"What do I even pack?" Will asked Neil as he paced back and forth in his room.
A suitcase lay open on the bed, mocking him.
"Clothes?" Neil suggested with a bored tone.
"Ugh," Will stamped his foot and moved his phone to his other ear. "You aren't helping!"
"I don't think you need help at all," Neil countered. "Will, sit down and listen to me."
Will plopped on the edge of his bed and sighed.
"Are you listening?" Neil asked.
"Yes!" Will complained.
"Okay," Neil said ignoring the attitude. "Will, you're gorgeous and sexy. You're confident and funny and maybe the sweetest kid I've ever known. Trust me when I say you don't need help seducing anyone let alone Paul."
"You think so?" Will questioned, rubbing his bare toes in the carpet under his feet.
"I know," Neil promised. "But, if you want my help, I'll be happy to give it."
"Please?" Will begged. "I'm nervous."
"Well, make sure you pack those jeans I like," Neil said. "The ones you wear when we go dancing."
"Okay," Will nodded as he opened his closet door. "Um, how about shirts? I was thinking the basic solid tees since they show off my muscles. Maybe a few button-ups in case I need to dress up."
"Good thinking," Neil agreed. "Make sure you pack a lot of blues so you show off your eyes."
"Got it," Will balanced his phone between his ear and his shoulder as he yanked out the appropriate clothes. "I better grab my swim trunks too."
"How are you going to play this off?" Neil wondered. "Do you think Paul suspects anything?"
"No, he's clueless. But I know he wants this, wants me," Will stated, confident. "Paul's always been my white knight. So, I'm thinking I'll play up my innocence. Wide-eyed, wilted flower type of thing, you know? At least at first anyway."
"Mmm," Neil nodded in approval. "He won't be able to resist that."
"Worked on you all the time," Will noted. "Now, what kind of underwear?"
Neil, chuckling, said, "Something tight that shows off that ass."
"I think I'll get some new briefs. I don't want to get in Paul's pants in underwear you've seen. That would weird me out," Will realized.
"You're going underwear shopping without me?" Neil said in a faux-wounded tone. "I'm hurt."
"I'll send you a picture," Will teased. Getting serious again, Will nibbled his lower lip. "You think I'll pull this off?"
"From what you've told me about your talks with Paul," Neil said. "Things with the boyfriend are over. If you think Paul wants to be with you, trust that instinct."
"I'm almost positive Paul wants me too," Will admitted. "I'm just, what if he rejects me again? Or only wants sex?"
"That's a risk you're gonna have to take," Neil said. "It's a gamble but it could be worth it in the end. And if you're worried it's only sex, make sure the two of you are on the same page."
"I'd still want it," Will confessed in a low voice. "Even if it was just sex, I mean. I'd still do it. Is that bad?"
"No," Neil assured him. "You've loved Paul for years. You'd take any chance you can get being with him. And he'd be an idiot to reject you. Hell, if nothing else just walk up to him naked and he'll fall at your feet, okay?"
"Got it," Will smiled as he started folding his clothes and placing them in the suitcase.
Will's phone beeped. He pulled it away from his face and lifted his brows. "Alright, Neil, I gotta go. My future lover is on the other line."
"Knock 'em dead, tiger," Neil encouraged. "Call me later."
Will waited for Neil to hang up before he answered Paul.
"Hey, I was just packing," Will said in lieu of a greeting.
"Good," Paul smiled. "I just wanted to make sure I had the right time to pick you up."
"I'll forward you the itinerary the jet sent me," Will promised. "Paul?"
"Yeah?" Paul questioned, voice soft and warm.
"I'm looking forward to this so much," Will confessed. "Thank you for inviting me."
"Anytime," Paul replied. "I've got some exciting stuff planned for us."
"So, do I," Will simpered as he grabbed a box of condom/lube packets and shoved them in his suitcase.
Paul didn't sleep well that night. He tossed and turned, plagued by nightmares. A loud, white bird slashing at his skin while a black vulture flew overhead, waiting.
Paul didn't want to know what that symbolized.
Every time Paul woke, Will would wake up as well. Around 4:30, the two moved from the bedroom to the couch. Will hoped a change of scenery would help ease Paul's mind.
With the TV turned to an infomercial about haircare, Paul rested his head in Will's lap. Will's fingers tickled through his hair.
"Paul," Will asked, "Why didn't you ever break up with Sonny?"
"What?" Paul looked up at Will, frowning.
"Something my grandma said," Will shrugged. "She asked why you were with Sonny if you were in love with me. And, I guess, I was wondering too. You didn't want to break up with Sonny at all. I had to convince you," Will recalled, eyes downcast. "I don't know much about your history with Sonny at all."
"Compared to you and me there isn't much of a history," Paul commented.
"You were with him for almost three years. I know you loved him once," Will said. "Why?"
"He wasn't always that crazy," Paul pointed out. "In the beginning, he was great."
Will frowned. He didn't realize how much this talk would bother him.
"I met him at a party," Paul explained. "We had a moment on the roof and I don't know. It all flowed from there. He was interesting, driven. So, confident and happy and-,"
"The opposite of me in almost every way," Will interjected. "At least, back then."
"There's that," Paul agreed. "After you came out, I didn't just see you differently. I saw Sonny differently too."
"That was two years ago," Will stated.
"I know," Paul didn't know how to explain it. "I'm saying that I noticed he was so different from you and I clung to that. You were so shy and meek. He was loud and outgoing. Your skin, your hair, and eyes, it was all so different. It had to be different."
"Why didn't you want to break up with him?" Will wondered. A small part of Will worried he forced Paul into it. That Paul would never have made that choice on his own.
"It was easier being with Sonny," Paul admitted. "He was comfort, stability. I got used to being with him. Seeing him a few days a week, talking to him when I wanted. There wasn't much pressure in the beginning. And the more pressure Sonny applied, the farther I drifted away. The more pressure Sonny put on me, the more I'd offer him just to, I don't know, appease him, I guess. He wanted me to come out, so I got him an apartment. A few months later, he wanted the same thing, so I gave him a credit card. It was easier that way. Being with him was easier. If I broke up with him, nothing would happen. If I broke up with you," Paul shook his head, "My world would fall apart."
"Sonny was the easy way out. That's why I never broke up with him," Paul told Will. "You, you are anything but easy."
Will quirked a brow and smirked.
"Shut up," Paul chuckled. "You know what I mean."
"I did complicate your life, didn't I?" Will smiled sheepishly.
"Well, since you came to town I got outed, got caught getting a blowjob," Paul listed. He lifted his hand to touch Will's chin, letting him know he was teasing. "Got clawed by Sami Brady, stopped a fight between my ex and my current boyfriend. I-,"
"I get it," Will sighed.
