Author's note: Dear Impassioned Guest, please get a username, so I can reply to you. In the meantime, thank you for your recent epistle.

On the Rocks: Chapter Fourteen

As Taylor joins the queue of limousines and prestige sports cars outside the massive venue, Ana is back to being nervous about the dress and wishing that she hadn't agreed to wear it. She's staring out the window at all the pretty people entering the building when Christian firmly but gently grabs her chin and forces her gaze to his, saying, "Hey, you're at least as good as anyone in that room, and better than most." And then he grins and jokes, "If all else fails, imagine that they're not wearing underwear, either." When Ana manages a weak smile at that, Christian kisses her until she relaxes in his arms and then he says, "Also, unless it's part of your plan for revenge, would you please stop biting your lip?"

As usual unaware that she'd been doing so, Ana says, "Oh, sorry. No, I'm not that cruel." And then something occurs to her and, with a nervous glance at Taylor, she whispers, "Oh, Christian…about…oh, never mind."

With a slight smile, and sparkling eyes, confirming that he's silently laughing at her, Christian quietly says, "About me fingering you in public? I told you, Ana, that's up to you."

Blushing, Ana says, "I want to…well, I want to try it, anyway. But…it's a question of viscosity and volume."

Christian's sudden burst of laughter shocks Ana and makes her blush even more. She's retreating from his embrace when Christian clamps his arms around her and says, "I'm sorry, baby, but the fact that you have no idea how irresistible you are right now makes you even more so." And then he solemnly promises, "I factored in viscosity and volume when I chose the gown, just in case you got brave enough after all. Not even you in a high state of arousal could produce enough moisture to show through that material…though you'd better pray for dark upholstery, just the same."

Still embarrassed, Ana is reassured enough to calm down a little, though she clasps Christian's hand tighter as the car stops at the red carpet. Taylor rejects the assistance of the parking valet, instead fetching the crutches for Christian and then coming back for Ana. As he leans down to help her out of the car, Taylor offers a distinct wink and says, "Knock 'em dead."

Pleased that they're back on casual terms and grateful as ever for the man's quiet support, Ana smiles and says only, "Thank you."

Ana is momentarily startled by the number of camera flashes from outside a cordon of security staff and Christian leans close to say, "More fucking vultures."

And, with that, all Ana's concerns melt away as she laughs at this reminder of this morning's misadventure and rests her hand on his to walk the gauntlet of reporters and gawkers. The entrance foyer is quieter, but only just. Someone takes their coats and, at the look on Christian's face, Ana says, "What?"

Christian shakes his head as if to clear his thoughts and says, "I don't know how I could have already forgotten how good you look in that dress. You're absolutely stunning, Ana."

Ana smiles her gratitude and then, as if his words magically alter her perception, she suddenly becomes aware of the frankly admiring stares she's receiving from total strangers as she and Christian enter the reception area. She knows that Christian will be well and truly aware of the attention she's receiving. Given that not that long ago, he was intensely jealous, Ana murmurs, "You sure that you'll be okay with this?"

With a grin, Christian shrugs and says, "If I'm not, it'll be my own fault." And then he admits, "But it's going to test me, I think."

An usher escorts them to their seats. As they cross the room, Christian is recognized and accosted by several people, so it's slow going. Ana forgets their names almost as soon as she learns them, though is still ridiculously pleased every time Christian introduces her as his girlfriend. After every introduction, Christian uses his injury as an excuse to move on and Ana wonders how much is feigned, or whether he's really suffering. But there's nothing she can do about it, other than distracting him, so Ana tries to put it out of her mind.

Finally, they make it to their seats at a large, round table. Christian again uses his injury, this time to claim the seat next to him, so that he can elevate his ankle, temporarily throwing the staff into a panic. While Ana is sitting next to a rather rotund youth who almost stands up as she takes her seat, apparently unsure if the gesture is appropriate. Ana rewards him with a smile for the effort and introduces herself. Clearly delighted at the attention, "Jon" then launches into his short life story until the entrée arrives, and he's momentarily distracted by food.

Grateful for the reprieve, Ana has time to admire the unusual decorations on every wall; around thirty oversize photos of almost exclusively African children, all smiling at the camera. They're all so beautiful and Ana is feeling quite clucky when Christian says, "They're positive."

Totally confused, Ana says, "What?"

Nodding towards the photos, Christian explains, "HIV positive."

It takes a second to process his words and then, horrified, Ana shakes her head and says, "No."

