Date: Tue, 5 Feb 2008 16:11:00 -0800 (PST) From: Kirk Landers <ilj4ever44@yahoo.com> Subject: Phases- part 50 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's the final installment. Again I just want to thank everyone who read this story. Getting your e-mails and feedback as been so great and I can't thank you all enough. Here's the last chapter entitled, "The Final Phase." 'THE FINAL PHASE' The morning after Monica and Gordon's wedding Leo and Jesse were laying in bed talking about what they were going to do. "Obviously we can't afford to keep this place and a place in Chicago," Jesse said. "I know," Leo replied. "We have to sell this place." Leo knew they had to do it, but couldn't help feeling a sharp pain inside knowing that his home with Jesse would soon belong to someone else. "Yeah," Jesse said. "But the real question is what are you going to do?" "I don't think I have much of a choice," Leo said. "I'm going to go with you." "You don't have to," Jesse said. "I know what a great opportunity that internship is for you and I don't want you to miss out on that because of me." "I don't have anywhere to go once we sell this place," Leo said. "I'm not making money so I can't have my own place." "What about Kurt's place?" Jesse suggested. "What about it?" Leo asked. "There's no room for me there." "Yeah there is," Jesse replied. "Ryan is going to move out next week." "He is?" Leo asked. "Yeah, so the extra room will be free," Jesse replied. "You can stay with Kurt." "But what about us?" Leo asked. "We can try it long distance," Jesse replied. It killed him to think that he wouldn't be near Leo, but he also knew that Leo needed to continue on with this internship and he will always choose what's best for Leo. Besides, he knew now more than ever that things between him and Leo would be forever and distance wouldn't change that fact. "And what? Only see each other once a month?" Leo cringed, not enjoying the sound of that idea. Could he really be away from Jesse for such long periods of time, he thought. "We'll figure something out," Jesse promised giving Leo an assuring kiss. With his arms wrapped around him, Leo knew that they would both do everything that can to make this situation work our for the best. Over at Kurt and Ryan's place, Ryan was on his computer looking at listings for apartments in New York when Kurt came out of his bedroom. As he was walking to the kitchen he couldn't help but notice what Ryan was looking at on the computer. "You're moving to New York?" Kurt asked. "Sorry I didn't mean to pry, I just couldn't help but notice that you're looking at New York listings." He did his best to hide any sort of sadness to the idea of Ryan going across to the east side. "Yeah, well I'm thinking of applying at some schools back there to get my teaching credentials and to get in state tuition I need to live there for a year first," Ryan replied. "Oh, I guess that makes sense," Kurt said as cool as he possibly could considering how surprised he was that Ryan was thinking of going so far. "When are you going to move there?" "Not sure yet," Ryan replied. "I'm going to stay at my dad's place until I find something." "Wow," Kurt said. He then couldn't help but say, "Going all the way back east. That's far." "At least you won't have me in your hair anymore," Ryan said. He then starred at Kurt, trying to decipher the look in his eyes, he couldn't be sure, but he thought he saw some sadness in his face. Could Kurt possibly not want him to go? No, Ryan reminded himself. I have to let him go and move on, Ryan said in his head. "I guess," Kurt said trying to sound like it didn't bother him. Kurt luckily got distracted when his cell phone began to ring. He was relieved to see Leo's name on the caller ID and quickly answered the phone to avoid any more conversation with Ryan. "So, I hear you're going to have a spare room," Leo said. "You heard correctly," Kurt replied. "Well, I was wondering if I might be able to live with you," Leo asked, "See, I think I'm going to stay here while Jesse goes to Chicago." "You are?" Kurt asked surprised. While he was happy to hear that Leo was going to stay in LA he half expected him to go with Jesse. "Of course you can stay in the room." "I haven't decided just yet," Leo warned, "I still might end up going with Jesse. We're talking about it right now. But I just wanted you to know that I was interested." "Leo the room is yours," Kurt assured, "Just let me know, okay?" "Thanks Kurt," Leo said gratefully, "I'll call you later." Kurt hung up the phone and went to pour himself a cup of coffee. Having overheard the conversation Ryan couldn't help but chime in. "So, already got the room occupied again?" "Not a sure thing," Kurt replied. "But Leo might move in." "He's staying in California?" Ryan asked. "Wow." "Well he has his internship," Kurt replied. "Yeah, but it's Jesse," Ryan said. "The love of his life is going to be in a different state. You'd think he'd go