Grey Outings

Ana's POV

"Okay Christian, I am in the car, where are we going?" I ask belligerently.

"Ana there is something I need to do before we leave." he says smoothly and reaching for my face. I then see the contents of his hand, and my body quivers in anticipation and a little bit of fear.

"A blind fold? You want me to wear a blind fold?" I hesitate. Christian nods, with a mischievous grin.

"Whenever I wore one with you, it always ended up with me in bed with you or shackled to a cross in a medieval style playroom." I state. And reaching heights I never even realised were there. I say to myself, wisely choosing to omit this.

"And you couldn't even imagine how much I would love to take you to Escala right now and do that, but this blindfold has a different purpose. I want you to put this on, so you can start to trust me again." Christian is a mixture of playful and hopeful.

"Trust is a two way street" I reply. Christian looks away, his eyes a little darker than before. "You don't like to be touched again, do you?" Sadness fills my voice.

"No. No, I don't, Anastasia" Christian says bluntly. I am Anastasia again. I don't know if it is his intention or not, but these words genuinely hurt me.

"Even if I touched you?" I ask. I know I don't have much of a right to ask, but I need to know.

"I don't know. You touched my shoulder at the house." He shrugs.

"But that wasn't your chest." I point out.

"No, it wasn't, but this isn't the crux of matter at the moment. Will you put this blind fold on or not?" He asks, growing tired of the delay. I hung my head down unsure. Christian softly lifts my chin up, so our eyes meet. "I promise I will not hurt you." He tells me earnestly.

"I know," I tell him. Strangely, this is one of the easiest and most candid conversations, we have had in years. I am not sure if it is because we are finally telling the truth or because Ted wants us to go out together.

"I will wear it" I concede. Christian grins as he wraps it around me. All my other senses are heightened. I hear singing, though the radio is not on. It is a familiar voice, but one I haven't heard in a long time. It is Christian. He is singing softly. I know this song, 'Your Love is King', my old ring tone for Christian. I sit back and listen to his gentle and rhythmic voice. I allow myself to get lost in his voice, but fear takes over me. I just don't know how I feel about Christian anymore. I have hurt him so much, and he has hurt me.

"We are here, but don't take your blind fold off" He tells me. Christian helps me out of the car and gradually leads me to where ever we are destined. I hear water splashing against some rocks or a Warf I think. There are birds in the distance and the sound of boats going past.

"We are at the ocean" I half state, half question.

"Yes" Christian is excited. He slowly removes my blindfold. It takes me a few seconds to get readjusted to the light.

"Do you like her?" Christian asks. In front of us is an immaculate yacht. Bigger than the one that Christian first took me on. "She is brand new. In fact, this is my first time on her and the first time I am taking her out." Christian grins then looks at me "Another one of our firsts, Anastasia."

"She is gorgeous. But if you haven't taken her out….." Christian places his finger on my lip, interrupting me.

"..How do I know that there won't be any mechanical issues, leaving us stranded on the ocean alone? Just you, me and the blue sky for hours? What ever would we do for so long" Christian's eyes go dark and pulls me closer to him. Every muscle in my body starts to betray me.

"Grey, are you ready to leave soon?" I hear Mac from the deck.

"In twenty minutes" Christian replies, the smirk, wiped from his face. I am relieved but surprisingly, I am also a little dissatisfied.

"Now I am disappointed in my planning." Christian says.

"What did you do with 'The Grace'?"

"I gave that yacht to Mac, in recognition of his work, and then I gave 'The Grace II' to Elliot as a gift"

"The Grace II?" I enquire

"Yes. This is my third yacht." Christian informs me proudly. Men and their toys. Do they ever truly grow up?

"So this would be 'The Grace III' ". I am impressed.

"No. I retired that name with my second yacht." Christian says a little anxious.

"What is the name of this boat then?" I ask. Christian takes my hand and leads me to the stern of the yacht. There in elegant silver letters is 'Steele Rose'.

"You named your boat in reference to me? When?" I am frozen in shock, I can't believe it.

