Niles was ecstatic. He'd been planning for this day for as long as he could remember. No, longer than that; he'd been planning for this day subconsciously his entire life. He just didn't realize how wonderful getting here would be. And although it was hard to believe, the day had finally arrived.
He still regretted his actions from the beginning of their relationship but even so he wouldn't trade one second of the past year. This wasn't their real anniversary, not in the sense that one might think of an anniversary. That day had long since passed. They had celebrated accordingly with dinner, flowers and plenty of romance. But this anniversary meant more; so much more. And because of that fact, Niles knew that he couldn't treat it lightly. It had to be special, unique, something that neither he nor Daphne would ever forget.
He began devising his plan right away, conferring with Frasier, his father and even Roz trying to come up with the perfect celebration. And finally after lots of hard work (and even more secrecy) everything had fallen into place. The only thing left to do was to present it to his love.
He said nothing as he arrived home from work but it was hard to hide his grin and his enthusiasm. He was more than sure that Daphne would love what he'd planned. His heart beating rapidly, he put down his briefcase and removed his coat, making his way to the fainting couch.
His love was sitting there, her feet propped up on a throw pillow, engrossed in a romance novel. The colorful cover depicted a broad shouldered and very muscular man with flowing brown hair, entangled in the arms of a lean and very beautiful woman with red hair that wasn't much longer than her male companion's. Across the picture were the words Love's Passion written in bold red script.
Niles chuckled. "Love's Passion indeed."
He hadn't realized that he'd spoken aloud until he saw her lower her book and look up at him, smiling. She rose from the fainting couch and went to him.
"Niles, how long have you been standing there watching me?"
He grinned. "Long enough to see how beautiful you are. But it only took me a second to see that."
She smiled and softly cradled his cheeks in her hands, kissing him softly. "You're so sweet. And I love you so much."
"I love you too, Daphne. You have no idea-." But one touch of her lips on his and he knew he couldn't let go. His arms went around her and he kissed her deeply, with everything he had, leaving them both dizzy. She drew back stumbling slightly. But she teetered enough for him to gently grab her forearm to steady her. And once she stopped swaying, her expression was one of disbelief. He knew exactly what she was thinking. He'd never kissed her like that before. And now he wondered why he'd been holding out for so long.
It took her a moment to speak. "N-Niles… what was that for?"
He shrugged, making sure that his grin remained. "No reason. Just wanted to let you know that I love you."
His comment drew her into his arms even further and he was content to hold her close, kissing her in much the same way he'd kissed her just moments before. But now she returned the kiss in tenfold. And it was he who staggered slightly as the kiss ended.
"I love you too, Sweetheart." She was saying; her voice trembling. She blinked; revealing what he already knew was coming, as it always accompanied her quivering voice.
He cupped her cheek in his hand and brushed the tell-tale tear from her eyes, but let his hand linger on her soft skin.
"I have a surprise for you." He said, feeling relief at finally being able to tell her at least that much.
She laughed. "Niles, another surprise?"
This confused him. "What do you mean, another? I haven't even-."
"You're always giving me such wonderful things, taking me on wonderful vacations… how can I ever forget our trip to Belize, or the jewelry, candy, restaurants, flowers… things I don't deserve."
"Of course you deserve them. You deserve the world, Daphne. But since I can't give you that; not tonight anyway, I have something else for you."
"All right. I can hardly wait to see what this surprise is."
"Well, it won't be ready for a while, so we'll just have to think of a way to pass the time until it is."
She grinned mischievously, trailing her finger across his lips. "Hmm… I can think of something. That is if you don't mind."
He licked his dry lips, his eyes moving toward the second floor of their home, where just a few feet away was their bed. And suddenly he felt incredibly shy. What was wrong with him? Wasn't it he who had initiated this burst of romance?
"M-Mind? Of course I don't mind. W-why would you think-."
She stopped him with a fiery kiss. "Mm mm. I was hoping you'd say that. Come, my darling."
His heart beating madly, he followed her up the stairs where his maddening desire for her would soon be fulfilled. And oh, how he wanted her, more than he realized.
A/N: Thank you for reading Ch 1. Reviews are appreciated.