"You aren't going to follow me around all day tomorrow are you," Will asked Paul already feeling awkward about the whole thing. "I only have one lecture. I think I'll be fine. And no one even bothered me at all today."
"Don't even try right now baby," Paul looked at him out of the corner of his eye. "The only way Sonny and I agreed to this was if I was around today."
"Today not tomorrow. You know I could have just ignored everything you said and done what I wanted instead," Will told him. It wasn't so much the looks everyone was giving Will; he expected there would be some backlash still it was more the looks Paul was giving everyone in return. 'Stop making it even worse.'
"But you didn't because you care about how we feel," Paul nodded sagely keeping a firm grip on Will's hand. "And that's another reason I love you." Pulling Will in the direction of the student union Paul said, "Now come on. I want a smoothie before you go to work."
After convincing Paul that he would be perfectly fine waiting in line while Paul went to the bathroom Will recalled the last time he got a smoothie. 'There's something about that visit that seemed important. I wonder what it was.' Will ordered two smoothies quickly and lingered near the counter where you picked up orders. Looking around the room Will tensed a bit when he felt someone watching him. Turning around Will finally remembered what happened the last time he bought a smoothie, 'Uh oh.'
"Hi," said the employee Will had encountered the day after he found out about his drunken night with Paul. Wiping his messy hair out of his eyes quickly the boy couldn't stop smiling at Will.
"Hi," Will answered back glancing over his shoulder to make sure Paul wasn't going to burst in and overreact.
"Um," the boy started talking while he put lids on some drinks, "I haven't seen you in a while. Or heard from you."
Giving the boy a weird smile, not quite friendly but not quite unpleasant, Will shrugged, unsure what to say, "Things got a bit crazy."
"I noticed," the guy said. Realizing that he shouldn't have mentioned he knew about Will's scandal the guy shook his head and continued, "I just mean that um I know. I saw. Um, yeah, busy. But I was hoping you would come back one day and I would see you. And then I could tell you that I still would like to go out with you. If you were interested." Flashing Will a nervous smile, face blushing and eyes hopeful the boy held out both of Will's smoothies.
'Oh god,' Will thought beginning to panic. He didn't want to turn the boy down simply because he hated making people sad. But there was no way he could say yes. Before Will even had a chance to think of some consolatory way to let the boy down gently Will felt a large hand wrap around his waist and squeezing hard. 'Oh boy,' Will thought eyes widening.
"He's not interested," Paul growled eyes narrowed. "He's perfectly and multiply satisfied in each and every way." Ripping the smoothies out of the boy's hands, smirking at the surprised look in his eyes, Paul practically yanked Will out of the shop.
Will, squawking indignantly when Paul's hand groped at his butt, pulled away from Paul feeling upset.
Ignorant to Will's discomfort Paul reached his hand out for his neck and dipped Will's shirt down to show off a few red marks Paul left with his teeth. "I left you alone for five fucking minutes baby," Paul complained looking around, wanting everyone to see Wills hickeys.
Smacking Paul's hands away from him Will argued, "And I was perfectly capable of handling that without you pawing me. I don't need you to speak for me, you know?"
"That kid needed to know that you were taken," Paul stated decisively not giving what Will was saying any mind. "I don't know maybe we should have stayed and I could have shoved you into the wall."
"What," Will shot back, "I am not kissing you at all right now. You are taking me to work and then you are leaving." Will pulled his keys out of his backpack and stomped to his car.
"Go away," Will demanded walking up to the table Paul was sitting at and pouring him another glass of tea. "I don't want you here right now."
"No," Paul maintained, arms crossed, "I am watching over you. I don't even know what you're so mad about anyway." 'I was just looking out for you.'
"Figure it out yourself," Will hissed before turning on his heels and moving to another table planting a fake, bright smile on his lips. After taking their order Will walked behind the bar and glowered at Paul when he caught his eye.
"Trouble in paradise," Gabi asked as she sidled next to Will.
"No," Will shook his head, "I'm just getting tired of him being so possessive. I mean, sometimes it's hot but a lot of the time it just pisses me off." Seeing the sad look Paul was giving him Will tried not to smile and give in. 'No, I'm allowed to be upset.'
"Possessive about who," Gabi wondered casually as she worked the cash register.
"Pretty much anyone who is male and not him or Sonny," Will laughed even though he wasn't finding it very funny anymore. "Chad was holding me the other week and I thought Paul was going to have a coronary."
