Shattered - Chapter Seven

Note: After so many wonderful comments on the last chapter, I was inspired to post this next installment. - J.

Warning: This chapter contains sexual content. Reader discretion is advised.

Five Days Later

DIMERA APARTMENT

Will Horton briefly fluttered his eyes open, but he was immediately blinded by the sunshine emanating through the nearby window. He felt the warm and comforting embrace of his best friend, Chad DiMera, as their bodies intertwined in the bed. Raising his hand to shield the penetrating sun, Will opened his eyes again and looked down to notice Chad was still sound asleep.

Will realized it was unusual for two best friends - one straight, the other gay - to be cuddling in their sleep. However, for the last week since Will had been staying at Chad's apartment, it had become an enjoyable part of their overnight routine. Will doubted whether much could be ascertained from the intimate physical contact as he recognized Chad was likely trying to comfort him after the loss of his daughter.

Still, it felt good to have such close physical contact with someone he trusted during the aftermath of the horrific tragedy claiming the life of his former girlfriend, ex-stepfather, and his unborn daughter. Trust, Will thought to himself. Something I thought I had with Sonny.

Will wanted to forgive Sonny, but he had doubts. A part of Will wondered if Sonny ever wanted a man with a daughter. He wondered if Sonny truly did everything he could to save Gabi and the baby.

Maybe he did. He's not a doctor, after all, Will thought. But still, every time I look at him, I see Gabi and the baby.

Then there was Chad. For years, Will harbored an intense crush on his best friend. Regardless of his last name, Will knew Chad to be an incredibly kind, warm, funny, and charming guy. Will knew nothing would ever materialize of it because Chad was straight. Of course, that didn't stop Will from having some incredibly hot fantasies.

Ultimately, Will faced his demons and came out of the closet - with an assist from Sonny. Understanding there would never be an opening with Chad, Will recognized it was time to put those feelings aside and pursue a more realistic relationship. Fortunately, Will fell in love with Sonny.

However, part of putting his feelings for Chad aside meant distancing himself from his best friend. It was, in Will's mind, the only way to get over him, and it seemed to be working - for a while.

Now Will found himself in Chad's bed with their near-naked bodies wrapped around one another. Five days ago, Will tried to leave, knowing this wasn't a good situation for his emotional well-being. Especially during this time, Will didn't need those feelings to start re-surfacing. So when he felt the first sign, he decided it was time to bail.

But it wasn't that easy. During a confrontation while packing his bags, Will realized Chad needed him. He had been alone since Melanie left and desperately needed a friend.

Now, Will realized he needed to adjust his body slightly as he was sporting a substantial hard-on due to the physical contact with what was - in Will's mind - the supermodel body wrapped around his own. That was the uncomfortable part. For the last week, Will dreaded that Chad would realize Will's attraction to him and freak out.

As Will shifted slightly, Chad instinctually reacted by pulling Will closer. That was when Will felt the full, rock-hard mast beneath Chad's boxer-briefs press firmly against his body. This contact sent a rush of hormones through Will's body, causing him to immediately squirm.

Will's reaction caused Chad to blink his eyes a couple of times before fully opening them. He immediately pulled his body away and the intense contact ended - for now.

Realizing Chad was now awake, Will turned in the bed to face him. "Good morning."

"Good morning," Chad responded with a smile.

"Today is the day," Will reminded him.

"Are you ready?" Chad asked with concern.

Will nodded and asked, "Will you be there?"

"Of course," Chad promised, "I'll be by your side the entire time. Just like a few days ago for Rafe's memorial."

The day of the memorial service for Nick, Gabi, and the baby had finally arrived. In that moment, Will realized how lucky he was to have Chad's support on what he felt would be one of the most challenging days of his life.

BRADY HOUSE

The doorbell chimed throughout the house. Brady Black entered into the living room from the kitchen and made his way across the room to the front door.

"Jen!" Brady exclaimed. "You have no idea how happy I am to see you!"

Jennifer Horton quickly hugged Brady and asked, "How is she?"

