Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:45:43 -0800 (PST) From: Kirk Landers Subject: Phases- part 11 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 enjoying. This was one of the toughest chapters to write, so I hope you enjoy it! Here's part 11 entitled, "The Aftermath" "THE AFTERMATH" At four in the morning, Kurt's phone began ringing. "Oh my God," Kurt moaned, "If that's Nick again forgetting about the time difference, I'm going to kill him." Kurt reached for his phone and answered it, crankily, "Hello?" "Kurt it's me," Nick said urgently. "Again, you call me at an ungodly hour," Kurt sighed. "Leo was in a car accident," Nick said. "Oh my God, is he okay?" Kurt asked instantly waking up. "They said he's in critical, but stable condition," Nick said. "I'm packing right now and going to be on the next plane back, he's at the LA County Hospital." "I'll be right there," Kurt said hanging up. "What's wrong?" Ryan asked sleepily. "Leo was just in a car accident," Kurt replied already getting dressed, "He's in critical condition." "Oh my God," Ryan said. "I'll go with you." "Thank you," Kurt said in distress. Ryan quickly threw some clothes on and the two quickly left the apartment and headed for the hospital. Ryan drove, knowing Kurt was in no condition to be behind the wheel. The car ride was silent, Ryan looked over and saw the worry in Kurt's face, he reached over and squeezed Kurt's hand. "How did Nick find out about it?" Ryan asked trying to get Kurt to talk. "He's number one on my and Leo's emergency contact list," Kurt said. "Oh," Ryan replied. "So is he coming back?" "That's what he said," Kurt replied quickly. "I'm sorry, I'm just really worried." "I know," Ryan said, "Don't worry, I'm sure Leo will be fine." "Yeah," Kurt said, "He'll be fine. I know it." Kurt sighed, wishing he could believe what he just said. When they got to the hospital Kurt and Ryan both rushed in and went up to the front desk. "Hi, Leo Washington was just admitted to the ER," Kurt said, "How is he?" "And you are?" the receptionist asked. "I'm his family," Kurt replied, "Can I see him?" The receptionist looked over some papers, "He's in surgery right now, a doctor should be with you shortly. You can go ahead and wait in the waiting room." "Is he okay?" Kurt asked. "A doctor will be with you shortly," the receptionist said. "That's not good enough!" Kurt said pounding his fist on the counter. "Kurt, come sit down," Ryan said pulling Kurt away, "There's nothing they can do right now. We just have to wait." When Kurt and Ryan entered the waiting room Kurt saw Jesse's parents, Helen and Darryl Waters, waiting impatiently as well. "Hey," Kurt said going up to them and giving them a hug, "You guys heard about Leo?" "Leo was in the accident too?" Helen asked in anguish. "Too?" Kurt asked, "Was Leo with Jesse?" "Yes," Helen replied sobbing. "Have the doctors told you both anything?" Kurt asked. "They just told us to wait here, Jesse's in surgery," Darryl replied. "Oh my God," Kurt sighed. Kurt and Ryan sat down next to Helen and Darryl, both waiting for someone to come tell them how Jesse and Leo are. Finally, after an hour of waiting a doctor came into the waiting room and went to Kurt. "You're Leo's family?" the doctor asked. "Yeah, I'm his brother," Kurt answered, while they may not be blood brothers, they're brothers none the less. "I'm Dr. Liu," he said, "Leo suffered severe blood loss, we gave him a transfusion and he had two cracked ribs and a broken arm." "Oh God," Kurt sighed. "But don't worry," Dr. Liu said, "He's expected to make a full recovery." "He is?" Kurt asked in relief, "Are you sure?" "Yes," Dr. Liu answered, "He'll need some help for a bit, but he'll be okay." "Oh thank God," Kurt sighed happily, "Thank you so much doctor." "Doctor," Darryl said getting up, "Is there any news on our son, Jesse?" "Yes, may I speak to you in private?" Dr. Liu asked. Darryl and Helen both gave each other a grave look and followed the doctor to a small room. "Well that's great," Ryan said, "Leo will be okay." "Yeah," Kurt replied, "But what about Jesse?" After a few minutes of sitting in silence Darryl and Helen returned to the waiting room both sobbing. Kurt's heart dropped at