"Hey, Will, wait up," shouted Neil, jogging over to Will, catching him easily.

Will paused on the sidewalk waiting for Neil. He wasn't entirely sure what to think about Neil anymore. 'Are we friends? Acquaintances?' Will didn't know but he saw him around the Dimera Mansion almost every day. 'I guess if EJ didn't want me around him he wouldn't be at the mansion all the time.' Smiling at Neil awkwardly Will nodded his head.

"Um, hi," Neil announced as the two started walking again. "Are you on your way home?"

"I guess it's my home now," Will shrugged, "But yeah that's where I'm going. You too?"

Rubbing the back of his head Neil bit his lip, "I have to pick up EJ's dry cleaning."

Trying not to laugh Will looked away, "Oh, right, of course."

"Just laugh, I've earned it," Neil told him resigned to his fate. "I'm gonna be EJ's errand boy for the rest of my life."

Giggling, barely able to hold on to the cup of coffee in his hand, Will snorted, "It could be worse."

Neil stared at Will out of the corner of his eye, noting the pink blotches on his face and neck, the bright gleam in his eyes. 'No, stop it,' tearing his eyes away from Will's face Neil shook his head. 'You blew that a long time ago.'

Patting Neil's arm lightly Will grinned at him, "How do I see you more often now than when we were dating?"

'Because EJ loves to torture me by dangling you in front of my face when he won't let me have you.' Clearing his throat Neil said, "Just lucky I guess." Spotting a group of people gawking at Will when they walked by Neil changed the subject, "So, how is fame treating you?"

"Ugh," Will complained, "Fame is not all it's cracked up to be. I can't even go online nowadays without seeing my face everywhere. I don't even know why my sex life is that interesting."

"Probably because your family is pretty infamous around these parts," Neil added. "That and Paul is famous and you're hot. Who wouldn't be interested?"

"Sonny's hot too," Will muttered to himself. "I still don't see why people follow me around or take my picture. I mean, I'm not that exciting."

Pretending he didn't hear anything about Sonny Neil clapped Will on the back, "I'm sure it will blow over soon." Hearing the snick of a camera Neil looked across the street to see a guy in all black taking their picture. "Or not." Seeing how uncomfortable Will was with the whole experience Neil placed his hand in the crook of Will's elbow, encouraging him to walk faster. "EJ should really hire you a driver."

"He'll just make you do it," Will stated with a small laugh. "I'm just glad no one is reporting anything anymore."

"Well the newspaper isn't," Neil explained nervously, "But, uh, the university's message board is kind of going crazy over you."

"What," Will asked completely annoyed. 'Damn it.'

"Yeah, speaking of which how long did it take to get all those food stains out of your clothes," Neil questioned with a wide smile. 'He was absolutely adorable in that video.'

"Beats me," Will admitted, "Adrienne had them cleaned. I found them in Sonny's room for me this morning."

"Wait, what," Neil inquired, eyebrows raised, 'EJ is not going to like this.'

"I just said thanks I didn't really ask how they were cleaned," Will said looking at Neil oddly. 'Why is his eye twitching?'

'Fuck, now I'm going to have to tell EJ,' Neil thought miserably. Taking a deep breath Neil pouted, "So, Sonny huh?" 'At least it's not Paul.'

"Still," Will told Neil, "I mean we're working things out. All of us."

"All of you," Neil gasped, "You mean Paul too?"

"Well yeah," Will maintained, "Are you feeling OK? Your skin is turning kind of purple."

Rubbing his throat, where it still vaguely hurt to swallow, Neil nodded, "Uh, have you told EJ this yet?"

"Not exactly," Will said anxiously. "I mean, every time I see him he's always too busy giving me pep talks with weird metaphors I don't get. And he hugs me a lot. The other day I had to leave for work and he hugged me for almost five minutes. He's as bad as my mom with wanting to touch me all the time now."

'No, he was just showing off because he knew I could see,' Neil thought. 'Asshole.' Remembering something, "Oh, I guess you spending the night with Sonny explains that post today."

