inkspresso

the good and the bad

The days following up to the graduation ceremony, Zach visited all the iconic places in London. He took plenty of pictures to send to Jack and bought cute souvenirs for Jack's family and his own siblings.

As much as he liked exploring the city, he admittedly missed Jack. The curly head made sure to call him every night to assure he was fine.

He fixes his collars and gets out of the threatre that would be holding the ceremony. The gown and the hood drapped beautifully over him. The cap on his head was a different story.

"Excuse me, do you know the way to the auditorium?" A very familiar voice speaks.

Zach furrows his eyebrows and looks at the source of it. "Ryan Herron, what the goddamned world are you doing here?" His thick southern accent comes out.

His younger brother looks panicked. "Uhm, surprise?" He smiles nervously.

Zach crosses his arms. "Explain."

Someone drapes an arm around his shoulders and stuffs a small bouquet of peonies in front of him. That can only mean one thing. His eyes widen.

"Hey there, beautiful." Jack smiles.

Zach seems like a fish out of the water, opening and closing his mouth in shock. His eyes water.

A tissue is waved in front of his face. Zach looks to the side. It was Ava.

The brunet smiles widely as he cries into Jack's shoulder. "You're all assholes." He sniffs.

Jack chuckles as he comforts him. "You really think we wouldn't come to such an important event, baby?"

Zach opens his arms and signs everyone to hug him. Ava, Jack, Ryan hugged him tightly.

"We should totally head inside." Ryan speaks up.

"Oh, my mom is saving us some spots with Syd, Isla, and your sister." Ava replies.

The brunet pouts adorably and cries some more."You're such assholes." He wipes his tears.

They all chuckle.

"Cmon, let's go!" Ryan nudges them all.

Ava and Ryan go ahead while Zach and Jack stay in the back.

"How?"

The curly head shrugs. "Everything becomes easy when you know someone who's friends with a flight attendant and pretty much can get you discounts on everything."

"B-But Ryan and Reese..."

"Ava knew your brother, and they arranged everything." He quickly explains. "Babe, don't think about the how, be happy we're here." He rests his hand on his lower back. "We're all here for you."

He nods and gives him a side hug. The curly head presses a kiss onto his cheek. "You'll be the death of me one of these days." Zach smiles.

"C'mon, you know I like seeing that pretty smile on your face." He kisses his cheek. "It makes everything worth it."

He hugs him tightly, stopping both in their tracks.

Jack gives him a short kiss. "I'll be waiting for you outside when it's over, okay?" He caresses his face gently.

Zach nods excitedly and gives him another kiss.

***

"With first class honours master's degree in Classics and English, Zachary Dean Herron." The speaker announces.

His family claps for him as he receives the diploma and takes a picture with the headmaster.

Once the ceremony is over, Zach steps out of the theatre and searches for Jack's curly hair. He's suddenly hugged from the back, making him squeal.