They were friends. Most mob historians have made too much out of their relationship being strained at one time or another. Some even claimed that Sonny sided with Orena during the war. Not true. Sonny always sided with Persico. He was just away at the time. I don't blame you for being confused, but this question should've been put to bed years ago. Shortly before he went away in 2008, Franzese was even caught on a wire saying how much he loved the Persicos.