AN: I'm sorry it took me so long to update. Well, long for me at least but… Yeah… I wrote half of this and then I saw 5x15 and couldn't find the strength to do much until now. I hope everyone is holding up okay. Holding up better than I anyway. I promise to really try and get another chapter out before this Sunday because I have a terrible feeling that I'll probably be broken for a while after it. But try and enjoy this chapter! I'll really try to have something sweet for the next one because we'll need it. Xx

Will was most definitely nervous as he rode the elevator up to Alicia's apartment. He was expecting to be thanked very generously when he had showed up at her door that morning. He certainly wasn't expecting the very distant thing he got, whatever it was. He had wanted to show her that he was very concerned about her and her family, but apparently that didn't come across so well when he saw her. He was hoping for more that evening though.

The elevator stopped and he walked to her door. He stood there for a minute to prepare himself. He was going to be having dinner with Alicia, her kids and Grace's boyfriend, Will told himself. He had to get it is in head. It was definitely an odd situation to be in, but he needed to show Alicia that he was going to be there for all of that. He was up for it. He knocked lightly on the door and heard soft footsteps come towards the door. It opened slowly and behind the door was his beaming Alicia.

"Hey." She said softly, yet full of joy.

"Hi. Sorry I'm a little late." He hadn't meant to be but he didn't expect the traffic he got into.

"It's fine, Will. Really." She smiled widely at him and open the door further to let him in. Will brushed past her and left a quick kiss on her cheek as he entered the apartment. He heard her shut the door and turned back around to look at her. She spun around to see him and he shook his head slightly.

"What?" She said slowly, unsure of why he was looking at her.

"Nothing. I guess I'm just nervous." She took a deep breath and stepped closer to him. She gently rested her hands in his chest.

"You'll do great, I know it." She looked at him, her eyes full of excitement and encouragement. Will didn't know if that was what she was feeling but it made him feel better to know she was trying to comfort him. He loved it. She gave him a small smile and walked to the doorway through to the living room.

"Grace, Will's here." Alicia turned her head back to Will who hadn't moved yet, but he eventually took the small steps forward and saw Grace sitting on the couch with her school books around her, as well as a young man who Will could only assume was her boyfriend. They both moved out from underneath their study materials and went closer to the adults.

"Hi Grace. Good to see you." Will smiled warmly to the girl and she returned the smile, just as warm, which reassured Will somewhat. She could just be being polite.

"Hi Mr. Gardner." Will chuckled softly, hearing Alicia's daughter use such a formal greeting was a strange thing to him.

"You can call me Will." Grace nodded and smiled again.

"This is Connor, my.. boyfriend." Will noticed her slight pause before saying boyfriend, and he felt Alicia take in a sharper breath beside him. The boy reached out his hand.

"Nice to meet you, sir." Will took the kids hand and appreciated the strong grip, you can tell a lot about a person from their handshake. Or at least that was what people always said, Will couldn't tell anything about a person from their handshake.

"Really, everybody call me Will." Everyone chuckled together, and they all felt the awkwardness in the air fall away. Will was gradually feeling way better about the whole night, and he knew Alicia would feel the same. He was nervous for himself but he was even more nervous for her. Her kids were everything to her and he knew she would feel a lot of anxiety about how well the dinner went.

"Oh, mom, I got text from Zach a few minutes ago that he would be late. He said to start without him…" Grace mentioned in a guarded tone.

"Oh, okay. Thanks Grace." Alicia said, and her face changed from something happy to disappointment. "I'll check the food. It should be ready soon." She smiled to try and show that she was okay with Zach not being there for dinner, but obviously Will and probably Grace knew better. Connor was not interested, but Will wondered if Grace would say something to him. Will followed Alicia into the kitchen after giving a slight nod to the kids.

"I'm sorry Zach couldn't be here for dinner." He said to her in the most neutral tone he could manage. He didn't want to sound sympathetic to her; he knew she wouldn't accept it.

