deep blue, but you painted me golden

Zavien

Zavien lowered his head, trying not to blind people with the brightness of his dizzying smile. A chuckle formed through the expression, basking in the enthusiastic answer she gave. It was sweet, lacking all hesitancy or doubt, filling the crevices of his heart like a splash of yellow sunlight against a blank canvas, painting the beginning in something vibrant and lively. He squeezed her hand as he looked up again, swearing his face might break in two. Joy felt like a palpable thing, so strong that he might have thought it joined them for dinner. The feeling was surreal enough to understand why Soh might think this was all a dream, but he laughed, shrugging his shoulders in playful dismissal of the concern. "If we are, then let's enjoy it while it lasts."

And like she'd been waiting for this moment (she probably had), their waitress arrived with their entree, throwing them both a smile that quietly appreciated whatever might have them both glowing so bright. She didn't need to say anything, familiar enough with the energy not to break the spell as she stepped away with their empty plates. 

Casting out a distracted "Thank you," Zavien kept his eyes trained on his date - on his girlfriend. He pointed to the steak and biscuits steaming on the table, playfully shifting attention to their meal again, if only to remind them it was real. "I'm not sure a dream can smell this good."

That’s How We’re Gonna Win.
Not Fighting What We Hate,
Saving What We Love.