Date: Sun, 4 Nov 2007 21:09:44 -0800 (PST) From: Kirk Landers Subject: Phases- part 41 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 everyone. Hope you are all doing well. Here is part 41, entitled "Phase Four." 'PHASE FOUR' Kurt and Leo were hanging out at a gay bar. Kurt was drinking a beer while Leo was sipping on a club soda. "See that guy across the bar?" Leo asked motioning subtly to an attractive man in his mid-twenties who was glancing over at Kurt. "Yeah," Kurt replied. "He's been checking you out the entire night," Leo said. "Not my type," Kurt said. "Not your type?" Leo asked. "When did cute become 'not your type'?" "Leo, for the past month you've been pointing out guys you think I should get with," Kurt said. "Can't you just let me grieve a little?" "You've grieved long enough," Leo said. "It's time to get back on the saddle." "Leo, a month ago I just broke up with the love of my life," Kurt said. "I think a little alone time is in order." "You know what would help both you and him move on a lot faster?" Leo asked. "What?" Kurt asked. "If you two didn't still live with each other!" Leo exclaimed, "How is that helpful to either one of you?" "We make it work," Kurt said. "How?" Leo asked. "It's financially easier for him to just stay at the apartment with me," Kurt replied. "He lives in the other bedroom so it isn't really a problem." "Not yet," Leo said. "But what about when he comes home with a date or you come home with a date. How do you think the other will react to that?" "We'll worry about that later," Kurt said not wanting to even think of the idea of Ryan dating someone else. "It's going to happen eventually and I think you two need to realize that," Leo said. "Thank you Dr. Phil," Kurt joked. "Joke now, but you're going to be at my doorstep crying when you come home one night and find Ryan on the couch making out with some hot guy," Leo said. "Okay, I thought the whole point of tonight was for you and me to go out and have a nice time together," Kurt said. "Why are you trying to bring down my mood?" "I'm just trying to help you realize that you're setting yourself up for more hurt," Leo said. "Leo, I love you and I appreciate your concern, but please just let Ryan and I deal with this situation in our own way," Kurt said. "Fine," Leo resigned. "How are things going with Mark?" Kurt asked. "Don't get me started," Leo sighed. "He is a nightmare to live with." "He's still partying all the time?" Kurt asked. "It's been non-stop since he got here," Leo replied. "At first I thought he was just re-connecting with old friends he left here in California when he was in New York, but it's constant. I haven't gotten a good night's sleep at all since he showed up." "What does Jesse say?" Kurt asked. "Jesse does nothing," Leo replied. "And it's really pissing me off. I didn't get engaged to him to just get pushed aside the moment his brother shows up." "Have you tried talking to him?" Kurt asked. "Yes," Leo said. "And he just says to give it time. I think I've given it enough time." "I'm sorry to hear that," Kurt said rubbing Leo's back. "I know this isn't exactly how you wanted to spend your first month as an engaged couple." "You know what? I don't even want to think about it right now," Leo said changing the subject. "Are you still coming to the gala in a couple days?" "Yeah," Kurt replied. "How about Ryan? Is it okay if I ask him to go?" Leo asked. "Sure, why not?" Kurt asked. "I don't want it to be awkward between you two," Leo replied. "It won't be," Kurt replied. "I'm fine." "So, you say that you're holding up fine through all of this, how's Ryan been holding up? I haven't seen him for about a week now." "He seems all right," Kurt said. "We don't really interact much." Later that night, Kurt was in his room laying in bed when Ryan walked in. "Hey," Ryan said. "Hi," Kurt replied. "I was wondering if you were going to come in tonight." "I wouldn't pass it up," Ryan said as he leaned down and began kissing Kurt passionately. "Just so we're clear," Kurt said breaking the kiss momentarily, "We're still broken up." "I know," Ryan replied, "We both want different things. This is nothing, but break-up sex." He's clearly said those words many times before tonight. "We've been doing a lot of break-up sex lately," Kurt said as Ryan began kissing Kurt's neck. "But it's so good," Ryan said between kisses. "I lied to Leo," Kurt said. "He doesn't know about this. Have you told Jesse?" "No, we agreed not to tell anyone remember?" Ryan asked. "I know, but I just wanted to make sure