Will woke up on Thanksgiving feeling as well rested as he ever had. He had spent the evening before wrapped in Sonny's arms and Paul had thoughtfully made them dinner. Will thought it might have been awkward between them all since Paul wasn't a participant in their sexual activities but it surprisingly wasn't. Paul said he understood that something was going on with Will. That he needed reassurances.

So, his wonderful boyfriends spent the rest of the night kissing and touching him while showering him in attention. Will didn't realize he needed their focus on him quite so much but he really had missed it. He missed them even though he was with them the whole week he still felt disconnected from them. 'But not anymore,' he thought as he stretched his arms over his head.

'Today is the first holiday I get to spend with Sonny and Paul,' Will smiled widely. He couldn't wait to spend the day with his boyfriends and his siblings. He didn't quite know who his mom invited for dinner but he was still looking forward to it.

He wanted today to be perfect. Will knew how hard it was for Sonny and Paul to play nice with EJ. 'I want today to go so well that no one doubts our relationship or my feelings anymore.'

Rolling out of bed and finding his glasses Will shivered when he was out of the warm comfort of their big blanket. Seeing one of Sonny's sweaters tossed near, but not in, the laundry hamper Will scowled at it before picking it up and putting it on. He walked out of the bedroom, smiling to see both his boyfriends at the kitchen counter eating breakfast.

Will leaned his head against Sonny's back giving him a hug before moving to Paul's, "Morning!"

"You're awfully cheerful today," Sonny commented with a smile. 'And it's a much better look than the one you were sporting yesterday.'

"I feel good today," Will confided as he found a bowl and grabbed a box of cereal. "And I'm excited."

"Why are you excited," Paul questioned as he observed Will literally bouncing happily around the kitchen.

"Because it's a holiday and I get to spend it with my favorite people," Will announced as he poured milk into his bowl. Grabbing a spoon and taking his bowl to the other side of the counter Will sat down and started eating.

"That better mean us," Sonny teased lightly glad to see Will so happy.

"Actually I meant the kids," Will joked, "But I guess you two can come too."

"How generous of you," Paul remarked with a laugh. "So what's today going to be like anyway?"

Will shrugged, "I don't know really. I'm hoping to play with my brother and sisters and maybe watch football. Hopefully avoid anything disastrous and stuff myself until I'm sick."

Sonny grimaced, "That's a charming image."

"Yeah," Will scrunched his nose together cutely, "You probably aren't going to want to sleep with me later."

Snorting Paul reached out and pinched Will's waist, "Oh please." Grinning at Will's loud giggle Paul stood up and took his bowl to the sink. Watching Will and Sonny chitchat while they finished eating Paul deliberate on whether or not he should tell Will about his mom today.

'He looks so happy though,' Paul thought to himself. 'And he wants today to go well. I can't tell him today.' Paul looked down at his feet before deciding that he had to at least do something.

Excusing himself quietly Paul grabbed his phone and walked into the office and closed the door. Sitting down in the chair Paul inhaled and exhaled loudly for a few minutes before pulling up his mother's number and dialing.

'This is it,' Paul told himself. 'No more letting her control the conversation. No more allowing her to form her own judgements. I'm telling her about Will and about my new relationship. This is it.'

But the phone rang and rang until he got his mother's voicemail. Hearing the beep Paul said into the phone, "Mother call me back as soon as possible. There's something important you need to know."

"You want to talk about yesterday," Sonny asked Will gently as Paul went in the other room. He didn't want to upset him again but he was still worried about Will.

"Not really," Will confessed, "I mean, EJ and I ran into my dad and I got into an argument with him. Then EJ got into an argument with him. And I was just feeling kind of low."

"OK," Sonny tried to push for more. "But you're better now?"

"Yes," Will nodded. "It was just a lot of emotional overload I think. I know that you and Paul love me." Smiling when Paul walked back into the room Will grinned, "You guys love me as much as I love you and I trust you completely. You'd never hurt me."

Sami hovered in the kitchen ensuring that everything was going to be ready in time for a mid-afternoon Thanksgiving feast. "You're absolutely certain," Sami asked the chef one last time.

"Yes," the man insisted getting quite fed up with Samantha Brady and her nonstop demands. "Everything will be ready. Now, if you could please leave."

"Well sorry," Sami scoffed before walking out of the kitchen. She sat closely next to EJ on the sofa in the front room with a small pout.

"Did you get kicked out of the kitchen again," EJ asked extremely amused. Any other person would find Samantha's antics unbearable but EJ enjoyed them. He loved that she knew what she wanted and always went after it. 'Of course that gets us both into trouble more often but not but I digress.'

"Yes," Sami complained before leaning on EJ's chest. "I just want everything to go as smoothly as Will's party." Remembering her conversation with Adrienne the other day Sami said, "Well I guess it wasn't all smooth sailing was it?"

"What are you referring to," EJ questioned not wanting to give away that he understood entirely.

"I'm talking about Chad," Sami pulled away from EJ and readjusted so she was facing him on the couch. "You told me he was-"

EJ put his hand over Samantha's mouth quickly, ignoring her furious eyes at being silenced, "Yes, I told you Chad has discovered his feelings for William. It is very important that we let him explore them on his own." Giving Samantha a very serious look EJ took his hand off of her mouth, "Do you understand?"

"Yes," Sami crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. "I understand," she sighed. 'I just don't like it.'

"Besides," EJ pulled Samantha closely to him, "Wouldn't you rather William be in Chad's hands? It would be a much better option than the men he's currently with."

Sami gave EJ a skeptical look, certain that he was trying to give her some sort of hint.

