Will took a bite of his cereal and thought, 'Well this isn't awkward at all.' Will was sitting at the kitchen island eating breakfast with EJ on one side of him and Neil on the other. 'Nope definitely not uncomfortable.'

"I've got to get to the office. I can't give you a ride today William so I've instructed Neil to take you anywhere you want to go. I don't want you being alone," EJ informed William directly. Standing up and straightening his suit EJ leaned over to kiss the top of William's head. "Call me if you have any problems."

"I will but you have to promise to make a doctor's appointment," Will compromised. "I think you need to be checked over. " 'You're starting to lose it a bit.'

"I'll make an appointment as soon as I can," EJ told William. 'This is why everyone has such a hard time letting you go,' EJ mused. "Enjoy your day together." Shooting Neil a pointed look EJ walked out of the kitchen.

Making sure EJ was gone Will rounded on Neil, "I am so sorry he's being so weird. I don't know what's gotten into him lately."

'It's you Will,' Neil pondered giving Will a strained smile. 'Although not literally. Thank god or else this whole thing would be even worse.' "It's OK. Having to follow you around all day isn't the worst punishment he's ever given me."

Biting his lip, feeling awful, 'Oh there's that look EJ was talking about.' Realizing he couldn't lead Neil on, not again Will reached out to take Neil's hand and began, "Look, Neil you're really nice but I don't want to give you any false hope here."

Neil pulled his hand away from Will reluctantly, not wanting to hear this, not wanting for it to be true, "Trust me Will I know. It's just EJ meddling. It's OK. We can deal with him and keep him off our backs." 'And I can pretend that you actually want to spend time with me.'

"OK," Will whispered, not knowing what to do or say, "I just, I don't want to hurt anyone."

Closing his eyes Neil suggested, "You should probably tell Sonny and Paul about this. So they don't see any pictures and freak out." 'Ugh being a nice guy sucks.'

"Well Paul already saw some yesterday," Will mumbled crossing his arms. "He wasn't too happy."

"Can you blame him," Neil said looking at Will oddly. "I mean the last time I was alone with you I shoved you into a wall and kissed you. Then I tried to beat up your boyfriend. I've gotten into a fight with both of your boyfriends. I think he has a right to be angry."

"Yeah but I've told him repeatedly that I don't want to be with you like that," Will explained heatedly. "How am I supposed to trust him if he doesn't trust me?"

Putting his hand on Will's shoulder Neil, heart aching, told him, "If you want to work things out with them you need to tell them this. And I have given the both of them every reason to not trust me." Looking away from Will Neil confessed, "OK and trust me if I thought I had a real chance I would take it."

Blinking owlishly Will's mouth dropped open, "Oh." 'I, um, I don't even know what to say to that.' Grabbing his phone off the counter Will sent a message to both Sonny and Paul that he hoped would explain things until he could see them both in person:

Being forced to spend day with Neil. Don't freak out. Nothing will happen. I'll explain later tonight.

Breaking the silence that had enveloped the kitchen Will heard the doorbell ring, "I'll get it," he screamed before running to the door. "Oh, yes," Will shouted when he recognized the same courier from yesterday with his coffee. "Thanks," Will blurted with a happy look on his face, butterflies fluttering wildly. 'Sonny knows exactly when I need him.'

Neil paused outside the door to Common Grounds nervously. 'Do I do this and risk EJ's wrath or not?' Remembering the bounce to Will's step as Neil escorted him to his first lecture Neil opened the door and stepped inside. 'OK, here goes nothing.'

Neil spotted Sonny, 'Ugh and Paul,' sitting at a table in the back of the shop eating lunch. Stomach rumbling Neil frowned, 'Damn I wish I was eating lunch instead of rushing out to talk to these losers.' Walking up to the table Neil crossed his arms and stared Paul and Sonny down.

Sonny smiled at Paul from across the table. In all the years they had been together Paul had never been so attentive to him. 'And bringing my favorite sandwich from across town? Definitely a perk of him messing up.' Noticing someone stalking towards their table Sonny tossed his sandwich down on its plate and frowned harshly.

Paul played with the remains of his bread desperately hoping he was making Sonny happy. Despite the good start yesterday Paul really didn't know what he could do to show Sonny that he was sorry and would be committed to him and Will. 'How exactly does a guy show their fiancé that they're only going to be with them but as their boyfriend?' Seeing the angry look on Sonny's face Paul began to feel dread, 'Oh god, did I get the wrong sandwich?' Turning his head and recognizing Neil Paul immediately growled, "What the fuck do you want?"

"Look," Neil said simply, "I don't like you. You don't like me. We all like Will. Now that that's out of the way we can get down to business which is the fact that EJ has lost his fucking mind."

Stunned and fuming Sonny hissed, "The problem is you won't leave our boyfriend alone."

