Christian and Ethan: The Pissing Competition

Ana's POV

"Ethan, what are you doing here?" I blink twice, wondering if I am just imaging that he is here, in New York!

"I came home for a few days, to catch up with some friends and family."Yes, that is right. I had almost forgotten that New York is Ethan and Kate's original home. Their parents live here and he spent the last year working with his father at Kavanagh Media. Kate always avoids accurately explaining why she moved to the West Coast for college, especially when she was offered places in exceptional college's closer to home.

"Miss Steele, do you need any assistance?" Sawyer has stormed up and is practically standing in between Ethan and me. Instinctively I take one step back, shocked at the intrusive nature of his actions. Sawyer has always been so discreet. Why the sudden change?

"No, this is Ethan. He is a friend of mine and Kate's brother. There is no danger or issue." I explain, but Sawyer doesn't move or even look like he is going to budge. "Sawyer please move."

"I am instructed to keep you safe, Miss Steele." Safe? The only danger I am going to face today at Saks is trying to convince Christian that he doesn't need to purchase more clothes for me, and especially not these overpriced items.

"Okay, but first, I have asked for you to call me Ana and second, I am safe."

"I am following orders" I am about to investigate as to whose orders they are, but Ethan manages to get in first.

"Back off big guy. I have known Ana for four years, way longer than your boss. She is practically a member of my family." Sawyer still doesn't budge and right now he is suffocating. That is a usually Christian's job.

"Sawyer, it's alright! Ethan was at Escala on Sunday with his sister and the whole Grey family for lunch. Christian and I invited him." I point out thinking that this is a strong enough argument to convince Sawyer to relax and back down. However, it isn't until his phone beeps signalling that he has a text message that he finally steps back.

"Miss Steele, I will remain close by," Sawyer informs me and then looks at Ethan. "Very close."

"There's no need," Ethan argues.

"Ethan let it go... He's just doing his job."

"Aright... whatever... I can't believe that you would want to live like this. This isn't you. You are so much more, sassy, educated, determined and free willed, you are going to lose so much of your character, of you if you continue with this relationship. I am not saying this to be mean, it's just an observation. Ana, you deserve so much better." My blood starts to boil! How dare he accuse me of losing who I am!

"Excuse me? Ethan Kavanagh, you are one to talk! What about last year when…" Ethan puts his hands up and abruptly stops me from talking.

"Ana, I am sorry. Forget it. I just got wound up over Christian's thug's behaviour. I am sorry. I take back what I said, except the part that you deserve better." I refuse to budge. Still annoyed at him. Just because he is my sisters best friend doesn't mean that he has the privilege to say what he wants to me. "Please Ana, don't. I am sorry. Please forgive me. My sister and parents would crucify me if they heard that I had upset you. My sister would have my balls, and when she had calmed down she would end my manhood. You know Kate… she would do it too and I kind of need those body parts. Plus imagine how many girls would be distraught at not getting a piece of me." Ethan grins, trying to look arrogant, but he isn't that confident. His parents and Kate, have an aurora of poise about them that Ethan just didn't inherit.

"Okay, but you are doing the dishes and vacuuming until you find your own place."

"Agreed… Let's go back to what we were talking about before the henchman interrupted...So I thought I would take advantage of the couple of days off I have from graduate school. Between classes, study, writing reports and the research group I was offered a place in this year, spare time is rare. I was going to spend some time with my sister, but she is completely infatuated with Elliot, so I got on a flight over. I am having dinner with my parents and then meeting some friend's tomorrow night for drinks."

"Okay... but why are you in Saks, in the female department then?"

"Kate. It's her birthday in a few weeks and I wanted to pick something up for her. Since I am what is referred to as time poor, I don't think I will have the chance to find a place to stay so I am likely to be living at her apartment for a while. Guess I am going to be doing lots of dishes and vacuuming now." Ethan shrugs and then smiles at me.

"You better believe it!" I confirm.

"Since I am going to intrude on my sister, I thought I would get her something special. I didn't even know which shop to go to, but my mother told me that she and Kate shop here a lot when they are together. Could you help me find something?" I quickly reread the text message from Christian apologising for being late, that he sent after Swayer already told me of the delay. I really don't want to try on any clothes for the 'Coping Together Ball' without him, even though he said to. I have no idea what one would even wear to such an event and the prices of the clothes here scare me.

"Okay... sure why not. Christian is running late anyway." I shrug. "What were you thinking about giving Kate?"

"A dress maybe? I want to get her something that she would wear out one night. Something fun... something she could wear to a dinner, maybe dancing or clubbing. Something versatile and playful. Although not make her look eager... if you know what I mean."

"Otherwise nothing that would result in Elliot in jail, after punching out every guy who got near Kate, because of her dress?" I ask to clarify

"Yeah, but I don't think Kate has to look like a nun or anything. Ana, you have spent more time with her, these past few year than anyone else, what would you suggest?" I consider Ethan's request and think about what Kate would like. I grin. If I know my best friend, and trust me I do, then I know exactly what she would want.

