Victor sat calmly in his desk chair, hands folded in front of him, staring at the pale boy across from him. 'He doesn't look like he could do much of anything but here's the proof.' A file folder was open with all the pictures the man Victor had found to antagonize Paul took and it certainly didn't look like Paul was his target. "Care to explain what all this is," Victor smiled serenely before throwing the pictures across the desk top.

The young man, Ian, sat on the edge of his chair, thin legs bouncing wildly up and down. He had dark bags under his eyes, his baggy jeans and shirt practically swallowing his skeletal frame. Admiring the pictures he took Ian shrugged, blank eyes, meeting Victor's, "They're pictures."

Biting the side of his cheek Victor had to force himself from yelling, "Yes, I'm aware of that. Why did you take them? How?" Uncomfortable under Ian's stare Victor picked up a picture at random, one of Paul Narita kissing Will Horton outside the Dimera Mansion.

Taking the proffered picture Ian's lips twitched seeing Paul's profile, bony finger reaching out to trace Paul's muscular back. Seeing Will's blonde hair and pink cheeks Ian's face twisted into a snarl. He hated William Horton zealously. Breath picking up Ian attempted to school his features before answering Victor, "You said you wanted me to establish my presence in Salem. So I did."

Noting the manic gleam in Ian's eyes Victor narrowed his eyes, "You also assured me that you were going after Paul, not Will. I don't want anything happening to Will."

'Will, Will, Will,' Ian thought crossly, 'All this town thinks about is Will Horton. What is so goddamn special about him?' Swallowing his anger Ian confided, "I am going after Paul. I knew the quickest way to get his attention would be going after someone he cares about. Will," Ian spat out, making his name seem like a swear word, "Already had all eyes on him. I just furthered it along." 'And he made it so easy, stupid little slut.'

"Well you better get a move on it," Victor warned ominously. "I'm running out of patience. I want Paul Narita out of this town, forever."

"Just give me one more day," Ian promised, "I need one more day and everything will go according to plan."

"Sonny will be rid of Paul and free to be with Will," Victor laid out, "And Paul will be all yours, in whatever location you see fit."

"Right," Ian nodded, 'Something like that.' Reaching across to shake Victor's hand Ian whirled his head around when the office door opened. 'Oh, look, another Will Horton follower.'

"Lucas," Victor lectured, "What the hell are you doing? That was closed for a reason."

"Sorry Victor," Lucas said, "But I know you're the only one who can help with this problem."

"And what problem is that," Victor asked, curious despite himself, almost forgetting the slip of a boy across from him.

"EJ," Lucas hissed, shoulders tensing and breathe deepening. "He's trying to control Will's life. He actually called him his father the other day. He's the reason Will's in the mess he is. Sami and his screwed up relationship has warped Will. I need him away from my son."

'It's always Will,' Ian thought, watching Lucas with interest. 'Even his own father can see how sick and wrong he is.'

"Calm down, Lucas," Victor ordered. He had a turbulent relationship with Lucas but, like with Will, deep down he would always care. 'And I can never resist going against a Dimera.' "I'm already working on things. Soon enough Will and Sonny will be together. I'll ensure that Sonny stays here and the closer Will gets to Sonny the closer he'll get to me. EJ will be phased out and everyone's lives can get back to normal."

Lucas looked leery. 'All of the men in Will's life aren't good enough. He needs to be away from all of them. I can't trade EJ for Victor. But at least Victor isn't a Dimera and won't poison my son against me.' Nodding Lucas sighed, "OK, good. I just don't want anything else to go wrong in Will's life." 'And I can work on getting Will away from Sonny just as soon as Paul is gone.'

"It's being handled," Victor promised.

Lucas thanked Victor emphatically, "Thank you Victor. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you doing this."

Ian watched the proceedings slowly, shoulders slumped in his seat. 'Another person who wants Will taken care of. Don't worry, Mr. Horton, soon.'

As Victor stood up and walked around his desk to escort Lucas out he was surprised to see Adrienne and Justin outside the door. "Oh god, now what? It's too early for this," Victor remarked grumpily.

"Please tell my wife that she needs to leave Sonny's love life alone," Justin asked in a long suffering tone.

"Justin be reasonable," Adrienne complained. "It's not like we're doing anything Sonny won't enjoy. It's just a romantic picnic in the park; we're not planning his wedding." 'I learned my lesson on that.'

