Date: Tue, 7 Nov 2006 02:16:18 -0800 (PST)
From: Kirk Landers <ilj4ever44@yahoo.com>
Subject: Phases- part 5

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.

Hope you are all enjoying.  Take care!  Here's part 5
entitled "Thank You"

'THANK YOU'

"This trip was a good idea," Kurt said walking down
the Vegas strip with Leo and Nick.

"Thank you guys so much for coming," Leo said.

"Of course," Nick replied putting his arm around Leo.

"I think we all needed this," Kurt said.

"So what should we do?" Leo asked.

"I don't know about you, but I need a drink," Nick
replied.

"All right, let's go to a casino, we'll get a drink
and do some gambling," Kurt said.

"Sounds like a plan," Leo said.

"Kurt," someone called out.  Kurt turned behind him
and saw an old co-worker of his named Reese.  He was
gay as well, handsome, was a former writer at the
magazine.  He was there with two of his friends as
well.

"Oh my God, hey Reese," Kurt said giving him a hug.

"How are you?" Reese asked.

"Good, how have you been?  How's New York?" Kurt
asked.

"It's great," Reese replied. "I love it there."

"Leo, Nick, this is an old co-worker of mine, Reese,"
Kurt introduced. "He was a writer at the magazine
before getting a job in New York for Fashion
magazine."

"Wow, big magazine," Nick said impressed.

"Nice to meet you," Leo said shaking his hand.

"Nice to meet you too.  These are my two friends,
Adrian and Neal," Reese said introducing his two
friends.  Adrian was very fit, tall, dark hair, had
the looks as if he was the high school prom king.
Neal was cute in a boy-next-door sort of way.

"Nice meeting you guys," Adrian said shaking their
hands.

"Hi," Nick said as him and Adrian made eye contact
with one another.

"Hey," Adrian smiled.

"So where were you guys headed too?" Kurt asked.

"Wanted to go get a drink at the Wynn," Reese said.

"Hey we were off to get drinks too," Kurt replied.
"Want to all go together?"

"Sounds good," Reese replied.

The six guys all headed off and went to the Wynn hotel
and headed for the bar to get some drinks.  When they
sat down Kurt and Reese were still catching up with
one another.

"It's so crazy running into you," Reese said.

"I know, and this was such a last minute trip for my
friends and me," Kurt said.

"It's funny," Reese said talking to the other guys,
"When Kurt and I worked together we had this long
dragged out flirtation with one another."

"I never flirted," Kurt lied laughing.

"Yes you did," Reese said. "But then Scott came along
and took you away."

"No, Scott came in after I found out you were heading
off to New York," Kurt said.

"So how is Scott?" Reese asked.

"We broke up," Kurt replied. "Just recently actually."

"Sorry to hear that," Reese said.

"It's for the best," Kurt replied.

"So how do you three know each other?" Leo asked.

"Adrian used to work at the magazine with me, before
he got a job as an advertising executive and Neal is
my roommate," Reese said.

"What do you do?" Adrian asked Nick.

"I'm an advice columnist," Nick replied.

"So how about you?" Leo asked Neal.

"I'm an actor," Neal replied.

"Me too!" Leo said. "Well, trying to be."

The six then gradually all started having little
conversations among themselves.  Kurt was talking with
Reese, Leo was talking with Neal, however Nick and
Adrian were rather quiet with one another.

"So what have you been up to?" Kurt asked Reese.

"Just busy with the magazine, no time to do much
else," Reese replied. "This trip is the first time
I've been anywhere since I left the magazine back at
California."

"Dating?" Kurt asked.

"No," Reese replied. "No time.  How about you?  Been
seeing anyone since you and Scott broke up?"

"No," Kurt replied. "There was someone I was
interested in, but it won't work out."

"Why's that?" Reese asked.

"He has a boyfriend," Kurt replied.

"Don't you hate when you fall for someone who's
taken?" Reese asked.

"I know, it sucks," Kurt answered.

"Hey guys," Leo said interrupting them.

"What's up?" Kurt asked.

"Neal and I are going to go hang out for a bit," Leo
said.

Kurt and Nick both exchanged surprised looks on their
faces.

"You are?" Nick asked.

"Yeah, I'll catch up with you guys later," Leo
replied.

"Nice meeting you guys," Neal said as he and Leo
headed off.

Nick looked over at Leo and Neal as they left, a
little upset that Leo left him and Kurt, but before he
could think anymore about it Kurt and Reese got up.

