Johnny, getting a piggyback ride from Will, glared at everyone in front of him. He didn't like a lot of strangers around much. He liked keeping his family close and no one else.
"Will," Johnny said, "who are these people?"
"This is Joey," Will pointed to the boy waving like a lunatic, "and his brother Vic. They're twins like you and Allie."
"Oh," Johnny mumbled. "They look the same. Allie and I don't look the same."
"We're identical," Joey said with too much enthusiasm.
"Yeah, sure," Vic inched away from his brother. While the two looked identical their personalities were anything but.
"Joey and Vic are a different type of twin. They're also Alex's brothers," Will explained. "And you know his dad, Justin, and his step-mom, Adrienne."
Johnny grunted, eyeing them all. He didn't know what happened between Will and Sonny but he did know that it was bad. He wasn't sure he wanted any more of Alex's brothers around to ruin things.
"You have more brothers?" Allie questioned, arms and legs locked around one of Alex's hips. She looked at Alex with wide, worshipful eyes.
"Yep," Alex said, bopping her on the nose without even thinking about it.
Justin, Adrienne, Vic, and Joey all stared at Alex in disbelief.
"Wow," Allie giggled, hugging Alex's neck nice and tight. "That means you're the big brother like Will!"
"Guess it does," Alex responded. "But I'm not a good brother like Will."
"He's the best brother ever," Johnny declared with a firm nod.
"Thank you," Will told Johnny, patting his hand and grinning. He loved his siblings like nothing else. He'd do anything for them.
"I never realized that before," Justin admitted looking between Will and Alex.
"What?" Alex narrowed his eyes, bracing for the worst.
"You and Will are both the eldest child," Justin said. "You both have three younger siblings, with the middle children being twins."
"Huh," Vic said, "that is a pretty weird coincidence."
"Coincidence or fate?" Joey asked, rocking forward and back on his heels.
Allie and Sydney giggled at him, hiding their faces in Alex's neck when he looked at them.
"Cute," Joey said, wiggling his fingers at the girls. He looked at the intense look on Johnny's face and said, "scary."
Everyone stood in a charged silence until Sydney whined. Alex put her and Allie on the ground and watched as they skipped off into the mansion.
Johnny stayed latched onto Will's back, keeping an eye on everyone.
"So," Joey said, unable to stand awkward silences, "who was the hot blonde at the door? The one with the," Joey outlined an hour glass with his hands.
Will and Johnny both narrowed their eyes.
"That would be our mother," Will spat.
"What? She does not look like she popped out four kids," Joey commented before wincing. Vic stomped on his foot. "Ow."
"Do everyone a favor and stop talking," Vic ordered.
"Is there some sort of thing about Kiriakis' and an attraction to my family?" Will wondered, looking at Alex. "Your uncle, your brothers, you."
"Dad, anything you'd like to say?" Alex wondered with a smirk.
"Yeah, Dad, join the club. You can't fight genetics," Joey encouraged, grunting when Vic punched him in the arm.
"Let's go inside," Justin wasn't answering that question, ever. Although he did think Sami was attractive. He wasn't stupid enough to admit it out loud, though.
"Again," Vic said, "we have different DNA. It's not genetic."
"So, it's a learned behavior," Joey said with a series of nods.
"Shut up," Alex stated.
"Let's go inside," Will said, agreeing with Justin. "I need to make sure EJ is relaxing instead of working anyway."
"Who's EJ?" Joey questioned as they all headed inside.
"My daddy," Johnny answered with a withering glare. "He's gonna marry Mommy and be happy forever."
"Uh, okay," Joey responded. He looked to Will for clarification.
"EJ and my mom are dating," Will explained. "He's Sydney and Johnny's father and a DiMera. Also, I wouldn't mention anything about my mom being hot in front of him."
"No, do it," Alex suggested with a smirk. "I wanna see."
"I'll pass," Joey responded, all too familiar with Alex's desire to see him humiliated.
"Wait," Vic interrupted, "did you say Anjelica is here earlier?"
"Yeah," Alex sighed, "Mommy dearest is in town."
"That explains so much about Mom's mood," Vic muttered under his breath.
"Let's hope we can get through tonight with minimal bloodshed," Will said. He wasn't too hopeful.
EJ, sitting in on the sofa reading the newspaper, looked up when everyone walked inside. He took a long look at all the guests before sighing.
"Why are you having a family reunion in my house?" EJ directed at Alex.
"Beats the hell outta me," Alex responded. He flopped on the couch next to EJ. "It wasn't my idea."
They both stretched out their long legs, arms crossed.
"Creepy," Joey mock whispered. "They could be brothers."
"Ugh," Johnny groaned as Will laughed.
"Considering Angie's new boy toy," Will chortled, "that's a distinct possibility."
"What?" Adrienne questioned, eyes wide.
"Who?" Justin spat out.
"They do kinda look alike," Vic agreed, tilting his head.
Will put Johnny back on his feet. Johnny ran out with a disgruntled look on his face. Will sat on the arm of the sofa next to Alex.
Justin stood next to Vic and tilted his head too. "Huh, you're right. How odd."
"What's odd?" Sami asked as she walked into the room. She sat on the other arm of the sofa next to EJ.
Justin didn't respond, distracted by Anjelica walking in on the arm of Stefano DiMera.
"See, I told you everyone was in here," Anjelica simpered. She ran one bejeweled hand up and down Stefano's arm.
No one said anything as the two moved behind the couch. Stefano leaned against it, eyeing everyone in the room.
Adrienne couldn't stop looking at Anjelica's smirk.
Vic cleared his throat. "Victor Kiriakis, sir. It's nice to meet you. Uh, Anjelica, you look nice."
Anjelica's smirk sharpened. "Oh, darling, you have no idea."
"Anyone else seeing this?" Joey wondered.
"Seeing what?" Justin asked, tearing his eyes away from Stefano and Anjelica. It was like a train wreck, horrible and awful but he couldn't look away.
"Gee, I don't know," Joey said, gesturing toward the sight on the couch.
Everyone could see it now. The three dark haired men with scowls and a younger, blond-haired, blue-eyed companion. Somehow, without planning it, Alex, EJ, and Stefano were all in black while Will, Sami, and Anjelica were all in blue.
