Will opened the door to the Brady Pub while juggling his phone, several large books, and his laptop. He looked around the crowded space before spying his father sitting at a booth all by himself.
"Hey," Will greeted as he tossed all his belongings on the table top.
"What's all this?" Lucas wondered, tidying up the space.
"Just getting a head start on all the reading I need to do for my major," Will said.
"I thought you didn't start any new classes until next semester," Lucas said.
"I don't," Will confirmed. "I just want to get ahead."
"I guess that explains why you've been so busy lately," Lucas narrowed his eyes, holding Will's gaze.
"One of the many, yes," Will nodded. He grimaced when Gabi walked up to their table, spotted him, and turned right on her heels and left.
Lucas watched as Gabi stomped toward another waitress, gesturing with her hands. The new waitress walked over with little argument.
Will and Lucas gave their orders. Once she left, Lucas placed his hands on the table, staring at Will.
Will shredded the paper covering that came off his straw. All while he avoided his father's eyes.
"Will," Lucas said after a near minute of silence.
"Yeah?" Will mumbled.
"I was at Jennifer's house the other day. Hope came over. She had a few enlightening things to say about your last week," Lucas said in a dangerous voice. "You wanna know what she had to say?"
"…No," Will answered, chewing his lower lip.
"She said you're the reason your cousin is in jail," Lucas said.
"I did not do-," Will tried to explain.
"And," Lucas raised his voice, "that you're the reason both Sonny and Alex look like punching bags. You can imagine my surprise, though, when Hope mentioned there were pictures involved!"
"Oh my God, Dad," Will rolled his eyes. He couldn't help the annoyance he felt at Hope spreading that around.
"I had to hear from Hope about what happened at your work, at the Kiriakis mansion, and at the police station," Lucas scolded. "You didn't tell me any of this yourself. I didn't even know you broke up with Sonny."
"Maybe I didn't want to talk about it," Will retorted with his arms crossed. "I've been busy. I can't run to you every time something happens in my life."
"I'm your father," Lucas argued. "I want to be a part of your life but I can't be if you won't let me."
"What was I supposed to tell you, Dad?" Will wondered. "That Sonny plastered nude pictures of me all over my jobsite? That Alex and Sonny beat the shit out of each other? That Nick's a homophobic ass? What?"
"Yes!" Lucas threw his hands in the air. "Yes, that's what I want to hear. I know I didn't show you much support when you started, you know, dating. But I want to get better. I want us to get closer."
Will sighed, uncrossing his arms.
"I didn't even know you liked Alex," Lucas said in a sheepish voice. "I thought you were just friends."
"Alex and I were never just friends, Dad," Will said. "From the first minute we met, there was something."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Lucas wondered.
"You flipped out the first time you met him," Will reminded his dad. "Besides, I didn't want to like Alex. It was beyond my control, though."
Will took a deep breath and launched into an abbreviated version of events. From the time he met Alex until just that morning when he woke up in Alex's bed. Of course, Will didn't give many details. He knew his father didn't need to know the more intimate aspects of it all.
"Wow," Lucas rubbed his forehead, feeling a headache coming on.
"Yeah," Will nodded. "I know I made a lot of mistakes but I'm happy with Alex."
"Good," Lucas said with a smile. "I'm glad you're happy. But what about Sonny?"
"I haven't talked to Sonny since the morning after I broke up with him," Will said. "I haven't seen him and I don't want to see him."
"I thought you two were best friends," Lucas commented.
"So did I," Will shrugged. "But we both did things the other can't forgive. Right now, I don't want anything to do with him."
"Except, you're dating his brother," Lucas said. "How is Alex handling all this?"
"He hasn't talked to his family," Will said, slumping in the booth. "I hope he will again, one day. I'd hate to alienate him from his dad's side of the family."
"His mom's in town, though, right?" Lucas asked. "That's what I heard at least."
"She is," Will said. He let out a tired chuckle. "Anjelica and Mom have become besties. I fear the day she meets Grandma Kate."
"Oh, God," Lucas shuddered causing Will to laugh. "Just what the world needs."
"She cares about Alex," Will said. "That's all that matters to me. She's not a great mom or anything. But she tries."
"So, Alex," Lucas said. "I know Sami likes him. But, well, that terrifies me."
"EJ likes him too," Will interjected with a smile. He knew it would annoy his father.
"Great," Lucas rolled his eyes.
"But so do all the kids," Will said. His smile formed into something soft and wistful. "Alex helped me watch them the other night. He fell asleep on the couch with Sydney. It was the cutest thing. Here, look."
Will flipped through several pictures on his phone until he found the right one.
Lucas smiled seeing Alex's long limbs dangling off a small love seat. Sydney's dark hair fanned out over Alex's chest.
"They almost look like father and daughter," Lucas said, handing the phone back.
Will paused for a moment, staring at the picture.
Lucas could see the wheels spinning in Will's mind. "Don't even think about making me a grandfather," Lucas warned.
"I'm not," Will lied.
The waitress with their food saved him from saying anything else.
"Well," Lucas said, "I can't say I approve of everything that happened. But I'm in no position to judge you considering my own past. I just want you happy, Will. That's all I've ever wanted."
