Phoebe's POV:

My father and I were going out to see "Les Mis" and then dinner. It was the first quality time we've spent together since I forgave him. I had a feeling that it would be awkward since we hadn't had a chance to be by ourselves. How would we act around each other? Did my father still think I hated him?

I was in the shower thinking about all of this when I felt Blaine wrap his arms around my waist. He nuzzled my neck from behind me; I tried to wiggle out of his reach.

"No way," I finally broke free, "My father is going to be here in less than thirty minutes. We can't have shower sex."

Blaine wrapped his arms around my waist, "What if we're really fast?"

"Leave me alone," I giggled.

He pouted but let go of my body, "You aren't as fun as you used to be."

"I'm still fun!" I splashed water at him, "It's you that changed. The old Blaine wouldn't sleep over my house, much less shower with me."

"Yeah, because if your father came in and saw me with you; I'd be dead," he argued.

I handed Blaine his shampoo, "Whatever. So what do you wanna do for your birthday? The big twenty-one."

"We aren't doing anything Phoebe," Blaine glared at me, "I'm serious."

"Why not?" I frowned, "What do you have against birthday parties? You didn't want one last year either."

"I can name all of the people I know in New York on both of my hands. I've moved around too much to make any really close friends."

Sighing, I rinsed my hair out. I loved birthday parties. Personally, I couldn't wait until my twenty-first birthday. In my family, sixteen, eighteen, and twenty-one were the big birthday party years. Even boring old Teddy had a birthday bash. There was something about seeing all of the people who loved you in one place. Birthdays always made me feel special.

"You're thinking of a way to undermine me, I can see it," Blaine washed his body, "Please Phoebe, don't make this a big deal. I just want to spend time with you on my birthday."

"What about your dad? Or Sean and Charlie? Or Abby? Or-," Blaine covered my mouth with his hand.

"No," he turned the water off, "Don't even think about it Phee."

Purposely ignoring my puppy dog eyes, Blaine stepped out of the shower. He handed me my towel to dry off and grabbed one for himself. I was watching Blaine in the mirror. He looked so focused and beautiful I couldn't help but wrap my arms around his waist. Blaine looked at me through the mirror and smiled.

"Rethinking my offer?" he smirked.

"Not a chance," I squeezed him through the towel, "I'm running behind and my father doesn't do well with tardiness."

With one last kiss, I ran into my bedroom to get ready. Blaine was getting ready to go out with some guys he met at school. He was so hesitant when it came to hanging around new people but I insisted on him going. His only guy friend in New York City was Sean; other than that, he hung out with me. But Blaine wasn't one to engage in social networking, so it was good to see him get out of his comfort zone.

My father was sitting out in the family room with Blaine by the time I finished curling my hair. The two of them stood up and smiled at my dress. It sand and stone Oscar de la Renta gown that had a bead and sequin-embellished outer bodice, keyhole in the back back, tiered full skirt, and boned and underwired internal bodice. (Phoebe's dress: product/167945) I paired the dress with crème Miu Miu pumps.

"You look stunning babe," Blaine kissed me.

"Absolutely gorgeous," my father smiled.

"Thanks," I blushed at their compliments, "Ready to go dad?"

"Of course," he nodded at Blaine, "Good to see you again."

As we walked out the door, Blaine whispered in my ear, "I'm going to be thinking about taking that off of you all night I hope you know."

"I was hoping you'd say that," I whispered back.

Les Mis was beautifully produced. My father rented out box seats for the two of us and brought binoculars for us to get a better view of the whole show. We were both so awestricken over the whole production that my father asked to go backstage after the show. And of course when security declined, my father had one of his infamous temper tantrums and demanded to speak to the manager. The security guard who declined my father access was fired on the spot.

Paparazzi were waiting for us once we exited the theatre; but they kept a respectable distance once my father gave them a stern look. If it were any other person, they would've ignored the look; but not Christian Grey. It was an enjoyable night. I hadn't realized how much I missed spending time with my father.

He surprised me by bringing me to a street vendor in Times Square instead of going to a fancy restaurant. I actually preferred this; it gave us more time to ourselves and explore the city. My father never would have let me do this when I was younger. We didn't even have security following us. Well, maybe we did, but they weren't very noticeable.

"Did you have a good time?" my father asked while attempting to eat his chili dog.

"It was perfect, thank you," I bit into my pizza.

"I have to admit, I was nervous."

I smiled but said nothing.

"I know we haven't really had a chance to talk since you forgave me. I just want you to know Phoebe that I love you so much and can't stand to think how bad I ruined your trust in me. You know how to take care of yourself. I'll deny this until I die but you're a lot tougher than Teddy."

"You don't have to apologize to me again dad," I whispered.

"But I do," he sighed, "Those six months were torturous without you. I didn't think your mother was ever going to forgive me after that. I'm lucky that you forgave me after that. It's just that I love you so much and if something were to happen to you and I didn't do everything in my power to prevent it; I wouldn't know how to forgive myself. Once you have your own children, you'll understand where I'm coming from."

"I see now where you're coming from. It wasn't the best approach but I get it. On the plus side, I got to meet and fall in love with an amazing guy."

"You have no idea how excited your mother was to come here; me as well. A few months ago, I didn't think I wouldn't see you until you graduated college," my father muttered.

Before he had a chance to apologize again, I interrupted, "I forgive you dad. You have to forgive yourself now."

"I know, I'm trying," my father looked uncomfortable, "You and Blaine, are you two serious?"

"Like…?"

"You know very well what I'm asking Phoebe."

"Yes dad," I tried to suppress a smile, "We're serious."

"I assumed so," he shook his head, "My baby girl is growing up. Before I know it, you'll be off starting your own family with Blaine. You won't have time for your old man."

I wrapped my arms around my father's waist, "I'll always have time for my dad."

He leaned down to kiss my forehead, "Well that's good to hear."

We walked for a few more blocks until my feet became tired. My father had the car pick us up and drive me back to my apartment.

"I was thinking about going back to Aspen for Christmas," my father sat next to me, "Do you think Blaine's family would like that?"

"They'd love it," I nodded.

Comfortable silence overcame the car again. I must have fallen asleep, before I knew it, we were outside of my apartment building.

"Phoebe, wake up," my father shook my gently, "We're here."

"Hmm?" I sat up sleepily.

I looked up and saw my apartment building and yawned.

"Your mother and I will come by tomorrow before we leave for Teddy's," my father promised, "Get some rest."

"I love you dad," I hugged him.

He hugged me back tightly, "I love you too Phoebe, so much."

Waving, I slid out of the car and walked up to my apartment. Blaine was still gone when I walked in. Batman saw me and came barking and running towards me.

"Hey baby," I cooed, "Come on, let's go get some sleep."

Batman barked again at me as I picked him up and led him to the bedroom.