EJ walked into the kitchen and was surprised to see William sitting at the counter eating breakfast. Furrowing his eyebrows EJ stated, "I thought you would still be in bed."

Will shrugged, swallowing his bite, "I have class today. I don't want to get behind even more than I already am."

"No one would blame you for taking a few days off," EJ told him, walking up the expresso maker he so rarely used himself.

"I don't want to be alone wallowing. I think I've been pathetic enough," Will told EJ in a flat voice. "I have to move on sometime, might as well start now." 'And if I throw myself into school I won't think about them.'

"If you think that's a good idea I won't stop you," EJ said, a bit confused. He was used to William sulking when he was upset. 'Maybe this time was really different.'

"I do," Will stated firmly. He stood up and put his bowl in the sink. "I need to run home and get my stuff and change." 'At least I don't have any memories of them there; I'll just have to avoid the parking lot.'

"I'll give you a ride, I need to go to the office early anyway," EJ informed Will, transferring his espresso into a to-go mug. 'Perhaps now I can focus on work instead of William's love life.' Remembering he still needed to deal with Paul, Sonny and keep an eye on Chad EJ sighed, 'Nevermind.'

"Fine," Will said quietly, standing with his hands in his pockets, looking lost.

"Let's go," EJ ordered, face softening gazing at William. 'I hate that he's going through this.' Putting his arm around William EJ guided him from the kitchen, going the long way round so they wouldn't have to go to the front room. 'I'll have to figure something out.'

Will walked into the student union immediately standing in line for a smoothie. He finished all of his lectures and spent a few hours in the library. Ear buds in his ears, playing a game on his phone, Will was doing everything he could to distract himself. If he didn't have time to think than he couldn't think about Sonny and Paul.

Moving forward in line, Will pulled the buds out of his ears, and looked at the menu board. Ordering quickly Will stood in front of the pickup window when he felt eyes upon him. Will looked up and found one of the workers staring at him. The boy averted his eyes obviously blushing. Not thinking much of it Will continued his game, waiting for his name to be called.

"Will," came the voice of the blushing boy, holding Will's smoothie.

"Thanks," Will said with a brief smile, fingers brushing the boys when he grabbed the cup.

"You should um, try it," the guy said suddenly, green eyes looking at Will earnestly. "I just mean that I'm still kind of new and want to know if I'm terrible at this or not."

Wrapping his lips around the straw and sucking Will looked at the boy quickly. Feeling a bit uncomfortable with the guy gawking at him Will swallowed before saying, "It's pretty good."

"Is um there anything I can do to make it better," he smiled brightly, flipping his messy hair out of his eyes.

"I don't know," Will replied, confused and feeling awkward. "What do you mean?"

"I was thinking maybe if I gave you my number, it might be a little sweeter," the boy grinned at Will shyly, cheeks red.

"Oh," Will said blankly. "Um, well." 'What?'

"Damn," the boy said looking upset. "You have a boyfriend don't you?" Looking at the counter, biting his lip, "Of course you do. I mean, a guy that looks like you would not be single."

"Looks like me," Will repeated, stunned. 'What?' "How do you even know I'm gay?"

"Um, I saw you at The Spot once," the boy admitted sheepishly.

Will's face paled, remembering what happened the last time he was there. 'Stop it.'

"I hope he know how lucky he is," the boy told Will morosely, "You're really hot."

Cheeks bright red, Will brushed the tip of his toe against the floor, "I'm sorry." As Will was going to turn around he remembered, 'I don't have a anyone, not anymore.' Feeling a burst of anger, remembering what they did to him, Will marched back up to the counter, "I don't have a boyfriend."

The guy's face brightened, "You don't?" He took a sharpie out of his pocket and wrote his number along the side of Will's cup. "Maybe you will soon."

"Right," Will said walking away. 'Oh god, why did I do that?"