"I am happy," Will smiled. "I wish I had made smarter choices but it's done. I'm with Alex and that's the way it's staying."
"Okay," Lucas said. "Although, I hope you learned a valuable lesson here."
"What lesson is that?" Will asked.
Lucas pointed his fork at Will. "Naked pictures always come back to haunt you."
Will snorted and rolled his eyes. "There's a difference between dick pics and what Alex does."
"What does that mean?" Lucas asked, getting a bad feeling about the look on Will's face.
"Just don't be too surprised if you see more of my naked body around," Will shrugged. He popped a fry in his mouth while Lucas mimed stabbing his eye out with a fork.
Sami unlocked the door to her condo, tossing her keys aside. She didn't even react when she saw Alex lounging on her couch watching TV.
"Where is everyone?" Alex asked, flipping channels.
"EJ's getting the kids after work," Sami said as she went through her mail. "I don't know where Anjelica is. That's the third time this week she's ditched me. I wonder what she's doing."
Alex grimaced but didn't say anything. He wasn't sure he wanted to know what his mother was up to.
"Where's Will?" Sami wondered, getting a glass of water.
Alex checked his phone. "On his way from the library. I distract him so he's gotta study there. Also, if I have to spend every second of the day with him I get the urge to smother him with a pillow."
"Yep, you two are dating alright," Sami mumbled under her breath. Louder, she asked, "hear anything from your dad?"
"Nope," Alex said with little emotion.
"Well, one of these days he'll pull his head out of Adrienne's ass," Sami said.
"Doubt it," Alex snorted. He took on a higher pitched, mocking tone. "I hurt her precious baby. He has to do hours and hours of community service. He has to donate all his hard earned money. The horror!"
"He's lucky that's all he got," Sami grumbled. "I wanted to bury him alive and EJ said no."
At the meeting at the police station, the group of DE lawyers set out a deal for Sonny and Brian. They laid out their expectations and demands. Either Sonny and Brian agree to their terms or they planned to slap them with as many lawsuits as they could.
Sonny wanted to argue the case but Justin admitted the deal wasn't unreasonable. Sonny and Brian both had to pay a hefty fine with the money donated to Arts Alliance Illinois, a statewide charity advocating widespread support for the arts. Neither Sonny nor Brian was to step foot on any DE property or attended any event sponsored by the company. On top of serving 100 community service hours each.
The worst punishment of all was Stefano's involvement. He was the loose cannon. No one knew what he would or could do at any moment. Sonny and Brian got to live with the knowledge that Stefano might be after them at any time.
Alex didn't think that was a big enough punishment but he got overruled. In the end, no one beyond the DE employees and police saw the photos of Will. The exhibit went back to its original state. The press didn't find out what happened. In theory, no harm no foul. But some theories didn't translate to real life.
Alex hasn't spoken to any of his family members since the fight in Victor's mansion. He had nothing else to say to those people. Not until they apologized to him.
By the time Will got home, the kids and EJ were already there. Will took his time greeting his mom and EJ, chit-chatting for a while. He even looked over the twins' homework and gave Sydney a piggyback ride. Afterward, he walked to Alex and the sofa.
"Hi," Will grinned, plopping himself right on Alex's lap.
"Kitten," Alex said, spreading his hands over Will's lower back and ass.
From their place at the dining room table, Johnny and Allie had a perfect view.
"Ew," Allie cringed when she saw their tongues.
Johnny threw a well-aimed pencil case at Alex's head.
"Johnny!" Sami scolded.
When she turned her back, EJ gave Johnny a high five.
"Hey," Will tossed the case back on the table. "His face is just starting to heal."
"I thought the bruises gave me a rugged sort of charm," Alex remarked. He adjusted Will so they were both comfortable. Alex in the corner of the couch with his legs stretched out on an ottoman. Will sitting sideways on his lap, legs draped over the couch cushions.
The two sitting so close was normal. Will and Alex were quite the tactile couple. The first few times Sami sat the children down and asked them if they had any questions about Will and Alex. None of the children did. Will was happy and that's all they noticed.
Will leaned his head back to rest near Alex's. "I started reading those textbooks I got."
"Yeah?" Alex hummed, eyes closed. "Boring or what?"
"No, I like them," Will admitted. "I'm excited to get this semester over with."
Alex kissed the side of Will's chin. He wanted to do more but couldn't, not yet.
The two were doing their best to keep things chaste between them. Or as chaste as they could get with Will and Alex. They'd had several make-out sessions and a few close calls. But they're determined to do things right, take their time.
It was a test in both their patience especially the nights Will stayed in Alex's hotel room. But they wanted to prove to themselves there was more between them than just sex.
"I had an idea for a photo shoot I wanna try," Alex told Will. He trailed one hand up and down Will's arm.
"What are you thinking?" Will asked.
"You and some snow," Alex answered. "If you're up to it, that is. I could use a different model. But I don't want to."
The two had discussed the possibility of Will modeling again. Not just private photographs or ones posted without their permission. But a real shoot with proper lighting and makeup, the whole works.
"You gonna stand by with a blanket to warm me up?" Will wondered.
