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.

Well, I would just like to thank everyone for reading and getting me to 25 chapters! Hope all is well with everyone and you are still enjoying the story. Here's part 25 entitled "Forgive Me"

It's been two weeks and things for the guys were interesting as always. Nick was very happy with Luke, Tristan and Leo were doing their best and helping each other post-rehab, but have come across some complications along the way, and Kurt has been having fun dating Gabriel. Not since Ryan has he felt this way about someone before. The two have been on three dates now and each time Kurt finds him more and more attractive, it's not just his looks or what he does, but him as a person is just an amazing find. It was the end of another date for Kurt and Gabriel and the two were spending it in a most unconventional way for two people who just started seeing each other. They were hanging out at Kurt's mom's place.

Kurt, Gabriel, and Monica were in the living room eating dessert and drinking some wine.

"I think this is the best pie I've ever had Monica," Gabriel said taking a bite, "My trainer is probably going to kill me tomorrow, but it's so worth it."

"Thanks Gab," Monica said. "It's Kurt's favorite pie."

"I can see why," Gabriel said.

"It's so weird that the two of you are friends," Kurt noted, "You two were friends before we started dating.

So it's like I'm dating a friend of my mom's, it sounds so weird."

"Yeah, but doesn't it take the edge off of the inevitable dinner with the parent?" Monica asked.

"Very true," Kurt replied. "So how long have the two of you been friends?"

"Since Gab moved in about six months ago," Monica said. "I saw him out front one day and just invited him over for a cup of coffee to welcome him to the neighborhood. This was before I even knew who he was."

"From day one all she could do was talk about you," Gabriel said, "Although now I understand why."

"Aw, that's so sweet," Monica gushed loving the fact that Gabriel and Kurt were dating.

"God, you must rip some of these lines from movies you've done huh?" Kurt asked cynically, but at the same time couldn't help but enjoy the little romantic lines that Gabriel gives him.

"They are all one hundred percent Gab Brocks originals," Gabriel replied giving Kurt a kiss on the cheek.

"Hate to admit it, but they're working," Kurt replied.

"Then I must be doing something right," Gabriel said.

"I think you are," Kurt said giving Gabriel a kiss.

"Nothing like young love," Monica sighed. "Gabriel, did I ever tell you how I knew Kurt was gay? He didn't even have to tell me."

"Really?" Gabriel asked, "He doesn't act gay or anything."

"No, but he would watch every love story film," Monica said, "He could care less about action movies or anything like that, he wanted the love stories whenever I would take him to the video store to rent a movie. Every week we would go and it was always a new love story every week, I think his favorite was 'When a Man Loves a Woman' I will never forget how much he cried during that movie."

"Okay, I was only twelve at the time," Kurt defended himself, "And besides, you know how sensitive I am. It's a sad movie."

"I just remember he would be with some of his school friends and they were all talking about Power Rangers or Ninja Turtles and all Kurt would talk about would be Meg Ryan movies," Monica laughed.

"Okay, enough of that," Kurt said embarrassed.

"Aw, that's sweet," Gabriel said.

"Well, that's when I was big on romance and all that," Kurt replied.

"You still are, admit it," Monica said.

"I'm not," Kurt replied, "Not like I used to be."

Gabriel took note of that, wanting his best to try and get Kurt to be the romantic he once was.

Meanwhile, over at Nick's place he was watching a movie with Luke. Winding down after their date.

"So, tomorrow I'm meeting Leo for lunch," Luke said.

"Oh yeah, he was telling me that," Nick said.

"I'm sure he's dreading it," Luke replied. "But at least he agreed."

"No, I think he'll be okay," Nick said, "It's a big step that he agreed to meet you. So hopefully you two will finally work things out."

"To be honest I'm a little nervous about meeting with him," Luke confessed.

"Nervous?" Nick asked, "Why?"

"Because if he doesn't forgive me then I know it's going to cause problems for you and me," Luke said. "It'll be hard for you to be with me if your best friend doesn't like me."

"Hey, my relationship with you is separate from my friendship with Leo," Nick pointed out, "Don't worry about it. We went through a lot of work to get to where we are now. I'm not going to just let it go."

"Good," Luke said, "I don't want you to let it go either."

"Just be honest with him," Nick said, "Just tell him that you're sorry about the past, but it's in the past now. It's time we all let it go."

"Have you?" Luke asked.

"Have I let it go?" Nick asked.

"Yeah."

"I have," Nick replied. "I never thought I would be able to, but I've let it all go. You really are a different person now Luke. I love you."

"I love you too," Luke said.

"What do you say we go to the bedroom?" Nick asked.

"But the movie isn't over," Luke joked.

The two laughed as they hurried into the bedroom to enjoy the rest of their night.

That night after Kurt and Gabriel left Monica's house they went over to Gabriel's place to have some alone time. The two were sitting in his living room kissing, but Gabriel couldn't get the idea that Kurt no longer was a romantic out of his head.