"It's fine, I know he'll be here at some point." She opened the oven and looked inside at whatever she had cooking. "Ten more minutes I think." She mumbled.

"Smells great, what is it?" Will took of the coat he was still wearing and put it on one of the chairs at the counter like he had already done that morning.

"Pasta bake, with some roasted vegetables."

"Sounds good." He tried to show her a smile but she didn't look to him. He watched her as she went to the fridge and got out some salad ingredients.

"Do you want a drink?" She offered, and briefly looked to him.

"Sure, whatever you're having."

"Some red fine with you?" Her tone kept getting gloomier.

"Perfect." She nodded and got a bottle of wine with two glasses for them. Will was continually getting more concerned about Alicia. She was happy ten minutes before or at least she seemed happy, but now she just appeared nervous and sad. Will hated her being that way.

"Hey." He said with his 'something's up, so tell me' tone. She met his eyes, and he saw that she understood what he was saying in that single word.

"It's nothing, Will. Forget it." But apparently she wouldn't share what was on her mind very easily.

"I'm not buying it." He smiled at her again, brightly, trying to lighten her mood.

"Fine, but I'm only telling you because you're you." She attempted to smile, and Will loved it, whether it was real or not. It was something. Alicia stepped towards Will so that they couldn't be seen from the living room.

"It's just everything, this Grace issue mostly, but something is happening with Zach and I don't know what." She took in a deep breath, reading herself to say more. "She's still crying about it. It only just happened, I don't blame her at all, and I never could. I just wish there was more I could do, Will. It's so frustrating that I can't do more." She said in a whisper just to make sure Grace couldn't hear anything. He hated to see her this way, so concerned about the bad things. He very well knew that she wasn't the type to open up and speak out about her issues, let alone her feelings. She was just private and he understood that, probably better than anyone.

"You're here for her. That's enough. It'd mean the world to her that you're just here." He smiled reassuringly at her.

"I should just trust that Peter has it handled." She said boldly, sure of herself.

"I'm sure he does. He'd never let anything hurt his daughter. No man would." He places his hand on her arm and stroked his hand up and down, comforting her. "Everything will be okay, Alicia. We'll have a great dinner and Zach will be here afterwards and we'll still all have time to get acquainted. It'll be great. I promise."

"You're right. I'm just worrying too much."

"You worry enough, you need to stop." He laughed softly with her and pulled her in for a warm hug.

"Okay, I'll get dinner ready. Can you help set up the table?" She asked him.

"Anything for you." He said with his best loving voice.

"That was the best meal I've ever had." Will said extremely enthusiastically at the dinner table. They had just finished their food and it went better than anyone expected. Conversation never lacked, it didn't get awkward. Will was nervous about what he would be able to talk to about Grace and her boyfriend but they found some common ground; travelling. Will told them all about his trip to Italy after college, and they hung off of every word. Alicia had heard about everything during his backpacking experience, but not for years so she was listening closely to all his embellishments on the stories, included with hand gestures, loud noises he made and raised voices. Connor told everyone at the table of his Thailand plans and Alicia found herself almost approving of it. She knew she shouldn't have to approve of it, but it was what a mother does when her daughter is involved with a boy. Will found himself wanting to take a trip there himself and be a part of the gigantic water fight. He'd heard rumblings of the event over the years but now that he was hearing more details he found it exciting. He hadn't had a lot of time to get out in the world and explore anymore.

"You were just talking about the amazing food you had in Italy, I hardly think mine compares." Alicia said light-heartedly.

"Think what you would like but this was the best thing I've eaten. Way better than hand-made fettuccini in Rome." He smiled brightly, and he caught a small giggle from Grace. Alicia just rolled her eyes and started to reach around the table for everyone's empty plates.

"Oh, I'll help with that." Connor stated and collected his plate along with Grace's.

"You don't have to."

"It's okay. I'd like to." Will looked over to Alicia and smiled and nodded slowly, almost telling her that he was a good kid and probably good for Grace.