you didn't let anything slip to Jesse," Kurt replied. "I didn't," Ryan said. "Enough talking, lets have sex." "Okay," Kurt replied. "It's just if Leo found out we were doing this, he would flip out on me." "Do you not want to?" Ryan asked. "No, I do," Kurt said pulling Ryan back in to their kiss. The next day Leo was woken up at five in the morning to the sound of music blaring from the living room. It was Mark, he obviously got his second wind for the night with his friends and was blasting the stereo. Leo looked over and saw that Jesse was sleeping through the whole thing, he wanted to let Jesse sleep, but he was too pissed off. Leo grabbed a pillow and smacked Jesse with it, causing him to jolt up in bed. "What is it?!" Jesse asked panicking. "Jesse, it's five in the morning," Leo replied. "Do something! He's your brother." "What do you want me to do?" Jesse asked. "Kick him out?" "No, but he has to learn some basic courtesies," Leo groaned. "I haven't gotten more than four hours of sleep a night since he got here." "I'm sorry babe," Jesse said giving Leo a kiss. "It'll settle down. I promise." "You said that last week and the week before that," Leo pointed out. "I just want to try avoid talking to him as much as possible," Jesse said. "Why?" Leo asked. "It's a long story," Jesse replied. "Well I'm awake now," Leo said. "You want to talk about it?" "No," Jesse said giving Leo a kiss on the forehead, "Not right now. Lets try and get back to sleep." "With the music blaring I doubt that's possible," Leo groaned. The next morning Kurt was in the kitchen eating a bowl of cereal when Ryan came out of his room dressed for work. "Hey," Ryan said as he entered the kitchen. "Morning," Kurt replied. Ryan then came up from behind Kurt and wrapped his arms around him and gave him a kiss on the neck. "What are you doing?" Kurt asked, trying his best to resist Ryan's kisses. "Just saying hello," Ryan replied. "We can't do this," Kurt said. "We're not together anymore remember?" "I know," Ryan replied as he still proceeded to kiss Kurt on the neck, "But isn't this nice?" "Yes," Kurt sighed, "But we agreed only to break-up sex." "Fine," Ryan said as he let go of Kurt. "I should get to work." "I'll talk to you later," Kurt said. "Bye," Ryan said quietly as he headed to leave. "Ryan, wait," Kurt said as Ryan opened the front door. Kurt quickly ran up to him and kissed him. "I miss you." "I miss you too," Ryan said. The two then exchanged a sad look, both wanting to be with the other so badly. Back at Leo and Jesse's place, Leo's alarm went off for him to get up and ready for work. Having gotten no sleep he could hardly get the energy to get out of bed. He looked over on Jesse's side of the bed and saw that he was already up. When Leo finally rolled out of bed he went into the kitchen and saw five of Mark's friends passed out in the living room. "Of course," Leo sighed in annoyance. "Morning," Jesse said as Leo entered the kitchen. Jesse was cooking breakfast for the two of them. "Hi," Leo groaned. "You know, we should start charging these guys rent. They pass out in our living room every night." Before Jesse could respond Mark walked out of his bedroom and joined the guys in the kitchen. Mark had Jesse's good looks, they both had the same defined cheek-bones, the small little cleft in their chin, both had similar hair cuts too, Mark had wavy hair that was able to pull off that simple, messy and sexy look when he didn't do it, it naturally looked great all the time, while Jesse's hair was similar it was shorter to have a more professional look when he was at work. "Hey guys," Mark said still obviously buzzed from the night before, "Too bad you guys didn't join the party. It was awesome." "Oh we heard," Leo said. "Sorry about that," Mark said. "We'll try to keep it more low key next time." "Next time?!" Leo asked beginning to get pissed. "You're having another party?" Jesse asked calmly as he put his hand on Leo's shoulder to calm him down. "Yeah, tonight. Just a few of us are going to hang out," Mark said. "You guys should join us." "No thanks," Leo glared as he poured himself a cup of coffee and went into the bedroom slamming the door. "Wow, Leo is not a morning person," Mark commented. "Mark, you know when we agreed that you could come stay with us we didn't really go over any ground rules," Jesse said gently. "Ground rules?" Mark asked. "The whole point of you being here is so you can prove to mom and dad that you can be mature and make it with out their help," Jesse replied. "Have you once gone out