Warning: recreational drug use

Will and Alex's friendship continued as the weeks passed. They didn't spend every day with each other but met up often. Whenever Alex sent a message or called they'd get together. True to his word, Alex helped Will settle into his own skin. Alex's blunt speech had a way of cutting through Will's insecurities. When something bothered Will with a simple roll of his eyes Alex could change Will's way of thinking. Alex encouraged Will to stand up for himself, to speak his mind.

The more confident Will felt, the easier it became for him to accept himself. Will wasn't ready to wave a rainbow flag anytime soon. But his throat didn't close up around the words, "I'm gay", anymore.

Will and Alex had shared several kisses as well. Will hadn't initiated any. He didn't know what the parameters of their friendship were. Didn't know when he could kiss Alex or for what reason. Instead, Will left it up to Alex to decide.

It was strange and wonderful. Will didn't know what Alex got out of their friendship but stopped worrying about it. He knew Alex well enough not to question it. Alex never did anything unless he wanted to.

"I got something for us," Alex said one evening as he called Will. "Get your ass over here."

"I can't," Will said, looking in a refrigerator. "I'm babysitting."

"Blech," Alex made a gross sound with his throat. "Can't you get out of it?"

"No," Will said. "My mom's having a relationship crisis, again."

"She has one of those every other day," Alex complained. "Tell her to get over it."

"Yeah, okay," Will chuckled. "You go ahead and try telling my mom to do anything and see what happens."

Rubbing his shin, still feeling a phantom pain from the first time he talked back to Sami, Alex shook his head. "No thanks, pass."

"Besides, it won't be for too long," Will said. "My dad promised he'd take over as soon as he gets off work. I don't think my mom will take that long with this crisis anyway. She wants EJ. She just needs to admit it."

"Call me when you're free," Alex hung up before Will could say anything else.

"I hate it when he does that," Will said to himself.

After checking the kids were alright, Will felt his phone buzz in his hand. He had a text message from Sonny.

Will couldn't keep the grin off his face. Sonny sent him a picture. He was holding a mug of coffee up to his face. He captioned it, 'Me and the coffee miss you.'

I miss him too, Will thought, responding as fast as he could.

Sonny sent Will texts and pictures all the time now. It started as soon as Will and Alex got close. It wasn't like Sonny didn't do those things before but Will took a bigger notice of them now.

It was odd. As Will grew comfortable with Alex, he started feeling goofy and clumsy with Sonny. Alex made him feel safe and warm. Sonny made him all stupid and nervous.

There was also an all-encompassing sense of guilt whenever Will was with one brother over the other. Sonny didn't know how close Will and Alex were. Didn't know about the few kisses they shared. Will wasn't even sure if Sonny knew Alex liked men or not. He didn't want to tell Sonny about his crush on Alex.

Will also hadn't told Alex about his crush on Sonny. But Will didn't think it was important anyway. Alex only thought of Will as a friend.

It's not like Alex would ever like me as more than that. Besides, Alex doesn't do relationships. So, it would be pointless to think about one with him.

So, Will forced himself to not even contemplate it. It wasn't an option anyway.

Still, Will thought it was best to keep his feelings for Sonny and Alex separate. With how competitive the two were, it wouldn't end well. It also tread into dangerous Sami Brady territory and Will couldn't have that.

Checking the fridge one last time, Will gave up. He yelled down the hall, "I'm gonna order a pizza!"

Hearing the resounding cheers echo throughout the condo, Will smiled. At least, some things never changed.

Alex hung up his phone and tossed it on his hotel bed. He didn't anticipate Will having plans.

It's like I always say, kids ruin everything.

Now Alex didn't have anything to do. Sure, he could find his father but then he'd have to go to the mansion. Alex didn't want that. He was avoiding his uncle. For some reason, the two never got along. Alex assumed Sonny and Uncle Vic being so close might have had something to do with that.

He could see if Sonny was free but knew it would end in disaster. The last time the two hung out together alone it took fifteen minutes before the arguing started. So, that was out.

Alex considered going out on his own. It had been a while since he hooked up with anyone. It wouldn't take long for Alex to find a way to waste some time. But he wasn't that keen on the idea.

The last time Alex hooked up with someone left a bitter taste in his mouth. Once it was over, Alex saw the man's face in the reflection of a nightclub bathroom mirror. As the guy wiped his mouth, Alex realized he looked too much like Will for his liking.

In fact, the past few partners Alex had were all too blond and too blue-eyed. Alex never thought he had a type before. He didn't even think he had one now.

