No One POV – Clara's Dinner & The Park
It's 7 PM. Black is already waiting in a booth at Clara's dinner. Sunny stands frozen at the door, terrified to face him.
"Hey, stupid! What are you doing at the door?" Gloria nudges him.
"I knew you'd follow me."
"Just making sure you don't turn into a coward and run away."
"I'm scared… I can't do this."
Gloria knows no words will help. She takes the second-best option: she just pushes him inside.
Sunny raises his head and realizes everyone is looking at him.
"Oh, Sunny! Long time no see!" Clara greets him with open arms.
"Hi, Clara… I miss you too… I can't breathe."
"Oh, is the little girl scared of hugs?"
"I'm not a little girl. But maybe you need some lessons in femininity."
"I won't argue with that—maybe I'll accept your offer to teach me."
"You know I respect you… but fuck you."
"Wow, someone's got balls."
"Hey, I was born with them. I need to go—someone's waiting for me."
Sunny finally makes his way to Black's booth.
"Hi… sorry I'm late."
"It's okay. Actually, that was a great entrance—worth waiting 20 minutes at the door."
"I think I made a fool of myself."
"I think it was cute."
"I think this date is a bad decision."
"I think we should stop overthinking."
"You don't know me. I only agreed to this date to apologize for the last time I spoke to you."
"I didn't ask about you because I wanted you to tell me about yourself."
"Why me? You're Black Claude—the great Black. Are you bored of rich people and want to try a poor one? I can assure you… we're not entertaining."
"I was afraid I'd hurt you… but I was wrong again. If this is how you see me, there's no reason for this date. I'm sorry for wasting your time."
"So… I'm right. All you want is some fun."
Sunny stands, ready to storm out, when he finds himself trapped between Black and the wall.
Black presses him gently against it, his head brushing Sunny's neck. Sunny shivers as Black's lips graze his skin.
"You think you know me. You think it's fun to see me panic at the restaurant, to not know if I'm gay or straight… to be unable to touch anyone, make friends, or play football. Do you think it's fun that, at 25, the only pleasure I get is from my own hand?"
Black stops talking but doesn't release him. He's amused by Sunny's warmth and how perfectly he fits in his arms—like two puzzle pieces made for each other. They don't notice someone behind them.
"It's a great view," a woman says. "I don't mind live gay porn, but the customers are getting uncomfortable… or maybe jealous."
Black laughs. Sunny blushes harder.
"I'm so sorry, Carla. It's not what you think."
"I wasn't thinking… I was just amused. I even ordered pizza—you know how I like it when I watch porn."
"Carla, stop… this was a mistake."
"I think this is a great place. All our dates should be here."
"Yes, I'm with your boyfriend, but we'll close the place and I'll bring pizza next time."
"For fuck's sake, women… can you get our order?"
"Okay, gentlemen. What would you like?"
Clara smirks. "Double beef burger and chicken wings with fries for the handsome one, cheeseburger and Caesar salad with… some Viagra for the one who's not in good form."
"Clara, it's the last time I come here."
"What? You don't want foie gras?"
"Do you even have foie gras? It's not on the menu."
"Black, are you serious? Is this dinner or… do any of us look like we need foie gras?"
"Hey, do you despise my dinner? Maybe I should kick your ass out."
"Don't talk to him like that—I might shut down the place."
"Black, she's joking!"
"Wow… feisty one."
Clara tries to touch Black's face, but Sunny quickly pushes her hand away.
"You know he's my boyfriend. So why are you trying to touch him? I'm grateful, but you never touch him, especially his beautiful face."
Sunny takes Black's hand.
"Maybe we should go for a walk in the park."
Black is speechless. He simply follows Sunny, like a lost puppy.
They sit together on a bench in the park, in comfortable silence—not awkward, but peaceful.
"I'm sorry. I tried to make you run away, but all I did was hurt you. You could've panicked if she touched you. I should have been honest… told you we don't fit together."
"You'll admit the truth?"
"Yes."
"Then you'll admit you're a serial killer?"
"What? No!"
"Hahaha, you're cute… especially when you told her I'm your boyfriend. Don't you think you should ask me first?"
"Black, I'm serious… it doesn't work like that. Maybe I'm the first person you've touched. I like you… I find you attractive. But if you knew…"
"Tell me. Let me decide."
"I can't… it hurts."
"I'll make you a proposal. I have a file on you—but I haven't opened it. I want you to tell me about yourself. We'll have our date without any negative thoughts. Tonight I'll read the file, call you after, and if you're a serial killer… I'll burn my phone and change my name."
Sunny smiles. Black feels at peace. How does this boy think anything could make him give up?
"What do you think about hot dogs? I'm starving."
"Of course. I'll get them. Ketchup or mustard?"
"I prefer that you stay here. I'll get the food."
"But Black…"
"No. You stay put, cute butt, until I get back."
"Talk about my butt with respect."
"Oh, I will respect it—and give it what it deserves."
Sunny hides his red face against Black's chest. Black holds him close.
The two sit in each other's arms, at peace. They've been lost for a long time… but maybe, just maybe, they need each other.