Will smiled blearily, only half awake, at the laptop screen in front of him.

"Will," Austin smiled at him widely, "How are you feeling?"

Will, recalling the night before and how he fell asleep on top of Sonny and Paul completely naked all three of them sticky with come, blinked blankly before swallowing and saying, "Um, not so bad the past few days. I take it Grandma talked to you."

"Will," Austin gave him an incredulous look, "Of course she did. I can't believe you didn't tell me yourself. I mean, god, you know how important you are to me."

"Me too," Carrie piped in from the background, chasing their child around the living room.

Will sighed and tongued the scar on his lip, "I know. It's just, it all happened so fast. And I was embarrassed."

Austin, frowning at the look on Will's face, noting the new mark on his lips, "Why would you be embarrassed? Nothing that happened was your fault, Will."

"I know that now," Will admitted, zipping up and down Paul's jacket that he was wearing nervously. "I just didn't want you to think that there was something wrong with me." Seeing Austin open his mouth Will hurriedly added, "Because I know how you feel about getting into trouble here. And I promised you the last time I lived with you that I wouldn't do anything again, like I did when I was younger."

"Being stalked and kidnapped is not anywhere close to what you did," Austin insisted, adjusting the angle of his laptop, wishing he was there to see Will in person. "And you were young and angry and confused. With the influences you had it's a wonder you only did something bad once," Austin said under his breath. One of the things Austin regretted most in life was jerking Will around throughout his childhood. 'I should have made him come back to Switzerland with us.'

Will, despite how angry he usually was with his mom wanted to defend her from Austin, "Hey, you almost married that bad influence. Several times actually."

"Trust me, I remember," Austin shivered, "I don't know in what universe I thought that was a good idea. Either time." Turning around to watch Carrie and their young son smiled, "I think I've finally got everything right."

Will jokingly replied, "Oh sure he's the child that makes everything perfect. I see how it is."

"Oh come on," Austin laughed, "You know you'll always be my first born even if you weren't exactly mine. I still love you like a son."

"And I love you like a Dad," Will answered with a shrug. Rolling his eyes at himself Will commented, "I think I'm starting to have too many of them."

Austin, not quite understanding, smiled, "Well I like to think I'm the most important one. I was there first after all." Shaking his head Austin tried to get back on track, "Now, tell me what's really going on with you. I know all about the injuries so tell me about you."

Will, closed his eyes, "Things are kind of weird now. I think my mom is actually trying to be a mom. EJ's been taking really good care of everything. Paul and Sonny are great. But I think my dad is planning something."

Wanting to talk about Paul and Sonny but putting it aside Austin asked, "Is Lucas still giving you a hard time about coming out?"

"I didn't think he was," Will said in a panicked voice, "He was away on a business trip when everything started happening and when he came back he was weird. He says he's OK with me being gay but he hates the idea of me being with guys. Does he not understand what gay means?"

Pressing his lips together Austin recalled how his mother informed him that Lucas was losing it a bit over Will, "I don't know bud. I wish he was more understanding. You just need to stay strong against him OK. Because there's nothing wrong with you."

"I know," Will nodded, remembering the long talks he had with Austin over this very subject.

"Now, speaking of you actively being gay," Austin rushed on, "Boyfriends. Why wasn't I told about them?"

"Oh," Will sat up straighter, "Um, I don't know. I told you it was all really quick."

"Uh huh," Austin hummed unimpressed. "Well I haven't given them my seal of approval yet. I think I met Sonny a few times in passing but I don't know anything about this Paul guy." Looking stern Austin crossed his arms, "Do they treat you right?"

Will, surprised Austin was asking any questions about the nature of their relationship or the fact that he had two boyfriends at once, nodded, "Yeah, they really do. They treat me like I'm the most important thing in the world."

"Good," Austin proclaimed, "That's how you deserve to be treated. Now, you can take this advice or leave it," Austin told Will, "But I don't want you to dedicate your entire life to them. You should still have friends and spend time apart OK? Don't make everything about your relationship. That's when things get dangerous."

Nodding, Will agreed with Austin, "I know. I'm gonna go back to school and work soon. And I've got a friend I need to visit." Will had put off seeing Neil for far too long.

"I still want to meet these boyfriends of yours," Austin told him calculatingly, "When do you think that's going to happen?"