Alex attributed his newfound preference for blonds to spending so much time with Will. Alex had no problem admitting he wanted in Will's pants. But that was as far as it went, no matter what the fluttering in his stomach said.

If I hook up with Will, all this blond stuff will go away.

Alex hoped, at least.

Buzz Buzz Buzz

Alex couldn't help the flash of disappointment fall over him that it was his mother calling instead of Will.

"Hello?" Alex asked, bored.

"Alexander, my son," Anjelica Deveraux greeted. "How is my darling boy doing?"

"What did I tell you about calling me that?" Alex threw himself on his couch and closed his eyes.

"Nonsense," Anjelica dismissed, looking at her reflection in a mirror. "How is Salem treating you?"

"It's Salem," Alex answered.

"Yes, I'm sure it is," Anjelica mused. "So, when can I expect you in New York?"

"Huh?" Alex opened his eyes.

"Alex," Anjelica let out a simpering laugh. "You're not cut out for life in Salem. I've always known that. I think it's time you join me here."

Alex didn't say anything for a long time. He didn't know what he could say. His trip to Salem wasn't supposed to last this long. He didn't even know why he was still there.

It wasn't like he spent that much time with his father or his brother. He made sure to steer clear of Adrienne at all costs. He didn't care for Uncle Vic or the man's girlfriend. He thought Brady was an idiot.

Why the hell am I still here?

"Alex?" Anjelica asked, sighing. "Alex!"

"Huh-oh, yeah," Alex cleared his throat. "I don't know, Mom. It's summer. I don't need to make any decisions now."

"Are you at least moving forward with your photography?" Anjelica pressed. "Because I know several studios that would love to display your pieces. Don't waste your talent in Salem of all places."

"I'm still taking photos," Alex lied. He hadn't taken any the past week.

"This is about a girl, isn't it?" Anjelica clapped her hands together and laughed. "Oh, this is too precious."

"Get real," Alex said a little too loud. "There's no girl."

"A boy then," Anjelica sniffed. "Either way, it's adorable. My son, in love. I never thought I'd see the day."

"Don't make me laugh," Alex snorted. "I'm not in love with anyone."

"But there is a boy?" Anjelica pushed.

"I didn't say that," Alex insisted.

"There won't be if you keep dragging your feet," Anjelica sniffed.

"You don't know what you're talking about," Alex argued.

"Fine," Anjelica said. "Just don't let something slip through your fingers. And think about New York."

Anjelica hung up before Alex could say anything.

Mom doesn't know what the fuck she's talking about. I'm still here 'cause I don't want to see her in New York. That's all it is.

Alex sat up off the couch and headed for the door. He didn't want to stay cooped up in his hotel room anymore. Instead, he set out on a walk.

It was early in the evening. Too early to get a drink and Alex didn't feel in the mood for coffee. Going to the movies alone made him feel like a loser. He didn't have any motivation for pictures at the moment either.

Alex wandered around town until he stopped in front of a condo building. The same condo Will lived in with his family. Alex had never been inside before although he'd seen the outside plenty of times. He got into the habit of walking Will home after they hung out.

Alex didn't mean to walk there now, though. He didn't understand how it happened either. But, since he was already there, he might as well go up.

Twenty minutes after Will ordered the pizza, the doorbell rang.

"Took you long enough, I'm starving," Will said when he opened the door. He expected his pizza instead he got Alex. "What are you doing here?"

Alex shrugged, hands in his pockets. "I got bored."

"Oh," Will floundered for a moment. "Come in."

Alex brushed against Will as he walked inside. "Who did you think was at the door?"

"Pizza," Will answered. "I've been waiting forever."

"So," Alex said as he gazed around the condo. He had never been inside Will's place before. He had no reason to with three children crawling all over the place. "This place is nicer than I expected."

"Okay," Will chuckled. "I guess that's a compliment."

"I expected toys and food and pee stains or something," Alex responded. "I don't know."

"Pee stains? They're kids, not dogs," Will shoved Alex's shoulder, "idiot."

"Where are the little ankle biters anyway?" Alex asked, flopping on the couch. He'd never seen Will's siblings before and was curious.

"In their rooms," Will said, "I better check on them. Be right back."

Alex grunted in acknowledgment. He didn't know why he was there and now that he was alone he felt more than a little uncomfortable.

Standing up, Alex took in the décor. He looked at various family photos, taking particular note of the ones with Will.

Thank God he's not as derpy looking now, Alex thought frowning at a prepubescent photo of Will.

