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.

Here's part 44, entitled 'Thanksgiving.' Hope you all have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

"THANKSGIVING"

When Kurt came into the apartment, Ryan was sitting in the living room reading.

"Hey," Ryan said looking up from his book.

"Hi," Kurt replied quietly.

Ryan noticed the distracted look on Kurt's face and asked if everything was all right.

"I'm fine," Kurt replied, not knowing what else to say. He knew he had to tell Ryan, but he didn't know how. Ryan then went back to reading his book, but Kurt sat next to him on the couch and told him that they needed to talk.

"What's going on?" Ryan asked.

"I have to tell you something," Kurt replied. "But I don't even know how to begin telling you this."

"Kurt," Ryan sighed, thinking he knew where this conversation was going, "We've talked about this. Yes, we still love each other, but we can't get back together."

"Um, that's not what I was going to say," Kurt replied.

"It wasn't? Oh," Ryan said feeling foolish, "Never mind then, what is it?"

"I ran into someone downstairs," Kurt said.

"And?" Ryan asked.

"And he wanted to see you," Kurt replied.

"Did you leave him down there? Why didn't you ask him to come up?" Ryan asked. "Who is it?"

"Gordon," Kurt said.

"Gordon? I don't know a Gordon," Ryan replied.

"Gordon Sanchez?" Kurt asked.

"Sanchez?" Ryan asked feeling his stomach drop. "His last name is Sanchez?"

"Yeah," Kurt replied. "Do you see where I'm headed with this?"

"Please tell me that his last name is just a coincidence," Ryan said.

"I wish it was," Kurt answered. "He says he's your dad."

"Is he still downstairs?" Ryan asked.

"Yeah," Kurt replied. "Do you want me to get him?"

"No," Ryan answered quickly. "I don't want to see him."

"But Ryan-" Kurt began, but Ryan cut him off.

"No, Kurt," Ryan protested. "I've gone my whole life with out him. I don't need to see him now."

"Okay," Kurt replied. "I'll be back."

Kurt then went downstairs to the entrance of the apartment building to talk to Gordon.

"Is he home?" Gordon asked.

"Yeah," Kurt replied.

"Can I see him?" Gordon asked.

"Now's not such a good idea," Kurt replied.

"Oh," Gordon said sadly, "I see. Well, maybe tomorrow?"

"I don't think that will be good either," Kurt replied gently. "Ryan doesn't really want to see you."

"Well, maybe if I can just talk to him," Gordon suggested.

"I'm sorry Gordon," Kurt replied. "I don't know what to tell you."

"Will you take my card at least?" Gordon asked handing Kurt a business card with his phone number on it. "If he decides he changes his mind, he can reach me on there."

"Do you live around here?" Kurt asked.

"I live in Newport Beach," Gordon replied. "So I'll come right away if he changes his mind."

"I'll let him know," Kurt said.

"Thank you Kurt," Gordon replied. "I guess I should go."

"Take care," Kurt said sympathetically.

"Thanks," Gordon sighed turning away in defeat.

Kurt watched Gordon leave and couldn't help, but feel bad. He also couldn't help but notice that Gordon drove away in a Bentley. Gordon lives in Newport Beach and drives a Bentley, not exactly the type of things he figured Ryan's birth father might have.

"Interesting," Kurt said to himself as he headed back up to the apartment. When he walked in Ryan was sitting in the kitchen with a much needed glass of vodka in his hand.

"Is he gone?" Ryan asked taking a sip.

"Yeah," Kurt replied. "He left in a Bentley."

"A Bentley?" Ryan asked.

"Yup," Kurt replied. "So, how are you doing?"

"I'm great," Ryan said sarcastically.

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

"I don't know," Ryan replied. "Does that cross the line we have?"

"No," Kurt said. "Friends can talk about this sort of stuff. So talk to me."

"There isn't anything to talk about," Ryan replied. "I don't want him in my life."

"Are you sure?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah," Ryan answered, "I'm going to go to bed."

"But Ryan-" Kurt began.

"No, Kurt," Ryan cut him off, "Please. I don't want to talk about it."

Ryan then went to his room and closed the door on the subject of his father.