"Can I ask you something?" Gabriel asked.

"Yeah, what's up?" Kurt asked.

"Do you really not like romance anymore?" Gabriel asked.

"It's not that I don't like it anymore," Kurt replied, "I just don't really believe in it as much as I used to."

"How could you not believe in romance?" Gabriel asked. "It's one of the best parts of being with someone."

"I'm not saying that it isn't great," Kurt replied, "I just don't want to invest in romance like that to have it all get blown up in my face and end up alone in the end."

"What makes you think you'll end up alone?" Gabriel asked.

"It's just a pattern I have," Kurt replied. "Everyone I care about eventually leaves me. Only ones who have ever stayed have been my mom, Nick and Leo."

"I get the feeling you have some abandonment issues," Gabriel hinted.

"Just a bit," Kurt sighed.

"Mind me asking what happened?" Gabriel asked.

"Not much to say about it," Kurt said, "My first real serious relationship I had when I was eighteen, he left me and then I was dating someone I cared a lot about a few months ago, but he left and then he came back, but didn't want to get back together."

"I see," Gabriel said.

"I guess I've always had some issues with being abandon since I was a kid," Kurt said.

"Is this about your dad?" Gabriel asked.

"You're about to find out all of my baggage. You sure you're ready for that?" Kurt asked half jokingly.

"I really want to know," Gabriel said sincerely.

"My dad died when I was really little," Kurt explained. "As a kid it was just really hard to understand that he was gone. I felt that he left my mom and I."

"How old were you?" Gabriel asked.

"Ten," Kurt replied.

"That must have been hard," Gabriel said.

"Yeah," Kurt said. "It was rough for a while, but my mom and I found a way to move on. She re-married a few years later and he was a great guy, best step-dad I could ask for. But then he died a few years ago. Now it's just me and my mom."

"Do you ever think about your dad?" Gabriel asked.

"No," Kurt replied. "I never let myself think about him. It was too hard to get over his death so I never want to think about it again."

"I see," Gabriel said.

"So, you sure you still want to continue dating me?" Kurt asked. "As you can probably guess, I'm pretty messed up."

"No you're not," Gabriel replied giving Kurt a kiss, "Just a little wounded is all."

"The only other people who I've told all this too have been my best friends, Leo and Nick," Kurt said.

"I'm glad you told me," Gabriel said.

"To think, you got all of that out of me for just asking why I didn't like romance anymore," Kurt joked trying to lighten the mood.

"Kurt, you shouldn't give up on romance," Gabriel said. "Why do you think I do so many romantic films? It's because I love them, I love doing them, I love the message they send to people."

"And the fact that you get a big fat paycheck for them," Kurt joked.

"See, there you go being cynical again," Gabriel pointed out.

"I know, but what do you expect?" Kurt asked, "After time you just tend to get a little hardened."

"We have to change that," Gabriel replied.

"Good luck," Kurt said.

The next day Nick came over to Kurt and Leo's place to have breakfast and catch up. The three were sitting at the kitchen table eating some eggs and pancakes that Nick made.

"Seems like we haven't gotten together in a while," Nick noted.

"I know," Kurt replied. "We've all been so busy."

"How have things been going with Gabriel?" Nick asked.

"Real good," Kurt replied. "We've been on a few dates now. Shows no signs of being a psychopath like Reese so I think that's a plus."

"Always a good thing," Nick replied. "How about you Leo? You and Tristan doing well?"

"Yeah, we're fine," Leo replied. "All we do is have sex though."

"Is that a bad thing?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah if that's all we have in common," Leo answered, "It just seems like we had more in common and more to talk about before in rehab when we weren't having sex."

"Have you talked to him about it?" Nick asked.

"That's the problem," Leo replied. "We don't talk, we just have sex."

"Maybe this is why they tell you not to date for a year after you stop drinking," Kurt pointed out.

"What do you mean?" Leo asked.

"Sounds like someone has replaced his love of alcohol with his love of sex," Nick replied.

"You think he's addicted to sex?" Leo asked.

"From what you've told us, I think so," Kurt replied.

"Aw, crap," Leo sighed. "Is there a program for sex addicts?"

"There's a program for everything," Nick said, "But just talk to him. Maybe you and him could still date, just not have sex."

"That blows," Leo said.

"Yeah, but it's better than being in a relationship only based on sex," Nick said.

"Maybe he just wasn't ready to leave rehab," Leo said.

"Well just talk to him first," Kurt said, "From there you two can decide what to do."

"I don't want things to get ruined between him and me," Leo said, "I like him so much."

"Then I'm sure you two can work it out," Nick said, "But you won't solve anything if you don't sit him down and talk to him."

"Okay," Leo said, "I'll do that right after I have lunch with Luke."

"You're having lunch with Luke?" Kurt asked. "You two on good terms again?"

"No," Leo replied, "But I told Nick that I would at least meet with him."

"Which I appreciate," Nick said, "Thank you."

