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Monday, August 20, 2012

Chapter 10 - Deja Vu

I am returning to bed after feeding Teddy and it is somewhere in the middle of the night.  I don’t even have the energy to list my head to the side and see the clock, but I can’t close my eyes.  Christian is mumbling in his sleep, which I don’t hear very often for two reasons; I am a very sound sleeper and I don’t think it happens frequently.
I’m fascinated and trying to make out the words, but it seems like incoherent murmurs.  Despite my lassitude, I roll on my side to watch my husband.  He is beautiful, devastatingly beautiful.  I regard him in his unconscious state.  The line of his cheekbone, the arc of his brow, the profile of his nose, the bumps of his stubble, and the exquisite curve of his lips.  His features are relaxed, something seldom seen in waking hours.  How did I get this man?  He was messed up enough to have you.
No.  That isn’t it.  Yeah, just keep telling yourself that.  Eventually I may believe it. 
“No,” Christian whimpers, echoing my thoughts.  I wonder what he is dreaming.  He doesn’t seem to be having a nightmare…yet.  I’m curious if he buys into Flynn’s philosophy on our relationship.  I haven’t had the courage to ask him.  Why ask a question if the answer may not be what you want to hear? 
“No…let me…I’m with,” Christian rambles.  Nothing coherent. 
I try to accept Flynn’s viewpoint on Christian’s and my relationship, ‘You each have something the other needed.’  Sounds simple enough.  But when I ask what those things might be, I get a typical shrink response. ‘You tell me, Ana.’  Frustrating.
“Please…I need…please,” Christian sounds more agitated.  Should I wake him?  He seems restless, but it isn’t a full blown nightmare.  I flip flop in my mind.  He isn’t screaming in a cold sweat, but he is definitely not dreaming pleasantly.  On the other hand, I scarcely ever get to watch him sleep.  He sleeps so little, and it is exquisite to observe.  Letting my eyes drift down, he is on his side with one gloriously bicepped arm curled in front of him.  Below his arm, I can make out the ridges on his abdomen.  He has one leg on top of the covers, bent slightly, and the other one underneath.  The leg on top is concealed with striped pajama pants, with one bare foot peaking out the bottom.  Mr. Grey is a fine sight.  I wish I had the camera.  I’m tempted to scurry downstairs to get it, but I’m too tired.  One day I’ll have to remember to put it on my nightstand.  Actually, I can envision a painting.  Christian, bare-chested in low slung pants.  I wonder if Trouton would do a portrait?  Suppressing a giggle, I visualize Christian standing still to be painted.  Yeah, not going to happen. 
“No, no…please…NO!” Oh no.  Christian’s breathing suddenly quickens, he is practically panting, and he is twisting back and forth.  This can’t go further.
“Christian, wake up.  Christian, I’m here.  Baby, it’s me,” I try to wake him gently, putting my hand on his shoulder.  I fail to rouse him and whatever is going on in his head gets more intense.
“You have to let me!  I need to be…NO!”
That’s it.  I grab his shoulder and start to shake, “Christian, wake up, now!  It’s me, you’re safe.  Everything is ok.  Christian!”
His eyes fly open and stare into mine for several seconds.  Then, with no warning, he throws me back onto the mattress and without preamble claims my mouth with his.  His lips attack mine with a hungry urgency and tongue invades me.  Then, just as abruptly, he stops.  Christian’s eyes bore into me as seconds tick past.  Then he grimaces and cries out, “Aagghhh!”  He pounds his fist into the bed, curls around me, with his arm clamped around my waist, laying his head on my stomach, and coiling one leg around my ankles. 
I’m frozen for a moment, not wanting to move lest it disconcert him.  My heart is racing.  Slowly, I reach my hand down and start to gently stroke his hair.  As we lay there, I feel his breathing gradually slow and calm, but he maintains a vice grip on my body. 
“I want to be inside you.”  His voice is raspy and tortured.
