A/N This is just a one shot. Not on the time line of the story. I just had this on my mind since Sunday when I was trapped at work and bored blue. I wanted to be finished for publication earlier today, but didn't start writing until about 1pm EST. It's rough and unedited but I really, really wanted it up, like now. The next chapter will follow in the regular time and story line. Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed, eh-hem, writing it.
~Ana~
As we pull up to the gates of his Grandparent's estate, Teddy is not the only one with his jaw dropped staring in amazed delight. Excited, he starts bouncing and clapping in the confines of his car seat. Grace has really outdone herself this year. The house is a feast for the eyes, outlined in white lights and icicle lights drip from the roof. A humungous lighted wreath hangs by a braided red cord between the front facing windows and two smaller gold stars flank each side of the wreath. The trees up the drive way have all been wrapped in lighting, and the topper is the giant nutcracker soldier standing sentinel over a neatly wrapped pile of presents on the other side of the front door.
Christian stands 6'2" tall and the nutcracker themed soldier is taller than him. Needless to say Teddy is none too fond of the toy soldier and eyes him warily. His dad notices and thankfully gathers him in his arms, showing Ted that 'ole Colonel Mustard is harmless, by flicking his wooden face three times. Suitably mollified Teddy's gaze quickly turns to the set of presents just begging for his attention.
"Gips!" His eyes light up. His fear forgotten he struggles to get free of his dad.
Gips? It takes me a fraction of a second longer than Christian to decipher Teaddyspeak.
"Gifts." He translates, leaning in closer than necessary. His warm breath heats the shell of my ear, and his baritone voice sends delightful shivers racing down my spine. Taking a step forward to hopefully break the spell I say…
"I got that, thanks."
No sooner does Christian place his hand on the doorknob is it yanked open by an, as usual, overly excited Mia.
"OH MY GOD! YOU MADE IT. I'M SO GLAD YOU ALLCAMETOGETHER! GET IN HERE, WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU." Typical Mia, no volume control, "Come here nephew I've got something special for you." Teddy isn't even out of his hat and coat yet and Mia is reaching to take him from Christian's arms. He allows Mia to steal our son for a few minutes, which gives us time to get out of our coats and make our way to the family room. Whoa, there's a house full of people; I'm hoping mainly relatives.
Grace spots us immediately. "Ana, Christian, you're here." She sings happily, but stops when she doesn't see Teddy. "Where is my grandson, I want to show him off? Hands on hips, and pout in place, locking eyes with me and Christian respectively, she's seriously perturbed. We both hitch a thumb behind us, and mumble one word, Mia.
Sighing with exasperation, she recovers when she realizes there are introductions to be made.
"Honey, Aunt Diane and Uncle Kevin made a surprise stop this year. They bought the girls with them, your cousins Allison and Erica. There is something definitely off about Graces introduction. Of course it's sincere but laced with a hint of irritation and hostility I believe. I watch the girls; they can't be more than twenty or twenty-two at the most. The oldest, Allison, I think, has long straight blond hair, and Erica has a more exotic look. Her skin tone is darker and she has a mane of dark wavy tresses. She's also eyeing Christian like, forget dinner, she'd like to feast on him alone.
Oh-kay. I tune back in just as Grace says, "And this is Ana, Christian's wife."
"Not for long," A sour faced Erica mutters under her breath. We all heard it, Christian stiffens and gives the young girl the death glare, but Elliot, Kate, and Ava enter the room before it can be addressed. I see Aunt Diane take her daughters to the side and say something with angry pantomiming gestures.
It's then I notice Grace's long time friend Jeanine and her husband Tom and their grandchildren sitting quietly across the family room. This room too is decorated festively. Mia finally rounds the corner with Ted now decked in an elf hat complete with pointy ears, and jingle bell elf shoes.
"Good you guys are here, your turn Ava, come, let's get you changed. You get to be an elf for Christmas too."
"Oh no ya don't," Kate screeches. "That dress was 325.00, and is adorable." I roll my eyes.
