Epilogue
May, 2013
Will sat in a wingback leather armchair by himself. He tapped his fingers against the crystal wine glass in his hand. It was filled with sparkling cider, though. Adrienne made a point of letting everyone know she didn't condone his underage drinking. His boyfriend was five years older than Will. Sue him for enjoying an adult beverage when they were safe and alone.
Will wished there was some wine in his glass now. It would make getting through this Kiriakis family dinner easier.
The twins were in town for their summer break. Justin, envious of the time Alex spent with Will's family, wanted that too. He'd tried for weeks but Alex always offered excuses. Coming to his senses, Justin realized he needed to invite Will, not Alex.
Justin, though, implied it would be an intimate dinner. If Will knew how many Kiriakis' would be there he never would have convinced Alex to go.
They made it through cocktails without incident (Adrienne shoved a coke in Will's hand). They made it through dinner (Adrienne poured the sparkling cider in Will's glass). Will knew the night was too good to be true. He wasn't sure who said what but while waiting for his crème Brule and talking to Joey, Alex and Sonny erupted.
It was a long time coming. Alex and Sonny hadn't had a proper conversation over anything that happened all those months ago. Everyone ignored the fact that the two refused to speak to the other.
Justin ushered Alex and Sonny out of the parlor and into a private room. He didn't need to bother. Everyone could hear everything the two were screaming at the other.
When Will heard the phrase, "I'll touch his fucking ass whenever I fucking want," he sighed.
Adrienne, Vic, Joey, Victor, Maggie, and Brian all stared at him.
"Good juice," Will pointed at his cup, taking a sip.
Alex is gonna kill me when we leave.
Justin shoved Alex and Sonny apart once more. He pushed them both into separate armchairs on opposite sides of the room. "Sit down and shut up! I've tried keeping out of this but I'm done. I don't care how old you two are, you're my children and I'm in charge. Do not open your mouth right now, Alexander," Justin warned, flipping back around to glare at Alex.
Alex, half-way to saying something biting, slumped in his seat and rolled his eyes.
"You two are grown men," Justin ranted. "Why don't you try acting like it? You," Justin pointed at Alex, "need to stop rubbing your relationship in Sonny's face. And you," Justin pointed at Sonny, "need to stop overreacting. You have your own boyfriend for God's sake. How do you think it makes Brian feel when you fly off the handle over Will?"
"I don't rub Will in his face," Alex said before Justin could stop him. "I can't control my hands."
"Stop talking," Justin warned.
Alex snapped his mouth shut.
"You two have been like this your entire life," Justin continued ranting. "Always this rivalry. And I know Adrienne and I didn't make it easy on you. We weren't the best parents, well, at least, not to one of you. But it's ending here and now.
"Alex, stop being an asshole. Sonny, stop being a douchebag. I don't know what your problem is, if it's Will or something else, but stop it. I'm not putting up with it anymore and either is anyone else. You say what you need to say to each other now, got it?"
Alex gave his father a dry look, crossing his arms and looking away. All while Sonny kept his fists balled on his lap. Neither would give in first.
"No one's gonna decide who goes first?" Justin asked, throwing his arms up. "Fine, I'll decide."
Justin stood up and ripped the door open. He stuck his head out and yelled, "Will, get in here!"
Will, sitting on the couch pretending he couldn't hear anything, said, "I'd rather not."
"That wasn't a question," Justin shot back.
Will hurried into the room. He'd never seen or heard Justin act like this. All this time, Will thought Alex got his temper from Anjelica.
"Yes?" Will asked, trying not to appear so nervous.
"Come here," Justin pointed to the spot next to him. Will scrambled over, feeling too much like a skittish dog for his liking. "Will," Justin grabbed both of his shoulders, forcing Will to face him, "tell them how stupid they are."
"Uh," Will didn't know what Justin was getting at.
"You know them both, better than me. So, tell us how stupid they're being," Justin elaborated. "You understand better than I do. What's their problem?"
"Oh," Will tried not to look over at Alex. He knew this was a bad idea but, to be honest, Justin scared him a little. "Well, I guess there's the obvious problem of me. But I don't think that matters as much anymore. I'm their excuse to keep fighting. It's been months and I don't think Sonny still likes me anymore. I'd like to think Sonny understands now why I broke up with him and that I never meant to hurt him."
Sonny made a strange sound out of the back of his throat. "Why the hell did you even date me if you wanted him the whole time?" Sonny glared at Alex.
"Because I liked you too," Will said, earnest. "I knew you first, longer. I was afraid Alex didn't like me, would never like me that way. But you asked me and I couldn't say no. I didn't mean to hurt anyone or anything. I didn't know."
Alex kept his eyes and lips narrowed. He did not like hearing about Will's past feelings for Sonny.
"Sonny," Justin said in a softer tone, "you know he's telling the truth, like you know he never cheated on you. That Alex would never let that happen."
"How do I know that?" Sonny asked. "They're all over each other all the time."
"That's because I love him, you jackass!" Alex yelled. "I waited months for him."
"So did I!" Sonny argued.
"But you didn't love him," Alex shook his head. "You liked what he used to be, how he was before. I love who he grew into. You wanted him to stay young and naïve forever. I didn't."
Sonny huffed, looking away. "Okay, fine. I didn't love the person Will turned into. But he was still my boyfriend. Why did you have to fall for my boyfriend?"