Rolling his eyes and losing his patience Neil ran his hands through his hair, wanting to rip it out, "That is not the problem! If you would shut up and listen I would explain what's happening."

"I think it's pretty damn clear," Paul announced looking smug; "You just can't let Will go even though he's exactly where he wants to be."

"Shut up," Neil argued. "This isn't what I'm here to discuss. EJ is losing it OK. Completely."

Processing what Neil was saying, letting go of his anger momentarily, Sonny asked, "What are you even talking about? EJ is the one parent Will has that's there for him."

"I know he loves Will," Neil admitted, hands automatically going to his throat, "But he's reached the end of his rope. Or whatever metaphor you want to use. He is willing to do whatever it takes to keep you two away from Will."

"EJ will get over whatever it is he's feeling once Will forgives us," Paul insisted yet feeling uncertain. "He's never done anything to purposely hurt Will before."

"You don't understand how much he hates you, both of you," Neil told them shaking his head. Bracing himself for the fallout Neil confessed, "He wants Will to date me and leave you two in the dust."

Laughing Sonny easily dismissed Neil, "Will would never agree to that. Also, I'm pretty sure EJ hates you just as much as he hates us."

"You don't think if EJ wanted him to do something Will wouldn't listen," Neil asked raising one eyebrow. "You know how easily influenced Will is especially when it comes to EJ. And EJ isn't going to rest until he gets what he wants."

"This is crazy," Paul groaned, rubbing his eyes, "As much as I don't like the guy he loves Will. He adores him he wouldn't hurt him."

"Oh yeah," Neil replied, "He told me yesterday that he was giving Will to me. OK, as if Will was a commodity he could give and take at his disposal. He is losing it." 'And he's going to have you fucking killed if you don't back off.'

Seeing Paul was seconds away from throwing a fit in public, conscious of the eyes watching them openly, Sonny whispered, "EJ is just angry. If we could convince him that we're serious and if he could see how happy we make Will than maybe he'll back off."

"That's not going to work," Neil shook his head, "You don't understand how serious this is. You need to back off a bit and let things settle."

"Back off," Paul barked, mind turning, "Oh you would like that wouldn't you? Will would be miserable and you would be right there to comfort him. Did EJ put you up to this?"

"Would you just listen to me," Neil said loudly, "Jesus I'm not going after Will. Will knows I'm not going after him. But he's willing to do whatever it is EJ wants because he feels guilty EJ is working so hard to protect him. I'm warning you that EJ is dangerous and isn't afraid of collateral damage."

"Thanks for the advice but I think we can handle this," Sonny said seriously. 'Don't listen to him. It's just more mind games.'

Looking between Sonny and Paul in disbelief Neil set his jaw, "Fine, but don't say I didn't warn you when something awful happens." Turning around Neil paused and stormed back, hands leaning on the table, "And just so you know, Will is going to be the one hurt in the end."

Glaring at Neil's back until he was out the door Paul snorted, "Can you believe that asshole?"

"I don't want to but I think I can," Sonny admitted. Rolling his eyes at the look Paul was giving him Sonny elaborated, "I'm just saying that if we wanted Will but had no chance we would probably be as desperate as he is."

Considering it Paul nodded, "Yeah, OK. But I still think he's a douche."

Will tapped his foot against the sidewalk annoyed. Checking his phone for the time Will grumbled to himself, 'You've got one more minute or I'm leaving without you.' He knew he never should have agreed to let Neil be his escort around campus. 'Nothing good ever comes out of me going along with EJ's schemes.'

"Excuse me," came a voice to Will's right, causing him to jump backwards, leg hitting the retaining wall he was leaning against. "Oh, sorry."

Leaning down to rub the sore spot on his leg Will said, "That's OK. I'm just really jumpy." Not recognizing the guy in front of him Will asked, "Um, do I know you?" Feeling unnerved by the look in the guy's eyes Will shifted from foot to foot. 'Where the hell is Neil?'

"No," the guy said firmly dark brown eyes staring at Will. 'You don't. And hopefully never will.'

"OK then," Will stated feeling peculiar. Sighing a bit Will continued wearily, "If this is about the article I really don't want to talk about it."

"I'm just here to tell you to back off," the guy ordered, voice surprisingly gruff, small arms folded across his chest. 'What the hell is so special about you? What?'

Will, eyebrows scrunched together in confusion, stood up straight, eyeing the guy, "What?"

"You need to leave Paul alone," the man stated. "Before something dangerous happens." Not giving Will any time to respond the guy turned on his heels and marched away disappearing into the crowd.

Stuffing his hands in his jacket pockets Will tried to find the guy again. 'What the hell was that?'

"Hey, sorry I'm late," Neil announced, hands reaching out to steady Will's shoulders when he predictably startled. Noticing he was trembling slightly, "Hey, what's wrong? Will?"

