"I can't believe you talked me into this, Will." Misters Horton-Kiriakis are currently winging their way to France in a Kiriakis family jet.

"How often are we going to get a chance like this? A European adventure as a happy couple before we become a happy family and have to wait for our potential children to be old enough to travel."

"Hardly an adventure. We're going to stay at a huge, historic hotel that's housing a major fashion show which Iris McGuire is hosting."

Will's twinkling, cobalt-blue eyes narrow a bit as he gives Sonny's chest a tap. "Fine for you, Mr. World-Traveler. I've never been to France." He puts on a powerful pout.

"Okay. Okay. This will be new for me, too, having my husband with me." Sonny bares his dazzling smile while they clink champagne flutes together, then kiss.

The young, married couple are in their spacious hotel-room decorated in fine antiques. They have changed to clothing suggested by Iris. Both are wearing black slacks, black bow-ties, and white tuxedo shirts under white, dinner jackets. Each face the other, straighten each other's ties, and caress his husband's face.

Down in the ballroom, Will and Sonny each accept a champagne flute from a waiter and make their way to their seats along the show's runway. Will feels a tap on his shoulder and turns to see Iris wearing a strapless gown of lilac to set off her olive-green eyes and her ash-blonde hair is swept up in jewel-encrusted pins with matching earrings.

"It's wonderful you both could make it." She winks with a knowing smile. "It's for the after-party that I wanted you here."

Will stands up. "Iris McGuire, allow me the fond task of introducing you to my beloved husband, Sonny Horton-Kiriakis." Sonny smiles briefly, not quite knowing what to do. Iris smiles and spreads her arms to hug both men as the same time.

Ascending to the runway, Iris picks up a microphone. "For those of you who don't know me, I will not insult you by trying any of this in French. Thank you all for coming. I'm Iris McGuire and I've put this party together to introduce some of my favorite American designers to Europe. There are five labels featured, showing their best for men and women in the categories of sleepwear, swim-wear, and formal wear."

Will and Sonny are amazed to hear the third designer company is Basic Black. They trade amused glances when one of the male models proves to be Paul Narita. Paul reaches the end of the runway in a flowing robe of gold silk. When he stops, he opens his robe to reveal that he's wearing only gold silk shorts. Catching sight of his friends, Paul's smile widens on his handsome face.

All the designers are excellent, but Sonny and Will find themselves more interested in what Paul wears for each category. In swim-wear, he comes out wearing a sarong in a green, geometric print on a white background. At the end of the runway, Paul whips off the sarong to show off the matching pair of tiny, boxer-style trunks.

In the formal category, Paul struts out in black slacks with silver piping, and a black dress shirt. He also wears a silvery gray tuxedo jacket with a matching bow-tie. He throws open the jacket and slips his hands into the pockets of his pants. He pauses to pose in front of Sonny and Will, who both give him a thumbs-up.

The young gentlemen both stand after the show. They notice that a few guests have chosen not to stay for Iris's party, particularly the guests around their age. Sonny picks up their empty glasses.

"I'm going to get some more champagne. Do you want one, babe?"

"I guess, but could you see if they have any sparkling grape juice, white preferably?"

"Sure." Sonny leans over and gives Will a swift peck on the cheek.

Will feels a tap on his back. Assuming it to be Iris, he turns with a huge smile. He faces a young man dressed similarly to himself, but in a dark green dinner jacket.

"So nice to see fresh faces at these affairs. If you want to attend a real party, come to the suite on the card and read the quote on the card when asked for the password." He hands Will the card and hurriedly disappears into the crowd. Glancing at the card, Will slips it into his jacket's inner pocket.

Sonny approaches with two glasses. He offers one to Will. "That's for you, babe. They do have sparkling, grape juice, but not for free." He puts his now available hand around Will's waist.

Will takes a sip. "Aah. Nice and cold, too. Thank you, Sonny my heart. I'll find some way to repay you later." He runs his hand up under Sonny's jacket and over the seat of his pants.

Paul Narita steps up to the pair. He is now wearing black slacks, a black bow-tie, a white dress shirt and a maroon tuxedo jacket. "Hi, guys. What a shock seeing you all the way over here."

Sonny takes in his ex's attire. "Ms. McGuire invited us here. I think she has a surprise planned for Will."

Will rolls his eyes at the word surprise. "Is this what you found for yourself? Modeling for your dad's company?"

Paul's eager smile dims as his eyes dart about. "Will you two keep a secret?" Sonny and Will nod in unison. "Dad and I have started a private investigation business. We've found we can use Basic Black's photoshoots and fashion shows as a front."