Brady sighed and responded, "Holed up in her room with a bottle of tequila - so not great. I've been staying here all week to keep an eye on her."

Jennifer stepped towards the stairs as Brady warned, "Be careful, Jen. She hasn't been responding well to suggestions or orders. It's not pretty up there."

Jennifer turned around. "I just can't believe this has happened - again! For a woman to bury her child is horrible, but she survived, Brady. She survived it - and now she has to endure that pain all over again by burying her other son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter."

"I know," Brady said with tears forming in his eyes.

"Of course you do," Jennifer agreed. "You lost your sister. I'm so sorry, Brady."

"Thank you." Brady held back the tears - something he had been doing for days since learning the fate of his sister, brother-in-law, and niece. "Please, Jen, just help her...if you can."

Jen nodded her head. "I doubt she'll agree to go to the funeral today. She still blames herself for the deaths of Nick, Gabi, and the baby, but I have to get that bottle out of her hands." With that, Jen headed up the stairs, down the hall, and firmly knocked on Hope's bedroom door.

"Go away, Brady!" Hope cried out from inside the room.

Jennifer tested the doorknob and found the door unlocked. She marched inside.

"This isn't Brady, Hope," Jennifer announced upon entering, but Jennifer was dumbfounded by what she found.

The room reeked like a distillery. The lights were shut off and the curtains pulled tight. Jennifer allowed her eyes to adjust to the darkness and then carefully found her way over to the window. She pulled back the curtains, exposing bright sunlight into the room.

"Jen...Jennifer!" Hope stumbled over her cousin's name. "Stop that!"

Jennifer didn't respond. Instead, she unlocked the window and raised it up, allowing a breeze to enter the room. She turned around to discover Hope in her bed with the covers now pulled over the head. Jennifer grabbed the blanket and jerked it off.

Hope started screaming again for Jennifer to leave, but this only encouraged her to continue her efforts. She had never witnessed her cousin in this condition.

Hope Williams Brady was a respected member of the Horton family and Salem community. She was a passionate wife, loving mother, and decorated police officer. However, within one week, her world came crashing down around her.

First, she blamed herself for the deaths of four people: Rafe Hernandez, Nick Fallon, Gabi Hernandez, and the unborn child Gabi was carrying inside of her when she died. To complicate matters further, the baby was the grandchild of her cousin, Lucas Roberts. Then five days ago, Hope found out her son, Shawn-Douglas, and his family had been killed in some kind of explosion off the coast of Italy.

Jennifer felt desperately sympathetic to what Hope was experiencing. After all, she had lost her husband, Jack Devereaux, one year ago in a freak accident. However, while Jennifer understood the need to grieve, she was not going to let it happen this way.

She grabbed the tequila bottle from the bed and marched into the bathroom and started pouring it down the drain. She tossed the empty bottle in the trash. She re-entered the bedroom and grabbed her screaming, crying cousin by the shoulders.

"STOP!" Jennifer screamed. "This is not how you grieve for your son! You have a daughter who loves and needs you. Her father is criss-crossing the globe on some rouge mission to destroy the DiMera empire, so right now, you are all that Ciara has in her life."

Hope opened her mouth to respond as tears poured down her not-so-fancy face. Jennifer immediately cut her off. "No! This is not a discussion! You do not get to decide whether you can still parent your daughter. Caroline is not a substitute for her mother. Ciara needs you to stop wallowing in alcohol. She has a right to grieve for her bother - with her mother at her side."

Hope stopped yelling and struggling - but the tears continued to flow. Jennifer took her cousin in her arms and held her tight.

HORTON TOWN SQUARE

Marlena Evans Black found the town square oddly quiet as she walked in the direction of the church. She opted to walk to the funeral to give her a few quiet minutes to think about all that had happened in the last week.

First, the death of her great-granddaughter. Marlena was ecstatic to welcome the newest addition of her family into the world. She loved her grandson, Will, dearly, and she couldn't wait to see him hold his child in his arms.

