Phases

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.

I would again like to thank you all for reading this story and I really appreciate all those who have e-mailed me and sent me feedback, it really helps me write so I can get a feel of the type of stuff you all would like to read. So thank you so much! Here's part 13 entitled, "Party Animal"

"PARTY ANIMAL"

It's been five days since Leo vowed to start living his life again and so far he's been keeping to that promise. He went back to the restaurant, he luckily stayed on the managements' good side because they gladly welcomed him back. He even started getting back into swimming, which was something he didn't do for a long time. Nick and Kurt were impressed with him, he seemed to be heading down the right path.

It was a typical Wednesday morning, Kurt and Ryan were both up by eight. Kurt was reading a magazine while Ryan was reading the newspaper. Both had a cup of coffee in hand and a bowl of cereal as they sat at the kitchen counter together. At around nine Leo would roll out of bed and come out to go to the bathroom and then went to the kitchen to join them for breakfast.

"How'd you sleep?" Kurt asked handing Leo a cup of coffee.

"Eh," Leo groaned. "Tossed and turned most of the night."

"I'm sorry," Kurt said patting Leo on the back. "I'm sure you'll start sleeping easier as time goes by."

"I hope so," Leo said rubbing his eyes, "I'm so exhausted."

"Then go back to sleep," Kurt suggested, "You have the day off of work right?"

"I can't," Leo said. "If I go back to bed then all I'll do is think of him."

"You want to talk about it?" Ryan asked.

"It's just the same old thing," Leo replied. "I miss him."

"I know," Kurt said.

"You're doing a lot better though," Ryan encouraged. "You're out doing stuff again."

"Yeah," Kurt added, "And it's good that you started swimming again."

"Too bad I'm not on the swim team anymore," Leo said. "That always kept me busy."

"Well maybe you can find something else to fill your time," Kurt suggested.

"Yeah," Ryan said, "We can do something together. I'm trying to find stuff to keep me busy as well."

"That's a good idea," Kurt said.

"That does sound good," Leo said. "Thanks Ryan."

"No problem," Ryan replied.

The guys were interrupted by a knocking on the door. When Kurt answered it, he was facing a big bouquet of roses. He looked over the roses and saw a delivery man hidden behind holding the roses up.

"Delivery for Kurt Parker."

"That's me."

"Sign here," the delivery man handed Kurt a clipboard to sign. Kurt signed it quickly and took the flowers.

"Thank you," Kurt called out as he closed the door.

"Another one?" Leo asked.

"Yeah," Kurt replied. "This is my fourth one I've gotten in the last five days."

"Is there a card?" Ryan asked.

"Yeah," Kurt said picking up the white envelope attached.

'My love for you grows stronger every day.' the card read.

"My love?" Ryan asked.

"These aren't from you?" Leo asked Ryan.

"No," Ryan shook his head.

"We haven't used the big L word yet," Kurt said. "This has to be some sort of mix up."

"Try calling the flower shop these were sent from," Ryan suggested. "And by the way, just because I haven't used to L word yet, doesn't mean I don't feel it."

"I think I will," Kurt replied. "By the way, I feel the same way too." His cell phone rang as he was taking it out to call the flower shop. It was Derek from work.

"Hey Derek," Kurt answered.

"Okay, so I wanted to double check and see if you were going to go to the party tonight," Derek said. "I know you said no last time, but that was last week. Change of heart?"

"Still no," Kurt replied, "But thanks."

"All right," Derek said, "You'll regret it. If you change your mind call me before noon so I can get your name put on the guest list."

"Okay," Kurt said, "Thanks Derek. Have fun tonight."

"Was that Derek?" Leo asked.

"Yeah," Kurt replied.

"Who's Derek?" Ryan asked.

"He's this guy I work with who always gives everyone at the magazine a heads up about big parties or club and restaurant openings," Kurt said. "Somehow he's always able to get people on the guest lists. We used to go to those a lot a while back."

"What's the party?" Leo asked interested.

"Some party for a designer at a place called The Market," Kurt replied.

"The Market?" Leo asked excited.

"You've heard of it?" Kurt asked.

"I read about it in your magazine," Leo replied. "That's the hot new club."

"Apparently," Kurt replied.

"I want to go!" Leo said.