"What post," Will asked wearily.

"Just um, that there's been a lot of discussion online about how you kind of maybe planned to break Sonny and Paul up," Neil rushed out, "And with the video of you with your mom and Adrienne and some pictures of you leaving the Kiriakis place this morning people are wondering if you were after Sonny the whole time."

"What," Will gasped out, "That doesn't even make sense. I mean, what?"

"Well," Neil pointed out, "No one knows the details about what happened really. No one believes that you guys were anything other than a good time."

"This sucks," Will whined. "What else are people saying about me?"

"I don't think you want to know," Neil told him honestly. "Trust me, it's not nice. EJ makes me check it out every day to make sure that the photo of you um naked doesn't go up."

"Just tell me or else I'll look myself," Will informed Neil, pulling his arm away from Neil and crossing them over his chest.

Blowing out, Neil braced himself, "Just stupid crap. They talk about who they think you've slept with or want to sleep with. How good you must be in bed. That kind of stuff."

Jaw set Will grumbled, "They know who I've slept with there was a whole article about it."

"Well they don't know that. As far as they know Sonny and Paul are just two more guys in your collection," Neil continued. Completely honest Neil admitted, "I'm just glad no one knows about what happened between us."

"Because everyone would know I started hooking up with Sonny and Paul when I was still seeing you," Will asked with a pout.

"Uh no, but thanks for reminding me of that," Neil huffed, "I meant that you I hurt you and about our date."

"Oh yeah, I forgot," Will said sheepishly. "I've kind of had a lot on my mind," Will defended when he saw Neil's dumbstruck look.

'Am I that far out of your league that you don't even remember me,' Neil thought sullenly.

"But speaking of that night, our date," Will began, "If I want to forgive Paul for what he did I think I need to know everything that happened. So, will you tell me?"

"What happened," Neil clarified, 'Oh fucking hell.' "OK, but if you're going to forgive Paul about this I want you to consider forgiving me too?"

"Neil," Will said before stopping on the sidewalk, turning to face him. "Just tell me the truth and I probably will."

Heart beating rapidly at the open and honest expression in Will's beautiful blue eyes Neil licked his lips, beginning to walk again Neil started, "Well, most of what I told you did happen. We sweet talked our way into the club. You were really nervous but you're super hot so of course they let us in. We started dancing and you were really stiff so I got us some drinks. The more you drank the more relaxed you got."

Nodding his head when Neil caught his eye Will gave him a brief smile, "OK, keep going." 'This isn't so bad.'

"When we were dancing you were pressed up against me and I got the bright idea to do body shots," Not looking at Will Neil continued quickly, "Um we had a lot and you started kissing me. So I took us to the bathroom and slammed you against one of the stalls. I asked you to get on your knees and you did. That's when Paul came in and found us."

"That's not what you told me before," Will said simply, feeling odd.

"Yeah, I know. I just, I didn't want you to hate me or think I was taking advantage," Neil tried to clarify. "I mean I kind of was but I didn't want you to give up on me."

"Right," Will stated. Sighing a bit Will closed his eyes, 'If I can try to forgive Paul for what he actually did I can forgive Neil for wanting a blowjob.' "Um, I kind of remember thinking that you kissing me was the greatest feeling in the world."

"Really," Neil blurted out, completely surprised. 'At least I've got that.'

"Yeah," Will smiled shyly. "What about when you found out I was with Sonny and Paul? What happened then?"

"That was me being an asshole," Neil grunted, "I just, I was so upset and jealous that I wanted to punish you. It was stupid and awful of me. I am so sorry that I scared you and pushed you into that, Will,"

Scratching behind his ear Will bit his lip, "I mean, I definitely didn't understand at the time but I do now. Sonny and Paul explained it to me. It also kind of felt normal like it was something I wanted."

"I kind of got that when Paul asked you to suck my cock in public," Neil griped, remembering how crazed and angry he felt that day. The day he realized that he had officially lost Will.

Blushing furiously, feeling defensive of Paul, Will argued, "I don't think that's any worse than you offering to share me with Brian."