"I named it when we started plans to build it almost a year ago."

"But why?" I question. After all our terrible history and our collective mishaps and errors, why? Christian has cocked his head to one side and looks at me unsure.

"I think you know, why" He says, but before I can make a comment, he has swept me off my feet and is carrying me on to the yacht.

"Christian put me down" I tell him. Slowly he lowers me, ensuring that I slide down his body. Every part of my body rubs against his. He is still very much toned and immaculate. It is the most intimate and alluring feeling I have felt in years. I remember then why we were so passionate. Our eyes fixed to each other, our old electric atmosphere surrounding us.

"You are so beautiful" Christian whispers. He runs his knuckles across my jaw before he clutches my hair to tilt my head backwards. His sombre grey eyes give away his desperate need. "I am going to kiss you now, Anastasia." Christian tells. I can't move, and I don't know if I want to move away.

"Grey, can you release the ropes?" Mac calls out from the other side of the yacht, popping the bubble we had formed. I pull away, regaining my composure.

"In the cabin is a backpack for you. You can go and get changed. There is everything you need in there." Christian is frustrated. He turns and starts to get the boat ready to set sail.

The contents of the backpack reinforce my belief that Christian is still overbearing and controlling. He has thought of everything. There is sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, bathing suit, towel, flip flops and even a sun dress. Are we going swimming?

Returning to the deck of the yacht, I find Christian, has also changed into a pair of trunks and a T-shirt, sitting on one of the lounge chairs. I go over to sit next to him, and he passes me a glass of sparkling water with lime.

"Thank you" I tell him. He looks over and smiles at me. His eyes are soft.

"Are we going swimming?" I enquire.

"We are going to one to the islands. I have a surprise for you there." Christian for the first time all week seems carefree. He is so relaxed, and at ease as he leans back on his lounge chair and puts on his sunglasses.

"Christian, we have a lot to talk about and…" I say sadly.

"Ana, stop! I know all that, but not now, and maybe not today. It is one of the things I promised Ted" Christian tells me. My curiosity is peaked. What did he and Ted talk about? Hell, Ted didn't even like to talk to his father on the phone a few months ago, let alone make requests from him.

"What else did he make you promise?"

"Now that would be telling. Though Ted has never asked me to do anything ever, and I believe I owe him. Though he did make a recommendation in regards to the possibility of us being intimate together." He says laughing a little.

"What?" I spit out a little of my drink. "Ted did not. What did he say?" I say now sitting up. Christian laughs at my expense. Christian also sits up now, so we are facing each other.

"Unfortunately he told me that he would prefer us not to be intimate, unless of course, you want to. I am sure I could find those silver balls." Christian's voice is tempting again. I feel my muscles start to contract again deliciously in response, but I know that this is just physical. I shake my head and lie back on my lounge chair, allowing my mind to wonder.

"Christian, I want you to develop a relationship with Ted. I am glad that you have offered to take him to tour the colleges, and you want to be at his graduation." I tell him honestly.

"I should have made more of an effort over the years. Actually I didn't even make an effort. I even avoided New York." Christian scrunches his eyes in pain. "He is a brilliant young man."

"Ted is stubborn, but he genuinely needs you. He may not admit it, but he knows you love him, and he loves you." I try to reassure him.

"What about his mother? How does she feel about the father of her son?" He asks. I have hidden my emotions for years that I do not even know if I will be able to find them anymore. I lean back, mute, wondering what my honest answer to his question would be.

The yacht comes to a stop, and we get into a small engine powered boat. I hold my hand out for Christian to help me out, but he sweeps me up again and carries me to the shore.

"I have a surprise for you, but I don't want you to see it until we get there." Christian holds the blindfold. "Do you want to use this or can you promise to close your eyes and not peek?"

"I promise, not to peak" I tell him. Christian lips form a hard line. He doesn't believe me. "I promise." I tell him firmly.

I close my eyes as I am led up a path, for several minutes. It is unnerving not knowing where I am going, but I feel safe, knowing that Christian won't let me get hurt.

