our love blooms (like flowers in the spring)

oh, bitter betrayal!

Jack groans loudly as he stuffs himself in his lover one last time. He breathes heavily. Zach breathes just as heavily as his legs fall widely apart.

He kisses him lovingly as they both smile into it.

The Viscount lies next to him after pulling out and turns his head toward him. "Good morning, my love." He greets.

"Good morning, my darling husband." Zach greets him just as fondly. His voice is raspy and a bit slurred after such a pleasure filled affair. Both could not wipe off the smiles from their faces.

"Quite the lovely morning, is it not?" He sighs happily.

"Oh, all mornings are lovely by your side." He moves to lay on his chest.

A knock on their door is heard. "Jack, Zachary. Please make haste. Do not forget that today is Isla's introduction!" Kristin calls them from the other side of the door.

They sigh. Ever since Darrin unexpectedly passed, Kristin has started living with them. And, while they do appreciate her care, it can be quite distracting and frustrating having her walk around the house whilst they try to... celebrate their love.

After all, they have just returned from marrying in Russia. Oh, the czar was so lovely enough to allow them to spend a few days in one of his royal estates.

Shortly after cleaning themselves, Zach, now fully dressed, stands by the small jewellery box, indecisive on what ring to wear once more.

It was filled with rings now. One from Portugal, with small Viana hearts-Zach adored that one. From France, Spain, Italy, Brazil, South Africa, the Americas, India, Argentina, Greece. They surely had been busy during the winter. Yes, always accompanied by Juniper.

Jack wraps his arms around him once more. "Indecisive, yet again, my love?"

"They are all so beautiful. It becomes complicated to choose just one." He admits. "What ring are you wearing?" Zach grabs his hand and sees the England ring on his finger. "You always wear that ring." He smiles.

"Would you care to know for a little secret?"

The brunet looks at him. "Of course."

Jack presses a loving kiss on his cheek. "The England ring has been stuck on my finger ever since we married."

Zach chuckles. "Oh, that is so funny, my love." He clearly thought Jack was being charming.

"I mean it. It does not budge." Jack smiles nervously.

Zach bursts out laughing. Once he does not hear his lover laugh along, he turns serious. "Oh, you are being serious."

Jack nods. "Try it yourself."

He does, and surely enough, it does not budge. "Oh, dear heavens... does it not hurt you?"

"It does not. It just happens to not move." He shrugs with a smile.

Zach chuckles. "Very well, perhaps I should wear the England ring as well to match you."

"Forever?" Jack raises an eyebrow.

"Did I not tell you I was yours forever?" He raises an eyebrow as well.

Jack kisses him tenderly. Zach pats his chest. "We must hurry. Isla must need my tea."

***

Jack sat on his couch in his quarters. A letter in hand. It read: Isla's introduction.

Dear Jack,

Today is the day. The day where Isla, the family's baby, becomes a woman. I trust that you, your mother, and hopefully your beloved, have taught her well.