"I'm not promising anything though," Leo said.

"Leo, I'm sure if Luke is going through all this effort then he really wants to show that he's changed," Kurt said.

"Or that he's really trying to kiss ass because I'm one of Nick's best friends," Leo said.

"He has changed," Nick said, "Look at me, I've never been happier."

"Oh hey, what are you guys doing tomorrow night?" Kurt asked.

"Nothing," Nick said.

"Probably having sex with Tristan," Leo joked.

"Well, if you and your men want to come, Gabriel is having a charity dinner at his restaurant with a silent auction to raise money for AIDS research," Kurt said. "You want to come?"

"Yeah, definitely," Nick said, "I'll ask Luke later."

"Count me in," Leo replied.

"And Leo, a few directors that Gabriel worked with will be there. Maybe you can get to know them, make some contacts in the industry," Kurt suggested.

"Yeah, what happened with the acting?" Nick asked, "I haven't heard you talk about that in a while."

"Well with everything going on I just put it on the back burner for a while," Leo replied.

"Why?" Kurt asked, "It's what you've always wanted to do. You should still be working at it."

"With things getting busy at the Center right now I just don't have the time for it," Leo said.

"If it's what you love and want to do you should make time for it," Nick said. "Don't be afraid of it."

"What are the chances that I'll actually get anywhere in the industry?" Leo asked, "Me being a young gay male. What roles are out there for me?"

"Look at Gabriel," Kurt replied. "He's gay and he's one of the top actors in the industry."

"Have you thought about maybe writing a script?" Nick asked.

"A script?" Leo asked.

"Yeah, maybe right about your experiences with what happened with Jesse and then with alcohol," Nick replied. "Might be therapeutic for you and might help your career."

"Never thought about it before," Leo said, "That's a really good idea."

"Well, I have to get to work," Kurt said getting up. "If I'm late Claudia will massacre me."

"Have a good day," Nick said.

"I'll see you later," Leo called out as Kurt left.

"You will give Luke a chance today right?" Nick asked after Kurt closed the door and left.

"Yes," Leo groaned.

"Just be nice," Nick said.

"I will be," Leo said. "I'll give him a shot."

"Thank you," Nick said getting up and putting his dishes in the sink. "I have to get going, but call me later okay?"

"All right," Leo said giving Nick a hug.

"And let me know how things go with you and Tristan," Nick said as he left.

"Will do," Leo called out. "Bye."

When Kurt got to work he barely sat down in his chair when Claudia called him into her office. He was nervous about going in, he had submitted his final interview with Gabriel to her a couple days ago and still hadn't heard anything from her.

"Good morning Claudia," Kurt smiled as he entered.

"Sit," Claudia simply said gesturing to the chairs in front of her desk. Kurt quickly sat down wondering if it was a good or bad thing she asked him to sit down. "I read your interview with Gabriel Brocks."

"Oh good," Kurt said, "What did you think?"

"If you don't interrupt me again I could tell you," Claudia barked.

"Sorry," Kurt said sheepishly.

"It wasn't bad," Claudia said. "It was rather amateurish, but with some help and a little more guidance I think you have potential as one of our head interviewers here."

"Really?" Kurt asked shocked.

"Do I look like the kind of person who would be joking?" Claudia asked with a slight glare.

"No, no you don't," Kurt replied.

"I'm going to move you away from writing about clothes," Claudia said, "You weren't any good at it. Instead I'm going to have you be one of our feature writers."

"Oh my God," Kurt smiled, "Thank you so much Claudia."

"You earned it," Claudia said, "I want you to meet with Rina, she's our head writer here. I already spoke with her and she's going to be helping you out with your future articles."

"Oh okay," Kurt said, "Thank you."

"One more thing," Claudia said, "I'm going to have you and Rina go to this charity event that Gabriel Brocks is hosting at his restaurant tomorrow night. The event is going to be a feature in our May issue."

"Oh, well I'm already going to it," Kurt said.

"What?" Claudia asked.

"Yeah," Kurt replied. "Gabriel invited me."

"Why on earth would he do that?" Claudia asked.

"We got along well during the interview," Kurt replied.

"You're sleeping with him," Claudia accused.

"What?" Kurt asked shocked.

"You're dating him, aren't you?" Claudia asked.

"Well, kind of," Kurt admitted. "It turned out he was a good friend of my mom's and-"

"I don't want to know your life story," Claudia cut Kurt off, "Kurt, dating him shows a lack of professionalism on your part. And if word gets out of this before the issue hits newsstands then your feature article will show unfair bias and will be written off as PR fluff. That is not the kind of magazine I want to be known for. You want to know why they brought me here as the editor-in-chief? Because I'm the best and release only the best magazine. So if your dating life conflicts with my ability to release a respected magazine then I will be very disappointed and will have to take drastic measures to ensure that this magazine survives your poor judgment.

Do you understand?"

"Yes," Kurt said. "I understand."

