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 all is well and everyone is doing great! Here's part 26 entitled "The Event"

'THE EVENT'

Three weeks have passed since Tristan left and Leo hasn't heard from him since. He went back a few times over the course of the three weeks to see if he came back, but he knew in his heart that Tristan wasn't coming back. Leo was very upset over the whole situation, he found someone he felt he could really connect with, but in the end he left as well. While Leo was upset, he hoped and prayed that Tristan was okay, even though he knew that Tristan had obviously gone back to drinking and probably back into drugs. The last time Leo went to Tristan's apartment he saw all of his furniture outside on the curb of the apartment complex. The management there obviously had to clear out the place since Tristan wasn't coming back.

It was obvious that Leo was a changed man, because instead of resorting to drinking how he did in the past to cope with loss, he instead began to write like Kurt and Nick had suggested. It felt good for him, it was a way for him to let out his emotions in a productive and healthy way.

It was a typical Friday morning at the Gay and Lesbian Center. Leo was in his office going over the center's calendar of events and marking off the ones he needed to be sure to attend. He was also getting the final preparations done for a meet and greet gathering the center was having that night. As he was working he looked up from his desk and out the open door to his office and for a moment saw someone pass by who looked very familiar to him. He got up from his desk and looked outside, but when he got to the doorway of his office he saw no one except his other co-workers. He shook his head, wondering if he was imagining things, because for a split second he thought he saw Jesse.

Meanwhile, Kurt was in his office at work when his boss, Claudia called him in. When he got there he saw the latest issue of West Coast Style sitting on her desk. The issue had a great shot of Gabriel on the cover and inside was the interview the two did together, the interview that caused Kurt and Gabriel to lie low for three weeks until it hit news stands. As far as Kurt knew there were no pictures anywhere on the web or in any celebrity gossip magazine that linked the two of them together.

"So, as I'm sure you're aware the latest issue hit newsstands yesterday," Claudia said holding on to the magazine in her hand.

"Yeah, I went and got a copy," Kurt said, "It looks great doesn't it?"

"Of course it does," Claudia replied simply, "And I'm also sure you're aware that you now have the freedom to publicly date Gabriel Brocks."

"Thank you Claudia," Kurt said.

"But I'm sure you are unaware of the fact that we've been getting calls non-stop since yesterday regarding your interview with Gabriel," Claudia said. "Lots of publicity around this interview."

"Wow, that's great right?" Kurt asked.

"Of course it's great," Claudia answered, "This issue already has outsold our past three issues and it's in large part due to you. So congratulations."

"Thank you Claudia," Kurt said gratefully.

"Since you did very well with this I'm going to have you be one of our feature writers," Claudia said.

"Wow, thank you so much Claudia," Kurt said.

"Don't thank me yet," Claudia replied, "It's hard work and you better be up to the challenge."

"I am," Kurt said. "Thank you."

"You can leave," Claudia waved Kurt off.

This was the first time Kurt has ever left Claudia's office happy. He raced into his office and quickly called Gabriel.

"Hey you," Gabriel answered.

"Gabriel, your issue of West Coast Style is one of our best selling issues," Kurt gushed. "And Claudia is making me a feature writer!"

"Awesome! I'm so happy for you," Gabriel elated. "My publicist has been getting hundreds of calls asking about it. Barbara Walters wants to do a one on one interview with me."

"Gabriel that's amazing," Kurt said. "I guess lying low for three weeks was worth it after all."

"Yeah," Gabriel said, "We both got a big pay off. So lets go out and celebrate tonight."

"Well there's that event going on at the Gay and Lesbian Center that Leo invited us to, remember?" Kurt asked.

"Oh yeah, I forgot," Gabriel said, "I'll make reservations for tomorrow, but tonight after the event how about you stay over at my place?"

"Sounds perfect," Kurt said.

"I'll see you tonight," Gabriel said.

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

"Kurt, congratulations again," Gabriel said. "I love you."

"Whoa," Kurt said shocked to hear Gabriel say I love you.

"If it's too soon for you to say that I understand," Gabriel said. "I just wanted to tell you."

"No," Kurt said realizing he felt the same, "I love you too."

"Looks like we have one more thing to celebrate," Gabriel said.

"I'll see you tonight," Kurt said unable to stop smiling. "Love you."

"Love you too," Gabriel replied wanting to keep telling Kurt over and over.

"Bye," Kurt smiled as Gabriel headed out the door, "Love you again!"