Will finally looked up into Neil's eyes, "Sorry, it's just. There was this guy and I don't know."

"A guy," Neil clarified. "What did he do? Did he say something inappropriate to you?" 'I never should have left him alone.' Concerned at the panicked look on Will's face Neil felt a bit helpless.

"I don't know," Will shrugged, "He told me to leave Paul alone or something bad would happen."

Apprehensive Neil put his hand on Will's elbow and led him to his next class, "Had you ever seen him before?"

"No," Will replied. "Never." 'I hope I never see him again either.' Will still felt like those intense dark eyes were glowering at him. Shivering slightly Will moved closer to Neil hoping he would shield him from any more unwanted attention.

Sonny tapped his fingers against the counter thoughtlessly, mind working. 'How the hell am I supposed to get EJ to back off and leave Will alone? Who does he answer to?'

"Hi, Sonny," chirped Sami Brady, who had walked inside while Sonny was deep in thought. She smiled warmly at Sonny. The last time she had seen Sonny Kiriakis he had a lapful of her son. Adrienne warned her not to watch them from the kitchen but Sami couldn't help it. 'They were just so cute together.' Just like she couldn't help hi-fiving Adrienne when they saw Sonny and Will heading upstairs hand in hand.

'Bingo,' Sonny thought rubbing his hands together. "You are actually just the person I was thinking of," Sonny admitted with a smile. 'And damn am I glad Paul's in the bathroom right now.'

"Oh really," Sami asked quirking an eyebrow. Rummaging through her purse for her wallet Sami wondered, "And why is that?"

While the other barista started Sami's order Sonny took her cash and explained, "Well, it's about Will and EJ."

"If it's about why they hug each other all the time I don't know and I don't want to know," Sami joked lightly blue eyes sparkling humorously.

'Unfortunately I probably know,' Sonny frowned. "Um well it's kind of related but I knew you would be the only one to convince EJ he needs to stop."

"Stop what," Sami questioned unenthusiastically, 'Why does everyone assume he has an agenda?'

Taking a deep breath Sonny rushed out, "He's trying to convince Will he needs to date Neil. Like making them spend the day together and telling Neil that Will was his now."

Staring at Sonny perplexed, "Excuse me," Sami blurted out. "EJ did that? I thought he hated Neil." 'What in the hell?'

"I did too," Sonny expressed, "That's why I was so confused. But he's guilting Will into spending time with Neil so he won't have time to be here."

Snatching her coffee Sami vowed, "Trust me. I'll put a stop to this nonsense." Without a second thought Sami turned on the spot, hair flowing around her, and stomped out the door.

'I guess that's where Will gets his dramatic exits,' Sonny mused with a smile.

"What's that look for," Paul asked, rubbing his hands against his jeans and sitting at the counter. Ignoring the group of people gawking at him Paul smiled at Sonny before getting his phone and sending Will a quick message.

"Just realizing how similar Will is to Sami," Sonny said with a shrug before grabbing a clipboard with some paperwork on it and getting to work. "I asked her to reign in EJ for us." 'Well I didn't say it was for us.'

"That was a good idea," Paul nodded, "We know he would never listen to us."

Leaning his elbow on the counter, resting his head in the palm of his hand, Sonny watched Paul with a fond look in his eyes.

Catching Sonny's eyes Paul asked with a quick grin, "What?"

"Nothing," Sonny said with a shrug. "I just like watching you talk to Will."

"How do you know I was talking to Will," Paul questioned, slightly confused.

"I just do," Sonny admitted with a laugh, "You've got your Will look on your face."

"My Will look," Paul chuckled, "That's not a real thing."

"No it is," Sonny insisted, feeling light and carefree, easy, "I kind of hated it before. Before we all realized our feelings. It used to make me feel like I was less, I guess. Like you looked at Will because there was something wrong with me. Now, though, now I know better. Whenever I see it, I don't know it makes me smile too."

Paul grinning brightly, "I know what you mean. When you would talk to me about Will before I knew him god I was so jealous. And when I met him I wanted to hate him. But he kind of made it impossible with how Will-like he is. Now I can't imagine our life without him."

Nodding Sonny agreed, "That's because he's a part of our lives." Pulling on his fingers nervously Sonny looked around to make sure no one was close enough to hear them, "Paul, don't take this the wrong way but I want to call off our engagement. You know officially."

"For Will," Paul asked head titling to the side with a slanted grin, "Because we can't all be together like that?"

"Exactly," Sonny exclaimed, leaning closer to Paul, "I just, if we're all in this, really in this, we need to be on equal footing. You know? And since we got engaged for all the wrong reasons I think we need to do this."

"Well, Sonny it was nice while it lasted but we are officially un-engaged," Paul added with a silly smile.

Sonny bit his lip lightly, deliberating, before deciding it was time. Cupping Paul's cheeks Sonny kissed him quickly; a fast press of their lips before he pulled away with a grin. Sonny opened his mouth when a shrill voice interrupted Paul and Sonny's private moment.

