Date: Tue, 7 Nov 2006 02:16:18 -0800 (PST) From: Kirk Landers Subject: Phases- part 5 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 you are all enjoying. Take care! Here's part 5 entitled "Thank You" 'THANK YOU' "This trip was a good idea," Kurt said walking down the Vegas strip with Leo and Nick. "Thank you guys so much for coming," Leo said. "Of course," Nick replied putting his arm around Leo. "I think we all needed this," Kurt said. "So what should we do?" Leo asked. "I don't know about you, but I need a drink," Nick replied. "All right, let's go to a casino, we'll get a drink and do some gambling," Kurt said. "Sounds like a plan," Leo said. "Kurt," someone called out. Kurt turned behind him and saw an old co-worker of his named Reese. He was gay as well, handsome, was a former writer at the magazine. He was there with two of his friends as well. "Oh my God, hey Reese," Kurt said giving him a hug. "How are you?" Reese asked. "Good, how have you been? How's New York?" Kurt asked. "It's great," Reese replied. "I love it there." "Leo, Nick, this is an old co-worker of mine, Reese," Kurt introduced. "He was a writer at the magazine before getting a job in New York for Fashion magazine." "Wow, big magazine," Nick said impressed. "Nice to meet you," Leo said shaking his hand. "Nice to meet you too. These are my two friends, Adrian and Neal," Reese said introducing his two friends. Adrian was very fit, tall, dark hair, had the looks as if he was the high school prom king. Neal was cute in a boy-next-door sort of way. "Nice meeting you guys," Adrian said shaking their hands. "Hi," Nick said as him and Adrian made eye contact with one another. "Hey," Adrian smiled. "So where were you guys headed too?" Kurt asked. "Wanted to go get a drink at the Wynn," Reese said. "Hey we were off to get drinks too," Kurt replied. "Want to all go together?" "Sounds good," Reese replied. The six guys all headed off and went to the Wynn hotel and headed for the bar to get some drinks. When they sat down Kurt and Reese were still catching up with one another. "It's so crazy running into you," Reese said. "I know, and this was such a last minute trip for my friends and me," Kurt said. "It's funny," Reese said talking to the other guys, "When Kurt and I worked together we had this long dragged out flirtation with one another." "I never flirted," Kurt lied laughing. "Yes you did," Reese said. "But then Scott came along and took you away." "No, Scott came in after I found out you were heading off to New York," Kurt said. "So how is Scott?" Reese asked. "We broke up," Kurt replied. "Just recently actually." "Sorry to hear that," Reese said. "It's for the best," Kurt replied. "So how do you three know each other?" Leo asked. "Adrian used to work at the magazine with me, before he got a job as an advertising executive and Neal is my roommate," Reese said. "What do you do?" Adrian asked Nick. "I'm an advice columnist," Nick replied. "So how about you?" Leo asked Neal. "I'm an actor," Neal replied. "Me too!" Leo said. "Well, trying to be." The six then gradually all started having little conversations among themselves. Kurt was talking with Reese, Leo was talking with Neal, however Nick and Adrian were rather quiet with one another. "So what have you been up to?" Kurt asked Reese. "Just busy with the magazine, no time to do much else," Reese replied. "This trip is the first time I've been anywhere since I left the magazine back at California." "Dating?" Kurt asked. "No," Reese replied. "No time. How about you? Been seeing anyone since you and Scott broke up?" "No," Kurt replied. "There was someone I was interested in, but it won't work out." "Why's that?" Reese asked. "He has a boyfriend," Kurt replied. "Don't you hate when you fall for someone who's taken?" Reese asked. "I know, it sucks," Kurt answered. "Hey guys," Leo said interrupting them. "What's up?" Kurt asked. "Neal and I are going to go hang out for a bit," Leo said. Kurt and Nick both exchanged surprised looks on their faces. "You are?" Nick asked. "Yeah, I'll catch up with you guys later," Leo replied. "Nice meeting you guys," Neal said as he and Leo headed off. Nick looked over at Leo and Neal as they left, a little upset that Leo left him and Kurt, but before he could think anymore about it Kurt and Reese got up. "Since we're all splitting up Kurt and I are going to catch up some more," Reese said. Nick grabbed Kurt's arm and pulled him close so he could whisper to him. "You're leaving me alone with this guy?" Nick asked gesturing at Adrian. "What's wrong? He seems cool," Kurt replied. "It's not that, I just