Bursting out the main door Will sat on a bench and put his head in his hands, eyes watering. 'I don't want to date him why did I say that?' Sniffling Will tried to hold on to the anger he felt moments ago instead of the crippling guilt clutching at his insides. 'I don't have anything to feel guilty over. They lied to me and broke my heart." Wiping his eyes Will shook his head clear, 'EJ's right. They aren't the only guys who could want me. Maybe I will call the smoothie guy. He wouldn't lie to me.'

Brushing his fingers over the bold numbers on the cup Will felt a shadow fall over him. Looking up Will inhaled sharply when he recognized the face before him.

"Oh Will," Adrienne whispered, giving Will a sad smile. "How are you?"

Biting his lip Will shrugged, "OK, I guess." Lifting up his cup Will told her, "I got a smoothie."

Catching sight of the number Adrienne exhaled slowly, "Will, there's something I have to tell you." 'Don't move on yet, not while Sonny still wants you so badly.'

"I'm really beginning to hate that phrase," Will told her casually.

"It's about all the wedding stuff," Adrienne told him gently. "Sonny had nothing to do with that. It was all me. I wanted to keep you away from Sonny and Paul so I kept pestering Sonny with it. I thought if you saw it you would think they were using you." Adrienne grabbed Will's hand and squeezed it slightly. "I am so sorry Will. But please don't blame Sonny."

Turning away from Adrienne Will sighed, confused, "But what about his resolution? All he wanted was to marry Paul." 'Don't listen to her. She just wants to cover for Sonny.'

"I don't know about that," Adrienne admitted, "All I know is that after that intervention your mother and I teamed up to break you apart." 'OK, I guess I'll throw Sami under the bus with me.' "She was going to set you up with Neil and I was going to convince Sonny he wanted to get married."

Will blinked, tilting his head back, watching the clouds as they moved past. 'It's getting colder out,' Will thought noticing the leaves blowing in the wind.

"Will," Adrienne asked in concern. She was worried about Will's behavior. He was unfocused and seemed almost in a daze. 'I hope he listens to me.'

"Hmm," Will hummed, rolling his head to look back at Adrienne. 'Why is she trying to help me?' Suspicious, Will questioned her, "Why are you here?"

"I witnessed how miserable my son was after we left last night," Adrienne swallowed loudly, "And I know that I'm partially to blame. If I didn't interfere you two at least would still be together."

"No," Will said certainly. "It wasn't you. It was them. They lied to me." Getting angry again Will stood up, "They made me believe that I meant something to them and I didn't. Everyone warned me and I didn't listen. I should have listened." 'Why didn't I listen?'

"Sonny didn't lie to you Will," Adrienne insisted. "You need to talk to him, find out the truth."

"I don't need to do anything," Will argued. "I am so sick and tired of people telling me what I can and cannot do. I don't need anyone to boss me around, not Paul, not Sonny, and not you. I can make my own decisions. I don't need anyone." 'I decide everything now. No more Sonny and Paul taking care of me.'

"I'm sorry," Adrienne apologized. "That's not the way I should have phrased that. I just meant that you should talk to him. I can see how much you're hurting. And I don't want my son to be miserable anymore."

Will slumped back on the bench and closed his eyes tightly. 'Stop listening to her. She doesn't care about you. She only cares about Sonny.' Will's chest clenched tightly, "Miserable," he whispered.

"Yeah," Adrienne explained. "I've never seen him like that before. He was distraught when I brought him home with me."

"He didn't go home with Paul," Will probed. "But I thought," Will trailed off.

"No, of course not," Adrienne told him, looking at Will oddly, "He was hurt by what Paul did too."

"Oh," Will said, hopes crushed. "He must have been upset about Paul." 'Stop thinking about them. Stop it.'

"Yes," Adrienne confessed, "he was. But also you, Will. He really cares about you."

Will shook his head, "He's just angry his fiancé cheated on him. They can work everything out and be together again. I'm sure they could find another idiotic boy toy to take to bed."

"Stop it," Adrienne contended, "That's not true." Frustrated Adrienne clenched her fists, "My son isn't like that. He wouldn't use anyone."

"That's not what you thought before," Will debated. "Everyone could see that they were just using me. Everyone but me."