"How the hell should I know?" Alex asked. "I didn't do it on purpose. In fact, I tried my hardest to deny it and ignore it but I couldn't. I'm sorry that hurt you but I'm not sorry for how I feel. And I'm sure as hell not sorry I'm with Will now."
"But it's always my stuff," Sonny said. "All my life, all my friends, everyone always liked you better."
"What are you talking about?" Alex wondered, looking at Sonny like he was crazy.
"My friends all thought you were hotter," Sonny listed. "Everyone thought you were smarter, funnier. God, do you know how exhausting it is being your baby brother? You were so popular and I had to do so much to get any attention at all."
"What?" Alex spat. "You're ridiculous. I wasn't popular with anyone."
"Yes, you were," Sonny shook his head. "You didn't care which made you even more popular."
"Well, what about at home?" Alex said. "I wasn't popular there."
"Yeah, right," Sonny laughed. "Dad always listened to everything you had to say. He always bragged about the sports you played, how tall and handsome you were."
"What else was he supposed to brag about with me?" Alex asked. "And that's bullshit. You were always everyone's favorite. Everyone's perfect little miracle baby that needed all the time and attention."
"What? Because Mom babied me?" Sonny demanded.
"Uh, yeah," Alex said with a sneer. "I sure as hell didn't get what you got. Or what Joey and Vic got. All I got was a lifetime of resentment."
"So, what? You stole my boyfriend because you're pissed off at Mom?" Sonny asked.
"I didn't steal your boyfriend!" Alex yelled. "He wanted to be with me. I wanted to be with him. And neither of us wanted to hurt you, you stupid jackass. We were gonna keep everything quiet until you had time to get over yourself. What a joke that was when, months later, you're still a raging lunatic."
Alex pointed at Will who kept looking back and forth between Alex and Sonny along with Justin.
"That is the only human being on the entire fucking planet that I know loves me unconditionally," Alex said. "He's the only person I've ever waited for, that I've ever wanted to wait for. And I tried to stay away from him, to keep my feelings in check but I couldn't. And I'm not sorry for that. Yeah, I hurt you but that didn't give you the right to fucking humiliate us both."
"You take nude pictures for a living," Sonny defended. "He already took them."
"He's standing right here," Will said even though neither of them were listening to him.
"Do you know how much I wanted to use those pictures? Do you? But I didn't because I knew it wasn't my decision. I wasn't going to take something that was intimate, something that was between us and display it for everyone to see," Alex stated. "You didn't care at all. You wanted to ruin my work. You took something that was important to me, to Will and tried to hurt us."
"I wasn't thinking," Sonny shouted. "I was humiliated and hurting. I wanted you to feel what I felt. And I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry. It was stupid and immature. I'm sorry!"
That was the first time in six months that Sonny ever told anyone that.
"Yeah, well, it's not just me you have to convince," Alex said. He knew what it took for Sonny to admit that. He didn't want to let him off easy, though.
Sonny, face red, looked at Will. He didn't scowl at him or look at him in derision. For the first time in so long, Sonny looked. He saw a friendly face.
"I'm sorry, Will," Sonny confessed. "I never should have done what I did. I'm sorry I ruined our friendship."
"I had a lot to do with that too," Will said. "But thank you and I forgive you. And, well, I'm sorry too. I didn't know I was leading you on and I'm sorry I ever hurt you."
"Thanks," Sonny said, shoulders slumping.
"Alex?" Justin said. He wasn't going to let Alex get by without apologizing too.
"Yes?" Alex said with raised brows.
Justin glared causing Alex to groan, rolling his neck around.
"Fine," Alex crossed his arms and in the quietest voice he could manage. "Sorry."
"Take it or leave it," Will said, going to stand next to Alex. "That's all you're getting out of him."
Sonny watched as Alex snatched Will's hand, curling their fingers together. Will leaned on the edge of Alex's chair, hand on the back of Alex's head. Will ran his fingers through Alex's hair causing Alex's tense shoulders to relax. For the first time, Sonny realized Alex wasn't trying to hurt him by being so tactile with Will. Alex used Will as a lifeline.
"Now," Justin clapped his hands together, "get out there and apologize to your family. All three of you," Justin gave them all a warning look.
Everyone watched as Will, Alex, and Sonny reappeared. Will apologized first. He had the most experience. Alex grunted out a small sorry before yanking Will onto his lap. Sonny cleared his throat and gave a small speech to Brian before telling everyone else he was sorry.
"Anyone have anything to say?" Justin gave his wife a pointed glare.
"Yes," Adrienne stood up on shaky legs. "I'd like to say to Alex, and everyone else, that I'm sorry for all the years of mistreatment. That I want things to change between us. I know we'll never have the type of relationship you deserve but I will do better. I love you."
Alex swallowed and nodded. He buried his nose in Will's hair so he wouldn't have to respond.
"Anyone else?" Justin asked, throwing his arm around Adrienne as they sat down.
Joey stood up and burst out, "I ate the last donut this morning and lied and blamed it on the dog."
"We don't have a dog," Maggie said, not quite sure what to think.
Vic stood up and cleared his throat, shifting from foot to foot.
"I told Joey Uncle Victor had a guard dog. I bought a whole bunch of dog toys and left them around because I knew it would mess with his head," Vic pronounced. "So, sorry."