"If you want one," Alex replied. "I could think of another way but I'd like to try and keep things professional. At least while I'm working, after that, though…"
"What are you two whispering about?" Sami yelled toward Will and Alex.
"I don't think we want to know," EJ told her while giving Will and Alex a warning glance.
"You better behave," Sami warned Will. "Or I'll take back your birthday present."
Will stuck out his lower lip, brows crinkling. He almost forgot his birthday was a few days away.
"Now that you brought it up," EJ said, "what are we doing for your birthday, William?"
"Oh," Will blinked a few times, thinking it over. "I don't know. Maybe just dinner together or something. I have class in the morning that day anyway."
"That's boring," Allie whined. "I want a party!"
"And a piñata," Johnny agreed.
"Ice cream!" Sydney giggled.
"I don't remember it being your birthday," Alex said in a dry voice before addressing Will. "What do you want?"
Alex was never good at giving gifts. He'd always pick out a gift card and call it a day. But Will was different, important to Alex in a way no one had been before. He had to think of something good.
"Well," Will thought for a moment, hand playing with the hair at the base of Alex's neck. "I'd like some new journals. Maybe some new cologne."
Under his breath, for Alex's ears only, Will said, "I can think of one thing I'd like most of all."
Alex angled his head to look Will in the eyes. When Will started lifting his brows up and down, Alex got it. They'd waited long enough. There was no more need to take things slow.
Squeezing Will tight, Alex said, "I think I can arrange that."
After dinner and dessert, Will went back to Alex's hotel with him. The next day was Saturday. Since Will didn't have school or work, he planned to go with Alex to find an apartment. Not that Will planned on moving in with Alex. He just wanted to be a part of it all. Wanted to witness Alex put down some roots in Salem.
Will did feel guilty that Alex decided to stay in Salem yet wouldn't talk to the majority of his family. Alex insisted time and again it wasn't Will's fault but Will couldn't help the way he felt.
Maybe one day they could mend fences. Alex wasn't interested in fixing anything himself. They needed to come to Alex.
Will kicked off his shoes when he walked into Alex's bedroom. Alex threw Will a pair of sweat pants and the two changed. Will often borrowed Alex's clothes when he stayed over. He could have brought his own but never seemed to remember. Something that suited Alex just fine.
The two relaxed in bed, flipping through channels. It wasn't a thrilling Friday night by any means but they both enjoyed it. Before, Alex would spend most nights in clubs or bars. Meeting meaningless people he forgot about the next morning. He much preferred spending time with people he cared about and who cared about him in return.
Will and Alex did go out from time to time. Will's age limited the places they could go but they made it work and had fun.
Not that the two always got along. They needed time apart just like every couple especially when the other's quirks started driving them crazy. Alex often left dishes in the sink for days. Considering the size of the tiny kitchen in the hotel room, it bothered Will. Whereas Will's constant need for cleanliness annoyed Alex to know end. Whenever Will tried to study around Alex, wanting to read in silence and enjoy his boyfriend's presence, Alex would ruin it. They always bickered over who would pay for dates.
The one thing they always agreed on was watching endless Criminal Minds marathons. Will enjoyed the mystery while Alex appreciated the macabre nature of the crimes.
While watching an episode with a disturbing mother and son pairing, Will realized something.
"Did you ever tell your mom you're staying in Salem?" Will wondered. "That you're looking for apartments?"
"Uh," Alex tore his attention away from the TV, "no, no I did not."
"Why not?" Will asked.
"Didn't feel like dealing with the argument," Alex said.
"She might not get mad," Will said. "I mean, she's always going on about how I'm the perfect choice for her son. Which, you know, after Adrienne is a nice change of pace. She might have already figured it out."
"Maybe," Alex admitted. When he saw Will's big, round eyes staring at him, Alex sighed. "Fine, I'll call and tell her."
"If she does get mad," Will offered, "you can just ask her where she's been disappearing to."
"True," Alex rolled over to reach his phone on the nightstand. He unplugged it from the charger and dialed his mother. It took a few rings for her to answer. "Mom."
"Alex, my darling," Anjelica said, sounding quite distracted. "It's late. What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Alex said. "Will's making me tell you I'm looking for an apartment tomorrow." Alex swatted Will's hands away when he smacked him. "What? You did make me."
"Apartment?" Anjelica questioned. "Oh, love, are you sure about this?"
"Uh-huh," Alex responded.
Will moved in close, pressing his ear to the phone so he could hear.
"Well, make sure it's a nice one. I refuse to let my son live in a slum. God only knows what the state of these buildings are," Anjelica said.
"What, no fit? No temper tantrum? No threatening to disown me?" Alex asked, suspicious.
"Of course not," Anjelica tittered. "I'm not a child."
"You've spent the past few weeks trying to get me to New York," Alex stated. "And now you don't care?"
"I care," Anjelica insisted. "There's no need for us to leave Salem when you're so happy."
"What do you mean us?" Alex lifted both his brows.
"I'm sorry, my dear," Anjelica evaded. "I am entertaining and I mustn't keep my guest waiting."
In the background, Alex and Will could hear a gruff, accented voice say, "Angie, where are you?"
"Coming, darling," Anjelica yelled. In a lower voice, she said, "goodbye, Alex. Mummy loves you. Ta!"