Knock Knock Knock

Glancing at the hallway Will walked down, Alex opened the door. The pizza arrived.

"$19.76, please," the man said as Alex took the pizzas.

"Yeah, here," Alex fished out a couple of bills and handed them over.

"Thanks, sir," the man said. "Have a good ni-,"

Alex shut the door in his face.

"Horton!" Alex yelled, tossing the boxes on the kitchen counter. "Pizza!"

"Pizza!" several young voices yelled as loud a pounding echoed down the hall.

"Grab plates!" Will urged. "And napkins. And no, you can't have a soda, so don't ask."

Alex heard a lot of mutinous grumbling and felt a sense of nostalgia sweep over him.

"Help yourself," Will told Alex as he handed him a plate. He took a large bite of his own slice. "What do I owe you anyway?"

"Nothing," Alex grabbed two slices of pepperoni and leaned against the kitchen counter next to Will.

"You sure?" Will asked. "I have money."

"Horton, shut it," Alex ordered.

Will smiled and handed him a napkin. He grabbed three juice boxes and distributed to his siblings.

Johnny, Allie, and Sydney sat at the kitchen island. Their small legs dangled high off the bar stools as they stuffed their faces. Will and Alex stood up to eat.

"Oh, kids, this is Alex," Will told them. "Alex this is Johnny, Allie, and Sydney."

Alex nodded when Will pointed at each kid. He noticed right away which ones belonged to EJ.

"Who's Alex?" Johnny asked with an intimidating glare for someone so small.

"Is he your booooyfriend?" Allie teased before sharing a giggle with Sydney.

"No," Will responded, scratching the back of his neck. He hoped his face wasn't as red as it felt. "He's my friend."

"He's tall," Johnny said, "like Daddy."

Johnny looked Alex over for a few moments before deciding he was alright.

"Sure is," Will agreed. He looked at Alex and smiled when he saw the look of distaste on Alex's face.

Alex got through dinner but only just. He didn't know how Will did it. Didn't know how he put up with the whining and the dirty faces. The inane babbling and the squeaky voices. But Will shrugged it all off. Maneuvering and handling disagreements and exerting control with ease.

It almost impressed Alex, if he cared about that kind of thing.

After dinner, the kids were restless.

"I'm boooored," Allie complained.

"Me too," Johnny agreed, hanging upside down on the couch.

"I wanna play a game," Allie decided. "Will, play with us."

"Play what?" Will wondered.

"I dunno," Allie threw her hands up. "Something!"

"Go pick something out of the hall closet," Will said with a sigh. As the kids ran off, he faced Alex. "You don't have to stay for this. I know you don't want to play a board game with us."

"It's not at the top of my to-do list," Alex said, "but whatever."

Will gave Alex a strange look. "You?"

"What?" Alex crossed his arms. "Afraid I'll beat you?"

"No," Will held in a smile.

Johnny ran back into the room with Chutes and Ladders held above his head.

"Does it have to be this one?" Will stuck out his lower lip. "It takes forever and you three always argue over the winner."

"As long as Allie stops cheating," Johnny said, setting up the game.

"I do not cheat!" Allie shot back, affronted.

"So it begins," Will told Alex. "Don't say I didn't warn you."

"Here," Johnny shoved a garish game piece in Alex's hand. "You be this one."

"I hate orange," Alex said but placed his piece on the starting line.

Will couldn't believe how into the game Alex was. Arguing with the kids, voicing his outrage when he landed on a slide.

"What?" Alex asked when he noticed Will staring at him after he finished his turn.

"Nothing," Will said, lifting one shoulder. He couldn't help his gaze from softening or the small smile on his face. "Nothing at all."

Twenty minutes later, the front door opened.

"Sorry I'm late," Lucas announced, tossing a briefcase to the side. "Meetings ran long."

No one heard him. They were all too enthralled in the conclusion of the game.

"No!" Johnny and Allie yelled together as Alex smashed his orange piece on the finish line.

"Ha!" Alex yelled. "I win! In your face, suckers!"

"No fair!" Allie whined, pouting.

"Rematch!" Johnny insisted.

Sydney grew bored of the game ages ago. She sat on Will's lap playing with his phone.

"Hello?" Lucas asked, walking further into Sami's condo. His eyes swept over Alex several times before landing on Will. "Who is this?"

"If you can't be a good loser, we aren't gonna play anymore," Will threatened, putting the game away. "And you," Will stared at Alex with a stern gaze, "be a good winner."

"What?" Alex asked, lifting one hand. "I didn't do anything."