"And would be even cuter with an elf hat and pointy booties," Mia retorts. "But if you want we can just do the ears and the hat." She sweeps Ava up without another word. Kate is still hesitant but we follow as it does give us a chance to escape for a bit. We're not in Mia's room five minutes before Grace enters. She wants to know if we will each give up one present so that she can give one to each of Carrick's nieces. Then informs us she told Carrick to give one of his gifts for her to his sister. That's our Grace always so considerate of others. Miss sourpuss could get a lump of coal for all I care; what Christian and I do is none of her business.
"Mia, why are you playing dress up with toddlers when you have two new cousins….your own age, who would probably love to play dress up in your closet? I ask.
"I offered, they're kind of stand-offish, so I let them be." She shrugs.
After 15 minutes of trying to get Ava to keep the hat and ears on we gave up and went back to the gathering. As we enter the family room, who else but the ever available housekeeper from hell, Gretchen, is handing out flutes of prosecco, and not-so sly glances at Christian. Get a grip bitch we are not divorced, yet. Oh Aaaaana, watch out, your claws are showing.
Grace and Jeanine come out of the kitchen and announce it will be another hour until dinner is served.
In the background silly Christmas songs have been playing, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause, Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, and that stupid donkey song, but when the Chipmunks Christmas Don't Be Late starts playing Christian has had enough. Jumping up with Teddy in hot pursuit, he sits at the piano bench and lets his fingers tickle the ivories. I am so touched to watch him play as Teddy sits on his lap. He plays Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and actually sings it for Teddy in front of everyone, then Frosty the Snow Man, and before we know it, everyone is around the piano singing, making request, and having a great time. Christian starts the chords to a song that is very familiar but I can't quite place it and stops suddenly as all the Grey's start to clap and shout.
"No!" Christian says with determination.
"Aww, play it, better yet, let mom play it; we can dance." Mia squeals and begs
"No." Christian closes the lid on the keys, sliding Teddy off his lap.
"C'mon man we-," Elliot tries.
"N, O." Christian cuts him off.
Gretchen and her wonderful timing comes through to say dinner is ready to be served. I want to question Grace but she discreetly shakes her head and I know to let it go, for now.
Everyone starts to file into the dining room. Christian is standing back letting most everyone pass. He's got Teddy by the hand and he's kind of off in his own head. I walk up to him thinking he's in a mood about whatever just happened and reach out for his arm. At the touch of my hand his eyes blaze, literal silver fire, and a smirk graces one side of his mouth. Without saying a word his eyes drift skyward. Tracking his line I draw an audible gasp, I'm directly under the mistletoe, and all I can think is 'yes, kiss me'.
Looking back into his eyes the intensity is visceral, and magnetic.
He draws closer, our gaze heats and never breaks until our lips meet. The soft pressure of his lips on mine is tender. He sweeps his tongue hesitantly over the seam of my closed lips goading me to open, grant him entry and I do. Lost in the moment I feel him begin to pull back and I am on my tip toes chasing his kiss. Through our connected lips I feel him smile. Not until our son tugs on his dad's hand is the spell broken. We come back to ourselves and the room at large. You could hear a pin drop, a gnat fart, it's that quiet. I don't realize I am biting my lip until I hear a growl crawl up Christian's chest, and feel his thumb on my mouth smoothing my lip from the confines of my teeth. I hazard a look into his hooded eyes and he is slowly shaking his head from side to side.
Grace's right hand is patting her heart, Elliot has a grin from one ear to the other, Kate's eyebrows are in her hair, but an 'mhmm' grin plays on her lips. Gretchen and sourpuss Erica must smell their collective shitty upper lips by the stinky expressions on their faces.
Okay, this isn't awkward.
"Well then, let's eat." Thank you Carrick, I say silently.
With Teddy by one hand Christian's other hand is on the small of my back leading me to the seat next to his, I have a warm feeling of wholeness and home.