“I want that, too,” I sigh.  Glancing at the clock, it is 1:30.  “Only twenty-one days to go.”  I keep stroking his hair.  I want desperately to comfort him, to be his safe haven.  “But who’s counting.”
I feel his mouth grin against my abdomen, “but who’s counting.”  I sigh, it is clear we both are.  Counting. 
I need to reassure him, and words won’t be enough.  His words echo in my head, ’it’s the only way I know we’re okay’.  I know Christian would never violate doctor’s orders, health and safety always first.  But there are options.  Options we’ve discussed…we’ll he talks, I just listen.  Typically mentioned during a time when my brain cells aren’t terribly focused.  “Um, there is, um, something, you know, we could, uh, try.”  Way to sound convincing, Ana.
He twists his head to look up at me, then inches up my body resting his chin on my breast bone.  With one hand, he runs his fingers across my forehead and down my cheek.  “No.” He said no?
I’m confused.  Hasn’t he always said he wanted this?  Haven’t we been, uh, training for this?
He sighs, “Ana, I still want that.  I want to possess every inch of you.  But I need it to be with your full consent.” 
I don’t understand.  I wouldn’t have broached the subject if I was reluctant.  “Christian, I’m consenting.  I’ll admit to being nervous, but I have no countenance.” 
Christian sighs again, “I know, baby.  But with our options being constrained, I have to infer that is impacting your decision.”  I open my mouth to object and he holds a hand up to stop me.  “I know my beliefs may not be well-founded.  But there is no way for you to assure me beyond all doubts.”  He climbs up my body further and gives me a peck on the nose.  “Besides, Mrs. Grey, I have another idea.”  He smirks, then abruptly leaps from the bed as nimbly as a gazelle.  His long legs stride into the bathroom and he returns holding a hand towel. 
Laying back down on the bed, he kicks the sheet and duvet to the bottom.  Then he strips off his pajamas and briefs.  “Now you,” he says as he grabs the hem of my t-shirt, well, technically his t-shirt, and I sit up slightly to allow him to tug it over my head.  As I lay back down, he hooks his index fingers into the sides of my panties and pulls them down to my knees.  I kick them the rest of the way off.  Christian takes the towel and lays it on the bed between us, and rests his hip on the edge.
We are both naked, laying on our sides gazing at each other, not touching.  It is a strangely intimate moment.  We are both exposed with nothing to hide behind.  It isn’t just the lack of clothing or blankets, but also devoid of any implements, toys, or personas.  It is just him and me.  Christian and Ana. 
He reaches for my face and lets his finger glide from my cheek, down my jaw, to my neck.  His touch is so slight, whisperingly soft.  He traces the line of my shoulder and down my arm to my hand.  Taking my hand, he places it on his chest in the former forbidden zone.  My fingers are relaxed and Christian floats my hand down his chest and abdomen, across his pelvis, and delicately wraps me around him. 
“Just touch me softly,” he instructs in a hushed tone.  I gently begin to stroke his erection.  The skin is soft and silky, belying the rigid core underneath.  Slowly I move my hand up and down his length.  His eyes haven’t left mine for a moment.  I want to kiss him, all of him, so I lean towards him but he stops me with a hand on my shoulder.
“No.  I want just this.”
Returning to my original position, reciprocating his gaze, I continue tenderly touching him.   Leisurely he reaches out to me and places his fingers on my chest, just like mine had been on his.  His fingers graze my breasts and travel down to my torso.  He is just barely making contact with my skin, tantalizing and teasing me.  His hand drifts over my pubic hair, along my thigh where he nudges his hand between my legs, holds behind my knee and hitches my lower leg forward, bending it and essentially spreading my legs open, not very wide, just wide enough.  His fingers make the return trip up my thigh to my sex.  He slips a finger through my folds once, twice, then a third time before beginning to slowly, methodically circle my clit. 