"I know Sonny," Adrienne stated firmly, "And so do you. You know he wouldn't do that." 'He's hurting, don't lash out at him.' "I don't even think it's Sonny you're mad at anyway. It's Paul."

"Stop telling me how to feel," Will pouted, crossing his arms. 'I'm heartbroken, not mad.'

"You trusted him and he took advantage of you. I know how that feels," Adrienne continued as if she did not hear Will. "You feel betrayed and angry, uncertain. But you have to know that you'll recover from this. In a little bit you'll be able to stop thinking about it. You'll move on from what he did."

"You don't know anything about what I'm feeling," Will retorted. "I don't feel any of those things."

"What do you mean," Adrienne asked, confused. "It's OK to be scared and afraid Will."

"I'm not," Will argued. "I'm not afraid of Paul or scared of him. I know he wouldn't do anything to hurt me like that." 'That's not the problem.'

"What," Adrienne asked, raising one eyebrow. 'How could he not be after what Paul did?'

"He didn't rape me," Will said trying to explain the mess of thoughts in his head. "He didn't force himself on me. He didn't do anything I wouldn't want if I was awake." Running his hands through his hair Will groaned in frustration.

"I don't understand Will," Adrienne told him, 'What in the world is going on in that head?' "I think the picture proves he hurt you." 'Does he not understand what happened?'

"He didn't go inside of me," Will confessed. "He just rubbed against me." Taking a breath and exhaling loudly Will added, "I know everyone thinks I'm stupid but I would notice if I had been fucked open." 'Even though I didn't notice he came all over me.'

"Will, just because he didn't penetrate you doesn't mean you have to dismiss what he did," Adrienne adamantly retorted. "There are all different kinds of abuse." 'Oh my god he doesn't even realize.'

"I know that," Will told her, 'I'm not that stupid,' "I know. Whatever happened to you and what happened with my mom are different than this."

"I don't think so," Adrienne replied seriously. 'He can't be serious.'

"You aren't listening to me," Will complained. "I don't care that he touched me. I care when he touched me. I care that he took a picture and never even told me. I care that he lied to me." 'I care that I did so many intimate, embarrassing things and he was using me the whole time.'

"Oh," Adrienne said plainly. "So, it doesn't bother you that he touched you in your sleep?" 'Is he suffering some kind of survivor's guilt or something?'

"I guess," Will shrugged. "I know that what he did doesn't bother me as much as why he did it. I just know that I feel humiliated."

"Will," Adrienne said slowly, "You aren't ever going to move on if you don't accept what he did to you."

"I know what he did," Will told her firmly. "I know."

"Would you forgive him," Adrienne asked, appalled.

"I, I don't know, I don't know what to think," Will confessed, curling in on himself.

"OK," Adrienne said, a bit horrified. "Is that how you feel about Sonny? Upset that he lied to you?"

Nodding Will looked at her briefly before he turned away, "How could he not have known what Paul did?"

"Will, trust me, if Sonny knew you would know," Adrienne reassured him. "Sonny would never put up with that."

"I just," Will's eyes started watering again. "Sonny was so mad at me when I told him I had a crush on Paul, that I had a dream about him. He's going to hate me for this."

'What is he talking about,' "Will, trust me, Sonny does not blame you," Adrienne explained losing control of the conversation.

"But it was my fault," Will cried out. "I wanted Paul. I took my clothes off and I begged him." 'If I wasn't such a slut this wouldn't have happened.'

"Nothing is your fault, William," Adrienne told him sternly. "You were drunk. It was Paul's responsibility to watch out for you. He failed." Realization dawning on her, "Is that why you aren't upset that he touched you? Because you think you deserved it?" 'I am going to kill that bastard.'

"I don't know, OK. I don't know how I feel," Will declared. "I just know that it's my fault. It has to be." Tears leaking down his face, "If I wasn't so stupid as to believe they would want to be with me this wouldn't have happened. I should have known better. And I told them I was going to ruin their relationship and I did."