Will smiles broadly but speaks lowly, "You're an international, undercover model"

Sonny gestures at Paul with his glass. "You're on a job here?"

Paul grabs them both by the arm to pull them further from the crowd. "Yeah. One of Dad's old friends hired us. He had started bringing his grandson to these parties for influential socialites. The grandson wound up addicted to drugs and was being blackmailed by someone. Apparently, his wasn't the only family affected, lately. But, so far, no leads."

Will nearly chokes on his drink. "That's what that means!" He reaches into his jacket and produces the card. "The guy that gave this to me said he liked seeing fresh faces, but the real party is at this suite number. Just read the password off the card."

Sonny and Paul read the card. Paul just shrugs while Sonny says, "My French is a little rusty."

Will takes the card. "Etre eleve comme un cerf-volant means high as a kite."

Paul hugs them both then touches the communication piece in his ear. "Dad, we have a lead. Rendezvous at Suite 221."

Will looks concerned. "Uh, Paul. Do you have another younger operative to go with you? I'm not sure John would be welcome."

"That's right. Thank you. I'll try taking Maria."

As Paul dashes off, Will and Sonny turn back to the party in time to spot Iris striding up to them. Locking elbows with both men, Iris says, "Come on. I have some people that are dying to meet you. Sonny, have you considered making your coffee business global?"

~SCENE 2~

Anthony "Tony" Thompson is a politician and currently the guest of honor at Victor Kiriakis's mansion. Tony is hoping to gain voters and financial support for the next election. He is a slim man in his late thirties with dark, curly hair and pale brown eyes. He's dressed in a black suit and a dark green shirt with matching necktie. He's sipping a vodka tonic as he turns to Adrienne Kiriakis, in a white and cream outfit with rose-gold earrings. "I think I've spoken with everyone here. I heard the names Brady and Horton quite often."

Adrienne takes a sip of coffee to wash down the cookie she's been nibbling on. "Yes. Well, both are long established families in the community. It'd be difficult to find anyone who wasn't related to one family or the other."

Victor Kiriakis closes in on Tony Thompson. He looks rather smug and is attired in a navy suit and matching tie with a white dress shirt. "Well, you've made good time getting to know everybody and they all seem impressed with you. I don't understand what's delaying Justin. Adrienne, do you know where your husband is?"

Justin enters the parlor. He's wearing a dark red suit with a black shirt and a red and black tie. He is carrying a folder of papers. "Here I am, Uncle Victor. I've been doing a check on Thompson's interests over the years." He flips through the folder. "He has been rather active in anti-LGBTQ legislation."

Without changing his expression, Victor's eyes slide back to Tony. "Is that so?"

Mr. Thompson feels secure in the presence of a seemingly stuffy, old businessman like Victor Kiriakis and his influence on the community. "Oh, yes. Those ungodly beings have no place in this great nation." A hostile silence blankets the room.

Justin puts his arm around Adrienne, more to hold her back than anything else. "Tony, our youngest son is gay."

"Well, I hope you did your duty and sent him to a good conversion therapist."

Adrienne scoffs loudly and glares at the man. "Conversion therapy? That doesn't cure anybody. It only makes dysfunctional people!"

Justin slams his folder down on a nearby side-table. My son is a damn good man and an outstanding businessman. And his husband is a popular author."

Tony is aghast. "That's another thing I'm fighting against, two men should not be married! And two lesbians should only be watched within the privacy of your own home."

Victor takes the glass from Tony's hand. "I am most proud of my great-nephew and his husband. They are both far better human beings than you are. I think it's time you left. You will not find any support for your platform here." Invectives spew forth from Anthony Thompson as he briskly departs.

~SCENE 3~

"Oh god, Will! I love you so much!" Sonny pants out in shuddering climax. He's absolutely undone by the task of letting Will do all the work.

Will grins broadly from where he sits, mounted upon his husband's member. He leans down to share a deep kiss with Sonny.

"I love you, too. You've no idea." When Will sits up, Sonny's hands immediately find Will's chest. Those hands with their long, strong fingers slowly slip lower until he holds Will's shaft in both hands. It only takes a few strokes before Will erupts across Sonny's chest as well as hitting his chin and lower lip. Will moans from deep within his throat when Sonny's tongue snakes out to lick his lip.

A short time later, they are both dressed and looking at the bed. Sonny places both his hands on Will's shoulders as he kisses the back of his neck. "Are you sure about this decision, babe?"