Instinctively, I start to quicken my pace and firm my grip on him.  “Slow, Ana.”  It’s a whisper, yet impelling.   I reduce my pace and pressure, matching his soft, slow movements.     
We carry on this way for several minutes, just touching each other, looking at each other.  I feel indescribably close to him in this moment, the simple acts of touching and watching, cherishing...worshiping.  I let my eyes flutter closed to focus on his touch, and the feel of him in my hand.
“Open your eyes, Ana.  I want to see you.  I want you to see me.”  Oh.
And I do see him.  Not the CEO.  Not the control freak.  Not the dom.  Not even the broken child.  I see the man, bared before me in an unadorned, uncomplicated juncture.  I see the journey he has made since we met, since we married, since we knew Teddy was coming.  I see the journey ahead, too.
My breathing is getting deeper, and I’m slightly surprised as the familiar pull starts to build.  From feather light strokes, I’m almost incredulous. 
Christian increases the pressure on me and the pace almost imperceptibly, as he continues to alternate gathering moisture from my sex and circling that sweet spot.  I follow his lead, and do the same for him.  He is beginning to drip pre-come, which I use to lubricate him.  Caressing his length, I swirl my fist over the tip eliciting a gasp.  The tender contact cedes to more passionate fondling, both of us nearly panting with need.  His gray eyes have darkened and pupils dilated.
Desire tightens in my belly…and lower.  I need release.  Now.  “Please, Christian,” I mewl.  And for once, he listens.  Without breaching eye contact, Christian’s manipulations amplify, and I mirror his passion.  As gradually as it built, my orgasm washes over me like the breakers on the beach.  Christian’s release follows mine as I clutch him, until his rapture subsides. 
Our eyes are still locked on each other’s as our breathing steadies.  The intimacy is almost overwhelming.  “I love you, Christian.”  It’s really all there is to say.
“I love you, Ana. You…you and Teddy are my world.”       
After a few minutes, Christian leans forward and kisses me softly, reverently on the lips.  He laughs a bit as he folds up the towel and uses a corner to clean us both up.  Tossing the towel aside, he reaches for my panties, “Mrs. Grey, I think that is enough shenanigans for the night.  You need to get to sleep.”  I giggle as he slips my panties back up my legs, then I sit up so he can pull the t-shirt back over my head.  When I reemerge through the shirt, he is scowling slightly and I fear a Christian Grey mood shift, “Why have you stopped wearing your satin nightgowns?”
Oh, is that all?  I relax instantly, “Well, they are a bit inconvenient right now.”  He cocks his head to the side questioningly while pulling on his pajama pants.  “When I nurse, pulling up a floor length nightgown is, well, just a bit awkward.  Then I’m sitting there with all this fabric bunched up around my neck.” 
Just as I see comprehension on his face, a realization hits me.  Does he think I don’t want to wear sexy nightwear for him?  My inner goddess pokes me with an elbow, “Ms. Acton helped me select a new nightgown last week.”  His eyebrows shoot up.  “You’ll see it in twenty-one days,” I smirk.
Christian flops onto his back in mock exasperation, “Aaagh.  Stop teasing me, jezebel or I shall return the favor.”  Now it is my turn to be confused.  “Beware tit for tat Mrs. Grey.  Recrudesce that wound for me while I cannot tend to it and I assure you I won’t be frustrated alone.”
“Mr. Grey, that wound, as you put it, is hardly quiescent for either of us,” I sigh loudly.  “And I assure you, I have no desire to exacerbate either of our libidos beyond our ability to be sated.” 
Christian lifts his head and looks me up and down.  He cups my chin so that I look him in the eye, “Right now it is entirely beyond all feasibility to fulfill my desires for you.” Wow. My inner goddess’ head pops up.  He can affect me so much with just one sweet, hot sentence. 
As I lay there contemplating the wisdom of round two, Christian decides for both of us.  He pulls first the sheet, then the duvet over us, “Mrs. Grey, You. Sleep. Now.”  I take a deep breath in and exhale, close my eyes and let slumber overtake me.