Snapping his jaw shut, knowing he wasn't getting out of that, Neil admitted defeat, "OK, yeah. That's just as bad. But just so you know I told Brian to leave you alone."

Walking in silence up the front path of the Dimera Mansion Will stopped before he opened the door. Will studied Neil. 'He's so tall and strong. He kissed me like I was the only person he would ever want. He stood up for me against Paul. He tried to protect me with EJ. He's handsome. He looks at me like I'm something special. But he's not Sonny and Paul.' Reaching his hands to slide around Neil's broad shoulders Will pulled him into a hug. "I forgive you," Will whispered against Neil's neck.

Laughing excitedly Neil lifted Will into the air, "Oh my god, really? I thought you were going to hate me forever."

Just then the front door opened and EJ, arms crossed, barked, "What the bloody hell is going on here?"

Neil slowly placed Will back on his feet and pulled his arms away even taking a step back, 'Fuck, I never should have touched him.'

"EJ," Will warned sternly. "Leave him alone. I hugged him."

"William," EJ sighed, covering his eyes with his hands, "I literally cannot handle this right now."

"Can't handle what," Will asked, feeling concerned.

"You are sending me to an early grave," EJ growled, reaching out for Will and yanking him into the mansion. "I swear I can feel my blood pressure rising just looking at you."

"Have you been to a doctor," Will questioned reaching out to feel EJ's forehead, 'I don't want to kill him.'

EJ, enjoying being fawned over, 'It's about time someone show concern over me. For god's sake I've had to work round the clock to deal with this mess.'

Neil, raising an eyebrow at EJ, torn between amusement and jealousy, "Do you have anything else for me to do or just the laundry?"

"Laundry for now," EJ commanded, pulling Will away from him and pushing him towards the kitchen, "Go wait for me in there. I need to have a friendly chat with Neil."

"Be nice to him," Will warned, poking him in the chest before turning around, looking over his shoulder Will called out with a sweet smile, "Bye Neil."

Looking between Will and Neil disapprovingly EJ ordered, "Get that stupid grin off your face. That's never going to happen."

Face falling, "Right," Neil nodded. 'Trust me, I know.' "But speaking of that," Looking EJ in the eyes Neil explained, "Will is still interested in Sonny and Paul. More than interested."

"Excuse me," EJ hissed, stepping closer, making sure no one was around.

"He told me," Neil admitted, "He said he was going to forgive Paul. And he spent the night in Sonny's bed." 'God, don't even think about that.'

Jaw twitching, clutching his chest, EJ insisted, "I think I'm having a stroke."

"Stop being dramatic," Neil snapped. "What the hell are you going to do about this?"

Closing his eyes and taking deep breaths EJ snarled, "Narita won't be a problem much longer. But Kiriakis? I can't do anything to him without Victor getting on my case."

"What do you mean he won't be a problem," Neil asked feeling disturbed.

"I think you already know," EJ said plainly giving Neil an expectant look.

Stunned, Neil's mouth opened and closed uselessly before he stated the first thing he could think of, "Will's not going to like that."

"Quite frankly, I don't care," EJ stated viciously. Thinking quickly, pacing back and forth, EJ decided, "I can't do anything about Kiriakis but you can. Yes, I have you well in hand. If it's you or him I'd rather it be you."

"I don't, I don't know," Neil tried to back away, he didn't want to know this. He didn't want to do anything to hurt Will. Shaking his head, scared, 'I can't hurt Will any more than I already have. No. No, I can't do this.'

"This is everything you've wanted. So shut up and be grateful," EJ said darkly. "I know William will be safe, Kiriakis will be gone and you get William."

"I can't," Neil argued. 'I'm not hurting Will again.'

Cutting Neil off gruffly, reaching out to grab Neil's collar EJ whispered in his face, "You can and you will. Isn't he what you've always wanted? I saw that look on your face when you held him in your arms. You want him? He's yours."