looking for a job?" "Jesse, I just got back from New York," Mark said. "Don't you think it's okay for me to spend some time and catch up with my buddies before I go out and get a job?" "Sure, but-" Jesse began, but Mark cut him off. "Great, well I'm going to go get some sleep. I'm still feeling a little buzzed," Mark said with a laugh as he patted Jesse on the back and went back to his bedroom. Later that day Kurt was in his office writing the book he'd always dreamed of writing. For the past month he's started to write on the side while he wasn't doing anything else at work. "Kurt, have you finished your piece with Callista?" Claudia asked walking in to his office unannounced. Kurt quickly closed the file he was using for his book and quickly flashed his latest article on the computer screen. "Yeah, I'm printing it right now," Kurt replied. "Good," Claudia said. "You know, I must say I've been impressed with you lately." "Thank you Claudia," Kurt smiled. "I've been deciding who to move up around here and you're definitely on the list," Claudia said. "Oh, wow. Well thank you," Kurt said shocked as he handed Claudia his piece. "Keep up the good work," Claudia said leaving the office. Kurt sat at his desk, he was happy to hear he was being considered for a promotion, but at the same time wasn't sure if it's what he really wanted with his life. Meanwhile, Leo was in his office at the Gay and Lesbian Center nearly falling asleep when Ryan walked in. "Leo?" Ryan asked seeing Leo doze off at his desk. "Huh?" Leo asked barely able to open his eyes. "Hey, you awake?" Ryan asked. "Yeah, yeah," Leo groaned. "Just haven't gotten much sleep lately." "Cause of Jesse's brother?" Ryan asked. "You guessed it," Leo replied. "Still partying all the time huh?" Ryan asked. "Yup," Leo replied. "So what's up? Haven't seen you for a while." "I know," Ryan said giving Leo a hug, "I've missed you." "Missed you too," Leo replied. "You doing okay?" "It gets easier," Ryan replied. "So why did you want to talk to me?" "Well, tomorrow we're having a charity gala at the Performing Arts Center," Leo said. "And Kurt's already going, and I want you to go to, but I want to make sure that you and him will be all right going to this thing." "We live together and manage," Ryan said. "I think we'll be okay at a gala." "Great," Leo said. "Well it's a black and white event so dress accordingly." "All right," Ryan said. "Is that it?" "No, I actually wanted to talk to you about your situation with Kurt," Leo said. "What about it?" Ryan asked. "How is it living together?" Leo asked. "I don't mean to pry, but your both my friends and I don't want you guys to get hurt." "Honestly? It's not bad," Ryan said. "We make it work." "Really?" Leo asked. "Really," Ryan confirmed. "What about when the two of you start dating other people?" Leo asked. "We'll worry about it when we get to that point," Ryan replied. "But right now it's fine." "Okay," Leo said. "I just wanted to make sure." "Thanks for the concern," Ryan said giving Leo a kiss on the forehead. "I have to get back to work. I'll talk to you later." "Okay," Leo said. "Take care." Ryan then headed out as Leo went back to trying to stay awake and work. Over at Jesse's office he was on the phone with his mom talking about Mark. "Mom, he has no goals. Wasn't the whole point of him staying with me to teach him responsibility and to get him to grow up?" Jesse asked. "Your father tried talking to him," Helen said. "But you know Mark." "Mom, if he doesn't shape up then I'm going to have to ask him to leave," Jesse said. "He's not only ruining my life, but Leo's too." "Oh poor Leo," Helen said. "I feel so bad he has to get caught up in our family drama." "Me too," Jesse said. "It's killing me. Leo's hardly getting any sleep because Mark is having parties all the time and Leo's such a trooper because he hardly complains." "Just tell Mark he can't have parties there anymore," Helen said. "Mom, if he goes somewhere else to party who knows what trouble he could get in to," Jesse said. "At least with him partying at our place I can keep an eye on him." "But if it's ruining your life and Leo's then you have to put a stop to it," Helen said. "I think that you and Dad just need to sit him down and talk to him," Jesse said. "He won't listen to me. I'm just the brother who saved his ass from going to jail." "Honey, you're eventually going to have to let that go," Helen said. "I know you did a really great thing to protect him, but it's been six years." "Mom, he almost ruined my life," Jesse said. "And now