Paul waved goodbye to some teammates as he got in his car. After buckling, he scrolled through the contacts on his phone. He stopped at Will's name and pushed the green dial button.
It only rang a few times before Will answered.
"Neil?" Will breathed down the line, voice light.
"Uh, no," Paul said, face pinched.
"Sorry, Paul," Will laughed, licking his lips. "I thought you were Neil."
"I gathered that, yeah," Paul grumbled.
"You won't guess what happened," Will flopped back on his back, spread-eagle across his bed.
"What happened?" Paul asked, apprehension filling his chest.
"He kissed me," Will replied breathlessly.
"Oh," Paul blinked several times, swallowing. After a few beats, he added, "How was it?"
"Oh my god, Paul," Will rolled onto his stomach. "It was, I don't even know," Will laughed.
"How did it happen?" Paul didn't know why he felt so off about all this. Why he wasn't happy for Will when he should be.
"We were at the pub, right," Will explained. "I needed to go home and he offered to walk me. And I said I was cold and he gave me his jacket. When we got to the door, I didn't think anything was going to happen. I mean, I thought he liked me, but you know how bad I am at that."
Paul's frown became more pronounced.
"He told me he wanted to see me again and he kissed me," Will finished with a dreamy sigh. "He held my face and he leaned down and-,"
"Leaned down?" Paul interrupted.
"Yeah, he's taller than me," Will said. "He leaned down and he kissed me. When it was over, he said he'd call me again to hang out. God," Will covered his face with his hands and laughed.
"So, you're happy about this?" Paul questioned.
"Yes!" Will shouted.
"Does anyone else know? I mean, with the age difference?" Paul questioned.
"Um, not exactly," Will said.
"I don't think Sami would like this," Paul couldn't stop himself from saying. "You said he goes to Salem U, right?"
"He's only nineteen," Will offered. "I looked it up. Seventeen is the age of consent."
"You're sixteen," Paul reminded him.
"I know that," Will huffed. "It's not like I'm planning on sleeping with him. I just got my first kiss with a guy. I'm not ready for that, yet."
"First kiss?" Paul repeated, face falling.
I thought I was his first kiss, Paul sighed.
"Yeah," Will elaborated. "It's not like he's my boyfriend or anything anyway. We're just friends."
"But-," Paul tried.
"I thought I could tell you this because you'd understand," Will cut Paul off. "I guess I was wrong about that too. From now on, I just won't tell you anything."
"No, no," Paul pleaded. "I want to know. I'm glad you trust me with this stuff. I just worry about you."
"Well, stop it," Will implored. "I don't want a lecture. I want you to support me with this. For the first time, there's someone that wants me, Paul, all of me. Neil's nice and he makes me laugh. He doesn't treat me any different because of my mom or even EJ. He likes me, Paul. Don't ruin that for me."
"I won't," Paul sighed. "That doesn't mean I'll stop worrying about you. Just, make sure everything you do is what you want. If he does anything to you that you don't want I will kill him with my bare hands."
"Thank you," Will whispered.
"So, is he cute or whatever?" Paul begrudgingly asked.
As Will rambled on, Paul started his car and drove off. Will talked the entire car ride to the hotel. He talked all the way from the parking garage to the elevator and all the way up. It was only when Paul opened the door to the hotel did he finally get Will off the phone.
Sonny was waiting for Paul, after all.
Will brushed his hands up and down his thighs as he fiddled around Paul's condo. He was moving his things back into the guestroom. Over the past few days, his suitcase and toiletries ended up with Paul's things. If any of the family looked around the place, it had to look like Will and Paul slept separately. None of them could find out Will slept in Paul's bed and shared Paul's bathroom.
There, Will tossed his dirty clothes near the bathroom. Now, it looks like I'm staying here.
Paul's condo featured three bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. A master bedroom and bath, two guest rooms with attached bedrooms, and a half-bath. Will was in the largest of the guest rooms while Tori Narita was going to stay in the other.
As much as Will loved Tori, it was going to put a damper on his last few days in San Francisco. Time alone with Paul would disappear.
Will pushed for Paul to send Tori to a hotel with everyone else but Paul wouldn't budge. He claimed it would be too suspicious since Tori always stayed with him at the condo.
I wonder if Tori will buy that I have nightmares and need to sleep in Paul's room to make them go away. Hmm, probably not. Maybe that I sleepwalk? No, that's dumb. I'll have to work on a story.
Will and Paul already planned everything out. At bedtime, Will would go to his room and wait. When he was certain Tori was asleep, Will would sneak into Paul's bed, just like old times.
Of course, back then no one cared if I slipped into Paul's bed at night. They thought it was cute. Now, not so much.
Paul had his doubts about their plan, though. He worried Will wouldn't be able to sneak out properly. That he'd give them away or that he'd get caught. Which was why Will needed to come up with a good cover story just in case.
Will told Paul if he was so worried Will could just stay in his room after all. For some reason, Paul didn't like that idea. He wasn't confident in Will's ability to stay silent, though.
Psh. I can stay quiet. Ninety percent of my sexual experiences I had to be quiet. I either snuck Neil into my room at the mansion or I went to his dorm. Paul is gonna be the one to give us away. He can't control himself at all when it comes to me.
Not that I'm complaining.
Will walked back to Paul's room and gave it another look. He didn't see any of his things lying about. There might have been a stray pair of socks or underwear left behind but he didn't think anyone would look that closely.
They'll just think they're Paul's anyway. We should be safe.
Will moved into the front room and reclined on the sofa, feet on the coffee table. He flipped the TV to the game. The Giants were playing a double-header that day. Paul was starting in the second game but had to be there for both.
After everyone arrived at the condo, Will was going to take them to the second game. It made Will a little proud that Paul trusted him with the task. That Will spent enough time at the stadium to get everyone there and situated. That Will got to stay at Paul's condo, Paul's home and welcome everyone.
It made Will feel like he shared Paul's life. That they were building a life together.
Will heard his phone go off and checked.
Everyone should be here soon.
The family landed safe and sound. The cars Paul arranged picked everyone up at the airport. They were going to check into their nearby hotel then come to the condo. All Will had to do was wait.
Sonny stood outside the large high rise condominium. The past few days swept over him, settled deep in his bones.