"It's like looking at a family photo," Joey said. He glanced at Anjelica for a moment and asked, "you sure Stefano isn't Alex's baby daddy?"
"Oh, trust me, I know who his father is," Anjelica smiled, showing all her teeth.
Will kept a firm hand on Alex's leg. He knew he wouldn't take too kindly to anyone insinuating he was a DiMera on principal alone.
Before anyone could react, a maid walked into the room and announced, "dinner's ready."
"Thank God," Alex said, loud enough for everyone to hear. "That means we're closer to this shit-show ending."
Will never experienced a more awkward dinner in his life. Considering the familial situations he grew up with, that was saying something.
One side of the table featured Joey, Alex, Will, and Sami. Across from them were Anjelica, Vic, Justin, and Adrienne. EJ and Stefano each sat at the head of the table. The kids lucked out and got to eat in their playroom while watching TV.
The conversation stilted, sticking to topics that were safe. The weather, how school was going for Will and the twins, the food. Joey and Anjelica did almost all the talking.
After everyone finished their lasagna, they retired to the front room for coffee. Anjelica, Stefano, EJ, and Sami sat on the long sofa. Adrienne, Justin, and Vic sat on a love seat with Joey on the floor in front of them.
Alex plopped down in the lone armchair, feet on the coffee table. If Will was at home, he would sit with him without a thought. But in front of Justin, Adrienne, and the twins, when things were so awkward between them all, Will didn't know.
Alex didn't have the same reservations. He snatched his arms out and yanked Will onto his lap. He'd come to enjoy the familiar warmth and weight of Will on his legs. He didn't give a shit if his family had anything to say about it or not.
Will accepted a cup of coffee from one of the servants. He preferred his black but knew Alex would want sugar. So, he put a bit of sugar in and mixed it up.
Alex waited for Will to take a drink before stealing the cup. He knew his family had their eyes on him but didn't care. He'd been sharing drinks with Will long before they started dating.
Will took another drink and placed the cup on a side table.
"So," Sami said, used to Will and Alex sharing drinks and snuggling, "this is, well, uncomfortable in every way."
"Amazing how our dynamic changed when these people showed up," Anjelica said from where she pressed up against Stefano.
Justin, disturbed by the sight, rolled his eyes. "I doubt our presence could have made anything worse."
"No, it did," Alex agreed with his mother. He kept his eyes away from her and Stefano at all times, though. He knew his mother had a type, the older and richer the better. He didn't want to see it, though.
Will dangled his legs over the edge of the chair so he was sideways. He put his hand on Alex's knee, knowing his boyfriend would need the encouragement.
Joey cleared his throat, changing the subject. "Alex, Will, how did you two crazy kids meet?"
"Uh," Will shared a glance with Alex.
"I saw his ass first," Alex stated.
"Huh?" Will frowned.
"You bumped into me in the park," Alex said with a soft smile. "I was gonna yell at you but your ass was too nice. So, you know, priorities."
Will gave Alex a soft smile, putting his hand on Alex's jaw. To someone else, it might not seem like much of a compliment but to Will it meant everything. From the beginning, there was something different about him than everyone else.
"Love at first sight, huh?" Vic snorted.
"Explains his obsession with William's arse," EJ stated, receiving a swift smack on the arm from Sami. He lifted his hands up in a clear, 'what?' gesture.
"We met at Common Grounds," Will admitted with a sheepish expression. "Sonny introduced us."
"And then Alex stole his boyfriend," Adrienne couldn't stop herself from saying.
"I didn't steal anything," Alex hissed through his teeth. "He's a person, not a goddamn dog."
"I broke up with Sonny," Will said before Adrienne could speak again. "I'm not proud of it but I had feelings for them both. I realized my feelings for Alex were stronger and decided to break things off. I didn't want to hurt Sonny. Alex and I even decided to give it a few weeks before we started dating. So everyone would have time to adjust and react. We planned to explain everything to Sonny in private. We didn't get the chance."
"Because of the photos?" Justin asked. He sat on the edge of the sofa, hands on his knees. He wanted to understand, to hear everything they said.
"Yeah," Alex said, squeezing Will's knee. He appreciated Will getting the conversation going. "I-uh-I didn't go about trying to break them up or anything. I liked Will and I couldn't hide it anymore. So, I told him. Well, we told each other. I needed Will to know."
"At the party?" Justin clarified, remembering when Will and Alex both disappeared.
Alex nodded.
"But you left with Sonny?" Justin directed at Will.
"I knew I needed to break up with him. I didn't want to do it in front of everyone," Will explained. "I told him that I didn't think we were working anymore. That I thought we were better as friends which is true. Sonny and I grew apart. There were a lot of things we didn't agree on anymore.
"Sonny didn't take it well. He did a lot of yelling so I got out of there. I left my bag and that's where the photos were."
"Alright," Vic said, emulating Justin's posture. "I can understand that part. But the pictures I don't get. When did you take them and why were you carrying them around?"
"I took them before Will and Sonny got together, if that's what you're asking," Alex defended. He didn't think anyone needed to know they had sex before he took them, though. "And he had the pictures because I gave them to him. I couldn't get my display to work and knew if I didn't give them to Will I'd want to use them. But I couldn't do that without Will's permission. I'm not that big of a dick."
"I didn't remember the pictures were in my bad. I didn't even realize I left my bag at Common Grounds," Will added. "And I never thought Sonny would do anything like that."
"It was that Brian person," Adrienne insisted, nose in the air. "It couldn't have been Sonny."
"Mom," Vic gave her an aggravated look, "give it up. Sonny screwed up, big time. Stop defending him."
"Cut the cord, lady," Sami muttered causing EJ to stifle a laugh.
"You saw the security footage," Justin told Adrienne. "You know Sonny did this. I don't approve of it but I can't judge him for it. Or for how you two feel," Justin glanced at Will and Alex. "I've done some horrible things in my relationships, as they can attest."
Adrienne and Anjelica nodded. Alex lifted his left hand in the air and pointed to himself.
"Living proof here," Alex said.
"Anyway," Justin glared at Alex, "I know that what happened hurt you both. That there isn't an excuse for Sonny's actions. I wish you hadn't reacted the way you did. You or Sonny, that is."
"I'm not gonna apologize for what I did," Alex informed Justin. "He deserved it and you know it."
