-CHAPTER THIRTY ONE-


KEYS


Friday 11th December 2009.

ANASTASIA

ARRIVING HOME was sombre. The click of the door unlocked to the apartment, a stale stench engulfed my senses. The smell left a bitter taste on my tongue. This was far from the mood I wanted after my successful OBGYN appointment. Studying the speckled images, these two blips are making an impact on my life, in ways I couldn't imagine but this should be a momentous occasion, not a sad one.

I'm thankful these two have opened doors to things I never thought imaginable but my poor best-friend, a door had only begun to open, now has abruptly slammed shut. Life is such a journey, we hold the keys to these doors, these opportunities, events. If only we knew which ones were needed.

Lumping on the bed, I rushed to examine my bump. How is it even possible, almost 14 weeks? Well I was on a mission to breathe, and it was an effort and a half tackling the half masted zipper and over stretched hair tie. After a quick whip to my thumb the elastic snapped, and the breath I was holding was released, along with the home to my growing twins.

'Freedom and now comfort,' I thought as my palms rubbed circles over my little bump.

Realization hit. I strained a smile at the man in my bedroom, of course with my pale stomach on show.

Christian is here. And here meaning my apartment.

"Shit," fumbling to make some attempt to zip my pants, "fuck it!" I cursed, falling back onto the bed.

"Pixie?"

"Yeah, umm." I pulled my blouse to cover my bare skin.

Ana he just saw you with a probe up your lady bits, now is not the time to get embarrassed.

"Oh, Christian I'm so sorry I haven't even shown you the apart—" before I had a chance, his lips were over my little bump. "Oh," I said as I ran my fingers through his hair.

I laid on the bed as his fingers danced around my navel, speaking softly to our unborn children. A cool sensation flowed through my hips and straight to my toes.

"The apartment's great," he crouched over me, continuing to devour my stomach with kisses.

"But, you haven't even—" he quickly silenced me as I felt a finger along the top of my panties.

"I tell you what…" his lips peppered over my stomach again and if he only put that finger lower, I would be a goner.

"What?" I panted like a puppy, wanting more of what he was doing.

Jesus, down girl. Control these hormones.

"It's very white and pink…"

I twisted my head, arching a brow, "Hang on, what?"

My heart sped up. Of course everything seems to have some kind of sexual innuendo attached. Was he referring to… impossible, get your mind out of the gutter.

Without looking away from my eyes he stated, "Your apartment."

"Oh." was my only response, still contemplating what his fingers could do.

"Hey, it's quite homey, very pink and I can't believe this is the first time I've been here." he said tapping my nose.

"Well, we do live on other sides of the country," I poked his chest, and all I felt were his tort abs.

"And Pixie… this next question makes it all the better." he winked.

I sat up, and knew what he's going to say. I flicked my head back and forth, knowing I'm not ready, really is he and we are most definitely not ready. My head was in a tail spin after leaving Elliot and Kate to their own devices. Discovering not only you're pregnant but it's destined to fail, makes me realize how lucky I truly am with minimal complications.

"Please Ana." his words sent pleasure to all the right places.

Christian's fingers wrapped around my own, his index finger stroking my hand. Our eyes locked as his tender touch remained and those grey eyes were as clear as ever.

"Before you assume, are you planning on asking?" I bucked a brow, it was evident he was going to ask again, but to assume are relationship killers. If I only had the courage to communicate my reasons behind my answer.

"Sure," he smiled, "Move in with me. We can make everything work."

My shoulders sank and I didn't speak a word. I hate disappointing him, but somethings are difficult and roadblocks are needed.

"I'm not going to push. It's making you angry and closed off. I understand and accept your wishes, but could you at least say something. Solutions are better than silent arguments. Ana, tell me what you're thinking. Say something, please." he begged but all I could do was continued to stare.

Unsure of what to express not to hurt his feelings, it's hard, since it's everything you want but chaos is plaguing my head full of not so nice memories. Conveniently my stomach growled, melting away the tension in the room.

