our love blooms (like flowers in the spring)

we must be proper

Jack paced around his quarters incessantly. His hands fumbled as he put on his gloves. Today was the day when they would announce their engagement to the ton. Surely, he does not know half of them, but that is what makes it nerve-wracking enough.

The doors to his quarter open, revealing his lover. Jack felt like his head was finally above water when he entered the room.

Zach smiles softly. He was wearing an emerald suit with a white vest, obviously with embroidered flowers. His cravat was golden copper coloured.

He hugs him tightly, shaking his nerves away as Jack feels more than relaxed with his arms around him.

"Hello, my love." Zach greets.

"I missed your relaxing presence." Jack pouts. "And you look absolutely splendid, my love."

The brunet chuckles. "Allow to me look at you, too." They part the hug, and Zach holds his hands as he takes one good look at his husband to-be.

Jack was wearing a night blue suit paired with a champagne vest containing intricate baby blue designs. His cravat was white with a diamond brooch.

"You look marvellous in blue, Jack." He smiles. "Perhaps we should start heading downstairs? Everyone has already arrived."

He tenses. "Already?"

"It is quite jarring to be invited to an engagement party without knowing who the Viscount is marrying. I believe people are curious." He explains.

Jack nods, understanding the message. "Then, we must go."

"One moment, my love." He reaches into his inner coat pocket and takes out a small box.

Zach clears his throat. "I believe it would be more than fair if you were, too, wearing an engagement ring to an engagement party." He opens the box.

Jack's eyes widen. "My love..." He practically melts at such a sweet gesture.

The brunet slides the glove off his hand and slides the ring on his ring finger. "You will marry me, will you not?"Zach looks at him.

It was a thin silvery band with a small diamond on it.

"Of course." He smiles and reaches to kiss his forehead. "I would only wish to marry you even if you did not want me."

"I do want to. Even if it is the last thing I do."

Jack presses his lips on his gently. "I love you."

"I love you." He intertwines their fingers. "Let us go?"

Jack stretches his arm, which Zach gladly takes."I have nothing to fear when I am beside you." He holds his hooked hand on his.

"I will be by your side all night." Zach starts tugging the glove off his hand. Jack stuffs both gloves on his pocket, and they walk downstairs holding each other.

The doors to the garden were closed. Jack takes a deep breath.

"Please, open the doors." Jack asks.

The doormen comply and the two walk out to the garden. Zach feels his hand tighten on his. He looks at Jack. "It is just us here." He mumbles, squeezing his arm reassuringly.

"Viscount Torrington and Mister Zachary Herron." A man announces.

Whispers immediately erupt from the crowd.

"There are too many people." Jack whispers back, his eyes running through the crowd.

Zach directs him to the dancefloor. "Look at me then. Do not look at them." He orders gently as he moves to stand in front of him.