Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2007 17:46:28 -0700 (PDT) From: Kirk Landers Subject: Phases- part 18 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. Welcome back! Hope everyone is doing great! I've been working hard on these stories and think that these next set of chapters will be better than the first set, so I hope you enjoy them! Here's the kick off to season 2! This chapter is entitled, "Phase Two" 'PHASE TWO' It's been two months since Leo first went into rehab,two months since Nick and Bradley began dating, and after a month of kissing and flirting Kurt and Reese started up an inter-office relationship with one another and have been a couple for a month now. Things have been going fairly well for the three guys. Leo has taken it day by day, but is getting a lot better, the rehab has been very effective for him. He's gotten a lot of help due to the counseling sessions, the group therapy, and meeting people who know what he's going through. Nick and Kurt go and visit him every Sunday and spend the day up there with him and give him the scoop on what's been going on back home. Nick has been enjoying his time with Bradley, the two have had a fun, no strings attached relationship with one another, they just go out, have a good time, and leave it at that. It's taken a lot of the pressure off of each other by not making anything exclusive. Kurt was now in a relationship with Reese, he accepted the fact that Ryan might not be back and made it a point to move on and he feels that he has found the right person to move on with in Reese. The only set back is that they are trying to hide their relationship from people in the office since there is a strict no inter-office dating policy and especially with the editor and another employee. As a result the two have to sneak around in the office, but always find time to sneak in a kiss or two here and there. It was the end of another date between Nick and Bradley, the two barely made it in the front door before they were all over each other kissing and tearing off each other's clothes. "So, did you like the movie?" Nick asked between kisses. "Hated it," Bradley replied, "Only thing that got me through was the thought of you naked." "You didn't get enough of me naked on our last date?" Nick asked as they stumbled into the bedroom, never for a second taking their hands off one another. "I can never get enough of you naked," Bradley answered as him and Nick collapsed on the bed. "Well let's get started then," Nick said taking Bradley's shirt off. "Wait, before we do, I wanted to talk to you about something," Bradley said. "What's that?" Nick asked. "What are your thoughts on the subject of us?" Bradley asked. "Us?" Nick asked, not really wanting to have a talk on the status of what they are to one another. "Yeah, I mean, do you like me?" Bradley asked. "Would I have you here half naked in my apartment if I didn't like you?" Nick asked. "You know what I mean," Bradley said, "Do you see yourself being with me, exclusively." "Time for the talk huh?" Nick asked, knowing that there was no way around this conversation. "Well, we've been dating for a month now," Bradley replied, "I would just like to know where I stand with you. I know where you stand with me. I just want to know if we're on the same page with each other." "I see," Nick said moving on the bed so he was sitting next to Bradley. "Am I someone you can see yourself with?" Bradley asked hopeful. "You are," Nick replied, "You are definitely someone I can see myself getting serious with." "I have a feeling there's a 'but' coming up here," Bradley sensed. "Yeah," Nick said, "'But,' I ended my last relationship because I didn't have the time to give that person the attention they deserved because of Leo. Leo is my family, I have to make sure he's okay before I can give my full attention to someone else. Until he's out of rehab I'm not someone who can be good in a relationship right now." "Okay," Bradley replied fully understanding where Nick was coming from. "I like you," Nick assured, "A lot. But I don't want to make promises to you now, I might not be able to keep if something happens with Leo. Are you okay with that? Can we just date and have fun for right now?" "Yeah," Bradley said, "Yeah, that's fine." "Thanks," Nick said giving Bradley a kiss, "Now where were we?" With that Nick grabbed Bradley and pinned him down on the bed as he started kissing