Phases

xCopyright and Disclaimer: 1. This is a fictional story with fictional characters. 2. No one is to steal this story under any circumstances. 3. This story deals with relationships and not sex, so if you're looking for a story with a lot of sex in it, this isn't the story for you.

Here's the season 2 finale. This chapter is one that is going to completely change the course of this story. I am going to take a little break after this and write the third series of chapters which I hope you will all enjoy. Here's part 30 entitled "Remember When."

'REMEMBER WHEN'

"You're moving to San Diego?" Kurt asked in shock as Nick, Leo and him were all sitting down for breakfast together at Nick's place.

"Yeah," Nick replied. "Luke got a job promotion there and asked me to go with him."

"Oh my God," Leo said stunned. "I can't believe it."

"You guys, it's only a couple hours away," Nick reasoned, "We drove for three hours every week up to visit Leo when he was in rehab."

"But that was only temporary," Kurt said. "This is indefinitely."

"I know it's a big change," Nick said, "But this is really what I want to do. I love Luke and I want to be with him. Besides, if we move it will also hopefully get Wayne off our backs."

"That's true," Kurt said. "But still, it's a huge change for all of us. We've been here together for so long."

"What are you doing with your apartment?" Leo asked.

"I'm going to sublet it," Nick replied.

"I just thought we were coming here for breakfast, I didn't know you were also serving a side of life changing decisions," Leo said.

"Nick, don't think we aren't happy you and Luke are back together, because we are," Kurt began, "It's just-"

"Have you thought this decision through all the way?" Leo asked finishing Kurt's sentence.

"You guys I've been thinking this over for the past two weeks and every time I think it through I come up with the same answer," Nick said. "I want to do this and I would really like the support of my two best friends."

"Then of course we'll support you," Kurt said. "It's just going to be very sad for us."

"You're breaking the group up," Leo half-joked, wanting to make Nick feel a little bad for leaving him and Kurt.

"I'm sorry," Nick said, "I love you both so much, but I really think this is best for me."

"What are you going to do about work?" Kurt asked.

"My editor is going to have the letters forwarded to me in San Diego and I'll e-mail the column to him," Nick replied.

"I can't believe you're going to be leaving this place," Leo said looking around the apartment, "Remember when we all lived here together?"

"Of course," Nick laughed, "It was almost the end of all of us being friends."

"I always woke up every morning to the sound of you and Kurt arguing over the bathroom," Leo remembered.

"Nick! Hurry up with the bathroom! Other people in this apartment have to get ready too!" Kurt shouted pounding on the bathroom door. It was six years ago and Nick, Kurt and Leo all lived together. Nick was fresh out of college, Kurt was in his third year of college while Leo was a sophomore in college. They moved in with each other a year earlier. Nick and Kurt had originally got the place together, but had an extra room in the apartment so decided to rent it out to someone, so Kurt asked Leo to move in. Kurt and Leo had met in college and were lab partners with each other for Chemistry. The two became fast friends and luckily Leo was in need of a place to live so Kurt introduced him to Nick and the three instantly got along. Leo quickly moved in with them. At first everything was great, the three loved living together, but after a year the fun started to fade. Leo woke up every morning to the same argument between Nick and Kurt, they were always fighting over the bathroom. Because Nick had work in the morning and Kurt had an early class it was always a race to see who would make it to the bathroom first the get ready.

"Nick! I have to get to class! Hurry your ass up!" Kurt shouted pounding on the door.

"Don't worry, I was just waking up anyway," Leo groaned as he rolled out of bed and headed to the kitchen to get a cup of juice.

"Sorry to wake you as usual Leo," Kurt said and then shouted again at Nick in the bathroom, "But some people are just so inconsiderate about sharing the bathroom. We only have one Nick!"

"All right! All right! I'm done," Nick said opening the bathroom door.

"About time," Kurt said as Nick came out and Kurt quickly went inside and closed the door.

"Morning Leo," Nick said as he entered the kitchen where Leo was sitting reading a magazine with a cup of coffee. Nick went to pour himself a glass, but when he got to the pot he found that there was no coffee. "Leo, where's the coffee?"

"I forgot to set the timer last night," Leo replied simply and went back to reading his paper.

"Leo, I told you last night before I went to sleep to set the timer for the coffee," Nick said.

"Yeah and I forgot, I'm sorry," Leo replied not seeing the big deal.

"Leo, I asked you to do one simple thing," Nick said.

"I don't even drink that much coffee," Leo said, "You and Kurt are the ones who practically inhale it. Why couldn't you just set the damn timer?"