With a grimace, Christian says, "I'm afraid so. That's what tonight is about; children with HIV or AIDS."

Remembering his attitude towards the evening, Ana says, "But…why are you so down on events like this, if it's for such a good cause?"

Not even bothering to moderate his voice, though the constant conversation throughout the room ensures that the sound doesn't carry very far, Christian says, "Because I find the idea that some people will only donate money if they're first entertained repugnant." And then he gestures to Ana's plate and orders, "Eat."

For once unmindful of his bossiness, Ana leans over to kiss Christian's cheek and whisper, "I love you."

Christian gasps and closes his eyes for a moment and, when he opens them, they're shining with joy. But he contains his smile and says only, "Then eat."

Beaming with pleasure at his response to her words, Ana holds Christian's gaze with hers as she blindly reaches down to dip one finger in the caviar and carefully lift a small portion to her mouth. The sudden and familiar intensity of Christian's regard causes a heat to spread through Ana's body as she automatically mirrors his desire, and then she precisely enunciates, "Yes, Sir."

Admitting defeat with a shake of his head, Christian returns his attention to the meal as he murmurs, "Round one to you, Miss Steele."

Unused to caviar, it proves a bit much for Ana, likewise the citrus-vodka aperitif, so she contents herself with the blinis and crème fraîche. At Jon's avid scrutiny of her plate, Ana silently passes the almost untouched jar of caviar to him, prompting Christian to lean over and murmur, "You're supposed to eat it, not bribe young men with it."

Becoming more confident with every minute, Ana smiles and equally quietly says, "I don't need caviar for that."

Christian smiles, obviously delighted with her response and says, "Touché, Miss Steele. Another round to you." And then, his movements concealed by the tablecloth, he runs the back of his index finger along the outside of her bare thigh as he concedes, "I have some catching up to do." The promise contained in that simple, almost chaste gesture sends a shiver through Ana's flesh and she can't stop the blush that seems to only end when it reaches her toes. Christian chuckles and says, "Round three to me, I think."

Ana is saved by the arrival of their main course; fillet of beef with gorgonzola sauce, pear slices artfully drizzled with a sweet balsamic glaze and assorted, julienned crudité. Her mouth watering at the culinary artwork, Ana soon finds that the best result is achieved by loading her fork with a tiny portion of everything on her plate. She's only eaten half when Jon is finished and glancing her way. She smiles apologetically and says, "Sorry, Jon, too good."

He only smiles and says, "S'ok. Mom's always at me to eat less, anyway."

Having noticed that Jon only speaks to her, Ana says, "But she's not here?"

"No. My parents are on vacation. They asked me to represent the family. But I doubt anyone cares."

Formulating a plan, Ana says, "Can you dance, Jon?"

His eyes widen slightly and he says, "What…here, with you?" At Ana's nod, he says, "Sure, I can, but…"

When he doesn't continue, and is obviously nervous of the idea, Ana says, "Please, Jon." Gesturing to Christian, Ana continues, "My boyfriend is sidelined for the evening. But he wants me to have a good time and I dread the idea of dancing with a bunch of strangers. Also, I'm not a very good dancer. I'll feel braver if you stand up with me." And then she smiles and concludes, "You can even have my dessert."

At that, Jon smiles and says, "Okay, Ana."

Ana resumes her meal and Christian leans over to say, "Replacing me so soon, Anastasia?"

Without looking at him, Ana says, "Behave yourself. He's sweet." And then something occurs to Ana and she glances at Christian to nervously say, "He's no longer a stranger, Christian, I'm sorry."

A flicker of disappointment passes over Christian's face, before he says, "I should have known that you'd make a friend before the end of the meal."

"You're not upset?"

With a quiet smile, Christian murmurs, "Unless sexually frustrated is one of the definitions of upset, then no, I'm not upset."

It doesn't feel like something Ana should apologize for, so she says only, "Thank you."

Christian shrugs and says, "It's okay, Ana. I knew you'd find some way to wheedle out of it."

Ana can feel the immediate effect of his words; a sudden desire to prove him wrong and go through with it, despite her misgivings, so she says, "I know what you're doing, Grey."

All "innocence", Christian says, "What am I doing, Anastasia?"

Shaking her head at his temerity, Ana resumes her meal to the sound of Christian's soft, triumphant laughter. Dessert soon arrives and Ana simply slides the elegant, crystal bowl Jon's way, but he says, "You should at least try it."