"Right now," Sonny answered walking into the front room with Paul glad they had put some clothes on. When they woke up and found Will gone Sonny was tempted to panic until he heard Will talking to someone in the front room.

"Hi," Will smiled brightly at his boyfriends. "Um, Austin this is Sonny and Paul. My boyfriends."

"I know that squirt," Austin teased before looking at Sonny and Paul slowly, trying to size them up. "I hear you've been taking good care of our Will here. That true?"

"Yes sir," Paul answered, putting his hand on Will's shoulder and smiling when he realized Will was wearing his jacket. 'That's why I couldn't find it.'

"Well you better be," Austin stated solemnly, "Although I suppose there are worse people to be afraid of in Salem if you hurt Will."

"Trust us," Sonny said, "We know." 'I don't think any of us will forget what EJ wanted to do to Paul.'

Hearing a childlike cry in the background Austin winced, "That's my cue. Will, don't wait so long next time to talk to me, OK? You can send me a text anytime. I want to know everything. And you two, you better do right by Will."

"That's the plan," Sonny nodded.

"Alright, talk to you later Will," Austin waved at the screen before disconnecting the call.

"Well of all of your father figures he's definitely the nicest," Paul stated leaning down and kissing Will on the lips. "Damn it's so nice to be able to do that again."

"Austin's pretty great," Will confirmed, chasing after Paul's lips. "Morning." Leaning his head back to Sonny, who was standing behind him, Will kissed him gently too.

Sonny, reaching out to hold Will's chin in place, "What time is your appointment?"

"In an hour," Will pouted when Sonny pulled away. "No come back."

Paul chuckled softly, "We need to eat and get ready. Come on baby. There's plenty of time for that later."

Chad felt like he was a chicken running around with his head off. He had no problem covering Sonny's shift but another employee called in sick and there was a line a mile long and he had to call a plumber to fix the sink in the bathroom. 'Plus we're almost out of sugar and my bladder is about to burst.'

"Need any help," Gabi asked Chad sweetly. They had not been able to see each other yesterday because Chad was working so early. Wanting to surprise him Gabi walked into Common Grounds and was alarmed to see how freaked out he looked.

"Yes, dear god yes," Chad wanted to grab Gabi and kiss her right then and there but he couldn't. Running into the storage room and back and then shoving the box of sugar packets in her arms Chad called out "Thanks," as he ran for the bathroom.

Staggering a bit under the weight of the box Gabi moved to the station with the sugar and stirrers and began unloading. As she worked she wondered how she could get Chad to open up further about his relationship with Will. 'I know they weren't that close when I was with Will. But then again I didn't exactly know how close Will was with Sonny either.'

As Gabi was finishing up the sugar Chad walked up to her and kissed her cheek. "You're a doll," he announced happily.

"No problem," Gabi shrugged like it was nothing. "So, um, have you heard from Will? I've been thinking about him a lot." 'Just not the way you think.'

"Yeah the other day I walked him home and he made me a sandwich," Chad told her before walking back behind the counter. "It was cute until Paul got all jealous possessive over it. I mean, why would he be upset about me and Will?" Chad laughed as he picked up a cup and began filling an order.

Gabi, sitting down in an empty table, put her hand in her hand and her elbow on the table. 'You'd be surprised,' Gabi thought.

Will strummed his fingers against his thigh as they sat in Wendy's office on the couch. She had gone to make a phone call. Will hoped it would take a long time.

"Stop that," Sonny put his hand over Will's, "You don't have to be nervous. It's just us."

"Us and a stranger," Will muttered shifting uncomfortably.

"Not a total stranger," Wendy said in a friendly voice as she walked into the room. "Now, Sonny, Paul, I'm glad you could make it. I've heard nothing but good things about you."

"Well that's a relief," Paul said dramatically wiping his forehead. He knew as soon as Will felt more comfortable with Wendy she would have a less than favorable opinion of him.

Sonny smiled at the woman gently. He wasn't exactly certain how to act around a therapist. 'Do I act normal? Is she judging my every movement? Should I let go of Will's hand?'

"I guess not," Will admitted quietly. "So, um, now what?"

"Did you make that list I assigned you," Wendy asked as she sat down in her chair and made herself comfortable.

Will nodded and pulled out a scrap of paper from inside his jeans and handed it over.