A week ago, everything in my life seemed perfect. Compared to now, at least, it was perfect. Somehow my life turned into a wreck.
When Sonny woke up that morning, his phone notifications were going haywire. A large amount of money was deposited into his checking account. The leasing company for his apartment called to inform him his rent was covered until the end of the year. Sonny checked his electric and cable bills and saw the same thing. Cell phone, credit card, everything Sonny owed money on was taken care of.
Seeing it in front of him, knowing what it all meant, hurt Sonny more than he thought. So far, Sonny clung to his anger. It made it easier to cope if he ignored everything else. Sonny didn't need a crippling pain getting in the way too.
Yesterday was a mistake. I don't know what the hell I was thinking. Paul's too far gone for Will to hear a word against him. I can't get to Will that way.
Punching Will felt good, felt gratifying but it wasn't enough. Sonny wanted Will to hurt as much as he did. He wanted Will to feel as much humiliation as Sonny felt when he walked into that condo and saw his boyfriend getting sucked off by someone else. He wanted Will to know what it was like having his entire life disrupted, to have everything taken away from him.
Sonny wanted Will to feel everything he so thoughtlessly subjected Sonny to.
Walking into the lobby of the condo, Sonny headed towards the elevator tower just like usual.
"Sir!" a security officer called. "I'm sorry, sir, but I'm going to ask you to leave the premises."
"Excuse me?" Sonny turned around when he realized the man was talking to him.
"Please, sir," the security officer ushered Sonny towards the entrance. "You are no longer welcome in the building. If I need to, I'll call the police. I'd rather handle this matter privately."
"For fuck's sake," Sonny grumbled, yanking his arm away from the man and stomping out the door.
Fuming outside the condo, Sonny nearly missed the parade of black SUVs rolling to a stop in front of the building. Sonny watched as a several people piled out, three men and two women all of varying ages.
Sonny would have disregarded the scene if he didn't recognize one of the men.
Brady? Sonny almost took a step forward when he stopped himself.
There was only one reason Brady would be in town.
Looking at the other people milling around with Brady, Sonny recognized a few. He noticed John Black from the photos Paul had in his home. He knew the blonde woman with him had to be Paul's on-again-off-again step-mother Marlena Evans. The Asian woman clearly was Paul's mother, Tori Narita.
Sonny even recognized the other man helping Tori with her bags. That was Eric Brady, Paul's sometimes step-brother.
That's Will's uncle. Marlena is his grandma. But where is-oh, there she is.
Brady, an annoyed expression on his face, shoved his head back in the car.
"Sami, hurry it up!" Brady yelled into the car. "What is the holdup?"
"Sorry," a petite blonde woman huffed as she daintily hopped out of the SUV. "I had to unplug my phone."
"Your phone was more important than your oldest son?" Brady teased.
"I need the phone to take his picture," Sami defended, smacking Brady in the chest. "The kids miss him like crazy. They think they've lost him to California and Paul."
"Yeah, yeah," Brady laughed, escorting Sami inside.
Sonny watched the interaction, formulating a new plan.
"I'm sorry I'm staying in your usual room," Will told Tori as he carried her bags into the second guestroom.
"Don't worry," Tori dismissed. "I know how much you've missed our Paul. Besides, it's only a room."
"Right," Will nodded. "Um, do you want me to help you unpack?"
"I can handle it," Tori assured him. "Although, I do have something for you. I just finished it myself and knew you would love it."
Tori rummaged around in one of her suitcases until she found what she was looking for.
"Here," Tori handed Will a book. "You have to tell me what you think."
"Oooh," Will flipped the book over to read the back cover. "I've heard about this one. Did you guess the killer in the end?"
"I can't tell you that," Tori argued. "You need to read it for yourself."
"Thank you," Will grinned.
"Of course," Tori smiled. "Now, let me unpack for a bit while you deal with everyone else."
"You just want alone time from the crazy," Will joked as he headed for the door. "I'm on to you!"
"Go!" Tori laughed.
Will walked back into the front room where everyone else gathered around the floor-to-ceiling windows.
"Will," Brady clapped him on the shoulder. "I'd say Northern Cali is treating you well but what the hell happened to your face?"
Will sucked his lower lip into his mouth. His lip was unavoidable but he didn't think anyone would notice the slight greenish tint to his jawline. Will did a good job hiding it earlier. He kept his face in the shadows, distracted everyone with a tour of the condo.
Sami emitted a loud screech from the other side of the room. She shoved Brady out of the way to grab Will's chin.
"What happened to your face?" Sami demanded. "Who marred my baby?"
"Mom," Will complained. "I'm not a little kid anymore."
"You tell me right now, William Horton," Sami stomped one foot.
"It's embarrassing," Will looked away from the crowd watching him.
Will and Paul already came up with a story to explain Will's busted lip and the few bruises on his jaw.
"Will, sweetheart," Marlena Evans walked over and touched his forearm. "What happened?"
"It's stupid," Will frowned, eyes downcast.
"Now, you have to tell us," Eric Brady laughed, trying to lighten the mood.
"I got to hang out at the ballpark with Paul and his teammates," Will scratched the back of his head. "And, well, Paul and I were throwing a ball back and forth and I noticed one of the infielders was stretching. You know, um, bending over and stuff. Paul threw the ball and I, apparently, caught it with my face."
Sami shoved Will away from her, maternal instincts gone as everyone else roared with laughter.
"Nice," Eric teased. "Real smooth."
"Yeah, well," Will shrugged, rubbing his elbow.
"I'm sure Paul went ballistic," Marlena said with a slight chuckle. "He never could stand it when you were hurt."
"That's true," John added. "Remember the first time you babysat Will when he was an infant?" John addressed Marlena.
"Yes," Marlena laughed. Looking at Will, she explained, "Any time you so much as made a noise, Paul was there checking on you."
"It was the cutest thing," John agreed. "We'd change your diaper and he'd go behind us making sure it wasn't too tight."
"Yeah," Brady said. "How badly did Paul freak out when he saw what he did? Did he go full-blown panic or just regular Paul-panic when it comes to you?"
"Um," Will licked over said swollen lip. "Typical Paul with the yelling and overprotective behavior. Lots of ice and coddling."