Victor, reaching up to smooth his mustache, rolled his eyes, "Justin, listen to your wife. Lucas, talk with Adrienne. I have a meeting to finish." Closing the door Victor turned back to Ian, "Now you can see why it's imperative that you do what I brought you here for."

"Yes," Ian whispered, practically hissing like a snake. 'I know how much happier everyone will be once Will is no longer in the way.'

"Then get it done," Victor insisted, dismissing Ian from his sight. As Ian stood up to leave Victor called out gently, "Do not make me regret my decision to fund your little trip." Putting his head in his hands Victor sat down in his desk chair remembering how he came about Ian.

He used one of his younger employees to find a list of candidates that would be perfect for the job. She found him Ian. His Twitter and Tumblr accounts were filled with nothing but Paul. Pictures of Paul from games or taken from around town, even a few with Sonny. Victor didn't really understand the fascination but the kid idolized Paul. The employee told Victor that Ian 'shipped' Paul and Sonny, 'Whatever the hell that means.' However some of the things he had said and written bordered on more than hero worship. When the article about Will emerged Ian went on more than a few incensed rants about Will's character and what it meant about his favorite couple. Victor knew Ian would be the best person for the job. 'Who wouldn't take an unlimited amount of money to make all their deepest, darkest dreams come true,' Victor mused. 'Soon enough the creepy little bastard will be out of my hair and stuck on an island somewhere with only Paul Narita for company.'

Ian walked out of the Kiriakis Mansion with his arms swaying gently at his sides. A smile on his face, practically giddy at the plans he overheard, 'In a few hours time Will Horton will be out of the picture.' Ian hurried down the road towards the apartment he just rented at Paul and Sonny's building, hoping the previous occupants were done moving out of it so Ian could move inside. Ian felt only a tiny bit guilty that he was using Victor's money on a plan he never intended to carry out. 'But how could I? Everyone knows that Paul and Sonny belong together.'

Ian could remember the first time he ever set eyes on Paul Narita. His father was obsessed with baseball. Wanting to drag his melancholic, shy son to the outdoors Ian's father brought him to a game. Ian was bored and uncomfortable in the hot sun until he saw Paul walk onto the pitching mound. Breath caught in his throat, heart freezing, Ian almost whimpered when he saw him. Overwhelmed by Paul's very existence Ian found himself entranced. His father thought he was finally taking an interest in baseball but Ian knew the truth; it wasn't baseball he was intrigued by. Ian joined his father at every home game, overjoyed at the opportunity to see Paul. Ian nursed a crush and blissful fantasies that one day Paul would see him in the crowd and it would be love at first sight. But that all stopped the day Ian noticed Sonny Kiriakis.

At first Ian assumed Sonny was just another fan sitting in the same section as him, but he wasn't. Paul would catch Sonny's eye every time they switched positions after an inning. Paul would give Sonny a secretive smile. It only took Ian half a game to realize what that meant. 'Paul and this guy are together.' Instead of being crushed by the news Ian found himself elated. From his careful observations, and sneakily following Sonny around the stadium, Ian discovered that Sonny was a nice person. 'He's everything Paul should want; smart, attractive, and wholesome.' Ian began his first foray into photography by sneaking as many shots of Paul and Sonny at games as he could.

When the news broke that Paul was engaged to Sonny Ian was thrilled. He soon found other fans that enjoyed his favorite couple as well. He had always had trouble making friends in real life but on the internet he could be himself without any repercussions. 'And everyone relied on me to be their go to person for information on Sonny and Paul.' Ian felt important and close to them; almost like he was their friend as well. But that all changed when Sonny moved away. Ian noticed right away that Paul missed him. And when Paul was injured Ian was almost more affected by it than Paul. Paul left and Ian was all alone.

'Then that horrible Will Horton came into the picture,' Ian grumbled, walking faster, wind whipping his dark strands across his eyes. Ian received a message from one of his fellow Narita fans on Tumblr with the link to the Salem newspaper. Ian was furious. 'They were so in love. They were perfect! How could some blonde haired bimbo come between them?' Ian knew immediately that Will Horton was to blame. Ian did his research; Will was from a broken family whose mother went through men faster than she did tissues. Will was clearly following in her footsteps. So when he received a call from Victor Kiriakis, a relative of Sonny's, Ian knew he was the right person for the job. 'I'll do anything I can to make Paul happy again. Anything.'