Wendy scanned the list, a bit surprised by a few of the things on it, before deciding to address the first one. "Well, I guess one way to start today would be to talk about how you all feel about what happened with Will. The kidnapping I mean."

'And the fact that the psychopath shoved a gun against his face and died on top of him,' Paul narrowed his eyes, hand going to Will's knee, "I hate it."

"Hate what," Wendy questioned raising her eyebrow.

"The whole situation," Paul said trying not to get too upset. "I hate that it happened and that it was indirectly because of me."

"Because that Ian person was a fan of yours," Wendy clarified.

"Yeah," Paul continued. "It was awful and I hate that Will had to go through something like that."

"Sonny," Wendy turned to look at him, "How do you feel about it?"

"It makes me feel sick," Sonny swallowed, trying not to look at Will, "Literally sick. Just thinking about it and what could have happened. And it scared me so much that I'm having a hard time letting Will out of my sight."

"But you can't do that forever," Will butted in with, he didn't want to hurt Sonny but Austin was right; he couldn't live only to be with Sonny and Paul. 'And Sonny is making it impossible.'

"I know I can't," Sonny argued, "OK, I know. But it's hard. You don't know what it was like to have you one second and to have you ripped away the next. And, and there was nothing I could do. Nothing. And I am terrified that if I let you go than the same thing is going to happen. That you'll leave for work and I'll never see you again."

"Sonny," Will said gently taking his hand, "Nothing like that is going to happen again."

"You don't know that," Sonny pointed out. "I never thought it could happen the first time but it did and now, now I don't know how to move on from it."

Paul, watching the two of them talk, reached his arm across Will's shoulders and tapped Sonny lightly on the arm, "Sonny, anything could happen out there," Paul gestured to the window behind them. "But we can't just lock Will away forever because we're scared of what might happen."

"EJ already tried that," Will smiled sadly, "When he sent me away. It didn't work out the way he wanted and this isn't going to either." Taking a deep breath Will said, "Because I'm not going to rely on you two for everything. Yes, that's what I needed initially but I have to be at least a little independent."

Sonny, brows wrinkling, "But I want to protect you."

"And you can," Will insisted bringing their joined hands up to his chin, "But not from everything."

Wendy watched the three men keenly taking in everything about their dynamic. Feeling proud of Will for expressing an interest in independence Wendy nodded slightly. "Sonny," Wendy stated gently, "Why don't you all three discuss some guidelines you want to follow. Things that make you feel more comfortable letting Will start living his life again."

Paul cleared his throat and said, "I would feel more comfortable if Will didn't walk anywhere by himself." Seeing that Will was going to argue Paul added, "At first. Please just let one of us take you places." Remembering how he made Will wait a long time at his last appointment Paul continued, "And if we can't take you at least ask someone you trust to do it."

"Um," Will considered what Paul was saying. 'It's not that bad of a thing to want. But I don't want to be stuck waiting around for others,' "I think I want to just ask EJ if I can have my old car back. That way you two know that I won't be walking and that I can easily get away from things. Is that OK?"

"OK," Paul nodded, "Yeah that would make me feel better. And it would probably make EJ feel better too."

Sonny, letting go of Will's hand so he could wring his own together, "That's better yeah. But um, I just, can you make sure to send me a text every time you go somewhere. Or change classes or something. I know that sounds crazy but I'm going to be freaking out the whole time and it would make me feel better."

Will, looking at Sonny sadly, answered, "Yeah I can do that. Is there anything else?"

"I don't want you to be around people I don't know," Sonny replied bluntly. "I know that sounds harsh but I just don't. And if people give you a hard time I want you to tell me. If they tell you anything at all I want to know."

"OK," Will agreed, "I can do that." Will would do whatever it took to make Sonny and Paul feel better.

Making a mental note to talk to Will about all this further at his next session Wendy interjected, "Now, why don't we talk a bit more about some other aspects of what happened." When no one offered anything Wendy resisted rolling her eyes, "OK, let's be real for a second here. You three are young, healthy men in a relationship where one of you just went through a potentially sexually damaging experience. So start talking about sex." 'Honestly,' Wendy thought to herself in amusement.

Cheeks bright red Will bit his lip gingerly, feeling a slight sting from overuse the night before. 'I can't believe I tried to fit them both in my mouth, what is wrong with me?'