"You want to go to this party?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah, I think it'll be good for me," Leo answered.

"I guess it could be," Kurt said, "Are you sure?" Kurt remembers how crazy Leo used to get at those parties, so he was a little apprehensive about letting Leo go.

"Yeah, definitely," Leo said.

"Okay," Kurt said, "I'll have Derek put you on the guest list."

"Thanks," Leo said, "You're not going to go?"

"No," Kurt replied.

"Please!"

"I'll tell you what," Kurt said, "If you can get Ryan and Nick to go before noon, then I'll go too."

"Ryan," Leo said turning to him, "Please go."

"What is it?" Ryan asked.

"These parties that Derek finds are great," Leo said. "It'll be so much fun. Come on."

"Sure," Ryan said, "I have nothing to do."

"Ryan," Kurt scolded, "You were supposed to say no."

"Too late," Leo said, "He said yes."

"You still have to convince Nick," Kurt smiled, "He'll never agree."

"Yes he will," Leo replied.

"Absolutely not," Nick answered when Leo went over to his place to ask him.

"Why not?" Leo asked.

"Because you get out of control at those parties," Nick replied.

"I won't," Leo promised. "Remember how much fun we used to have at those parties?"

"Yeah, when I was in my early twenties," Nick said, "I'm twenty seven now. I've gotten over that seen."

"It'll be fun," Leo said, "Please!"

"No," Nick answered.

"I'll tell you what, just go and if you're not having fun after an hour you can leave," Leo negotiated.

"Half hour," Nick haggled.

"Forty-five minutes," Leo said.

Nick sighed, "Deal."

"Great! I'll go call Kurt," Leo said giving Nick a hug, "I'll see you later."

Leo headed out to go shop for something to wear to the party.

Later that day Nick was on the phone with Kurt talking about the party.

"Why did you say yes?" Kurt asked.

"Why did you say yes?" Nick shot back.

"Because I'm pathetic, what's your excuse," Kurt said.

"Leo just looked really excited about going," Nick said, "It's the first time I've seen him excited about anything in a while."

"He is excited," Kurt sighed. "But to go to one of these parties is so lame."

"I know," Nick said, "I hate them too. And I don't like encouraging Leo to go to it because I get worried about him in that scene, but maybe just one night of fun will help him out."

"I guess," Kurt moaned.

"We won't stay long," Nick said, "We'll just go there, have a drink and leave."

"Do you really think Leo will want to leave after just one drink?" Kurt asked.

"He promised me that I could leave after forty-five minutes," Nick said. "I'm holding him to that."

"Sounds like a plan," Kurt said. "So, have you talked to Adrian lately?"

"No," Nick replied, "I actually haven't talked to him since the day I got back from New York."

"Really?" Kurt asked. "How come?"

"Just been so worried about Leo lately," Nick replied. "But I'm sure Adrian understands."

"So are you two a couple?" Kurt asked. "I've been curious."

"We're dating," Nick said, "I wouldn't call us a couple though."

"The distance thing is a problem huh?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah," Nick replied. "I would have no trouble committing to him if he lived here, but since he's on the opposite coast, it's hard."

"It's understandable," Kurt said, "It's hard to be with someone when you can't actually be with them that much."

"I do like him a lot," Nick said, "Possibly love him."

"Really?" Kurt asked. "Love?"

"Yeah," Nick answered. "Is that crazy?"

"Not at all," Kurt said, "It's really romantic actually."

"But I've had no time lately to think about it just because of Leo and then getting caught up with work," Nick said, "I need to turn something into my editor tomorrow and I haven't written any responses to the letters I've gotten since I've been back."

"I know, I need to work today also," Kurt sighed, "My editor, Martin, has been trying to get a hold of me, but I've sort of been avoiding his calls cause I think he's going to yell at me for my last couple articles. They weren't that good."

"Well, you go get to work and I'll get to work and I'll see you tonight," Nick said.

"All right," Kurt said, "Bye."

The two hung up and then went to work.

Meanwhile, Leo was shopping on Melrose for clothes for the party. He just left Urban Outfitter when he heard someone calling him.

"Leo."

He looked around him, but didn't see anyone.

"Leo."

He heard it again, the voice sounded familiar.

"Leo."

