A/N: Peeps – I'm still quite new to this modern world of fanfic. Prior to the last story, I haven't written fanfic in over fifteen years. Is it truly common practice to disclaim that the characters in your story will not cheat, not die, and live happily ever after? As a writer, I find all of this very odd. Those types of disclaimers take away from the suspense, IMO. If you already know how the story will end, then why read even it?
Anyhow, all I will say is that I am sticking with "canon" for this particular series. E.L. James' Christian and Ana would never cheat. Therefore, rest easy. :)
PLEASE comment on Chapter 3! – ST2
Chapter 3 – Have A Good Cry
Around seven o'clock in the evening, Christian arrives home from work and enters the big room with an excited Ted draped in his arms.
"How was the doctor's? Did you get a shot?" Christian asks the toddler.
"Yep! Ted was a big boy! I say 'ouch' but I didn't cry like a baby!" Ted brags proudly.
"Yes – Teddy was a big boy, indeed! I told him that Mommy was so proud of him!" Ana calls out. She's positioned on the large sofa facing the glass wall. Phoebe lies on a burp cloth over her mom's lap as she gently pats the infant on the back. Phoebe is well able to burp herself, but Ana wants to make sure that there isn't any gas settling in her stomach that could potentially bring her discomfort in the middle of the night.
Christian beams at Ted with pride. "That's my champ!" he says before kissing him on the forehead and placing him back on solid ground. Ted commences to run around the room making airplane sounds while gliding his arms back and forth. "He's a chip off the old block," Christian chuckles. Ana beams.
Christian walks up to the sofa and places his messenger bag on the floor besides it. He removes his black trench coat and hangs it over the sofa before taking a seat next to Ana and Phoebe. He leans over and kisses his wife on her forehead and she closes her eyes savoring the greeting. He then bends down to kiss Phoebe on the crown of her head before picking her up from Ana's lap and cradling her in his arms. Christian looks the jubilant infant directly in her big blue eyes.
"Phoebe Grey, you and I need to have a little chat," Christian says softly with a forced frown. Ana sighs a giggle.
"I need you to stay asleep for an extended period of time tonight. Hey…if you want to wake up, try waiting until after one o'clock. Daddy would have already finished having fun with Mommy by then," he says with a playful smirk.
"Christian!" Ana scolds, slapping him on his arm.
"I'm just saying," Christian responds like an arrant child.
"Please Phoebe…Daddy's begging you. Pretty please," Christian murmurs to the baby before kissing her on the forehead.
"She looks agreeable. Tonight just might be your lucky night, Mr. Grey," Ana purrs.
"Oh, I hope so," Christian breathes with a salacious grin.
That evening after putting the children to bed, Christian and Ana opt for a quick shower together. They wash one another and kiss every now and again, but aim to make their task in the shower very brief. After towel drying, Christian expeditiously blow-dries his wife's hair. As soon as the dryer switches off, Christian is on Ana like white on rice.
To her surprise, he picks her up in his arms and carries her into the bedroom.
"Christian!" Ana laughs uncontrollably. Without drawing the sheets back, he places her on the bed and crawls on top of her. Before Ana can catch her breath, Christian's mouth is on hers – taking her in. She matches his fervor and tugs his damp hair with both hands.
Christian leans over, opens up a drawer from the nightstand on his side of the bed and grabs a tiny bottle of lubricant.
"Christian – what are you doing?" Ana whispers sharply.
"Ana, I don't have time to butter you up. I need to get in there now," he says with a sense of urgency.
"Oh," Ana replies, almost blushing.
Christian flips the cap off of the lube and then glares at the baby monitor. Ana watches the wheels turn in his head.
"Can we turn that thing off for like…fifteen minutes?" Christian says.
"Christian, no," Ana snaps.
"Dammit," he whispers. Shaking off his defeat, he quickly pours the lubricant into his hands and works it up and down his erection. Ana licks her lips in arousal watching him in action, but he doesn't pay her any mind due to his preoccupation. Christian then places some of the silicon-based solution on his fore and middle fingers before rubbing them around the parameter of Ana's sex. She sighs sensually at the contact. He then inserts the fingers inside of her before placing the bottle on top of the nightstand.
Without pomp or circumstance, he slams into her. Ana screams at the sudden move, and Christian gasps in relief.