"Why was Chad doing that," Gabi asked sharply, leveling a glare at Will, feeling her throat constrict.
"It was while I was in the hospital," Will shrugged not thinking much of it. "But it's ridiculous right? Would you put up with Chad if he did anything like that?"
"I would do anything Chad wanted me to," Gabi said firmly, slamming the register closed, "He's my boyfriend. I owe him that much." Without another glance at Will Gabi wandered off. 'Oh my god,' Gabi thought beginning to panic. 'I really do have to worry about keeping Will away from Chad.'
'That was weird,' Will thought to himself before picking up his order and bringing it back to his table. When he walked by Paul he couldn't stop himself from trailing his fingers down his arm and across his hand. 'I can't stay mad at him for too long. It's not like he really did anything too bad.' Heading to his next table Will paused when he noticed it was EJ.
"William," EJ greeted with a slight smile. "I was hoping I would find you here."
"EJ," Will grinned. He looked over EJ's face and couldn't help but worry. There were deep shadows under EJ's eyes and he looked exhausted.
"Do you think we could go outside and talk for a bit," EJ asked William imploringly.
Will nodded. "Um, yeah, just, hold on one second," Will hurried over to Paul. Sitting on his lap and giving him his cutest, best smile Will batted his lashes, "Will you watch my tables for a few minutes so I can talk to EJ?"
Paul, eyebrows high on his forehead, a bit startled by Will's change in attitude, "Uh OK. I might not be any good at this though."
"It's just for a few minutes," Will promised grabbing Paul's cheeks and kissing him sweetly. "Thank you!"
Will sat in the passenger seat of EJ's car ignoring the way EJ was complaining about Paul.
"I don't want to ever see that kind of display again, William," EJ shuddered. "It's bad enough I know what goes on I don't want to see it."
"I just kissed him," Will sighed, "Honestly it's not like I jumped him right in the Pub or anything." Will rolled his eyes and scratched the top of his shoulder immediately stilling when he saw EJ watching him.
"What the bloody hell is that," EJ demanded, pulling William's shirt away from his skin. "William?"
"Oh my god," Will pulled away from him, practically pressed against the door.
EJ, looking stunned and disturbed, "Does that thing," EJ frowned and gestured to Will's shoulders, "Does that mean that you were intimate with them again?"
"That's none of your business," Will shifted uncomfortably, the band of his jeans were digging into the cuts and bruises they left on his hips. 'Oh god please talk about something else.'
"I swear to god William if they pressured you into anything," EJ started, vein in his neck beginning to bulge.
"Hey, no," Will moved closer to EJ and put his hand on his arm. "Relax. You really are going to have heart problems soon. And no, they didn't pressure me into anything. Besides I talked to my therapist about it with them before we did anything. Trust me; I wanted it to happen." Cheeks flaming red Will's eyes floated around EJ's face but refused to look him in the eye.
Closing his eyes and counting to ten EJ stated, "Fine. Good. That's one less issue for me to deal with." EJ was beginning to think William was right; 'I do need to go to a cardiologist.'
"Issues," Will asked, turning on his seat so he was on his knees facing EJ. "Do you mean like with Ian?"
EJ pressed his head against the headrest behind him and nodded. Hand covering his face EJ sighed, "There's still too many things that we don't know. And what I do know I wish I didn't."
"What do you mean," Will whispered. He hadn't truly given Ian much thought the past few days. Nothing beyond what Will had gone through himself. Never about what else Ian had planned or could have done.
EJ looked over into William's big blue eyes, 'I can't tell him. I can't ruin whatever happiness he's gained back.' Reaching out to put his hands on William's thighs EJ admitted, "It's nothing for you to worry about. I'm going to take care of everything."
Will nodded trusting EJ completely. "And what about Stefano? He, he seemed pretty interested in me the other day."
"Just make sure you avoid him," EJ commanded firmly. "Don't ever be alone with him William. I don't know what he's planning," EJ lied skillfully, "But I don't want you in any type of danger."
"OK," Will agreed easily. "I won't." Taking a deep breath Will asked, "How are you?"
EJ shrugged, "I don't know." 'I won't be OK until I deal with my father and figure out everything.'
Will frowned sadly, "I wish you did." Hugging EJ tightly Will said, "Thank you for watching out for me. I don't know if I ever said it before but I need you to know how much I appreciate it. How much I appreciate you."