"Hungry?" I asked.

"The Queen of segue conquers again," he chuckled, then nodded knowing this conversation was over and a meal was on the horizon.

A smirk was painted over his face. I knew that hunger, and I'm most definitely up for this kind of meal.

Biting down on my lip, I toyed with his belt and the button on his slacks. I kicked off my sneakers, only my fluffy socks remained.

"Why do your feet resemble pink poodles?" he snickered as his head falling into my neck.

"Shut up Christian." I crinkled my brow, slapping his arm this time. "Hey it's cold and they keep my feet warm."

You would think that comment would have killed the mood, but it did the direct opposite and all I knew were my body was a raging hormonal storm. If Christian doesn't make a move soon, I was going to maul the poor man. To say I wanted him was an understatement. I wanted to devour him, and by the press of his erection on my leg, I think we were pretty even.

My fingers slipped into his boxer briefs and he pulled his waist back. It was agony, only receiving little kisses over my neck and the shell of my ears. So this is what death is. Slow and utter agony through innocent foreplay. If he didn't hurry up, my eyes will be wet instead of my panties.

Finding the band to his underwear again, my hand slipped in, twisting and pumping his length. His own steady breath failed, and my name Pixie blew over my skin on repeat. Each time goosebumps inundated my skin.

"Christian" his name slipped out in-between my excitement.

Quickly opening my legs giving him the space to cradle on top of me, I bucked my hips ever so slightly. But that slow death was back, as reciprocation was nil. I was eager for release as I wiggled my hips, pressing my core to his length, ready to play.

"Oh, my Pixie is so very hungry this afternoon," he shuttered, the will power he had was amazing but it was only a matter of time before he would falter.

Christian kissed me sweetly. A few months ago this would have been enough, but hearing a small groan escaped his mouth, I couldn't help but mimic the action. It was when I gnawed his top lip, I was waiting for his hips to pound my own.

It was infuriating. Was this a sick experiment? It truly felt he was waiting for me to make the first move. Christian seemed so tender and caring, was he worried I would break, shatter? If only intuition was the magic key, because I'm far from being glass. I wanted to ride my bull.

Jesus I'm so horny. What is wrong with me?

Christian glanced over at me, with a brow raised, patiently waiting.

"You have permission, Christian. I'm not broken. I'm fine." my hand went to his cheek.

"But—"

"No. I'm fine. Perfectly fine."

My cheeks flushes as I pushed my lips to his, and a smile grew over his face. Pulling back his gaze flitted, dark lashes shielding those grey eyes I've fallen for. This man I've fallen deep.

He pulled down my jeans, "I'm sorry these need to go," and made sure my fluffy socks were next to see my floor.

My tongue lapped over my lips, then my teeth scratching them. Christian's fingers continued to brush over my skin. I had piqued. Arousal was on fire and needed relief from this horny mess.

His fingers were cooperating. The spots were right and I was falling, gone, melting into one large puddle on my bed.

Christian's hands slid back down in a slow languid pace, causing my back to arch into the movement. His lips were over my panties, and gliding his nose down to my slit. I rocked my hips and his hands tightened on my hips. A shudder worked its way down his body, and it was extremely exhilarating.

Tapping his shoulder, "You're extremely over dressed, clothes off mister." Since I was only in my panties and my breasts were hanging out of my bra.

"Of course ma'am, you don't need to ask twice."

In seconds, his pants were on the floor and shirt thrown across the room. Nestling in-between my legs again, he drifted up over my breast. He cupped me, "I'm sorry this," brushing his nail over my bra, "needs to go."

"Oh God yes," I lifted up and unlike the only one other guy who tried to remove my bra, Christian didn't need to look or study the clasp. It was a simple flick of the wrist and my breasts were free.

With a hand full of my breast, his thumb smoothed the nipple, teasing the hardening peak. A moan rushed at me and it came out as a gibbering garble.