"Excuse me.." I direct to the personal shopper that is tailgating us though not as close as Sawyer. "Mr Grey is running late so I would like to hold off looking at formal dresses; however, my friend here needs to find a dress. Either red or black, preferably not too short, maybe mid-thigh length and something that shows off the back."

"I think I know the perfect dress. We had one which fits that description come in a week ago. It will look perfect on you, Miss Steele. Follow me" She then winks, sending shockwaves up my spine. Ethan and I look at each other.

"I think she is under the impression that we are together. Having some sort of affair. You shop with me, then I make a quick getaway, and then you meet up with Christian." Ethan evaluates. I become a little uneasy, but he just shrugs it off.

"She is probably just trying to get multiple sales." I guess that seems plausible. She probably sees a lot of 'the other girl' in here with their rich boyfriends. We follow her into the store, not stopping until she reaches her destination.

"Here it is. It's stunning. Are you a size four?" The personal shopper holds the dress up.

"Yes," I reply.

"Good. Come with me, I have one of our exclusive and private change rooms ready for you to utilise." What? Private change room? Just Ethan and I? Christian would flip!

"Oh no. I can't get changed in front of..." Hell, I don't even want to try this dress on.

"You won't need to. The private change room consist of a private waiting area and a separate change area" Oh. Of course.

"Ethan, I don't think I need to try this dress on. It's very Kate. She will love it!"

"It looks small to me. I don't want to pay so much for a dress, take it all the way to Seattle and not have it fit Kate. Plus it seems a little short. I know that Kate can hold her own, but she has gone all head over heels for Elliot. Don't get me wrong, I think he is a nice guy and all, but I don't want to buy my little sister a dress that makes it easier for him to take her. Could you try it on for me? Please. You are both the same size. Please, Ana just this once. I suck at buying girls clothes."

"Well, when you put it that ...way." I do know exactly how I feel about Ethan's little speech. I walk to the change rooms aware that Sawyer is close to, meeting me step by step.

I slip the sleeveless V-neck dress on and do up the concealed side zip. The dress is not skin tight, but it clearly showing off what curves I have and my slim body shape. It has the right amount of beads and has a gorgeous sheer back that teasingly shows off that part of my body. Though the shortness of the dress doesn't tease... it yells. If it wasn't so expensive, and so short, I would consider purchasing it myself. Maybe if Ethan does buy it for Kate, after she has worn it, I could borrow it. It would delight Christian, even though I probably wouldn't get to wear it long before he ripped it off and had his way. I am not sure if it would be because it would turn him on or if he won't want me wearing it since I can't even bend over to it.

"Ana, do you have the dress on yet? Can I see it?" Ethan calls out

"Sure. I will be out in a second." I almost walk out barefoot, but it doesn't feel right considered the lavish change rooms so I slip into my heels.

"Wow... you look…" Ethan utters, looking... transfixed.

"Don't look at me like that! I know I don't wear dresses very often, but it's not as if I stomp around in yoga pants all day!"

"Huh? Yes… I know… It's just that you look so... incredible."

"Yes, she does" A voice booms out. I turn my head around and there is Christian. He looks taller than usual, but it is his expression that catches my attention as he quickly walks over to me. His pace is controlled, steady and determined. Christian tugs at my hand as soon as he has taken hold of it, pulling me towards him. There isn't even a hint of space between us.

"I know what you are doing," I inform him ever so softly into his ear, as he strategically places one hand on my backside and the other behind my head. In a most un-Christian like manner, he undertakes a most public show of affection by kissing me long and hard.

"Anastasia, you started without me." He exclaims referring to my unplanned shopping trip. Christian looks casual and unfazed. Oh, don't act all innocent with me!

"You told me to... remember?" I hiss back. I would explain that this is for Kate, but I don't like his tone. Don't forget that I can stand my own feet Christian! He, however, chooses to ignore my statement and focuses his attention on the personal shopper.

"Ms Hellenic, my girlfriend, needs a formal dress for a charity ball. Could you and your staff please select several? I am not concerned with price, and we will also need shoes to match." Christian orders the personal shopper who sensing the tension that is building up starts to make a swift getaway.

"You will need to take that dress off. The ball is a formal event, not a college drinking party... though you do look rather sexy in it... we could buy it. You can wear it around Escala…." Christian's tone switches from snapping at me, seductive and then almost murderous when he looks at Ethan. "…for me, only…. Your boyfriend" Ethan and Christian scowl at each other, neither saying anything or moving. What the hell?

"I don't know what you are insinuating" Ethan states.

"What are you doing here Kavanagh? On the other side of the country, in the same store and time as Ana, and now me? Anastasia go and take that dress off. Now...I don't want anyone especially him seeing that much of you!" Shit! Christian has gone on the offence, fuelled by his jealousy and from the look of Ethan he is ready to defend, fuelled by the brotherly love for his sister's best friend. I need to bring this to an end to this before either they start to mess each other up or Taylor and Sawyer have to intervene.

"Christian, we ran into each other that is all. Ethan is here purchasing a dress for Kate's birthday, and I tried this one on to see if it would fit her. We are a similar size. Ethan's parents live here in New York and came for a visit. You were running late, so I thought I would help him." I dictate, educating him over the usual events of the past thirty minutes.