"And I wouldn't change that," Paul promised, eyes locked on Will's. "You're worth it. I want to be with you, only you."
Will smiled. He traced his fingers over Paul's eyebrows.
"I'm sure it hurts, though," Will said, fingers working. "Knowing that Sonny was the one to out you."
"Yeah," Paul admitted, biting his lip. "I talked to Sonny so many times about it too. He knew how much it freaked me out, how important it was for me to be a secret. I can't believe he told someone."
"I'm sure he wasn't thinking," Will consoled. "Like with me when I went after you. All I focused on was what I wanted. What Sonny wanted was to hurt you, me, both of us."
"Well, it worked," Paul shook his head. "I thought after everything he would, at least, keep my secret."
"He loves you and we hurt him. I think it's my fault, though," Will said, fingers trailing along the side of Paul's face. "I took you from him. And," Will licked his lips and pinched his face, "I kind of told him I was gonna do that, steal you away, I mean."
"What?" Paul questioned with a hint of a smile.
"Yeah," Will chuckled and scratched the back of his neck. "He kept saying how you didn't care about me and I was just a pretty face. I told him how you always give me what I want. Only, now, after everything, I realize that was kind of a dick-move."
"It wasn't like he was innocent either," Paul said.
"No, but if it wasn't for me, Sonny wouldn't have done this to you," Will insisted. "If he didn't catch me going down on you then he wouldn't be this angry."
"You aren't responsible for his actions," Paul disagreed.
"No, but I'm the reason he's been doing them," Will argued. "I came to town and I screwed everything up."
"In some ways, yeah, you did," Paul acknowledged, smiling when Will pouted. "In others, though, you made everything better. I had everything, money, success, wealth. I had a boyfriend and I should have been happy. I wasn't. I was missing something. I was missing you."
"You, sir, are a cheeseball," Will leaned down and kissed the tip of Paul's nose. "When I was a junior," Will confessed, "In my journalism class, we had to write a letter to ourselves."
"Oh?" Paul hummed, closing his eyes, leaning into Will's hand caressing his face.
"Yeah," Will said. "The teacher said she'd keep them and send them out in ten years. We had to write what we wanted our future life to be. When the future comes we get to read the letter and see how many of our dreams come true."
"What did you ask?" Paul questioned.
"That I want to be an author," Will explained. "That I want to have my own family, be happy. And that I want to be with you."
"It'll happen," Paul promised. He grabbed Will's hand and kissed his palm. "In ten years, we'll be together and you'll be happy."
Tori found them an hour later, slumped together on the couch, fast asleep.
Later that afternoon, everyone arrived at Union Square, an upscale shopping hub in San Francisco. So far, everyone had been awkward around Will and Paul. They didn't know how to act now that they knew Will and Paul were together.
Were they supposed to pretend they didn't know? Were Will and Paul going to kiss in front of them now? And what about in public?
Will, needing to buy a birthday gift for Paul anyway, suggested they go somewhere public to get out of that stifling environment in Paul's condo. As soon as they got to the giant shopping center, everyone broke into smaller groups. They all planned to meet for dinner in a few hours.
Paul's birthday wasn't for another few days but the family was only in town for the weekend. They would all leave tomorrow morning with Will going a few weeks after. Will decided he would spend as much time with Paul as possible before going to school.
"You don't have to get me anything," Paul told Will as they walked through Bloomingdale's.
"Sure, I do," Will argued. "Not from here, but from somewhere. In fact, I'm going to get you the best gift in the entire world."
"Wow," Paul said with a smile. "That's some awfully big talk. Hope you can back it up."
"You know how much I love to win," Will reminded him.
Paul laughed when he looked over his shoulder. A few of the women behind the cologne counter were staring at him.
"Looks like you have some fans," Will commented with a smile.
Will waited patiently as Paul signed autographs and took pictures. He even laughed to himself when one of the girls slipped Paul her number.
"Wow," Will whispered to Paul once they were alone again. "Who knew my boyfriend was so popular?"
"You knew," Paul pinched Will's hip. "You just like to tease me."
"Yep," Will declared. "I do." In a lower voice, Will said, "It turns me on knowing they all want you but you're all mine."
"Ugh," Paul groaned in frustration as Will laughed. "You also love driving me crazy when you know I can't do anything about it."
"I want you to save up all that frustration for tonight," Will shrugged, punching Paul in the arm.
Brady and Eric turned a corner in the store and spotted Will and Paul. The two older men were surprised. To an average observer, Will and Paul looked like two good friends. They weren't standing too close, weren't brushing against each other. At the moment, the two were hitting and shoving the other lightheartedly.
If Will and Paul tried, they might be able to keep their secret for years to come.
Looking over his shoulder, Will spotted Brady and Eric.
"Hey, guys," Will greeted. He pulled out his phone and smiled when he saw a message. "Think you can keep this one here company?" Will patted Paul's bicep.
"Where are you going?" Paul wondered.
"Did you think I was gonna buy your present with you around?" Will asked looking amused. "Ha!"
While walking away Will lifted his hand in a wave, "See you."
Paul fell into step with Eric and Brady. They walked out of Bloomingdale's and headed toward a Starbucks down the street.
"So," Paul said as they walked. "Are you two seeing anyone?"
"Not exactly," Eric answered. "It's complicated."
"Nope," Brady replied. "I'm playing the field now. I'd ask about your relationship but that would be weird."
"Why?" Paul wondered as he opened the door to the Starbucks.
"Well, it's Will. We've all known him since he was a baby. I don't want to hear about him doing or saying anything," Brady insisted. "It's just weird."
"Not to me," Paul shrugged.
Paul stepped up to the register and ordered a drink. The three men waited for their drinks before sitting down at a table outside.
"Explain it to me," Eric requested. "I mean, how does Will go from being a cute little kid following you around to," Eric looked around to make sure no one was eavesdropping, "What he is now?"
"I don't know if I can explain it," Paul took a sip of his iced green tea. "Will's always been something to me, something more. I was always protective of him."
"That's an understatement," Brady snorted.
"I never saw Will the way you do, Brady," Paul pointed out. "I never saw him as my nephew or anything like that. Maybe because I was so young when he was born, I don't know. So, I never had that problem."
"That's a relief, I suppose," Eric admitted.
"I didn't see Will in any sort of sexual way until he came out," Paul told them. "Even then, I fought it. I wouldn't admit it to myself, to anyone. I was terrified, to be honest."
"Yeah?" Brady asked. "Why?"
"Because it was Will," Paul said. "He's always been the family baby, my baby. I didn't want to see him in a sexual way but I couldn't help it."
"Wait, is that why Will wouldn't talk to you after he came out?" Eric scrunched his nose together.