Smiling at her patient's red face Wendy gestured to Sonny or Paul to talk, "Will's feeling a bit bashful so why don't one of you go ahead."

"Oh," Sonny blinked, rubbing the back of his neck, "Uh well, I guess, um."

Rolling his eyes at his boyfriends Paul loudly stated, "Will doesn't have a problem fooling around but anal stuff freaks him out still."

"Paul," Will cried out, covering his face with his hands, 'Oh my god why does he have to say things like that to people?'

Reaching over Will's head to smack Paul wherever he could reach Sonny huffed, "Could you have said that more delicately?"

"I said the truth," Paul brushed Sonny's hand away from his face, "I'm sorry but it is. Just yesterday we were in bed together and everything was fine until Sonny tried to touch his butt."

Wendy, charmed by their three different personalities, said, "Well that's understandable." Realizing that Will wasn't emerging anytime soon Wendy moved to her knees in front of him and gently touched one of his legs, "Will? Can you look at me please?"

Will shook his head back and forth, "No." Puffing out a deep breath against his palms Will said, "If you want to talk it's going to be like this."

"OK," Wendy patted his thigh in a motherly manner, "Do you want to tell me why you're afraid of 'anal stuff'"

"Because," Will tried to explain but it was difficult. He wasn't sure exactly himself. "It's just, whenever they touch me anywhere else it doesn't bother me. I like it. But thinking about one of them there makes me nervous."

"And it never did before," Wendy asked looking at Sonny and Paul nodding enthusiastically, 'OK then.'

"No," Will shook his head again, "I wanted it a lot. And now I'm afraid."

"Because of what that man tried to do," Wendy confirmed, "You're afraid it's going to remind you of him and not Sonny or Paul."

"Yeah," Will whispered, eyes clenched closed, "I-I don't want it to be ruined between us. I've only ever wanted them there and Ian he touched me, I think. And I don't want to think of him ever."

"Touched you as in literally," Wendy crinkled her face in confusion, "Because you told me you weren't sexually assaulted."

"Literally," Will answered, "I mean, I don't remember everything from right then because of the drugs but I remember when I was tied up and I couldn't see anything that he was touching me, my butt. Like all over. Because that's all I could feel. His hands on my skin. And he was saying stuff about me."

Sonny, angling his body towards Will, 'He's never talked about this in detail before.'

"What kind of things," Wendy encouraged keeping her tone even and light.

"About what I looked like," Will mumbled, 'I hate thinking about this. I hate it.' "And I just, I remember begging him not to and he would just laugh and tell me I would like it. That I wanted it. But I didn't."

"We all know that, Will," Wendy told him resolutely. "No one here thinks you wanted it."

"I'm afraid that if I let them," Will finally pulled his hands away from his face and looked into Wendy's eyes, "That if I let them everyone will think that I did want it."

"Why do you think that," Wendy asked gently knowing that Will was finally ready to confront everything.

"Because if I sleep with them again, so soon," Will swallowed harshly, "Everyone will think I really am a slut like Ian said. He tried to hurt me that way and now I want to let Sonny and Paul have sex with me."

"Do you think Sonny and Paul will hurt you if it happens," Wendy questioned firmly.

"No," Will said honestly, "No they would never hurt me. Never."

"Then it's not the same thing," Wendy replied with a simple shrug, trying to appear nonchalant about the whole thing, "Wanting to love you is different than wanting to hurt you. And it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks about it Will." 'Clearly it does to Will. Add that to the list of things to talk about at a later date.'

Paul, reaching down to take Will's hand, looked directly at Will and said, "We would never hurt you in any way."

"And we love that you want to be with us," Sonny held Will's other hand, "I feel incredibly happy and grateful that you want me in that way. We don't think any less of you for wanting to be with us the same way we want to be with you."

"And it will be like the way it was before," Will looked at them both desperately, "It won't, it won't be any different?"

"It's going to be even better than the last time," Paul told him with a proud, slightly smug smile, "Because now all three of us are completely and totally in love."

"OK," Will relaxed slightly between them, "OK."

Sitting back on her chair Wendy smiled fondly at the three men on her couch. 'They might not be conventional and Will still has a lot of things to talk about in regards to their relationship but it's nice to see how committed they all are.' Wendy, not wanting to intrude on their private moment, announced, "Will, before our next session I want you to start confronting some of the things that worry you OK."

