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.

Hey everyone! Hope you are all doing well! Here's part 23 entitled, "The Return"

'THE RETURN'

"Ryan," Kurt said in shock looking at Ryan as he stood at the door. "Hi."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Ryan asked clearly not very happy.

"I'm sorry?" Kurt asked.

"Why didn't you tell me about everything?" Ryan asked, "Apparently Reese called Laurie and told her what happened and told her that she didn't have to keep me there because he wasn't going to be paying her anymore."

"Oh," Kurt said not knowing what else to say.

"So Laurie told me to go," Ryan said, "She said she didn't want me around anymore. She told me to go back to California."

"So you're back?" Kurt asked.

"I haven't decided yet," Ryan replied, "You still haven't answered me. Why didn't you tell me? Laurie said you found out a couple weeks ago!"

"I'm just going to give you two some privacy," Leo said as he awkwardly made his way to his room. When Leo closed the door Kurt sighed and walked into the living room. Ryan closed the door and followed him.

"I know, I should have told you," Kurt said sheepishly.

"Then why didn't you?" Ryan asked, "Kurt, what the hell? You were planning on keeping something like this a secret from me? Why? Why would you do that?"

"Because I saw you with your daughter!" Kurt exclaimed.

"What?" Ryan asked.

"I saw you with her," Kurt sighed sitting down on the couch and buried his face in his hands for a moment before explaining. "Ryan, when I found out what Laurie and Reese were up to I took the first flight I could get out to Florida to see you."

"You did?" Ryan asked calming down as he sat down next to Kurt.

"Yes," Kurt replied, "I went there and I went to your place. Reese had your address so I went there and waited for you to come home. Then I saw you pull into the parking lot of the apartment complex and I saw you carrying your daughter. I wanted to go up to you, but I couldn't."

"Why?" Ryan asked.

"Because I saw the look on your face when you were with her," Kurt explained, "You had a look of pure happiness. I know that face, it was the face you used to have with me. And when I saw you with her, I just knew you were happy there. You had a new life and I didn't want to come and ruin it for you."

Ryan couldn't help but let out a smile, it was a typical thing for Kurt to do, which is one of the reasons why he loves him so much.

"You should have told me," Ryan said taking Kurt's hand in his.

"I know, but you just seemed so happy," Kurt said, "I didn't want to unload all of that on you. Especially with your daughter right there."

"Well I appreciate what you tried doing for me," Ryan said, "But Kurt, this involved me just as much as it involved you. You didn't have to go through that alone."

"Yeah, but you also had your daughter to worry about to," Kurt said, "I wanted to keep the two of you out of this as much as possible."

"I appreciate you considering my daughter like that," Ryan said giving Kurt a hug. "Sorry I came barging in here and getting mad at you."

"It's okay," Kurt replied holding onto Ryan tightly, "I understand."

The two held each other for a while, both remembering how good it felt being in each other's arms.

"I missed you," Ryan sighed.

"I missed you so much," Kurt replied. "So what are you doing here?"

"I wanted to talk to you," Ryan said, "I wanted to see why you didn't tell me before I decided what I was going to do next."

"And do you know now what you're going to do next?" Kurt asked.

"I had talked to Laurie before I left Florida," Ryan said, "And I told her if I decided to move back here that she would have to let me still go visit Sydney whenever I wanted. She agreed to that."

"So you're moving back?" Kurt asked.

"I think so," Ryan replied, "I need to find a job again and a place to live though."

"What are you talking about?" Kurt asked, "You have a place to live. Here with me."

"I appreciate that Kurt, but this will be the third time I've moved in less than a year and I'll be out looking for my third job in less than a year," Ryan explained, "I need to find myself, you know? Find a career that I'm passionate about and get on my own two feet."

"That's good," Kurt said, "So why do I have a feeling that you and I aren't going to be starting back up any time soon?"

"That's the other part," Ryan said, "Until I really find myself again out here then I don't think I can really be a good boyfriend right now."

"You don't want to date," Kurt sighed.

"Not yet," Ryan said, "I just feel that this is something I have to do on my own for once."

"Okay," Kurt said sadly. "Well, I guess I'll just see you around sometime."