Lucas opened the door to his apartment carefully and sighed when he saw the person on the other side of the door, "Thank you for coming. I just, I had to talk to someone and you were the only one I could think of."

"It's alright," Adrienne smiled at him reassuringly as she stepped inside. Sitting on his couch she placed her bag by her feet and asked, "What did you want to talk about?"

"Will," Lucas confessed sitting down next to her and leaning his head on the back of the couch. "Everything is a mess. And it's all my fault."

"What happened," Adrienne questioned. "I had heard about the encounter you had with him when you were with Roman."

"Well I managed to make it even worse yesterday," Lucas shook his head, "I don't know what I was thinking."

"Why don't you try to explain it to me," Adrienne suggested.

"I saw Will and EJ in the square," Lucas started face contorting just thinking about EJ. "And god I just hate him. I hate him and he's close with my son and I am so sick and tired of hearing him call Will his kid."

Adrienne could understand that. She too thought it was strange that EJ and Will were suddenly so close. Just like she always was wary of EJ DiMera in the first place. "So what happened," Adrienne wanted Lucas to continue.

"I tried to talk to Will about what happened before," Lucas told her. "But it wasn't coming out right and he was so defensive. I just wanted him to know that I love him and I want what's best for him. And I talked about the things Gabi told me."

"Lucas we already talked about that," Adrienne interrupted with, "I told you what I saw."

"I know," Lucas sighed. "I just, I wanted to talk to Will about it. And I made everything worse. I implied that he was sleeping around and I didn't even mean to. I wanted to warn him about everything and instead it just blew up in my face."

"I'm sorry that happened," Adrienne patted Lucas's knee once, "But you'll get another chance to fix things. It doesn't sound like it was too bad."

"Well it wasn't until Will had to step in and pull EJ and me apart," Lucas rolled his eyes remembering how badly he wanted to punch EJ's stupid face.

"Lucas," Adrienne scolded. "You should know better."

"I do," Lucas blurted out, "EJ just makes me so angry. And seeing Will hanging off his every word does too." Lucas put his head in his hands, "I want to fix things with Will but every time I try I just make an even bigger mess."

Adrienne observed Lucas carefully. She could sympathize with him for deploring EJ and even for making assumptions about Will's sex life. But she wasn't certain she could understand how Lucas felt about Will being gay. "Lucas," Adrienne said quietly, "Do you hate Will being gay?"

"What," Lucas asked feeling a bit stunned. He wasn't entirely sure. He knew the idea made him uncomfortable. Just like he still thought that none of the things with Ian would have happened if Will still liked girls. 'But Will said he's always been gay and I've always loved him. Do I hate that Will's gay? Or do I hate what's happened to him because of that?'

"Well," Adrienne interrupted Lucas's musing and stood up and grabbed her purse, "I think once you figure that out you'll be able to figure out how to fix things with Will."

Victor was sitting on the sofa when Adrienne came home. He already had a drink in his hand.

"Bit early for that," Adrienne commented lightly as she sat down near him.

Victor shrugged, "It's a holiday. I'm indulging in the spirt of things."

Noting the upset look on Victor's face Adrienne asked, "Something wrong?"

"I'm sitting here and I'm wondering why my nephew is going to be spending a family holiday at the DiMera Mansion instead of with us," Victor told her blankly.

Justin, walking into the room and overhearing, stated, "That's because Sonny is spending the day with Will. And Will is spending the day with EJ and Sami."

Victor grumbled lowly, "How can Sonny be around EJ yet he can't be around me? I'm his uncle. You'd think he would forgive me before someone else."

"I don't think he's exactly forgiven EJ," Justin explained, "It's more or less he puts up with him for Will."

"Well," Victor lifted his glass towards Adrienne, "Soon enough Sonny will be a bit too busy to have time for either Will or Will's pathetic little family."

Adrienne avoided Justin's suspicious glance before walking out of the room. 'Damn,' she thought, 'I almost forgot I asked Victor to make a plan to separate Will and Sonny.'

When Will, Paul and Sonny arrived at the mansion they barely had time to say hello to Sami and EJ before Johnny, Allie and Sydney dragged them outside.

Will was sitting in the shade of a large tree on the ground with Sydney. She was playing with a few little toys. Every now and again she would demand that Will play with her but for the most part Will watched his boyfriends. Johnny was throwing around a football with Paul and attempting to tackle him. Will grinned when Paul, finally realizing what Johnny was doing, dramatically fell to his knees and flopped over.

Allie was demanding that Sonny watch her hoola hoop. Sonny smiled and clapped enthusiastically each time. Will couldn't have appreciated his boyfriends more than in this exact moment.

"Hey," Chad greeted as he sat down on the grass next to Will.

"Hi," Will gave him a slight smile. 'Oh boy,' he thought, 'This isn't going to be good.' "Hey, Syd why don't you go play on the slide," Will encouraged as he saw her running off.

"You look better today than yesterday," Chad said as he looked over Will's face. He almost didn't come today. He was tempted to stay home and hide in his apartment. But he couldn't. His father made it perfectly clear what he needed to do today.

"Yeah," Will chuckled and shook his head, "I feel better today." He glanced over at Sonny and Paul and was glad to see that neither had noticed Chad's presence. "So, um, this isn't going to be completely awkward, right?"

"No I'm pretty sure it's going to be awful," Chad sighed. "But I have to." Chad glanced over at the door and saw Stefano looking towards them. Subtly Chad moved his hand so it was touching Will's. 'I have to do this.'

Will didn't know if he was expected to play along or not. He looked at Chad's hand for a few moments before he pulled his away. "You put me in a really difficult position," Will mumbled.