I’m laying in the meadow on a tartan blanket watching the clouds drift by.  A bird coasts overhead, screeching as it gracefully soars.  The avian creature is circling me in the sky, drifting lower, getting louder.  It sounds familiar…
I snap out of my dream in an instant, my mommy ears springing to attention.  In one of those odd moments where the real world interjects into your subconscious dreams…Teddy is squawking over the monitor, demanding a meal. 
I shake my head awake and before I can slip out of the bed I realize I am alone.  Does Fifty ever sleep?  Well, not when something is upsetting him. 
I pad down the hall to Teddy’s room, “Well hello there sweet boy,” I unswaddle him, scoop him up and step over to the changing table.  Teddy is wearing yet another gifted outfit.  It’s too cute blue and green stripes, and the legs can snap up two ways: like pants for day, and like a night shirt for night.  Okay, it does look a slightly like a dress, but it makes diapering in the middle of the night so much easier, especially when I am too fatigued to align snaps properly.  I was thinking of getting some sort of matching father/son outfits for father’s day, and I giggle picturing Christian in a nightshirt…with one of those funny hats. 
Instead of settling into the glider, I grab a blue receiving blanket, throw the nursing pillow over my right shoulder and lifting Teddy to my left shoulder I go seek Christian out.  Seek isn’t really the right word, as I surmise he is one of two places – his study or the music room.  One thing Christian and I disagree on in our not so humble abode – the location of the music room.  The prior homeowners put in the music room.  If I listen to the rumors our architect shared, they hosted quite of few concerts: pianists, string quartets, even a private performance by Itzhak Perlman.  Mind you, the woman was endeavoring to restore herself in my good graces at the time.  The conversation not only didn’t impress me, but persuaded me once and for all that me Gia had no comprehension of who I am.  I was largely convinced she was making it up, either to test if I knew of the world famous violinist or she truly felt I that the girl who had nothing before marrying Christian Grey would swoon at a close brush with the great or the famous.  If only she wasn’t such an extraordinarily talented architect. 
My vexation with the music room centers on the infeasibility to hear Christian playing whilst in the bedroom, on the complete transverse side of the house.  I have a compulsion to hear Christian play when he is restless – to be alerted to the situation; I dislike being out of earshot, and I don’t like him being alone with his thoughts, letting his mind wander to dark places, morbid memories or distorted future scenarios.  Naturally, the precise attribute I disfavor, Christian applauds.  It exasperates him when I don’t sleep through the night, though it gives him cause to shift the worry from whatever is irking him to my slumber dearth.
Déjà vu hits me as I pass the kitchen, the living room, and enter the corridor at the far end of the house.  Didn’t I just do this yesterday?  At about the same time?  I should probably wave to the overnight guy as I pass a camera.  I should probably know his name, too. 
Christian’s study is dark and a sorrowful refrain has reached my ears.  As quietly as I can, I enter the music room.  Christian’s back is to me as his fingers travel the keyboard.  The song is disturbingly sad, rueful.  I situate myself on one of the sofas with the nursing pillow around me and my legs tucked up underneath me, and recline Teddy across the pillow to nurse. 
Christian appears to complete the song.  Placing his hands on his thighs, I think he might be done.  He sighs deeply, then raises his hands to the keys and embarks again.
I do not know this song, I’m not sure I’ve heard Christian play it before.  Though I nearly always find his playing soothing no matter the piece, this song feels disconcerting.  The tune has an emptiness to it.  It makes me think of the barren acres around Mount Saint Helens, lifeless for decades since the volcano erupted.  As the song progresses to another movement, and the melody becomes angry and bitter.  Each section of the song adds more negative emotions until the music becomes aggressive and quick, almost storm like.  Then, like the peaceful quiet after a snow storm, the music is briefly gentle before concluding.