"Do you want me to go?" Ryan asked.

"Is there anything else we need to talk about?" Kurt asked.

"I guess not," Ryan sighed getting up and heading to the door. "It was good seeing you again."

"Yeah, you too," Kurt replied.

"I'll call you," Ryan promised.

"Yeah," Kurt nodded, "I'll see you."

Ryan then quietly left feeling badly for not wanting to start back up right away with Kurt, but also knowing it was something he had to do. He had to find himself first before he could be a good boyfriend to him. When Ryan left, Kurt leaned against the door and took a moment to breath and take everything in. When he saw Ryan minutes earlier he was hoping for a completely different outcome. As he was thinking about everything Leo came out of his room.

"Hey," Leo said sympathetically, "I couldn't help but over hear you two."

"He's back," Kurt sighed, "Just not back with me."

"I know," Leo said, "Come here." Kurt went over and Leo wrapped his arms around him. "It'll be okay."

"I know that this is what he needs," Kurt said, "It's just hard."

"Well, maybe when he does find a career and everything then it will strengthen the both of you in the end," Leo said.

"What if he meets someone on his journey to finding himself?" Kurt couldn't help but ask.

"Well, then it just wasn't right for you two then," Leo said. "You believe in soul mates, if he's the one for you then you two will get back together."

"Yeah," Kurt said, "You're right."

"Why don't you get some rest?" Leo suggested, "It's late."

"Good idea," Kurt said, "I'll see you in the morning."

"All right," Leo said giving Kurt a kiss on the forehead, "Good night."

"Good night," Kurt said, "Love you."

"Love you too," Leo replied.

When Kurt was in his room he sat down on his bed and thought over the whole situation. He was happy that Ryan was back and he knew he had to tell himself that it was a good thing that Ryan was taking the time to really find a job he loved and was so determined to make it on his own. He hated himself though, because selfishly he wants to be back with Ryan so badly.

The next day Nick and Leo were at breakfast together at the diner near the Gay and Lesbian Center and talking about Kurt's situation.

"I can't believe Ryan's back," Nick said taking a sip of his coffee.

"Yeah," Leo replied, "But it's just too bad that him and Kurt aren't back together. He loves Ryan so much."

"I know, but I think that this will be a good thing for Ryan," Nick said, "Let him find out who he is."

"I suppose," Leo replied, "But him and Kurt are so good together, it just seems like Kurt could help Ryan more of they were together then apart."

"Well, maybe Ryan doesn't want to have to rely on Kurt's help," Nick said, "He seems to want to make it on his own."

"Yeah," Leo said, "I guess."

Before they could talk anymore Luke came up to their table.

"Hey," Luke said giving Nick a kiss, "Sorry I'm late."

"It's okay," Nick replied.

Leo rolled his eyes feeling completely ambushed.

"You didn't tell me he was coming," Leo said.

"Would you still be here if I did?" Nick asked.

"Probably not," Leo replied giving Luke a fake smile.

"Hey Leo," Luke said warmly.

"I have to get to work," Leo said getting up.

"No you don't," Nick said, "You said you don't have work for another hour."

"Well then I just have to go," Leo said putting some money down to pay for his food. "I'll see you later Nick."

Leo then headed out of the restaurant.

"Guess that didn't work to well," Nick said.

"Yeah well we can keep trying," Luke said. "Thank you for helping me."

"Of course," Nick replied, "I want you and Leo to work things out just as much as you do."

"I don't know how I'm going to get him to forgive me," Luke said.

"Can you answer me something?" Nick asked.

"What is it?" Luke asked.

"I know you two were really close, but it just seems weird to me that the he's so upset at you over this," Nick said, "Is there something I don't know?"

"Nick, he should be the one to tell you," Luke said.

"Luke, you want us to start over again," Nick said, "For that to happen we need to be open with each other. So tell me, what don't I know?"

Luke sighed, "Okay, but please don't freak out. This happened a long time ago."

"What?" Nick asked.

"Leo and I used to date," Luke replied.

"What?" Nick asked eyes open wide in disbelief. "Please tell me you're kidding."

"Don't freak out," Luke said, "Because this was way before you and I were together. It was before you even knew Leo."