"Tomorrow at this charity event there will be lots of photographers," Claudia said, "They are sure to end up in countless magazines and if any of them contain a picture of you and Jayden together in any way that people might think you're dating him then that's it. Do you understand?"

"Yes Claudia," Kurt replied. "Perfectly."

"Do whatever you want with him after the issue is released, but for the next three weeks, nothing," Claudia warned.

"All right," Kurt replied.

"Good," Claudia said, "Leave."

Kurt quickly got up and hurried to his office where he was surprised to see Gabriel sitting at his desk waiting for him and holding a long stem red rose in his hand.

"Surprise," Gabriel smiled.

"What are you doing here?" Kurt asked.

"I came to see you," Gabriel said handing Kurt the rose, "This is for you."

Gabriel leaned in and gave Kurt a kiss.

"Thank you," Kurt replied not too sure how to react. No one's ever done something like that for him before.

"Your acting like you've never seen a rose before," Gabriel said.

"Just no one's ever done something like that," Kurt answered.

"Well that's too bad," Gabriel said, "Cause you deserve more stuff like that."

"I doubt that," Kurt replied sitting down at his desk. "I'm glad you're here though. I need to talk to you."

"Good or bad?" Gabriel said.

"Bad," Kurt replied. "My boss knows we're dating."

"What?" Gabriel asked, "How?"

"She's having a couple people from here going to your charity event tomorrow and she was going to send me when I told her I was already going and she just came to the conclusion that we were dating," Kurt said.

"She's very intuitive," Gabriel said.

"Yeah, well she doesn't like it," Kurt said.

"Who cares?" Gabriel asked, "I'm not dating her. I'm dating you."

"But she says that if it's made public that the person who interviewed you for the magazine is the same person you're dating that it'll show bias and it won't give the magazine the respect she wants it to have," Kurt said.

"So what is she saying?" Gabriel asked. "She's not actually suggesting we break-up because of a magazine, is she?"

"No," Kurt replied. "She's saying that until the issue is released she doesn't want us to be seen together."

"And when is the issue released?" Gabriel asked.

"Three weeks," Kurt replied.

"What?" Gabriel groaned, "The whole reason I came out was so I didn't have to hide my dating life."

"I know," Kurt said, "I'm sorry."

"No, it's okay," Gabriel said, "This is for your career, I would never want to jeopardize that for you."

"So you're okay with it?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah," Gabriel replied, then joked, "It just better be the best selling issue ever."

"With you on it, I'm sure it will be," Kurt said.

"That was cute," Gabriel said surprised, "That was a little romantic."

"Was it?" Kurt asked playing dumb.

"Yeah," Gabriel said as he walked over to the other side of the desk where Kurt was sitting, "In fact, it made me want to-"

"Want to what?" Kurt interrupted smiling as Gabriel came up to him.

"You know what," Gabriel said.

"Get away! I'm at work," Kurt laughed trying to scoot away from Gabriel in his chair. Gabriel grabbed onto Kurt and playfully kissed him all over his neck. "Get off you jerk!" Kurt laughed the entire time.

"I love it when you talk dirty," Gabriel joked.

Meanwhile, Nick was taking a run in the park. Since he started dating Luke again he was too tired to get up early to run like he normally did. Now he would run at around ten in the morning, as he was running he ran into Ryan who was sitting on a park bench by himself. Nick saw his face, it was a look of sadness.

"Hey stranger," Nick said stopping when he saw Ryan.

"Hey Nick," Ryan said putting a smile on his face.

"How are you doing?" Nick asked.

"I'm all right," Ryan replied. "Found a job."

"Great!" Nick said, "Where at?"

"That counselor job at this college that Leo told me about," Ryan replied.

"Oh yeah, Leo was telling me about that," Nick said. "Well, I'm glad things are working out. And you how's your new place?"

"It's small, but it works for me," Ryan said.

"So it looks like you're getting your life back in order," Nick said.

"Baby steps I guess," Ryan sighed.

"What are you doing here?" Nick asked.

"Just wanted to take some time to gather my thoughts," Ryan replied.

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

"Have you ever had that feeling that something was missing from your life?" Ryan asked

"Yeah," Nick said, "Had that for a while until I just recently got back together with my old boyfriend."

"I have a good job now, I have a place now," Ryan explained, "I'm finally settling back into life here, but I still don't feel complete."

"Do you have any idea what it could be that's missing?" Nick asked, he already knew though that the thing missing from Ryan's life was Kurt.

"I don't know," Ryan said, "I guess I'll just find it eventually. So how are you doing?"

"I'm good," Nick replied. "Things are going well."

"Glad to hear it," Ryan said. "How's Kurt doing?"

"He's good," Nick said. "He started dating someone."

"Oh yeah?" Ryan asked. "Is he happy with this guy?"

"He is," Nick said gently, "Only time I've seen him this happy with someone was when he was with you."

"That's good," Ryan said, "I'm glad. I didn't want him waiting for me."