Joey gasped, jumping back on the sofa, hand to his chest. "Liar!"
"That explains the stuffed animals on the floor," Victor nodded. "I thought Alex's past caught up with him."
"Hey, Uncle Vic, fu-," Alex started to say only for Will to clamp his mouth shut.
Brian laughed, loud and carefree as he watched the whole big, strange family interact.
"Justin, anything to say?" Will wondered, after he finished kissing Alex a few times in apology for shutting him up.
"I'm sorry I didn't make us do this earlier," Justin said. "I love all of my children the same, even the weird ones."
"Why is everyone looking at me?" Joey questioned.
November, 2013
"This isn't so bad," Alex said as he rocked Will back and forth to the music.
"It is one of my mom's nicer weddings," Will admitting, resting his head on Alex's chest. "No paternity test results. No manipulation. No cold feet. No murder. All in all, not too shabby."
Will and Alex danced beneath the stars on a rooftop terrace. Fairy lights strung overhead and outdoor fireplaces warmed the chilly fall air. The two wore matching navy suits. Along with Johnny, they stood right at EJ's side during the ceremony.
"You do know this means I'm your uncle now, right?" Alex asked with a big smirk, pushing Will away to twirl him.
"Quit saying that," Will laughed when he landed back next to Alex's chest. "Just because Stefano is your step-father does not make you my uncle."
"My step-brother married your mom," Alex said with a click of his tongue.
"Yeah, because you think of EJ as your brother," Will rolled his eyes.
"Nah," Alex agreed, pulling Will closer to him. "It's still funny, though. I've never had older siblings before. Now, I've got a million."
"Yeah, Kiriakis in a den full of DiMera's," Will shook his head. "Nothing can go wrong there."
"I'm delightful and everyone loves me," Alex insisted.
"Keep telling yourself that, baby," Will teased. He leaned up on his tiptoes to kiss Alex full on the lips.
"Ew," Allie and Sydney giggled when they ran past.
Johnny, chasing after them, pushed Will and Alex apart to run through their legs. "Oops, sorry."
"When's he gonna stop that?" Alex wondered, watching the kids run around the rooftop.
"Never," Will shrugged. "It's cute and you know it."
"Eh," Alex said. "For having one eye, he's pretty observant, though. He always saw right through me with you."
Will grinned, swaying back and forth until someone tapped his shoulder.
Sami, in a beige wedding dress, and EJ, in a navy suit similar to Will and Alex's, smiled at them.
"Mind if we cut in?" Sami asked. Before waiting for an answer, she grabbed Alex's hands and started to dance.
Will let EJ put his hand on his waist, "but only because you're taller."
"Sure, William," EJ said to appease him.
"So, you and Mom," Will said. "You both look happy."
"We are happy," EJ answered. "We finally have the wedding and the marriage we deserve. No ulterior motives, no sabotage or revenge. This time everything's based on our children and our love."
"Children, huh?" Will said. "That's a nice change of pace."
"Yes," EJ answered, "all five of them."
"Five of them?" Will repeated until he realized what EJ meant.
"We all know he's going to marry you one day," EJ said with complete and utter confidence. "And I'll get to dance with you at your wedding."
"I'd like that," Will said. He smiled, open and free, imagining the possibility.
"So," Sami said as she and Alex twirled around the dance floor. "Have you given any more thought to what we discussed?"
"I don't know," Alex said, looking anywhere but at Sami. "He's not out of school yet. He's still only 21."
"But he loves you," Sami pointed out. "He's always loved you."
"I know," Alex sighed. "Look, I only told you I was thinking about it. God knows why I told you of all people."
"And I'm telling you that you should go for it," Sami encouraged. "This could be you and Will," Sami gestured to their surroundings. "Basking in a day that's all for you."
"You know how he feels about marriage. Hell, I don't even know how I feel about it," Alex confessed. "What if I make a shitty husband?"
"You adore him," Sami argued. "You've made him happier than he's ever been. I know you'd never hurt him and he'd never hurt you."
"I don't know," Alex said. "I need to think about it."
"Alright, I won't push," Sami said even though it looked like she wanted to. "Just know that on your wedding day, I get to say I told you so."
As the song ended, everyone came back together. Alex shook EJ's hand, offering his congratulations.
"About time," Alex said, arm going around Will's waist.
"I could say the same thing," EJ looked at how comfortable Will and Alex looked with one another.
The two couples spent the next few hours dancing and sipping champagne. The wedding photographer captured several photos of them together. Will framed his favorite and hung it in Alex's hallway.
Alex had his arm around Will while EJ had his arm around Sami. Both Will and Sami had their heads thrown back, blond hair glittering off the fairy lights. While Alex and EJ looked down at their respective partner, a dreamy look in their eyes.
May, 2014
Will walked into his and Alex's apartment. He tossed his keys and an armful of mail on the kitchen counter, kicking off his shoes.
"Alex?" Will called, flipping through the mail. He sighed when he realized he was alone. It somehow became his new normal.
Over the past couple of months, Alex spent more and more time out of the house. When Will moved in a few months ago, Alex rented a small studio space downtown. He housed all his photography equipment and supplies there. He'd lock himself away, spending hours and hours perfecting each photograph.
