"You didn't have to walk me all the way up," Will said to Sonny, stopping at his front door.
"I know," Sonny faced Will, smiling. "I wanted to."
Will nodded back, still a bit weirded out from their earlier disagreement. But if Sonny didn't want to know about Will's past with Alex, Will wouldn't argue anymore.
"I'll see you tomorrow?" Sonny asked.
"Maybe," Will said after thinking for a few moments. "I told EJ I'd help him out with the art show. Setting up and what not. You know, since it's tomorrow, finally."
"Oh," Sonny tried not to show his annoyance. He still didn't approve of Will working for EJ.
"So, I might see you tomorrow. I might not," Will shrugged. "We'll see how things go after I'm done with school and work."
"Right," Sonny mumbled. "Well, it'll be a surprise, I guess."
"Mmm hmm," Will said before kissing Sonny goodnight. "Bye."
"Bye," Sonny replied, watching as Will opened the door, waved, and walked inside.
Just inside the condo, Will saw his mom sitting with EJ on the couch. A sight that was becoming quite familiar these days.
"Hey," Will said, dropping his things near the door.
"Nice night after we left?" Sami asked.
"It was, for the most part," Will said.
"What does that mean?" Sami pulled away from EJ to sit up straight.
"I don't know," Will shook his head. "Sonny was, well, it's hard to explain."
"So, you were talking about Sonny," EJ said. "I thought you meant Alexander."
"You know he hates it when you call him that," Will said on instinct.
"Yes, that's why I do it," EJ confirmed. "Either way, you spend a lot of time with Alexander."
"Not that much time," Will defended, "not anymore, at least."
Sami, ready to question Will further, heard a tiny voice from behind the couch.
"Mommy?" Sydney asked, rubbing her little eyes. "I can't sleep."
"Oh, baby," Sami cooed, going to her right away. "Mommy will make it better."
Sami lifted Sydney in her arms and walked back down the hall.
"Now that we're alone," EJ patted Sami's vacant seat on the couch. "Why don't you tell me what's bothering you?"
"How do you know something's bothering me?" Will deflected but sat down anyway.
"You get a sad little puppy dog look on your face," EJ explained. "Whatever it is, you don't want to talk to Samantha about it."
"She wouldn't get it," Will said. "Or she would and that terrifies me."
"I take it it has to do with your boyfriend and his brother," EJ nodded in understanding.
"Yeah," Will slumped against the couch, head thrown back.
"About your feelings for Alexander?" EJ guessed.
"What?" Will sat up, wide-eyed and panicked. "No!"
EJ gave Will an unimpressed look.
"I-no-I don't-that isn't…" Will trailed off when he realized EJ wasn't buying it.
"Anyone could see where your friendship was leading," EJ explained. "Nothing wrong with that especially when you consider Alexander's feelings."
"Alex doesn't have feelings for me," Will insisted. "That's the problem. Or it was the problem. I don't know anymore."
"What are you talking about?" EJ's forehead wrinkled as he turned his body to face Will.
"Alex and I are friends. Best friends, even, but he doesn't feel that way about me," Will said. His voice was more forlorn than even he expected.
"William, don't be absurd," EJ shook his head in annoyance.
"Look, it doesn't matter anyway," Will said. "I'm dating Sonny. I want to date Sonny."
"You sure about that?" EJ wondered, lifting his eyebrows.
"Sonny's my boyfriend," Will stated.
"Then what's the problem?" EJ asked, tossing his hands in the air.
"Sonny, well, Sonny's weird about me being around Alex," Will relented and told EJ.
"Because he knows about your crush on him?" EJ said.
"Uh-maybe," Will conceded, chewing his lips. "Not that I told him that."
"You can talk to me about anything, William," EJ promised, noting Will's reluctance. "We're friends, aren't we?"
Will nodded, playing with the strings on his jacket.
"Sonny and I haven't gone far together," Will said, face pink. "We've kissed but not much more. And I want to, go further that is. Sonny doesn't want us to rush anything, though. Only, I'm not a virgin. I've been with a girl and a guy. And I tried to tell Sonny that, I had to tell Sonny that. Only Sonny wouldn't let me. He wouldn't talk about his past and wouldn't let me talk about mine. I know if I don't tell Sonny, though, it's just going to blow up in my face later."
