Author's note: A reminder that, in my version, Ana and Christian were apart for weeks rather than days, after they broke up.

Pebble Beach: Chapter Twenty-one

Despite his resolution to take it easy this first time, Christian is ultimately lost in a world of pure sensation while he holds himself inside Ana as the waves of ecstasy pound through him for a few seconds. His attention then immediately on his lover, he gasps, "Okay, baby?"

Still on her knees, trembling slightly from the aftershocks of her orgasm, Ana giggles and says, "Better than okay, but I'm about to collapse."

Christian carefully lowers them both to the bed, their bodies still joined, and says, "No pain?"

He's concerned when Ana doesn't answer right away, but relaxes when she says, "Not exactly pain, not like the first time we fucked, though even that wasn't too bad. Right now everything feels…stretched; sort of a feeling of being too full."

Deliberately misunderstanding, Christian kisses her shoulder and jokes, "Thanks, babe."

Laughing, Ana reaches behind her to run a hand through his hair as she says, "Not what I meant, but you're welcome. Is that all of you I can feel?"

"No. If you want to do this again, we can build up to that. But I didn't want to risk hurting you."

Sounding concerned, Ana says, "But it was still pleasurable for you?"

Clutching her a little tighter for second, Christian says, "Sweetheart, I doubt there's a word for how incredible that felt. You certainly have made it a night to remember."

Apparently satisfied with his answer, Ana says, "Good. And I've got an idea for the encore, though it might have to wait until later tonight."

Genuinely moved, Christian says, "God, I love you."

Laughing, Ana says, "But you haven't heard my idea, yet."

"I don't care. I'm still inside your ass and you're already planning the encore? I love you."

"My husband; the romantic. I was thinking that a dominant personality like you would probably get a kick out of fucking me three ways in one day, so I was hoping that we could make the next time about you?" When there is no reply for several seconds, Ana says, "Christian?"

Again holding her tighter, Christian says, "I'm here, baby. Just lost the ability to breathe for a while, and I think maybe my heart stopped for a second."

Ana laughs and says, "So, you approve?"

In answer, Christian puts his lips by her ear to whisper, "Marry me."

Apparently unable to stop smiling, Ana says, "Christian, we're already married."

"Oh, yeah. How the fuck did I talk you into that?"

"By saying that I should only do so if it's what I really want."

Again kissing her shoulder, Christian lovingly murmurs, "And I'm supposed to be the crazy one in this relationship." When the loud protest of his empty stomach then interrupts, he says, "Time for dinner."

Christian carefully withdraws from Ana, glad that the condom is fairly clean, for her sake. Suddenly, the silence is torn apart by a loud fart. With a groan of dismay, Ana buries her face into the bed and says, "Please don't."

Struggling, against the odds, to contain his laughter, Christian says, "Don't what, baby: applaud, reply in kind, roll on the bed laughing my ass off?"

Ana's entire body is turning red with embarrassment as she says, "Yes."

Taking pity on her, Christian says, "How about I save my laughter until I make it to the bathroom and we never mention this again?"

Still unable to look at him, Ana offers a muffled, "Thank you."

Seconds after the last morsel of food passes his lips, Christian leans back, with a grunt of satisfaction, and says, "FGM." At Ana's confusion, he explains, "Something Elliot taught me: fucking good meal, thank you." When he stands and starts clearing, Ana moves to assist, but Christian stops her with a hand on her shoulder and kisses her cheek before saying, "Don't you dare."

Ridiculously pleased with the simple gesture of gratitude, Ana stays put. Christian soon returns and suggests, "Twenty minutes?"

"Yeah, okay. Do you have any concerns?"

His voice warm and his smile genuine, Christian says, "No, baby. I doubt that I'll ever be the one who needs this time."

"Christian, it doesn't have to be what we want to change. It can be a chat about what we're getting right, too."

"Oh, in that case, I loved that you got enthusiastic about getting up so early. And I was really impressed when you insisted on leading the hike even after almost falling." With a kind smile, he continues, "And it was adorable that you had tears in your eyes at the ruins of the sugar mill, even though slavery on the island was abolished long before you were born. Oh, and…"

Laughing, Ana says, "No, darling, I mean what specifically I'm doing that improves our chances of staying married."

Beaming, Christian says, "Exactly. Everything you do makes me love you more."

Almost in tears, Ana shakes her head to banish them and says, "Christian, you shouldn't be allowed to say things like that."