"He's your brother," Justin said.
"That doesn't mean he isn't a douche," Alex shrugged.
"I'm sorry for how I reacted," Justin sighed. "I didn't mean to make it look like I was taking his side because I wasn't. I wanted to keep him out of any further legal trouble."
"You didn't even ask for my side of things," Alex pointed out.
"It was a little chaotic with half of my children trying to kill each other," Justin defended. "I know I didn't react the way I should have and I'm sorry."
Will rubbed one of Alex's forearms. He knew that despite Alex's calm demeanor that this conversation meant a lot to him.
"Yeah, I know," Alex grumbled.
"Well," Anjelica cleared her throat. "As inadequate as that was, what are you going to do to make it up to him and Will?"
Sami did nothing to hide her smile.
"I like Will," Joey stated with a lopsided smile, surprising them all. "He turned Alex into a real boy."
Everyone side-eyed him before turning away.
"Yes," Stefano pressed his fingertips together. "What are your intentions with our little William here?"
Sami, EJ, and Alex all ground their teeth together at the same time. No one wanted Stefano around Will.
"Uh, well," Justin let out a slow exhale. "Will, I won't lie. I did and I do blame you for a lot of what happened. But I know you mean a great deal to Alex, that you always have."
Will shifted on Alex's lap. He couldn't argue with Justin. If Will had told Alex what he felt after they slept together, things might have been different. He wouldn't have caused so much pain.
"There wouldn't be much use in holding this against you," Justin added. "Alex is going to do what he wants regardless and I don't want to lose him."
"Me either," Vic said. He didn't know how he felt about Will Horton but he couldn't lose Alex over him. "But Sonny…" Vic trailed off.
"I'm not doing jack shit to Sonny," Alex stated.
"I didn't expect you to," Justin said. "But if we show our support for you and Will, he'll think we're taking his side. In the same way that you thought we were on his side."
"You were on his side," Anjelica stated.
Will hated this. This was what he feared. That he'd drive an entire family apart.
"If we give Sonny some time, he'll come around," Joey said. "I mean, he can't hold a grudge forever, right?"
Alex gave Adrienne a pointed look. If Adrienne could hold a grudge his entire life, Sonny could too.
"Well," EJ said, "maybe he needs to take a break, clear his head. I hear San Francisco's nice this time of year."
He took a sip of his coffee when everyone looked at him.
"What?" EJ asked, lifting his hands again.
"Adrienne," Sami said as the conversation died out, "you've been quiet."
"I don't know what to say," Adrienne admitted. "I-I heard what everyone said but I don't know what to believe."
"You mean, you don't want to admit your baby did anything wrong," Alex said, rolling his eyes. "It doesn't matter what anyone says. We hurt your precious little prince so it doesn't matter what he did, like always."
"I-I don't mean to show any favoritism," Adrienne whispered. "I don't even know I'm doing it."
"That's sort of the problem," Will said, giving Adrienne a stern look. "You've never realized what your actions have done to Alex. Even now, you don't know what to do? What's to figure out? Sonny humiliated Alex in public, which was illegal, and you can't figure out the right thing to do?"
Adrienne opened her mouth, trying to formulate a response.
"The right thing would be to tell Alex you love him and support him and want him to be happy," Will told her. "That you always have and you're sorry for neglecting him as a child. That you want to start all over again, that you'll do a better job, be a real mother. That would be what you should say."
Alex linked his hand with Will's. He appreciated what Will said but wasn't going to hold his breath.
Adrienne bowed her head.
Justin, Vic, and Joey didn't know what to do. For so long, they'd kept quiet about Adrienne's treatment of Alex. It was something they all thought would go away if they ignored it. None of them thought it was so bad anyway. Alex never acted like it affected him.
They were all beginning to see they had a lot to make up for with Alex.
Sydney hobbled into the room wearing bunny slippers. She moved straight to Will, climbing on his lap.
"Tired," Sydney admitted, nuzzling into his chest.
"Time for your bath," Will said, brushing her hair away from her face. "Then bedtime."
"Alex too," Sydney said when Will picked her up. She held out her little arms for Alex, lower lip sticking out.
Alex stood up and followed Will up the stairs. He had enough of this conversation.
"Huh," Joey said, "no matter where he goes, he's got girls begging for a bath."
Vic punched him in the arm.
It took a while but Will managed to give all three kids baths. They were all still young and the bathtub was gigantic so Will put them all together.
After the baths, Will and Alex read them all a story. Well, Will read while the children used Alex as a pillow. Sydney was out in no time while it took Johnny and Allie a little bit longer. Only with the promise of a trip to the park the next day did the twins agree to settle down.
Johnny and Sydney had their own rooms in the mansion for when they would stay with EJ. Sydney had a trundle bed that Allie used when she slept over too.
Closing the door behind the girl's room, Will took Alex by the hand and dragged him to an empty guest room.
"Hey," Will wrapped his arms around Alex, hugging him tight. "How you feeling?"
"I don't know," Alex held onto Will, eyes closed. "It's weird having everyone here. Or almost everyone."
"Your dad and the twins love you, though," Will said. "They want to try."
"Adrienne's still a bitch," Alex mumbled.
"She's not gonna change overnight," Will said. "But yeah, she needs a good slap with reality. I hate the way she treats you and talks to you. You deserve better."
"I've got my mom still," Alex said.
"She's not that much better," Will huffed. "I want her to care about you because you're you. Not because she wants to one up your dad or Adrienne."
Alex smiled.
"I've got a lot of complicated feelings about your family," Will said. "You deserve the best of everything."
"Good thing I've got you," Alex said before he could stop himself.
"Aw, baby," Will said. He pulled back to look up at Alex, hands on his cheekbones. "You're so sweet."
"Shut it," Alex warned, eyes narrowed.
"Make me," Will dared with a raised eyebrow.
Alex connected their lips. He took a few short steps to press Will into the door, pinning him with his hips.
"You're hot when you get protective," Alex said as he pressed kisses down Will's neck.
"Can't help it," Will whined when Alex nipped his skin. He yanked his hands through Alex's hair, holding him in place.
Alex worked Will's sensitive skin over. Biting and sucking, rubbing their groins together.
The two might have gotten distracted if it wasn't for a loud scream and crash from the first floor.