By the time he heard it a third time he knew who's voice it was...Jesse's. Leo rubbed his head and closed his eyes, he knew it was his mind playing tricks on him. When he closed his eyes all he saw was Jesse standing in that garden that he had seen in his dream last week at the hospital.

"Leave me alone," Leo said quietly to himself.

"Leo."

"Dammit!" Leo shouted. A few people starred at him as they walked by, he turned beat red from embarrassment and just started walking. He stopped for a moment to look at his reflection in the mirror and compose himself, but when he did he saw Jesse standing behind him. Leo quickly turned around, but Jesse wasn't there.

"Leo." Jesse's voice echoed louder.

Leo looked across the street and saw a bar that was open. He quickly ran across the street and went inside, if he couldn't drown out the voices by himself, then he would do it with alcohol.

When Leo went inside the bar there were only a few people inside, it was still early, only one in the afternoon. Leo went and sat at the bar. The bar tender, woman, thin, blonde, had the type of look that made Leo think she was an aspiring actress or model only working in the bar until she got 'discovered.'

"What can I get you?" bar tender asked.

"Vodka," Leo replied. "On the rocks."

"Twist?"

"Please."

Leo rested his head on the bar and closed his eyes, but again, he saw Jesse standing in the garden with a disappointed look on his face. Leo quickly shot his head up and opened his eyes, he didn't want to see Jesse giving him that look.

"Here's your drink," bar tender handed him his drink and Leo quickly took a big gulp not even wincing at the strength of the vodka as it went down his throat.

"Rough day?" young guy sitting at the bar next to him asked. He was cute, about 6'2, light brown hair with highlights in it, deep, piercing blue eyes, had a goatee growing which gave him a rugged look.

"Little bit," Leo replied.

"Same here," he replied, "Otherwise I wouldn't be here at one in the afternoon."

"Ditto," Leo said taking another sip of his drink.

"I'm Devon," he said extending his hand.

"Leo." Leo shook his hand firmly.

"So what brings you to a bar so early?" Devon asked.

"Trying to forget things," Leo replied.

"Just break up with someone?" Devon asked.

"No, but I guess you can say we're not together anymore," Leo replied.

"How come?" Devon asked.

"He's in a coma," Leo replied.

Devon was quiet for a moment, not too sure what to say.

"I'm so sorry," was all he could muster.

"Thanks," Leo sighed. "But I'm trying to get over it. So, tell me, what are you doing here?"

"Just broke up with my boyfriend," Devon said, then corrected, "Well, ex-boyfriend now."

"So you come drinking on Melrose?" Leo asked. "If I just broke up with my boyfriend, I'd want to be as far away from a gay friendly place as possible."

"I like this place," Devon said.

"I see," Leo replied, "Well, sorry you and your boyfriend broke up."

"It was coming," Devon said. "We fought a lot."

"That's too bad," Leo commented.

"So tell me, what brings you out here today?" Devon asked.

"I was shopping for a party I'm going to tonight," Leo replied, "It's at The Market."

"Are you talking about the Patrick Willis party?" Devon asked.

"Yeah."

"I'm going to that," Devon said surprised, "Wow. This party just got a little better."

Leo just smiled at the flirtation Devon was giving him.

"So I'll see you tonight," Devon said slyly.

"I guess so," Leo replied downing the rest of his drink.

"You want me to buy you another drink?" Devon asked.

"Sure, why not?" Leo replied, still not being able to get the image of Jesse out of his head.

Meanwhile, Ryan was looking on the Internet at possible job leads while Kurt was sitting a few feet away on the couch writing on his laptop.

"How's the job hunt going?" Kurt asked.

"Well, I've been thinking," Ryan replied, "You were right, I do like helping people. I think cause I was an orphan that I know what it was like to really be in need of some guidance."

"So what are you thinking?" Kurt asked.

"Well, I have my credentials and everything. I think I'm going to try and get a job as a guidance counselor."

"Yeah?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah, what do you think?" Ryan asked, "Does it sound stupid?"

"I think," Kurt began, setting down his lap top and going over to Ryan, "it's a perfect venture for you."

They kissed.

"Yeah?" Ryan asked.

"Yeah," Kurt replied, "Ryan, you are so good at helping people. You should definitely pursue that."

"Thanks," Ryan said kissing Kurt. "I love you."