"What the hell," Adrienne shrieked watching her son willingly kiss Paul Narita. 'No, no, no.' "Sonny what the hell is this?"

"Mom," Sonny said standing up straight. "I think you know what I was doing."

"Oh yeah," interjected a masculine voice, "I think we all know what you're doing."

Rolling his eyes Sonny crossed his arms, 'Jesus, really?' "Mr. Horton, I really don't think this is your business."

"How is this not my business," Lucas asked with a scoff.

"Sonny," Adrienne said heatedly. "How could you do this to Will? For god's sake you just got him back how could you cheat on him? Especially with this," Adrienne spat out gesturing to Paul.

"Mom," Sonny told her, trying to be patient, "Will is not going to care if I kiss Paul. Trust me." 'He likes it a little too much,' Sonny recalled how Will pleaded and encouraged Sonny and Paul to touch and kiss each other.

"And why the hell would he not care," Lucas growled.

"Because we're all together," Sonny yelled getting fed up. 'First Neil and now this. How the hell was Sami Brady the highlight of my day?'

Face frozen in horror Adrienne heaved a deep breath, "Sonny how could you even think about being with him?"

"Paul," Sonny said, looking to him for guidance or reassurance, tired of having to defend their relationship to people who would never get it.

Nervous, feeling like he deserved whatever they threw his way, Paul cleared his throat and said, voice a bit unsteady, "Sonny and Will decided they were willing to give me another chance. If I can prove myself."

Glaring at Paul viciously Lucas declared, "Not if I have anything to say about it."

"Sonny," Adrienne whispered, "How could you?"

"It's my decision," Sonny insisted darkly. "It's not up to you."

Shaking her head sadly Adrienne looked at Sonny with a wounded expression.

Before anyone could say anything else Will ran through the door. Spotting Paul, standing uneasily by the counter, Will dashed over and straight into his arms. "Paul," Will cried, burying his face in Paul's chest.

Automatically wrapping Will in his arms, holding him tightly, relishing the moment, "What is it," Paul demanded, "Will what happened?" 'I never thought I would feel this again. I never thought he would trust me enough for this.'

Neil, closing the door calmly, walked over to the group and announced, "He just had a run in with a creep at school." Averting his eyes from Will and Paul Neil looked up at the ceiling. 'Stop it, stop thinking like that.'

"What do you mean," Sonny questioned before walking behind the counter and putting his hands on Will's back, rubbing up and down comfortingly.

"I didn't hear all of it," Neil started, looking at Adrienne and Lucas oddly, "But when I got there whoever he was slapped Will on the butt and asked if he was open for business."

Growling, Paul pulled Will closer to him, before looking at Neil, "What did you do about it?"

Pulling back from Paul and leaning his head on Sonny's shoulder Will said, "He didn't do anything. I kneed him in the balls and told him to fuck off."

Sonny, looking delighted, "Oh my god that's fantastic." Sharing a pleased look with Paul Sonny kissed the side of Will's head proudly.

Lucas, disturbed and uncomfortable with what he was seeing, couldn't stop from blurting out, "How is that fantastic?"

"Because he stood up for himself," Sonny hissed with a sharp look at Lucas. 'You don't know anything about your son.'

"I did," Will said with a wide grin, "I mean it still freaked me out but I totally made him fall to the floor and cry."

"He did," Neil confirmed with a nod, looking at Will affectionately. 'It was astonishingly hot.'

"So," Will began with a mischievous grin, grabbing Sonny and Paul's hand in each of his, "I think that means I deserve a reward."

Stunned, Paul couldn't help but laugh, 'How did I manage to get this back? What did I do to deserve this?' "Whatever you want."

"Not whatever you want," Sonny said with a teasing smile, "See babe I told you he would do anything you wanted."

"Well the only thing I want right now," Will said with a shrug," Is to spend some time with the two of you." With Sonny on one side of him and Paul on the other Will finally began to unwind. First it was EJ telling him he would be spending the day with Neil. Informing him that Will would be giving Neil another chance. Then it was the eerie guy who warned him away from Paul. And finally the persistent creep with the wandering hands. 'As if I would sleep with a total stranger just because they offered. But here with Sonny and Paul I can finally relax.'

Neil, covering his face with his hands, breathed in and out deeply. 'You don't have Will. You don't need Will. You didn't have a chance. He told you you didn't have a chance. You just want him to be happy.'

Adrienne and Lucas exchanged looks before sneaking away from their sons and Paul. Once they were outside Adrienne couldn't help but groan in frustration. "How could this happen?"

"I don't know," Lucas snorted, the image of Will locked between Sonny and Paul trapped in his mind, "But we need to stop it."

"Victor and EJ are working on it," Adrienne said plainly. "We just have to trust that they'll deal with everything."

