November, 2015
Thanksgiving Day
"Here you go," Will slid a set of brass keys across the expanse of his office desk. "I hope you enjoy living here."
"Thank you," a young woman, the newest tenant of the Brady Pub, answered. "I still can't believe the price for this place."
"Well," Will stood up and ushered the woman to the door. "I'm glad you were able to snatch this place up before anyone else."
"Thanks," the young woman answered. "It'll be so much better than living on campus."
"Oh, that I do know," Will agreed. Although, his dorm room was rather nice.
"If you don't mind I'll start moving in right away," the woman informed Will.
"By all means, go right ahead," Will insisted. "Just make sure you lock the door to the back entrance every time you enter and exit."
"Of course," she smiled at Will. "I better get going. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!"
"You too," Will said. He watched her walk out the back entrance, using her key for the first time. After, Will moved back to his desk.
It would take time adjusting to the fact that Paul no longer lived above the pub. Will got used to seeing him so often at work. Ari, as well, would take it hard. Whenever Ari had to be at the pub for an extended period Paul would let her hang out in his apartment.
I always knew Paul deserved a nicer place, though, Will thought. Now, he gets to live in the same condo building as Grandma and John. He'll love that. It's a lot closer to the rec center anyway.
Paul couldn't live here forever.
Will rummaged around his office for a stack of folders he left there the night before. He needed to fax the contents to the pub's accountant if Will wanted the books done for that month.
It took a few months but Will realized it was silly for him to try to do everything himself at the pub. It was much easier and less stressful to let a professional handle it. The pub was making enough money for Will to offset the expenses. Despite what his new tenant thought, Will was charging her much more than he did Paul.
Everyone is happy with the pub's progress at least, Grandma Caroline, Kayla, Paul. That's all that matters.
I'm sure Grandpa Shawn would be proud of me as well, Will smiled.
Knock Knock
"Hey, boss," Adam smiled as he poked his head into the office. "We just sold our last pie."
"Already?" Will checked his Fitbit for the time. "It's not even nine yet."
"Those pies are damn good," Adam declared. "My mom bought like ten of them."
"For tonight?" Will asked, surprised.
"No," Adam shook his head. "She just likes pie."
"She likes pie or you like pie?" Will wondered. Their baker often had to shoo Adam out of the kitchen whenever she was baking.
"Rude," Adam huffed pretending to be offended.
Adam turned to leave when Will called out, "Wait!"
"What's up?" Adam asked turning back around.
"Did you ask him?" Will stared at Adam pointedly.
"Did I ask who?" Adam stalled.
"Don't play dumb," Will insisted. "You know what I mean. Did you ask Jude to homecoming or not?"
"Um," Adam rubbed his elbow. "Well, about that, you see…"
"Did you chicken out?" Will demanded. "Honestly, Adam. He's crazy about you. He's not gonna say no. He spends half his shift shooting heart eyes in your direction."
"I know," Adam smiled, cheeks pink. "I didn't have to ask him because he asked me first."
"What?" Will bounced excitedly in his chair. "And you didn't tell me right away?"
"I was getting around to it," Adam said. "And you were right, okay? He does like me and I do like him."
"Of course, I'm right," Will replied, clapping his hands together. "My favorite waiter is going out with my favorite busboy. I better not find you making out in the break room, though."
"I think you'd like that a little too much to care," Adam joked.
"Oh, please," Will rolled his eyes and laughed. "Get back to work."
"I'm just saying," Adam held up his hands as he back out. "If you went out sometime you wouldn't be so interested in my love life."
"Out!" Will laughed, pointing to the door.
Will didn't want to admit it but Adam was right. He did need to go out more.
Once Will decided to focus on himself and Ari, Will improved drastically. He juggled through various medications before finding a combination that helped his bipolar diagnosis. Will continued with his therapy, dropping down to once a month instead of every week. He still kept up his daily workouts and had never been in better physical health. Even his writing improved. Will didn't know if he would ever write for anyone else again. He enjoyed writing for himself all the same.
Will spent time with T and his new girlfriend or Chad and Theresa every week. He even had a few regular customers that slowly turned into friends. It was nice having friends that weren't also connected to his somewhat estranged husband. Will wasn't lacking in companionship. He did steer clear of any and all romantic entanglements, though. For a long time, Will wouldn't even think about it. He was more than satisfied with his right hand or a secret something he kept hidden in a drawer.
Lately, Will started to miss having a partner. He missed someone holding his hand, kissing him. Missed hands running through his hair or holding down his hips. Even the simple things like someone holding his hand or rolling over in bed and having a warm body to hold onto.
I won't have to miss it for much longer, Will smiled, biting his lip. I hope.
Shaking out of his thoughts, Will grabbed the papers he needed and set up the fax machine. Why his accountant was so old fashioned Will would never know. As he was waiting for the fax to go through, Will spotted a picture of Ari hanging on his wall.
The picture was recent. Ari dressed up as Elsa from Frozen for Halloween. In her arms was Tate dressed as Olaf. Will marveled at how grown up his daughter looked. Theresa braided Ari's hair so she looked just like Elsa in the movie. Somehow, when Will wasn't looking, his daughter grew up. She wasn't so chubby cheeked, so tiny, especially compared to Tate.
She's getting too big, Will bemoaned. She used to fit in one arm.
Worst of all, Will and Ari's bonding time was cut short the previous month when she started preschool. She was only gone for a few hours a day but it was still hard on Will. It was just another way his daughter was growing up too soon.
Thankfully, though, he had plenty of support.
Will would drop Ari off at preschool every morning after she finished breakfast. Will would get in his workout at the rec center before heading to work. Meanwhile, Sonny picked Ari up every day from school. Sometimes they would spend a bit of time together going to the park or getting ice cream. After, Sonny would bring Ari to Will either at the pub or at the apartment.