"When did you do that, anyway?" Eric wondered. "Your mouth looks pretty damn swollen."
Will, recalling the blowjob he gave Paul that morning in the shower, evaded, "Not that long ago. I keep forgetting it's there and making it worse. You know how I am."
"Yeah, you've always been scatter-brained," Sami agreed.
"Anyway," Will changed the subject after shooting a glare at his mother. "Where's everyone else? I thought the whole family was coming."
"Well, Belle and Shawn decided to stay home because Claire wasn't feeling well," Marlena told Will.
"And Johnny and Allie didn't want to miss the end of their soccer camp," Sami said. "Plus, Sydney is about to start her swim lessons. So, EJ is watching them. He says hi, by the way. And that it wouldn't kill you to call him."
"EJ will live," Will's shoulders slumped a bit. "But I do miss the kids. This has been the longest I've gone without seeing them in years."
"Oh, please," Brady teased. "You've enjoyed the peace and quiet and you know it."
That's for damn sure, Will thought.
"Well, Paul will be disappointed everyone isn't here. I know he misses Salem a lot," Will said. "But he'll get over it."
Tori joined them in the front room.
Thankfully, over the past few years, Marlena and Tori came to an understanding. Now, the two were good friends. It no longer weirded Will out every time he'd walk through the town square to find Marlena and Tori shopping together.
"So, sweetheart," Marlena questioned. "What kind of things have you and Paul been up to?"
"Well," Will said, "He's taken me to all these fancy, schmancy restaurants. I've seen all his games. And we went to some landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Ghirardelli Square, and Fisherman's Warf. Oh, but my favorite, was when we went whale watching!"
"It sounds like you've been busy," Tori smiled.
"We have been," Will nodded. "It's been so much fun."
"Good," Sami declared. "This has been a nice break for you before you start school in a few weeks."
"Right," Will blinked a few times. He nearly forgot he would be leaving San Francisco soon, leaving Paul. "School."
Sensing the sudden change in Will's demeanor, Tori questioned, "What time is the game?"
"Oh," Will checked the time on his phone. "We should start getting ready to leave. Let me go get my stuff."
Will turned toward the kitchen and his room.
"Uh, Will," Tori said with a peculiar look on her face. "Your room is down the other hall, isn't it?"
Will, out of habit, headed toward Paul's bedroom.
"I knew that," Will said, thinking quickly. "I just like stealing Paul's hoodies."
"Get me one too while you're in there," Brady said.
"Bring some Giants stuff for everyone," John suggested. "We can all show Paul our support."
"Of course," Will said with a hint of a smile. "I'm sure Paul will loooove that."
Instead of sitting in regular seats at the game, Paul got them a luxury suite of their own. It was equipped with snacks, drinks, and several televisions.
"Here," Eric sat down next to Will. "Drink this before Sami sees us."
Will took the beer offered to him with a smile.
"Thanks," Will replied, knocking his cup against Eric's.
Eric whistled as he settled into his seat. "Wow, this is some view."
"The view from up top is even better," Will declared after another sip. "You can see more of the ocean and everything."
"Paul certainly lucked out getting picked up by this team," Eric decided. "He couldn't have asked for a better place to live."
"Well," Marlena said from Eric's other side as she sat down. "There is only one downside. It's not Salem."
"No one would want to live in Salem over this place," Will said.
Will knew it was true. Knew that Paul might visit Salem from time to time but he didn't live there anymore. He might not live there ever again.
"He struggled a lot when he had to leave," Marlena recalled. "He hated leaving his home and his family behind."
"He almost didn't go," Eric revealed.
"What?" Will frowned. He hadn't heard this story before.
"Yeah, Brady and I had to talk him into it," Eric said. "It wasn't just leaving his family behind either. He didn't want to leave you," Eric looked right at Will.
"Me?" Will questioned. "But, why would he-?"
Paul left Salem when he was eighteen. Before he graduated high school, the offers flew in. Teams that wanted to sign him before he committed to a university. Teams that wanted to bypass the draft. Will was only twelve.
"You were in rough shape then," Eric explained. "Sami was between EJ and Lucas. You were having trouble at school. Paul was just about your only friend and he didn't want you to be alone."
Will's heart beat faster, a smile tugging at his lips.
"Paul's always been stupid," Will mumbled, feeling rather pleased.
"You've always been so special to him," Marlena reached across Eric to squeeze Will's hand.
Tori, sitting on Will's other side, nodded. She observed Will for a long time.
Tori watched the way Will smiled whenever someone mentioned Paul. Watched the way he bundled into one of Paul's sweaters. Watched the way he cheered loudly when Paul walked onto the pitching mound.
Tori watched and worried.
"Now, what do we do?" Sami asked as she stretched her arms over her head. "Go back to the condo and wait or what?"
"Paul will go out on the field," Will informed her and the rest of the group. "The game let out pretty early so we'll get something to eat. It won't be too long of a wait. Paul just needs to shower and talk to the media."
"You got the routine down, don't you kid?" John pushed Will's shoulders teasingly.
"I've been here a lot the past few days," Will shrugged. "Security will take us down."
Will nodded to a security guard standing nearby that guided them down an elevator and onto the field.
"Wow," Paul said as he jogged over. He eyed everyone in their Giants merchandise. "I've got my own fan club."
"Just showing you our support," John said as he pulled Paul into a one-armed hug. "There's my boy. You looked good out there tonight."
"Well, I had to show off a little for you guys," Paul said with a laugh.
"It worked, little brother," Brady said, putting Paul in a headlock and messing up his hair.
"Hey, watch it," Paul complained, shoving Brady off.
"Paul-san," Tori said as she opened her arms for a hug.
"I missed you," Paul whispered in Japanese. He closed his eyes and breathed in his mother's familiar scent.
"I missed you too," Tori replied. "But I know you're having your fun with Will."
Paul's eyes popped open, tensing. He pulled back from his mother and gave her a strange look.
"My turn," Marlena requested.
Paul eagerly hugged the woman, desperate to get away from his mother. Paul always feared she was able to see right through him.
"Budge over," Sami hipchecked Marlena out of the way.
"Nice hat," Paul smiled, knocking the lid over Sami's eyes.