Whenever Will visited, Alex would find a way to shut Will out. He'd make excuses as to why Will couldn't be around. He even started coming home late and leaving early.
Will trusted Alex. He knew Alex loved him, knew Alex would never hurt him. At first, Will ignored Alex's strange behavior. Chalked it up to some strange artist thing he didn't get. Now, almost two months later, Will didn't know what to think. The few attempts Will made to find out ended in Alex slamming doors and storming out.
The two never dealt with anything like this before. They'd fight, sure. But it never lingered. They'd never dealt with something they couldn't handle before.
It freaked Will out. Deep down, though, Will knew the reason he never pushed. He was terrified of the answer. Terrified Alex didn't want him anymore. Terrified Alex would say the past few years were a mistake. Terrified he would end up alone and lost like he was before he met Alex.
Will looked down at an envelope with Alex's name on it.
Mad Art Gallery, St. Louis, Missouri, what's this?
Two months ago, Alex displayed some photographs at that gallery. The curator seemed enamored with Alex's work. Will assumed it would lead to something big.
Will ripped open the envelope, pulling out a few sheets of paper. He read the letter several times, mouthing the words that didn't make any sense at all.
"Please reconsider our offer," Will mumbled. "Renegotiate the terms as you see fit. Won't stop sending offers until you reply."
It took Will a few moments to realize what it all meant.
Alex got offered a job and he's ignoring it. Why would he do that?
Without thinking about it, Will grabbed his keys and rushed out the door. The letter clutched in his hand, determined expression on his face.
Alex hunched over his laptop. He'd been staring at the same picture of Will for hours. It still didn't feel right. He couldn't get the shading to work.
Whenever this type of thing would happen, he'd end up calling Will. Letting Will ramble on about something mundane always cleared his head. Brought focus back to Alex, settled his nerves. But Alex couldn't do that this time.
Deciding to suck it up, Alex cracked his neck, ready to start again.
The door to the studio slammed open. Alex looked over his shoulder, ready to yell at whoever interrupted him. He frowned when he saw Will even if his stomach fluttered.
"What?" Alex asked, turning back to face his laptop.
Will, fed up with the silence, stomped over to his boyfriend. He threw the letter on the laptop's keyboard.
"This, this is what," Will said, voice firm. "Why didn't you tell me about this?"
"About what?" Alex brushed the letter aside. He read the return address, stomach sinking.
"Stop it," Will hissed, clenching his fists. "You know what I'm talking about so stop it."
Alex stood up to his full height, forcing Will to crane his neck to hold his gaze.
"What do you want me to say?" Alex lifted his brows, face devoid of emotions.
"Tell me why you're ignoring this opportunity," Will demanded. "This is amazing and you know it. Why aren't you talking to them?"
Alex set his jaw and remained silent.
"God," Will threw his hands up, beginning to pace. "This is what you need. What you've always wanted. A real art gallery wants you for a permanent space. Not a dinky Salem one but one in a real city. Why aren't you jumping all over this? This is what you've been working for."
Alex stared at Will, lips in a straight line.
"I don't get it," Will added. "You loved that place when we went. You loved it. They want you and now you don't care at all?"
Working himself into a frenzy, Will continued. "And all you do now is ignore me and make excuses to stay away from me. We're never together except when we take pictures. Right when you're done you get rid of me again. You didn't even go to Johnny's baseball game last week. He got a hit for the first time and he almost cried because you weren't there. I had to lie and make up something to get him to stop.
"I don't care if you ignore me. I can handle it. But you can't do that to him, to them. They love you and even if we weren't together they'd still love you.
"I know your childhood screwed you over but things are different now. You have people that love you and want you around. That need you around. They need you around. I need you around. And if you're bored with me or-or want something else than you need to tell me. Not-not hide away here and make me feel like I don't exist.
"I love you but if you don't love me anymore than-," Will cut off with a loud oomph.
Alex shut Will up with a kiss. A hard, deep kiss with more emotion than either showed in a long time.
Alex listened to Will, really listened. He knew he'd been acting like a dick the past few weeks, hell, months. He didn't realize how if affected Will, though. Didn't realize Will would take it this way.
Will clung to Alex's neck, holding on with all his strength. After so long together, a simple kiss shouldn't still leave him weak-kneed and trembling.
"You're so fucking stupid," Alex said. He cupped Will's cheeks with both hands, brushing away tears Will couldn't hold in. "I love you. I've always loved you. I'm always going to love you."
Will nodded, blinking over and over to clear his eyes.
Alex kissed Will again, softer, lips feather-light. He took a deep breath when they separated.
"I got the first offer the day after we got back from St. Louis," Alex explained in a low voice. "I wanted it so fucking bad but I couldn't take it."
"Why?" Will whispered.
"I don't want to leave you," Alex confessed, voice lower than Will ever heard before.
Will hugged Alex, eyes clamped shut. "I-I can't hold you back. Okay? I can't. This is what you've always wanted and you're gonna hate me if you don't take it."
"I don't want it without you," Alex argued.
"You do," Will shook his head, holding in a sob. He didn't want to imagine living without his boyfriend, without his Alex. But they could do it, if they had to. He only had one more year of school. They'd survive. "St. Louis isn't that far away. I could see you on weekends and breaks and-,"
"No," Alex stated. "I'm not settling for breaks and weekends. I want you every day. God, why do you think I've stayed away from you since I found out? I wanted to see if I could handle it and I can't. Do you know how big of an asshole I've been?"