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

"Yeah."

"Why did you give up on Kurt?" Nick asked. "You know he would have waited for you."

"Because it wouldn't have been fair to have him wait around for me," Ryan replied. "I'm still searching, trying to find myself."

"Then why couldn't you have let Kurt help you deal with what you're going through?" Nick asked.

"This isn't his problem," Ryan replied. "I just need to go through all of this in my own way and my own time."

"You shouldn't let your pride get in the way of you being happy," Nick said. "I could tell when I first saw you here that you weren't happy."

"It's not about my pride," Ryan defended.

"Yes it is," Nick said, "Kurt's told me all about how you don't like to let others help you with your problems. Sometimes it's a good thing to let people in."

"Well, either way it doesn't matter. He's dating someone else now," Ryan said.

"Do you still love him?" Nick asked.

"Nick, no offense, but that's kind of personal," Ryan replied.

"You're right," Nick said, "I'm sorry. But can I just leave you with one thing?"

"Sure," Ryan replied.

"Next time you start dating again, don't be afraid to let that person in. Otherwise, you might lose another great love," Nick said.

"You saying that I lost Kurt completely?" Ryan asked.

"I hate to say it Ryan, but if you never fully let Kurt in, then you never had him in the first place," Nick replied.

"I guess you're right," Ryan sighed.

"Well, I should get going," Nick said. "Ryan, if you ever want to talk or just need a friend, you can always call me. Just because I'm best friends with your ex doesn't mean you need to remove me from your life."

"Thanks Nick. I appreciate it."

"No problem. I'll catch you later," Nick said as he ran off leaving Ryan time to wonder if Nick was right, maybe he never truly let Kurt in.

At noon Leo went and met Luke for lunch near Luke's office building. When he walked into the cafe he saw Luke waiting for him at a table in the corner of the restaurant. Leo took a deep breath before going over and sitting down.

"Thanks for agreeing to meet with me," Luke smiled.

"Yeah, well, I'm not doing it for you. I'm doing it for Nick," Leo replied.

"I know," Luke said. "And I think it's really great that you're so loyal and protective of Nick."

"He's my best friend," Leo said. "I need to be sure that he's in good hands. Judging from past experience with you, I would say that he can do better."

"You're absolutely right," Luke said, "He can do better than me. I don't deserve him and I realize that, but I love him. Leo, I had to get Nick back if I wanted any hope of being happy."

Leo was a little surprised at the sincerity of Luke's words.

"Do you really think you can make everything up to him?" Leo asked.

"Honestly, I don't know if I'll ever be able to make it up all the pain I had caused him," Nick said, "But I'm going to spend every day for the rest of my life trying."

"That's a pretty big statement to make," Leo said, "Don't say it unless you really mean it."

"I do," Luke said. "And I know that I not only need to make it up to him, I need to make it up to you too. You and I were good friends and I left you too. I'm really sorry Leo. You gave me your trust once again and I blew it."

"You just left Luke," Leo said, "You just one day up and left Nick and me too. You had become one of my best friends and you just disappeared."

"I know," Luke said. "And I'm sorry, but I'm here now to prove to you that I've changed. I'm not that idiot I once was. I really want us to be friends again Leo and for that to happen I need you to forgive me."

"I can forgive you once I know you won't abandon Nick again," Leo said. "Just ignore the fact that you hurt me too, my main concern is Nick."

"I know, but I can't ignore what I did to you," Luke said. "You were a friend that I abandon, it's just as bad as leaving Nick. And I'm really sorry, I don't know how much more I can apologize to you for you to believe me."

Leo was really starting to realize how sorry Luke truly was and for that he felt that he could forgive him and give his blessing to dating Nick again. However, before Leo could reply a handsome looking man came up to their table. He was about Leo's height, black hair, intense dark eyes.

"Hey Luke," he said, "Stopped by your office and they said you were having lunch here."

"What are you doing here?" Luke asked with a slight hint of panic in his voice. "I told you I didn't want to see you anymore."

"I know," he replied, "But I miss you."

"Hi, I'm Leo." Leo introduced himself to find out who this guy is.

"Hi, nice to meet you. I'm Wayne."

"Wayne?" Leo asked in shock. "As in the guy that used to date him?"

"Used to and hopefully will again," Wayne replied giving Luke a wink.

"When did you two last see each other?" Leo asked giving Luke a pissed off look.

"Yesterday," Wayne replied. "I stopped by his office."

"What?" Leo asked. "Does Nick know?"

"No," Luke replied sheepishly.

"Typical of you Luke," Leo said getting up from his table. "Why don't I leave the two of you alone? I'm sure you both would prefer that."

"No wait Leo," Luke said getting up to.

"Save it," Leo replied. "I knew you'd never change."

Leo then turned and left the restaurant pissed off that he thought for a second he could give Nick a second chance.

"Leo wait," Luke said starting to go after him, but Wayne stopped him.

