Reckless Behavior
Title comes from the song "Pillowtalk" by Zayn.
Very minimal amounts of Paul/Sonny although it is not particularly Sonny friendly.
Paul Narita-Black stepped out of the bathroom. He rubbed a towel against his dripping hair, unconcerned with his nudity. He heard his phone buzzing against the bedside table of the hotel room.
Sonny Kiriakis followed behind Paul, wrapped up in a plush white robe. The first thing Sonny did was open a bottle of water from the mini-bar in the room. Normally, Sonny would make due with tap water, not wanting Paul to pay unnecessary charges. But, today, he was pissed.
It seemed like no matter how hard Sonny tried the only time he ever got along with Paul was in bed. They used to spend hours talking. Now, they only argue.
Sonny grabbed a package of M&M's and a Snickers candy bar out of the refrigerator before getting dressed. He was not in the mood for another round with Paul tonight.
Paul unlocked his phone. A giant smile spread across his face as he read his text message.
"Awesome!" Paul couldn't stop from saying out loud.
"Hmm?" Sonny asked as he zipped up his pants and took a bite of his candy bar.
"I'm getting a house guest next week," Paul informed Sonny as he typed away on his phone.
"Gee isn't that great?" Sonny rolled his eyes.
Paul, not detecting the sarcasm, added, "This is gonna be amazing. Oh man, I've gotta make a list of all my favorite places. Will is gonna wanna see everything."
"Mmm," Sonny hummed, barely paying attention. "Wait, did you say Will?"
"Yeah," Paul nodded. "It's his graduation present, getting to come out here for a few weeks."
"He graduated high school?" Sonny asked, moving closer to Paul. He looked over Paul's shoulder and frowned disapprovingly at the conversation.
"Yep," Paul popped. "Man, I am so excited for this. I haven't seen Will in forever."
"Uh huh," Sonny sat down on the bed and crossed his arms. "Not since he came out and threw himself at you."
"He was sixteen then," Paul dismissed. "We've talked about that."
"You and I have," Sonny said. "I don't know what you and Will talk about. In fact, I didn't even know you were talking to him."
"Why wouldn't I?" Paul mused. "I've known him since he was born."
"Yeah and he kissed you," Sonny huffed, crossing his arms.
"Tried to kiss me," Paul pointed out. "He was scared and inexperienced. He's moved on since then. Look, here's a picture he sent me of him and his boyfriend."
Sonny reluctantly took the phone Paul dangled in front of his face. Sure enough, there was Will wearing a cap and gown with a guy's arm wrapped around his hip.
"Scroll through," Paul suggested. "There's plenty to look at."
Sonny did. He looked at each picture in the album. He noticed right away that they all featured pictures from or of Will Horton.
Will and a guy, Sonny assumed to be his boyfriend, sitting together in a booth at a restaurant. Will and the guy posing for a prom picture. Will and the guy at the beach, Will's posture highlighting abs that Sonny didn't think were fair at all. The last picture was a close-up of Will's smiling face, the boyfriend kissing his cheek.
Sonny couldn't help but notice there was an overabundance of shirtless pictures.
"Look how happy he looks," Paul eased the phone out of Sonny's hand. "For Will, that's a big deal. He had such a shitty childhood. He deserves this, being out and proud. I want to make sure his trip is amazing."
"Will deserves that, huh," Sonny rolled his eyes. "To be happy, having his boyfriend hold his hand in public, to kiss. That's what Will deserves?"
"Sonny," Paul sighed. He didn't want to get into this again.
"No, Paul," Sonny shook his head. "When am I gonna deserve that? When am I gonna get that?"
"You know why I can't do that," Paul reminded Sonny as he started to get dressed. "We've been over this before. When we started seeing each other, I didn't promise you anything. I told you this is all I could offer."
"That was years ago, Paul," Sonny insisted. "I thought you would be over that by now. I thought you would be ready."
"It's not a matter of being ready," Paul said. "It's my career. I can't be out and play ball. I just can't, not at this level."
"Why not?" Sonny pressed. He knew he was whining. Knew he was bringing up something dangerous. It just wasn't fair.
Why did a high schooler with a mom like Sami Brady get to be happy? Why did Will Horton get to have Paul's support and Sonny didn't?
"What is it going to take to get you to be with me?" Sonny cried. He pointed at Paul's phone, remembering the pictures of Will and his boyfriend. "I want that! I want to go to the beach with you, sit between your legs. I want to introduce you to my parents and know that we have a future."
"We do have a future," Paul argued. "We're still together, aren't we?"
Paul left his shirt hanging open and moved to stand next to Sonny's forlorn form.
"Look," Paul cupped Sonny's face. He hated getting into this so often, hated that Sonny didn't understand. "I'm not gonna play baseball forever. The hiding and the hotel rooms won't be forever. It's just, we have to wait a while longer."
"How long, Paul?" Sonny stared up at Paul with a dark expression. "Until your 30, 40? What about when your career is over? Is that still going to be more important than I am?"