Still smiling, he says, "And why not?"

"Because it hurts my chest and makes my stomach do somersaults."

Leaning closer, Christian says, "Sounds serious, baby. Maybe I should check that out for you?"

"Check out my chest, you mean?" At his eager nod, Ana says, "Too bad. The twenty minutes isn't up yet and I've thought of something." When Christian immediately leans back, looking afraid, she adds, "Nothing serious. But were you jealous when I met Warren?"

With a grimace, Christian says, "Yes." When Ana says nothing, he eventually sighs and explains, "You giggled."

When there is no further explanation, Ana says, "That's it? I giggled? What, you think you own my laughter?"

"No. Not really. Though I do love that sound and, in an ideal world, every single joy in your life would come from me. But I'm not quite so far gone that I really expect that. It was more the look you gave him; that wonderful carefree smile that I first saw in those…" Something passes over his face too fast for Ana to catch it, and then his expression is closed to her as he says, "That I can't get enough of."

Pondering how best to get him to open up, Ana eventually says, "Why didn't you finish your sentence?"

Still betraying nothing of what he's feeling, Christian says, "You know why, baby; because I'm pretty sure you're not going to like it."

Noting his choice of words, Ana says, "But you'll tell me."

"Yes. These talks will work best if we're honest, I think." After another deep breath, Christian says, "I first saw that look in those photos Mr. Rodriguez took. And it made me…I think that very day was when I decided to get you back, though I resisted the idea for a while, because I didn't want to risk hurting you again. But I knew that I had to find a way to make you smile at me like that."

At first confused, Ana then remembers Christian mentioning that he'd had the security team protect her even after they broke up. Thinking back, she realizes he must be talking about the gallery opening that only José could have persuaded her to attend, when all she'd wanted to do was climb under the covers and hide from the world while she pined for Christian. About to ask who had been assigned to guard her that day, Ana then says, "Rachel. I remember her now. She was on the phone…to call you?" At Christian's nod, the final piece falls into place and Ana guesses, "You bought them."

His expression wary, Christian says only, "Yes."

Recalling her friends excited news that all the portraits of Ana had been sold, she wonders why it never occurred to her that only Christian Grey could and would have displayed such selfish extravagance, and she asks, "I don't suppose there's any point telling José that?"

"I wouldn't. But it's up to you."

"Where are they?"

"In storage. You can have them, or I'll destroy them if that's what you want. I just couldn't bear the thought of anyone else having them…of having that smile."

Ana is already forgiving him when she asks, "And have you seen that smile since?"

Sensing that the danger has passed, Christian visibly relaxes and says, "Well, not right now, of course. But, yes; quite often since we got back together, and every day this week." Finally able to smile, he continues, "I would trade everything I own to see it just once, yet I get to see it all the time." Placing a hand on hers in entreaty, Christian concludes, "Please, baby, never let me take that privilege for granted."

Her lips twitching in an attempt to keep from smiling, Ana says, "Am I ever going to be able to stay angry with you?"

His face shining with gratitude, Christian lifts her hand in both of his and kisses the back of it before saying, "God, I hope not." Suddenly looking like an errant child, he then asks, "Are we okay?"

Finally rewarding his honesty with the smile he treasures so much, Ana confirms, "Yes, darling, we're okay." And then she remembers and says, "Oh, one more thing…." When Christian again looks afraid, Ana laughs and rests a reassuring hand on his forearm, saying, "Will you relax? If it were bad, I would have already confronted you."

Christian manages a laugh and says, "Sorry, baby. But I have mentioned that you scare the shit out of me."

"Because you love me."

"Basically, yes. What's your one more thing?"

"Why do you have condoms?" When Christian bursts out laughing, Ana says, "What? You said that you've never been in a relationship like this, so why do you travel with condoms?"

Settling down, Christian asks, "Who packed your bags?"

"Jason…oh, he included the condoms."

"Yes. I hadn't discussed our method of contraception with him, and I guess he was being careful."

"And why is that so funny?"

Christian shrugs and says, "I don't know. I think I'm just relieved it wasn't worse."

Concerned that Christian still seems terrified of upsetting her, Ana takes his face in her hands and holds his gaze as she asks, "Do you know what you're doing wrong?"

His brow furrowed, Christian says, "No. What?"

Offering him the smile that makes everything worthwhile, Ana says "Absolutely nothing," before kissing him.