"Yeah," Paul nodded, taking another sip. "He, uh, told me he was gay and kissed me. I had to reject him and, well, he was too embarrassed to talk to me. He didn't until he met Neil."
"Oh, god, that guy," Brady groaned.
"Why doesn't anyone like him?" Paul wondered. "Will's crazy about him."
"He's not a bad guy," Eric said. "He seemed to care about Will a lot and looked out for him. It was just," Eric paused to think. "After Will came out, he seemed pretty lost, even for him. Then, here comes this guy and Will went from being so small and insecure into this confident young man."
"Plus, you know, it was clear he wanted in Will's pants," Brady added before taking a big slurp of his drink.
Paul lifted his brows, staying quiet. He knew from some rather unfortunate details that Neil had been with Will more times than Paul cared to think about.
"Will said yesterday he'd been with Neil," Eric admitted. "So, I guess a lot of our fears about the guy were valid. He was messing around with Will even though he was too old for him."
"Well," Paul said in Will and Neil's defense, "They slept together but Neil still helped Will out. So, it wasn't like Neil was just after that. They're best friends."
"I don't sleep with my best friend," Brady said, indicating Eric.
"Brady, you sleep with every female friend you have," Eric rolled his eyes. "I'm pretty sure the only female your age you haven't slept with is Sami."
"Look," Paul said with a shake of his head. "Will says Neil's a good guy. I believe him. It doesn't matter anyway. He's going to grad school in Boston."
"Speaking of school," Eric said. "What about Will?"
"Yeah, how is your relationship going to work if Will's in Salem and you're here?" Brady agreed.
"It's gonna suck," Paul said. "I don't want us to be apart so soon. But Will needs to go to school. He wants to go. Plus, he's got a full scholarship."
"Aren't there schools here he could go to?" Brady questioned.
"I'm sure," Paul nodded. "I just," he paused for a few moments. "I don't want Will to base his life on me. I made that mistake in my last relationship. Will needs to do things for himself. I'm not gonna let him throw away his future for me. Besides, he won't be in school forever. It's only a few years."
"That's thoughtful of you," Eric said. "I hope it works out the way you want."
"True," Brady snapped his fingers. "A breakup between you two would suck so badly for everyone else."
"It's going to be hard enough keeping it a secret from the rest of Salem," Eric replied.
"I'm sorry that you're all in this position," Paul acknowledged. "But thank you."
"You're family," Brady declared. "We do for family. Even if that is hiding your jailbait lover. I'm still bummed about the supermodels, though."
"Give it up, man," Eric rolled his eyes.
"I'm sorry but it's just not as cool as the truth," Brady shrugged. "I can't brag about my brother banging my nephew."
"That sounds all sorts of wrong," Eric sighed as Paul laughed.
As Will walked out of Bloomingdale's, he checked his phone again to make sure he wasn't late. Seeing who he needed, Will jogged across the street and put his hands around Tori's eyes. "Guess who?"
Tori pushed Will's hands away and swatted at his stomach.
"So, I think I have the perfect gift in mind for Paul," Will said as he linked his arm with Tori.
"It's nothing dirty, is it?" Tori questioned.
"No," Will rolled his eyes. "It's romantic. At least, I hope it is. I don't want to give it to him tonight, though. I want to wait until his actual birthday when we're alone."
"You're staying?" Tori asked. "You aren't going back home with the rest of us tomorrow?"
"No, I want to get as much time with him as I can," Will informed her. "Oh, here's our store."
Will pulled the door open to a large bookstore and ushered Tori inside. As soon as the door shut, Will closed his eyes and took a deep inhale.
He loved the smell of books and ink. Loved the idea of so many beautiful words and imaginative worlds surrounding him. Will could spend hours in a store like this and so could Tori.
The two went through rows and aisles, discussing titles and authors. Making recommendations and snickering at the books they hated.
After almost an hour, Will found what he wanted. The perfect gift for the man that could buy anything he could ever want.
"I guess I should message Paul and see where he is," Will commented after they walked away from the cash register.
"No, let's stop and get a drink," Tori put her hand on Will's elbow and pulled.
The two sat down inside the store's café and ordered an iced coffee and a jasmine tea.
"Did you always know about my feelings for Paul?" Will asked as he split a chocolate chip muffin in half for them to share.
"Yes," Tori responded. "I'm sure I knew before you did."
"But you didn't want me with Paul?" Will questioned.
"That's not it," Tori sighed, putting down her cup of tea. "I knew Paul wouldn't come out, couldn't come out. I didn't want either of you to hurt if I could help it. I should have known the two of you wouldn't be able to stay away. You never could."
"And you approve of me, don't you?" Will asked. He felt confident about the answer but he needed to know for sure.
"You know I do, you silly boy," Tori sighed mockingly. "I've always loved you as one of my own. What would I do without our book club meetings?"
"You'd have to join my aunt Jennifer's," Will suggested with a smirk.
"With Adrienne Kiriakis?" Tori gave Will a dry look.
"Oh, yeah," Will chuckled. "That might make things difficult."
"Sonny could make things difficult for all of us if he wanted," Tori pointed out.
Will hadn't considered that. Sonny's family, the Kiriakis family, resided in Salem as well. They were powerful and unpredictable. With just a few words, Sonny could make Will's life in Salem miserable.
Will didn't want to consider what would happen if Sonny did that. Considering Will's close relationship with his stepfather, EJ DiMera, he was certain things would get ugly.
"Yeah," Will said in a somber voice. "I guess he could."
Paul, Brady, and Eric wandered around a clothing store when Sami and Marlena found them.
Seeing Sami, Paul feared she was going to lay into him now that they were alone. In the end, it wasn't as terrible as he feared.
"And what if some hot twink throws himself at you?" Sami whispered as Paul looked through a clothing rack. "What then?"
"I'd say no," Paul told her plainly. "I only want one person and one person only."
"Well, it wasn't your significant other," Sami pointed out. "So, how do I know you won't cheat on this one?"
"That was different," Paul argued. "The person I'm with now," Paul didn't want to say Will's name out loud in case anyone eavesdropped. "I love them. I always have."
"Hmph," Sami sniffed, unconvinced. "And what about the opposite? What if while in Salem-?"
"That won't happen either," Paul stated. "I'm confident, one hundred percent confident in my relationship. Nothing like that will ever happen."
"Sami, stop grilling the poor boy," Marlena requested. "It's almost time for our reservations, anyway."
Before Sami could walk away, Paul grabbed her elbow to stop her.
"I'm not gonna hurt him," Paul promised. "I'm meant to be with him."
Will and Tori were chatting over their drinks when someone cleared their throat. They both looked up to see John towering over them.
"I thought I'd find you here," John said. "Tori, do you mind if I speak with Will alone?"
"Not at all," Tori finished the rest of her tea before standing up. "I think I'll go buy a few postcards to send to my father. Excuse me."