"Because I was busy trying to fix the computer that you downloaded a virus too," Nick retorted.

"Oh my God! How many times do I have to apologize about the damn virus on your computer?" Leo asked. "It was an accident."

"Maybe if you weren't downloading porn all the time," Nick shot at Leo.

"Whatever," Leo said getting up, "I'm going to my room. I should be asleep any way."

"Of course you walk away right in the middle of an argument," Nick pointed out.

"I don't want to start my day out on a crappy note," Leo said, "Just go to work already and leave me alone."

"Alone to do what? Waste another day just being lazy?" Nick asked. "When was the last time you even went to class?"

"I went last week," Leo replied. "Who are you? My mother?"

"Might as well be for all the times I've had to clean up around this apartment after you," Nick said.

"Where did that come from?" Leo asked, "Do you just have a list of stuff you want to use against me so when a fight arises you can just lay them all out there?"

"If I did it would be a long, long list," Nick replied.

"Stop fighting you two!" Kurt yelled out from the bathroom.

"You should be used to it by now," Leo called back to Kurt, "Nick gets on my ass practically every day."

"You two have got to stop fighting over the dumbest things," Kurt said coming out of the bathroom.

"Please, you're one to talk. You're always getting on Nick's ass when he's in the restroom before you in the morning," Leo said.

"That's only because Nick takes a whole hour to get ready in there when he knows that I need to use it also," Kurt said.

"Then just wake up before me," Nick replied. "Then you can get in the bathroom before me."

"Or you can just be a little more courteous," Kurt said, he then looked at his watch, "Whatever, I don't have time for this, I'm going to be late for class."

"And I'm going to be late for work," Nick said, "I guess I'll just have to stop by Starbucks along the way since someone didn't set the timer for the coffee."

"Oh boo hoo," Leo said.

Kurt and Nick both left and Leo went back to his room, slamming the door shut.

PRESENT DAY

Nick opened up his closet door and took out his suit cases to start packing some stuff up. Kurt and Leo were sitting on his bed still in partial shock over the news of him moving.

"Wait, you're packing up already?" Leo asked. "When are you leaving?"

"Two days," Nick replied.

"Two days?" Kurt asked. "Why so soon?"

"Luke wants us to go get settled into the new area before he starts his job," Nick replied.

"Where are you going to live down there? Do you guys already have a place?" Leo asked.

"No, we're going to stay at a hotel until we find an apartment," Nick replied.

"I still can't believe this," Leo said, "Nick, you can't just tell us you're leaving in two days and expect us to be okay with this."

"I know that it's a lot," Nick said, "I know that, but I just really need you guys to be supportive here, this is a big deal for me."

"We know that," Kurt said, "And we are happy for you, but you have to realize that it's sad for us as well."

"It's sad for me too," Nick said. "But we'll still see each other a lot and we'll call all the time. I promise."

"You better," Leo said giving Nick a hug.

The three then started to help pack Nick's things.

Meanwhile, Jesse was in another therapy session working to regain his memory.

"Tell me about Leo," Dr. Walton said.

"Leo is great," Jesse said. "He's been so great with me through all of this and I just wish that I could thank him by remembering him."

"Well the memories you've gotten back seem to be ones that revolve around him," Dr. Walton pointed out. "Maybe he's the key person to help you get it all back. Are there things about him that seem familiar to you?"

"I guess little things," Jesse replied.

"Such as?" Dr. Walton asked.

"Well, when I'm close to him and I can smell him, it just smells familiar,' Jesse replied. "It's this fresh, clean smell. It's hard to describe, but anytime I smell anything similar to it I think of him.

And then when he smiles at me I just get this feeling inside of me, it's a feeling I know I've had before, but I just can't quite place it."

"Do you think it's love?" Dr. Walton asked.

"I don't know," Jesse said. "Can you love someone you can hardly remember?"

"Your mind might not remember, but maybe your heart does," Dr. Walton answered.

"You think that's possible?" Jesse asked.

"Jesse, when it comes to love, anything is possible," Dr. Walton said with a smile.

"I don't know," Jesse sighed. "It frustrating."

"Well just close your eyes and concentrate," Dr. Walton said. "I know we didn't have much luck with this on our session a couple days ago, but it worked on your first session. So lets try this again."

Jesse closed his eyes and tried to relax.

"Now think about Leo," Dr. Walton said. "Memories with him seem to come to mind easiest. Just relax and concentrate."