Alex and Will shared a look as Alex dropped the phone on the bed.
"Is your mom with-?" Will tried to say.
"Don't even say it," Alex rolled his eyes. He stabbed a charging cable back in his phone. "You know what, I'm not even surprised. She's a damn black widow. Flocking to anyone rich and nearing the end of their lifespan."
"Still," Will said, disturbed. "Stefano and Anjelica. It's just not natural."
Alex shivered, resting his head on Will's chest. Neither knew who was going to tell Sami the news.
Will brushed his teeth while Alex took a shower the next morning. The shower's glass door was frosted which meant Will couldn't see more than Alex's outline. It was the only reason Will wasn't in there with him despite how much he wanted to be.
Will's birthday was only two days away but he wasn't sure he could wait to be with Alex much longer.
The water shut off, the glass door opening. Steam billowed out as Alex's naked body appeared.
Will let out a half-groan, half-whimper.
"What?" Alex grinned, forgoing a towel.
"I hate you," Will said, throwing his toothbrush down and covering his eyes.
"No, you don't," Alex said as he stepped in real close, dripping his wet hair over Will's shoulders.
"You're an asshole," Will mumbled. He side-stepped Alex to take his own shower. He threw his underwear over the top of the glass door at Alex.
Alex caught them and walked into the bedroom, laughing. He dried off before throwing on a pair of well-worn blue jeans and a black long-sleeve shirt. He wanted to go back in the bathroom and finish getting ready. He just wasn't sure he'd resist Will while naked.
Knock Knock
Assuming he forgot to put out the Do Not Disturb sign again, Alex opened the door.
"I don't want-what the fuck?" Alex said.
"Big brother!" Joey Kiriakis greeted with a wide, goofy grin. "Did you miss me?"
"Uh," Alex didn't know what to say as Joey barged his way inside.
"Alex, hi," Vic Kiriakis said following his twin brother.
It took Alex a few seconds to react. Closing the door, Alex asked, "what the hell are you two doing here?"
"Well," Joey began, sitting on the couch and making himself at home, "it's the strangest thing. Our big brother has estranged himself from our family because of a teenage boy."
Alex pointed to the door, "out."
"Come on, Alex," Vic said, sitting next to Joey. "What's going on with you?"
"And Sonny? And Mom?" Joey added. "All for some dude?"
"Do you think I would do anything just for some dude?" Alex spat out.
"Then explain it to us," Joey begged. "Sonny won't say anything. Mom rants. Dad just shakes his head and changes the subject."
"And you couldn't bother asking me, right?" Alex glared, towering over their sitting forms.
"We knew you wouldn't talk to us unless forced," Vic defended.
"And how do you know that?" Alex challenged, lifting his brows. "Did you try? Did you ask for my side? Or did you come waltzing into my hotel accusing me of ruining your little perfect family for some dude?"
"Uh," Joey said with an over exaggerated frown. "The last one?"
"Alright," Vic conceded when he noticed how aggravated Alex seemed, "we might have jumped to conclusions. But you did try to get Sonny and his friend arrested."
"Did anyone tell you why?" Alex asked with a smile so fake it almost hurt his face.
"Well, not everything," Joey admitted. "Just that you stole Sonny's boyfriend and beat him up. Oh, and tried to get him arrested."
"All for some piece of ass," Vic interjected.
"You know what?" Alex suggested. "Why don't you go ask Sonny what happened and come back to me?"
"Just tell us," Vic huffed. "Who could be so important that he ripped our family apart?"
Someone cleared their throat behind Alex.
"I believe that would be me," Will stated.
His blond hair dripped down into the collar of his blue t-shirt. But his eyes were clear and his posture confident.
Will moved to Alex's side, leaning into him.
"Will Horton," Will said with a sharp smile. "The piece of ass you referred to."
Alex smirked hearing Will's tone of voice.
Joey shifted around in his seat while Vic sat still, holding Will's gaze.
"Just for the record," Will said, "Alex didn't steal anyone. I broke up with Sonny on my own. Because we didn't work as a couple. I didn't sleep with Alex when I was with Sonny. I didn't kiss him. I didn't touch him inappropriately in any way.
"I broke up with Sonny to be with Alex, yes. But Alex didn't ask me or convince me or seduce me or any other stupid idea I'm sure you've had. He told me how he felt and I realized I couldn't be with Sonny when my heart was with Alex.
"I broke up with Sonny the night of Alex's art opening. I left my bag at Sonny's coffee shop. A bag that had photographs of me Alex took, nude photographs. Photographs from before I started dating Sonny, mind you. And Sonny and his little friend Brian took those photos and used them to ruin Alex's art display.
"So, yeah, Sonny and Brian almost got arrested. The fact that my mother, my boss, and Anjelica didn't kill them means they got off easy. If you're strolling into Alex's life to make him feel bad about something that isn't his fault then you can leave. I am not putting up with anyone mistreating my boyfriend.
"Got it?" Will glared, yet leaned against Alex, completely nonchalant.
Neither Joey nor Vic said anything for a long time.
"You're kinda scary, in case you didn't know," Joey informed Will.
"He also learned how to box from a professional," Alex bragged, hand in Will's back pocket. "So, I wouldn't piss him off anymore."
