deep blue, but you painted me golden

Got no plans and I've got no money
Gone are the days of milk and honey

In truth, she probably wouldn't have told Zavien about the quest if not for wanting him to be with her during part of it, seeing as it was meant to be a surprise for him. She'd never done anything quite like this before, and she wanted to pull it off without a hitch. Maybe she'd counted her eggs before they hatched by going ahead and working on getting him something before they were even official, but she'd taken their last conversation to heart. He'd wanted her, and she'd wanted him, and everything else was now falling into place.

"It's a surprise," she said. Not a secret, because she wouldn't keep secrets from Zavien, but a surprise: something fun, something special, something that was just theirs. If he pressed, she'd probably cave and tell him, because she wasn't sure she could stand to keep it from him long enough to complete the quest - but gods knew she was going to try.

Most of her quest had been fairly straightforward, but this need for starlight was making it challenging to complete. She speared a piece of steak with her fork. "I didn't even think about the greenhouse," she mused. "But that could definitely work." Regardless of if it was clear or raining, they'd be able to see everything - except for the King's End sunrise, but there was plenty of time for that later. Surely a Halovian sunrise would be just as pleasant.

Not having realized that he'd been speaking of the task as though he'd already been invited - perhaps assuming subconsciously that, now that they were officially a couple, they would do more and more together - she giggled lightly as a soft redness crept into Zavien's cheeks. "Great!" she said eagerly. "Honestly, I was hoping to do it sooner than later. I'm pretty excited about finishing the quest." And she hoped that now he would be excited, too. Still, she didn't want to pull him away from anything important by rushing off in a hurry. "So... whenever works for you."

Green eyes and a head of gold
I'll give you two dollars if you save my soul

Sohalia

Zavien

Chuckling, Zavien was immediately drawn in, leaning against the table with obvious interest. "Ooh. A surprise, huh?" He wouldn't push her, but there was a playful glint in his eyes that said he might try to piece it together like a mystery if she didn't tell him sooner or later. There was an equal level of rising competitiveness along with it, wondering if he should put together a surprise of his own to give her. A 'thanks for agreeing to be my girlfriend' gift. 

Nodding his head at the options and plans, Zavien snagged quickly on the 'sooner than later' part. They'd already traveled leagues through their relationship during the dinner, but the night was still young and when he looked past the reflection of the darkened windows, he could spot the stars glimmering beyond, the rain having put their screams to rest for their meal. 

He only thought a moment before turning to Soh, a mischievous smirk on his lips as he lowered his voice. "Well... I'd say tonight looks pretty clear so far. We could try finding a spot nearby? I've still got the setup from our picnic, and they could probably give us dessert to go?" It wouldn't be an elaborate plan or some breathtaking destination, but he wasn't eager to part from her yet, and if she was as eager to finish the quest as she said, Zavien was happy to use it as an excuse.

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

Got no plans and I've got no money
Gone are the days of milk and honey

Thankfully, Zavien took the news of a surprise well, leaning closer with a gleam of interest in his green eyes. Grinning, Soh simply hummed a note of agreement. Pleased that the surprise seemed destined to remain exactly that, she quickly switched gears to discuss potential plans. A trip to Halo sounded nice, but time-consuming - although she wouldn't balk at the company, she was eager to complete the quest as soon as possible, especially now.

Fortunately, Zavien seemed to understand, glancing out the window before offering to continue their evening outside the walls of the restaurant. Soh brightened at the offer, not ready to part from him so quickly. "That sounds perfect." Luckily, she usually had paper and writing utensils on her so that she could jot down map fragments or tidbits about a region; tonight was no exception, though she'd need to retrieve her belongings from the hosts, who'd assured her that they would be safe at the front of the establishment. Soh looked down at their shared entree, which had, at this point, been mostly consumed. "I'd say we were just about ready for the dessert menu, anyway."

Green eyes and a head of gold
I'll give you two dollars if you save my soul

Sohalia

Zavien

Glad to hear that Soh was on board with the plan, Zavien glanced down at their nearly empty plate to assess. A few stray vegetables and half a biscuit remained, the steak having long met its end. He smiled, somehow perfectly content with the amount of food they'd eaten. "I agree."

