A/N: LOVE all of your reviews. Glad you're all taking the "space" better than Ana ;) I was worried you would all hate it! But I can't leave you guys hanging too long; I want to get through this drama as much as you do! Haha

"What the fuck do you mean, you're going home?" Sean yells from the doorjamb of Christian's room as he's throwing things into a suitcase.

"Will you stop yelling? Jesus I'm a bit hungover from last night"

"I don't give a shit, and… what did you do to Ana? She's freaked out"

"I didn't do anything to her"

"What is going on, man? Why are you going home?"

"Family stuff"

He's silent for a minute. "Everything okay? Like your parents, Mia… they're all good?"

"Yes. No one is sick or anything like that. My parents are just… going through some stuff"

"And what you think you can fix it by going home? We start school on Tuesday"

"And I'll be back Monday. It'll be fine"

"What about practice? What about Ana's dance practices, I didn't know missing that shit was an option"

"I talked to the captain, he understood. And… Ana isn't coming"

"What do you mean isn't coming…" He says staring at him.

"I mean I'm going by myself"

"And she's cool with that? I would just think that she would want to be there for you… you have told her what's going on, right?"

"Yes I told her. But she doesn't know I'm leaving"

"I'M SORRY, WHAT!?"

"Sean…" he says rubbing his forehead. "I'm going to tell her, I just haven't told her yet"

"Oh. Fuck that." He says pulling out his phone. "Ana get your ass to my house, now…. I don't give a shit that you have practice in 20 minutes, you're not even cleared to dance yet. Get over here." He says hanging up on her.

"Did you have to do that?" Christian asks.

"Uh yes, because I'm not taking you to the airport unless she knows you're leaving. What the hell is wrong with you? Are you guys… you haven't done anything stupid like break up with her have you?" He asks with wide eyes.

"No."

"Christian…"

"Sean butt out of this will you? This has nothing to do with you"

"You two are my best friends and she texted ME last night. I had no idea you guys had even gotten into it"

"We didn't get into it, Sean"

"What's going on?" they hear from behind them. They turn to the door and see Ana staring at Christian and his open suitcase. He feels himself wake up a little when he takes in her skin tight shorts and tiny t-shirt that she wears to practice but shakes the thought from his head.

"I'll leave you two"

Ana enters the room closing the door behind her. "What are you doing?"

"Packing"

"I see that but… where are you going?"

"I need to see what is going on at home."

"Oh. Okay… well I'm not sure I can get a flight on such short notice but I could fly out tomorrow if—"

"No, Ana. I need to go alone"

"Oh"

"Hey this isn't about you okay?" He pulls her into a hug and she relishes in the minor contact.

She pulls away slightly and looks up at him with tears in her eyes. "How long?"

"I'll be back on Monday."

"Can I at least drive you to the airport?"

"Don't you have practice? Sean was going to take me"

"No he's not!" they hear from the other side of the door.

Christian rolls his eyes. "Offer still stand?" He chuckles. She nods because she's worried if she speaks she'll lose it. "Hey it won't be that long okay?" He genuinely felt bad for how he was treating her but he couldn't help it. He felt angry and out of control and he didn't know what to do about it. He knew he needed space from her because he didn't want to hurt her anymore. He knew that she was the best thing that ever happen to him.

"Tell me you love me" she whispers into his chest. "That… you're coming back"

"I love you" he says as he strokes her back. "And I'm coming back, I promise"

"Ok. Well we can go when you're ready. When is your flight?"

"1 pm"


The ride is tense, awkward and silent. She was so used to holding his hand across the console when either of them were driving but he made no effort to touch her. She sniffles to hold back the tears that would inevitably come as soon as he was safe inside the airport. She puts her hazards on and gets out of the car once they arrive. "Alright, I'll see you in a few days." He smiles a smile that doesn't reach his eyes.

"Call me when you land?"

"Of course"

"Promise?"

"I promise"

She looks down and desperately wants him to kiss her but based on his actions she doubts he will. They hadn't had sex in about two days and the thought didn't even cross his mind before they left the airport. "I love you" she says quietly.

"I love you too, Ana." He places a light kiss on her lips and she mentally begs him to deepen it, knowing it would shatter her if she did and he rejected her. "Just a few days, okay?"

"Okay" she wraps her arms around him and holds him tight. Please don't go, please don't go.

"I gotta go"

She pulls away and wipes her tears away. Be strong, Ana. You can do this. "Bye" she waves.