"We'll find you when it's time to leave for dinner," Will promised with a smile. He watched Tori walk away, wanting to make sure nothing happened to her.
John took Tori's seat and laid his hands on top of the table.
Will continued smiling. He knew John was aiming for intimidation but it didn't work on Will. This was the same man that gave Will piggyback rides at the fair. The same man that spent $147 trying to win Will a stuffed elephant. The same man that ate so much cotton candy he threw up all over the Ferris wheel while Will and Paul cringed.
It wasn't possible for John to intimidate Will especially when it came to Paul.
"So, you and Paul, huh?" John said in a voice that was a bit too casual.
"Pretty much my entire life," Will answered.
"And to get him you ruined his relationship, destroyed a young man, and outed my son," John stated.
"I didn't destroy Sonny or ruin their relationship. I'm also not the one who outed him," Will denied. "I knew Paul wasn't happy. I pushed until he gave into his desires. He's happier with me and I'm happier with him. I'm sorry that Sonny got hurt but it's not my fault he went off the deep end."
"It's not?" John questioned.
"No," Will took a swig from his coffee. "Besides, if anyone knows about this situation, it's you."
"Me?" John repeated, forehead wrinkling.
"Well," Will pointed out. "My grandma was with my grandpa when you got her pregnant. You didn't mean to hurt anyone but you loved her. She loved you. Not to mention what happened with Tori and what happened with Hope or Kristen. I mean, you should understand better than anyone else."
John's mouth opened and closed, reminiscent of a fish.
"I love Paul," Will promised. "I wouldn't hurt him. I wouldn't cheat on him. He's all I've ever wanted my entire life. I would do anything to protect him."
"Good," John said after a few moments, realizing he lost control of the conversation. "That's good."
"Paul and I are supposed to be together," Will stated. "And I'll do whatever it takes to keep him as happy and as in love as he is today."
"John," Tori came up beside them, shopping bag in her hand. "Face it, Will's the best partner Paul could have found."
"You're right," John admitted.
Will grinned around the rim of his cup.
Paul smiled at everyone sitting around the table inside their private room. Everyone met up for Paul's early birthday dinner. Almost two hours later, they were still having a good time.
Paul laughed as a waiter placed a birthday cake with candles in front of him. Once the candles were lit, everyone sang the birthday song. Before anyone cut the cake, Paul asked the waiter to take a picture of the entire group.
It was one of the best birthday celebrations Paul had in a while. The food, the wine, the laughter, everything was perfect. Especially Will's red cheeks from stealing sips from everyone's wine glasses when they weren't looking. It reminded Paul how lucky he was. That he had a wonderful family and an even better partner.
There was little more Paul could ask for.
"I think there's one thing we should discuss before we leave," John declared from his spot at the table.
"What?" Paul wondered.
"Sonny," John said in a calm, even tone. "And what you need to do about him."
"Oh," Paul sighed, finishing off his glass.
Will eyed Paul carefully.
"The man needs to pay," Sami demanded.
Given time to think about it, Sami realized what Sonny did. Sonny manipulated her into thinking someone she considered family abused her son. He also verbally and physically attacked Will, took a picture of him without his consent.
Sonny Kiriakis needed to pay.
"The Lord only knows what he'll do with his information on you," Tori agreed. "I don't like this situation."
"I don't know what I can do," Paul admitted. "He's beyond reasoning now."
"It's not you that he's mad at, though," Will said. "It's me. Everything comes down to me."
Paul reached over and grabbed Will's hand. Despite the conversation, Paul felt a deep thrill of satisfaction that he was holding his boyfriend's hand in public.
"Yeah but enough is enough," Brady added. "None of us can let Sonny go after you again, either of you."
"What are you going to do about it then?" Will questioned, head tilted to the side.
"We'll discuss it with Victor when we get back," John stated. "Well, Brady and I will. We'll keep Sami far away."
Sami snorted but agreed.
"It'll get handled," Marlena promised.
Will and Paul shared an uneasy look. They weren't convinced.
Once they arrived at the condo, Will left Paul and Tori together to go for a walk. He needed to clear his head and wanted to buy some snacks from the convenience store down the road. Also, he wanted to give Tori and Paul some alone time. He knew they didn't get much as it was.
Will walked out of the convenience store with a bag of Oreos and a Slurpee. The drink made the already chilly night even colder. Will would miss it, though, when he was gone. Miss the salt in the air and the smog when he went back to Salem.
As Will crossed the street he spotted a shape standing near the entrance to Paul's condo. Near enough not to look like they were loitering but close enough to be weird. The closer Will got to the building, the clearer the object became.
Sonny, Will sighed, shoving an Oreo in his mouth.
Will thought about walking by, saying nothing. But he couldn't, not after yesterday.
Instead, Will marched up to Sonny and cleared his throat.
"You're not supposed to be here," Will stated.
Sonny glared at Will. He didn't understand how Will was still there. How another plan of his failed.
"I'm surprised you're still here," Sonny sneered. "I thought you'd be back in Salem by now."
"Did you think that little plan of yours was going to work?" Will wondered. "Did you think telling my mother he was a pervert was a good idea?"
"She seemed to believe it," Sonny shrugged. "And it's true, isn't it? Who else would be in love," Sonny mocked, "With a child?"
"You know nothing like that ever happened," Will said in a steely voice.
"Do I, do I really?" Sonny asked in a mocking tone.
"How could you do that to him?" Will purposely refrained from using Paul's name. "How could you out him?"
"I didn't out him," Sonny argued.
"Yes, you did!" Will exclaimed. "If you loved him how could you do that? Me, sure, you hate me. But him? How could you do that?"
"I had to!" Sonny stepped closer to Will, growling. "You needed to know what it felt like. What if felt like to have everything pulled out from under you. To feel the kind of humiliation you put me through."
"Fine," Will said. "I had to explain to everyone what I did. How I behaved. In front of my mom, my grandma, my uncle, John, Brady, Tori," Will shook his head. "Is that enough humiliation for you? Do you think I suffered enough?"
"No," Sonny declared. "You haven't if you're still here."
Sonny looked over Will in the streetlight. Saw the cookie crumbs on his face, the bright red on his lips from the Slurpee in his hand.
"How could Paul want you instead of me?" Sonny wondered with a shake of his head. "It doesn't make any sense."
"Love doesn't make sense," Will countered. "And I'm sorry that I hurt you. That I was stupid and immature but you can't keep doing this. You keep talking about humiliation but you're humiliating yourself even more with this. What we did was wrong but now you just look pathetic."
Sonny scoffed, crossing his arms around his stomach. His shoulders hunched forward while he bit his lip.
"What do I do now, then?" Sonny asked. "I relied on him for everything."
