Work Text:
You loved having a place where you and your boyfriends could be alone. With how chaotic the mansion was, it was good to escape such a nosy crowd. Although you went there more often when the flowers were in bloom, which usually coincided with the best weather for picnics.
That was what you and your boyfriends had planned for that afternoon. You found yourself lying on Jean’s lap under the shadow of a tree. He was reading a book aloud, but you found it hard to pay attention when his other hand caressed your hair, almost lulling you to sleep.
“Vincent is late.” You commented, rubbing your eyes to try to keep yourself awake.
The picnic was set, but you were waiting on Vincent, who told you he just had something to finish and would join you.
“He said he had something to do in town.”
You looked up at Jean, surprised by the news. That explained his absence, but you heard nothing about him going to town.
“Maybe he needed something to finish his latest project. He’s been so secretive about it. Vincent has never kept us from seeing an unfinished painting before.”
“He’ll share it when he is ready. Be patient.” Jean told you, smiling.
You smiled back, happy to see how comfortable Jean had become in his relationship with you and Vincent, despite the tough start of your relationship.
“A mystery just makes me more curious.” You laughed softly, prying his hand from your head to intertwine your fingers with his. “It’s not like there are any important dates ahead for it to be a gift.”
“I told him we could have a picnic another day if he was busy, but he insisted.”
It was somewhat unlike Vincent. He didn’t like inconveniencing you, but he would otherwise tell you to go ahead without him, even if it was for you to deny it.
Then you felt Jean shift and sat up in time to see Vincent arrive, carrying a covered painting. He waved at you with such a bright smile that it looked like he hadn’t seen you in years, rather than a few hours. Although you had actually spent very little time together while he was painting.
You waved back, then stood up to go meet him, with Jean following you, but Vincent gestured for you to wait.
When he reached where you were, Vincent carefully set the painting down on the picnic blanket and hushed to pull both of you for a tight hug, and when he pulled away, each of you were treated to a deep kiss.
“Vincent?” Jean asked, rubbing his back.
“I missed you. I know we saw each other sometimes, but it wasn’t enough. I wanted so much to show you what I was working on, but I also wanted it to be a surprise.” Vincent finally pulled away, his smile faltering just a little. “I hope this will be a good surprise.”
“Nothing from you could be anything but.” Jean told Vincent, caressing his cheek.
“That’s how in love we are with you.” You added, kissing his cheek. “We would love to see your surprise if you’re ready to show us.”
“Go ahead.” He motioned to the painting, his smile again as bright as the sun. In fact, he looked almost giddy, which only made you more excited to see it. You looked at Jean, and he nodded with a soft smile, gently taking your hand and guiding you to sit on the edge of the blanket. “I usually paint things as I see them, but this one is more like… something that’s been on my mind for some time now.”
You propped the canvas against the picnic basket and carefully removed the cloth covering it.
It was a painting of a church decked for a wedding, in white with golden details and bouquets of lilies and sunflowers. At the altar, bathed in sunlight, stood a bride and two grooms in a private ceremony. Some would say lonely, but you could feel the happiness of that silent moment.
Fighting the tears pooling at the corners of your eyes, you turned to look at Vincent behind you, not a bit surprised but no less emotional when he knelt down with a shy smile, showing you the contents of the little box in his hand.
“I know we can’t exactly have a proper wedding, but I wanted us to have this, at least. It would make me the happiest to be your eternal fiancé, if you would have me.”
Not trusting yourself to speak, you nodded, offering him your hand so he could slip the ring on your finger. Then he kissed your hand, first just below the ring, then on the back.
“I would have no other.” You managed to whisper, whipping away the tears you couldn’t contain.
With a last smile to you, also looking very emotional, Vincent turned to Jean, who had turned around but looked astonished, as if he still couldn’t process what was happening.
“And yours, too.” Vincent’s voice quivered as he pulled another ring box from his pocket. “The two of you are the lights of my life, and I will love both of you for as long as I live.”
Jean finally managed to push through his shock and smile at Vincent.
“You are the lights of my life.” He said back. “Without you, I would still be lost in the dark. And although sometimes it still surprises me that the two of you would want me, it would be my honor to have this bond with you.” As Vincent put the ring on Jean’s finger, it was Jean who pulled him to place a soft kiss on the back of Vincent’s hand. “In fact, I planned to ask you myself, after you were finished with your work.” Jean’s reached to hold your hand too.
“I guess, in our situation, two rings make more sense than one.” You had been thinking of getting them anyway. The two of them only beat you to it. “Although I guess that could raise some awkward questions.”
“Let them.” Jean spoke, to your surprise. Your relationship being something most people considered wrong was something he still struggled a little with. Him being the one to step in to reassure you showed how secure he had become. “It is our relationship. Their opinion should mean nothing. And for the wedding, it diesn’t have to be something traditional.” Jean cast a soft gaze towards Vincent’s painting. “We could have something private. Maybe here?”
But you knew that, out of all of you, Jean was the one who cared the most about having a proper wedding. Vincent seemed to know too, because he lowered his gaze and spoke slowly.
“Are you sure? You know, I wouldn’t mind if the two of you had a proper wedding. It won’t change our relationship.”
Jean turned to look back at him and gently tipped his chin up so Vincent would look at him.
“I won’t get married if it’s not to both my partners.” He spoke firmly, but his smile was gentle, and he moved to caress Vincent’s cheek while tightening his hold on your hand.
“We are not.” You agreed. “It would be nice if we could have this together, but, as you said, it won’t change our relationship. I like Jean’s idea, but if you really want, I know how we can have something closer to a traditional wedding. Someone who could maybe be convinced to help. We don’t have to decide now, anyway. What about focusing on our time together? And later, maybe we can plan our engagement party.”
“You’re right. I would rather focus on the time I finally have with my fiances.” Vincent kissed each of you. “Whatever happens from now on, I love both of you. Forever.”