His eyes searched the wall for their waitress, catching her eye to politely call her back to their table. Smiling, he asked without preamble, "Could we get whatever chocolate desserts you have? To go? And the check, please?" She nodded her head, confirming that they were okay with coffee flavors before retreating to the kitchen to gather their food. It wasn't long before she returned with two bags in her hands. "This one has the chocolate mousse with peppermint bark and the tiramisu in it. This one has the chocolate cake." Verbalizing his appreciation, Zavien paid the lovely waitress and left a generous tip before gathering their food. She smiled at them, eyes gleaming with something knowing and unsaid as she watched them leave. "Enjoy the rest of your night." Zavien graciously accepted the well wishes and guided Soh back through the tables towards the front where she could gather her things. 

Once everything was in hand and in order, he opened to door into the chilly night air, ready to lead them back towards his place to collect the picnic supplies. The smile he gave Soh was beaming, excited to know the night was only just beginning as he asked her, "Ready?"

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

Got no plans and I've got no money
Gone are the days of milk and honey

With dinner complete and dessert collected, the couple made their way back to the front of the restaurant, where Soh collected her bag and her raincoat. Her heart beat a staccato rhythm in her chest as she realized once more that this was real, that Zavien was her boyfriend, that he really cared for her enough to want to spend more time with her. How lucky was she?

Her smile was similarly bright as she nodded. "Ready!" Folding her raincoat over one arm, she stepped out into the chilly night air, pausing just long enough to reach for Zavien's hand before continuing on down the street. The clouds that had seemed so prevalent before had parted, revealing a beautiful, starry sky high above them. It felt like a good omen, like the rain had finally parted in Soh's life and she was finally on the right track to happiness.

As soon as they began walking, Anani took to the air, chiming a playful call to Sol as she soared towards Zavien's home. Soh watched her affectionately, shaking her head at the cloud wyrm's antics. "So, which dessert are you more excited about?" she asked, turning her attention back to Zavien. "I mean, I'm sure they're both delicious, but I have to say the chocolate cake is calling me."

Green eyes and a head of gold
I'll give you two dollars if you save my soul

Sohalia

Zavien

With leafchange in full swing, the air had a crisp bite to it, the humidity trying to sink deep into his bones. Lucky for Zavien, he had a tendency to run hot year-round, and his internal heater was in full swing as they walked, his hand warm against Soh's when she reached for it. It was like slipping back into habits that had never formed, their pace as casual as if they'd walked hand in hand during a million lifetimes. 

He smiled, watching as Anani and Sol took to the clear night skies. They chased and flew around each other as their bonded walked below, discussing the desserts that awaited them. Zavien hummed, shaking his head as he said, "I think I'm more excited about the tiramisu. Besides peanut butter, coffee is my favorite flavor." Add it with the chocolate layering, and Zavien's mouth was already watering. 

Fortunately, his house was just down the street, the bright yellow paint visible even in the soft lighting of the street lamps. It wouldn't be long until they were cozied up under the stars, but there was still a point to decide, and Zavien looked to Soh as he asked, "Where should we set up?"

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

Got no plans and I've got no money
Gone are the days of milk and honey

Everything with Zavien felt as natural as breathing - something that Soh was determined not to take for granted. She knew firsthand what it felt like to be trying too hard to make something fit, like trying to jam a puzzle piece into an empty hole clearly meant for something else. This was so far removed from that sensation that it was dizzying.

"Noted," she said of Zavien's favorite flavors, making a mental note of his love of peanut butter and coffee. Curious now, she glanced up at him. "How do you like your coffee?" While she wasn't someone who had to have a daily caffeine hit, she did indulge on occasion - although her preferences ran very sweet, often with creamers or other flavors mixed in.

Anani and Sol darted through the clear sky, seemingly enjoying the lack of rain just as much as Soh. Despite the chill in the Leafchange air, she turned her face up to the sky and smiled. "Maybe we could go out of town enough that the lights aren't quite so bright?" she suggested. "That way, we can see the stars better."

Green eyes and a head of gold
I'll give you two dollars if you save my soul

Sohalia

Zavien

Smiling down at her, he answered, "Just black coffee." He liked the strong flavors, not really needing the cream or sugar when he liked the bitterness to wake him up in the morning - not that he wouldn't drink it that way. He'd take coffee however he could get it. "Do you drink coffee?" he asked, curious to know what he should get her if they were meeting during an early morning. Chocolate chip scones were already a given. 

Squeezing her hand, he looked at the gentle glow of lights around them, people slowly turning in for the night or leaving lights on for those still making their way home. There wasn't much, but as he turned his head to the sky, he saw that the stars weren't as bright as they might have usually been, and he nodded his head. "Works for me." The hand holding the bags raised to indicate towards the outskirts of town. "There's a little hill on the edge of Mourn that I found after our picnic." It was a soft, rolling knoll full of flowers. He'd thought it would make a better spot for their next picnic - one where they weren't surrounded by barrows and talks of dead people. He was happy he'd found it so they wouldn't have to go wandering in the dark.