Vic scoffed and looked away. While Joey tilted his head, looking between Will and Alex with a strange look on his face.
"I'm hungry," Will told Alex, ignoring the twins. He had had quite enough of Alex's family mistreating his boyfriend. He wasn't dealing with it anymore.
"Okay," Alex replied. "Let's get something on the way."
Will grabbed both of their jackets while Alex took their phones off the chargers. When they walked to the front door, Will looked over his shoulder at Joey and Vic. "Are you two coming or what?"
The four walked into the Brady Pub and found a seat. They ordered their drinks and sat in a stilted silence.
"So, uh," Joey was not one for awkward silences, "why don't you tell us about yourself, Will?"
Will, swallowing a gulp of coffee, licked a few stray droplets off his lips. "Well, I'm 18, about to be 19 in a few days. I'm going to Salem U, majoring in Creative Writing with a minor in English Literature. I intern at DiMera Enterprises. My great-grandma owns this pub which is why it's my favorite."
Will felt a little too much like he was at a job interview for his liking.
"He also has perfect abs and a butt that makes me salivate," Alex added, stealing a drink from Will's coffee. He ordered an ice tea since he knew they'd end up sharing.
"Gee, thanks," Vic rolled his eyes. "Just what we wanted to know. Don't you think he's a little young for you?"
"No, I'm not," Will answered for Alex. "What does it matter how old I am?"
"Well, I mean, Alex graduated already," Joey said, trying not to upset anyone. "You just started school, I bet."
"No, I didn't," Will said. "I graduated high school in 2011. This is my second year."
"Okay, well, still," Joey said. "I don't know how much you two have in common. But I've never known my brother to want only one partner or to hang out with anyone younger than him. He used to tell me he couldn't hang out with me because the earth would stop spinning if different ages spent time together."
"You were ten, dumbass," Alex retorted.
"Maybe Alex just didn't meet the right person before me," Will said. He knew if he sat here any longer he would explode in a public, Sami Brady-esque way.
Looking around the room, Will spotted Marlena eating with Kate. The perfect excuse for him to take a breather and not risk further alienating Alex's family.
"Excuse me," Will said. He hoped Alex understood what he needed. "I'll be right back."
Will's fingers trailed over Alex's arm as he left.
"Alex, what the hell?" Vic demanded once Will was out of earshot.
"What?" Alex asked with a blank look on his face.
"I don't understand this," Vic waved his hand in front of Alex's entire body. "You, Salem, him," Vic pointed his thumb toward Will.
"What is to explain?" Alex wondered.
"Well," Joey said, trying to diffuse the situation, "it's a bit of a shock, you know? You've never had a girlfriend or a boyfriend. I don't think anyone else even knew you liked guys."
"What? You knew?" Vic questioned, turning his head to stare at Joey. "I didn't know."
"Are you blind? Did you think he was spending all those hours with the pool boy to learn the trade?" Joey shook his head at Vic and looked at Alex. He pointed at Vic, "this guy, am I right?"
"Why wouldn't you tell any of us about that?" Vic wondered. "No one cared when Sonny came out. We would have understood."
"It wasn't any of your business," Alex said. "It wasn't like I had some big epiphany. I like what I like. There was no need to throw a parade because sometimes I like dick."
"Or you just thought no one would care," Joey said under his breath. He earned a sharp glare from Alex.
Vic thought things over for a moment. "Okay, fine, even without that, you do not date anyone. You don't get close to anyone. Getting you to open up or talking to you or hell, getting a hug out of you is impossible."
"Maybe I just don't like you people," Alex responded with a cruel grin.
"Hey," Joey said in a small, childlike voice. The same voice he always used as a kid to get Alex to stop yelling at him. "Don't get mad. You know what he means. You told me once relationships were the death of sex and thus your soul."
"Did you ever stop to think that maybe, just maybe, I hadn't met the right person yet?" Alex said, echoing Will.
"Well-," Vic started.
"Or," Alex said, "you're trying to justify your perfect baby brother being a douchebag?"
"No one said that," Vic replied.
"You didn't have to," Alex insisted. "You didn't barge in on him or ask a million questions about what he did. In fact, I'm gonna guess you don't give a shit that he tried to ruin my art display. Or even that he humiliated me and my boyfriend. I'm gonna guess the only thing you care about is what Adrienne told you to care about."
"We just don't understand," Joey admitted. "You told us you were gonna visit Dad for a day or two. It's been months. Okay, yeah, we made idiots of ourselves here but you're both our brothers. We don't want our family falling apart because of some guy."
"He isn't some guy," Alex stated. "And if you think he's the reason any of this happened, you're just as stupid as Sonny is."
"He might not be the entire reason but he's involved," Vic pressed. "I know you wouldn't just throw everything away for something trivial. But you have to admit this isn't like you."
"I'm not throwing anything away," Alex said. "If Sonny wants to fix things, he knows where to find me. Or he will when I find an apartment. It's been fun, boys, but I'm out."
Alex pushed away from the table and headed for Will.
"As long as you're happy, dear," Marlena told Will with an understanding smile.
"I am," Will said just before Alex walked up to him.
