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.

Hope everyone is doing well. Thank you all so much for continuing to read this story. Please e-mail me with any feedback! Thanks so much! Here's part 9 entitled "'Tis The Season"

''TIS THE SEASON'

Things have been going well for the guys. Kurt and Ryan have been blissfully happy dating one another, Jesse and Leo were taking it one step at a time and getting to know each other all over again, and Nick and Adrian were keeping in touch over the phone.

It was two days before Christmas and Kurt and Leo were at Nick's apartment decorating his Christmas tree together. Every year since the three have been friends they have gone and decorated Nick's tree together and spent the night talking, and watching holiday movies together.

"Tree looks beautiful," Nick said standing back to look at the tree with all the decorations they've been putting on it.

"I love the way it smells," Kurt said taking in the fresh pine smell that the tree gave off.

"You guys want more food?" Leo said heading into the kitchen to get some of the food the guys made together.

"No thanks," Nick said, "That's your third helping of food tonight."

"You pregnant?" Kurt asked jokingly.

"Shut up," Leo said coming back out with some food.

"So how's Ryan doing?" Nick asked Kurt.

"He's good," Kurt replied.

"He mind that we stole you away for the night?" Leo asked. "You two have been spending so much time together."

"Well, most of the time has been us working on that holiday event for the center," Kurt said.

"Oh yeah, I found some volunteers for the event," Nick remembered.

"Who?" Leo asked, "I need to put them down on the volunteer list when I go to the center tomorrow."

"You remember Randal right?" Nick asked, "The guy who co-owns the club we went to a few months ago."

"Yeah," Leo said.

"He's coming with his boyfriend and some of his friends," Nick said.

"Do you have their names?" Leo asked.

"Yeah, I have it written down here," Nick said going to the desk in his living room and grabbing a piece of paper. He read it over and then handed it to Leo.

Leo looked at the list and started reading off the names, "Randal, Stanley, Kyle and David."

"Wow, four volunteers," Kurt said impressed, "That's going to help out a lot."

"Yeah, I know we really need them," Leo said. "When are they available?"

"They said they can start tomorrow," Nick said.

"Great," Leo answered, "Cause we need a lot of help with the decorations."

"Ryan has been so stressed out over this whole thing," Kurt said, "Every night him and I lie down together and just talk and all he's been talking about is this event. He's working so hard on it."

"Yeah, you should see him down at the center," Leo added. "He's so dedicated to his job. It's really inspiring."

"Kurt, can I just say how glad I am that you two are dating?" Nick said, "He's such a great guy. You deserve someone like him."

"Thanks," Kurt said, "I really like him."

"Hey Kurt, are you going to invite your mom to the event?" Nick asked.

"Yeah, I already did. She's coming," Kurt said.

"Have you told her about Ryan?" Nick asked.

"Yeah," Kurt replied. "She's looking forward to meeting him. What about your parents? Are they going to be at the event?"

"Yeah," Nick replied, "They said they'd show up."

"I wish I had your parents," Leo sighed.

"Leo it's just going to take them some time to get used to you being gay," Nick said.

"Yeah, they've only known for a year," Kurt added.

"I know, but I don't think they'll ever be okay with it," Leo said.

"Talk to my parents at the event, they'll tell you it took them time to get used to me being gay," Nick said.

"Did it take over a year?" Leo asked.

"Well, no," Nick replied, "But it varies from people to people."

"I hate that I don't speak to them anymore," Leo sighed, "Especially during the holidays. We used to be so close."

"You should invite them," Kurt suggested, "Maybe they'll decide to come."

"Yeah right," Leo said dismissing the idea.

"You'll never reconnect with them if you don't try," Nick pointed out.

Before Nick could press Leo about it anymore his cell phone rang.

"It's Adrian!" Nick said happily looking at the caller id and quickly answering it. "Hello?"

"Hey Nick," Adrian said.

"Hey," Nick replied, "It's so good to hear your voice.

How've you been?"

"I'm been really good," Adrian replied. "Miss you."

"I miss you too," Nick said.

Kurt and Leo both looked at each other and rolled their eyes as they laughed. Nick saw them making fun of him and picked up a pillow from his couch and threw it at them.

"So what's up?" Nick asked.

"Well, I was wondering what your plans were for after the holidays," Adrian said.

"Just work," Nick replied.