"Since we're all splitting up Kurt and I are going to
catch up some more," Reese said.

Nick grabbed Kurt's arm and pulled him close so he
could whisper to him.

"You're leaving me alone with this guy?" Nick asked
gesturing at Adrian.

"What's wrong?  He seems cool," Kurt replied.

"It's not that, I just don't know him," Nick said. "I
thought the point of this trip was for the three of us
to hang out."

"We will," Kurt replied. "I promise.  Get to know
Adrian, he might be a great guy for you."

"You leave I will hate you forever," Nick joked, but
in a serious way.

"No you won't," Kurt said. "You love me.  I'll see you
later."

Kurt and Reese then both headed out and entered the
casino area.

"I can't believe they did that," Adrian said.

"Me neither," Nick replied.

The two grew silent then both looked at one another.

"Sorry, I hope I don't offend you, but this is really
awkward," Adrian said.

"Don't worry, I feel just as weird as you do," Nick
answered.

"Well, it was nice meeting you," Adrian said getting
up.

"Yeah," Nick replied shaking his hand. "Nice meeting
you too."

"Take care," Adrian said as he started to walk off.
Nick sat back down and took a sip of his drink alone
at a table filled with five empty chairs.

"This trip blows," Nick sighed.

Outside on the strip Leo and Neal were walking
together and talking.

"So you just got out of a relationship too?" Leo
asked.

"Yeah," Neal answered. "About a month ago.  When did
yours end?"

"Few weeks ago," Leo said.

"Sorry, it sucks huh?" Neal asked.

"Yeah," Leo replied. "I thought he was the one."

"Me too," Neal said. "But you know what I realized?"

"What's that?" Leo asked.

"Even though it hurts a lot at first," Neal began, "It
doesn't all end with that failed relationship.  It
does get better."

"I'm trying to believe that," Leo said. "I really am,
but it just is hard to imagine that it's over for
good."

"Well you never know," Neal said. "It may not be over.
 Maybe later on down the road you two will find each
other again."

 "So why did you and your boyfriend break up?" Leo
asked wanting to change the subject.

"We were together for so long and I guess over time we
just lost each other," Neal said.

Leo didn't say anything, he completely understood what
Neal was talking about.

"You're quiet," Neal noticed. "Did that hit a little
too close to home?"

"Am I that transparent?" Leo asked.

"No, I just know that look," Neal said. "It's the way
I looked when I was getting over my break up."

"How can you be so positive?" Leo asked. "You two
broke up a month ago and you've already coped.  I
don't feel anywhere near getting over it."

"You just take it in steps," Neal said. "You're in
that mourning period right now.  Next you just need to
find something or someone to help you move on."

"What did you find?" Leo asked.

"I met someone and went on a date," Neal replied.

"You still seeing him?" Leo asked.

"No, it was only a couple dates," Neal replied.

"And that helped you move on?" Leo asked.

"It did, you know why?" Neal asked.

"Why?" Leo asked.

"I found that there are a lot of guys out there," Neal
replied. "There's a lot of choices and people out
there and I realized after those dates that there will
be other guys out there for me."

"I just don't even feel like meeting a guy," Leo said.

"Well," Neal answered. "Maybe you'll meet one
tonight."

Over up at the Bellagio Kurt took Reese up to his
hotel room so they could talk and catch up.

"It's just so crazy running into you," Reese said.

"I know," Kurt replied. "It's so good to see you
again."

"It's been a long time," Reese said.

"Too long," Kurt noted.

"Way too long," Reese replied.

"Do you remember your going away party?" Kurt asked.

"Are you kidding?" Reese asked. "I think about it all
the time."

"It was an interesting night," Kurt replied.

"If only you weren't with Scott," Reese said. "We
might have finally gotten the chance to get that
kiss."

"What would it have mattered?" Kurt asked. "You were
leaving."

"I guess," Reese replied. "We really liked each other
though."

"I know," Kurt said. "But that was a long time ago."

"Do you ever wonder what might have happened?" Reese
asked.

"Sometimes," Kurt said.

"Can I ask you something?" Reese asked.

"Of course," Kurt answered.

"Did you get with Scott because I was leaving?" Reese
asked.

"It really doesn't matter," Kurt replied.

"It does to me," Reese said. "Tell me."

Kurt was silent for a moment before finally admitting,
"Yes."