As difficult as that loss seemed five days ago, Marlena's entire world shattered when she learned of the death of her daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter. Though Belle, Shawn-Douglas, and Claire had spent the last few years traveling the world by boat, Marlena was in constant contact with her daughter. Phone calls, Skype sessions, and more recently, Facetime all enabled Marlena to keep up with her daughter and her family, but now she faced the unthinkable task of living the rest of her life without them.

Today, she had to put on a brave face and provide her grandson emotional support as he honored his daughter.

"Oh my!" an all-too-familiar voice exclaimed. "If it isn't the former wife of John Black!"

Marlena stopped in her tracks, sighed, and turned around to face her long-time enemy.

"Kristen," Marlena began, "I do not have the time or patience for your antics today."

Kristen smiled and stepped closer. "It is former wife, right? Or has the divorce not been finalized? Perhaps you're still separated?"

"My marriage is none of your business," Marlena reminded her. "Now please leave me alone. I have someplace to be right now."

"Now Marlena," Kristen continued her charade, "what could be more important than discussing your family? After all, you don't have much family left, do you?"

Marlena's patience had officially been tested. "This conversation is over." She turned to continue her walk towards the church.

"Oh Marlena, don't go away mad," Kristen teased, "let me apologize. It was very insensitive to mention all of the family members you seem to be losing lately."

Marlena paused and felt her pulse racing.

Kristen continued, "I mean...first, your husband tries unsuccessfully to seduce me, and then he just walks out of your life altogether. Then your great-granddaughter dies during her delivery on Smith Island - so tragic. Now comes the news of your daughter and her precious little family perishing in such an...explosive manner."

Marlena turned back towards Kristen. "You are a vile, vicious monster - a complete psychopath - with absolutely no redeeming qualities."

"Mar-Mar," Kristen mocked, "is it really lady-like to resort to name-calling?"

Marlena barely resisted the urge to wrap her hands around Kristen's neck.

"Isn't it - interesting - how dangerous it can be for a boat to sail around the world?" Kristen asked. "Especially a boat with such...precious cargo?"

Kristen was crossing a line, but Marlena was now realizing there was another message in this exchange. Is it possible? Could she be responsible? Marlena now wondered.

"Did it hurt?" Kristen quietly and somberly asked. "It was suppose to hurt."

"You evil bitch," Marlena quietly exclaimed as the full picture took shape within her mind.

"If it helps," Kristen offered quietly, "it was just the beginning. I'm going to destroy you. A storm is coming, Marlena, and you better batten down the hatches."

Kristen turned around and walked in the opposite direction. Marlena fetched her phone from her purse and called a familiar number. "Roman, thank God. I need to speak with you immediately. Are you at the church?"

SAINT LUKE'S

Will Horton stood at the back of the sanctuary alone. Chad was a few feet away speaking quietly to his brother, EJ. This gave Will an opportunity to scan the room. There were so many friends and family present. He noticed Gabi's brother, Dario Hernandez, speaking to Doug and Julie Williams. Victor and Maggie Kiriakis seemed to be engaging a group of people. Among the group, Will recognized Marie Horton, Nick's grandmother. Mike and Jennifer Horton entered the room through the main entrance. Will noticed their parents, Bill and Laura Horton, behind them.

Will's mother, Sami, was helping her grandmother, Caroline, down the main aisle to a seat. On the far end of the room, Will's grandparents, Marlena and Roman, were huddled together in what appeared to be a private conversation.

"There you are," Kate called out upon seeing Will leaning against the back wall. Will's aunt and uncle, Carrie and Austin, were with her as she approached him.

"Hi," Will greeted them solemnly. His aunt and uncle both reached out for hugs, and Will graciously obliged.

"How are you holding up, buddy?" Austin asked his favorite nephew.

"I'm surviving," Will unconvincingly replied.

"Are you still staying at Chad's apartment?" Kate asked out of concern.

Will nodded, resulting in a slight - though fairly unnoticeable - frown from Kate.