"It's not more important than you," Paul stepped away, letting go of Sonny's face. "And I don't know, Sonny. I don't. All I know is that I want to be with you. But, if you can't accept that, I don't know how much longer we're going to last."
Sonny sighed, turning away from Paul. He didn't know how much longer he could stand being a secret. But, he wasn't ready to give up now, not yet.
Deciding to offer an olive branch, Sonny asked, "When does Will get here?"
"In three days," Paul answered, buttoning his shirt.
"Are you going to introduce us?" Sonny wondered.
"Of course," Paul said. "Will's the only one from home that knows I'm gay. He knows about you. Why wouldn't I introduce you?"
"Oh," Sonny nodded. He couldn't resist adding, "Why was he shirtless in nearly every picture he sent you?"
Will wobbled off the DiMera jet, stomach flipping. He was not a good flyer.
It took a few minutes for him to find his bearings and move forward with his luggage.
Get it together, Horton, Will told himself. You aren't going to let Paul see you for the first time in forever looking like you need to puke. Not happening.
Thinking about Paul brought a smile to Will's face. Despite the setback when Will first came out, Will thought he had done a good job of growing up. Maturing while growing closer to Paul and alleviating the initial awkwardness.
And soon enough Paul's going to find out exactly how I've matured, Will smiled to himself.
Will headed inside of the lobby at the private airport and paused to look around for Paul.
"Hey!" Will heard from behind him.
Seeing the man before him caused Will to break into a run, luggage rolling behind him with a loud clunk.
Paul barely had time to brace himself before Will threw himself into his arms.
"Ooof," Paul groaned as he caught Will, taking several steps backward. "Holy crap, when did you get this big?"
Will, arms and legs clinging to Paul, laughed. "I'm guessing somewhere around puberty?"
"No, I would have noticed that," Paul lowered Will to the ground. "Hi."
Will, arms around Paul's neck, smiled, noses practically brushing. "Hi."
"Um," Paul licked his lips, staring at Will's big blue eyes.
Will's smile turned wicked.
"So," Paul stepped back from Will. "Um, let me help you with your bags."
"Sure," Will nodded, hands lingering over Paul's shoulders and arms.
"Uh, right," Paul laughed. "Um, do you want to get something to eat or is your stomach still wonky?"
"What?" Will frowned.
"You hate flying," Paul said with a shrug.
"I forget how well you know me sometimes," Will replied with pink cheeks. "But yeah, I am pretty hungry."
"Good, I'll take you to my favorite restaurant," Paul grabbed Will's suitcase and wrapped an arm around Will's shoulder.
"Paul," Will hissed as they were lead to a private dining room. "How expensive is this place?"
"Don't worry about it," Paul waved his hand. "Now, sit and enjoy."
Will sat cross-legged on a pillow over a tiled floor. Paul took him to a ritzy Japanese restaurant with a traditional motif. They were seated on the floor in front of a short table.
"You didn't need to take me somewhere like this," Will mumbled as he adjusted his pillow.
"Will," Paul said with a fond look. "Shut up and look out the window."
"What? Why-oh," Will stared wide-eyed out the expansive window showing a picturesque scene of the sunset across the Golden Gate Bridge. "Paul," Will sighed with a smile.
"Come here," Paul patted the pillow next to him. "You won't have to crane your neck that way."
Will, sitting next to Paul, rested his elbows on the table and stared dreamily out the window.
"Should I order for us both?" Paul asked with a hint of a laugh. He enjoyed Will's obvious delight.
"Uh huh," Will nodded, captivated at the sight before him.
While Will was lost in his thoughts, a large array of fresh seafood dishes appeared before him.
"Alright, space cadet," Paul elbowed Will. "You need to get started before I eat it all."
"Hmm?" Will finally snapped out of his daze and did a double take at all the food. "Paul! This is too much."
"Nope," Paul insisted grabbing his chopsticks. "I told you I was gonna give you the proper San Francisco experience. This is it, baby."
"I don't even know where to start," Will admitted, pleased with the nickname.
"Gyu Tataki," Paul pointed with his chopstick to a salad laced with meat and vegetables.
"What is that?" Will pointed to a leafy looking thing.
"Pea shoots," Paul explained. "Just eat it. Have I ever steered you wrong before?"
"No," Will caught Paul's eye. "No, you always take care of me."
Paul couldn't look away from Will's blue eyes, amazed at how blue they were.
"What?" Will asked after a few moments.
"Just your eyes," Paul said with a shake of his head. "I don't think I've ever seen eyes that were that blue before."
Will's forehead crinkled together.
"You know, sometimes there are flecks of yellow or green," Paul shrugged. "But yours are just this ridiculous color of blue."
"Thanks," Will said, stomach fluttering.
"Wow," Will said as he sat down on a park bench across from the Golden Gate Bridge. "I didn't realize how big it was."
"It is amazing," Paul agreed, arm resting on the back of the bench.
"Sorry," Will bowed his head and dug into his mochi ice cream. "You don't want to deal with a tourist."