don't know him," Nick said. "I thought the point of this trip was for the three of us to hang out." "We will," Kurt replied. "I promise. Get to know Adrian, he might be a great guy for you." "You leave I will hate you forever," Nick joked, but in a serious way. "No you won't," Kurt said. "You love me. I'll see you later." Kurt and Reese then both headed out and entered the casino area. "I can't believe they did that," Adrian said. "Me neither," Nick replied. The two grew silent then both looked at one another. "Sorry, I hope I don't offend you, but this is really awkward," Adrian said. "Don't worry, I feel just as weird as you do," Nick answered. "Well, it was nice meeting you," Adrian said getting up. "Yeah," Nick replied shaking his hand. "Nice meeting you too." "Take care," Adrian said as he started to walk off. Nick sat back down and took a sip of his drink alone at a table filled with five empty chairs. "This trip blows," Nick sighed. Outside on the strip Leo and Neal were walking together and talking. "So you just got out of a relationship too?" Leo asked. "Yeah," Neal answered. "About a month ago. When did yours end?" "Few weeks ago," Leo said. "Sorry, it sucks huh?" Neal asked. "Yeah," Leo replied. "I thought he was the one." "Me too," Neal said. "But you know what I realized?" "What's that?" Leo asked. "Even though it hurts a lot at first," Neal began, "It doesn't all end with that failed relationship. It does get better." "I'm trying to believe that," Leo said. "I really am, but it just is hard to imagine that it's over for good." "Well you never know," Neal said. "It may not be over. Maybe later on down the road you two will find each other again." "So why did you and your boyfriend break up?" Leo asked wanting to change the subject. "We were together for so long and I guess over time we just lost each other," Neal said. Leo didn't say anything, he completely understood what Neal was talking about. "You're quiet," Neal noticed. "Did that hit a little too close to home?" "Am I that transparent?" Leo asked. "No, I just know that look," Neal said. "It's the way I looked when I was getting over my break up." "How can you be so positive?" Leo asked. "You two broke up a month ago and you've already coped. I don't feel anywhere near getting over it." "You just take it in steps," Neal said. "You're in that mourning period right now. Next you just need to find something or someone to help you move on." "What did you find?" Leo asked. "I met someone and went on a date," Neal replied. "You still seeing him?" Leo asked. "No, it was only a couple dates," Neal replied. "And that helped you move on?" Leo asked. "It did, you know why?" Neal asked. "Why?" Leo asked. "I found that there are a lot of guys out there," Neal replied. "There's a lot of choices and people out there and I realized after those dates that there will be other guys out there for me." "I just don't even feel like meeting a guy," Leo said. "Well," Neal answered. "Maybe you'll meet one tonight." Over up at the Bellagio Kurt took Reese up to his hotel room so they could talk and catch up. "It's just so crazy running into you," Reese said. "I know," Kurt replied. "It's so good to see you again." "It's been a long time," Reese said. "Too long," Kurt noted. "Way too long," Reese replied. "Do you remember your going away party?" Kurt asked. "Are you kidding?" Reese asked. "I think about it all the time." "It was an interesting night," Kurt replied. "If only you weren't with Scott," Reese said. "We might have finally gotten the chance to get that kiss." "What would it have mattered?" Kurt asked. "You were leaving." "I guess," Reese replied. "We really liked each other though." "I know," Kurt said. "But that was a long time ago." "Do you ever wonder what might have happened?" Reese asked. "Sometimes," Kurt said. "Can I ask you something?" Reese asked. "Of course," Kurt answered. "Did you get with Scott because I was leaving?" Reese asked. "It really doesn't matter," Kurt replied. "It does to me," Reese said. "Tell me." Kurt was silent for a moment before finally admitting, "Yes." "Why didn't you ever tell me?" Reese asked. "You were leaving for New York," Kurt replied. "I might have stayed if you just told me," Reese said. "That's why I didn't tell you," Kurt said. "You would have turned down that amazing opportunity. Look at you now, you're working at one of the most successful magazines." "But we might have been together," Reese said. "Might not have lasted," Kurt pointed out. "Now we'll never know," Reese sighed. "Reese, lets just enjoy each others company now and not think about the past," Kurt