"Why didn't you ever tell me?" Reese asked.

"You were leaving for New York," Kurt replied.

"I might have stayed if you just told me," Reese said.

"That's why I didn't tell you," Kurt said. "You would
have turned down that amazing opportunity.  Look at
you now, you're working at one of the most successful
magazines."

"But we might have been together," Reese said.

"Might not have lasted," Kurt pointed out.

"Now we'll never know," Reese sighed.

"Reese, lets just enjoy each others company now and
not think about the past," Kurt said.

"Kurt," Reese said walking up to Kurt. "I won't let
another opportunity pass."

With that Reese leaned in and kissed Kurt.  Kurt
backed away at first in shock, he knew it would never
go anywhere beyond tonight, but he didn't care.  He
too had always wondered what might have been, so he
went back up to Reese and kissed him.

Back over at the Wynn Nick was still sitting at the
bar having another drink by himself.  When he felt he
couldn't feel like any more of a loser a recently
married couple came running by his table.  They
obviously eloped for the couple were both wearing
jeans and a t-shirt, except the bride had a wedding
veil on.

"This sucks," Nick sighed.

"Nick, you're still here?" Adrian asked walking up to
the table.

"What are you doing back here?" Nick asked.

"I was walking around by myself and realized that it
was pointless for us to spend the night being
miserable by ourselves," Adrian replied. "Since our
friends ran off I thought you might want to hang out
with me."

"You know, you're right," Nick said getting up. "Yeah,
let's hang out together."

"Sorry if I was quiet earlier when we were all sitting
together," Adrian said. "I just expected this to be a
little trip for just my friends and me to hang out and
when they all up and left I got kind of pissed."

"Me too," Nick replied. "We were doing this get away
for Leo, and it was supposed to be the three of us
just spending time together."

"But you know what?  Who needs them?" Adrian said.
"We'll have fun."

"Sounds like a plan to me," Nick said.

"So what do you want to do?" Adrian asked.

"I've always wanted to try and go to Rain when I come
here, but the club is always packed," Nick said.

"Lets go," Adrian said. "We'll try and get in."

"Really?" Nick asked. "Whenever I came with Kurt and
Leo they always complained the line was too long."

"Who cares?" Adrian asked. "Let's just do it."

"All right," Nick said. "Lets go."

Meanwhile Leo and Neal were in Neal's hotel room
kissing.

"See?" Neal said breaking the kiss. "I told you you
might meet someone."

"Yeah yeah," Leo said. "Less talking, more kissing and
stripping."

 Leo and Neal still kissing made their way into the
bedroom as they began undressing each other and fell
on the bed together.

"You sure you want to do this?" Neal asked.

"Absolutely," Leo replied with out hesitation. "You
said I needed to do something to get over my ex.  This
seems like the perfect thing for me."

"Good," Neal said as he began kissing Leo some more.

Over at club Rain, Nick and Adrian were waiting in
line and talking and getting to know one another.

"So how is it being a big ad executive?" Nick asked.

"I love it," Adrian replied. "I travel a lot.  I
actually go out to California quite a bit."

"That's cool," Nick said, "Next time you're there you
should look me up."

"Definitely," Adrian replied with a charming smile.

"Thanks again for suggesting we do something
together," Nick said. "I would have been miserable if
I just went to the hotel room by myself while Kurt and
Leo were living it up here."

"Yeah, I was walking towards my hotel wondering what
movie I should order when I get to my room when I
realized how pointless that would be for me," Adrian
said. "So I headed back to the Wynn looking for you in
the casino and thank God you were still at the bar."

"It's been a long time since I've met someone very
cool and easy to get along with," Nick said.

"Me too," Adrian replied. "I don't even remember the
last time I was on a date."

Nick looked at Adrian puzzled, "Is this a date?"

"Do you want it to be a date?" Adrian asked hopeful.

"I see potential," Nick replied.

Adrian slowly moved his hand until it was touching
Nick's to see if he moved it away, then he went a
little further and slowly wrapped his hand in his.
Nick and Adrian both exchanged a smile with one
another, knowing they both were going to have a good
night together.

Back at Kurt's room, Kurt and Reese were still
kissing.  It was a kiss that Reese had been hoping for
for so long and a kiss that Kurt needed to experience.

"You have no idea how many times I had wanted to do
that when we worked together," Reese said.

"That was amazing," Kurt said. "Scott and I never had
a kiss like that before."