"No," Adrienne maintained loudly, "That's not true. If they hurt you it's on them, not you." Pulling Will into a hug Adrienne continued, "It's not your fault."

"OK," Will whispered, relieved someone thought so.

"Please talk to Sonny Will," Adrienne begged. "Just once. If you don't believe him I'll leave you alone. Just hear him out." 'Then you'll both be happier.'

"I'll think about it," Will conceded, quietly. 'If I talk to one I have to talk to the other.'

Sonny collected the empty mugs and plates off the tabletops after the mid-day rush. Today had been one of the hardest shifts he had ever worked. He could hardly focus on what drinks he was making. He kept giving back incorrect change to the customers. 'And I can't stop thinking about Will and Paul.'

Dumping his tray in the back Sonny went to his office, locking the door and putting his head on the desk. 'How did this happen? I should have tried harder to explain things to Will. I should have made him believe me.'

Instead Sonny found himself here-alone for the first time in a long time. 'I can't believe my life changed so drastically in such a short amount of time.' In January all Sonny wanted was Paul to be his husband. By summer he was fighting and denying his feelings for Will. 'And now in the fall I don't have Paul or Will.'

Sonny didn't even know what to do about Paul. Each time he imagined Paul all he could see was that picture. 'How could Paul do that to Will? To me? To all of us?'Sonny was almost certain had he not agreed to try a relationship with Will Paul would have gone behind his back, 'like he did before.'

The only consolation Sonny has was he expected he could easily explain that resolution to Will. If his mom did talk to Will than Will would have an easier time believing Sonny. At least Sonny had one ray of hope to cling to.

Forcing himself up and back to work Sonny thought deviously, 'At least I know there's no way Paul will get Will to forgive him first.'

Paul grunted wincing as his physical therapist lifted his arm, circling it above his head.

"You really did a number on yourself," she told him shaking her head. "I hope you didn't seriously set yourself back," she commented before making a note in Paul's file.

The pain in Paul's shoulder was nothing compared to what he was feeling emotionally. Paul couldn't sleep all night. He couldn't fall asleep without Will nestled against him, without Sonny's light snores. Paul tossed and turned until it was morning. Mind recalling every moment from the past week and a half, from the night he ruined everything to watching Sonny walk away from him.

As the therapist lectured him and checked his hand for any broken bones Paul was grateful that at least he had one perfect week. And he was going to make it last a lifetime.

Will walked into the Dimera Mansion after spending several more hours in the library. Upset after his conversation with Adrienne Will dedicated himself to his studies. Mind filled with facts and numbers Will had no room to focus on Sonny or Paul. Starving, Will hoped dinner was almost ready.

"Will, is that you," Sami questioned from the kitchen. She had taken the day off from work certain that Will would need her all day. When she found out that Will had gone to school that day Sami was befuddled. Why would he even leave the house after the news he found out? All Sami wanted was to take care of her son. Having no idea how to do when he wasn't there Sami spent the whole day cooking Will's favorite foods and desserts.

Will, smelling something delicious, followed his mother's voice into the kitchen, surprised by the amount of food spread out, "Um, what's all this?"

"I know how hungry you get after school so I just wanted you to have some options," Sami explained with a small smile, hoping she did something right.

"Well, I am hungry," Will admitted looking at his mom strangely. 'What is happening here?' Sitting down at the island Will watched wearily as his mom began bustling around the kitchen making him a plate.

Setting down a plateful of everything she had made Sami smiled at Will brightly, "Here you go." She hovered over Will as he was eating, fixing his collar and running her hands down any wrinkles she found on his shirt.

Feeling awkward Will ate in silence, unsure whether he should even address his mother's unusual behavior.

"Are you thirsty," Sami questioned suddenly, "Of course you are. Do you want water, juice, tea, coffee, wine? Whatever you want I'll get you."

"Water is fine," Will said, unnerved. 'Mom is never this attentive.' Eating faster, wanting to get away as soon as possible, Will told his mom, "I think I'll go outside and study some more."