"When was it?" Nick asked.

"Back when we were in high school," Luke replied. "Leo and I met at a party. He was just starting to come to terms with being gay."

"Okay," Nick said. "Go on."

"Anyway, him and I dated for a few months," Luke explained, "But when I saw he was starting to really fall for me I freaked out and left him for someone else. I felt bad and wanted to stay his friend but he just refused to acknowledge my existence. Then when I started dating you him and I talked privately and agreed to be friends and he also didn't want you to know that we had dated before because I thought you would feel weird so we agreed to not say anything."

"So that's why you two were so close when we were together," Nick realized, "Cause you guys have a history."

"Yeah," Luke replied. "And I think he's mad at me now because I did to you what I did to him."

"Oh my God," Nick sighed, "That makes sense."

"I'm sorry we've kept this a secret from you for so long," Luke said.

"Yeah," Nick said getting pissed, "You dated my best friend years ago and the two of you agree to not tell me?"

"Why are you getting upset?" Luke asked.

"Because you both should have told me," Nick replied.

"We didn't want you to feel uncomfortable," Luke said.

"And you think telling me now after keeping it a secret for so long would make me feel better about it?" Nick asked. "You both lied to me."

"We didn't lie to you, we just didn't tell you," Luke said.

"Same thing," Nick said. "I have to go."

"Where are you going?" Luke asked.

"Somewhere," Nick said, "I don't know. I just have to think."

"Let me come with you," Luke said.

"No, I want to be alone," Nick said getting up.

"Nick, you wanted me to be honest with you right?" Luke asked feeling helpless.

"Yeah, but that was before I found out you dated my best friend!" Nick said. "I can't believe you."

"Well, let me pay for your breakfast at least," Luke said.

"Oh you bet your ass you'll pay for my breakfast," Nick said. "You once again found a way to upset me. You must have a talent for it." Nick then walked out of the diner leaving a hurt Luke sitting alone at the table.

Meanwhile, Ryan was walking around when he found himself back at the Gay and Lesbian center. The place he used to work, the place where he was when his life used to all make sense, everything wasn't calm anymore, it was all a mess and he had to figure himself out again. He walked inside hoping that maybe the answer to his next venture in life will be at the place where he used to feel so content. When he walked him he was surprised to see Leo.

"Hey," Leo said walking up to Ryan and giving him a hug. "What are you doing here?"

"I've just been walking around most of the morning and found myself standing in front of here. So I just thought I'd come in and see how everything is going," Ryan said. "You still volunteer here?"

"I actually got a job here," Leo explained.

"You did?" Ryan asked. "Doing what?"

"I'm in charge of the mentor program here and then I occasionally talk give talks about what I went through with alcohol abuse," Leo said.

"Alcohol abuse?" Ryan asked. "Is that what was going on around the time I left?"

"Yeah," Leo replied. "But I got cleaned up, got my life back together and now I'm here."

"That's great," Ryan said.

"It's good seeing you," Leo said. "With you and Kurt last night I knew it wasn't the best time to really welcome you back."

"Yeah," Ryan said, "How is he?"

"I don't know," Leo replied. "I saw him for a bit before he left for work this morning, he sounded okay, but I could tell he was sad. He loves you a lot."

"I love him too," Ryan said. "So much."

"Then why don't you call him or go see him?" Leo asked.

"Because I really need to get on my own two feet," Ryan said. "My life has been turned upside down once and now it's changing again. I just want to get to a place where I'm not questioning who I am."

"Yeah, but why keep yourself away from Kurt?" Leo asked.

"I know with everything that has happened this past year that the last thing he needs is my baggage. I'm not going to let my personal stuff come become his problem too," Ryan replied.

"Well, is there anything I can do to help?" Leo asked.

"Not unless you can find me a career," Ryan joked.

"Actually last week I went to this college to speak to this Gay and Lesbian club meeting and when I was there I found out there is a position for a school counselor there," Leo replied. "I know that you like helping people, so maybe it's something you might be interested in."

"Yeah," Ryan replied. "Very interested."

"Well let me get the information and I'll call you," Leo said.

"Great, thanks," Ryan said. "I should let you get back to work."

"Okay," Leo said. "But before you go can I tell you something?"