said. "Kurt," Reese said walking up to Kurt. "I won't let another opportunity pass." With that Reese leaned in and kissed Kurt. Kurt backed away at first in shock, he knew it would never go anywhere beyond tonight, but he didn't care. He too had always wondered what might have been, so he went back up to Reese and kissed him. Back over at the Wynn Nick was still sitting at the bar having another drink by himself. When he felt he couldn't feel like any more of a loser a recently married couple came running by his table. They obviously eloped for the couple were both wearing jeans and a t-shirt, except the bride had a wedding veil on. "This sucks," Nick sighed. "Nick, you're still here?" Adrian asked walking up to the table. "What are you doing back here?" Nick asked. "I was walking around by myself and realized that it was pointless for us to spend the night being miserable by ourselves," Adrian replied. "Since our friends ran off I thought you might want to hang out with me." "You know, you're right," Nick said getting up. "Yeah, let's hang out together." "Sorry if I was quiet earlier when we were all sitting together," Adrian said. "I just expected this to be a little trip for just my friends and me to hang out and when they all up and left I got kind of pissed." "Me too," Nick replied. "We were doing this get away for Leo, and it was supposed to be the three of us just spending time together." "But you know what? Who needs them?" Adrian said. "We'll have fun." "Sounds like a plan to me," Nick said. "So what do you want to do?" Adrian asked. "I've always wanted to try and go to Rain when I come here, but the club is always packed," Nick said. "Lets go," Adrian said. "We'll try and get in." "Really?" Nick asked. "Whenever I came with Kurt and Leo they always complained the line was too long." "Who cares?" Adrian asked. "Let's just do it." "All right," Nick said. "Lets go." Meanwhile Leo and Neal were in Neal's hotel room kissing. "See?" Neal said breaking the kiss. "I told you you might meet someone." "Yeah yeah," Leo said. "Less talking, more kissing and stripping." Leo and Neal still kissing made their way into the bedroom as they began undressing each other and fell on the bed together. "You sure you want to do this?" Neal asked. "Absolutely," Leo replied with out hesitation. "You said I needed to do something to get over my ex. This seems like the perfect thing for me." "Good," Neal said as he began kissing Leo some more. Over at club Rain, Nick and Adrian were waiting in line and talking and getting to know one another. "So how is it being a big ad executive?" Nick asked. "I love it," Adrian replied. "I travel a lot. I actually go out to California quite a bit." "That's cool," Nick said, "Next time you're there you should look me up." "Definitely," Adrian replied with a charming smile. "Thanks again for suggesting we do something together," Nick said. "I would have been miserable if I just went to the hotel room by myself while Kurt and Leo were living it up here." "Yeah, I was walking towards my hotel wondering what movie I should order when I get to my room when I realized how pointless that would be for me," Adrian said. "So I headed back to the Wynn looking for you in the casino and thank God you were still at the bar." "It's been a long time since I've met someone very cool and easy to get along with," Nick said. "Me too," Adrian replied. "I don't even remember the last time I was on a date." Nick looked at Adrian puzzled, "Is this a date?" "Do you want it to be a date?" Adrian asked hopeful. "I see potential," Nick replied. Adrian slowly moved his hand until it was touching Nick's to see if he moved it away, then he went a little further and slowly wrapped his hand in his. Nick and Adrian both exchanged a smile with one another, knowing they both were going to have a good night together. Back at Kurt's room, Kurt and Reese were still kissing. It was a kiss that Reese had been hoping for for so long and a kiss that Kurt needed to experience. "You have no idea how many times I had wanted to do that when we worked together," Reese said. "That was amazing," Kurt said. "Scott and I never had a kiss like that before." "Really?" Reese asked. "Those are the kind of kisses that people live for and you were staying with someone you never had that kind of kiss with?" "I just don't think I really liked Scott in that way," Kurt said. "I sound horrible, I know, but it just wasn't right for him and I." "Then why did you get with him?" Reese asked. "Because you were leaving," Kurt replied. "It finally happened for us and I'm leaving tomorrow," Reese