he's doing it again." "Your father and I will talk to him," Helen said. "Why don't you bring him over for dinner tonight?" "I'll ask, but I think he's having another party," Jesse said bitterly. "Well tell him to cancel," Helen said. "We're in obvious need of a family meeting." "Okay," Jesse said. "We'll see you later." "Bye sweetheart," Helen said before hanging up. That afternoon back at Leo and Jesse's place, Mark was sitting in the living room talking to his ex-girlfriend, Nancy, on the phone. All his other friends who stayed the night all went home to nurse their hangovers. "Does Bryce know I'm back?" Mark asked a little nervously. "No, not yet," Nancy replied. "But if you keep having those stupid parties of yours he will. It's only a matter of time before news of you being back in town gets to him." "He can't know I'm back here," Mark said, "I went to New York to stay away from him. If I'm back he'll want me to help him out again." "I know that," Nancy replied, "You have to lay low Mark. Stop being stupid." "I'm not being stupid," Mark shot back. "Getting kicked out of NYU for having sex wasn't stupid?" Nancy asked, almost a little jealous. "That was just funny," Mark laughed. "Sooner or later all of the things you left behind here are going to catch up to you," Nancy warned, "Your lucky your brother took you in. If I were him, I would have turned you into the police." "Well, luckily you aren't Jesse," Mark said. "Yeah, I'm just the girl you left behind," Nancy said. "Please don't start with the guilt trip," Mark sighed. "You have no idea the mess you left behind," Nancy said. "Yes I do," Mark replied. "I know what I left Jesse with to clean up." "I'm not talking about Jesse," Nancy said. "I'm talking about me." "I told you that I was sorry for having to leave," Mark replied. "If you only knew," Nancy sighed. "Then enlighten me," Mark said. "Tell me what I did that I already don't know." "You really want to know?" Nancy asked. "Really?" "Yes," Mark replied. "Tell me." "About a month after you left, I found out-" Nancy began saying, but then stopped herself. "What?" Mark asked. "Never mind," Nancy sighed, "I have to go. But do yourself a favor, lay low." Before Mark could say anything Nancy hung up the phone. Mark set the phone down and laid back on the couch trying to figure out when exactly in his life everything seemed to go wrong. He couldn't contemplate it for long though because Jesse soon walked in. "Hey," Jesse said taking off his jacket. "Have you been here all day?" "Yeah," Mark replied. "Had a bit of a hang over from last night." "Oh," Jesse said. "Yeah, so I think I'm going to cancel that party I was going to have tonight," Mark said. "I'm not really up for it." "Good," Jesse replied. "Because you and I are going to see mom and dad." "What?" Mark asked, "Why?" "Because they're our parents and we should go see them," Jesse replied. "What other reason do you need?" "But I don't really feel like it tonight," Mark said. "Mom really wants to see us," Jesse said. "But I have a headache," Mark complained. "Take some aspirin," Jesse retorted. "And dad is just going to lecture me and I'm not in the mood for a lecture tonight," Mark said. "Tough," Jesse said getting tired of Mark complaining. "Listen Mark, after everything you've done to me and to mom and dad the very least you can do is to try and make a little more effort." "Whatever," Mark sighed, "I'll be in my room." "We're leaving for mom and dad's at six," Jesse said. "Fine," Mark replied going into his room. Jesse sighed, not knowing what it's going to take to get Mark to shape up his attitude. Meanwhile, Leo was done with work and went over to Kurt and Ryan's place to have some time to rest with out any interference from Mark. When he got there, only Ryan was home. Knowing how tired Leo's been Ryan more than willingly let him rest for a bit. "You want to rest in my room?" Ryan asked. "No, I'll just sit on the couch if that's okay," Leo replied. "That's fine," Ryan said. "You need to tell Jesse to talk to Mark." "I know," Leo sighed, "But I have to have strength to be able to do that. Right now I'm running on zero energy." "It's really that bad?" Ryan asked. "It's worse," Leo replied. "Ryan, I feel like Jesse and I are being torn apart because of Mark." "What do you mean?" Ryan asked. "We haven't had sex since Mark came," Leo mentioned. "Really?" Ryan asked. "Yeah," Leo replied. "And I want it so badly, but at the same time I have no energy to have sex." "Jesse never mentioned any of this to me," Ryan said. "Well, that would