Even though they weren't back together, Will and Sonny ate dinner with Ari every night they could. Sometimes both of their work schedules didn't line up but they tried their best. Unlike before the stabbing, Will didn't go out of his way to avoid Sonny. They talked. They talked the way they did back when they were friends before they ever started a romantic relationship. Back when they could be open and honest without fear of hurting the other.
During those dinners, Will found out Sonny was seeing a therapist of his own. Will knew how big of a step that was for Sonny and hoped it helped Sonny as much as it helped Will.
Will brought up couples therapy to Lynn at one of their sessions but she adamantly rejected the idea. She insisted that Sonny needed to work on his own issues separately from Will. That couples involved in emotional abuse cases often failed in joint therapy. Will, despite hating the abuse allegation, never brought it up again.
It was nice, though, getting back to the basics with Sonny. Talking, sometimes texting, about everything and nothing. No pressure, no scandal, or lies hanging over their heads just plain and simple friendship. Will didn't even realize how much he missed that part of his relationship with Sonny until he got it back.
Somehow the nature of their relationship changed during their marriage. Part of the reason Will and Sonny worked so well, in the beginning, was due to how often and honestly they talked. For a time, Will could talk to Sonny about anything in the world. He felt safe telling Sonny everything.
Over time, Will and Sonny both began to keep secrets. It became easier for Will to keep things to himself rather than try to explain to Sonny. It was easier to bottle everything up instead of dealing with Sonny's disappointment or judgment.
Now, though, Will felt safe opening up to Sonny again. Sonny tried his hardest to understand Will rather than judge. It was nice having his best friend back. The man that protected Will, encouraged him. The man that guided Will but didn't push. That was the man Will fell in love with not the one from all those months ago.
Even though they were still married, Sonny never pushed for more. He never asked when Will would be ready or what would happen with them. Sonny accepted Will needed time and that when Will knew so would everyone else. Both Will and Sonny were taking things one day at a time.
Along with reconnecting with Sonny, Will's friendship with Paul expanded as well. It wasn't easy for Paul to adjust to having a father and a large extended family. Will was there for Paul when he met Brady for the first time. The first time Marlena put her own pain aside and was officially introduced to Paul. Will even refereed a screaming match between Marlena and Tori once. It was strange and a bit surreal but Will was happy to help.
It was easy for Will, with Paul living at the pub, to see and talk with him. Like with Sonny, Paul never pressed. He never expected more from Will than what Will offered.
Over time, the pain over what Paul did lessened. Will wasn't sure it would ever go away completely but he didn't fear Paul. He trusted that Paul wouldn't hurt him.
Strangely, Will even felt comfortable with Sonny and Paul interacting with each other. The two knew the other was a part of Will's life. They weren't happy about the matter but they accepted it. They tried to get along for Will and Ari's sake. At first, Will analyzed their every action around the other. Trying to catch if there was any tells that would reveal they still had feelings for each other. So far, Will didn't find any. He might even believe the two were completely over each other.
It was an interesting balance for Will. Gaining Sonny and Paul back as friends, settling into a comfortable pattern with Sonny and helping Paul connect with his new family.
It was nice for Will to see Paul finally have a father and a family beyond his mother and grandfather. Even if Will wanted to stay away he couldn't. Paul and Will's family were so interconnected.
In fact, that was where Will headed now. After finishing up at the pub, Will was going to grab all the pies he hid away in the back of the refrigerator. Then he would pick up Ari at Rafe's before going to Marlena's condo for an early Thanksgiving lunch. It was the first time all Marlena and John's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild would be together.
I just need to wait for breakfast to be over so I can close for the day.
Will would be back later for Thanksgiving dinner with the Brady clan.
Will took two steps into the condo before he had children latched onto every part of him they could reach.
"Pies!" Will yelled, juggling the boxes. He sighed in relief as someone took them from his hands before they spilled. "Wow," Will said as he felt several arms clinging to him. "Who do we have here?"
Will somehow managed to walk further into the room, better able to see who was hugging him.
"Johnny," Will shook his brother off his back. "I saw you an hour ago. And you, Allie and Sydney."
His siblings all laughed as they finally let go and ran back to their spots in front of the TV to play video games.
"Who else we got?" Will hummed. "Well, this one is mine," Will grabbed Ari by her armpits and shook her upside down.
"Daddy!" Ari giggled. "Down!"
"Oh, okay," Will gently tossed Ari onto the sofa.
That left two other children attached to his sides.
"Who could you be?" Will tapped his chin, making a show of it while they silently laughed. "Oh, I know," Will lifted both of them up in his arms. "I think it's little Claire and little Roman!"
Will didn't know his cousin Claire well. He received the occasional email with pictures from Belle. But she was sweet and beautiful with a mischievous pair of eyes he knew would one day mean trouble.
"Hi, cutie," Will kissed her cheek before letting her down.
That left his cousin, Roman Roberts, Carrie and Austin's son. Roman was another child he didn't know that well, in fact, they'd never even met in real life. But Will spent more than enough time talking with Austin on the phone that he felt like he knew Roman. The feeling was mutual.
Roman locked his arms around Will's neck and squeezed as tight as his little arms would let him.
"Hey, there, little buddy," Will laughed. "It's nice to see you in person too."
"Don't hog Will, son," Austin wrapped both arms around Will and Roman.
"Did you just get here?" Will asked, leaning into the hug.
"Yep, straight off a ridiculously long flight," Austin said. "You better have an open week because we're spending all our time bothering you."
"It's not bothering," Carrie interrupted. She placed Roman on the ground and hugged Will tight.
"I'll find a way to fit you in," Will promised.
Will watched as Roman ran to join the other kids. Will thought about how strange it was Sami had a child named John Roman and Carrie had a child named Roman John.