EJ, arms surrounding William, smiled, "You're welcome."
Kissing EJ's cheek Will pulled away, "I want you to promise that you'll look out for yourself as much as you look out for me."
"William," EJ started to say in a long-suffering tone.
"No," Will cut him off, "This is important. I don't want anything to happen to you either."
"Fine," EJ relented feeling powerless against the puppy eyes William was beaming at him with, "I will try."
"Thanks," Will smiled, "Um, I need to get back to work. But um, when can we talk again?"
"I'll make sure to see you sometime later on in the week," EJ nodded decisively. "We still have a lot to discuss."
Will, opening the door and crawling out, "Oh yeah, like what?"
"Like the fact that you like to call your boyfriends Da-"
Will slammed the door quickly; face red as he hurried back inside to rescue Paul.
"I'm telling you dude Gabi is being so weird," Chad told Sonny as he restocked the sugar packets and drink stirrers. "It's freaking me out."
"Well what is she doing," Sonny questioned as he tied his apron around his waist. He couldn't help but check his phone obsessively all morning for any messages from Will or Paul. 'Will is perfectly fine. Paul's with him. Nothing bad is going to happen.'
"She's like scary dedicated," Chad shrugged. "At first I thought it was nice when she would show up and help me with stuff but now it's weirding me out. And she's super needy. She always wants me to tell her she's pretty. Obviously I think she's pretty. I'm not gonna date an ugly chick. Oh, plus, she gets so strange if I mention Will."
"Well," Sonny rolled his eyes, "She did used to date him. And then after they broke up she found out he was gay so it might be a little odd to hear about him."
"No," Chad shook his head, "It's not even that. If it's someone else talking about Will she's fine but if it's me talking about Will she freaks. Plus she asked me once if I had sex with him so yeah I'd say she's got some resentment."
"Huh," Sonny wrinkled his nose, not wanting to picture that, "What are you going to do then?"
"I'm thinking about just telling her I want to be friends again," Chad admitted, finally finished with his task, "I can't handle her suffocating me all the time."
"Well just find a way to let her off gently at least," Sonny offered. 'And please keep Will out of it.' "Now why don't you get out of here? Your shift is over."
"I'm going. Oh, the espresso machine is acting up too by the way," Chad told him over his shoulder; glad things were getting back to normal between him and Sonny.
Sonny stood glaring at the espresso machine holding the store phone to his ear, "Well, it's not doing that. It's spitting out hot water. Well you need to send someone out to fix it." Lips pursed Sonny argued, "No not tomorrow today. I want it fixed by the end of the day." Furiously stabbing the red button Sonny felt like screaming. Seeing the machine spit water out again, drenching the floor, Sonny groaned before getting a towel and wiping up the mess before someone slipped. 'I really need to unplug that stupid thing.'
While he was mopping up the hot water, surprised it was still so warm even through the towel, Sonny nodded when he saw Lauren move from cleaning up some tables to the register when someone came inside. 'At least I can always rely on her.'
"Sorry sir, our espresso machine is broken," Lauren told the customer apologetically.
"Yeah, fine, whatever just get me a regular coffee then," T grumbled pulling out a wad of bills to pay.
Sonny, tensing when he recognized the voice, stayed on the ground not wanting to deal with him. 'Will didn't say what T told him the day Ian took him but I'm sure it wasn't anything good.'
T moved over slightly as he waited for his drink when he heard his phone ring. "Look, I told you all that I know," T said in a low, secretive voice as he stepped in front of where Sonny was standing. "I already said that I was done. I lied to the police and his dad what more do you want from me?"
Eyes widening Sonny sat perfectly still eavesdropping, 'What the hell is he talking about?'
"Look the weirdo never even met me officially, OK? I only talked to him online told him when he probably had class and stuff. No, no I'm not going to help again. I'm done. I don't care what kind of crap you can give me I'm not going to get involved again," T said feeling panicked voice rising slightly. "I am done interfering in Will's life so just find someone else." T stomped over to collect his drink and left quickly. 'I just wanted Will to be normal again.'
'Oh my god,' Sonny thought to himself when T left, 'I have to call EJ.' Sonny, completely freaked out and nervous, forgot all about the broken, spitting espresso machine. Which is why he was unprepared when a large glob of hot water scalded his left arm making him scream loudly in pain.