EJ looked at Will's face for a few quiet minutes before sighing. "You had sex with Alexander."
Will nodded. "It was before I started dating Sonny, of course. Alex and I had kissed a lot before that and it just happened. It was-well-I don't regret it. But I couldn't figure out how to tell Sonny. Then when I finally tried he wouldn't let me."
"You tried," EJ acknowledged. "It's not your fault if he wouldn't listen."
"You know that isn't how it works," Will put his head in his hands.
"You tried to tell him," EJ reiterated. "Now, why hasn't Alexander told Sonny himself?"
"I don't know," Will sighed. "I don't think he wants to hurt Sonny."
"Hurt him or hurt you?" EJ asked with narrowed eyes.
"What do you mean?" Will questioned.
EJ shook his head. "How did you even start dating Sonny if you were seeing Alexander?"
"I wasn't seeing Alex," Will said. "We were, well, we are friends. Alex helped me, you know, accept who I am. Build me up. The kissing and that stuff just happened."
"Did Sonny just happen?" EJ wondered.
"No," Will exhaled. "I slept with Alex and it was wonderful. Everything about it was perfect. And I let my feelings get away from me. I knew it didn't mean anything but I got my hopes up. Alex made it clear to me we weren't going to be anything. So, when Sonny asked me out, I said yes."
"Just because he asked you?" EJ refrained from saying anything else.
"No," Will shook his head. "I already had a crush on Sonny. We'd been friends for so long and I just-I liked him but I didn't think he'd ever like someone like me. I didn't see any reason to say no."
"Other than having stronger feelings for his brother," EJ pointed out.
"I-I didn't say that," Will mumbled.
"You didn't have to," EJ dismissed. "I've observed you over these weeks. I don't doubt your feelings for Sonny. I just believe you'd rather be with Alexander."
Will didn't confirm or deny anything.
"Also," EJ noted, "I would worry about why Sonny refuses to tell you about his past. There must be something, or someone, he doesn't want you knowing about."
"There's someone I don't want him knowing about too," Will admitted.
The two sat in a strained silence for a few moments. They could hear Sami's voice carrying from Sydney's bedroom.
"You didn't ask, but I'm telling you anyway," EJ said. "I have experience getting torn between two potential mates. Hell, even between siblings."
Will made a face thinking about all the women EJ had been with that weren't his mother.
"William," EJ made sure he had Will's attention, "deep down, you always know which one you prefer over the other. Stringing them along will only cause more pain in the end."
"Alex isn't an option," Will whispered.
"You might be surprised," EJ patted Will's knee and stood up. "Just think about it. Your mother and I are going out. Keep an ear open for the kids?"
"Yeah, sure," Will said, recalling what EJ said.
Will didn't want to think about it. Will had a boyfriend. He liked Sonny. He did. The two were friends, good friends. They had history. Sonny was there for Will through so much.
Sonny was sweet, driven, and intelligent. He made Will smile and still made Will just a tiny bit nervous, anxious.
Will liked dating Sonny. He liked Sonny. But he couldn't deny having feelings for Alex either.
My life is a mess, Will thought as he walked to his room.
"What are you doing here?" Alex asked his mother, Anjelica Deveraux, with his arms crossed.
"A mother can't visit her son?" Anjelica questioned. She pulled off a luxurious wrap and draped it over the back of the couch. "I missed my darling boy."
Alex snorted causing Anjelica to grin. He shook his head and went to the mini bar. He grabbed a bottle of vodka and tonic water, mixing the two together and giving it to his mother. To get through the upcoming conversation, he took the expensive bottle of Scotch. He was going to need it.
"Why are you here, really?" Alex grilled after a large gulp of Scotch.
Anjelica sipped her drink, sitting on the edge of the sofa. She looked immaculate. Not a single item of clothing or accessory out of place. Her blonde hair perfectly coiffed, dripping in jewels, relics of several failed marriages.
Alex loved his mother. The two were more alike than he wanted to admit which was why he could see right through her now.
"You're checking up on me," Alex realized. "Planning on kidnapping me and taking me home with you?"
"Oh, I wouldn't dream of it," Anjelica dismissed. "But, yes, I am here to check on you."
"Why?" Alex asked in a dry voice, standing over her.
"You're in Salem, Darling," Anjelica replied. "You don't belong here. It's too confining, too puritanical. It isn't for you and I refuse to sit back and watch it suck out your soul."