"No," Sami yelled, spilling the glass of water in her hand. "You can't."

"Mom," Will gasped, alarmed at her behavior, "What are you even talking about? It's just outside."

"I don't want you going out there without me. I don't want you to leave the house," shaking slightly Sami attempted to clean up the water with one of the towels hanging near the store.

Will, rushing to his mother's side, taking the towel and cleaning the mess himself, "What's going on?"

"I don't want you out of my sight. You just get hurt. I don't want you hurt anymore. I have to protect you," rambling Sami threw her arms around Will, "Please don't go outside. Please."

"Mom," Will consoled rubbing her back slowly, "Nothing that's happened was your fault. You couldn't prevent any of this."

"I should have tried harder to get them to stay away from you," Sami insisted. "I'm Sami Brady for god's sake! I could have done something."

Chuckling, "Mom, I would have found a way to see them. I wasn't willingly to listen to anyone," Will admitted. "This isn't your fault."

"How could they all hurt someone like you," Sami whispered, shaking her head, "How could he have done that to my son?"

Beginning to realize this had nothing to do with him, Will asked his mother, "Mom, is this about me or is this about what happened to you?"

"Of course it's about you," Sami told him, shocked, "I don't want anything to happen to you anymore. So I'm going to protect you. Keep you safe so no one can hurt you."

"It's OK that you're having trouble dealing you know," Will explained slowly, "I wouldn't hold it against you." 'This is one time I understand you making my problems all about you.'

"I'm not, I just want to make sure you're OK," Sami claimed. "So please, just don't go too far. I have to see you to make sure you're fine."

"Mom," Will said firmly, "You can't protect me from everything. Do you need me to call Grandma?"

"No," Sami snorted, "Definitely not. I told you I'm fine. I am so fine." 'I don't need her seeing how horrible of a mother I was again.'

"Do you need EJ," Will asked, running out of options, "You can't keep me locked up in a tower." 'Although you and EJ really are a perfect match,' Will thought fondly.

"I'm not doing anything like that," Sami said, stunned. Looking at the exasperated look on Will's face Sami turned her gaze to the floor. "OK, so maybe I am. But you're my son and you've been hurt so many times this past week. Just promise me that you'll tell me where you're going if you decide to leave."

"OK," Will decided, 'That seems easy enough.' "Maybe you should talk to Adrienne about this," Will suggested. 'She'd understand better than I do.'

Nodding slowly, Sami stated, "Yeah, maybe."

Giving his mother one more hug and a kiss, thanking her for all the food, Will walked to his room, hoping to study a bit longer. 'And that's more proof that I'm not as affected by what Paul did to me as my mom and Adrienne are.'

Neil held his stomach nervously, bouncing on his toes, standing behind a tree at Horton Town Square, phone held up to his ear. 'Come on, pick up,' Neil thought desperately.

"What," EJ's bored voice drawled over the line.

"I followed Chad like you said," Neil rushed out, peeking through the branches of the tree.

"And what is he doing," EJ demanded, sounding interested.

"I don't know," Neil told him, panicked. "He's meeting someone in the square."

Rolling his eyes, "And why, pray tell, do I need to know this," EJ wondered out loud.

"Because it's some guy in a suit with a briefcase and they're looking at something on Chad's laptop," Neil burst out.

"He owns his own business, this is hardly my concern," EJ stated plainly, "Call me when you find something interesting."

"The laptop we wrote the article on," Neil added, ignoring EJ, "The article he still wants to use."

"He wouldn't do that," EJ said uncertainly, "I told him not to."

"Oh yeah," Neil said, "Than why is he handing a USB flash drive to the guy?"

EJ groaned loudly, swiveling his leather chair around, "Fine. I'll be there. Make sure he doesn't leave your sight."

Slamming on the brakes, EJ put his car in park, dashing out to the square. Spotting Chad and Neil arguing EJ sauntered over to them.

"I'm not going to do that," Neil yelled, flinching at the way his throat contracted from the force. Hands holding onto his neck, "I refuse."

