Date: Sat, 15 Dec 2007 01:26:43 -0800 (PST) From: Kirk Landers Subject: Phases- part 46 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. I wanted to try and write in a slightly different format. Hopefully you will like it. I don't know if I'll stick to this format, only because I'm so used to the old format I've written in for so long. But anyway, here's part 46 entitled, 'A Family for Christmas' "A FAMILY FOR CHRISTMAS" The night before Christmas, Kurt settles into bed after just coming back from visiting Josh at the hospital again. Another great date. Before Kurt could relish in how wonderful Josh is, Ryan storms through Kurt's door. "I don't want you to go on another date with him." Kurt looks at Ryan with confusion and is appalled that he is trying to tell him what to do. "I'm sorry," Ryan says, "I know I shouldn't be saying this." Kurt agrees, that he shouldn't and asks Ryan to go back to his room. "Who I date now is my business." "I don't want you to date someone, unless that someone is me," Ryan confesses. Kurt is silent for a moment, not too sure what to say, when he finally gets his voice, he reminds Ryan of why they broke up. "We want different things remember? Nothing's changed, has it?" Ryan sighs, "I guess not, I just feel that you're still my guy." Kurt can't help, but smile at that last comment. He has a confession of his own, "Honestly Ryan, sometimes I do still wish I was your guy. And sometimes I'll look at you and wish you were still mine, but we're not." "Yeah," Ryan sighs, "I guess not." Kurt tries to comfort Ryan in assuring him, "No guy will ever compare to you. You've set the bar too high for any other potential boyfriend. But we both need to move on." "Yeah, I know," Ryan sighs. "Sorry. I'll let you get some sleep. Good night." "Good night," Kurt smiles as Ryan closes the door behind him. Kurt then turns off the light and goes to sleep. The next day. Christmas was only a day away and Leo still hasn't finished his Christmas shopping. "I don't know what I'm going to get anyone!" Leo exclaims in panic as he paces back and forth in the living room of his and Jesse's place. "Calm down," Kurt replies as he finishes putting Christmas ornaments on the Christmas tree. Leo points out that he's been so consumed with Jesse and his problems with Mark that he hardly noticed that Christmas was coming up. "It's understandable," Kurt replies, "You and Jesse have been through a lot lately." "How about you?" Leo asks, noticing that Kurt's been acting a lot happier lately. Leo wonders if it has something to do with Josh. Kurt smiles, knowing he can't deny the fact that he's been extremely happy with Josh, more happy then he thought he would be. "I just thought Josh would be someone I could just talk to and have good company with, but I didn't expect to fall for him like I have." "Kurt, are you being careful?" Leo asks worried how the fact that Josh is dying will affect Kurt if he falls too hard for him. "What do you mean?" Kurt asks taking a look at the finished decorated Christmas tree. "You know what I mean," Leo points out, knowing that Kurt's just playing dumb. Kurt sighs and explains to Leo that he realizes that his time with Josh is probably limited, but "I'd rather have a short amount of time with him then none at all. He's an amazing guy and I'm lucky to have even met him." "Even if it's near the end of his life?" Leo asks. "I just bring this up because I'm worried you'll just get hurt." "I've been hurt before," Kurt explains, "At least this time I know it's coming." Kurt then changes the subject by bringing the attention to the Christmas tree and how beautiful it looks. Leo thanks Kurt for getting the tree and decorating it for him. "Are you and Jesse coming over for Christmas dinner tomorrow?" "Of course," Leo replies as he puts on his jacket and grabs his keys, "So what are the chances that you would go shopping with me today?" Kurt agrees to help Leo with his Christmas shopping and the two head out together. Meanwhile, on this day Jesse finally finds the strength to go to work and put his worry about Mark aside for once, but it may be too late because as soon as Mark walks into his office his boss, Walter, calls him into his office to talk. Jesse nervously walks in knowing he's in big trouble for missing so much work. If there was one thing that Jesse's always been is that he's a nervous person and today he has every right to be. His neglect of work to worry about his brother was understandable at first, but it went on for too long and even he knows it. "Sit down Jesse," Walter says in a monotone voice. Jesse nervously sits down and begins to apologize, but Walter cuts him off, he doesn't want to hear it. "Your behavior and lack of professionalism towards this job is inexcusable." Walter then proceeds