Will had troubles sleeping that night. Not because Sonny would be coming here in a few days, nor because he said all these sweet things. All this actually helped. He was nervous, because he could remember his feet bumping against Sonny's sock, as they were dancing, escalating his ankles and each time he did, his spine shook.

He got up and attempted to write, but his mind was blank. The overpopulated, noisy house had reached its point of quiet and solitude, leaving him with no one to take care for to take his mind off this. He sat back on the bed, rubbing his feet on the wooden edges. It had a narrow frame, not to take too much space in the tiny bedroom. This was not how grown-ups slept, though, he knew that. He had never been to Sonny's bedroom but he was certain he owned a double bed. And right now, he was sleeping in it alone because he was waiting for Will to be ready to join him in here. And Will wanted to, very much, but he was trembling at the thought. It was too soon, and it was also all what he could think of.

He got dressed, warmly enough for an early spring night, and walked into the light of the street lamps. The neighborhood was tranquil, he was never afraid to walk at night, although he only did during summer, when the air had cooled off, leaving a wonderful sensation. He had been feeling like that, these days, when he came back from his dates, a fresh air that still carried memories of burning heat.

He wandered alone but he knew where his feet were leading him. He took the time inhaling the scent of the trees in the park and peered at the firmament, to see if he could spot a few stars, as he walked in darker areas, but it was all a way to postpone the inevitable.

At the door, he felt silly. He had just spent the evening with Sonny and now he must be asleep. He had long hours of work the next day and it wasn't as if Will had suddenly gotten ready to make it worth it while. It was more that he was nervous and nothing was curing this. And if he was honest with himself, he wanted other touches from Sonny, feel his reality, his heartbeat against his chest.

He chickened out and dragged his feet around the building. At least the walking around might tire him a little. His eyes caught a ray of light. He stopped and looked at the lit window. His brain was wide awake too and started calculating against his will. It had to be Sonny's bedroom. So he wasn't sleeping either.

Will's hands were playing with his cell in his coat's pocket. He went back and sit on the stair's first step. He could see the stars from here, but it was too late. He needed to do something else.

'Hey, you're awake?'

He waited. The answer was so quick it already gave him the answer

'Yes. I'm reading. And you?'

It was taking all of Will's provisions of daring spirit to type.

'I miss you. A little too much.'

Sonny took his time to reply there, but Will had plenty empty minutes to offer. The cell beeped.

'You could come. If you want.'

'I'm already here.'

He didn't move, drained from the effort, the excitement, the throe coming from the spasms. Now they didn't need Sonny's physical presence to manifest, just the promise of it.

The door creaked. Sonny turned the porch light on. He wasn't in his pajamas, which was sensible in this cold. His thick jeans rubbed on Will's knees as he sat close to him.

Will smiled shyly in the semi-dark. Sonny didn't smile back. So it was a bad idea, he had crossed a line, and now he needed to apologize. He started working on a little speech in his mind, pushing back the begging, focusing on staying light, but he didn't get to say it.

Sonny's mouth covered him.

His lips felt liquid, wider than he remembered, his tongue entering Will's mouth and stroking his own tongue. Will surrendered to the intrusion. It was like a dream, and as they couldn't sleep, at least they could dream along.

Sonny didn't press further. He lied uncomfortably with Will on the steps and they looked at the stars, pointing at them, letting their chatter zigzag on some vague convoluted paths. Will's back ached a little, from feeling the metal through his jacket, but his body was imbricated with Sonny's and it was OK. It was a weird moment, not a date, not being busy or even focused and it was perfect.

They heard the birds waking up one by one. Soon, they were competing for who was the loudest and the malest. Will appreciated fully he didn't need to be dominant or in competition with Sonny. His inside were burning up but he let them be. He felt beat, but still not in the mood for sleeping. Unless it would include having Sonny's leg around his like that.

When it was time for breakfast, Sonny gave him a peck and slowly got up. Will bore with the loss of touch and oscillated on his numb limbs. He looked into Sonny's shining eyes and didn't detect exhaustion, only sheer happiness. He kissed him back and followed him to the coffee-house kitchen.

Sonny started working, while Will sat at the table, being forbidden to help

"Unless you want to wear one of those baking a hair net, too, and look ridiculous.

- Well, you're wearing one and I don't feel like mocking you.

- Really?

- Yes, really, I like seeing you cook. You're talented. I'm in awe."

Sonny had stopped. He had gulped, then he had resumed the baking. While the muffins and cookies were in the big oven, he served the coffee. It was the first time Will was served it on the other side of the door. He was past being a special customer. He was now in the wings, an extra that could go wherever he wanted.

Of course, he still went to college and fought sleep, giving his darndest to understand the lectures. Sometimes the words he heard turned into nonsense, as if he was only half-awake. This had to be a one-time thing. It was important to study, to be independent. Where would they be if Sami had only relied on her men to pay their bills? With Johnny and Sydney's father, they had live in luxury, but it hadn't last. That was the lesson. Work before pleasure, security before feelings. And being extra cautious, always.

He remembered Sonny's requests and called him in the evening, just before going to bed, at 8 pm. Sonny was yawning on the phone and they chuckled. Will didn't tell him how hard it had been in class, he didn't want him to feel guilty for something that had felt so great. Instead, he told him how he missed the bus back home and was offered a ride by one of his teacher, who drove like a maniac and he almost had a heat attack. Sonny laughed and told him about some weird customers who had started picnicking in the shop. Apparently they had brought soup. It was so easy talking with Sonny, it had always been. Will hung up. When he opened his eyes, it was Friday. He had slept like a baby.

The day went easier, which was good, because the children were in great form in the evening, running around and doing mischief. Will loved them but sometimes he really felt like a second parent. He would have loved having someone nearer his age.

He told his mom about the visit before they went to bed. Sami smiled and nodded. She didn't ask so he didn't clarify they were dating. He was resolved not to kiss Sonny in front of her, he would coach him into it if he had to. He would see how it would go. She could be harsh and insensitive at times and there was no way he would let her drive Sonny away. Will needed him, needed to hear his voice, so he called again, to tell Sonny Allie was impatient to see him. He could hear the smile in the answers although he couldn't see the eyes. After the call, he stared at Sonny's photo on his cell screen. He brushed it with his finger and sighed. Sonny had reeled him in and he didn't want out.