"Well thank you, Connor." She said and he just smiled to her and took the plates into the kitchen, immediately rinsing them in the sink. Alicia soon followed with the serving dishes. Will just leaned back into his chair and exhaled loudly.

"I'm sorry Zach couldn't be here for this." Grace said.

"Don't worry about it Grace. We had a great time without him, didn't we?" He asked her, unsure of how she might answer.

"Yeah, it was great." She smiled kindly at him and looked across the table and into the kitchen. Will noticed her gaze become sweeter and she smirked a little. He turned his attention into the kitchen and saw Connor bent over the sink still rinsing dishes and then turning to load them into the dishwasher. Will didn't want to feel out of place by saying anything to Grace, but he knew that look on a girl's face while looking at a boy.

"You really like him." Grace whipped her head around and looked a little shocked, and embarrassed that Will caught her eyeing Connor. Will definitely felt like he over stepped his guest boundaries.

"I… Yeah, I do." She answered him coyly, and dropped her head to look into her lap. Will was shocked that she had answered him, he wasn't expecting it. He was a little touched that she felt comfortable enough to say it. He started to choose his next words carefully. He looked back into the kitchen and watched Alicia, remembering how he had felt when he first saw her and then when they started to be friends. His eyes glazed over a little when he saw her carefully maneuver around Connor but ultimately kept bumping into him. She'd laugh to herself and shake her head. He could hear them talking but didn't pick up a strong of words to know what it was about.

"You really like her." Grace shyly said to him. He looked to her, his mouth parted a bit, contemplating her words. He just sighed in defeat, she'd got him.

"Yeah, I do." She smiled to him kindly.

"She really likes you." Of course Will already knew this, but it meant something when Grace said it. It just meant more. During their time together a couple years ago Alicia hadn't wanted Will to meet her kids. It was probably just going to cause suspicions in their household so he understood. This time it felt more real because Alicia was allowing him into her home life. He knew he was completely accepted in her own personal life, but now with the kids, it just seemed better.

Everyone heard the front door open up and Zach call out.

"I'm home." Will heard the unenthusiastic tone in his voice. He got up from his chair and walked into the kitchen, looking down the hallway to the door Zach had just entered. The door was half open with Zach standing in front of it. Alicia walked past Will, gently placing her hand on his arm then letting it fall away as she continued to welcome her son. He watched her hug him tightly, she had really missed his company. She pulled back and looked out the door, her gaze lingered. The door started to open more and Will saw Peter standing at the doorway. Peter definitely saw Will because his posture became more poised and he looked irritated by seeing who was in his children's home. Will let his eyes fall onto Alicia who only looked awkward, she wasn't expecting it clearly. Which reassured Will somewhat, he thought. Grace appeared out from the living room doorway and smiled brightly when she saw her father. She went to him immediately and hugged him.

"Connor!" Grace called out, and Will looked to the boy who was standing by the fridge. He looked scared, nervous. He was about to meet the father. Will felt for him, it was never easy meeting the dad. Connor squeezed past him and joined the small gathering by the door. Zach mumbled something to Peter and gave him a wave then disappeared into the apartment. Alicia walked slowly back to Will who still didn't know if he had moved at all throughout witnessing all of this.

"I didn't know he was going to drop Zach off." She said softly to him as she reached him.

"Alicia, it's fine. You don't have to explain. It happens." He smiled at her, he really did understand. He wasn't in any position to object to any of it anyhow.

"So…?" She prompted him.

"So?"

"Do you think dinner was successful?" He couldn't tell if she was asking just for his own answer, or to assure herself of the night.

"It was great. Just like I promised. Grace is a special girl. She's pretty smart." He laughed at how odd he sounded. He didn't know what else to say, but it seemed enough to Alicia who looked incredibly relieved. He would have given her a small kiss but Peter was still at the door and probably watching their every move while trying to listen to his daughter speak so highly of her boyfriend.