"Mom, get real," Alex rolled his eyes, taking another large sip of Scotch. "I haven't made any decisions."
"Are you pursuing your art?" Anjelica demanded, placing her glass on the coffee table. "I can't see there being many opportunities here."
"Yes, I am," Alex said, tone clipped. "Students at Salem U line up for my photoshoots. And I have a showing tomorrow night, a big one."
"In Salem?" Anjelica asked, dubious.
"It's for DiMera Enterprises," Alex responded with pursed lips. At Anjelica's quirked brow, Alex added, "They're launching a new division focused on arts. My photos got selected for the first show."
"That's impressive," Anjelica said. "Any idea if this could lead to anything? Or is it for the local losers?"
"Both, maybe," Alex shrugged. "Will said they had people coming down from Chicago and all over the states."
"Will said, did he?" Anjelica questioned. "At last we come to the real reason you're here."
"And what is that?" Alex wondered.
"You're here for a boy," Anjelica stated, confident. "Just as I thought."
Alex threw back another gulp and shook his head. "You're out of your fucking mind."
"Drinking," Anjelica listed on her fingers. "Next you're going to light a- oh look at that- a cigarette."
Alex, cigarette in mouth, glared as he snapped his lighter shut.
"You have tells, my dear," Anjelica held out her hand for the lighter. She rummaged through her purse for her own pack of smokes. "Now, tell me about this boy."
"He's my friend," Alex insisted. "That's it."
"Sure he is," Anjelica mused between puffs of smoke.
"We're friends," Alex repeated in a firm tone.
"But you want more," Anjelica realized with a nod. "So, tell me about this Will person."
"What's to tell?" Alex shrugged, getting through his cigarette in record time.
"What does he look like? How old is he? What's his last name?" Anjelica asked. "It's not often my baby gets moony-eyed over anyone."
"I do not get moony-eyed," Alex hissed.
"Uh-huh, sure, whatever you say, Darling," Anjelica dismissed. "Tell me about Will or I'll find out for myself."
"He's blond, young, an anxious little shit," Alex lifted one shoulder. "I don't know, hot."
"Hmm," Anjelica nodded. She glanced toward the laptop screen opened to a series of pictures. The model was blond. "Interesting. And why aren't you with him?"
Alex glanced at his mother before turning away. "He's dating Sonny."
"Your brother?" Anjelica scoffed.
"Yep," Alex popped his lips. He took a few moments before adding, "not that we'd get together or anything. Nothing real, at least."
"Why not?" Anjelica smiled. "I don't recall any male or female ever capturing your curiosity this way before. This Will character must be something special. I'm sure he must feel the same way about you too."
"How would you know?" Alex asked, eyes on his feet.
"I know you, Darling," Anjelica stated. "You're worth it for anyone that wants a challenge. Now, does your father know about this?"
"Know about what?" Alex asked.
"About your friendship with Will," Anjelica explained.
"Yeah," Alex sighed. "He knows."
"He knows and he doesn't care?" Anjelica frowned.
"Will's with Sonny, Mom," Alex said, frustrated. "What the hell is Dad gonna do?"
"I don't know," Anjelica responded, "but I'm going to find out."
Anjelica finished her drink in a single swallow. She stood up, threw her wrap around her shoulders, and left with a slam of the door.
"Yeah, great seeing you, Mom. I'm so glad you're here," Alex shook his head. "Great, fucking great."
Justin and Adrienne walked through the Horton Town Square arm in arm. The two finished a nice meal together, talking and reminiscing over their many years together. It had been a lovely night until their interruption.
"You!" a loud voice yelled across the square. Anjelica, tottering in a pair of heels too high for a woman her age, stopped in front of Justin and Adrienne. Anjelica poked Justin in the chest, hard. "Why, oh why, is my darling son stuck in this Podunk hell hole? And why, if you know how he feels, are you not encouraging him to go after what he wants?"
"Uh," Justin rubbed his chest where she poked him. "Anjelica, what are you doing here?"
"What you should have done ages ago," Anjelica warned, tossing the edge of her fur wrap over her neck. "Now, tell me, who the hell is this Will person?"
"Will?" Adrienne repeated, staring at Anjelica with apparent distaste. "How do you know of him?"
Anjelica, like her son, pretended Adrienne didn't exist.