"You need to go," Will said. "You're gonna regret it so bad and I'm gonna be the reason."
"Shut up," Alex said without any power behind the words. "Do you know how much I wanted to go to that baseball game? I don't even like baseball. But I love Johnny and Syd and Allie and Sami and fuck my life, even EJ. I sat in here and it took all my strength not to go. But that's what life would be like if I left. I wouldn't see that kind of shit and even if I pretend to hate it, you know I don't. I like spending our weekends with our parents and babysitting. And I fucking hate not getting to spend any real time with you. You still saw me every day and you thought I didn't want you anymore. What the fuck will happen if I leave?"
"I-I didn't know what was happening," Will defended. "You've never done that before. And you've changed so much since we first met and I thought you were tired of it all."
"Tired of you, you mean," Alex amended. He kissed Will's forehead and said, "so stupid."
Will let out a sad, wet chuckle. He held Alex tight, savoring the moment. After a while, he said, "I can't let you stay here. I love you too much for that."
"I love you too much to leave," Alex argued. "It's my decision."
"It's your career," Will insisted.
"I'm more than my photographs," Alex stated. "Do you think this is the only opportunity I'll ever get?"
Will's mouth opened and closed before he shook his head. "No, of course, not."
"Then trust me," Alex held Will's elbows, looking into his eyes.
"But-," Will tried to say only for Alex to cut him off.
"I know what I'm doing," Alex said.
"Okay," Will said, "but you have to write back to the gallery. Ask them if you can commute or if you can delay everything a year or something."
"I will," Alex promised. He touched Will's flushed cheek with the tip of his middle finger. "I didn't mean to make you doubt me."
"I should have trusted you," Will said.
"Come here," Alex sat down at his desk, pulling Will against him. "Let me finish this photo and we can get out of here."
"Yeah?" Will smiled, balancing on Alex's knee. "Where we gonna go?"
"I'm taking my kitten out," Alex said, eyes on the photograph of Will. He knew what he needed to do to fix it now. "Then we're gonna make things up to Johnny. Don't want our baby brother mad forever."
"He does know how to hold a grudge," Will kissed Alex's temple and grinned.
November, 2014
Will sat at a lone booth in the Brady pub. He had several papers spread across his table, mind a mess. In addition to school, Will dedicated himself to writing. It took a long time figuring out how to make Stefano's life story into fiction. In fact, Will often worried that some parts were so outlandish no one would believe they could happen.
Adding to Will's stress, Alex spent a week in Chicago for a series of art showings. Will hated it. They'd never been apart for so long. Most of the time, Will went to all Alex's exhibits with him. He was Alex's one and only model after all. But Will had work, school, and writing to do. He couldn't leave for a whole week.
The two Skyped, texted, and talked all the time but it wasn't the same. Will missed his boyfriend plain and simple. He also hated admitting that Alex was right. The two wouldn't survive a long distance relationship.
Needing a break, Will gathered up all his belongings and cleared the table. It was lunchtime and the pub started to fill up. They didn't need Will taking up valuable space.
As Will went to stand up, a strange man in a baseball cap sat down across from him.
"Uh," Will frowned, "can I help you?"
"Sorry," the man said with a wide, charming smile. "I thought I recognized you from somewhere."
"Oh," Will gave a sheepish smile. He'd dealt with this a few times before. Guys and a few girls recognizing him from Alex's photography. "I've done some modeling, so to speak."
The man lifted his head higher, showing off his Asian features. His skin was a warm olive color, eyes sparkling.
It took Will a few moments to place him.
"Oh my God," Will snapped his fingers, leaning across the table. In a quiet whisper, he said, "you're Paul Narita!"
"Guilty," Paul smiled, looking Will up and down. "How do you know that?"
"Are you kidding? I love the Giants!" Will tried to town down his fanboy-ishness. "But what are you doing in Salem of all places?"
"Passing through," Paul eluded. "So, you recognized me. I recognized you. Funny coincidence, huh?"
"Yeah," Will's nose wrinkled. "But how do you know me? Did one of your supermodel girls show you my picture or something?"
Paul's eyes lit up, smirking. "Something like that, yeah."
"Wow," Will said once again. Realizing he was being rude, he stuck out his hand. "I'm Will Horton."
"Nice to meet you, Will," Paul held Will's hand just a moment too long.
Will didn't pay attention to that. He got distracted by how excited he was. "Do you think I can get your autograph?"
"Sure," Paul smirked. He watched as Will scrambled to find a pen and a spare scrap of paper.
Paul took his time signing his name. At the bottom, he scribbled out a little message. He hoped Will would understand.
"When am I gonna see some new work of yours?" Paul wondered. He slid the autograph across the table, fingers lingering against Will's.
"Well, my photographer is showing some new ones in Chicago right now," Will explained. "He should be back soon. Maybe I can show them to you."
"Yeah?" Paul lifted one brow. "I'd like that."
"Okay, cool," Will nodded, although his smile dimmed. Mentioning Alex made him miss him even more.
"What's with the sad face?" Paul wondered. He reached across the table, tilting Will's chin up.
