The snow had finished melting during the night. The sun was low in the sky, sending harsh hot rays in Will's eyes. He came back in and looked through the living-room drawer to find his sunglasses. They were prescription, like the classic pair. He could see correctly without them but if he took them off for too long, he started having headaches.

"Hey, Will!" Will turned, startled. Chad was waving at him from the other side of the street. Will walked slowly to him, rehearsing greetings. What had changed in him that not only Sonny but his employees all liked him and wanted to talk? He reached him and nodded, his hands still in his pockets. Chad started walking again, headed to his work place.

- So, my girlfriend Mel and me, we're going to a concert in two weeks. I remembered when I talked about that group you seemed to like it. So, if you and Sonny wants to join us, it could be fun!

He had been to a few indie concerts before, on his own. The music had to be really good to make the anonymous crowd bearable. He wondered if Sonny had talked about him to his barista. They seemed to have bonded quite fast, and now Will realized a few things. Sonny made new friends easily. But he had never wanted to be friends with him. His whole behavior had betrayed his interest. It was just that Will didn't want to see.

"You think Sonny will like it?" For instance, he didn't know his boyfriend's taste. Maybe Chad didn't either.

- I guess, I think he's quite open-minded. Not die-hard music fan though. Have you heard him sing?"

Will grinned. The two men exchanged a merry glance. Chad was really nice, no wonder Sonny had taken to him like that. "Anyway, he'll go if you do. I think he'd follow you in hell."

Will turned his head on the side to hide his blush. Chad pushed the door and went straight to the "personnel-only" door. He patted Sonny's shoulder on the way and pointed to Will with his thumb in the same motion. The interior looked a little dark, in contrast with the bright daylight. Will locked eyes with Sonny and forgot everything else for a minute.

He stood in the doorway, while his boyfriend walked to him, taking his apron away and raising his hands. He gently took the sunglasses and it was much easier to see, all of a sudden. He got a kiss on the nose, but Sonny kept the glasses in his hand and turned to Chad who was already taking care of orders.

"I'm off! See you later and don't mess up the accounts this time."

Chad shook his head, laughing. Sonny walked out and pulled Will to his chest. He gave him a real kiss on the lips,then raised the sunglasses, then stopped and gave another peck. Will waited patiently. He was feeling light and happy, and also grateful for some time with Sonny he didn't know he would have this afternoon.

"You look really good with those on.

- I have blue eyes. I can't stand direct sunlight for long. I'll only wear them outside. They're very dark.

- So, if I want you to keep them on, I'll have to find something to do outdoor." He crunched his eyes and grinned. Will would have stayed where he was, staring at Sonny's eyes, rendered even darker by the sun filters. He might be frightened of making dating faux-pas or taking things further, but that very moment was what he had waited for all his life.

They walked to the car. Will sat and bravely took a CD out of his jacket. It was the one he had written the letter to. He wanted to lend it to Sonny but first, he put it in the car's CD player. The quiet melody made Sonny smile.

"Looks like I have a new boyfriend, the other one used to be shy."

Will looked at him gravely and whispered:

- You are kidding, right? Because if you mind, I mean, it's your car, I understand..." Sonny's hand landed on his, stroking softly, like a wing.

- I am. I like all kinds of music and I want to know what you like.

- Chad was right, then.

- Why?

- He invited us to a concert with him and his girl. I'm surprised he asked me instead of you. You're his friend." Sonny's eyes were shaking slightly and over-flowing with kindness.

- He wants to be yours, too. When we talked about you, he said I should go for it because you really seemed great and I would regret it." Will must really had been good at hiding his feelings, then, if Sonny needed a push.

- Sooo, I should thank him?

- You can, but I would have tried anyway, maybe a little later. The more I know you, the more I want to spend time with you. Like now. By the way, where are we going?

- What?

- You're the one living here, aren't you? Is there a place in the country that you like best?

- Oh. Hum, there is, but in winter it's not the same.

- OK. Shall we drive back to town?

- Wait. We could go and walk near the lake I go to somewhere with my brother and sisters. The weather is really nice and that way, we can be alone." Sonny released some blocked air from his lungs and asked:

- You really want to be alone with me?" OK, Will had to give him that letter.

He supplied the directions. They drove in semi-silence. Will tried not to look too much out of his window, so he studied Sonny's profile. He had very straight features and Will finally saw why they called it a Greek nose. The skin was much darker than his, even without the sunglasses on and the hair looked thick and unkempt.

They parked and strode to a little path that circled the small lake. Most of the trees were leafless but they were still inhabited. The birds were happy to feel the sun's heat and chirped with gusto. Sonny looked up, his smile wobbling. Will put his hand behind Sonny's neck and kissed him. After a moment, a tongue came to meet his. Will jumped at the lightning bolt that aimed like an arrow to his belt region. He didn't stop the kiss and accepted the return of the spasm in his belly. Both his hands had their palms pressed and their fingers intertwined with Sonny's.