Then resting his forehead against hers, Christian's voice is barely above a whisper when he asks, "Even though I'm bossy, controlling, paranoid, neurotic, and generally fucked up?"

Her heart singing with happiness, Ana says, "Even so. I knew all that when I married you."

His voice full of wonder, Christian says, "Yes, you did."

When Christian suddenly stands, still with Ana's hand in his, she looks at him in question and he says, "It occurs to me that we can continue this conversation in the hot tub, and perhaps have that encore?"

Looking out over the bay, at are distant lights from countless yachts, Ana stands as she says, "Aren't you worried about someone seeing us?"

Still holding her hand, Christian flicks off the outside light, leaving only the candles, as he says, "No one's looking, baby. If they are, they won't see anything."

Ana wakes to the smell of breakfast, and can hear movement in the kitchen. Remembering that Christian has promised to cook for her, she practically leaps out of bed and heads to the en suite. As she's washing her hands, Christian's voice loudly commands, "Get back into bed!"

Giggling at his domineering tone, even when he's doing something nice for her, Ana does as instructed, saying, "Yes, Sir."

Only seconds later, Christian enters carrying a covered breakfast tray and says, "Yes, I definitely like it when you're compliant."

Laughing again, Ana sits up as she says, "But you love it when I'm defiant."

Christian sits beside Ana and puts the tray on her lap as he jokes, "Now, baby, there's no way I'm ever going to admit to that." With a ready smile, he adds, "Good morning, wife."

A little distracted by the fact that her husband is wearing only boxers, Ana lifts her face towards his for a quick kiss and replies, "Morning, husband. Thank you, for this."

Suddenly nervous, Christian says, "Maybe you'd better hold your gratitude. I haven't quite mastered scrambled eggs. How come you cook so well at your age?"

Trying to remember how it started, Ana eventually shrugs and says, "Something to do with Mom always being busy, I guess. And Dad can cook, but even he doesn't really enjoy eating the result. I've been cooking since I was twelve."

One hand poised on the covering cloth, Christian offers a lop-sided grin and says "Be kind," before unveiling the breakfast.

Ana's gaze takes in everything; bacon strips, scrambled eggs, a cup of weak tea and a fresh hibiscus flower. But her attention is consumed by the short stack of pancakes, in the shape of a love heart, and topped by a maple syrup smiley face. By the time she recovers enough to look at Christian, there are tears stinging her eyes when she says, "Thank you."

Christian's tense expression melts into boyish relief and he says, "You're welcome, baby. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to at least tidy a little or Miss Cynthia will never forgive me."

"You're not eating?"

Ducking his head in embarrassment, Christian reveals, "I ate the failures. Sadly, that was more than enough."

One hand flying to her mouth to stifle the laughter, Ana recovers and says, "I love you."

Smiling, Christian kisses her and leaves the bed as he says, "Hold that thought when you try the eggs."

Ana is ready to admit defeat in her effort to finish the huge meal when Christian returns, and she says, "Everything okay in there? It sounded like you were trashing the place."

Sitting beside her on the bed, Christian says, "Un-trashing the place." Gesturing to her almost empty plate, he adds, "Apparently edible."

Beaming at him, Ana nods and says, "Between the two of us, Gail might be out of a job."

Christian laughs and says, "I dunno about that. I hope you know not to expect this every day?"

Her heart ready to explode with love, Ana smiles and says, "Darling, I wasn't expecting it at all." As if by the flick of a switch, Christian's expression changes from contentment to carnal need. The power of it takes Ana's breath away. She finds it again in a deep, shuddering sigh and watches his covetous gaze darken further at her reaction. Wiping her mouth on the napkin and placing it on her plate with slightly trembling fingers, she asks, "Do we have time?"

Removing the tray from her lap, Christian says, "No. So we'll have to make time."

Having left Taylor behind to pack for them, Ana and Christian are flying via seaplane to the island of St. Thomas with Prescott as their escort. Ana is again drawn to the view from her window and Christian says, "I'm glad you like flying."

Without turning around, Ana says, "Because you do?"

"Because I'd have to divorce you if you didn't."

Glancing at him, to confirm that he's joking, Ana says, "Likewise for me with literature."

Still wearing the remnant of his grin, Christian says, "And what does it mean for our marriage if we've both read Fear of Flying?"

Ana motions him closer and the noise of the plane easily protects their privacy when she whispers, "That we like a zipless fuck."

Christian's gaze flares with passion and he murmurs, "For future reference; deliberately stirring me up like that when I can't do anything about is one of the things that will result in my hand on your ass if you choose domestic discipline."