Didn't think that one through at all, Will smiled.
After chatting with Austin and Carrie for a time, Will moved to talk to Belle and Shawn. Once he spoke with everyone, Will spotted Paul sitting near the kids all by himself.
With a glass of tea in his hand, Will moved to sit on the edge of Paul's armchair.
"What are you doing here all alone?" Will wondered, nudging into Paul.
"I figured I'd be best over here out of the way," Paul revealed. "Someone certainly got a warm welcome, though."
"Well," Will shrugged. It did feel nice realizing how many people cared even if they were just kids. "That could be you one day."
"Right," Paul laughed openly. "I somehow doubt that."
"Oh, come on," Will lightly punched Paul on the shoulder. "Don't be dumb."
"Hate to break it to you," Paul said turning to stare at Will's face. "But I'm kind of the black sheep around here. Illegitimate child and all."
"Okay, well, almost all of us were illegitimate, Paul," Will rolled his eyes, placing his hand on Paul's arm. "Everyone thought I was Austin's even though he was dating Carrie at the time. Belle was conceived when my grandma was married to someone else. Johnny and Allie are twins with two different fathers. Claire was an egg baby when Belle was with my uncle. I had Ari with my ex-girlfriend after I came out.
"Trust me when I say you fit right in," Will leaned on Paul.
"I am never going to remember any of that," Paul half-sighed half-groaned. He rested his head against Will's shoulder.
"Everyone has selective memory so don't worry. No one expects you to remember," Will appeased. "Now, is that all that's bothering you?"
"I don't think Belle likes me," Paul pouted in a low voice.
Will glanced over at Belle and frowned.
"Maybe not," Will said. "She's fickle. The last time she was here she went through a lot. It must be strange for her to come back and find out she has a brand new brother. Who is thirty and born a few weeks before she was."
"Yeah, I know," Paul complained. "I know it takes time. It's hard watching everyone hug and reconnect while I'm sitting here like a loser."
"So, go over there," Will responded. "You know Brady and Tate. And I doubt anyone is going to shut you out."
"They are with your uncle Eric who hates me," Paul reminded Will. "I'm sure the majority of these people just see me as the man that ruined your life. Or, in Marlena's case, her life."
"You didn't ruin her life," Will said. "And you didn't ruin mine. It wasn't just you. Sonny, you, and I all contributed to the past year or so. It would be unfair for me to put the blame all on you. And I don't think I've been holding it against you anymore."
"Yeah, you've said that before," Paul lifted his arm and rested it on Will's legs. "And I know you haven't, you aren't. Trust me, I know. I definitely wouldn't have made it this far without you."
Will smiled, cheeks warming.
"Daddy!" Ari shouted, running over to Will and Paul. She scrambled into Paul's lap, kneeling on top of him. "I win!"
"You won, huh?" Will smiled. He held up his hand for a high-five. "You are getting so good at that game."
"I winner!" Ari shouted before wiggling off and over to the rest of the kids.
"Well," Will squeezed Paul's shoulder, "If nothing else, Ari and I want you around."
After their lunch, Will and Paul talked with Brady and Eric.
"So," Eric said. "Mom tells you bought a condo in the building."
"Yeah," Paul nodded, rocking on the balls of his feet. "It's a few floors above."
"And by that he means it's the penthouse," Will continued for Paul with a proud smile.
"Impressive, baby brother," Brady pulled Paul into a teasing headlock. "Come on, let's all go take a look."
"We don't have to do that," Paul insisted in a small voice. He didn't know what to do with Brady sometimes. He didn't know what to do with a brother at all.
"Yo!" Brady yelled on his way to the door. "We're all going to check out Paul's new penthouse."
Before Paul knew it, everyone was examining his relatively empty condo. He had a few pieces of furniture but not enough to fill the place yet.
"Nice artwork," Eric nodded approvingly.
"Well," Paul shrugged. "I figure I'm the only person in the world with so many Arianna originals."
Ari, pointing to all her framed artwork, smiled proudly.
"It could be worse," Sami told Paul as she walked by, slapping him hard on the back.
Paul waited until Sami was out of earshot before telling Eric, "I think she secretly likes me."
Paul gave everyone a tour, explaining what he wanted to go where. For most of the tour, Will was standing near him, giving him that boost of courage in front of Paul's new family. Slowly, though, Will backed away until Paul was talking directly with Brady and Belle.
Almost a half hour later, Paul found Will again.
"Looked like someone was bonding," Will grinned.
"She maybe unthawed a little, maybe," Paul tried to keep his hopes down. "It was the most she's ever said to me so that's a start."
"Good," Will said. "I'm glad. When you dreamed about having a father I somehow doubt you expected this amount of crazy to come with him, though."
Will gestured to all the people milling about Paul's condo.
"No, not at all," Paul said. "It's still pretty nice."
After polishing off the majority of the pies, the Brady side of the family began to pack their things. They were all heading to the Brady Pub for an early dinner.
"I don't know how I'll have room," Will told Paul as the two gathered up Ari's things. "But I'll find a way."
Will, crouching together with Paul on the floor, asked, "So, how was your first big Thanksgiving?"
"It was the loudest, craziest, most confusing holiday I've ever had," Paul replied. "And I owe it all to you."
"To me?" Will tilted his head. "I didn't do anything."
"You pushed when you saw my mother and John together," Paul still had trouble referring to John as his father. "I would have known without you. So, yeah, if it wasn't for you I wouldn't be here."
"Well, in that case," Will shrugged. "You're welcome."
The two stood up, Ari's toys safely packed in her diaper bag.
"Are you going to stay here?" Will asked. "I know most everyone else has somewhere to be."
"Yeah," Paul nodded. "I'm gonna watch the game with John. It'll be fun."