Kurt paused a moment, realizing it's the first time Ryan said that to him.

"I love you too," Kurt replied kissing Ryan some more.

They were about to move the remainder of their action into the bedroom, but were interrupted by the doorbell.

"Dammit," Ryan said, "You want to get that or should I?"

"I'll get it," Kurt said, "You just go get naked."

"Deal," Ryan said heading into the bedroom. Kurt went and answered the door, when he opened it up he was once again facing a big batch of roses.

"Delivery for Kurt Parker," the delivery man said behind the flowers.

"Another one?" Kurt asked.

"I just deliver them sir," the man said. "Sign here." Kurt signed the receipt and then took the flowers from him and closed the door.

"Who was it?" Ryan asked calling out from the bedroom.

"Flowers again," Kurt replied.

"What?" Ryan asked. He quickly came out of the bedroom wearing only his boxers. "Another one today?"

"Yeah," Kurt sighed.

"Did you call the flower shop?" Ryan asked.

"No, I forgot," Kurt answered.

"Better call them."

Kurt took out his cell phone and dialed the number that was on the back of the card, which this time read, 'I will love you forever.'

"Luscious Flowers, how may I help you?" a female voice asked.

"Hi, my name is Kurt Parker, I've been receiving flowers from your shop lately and was curious to find out who sent them. All the cards have been unsigned."

"Oh yes, Kurt Parker," she replied, "We get someone calling in all the time to send you flowers."

"Can you tell me who?" Kurt asked.

"Sorry, no. He asked to remain anonymous."

"Of course he did," Kurt sighed, "All right. Thanks."

Kurt hung up.

"No luck?" Ryan asked.

"No luck," Kurt replied, "You know, something like this just happened on an episode of 'Desperate Housewives' and it turned out to be some weird freak. What if I have a weird freak?"

"We'll deal with it then," Ryan assured Kurt. "Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you."

Ryan leaned in and kissed Kurt. Kurt quickly stopped worrying and was eager to pick up where him and Ryan left off.

"Bedroom?" Kurt asked.

"Bedroom," Ryan confirmed as the two rushed off and closed the door to the bedroom.

That night Nick headed over to Kurt, Ryan and Leo's place to go to the party. When he got there Kurt and Ryan were dressed and ready to go. Leo, however, was still not there.

"I don't believe this," Nick said, "We're going to this dumb thing for him and he's not even here yet?"

"I know," Kurt sighed, "I tried calling, but he didn't pick up."

"He better hurry," Nick said, "It's already nine. I don't want to stay out late. I still have work to do."

"I know, I didn't get much work done today either," Kurt said.

"How come?" Nick asked.

"Ryan and I got a little distracted," Kurt said smiling at Ryan.

"Eww," Nick replied knowing what he meant.

Just then the front door opened and Leo happily walked in holding a shopping bag from Kitson.

"Hey guys!" Leo said excitedly. "We ready to get our party on?"

"You're in a happy mood," Kurt commented.

"I'm just excited!" Leo said loudly. "I just need to change."

Leo was headed for his room when Nick grabbed his arm and took a good look at him.

"Have you been drinking?" Nick asked.

"Just a bit," Leo replied, "But don't worry. I'm fine.

Let me change."

Leo hurried into the bedroom to get ready.

"He's drunk," Nick said.

"He sure smelled like alcohol when he walked by," Ryan noted.

"We're not going to this party," Nick said, "If he's already drunk, God knows what he'll be like after we get there."

"Nick, I know you want to be very protective of him right now, but let him just have this one night," Kurt sighed, "I don't like the idea of this anymore either, but after all Leo went through, maybe a night of partying won't be so bad."

Nick thought it over a for a minute, "I guess you're right."

"Okay, let's go!" Leo said coming out of his room wearing his new clothes.

The four grabbed their jackets and headed out to the party.

When they got to The Market, there were photographers all lined up outside the front waiting for celebrity arrivals. The four walked up the red carpet and a couple shots were taken of Nick, him being a very minor celebrity with his advice column. When they got to the entrance there was a bouncer and a very beautiful woman, tall, red hair, light fair skin and deep green eyes, standing dressed in a black designer suit and holding a clipboard filled with names.

"Name?" she asked.