"It was a coincidence, Grey!" Ethan argues.

"I don't believe in co-incidences. Kavanagh"

"Okay you two, let's end whatever this is! You are both being…" I stop talking, interrupted by Ms Hellenic and a sharply dressed woman with a clothing rack, where several dresses hang, and boxes of shoes.

"Miss Steele are you ready?" She inquires politely.

"Yes, thank you" Thank you for the dresses and for the interruption. Maybe this scene can come to an end.

"We will put these clothes in the change room and I will help you with those dresses." Ms Hellenic offers politely. I am about to accept when Christian interrupts.

"No thank you. I will help Miss Steele. Though can you please be on hand. We are looking for a dress as beautiful as my girlfriend…. So we might be here for a long time." I roll my eyes at Christian. Flattery isn't going to work for me right now and don't think I haven't noticed the emphasis on the word 'girlfriend.'

"I will be on this level. Please pick up the phone in the change room and ring '121'." She is almost out the door when Christian makes one more move.

"Excuse Ms Hellenic, before you go, can you confirm that the lingerie department in on the second floor and is there a similar private change room? Anastasia wishes to get my opinion on several garments to make sure they complement any item we purchase today." I throw Christian a look of horror and anger. What did he just say?

"Yes, Mr Grey. I can have some brought up according to the cut of the dresses."

"Thank you please do. I am thinking French lace, matching sets, garter belts and stockings." Most girls would want to die after being embarrassed by their boyfriends in this manner; however, I would rather kill Christian. As quickly as the personal shopper leaves, the tension builds.

"Ethan, we don't want to keep you. We are sure you have friends and family that want to see you. Ana and I are on a tight schedule and need to complete our business here. Taylor, could you walk Mr Kavanagh out?"

"Christian!" I scold for his boorishness.

"Screw this, I know my way out" Ethan argues and then turns to face me. "Ana, thank you for helping me. The dress is gorgeous. I know Kate will love it. I will grab another one from the shop floor. See you at home in Seattle." While Ethan storms out of the change room, I do the same away from Christian into the change room and lock the door.

"Anastasia… open this door!" I refuse to answer. I am so angry! The man might be a self-made billionaire, but he can't see past the end of his nose.

"No. We have a tight schedule remember? I need to try on these dresses, not engage in the pre-teenage behaviour." I yell back. I start to remove the short black dress, without unzipping it first and then somehow get stuck. "AAGHHH... fuck!" My annoyance and anger grow when I hear Christian now laughing.

"Am I so humorous?"

"When you swear... you are a little. What is wrong?"

"I am stuck in this dress. I can't get it off."

"Open the door... I will help you."

"No. I am too mad at you!"

"Mad? I am the one that should be mad! You are my girlfriend and I find you wearing that dress for Ethan?"

"Christian… Grow up! I explained what happened! There is no way that us running into each other wasn't a coincidence. Ethan couldn't have known that I was coming here. Sawyer would have know if I was being followed."

"More like stalked."

"I am not being stalked! You are deranged." I jump around hoping that somehow I will manage to get out of this dress, but all I manage to do is knock my elbow. Hard!"

"Ooowww!" I yell out.

"Ana... are you okay?" Concern is etched in Christians voice.

"No. I just hurt myself." I reply finally opening the door, slightly, knowing that I have no choice but get his help.

"That's quite a tangle you have going on there. You know, I prefer to be the one to tie you up!" I look away, so I don't fall for his seductive offer. He hasn't taken me back into the Red Room, since that one time and he took it easy on me. I have to talk to him about this!

"Just help me."

"As you wish Anastasia" Christian undoes the zip and helps me shimmy out of the dress. I close my eyes and breathe out relieved, which gives him the opportunity to take hold of me and pull me close. Christian places soft kisses on my neck in the way that I love.

"Christian stop. I am mad at you... the way you acted with Ethan... how dare you?"

"How dare I? Excuse me Ana, but if you are so determined to believe that was a coincidence, then your GPA should be cut in half!"

"Christian Trevelyan-grey. Shut up."

"Excuse me?" Christian looks appalled. I guess no one ever tells him to shut up!

"You heard me. Shut up!"

"Anastasia, while this relationship thing is new to me and you are not my sub, I won't stand here and be spoken to like that! Ethan turning up here was planned... he is into you.. big time."

"I know that!" I stress. Seriously does he think I am blind.

"You do?"

"Of course I do, but the key fact is that I don't want him. I want you. You are the only person I want. Why do you get it? I don't care what Ethan says, does, turns up here… I don't want him. I only want you, Christian. I wouldn't have given myself to you unless I knew that you were the one I wanted." I point out.

"Do you mean that?" Oh my, the expression on Christian's face… I haven't ever seen it before. I step towards him and kiss his lips.

"Yes. I love you." I stress.

"Then marry me!" What? My feet give out, but thankfully the padded bench is behind me. Otherwise, I would have ended up on the floor.

"Excuse me?"

"Marry me!"

"No."

Authors Note: I bet you didn't expect that ending. Mr Grey still has work to do... or will Ana relent.. give herself entirely to him? Review if you wish. Thank you