"Sonny," Lauren yelled dropping the empty tray she was holding making it fall to the floor. Rushing to her knees she pulled her boss up gasping at his red blistered arm, "That looks bad. It looks really bad."
Biting his lips tightly Sonny whimpered trying not to look, "I think I need to go to the hospital."
"Hi Sonny," Will chirped with a loud grin. "My shift is over and Paul and I were just on our way to see you." Will glanced at Paul out of the corner of his eye. Will let Paul drive this time since Paul always complained Will drove like Sami.
"OK," Sonny closed his eyes tightly hearing the smile in Will's voice. Sonny, knowing he needed to get it over with, rushed out, "Don't panic but I'm at the hospital."
"What," Will screamed loudly making Paul jump and swerve precariously, "No, turn around and go to the hospital!"
"Will," Sonny yelled into the phone hearing Will disregard his advice, "I told you not to panic."
"Oh my god," Will asked, "Are you OK? Did you get hurt? Stay right there we're going to get you and everything will be fine."
Smiling at Will's dramatics Sonny shouted, "Will!" Waiting for Will's rambling to get cut off Sonny explained, "I burned my arm I'm not dying."
"Oh," Will exhaled in relief. Repeating what Sonny said to Paul Will added, "Oh I'm so glad. Wait, no, that sounded bad. I just mean I'm glad you're OK. You are OK right?"
"I'll be fine," Sonny said soothingly. "I'll tell you when you get here. Stop freaking out." Hearing Will refuse to get off the line with him Sonny couldn't stop himself from closing his eyes and beaming. 'He really does love me.'
Will slammed through the door to Sonny's room dropping his phone to the floor without a care. As soon as he heard the word hospital Will immediately tensed. 'I hate hospitals and I hate Sonny being in the hospital.' Rushing to Sonny Will practically tackled him only letting up when he heard Sonny moan in pain, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
Paul, catching Will's phone before it hit the floor, stuffed it in his pocket and followed Will to Sonny. He wasn't reacting as badly as Will but he was still worried. He just about crashed the car when Will found out the news but as soon as he calmed down Paul figured it couldn't be that bad. 'Sonny called Will himself. It's just a burn. Don't spazz out like Will.' Kissing the top of Sonny's head Paul breathed in and out, 'He's fine. Everything is fine. No one is being taken from you.'
"It's OK," Sonny said trying not to let on how much it hurt when Will brushed against his arm. Smiling at Paul Sonny patted the bed to let the two of them sit next to him.
"Tell us what happened," Paul ordered looking at the gauze wrapped around Sonny's arm from his wrist nearly to his elbow. 'He's fine. He's fine. He's fine.'
Will, sitting next to Sonny precariously, trying not to touch him for fear he would cause him any more pain.
"The espresso machine at work was spitting out hot water," Sonny started, "I forgot to unplug it before I started mopping up the wet floor. It was a stupid mistake but I'll be fine."
"If you had to go to the hospital I think it's a bit more serious than that," Paul said staring at Sonny's arm.
"It's a second-degree burn," Sonny explained, "If it wasn't so big I wouldn't have had to go to the hospital at all. My skin is just going to take a while to heal. Or at least that's what the nurse said."
"Does it hurt," Will asked carefully, hand hovering near Sonny's leg, wanting to touch him but not knowing if he should.
Grabbing Will's hand Sonny said, "They put a numbing agent on it so when it kicks in I will be fine. Now stop worrying. It's OK."
Will, getting annoyed with the phrase 'It's OK' smacked Sonny's good arm lightly, "You scared the hell out of me!"
Jumping, Sonny stared at Will dubiously, "Babe-"
"No," Will hopped off the bed. "I thought you were sick or, or dying, or something." Getting worked up Will began to pace, "Don't you ever, ever do that again."
"Will," Sonny tried not to chuckle, knowing Will was actually upset, "I can't prevent accidents." Seeing the look Will was giving Sonny held his hand up, "OK, OK, I will never do that again."
Paul, not as outwardly upset as Will, sighed in relief at Sonny's admission. Putting his arm around Sonny's waist Paul, making sure to keep Sonny's arm out of the way, kissed Sonny's temple. "You better not."
Sonny sat on the couch with his feet on the coffee table. His burned arm was resting on a pillow, Will insisted, and the remote for the TV was in the other. Sonny thought Will and Paul were going a bit overboard but he wasn't going to complain. 'If they want to wait on me hand and foot I won't stop them.'