'Yeah, the day I trust EJ will be the day Victor does,' Lucas thought, 'They're just going to make an even bigger mess.'

EJ, slamming the phone down in its cradle, sighed, closing his eyes, 'I need a break.' Hearing his cell phone buzz EJ opened his suit jacket and slipped out his phone, groaning. "What," EJ demanded not looking forward to this conversation.

"You can call off your search," Victor bragged, "I found the perfect person for our job."

"I was going to find us someone," EJ snapped suspiciously, 'What are you playing at?'

"Well, I found one sooner," Victor boasted with a smirk. "Now we just need to let it all play out."

"Let what play out," EJ retorted, "This was supposed to be planned out entirely."

"Well I've had a change of plans," Victor reasoned. "It would be too disbelieving if someone just appeared out of no where. They need to establish themselves in town first."

"OK," EJ said understandingly, 'That at least makes sense.'

"You've had so much on your shoulders lately that I decided to take the reins," Victor explained. "Now you worry about Will and I'll worry about taking care of Paul." Victor hung up the phone immediately, 'Idiot.'

'Whatever old man,' EJ thought, 'I have too much to think about to worry about you too. Now what the hell am I going to do about William and Neil?'

Knock Knock Knock

Sami, not waiting for a reply, opened the door and marched inside. "EJ," Sami said demandingly. "What the hell are you thinking telling Neil he could have Will? Last time I checked you hated Neil. Oh and my son is not for sale. You do not get to dole him out to whoever you deem fit."

Trying to catch up with Samantha's rambling EJ threw his head back against his leather desk chair. "I do not have time for this. William is right; I need to see a doctor."

Walking behind EJ's chair Sami pushed EJ's jacket off of his shoulders, lifting it up and draping it on the desk. Rubbing EJ's shoulders Sami explained, "You need to let up on Will some. Not everything is your responsibility."

Groaning, feeling his tense muscles relax, EJ told her, "Keeping William safe is my priority and my most important responsibility."

"He's happy being with Sonny," Sami whispered in his ear, working on a knot she found in his shoulder.

Grimacing EJ shook his head, "But he doesn't want Kiriakis only. He wants Narita back too."

Hands freezing Sami stopped rubbing his shoulders, "What? But I just saw Sonny today. And they were on a date the other night."

"Well apparently William can't let go," EJ retorted, "Because he told me he was letting Narita prove to him that he was sorry. Can you believe that? After what he did to William he thinks he can make up for it. He even sent William an old baseball jersey. As if branding William was going to make him forgive him."

Moving to EJ's front, sitting on his lap, Sami wrapped one arm around EJ's neck, the other beginning to undo his tie, licking her lips Sami told EJ, "Do you want to know what I think?"

Placing one hand on Sami's waist EJ nodded, "Of course I do darling."

"Well I think that the reason you're so hell bent on keeping Will away from Sonny and Paul isn't because of Will at all," Sami explained slowly, not wanting to upset EJ.

"Meaning what," EJ asked, eyes narrowed.

"Meaning that you can't forgive Paul for what he did because you haven't forgiven yourself for what you did," gaze locked on EJ's tie Sami couldn't bring herself to look at EJ. 'I don't want to see him now.'

Inhaling sharply EJ wanted to immediately dismiss the notion. 'That's ridiculous. The situations are nothing alike.' Bringing his hand to Samantha's chin EJ lifted her head until he could look into her bright blue eyes. Seeing the trepidation she was experiencing, the nerves, EJ had to face the truth. "Oh," he whispered.

Locking eyes with EJ Sami reached her hands out to hold his face gently. "It's OK, you know. I love how much you care about Will. That you think of him as yours. But I think we both know what's going on here."

EJ pulled away from Samantha's hands and leaned forward to rest his head against her chest, holding her firmly.

Running her fingers through EJ's hair Sami soothed him lovingly, "The circumstances are familiar. And I was able to forgive you. We're here together now despite what happened in our past. Maybe, maybe we should let Will give Paul a chance."

Squeezing Samantha to him harder, eyes closed, EJ shook his head.

"It's not up to us," Sami told EJ, "If we tell him he can't have Paul he's just going to cling to him harder. I don't like it either. I don't like Paul. But Will isn't giving up on him. Just like I didn't give up on you. For better or for worse Will's just like I am."

"But what about when you were younger," EJ questioned, "Would you forgive that man for what he did?"

"No," Sami said fervidly, "But that's different. He was never sorry. He never felt any remorse. You did. Will believes Paul is."

"I don't want him to be hurt anymore," EJ confessed, "I don't want anyone touching him in any way that he doesn't want."

"EJ," Sami needled, "Would you do that again?"

"Of course I wouldn't," EJ breathed out, "I could never."

"Is it so hard to understand why Will might believe the same from Paul," Sami remarked. "We aren't the best of influences to him."