"Kurt Parker and guests," Kurt said.

She scanned the few pages before coming to his name, "Perfect. Go right on in."

"Thanks," Leo said giving her a big kiss on the cheek.

When they walked inside the music was loud, it looked a lot like a warehouse, very simple decor, but something about it gave the whole place a very trendy, upscale look, it may have been the modern looking bar with the mountain of bottles of alcohol behind it, or it may have just been the fact that everyone inside were all dressed to the impress. If they weren't wearing clothes designed by the guest of honor himself, Patrick Willis, the hottest new designer, then they were wearing clothes by Gucci, Prada, Hugo Boss, Armani, etc. It was definitely a party for the A-list crowed.

"You used to go to these kinds of parties a lot?" Ryan asked impressed.

"Yeah," Kurt unenthusiastically answered, "It's cool at first, but believe me, the novelty wears off."

"This is awesome!" Leo shouted, "I'm going to go get a drink."

As Leo walked to the bar he was admiring all the people in their clothes, but was distracted when above all the noise he heard Jesse's voice, "Leo."

Leo looked around and it seemed everywhere he turned he saw Jesse looking at him.

"Not again," Leo said to himself and quickly made his way to get a drink.

Nick, Kurt and Ryan were walking around and mingling. Nick and Kurt got a lot of hugs from people they used to always see when they went to these parties. A lot of "Where have you been?," "We missed you!," etc. As they headed to a less crowded area Kurt saw his editor, Martin approach him.

"Shit," Kurt said turning to Ryan and Nick, "I didn't think that Martin would be here."

"You've certainly been a tough cookie to get a hold of," Martin said in his flamboyant glory.

"Yeah, sorry," Kurt lied, "I've been really busy with trying to write and everything."

"Well, if you had returned any of my millions of calls you would know that the editor of West Coast Style has been interested in meeting with you," Martin said.

"What?" Kurt asked. "West Coast Style? As in the biggest fashion magazine not based in New York?"

"Yes," Martin said.

"Why would they want to meet with me?" Kurt asked.

"Probably try to steal you away from me," Martin replied. "I wasn't going to even tell you they were wanting to meet you, but they kept pestering me and really left me with no choice."

"Wow," Kurt said in shock, "I was not expecting that."

"Don't leave Update," Martin said, "You're one of the best assets we have there."

"Martin, that's sweet," Kurt said, "But I should at least go and see what they want at W.C.S., right?"

"I suppose," Martin sighed.

"Well, thank you for telling me," Kurt said giving Martin a hug.

"It was the right thing to do," Martin sighed. "I'll talk to you later."

"Okay," Kurt nodded, "I'll call you tomorrow."

Martin left and Kurt lost sight of him as he entered the mass amount of people at the party.

"Can you believe that?" Kurt asked in pure joy to Ryan and Nick.

"That's awesome," Nick said giving Kurt a hug.

"You're on your way babe," Ryan said giving Kurt a kiss.

On the other side of the club Leo was at the bar drinking with a few people he used to often run into at these parties when Devon came up to him.

"Thought I might find you at the bar," Devon said giving Leo a hug.

"Devon!" Leo said happily, "Good to see you here. Come on, we're all going to do shots." Leo was holding a shot glass of tequila with five other people around him with shots as well.

"All right," Devon said getting the bar tenders attention and getting a shot for himself.

They all cheered and licked the salt off their hand, took the shot and then sucked on a lime after.

"Big drinking day for you," Devon commented.

"Big party," Leo justified, "Just want to make sure I have fun."

"I see that," Devon replied.

"You want to dance?" Leo asked.

"Sure," Devon replied.

The two went to the dance floor where the DJ was playing top 40 tunes and the two began to dance together. Leo closed his eyes and just let the music take him over, he danced with all his energy, bumping and grinding his hips against Devon as they danced together. It became very hot and sexual between the two, Devon was enjoying it, Leo didn't even notice, he was too busy trying to get into a state of mind where he could get Jesse out of his head. Devon put his hands on the side of Leo's face and leaned in to kiss him. Leo was ready to accept Devon's kiss but before he did Jesse's face flashed in front of him. Leo quickly pulled away and continued on with just dancing with Devon.

"So listen," Devon said leaning into Leo so he could hear him well enough. "After this party some people are going to come over to my house for a little after party. You down?"