They resumed their walk and sat under a willow tree. Will took off the sunglasses and didn't replace them with the regulars. He sat crossed leg and fished for the letter in his coat. Sonny took it, perplexed. Will lied on the long grass, focusing on the nearest bird song, instead of the loud beating of his own heart. He heard the rustling sound of the paper being turned. Sonny was completely silent. Will replayed the words he had written in his head, wondering...

"Sonny,

I wanted to thank you, again. And tell you what's in my heart, because there is a lot there, it just cannot reach you at the moment. I'm a lonely soul. Growing up has been its own weird adventure and it has left me cautious. But with you, I've gone further than I ever could, from the start. When I saw you on that bench, looking defeated, I took a risk and I'm glad I did. Every minute I've spent with you have been peaceful, filled with respect and I hope you've felt the same.

I don't wish to go too fast, though and I hope you'll agree to it. Your presence has cast a sunshine on the shadows where I spent my life, I don't want to lose that, I want this to work. When you kissed me, it felt perfect, because you're a man and I needed the answer to the questions I had about that, but also because you've let me into your life, because I feel comfortable in your presence. And because my body feels different when you're around. I feel embarrassed talking about that, though. I had never kissed anyone until this month and while your ex at least showed me that girls were out of the question for me, I still feel weird about it.

I don't know how dating works at all. I'm frightened that I may get burned. I trust you, I'm just asking for patience and acceptance. I hope I won't disappoint you. It is exciting to start this discovery.

You know how I love nature... I've always compared you to a bright bird, the one with the cocky air and the little crest, the red cardinal. It's energetic and efficient and, from what I read, very loyal.

I like that we are boyfriends. I need it to be exclusive. I like that you grin after I've kissed you. It makes me feel like I'm flying. I like your smile all the time, how it complements your eyes to tell about all of you without any words needed. I like that you're so direct when you're not sure of what's going on. I like reassuring you.

I don't know if you think this kind of letter is a good thing or if it's "uncool" but I hope it's not the latter, because I am pretty uncool myself (I don't like going to clubs, I don't follow fashions in general...). If you do like it, don't feel obliged to write one back. We are different and I'm fine with that.

I'm quite busy with classes at the moment, so if I say no to a date once or twice, know that it is because an exam is nearing and I'm fully focusing on it. Even my mom knows better than to insist I help at those moments.

I'm aware you're quite busy too, so if you want to call or text or email, don't hesitate. I'll write my email address at the end of the letter.

Your boyfriend, Will"

There was still no reaction, so he sat up and saw Sonny looking at him. His cheeks were glistening. His hand caught his coat that was lying next to Will's. Will was a little disappointed not to get any feedback. Sonny opened the inside pocket and took out the letter signed by his ex. He tore it in half and threw it in the water. Then he carefully folded the new one and put it at its place. He mouthed 'Thank you' and crept nearer to Will. His arm went around his shoulder. Will lay his head in the crook of Sonny's neck, watching the light reflected in myriad ways on the water before them, wishing this moment to be absorbed in his heart and become something he could come back too, whenever he would feel down.

A king fisher was diving in the lake repeatedly, its little wings whirling at high speed, its beak carrying large fishes. Will chuckled.

"This one has a nice crest too. It could use a brush." He raised his hand slowly and let his finger roam in Sonny's own crest.

- Will?

- Yes?

- You want to go to that concert? It's up to you. I'm happy to be where you are, really."

Will reflected. He didn't know Chad's girlfriend and as Sonny had proven it, nice guys sometimes went out with toxic women. Of course, she could be sweet, like his cousin, Abby. He recounted all the small victories he had achieved recently. He could give it a go.

Sonny had to close the coffee shop and do some rearranging in the back room, so he took Will straight to his mother's house. He went to the door with him and asked

"You don't have your own car?" Will shook his head.

- I can't afford one. I talked with my mum and we decided I wouldn't take a job to pay for my studies so that I could be rested enough and still help at home. She lets me use her to take the kids somewhere. I take buses to my classes, I only go out in the neighborhood and for the rest, I tend to live in my head, so...

- So,..." Sonny punctuated this with a kiss "Now..." another "You have your private chauffeur..." and a last one.

- Looks like it. I've had summer jobs, though so I can pay for the gas sometimes if you want.

Sonny's eyebrows were as severe as his smile was playful.

- No way.

- Can I pay for the concert tickets, then?

- OK."

Will kissed him and went inside. He had found what he could teach back his off-key man. How to appreciate good music. Not just the kind birds produced. And maybe how to sing a little better...