The Fashion of Love | Adult F/M Romance [COMPLETE]

ch. 15 - May

MAY

Ravi and Sora didn't fall in love in May, but that was when everything changed.

...

...

"Dhiren's coming home for summer," Ravi announced over soft pretzels in Pan-Pacific Park.

Sora frowned amid downing another bite. "Already? Last time I checked, it was January and you were just packing him off to Fresno."

Ravi groused, "I didn't want him up there in the first place, but Hana makes all of Dhiren's schooling decisions and he was so excited to go, I didn't wanna make waves. None of that matters now, because he's coming home and, if I have my way, he's not going back."

"Well, if I get a vote, I think it's great he'll be home full-time. Tommy misses him."

"Tommy misses the presents."

"Tommy misses his big cousin and his uncle."

Ravi shrugged. "He's still got me." Done, Ravi discarded his pretzel wrapper and wiped his hands on a handkerchief.

"And he's very lucky to have you, but you don't fit as easily into the blanket fort."

Seeing Sora was finished, he did away with her trash, too, and gave his handkerchief for her to use.

"There's a simple solution to that: we'll have to build 'em bigger."

"If they get any bigger they're going to dominate the ground floor."

"Maybe we can get you to come inside if it gets big enough."

There wasn't a chance in hell. "Not until you take down the 'Boys Only' sign."

"You're the exception." He made a play for her hand and they walked with theirs swinging, joined, between them. The strength of his fingers entwined with hers made her fingers feel stronger, made her feel altogether mighty in his presence. 'Love can be a remedy,' he'd said.

"Uh uh. Make it co-ed or it's no go. I like my hangouts equal opportunity."

"I'll warn Dhiren. You're going to be trouble."

"Changing the world, one nine-year-old at a time."

"And one old man at a time. You've changed me, too."

To Sora, Ravi had grown gracefully into his age. It had left him rugged and solemn to first glances, a treasure trove of impressions to seconds and thirds. Sora lived for hidden depths.

"You're not old. You're as young as you look."

"I'm not sure how to take that."

"Take it in whatever sense ye feel it."