He came to Salem on a private jet, stayed in a private suite at the nicest hotel in town. He easily accessed Will's phone and found all the information he needed to set his plan in motion. 'And now it's almost come to fruition,' Ian thought, excited chills sweeping down his body, 'Everything will be set right by the end of the day.'

"Sorry," Will said with a flash of a smile, "I know it can't be very exciting helping me pack on Halloween."

Neil shrugged before stuffing another shirt in a box, "Eh, it's not like I've got much else going on anyway. My last few lectures were cancelled today so I'm happy to help."

"You're the best," Will gushed, glad he didn't have to do any of this boring stuff alone, "But you should really go out later. I'm sure there's a party you can go to." Labeling a box with a marker Will said quickly, "Maybe Brian can take you."

"Will," Neil huffed, "I already told you I'm not interested in Brian." 'I'm still stuck up on you.'

"Why not," Will laughed, trying once again to get Neil to see the light, "He's hot in a totally douchebag-y way. I mean, I know those teeth have to be bleached but come on. And he's going to be a doctor." Wiggling his eyebrows Will teased, "You can find yourselves a cute blonde and live out some threesome fantasies."

Balling up a shirt Neil threw it at Will's head, "Cute. But no. I don't want to be with Brian, he's just a friend."

"You wanted to sleep with him though," Will said, throwing the shirt back at Neil, "Or you thought about it right?"

"That was different," Neil explained sheepishly, "I was just teasing. I wouldn't actually want him to be around if we ever got together."

"Oh," Will said, confused, tossing things from his desk in the box, "So you don't like Brian?"

"Nope," Neil said, closing his box and assembling another one for Will's pants, "And I think you know all about having a friend that's attractive but not wanting to be with them." 'As much as it pains me to admit.'

"Right," Will said, turning his back to Neil, feeling bad that Neil's feelings were once again being brought up. 'I just want him to move on and be happy. He at least deserves to have someone.'

The only sounds in the room were objects flopping into the boxes, the cardboard creaking and scratching before Neil asked Will, "You sure about this? Moving in with them I mean. It seems pretty sudden."

"I know it is," Will admitted, "I just, it feels right."

"And what about Paul," Neil asked, feeling a bit queasy, "Have you forgiven him?"

"I-I don't know," Will sighed, turning to look at Neil, biting his lip, "I think he feels really bad about what happened. And I don't think he'll do it again. He's done a really good job of showing me that he'll listen to me if I say no. That he won't hurt me." Will scratched the side of his neck, trying to verbalize exactly what he's been feeling. "Neil, can I be honest with you? I mean completely honest."

Neil sat down on Will's bed carefully, knowing he wasn't going to like this, "Yeah Will, you can tell me anything."

"I think I need to sleep with him, again, to see if I really do trust him now," Will looked at a spot on Neil's shirt, not able to look him in the eyes, cheeks rosy. "I mean, the other day it was sexual between us but I still haven't been able to touch him like that, or let him touch me. I don't have that problem with Sonny. Um, what do you think?"

Eyes closed tightly, fists clenched, stomach turning, Neil advised, "If you think you're ready then you should try. If he really respects you he'll stop if you feel uncomfortable. You owe it to yourself to try, right?" 'Oh god, I think I'm going to be sick.' "Excuse me," Neil rushed out before dashing to the bathroom. Holding onto the sink Neil tried to steady his breathing. 'He's happy. They make him happy. There's nothing wrong with you that he doesn't want you the same way. As long as he's happy.'

Will, eyes following Neil, couldn't help but curl into himself. 'I really don't mean to make him so miserable,' Will thought. 'I wish there was something I could do.'

Neil splashed some cold water onto his face and walked back to Will's nearly packed room. "Hey," he said casually, hoping Will wouldn't bring up his sudden exit.

"Hey," Will said, observing Neil.

"Let's get back to packing," Neil suggested, looking anywhere but Will, "We're almost done."

Sonny helped Paul carry their desk up a set of winding stairs, trying not to bash into the railing. "Did you really have to get a room on the third floor," Sonny complained, hands hurting from gripping the desk so tightly.

"Yes," Paul said casually, trying to pretend his arm wasn't getting sore. 'I don't need to worry Sonny or Will. They still don't even know I hurt it punching the wall.' "It's safer up here. It's the corner unit in the back of the building. No trees or anyway to look inside. The only way in is these stairs. I don't want to take any chances this time."

"Yeah, well, it would be easier to move our stuff if it was the one across the way," Sonny said under his breath as they finally got the desk inside. "There, the last thing." Seeing how empty the place looked Sonny said, "We're gonna need more furniture."