"Will, I'm so sorry about the baby," Carrie shared. "If there is anything we can do to help you through this terrible time, please let us know."

"Thank you, Aunt Carrie," Will said with a faux smile.

"Actually," Austin jumped in, "your Aunt Carrie and I would like to invite you to come stay with us for a while. Maybe get away from Salem, relax, spend some time with your newest little cousin."

"That sounds very exciting," Kate enthusiastically threw her support behind the invitation from her son and daughter-in-law. "What do you think, Will? A few months of R&R in Switzerland? You could go skiing?"

"I'll think about it," Will lied, "I just need to sort out a few things here. Thank you for the kind gesture. If you all will excuse me, thank you."

Will left his grandmother, aunt, and uncle in the back of the sanctuary and crossed the room where his mother was now standing alone. Upon seeing Will approaching, Sami immediately smiled and extended her arms for a hug.

"How are you?" Sami asked her son.

"Surviving," Will answered.

"Liar," Sami whispered in his ear. "I love you so much."

"I love you too, Mom," Will replied. "So Dad didn't make it back in time for the service?"

"No," Sami broke the news, "his flight was cancelled. He's trying to get another one scheduled for the morning."

Marlena approached them.

"Grandma, I'm so incredibly sorry about Aunt Belle, Uncle Shawn, and Claire," Will said sympathetically.

"It's okay," Marlena said with a forced smile. It was obvious to Will that she was trying to hold back her emotions. "We're going to survive all of these terrible things."

"As a family," Sami agreed. "We're strong."

"Yes, we are," Marlena nodded. "Anyway, we will get the chance to honor Belle, Shawn, and Claire in a week or so. Today is about Nick, Gabi, and the baby."

It was obvious his mother and grandmother were trying to be strong for his sake. As all three generations hugged simultaneously, Will wondered if it was really possible to survive after such terrible losses.

Outside the sanctuary, in the church entrance, Kate stumbled upon Justin, Adrienne, and Sonny as they entered the church.

"Sonny," Kate greeted him, "may I speak to you alone?"

Kate could see the hesitancy on Justin and Adrienne's faces, so she added, "It will only take a moment."

Sonny nodded and told his parents, "I'll be right back."

Kate and Sonny stepped outside and off to the side away from the entrance. "Sonny, you have to fix things with Will - now!"

Sonny was taken back by the demanding nature of Kate's comment. "Ms. Roberts, I've been trying to fix things with Will. I think he blames me for the death of Gabi and the baby. I'm trying to give him space - like he asked."

"I'm not sure you're trying hard enough!" Kate informed him.

Sonny sighed, and Kate could sense she needed to take a different approach. "Look, Sonny, while I'm not overly fond of your mother, I like you, and you're good for my grandson. However, I'm afraid if you don't fix this soon, you're going to lose him to someone else."

"Someone else? Who?" Sonny asked with legitimate concern.

Kate paused and then answered, "Chad DiMera."

"That's ridiculous," Sonny scoffed, "Chad is straight."

"Are you 100% positive?" Kate asked and then continued, "Because I'm not. In the last week, Will has moved in with Chad, and they seem to be growing closer every single day."

"They're living together?" Sonny asked in shock.

Kate nodded. "Keep in mind it's a studio apartment with one bed, but it's more than just living arrangements. I'm telling you, Sonny, there is real chemistry between them. The last thing my grandson needs in his life is the spawn of Stefano DiMera, so you must fix your relationship now. Forget space. If you wait any longer, it may be too late."

Kate walked away, and Sonny - completely baffled by Kate's warning - re-entered the church. Once inside the sanctuary, he noticed Chad and Will standing together and talking. This is crazy. It's not possible. Chad is straight, and Will loves me, Sonny thought to himself. We just hit a rough-patch. That's all.

Sonny was ready to put Kate's warning out of his head when he watched as Chad hugged Will. Sonny noticed how intimate the hug seemed - even from a distance. "...they seem to be growing closer every single day," Kate's warning continued to permeate through Sonny's mind. Then Sonny wondered, If it's true, can I stop it? Sonny already knew the answer, Hell yes!