"Maybe after you could go outside and play catch," Will teased.
"Shut it," Paul shoved Will lightly. "What about you? Are you gonna be okay? This is a big day for you."
"Yeah," Will nodded, inhaling and exhaling loudly. "I'm kind of nervous. I just keep thinking that after so long it's going to seem-,"
"Stop that," Paul put his hands on Will's shoulders making sure Will was looking him in the eye. "You finally know what you want and that's amazing. Don't worry about anything else, anyone else."
"Yeah," Will licked his lips before admitting in a small voice. "I'm scared."
"Scared of what? His reaction or that you're making a mistake?" a strange look swept over Paul's face before disappearing.
"No," Will said firmly. "I know what I want. I'm just afraid that once I make a choice again something's going to go wrong like with the park."
"That won't happen," Paul promised. "That was a freak accident. If you're worried about Victor-,"
"I'm not," Will said. "I know that he wouldn't dare do something like that again. Not now at least."
"Then you have nothing to worry about," Paul smiled supportively, hands rubbing up and down Will's shoulders. "Sonny will understand."
"Right," Will nodded, closing his eyes. "Right."
"Daddy?" Ari pulled on Will's shirt. "Go?"
"Yeah, it's time to go," Will lifted Ari into his arms. "Did you tell everyone bye?"
"Uh huh," Ari nodded.
"What about me?" Paul opened his arms wide.
"Oh, yeah," Ari giggled.
Will took a step closer. He smiled when Paul wrapped his arms around both him and Ari.
"Have fun," Paul told Ari. "You too," Paul directed at Will.
"I'll let you know how it goes," Will reached forward and kissed Paul on the cheek.
"Don't forget this," Brady declared as he handed Tate over to Will. "Tell Theresa and Chad I expect to see him sometime tomorrow."
"Of course," Will said as he headed towards the door arms laden down with children.
As soon as everyone left, Paul collapsed on Marlena's couch and closed his eyes. The sudden silence was soothing.
Paul felt stuffed and exhausted. Not only from the afternoon of family time but in general. He'd been working like crazy at the rec center. Paul founded a fundraiser for renovations. They rose quite a bit of money and now Paul needed to decide how to allocate it.
I should form a committee or something to help me. Maybe I'll ask Marlena or one of Will's aunts. They'd probably help out.
One unintentional consequence of working at the rec center was the boost to his public image. Fewer people thought of him as a homewrecker when he was helping those in need. Paul was just thankful everyone left Will alone.
After the article Will wrote came out most people backed off of Will. A few bothered him about his continued friendship with Paul but for the most part, everyone felt sorry for Will.
Which Will hates but it's better than thinking anything bad about him.
Somehow, Paul also managed to fit in time to get to know John and even Brady. It was a rough few months after the truth of his parentage came out but Paul endured. Brady took to him right away. A little too easily in Paul's opinion. The way Brady accepted Paul with open arms made Paul uncomfortable in a way. He certainly wasn't used to having an older brother bossing him around or giving him a hard time.
One person that had a difficult time accepting Paul was Marlena. She wasn't outright cruel or mean to Paul necessarily but her indifference hurt. Not that Paul blamed her. He did represent something painful in Marlena's life. Not to mention, Paul's own mother did not get along with Marlena at all.
Paul understood the bad blood between the two women. He even noticed that John did little to ease the tensions. Thankfully, Will was there for Paul throughout. Will kept Marlena from going off the deep end many times. Paul particularly appreciated it since he understood how similar the situations were. Both Will and Marlena dealt with a long-lost Narita appearing and changing everything.
Over the past months, Paul learned a lot of John's history. Paul would never tell Will, or anyone else for that matter, but he saw several similarities between what happened with himself, Will, and Sonny and what happened between John, Marlena, and Roman.
I don't think John slept with Roman before falling for Marlena, though, Paul chuckled.
Paul was thankful for Will and their deepening friendship. He wouldn't know what to do without him. But it was also nice to not rely on Will for everything. Paul was no longer in Salem just for Will. Paul had a family now, a meaningful job. Paul even made friends of his own. It was a whole new life for Paul. One that he would ever have had if he didn't injure his shoulder, come to Salem and reconnect with Sonny.
Funny how things work out the way they do, Paul thought, drifting off into a nap. Maybe Will's belief in fate isn't so crazy after all.
"Here you go," Will settled into a booth in the Brady Pub across from Austin.
"Thank you," Austin saluted Will with the mug set in front of him. Austin took a sip of the coffee and smiled. "Yep tastes just like I remember."
"I hope that's a good thing," Will said.
"It's a wonderful thing," Austin promised. "Switzerland is beautiful but there's something about coming home, you know?"
"Yeah," Will nodded.
"You should come see us," Austin said. "You and Ari."
"That would be great," Will sighed.
"Exactly," Austin nodded. "Ari and Roman running around in the garden just like you used to."
Will, eyes closed, imagined it.
"I'll to figure something out," Will decided. He did want Ari to experience everything life had to offer including traveling.
"I'm holding you to that," Austin vowed. "I will ask you each and every time I talk to you."
"Okay," Will chuckled.
Austin stared at Will for a few moments, taking him in.
"You look better," Austin declared. "Not as tired."
"I feel better," Will admitted hands wrapped around a mug of tea. Per his therapist's instructions, Will cut back on his coffee. Apparently, it made his anxiety worse.
"Good," Austin acknowledged. "I hope that means you're on the road to happiness. That's all I've ever wanted for you."
"Thanks," Will smiled before taking a swig of his tea.
Will looked toward the door and smiled when Theresa and Chad walked into the room.
"Excuse me," Will told Austin, reaching across the table to squeeze his hand.
Will located Tate, trapped in Caroline's arms, before heading for Theresa.
