T is actually not that bad. He eats like two horses and Sonny has to explain on a regular basis, that, no, the food in stock is not there for the employee to feast, but otherwise, he's great with customers and can prepare a darn good cup of coffee. Sonny begins regretting his decision less and less. And it helps to know that Will is happy to see his friend when he comes by.
Sonny would have liked to avoid the scene between T and Audrey on the other hand, especially as it took place during rush hour. He had to ask her to leave and gotten an earful from a protective Ham in the evening. Will has answered the phone and taken the start of the shouting. He's handed it to Sonny, who calms down Audrey's brother, answering, that, no, he's not taking sides, but loud couples fights must not take place in front of the customers, yes, even Sonny's and yes, he understands, Tad, mus have been in the wrong, sure... while mentally preparing to calm down Will too afterwards. He hangs up and goes to the bedroom, finding Will lying, his nose on his laptop. "You're studying, kitten?" Will turns tired serene eyes to him. Sonny relaxes and lies next to his man. "I'm polishing an essay I have to turn in next week. Are you OK? You've calmed him down?" Sonny nods. Will glances again with a weird look on his face, then stands up and takes the laptop with him. He's gone for a few minutes. Sonny rubs his eyelids and his skull. It makes him a little better and he's starting to get up too when he feels a hand against his back. "No, no, don't move, love. Wait..." Will lifts Sonny's shirt from behind and lets a cold liquid drop on it. Sonny recognize the smell of the massage oil and turns his head to smile widely and gratefully to his lover who gestures him to lie fully, then sits atop his butt. After massaging his back, he pats Sonny's head, who's vibrating. "Thanks, kitten. I needed it." "Mmm, and of course, you wouldn't ask. You're trying to hard to be strong, my love." Will lies next to him and gives him a tender little kiss. Sonny reflects on what he just said. He might be stressed, he likes being in charge. Protect Will against the whole world, is part of that, but it's true, he resists being looked after. It takes a lot for him to let go and he remembers the two other times Will had to be the strong one, appreciating how balanced their relationship is. Will has a naughty smile, now, and undoes Sonny's belt. They chuckle in the kiss and merge with tenderness.
The next day, Tad is late for his shift. He looks so bad that Sonny doesn't feel like pointing it out. All day long, he's quiet and somber, making Sonny realize he had gotten used to the funny ambiance T can create when he's carefree. As Sonny is about to leave, T comes to him "So, no danger of another scene like yesterday's, Sonny, that's for sure... Audrey and I are done." Sonny taps his arm with compassion but not really worried. Since he's met him, T has gone from one girl to the next. This was his longest relationship but not that long.
He's all excited to go home and get ready for salsa. Now that they know the steps, he hopes they can focus on the more sensual part of the dancing. Will doesn't share his enthusiasm but it's true that's he working a lot to get back on top of his studying, after all those past events. "Don't you want to stay home, tonight, darling? We could order chinese, watch a movie...?" Sonny is tempted but chooses to be firm "We've only been once. If we do not make the effort, I'm pretty sure we'll stop going altogether. And I like to go out with you, too..." Will smirks "Call me a grandpa, why don't you? OK, I'll move my ass, but you'd better be good." Sonny swears on his most precious possession, hence Will's ass, and takes advantage of him laughing to push him out the door.
They're early and see their neighbor Mary come in, looking crossed. Sebastian is nowhere to be seen "You don't have a partner tonight?" "No, we had a fight. Mister did not want to come with me. I don't mind if I can't dance, at least I'm getting some air and meeting all my friends..." Sonny and Will exchange a look then nod in unison. Sonny holds his hand to her "You can dance with me for the first half if you want. Will is dead tired tonight, I think he'll be happy to sit for a while." Mary is all excited and the lesson begins. Sonny is rotating with Mary, his eyes on the floor, focused on his steps, when he hears her sigh "You've got to be kidding..." He raises his head and sees Sebastian coming in with a contrite look on his face. Mary looks away "No way, honey." Sonny smiles and spots Will getting up and walking to Sebastian. He gets his focus back on his feet. A few seconds later, Will opens his arms wide and Sebastian, looking horribly tensed and ill-at-ease, starts dancing with him. "Your man doesn't seem to like the idea of dancing with another dude at all. He doesn't deserve to be in Will's arms." "Serves him right. You guys are so sweet, I'm really glad we're friends." Friends, Sonny wouldn't go that far. He's still unnerved by Sebastian but keeps quiet about it. One dance later, couples are reunited and Will is at his rightful place, in Sonny's arms. Sensuality is still a very far goal, but they are more harmonious and Sonny can't help giving him a few discreet pecks. Will grins and whispers "Of course, you were right, I'm happy we came after all." He softly steps on Sonny's shoe and adds "What wouldn't I do for you. You're lucky you're so cute." Sonny know very well that Will is the cute one but he takes the compliment anyway and continues twirling, ignoring the dark looks his neighbor shoots him.