EJ scrambled out of bed in a panic when Samantha burst into the room, door banging off the wall, screeching at the top of her lungs, "He's missing! EJ how can you be sleeping at a time like this? Get up Will isn't in his bed."

Righting himself, heart still racing, "For god's sake Samantha," EJ pulled on a shirt before placing his hands on Samantha's shoulders, "What are you rambling about?"

"Will isn't in his room," Sami cried, face stricken. "I went to check on him and he was gone." 'Oh god oh god oh god.'

"Relax Samantha, breathe. I'm sure William has a perfectly logical reason for leaving," EJ soothed. "Besides, he was going to leave at some point today anyway. You can't keep him within your sights forever."

"I know, I know," Sami explained "But it's so early. Where could he have run off to? I don't want anything else happening to him."

"Have you tried calling him," EJ asked logically. 'Samantha is completely overreacting and William isn't reacting at all,' EJ sighed to himself, verging on annoyance. 'I don't know how much more we can all take.'

"Oh," Sami uttered, feeling stupid. Pulling away from EJ Sami started turning in circles, hands in her hair, trying to remember where her phone was.

Taking pity on her EJ grabbed his phone off the nightstand. "Here," he told her extending the phone when it began vibrating in his hand. Not recognizing the number EJ gruffly answered, "What?"

"EJ, this is Justin Kiriakis. I'm at Common Grounds," Justin began, "Will's here and we just found out some distressing news. I really think he's going to need you and Sami."

"What news," EJ demanded, immediately rushing to his wardrobe and pulling out some clothes, gesturing for Samantha to do the same. "What's going on?"

"The morning headline," Justin said simply, "It's about Will, Sonny and Paul."

EJ growled lowly in his throat, "Put him on the phone." 'That son of a bitch,' EJ thought recalling the bold faced lie the man at the newspaper told him.

"EJ," came Will's soft voice. "EJ, oh my god."

"I'll be right there, William," EJ confirmed. "Tell me what you're thinking?" EJ put the phone on speaker and ripped his clothing off.

"I don't, how did they find this out," Will moaned, head resting on Adrienne's shoulder, still wrapped tightly in her arms.

'I know exactly how they found out,' EJ thought viciously. "I'll be there immediately. Do not move. I'll take care of everything."

"This can't be happening," Will whispered. 'How do these things keep happening to me?'

"Just wait and we'll figure everything out," EJ promised before hanging up quickly. Sticking his head out the door EJ yelled for the help, immediately instructing them to watch over his children and make sure they get to school on time.

Sami screamed out, "Will you tell me what's going on?" She had thrown on a simple outfit and was tearing off down the stairs attempting to keep up with EJ.

Throwing open the front door EJ snatched the morning paper off the stoop shaking with anger when he caught sight of the headline. 'I will destroy that pathetic Editor-in-Chief.' Tossing Samantha the newspaper EJ ran for the car mind focused on getting to William. 'And once I've checked on him I'll kill my brother.'

Will, having been moved from the stool at the counter to a table, leaned against the booth, head titled back and eyes closed. 'Everyone in this stupid town is going to read that story. I won't be able to look anyone in the eyes. Every single fear I had about being with Sonny and Paul was just thrown in my face in one stupid article.' Ignoring everyone around him Will tried to pretend this wasn't happening.

Sonny sat across from Will at the table gazing at him sadly. Sonny wanted to hold Will in his arms and protect him from the world. The same world that had thrown one cruel experience at Will after another. 'But he doesn't want that. He doesn't need that.' Sonny knew Will wasn't ready for Sonny to hold him and offer comfort. That whatever progress they had made in their conversation earlier was most likely destroyed. 'How much more can Will take before he breaks?'

Sonny still couldn't believe that something like this was even possible. 'How could someone print something so ridiculously skewed from reality?' While the gist of their story had been kept none of the details were accurate. Will didn't seduce anyone into his bed. 'We had to convince him to be with us,' Sonny realized, getting angrier by the instant. 'How could anyone put the blame on Will?' Sonny was stunned that the newspaper even dared imply that Will was easy.

