August
Will Horton shouldered the door to his dorm open and dropped his backpack. Today marked the end of his third week of college and he felt exhausted.
Will kicked off his shoes and socks while balancing a personal pan pizza and soda. Not the most nutritious lunch but Will didn't feel up to eating in the main dining hall at the student union.
The dorm was empty and Will couldn't have been happier about it. Paul should call any minute and Will preferred being alone during those talks.
Will checked his phone. No call yet.
Will wanted to collapse on his bed but instead, he picked up his things. His roommate was anal about messes. If Will so much as left a pencil out of place the guy freaked out. Will hated him.
Will thought having a roommate would be fun but the guy was a tool. The roommate, Trevor, always had Law and Order on in the room. He made weird sounds when he chewed and snored in his sleep. He always got the strangest look on his face in reference to Will's sexuality, like he needed to sneeze. Will contemplated begging EJ DiMera, his stepfather, to pull some strings and kick the kid out.
Instead of whining about it, though, Will endured.
After putting his shoes away under his bed, Will checked his phone. No calls or texts. With a sad shake of his head, Will tossed the phone on his bed and grabbed his pizza.
The dorm was rather small. It had just enough room for two twin beds, two closets, two desks, a mini-fridge, and a sink. Trevor brought his own smaller television that Will wasn't allowed to touch. Will's half of the room featured pictures of his family and friends, including one Will took on his last evening out with Paul. On Trevor's half, there were posters of horses.
On the day he moved in, Will cracked a joke about hanging a Brokeback Mountain poster to complete the theme. Trevor didn't laugh.
Despite moving homes throughout his childhood, Will always had his own bedroom. When he lived in a tiny apartment with Sami, when he lived in the Kiriakis mansion with Lucas and Kate, Will had a space of his own. Hell, in the DiMera mansion Will had his own bedroom and a room just for studying. Whenever Trevor got on his nerves, Will daydreamed about moving back into the mansion. He yearned for the days when he could wander down a hallway away from everyone and anyone like in the mansion.
Will finished his pizza and his drink and there was still no call. He read a chapter in one of his textbooks and no call.
Will considered calling Paul himself but didn't want to look desperate. He didn't want Paul to know he was sitting around waiting for his call. That seemed a little too pathetic for Will's liking.
Once four o'clock hit, Will gave up. Paul wasn't calling.
Will put his book back on his shelf and stretched his arms over his head.
Feet dragging, Will opened the door to his small wardrobe. He grabbed a blue shower caddy, slipped on his shower shoes, and undressed. He threw his clothes in his pop-up hamper and wrapped a red towel around his waist.
He checked his phone one last time, nothing.
After locking up his room, Will took the short walk down to the communal bathroom.
The building was rather small for it being a freshman hall. It was four stories with study rooms and a small gym on the bottom floor. The other three floors comprised the bedrooms and bathrooms, separated by gender. Some days, Will wished Salem U was large enough to have a queer friendly dorm like some of the bigger colleges.
Will unlocked the bathroom door and, thank God, found an open shower stall available.
The men's bathroom looked outdated but clean. One side of the bathroom had four toilet stalls, four urinals, and sinks. The other half of the room contained four shower stalls and a bathtub Will had never seen anyone use. Everything was the same shade of off-white with faded black grout.
Will closed a grubby looking shower curtain behind him and threw his towel over the shower rod. Will learned it was easier to bathe in the late afternoon than early in the morning or at night. Only a few others did the same so Will didn't need to wait in line for a shower and there was always hot water.
As the warm water cascaded over his blonde hair, gliding down his skin, Will closed his eyes.
I miss Paul.
It was late August. Will hadn't seen Paul in person in only a few short weeks but it felt like longer. Sure, they spoke on the phone for, at least, a few minutes every day. They sent texts throughout the day as well as pictures. Skyped whenever their schedules aligned. Will even subscribed to MLB Live so he could watch all Paul's games whenever he wanted.
Despite all that, it wasn't enough.
Will missed touching his boyfriend. He missed falling asleep with his nose pressed along Paul's pulse point. He missed the way Paul would fling his arms in his sleep, rocking the entire bed.
Will missed Paul's kisses. His hands sweeping along Will's body. Missed his mouth and his tongue, his fingers, and his cock.
Will missed everything and kept it to himself. He didn't want Paul to know how rough Will felt. Didn't want Paul to feel guilty or think Will was weak. They both agreed to wait until Will's first semester finished before making any decisions.
Will didn't know if he could wait that long.
Will was having a hard time adjusting to college. This was the first time he was living on his own and he hated his roommate. Most of his courses were fine but his math class was going to kill him. Will didn't know how to keep up with his classes, his homework, and papers, as well as studying and his shifts at the pub.
Also, Will didn't realize how little he would see his siblings. Will got used to seeing them every day. Helping to tuck them into bed and babysitting whenever he had free time. Now, Will didn't have free time and if he did his mom never asked him to help out anymore.
Will even wished he could see more of his mom and he never thought that day would ever come. On the days Will overslept, he'd rush out the dorm with his hair a mess and shirt untucked. He'd always hear a British accent in his head scolding him for looking so sloppy.
Wishing he had more of EJ's criticisms and missing Sami's presence was how Will knew he hit rock bottom.
Worst, and most embarrassing of all, Will hadn't made many new friends. There was T, of course, but they didn't share any lectures or courses. He sometimes hung out with Neil's friends but it was always awkward now. Will hooked up with a few before but now that wasn't an option things became strained. So far, Will hadn't been able to connect with any of his own classmates. He'd talk to people in his dorm and classes, chit-chat with them but no one he could call his friend.
Will missed Neil. He missed Paul.
With a sniff, Will rested his forehead against the tile on the wall. Soon enough, tears mixed with the spray of the shower.
Will was grateful no one else was in the bathroom so he could cry without judgment.
Paul, home after an energizing win, threw his keys on a table near his door. He poured himself a glass of water, guzzling it down. Once he made his way to the bedroom, Paul stripped to his underwear and moved to the bathroom. He brushed his teeth and flossed. Paul even pulled out a fancy night cream he used and slathered it on his face.
Done in the bathroom, Paul lay in bed and pulled out his phone.
12:37 am. Too late to talk to Will.
With a frown, Paul closed his eyes.
I miss Will.
Paul told Will he missed him every time they spoke but Will didn't know the extent of it. Paul got so used to Will being in the condo, being in San Francisco that Paul didn't know what to do without him now.
They had only been together a short amount of time but that didn't matter to Paul. For those weeks, Paul had everything he wanted. Now, it felt like he was missing a vital part of his existence, of himself.
Paul hadn't even washed his sheets since Will left. Rolling onto his stomach, Paul shoved his nose in the spot Will slept and inhaled. He detected a tiny hint of Will, his sweat, cologne, and natural scent.
Would it be pathetic if I asked him to send me a shirt or something? That way I'd always get to smell him. Is that creepy?
Paul hadn't gone out with his teammates much since Will left. He always came up with one excuse after another. His favorite lie was he had to go home and entertain a guest. They didn't need to know that usually meant having Skype sex with Will. Although, more often than not, the two talked, relishing in the sight of the other.
For some reason, Paul just didn't have it in him to go out and party. He knew he'd have to flirt with women all night, maybe even have to take one home. That was his routine. Paul would go out a few times a month, party hard and long, makes sure his antics showed up in at least one tabloid.
Paul knew he needed to keep up his playboy lifestyle but it just wasn't him anymore. It didn't appeal to him. The papers all speculated that he had settled down and they had no idea how right they were.
Now, Paul's reputation didn't seem so important. He still went to his photoshoots, donated his time and his money to his favorite charities. But other than that, he was turning into a homebody.
I hope Will has his phone on silent, Paul thought as he dialed Will's number. He waited until the voicemail picked up.
"Hi, this is Will. Leave a message and I'll call you back," Will's bright voice sang over the line.
Paul hung up and dialed again. He just wanted to hear Will's voice. He'd give anything to hold Will in his arms and sing him to sleep.
When Will woke the next morning, he checked his phone first thing. He had twenty-seven missed calls from Paul and two voicemails.
"I miss you, baby," Paul whispered into his phone. "I wish you were here or I was there. I just miss you."
The next voicemail was Paul singing Will's song. "Who knows how long I've loved you, you know I love you still…"
Will tugged at his tank top, adjusting his laptop on his mattress. He ran a hand through his hair, knowing how Paul enjoyed it when it was a mess.
Come on, Will thought as he hit the dial button on Skype. Pick up.
Trevor, the roommate, left ten minutes ago for a party. This was Will's chance. He knew Paul didn't have a game today. They could make up for yesterday if Paul answered.
Will's smile slid off his face, hopes dwindling when Paul's face appeared on the screen.
"Hey," Will perked up, sitting up straighter.
