A/N: Thank you for all the comments, reviews and simply for following this story. Also, I appreciate the patience as the foundation is laid for the story. As the title suggests, this is a Will and Sonny love story , but that will take some time to develop. (Not as long as the show though!) In this chapter Sonny and Will meet, but it isn't quite the love at first sight we would all hope for. This is where the mild deceptions start.
Sonny was in bed hoping to sleep soon as he reflected on the past two days. Yesterday morning he was at the pub with his parents when he learned that they hadn't told Uncle Vic about Sonny's 'news'. They were worried that he wouldn't take it well. Sonny knew instinctively that there was no point in delaying or hiding. His parents were definitely surprised when he said he would go tell Uncle Vic himself, right then, man to man. Not only were they surprised, they were also very proud.
The conversation with Uncle Vic went better than expected. Yes, he was shocked and yes, he was saddened, but that was mainly about the obstacles he might encounter. However, in the end he was both supportive and proud of the way Sonny handled the situation. He respected him for coming to him directly. Also, Sonny noticed the next day that Uncle Vic's behavior toward him hadn't changed in the slightest. That was comforting. Also, Uncle Vic had invited a family over to dinner for tomorrow. One of his business associates had a son that was gay and went to Salem U. Not only that, he was the president of the LGBT organization on campus. Sonny was nervous about meeting him, but he also appreciated Uncle Vic making the effort and of course he wanted to make friends in case he decided to stay and go to Salem U in the fall. All in all, Sonny felt pretty good about how he was working through things as he started his new life as a resident of a small stable town rather than life as a nomad.
The next afternoon, Sonny was getting ready for the dinner guests and his anxiety was growing with each minute that ticked away on the clock. Sonny was a pretty likable, easy-going guy, but it was always hard when you had like 6 adults pairing two young people together expecting you to be immediate friends, just because you have one or two things in common aside from also being about the same age. However, Sonny really appreciated the effort his Uncle Vic was making, so he was going to bring his positive attitude and full effort to the dinner.
He chose a tan button down shirt and well-fitting dark blue jeans for the dinner. He took the time to do his hair just right. He was looking in the mirror, admiring his work. He wondered what the president of the student LGBT organization would think of the end product and that thought quickly morphed into what would Mr. Gorgeous from Chez Rouge think about the final product. He indulged in that fantasy for a moment before hooking back into reality.
Sonny thought, 'He wouldn't think anything, because he didn't even notice me. I was driven to a point of inability to control my own body and he didn't even notice me. Well, if he lives here, we will see each other again and maybe next time he will notice me or even talk to me. That tiny hope brought a flush to Sonny's cheeks.'
Sonny was downstairs helping his mother with the final details when their guests arrived. Sonny met Brian and his parents. Brian was tall, slender with green eyes and soft brown hair. He seemed nice enough and his parents were as well.
Dinner went well. The conversation was smooth and easy and the food was delicious. Both sets of parents seem to hit it off well. Brian and Sonny were seated across from each other at dinner and Sonny was able to learn a lot about what Salem U had to offer. By the end of dinner, he was pretty much sold on enrolling in the fall.
The dinner plates were cleared and Adrienne suggested that Sonny show Brian the garden while dessert and coffee were prepared. It was summer so it was still light and warm out.
"So I know you just moved back here. I am assuming you don't have a boyfriend yet," Brian started boldly as they began their walk through the garden.
"You assume correctly, but you know what? That is the way I want it. I don't want to get into a relationship right now. I want to take the time to get to know a lot of the natives and just settle myself here," Sonny answered with sincerity.
"That makes sense. Well, you can consider me your first Salem friend," Brian replied smoothly.
"Great! I will take you up on that and don't tell my parents, or yours, but I think you have convinced me to enroll at Salem U in the fall," Sonny said showing his growing excitement.