"It's going to be strange having all this extra room," Paul remarked, sitting down on the floor, tired. "Any ideas what we should do with the spare bedroom?"

"I'm not sure," Sonny replied, leaning against Paul's shoulder. "Use it as an office maybe. Add a comfy couch and put all of Will's books in it."

"That would be nice," Paul smiled, wrapping an arm around Sonny, "This is what you want right? I mean, you're ready to live with me again."

"Yeah," Sonny confessed. "Last night was kind of eye opening. I know how hard it was to resist him. Don't get me wrong I'm still upset but I'm getting there, you know, on forgiving you."

"Good," Paul grinned, "I hope that I'm doing everything I can to prove that I'm genuinely sorry and won't ever betray your trust or our relationship again."

"And I appreciate that," Sonny nudged Paul with his shoulder before standing up and stretching. "Ugh, I have to run to Common Grounds real quick." Seeing Paul stick his lips out in a pout Sonny smiled, "Just for a few hours. You need to stay here and wait for Will to come round with Neil."

"I really hate that jackass," Paul groaned, head thrown back.

"Be nice," Sonny threatened, "Can you blame him for having a hard time getting over Will? Besides, he's helping Will pack his belongings to move in with us. I think he gets that Will is unavailable."

"I still don't have to like him," Paul added, "But it does give me warm and fuzzies that he's never getting the chance to be with Will again."

"That's the spirit," Sonny said rolling his eyes. "You wait for Neil's text since Will still hasn't gotten a new phone." Leaning over to kiss Paul on the lips Sonny couldn't help but sigh into his mouth. 'Everything is finally going to be perfect.'

"I don't care if it's painted or cleaned," Ian argued with the leasing manager. "I need a place now. That doesn't matter to me."

"Alright sir if you insist," the woman said with a raised brow. "Just sign here, here and here."

Ian signed his name quickly, or the name that Victor gave him to use, before saying, "I can move in now, yes?"

"Yeah, here's your key," the woman handed the key over, unsettled that this quiet, awkward boy was being so demanding. "I hope you enjoy-"the woman started to say before trailing off when the boy simply got up and left the room. "OK, right, that wasn't creepy at all." 'Oh well, another room rented out means more money for the company.'

Ian walked over to his new studio, heart pounding out of control when he saw it was the apartment. The one Sonny and Paul lived in. 'But wait, does that mean they don't live here anymore?' Ian had tried to see what they had been up to the past few days but the windows had been blocked off and that dumb idiot had been sitting in a car watching. 'Is he watching for me or because he can't stand Will being with them?' Ian was almost tempted to knock on the window and ask, 'Maybe he could be a useful ally,' but Ian wasn't one to rely on others. While he was certain Neil would love to get Will away from Paul and Sonny he doubted he would approve of Ian's plan. 'Yet another person obsessed with Will Horton.'

Just as Ian was beginning to wonder where Paul and Sonny could have gone now he saw Paul walking down a staircase across the complex. Hands in his pockets, whistling a jaunty tune before crossing the street, Paul was completely oblivious to Ian's presence. Smiling widely Ian stepped inside the apartment, 'My apartment,' and closed the door quickly. Looking around Ian rubbed his hands together, 'Yes, this is going to be perfect.'

EJ pulled Samantha against his bare, heaving chest, broad hands gliding up and down her sweaty skin. "I definitely needed that," EJ boasted, leaning down for a deep kiss.

"Well, it's about time you took a day off," Sami leered, tongue sweeping out across EJ's lips playfully. Resting in EJ's arms comfortably Sami couldn't help but smile and laugh, "You know I never would have thought we'd end up back here, you know, together."

"Me either," EJ admitted, "I thought we were over for good after all the turmoil I caused."

"We caused. I guess that's the thing about love," Sami looked up into EJ's eyes, "It never really leaves you. Even after all the painful things we've done to one another I know that we're stronger now because of it."

Kissing the top of Samantha's head lovingly EJ smiled widely, "We are, darling, and I'll do whatever I can to keep our family together."

Sami snuggled against EJ for a few more moments before glancing at the time. Sitting up, letting the sheets fall into her lap, exposing her breasts, Sami reached for her phone, 'It's time,' she thought excitedly. Sending the message to Neil, relying on Adrienne and Kate to do their part, Sami squealed when she felt EJ palming her chest.