"What are you talking about," EJ demanded, arms crossed, face set in stone.

"This idiot thinks I'm still going to file charges against Sonny," Neil blurted.

"And I told you that I'm in charge and you're going to do what I say," Chad hissed, outraged that Neil was disobeying him. 'We have to stick to the plan.'

"Won't it be just a little suspicious that I waited days to file a complaint," Neil pointed out, "Oh and that my throat's the color of eggplant but the person I'm complaining about didn't do it."

"Neil isn't going to the police," EJ said firmly. "There's too many holes now."

"No, we stick to the plan," Chad debated. "They both deserve to pay."

"And the plan is going to hurt William even more. Neil would have to explain why they were fighting. William's been humiliated enough. We all saw him yesterday," EJ argued. "I'm not willing to risk that. We'll find another way."

Chad looked away from EJ, frown marring his handsome features.

Neil, glaring at Chad, caught the slightly guilty expression in his eyes, "You already did it, didn't you?" Seeing Chad grit his teeth Neil gasped, "You gave that guy the article?"

"I don't understand how I'm the only one doing what I have to to protect Will," Chad told them darkly.

"I gave you specific instructions," EJ growled, temper rising, "How could you go behind my back?"

"You are not my father," Chad stated, "I don't have to follow your directions. You wouldn't do what it takes to defend Will so I had to. Some step-father you are."

Grabbing Chad by the collar EJ pulled him close, "If this causes any backlash you are going to see exactly what kind of father I am." Backing away EJ informed them all, "I'm going to the newspaper to put a stop to this. Neil, find Will and make sure he's alright. Touch him in anyway and I will kill you." Turning to Chad EJ shook his head sadly, "You stay out of my sight."

Neil knocked on the door to Will's room in the Dimera mansion apprehensively. Ever since EJ strangled him Neil had been feeling extremely on edge and jittery. He knew that EJ was serious about doing worse if he hurt Will ever again. So while Neil was very much still attracted to Will 'especially after seeing that picture,' Neil was keeping his distance. 'Besides I don't think I could handle all the drama that comes along with him.'

Hearing no response Neil knocked a few more times before slowly opening the door. Neil felt confused when he saw Will lying on his back in the middle of the bed. Stepping closer Neil asked gently, "Will, you alright?"

When Will's glazed eyes simply staring off into space Neil began to feel alarmed. Sitting down on the bed Neil lightly touched Will's shoulder, throat spasming as soon as he made contact. 'Still no response,' Neil thought worriedly. "Will, say something." Neil recalled the one and only time he had ever seen Will like this with a growing sense of dread, 'Oh god.'

Taking in a deep breath Neil commanded, voice hoarse and raw, "Tell me what happened, now." 'I really hope EJ hasn't bugged this place, because I would so be dead.'

Blinking slowly Will told Neil, "I can still feel it."

"Feel what," Neil questioned attempting to maintain a sense of authority.

"Them," Will explained slowly, "Can still feel them when I move, when I think."

"OK," Neil stated expressionlessly, 'That shouldn't be as hot as it is.'

"Why won't it go away," Will wondered, "Still want them. When I close my eyes I see them."

"It's only been a day," Neil reassured him. "It will fade and so will your desire for them." 'I can be supportive. I will be supportive. Do not take advantage.'

"I don't want it to," Will clarified, "I want to feel it forever, proof that they cared for me. That at least one thing wasn't a lie."

Fear growing, Neil had no idea what he should do now. 'I can't order him to forget them.' "Will," Neil started, "what do you need?"

"What do I need," Will reiterated, eyes still glassy and blank, "I need them. I need them." Will began repeating the phrase over and over.

"OK," Neil said, backing away from the bed and beginning to pace. 'This is a horrible idea. EJ will kill you for this.' Looking at Will's helpless form Neil decided, 'But it's better for Will. You're doing this for Will.'

Seeing Will's phone on his dresser Neil unlocked the screen and began searching through his contacts stopping at the P's. 'God I hope someone gave him his phone back,' Neil thought anxiously, Will still speaking the phrase continuously.