"The fuck was that?" Alex asked, panting.
Will wanted to ignore it. Wanted to ignore everything but Alex and their bodies but then he remembered. They left his mother, Anjelica, and Adrienne downstairs.
Will and Alex held each other's gaze before scrambling to open the door. Alex overtook Will on the stairs, skidding to a halt when he made it to the front room.
An arm chair got knocked on its side, coffee table askew. Two saucers of coffee broke and leaked all over the expensive Persian rug. Two large teardrop earrings lay on the floor next to a broken strand of pearls.
By the time Alex and Will came in the room, Anjelica had Adrienne in a headlock.
Joey stood on the couch, screaming incoherent encouragements. Vic and Justin tried to separate the two women. EJ stood behind the sofa, holding a struggling Sami up in the air.
"Say that one more time, bitch," Sami kept repeating. One of her heels flew off and almost hit Will in the head when he stopped at Alex's side.
Stefano sat on the couch eating from a glass bowl of peanuts.
"What the hell happened?" Will asked.
It took the combined strength of Will, Alex, Vic, and Justin to detangle them. Will understood what all Anjelica's jewelry was for now. Her several rings left some pretty painful looking scratches on Adrienne's face.
"Looks like Alex and Sonny both take after their moms," Joey said, jumping down from the couch.
Sami, still fighting EJ's strong arms, hissed.
"Well," EJ threw Sami onto the sofa next to Stefano, "Adrienne said something about you both that she's never going to say again."
EJ threw Adrienne his own sharp glare. He didn't want Sami involved in the fight, wanted to protect her. But if Adrienne ever said anything like that about Will or Alex again, EJ would have no choice.
Justin, trying to dab at the blood running down Adrienne's cheeks, sighed. He knew there were decades of bad blood between Adrienne and Anjelica. Knew it was only a matter of time before they exploded. With Sami Brady and the DiMera's involved, Justin's surprised they held out this long. He could admit his disappointed, though.
"Come on," Justin put his arm around Adrienne. They had a lot they needed to discuss.
"Thanks for dinner," Justin said as he let Adrienne out. "And sorry."
EJ shrugged. "Won't be the last time that happens."
"No, it won't," Justin agreed.
Vic nodded at everyone and followed his father out.
"I like Salem," Joey said as he walked backward out the door. "It's exciting."
Alex pushed his mother into a chair and sighed.
"So, do we get to know what she said?" Alex asked.
"Nope," EJ answered.
"You know," Will said, seeing his mother's red face and the steely look in her eyes, "if you keep holding her back, it'll be worse when she gets loose."
"Whenever that happens, make sure I'm there," Alex said, crossing his arms. "I miss all the good stuff."
Over the next few days, things settled down. Will and his family helped Alex move into his apartment. Even Lucas came by with a housewarming gift.
Joey and Vic divided their time in Salem between Alex and Sonny. Alex and Will hadn't seen Sonny, had gone out of their way to not see him. But Alex preferred it that way. He wasn't ready to see his youngest brother yet.
Adrienne, still healing from her fight with Anjelica, tried to make more of an effort with Alex. Maybe it was the punches to the face or seeing Alex fitting in so well at the DiMera mansion, but something changed for Adrienne. She didn't want to alienate Alex anymore. Wanted to let go of some of her old hurts. She was even able to admit a lot of her resentment toward Alex was her resentment of Justin.
It hurt Adrienne seeing the manifestation of Justin's infidelity right in front of her face. She tried to love Alex the same way she did her other sons but it felt impossible. Alex looked so much like Anjelica; their attitudes so similar.
It was terrible and awful but Adrienne couldn't help the way she treated Alex. Or even the way she coddled Sonny. She wanted a baby for so long. She and Justin tried for so long, only for Anjelica to get pregnant instead of Adrienne. Anjelica who was so much older than Adrienne, who didn't even want a baby. Then Anjelica took Alex and the plane they were to be on exploded. With Anjelica and Alex presumed dead, Adrienne felt so relieved. The two were no longer a problem. Nothing would ever come between her family again.
Then Alex came back, alive and well. Anjelica decided to give up custody of Alex. While moving to a new state with twin boys and a newborn, Alex came into their life. Justin worked hard to provide for them and Adrienne got saddled with the children including the one she resented. It was easier to push Alex aside than to let him into her heart the way she did with her other children.
With Sonny and even the twins, Adrienne felt connected to them the moment she saw them. But with Alex, all Adrienne felt was pain, anger, and a crippling insecurity. It was wrong. Adrienne knew that. Now, years later, faced with a grown son that wanted nothing to do with her, Adrienne realized her mistakes.
It might never happen but Adrienne had to try.
Alex didn't quite know what to do with all the attention now. Between his mom, Adrienne, and Sami, he felt stifled. Which was one of the reasons he was so looking forward to Will's birthday. Alex had big, big plans.
There was only one bossy blond Alex wanted around anyway.
Will woke on his birthday to three tiny bodies bouncing all over him.
"Wake up!" Allie screamed in his ear. "Will, wake up!"
"I'm up. I'm up," Will grunted, throwing a pillow at them all.
"Come on," Johnny grabbed Will's arm and yanked. "Presents!"
Will made it to the kitchen where a steaming plate of chocolate chip waffles were waiting for him. Sami greeted him with a kiss while EJ gave him a clap on the back.
Will enjoyed his waffles while he opened his gifts. Sydney painted him a portrait of the two of them holding hands. Allie crafted Will a necklace out of beads. Johnny gave Will a plastic bag filled with Kit-Kats.
"I saved them from Halloween 'cause I know they're your favorites!" Johnny explained with a bashful smile.
"You guys are so sweet," Will laughed. "I love them all!"
Sami's gifts were much more grown up. She got Will several new shirts to wear to work, some new cologne, and the new video games he wanted.
"Thanks, Mama," Will gave her a big bear hug, lifting her off her feet.
"William," EJ handed him a white envelope. "Happy birthday."
Will opened it up and choked out a laugh. "Are you serious?"
"Of course," EJ smiled at Will's reaction. "I figure you could use a bit of time away. I know you had fun with Alexander the last time you went to St. Louis. Might as well make a weekend of it, take in a hockey game."