Paul, bringing over a plate of sliced apples, placed it gently on Sonny's lap. "Are you sure you don't need anything else before I go," he asked anxiously. Paul absolutely did not want to go deal with Sami and Adrienne right now. 'He's fine. He's fine. He's fine.' "I'll only be gone for an hour or two."
"I'm good," Sonny nodded before taking a bite. "Thanks by the way. And you go. Just remember to bring something back for dinner on your way home."
"Right," Paul nodded staring at Sonny instead of heading for the door.
"Paul," Sonny laughed, "Aren't you supposed to be leaving?"
Paul nodded slowly. Leaning down Paul cupped Sonny's cheeks and kissed him sweetly, "Please don't ever do that again."
Sonny, touched that Paul was just as upset about what happened as Will, dropped the remote and put his hand against the one's on his cheeks. "I will do my best."
Paul nodded one more time before pulling away. Seeing Will walk out of the bathroom Paul beckoned him over and pulled him into a tight hug.
Clinging to Paul just as tightly Will closed his eyes, "I'm sorry I was mad at you before."
"It's fine," Paul answered, kissing Will gently. "I'll try to work on it." Waving goodbye Paul hurried out the door knowing he wouldn't leave if he stayed a minute longer.
"Hey," Sonny asked Will feeling a bit confused, "You were mad at him?"
Will sat down on the couch facing Sonny while he leaned against the arm. Knees pulled to his chest Will kept his eyes trained on Sonny, "Yeah. But it was stupid especially after this."
Sonny smiled sadly, "I'm fine. You can still be mad about things you know."
Will shook his head, chin resting on his knees, "I was upset but it doesn't mean anything now. When you told me you were in the hospital I lost it, I know. But I was so afraid that something bad had happened to you."
"I know," Sonny licked his lips. "Trust me babe, I know all about worrying about someone you love being hurt."
"That's what I thought happened," Will admitted slowly, "I-I talked to EJ earlier about some stuff with Ian and Stefano and then you called a while later and I just, I thought it was connected."
"Babe," Sonny said softly reaching his arm out for Will to come closer. Sighing when Will snuggled against him Sonny stated, "It was just an accident. Nothing too bad happened. I'll be OK."
"OK," Will closed his eyes and held onto Sonny tightly.
"Now why were you mad at Paul," Sonny wanted to know. 'And I need to distract Will from thinking about Ian. Fuck, I still need to call EJ.'
"When I was still upset with you two, after the picture came out," Will told Sonny, "A boy at the smoothie place on campus asked me out. I forgot all about him until today when Paul wanted a smoothie. He completely embarrassed me with his dumb caveman act. He did everything but throw me over his shoulder."
"Well," Sonny said, laughing at the visual, "He's always been that way with you. Doubly so since everything."
"Was he like that when it was just the two of you," Will asked. He remembered Paul being jealous of him but never did anything inappropriate to Sonny in front of him.
"Not really," Sonny admitted, "He had a jealous streak but nothing like with you."
"Why does he freak out with me then," Will pulled away to look in Sonny's face.
"I don't know babe," Sonny reached out to touch Will's cheek. "I think it just has to do with how he wants to take care of you."
"I guess," Will twisted his face in frustration. "It's still annoying though. I don't need to be babied all the time." Will reached behind Sonny to fluff his pillow before holding an apple slice to Sonny's mouth.
Taking a bite Sonny rolled his eyes, 'Yeah, I know.' Chewing and swallowing Sonny said, "Um, you said you saw EJ earlier."
"Yeah, he came to see me at work," Will confirmed. "I think we're going to meet up later in the week too."
"Do you think he would come over now if you asked," Sonny replied casually pretending he wasn't that interested.
"He might," Will shrugged before narrowing his eyes, "Why?"
"I um, I found out something he might need to know," Sonny looked into Will's big blue eyes, 'I'm going to do whatever I can to make sure no one hurts you or our relationship again.'
Paul, running through his speech one last time, cleared his throat, "Was that OK?"
Adrienne simply shrugged, 'Ugh what does my son see in this man?' Adrienne was beginning to wonder about letting Paul help with their seminar.
Sami, clapping gently, "That was really good. You should probably practice a few times in front of Will and Sonny though so you aren't so nervous."