A week passed and it was Thanksgiving. Kurt had tried a couple times to talk to Ryan about his father, but each time he tried Ryan would shoot down the conversation and tell Kurt he didn't want to see his father. Meanwhile, Leo and Jesse weren't doing so great either. For the past week Jesse has been worrying about Mark since he found out he had a kid and was concerned on how they were going to tell their parents. While Jesse's been consumed with that he has once again begun to neglect Leo, who at this point has gotten used to being ignored.

Leo and Kurt were in the kitchen at Kurt's place cooking. Leo was making mashed potatoes while Kurt was in charge of the Turkey.

"You've cooked a turkey before, right?" Leo asked.

"No," Kurt replied looking at the turkey in the cooking pan and having no idea what to do. "Nick was always in charge of the turkey."

"Maybe you should wait until your mom comes over and then have her do it," Leo suggested.

"She has a broken arm," Kurt said. "I'm not going to have her cook."

"Well I don't want to eat a bad turkey," Leo said.

"You won't," Kurt replied. "It'll turn out fine."

"Like Nick's?" Leo asked. "Nick always cooked the turkey perfectly."

"I'm going to try," Kurt replied. "You focus on the side dishes and I'll take care of the turkey."

"Great," Leo sighed. "This should be interesting."

"Someone's in a sour mood," Kurt pointed out.

"Sorry," Leo replied. "It's nothing personal."

"Leo, talk to Jesse," Kurt said.

"I've tried," Leo replied. "Really, I have. But it's always one damn thing after another with Mark."

"Speaking of which, is he coming over today?" Kurt asked.

"Unfortunately," Leo replied.

"Leo, have you thought that it might be easier to just learn to get along with him?" Kurt asked.

"Being friends with him is like holding a grenade after you pull the pin," Leo explained. "You never know when it's going to blow up in your face."

"Come on," Kurt said, "I would think you of all people can relate to Mark. You were a bit of a wild card in your younger days."

"Kurt, I'm still young," Leo said. He hated the idea of aging, like most gay men.

"You're almost twenty-five," Kurt said, "Isn't that like fifty in gay years?"

"So since you're older, does that qualify you for senior citizenship?" Leo shot back.

"Just make the mashed potatoes," Kurt said as he looked over the recipe he was following for the turkey.

"Besides, I wasn't anywhere near as bad as Mark," Leo said.

"I'm going to have to disagree," Kurt said. "Remember when Jesse, Nick and I found you dancing nearly naked on top of a bar."

"How could I forget?" Leo remembered, "I almost lost Jesse."

"See how far you've come since those days?" Kurt asked.

"I know, but Mark is different," Leo replied. "He's involved with some bad stuff."

"What bad stuff?" Kurt asked.

"Very bad," Leo replied.

"What happened?" Kurt asked curious.

"I can't say," Leo replied. "Just trust me. You don't want this guy around."

"Come on Leo," Kurt said, really wanting to know, "You have to tell me. We tell each other everything."

"I can't. I promised Jesse," Leo said.

"I won't say anything," Kurt pressed.

"Promise? Not even to Ryan?" Leo asked.

"Ryan has hardly talked to me since his father came," Kurt replied. "You don't have to worry about me telling him."

"Okay," Leo said and proceeded to tell Kurt about the police report he found and the murder that Mark committed and the kid that he has. While Leo told Kurt what was going on, Kurt's mouth continued to drop in disbelief. Before Leo could continue the story however, Ryan came through the front door carrying a couple pies.

"They were all out of pumpkin pie so I got an apple pie and a lemon meringue," Ryan said setting the pies down in the kitchen.

"Thanks," Kurt said.

"Happy Thanksgiving," Leo smiled giving Ryan a hug. "How are you doing?"

"I'm great," Ryan replied. He then commented on the fact that Kurt was cooking the turkey, curious if he should have bought KFC for them to eat, to which Leo roared with laughter.

"Laugh now," Kurt said. "But you all will be kissing my ass when you see how great this turkey will be."

"I'm glad that you two are able to be friends through everything," Leo pointed out. "It would be awful to spend the holidays alone.

"Yeah," Kurt replied. "That reminds me, I have to go somewhere."

"Where?" Leo asked.

"I'll be back in a bit," Kurt replied as he put the turkey in the oven. "When the time goes off I need you to baste the turkey, okay?"

"All right," Leo said.

Kurt then headed out.

