Will really wasn't a crowd type of person. Unless he was at a concert because then the music made it worthwhile, plus he didn't have to talk to the majority of the people there. Whereas, here in Salem, many of those invited to the opening knew him. He recognized Joel, and shook his hand, as well as a few other guys from the LGBT Center. E.J. Dimera, his mother's more recent love interest (although things weren't simple of course, they never were with Sami, especially as his father was Kate's ex) was smiling happily, patting Chad's shoulder. Luckily he hadn't brought Will's mother with him. Will didn't feel ready to let his brand new relationship with Sonny be exposed to her scrutiny.
Tracy was happily making up for his shyness by talking up to anyone she came across. Will scolded himself and braces himself for mindless chatter when he turned and just forgot everything as he spotted Sonny's eyes at the other side of the big room. It was as if there was a clearing of people between them two, as if everything faded into the distance. It didn't last long and soon Sonny was hidden again. Will wasn't sure how to behave. True, they were boyfriends now, but few people were in the know (Will strongly suspected Chad had noticed even before their first kiss).
A cold chill froze him. Maybe Sonny's parents were there too. He looked around in panic, trying to see if he could make it to the front door quickly, when a hand grabbed his arm.
"Where do you think you're going, Will?" Sonny's voice was soft and teasing, tender even. Will relaxed a bit. He remembered how attentive Sonny could be. He smiled and whispered "Didn't want to disturb you during your shining hour. Also..." He took a step closer, as not to get over-heard "... I would love to kiss you but not in front of an audience that big."
Sonny looked thoughtful, then released Will's arm "You don't mind if I call Chad do you?" Will shook his head. Sonny walked to the counter, shouting "Hey, Chad, look who's there!" Chad turned and grinned "Hey Will! Glad you came!"
He joined them and started talking, happily and without expecting long answer. Will felt better. A well-dressed couple approached Sonny, all proud smiles. Will tensed again but Sonny was already greeting them while walking away from Will and Chad.
Tracy appeared out of nowhere, a drink in her hand, yawning. Will teased her "Can't stay awake past your curfew?" which got him a nudge and a whispered explanation about her girlfriend keeping her late the last night. Will shushed her, pretending to be embarrassed.
They were laughing with Chad when Kate saw them and shouted for everyone to hear "Oh, god, Will! You look stunning in this outfit! I'm sure you're breaking hearts already!" Will blushed, and saw Sonny behind her nodding discreetly and winking at him. Will chuckled and decided to finally go mingling.
Two hours later, the party began to wind down and Sonny became more available. He sat next to Will and Tracy on the comfy couch and started chatting. Tracy didn't stay long after that and left for campus soon after.
Will looked around him. Everyone had left except for Chad who had started cleaning. "Should we go help him, Sonny? Just tell me what needs to be done." Sonny shook his head "No need. Chad and I have discussed our different tasks for tonight and I asked to be freed now, so that we could have our date." Will grinned, relieved and excited.
The cold air hit Will, who shivered a little. He felt Sonny's hand on his back immediately, rubbing it softly. Will smiled and put on his coat "So, where are we going?" Sonny grinned "Somewhere I'm sure you'll like."
The place was in an ancient industrial bakery, in Chicago. You could buy a drink and listen to the band set on the small stage but seats were rare and occupied. Will didn't mind, the band was great, he was already planning to buy the CD. Sonny's hand was in his, and Will's eyes kept wandering from the stage to his boyfriend. He must have been smiling because Sonny was smiling too and Will was pretty sure it wasn't because of the music.
After a while, Sonny whispered something in Will's hear, but he didn't catch it as the music was too loud. He frowned and gestured to his ears. Sonny pointed to Will's glass. He nodded and watched him go ask for a refill for him. He smiled in thanks, a little frustrated they couldn't talk at all. It was a great evening for him and he appreciated Sonny's intentions, but it was not a good way to know each other better. On the other hand, he really liked the band.
Sonny left again, this time coming back with a napkin. Will was jumping up and down, his attention on the musicians now, so at first he didn't notice, then he shook his head. Sonny pressed the paper in his hand, so Will took it and noticed it was written. He stopped his movement and opened the improvised letter.
It read 'You look beautiful like that.'
Will took a deep breath, trying to will the blush away. Sonny kissed his cheek, chuckling. Will took a pen in his coat's pocket, turned the napkin around and wrote : 'Thanks. It's because I'm happy to be in your company.' Sonny read it and kissed him again. Will gave up. He wanted to be kissed again and not on the cheek, this time.
"You sure you don't want to stay till the end of the concert?" Sonny looked hesitant as they walked out. Will pressed his hand, marveling at the feeling. When he realized his sexual orientation, he had been prepared to wait a long time to get a boyfriend. It was hard to believe things had happened so fast "I'm sure, yes. I've got the CD now. It's just that we're on a date and I want to be able to talk to you."
Sonny smiled and led Will to his car. They drove around for a while, looking for a place where they could sit and talk, but Will started yawning. Sonny laughed and tapped the wheel "Looks like it's time for your curfew... Would you like to go to my place to have coffee?" Will opened big frightened eyes. Sonny gulped and shook his head "Oh... No, wait, we'd better..." He was fumbling a little. Will took a few calming breath and whispered "We could go back to Common Ground? A coffee place can be a great place for a date." Sonny gave him a grateful look and drove to the freeway.