The flower was a lot like a cherry blossom flower, and within her hair, it added a spark of bright color, a light pink amidst the brown. And she looked gorgeous.
When Zeno looked at Kaya, he saw his past as an Original Dragon Warrior, saw the palace, saw all of that, and he saw his present and what he wished was his future. But he will outlive Kaya, despite the brilliancy of her right now, despite her bright smile, and her gratitude, despite her liveliness.
He'd been here with her on her bad days, the days where Zeno went out and watered the garden, the days where he stayed close at hand too, and he made all their meals, and sat with her, and held her hand. The days where he was there rubbing her back as she coughed up blood, and as Zeno prayed quietly for a miracle. The days where he kissed her on the forehead and told her he loved her, as if it were for the last time.
Those days were rough, and reminded him of the inescapable future of theirs. But today was not like that.
"You look beautiful, Kaya." And he reached out a hand for hers. The flower was a light pink glittered with the occasional dark pink speck, the inside was yellow with just enough brightness to remind of sunlight on a warm summer day.
Zeno loves her, and he'd do anything for Kaya.
"Thank you." And she wrapped her arms around him, practically jumping into Zeno's arms to embrace him, "For the flower, for you, for just everything." And she's crying. The tears are filling up her eyes with gratitude.
Zeno hugs her close, like he can keep her here forever.
"You're welcome." You're welcome to stay, to stay right here with me, always.
"I love you, Zeno." It's one of those seemingly rare moments when she says the words first, though they both know that she means them deeply and completely.
"I love you too, Kaya." He snuggles closer to her, and for a moment, it is just Zeno and Kaya and the warm breeze, and right now, right here, is where he wants to stay.