"Ahh, so she likes."

"No… Love. Come here Christian," my arms pulled him down.

"But the…"

"I'm fine, they are fine. I need you closer. Skin to skin."

I tried to catch my breath as his lips left mine. He nipped at my chin and then down my neck. My back arched further pushing my breasts further into his hands as my hips rolled again. The sexiest sound rumble from his chest as he leaned back and looked at me.

"I need you, Ana."

I think me pulling down his boxer briefs and he mirroring my action losing my panties was the only confirmation needed.

"You're beautiful, Ana," he murmured, "so fucking beautiful."

My senses were overwhelmed with his cock pressing my core, twitching as I bucked my hips. My hands fluttered to his head. I was lost in him, surrounded by the feeling he was stirring inside me. I already felt close to toppling over the edge and when he clenched his cock and slowly filled me, I tensed in the most wonderful way. Like it was our first time.

His lips scorched a path across my body, teasing my lower lip. "I need to tell you something," he pushed and withdrew and I could barely keep my eyes opened.

"What?" I panted, unsure if this was really happening.

"I love you."

My entire body flushed. He said the words to me regularly but this was the first time where I felt something more. When I didn't answer, his lips engulfed my own and our tongues danced. Pulling back, still pumping me, my core swelling and almost at climax, "ditto"

"Say them." he held back as his voice strained, "Say them, Ana,"and he stopped moving. My body ached, missing the motion but he gazed into my eyes like he needed the assurance. "Say. The. Words." he panted, sweat rolling down his chest. My own fingers climbed over his muscles of his arms, and I slowly touched his chest. He winced and eased his breathing in short bursts.

I had been putting off the inevitable and cursing myself from those weeks ago as I wanted to go slow. It was the contradiction of the century. Just admiring the man on top of me, the children growing in my belly and the unknown future was enough.

"I. Love. You. Christian. Grey." I held my hand over his chest. Over his heart.

"Thank fuck for that." and a big goofy smile appeared on his lips and he pushed down, thrusting deeper within my core.

New stronger sensations pulsed throughout my core. My hips were moving faster and I clenched around his hand, my thighs squeezing his hips as he continued to pound me. His lips to mine, and I cried out his name as a release thundered through my body.

In that moment I could feel Christian's hot seed spurting inside of me. As our eyes locked, I could feel our love, this life we are building between us is a journey as we choose the keys and make what we want with it.

Covered in a thin sheen of sweat, I repeated those three important words to the man I hope to spend the rest of my life with, 'I love you.'

"Ana. Christian," Elliot called out, as the front door to the apartment closed. We weren't alone anymore and it was our cue to get dress, but not necessarily quick.

…..

WINCING AS HE WITHDREW from me, I felt empty, longing to make love everywhere, and exploring his body more. My face fell as our bodies parted, the distance from one another was too far.

"I need to clean you." he kissed my lips, languid and calm as his tongue slipped in exploring my mouth, leaving me drugged for the umpteenth time tonight.

"No, come here. This is where we cuddle, mister." I said dragging his naked body to mine.

We fell into each other's arms, the thin layer of sweat covered our skin and we stuck like glue as my rear parked onto his crotch. Smiling at what just happened, wiggling it just for good measure, I never want to forget this sensation. Happiness.

"It's not like a bus, Pixie." We both laid still breathing in time, and Christian continued, "If you miss it, there will always be another one," he chuckled, "Or in our case, another and another and another." And his lips assaulted my neck with light kisses.

I liked hearing those words.

His fingers slowly made their way to my chest, "These," he gave the lightest of touch over the soft skin of my breasts. They had grown super sensitive and even a heavy breath can make them go wild with pleasure, "they are bigger from the last time I saw you."