his neck and unbuttoning his pants. Meanwhile, at Kurt's apartment him and Reese were sitting on the couch kissing. For the month they have been dating Reese has tried to take their dates with one another into the bedroom, but Kurt was more old fashioned than any man he has ever dated. Kurt was one who was the eternal romantic, and didn't want to have sex until there was a deep connection with the other person and though Kurt liked Reese a lot, he wasn't ready to have sex with him yet. The two had just finished having dinner that Reese had cooked for them. Reese loved to cook, especially when it was for Kurt. When he worked at Update magazine where he met Kurt he was the style editor, he was always interested in fashion, he always went to New York Fashion Week every year and went to the fashion shows in Paris as well. After his stint at Update magazine, he moved to New York and worked at Fashion magazines which is the biggest fashion magazine in the country. While he enjoyed working there, he couldn't wait to get back to California, especially after his run in with Kurt in Las Vegas. While he thought just that one night and that one kiss with Kurt would get the long infatuation he had with him out of his system, he found that Kurt was all he thought about when he returned to New York. He soon found out however that Kurt had finally gotten together Ryan when Nick was in New York visiting Adrian and the three of them had dinner together. So Reese put the idea of Kurt out of his mind and continued on with his life in New York. But, when West Coast Style was looking for a new editor, he quickly jumped at the chance, while it didn't have the full prestige that Fashion had, it was a respected magazine and it was in California, where Kurt was. Reese got Kurt and couldn't be any happier. He was very careful however that Kurt was not aware of the fact that he was the reason Ryan left. "Dinner was amazing," Kurt said taking a break from their kissing and taking a sip of his drink. "I never had such a great filet in my life." "I'm glad," Reese said, "I took a few cooking classes when I was in Paris." "Impressive," Kurt said. "After you left Update, you just got this amazing life where you travel and see so much. It's amazing." "Well you know, working at West Coast Style, you're sure to get a lot of those same perks. Even more since you're dating the editor," Reese said with a wink. "No no," Kurt quickly said, "I want to make sure that I don't get any free rides here just because we're dating. At work I want you to treat me fairly like everyone else there." "Why?" Reese asked, "I can take you to some amazing places through work." "Because I don't deserve that," Kurt said, "Other people have been working at that magazine for years. They are the ones who earned that right to do things like that. Let me put in my time first." "Are you sure?" Reese asked. "Positive," Kurt replied. "You're very noble," Reese said, "Very fair to others. I like that." "Thank you," Kurt said giving Reese a kiss. "So, we've been dating a while now," Reese said. "Yeah, about a month," Kurt replied. "Do you think it's time we take things a step further?" Reese asked. "Meaning?" Kurt asked, although he knew what Reese was getting at. "Would you like to take this date into the bedroom?" Reese asked hopeful. "Reese," Kurt began, "I'm just not ready for that yet." "It'll be good," Reese said kissing his neck. "I'm sure it will be," Kurt said, "But I'm just not ready to do that." Reese sighed, "Okay." "Just give it some time," Kurt said, "It will just make it that much better when we finally do." "Yeah," Reese said, "Well, in that case, I should probably get going." "You don't have to go," Kurt said. "No, I should," Reese said getting up, "We both have work tomorrow and it's already past midnight." Kurt nodded, "Okay." "I'll see you tomorrow," Reese said as he put his jacket on and headed towards the door. "All right," Kurt said, he then stopped Reese, "Are you upset?" "No," Reese lied, "It's fine." "Thanks," Kurt said giving him a kiss, "I'll see you tomorrow." "Good night," Reese said as he left. The next day at the rehab center, Leo was taking a walk in the garden that is on the grounds when another patient, Tristan, came up to him. Tristan and Leo have become friends while being at rehab together. Tristan arrived at the rehab center a couple weeks before Leo got there, so they really went through the steps