The Island: Ryan and Ben

Anniversary

by AJ and Dash

Ben took a last look at the table, mentally ticking off the items on his list. Their best linen tablecloth and its matching napkins had been ironed this morning, and it now covered the dining room table. The good china and crystal had been washed and laid out, with only a few hasty references to the Emily Post website. He had even polished the too-ornate silver candleholders that they had received as a wedding present from someone. The tall, slender tapers would be lit just before dinner was served, so they wouldn’t melt too much.

He stirred the simmering pot one last time before turning the heat down to low, and smiled. He was pleased with how the dinner was turning out and how nice the little bungalow looked. It might not be very big, he decided, but it was just the right size for the two of them. Because Ryan insisted that it stay neat and tidy, the cottage never felt cluttered or claustrophobic. He gave a light laugh, remember the first few months of living together and the adjustments they both had to make as they merged their things and living styles. The stunned look on Ryan’s face when they had gone to retrieve Ben's possessions was one he would always remember. It had taken days to sort the belongings he'd left behind to become an Orphan. And his suggestion that they just ship everything to The Island and sort it out later hadn't gone over well at all.

He glanced at the clock and was jolted from his happy memories. How had it gotten to be so late? He took one last look at dinner, then rearranged the flowers on the table yet again, and made a face. Ryan had better come home from work soon or all this effort would be wasted. He wasn't really worried about it, though. He'd mentioned his plans to Davis yesterday and the other man had promised to make sure the Alpha made it out of the office on time.

The last two years had been good ones, he mused, going back into the small living room to make sure everything was still in place. There had been a few rocky times, times when he wondered if it was worth it or debated walking away from the whole thing. But there had been even more good times. He had never considered a permanent commitment before then, positive that his life would always be a series of short-term relationships. Now, thinking about his life and his future, it was impossible to imagine it without Ryan at his side. Somehow, against all odds, Ben thought, straightening the pictures on the bookshelf, they had found each other. And in each other, they had found a perfect balance, complementing each other's strengths and needs. Not that it was always easy, but they had managed to balance their own needs, the needs of their relationship, and the need they both had to live with discipline playing a major role in their relationship. And the resulting partnership was deeply satisfying for both of them..

The phone rang, interrupting his contemplation, and he reached for it, hoping that it wasn't Ryan calling to say he was running late.

"Hey Ben," Davis said cheerfully.

"Hi, Davis. How late is he going to be?" Ben asked in reservation.

"Not late at all. I just wanted to give you a heads up that the big man just left the office about 30 seconds ago. I'd say you have another 2 minutes to finish up your plans for your big night."

"Thanks, man, I appreciate it." Ben said with a smile. "Talk to you later."

He was waiting at the open door when Ryan stepped onto the porch, ready to welcome his partner with a deep kiss. "You're on time," he commented with satisfaction.

"Did you think I'd be late on our anniversary?" Ryan asked with a smile. "It smells good," he added, sniffing the air appreciatively. "Do I have time to shower and change, or are we eating right away?"

"It'll keep for a few minutes," Ben told him with a sly grin. "Want me to wash your back?"

"I'd love you to. But I'd hate to ruin dinner after you've worked so hard on it," Ryan chuckled.

Ben was working at the counter when he entered the kitchen fifteen minutes later, and he stole up behind the young man, slipping his arms around Ben's waist and kissing the side of his neck.

"Mmm," Ben murmured, turning his head for another kiss.

They broke apart a few minutes later, both of them slightly breathless and flushed, and Ryan smiled. "We need to stop or your dinner really is going to be ruined."

"Let it burn," Ben replied with a low growl.

Ryan paused only long enough to turn the stove off before sweeping his partner into his arms and carrying him into the bedroom.

"Happy Anniversary," Ben whispered some time later. "It's been a good two years, hasn't it?"

"Happy Anniversary, my love," Ryan replied, with a gentle kiss to the sated young man in his arms. "And may we have many more together."