He waves back and then he's entering into the airport. The second he's out of sight she feels the tears coming down rapidly. She gets in her car and sobs for what feels like hours. She didn't know it could feel like this. So incredibly painful. Ana get yourself together he's not leaving you. But damn it sure felt like it. She finally gets herself together enough to drive home feeling her heart break even more with every passing mile.


Leaving Ana's car was harder than I thought. Maybe I should have asked her to come with me… She just looked so sad. That look in her eyes completely crushed me. Fuck. Maybe I should call her. No. You've done enough. Just text her when you get there. He sighs and sits in the terminal staring out the window. His parents knew he was coming home though they weren't entirely sure why. Obviously Mia and Elliott were thrilled but would be shocked not to see Ana in tow. He can already see the storm brewing and Elliott laying him out for the way he's treated her, no doubt thanks to an embellishment from one Miss Kate Kavanagh. An hour later they call for his flight and he boards, sighing when he doesn't feel the nervous hand wrapped around his like there's supposed to be. I have no one to comfort during take-off and landings. He settles into his seat and sighs closing his eyes and willing it to be Monday faster so he could be back with Ana.

"Excuse me, but you're in my seat"

His eyes fly open to see a petite girl with olive skin and dark brown hair. He pulls out his ticket and is about to dispute her when he sees she's right. "Look can I just sit here and you take my shitty middle seat? I got this ticket last night on a whim and frankly I'm in a bad mood"

"Well lucky for you I'm in a great one. Sure." She smiles a bright smile. "Oh but can you help me?" She says pointing to her suitcase and then to the overhead compartment.

"Sure" he says hoping to God this wasn't about to be a 5 hour flight of this girl flirting with him. He stands up and is shocked at how much he towers over her. Dear God she's shorter than Ana. Ana… fuck I miss her.

"Thank you" she smiles and sits next to him. "I'm Lisa" she smiles.

"I'm… taken. Very taken and not interested" he says looking out the window and not paying her a second look.

She laughs and rolls her eyes. "Well I guess you didn't notice the ring on my finger. But you're a bit of a pretty boy you're probably used to getting hit on all the time. But just to bring you down to Earth a little bit. You're not my type. And you're probably not even old enough to drink yet, are you? Yeah definitely not my type, I have a brother probably about your age and he's a royal pain" she laughs.

"I'm an asshole" he sighs.

"A bit but hey so am I"

"I'm Christian"

"Nice to meet you Christian… so is that what's in Seattle? Your 'very taken?'

"No she's here in Boston"

"So is that the cause for your shit mood?"

"In part, yes"

"And the rest?"

"Look Lisa you seem nice and all but I'm not really interested in talking about it"

"Suit yourself" she says shrugging. "I need a drink if you're going to be sulking the rest of the way home" she says looking for the flight attendant.

"I'm not sulking. You asked"

"Because you look like your dog died, excuse me for having a heart. Okay you know what I want my seat back"

"Too late"

She scoffs. "Children" she mutters.

"Ana." He says after a few minutes.

"What?"

"My girlfriend, her name is Ana… and I'm a dick"

"I can see that… continue"

He rolls his eyes. "My parents are going through some shit right now… that's where I'm going. I'm from Seattle. My girlfriend and I go to Harvard. She's staying here."

"Ah… so like health shit or relationship shit" she asks as they start moving.

"The latter"

"I see… so what about that makes you a dick?"

"I'm pushing her away… she wanted to come with me… to be there for me, and I just told her flat out no"

"I'm sure she understands"

"I'm sure she does too, because Ana is perfect. But it's not the point. I have been such a jerk to her. I know right now she's sitting on her bed crying… because of me. She thinks I'm breaking up with her"

"Are you?"

"No" he says exasperatedly. "I love her"

"Does she still know that?"

"I told her I did… she's been through this once before with her ex. His parents got divorced and he started cheating on her and broke up with her. She's scared I'll do that to her. I don't even think I'm capable of cheating on her. I love her too much"

"Well that's sweet… tell her that. We like to hear things like that"

He sighs. "I thought she knew"

"We need a bit of reassurance from time to time. But hey take it from a product of divorced parents. You can still have a healthy and functional relationship with someone. You don't have to turn into your parents"

"I know that. They've just been so in love my whole life. It's weird that they're not happy. What happens if that happens to me and Ana down the line"

"Do you want to be with this girl?"