the sight, knowing the news wasn't good. "What is it?" Kurt asked hugging Helen. "He's in a coma," Darryl replied, "Doctor said he might not wake up. Something about severe trauma to the brain." "I'm so sorry," Kurt said starting to cry for them and for his friend. Kurt returned to Ryan who hugged him tightly. After a couple hours, the nurses let Kurt go in and see Leo. When Kurt went in Leo was still asleep. He couldn't help but cringe at the sight of his friend all bruised and bandaged up. It made him feel worse to think that after all the work it too for Leo and Jesse to get back together that once again they would be separated. "You okay?" Ryan asked walking into the room and holding Kurt's hand. "I just can't believe this," Kurt replied, "It's so horrible. Him and Jesse were just getting their lives back together again." "I know, it's awful," Ryan agreed. "But at least Leo is going to be okay." "But what about Jesse?" Kurt asked starting to cry again, "He might not wake up. How are we going to tell Leo that?" "But there's a chance he could wake up," Ryan encouraged. "You never know." "But there's a greater chance he won't," Kurt cried. "How could he be gone just like that?" "He's not gone," Ryan said trying to be optimistic. "Come on, lets go get you something to eat." "I'm not hungry," Kurt said. "Then you need to get some rest," Ryan said, "You barely got any sleep tonight." "I'm not tired," Kurt replied. "Lets just go rest for a bit, you'll feel better," Ryan encouraged as he led Kurt out of the room. Hours passed, Kurt went in and checked on Leo periodically, he was still sleeping. He wanted to go into Jesse's room and visit, but he decided to give Helen and Darryl their privacy. After almost half a day of waiting, Nick arrived and ran into the waiting room to find Kurt and Ryan. Ryan was sleeping, but Kurt was sitting restlessly. When he saw Nick come in he quickly ran up and gave him a big hug. "I'm so glad you're hear," Kurt said, "I don't know what to do." "How is he?" Nick asked. "Cracked ribs, broken arm, he's pretty banged up," Kurt replied. "Will he be okay?" Nick asked. "Doctor said he would be," Kurt replied, "But Jesse." "Jesse was in the accident too?" Nick asked. "Yeah," Kurt replied getting teary eyed. "How is he?" Nick asked. "Not good," Kurt answered shaking his head, "He's in a coma. He probably won't wake up." "Oh my God," Nick said in shock. "Where are his parents?" "They're in the room with him," Kurt replied. "Can I go see Leo?" Nick asked. "Sure, I'll take you," Kurt said, "Let me just tell Ryan." Kurt went over and gently woke up Ryan. "Hey Ryan," Kurt said softly, "Why don't you go home and rest. Nick is here now, I can get a ride from him. I know you're really tired." "No, I'll stay," Ryan said. "It's okay, you don't have to," Kurt replied. "Kurt, you wanted to be there for me, so let me be there for you," Ryan pointed out. "Thanks," Kurt smiled giving Ryan a kiss, "I'm just going to walk Nick to see Leo. I'll be back in a bit." "Okay," Ryan replied. Kurt and Nick both headed off and went into Leo's room. When they got there Nick turned white from seeing how bad Leo looked. "Do they know what happened?" Nick asked. "I asked a little while ago and they said that a car ran a red light in the intersection and hit them," Kurt replied. "What happened to the driver?" Nick asked. "He died," Kurt replied. "This is horrible," Nick sighed sitting in a chair next to Leo's bed. Leo then slowly began to move and moan in the bed. "He's waking up," Kurt said excitedly. "Leo," Nick encouraged, "Wake up bud." "Come on bro, wake up," Kurt added. "Jesse," Leo sighed. "How are we going to tell him?" Kurt asked. "The truth," Nick replied. "We have to just tell him." Leo slowly opened his eyes and looked at Nick and Kurt. "Hey bro," Kurt said. "How are you feeling?" Nick asked, "Do you need anything?" "Where's Jesse?" Leo asked softly. Kurt and Nick both looked at each other not knowing how to answer that. "Leo," Nick began, but Kurt cut him off. "Just rest," Kurt said, "We'll go get a nurse to let them know you're awake." Nick grabbed Kurt and the two left the room to get a nurse. After they alerted one to go check on Leo they talked to figure out what to