to remind Jesse of just how lenient he's been towards him, when Jesse woke from his coma he gladly gave him his job back, when it took him a while to get his memory back he understood and waited patiently for Jesse, but now Jesse's taken it too far. "I'm sorry about your brother, but you've just pushed us too far. I'm afraid I have to let you go." Those words hit Jesse like a ton of bricks. "Please Walter, don't do this. It's Christmas," Jesse pleads, "I've been with this company for so long." "I'm sorry Jesse, but you've become too much of a risk to this company," Walter says. "We don't know when you'll show up to work or not." Jesse can't believe it, never in his life has he ever been fired. He's always been the golden boy all his life. Always brought home straight A's, graduated from college with top honors, and now there he is, sitting in his boss's office getting fired and it was a feeling he's never felt before. Jesse stands up and with the dignity he has left walks out of his boss's office and heads to his own office to pack his things up. As Jesse packs up his desk all he can think about is Leo and what he'll say when he finds out. Across town, Ryan sits in his office finishing some work before the holidays and waiting for his father to stop by. Ryan still can't believe that his father is in his life. He's never been one to hope for much in his life, it's something he learned to deal with growing up as an orphan. Life has never been easy for Ryan, he grew up with no one, no friends, no family, nothing. Not since he met Kurt has he felt that he truly belonged. He often wonders what life would be like had he never moved in to Kurt's place. As for Gordon, Ryan knew he was lucky to have him in his life, but he's still unsure of whether he can accept him as his father. He doesn't think he's ready to yet. He's just gotten so used to living with out any family. It's hard for him to imagine opening up to a father at this point in his life. "Hey son," Gordon says knocking on the opened door to Ryan's office. Ryan gets up from his desk and gives his dad a hug. "What did you want to see me for Ryan? It sounded urgent." "It's about the check you gave me on Thanksgiving," Ryan says. "What about it?" Gordon asks confused. "You're keeping it, right?" "I don't think I can," Ryan replies. "Listen, you're great Gordon, but I've been thinking for a while and this is all just too much for me." Gordon isn't sure what Ryan is talking about, but knows that it isn't good. "What are you saying Ryan?" "I'm saying that I don't think I can handle this right now. I don't think I can handle being part of a family when I was by myself for most of my life," Ryan explains gently, not wanting to hurt Gordon's feelings. "Ryan, please," Gordon pleads, "Just give this more time. Don't shut me out yet." On his way back to his desk Ryan accidently knocks over some papers under his desk, as Ryan picks them up he slams his head on the corner of his desk causing him to fall unconscious. "Ryan!" Gordon exclaims in alarm rushing over to Ryan's side. Over on Melrose, Kurt and Leo are shopping when Kurt's cell phone starts ringing. Kurt notes that it's Gordon and answers, "Hey Gordon." In a panicked voice, Gordon explains to Kurt what happened with Ryan and that he's at the hospital right now. Kurt quickly hangs up and tells Leo what happened and the two rush over to the hospital. On their way to the hospital Leo calls Jesse, but it just goes to voicemail so he leaves him a message. When Jesse arrives back at his apartment he goes over to the sofa and sits down holding his box of stuff that had been sitting in his office for so many years. His phone rings and seeing Leo on the caller ID gives him a nervous feeling in his stomach, he doesn't want to explain to Leo what happened right now. He sends the call to voicemail and sits alone on the sofa to sulk over everything. Ryan slowly opens his eyes and finds himself lying in a hospital room. An older nurse walks in and smiles when she sees Ryan's eyes open. "About time you woke-up," She says cheerfully. "You've been out for about an hour." "What happened?" Ryan asks. "You were at your office when you hit your head or something," the nurse explains. "Your boyfriend has been anxious to see you." "My boyfriend?" Ryan asks confused, "I don't have a boyfriend." The nurse laughs, "Well don't tell him that, because he's been very worried about you. Want me to send him in?" "Sure," Ryan smiles, he's glad to hear that Kurt's so worried about him. After a few moments there was a light knock on the door. "Come in." "Hey baby." The door slowly opens and Ryan's eyes grow wide when he sees that it isn't Kurt, but^ÅCraig?! "Craig?" Ryan asks confused, "What are you doing here?" "What do you think silly?" Craig asks giving