"Baby," Paul breathed, a smile splitting his face. "I'm sorry I didn't get to talk to you yesterday. My shoulder was feeling weird so I had the physical trainer work on it before the game."
"Are you okay?" Will's annoyance at Paul missing their call slipped away.
"I think so," Paul rolled his shoulder forward and back, rubbing it. "It's been tightening up on me."
"Did you put ice on it?" Will fretted. The faster he talked, the wilder his hand gestures became. "Because whenever I hurt after I'd play in high school I'd tape an ice bag on my arm. Then again, I didn't pitch. So, maybe it's different. Or maybe the pain is different. I don't know. Or-,"
"Breathe," Paul chuckled, eyes warm and smile fond.
"Sorry," Will licked his lips, cheeks pink.
Paul said nothing. He moved his laptop closer to his face, wanting a better look at Will.
"What are you doing?" Will questioned when Paul just stared at him.
"Looking," Paul answered. He sat cross-legged on his bed with his elbow on his knee. He rested his chin on his hand while staring at Will. With a deep sigh, Paul grinned. "I just want to look at you, all day. Is that weird?"
"Little bit," Will teased, nose scrunching together. "But I know what you mean."
Will and Paul quieted down, gazing at the other, admiring.
Will wished his laptop was fancier. His screen didn't do justice to how gorgeous Paul was. It didn't show off the twinkle in his eyes or the smattering of freckles on his cheeks. The perpetual sunburn on the bridge of his nose because Paul always forgot sunscreen. Will lived for those details.
While staring at Paul, Will's eyes began to water. He didn't understand why or how. Will was beyond happy looking at Paul. But for some reason, Will couldn't control his tears.
"What's wrong, baby?" Paul asked in a gentle, concerned voice. In a voice that soothed Will to his core. A voice that felt like warm arms and a steady heartbeat.
"I don't know," Will sniffed but refused to look away from Paul.
"You tell me everything," Paul encouraged. He needed to know what Will was thinking, what he was feeling. He had to know.
"It's hard," Will whispered.
"What is?" Paul pressed.
"Everything," Will admitted with a small sob. "Missing you and school and no one notices me. It's like I'm twelve again except no one makes fun of me."
"Baby," Paul sighed. "It's only been a few weeks. Things will get better."
Will crossed his arms and nodded. He trusted Paul, knew he would never make light of Will's worries or fears. He never had.
Paul had always been and will always be Will's great protector.
"If it makes you feel better," Paul confessed. "I miss you just as much, maybe more."
"Doubt it," Will argued.
"I haven't changed the sheets because they smell like you," Paul said. "I even thought about making you send me a shirt of yours so I could sniff it all day."
Will smiled, wiping his eyes. "I watch highlights from your games just to look at you."
"I fell asleep last night singing your song to your voicemail," Paul replied in a no-nonsense tone. "I'm not losing this round, baby."
"I guess not," Will conceded.
"It'll get better. I promise," Paul declared. "Only a few more weeks and we'll see each other in person. We can make it."
Will nodded. They could make it. They would make it. They had no other choice.
September
Will walked into a bright hotel lobby and nodded at the concierge at the front desk. He adjusted his backpack over his shoulder and let out a slow, steady breath.
Will moved into the restroom just off the front lobby. He did his business before changing out of the clothes he wore to drive over.
Once redressed, Will washed his hands. He looked in the mirror and frowned, unhappy with his appearance. After splashing some water on his face and using some chap stick, Will felt confident.
Will turned to look over his shoulder in the mirror to admire the cut of his pants. The dark wash jeans look plastered to his skin and showed off all his best parts. Will pulled on the bottom of his blue button up and smiled.
Paul won't be able to resist.
Will sauntered out of the restroom and over to the hotel bar to wait for Paul.
Paul was playing a game against the St. Louis Cardinals that day, a Wednesday. After his shift ended, Will borrowed one of EJ's cars and booked it to St. Louis. It was only a little more than an hour and a half away from Salem but Will was nervous. This was his first time meeting Paul in a hotel.
As soon as Paul's game finished and he returned to the hotel, they'd have all night. By morning, Paul and the team would fly back West. Will would drive back to Salem to make it in time for his first lecture of the day. No one would ever know Will left.
Will drummed his fingers on the bar top and smiled at a bartender when she walked over. "Can I get a sprite and some limes?"
"Sure," the woman nodded, pleased Will didn't try to order anything alcoholic. She shouldn't have let him sit at the bar at all but there weren't many people there yet.
Will sipped the drink through a red skinny straw and spun around on his barstool to eye the lobby entrance. He knew Paul would be, at least, another half-hour but he was anxious. He couldn't wait to get his eyes, hands, and mouth on his boyfriend.
"Hello there, handsome," a feminine voice said from Will's side.
"Huh?" Will turned to stare at a middle-aged woman with a slight frown.
"You," the woman batted clumped lashes at him and gave him a crooked smile.
Will stared at the red color staining the woman's lips. It was lipstick of some kind but it dried strange, showing off the woman's dry, cracked mouth.
"What's a pretty thing like you doing in a bar like this?" the woman leered, arching her back and showing off her low-cut dress.
"Uh," Will swallowed, uncomfortable. "I'm waiting for someone."
"Just my lucky day," the woman scooted closer to Will and put her hand on his upper thigh. "I was waiting for someone too."
"I don't think we're talking about the same thing," Will prized the woman's claw-like fingers off his leg.
"Sure we are, hot stuff," the woman grabbed her small purse and pulled it open. She showed off a wad of cash. "I think that will be more than sufficient for what I want."
Will's mouth fell open as he realized the implications of her statement. Will floundered, "What? I'm not a-."
A loud commotion near the front of the hotel diverted Will's attention. A large group of men walked through the lobby to the elevator banks. Recognizing a few, Will hopped off his barstool.
"I'm sorry, ma'am," Will told the woman as he slipped a few bills on the bar top for his drink. "But I'm not that kind of guy."
Paul, lingering toward the back of the group of players, searched around for Will. Spotting him jogging out of the bar, it took all Paul's strength not to rush at Will and take him in his arms.
"Hey, little Will," a few of Paul's teammates greeted. They knew Will from his time in San Francisco and didn't think it strange he was meeting Paul in a hotel now.
Everyone knew how close Paul was to Will. As far as they knew, Will was like a little brother to Paul.
"Hi," Will waved to a few of the guys as he calmed his breathing. He stopped in front of Paul, bursting with energy. "Hey."
"Hey," Paul parroted back, eyeing Will up and down. "Let's, uh, go upstairs and catch up."
"Sure," Will nodded, pleased when he noticed Paul couldn't take his eyes off Will's thighs.
The two stepped into an elevator with a few of Paul's teammates. With a chuckle, Will said, "You won't guess what just happened in the bar."
"What?" Paul asked, eyes dragging up from the curve of Will's thighs.
"Some woman thought I was a prostitute," Will said with a laugh.
"Excuse me?" Paul spat out as his teammates guffawed. "What the hell happened?"
"I don't know," Will shrugged, smiling. "I was sitting and she came onto me. I thought she was just weird but she showed me a wad a cash."
"You should have taken it," one teammate suggested.
"She was older than my mom," Will shivered. He had no interest in women let alone one that old.
"Your mom is in her thirties," Paul rolled his eyes, arms crossed. "She's not that old."
"She is?" another teammate asked. "What does she look like? Can I have her number?"
"She's married to a hot, British millionaire," Will informed him. "I don't think you've got a chance."
"Damn," the guy mock-complained.
Ding
"This is our floor," Paul said.
Paul and Will stepped out. Paul's teammates continued talking to Will as they walked to their rooms. They enjoyed teasing Paul with as many embarrassing anecdotes they could tell.
"Yeah, yeah," Paul dismissed as he grabbed Will's elbow and dragged him down the hall. "Will and I have shit to do."
"Bye, guys," Will called. Once the coast was clear, Will took Paul's hand and squeezed.
Paul unlocked the door to his room as fast as possible. He waited until the door closed to yank Will into a hug.
"I missed you so much," Paul whispered as he buried his nose in Will's hair. He rested his palms flat against Will's lower back, thumb brushing under Will's shirt. "God, baby."
Will wrapped his arms around Paul's shoulders and squeezed. He squeezed so tight he wanted their bodies to morph into one. He wanted to be so close he couldn't tell where his body ended and Paul's began.
"I missed you," Will huffed against Paul's throat, lips and lashes brushing his skin. "I missed everything about you."
"Let me look at you," Paul stepped away from Will, keeping his hands on his back.
Even in the horrible hotel lighting, Will looked beautiful.
"I love you," Will sighed, taking in every inch of Paul's face. Will cupped the side of Paul's face and brushed his thumb along Paul's cheeks down towards his mouth.