"You should like it," Sami said as she patted his back. "It's yours."
"Sorry, man," Eric did a manly bro-hug with Paul. "Will raided your closet for us."
"Oh, he did, did he?" Paul turned to find Will standing at the end of the group.
"They caught me going into your room to steal a sweater," Will lifted one shoulder, hoping Paul understood.
"Sounds like you," Paul reached out and grabbed Will around the waist. "Sami, your son is a thief. I don't know where half my closet ran off to."
Will leaned against Paul, relishing in his touch. Will didn't know how much of that he would get over the next few days.
A few of Paul's teammates spilled out onto the field. They were eager to meet Paul's family and get in as much teasing to their superstar player as they could. Brady and Eric were more than willing to help them out.
Paul, laughing and rolling his eyes, lost track of Will. He looked over his shoulder to see Will chatting with one of the team's minor league call-ups. Paul didn't have a chance to talk to the guy yet and didn't know much about him.
Paul crossed his arms, watching Will smile. He tuned out of his own conversation.
When the guy reached out to touch the cut on Will's lip, Paul told his group, "Excuse me."
"Hey," Paul said as he walked up and put his hand on Will's shoulder. "Will, I was wondering if you had a suggestion for dinner. Oh, sorry, I didn't see you there," Paul lied as he looked at the kid in front of Will. "I'm Paul. I don't think we've met yet."
"Brad," the kid offered.
"Glad to have you with us on the team. I'll see you later on, Brad," Paul said. He slid his hand from Will's shoulder to the back of his neck. "I need to talk with Will for a minute."
"Nice to meet you," Will said over his shoulder as Paul pulled him away. "What was that for?"
"What?" Paul said. "I needed to talk to you."
Will eyed Paul, "Uh-huh, sure."
"I did," Paul insisted, looking away from Will's eyes.
"Yeah, right," Will patted Paul's bicep.
"I did!" Paul yelled as Will walked away.
Will couldn't help putting an extra swagger into his walk.
Everyone sat down at a large table at the same restaurant Paul took Will to after their whale watching expedition. Right on the wharf with a crystal clear view of the bay at sunset.
The table was full of laughter and warmth. Everyone reminisced about their pasts, laughing over embarrassing mistakes only the way a family could appreciate.
"So," John said from across the table. "Son, when do we get to meet your latest girlfriend?"
"Well," Paul took a swallow of his wine, "I'm not seeing anyone right now."
"You?" Brady scoffed. "Ha! You're always seeing someone."
"Yeah," Eric agreed. "Ever since you hit puberty you've had girls hanging all over you. Even before that, I bet."
"Didn't I see you on the cover of US Weekly a few weeks back with that Victoria Secret's model?" Sami asked. "The skinny one with the boobs?"
Will leaned his elbow on the table and turned to watch Paul.
"That was a few weeks ago," Paul said, glancing at Will out of the corner of his eye. "Nothing's happening now."
Will and Paul hadn't discussed Paul's public image much over the past few days. Paul wasn't sure how Will would react now.
"Well, that's a shame," John sighed. "I've been hoping you'd find a nice girl and settle down soon."
"You're getting old," Sami said bluntly. "You should be popping out little ones with your models while you still can."
"I am not old," Paul complained, offended. "And I am so not ready for kids. I don't know if I even want kids. Brady and Eric are older than me," Paul pointed to both men. "Bother them for kids."
"Don't look at me," Eric held up his hands.
"Yeah," Brady put down his glass. "Not everyone needs to pop out as many kids as Sami does."
"Hey!" Sami grumbled.
"I think four grandkids are enough for everyone to enjoy now," Paul smiled awkwardly.
"I will want some one day, you know," Tori said. "I would love to see a little miniature Paul of my own."
"Right," Paul replied with wide eyes.
Will reached under the table and put his hand on Paul's knee. He squeezed reassuringly, letting Paul know he was okay. They hadn't discussed anything like this before but they'd get to the big talks one day.
Paul put his hand on top of Will's and squeezed back. He was doing his best not to look at Will too often. He didn't want anyone getting suspicious.
Will waited until Paul let go before sliding his hand up the inseam of Paul's pants.
Paul, taking another sip of his wine, choked.
"You alright?" Will asked with false concern.
"Yes, thank you," Paul answered with a sharp glare.
"You should be careful," Will smiled, running the palm of his hand along Paul's groin.
Tori cleared her throat. "Speaking of settling down, I met a lovely young man I'd love to introduce you to, Will."
"Me?" Will focused his attention on Tori. His hand rested in Paul's lap, rubbing circles.
Paul gripped the arms of his chair tight, knuckles going white.
"Yes," Tori nodded. "One of my latest clients, his son is going to start at Salem U next semester too. I met him and he's just the sweetest. I knew he would be perfect for you."
"Oh?" Sami sat up straighter. "What's his name? How old is he?"
"His name is Rigo Olea and he's so polite," Tori told everyone. "He's going to be nineteen in September and he's planning on majoring in business communications."
"He does sound like a good match," Marlena agreed. "What do you say, Will?"
"Uh," Will's eyes widened, licking his lip. "I'm not sure. Don't you think I should meet him first?"
Paul grabbed Will's wrist, stopping him from continuing to rub against Paul's crotch.
"That's what your first date is for," Eric pointed out. "To get to know him."
"Anything that keeps you away from that Neil loser," Sami retorted.
"Neil's in Boston now, Mom," Will rolled his eyes. "You know he's going to graduate school."
"Whatever, as long as he stops sniffing around you," Sami huffed.
"He was my friend," Will reminded her.
"Yeah, right," Sami mumbled under her breath.
Paul's grip on Will's wrist was beginning to hurt.
"Anyway," Brady said with an amused expression. "Back to this Rigo kid. He sounds pretty nice."
"I don't know," Will said. "What if he doesn't like me?"
"He saw a picture of you in my office," Tori offered. "The one from your graduation party with you and I. Trust me, he's interested."
Will hissed when he lost all feeling in his wrist.
"Paul," Tori looked at her son. "Back us up, here. Will should go out with this boy, shouldn't he?"
"Yes," Marlena nodded. "Will always listens to you."
Paul glanced at Will and noticed the pained look on his face. He let go of Will's wrist. He didn't even realize he'd been hurting Will.
