After dinner had been devoured and the cupcakes frosted and left to set, Sora queued up a movie for the four of them to watch. Dhiren insisted on having the armchair, and an entire bowl of popcorn, to himself whereas Tommy was content to be cuddled in Sora's lap, nursing his sippy cup. Ravi and she shared a bowl.

"I have no idea what we're watching, but it's supposed to be family-friendly."

Ravi raised a handful of popcorn in a toast. "Here's to new experiences."

Dhiren shushed them both and they settled down as the opening scenes began.

Partway through the movie Ravi took out a yellow legal pad and started scribbling away. Sora noticed by the fervent scratching of pen on paper.

"Not your kind of movie?"

"Hmm? Oh, no, it is. I've seen it. It's one of Dhiren's favorites."

"Do you want to switch to something you haven't seen yet? I don't want you get bored."

"I couldn't get bored with you, Sora. You keep me interested just sitting next to me."

"Hence the urgent shopping list writing."

She tried to take a peek at what was so urgent only for him to tilt his notepad away from her prying eyes.

"Not making a shopping list." He smirked like he had a secret. "I've been inspired."

Sora hummed, contemplative. Ravi tended to be struck by inspiration at the oddest moments of late.

"If it doesn't detract from your artistic fervor, what are your and Dhiren's plans for the summer?'

"We were thinking about taking a trip to Rome to see Ishir and Evelyn, and maybe doing some backpacking elsewhere to celebrate his birthday."

"Big plans for a little guy."

"Dhiren knows Rome like his own backyard, the rest is exploratory. It's like you and Tommy: I want Dhiren to get as much out life as he can at this age. He won't have this kind of free time once he's all grown up. You only turn ten once."

"It's a good idea. But Tommy and I will definitely miss you."

"You don't have to miss us, you could come with us."

"Come with you to Rome." Sora looked down at Tommy to hide her surprise. "That's an awfully big trip for Tommy at this age."

"Get him vaccinated and make sure he doesn't put any of the local garbage in his mouth. Why should he have to wait till he can spell it to see the Eiffel Tower?"

"You can't be serious."

"Why wouldn't I be? I've been forthright this far, haven't I?"

"I can't seem to say no to you."

Ravi tore out a page from his notebook and folded it up to put in his pocket.

"How about this? Think about it for a couple of weeks. I'll get you an itinerary and you check it against your obligations for the summer. If you can make it work, you'll think about it. If not, no harm done. What do you say?"

"I say I'll consider it."

"That's all I wanted to hear."

Ravi carried on drawing on a new page. Meanwhile, Tommy fussed more the sleepier he became. Sora checked her watch and was saddened to see the time. It's getting late.

Sora elbowed Ravi and pointed to Dhiren who'd nodded off in his armchair. Ravi rescued Dhiren's bowl of caramel popcorn before it could decorate the floor and covered his son with his coat.

"Baking took a lot out of him."

"You two didn't have to do all this for me."

"He loves you. He's been having so much fun with you and Tommy, he wanted to thank you for including him. That was all him."

"Wonder where he gets that from?"

"It's a puzzle."

She wanted to blame the light for the darkness in Ravi's eyes when he looked at her, but she knew better. This was the look from January and February, and so on. This wasn't a revelation; this was acceptance.

Sora returned her attention to the screen where the main characters, a boy and a girl, were being reunited with their loving parents after defeating their enemies. They'd overcome world domination, but they were laughing at the end.

"I see all these people finding happiness and I wonder if I ever will."

"You will." Ravi brushed Dhiren's hair out of his face. "You're cared for and loved by many people; in all likelihood, more than you've noticed."

"I notice a lot more than you give me credit for."

Ravi swallowed hard and started to avoid her eyes.

"I should get Dhiren back to Hana's."

"Tommy's probably going to be fussy all day tomorrow. I should get him to bed."

Ravi roused his son. "The car's unlocked. I'll be out in a little bit."

Dhiren grumbled in response, fairly sleep walking toward the front steps, dwarfed in Ravi's oversized jacket.

Sora propped Tommy up on the couch, where he continued to snore, and stood to see them out.

Ravi scrubbed a hand across the nape of his neck.

"I want you to know that, uh, you've been everything since I came home."

Sora could make an itemized of what his friendship had meant to her—the words alone wouldn't say enough.

"I couldn't begin to explain what you've been to me."

He took her hand and squeezed it tight.

"This is the beginning of another chapter of your life—if you want it."

She stepped into his space, as close as they'd been that day in the park.

"I thought New Year's Eve was the beginning."

"In case I wasn't entirely clear, I want you think of this as another start—for us."

No ringing phone interrupted this kiss.

This wasn't lines of lightning but lava, hot and irrepressible, skin against skin. His hands roved across her hips and back whilst hers tangled in his inky hair. The kiss that felt so long passed was nothing compared to this. His soft lips and biting stubble made her dizzy for the contradiction. She could kiss him all night.

Once his hand—that talented, teasing hand—found its way under her sweater she had to rein herself in lest her libido get the best of her, and she the very best of him.

What the hell, you only live once. She gave up and dragged his mouth to hers again.

He groaned. She whimpered.

Tommy hiccupped in his sleep and they broke apart.

I have to think.

They stood panting, brow to brow. "That's yours, if you want it."

"Are you asking? You can't possibly think I'd say no."

"You know what they say about assuming."

"Shut up and kiss me again."

Ravi swayed forward, only to bypass her lips to kiss her cheek. He was teasing her.

Her skin didn't care, it came alive under his touch just the same.

"I gotta get Dhiren home."

Sora tried to regain her composure. She stuck her hands in her back pockets and followed him to the door.

"Drive safely."

Ravi lingered.

"Lock the door behind us."

"I will. Scout's honor." She sucked her lip. She could still taste him. His eyes followed the motion, his fingers grasped at nothing at his sides.

"Did you read a book about that?"

Rolling her eyes, she pushed him firmly in the direction of the door. "Go away before I forget why I have to let you leave."

Growling, Ravi spun them around and pressed her against the door for one last farewell kiss.

She'd give her friend—friend? No, something stronger, more. Whatever Ravi Misra was to her now, she'd give him this. The man really knew how to make an exit.