"I don't mind," Paul said. "Besides, you are a tourist. I like watching you react to everything."
"I've seen the ocean before, I promise," Will laughed. "It's just, this is so different than Switzerland. The fog and the smell and the air," Will closed his eyes and inhaled loudly through his nose.
Paul smiled, charmed by Will's enthusiasm.
"Paul," Will breathed as he walked around Paul's condo. "This is insane. God."
"Yeah," Paul agreed. He enjoyed watching Will gaze around his condo in wonder. "It's pretty nice."
"Nice?" Will pressed his nose against the full-length window overlooking the San Francisco skyline. "It's gorgeous."
Paul, watching the way the lights reflected off of Will, cleared his throat.
"Um, let me show you to your room," Paul offered. "It's across the hall from mine."
"Yeah?" Will smiled to himself, turning to follow Paul. "Good, I want to be close to you anyway."
"Fun date last night?" Sonny asked as he let himself into Paul's condo. He was only allowed to visit a few times a month. Paul didn't want anyone to get suspicious.
"What are you talking about?" Paul said as he got up from his sofa.
"You and the kid," Sonny replied with a sour look on his face. "You took him to Ozumo last night."
"How do you know that?" Paul frowned in confusion.
"It was all over the internet," Sonny huffed. He sat down on a stool at the island in the kitchen. "Paparazzi were outside."
Paul rolled his eyes in disgust. "I told Will I was gonna show him the best San Francisco had to offer."
"You've never taken me to a place like Ozumo," Sonny said in disbelief, arms crossed.
"Well, it's different with us," Paul explained. "You want anything to drink?"
"No," Sonny shook his head. "And how is it different? No one knows who I am. Everyone would think I was just a friend."
"Because that's how it starts," Paul said with a shrug. "They see you once, fine. They see you twice or at my games, then they start digging and they'll figure it out."
"Oh, no, can't have that," Sonny grumbled. "Where is the kid anyway? Sleeping still?"
"Nah, he has jetlag," Paul explained. "I heard him bumbling at like 4 this morning. I sent him over to the gym."
"Hmm," Sonny grunted.
"I'm excited for you guys to meet," Paul confessed. "I think you'll get along great. Will's stoked too."
"Oh, I'm sure he is," Sonny snorted.
"What?" Paul frowned as he opened up the refrigerator. "Why would you say that?"
"Well, sorry if I'm not thrilled about him staying with you after the last time you saw him," Sonny admitted.
"That was two years ago and he was just figuring himself out," Paul insisted, getting out some orange juice.
"Okay, Paul," Sonny rolled his eyes. "He's over you. That's why he sends you shirtless pictures."
"He's a swimmer," Paul sighed. "He's shirtless a lot."
"Whatever, Paul," Sonny crossed his arms. "If some dude kissed me and sent me those types of pics you'd throw a fit."
"What am I gonna do with pictures of a sixteen-year-old?" Paul asked.
"He's not sixteen anymore," Sonny grumbled.
The door opened interrupting the two of them. Will, shirtless and sweaty, wiped a towel over his face as he walked inside.
Sonny and Paul both stared.
"Your gym is crazy!" Will declared, not noticing the addition to the room. "There were so many machines! And a sauna! I have never sweated this much in my life. And that includes when I snuck Neil into my room and my mom came in and he had to hide under my sheets and-oh, hi."
Will walked towards the kitchen and stopped in front of the strange brunette near Paul. He knew it must have been Paul's boyfriend. He did see a picture a few years back although Will tried not to remember. It was easier for Will to pretend the guy was nameless and faceless.
Will didn't want to know Paul's boyfriend. Will wanted to be Paul's boyfriend.
"Sorry, you probably don't want to touch me, sweat and all," Will said when he noticed Sonny's outstretched hand. "I'm Will."
"I know," Sonny replied with a blank face. "I'm Sonny, Paul's boyfriend."
Will's smile dimmed, "Yeah, I know."
"And I know all about you," Sonny responded.
Paul looked between the two uncomfortably.
"You know," Paul put his arm around Sonny's shoulders. "Sonny's parents just moved back to Salem. It's kind of crazy that's where we're all from, huh?"
"They did?" Will frowned. He didn't remember anyone having a son named Sonny. "Who are your parents?"
"Justin and Adrienne Kiriakis," Sonny replied with a proud smile.
"You're a Kiriakis?" Will blinked a few times. "That explains a lot," Will mumbled.
"What was that?" Sonny narrowed his eyes.
"Nothing," Will scratched the back of his neck causing his bicep to bulge. He noticed Paul's eyes locked onto the action and prolonged the moment. He stretched his arms over his head and smiled.
Sonny openly glared at Paul when he noticed the staring.
"Well," Will lowered his arms and said honestly, "I'm pretty sure your mom hates mine. I know your uncle does. Although, I don't think either have a problem with me personally."
"Doesn't everyone hate Sami?" Paul asked rhetorically, giving Will an appeasing smile. Will knew Paul didn't have a problem with his step-sister.