"I know," Chad nodded. "But this is important. It really is." Chad touched Will's cheek slowly, "You know it isn't real thought, right? You aren't going to suddenly confess your undying love?"

Will pulled his face away, looking over towards his boyfriends and said, "I'm not in love with you. It's just weird for me OK."

"It's weird for you," Chad countered, "I'm the straight guy having to pretend to be in love with a guy I consider like a younger brother."

"Well I'm the younger brother being felt up by his older brother in front of his two boyfriends and his siblings," Will told Chad sarcastically, "I think I win."

Paul, finally spotting Chad, paused his rough housing with Johnny. After convincing Johnny he needed a break Paul sat next to Will under the tree closely. Glaring at Chad Paul sneered, "Are you seriously doing this today?"

"I have to," Chad said calmly. "I know it's weird but you don't have to do anything. Act as jealous and ridiculous as you always do. It'll look better for me that way."

Sonny sat down next to Paul and glared at his business partner, "Chad, knock it off."

"You don't understand," Chad sighed, "I have to do this."

Will, recalling how strange Chad was the other day at DiMera Enterprises with his father, wondered if there was something else going on with Stefano. "Can we all just enjoy today without any fighting or anything," Will asked Paul, Sonny and Chad. "Please?"

Sami, amused that all of her children seemed to be able to boss Paul and Sonny around, watched in distaste as Stefano walked into the room. Seeing someone following him Sami dropped her mouth open in shock, "Kate, what the hell are you doing here?"

Shooting Sami a furtive glance Kate said simply, "I spent the night."

Before Sami could open her mouth in disgust EJ elbowed her. Sami looked at EJ and sighed. It didn't exactly take a genius to discover what Kate was trying to do. 'I love Will more than anything but I draw the line at sleeping with Stefano.'

Stefano, ignoring everyone in the room, walked towards the door and observed Chad interacting with William.

EJ, Sami and Kate all sat uncomfortably in the front room wondering just how awkward this evening was going to be.

Everyone had moved outside sitting on the patio furniture. With Stefano joining the adults the conversation was stilted. However, as no one wanted to draw any more attention towards the fact that everyone was suspicious of him, they all attempted to act normally.

Will was frowning on the grass. He still couldn't wrap his mind around his Grandma Kate being here. 'What is she doing?'

"Hey," Sonny put his hand on Will's knee. "I'm sure she's got an explanation."

Turning to Chad Will asked, "Do you know anything about this?"

Chad shook his head, "I have no idea. And quite frankly I don't think I want to know." Chad put his hand on Will's elbow and squeezed, "I'm sure she'll tell you as soon as she's away from this place." 'Or she'll tell me.'

"How many times do I have to tell you to stop touching him," Paul loudly asked as he reached over and shoved Chad's hand away from Will.

"Not enough to make me listen," Chad shrugged easily. He leaned back on his hands and smiled at Will, "He really is possessive huh? I'm shocked he lets Sonny touch you."

"I think when I touch Will it's a bit different than when you do," Sonny pointed out already getting annoyed with the evening.

"Well yeah," Chad laughed, "You want to fuck him and I want to take care of him."

"He doesn't need you to take care of him," Paul hissed out, "So knock it off."

"Yes he does," Chad argued back, "More than you even realize."

"What does that mean," Sonny asked quickly. "What aren't you telling us?"

"Nothing," Chad lied down on the grass, arms behind his head. He knew Will wanted everyone to get along so he was going to try his best. 'Try my best and do what I have to. OK, try out what Brian told you.' Clearing his throat Chad asked Will, "What was your dad saying to you yesterday when I showed up? He seemed pretty pissed about it."

"Just the typical crap," Will admitted with a roll of his eyes. "He heard I was sleeping with Brian, Neil and you. I don't know if he meant all at the same time or what though."

"Well that would be pretty darn difficult," Chad commented with a hint of a smile. "How exactly would you swing that anyway? Does everyone in this town think you're like some gay catnip or something?"

Will shoved Chad and laughed, "When I was confused I could barely get a girlfriend. Come out of the closet and apparently every gay man in the tristate area wants me. For hating that I'm gay he certainly thinks an awful lot of me."

"To be fair," Chad snickered, "Four out of the five he thinks you're seeing do want to sleep with you."

"Neil and Brian don't want to sleep with me," Will rolled his eyes. Seeing the raised eyebrows on Sonny and Paul Will added, "Anymore. Half the stuff they say they do to piss you two off anyway."

"Will," Paul crossed his arms, "Do we have to remind you about Neil's birthday?"

"That wasn't my idea," Will teased.

"That reminds me," Chad said as he sat up suddenly, sitting closely next to Will, "Oh Brian told me about that night by the way. That wasn't what I was going to say though." Placing his hand on Will's leg Chad said, "How does everyone feel about Will getting some hickeys today and we pretend they're from me?"

"No," Sonny said gruffly. "What is wrong with you?"

"I'm just saying," Chad moved his hand up higher on Will's thigh knowing how upset it was making Paul, "It would be just the thing to make today convincing. Or I could give him one but that would be pretty strange."

"I swear to god," Paul stated, "I am going to hit you if you do not shut up."

Figuring that would actually be very helpful Chad shrugged, "OK, that works too. But just so you know? I don't see why you're fighting this so hard. If you were serious about wanting Will safe you would go along with this."

Sonny growled, "Do not ever question our intentions with Will. We want him safe more than anyone. But there is a difference between protecting him and involving him in some idiotic plan."

"Not really," Chad told him. "I told Will I was willing to do whatever it took to make sure he was safe. And in fact, that night at the mansion, you know, the night, I don't remember seeing you or Paul doing anything."

