The rest of the world falls away to Sonny and Pete because all either of them can feel is each other as Pete's hand gently finds Sonny's waist and Sonny presses into Pete, his hand on Pete's neck. It's sweet and beautiful and even though it feels like everything he's ever wanted, it's not enough, so Pete parts his lips just a little.
Sonny's been waiting for this, wanting this, but he's not sure how seriously Pete takes them so he's indescribably relieved when Pete's the one to invite him in.
It's wonderful. It's special. It's a unique kind of ecstacy all on it's own that even heaven can't beat, because this is here and now; this is Sonny and Pete.
Reluctantly, the two pull away from each other, but their faces are still close enough that Sonny can feel Pete's warm breath and Pere can feel Sonny's racing pulse through his shirt.
Pete runs his hand over his head and then drops his arm, not quite sure what comes next. "I, um."
It's Sonny, bolstered by the kiss, who makes the leap. "You're coming with me." He grabs Pete's hand drags him back in the direction of everyone else, thought he's not sure exactly what happens when they get there.
Pete's not sure what Sonny's got in mind either he definitely know it's not the one thing he can think of. He asks anyway. "Are we?"
"No." Sonny knows what Pete wants to ask, and as much as he'd love to be, he's not ready to come out to anyone yet. Plus he's not even sure what they are- not really a couple if they've only kissed once and neither's asked the other out.
Pete really wants to ask Sonny out. He really really wants to be able to call Sonny his boyfriend. God, that word. Boyfriend. Even though he's gay, he's only ever had girlfriends. And his mom… his dad knew. His dad knew and kept his promise. He never told a soul, as far as Pete knows.
The two of them stumble upon the small cluster of people laughing and smiling, but neither wants to let go of the others' hand, so Sonny holds up Pete's hand instead, like a curtain call. Pete's savoring every moment their hands are still connected. It won't last.
"Graffiti Pete did the mural," Sonny announces loudly above the chatter. "He's officially amazing!"
Pete hopes people are peggin the red in his cheeks on the stifling heat. Sonny's still putting off dropping Pete's hand, but he does when Daniela pulls Pete into the scraggly circle of people, who elvelope Pete in as if he's always been on the inside.
Sonny. Sonny is grinning like a maniac because Pete's just told Usnavi that it was Sonny's idea, and finally Usnavi is giving Sonny his undivided attention.
Pete is finally getting to see Sonny's whole face light up like fireworks on the Fourth of July and everyone around him is finally noticing that he exists.
Sonny doesn't even say anything as Usnavi reaches him; instead he launches himself into Usnavi's arms, trying to hug like Pete does- with all of his heart, with all of his love. And without missing a beat, Usnavi hugs his back fiercely. "Thanks man."
Sonny's head is swirling and he can only breath, "Yeah."
"You painting that?!" Carla widens her eyes dramatically and flutters her lashes as she saunters up. "Could you make me that beautiful?" She strikes a pose and stumbles so she's leaning into him.
Sonny stiffens, his cheeks blooming with color as Pete's body tenses.
Carla whispers into Pete's ear, "You should ask him out." Pete turns bright red to the tips of his ears, and Sonny wonders with a twisting stomach what they're saying to each other until Carla steps back. "He said he's already into someone else," she whines to Daniela as Daniela pulls her away.
Pete's eyes widen. He did not. Although he is, obviously. Maybe too obviously. Sonny's eyes widen too, and he shoves his hands aggressively into his pockets.
Pete goes with it. After all, he really does. He looks up at Sonny, who ducks his head. Adorable.
As much as both of them are absolutely elated to be noticed, it's blessing no one else notices them.
The sun is burning hot, and Sonny's sure he'll be burned to a crisp soon. Thankfully, Usnavi feels the same, it seems, because he calls for lunch in the bodega. Kind of an awkward place, but at least it's indoors.
Pete and Sonny stand beside each other as the rest of them file in. Sonny bites his lip. Pete fiddles with the strap of his backpack.
"Sonny!" Usnavi holds open the door. "Graffiti Pete! C'mon, yo, get in here!"
Sonny beams. Pete almost smiles. They go in, closing the door behind them and enjoying the blissful shade.
This time, people look up when they walk in, wave and say hi.
This time, they're really here.
Usnavi slips them all soda pops on the house, except for Sonny, who decides to have a slushie instead, and they collectively sigh with relief as the cold comes seeming through the searing hot like water into the cracks in the dry cement.
Soda sparkles and pops as Usnavi raises his can up. "A toast to these two," he announces, gesturing to heat-flushed Pete and red-lipped Sonny. "Thanks both of you, for keeping me here, this is my home. Thanks for making me see that."
Pete shrugs, easy and smooth, "No sweat," as Sonny grins. "Of course."
Sonny can't help but love the way the two of their voices smooth over each other.
As much as both of them are absolutely elated to be noticed, it's blessing no one else notices them.
Should this be almost done with a sweet ending or get more serious? Because I feel like they'd get to it pretty fast.