It truly was incredible how much things had changed in the course of just a few months. They had come so far since that day five years ago, and yet so much had remained the same, too. Shirayuki was still Shirayuki, and he had remained himself. He couldn't even say that their relationship had changed, really, just evolved. They still inspired one another, still relied on each other, and still worked to grow together. Now though, he understood why his heart skipped a beat at the sight of her smile, why he craved the warmth of her touch, why he loved the sound of her laugh, and why he never felt so at ease as when she was in his arms.

He loved her, deeply and truly, and he wanted her to officially stand by his side one day. And now, he knew that she wanted it, too. That she loved him just as much. Which was part of why this was long overdue.

Shirayuki clung to him as he raced through the castle, cradling her gently in his arms. He was still a little embarrassed that his… er… enthusiasm had caused her legs to give out, but he couldn't deny that he quite enjoyed the feel of her hands pressed to his chest, and the warmth of her body against his.

"Where are we going?" she asked, cautious of being overheard as he carried her higher and higher through Castle Wistal.

"It's a surprise," Zen grinned back. "You'll just have to wait and see."

It seemed an eternal instant before they finally reached their destination, but he was rewarded by Shirayuki's gasp of wonder before he gently put her back on her feet. "It's beautiful," she whispered, stepping forward into the rooftop garden. It was more of a flower garden than a medical garden, with a lily pond in the center and rows of blossoms on all sides, but he could still see how her eyes lit up as she twirled briefly on the spot, as though she just couldn't help herself.

"Yeah, it is, but that's not what I wanted to show you." Zen extended his hand to her, and Shirayuki instantly slipped hers into his, her smile warm and trusting, her cheeks a lovely shade of pink, allowing him to lead her towards the edge of the rooftop as the first rays of sunlight broke over the horizon. Shirayuki caught her breath, her eyes wide and full of wonder, tears pricking the corners.

"The best view of Wistal," she whispered. "From the rooftop garden of the castle."

"You remembered," Zen smiled, gazing over the sparkling water of the bay and enjoying the warmth of the sun on his face as he laced his fingers fully with hers. "Sorry it's taken so long."

"No, it's alright," Shirayuki laughed gently in return, leaning into him so that she could rest her head against his shoulder. "I'm just glad to have the chance to see it."

"Shirayuki?"

"Mm?"

"You should know that I… I've already told Izana I have feelings for you." Shirayuki drew away from him slightly so that she could look up at his face, her eyes wide and bright, her lips slightly parted in amazement. Zen blushed under her scrutiny, but forced himself to hold her gaze, determined to impress his earnestness upon her. "You asked a question earlier, about if we can really make this work, and if we can ever truly be together. The answer is simple: yes, you can. It's been yes since the day you pulled me out of that river. I realize I'm being selfish by asking you this, but please wait. Some day, I will use the proper words."

"Alright," Shirayuki beamed at him, that bright and radiant smile that made his heart race and his cheeks grow warm. "Is it strange to say that I'm glad you fell into the river that day? Otherwise, we may never have met."

Zen chuckled gently and drew the woman he loved into his arms. "Not at all," he murmured, pressing his lips against her forehead. "I'm glad, too, that I had the chance to be your first patient."

The young herbalist seemed to catch her breath slightly, and he suspected that she was blushing, but even so, that didn't keep the warm smile out of her voice as she responded. "Me too. You amaze me every day, Zen. I'm so glad that I've had the chance to watch you grow into the man you are now."

"It's all thanks to you, you know. You've always inspired me to be better."

When Shirayuki glanced away, Zen knew that she was blushing. "We could go back and forth like this all day, couldn't we."

"Yeah, I suppose we could."

"I love you, Zen."

"I love you, Shirayuki."