"Yes"

"Then that's what matters. It's just you and her. Their relationship is not your relationship; I had to learn that too. My fiancé and I were dating when my parents got divorced, and it devastated me. But I knew I couldn't get through it without him. You need people. Friends… a girlfriend… siblings are great but sometimes you need someone that isn't on the inside with you. You have no idea what the future holds but you can't let go of something great just because you're afraid of what could happen. That's no way to live. You'd be missing out on so many things."

They talk a lot the next few hours, about both of their relationships, school, work and he wished he would have met this girl at the airport and saved himself this flight. He's powering on his phone when they're walking through the terminal.

"It was really nice meeting you, Christian. I hope everything works out with you and Ana"

"Me too"

"Just tell her everything you told me and it'll be fine"

"Trading me in for a younger model?" she hears behind her and she squeals. "Honey! I missed you" she said wrapping her arms around a tall well- built man as he kisses her soundly. "This is my friend Christian. He's having life troubles"

"I'm so sorry you had to sit on a 5 hour flight with her… she thinks she's a shrink" he says rolling his eyes. "Nice to meet you"

She narrows her eyes at him before laughing "Christian this is my fiancé James"

He smiles as her enthusiasm definitely matches Ana's when she introduces him. "Nice to meet you too, thanks for the talk, Lisa."

"Any time. Good luck!" she waves as her and her fiancé walk away so obviously anxious to get each other into bed. He chuckles to himself. It's like us in 6 years. God I miss you, Ana. I've been such a jerk. How could I… He's walking through the airport as he shoots her a text.

Made it. I'll call you when I get home. We need to talk about a few things. Miss you.

Shit did that sound too ominous? No… I told her I missed her. I just don't want to grovel and beg for her forgiveness in a crowded airport. I'll call her when I get home. Now where the hell is Elliott?


Talk. Talk. Talk. We need to talk. That's all she can see as she reads his text over and over. Did he really have to fly across the country to break up with her? She wraps herself up in her blanket and moves into Kate's room. She's taking a nap and she hasn't been made privy to any of what has been going on. She sits on the end of the bed and taps her foot. "Kate."

She groans and sits up. "What! Elliott and I were in the middle of a great dream" she rubs her eyes and tries to blink them open before putting on her glasses.

"Christian is breaking up with me"

"WHAT!? Whoa… are you sure?"

She nods before bursting into tears "Yes"

"No way… did he say that?"

"No but he said that we had to talk… you know what that means"

"Okay yes… under normal circumstances I would say yeah dead girl walking… but you and Christian? You guys don't play by the relationship rules" she laughs. "He loves you"

"His parents are… I don't know… Elliott hasn't talked to you?"

"No?"

"Christian went home… this morning to Seattle"

"Really." She says with wide eyes.

"I guess his parents are having some troubles and he's completely freaked out"

"Wow."

"It's like Nate all over again"

"Oh honey" she says wrapping an arm around her and kissing her temple. "Even on his worst day, Christian is not Nate. He would never…"

"What? Break up with me? Oh he tried to last night"

"What? Where the hell have I been? Why aren't you talking to me?"

"I didn't know what to say."

"So you guys are broken up?"

"No I think I talked him out of it… I don't know he was hammered and emotional…" she says putting her head in her hands.

"Okay hammered, doesn't count. He probably didn't know what he was saying"

"He tried to break up with me Kate, hammered or not that hurts"

"Let me see what he texted you" she says motioning to her phone. "Okay he also said he missed you… did you even bother to read the rest?"


"Why are you even here anyway?" Elliott asks looking around. "Where's Ana?"

"What?"

"Short girl, brown hair, great rack, worships the ground you walk on… you know your GIRLFRIEND?"

"Back at Harvard"

"She didn't come?"

"No. I… Elliott I don't want to talk about it. I just want to know that mom and dad are good"

"Well they're not. I could have told you that over the phone. I had dinner with dad last night"

"And…?"

"And they're not happy. It happens. But they're going to see a counselor, and they're working through it. What did you think you could fix it?"

"I just felt so far from you guys. You're all here in Seattle and I'm by myself in Boston, and Mia drops this bomb even though she's suspected something for months?"

He sighs. "I don't know, C"

"Has he cheated on mom?"

"He told me no"

"You asked him?"

"Yes"

"Do you believe him?"