Will pulls on Sonny's hands to bring him around into a kiss. "Yes, my heart. As fond of this bed as I am, we will have a master bedroom and I think that requires a new, full bedroom set."

"I hate to see it go, though. My parents bought it for me when I moved to Salem. Could we keep it for a guestroom?"

Will chuckles softly. "Sonny, do you really want a guest to sleep on a bed that has seen so much of our love-making?"

Sonny sighs. "You're right. A new house and all new furniture, quite an investment."

"Yeah, good thing I married a successful businessman." Will gives Sonny a double peck on the lips.

"I think it's the popularity of your books that gives us the financial edge, Will."

Will's eyes seek out Sonny's. "Are you truly all right with that?" Will's bottom lip disappears behind his upper teeth.

Sonny holds their gaze on each other as a smile plays across his lips. "You are my husband, my love, my soul-mate. We have each other, nothing else matters."

Will looks at the time. "Hey, if we're going to that breakfast buffet, we nee to get going."

After breakfast, they decide to do some shopping at Salem Place. They've been holding hands and Will has been smiling since they got there.

"Will babe, is something on your mind?"

"Nothing, really. I'm simply reveling in all this time we're sharing together lately." They share a double kiss.

"Get used to it. As long as Chad and I have reliable managers and I have no emergencies, I'm going to be sharing all the time possible with you."

Will gets a distant look in his eyes. "It's great that you can do that now that we're planning a family. Having two mostly available fathers will be a fantastic benefit."

Movement catches Sonny's eye. "Look in there. It's my mom." Adrienne is standing in front of a 3-way mirror, wearing a lacy gown of pale pink.

"Gah! We need to make sure she doesn't choose that." They both swiftly enter the store.

"Hey, Mom."

"Hey, sweetie. What do you think of this dress? It's for a Breast Cancer Awareness function in the city. Your father and I will be gone all weekend."

"It's a pretty dress, but . . . uh-mm . . . it kind of washes you out."

"Does it?" Adrienne starts to look a little upset. "I've tried on so many dresses recently that I no longer see myself in the dress."

Will steps up to Adrienne with a gown of deep fuchsia and blue-violet trim. "Try this one. This shade will look warm against your skin and the blue will bring out your eyes."

Adrienne looks delighted. "Oh, thank you, my heroes."

The boys have a quick fast food lunch and resume their shopping. Will is picking up the last few of his purchases. "Finally done. I could use a coffee break. How about you, Sonny?"

"Sounds good. Let's get some doughnuts at Abby's place and have coffee at CG#1."

Entering the CG, Sonny observes Justin having coffee with a client. "Hey, Dad." Justin stands for a quick hug. "Miss Rita, nice to see you outside of Dionysus." He shakes her hand as Will walks up to the table. "I believe you've met my husband Will."

Rita's face lights up. "Indeed I have. You two make an undeniably hot couple. No wonder I never had a chance with either one of you!" She pats them both on the arm as Justin smirks in amusement.

Sonny and Will have been dancing at the Unicorn Highway. It's still relatively early for the nightclub, so the parking lot is pretty empty. Will is standing at one end of he building, waiting.

A car pulls up to the club near Will. The driver leans out the window, holding a gun. "Ah, Mr. Horton. Mr. Andre will be pleased that I found you so soon. Please get in the car."

Before Will can move, two shots ring out and the back tires of the car are rendered useless. Will spies Sonny holding his own gun.

The car door opens. "WHAT THE HELL?"

Taking action, Will kicks the door back toward the flunky. The door hits him hard in several bodily areas, including deep gashes in his legs.

Two guns are now trained on the wounded man as Will pulls out his phone. "Hi, Grandpa. Could you send a squad car to the Unicorn Highway . . . a kidnapper . . . me . . . Andre DiMera . . . yeah, tomorrow morning . . . Thanks. Good-bye."

Later, they are on the couch in their apartment that's aglow in candle light. Both are wearing Basic Black men's lingerie of sheer muslin. Will is wearing an indigo-blue robe and matching, clingy boxers. Sonny is wearing the same in a deep plum. They are sipping wine.

Will's eyes flick to Sonny's and back down to his drink. "I want to thank you again for having my back. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"As a matter of fact . . ." Sonny takes their glasses and sets them aside. He pulls on Will's hand to lead him into the bedroom.