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

Got no plans and I've got no money
Gone are the days of milk and honey

Soh couldn't imagine taking her coffee black, but to each their own; at least it made it that much easier for her to make him coffee in the morning. "I'm the complete opposite," she admitted. "When I drink coffee, it's usually with a ton of sugar and cream, or with a flavored creamer. Oh, and ice - I prefer iced coffee to hot." Something about the bitterness of coffee was just too much for her most of the time; she would take sweet flavors any day.

They had a lifetime of learning these little bits and pieces about each other, she realized, and the thought warmed her even as the chill of the Leafchange breeze tugged at her hair. Squeezing Zavien's hand right back, she followed the line of his gesture towards the edge of town. "Oh, that sounds great! I'm glad we won't have to walk too far in the dark." Legends and ghost stories aside, there were, after all, very real threats in Caido - and this was too perfect a night to let something like that ruin things for them.

She followed as Zavien led the way to the hill he'd found and was pleasantly surprised by the soft, rolling knoll covered in flowers turned silver beneath the light of the stars. "This is beautiful," she said softly. "Oh, and look! There's a perfect view east to watch the sun rise, unless it starts raining again." Though with any luck, the stars would hold out for them until dawn broke.

Green eyes and a head of gold
I'll give you two dollars if you save my soul

Sohalia

Zavien

Laughing as she continued to tack on more to her coffee order, Zavien shook his head. "Is that even coffee anymore?" Any judgement was replaced by teasing amusement, leaning into her shoulder to bump her playfully even as he promptly memorized the order. Sugar, flavored creamer, ice. 

Pleased to hear Soh agree with his plan, they made a quick stop at his place for the blankets and any other supplies before he led the way towards the hill. It wasn't a steep or dangerous climb, although once they neared it, he guided them a short distance from the path into the flowered top of the hill, framed like it had been waiting for them to arrive. The breeze bent the grass and moonlit flowers, inviting them closer. 

Zavien looked to where Soh pointed. He wouldn't have known where to expect the sun on the dark horizon otherwise, so he chuckled, shaking his head. "I'll have to take your word for it." Directions weren't his strong suit. Unless he'd already traveled the path to their current spot, he would have gotten lost just getting here. 

But lucky for them, they'd made it safely without incident, and Zavien was able to lay out the blankets for them beneath the stars, setting their desserts out to enjoy while she journalled. He gave her a happy little smile, gesturing with his hand for her to take a seat on the prepared space.

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

Got no plans and I've got no money
Gone are the days of milk and honey

Soh burst into laughter, shooting a sheepish look at Zavien even as he playfully bumped her shoulder. "No, probably not," she said. "If it tastes too much like coffee, I probably won't like it. I'm more of a 'would you like some coffee with your creamer' kind of girl. It's different with something like tiramisu," she added. "Where there's something sweet to cut the bitterness." Hence drowning her coffee in added sweeteners.

Their spot on the hill was lovely and blessedly deserted. Soh could only imagine what a place like this so close to town would look like on a nice summer day. She pointed out the distant eastern horizon, smiling at Zavien's chuckle. "I wouldn't be a very good cartographer if I couldn't find a cardinal direction," she explained as she helped to lay out blankets. It didn't take long before their midnight picnic was all laid out, and Soh happily settled onto the blankets, setting her bag in her lap as she started to rummage for her journal and a pen.

Opening to a blank page, Soh smoothed a hand over the paper, suddenly self-conscious. She usually just doodled, or sketched out portions of a map, or made notes on local flora and fauna. To write out something important to her was another thing entirely, and she suddenly found herself blanking on what to write. Instead, she began to idly sketch out a dragon that looked remarkably like Sol in the margin.

Green eyes and a head of gold
I'll give you two dollars if you save my soul

Sohalia

Zavien

"Noted." He echoed her earlier comment with a huff of teasing laughter, somewhat glad to hear they had at least one major difference in opinions. Otherwise, he might have started worrying about things being too perfect. 

Flashing Soh a smile for her impressive directional capabilities, Zavien waited for her to settle on the blankets before joining her. While she pulled out paper and writing utensils, he pulled out food and eating utensils. It felt fitting for some reason, and he found himself smiling as he arranged the options between them. When she wasn't looking, he swiped a finger through the frosting of the chocolate cake, mischief on his mind. He momentarily debated dabbing it onto her nose, but when he looked up, he couldn't bring himself to disturb the ethereal image. 