"Uh," Will mumbled. He was no expert but he knew few straight men that would touch him that way. But he wasn't sure what he thought was happening was really happening.
The front door to the pub slammed shut. A pair of heavy feet stomped inside and straight for their booth.
Will turned his head, welcoming the distraction when he saw who it was.
"Alex!" Will breathed, smile lighting up his face.
"Hey, Kitten," Alex greeted. He didn't know who the man across from Will was and he didn't care. No one was touching Will that way. No one but him.
Alex didn't wait for Will to get out of the booth. He bent forward, hands grabbing Will's neck and yanked him into a firm kiss.
Will melted into it, letting Alex push him down onto the booth. He opened his mouth when he felt Alex's tongue along his lips, moaning into his touch.
When they separated, Will panted, breathless. It took him a few moments to sit up straight again.
"Come on," Alex grabbed Will's things. "Let's get home."
Pretending he hadn't seen the man, Alex made a show of saying, "oh, sorry. Didn't see you there."
"It's alright," Paul said in a terse voice, torn between annoyance and arousal.
"This is Paul," Will said, "he's a big-time baseball player. Oh, I'm sorry, Paul, Alex is my photographer."
"And boyfriend?" Paul guessed.
"Yeah," Will laughed, holding onto Alex's forearm and looking up at him. "Paul recognized me from some of your photos."
"Did he now?" Alex gave Paul a knowing look. "Imagine that."
Paul gave Alex a polite smile and nodded at Will. "Maybe I'll see you around town."
"That'd be nice," Will said. He grabbed the autograph off the table and waved. "Bye, Paul."
"Bye," Paul said, now all alone.
"What the hell was that?" Alex asked once they were outside.
"I don't know. He came up to me and I realized who it was," Will said. "I mean, he was hitting on me, right?"
Alex gave Will a look of disbelief. He grabbed the autograph in Will's hand. "Hmmm, Salem Inn, ask for George Herman. Yeah, gee, I wonder if he was hitting on you."
"Shut up," Will nudged Alex in the waist. "The only one I want to go to a hotel room with is you."
"Who needs a hotel room?" Alex said, putting his hand in Will's back pocket.
As they turned for their apartment, they bumped into Sonny and Brian.
"Hey, guys," Will greeted. "Bye, guys," he said as Alex dragged him away without saying anything.
Sonny held the door open for Brian as they walked into the Brady pub.
May, 2015
Will collapsed on a bench outside in the DiMera garden. Tonight was his graduation party and he couldn't get any time to himself. Everywhere he turned there were family members or friends mobbing him. Even Alex disappeared somewhere, lucky bastard.
Will needed a few moments of peace. A few moments to breathe without explaining to everyone his graduation plans. Yes, he was still working for DiMera Enterprises. No, he and Alex hadn't decided if they were moving yet. Yes, he was still waiting to see if a publisher wanted his novel.
Will closed his eyes and missed when several strings of fairy lights turned on overhead.
"Hey," Alex said, walking down a lone garden path.
"Where did you go?" Will asked, slumped on the bench. "You left me to deal with the jackals all by myself."
"You know how I feel about parties," Alex shrugged, eyes anywhere but on Will's face.
"What's with you?" Will sat up straight. "You okay?"
"Y-yeah," Alex licked his lips, pulling his hands out of his pockets. "I-uh-I had something to take care of."
"Okay," Will said, head tilted.
"You remember the first time we were here, in this spot?" Alex asked.
Will looked around, noting the strands of lights hanging overhead and the plethora of vivid flowers. He thought for a moment. They'd spent several hours in the back garden but he knew what Alex meant.
"Opening night of DE's art gallery, your show," Will smiled.
"We both got our shit together that night," Alex said, taking a deep breath.
"What made you think of that?" Will wondered.
"It was a big night," Alex said. "Tonight's big too."
Will opened his mouth to say something when Alex dropped to one knee.
Alex pulled two things out of his pocket, a simple silver ring and a faded, crumbled piece of paper.
"I see your fucking blue eyes whenever I close mine and this is kind of getting unbearable holy fuck," Alex read from the poem Will wrote ages ago. "Marry me?"
Will didn't have to think about it. He always had complicated feelings toward marriage but not when it concerned Alex. Nothing was ever complicated when it came to Alex.
Will nodded. He waited just long enough for Alex to slide the ring on his finger before yanking him into a kiss.
Whispering against Alex's lips, Will said, "but all my days of Happiness and wonder are cradled in his arms and his eyes entire."
The two kissed and kissed under the stars and twinkling lights. They both ignored the huge crowd of family members spying on them from the French doors.
November, 2015
"What is the fucking hold up?" Alex grumbled. He had his camera ready. The lighting was perfect, the setting. All he needed was his model to hurry the hell up and get out here.
"I told you I had a surprise," Will said. "So, close your eyes."
"I'm not gonna close my eyes," Alex argued.
"Do it," Will said, waiting to see if his directions were followed.
After all their years together, Alex knew it was easier to do what Will wanted than argue. He closed his eyes, complaining the whole time.
Will walked out onto the patio of their vacation home. After the success of Will's first novel, the first in a series about anti-hero Enzo DiAngelo, and Alex's nonstop photography they needed a break. Stefano, pleased by Will's portrayal of him, let them use his home on a private island in Fiji. It was palatial, surrounded by lush greenery, palm trees, and mountains. The home consisted of several rooms, modern amenities, and outdoor showers.