"Let's get out of here," Alex told Will. "I'll buy you a muffin or something on the way. Hi," he nodded at Kate and Marlena.
"You know my grandma Kate but this is Marlena," Will said, linking their fingers together. "Grandma, this is Alex, my boyfriend."
"Nice to meet you," Marlena said.
"So, you're Sami's mother," Alex said, looking Marlena over.
"Guilty," Marlena responded.
"Well, I like her so, A+ parenting on your end," Alex said causing Kate to choke on her water.
"I think that's the first time anyone's ever said that to me," Marlena laughed.
"The last time too, I'm sure," Kate retorted.
"Well, we better go," Will said. "I'll talk to you both later."
"Yes, you will," Kate said with a sharp look. "If you want your birthday present, that is."
"I'm excited, terrified but excited," Will said, letting Alex pull him away.
"See you," Alex said, getting out the door.
"Things not go well?" Will asked as they headed to a small bakery across the square.
"I'm not justifying my feelings for you to anyone," Alex stated. "And I'm not apologizing to Sonny. It's not my job to fix things."
"Of course not," Will agreed. He knew the truth, though. Alex wanted Sonny to apologize to him. He wanted Justin and Adrienne to come to him too. Will knew Alex hated having his family turn away from him but Alex wouldn't make the first move. After the way Alex grew up, Will didn't think he should either.
Will and Alex both knew they weren't innocent in all that happened. The two would apologize to Sonny if they had the chance. But they weren't making the first move. They hurt Sonny but Sonny went too far. Sonny had his own pain, yes, but Alex had a whole lifetime of resentment.
Will wasn't going to let anyone else hurt Alex either. No matter how many people it upset.
A few hours later, Alex signed a six-month lease on an apartment. He didn't want to commit to any more than that. After the opening night, Alex received numerous calls and requests from art galleries and curators. He knew Salem wasn't going to open up too many opportunities for him. But it was central to other major cities, St. Louis, Chicago, etc.
Alex knew one day he'd have to leave Salem behind if he wanted to focus on photography. But not yet, not while Will was still in school, anyway. Alex didn't know what the future would bring but he couldn't picture it without Will.
Besides, Alex knew Will could write anywhere in any city. Even if he wanted to work for DiMera Enterprises long term they had offices all over the country. The two had options.
"You're smiling," Will pointed out to Alex as they walked through the park.
"I know. It's weird," Alex said. "My face doesn't know what to do with it."
"Those are about the only muscles you don't work out," Will agreed. "What were you smiling about?"
"I was thinking about the future," Alex admitted. He squeezed the hand he had buried in Will's back pocket. "Our future."
"What's our future gonna be?" Will grinned. He stepped closer to Alex so they pressed against one another.
"I don't know. Us, together, me taking pictures of your perfect ass. You writing," Alex shrugged. "Working with EJ still, if you want."
"Oh, yeah?" Will bit his lower lip. "That wouldn't bother you?"
"Why would it?" Alex said. "EJ's EJ. He's annoying but it's not like he's going anywhere. Besides, you work well together. If that's what you want, why would I stop you?"
"Just for the record," Will said, wrapping his arm around Alex's waist, "I won't freak out or anything about you being around models."
"No?" Alex asked.
"Nope," Will smacked his lips together. "I know how you feel about me. Some naked body isn't going to change that."
"I can't even think about other models right now," Alex admitted. "I want all my photos to feature you."
"Ooh," Will teased, "does that make me your muse?"
"Guess so," Alex said. "If nothing else, your ass is."
Will pinched Alex's side. "We need to get you some furniture."
"I don't wanna," Alex complained.
"It won't be so bad," Will insisted. "We can order it online if nothing else."
As Will convinced Alex, his phone buzzed in his pocket.
"Hello?" Will answered. "Oh, hi, Mom. Uh, let me ask." Will turned to Alex, "you okay for dinner at Stefano's?"
"Sure, whatever," Alex said.
"Yeah, we'll be there," Will told her. "What time? Yeah, okay. Bye, Mom."
"Oh, God, am I gonna meet my mom's boyfriend?" Alex asked with a frown.
"It's a big family dinner, aw," Will teased. "Now, come on. We've got plenty of time. Let's go get you some furniture."
"Ugh," Alex groaned but let Will guide him away.
Joey and Vic sat in the front room of Uncle Vic's mansion. Adrienne and Justin were quite surprised to see them both. After escaping Adrienne's bone crushing hugs, they settled down.
"Boys, I can't believe you're here. What about your classes?" Adrienne fretted.
"It's Saturday, Mom," Vic pointed out.
"Oh, right," Adrienne laughed. "I almost forgot."
"Joey, Vic," Justin said, "why are you two here?"
"What do you think, Dad?" Vic asked. "Alex and Sonny, of course."
"Right," Justin bowed his head, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
Justin just didn't know what to do with his sons. The whole thing was a terrible mess. Justin couldn't stop himself from blaming Will either. Things weren't perfect between Sonny and Alex before Will but Will made everything worse. Justin didn't understand the power Will had over his sons' either. None of it made sense to Justin.
"We already talked to Alex," Joey admitted.
"When?" Justin questioned.
"Right when we got here," Joey said. "Went to his hotel room and met Will too."