"She is, isn't she?" Alicia smiled proudly. "I'm going to go get Zach." She took a deep and nervous breath in and left the room. Will flickered his attention over to Grace and Peter. He tried to listen out for any words being said. He didn't want to pry on their conversation but he was interested.

"I don't even know how you could think that!" Will heard Grace yell. He focused his attention to the goings-on at the door and saw Grace stomp away and towards her bedroom. Peter looked a little defeated and confused, Connor seemed uncomfortable to say the least. Will quickly thought whether he should interrupt them and see what had happened. He was probably going to always be in that space where he felt like he should do something to show his support of Alicia's kids but it was most likely going to be seen as over-stepping. He decided against his better conscious and walked to the door.

"Peter." He nodded respectfully to the man.

"Will." It was harsh, like snake bite.

"Everything okay?"

"I'd stick to my own business, Gardner." Will was expecting that. He knew he was encroaching but he kept going.

"Connor, is all good here?" Will tried that approach but the boy just looked intimidated and nodded tentatively.

"I guess that's all, Connor. I'll see you around." Peter said to the kid.

"Nice to meet you sir." He said quickly and made his way back inside with his head down low. Will couldn't let it slide. He knew that he had really only just met Grace and her boyfriend, and Peter would always be within his rights to try and intimidate his daughter's boyfriend but he had upset Grace and it didn't sit right with Will somewhere in his body.

"Scaring him, are we?"

"What are you doing here, Will? I thought you had moved away." His tone was bitter, he wasn't hiding behind anything apparently.

"I'm in town visiting."

"Oh, visiting? Is that all?"

"What did you say to that boy?" Will shot back, irritated.

"Get your nose out of it, Will. It doesn't concern you." Will then suddenly felt a hand rest on his back.

"Will." Alicia said softly to him. He turned to see her and she looked serious. It was his time to leave them alone to talk. "Go to the bedroom." She sternly said. Not sternly to him but she was in a serious mother mode and he eyed Peter viciously before he left. He was walking into her bedroom but still heard Peter faintly before Will got into the room.

"Oh, the bedroom. Nice one Alicia." Will closed the door and didn't care to try and listen to that conversation. He would never cross that line, he knew that if Alicia wanted Will to know whatever it was she would openly tell him. So Will would always respect her privacy, it was one thing she would always keep to herself, and rightfully so. It's all that everyone deserved.

It had been ten minutes before Will even heard the raised voices. Five minutes after that and he heard Alicia and Peter yelling at each other. He waited patiently, sitting on the end of her bed. The front door slammed shut and Alicia opened her bedroom door. She stepped in and breathed deeply, calming herself down.

"I have to talk to Grace quickly." She smiled sweetly at Will but exhaustion hit her face while doing so. He knew it wasn't easy, and Will started to feel guilty about saying anything to Peter. He knew it was a bad idea but he couldn't stop himself.

Another ten minutes had passed and then Alicia re-entered her bedroom, dropping her body down next to Will's and leaning her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. She pulled back shortly and stood back up.

"He's impossible! There is no reasoning with him at all." She threw her hands around in frustration.

"About what?"

"Grace was so nervous and having to introduce Connor to him, and you know what Peter does?" Will started to shake his head but she kept going without waiting for his reaction. "He asks the kid if he went onto that disgusting site to watch Grace! Threatens him that if he did then Grace would never be allowed to see him again. He didn't even have the decency to shield Grace from any of this, just asked him right in front of her!" Will didn't know what to say. He wanted to say something would comfort her, maybe telling her that he's just a jackass, but he knew that wouldn't help at all. Will wanted to tell Peter he was being a jackass, but on some insane level he almost understood Peter for asking it. Granted, he shouldn't have done it in front of Grace but he was only being concerned for his daughter.

"He definitely shouldn't have said it in front of Grace." He finally said.

"He shouldn't have said it at all." She said swiftly. Will took in a deep breath, trying to hold back his own opinion, but she recognized it that he wasn't saying something.

"What?" She asked slowly.

"I shouldn't say anything. It's your thing."