"Chad," Will said, "Stop it."

Chad held his hands up innocently, "Sorry Will, you're right. I don't need to mention how useless they are, I'm sure they already know."

"Shut the fuck up," Paul demanded. He was so sick and tired of this stupid family interfering in his relationship.

"God," Sonny shook his head, "What is wrong with you, Chad? You have absolutely no idea what I'm willing to do for Will."

"Right," Chad snorted, "I'm so sure you do anything besides make him feel insecure."

"Oh my god," Will shook his head, "I am not listening to this crap anymore. I asked you all to get along. I didn't think it was going to be that hard." Will stood up and started walking inside.

"Where are you going," Sonny called out to him.

"Away from the three of you," Will answered loudly, crossing his arms and refusing to look at anyone when he walked by the table.

EJ turned to Samantha when William stormed passed them. Standing up he said, "You threaten one and I threaten the other?"

"Agreed," Sami nodded as she stood up and walked over ready to berate her Sonny and Paul.

"Gentleman," EJ crossed his arms and tapped his foot. Catching Sonny's eye EJ said, "What did I tell you I was going to do if you made William unhappy?"

Sonny, panicked and frustrated, argued, "He's just upset."

"And I don't like that," EJ shrugged. "And I don't like you."

Rolling her eyes Sami informed EJ, "You are losing your intimidation techniques." Standing up straighter Sami kicked her foot at Chad, "You, get lost. We're talking here." Sami wasn't too sure yet exactly what to think of Chad. 'Does he have feelings for Will or not?'

Will threw himself on the bed in his old room. He tossed his sunglasses to the side and shoved his face in a pillow. His regular glasses were outside on the grass still. 'I just wanted one day where everyone got along.' Will wondered if he was being overly dramatic or not. 'It must be hard to deal with Chad doing that but Paul knows it isn't real. And why does Sonny always agree with him about those things? Why can't he ever help me?'

Hearing a knock at the door Will made a loud grunting sound instead of answering, barely lifting his head off the pillow.

"Hey," Chad said carefully as he closed the door behind him. He sat on the bed near Will and smiled sadly, "I'm sorry I pissed you off."

"No you aren't," Will rolled over and covered his eyes with his hand. "You knew what you were doing."

"I meant to make them mad," Chad confessed, "Not you. If that helps."

Will, lifting his hand and squinting at Chad, sighed, "Brian told you to do that, didn't he?"

Chad paused slightly before admitting, "He might have mentioned it." Before Will had a chance to roll back over Chad stopped him and said, "But I probably would have done something to piss them off anyway. Besides this," Chad pointed between Will and himself, "Is basically what I was trying to do."

"Get us alone," Will guessed while he sat up and put his sunglasses back on, eyes adjusting to the dark tint. "You could have just asked, you know? I don't understand why you're so committed to this."

"I had to make it look believable," Chad responded simply. "And getting you upset and rushing off to comfort you while Sonny and Paul get yelled at by Sami and EJ is believable."

"Why are they yelling at them," Will scrambled to get off the bed only for Chad to grab his arm and pull him back. "Chad, this is getting ridiculous."

"Just wait a minute," Chad asked, "OK, I told you. For this to work it has to be realistic." As Will sat on the edge of the bed Chad added, "Besides it's nothing they can't handle."

"They don't need to face that," Will insisted. "Mom and EJ can't keep doing this. Sonny and Paul aren't going to deal with them much longer."

"Let's face it Will," Chad shrugged, "You could be 50 with kids and Sami and EJ would still be butting into your life. So, if Sonny and Paul can't deal with it then they can't deal with it. Either they get used to it and learn to get along or they leave."

"I don't want them to leave," Will said quietly. He leaned his elbow on his knee and placed his head in his hand.

"I didn't say they would," Chad told Will moving closer and patting him on the back.

"Chad," Will spoke after a few minutes of silence, "I want you to stop it."

"Will," Chad started to say only to be interrupted.

"No," Will shook his head. "This isn't worth it anymore. I don't care what he has planned. He hasn't done anything to me Chad. So just tell him you're done."

"I can't tell him that, Will," Chad exhaled loudly.

"Then tell him I rejected you," Will tried again. "I don't care what you say but I want it over with."

"I can't," Chad retorted, voice getting higher and a bit frantic. "Will I have to do this."

"Chad, no," Will put his head in his hands. "You don't understand-"

"No," Chad stood up and started to pace, "You don't understand, Will. I literally cannot stop. Not now."

"What are you saying," Will asked seeing how upset and worried Chad looked.

"My father," Chad looked towards the closed door and sat down closely to Will. In a quiet voice Chad said, "I found out some of his plan. And something else."

"What did you find out," Will wondered looking at Chad in concern.

Chad sat down across from his father and asked, "You wanted to see me?"

"Yes," Stefano folded his hands together over the top of his desk, "We need to speak about how you are coming along with William."

"Everything seems to be progressing," Chad nodded. "I mean, I had to work a little hard after the party fiasco but he's already forgiven me for embarrassing him."

"That is a good sign for you," Stefano agreed. "And exactly the type of person this family needs."

"What does that mean," Chad asked not understanding the comment.

"The DiMera's have a reputation," Stefano began, "A certain decorum that we have always followed. I think it's time to change that around for the future generations."

"And Will is going to do that," Chad asked a bit skeptically.

"William has some powerful genes. He's both a Brady and a Horton. He's still well liked within the city," Stefano continued, "This little hiccup with his love life will be forgotten. Just an innocent youthful indiscretion that was heavily influenced by those out to hurt him."

"Meaning Sonny and Paul," Chad deduced.