Paul pressed a kiss to the pad of Will's thumb. "I love you."
Will stepped closer to Paul. After what seemed like a lifetime, Will pulled Paul into a kiss.
Paul sighed in relief, arms wrapping around Will's neck. His entire body relaxed into the kiss, into Will's plush, pink mouth.
Will ran his hands through Paul's thick hair.
"Love you," Will whimpered into Paul's mouth. Before Will could stop himself, tears fell down his cheeks. "Miss you so much."
"Don't think about that now, baby," Paul pleaded. "Don't think about missing me when I'm gone. Think about right here, right now."
Will nodded as Paul wiped away his tears. "Okay."
"We're together now," Paul knocked his forehead against Will's, noses brushing. "That's all that matters."
October
Loud, obnoxious music, the kind so loud you couldn't understand the words, permeated the house.
Will gulped down the last of his beer and dropped the red plastic cup on the floor. He navigated his way into the kitchen. He pushed past costume-clad bodies and girls with wandering hands.
At the beginning of the month, Will saw a poster for a jogging club. They met every evening at four and ran for a few hours. Will didn't make it to every session but joining one club transitioned him into friendship. Maybe it was the burst of confidence or all the added endorphins from his runs. But now Will had several friends in every class and a study group.
Will no longer waited around by the phone every evening doing nothing but homework or actual work. He had a life. He had friends. Maybe college wasn't so bad after all.
One of Will's new friends, a fellow English major, invited him and some others to a Halloween party at the house he shared. For fun, they all coordinated their costumes, Marvel superheroes.
Will tossed his Captain America shield on a kitchen counter and pulled up his mask. He adjusted his costume; the blue leggings were tight and itchy. After, Will filled a fresh cup with some beer from a keg.
"Hey!" a voice yelled to Will over the loud thumping of music.
Will turned around and smiled. "Hey, Iron Man."
Iron Man, otherwise known as Aaron, the boy that invited Will and his friends to the party, gestured toward the back door. After snatching his shield, Will followed.
"It's quieter out here," Aaron explained as he led Will to a secluded area in the far back yard.
Aaron rented a room in the large house along with several other students. It was near enough to campus and the center of town.
"How many of those have you had?" Aaron questioned, pointing at Will's cup.
"This'll be the third," Will admitted, sitting down on a small outdoor patio sofa. "What?" Will asked when he noticed Aaron's look. "It's cheap watered down beer. I'm fine."
"Just looking out for you," Aaron shrugged with a teasing smile. He bumped his shoulder into Will's. "You're still a baby, after all."
Will rolled his eyes. Although, the nickname did stir a deep longing inside of Will. There was only one person in the entire world Will wanted to hear call him baby and he wouldn't go to a house party.
Will promised. "I know when to stop."
"If you say so," Aaron replied.
Will glanced around the yard. It was large with a pool and plush trees. In the back corner where they sat was a patio surrounded by several cheap tiki torches.
"This costume is awful," Will complained as he pulled at his hips and butt. "Everything is riding everywhere."
"Looks good, though," Aaron mumbled. He watched as Will yanked at his form-fitting costume. "I think you're the only Captain America here with his own muscles."
"Oh," Will perked up a bit, a smile pulling at his lips.
Aaron angled his body toward Will and asked, "So, why don't you ever date anyone?"
"Well, that's direct," Will said with lifted brows, surprised.
"Yeah and it's true. All semester, you hang with us, you go to the movies in groups," Aaron listed. "But you don't date."
"No, I guess I don't," Will evaded.
"Why?" Aaron pressed. "Guys ask you all the time. I'm pretty sure I've seen upperclassmen hit on you too."
"Only because I know them. I'm busy," Will lifted one shoulder. "I'm adjusting to school and trying to fit in work, friends, and my family. I don't need a guy messing that up."
"Uh huh," Aaron frowned. He tried to move closer but his plastic Iron Man suit got in the way. "You sure that's it?"
"Positive," Will smiled with an innocent look. "What else is there?"
"Right," Aaron mumbled, licking his lips. "I'm only asking because I'm interested. In you, that is."
"Yeah, I gathered that," Will teased.
Will looked Aaron over, disregarding the plastic suit. Aaron did resemble Robert Downey Jr. He was short and compact with a whole lot of confidence. He made Will laugh and he was cute.
But not cute enough, Will thought.
"You're nice and all that Aaron," Will said, "But I don't want to be with anyone right now."
"You don't have to be my boyfriend," Aaron argued, giving Will a pointed look.
"I'm not hooking up with you either," Will rolled his eyes. "I'm beyond my experimenting days if that's what you're angling."
"It was," Aaron admitted with a one-shoulder shrug. "Sorry if that offends you or anything. You're hot. I like you. We get along. I figured, why not?"
"It's alright," Will said, beer hitting him as his words slurred. "I know what I look like."
Aaron snorted. "So modest."
"Modesty is like lying and I don't like that," Will replied as he finished off his beer. He checked the time on his phone and smiled.
Paul should arrive at his hotel soon to a special surprise.
"No hard feelings or anything, right?" Aaron pressed.
"Nah," Will stood up and pulled down his mask. "You're not the first guy I've shot down. You won't be the last," Will said as he threw his shield over his shoulder.
"We should form a club," Aaron joked. "The Will Horton Broken Hearts Club."
"Ha!" Will threw back his head and laughed. He could just imagine Paul's face when Will told him about this conversation.
Better save it for when we're together and he can throw me around all jealous like, Will decided with a grin. He gets so hot when he turns into a cave man.
Paul walked into his hotel room in Houston and flopped face first on the bed. He had a rough game and his shoulder was killing him.
Halloween sucks, Paul thought, rolling onto his back with a wince. He considered calling Will but knew he was going out with his friends. He didn't want to put a damper on Will's evening to whine about a bad game.
Paul sat up, prepared to undress and fall asleep watching crappy Halloween movies when he saw a box on his desk.
Room service must have brought it, Paul noted with a grin. Leave it to my baby to send me just what I need.
Paul ripped through the tape on the box, pulling out a green spiral bound journal. A white ribbon marked a spot half-way through the book.
For Paul's birthday, Will gifted the journal. Will knew Paul had more than enough money to buy whatever he wanted. Will figured Paul didn't need any material possessions. So, Will bought him the journal. The two wrote back and forth in it to each other. Sometimes they'd write about their day. Sometimes they'd write a memory of the other. Sometimes they'd draw silly doodles or write song lyrics. No matter what they did, they both cherished it.
Once they finished with the journal, they'd ship it back to the other. Will always made sure to use Paul's pseudonym in case someone came across it. That way Paul's identity would remain a secret.
Opening the book, Paul quirked a brow when he saw what Will wrote.
"Look at the bottom of the box," Paul read out loud.
Following the directions, Paul dug through the box and found a small flash drive hidden at the bottom.
"Hmm," Paul said as he found his laptop and started it up. Within a few minutes, Paul opened a video.
Will stood in front of his laptop camera, squinting. He pressed a few buttons before leaning back and smiling.
"Hi," Will grinned and waved at the screen like a dork. "Um, I miss you. I miss you so much. I miss everything about you. But what I miss most today," Will's smile slid into something a little sharper, a little dirtier. "Involves this," Will lifted a thin, silver cylindrical vibrator.
"Oh, God," Paul groaned, hands groping at his belt buckle.
"Trick or treat, right?" Will leered through the video, pulling off his shorts and flicking them near the laptop screen.
November
"Hi, welcome to the Brady Pub," Will said with a bright grin as he held up a writing pad. "Can I get you something to drink?"
"I'll have a coffee," a masculine voice said. "Dear?"
"Oh, yes, I'll have an iced tea," a softer voice requested.
"Sure, coming right up," Will looked up from his paper and smiled.
As he collected the drinks, Will glanced over to see his grandma Caroline talking to the couple he just left.
Huh, Will had seen them around town but he didn't know their names. They both looked to be in their forties. The man had a bit of a silver fox thing going on while the woman had short blonde hair. Grandma will tell me who they are.
"One coffee," Will presented the drinks, nudging his grandma aside, "And one tea."
"Thank you," the man said as Will handed him a container with creamer and sugar.
"You're welcome. Are you ready to order?" Will questioned.
Caroline put her around Will's waist. "Have you two met my great-grandson?"
"No," the woman responded, sticking out her hand.
"Hi," Will shook her hand.
"Justin," the man said after shaking Will's hand. "And this is my wife, Adrienne."
Will continued smiling before it hit him.
Oh, crap.
Don't react, don't react. Keep smiling.
"Will just started at Salem U," Caroline bragged, squeezing his hip. "He got a full scholarship and he's still helping his old grandma around this place."
"That's so sweet," Adrienne smiled. "What did you say your name was?"
"I'm Will," a nervous chuckle followed. "Will Horton."