"Of course," Ryan said.

"Kurt's a great guy," Leo replied. "And he really loves you. I know you have to find yourself and be single to do so, but don't expect Kurt to wait around for you. I don't mean to sound like a jerk, but if you take too long then you might come back and Kurt won't be there anymore."

"I know," Ryan said, "That's my biggest fear. But this is just something I have to do."

"Okay," Leo nodded, "Well, I'll call you later."

"Thanks Leo," Ryan said as he turned and left the center.

When Leo got to his office he was sorting through his work when he cell phone rang.

"Hello?" Leo answered.

"Hey, it's me," Tristan said.

"Tristan? Hey, how are you?" Leo asked.

"I'm great," Tristan replied. "I called with some good news."

"What is it?" Leo asked.

"I'm leaving rehab," Tristan replied.

"You are?" Leo asked getting excited.

"Yeah, I'm checking out tomorrow," Tristan replied.

"Tristan, I'm so happy for you!" Leo exclaimed. "Do you want me to come pick you up?"

"That would be great," Tristan replied. "I can't wait to see you."

"I can't wait to see you either," Leo replied. "I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too," Tristan said. "And after I get settled in back home, why don't we go out for our first date?"

"Sounds perfect!" Leo said. "Oh Tristan, this is the best news! I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks," Tristan replied. "So how has everything been going?"

"Pretty good I guess," Leo said. "Just been working hard here at the Center."

"I'm sure they love you there," Tristan said.

"I hope," Leo said, "I like working here. I like being able to help people like this."

"I'm glad," Tristan said, "You have a gift for it. Helped me a lot."

"As you did me," Leo replied.

"A couple of my friends came to visit me the other day," Tristan said.

"Oh yeah?" Leo asked. "How did that go?"

"It went all right," Tristan said. "They want me to come out with them when I get out of here."

"That's good, why don't you sound more happy about it?" Leo asked.

"Well, these friends aren't like the kind of friends I had who died in that accident," Tristan said. "These are the ones I started hanging with after my best friends died."

"The ones who got you into the drugs and drinking?" Leo asked.

"Yeah," Tristan replied. "But they said that they've all cleaned up their act as well."

"Are these people you can really trust?" Leo asked.

"I think so," Tristan replied.

"Tristan, you shouldn't be around people who are going to be doing those sort of things you fought so hard to give up," Leo said.

"I know, I'm not going to do anything with them," Tristan said, "But they are friends of mine. I was hoping that you would come with me when I go see them."

"Me?" Leo asked. "I don't know Tristan. If they have alcohol around I might not make it."

"If they do then we can leave," Tristan promised, "Please?"

"Well if they're your friends," Leo agreed. "But we have to be smart and not let ourselves ruin all the progress we made. We're already breaking a rule by dating. You know how they don't like us dating within our first year."

"I know, but we're good for each other," Tristan said. "We help one another. We're a team."

"Yeah," Leo said. "A team."

"Well I have to get going," Tristan said, "But I'll see you tomorrow."

"Definitely," Leo said. "Bye Tristan."

"Bye Leo," Tristan replied as he hung up.

Meanwhile, Kurt was working in his office when his boss, Claudia, called him in. When he got there Claudia was sitting in her posh office and holding out a piece of paper.

"Here's your article," Claudia said, "It has your voice, but still wasn't great."

"Oh no?" Kurt asked taking the paper from her and seeing the red marks and corrections all over the page.

"I was impressed however with your voice," Claudia said, "So, I'm going to give you another assignment, something different and see if you do better with this. I assume you know who Gabriel Brocks is."

"Of course," Kurt replied, "He's huge in the media right now."

"Yes, well, when A-list celebrities come out of the closet there usually is a lot of media attention," Claudia said. "His agent called and wants to do a story with us."

"Us?" Kurt asked, "Why?"

"He was born and raised in California," Claudia replied, "West Coast Style is this side of the country's biggest magazine. Why wouldn't he?"

"So why are you telling me this?" Kurt asked confused.

"You're going to be doing the piece on him," Claudia said.

"Me?" Kurt asked shocked, "This is a big feature, you want me to do it?"