His fingers and the back of his palms confused my senses no matter how soft the contact. Not only was it damn right sexy, they tingled with pain. A dull ache. It was time to go shopping. I had been neglecting a new wardrobe for the past two weeks and the situation wasn't going to resolve overnight. It would probably escalate. Sliding a hand over my abdomen, my bump was most definitely there and I couldn't hold it in, no matter how hard I tried to suck in. Maternity wear was a must because with my expanding waist line, I wasn't sure how much longer my little hacks were going to last. I'm surprised Christian hasn't mentioned about the gift cards or parcels in fact.

Christian's fingers continued to stroke me, causing my heart to skip a beat.

"Did you really mean it?" he said bringing me out of my wardrobe dilemma.

Smiling, I couldn't deny it, "Of course."

I was in love with Christian Grey.

I leaned over and kissed his chest carefully, resting my head listening to his heart beat as he twirled my hair around his fingers. Looking at one another we kissed again, and I love it when in the middle of our lips locked, I can feel him smiling.

Pulling back he said, "Ok I have something for you."

"So many surprises today, and like all week" I mumbled to myself.

"Sorry?"

"Nothing," I shook my head.

He got off the bed, and I felt cold being away from his body. He shuffled around at the floor, and fumbling into his jacket pocket, he withdrew a small box with a silver ribbon on top.

"This is for you." placing the gift on my palm.

I looked at the intimidating thing. Small things lately have been becoming larger things. The bed dipped, he snuggled behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. I was puzzled at what it could be. Removing the lid, I was amazed what was inside.

"So, a few days ago I was given the keys and codes to my new apartment," he said as his hand slowly nestled on my stomach and those lips of his were on the crook of my neck, "Ana, I would love for you to move in with me, but I know for some reason…" he let out a heavy breath, resting his chin on my shoulder for a moment and then continued to speak, "you don't want to take on my offer, instead here's the option for sleepovers… of the permanent kind."

"Christian," I chastised him. "I-I-I" my words were lost and my stutter was back.

Inside was a single key engraved with the initials A.S. And a small card with the numbers 091090.

"This is my birthday." my words were breathy as I was astonished he knew my birth date. Studying the numbers again, I studied the card in detail.

"Yes, I know." he continued to pepper my neck with kisses, and his hands slowly crept up to my breasts. Overwhelmed with all the sensations, I gasped at his touch.

"But how…Ray! Oh my God Christian!"

"Don't be angry with him, he's great. I really like him."

"What? I'm in shock." pulling back, I turned to see his face.

He blushed, Christian Grey blushed! What else did he discuss with Daddy? Oh God, he didn't mention…

"Hey," he rubbed my cheek, tucking some hair behind my ear, "don't look so worried. He did delve all your secrets," he winked, "Ana?"

I tried to shake him off, "no it's nothing, " I smiled trying my best to move on.

"So whenever you are ready, the key is in your grasp. I'm not going to push you into this decision."

His hands were all over me, I couldn't think straight. My mind was clouded, what did Ray say? Did he mention about him?

The key, I rolled it in my finger tips, feeling the grooves on my finger pads. Each edge was sharp, and could clearly cut me deep. Why does he need to be so damn perfect and me such an indecisive person?

"Well Christian, if you give a girl a key, that's kind of pushing" I shook my head, fighting this inner battle of independence.

"NO, Anastasia." he held my face and the box and key fell onto the bed, "You are over thinking this. All of this is…" he held the key to my face, "This, when you do decide to move to Washington… I can only hope Seattle. I'll need to know where you are. I will be busy, the business is growing and I can only assume my meetings will increase. I honestly don't know how many more times I can come visit here in Boston, in the next few months. I want the option there," he placed the key in my hand, "so I know my family is safe, and not far away."

Family.

"Christian, don't you think moving in together is a little too… soon?" I shrugged.

All he did was cupped my belly. It made everything tingle, and almost give me butterflies.

"Ok, we don't like to do things in the traditional order. Time is irrelevant but now a contradiction, I guess with these two on the way," I placed my hands over his on my bump.

"I'm staying with your parents over the holidays, for work at the hospital."