Adrienne let out a sound akin to a cat hissing.
"I thought he was nice," Joey confessed. At Vic and Adrienne's expressions, he shrugged. "It's obvious he cares about Alex. He was honest with us about everything. I think he could be good for Alex. I didn't even see Alex smoke a single cigarette."
"And what about Sonny?" Adrienne demanded. "What that boy did to him?"
"Break up with him, you mean?" Joey wondered. "Mom, Will didn't do anything other than have feelings for two guys at once. He didn't cheat on Sonny. I mean, maybe emotionally or something, but they didn't do anything."
"Hmph," Adrienne crossed her arms and legs.
"From what I heard," Joey added, "Sonny's the one that screwed up."
"Well, he wouldn't have if Will-," Adrienne tried to say.
"Adrienne, stop," Justin said, lifting his head. "Sonny never should have done what he did. It was stupid and irresponsible. He's lucky no one pressed charges for it in the end."
"He's still stuck doing all those community service hours," Adrienne sniffed. "And forcing him to give so much of his money away? It's outrageous."
"It's good," Justin said. "He deserves those hours. And the money is going to a good cause. Alex shouldn't have started that fight but Sonny knew what he was risking. Now, I hate that Will got between them just as much as you do. But we're not doing Sonny any favors by babying him."
"Justin, how can you say that?" Adrienne gasped.
Vic observed his parents, uncertain how to feel. He agreed with both of them and hated watching them fight.
"Plus," Joey interrupted, "you two did take Sonny's side. So, I wouldn't expect Alex to want you around anytime soon."
"What?" Justin asked.
"You took Sonny's side completely," Joey explained. "You haven't even tried to talk to Alex. I mean, I'd ignore you too."
"Alex has been looking for an excuse to break us apart for years," Adrienne insisted. "Now, he's got his excuse and it comes along with Sami Brady and a DiMera."
"Mom," Joey rolled his eyes, "get real."
"Excuse me?" Adrienne held her hand to her chest.
"You're the one that alienated Alex. His entire life, you've treated him different than the rest of us. I'm surprised he's taken it this long," Joey said. "I love you, Mom. But I love Alex too. He's my brother just the same as Vic or Sonny. And I'm not letting you or Sonny or anyone else try to ruin that.
"So," Joey pushed himself off the couch, "you and Dad are gonna fix this. Or try to, at least. We'll deal with Sonny later. Go pretty up; we're going out, now."
"Here," EJ tossed a black folder toward Alex when he walked into the front room of the DiMera mansion. "More contacts about your artwork."
"Huh," Alex said, flipping through the papers, "that's a lot."
"You're popular," Will grinned, standing on his tip toes to kiss Alex's cheek. "So, why are we here?" Will asked EJ.
"Anjelica," EJ rolled his eyes.
"Is she getting to know Stefano?" Will asked with a frown. "Like get to know him, know him."
"It seems that way," EJ sighed. "Maybe it'll be a way to keep him off our backs."
"Don't we owe him for his help with Sonny and Brian, though?" Will recalled.
"Perhaps," EJ said. "Or maybe he'll forget all about that once he's found a nice, female companion."
"Oh, great," Alex said. "Fantastic."
"Let's just hope Anjelica keeps him happy," EJ said.
"Please, do you know how many husbands have died on her?" Alex retorted. "I'd worry more about Stefano kicking the bucket than anything."
"If they get married, you'll be step-brothers," Will pointed out with a sweet smile.
EJ and Alex both groaned at the same time.
Will and Alex settled into the mansion. They found the kids kicking a soccer ball around in the backyard. After playing for a while, Will went inside to get them all drinks.
Stefano stood inside the kitchen, leaning on the counter.
Coming in from the back door, Will paused for a brief moment before continuing inside.
"Stefano, hi," Will greeted. "I don't think I've ever seen you in the kitchen before."
"My doctors insisted I do more things for myself," Stefano explained, gesturing to a glass of water in front of him.
"Oh," Will nodded. He grabbed three juice boxes and two water bottles. He wanted to get out of there as soon as he could but something stopped him. "I wanted to say thanks for helping me and Alex out the other day."
Stefano nodded. "It was no hardship. I do not take kindly to anyone that threatens the reputation of my business. Besides, I have taken a liking to you over the years."
"You blackmailed me," Will pointed out.
"Oh, William," Stefano chuckled. "I forget sometimes how young and naïve you are."
"Uh, thanks," Will mumbled.
"You know, you almost remind me of myself at your age," Stefano declared.
"What?" Will blanched. He had never thought about a teenage Stefano or even a young Stefano. He always knew Stefano as an old man. As silly as it was, Will never even considered that Stefano was anything other than the man he was now.
But he must have been a child once. Young and naïve like he called me. How strange.
"Yes," Stefano let out a wistful sigh. "It seems so long ago, doesn't it?"
Will couldn't help it. He was curious. How did Stefano DiMera become the legend he is now?
"What was your childhood like?" Will asked, moving over to stand next to Stefano at the island counter
Stefano cleared his throat and began.
Almost an hour later, when Will still hadn't come back, Alex went looking for him. Seeing him sitting in the kitchen enraptured by Stefano DiMera unsettled Alex.