"Love you too again," Gabriel replied as he closed the door to Kurt's office.

"I love that man," Kurt said to himself.

Over at Luke's work he was in his office when Wayne walked in.

"Wayne what are you doing here?" Luke asked, obviously unhappy to see him.

"Don't get upset," Wayne said, "I didn't come here to try and win you back."

"No?" Luke asked skeptically.

"No, I came here to say sorry," Wayne replied.

"That's so unlike you," Luke replied.

"Well it's true," Wayne said. "I wanted to apologize for trying to interfere with what you have going on with Nick."

"Well, apology accepted," Luke said hoping that would get Wayne to leave.

"I don't know what got into me," Wayne said, "I've just been missing you I guess. But I've had the past three weeks to think things over and realized that I just would really like it if we could be friends."

"Friends?" Luke asked.

"Yeah, you know some people are able to do that from after they break-up," Wayne replied.

"I don't know Wayne," Luke said, "That might just make things more complicated."

"How so?" Wayne asked.

"Nick is probably not going to be real comfortable with you and me being friends," Luke pointed out.

"How about the three of us go out for a drink tonight," Wayne suggested, "Nick can get to know me and see that I'm not such a bad guy. I mean, I couldn't be that bad considering we dated for three years."

"Tonight's no good," Luke said, "Nick and I are going to this social gathering at the Gay and Lesbian Center."

"Well, how about another night?" Wayne asked.

"Let me talk to Nick okay?" Luke asked. "And I'll let you know."

"Great," Wayne smiled, "Thanks Luke."

"And Wayne, if you want to talk, please just call me first before you show up at my office," Luke said.

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

"Bye," Luke waved as Wayne left his office. Luke took a moment to think over his situation, did he really want Wayne back in his life just when things are going great with him and Nick?

Over at Nick's apartment he was busy working when there was a frantic knocking on his door. He hurried to answer and opened the door to a disheveled Leo.

"What's wrong?" Nick asked concerned, "Is it Tristan?"

"No, Jesse," Leo replied.

"What?" Nick asked.

"I thought I saw Jesse," Leo replied.

"What do you mean? Where?" Nick asked.

"At the center," Leo replied. "I was in my office and I thought I saw him walk by."

"Was it him?" Nick asked.

"That's the thing, I don't know," Leo replied. "I don't know if it was someone who just looked like him or if it was just my mind playing tricks on me."

"Then why are you panicking?" Nick asked.

"Because if my mind is just playing tricks on me then I'm afraid of falling off the wagon," Leo confessed. "With Tristan leaving and everything I've sort of felt off lately and I don't know what to do."

"Leo, don't sell yourself short," Nick said. "You've been doing great since leaving rehab. You've been attending your AA meetings, you've been working hard, you're doing great. Don't let something like this make you feel like you're losing it."

"I just feel like everything is going to fall apart again," Leo said.

"What do you mean?" Nick asked.

"Everything was going great at first," Leo began, "I got out of rehab, I had a great guy, great job, I felt that I moved on from Jesse. Then all of the sudden, Tristan disappears, I'm stressed out all the time because of it, I've thought about drinking and now on top of it I think that I see Jesse now."

"First of all, it's not your fault that Tristan left," Nick said. "He obviously wasn't well enough yet to leave rehab and you couldn't force him to go back when he didn't want to. Second, of course you're going to think of drinking when you're upset, but the you haven't touched a drop which is what you should be focusing on. Think of how great it is that you haven't resorted back to drinking. Finally, it's only natural you think of Jesse, he was a big part of your life. Thinking about him doesn't mean you're going to lose it. Okay? You're doing good."

"You really think so?" Leo asked.

"Yes, I do," Nick replied. "Just get back to work okay? You have that event at the center tonight right?"

"Yeah," Leo replied. "Are you coming?"

"I'll be there as soon as Luke gets off of work," Nick replied.

"Luke's coming too huh?" Leo asked clearly disappointed.

"Leo, I told you already, he explained everything about his ex," Nick replied.

"You don't think it'll be a problem if his ex keeps popping up in your guys' life?" Leo asked. "That has destruction written all over it."

"It's not going to be a problem," Nick explained, "Cause Luke told me he isn't going to see his ex again."

"We'll see," Leo shrugged, "If his ex keeps showing up though, I'm going to do something about it."

"Leo," Nick sighed.

"I'm just saying," Leo defended, "I don't want that punk to ruin your life."

"Will you please give Luke one last chance to talk things out?" Nick asked.