with him." "The internship is going to help him achieve his dream. He has to go for it," Kurt said. "That's true," Ryan said. "I guess they're one of the few couples that actually has a chance of lasting." "Yeah," Kurt replied. "I think so." The two grew silent for a moment, both wondering what was wrong with them to not have lasted as a couple. Ryan broke the silence by apologizing to Kurt, "I'm sorry about accusing you of sleeping with Gab." "What?" Kurt asked caught off guard. "He showed up to the reception last night," Ryan said, "He told me that you just went to say hi. I'm sorry for getting mad at you." "It's fine," Kurt replied. "I guess I was a little bit jealous," Ryan admitted. "It's fine Ryan," Kurt said. "And I'm sorry too." He finally broke down, he knew that he was just as much to blame for the tension between them. As much as he liked to think he was innocent, he couldn't deny his part. "For what?" Ryan asked. "For being so mean to you for the past couple months," Kurt replied. "I deserved it," Ryan said. "I crossed the line." "But you did it to protect me," Kurt replied. "I should have seen that." And it was true, Kurt knew that Ryan only wanted the best for him. "I just wanted to try and protect you from getting hurt," Ryan said. "I know that," Kurt sighed. "Can I be completely honest with you?" "Of course," Ryan said. The two of them went and sat down on the couch together and began to really talk again for the first time in months. "I think I got mad at you because I thought it would be easier to hate you instead of fall for you all over again," Kurt revealed. It was the first time he'd let himself feel vulnerable in front of Ryan in a long time. "I get it," Ryan replied. His heart clenched, maybe he was making a mistake by leaving. 'Should I stay?' was all Ryan thought in his head, but the other part of him would remind him that he has to go, he has to let Kurt go for now. "I guess what I'm trying to say is that I want us to part as friends," Kurt said. "We've been through too much to end things badly between us." "You're right," Ryan said. "I completely agree." "Friends?" Kurt asked extending his hand to Ryan. "Friends," Ryan affirmed taking Kurt's hand in his and shaking. They both smiled and went back to their lives, Ryan continued to look for places in New York while Kurt went about eating breakfast. Even though they appeared to be fine with just being friends, both wanted more. The week passed quickly. Leo and Jesse came the decision that Leo would live with Kurt and Jesse and him would trade off each weekend visiting each other, Leo would go to Chicago one weekend and Jesse would come back to LA the next. With Leo staying in LA it made the packing a lot easier for Jesse since Leo could just have his things shipped over to Chicago once he found a place to live. Ryan packed quickly, he became a pro at it having moved so much for the past few years and by the time the week was over he had most of his things over at his dad's place in Newport. With Gordon moving in with Monica it gave Ryan a lot of room at his dad's place to put all his things. The night before Ryan was to leave the apartment for good and Jesse was to head over to Chicago the four friends all went to the diner for one last meal together. They realized that it may very well be the last time they would all be together at the same time since Ryan was going to soon move to New York. "A lot has changed huh?" Leo said taking a sip of his drink. He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride to how far he's come in life. Leo cringes still when he thinks about his hard-partying past and his fall into alcoholism, but he knows that it made him a better person in the end. "Yeah," Ryan replied. "A lot." "At least this diner has always stayed the same," Jesse noted, "It's probably been the only real constant in our lives." "Yeah, too bad Nick isn't here," Leo sighed. "He is in a way," Kurt replied. "Don't you think?" "Definitely," Jesse said. "So are you nervous for Chicago?" Ryan asked. "Oh yeah," Jesse replied. "Really nervous." "You'll do great," Leo said giving Jesse a kiss. "Proud of all you guys," Kurt said, "Leo, you've got your internship. Jesse, you've got a new job. And Ryan, you're moving to New York, you're going to get your teaching credentials. You're all going places." "You will too," Leo encouraged. "I hope so," Kurt replied. Truth is, Kurt couldn't remember the last time he wrote. He sometimes regretted his decision to leave LA Style, it was more than good money, he got a lot of great perks there and got to meet some amazing people. But whenever he begins to regret what he did, he reminds himself why he made that decision. He didn't want to be in that world, he wanted to write books, he wanted to write about what he wanted to write about and do things he wanted to do. So while he felt inadequate compared to his friends at the moment, he knew that it was only a matter of time before his time