It has been well over a month since Alberto Del Rio had told Ricardo his thoughts, what he wanted to do to make the younger man happy again, give him a chance. And although it had nearly killed Alberto to hurt him then, and the few times after, it had worked. There was a gleam in Ricardo's eye again, Rob was, thankfully, a nice guy, and, even better, the time apart made every moment they had together that much sweeter.

And so, when Alberto sees what date is drawing near and wonders what all they could possibly do that wouldn't destroy their plan, or everyone else believing they truly couldn't stand each other anymore, he ultimately decides to keep his plans based at the house, where they can be alone on their rare day off... simple but rewarding, just like Ricardo himself in so many ways.

Finally the week comes around and Alberto is relieved that neither of them are needed at Main Event, content to watch movies with Ricardo in his arms until late on Tuesday once they get home from the airport after the week's Raw. Eventually he falls asleep and Alberto grins down at him, carefully muting the TV to let him rest a couple more hours until midnight, when their first anniversary would begin. Swagger's actions had ruined their six month plans, but nothing would harm this day. Del Rio would make sure of that.

So, after resting with his ring announcer in his arms- because, yes, Ricardo may be RVD's ring announcer technically, but he's still Alberto's in every way that matters- Alberto leans over and kisses the top of his head, humming softly. "Ricardo," he whispers. "Mi valiente. It's time to wake up. Come now."

Sighing, the younger man stirs, finally opening his eyes and shifting a bit, yawning. "El Patron?"

Alberto smiles and kisses his brow. "Si, look at the time, Ricardo." He watches as the younger man blinks tiredly, glancing around before spotting the clock, his lips parting into a grin as he realizes that it reads 12:01 AM, September 25th.

"Oh," he breathes softly. "It's..."

"Si! A year ago today, I finally stopped being an idiota and confessed my feelings to you." He snuggles closer and smiles. "I remain unsure how you failed to give up on me long before that... I wouldn't have blamed you."

Ricardo shakes his head, smiling. "I love you too much for that to ever be possible, El Patron."

"I know the feeling," he whispers back, also smiling. They lay for awhile longer before Alberto notices Ricardo fighting to stay awake, his eyes softening as he strokes his arm. "Close your eyes, mi valiente. We have the whole day ahead of us, I have many things planned for us to do."

"It's gonna go by so quickly," he pouts, already half-asleep.

"Perhaps, but it's only the first of many, I promise you this." Alberto lightly kisses him, smiling as Ricardo kisses him back before giving into sleep, his lips still parted slightly when Alberto pulls away. "I love you, forever and ever," he tells him quietly, kissing him again before settling in to sleep as well, needing to be well rested to make the whole of their first anniversary perfection for the man currently nuzzling even closer in his arms, a sweet smile on his lips as he sleeps on peacefully.