"I don't know," Will answered. "Don't you like traveling, you could do that?"
"With what money?" Sonny spat out. "I let Paul handle everything. Do you know what that's like for me? I have to be in charge of everything, always. And here was this stupid handsome face, this stupid dream guy offering me everything and I took it. I took it and I was the one who was stupid. Why did I give him control over my life?"
Will listened as Sonny ranted, not sure if he should interrupt or not.
"I gave him everything," Sonny confessed. "I relied on him for everything. My entire life was controlled by him. I saw him when he wanted. I talked to him when he wanted. My life revolved around his schedule. And for what? To find out he was using me the entire time? That some stupid baby from that Podunk town means more to him than I do? How is that fair?
"Do you know what it's like to dedicate your entire life, to compromise yourself for another person?" Sonny glared at Will.
Will was close to understanding. Paul rejected Will once, brought all Will's hopes and dreams crashing to the ground. Even then, though, Will knew things weren't over. He knew he meant something to Paul.
Will, wisely, stayed silent.
"No, of course, you don't," Sonny huffed. "You have no idea. And to find out in the worst possible way, to find out the way I did. God," Sonny ran his hands through his hair. "I begged Paul for his attention. I did everything he wanted. And all you had to do was shove your ass in his face and that was that. It was like I didn't exist. I didn't deserve that. I didn't!"
"No," Will agreed, "You didn't. But that doesn't make what you did after alright. You can't sneak into someone's bed or-or spread lies to their family. Or wait outside of their home like a stalker. Or out them! You can't do that. You shouldn't do that."
"Like you know what I should or shouldn't do," Sonny mumbled under his breath.
"I know the person you're most upset with isn't me," Will said. "I think the person you're mad at most is yourself."
Sonny huffed, looking away from Will.
"I think I'm an easy target for you but deep down you're pissed that you let Paul in so deep. That you relied on him when you shouldn't have," Will added. "That's why you can't let go, now. Because you don't know how to move on."
"Shut up," Sonny weakly requested.
"Will and I had a nice chat today," Tori told Paul as they sat on the sofa after Will left.
"Yeah? About what?" Paul questioned, holding a mug of green tea in his hands.
"About his hopes, his dreams," Tori took a sip of her own tea. "About how much he admired you, respects you," Tori smiled. "How in love with you, he is."
"I'm glad you can see it," Paul smiled back. "Because I've never loved anyone the way I love him."
"I can see that," Tori acknowledged. "I still worry about your career, about what that Sonny character could do but Will? I have no reason to worry about him."
"You never have," Paul said.
Tori reached over and patted Paul's knee. The two opened up to each other in a way they never had before. Now that Paul's secret was out in the open, the two had no reason to hold back.
Over a yawn, Tori asked, "Shouldn't Will have been back by now?"
Paul, realizing how much time had passed, pulled out his phone. When Will didn't answer, Paul rushed out the door.
Paul ran out the condo's lobby and turned left and right. He didn't know where to look first. Thankfully, Paul didn't have to go far.
Slowing to a jog, Paul spotted Will standing a few feet outside the front entrance.
What the hell? Paul thought when he saw who Will was standing with.
Paul took a deep breath and stomped over to the pair.
"Will!" Paul called.
"Hi," Will smiled gently at Paul, hoping to alleviate some of his worries.
"You freaked me out," Paul scolded.
"Sorry," Will said. "Um," Will looked at Sonny again, "I think I should go upstairs and you should talk."
"You sure?" Paul glanced at Sonny warily.
"Yeah, I'm sure," Will confirmed. His fingers trailed along Paul's arm as he headed inside.
Paul didn't know what to do here. What was he supposed to say to Sonny after everything?
"I'm pissed at you," Sonny declared, taking Paul by surprise.
"Uh," Paul looked around the crowded, dark street.
Sonny rolled his eyes and dragged Paul to an alleyway a few feet away.
"You used me," Sonny said as soon as they were out of sight. "You let me build my life around you and you never once had any intention of doing the same."
Paul didn't have any defense. As much as he didn't want to admit it, Sonny was right. Maybe not in the beginning, but towards the end, Paul wasn't going to give Sonny what he wanted.
"Just tell me at least some of what we had was real," Sonny begged. "Please."
"Of course, it was," Paul replied. "I wasn't with you for so long for no reason. I did love you, Sonny. I did. But you have to admit the past few months, things changed."
"Because of Will," Sonny spat out. "Because you wanted him and wouldn't admit it."
"Not just Will," Paul said. "Because of the two of us. We don't work together."
"We did," Sonny stubbornly insisted.
"Can you admit that you were happy, completely happy, the whole time we were together?" Paul challenged. "I wasn't Sonny and that wasn't your fault."
Sonny shook his head, lips clamped together.
"I'm sorry, I hurt you," Paul promised. "And I'm sorry that I didn't tell you what I was feeling sooner. I'm sorry I let things happen with Will before breaking up with you. I'm sorry you had to see us, I'm sorry about everything. But what you're doing now? This isn't you, Sonny. You're better than this."
Sonny sighed, nodding.
"You can't go after Will anymore," Paul told Sonny. "Or me. You need to stop it."
"I just wanted you to hurt," Sonny whispered. "That's all I wanted."
"You need something else to focus on, Sonny," Paul said. "Because as sorry as I am, I'm not putting up with anymore."
Sonny nodded.
"You told someone that I what? Molested Will? Raped him, what?" Paul shook his head. "And you outed me. You outed me, Sonny. You know how terrifying I found that and you did it anyway. You didn't care at all, did you?"
"I told you," Sonny said, "I just wanted you to hurt. I wanted Will to feel as humiliated as you made me feel. I wanted you to feel as betrayed as I did."
"Well, congratulations," Paul declared, "You succeeded. If you come near Will or me again," Paul threatened, "I'll call a lawyer and get a restraining order."
Sonny took the long way back to his apartment. He needed the time to think, reflect.
He didn't think he was the type of person to out another but here he was. How many times did Sonny talk to Paul about coming back? How many times did Paul talk about how terrifying he found it? How Paul would lose everything?
Why did I do that? Why have I done any of the things I've done? When did I become this person?
No matter what Sonny told Paul or Will, he did notice his and Paul's relationship changed. He recognized that he was drifting from his boyfriend, that they weren't connecting anymore.
But Sonny loved Paul. He didn't want things to change, didn't want to accept what that meant.
Sonny knew, deep down, that things were breaking long before Will Horton came to town.
Sonny walked up the stairs to his apartment. He pulled his keys out of his pocket and paused.
The door was ajar.
Cautiously, Sonny pushed the door the rest of the way open.
His apartment wasn't huge. Just one bedroom, one bathroom but it was newer with luxury upgrades. Sonny had few, but expensive, pieces of furniture. Sitting in his armchair like she owned the place was Sami Brady.