"Ah," Justin nodded as Adrienne's face pinched together, making her look like she swallowed something unpleasant.
"Orders?" Will cleared his throat.
After taking their order, Will did all he could to not break into a jog to get away. He called in their order to the cook before moving into the back hallway to catch his breath.
Holy shit, Will thought. I have to tell Paul.
Will yanked his phone out of his pants and sent Paul a message. He peeked behind the hallway to see if Adrienne or Justin suspected anything about him. If Sonny told either of them about Will ruining his life.
Nothing so far. Maybe Adrienne made that face because of my mom.
Will dropped off Justin and Adrienne's check. "How was everything?"
"Delicious as always," Justin responded, pulling out his wallet.
"Well, there's no rush on the check," Will told them. "Would you like some refills?"
"Oh, no. We need to get going," Adrienne said.
"Okay," Will nodded. "Thank you for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful rest of the day."
Will cleared their plates off the table and walked away. When he returned with a rag to wipe the table down, Adrienne and Justin were heading for the door.
Will picked up the check. He glanced at the money left on the table and paused.
"Excuse me!" Will rushed over to Justin, catching him just before he left. "You forgot your change."
"No, I didn't," Justin assured Will. "Have a nice day."
Will sputtered, standing there with a $50 bill for only a $12.00 check.
They do not know what I did to their son. That's for damn sure.
Will clocked out of work and gathered all of his things. He pulled on his hoodie and threw his backpack over his shoulder.
"Bye, Grandma!" Will called out and smiled when she waved him away.
Will stood in front of the back door to the alley when he yanked out his phone and dialed Paul's number.
It rang and rang and rang without an answer.
Will huffed and opened the back door. He concentrated on typing out a message to Paul and never noticed the figure lurking in the shadows.
Will took a few steps out the door when a man slammed into him, shoving him against a brick wall.
Will threw his arms up to defend himself. The man wore dark colors with a hood pulled low over his obscured face.
"Shh," a warm hand covered Will's mouth as Will thrashed and fought. "Shh, baby, relax. It's me. It's me."
Will recognized that voice, slowing down his movements.
Paul let go of Will's mouth to pull off his hood. "See?"
Will stared at Paul for a few moments, mind blank. He couldn't believe Paul was here, in person.
"I thought you weren't coming yet," Will breathed. "I thought…"
"I had some complications," Paul admitted.
"Oh," Will blinked. He shook his head before punching Paul in the arm. "Why didn't you call me? I thought I was getting attacked, you jackass!"
Paul doubled over with a sharp cry, hand going to the spot Will hit.
"Are you okay?" Will bent over to help Paul up. "I didn't think I hit you that hard."
"It's not that," Paul said through clenched teeth, sweat beading at his temples.
"What's wrong?" Will hovered his hands over Paul's back. "What happened?"
"It's why I'm here so early," Paul stood up straight, pain painting his face. "It's my arm."
"What about it?" Will whispered, terrified.
"I'm here for an operation," Paul confessed, leaning against Will. "And I'm so fucking terrified."
Will held Paul still as he placed a pillow behind his back. He grabbed another pillow and attempted to slide it under Paul's healing arm.
"Watch it," Paul hissed.
"Is that enough? I can get the pillows out of the bedroom and-," Will began.
"I'm fine!" Paul spat out, yanking his arm out of Will's reach.
"Sorry," Will held up his hands in surrender and backed away. "I just wanted to make sure you were comfortable."
Before Paul could say anything else, Will rushed into the kitchen and out of sight.
"Damn it," Paul mumbled as he looked over the edge of the sofa. "I'm sorry! I don't want you coddling me. That's all."
Paul winced when his shoulder moved. He adjusted his sling and threw his head back in frustration.
A few days after the Giants playoff hopes died, Paul arrived in Salem. As he explained to Will in that alleyway behind the Brady Pub, Paul needed an operation. Paul did a lot of research into surgeons and by happenstance, Salem offered one of the best.
It had been almost a week since his surgery and Will wouldn't stop babying him. Calling nonstop between classes and on his breaks at work. Bringing Paul every meal so Paul wouldn't have to worry about it himself.
Paul knew Will was only doing it because he cared and worried but enough was enough.
The only upside to Paul's recovery time was getting to stay at his seldom used Salem loft. Everyone in town knew Will and Paul were close. No one thought it suspicious that Will spent more time at the loft than his dorm. Paul needed someone to check on him after all.
"Here," Will held out his open palm to Paul, showing off a white pain pill. The other hand held a bottle of water.
Paul, reluctant, took the pill.
"Stop being so stubborn," Will requested. He moved behind the couch and placed his hands on Paul's shoulders. He rubbed as soft as he could, the way Paul's physical therapist showed him. "It takes time to heal."
"I don't want it to take time," Paul grumbled, knowing he sounded like a child. "I need it to hurry up. Training camp will be here before I know it and I can't have a fucked up arm."
"I know that," Will said while massaging Paul. "It's only been a few weeks, though. You need to take it easy and rest."
"I don't like resting," Paul whined, leaning into Will's touch.
"You never have," Will agreed. In a weak voice, Will asked, "At least we're together now, right?"
"You're right," Paul sighed. He pulled away from Will and turned around to look at him, minding his shoulder. "I'm sorry I'm such a baby. You know I love being with you. I'm just, uh, you know-," Paul struggled to find the right world.
"Scared?" Will guessed. "I get it. If your arm doesn't heal everything will be over. I know more than anyone how much you love baseball. I'd just-," Will stopped talking and looked away.
"You just what?" Paul pressed.
"You could at least act like you're happy to see me every day," Will mumbled.
"Baby," Paul sighed. He reached his good arm out and touched Will's face. "I love you and I love seeing you all the time now. I do. I'll do a better job of showing it. I promise."
"Thank you," Will leaned forward and kissed Paul. He linked his hands around the back of Paul's neck and held on tight. "I love you too."
"Mmm," Paul moaned when Will pulled away, eyes still closed.
"And if you want to make it up to me," Will flashed Paul a winning smile. "I can think of something we could do."
"Does it involve you riding me?" Paul wondered as he opened his eyes and leered.
"Well, I wouldn't rule it out," Will appeased. He moved to the front of the couch and sat so his knees pressed into Paul's thighs, mindful of the sling.
"What does that mean?" Paul narrowed his eyes.
"It means," Will ran his hands up and down Paul's chest, maintaining eye contact. "That today Neil's visiting and I want you to meet him."
Paul made a disinterested sound. "I liked my idea better."
"Please?" Will pouted, sticking out his lower lip. "Please, Paul, please? Neil didn't get to see me on my birthday, after all. In fact, you ruined my birthday when you scheduled your surgery on it."
"I told you I was sorry about that. I wasn't thinking. But come on, not the puppy dog eyes," Paul groaned. "You know I can't say no."
"I know, that's why I do it all the time," Will confirmed. "Please, he's only here for the weekend. His parents get him tonight but today he's all mine."
Paul squeezed Will's hip in warning at the phrase.
"You know what I mean," Will shook his head. "You both are so important to me. I want you two to get to know each other. Have my best friend meet my perfect and sexy boyfriend who never denies me anything," Will batted his lashes, looking up at Paul.
"Fine," Paul sighed, giving in. "He can come over."
"Thank you," Will kissed the apple of Paul's cheek over and over.
"He knows we're together, right?" Paul double checked.
"Of course," Will promised. "He knows how in love with you I am and that I'm all yours."
"Good," Paul grunted.
"You sure you'll be okay with this?" Will asked with a strange look on his face.
"Why wouldn't I be?" Paul wondered.
"Because of the sex stuff," Will said, scratching the back of his neck.
"I know all about you and Neil," Paul rolled his eyes. "It's fine."
"You won't make a big deal, right?" Will added.
"I won't if he doesn't," Paul tried to shrug and regretted it right away. "Fuck, that stings," Paul complained, touching his shoulder.
Will fussed over Paul, kissing his shoulder over his shirt and checking on his sling.
Fifteen minutes before Neil's arrival, Paul sucked as many marks into Will's throat as he could. Despite what he told Will, that he wouldn't make a big deal, Paul hated that Neil touched Will. He hated that Neil was Will's first. That Neil touched Will in such an intimate way.
To make up for that anger, Paul was marking his territory.
"Fuck," Will held Paul's dark hair in a firm grip against his neck. "Paul, uh, you gotta, you gotta stop."
"No," Paul circled the bright red mark he left on Will's neck with his tongue. "Think I can get you off before he gets here?"
Will whined when Paul pulled open the top button on his pants.
"You gotta stop," Will ordered despite his hips grinding against Paul's. "He's gonna be here."
"So?" Paul teased, nipping Will's skin.
"Don't-don't want him to see me like this," Will whined, leg wrapping around Paul's waist. "Only you see me, now."