"Oh let him go," Wayne said, "Luke, I miss you. I know you still miss me too."

"I don't," Luke said, "Wayne, I told you yesterday that I didn't want to see you anymore."

"You can't mean that," Wayne said. "Luke, we dated for three years."

"I know and I'm sorry for stringing you along for so long, but I just don't love you," Luke said.

"You don't mean that," Wayne refused to believe.

"I do," Luke said. "No excuse me. I have to go."

"You bastard! This isn't finished!" Wayne shouted at Luke as he ran out of the restaurant. When Luke ran out of the restaurant he looked up and down the street but didn't see Leo anywhere. He tried calling his cell but he didn't pick up.

"Dammit!" Luke shouted to himself.

That afternoon after Leo had time to calm down he went to go see Tristan to talk to him. When he got there Tristan quickly ushered him inside his apartment and began kissing him.

"I missed you," Tristan said between kisses.

"Missed you too," Leo replied starting to give in.

"Come on," Tristan said taking Leo to the bedroom.

"No wait, Tristan, I have to talk to you," Leo replied.

"Can't we talk in the bedroom?" Tristan asked.

"No, I need to talk out here," Leo replied resisting the urge to go into the bedroom with Tristan, "Please."

"Okay," Tristan sighed, "What's wrong?"

"Have you noticed that all we do is have sex?" Leo asked.

"Yeah because it's amazing," Tristan replied.

"I know it's amazing, but it's all we do," Leo said. "This is the first time we've really talked since you've left rehab."

"What are you saying Leo?" Tristan asked, "You don't want us to have sex anymore?"

"No, I do," Leo replied. "But I also want us to have conversation, but we're not. Every time I try we just end up in the bedroom."

"Never heard you complain about it before," Tristan said.

"Because you never give me a chance to," Leo said. "Tristan, all you want to do is have sex."

"You think I'm addicted to sex or something?" Tristan asked getting a little upset by the accusation.

"I think that maybe you're using sex as a substitute for what you used to use alcohol and drugs for," Leo replied. "I think maybe you left rehab too soon."

"I can't believe you're saying this," Tristan said. "Leo, I don't have a problem with sex. You don't want to have sex for a while, fine we won't. But I am not going to go back to that place."

"But you said yourself that it felt safe there," Leo said.

"It only felt safe when you were there," Tristan said, "I was miserable after you left."

"But Tristan, if you're not fully recovered then you should get help for it," Leo said.

"That's what you're here for," Tristan said, "To help me."

"I'm trying," Leo said. "That's why I'm telling you that it might be a good idea to go back to rehab."

"Well if you think I'm going to go back there, you can forget it," Tristan said.

"Tristan, do you feel like you're on the brink of using again?" Leo asked.

"I don't have time for this," Tristan replied. "I just remembered that I have some stuff to do."

"Tristan, come on, talk to me," Leo said.

"I can't now," Tristan said, "I'll call you later."

Leo headed to the door, but turned around to try to get through to Tristan one last time.

"I'm only saying this to you because I care about you," Leo said.

"Yeah. Got it," Tristan replied.

"Look, there's this charity event we're all going to tomorrow and I really want you to come with me. So call me okay?" Leo asked.

"All right," Tristan said before Leo left.

Leo walked down the hallway off Leo's apartment frustrated on how horrible the day was going.

That night Nick came over to Luke's place to see how things went with him and Leo. But when he saw the look on Luke's face when he came inside he knew it didn't go well.

"What happened?" Nick asked.

"It started out really well, but then turned to shit," Luke replied.

"What happened?" Nick asked.

"Don't get upset okay?" Luke asked.

"Why?" Nick wondered suspiciously.

"Wayne showed up," Luke revealed.

"Why would Wayne show up? How did he know where to find you?" Nick asked clearly not happy about this.

"He came by my office and I guess the secretary told him that I was eating lunch there," Luke replied.

"What did he want?" Nick asked.

"He came by my office yesterday and-" Luke began, but Nick quickly cut him off.

"Wait, he came by yesterday and you didn't tell me?" Nick asked.

"It wasn't anything to tell," Luke replied, "He came by and I told him to leave. That was it."

"If it wasn't a big deal then why didn't you just tell me?" Nick asked.

"Because I didn't want you to get upset," Luke replied.

Nick took a minute to relax and took a deep breath. He then realized that Luke was right, he shouldn't be getting upset.

"You're right," Nick said. "I'm sorry. So he showed up and then what happened?"

"Well, Leo assumed the worst and thought I was going to hurt you," Luke replied. "He then got up and left."

"I should talk to him," Nick said.

"Nick, I promise that nothing is going on with Wayne," Luke said. "I don't want him anywhere around me or us."

"I know, I believe you," Nick said giving Luke a reassuring kiss.

"But now I don't know if Leo will ever give me a chance," Luke said.

"I'll talk to him and try to smooth things out," Nick said. "And you can have another chance tomorrow if you want to go with us to this charity event that Gabriel Brocks is having."