"William was so torn up about what I did," EJ maintained, eyes watering, "I mean, he tried to kill me just so you wouldn't marry me. How could he forgive Paul?"

"I think you need to talk to Will about this EJ," Sami advised. "Because it's not Paul you're afraid of. You're terrified Will hasn't forgiven you."

Blinking rapidly EJ nodded his head.

"Now, come on," Sami told him hopping off his lap and pulling him to his feet. "I made reservations for us. No more thinking about Will or any other children. Tonight is all about us."

EJ caressed Samantha's face with the back of his hand before leaning down to capture her lips. "I love you," EJ pronounced.

"I love you too," Sami smiled back, dragging EJ towards the door.

Will laughed loudly as Paul held the door open for him. He was stuffed full and felt almost giddy. Sonny took them to a Greek restaurant. 'I didn't even know there was a Greek restaurant in Salem.' Either way hearing Sonny pronounce the names of the food made Will's cheeks burn and his skin tingle. Combined with the adoring look in Paul's eyes Will felt happier than he had in a long time.

Sonny laced his fingers with Will's and nudged him in the side, "Yeah laugh it up. You just wait until we have embarrassing stories about you to tell."

"Nope," Will joked, "I never do anything embarrassing, ever."

Paul, sneaking his arm around Will's waist, grin blinding, smiled widely, "Of course not." Paul was so happy to be here with Sonny and Will. To be given the opportunity to be with them. 'And I'm not going to blow it this time.'

"Hey," Will said excitedly stopping in front of a small shop, "Can we go in here?"

Sonny, looking at the nondescript shop front, shrugged, "Yeah sure."

"Awesome," Will giggled opening the door and rushing inside. It was a small used book store that had been there for years. Will used to go with his mom to this store when he was younger. Sami couldn't always afford the nicest things for Will but she always made sure he had plenty of books. Eyes lighting up Will couldn't help but breath in deeply, loving the distinct smell of old books.

Sharing a look with Sonny, Paul let go of Will watching him wander about the store like he was spellbound. Paul followed Will closely almost wanting to ask him the story behind Will's wonderment but not wanting to interrupt Will's moment.

Sonny smiled at Will before looking around the store. 'I didn't have any clue this place was here.' Despite a few setbacks Sonny felt like today had been good. 'Today was us against the world instead of the world against us.'

After getting lost in the books Will found himself back to Sonny and Paul with one small book in his hands.

"What'd you find," Sonny asked, leaning against a display with his hands in his pockets.

"Oh," Will shrugged, "I've read it before but I always liked it."

Paul gently took the book from Will's hands brushing his fingers over the cover. "I could get you a new one, if you wanted?"

Will shook his head, "I like used ones. I like seeing the earmarked pages and the creases." Rolling his eyes at himself Will continued, "I don't know. I just, when I was younger and being jostled between parents or grandparents and nothing was ever settled. At least I knew that these weren't going to change." Will gestured to the books all around him.

Paul took the book to the cash register, tossing a handmade bookmark on top of it, and paid for the book without saying a word. Handing it over to Will Paul put his hand on Will's back ushering him out the door and explaining, "Books aren't going to be the only thing in your life anymore that's stable."

Will leaned against the door at the Dimera Mansion smiling coyly at Sonny and Paul. Scuffing his foot on the concrete Will told them, "I really had a good time today, tonight."

"Good," Sonny declared. "So did I."

"Um, I kind of really want to invite you in but um, I think EJ would probably have an aneurism," Will said sheepishly. "I really don't want to kill him." 'I'm not a child anymore.'

"It's OK," Paul reassured. "It's a little soon for that anyway." 'I still can't believe I get to touch you now.'

"If this is goodnight," Will whispered, biting his lip, "Then I want my kiss."

Sonny, smiling, stepped up against Will and lifted his hands to cup Will's cheeks before kissing him firmly. Pressing their lips together Sonny tried to remain chaste but found it difficult when he felt Will's fingers digging into his scalp. Kissing open mouthed Sonny pulled away reluctantly, not wanting to let Will go but knowing he would have to.

Panting slightly Will extended his hands out for Paul. 'I'm ready for this. I want this.' Looking Paul directly in the eyes, remembering what Paul told Sonny the first time they discussed their feelings, Will stated, "Kiss me."

Paul, prepared to live vicariously through Sonny, almost stumbled when Will reached out for him. Seeing Sonny nod at him encouragingly Paul swallowed loudly, nervous, feeling a bit faint, Paul pressed his forehead against Will's, "Are you sure?"

"Yes," Will whispered, "I know you'll stop if I want you to. I trust you." Will leaned up slightly closing his eyes as he made contact with Paul's lips. Whimpering slightly Will clung to Paul's collar, 'I missed this, missed him.'

