It takes a while for Sonny to notice that something is wrong with Will. They had to run to be on time at the airport. It's a short flight to get to Chicago, so they only needed to be half-an-hour early. The alarm has rung on time and their bags were ready the day before, but Will's hand was wandering and Sonny can't resist that. Even now, he can still feel the ecstasy brought by the orgasm, mixed with the adrenaline from having to rush towards the gates.
Will, on the other hand is relaxed and kidding with the airport personnel, while checking their stuff like a boss. Sonny thanks him with a smile and places their bags above their seats. He sits and grabs the awaiting docile hand. They looks into each other's eyes, content. Soon, the plane starts its ascent.
Will's hand is clutching his, a little too much. His smile is somewhat rigid. Sonny frowns. He doesn't like seeing Will like that, distancing himself, trying to deal with stress on his own. Careful not to make him react, he says "I can't wait to land in Athens, it's gonna be so hot. We could go swimming as soon as we get there." Will nods "OK, with the time difference, it'll be the middle of the day." "Cool. Is that a long trip? I didn't pay attention." "Nine hours." And just then, Sonny notices the change in tone .He leans towards Will and gives him a soft kiss "Is it the first time you'll be traveling so far?" "No, I went to Switzerland often, to visit my uncle and aunt." Will is making an effort to keep a light tone but his face is white as the small airplane goes through an air bump. Sonny is torn between fondness and compassion. His Will is afraid of flying...
They reach the International Airport and since their luggage is in transit, they don't have much to do but wait. Will talks a lot. Sonny answers but also strokes Will's back, caress his hand and even offers a massage. Will accepts happily.
This time, they're in a Boeing and Will is really nervous. "Darling?" "Yeah?" "The other times, when you flew, did you take sedatives?" Will shakes his head. Sonny regrets not having brought some, so he says instead "It's just that I feel you're trying to be super strong. I mean, there's lots of people who have a plane phobia. I wouldn't have teased you." Will opens his mouth, closes it and looks elsewhere. He seems to be on the verge of crying.
"I'm not going to ruin the trip for that. I only need to grit my teeth, it's always worked." Will is such a surprising being. He's sensitive and fragile. Yet he doesn't like asking for help, rather tries to deal on his own. Sonny realizes that it explains Will's withdrawals. They happen when he can't take it anymore but he still don't want to be a burden.
Sonny is almost crying too and whispers "No, you don't have to. Because I'm here with you. When we're together, we can help each other. Tell me when things are hard and I promise I'll do the same."
Will's face changes. As if on cue, the plane takes off. Will looks terrified, now. Sonny places his arms across his man's shoulders and lets him lean his head against his cheek. Will lets go, like a child, with a trust that makes Sonny feels vulnerable too.
They stay in that bubble, pressed against each other as Sonny talks about Greece. He tells Will about the food, that he's eaten at Victor's, about the island with names that make him daydream, about the basic words they'll have to know in order not to speak English all the time. Will is silent and tensed but his smile is real again.
When Sonny turns his head, he sees that Will is asleep. Mission accomplished. He grabs the book in front of him and starts reading, until he feels his own eyelids getting heavy.
When he wakes up, the seat next to his is empty. Will is in the aisle, next to the plane's bathroom. He plops down next to Sonny, smiles and says "You know, what my love, they're bringing the meals in an hour. The flight attendant told me we could sneak in the first class for a minute to get a cocktail." He winks. Sonny asks "How did you manage to get such a treatment?" "I don't really know. I told her I was afraid of flying but that I had a fabulous boyfriend who helped me through it and she stared and said alcohol could help too." Sonny gets up and follows him, laughing discreetly. Will can get the whole world to give him anything, he just need to smile and open his big beautiful eyes.