came. "I'm glad you two made up," Jesse said to Kurt and Ryan. "I'm glad that we are all able to be here together tonight. It's been too long." "It really has," Ryan agreed. Him and Kurt smiled at one another fondly. It may not be what they hoped for, but it was something they had to deal with and accept. "Oh, I've been meaning to tell you guys," Leo said. "Guess who I got a call from today?" "Who?" Kurt asked. "Joey," Leo replied. "Oh wow," Ryan said. "How are him and Hank doing?" "They're good," Leo replied. "Driving each other crazy, but still in love with each other. He said that arguing with Hank every day is the best thing in the world. They're both in school now." "Good for them," Kurt smiled. "Yeah," Leo replied. "Joey is writing for his college paper. He hopes to be an advice columnist like Nick one day and Hank is a theatre major." "What made him decide to call you?" Jesse asked. "He just got a job at the Center and when he found out I didn't work there anymore he wanted to make sure everything was okay," Leo replied. "That's great they're doing so well," Ryan said. "I think we should all be proud of ourselves," Leo said. "I like to think that we really helped the two of them out." "We did," Kurt agreed. "Even though you didn't like him at first," Ryan jabbed at Kurt. Kurt turned red as the three of them laughed at him. It was no secret that Kurt didn't take an immediate liking to Joey, but it was for good reason. "I just felt that he was trying to take Nick's place and I wasn't too sure about him." "But he turned out to be a pretty cool kid," Leo said. "He did," Kurt replied. "I know he did and I feel bad for being hard on him." The four of them talked and enjoyed another couple hours together before getting up to leave the diner. Outside they stood and began to say their goodbyes. "Well Bug," Jesse said giving Kurt a hug, "I guess I'll be seeing you in a month or so after I settle into my job and find a place to live." "Yeah," Kurt replied. "You'll do great in Chicago." "I will," Jesse replied confidently. Leo went and gave Ryan a big hug, "Now promise me that you'll see us before you go to New York." "I promise," Ryan said hugging Leo tightly. Ryan couldn't help but think of Leo as a younger brother, the type that you want to look out for and make sure they'll be okay. "Newport isn't that far away so if you want to have lunch sometime before you leave, call me," Leo said. "I will," Ryan replied. "Thanks Leo." Kurt then grabbed Leo, "I have to take you somewhere." "But it's my last night with Jesse, I was kind of hoping that I'd be spending this time with him alone if you know what I mean," Leo said alluding to the fact that he planned to be having sex with Jesse for most of the evening. "It won't take long. I'll have you back in time so Jesse can fuck your brains out," Kurt said picking up on the hint, but not caring. He needed to take Leo someone important. "I'll see you in a bit," Leo sighed to Jesse giving him a kiss. As Kurt and Leo walked away Jesse and Ryan stood together and gave each other a hug. "Well, I don't know if I'll get a chance to see you before you leave for New York," Jesse began, "But you can call me anytime, okay?" "I will," Ryan replied. "Listen, I'm not really good at being touchy-feely with friends, but I just wanted you to know that your friendship means to world to me," Jesse said. "Me too," Ryan replied. "I mean, I never had a best friend before and I..." Ryan then stopped, not knowing how to really express to Jesse how grateful he is to have him as a best friend. "I know what you mean," Jesse replied. "I would hang out with Leo, Kurt and Nick and always be jealous of what they had. I have no reason to be anymore." The two both smiled awkwardly. At this moment they were two guys trying to express their gratitude to each other and like all guys, it was hard, but they both knew deep down how the other felt. They gave each other a big hug. "Take care of yourself Ryan," Jesse said. "You too Jesse," Ryan replied. They then parted ways, but both knowing that even though they wouldn't see each other much, they would always be there for each other. A few blocks away Kurt was still dragging Leo. "Where are we going?" Leo asked repeatedly. "I was going to surprise you," Kurt replied. "But since you're being such a pain in the ass I'll go ahead and tell you." "Thank you," Leo said. "Nick's mom called me a couple days ago," Kurt said. "Oh, she did?" Leo asked. "How is she?" "She's fine," Kurt replied. "She's selling Nick's place." "What?" Leo asked suddenly coming to a halt. "I know, it's hard to hear," Kurt replied. "It took me by surprise too, but you have to look at it from her perspective. She's trying her best to move on and it's not helping her when she has to go to Nick's place and dust it and take care of it." "I guess you're right," Leo said. "Well, she left a key under the mat and she told me that we could go there one last time before she cleared