"Did you forget something?" Alex asked as he walked inside.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Will said, letting out a laugh. "I got caught up."
"I can see that," Alex nodded at Stefano.
"Alexander," Stefano greeted. "I was just telling our little William here about my childhood."
"Our little William?" Alex repeated with narrowed eyes.
Will, sensing danger, slid off his bar stool and took Alex's hand. "Stefano, I liked talking to you. If you wouldn't mind, could we do this again?"
"Of course," Stefano inclined his head. "I must get back to Angie."
Alex waited for Stefano to hobble out of the room. "What the hell was that?"
"You know," Will put both hands on Alex's chest and grinned, "it's weird but I liked listening to him. He was talking about his childhood and how he grew up. I think I know what I want to write about."
"About Stefano?" Alex asked with a lifted brow.
"Yeah," Will said. "I think I do. Make it into a series, you know? Starting as a child and working up to what he is today."
"Well, it would be interesting, that's for sure," Alex admitted, thinking it over.
"You think so?" Will wondered.
"Yep," Alex said, bending down for a quick kiss. "If anyone can do it, it's you."
"Cheesy but I like it," Will teased. "Let's get the drinks out to the kids."
As they gathered the drinks, Alex checked his phone. Joey sent a text asking him where he was. Alex didn't see the harm in answering. It wasn't like anyone would go the DiMera mansion to find him.
Ding Dong
Ding Dong
DingDongDingDongDingDong
"Oh my God," Sami said stomping to the front door. "Where the hell is the staff? What do you want?" Sami asked as she ripped the heavy front door open.
"Uh, helllllllo," Joey said, looking Sami up and down.
Sami lifted one unimpressed eyebrow, crossing her arms. She didn't recognize the dopey face looking at her.
"I'm looking for Alex," Joey said with what he hoped was a charming grin.
"You're not his type," Sami said, trying to close the door.
"Yeah, no," Joey said with a chuckle. "But I am his brother."
Sami took another look. The boy was young. She would guess in his early twenties. He had sandy brown hair and big, round hazel eyes. Long and lean, a little lanky, with a certain manic energy to him.
"You don't look anything like Alex," Sami declared.
"I'm adopted," Joey said with a proud nod of his head. "Anyway, we're here to talk to Alex."
"We?" Sami asked with narrowed eyes.
Joey, waving everyone over, said, "just, you know, another brother and our parents."
"I don't think so," Sami said, going to close the door again.
"Sami, please," Justin said, stepping onto the front step. "I need to talk to Alex."
"Why?" Sami asked. "You going to jump to some more conclusions?"
"No, the opposite, I hope," Justin said. He gestured to Adrienne. "The both of us want to try."
"Right," Sami said, doubting Adrienne's intentions. She held the door open wide. "He's in the back yard. Good luck."
Joey and Vic walked through the DiMera mansion as fast as they could. When they made it to the backyard, they found Alex in just about the strangest position they could envision.
"Are you seeing what I'm seeing?" Vic asked Joey, fighting off the urge to rub his eyes in disbelief.
"Did we walk into another dimension or something?" Joey questioned, looking around to make sure everything was real.
Alex was on his hands and knees in the grass. Two small girls were on his back, cheering and screeching. Will was next to him with a little boy on his back. The couple were racing.
"Faster, Will, faster!" Johnny yelled, holding onto his brother tight.
"I'm trying," Will said, scrambling to keep up with Alex.
"Ha!" Alex laughed in triumph when he passed the finish line first, a lawn chair. "In your face, losers."
Alex managed to stand up and keep both girls attached to him.
"We kicked their butts," Alex told them while Sydney and Allie threw their arms around his neck.
"Don't be a bad winner," Will warned, Johnny on his back as he stood up too. "We tried our best."
"We beat you at the hula hoop challenge anyway," Johnny said, sticking his tongue out at Alex.
"That's because Will's butt is-," Alex started.
"Hem, hem," Will cleared his throat and gave Alex a look.
"That's Alex alright," Joey said, garnering their attention. "Guess we didn't walk into an alternate universe after all."
"Joey, Vic," Alex said, adjusting the girls so they balanced on his hips, "what are you doing here?"
Alex even spotted his dad and Adrienne hovering near the back door.
Joey elbowed Vic in the stomach.
"We all wanted to talk to you," Vic explained. "And, you know, start to fix everything. Work through some of the problems we've always had as a family. Or just do whatever you want."
Alex didn't know what to say faced with two of his brothers, his father, and even Adrienne's hopeful face.
Will watched Alex's reaction. When he didn't say anything, Will took control. "We'll there's enough room for everyone to stay for dinner. Is that okay?"
Will looked at the Kiriakis family but Alex knew the question was for him.
Alex wasn't sure what he wanted to do. But they were making an effort. He'd wanted that for so long.
"Yeah, whatever," Alex mumbled.
"Great," Will let out a shaky breath, painful smile on his face. "I'll just let my mom know you're staying…and Anjelica."
Will and Alex shared a furtive look, both dreading the night to come.
Author's note:
We're getting closer to the end. There's one more official chapter and an epilogue after. So, by next Monday it should be finished.
Thanks for reading!