On top of being concerned and angered about how Will was portrayed Sonny was upset for himself. 'Now this entire town is going to know Paul cheated on me.' Maybe it was petty but Sonny never wanted that to get out. It made him feel as if he were inadequate. That Paul was with Will because there was something wrong with Sonny. 'That must be why I'm so pissed off at Paul,' Sonny grasped suddenly.

What angered Sonny the most about the article was how all three of them were painted in such disturbing lights. Will was the predator who ensnared them in his web of lies. Paul was the famous ball player who was to be admired; he was rich and famous with guys vying for his attention. 'And I'm somehow the victim who fell for everyone's lies.' Sonny wasn't sure how the newspaper came to that conclusion but it upset him greatly. 'If they knew the truth of what happened they wouldn't dare think Will was a whore.'

Adrienne, who had been quietly bringing Victor up to date on the facts of the matter, couldn't help looking between her son and Will apprehensively. She wanted to throttle whoever was in charge at the newspaper for printing such obvious sensationalism. 'This isn't even news! It's gossipy trash.'

EJ stormed into the coffee shop practically yanking the door off its hinges. Making a beeline for William EJ hauled him out of his chair and into his arms, holding the back of his head in the palm of his hand. He had called Chad on the drive over insisting that he meet them at Common Grounds. 'He wanted Narita and Kiriakis to see how badly they hurt William well now Chad can see the damage he did too.'

Will sunk into EJ's arms instantly, fingers clawing at EJ's back. Will's muffled voice begged, "Make it go away. Please make it go away." 'Just make everything stop.'

"Shh, William," EJ reassured. "I'll take care of everything." 'Literally.'

Sami, holding on to Will's arm, started stroking his hair and face as if he were an infant, "Oh my beautiful son. We'll make everything better." 'I hate admitting it but I know EJ is better equipped to take care of my son now.' Sami tried not to be resentful but she sometimes failed. 'Why does everyone have such an easier time with Will than me?' Kissing the top of Will's head Sami patted his arm once before slinking over to Adrienne.

"Sami," Adrienne greeted. "I'm so sorry." Surprising almost everyone Adrienne hugged Sami tightly. Adrienne was able to put aside all of her resentment towards Sami after bonding over their shared experience with sexual abuse. 'And knowing her son is going through the same thing at the hands of my future son-in-law makes it impossible to stay mad at her. Besides, there are more important things to deal with now.'

Pulling away from Adrienne with a slight smile Sami looked at Adrienne gratefully. "Thank you," Sami said, taking her hand and squeezing it once before letting it go. Spotting Victor Sami refrained from rolling her eyes and instead asked him, "What have you figured out?"

Eyeing Adrienne and Sami oddly Victor replied, "Nothing yet. My sources at the newspaper are looking into it as we speak."

"I already know how this happened," EJ stated gruffly. Adjusting William in his arms so they could move closer to the group EJ continued, "Chad wanted to humiliate Narita. Against my wishes he met with someone from the newspaper and orchestrated this whole thing."

"What," Will asked pulling away from EJ's chest to look him in the eyes. Lips trembling Will gasped, "How could Chad do this? I thought he was my friend" 'Is that how he thinks of me?'

"I am," came a voice from the front of the store. Chad, who managed to surprise them all with his silent arrival argued, "I am Will. I never told the man I met with any of this crap." Shaking a copy of the newspaper that was in his hands Chad moved towards Will, "All I told him was that Paul cheated on Sonny with someone. That's it. I never told anyone your name. Hell, I didn't even say Sonny's name I just called him Paul's fiancé. I would never do that to you Will."

When Chad woke up to the obnoxious ringing of his phone Chad immediately knew it was going to be a horrible day. 'Nothing is ever going to go well when the first thing I deal with is EJ and his mood swings,' Chad thought rolling out of bed and making his way to Common Grounds. Figuring that he was going to get chewed out for the article yet again Chad lazily made his way outside. Catching sight of the first newspaper dispenser on the street Chad almost choked reading the headline. 'What the fuck?!' Running the rest of the way to the coffee house Chad could practically see the pained watery blue eyes Will would be giving him. 'Fuck fuck fuck!'