Christian again places his hands on his thighs, and it is just at that moment that Teddy stretches a tiny fist into the air and lets out an “eh” noise.  Not impressed with Daddy’s playing, Teddy?  Christian whips around on the piano bench.
He appears almost alarmed to see me, “How long have you been there?” 
Re-situating Teddy, I have really no idea. “I’m not certain.  For one breast?” I gesture at Teddy to reinforce my intended meaning.  “I think I heard the whole song through.  What is that?”
Christian gets up from the piano bench, still looking uneasy.  Almost as if he were caught doing something.  He reaches me in six long strides.  Instead of taking a seat next to me on the sofa, he agilely sinks to the floor crossing his legs and leaning his head into the nursing pillow on my lap.  He runs a hand up and down Teddy’s back, “It’s a piece by Mahler.”
“What’s it called?”
“Kindertotenlieder.”
“Kinder – that’s child, right?”  He nods.  “What does the title mean?”
Fifty looks at me hesitantly, “Literally translated it means ‘Songs on the Death of Children’.”  I visibly flinch.  “Don’t take it too literally, Ana.  I play it because the melody suits my mood, not because of the words associated.”
I’m not sure what he means.  “Are there words?”
He nods, “Yes.  Mahler wrote music to accompany the work of a poet.  When performed the poems are sung.  It is quite captivating, albeit emotional.”  It must wrenching to listen to if Christian brands it emotional.  The king of understatement.  I would probably sob all the way through.
“What was your nightmare about?”
“I don’t really know.”
“Was it your usual dream?” 
“No, not at all.”  Christian’s nightmares typically involve a scene from his early childhood, either with his birth mother, her pimp, or both.  Frequently the people currently in his life, like me or his family, are in the dream, often substituting for one of the usual key participants .  “This was very…different.  It wasn’t lifelike or natural.  It was ethereal and confusing.  You and Teddy were with me in a crowd of people.  I didn’t recognize anyone else.  Then people starting getting in between us.  It seemed innocuous at first, just the ebb and flow of a crowd.  But then you two got further and further away from me.  I tried to make my way through the throng to you, but the more I tried, the more people blocked my efforts until they were actually holding me back.  All I could do is watch you two drift away as I fought to get to you.”  Christian eyes are closed as he continues caressing Teddy’s back.   
Wow.  I am divided between celebrating his rare candidness – Christian is sharing – and trepidation over the theme in his nightmare.  It doesn’t take a psychologist to figure this one out.
I reach out to stroke his hair and he leans into my hand, “Baby, you know it wouldn’t be that easy to get rid of me?  By now it must be within your ken that you are stuck with me, with us.”  In my head I’m crossing my fingers as I try to simultaneously placate him and lighten the mood.  We’ve had way too many intense moments in the past thirty-six hours. 
Fifty smiles up at me, but it is a forlorn smile, “I know, Ana.  The covenant between us…your pledge to me…there are occasions when cleaving to that is all I have.”  He sighs deeply and lifts his eyes to mine.  Suddenly he’s frowning, “Is Teddy almost done eating?” 
Teddy has actually dozed off, “I’d say he’s replete now.”
“I’ll take him back to bed.  You need to get to sleep, you are getting circles under your eyes.”  I don’t argue with him.  We both rise and I hand Teddy over, Christian turns towards the music room entrance but I put my hand on his arm and pull him back.  Before he can question me, I wrap my arms around him, and Teddy, and pull them close. 
“I just wanted that, Mr. Grey.”
“Any time, Mrs. Grey.”