everything out to sell it," Kurt said. "So I thought it would be good if we went there together." "That's where we're going?" Leo asked. "Yeah," Kurt replied. The two finally made their way to the apartment and took a deep breath before going inside. As they stepped through the front door the scent of the apartment immediately brought Nick back to life for them. They could smell him as if he were just in the other room. After Joey and Hank moved out Nick's mom came and arranged everything the way Nick had it when he was alive. They went to the window in the living room as saw the park that Nick would run through every morning, they passed the area where the three of them would decorate the tree every Christmas. It seemed everywhere in the apartment there was a good memory they had of Nick. Kurt and Leo then walked into Nick's bedroom and sat down on the edge of his bed and just took some time to think about their best friend. They both closed their eyes and although they couldn't be sure, they both felt as if Nick was there with them at that moment. Leo looked on the bedside table and saw a framed picture of Nick and Luke together. At that moment Leo wondered how Luke was doing and hoped that he was happy and found someone new to be happy with. Next to that picture was one of Nick, Kurt and him together. Kurt got up from the bed and went to Nick's closet where all his clothes were hanging neatly. He took one of Nick's shirts and held it to his face taking a deep breath and remembering the way clean scent that Nick always had when he gave him a hug. "You know," Leo said breaking the silence, "I sometimes wake up and think he's still alive." "Yeah," Kurt replied. "One time I caught myself picking up the phone to call him and just as I was dialing his number I remembered that he wouldn't pick up." "You know, people say that it gets easier, but it doesn't," Leo said. "It still hurts." "It does," Kurt agreed, "That's why we have to take care of each other." Leo smiled and gave Kurt a hug, "Thanks for bringing me here." "Thank you," Kurt said. "I couldn't have come here by myself." As they made their way to the front door they looked back around the apartment one more time. "Goodbye Nick," Leo sighed. The two then walked out of Nick's apartment for the final time and locked the door behind them as they left. When Kurt got home Ryan was sitting in the living room on the couch reading a book. "Hey," Ryan said, "So where did you and Leo go?" "Went to Nick's place," Kurt explained, "His mom is selling it so we went by one last time." "How was it?" Ryan asked knowing that it must have been really difficult for him. "It was okay," Kurt shrugged, trying to put on a tough front, but knew he couldn't hide anything from Ryan. "It was tough, but I'm glad we went there." "You okay?" Ryan asked concerned. "Yeah," Kurt replied. "I'm fine. Thanks." "So, I guess this is it," Ryan said. "Our last night as roommates." "I know," Kurt replied. "It's kind of come full circle," Ryan said. "I came here as just your roommate, nothing more, nothing less and I'm leaving here as your roommate, nothing more, nothing less." "I wouldn't say that," Kurt said. "You'll always be more than just a roommate." "Yeah?" Ryan asked. "Yeah," Kurt nodded with a sincere smile. "So do you think this will be the last time we see each other for a while?" Ryan asked. "Maybe," Kurt replied, but he then remembered, "Well, our parents are married now so I'm sure we'll see each other on the occasional Thanksgiving and Christmas." "That's true," Ryan nodded. "But we'll never be together again like this." "No," Kurt replied. "I guess not." "So, our last night as roommates," Ryan said. "I feel like we should do something to mark this occasion." Kurt looked into Ryan's eyes and no longer saw the man who had made him angry, he didn't see the man who ruined his relationship with Josh, he didn't see the man he couldn't have a successful relationship with, he just saw simply, Ryan, the one person he loved more than anyone. Kurt then immediately leaned over and kissed Ryan. Ryan was surprised for a moment, but then quickly kissed Kurt back wrapping his arms around him. Ryan slid his tongue in Kurt's mouth and caressed his tongue with Kurt's. Kurt moved his hands up and down Ryan's back feeling his muscles tighten. "Take off your shirt," Ryan said. Kurt immediately took his shirt off and leaned back in ecstasy feeling Ryan's hot breath on his neck. Ryan ran his hands along Kurt's abs and began to unbuckle Kurt's belt. Kurt grabbed the bottom of Ryan's shirt and pulled it over his head and began kissing his chest. "Lets go to my room," Kurt said. The two immediately rushed into Kurt's room and continued to undress each other as they made their way to his bed. "You sure you want to do this?" Ryan asked. "Like you said," Kurt replied, "It might be the last time we're together like this. We better make it count." That was all Ryan needed to hear before he began to kiss