"Open your eyes" Christian whispers into my ear. Slowly I open my eyes. The scenery is breathtaking. We are next to a water fall, and the tranquillity of the rushing water is mesmerizing. Surrounding our picnic blanket are large beds of flowers. They are literally everywhere; daisies, carnations and even lilies. The aroma is intoxicating.

"Hearts and Flowers. I sure hope it is still to your favourite." Christian tells me. I smile and giggle loudly, grateful for his efforts. When I finish I look at Christian, and he looks pale.

"Are you okay?" I ask him concerned.

"Oh yes Ana. I am more than okay. I just realised how much I missed that sound. It is still my favourite sound in the entire world." Christian then shakes his head a little in repentance. "Anastasia, sit down. I want to feed you. You are far too skinny." I want to roll my eyes at him. I sit down but ensure I keep a little distance from him, for my own defence.

"Close your eyes again. I don't want you to see what I am giving you. I want you to experience it" I obey. "Open your mouth." The first thing I taste is strawberries, then cherries, pomegranate and a variety of familiar fruits. They are deliciously ripe and sweet. Then a strange taste.

"What was that?" I ask

"Did you like it?" Christian ask

"Yes, it was delicious but what was it?" I ask again. Christian places another one in my mouth.

"It is a Lychee. According to fables it is the world's most romantic fruit. It is a sign of love, affection and sensuality." I stop breathing for a minute, processing what he is telling me. "Breathe Anastasia," he says smoothly into my ear. I breathe out then in. Oh gosh how long am I going to be able to handle this? I feel so conflicted. I open my eyes, but I can't look at him too long. It is way too complicated.

Christian pulls out the remaining food from the basket behind us. There is some more fruit, Rolls and spring water. "No wine?" I enquire. That isn't like Christian.

"No. I was hoping we could go for a swim afterwards. Besides we can have a drink this evening." He tells me.

"This evening?" I enquire

"Yes, but do not ask any questions. Eat some more, then we can go for a walk and a swim. I have been aching to see you in the bathing suit." Playful Christian is back with a vengeance.

I wake up to discover Christian lying next to me. It is as if he is studying me, reviewing a once well-known subject. I didn't even realise that I had fallen asleep, after going for a long and refreshing swim. "How long have I been asleep for?"

"A couple of hours." Christian tells me. I stretch, feeling wonderfully relaxed.

"Have you been watching me sleep all that time?" I know that Christian use to watch me sleep.

"Yes. I find it immensely comforting. I would prefer to be able to do it every night, though" Christian says passing me my clothes so we can leave.

"Christian" I sigh. "Ted and I are leaving for New York on Saturday. He needs to finish school, and I am due back at work. Also, we are not together anymore" Christian eyes go dark, and he is terribly displeased.

"Are you ready to leave?" Christian asks as if there isn't anything hanging over us. He is as mercurial as ever.

I nod, gathering my stuff together, throwing on the sun dress, whilst Christian puts his jeans and shirt back on. Back in Seattle we find Taylor waiting for us at the wharf.

We arrive at an elegant hotel, which makes me feel awfully out of place in my current attire. Christian has me stand back as he goes to the counter. Christian is checking something, but I can't make out what he is saying. He spins around and takes my hand, leading me to the elevator. He looks quite proud of himself but at the same time a little unsure.

Inside the elevator, we are immediately engulfed in the same electric charge that we did years ago. I laugh remembering our first kiss, and at how raw and necessary it all just felt at the time.

"What is so funny?" Christian asks.

"I was remembering the time at the Heathman, when you kissed me in the elevator."

"I remember though I didn't ever think it was humorous, it was rather satisfying. In fact, I was thinking I would like to do the same thing right now." Christian runs his hand down my back. I instantly feel a wave of emotion. I step back to gather my thoughts, I feel the coolness of the elevator wall behind me. Christian looks at me, his grey eyes look like they can see through me.