69 comments:

  1. Very nicely done. I remember that time after the baby is born...how frustrating it is. You did a beautiful job of showing the intimacy between Christian & Ana. ~Philalmae

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    1. Thanks.
      I was actually alot more emotional postpartum than I'm portraying Ana. And alot more tired. But then, she's 22 and I was...well, I'm not telling.

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  2. I happen to get lucky and catch this on the writers blog b/f you posted it here. Intetesting character development with Christian and his internal struggles with his demons. Kudos for the unique and untypical love scenes in your story too. With Christian's kinky history, one would think that he had experienced every thing there was to experience when it comes to sex, but here again, you have created a few unusual scenes that come across as more mature and seem richer than his typical dom/sub kink that he preferred prior. You also bring a level of vulnarabilty to Christian that I think even E.L. James couldn't convey. As if readers didn't need another reason to love Christian, you are still bringing his redeeming qualities to the forefront proving that there is many more layers rather than 'shades' of this incredible man.

    Also, you have sparked some interest in what is causing these odd nightmares for him plus the still unsolved lawsuit. Looking forward to some interesting developments to these lemons.

    Bethann

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    1. You write the most fabulous reviews!
      Thank you.

      And I think Christian is so vulnerable, that is why he needed his alter ego to begin with - a defense mechanism.

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  3. Beautiful chapter. I like how you bring a more tender side of Christian out during a bedroom scene. Looking forward to more.

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  4. Another great chapter!! I enjoy the way you are showing a softer side of Christian. I look forward to your next chapter!

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  5. Hhhahaha...good one...keep them coming!!!.;)

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  6. You really bring the characters to life. I remember being so exhausted when my kids were babies. Well done!!

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    1. I was soooo tired, too. Actually...I still am!

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  7. Thanks for the update!!! Good chapter!!

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  8. You continue to amaze me with these wonderful chapters.

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  9. Oh your chapters are so worth the wait! Just finished reading this one for the second time. Thank you for keeping Christian and Ana alive for me. You have really captured their essence.

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    1. Thank you!
      I really appreciate everyone's patience.

      Delete
  10. Your talent is a gift! I love the intimacy between Christian & Ana. I agree with Bethann, the layers of Christian, rahter than the shades, bring more to the surface to love! Thank you for sharing & I so look forward to seeing where your story of The Grey's will travel. Keep up the awesome work!

    Andrea

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  11. Had to read it again here, this is your home. As the others have mentioned this was a sweet and tender chapter. Very loving and very well written! Love how you use the language of poets to intensify the meaning of a line. Yours is a rare and valued gift! looking forward to more sighs and gasps. Liz

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    1. Liz - Thank you! I'm so glad you all liked it...I was struggling a bit with this one. The next chapter is flowing nicely.

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  12. I really enjoyed the bond you showed between Ana and Christian. I got a little confused at times with Ana's thought process, and had to read it twice. Not sure if you meant it to be that way since Ana was getting up in the middle of the night. But it makes me want more, and I can't wait to see how the meeting with the Lawyers unfold, I have a feeling there will be some secrets that Christian may have held back. But great job once again with the version of the story. You definitely have a fan in me and keep this story going.

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    1. Brooke - Thanks for the feedback. Where were you confused? I freely admit I struggled on this chapter. I really wanted it to be longer and get to Monday night, but it didn't happen.

      I think I had so many ideas that I ended up jumping back and forth, not entirely intentionally. It's kind of how my brain works...If they had ADD when I was a kid they probably would have labeled me. My husband constantly tells me I changed topics without any logical transition (in conversation).

      Back to the chapter - let me know what didn't flow for you. Maybe I need to learn to not include every concept I have.

      Thanks again,
      Mazie

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    2. It was the part where Ana was speaking about the plan of where the music room was going to be situated and the conversation she had with Gia. It took me a moment to figure out what was going on, because you also mentioned a violinist in there somewhere. I figured it was because I didn't know the violinist but then I realized that was not the point of the conversation. It was just a little hard to follow at that point. But once I got to the end where Ana finished her point I understood her journey in getting to the reason for not wanting the music room where it is.

      I too suffer from changing topics without any logical transition. My husband also reminds me during mid transition and it often irritates me, but I understand. I think most of us would be diagnosed with ADD, we just have so much floating around in our brains. And you even more as you are thinking not only for yourself but for Ana too. ;D

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    3. Know exactly what you are talking about. Maybe I should have left Gia's comments out. Or saved them for when the first thought was complete.

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  13. Beautiful, intelligent writing. You add a richness to both their personalities that is so lovely to read.

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    1. Thank you!
      I always felt they were both very multidimensional and really want to explore those other aspects of them.

      - Mazie

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  14. I love ready your blog. I look forward to the updates. They are really good. Thanks or sharing.