"Well I assumed you were eager to try and get some good exposure to the writing world," Claudia said, "But if I was mistaken I can always give it to someone else."

"No!" Kurt exclaimed, "No, I'll be happy to do it."

"Good," Claudia said, "You'll be going to his place tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" Kurt asked, "That's so soon."

"Then you better hurry and start researching him," Claudia replied cooly.

"Thank you for this opportunity," Kurt said.

"Kurt, don't make me regret giving you this chance," Claudia said and then went back to work as if Kurt wasn't even there.

While he was looking up Gabriel Brocks he got a call from Nick.

"Hey Nick," Kurt answered.

"I am so pissed right now," Nick replied.

"Why? What's wrong?" Kurt asked.

"Did you know about the history between Leo and Luke?" Nick asked.

"What history between Leo and Luke?" Kurt asked confused.

"They used to date," Nick replied.

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

"Back when they were in high school," Nick replied.

"Oh, so before we became friends with Leo," Kurt said relieved to hear that it wasn't during the time Nick was dating Luke.

"It's still weird though right?" Nick asked.

"I guess it's coincidental," Kurt replied, "But everyone has their history. At least they didn't have sex."

"How do you know?" Nick asked.

"Nick, Leo didn't have sex before Jesse," Kurt pointed out.

"Well he kept this whole thing with Luke a secret," Nick said, "Maybe he's lying about that."

"Nick, stop it," Kurt lectured, "You know that Leo wouldn't do anything to deliberately hurt you. I know it's weird that your best friend dated Luke, but you're the one he's with now. You're the one he loves. Can't you just let it go?"

"You're right," Nick sighed, "I should just let it go."

"Good," Kurt said. "You didn't freak out about it in front of any of them did you?"

"Define freak out?" Nick sheepishly asked.

"You did, didn't you?" Kurt asked.

"A bit," Nick said, "I yelled at Luke."

"Oh Nick," Kurt sighed. "Go talk to him. I'm sure he's upset about it."

"I know," Nick sighed, "I just didn't know what to think after I found out."

"Well talk to him," Kurt said, "Smooth things out."

"Yeah, I will," Nick said.

"Good," Kurt replied, "Meanwhile, I'm going to get ready for my interview with Gabriel Brocks."

"Gabriel Brocks?" Nick asked, "Are you serious?"

"Yeah," Kurt replied, "Can you believe it?!"

"He's huge right now," Nick said, "He's one of the first A-list celebrities to come out of the closet on his own terms. Why is West Coast Style interviewing him?"

"I guess he chose us as the magazine he wants to give his story to," Kurt replied.

"I thought your boss was a bitch, but she can't be that bad if she's giving you this big break," Nick said.

"Yeah," Kurt replied, "It turns out she's all right."

"Well congratulations Kurt," Nick said, "I'm so happy for you."

"Thanks Nick," Kurt replied. "Now go talk to Luke."

"All right," Nick said, "I'll talk to you later."

"Bye," Kurt replied before he hung up and went back to work on his interview with Gabriel Brocks.

Nick then drove over to Luke's office to talk to him. He knew he had to apologize for his outburst of anger about the whole history with Luke and Leo. Kurt was right, everyone has a history and even if it does include his best friend going out with his current boyfriend, it's in the past and it doesn't matter now.

When Nick got to Luke's office he knocked lightly on the open door. Luke was sitting behind his desk busy working when he looked up and saw Nick standing there.

"Mind if I come in?" Nick asked.

"Why? Going to yell at me some more?" Luke asked still hurt about the way Nick reacted when he told him.

Nick came in and closed the door to Luke's office.

"Luke, I'm sorry," Nick said sitting in the chair across his desk. "It just took me by surprise. Leo's my best friend and to think that you and him dated, it just freaked me out."

"That's why we didn't want you to know," Luke said, "It was a long time ago and it doesn't matter because there's nothing between him and me."

"You never wonder what might have happened if you stayed with him?" Nick asked curious.

"No," Luke replied, "I was sixteen years old when him and I dated. We barely knew who we were as people at that age. I don't wonder what might have happened because I know, nothing would have happened. We were both just there in each others' lives helping one another find their sexuality."

