Spring was definitely there and Will noticed the first flowers on the tree as he looked at the bird's morning dances while waiting for the bus. The trees were waking up and offering their beauty to the world after having lived in lethargy throughout winter. Will knew what it felt like.

"So, Will" his mother said that night "This man I've been seeing, you know?"

Will frowned. He ventured :

- The police officer?", hoping he wasn't wrong, she moved on pretty fast at times.

But her smile was content and cat-like. He liked seeing her like this, even though a part of him was already placing itself in full alert mode. His intelligent, self-reliable, charming mother had a very bad track-record with men. EJ had been the tamest but she had still hurt like hell. He was a great attentive father and it felt like such a waste to Will. But he understood her decision, very well. For a fleeting moment, he pictured himself having to break-up with Sonny, for the same reason.

"So, what's his name?

- Rafe. Well, Rafael, really, he's latino and he's a stud." Will let it pass. Sami was all in her memories, barely aware Will was still here. She shook her head softly and said "Anyway, things are getting serious between us and I thought, I could invite him to dinner. To meet you all, so he knows what he's getting into." She winked. Will raised an eyebrow at the poor joke but replied

- Sure. Just tell me when, so that I don't plan anything with Sonny." He heard the small sigh of relief. She must have thought he would have ask her to wait. He was tempted but on the other hand, that's what life was, you get wounded, but you moved on. Especially Sami, with all her flirty nature and need for male attention. Plus he would get to meet the guy and appraise him. Sami strangely listened to his opinions sometimes.

He got up from his chair and was about to leave the kitchen when she added :

"Maybe you could ask Sonny to join us?" He stopped and turned to her, choosing to be light about it, as the emotion threatened to make his chest explode.

- Why, you want him to bring a home-made dessert?"

She smirked

- Absolutely. In fact, he could come early and..." She closed her mouth, then after a second, said sheepishly "No, of course, I can't ask him that. But if we were to offer, just don't turn him down."

Sonny laughed on the phone. Will had chosen to tell him the conversation verbatim. Underneath the merriment, he could recognize the same emotion in Sonny's voice. After Saturday's debacle, it was good to be accepted as a serious couple. Sonny took his time to think.

"I guess it'll depend what day it is. If I have an afternoon shift, it'll be just dessert, I'm afraid.

- Thank you, Son. I appreciate it and you really don't need to do anything more.

- But what if I can and want to. Would you stay with me in the kitchen?

- To keep you company or to do the menial tasks?

- Both? I'm still your cooking teacher, remember?"

In the meantime, Will worked. Sometimes in college's library, sometimes home, but mostly at the coffee-house. He had to fight treats offers, or he would have to buy new pants at the end of the week. Sonny was extremely attentive with hint of possessiveness whenever someone would be over-friendly with Will. Will unashamedly loved it. They hadn't slept together again. Sonny was patient but his restraint showed in the open-mouthed kisses he stole from Will in his office or in the storage room. Will sometimes had to comb his hair again. He would walk back in the main room and feel self-conscious, as if all the customers were watching him and noticing.

But nobody commented and sometimes he had company. Mel would come to wait for Chad to end his shift and she was an easy company, although she didn't speak much. Will studied on and got himself ready for his exam. He borrowed his brother's alarm clock and triple-checked his cell phone. He even timed it earlier so that he could go get a coffee and a good-luck kiss.

But when he walked in, Sonny was nowhere in sight. He was sure he had told him he was swinging by and he left the shop with his coffee-to go, feeling morose. He walked to the park, as he had ample time to catch his bus and sat to listen to the birds and cheer up. A minute later, Sonny sat beside him

"You came earlier than I thought. Sorry I wasn't there.

- It's okay, I'm glad to see you now. You have no idea.

- I do, Will. In fact, let's make the moment last. I'm taking you to your exam." He raised a finger to Will's lips and added in a stern tone "No argument. It is for my selfish pleasure and Will-watching needs." Will's grin grew behind the hand.

The exam was harsh and he had to leave a question blank. Time was running out and he came out a ball of nerves. This time he had to take the bus as Sonny was on the afternoon shift. He paced at the bus stop, while listening to the annoying drone of a woman on her cell and teenagers goofing off. He wanted to shout and get them to shut up. Of course, he just kept the frustration locked inside and sat at the back, where he could be on his own. He tapped on the seat, creating a soothing rhythm. He should have taken his mp3 player.

Johnny was annoying Syd and making her pout, Allie was looking sour again and his mom had texted she would be late. Will loved his siblings but was saturating. When Sami finally came in and had a drink, she released him, so he went to his room to crash on his bed. The cell ringing startled him and he took a breath to keep a steady tone.

"Hi, sweetheart, I'm almost done. You want to walk here or do you need your knight at your door to escort you?" Will sighed. It was going to be hard.

- Actually, Son, I'm not in the mood to go out. The exam was stressing as hell and I'm exhausted.

- Oh." Will closed his eyes. What had he expected? For Sonny to understand and be all detached about it? He was telling him Will he missed him everyday, even when he was in his arms. If he had a larger bed, Will would have propose he just join him in his room. He had no energy left and felt guilty, which didn't help.

- I'm sure I'll be more human tomorrow, honey. I miss you right now, but I'm so frustrated I might take my bad mood on you.

- I can take it, Will. Always.

- I'm sure you can, but I need my rest. I know you want me to make the effort, but...

- No, I don't. I'm just whiny. Don't listen to me. See you tomorrow, then? I'm off at two.

- Maybe before that. I might want coffee.

- I'll try and provide that, then." Sonny's voice softened "I love you." Will's heart crumbled.

- I love you too. Good-night."

He woke up late. He looked at his cell with incredulity. It was 11am and the house was silent. He wondered if his family had been abducted by a UFO but there was a note on the table. They were at the swimming pool. He smiled as he was reminded of his date there. Before they tried further. He regretted that time, somehow. Being with Sonny was overwhelming even though he was fantastic.

Before going for coffee, Will stopped at the florist and bought a red rose. His boyfriend deserved it.