EJ bought Will two tickets to a Blues/Blackhawks game in St. Louis. Complete with a hotel reservation and a gift card for an expensive restaurant.
"It's for the weekend your winter break starts next month," EJ said. "So, you'll have to wait a while to use them."
"I don't care," Will said, throwing himself at EJ. "Thank you!"
"You're welcome," EJ clapped Will on the back. "Now, I don't expect you in the office today. Understand?"
"Got it," Will grinned.
Will only had two classes that morning. After he finished the last one, Will walked outside the building and grinned.
Alex, leaning against a wall, waited for Will.
"Hey, Kitten," Alex said, pushing off the wall and sauntering up to Will.
Will, waving off a few friends, marched up to Alex. "I thought we were meeting later."
"Couldn't wait," Alex said. He wrapped his arms around Will's waist and put his hands in Will's back pockets. "Happy birthday."
"Thank you, baby," Will leaned up to kiss Alex. He didn't care that several of his fellow students could see them.
"Hungry?" Alex asked when they separated.
"Nah," Will shook his head. "I ate too many waffles this morning."
"Good, I got plans for us," Alex pulled Will along.
The two walked and chatted for a while. When they passed the student union, someone called Will's name.
Will and Alex turned, both tensing when they saw Brian before them.
"Look," Brian said after taking a deep breath, "I'm sorry. What I did was a dick move. I should have stopped Sonny instead of encouraged him. I shouldn't have sniffed around him when you were dating either."
"Oh," Will blinked a few times, resisting the urge to take a swing. "Um, right. Thank you."
"I know it doesn't make up for anything but still," Brian said.
Alex wanted to say something biting to Brian but didn't want to ruin Will's birthday.
"Have fun with your community service," Alex said with a fake smile. "Buh-bye."
After they started walking away but still loud enough for Brian to hear, Alex said, "what a douche."
"At least he apologized," Will said, "but yeah. I never liked him. So, what are we doing for my birthday?"
"Come on, I'll show you," Alex said.
Alex had the whole afternoon and evening planned. He considered all of Will's favorite things and combined them together. Alex wouldn't admit it but he felt nervous. He hoped Will appreciated the gift he got him.
Alex led Will through Horton Town Square. They were almost to their destination when they stumbled across someone else they didn't expect. They should have anticipated it. They were so close to Common Grounds after all.
"Yeah, well, I thought that-Sonny," Will paused midsentence.
Will hadn't seen his ex-boyfriend since the time at the police station. He didn't want to see him, not yet. Will knew he wasn't innocent in what happened. But he didn't deserve what Sonny did and neither did Alex.
Alex didn't move. He didn't tighten his hold on Will's butt. Didn't pull him closer. He didn't have to. He already knew Will was his.
No one said anything for a long moment.
Sonny didn't expect to run into Alex or Will. He didn't want to see them yet. Over the past days, Sonny had done a lot of thinking. He knew he messed up big time. That he might have ruined his relationship with his brother and his friendship with Will.
Sonny loved Alex and, in a way, he loved Will. He wasn't in love with Will but they were best friends. Sonny wished he could take everything back but he couldn't. He had his own hurts. He wasn't sure he would ever accept that Will and Alex kept things platonic when Will was dating him.
"I didn't want this to happen," Sonny said, breaking the silence.
"Either did I," Alex admitted, letting out a loud puff of air.
Sonny opened and closed his mouth a few times before clearing his throat. He looked at Will and said, "I never stood a chance, did I?"
"That's the sad thing," Will admitted, "you did, once."
Sonny nodded, eyes on the ground. "Do-uh-do you both think that one day, not now, but one day, do you think things will be okay?"
"I'd like that," Will whispered.
When Alex didn't say anything, Will elbowed his waist.
"Yeah, whatever," Alex mumbled.
"Right," Sonny said. "I gotta go."
Sonny took a few steps before turning around and saying, "happy birthday," and walked off.
Will and Alex waited until Sonny was out of sight before continuing on their way.
"One day you'll have a big happy family," Will told Alex.
"Ugh," Alex groaned. "I don't want it to get any bigger."
"Yes, you do," Will teased. "You love it."
Alex opened his mouth to say something before snapping his jaw shut. He didn't know how to say what was on his mind.
"Come on," Alex grunted, opening the door to a small building. "We're here."
Will recognized the place. It was a small trade-in bookstore. Will used to spend hours there as a child. His great-grandpa Shawn would bring him. He'd let Will pick out whatever books he wanted. They'd go back to the pub and Will would practice reading them to all the customers.
Will told that story to Alex during their car ride to St. Louis.
I can't believe he remembered that, Will thought, moving in close to Alex.
"Go on," Alex urged, tapping Will on the butt. "Pick whatever you want."
Will took his time, going down the first row he saw. His fingertips brushed over the spines of several books, reading the titles.
Alex followed after. He'd glance at the shelves, picking up a book or two. But for the most part, Alex focused on Will.
The building was ancient and smelled of old, musty books. The lighting was terrible but Alex didn't care. He wanted to capture the look on Will's face, the spark in his eyes. The way Will's nose would crinkle when he read a description he didn't like.
Alex followed Will through the store. He'd listen when Will would read out loud something he thought was funny. A few times, Will pulled Alex into a squishy armchair, sitting close when a book engrossed him.
Alex enjoyed it more than he thought he would. It was easy, relaxed, carefree.
"Have you found anything?" Alex asked Will after a time.
"Yes," Will held up an anthology of poetry.
It wasn't anything Alex was too interested in but if it made Will happy, he didn't care.
"Wow," Alex looked at the bright yellow price sticker on the spine, "I don't think I can afford this. $1.99, you're gonna break my budget."
After making their purchase, the two headed for Alex's new apartment. It was in a nice building. Everything was brand new from the faux wood floor to the stainless steel appliances.
Anjelica and Sami insisted on helping Alex decorate. While he picked all the furniture, they filled it with knick-knacks. They kept everything modern and minimalistic with clean lines and few colors.
The apartment was a decent size. Full-sized kitchen, dining room, living room with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Alex used the spare room to house his photography equipment.
Alex phoned in an order to the local Chinese takeout joint. He got enough orange chicken to feed a small army. While they waited for the delivery, Alex got out Will's present.
Sitting on the couch, Will watched Alex in bemused silence. He stood in front of Will with something behind his back.