Taking Samantha's phone and tossing it onto the side table EJ grabbed both of Samantha's breasts before whispering against her mouth, "Mmm, you're all mine until school is over. No more phones or worrying." Kissing Samantha wetly, pushing her into the mattress EJ cleared his mind of everything but showing Samantha over and over again just how much he loved her.

Sonny looked up from the paperwork he was filling out to see his mother walking inside making a beeline for him. 'Oh boy,' he thought putting his pen on the table as she sat down across from him.

"Hi," Adrienne greeted, nervously excited for the plan Sami, Kate, and she had concocted, 'and even Lucas sort of helped,' Adrienne recalled with a giggle.

"What's with the giddy school girl smile," Sonny asked suspiciously, remembering how his mother lectured him and fought with Paul the last time he saw her. 'I know she can't be happy I'm moving back in with Paul.'

"It's kind of a secret," Adrienne grinned, "Um for you."

"For me," Sonny repeated, 'This isn't going to be good.' "And is this like the last time you had a surprise for me and it ended in Will thinking I wanted to get married to Paul?"

"It is Will related but it's nothing bad," Adrienne sighed, "I just kind of helped him with something, for you."

"You helped Will," Sonny asked disbelieving. "I somehow doubt that."

"Hey," Adrienne said, smacking Sonny's forearm lightly, "I'll have you know I've made great progress with Will. I got in that food fight over him didn't I?"

"OK, yeah, that's true," Sonny laughed, "I'm still surprised you had it in you."

"You didn't hear the things those bigots were spouting," Adrienne rolled her eyes. "You should be glad that's all we did." Shaking her head, "But that's not what I'm here for. Since Will still doesn't have a phone I'm telling you that you should head to the park. For something."

"And why isn't Neil telling me," Sonny questioned with one raised brow.

"Do you really think that poor boy wants to send you a message about a romantic surprise Will has for you," Adrienne clamped her mouth closed, hand over her mouth, "Oh, pretend you didn't hear that."

"Romantic surprise," Sonny mused, "Why would Will do that? We're supposed to be wooing him."

"Well, you know, he said something about showing you how much he appreciates the effort you've been putting into him," Adrienne made up, mind whirling, "That he's as committed to you as you've been to him."

Looking at his paperwork with a shy smile Sonny couldn't help but think about how sweet Will was, 'Of course he would take the time to do something special for Paul and I when were supposed to be pursuing him.' "And when is this oh so secret romantic surprise," Sonny asked his mother.

"In an hour," Adrienne breathed out; inwardly cheering that Sonny was buying it. "Don't be late." Kissing Sonny's cheek Adrienne left with a bounce in her step, pulling out her phone once she walked outside, "Alright Kate. It's up to you and Lucas now."

Chad sat down in the Brady Pub, tearing compulsively at his napkin, anxious for the man he was meeting to get here already.

"Chad," Gabi asked, coming by with a refill for his coffee, "Are you sure you're OK?" 'He looks so stressed out. This Will thing is really bothering. But how do I tell him Will's messes aren't his problem?'

"Yeah, thanks," Chad said when Gabi topped off his mug. "I just, I really need to set things right. I'm not going to rest until that happens."

Gabi, confused and alarmed, put her hand on Chad's shoulder warmly, "Chad, I think it's time for you to relax."

"No," Chad urged, shrugging Gabi off, in no mood to be touched or comforted. Seeing the man he was meeting walk in Chad stood up and shook his hand.

"Mr. Dimera," the man said, sitting down and asking Gabi for a coffee, the man got right into it, "Let me see the phone."

Chad slid Will's phone across the table, "I just need to know how this guy found out about Will."

Pulling out a laptop and plugging the phone in the man typed a few things on the keyboard before making a sound in the back of his throat, "Yep, just as I suspected." Turning the screen to face Chad the man explained, "This tracking device on the phone makes it easy for potential hackers to get in. He must have followed the program and gained access."

'Fucking EJ,' Chad thought angrily. "OK, so do you think you can reverse it or something? To try to find the guy bothering Will," Chad wondered, lost about things like this. 'I've always relied on Will for help.'

"It shouldn't be too hard," the guy stated, hands flying, "Just a few minutes and I should have a location for you."