Jesse relaxed and kept his eyes closed keeping his thoughts focused on Leo. He was almost in a dream-like state when memories started pouring into him. He remembered suddenly going to college, getting his first job, moving out of his parents' place and into his apartment. Memories came pouring in, the memories that stuck out the most however, were the ones with Leo. He remembered their first date, first kiss, first time they made love. Jesse opened his eyes and a big smile drew across his face.

"What is it?" Dr. Walton asked.

"I remember," Jesse smiled.

Back at Nick's place Kurt was going through one of Nick's drawers and emptying things into a box. Through all the stuff he found an old picture of the three of them when they lived at the apartment together. Just looking at the photo you could tell the three were not getting along during that time for none of them had a smile on their face and both standing a comfortable distance away from each other.

"Oh my god," Kurt laughed, "Look at this picture."

Leo and Nick both joined Kurt. They laughed also when they saw the picture.

"God, we look like we're ready to kill each other," Leo laughed.

"When was this picture taken?" Nick asked.

"I think it was during that party we had here a week or so before we decided to move out," Kurt replied.

SIX YEARS AGO

Nick, Kurt and Leo were having a party to try and have at least one night of fun in their apartment since they haven't had an enjoyable evening together for a while, they all thought that having a bunch of people over could change things. Kurt was walking around giving out drinks to people, most he didn't even know.

"Who are half these people?" Kurt asked Nick.

"I don't know," Nick replied. "I only invited like five out of the thirty people here."

"Yeah, I only invited two," Kurt said. "I thought we were just going to have a little get together. I made cookies!"

"Well ask Leo," Nick said. "These are probably most of his friends."

"I can't, because some how I got turned into the beer bitch at this party and am busy handing out drinks," Kurt said, "You go ask him."

"You are such a push-over Kurt, if you don't want to serve them all drinks then don't," Nick said.

"I know, I just can't help myself," Kurt groaned walking away.

Nick then walked over to Leo who just got done taking a shot of tequila.

"Leo," Nick said getting Leo's attention.

"What?" Leo asked.

"Who are all these people?" Nick asked.

"I don't know," Leo replied. "I only know like ten of these people."

"Okay well if only seventeen of the people here are people we actually know then what the hell are the rest of these people doing here?" Nick asked.

"You guys said 'lets have a party tonight,' so I told my friends and they obviously told their friends," Leo answered.

"Leo, can you for once be considerate of other people?" Nick asked.

"You're one to talk," Leo replied. "You're hogging the bathroom in the morning all the time from Kurt."

"Leo, now after this party, Kurt and I will be up until the crack of dawn cleaning this mess," Nick said.

"I'll help," Leo said.

"Oh yeah right," Nick replied. "If you're not passed out in an hour then I'll be surprised."

"Can you two not fight right now," Kurt said quietly to the two of them. "We don't want to cause a scene at our own party."

"What would it matter? It's not like half the people here know us or who's place this belongs to anyway," Nick said.

"You seriously need to relax a bit and just have some fun," Leo said. "Stop being such a stick in the mud."

"Stop being so immature," Nick said.

"Stop fighting," Kurt said trying to calm the two down.

"Oh hey you three," their friend, Gwen, said coming up to them. Gwen was one of the few people that they actually invited. She held up her camera, "Get together so I can take a picture of the three of you."

"Oh great," Leo sigh rolling his eyes. The three got together, but kept a comfortable distance apart and didn't even attempt to smile.

"One, two, three," Gwen said before taking the picture.

PRESENT DAY

The three just got done taking a picture together with Nick's camera. He wanted to take some photos with the guys before he left to capture some memories.

"Well this picture I'm sure will look a hell of a lot better then that one that Gwen took," Nick said tossing the older picture in a box.

The three looked around Nick's room and saw how empty it was beginning to look.

"Geez," Kurt sighed. "It's really happening."

"Yeah," Leo replied. "It is."

"You know, this day was going to come eventually," Nick said. "If it wasn't me moving somewhere it would have been one of you two."

"I guess I just never really gave it much thought," Kurt said.

"Yeah, I just assumed we'd always be close by each other," Leo added.

"Well, you're right," Kurt said. "It did have to happen eventually."

"We just didn't want it to," Leo said.

"Let's take a little break okay?" Nick suggested.

"Sounds good," Kurt said. "I should go home and change. I'm not exactly wearing my 'pack your best friend up to move' clothes."

"All right, well how about we meet a later," Nick said. "Just come by this evening. We'll get dinner and then pack some more."

"Okay," Leo said. "I should go check on Jesse real quick."

"We'll see you later," Kurt said giving Nick a hug. "I love you."