"Um, yeah, he sounds like a good guy," Paul lied while petting over Will's skin as an apology.
"See," Tori smiled challengingly. "Even Paul thinks it's a good match, Will. So, what do you say?"
Will looked over at Paul's expression, rolling his wrist in a circle. He didn't know how he could get out of this.
"I guess I have a date when I get back to town," Will smiled weakly.
Paul ground his teeth together but smiled along with everyone else. Inside, though, he was fuming.
"I'm glad you're staying with us, Mother," Paul said as he, Tori, and Will walked into his condo.
"Thank you, Paul-san," Tori patted his arm. "But I am tired from the trip. I think I'll go to my room now and get some rest."
"Me too," Will said, motioning to follow Tori down the hall to the guest rooms.
Paul hadn't spoken to Will at all since he agreed to the blind date. He wouldn't even look at Will.
Will closed the door to his room and sighed. He didn't understand why Paul was so upset with him. It wasn't like Will had a choice.
I was trying to give him a handjob under the table for goodness sake, Will thought. I could care less about some stupid date.
Now, he probably won't even want me to sneak into his room. How am I supposed to sleep now?
Taking a chance, Will grabbed his phone and sent Paul a text.
-Paul?
Will waited a few minutes but got no response. Paul always responded. Will saw the little notification saying Paul read the message too.
Jerk, Will rolled his eyes and started to undress. There was no use staying up if Paul was going to ignore him.
Down to his underwear, Will brushed his teeth and washed his face. He grabbed the book Tori brought for him and snuggled down into his bed.
Paul held out an hour and a half before giving in. He knew he overreacted but couldn't help it. He didn't want Will going out with anyone else.
Quietly, Paul opened the door to Will's room and smiled at the sight before him.
Will was fast asleep with a book in his arms head lulled to the side.
Paul pulled down a corner of a page to bookmark it and closed the book. He briefly wondered where Will got the book. He didn't think Will went to any bookstores recently.
Shoving the book on the nightstand, Paul placed his hand on Will's neck.
"Baby," Paul whispered, stroking the sensitive skin. "Wake up."
"Mmm," Will moaned in his sleep.
"Come on," Paul coaxed, rubbing up and down Will's neck. He leaned down and bit on Will's earlobe, pulling.
"Thought you were mad at me," Will whispered, rolling his hips off the bed.
"Not at you," Paul said. "The situation maybe."
"I didn't want to say yes," Will confessed. "I don't want to date anyone but you."
"I know," Paul sighed.
"But you'll have to go to parties with supermodels," Will said. "And I'll have to go out sometimes too."
"Wait, you're gonna go out with that guy?" Paul frowned.
"Well, I said I would," Will responded.
"I thought you'd find a way to get out of it," Paul spat out in a low whisper.
"But, your mom wants-," Will tried.
"I don't care what my mom wants," Paul hissed. He grabbed Will's hips and flipped him onto his stomach. "You aren't going out with anyone."
"What are-oh!" Will jumped when Paul ripped off his briefs and spread his cheeks open.
"This right here, you," Paul said as he licked around Will's unsuspecting hole, "All mine."
"Okay," Will squeaked in agreement.
Paul circled Will's entrance with his tongue. He wriggled the tip of his tongue inside.
"Paul," Will moaned, trying to stay as quiet as possible.
Tori was in the room next door.
"All mine," Paul repeated. "No one else gets to touch you, gets to even think about coming near you."
Will choked on a response as Paul continued licking him all over.
"Do you have any lube in here?" Paul questioned, nipping at one globe of Will's ass.
"In-in the bag," Will pointed near the closet, working his ass back against Paul's mouth.
"Good," Paul smacked Will's ass and got off the bed.
Paul dug through Will's bag, finding the ever-present dual condom, lube packet Will was fond of. Paul stripped off his boxers and climbed back in bed.
"Now," Paul made quick work of lathering his fingers in lube, "Stay quiet."
Will bit his lip, legs shaking. Paul was being cruel on purpose. Stroking along Will's walls, curling his fingers just so. Spreading Will as quickly and efficiently as he could. All while keeping his head buried in Will's ass, teasing Will with his tongue.
"This is how this is gonna go," Paul explained as he rolled on his condom. "If you make a sound, I'm gonna stop. I'll go back to my room, get myself off, and leave you here all alone. Got that, baby?"
Will nodded frantically, rising onto his hands and knees. He wriggled around enticingly, looking at Paul over his shoulder.
"Quiet," Paul cautioned as he lined himself up with Will and pushed inside. He kept his hands on Will's lower back, waiting a few minutes for Will to adjust.
"Shh," Paul whispered as he bucked into Will, hard and fast straight away.
Will clamped his mouth down on his arm, lip too sensitive to bite.
Paul kept his pace rough, one hand digging into Will's hips. The other hand slowly jerked Will, just enough to tease. All while Paul moaned with his nose behind Will's ear.
"So good, baby," Paul praised, tongue reaching out to touch Will's lobe. "So tight."
Will shoved the sheets in his mouth. It took all his strength not to shout out when Paul angled his hips just right and hit Will where he wanted most.
"Being so quiet," Paul chuckled. "I didn't think you had it in you. Normally, you're begging and pleading for me by now, baby."
Paul rolled back onto his butt. He kept Will in place on his cock but pulled Will into his lap. He smacked Will loudly on the thigh, encouraging him to ride Paul.
Will lifted up and down, chest heaving.
"So good," one of Paul's hands ran over Will's stomach and chest. The other kept Will's cock in a lose grip.
"You want to cry out so bad, don't you baby?" Paul grinned as he watched beads of sweat pooling down Will's lower back. "You want to scream out my name. Let everyone in the world know I'm the only one that gets you going like this. That you're all mine."
Paul's hold on Will's cock hardened and he began jerking Will in earnest.
The combination of Paul's cock inside him, hitting him just right, and the perfect, perfect way he was handling Will's dick caused Will to seize up. Orgasm hitting him unexpectedly.
The only sound Will emitted was one high pitched yelp.
Paul continued thrusting, grinding up into Will's clenching hole. He threw Will onto the bed again. This time with Will on his back.