"Where's Jesse?" Ryan asked.

"He's with Mark," Leo answered. "They went to go to their parents real quick and then they'll be here."

"How are things with Mark?" Ryan asked.

"Don't get me started," Leo replied.

Meanwhile, Jesse and Mark were driving to their parents when Mark told Jesse to pull the car over.

"What wrong?" Jesse asked as he pulled off to the side of the road.

"I can't see them," Mark replied.

"Why not?" Jesse asked.

"You remember how things went the last time we went over to Mom and Dad's," Mark replied.

"Mark, that was different," Jesse encouraged, "You're trying to get your life together now."

"I said some horrible things to them," Mark sighed.

"Just apologize to them," Jesse said. "It will be fine."

"Do I tell them I have a daughter?" Mark asked.

"Listen to me," Jesse said making sure Mark was looking him in the eye, "You are not going to say one thing about having a daughter until you talk to your friend Nancy and have a paternity test, you understand?"

"Maybe it's too late for me," Mark said.

"Mark, cut out the self-pitying," Jesse said. "Yeah you made a lot of bad mistakes, but get over it. Now pull it together and lets go inside the house."

After a few moments Mark pulled himself together and the two went inside their parents place.

"Hello!" Jesse called out as he walked in.

"We're in the kitchen," Helen called out.

When the two walked in the kitchen, Helen and Darryl were finishing carving the turkey.

"Happy Thanksgiving," Jesse said giving his mom and dad a hug.

"Hey sweetie," Helen said going up to Mark and hugging him tightly, "Happy Thanksgiving."

"You too," Mark replied nervously, he then approached his dad, not sure how to act. "Happy Thanksgiving Dad."

"Good to see you son," Darryl replied cooly shaking Mark's hand. Darryl quickly went back to carving the turkey as Mark sighed sadly, knowing how upset his dad still is at him.

Over across town, Kurt stopped by the hospital and went to the room that Josh was staying in and knocked lightly on the door to get his attention.

"Hey stranger," Kurt smiled, "Mind if I come in?"

"Hey," Josh replied turning off the trashy TV he was watching to pass the time. "What are you doing here on Thanksgiving? Shouldn't you be at home celebrating with friends and family?"

"I am," Kurt replied. "I will be. I just came by to see you."

"You just came by yesterday," Josh pointed out. "Does someone have a crush on me?"

"Don't get full of yourself," Kurt laughed avoiding the question.

"You totally have a crush on me," Josh said. "Just admit it."

"Did anyone ever teach you modesty?" Kurt asked.

"Nope," Josh answered with a smirk. "So why did you come here to visit?"

"I just wanted to," Kurt replied. "Do I need a reason?"

"Well I just hope you're not going out of your way by coming here," Josh replied.

"I'm not," Kurt replied. "So you have any family coming to visit you today?"

"That would be a negative," Josh said. "So my Thanksgiving company is the nurse brining me in a turkey dinner from the cafeteria."

"That's horrible," Kurt said. "Where's your family?"

"They would be somewhere in Chicago," Josh said. "They don't know I'm here in the hospital. They don't know I have cancer for that matter."

"What? Why haven't you told them?" Kurt asked.

"Don't want them to worry," Josh said. "There's nothing they can do. I don't want them around here to watch me die."

"You're not going to die," Kurt said, feeling that was the appropriate answer to give.

"Yes I am," Josh replied. "And I'm okay with that, but what I'm not okay with is the idea of my mom and dad and sister here having to watch me waste away. I can't do that to them."

"You know how upset they will be when they find out you've died and they didn't get a chance to say goodbye?" Kurt asked.

"They'll understand," Josh said. "I have a note written for them that will be sent to them after I've died."

"I don't understand how you can be so calm about all this," Kurt said. "It seems like you've given up on fighting the cancer."

"I guess in a way you can say that I have," Josh said. "I've decided to live out the rest of my days here in the hospital."

"Why?" Kurt asked.

"I don't really want to get into it," Josh replied. "Lets just say that I realized that life in the hospital walls was a lot more comforting then life outside."

"But-" Kurt began, but Josh quickly cut him off.

"Enough about me," Josh said. "Let's talk about this crush you have on me."

"A crush?" Kurt asked. "I don't think I've had a crush since the 6th grade."