Wiping the backs of his hands across his eyes, hating how much he had been crying lately, sniffling, Will questioned, "Then how did they find this out?"

Sonny, feeling awkward watching Will in EJ's arms, 'That should be me comforting him. I used to be the one he ran to and would hold him close,' opened the paper and read the rest of the article. Hearing Chad admit he was the one to give the idea to the newspaper made Sonny want to punch him in the face. However, after reading the entirety of the article, Sonny was beginning to see how things had blown out of control.

Sonny, standing up, walking over to Will and pointing at the article, "Did anyone actually read the whole thing?" Seeing everyone's blank expressions, Sonny continued, "Listen to this. 'The details of their sordid weekend came to light with this tweet from user bellbro828: realNaritaPaul was staying in the honeymoon suit this weekend. Saw his fiancé and their naked blonde boy toy too.'"

Moving closer to Sonny Will smacked his arm, "You said I had nothing to worry about with that guy!" 'Why do I ever believe people?'

Relieved Will was still talking to him Sonny looked at him, "And how was I supposed to know he was going to tell the entire world he saw you naked?" 'I mean it is something to brag about but still.' Trying not to smile at the memory, Sonny added, "That still doesn't explain how they got your name."

'Oh damn,' EJ thought suddenly. 'I cannot believe I did that.' Clearing his throat EJ shifted from foot to foot, "I might have made that clear once I yelled at the Editor-in-Chief yesterday evening." An uncharacteristic blush appeared on EJ's face. 'Do not look at Victor. Do not look at Victor.'

"EJ," Sami screamed, "How could you do that?" 'It's usually me who makes everything worse.'

Reaching forward to smack EJ in the face Justin caught Sami's arm. "None of that," Justin told her rolling his eyes. "That isn't going to help Will and Sonny." Adjusting his tie Justin stated, "That still doesn't explain how in the world they got the idea that Will was to blame for any of this." Rubbing his forehead Justin sighed internally, "Or what we're going to do about this."

"Um," Sonny said, "There's more. 'A tweet a few days prior outlined their relationship clearly PlayDrWtBrian: Heartbroken my blonde schoolboy is really a slut for the taken and famous.'"

Sami let out a shocked shriek, "Who the hell is Brian?"

Face paling Adrienne groaned, "It's the guy I tried to set Will up with." Sighing while wringing her hands together Adrienne explained, "In my defense I had just met him. How was I to know a handsome doctor would be such an ass?"

"You set my son up with someone you didn't even know," Sami demanded stepping away from Adrienne, feelings of goodwill leaving her.

"I thought he was trying to sleep with Paul," Adrienne debated. "It never crossed my mind that Sonny and Paul would want to be with him."

"What the hell is going on in this town," Victor asked face scrunched together in confusion. 'OK, maybe I don't quite understand young relationships anymore.' Turning to look at Will Victor tried to remember the sweet little boy who used to run down the halls in the mansion. 'Never imagined one day he would be dating my engaged great nephew.'

Leaning towards Sonny unconsciously, Will wrapped his arms around his stomach, "I was dating Neil when I spent the night with you. Maybe I am just a whore."

"No," Sonny gritted out. "That's ridiculous. You are not a whore or a slut or anything else." Sonny placed his hands on Will's neck, making him look Sonny in the face. "There is nothing wrong with you. If other people have problems with what happened that is their fault. We all know that you did nothing wrong."

Will tilted his head so it was resting against Sonny's arm, whispering, "OK, OK." 'Sonny doesn't think I'm bad."

Rubbing his thumbs up and down Will's neck Sonny couldn't help but smile at Will warmly. 'Maybe there's still hope for us. Maybe this article will bring us closer together.'

Chad, frowning at Sonny in distaste, hands twitching to rip him away from Will, "What I don't understand is how the stupid newspaper didn't report on Paul taking advantage of Will. I specifically told them Paul slept with a passed out barely legal boy and they didn't even comment on that."