Ryan a kiss. "You got injured at work. I'm just here to make sure you're doing all right." ""My work?" Ryan asks. "Yeah," Craig answers. "At the Gay and Lesbian Center. You don't remember what happened? Oh baby, did you lose your memory?" "I didn't think so, but nothing adds up," Ryan says confused. "What's the last thing you remember?" Craig asks. "I thought I was meeting with my dad," Ryan answers. "Your dad?" Craig asks, then gives a sympathetic smile, "Aw, poor baby. You've really hit your head. Baby, I don't know how to say it, but you're an orphan. You've never met your dad." Craig holds onto Ryan tightly while Ryan lays in the hospital bed confused over everything. "This doesn't make sense," Ryan says quietly. "What do you mean baby?" Craig asks. Ryan then explains all that he thinks he knows, as far as he knows he works at a college as a counselor and lives in an apartment with Kurt and is friends with Leo and Jesse. Craig laughs, "You have such a wild imagination baby. You don't know anyone by those names, and as for working as a school counselor? That's not your style." After another couple hours of Craig explaining everything to Ryan, he still has no idea of what's going on. But he feels fine so the doctor releases him from the hospital and the two go back to their place together. "We live together?" Ryan asks confused. "Poor baby," Craig says helping Ryan through the front door of their small studio apartment they share. "We live here?" Ryan asks. Craig has Ryan sit down on the couch and tells him to relax, "The doctor said you should eventually get your memory back." "You know, I think I just need to get some air," Ryan says getting up from the couch, "I'm going to go for a walk." "I'll go with you baby," Craig says. But Ryan refuses him, "That's okay^Å.baby." It pains Ryan just to even call Craig that. "I'll be back." Ryan quickly leaves the apartment by himself and gets into a taxi to go somewhere familiar. First place he gets to is Leo and Jesse's apartment. As he was approaching the front door to their apartment all he can hear is loud music playing. He first knocks, but no one answers so he slowly opens the door and sees a bunch of young college-aged guys and girls running around, drinking, kissing and other forms of foreplay. In the corner of the kitchen he sees a miserable looking Jesse holding a bottle of beer. "Jesse?" Ryan asks walking up to him. "You a friend of Marks?" Jesse asks, "If you're looking for him he's in his room playing beer-pong or something like that." "No, I'm looking for you," Ryan says. "Do I know you?" Jesse asks. Ryan looks Jesse over and he clearly looks defeated, like he's been through hell and back. "Yeah, it's me. Ryan. Your best friend." Ryan doesn't understand why Jesse doesn't recognize him. "Sorry bro," Jesse replies taking a sip of his beer. "I don't know a Ryan." "Is Leo around? Maybe he'll recognize me," Ryan says looking among the twenty people in the apartment to see if Leo's in the crowd. "You think that's funny?" Jesse asks slamming his beer down and standing up so he's face to face with Ryan. Ryan looks confused, he doesn't know what Jesse's talking about. "You think you can make a crack about Leo here and expect me to not have a problem with it?" "Where is Leo?" Ryan asks confused. Jesse grabs Ryan and forces him out of the hallway so the two can settle this one-on-one. "If you're my `best friend' shouldn't you know where Leo is?" Jesse asks angrily. "I don't know who you are, but making jokes about Leo in front of me is not a smart idea." "I'm not making jokes," Ryan says sincerely. "Where is he? Doesn't he live here?" Jesse looks deep in Ryan's eyes and sees that Ryan is genuinely wondering where Leo is. "You really don't know?" Jesse asks. "No," Ryan replies. "I don't. Where is he?" "Leo's in jail," Jesse answers. He then goes to explain that after Nick had died Leo became consumed with vengeance that he hired a private investigator to find Wayne and when he eventually got a hold of him, he killed him. "That's not right," Ryan says, "The way I remember it is that you and me stopped Kurt and Leo from hurting Wayne. It's Wayne who's in jail, not Leo." "I wish that it happened that way," Jesse says, "But Wayne's dead and Leo's paying the consequences for that." "This is insane," Ryan sighs, "Where's Kurt? I need to talk to him. There has to be some way for me to get everything back to the way it was." "What are you talking about?" Jesse asks. "This is not the way things should be," Ryan replies. "You and Leo are engaged in the world I remember and I need to find Kurt and maybe we can get things back to the way they're supposed to be." "Good luck talking to Kurt," Jesse says. Ryan gives Jesse a confused look, to which Jesse tells him that Kurt hasn't spoken to him