"Precisely," Stefano smiled, "Two older men confusing such an innocent, sweet boy." Chuckling Stefano added, "Of course we know he's not quite as innocent as he appears. Not with who raised him. Which is exactly why he is going to work so nicely."

"So," Chad was trying to understand what Stefano wanted, "So Will is going to be the new face of the family? Like a spokesperson?"

"Just about," Stefano agreed with a wide smile. "William is going to do wonders for us. No one will suspect him. And with him at your side there will be no threats to our legacy."

"What if," Chad couldn't help but ask, "What if Will doesn't want to be involved in any family business?" Clearing his throat Chad shrugged, "What if he just wants to you know sit at home and wait around for me?"

"Oh no that will not do," Stefano shook his head before giving Chad a level look, "William is going to learn everything he can from Elvis while he can. And by the time he joins our family he will be prepped and ready for what his role is going to be." Noticing Chad's alarmed expression Stefano sighed, "William is going to be brought over to our way of thinking, one way or the other. And do you know who is going to be the one to convince him?"

Chad had the feeling he already knew.

"William is going to be your responsibility," Stefano informed Chad. "Like his mother he is stubborn. Elvis has never been able to control Samantha. Something that has always plagued their relationship. You won't make the same mistake with William."

"I don't want to do anything that Will isn't going to like," Chad tried to say. 'What the hell is happening here?'

Stefano lost his jovial expression. He stared at his son long and hard. When he heard Chad admit to the reason he broke up with his little girlfriend he was surprised and pleased. It seemed almost too good to be true for Stefano. But now he was begging to wonder if maybe it was.

Chad swallowed and tried not to give anything away.

'Desperate times call for desperate measures,' Stefano thought before clearing his throat. "If I find out, my son, that this is some kind of trick. If your intentions toward William are not true," Stefano stated assertively, "Then I will not hesitate to harm him in retaliation."

Chad held his breath and stared at his father in shock.

"You will gain William's attention one way or another. I don't care if he loves you. I don't care if he likes you. He can learn those things later on. You will ensure that William believes what I want him to believe and does what I want him to do," Stefano guaranteed, "And if you fail me it is not going to be your neck on the line, my son. I will slice William's throat open in front of you and you can watch him bleed. Do you understand?"

"Yes," Chad answered weakly. "I understand."

"Chad what is it," Will asked putting his hand on Chad's back.

"Nothing good," he confessed. He licked his lips slowly. 'I can't tell Will this. I can't freak him out.' "You just need to understand that I'm not giving up on this," Chad told him calmly.

Hearing a knock on the door Will startled slightly, assuming it was Sonny and Paul. Therefore he was unprepared when the door opened and Stefano walked inside.

Chad moved his hand to Will's and squeezed it carefully. "Father," Chad cleared his throat, "What are you doing in here?" He hoped he sounded annoyed instead of frightened.

"I passed by and saw the light on," Stefano easily explained. "I thought William would be alone but I'm pleased to see you are not."

"Right," Will smiled weakly. "Chad was just, um, he was checking on me." Will held onto Chad's hand tightly. He had an idea as to what Stefano might have told Chad to get him so spooked. Looking down at his hand Will made a large production of letting it go and biting his lip.

Stefano smirked slightly at the way William shied away from Chad in his presence. But he was not completely convinced of Chad's ability to gain William's attention. 'Or William's future commitment,' Stefano mused as he stepped closer into the room.

"Father," Chad subtly moved his arm around Will's waist and pulled, encouraging Will to move closer to him. "We're kind of in the middle of something," he gestured with his head for Stefano to get out.

Stefano paused in front of William and Chad and observed them up close. Stefano wondered if the rumors around town about William's involvement with various men were true. He saw the behavior of his boyfriends downstairs. 'They could not be any more obvious in their disapproval of Chad.'

Sitting down on the edge of the bed next to William Stefano stated, "I saw the way your little friends were treating you earlier. It must be difficult trying to please them both."

"I suppose so," Will answered quietly. 'I really, really don't want to talk to Stefano about this.' Will closed his eyes, he always was able to lie more effectively when he couldn't see the person he was lying to, "I'm beginning to think maybe they're not what I want."

"Is that so," Stefano asked tone light and airy.

"Y-yes," Will nodded opening his eyes and looking over at Chad, "There might be someone better suited to me nearby." Will looked down at his feet and bit his lip, 'Just make him believe it.'

"I should hope so," Stefano announced as he slowly got to his feet. "Hopefully you come to your senses soon. I would hate to see you risking your neck for nothing."

Chad, wincing at the reference, stood up as well, "We should go back downstairs."

"Right," Will nodded slowly. 'Stefano really isn't that subtle, is he?' Will understood perfectly what Stefano must have threatened Chad with. 'Sure, Chad decides to do this stupid scheme to find out what his father was going to do with me and apparently it's be with Chad or be killed. Everyone told him this was an awful idea.'

Shaking his head Will grabbed Chad's hand as he stood up and pulled him into a hug. His eyes were squeezed closed but Will could sense Stefano was watching them still. Leaning up on his tiptoes Will kissed Chad's cheek, lingering for an extra moment. Pulling away Will smiled at Chad, took his hand and walked with him from the room.

They held hands all the way outside with Stefano watching them carefully. 'Whatever EJ's plan is he better get it working soon.'

Sami stood with her arms crossed and her lips pursed staring at Sonny. "Well," she asked raising her eyebrows, expecting him to say something.

"Well what," Sonny shrugged, "I don't know what you expect me to say."

"How about that you upset my son and you'll never do it again," Sami asked loudly. "It shouldn't be that hard."