"Could I possibly persuade you to spend some time with me in New York?" Adrian asked.

"Are you serious?" Nick asked.

"Yeah," Adrian replied, "I have some time off and I would like to spend it with you."

"I'd love that!" Nick said.

"Great, well I have so many miles from traveling so much that I can get you a ticket," Adrian said.

"No, I couldn't ask you to do that," Nick said.

"I want to," Adrian replied, "Just say ok."

Nick smiled, truly touched before he replied, "Okay."

"Great, well I'll plan the whole trip out and all you have to do is pack your bags and come out here the day after Christmas," Adrian said.

"I can't wait," Nick said, "Thank you so much."

"My pleasure," Adrian answered. "I'll talk to you later."

"All right," Nick replied, "Bye."

Nick hung up his phone and jumped up and down excitedly.

"What's going on?" Kurt asked.

"I'm going to go to New York!" Nick replied.

"When?" Leo asked.

"Day after Christmas," Nick replied.

"Wow," Kurt said impressed, "He's really splurging you."

"I know," Nick said. "I love it."

"Still, isn't it a bit soon for him to be spoiling you like that?" Kurt asked. "Are you two even a couple?"

"Not exclusively," Nick replied. "But we like each other a lot."

"And you don't mind him spoiling you like that?" Kurt asked.

"Let him get spoiled," Leo protested. "He deserves to finally be with someone who'll do stuff like that for him."

"I know," Kurt said, "I just am wondering if he's expecting anything in return."

"I personally think it's romantic," Leo said. "It's like an old romance being swept off your feet by someone with a lot of money like that."

"I would feel this way about him even if he were poor," Nick said. "He's just a great guy."

"I just want to make sure you're being careful," Kurt said putting his arm around Nick, "It is a long distance thing and all."

"I know," Nick said leaning his head on Kurt's shoulder, "Thanks."

"That's kind of unusual," Leo pointed out, "For once it's not Nick dishing out the concern and advice."

"Cause now he's got his own romance to worry about and doesn't have to worry about ours," Kurt said.

"Finally," Nick sighed with relief. "You know how long it's been since I've been able to say I'm happy in my personal life?"

"Well we're glad," Leo said.

"Just be careful," Kurt added.

The guys spent the rest of the night hanging out and decorating and watching Christmas movies together.

The next day the guys arrived at the center to set up for the holiday event. When they got there Ryan was already busy with other volunteers working.

"Morning," Kurt said giving Ryan a hug.

"Hey," Ryan sighed, "I'm so stressed out."

"Well, Leo, Nick and I are here now to lend a hand," Kurt replied.

"Can you and Nick get started on the Christmas tree and set it up on the far side of the room?" Ryan asked pointing to the opposite end of the banquet room.

"Really? I was hoping I could help you out with something so we could work together," Kurt said hopeful.

"I already have people helping me out," Ryan said, "Should have come an hour earlier. But I really need that tree set up, so do you mind?"

"No problem," Kurt said knowing by the tone Ryan was speaking that he was really stressing.

"Oh hey Ryan, I got some people to come by who are volunteering," Nick said.

"Great," Ryan said, "Thanks Nick."

"Nick!" someone shouted. Nick turned to the entrance and saw Randal, Stanley, Kyle and David walk in.

"Hey guys," Nick said greeting them. "I was just telling Ryan about you guys. Ryan is in charge so just check in with him and he'll give you stuff to do."

"Sounds good," Randal said. "So how've you been?"

"Good," Nick replied, "Do you remember Kurt? You guys met at your club opening."

"Oh yeah," Randal said shaking Kurt's hand, "It's good seeing you again."

"You too," Kurt replied and then said hello to the other guys. "Our other friend Leo is over on the other side of the room setting up tables."

"Guys, less talking and more working please," Ryan chimed in.

"Oh sorry," Nick said, "Come on Kurt."

Kurt and Nick headed to set up the Christmas tree as Randal, Stanley, Kyle and David checked in with Ryan.

"So what would you like us to do?" David asked.

"Can I get two of you to help out with the sound equipment and then can I get the other two to go help out Kurt and Nick?" Ryan asked.

"Sure," Kurt replied, "Let's go help with the tree David."

"And then that means you and I are going to the sound equipment," Stanley said.

The four guys split up and went to their perspective areas. When Leo got to his area Jesse was already there setting stuff up.