"Your secret is safe with me. If that is a real possibility, then I have an invitation for you. I think you know I am the president of the LGBT organization on campus. That is the main reason I was invited here, I think. We are having a beach hangout this weekend. Do you want to come?" Brian said with a subtle wink.
"Sure! I would love to," Sonny didn't hesitate. This was exactly what he was looking for.
"Great! Why don't I pick you up. Saturday at 6pm, OK?" Brian offered.
"Sure, that sounds great!" Sonny complied.
"Oh, I guess I should warn you about one thing. It is kind of embarrassing, but someone might say something at the hangout and I would rather you hear it from me first," Brian said with a shade of shyness.
"Wow, now I am really intrigued," Sonny chuckled.
"There is this one guy in the group. He is also one of the officers, the treasurer. He was interested in me last year, but I had a boyfriend. I guess he was jealous or something, because after a night when we were all out dancing as a group at a gay bar, my boyfriend couldn't be there that night, he started spreading this rumor about me," Brian finished this confession with a shaky voice and vulnerable eyes.
"I am sorry to hear that. Rumors are never a good thing. What was the rumor about, specifically?" Sonny inquired.
"Well, he started telling everyone that we slept together and that I was a cheater and a player. This was really difficult because my boyfriend wasn't there that night and of course he heard the rumor and took it to heart. We were able to work through it, but it was a rough patch for us. Anyway, this guy, Neil, he still brings it up now and then, so I would hate for you to hear it without knowing my side of the story. I hope you understand," Brian finished with a hopeful sadness.
"Of course, I understand. I won't judge you based on gossip. You seem like a nice guy. I would love to go to the beach hangout and you can count on me as a friend," Sonny said feeling good.
"Thanks, Sonny. It is great to make a new friend like you. I will pick you up at 6pm on Saturday," Brian said as they finished their garden tour.
The families enjoyed their dessert and coffee as Sonny thought about what Brian went through. He hoped he would be able to avoid the jealous rumor mill at Salem U, which of course existed everywhere. Well, at any rate, he could be a friend to Brian. After dessert, the families shared a warm goodbye.
Saturday night came more quickly than Sonny expected. He was really excited for the opportunity to meet more Salem U students. He was dressed in his bright blue tank top, swim trunks and his running jacket. Brian picked him up at as planned and they headed over to the beach hangout.
Neil and Will had come early as they were setting up as part of the committee. Will was so glad to have been able to help as much as he had and he was really looking forward to meeting more people. Once everything was ready, Will and Neil sat side by side at one of the first tables so they could greet people and check them off the list as they arrived. This was great! Will was able to meet every single person by checking them in and he didn't have to come up with any icebreakers or openers. He met a few other freshmen which he would probably even have classes with.
Just when Will was starting to get comfortable, he was hit by lightening. At least that is what it felt like. He was looking up from checking off the last guest, when he immediately met a pair of melted chocolate eyes shining down at him. He was caught in their spell and couldn't speak, move or look away. Those captivating eyes weren't going anywhere either. They continued their bright but intense gaze for what could have been seconds or hours. Will really had no idea.
"Will! Will! Will!" Will heard his name from the left so he finally turned away, officially losing the spontaneous staring contest. He saw that it was Neil talking to him and he gave him his attention.
"Will, don't forget to check them off. You know Brian, of course," he said with disdain. "And you are?" he said with less disdain looking up at the beautiful man from Chez Rouge who had been haunting Will's nights.
"I'm Sonny. Sonny Kiriakis. Nice to meet you!" He said shaking Neil's hand.
"Hi, Sonny. My name is Neil and with me here is Will," Neil said this firmly with extra emphasis on 'with me'.
Will still couldn't speak, but he was able to move now so he turned his head to look back up at . . . Sonny, and yes, he must be Justin Kiriakis's son.