"Will," shouted the voice over the phone, "Will, is that you?"

"Uh, it's Neil," Neil cut in quickly, "I'm with Will and he's in pretty bad shape."

"Oh," came Paul's subdued voice, "Wait, what's wrong with Will?"

"I found him and he's really out of it," Neil began to explain. "He was talking about how he could still feel you and he didn't want it to go away and now he's just saying that he needs you guys."

Voice filled with emotion, "Put him on the phone," Paul whispered.

"Will," Neil said holding the phone up to his ear for him when he made no indication he heard him. "Paul wants to talk to you."

Hearing Will's muttering over the line Paul winced, shoulders hunching, biting his lip, "Baby, I need you to take a deep breath."

Will, jerking at the sound of Paul's voice, stopped talking and inhaled slowly.

"Let it out," Paul ordered gently. "Now tell me what's wrong." 'I did this to him. I'm the reason he's like this.'

"You don't think I'm good," Will confessed, face beginning to crumple.

"Of course I do," Paul insisted firmly. Realizing what Will was going to need Paul cleared his throat, "You've always been good."

Will shook his head sadly, "No, you promised you were going to take care of me. And you lied. So I must be bad. If I was good you wouldn't lie."

Closing his eyes, trying not to cry, "You are not bad. My lying had nothing to do with you, baby. I made bad choices and I hurt you but that is not your fault. You didn't do anything wrong." 'I've completely screwed him up. I took a sweet, innocent boy and ruined him.'

"But why would you lie to me," Will asked desperately, "I did everything you said. I listened and I believed you, always. What did I do wrong?"

"You didn't do anything, it's me. It's all me. I'm the one that broke your trust," Paul asserted wishing he was standing face to face with Will.

"Is it because I was slutty," Will cried, "Because I wanted you all the time. I'll try to be better next time. Please don't get rid of me, please."

'Oh god, what did I do to him?' "You're perfect. You're perfect, baby. I told you it was me. I'm the one who was supposed to take care of you and I'm the one that took advantage. Now stop thinking that it's your fault because it isn't. That's an order," Paul commanded as roughly as he could. 'I'm such an asshole.'

Will asked sadly, "So I'm good," sniffling, "I didn't ruin everything?"

"Of course you didn't," Paul explained. Licking his lips Paul added, "But you're mad at me, remember?"

"I am," Will asked sadly, frowning.

"You are," Paul supplied, "And I'm prepared to wait as long as it takes for you to talk to me."

"Oh," Will replied, everything coming back to him. "I am mad at you." Hands covering his face Will began to feel embarrassed once again. 'I can't go a single day without degrading myself.' Curling into a ball and away from the phone Will shook his head at Neil.

"Hey," Neil told Paul, talking to the phone once again. "He's back now. And looks pretty mortified." Not wanting to make Will anymore uncomfortable than he already was Neil rushed out, "Thanks for snapping him out of it. I didn't think it would be appropriate for me to."

"Thanks for calling," Paul said gratefully. "Make sure that he's OK, yeah?" 'Since I can't.'

"I will," Neil promised before hanging up. Gazing at Will Neil could feel his heart reaching out to him. 'Damn did they mess him over.' "You need anything?"

"Some water," Will requested, forehead pressed to his knees, 'Why did that happen? Why did I talk to him?'

Handing Will the bottle he saw at his desk Neil observed as Will took a drink. "So, you want to talk about it?"

"Not really," Will said, "I'm humiliated enough as it is." 'Why did Neil have to see that?'

"You don't have to be upset," Neil told Will, tentatively reaching out to touch his arm. "I mean, me of all people know what you're like. It's nothing to be ashamed of."

"I don't know why that happened," Will admitted, crossing his legs and playing with the band on his socks.

"What were you doing before," Neil asked wanting to make Will feel better. 'I owe him that much at least.'