or Leo since Nick died. "He just turned away from us and consumed himself in West Coast Style. Last I heard he was the co-editor-in-chief. Saw him in People magazine recently, he's not the Kurt that I knew." "We'll see about that," Ryan says setting off to go find Kurt. Arriving at Kurt's apartment he saw that the whole building had been turned into one huge house. On the front door there were big initials, `KP.' Confused, Ryan knocks lightly on the door. After waiting a couple minutes a beautiful woman, maybe in her mid-twenties, dressed entirely in black opens the door. "Can I help you?" she asks politely. "I'm here to see Kurt," Ryan says unsure if he's even at the right place. "Who should I say is asking for him?" the lady asks. "Tell him that I was an old friend of Nick's," Ryan says hoping that giving Nick's name will get Kurt to see him. The woman lets Ryan walk into the large entryway while she goes to get Kurt. As Ryan waits he looks around the house and sees tons of pictures of Kurt hanging all over the place. Whatever world Ryan is in, Kurt's definitely in love with himself. "Who are you?" Kurt asks walking up to Ryan. Ryan looks Kurt up and down, he's wearing nothing but designer clothes, Dolce and Gabbana outfit, Prada loafers, and he's wearing DVB sunglasses (inside the apartment). "Kurt?" Ryan asks confused. "Who are you?" Kurt asks looking Ryan up and down, "And why are you wearing those hideous rugged looking clothes in my presence?" "What?" Ryan asks confused. "Can I talk to you?" "Not wearing those clothes you aren't," Kurt answers in a snotty attitude. "Hold on a second." Kurt then goes into the entryway closet and pulls out some clothes. "If you're going to enter my place, you're going to wear these clothes. Nothing less than Armani in my presence." Kurt hands Ryan some old clothes of his. Ryan can't help but smirk that Kurt's giving someone he hardly knows Armani to wear just so he can talk to him. "Can I change in the bathroom or do I have to strip here?" Ryan asks. "Depends," Kurt says, "Lift up your shirt." Ryan lifts it up and Kurt views Ryan's abs. "Nice. You can strip right here." "Excuse me?" Ryan asks. "You want to talk to me? Start stripping," Kurt commands. Modestly Ryan takes off his shirt and puts on the designer clothes that Kurt gave him. "Better?" Ryan asks after he changes. "Much," Kurt replies, "You may enter. Now who are you and what do you want?" Kurt then walks into the large living room that's contains nothing but white furniture, white rugs, white vases, white flowers, and white candles. "Well, I thought I lived here," Ryan says as he closes the door behind him. "Excuse me? I don't even know you, why would you live with me? Are you a crazy person?" Kurt asks starting to get worried, "Did I just give Armani to a crazy person?" "I'm not a crazy person!" Ryan exclaims. "This is so weird. I swear that you and I know each other. We even dated." "Um, last person I dated was Gabriel Brocks," Kurt replies. "I think you're a little insane." "I'm not," Ryan says. "Well you told Olivia that you knew Nick," Kurt says. "Yeah," Ryan answers. "You remember Nick?" "Hardly, it was so long ago when he died," Kurt replies pouring himself a glass of champagne. "I'd offer you some champagne, but this is an expensive bottle and I don't know you well enough to share my liquor." "When did you turn this place into a house? It used to be apartments," Ryan says. "It's what I used my first paycheck on once I became co-editor-in-chief of West Coast Style," Kurt answers with a proud smile. "But you hated it at West Coast Style," Ryan says. "You quit so you could focus on the writing career you always wanted." "Writing career?" Kurt laughs, "That was such a juvenile dream. Being an author is such a dull and unglamorous job." "So you're happy?" Ryan asks. "Of course," Kurt replies. "I don't think so," Ryan says hoping he may have found a way to find the real Kurt hidden beneath the diva-attitude and the designer clothes. "Are you some snooty reporter who's digging for dirt?" Kurt asks getting paranoid. "When was the last time you saw Leo?" Ryan asks ignoring the question Kurt just asked. "Leo?" Kurt replies. "I don't know. We don't talk anymore." "Do you know how he is?" Ryan asks. "Last I heard he was living with his boyfriend, Jesse." Kurt replies clearly not wanting to talk about this. "Leo's in jail," Ryan says. "He's in jail for killing Wayne." "What?" Kurt asks, clearly surprised to hear this news about Leo. "Don't you think you should go see him?" Ryan asks, "He's in jail because he killed the man who killed your best friend." "That was another lifetime ago," Kurt says, "I've moved on." Kurt downs his champagne, he obviously doesn't want to talk about Leo or Nick or anything from that life he left