"Hi . . . Will, right?" Sonny said reaching out to shake his hand. As their hands met Sonny noticed that Will's hand or arm was a little jittery so he held it firmly and longer than he normally would. The sensation of holding Will's hand sent a quick traveling warmth straight up his arm and deep into his core. He had never felt anything like that, but he knew he had to let go now.
"Yes, Will. That's right. . . Nice to meet you, Sonny. So, um, are you a student at Salem U?" Will asked just to see if he could count on seeing him in the future.
"No, I am not, but I am seriously considering it. That is part of the reason I am here tonight," he said looking momentarily over to Brian.
That small look felt like an anvil hitting Will's heart.
So, that must be the other reason he is here tonight. Brian! Damn! Damn! Damn!
Will focused all of his attention on the check in sheet. Looking much longer than needed for both of their names and then slowly checking them off.
"Well, Brain, have fun tonight. You too Sonny," Neil said coldly.
Will still didn't want to look up, so he didn't but he noticed their shadows leaving his paper as they walked away. Will slowly felt the pressure on his heart release and so he decided he would find out a bit more.
"So, Neil, is Sonny part of Brian's clique? Do you know if they are together?" Will asked as casually as possible.
"I have never met Sonny before today, but as I said before. Brian only hangs out with his clique and they came in the same car together, so maybe he is the newest member or Brian's new boyfriend," Neil offered.
Will's heart plummeted for the second time in five minutes when Neil said 'Brian's new boyfriend'. Well, he was a Kiriakis so he probably met the requirements for Brian's club. He decided to give up on the line of questioning.
"Well, there are only two people on the list who haven't checked in. Do you think we can get some food? I am sure we will notice them if they do arrive," Neil said with an inviting look aimed directly at Will.
Will and Neil got hamburgers, chips, salad and a beer each and then made their way to one of the picnic tables. Neil introduced Will to the guy seated there, which Will appreciated. He had met everyone coming in, but he wouldn't be able to remember.
"Hey guys! Let me introduce you to Will. Will, this is Dustin, Tyler and Mark," Neil said, beaming proudly.
They all said hello, wiping hands on napkins and shaking hands. The group settled into their meal and enjoyed conversation about summer, the upcoming school year and the great weather they were having for the beach hangout.
Will was starting to notice that Neil seemed a bit possessive considering their decision to be friends. He never left Will's side and he talked like they were a couple. 'Will and I . . . this, that and the other.' Will was trying to figure out how to get some space without being rude. He noticed a volleyball game forming a little further down the beach. He decided to try that. Even if Neil came they might end up on separate teams.
"Hey, guys! Anyone want to go join the volleyball game?" Will asked.
Neil jumped right in, "But Will I have to organize the sign up sheets for volunteers."
"Oh that is right, well I am going to play, but I will check on you after the first game, OK?" Will said as he went to dispose of his dinner remains and jogged down the beach.
Neil realized then that he needed to amp up his game. If he didn't do something, he was going to quickly lose Will to some hot guy. Will had been ogled by almost every guy Neil introduced him to tonight. In his tank top and swim trunks, it was easy to see the perfect muscle development. It was just perfect, not over done but prominent muscle definition. It was making Neil swoon and unfortunately he was not the only one. He was most worried about the new guy Sonny. The way they had looked at each other was so intense it was like the world stopped for them. It was so unsettling that he actually was prompted to share a conspiratorial smile with Brian which they both promptly wiped away.
Neil resolved that he was going to have to push the limits here. The whole progressing from friendship things was great as long as there wasn't much competition. Before tonight, he had thought that plan would work, since Will had clearly responded to his kiss, so he was at least attracted to Neil on some level. However, there was competition, fierce competition. He was going to have to do something to manipulate the situation. He would find a way to talk to Brian and lead Brian to think that he and Will were dating. He was fairly confident Brian would then want to make that clear to Sonny, because it seemed Brian wanted to make Sonny his next conquest, so it would help clear the way for that as well. As soon as he finished with the volunteer sign up sheets, he would go find Brian.