Will looked at her and nodded weakly, "OK."

"Also," Wendy continued, "I think I want to have you come in weekly from now on, alright?"

"Yeah, that's probably a good idea," Will answered. Thinking of something Will asked, "Does my insurance pay for this?"

"Uh no," Wendy grinned at him, "But your mother does."

Paul walked out of the main room they were using in the civic center to check his phone. Sami and Adrienne were driving him crazy as usual with their demands, changing his speeches and duties every other minute. Plus, he really didn't want to be there right now after that therapy session. 'Who knew that crap was so draining?' But Paul was glad they all went. And as per the agreements they made Will was checking in with both Paul and Sonny about where he was going. 'OK,' Paul thought, 'It's perfectly fine. Only a bit longer until I can go back to their sons.' Walking back into the room Paul stopped when he overheard Adrienne talking about him.

"I just don't understand how they can be with Paul," Adrienne confided to Sami. "I mean, how can they even look at him?"

Sami, giving Adrienne a strange look, "Well, they're giving him a second chance. And so far from what I've seen he's been proving himself."

Adrienne snorted, "Yeah, well what choice does he have." Adrienne crossed her arms. She knew she shouldn't butt into Sonny's business anymore but Adrienne couldn't help it. 'Sonny is my baby. I can't just let him back all these poor decisions.' "I still don't think he deserves to be with Sonny."

Sami, bristling at the implication that Paul deserved Will, held her tongue, not wanting to spoil one of her only friendships, "Well I think he's trying his best so we should just leave them alone. Besides, he's not that bad anyway. I mean, he hasn't told off either of us yet and we're insufferable together."

"That's true," Adrienne smiled, "Do you think we could convince him to go on a coffee run for us?"

"Give him a chance to see Sonny," Sami chortled, "I don't think he'd pass that up."

Paul, loudly closing the door, pretending he just walked inside ambled over to the two women. He nodded politely when they requested he get them all some coffee Paul put his hands in his pockets as he walked out again feeling slightly confused, 'Did Sami just stand up for me?'

Will sat next to his Grandma Caroline smiling serenely. 'Damn have I missed this woman,' Will thought to himself as she fretted over him.

Touching the lightly bruised side of her great-grandson's head and the faint line down the middle of his lips Caroline shook her head, "Well it just won't do."

"What won't do," Will asked eyes bright.

"Now you're even handsomer. It's just not fair for everyone else, Will, honestly," Caroline teased before resting her hands in her lap. She had worried over Will for quite a long time but seeing him before her finally let her relax.

Rolling his eyes Will shot back, "Well I've got good genes." 'When they aren't the batshit crazy one.'

"You're a good kid," Caroline insisted. "Now are you sure you want to come back to work so soon?"

"I'm positive Grandma," Will nodded, "I'm getting cabin fever at home. I just, I need to try to move on with everything and get back to normal." Licking his lips methodically Will said, "Besides I only want to take a few shifts to start off with. And I know how crazy it's going to get in here soon with the holidays coming up. I can't just leave you down a waiter."

"I'm more worried about you," Caroline maintained, "But thank you. So, I'll see you on Monday then?"

"Yeah," Will smiled at her again, "But um, I'm going to stick around for a bit. I'm meeting a friend."

"A friend," Caroline badgered as she stood up, "Or a friend?"

"Just a friend," Will sighed dramatically, "I've got more than enough friends." Shaking his head at his grandma as she laughed as she walked away Will pulled out his phone and sent a new message to Sonny and Paul:

Done with my meeting with my grandma. Now waiting for Neil at The Pub.

Sonny, feeling his phone vibrate from his back pocket, checked his message and smiled at Will. Sonny still felt uneasy about Will being on his own but at least he was in a public place. 'Besides Caroline is probably watching him like a hawk. And at least I can trust Neil to watch over Will. As long as he keeps his hands and lips to himself.' Picking up a tray and a rag to start cleaning up some tabletops Sonny got to work and didn't even notice when someone walked inside and sat at the table next to him.

"Sonny," Victor Kiriakis stated loudly in order to get his nephew's attention.

Sonny, pausing and turning around, glared at his uncle. "Get out," he hissed before getting back to work.