"Finally," he groans triumphantly, closing his eyes tightly to absorb the feeling. Finally, he is exactly where he wants to be. After a few beats, he starts to move. Fast.
Ana starts to moan and groan, also taking in what she has missed for so long. Christian begins to move faster and faster.
"Oh Ana! I've missed you so much!" he cries out, kissing her frantically on the neck while climbing in and out of her.
"I've missed you too!" she gasps, trying to keep up with his fast and furious stroke, but failing miserably. He wants this so bad, and Ana just can't seem to match his sense of urgency. So she resolves to just let him take what he desperately needs right at this moment.
"Oh, Christian!" Ana screams as he continues to deliriously crash into her. Christian begins to grunt loudly with every pound.
"Oh, baby!" he growls.
All of a sudden, the dead has arisen. Without warning, Phoebe begins to cry bloody murder over the monitor. Christian rolls his eyes but he doesn't stop moving. Ana, now troubled, places her hands on his chest urging him to stop with her eyes.
"No!" he shouts at her with fury. "Let her cry!" he growls his command. He continues to move inside of her.
"Christian," she shakily pleads.
"No! Let her cry, dammit!" he snaps at her with fire in his eyes.
Irritated, Ana removes her hands from her husband's chest and lets her arms fall automatically to her sides. She turns her head away from her husband as he continues to pound away…hoping that his release comes soon enough so she can go tend to their daughter.
Christian's spirit drops as he witnesses the desire that was once very present in his wife dissipate. However, he is still determined to climax, so he closes his eyes tight in order to maintain focus while continuing to move. Phoebe's cries become louder and louder. Ana sits static like a cold fish as a single tear escapes the corner of her eye.
While his eyes are closed, Christian has a sudden flashback of his four-year-old self, desperately calling out for his birth mother to wake up. He sees her cold, dead body lying there all over again. Christian eyes immediately spring open and he stops moving. He then curls his head into his wife's chest like a small child. Ana knows exactly what he is thinking about. She starts to caress his hair before holding him tightly – hugging away the pain. Christian's breathing is rigid. Streams of tears begin to fall from Ana's eyes. Christian wraps his arms around and then under her, drawing her in closer. They lie there for two minutes.
Three minutes.
Four minutes.
Phoebe continues to cry, but she is now losing steam. Christian and Ana lie still in each other's arms, not saying a word.
Five minutes.
Six minutes.
Finally, silence. The crying ceases. Christian springs up suddenly, pulling out of Ana, and quickly walks into the bathroom to grab and put on his robe. He then exits the bedroom, shutting the door behind him. Ana lays there, naked and prostrate.
After a few moments, Ana can hear the door of the nursery open via the monitor. It's silent for a while. Ana then hears what sounds like a kiss before Christian whispers softly, "I love you." In a few beats, she hears the door close again. Ana pulls up the duvet and sheet underneath her and climbs in, covering her naked body.
Christian eventually reenters the bedroom and closes the door behind him. His silhouette is illuminated by the moonlight. Still wearing his bathrobe, he climbs under the covers with Ana.
"She's out like a light. All she needed was a good cry," he murmurs wistfully. Ana places her head on her husband's chest. She gazes emptily at the moonlight peering from the blinds of the wall-to-ceiling windows. Christian begins to massage her hair. Ana plants a kiss on his bare chest peering out of the robe and gradually drifts to sleep.
….
Ana is startled awake by the sudden infused aroma of body wash and Christian…her favorite fragrance in the entire world. When her eyes gain focus, she sees her husband crouched over her. He is already dressed for work and looking scrumptious in a gray Tom Ford suit and tie.
"The Taiwanese are in town. I have to go in early for a breakfast meeting. We might have to do dinner in Portland tonight if our meeting goes over this afternoon at WSU. If that's the case, we may have to stay there for the night before heading back to Seattle in the morning," Christian informs her in a gentle tone.
"Okay," Ana murmurs in disappointment.
"I'll be back by tomorrow morning, worse case," he says, reassuring her. She nods and he kisses her on the lips. Playfully, he slowly lifts up the covers, revealing her nakedness. Ana gasps and giggles before snatching the covers out of his hands.