"Oh, right," Sonny nodded. "You know I do think my mom mentioned something. You see, she has a problem with anyone that likes to break up relationships, carry on affairs, that type of thing."
"Uh-huh, right," Will's smile slipped off his face. "Um, I need to take a shower. It was nice meeting you."
Head bowed, Will hurried down the hallway as fast as he could.
"Sonny!" Paul admonished. "Why would you say something like that to his face?"
"It's true," Sonny shrugged.
And now he knows I'm on to him, Sonny thought. He saw right through Will Horton. Despite what Paul said, Will was not over him.
"Hey," Paul knocked on the door to Will's room a few minutes later. "Will?"
"What?" Will sniffed in a quiet voice.
"Can I come in?" Paul asked. "Please?"
"Yeah," Will answered as he ran a hand through his freshly washed hair.
Will tugged on the shirt he wore while staring in a full-length mirror. It was white, basic, boring.
Will couldn't get what Sonny said out of his head. That was his mother's reputation, a serial cheater, and homewrecker.
Isn't that what I'm planning? Will thought. Is that what I'm going to be too? Is that how everyone will see me?
"Hey," Paul came up behind Will in the mirror. "Are you okay? I don't know what he was thinking telling you that. It was way out of line."
"S'okay," Will shrugged. "It's nothing I haven't heard before."
"You shouldn't have to hear anything," Paul said. "You don't deserve that. Sami's actions aren't yours."
Will chuckled, If you only knew.
"It doesn't matter," Will smiled at Paul in the mirror.
"It does, Will," Paul insisted. "You don't deserve that especially here. Sonny knows better. I promise I never told him anything like that about you. He must have heard it from his mom or someone."
"I know," Will acknowledged. "You wouldn't gossip like that. You're too good for that."
"I don't know if I'd go that far," Paul denied.
"You are," Will said leaving no room for arguing. "That's one of the things I love best about you."
Paul blinked a few times, unsettled.
"Is, um, you should get back to him," Will offered with a strained smile. "I'm fine."
"He left," Paul said. "Work."
"He works?" Will questioned.
"Yeah," Paul said with a strange look on his face. "He does live in one of the most expensive cities in the world."
"I just assumed you would pay for that stuff," Will shrugged. "You know, since you're so rich and famous," Will teased.
"Ha! No," Paul laughed. "He works at a coffeehouse. Although," Paul admitted with a sheepish expression, "I do pay for some things."
"Knew it," Will joked. "Doesn't he go to school or something?"
"Uh, no," Paul answered. "He likes to travel around and whatnot. This is the first time he's settled since high school."
"Oh," Will nodded. He stored that information away for later. Will wanted to know everything he could about Sonny, wanted to know what Paul was attracted to and how Will could top it.
"Then there's you," Paul pointed out. "Mr. Full ride scholarship," Paul grabbed Will's shoulders and pushed him back and forth.
"Yeah, yeah," Will grinned.
"All those times everyone teased you for having your nose in a book paid off," Paul declared.
"I guess so," Will said. "Although, I could have lived without the teasing."
"I know, baby," Paul clapped Will's shoulder. "I know."
Will's nose crinkled cutely.
"What?" Paul asked amused by Will's reaction.
"You keep calling me baby. You haven't called me that since I was a kid," Will said. "It's nice."
"Oh," Paul frowned for a moment before shrugging. "I didn't even realize. Anyway, I came in here to tell you not to pay attention to Sonny. He doesn't know what he's saying."
"Thanks," Will smiled sincerely.
"Now," Paul eyed Will up and down. He noted the way Will's jeans hugged his firm thighs and how the white shirt offset his muscles. "I don't have practice today. I'm all yours. What should we do?"
"Ohmygod!" Will leaned across the edge of the boat. "Paul, are you using the video? Paul?!"
"Yes," Paul laughed with his phone held out in front of him. "I'm getting it, geez."
"This is amazing!" Will yelled as a pod of whales swam past. "This is the greatest thing I've ever seen!"
Paul turned the camera to face himself.
"I think Will likes whale watching," Paul said to the camera.
"Paul!" Will screamed, pointing out again as another whale swam past their boat.
"God," Paul righted his phone on the whales. "Bossy."
"This is the best day, ever!" Will exclaimed.
"Yeah, it's pretty great," Paul agreed. He leaned forward, elbows brushing Will's as the sea water misted their faces.
"Seriously," Will leaned back in his seat. "You are spoiling me."
"I happen to like this place," Paul shrugged, breaking off a crab leg. "Besides, I want you to have the full San Fran experience. Can't get that without going to Fisherman's Warf."
"I would have been happy with the pretzel cart," Will said before looking out the window again.
Their restaurant was located at the bay end of Pier 39. It offered a complete view of San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. It even showed off Will's favorite attraction, sea lions.
"You aren't a college student yet," Paul pointed out. "You can eat a decent meal two nights in a row."
"This is more than decent," Will shook his head. "I'm pretty sure the freshest fish I've ever had in Salem was in stick form."