Paul pecked Will's lips one, two, three times before he forced himself away. Breathing heavily Paul smiled at Will, "Thank you." Stepping back Paul felt his arm brush against Sonny's, turning to grin at him.

"I'm going to go inside now," Will giggled, "Before I can't." Opening the door and looking over his shoulder Will beamed at them, "Goodnight."

Will took his jacket off quickly, taking his book and his phone out of the pockets before hanging it up with a dreamy smile on his face. Checking his messages Will saw a video message from an unknown number. Hitting play Will was unsure what he would see. Staring at the video on his phone Will's eyes widened and his mouth opened. Dropping the phone loudly Will scrambled for the door wrenching it open and screaming for Sonny and Paul, hoping they hadn't gone far.

Sonny and Paul were walking slowly down the front path gushing about their night when they heard Will screeching for them. Hearing the panic in Will's voice they both turned around and ran back to the door.

"What is it," Sonny yelled, grabbing Will's arm, "What happened?"

"I saw, it was," Will tried to explain, looking around at his surroundings, trying to see if something or someone was there.

"Will," Paul demanded, "Tell us now."

"My phone," Will whispered desolately pointing at the phone he left on the floor.

Sonny reached for the phone quickly wondering what could cause Will to have that look on his face. Unlocking the screen Sonny saw a video already opened, holding the phone out so Paul could see as well Sonny hit play.

With a slightly shaky hand the video showed Will standing against a low concrete wall on campus before cutting to Will kneeing a boy in the crouch. The next scene showed Will clinging to Paul, the angle slightly obstructed, taken through the glass window at Common Grounds before going to a close up of Will holding a book up to his face, smiling. It ended with Will holding onto Paul, kissing him sweetly from only minutes ago. As the screen faded to black big bold letters swept across the screen: I'm watching you.

Paul yanked Will against him firmly eyes sweeping across the landscape, looking for anyone nearby.

Sonny put his hand on Paul's back, shoving both him and Will over the threshold and slamming the door closed. "We need to call the police. This isn't just people playing paparazzi anymore. This is dangerous."

"Where's EJ," Will whispered against Paul's chest. Will's skin felt like it was crawling. 'I just wanted one night to be normal. Just one.'

"What's with all the screaming," Neil asked, coming down the stairs. "You're lucky you didn't wake up the kids."

"What are you doing here," Paul barked suspiciously.

"I'm babysitting. Sami and EJ are out," Neil said, seeing the way Will was shuddering in Will's arms. "What's happening?"

"Look at this," Sonny handed the phone over to Neil. Smacking Paul's arm Sonny told him, "Neil was with us when one of those videos was taken. It wasn't him."

As soon as the video was over Neil pulled out his phone and dialed EJ, "I know, you don't want to be interrupted, but you need to get over here. Something happened." Neil locked his phone and announced, "He's on his way." Remembering something Neil walked closer to Will, "Hey, didn't you say you met someone weird this afternoon?"

"I forgot," Will said as he pulled away from Paul. Looking between the three other men in the room Will explained, "I'd never seen him before but he told me that if I didn't stay away from Paul something bad would happen."

"Will why didn't you say something earlier," Sonny questioned, "This is serious. Who knows what this person is capable of?"

"I forgot," Will defended. "I was a little busy getting propositioned. And with the amount of people that yell things or tell me things every day I can't remember everything."

"We're not blaming you," Paul replied, holding Will's arms gently. "We're just as freaked out as you."

"If it's that same guy he followed me all day," Will said quietly. "He was outside just now. He could still be out there."

"We're not gonna let anything happen to you," Neil insisted. "EJ's on his way home. He'll take care of everything."

Giving Neil a grateful nod Sonny agreed, "EJ will be here and he'll protect you."

"I wanna sit down," Will announced walking into the front room for the first time since he found out about the picture and resolution. Stopping in the doorway Will blinked slowly, "Neil," Will questioned, "Was that box there earlier?"

"Huh," Neil asked, "Oh yeah, that was here when I got here. I think it's for you." Rushing over to the box before Will could Neil blocked it, "No, we aren't opening anything until EJ gets here."

Will glanced at Paul quickly before Paul shook his head, "I didn't send you anything today. It's not from me."

"I don't know why I have to wait for EJ," Will argued, "It's been here all day."

"You have to wait for me because I know better than you," EJ proclaimed rushing into the room. Neil handed over Will's phone without any prompting so EJ and Sami could watch it. EJ cursed loudly when it was over. 'I take one evening off and this is what happens.'

While everyone was distracted listening to EJ, Will, fed up with being told what to do, reached around Neil and ripped the box, a bit disturbed that it opened so easily. Inside laid a scrapbook, like the kind Will's Aunt's liked to make. Opening to the first page Will paused and exhaled loudly. Flipping through the book Will saw photo after photo of himself. The first being the picture that Paul took. Then came the picture of Will and Chad. Some of the leaked photos of Paul, Will and Sonny. More pictures of Will taken around town that were posted on the internet. And last, Will's throat constricted was the picture Will took last night in Paul's jersey. Over each and every photo someone had written the word SLUT. Throwing the book at EJ Will laid back on the couch covering his face with a pillow.