Brushing his hands on his pants EJ smiled when he saw William sitting at the kitchen island cheeks stuffed full. Rolling his eyes fondly EJ walked over to William and kissed the top of his head.

Smiling at EJ around his giant mouthful Will leaned his head backwards to rest against EJ's chest. Will was finally feeling like everything was getting back to normal. Sure he had strangers taking his picture and wondering about his sex life but his personal life was back on track. 'Neil's my friend again. Sonny and Paul are starting to woo me back. Everything is finally starting to look up.'

Sitting next to William EJ reached over and stole a grape off of his plate. Swallowing EJ asked, "So, how are you coping with everything?"

"Really well now," Will confessed. "And most of that I know is thanks to you. So um thank you for making the newspaper back off."

"Of course," EJ waved it off, "Like I would ever let anyone talk about you like that. You're my son."

"I think my dad would probably keel over and die if he heard that," Will laughed out shaking his head.

"I know," EJ smiled widely. 'That's one of the reasons I like to say it.'

"You're awful," Will informed him. Reaching out for his cup Will took a loud slurp before setting it back down.

Noticing the logo on the cup EJ questioned, "William, why are you drinking coffee from Common Grounds?"

"Because Sonny sent it to me," Will said with a shrug. "Why wouldn't I?"

"What do you mean sent," EJ demanded.

"Well I was in class and a courier brought it to me," Will admitted with a smile. He could remember the note sent with it: Because I know how sleepy you get in the afternoon. Love, Sonny.

'Isn't that sweet,' EJ thought with a frown. "William-"

"Excuse me Sirs but this package came for Mr. Horton this morning," interrupted a servant setting a box in front of Will before leaving the room.

"Hmm," Will said while he started opening the box, "I didn't order anything."

"Be careful," EJ ordered grabbing the box away from William, "We don't know who sent this. With some of the things Neil showed me online I'm not letting you see this until I open it."

Not bothering to argue over it Will let EJ open the box hoping it wasn't anything dirty.

Opening the package EJ pulled out the contents with a frown, "What is this?"

Seeing the name written on the back Will dug around inside the box until he found a note: I always knew it would look better on you. Miss you, Paul

Turning around the baseball jersey EJ gritted his teeth when he saw Narita written in bold letters, "William, what is this?"

Gently prying it from EJ's hands Will batted his eyes at EJ innocently, "Um, Paul's old uniform?"

"And why did he send it to you," EJ asked calmly, turning away from William's puppy dog eyes. 'I won't be suckered in this time.'

"Because he knew I would like it," Will said a bit confused as to what he should say. 'Because it meant something to him and he wants me to have it,' Will thought giddily.

"William," EJ began, "What happened to never wanting to see him again? Because in case you forgot I remember you clinging to me desperately begging me to make him go away. Make them go away."

"I-I know," Will tried to explain, hating the look on EJ's face, like Will was letting him down. "I just, you don't understand how I feel about them."

"No, you don't understand how I feel," EJ snarled, cupping William's cheeks and forcing Will to look at him. "You don't understand what it's like finding out someone took advantage of your child. You don't understand what it's like to have your son plead for you to make everything better. That I had to carry you to bed and hear you cry over two men that hurt you. You don't understand what it's like finding out that you want that again."

Face crumpling Will blinked away tears, "I'm sorry but I want to forgive them."

"How do you know they won't hurt you," EJ yelled, shaking William slightly, "How do you know?"

Almost falling off his stool Will flailed his arms until he grabbed on to EJ, "I don't know. I don't."

"They're not good enough for you, William," EJ scowled, lightening his grip. "They don't deserve you after what they did."

"They're trying," Will whispered. "They'll prove to me I can trust them."

"I won't let you get hurt again," EJ promised. "I won't." 'I'll do whatever it takes.'

"I know," Will whimpered reaching out for a hug. "I know. And I appreciate you so much but please let me do this. I'll regret it for the rest of my life if I don't try."

"Fine," EJ griped. 'It will all be over soon.' Resting the palm of his hand against the back of William's head EJ mused, "It seems almost cruel that you want to give them another chance but you won't give Neil one."