sighed. "So what?" Kurt asked. "At least we have tonight." "You're okay with that?" Reese asked. "I think so," Kurt replied. "I finally got to experience some of that passion that I've been longing for, and even if it's only for one night, it's enough to make me realize that I shouldn't be with someone just to be with someone. I should wait and let fate decide when and who I should be with." "Yeah," Reese replied. "So are you still going to go chase after that one guy you like back at home?" "No," Kurt answered. "If it's right, it'll happen. I don't have to be on that endless search and hunt to get Mr. Right." "This night has been helpful to me too," Reese replied. "How so?" Kurt asked. "I always wondered if anything would have happened between us if I stayed there," Reese replied. "And now I know. Funny thing is, is that I'm not sad that I left now. Before I was a little upset because I never knew what might have happened. Now I do." "So lets just have the rest of the night," Kurt said. "We have one night for it to be just about you and me." "Lets not waste it," Reese replied. "Tonight is just what I needed," Kurt said. "Thank you." The dawn was approaching and Nick and Adrian were walking up the strip together, having had an amazing night of dancing, talking, and getting to know one another. "Best night I've had in a long time," Nick said holding Adrian's hand. "Me too," Adrian replied. "I'll never forget it." The two stopped at the Paris hotel as the sun was rising it caste a beautiful light around them. They both looked at each other and leaned in and for the first time in years, Nick got a perfect first kiss. They both held one another tightly and kissed one another very tenderly. "Now comes the part I've been dreading," Adrian said breaking the kiss. "What's that?" Nick asked. "Well, I leave today," Adrian replied. "And I'm all the way in New York and you're in California." "I know," Nick sighed. "Do you regret that we did this tonight?" Adrian asked. "No," Nick answered with out hesitation. "I am so grateful that tonight happened." "Yeah?" Adrian asked. "Yeah," Nick replied. "You reminded me that there still are some good guys out there. I had almost given up on the idea that I could find someone." "No, never give up," Adrian said. "Because you're too good of a guy to ever be alone for long. The right guy is out there for you, and he'll find you. Just give it time." "Too bad it couldn't be you," Nick sighed. "Yeah," Adrian replied then gestured to the hotel, "Well, we'll always have Paris." Adrian and Nick both shared a little laugh as they held one another tightly. "Thank you," Nick whispered in Adrian's ear. Over in Leo's room, him and Neal woke up together having slept for maybe a couple hours, the rest of the night was spent doing various other activities in bed. "Good morning," Neal said giving Leo a kiss. "Morning," Leo replied. "Quite an eventful night you and I had," Neal said. "Very," Leo said. "So, just so we both understand, last night was strictly for fun right?" Neal asked. "I mean, there was no intentions about it going anywhere beyond that, right?" "Right," Leo agreed. "It was just for fun and actually very helpful to me." "How so?" Neal asked. "Before last night, I was so afraid to even think of being intimate with someone else besides my ex," Leo replied. "I didn't think I would be able to do it." "But you did," Neal said. "Yeah and it just showed me that I might soon be ready to start dating again," Leo said. "I mean, I'm still not over him, but this has helped me get one step further." "Good," Neal said. "This is exactly what I was talking about when I was telling you about my failed relationship. I finally took a chance on a guy and we went on a date, was a good date, we had some fun and it really helped me move on. Just getting back out there in the dating world and exploring options has helped me so much. Maybe it's time you do the same." "Well, soon I think I might be able to," Leo said optimistically. "Thank you." Later that day Nick, Kurt and Leo met up for lunch at their hotel. All having a chance to rest a little and say goodbye to the men they spent the night with. "Well, it's good to see you both again," Kurt said as they sat down at their table in the restaurant. "How was everyone's night?" Leo asked. "Good," Kurt replied. "Very good," Leo replied. "Perfect," Nick answered. "You go first Leo," Kurt said. "Well, Neal helped me move a little further along in getting over Jesse," Leo said. "And maybe when I get back home, I'll be able to date again soon." "That's great," Kurt said happily. "How about you Kurt?" Nick