"Hey you," Leo said giving Jesse a hug.

"Hi," Jesse replied, "How you doing?"

"Good," Leo replied, "I didn't think you were going to be here so early."

"Well, I know this is important to you so I wanted to help out as much as I could," Jesse replied.

"Thanks," Leo said touched.

"So after we're done for the day want to come over to my place and I'll cook?" Jesse asked.

"Sounds great," Leo replied.

Over on the other side of the room Kurt, Nick, Kyle and David were lifting the Christmas tree up and putting it on it's stand.

"Careful David," Kyle said in concern, "Don't strain yourself."

"I'm fine," David replied.

"No really," Kyle said, "We just came from the doctors, maybe you should just stand back while the three of us finish this."

"Kyle stop babying me," David snapped, "I'm fine."

Kurt and Nick both exchanged glances with one another at the little spat between the other two.

"Everything okay?" Nick asked once they finished standing the tree up.

"Yeah, it's fine," David sighed. "I'll go grab some of the boxes of ornaments."

"I'll come help you," Kyle offered.

"Kyle," David said talking quietly to him, "You have to knock this off. Just let me go do some things on my own okay?"

"I just don't want you to over due anything," Kyle replied.

"I feel great," David said, "So knock it off. Please."

David then walked off to grab the ornaments while Kyle went and helped David and Kurt put on some garland on the tree.

"So," Nick said trying to start a conversation to end the awkwardness, "How long have you and Randal been friends?"

"Long time," Kyle replied, "He's one of my best friends."

"And I'm guessing David is your boyfriend?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah," Kyle replied, "That's my guy."

"You two seem like a cute couple," Nick lied.

"You don't have to say that," Kyle said, "I apologize, I know it seems like we're just one of those dramatic, bickering couples, but we really aren't. We're just going through some stuff right now."

"I understand," Kurt said, "All couples do."

"Not what we're going through," Kyle added.

"Kyle can I talk to you?" David asked approaching the three of them.

"Yeah sure," Kyle said excusing himself from Kurt and Nick. Kyle and David walked to a corner of the room to talk privately.

"Sucks that they're fighting," Kurt commented, "Especially during the holidays."

"What did you say to them?" David asked angrily.

"Nothing," Kyle replied.

"Did you tell them I have HIV?" David asked.

"No," Kyle replied. "I didn't."

"Kyle, I don't need this," David said, "Especially during the holidays."

"You don't need this?" Kyle asked, "David, you already have it. It's not going away."

"I don't need to be reminded of it," David said.

"I'm not trying to," Kyle said. "We've been fighting so much since you found out about this disease. Can't we at least get through the holidays with out fighting?"

"Well for starters, why don't you stop babying me?" David asked. "That might help things."

David then went back to decorating the Christmas tree, leaving a frustrated Kyle alone.

Meanwhile, Kurt went over to the other side of the room to see how Ryan was doing.

"Hey you," Kurt said giving him a hug, but Ryan shrugged him off.

"I'm sorry Kurt," Ryan said, "But I don't have time to talk right now. There's so much to get done."

"Hey," Kurt said, "I know you're stressed out, but try to have some fun with this. Isn't that the point of this whole holiday event?"

"It will be once I get all this done," Ryan sighed.

"Ryan," Kurt said messaging Ryan's shoulders, "Relax a bit."

"I will later," Ryan said giving Kurt a kiss on the forehead and taking off.

Meanwhile Leo and Jesse were taking some trash out to the dumpster outside together and talking.

"So I think I figured out what our problem was a couple weeks ago when we had our bad date," Jesse said.

"Oh you did?" Leo asked.

"Yeah," Jesse replied, "And I determined that we were putting way too much pressure on that date. We were trying to hard to just pick up where we left our relationship off."

"I guess," Leo agreed.

"We shouldn't do that," Jesse said.

"So what do you suggest?" Leo asked.

"Let's not try to continue where our relationship ended," Jesse said, "Let's just try and start over."

"You really think it's as simple as that?" Leo asked.

"I think it might be," Jesse replied.

"Okay," Leo said. "Lets give it a shot."

Jesse then leaned in and gave Leo a very tender kiss.

Over on the other side of the room Randal and Stanley went over to help out Nick and David with the Christmas tree.

"Where's Kyle?" Stanley asked.

"I don't know," David replied.

