Author's note: Apparently I'm a wuss when it comes to child abuse. I'm calling it a good thing. So this is all you get for now. As an apology for making you wait for so few words, that last line is very deliberate. Ana has a few questions, but is there anything you'd like to know about Christian's early childhood that wasn't answered by the books? Bear in mind that he was very young, so he doesn't remember everything, and some of it is from a child's POV.

Chapter Six

Flynn glances at his watch and says, "Well, we have some time. Do either of you have any concerns; about this or anything else? Otherwise, we can wrap this up early, considering it went so well."

Christina looks at Ana, who merely shrugs, so he says, "I want to do another one."

Frowning a little, Flynn says, "Another memory?" When Christian nods, he protests, "I don't think that's a good idea. This went better than expected. But you're a long way from healed, and it clearly took a toll on you. And what about the effect it's having on Ana?"

That gets to Christian, his gaze flicking to Ana's. He appraises her expression for a while and says, "Okay, baby? You wouldn't let me hurt you, right?"

Ana can guess how much, after so many years of suffering this debilitating condition, Christian wants to be rid of his past, but she cautiously says, "I'm okay. But John is still your therapist after all this time for a reason, darling. I think you should listen to him."

Christian nods once and turns to Flynn, saying, "Test me. If I pass, we do one more. The one I'm thinking of isn't as bad as that first beating."

Flynn stares at his friend for several seconds and then says, "Okay. But under protest, and only because you'd do it without me, otherwise."

Christian grins at that and says, "Thanks, Doc."

Ana is wondering what "test" means when Flynn gets up and walks over to his desk. On seeing what he's holding when he returns, she asks Christian, "How did I not guess that you're terrified of cigarettes?"

Christian smiles a little and says, "Good thing being a smoker nowadays makes you practically a pariah, or I'd never have become successful. All my enemies would have to do is light up during a meeting to completely derail me. Not even Elliot and Mia know about this, mainly because Grace would never tolerate the cancer sticks in our home."

Ana suddenly remembers her attempt at psychotherapy and her hand flies to her mouth in shock before she says, "Oh, God! And I attacked you with…"

Christian is already enfolding her in his arms as Flynn says, "Exactly."

Christian glares at him and then says to Ana, "It's okay, baby. That's the reason we're here…you're the reason. I decided that night to just do whatever it takes to get better."

Somewhat appeased by his sincerity, Ana then asks, "But you even picked up that fake cigarette."

"Fake, baby. Once I realized that, it was okay."

Calming down, Ana eyes the cigarette packet and matchbook as she says, "So what's this test?"

Releasing her, but then reclaiming her hand, Christian faces Flynn and says, "It used to be that I couldn't even stand them being in the room. But I got past that a while ago. The best I've ever done is for Flynn to light it. If I can do better than that, we know the medication is working."

His face grim, Flynn explains, "There's no tobacco in these; it's not necessary for this exercise. And I'll caution you again, Christian, to just give it a rest for today."

"Duly noted. Now stop stalling."

Christian is already breathing faster, and his gaze is glued to the pack. His actions slower than usual, and his attention consumed by his patient, Flynn removes one cigarette. Still telegraphing his movements, he puts it in his mouth and lights a match. Christian's grip on Ana's hand increases as Flynn lights the cigarette then takes a few puffs, the tip glowing a menacing red. But then Christian suddenly leans forward and takes it from his lips, prompting Flynn to caution, "Easy. You don't need to rush this."

His hand visibly shaking, Christian's voice is calm as he says, "I'm not. It's weird. I can remember being terrified of this. Now I'm just scared." With a grin, he adds, "Maybe I could finally take up smoking?"

Elated that he seems okay, and certain that he's joking, Ana teases, "Only if you want to give up kissing."

As if it's a request, Christian leans in for a kiss, but is interrupted by Flynn's, "Uh, Christian?"

Realizing that he's in danger of burning Ana with the still lit cigarette, he says, "Oh, right. Not used to these damn things." Relinquishing it, he kisses Ana and says, "Thank you."

"For?"

"Being here. Bullying me. Sticking by me. Things will get easier now, I promise."

Smiling, because her happiness demands it, Ana nevertheless says, "I don't think that's up to you, darling. But, you're welcome. Would you please save whatever memory you were thinking of for another day?"

Christian considers for a moment and says, "Since you asked so nicely, okay." Turning to Flynn, he continues, "Looks like everyone gets to go home early today, Doc."

Flynn stands and shakes their hands in turn, saying, "I guess so. I'm very pleased with how this went. I'll see you on Tuesday."

"Any more sarcastic homework, Doc?"

Flynn smiles and says, "No. Oh, do we need to discuss that?"

"No, I'm pretty sure I got your point. I'm not ready to agree yet, but you may be onto something."

Ana grins and says, "About time."

She recognizes Dominant Christian in his tone when he says, "I think we'd better get home."

Once in the back seat of the SUV, nestled against Christian, Ana says, "Would it be inappropriate to say that I'm proud of you?"

Kissing her temple, Christian says, "I think we'll allow it, just this once. I'm proud of you, too. You know damn well I would have called the whole thing off if it looked like you weren't coping. But you were amazing. I don't imagine that was easy to hear."

"Less easy to endure. Can I ask questions about you childhood?"

She feels Christian's smile against her hair and he says, "Sure, baby. What would you like to know?"