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The next morning Claire awoke to shouting from downstairs. She rubbed her eyes and got out of bed, hoping to eavesdrop on whatever was happening. When she made it to the top of the stairs she peaked through the railing to see Karen and her lover in a yelling match.

"Why does it matter to you so much?" Will asked.

"Because I don't need another person judging me, Will!" She shouted back.

"Who gives a shit, Karen?! Are you telling me that what people think about you really gets to you?"

"Me?! What about you?!" She shouted as she stalked forward, an attempt to make him feel threatened. "You're the one who can't tell his best friend that he isn't really going to bars with Jack!"

"That isn't even what this is about! All I wanted was to spend the day with you!"

"You did not! You just wanted to get a free meal before you go out with James!"

"I told you that I broke up with him! I love you and I am not cheating on you! Why is it so hard for you to understand that?" He asked. She scoffed and took a step backwards.

"Then tell Grace about us." She whispered, crossing her arms. He looked up to her eyes.

"You know it's more complicated than that."

"Why, because you're a coward?" she asked.

"I am not a coward and you know it! Do you know what will happen when Grace and Jack find out about us? They'll leave us!"

"You don't know that!"

"Yes I do! Look, I know you don't care about anyone other than yourself, but what about them? I can't hurt them like that, you heartless bitch!"

"Fuck you! Get out of my house!" she shouted as she pushed him into the door. They looked into each other's eyes, heavily breathing. They let the weight of their current argument fall into their minds, both knowing that it was just another meaningless dispute between them.

Without warning they rushed into a passionate kiss. She ran her hands through his hair as he pulled her closer by her waist. Their fight started because she didn't want her houseguest to know that she was having a secret love affair with a man whom everyone else believed she hated. There was also the minor fact that he was known to be gay.

"Maybe you should stay for breakfast, honey." She whispered after they broke the kiss.

"And I'll try to talk to Grace."

"Thank you. I'd really like that." They walked hand in hand to the kitchen and sat down to a table set for three.

Claire had no idea what these people's problems were. She only caught the fact that they were secret lovers and their friends didn't know. 'No wonder Karen was so secretive the night before,' she thought as she made her way to the kitchen.

"Good morning, Karen." She said as she took a seat at the table.

"Morning, honey." She replied. "This is Will. He's another gay friend." Claire laughed.

"You don't have to lie to me, Karen. I won't tell anyone that you two are lovers. It's nice to meet you Will."

"How did you…"

"I can just tell." She smiled as she took a bite of her eggs and smiled. "Now who's Grace and when do I get to meet her?"

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Over the next few months Karen helped Claire get her life back on track. She helped her get a quick emancipation from her parents and get married to Steve. She also covered the costs of the small wedding ceremony and a little flat that the newlyweds were occupying. She opened a savings account for them in her name and gave Steve a job at Walker Inc. They were both very thankful and offered to repay her whenever they could.

Will watched Karen mother the young woman and his desire to have a child of his own was escalating. He didn't tell Karen about his growing fascination. He knew how sketchy she felt about children, but he had the feeling that she would be a great mother, if only he could talk her into it.

"What are you staring at, honey?" Karen asked as she read the paper on Will and Grace's couch. "You're making me feel self-conscious."

"I'm just thinking about something." Will replied as he sat down next to her on the couch. He placed his hand on her knee and continued to stare.

"Okay, what?" she pressed further, laying the paper down on the table.

"I don't know. We've been together for a year and a half and we've never talked about our future. Where do you see us going?"

"Hell if I know, honey. Why does it matter?"

"I just want to know what to expect. For example, are we going to tell our friends? Are we ever going to live together? Am I going to get to take you out on a date?" he asked. She could tell that the future was really weighing on his mind so she turned to sit so she was fully facing him, her legs crossed Indian style.

"I want to tell them too."

"When?"

"As soon as we can, honey." She replied. She leaned forward and kissed his lips. "I want you to be happy."

"I love you."

"I love you too, honey." Before they could carry their kiss any further, Jack and Grace burst through the door of the apartment.

"Will, I have a crisis. That guy at the gym asked me out tonight and I need you to help me figure out what I'm wearing. Come on." She said as she walked back to her bedroom. Will followed behind, winking at Karen.

"Hey Poodle, I need to talk to you about something. It's kind of important." Karen said as she pulled Jack to the couch.

"You know you can tell me anything, Karebear."

"I've been in a relationship for about a year and a half that I haven't told you about. I'm really sorry that I lied to you, honey, but I think you should know who it is."

"It's Will. I told you I knew when we were all going to spend the night at your house a while ago." He said. Her mouth fell agape and her eyes widened.

"You knew and you didn't say anything?"

"Well, Grace and I just figured you two would tell us when you were ready."

"Grace knows too? Was this a public announcement or something? How did you find out?" she asked, shooting questions quickly. Jack giggled.

"Well Grace didn't really believe me when I told her I thought you two were together so we decided to climb up the fire escape when you and Will were alone in the office. And my, my, my what a show we witnessed." He smiled. Karen felt blood rush to her cheeks and knew for a fact that she was intensely blushing.

"How much did you see?"

"There's nothing to be ashamed of, Kare. It was kind of hot." The red on her cheeks deepened. "You look cute when you blush."

"Okay, honey, stop it. I just need to know if you accept us or not. Please don't be angry." She said as she took his hands in hers. She looked into his eyes, pleadingly.

"You know, I was really angry with you Karen, when I first found out. I just didn't understand what was happening. You're happy, you don't drink or do drugs anymore, and now you even blush. I've never seen you show so much emotion about anything. I love it, Kare, and I love you. I'm just happy that you're happy." He said. She was shocked that something so true and serious came from Jack's mouth. She smiled before leaning forward and kissing his lips. "Now, is it okay for us to make out?" she laughed and nodded before opening her mouth and sticking out her tongue. He took her tongue in his mouth and they platonically kissed.

"Why do I always walk in when you're doing something gross with one of our friends?" Will asked when he walked into the living room. Karen pulled back from Jack and smirked.

"You just have perfect timing, honey." She replied before turning serious. "Did you tell her?"

"Yeah, and much to my surprise, she already knew. Thank you for meddling Jack."

"Hey I just call them as they come. And speaking of…" he let his last statement fade away as he gave Karen a suggestive look. She slapped his arm, playfully, and giggled.

"What is he talking about?" Will asked.

"It's not a big deal, honey. And if you really want to know I'll tell you on our date tonight."

"Our date?"

"Yeah, you're taking me out to celebrate our year and a half. And it better be fancy." She winked.