"I love you too," Nick replied.

"Me too," Leo said joining in on the hug.

"I love you guys so much," Nick said.

The three all fought to hold back a few tears.

"Okay, we'll see you later," Kurt said breaking the hug.

Kurt and Leo then left leaving Nick to have some alone time with his apartment that he'll soon be leaving.

"Looks like it'll be just the two of us," Kurt said taking Leo's hand.

"Yeah," Leo sighed. "It'll be different."

"We'll make this work," Kurt said. "You and I will go down every weekend to see him."

"Yeah," Leo said. "It'll be fine."

"Won't be the same, but it'll be okay," Kurt said sounding a little less enthusiastic with the idea.

"Yeah, it'll be cool," Leo sighed as they walked out to the parking lot.

"You coming home first?" Kurt asked.

"No, I'm going to check on Jesse real quick," Leo said. "He'll be finishing up a therapy session in a bit."

"All right. I'll see you later," Kurt said as he headed to his car.

"Bye," Leo replied going to his car and then driving off to see Leo.

Kurt needed to talk to someone, he took out his cell phone and made a call.

"Hey it's me....I'm sorry to bug you like this, but I need to talk to someone. You think we can meet at the diner by my apartment?" Kurt asked. "Thanks."

When Kurt got to the diner he went inside and saw Ryan sitting at a corner booth waiting for him.

"Thanks for meeting with me," Kurt said sitting down.

"No, I'm glad you called," Ryan replied. "How are you?"

"Been better," Kurt replied.

"Kurt, about when I kissed you-" Ryan began, but Kurt cut him off.

"Ryan, you don't have to explain yourself," Kurt said. "I actually wanted to tell you that Nick is moving."

"What? Where?" Ryan asked.

"San Diego," Kurt replied.

"Wow," Ryan said. "Why is he moving down there?"

"Luke got a job promotion so he's going with him," Kurt replied.

"That's great, right?" Ryan asked.

"I guess," Kurt replied. "I'm just going to miss him."

"San Diego isn't that far away," Ryan said.

"I know, but it's far enough," Kurt said.

"You okay?" Ryan asked.

"I just feel weird," Kurt replied. "I mean, I'm happy for him, but I'm just a little sad. Nick and I have always lived close to one another since we were kids. Him, Leo and I have been this little unit for so long that it will feel weird not having him there."

"I know," Ryan said.

"It would be so much easier if we got along the way we did six years ago," Kurt said.

"What happened then?" Ryan asked.

"The three of us were not getting along at all," Kurt replied.

"Really?" Ryan asked.

"Yeah, remember how I told you that the three of us used to live together?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah."

"Well, we all moved out to our own places cause we couldn't stand living with one another," Kurt laughed.

SIX YEARS AGO

Kurt was on the phone with his mom, while Leo and Nick were arguing in the living room.

"So how are things?" Monica asked.

Kurt looked into the living room at Nick and Leo fighting over the TV.

"I told you that there was a show on the Discovery channel I've been wanting to watch," Nick said trying to grab the remote control from Leo.

"I'm watching something," Leo said trying to ignore Nick.

"You're such a little brat," Nick said.

"Whatever," Leo rolled his eyes.

"Things have been better," Kurt replied to his mom's question.

"What's wrong sweetie?" Monica asked. "You three still having troubles living together?"

"Always," Kurt said going into his bedroom.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Monica said. "I have some news for you."

"You do?" Kurt asked.

"Well, your step-father and I are planning to go back east for a bit," Monica said.

"As in move?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah, just for about six months or so," Monica replied. "There's a doctor there that I'm taking your step-father to see."

"His health still isn't improving huh?" Kurt asked.

"No," Monica sighed. "So we'll be back there for a while."

"What are you going to do when you come back?" Kurt asked.

"We're going to move back into the house," Monica replied. "The family that is subletting now are going to be leaving in a couple months, so it'll be free for us."

"When are you leaving?" Kurt asked.

"Two weeks," Monica said. "I want him to get the treatment from the doctor as soon as possible."

"Well I hope it goes well," Kurt said.

"Thanks honey," Monica said. "I have to go. I'll call you later. Love you."

"Love you too," Kurt replied before he hung up.

He then went back into the living room with Nick and Leo who were dead silent.

"What's wrong?" Kurt asked knowing the two were in a bad mood.

"Nothing, Leo's just being himself as usual," Nick spat.

"And Nick is just being annoying as usual," Leo replied.

"God, why do we even live with each other?" Nick asked.