"Did you two get in another fight?" Randal asked.

"Don't we always?" David asked.

"Why don't you just talk to him?" Stanley asked.

"Because I'm sick of always doing this routine," David replied. "It's the same thing over and over, nothing ever changes. He always babying me, he needs to let me breath a little."

"Just tell him that then," Randal said. "Go talk to him."

"Not right now," David said. "We have work to do here."

Randal and Stanley both rolled their eyes and went back to work.

After they finished decorating the tree Kurt went over to where Jesse and Leo were. As he walked up to them he smiled seeing how playful the two were with each other. The two were now working on painting a sign to hang up for the event and they were both playfully dabbing one another with paint.

"Glad to see you two are having fun," Kurt said walking up to them.

"Hey Bug," Jesse said as Kurt sat down next to them.

"How's it going?" Leo asked.

"Okay," Kurt sighed.

"What's wrong?" Jesse asked.

"It's just Ryan," Kurt replied. "He's not letting himself having any fun doing this. He's so stressed."

"Well it's a lot of work," Leo noted.

"Yeah, but he has to relax a bit," Kurt said. "He's going to give himself a heart attack if he stresses himself out anymore. I mean, look around, everything is going great."

"I know, but he just wants it all to go well," Leo replied.

"But Kurt's right," Jesse said, "Ryan needs to just relax a bit and let things go with the flow."

"Exactly," Kurt said.

Meanwhile, Nick was taking some trash out to the dumpster outside when he saw a teenage boy who looked to be around 15 or 16 hanging out by the back door.

"You okay?" Nick asked noticing that the boy looked a little upset.

"Me?" the boy asked.

"Yeah," Nick replied.

"I'm fine," the boy replied quickly before hurrying off.

"Wait a minute," Nick called out trying to get the boy to stop, but he just kept on running.

Nick just shrugged and went back inside.

The next day Kurt woke up and went to Ryan's room, he knocked on the door but didn't get an answer, he opened the door and saw that his bed was already made, Kurt looked at his watch and saw that it was eight in the morning. He then went and picked up his phone and called Ryan.

"Hello?" Ryan answered.

"Hey," Kurt replied, "You leave already?"

"I didn't come home," Ryan replied.

"You've been up all night working?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah," Ryan replied.

"Ryan, come home and get some rest," Kurt said.

"I can't, the event is tonight," Ryan replied.

"Ryan you have plenty of volunteers to do the last minute stuff," Kurt said, "Leo said he was going to head down there at nine today so he can take charge so you can rest."

"Kurt this is really important to me," Ryan said, "I can't just rest."

"And you're really important to me and I want to make sure you're taking care of yourself," Kurt said.

"Well thanks, but I'll be fine," Ryan said. "I'll see you tonight."

"Okay," Kurt replied, "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas," Ryan replied hanging up.

Later that day Kurt and Nick arrived at the center at around three, when they walked inside the room everything was set up beautifully, the stage where the performers would entertain was all set, the lights were set up, the trees were all decorated, it looked amazing. Kurt and Nick ran into Leo and Jesse who were looking over the room as well.

"Looks great," Kurt said.

"It does," Leo agreed.

"Where's Ryan?" Kurt asked.

"In his office," Leo replied.

"I'm going to go talk to him," Kurt said excusing himself.

"Where do you want me?" Nick asked.

"Well, the event starts in one hour, I'm just going to have you survey the area and make sure nothing is getting out of control tonight," Leo said.

"Okay," Nick replied.

"Can I talk to you for a second?" Jesse asked Leo.

"Sure, we'll be right back," Leo said to Nick.

"No problem," Nick replied.

Leo and Jesse went to a private corner to talk.

"What's up?" Leo asked.

"I wanted to give you my Christmas gift," Jesse said handing Leo a little box.

"What's this?" Leo asked.

"Open it," Jesse said smiling.

Leo opened the little box up and took out a ring.

"What's this?" Leo asked.

"It's a promise ring," Jesse replied.

"A promise ring?" Leo asked.

"Yeah," Jesse replied, "It's me promising that things will be better this time. I don't want to lose you again. I love you."

"I love you too," Leo said kissing Jesse. "Thank you so much."

Inside of Ryan's office he was sitting behind his desk going over the checklist for the night. Kurt went and knocked on the door as he entered.