"Absolutely," Leo answered wanting to do anything to keep him from thinking of Jesse.

Back over where Nick, Kurt and Ryan were in the club Nick was impatiently looking at his watch, when he finally saw he'd been there for forty-five minutes he was ready to leave.

"All right," Nick said, "I'm leaving. You guys staying or going?"

"I'm ready to leave," Kurt said, "You Ryan?"

"I'm good to go," Ryan replied.

"Lets find Leo and get out of here," Nick said making his way through the crowed. "I just want to go home and go to-" Nick found himself speechless when he saw Leo on the dance floor grinding with Devon.

"Oh. My. God," Kurt followed in shock as well.

"I guess he's found a way to move on from Jesse," Ryan observed.

"Or numb the pain," Nick said as he heading towards Leo to break up the over the clothes foreplay that was going on.

"Uh oh," Kurt said to Ryan, "I think Leo is going to get yelled at."

"Should we wait outside?" Ryan asked not really wanting to see Leo get lectured.

"Oh yeah," Kurt replied as the two hurried to leave.

Nick hurried over and grabbed Leo by the arm and pulled him off of Devon.

"We're ready to go," Nick said.

"I'm not," Leo shrugged Nick off. "I want to stay."

"Leo, I think you had enough partying," Nick said, "What are you doing grinding on this guy?"

"My name's Devon," Devon said trying to introduce himself.

"Shut up," Nick said to Devon then turned his attention back to Leo, "Leo, this isn't healthy. You need to come home now."

"No," Leo replied, "You need to lay off. Go home, I can take care of myself."

"Leo, you're not in the state of mind to take care of yourself right now," Nick said, "Come on."

"Nick, I'm fine," Leo said, "Just leave me alone."

Nick looked at Leo in shock, in all their years of friendship, Leo's never talked to him like that.

"Fine," Nick resigned, "But if you get in any sort of trouble, don't expect me to bail you out."

"Fine," Leo shot back.

Nick then turned and left Leo with Devon.

When Nick got outside he caught up with Kurt and Ryan who already had valet bring the car around. Nick got inside the car and angrily buckled his seatbelt.

"Leo is such a kid," Nick said angrily.

"Are we leaving with out him?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah," Nick said getting as he put the car into drive and pulled out of the parking lot.

"Are you sure?" Kurt asked.

"Positive," Nick replied.

Kurt and Ryan both exchanged worried looks with one another, both feeling uneasy for leaving Leo.

"How is he getting home?" Ryan asked.

"His little dance buddy," Nick replied.

"You're leaving Leo with a random guy?" Kurt asked.

"He said he could take care of himself," Nick said, "I want to test that little theory of his."

"What if he gets in some trouble?" Ryan asked.

"Then I'll help him out, but not until he sees how stupid he's being," Nick answered.

Kurt and Ryan both felt uneasy about leaving Leo at that party alone, but Kurt also knew that Nick was usually right and never let him down before.

When Nick dropped Kurt and Ryan off at their apartment the two headed up to their place, when they got to the front door they saw a bowl with fish inside with a note attached.

"Someone sent us pets," Ryan noted.

"What is this now?" Kurt sighed looking at the card. 'Out of all the fish in the sea, you're the one for me.'

"This is getting creepy," Ryan said looking down the hallway of their apartment complex to see if anyone was looking or watching them.

"Who could be sending these things?" Kurt asked mystified.

"I don't know, but the next time someone sends something I'm calling the police," Ryan said protectively.

"That's sweet, but what are you going to say? 'Help, my boyfriend is getting flowers?'" Kurt asked.

"There has to be something we can do," Ryan said.

"Whoever it is, will reveal themselves eventually," Kurt rationalized, "Until then, we just got to keep an eye out."

"And you're okay with that?" Ryan asked.

"No, but it's the best we can do," Kurt replied.

As the two walked inside the apartment Ryan's cell phone began ringing.

"Who'd be calling me at this time?" Ryan asked confused as he answered his phone. "Hello?"

"Ryan, it's me," a female voice answered.

"Laurie?" Ryan asked. "What's wrong?"

"It's about your daughter," Laurie replied, "Can you talk now?"

Ryan looked over at Kurt who was setting the bowl of fish on the kitchen counter.