"That's a very good question," Leo replied. "It's one I've been thinking over for a while."

"What?" Kurt asked surprised by this.

"Look, none of us get along living here," Leo replied.

"Maybe it's time we all do something about it."

"What are you suggesting?" Nick asked.

"I've been looking for other places to live," Leo replied.

"You have?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah," Leo replied. "I think that's the only way we'll survive."

"Wow," Kurt said. "I knew we were having trouble living together, but I didn't think it would come to this."

"But I think it might just be for the best," Nick agreed.

The three of them all looked at one another, knowing that they had to face this sooner or later.

"Well, lets sit down and just all talk about this," Kurt said.

"Okay," Leo agreed.

The three sat together and for the first time in a long time had a real and honest conversation with each other.

PRESENT TIME

"If we got along now how we did back then, I probably would be okay with Nick moving to San Diego," Kurt said. "But now, it's hard to even imagine him not being near me."

"Anything I can do?" Ryan asked sincerely.

"No," Kurt said. "Thank you though. You're really sweet."

"Can I ask you something?" Ryan asked.

"Sure," Kurt replied.

"Why did you want to talk to me about this?" Ryan asked. "Why didn't you just call Gabriel?"

"I know, I shouldn't have bothered you with this," Kurt replied.

"No, it's not that I'm bothered with it. I'm not at all. I'm just curious why you called me," Ryan explained.

"Because you know me better," Kurt said honestly, "Gab isn't around enough to know how much Nick moving would upset me. You do. I feel like I can talk to you about some of these more personal things because you would understand them better. It isn't Gab's fault, he's busy, but I just wish that he knew me-"

"The way I do," Ryan finished Kurt's sentence.

"Yeah," Kurt sighed. "I know I shouldn't be saying this stuff to you and I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize," Ryan said. "It's nice to know that I am still an important person in your life."

"Of course you are," Kurt said. "Always will be."

The two sat there looking at one another, both frustrated at the situation they're in with one another.

Meanwhile, Leo was waiting at Jesse's parents' place when Jesse came home from the doctors.

"Hey," Leo said giving Jesse a hug. "How was therapy?"

Jesse didn't say anything he just leaned in and kissed Leo wrapping his arms tightly around him.

"I love you so much," Jesse said holding Leo tightly.

"What's going on?" Leo asked confused.

"Do you want me to tell you about our first date? When we got back together? I can now. I remember," Jesse smiled.

"What?" Leo asked with a huge smile growing on his face. "You remember?"

"I remember everything," Jesse replied.

"Yeah?" Leo asked excited.

"Yes," Jesse replied.

"Oh my God!" Leo said jumping into Jesse's arms. "I can't believe it!"

Leo's eyes began to fill with tears, for he feared this day might never come.

"I remember everything so clearly," Jesse said. "I don't know what happened, but I just was thinking of you and suddenly all these memories came pouring back in."

"This is unbelievable," Leo said giving Jesse a kiss. "So you really remember?"

"I remember," Jesse replied. "Come on. Let's go out an celebrate."

"Shouldn't we tell your parents?" Leo asked.

"We will, but I want to take you out for being so patient with me," Jesse replied.

"I am so happy for you," Leo said giving Jesse another kiss.

"For us," Jesse said.

Over at Nick's place he was looking at his apartment and realizing how much he would miss it. It was going to be very different not having his place anymore and not having Kurt and Leo only a few minutes away from him. After taking a few minutes to reflect he began to pack up again and started to assemble another cardboard box to pack things up in.

SIX YEARS AGO

Kurt finished packing up the rest of his things in one more cardboard box. He looked around his now empty room. Nick came in and stood by the door.

"We're really doing it," Nick said.

"Leo and I are," Kurt joked. "You're just being lazy and staying in this apartment by yourself."

"So you're going to be moving into your mom and step-dad's apartment?" Nick asked.

"Yeah, I'm going to take it over for them," Kurt replied. "Going up the steps at the apartment building is too much work for my step-dad. Him and my mom are going to move back into my old house when they get back from New York."

"I see," Nick nodded. The two grew quiet for a moment to reflect on the status of their friendship. "We're still friends right?"

"Of course we are," Kurt replied. "We've been best friends for years now. We just obviously can't live together."

"At least not all three of us," Nick said. "Actually, pretty much the only way it would work is if you and I lived together or you and Leo lived together. Leo and I are just too opposite to live with one another and I'm sorry we put you in the middle of a lot of it."

"It's okay," Kurt replied giving Nick a hug.

"Well all my things are ready to go," Leo said coming in and joining Kurt and Nick.