of recovery together, which has helped them bond. Leo found that little bit little, he was getting better and every day the pain of losing Jesse has become a little less, which he was grateful for. Tristan was in a similar situation as Leo, he lost his three best friends in a car accident as well, afterwards he spiraled out of control, drinking, drugs, anything he could to numb the pain of dealing with his friends loss. The two became a team during their time in rehab, both encouraging the other to be strong and not give up. "How did you sleep last night?" Tristan asked as him and Leo walked through the garden together. "Any more dreams?" "No," Leo replied, "It's going on three nights now with out the dreams." Leo had been having a reoccurring dream since he went to rehab. It always started out with everything the way it used to be, he and Jesse were together and everything was fine, they were laughing, having a good time, then suddenly Jesse would disappear and Leo would spend the rest of the dream running all over looking for him and would end up at the hospital and finding Jesse laying in the hospital bed in a coma. It haunted Leo every night, but then three days ago, the dreams stopped coming and Leo was finally able to get a peaceful nights sleep for the first time since Jesse fell into a coma. "That's great," Tristan said, "Maybe it won't be too long until you can go home." "Maybe," Leo replied unsure. "The idea though of leaving here is a little scary." "I know," Tristan said, "I feel that same way. I worry that once I leave here I'm going to go back to the drinking and drugs again." "Yeah," Leo sighed, "It's scary." "But you're not alone," Tristan assured Leo, "We're a team remember? We're going to make it through this." "Thanks," Leo replied gratefully, "But what's going to happen when we both leave here and go our separate ways?" "Maybe we don't have to," Tristan said. "We're friends now. We can still be there and help each other once rehab is behind us." "I just worry that once I leave here, it'll be too hard to adjust to life again that I won't make it," Leo said. "You'll make it," Tristan assured him, "I know you will. Since I met you, you've shown that you are determined to make it through this. That's a lot better then how I was when I first got here." "Yeah?" Leo asked. "Are you kidding?" Tristan asked, "Remember how hard it was for me to be here in the beginning? I hated it, I was so angry at my parents for bringing me here. But then I met you and you really helped me work things out." "I don't think I should get that much credit," Leo replied. "Yes, you should," Tristan said. "You're a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for." "Can I ask you something?" Leo asked. "Of course," Tristan replied. "Do you think you'll ever be able to go a day with out thinking of your friends?" Leo asked. "No," Tristan answered honestly, "Just like you'll never go a day with out thinking of your boyfriend, but the reason we're here is so we can think of them and not feel like our world is over. We're here to realize that life goes on." "Every day I think of Jesse and it just makes my heart stop cold for a bit," Leo said. "I just want that to stop." "Well, you stopped having the nightmares," Tristan said, "Maybe the pain that accompanies thinking of him will stop next." "Hope so," Leo sighed, he looked at his watch, "We should get going. We have that group therapy session in a couple minutes." "All right," Tristan replied as he and Leo headed off to therapy. Over at West Coast Style, Kurt was in his office when he saw Reese walk past the open door and heading for his office. Kurt quickly got up to catch a word with him. "Reese," Kurt called out. Reese stopped and turned around putting on a smile for Kurt. "Good morning," Reese said coolly, "What's up?" "I just wanted to see if you were all right," Kurt replied. "I'm great," Reese smiled, "Why wouldn't I be?" "Well, I know you were a little upset about last night," Kurt said. "Don't worry," Reese said, "It's fine." "Okay, good," Kurt said, he then lowered his voice so no one can hear, "So am I going to see you later tonight?" "Uh, sure," Reese said, "I'll let you know." "All right," Kurt said, "I'm just finishing up an article and then I'm going to leave for the day." "Okay," Reese said turning around and heading for his office. Kurt couldn't help but feel a little stung at the cool treatment he got from