Paul chuckled and nodded appreciatively. "Yeah, it's a big cultural difference. That's for sure. When I first moved out here, god, I didn't even know what to do. Just this area seems like it's bigger than all of Salem."
"I don't know how you deal with it," Will said with a small smile. "I'd get overwhelmed."
"You get used to it," Paul explained.
"It doesn't get lonely?" Will turned away from the pier to stare at Paul.
"Sometimes," Paul acknowledged. "But I have my teammates and my mom or dad always coming to visit."
"And there's Sonny," Will mumbled, glancing around to make sure no one was listening to them.
They were all alone.
"Yeah," Paul said, biting the side of his cheek.
"You don't sound that excited about him," Will noted, leaning closer to Paul.
"Things have been difficult the past few months," Paul admitted. "He doesn't want to hide. I get it. I don't want to either it's just…"
"Worth it?" Will guessed. "You get to be here," Will waved his hand towards the window in front of them. "You have your dream job in a dream location. You've worked so hard for this. Yeah, being open would be amazing too, getting to have it all. But you aren't ready for that yet. I mean, if you were ready, if you felt comfortable you would do it."
"Sonny doesn't get that," Paul smiled. "He thinks it's all about him but it's about me. Even if I could come out and it wouldn't risk everything, I don't know if I could."
"Well, he shouldn't pressure you," Will insisted. "He should understand it's a personal process."
"I was terrified to tell you," Paul confessed. "I mean, I wasn't sure how you would take it. You always looked up to me and I didn't want you to see me in a different light."
"But I came out first," Will smiled.
"Yeah, I knew all my fears were unfounded after that," Paul laughed. "Then again, you always had to be first with everything, baby."
"Like when?" Will huffed.
"Whenever we'd play games, I always had to let you win or you'd get that pout on your face. That one, yes!" Paul pointed at Will's downturned lips.
"I do not pout," Will crossed his arms and sighed.
"Oh my god, you liar," Paul guffawed. "You are the biggest, poutiest, sulkiest-,"
"Hey!" Will objected.
"You, sir, are a crybaby," Paul finished. "Always have been, always will be."
Paul smiled as Will glared at him.
"Like right now," Paul chuckled. "You're gonna sit there and stew until I cave."
Will blinked staring straight at Paul.
"Not gonna happen this time," Paul said. "Not gonna happen at all. I am not going to give in."
Will's eyes widened, lower lip wobbling.
"Nope, not working this time," Paul denied. "Ain't happening, baby."
Will sniffled once, eyes watering.
"Not gonna work," Paul's eyes darted towards Will's trembling lip. "Damnit! Fine, you win. I give up, you always win."
Will's answering smile and victorious laugh caused a hitch in Paul's breathing.
"I'm gonna get so fat," Will complained as he stuffed a decadent piece of chocolate in his mouth.
"You're in Ghirardelli Square. You need to eat chocolate," Paul argued. "You're the one who thinks he needs to eat it all at once."
"You shoved a giant bag of candy in my hands," Will shrugged. "What's a guy to do?"
"Show some self-restraint," Paul guessed.
"Nah," Will dismissed, chocolate smeared all over his lips. "I'll just do some extra sit-ups or something tomorrow. Gotta keep up these abs," Will patted his stomach.
Paul nodded, trying not to imagine said abs.
"I just had an idea," Will said. "How do you feel about going to-,"
"Hey!" a voice behind them called out.
Will turned around when the person he least wanted to see strolled up.
Sonny jogged through a small crowd and stopped in front of Paul and Will.
"Hey," Sonny smiled, hands in his pockets. "What are you guys up to?"
Will, happy, carefree mood slithering away, let Paul do the talking.
"Candy," Paul handed his bag over to Sonny. "Here, I saved your favorites."
"Thanks," Sonny grinned, fingers grazing over Paul's as he grabbed the bag.
"Um," Paul glanced around, "Do you want to stay? We're just wandering around."
Will snapped his neck towards Paul. He didn't want Sonny around them.
"Great," Sonny started walking.
Paul stood next to Sonny, forcing Will to follow behind them.
"It's been a long time since we've done something like this," Sonny said, shoulder brushing against Paul's. "It's nice."
"Yeah, it is," Paul agreed with a smile.
Will rolled his eyes behind them.
Sonny needs to go, Will thought. He's just in the way.
"Paul," Will interjected, cutting Sonny off mid-sentence. "I'm feeling kind of cold."
"You are?" Paul frowned. "We should head back to the car. You've had a long day. We can watch movies until we fall asleep just like old times."
Will's lips curled up when Sonny added, "Mind if I come too?"
"Course not," Paul answered. "Right, Will?"
Sonny smirked triumphantly at Will when he was forced to smile and nod under Paul's watchful eye.
"Still cold, though," Will pointed out.
"Here," Paul shrugged off his own jacket and handed it to Will. "Looks good," Paul complimented once Will zipped it over his own meager sweater.
Will bowed his head to keep from flashing Sonny a triumphant look of his own.