"Hey," Will said. "Granma stole your baby. I don't think you're getting him back."
"Aw," Theresa cooed as she moved towards Tate and Caroline.
"Hey," Chad nodded, throwing his arm around Will's shoulder. "How are you?"
"Nervous," Will offered a shaky smile. "Today's the day. I'm really doing this."
"Don't say that," Chad argued. "You took the time you needed to heal and grow. Now, you're in a good place in your life to make this choice."
"I know," Will said. "It's just nerve-wracking after all this time."
"Don't sweat it. This'll be good," Chad promised. "You know what you want now."
"Right," Will sighed. Wanting to change the subject, he said, "Um, did I thank you for distracting your father so the kids could come?"
"Only about a million times," Chad answered. "But you can keep going. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside."
"Shut up," Will pushed Chad off of him.
"Hey," Chad said changing the subject. "Has T texted you yet?"
"No," Will shook his head. "I told him not to. He needs to focus all his attention on making a good impression today."
"That poor girl," Chad lamented, "Having to introduce T to her family."
"Be nice," Will warned. "T's a great boyfriend."
"If you love him so much you date him," Chad jokingly suggested.
"Gross," Will complained, sticking out his tongue. "It'd be like dating my brother. Or dating you."
"How dare you?" Chad adjusted his shirt collar. "I am a perfect catch."
"That's not what Theresa says," Will smirked wickedly.
"It's a conspiracy," Chad threw his arms up. "That's it. I'm going where I'm appreciated."
Chad searched around the crowded room for Ari, Allie, Sydney, and Johnny.
Will watched as Chad loudly announced his presence, "Uncle Chad is here! Who missed me?"
Will covered his mouth with his hands when he overheard Sydney saying, "We saw you yesterday."
"What's this I hear about a decision?" Sami snuck up behind Will.
"Geez," Will jumped when she hissed in his ear. "Don't do that!" Will complained.
"What?" Sami stared at him in faux-innocence.
"Nothing," Will shook his head in exasperation. "What are you talking about?"
"You and Chad," Sami crossed her arms. "You said you were making a decision. Don't think I didn't notice how chummy you were with Paul either."
"Mom," Will said. "Nothing's happened yet, okay. I'll tell you if and when something happens. You know that I will."
"I know," Sami said confidently. "But I wanna know now."
"Are you pressuring him?" Kayla walked over, putting a hand on Will and Sami's shoulders.
"No," Sami huffed. "He's gonna do something and he won't tell me what."
"Sami," Kayla chuckled. "You are too much. Where is your brother to talk some sense into you?"
"By the looks of it," Will pointed in a booth in the corner, the same booth he would interview Paul in because of its privacy. "Eric's getting reacquainted with Nicole."
"What? When the hell did that happen?" Sami groaned, eyes narrowed.
"Mom, you haven't been here in months. Besides, Eric deserves to be happy too," Will reminded her. "Don't even think about ruining that for him."
"But-," Sami tried.
"No," Will firmly responded. "If she makes him happy just leave it alone."
"Fine," Sami half-sighed half-groaned.
Sami stomped off over to check on the kids, throwing dirty looks in Nicole and Eric's direction.
"Have I told you recently how amazing you are?" Kayla asked Will as she stared around the pub. "Seriously, this place is doing wonderfully and it's all because of you."
"Well," Will shrugged bashfully. "I try but it's all-,"
"Nope," Kayla cut him off. "No, Will. You are doing so well and I'm so proud and thankful for it."
Kayla planted a big kiss on his cheek before sauntering off.
Will, alone for the first time in a long time that day, looked over the pub and a portion of his family. He was incredibly lucky for everything that he had.
So many great friends and family that support me. The best daughter in the world. The pub is actually excelling under my supervision. A year ago, I never would have expected this, any of this.
I never thought I'd work in the pub again. I never thought I'd be alone for most of the year either. But it's all been for the best in a way. I don't feel as disjointed as I used to. I don't feel like I'm lost. It's nice.
So far, 21 has been a good age to Will Horton.
"Don't let her stay up late," Sami lectured Lucas in front of the Horton family home.
"I know, Sami," Lucas responded trying to keep the frustration out of his voice.
"And she already had three slices of pie so don't give her any more," Sami continued. "And-,"
"Sami?" Lucas rubbed his forehead. "Just let me spend time with my daughter."
"Fine," Sami relented. She kneeled down in front of Allie and said, "Now, Allie, your brother, sister, and I are going to go spend some time with Chad and Theresa. If you need me, you know my number. Actually, if you need anything just go to Will."
"Hey," Lucas complained.
"What?" Sami shrugged before kissing the top of Allie's head. "Have fun and be good. And stay as far from Abigail as possible. I'm sure she's contracted VD by now."
Will choked on his own spit as he watched his mother saunter off to the car idling in the driveway.
Adrienne, who was standing next to Lucas, shook her head.
"You know," Adrienne said. "Every now and again it dawns on me; you have children with that woman."
"Yeah," Lucas scratched the back of his neck. "Lucky me."
Will cleared his throat with a pointed glare.
"Whom I love dearly," Lucas wrapped his arm around Will's shoulder and squeezed.
"Speaking of that," Adrienne patted Will's arm. "Someone is impatiently waiting to see you later tonight."
"Yeah?" Will smiled cautiously.
He looked over his shoulder to see Ari and Allie playing in the front yard.
"Come on, girls. We're going inside," Will called.
Will, steering clear of Ben and Abigail, said hello to the rest of his family on the Horton side. He showed off Ari and Allie before they ran off to play with Ciara.
Will, alone in the kitchen, poured himself a glass of water and enjoyed the silence.
A feminine voice cleared behind him.
"Oh," Will turned around. "Hi."