"Sounds good," Luke said. "I'd love to."

"Great," Nick said. "Then we can talk to Leo and work this all out."

"Perfect," Luke said hoping that it will all work out and hoping that Wayne will stay out of the way for good.

The next night the Kurt and Leo arrived at the charity event together. Kurt was carrying a notepad and pen to take notes and talk to people since he was technically there on assignment and Leo was on the phone trying to get a hold of Tristan. It's been over twenty four hours since he last saw Tristan and he has been trying constantly to get a hold of him, but hasn't gotten anything.

"I hope he's okay," Leo said. "I feel guilty for being here. Maybe I should go check on him."

"I'm sure he just needed to blow off some steam and think," Kurt said. "He'll come around. He has to know that you were just trying to look out for him."

"I hope he does," Leo said. "But what if he slipped and he's off getting drunk now?"

"Leo, if you want to go then go," Kurt encouraged, "You won't have any fun if you're going to be worried about Tristan the whole night."

"Would you be upset?" Leo asked.

"No, not at all," Kurt replied. "I have to work anyway."

"I'm sorry you can't be around Gabriel at all," Leo said. "Must suck having to pretend not to be a couple or anything."

"Well, it's only for three weeks," Kurt said. "I can handle that."

"Yeah, but with all the photographers that follow him around, it'll be tricky," Leo said.

"I know, we'll see," Kurt shrugged.

"Well I'm going to go check on Tristan," Leo said giving Kurt a hug. "I'll see you at home."

"All right," Kurt smiled, "Bye. I'm sorry you won't be able to meet any of the directors that are coming."

"Just wasn't meant to be I guess," Leo shrugged as he walked away.

Kurt made his way through the crowed and found the head writer of West Coast Style, Rina, meeting with one of the party guest who also happened to be one of the top film producers in Hollywood. Rina was good at what she did and tough too. She was nice, but was very head strong.

"Hey Rina," Kurt smiled as he approached her.

"Hey Kurt," Rina replied. "Glad you could make it."

"So what can I do?" Kurt asked.

"Well, just mingle," Rina replied. "Get to know the people, get to know their thoughts on this event and on the host, Gabriel Brocks."

"All right," Kurt nodded. "I can do that."

"And don't show any affection towards Gabriel," Rina warned.

"Excuse me?" Kurt asked.

"Claudia told me," Rina replied. "And she's right. You two can't be seen together as a couple, it will ruin all credibility to the interview between you two.

Claudia said that if word gets out that she'll pull the interview out of the issue and fire you."

"I know," Kurt nodded.

"Good," Rina said. "Now lets get to work."

The two then broke off to talk to the crowed. There were maybe two hundred guest at the event all either actors, producers, business owners, or retired millionaires. Kurt felt very proud to be at such an event. As he was making his way through the crowed he saw Nick and Luke talking to Gabriel.

"Hey guys," Kurt approached them.

"Hey you," Nick said giving Kurt a hug, "We were just getting to know Gabriel."

"Hey Kurt," Luke said giving Kurt a hug.

"Good to see you Luke," Kurt replied.

"Gabriel is a perfect gentleman," Luke said.

"Hi," Kurt smiled to Gabriel but made sure not to make any sort of physical contact with him.

"Hey Kurt," Gabriel smiled wishing he could give Kurt a kiss.

Kurt looked around to be sure that no one was taking pictures of them.

"You two don't seem very couple like to me," Luke said.

"We can't be," Kurt whispered.

"Remember?" Nick asked Luke, "I told you before we got here."

"Oh yeah," Luke said, "Sorry, I completely forgot."

"That sucks," Nick sighed feeling bad for Kurt and Gabriel.

"We'll make the best of it," Gabriel said. "Why don't you three go mingle and I'll greet the rest of the guest."

"Sorry," Kurt mouthed silently to Gabriel as he walked away. Gabriel gave Kurt a reassuring smile to let him know that he was okay with the situation.

Kurt parted from Nick and Luke and went to talk to some of the guest. While Nick and Luke were walking around Nick was mortified when he bumped into...

"Bradley," Nick said when they spotted each other. "Hi."

"Hey Nick," Bradley replied uncomfortably.

"How are you?" Nick asked.

"I'm doing good," Bradley replied. He then looked next to Nick and saw Luke. "Oh hi."

"Hey," Luke said sheepishly feeling extremely awkward.

"What are you doing here?" Nick asked.

"I coordinated this event," Bradley replied.

"You did?" Nick asked impressed looking around the restaurant, everything was clean and classy, candles everywhere, beautiful.

"Yeah," Bradley replied.

"You did an amazing job," Luke said trying to be friendly.

"Thanks," Bradley snapped, clearly not over what Luke did to sabotage his growing relationship with Nick.

"Bradley, I actually have been wanting to talk to you," Nick said. "Luke, can you give us a minute?"

"Of course," Luke said as he walked away to give them some privacy.