Will, pressed as far against one end of the sofa as he could get, was seconds away from covering his ears.
The minute Will, Paul, and Sonny sat down on the couch, Sonny mauled Paul's mouth. He mumbled something about missing Paul but Will knew the truth.
Sonny was trying to stake his claim.
"Okay," Paul pushed Sonny off of him, "We're being rude."
"There is one person in the whole world that knows we're together," Sonny stated. "Excuse me for wanting to take advantage of that."
Sonny kissed Paul again, excessively loud and wet.
Will felt like puking.
"Paul?" Will smacked against Paul's shoulder. "I'm thirsty. Paul? Paul?" Will kept repeating until Paul unglued from Sonny.
"Sorry, baby, sorry," Paul stood up, physically separating himself from Sonny. "What do you want?"
"Do you think-?" Will started.
"What the hell did you just call him?" Sonny demanded venomously.
"Huh?" Paul glanced at Sonny. "Oh, yeah, baby. Everyone always called him that growing up. I just started picking it up again."
Sonny crossed his arms, teeth grinding together.
"I was the baby in the family for a long time," Will smiled coyly at Sonny. "Paul," Will simpered, "Can you make me some green tea?"
"Yeah?" Paul rushed to the kitchen, gathering his supplies.
"Mmm hmm," Will turned on the couch to keep conversing. "I try to make it at home but it's not as good as yours. Well, except for when I visit your mom. She's even better than you."
"You visit his mom?" Sonny asked in disbelief.
"Uh huh," Will nodded with a smug smile. "She has an amazing collection of books and lets me borrow them."
"You two still do that?" Paul laughed in delight.
"Yep, we have our own book club," Will explained.
Sonny grumbled something incomprehensible under his breath.
Will leaned back against the couch with a wide smile.
Several minutes later, Paul set a teapot on the coffee table in front of the couch.
"You know," Paul said as he plopped in the middle seat of the couch. "You two have a few things in common."
Paul desperately wanted to alleviate some of the awkward tension in the room.
"Like what?" Will questioned when Sonny didn't say anything.
"You have the same amount of siblings," Paul said. "Three."
"Yeah?" Will frowned, trying to recall everything he knew about Adrienne and Justin Kiriakis.
"Three older brothers," Sonny said with a bored tone.
"Oh," Will responded. "I'm the oldest, two sisters and a brother."
"And how many dads in that mess?" Sonny couldn't help himself from saying.
"Your oldest brother is the result of your dad cheating on your mom," Paul said. "Seriously, what is your deal, Sonny?"
Sonny shrugged, unrepentant.
Will pressed his lips together before taking a deep breath.
"My mother has four kids with two different men," Will informed Sonny. "And she's happily married right now for your information. Which I hear is more than anyone can say about your parents."
"Will," Paul said with a serious expression on his face.
"Excuse me," Will pushed off the couch. "I'm going to take a shower."
"What is his problem?" Sonny asked, moving closer to burrow against Paul.
"Gee, I wonder," Paul rolled his eyes. "Why are you so rude to him?"
"Me?" Sonny scoffed. "What about him?"
"Ever since he got here you've been a jerk to him," Paul said. "It's getting old. You two are both important to me. I'd like it if you'd get along."
"I'll try," Sonny acquiesced knowing he had no choice. "But no promises."
Will scrubbed at his blonde hair, rinsing conditioner out. He prolonged his shower with all the fancy dials and features. It felt heavenly. Although the truth of it was he didn't want to see Sonny.
Will didn't like Sonny. Even if Sonny wasn't dating Paul, Will wouldn't like him. Sonny was judgmental and condescending. He looked down on Will without even knowing him.
What does my mom's track record with guys have to do with me? Will thought as he turned off the shower. Paul shouldn't be with someone like Sonny. Paul should be with someone else, someone better. Someone like me.
As he wrapped his towel around his waist, Will thought of the perfect way to wipe that smug look off Sonny's face.
"Paul?" Will called as he walked back into the front room. "I think I'm gonna go to bed."
Will padded across the dark hardwood floors barefoot. He paused at the side of the sofa, trying to keep himself from reacting to Paul and Sonny cuddling.
"Yeah?" Paul turned his head from the TV and did a double take, moving away from Sonny. "Nice shirt," Paul smiled.
"I'm still cold," Will shrugged. He rummaged through Paul's closet and found an old, well-worn Salem High baseball shirt.
"I'm not complaining," Paul said. "Did you have fun today?"
"I still can't believe you took me to see whales," Will laughed. "The animals, the food, the company," Will said, "It was one of the best days of my life."
Will threw himself at Paul, practically crawling into his lap to hug him. "Thank you," Will whispered, resting his head on Paul's shoulder.
"Anytime," Paul squeezed Will tight, shutting his eyes.
"Night, Paul," Will said with a kiss on the cheek. After he pulled back, Will waved, "Night, Sonny."
Will lay wide awake in bed for twenty minutes before pulling out his phone.
-I can't sleep.
-You didn't have that problem yesterday.