"Fuck," Paul stopped, panting against Will's throat. "You're right. I don't want him to see you all worked up and sexy."
With a disappointed sigh, Paul pushed off Will and sat up straight. He adjusted his pants and sighed.
"Later," Will promised, wiping across his mouth.
"That a promise?" Paul smiled, staring into Will's eyes.
"Oh, yeah," Will grabbed Paul's cheeks and yanked him closer.
Paul held onto Will's neck, licking across Will's lips.
Knock Knock
Will popped off the couch and ran to open the door, leaving Paul a mess on the couch.
Before Neil could say anything, Will jumped at him.
Stumbling backward, Neil put his hands on the small of Will's lower back and closed his eyes.
"I missed you," Will breathed as he stood on his tiptoes to wrap his arms around Neil's neck.
"Missed you too," Neil promised. He kissed the top of Will's head and pulled back to look at Will. "Hey," Neil greeted when he looked into Will's eyes. "There you are."
"Hi," Will beamed. He almost kissed Neil, a conditioned response to seeing him, but stopped himself in time.
Paul watched the reunion with a frown. He loved that Will got to see his best friend again. And Paul owed Neil a lot of gratitude for helping to mold Will into the confident, wonderful man he was now. He still didn't want to see his boyfriend next to someone he once slept with, though.
Paul cleared his throat.
"Oh," Will shook his head and put his hand on Neil's back. "Neil, this is Paul."
"Nice to meet you," Neil stuck his hand out to shake Paul's.
"Same," Paul resisted his urge to plaster Will against him.
The three stood in an awkward silence as Will grinned at everyone.
"So," Neil said, looking around the loft before settling on Will. With a smirk, Neil quipped, "Nice hickey."
Will's hand went to his throat before he smacked Paul's stomach.
"What?" Paul asked, giving Will an impish grin.
Neil laughed and turned to Will. "You're right. He's a lot hotter in person."
Paul didn't know if he should frown or primp at that statement. Instead, he settled for a strained smile.
Will, moving to grab Paul's arm, nodded. "I told you. I hit the jackpot."
A few hours later, while Will was using the restroom, Neil angled his body on the couch to face Paul.
"I just thought I'd tell you," Neil said. "That I've never seen Will this happy before."
"Yeah?" Paul smiled.
"When I first met him," Neil sighed, thinking back to that sad boy with the haunted eyes. "He looked lost. Now, it's like I'm looking at a whole other person."
"I thought the same when I saw him the first time this summer," Paul recalled. "He was so different than the last time I saw him. I mean, I could tell from talking on the phone that he'd changed, but seeing it in person was something else."
"Will's always loved you," Neil said after a few moments. "When we first met, there was something about him, you know? Beyond how good looking he is there's always been something. And I wanted to find out what it was."
Paul nodded. He knew Will and Neil's history. Knew they tried dating but they could never make it work.
"We work better as friends, Will and I. I know that, now," Neil acknowledged. "But for a long time I hated you. I didn't know you but I hated you so much. It felt like Will was wasting his life away on you. On some ideal that was never gonna love him back. Will stuck by you, though. Stuck up for you. He kept insisting you'd be together. That you're meant for each other."
Paul pressed his lips together, holding back a smile. He loved that Will felt that way about them, about him, for so long.
"I thought he was nuts," Neil admitted with a laugh. "That he was delusional. You already rejected him once. I thought he'd get his heart broken again when he went to visit you. I helped him the best I could but I never thought this would happen," Neil waved his hand at Paul. "But I'm glad it did. Will deserves this. I just hope you deserve Will."
"I try," Paul admitted. "I didn't, I mean, I wasn't as sure about things as Will. I didn't know this was what I wanted. But I wouldn't have it any other way. There's no going back, now."
"Good," Neil nodded. "Just don't hurt him. He's a good kid."
"The best," Paul said.
"Hot too," Neil teased.
"Uh huh," Paul narrowed his eyes.
"And those sounds he makes, whew," Neil laughed. "Always gets me going."
Paul, realizing Neil was joking with him, chuckled. "Yeah, you have no idea, buddy."
"Hey, I'm sure I have more stories than you," Neil said. "He ever tell you about that time we went to the dugout at his high school?"
"Weren't you wearing my jersey?" Paul gave Neil a pointed look.
"What are we talking about?" Will asked as he walked back in the room.
"The time we fucked on the baseball field," Neil answered.
"Oh," Will blinked a few times. "Okay."
"That's all you have to say?" Paul questioned as Will leaned against his good side.
"What?" Will shrugged. "You already knew it happened. Not much more to add that won't piss you off."
"I've had sex with other people too, baby," Paul rolled his eyes even though Will had a point.
"On the bright side," Neil said. "There isn't anything anyone can say that'll piss me off."
"No?" Will lifted his eyebrows high on his forehead, challenging Neil.
"Nope," Neil shrugged.
"I gave Brian a blowjob once last spring," Will grinned at Neil when his face fell.
Neil was under the assumption that Will had only ever been with him and Paul. He didn't like hearing that wasn't true.
"You're evil and I hate you," Neil huffed. He waited a beat. "How big is he anyway?"
Will closed the door after Neil and smiled. He rushed back to Paul on the couch.
"See? I knew you'd get along with Neil," Will bragged. He snuggled into Paul's side.
"Yeah, he's not terrible," Paul admitted. "You could have a worst best friend."
"Ha!" Will laughed. "I was right."
"You always are," Paul appeased. "Funny how that works out, huh?"
"Now, I do believe we were in the middle of something," Will straddled Paul's lap. "When Neil interrupted."
"Mmm," Paul clamped his good hand down on Will's ass. "I think we were right here," Paul moved his mouth to Will's neck.
December
Will waltzed out of his math final with pep in his step. The long hours in study groups paid off. Will was certain he passed that exam with flying colors.
Suck it, Professor Epps, Will thought.
Grabbing his phone out of his backpack, Will sent a quick text to Aaron, his Iron Man study-buddy. He thanked Aaron for all his help and offered some free pie the next time he visited the pub.
After picking up a coffee at the student union, Will went to his seldom used dorm. Having Paul in Salem meant Will didn't have to deal with his idiot roommate.
It took Will only a few minutes to pack up everything he'd need during winter break. Once finished, Will dropped them all off at Paul's loft. From there, Will went to the hospital. Paul had an appointment with Dr. Jonas.
Will stepped off an elevator on his way to find Paul when he saw his aunt, Dr. Kayla Brady, standing at the nurse's station.
"Hi, Aunt Kayla!" Will greeted.
"Hey, sweetheart," Kayla smiled. "How have your finals been?"
"Good," Will said. "I just finished my last one, math. Now, I'm all free until January."
"Congratulations," Kayla declared while flipping through some charts. "You survived your first semester."
"Busy?" Will asked, nodding at the files surrounding Kayla.
"So busy," Kayla sighed. She moved closer to Will and revealed in a low voice, "We admitted Victor Kiriakis last week for heart palpitations. He's the most obnoxious patient and so are all his relatives, let me tell you."
"Is he okay?" Will wondered. Not that he cared much for the man but he knew Brady would feel devastated if something happened to him.
"He's recovering," Kayla admitted. "In fact, I need to go check on him, now."
"I'll stop bugging you then," Will said.
"You're not a bother," Kayla insisted. "I'll see you around soon."
Will nodded, ready to walk down the hall to Dr. Jonas' office. As he walked away, he spotted an intern he recognized. A familiar dark-haired friend of Neil's Will once went down on at a party.
"Hi, Brian," Will said as he walked into the hallway.
"Hey," Brian nodded at Will. "How've you been, Horton?"
"I'm good," Will said. "Just finished my last final."
"Nice," Brian nodded.
Will looked around the empty hallway and asked, "Why are you standing here by yourself?"
Brian pointed to the bathroom behind him. "Waiting for someone."
"Someone like a patient or someone like someone?" Will lowered his voice and pouted his lips.
"You're still a dork, I see," Brian laughed. "Yeah, it's someone."
"Anyone I know?" Will pressed.
"I doubt it," Brian said. "He's here visiting his family for the holidays. An uncle, or something, is in the hospital. That's how we met."
"Oh, that's cool," Will nodded. "What's his name? Uh oh!"
As soon as the bathroom door opened, Will shouted, "Good luck, Brian! I'll see you around." Then, he ran away before Brian could react.
"Who was that?" Brian's date, Sonny Kiriakis, asked, not getting a good look at the guy talking to Brian.
"Just a friend," Brian dismissed, throwing his arm around Sonny's shoulder and guiding him away. "Don't worry about it."
Will knocked on the door to Dr. Jonas' office and waited for the okay to go inside.
"Come in," Dr. Daniel Jonas said.