"So, I had no fucking clue what to get you," Alex admitted. "I could have gotten you something impersonal like my usual gifts. But it's you and you're dif-,"
"Different, yeah," Will smiled. "You say it a lot."
"Well, it's true," Alex cleared his throat. "I needed to get you something good. Something that proved you're, uh, you know, important to me. I thought about it and I knew there was only one thing for you."
Alex pulled his hands from behind his back, showing his Winnie the Pooh Bear. He shoved it in Will's arms.
"When I moved in with my dad and Adrienne," Alex explained, "this was all I had. Well, besides clothes and stuff. But this was all I had of my mom. I'd sleep with it at night and cling to it when I'd get ignored. It's the only thing from my childhood I ever kept. And I want you to have it."
Will looked at the well-worn bear. The faded red shirt, the stitching coming loose in some spots. Smooshed from years of cuddling.
Will could picture a tiny Alex clinging to the bear. The way Will saw Alex clinging when he was sick. Alex wasn't the sentimental type. He didn't keep many possessions but he kept this bear for two decades.
And now he's giving it to me, Will held the bear close, breathing it in. It smelled like Alex.
Will smiled up at Alex's nervous expression.
"I love it," Will declared.
"Right," Alex let out a slow exhale. "I knew you would."
"Sure," Will teased. "I'm serious, though. I know how much this means to you."
"You mean more," Alex whispered.
Will didn't get to respond as their takeout arrived. But he never once stopped smiling.
The two sat at a small round glass table to eat. Will knew tonight was important so he didn't eat too much this time.
When they finished, Will put the leftovers away. When Will wasn't looking, Alex pulled out a bottle opener and a bottle of champagne.
Alex wanted tonight to be special for the both of them. While the first time they slept together was amazing, Alex knew this had to mean more, be more.
He'd never put much effort into sex before. It was something that just happened. He wasn't even sure what he should do or what Will would appreciate.
Alex was nervous and hoped it didn't show.
"I'll be right back," Alex muttered as he headed for the master bath. He took the champagne with him.
The bathroom was part of the reason he picked the apartment. It was large with a separate shower and a freestanding white tub. A dual-sided fireplace connected the bathroom and the bedroom.
Trying to ease his nerves, Alex turned on the gas fireplace. After, he turned on the faucet to fill the bathtub. He stole a bunch of little samples from the hotel. So, Alex poured in a few packets of bubble bath inside.
Taking a few soothing breaths, Alex lit a few candles. When his mother insisted he buy them, he couldn't think of why he would ever need them.
Found a use for them now.
"Kitten, come here!" Alex yelled, turning off the lights. He popped the bottle of champagne and filled two glass flutes he put in there earlier.
"What?" Will asked. He stopped inside the doorway, head in his new book. His mouth fell open when he saw the romantic setting. "What's this?"
"Your birthday," Alex mumbled, trying not to fidget. He thrust a glass toward Will as he threw back his own.
Will grinned, taking the glass. "Thank you."
"Yeah, well," Alex refilled his glass, clinking it together with Will's. "I just wanted you wet and naked."
Will laughed, kicking off his shoes. The two took off their clothes, sharing heated looks as more and more skin appeared.
The warmth from the fireplace heated the entire space. But still Will's skin tingled, goosebumps spread up and down his body. He couldn't stop looking at Alex. At his chiseled muscles, the deep v leading to his groin. The planes of his stomach, the ridges of his abs, the tufts of dark chest hair.
Alex had a similar problem. He couldn't keep his eyes off Will's body. His biceps and defined pecs, the liberal smattering of beauty marks. The thickness of Will's thighs and the curve of his ass. His wide shoulders emphasizing his narrow waist.
Will couldn't stand it any longer. He stepped into the bubbly, warm water and beckoned Alex toward him.
"Come here," Will crooked his finger, holding out his hands.
It took a bit of maneuvering. Alex's legs didn't quite fit. He had to anchor his feet on the edge of the tub while Will sat between Alex's legs. Back to Alex's chest, Will lifted up a handful of bubbles and blew them, chuckling.
"This is nice," Will said, eyes closing. He leaned his head back to rest on Alex's shoulder.
"Better than I thought," Alex admitted, running his hands up and down Will's arms.
Alex opened a bottle of shampoo and poured it into his hand. He took his time cleaning Will's hair, massaging his scalp even cupping his large hands with water to rinse it.
When Will tried to reciprocate, Alex held him in place. Tonight was all about Will. Alex wanted to worship every inch of him.
Alex poured a large amount of body wash into his hands, rubbing Will's shoulders, chest, and arms.
"Can I try something?" Will asked, boneless against Alex.
"Your birthday, do whatever you want," Alex mumbled. He dug his thumbs into the base of Will's skull.
Will reached over the edge of the tub. It took a bit of useless searching since Will didn't want to move out of Alex's arms. He grabbed the edge of his book and lifted.
Will thumbed through the pages until he found a poem he thought Alex would appreciate. Under the light of the candles and the fireplace, with Alex massaging him, Will began to read William Blake's, "The Clod and the Pebble".
Love seeketh not Itself to please,
Nor for itself hath any care,
But for another gives its ease,
And builds a Heaven in Hell's despair.
So sung a little Clod of Clay
Trodden with the cattle's feet,
But a Pebble of the brook
Warbled out these metres meet:
Love seeketh only self to please,
To bind another to its delight,
Joys in another's loss of ease,
And builds a Hell in Heaven's despite.
"Did you just call me a clod?" Alex asked when Will finished. His fingers paused.
"You called me a parasite," Will laughed. He wiggled his shoulders up and down. "Go back, please."
Alex exhaled through his nose, air prickling the back of Will's neck. He followed directions, though, hands rubbing and sliding up and down Will's shoulders.
Will flipped through his book until he found what he was looking for. It was the entire reason he wanted the book.
"I think you'll like this one," Will said. "It's called "Love Song for Alex" by Margaret Walker."
My monkey-wrench man is my sweet patootie;
the lover of my life, my youth and age.
My heart belongs to him and to him only;
the children of my flesh are his and bear his rage.
Now grown to years advancing through the dozens
the honeyed kiss, the lips of wine and fire fade blissfully into the distant years of yonder
but all my days of Happiness and wonder
are cradled in his arms and eyes entire.