"You're falling for me," Josh smiled.

Kurt just laughed as the two of them began to have a nice conversation.

Back at Ryan and Kurt's place, Kurt's mom, Monica, had arrived and was sitting at the kitchen table talking with Leo and Ryan when there was a knock on the door. Ryan opened the door and Gordon was standing there. Not knowing what his father looked like, Ryan didn't have any reaction to seeing him.

"Can I help you?" Ryan asked.

"Yeah, is Kurt here?" Gordon asked.

"No, he's not," Ryan replied. "Was he expecting you?"

"No," Gordon replied, "Are you Ryan?"

"Yeah," Ryan answered.

"Ryan," Gordon sighed quietly, seeing his son for the first time face-to-face.

"Do you want to come in?" Ryan asked.

"I shouldn't," Gordon replied.

"Nonsense," Ryan said, "If you're a friend of Kurt's then you're welcome."

"Oh, well, thank you," Gordon said as he walked inside the apartment.

"I'm sorry, I didn't get your name," Ryan said.

"Um, Frank," Gordon lied, not wanting to reveal himself to Ryan too soon.

"Nice to meet you Frank," Ryan said. He then introduced Leo and Monica to him. When Monica and Gordon locked eyes the two shared an obvious spark.

"Nice to know that my son keeps company with handsome older gentlemen," Monica flirted in a very forward manner.

"You're son is Kurt?" Gordon asked.

"Yes," Monica answered.

"It's very nice to meet the mother of such a nice, young, gentleman," Gordon said.

"Can I get you a drink Frank?" Ryan asked.

"Yes, please," Frank replied.

"Why don't we open the bottle of champagne I brought," Monica said.

"Champagne would be great," Gordon said.

"So how do you and Kurt know each other?" Ryan asked.

"We met at his work," Gordon lied, he didn't even know what Kurt did for a living.

"At the magazine?" Monica asked.

"What magazine?" Gordon asked confused.

"You met Kurt at the magazine he used to work for?" Monica asked again.

"Oh, yes, yes," Gordon said. "The magazine. I was an...editor."

"Very cool," Leo said.

"No Thanksgiving plans?" Monica asked.

"Well, I was hoping to spend some time with my son," Gordon replied. "Hopefully that will work out."

"Well in the meantime, it's great to meet a new friend," Monica smiled clearly smitten with Gordon.

Meanwhile, Mark and Jesse were sitting with their parents at the dinning room table eating quietly. Jesse and Helen tried the hardest to keep the conversations flowing, but the wall between Mark and Darryl was not coming down.

"The turkey is great," Jesse commented.

"Thank you," Helen replied.

"You like it Mark?" Jesse asked.

"Yeah," Mark replied quietly.

"So how's everything going Dad?" Jesse asked.

"Fine," Darryl replied simply. "Thanks for asking Jesse. How's work for you?"

"It's great," Jesse replied.

"And you Mark?" Darryl asked. "Found a job yet?"

"Trying," Mark replied.

"He is," Jesse confirmed.

"Well that's good I guess," Darryl sighed.

"Nothing is ever good enough for you, is it?" Mark asked.

"Let's not get into another family argument," Helen said quickly. "It's Thanksgiving, a time to be thankful for one another."

"Mom's right," Jesse said, "So let's just change the subject."

"Wait, I need to say something," Mark said.

"Go ahead," Darryl said.

"I just want to tell both you and Mom that I am trying," Mark said. "I know I was never the model son for you guys. I was a lot of trouble, but I want a better life for myself and I am trying to work towards it. I can't promise I'll make it, but I can promise that I'm doing my best."

"That's all we could ask for," Helen said sweetly giving Mark's hand a gentle squeeze.

"That's all I wanted to hear you say, son," Darryl said with a smile, finally sensing that his son really is changing.

Over at the hospital, Kurt spent the past hour and a half talking with Josh about everything from work to family to social life.

"So you're an only child?" Josh asked.

"As far as I know," Kurt joked. "Yeah, my parents realized they got perfection on their first try so they didn't need to try for more kids."

"Oh I see," Josh laughed.

"So how long have you had cancer?" Kurt asked.

"Years and years," Josh said. "I don't even know how long anymore. I got it in high school, went through chemotherapy, they thought they got it all and then three years ago it came back."