Sonny shook his head, "Why is this any of your business? Will is an adult. He doesn't need you doing this whenever he gets upset."

"Excuse me," Sami huffed, "I'm his mother and I am going to do whatever I want to do whenever I want it. I'm the one that's always going to be around for him, not you."

"I think we all know exactly how there you've been for him," Sonny mumbled under his breath. "Look, Sami, I do not have to justify disagreeing with Will to you. I don't. And like you wouldn't react the same way if you had to watch someone hang all over your boyfriend."

"You're supposed to get mad at Chad," Sami argued, "Not Will. And it is not Will's fault Chad has feelings for him."

Sonny stared at Sami dubiously, 'How does she not know what's going on here?' Closing his eyes Sonny set his jaw, "It's not Will's fault but he should understand why it makes Paul and I upset."

"Look Sonny," Sami admitted softly, "For being so involved in Will's life I don't know you very well. Maybe that's my fault I don't know. All I do know is that every time I've seen you lately you or Paul have had some sort of issue with anyone near Will. Anyone."

"What," Sonny said, "No we haven't."

"In the hospital it was Brian being around," Sami counted on her fingers, "At the party it was Chad. Today it's Chad. I know you aren't crazy about Neil or even EJ being around Will. So don't even try to tell me differently."

Sonny wasn't sure what he could even say to defend himself against those accusations.

"Because I'm friends with Adrienne I'm willing to at least be friendly with you," Sami decided with a grim smile, "And I managed to get to know Paul so I might dislike him at least a little less than I did before. So, explain to me why you seem to think you can run my son's life and get to decide who he spends time with."

'Oh like you're one to talk,' Sonny thought while trying to refrain from saying anything disparaging. "I don't think that I'm in charge of Will. And I'm sorry if I'm a little protective and don't want him around people who have hurt him before."

"You and Paul have hurt him before too," Sami pointed out with a smirk.

"So have you," Sonny couldn't hold back from saying, "But I know that Paul and I aren't going to hurt him again. We just want Will to be happy and safe. I am trying to prevent stressful things from happening in his life again."

"Fine," Sami stated after studying Sonny's face for a few moments. "Now, answer me one question," Sami glanced over her shoulder where EJ was laying into Paul, "What did EJ tell you he was going to do if you hurt Will?"

Paul stared at EJ tiredly. 'I am so done with this. Will's lucky he's worth it because there's no other way anyone would deal with his family.'

EJ watched Narita disapprovingly. 'Of the two I like this one the least,' EJ decided. 'At least I have something to hold over Kiriakis's head. Although I guess if I really want to disrupt Narita's life I could just tell him the truth about his father.' Deciding he didn't have time to deal with that at the moment EJ cleared his throat, "You know the past few days with William he's had an interesting disposition."

Paul, a bit surprised by the subject yet knowing EJ was going somewhere with this, asked, "Oh really?"

"Yes," EJ mused as he touched his fingers to his chin and tapped, "You know all those hours in my office gets him talking. And apparently he's not quite as content and secure in your little relationship as I anticipated."

"What the hell does that mean," Paul sighed, "Just get to the point, please."

"The point," EJ pressed his lips together in annoyance, "Is that he's beginning to realize what we all knew all along." Knowing that he had Narita's attention now EJ smirked, "That your little relationship is not going to work, not in the real world."

"Our little relationship," Paul stood up straighter, shoulders tensing, "Is perfectly fine. And if Will has any doubt about that he knows he can talk to us about it."

"You haven't noticed have you," EJ asked with a sad laugh, "He is afraid the two of you are moving forward in ways he isn't going to be able to follow."

"What the hell does that mean," Paul demanded, "Where is this even coming from?"

"You've ignored it for far too long," EJ continued as if he wasn't interrupted. "The three of you have not had to face real life before. It's always been one thing after another and you've never been settled."

"That doesn't mean anything," Paul insisted angrily.

"This is William's first relationship as an openly gay man," EJ announced calmly, "And it's with two older men who are suddenly busy with their careers to notice their insecure boyfriend."

"What," Paul ran his hand through his hair, "What are you even talking about? We notice Will all the time." 'But there was something upsetting him yesterday wasn't there? That's why he was so clingy with Sonny.'

"If that were true we wouldn't be having this conversation," EJ mocked. EJ looked around outside and realized his father had left Kate alone outside. 'Where the bloody hell did he go?' Shaking his head EJ added, "I would suggest you try being honest with William."

"Honest," Paul asked feeling a bit nervous all of a sudden. 'I already know I need to be honest with him. I've tried so hard but I don't know how to tell him.'

Carefully watching Narita's face EJ grinned, "Who knows what kind of secrets you all have hidden from one another. It would be a shame if they all suddenly came spilling out." With that EJ turned on his heel determined to find his father or William. 'Until I have time to set my plan in motion they must be kept apart.'

Sonny looked into Sami's face, blinking a few times and licking his lips before saying confidently, "Just the usual threats. If we hurt Will he'll make our lives miserable."

"Hmph," Sami exhaled a loud puff of air and regarded Sonny suspiciously. 'Don't think I didn't notice the hesitation there,' Sami thought to herself. Sami saw at the hospital that Sonny had followed EJ and Chad into the hallway. Just like she saw at Will's birthday party that EJ told Sonny something. Sami didn't know what this was about but it couldn't be good. 'If EJ thinks he's going to be keeping secrets from me he's got another thing coming.' Without another word to Sonny Sami turned on her heels and marched inside.

Will let go of Chad's hand when they walked back outside. He saw Sonny and Paul standing together talking heatedly under the tree. Without acknowledging Chad Will quickly rushed to his boyfriends. He didn't care if Stefano or someone else was watching. He wanted his boyfriends.