"You really know how to kill the mood, Pixie." he said pulling away.

"Hey, well as you said, we can have sleepovers, but what would your mother think?"

"She would expect it." he laughed, "We are a couple, right? Because sometimes I feel it's only me wanting this." my mouth dropped.

Ana you're ruining this, and you're doing a fabulous job.

He got up and began to dress.

"You know Ana, I really do love you and ever since that first night I saw you in the club, you have never left my mind. Straight away I knew there was something special about you and I wanted to be a part of that. Just let me in, because I'm willing."

I knew I couldn't cry in front of him. My eyes were burning and it was inevitable. Grabbing my sheet and pulling it over my naked body, I've never felt so bare in my life.

"I'm sorry,"my words were barely audible, as my voice was so hoarse.

He stopped, with his back to me.

"I'm sorry?" his voice strained, "It's just a statement, Ana. How about some actions, sometimes you actually have to want something to change for it to be effective." He let out a sigh, and slid his shirt on and began to do the buttons. "There is something I need to do before I go."

"You'rrrre leaving?" my mouth became clogged and thick unable to speak.

Was this it? Were we ending before we truly began?

"I promised your father to take a photo."

"A photo." even though my voice was barely a whisper, my chest felt as if I was being crushed, unable to breathe.

He nodded, "please put some clothes on, preferably a dress or something to show off your bump."

I did as he requested in silence. I didn't have a dress but leggings and a tight t-shirt seemed to suffice.

"Sit by the window, cup your bump." he was so cold and this was all so wrong.

And I did as I was told, as I always did.

"He wants a bump shot?"

"Yes, he never had the chance with your mother, Carla. He wants the experience." I instantly gasped at hearing her name. And the tears began to slip out.

"I can't take this photo." he said as his face had the weight of the world on his shoulders.

I quickly wiped my face with the heels of my palms, trying my best not to make a sound, but it was hurting.

"Christian… I know when I've made a mistake. I know it and I'm feeling it right this second. So when I say I'm sorry, please understand I mean it. I'm my own toughest critic. It's going to eat me alive." my hands were shaking now as I wiped the stray tear away. "I'm sorry." I looked at him, and he no longer had his cell pointing at me. His face had the worries of fifty people. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." I ran up to him and wrapped my arms around him. Looking up to his face, now in a full sob as the tears coursed down my cheeks. "I love you, Christian Grey, I'm sorry I worry at these equivocal things. It's all new and these… hormones are doing my head in and … and…"

Instantly his lips were on my own. And I knew I was home, with my significant other.

"Stay with me over the holidays." he said.

I let out a sigh, "I've already promised your mother." he leaned his forehead to mind, rolling it back and forth.

"Oh Miss Steele, the things you do to me."

"I have an ultimatum."

"I'm listening." his thumb rubbed my cheek, removing the wetness from my face.

"Come to my father's for Christmas. He said he's doing something special and since it will be my last Christmas as a teenager, and… before," I looked down to my belly, "I think it will be—"

"Most definitely." he blurted out quickly, chuckling in the process.

"I don't know what to say, since you answered soooo, quickly. What are you planning, Mr Grey?"

"Don't over think things, how about just say thank you and I love you."

Engulfing my lips, all I wanted to do was study his grey eyes to see what he was hiding.

Kissing my ears he whispered, "You know, I'm going to marry you one day."

"It's not the first time you've told me," I whispered, shocked by his words and not sure if everything is moving too fast, "You seem confident like you already have the answer?"

"Well I haven't asked yet." I chuckled, falling into the crook of his neck, kissing his soft skin. "Hmmm," I groaned, but suddenly stopped.

"You're stiff as a board," my eyes bulged, lifting looking at his own, "What is it, Ana? Ana!"

"I'm… it… they." I shook my head, did that just happen? "I felt something…"

"Hey if your referring to," and Christian bucked his length into my hip.