Neil, loading the last box into the trunk of the car on loan from EJ, stepped away just when he heard his phone go off. Closing the trunk Neil couldn't help but sigh when he read the message. Going back inside the apartment building to get Will, not letting Will help him load the car, Neil griped to himself, 'I hate my life. I hate my life. I hate my life.' Using the secret knock Neil taught Will, calling out, "It's me," Neil waited for Will to unlock the door and let him in.

Will, rolling his eyes at Neil, got up from the couch and looked in the peephole just to be sure, "You know I can carry boxes. I'm not inept."

"I know," Neil admitted, heart pounding at the adorable pout on Will's face, "I just want you safe." Exhaling loudly Neil said quickly, "I got a message from your mom. She said there's something waiting for you at the park. A surprise for you and your boyfriends." Neil was proud of himself for not rolling his eyes even once.

"My mom," Will clarified, "Sami Brady? She is helping with a surprise for me and my boyfriends?"

"Apparently," Neil shrugged. "She said she's trying to show you how supportive of you she can be." Crossing his arms Neil asked, "So do you want to go?"

Will chewed on his lip, nodding his head, "Yes please." 'I just don't want you to be unhappy having to stay and watch.'

"Come on, we can still walk there," Neil griped, turning towards the door and stomping down the hall. 'I hate my life. I hate my life.'

Kate and Lucas set down the finishing touches on the picnic. 'Checkered blanket? Check. Basket full of finger foods? Check. Two champagne flutes? Check. Chocolate dipped strawberries? Check. OK, now all that's missing is Will and Sonny,' Kate thought to herself as she surveyed her handiwork. "Not bad if I do say so myself," Kate told Lucas with a proud smile.

"Uh huh," Lucas snorted, arms crossed over his chest. 'I hope Sonny chokes on a strawberry.' Lucas was only here because he had no other option. Victor was willing to help get Will away from Paul and EJ but Lucas knew Sonny wasn't going to be any good for him either. 'And that Neil guy,' Lucas frowned, 'Definitely not. I'm going to have to do something to keep Will away from them all. Maybe I can convince him to take an internship with me and he can go with me on some business trips.'

"Wait," Kate said suddenly, grabbing Lucas's hand, seeing the top of Neil's head Kate grabbed her purse and dragged Lucas away from the picnic. Whispering Kate said, "Let's get out of here." Rushing away they never noticed the sullen, skinny figure standing just across from the blanket, partially obscured by trees.

Neil stopped right in front of the basket and sighed, 'Of fucking course.'

"Oh," Will said a bit surprised. "Um, do you think this is it?"

"Will," Neil commented, looking at him like he was dumb, "Obviously this is it. Jesus."

Frowning Will muttered, "There's no need to be rude. I was just asking."

"Well I'm sorry," Neil said heatedly, "But this is a little hard for me, OK? It's bad enough knowing you're with them, that you spend the night with them, that you wake up in their arms, I don't need to see you on a date too."

"I-I know," Will commented lightly, feeling awful, "And I'm sorry. I don't mean to be inconsiderate. I told you you didn't have to do this."

"Yes, Will, I do," Neil growled, fed up with the entire situation. Running his hands through his hair Neil groaned, "I have to watch over you because I need you to be safe. I have to know that you're safe."

"You don't-" Will tried to say before he was cut off.

"I do," Neil argued. "Because I lov-," stopping himself Neil took a deep breath, "Because I like you and I don't want anything happening to you." Rubbing his eyes so Will wouldn't see the tears forming Neil wished more than anything that Will would stop being so understanding and sweet. 'Just do something, anything that will make my feelings go away.'

'Oh Neil,' Will put his hands over his mouth, 'Oh no.' Will didn't know what to do, how to make this better, 'I thought it was just a crush. It's just supposed to be a crush.' Will felt so guilty. 'I should have made EJ leave him alone. He never should have been brought into this. I never should have gone on a date with him, any of the dates with him. This is all my fault.' Gently Will touched Neil's arm and whispered, "Neil."

"No," Neil told Will firmly. "No, I don't want to hear it, OK. I don't want to hear the sympathy in your voice or see it in your stupidly blue eyes." Finally opening his eyes to look at Will Neil couldn't help but ask, "Why? Why don't you like me? What did I do or not do?"

"It's nothing that you did," Will tried to explain, swallowing heavily, "I just, I wanted to like you so much. I wanted to get over them but I couldn't. I never thought either of them would like me back but they do. I never meant to hurt you Neil." Will could feel tears of his own rising in his eyes; he hated making someone hurt so badly and not having any way of fixing it. "I'm sorry that I don't feel the same way you do."