Ana smiles and says, "Now you sound like Christian. He's worried that I don't eat enough."

Jon blushes a little and says, "You're fine." And then he looks from Christian to Ana and asks, "Christian Grey?"

Suddenly wary, Ana says, "Yes. Why?"

Equally unsure, Jon says, "Oh, it's…my parents know him, is all. We don't normally get invited to anything quite as nice as this, but Mr. Grey arranged…have I said something wrong?"

When Ana realizes that her anger must be showing on her face, she smiles it away and says, "No, Jon, not you." And then she offers him her best smile and says, "Let's dance."

Utterly confused, Jon says, "The band hasn't started yet."

Ana stands, courage fuelled by rage, and says, "They will if we start dancing." Sure enough, that's exactly what happens; only seconds after Jon leads Ana in a tentative waltz, the band plays music to match their pace. A short time later, couples join them as dinner concludes, and the lights soon dim as the waiting staff finishes clearing. When that dance ends, Jon consents to another, and another, and then begs off. He sees Ana to her chair and then heads in the direction of the bathrooms.

Still furious at Christian's meddling, Ana sits down and says nothing, though Christian jokes, "Looks like the caviar worked." When Ana finally looks at him, he blanches and says, "Oh, God, what now? I haven't fucking moved from this chair, Ana."

Trying to moderate her voice, Ana hisses, "How many people at this table are here because you paid for their tickets?"

Wary of her mood, but unapologetic, Christian says, "All of them. Why?"

"And did you deliberately invite only couples?"

"Well, yes. I didn't want you to have to fend off some Neanderthal all night."

"Christian, the only caveman here is you. Do you not trust me to handle myself in social situations? Or does your mistrust extend to preventing me from speaking with single men because you're worried what I'll throw myself at them?"

Frowning in confusion, Christian says, "I know you're not going to throw yourself at anyone. Why is this such a big deal, Ana?"

"So you don't trust me to negotiate my way through a conversation?"

"No…yes…of course I trust you. You're much better at casual social situations than I am, but…" Christian runs a hand through his hair and asks, "Why are you so upset about this?"

"That's the worst part; you don't even understand why this is wrong."

"Can you hear yourself? How can that be the worst part? If I don't understand what I've done wrong, how can you be this angry with me?"

Unable to think of an immediate response, Ana takes a deep breath and says, "I'm going to the bathroom, and to calm down. But I want to discuss this later, okay?"

Christian offers a fake smile and lies, "I can't wait."

Ana replays their conversation as she heads to the bathroom. By the time she reaches the queue outside the ladies', she's calmed down and is leaning towards Christian's way of seeing things. After all, he really is trying to be what she needs. He just doesn't have an appropriate reference point to let him know how to be a boyfriend. Ana removes her shoes to give her feet a rest, and has made depressingly little progress in the long line when a man says, "Ana, darling, come with me."

Ana doesn't recognize the voice, and turns to find perhaps the kindest eyes she's ever seen. The man accompanying them has one of those faces that makes it hard to tell his age; anywhere from thirty to fifty, possibly beyond. It's only when Ana notices that the handkerchief poking out of his otherwise conservative and immaculate tuxedo is covered with crimson love hearts that she guesses, "Brit?"

Offering his arm, Brit smiles, nods and says, "Christian told me that you're smart."

Taking his arm, even as she wonders why, Ana slips her shoes on and says, "Where are we going?"

Brit smiles conspiratorially and says, "A secret. You'll like it."

Laughing, again without knowing why, Ana lets him lead her through empty corridors as she says, "I'm not sure I should trust you."

Apparently pleased with her statement, Brit smiles again and says, "Oh, so you're very smart." And then, though they're now alone, he lowers his voice almost to a whisper and says, "Tell me, I've been dying to know all these years; is his penis magnificent?"

Too shocked to react, Ana stops and just stares at him for a second and then feels the flush spreading through her body, even as a small part of her becomes angry at his impertinence. But embarrassment wins and Ana is bright red as she stammers, "I'm not…I don't…"

Brit actually claps his hands together in glee and says, "Oh, an innocent! This is too perfect." And, if anything, Ana's color only deepens as her anger grows. Immediately contrite, Brit says, "And I've offended you twice in as many seconds. I'm so sorry, Ana, but how could anyone have suspected...come, you'll pee and then I shall tell you how I intend to make it up to you."