"But you said you left Leo because he was starting to get too serious for you," Nick said, "Do you think he still has feelings for you?"

"No," Luke answered, "When you and I started dating the first time I talked with him. He just wanted to forget we were ever together because we were different people back then. We both don't have any sort of romantic feelings towards each other."

"Then why is he so angry at you?" Nick asked.

"Because he's worried that I'm going to freak out and leave you again like I did last time and like I did to him when we dated," Luke said.

"It does seem to be a bit of a pattern for you," Nick said.

"It was only a pattern before I was sure of what I wanted," Luke said. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life now. I know I want to be with you forever. I'm sure of it."

"Can you just answer me one thing?" Nick asked.

"Sure," Luke replied.

"Did you two ever have sex?" Nick asked.

"Sex? God no," Luke replied. "We were each others first boyfriends, kissing was a big enough novelty for us at the time."

"Really?" Nick asked.

"Yeah. We never even saw each other naked," Luke replied.

"Oh thank God," Nick laughed giving Luke a hug.

"So you're not mad anymore?" Luke asked.

"No," Nick said, "I'm sorry."

"It's okay," Luke replied giving Nick a kiss, "I know I deserve a good yell at every now and then."

"Oh and believe me, I'm sure I'll be giving you tons more in the future," Nick joked.

"As long as you're there in the future with me then I'm sure I can take it," Luke replied kissing Nick some more.

"I was thinking," Nick said, "I'm going to talk to Leo and tell him I know about you two."

"You think it will help?" Luke asked.

"Yeah," Nick replied. "He doesn't like you right now because he thinks it will happen again, but if I talk to him and reassure him that I know things are different, I'm sure he'll open up again."

"I hope so," Luke replied.

That night, Nick was over at Kurt and Leo's place. Kurt had just finished telling Leo about his big interview the next day with Gabriel.

"I'm so jealous!" Leo said. "He's so hot."

"Calm down now," Kurt said, "Have you forgotten about Tristan?"

"Oh no. I haven't forgotten about him," Leo said. "I'm picking him up tomorrow from rehab."

"He's checking out?" Nick asked.

"Yeah," Leo replied. "I can't wait."

"That's great," Kurt said.

"I know," Leo said. "Him and I will actually be able to go out on real dates."

"Tristan seems like a great guy," Nick said. "I'm glad to see you with him."

"Yeah," Kurt said, "We're really proud of how well you came out of everything."

"Thank you," Leo said. "I appreciate that."

"So what time is your interview with Gabriel?" Nick asked Kurt.

"I have to be there at eleven," Kurt replied. "I'm going to his house."

"Wow, I'm sure it's huge," Leo said. "Where is it?"

"You know, I didn't even look when Claudia gave me the address," Kurt said. "I should look up directions."

Kurt went into his folder of questions and information he looked up and found the piece of paper with the address on it. When he looked at it his eyes grew wide with surprise and he couldn't help but laugh.

"What is it?" Nick asked.

"You guys are not going to believe this," Kurt replied.

"What?" Leo asked.

"He lives across the street from my mom," Kurt replied.

"Are you serious?" Nick asked, "Monica is neighbors with Gabriel Brocks?"

"I guess so," Kurt said, "I'm surprised she never told me. I'm sure photographers are out in front of his place all the time."

"That is so awesome," Leo said. "I knew you grew up in a fancy neighborhood, but to be able to boast that a celebrity like Gabriel Brocks lives there is so cool. I only wish that one day I can be an actor like him."

"You still can," Nick encouraged. "You've seemed to give up on that dream though."

"I still want to act," Leo said. "But with everything that's been going on I just haven't had the time to focus on that."

"Well, maybe now's a good time to start," Nick said. "You have a job that has flexible hours that can hold you over while you pursue your dream."

Before they could discuss it anymore there was a knock on the door. Kurt went and answered it and was surprised to see Ryan.

"Wow, two surprise visits from you," Kurt said as he opened the door.

"Hey," Ryan said. "How are you?"

"I'm doing good," Kurt said, "You?"

"I'm okay," Ryan replied. "Can we talk?"

"Yeah, sure," Kurt said, "Come on in."