Sonny threw his head back and loudly groaned. Now that Sami and EJ were gone he had no trouble letting Paul know how annoyed he was. "How do we get ourselves into these situations," Sonny asked sardonically.

"We just had to fall for a boy with the world's most domineering family," Paul complained. "The one that attracts trouble and has dumbass friends."

"Speaking of our boy," Sonny remarked as he saw Will barreling towards them. He barely had time to brace himself before Will knocked right into him making him have to take a few steps back to balance himself.

Letting go of Sonny, Will threw himself against Paul and closed his eyes tightly. He couldn't panic about Stefano upstairs but here he could. He didn't care if anyone was watching and getting the wrong idea. If Will wanted to breakdown a little in his boyfriends' arms he was going to. 'Why was I so upset about something so stupid earlier,' Will thought miserably.

Will pulled away from Paul and sighed. He noticed the sun was beginning to lower behind a stretch of trees. He tossed his sunglasses aside and put on his regular glasses instead. Sitting on the grass, back against the tree Will put his elbows on his knees and said, "I'm sorry I got so upset."

Sonny sat down so one of his knees was brushing Will's, "Hey, it's OK. You told us this morning you wanted today to go well. You even asked us to get along with Chad and we didn't listen."

"I should be more understanding," Will bit his lip gently. "I didn't need to freak out and leave you alone with my mom and EJ."

Paul, sitting down as well so they were all in a circle, put his hand on Will's leg and squeezed, "It's not that big of a deal. I think we're used to at least one of them confronting us about something." Smiling a bit Paul asked, "Did I ever tell you about the time Sami came up to me at the laundry mat before all this started?"

"No," Will shook his head, 'Oh my god it's a wonder I ever managed to find one guy let alone two that were willing to put up with this.' "What did she do?"

"She thought I was using you or something," Paul waved his hand dismissively, "I just remember her telling me she'd make my life miserable if I hurt you."

"If only she knew," Sonny laughed. "It wasn't her that tried to make our lives miserable."

"I'm so sorry you have to deal with this," Will insisted, looking between them gratefully. "You don't deserve having to deal with all of this," Will flapped his hand up and down his body.

Paul gave Will a half smile and took his hand, "We happen to be in love with all of this." Paul pointed at Will, "So don't insult our man."

"You know," Sonny said just now realizing something, "I do remember saying I was going to make you say something nice about yourself every day. So, I think now is a good time to start."

"Sonny," Will shook his head, "I can't."

"Well," Sonny teased, "I can give you a few examples if you need them." Tapping his chin pretending to think Sonny pushed his lips out, "Hmm, well you're really hot."

Paul nodded his head in agreement, "You also-"

"Stop," Will held his hands up, "I know you're trying to make me feel better but I have to tell you a few things." Taking his hands and wringing them together Will sighed, "You might not have such nice things to say after."

"What are you talking about," Sonny looked at Will oddly.

"Well it's kind of why I was so upset yesterday," Will admitted. 'They probably aren't going to like this.'

"What is it," Paul asked lowly, "You can tell us anything, you know that."

"It's stupid," Will wrapped his arms around himself, "It's just this week, I don't know, you've both been so busy and I just felt really alone. I guess."

Sonny, having already kind of talked to Will about this, frowned a bit, "What do you mean alone?"

"I don't know," Will shrugged helplessly. "You've both been at work all the time and when you are home you're talking about work and you haven't sent me any texts or anything."

Paul bit the inside of his cheek. He didn't even realize this was something Will was worried about let alone that he was even doing it. "Baby," Paul grabbed one of Will's arm, "I'm sorry. I didn't even think about it." 'I've been too busy ignoring my mother to focus on my phone.'

"It's not your fault," Will quietly explained while looking at the grass. "It's my problem. I know that you, that you, that not everything is about me."

"Whatever problem you have we have babe," Sonny told him. "That's kind of what happens in a relationship." Sonny didn't want Will to think that just because they were busy they were too busy for him. "Will, you have to understand that this, us, our feelings aren't going to change just because we aren't around you as often. We're not suddenly going to fall out of love with you."

"We love you," Paul added sternly. "That isn't going to change." When Will still wouldn't look at them Paul let go of Will's arm and wrapped his hands around his waist and, gently being mindful of his shoulder, pulled Will onto his lap. "Do you believe us when we say we love you," Paul wondered, "Or do you doubt that?"

Will untangled his legs and pushed them into Sonny's lap. Staring at Sonny Will tried to clarify his feelings for them, "It's not that I doubt you; I just doubt me." Taking a deep breath Will admitted, "Sometimes I don't see why you two want to be with me. And this week I just thought that you were going to realize you didn't need me the way I need you."

"Babe that is so far off," Sonny wanted to laugh but he knew it would hurt Will's feelings. "I know that things have been different now but that doesn't mean our feelings changed. Besides we wouldn't be in love with you if we didn't think you were special."

"OK," Will nodded. "I know it's just me being stupid." He leaned his head backwards against Paul, "God, last week I wanted you to stop hovering and now I miss it."

"It's understandable," Paul squeezed Will's waist, "Sonny and I didn't really think about how this was affecting you." He remembered what EJ told him earlier and he didn't want to admit that EJ was right. "But you have to know that just because we all have jobs and are going to be busy that doesn't mean we'll stop loving you."

"You'll probably have to remind me a lot," Will admitted. "I get the feeling I'm going to need."

"Whatever you need us to do babe," Sonny promised him. "Is that all that's bothering you?"