Moon and starlight caught against the jewelry she wore, flashing bright in the darkness of the night. And yet his attention was drawn to the soft lines of her face, a glowing silhouette of her cheeks and nose, eyelashes framing the shine of her silver eyes, golden waves of hair gleaming like liquid starlight. 

He just watched her for a moment, staring openly as her expressions flickered with unknown thoughts. He wondered again how he'd found himself here, lucky enough to call her his, lucky enough to watch her work passionately on something, because he certainly didn't think he'd done anything to deserve this kind of peace. 

In a cruel flash of doubt, thoughts of Lena threatened to rise, to break through the contentment. They'd never had moments like this, always plagued by one political disaster or the next. They'd never found this kind of easy respite because there was always something brewing in the back of their thoughts, always something to worry about when the sun rose. But here, now, with Soh, he couldn't think of anything to worry about. Nothing waited menacingly on the horizon. No responsibilities would plague their every moment together. All he felt was peace, and for a heartbeat, it felt like betrayal. 

Closing his eyes, Zavien took a deep breath, letting the feeling wash over him with suffocating force. But he didn't let it sink in. He thought of what Lena would have wanted for him, how she would have scolded him for letting anything ruin this moment - even her. 

He opened his eyes and let go of the bitter feelings, taking in the gilded image of Soh under the night sky one more time before laying down against the blanket and looking up at the stars above, tasting the sweet chocolate on his tongue where he swiped away the frosting.

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

Got no plans and I've got no money
Gone are the days of milk and honey

Soh sank effortlessly into her sketch, even as she felt Zavien’s gaze on her. As she doodled idly, organizing her thoughts, he let her be, seemingly content to just be near her. For her part, Soh found the entire exercise to be far less uncomfortable than she might have thought. Something about having Zavien so near relaxed her, and an easy peace settled around them as she worked. She was, of course, oblivious to the dark turn Zavien’s thoughts had taken. If she had known, she would have stopped what she was doing, but as it was, she narrowed her focus to settle on the page.

Finishing her little sketch, she paused with her pen over the paper, concentration creasing her brow ever so slightly. Her thoughts were so jumbled - in a good way, but jumbled all the same - that she was having a hard time deciding where to start. But, finally, she put pen to paper and began to write.

I think I’m falling in love with Zavien, she wrote. Which is absolutely crazy to say, given that this is our first real date. And it’s a little terrifying. But it feels so right that how could I call it anything else? This is nothing like my past relationships. Even the messy parts feel like pieces falling into place. It’s not a one sided battle. It feels like it could be us against the world, and that’s everything I ever wanted.

Pausing, Soh looked up. As she’d worked, Zavien had laid back against the blanket. The silver light of the stars glimmered in his eyes, turning them from green to silver. All around them, grass and flowers swayed in the gentle breeze. Somewhere in the distance, an owl hooted softly. But for all the natural splendor surrounding them, Soh had eyes only for Zavien.

She looked back at her journal, at the word love permanently written on the page. Was that what this was? She couldn’t be sure - not when the cautious part of her mind insisted that it couldn’t be, not yet. Even if it felt like the beginning. Even if she wanted it to be, someday.

Maybe I’m just insane, she wrote. But i suppose only time will tell.

Green eyes and a head of gold
I'll give you two dollars if you save my soul

Sohalia

Zavien

While Soh worked, Zavien did too. He let his thoughts drift. More often than not, they brushed against the mundane, admiring the way a star flickered or noticing the smooth scratch of pencil on paper, thinking on how every line of his body was relaxed in the reality of Soh's presence, comforted by all the steps they'd taken tonight, giddy at the newness of it all. 

The breeze brushed against his hair, curling strands over his forehead like it might smooth out the creases that formed whenever his thoughts weren't as kind. 

When doubts or fears crept in like the shadows of the night, Zavien was faced with his real work. He rolled up his mental sleeves and wrestled the thoughts into submission each time. While they cut deep with sharp memories or brutal guilts, he punched them back with facts and warm reassurances. Each time it became easier, a reflex he strengthened and honed, willing himself to believe every defense he cultivated: Lena would have wanted him to be happy, Koa supports his happiness, Soh makes him happy. Slowly, like learning a muscle memory, Zavien began to convince himself he could embrace this, that he could be happy in these moments too. 

Then, as more time passed and he gave his body permission to sink into the natural comfort of Soh and the night sky, his eyes drifted closed, a soft snore starting in the back of his throat.

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