"I've given him enough chances," Leo replied. "I'm not going to make waves about you two or say anything, but I'm not going to be friends with him."

"But Leo, he really wants to work things out with you," Nick said.

"Well I don't," Leo replied. "I'm sorry Nick, but I just don't like him. I will fully support you if you want to be with him, but I won't pretend to be his friend."

"Fine," Nick sighed. "Will you at least be civil with him?"

"Yes," Leo replied. "I promise."

"Thanks," Nick said.

"Well I should get back to work. Sorry for bothering you with my freak out," Leo said.

"It's okay," Nick replied. "Don't worry about it."

Nick gave Leo a hug.

"I'll see you tonight," Leo said as he headed out.

Later that day Kurt took the rest of the day off to go shopping for the event that night. He was just leaving a store when he saw Ryan come out of an apartment complex across the street. Kurt wasn't too sure how to react, he looked around to see if he should pretend he didn't see Ryan or if he should go up and say hi. But before he could make a decision Ryan made eye contact with Kurt and smiled. He ran across the street to give Kurt a hug.

"Hey Kurt," Ryan greeted.

"Hi Ryan," Kurt replied.

"It's good to see you again," Ryan said.

"Yeah," Kurt replied. "You too."

"I read your interview with Gabriel Brocks," Ryan said. "It was great. I think I got the last issue on the newsstand."

"Oh thank you," Kurt said.

"I'm so jealous you met him. He's my favorite actor. Is he as cool as he seems?" Ryan asked.

"He's great," Kurt replied. "Really great." He wasn't too sure if he should reveal that he's dating Gabriel or not.

"Well I'm really proud of you," Ryan said, "You seem to be doing really good."

"I am," Kurt replied. "How about you?"

"I'm doing good," Ryan said, "I got that job that Leo helped me out with."

"Yeah he was telling me," Kurt said, "Congratulations."

"I hope you don't mind that I stay in touch with Leo and Nick," Ryan said.

"No, not at all," Kurt replied, "They're your friends too."

"We should hang out sometime," Ryan said, "It's been a while. I miss you. There's some stuff I want to talk to you about."

"What sort of stuff?" Kurt asked.

"Stuff about us," Ryan replied.

"Ryan, I'm sorry, but now is not really a good time for that," Kurt replied.

"I know you're seeing someone else," Ryan said.

"You do?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah," Ryan replied, "Nick told me."

"Oh," Kurt replied, "I had wanted to tell you eventually."

"You two happy?" Ryan asked.

"Ryan, I really can't talk about this with you now," Kurt replied feeling uncomfortable.

"You're right, I'm sorry. It's none of my business," Ryan said.

"I have to get going," Kurt said.

"I'll see you tonight right?" Ryan asked.

"Tonight?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah at the center. Leo invited me," Ryan replied.

"Oh, yeah. Well I guess I'll see you tonight," Kurt said.

Kurt walked away and as soon as he was out of range from Ryan he quickly took out his cell phone and called Leo.

"Hey Kurt," Leo answered.

"You invited Ryan tonight?" Kurt asked.

"Well yeah," Leo replied. "I thought it would be nice for him to get in touch with some of his old co-workers here. He's all alone here you know?"

"This is going to be so awkward," Kurt said, "I'm bringing Gab tonight."

"Oh I see," Leo said. "Ryan doesn't know you're dating again?"

"He knows I'm dating again, but he doesn't know I'm dating a movie star," Kurt replied. "And not to mention that Gab just so happens to be Ryan's favorite actor."

"I'm guessing he won't be after tonight," Leo joked.

"Leo, I'm serious," Kurt said, "This is going to be a disaster."

"Kurt, Ryan was bound to find out you were dating Gabriel sooner or later," Leo said. "It's better he finds out from you instead of reading it in the latest issue of Us Weekly."

"I guess, but I wasn't ready to even see him again any time soon," Kurt sighed.

"Kurt, you don't still love him, do you?" Leo asked.

"That's such a complicated question to answer," Kurt sighed.

"It's not really," Leo said. "You either love him or you don't."

"I do love him, but I'm just not able to be in love with him," Kurt said, "Our relationship just became way too complicated. First we both liked each other, but we both had other boyfriends, then we finally got together, then Reese came in, and Ryan's daughter came into the picture, then he left, then he came back and then he didn't want to get back together. It's just too much, there obviously was a reason why we're not together."