"Not now," Ryan answered. "I'll call you later."

"Please do," Laurie replied, "It's important."

Ryan hung up the phone and went over and hugged Kurt from behind.

"Who was that?" Kurt asked.

"Oh, just someone I used to know," Ryan replied. "You want to get ready for bed?"

"Yeah," Kurt replied as the two walked hand in hand to the bedroom.

Over at Nick's place, when he finally got home he got dressed for bed and sat down on his couch in the living room to call Adrian. Nick was pissed, he has never been more angry at Leo before and at the same time has never been more worried. He dialed Adrian's number and called him, even though it was now the middle of the night over in New York.

"Hello?" a tired Adrian answered.

"I'm sorry, I know you were asleep, but I really need to talk," Nick said apologetically.

"What's wrong?" Adrian asked hearing the upset in Nick's voice.

"It's Leo," Nick replied. "He's been completely immature right now. I know it has to do with Jesse, but he's just going downhill fast."

"Have you tried talking to him?" Adrian asked.

"Of course," Nick replied, "But he just pushes me away."

"Well, I hate to say it, but maybe you should just leave him alone," Adrian suggested. "Let him make his own mistakes."

"Normally, I would," Nick said, "But in this case, he's too unstable. He needs me now, but he's just numbing himself from feeling the pain."

"You can't help someone who doesn't want it," Adrian said.

"It's just so frustrating," Nick sighed.

"Why don't you come with me to Paris in a couple days?" Adrian asked, "I'll help you relax a bit."

"That's sweet, but I can't," Nick replied, "Not until I know Leo will be okay. Besides, I have work I really need to do."

Adrian sighed, "All right, well I miss you."

"I miss you too," Nick replied.

"Do you really?" Adrian asked.

"Of course I do," Nick answered, "What kind of question is that?"

"I haven't heard from you since the day you got back from New York," Adrian brought up, "I tried calling you, but you never called back."

"I'm sorry," Nick said, realizing how bad of a boyfriend he's been. "It's just tough now with Leo."

"I understand that," Adrian replied, "If you don't have time for me-"

"No," Nick interrupted, not even wanting Adrian to finish that sentence, "I do, and I'll be better. I promise. I'm really sorry."

"It's okay," Adrian replied.

"I should let you get to sleep," Nick said.

"All right, it was good talking to you again," Adrian said sweetly.

"Thank you for listening to me complain," Nick replied.

"Anytime," Adrian answered. "I'll talk to you later."

"All right, good night," Nick said hanging up the phone.

Nick knew he had to be a better boyfriend to Adrian, but at the same time knew he had an obligation as Leo's best friend to make sure that he would be okay.

Later that night, Leo went with Devon and about six other people to Devon's house. It was a beautiful house, hidden in the Hollywood hills. Leo wasn't surprised to see that Devon had such a nice house, seeing as how he noticed him wearing D&G from head to toe. They were all sitting in Devon's living room listen to music and drinking and some were smoking, not Leo however, he did a lot of things, but drugs wasn't one of them. Leo however, was very big on drinking, especially tonight. At that point in the night Leo was pretty hammered and was laying down resting his head on Devon's lap. Leo felt good earlier in the night, he had stopped thinking about Jesse after a few shots and too many martinis, but at this point he was beginning to be disoriented and not too sure what was going on.

"Do you want to go lay down?" Devon asked Leo.

"Sure," Leo slurred.

"Come on," Devon said helping Leo up and taking him upstairs to his master bedroom of his four bedroom home. When the went to his room Devon eased Leo down on the bed and took off his shoes for him.

"Thanks," Leo said curling up with one of the pillows.

Devon went and sat up on the bed with Leo and put his arm around Leo.

"How you feeling?" Devon asked.

"Good," Leo sighed.

"Good," Devon whispered as he leaned in and began kissing Leo. Leo at first accepted the kiss and wrapped his arms around Devon enjoying every second of it, when Leo opened his eyes he saw Jesse in front of him, he saw Jesse as the one he was kissing and Leo melted into it, once again embracing the taste and touch of the man he loves, he closed his eyes and went with the kiss wanting it to last forever. When Leo opened his eyes again however, he saw Devon. Leo quickly pulled away.

"What's going on?" Leo asked.