"Hey," Will nodded at Dr. Jonas before smiling at Paul. That smile slipped when he saw how dejected Paul looked.
"What's wrong?" Will put his hand on Paul's knee as soon as he sat down.
As far as Daniel knew, Will was nothing more than a supportive friend. There wasn't anything strange about Will offering Paul comfort now.
"Paul?" Daniel questioned, looking to him for approval.
Paul nodded, though he wouldn't look Will in the eyes.
"What happened?" Will repeated. "Is he going to be okay? Did the tests go well?"
"No, Will," Daniel said with a resigned tone. "They didn't go well at all."
"It might not be so bad," Will said hours later.
The two lay in Paul's bed that night. Paul rested his head on Will's chest, listening to the comforting sound of his heartbeat.
"Maybe you need a second opinion?" Will continued, fingers gliding through Paul's hair.
"Daniel was my second opinion," Paul responded, voice muffled against Will's shirt.
"Um, a third opinion?" Will suggested.
"Face it," Paul blinked several times, trying not to cry. "I'm never playing ball again."
"You don't know that," Will whispered, face falling. He hated hearing Paul use that tone, sounding so defeated.
"I know my arm better than anyone," Paul mumbled. "It's over."
Will held Paul tighter as both their tears began to fall.
Paul spent the rest of December wallowing. He rarely left the house and the few times he did Will had to drag him.
Will understood Paul needed time to process everything, to heal inside and out. But Will could only put up with so much before he lashed out.
"Get your ass out of bed," Will demanded, throwing a blazer at the lump on Paul's bed.
"M'sleeping," Paul groaned, throwing a comforter over his head.
"It is 4: 15 in the afternoon, nope," Will grabbed the blanket and threw it on the floor. "Get your lazy butt up!"
"Go away," Paul hid his head under his pillows.
"Not happening," Will stood firm. "It's Christmas Eve and you are not staying here. I convinced every single member of our family to go to the mansion tonight. You are not ruining that."
"I don't care," came Paul's muffled reply.
"Yes, you do," Will sat on the bed. He placed his hand on Paul's back and rubbed. "I know, I get it. You can't keep hiding away from the world. Your life isn't over."
"Yes, it is," Paul argued. "I've dedicated my entire life to baseball. What am I without it?"
"A son," Will said. "A brother, a philanthropist, a friend," Will pressed his lips together, "A boyfriend?"
Paul didn't respond.
"Or not," Will swallowed, removing his hand.
Along with Paul's withdrawal from society, he also had withdrawn from Will. Shrugging off Will's touch, screaming at Will to leave. Spending almost all his time in bed, alone.
"I picked out an outfit for you," Will told Paul in a small voice. "Use it, don't use. Either way, I'm going. You know where to find me."
Will walked into the DiMera mansion and hung up his coat. When he walked into the ballroom alone, he saw more than one disappointed face.
Will walked up to Tori and pulled her into a hug. "He didn't even care."
"Oh, sweetheart," Tori pressed her hand to Will's cheek. "It's not your fault. He just needs time."
"Yeah," Will nodded, eyes on the ground. "Merry Christmas, right?"
"It still will be," Tori promised with a sad smile.
"You alright?" Sami questioned as she walked up to Will and Tori.
"No," Will whispered.
Sami put her arms around Will, squeezing tight. She knew how difficult the past few weeks had been for Will and Paul. Sami didn't quite understand everything. Now that Paul was in Salem, Sami assumed things would be easier for Will, not harder.
"You look miserable," Sami noted with a frown. "You know I hate it when you look like that."
"I can't help it," Will mumbled, face buried in Sami's hair. "Nothing I do is good enough. I can't get through to him."
Sami held Will tighter, thinking.
"Well, I know something that'll cheer you up," Sami said as she stepped away from Will just in time.
"What?" Will wondered.
"Will!" three tiny voices screamed from across the room.
"Hey!" a genuine smile spread across Will's face as he kneeled down to embrace his brother and sisters. "I feel like I haven't seen you in forever."
"Not since Monday," Allie said in a know-it-all voice. "Three days."
"Sooooo long," Sydney sighed before flopping into Will's arms, assuming he would catch her.
"Too long," Will agreed, adjusting his hold on Sydney.
"Come on," Johnny pulled on Will's hand. "You gotta play with us, come on!"
"Tori," Sami said as she watched her children run off to play. "Watch the party. I'm going after your son."
"Are you sure about this?" Tori questioned as she chased after Sami.
"Oh, I'm sure," Sami found her coat and threw it on over her pretty dress. "I am giving my son a Christmas miracle or I'm bashing your son in the face. Cover for me."
Tori watched Sami rush out the door with a small smile on her face. If anyone could convince Paul to get over himself, it was Sami Brady-DiMera.
Pound Pound Pound Pound Pound Pound Pound
"Open the door, Narita!" Sami screeched. "I know you're in there!"
Paul, lying in bed, ignored the yelling to shove his head back under his pillow.
"I have to do everything myself," Sami grumbled under her breath as she picked his lock.
After unlocking the door, Sami marched into Paul's bedroom. She covered her nose with her hand.
"What is that godawful smell?" Sami demanded. She kicked aside a stray pair of sweatbands strewn about the floor. "Is that you? My god, what does my son see in you?"
Paul grunted, ignoring Sami.
"Oh, no you don't," Sami glared, pushing up the sleeves of her coat. "You are gonna get your ass in that shower and to that party."
Not waiting for a response, Sami grabbed all the pillows off the bed and threw them on the floor.
"Hey," Paul complained, sitting up.
"Oh, you are alive," Sami commented. "I was beginning to wonder with the smell."
"Go away, Sami," Paul requested. "I'm not going anywhere."
"Yes, you are," Sami put her hands on her hips and glared. "My son arranged for everyone in your family to be together. Do you know how difficult it was to put that many people in the DiMera mansion at the same time? Without a crime taking place. Do you, huh? He didn't do it for him. He's bounced from house to house for holidays all the time. He did it for you. So you could be with the people you love in such a difficult time. So you could see how many people love you even if you can't play baseball."
Paul turned his back on Sami.
"Fine, have it your way," Sami took off her coat and tossed it over a dresser. "You are not ruining this. You can't play baseball? Fine, do something else. You could be doing so many things and instead, you're lying around marinating in your own stank."
Sami grabbed both of Paul's ankles and yanked him off the bed.
"You used to be the good one," Sami grunted as Paul tried to kick her off. Sami was stronger than she looked, though. She wrestled Paul onto the ground and dragged him toward the bathroom.
Paul attempted to hold onto his mattress, but Sami, hiding some serious upper body strength, fought him off. Before Paul knew it, Sami was yanking him into the bathroom and across the cold tile.
"You were the perfect kid with so many dreams and aspirations," Sami turned on the shower stall. "Everyone was so proud of you, Tori, John, my mom, even me. And you know why I was proud?"
"Because I was the best?" Paul guessed, lying on the floor.
"Because you had all those dreams and all that talent and you somehow always managed to be there for Will," Sami admitted. "You made his crappy home life better. You were there for him, protected him. Do you remember when you were sixteen?"
Paul stared at Sami. He didn't know what she meant.
"You were gonna go out with your friends. They all came by the house to pick you up and you told them you couldn't go," Sami reminded Paul. "Because Will had a cold and I had to work and you didn't want to leave him."
"Oh," Paul remembered it now. Remembered how disappointed his friends were, remembered how disappointed Paul felt too. He wanted to go out with his friends that night. He didn't want to stay home with a ten-year-old. But one look at Will's bright red nose and sad eyes, Paul knew he made the right decision.
"That's why I was proud of you," Sami said. "Because you were the kindest boy I ever knew. Because you grew into such an amazing man. Not because you were famous or had money, but because of who you were as a person. That's why my son loves you. That's why he won't give up on you. That's why he almost cried in Tori's arms tonight when he came to the party. Because the man he loves is hurting and won't let him in at all."
Sami tucked a stray curl behind her ears. She grabbed the handheld shower sprayer and said, "So, get off your ass and go fix this."
Before Paul could respond Sami sprayed him in the face with water.
Will sat by himself on a bench outside in the garden. An outdoor fireplace kept him warm even as a light sprinkling of snow began to fall.
"There you are," a man with a silky smooth British accent said into the open air. EJ DiMera, Will's stepfather, sat next to him on the bench. He handed Will a mug of spiked eggnog. "Don't tell your mother."
"When do I tell her anything?" Will said with a sardonic grin.
"So, what has you hiding out here?" EJ brushed a few snowflakes off Will's shoulders.
"Nothing," Will shrugged. "Just, thinking."
"About Paul?" EJ assumed.
"Something like that," Will mumbled, taking a sip of his drink.
"If you're not happy," EJ said in a low tone. "You don't have to stay with him."