Alex set up their photoshoot on the edge of an infinity pool. It overlooked the South Pacific Ocean, making it seem as if the pool was an extension of the water. The background was gorgeous, crystal clear water and tropical plants. Alex knew the only thing that could make the sight better was Will.
It took a long time for Will to plan this surprise. He had to gather everything he needed without Alex discovering them which was hard. Alex snooped through everything. But it was worth it. Alex was going to die when he saw Will now.
Being as careful as possible, Will crawled out to the edge of the pool. It was wide enough for him to lie back on. Making sure he didn't wet his surprise too much, Will leaned back. He enjoyed the cool pool water against his back, the hot sun on his skin.
"Open your eyes," Will breathed, nervous with anticipation.
Alex blinked several times. When he caught sight of Will he almost dropped his camera in the water.
"Holy fucking shit," Alex said, licking his lips.
Alex and Will had worked together for so long, Will knew what poses showcased his body best. He knew where to place his arms, how to position his legs. Will didn't often need direction now. The two had used several masks, strategically placed props, even a fur coat they stole from Anjelica once. But they'd never done this before.
"Like it?" Will asked, arching his back when Alex held up his camera.
Alex snapped several shots. "Fuck you, you know I love it."
"I do know," Will tried not to smile.
Will's shoulders and butt lay on the edge of the pool. His back curved up, showing off his slim waist and defined muscles. Both arms were in the air, touching his hair, biceps bulging. One foot rested flat on the edge of the pool, the other curved up in the air highlighting the roundness of his ass and the bulk of his thighs. His hair was getting a bit long, starting to curl.
What got Alex going and defined the picture were the bright red six-inch high heels Will wore as well as the matching lipstick. Will's legs were long, lean, and chiseled. The juxtaposition of Will's masculinity and the soft, feminine nature of the accessories rounded everything out.
Will didn't think he would enjoy the shoes or even the lipstick but they were fun. He didn't plan on wearing either outside of the shoot but seeing the look in Alex's eyes was worth it.
Alex got as many shots of Will as he could. Capturing every angle and every deliciously beautiful inch. After almost an hour, Alex tossed his camera on a lounge chair. He jumped in the pool, swimming to Will.
Will arched his back even higher, knowing how much it drove Alex crazy.
"Fuck," Alex said when he emerged from the pool, wet and dripping. His hands ran up and down Will's sides to his ankles. "How the hell did you hide this from me?"
"I shipped them here when we made our plane reservations," Will revealed with an impish grin.
"You spoil me," Alex mumbled. He grabbed both shoes and tossed them onto the patio. He didn't want to ruin them. He didn't care what it took he was getting Will in those again.
Will slid into the pool and Alex's arms. "Do I look pretty?" Will bat his lashes several times, laughing.
"Always," Alex said. "This is a whole different level."
Will wrapped his arms and legs around Alex, bringing their lips together.
Alex shoved Will into the wall of the pool, grabbing two handfuls of his ass.
The lipstick smeared, leaving behind a tacky taste. When they pulled apart, Alex rubbed his thumb over Will's mouth, showing the red marks.
"I picked it out at the airport," Will shrugged. "It was cheap."
The two kissed and kissed until all remnants of the lipstick disappeared.
Alex lifted Will up and onto the edge of the pool. "Hold on."
That was the only warning Will got before Alex swallowed his half-hard cock.
Alex relished the feel of Will plumping up inside his mouth. He swirled his tongue, applying just the right amount of pressure.
"Fuck," Will gripped Alex's wet hair, helping him bob up and down. "Fuck, I love when you do that."
Alex played with Will for a while, waiting until Will was on the edge before pulling back.
"Ugh," Will complained as Alex grinned.
"I'm gonna fuck you right here," Alex said, yanking Will back into the water. He turned Will around, waiting for Will to grab the edge of the pool for leverage.
Alex planned ahead. Inside the pool was the only place they hadn't fucked yet. Alex swam to the other side of the pool and grabbed the packet of waterproof lube he left there. Condoms were only a matter of convenience for them at this point. Neither bothered to pack any for the trip.
Alex laughed when he came back to see Will leaning on the edge of the pool, ass up in the air.
"You want something, Kitten?" Alex leered, pulling Will's cheeks apart.
"We both want something," Will said with his eyes closed. He still wasn't good with heights and didn't want to see how high up he was over the ocean. He thanked himself for all those hours in the gym that he was able to keep himself up.
Alex wouldn't deny it. They both loved when he ate Will out almost more than anything. Alex dove right in, licking and biting. Opening Will up with his fingers and tongue.
When neither could stand it anymore, Will slipped back into the water. Alex ripped open the lube, doing his best to spread it over his dick and Will.
"Ready?" Alex asked, teasing Will's opening. He pushed the tip of his cock inside, just the tip.
Instead of answering, Will pushed back onto Alex, rolling his hips until his ass met Alex's groin.
"God, I love you," Alex said, chin resting on Will's shoulder. He anchored his hands on the walls of the pool on either side of Will. He didn't give Will any time to adjust. He knew he didn't need it, not after their fun that morning. "Never get tired of this, of you."
Will held onto Alex's wrists, smacking his ass back into Alex. Their thrusts worked in tandem, water splashing around them.