"Damnit William," EJ complained. 'You never listen.' Angrily going through the book EJ snarled, "When I find out who did this," EJ trailed off menacingly.

As the others looked at the book too Neil began explaining to EJ about the guy Will had met earlier in the day. "It must be him, right," Neil asked. "I mean everyone else Will has dealt with hasn't been like this."

'Just what I need,' EJ thought angrily, 'Another obsessive male sniffing around William.'

"Why haven't we called the police," Sonny demanded.

"Because the Salem PD is useless," EJ explained as if Sonny was an idiot. "If we want to lead the psychopath straight to William then we'll call the police!"

"EJ," Sami scolded, holding onto his forearm. "Relax." 'He really is going to have a heart attack one of these days.' "You have people who can investigate for you. Just call them and tell them to keep their eyes opened. Will can have a bodyguard everywhere he goes from now on." Turning to the last picture Sami warned Paul, Sonny and Will, "And we aren't taking pictures like this anymore."

Neil, trying not to stare at the picture, volunteered, "I can watch Will during the day."

"Me too," Paul said before remembering that EJ hated him.

"No," EJ hissed. "In case you didn't notice but that video was focused on you. That warning was to stay away from you. Therefore William is not going to see you."

"EJ," Will complained from the couch, throwing the pillow at him.

"No," EJ yelled, "I am putting my foot down. Either you aren't seeing him anymore or you're never leaving this house again. Those are your options."

Calling EJ's bluff Will said, "Fine, I won't leave the house again. Sonny, Paul and I can just live here." Sitting up and crossing his arms Will huffed loudly.

Rolling her eyes at the two, Sami interrupted, "No. We're going to do what I said. But Will isn't going to be alone in public anymore. Ever." Making sure neither Will nor EJ were going to interrupt her Sami said, "Good. Now, everyone get out."

Neil being beckoned to EJ's side stayed and listened to a lecture about what Neil was and was not allowed to do while acting as Will's bodyguard.

Will walked out of the room with Sonny and Paul. Nervously rolling his hands together Will confessed, "I don't want you to go. Please don't go."

"Will," Sonny said slowly. "EJ isn't going to let us stay."

"I don't care," Will insisted. "I'll beg him if I have to but I need you both. I don't want to be alone."

"Just, just go talk to him," Paul whispered unable to tell Will no but not willing to anger EJ even more.

"EJ," Will said slowly, walking back into the front room, noticing he was alone. "Where's Neil?"

"I sent him to a room upstairs," EJ told Will, making himself a drink. "If he's going to be your bodyguard he needs to be here all the time."

"EJ," Will whispered moving closer to him, reaching out and resting his head against his shoulder.

"No, William," EJ replied. "I'm sorry but I can't allow it."

"Please, EJ," Will begged. "I need to be with them. I don't feel safe anymore. I feel like someone is staring at me, like my skin is crawling. They make me feel better."

Closing his eyes and wrapping his arm around William EJ recalled what Samantha had discussed with him earlier. 'She gave me another chance. But did William?' "Do you hate me," EJ asked lowly, terrified of the answer.

"What," Will choked out, dumbfounded, "No, of course I don't."

"You used to," EJ added, "You hated me so much for what I did to your mother. How can you stand to be around me now? You hated me."

"I was younger then," Will tried to explain. "I didn't know you. I didn't try to know you. But you proved to me that you care about her. That you care about me. You are like a father to me," Will swore, "And I love you."

Pulling William into a hug EJ let out a sigh of relief. "Good, I love you too."

"What's this about," Will questioned, confused.

"Nothing," EJ pulled away quickly. "Nothing at all." Holding William by the shoulders, looking him in his eyes, EJ inquired, "They make you feel safe?"

"Yes," Will said passionately. "Just for tonight EJ please. Just this one time."

"Fine," EJ agreed. "Tonight only." Guiding William to the foyer where Sonny and Paul were talking in low voices EJ cleared his throat, "You get one night." Pushing Will towards Sonny and Paul EJ stated, "Take care of him." EJ, walking up the stairs called over his shoulder, "Oh and William's new bodyguard is in the room next to his. I've given him permission to shoot as his discretion."

Author's note:

I definitely believe that the reason EJ, Sami, Adrienne and to a lesser extent Lucas and Kate all have issues with Will forgiving Paul has more to do with their own experiences with sexual assault and less to do with what happened to Will.

EJ is under a lot of stress so he hasn't really made the connection between what Victor talked to him about and what is happening to Will.

Please review and let me know what you thought.