"No," I slapped his arm, "I think I felt—" as I was speaking the flutters happened again. My hands cupped my belly.

Our babies.

Christian eyes went to my navel and put his hand on my skin, moving around, but his face dropped and the disappointment was evident on his face.

"Have they stopped?" I shook my head.

"I had been feeling these flutters all day but I thought it was gas." quickly enough Christian's lips were over my belly blowing the biggest raspberry.

"Yep seems right. You and gas." his laugh was infectious.

"Hey, don't be mean. But I'm sorry you can't feel it. Soon, I'm going to be big enough and you'll feel it," I laughed into his arms.

I looked at him, opening my legs for him again, rocking his cock into my core, "As I was saying, before our children interrupted, I'm going to make you Mrs Grey one day."

I continued to move with him as one until we were both satisfied for the evening for the second time.

…..

Sunday 13th December 2009

"I NEED TO LEAVE, PIXIE."

I pulled the collar of his jacket so our distance was nil and connected. My lips locked to his as Christian groaned, rolling his eyes back. This was our common state for the past thirty-six hours as it seemed a blur between my bed, bathroom and the fridge.

"Five more minutes," I pouted.

"The cab will be here any minute, and you know I'll be the only one to get Ell off Kate. He doesn't want to leave either but we both have-"

"Lives in Seattle." I lowered my head.

"I'm torn between two sides of the country Ana, but I need to head back. Preparation is crucial especially the week before closing over the holiday break."

I just looked into those stormy eyes again. I really do love him, but I'm going to miss him.

"Hey, don't worry. I'm sure you have enough to do with that paper you were telling me about, and all these gifts to get through."

"Oh yeah I meant to mention those. Thank you for everything that you have sent, but you didn't leave a card or note so I assumed they were from—"

"Ana, I didn't send you those baby gifts, I assumed they were from Ray?"

"On his salary," I shook my head, "it's impossible. These would have to total well over two thousand dollars. Christian, they are post marked Washington. Seattle mostly, some were from Bellevue and surrounding areas. Could they be from your parents?"

He shook his head, and looked worried.

"Christian." I was curt, "Who would send me these gifts?"

His lips drew a thin line, and his thoughts and conclusions remained silent.

…..

IT WAS DIFFICULT WATCHING my other half leave. We both had responsibilities and these babies weren't going anywhere. I looked at Kate on the couch huddled in a ball, draped with throws and endless pillows. The poor thing started to miscarry naturally last night. I'm thankful Ell was here when it started, I've never seen Kate so lost.

I'm trying my best to support my best friend, but it's situations like this where no words help, only the comfort of one another, knowing there will be light to this darkness.

The thing which was worrying me, wasn't my paper due tomorrow or Kate, rather the anonymous sender of these gifts.

My mind was cloudy, hazy with the weekend playing back. It didn't help as the tv blared with re-runs of that terrible show, Glee. There was a knock at the door. I could only hope it was Christian, changing his mind and had chosen to stay another night or even Elliot wanting to be here with Kate. But how wrong was I.

"Did you order takeout again?" Kate groaned as her head popped out from under the throw blankets.

"No." I shook my head.

"Honestly Ana, I can't move or I'll need to change my underwear again. My nether regions are a fucking mess. Urrgh my life is a fucking disaster."

"It's fine." I rubbed her arm, removing her feet which were resting on my lap.

Through the peep hole, I couldn't see who was at the door as their back was facing me. As I opened the heavy door, a gush of cold air whipped my face.

"Anastasia?" The familiar voice asked.

I was lost for words.

"Elena Lincoln," I gasped, "What are you doing here?"


A/N:

Thank you everyone who has been reading "Misplaced & Found" you all have the patience of a saint. I do realise my updates are slow and in-between but my some miraculous effort they are still happening!

If you haven't already done so, please favourite, follow, review and PM me regarding any M&F questions or concerns. I appreciate these and they boost me to write. So, see you soon for chapter 32.

missmusicteach