Will turned to look at EJ. It didn't surprise Will that EJ knew the truth of his relationship with Paul. EJ knew everything, it seemed.
"I'm not not happy," Will replied. "The past few weeks, things have just been, I don't know, different. I know he's adjusting to the news about his arm but I don't know if I can take it anymore."
"Change is rough," EJ offered, taking a sip of his own drink. "Sometimes men, proud men, don't know how to handle that. And sometimes they don't know a good thing until it's gone."
"Or, sometimes, they need a kick in the ass to get over themselves," a voice said from behind them.
Will didn't turn around. He didn't need to. He'd recognize that voice anywhere.
"I'll take my leave," EJ said as he stood up and patted Will's knee. "Narita," he nodded his head as he passed him.
"EJ," Paul nodded back before moving to take EJ's seat.
Will and Paul sat in silence for a few minutes. The only sound was the crackling of the fire, a light breeze with the smattering of snow.
"I'm sorry," Paul stated after a time.
"You don't have to say that," Will admitted. "You're going through a lot. I shouldn't pressure you to get over it this soon. This doesn't have anything to do with me."
"It does, you know it does," Paul argued. "What affects me, affects you too. We're connected. And I've been a pretty big dick to you."
Will nodded his head. He wasn't going to argue.
"I'm sorry," Paul repeated. "I haven't been dealing with this at all. I've focused on my pain and little else."
"Yeah, you have," Will sighed.
"I was so concerned about what I was losing," Paul said. "I couldn't see what was still right in front of my face." Paul took Will's hand. "I love you. When I said I didn't have a life anymore, that I wasn't anything other than baseball, that wasn't true. I shouldn't have said that."
"It's okay," Will gave Paul a half smile.
"Stop being so understanding," Paul huffed, half-exasperated and half-fond. "I love you and I'm sorry."
"I know you do," Will responded. "Why do you think I didn't punch you for acting that way? I love you, you dumbass."
"Thanks for putting up with me," Paul smiled. "And not punching me."
"You're too pretty for that anyway," Will teased. "Don't want to damage the goods."
"Thanks," Paul chuckled before composing himself. "I'm sorry I ruined your holiday season."
"You didn't ruin it," Will scooted closer, thighs brushing. "Almost but not quite."
"Well, you know," Paul put his arm around Will and yanked him close. "I did think of one good thing about my baseball days ending on the way over here."
"Oh, yeah, what?" Will wondered enjoying the brief moment in Paul's arms before they had to separate. Not everyone at the party knew they were together.
"That means I get to stay here in Salem," Paul let go of Will. He turned to face him and grabbed both hands. "With you."
"What about San Francisco?" Will asked. "Your condo, that's where you live."
"I'll keep the condo," Paul assured Will. "We deserve a vacation home, don't we?"
"Hmm," Will hummed, trying to contain his smile. "But if you live in Salem, I'll see you every day. I don't know. You might get annoying."
"Ha!" Paul laughed. "So, you don't want to move in with me? You know, for real?"
"Move in?" Will questioned, failing at keeping his smile in check. "Aren't people gonna talk about that? And I've got my dorm room still and I'd just hate to leave my roommate."
"Bullshit," Paul threw his head back and laughed. "You hate him. You love me."
"Oh, I guess," Will pretended to deliberate.
"You guess?" Paul smiled, squeezing both Will's hands. "I suppose I deserve that after the past few weeks."
"Little bit, yeah," Will nodded. "Do you know how long it's been since you've touched me?"
"I'm touching you right now," Paul said even though he knew what Will meant.
Will lifted one brow and pursed his lips.
"I'm gonna pay for a lot of things when we get home, aren't I?" Paul realized.
Will slipped his fingers out of Paul's hand. He reached up to clap both hands on Paul's cheeks. "For a long, long time."
Will stood up and finished his eggnog. "Now, let's go get you in the Christmas spirit."
December 31st
Paul walked down the crowded streets of Salem through the town square. For New Years, the entire town seemed to congregate outside. They braved the winds and snowfall for their small town version of partying in Times Square.
Will was here somewhere in the mess. His friends wouldn't take no for answer and Paul encouraged him to go. Paul couldn't keep Will up in the loft forever. Will needed to go out and live his life. Spend time with his friends and party.
Paul knew Will felt disappointed they couldn't spend the night together. But Paul thought this was important. It was going to be important. Paul had plans.
Now, Paul thought as he sidestepped some kids on the walkway and entered the park. Where's Will?
It took Paul a few minutes to find Will. Even then he didn't see Will at first. Instead, Paul recognized some of Will's friends. T, of course, and a few kids that shared Will's major with him. Even that annoying Aaron that propositioned Will on Halloween, not that Paul could begrudge him that.
The reason Paul didn't recognize Will was because the hood of his sweater was up to obscure Will's face.
Walking towards a group of picnic benches, Paul strolled up to Will.
Will, holding onto a suspicious looking red cup, shrieked in delight when he saw Paul.
"What are you doing here?" Will questioned as he put one arm around Paul. Even in his borderline-tipsy state, Will wouldn't touch Paul more than necessary in public.
"My mom has an early meeting tomorrow," Paul explained. "So, she was going to bed early."
Paul spent the evening at dinner with his mother. What Will didn't know was he also invited John and Marlena. He discussed with his parents his plans for the evening and how they would affect Paul for the rest of his life.
"Cool," Will nodded, finishing his drink. "You want some?" Will offered.
"Isn't drinking in public illegal?" Paul mused. "Especially when that someone is oh, I don't know, nineteen?"
"I wouldn't know anything about that," Will held a hand to his chest before widening his eyes. "I thought it was orange soda, Officer, honest. I didn't know those awful boys spiked it. Please, don't tell my grandpa, the police chief."
Paul laughed and rolled his eyes. "You're freaky good at that fake-innocent stuff."
"You should know," Will quipped with a meaningful look.
"What's with the hood?" Paul asked, tugging on the material covering Will's face. He ignored Will's comment, though.
Paul was well aware he couldn't resist Will's innocent act, ever.
"Uh," Will bit his lip, cheeks pretty and pink from both the chill in the air and his drink. "I never got around to telling you this but uh, well," Will looked over his shoulder and pointed towards a secluded area of the park.
Paul looked in the direction Will pointed and furrowed his brows. He could see two dark-haired figures huddled together on a park bench. He thought one looked familiar but he wasn't sure.
"That's not who I think it is, is it?" Paul frowned.
"Oh, it is," Will laughed. "I saw him at the hospital on the day of your last appointment. That's why I forgot to tell you. With your arm and everything," Will rambled.
"Focus," Paul snapped a finger in Will's face.
"Oh, right," Will shook his head. "Anyway, Sonny's been dating Brian, I guess. I didn't want him to see me and cause a big stir or anything."
"Huh," Paul nodded. "Well, good for him. I hope he's happy."
"Me too," Will divulged. "But, uh, he can't see me around Brian, ever."
"Why not?" Paul frowned.
Paul remembered seeing Brian around the hospital a few times. He was good looking and nice. Always stopped to chat with Will if they ran into each other.
"Um," Will smiled up at Paul, batting his lashes. "Remember when I said I fooled around with a few of Neil's friends?"
"Oh my God," Paul covered his face with one hand. "Did you give Sonny's new boyfriend a blowjob?"
"In my defense, it was before they were dating," Will said as if that would fix everything.
"Alright, yeah, you aren't going near Brian anymore," Paul declared. "Where are those drinks? I'm gonna need one, now."
Paul caused quite a stir when Will's friends realized he was there. Most of them had met Paul before but they all still had celebrity fever around him.
Will thought it was cute and funny, especially when his female friends tried to hit on Paul.
"Excuse me," Paul extracted himself from the firm grip of a determined brunette. "Whew," Paul chuckled when he moved back towards Will.
"You know," Will said once they were far enough removed from everyone else. "One of these days, everyone is gonna wonder why you haven't found anyone to date here."
"I could say the same thing about you," Paul pointed out.
"I'm not famous, though," Will smiled. "What are you gonna do about it?"
"You'll see," Paul winked, taking a sip of his drink.
"I'll see what?" Will wrinkled his nose.
"Hey, guys!" Aaron yelled. "It's almost midnight!"
Most of the group grabbed drinks or sparklers to light. Some started pairing up if they didn't have someone to kiss. Almost everyone had their phones out ready to record or take pictures.
Paul, seeing Aaron's eyes drifting toward Will, wrapped his arm around Will's waist.
"What are you doing?" Will turned to face Paul, eyebrows furrowed. "Everyone can see us."
"I know," Paul used his free hand, the one in the sling, to pull down Will's hood, revealing his face.
"Then why-?" Will started to say.
"Remember those plans I mentioned?" Paul smiled at Will. Nearby, sparklers began to fizz and pop, lighting the air. It cast Will in an ethereal light.