Kurt again. Kurt and Ryan weren't the only ones having sex, just a few blocks away Leo and Jesse had just finished having what Leo would consider the best sex they've ever had. "You should move away more often if it means having orgasms like that," Leo said kissing Jesse still breathing heavily. "Glad I could satisfy you one last time in the apartment," Jesse replied wiping some sweat off of his forehead. "I'm going to miss this place," Leo said as he cuddled up with Jesse and looked around the bedroom that him and Jesse shared. "Yeah," Jesse replied, "Me too." "So you're going to stay in Chicago for a month or so?" Leo asked, he knew how long Jesse would be there, but just wanted to hear the confirmation again that Jesse wouldn't be longer than a month before he saw him again. "Yeah," Jesse replied. "I'll get started at work and then on the weekends I'll go look for a place to live." "Make sure that you get an apartment with a good view," Leo said. "Noted," Jesse replied. "So after I find a few places I like I'll have you come out and we can pick which apartment we like the best." "Sounds like a good plan," Leo said. While he was sad it would be a month until he saw Jesse, he couldn't help but feel excitement about finding a place for Jesse to live in Chicago. A place that Leo would be visiting often. A second home. LA has been Leo's home for so long that having another place to call home was an exciting idea. "Yeah, so I guess tonight will be the last night we spend together for a month," Jesse said. "It won't be too bad," Leo said confidently. "I don't know," Jesse replied with a deep sigh. "I'm going to miss you a lot." "That's why I got you something," Leo said reaching under his bed and pulled out a wrapped box. "You got me a gift?" Jesse asked. "Yeah," Leo replied. "Think of it as a going away/good luck in Chicago gift." Jesse unwrapped the gift to find a web camera. "Why a web camera?" "I got one too," Leo said. "So those nights when you need a little 'stimulations' just call me up and we can have some fun over the web cam." "Oh yeah?" Jesse asked smiling, he then kissed Leo on the neck, "Sounds a little kinky." "It'll be a fun way to spend the month apart," Leo replied with a devilish grin. "I'll set it up first thing when I get there," Jesse assured him. "Have I told you recently how much I love you?" "I love you too," Leo replied. "And I promise that as soon as you get done with your internship we'll plan our wedding," Jesse said. "I've heard that one before," Leo said unconvinced that Jesse really means it. "Well I happen to have a little something for you too," Jesse said pulled out a folder from his bedside drawer. "What is it?" Leo asked opening the folder up. He then saw a list of hotels in Massachusetts, Belgium, Canada, Spain, South Africa, and the Netherlands. all places where same-sex marriage is legal. "I looked up some places for us to have our wedding," Jesse said. "So you pick out a place you like and then after your internship we'll go anywhere you want to get married." Leo kissed Jesse passionately. It was the first time since he proposed that he's shown any interest in the marriage and although Leo knew it wouldn't be for a while, at least he knew that it would really happen. The next day Jesse left for Chicago and Ryan left and stayed at his dad's place. Leo moved into Kurt's apartment and Kurt started writing again. A month later, Leo went to Chicago for the weekend to help Jesse find an apartment. It only took them one long day and they found the perfect apartment for Jesse. Sunday Leo came back and Monday Ryan was leaving for New York. Before he headed to the airport Leo and Kurt stopped by to say goodbye. It was the day that Kurt had been dreading and the knowledge that Ryan would be gone made his stomach turn. "You be safe over there," Leo said. "I will," Ryan promised. "I'm going to miss you Ryan," Leo said giving Ryan a hug. "I'll miss you too," Ryan replied. "I'll call. I promise." "You better," Leo said. "I know Jesse is sad he couldn't be here." "I'm actually going to stop and see him for a couple days in Chicago before I head out to New York," Ryan said. "Oh good," Leo said. "You two will have a good time. Have him show you the apartment we chose. It's great." "I will," Ryan said. He then turned to Kurt who was standing quietly behind Leo. The two took a few moments to just stare at one another, both not knowing what to say exactly to each other. Leo looked back and forth between the two of them and realized it was a better idea to give them some alone time to say goodbye. "I'll be outside," Leo said quietly as he stepped outside of the house and left Ryan and Kurt alone. "So," Ryan said not knowing where to begin saying goodbye to Kurt. "Yeah," Kurt replied doing everything he could to hold himself together. "First time we've seen each other since that night," Ryan said referring to the night they slept together. Neither one mentioned it after that