"So you don't think you'll ever get back with Ryan?" Leo asked.

"I don't think so," Kurt replied. "Besides, I'm really happy with Gab right now. We just said 'I love you' to each other."

"Really?" Leo asked. "That's great!"

"He's such a great guy Leo," Kurt gushed, "And it's just so easy with him. This relationship isn't complicated, we have fun together and are care-free with each other. It's perfect."

"I'm glad. You deserve it," Leo said. "Well I'm sorry that I invited Ryan. I hope it doesn't complicate things too much."

"You know, you're right though. I'd have to face him eventually with me dating Gab," Kurt said. "I guess I'll just have to figure out what I'm going to say."

"Good luck with that," Leo said.

"Thanks," Kurt replied. "I'll see you tonight."

"Bye," Leo answered before hanging up.

Back at Nick's place he was finishing up his work when Luke called him.

"Hey babe," Nick answered.

"Hey," Luke replied. "You busy?"

"No, I just finished my work. What's up?" Nick asked.

"I have to ask you something and feel free to say no because I would," Luke replied.

"What is it?" Nick asked.

"Wayne stopped by my office again today," Luke replied.

"Oh?" Nick asked, already not liking where this conversation was headed.

"Yeah, and he apologized for trying to interfere with our relationship," Luke said.

"That's nice of him I guess," Nick said unsure of his motives.

"And he wants to be friends," Luke said. "He wants the three of us to meet for a drink sometime."

"Seriously?" Nick asked.

"Yeah," Luke replied. "I know it sounds ridiculous, but he seemed pretty sincere."

"Do you want to?" Nick asked.

"Be friends with him? I'm not sure," Luke replied. "He was a good guy and all, but he turned pretty nasty after I broke up with him. I'm not sure if he has some ulterior motive by trying to be friends."

"If you think he does then maybe it's best if we just say thanks, but no thanks," Nick said. "But if you want to be friends with him then it's your call. I just know that I can't. It would be too weird for me."

"Yeah, you're right," Luke said. "It is weird. I'll call him and just tell him no."

"Okay," Nick said.

"Oh, so did you talk to Leo?" Luke asked.

"Yeah," Nick sighed.

"I'm guessing it's not good news," Luke said.

"I'm sorry babe," Nick said. "He just doesn't feel like he could be your friend."

"I can't believe this," Luke sighed. "I really lost him as a friend huh?"

"You know, maybe he'll come around," Nick said, trying to give Luke hope.

"No, if he hasn't changed his mind by now then he's not going to," Luke said. "I guess I just have to face the fact that I blew it with him."

"You know it's just like me and Bradley," Nick said, "I tried apologizing for how things turned out, but he didn't want to hear it. Sometimes in the end we just have to accept that we can't fix everything."

"I wish that wasn't true," Luke said.

"Me too," Nick said, "But hey, at least Kurt still loves you and I of course do."

"Yeah," Luke said looking at the positive, "I love you too. So I'll see you tonight."

"See you then," Nick said.

"Love you."

"Love you too."

Nick hung up his phone and went back to work.

That night at Kurt and Leo's place the two were getting ready for the event that night.

"So I got this new shirt from Theory," Kurt yelled from his room, "Can you come in and tell me what you think? I don't know if I should wear it or if I should just wear the black Hugo Boss one."

"You always wear the black Hugo Boss," Leo called out coming out of his room and went into Kurt's. Kurt just finished buttoning up the Theory shirt before he turned to Leo.

"What do you think?" Kurt asked.

"I like it a lot," Leo admired. The shirt was a light gray color, very sophisticated looking. "Wear that one."

"Yeah?" Kurt asked.

"Definitely," Leo replied.

"So what exactly is this event for tonight?" Kurt asked.

"It's getting the Gay community together to mingle," Leo replied. "A lot of younger people are coming to meet other homosexuals and feel safe and welcome. It's just to reaffirm that the Gay and Lesbian Center is a safe place for people to come to if they're questioning their sexuality."

"Any fundraiser's?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah, we're going to be raffling off tickets to concerts that were donated to us by bands," Leo replied.

"That's great," Kurt said.

"And I'm sure people there will be even more thrilled when they see Gabriel there," Leo pointed out.

"Did you tell people he was going?" Kurt asked.

"I may have mentioned it to a few co-workers," Leo replied.

"Leo, promise me you won't make a spectacle of Gab being there," Kurt said.

"I promise," Leo said, "But people are bound to notice him there. I think just his presence will make this one of our biggest events."