say to Leo. "I don't know if I handle telling him," Kurt panicked. "I'll tell him, but you have to be strong for him," Nick said, "You can't cry." "Right," Kurt agreed. "We have to be strong." "Can you do it?" Nick asked. "Yes," Kurt replied, "Yes." "Okay, come on," Nick said as they headed back to his room. When they got there the nurse was just finishing up some stuff before she left to let Leo rest. "So you in a lot of pain?" Kurt asked. "Yeah," Leo replied. "How's Jesse doing?" "We have to talk to you about that," Nick said sitting down and taking Leo's hand. "He's alive right?" Leo asked worried. "Yeah," Nick said, "He's alive, but he's in bad shape." "What do you mean?" Leo asked. "Leo, he's in a coma," Nick replied. "The doctors say he might not wake up." "No," Leo replied simply, unable to accept that. "He'll be fine." "Leo," Kurt began. "He'll be fine," Leo said, "Jesse won't leave me, he'll hang in there. He'll be okay." "Honey, I don't want you to get your hopes up," Nick said. "No," Leo said, eyes beginning to fill with tears, "I know in my heart he'll be okay." "Leo, I want to believe he'll be okay too, but-" Kurt began, but Leo cut him off. "Don't say anything," Leo said, "He'll make it." The three both grew silent, not knowing what to say now. Kurt and Nick didn't want to press it anymore and Leo wouldn't believe that Jesse might not wake up. "I'm tired you guys," Leo said, "Would you mind if I rest?" "Of course," Nick said, "We'll be back later." "Okay," Leo sighed as Nick and Kurt both left. After the door closed, Leo let his tears out at the idea that Jesse might not come back to him. In the hallway, Nick and Kurt were walking back to the waiting room. "What do we do now?" Kurt asked. "Just wait and hope he'll be okay," Nick replied. "I'm so drained," Kurt sighed. "Why don't you and Ryan go home and rest," Nick suggested, "I'll stay a little longer here with Leo." "Aren't you tired?" Kurt asked. "No, not really," Nick replied. "Call me if there's any change with Leo or any good news about Jesse okay?" Kurt asked. "Okay," Nick promised giving Kurt a hug. "I'll see you later," Kurt said as he headed off to get Ryan. Nick then took a walk and went into the hospital chapel. When he walked in there were a couple people, all praying with their eyes closed and heads bowed. Nick took a seat in a back pew and just sat there to think. As he was in there he thought about Leo and Jesse, thought about when he first met Jesse when him and Leo started dating. ****FLASHBACK**** It was two years ago, Leo and Jesse had just started dating a few weeks earlier. Nick, Kurt and Leo were sitting at a bar together having drinks getting ready to meet Jesse. Leo was excited, it was the first time Nick and Kurt would actually be meeting Jesse since the two started dating. "Who would have thought that night that the waiter who spilled the beer all over you would end up being this guy you are now so smitten with?" Nick asked. "I know," Leo replied, "Isn't it kind of cute the way him and I met? Kind of a fun story to tell." "Yeah, right out of a romantic comedy," Nick said. "A big gay romantic comedy," Kurt quipped. "Because there are so many of those." I really like him you guys," Leo said, "I don't think I've ever liked a guy this much." "That's a good sign," Kurt said, "If it feels different, feels better than you're used to then I think it's a good sign." "What time is he getting here?" Nick asked. "He should be here any minute," Leo replied, "He was coming straight from work." "Have you two sealed the deal yet?" Kurt asked. "Not yet," Leo replied. "Wow, this is a different relationship for you," Nick said. "I know, you usually have sex with them within the first week," Kurt joked. "I want it to be special," Leo replied giving Kurt a punch in the arm. "You jerk." "Good for you," Nick said. "We were worried you were going to turn into a man slut." Before they could talk about it anymore Jesse walked up to their table. "Hey," Jesse said giving Leo a hug and kiss, "Sorry I'm late. It was crazy at the restaurant." "It's no problem," Leo said, "We were just having drinks." "Hi Jesse," Kurt said extending his hand, "I'm Kurt." "Hey, nice to meet you," Jesse replied. "I'm Nick," Nick