"Thanks," Paul said wanting to go home as soon as possible. He didn't tell Adrienne what happened to Sonny mostly because Sonny didn't tell him to and also because he didn't like her. 'Sami has more of a reason to hate me and she at least tries to get along.'
"Well I think that's a wrap for today," Sami commented excitedly. "Just a few more days and all our hard work will pay off." Grabbing her purse she left on the small stage Sami asked Adrienne, "Anything planned for tonight?"
"Justin and I are going to Chez Rouge," Adrienne said with a small smile. "How about you?"
"I don't think so," Sami replied getting out her keys, "Hopefully just a quiet night with the kids."
Glancing at her phone Adrienne cursed, "Damn, I'm going to be late." Reaching out to hug Sami Adrienne, ignoring Paul, jogged out of the room for her date.
Paul, rolling his eyes at Adrienne, checked his own phone and frowned a bit, "I think your quiet evening just got ruined."
"What do you mean," Sami wondered stepping closer to Paul and looking at his phone.
"Will wants you to come to the apartment," Paul answered her. The two shared a confused and slightly worried look.
EJ, pacing back and forth, "Tell me again exactly what he said."
With Will plastered to his side Sonny heaved a deep breath, "I already told you. T was talking on the phone to someone about Ian and helping him. Then he said he wasn't going to interfere with Will's life anymore."
Will, head resting on Sonny's chest, didn't know what to think. 'I knew he was upset but I thought he was my friend.'
"And he specifically used William's name," EJ double checked, "Right?"
"Yes," Sonny said getting frustrated. "He also said something about lying to the police."
"Of course," EJ snarled, "He was there with Lucas the night William was taken. He must have known what was going to happen."
"Do you think he was there on purpose at the park to make sure Will was alone," Sonny suggested. Rubbing Will's back Sonny asked, "You said he saw you with Neil and then came over right?"
"Yeah," Will answered quietly. "I didn't think anything of it."
"That was the point," EJ ranted angrily. "If he was working with Ian that must be how he knew what school you went to and, and, ugh," EJ put his head in his hands. "You thought he was your friend and then he did this. And he was there that night and none of us ever suspected."
"What does this even mean," Will asked Sonny, "Why would he help Ian at all? When T talked to me he was angry. He was upset about the article and the pictures. Why would he act like that if he helped?"
"I wish I knew babe," Sonny told him honestly, "But I don't." Turning towards the door when he heard it open Sonny smiled at Paul and even at Sami when she followed behind him.
Paul, brushing his fingers against the top of Sonny's head, sat down next to Will and faced EJ, "What's going on?"
"We just found out that T was helping Ian," Sonny said quickly knowing Paul was going to be angry.
"What the hell," Paul thundered standing up. Marching to EJ Paul, arms crossed, demanded, "What are you going to do about it?"
"I'll take care of it," EJ responded simply.
Angry but concerned Sami moved to the empty spot next to Will, "Sweetie, how are you dealing with all this?"
Will shrugged helplessly, "I don't know Mom. I thought he was my friend."
About to respond to Will Sami spotted Sonny's bandaged arm, "What happened to you?"
"Oh, I burned myself at work, hot water," he told Sami, a bit weirded out that she was concerned.
"Have you taken any medicine," Sami got up and moved over, hovering a bit, "Make sure you follow the recommended advice from the doctor."
"I plan to," Sonny smiled at her awkwardly turning to see Will watching his mother with a strange look on his face.
"Good," Sami announced, putting her hand on Sonny's head to check his temperature.
EJ, taking William's confused expression, walked around the coffee table, putting one hand around Samantha's arm and pulled her with him. Reaching over the back of the couch EJ grabbed William by the collar of his shirt and dragged them both over to what he knew was an office. Slamming the door behind him, completely disregarding William's boyfriends EJ leaned against the door. "We need to talk."
Paul and Sonny stared at the closed door blankly already used to the odd eccentricities among the three of them.
"So, about dinner," Sonny said when he looked away from the door.
"What do we need to talk about," Sami asked adjusting her blouse from where EJ grabbed it.
"Well for starters," EJ told her plainly, "Let's chat about why you seem to have no problem showing concern for William's boyfriends when you hardly do the same to William."
"What," Sami asked, "That is crazy." 'I am always concerned about Will.'
Will, fiddling with the strings on his hoodie, wouldn't look at his mom.