"Will," Lucas hissed, "Get over here, now."

"I'm coming," Will said, setting Sydney on the couch.

Lucas grabbed Will's upper arm and dragged him into the kitchen.

"Dad, what?" Will huffed.

"Who the hell is that?" Lucas asked in a strangled whisper.

Will looked over his shoulder to see Alex, uncomfortable, but sitting there, innocuous.

"That's Alex," Will said. When Lucas continued to stare at him, Will added, "He's my friend."

"Is that so?" Lucas shook his head. "Will, how could you bring one of you 'friends' over with the kids around?"

"What?" Will took a step back. "It's not like that."

"Yeah, sure," Lucas dismissed. "Your siblings are young and impressionable."

"We ate pizza and played a board game," Will glared. "Is that what you think I'd do? That I'd bring a guy over like that?"

"What am I supposed to think?" Lucas said. "Especially when he looks at you like that?"

"Like what?" Will challenged.

"Like-like-like a guy that…" Lucas trailed off when he saw the expression on Will's face. "The point is it was irresponsible for you to bring a guy over when you're meant to babysit."

"I didn't bring anyone over," Will argued. "He showed up. We ate pizza. We played Chutes and Ladders and that's it."

"Will," Lucas shook his head again.

"No," Will insisted. "I didn't do anything wrong. Mom knows who Alex is and she wouldn't care. And you know what? You never had a problem when Gabi would come over. In fact, you always smiled and winked at me. So, why is it different if it's a guy?"

"Well-it-just-I-I'm the parent here," Lucas said, "And I don't want you bringing your boyfriends around my daughter. I don't even know him."

"You could always ask," Alex said. He walked up without either noticing.

Lucas floundered for a few moments.

"Dad," Will tried not to smile at the challenging look on Alex's face. "This is my friend."

Alex, towering over Lucas, held out his hand.

Reluctant, Lucas stuck his hand out too. "Lucas Horton."

"Alex Kiriakis," Alex responded. With a smirk, he added, "Will's 'friend'."

"Kiriakis?" Lucas repeated.

"Alex is Justin's eldest," Will said. He reached out to flatten the hem on Alex's shirt sleeve.

"Oh," Lucas smiled, giving a breathy laugh. "I see, yeah, friend."

"You see what?" Will frowned.

"Nothing, nothing," Lucas waved his hand. "Why don't you two get out of here? I can take over until Sami gets back."

"Okay," Will gave Lucas a strange look but agreed.

Will took his time telling all three kids goodbye. Alex stood next to the door and grunted when the kids waved at him.

"Admit it," Will said as they walked out the front door, "you had fun."

"It wasn't as terrible as I expected," Alex said. "Still sucked, though. What was with your dad?"

"He thought I brought you over to fool around or something," Will rolled his eyes. "He didn't care when I had a girlfriend over but God forbid I bring a guy around."

"What a douche," Alex commented. "Although I would have preferred fooling around."

Will pressed his lips together, trying not to smile.

"I wouldn't worry about him anyway," Alex told Will. "Fuck him and his problems with you."

"If you say so. Now what should we do?" Will wondered.

"We're going back to my place," Alex said leaving no room for argument.

Will stood inside Alex's hotel room, holding onto one wrist.

"Sit," Alex ordered, pointing to the couch. "I got us something."

Will sat on the edge of the couch. He couldn't stop thinking about what his father said.

Does Alex look at me a certain way? Will didn't think so. But so far Dad's the only one to realize Alex and I are closer than most friends. Well, he thought that at first. Now, he thinks Alex is straight. But still, what did he see?

"Ta da," Alex said as he flopped next to Will, a joint in hand.

Will laughed. "I thought you were joking about trying to find somewhere to get weed."

"I never joke about things like that," Alex insisted, getting his lighter out.

"Yeah, that'll prove how responsible I am to my dad," Will murmured. He moved closer to Alex anyway. "I still can't believe you got caught with this stuff."

"I told you it was Sonny's fault," Alex said. "And he always wondered why I never wanted him around."

"You're a jerk," Will teased.

"I'm aware," Alex said. He handed the joint to Will. "You first."

Alex laughed when Will made a face after his first hit. "You're such a dweeb."

"I've only done this a few times," Will pouted, lower lip sticking out.

"It's not a straw," Alex said, "Don't try to eat what comes out."

Alex was patient, teaching Will the proper way to smoke. He couldn't resist making fun of Will but Will knew it was all in good fun.

By the time they finished, Will didn't care much about anything anyway. Too loose and relaxed to mind anything Alex said.