involve Jesse caring," Leo sighed. "Jesse cares," Ryan stated. "Well he's not showing it," Leo replied. "Ever since Mark's shown up I've just become an after thought." "That's not true," Ryan said. "I'm sure you're still number one in Jesse's life. He's just having a hard time adjusting to Mark being here." "I'm so unhappy," Leo revealed. "It's really that bad?" Ryan asked, surprised to hear Leo actually say he wasn't happy anymore. "I don't know anymore," Leo said. "But I need sex. You know that feeling when you just have to have it?" "Yeah," Ryan replied, it's the feeling he gets whenever he sees Kurt. "I just miss having Jesse on top of me and our sweaty bodies just rubbing against each other, you know?" Leo asked. "Oh yeah," Ryan said getting horny. He wished Kurt would hurry home. "I miss sex and I miss sleep," Leo sighed. "I can't help you with the sex, but I can help you with the sleep," Ryan said, "Go into my room and sleep. Stay the night." "I don't want to impose," Leo said. "It's fine," Ryan said. "I'll call Jesse later and tell him you're here." "Are you sure?" Leo asked. "Positive," Ryan replied. "Thanks," Leo said as he headed into Ryan's bedroom and closed the door. As soon as he did Ryan flipped open his cell phone and text Kurt. Kurt was in his office writing some more of his book when he got a text from Ryan. 'Want to have some fun?' the text simply read. That's all Kurt needed to read. He quickly packed his things up and rushed out of the office. Later on, Jesse and Mark went over to their parents' place for dinner. When they got there Helen gave them both a big hug, happy to have the whole family together. Their dad, Darryl, gave Jesse a hug, but was a little more stern with Mark and just patted him on the back. "Good to see you too Dad," Mark said sarcastically. "Watch your tongue," Darryl replied. "I heard you've been partying non-stop." "Really?" Mark asked giving Jesse a cold stare, "I can only imagine who told you that." "Now don't go blaming your brother," Darryl said, "After all, if it wasn't for him you wouldn't have a place to stay." "Yeah, because my own father wouldn't let me come home," Mark retorted. "How about we eat dinner before we kill each other?" Helen asked trying to diffuse the situation. "Sounds like a good idea," Jesse said grabbing Mark by the arm and pulling him into the dinning room. "I barbequed some steaks," Helen said as they all sat at the dinner table. "They smell great," Jesse said looking at the steaks sitting on the table along side garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus, and a fruit salad. "Do you have any alcohol?" Mark asked, "I know I'll need it to get through this dinner." "So how's work Jesse?" Darryl asked ignoring Mark's last comment. "It's going great," Jesse replied. "I'm head of this advertising campaign for this new athletic gear company." "That's great," Darryl said proudly, "You always were a hard worker." "Thanks," Jesse said. "And how about you Mark?" Darryl asked, "Been looking for a job?" "No, I've been getting drunk every day," Mark replied with a big smile. "I don't doubt that," Darryl said. "So when do you plan on looking for a job." "Eventually," Mark said. "How about tomorrow?" Darryl asked. "How about when I feel like it?" Mark asked. "Dammit son! When are you going to be more responsible and grow up?" Darryl asked. "I don't know," Mark replied. "When are you going to stop comparing me to Jesse all the time?" "Your father doesn't compare you two," Helen said trying to calm Mark and down, "We know you two are different from one another." "Yeah, I'm the screw up and he's the golden child," Mark said, "Well, maybe not so golden because he is gay after all, but we'll keep that little flaw hidden from our friends." "We are not ashamed of Jesse being gay," Darryl said. "Then tell me why not one of our relatives know he's gay?" Mark asked. "Why do none of your friends know?" "Because being gay doesn't define who I am," Jesse said defensively, "And it's none of their business." "Oh please," Mark said, "Jesse, you know that's just the party line that Mom and Dad dish out so you don't think they're ashamed of you. Well they are, trust me." "Mark!" Helen barked, "What is the matter with you?" "Nothing," Mark replied. "I'm just a little sick of you and Dad trying to pretend we're this perfect little family. Tell me, what will you say to your friends when they find out I'm not at NYU anymore?" "Would you rather we tell them that you were caught having sex in the science department?" Darryl asked, "Rather