Reese, but he couldn't get into it, not around the people at work, so he brushed it off and went back to his office. When Kurt sat back down at his desk he let out a little sigh, he knew Jesse was always on the moody side, but since they've started dating he's noticed it more. Whenever Reese didn't quite get his way he would be very cool towards Kurt, but after a bit of time he would get over it and be the sweet, romantic, and fun guy he normally is. However, whenever Reese got in one of his moods Kurt couldn't help but think of Ryan, he knew it was bad to compare, but things just seemed to go better when he and Ryan were together. Kurt went into his desk drawer and pulled out the picture of him and Ryan together that he kept hidden. He then picked up the office phone and called Ryan's cell. "Hello?" he heard Ryan's voice ask. Kurt was quiet for a moment, suddenly feeling overwhelmed at the mere sound of Ryan's voice. "Hello?" Ryan asked again. Kurt then hung up the phone. He knew he couldn't turn to Ryan anymore, Ryan had his daughter to deal with now and didn't want to burden him with his troubles. Besides, he felt weird at the idea of talking to Ryan about Reese anyway. Kurt shook off his frustrations and went back to writing his article. After Kurt finished his article he quickly submitted it into Reese before heading out for the day. He went over to Nick's place and then the two drove up to go visit Leo. "He just seems upset because I didn't want to have sex with him," Kurt said as the two were driving on the freeway. "I should have sex with him if I'm not ready right?" "Absolutely," Nick agreed, "Although, why are you so resistant to have sex with him? You two have been dating a while." "I'm just not ready yet," Kurt replied. "You know me, it has to feel right for me to do it." "You are old fashioned," Nick laughed. "Why is that so wrong?" Kurt asked, "I shouldn't sleep with someone just to sleep with someone. I like it to mean something." "Didn't you two have sex in Vegas?" Nick asked. "No," Kurt replied, "We did other stuff, but we didn't do sex." "I see," Nick said. "Well, what are you waiting for? Some sign that tells you he's the one?" "I guess," Kurt said. "Kurt, you're never going to get that," Nick said, "Did you get that with Ryan?" "No, but I didn't have to," Kurt said, "It just felt right from the start with him." "You're doing the same thing with Reese that you did with Scott," Nick pointed out, "You're just waiting for some clear sign. That's not how it works." "It's not quite the same with Reese as it was with Scott," Kurt said. "How so?" Nick asked. "I still think of Ryan every now and then," Kurt replied. "Really?" Nick asked. "You never told me that before." "I didn't want to," Kurt said, "I thought if I didn't talk to him, then I wouldn't think about him." "Well it obviously didn't work," Nick said. "Obviously," Kurt added. "I just think of how good it was with him. Him and I just meshed together really well. It's not quite like that with Reese. I like him a lot, a lot more than I did Scott, but something is just kind of off. Sometimes, I feel really good with him and other times I just feel kind of put off by him." "If you're not fully into him, then why are you with him?" Nick asked. "It's going to sound lame," Kurt replied. "What?" Nick asked. "I just hate the idea of being alone," Kurt replied. "I know it's horrible for me to say, but I just like being with someone and I do like Reese. I'm not just using him, I like him." "Kurt, I know you're afraid of being alone, but you can't just settle if it isn't what you really want," Nick said. "Yeah, but I think that maybe Reese can be and I'll see where that can take me," Kurt said. "It's just that something feels off with him." "Every relationship has it's pros and cons," Nick said. "Speaking of," Kurt said, "How was your date with Bradley last night? You two have been dating a while." "It's going well," Nick said, "We had 'the talk' last night." "What talk?" Kurt asked. "The talk about whether we should be a couple or not," Nick replied. "What's wrong with that?" Kurt asked, "I just assumed you two were a couple. You go out every week." "I know, and I like him, don't get me wrong," Nick began, "But I just don't want to deal with another relationship I might not be able to fully commit too." "You don't think you can commit to Bradley?" Kurt asked. "It's not him. I just don't think I can commit