"Let's make a promise," Nick said. "Obviously living together didn't work for us, but we're still friends. We have to keep it that way."

"Yeah," Leo nodded. "I still love you both."

The three hugged each other tightly.

"This will help our friendship," Nick said.

"Absolutely," Kurt agreed.

"Definitely," Leo added.

The three then separated and headed to the front door where Kurt and Leo grabbed the last of their things.

"After you guys settle in a bit let's meet for dinner tonight okay?" Nick asked.

"Okay," Leo replied.

"Yeah," Kurt said.

"Bye," Nick said.

"Bye," Kurt and Leo replied as they left and headed out to their own places.

PRESENT TIME

Nick looked around the old rooms that used to belong to Leo and Kurt that were now a guest room and a storage room. He then went and looked out on his balcony at the beautiful view of the park he would run through every day when he worked out and at the perfect city view. This would definitely be a hard apartment to give up, it not only was his home, but it held so many memories for him. His thoughts were interrupted however by a knock on the door. Nick opened the door to Luke who was holding a little picnic basket.

"How about a nice little meal at the park?" Luke asked.

"Sounds perfect," Nick replied giving Luke a kiss.

At the park Luke noticed how quiet Nick was.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Luke asked.

"I'm just taking everything in," Nick replied. "Before the move."

"You having second thoughts?" Luke asked.

"No," Nick replied. "I want to go with you. I'm just going to miss it here."

"Well I'll make a deal with you," Luke offered. "If you don't like it back here we can move back."

Nick gave Luke a kiss, very touched at how considerate he was of his feelings.

"No, we need to stick it out down there," Nick said. "That job is a great opportunity for you and I don't want you to give it up."

"I think it will be really great down there," Luke said. "New place, we can meet new people and we'll make sure to find an apartment down there with a guest room for Kurt and Leo to stay in any time they want to come down."

"I love that you love my friends," Nick said.

"I do," Luke said. "And I know that they are everything to you so I want to make sure they are considered in all of this."

"We're going to meet a little later if you're free," Nick said.

"I would, but I have some work I need to get done," Luke said. "I have to finish my last few articles there."

"Okay, well if you get done early just give me a call," Nick said.

"Sounds like a plan," Luke said. "What are you guys going to do?"

"I don't know," Nick said. "Probably just go out to dinner and hang out. They're going to help me pack."

"Well I'll come over and stay the night after work to help you finish packing," Luke said.

"Thanks babe," Nick said. The two finished their meal and then Nick headed back to his apartment as Luke headed off to work.

Meanwhile, at the restaurant that Leo and Jesse used to work at and where they first met, they were sitting in a private booth together eating a mid-afternoon appetizer and drinking sparkling cider.

"It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders," Jesse said.

"I'm so glad you got your memory back," Leo sighed. "I've missed us so much."

"I've missed you so much baby," Jesse said holding Leo's hand. "Thank you so much for being so patient with me through all of this. I know it wasn't easy."

"You would have done the same for me," Leo smiled. "It wasn't that bad."

"Well thank you," Jesse said.

"I hate to damper this moment, but I have some news for you," Leo said. "Nick's moving to San Diego."

"He is?" Jesse asked. "Are you okay?"

"Still in denial about it," Leo said. "I can't believe he's actually doing it. He's going down there with Luke."

"How's Kurt doing?" Jesse asked.

"He's about the same as me," Leo replied.

"When is he leaving?" Jesse asked.

"Two days," Leo replied. "Kurt and I are supposed to meet him later today and help him finish packing. You want to come?"

"I'll let you three spend the evening together," Jesse said. "Besides, I should spend some time with my parents."

"Okay," Leo said.

"You're going to be okay," Jesse said. "San Diego isn't that far."

"It's far enough," Leo said. "It's just a big change to get used to."

"You three will work it out," Jesse said. "I know it."

"You think?" Leo asked.

"I do," Jesse assured. "You'll be fine and I'll be there for you."

"I know," Leo said. "Thanks."

"What time do you have to head over to Nick's?" Jesse asked.

"Probably an hour or so," Leo said looking at his watch.

"Well we should get going," Jesse said.

"All right," Leo said giving Jesse a kiss. "Thanks for the pep talk."

"Thanks for helping me get my memory back," Jesse said.

"What did I do?" Leo asked.

"All I had to do was think of you and it helped me," Jesse replied. "So thank you."

Leo just smiled, loving that he finally had Jesse back.

Later on, over at Luke's office he was working late. Everyone else had left. He was finishing up some work when his office phone started ringing.