No, Sonny's brain supplied. Mrs. Sami DiMera.
"You know," Sami said right away, giving Sonny no time to react. "I can relate to you. I know all about wanting revenge on those that screwed you over. Wanting to destroy the person that your partner cheated with," Sami clasped her hands together. "Unfortunately, for you, the person you want to hurt happens to be my son. My firstborn, my pride and joy."
Sonny closed the door behind him with a short snick.
"You manipulated me," Sami acknowledged. "Not quite so easy. You made me believe Paul hurt my son. Made me believe someone my son loves, someone that's devoted their entire life to making my son happy, abused him. You are the reason Paul came out to his family when he wasn't ready. The reason his career could be in jeopardy now."
Sonny stood perfectly still, eyes latched onto the woman before him. He didn't think anything so small could be so terrifying.
"Now," Sami uncrossed her legs and stood up. She grabbed her purse sitting beside her feet and slid it over her shoulder. "You're not going to bother my son or Paul again. You won't contact them. You won't look at them. You won't even think about them."
Sami swaggered toward Sonny, hips swaying.
"If I find out that my message didn't sink in," Sami reached out and grabbed Sonny's chin. "You're gonna find out what happens to little Kiriakis' that piss me off."
Sami sank the tips of her nails in Sonny's chin before letting go. She strutted toward the door.
"There's a plane ticket voucher with your name on it," Sami said over her shoulder. "Use it."
As the door slammed shut behind her, Sonny glanced at his coffee table. Sure enough, there was an envelope with an airline logo printed across it. Next to that was his laptop, screen open. Sonny looked through his documents for the picture of Will he saved from his phone.
Sami deleted it. It was gone.
"You're sure he didn't bother you?" Paul asked as he followed Will into their bedroom after wishing Tori goodnight.
"I bothered him," Will reminded Paul. "He was standing there and I confronted him."
"God, does he just hang outside the building now?" Paul wondered, pulling off his shirt and pants, planning on taking a shower.
"Look," Will turned to face Paul, looking him up and down in his black boxer shorts. "Sonny's mad and he has every right to be. He'll most likely always be mad. I can live with that. Can you?"
"I've told you before I regret hurting him," Paul tossed his shirt on the floor. "I don't regret you. I'd like it if Sonny was fine with me one day. But I'm not gonna lose any sleep over it if it doesn't happen."
"Okay," Will nodded. "I hope he gives up trying to ruin our lives."
"That would be nice," Paul agreed. "But don't go freaking me out like that. For all I know he could have kidnapped you or something."
"I already got a lecture from your mom," Will admitted. "I don't need one from you too."
"Yeah, yeah," Paul dismissed. "Why's your mouth all red, by the way?"
"Slurpee," Will said as a sly smile spread across his face. "You know, your mom's in bed now. And Sonny did have one good idea."
"What?" Paul asked skeptically.
"He said all I had to do was shove my ass in your face and I'd get whatever I wanted," Will turned around and smiled at Paul over his shoulder, wiggling his backend. "Think he was right?"
Paul licked his lips, trying not to smile. "Guess there's only one way to find out."
Will grabbed Paul's hands and guided him towards a chair in the corner of the room. Paul plopped into the chair after Will pushed his shoulders.
Will, seeing Paul's IPod on a docking station, searched for a song to set the mood he wanted.
"What are you doing?" Paul questioned, nerves tingling in anticipation. He didn't know what Will had up his sleeve.
"Getting ready," Will said as he leaned against a dresser. He purposely cocked his hips, sticking out his butt.
"Ready for what?" Paul murmured, staring at the curve of Will's ass.
Instead of answering, Will hit play when he found the perfect song and put it on repeat. He stepped out of his shoes and socks, kicking them to the side.
Paul leaned back in his seat as Will began swaying his hips.
"I like this song," Will whispered, rolling his hips in time to the beat. "Used to dance to it when I'd sneak into clubs."
"Yeah?" Paul asked, eyes locked on Will.
"Mmm hmm," Will popped the button at the bottom of his shirt. "Take my shirt off, wear my tightest jeans. Wait until I had a crowd."
"Crowd?" Paul swallowed as inch by inch of Will's muscular torso was revealed.
Will tossed his shirt at Paul, hands sliding over his exposed skin.
"I like to dance," Will admitted. "And I like it when men watch me."
Paul clenched his left fist as the right gathered Will's shirt. He brought it to his face and inhaled Will's familiar scent.
Will, hips twirling, spun in a lazy circle. Paul watched in avid fascination, eyes locked on Will's hips.
Without Paul noticing, Will unbuttoned and unzipped his pants.
Paul marveled at the way Will managed to shove his pants down and still swirl his hips in time to the music.
Will, struggling a bit with the tight pants, kicked them aside. He grinned when Paul moaned at his choice of underwear.
Will stood in nothing but a pair of tight navy blue briefs. They were cut high on both sides, exposing most of Will's thighs. The backside hugged Will's firm ass beautifully. The color contrasted with Will's tan and showed off all the bruises and bites littering his skin.
With a confident smile, Will sauntered towards a speechless Paul. He grabbed the shirt in Paul's hands and tossed it over his shoulder.
Fingertips trailing up and down his bare arms, Paul had a hard time keeping his hands to himself. Will rocked his hips from side-to-side, moving in a slow circle. He knocked his hips against Paul's chest, arching his back as far as he could.
Will straddled Paul's lap, knee on either side of Paul's legs. He let his hands map Paul's broad shoulders and thick neck. All while Will's hips rocked against Paul's, gyrating in his lap.
"So," Will leaned in close, breath puffing across Paul's lips, "Do you think he was right?"
"Do I think who was right?" Paul asked eyes glazed over. He lifted his hips helplessly trying to rub against Will.
Will turned in his seat with a triumphant grin. He ground against Paul's groin, feeling Paul's hardness beneath him. Holding onto the sides of the chair for traction, Will rolled his hips. He laughed in delight when Paul groaned.
"Baby," Paul praised, reaching out for Will's sides.
"M'not done yet," Will teased as he lowered his left shoulder and looked over it at Paul.
"Yes, you are," Paul threatened, clamping his hands on Will's hips, bringing him down harder against Paul's lap.
"Mmm," Will groaned, sliding his ass against Paul's length. "Feel so good."
"Yes," Paul agreed. He reached forward and laved his tongue along Will's strong shoulders. He sunk his teeth into the tender skin, biting and sucking.
"P-Paul," Will's hips stuttered before circling harder.
Paul snaked one hand from Will's hips to the front of his tented briefs.
"Yes," Will hissed when Paul slipped his hand inside his underwear, rubbing.