"Hey," Will said pulling a face at Chad, relieved that detail was left out. "I'm still mad at you by the way." 'Who aren't I mad at right now,' Will thought having a difficult time keeping up.

"EJ is probably going to turn me into his new helper monkey anyway," Chad told Will with a shrug. "If it keeps that asshole away from you it was worth it." 'Though it clearly didn't deter them both.'

"So now what," Justin asked rationally. 'I have no idea how Sonny's life turned into this.'

"I need to get to class," Will told them all. When everyone stared at him in surprise Will added, "If Sonny's right and I'm not any of those bad things the newspaper said than the best thing would be to keep on living my life."

Sonny pulled Will into a tight embrace, whispering into Will's ear so no one else could hear, "I'm so proud of you. You're so strong." 'He's had to be with how much he's gone through.'

Head resting against Sonny's shoulder, Will breathed out, "Am I being good?" 'Please tell me I'm good.'

Heart beating rapidly Sonny nodded, "So good. You're always such a good boy." Kissing Will's cheek briefly Sonny asked Will, "Do you think I can call you later? To check on you."

"I'd like that," Will admitted, enjoying being held tightly against Sonny once again. "I'm still not sure how I feel but I don't want to be mad at you forever."

"Alright break it up," EJ demanded, arms crossed, "Don't think I haven't forgotten what you did." 'Don't touch my son.'

"EJ," Will replied completely exasperated, "Leave it alone for right now. I just want to go to school."

"I'll go with you," Chad said, "I need do some groveling anyway." 'This won't be fun.'

"I need to open soon anyway," Sonny commented biting the side of his cheek so he wouldn't smile too brightly. 'This is not the time to smile, hold it in.'

Sami, EJ, Adrienne, Justin, and Victor all huddled together in a secluded corner at Horton Town Square. They all agreed it would be best to meet without Sonny seeing. Adrienne, tips of her fingers pressed to her lips, said plainly, "I just can't believe this happened. How could that paper think Will was at fault?" Catching sight of EJ's glare, Adrienne reluctantly admitted, "OK, I know that I thought the same thing too originally but I just don't understand how anyone can blame the victim for this." 'I don't understand how Will can blame himself for this.'

Sami, irate, hissed out, "That's how this town is. When I was a teenager the same thing happened to me. No one believed me when I came forth. Everyone insisted it was my fault. Nothing ever changes here."

"Regardless of what the town believes I think it's more important for us to get Will to believe he's innocent," Justin added. "I mean, I may not know him as well as the rest of you, but even I could see he's holding onto a lot of guilt."

"William would do better if Narita was out of the picture. For good," EJ said ominously. Looking around at all the faces surrounding him EJ was pleased to see everyone agree.

"I agree," Victor commented. "And as much as I hate you," Victor told EJ, "I'm willing to overlook that for the sake of Sonny and Will. Whatever needs to be done will be done."

Raising his eyebrows EJ studied Victor appraisingly, 'Is William worth putting aside decades of rivalries?' Immediately knowing the answer EJ stuck out his hand, "A temporary truce?"

"A temporary truce," Victor agreed shaking EJ's hand. "Anything that we do about this situation will not be held or used against the other."

"Why are you helping Will," Sami questioned. 'You've always hated me. Why are you helping my son?'

"I'm not quite so old as to have forgotten he used to be my grandson," Victor explained, almost as if he was offended they couldn't believe he could be fond of someone. "Despite my distaste for Kate," Victor spit out, "I can recall Will zipping up and down the stairs at the mansion. Batting his big blue eyes at the cook to make him cookies. His carefree laughter never failed to put a smile on my face." Readjusting himself in his seat, joints aching in the crisp cool air, Victor continued, "Besides I already had plans to get Paul out of Sonny's life once I found out he hurt him. Now I'm just killing two birds with one stone."

"And exactly what is our plan," Justin asked smiling at his uncle. 'That old softie.'

EJ's phone beeped indicating he had a new email. Glancing at the name with a smirk, opening the message EJ skimmed the information with a devious smile. In a pleased tone EJ announced, "I believe my P.I. has something that will help us get one step closer to eliminating Narita from our lives."