behind. "You haven't moved on," Ryan says. "You're avoiding the pain you felt when Nick died. Admit it." "I don't know who the hell you are, but you better get out of here before I throw you out," Kurt says angrily. "You're ruining my Christmas and I'm supposed to go to the Beckham's holiday party!" "This isn't you Kurt," Ryan says grabbing Kurt by the arms, "I know the real you. The real you is a sweet and caring guy who loves his friends more than anything." "How would you know who the real Kurt is?" Kurt asks struggling against Ryan's grasp. "I know the real Kurt because I'm in love with him," Ryan replies. He then kisses Kurt passionately, Kurt struggles at first, but then slowly melts into it. It's a kiss that Kurt's never experienced before, a kiss that he feels on some level he was always missing. "I don't care why we broke up. I want you back." Ryan says between kisses. "That's enough," a security guard says grabbing Ryan, "Time for you to go." They then throw Ryan out on the street and close the door. Not knowing where else to go, Ryan went to the one last person he felt he needed to see. When Ryan got to the county jail he entered a visitors room with glass separating the prisoners from the visitors. When they escorted Leo in Ryan wasn't surprised that Leo didn't recognize him. They pick up the phones on their sides they need to communicate to begin their conversation. "I know you don't know me, but just trust me. I'm a friend. I just saw Jesse and Kurt," Ryan says. "You did?" Leo asks perking up. "How are they?" "Not great," Ryan says, "Jesse obviously misses you and Kurt's a complete wreck. He doesn't even act like himself anymore." "I miss them," Leo sighs. "So why did you do it Leo?" Ryan asks. "Wayne took away Nick from me and Kurt," Leo replies. "Nick was my family. And I wanted to kill the person who took my family away from me." "But was it worth it?" Ryan asks, "Now you're in jail and your away from Jesse and Kurt." "I guess it wasn't worth it in the end," Leo sighs. "Because now, I have no one." "No one visits you?" Ryan asks. "No," Leo sighs. "Jesse used to, but I told him to stop because it was too hard for me to see him." Leo then tells Ryan that he never had a great relationship with his family through his life, he started to have a good one with his mom, but after he killed Wayne, she never spoke to him again. "You want to do everything you can to hold on to the family you have, whether their blood or not. You have to hold on to them, because in the end, they're all you've got." Ryan thinks about the words that Leo says and begins to see just how important it is for him to have a relationship with his dad. "Thank you Leo," Ryan says, "I think you told me what I needed to know in order to get back to my life." "I hope so," Leo smiles. "Ryan, wake up." Kurt's voice began to echo in the room. Everything slowly began to fade away and next thing he knew he was opening his eyes and he was laying in the hospital room with Kurt by his side. "Thank God, you're awake," Kurt smiles and gives Ryan and hug. "What happened?" Ryan asks as he looks around the room to see that Leo and Gordon were also in the room. "You hit your head on your desk at work," Gordon answers. "My desk at the school right?" Ryan asks making sure he's where he belongs. They all laugh and confirm that it was at the school where Ryan hit his head. Kurt tells Ryan that he's been unconscious for most of the day. "You okay?" Kurt asks as he put his hand on Ryan's cheek. "Yeah," Ryan smiles, "Thanks." "Good," Kurt replies, "Because I didn't want to have two people I care about in the hospital." "Two people?" Ryan asks. "Yeah, you and Josh," Kurt answers. Ryan's heart dropped, he almost forgot about Josh. "Oh yeah," Ryan sighs. "Him." "I'm going to go say hi to him real quick, but I'll be back to check on you," Kurt says giving Ryan a kiss on the forehead, "You want me to bring you back anything?" "No, I'm okay," Ryan answers. "I'm going to call Jesse to tell him you're okay," Leo says heading out the door, "I don't know where he's been all day." Gordon and Ryan both look at each other, both not knowing where to begin. "I guess we didn't quite finish our conversation," Gordon says. "And I don't want to," Ryan answers, "I don't really remember what I dreamt about, but when I woke up I knew that I didn't want to finish the conversation I was having with you before I hit my head." "What are you saying?" Gordon asks confused. "I was wrong when I said that I'm okay with not having a family," Ryan explains. "I hated being by myself, and when I met Kurt, he made me feel like I belonged, he became my family and with you here now it just makes it even better." "So, you're glad that I'm in your life?" Gordon asks hopeful. "I'm saying that I'm glad you're my