel Brocks," Claudia said. "There was
a lot more substance in that piece.  More depth.  You
brought out his personality which the readers loved."

"I see," Kurt said. "Well, I'll definitely try to do
that more in my future pieces."

"I have your next assignment," Claudia said.

"Oh great," Kurt replied. "I was just finishing my
last one."

"You're going to do a follow-up interview with
Gabriel," Claudia said.

"What?!" Kurt asked shocked. "Why?"

"His issue was the best selling one in the history of
our magazine and the readers would like to see a
follow-up on him," Claudia said. "He's hot right now.
He has a new movie that's coming out, he just finished
filming another one, his advertisements with Public
Image clothing is huge and Public Image are big
contributors to our magazine. Must I go on or can you
figure it out for yourself?"

"I can figure it out for myself," Kurt sighed.

"Good," Claudia said. "Now go get started."

"The thing is Claudia," Kurt said. "Gabriel and I
broke up a little while ago and I just think that it
might be kind of awkward and unethical."

"Are you a professional?" Claudia asked, "Besides you
dating the person you were originally assigned to
interview, are you a professional?"

"Of course," Kurt replied.

"Would you do anything unethical?" Claudia asked.

"No," Kurt replied.

"Then I don't see the problem here," Claudia said.
"You're meeting with him."

"Yes Claudia," Kurt said as he walked out of her
office.  When he got to his office he quickly called
up Ryan to tell him.

"You're kidding," Ryan said after Kurt told him the
news.

"Babe, we were caught up in a whole love triangle with
him.  Do you really think I would joke about something
like this?" Kurt asked exasperated.

"Are you going to do it?" Ryan asked.

"Yeah," Kurt replied. "I have to."

"Can't one of the other writers do this piece?" Ryan
asked.

"No.  Claudia wants me to do it," Kurt sighed. "She
hates me."

"I'm sure it's not personal," Ryan said.

"I don't know how the hell I'll be able to do this,"
Kurt said.

"You can," Ryan said. "You'll be fine."

"You know, I read in some magazine that he had started
up a relationship with someone he met up on the set
while he was filming that movie in Canada," Kurt said.
"I think he cheated on me while he was up there."

"Does that really matter?" Ryan asked.

"No, but I'm just saying, it shows no respect," Kurt
replied. "He could have at least dumped me and then
started dating someone else, right?"

"Right," Ryan said, "I think you're getting a little
off track here."

"I know, I'm rambling," Kurt said. "I just don't want
to do this."

"It's just like taking off a band-aid," Ryan said. "Do
it quickly, it won't be so bad."

"You're right," Kurt said. "Thank you.  Oh, Leo
called.  He wants up to go over to his and Jesse's
place tonight for dinner.  It's a celebration thing
for Joey."

"For Joey?" Ryan asked.

"Yeah, he got a job," Kurt replied.

"Oh awesome," Ryan said. "Well dinner sounds good
then."

"Good, I'll see you later.  I love you," Kurt said.

"I love you too," Ryan replied hanging up and then
getting back to work.

Leo meanwhile, was in the middle of work when Hank
came by to see him.

"Hey Leo," Hank said walking in.

"Hey Hank, how are you doing?" Leo asked.

"I'm doing all right," Hank replied. "Has Joey come by
today?"

"Yeah, he told me the good news," Leo said. "I invited
the two of you over for dinner tonight."

"Oh, ok," Hank replied sitting down in the chair
facing Leo's desk.

"What's up?" Leo asked. "You look a little down."

"Is it wrong that I'm a little jealous of him?" Hank
asked.

"Joey?" Leo asked.

"Yeah," Hank replied. "He is starting to really get
his life together and I feel like I'm stuck at square
one."

"Hank, it's going to take time for you to rebuild your
life," Leo said. "You've been doing good so far.
You're taking online courses, you're out looking for a
job.  You're doing okay."

"I used to live in Newport Beach," Hank said. "I drove
a BMW, I lived in a mansion overlooking the ocean with
an infinity pool. Now look at me, I live in small room
with two other homeless gays like me that the center
provides us and I have no money.  How is that
progress?"

"Yeah, but look at what you had to endure when you
lived in Newport," Leo pointed out. "Your dad abused
you, your mom looked the other way.  What kind of life
is that?"

"I just want my life to begin," Hank said frustrated.

"It will," Leo assured him, "Just trust in yourself
and you'll get there.  I'll tell you what, tonight
after dinner you and me will talk and discuss job
options for you.  We'll go over the applications you
sent out to places and fix up a resume for you."

"No, don't bother," Hank said getting up and heading
for the door.

"Wait, where are you going?" Leo asked.

"No where," Hank replied as he left Leo's office.