"Sonny, please," Victor sighed deeply, "You can't still blame me for what happened."

Tossing his tray and rag on the table Sonny rounded on Victor, "Yes I can and I do. Will went through hell because of you, we all did."

"That was not entirely my fault," Victor argued, "And I've heard that you have no problem forgiving EJ for his part in all of this."

"I didn't forgive EJ anything," Sonny growled, "But it's not my decision. Will wants him around so I tolerate him. I don't have to do the same for you."

"You can't possibly stay mad at me forever," Victor pointed out, "We're family."

"Well maybe my family has changed," Sonny crossed his arms.

"To Will and all of his Dimera counterparts," Victor shook his head before slowly standing up. "They will bring you nothing but trouble."

"I don't care," Sonny lifted his chin into the air, "And it's not up to you."

"It might not be," Victor agreed putting on his coat to leave, "But I will still watch out for you as best I can."

Sonny, shooting Victor a confused look, heard the bell over the door and felt a huge sigh of relief when he saw it was Paul.

"Who do you think got rid of any mentions of the situation on the internet," Victor told Sonny before nodding at him and walking away completely ignoring Paul.

Paul, frowning slightly, moved over to Sonny, "What was that about?"

"I don't know," Sonny followed his uncle's progress out the door and down the street, "But I don't like it."

Will smiled brightly when he saw Neil walk in the door. Unable to help himself Will crushed himself into Neil's chest, "Hi!"

Neil, stumbling slightly, rubbed his hand against Will's back, "Hey." Pulling away and sitting down Neil smiled at Will from across the table. "Look at you. Wow, you look great."

Cheeks pink Will said, "Thanks. I got the stitches out yesterday. Um, how are, how's the back?"

"Well it's healing," Neil shrugged, "It still hurts to move around a lot and it's nasty looking but it's coming along. I have to have help cleaning it out every night."

"And would that help happen to be a certain future doctor we both know," Will wiggled his eyebrows up and down.

"Yes," Neil admitted shaking his head at Will, "Yes Brian has been helping me."

"Good," Will decided, "I'm glad that you two are getting so close."

"Uh huh," Neil looked down at the table suddenly not wanting to look Will in the eys.

"What," Will asked, "What is it?"

"Brian's nice and all and I like being around him," Neil started to say before trailing off.

"But," Will encouraged having a bad feeling.

"But he's not exactly you," Neil rushed out, "And I mean, I know OK. I definitely know that's not going to happen between us. But it's going to take a while to get over you, is all."

Will, playing with the salt and pepper shaker on the table, swallowed, "Oh." When a waitress came up to them they ordered quickly. Looking at Neil once she left Will wondered, "And does Brian have a problem with you being here? With me?"

"Um, not really," Neil said only somewhat convincingly. "I mean I don't think he's thrilled about it but he didn't really tell me not to."

"Right," Will felt uncomfortable. Trying to get the mood back to something light Will recalled, "Oh, Brian hit on me in the bathroom here once."

"Wait what," Neil laughed, leaning forward, elbows on the table.

"He did," Will giggled, "He saw me kissing Sonny and Paul and followed me and said some weird stuff that freaked me out at the time but now that he's dating you I think it's just funny. You two have a lot in common."

"Oh shut up," Neil said jokingly. "I'm so going to make fun of him for that later though."

"Or now," Will stated nodding his head when he saw Brian walk through the door and start looking for someone frantically. Lifting his hand and waving Will tried not to laugh when Brian practically ran over. 'Aw he's jealous. He does like Neil.'

Putting his hand on the back of Neil's chair Brian, attempting to look cool and collected, cleared his throat, "So, guys what's going on?"

Neil, giving Will an exasperated look, answered, "We were talking about you propositioning Will in the bathroom."

Brian, blinking several times, nodded, "Right."

"Why don't you sit down and you can tell Neil all about it," Will smiled innocently. "Or the time you grabbed my butt and said you and Neil were gonna share me."

Neil, biting the inside of his mouth so he wouldn't laugh at the wide eyed look on Brian's face, "I'd be very interested in that yes."

"I bet you would," Brian smiled realizing they were making fun of him. Brian knew he didn't need to barge in on their little date but Brian couldn't help but feel a bit intimidated by Will. 'Neil's in love with the guy after all.'