Facing each other at the foot of the bed, Will watches as his husband slips off his own robe and drops his shorts. Will studies the sight, the thick dark hair, eyes of melted chocolate, that beautiful smile now holding a hint of bashfulness, the full expanse of golden, olive-toned skin covering taut, smooth muscle. Will swallows the flood of saliva that washes into his mouth while he observes the swelling of Sonny's member.

"Jackson Horton-Kiriakis, you have to be the sexiest man alive!"

Sonny slowly shakes his head. "You don't see who I'm looking at, William Horton-Kiriakis." Sonny grabs Will's robe and pulls him into a fierce, fiery kiss.

As they kiss, Sonny's hands steal down Will's torso to the robe's sash. Will whimpers as his husband's lips withdraw from his. Sonny's mouth leaves a red-hot trail down Will's body as Sonny opens his robe. Will steps away from his hastily removed shorts, then he shudders when Sonny runs his tongue over his husband's manhood.

When Sonny stands, his hands run up the full length of Will's form and sink into his hair while they again kiss. Sonny locks eyes with Will's and Will is awash with Sonny's lust, passion, and love for him. "Will, make love to me."

~SCENE 4~

Will and Sonny arrive for their realtor appointment right on time. Mrs. Frieberg is a plump, energetic, and earnest woman with short, dark hair and sharp, hazel eyes.

"Hello, gentlemen. If you'd like to ride with me, I have several places I'd like to show you, today."

Fifty minutes later, the couple is finishing a tour of a loft apartment. "As you can see, the deck runs half the length of the apartment and the upper windows slide down for cleaning."

"This is a fine place, Mrs. Frieberg, and we'll keep it in mind. Will and I would really prefer to buy a house, however."

The realtor looks a trifle disappointed. "I see." She takes a deep breath and squares her shoulders. "All right then. On to a second destination."

Their second tour is of a charming house with a large patio and a small swimming pool. "I know it's not everything you wanted, but is has three bedrooms, a bathroom and a half, the patio, the pool and that stunning fireplace."

Will and Sonny catch each other's eyes. They are clearly in agreement and not entirely happy.

"Yes, it's a pleasant house, bet we have a couple of concerns. As we've stated, we want to adopt a child or children, possibly toddlers. The fireplace is constructed rather roughly and the jutting stones look dangerous for an energetic child to be around." Sonny looks to Will to continue.

"That pool, while it might have been a plus, does not have a safety fence around it nor does it have a hard, seasonal covering, also dangerous for children."

Will and Sonny barely enter the door of the next place before their noses are twitching and Will is grimacing in distaste. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Frieberg. This won't do. Obviously, the place has been fixed up and repainted, but the obnoxious deodorizer being used does not quite kill the stench of urine and old cigarettes."

Sonny crosses his arms over his chest. "We aren't terribly impressed with these choices."

"Please, I have one more, Misters Horton-Kiriakis."

Will finds the last house eerily familiar even as he steps from the car. "Wait just a minute." He stops Sonny as he spots something nearly hidden in the hedge across the front porch. He pulls out a small piece of police tape. "We won't bother going inside. I won't even consider a house in which the previous owner killed his wife and son, then committed suicide. It was on the news!"

Sonny glares at the realtor piercingly. "What the hell is going on here?"

Mrs. Frieberg looks defeated. She heaves a deep sigh. "I'm so sorry I haven't been more help to you. The owner of our firm has a strict policy against selling premium properties to gay people. I truly like you two and was honestly doing my best for you with the loft apartment." She starts silently weeping.

Will and Sonny have a quiet but intense exchange, K-fire and Brady-chill dancing together. Will turns to the realtor and touches her arm. "Thank you for trying. I strongly urge you find yourself a new position quickly. My husband and I are livid at this so-called policy. Sonny's family is a powerful influence in Salem and his father is an attorney. My grandfather is the police commissioner and my lawyer is Amanda Devlyn, the sharpest litigator in the state. No one messes with us! Understand?" Mrs. Frieberg nods, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue.

The apartment door slams shut and both young men fling themselves down on the couch. Will pulls out his phone to scroll through his contacts.

When Will deliberately brings up one contact, Sonny's eyes blow wide and his mouth goes dry. "Babe, you wouldn't?"

"Call my dear step-grandfather? I am angry enough, but I am not going to, Sonny my heart. Surely, someone in my family is in the realty business." He starts scrolling again and brings up another contact. "I'm calling in a family expert."

Sonny is still wary. He's not sure he's comfortable with the look in his husband's eyes. "Who, Will?"

Will holds his phone to his ear. "Julie."

TBC