to anyone while Leo is still in rehab," Nick said. "Nick, you have to stop this over bearing protection you have over Leo," Kurt said, "He's doing a lot better. He can handle things with out you always watching over him. You have to live your life and let him live his life." "Kurt, look what happened the last time we let him live his life," Nick said, "He ended up in rehab because of it. I can't let that happen again. And until I know he's okay to stand on his own, I can't commit to anyone right now." "You know, sooner or later you're going to have to stop being so overprotective of us." "The day that happens is going to be the day I die," Nick smiled, "I can worry about my best friends, can't I?" "Don't ever stop, but don't let it get in the way of being with someone if you really like them," Kurt reasoned. "I know," Nick said. "Do you? Because it seems like you're going to let another great guy slip away," Kurt said. "I just think you're using Leo as an excuse." "An excuse for what?" Nick asked. "You're afraid of commitment," Kurt pointed out. "I am not," Nick said. "Oh please," Kurt said as they pulled into the parking lot at the rehab center. "You're a huge commit-a-phobe." "How am I a commit-a-phobe?" Nick asked. Before Kurt could answer Leo greeted them at the entrance. "Thanks for coming to visit me in the middle of the week guys," Leo said giving them a hug, "You didn't have to." "We wanted to," Nick said. "Leo, isn't Nick a commit-a-phobe?" Kurt asked. "Totally," Leo agreed. "What?" Nick asked shocked Leo would agree. "Look at your track record," Leo pointed out. "Your last 'relationship' was with a guy who lived all the way across the country. You're completely afraid of commitment." "Tell me why I wanted to drive an hour to come visit you today?" Nick asked sarcastically. "Because you love me," Leo said as they made their way to the garden area and sat down on a bench together. "Why would I be afraid of commitment?" Nick asked. "Do you really want us to say?" Kurt asked. "Yeah. Tell me," Nick said. "Luke," Leo simply said. Nick took a moment to absorb that. It can all be traced back to his old boyfriend Luke, the man who had left Nick for someone else. Since then, as much as Nick tries to deny it, he hasn't been able to sustain a successful relationship. "We're not saying that you're out of line being afraid to commit to someone," Kurt said. "It's perfectly understandable." "Completely," Leo agreed. "Luke turned out to be an ass. It was horrible, inexcusable and completely disgusting." "Wow, you really don't like him huh?" Nick asked. "You two were so close when him and I were together." "He just left you for someone else," Leo said. "He just one day decided to walk out on you. He's a jerk." "Nick, we're just a little worried that you'll let a good guy slip away because of that fear," Kurt said. "And from what you've told me about this Bradley. It sounds like he's a good guy," Leo said. "He is," Kurt assured, "Bradley's a great guy." "Well as fun as it is analyzing my problems with men," Nick said, not wanting to get into the subject of Luke, "We came here to see you, Leo." "So when do you think you'll be able to leave here?" Kurt asked. "Soon maybe," Leo said. "Counselors are saying that I'm doing really well." "How do you feel?" Nick asked. "Pretty good," Leo said. "I feel for once like my world isn't crashing down around me." "Good," Kurt said rubbing Leo's back. "Hey Leo," Tristan said walking by. "Hey Tristan," Leo said, "Come over here and meet my friends." Tate came up and shook hands with Nick and Kurt. "Tristan, this is Nick and Kurt," Leo said introducing them. "So you two are the best friends he can't stop talking about," Tristan said. "We've heard a lot about you too," Kurt said, "How are you doing?" "I'm doing good," Tristan said. "Leo's been helpful in getting me through everything here." "Glad Leo's good for something," Nick joked. "Ass," Leo shot with a smile. "Well I'm going to go read for a bit before dinner," Tristan said, "It was really nice meeting you guys." "You too," Nick said. "We'll see you later," Kurt followed. "I'll stop by and get you on my way to dinner," Leo said. "All right, take care guys," Tristan said walking away. As he walked away Nick and Kurt both noticed how good looking Tristan was. Nice physique, strong jaw line, dark hair and intense green eyes. "Wow," Kurt said, "I'd be in rehab to so I can have an excuse to