Sonny is seated on the porch, staring into space. He hasn't been able to go further, even though he's related to half the people in the neighborhood, enough of which speak English, that he could talk with them or try to take his mind off Will. He's also thought of grabbing his climbing gear. But each step he's taken is heavy and filled with regrets. He's angry at himself for making him cry, for failing to reassure him. He's angry at Will too, at what's inside him, making him doubt so much. Who knows where it's coming from: his education, his family history, or maybe just his personality? This delicacy that charmed Sonny, making him do anything, that he's never found anywhere else...
Through the tears he's trying to fight, he sees a shadow coming at him, hiding the sun for a moment. It's Nikolas. He grins at Sonny and sits silently next to him. Sonny is relieved. He's in such a state, he's ready to bite at whoever comes his way but his cousin is a composed, mature young man with a calming presence. He's still silent, tranquil, as if Sonny hadn't made a scene an hour earlier.
"I've talked to Lydia. Well, shouted at her, really." Sonny doesn't turn his head but he nods. Nikolas goes on "She still thinks she's helping you and that a gay man just hasn't met the right girl. I'm afraid her mother shares her views. Not everyone is open-minded in here. I guess it's the same where you live..." "Yes. But I don't let it get in the way, in general. Lydia is stupid and immature, yet I could have forgiven her in time, if she hadn't hurt Will like that. He's more sensitive and he believed what she said." "That you should be with a woman?" Nikolas sounds disconcerted "No, of course, not. We're just... very different and he feels inadequate." He looks at his cousin who gives a small smiles. "He doesn't realize how much... I love everything about him, I've never been that happy, ever. And when things go crazy or just bad, at least, I can help, be there for him. You see what I mean?" Nikolas smiles widely "Totally. Looks like being hetero and gay isn't that different. At least on those points, I won't ask for detail."
Sonny laughs, feeling lighter. Behind him, he hears the sound of a glass being put down the kitchen sink. He turns slowly and sees Will standing a few feet from him, wearing sunglasses. The first thought that crosses his mind is why wear them inside? But he chooses not to ask it and focuses on what's important. Nikolas stands up. He puts a hand on Will's arm for a few seconds then leaves them on their own.
Will sits too. He takes off the glasses with an awkward gesture. Sonny feels like he's punched in the gut. His man's eyelids are red and puffy and it's his fault. He holds a hand to brush Will's face but stops midway. Will's fingers meet him. Sonny lowers his head "I'm sorry, Will?" "No... you were right, I don't trust you. You would tell me straight away if something was wrong. I reacted like an idiot." Will's decided tone makes Sonny feel even more guilty "I shouldn't have... I left you on your own yesterday, among strangers and with a hangover to top it all." He looks up. Will's eyes are vacant "I told you to leave. I wanted you to make the most of your vacation."
Their forehead touch, eyes closing at the same time "I love you kitten." Will laughs "Me too, lovely darling. I'm sorry I dramatize everything. I came to drink a glass of water before going online to find return flights." Sonny's eyes flutter open at that "For the both of us?" "No... And then I heard you talk with Nikolas and I felt like a fool." His voice is shaking but he continues "I'm so worried not to be enough for you. I've seen my parents hurt each other, my mother changing her mind so many times. I can't live that." Sonny smirks "My love, I like Sami a lot but comparing me to her, that's a low blow. Will pinches his lips and sighs "That's all I've ever known."
And for the first time, Sonny gets an idea of what Will is going through, see the precipice life is pushing him into. His own parent's relationship is far from simple, but Sonny has always felt loved and special.
So he hugs Will really, really tight and whispers "We'll have to change that, won't we?"
They walk back to the bedroom, arms around each other. They lie, while kissing tenderly. Sonny gives himself to Will, letting go of his control, his body trembling. He might be the most confident and strong of the two, there are times where he feels vulnerable and needs to be taken care of. Will might be hurt but he's up to the task and plunges into Sonny, rebuilding their bond, made of trust and love, that Sonny needs to live.