Love Me Like XO

XXII

Oia, Santorini
Thursday
📍Shopping Circuit

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The Aegean sun beat down on the whitewashed streets of Oia, turning the volcanic rock of Santorini into a shimmering canvas.

Levania gasped, tilting his head back to take in the sight of the tiered houses clinging to the hillside like a scattering of sugar cubes.

"It’s even more breathtaking than the pictures." He murmured, his voice laced with wonder.

Kash, his dark eyes beaming with amusement, trailed behind Levania, who moved with the purposeful grace of a person on a mission. His linen dress, the color of the turquoise sea below, swirled around his ankles as he navigated the narrow, winding paths, his eyes scanning the vibrant array of shops lining the caldera’s edge.

They had been in Santorini for five days, and while they had spent most of their time exploring ancient ruins and enjoying breathtaking sunsets, today was dedicated to a more frivolous pursuit....

Shopping.

Kash found himself mirroring Levania's awe. He had traveled the world, seen ancient wonders and modern marvels, but Santorini possessed a raw, untamed beauty that captivated him.

"It is," He agreed, his gaze lingering on the way the sunlight caught the glint of Levania's silver hoop earrings.

Their first foray into the heart of Oia was a journey through a labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets. Shops, their doorways overflowing with brightly colored scarves, handcrafted ceramics, and gleaming jewelry, lined the pathways. Levania, his hand reaching for Kash's, paused in front of a boutique displaying delicate, turquoise-studded rings.

"Are you sure you want another scarf, baby?" Kash asked, his voice laced with amusement. He watched as he carefully unfolded a silk scarf patterned with intricate blue and white designs. It was the third scarf he’d considered since they arrived.

Levania held the fabric up to his face, his eyes sparkling.

"This one is different. It has little sea turtles on it." He replied, his tone playful, and Kash chuckled.

"Right. Because the other two were lackin' in marine life.” He leaned against the cool stone wall of the shop, a small family-run boutique overflowing with colorful textiles. The shopkeeper, an elderly woman with kind eyes and a warm smile, watched them with quiet curiosity.

"They were lacking in this particular kind of marine life. You're not seeing the vision." Levania corrected, a mock-serious expression on his face as he ran a finger along the delicate embroidery.

"Besides, a guy can never have too many scarves, especially when one is trying to achieve peak Santorini style." He added, turning to Kash with a mischievous grin, and Kash rolled his eyes good-naturedly.

"Peak Santorini style? I thought that was achieved with a healthy dose of sun and a good helpin' of Fava dip." Kash tilted his head, and Levania laughed.

"That's essential Santorini style. This is…elevated Santorini style.” He winked, then, as if suddenly remembering where he was, he turned back to the scarf.

"What do you think? Is it too much?" He asked his boyfriend, wrapping the scarf around his neck and looking at himself in the mirror.

"Ma, you could wear a burlap sack and still look like a goddess. Buy the scarf if it makes you happy." Kash said, his voice softening as he handed Levania the money to pay for it.

Levania's cheeks flushed a soft pink at his words. He hesitated for a moment, then, with a decisive nod, turned to the shopkeeper.

"I'll take it, please." The shopkeeper beamed, wrapping the scarf in delicate tissue paper. As Levania paid, Kash wandered over to another shop to a display of small, handmade ceramics. He picked up a small, hand-painted tile depicting a donkey, the island’s unofficial mascot.