Will nodded, eyes locked on Paul as Paul stroked one knuckle down the side of Will's face.
"Ten!" the countdown began around them.
"I've been thinking it over," Paul explained, licking his lips. "And I don't have any reason to hide anymore."
"You mean?" Will's eyes fluttered, heart pounding out of his chest.
"Five!"
Paul nodded, letting go of Will's waist to cup his face with both hands.
"Happy New Year, baby," Paul whispered as he leaned in for a kiss.
Will couldn't tell if the fireworks going off were inside his chest or up in the sky. His arms wrapped around Paul's neck, stepping closer, and opening his mouth.
Paul knew, without having to open his eyes, that almost all cameras faced them now.
The videos were a perfect addition to the front page headline tomorrow: Narita, Out and Proud.
"I can't believe you did that," Will breathed out a shaky laugh as he stumbled into the loft. "I can't believe you kissed me in front of everyone."
"Get used to it," Paul suggested. Neither could wipe the grins off their faces. "I'm gonna do it every day from now on."
"Oh my God," Will's face hurt from smiling too much.
After they finished kissing, they noticed the stunned faces of Will's friends. Will was too giddy to do anything other than cling to Paul and giggle.
Paul kissed Will over and over again before dragging him back towards the loft. It was too hazy from all the fireworks but Paul was almost positive he'd seen Sonny giving him a nod as he walked past.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Will asked as his hands slid all over Paul's face.
"I wanted it to be a surprise," Paul admitted. "And a sort of late Christmas present. Well, also, because I didn't want to get your hopes up if I chickened out."
"Oh, okay," Will kissed Paul again. "I still can't believe it!"
"It's like I said," Paul wrapped his arm around Will and pulled him close. So, close that their hips touched. "I might not have baseball anymore but I have you. Baseball was the reason I couldn't come out. Now, I don't have anything holding me back, us back."
"This is huge," Will laughed, throwing his head back. "You're gonna inspire so many kids that were just like me. You're gonna make such a difference."
"I don't know about that," Paul bowed his head, bashful.
"No," Will held Paul's face up. "You will. I know you will."
Paul captured Will's lips against his, holding on tight. He walked Will backward until Will's knees bumped over the arms of the sofa.
Will flopped on the sofa when Paul pushed him, dragging Paul with him.
"I love you," Paul whispered between kisses. "I love you so much."
"Me too," Will cried out as Paul kissed down the column of his throat. "Love you."
Will helped unbutton his shirt, knew Paul would have trouble with his sling. Paul attached his mouth to each inch of skin revealed.
"Mmm," Will moaned, pulling open his shirt. "Paul, it feels so good"
"Love your skin," Paul mumbled, flicking his tongue over Will's nipple, sucking a deep red bruise into the flesh beside it. "Love marking it and tasting it."
"Me too," Will lifted his hips, trying to undo his buckle.
Paul stood up and disrobed as Will did the same. Pants, shirts, shoes and socks, and underwear flew over the living room floor.
Paul motioned to push Will back onto the sofa when Will shook his head.
"I want you on your back," Will said with a wicked grin.
"Oh, that so?" Paul sat down before stretching out.
"Uh huh," Will kissed Paul before sitting on his face. "I want your tongue and fingers as deep as you can reach. All while," Will slid down Paul's body, mouth hovering over his cock, "I choke this down my throat. Sound good?"
"So, so good," Paul's muffled voice agreed, nipping at the globe of Will's ass.
Will jerked Paul's cock in his hand, spreading a small amount of pre-come down the shaft. At the same time, Paul spit in his hand before smearing it along Will's crack.
Paul stuck out his tongue, just toying with Will's hole at first. Circling his entrance with his tongue, Paul added his finger. He rubbed his fingertip over Will, just teasing.
"Mmm," Will groaned, rocking back into the sensation. He licked his lips before pressing a gentle kiss to the tip of Paul's cock.
Will opened his mouth, working his tongue and his lips. Before long, Will sunk a fraction of Paul's cock in his mouth, digging his tongue in the ridge just below the head.
Paul moaned against Will's ass, sliding his tongue inside, curling it. Once Will was wet enough, Paul slipped one finger inside, stroked Will's walls with the pad.
Will ground his hips, cock and balls sliding along Paul's throat and chest.
Slow, dragging it out, Will slurped Paul into his throat. He experimented with how long he could hold his breath. Sometimes only a few seconds, sometimes longer. Will's finger dragged up and down Paul's balls. He loved those few moments when he could feel Paul tremble beneath him. Will lived for those moments.
Paul worked a second finger into Will. His mouth and chin were covered in saliva but he didn't stop. He knew how much Will loved getting his ass played with, knew how much Will loved when Paul got him off from this alone.
"Mmm," Will moaned around Paul's cock when Paul's fingers hit him just right.
"Feel good?" Paul whispered, pressing into the same spot over and over.
Will gurgled out a wet answer, mouth occupied with Paul's cock.
Paul chuckled. "It's rude to talk with your mouth full."
Will, in punishment for the crack, squeezed his left fist around Paul's cock, twisting.
"Fuuuuck," Paul hissed. "Gah, keep doing that. Work that pretty little mouth and that tight, perfect fist around me. Do it, baby."
Will backed his ass back against Paul's face, wanting him to shut up.
Paul, getting the hint, circled his tongue around his fingers.
Will purred in delight.
The two fell into a steady rhythm until Will was open enough around Paul's fingers. Paul smacked Will on the inner thigh and sat up.
"Wasn't done," Will pouted, licking his lips and chasing the taste of Paul's precome.
"Wanna fuck you," Paul explained.
With his sling, Paul found it difficult to avoid further injury in any position other than one. It just so happened to be his favorite.
Paul rubbed his hands on his thighs, encouraging Will to sit.
"You owe me," Will grumbled as he adjusted in Paul's lap. He held Paul's dick in one hand and balanced with his other.
"I owe you the joy of sucking my cock?" Paul questioned with a laugh before groaning as Will sank down on him. "Fine by me."
"You do," Will rose and fell, circling his hips. "Wanted to feel you burst on my tongue. Wanted to swallow you down, fill my stomach."
"Oh, yeah?" Paul rested his head on the back of the sofa. He let Will do all the work.
"Uh huh," Will nodded, sweat pooling at the edge of his forehead. "Wanted to come with your tongue inside me."
"Next time," Paul promised. He brought his free hand down to Will's bouncing cock, jerking. He grinned when Will's eyes slid to the back of his head. "Look so good taking my dick."
"I know," Will huffed, flashing Paul a cocky grin.
Paul made to reply when Will leaned forward and kissed him.
The two kissed without any finesse or refinement. Just two sloppy, wet mouths moving together.
Before long, Will cried out against Paul's mouth, blasting his stomach and Paul's fist with several streaks of come.
"Fuck, that never gets old," Paul praised, enjoying the way Will clenched around him.
"Uh huh," Will whispered, eyes lidded.
"Don't say I never do anything for you," Paul warned before throwing Will onto his back.
Will yelped. Before he could do anything else, Paul straddled Will's shoulders and fed him his cock.
Paul grinned when he saw how happy Will looked.
Paul jerked his cock while Will suckled on the head. In a matter of minutes, he was bursting across Will's tongue. Some slipped out, getting along Will's mouth and some even across the bridge of his nose.
Paul, panting, mopped up the mess with his fingers and fed them to Will.
"So, dirty," Paul teased.
"You like me dirty," Will maintained.
"True," Paul smiled before kissing Will once, twice, three times and crawling off of him.
The two lay sweaty, sticky, and sated on the couch, catching their breath.
"Good New Year's?" Paul asked, rolling his head to look at Will.
"Eh," Will teased before saying. "It was perfect."
"Good," Paul smiled, kissing Will again. "Not a bad way to start the year."
"Hey, my boyfriend came out and I got to suck down his perfect cock," Will batted his lashes. "That's like my dream holiday."
"It takes so little to make you happy," Paul joked.
"That's why you love me," Will closed his eyes.
"Don't I know it, baby," Paul said. "Now, let's go rinse off before we stick to the couch."
"Good idea," Will helped Paul off the couch and started to undo the straps on Paul's sling. "Maybe after we could slip in the tub, play with the bubbles."
"Whatever you want, baby," Paul agreed. "When have I ever told you no?"
"And to think," Will grabbed Paul's hands and walked backward toward the bathroom. "You didn't even want to break up with Sonny."
"I was an idiot," Paul laughed. "Good thing you knew better."
"I told you," Will grinned, leaning forward to kiss Paul. "I always win."
The End
Author's note:
Thank you to everyone who read, reviewed, favorited, and followed. I sincerely appreciate the support and feedback.
I'm currently in the middle of a new story that I hope to have out to you soon.
Thank you so much for reading!