Things were cooling down between Chad and Sonny and, at the end of the week, Will pushed the coffee-house door to see them talking with each other at one of the table near the windows. He hesitated, hopping from one foot to the other, then quietly walked out.

Chad was Sonny's friend, and if they were reconnecting, Will wasn't going to interrupt. Maybe, they would learn what happened, at least from Chad's point of view. Mel didn't want to talk about it and Will understood. He wouldn't either. If Sonny left him, he would keep his feelings between him and his secret pages.

He walked upstairs and took Sonny's key out of his pocket. He had found it there, a few days ago, with a sticker saying 'Sonny's humble abode'. It was the first time he would use it and it made Will's heart beat a little bit faster. His world had expanded. He was home in this building too, everywhere. He could go to the coffee-house counter and help himself to a coffee, he could help carry a dirty tray back to the kitchen and no-one minded. He wasn't transparent anymore but he was part of the scenery. Part of the gang.

He was used to Sonny's place noises, too. The birds welcoming morning outside the bedroom window didn't feel foreign anymore. The buzz of the heater felt soothing. There were a few of his things everywhere he looked. A book on the coffee table, a coat he had left in case he would need it. A picture of himself on the fridge...

This was new. He walked to the small kitchen, embarrassed and pleased at the same time. It was a photo taken during the karaoke night, surely from Chad's phone. He looked confident and focused, beaming. That couldn't be right. Unless it was due to Sonny's presence, a foot away, looking at him in awe.

There were a few post it notes on the fridge too. Will had never read them but this time, he took the time. Most were about grocery or tax deadlines. One read 'ask Will BD date?' He frowned. He could try and guess, but figured he would just wait until Sonny did ask.

He opened a cupboard to take a glass. Inside, the wooden door, there was a calendar pinned. It was quite nice, with brightly colored circles around each months. There was no year, nor days of the week and on some dates, Sonny had scribbled a name. 'Chad' was in August, 'Ellie' in October. 'Mom' and 'Dad' were circled.

Will smiled. He'd gotten the 'BD' code. This was a perpetual birthday calendar, like the one his brother had done in Kindergarten. Johnny had been thrilled to be the only one with a birthday in June and bragged about it. Will realized he didn't know Sonny's, so he searched the calendar but couldn't find it. It made sense but it was frustrating.

The door opened and Sonny came in. He took off his jacket and turned around, a serene look on his face. Then he spotted Will and ran to hug him, laughing. Will buried his face in Sonny's chest. He could get used to this.

Sonny sat at the table and Will took a seat too. He remembered their first cooking session when his body reacted so strongly to Sonny seating next to him. He felt the same but now that he could put a name on the sensation, it was all right.

"So, Chad and I finally talked.

- Good! Are things better between you two?

- Yes, they are. The thing is, I was persuaded he had cheated on her or left her for someone else at least. But apparently, it's about what they want to do. Mel is interested in long scholarships all around the country and Chad wants to find gigs in the area and start a band, while still working for me. He's asked her to move in with him and his roommates and she won't."

Will nodded. He wasn't surprised Mel would be the more stubborn one and Chad the one to go with the flow. And living with a bunch of quasi strangers would feel like hell for an introvert like her.

- I'm glad it's not about a betrayal too. That way, we won't think less of any of them. I like Chad a lot, even though I understand Mel better."

Sonny's smile was quiet, he was observing Will as if he had never seen him before. The scrutiny wasn't unnerving though.

"You, know, sweetheart, the more I know you, the more I realize how much in control you are. The whole debacle had my blood boil but you held me back and told me not to interfere and you were completely right. You are..." He crunched his eyes, then finished "... wise."

Will waited for the denial. His whole body delivered it, in general, making his blood pulse, bile rise in his throat, and his brain would yell 'no' while translating it into a polite oral version. This time, though, nothing of the sort happened. Their eyes met, their fingers wove together. It was a big compliment Sonny was paying him, as if he was offering him a precious stone, that Will could carry with him everywhere.

He wanted to give back and remembered the cupboard

"Sonny?

- Mmmm?" Sonny's eyes were unfocused. Will wanted to take the opportunity and pressed on

- When's your birthday?"

Sonny looked startled, his eyes darting to the fridge. Will nodded.

- When's yours?

- July the 3rd.

- Really?"

- Yeah. My grandmother says Mom was pissed to miss the fireworks that year.

Sonny was laughing

- So two great reasons to celebrate then.

- Actually, we rarely do anything more than a cake. The kids give me drawings and my I get a few presents from my family.

- Okay... We could have a quiet party at Common Ground. No dancing, just being with Ellie and Chad and Mel. What do you think?

- Yes, that would be nice. But do you think they can attend together?

- I hope so. Chad says he is still angry because they still care for each other so it's frustrating."

This was a new approach to breaking up for Will. His mother went through drama and tears, she wasn't the kind to forgive betrayal. Will knew he wouldn't either. But behaving like reasonable adults, admitting it was time to stop, that was even more frightening. He was reasonable by nature so he knew he wouldn't fight. He wondered if Sonny would. He had told his mother off and stayed after meeting Lucas, so he seemed the type.

- My birthday in on March the 28th. In fact, that's why I'd like to reinstate your dancing lessons. I'd love it if you agreed to go out dancing with me.

- With your friends?

- If you're okay with it. I mostly want to spend it with you."

Will stood up and kissed his boyfriend. Sonny became passionate but as they wobbled to the bedroom, Sonny paused and went to write on the cupboard calendar. He was someone who loved, Will realized. People close to him made his life worth it. Will knew he was colder. He helped and took care but he could live just for himself. There must be a bird like that, unlike the cardinal, who was a lonelier soul. Maybe the one that hooted at nights next to his own window. He must have a sibling, Will thought, as he heard the exact same monotonic toot. Maybe he had flown out of the nest to find a tree just for him, next to the coffee-house.

Sonny's kisses directed his attention back to the bedroom and he kissed back, willing and happy. He loved his solitude now, but only because it contrasted with the moments he passed in Sonny's company. His life was far from perfect but it was balanced and fulfilling.

A/N : Well, it's been a while! I hope you guys are still reading :) I've been swamped at work but I should be able to write more in the following weeks.