"Sorry to hear that," Kurt sighed.

"Eh, what can you do?" Josh shrugged, "It happens."

"It's amazing how upbeat you are about it," Kurt pointed out.

"I'm just not going to waste energy being upset or pitying myself," Josh said. "I know I won't be around for a whole lot longer so I want to enjoy the rest of my life."

"That's great," Kurt said. "Then why stay at a hospital? Why not check out and be with family and friends?"

"Because none of them will be able to be upbeat and happy when they know I'm going to die," Josh replied. "They'll try, but they won't be able to and I don't want to worry about them worrying about me."

"I get it," Kurt nodded.

"Plus, if I didn't stay here I wouldn't have gotten the chance to let you flirt with me," Josh smiled.

"You think I'm flirting?" Kurt asked.

"You're flirting," Josh said. "It's obvious."

"Maybe I'm just doing my good deed for the year by being nice to you," Kurt said.

"No, you're flirting," Josh said.

Kurt couldn't help but laugh. Was he falling for Josh?

"Well, I have to get back home," Kurt said. "I have a turkey I need to check on."

"All right," Josh replied. "Thank you for stopping by."

"I'll see you later," Kurt said giving Josh a hug, as he leaned in to hug him, Josh put his hands on the side of Kurt's face and gently kissed him.

"Happy Thanksgiving," Josh smiled.

Kurt was speechless.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to just attack you like that," Josh said not sure if he made Kurt uncomfortable.

"It's fine," Kurt finally said after he had a few moments to process what just happened. "Wow."

"You upset?" Josh asked.

"No," Kurt said quickly, "Not at all."

"Good," Josh smiled.

"I'm going to go," Kurt replied, "But I will definitely be back soon."

"I'll hold you to it," Josh said as Kurt stumbled out of the room, still smiling and in shock over the kiss.

Back at the apartment, Ryan was talking to Leo while Gordon and Monica were deep in conversation with one another.

"It's been so long since I've met a beautiful woman to talk to," Gordon said.

"Oh stop," Monica replied blushing.

"Looks like those two are hitting it off," Leo whispered to Ryan.

"I know," Ryan replied. "It's cute."

"Monica's been single for so long, it'll be nice for her to get back out there and date again," Leo mentioned.

"Yeah," Ryan answered, "Is it just me or is there something familiar about Frank?"

"I was going to say the same thing," Leo replied, "He looks like someone I know."

"Exactly," Ryan agreed. "But who?"

"So Ryan," Gordon said turning to him and Leo, "How long have you and Kurt been together?"

"Me and Kurt?" Ryan asked, "Oh, we're not together. Not anymore."

"Oh, I just assumed since you two still lived together," Gordon replied.

"It's just financially easier on me to still live with him," Ryan said.

"I still don't understand why you two can't work it out," Monica said, "You both are so good together."

"Yeah, well, different wants in the end," Ryan shrugged.

"Hey, sorry I took so long," Kurt said walking through the door, "Is my turkey done?"

"Not yet," Leo said.

Kurt then stood frozen when he saw Gordon. "Gordon? What are you doing here?"

"Gordon?" Leo asked. "You said your name was Frank."

"Um," Gordon mumbled, not knowing what to say.

"Gordon?" Ryan asked, "As in Gordon Sanchez?"

"Oh my God," Leo realized, "That's why you look so familiar. You're Ryan's dad."

"Yeah," Gordon sighed.

"Unbelievable," Ryan said as he stormed off to his room slamming the door.

"What the hell are you doing here Gordon?" Kurt asked.

"I wanted to see Ryan," Gordon sighed.

"I'm going to go talk to him," Kurt said as he went to Ryan's room, when he walked inside Ryan was pacing back and forth. "Are you okay?"

"What do you think?" Ryan snapped. "What is he doing here?"

"He wanted to see you," Kurt said.

"Well I didn't want to see him," Ryan said. "He should have respected that."

"I'm sorry," Kurt said. "I didn't know he'd be here."

"I know," Ryan said, "It's not your fault."

"So what are you feeling?" Kurt asked.

"Confused," Ryan replied. "I don't know how I should feel. The man in that other room is my biological father. Should I be happy?"

"I can't answer that for you," Kurt said. "I guess it really comes down to whether or not you want to know him."