"I thought you'd like to know," Hope Brady said coming up to join Will. "We finally, finally found those men that stabbed Sonny."
"How?" Will frowned. "I thought you gave that up a long time ago."
"We thought we did too," Hope nodded. "Then, last night, a patrolman brought them in. Oddly enough, they were found on the side of the road tied up together with a bow around their neck. Interesting, huh?"
"Right," Will shook his head. Everyone knew who was responsible for finding them and it wasn't the Salem PD.
Doesn't matter, Will thought. Victor Kiriakis will never be around my daughter, ever.
"Any plans for tomorrow, Will?" Jennifer Horton asked as she walked over to Will and Hope.
"Yeah, actually," Will said. "My grandma Kate wants to take me and Ari shopping. She insists Ari needs to be the best dressed in preschool."
"Well, your grandma knows her fashion," Jennifer replied. "I wouldn't fight her on it."
"Just enjoy people buying clothes for your children while you can," Hope agreed. "It's all downhill once they want to pick them out for themselves."
"The older they get the more expensive they get too," Jennifer said. "Enjoy these days while you can."
"Before you know it Ari will be as big as Ciara," Hope put her arm around Will. "Aren't you excited?"
Will, an exaggerated frown on his face, shook his head repeatedly. Looking into the other room to see Ari coloring with Allie and Ciara, Will pouted. His little baby was never growing up. Ever.
Will shouldered the door to his apartment open. Ari, slumped in his arms, slid to the floor to play with her toys.
"I'm exhausted," Will told Ari, throwing his keys on his desk. "How about you?"
"Mmm," Ari, getting a second wind, yelled, "No tired. Play!"
"Oh, we have to play, huh?" Will asked. "You aren't all played out? You spent all day surrounded by kids."
"Nope, nope, nope," Ari insisted.
"Well," Will wiped his hands along the back of his jeans, palms sweating. "How about I have someone come over and play with us?"
"Who?" Ari wondered, batting her lashes.
"I think you'll like him," Will answered as he pulled out his phone.
Sonny knocked on the door to Will's apartment, quivering in excitement. He adjusted the basket in his hands as he waited. He got the feeling tonight was going to be important.
"Hi," Will greeted once he opened the door.
"Hi," Sonny parroted with a wide smile. He pecked Will on the cheek before walking into the apartment.
Sonny had just enough time to put the basket down before Ari leaped into his arms.
"Daddy surprise?" Ari giggled. "Yay!"
"Hey, baby," Sonny kissed Ari's forehead. "How was your Thanksgiving?"
"Food!" Ari yelled in Sonny's face, eyes wide.
"Yeah, I know what you mean. I ate soooo much," Sonny nodded as he set Ari on her feet and patted his belly. Looking at Will, Sonny asked, "What about you? How was your Thanksgiving?"
"Surprisingly good," Will smiled. "We spent some time with everyone. Ari even had breakfast this morning with Rafe. There were so many family members there today. I hadn't seen some of them in so long. Austin and Carrie's son is huge now. I wish they didn't live so far away."
Will snapped his mouth shut when he realized he'd been talking for a while without a break.
"That's good. I know you've wanted to see them for a long time," Sonny said. He wanted Will to keep talking, wanted to hear Will happily ramble.
"I think they're all going to keep me awfully busy too," Will said, smiling when Sonny encouraged him. "But, I was thinking, after I'm done shopping with Grandma Kate tomorrow," Will offered, "That you could come with me and Ari to see Gabi."
"Wow," Sonny responded. "I haven't seen her in months."
"Oh, I know," Will laughed. "Gabi complains about it all the time, lazy."
"I've been busy," Sonny defended.
It was true. In addition to revamping Club TBD, Sonny had spent the past few months improving himself. He found a therapist of his own to work out some of his controlling behavior. It was painful and involved a lot of self-exploration but Sonny was making progress. He accepted his faults and was working on overcoming them.
Beyond that, Sonny assisted both of his parents through their divorce. It was difficult for Sonny to accept at first, mostly because it mirrored his own relationship a little too much. Eventually, Sonny realized it was for the best. Neither of his parents truly wanted to be together anymore. His mother's friendship with Lucas expanded while his father traveled between Dubai and Salem more often.
One of the first things Sonny did once he was out of the hospital and healed up enough was take a nice long camping trip by himself. He spent three days in the woods with just his thoughts and Mother Nature to keep him company. Sonny didn't realize how badly he missed it until he was there. Since then, Sonny made a promise to himself to go hiking or camping at least once every couple of months. He even found a group in Salem to go on nature hikes with every weekend. It wasn't quite like climbing K2 but it was satisfying enough.
All throughout that time, Sonny and Will started over from the beginning. Just like hiking, Sonny didn't realize how much he missed Will's friendship. It was nice getting back to basics with no pressure surrounding them. Yes, Sonny ached for more at times, but he was content with what he had. Having Will in any way, even in friendship, was better than having no Will at all.
"Yeah, you have been," Will agreed. "Um, how was your holiday?"
"Good," Sonny smiled. "A bit strange since I refuse to go around Victor but I made it work. I had lunch with my mom and your dad, oddly enough. Afterward, I had dinner with Brady and a few others."
"At the mansion or…?" Will trailed off.
"No, actually, it was at Chez Rouge," Sonny said. "Maggie's idea, I think. That way she could separate Victor and me."
"That reminds me," Will recalled. "Hope said they found the men that stabbed you. That an officer found them tied up on the side of the road."
Will looked at Sonny poignantly.
Sonny sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"It doesn't matter," Sonny stated. "I'm not letting that man near my daughter. Considering the way he treats Phillip and what he did to Claire," Sonny shook his head. "No, he's too dangerous."
"Good," Will responded, letting out a sigh he didn't know he was holding. "You almost died because of him."