They carry us under the waters of the world
out past the starposts of a distant planet
And creeping through the seaweed of the ocean
they tangle us with ropes and yarn of memories
where we have been together, you and I.
Alex grabbed the book from Will and tossed it to the tile floor. He turned Will around, water sloshing everywhere, so he could stare into Will's lidded eyes.
Will smiled as Alex cupped his face, stroking the apple of his cheek. He left a trail of faint bubbles along Will's skin.
Alex looked between Will's eyes and his lips for a few long seconds. He took a big breath before pressing their lips together.
Will relaxed into the kiss. Moving so he hovered over Alex, fingers tangled in his hair. Will never felt so relaxed, so connected to another human being before. But right here, right now, he trusted Alex with every bit of his body and soul.
Alex pushed his tongue into Will's mouth. He gripped Will's face harder when their tongues brushed. He groaned when Will sucked his tongue.
Alex sat up higher in the tub, more water spilling over the edge. He traced his hands from Will's face down to his shoulders. There was just enough water in the tub to cover almost every part of them. The only thing exposed was the curve of Will's back and the pale, round globes of his ass.
"Fucking hell," Alex praised when his hands slid down Will's wet back to grab his ass. His lips trailed down Will's neck, tongue tracing the shell of Will's ear.
Will's mouth fell open, head falling back. It caused his back to curve even higher.
"Alex," Will moaned, hips searching for some friction.
"I know, kitten," Alex whispered, sucking Will's ear into his mouth.
"I-I can't wait anymore," Will pleaded. "Alex, please."
"I got you," Alex promised. He pushed Will so they both were sitting up, holding onto his shoulders. "You trust me?"
Will didn't have to think about it. He knew without a doubt.
"Always," Will answered, looking Alex in the eyes.
Alex nodded, letting out a shaky laugh. He licked his lips, smiling. "Don't freak out, okay?"
Will's forehead wrinkled, nose scrunched.
Alex grabbed the body wash again, squeezing some into his hand. He wrapped an arm around Will's waist to hold him steady. He slid the hand covered in soap between Will's cheeks.
Will jumped but didn't move away. He held onto Alex, mouthing at his shoulder as Alex cleaned him.
Rinsing away the soap, Alex told Will, "grab the edge of the tub."
As Alex moved behind him, Will leaned forward, holding onto the tub. Despite how much he trusted Alex, he was still nervous.
Alex took a few moments to admire the sight before him. Will, wet and naked, back arched, ass upturned, it was Alex's favorite fantasy.
"Still trust me?" Alex whispered into Will's ear, wrapping his arms around Will from behind.
"Uh-huh," Will mumbled, fists turning white from his hard grip on the tub.
"I've been waiting for this moment from the first time I laid eyes on you," Alex said. He placed a light kiss on the back of Will's neck. Kissing and licking down Will's spine, digging his teeth into a tempting looking birthmark on his side.
Alex crouched down, holding onto Will's hips. "Fuck," he praised, spreading Will open.
Will was wet and clean, smelling of soap. Alex took his time, nosing around Will's crack, kissing one cheek and then the other.
Will shivered with the first lick of Alex's warm tongue. "Oh, God," Will fell forward, no longer able to hold himself up.
Alex followed after Will, chasing his taste. He knew he was holding onto Will too tight, that he'd leave marks but he didn't care. Alex waited so long for this moment. All those months of coveting Will's ass, Alex wasn't going to waste a single moment of it.
Will gasped when Alex kissed and tongued him harder, working him over.
"Alex," Will groaned.
"Fuck, yes," Alex said when Will arched his back even higher. He buried his face in Will's ass, biting and licking.
Will shuddered when he felt the tip of Alex's tongue inside him. He'd never felt anything like it. It was so good and strange and Will wanted more. It had been so long since anyone touched him.
"Alex," Will thrust back to meet Alex's tongue. "Touch me, right now."
Alex slid his left hand around Will's waist. He fisted Will's leaking cock, twisting his wrist.
Will couldn't stop moaning, loud and unreserved. He rocked back wanting to get as much of Alex's tongue as he could.
It took no time at all for Will to come. But Alex kept eating him out.
"Baby," Will whined, wriggling his hips.
Alex bit the side of Will's cheek in response. "M'not done yet."
He spit at Will's hole, using his thumb to spread it around. "When was the last time anyone touched you here?"
Will swallowed, dick twitching painfully, already interested again. "When I was with you. You're the only one that's ever touched me like this."
Alex groaned loud and long, sounding like an animal. That turned him on more than it should. He slurped his thumb into his mouth, wetting it. Being as gentle as possible, Alex pressed it inside Will.
They both moaned at the same time. Will felt so hot around him, so tight.
"Gonna have to spend so much time stretching you open," Alex said, sounding so eager it made Will smile.
Alex knew if he tried anything more than his thumb without any proper lube it would get uncomfortable. He didn't want Will uncomfortable, not even for a second. But he also didn't want to leave the warmth of the tub, didn't want to leave Will.
"Come here," Alex requested, pulling his thumb away.
Alex helped Will stand on shaky legs. Will's eyes locked on Alex's hard, straining cock. It had been so long since he had a good look at it.
Will wasn't like Alex. He wasn't obsessed with a specific body part like Alex was with his ass. He loved Alex's abs but he wasn't fixated. He didn't have to touch them all the time like Alex and his ass. But the longer Will looked at Alex's dick, the shape, the length, the more Will wanted to touch and taste, worship.
Alex relished the look in Will's eyes.
"See something you like?" Alex asked with a smirk as he threw a gray towel at Will.
Will nodded, licking his lips. He dried himself as fast as he could.
"Come here," Alex ordered. He rushed into his bedroom, going straight for a plastic bag he left on a dresser. He bought a whole new box of condoms and a large bottle of lube, the kind with a pump. He threw out everything he already had. He wanted to start over, have something that they only shared with each other.
Will couldn't wait that long. He dropped to his knees in front of Alex, hands wrapping around the base of Alex's dick.
Alex, condom in hand, threw his head back when Will touched him. He fisted Alex so perfectly, warm, wet mouth licking him up and down with just the right amount of pressure.