"Hey," Kurt said walking in, "Merry Christmas."

"Yeah, you too," Ryan replied not even looking up from his papers.

"Have you seen how beautiful everything is set up out there?" Kurt asked.

"Not yet," Ryan replied, "Just going over everything for tonight."

"Why don't you go take a look?" Kurt asked.

"I will later," Ryan said.

"No," Kurt said grabbing Ryan's arm, "Come on."

Kurt pulled Ryan up and dragged him outside.

"No, Kurt not now," Ryan complained.

"It'll just be a second," Kurt said, "It'll relax you a bit."

"Kurt not now!" Ryan snapped jerking his arm away from Kurt. "You have no idea how much stress I'm under right now! Just leave me alone right now!"

"Whoa," Kurt said in shock.

"Kurt," a woman's voice said from behind them.

Kurt and Ryan both turned around to see...

"Mom," Kurt said in surprise seeing his mom here so early. His mom, Monica Parker, was in her 50's, beautiful for her age, dark hair, brown eyes.

"Everything okay?" Monica asked giving Ryan a slight glare.

"Yeah. Fine," Kurt replied.

"Crap," Ryan sighed knowing his first impression he made on Kurt's mom was a bad one.

"You're here early," Kurt said giving his mom a hug.

"Well I wanted to come by and see if you needed help with anything here," Monica replied. "Who's this?"

His mom gave Ryan a heated look, obviously upset to hear someone speak to her son in a crude tone.

"This is Ryan," Kurt said introducing them.

"This is Ryan?" Monica asked upset to hear that this is the guy her son is dating.

"Hi Mrs. Parker," Ryan said trying to be polite enough to make up for his outburst at Kurt.

Hi," Monica replied clearly not liking Ryan. "Can I talk to you for a minute Kurt?"

"Sure," Kurt replied.

"I have to do some stuff," Ryan said walking away quickly, clearly embarrassed.

"That's the guy you were telling me so much about?" Monica asked.

"Mom, you just walked in on a bad time," Kurt said. "He's just under a lot of stress right now."

"That doesn't matter," Monica said, "Doesn't give him the right to talk to you that way."

"He's really a sweet guy," Kurt defended, "It's just a tough day for him right now."

"Well, I still don't see the reason for someone talking to my son like that," Monica said giving Kurt a hug. "Merry Christmas sweetie."

"Merry Christmas mom," Kurt replied. "Do you want to come in and get something to drink?"

"You know, I think I'm just going to head over to Aunt Nadine's," Monica said.

"Really?" Kurt asked, "But you just got here."

"It's for the best," Monica said, "If I'm around him when he acts that way again tonight then I might never like him. I'm sorry sweetie."

"It's okay," Kurt said giving his mom another hug. "I'll call you tomorrow okay?"

"All right, love you," Monica said.

"Love you too," Kurt replied. Kurt watched in disappointment as his mom walked away and got upset at Ryan's behavior in front of his mom. He then went and headed in to look for him.

Back inside the party room the event was starting to kick off, people were showing up and the DJ hired was starting to play music. Leo and Jesse were collecting tickets at the door and gazing lovingly at each other the entire time. Meanwhile, Nick was walking around and spotted the teenage boy he ran into when he was taking the trash out the day before.

"Hi again," Nick said coming up to him.

"Hi," the boy replied nervously looking around, clearly not wanting anyone to pay attention to him there.

"How are you doing?" Nick asked.

"I'm fine," the boy replied.

"I saw you yesterday," Nick said.

"Yeah," the boy answered.

"So why did you run away?" Nick asked.

"Just because," the boy said.

"Just because?" Nick asked, "What kind of an answer is that?"

"It's answer when one doesn't know an answer," the boy replied.

"Well how about we start out with your name?" Nick asked. "My name's Nick."

"Joey," he replied shaking Nick's hand.

"Are you here with family?" Nick asked.

"No," Joey answered quickly. "They would kill me if they knew I was here."

"Are you in the closet?" Nick asked.

"I guess," Joey replied.

"So is that why you're here now?" Nick asked. "Getting a glimpse at this world?"

"I guess you could say that," Joey answered.

"Well hang out, have some fun," Nick said. "This is a good place to be."

"Thanks," Joey replied.

Nick started to head off when Joey tapped him on the shoulder.

"What's up?" Nick asked turning around.