"This is Luke," he answered.

"How could you?" he heard a lucid voice say.

"Excuse me?" Luke asked.

"How could you do this to me?" this time Luke could tell that it was Wayne, obviously on drugs.

"Wayne? What do you want?" Luke asked not in the mood to talk.

"We could have had it all," Wayne replied. "I loved you so much."

"You tried to come between me and Nick. I have nothing to say to you," Luke said and was about to hang up.

"You'll be sorry," Wayne said.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Luke asked.

"I'm standing outside of Nick's apartment building right now," Wayne replied.

"What?" Luke asked getting worried. He knew from experience that when Wayne was on drugs he got violent. He knew that Nick was in danger.

"You know what it feels like to have the love of your life taken away from you?" Wayne asked.

"Wayne, don't do anything. Please," Luke said.

"Oh, now you play nice?" Wayne asked. "Save it. It's too late for that now. You screwed me over. You ruined my life. I have to return the favor."

"You listen to me you son of a bitch," Luke said. "You leave Nick alone! Did you hear me? You-" But before Luke could finish Wayne hung up. "Shit!" Luke quickly called up Nick, but his phone just went to voice mail.

"Dammit!" He then called up Kurt.

"Hello?" Kurt answered.

"Kurt, are you at Nick's?" Luke asked.

"No, I'm at my place. I'm just about to head over there," Kurt replied.

"Get over there as fast as you can. Nick's in danger," Luke said.

"What are you talking about?" Kurt asked.

"Wayne just called me," Luke answered. "He was drugged out and was calling me from outside Nick's apartment building and I think he's going to try and hurt him. Can you get over there quickly?"

"Oh my God," Kurt said getting worried.

"Now's not the time to freak out. Just get over there now and I'm going to call the police," Luke said. "I'm too far away to get there in time, you're closer. I'll be over as fast as I can."

"I'm on my way," Kurt said and hung up the phone and ran out of his apartment. As Kurt ran down the stairs of his apartment complex Leo was just walking through the building door as Kurt was rushing out.

"Whoa! What's the rush?" Leo asked.

"Come on. We have to hurry to Nick's," Kurt said grabbing Leo's hand and pulling him off. When they got outside they looked at the streets and saw it busy with rush hour traffic.

"Dammit!" Kurt said. "It's too busy to drive. We have to run. It's only a couple blocks."

Kurt then started running still holding onto Leo.

"Can you tell me what's going on?" Leo asked.

"Nick is in danger," Kurt replied. "Wayne called Luke from outside of Nick's apartment building. Luke thinks that Wayne might try to hurt him."

"Oh my God," Leo said and started to speed up his running.

Over at Nick's place he was in his room packing some more. His cell phone was on vibrate and in the kitchen. He couldn't hear the frantic calls that Luke has been making to him. Back in his room he finished packing up another box when there was a knock on his door.

"It's open," Nick called out, expecting Kurt and Leo. "I'm in the bedroom guys."

"Hey Nick," Wayne said walking into Nick's room.

"Wayne?" Nick asked shocked. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Just strolling by," Wayne replied. "Thought I'd say hi."

Nick looked at Wayne's face and saw how drugged out he looked.

"Wayne, are you high right now?" Nick asked nervously.

"Shut up Nick," Wayne said as he closed the door to Nick's room.

Back a couple blocks away Kurt and Leo were both running as fast as their legs could carry them.

"What if we don't make it in time?" Leo asked worried.

"We will," Kurt said trying to be optimistic. Finally after what seemed like an eternity they made it to Nick's place and quickly rushed up to his room and began banging on the door.

"Nick you in there?" Kurt yelled.

Leo turned the door knob and it opened. They both quickly rushed in and looked around. When they got in all the lights were on, but it was quiet.

"Nick!" Leo called out, but they didn't get an answer.

"Nick!" Kurt called out. Nothing. They saw the door to Nick's room closed, but the light inside shining underneath the door frame.

They went into the bedroom and saw Nick lying on the floor.

"Nick? You asleep?" Leo asked as they entered the room. As they got closer they saw that Nick's eyes were open starring blankly at the ceiling.

"Kurt-" Leo said with fear.

"Oh my God," Kurt sighed then ran up to Nick, "Call 911 Leo!"

While Leo was calling for an ambulance Kurt was checking Nick's pulse.

"Come on Nick, don't do this to us," Kurt said trying to wake Nick up, but Nick didn't respond. "Get up Nick!" He checked to see if Nick had any injuries on him, he saw red marks around his neck, like he had been choked.