night, both didn't know what to say or what to think about it. "I know," Kurt answered wishing that he had convinced Ryan not to leave. "Kurt, I want you to know something," Ryan said slowly not sure if he should say it or not, but he felt that since it was the last time the two might be alone together he had to let it out, "I love you." Once those words hit him, Kurt knew he had to at least try to change Ryan's mind. "Then stay," Kurt pleaded walking up to Ryan so they were only inches away from each other. Kurt grabbed Ryan's hands and held them tightly not wanting to let go. "Kurt," Ryan sighed wishing it was that simple. "Please," was all Kurt could say, he didn't know what else would work. He knew he sounded like a little boy with his plea, but he didn't care. Those abandonment feelings he had so often in his life began to come up again. "Kurt, I've realized that you and I aren't ready to be together right now," Ryan replied. "When we get back together I want it to be right. I think you and I just have some growing we need to do on our own before we can be together again." Kurt didn't say anything, he couldn't, because he knew that Ryan was right. As soon as he realized this, those feelings of abandonment left him, because he knew that one day Ryan would be back with him. However, for now, this was goodbye. "I love you," Kurt said holding Ryan tightly. "I love you so much," Ryan replied holding on to Kurt as if he was the only thing in the world he could truly call his own. The two both gave each other one last kiss. The kiss said so much, it said goodbye, it said I'll miss you, it said I love you, it said wait for me. Ryan then picked up his bags and the two walked outside together. He loaded his things into the cab and said goodbye one last time to Leo and Kurt. Before he got into the cab to leave he turned to look at Kurt. "One day," Ryan promised. "One day," Kurt nodded in agreement. Ryan then got in the cab and drove off. "Well, he's gone," Kurt said. "You okay?" Leo asked knowing how hard it was for Kurt to say goodbye to Ryan. "I will be," Kurt nodded bravely. The two got into Leo's car and drove home. Ryan leaving turned out to be the best thing for his writing. The sadness gave Kurt the motivation to write and he went into it with full force and wrote non-stop. A year later, Ryan enrolled at Columbia University and began to take classes to get his teaching credentials. Leo and Jesse invited only Ryan and Kurt and the four of them went to Belgium where they got married. Ryan acted as Jesse's best man and Kurt naturally was Leo's. It was the perfect wedding, it was intimate and full of love. Kurt finally finished his book. It was something that he was really proud of, it was a book classified as fiction because the names were different, but it was essentially non-fiction as Kurt drew upon his life experiences. It was about a young man's journey into manhood and falling in love with his roommate who changed his life in ways he'll never forget. Six years have passed since Jesse first left for Chicago and Ryan moved out of Kurt's apartment. Kurt's book sold and became a breakaway hit for painting such a touching portrait of a gay man's journey to manhood. It received rave reviews and has enjoyed being on the best sellers list for over a year. There were talks of adapting the book into a film, if that were to happen Kurt knew exactly who he wanted to write the script. Leo had great success of his own, having written a successful independent film two years earlier that won him a Golden Globe, he now was writing a screenplay for one of the top studios in Hollywood. Jesse eventually found a job that brought him back to California with Leo and the two moved into a home in the Hollywood hills and adopted. They now have a little one year old son named, Liam. Kurt bought a house near them so they can stay close. Ryan, meanwhile, got a job as a Professor at NYU and has loved every second of it. He always liked helping young people, but now he felt he was really making a contribution to their future. He lived by himself in a one bedroom apartment in Brooklyn. It was Saturday around noon. Kurt was sitting in a book store on the upper east side of New York City doing a book signing. He was amazed by how many people actually showed up to get their copies of his book signed. Even though his book has been on the best sellers list for so long it still hasn't hit him yet that he's finally achieved the success he dreamed of. After nearly an hour signing books his hand began to cramp and he was beginning to get tired. He barely was even able to make eye contact with the people anymore he was so exhausted of smiling non-stop. "You enjoy the book?" Kurt asked as another copy of his book was handed to him. He immediately began to sign without looking up at the person who handed it to him yet. "I liked it a lot. I especially enjoyed the devilishly handsome roommate that the main character falls in love