"Exactly," Sonny's hand moved to his side. The skin was healing nicely but he still felt a few random pains every now and again.
Will watched Sonny for a few moments, biting his lip.
"Can I see?" Will requested, looking between Sonny's eyes and his side.
"Yeah, sure," Sonny untucked his shirt and lifted it.
"Hmm," Will looked at the puckered and scarred skin. "It doesn't look as bad as I thought it would."
"Thank you?" Sonny chuckled as he set his shirt down.
"I think mine's bigger," Will teased. "We almost have matching scars now."
"That's tackier than matching tattoos," Sonny complained, making a face.
"Right," Will chuckled. "So," Will nudged the basket on the floor with his toe. "What's in here?"
"Well," Sonny lifted it up and began to unpack. "I know you aren't hungry after today," Sonny said as pulled out a red and white checkered blanket.
Will helped Sonny move the coffee table out of the way so Sonny could spread out a big picnic blanket.
"So," Sonny brandished a box of juice, a bag of popcorn, and a movie. "I thought we would just have a few snacks and relax."
"Sounds good," Will smiled. "Ari, what do you think? Popcorn and a movie?"
"What'ovie?" Ari narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
Ari was going through a stage where she would obsess over a certain movie and wanted to watch it over and over. The next week, she would move on to a new movie. This week there was only one movie she would find acceptable.
Sonny waved the DVD cover for Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 in Ari's face.
"My Barry!" Ari cheered.
"She loves that dang strawberry," Will sighed. He was so done with watching that movie. It was funny the first three times. Thirteen views later, it had lost its charm.
"So, I did okay?" Sonny questioned, hands twisting together.
"Yes," Will rolled his eyes. "What did I say about asking me that?"
"I just want to make sure I'm not overstepping anywhere," Sonny held his hands up innocently. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable."
"I'll tell you if you are," Will promised. "You know I will."
"Now, I do," Sonny confirmed. Before it was unclear.
"Uh huh," Will poked Sonny in the chest. "Just put on the movie, Kiriakis. I'll handle the popcorn."
"I'm going," Sonny waited until Will turned his back to smile widely.
"What do you want to drink?" Will asked from the kitchen. "I've got ice tea, water, and I think there's a bottle of wine you left somewhere."
Sonny switched the TV to the right channel and loaded the DVD. Thankfully, Ari enjoyed watching all the movie previews. That would distract her for a while.
Sonny moved into the quaint kitchen and opened the fridge. "Why have you been drinking so much tea?" Sonny asked. "Even at the pub, I always see you with tea now instead of coffee."
"Oh, well," Will focused on punching in the right time for the popcorn on the microwave. It was a fine line between perfection and burnt to a crisp with the thing. "I just, I…" Will trailed off, thinking.
How will Sonny react if I tell him the truth? Last year, I know what he'd do but this year, this Sonny, I don't know.
No, you're working on trusting him. You can't trust him if you don't give him a chance.
"Actually," Will closed the microwave door, "My therapist told me to cut down on my coffee. She thinks it messes with my anxiety."
"Oh," Sonny said. "Doesn't tea have just as much caffeine?"
"Well, before you brew it," Will explained. "It gets diluted after it steeps. I can tell that I don't get as antsy when I drink tea, though."
"Okay," Sonny agreed. He reached into the fridge and pulled out the pitcher of tea. "Let's have that then."
Will smiled to himself. He watched as Sonny moved around the small kitchen, getting everything he needed. It felt nice, domestic even.
As Will bent over to find a bowl for the popcorn out of a lower cabinet, he realized something.
I don't think I took my second pill today.
Will's combination of medication was pretty intricate. He had to take half an anti-psychotic twice a day and half an anti-depressant twice a day with a sprinkling of anxiety meds when necessary.
It got confusing so Will bought a tear away weekly calendar to put on the fridge. Every day he'd write which pill he took and when so he wouldn't forget.
Damn, Will read. I need that last dose.
With a glance in Sonny's direction, Will moved to the highest cabinet over the refrigerator. He kept his medicine there since it was way too high for Ari to reach and knew no one would ever look there.
Will stood on tippy toe to open the cabinet and grab the right pill bottle. He took the glass Sonny poured for him and swallowed back the half a pill. When he finished he waited for Sonny to ask the inevitable.
Despite growing closer, Will still hadn't told Sonny about his diagnosis. Will didn't know if it was leftover resentment or fear of judgment or what. All he knew was anytime it came up, Will chickened out.
Sonny admired Will's lithe form as he reached something above the fridge. Subtly admired, he hoped. When Will came back with an orange and white prescription bottle and a small pill, Sonny couldn't help his curiosity.
Will looked at Sonny for a few moments. He watched as the questions flew across Sonny's face and lips. Deciding to give Sonny a break, Will said, "You can ask."
"Right," Sonny swallowed. "Um, I just don't want you to tell me something if you don't want to."
"I can tell you," Will answered. "I'm not ashamed of it anymore."
"Why would you be ashamed of it?" Sonny wondered.
"It's not exactly something I'm proud of," Will admitted. With a deep inhale, Will said, "Back in February, I did a few tests with my therapist and um, yeah, I'm bipolar. Well, technically, it's bipolar two so it's different a little but, yeah."
Sonny's eyebrows lifted and he blinked a few times, processing.
"Are you okay?" Sonny asked first. "Did you have someone helping you when you first found out?"
"I'm better, now," Will said. "At first, it was hard, um, it took a long time to find a combo of medicine that helps. But I hope you've noticed a change in my behavior."
"Yeah, actually," Sonny offered Will a supportive smile. "I didn't suspect anything like this, though. It's a good look on you."
"Thanks," Will bit his lower lip, edges curling up.
Beep Beep Beep
"Popcorn," Sonny said unnecessarily when Will made no move to open the microwave.