Ryan walked in and greeted hello to Nick and Leo before him and Kurt went into Kurt's room. While they were in there, Nick decided it was the perfect time to talk to Leo.

"Leo, I need to talk to you about Luke," Nick said.

"Do we have to?" Leo groaned.

"Leo, I know about you two," Nick said.

"What?" Leo asked, not liking where this conversation was going.

"Luke told me," Nick said. "You two used to date in high school."

"I can't believe he told you," Leo said pissed, "We agreed not to say anything. It's a relationship that should have never happened."

"Don't say that," Nick said. "He doesn't regret it."

"Well he should," Leo said. "Did he tell you why we broke up?"

"Yeah," Nick replied. "Same way he broke up with me."

"Yeah," Leo said. "Now do you see why I don't like him?"

"I do," Nick said, "You think he'll do the same thing to me again."

"He will," Leo said. "I know he will. People don't change."

"You did," Nick pointed out, "Look at where you were three months ago. That's why I'm surprised that you of all people are so unwilling to give him a shot. You know that people can change."

"Not him," Leo said. "He'll only hurt you again Nick."

"Leo, I appreciate you looking out for me and I love you for it," Nick said. "But I can see that he has changed. He's different this time. Better."

"Nick, what if he does it all over again?" Leo asked.

"He won't," Nick said.

"You don't know that," Leo replied. "What if he does?"

"Then I'll really need you and Kurt there to support me," Nick replied. "But I know Leo, it will work this time. So can't you please just try and give him another chance? He misses your friendship so much Leo. I'm sure that you miss his friendship too."

"It's not just that he left you Nick," Leo said. "He let me down too. I let him in as a friend and then he just walked out of our lives one day."

"I know," Nick said understandingly.

"I don't want to be friends with him again because I don't want to go through losing him as a friend again," Leo said.

"He's not going anywhere this time," Nick said. "I promise."

"I'll talk to him," Leo said after thinking for a few moments, "Okay? That's the best I can do right now."

"Thank you Leo," Nick said giving Leo a kiss on the forehead. "Thank you."

Meanwhile, Kurt and Ryan were talking in Kurt's room.

"Why did you want to talk?" Kurt asked, "I thought you wanted space from me."

"Kurt, I wanted to be sure you knew where you stood with me," Ryan said.

"What do you mean?" Kurt asked.

"I love you," Ryan replied. "I love you a lot."

"Ryan, unless you want to be with me, then please don't say that. It's too hard to hear," Kurt said. "I get why you want to be single, believe me, I get it. It's just typical fashion for you."

"What are you talking about?" Ryan asked.

"It's what you've always done," Kurt replied. "Instead of letting me in to try and help you with anything you choose to do it alone."

"I just don't want you getting mixed up in my drama," Ryan said.

"And like I've told you before," Kurt said, "You can let me in, let me help you."

"I've just been doing things on my own for so long that it's hard to let someone in," Ryan said.

"Ryan, if you really feel you have to do this alone then I won't stand in your way and try to convince you to change your mind," Kurt said. "If I've never been able to get through to you before then I know I can't now."

"This isn't why I came here to talk to you," Ryan said.

"Then what is it?" Kurt asked.

"I came because I know that I can't expect you to wait around for me while I'm going through all of this," Ryan replied. "Just because I'm here now doesn't mean you have to wait for me. I want to you continue and date and see other people."

Kurt stood frozen, not knowing how to react. He just assumed that he'd just wait around and when Ryan was ready to date again he'd be there for him. He didn't expect Ryan to let him go like that.

"You really just want to let me go like that?" Kurt asked.

"I can't expect you to wait around," Ryan replied. "It's not fair to you."

"Fine," Kurt shrugged trying to make it look like it didn't bother him. "Fine by me. I won't wait around for you."

"Okay," Ryan nodded, he didn't want to let Kurt go, but really knew that it would be unfair to him if he made Kurt wait around.

"Well is that it?" Kurt asked. "If so, then I should get some sleep."

"All right," Ryan said heading for the door, "I'll talk to you later."

"Fine," Kurt said, "Night."

Ryan then left the room leaving Kurt alone and sad over the whole situation. Ryan was back in California, but still not back with him...

To Be Continued...

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