"That's different," Will said, 'I don't feel for Neil the same way I feel for Sonny and Paul.'

"Maybe you should give him another try," EJ suggested. "We've all seen the way he looks at you. Sometimes I want to smack it off his face but at least I know he won't hurt you. I can control him."

Realizing what EJ was trying to do, figuring it would be easier to get him off his back Will agreed, "OK, I'll try."

Sitting alone in his room Will pulled out his phone and dialed the first person he knew he needed to talk to. Waiting for them to answer Will bounced his left leg up and down, jittery.

"Hello stranger," answered Marlena, a smile on her face to hear from her oldest grandson.

"Grandma, I still want to be with Paul," Will blurted out. "And I know that it's risky and I know that some people are going to hate it but it's what I want. I want Paul and I want Sonny. They want me too. This is what I want."

Startled, trying to process what Will was telling her, Marlena sighed, "If you're certain that's what you want Will I won't stop you. I just want you to make sure that you trust him, in everything. And if you for one second feel uncomfortable or like he doesn't respect your wishes you get out of there."

"I will. I promise," Will told her fervently. "I won't do anything I'm not ready for or don't want. But this is what I want."

"OK, Will, OK," Marlena allowed. "Thank you for telling me." 'Oh goodness, this isn't going to end well.'

Telling his grandma goodbye Will hung up the phone. Spotting the box Paul sent on the desk Will walked over and placed the package on the bed. Pulling it out Will spread the jersey out on the comforter. Touching the thick fabric reverently Will remembered the first time Paul had shown him this particular jersey.

"Wow," Will said voice full of wonder. Glancing at Paul quickly Will asked, "Can I pull it out?"

Nodding, pleased to see Will looking so impressed, Paul said, "Sure."

Holding the jersey up Will weighed it in his hands, "It's heavier than it looks on TV. Much heavier than my old little league uniform anyway," smiling at Paul quickly Will put the jersey back in the box. "That's really cool," Will stated.

Chuckling at Will Paul sat down next to him on the bed closely, elbows brushing together, "Thanks. I wore it in my very first Pro game. I'm never going to play again but at least I still have this one." Feeling a bit bitter Paul shoved the box back under the bed.

"Why don't you frame it or something," Will suggested. His arm tingled where Paul was touching him, a light fluttering started in his chest.

Shrugging Paul looked into Will's clear blue eyes, breath catching a bit, "I don't really want it around to remind me of what I no longer have."

"Maybe it could just be a reminder of all the good things," Will said feeling a bit shy. 'You aren't that close with Paul, why are you saying this?' "You know, you could see it and be proud that for a little while at least you had everything you dreamed of."

Smiling warmly at Will Paul threw an arm around his shoulder, pulling him closer, "You're pretty sweet Will." 'I'm starting to think Sonny was right about you.'

Bouncing slightly Will teased, "Oooh can I wear it for Halloween? I can go as you!"

Paul laughed, enjoying the way Will felt pressed against him, "It would definitely look better on you anyway."

Will was about to throw the box on the floor when he noticed something else inside it. Grabbing it Will couldn't help but throw his head back and laugh. Paul had sent him lip locking balm; a set of two lip balms with complimentary flavors for each partner to use before they kiss. Ripping off the plastic covering Will opened both tubes before deciding he liked the pina colada flavor better.

After using the chapstick Will felt brave. Stripping down until he was naked Will pulled on Paul's jersey. Reclining on the bed, lip balm resting beside him, Will angled his phone so the camera could see he was in nothing but his jersey. Snapping and sending the picture to Paul and Sonny Will giggled, covering his blushing face.

Sonny stared at the picture on his phone in disbelief, practically whimpering. 'Oh my god. Will Horton should be illegal.' Covering the screen quickly, not wanting anyone to see, Sonny couldn't stop staring at Will's shiny pink lips, wondering which flavor Will was wearing.