Brit is gesturing to the door of a small bathroom, minus a queue, and Ana, still recovering from meeting him, makes use of the facilities as if she has no will of her own. When she exits, Brit is patiently waiting and she says only, "Thank you."

Brit bows and says, "You're welcome. And I truly am deeply apologetic. It's just…Christian has always teased me about my predilection for virginal, young men. So, you see, perfect is the only word to describe him falling for a delicate flower such as you, Ana."

Still wary, Ana says, "How young?"

Shocked by the question, Brit says, "Good God, not children, if that's what you're asking. They're all old enough to legally and intellectually make rational decisions, though the debate continues as to whether dating me is the rational choice."

Somewhat reassured, Ana then asks, "How do you intend to make it up to me?"

Brit's smile is wide and then he leans close to whisper, "I shall make Christian Grey blush." When everything about Ana expresses disbelief, he says, "Oh, so you doubt me?"

"Christian said that you lie. Even if he hadn't, I've only seen him blush once or twice since I've met him, and never in public. So, yes, I doubt you entirely."

With a self-assured grin, Brit says, "And, if I accomplish this Herculean task, you'll forgive me?"

Determined to give the man a second chance, if only for the opportunity to entertain Christian, Ana says, "I will." Still wary of Brit, Ana ignores the offer of his arm and only walks beside him. After a few seconds, she asks, "Did Christian send you to find me?"

"Not exactly. I volunteered after he expressed a concern that you might be stuck in the bathroom rush hour." At Ana's look, he says, "Problem?"

Ana hesitates and then, remembering that Christian called Brit a friend, says, "It's starting to rankle that he can't trust me to even visit the bathroom."

Brit chuckles and says, "We've never seen one of Christian's girls. So, when he told me that he was bringing a date, I knew you'd have to be someone extraordinary to warrant such special treatment. And, now that I've met you, I'm surprised he's willing to even let you out of his sight."

Ana has to smile at that and says, "Thank you. He's…we're a work in progress." And then she asks, "We?"

"Oh, sorry. We, the gays; my friends and I."

"So, you never thought he was gay?"

Brit smiles and says, "Of course not. The dear boy has not once made a pass at me. Though I, of course, encouraged the rumor and hinted that he'd used me and abused me most abominably."

Wondering if that's what Christian was worried about when he cautioned against believing Brit, Ana says, "Why on earth would you do such a thing?"

"Why would I mess with rumormongers who should mind their own beeswax? Because fuck 'em, that's why."

They walk in silence for a few seconds as Ana considers his words. When she then slips her hand inside Brit's arm, he bends his elbow to accommodate her and says, "Forgiven me?"

Ana shakes her head and says, "Not quite."

Brit pats her hand where it rests on his arm and says, "You will."

Christian is mostly alone at the table, with several people now on the dance floor. Ana is pleased to see that Jon has found another partner. They're almost to Christian when he turns and smiles on seeing them. Brit sees Ana to her chair and then leans closer to both of them. His voice warm and his smile kind, he then says, "So, you finally spread your wings, Chrysalis? And with a virgin, no less."

Ana is both thrilled and slightly horrified to see Christian immediately blush. And then his gaze descends on her like a hammer. Not even knowing what she's defending against, Ana stammers, "I didn't…I wouldn't…he…"

Brit interrupts, "She told me nothing, Christian. And, if you punish this darling girl for being without guile, I shall never speak to you again."

Christian calms down almost immediately and icily says to Brit, "You realize, of course, that the prospect of silencing you is more of an incentive than a deterrent. And I've asked you not to call me that."

Unrepentant, Brit smiles at Ana as he says, "And I never will again. Clearly, it's no longer applicable."

Without knowing what they're talking about, Ana can only politely smile. But the love in Christian's voice when he says "No, it's not," gets her attention. And she's curious to know the story behind the nickname.

She's still smiling at Christian when Brit says, "Care to dance, Anastasia?"

Reluctant to leave Christian alone again, Ana waits for his nod before saying, "I'd love to."

Ana isn't very surprised to find that Brit is an excellent dancer, so she's able to relax and actually enjoy herself. After a while, he says, "You should have become a firefighter."

"What?"

Brit smiles and says, "If anyone looked at me, like Christian is looking at you, I'd burst into flames. But, clearly, you're made of sterner stuff."

Ana glances at Christian to see that his avid stare is fixed on her every move, and she says, "Thanks, for dancing with me. Christian wants me to have fun, and he needs a distraction from his injury. But…he's struggling with the idea of seeing me with other men."