"Really?" Reese asked. "Those are the kind of kisses
that people live for and you were staying with someone
you never had that kind of kiss with?"

"I just don't think I really liked Scott in that way,"
Kurt said. "I sound horrible, I know, but it just
wasn't right for him and I."

"Then why did you get with him?" Reese asked.

"Because you were leaving," Kurt replied.

"It finally happened for us and I'm leaving tomorrow,"
Reese sighed.

"So what?" Kurt asked. "At least we have tonight."

"You're okay with that?" Reese asked.

"I think so," Kurt replied. "I finally got to
experience some of that passion that I've been longing
for, and even if it's only for one night, it's enough
to make me realize that I shouldn't be with someone
just to be with someone.  I should wait and let fate
decide when and who I should be with."

"Yeah," Reese replied. "So are you still going to go
chase after that one guy you like back at home?"

"No," Kurt answered. "If it's right, it'll happen.  I
don't have to be on that endless search and hunt to
get Mr. Right."

"This night has been helpful to me too," Reese
replied.

"How so?" Kurt asked.

"I always wondered if anything would have happened
between us if I stayed there," Reese replied. "And now
I know.  Funny thing is, is that I'm not sad that I
left now.  Before I was a little upset because I never
knew what might have happened.  Now I do."

"So lets just have the rest of the night," Kurt said.
"We have one night for it to be just about you and
me."

"Lets not waste it," Reese replied.

"Tonight is just what I needed," Kurt said. "Thank
you."


The dawn was approaching and Nick and Adrian were
walking up the strip together, having had an amazing
night of dancing, talking, and getting to know one
another.

"Best night I've had in a long time," Nick said
holding Adrian's hand.

"Me too," Adrian replied. "I'll never forget it."

The two stopped at the Paris hotel as the sun was
rising it caste a beautiful light around them.  They
both looked at each other and leaned in and for the
first time in years, Nick got a perfect first kiss.
They both held one another tightly and kissed one
another very tenderly.

"Now comes the part I've been dreading," Adrian said
breaking the kiss.

"What's that?" Nick asked.

"Well, I leave today," Adrian replied. "And I'm all
the way in New York and you're in California."

"I know," Nick sighed.

"Do you regret that we did this tonight?" Adrian
asked.

"No," Nick answered with out hesitation. "I am so
grateful that tonight happened."

"Yeah?" Adrian asked.

"Yeah," Nick replied. "You reminded me that there
still are some good guys out there.  I had almost
given up on the idea that I could find someone."

"No, never give up," Adrian said. "Because you're too
good of a guy to ever be alone for long.  The right
guy is out there for you, and he'll find you.  Just
give it time."

"Too bad it couldn't be you," Nick sighed.

"Yeah," Adrian replied then gestured to the hotel,
"Well, we'll always have Paris."

Adrian and Nick both shared a little laugh as they
held one another tightly.

"Thank you," Nick whispered in Adrian's ear.

Over in Leo's room, him and Neal woke up together
having slept for maybe a couple hours, the rest of the
night was spent doing various other activities in bed.

"Good morning," Neal said giving Leo a kiss.

"Morning," Leo replied.

"Quite an eventful night you and I had," Neal said.

"Very," Leo said.

"So, just so we both understand, last night was
strictly for fun right?" Neal asked. "I mean, there
was no intentions about it going anywhere beyond that,
right?"

"Right," Leo agreed. "It was just for fun and actually
very helpful to me."

"How so?" Neal asked.

"Before last night, I was so afraid to even think of
being intimate with someone else besides my ex," Leo
replied. "I didn't think I would be able to do it."

"But you did," Neal said.

"Yeah and it just showed me that I might soon be ready
to start dating again," Leo said. "I mean, I'm still
not over him, but this has helped me get one step
further."

"Good," Neal said. "This is exactly what I was talking
about when I was telling you about my failed
relationship.  I finally took a chance on a guy and we
went on a date, was a good date, we had some fun and
it really helped me move on.  Just getting back out
there in the dating world and exploring options has
helped me so much.  Maybe it's time you do the same."

"Well, soon I think I might be able to," Leo said
optimistically. "Thank you."

Later that day Nick, Kurt and Leo met up for lunch at
their hotel.  All having a chance to rest a little and
say goodbye to the men they spent the night with.

"Well, it's good to see you both again," Kurt said as
they sat down at their table in the restaurant.

"How was everyone's night?" Leo asked.