"Samantha," EJ said sternly pointedly looking at William.
Will mumbled quietly, "You've spent more time with Paul in the past week than you have with me all year. And you cared more about Sonny right now than me."
Sami, mouth opening and closing like a fish, "Well, I was just, he was helping us." Pushing her hair behind her ears Sami added, "And I was trying to get to know him for your sake. As for Sonny I was just curious."
"I think," EJ interjected moving to stand in between them in case things got ugly, "That William is wondering why you've spent so much time getting to know Paul and not William himself."
"Because I thought this was what you wanted Will," Sami admitted, "I mean, you just get upset whenever I'm around. I figured I could show you that I care this way."
"You're my mom," Will told her, "You're supposed to drive me crazy. But last week you kept going on and on about how you want to be a better mom and then I never saw you afterwards." Will didn't want to admit that he got his hopes up a little bit again.
"I didn't think you wanted to see me," Sami confessed, realizing that once again she didn't know how to take care of her own son.
Will shrugged, "That's not supposed to stop you."
"I don't know what you want from me Will," Sami told him shaking her head, "First you don't want me around and now you're mad because I wasn't around. What am I supposed to do?"
"I want my parents to act like parents," Will burst out, "You and Dad are the only ones who aren't helping me. Austin is in Switzerland and he's been more helpful than either of you!"
EJ, making a face at Austin's name, "Both of you just calm down. William," EJ addressed Sami, "Wants you to make an effort with him and not his boyfriends." Looking at William EJ elaborated, "Your mother wants to be there for you but doesn't know how. Now solve this problem." 'And I'm more helpful than Austin.'
Sami, knowing if she wanted to actually act like a mother she would need to give in first, told Will, "I'm sorry I can interact with everyone easier than I can with you. Now, what can I do to fix this?"
"I don't know," Will admitted. "I just want you to try. Call me or text me or see me at work, something. And I don't care that you're getting along with Paul; I actually like that. I just want to feel like you care about me too."
"I do," Sami insisted stepping closer, "Will, I love you. I know that I don't show it very often but I would do anything for you. Including getting to know your boyfriend. And I'm only doing that because you care about him so much."
Will nodded before hugging his mom. "I love you too. I just don't like feeling as if you forget about me."
"Oh please," Sami snorted, "Like that would ever happen." Holding on to Will tightly Sami couldn't resist asking, "So, what does Austin look like now?"
"Excuse me," EJ cleared his throat, "I am standing right here."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Sami waved him off smiling when she saw Will laughing.
"I told you I'm fine," Sonny chuckled from his spot on the bed. "You don't need to bring me anything."
"Are you sure," Will asked for the hundredth time that night. "Whatever you want I'll get you."
"I want for you and Paul to lie down and relax so we can go to bed," Sonny stated loudly. "That's what I want." 'Geez how does Will deal with so much coddling? Oh wait, he actually likes it.'
Paul, settling into his spot, "As long as you're sure. Your arm is fine there right?"
"As long as I don't roll onto it during the night I think so," Sonny answered. "And like I told you it's not the end of the world."
"Well it is to us," Will grumbled as he turned off the light and crawled to his spot in the middle of the bed. "You are injured so we are going to worry about it. And you're just going to have to deal with it."
As everyone settled down Will asked, "Do I get to go to school tomorrow by myself?"
"I would feel better if you didn't," Sonny answered, "This whole thing with T freaked me out. So just, let Paul stay with you until tomorrow, please."
Paul nodded, "I agree. I don't want to take any chances. Although maybe I need to go to Common Grounds and guard the espresso machine instead."
Will, smiling slightly at the joke, "Fine. But only because you are injured and I want to do anything to make you happy right now." Rolling over to kiss Sonny slowly Will pulled away and lied on his back.
"Hey," Paul complained. "When I asked earlier today you bit my head off and he asks and he gets kisses? That's not fair."
"Well when you're injured I'll do whatever you want," Will smiled at Paul sweetly. "Sonny," Will asked him gently, turning to face him again, "Are you going to work tomorrow?"
"Yeah," Sonny told him easily. "I'm going to need to. Why do you ask?"
"No reason," Will replied, snuggling into Paul's chest, sighing happily when he felt Sonny pressing in close as well. 'Just hoping to get fucked over your desk after my shift.'
Author's note:
Please let me know what you thought.
Thanks for reading!