"Yes. He says that everything is professional. I don't know how much of that I believe. She bats her eyelashes at him so hard"

"You met her?"

"I met him for lunch last week and she's hot don't get me wrong, but just so blatantly obvious. Maybe a year older than me"

"Whore"

He laughs. "But maybe we can all talk over dinner. Get everything out in the open. Mom is thrilled that you're home"

"I was just here two weeks ago"

"I know but for some reason she misses you and I can't fill the void despite the fact that I'm her favorite" he jokes.

They get in the car and he's surprised to see his phone ringing already. "Kate? What's wrong?" he answers immediately fearing something happened to Ana.

"WHAT'S WRONG!? What's wrong!? I'm going to kill you, Grey"

He sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. "Kate… not now"

"NOT NOW!? How could you… and to…" she sniffles. "She loves you Christian and you're breaking what bit of heart that Nate didn't completely shatter. This is killing her, and you just don't care."

"Of course I care, Kate.. I—"

"DON'T. She's devastated. She thinks you're going to break up with her"

"I'm not. Where is she?"

"At our house. She doesn't know I called you. I'm not at home"

"I love her, Kate"

"Then get your ass back here and fix it. You're not breaking up with her?"

"No. I just needed space. I needed to clear my head…"

"Space translates into a breakup, Christian. At least that's how we think. And you tried to yesterday when you were drunk?"

"I didn't know what I was saying… I'll call her soon. I'm in the car with Elliott"

"Let me talk to him"

"Here" he says giving Elliott the phone. "Talk to your psycho girlfriend."

"Watch yourself" he warns. "Hi baby" After a few minutes they hang up and he gives Christian a look. "You better start running when we get out of this car."

"I don't want to talk about it"

"Okay, I'll talk. You listen. You're acting like a little bitch."

"I know."

"You've destroyed Ana. Over what? I get it, this situation with mom and dad sucks. But it's exactly why I didn't tell Kate. It has nothing to do with her and I. And I'm certainly not going to let her think I'm rethinking us over it."

"It's different, Ana and I are together all the time, I couldn't hide what was going on, and I've been in a bad mood since we got Mia's text. If we were long distance I wouldn't have said anything over the phone. But Ana can read me like a book, she knew something was wrong the second I opened that text"

"You need to fix this with Ana, man. You need her."

"Don't you think I know that? Don't you think I feel shitty enough without you and Kate and Sean getting on my case?"

He gets home to an empty house as Elliott just drops him off and will be back later. He assumes his parents are at work and his sister was God knows where. He goes to his room and immediately calls Ana. His heart sinks when it goes to voicemail. Was she avoiding him? "Hi. I… it's me… call me… I love you"

20 minutes later his phone pings with a text.

Hi, got your message. I love you too. But, I think you should deal with things at home and we can talk when you're back. I just can't handle your back and forth right now. I'm always here to talk, but you haven't wanted to and now Kate and Sean and Elliott have reamed you out and you're worried about how I'm feeling. I'm okay. Just focus on your family. I'll be here when you get back.

The tears sting his eyes before he realizes that he's crying. Shit. I've pushed her away.

Please talk to me, Ana.

About what?

Us

Like I said we can do that when you're back. You asked for space remember? I'm giving it to you. Trust me this hurts me just as much

Then talk to me, please baby.

We can on Monday.


"Trust me, Ana. This will work. He's already groveling." Kate says as she reads the texts over her shoulder.

"I've never had to play games with Christian. I don't like this… and I want to talk to him"

"Okay but talking the last few days has just put you in tears. Let's not make you so available"

"But he might need me"

"Which is why you said that you would talk about anything with his family… he said he wanted to talk about 'us.' You don't need that right now. You both need time to think"


Breathe in, breathe out. He's pounding the pavement running his usual trail when he stops as he feels himself short of breath thinking about Ana. He shakes his head before pacing back and forth trying to catch his breath. He heads back to his house and is shocked to see his dad's car in the driveway. This should be interesting.

"Care to tell me why you're home? You didn't drop out did you" Carrick chuckles as he walks in the door.

"Are you cheating on mom?"

"Well that's ballsy of you" he says raising an eyebrow

"I'm asking."

"Is that why you're home?"

"Can you think of a better reason?"

"No, son. I'm not"

"What the hell is going on?"

"Life."

"What does that even mean?"

"Sit" They sit in the family room and he sighs.