"Wait, come back Hank," Leo called out, but Hank just
left.

Later on, after Ryan got off of work he went over to
Jesse and Leo's place to help set up for dinner.  When
he got arrived only Jesse was there so the two grabbed
a couple beers and relaxed.

"So how is life living with Leo?" Ryan asked.

"It's great," Jesse replied. "We're looking at paint
colors right now for the bedroom."

"Redecorating as a couple?" Ryan asked.

"Yeah," Jesse replied.

"Fun?" Ryan asked.

"Honestly?  Not really," Jesse replied.

"How come?" Ryan asked.

"I thought it would be really fun doing the whole
redecorating thing together, but it's not," Jesse
said. "It's a lot of work and there are so many paint
samples to look at and so many different types of
paint and then we have to think about gloss or no
gloss.  It's so much stuff and Leo's so into it."

"And you're not?" Ryan asked.

"No," Jesse replied. "I love him and love spending
time with him, but doing this whole thing is just not
for me.  I've been picking out horrible colors to try
and get out of doing it."

"And what does he say?" Ryan asked.

"He's being too sweet about it and saying, 'oh those
are interesting colors.  Let's think about it.'  and
then we continue our search for the perfect paint,"
Jesse replied.

"Well, hopefully he'll get the hint," Ryan said.

"Yeah, we can hope," Jesse sighed. "So how is life
with you and Kurt?"

"It's good," Ryan said. "Took him a bit of time to get
over Leo moving out, but he's good now.  I've actually
been thinking that it might be a good time to propose
to him."

"Wow, really?" Jesse asked.

"Yeah," Ryan answered. "Well, I was going to, but then
he got some news that is worrying him right now."

"What is it?" Jesse asked.

"He has to interview Gabriel," Ryan said.

"Seriously?" Jesse asked. "His boss is making him
interview his ex-boyfriend?"

"Yeah," Ryan said.

"Is he going to do it?" Jesse asked.

"Yeah, he has to," Ryan replied. "It's his job."

"But it's Gabriel," Jesse said. "That has to be
difficult."

"It is," Ryan said. "I just hope it goes well for
him."

"Me too," Jesse said. "So this puts a halt to your
engagement plans?"

"Yeah," Ryan said.

"Ryan, can I ask you something?" Jesse asked.

"Yeah, of course," Ryan said.

"Are you sure Kurt wants to get married?" Jesse asked.
"Before you said he didn't and I'm surprised how
quickly he changed his mind."

"When we talked about it a few weeks ago he said that
he would say yes if I asked," Ryan said.

"Oh," Jesse said.

"You think he might say no?" Ryan asked.

"I don't know," Jesse said. "If he said he'll say yes
then I'm sure he will."

"Do you think he feels pressured into it?" Ryan asked.

"Ryan, if he didn't want to get married, would it be
the worst thing in the world?" Jesse asked curious.

"I don't know," Ryan sighed, "It's something I've
always wanted.  I can't imagine not having it."

"But can you imagine life with out Kurt?" Jesse asked.

"I can't imagine that either," Ryan said.

"Then I guess you just have to find out which is more
important to you," Jesse pointed out.

Ryan thought it over of what he really wanted in life
and what was most important to him.

"Can someone help me with the groceries?" Leo asked as
he walked in carrying four big bags filled with stuff.

"Whoa!  You get enough stuff?" Jesse said hurrying to
help Leo out.  He grabbed a couple bags from Leo and
set them down in the kitchen.

"Thank babe," Leo said giving Jesse a kiss.  He then
gave Ryan hug. "Would you two do me a favor and get
the rest of the groceries from the car?"

"There's more?" Ryan asked.

"Oh yeah," Leo replied. "We're having a feast tonight.
 This is my first time cooking for guests here!"

"And how many guests do you plan on having?" Jesse
asked. "Cause with all the food you brought in already
you have enough to feed an army."

"Enough talking," Leo said. "Please get the rest of
the groceries.  I have to get started on this meal."

Leo then started getting to work as Ryan and Jesse
just laughed and went to get the rest of the
groceries.

Back at Kurt's work he was getting ready to leave when
Gabriel stopped in.

"Hey," Gabriel smiled.

"Gab," Kurt replied surprised to see him, "Hi."

"I just found out you would be interviewing me again,"
Gab said.

"Yeah," Kurt replied. "Claudia kind of sprung that on
me.  But if you don't want me to then just let her
know and she'll reassign it to someone else."

"No, it's fine," Gab said. "I can handle it."

"Great," Kurt said unenthusiastically.

"So how have you been?" Gab asked.

"I've been doing all right," Kurt replied.

"You and Leo handling things okay?" Gab asked.

"Yeah," Kurt replied. "We're doing fine."