"Well, just as long as he isn't made out to be some sort of show horse," Kurt said.

Just as they were finishing up Gabriel came to pick them up.

"Hey you," Kurt smiled opening the door and greeting him with a kiss. "Come on in. Leo's just finishing getting ready."

"Sorry," Leo said running to his room, "Kurt started talking to me. It's his fault."

"It's okay," Gabriel said.

"So how was your day?" Kurt asked as him and Gabriel gazed and smiled at one another in living room.

"It was good," Gabriel said, "Missed you though."

"Missed you too!" Kurt said giving Gabriel a kiss.

"You're too cute," Gabriel said in awe of how happy he was with Kurt.

"I know," Kurt joked with mock vanity.

"So can I tell you something?" Gabriel asked.

"Of course," Kurt replied.

"I love you," Gabriel said sweetly.

"I love you too," Kurt answered as the two started kissing.

"Not now. Save it for later when I'm not around," Leo said coming out of his room. "I'm ready."

"All right," Gabriel said, "Let's go."

In the car ride Leo was feeling pretty fancy riding in Gabriel's Porsche.

"This is so cool!" Leo exclaimed.

"Calm down," Kurt said.

"So Gabriel, you know, Kurt's pretty much my brother," Leo brought up.

"Yeah, he was telling me you guys were really close," Gabriel said.

"So, since he's my brother and you're dating him in a way that could possibly make you my future brother-in-law," Leo floated.

"Leo shut up!" Kurt said laughing, but clearly embarrassed.

"Okay, go on," Gabriel replied clearly enjoying Leo's company.

"So since you're my future brother-in-law, we are pretty much family," Leo said.

"I guess we are," Gabriel said.

"Do you think then that I could drive your Porsche sometime?" Leo asked, "Since we're family and all."

"Leo, you are more then welcome to drive my Porsche," Gabriel replied. "In fact, I'll even let you drive my Bentley."

"You have a Bentley?" Leo asked in awe.

"Yeah," Gabriel answered.

"So, did Kurt mention that my birthday is in a couple months?" Leo asked jokingly.

Gabriel and Kurt just laughed along with Leo.

"I'll tell you what Leo, on your birthday I'll let you have my Porsche the whole day," Gabriel said.

"Did I ever mention to you that I'm one of your biggest fans?" Leo asked clearly charmed by how nice Gabriel was. Leo then leaned in to whisper to Kurt, "Gabriel is a really great guy."

"I know," Kurt whispered back.

"Are we whispering about something?" Gabriel asked.

"Just about how cute you are," Kurt replied squeezing Gabriel's cheek.

"Stop, you're making me blush," Gabriel dead panned.

"And he's funny too," Leo said.

"I know. I got a good one," Kurt smiled.

"Me too," Gabriel replied giving Kurt a wink.

When they got to the center there were tons of photographers there all waiting for Gabriel.

"I guess someone tipped the press that you were coming here tonight," Leo said.

"Yeah, well someone shouldn't have said anything about him coming," Kurt said to Leo.

"I already said I'm sorry," Leo replied.

"It's okay guys," Gabriel said parking his car. "I'm used to it."

"All right," Kurt replied. "Lets hurry in."

When they got out of the car they all raced inside to avoid the press. As they were hurrying in Gabriel was holding onto Kurt's hand which caused a frenzy of questions.

"Gabriel is this your boyfriend?" reporters asked.

"Who is this man you're holding hands with?" others asked.

"How does it feel to be a role model to the gay community?" another reporter asked.

Gabriel ignored all the questions and just hurried inside.

"You two all right?" Gabriel asked.

"Yeah," Leo replied a little out of breath for having to run so fast to get inside.

"How about you babe?" Gabriel asked giving Kurt a kiss.

"I'm fine," Kurt replied. "It was just different."

"Yeah, sorry, but I'm afraid you're going to have to get used to it," Gabriel said. "Will you be okay with that?"

"Yeah," Kurt nodded, "I'm sure I'll be fine."

"Good," Gabriel smiled taking hold of Kurt's hand and giving it a little squeeze. "I love you."

"I love you too," Kurt replied.

"All right, well you two just go on in and I'm going to get to work," Leo said as they all entered the big hall the event was in. When they walked inside they were impressed by the turn out, there were tons of people filling the room. Many all looked over and shouted in excitement when they saw Gabriel enter the room.

"He is here!" a very flamboyant boy around 17 years old shouted.