"Christian, I love your mother more than anything in this world. There's nothing I wouldn't do for her. But… sometimes people grow apart, and then grow complacent and before you know it, you have separate routines, separate friends, separate lives… And then you don't even recognize this person that you're living with"

"So your new secretary… she's a new friend?"

"Watch it, Christian"

"No, don't tell me to watch it when you have me so fucking freaked out that I've pushed away the one person that's ever meant anything to me"

"Whoa whoa slow down… Ana?"

"Yes, Ana. If you and mom can't keep it together… who can?"

"Christian… you and Ana are not your mother and I"

"I know that"

"Tell me what happened"

"No. Tell me what happened with mom"

He shrugs as he pours himself a tumbler of scotch. "I don't know son. She was working a lot. I had cut back my hours a bit to spend more time with her, so I was always here, alone. Mia has her own social life. Elliott has taken me out a few times because he's slightly depressed over missing Kate." He chuckles. "I just felt lonely I guess… I started working more hours and then my secretary went on maternity leave and I get this new one that actually cares what I have to say. She listens when I talk. Not just "uh huh dear" Don't get me wrong your mother is amazing at what she does. She's saving lives of children and I couldn't be prouder. But you would think that a school caught on fire with how busy she's been. I miss my wife. But I am not cheating on her."

"Are you going to try and fix it?"

"Yes of course"

"Why did mom call your secretary your mid-life crisis?"

"God, Mia hears everything doesn't she?" He rubs his face and sighs. "I don't know. I had dinner with her a few times"

"And you think that's okay?"

"No I don't. And I felt terrible. The first one there were other people there… but the second… I knew your mother was working late and I didn't have it in me to eat dinner alone again. I've had dinner with other women before and never thought anything of it, nor had your mother. But I know this was different, and wrong. It wasn't business. We talked about everything. But nothing happened. Do you hear me?"

"Yeah"

"I love your mother and you guys"

"I know"

"We'll get through this… but if we don't… that has nothing to do with you and Ana. You understand?"

"Yes"

"Now tell me what happened"


"I miss him so much" she pouts at the kitchen table as Kate puts a shot in front of her.

"Which is why we are going to drink"

"This doesn't seem like a good idea"

"Sure it does! We're going to have a few drinks and go out"

"Oh no we're not"

"Yep! There's a party at Sean's frat, we're going to go have some fun"

"I am not in the mood for fun, and Christian doesn't like me going to frats by myself"

"Oh. So we're doing what he wants now?"

"Well… I just… Shut up, I got roofied once remember!"

"Yeah at some rando frat, we're going to Sean's. Now what should we cheers to?"

"Another failed relationship?"

"Oh the pity party has started… okay, here's to sophomore year" Kate says before downing a shot.

Ana sighs and takes the shot. "Happy?"

"Ecstatic. Now let's find you something to wear"


"This is Ana, leave a message" he sighs hearing her voicemail again. He knows she's avoiding his calls which makes him angry and upset but at the same time he understands. God he fucked everything up. It was about 9 pm in Boston and he was hoping she wouldn't be going out… But something tells him that Kate probably forced her out of the house. He groans at the thought of her drinking while being so unsure about them.

"I know you said we could talk later, but I just wanted to hear your voice. I met this girl on the plane… before you freak out she was engaged and…older than us. I told her about you… and how I've been acting. She put me in my place" he says laughing. "She reminded me of an older version of you. I miss you… I talked to my dad… I don't know what's going to happen… we're all going to have dinner now. That should be fun… Ana I… I really am sorry. I can't wait to see you"

Her eyes well up with tears as she listens to his message. Maybe I should call him back.

"Ummm what are you doing?" Kate asks pulling her phone from her hand. "You're three shots of tequila in, if I told you couldn't call him before you damn sure can't call him now."

"He left me another voicemail." She sighs as she sits on her bed. "I don't want to go out"

"No. You are not going to sit here and sulk"

"I'm not sulking"

"Yes you are! Come on. You and I never go out just the two of us. Please?"

She sighs and nods. "Okay"


He checks his phone every few minutes hoping for a text, email, something… Is she okay? Maybe I should have Elliott text Kate.

"Everything okay, son?" Grace asks from across the table.

"Yeah, fine" he replies before taking a sip of his drink.

"How's Ana" Mia asks. "You two set a date yet?" She giggles before biting into her dinner roll.

He chuckles. "Not quite"

"Well with that ring on her finger I'm shocked!"