"Right," Will said with a laugh, turning to get the popcorn. "Right."
There were a million questions running through Sonny's head but they could wait. He could research bipolar two on his own time. But, there was one question that couldn't wait.
"Just one more thing," Sonny said. He couldn't help but worry about Ari, "Is bipolar genetic?"
"Um, there's some pretty compelling research that says yes," Will pulled open the popcorn bag and poured it in the bowl. "I read a few studies. A lot of the time it's genetic but it also has to do with how you're raised. And, I mean, obviously, it's genetic look at me and my mother."
Sonny did a poor job of hiding a snicker.
"But," Will reached out to smack Sonny's arm, "We'll just have to keep an eye on Ari, make sure that she's alright. And when she's older get her tested."
"We'll?" Sonny repeated heart fluttering.
"You're her father too," Will shrugged with an impish smile. "Unless you plan on abandoning her anytime soon…"
"God, no," Sonny insisted. "What kind of a monster leaves his child?"
"You'd be surprised," Will mumbled as he grabbed the popcorn and headed for the couch.
Sonny, grabbing the glasses of ice tea, followed.
Will settled on the picnic blanket with his back resting against the sofa. Ari, snuggled between Will and Sonny on her stomach, sighed as the movie started.
Sonny reached into the pocket of his jeans and pulled out a crumpled, faded receipt. He handed it to Will, "I have something for you."
"Wow, an old receipt. You shouldn't have," Will droned.
"No," Sonny chewed the side of his cheek. "It's what's on the receipt that matters."
"What am I supposed to be looking at?" Will asked flipping the paper over and over.
"Before, um, back when," Sonny swallowed, "When everything first came out, you thought that the ring I got you was for Paul. When I moved into my new apartment I found this hidden in one of my boxes," Sonny nodded at the receipt. "I've been waiting for a good time to show you."
"Show me?" Will repeated, bringing the paper closer.
"It's for your ring," Sonny admitted. He pointed to a small area at the top of the receipt. "The date confirms that I couldn't have bought it for anyone but you."
Will stared at the receipt, despite the age Will could just make out the date, 2014.
Sonny was telling the truth. I guess there were parts of our relationship that were all us, only us.
"I never had a ring for Paul," Sonny confessed. "I didn't plan anything. I asked because I was thinking it at the time. It was all spontaneous and ended horribly. But with you," Sonny smiled softly. "I had it all planned out, down to the last detail. Every single moment, I only had you in mind. Even when you said no, you were all I thought about."
Will nodded, keeping quiet.
"I know I've told you a million times but I am so sorry for what I did, what I continued to do," Sonny promised.
"I know you are," Will whispered.
There was so much Will had to tell Sonny, needed to tell Sonny. He'd been thinking about it all day, all week.
How do I tell him I've finally made my decision? I just open my mouth and tell him, Will thought. 'Tell him and let that be it.
Will cleared his throat only to be interrupted.
"Shh," Ari snapped, finger pressed to her lip, little eyebrows crinkled together.
"Sorry," Will teased. He glanced at the TV screen to see Barb. "Daddy will stop talking and watch the monkey."
"She's an ape!" Ari responded, offended. "Now, shh!"
Will sighed, placing his hand on the floor between himself and Sonny. It could wait.
Sonny placed his hand next to Will's. He didn't cover Will's hand but let their fingers brush.
It wasn't like Sonny was going anywhere anyway.
By the time the credits rolled, Will was fast asleep. He stretched out on his back with a pillow under his head. Ari, cuddled into Will's chest, was asleep as well
Sonny shut off the DVD player and the TV. He grabbed a blanket and draped it over Will and Ari both. With a smile, Sonny settled next to them on the floor. He watched Ari's back rise and fall, wisps of blonde hair hiding her face.
How could I ever jeopardize this? Sonny thought. How could I ever risk this?
Sonny reached out, brushing the back of one knuckle down Will's smooth cheek.
I put him through so much, too much. But he endured. He proved to himself, to everyone, to me that he can make it on his own. That he doesn't need anyone but Ari to survive.
Adjusting a light blonde strand of Will's hair, Sonny smiled.
He's learned so much about himself. I've learned so much about him. He's stronger and even more beautiful than I ever thought. Will realized there's life beyond me, men beyond me.
I just hope that I've shown Will I've changed as much as he has. That I'm not going anywhere ever again.
Sonny rested his head on the edge of a couch cushion, eyes closing. He didn't know what was going through Will's mind. He didn't know if they were close to reconciliation or if they would only remain friends. It didn't matter. Sonny would be there for either.
THE END
Author's note:
That ended up being a bit more open ended than I anticipated. But, as I was writing I thought it was more important for Will to be happy and healthy than for him to necessarily have a specific partner. There is enough evidence for Will being with Sonny or Paul, though. Please, let me know who you believe Will ended up with.
Thank you to everyone that reviewed, followed, favorited, or simply read this story. Thanks for the kind words and the encouragement. And even the one reviewer that continually told me I was stupid and should stop writing, thanks for keeping me grounded.
This started out as a way to vent my own frustration with the show and how I believed the love triangle storyline should have gone. Like most of my writing it took on a life of its own and went down many paths I never considered. Thank you again for reading and sticking by this story through its ups and downs. I truly appreciate it.
I doubt anyone listened to the song the title of the story is from but I did take a lot of inspiration from it. If you do plan on listening, I based Will off of Ariel, Paul off of Prince Eric, T/Chad/Lucas/Sami off of Sebastian, and Sonny off of King Triton.
For anyone interested, I have a short, smutty oneshot that will probably be uploaded sometime next week. And I'm well into writing my next lengthy piece which is quite different from anything else I've ever written. I'll reveal more about it at the end of the smutty story.
Thanks for reading!