"But we could work," Neil insisted, practically begging, "I know we could. We could be so good together." Getting desperate Neil reached out for Will's waist, "EJ said that we could be together. He said he would give you to me. That you were mine. Please Will, all the bad things would go away. The articles and the pictures if you were with me. Just be with me."

"I-I can't," Will said, squirming in Neil's hold, wanting to get away, "I'm with Paul and Sonny. I'm happy with them."

"No," Neil whined, "No, just give me another chance. A real chance. I'll prove to you I can give you everything you need."

"Stop it," Will cried out, "Neil, stop it." Trying not to panic Will attempted to move away, anything to get out of Neil's forceful grip.

"I can prove it," Neil whispered before leaning down to kiss Will. 'Oh god, finally,' Neil had almost forgotten what kissing Will had felt like. Lifting his hands to Will's face Neil kissed deeply, pouring everything he could into it.

Will eyes wide and freaked out, lifted his knee into Neil's stomach as soon as his hands lifted from around his waist. Kneeing Neil harshly Will backed away quickly, hand wiping his wet mouth, "What the hell are you thinking? I told you to stop it!"

Neil, bent over and grunting, lifted up and saw the fright in Will's eyes, "Oh my god," Neil stated, absolutely horrified with himself. "Oh my god," taking a step towards Will Neil made a wounded sound when Will took a step backwards, "Will, I am so sorry. I swear I didn't, I didn't, I can't believe. I'm sorry. I'm so fucking sorry." Neil shook his head before running off, leaving Will alone in the park.

Will sat shakily on the picnic blanket, heart pounding. 'He didn't mean that. He just got overwhelmed. It will be fine. You're fine. Nothing happened, it was just a kiss.' Wiping his eyes with the back of his hands Will tried to relax. 'Nothing happened.'

"Well, that was quite the show," a voice called from in front of Will.

Startled, Will looked up into a face he hadn't seen for a while, "T?"

T nodded, "Yeah, I'm back in town. Certainly looks like I missed a lot." T looked Will up and down with a sneer on his face.

Uncomfortable with T's gaze Will shifted on the blanket, "What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about all the pictures and articles and rumors about you," T blurted out. Shaking his head T continued, "I knew that Sonny was going to be a bad influence on you. I just never thought he would talk you into something like this."

"Talk me into what," Will questioned, "I don't know what you're talking about."

"I knew as soon as you two started getting close and that fiancé of his turned up that you were going to get caught up in them," T explained, "But I didn't think you would go this far. I mean, first Paul and Sonny, that guy," T gestured with his head in the direction Neil ran off in, "But Chad and EJ? That's just sick man."

Offended Will scoffed, "I didn't sleep with Neil or Chad and EJ. What is the matter with you?"

"Oh but you did fuck Sonny and Paul? The proof is all over the internet. I mean, I've seen you in the locker room but that's different than seeing you blissed out covered in some dudes spunk," T looked at Will like he was something disgusting, no better than the dirt underneath Will's blanket. "And you in that uniform? What the hell. I thought I knew you Will Horton. But I don't know you at all."

Upset, arms wrapped around his middle, glaring at T from his seat on the blanket Will yelled, "Shut up! You don't know anything!"

"I know enough," T jeered, "I know you were just kissing some dude in the park. I know you broke up Sonny and Paul. I mean, I figured they turned you and wanted you as their little bed slave but that kind of backfired on them didn't it?"

"I didn't break up anyone," Will insisted, hands clawing at his hair, "And they didn't turn me. I'm gay, T. Gay. I always have been. Just because I was confused and in denial doesn't mean it isn't true. Sonny and Paul have nothing to do with that."

"Right," T said, disappointed. "Just don't expect me to be your friend anymore. I'm not interested in you so you obviously have no need for me. Don't you just sleep with everyone you know?"

Will, staring at T disbelievingly, "We've been friends forever. How can you say this stuff to me? You know me."

"I thought I did," T said sadly, "But I don't know you at all. Have a nice life. Try not to sleep with anyone else while you're here."

Will watched T walk away completely shocked. 'I can't believe that.' Will put his head in his hands. 'I can't take any more of this. Where's Sonny and Paul? Our date is going to be ruined before it even starts.'

Hearing someone kneel down on the blanket Will relaxed slightly, assuming it was Sonny or Paul. "Hey," Will said, "I really need you." Lifting his head up Will froze when he saw who it was. "You," Will whispered, heart stopping.