Paul and Will dry humped against the other until they found a steady rhythm. With Paul's mouth clamped on his skin and Will's head thrown back, Will let out a silent scream as he pulsed against Paul's hand.
Paul waited until Will finished before lifting Will up a few inches. Just enough for Paul to yank both of their underwear down to their knees.
Paul placed Will back in his lap, rubbing his cock against the seam of Will's ass. Will, understanding what Paul wanted, helped spread his cheeks so Paul could glide between them.
"Fuck," Paul groaned in Will's ear. One arm wrapped around Will's waist, keeping him still as Paul mimicked fucking Will.
Paul brought the hand covered in Will's come up to Will's mouth. Will, knowing what Paul wanted, licked his hand all over. He slurped up the seminal fluid and made a large show of savoring it.
"God," Paul grabbed Will's neck and yanked him into a rough kiss, chasing the taste of Will's come.
Will arched his back again, causing Paul's cock to hit Will's hole. Paul did it again and again, toying with the idea of slipping into Will bare.
"Can I?" Paul whispered between wet kisses.
"Hmm?" Will hummed, boneless in Paul's arms. His spent cock twitched in interest. Will knew he would be ready to go again soon.
"Just the tip?" Paul requested, kissing Will so soft and sweet.
Will moaned and nodded. He was equal parts excited and scared.
Will had never done anything close to this before. Nothing without a condom and nothing without preparation
"Gonna feel so good," Paul promised. "Just the tip, okay? Just the tip," Paul repeated to reassure himself just as much as Will.
Will raised his knees, balancing over Paul. He reached behind him to hold his cheeks apart to make it easier for Paul.
"So, so good," Paul whispered, licking along Will's back and spine. "So, good."
Slow and cautious, Paul grabbed his dick and held it upright. He smacked it against Will's ass a few times, stroking the base.
Will and Paul both held their breaths as Paul, using Will's sweat from the friction of his rubbing and a bit of spit, pushed inside.
Will whined and squirmed as the head of Paul's cock barely breached his entrance.
"Oh, fuck," Paul grunted as he continued working his cock, taking all his strength not to shove inside of Will completely.
In a matter of moments, Paul's hips twitched, legs shaking as he came. While mouthing wetly at Will's back, Paul worked his cock through his orgasm.
Will's legs collapsed when Paul pulled out.
"God," Paul moaned. He lifted Will up and tossed him on the bed nearby, face down. He dropped to his knees, dragging Will to the edge so Will's torso was on the bed and his legs dangled over.
"Feels wet," Will mumbled, grinding against the mattress.
"Fuck," Paul prized Will's cheeks open and admired the sight.
Paul wasn't deep enough inside Will for his come to stay. Instead, it all leaked out, slowly dripping down Will's crack.
"So fucking beautiful," Paul moaned before licking a stripe from Will's balls to the base of his spine.
Will bunched the sheets in his hands, crying out.
"Love tasting myself on your skin," Paul confessed. "Want it deep next time. Want to see you push it all out."
"Paul," Will pleaded.
"I got you, baby," Paul promised. He licked up every drop of come along Will's opening, tongue dipping inside. At the same time, his hands fondled Will's balls.
Will came with a high-pitched yelp as Paul slurped both of Will's balls into his mouth.
"Fuck!" Paul praised as he rested the side of his face against Will's ass. He nipped the fleshy globe playfully. "I love you so much."
Will, taking a few minutes to recover, stretched from the tip of his toes to the top of his fingers.
"Are you talking to me or my ass?" Will asked with a grin.
"Both," Paul breathed, caressing Will's ass one last time before standing up.
"Ugh," Will complained as he rolled over. "I came all over the bed."
"Yes, yes you did," Paul leered. "And I came all over you."
"You better not be riddled with disease," Will warned in a teasing tone. "Or I'm gonna be pissed."
"I'm not," Paul promised. "Team tests for things like that every month."
"Why?" Will wrinkled his nose as he stood up and helped Paul pull off the soiled comforter.
"Lots of groupies around. Gotta treat it while you can," Paul said. "The team takes that kind of thing seriously."
"Good," Will nodded. "For the record, I'm nice and clean too."
"Unlike this bed," Paul pointed out. "I'll be back."
Paul threw on his underwear and took the blanket down the hall to the laundry room. At the same time, Will turned off the IPod and headed to the bathroom.
Will and Paul washed off in the shower, taking turns washing the other's hair and sharing sweet kisses. By the time the two were back in bed, hair wet, and skin flushed, Will nuzzled into Paul's neck.
"I don't want this to end," Will confessed, so at ease in Paul's arms.
"I don't either," Paul agreed. "But you're going to school. You want to go to school."
"Not as much as I want you," Will breathed, pressing closer to Paul.
"I love you," Paul stated "You know that. But I can't let you ruin your life for me."
"What does that mean?" Will asked, clutching Paul as tight as he could.
"You have a full scholarship, baby," Paul explained. "You picked out your classes. You've emailed your roommate. You worked out a schedule at the pub for when your classes start. T's going to the same school, all your friends too. Your entire life is waiting for you back home."
"But I don't wanna leave you," Will whispered. "Not when I just got you."
"We have our entire lives to be together," Paul promised. He adjusted his hold on Will to look him in the eyes. "You said it yourself before; you'd get overwhelmed living in San Francisco. I don't want you disrupting your entire life to be with me, baby."
"You don't want to live with me?" Will asked, looking wounded.
"That's not what I said," Paul brushed Will's cheek with his thumb. "I made the mistake of ruling Sonny's life. I don't want that for you. I want you to have your own life, have your own goals."
"I don't want you to take care of me," Will argued. "I don't need you to take care of me. I could go to school here. I've been looking into it. I could. And no one would have to know about us. I wouldn't give away your secret."
"I'm not worried about that, baby," Paul promised. "I'm worried about you."
"But-," Will tried.
"How about we make a deal?" Paul suggested.
"Like what?" Will wondered, blinking up at Paul.
"You go to Salem U for one semester," Paul said. "You go to school, you work at the pub, you hang out with your friends. And we see each other during every break, every day off. Every road trip the team takes near Illinois. Any time we can manage it. If it doesn't work, if we're miserable, if you hate going to Salem U, we'll fix it."
"One semester?" Will mulled it over.
"Yeah," Paul nodded. "If it's awful, you transfer to a school here. I just, I want you to have every opportunity in life."
"Okay," Will agreed. "One semester and we'll decide. You promise we'll see each other whenever we can?"
"Get out a calendar," Paul said. "I'll schedule it all right now."
"Yeah?" Will smiled.
"Yep," Paul nodded, kissing Will. "Besides, if everything goes well for the team we'll keep playing into November. As soon as baseball's over, I'll come to Salem."
"Oh, yeah?" Will laughed.