"Bradley, I'm sorry," Nick sighed feeling awful.

"I don't have time for this," Bradley replied. "I'm working."

"Bradley, please hear me out," Nick said. "I never meant to hurt you. I'm so sorry you got mixed up in all my drama."

"You and me both," Bradley said. "I don't know what you expect me to feel towards you, but I definitely do not forgive you for stringing me along to only find that this whole time you were in love with your ex."

"I know," Nick sighed. "I'm sorry."

"Save it," Bradley said, "I don't want to deal with you anymore."

With that Bradley walked away, leaving Nick to realize that sometimes in life, there will be people who will never forgive you and no matter how much you want it, not everyone will like you.

While Nick was talking with Bradley, Luke had made his way around the restaurant looking for Leo with no luck.

"Hey Kurt," Luke said when he saw Kurt standing on the side of the dance floor watching couples dancing together, wishing he could be doing that with Gabriel, "Have you seen Leo?"

"He left," Kurt replied. "He went to go check on Tristan."

"Dammit," Luke sighed. "I was hoping to talk to him."

"He told me what happened yesterday," Kurt said.

"Kurt, it wasn't how it looked," Luke promised, "I told Wayne I didn't want to see him."

"I know," Kurt said, "When Leo told me about what happened I'll admit that I was worried for a second that maybe you would hurt Nick again, but then I thought it over and saw how hard you've been trying and how much you obviously love Nick and I know that there must have been some sort of explanation."

"So you know that I would never do anything to jeopardize my relationship with Nick?" Luke asked.

"I know," Kurt replied.

"Thank you so much," Luke said giving Kurt a hug, relieved that at least Kurt was on his side. He only wished that Leo would believe him as well.

"Just give Leo time to see how happy the two of you are together," Kurt said. "He'll come around."

"It just kills me knowing how much I messed up my friendship with him," Luke said.

"I know," Kurt said, "But don't give up."

"I won't," Luke said. "Thanks. So how are you doing?"

"Horrible," Kurt said. "I wanted to have a nice night out with this great guy I'm seeing, but I can't and he's right across the room."

"I'm sorry," Luke said, "But he understands right?"

"Yeah," Kurt replied. "But it doesn't make it any better. It still sucks. And I know it's even worse for him."

"How do you figure?" Luke asked.

"He's big on being romantic," Kurt explained, "He loves romance and on dates he is a very charismatic and romantic guy, but he can't do that tonight."

"You're just as big on romance aren't you?" Luke asked.

"I was," Kurt replied. "But then I got turned off to it, but sometimes when I'm with him, I feel like it's coming back to me. Then this happens and we can't be romantic with each other at all for three weeks. That's got to put a strain on a budding relationship right?"

"Maybe not," Luke said. "Just think of how good it will be to finally be a couple once those three weeks are over."

"Yea, you're probably right," Kurt said, he then felt his phone vibrate, he took it out and saw he had a text message. He opened it up to read it.

'Hey cutie. I see your expression. Wish I was dancing with you too. Don't feel bad about to tonight.

It's okay. Meet me at my place after this event, I have a surprise for you.' The text read.

Kurt looked around and saw Gabriel across the room. He gave Gabriel a grateful smile and Gabriel winked back at him.

"He is a pretty special guy," Kurt said to Luke.

"He seems like it," Luke replied.

Meanwhile, Leo went over to Tristan's place, when he got there he saw that the door to his place was open, but it was dark inside. When he turned on the lights he saw an empty bottle of Ketel One on the dining room table and a note next to it. He looked at the note and saw his name on the top.

'Leo,

I'm sorry. I can't go back there.'

Leo looked around and then went to Tristan's room and saw most of his things in there were packed up. This is when Leo knew, Tristan was gone.

That night after the event Kurt went over to Gabriel's place. When he got there he found a note on the door.

'Come to the backyard.' was all the note said. Kurt walked around the house and to the backyard. when he got there he saw dozens of floating candles in the pool and candles laid out all over the deck creating a luminous glow everywhere, but nothing was more luminous than Gabriel, still wearing his tuxedo, holding a rose and standing in the middle of the deck with soft music playing.

"What's all this?" Kurt asked looking all over.

"It's my surprise to you," Gabriel replied. "You like it?"

"You're so cheesy," Kurt said trying his best to resist the romantic setting.

"Come on," Gabriel said. "You like it right?"

"Little bit," Kurt admitted.

"I know you feel that if you give into the romance that you'll just get hurt in the end," Gabriel said taking Kurt's hand. "But I like you and want you to know that romance is okay. Don't run from it, don't run from me."

"I don't know what to say," Kurt said. "No one's ever done something like this for me."

"Dance with me?" Gabriel asked turning the music up a little for them to dance, "I'm trying my best to 'sweep you off your feet.'"

"I hate to admit it," Kurt said while dancing slowly with Gabriel, "But you are."

Gabriel leaned in and gave Kurt a kiss.

To Be Continued...

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