asked. "Reese made me see that I shouldn't be all hung up over Ryan anymore," Kurt said. "I should just not worry about it and let fate decide. And how was your 'perfect' night Nick?" "I can't even describe it," Nick said. "He was just perfect." "Who?" Leo asked. "Adrian," Nick replied. "You and Adrian hit it off?" Kurt asked. "Yeah," Nick replied. "He's just an amazing guy. I could talk to him about anything and everything, we just clicked." "Finally," Leo joked. "I know," Nick said. "Too bad he lives in New York," Kurt replied. "Yeah, but it's okay," Nick said. "He really just made me see that there are still some good guys out there and I shouldn't be such a cynic in thinking that they were all extinct." "If you wanted proof that good guys were still out there all you had to do was look in a mirror," Kurt said getting his arm around Nick. "But it's good that you finally went on a good date," Leo said. "And hopefully there will be more good dates in your near future." "I'll drink to that," Kurt said raising his drink. "Cheers," Nick said as they clinked glasses. "Thanks again for taking this trip with me guys," Leo said. "Thanks for coming up with this idea," Nick added. Later that afternoon the guys packed their stuff up and headed back home. That night when they got home Leo went into his apartment and pulled out a box filled with pictures of him and Jesse and for the first time he didn't look at them with sadness or longing, he looked at them with happy memories and not regretting a single second of the time he spent with him. When Nick got back to his place he went to a stack of letters he had for work and read one that he had been having a hard time answering: 'Dear Nick, I think I've given up on love. No matter how hard I try to look I can never seem to find a good guy. Why does it seem that everyone can find someone except for me? Am I wrong in believing that I deserve someone great as well? I always am looking for that prince charming, but always end up finding frogs. What am I doing wrong that everyone else seems to be doing right? Sincerely, Frustrated in Canoga' Before they left for the trip Nick had read this letter and didn't know how to write it, it seemed like another letter he once again could have written himself, but now he finally had an answer to give. He sat down at his computer and began to write. 'Dear Frustrated in Canoga, If anyone knows what it is like finding all the wrong guys it's me. I too have had troubles finding someone and almost gave up myself on the idea of a Mr. Right out there for me. But you know what I discovered? I can't keep searching for Mr. Right and neither can you. Don't try and find it, let it find you. I know it's hard being alone when it seems like everyone else is with someone, but take this time being single as an opportunity for you. Think of it as a time for you to really sit back and figure out what you want from a guy and what you know you deserve. And when that guy finally comes, you'll appreciate him that much more. Someone recently told me, 'the right guy is out there for you, just give it time. He'll find you.' And I truly believe that. So don't give up on finding Mr. Right, because you'll be giving up on a lifetime of happiness that you deserve.' Nick smiled to himself, happy that finally he was able to give an answer. When Kurt got back to his apartment Ryan and Craig were eating dinner together and for the first time he wasn't jealous or upset seeing the two of them together. "Hey guys," Kurt said walking in. "Hey, where were you?" Ryan asked. "Friends and I went to Vegas," Kurt replied as he headed to his room. "How was it?" Ryan asked. "It was great," Kurt replied. "It was just what I needed." "Kurt, do you think we can finish that conversation we were having before you left?" Ryan asked. "There really is no conversation to finish," Kurt replied. "I think everything is happening the way it's supposed to. What's meant to be will be, I'm in no rush." Ryan and Kurt both exchanged a long look with one another, both wanting to say so much more to one another, but both knowing that the timing is not right. "Well, have a good night," Ryan smiled. "You too," Kurt replied. "Good night Craig." "Good night Kurt," Craig said as Kurt closed the door to his room. "What conversation were you two having?" Craig asked curiously. "Nothing," Ryan replied. "It just was a conversation that will have to wait for a later day." **************************************************************************** To Be Continued... With any comments, questions, or feedback please e-mail me at ilj4ever44@yahoo.com. Thanks!