"A part of me was always curious about my parents, but over the years I accepted the fact that they won't be in my life," Ryan said. "Then out of the blue, he shows up. What would you do?"

"Well, my Dad died when I was young," Kurt replied. "And I never really got the chance to know him, but if I could, I would jump at the chance."

"Yeah, but your dad died, he didn't abandon you," Ryan said.

"Maybe Gordon didn't abandon you," Kurt said. "Maybe there was a reason why he had to give you up. You'll never know unless you give him a chance."

Outside of Ryan's room, Gordon was talking with Monica.

"Sorry for lying to all of you," Gordon said. "I just didn't want Ryan to kick me out once he knew who I was. I guess I was hoping he'd give me a chance."

"Maybe he will," Monica encouraged. "I'm sure Kurt's trying to convince him to talk to you right now."

"I went about this all wrong," Gordon said. "I feel like such a fool."

"No, don't," Monica said. "You were trying to connect with your son. That's admirable."

"It's not admirable leaving him parentless for his whole life," Gordon said. "If I knew he existed then I would have stepped in and taken care of him."

"What do you mean?" Monica asked.

"You never knew about Ryan?" Leo asked chiming into the conversation.

"No," Gordon replied. "I just found out about him two years ago, and I've been searching for him ever since."

"Wow," Leo said. "How did you not know about him?"

"His mother and I dated in high school and she just quickly went away," Gordon replied. "I found out two years ago that it was because she was pregnant and her family wanted to take her to a place where no one would find out. So they went up to Sacramento, gave birth to him, and then came back down to Newport with out him. She never talked to me after she came back."

"So how did you find out about him?" Monica asked.

"Two years ago she wrote me a letter and confessed," Gordon replied. "As soon as I found out I quickly called up an agency to help me find him."

"And you just found him recently?" Leo asked.

"I actually found him six months ago, but it took me time to get the courage to actually contact him," Gordon replied.

"Well I'm sure if Ryan knew all that he'd want to get to know you," Monica said.

"Only way he could know that though is if he gave me a chance to talk to him," Gordon said. "And I don't know if that will happen."

"Happy Thanksgiving!" Jesse said as him and Mark walked into the apartment. Upon entering they saw that no one was in a real celebratory mood. "Oh, what's going on?"

"Kurt is trying to talk Ryan into meeting his dad," Leo said.

"Who's his dad?" Jesse asked.

"That would be me," Gordon said raising his hand.

"Interesting," Jesse said not sure how he should feel towards Gordon. "Where's Ryan?"

"In his room with Kurt," Monica said giving Jesse a hug. "Good to see you."

"You too," Jesse replied, introducing Mark to Monica.

"Hey Leo," Mark said trying his best to get on Leo's good side again.

"Hi," Leo replied quickly.

"Happy Thanksgiving," Jesse said giving Leo a kiss.

"How was your parents'?" Leo asked.

"It was good," Jesse replied. "Went well."

"Good," Leo replied.

"So I was hoping maybe tonight we could spend some alone time together," Jesse said. "Maybe talk about the wedding."

"Oh, is that still on?" Leo asked clearly upset for the neglect that he's been getting lately.

"I know I haven't been the ideal boyfriend, but I want to make it up to you," Jesse said. "So tonight when we get home, we'll go into our room and just spend the whole night talking and catching up. Sound good?"

"You sure you won't be busy with Mark?" Leo asked.

"No," Jesse replied. "I promise."

"Okay," Leo agreed, hoping that it would go according to plan.

Kurt and Ryan then came out of Ryan's room, everyone turned to them to see what Ryan was going to do.

"Let's talk," Ryan said to Gordon.

"Really?" Gordon asked.

"Yeah," Ryan replied. "Let's go somewhere though."

"Okay," Gordon said as the two put on their jackets and headed for the door. "It was nice meeting you all."

"It was great meeting you Gordon," Monica said giving him a hug. "Good luck."

"It was especially nice meeting you Monica," Gordon said giving Monica a kiss on the cheek before him and Ryan left.

"What was that?" Kurt asked his mom as soon as Gordon and Ryan closed the door.

"What?" Monica asked innocently.

"I saw your face when you were talking with him," Kurt replied. "Are you interested in him?"

"Kurt, don't be silly," Monica blushed.

"So what should we do about the food?" Leo asked.