"Do you work here?" Joey asked.

"Not officially," Nick replied. "I just volunteered for this event."

"Oh," Joey replied sighing.

"Why do you ask?" Nick asked.

"I was just wondering if I could come down more often and maybe talk to you sometime," Joey replied.

"Oh," Nick said taken aback that the kid wanted to talk to him more, "Well, let me talk to my friend Ryan, he works here, he might be able to set something up for me to volunteer so we can talk some more, okay?"

"Really?" Joey asked.

"Yeah," Nick replied.

"Thanks a lot," Joey answered.

"No problem," Nick replied. "Go have fun. I'll talk to you later."

Nick then headed off to survey the rest of the event.

Meanwhile, Kurt was off looking for Ryan when he ran into Kyle who was crying.

"Hey," Kurt said coming up to him, "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing," Kyle said. "I'm sorry, I know I should be working right now."

"No, it's fine," Kurt said, "Want to tell me what's wrong?"

"It's just me and my boyfriend, David," Kyle said.

"You two still fighting?" Kurt asked.

"It's not so much that we're fighting," Kyle replied, "It's-"

But Kyle couldn't finish.

"Everything okay with you two?" Kurt asked.

"Can I confide in you about something?" Kyle asked. "I need an outside opinion."

"Sure," Kurt replied.

"Well, he has HIV," Kyle replied.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," Kurt said.

"I guess I've been really overprotective of him since I found out," Kyle said, "Is that wrong of me?"

"I don't think it's wrong," Kurt said, "But you can't really smother him. If he says he's okay then just believe him and let him be. I'm sure he knows you're just trying to help, but it's probably frustrating for him that you think he needs your help all the time."

"That's exactly what I've been trying to tell you," David said coming up to them, having overheard their conversation.

"Hey," Kyle said surprised, "I'm sorry, I know you don't want people to know, but-"

"It's okay babe," David said giving Kyle a kiss, "I understand. But just believe me when I say I'm okay."

"All right," Kyle sighed giving David another kiss, "I'm sorry."

"It's okay," David said, "Come on. We have to get back to work."

"Thanks Kurt," Kyle said as the two left.

After they left Ryan came up to Kurt.

"Hi," Ryan said sheepishly, "I bet you hate me right now."

"No," Kurt replied, "I don't."

"Even after the scene I made in front of your mom?" Ryan asked.

"It's okay, I know you're under a lot of stress now with this event," Kurt said. "But I just wish you'd talk to me and not keep it all to yourself."

"I know," Ryan said giving Kurt a hug, "But this event has to go perfectly. My job depends on it."

"What?" Kurt asked curious.

"The people here at the center think I've been slacking off lately," Ryan explained, "They told me that I have to prove myself tonight if I want to keep my job here. Otherwise, they're going to find someone who they feel will be more dedicated."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Kurt asked.

"Because this is my problem," Ryan replied.

"No," Kurt said, "If it's something that effects you then it's my problem too. I care a lot about you, you should have told me so I could have helped you more."

"It's okay," Ryan said, "That's why I've been so stressed, I'm sorry I took it out on you."

"It's all right," Kurt said giving Ryan a kiss and then joked, "You just better have gotten me a good Christmas present."

"I actually do have a little gift for you," Ryan said.

"Oh yeah?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah, come with me to my office," Ryan said taking Kurt's hand as they walked off. When they got to his office Ryan pulled out a wrapped gift from his desk drawer. He handed it to Kurt who eagerly unwrapped the gift and revealed a first edition copy of his favorite childhood book, The Polar Express.

"Oh my God," Kurt said in complete shock. "This is a first edition copy."

"You like it?" Ryan asked.

"I love it," Kurt said wrapping his arms around Ryan, "Thank you so much. This is the book that made me want to write. I would read this book all the time and as I got older and saw the power a book could have on someone's emotions was something I wanted to do. I can't believe you got me this."

"I'm glad you like it," Ryan said.

"Like it?" Kurt asked, "I love it. I feel bad, I only got you some clothes. Nothing real personal there."

"I got the most personal gift I could ever want," Ryan said.

"What's that?" Kurt asked.

"You," Ryan replied kissing Kurt, "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas," Kurt replied.

The two then headed out to the Christmas event. While Ryan wasn't too sure what his career future held, he knew that his future would at least have Kurt in it.

To Be Continued....

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