The only way, in Sonny's opinion, to get past all obstacles in your way, is to not go at them full force and risk hurting yourself, but instead to slowly wear them down. Gradually, and reasonably. Insistently. Whether it's a business deal, a game, or even a romantic interlude, it's vital to keep the goal in mind to get there so you can choose the right path.
He finds out which church Will and his grandmother go to, as well as which service. Research is always imperative.
When he sits in the pew next to them on Sunday, he gets a very suspicious look from Will, and a knowing wink from Marlena.
He knows God would understand and appreciate what he's doing, and not take it personally for using Sunday's Mass to reach his goal.
But no way is he going to share this epiphany with his mom. In Sonny's experience, she's no less than completely unmoving, more so than God himself.
Aiming his charm towards Marlena, he invites them to brunch afterwards, and gets another cold stare from Will as Sonny gives his name to the hostess. He'd made reservations for three beforehand.
"You're pretty cocky, aren't you?"
Sonny's eyes are one of complete innocence. "I'm just well prepared."
"You're no saint, pal." Will tells him.
"Your grandson's a but of a cynic." Sonny responds as he offers an arm to Marlena.
"No, he's smart." Marlena pats a hand on his. "A man like him is all about sweet talking, good looking men. A man that comes into church just to spend time with him, that makes that man pretty smart too."
"Just thought I'd come and pray."
"What were you praying for?"
"That you'd fly away with me to Amsterdam."
Marlena laughs as she slides into the chair Sonny holds out. "You're the one, aren't you?"
"Yes." Sonny looks right at Will. "I have every intention of being the one."
They settle in with mimosas and the first go at the huge buffet. While a harp plays nearby, Sonny tells them about his progress on the mansion.
"I'm gonna keep working on the outside as long as the weather permits. Eli's still working on the platser, and I'm still looking for a painter for the exterior. I really don't want to do that myself. The one that painted the smoking room came in to look at the library, but he left kind of unexpectedly."
Sonny's face is completely remorseful as he sips his drink. "I'm pretty sure he's not coming back. Neither is the tile guy. He finished maybe half of one bathroom before he threw in the towel."
"I can put some feelers out." Marlena offers.
"Thank you, but I think I should start looking outside Salem or at least try and do it myself. Things are getting a lot more lively at the DiMera mansion."
"A bunch of grown men running scared of a few slammed doors." Will sneers. "You'd think they'd have more balls."
"It's not just that. A clock sounding off when there isn't one. Music in empty rooms. When the painter was still there, the doors in the library kept opening and shutting. And, of course, let's not forget the screaming."
"There's screaming now?"
"The tile guy." Sonny smiles weakly. "Tells me he saw someone walk into the bedroom, thought it was me. He's just chattering away, setting tiles, listening to what he thinks is me moving around. But because I was apparently not answering any of his questions, he gets up and walks in. There's no one there. From what I tried to get out of him while he was still somewhat coherent, the bathroom door slammed behind him, and the logs in the fireplace caught on fire. He said it felt like someone put a hand on his shoulder. I practically had to drag him out myself when I finally went up there."
"What do you think it was?" Marlena asks.
"A few things. It feels like the more work on the place that gets finished, the more aggressive and violent the...paranormal incidents, let's call them. Especially when I, uh, do something not in the original design."
Will scoops up some eggs. "What do you mean?"
"Take the plasterwork. The areas where that's happening, things are fine. But wherever I made changes, the bathroom, the tiles, that's where things get really interesting. It's like whoever's in there is really pissed off about us not following the original design."
"That's definitely something to think about." Marlena comments.
"Believe me, I have. I think it's Adelaide Horton." Even here, with the tinkling harp and the champagne pouring, the name still fills him with dread. "Woman of DiMera Hall. All it takes is a look at her photos for you to know she's a woman who does not like to be defied. Now here I am putting my dirty hands all over her precious mansion."
"So you've just resigned yourself to coexisting with her?" Marlena asks, watching his jaw clench.
"I'm living in the DiMera mansion, and I'm doing it my way. If she wants to throw a royal tantrum, that's not my problem."
Will sits back. "What do you think, grandma? Courageous or gutsy?"
"I say both. Not a bad mix to be."
"Thanks, but I don't think courage has a lot to do with it. It's my mansion, period. But you can't blame a guy who was only there to do the job he was paid for to take off. Anyway, Marlena, what do you think? Do you think my roommate is Adelaide Horton?"
"I think there's two diffetent forces at work here. The one that brought you to the mansion, and the one that wants you gone. Matter of strength."
Marlena picks up her glas sagain, smiling. "Imagine, champagne for breakfast."
"Come with me to Amsterdam, we can drown in it."
"If I keep drinking, I just might say yes."
"I'll grab another round."
He's so sweet with her, Will thinks. Flirting with his grandma until blush stains her cheeks throughout the long, lazy meal. Sonny goes the extra mile for people, Will muses. Takes actual time and effort to find out what a person likes, then does everything in his power to make it happen.
He's attentive, witty, hot, loaded, tough, and kind.
And he said he's in love with him.
Will can honestly say he knows Sonny well enough to know he never says it unless he really means it. Which is exactly why it's so unnerving to him.
Because on top of all those other things, the man's always honest. And stubborn to a fault.
Sonny could easily make Will fall for him. He's already slowly getting there and falling hard. Every time Will tries to pull himself off the ground, he falls again. The plunge is worrying as well as exciting.
But what happens when he finally hits the ground? Once he finally stops free falling, there's no getting back off the ground. This is something Will has always known to be true. Relationships are so easy when they weren't important, or were only important for right now.
When that importance stays, it changes everything.
They're already changing, Will has to admit. It all started with this longing for Sonny deep in his bones. And now with the comfort and challenge he always feels when he's with Sonny. Actually able to imagine feeling it every minute. Feeling it every day.
Sonny would want things Will's still terrified to give, even now.
Not terrified, Will corrects himself, annoyed at himself. Hesitant to give. Unwilling.
Then Will watches Sonny lean over and kiss Marlena's cheek and is still terrified--pretending otherwise by now is meaningless--that he'll wind up giving Sonny anything he asks of him.