Dinner progresses seamlessly, the food is delicious and the conversation lively. After dinner is done we retreat to the family room to open presents. All of the kids received toys of some sort, trucks, action figures, soft dolls, and noise makers of the variety to drive their parents insane. Allison and Ericka got the beautiful ocean blue, and rust hued Pashminas Grace meant for me and Kate. Diane received a comfortable blush colored silk lounge set that was intended for Grace.
Christian is in a noticeably improved mood since dinner and a few drinks. Grace and Elliot are up to something but I don't know what it is. Diane and her family leave for the hotel they will be staying at for the night, but promise to return the next day. Once they have gone the atmosphere shifts drastically. Everyone relaxes especially the Greys.
Grace takes to the piano, at first playing Christmas sounding melodies. Elliot goes over to the entertainment center and starts leafing through cd's; looking for something to entertain the kids, I guess. He looks over his shoulder and smiles at his mother and holds up a video wagging it in the air. Grace is just tinkling on the keys, but when the video starts she begins playing in earnest. That's when I get it, it is Lucy and Linus from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Everyone is up and dancing. Elliot is doing some spastic salute to the Running Man, Mia is hopping from one foot to the other and flinging her head from side to side. And they are both calling for Christian to get up and get in on the fun.
"Come on son, have some fun, show Teddy how it's done." Carrick teases trying to get Christian to get up and dance. I move closer to the piano and Grace tells me that when they were kids whenever they watched A Charlie Brown Christmas when this song came on they would all get up and do the dances the kids on TV were doing.
To my utter and complete surprise Christian gets up and does a smack on perfect copy of one of the animated dancers. Hands to his side, feet clicking in time, dropping his head from one side to the other, it is pandemonium. To watch Christian relax enough to cut loose with his family has done more to melt the ice around my heart than fifty sessions with a therapist ever could.
A half an hour later we are all pooped. Everybody got up and danced; a perfect ending to a wonderful day. Kate and I offer to help with the clean-up, but Grace and Carrick shoo us away saying that is what they pay help to do. Jeanine and Tom have already led their troop up the steps to get ready for bed. Sawyer helps Cal load the SUV while we say our good nights. Grace catches me at the door and whispers 'hope is alive'. Carrick hugs me at the car and says 'don't give up yet' in my ear.
The ride to Grey Meadow is quiet. Teddy is knocked out. Christian and I are deep in thought. Pulling into the round Christian tells the guys to leave the cargo until tomorrow morning, and that they are off duty.
"Should we stay close to drive you back home?" Sawyer inquires.
"I am perfectly fine to see myself home thank you Sawyer." Christian answers annoyed.
"Sir, Ana."
Christian is carrying Teddy and I am trailing right behind them.
"Don't worry about a bath, I'll just wipe his face and hands and let him sleep in his undies; I don't want to wake him, not that I could." I lament.
"Yeah, I think he is out for the count." His dad agrees.
We get him all settled and comfy for the night and quietly shut his door. We stand there looking everywhere except at each other.
~Christian~
I am high, drunk on the possibility of might. We have had a phenomenal night. She let me kiss her, on the lips and there was no doubt she wanted more. Do I capitalize on that? Do I show some restraint? I have never been so confused before with so much on the line. But she makes it easier, she always knows the way.
"Would you like to have a glass of wine?" She asks, casual as you please.
"I would really enjoy that." Easy, Grey.
"I'm sure you haven't forgotten where the wine is stored," she smiles, "go select a bottle and I'll be down shortly." She disappears into our bedroom. Yes, our bedroom. Dammit!
Please don't let me fuck-up, please don't let me fuck-up, are the only words I can conjure in my mind. I'm all thumbs with the wine key, I almost break the cork. I need to calm down. Deep breath in, hold, blow it out, again….again. Okay, at least I am not trembling anymore. I manage to get wine into two glasses just as she comes down in something considerably more relaxing. So typically Ana that I could weep, cotton lounge pants and a spaghetti strapped tank top and bare feet. So casual, yet so damned sexy.
"Come, let's sit by the fire." She offers.
I follow eagerly. I let her get settled, feet tucked up under her, it's all so familiar, but feels so odd, and hand her the glass of wine.