"Well, I think the two of them will be a while so we should go ahead and eat," Kurt replied.

They all then went to the table and began to eat their Thanksgiving meal. Meanwhile, Ryan and Gordon walked to a nearby park where Gordon explained everything about his birth mother and him not knowing about Ryan until two years ago. Ryan sat quietly for a moment, not too sure what to say.

"I just want a chance to get to know you," Gordon explained. "I feel like I was cheated out of raising you."

"Would you really have raised me had you known?" Ryan asked. "You were only in high school when I was born."

"Honestly, I don't know what I would have done," Gordon replied. "But I wish I had the chance to make that decision for myself instead of having it made for me."

"I don't know how I should feel," Ryan said.

"I know that I gave you a lot of information," Gordon said. "More then you're probably ready to handle, but I'm hoping that you'll let me into your life."

"I don't know if I could do that just yet," Ryan said. "I'm going to need time."

"Absolutely," Gordon said. "All the time you need. I live in Newport so I'm not far away if you ever want to talk or meet for dinner sometime."

"Just give me time to sort everything out," Ryan said. "My life has been all over the place this past year so I'll need time to figure out what I want."

"Of course," Gordon said. "I'm not going anywhere. I'll always be there whenever you need me. In fact, I have something for you."

Gordon then took out a check he had written out to Ryan and gave it to him.

"What are you doing?" Ryan asked looking at the check, his eyes grew wide when he saw how much money Gordon gave him.

"Of all the hardships you've had to go through living with out parents, this is the least I could do to try and make thing a little easier for you," Gordon said.

"I can't accept this," Ryan said trying to hand it back to Gordon.

"Yes you can," Gordon said simply. "I want you to have it. Please take it."

"It's way too much," Ryan said.

"Actually it's not nearly enough," Gordon said. "And I don't want you to think that I'm trying to buy your love. This money is just my way of trying to give you one less thing to worry about in life."

Ryan didn't know what to say, he's never seen so many zeros on a check before in his life.

"Well I'll let you get back to your friends," Gordon said. "Have a good Thanksgiving."

Gordon then got up and began to walk away before Ryan stopped him.

"Do you want to eat dinner with us?" Ryan asked.

"Are you sure you want me there?" Gordon asked.

"Yeah," Ryan replied. "We'll start with a meal and see how things go."

"I'd like that," Gordon smiled as then two then headed back to the apartment to enjoy Thanksgiving. The first one as father and son.

That night when Leo, Jesse and Mark got home, Leo and Jesse went into their room and for the first time were able to spend some good quality alone time together.

"I've missed you," Leo sighed.

"I know babe," Jesse said. "I've missed you too. I've missed us."

"Ever since Mark got here I feel like you've been drifting away from me," Leo said.

"I'm sorry," Jesse replied. "But he's my brother."

"I know," Leo said. "And I know I can't really get mad at you for wanting to help him. But I just wish that I wasn't always being pushed to the side."

"I don't mean to," Jesse said.

"I know you don't," Leo said. "But that's what happens."

"Well I'm here now," Jesse said.

"Yeah, now," Leo said. "But what happens the next time Mark gets into trouble? Or the time after that?"

"He won't," Jesse said. "I think he's really starting to turn things around."

"I know you want to believe that, but how can you be sure?" Leo asked.

"Because I have faith in him," Jesse said. "He won't dissapoint me again."

"What if he does?" Leo asked.

"Then we'll deal with it then," Jesse replied. "But I promise, I will do everything I can to keep him from interferring with our relationship and our wedding."

"I want to believe you," Leo said.

"Then believe me," Jesse said kissing Leo. "If he screws up one more time then he's gone."

"Promise?" Leo asked.

"I promise," Jesse replied as the two began to undress each other.

Outside of their room Mark was standing, listening in on their conversation. As much as he wanted to prove Jesse right, he had a feeling that he would end up screwing things up again. Mark then went into his room and packed his bags and quietly left the apartment in the middle of the night.

The next morning Mark walked into Bryce Roberts' office setting his bags down.

"Mark, what are you doing here?" Bryce asked.

"I'm back," Mark sighed.

To Be Continued...

With any comments, questions, or feedback please e-mail me at ilj4ever44@yahoo.com. Thanks everyone and have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!