When Sonny got to work that morning he found a decent sized box outside Common Ground's door. Recognizing Paul's untidy scrawl on the card Sonny wondered what he could have possibly sent him in such a short amount of time. Paul had skyped with Will and Sonny the rest of the night. Will moved the laptop so Paul's face was in his spot to the left of Will and Sonny was on his right. The three fell asleep together. Sonny had to admit he was a little sad to see his laptop had died during the night so he couldn't see Paul when he woke up.

Sonny opened the box when he was inside and couldn't help but laugh loudly at the contents. 'Only Paul would send me chapstick intended for kissing and mint flavored lube.' The card stated: Now you never have to go without again. Miss you, Paul.

Finding the gesture oddly romantic Sonny put the box in the office with a smile on his face.

A few minutes before he was due to open Sonny got a delivery of flowers, not the frilly kind that Sonny hated either. Paul sent him a simple lily of the valley bulb in an old fashioned coffee tin to keep in the shop. Touched, Sonny was a bit stunned to read the card: Lily of the valley symbolizes a return to happiness. It is fragile and should be handled with care, just like I promise to do in our relationship.

Around the time Sonny had an afternoon coffee delivered for Will Paul had sent Sonny an icee, 'I didn't realize Paul and I were so similar.' Sonny rolled his eyes at the note but drank the syrupy sweet drink anyway: To take care of that aching tongue.

Now, seeing a picture of Will in nothing but one of Paul's old jerseys Sonny couldn't help but groan, wishing he was with Will. 'Or at the very least alone.' Hearing the door open Sonny locked his phone quickly, stuffing it in his back pocket when he saw a determined Lucas Horton making a beeline for him. 'Well damn.'

"Mr. Horton," Sonny greeted, trying to be polite. "What can I get for you?"

"A latte please," Lucas said directly, "And a few minutes of your time. I'll be over there." Lucas placed a $5 bill on the counter and walked to a table in the far corner, not even bothering to check if Sonny agreed to a conversation.

Sending Will a quick message Sonny got started on his father's drink. 'How am I supposed to sit across from him when his son just sent me that? Oh and I spent the night with my tongue in Will's ass?'

Sitting across from Lucas Sonny tried to relax. 'He's not EJ; he's not scary.'

"Sonny," Lucas said firmly, immediately jumping into what he wanted to talk about. "I think you're a real nice guy. Being there for Will when he needed someone who understood the most was a stand up thing to do."

"Thanks," Sonny blinked, waiting for the catch, "I would do anything for Will."

"Yeah," Lucas stated, "I noticed. Including getting him involved with you and your fiancé." Shaking his head in disappointment Lucas continued, "I thought you were going to be a good friend for Will. He's young and naïve. He needed guidance not someone to jump his bones."

Trying not to get upset Sonny explained, "Paul and I both got close to Will when he was coming out. We developed feelings. We asked Will if he had them too. We all agreed together to have a relationship."

"Right," Lucas snorted. "And at what point was it decided that my son was going to be completely humiliated in front of the entire town. Because I don't see anyone calling you a tramp in the headlines. And I don't see anyone calling Paul a slut. Why is it only my son that's getting crap for this?"

"I had no idea that was going to happen," Sonny insisted. Getting worked up Sonny shrugged, "And if you want to talk to anyone about the article you should talk to Chad. I know that there is nothing wrong with Will. I know, he knows, and Paul knows. We're trying to work through our problems together."

"But you haven't done anything to fix it now have you," Lucas argued, gripping his cup tightly, "You or Paul. You never once said anything to clear Will's name. Neither of you responded and said the truth about what happened."

"Because Will wouldn't want us to," Sonny told Lucas, feeling exasperated. "Will would not want us to draw even more attention to it."

"Right," Lucas sneered, "Because it's so hard to tell people when they ask you questions that it's all a misunderstanding. Instead Will has people following him around and taking his picture everywhere he goes." Pulling out his phone, bringing up the Salem University message board, showing Sonny a picture of Neil holding Will up into his arms, "Here's his latest boyfriend according to this. He can't even hug his friends anymore without someone accusing him of something."