Many raced over to Gabriel.

"Oh crap," Kurt said, "I'm going to go get us a drink before I get tackled by these people."

"Okay, sorry," Gabriel said feeling bad for all this attention.

"It's fine babe," Kurt replied as he hurried out of the way just as a mob of fans came running up to Gabriel.

Kurt went to a refreshment table to get some punch. As he was there Nick and Luke came up to greet him.

"Looks like Gabriel is the hit of this event," Nick said giving Kurt a hug.

"I know, did you see all the press outside?" Kurt asked.

"It was insane," Luke replied giving Kurt a hug as well.

"How are you two doing?" Kurt asked.

"Doing good," Nick replied.

"Is Leo here yet?" Luke asked.

"Yeah, he's somewhere," Kurt replied looking around the room for him. "But Luke, I don't think talking to him is a good idea."

"Yeah Luke," Nick agreed, "Just let it rest for now."

"I just want to make one last attempt," Luke said.

"Luke I think it's great you want to make amends with Leo, but he's so stubborn that once he's made up his mind he usually sticks to it," Kurt said.

"I know, but I have to give it one more try," Luke said.

"Well good luck," Kurt said as he saw Leo enter the room talking to one of the other workers from the center. "There he is."

Luke saw him, "I'll be back."

"Got to love the guy for trying so hard," Kurt said.

"Yeah," Nick replied. "He's really shown that he's come a long way."

"Good for him," Kurt said.

"His ex has been showing up though," Nick said.

"Really?" Kurt asked, "And what has he been doing about it?"

"He told him that he didn't want to see him," Nick replied.

"Good," Kurt replied.

"But his ex wants us all to be friends," Nick said.

"What a joke. That's never going to happen," Kurt said.

"Exactly," Nick said, "That's what I said."

"His ex is just going to try and make waves for the two of you," Kurt said, "Don't let him get to you."

"I won't," Nick replied.

"Hey guys," Ryan said walking up to them.

"Hey Ryan," Nick said giving him a hug. "How are you?"

"I'm good," Ryan replied. "Hey Kurt."

"Hi," Kurt smiled giving Ryan a quick hug.

"I didn't know Gabriel Brocks was going to be here," Ryan said, "How did Leo pull that off?"

"He didn't," Kurt replied, "I guess you can say I did."

"Oh because of the interview you did with him?" Ryan asked.

"Sort of," Kurt said.

"He doesn't know?" Nick asked.

"Know what?" Ryan asked.

Kurt quickly gave Nick a punch in the arm for blowing the secret.

"Ryan, can I talk to you for a minute?" Kurt asked.

"Sure," Ryan replied as him and Kurt walked away together to talk privately.

"You look nice tonight," Kurt said trying to ease into the conversation.

"Thanks," Ryan replied, "So what did you want to tell me?"

"It's about Gabriel Brocks," Kurt said.

"Aw Kurt, did you ask him to come because you knew I'm such a big fan of his?" Ryan asked feeling flattered.

"Not really," Kurt replied not too sure how to say it. "Um, Gabriel is a really great guy."

"Yeah, he seems like it," Ryan said, "I didn't hear him being rude to any of the people around him when I walked in."

"Ryan you're making this really hard for me to tell you," Kurt said.

"I'm sorry," Ryan said, "What is it?"

"Gabriel and I are dating," Kurt said spitting it all out.

"Huh?" Ryan asked confused. "Dating?"

"Yeah," Kurt replied. "Him and I are a couple."

"Whoa! Wait, that's the person you're dating now?" Ryan asked shocked.

"Yeah," Kurt answered. "We've been dating about a month now."

"You're dating a super star," Ryan said.

"I guess you could say that," Kurt said.

"Can't really compete with that huh?" Ryan asked.

"What do you mean compete?" Kurt asked curious.

"It's nothing," Ryan said, "Kurt, I'm glad you've found someone great to start dating."

"Thanks," Kurt replied sheepishly, he hated to make Ryan feel uncomfortable.

"Well I should let you get back to him," Ryan said, "It was good seeing you tonight."

"You're not leaving are you?" Kurt asked.

"I think so," Ryan replied. "There's no real need for me to be here."

"No, don't leave," Kurt said. "I don't want you to leave because of me."

"Kurt, I just feel weird being here with you and your famous boyfriend," Ryan said.

"Ryan, please just stay," Kurt said.

"Why?" Ryan asked.

"Because I still care about you," Kurt replied. "I know we're not together anymore, but I do still care about you."