said shaking Jesse's hand next, "We've heard a lot about you." "All good things I hope," Jesse said. "Great things," Kurt said, "Let's get you a drink. You're going to need it after the interrogation I'm sure Nick has planned for you." "Oh yeah, Leo warned me about that," Jesse said with a laugh. "What are you guys talking about?" Nick asked. "Oh come on," Kurt said, "Every guy that either Leo or I date, you always have a long list of questions for them." "Yeah like, 'Where did you grow up?' or 'Where did you go to school?' or 'Do you have a criminal record?'" Leo imitated. "I'm surprised you don't ask for a urine sample," Kurt said. "That's why I wanted both you and Kurt to meet Jesse at the same time," Leo said, "That way while you drill him and make him uncomfortable, Kurt's here to be a buffer and be the good cop." "I'm the bad cop?" Nick asked. "You're always the bad cop," Kurt replied slyly, putting his arm around Nick. "You guys pick on Nick a lot?" Jesse asked. "No," Kurt said, "But we just wanted to warn you that Nick comes off as intimidating at first, but you'll grow to love him." "I'm just protective of them," Nick said to Jesse, "These two can get into a lot of trouble if I'm not here to keep them intact." "I bet," Jesse said winking at Leo. "So tell me Jesse," Nick said, "What are your intentions with Leo?" Kurt and Leo both looked at each other and then at Nick and Jesse, wondering if Nick was serious about that question. "Um..." Jesse replied, not too sure how to answer. "I'm kidding," Nick said dryly. Kurt and Leo both sighed with relief. "I think this will be a fun night," Nick said with a smile. And it was, the rest of the night Kurt and Nick got a chance to really get to know Jesse and they soon realized why Leo was so into him. He was a great guy. ****END FLASHBACK**** Nick sighed and wiped tears away from his face. He couldn't believe that Jesse might never come back. "Please," Nick prayed, "Let Jesse come through this." When Nick left the chapel about twenty minutes later, he was going to go to the waiting room and let Leo rest, but he couldn't. He went to Leo's room and found him laying, looking up at the ceiling and crying. Nick walked in and sat down quietly next to Leo. "You want to talk?" Nick asked holding Leo's hand. "He's going to wake up Nick," Leo said, "I know it." "I really hope you're right," Nick replied. "We just got back together," Leo cried, "How could this be happening?" "I know," Nick said, "But everything happens for a reason." "That's such bull," Leo snapped, "An idiot ran a red light and hit us. That's not fate, that's recklessness." "Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you," Nick said. "No, I'm sorry," Leo said, "I just can't take this. Where are his parents?" "They're with him," Nick replied. "He's in the room across the hall." "Can you make sure they know what a great son they have and that he'll come back. He'll wake up. I know it," Leo said. "Leo," Nick began. "Nick, he'll be okay," Leo said before Nick could say anything. "Leo, you have to face facts," Nick said sternly, "I'm sorry, I hate to say it, but Jesse might not wake up." "I can't face that," Leo sighed, "If I do then that means I might have to let him go and I'm not ready to do that." "I understand," Nick said, "But I don't want you to hold out for something that might not happen." Before he could press Leo more to coming to terms with what happened his cell phone rang. Nick looked at the caller ID and saw Adrian's name. "I'll let you rest," Nick said getting up, "I'm going to take this." Nick left the room and answered the phone. "Hey," Nick answered. "Hey how is everything?" Adrian asked, "Leo okay?" "He'll live," Nick replied, "He's got a few broken bones, but he'll be okay." "Good," Adrian said. "Had me worried when I dropped you off at the airport." "Thanks for calling," Nick said. "Of course," Adrian said, "So everything is good?" "Not exactly," Nick replied, "Jesse's in a coma. He might not wake up." "I'm so sorry to hear that," Adrian said sympathetically. "Is there anything I can do? Want me to fly out?" "No, don't be silly," Nick said. "It's okay. I know I kept you from a lot of work while I was there." "It was worth it," Adrian