Frowning at the picture, 'What the fuck, Will?' "If you're so concerned about this why haven't you done anything," Sonny asked mockingly. "Or is EJ right when he goes around bragging to everyone that Will is his?"

Glaring at Sonny Lucas pursed his lips, "I am doing everything that I can to stop that man from making my son's life any worse."

"Really," Sonny asked with a chuckle, "Because so far EJ's been the only one supporting Will through everything. Not Sami, not you, EJ. And you know what I think? I think the reason you're so upset about this is because you believed that article."

"Excuse me," Lucas demanded, outraged.

"You think Will is every bad thing everyone says and that's why you're so upset," Sonny declared. "You think that way about your son and you want to blame everyone else because of it."

"Oh my god, do not do that," Lucas ordered. "I know who my son is and I know how I feel about him. This has nothing to do with that."

"Oh yeah," Sonny prodded, "I can still remember all the talks I had with Will about when he came out and you an Sami started treating him different."

"I love my son," Lucas maintained.

"I didn't say you didn't," Sonny said, "You just think he's a whore like everyone else in this town."

"Shut up," Lucas practically shouted.

"You don't," Sonny questioned cruelly. "So it wouldn't bother you that he spent the night in my bed last night? Or that he just sent me a dirty picture?"

Covering his ears Lucas could have screamed, "Ugh, I do not want to hear that about my son. He can do whatever he wants with whoever he wants. As long as it isn't anyone that's going to hurt him."

"I'm not going to hurt him," Sonny informed Lucas, "Not again."

"I guess we'll see who's going to be there for him in the long run now won't we," Lucas stated pushing away from the table and walking away.

'Yeah, Paul, me and EJ,' Sonny thought smirking at Lucas's back. Trying to cool down Sonny welcomed the vibration in his pocket indicating he had a message. Seeing it was from Will Sonny couldn't help but grin. 'Despite what just happened today has been a really good day.'

Paul stepped out of the post office with a spring in his step. Today had been the first day in his plan to get Will and Sonny back. 'And hopefully when they read those letters tomorrow they'll feel just as hopeful as I do.' Cutting across the park Paul pulled out his phone and stopped immediately seeing that Will sent him a picture. "Holy fucking shit," Paul screamed out loud, startling an elderly couple walking nearby. "Oh, sorry," Paul told them with a brief frown.

Staring at Will in his jersey, the jersey that meant so much to Paul, and that was one of the first moments he realized he had feelings for Will, made Paul smile widely. 'God he looks good.' Paul loved the eroticism of it but also the confident look on Will's face. The very fact that Will would feel empowered enough to send something like this to Paul made Paul overwhelmed. 'He is beginning to trust me again.'

Lost in thought Paul didn't realize there was anyone next to him until he felt someone tap him on the arm and say, "Excuse me?"

Starting slightly Paul looked away from his screen and at the stranger standing next to him.

"Sorry," the guy said looking apologetic. "Um, I just wanted to ask if you were Paul Narita?"

Feeling something akin to dread, "Do not ask about the article, do not.' "Yes, that's me," Paul answered honestly.

The guy smiled brightly, making his plain features brighten, "Oh my goodness, I'm a huge fan."

"Really," Paul asked feeling better about the situation.

"Yes, I had season tickets for a while," the guy explained, blushing slightly, dark hair falling into his eyes. "I was really devastated when you got injured."

"Well you and me both," Paul said with a laugh. "But um I don't know I think everything worked out the way it's supposed to." Looking back down at his phone Paul bit his lip trying not to grin.

Catching a glance at Paul's screen, recognizing the boy in the photo, the guy frowned darkly. When Paul looked up again the boy put on a polite smile, "It was really nice meeting you." Sticking out his hand to shake the guy tried not to tremble.

Shaking the young man's hand Paul said, "Thanks it's always nice to meet a fan."

"Um, not to be nosy or anything," the young man said, "But are you dating that blonde guy? The one from you know."

Standing up straighter, feeling uncomfortable, "Yes," Paul admitted.