"So you want us to be friends?" Ryan asked.

"Yeah," Kurt replied. "Do you think we can do that?"

"I'm not sure," Ryan said.

"Can we at least try?" Kurt asked.

Before Ryan could reply Gabriel came behind Kurt wrapping his arms around him.

"Hey babe," Gabriel said, "Thank you for being so patient."

"It's fine," Kurt replied. "Gabriel I want you to meet Ryan."

"Nice to meet you," Gabriel said shaking Ryan's hand.

"Nice to meet you too," Ryan replied.

"How do you two know each other?" Gabriel asked.

Kurt wasn't too sure how to answer that, but before he could Ryan answered for the both of them.

"We're friends," Ryan replied.

Kurt gave Ryan a grateful smile.

"Well I guess I'm going to go mingle. I'll see you both later," Ryan said excusing himself.

"Nice meeting you," Gabriel said.

"Thank you Ryan," Kurt said Ryan gave Kurt a smile before walking away. Gabriel looked back and forth between Ryan and Kurt, he had a sinking feeling that there is or was more between them then just friendship, but decided to drop it.

"So they have some good music playing," Gabriel said, "You want to go dance?"

"Love to," Kurt replied as the two made their way to the center of the room where there was a little dance area set up.

Meanwhile, Leo was across the room working and doing everything he could to avoid Luke.

"Leo, will you please stop walking away from me and let me talk to you for one minute," Luke pleaded.

"Can't now, I'm busy," Leo replied.

"Leo, this is my last attempt to try and reconcile with you," Luke said.

"All right, well I'll save you the trouble and tell you how it will turn out," Leo said, "I don't want to be your friend. End of final attempt."

"Leo, nothing is going on with my ex and me," Luke said. "I don't want him anywhere near me."

"Good for you," Leo said, "I wonder how long that will last?"

"Dammit Leo!" Luke said, "Please just talk to me."

"Instead of spending all this time trying to talk to me when you know I'm not going to change my mind, why don't you just go be with Nick?" Leo asked. "I already told him I'm not going to stand in the way between you two."

"Luke!" Wayne said coming up to him.

"Wayne, what the hell are you doing here?" Luke asked.

"I can only imagine," Leo said sarcastically, "Excuse me."

Leo then walked away from Luke and Wayne.

"Why are you here Wayne?" Luke asked.

"You said you and Nick would be here tonight and I just wanted to apologize to Nick myself," Wayne said.

"I'll give him the message," Luke said grabbing Wayne's arm, "You have to go."

"No," Wayne said shrugging Luke off, "This is a neat little event going on here. I think I'll stay."

"Wayne, you're going to make me and Nick uncomfortable if you stay here," Luke said. "Please go."

"No," Wayne replied walking away. "I'll catch you later."

Nick was talking with some of the guest at the event when there was a tap on his shoulder, he turned around and was surprised to see Joey.

"Joey!" Nick said giving him a hug, "How are you?"

"I'm okay," Joey replied, "How are you? I was hoping to see you here tonight."

"I'm good," Nick said, "How is everything? How's your mom?"

"Not great," Joey sighed. "She just couldn't accept me being gay. She tried her best, but she just couldn't do it."

"I'm sorry Joey," Nick sighed sadly.

"Yeah, so last month when I turned 18 I moved out," Joey said.

"You did?" Nick asked, "Are you doing okay?"

"Yeah," Joey replied. "I'm doing okay."

"Well if you need anything I want you to call me okay?" Nick asked. "You still have my number right?"

"Yeah I do," Joey said, "Thanks."

"All right well be sure to call me sometime okay?" Nick asked.

"I will," Joey replied. "Thanks Nick. It really meant a lot to me that you helped me. No one has ever taken the time to do something like that for me before."

"You're a good kid Joey," Nick said giving him a hug, "Just keep reminding yourself that and you'll be fine."

"Well I'll talk to you later okay?" Joey asked.

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

Luke came up to Nick just as Joey left.

"Hey," Luke said giving Nick a kiss.

"Oh hey," Nick replied. "Too bad you just missed Joey."

"Who's Joey?" Luke asked.

"He's this kid that I tried helping out a few months ago with his mom," Nick replied. "Real nice kid."

"So bad news," Luke said.

"What is it?" Nick asked.

"Wayne is here and he's looking for you," Luke replied.

"Why would he be looking for me?" Nick asked.

"Because he's determined to make life hell for us," Luke replied. "Come on, lets get out of here."