Paul spread Will's legs open, holding the back of Will's knees.
"One of these days," Paul warned in a strangled whisper. "I'm gonna fuck you bare. Gonna burst inside you, fill you up. Lick you all clean."
Will, trembling, grabbed Paul's come-covered fist and made a show of slurping up his own come.
"Fuck," Paul grunted entirely too loud as he came. He pulled out of Will and collapsed on his side.
The two caught their breath, chests rising and falling in time. Paul tied off his condom and tossed it near the trash can.
"I hate you," Will said once he had full function of his brain again. "I fucking hate you."
Paul leaned onto his elbows, admiring Will's fucked out form.
"Nope," Paul shook his head. "You love me. You love me so much. You love me and my cock."
"Right now, I love your cock more than you," Will huffed with a pout.
"Aw, baby," Paul teased kissing Will several times. "Don't be mad."
Will sniffed, turning his head.
"You had fun," Paul kissed along Will's exposed neck. "You came so hard 'round my cock."
"Not the point," Will grumbled.
"What's the point then?" Paul asked. He pulled back to look at Will's face, nervous he screwed up.
"You did all that but I couldn't give you one stinking handjob under the table?" Will questioned.
Paul rolled his eyes and fell onto his back.
"You're ridiculous," Paul said with a wide smile. "And I love you."
"I love you too," Will snuggled into Paul's side. "And I was right. You're louder than I am."
"You always have to win, don't you?" Paul snorted, wrapping his arm around Will's shoulder.
Paul woke to the sound of a toilet flushing down the hall.
Shit, Paul thought once he realized he fell asleep in Will's room.
He eased Will out of his hold and searched in the dark for his underwear.
Fuck, Paul heard the door to his mother's room open. Fuck, fuck, fuck. How am I gonna get back to my room? I have to go through the kitchen and my mom will see me.
I've kept my secret almost a decade. One night with Will and my mom and it's all going to hell.
Paul shoved the door to Will's room open and looked down the hall. He saw his mother's form head into the kitchen.
As carefully as he could, Paul tiptoed down the hall. He might be able to play this off if he timed it right. Pretend that he was coming from his room instead of Will's.
Tori was standing in front of a cabinet with her back facing Paul. Paul almost made it when Tori turned around and spotted him.
"Paul," Tori greeted. Her eyes took in Paul's appearance, his lack of clothing. "Why were you down that hallway?"
"Uh," Paul blinked several times. "I was checking on Will."
"Is that so?" Tori set the teapot in her hand on the counter. "You were checking on Will in your underwear at five in the morning?"
"…Yes?" Paul answered.
Tori stared her son down with her arms crossed.
Head beginning to clear, Paul said in a confident voice, "He has nightmares."
"Will has nightmares," Tori repeated.
"Yeah," Paul nodded. "He thinks I don't hear him but I do. So, I've been checking on him."
"In your underwear," Tori said.
"It's just Will," Paul said. "If I hear him, I go in, make sure he's okay. If he's upset, I calm him down. Sing him back to sleep, the usual."
"He still falls asleep when you sing?" Tori questioned, face softening.
"Yeah," Paul smiled. "I didn't think he would but," Paul shrugged with a smile.
"I think I did hear a cry in the middle of the night," Tori confessed. "Now, that I think about it. It sounded more like you, though."
"Oh," Paul said a little too fast. "Sometimes I have to yell at him to get him to wake up."
"I see," Tori acknowledged. "Well, maybe next time you should put on some clothing. It must be confusing for Will."
"What do you mean?" Paul asked.
"I'm sure you're aware of his feelings for you," Tori said carefully. "And with you parading around like that and coming to comfort him when he's vulnerable. I would hate for him to get his hopes up."
"Right," Paul nodded, lips pressed together. "I'll be sure to do that from now on."
Will woke up to an empty bed and fresh new marks lining his body. He made sure to put on a pair of sweatpants and a shirt before moving out to the kitchen.
"Morning," Will said as he walked into the room. "What smells so good?"
"I'm making breakfast," Tori stated. "It's almost ready. Tea is on the table."
Will moved over to the dining table where Paul was sitting.
"Hey," Will greeted. Will poured himself a cup of tea and smiled at Paul.
"Hi," Paul smiled back. Under the table, he linked his ankle with Will's.
"Here you go, boys," Tori declared as she served them both a traditional Japanese breakfast.
"This looks amazing, Mom," Paul said. "I usually have to go out for something this nice."
"Not even," Will argued. "Tori's food is so much better than any restaurants."
"You flatter me," Tori grinned at Will, sitting down.
"You're so full of sh-," Paul started.
Tori cleared her throat with a pointed glare.
Will stuck his tongue out at Paul.
"So," Tori said, shaking her head at the boys, "Will, I hope you slept well after Paul's visit?"
Will, chopstick halfway to his mouth, looked at Tori in confusion.
Paul unwound his ankle from Will's and kicked Will in the shin
"Oh, um, yeah," Will confirmed. "I slept much better. Paul's always had that effect on me."
"Good," Tori acknowledged. "It's a shame you won't have that when you return to Salem."
"No," Will glanced down at his plate and stabbed at his food with his chopstick. "I won't."
Wanting to change the subject, Paul said, "What do you think we should do today?"
"Perhaps a tour of the city," Tori suggested. "After we can come back here and relax."
"I'm sure everyone will like that," Will agreed in a weak voice.
Knock Knock
"Baby," Paul whispered, walking into Will's room. "You okay?"
"Yeah," Will said as he turned around. "I'm fine."
"You sure?" Paul closed the door behind him. "You got real quiet back there."
"I just don't want to think about leaving yet," Will shrugged.
"You know you can stay here for a few more weeks," Paul stepped closer to Will. "You don't start school for a month."
"I'll still have to leave," Will sighed. "I just don't want to think about it. I just want to live in the here and now. No worries, no fears. Just you and me."
Paul kissed Will briefly. He wrapped Will into a hug.
"We have to be more careful," Paul said. "I fell asleep last night and my mom caught me coming out of your room. I told her you have nightmares."
"Well, if it happens again we'll tell her that," Will offered. "Besides, I do sleep better with you. Always have, always will."
"I do too," Paul smiled. "Finish getting ready. We're going to meet everyone soon."