"Good," Kurt replied.

"Very good," Leo replied.

"Perfect," Nick answered.

"You go first Leo," Kurt said.

"Well, Neal helped me move a little further along in
getting over Jesse," Leo said. "And maybe when I get
back home, I'll be able to date again soon."

"That's great," Kurt said happily.

"How about you Kurt?" Nick asked.

"Reese made me see that I shouldn't be all hung up
over Ryan anymore," Kurt said. "I should just not
worry about it and let fate decide.  And how was your
'perfect' night Nick?"

"I can't even describe it," Nick said. "He was just
perfect."

"Who?" Leo asked.

"Adrian," Nick replied.

"You and Adrian hit it off?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah," Nick replied. "He's just an amazing guy. I
could talk to him about anything and everything, we
just clicked."

"Finally," Leo joked.

"I know," Nick said.

"Too bad he lives in New York," Kurt replied.

"Yeah, but it's okay," Nick said. "He really just made
me see that there are still some good guys out there
and I shouldn't be such a cynic in thinking that they
were all extinct."

"If you wanted proof that good guys were still out
there all you had to do was look in a mirror," Kurt
said getting his arm around Nick.

"But it's good that you finally went on a good date,"
Leo said. "And hopefully there will be more good dates
in your near future."

"I'll drink to that," Kurt said raising his drink.

"Cheers," Nick said as they clinked glasses.

"Thanks again for taking this trip with me guys," Leo
said.

"Thanks for coming up with this idea," Nick added.

Later that afternoon the guys packed their stuff up
and headed back home.  That night when they got home
Leo went into his apartment and pulled out a box
filled with pictures of him and Jesse and for the
first time he didn't look at them with sadness or
longing, he looked at them with happy memories and not
regretting a single second of the time he spent with
him.  When Nick got back to his place he went to a
stack of letters he had for work and read one that he
had been having a hard time answering:

'Dear Nick,

     I think I've given up on love.  No matter how
hard I try to look I can never seem to find a good
guy.  Why does it seem that everyone can find someone
except for me?  Am I wrong in believing that I deserve
someone great as well?  I always am looking for that
prince charming, but always end up finding frogs.
What am I doing wrong that everyone else seems to be
doing right?

Sincerely,
Frustrated in Canoga'

Before they left for the trip Nick had read this
letter and didn't know how to write it, it seemed like
another letter he once again could have written
himself, but now he finally had an answer to give.  He
sat down at his computer and began to write.

'Dear Frustrated in Canoga,

    If anyone knows what it is like finding all the
wrong guys it's me.  I too have had troubles finding
someone and almost gave up myself on the idea of a Mr.
Right out there for me.  But you know what I
discovered?  I can't keep searching for Mr. Right and
neither can you.  Don't try and find it, let it find
you.  I know it's hard being alone when it seems like
everyone else is with someone, but take this time
being single as an opportunity for you.  Think of it
as a time for you to really sit back and figure out
what you want from a guy and what you know you
deserve.  And when that guy finally comes, you'll
appreciate him that much more.  Someone recently told
me, 'the right guy is out there for you, just give it
time.  He'll find you.'  And I truly believe that.  So
don't give up on finding Mr. Right, because you'll be
giving up on a lifetime of happiness that you
deserve.'

Nick smiled to himself, happy that finally he was able
to give an answer.

When Kurt got back to his apartment Ryan and Craig
were eating dinner together and for the first time he
wasn't jealous or upset seeing the two of them
together.

"Hey guys," Kurt said walking in.

"Hey, where were you?" Ryan asked.

"Friends and I went to Vegas," Kurt replied as he
headed to his room.

"How was it?" Ryan asked.

"It was great," Kurt replied. "It was just what I
needed."

"Kurt, do you think we can finish that conversation we
were having before you left?" Ryan asked.

"There really is no conversation to finish," Kurt
replied. "I think everything is happening the way it's
supposed to.  What's meant to be will be, I'm in no
rush."

Ryan and Kurt both exchanged a long look with one
another, both wanting to say so much more to one
another, but both knowing that the timing is not
right.

"Well, have a good night," Ryan smiled.

"You too," Kurt replied. "Good night Craig."

"Good night Kurt," Craig said as Kurt closed the door
to his room.

"What conversation were you two having?" Craig asked
curiously.

"Nothing," Ryan replied. "It just was a conversation
that will have to wait for a later day."

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

To Be Continued...

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