Grace drops her fork and stares at him. "It's a promise ring, mom. Relax. Although it doesn't seem that promises really mean anything these days" he mumbles.

"CHRISTIAN" his father says.

"What? Are we all just sitting here pretending everything is fine? What because I'm home? Or because we're all here? What? I didn't fly 3 thousand fucking miles to just sit here and talk about nothing"

"Enough" Carrick yells. "Outside. Now."

"Oh feels like the good old days. At least then you and mom were happy" he grumbles following him out of the dining room.

"This has NOTHING to do with you" he yells once they're outside. "Why don't you worry about your relationship, and I'll worry about mine. God Mia did not need to tell you all of this."

"What just let me know when the divorce papers are signed? I had a right to know, dad"

"Christian. Son I know you're angry but… you can't fix this. This is between your mother and I"

"You can't break up, Dad"

"I don't want that either. I get that you're upset but I think a lot of this anger is coming out because of where you and Ana are right now. I told you this morning that we're going to see a therapist and we're working it out… and yet you're still ready to throttle someone. You have to let this go"

"You have to fix this"

"I know"

He's silent before he sighs and puts his head in his hands. "I can't let her go"

"What?"

"Dad… she won't talk to me. She says she's giving me the time and space that I asked for but… I don't want the time or space anymore. I just want her"

"Did you tell her that?"

"She won't talk to me"

"Well it's only been one day since you left, when you go back Monday, maybe she'll be ready"

"Monday? No… that's too long. She might hate me by then. I have to go back tomorrow"

"Tomorrow? Son you came for the weekend, that's quite a turnaround trip"

"You yourself said there was nothing I could do. I need Ana… I need to fix this with her"

"Well see if you can get your ticket changed" he chuckles. "You got her a promise ring?"

"In Australia"

"How much?"

"You don't want to know"

He chuckles. "You really love her don't you?"

"More than anything"

"Then get your ass back to Boston"


She had dialed his number a hundred times and typed out double the amount of texts. All she wanted was to tell him how much she loved him and would always love him. But did she really want to convince her boyfriend to be with her? It didn't sound like he wanted to break up in his messages… but… he's sounded so different over the phone than he has in person lately.

"Every time I see you, you're always alone" she hears a voice behind her.

"Oh… hi" she smiles.

"I would have figured your boyfriend would be here making sure you didn't have too much fun… there is still a boyfriend right?"

I think so. "Yes… what's your name again? Bryan?"

"Brad"

"Right… we met last Valentine's Day"

"Indeed. So where is this boyfriend?"

"He's at home"

"Let you come out all alone, huh?"

"I'm here with my friend Kate, she's getting us drinks. Look Brad I'm really not in the mood to be hit on or whatever it is you're doing. I have a boyfriend I love him, just… go away please"

"Sassy. I like it. Why are in such a bad mood?"

"Because I am" she says walking away when she feels a hand on hers.

"Oh come on."

"Let. Go. Of. Me" she grits out. "If you think I'm not above putting your ability to have kids in jeopardy, I would think again. I am NOT in the mood" she says shooting a look to his groin and then back up.

He lets her go and backs up. "Got it."

"Thanks" She starts walking when she walks into something hard. "Ow"

"Damn Banans, and to think I thought I was going to have to come to your rescue. Way to go" he smiles nodding towards where Brad was standing.

"I want to go home" she says feeling her eyes well up with tears.

"Alright, let's go. Let me get Kate" Unlucky for Ana, Kate was tied up in a crazy game of beer pong and didn't want to go.

"I don't want to leave her as much as I don't want you walking by yourself. Can you wait a little?" he asks her.

"Fine." She says stepping outside and sitting on their front porch. She listens to both of his voicemails as she saved them and sighs. Maybe just one call she says pushing the talk button. It rings and rings and then goes to his voicemail. Maybe they're still at dinner. She doesn't bother to leave a message and just sits with her phone in her hands willing it to ring.

I miss you.

She immediately regrets the three words knowing that it was not a part of the plan to be aloof, not available and to give him "space." She sighs and is shocked to feel her phone vibrate.

Sorry I missed your call, I'm talking to my parents. I miss you too, so much. I'll call you later. Please answer

She smiles slightly and holds her phone to her chest. Maybe we're going to be okay.

"Oh my gosh, Ana!" Angela squeals. "I'm so glad you came out!" she hears as she sits next to her on the porch. "I heard you weren't feeling very good. I'm really sorry about you and Christian"

"What… we… we didn't break up?"

