Sonny had put his forehead against Will's. His eyes were closed and he was breathing heavily. For all his strong male body, he felt frail in Will's arms, vulnerable. Will felt his heart had taken a leap from a mountain cliff and was now gliding above wonderful sceneries. He didn't dare move. The moment was precious and fleeting. He had never kissed anyone, never been a boyfriend. He lacked practice and it would be something else Sonny would have to teach him. Unless he was mistaken and Sonny didn't want anything serious. Was that possible?

Sonny was immobile too. Will hoped he had answered correctly to the kiss. He didn't want Sonny to think he didn't want it.

"Sonny?

- Shhh." A hand brushed his cheek and rested on his back. Will breathed in, a smile spreading on his face. Sonny opened his eyes and whispered:

- God, you're gorgeous!

- Thank you."

He should say it back. Or maybe not. He could decide how he wanted to be a boyfriend. Apparently Sonny wanted him, not a cooler guy. And what he wanted to say was:

"I liked that kiss. Thank you." Sonny grinned. He put his thumb on Will's lips

- You don't have to thank me. I'm glad you're OK with it, though. I wasn't sure how you would respond.

- I didn't expect it. I'm not used to being wanted that way."

Sonny smiled.

- I've wanted to kiss you from the day we met. But I needed to know you before, make sure we both went along apart from the attraction... At least the one I felt." Will's lower belly felt cavernous and spasmodic again, as it his blood flow had lost its way out. This was attraction, he'd just been told. He had pictured it as a more... intellectual feeling. Like finding the solution to the crossword and being so damn happy. But this was about overwhelmingness and it was somewhat scary.

"I think I feel it too. I mean, I... I do. Since that day as well." The way Sonny exhaled was adding to Will's enjoyment of the moment. He seemed to have too much air in his lung and not to know what to make with the surplus. So, it would travel in his skin, making it shiver slightly, like the leaves of the birch tree under a light breeze.

Sonny kissed him again and this time Will was floating. It wasn't a long kiss, rather a smooch and it left Will wanting more. He carefully leaned towards Sonny's chin and bumped into it. He pushed back the embarrassing feeling and pressed his lips softly on Sonny's mouth. Sonny moved his arms. Will felt himself twirl down and land on the couch. Sonny was encircling his shoulders. Will hesitated. That was a lot of contact. He slid back on the cushions, intent on making things clearer.

"Sonny?

- Yes?" Sonny had a hungry look in his eyes. Will wanted to go home now, to reflect on what had happened, replay the memories, sort his feelings. But he didn't want to push Sonny away and make him feel bad or frustrated. He admired the risk his friend had taken. If it had only depended on him, they would still be dancing their way around each other. The analogy gave him an idea to project the relationship in the future.

- You said you would teach me to dance. Do you still want to?" Sonny had a mischievous smile.

- More than ever. But only if you want to.

- Well, I don't think I could do complicated steps but yes, I would like to. So that I can dance with you."

Sonny accepted the offering and let Will stand up.

"Can I call you? Or text or something?

- Sure. I'll be looking forward to it.

- Really, Will?" It was difficult to take care of his own insecurities when Sonny was displaying his heart like that. Will had a bruised soul and he wasn't sure how much at a time he could let Sonny touch one of the inner scars that had made him such a cautious man. He resisted the urge to say something soothing, that would bring up a smile and chose honesty

- Well, it's all very new and a little frightening. Can I call you instead. Maybe tomorrow?"

Sonny looked at Will gravely, then nodded. Will took his jacket and said

"Have a good night then. You must be exhausted from your trip.

- I am. But it was worth it. I have found something there.

- Really, what?

- Plenty new birds. I saw nests in crevices and I heard concerts when I woke up in my tent. And each time, I wanted to talk with you about it and you weren't there. So I came back, to be near you again."

Will turned to the door, the tear following it's path along his chin. He was beginning to worry. Why couldn't he be more joyful, carefree? But again, when had he ever been?

His mother was reading a report when he came in. She didn't look pleased with it and Will wondered how she behaved at work. Every time he came home, he offered to help with the kids or the chores. But now, he needed the quiet of his room. He hung his jacket over the brightly colored ones (the brighter one was hers. She was never one for discretion or dull.) and gestured upstairs. She frowned but nodded.

There was no nightly sound in the room and it felt empty. Will sat at his desk and put his head in his hands. Somewhere in his mind, he was thrilled. He could still feel the kiss on his lips and again, it was the right kind of one. On the other hand, though, he was now responsible for someone's happiness, at least for a while and he didn't like even small responsibilities. His siblings were his flesh and blood, part of him forever so the efforts he made for them always seemed easy. Sonny was challenging him all the time, even when he wasn't the one asking.

He did what he was good at. Writing. Putting down his feelings helped and made him realize their depth. So he closed his notebook and lay on the bed, his cell in his right hand. He typed 'I like you. A lot.' and sent it quickly. He put the phone on the bedside table and started dozing off. He was woken up by the lonely note of the big night-bird and sat in his bed, felling better that things were back to normal. Another note answered the bird, twice. He took his cell in the dark and brushed the words on it with the side of his thumb 'Thank you. I think you're the best.'

His alarm rang the next day, directly in his hand. He focused on his phone and remembered the texts. For someone who wrote so much, he had been laconic. But barring his soul to Sonny felt even more impossible at the moment than barring his body. And yet the possibility was becoming real for both things. In a nearer future than he could have thought. He was grateful that it was Sonny who made him do that transition to emotional adulthood. He trusted him not to cheat over his feelings for him. And so, Will closed the door and walked in the early morning street lights to the coffee-house for a morning call.

Chad was at the counter and greeted him with a nod as he finished helping a frantic customer who kept barking in a phone. He looked up again after the man left and grinned widely. He pointed to a table. Will sat next to the window, feeling excited and exposed. It had started raining on the muddy snow and the fog was enveloping the houses and trees. It would be a quiet morning for the birds.

He heard the back door and Sonny came in, beaming, and walked to his barista. Chad seemed to be teasing him, pushing his elbow playfully. Sonny shrugged and took two plates. He stopped near the chair next to Will

"Excuse-me sir... Is this seat taken? Are you waiting for someone?" Will smiled. This game was easy.

- I am. He's very handsome and gives memorable kisses. Would you have seen him by any chance?

- I might, but given the description, I should wait for him myself." Will pretended to get up and felt a hand on his shoulder.

- Unless it's me, of course, in which case, I am very willing to provide fresh deliveries of this kisses.

- Actually, I have class soon, so it's just a quick hello. This muffins look good, though, can I take one to go?

- Will...

- Yes?

- Stop asking."

But Will did ask. For a new kiss after all. Sonny gave three. He whispered in his ear, just before Will left

"So, tomorrow night?

- Tomorrow night, OK. What time?

- Eight?"

Will nodded and walked out to the bus station. He turned and saw Sonny's silhouette in the window. His cocky red bird, with his spiky hair and his sweet efficiency. His.