"All right," Nick said as the two started heading out.

Before they could go though, Wayne approached them.

"There you are Nick," Wayne said as he walked up to them, "I've been looking for you. Did Luke tell you I was looking for you?"

"Yeah he did," Nick said through gritted teeth.

"Well good," Wayne said, "I just wanted to talk to you and tell you that I'm sorry for trying to interfere with your relationship with Luke."

"It's okay," Nick said as him and Luke tried to walk away, but Wayne wouldn't let them.

"I mean, how insensitive of me to try and interfere between two people who love each other," Wayne said, "Kind of like how you did with Luke and me."

"Excuse me?" Nick asked, "I wasn't even talking to Luke when the two of you broke up."

"Yeah, but you're the reason we broke up because all he could do was think about you," Wayne said.

"Watch it Wayne," Luke warned.

"Or what?" Wayne asked, "You couldn't possibly hurt me more than you already have."

"So much for us all getting together and becoming friends," Nick said.

"Yeah, that was all a big lie," Wayne said, "I just came to tell you that it's not over between us."

"What do you mean us?" Nick asked.

"Not you and me, I'm talking about Luke and me," Wayne replied. "Him and I belong together. He'll see that eventually and come to his senses."

"If he was with you for three years and you couldn't get him to stay then obviously it wasn't right for you two," Nick said.

"Or maybe he just needed to get you out of his system so he's just taking you out for one last ride before he realizes that him and I are supposed to be together," Wayne said. "Prepare for a fight Nick. Because I'm not giving up."

"Let's just go Nick," Luke said pulling Nick away from Wayne.

"This isn't over," Wayne said.

"Actually, it is," Nick said as he turned and walked away with Luke.

"It's not over. Not by a long shot," Wayne said quietly to himself.

Before Nick and Luke left though, Leo quickly ran up to them.

"Nick, I think Jesse is here," Leo said.

"What?" Nick asked confused.

"I'm losing it, but I thought I saw Jesse," Leo said.

"Where?" Nick asked looking around the room.

Leo looked around and couldn't see the person he thought was Jesse anymore.

"I don't see him anymore," Leo said.

"Leo, if Jesse was awake I'm sure you would be the first person he called," Nick said.

"I know, but I could have sworn that it was him," Leo said looking around the room one more time.

"Leo, I think that maybe your mind is just playing tricks on you," Nick said, "You've been under a lot with Tristan leaving and this job and tonight's event and the AA meetings. I think you just need some reast."

"Maybe you're right," Leo sighed, "Maybe I am just working too hard right now."

"Yeah," Nick said, "Just take it easy."

"Okay," Leo said, "Thanks Nick. Sorry for the second freak out."

"It's fine," Nick said giving Leo a hug,"Luke and I are going to go, but I'll call you tomorrow."

"Okay, bye Nick," Leo said, he then turned to Luke and gave him a glare, "Luke."

"Night Leo," Luke replied letting the glare roll off his shoulder.

After the event was over Kurt and Gabriel were saying bye to Leo.

"You did a great job," Kurt said giving Leo a hug.

"Thanks," Leo replied.

"It was awesome Leo," Gabriel said giving Leo a hug as well. "I'll definitely be coming to more of these events."

"I'm sure they would love having you here," Leo said. "Sorry for all the press that was here earlier."

"It's all good," Gabriel said as him and Kurt started heading out hand in hand. As they were leaving Kurt noticed Ryan standing to the side of the room talking to a very attractive man, about 6 ft. black hair and even from far away he could tell that this guy had the most amazing blue eyes. The two were smiling and talking together and he noticed the guy give Ryan his number. Kurt was happy to see that Ryan met someone, but at the same time couldn't help but feel a little bit of jealousy.

"Everything okay?" Gabriel asked seeing that Kurt looked a little distracted.

"Yeah, I'm great," Kurt replied.

"You're going to stay over at my place tonight right?" Gabriel asked.

"Definitely," Kurt replied giving Gabriel a kiss.

When everyone left Leo was just grabbing some papers from his office and then headed outside. He got outside and looked the door, when he turned around he saw someone with their back facing him looking around the outside of the building complex.

"Hi, can I help you with something?" Leo asked.

"I'm really not too sure," a familiar voice replied. The person turned around and Leo felt the wind get knocked out of him when he saw the person's face, "Can you help me?"

"Oh my God," Leo sighed, "Jesse."

To Be Continued...

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