Will nodded, kissing the corner of Paul's mouth.
After a long, exhausting day of sightseeing, everyone relaxed on the rooftop pool at Paul's condo. Paul pulled some strings and reserved the pool for the entire day. They had the whole place to themselves.
"Come on," Eric goaded Will. "I know you aren't shy about taking your shirt off."
"I know," Will sat on one of the lounge chairs by the pool, black shirt in place. "I just don't want to go swimming. My feet hurt."
"You're dumb," Brady splashed Will from inside the pool. "Come on!"
"In a little bit," Will defended, shielding his face from the water.
Brady, Eric, and John were swimming in the pool while Sami, Marlena, and Tori sat in the Jacuzzi.
"Paul!" Brady yelled once Paul walked out of the bathroom on the rooftop. "Throw Will in the pool."
"What?" Paul laughed as he stripped off his own shirt.
"Will," Eric complained. "He won't get in the pool."
"What's with you?" Paul stepped in front of Will. "Everyone else is in there."
"Yeah," Will whispered under his breath. "And no one else is covered in hickeys and fingerprints!"
"Oh, shit," Paul almost forgot. "Sorry, baby."
"You're gonna have to distract them or something," Will said. "Because I can't take my shirt off."
"Your shirt is black," Paul shrugged. "It won't matter if you keep it on."
"You don't know-hey! Put me down," Will shouted when Paul lifted him up in his arms.
"Sorry, baby," Paul took the few steps toward the pool and tossed Will inside.
Eric and Brady cheered as everyone else laughed.
"Paul!" Will yelled when he surfaced. "You jerk!"
Instead of answering, Paul jumped in next to Will doing a cannonball.
Paul popped up next to Will and grabbed him around the waist. The two started pushing each other under the water, wrestling around.
Some time later, with Will challenging Eric and Brady to a race, Paul swam over to his father.
"It's good seeing you, son," John said, smacking Paul on the back. "I've missed you."
"I've missed you too," Paul offered. "But life is good for me here."
"Will seems to like it," John noted.
Paul's eyes instantly found Will. He was getting a piggyback ride from Eric.
"He wouldn't stop gushing about how much fun he's had with you here," John admitted. "I know he's always had his troubles in Salem so it's nice to see him so carefree."
"I know what you mean," Paul smiled softly. "I don't think I've ever seen him so confident."
"I'm just a little worried that he's getting too attached," John sighed.
"What do you mean?" Paul frowned.
"Will always relies on you," John explained. "You've taken care of him since he was a baby. I'm just afraid he's going to misconstrue things. Start to expect things out of you that you can't give him."
"Oh," Paul whispered. This conversation was reminiscent of the one he had earlier that morning with his mother.
"It's understandable," John defended Will. "He's young. You're handsome, fit," John gestured to Paul's shirtless form. "You take care of him. It's not that big of a jump from admiration to attraction."
Paul almost laughed. If only you knew, Dad.
"I just worry you'll both be in a position you won't be able to handle," John said. "Just, be careful."
While Brady got out of the pool for the restroom, Will and Eric were able to talk. The two lounged on the steps of the pool chatting.
"How's your trip been?" Eric questioned.
"It's been amazing," Will sighed, enjoying the sun on his face. He wished he could take his shirt off but that wasn't possible.
"Yeah, I gathered that," Eric mumbled.
"What does that mean?" Will looked at Eric quizzically.
"I changed into my swim trunks in your bathroom," Eric explained.
"…And?" Will blinked.
"I had to walk by the trash can near the bed," Eric continued.
Will lifted his brows, not getting it.
Eric looked over his shoulder. No one was nearby.
"There was a condom next to the trash, Will," Eric whispered. "A used condom."
"Uh," Will sat up higher in the pool, panicking. "I can explain!"
"You don't need to explain," Eric held up a hand to stop Will. "I don't need to know. I'm glad you're being safe but you should do a better job of cleaning those things up."
Will did his best not to look over at Paul.
"Although," Eric said, "How did you even sneak in a guy with Tori and Paul around? I thought for sure Paul would have killed anyone that touched you. He's so protective."
"Um," Will bit the inside of his cheek.
"No, no, don't tell me," Eric shook his head. "I don't want to know. Just make sure you continue being safe. And don't do anything you don't want to do."
"I won't," Will promised.
"If anyone does something you don't want," Eric advised. "Just tell Paul. I really do think he'd kill anyone that hurt you."
"I know," Will gave into his urge to look over at Paul. "But I can take care of myself too."
Almost an hour later, Sami searched through the bag she brought.
"Damn," Sami said. "I lost my sunscreen somewhere on the tour. Did anyone else bring any?"
"Sorry," Tori responded as Marlena shook her head.
"Will!" Sami yelled over toward the pool. "Where's your sunscreen?"
"Uh," Will ran his hand through his wet hair. "I don't have any."
"What?" Sami spat. "You've been by the coast for almost a week without sunscreen. How are you not burnt to a crisp?"
"What's the problem?" Paul asked, coming back with a tray full of drinks.
"You let my son parade around town without sunscreen," Sami poked at Paul's bare chest. "What were you thinking?"
"That your son gets cold standing next to an ice cube and wears a jacket all day long," Paul lightly smacked Sami's hand away. "If you want more sunscreen, there's a drugstore across the street."
Paul set down the drinks and handed them out.
When he noticed the Jacuzzi was empty, Paul caught Will's eye and tilted his head.
Will slid into the warm, bubbling water next to Paul.
"So," Paul leaned his head back against the edge of the water. "Both my parents warned me not to crush your hopes."
"What?" Will's eyebrows wrinkled together.
"They both think you have a crush on me," Paul said with a small smile. "They don't want me to break your precious little heart."
"That's nice of them," Will laughed. "I got you beat, though. Eric saw your condom from yesterday."
"Oh, God," Paul covered his face with one hand.
Under the water, Will grabbed Paul's other hand and linked their fingers.
"He told me if I needed help I should go to you," Will explained. "Said you'd kill whoever touched me."
"I would," Paul declared. "It's good to know everyone's so protective of you, that they all love you."
"I love you," Will whispered.
"Will," Paul swallowed. "What's going to happen when you start going to school?"