with," an all too familiar voice said. Kurt looked up and smiled when he saw Ryan's face. "I guess I took some liberties with him," Kurt joked. "It's good to see you." He looked at Ryan and still found him to be the most attractive man he's ever met in his life. "You too," Ryan replied. "It's been a while." Ryan noticed that over the six years, Kurt has matured in his sense of style, he now seemed to be more of a grown-up. He looked more sure of himself, as a result it made him look that much more attractive. "Yeah, you haven't come to California for the past couple of Christmases," Kurt said. "Well, it's hard to leave New York at Christmas time," Ryan said. "I imagine," Kurt replied. "You good?" "I'm good," Ryan replied."Congratulations on your book. I bought it the first day it came out. I'm having my class read it right now." "Oh yeah?" Kurt asked. "Well thank you." "Listen, I know you're probably really busy, but do you want to do something while you're here?" Ryan asked. "Yeah, absolutely," Kurt replied eagerly. He knew he rushed his answer and made himself too obvious in his attraction to Ryan still, but he didn't care. He missed Ryan too much and didn't want to pass up an opportunity to spend time with him again. "I'm almost done here. Can you stick around a few more minutes?" "Definitely," Ryan answered with a charming smile. After Kurt was done he walked outside of the bookstore and met Ryan who was waiting outside for him. The two hugged. It was a bit uncomfortable at first,but once they held the other a moment longer and smelled the familiar scents of one another they both became instantly relaxed. Like no time had passed at all. "So how's life treating you here?" Kurt asked. "Great," Ryan replied. "Do your students all go on ratemyprofessor.com and write about how hot you are?" Kurt asked jokingly. "Maybe a few," Ryan boasted with a big grin. "Dating?" Kurt asked hoping that the answer would be no. "No," Ryan replied. "You?" "Well, you know the life of a successful writer. I have a different boyfriend in every sate," Kurt said as he ran his hands through his tousled dark hair to play on the vanity he jokingly conveyed. "Oh of course," Ryan said playing along. "So who's your boyfriend in New York?" "That's yet to be decided," Kurt replied, "Have any suggestions?" "I might," Ryan replied as his eyes met Kurt's and they both stood silent for a moment to take each other in, both still obviously wanting the other even after all this time. "Want to grab a bite to eat? There's a good deli nearby." "Would love to," Kurt said. The two began to walk together. "I talked to Jesse yesterday. Sounds like their son is a handful," Ryan said. "Yeah, but he's great," Kurt replied, much to Ryan's surprise. He didn't expect to hear that response come from Kurt regarding kids, "I baby sit for them when I can. Liam's pretty awesome." "You're good with kids now?" Ryan asked surprised. Kurt really has changed, Ryan thought. He couldn't help but wonder at that very moment how Kurt will be when the two of them have kids. "A lot can change in six years," Kurt replied. "I see that," Ryan smiled happily. They both exchanged a smile, a smile that seemed to signify that the future for the two of them was going to be good. "So, you know what night I've been thinking about a lot lately?" Kurt asked. "What night is that?" Ryan asked. "The night before you moved out of my apartment," Kurt replied. "That was a good night," Ryan remembered. "Best sex we've ever had together," Kurt said. "No, remember the night we used the whip cream?" Ryan asked. "Oh yeah," Kurt remembered. "That was pretty good too." "Very good," Ryan corrected him. "You think those days are all in the past now?" Kurt asked wanting to make sure Ryan was still on the same page as him. "I don't know," Ryan said. "Like you said, a lot can change in six years. Maybe we'd be better in bed." "Maybe," Kurt smiled toying with the idea. "Maybe we'd be better at a lot of things." "You think?" Ryan asked looking deeply into Kurt's face, the face that he's missed so much. "I think so," Kurt replied. "Looks like we have a lot to discuss over lunch," Ryan said as they continued their walk to the deli. "Yeah, a lot," Kurt agreed taking Ryan's hand in his as they walked off together. ***************************************************************************************** The End.... With any comments, questions or feedback please e-mail me at ilj4ever44@yahoo.com. Again, thank you everyone who read this story. I hope I ended it in a way that satisfied you all and gave you the happy ending you all were hoping for. This was one of the most rewarding stories I've written and am proud of each chapter and owe it to you all who have sent me e-mails and feedback and encouraged me to continue this story. I honestly didn't think I'd find enough story to make this go for more than twenty-five chapters and to have doubled that feels very rewarding. Thank you so much. All my best!