Trying to summon a wounded air, Brit complains, "So, it's okay to dance with the gay man?"

Smiling at his affected tone, Ana explains, "It's okay to dance with someone he considers a friend."

Brit smiles warmly at that and then says, "Would you like to know how we met?"

"Very much."

Brit smiles again and then says, "Hmm…perhaps a conversation for quieter surroundings." When he leads Ana off the dance floor, she says, "But; Christian?"

Brit only waves a hand in Christian's direction and says, "Let his heart grow fonder. It'll do him good."

After a glance at Christian, to make sure that he sees her leaving with his friend, Ana complies and lets Brit lead her backstage, prompting her to say, "How do you know your way around so well?"

"Christian and I always use this place."

Surprised, Ana says, "Christian is one of the hosts?"

Clearly confused, Brit says, "He didn't tell you? Grey Enterprises is our only sponsor. It costs him a small fortune every year, but Christian has a way of turning money into more money."

Ana has to smile at that and says, "So I've heard. How did you meet?"

When they're seated, Brit says, "Well, to begin, you need to know that I am irrevocably and quite literally attracted to cruel men." As Ana ponders the implications of these words, Brit continues, "One night, about five years ago, my date at the time was in a particularly…feisty mood. Unfortunately for him, Christian Grey happened upon us just as I was punched in the face."

Sensing where it's going, Ana says, "Oh, dear."

Brit's eyes gleam and he says, "Indeed. He really is quite spectacular when he's angry, isn't he?" Without waiting for a reply, he continues, "When Christian stepped in on my behalf, the poor boy I was with pushed him and told him to back off."

Picturing the scene; a young Christian Grey being shoved in the chest, Ana says, "Oh, God. What happened?"

Brit shrugs and says, "Oh, nothing, really. With one perfect punch, Christian sat the boy on his ass. Considering that the young man then immediately started whimpering and begging for mercy, I don't think he'd ever been hit before. I was…well, I was turned on even before Christian came to my rescue. I was practically panting by the time he asked if I was okay."

"So, this was part of a scene?"

With a speculative look, Brit says, "You share Christian's fondness for games?"

Uncomfortable discussing it with him, Ana shrugs and says only, "Like I said; work in progress."

Apparently content with that vague answer, Brit says, "Well, aren't we all?" And then he continues, "One look at me and Christian realized what was going on. In a deliciously disapproving tone he serenely suggested that we play indoors from now on." With a small shrug, Brit concludes, "I've tried since that day to see him angry again, with only limited success." At Ana's knowing smile, he asks, "What is it?"

"He, uh…Christian is barely aware of it, but he really likes it when people defy him. If he were attracted to men, you'd be perfect for him…more so than I am, I think."

Clutching his chest, Brit says, "Ana, why would you say such a cruel thing? Now I shall be forever wondering what might have been."

Finally getting a handle on this indiscreet, almost indecent man whom Christian trusts, Ana only smiles and says, "I think we both know that you would have been forever wondering regardless of whether Christian ever met me."

Brit stares at her in open-mouthed surprise for a second and then he laughs and says, "I almost feel sorry for the dear boy now." At Ana's confusion, he explains, "With your ability to see through walls, and Christian's absolute need to live behind them, he must have been truly terrified of you. His well-constructed barriers probably shattered at a word from you."

Ana colors slightly and says, "Three words, actually." His words have ignited an understanding within Ana and she spontaneously leans over to kiss his cheek. Smiling slightly, Brit says, "Not that I'm complaining, but what was that for?"

"Oh, for helping me learn something of Christian, and for loving him." And then Ana asks, "Chrysalis?"

Brit considers for a moment and then says, "You know the word?" At Ana's nod, he continues, "Though we don't discuss our sex lives while doing needlepoint, Christian and I have shared something of our…individual needs, more so when he was younger. And it always seemed to me that he was holding something back, though he denied it most stringently, to the extent that it's one of the few things guaranteed to let me witness his anger."

Ana nods and says, "Hence Chrysalis?"

Brit nods and says, "Exactly. I was beginning to give up hope that he'd ever emerge from his shell, but now that he has you, he can finally be whole."

Blinking furiously at her sudden tears, Ana says, "Would you like to know how Christian and I met and fell in love?"

Handing her the handkerchief from his breast pocket, Brit's voice matches his kind eyes as he says, "More than anything."