-Paul
-What?
-You remember how you'd get me to sleep when I was little?
-Of course
-Will you come sing me my song?
-Seriously? You're 18 now not 8
-Please?
-You're using the puppy eyes right now aren't you?
-Yes.
Knock Knock
"You're ridiculous, did you know that?" Paul asked as he opened the door to the guest room.
"I just wanna sleep but I'm too tired to sleep," Will sighed dramatically. "I will never sleep again."
"I bet you're out in ten minutes," Paul said as he pulled back the comforter and slipped in next to Will.
"Sing me my song?" Will rolled over to pout pitifully at Paul.
"You sing better than I do," Paul grumbled.
"I can't sing myself to sleep," Will argued. "Please?"
"Fine," Paul said. He opened his arms and let Will cuddle in close just like when they were kids. "Close your eyes and no making fun of me."
Paul cleared his throat and sang in a slow cadence.
"Who knows how long I've loved you. You know I love you still. Will I wait a lonely lifetime, if you want me to, I will," Paul sang.
Will adjusted on Paul's chest, smiling.
"For if I ever saw you, I didn't catch your name, but it never really mattered. I will always feel the same," Paul continued, fingers trailing up and down Will's arm.
"Love you forever and forever, love you with all my heart. Love you whenever we're together. Love you when we're apart," Paul closed his eyes.
"And when at last I find you, your song will fill the air. Sing it loud so I can hear you; make it easy to be near you. For the things you do endear you to me, oh, you know I will. I will," Paul sang. "Mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm. Da da da da da da da."
Just like when they were children, by the time the song finished, Will was fast asleep. Paul held Will for a moment longer before rolling out of the embrace.
Paul made sure Will was comfortable, blanket pulled across his shoulders, pillow fluffed.
"Night, Will," Paul whispered into the quiet night.
"What was that about?" Sonny questioned as soon as Paul flopped onto the couch.
"He couldn't sleep," Paul answered. "He had that problem a lot when he was younger. He'd end up staying at my house whenever his parents fought. I'd always get him to sleep faster than Marlena or my dad could."
"How?" Sonny asked with narrowed eyes.
"Oh," Paul scratched the back of his neck, eyes downturned. "I'd sing him to sleep. It's dumb since I'm not even that good. We'd always call it his song."
"Which is what?" Sonny crossed his arms.
"'I Will' by the Beatles," Paul said. "He thought it was about him since it has his name in the title."
"And he just happened to need it tonight?" Sonny stared at Paul in disbelief. "Are you being willfully ignorant or what?"
"What?" Paul frowned. "What are you talking about?"
"…Nothing," Sonny rolled his eyes pointedly. "Nothing at all. Just pick out a movie."
Paul looked at Sonny for a few moments longer before pulling up Netflix. Sonny just didn't get how close he was to Will.
As Paul picked out a movie, Sonny surreptitiously googled the lyrics to Will's song on his phone. His frown became more and more pronounced the longer he read.
"How'd you sleep?" Paul asked as Will mozied into the kitchen the next morning.
"Good," Will grinned. "I always sleep better after hearing my song."
"I can't believe you made me do that," Paul half-heartedly complained.
"You loved it and you know it," Will fired back. "You miss singing me to sleep. You miss me sneaking into your bed."
Paul, flustered, cleared his throat, "Coffee?"
"Please," Will leaned his elbows on the quartz countertop. "So, you wanna go to the pool with me?"
"Tempting," Paul said, "Unfortunately, I have to spend all day in the clubhouse. You could come with, though."
"Yeah?" Will sat up straighter, eyebrows lifting in interest.
"I pulled a few strings," Paul shrugged. "So, what do you say?"
Will's plans for convincing Paul to join him in the hot tub flew out the window. There were more important things than stealing Paul away from Sonny and baseball was one of them.
Will watched Paul step up to the pitching mound and cheered from his section in the stands.
"Woo!" Will yelled through his cupped hands. "Go Paul!"
Will knew Paul couldn't hear him or see him from where he was sitting in the stands. It didn't stop him, though. Secretly, Will liked to think that Paul knew he was cheering him on, knew Will was rooting for him.
Will put his elbows on his knees, resting his head in his palms. He requested a seat in the nosebleed section. As much as Will loved watching Paul play, Will had been watching Paul all his life.
I'm only gonna get a view like this once, Will thought as another series of waves rolled into the shore as the sun set.
AT & T Park featured a perfect view of the San Francisco Bay. Will was quickly becoming obsessed with the water. He didn't know what he was going to do when he had to go back to Salem with its paltry rivers.
The sound of loud cheers pulled Will from his thoughts. Another batter struck out by Paul.
Will smiled, pulling his Giants sweater further around himself. The sweater was a gift from Paul. Will spent the entire day at the ballpark. Will met the entire lineup and coaching staff. He even participated in a few warmup exercises. Paul's teammates laughed when Will got a hit off one of Paul's pitches. Will assumed Paul was going easy on him but he still had fun.