look at him all day." "He's cute," Nick agreed. "You think?" Leo asked oblivious. "Oh come on," Kurt said, "Don't tell me you don't know a good looking guy when you see one." "Is he gay?" Nick asked. "I don't know," Leo replied. "How do you not know?" Kurt asked. "You have the best gaydar out of all of us." "I'm not looking for guys so I don't really notice," Leo answered. "Well you might want to think about looking," Kurt said, "More specifically in Tate's direction." "I'm not ready for that," Leo said. "First let me come to peace with what happened to Jesse, then we'll take baby steps to that." Kurt smiled understandingly. "Has you're mom come out lately?" Nick asked. "Actually she was here yesterday," Leo replied. "That's great," Kurt said. "I'm glad you and her have built up a relationship again." "Yeah," Leo said. "My dad still doesn't want to see me, but I guess one parent at a time." "Well I'm glad she's back in your life," Nick said. "And I have you to thank for that," Leo said. "I'm just glad I could help," Nick replied. "Oh, I have something for you," Kurt said handing Leo a bag he'd been holding on to. "What's this?" Leo asked. "Just some stuff I got from the magazine today that I thought you might like," Kurt replied. Leo opened the bag and pulled out two pairs of True Religion jeans, a Theory shirt and a Hugo Boss jacket. "This stuff is awesome!" Leo exclaimed. "Thank you." "Just a little gift for doing so well here," Kurt said. "Keep it up and I may take you to a fashion show in a couple months." "Seriously?" Leo asked. "Yeah," Kurt replied. "Thanks so much," Leo said. "No problem," Kurt said. "We're just glad to see your doing so much better." "I am," Leo said. "I never thought I would say this, but I really like it here." "Yeah?" Nick asked. "Yeah," Leo answered. "Everything is so peaceful here." "And it seems to be helping you a lot," Nick added. "Absolutely," Leo said. "Being here has been really good for me. I don't want to leave here until I know I won't put you guys through any more drama." "Don't worry about us," Kurt said, "Just take care of you." The three talked for a couple more hours before Kurt and Nick headed out and went back home. On the drive home Nick couldn't get the idea that he's afraid of commitment out of his head. "Do you really think I'm that afraid to commit?" Nick asked. "Yeah," Kurt replied. "I think so. Can I suggest something with out you getting pissed?" "Sure." "I think maybe it might help if you talk to Luke," Kurt said. "I think he's the key to you being able to open up to a relationship again." "Talk to Luke?" Nick asked. "You're kidding right?" "No, I really think it might help," Kurt said. "The guy who left me for someone else? You saw how I was after we broke up," Nick said. "You really think that I should talk to him?" "I just think that maybe if you can forgive him then maybe you can embrace a relationship again," Kurt said. "But if you don't think it's a good idea." "It's a terrible idea," Nick said. "It was just a suggestion," Kurt replied. "It was a bad one," Nick said. "You said you wouldn't get pissed at me," Kurt said. "I'm sorry, but that's never going to happen." "Okay," Kurt answered holding his hands up in surrender, "Sorry I brought it up." Nick continued the drive home not getting the idea out of his mind. Back at the rehab center, Leo and Tristan were eating dinner together at a table. "Your friends seem really great," Tristan said. "They are," Leo replied, "I don't know what I would do with out them." "It's good to have that," Tristan said sadly. "I'm sorry," Leo said not thinking about how sad it would be for Tristan to remember that his best friends are dead. "I wasn't thinking." "It's okay," Tristan replied, "I was just remembering how close my friends and I were. We were a lot like you and your friends." "You have me now," Leo offered. "Thanks," Tristan said, "It's just tough, you know?" "I know," Leo replied. "I'm glad you stopped having your nightmares," Tristan said, "Because I haven't stopped mine." "Just give it time," Leo said. "I just wonder, why me?" Tristan asked, "Why am I here and they're not?" "I ask myself that every day," Leo replied. "But sometimes there aren't always answers. We just have to accept what happened." "I know, but it sucks not having the answers," Tristan said. "I know," Leo answered. "I really do need to thank you Leo," Tristan said. "For what?" Leo asked. "For being