"Mrs. Grey, if I had time this morning, I'd finish what we started last night," he says with a seductive grin. Ana beams at him, but a sudden thought wipes away her smile.
"Did Phoebe sleep the entire night?" Ana gasps in wonder. Christian smiles proudly and nods.
"I believe that our fortune has now changed, Mrs. Grey. We won't know for sure until after I get back. But promise me one thing tonight. Please…let her cry. Don't be so quick to jump to her aid," Christian pleads. Ana nods vehemently.
"Oh, I've got it. If she can sleep through the whole night like that, I'm not getting up ever again," Ana chuckles. Christian smiles. "Good girl," he praises. They lovingly kiss before Christian stands tall and departs for work.
….
Ana received a slew of compliments at GP concerning how good she looked this morning. Although she is wearing what could be considered a descendant of Kate's infamous sexy plum dress, members of Ana's staff mentioned words like rested, refreshed, relaxed and youthful. Ana is all smiles. Little Miss Phoebe finally slept all through the night. However, Ana still feels pretty bad for her husband. If she doesn't see him at home tonight, she vows to herself to make things extra special for him Friday night. 'He more than deserves it,' Ana reflects, beaming lovingly.
Ana's thoughts are interrupted when Hannah peeks through the door of her office.
"Ana, Mia's here. Did you want me to send her in?"
"Mia? Sure," Ana says, surprised at her sister-in-law's impromptu visit.
Mia enters Ana's office. She is full of life with her signature black bob donning a pink peacoat, flowy floral skit and very tall high heels. "Ana!" she shrieks. Ana rises to hug her tree of a sister-in-law.
"Hi Mia," Ana greets lovingly.
"Oh Ana, you look…hot!" Mia raves. Ana blushes.
"Thank you. You look beautiful, as always," Ana returns the complement. Mia thanks Ana for the kind words before they each take a seat on the plush chairs on the other side of Ana's desk.
"I haven't seen you since Christmas dinner! I was so used to seeing you, Christian and Ted at least once a week before Phoebe came along," Mia pouts.
"Yeah…I know," Ana says, regretfully.
"So – I'm here for a couple of reasons. Elliot and team just finished construction at my new bistro!" Mia cheers.
"That's awesome! Congratulations!" Ana says excitedly.
"Yes! I'm super stoked! We start interviews this evening. Martha's helping me," Mia says matter-of-factly. Ana forces her smile to not fall at the mention of Martha.
"Anyway, I want to give you these catering flyers. I would like to start a dry run with the new staff before we officially open our doors on February 1st. I would like to cater free lunches next Friday for everyone here in your office!" Mia reveals.
"Oh wow, Mia! That sounds great! Sure!" Ana sparkles while taking the flyers from Mia.
"The second reason why I'm here – well – you'll see it when you actually look at the flyer," Mia winks. Ana is puzzled, but then looks down at the flyer. On the top in large cursive print, it reads: Phoebe's French Bistro. Ana gasps.
"Wha…you – you changed the name?" gapes Ana, utterly shocked.
"Yes. I decided to rename my bistro after my precious little niece. You'll recall a few years back when I dreamed of opening up my very own French restaurant. My dreams were put on hold for a while – mostly because I was helping out Skyler at his bakery. But now, my dreams are finally coming true! So I thought to myself, 'what name best describes a delayed dream finally coming to fruition?' Then it hit me! You and Christian wanted to have another child after Ted so badly. Now, she's finally here! Phoebe is all of our dreams come true! And the new restaurant is like my very own Phoebe," Mia beams, almost choking up in the end of her statement. Tears break free from Ana's eyes. She rises up and places the flyers on the coffee table in front of her before leaning over to hug her sister-in-law, who stands to meet her.
"Oh my goodness, Mia. That's so beautiful. Thank you," she murmurs sweetly. After they release, Ana grabs tissues from the nearby box for both her and Mia, who is now tearing up with Ana.
"Thank you," Mia says as she takes the tissue from Ana. They both reclaim their seats.
"Does…does Christian know about the name change?" Ana inquires, still shaken up with emotion.
"Yes. I told him and Elliot not to tell anyone. I wanted to personally let you know," Mia says slyly. Ana grins at her sneaky sister-in-law.