"Aren't you enjoying it?" Devon asked. "Come on, let me help you out of those nice new clothes of yours."

"No," Leo said trying to push Devon off.

"Come on," Devon said, "Just go with it." Devon began to unbutton Leo's shirt, but Leo squirmed beneath him, not wanting to be there with him.

"I'm with someone," Leo protested.

"You're with someone?" Devon asked, "I thought you said he was in a coma."

"Doesn't mean he's no longer the man I love," Leo replied sobering up a bit. He managed to push Devon off and get out of the bed.

"What's one night?" Devon asked. "He's in a coma, he'll never know."

"I'm leaving," Leo said putting his shoes on.

"Fine," Devon laughed, "Whatever."

Leo stumbled a little down the stairs, but was able to get a good grip of the rail to make it the rest of the way down. When he reached the front door he realized he had no way of getting home. He took his cell phone out of his pocket as he left the house, but then stopped himself before he dialed Nick's number. He didn't want to call Nick, he was too proud too. He didn't want to call Kurt because if he called Kurt then he would have to eventually tell Nick what happened. Not knowing what else to do, and too drunk to even really care, he decided to just walk, walk the ten miles to get home. So Leo set off on his walk home at three in the morning. Half way down the drive way Leo rushed to the bushes and threw up. After a few minutes, he wiped his mouth with the sleeve of his new jacket and continued walking. On the walk home he began to sober up some, and when he sobered up, all he could do was think of Jesse. Leo thought back to a time when things were really good with him and Jesse. It was their one year anniversary and the two were ecstatic to have made it a full year together. Leo had gotten the day off of work and Jesse only had one meeting in the morning, but hurried over to Leo's place after to spend the day together. When Jesse arrived at Leo's place, Leo had cooked lunch for the two, a roasted chicken with steam asparagus.

"Happy anniversary," Leo said opening the door and giving Jesse a kiss.

"Happy anniversary baby," Jesse said handing Leo a small little wrapped present.

"What's this?" Leo asked. "I thought we said no presents."

"I know, but I wanted you to have it. Open it," Jesse replied.

Leo hurried and unwrapped the box, when he opened it up he found a silver band inside with Leo and Jesse engraved into it.

"It's beautiful," Leo said putting the ring on his right ring finger.

"This ring, is a promise ring," Jesse said.

"A promise ring?" Leo asked.

"Yeah, it's my promise to you that one day, I want to marry you," Jesse replied.

Leo didn't say anything, he was speechless and in awe that he had such a sweet and thoughtful boyfriend. He leaned in and kissed Jesse.

"Thank you," Leo said, "I have a little gift for you too."

"Oh yeah?" Jesse asked.

"Yeah, but you have to come into the bedroom to get it," Leo said leading Jesse into his room.

"What about lunch?" Jesse asked.

"It'll stay warm," Leo replied smiling.

The rest of the walk home back home, Leo replayed memories of him and Jesse together in his mind. And with every memory, he wished that he could get Jesse out of his head because it hurt too much to think about him. Leo didn't even notice that it took him over three hours to walk home, he didn't notice the sun rising at six in the morning, he didn't notice how cold it was outside, all he did the whole walk home was think and remember and wish he could stop thinking and stop remembering. Before he went up to the apartment he stopped at a twenty-four hour liquor store and bought a bottle of scotch, he realized that the only time he could truly forget about Jesse was when he drank, and so he did. He went up to the apartment and walked inside and headed straight to his room and closed the door with his scotch in hand.

Kurt meanwhile, woke up to the sound of the door closing. He looked at the clock on the counter and saw that it was half past six, he got out of bed and walked outside of his room, but when he did he saw Leo close the door to his bedroom. Kurt went over and knocked on the door.

"You okay Leo?" Kurt asked.

"Fine," Leo replied.

"You need anything?" Kurt asked.

"No," Leo answered.

"Did you have fun last night?" Kurt asked.

"It was the best," Leo lied. "Good night."

Kurt sighed, he didn't like that Leo got home so late, but was relieved that he was home at least, so he went back to his room and went back to sleep. Back inside Leo's room he was sitting on the floor leaning against his bed drinking. He drank by himself until he finally got Jesse out of his head and was finally able to go to sleep.

To Be Continued...

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