"Mmm hmm," Paul smiled. "We won't be apart for long."
"You're gonna have to fight Neil for breaks, though," Will realized. "I already promised him he'd get me then."
"Oh, is that so?" Paul wrapped his arms around Will, tickling his sides.
"Yes," Will laughed, rolling away. "You'd like Neil. Maybe we could all spend time together."
"I'd have to stake my claim," Paul informed Will. "Mark my territory, that type of thing."
"Or," Will grinned, "We could have a three-,"
"No!" Paul laughed, knowing Will was joking.
"Oh, alright," Will mock sighed. "I'll just stick with you then."
"I'm more than enough for you, baby," Paul huffed, flexing his pecs and biceps.
"Don't I know it?" Will leered, rubbing all over Paul's skin.
As Will's thumbs flicked over Paul's nipples, Paul laughed. "Again? We have to get up early and see everyone off to the airport."
"Hey, you're the one that wants me to leave for five months," Will shrugged. He leaned down and kissed over Paul's nipple. "I gotta get my fill while I can."
"In that case," Paul crossed his arms behind his head and grinned. Settling against the pillows as Will worshipped him with his mouth.
The two spent the rest of the night and early morning mapping each other's skin with their tongues and hands. They kissed until their lips swelled and their jaws hurt. Even then they weren't satiated.
No matter how long they were together, how many days, weeks, months, or years, the two would never get enough of the other.
Knock Knock
"Hey," Marlena said in a gentle voice as she opened the hospital room door. "Are you three up for some visitors?"
Sami, exhausted, but radiant nodded. She adjusted a blue bundle of blankets in her arms and sat up taller.
Paul, clinging to Marlena's hand, hid behind her leg. Sometimes Sami scared him. She was loud and scary, especially when her tummy looked like a balloon about to pop.
"Come here, little dude," Austin Reed beckoned, waving Paul over.
Paul scampered over to Austin, allowing him to hoist Paul up in his arms.
"Aright, Paul," Austin said as he held him in the air. "You ready to meet the new baby?"
Paul nodded several times, making his little bowtie go askew.
"Here he is," Sami said, pulling the blanket down to reveal a baby.
"Wow," Paul whispered as he caught sight of the tiny pink face poking out of the blankets. "It's so small."
"Yeah," Sami agreed, tracing her baby's perfect nose and perfect lips. "He's beautiful."
Paul nodded again, reaching out.
"Here," Austin suggested. He placed Paul in the chair next to Sami's bed. "Now, you gotta be super careful, alright? Make sure you listen to my directions."
"Yes," Paul responded, holding out his arms.
Austin took his son from Sami and smiled. He didn't think it was possible to love something so soon, so fast.
"Paul," Austin said, kneeling down beside him. "This is baby Will."
Austin placed Will's bottom on Paul's lap and his head on Paul's arms. "Watch his head, okay buddy?"
"Wow," Paul breathed again, getting a closer look at the baby.
Sami smiled watching as Paul stared down at her son like he was the sun and the moon rolled into one.
"Where's my camera?" Marlena said through tears as she searched through her purse.
Paul examined the baby. His skin was so pink and soft when Paul touched him. The baby even smelled nice which Paul didn't expect. He thought babies were supposed to be stinky.
"He's so pretty," Paul praised.
"Careful," Austin urged when Paul shifted. "He's delicate right now. We don't want to hurt him."
"I'd never hurt him," Paul promised with wide-eyes. "Never ever ever." Staring down at Will again, Paul said, "I'll never hurt you, little baby."
"That's good," Austin grinned. "It's gonna be your job to watch out for him. Think you can handle it?"
"Yes," Paul nodded earnestly. "I'll take the bestest care of him, forever and ever."
"That's what I want to hear," Austin stood up and moved to Sami's side.
"You can talk to him," Sami told Paul as she took Austin's hand. "He needs to eat soon anyway."
"Hi, baby," Paul cooed. "Hi, baby."
With a tiny whimper, the baby opened his big blue eyes.
Paul gasped as a flash went off before him.
Marlena lowered her camera and smiled at the sight. She managed to capture the first moment Will ever laid eyes on Paul perfectly. She knew it was a special moment, with Paul's scabby knees showing, crooked bowtie, and little blazer in place. With Will staring up at Paul in deep fascination.
"I love you, baby," Paul whispered, kissing Will's forehead. "I love you."
Marlena and Paul stayed in that hospital room for hours. Paul gazed at Will in wonder almost the entire time. He marveled at every twitch of Will's nose, every noise he made. He asked question after question about the baby. About why Sami put Will at her breast to feed him, why they patted Will's back when he finished eating. Where Sami's big, round belly went and if Will really did fit inside there once. Wondering why Will slept all the time and why he wasn't talking yet. Asking if Paul could take Will home with him because Paul could do a much better job protecting from his own room than in a hospital.
Knock Knock
Tori Narita popped her head into Sami's room with a determined expression on her face.
"Hello," Tori said primly. "I'm here to collect my son."
"Good luck with that," Sami rolled her eyes in Paul's direction. "I don't think he's going anytime soon."
Tori followed Sami's eyes and startled at the sight of her six-year-old.
Paul sat on Austin's lap as he watched Will sleep in Sami's arms.
"Paul-san," Tori said. "It's time to leave."
"No, Mommy!" Paul begged. "I can't go, now. My baby needs me!"
"Your baby?" Tori frowned, confused.
"Yes," Marlena responded in a frosty tone. "Paul's rather attached to my grandson."
"Oh," Tori replied. She took a step closer to Paul, glancing at the baby for the first time.
Tori was biased. She could admit that. To her, her own son was the most breathtaking sight anyone could ever see. But, the small baby her son stared at adoringly was beautiful.
"Congratulations," Tori told Sami and Austin. "He's precious."
"Thank you," Sami said, looking and sounding as sincere as anyone had ever known.
"Come, Paul," Tori ordered. "We need to go home. Grandfather is calling soon."
"But my baby," Paul whined.
"Will's not going anywhere," Austin promised.
"You can see him anytime you want," Sami assured Paul.
"When Sami gets out of the hospital," Marlena suggested. "Your father and I will take you over to see baby Will again. If your mother agrees," Marlena turned to Tori with an expectant look.
"Please, Mommy, please?" Paul stuck out his lower lip. "I love him already."
"Of course," Tori gave in, heart melting at the sight of her son's pleading.
"Good," Paul grinned. He scooted closer to the baby and ever so gently kissed his cheek. "I love you, baby Will. I'll see you soon."
Paul held his mother's hand as he walked out of the hospital room. His little brown eyes stayed on the bundle of blue blankets for as long as he could. He didn't want to let the baby out of his sight.
Author's note:
The next chapter is going to be the last.
Thanks for reading!