Before anyone could remark they heard a voice project loudly, "Sami, what in the hell is happening in our son's life?"

Everyone turned and stared at an incensed and clueless Lucas Horton.

Will and Chad walked side by side towards Will's first lecture. Will, fingers touching Sonny's soft scarf gently, had no idea what to say to Chad.

"Will," Chad bumped shoulders with Will, well knocked his shoulder against Will's head, "I'm really sorry bud. I never wanted to hurt you again." Seeing that Will was listening intently, Chad continued, "I just. I was so angry at what Paul and Sonny did. All I could think about was making them hurt as much as you were hurting. I never thought it would blow up in my face this way."

Nodding, thinking about the situation, Will could see where Chad was coming from. Will asked quietly, "But they are your friends. How could you do that?"

"I thought they were," Chad told him, "But I can't be friends with anyone who would use you that way. I warned them that if they hurt you I would kill them myself and they promised me they wouldn't. I just, the thought of Paul doing that to you. Taking that choice away from you, it just makes me so angry."

"I noticed," Will commented lightly. "I have to admit, I never realized you cared that much." 'Why does everyone seem to be angrier about this than I am?'

"You're like my little brother," Chad admitted, throwing his gangly arm around Will's shoulder, pulling him close. "I'm not going to let anyone hurt you, even my business partner. Besides, my plan was a lot better than letting EJ kill them."

"I guess that's true," Will muttered. Feeling as if someone was looking at him Will lifted his eyes only to see multiple heads turning away from him. One group of teenagers on their way to school were openly staring, one kid even pointing. Hiding his head in Chad's chest Will closed his eyes tightly.

"What are you staring at," Chad shouted at the group of kids, scaring them and making them scamper off to school. "I will try to find a way to make this right. Even if it involves personally going door to door and explaining to every single citizen the truth."

Chuckling, Will smiled, pulling away from Chad, "That's not necessary. In fact, knowing you you'd probably find a way to convince them of the opposite."

"That's true," Chad conceded with a shrug, glaring at anyone who dared to give Will a second look.

"Hey, there's one thing I still don't get," Will pulled away from Chad a bit to look him in the eyes, "How did you even find that picture? And the paper Sonny wrote?"

"Oh, that's easy," Chad said, slightly proud of his espionage, "I snuck into their apartment and snooped around a bit."

"Let me guess," Will stated dryly, "That was EJ's way of backing off." 'It doesn't count as staying out of it if you make someone else do the dirty work for you.'

"You really understand my brother," Chad laughed, ruffling Will's hair, before leaning down to kiss the top of his head loudly.

"I do," Will disclosed, "That's why I don't trust that this is over."

"I wouldn't either," Chad agreed. "So, you gonna tell me what the hell was going on with you and Sonny back there?" Chad looked at Will with one brow raised, judging him slightly.

Blushing slightly, touching Sonny's scarf again, Will told Chad, "I'm not sure really. We talked and stuff. He explained about the resolution and wedding stuff."

"So," Chad demanded. "Just because you talked doesn't mean you have to forgive him."

"Why not," Will questioned. "Why does everyone keep telling me what I can and cannot do? If I want to forgive someone it's up to me. It's not up to anyone else. I'm the only one that can decide how I feel." Will, getting worked up, crossed his arms, "All of you people keep telling me how awful it was that Paul took a choice away from me but that's what you're trying to do too."

"Will," Chad asked slowly, surprised by how vehement Will was being. "I don't think that's the same thing."

"How is it not," Will wondered. "How is it OK to tell me who I can talk to or see or be with but Paul can't do something I wanted when I was drunk?"

"Because we're trying to do what's best for you," Chad argued. "Paul was doing what he could to get off."

"Well I don't understand how that's different," Will complained. 'When do I get a choice and when do I not?'

Seeing how distressed Will was Chad pulled him back into his arms, "OK, you're right. You get to choose who to forgive and why." 'This has really screwed you up.'