"And how's Ryan doing?" Gab asked.

"Why does it feel like I'm the one being interviewed
here?" Kurt asked.

"Sorry," Gab replied. "I was just curious."

"What are you doing here anyway?" Kurt asked. "Our
interview isn't for a couple days."

"Well I found out that you were interviewing me so I
wanted to come by and make sure you were okay with
it," Gab said.

"I'm fine with it," Kurt lied. "I'm a professional."

"Great," Gab said. "Then I guess I'll just see you in
a couple days."

"Yeah, sounds good," Kurt replied.

"Kurt, can I ask you something?" Gab asked.

"Sure," Kurt replied.

"Do you ever think about us?" Gab asked. "I know this
is an off the wall question, but do you ever think
that maybe we didn't give us a fair chance?"  But
before Kurt could answer that, Gab quickly changed his
mind on, "Forget I asked.  I don't know if I want to
know that answer.  I'll just see you in a couple
days."

"Okay," Kurt smiled.

"Bye," Gab said quietly and then left Kurt's office.
Kurt's cell phone then began to ring.

"Hello?" Kurt answered.

"Where are you?" Ryan asked.

"I'm at work," Kurt replied.

"You're still at work?" Ryan asked. "Leo and Jesse are
cooking dinner right now."

"I had an unexpected visitor," Kurt said. "Gab stopped
by."

"Oh?" Ryan asked. "How did that go?"

"It went all right," Kurt replied. "I guess."

"You okay?" Ryan asked.

"Maybe it was stupid of me to agree to do this
interview with him," Kurt said.

"If you really don't want to do it, then talk to
Claudia," Ryan said. "But I think you can do it."

"Yeah?" Kurt asked.

"Yes," Ryan assured him.

"Well, I'll think it over," Kurt said. "I'll be over
in a bit.  I love you."

"I love you too," Ryan said before he hung up.

 Over at Leo and Jesse's place the two were finishing
up cooking dinner when Joey came over.

"Hey, am I late?" Joey asked.

"Not at all," Leo said giving Joey a hug. "We're still
waiting for Kurt and Hank."

"Hank isn't here yet?" Joey asked. "Weird."

"Why?" Leo asked.

"He stopped by my work earlier today and said he
wasn't doing anything today," Joey replied.

"Maybe he just got caught up doing something," Jesse
suggested.

"Hope so," Joey said. "He's been a little down
lately."

"Well, when he gets here I'm sure he'll be in a better
mood," Jesse said. "After all, we're celebrating.
We're all really proud of you."

"Very," Ryan said. "I remember the first time Nick
introduced me to you and to see how far you've come
since then is really great."

"Well I just want to thank you guys for being so good
to me," Joey said. "I wouldn't have been able to be
where I am now if it wasn't for you guys.  Especially
you Leo, thank you for everything."

"I'm just glad to see how far you've come," Leo said
giving Joey a hug.

"I hope Hank gets here soon," Joey said looking at his
watch. "I don't know what's been bothering him
lately."

"Yeah, he seemed upset when he stopped by my office
today," Leo said.

"What did he say?" Joey asked.

"He just wants his life to start," Leo said. "He's
frustrated is all.  I'm sure he'll be fine."

"You think?" Joey asked. "Maybe I should go to the
shelter at the center and see if he's still there."

"Well dinner will be ready in ten minutes," Leo said.
"Just be back quickly."

"I will," Joey said as he headed out to go find Hank.
About five minutes later Kurt came over.

"Hey, sorry I'm late," Kurt said.

"It's okay," Leo said. "Dinner is almost done."

"How are you babe?" Ryan asked giving Kurt a kiss.

"I'm good," Kurt replied. "I had some time to think on
my way over here."

"Oh?" Ryan asked, "And what did you have to think
about?"

"I decided that I worry way too much," Kurt said.

"You've just realized this?" Ryan asked jokingly.

Kurt smiled and gave Ryan a playful slap on the arm,
"Jerk."

"So how are you going to function in this worry free
attitude?" Ryan asked.

"We'll see," Kurt said. "I just have to let things
happen and just go along for the ride."

 "Good attitude to have," Ryan said as he wrapped his
arms around Kurt.

"Food is ready," Leo said.

When Kurt and Ryan went into the kitchen to join Leo
and Jesse they were shocked at how much food Leo had
made.

"Oh my God Leo," Kurt said looking at the huge bowl of
pasta and the chicken platter and the dozens of dinner
rolls. "How much did you make?"

"Well, I've never really done a dinner party before so
I didn't know how much to cook," Leo said. "Did I over
do it?"

"Maybe just a bit," Kurt laughed.

"More food to enjoy!" Jesse said.

"There will be left overs for weeks," Ryan said.