Will scrunched his face together and closed his eyes, "Um, well, I should probably tell you that I kind of maybe like that Chad's been paying me a lot of attention."

Paul put his head on Will's shoulder and bit through his t-shirt to stop himself from screaming.

Will winced slightly, surprised Paul could bite that hard through a shirt, "It's not, look it's not because I want to be with Chad."

"Will," Sonny looked at him in annoyance. "How is that not about liking Chad?"

"Because it's not really Chad," Will acknowledged, "I just wanted someone to pay attention to me. And he was always there and touching me and giving me gifts."

Paul frowned darkly, "I hate that guy." 'But I don't hate Will.' Releasing his suddenly too tight grip on Will Paul said, "So, you don't want to be with Chad?"

"No," Will shook his head quickly, "I don't have feelings for Chad. I just, I missed you and he was around."

"You don't have feelings for him," Sonny questioned. He could understand where Will was coming from but that didn't mean he had to like it.

"Of course not," Will confirmed. "That would be awful. He's just my friend."

"So that means he isn't going to be hanging around you all the time anymore right," Paul asked, "Because I really might punch him the next time he touches you."

"About that," Will frowned and squirmed in Paul's lap, accidentally kicking Sonny, "He kind of still has to keep up pretending he's after me." Will lowered his voice even though the kids were still happily playing and everyone else was back inside.

"Why," Sonny rolled his eyes, "Babe this is getting ridiculous."

"It's just," Will wasn't sure how they would take the news of Will potentially being in more danger. 'But I'm not going to get into the habit of lying to them.' "I was talking to Chad upstairs and Stefano came in and he sort of implied that he might do something if I don't get together with Chad."

"What does that mean," Paul demanded, jostling Will off of his lap and looking into his eyes, "What the hell is going on?"

"Chad didn't really say but Stefano said something about my neck," Will tried to remember everything that happened. "He definitely wanted me to be with Chad and away from the two of you. And Chad's been really weird lately. He said he found something out about Stefano's plan but he wouldn't tell me what."

"Will," Sonny didn't know what to do. "We have to do something." Sonny tried to stand up, "I don't want you here anymore. We have to leave."

Will yanked on Sonny's hand, "We can't leave now. That's part of the problem. As long as Chad and I can keep his plan going Stefano won't have any reason to go after me."

"Well what happens when that isn't good enough," Paul knew Chad's stupid plan was going to hurt Will in the end. "He isn't going to let Chad keep this up for long. He isn't going to let him go after you and not see results."

"Well we don't have to worry much," Will made sure he was whispering this time, "Because EJ has a plan."

"EJ," Sonny repeated. 'Oh god why is it always EJ?'

"Yeah," Will nodded, "At work the other day he had me organizing old files and I found something and showed it to him. I mean, like you told me the other day, I don't really understand business stuff but he seems really excited about it."

Sonny said, "You know I didn't mean it like that. I just meant you don't seem the business type. You're more free spirited I think."

"Is that a euphemism for dumb," Will asked rhetorically. "All I'm saying is that if we can get through the rest of today then I think everything will be fine."

"I still don't like this," Paul declared, "Just like I still might punch Chad."

"Well that would probably be helpful," Will smiled, "Realistic. I might have told Stefano that I'm thinking about leaving you."

Sonny shoved Will's shoulder and laughed, "You are so lucky that you're cute, babe."

"Trust me," Will bit his lip, trying not to grin, "I know."

Kate, sitting alone in the front room, having no idea where everyone else was, perked up when she saw Will and Chad walking into the room. Stefano, she noted, watched them until he turned and walked away.

After Will went outside Chad sat down on the couch near Kate and put his head in his hands.

"What is it," Kate asked suddenly, "What's wrong?"

"I can't say," Chad groaned. "Just know that I'm working on it."

"Well," Kate admitted, "So am I." 'One way or another I'll figure out how to stop Stefano.'

Sami, coming in from where she was harassing the help in the kitchen about dinner, paused when she saw Chad. Stomping over Sami loudly asked, "What the hell are you doing with my son?"

Leaning his head on the back of the couch Chad closed his eyes, "Sami, you don't need to worry about it."

"Yes I do," Sami insisted, putting her hands on her hips, "He's my son. He is finally happy and I am not going to let you ruin that."

"I'm not ruining anything," Chad argued. Noticing both EJ and their father were standing near the entrance Chad stood up, towering over Sami, and said, "I am in love with Will and I'm not going to rest until I win him over."

Sami's arms dropped to her sides and she stared at Chad in disbelief. "Are you kidding me right now," Sami shouted. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

Chad, trying as hard as he could to make this believable, shook his head, "It's going to happen. He's going to leave Sonny and Paul to be with me. We've already talked about it. He just has to find a way to let them down easy."

"What are you even talking about," Sami yelled, "This doesn't make any sense. Will wouldn't do anything like this." Sami put her hand on her forehead, 'This isn't Will. He wouldn't do this.'

"Samantha," EJ walked over to her and took her hand, "I think we should discuss this in private."

As EJ dragged her out of the room, past a smug looking Stefano and up the stairs into their bedroom, Sami was loudly protesting, "Did you know about this? EJ?"

Shutting the door EJ sighed, "What did I tell you Samantha? Chad is doing what he has to do to protect William."

"By sleeping with him," Sami shrieked. "If you think I am going to sit around and let this happen you have another thing coming."

"Just trust me," EJ grabbed her shoulders. He didn't exactly think it was wise to inform Samantha about the truth. "It won't be for much longer."

Author's note:

I had to split this chapter into two because I didn't really think I needed a 15k word chapter. Or I didn't want to edit that much at once. One of the two

Please review! And thanks for reading.