"That's what I thought," the guy muttered, "I kind of saw him earlier when I was walking around. I thought he was your boyfriend and I wondered what he was doing letting that big guy hold him."

"What big guy," Paul questioned. 'That doesn't sound like Sonny.'

Showing Paul a picture of Will and Neil on his phone the man tried not to smile when he saw how upset Paul looked, "This guy."

Nostrils flaring, practically shaking with anger, Paul told the guy, "Excuse me but I have to go. It was nice meeting you."

Walking away quickly Paul didn't notice the guy dial a number, gazing at Paul's back dreamily, "I met him. I think everything is going to work out just fine."

"Good," Victor barked over the line. "Just make sure no one gets hurt." Hanging up quickly Victor poured a drink, toasting himself Victor thought, 'Sorry EJ but my plan is going to work much better.'

Answering the phone quickly, fingers almost slipping over the touch screen Will purred, "Did you like your picture?"

"My picture very much," Paul said shortly, "The picture of you and Neil definitely not."

Face falling Will slumped back onto the bed, jersey still on, sounding defeated, "What are you talking about?"

Looking at his laptop, at the various pictures of Will and Neil wandering through Salem, Paul replied, "The ones of you and Neil from today. Why were you with him?"

"Excuse me," Will asked, offended, "I don't think you get to ask me that."

"Will," Paul reasoned, "Sonny and I told you a long time ago that we didn't want you around him."

"Well it's a little hard for that to happen when EJ has him over all the time," Will defended. "And if you bothered to ask nicely I could have told you he was walking me home."

"Why," Paul demanded. 'Why was he touching you or hugging you?'

"Because we were both going there," Will said simply. "And I don't appreciate what you're implying."

"I'm not implying anything," Paul stated. "I'm asking you what you were doing."

"Yes you were," Will argued. "He found me. I only agreed to walk with him because I wanted to find out about what happened on our date. Because I wanted to know everything about that night so I could try to understand better and forgive you."

"Oh," Paul whispered.

"Yeah, oh," Will remarked. "And before you even ask I hugged him because I said I forgave him. That's what I do. I talk to people and give them another chance."

Feeling ashamed Paul said, "Will, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to make you upset. I just, that guy drives me crazy."

"Well you did," Will told Paul, with his arms crossed, "I don't see how you expect me to trust you when you don't trust me."

"I do trust you," Paul insisted, voice full of emotion. "I just, I know what that guy wants from you. He wants you Will." 'You don't know how much it kills me that he almost had you.'

"He doesn't have me," Will told Paul softly, "I just want you and Sonny. You know that."

"I don't want you to move on from me," Paul confessed, "I know I'm jealous and possessive but I just hold on so tightly because I'm afraid I'll lose you if I don't."

"I'm not going anywhere," Will promised. "I'm just sitting here, in your jersey, waiting for you to win me back."

Groaning Paul covered his eyes, "Fuck, don't say that. The picture was torture enough."

Giggling Will teased, "So you didn't like it? Maybe I should just take your jersey off then."

"I didn't say to do that," Paul blurted out. "Don't do anything drastic."

"I really like it," Will admitted, feeling shy, "Thank you for sending it."

"Of course," Paul assured Will. "I wanted you to have it. You were right. Now every time I see it it's going to remind me of all the good things I have."

"You're just saying that because you know I'll be naked under it," Will laughed.

"That's one of the best things I have," Paul said confidently. "Well, one of the best things I'm going to have again. Because I'm going to get you back. You and Sonny."

Author's note:

Some definite progress for the boys but EJ is getting in the way again. His dark and demanding side is coming out. He's pretty much at the breaking point. Also, Victor and EJ's partnership lasted what like 3 chapters?

Thank you very much for everyone that's still reading.

Please leave a review or any comments. Any and all feedback is helpful and appreciated.

Also my family owns some florist shops and greenhouses so I know a lot of useless facts about flowers. Something tells me when my great-grandfather explained all that crap to me he didn't intend for me to apply it to a fictional threesome.