"Where did you say Joey and Hank were?" Kurt asked.

"Joey went down to the shelter at the center to look
for Hank," Leo said.

"Really?" Kurt asked getting an idea.

Meanwhile, Joey just arrived at the shelter at the
Center and went to Hank's room and found him sitting
on his bed looking at an old photograph of himself
when he was younger.

"Hey," Joey said coming in, "We were all waiting for
you at Leo's."

"I don't think I'm going to go," Hank sighed.

"What's wrong?" Joey asked.  He then looked at the
photo Hank was holding, "What are you looking at?"

"Picture of me when I lived in Newport," Hank said. "I
had the whole world in front of me.  I had the money
to go and do what I want."

"But you were abused," Joey said. "What kind of life
is that?"

"Yeah, but maybe if I had just stuck it out then
things would have turned out all right," Hank said.

"Hank, you couldn't live in that type of world," Joey
said. "If I learned anything from being around Leo and
the rest of them is that we deserve a good life.  We
deserve to be happy.  And you weren't happy living
that life."

"I know, but my future seemed more secure then," Hank
said. "I was going to go to UCLA and I would have had
a car a place to live."

"And you would have still been abused," Joey pointed
out. "That's not right."

"I just feel like I have nothing," Hank said.

"That's not true," Joey said, "You have me.  Hank, I
don't even know where I'm going with my life, but I
know now that as long as I just keep trying then I'll
be all right.  It will all work out."

"I don't know if I can," Hank said.

"You can," Joey said. "I used to feel the way you do.
I still do sometimes, but we just have to stay strong.
 We can do it together."

Joey then kissed Hank softly.

"I'm sorry to be so messed up," Hank said.

"You're not," Joey said hugging him, "You're perfect.
I love you."

"What?" Hank asked surprised to hear Joey say that.

"I love you Hank," Joey said again, "I really do."

Hank just smiled.  It was the one thing he's needed to
hear his whole life and it was the one feeling he
needed to feel for someone. "I love you too."

"I have an idea," Joey said.

"What?" Hank asked.

"How about you move in with me," Joey replied.

"Are you serious?" Hank asked. "Joey, we haven't been
dating for that long.  I don't think we should be
taking that step yet."

"Then you can stay in one of the other rooms," Joey
said. "I just want you to have a place to really call
your own.  You share this room you're in now with
three other people."

"So I could have my own room?" Hank asked.

"Yeah," Joey replied. "You can live in another room
and then hopefully later on we can share a room
together."

"Really?" Hank asked touched. "That would mean the
world to me."

"Consider it done," Joey smiled giving Hank another
kiss.

"Thank you so much," Hank smiled wrapping his arms
around Joey.

"Come on," Joey said taking Hank's hand. "Let's go to
Leo's."

"No need," Leo said poking his head into the room.

"What are you doing here?" Joey asked.

"Well, Kurt, Jesse and Ryan thought I made too much
food for just us so we brought it down here to have a
little meal with everyone here at the center," Leo
said.

When they went into the common room of the shelter
they saw Kurt, Jesse and Ryan setting up a little
buffet line for the food and the thirty people staying
at the shelter began to line up to enjoy.

"Thank you," young teenage girl said, "I haven't had
food like this for years."

"It's our pleasure," Leo said. "Now enjoy!"

The guys all stood back and smiled feeling good for
what they did.

"Oh hey Leo," Brady, one of the other workers at the
Center, said walking up to him. "We just had a guy
come in who needed a place to stay.  He's settling
into room four right now if you want to go introduce
yourself and set up a meeting with him.  His name is
Russ."

"Good idea," Leo said. "Thanks.  I'll be right back
guys."  Leo then left the others and went to the room
to say hello and welcome to the new man who would be
staying at the shelter.  When he got to the room he
gently knocked on the door.

"Come in," Russ called out.  Leo then opened the door
and he went completely cold when he made eye contact
with Russ.  He then remembered when he hired an
investigator to find Wayne.

****FLASHBACK****

"Did you find him?" Leo asked.

"I told you I would," Harvey replied. "He was tough to
track down, but I was able to."

"Where is he?" Leo asked opening up the envelope and
taking out a few photographs that Harvey had taken.

"He's not doing so great," Harvey said.

"Where is he living?" Leo asked.

"He has a little place in East Los Angeles.  It's in a
bad neighborhood," Harvey replied. "From what I found
out, he is staying there and working at a local
diner."

"How was he able to rent a place?" Leo asked. "The
police are looking for him."

"He's going by a different name," Harvey answered.
"He's going by the name of Russ now."

****END FLASHBACK****

"Oh my God," Leo said as he tightened his fists as he
was face to face with the man who killed his best
friend, "Wayne."



To Be Continued...

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