"Oh! Well that's good"

"What makes you think we did?"

"I don't know you were so sad and then he left… I just thought"

"We're together, Angela" she felt bad snapping at her. But now was SO not the time. And she could tell she was drunk.

"Oh good! Got it. That would be a shame. You two are perfect for each other! Do you want to go inside?"

"No, I'm going to wait here for Sean and Kate"

"Okay, I'll go see if I can hurry them along" she giggles.


After a long conversation with both of his parents along with his siblings he wouldn't say he felt better but at least they weren't giving up. He sighs as he goes to his room and reaches for his phone. He couldn't wait to finally talk to Ana. All he wanted was to hear her voice, tell her how sorry he was and that he loved her. He calls her and immediately here's a bunch of noise.

"It's Kate"

"I didn't call to talk to you, I called to talk to Ana"

"Too bad, you've got me. Ana is busy. Having FUN"

"Oh. Well can you have her call me later?"

"Yep. No problem" she says before hanging up. Too busy to talk to me? Is she drunk? Is she being safe? His thought are interrupted by his phone vibrating. He rolls his eyes when he sees Sean's name.

"What?"

Unlike when Kate answered it was moderately quiet. "It's… me"

"Ana?"

"Kate has my phone hostage"

He rolls his eyes. "Where are you?"

"In one of the bathrooms at Sean's frat… I'm sorry I came without you"

He chuckles. "It's okay. So how much have you had to drink?"

"Not much. A few shots"

"Well maybe we should talk in the morning, when you're a bit more coherent" he laughs.

"If that's what you want."

"Ana I'm really sorry about everything, just know that I love you. And we'll talk tomorrow okay? Enjoy the rest of your night"

"Okay"

The next morning, she's barely awake when she feels someone sitting on the edge of her bed. "Kate go away" she groans without looking up. "Wake me up when it's an acceptable time to call Christian"

"Looks like he's already been in contact" Kate giggles as she hands her a cup of coffee and her phone.

"What!? What time is it?" she says frantically grabbing her phone

"10"

She sees a text that she received at 7 am her time which was sent at 4 am Seattle time.

I couldn't be away from you for one more second. I'm at the airport now, so I'll see you later today. Sean is picking me up, unless you see this in time. My flight gets there at 11:30. I love you.

She's made it to the airport by 11:30 and she sits in the pick up lane. She feels her hands start to sweat and can't believe it's only been about a day and a half since she's seen him. It felt like it had been forever. She's scanning the door for any signs of people and figures he hadn't gotten his luggage yet.

Just landed. I hope you're here.

Her heart swells that maybe her Christian is back. About 5 minutes later she sees him and immediately her heart starts racing. She sees the exact moment he sees her car and wonders if he can see her inside. He starts walking over when she jumps out of her car and starts running towards him. He drops his carry on just in time for her to be in his arms. She buries her face into his chest but he can't mistake the sobs coming out of her. "Shhh baby, I'm here. I'm sorry" he says rubbing her back. She's clinging to him so hard that he thinks he might have to pry her off of him. "Hey, why all the tears? You couldn't have missed me that much" he jokes trying to lighten the mood.

She climbs out of his arms and he takes in her appearance. She looks exhausted and the puffy, dark circles under her eyes makes him wonder if she's been crying the last day and a half. "I'm sorry" she says quietly. "I did miss you that much" she says looking down.

He raises her chin to look at him and feels the tears form in his eyes as well. "I was… I'm sorry. I've felt like shit ever since I left your car yesterday."

"Let's… go home and not do this in the middle of the airport" she says.

Her house was empty as everyone cleared out so they wouldn't have to hear them celebrate his homecoming.

He drops his bag and collapses onto her bed. "I'm fucking exhausted. Remind me to never do that again"

She stands in the doorway to her bedroom eyeing him warily. "Which part?"

He looks up at her and sits up holding his hand out to her. "All of it."

"You shut me out. You wouldn't talk to me. You mentioned breaking up!"

"I know… shit. I know, Ana. I was… an asshole. I wasn't thinking straight."