Surprised, Ana asks, "Seriously?" At Christian's amused nod, she grins and says, "Well, why the hell didn't you say that in the first place?" Deliberately letting her need for him into her voice, she concludes, "Because that might have persuaded me."

Christian stares at her, his gaze dark with longing and his breathing too fast. After a moment his brow furrows and he asks, "Are you testing me?"

Suddenly afraid that she's done something wrong, Ana says, "Uh, no; not deliberately. Just playing. I'm sorry."

His expression still troubled, Christian leans back in his seat, his eyes fixed forward. But he readily accepts Ana's hand in his when she offers the conciliatory gesture. They soon land at Charlotte Amelie seaplane base. Of course, there's a car waiting. They're underway, with Prescott driving, and Christian still hasn't spoken, so Ana asks, "Are you angry with me?"

"No, I'm…okay, a little. I feel like you're trying to test my resolve about the punishments. I said that I don't need them and I meant it."

Understanding a little of why he's upset, Ana says, "But the idea still turns you on?"

Finally looking at her, Christian says, "Yes. More than I thought it would."

"You're worried that you need it after all." Ana can see in his sheepish expression that she's guessed correctly. Hesitant to push him when he's in such a mood, Ana nervously licks her lips and says, "I think you're wrong." When Christian merely raises one eyebrow, Ana explains, "I think you're only turned on because I'm considering it. If the concept horrified me, you'd find the idea abhorrent, no matter how much it felt like a need in the past."

Clearly surprised by this revelation, Christian says, "You may be right. Flynn said as much to me about play; that you not liking it meant I no longer wanted it."

At first confused, Ana says, "Oh, after I left you. I'm surprised you saw him. I got the impression that, like me, you were licking your wounds in private while we were apart."

With a shrug, Christian says, "He came to the apartment; first time ever, and without an appointment. I suspect that Gail or Jason called him…I was in a bad way." When Ana opens her mouth to apologize, he stops her with a hand on her cheek and his thumb on her lips for a second, and continues, "Hey, we share guilt for that. And you're here now. That's what matters."

His clipped speech confirming that he still hasn't put the incident behind him, Ana says, "But you're still worried that I'll leave you."

Christian ends the conversation with a brilliant smile and the words, "Not today."

When he then gestures with his chin outside the car, Ana looks in that direction to see a wide driveway and a sign that reads, "Butterfly Garden." Glancing at him, she asks, "Is that why you insisted I wear this saffron dress?"

Grinning, Christian says, "That, and you look ravishing in it."

When Ana then laughs, Christian raises an eyebrow in question and she explains, "I just realized that you're getting your wish; today you've not only chosen the food I eat, but my clothing as well."

As the car comes to a stop, Christian kisses her and says, "At least you do eat now. And you look good in anything."

Noting, as they exit, that the parking area is almost deserted, Ana asks, "I presume you've booked the entire forest just for us?"

With a quiet, smug smile, Christian says, "Not quite. We have thirty minutes before they open to the public."

When Prescott doesn't follow them, Ana asks, "Alone?"

"Yes, baby. It's a one-way path through a fenced property. Rachel or Jason would have checked it out earlier this morning. Unless we find the rare saber-toothed butterfly, we don't need an armed escort."

Ana smiles and reveals, "Mom always said that they live in our stomachs and start biting when we're nervous."

Stopping their progress, Christian almost but not quite closes the distance between their bodies and his voice is richly imbued with both threat and promise when he asks, "Like right now?"

Immediately awash with desire, hypnotized by his imposing voice and steely gaze, and her body forgetting for a moment that it needs oxygen, Ana finally takes a heaving breath and swallows before echoing, "Like right now." Taking a step back, just so that her brain can function, she adds, "Fuck, Christian. How do you do that?"

With an incredibly self-satisfied grin, Christian again leads Ana towards the garden as he says, "Practice, my dear."

Where credit's due: Chapter Twenty: taylorcharteris, for the idea of one lover "playing" the other. Can't believe I forgot to thank them.

all8row, for the fart idea. Please direct all complaints to them. I didn't have Ana hog-tied, so you don't have to love me forever;-)

Erica Jong, for coining the phrase "zipless fuck".

Author's query: Anyone know the correct way to represent signposts and signs? I can't find the answer online. As you can see, I'm going with treating it as dialogue. But it doesn't seem quite right to me.