"I don't want to talk about that yet," Will reminded Paul.
"I know what I want," Paul said. "But how is it going to work with you in Salem? How often are we going to see each other? Sonny and I barely worked and I saw him almost every day."
"I'm not Sonny," Will said, squeezing Paul's hand.
"I know," Paul insisted. "I'm just worried they're right. What if I can't give you everything you want?"
"All I want is you," Will promised. "I don't care how often or when. Knowing you love me is enough."
"It just sucks," Paul said with a shake of his head. "Now that I finally have you, I don't want to let you go."
Will thought about telling Paul the research he did into schools in San Francisco. He was tempted but he didn't want to get either of their hopes up.
Will vowed he wouldn't bring it up unless Paul asked him to stay.
The two quieted down, holding hands under the water.
Sami walked into the pharmacy in a pair of flip-flops and a bathing suit cover.
She found a bottle of spray on sunscreen and hurried to the cash register. Walking out in a huff, Sami nearly missed the young man calling out her name outside the store.
Sami, stopping at a red stop light and seeing the 'Do Not Walk' signal, turned to see who yelled her name.
"Can I help you?" Sami asked the strange brunette in front of her.
"Are you Sami Brady?" the man asked.
"Yes," Sami answered, eyeing the man up and down.
"My name is Sonny and I know your son," Sonny Kiriakis declared, standing up tall.
"Are you one of his friends?" Sami wondered.
"No," Sonny shook his head. "There's something you need to know. Something you need to know about Will and Paul's relationship."
"What are you talking about?" Sami questioned.
Sonny flashed Sami a charming smile as the light in front of them turned green.
"Let me explain it to you," Sonny said, gesturing for Sami to follow him across the street.
"Hey," Paul answered his phone as he slid into his car after a game. "It's pretty late. What are you doing calling?"
"Paul," Will said in an awed tone.
"What?" Paul asked, instantly on alert. "What's wrong? Did something happen at your prom?"
"No," Will swallowed. "Everything's perfect, actually. It was perfect. He was perfect. So much perfect."
"What are you talking about?" Paul wondered. "I thought the school wasn't going to let someone that old into the dance."
"They didn't," Will admitted with a laugh. "Neil snuck in, took a picture with me. We danced a few songs before they saw him and kicked us out."
"Okay, I guess that was sweet of him," Paul admitted. "So, you had a good time?"
"That was just the beginning of our night," Will whispered.
"What does that mean?" Paul's insides froze.
"After we left the dance, we got something to eat," Will explained. "And after that, um, we went to the Horton cabin."
Paul's face fell. For some reason, he always thought of that place as his and Will's. Yes, the whole Horton family had access but Will and Paul used to spend ages there. That's where Will came out to him, kissed him.
"I mean, I wasn't sure, you know since I'm still sixteen," Will continued. "But I was so ready, Paul. I wanted to be with him so much."
"Will," Paul grabbed the steering wheel in a tight grip.
"And he was so sweet," Will added. "He kept asking if I was okay or if it hurt. But it didn't. I read that it might, the first time, but it was only uncomfortable."
"Will," Paul choked out.
"Afterward, he held me and ran his fingers through my hair," Will closed his eyes and sighed. "I don't think I've ever felt so important, so cherished. It was perfect."
"Will," Paul pleaded.
"Don't get upset," Will said. "It was my idea. I took him there and I brought all the supplies."
"I bet he didn't need much convincing," Paul hissed.
"No, not that much," Will conceded. "You aren't mad at me, are you?"
"Yes, I'm mad at you!" Paul yelled. "You said you weren't going to jump into anything with him!"
"I've been seeing him for five months!" Will argued. "Are you kidding me, right now?"
"He is nineteen and you are sixteen!" Paul said. "He could go to jail! Half your family is on the police force, Will."
"They won't find out," Will insisted. "Why are you acting like this?"
"You are too young for this, Will," Paul stated.
"I wanted it!" Will shouted.
"You don't know what you want!" Paul countered.
"Yes, I do! I'm not a little baby anymore, Paul. You can't protect me from everything," Will shook his head. "I wanted you to be happy for me. I thought you'd understand."
"How many times do I have to say that you are too you-," Paul began.
"You told me you first slept with a girl when you were fifteen," Will reminded Paul. "You started having sex when you were younger than me."
"I was discovering myself," Paul argued. "I had to know for sure if I was gay."
"And how many women have you been with since then? Men?" Will said. "Why is it okay for you to sleep with them?"
"Because I'm an adult," Paul stated. "And you aren't. I don't want you sleeping with him anymore."
"Well, maybe I don't care what you want," Will said. "I like Neil. He's my best friend. He treats me right and I have fun with him. If I want to sleep with him, I will. There isn't anything you can do to stop me."
"I could tell your mother," Paul raised one brow. "I could tell my father."
"You wouldn't do that," Will responded. "Not to me. I am finally happy, Paul. I'm happy and I have friends. Don't take that away from me."
Paul could just picture those big blue eyes pleading with him. He was always powerless to those eyes even when they weren't in front of him.
"Ugh!" Paul shouted. "If he hurts you, I swear to God, Will."
"Thank you, thank you," Will sighed.
"And make sure you keep me in the loop," Paul insisted. "But no details. I don't know if I could stomach that."
"You don't think you could stomach how he did this thing with his tongue where-?" Will laughed.
"Stop it!" Paul yelled. "No, no, no, no!"
Paul waited for Will's chuckles to peter off.
"Look," Paul said, "I just want the best for you. That's all I've ever wanted. It's what you deserve. You are worth so much more than you give yourself credit for, that's all."
"Oh," Will's heart beat rapidly against his chest.
"Keep that in mind, okay?" Paul requested.
"Okay," Will smiled softly, cheeks warm.
Paul unlocked the hotel room door later than usual that night. He needed a few minutes to himself after he hung up with Will. He couldn't believe what happened with Will, to Will. He didn't want to believe it.
"What took you so long?" Sonny questioned. "I was beginning to think you weren't coming."
Paul looked over at Sonny. Instead of answering, Paul closed the distance between them and shoved Sonny on the bed. Doing everything, anything he could to get Will off his mind.
Author's note:
Thanks for reading! Let me know what you thought.