Will wasn't tentative this time. He opened his mouth as wide as he could, trying to take as much as he could. Annoyed he couldn't fit it all, Will twisted his fist in one direction while his mouth went the other.
Alex pushed back Will's hair. He wanted to hold Will tight, fuck his pretty little face. But not tonight, not now.
"Alright, kitten," Alex eased Will off. He cursed when he saw Will wiping his mouth, slurping up his precome.
"Couldn't help it," Will said, voice low and scratchy. He kept a hold of Alex, fingers trailing up and down. "Wanna take you all."
Alex shivered, dick twitching. "Fuck, you have no idea how much I want that. But right now, I want you spread out on my fingers."
Will pouted up at Alex, eyeing him through his lashes. Giving Alex a featherlight kiss on the tip of his dick, Will said, "can't I have both?"
"Both?" Alex swallowed.
"It's my birthday," Will said, tongue swiping along the underside of Alex's cock. "Don't I get what I want?"
Alex made a loud gurgling sound before dropping to the floor. He lied flat on his back and said, "fuck, you can have whatever you want."
Will grinned, arranging himself so his ass hovered Alex's face while he went back to devouring Alex's cock.
"Goddamn," Alex moaned to himself. "Should be your birthday every day."
Alex spread lube along Will's crack and all over his fingers. He took his time spreading Will open while Will practiced taking Alex into his throat. Every time Will got close to taking it all, Alex would pound the ground with his free hand. Cursing and groaning, doing everything he could not to come yet.
"Fuck, kitten, you gotta fucking stop," Alex begged.
Will, choking a bit, popped off Alex's cock. He looked over his shoulder at Alex's sweat soaked, flushed face. "You gonna fuck me now, baby?"
Alex growled. He got up as fast as he could, grabbing Will by the hips and flipping him over. The two kissed and kissed, rolling the other over, fighting for control.
After Alex calmed down a bit, coming down from the edge, they stopped. Alex ripped open his condom as fast as he could, spreading it over himself with a fresh pump of lube.
He took a moment to savor the sight of Will. Will's chest heaved up and down, a beautiful rosy glow in his cheeks and chest. They ended up right in front of the fireplace on a soft rug. The only sound besides their heavy breathing was the crackle of the fire.
Alex kissed Will over and over as he settled between Will's open legs.
Alex reached forward, touching Will's face. "You're the only one I've ever waited for. The only one I've ever felt anything for."
Will couldn't stop smiling, couldn't stop looking at Alex.
"Come here," Alex pulled Will into a kiss. He poured his everything into it. Wanted to make sure Will knew without a doubt how he felt.
Will pushed his fingers through Alex's damp hair, kissing him just as hard.
While kissing, Alex lined himself up with Will, sinking inside. They held eye contact the whole time. Hips meeting each other, mouths open in shameless moans.
It felt like hours, thrusting and groaning, kissing and biting. Will came first, shouting Alex's name as tears lined his eyes.
"I got you, kitten," Alex promised, grinding into Will. "I'm not letting you go. I got you."
Will cried, moaning and shaking, legs locked tight around Alex.
"Alex," Will whimpered, breath hitching when Alex continued thrusting into him. "Baby."
"Fuck," Alex put his hands on either side of Will's ears, pumping harder and faster.
With Will touching him, kissing the side of his neck, whispering sweet nothings that never would have turned him on before, Alex came.
The two ran their hands through the other's hair. Kissing and kissing until it grew too uncomfortable for them both.
Alex pulled out of Will, tossing the condom. He moved into the bathroom, blowing out all the candles. He grabbed a towel and moved as fast as he could back to Will.
"Fuck," Alex said, dropping to his knees next to Will. "You're so fucking beautiful."
Will smiled, wiping underneath his eyes as Alex cleaned them both up. "You're amazing."
Alex didn't respond with a smirk and a cocky comeback. Instead, he pulled Will into another kiss, holding him tight.
Neither felt like moving. Instead, Alex yanked the comforter and pillows off the bed. Will rested his head on Alex's chest, fingers playing with his chest hair. He kissed above Alex's heart, sighing.
"This was the best birthday I've ever had," Will confessed.
Alex made a noise of agreement. His hands spread along Will's back, gliding up and down.
"Will?" Alex asked after a few moments.
"Hmm?" Will asked, so relaxed and sated.
"I-uh-well-I-I just wanted to say, I mean-I feel," Alex tripped over his words. His tongue felt sloppy and useless, words failing him.
"Alex?" Will smiled. He knew what Alex wanted to say. He sat up to look him in the eyes.
"Yeah?" Alex answered, welcoming the distraction.
"I'm sorry I didn't take a chance on you before," Will said. When Alex look confused, Will elaborated. "The first time we slept together, I felt so much. I wanted you so much but I didn't take that leap. I didn't have any faith in you then. So, I'm sorry. I know now that you're worth it. You've always been worth it."
"It's okay," Alex said with a soft smile. "I was too chicken shit to take a chance on you either."
"I think things played out the way they're meant to," Will grabbed Alex's hand. "Because without all the bullshit and the drama, we wouldn't be here. And I wouldn't know how in love with you I am."
Will looked into Alex's eyes. He wanted Alex to know how serious he was, how he meant every word.
Alex opened and closed his mouth several times. He tried to tell Will before in the day. The words just wouldn't come. He still had a small part of himself that felt terrified of rejection. But knowing Will felt it too took that anxiety away.
Alex always feared that hearing those words would ruin everything. Make it feel like walls were closing in on him but they didn't. It felt freeing.
Alex cupped Will's face with both hands, kissing him.
Will leaned into the kiss. He didn't need Alex to say it back. He felt it in every kiss, every touch, every look. No words could ever do justice to how much Alex loved him.
Foreheads pressed together, lips brushing against the others', Alex said, "I'm so fucking in love with you."
Will pulled away to look into Alex's dark blue eyes.
"There are my dimples," Will said, admiring the wide grin on Alex's face.
Will kissed Alex again, longer and harder.
The two fell asleep wrapped in each other's arms, the heat from the fireplace keeping them warm. Neither had ever slept so deep, so at ease as they did that night. Nothing and no one could touch them now.
Author's note:
Sorry for the delay. My internet went down as soon as I went to post this yesterday.
Thanks for reading and please let me know what you thought.