"Thanks," Will told him softly, resting his head on Chad's chest. Ignoring the stares around him Will confessed lowly, "I still have feelings for them."

Closing his eyes and counting to ten Chad forced out, "Yeah that's what I'm afraid of."

Sonny, exhausted, almost shouted in relief when he saw his evening employees walk through the door. "Oh thank god," Sonny told them. "I am so ready to get out of here." Taking off his apron Sonny practically bolted for the door, doing all he could to pretend he did not see their curious eyes gawking at him.

Sonny, blinking from the bright glare of the sun, shoved his hands in his pockets. He couldn't wait to get home, throw himself on the bed and relax. 'Oh, wait. I can't go home.' Almost forgetting what had happened Sonny bit his lip and sighed. Sonny wished the past three days were nothing but a horrible dream. 'A nightmare after my perfect weekend.'

But it wasn't a nightmare. 'And I can't just forget about it.' Sonny still wasn't certain what he wanted to do about Paul. He wasn't ready to think about him. All Sonny knew was that he was angry and hurt. Compounded with all the frustration the two had been experiencing when Will was not around Sonny was confused. Groaning in annoyance Sonny realized he could no longer put off going home. There were too many things he needed at home. 'More clothes, underwear, a warmer coat. The charger for my phone and my laptop. Plus any paperwork I might need.'

Setting his shoulders and lifting up his neck Sonny determinedly set off for his apartment. 'I can face Paul. If I can handle customers giving me condolences on my failed relationship and telling me how sorry they were my fiancé left me for a homewrecking slut I can face Paul.' Sonny figured he deserved a medal for not losing his temper with anyone. 'I couldn't yell at the customers but I can yell at Paul.'

Will rushed out of his last lecture for the day, head down and the hood from his jacket pulled up over his face. Will spent the whole day fending off people left and right. Some people simply wanted to know if the gossip was true. Others wanted to know what it was like sleeping with a celebrity. There were some who lifted their noses as if his very presence was tainting them. Complete strangers congratulated him for sleeping with such good looking men at the same time. He had heard every adjective for slut and some he had never heard before. Guys, and even some girls, hit on him left and right. No matter what Will said it didn't seem to matter. 'Everyone can think whatever they want about me. I am so passed caring what other people think.'

Pulling out his phone Will grumbled when he saw the amount of notifications his phone had. Texts, voicemails, emails, facebook messages and friend requests. Will couldn't wrap his head around the obsession with the story. 'It's just a dumb newspaper from a small town. How is it getting this much exposure? I didn't even think that many people still read the newspaper.'

Will rolled his eyes in irritation when he saw a text from Chad with a link to an updated version of the article. 'Oh for fucks sake,' Will thought angrily when he saw a picture of him and Chad from their walk to school this morning and the headline: Horton sleeping with young Dimera?

Phone buzzing in his hand Will noticed Chad's name indicating he was calling. "I already saw the picture of the two of us," Will stated, "Just tell me you don't have any more bad news."

"Someone leaked the picture," Chad informed Will simply, watching EJ and Victor both scream into their phones trying to figure out how to fix Will's latest mess.

Stopping mid-step, mind clearing completely, "You cannot be serious," Will said breathlessly. 'On top of everything else everyone has to see me like that too.'

"I don't know if you want to come home or not," Chad told Will, "It's pretty scary here. Your dad found out and has been arguing with your mom all day. EJ's been waiting on his P.I. to come over and he still hasn't shown up. EJ and Victor are both going crazy." 'Will doesn't need to see this.' "Oh, and Neil still hasn't come back with the pizza yet."

"I, I don't think I can deal with that right now," Will whispered, curling in on himself.

"Where are you going to go," Chad asked, "Back to Sami's apartment?"

"No," Will explained, "No, there's only one place I want to be. Thanks for telling me." Will hung up, turning around and walking in the opposite direction of the Dimera Mansion. 'Please be there, both of you.'

Author's note:

Poor Paul probably isn't going to stand a chance against the combined power of EJ and Victor. He better hope both Will and Sonny are able to forgive him.

Please review and let me know what you thought.