"I was unpacking my bag," Will said, gesturing to the duffle bag near the floor, the same bag Will used and never unpacked from his weekend trip. "I stole one of Paul's shirts," Will disclosed, "And a pair of Sonny's shorts. I just saw them and I don't know. I can't remember what happened after that."

"I see. I don't know if you care about what I think but I have a theory," Neil looked at Will, 'He's not going to like this.'

"What is it," Will asked, regarding Neil wearily. 'Why is he even here?'

"You miss them and you want them back," Neil stated simply with a shrug. "They hurt you but I think you want to forgive them."

Face twisting Will mumbled, "But they used me and lied to me."

"Maybe," Neil conceded. "But I think you need to talk to them about it. You found out everything in front a big group of people who wanted you to hate them, Will. I think what just happened to you is proof that you still have feelings for them." 'EJ is going to murder me.'

"What if I give in right away," Will asked quietly, "What if I'm so pathetic I just take them back and let them use me again?" 'I don't want that to happen.'

"Despite what people try to make you think," Neil enlightened, "You aren't weak. Maybe you're easily influenced but I think you will make the right decision. So, I think you should talk to them. Get them to explain everything. And if you decide that you can one day forgive them than you should get back together." 'Why am I doing this? Holy crap, I am literally dead.'

"Yeah," Will stated, "I guess I owe it to myself to at least let them explain."

"I think it should be separately though," Neil expanded, "I mean, obviously they each did something to hurt you. So, let them explain it individually." 'I don't think they're talking to each other anyway.'

"Right," Will nodded, "OK, tomorrow I will talk to them both." Reaching for Neil's hand Will squeezed it, "I don't know why you're here but thanks."

"EJ sent me to check on you. I'm basically his bitch now," Neil said straight faced.

Giggling wildly Will gasped out, "Really? I guess that explains what happened to your neck."

Smiling at Will, pleased he could cheer him up, "He's the most overprotective kind-of-almost-step-father I've ever met." 'I just hope whatever EJ has planned for Paul or Sonny doesn't make you hurt anymore than you are now.'

EJ stormed past the stunned secretary into the editor-in-chief's office at the local newspaper. "Whatever article Chad Dimera gave you I want pulled, now," EJ barked off, slamming the door behind him closed.

In the process of cleaning his glasses, a middle-aged man, looked at EJ unimpressed, "I'm sorry but I have no idea what you're talking about."

"The article you were given just an hour ago. I know it happened so save yourself your dignity before I ruin your entire career," EJ threated, arms pressed to the man's desk, towering over him.

"I can assure you that I did not receive any articles this evening. Our paper prides itself on doing its own investigative journalism without any supplemental help," the man told him, eyebrows raised in a challenge.

"Right," EJ told him mockingly, "So I suppose if I head over to the printing department I won't find something about a famous baseball player on the tomorrow morning's front page."

"Sir, I have no idea what you are talking about. Tomorrow's front page is about the fall festival this weekend. We're not gossiping about our townspeople," the man sighed, placing his glasses back on the bridge of his nose. "Now if you do not mind, I have a meeting to attend to." Standing up the man unlocked the door, holding it open for EJ.

"If I find even one mention of William Horton in your newspaper I can assure you that the only headline you'll be a part of ever again will be about your resignation," EJ promised, storming out of the building. 'Was he lying or did Chad give the article to someone else?'

Closing the door behind him the man picked up his phone hurriedly, "Get back in here. It seems that tip you received had more merit to it than we originally thought." Glancing at his watch, "We still have a few more hours until the deadline. We can have this figured out in no time."

Author's note:

Will's emotions are all over the place here. He doesn't know what to think or feel. But he definitely has some really uncomfortable thoughts about what Paul did. I think he wants to take the blame because it's easier for him to handle that way. And that will be addressed later on because that's not healthy. And he definitely won't be able to move on if he doesn't accept the reality of what Paul did.

Sami's become paranoid and Adrienne and Neil were actually helpful. Chad probably just made everything worse. Also, EJ just revealed a little bit too much.

Please review and leave any comments or suggestions. I do appreciate the feedback.