"You know," Will said conversationally, "It's pretty nice that you've been looking after Neil."

"I know," Brian answered firmly, "But it's not like it's a hardship being around him."

Will, wanting to roll his eyes at how cocky Brian was, just nodded. "Well I'm glad. He's a good friend."

"That's all he better be," Brian said under his breath.

"Well he tried but I'm a bit preoccupied with my actual boyfriends so I'm a bit booked," Will stated bluntly, "So I think we can all get over the fact that I dated Neil a few times."

Neil, giving Brian an unimpressed look, "Dude, really?"

"Sorry," Brian shrugged. "It's just a weird situation."

"What because I went out with Neil a few times? Or because you agreed to go on a date with me? Or because you two wanted to have a threesome with me," Will questioned loudly, proud of himself when they were the ones blushing and not him. "I'd say if anyone should be uncomfortable it's me. Who knows what depraved things you two want to do to me," Will jested.

"I doubt it's anything worse than you've already done blondie," Brian flashed him a white smile.

The three of them grinned at each other before bursting into laughter figuring this would be the beginning of a strange and wonderful friendship.

Paul, loaded with a carrying tray full of coffee, pouted at Sonny as he had to go back, "Are you sure I can't go get Will?"

"Paul," Sonny said loudly with a laugh, "He is fine with Neil. They're friends."

"A friend who's in love with him," Paul snorted.

"Well that's his loss because Will is in love with us now isn't he," Sonny teased before reaching for Paul's neck and pulling him down for a kiss. "Now go be a good errand boy and say hi to my mom and Sami."

"Rude," Paul, pecking Sonny's lips a few times, "Fine. But tomorrow you two are all mine."

"See you later," Sonny waved before wincing when he saw Chad stop and tell Paul a few things outside the door. 'Paul really needs to get over that.' "Chad," Sonny called when he came inside, "I thought you were done for the day?"

"I am," Chad shrugged. "I just need some caffeine." Surprising Sonny by going around the counter and making it himself Chad said, "By the way why is Paul being a total douche?"

"He's jealous," Sonny rolled his eyes. "He thinks you secretly want Will. Well, he thinks everyone secretly wants Will."

"He does know I like females, right," Chad asked with a shake of his head. "But now that you say that Gabi has been weird about Will too."

"Better not let them get together then," Sonny kidded.

EJ stared at the long report in front of him. It took him a long time and quite a bit of money but he finally was able to find out something concrete about what Ian and Zach intended for William. A lot of the blanks EJ had to fill in himself but from what he gathered Ian came to Salem, on Victor's orders, to get Paul away from Salem. EJ didn't know if Ian ever planned to go along with what Victor wanted or if Ian always had it in for William. But soon enough Ian began targeting William with the aid of Zach. When William was kidnapped EJ assumed that the post Ian created was more to notify Zach that he had William than to invite anyone to join him. 'Oh top of utterly humiliating William,' EJ mused.

EJ was not certain if Ian thought Zach was going to actually join him in hurting William or not. But what EJ was certain of was that they were not going to let William go. 'Ian wouldn't have taken the time to rent an apartment to keep him in if they were going to give him up.'

EJ had spoken to multiple people at his father's estate in Italy about his father's whereabouts his last few days there. They reported Stefano was on the phone constantly and he seemed extremely agitated about something. He rushed back to Salem very quickly. One servant, a very young and easily swayed woman, admitted to EJ that she overheard Stefano talking about a secret hideout for someone. EJ knew automatically that it must have been somewhere for William.

Which left EJ with no other option than to believe that his father was very serious about instilling the Dimera way of life into William, 'In a much more permanent and damaging way.' EJ knew without a doubt that when Ian, with his gun pressed to William's head, spoke of taking William away so he would never be able to hurt anyone again he did not simply mean killing him. 'No, he meant literally changing him.' EJ wasn't sure which option would be worse. Only one thing was certain to EJ now, 'I'm not going to let Father get his hands on William. Even if it's the last thing I do.'

Author's note:

Who can believe this is at 50 chapters? I can't. It explains why I haven't had a life for a few months though.

I probably won't have Austin actually come to Salem but phone calls and skype will be happening.

Let me know what you thought and review please. I'm still open to any and all suggestions.

Thank you!