Sonny quickly crossed the room and approached Chad and Will.

"Sonny," Chad greeted him with a smile. Will didn't immediately speak.

"Chad, Will," Sonny was obviously agitated, "so I hear you guys are living together."

Chad was reluctant to respond, but it wasn't necessary, Will spoke up, "Yes, I'm staying at Chad's apartment."

Sonny nodded as his agitation turned to anger, "Are you sleeping together?"

Chad and Will were both shocked at the directness and timing of Sonny's question. However, before either of them could respond, Sonny threw his hand up. "Don't answer. I apologize for asking that question. This isn't the time or place for this conversation."

Chad seemed willing to let it go, but he quickly realized Will was not. "You're damn right it's not the time or place!" Will told his boyfriend.

"I'm sorry," Sonny apologized as he noticed a quietness in the room with all eyes on the three boys.

It was too late. Will was on fire with anger and his voice could be heard throughout the sanctuary, "You're sorry? You're sorry you just accused me of sleeping with someone else at my daughter's memorial service?!"

"Yes, I'm sorry," Sonny reiterated his apologies, "I was just upset."

"Don't make excuses!" Will practically screamed. "Stop being selfish and just leave me alone!"

Will jetted out a nearby side door, and Chad quickly followed him - leaving Sonny standing alone. All eyes remaining glued on Sonny as Adrienne and Justin rushed to his side. Adrienne placed her hand on his shoulder, but he brushed it off and walked quickly towards the main church entrance. Sonny was leaving.

Austin Reed managed to catch up with Sonny in the parking lot. Lightning struck across the sky and rain began to pour from the heavens.

"Sonny, wait!" Austin yelled. Sonny ignored Austin, so Austin grabbed his hand to stop him.

"Don't!" Sonny screamed and pulled his hand away.

"Don't what?" Austin asked loudly to be heard through the pummeling rain showers.

"Don't be nice to me!" Sonny told him. Sonny finally stopped to face the older man. "I don't deserve it! I just acted like an immature, selfish, arrogant ass!"

The rain was beating down, drenching them both. "It happens!" Austin reminded him. "You were upset. We all do stupid things when we're angry."

"Why are you being nice to me?" Sonny asked him. "I mean...you're out here in the rain, getting soaked, all to make me feel better?"

Austin lowered his voice, "You're still a good guy, Sonny. I just wanted to make sure you're okay. I care about you."

"Why?" Sonny legitimately asked.

Austin briefly searched for an answer, "You're my nephew's boyfriend."

"I don't believe that's the reason," Sonny told him. "If you are so concerned with your nephew, shouldn't you be checking on him right now?"

Austin knew the younger man was right. He didn't know how to explain it, so he remained silent and simply stared at Sonny as the rain continued to fall on top of them.

Inside the church, Chad found Will inside one of the offices.

"Are you okay?" Chad asked him softly.

Will wiped away his tears. Instead of answering Chad's initial question, Will apologized, "I'm really sorry about that. You're a friend giving me a place to stay, and you somehow manage to get pulled into my drama."

"Don't worry about it," Chad assured him. "It's not a problem."

"You're a straight guy," Will stated, "I'm sure you don't want to be accused of having sex with a gay guy."

"I really don't mind," Chad repeated and joked, "besides, being accused of sex with a stud like you isn't something where you take offense."

Will chuckled and continued to wipe his face dry with his hand, "You've been incredible. I don't know how I would have made it through this week without you."

"You're my best friend," Chad reminded him and placed an arm around his shoulders. "I'll always be here for you."

Will loved the feeling of being held by Chad. It made him feel safe.

"I still don't even know why he would think we're sleeping together," Will wondered aloud. "That was bizarre."

"Well," Chad joked, "technically, we are sleeping together."

Will laughed.

From the doorway, Sami and EJ watched as Chad comforted Will. EJ looked down at his fiancée and noticed a smile on her face.

To be continued? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comment section!