"And lastly, I'm here to tell you about our celebration dinner tomorrow night at Canlis. It's just going the six of us – me, Ethan, Elliot, Kate, you and Christian. Mom says that she and Dad will stay the night at your place if you want in order to watch the kids until you return home for the evening. I know that you had issues with Phoebe staying away overnight," Mia says. Ana lets out an unsure sigh, but then Mia combats her with a pouty lip, causing Ana to chuckle.
"I already talked to Christian this morning. He said that if it's all right with you, it's all right with him. Mom and Dad are excited to spend the night at your place. And look…you don't even have to leave the kids overnight. Just return back home after dinner," Mia says persuasively. Ana briefly takes the idea into account.
"Mia, we'll be there. Christian and I wouldn't miss your celebration for anything in the world," Ana says lovingly. "Yay!" Mia shouts before leaping up to her feet and throwing herself on Ana, who remains seated. Ana gulps in sudden surprise but then warmly returns Mia's bear hug.
….
"Well, John Flynn! What do I owe the pleasure of this sudden request to do lunch?" she smirks.
Dr. Sarah Carlson approaches a small table occupied by Dr. Flynn at a nearby sandwich shop. Flynn rises up in a gentlemanly fashion to greet the tall blonde beauty. Sarah places her tray with sandwich and drink on the table before shaking Flynn's hand. He kindly motions her to take a seat, which they both do in unison.
"So, you know that we are both consummate professionals in our field. We pride ourselves in having the utmost discretion for all of our clients," Flynn prefaces in his strong English accent.
"What do you want to know about Ana?" Sarah says curtly, glaring at Flynn in skepticism. Flynn beams at her for cutting directly to the chase.
"Ana's treatment plan. What in the hell are you doing?" Flynn says, matching her bluntness.
"Ana's treatment plan is wor-king!" Sarah sounds out the last word as if she's talking to a small child. Flynn takes a deep breath in order to buy time and carefully form his next words.
"My client popped in for an unscheduled visit yesterday, which is highly unusual for him to do. Has your client mentioned anything to you concerning, um…intimacy issues?" Flynn flares, raising a brow. Sarah bursts out in laughter.
"No!" she snaps. "Ana's mentioned nothing of the sort. We've talked about her career and a lot about communication in general. She's been having excellent communication with her husband during the past year," Sarah says, almost prideful.
"Communication – but no nookie," Flynn volleys, with one eye raised.
"It's sort of hard to communicate when your husband's dick is constantly in your mouth," Sarah says bluntly but discretely. Flynn is taken aback by her frankness.
"Look – is marriage always about the sex for men?" Sarah asks, frustrated.
"Well, yes!" Flynn says adamantly.
"You should know this, Sarah! It's how we communicate. We men are physical creatures," Flynn says, ending the last part of his point with a whisper.
"But your client…well…let's just say that he's had enough sex in his short lifetime that one week or two without it here or there won't kill him," Sarah snaps.
"Sarah, you are being unreasonable. My client has needs in the marriage, just like yours does. He's met all of her needs. Now it's time for her to make the effort and meet her husband's needs as well," Flynn reasons.
"Bullshit. Your client is a recovering womanizer. He needs to learn how to survive in this world without always relying on sex. Ana's more than just a billionaire's toy. She is a brilliant mind in her field as well as a wonderful mother," Sarah says in a low but harsh tone.
"And a wife, Sarah! She's a wife first!" Flynn snarls so passionately, that saliva flings from his mouth. Bystanders in the restaurant zoom in at the two of them. A now-embarrassed Dr. Flynn tries to regain composure and clears his throat.
"Sarah – what about you? Does withholding sex from Roger work for him?" Flynn smirks at her, expecting a response that validates his point. Sarah scoffs at him.
"I don't withhold sex from Roger, John. And Ana's not withholding sex from her husband. She's getting acclimated to a brand new routine. She has two children now and she just returned back to the office fulltime this week. Give her some time to adjust to everything. She'll be back to banging your client again in no time," Sarah says, irritated.
….
"Yay! Ana and Christian's here!" Mia cheers. She stands up as the couple approaches the reserved table at Canlis, a fine-dining restaurant in the heart of Seattle, on a Friday night.