The two sat close on the couch. Will's cheek pressed into Alex's bicep. His hands traced patterns on Alex's forearm, eyes heavy.

"You're clingy," Alex noted but made no effort to move Will. Under normal circumstances, he hated having someone hanging off him. It felt different this time, though. Nice, almost.

"You're comfy," Will insisted, nuzzling into Alex. He felt so at ease like all his stress melted away.

"If you say so," Alex said. He lifted his arm to wrap around Will, pulling him closer.

Will, plastered to Alex's side, said, "You're so nice."

"Oh, yeah?" Alex smiled, closing his eyes, resting his head on the back of the couch.

"You think you're so big and tough," Will let out a soft laugh. "But you're so nice. So nice and sweet."

"Sappy," Alex noted but couldn't help but smile.

They stayed in that position for several long, comfortable minutes. Until Alex remembered something else he bought for them.

"Hold on," Alex eased off the couch. He grabbed a plastic bag from the small kitchenette and pulled out a jar of Nutella. "Only time I want this stuff."

Will and Alex shared a spoon, passing it back and forth. When Alex noticed Will had chocolate running down his chin, he burst into laughter.

"You're ridiculous," Alex said, using his thumb to wipe up the mess.

"It's good," Will said, staring at Alex through lidded eyes.

Alex glanced at Will's chocolate smeared lips and couldn't resist.

"Mmm," Will moaned, closing his eyes when he felt Alex licking his lips. He wrapped his arms around Alex's neck, spoon still in his hand.

Alex didn't know if it was the weed or the chocolate but Will tasted amazing. He cupped Will's face, tongue pressing into the roof of Will's mouth.

When Alex came up for air, he chuckled seeing the dark stains around Will's mouth.

"You're a mess," Alex whispered.

"Don't care," Will grinned, wide and carefree. "Do it again?"

Alex pressed their lips together a few more times before standing up. He wet a washcloth and wiped along Will's face with more tenderness than he thought he possessed.

"All clean," Alex declared, throwing the washcloth aside.

The two settled back onto the couch, Will in Alex's arms. They put the TV on the hotel's terrible free movie channel. It became background noise as they spoke.

Hands entwined, Alex revealed, "My mom wants me to live in New York. She doesn't want me in Salem."

"Why?" Will frowned, looking up at Alex with soft, gentle eyes.

"She's bitter, I guess," Alex responded, squeezing Will's hand. "I don't know. I think she just wants to one-up my dad."

"I don't want you to go," Will curled closer to Alex. "Miss you too much."

"Yeah?" Alex let go of Will's hand to pull him in tight.

"Mmm hmm," Will nodded, nose pressed into Alex's shirt and closed his eyes.

The two might have fallen asleep if it wasn't for the obnoxious knocking on the door.

Alex planned on ignoring it but the pounding wouldn't stop.

Annoyed he had to let go of Will, Alex swung open the door. He frowned when he saw Sonny. "Go away."

Sonny grabbed the door when Alex tried to shut it in his face.

"Come on, dude," Sonny huffed. "We haven't hung out in weeks. I thought we could do something."

"Can't, busy," Alex blocked Sonny from seeing into the hotel.

"No, you're not," Sonny said after looking into Alex's red-tinted eyes. "You're stoned. Haven't you grown out of that yet?"

"Nope, bye," Alex tried to close the door again only for Sonny to out maneuver him and get inside.

"We could watch a movie," Sonny suggested, pausing when he saw Will stretched out on the couch.

Will rolled over onto his back and smiled when he saw Sonny. "Hey."

"Hey," Sonny grunted, voice low and forehead pinched. He glared at Alex. "Did you get him stoned too? Why would you do that?"

"He needed to relax," Alex said. He wanted the comfort of Will against his side again and sat down.

Sonny watched as Will wriggled around until his head was on Alex's lap. Sitting on the far edge of the couch, Sonny didn't know what to make of Will lying on Alex.

Sonny wanted to yell at Alex, wanted to berate the two of them for their irresponsible behavior. That was until Will flopped on his back and laid his bare feet over Sonny's lap.

Stretched out over them both, Will sighed. "You two are my best friends."

Sonny, despite his annoyance over the situation, couldn't help but smile. Will was adorable like this, so tactile and relaxed.

It was a welcome change compared to Will's usual behavior.

Will's eyes closed. Sonny took the opportunity to stare at him without any worries.

He didn't notice Alex doing the same thing.

Author's note:

Thanks for reading! Please let me know what you thought.