said, "I got to be with you." "It was a really good trip," Nick said. "You know, I might have to go to Paris soon for this company that's thinking of hiring my firm," Adrian hinted, "Maybe you should come with me. Let you take your mind off of things for a bit." "That's sweet, but if Jesse doesn't pull through this I need to stay here and watch after Leo," Nick replied. "I understand," Adrian said. "You still at the hospital?" "Yeah, but I think I'm going to go home soon," Nick replied, "Leo's in denial and I just think it's a good idea if I give him some space right now." "Okay," Adrian said, "Call me later?" "Yeah," Nick replied, "I'm just going to talk to the doctor before I leave and then I'll call you when I get home." "All right," Adrian said. "Bye," Nick said before he hung up. Nick then went to go find and talk to the doctor about Leo and then talk to Jesse's parents. Back at Kurt and Ryan's apartment the two were laying in bed, neither one was sleeping, Kurt was too distraught and Ryan was trying to comfort him. "I wish you got a chance to get to know him better," Kurt told Ryan about Jesse, "He was such a great guy and now he might be gone." "You never know," Ryan said, "He may wake up." "He was like a brother to me," Kurt said, "I was really close with him." "Hey, why did he always call you Bug?" Ryan asked. Kurt laughed a little to himself before he answered. "A month or so into their relationship Leo was always with him so I was starting to get annoyed that I never saw Leo anymore, as a result I started to not like Jesse that much." "Really?" Ryan asked. "Yeah," Kurt replied, "I was really cold to him for a while and would just try to annoy him and piss him off on purpose. I was a jerk. So then one day him and I got into this really big fight, I basically told him that he was annoying me and he told me I was bugging him. Well, we were at it for a while before Leo stopped it and talked to both of us and we finally cleared the air between us and called a truce. After that we started getting along and he just kept calling me Bug as payback for being such a jerk to him." "Doesn't really sound like you," Ryan said. "Never thought you would be mean to anyone." "I don't know, I guess I was worried he'd take Leo away from Nick and me so I just got upset," Kurt said. "I see," Ryan said. "Well it sounds like after that big fight between you two that you and him had a really good relationship with one another." "Yeah," Kurt said, "And he was just so good with Leo. The two were so in love. Before they broke up that first time they were the cutest couple in the world. Always holding hands, always laughing together, they were great." "Even if Jesse doesn't wake up," Ryan began, "Leo will find happiness again." "But it will be hard for him to find anyone he likes as much as Jesse," Kurt sighed. The two lay quietly both thinking of Jesse and Leo. Back at the hospital Leo carefully got out of bed, being careful not to hurt himself and he slowly walked outside, he went to Jesse's room. When he walked in Darryl and Helen were sitting in chairs next to Jesse and both holding his hands. At the sound of the door opening they looked up and saw Leo slowly walk in. The two hurried over and helped Leo over, kissing him on the forehead. "Sweetie," Helen said, "Are you okay?" "No," Leo said breaking down as he saw Jesse. His face was all bruised, bandages wrapped around his head, he looked so weak. "I know," Darryl said helping Leo over to Jesse. Leo carefully leaned over and kissed Jesse on the forehead. "I love you," Leo whispered. "I brought you two some juice," Nick said walking into the room. When he saw Leo in there he set the cups of juice down and hurried to his side. "You shouldn't be out of bed." "Nick," Leo said looking at Nick desperately, hoping there was something he could do to help Jesse. "I'm so sorry," Nick said trying his best to hold back tears and be strong for Leo. Leo then fell into Nick's arms sobbing unable to come to terms with the reality that Jesse might be gone... ***************************************************************************** To Be Continued... With any comments, questions or feedback please e-mail me at ilj4ever44@yahoo.com. Thanks so much!