"Did you have something you wanted to discuss? I prod.
"No, not really, we just had such a good day, I guess I wasn't ready for it to end." She gazes at me as if to tell me something else. I think I get it but am too scared to act upon it. I think she is bare under her top but don't want to ruin the moment by staring.
"Who started the fireplace?"
"Reynolds, I texted him," She answers quietly.
I nod for a beat or two. "I have something else for you."
"Christian, I wish you-," Shh, I cut her off.
"It's not new; It's been in my possession since you left it on my pillow. It's yours and I want you to have it back." I reach into my suit jacket and pull out her charm bracelet. Holding it in the palm of my hand I present it to her. She stares at it for the longest time. I'm half afraid she's going to say she doesn't want it back. Just as I am about to close my palm around it and slide it back into my pocket, she says….
"I've missed this," And reaches for the bracelet, caressing my entire hand as she relieves me of it. Shit my dick is about to crack the zipper of my fly, it's so hard.
My throat is so constricted I can barely eek out a sound. "Is there anything else you miss, Ana?" I manage to croak out the words.
I watch as she raises to her knees and slowly crawls to where I am seated. She is biting that fucking lip and slow nodding as she advances to me. Fuck, she is braless. Don't grab her, DON'T GRAB HER, let her go at her own pace. My cock is doing gymnastics in my pants. It's an anxious anaconda twisting and spitting to get free. She's got to see my heart hammering in my chest. I am mouth breathing trying to get it to calm down.
"I've missed this," She growls as she captures my dick in her hand, and my hiss with her kiss. I'm drowning, and I don't want to be saved. She is kissing me with abandon, she owns my mouth with hers and I have to hold on to the couch not to grab her and flip her on her back and give her what she so obviously is asking for. At what point she straddled me, I don't know, but she has unhooked my belt and is rapidly undoing my pants. Who the fuck is this woman? I just watch. When she sets my dick free we both stop and stare. My glance wanders the length of her, past her heaving breast, past the blush emerging on her chest and neck, landing on her face just as she wets her lips with her little pink tongue. Oh God, I'm not going to last.
"Don't move." She orders as she shimmies down my lap. Standing before me she lowers her pants and sweet Jesus give me strength, no panties either. My eyes close and my head flops back from sensory overload.
"I said, don't move. Head up, eyes open, watch." I obey.
She crosses her arms pressing her pert breast together, grabbing the hem of her tank top and slowly, oh, so fucking slowly, pulls the top over her head, shaking out her mane of hair when she is done. Then boldly as she pleases stands there watching me, watch her. I have real fear that I'm going to shoot my load before she gets anywhere near me. I can't look away, I can't move…..got it, "omega, psi, chi, phi, ups-,"
"What are you doing?"
"Greek alphabet, backward….distraction," I pant out.
"Stop. Speaking." She prowls forward climbing back up my lap. She flays the opening of my pants wider. Takes hold of my dick, rears up over me and sinks down ever so slowly engulfing me in her sweet heat. Home. She continues to ride me, figure eight me, sliding me out to the tip, only to sink down squeezing me in her exquisite depth again, fast then slow in an undulating rhythm. I may cry real tears.
"H…h…h," I'm trying to say home, but all I can get out are puffs of breath. My toes curl so tightly in my shoes I just may bust the seams. She is working me over. Every time I go to thrust up she shakes her head no. This is her show. I just pray she takes me along with her. She's found her stroke, they're short and sharp, as she puts her back into it hitting that sweet spot again, and again, and….
Oh fuck, there she goes, eyes closed, jaw slack, head thrown back lost in ecstasy. My God, she's breathtaking.
Her head flops onto my shoulder and she whispers one word, "Come," inviting me to join her. I grip her hips and buck three good thrusts, and it's all over for me. I come like a freight train. I think I may be having a stroke, lights flash before my eyes, the sound of water running fills my ears. I am still moving spastically as the last remnants of my orgasm bathe me in euphoria. Only two words on a loop as I lose consciousness….Ana, home.