then know that you were so stupid that you blew a great opportunity to get a first-class education and decided it would be more fun to get caught having sex?" "Why not?" Mark asked, "It would probably be the first honest thing you said to your friends. Tell me, what did you say was the reason why you had me go to school on the East coast? Did you tell them about what I did that forced you guys to ship me across the country?" "Mark," Jesse said sternly, "Drop it!" "No," Mark replied. "I want to know how they covered up the incident I was involved in. The incident you had to take the blame for because Mom and Dad knew you would be smart and find a way to clean up the mess I made." "How could you be so ungrateful?" Helen asked in tears, "Your father and I went above and beyond to help you every way we could. Every mess you made we helped you get out of and now that we decided to have you show some responsibility, you lash out at us and say we are horrible parents?" "Apologize to them, now!" Jesse said through gritted teeth. "Don't bother," Darryl said getting up from his chair, "He wouldn't mean it any way. I was hoping it didn't have to come to this, but obviously we just babied you too much and now we have to put a stop to it. Mark, your mother and I are cutting you out of our will until you can prove that you are responsible and that you can appreciate the family you have." "Well since you're kicking me out of the family I guess I should go," Mark said getting up from the table and storming out of the house. "I'm going to go after him," Jesse said. "I'll call you guys later. Sorry this evening turned out so horribly." Jesse then ran out of the house after Mark. Back at Kurt and Ryan's place, Ryan was pacing back and forth waiting for Kurt to come home. After a few more anxious moments Kurt came racing in and immediately started kissing Ryan. Not being able to hold out any longer they started undressing each other as they made their way towards Kurt's bedroom, before they could make it in Leo walked out of Ryan's room and was shocked to see the two of them kissing and undressing each other. Kurt and Ryan didn't even notice Leo, they were too busy focusing on each other, they then closed the door to Kurt's room. Leo walked out into the living room facing the closed door to Kurt's room, not quite sure what to make of what he just saw. "What the hell?" Leo asked puzzled. Meanwhile, Jesse was walking around his parents' neighborhood looking for Mark. He remembered a little park the two used to play at when they were younger down the street and made his way towards it. When he got there he found Mark sitting on the swings by himself in tears. "Thought I might find you here," Jesse said. "Well you found me," Mark sighed, "Congratulations." "You made quite the spectacle at dinner," Jesse said. "I know," Mark said. "I'm just angry." "So are they," Jesse said. "Why are you trying so hard to make them the bad guys?" "I'm not, I was just taking my anger out on them," Mark replied. "Then what are you angry at?" Jesse asked. "I'm angry at myself," Mark replied. "What?" Jesse asked. "You think that you and mom and dad are the only ones ashamed of me?" Mark asked. "I am too. I hate the way I turned out." "Really?" Jesse asked. "Yes," Mark replied. "Then why have you been partying non-stop since you came back?" Jesse asked. "I figure that if I am drunk and around people like me then it would make my shame a little easier to live with," Mark replied. "Well, if you want to change then you have to make it happen," Jesse said. "I'll help you." "Why would you want to?" Mark asked. "After what I put you through before I went to New York?" "I'll admit that I'm still angry about that," Jesse replied. "Being accused of manslaughter isn't exactly a fond memory of mine." "I'm sorry," Mark said genuinely. "What did you say?" Leo asked shocked, "I think that may be the first time you ever apologized to someone before." "I mean it," Mark said. "I'm sorry." "There might be hope for you yet little brother," Jesse said with a smile. "Come on, lets go talk to Mom and Dad." "No," Mark said. "Not tonight. They're right. I need to prove that I can make changes in my life. Once I do then I'll go back and talk to them." "Okay," Jesse agreed, "Then lets go home." The two headed back to Jesse and Leo's place together, giving Jesse the slightest bit of hope that maybe Mark would in fact turn his life around. To Be Continued... With any comments, questions or feedback please e-mail me at ilj4ever44@yahoo.com. Thanks for reading!