"They're on their way," Leo said kneeling next to Kurt and trying to revive Nick. "Nick wake up!"

"Don't you dare do this Nick! Don't you dare leave us!" Kurt screamed shaking Nick.

"Is he alive?" Leo asked.

"I don't know," Kurt replied. He then started giving Nick mouth to mouth resuscitation. "Come on Nick! Breath!"

"Wake up Nick!" Leo cried. "Come on, get up. It's us, we're here to hang out with you so please get up!"

Nick didn't respond, he just continued laying there.

"Kurt, he's cold," Leo said feeling the side of Nick's cheek.

"No, no, no, no, no! Come on Nick!" Kurt screamed, "You have to get up. An ambulance is on it's way! You have to pack! You're moving to San Diego with Luke! Wake up Nick!"

"Kurt I think he's dead," Leo said in shock.

"No, he's not dead," Kurt shook his head, refusing to believe that, "He's fine! Nick, wake up! If you leave us I swear I will never forgive you!"

Leo couldn't say anything, he just started crying uncontrollably.

"Nick! No!" Kurt screamed as tears poured down his face. He started to pound Nick's chest to try and get him to breathe, "Don't you even think about doing this to us! You have to get up! Nick!!!!"

"Kurt stop!" Leo said grabbing Kurt's arm before he could pound on Nick's chest again.

Kurt then buried his face in Nick's chest crying.

"Please wake up Nick," Kurt cried.

TWELVE YEARS AGO

Nick and Kurt were both sitting next to each other in their Biology class on the first day of their sophomore year of high school.

"All right class," the teacher said, "Look at the student sitting next to you. That will be your lab partner for the year."

Kurt and Nick both looked at one another and exchanged a quick smile.

"Hi, I'm Nick." Nick shook Kurt's hand.

"Kurt."

"Nice to meet you," Nick smiled.

"You too," Kurt said.

"You good at science?" Nick asked.

"Horrible at it. You?" Kurt asked.

"Awful," Nick laughed.

"Well looks like we'll be doing a lot of cheating in this class," Kurt joked.

"We'll get through it," Nick replied.

The two then started talking and started building their friendship.

PRESENT TIME

"You can't leave me Nick," Kurt cried.

"Nick," Leo cried holding onto Nick's cold hand. "Please."

SEVEN YEARS AGO

Nick was just getting home from work when Kurt came into the door with Leo.

"Hey Nick, you know how we have that extra room and we thought about renting it out to someone?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah," Nick replied.

"Well meet Leo!" Kurt introduced him. "He needs a place to live and we need a roommate."

"Hi," Leo said shaking Nick's hand. "Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too," Nick replied. "Kurt, can I talk to you for a second?"

"Yeah sure," Kurt said. "I'll be right back Leo."

"Okay," Leo said.

"Who is he?" Nick asked as him and Kurt stepped into Nick's bedroom.

"He's a friend of mine that I met in my Chemistry class last semester," Kurt said. "He's really cool and a lot of fun. I told you about him remember? He's the one I go to those parties with."

"Oh yeah," Nick remembered, "I think you did mention him. Are you sure he's going to be a good fit with us here?"

"Positive," Kurt replied. "He's a great guy. Why don't we all go out for a bite to eat and you can really get a chance to get to know him."

"Okay," Nick agreed as they stepped back outside to where Leo was waiting.

"Leo, why don't we all go to eat so we can get a chance to get to know each other first," Nick said.

"Sounds like a plan," Leo smiled.

They three went to lunch and Nick and Leo clicked well and became good friends, while they all became good friends they didn't know it then that they would soon become horrible roommates when they all lived together, but no matter what, they all sincerely cared for and loved each other.

PRESENT TIME

Kurt and Leo both looked at Nick and they knew. Nick was dead.

End of Season 2....To Be Continued...

It was hard saying goodbye to a character who was such an essential part of the story. He was the 'big brother' of the three who watched out for them and who the other two would turn to, but I really feel this will be best for the overall story. I decided to write him off because I think Nick's story was complete. in the end, his big journey I had set out to write for him was opening up to love again and then finding love and he found that in Luke and it just felt right to end the story there. With him now gone from the story it opens further stories up to Kurt and Leo, how will they cope? How will their lives change?

Coming up in the third installment of chapters you are going to see how Kurt and Leo grieve with this loss. Old familiar characters will pop up in the story and the Ryan/Kurt/Gabriel triangle will be resolved. One of the past characters that will pop up again will be around for most of the chapters. I am really looking forward to it.

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