Ana is wearing a beautiful blue dinner dress with her long luscious brown locks swooped over to one side. Christian is reminiscent of a GQ model opting to wear all black featuring slacks, dinner jacket and a black shirt buttoned down just enough to expose a tease of chest hair. Mia is pretty in a red tulle dress with sparkling heels. Kate looks absolutely gorgeous in a green fitted dress with her blonde tresses propped up. The two other men at the table, Elliot and Ethan, look less formal. They opt for a more casual look with khaki pants and buttoned-up shirts.
Ana and Christian each take turns hugging and kissing Mia on the cheek before greeting the rest of the party.
"Oh my God – Ana!" Kate says as she checks out her best friend from head to toe after an embrace. "You look amazing, girl! Hard to believe that you just gave birth less than five months ago!" Kate raves.
"Aww, Kate. You are way too kind," Ana says, almost embarrassed. Everyone eventually takes his or her seat.
"We already ordered the Bollinger. I hope you don't mind," Mia pipes to Ana and Christian who are sitting directly across from her. The couple turns to one another and smile. "Not at all," Christian says, gazing lovingly at his wife. Bollinger is one of their favorite wines and holds a lot of history for the two. A server approaches with a bottle to fill up Ana and Christian's empty wine glasses before toping off a couple of the others at the table.
"Well, I would like to make a toast to my little sister," Christian announces. Everyone raises a glass up to Mia and she bashfully hoists up her shoulders while still basking in all of the attention.
"To Mia. We are all so very proud of you for making your dream come true. And to the future number one bistro in all of Seattle, Phoebe's French Bistro. Cheers, Mia," Christian proudly winks at her, raising his glass higher. Amidst the chorus of 'cheers' and clinking glasses, Kate who is seated right beside Ana gapes at her.
"Oh my God…she named it after Phoebe?" Kate whispers loudly. Ana beams and nods at her in pride and joy.
"Oops, I forgot to mention it to you. Sorry," Elliot teases his wife. Kate playfully pouts and slaps her husband on the thigh.
During appetizers, Elliot and Christian get into an intense conversation about sports while the other four catch up with one another.
"Things are going well at the paper. I'm going to start doing more spotlight pieces, which I am very much looking forward to," Kate says proudly.
"So how's Miss Ava doing in daycare?" Ana asks.
"She's doing awesome. She loves it there, but it sucks that the other children are incubators for sickness. However, I'm sure that it's helping out Ava's little immune system in the long run," Kate giggles. Ana, Mia and Ethan all smile and nod in agreement.
"Hey Ethan, you find a gig with a private practice yet?" his sister Kate inquires.
"Still looking. Things are getting pretty hectic over at the psych ward. It's almost overwhelming. I'm ready for something a little – less extreme," Ethan sighs in reply. Ana flinches with a sudden idea.
"Hey, why don't you give Dr. Sarah Carlson a call? She's one of the best therapists in the area. I'm sure she could use your help," Ana recommends.
"Oh, I've heard about her. I think I will give her a call. Thanks Ana!" Ethan says in appreciation.
The three couples continue small talk over dinner. Afterwards, they all share a dessert. After dessert, everyone says their goodbyes and head off in their own separate direction. Ana and Christian climb in the back of the back SUV while Taylor holds the door open for them. Once in the driver's seat, Taylor takes off.
"Well, that was fun. It's good to see my little sister so…happy," Christian beams. Ana nods in agreement wearing a huge grin.
"I'm just so touched that she named her place after Phoebe. How long have you known about it?" Ana asks softly.
"I've known for a couple of weeks now. It was a hard secret to keep," Christian murmurs with a raised brow. Ana sighs a laugh and hugs her husband's arm tightly. He kisses her on the forehead.
Christian glances out of the window and his smile morphs into a frown. "Where are we going, Taylor? This isn't the way home," he snaps.
Ana glares at Christian with a conspiratorial look. "I told Taylor to take us to Escala. Your folks know that we won't be back home until sometime tomorrow," she says softly.
Christian's look of confusion slowly transforms into a heated, sensual smile.
"Oh, Mrs. Grey. You are a sneaky little thing, aren't you?" he purrs. Ana beams guiltily at him.
Christian's eyes look up and meet Taylor's in the rear view mirror. He witnesses a huge grin beginning to take form on Taylor's normally stoic face.
