Close to You

Golden Ring

Disclaimer: I own no one!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"My first time back in the ring," John said, buckling his seatbelt. Randy nodded, squeezing John's hand. John had finally seen he wasn't weak and had gotten the urge to go back in the wrestling ring.

"You did great," Randy said, offering him a secretive smirk. John closed his eyes. His boyfriend was up to something. "Happy anniversary,"

"Happy anniversary," John murmured. Had it really been a year? God, it seemed like just yesterday that they had blown off Trish's reservations at a fancy restaurant and had gone to the beach. "Where are you taking me?"

"That's for me to know and you to find out," Randy replied. John silently cursed. Randy chuckled. He could sense he was getting John annoyed.

Randy pulled into the parking lot of a small beach. John was baffled. Why were they at a dark beach in the dead of night?

"Here," Trish murmured, shoving a picnic basket at Randy. He thanked her silently. "Have fun,"

"What is going on?" John asked, getting out of the car. Glancing toward the beach, he gasped.

A circle of lit candles surrounded a large blanket.

"I wanted to make our first anniversary together special," Randy said. "You just make me so happy," John sighed.

"I love it!" he exclaimed, grinning widely. "I love you," Randy sighed, taking John by the hand.

"I love you, too" he replied. "Take your shoes off, feel the sand on your bare feet," John nodded, removing his black sneakers. His feet sunk into the sand.

"Do you remember what youtold me our first time?" Randy asked. John nodded. He remembered what he had said.

"I told you that you couldn't be afraid to love because the one you turn away, may be the one who would have made you complete," he said. Randy nodded.

"I'll admit when I first realized I had a crush on you, I was afraid to act on it. Now, I am so glad Amy went nuts the day I was supposed to meet Trish." Randy said. John nodded.

"Me, too." He murmured. "I got you something small, and I can understand if you don't want to wear it, but I took a chance," Randy chuckled softly. John was baffled. Why was Randy laughing?

"We probably got each other the same thing, because I feel the exact same way about your gift," Randy murmured. He fumbled in his pocket, and pulled out a small black velvet box. John shook his head, unable to believe what he was seeing. Quickly, he reached into his pocket and pulled out an identical box.

"You first," John murmured. Randy nodded, quickly opening the box. He turned it to John to reveal a small golden band with small diamond chips set in it. "You're going to look at me like I'm nuts when I show you this," John opened his box to reveal an identical ring.

"Talk about weird coincidence," Randy said. John nodded. "I love you and I want the whole world to know it," John groaned inaudibly. Randy looked like he was up to something, which was never a good sign.

"What are you thinking?" he asked. Randy grasped his lover's hand. Taking a deep breath, he began to speak.

"Let's get married," he blurted out. John's eyes widened. Married? Randy wanted to get married? Well, that was a nice idea, but planning a 'wedding'? Was it a commitment ceremony? Why was he beginning to stress now? Nothing was definite!

"Well, I like the idea. I would love to confess my love for you in front of our friends and family," John murmured. Then, his logical nature kicked in. "How do you plan something like that? I don't want to become one of those psychotic people who scares everyone away by talking about floral arrangements," Randy set his hand on John's shoulder.

"If you want to do it with me, we'll manage. If you don't want to do it with me, I'll understand," Randy murmured. He loved John, and he was willingly to do whatever John was comfortable with. Handing John a goblet of wine, he began to speak again. "What are you thinking?"

"If confessing my love for you to the masses is worth six months of hardcore stress," he replied. "I'm kidding! I'll do it! Just two things," Randy smirked, preparing himself for the comment his lover was bound to make.

"Yes, Dear?" he asked. John smirked.

"A-I'm not wearing the dress," he said. Randy burst out laughing. "B-being serious, I want Trish involved somehow. This wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for her,"

"Deal," Randy said, kissing his lover. "Love you, C"

"Love you too, Orton,"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I love writing this story. This chapter was my favorite to write. Thank you again for all your wonderful reviews. Just for curiosity's sake, does anyone have any fic ideas for the characters of The Sand and Water Trilogy?

-Jen