here, being my friend," Tristan replied, "I wouldn't have made it with out you." Tristan reached over and grabbed Leo's hand and gave it a little squeeze. "Right back at you," Leo smiled. Leo looked down and saw his hand in Tristan's, he couldn't help but feel some butterflies in his stomach. It was a feeling he wasn't expecting to have and not sure he wanted. When Nick got home that night he went and thought over the idea of meeting with Luke. It was ridiculous, wasn't it? He shouldn't see Luke, should he? Thoughts raced through his mind. No matter how much he tried to say he hated Luke, he knew deep down that a part of him would always love him. He was the only person who Nick truly fell head over heals in love with and a love like that doesn't just go away. After debating on it for an hour and walking back and forth in his apartment with the phone in his hand, he finally decided to give Luke a call. "Hello?" Luke answered. "Hey, it's Nick." "Nick? Hey! How are you?" Luke asked happy to hear from Nick. "I'm fine. You?" Nick asked. "I'm doing all right," Luke answered. "What a nice surprise. What's up?" "Well, I was wondering if you were busy at all next week," Nick said. "Just work, why?" Luke asked. "I was hoping I could meet with you and talk some stuff over with you," Nick replied. "Really?" Luke asked, "Yeah, I'd love to get together." "Great," Nick said, wondering if he should regret calling him. "Truth be told, I've wanted to talk to you for some time now," Luke said. "Yeah?" Nick asked. "Yeah," Luke replied. "Just give me a call when you want to meet and I'll be there." "All right," Nick said, "I will talk to you later." "Great," Luke said, "Again, it was good to hear from you." "I'll call you later," Nick said hanging up, he let out a huge sigh of relief that the phone call was over. Kurt, meanwhile, had Reese come over to his place. He wanted to talk to him because he didn't like the way they left things when he left the office that day. When he got there the two opened a bottle of wine and sat down on the couch together. "Reese, can I talk to you?" Kurt asked. "Of course," Reese replied. "Are you upset?" Kurt asked. "I already told you Kurt, I'm not," Reese replied. "Yeah, but for some reason I think you are," Kurt said. "I just need you to understand that I like you, but I'm just not ready. Truth of the matter is that it's been really rough getting over Ryan." "I see," Reese replied not liking where Kurt's going with this. "But you've helped me a lot," Kurt said, "And you've definitely made me feel better and I like you a lot and want this to work. I just need you to give me time." "Kurt, you take all the time you need," Reese said. "Yeah?" Kurt asked grateful that Reese understands. "Absolutely," Reese said, "Take as much time as you need to feel ready to be intimate with someone again, even if it ends up not being me." "What do you mean?" Kurt asked confused. "Kurt, I know you like me, and I like you," Reese replied, "But what's a relationship with out sex? If this is all there is then I'll just have to go elsewhere." Kurt was speechless, he wasn't sure what to think. "But you go ahead and take all the time you need," Reese continued. "It's getting late. I should probably get going." Kurt thought of the idea of being alone, he lost Ryan, could he really risk losing someone else again? Kurt couldn't risk it, he wouldn't let himself lose another guy he thought could be good for him. "Wait Reese," Kurt said taking Reese's hand. Kurt got up from the couch and led Reese to his bedroom. "You sure?" Reese asked. Kurt just nodded as he sat down on the bed in his room and began to take off his clothes. Reese closed the bedroom door with a smile on his face, knowing that what he said to Kurt would affect him enough to get him to change his mind. He then went over to Kurt and started kissing him and kissing his neck and down his chest. Hours later, Reese was sleeping with Kurt next to him lying awake. Kurt didn't know exactly what he was feeling, but whatever it was, it wasn't how one should feel after having sex, and it wasn't a feeling he liked. He felt almost dirty for what he did and violated. He didn't sleep at all that night, all he could do was lie in bed and stare blankly at the ceiling. To Be Continued... Hope you all enjoyed the kick start off of season 2! With any comments, questions or feedback please e-mail me at ilj4ever44@yahoo.com Thanks so much!