"Will, I'm telling you. I want you to know. I would like you to say something. I mean, if we are going to give us a go then you should probably get a say it things like these. I think." She looked confused. "I'm not sure how it actually works, but I would like your opinion." He wasn't sure if he should say anything how he really thought, but he took in her point about trying to make it work she he had to be honest. Honesty was everything.

"Okay, I do really think he shouldn't have said it with Grace standing there but on some level I understand where he is coming from." He observed her take that in and try to swallow it. It apparently wasn't going down well.

"You, Will Gardner, understand something that Peter Florrick did?" Complete disbelief in her voice.

"I think he was just watching out for his daughter."

"Will, you don't have kids, you think you understand but you don't." She said very nonchalantly. Will didn't appreciate the comment and he stood up.

"So just because I don't have kids I can't understand when a father would try to protect his daughter?" He threw his arms out beside him, as if he were in court and proving his point to the jury and the judge.

"No, Will, I'm sorry. But yes, you don't know until you are a parent yourself."

"Then I don't know why you even asked for my opinion."

"I thought you would agree with me."

"So I can only have an opinion about something if it matches what you think?" He started to raise his voice louder and sound harsher. He didn't like what she was saying.

"No, but I just figured—"

"Figured what?" He interrupted her. "That I can have a part in your kid's lives if it suits you? That I can be here but only if I'm already signed up to be on your side about every issue?" He said with that venom that he used towards her a few months ago. She was taken aback and she couldn't grasp on his words to form a response. Then she began to get her footing.

"None of that is true, and you know it. But you can't come here out of the blue in the middle of a family crisis and think everything is hunky-dory. You can't seriously think that showing up at my door in the morning will make these problems fade away. That is what you don't understand. When you have kids to look out for, everything comes first with them and we can't always just run away for a day and expect it to be okay. It's a huge process, it's hard."

"So is this about me coming by this morning? I only wanted to say hi when I arrived." That wasn't true, he wanted to let her know that he would be there for her instantly if she was going through something big, but apparently a gesture like that wasn't viewed as a nice gesture at all.

"No. Not really. Not entirely at least. I'm just saying that… I don't know! I feel guilty for not being here for my kids when you can so easily just be here for me. I should have been here!"

"So this is about you coming to New York? You blame me for all of this happening because you were with me?"

"No, Will! I don't blame you. I just shouldn't have tried to escape just because I didn't have my kids here."

"You are blaming me! I asked you to come. You wouldn't have if I never asked you." She stopped saying anything. She stopped defending her actions to visit him. She really was blaming him. "You know what? I'm just going to go. I'll let you sort this one out. I'm not a parent so I shouldn't have any say in the matters at hand." He walked past her and opened the bedroom door. He retrieved his coat from the kitchen and walked towards the front door.

"Will." She pleaded with him as he walked past her.

"Tell Grace and Connor I had a good time at dinner. I'm sorry I missed Zach and the chance to talk with them all more." He said monotonously, he opened the door and paused before he left. He looked towards her and gave her a moment of eye contact. He didn't know what his face showed. It could have been anything ranging from being hurt to extreme anger, but he couldn't tell, he wasn't sure he cared. He left and closed the door behind him. He walked into the elevator and didn't know if he should just go to his hotel or go for a drink somewhere. He didn't want to have a fight with Alicia. Everything was going well and then Peter showed up. He should have kept his mouth shut. If he did then Peter and Alicia probably wouldn't have yelled so loudly. If he did then he wouldn't have that ridiculous fight with Alicia. It was completely irrational, none of what they said made any sense, and they didn't mean it. At least Will didn't mean anything he said.

He decided not to dwell on it at the moment. He had to shake it all off first. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. He scrolled through his contacts until he found her number. He dialed and pressed the phone to his hear. It picked up after the third ring.

"Will." She said his name like in was an inevitability.

"Hey K."

"What's up?"

"Honesty sucks."

"Yup." They both paused for a minute.

"Wanna grab a drink?" He eventually asked.

"Yup."