Ian observed Will and Neil from his spot near the tree. He knew he wasn't completely concealed but people had a habit of overlooking him. It came in handy. From his vantage point Ian could see how Neil looked at Will, 'What do all these guys see in him? He's nothing but a slut.' Ian's eyes almost bugged out of his head when he saw Neil kiss Will right in the open, 'Oh please let Sonny come now. Please let him see just what Will really is.' But alas, Will broke free. Ian wished he had his camera with him to capture the moment. 'It would be a good addition to the message board about Will's love life. Just more proof that he's a whore.'

Ian stared in disbelief when yet another guy walked up to Will, 'God how many men has he slept with? I hope Paul and Sonny have gotten tested. Oh,' Ian thought, 'This one is different.' Whoever this T person is clearly saw Will for what he really was. 'The world really will be better without Will Horton,' Ian thought brightly moving forward when he saw Will alone and defenseless.

Will tried to scramble away from the creepy boy in front of him but he calmly followed Will's movements, "What do you want from me?"

"I already told you what I want," the boy stated in a patronizing manner. "I told you to leave Paul alone and you didn't. Now you'll have to face the consequences."

"You're insane," Will told him, mind trying to find a way out of this, desperately wishing Sonny and Paul would appear. 'Sonny, Paul, Neil,' Will thought desolately, 'T, anyone.'

"I'm really not," Ian said blinking at Will, dark eyes scrutinizing him. Ian moved in and looked at Will closely, "I don't see the big deal. Why are you so special?"

"I-I'm not," Will tried to say, 'I'm going to have to make a break for it.'

"No, you're right," Ian said, hands going to his pocket, "You're not." He stood up quickly, waiting for Will to make a move.

Will, eyes darting around the clearing, stood up slowly, "Why don't you just let me go and I'll stay away from Paul."

"It's too late for that," Ian said simply. "I can't allow you to leave."

"Allow me," Will questioned, "You aren't going to be able to stop me." Hoping to catch the creeper by surprise Will dashed to the left only for bony arms to wrap around Will, surprisingly strong, thrashing and fighting until the entirety of the boy's weight landed on Will, knocking him to the ground, crushing the picnic basket, champagne flutes breaking under Will's hands, glass cutting into him. Despite the pain Will was prepared to lift the jagged glass to the boy's arms when he felt something sharp and pointy pressed to his side.

"Don't move," Ian breathed into Will's ear, moving so he was sitting on Will's lower back Ian pressed his large pocket knife under Will's ribs. "Did you know serrated blades have a much greater point of contact than smooth blades? I never knew that before. Its cuts aren't as smooth or precise but I guess that's to be expected. It would give several tiny slits into your skin if I shoved this all the way inside though. If I sawed your ribs open." Splitting open Will's shirt, so the cold tip of the knife would kiss Will's skin Ian leaned back down, lips touching Will's earlobe, "Stand up and follow me."

Neil, felling terrible, angry, disappointed tears falling down his face, got to the bench at the entrance to the park when he realized what he had just done, 'I left Will alone.' Stricken with fear Neil turned around and ran as fast as he could back to Will. Falling into the clearing Neil took in the scene left behind, the trampled basket, the shattered glass, 'Oh god is that blood on it?' Shaking, Neil tried to pull his phone out of his hands, almost dropping it, dialing quickly. When he heard a voicemail message Neil screamed into the phone, "EJ, Will's missing. I think someone's taken him." Trying Chad, Neil almost sobbed in relief when he answered, "Chad, oh fuck, you have to get to the park, he's gone. Will's gone. Someone took him."

"What," Sonny screeched behind Neil, having overheard his conversation. Sonny, walking quickly from Common Grounds, cursed himself for being late. 'Fuck, I can't believe I'm going to be late for Will's surprise,' Sonny thought as he jogged to the park. Searching all over Sonny sighed when he recognized Neil but upon hearing him on the phone Sonny couldn't help the terror coursing through his veins. "Neil, where the fuck is Will?"

Dropping his phone on the ground Neil shook his head, noting the state of the picnic, knowing that Will wouldn't have left willingly. "Fuck, Sonny, I left him alone. I left him alone and now he's gone." Neil dropped to his hands and knees, choking, "Fuck this is my fault. Whatever happens to him is all my fault."

Author's note:

Things are getting real here people.

Please review and let me know what you thought! I'm a bit anxious about the suspense-ness of it all.