Not wanting to create any more tension, Justin cleared his throat. "Will Horton, he's a friend of Alex's. He's also dating my youngest, Sonny. Why are you interested?"
"I don't remember you being this stupid," Anjelica said, face pinched. "You know what I'm talking about, Kiriakis."
"What are you both talking about?" Adrienne questioned, looking between the two.
Anjelica held Justin's gaze for a few moments, refusing to blink first. "My son knows what he wants and you know what that is too. Don't disappoint him any more than you already have."
With that, Anjelica strolled off, head in the air, diamond earrings twinkling in the street lamps.
As Anjelica headed for her hotel, one that was much more upscale than Alex's, she slowed her walk. She enjoyed the brisk air and the smattering of stars. Anjelica found herself walking behind a couple, a petite blonde woman and a rather tall gentleman holding hands. She couldn't help but eavesdrop.
"I just don't understand why he talks to you about these things," Sami pouted, hiding her face in EJ's arm.
"I'm his friend and a man," EJ explained. "It's easier to talk to me than to his mother."
"Still," Sami's lower lip jutted out. "I just wish Will would let me in more. I'm trying to do better. Do you think I should invite Sonny over for dinner or something? Make a real effort to get to know him."
"I'm not sure that would be a good idea," EJ told her. "Something tells me Sonny isn't the Kiriakis your son wants."
Anjelica lifted one brow, speeding up again.
"Excuse me," Anjelica called, catching up to the two. "I was eavesdropping and I think we have a lot to talk about."
"Who the hell are you?" Sami questioned with a frown.
"My name is Anjelica Deveraux," Anjelica replied, sticking her hand out for Sami. "Alex is my son."
"Yes," EJ said after sharing a look with Sami, "I believe we do have much to discuss."
After doing everything he could not to think about his problems, Will heard a small noise in the kitchen. Walking into the room, Will turned the light on and laughed.
"What are you doing?" Will asked.
Johnny, face covered in Oreo crumbs, shrugged. "I woke up."
"I see that," Will smiled. He grabbed two glasses out of the cupboard and poured them some milk. "Can I have some of those?"
"Yeah," Johnny agreed, climbing onto the tall bar stool at the counter, Will joining him.
"So," Will said after they both ate several milk-dipped cookies, "what's up? You only wake up when you've got something on your mind."
"I guess," Johnny shrugged. He twisted the chocolate cookie pieces apart and licked the cream off one side. "Do you like Alex?"
Will choked on a sip of milk. Coughing and pounding on his chest, Will rasped, "What?"
"Alex," Johnny said, sitting up straighter, holding up his chin, "you like him, don't you?"
"We're friends, of course, I do," Will said.
"No," Johnny shook his head, curly hair flopping about, "you like him, and you want to kiss him."
"What makes you say that?" Will asked, head focused on the cookies.
"You smile at him," Johnny explained. "You don't smile like that at anyone else."
"I didn't know that," Will whispered.
"He smiles at you too," Johnny admitted. "He looks at you when he thinks no one can see."
"Oh," Will shoved two cookies in his mouth, chewing loudly.
"Are you gonna be with Alex?" Johnny wondered.
"I'm dating Sonny," Will said instead of answering.
"So?" Johnny asked, little forehead crinkled. "Daddy used to be with Nicole instead of Mommy."
"Right," Will nodded, smiling at Johnny's reasoning. "Do you like Alex better than Sonny?"
"Sonny's nicer," Johnny said. "He gives us free cookies at his store. But Alex doesn't treat me like a baby. He doesn't get a funny look on his face when he hears my last name. But he also doesn't get along with Daddy but Mommy likes him a lot."
Johnny munched on a few more cookies.
"Can I think about it and tell you later?" Johnny asked.
"You and me both," Will said, draining his milk. "Come on, Mom will kill us both if we're up when she gets back."
"Where'd she go?" Johnny wondered, hopping off the stool.
"Out with your dad," Will responded.
"Good," Johnny grinned.
"Yeah, I thought you'd say that," Will remarked.
The two put their glasses in the sink and the Oreos away. They brushed their teeth and Johnny asked if he could sleep in Will's room.
The two curled up under the covers. Will listened to Johnny's breathing even out as he did everything he could not to think about Sonny or Alex.
Author's note:
Thanks for reading and please let me know what you think.