"Baby," Will praised. "Feel so good inside me, so big. Love it when you rip me open. Love you so much."
Alex wrapped his fist around Will's cock. His teeth dug into Will's neck and shoulders causing Will to groan. He tilted Will's hips up a bit, angling his thrusts to hit Will's prostate.
Will yelled, loud and unreserved. "Fuck, fuck, fuck, baby, fuck!"
Alex grinned when Will threw back his head and moaned Alex's name.
Will squeezed down around Alex, keeping his thrusts steady. He praised Alex's name, telling him over and over how much he loved him.
Alex held onto Will's hips, jackrabbiting into Will's spasming body. He grunted loudly when he started to come.
Will sighed when he felt Alex filling him up. It was familiar, sexy. Sharing something so intimate, something no one else ever felt with Alex always left Will so sated.
Before Will, Alex experienced so much of everything. There were few things they could both share for the first time. But going bare was one of them. It was something that was only theirs. That more than anything was why they both preferred not to use condoms at all anymore.
"I love you," Alex breathed into Will's ear. It was so easy for him to say it now. He didn't choke on the words, didn't fear Will's reaction. He didn't say it quite as often as Will did but he felt it just as much. He always had.
The two disentangled, Will turning to face Alex again. Will kissed Alex long and hard, holding him tight.
"This is the best trip we've ever been on," Will declared, smiling up at Alex.
"Way to state the obvious, Kitten," Alex replied. He made a face when Will pinched near his nipple.
"We should enjoy the peace and quiet while we can," Will said, rubbing over the injured area in apology. "Everything'll be a zoo when we get back."
"Moved out of Salem and everyone still is all up in our business," Alex complained. "I told you we should have gone to Chicago. It's farther away."
"But you like St. Louis more," Will responded. "Joey's gonna plan the stupidest bachelor party. I know it."
"Oh, he will," Alex said. "At least EJ will keep him in line."
"I still can't believe you picked EJ as your best man," Will laughed.
"He grows on you," Alex admitted, "as you should know."
Will rolled his eyes before letting out a small laugh. "Maybe by the time we get back Sonny will have picked a plus-one."
"Idiot can't make up his damn mind," Alex groused, holding onto Will's butt. "I still think he wants you for a date."
Will laughed. "I'm not bringing a date to my own wedding."
"Aren't you glad you got out when you did, though?" Alex teased. "You could have had to deal with all that bullshit."
"No, thanks. I never thought I'd feel sorry for Brian but no one deserves that," Will said.
"Ironic that Sonny flipped his shit that you had feelings for me when you were with him and he never got over Paul," Alex rolled his eyes.
"At least, now I know why he never wanted to talk about his past," Will scrunched his face together. "Remember when Paul hit on me, though?"
"Don't remind me," Alex warned.
"Would it be mean or funny to tell Sonny?" Will wondered. When he saw Alex's pinched face, he sighed. "You never had anything to worry about. You pretty much ruined me for other men."
Alex kissed Will again, lingering.
The sun started to set, purple and orange filling the sky. Will and Alex held onto each other in the warm water, basking in the sights.
"How much trouble do you think we're gonna get in when we go back?" Will wondered, hand running through Alex's hair.
"Oh, you mean when they find out we eloped and our mothers are planning a wedding for no reason?" Alex said, deadpan. "No, I think they'll be cool with it."
"We're so dead," Will laughed, sticking out his tongue. "But it was worth it."
"You, me, and a justice of the peace," Alex said. "The way God intended it."
"We're not telling them until after the big wedding, right?" Will clarified.
"Do we look stupid to you?" Alex asked. "Now, come on, I'm hungry as fuck. Then I'm gonna need my husband to ride me to sleep."
Will and Alex got out of the pool, enjoying the last bit of sunset.
"I love you, baby," Will said. He reached down to link their left hands, admiring their matching rings.
"Right back at ya, kitten," Alex swung their hands up, kissing the top of Will's. "Thanks for marrying me."
"Thanks for asking," Will responded. "Now, hurry up and feed me."
"God, married a few days and you're already bossing me around," Alex said.
"I've been bossing you around since day one," Will denied as they walked toward the outdoor shower.
"You used to be so shy and sweet," Alex lamented. "Look at you now."
"You love me," Will snorted. "Don't you, hubby?"
"Ugh, don't ever call me that again," Alex said.
The two showered, taking turns washing the other's hair. Distracting the other with kisses and lingering touches. It was a long time before they remembered dinner.
The End
Author's note:
Thank you to everyone that read, reviewed, favorited, and/or followed. I appreciate all the encouraging words and support. I absolutely love writing this pairing. There's something about the two that I just adore. For this story, I wanted it to end in November of 2015. Instead of Will dying, I'd much rather see him elope with the man of his dreams.
As some of you have mentioned to me, the show appears to be casting someone in the role of Alex Kiriakis. Which, quite frankly, terrifies me. I'm quite attached to him and don't trust the show not to ruin him the way they have so many other characters.
I have no idea what I'm writing next. I have some vague ideas but nothing coherent yet. But, as always, it'll feature Will getting a happy ending with someone that actually deserves him.
Thanks for reading!
PS, the inspiration for Will's photos in the last scene come from Jason Wimberly. Thank you to Sunnynana for putting him on my radar.