Brian and Sonny are coming out of the movie theater. Sonny is stretching his numb limbs after being seated for so long. I's still early, though and Brian turns to him to suggest "Why don't we go and hang out at my place ? I'd like to hear about the perks of being a new boss." Sonny thinks this out. Tomorrow is his off-day and he's enjoying the breather. Brian is untroubling, as he's being respectful of the limit Sonny had established. He's about to answer when he hears behind him " Good evening, Sonny." If he hadn't immediately identified the voice, Brian's crestfallen face would have given him a good hint. Even though he's never said anything, Brian has always been jealous of Sonny and Will whenever they spend time together. Well, used to spend. Sonny turns around, inch by inch, as slow as he can. Not because he wants to get even with Will for ignoring him for such a long time, rather because his pain is so pure and so considerable, he's afraid of shattering in a million pieces on the floor. The exertion of keeping a straight face make his neck hurt and his body tenses fully. He doesn't say a word nor smile. Will has dark lines under his eyes and looks swamped, yet, in a few seconds, his eyes lit up and Sonny is sucked up in them. He's like a boat, swept by a furious wind, lost on an unknown sea, at the mercy of hidden currents. Will acknowledges Brian's presence with a nod, which Brian returns. The tension between them is thick as hell. Sonny finally says "Good evening, Will. I had no idea you were still in Salem" The blow hits Will who looks guilty. Sonny is upset at this as he still expected to be given a good reason. Like a death in the family, or someone at death's door, or even a little brother sick with the flu. Anything believable, really. But Will stays mute and looks away. Brian seizes the opportunity to reiterate " Let's go, Sonny, it's freezing in here. Nice to have met you again, Will... " The blatant hypocrisy in the last sentence and the total insincerity in his tone would have make Sonny smile if he hadn't been so wound up. He wants to bite Will, shake him up, scream his adoration and his weariness. He starts walking away with Brian when Will grabs his elbow. "Sonny, wait. I'd like to explain. But not out there in the cold. Can we go for coffee somewhere ?" Sonny looks at him, incredulous. Will bite his lips and stammers "As a matter of fact, there's a new place I'd like to try. It's on Horton Square. I've heard it's great..." Sonny hears Brian's groan. He relents as he'd rather clear the air right away. "Brian, I'll take a rain check. I have to talk to Will." Brian shakes his head, defeated and whispers a good-bye that Sonny wouldn't have heard anyway. All he sees and hears is Will and he rejuvenates with his presence. They begin walking together, both silent.
As they enter Common Ground, Sonny cannot help but feel proud as Will is lost in awe. The place wasn't properly furnished at the party and the décor has improved since then. Today, the place is brimming with activity, numerous conversations can be heard and Sonny represses a smile when Sonny spots the couch in the middle and throws him a knowing smile. Sonny is still waiting and his patience is disintegrating. He's aware he's overreacting and finally take the initiative of reopening the conversation " We've missed you at the opening. I remember you promised a guitar. Oh and support." Will looks crestfallen and opens his eyes wider "Sonny, I apologize, I really do. I intended to come but I had a... clash with my mom. After that, I needed to pull out and I've stayed at my grandma's for few days and I couldn't..." He seems unable and continue then adds "I couldn't go out until this morning when my grandma has thrown me out with the obligation to go and see people and it's only when I saw you earlier that I was reminded of the inauguration and..." Sonny's shoulders unconsciously drop. This explanation is full of holes and yet he buys it. Furthermore, he's aware how painful it was for Will to spit it out. Sonny decides to bury the hatchet and goes behind the counter. "So, ready to take your first coffee here ? How do you like it ?" Will lets out a deep breath and seats on one the bar stools. "Black no sugar. Thanks." And in that thanks, Sonny reads so much more than politeness. There's gratitude, almost palpable, for listening and forgiving and also for not inquiring further. He puts down Will's cup, pours himself some coffee too and raises his hand. They clink glasses then Will states "I have to say I'm impressed, man. You've struck out. How is the bossing thing working out ? All the employees ?" "It's okay, I guess. The hardest is planning shifts. Chad has kindly put all of it on my shoulders and sometimes when I close my eyes, I still see work schedules." Will snickers and is about to answer when his phone rings. He looks at the caller ID, sighs, pockets the cell back and say "Sonny, it's … I have to leave... I... " Sonny puts his hand on Will's and says softly "No worries, you can go. Just remember you hinted at becoming a regular once." Will twist his hand and presses Sonny's fingers "I'll keep it in mind. See you soon !" He gets up and is about to leave but Sonny stops him "Wait, Will, just so you know... I don't mean to pry or anything, it's just that... if you need to talk about... your issues... I'm here." Will directs his eyes at Sonny's and with a curiously confident tone says "I know."