"You hurt me"

"Come here"

"No. I need you to hear what I'm saying. I need to get this out without you… I'll crumble if you touch me"

"Okay"

"You… can't do that to me ever again" He stands up and moves toward her and she puts her hand up to stop him. "No"

"Yes" he says before cupping her face. "Stop fighting me" Her lip trembles and he lightly kisses it. "Ana, look at me" She raises her eyes to meet his and is shocked to see tears falling at a rapid pace as well. "I'm sorry. So sorry. You mean everything to me… and to think I almost lost you." They're so close that they're breathing in each other's air. "I love you so much" he whispers. He rests his forehead against hers. "Ana… I need you baby"

"How could you do that to me?" she whispers looking down as if looking in his eyes would completely melt her. "I thought it was happening again"

He sighs before lifting her chin. "I know. I just… couldn't think. I thought my parents could get through anything… I was worried that if they couldn't get through this… we couldn't. And I know now it's stupid to think that. We're different than my parents and we're crazy about each other… it's just what I was thinking"

She nods. "Are they going to be okay?"

"I hope so… but right now, I need to know that we're okay. What can I do, how can I fix this?"

"Just… love me Christian"

"I do, baby. I love you so much" he says crushing his lips to hers. She can feel his tears on her cheeks, splashing on her with every swipe of his tongue. He lifts her into his arms before depositing her on the bed letting his full weight lie on her as all he can think about is kissing her with everything he has. After a few minutes he stops and takes in the goddess below him. Swollen lips, flushed cheeks. She's so perfect. I could climb inside of her and it wouldn't be close enough. "I need to be close to you baby. I need you"

"I need you too Christian, please" she moans pulling at his sweatpants. He takes off her clothes one article at a time kissing and worshipping every inch of skin that becomes free. He runs his hands over every inch of her followed by his mouth once she's naked. He rests his head on her chest and remembers all of the coldness and distance he put between them and looks up at her. "What's wrong?" she asks.

He rests himself on one elbow while he moves the hair from her face before framing it with his hand. "Don't ever let me do that again, you hear me?" He kisses the area between her breasts before getting on top of her so that they are nose to nose and staring at each other. "Promise me"

"I promise"

"I'll never leave you Anastasia Steele"

"Don't ever make me think differently" she says sternly.

"Never" He pulls off the remaining barrier and rubs his rock hard cock against her swollen clit.

"Don't tease me" she whimpers as she bites down on the wing of his shoulder. She feels his finger rubbing her gently before stopping the contact. She's about to protest when he brings his finger to his lips and sucks it hard. She feels her breath catch in her throat and he smirks at how much he affects her.

"Still taste as good as I remember, it's been too long Miss Steele." He growls in her ear before biting gently. "I'm going to taste you later, but now I'm going to fuck you so hard" He says as he slams into her.

"God yes" she groans.

"Shit, Ana you always feel so fucking good, baby" With every stroke he's whispering how good she feels, how much he loves her and can't live without her. "I feel you clenching around me, let go." He says tweaking her nipple as he bites down on her neck. "I love you baby"

She screams out his name as he spills into her while he kisses her all over her face. She's barely come down from her earth shattering orgasm before he's flipped them over and brought her to sit on his face. "Oh God yes" she screams as she feels his lips wrapping around her clit and his tongue inside of her. He grabs her behind and rubs it back and forth as she leans forward and takes his perfect erection in her mouth. He pulls her hard against his mouth as she feels his tongue over every inch of her. She sucks him equally hard and he groans into her. She feels her orgasm rip through her as she screams his name pulling his hard cock out of her mouth. He continues his assault even as she tries to pull away.

"Stop moving"

"Can't come again, Christian"

"Yes you can and you will" he growls as she feels him sucking the liquid leaking out of her.

"Shit" she breathes out. She puts him back in her mouth and it isn't long before he's coming… and coming… and coming… He's finally finished and she pulls him out to swallow everything. She moves off of his face and straddles his stomach. "Wow. You just wouldn't stop coming" she smiles.

"Sorry" he chuckles.

"Don't be, it was hot" she whispers against his lips. She kisses him deeply tasting the mix of their essences. "I love you so much"

"Don't leave me, Ana" he whispers between their desperate kisses.

"I won't I promise. I love you, Christian. So much." the last thing she hears before she falls asleep on his chest is how much he loves her too.

A/N: ALRIGHT! 7500 words and 20 pages later and I'm exhausted! AND the fact that I finished/edited it during my Thursday night shows which means I must really love you guys (and this story)! I just couldn't drag this drama out too long. I love them too much! There's still going to be a little leftover insecurities in the upcoming chapters, but they're getting through it!