"I wish I knew what you were thinking Anastasia" Christian gazes upon me.

"Ditto" I reply. "Do you still love me?" I ask after gathering all my confidence to ask him.

"Yes. I have always loved you" Christian tells me. He has moved close to me and has raised my head again to allow him to kiss me. "The question now is do you love me?" Christian asks. Confusion hits me, but I think I know the answer. I am about to answer him when the elevator doors ping open. Outside the elevator are Taylor and Sawyer. For the third time, today, another person has broken the intensity.

"All is ready Grey." Sawyer informs Christian.

"Good" He replies, but he is annoyed with our lack of luck today, though it is giving me time to think.

I am instantly floored by the beauty of the suite. I am directed to a room by Christian, where I find a long red silk dress and matching heels. There is even a matching pair of lacy bra and panties and laced top stockings. After I shower, I find my hairbrush and makeup case here. Christian unquestionably hasn't changed much.

I feel elegant and beautiful in my Christian Grey chosen outfit. I don't know how long it has been since I felt this way. Walking out of my hotel room, Christian eyes me from head to toe and smiles broadly. He is wearing a tuxedo and looks astronomical.

"Anastasia, you look glamorous. I have always loved this material against your skin." He says, seductively.

"You look very handsome, Christian." I smile feeling like a silly teenager. "Are we going to a ball?"

"A ball?" Christian asks curiously and a little horrified. He has cocked his head to one side again.

"You are wearing a tuxedo. You only wear them to balls, or at least that's what you use to do" I say

"No ball Ana. I do not plan on sharing you on our distinctive son endorsed day. I am wearing a tuxedo as I knew you would look incredible and I wanted to do you justice" Christian complements me.

"Thank you" I respond. Christian holds out his arm and I wrap mine willingly in his.

We stop at two large double doors. Christian is excited. "Are you ready Mrs Grey?" I nod nervously. Two waiters open the door, and I am gasp at the simple but elegant room. In the middle of the ballroom is a table set for two. Candles light up the room, supplemented by the soft light. To the right of our table is a dance floor and what seems to be a small orchestra. They are playing soft music.

Our waiter pours us both a large glass of pink Bollinger champagne. It brings back so many memories. Whilst our other waiter serves us our appetizer of roasted scallops with calamari, razor clams, warm vinaigrette of celery and hazelnut oil.

"This is delicious," I tell Christian. I realise then just how hungry I am. Christian looks entertained, and I realise it is because I am eating. We talk casually, avoiding the weighty topics. That might sour the mood.

Dinner comes out soon after, and it is mouth-watering. Grilled Sirloin, with carrot, potato, onion, asparagus and sprouts. After dinner and a few more glasses of Champagne I am unequivocally feeling a lot more relaxed. Was this Christian's plan all along? Get me tipsy and have his way with me, in the hope that I fall madly in love with him again and never leave again? Our eyes interlock for a few minutes, and I suddenly feel like I am transparent to him. He can look straight through me, and he can see how much I am hiding my feelings. Years of mutual heart ache cloud my feelings.

Christian stands up after we finish our dinner, and holds his hand out. "Anastasia, could I please have this dance." I stumble on to my feet, trying to keep myself from falling. The effects and combination of champagne and heels are dangerous.

Christian holds me tightly. Though I have one hand in his and the other on his shoulder. We move slowly and intimately, to the music. He leads me all around the room. Dipping me once and spinning me, but eventually we stop, and adopt smaller steps, allowing our eyes to be transfixed to each other. An old feeling of electricity and heat surrounds us.

"I don't want you to leave me tonight," Christian says softly.

"Neither do I" I say surprising myself. Christian grips my hair, tilting my hair to allow him to kiss me. But before I allow him to kiss me and before I allow myself to give myself to him once more, there is something I must do. I remove my hand from his shoulder and gradually move it to his chest….

Authors Note:

Thank you everyone for your support in this story! Many thanks to crystal9034 for editing and putting up with me.

Thanks for your reviews, please continue.

Regards,

Maria