family," Ryan smiles, "And I'm glad to finally be able to call someone my dad." Gordon doesn't say anything, he just goes up to Ryan and hugs him tightly. "Thank you son," Gordon says. "Thank you for finding me^ÅDad," Ryan replies. "Well, it looks like this is going to be the best Christmas ever," Gordon says. "I think so," Ryan smiles. A few hours later the doctors discharge Ryan and let him go home. As Gordon pushes Ryan in a wheelchair down the hall, Ryan sees Kurt in Josh's room talking with Josh. Ryan tells Gordon to stop and he gets out of the wheelchair and knocks on the door. "Hey," Ryan says entering, "Doctors are letting me go home." "Oh great," Kurt says getting up, "I'll walk out with you guys." Kurt gives Josh a light kiss, "I'll see you in a few minutes." Kurt walks out with them, but Ryan stops, "You know what, I forgot something in the hospital room. I'll be right back." Ryan goes back in, but he doesn't go to his room, he goes to Josh's. "Can I come in?" Ryan asks knocking on the door. "Sure," Josh replies. Ryan walks up and takes a seat next to Josh. "Let me guess, you're Ryan?" Josh asks. "Yes," Ryan answers, "Does Kurt talk about me?" Josh says yes, and tells Ryan that Kurt talks fondly of him. Ryan cuts the small talk short and tells Josh why he's in the room with him now. "Kurt's a very sensitive guy," Ryan begins, "He's been hurt before and I know you don't mean to hurt him, but you're dying. Like it or not, that's going to hurt him, a lot if he falls to hard for you." "What are you saying?" Josh asks curious. "I'm saying end things with him," Ryan replies, "Because I won't let Kurt get hurt again. He doesn't deserve it." "Shouldn't him and I determine when to end things?" Josh retorts. But Ryan asks Josh to think clearly, don't let his feelings for Kurt get in the way, "Be realistic Josh. You're dying and Kurt's falling in love with you. You won't have to deal with the aftermath after you die, but I will and I don't want to see him destroyed over something that can be prevented." Josh doesn't say anything because he knows that Ryan's right. Ryan apologizes and says that he doesn't mean to be cruel, he's just looking out for Kurt. Ryan then leaves the room to let Josh think things over. When Ryan walks back outside Kurt gives him a hug. "I'm really glad you're okay. You had me worried." "Thanks," Ryan says, "I'll see you later." "Okay," Kurt says as he goes back in the hospital to Josh's room. "Jesse's at home," Leo says hanging up his cell phone, "He sounds weird." Leo looks at Ryan who is looking back at the hospital doors that Kurt just walked into. "You okay Ryan?" "No, not really," Ryan sighs. "I want him back." "What?" Leo asks confused. "I want Kurt back," Ryan confides him Leo. "Whether I get a family of my own or not it doesn't matter, I just want him back." "This might just be the worst timing ever," Leo points out. Ryan knows, but after what he just said to Josh, maybe he'll get Kurt back soon enough. Later when Leo arrives at home he finds Jesse cooking dinner, acting in a very upbeat and chipper mood. "Hey." Jesse says kissing Leo. Leo replies and kisses him back, "You okay? You sounded weird on the phone earlier." "Oh I'm fine," Jesse says, "Come on. " Jesse set down a pork roast on the kitchen table, "I made us a Christmas eve dinner." "How was work?" Leo asks sitting down. Jesse pauses for a moment not sure what to say, but after a beat he answers, "It was great." The two proceed to enjoy a nice Christmas eve dinner. Jesse kept up appearances the whole night, he decides he isn't going to tell Leo he got fired. Later on after Gordon left the apartment, Ryan sits on the sofa watching TV, but is interrupted when Kurt quietly walks through the front door. He sets down his jacket on the table and sits down in the kitchen. Ryan notices a sad look on Kurt's face and asks him what's wrong. "Josh dumped me." Ryan goes over to comfort Kurt, he holds him tightly. "Sorry to hear that. Did he say why?" Ryan asks curious if Josh mentioned him. "No," Kurt replies, "He just said that he didn't want to see me anymore." Ryan gives Kurt a kiss on the forehead and comforts him some more. "I was really starting to fall for him too." Kurt sighs. Ryan takes a deep breath, feeling guilt over what he did, and hopes that Kurt won't find out about what he did. "Merry Christmas," Kurt sighs. Kurt then goes into his room to go to bed, leaving Ryan alone in the living room hoping he did the right thing. To Be Continued.. With any comments, questions, or feedback please e-mail me at ilj4ever44@yahoo.com. This will be my last installment until after the New Year. Things are just really hectic right now. But I'll post the next chapter around mid-January! Hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday season!