In addition to the fun-filled day, Will got a lot of swag. Jerseys, sweaters, hats, mugs, anything and everything with a Giants logo or Paul's name. Will was going to have to ship it to Salem. There was no way it would all fit in Will's suitcase even with a private jet.
This was the best few days Will had had in a long time. Life in Salem was difficult, to say the least. Whenever his father was home from business, he spent more time in a bar than with Will or Allie. Will relied more on EJ as a father figure than Lucas. Everyone and anyone enjoyed telling Will how horrible his mother or EJ were. It grated on Will all the opinions and judgments.
Graduation was the best thing that happened to Will Horton. The work itself wasn't hard but dealing with his classmates was. Besides Tad Stevens, Will's best friend, Will didn't have that many people to talk to at school. Everyone either stayed away from him because of his family or because Will came out. He wasn't outright bullied but being treated like he didn't exist hurt just as much.
If it wasn't for Neil, Will wouldn't have made it to graduation day.
Neil Hultgren was everything to Will for almost two years. He was a confidant, a sounding board, a mentor, and a lover. Despite what everyone thought, they were never officially boyfriends. Will was too young for that, only sixteen to Neil's nineteen. That didn't stop the two of them from being intimate, though. Neil taught Will everything he knew about being with another man. He also taught Will how to stand up for himself, keep his head high but also admit when he needed help.
Neil left for graduate school two days after he graduated Salem University. Will knew it was coming, he prepared. It didn't stop the hurt, though, now that Neil was gone. They still messaged each other every day but it wasn't the same as being face-to-face.
Will wasn't in love with Neil. Loved him, yes. He was one of Will's best friend's. Neil never held Will's heart. That had always belonged to Paul Narita.
Will watched as Paul cocked back his arm, throwing a perfect curve ball.
Paul had always been in Will's life. Back in Paul's condo, there was even a picture of Paul holding a newborn Will in the hospital in a frame on the wall. It wasn't always easy. Tori and Marlena were rivals, constantly at each other's throats. It made things difficult for Will, watching his grandma or his mom going after Tori and Paul. For a long time, too, Will didn't even realize he was in love with Paul. Didn't understand why his palms would sweat or his skin would flush just looking at him.
Paul was the only one that was always there for Will. He always made time for Will even when Will was a small, annoying little kid that followed Paul around. Paul listened to Will, told Will in his words and his actions that Will was important. Even when Paul moved to San Francisco and started playing professionally, he still managed to talk to Will every week. When he took the time to study his feelings, it wasn't entirely surprising Will was in love with Paul.
By the time Will understood what he felt, he agonized over whether Paul could or would ever feel the same or not. Will wasn't the smartest or the best looking. But he was nice and loyal. Paul's family would readily accept Will, most of them were Will's family as well. They could be happy together. Unfortunately, Will didn't know if Paul was gay then.
The last time Paul visited Salem, two years ago, Paul came out to him. After a hard fought season, Paul came home to relax. Will took him to the Horton family cabin to unwind. The two sat on the back patio, talking for hours and hours under the starlight.
Terrified of Paul's reaction, Will admitted he found males more interesting than females. That kissing girls felt wrong, that he found it lacking. When he found the courage to come out, Will was met with an understanding smile and a confession of Paul's own.
Will thought back to the moment he took a chance and kissed Paul. It didn't work out. Will didn't think he would ever recover from such humiliation but Paul was sweet. He let Will down gently. Explained that Will was so young, too young. That was when Will found out about Sonny, the secret boyfriend.
Paul showed Will a picture of Sonny he had on his phone, one of the few in case his account was ever hacked. Will examined Sonny's dark hair and eyes, his tanned skin. The bright smile and spiked hair. He looked so different compared to Will.
Will had never hated anyone so much without meeting them.
After Will went home that night, and admittedly cried himself out, Will realized Paul never told Will they couldn't be together or that he wasn't attracted to Will. Paul gave reasons why they shouldn't be together, not that they never would be one day.
Will vowed that the next time he saw Paul, he wouldn't let anything get in his way. Now that Will had met Sonny, saw how he treated Paul, Will was more determined than ever. Will was going to have Paul, even for just a night, boyfriend or no boyfriend.
I have the skills now, the looks, Will thought as he swallowed nervously. Tonight, I'm going to get Paul.
Buzz Buzz
Will yanked his phone out of his jacket and smiled at the message from Neil.
-Just watched your whale video. Looked like fun
-So much fun, you don't even know
-How is the seducing going?
-Making progress. He can't say no to the puppy eyes and likes it when I'm shirtless.
-Wait until he sees those puppies when your shirtless and on your knees. He'd never resist you then
-That's the plan
Will stood up and rolled his shoulders back and forth when the announcer informed them it was time for the seventh inning stretch.
As Will sang along to "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," a plan formed in Will's mind.
Will Horton was going to seduce Paul Narita-Black, tonight.
Author's note:
Part two, the smutty part, will get uploaded sometime this weekend.
Please let me know what you thought. Thanks for reading!