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  15. Very nice. I love your story. I must say though that you shouldn't use your thesaurus too much. I like it when they use their big language to create humor or tease each other, but when used this often it looks stuffy and stops the flow of the scene for me. Aside from that, your story is perfect. Thanks for doing this!

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    1. Fair point, well made.

      I know in the books the challenging vocabulary was limited to the conversation between Ana and Christian, it wasn't in the narrative. Maybe I'll try sticking to that.

      Thank you for reading!

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  16. I have been reading a lot of FSOG fanfiction and I hardly ever review. I just had to tell you that I love your Christian and Ana. I feel I recognise them which certainly can't be said of many other versions of them in stories that seem to depend on one preposterous plot twist after another. I am enjoying watching Ana and Christian grow and mature in their relationship. You have a lovely touch.

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  17. just few words... I have to sleep... almost midnight here and tomorrow is schoolday.... wonderful chapter... the intimacy has evolved... the love has grew... sorry if I made a grammatical mistake, my brain is not thinking in the non my mother language English... was great to take a last look at my emails and found your alert of a new chapter... your job is so great... congrats! and sweet dreams full of inspiring ideas... Yrene, from Puerto Rico

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    1. Buenos noches...and get some sleep. The blog will be there tomorrow!

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  18. I was just introduced to your blog today, and have read every chapter! I love the way you tell Christian & Ana's story. I especially like that you haven't just written a "happily ever after" storyline. Given that they haven't been together all that long, they are still going to have their issues, and you really communicate that well.

    I look forward to reading more of your work!

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    1. THank you - and thanks to whomever referred you.

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  19. I just found your blogs 2 days ago and I've been reading all the chapters. I love it! It's one of the best Fifty Shades FF I've read [and I've read a lot of them]. You capture the characters so well and it's just like reading the continuance of the originals. Christian is such a wonderful man and my heart swells on his every sentence. Are you going to continue updating? I hope so!!

    Tal

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    1. THanks, Tal.
      I am determined to finish this. Though it may take a while.

      Delete
  20. As usual, this chapter was amazing. You never disappoint! I love the tender moments between Christian and Ana. They are so sweet and well written. I really prefer these to the kinky stuff. I am looking forward to more info about the lawsuit.

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  21. Hi there, Just finished reading all of your blog. I love, love, love it. Your writing really great and I'm enjoying the reading. I can hardly wait for the next chapter. Thank you.

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    1. Thanks, Martha.
      For reading and for commenting!
      I live for comments!

      Delete
  22. Hi, I just wanted to let you know that I love your blog & am wondering when chapter 11 will be posted?
    Thank you for such a great read xx

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  23. Well..its me again...wondering why thus old submissive is wanting to sue Christian and why is Anna a part of it....hummmm....how will that first after baby sex be and will Ana give in to anal sex...so many questions that my FSOG friends at work are pondering over....will Ana lose that baby weight...will Teddy destroy Christians precious Charlie Tango when he starts getting into things....I can hardly wait...I would like to see Christian out with Teddy though and maybe have him flirted with..that would be good...Ana said it earlier...women love men with babies...maybe have someone crushing on Ana...she deserves a little attention...and do billionaires really get crazy letters, death and kidnapping threats...humm..lots to think about. Have a good day. On pins and needles while awaiting your next chapter.

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    1. Karen - random stream of consciousness. OK..first after baby sex will be amazing...second only to the last 'episode' in my book...which I already know what will happen.

      Ana will get flirted with, but she isn't going to like it....

      How can a 22 year old NOT lose the baby weight, with her own personal trainer?

      I don't know what billionares lives are really like...wouldn't mind finding out...where is powerball??

      Delete
  24. I have enjoyed reading your blog. I'm very excited about how the story is coming along! I look forward to reading more
    Missy

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  25. Lovely chapter. Your version of Ana is definitely more mature than in some other fanfics I've read and in this chapter we are seeing a more loving, considerate side of Christian.
    Of course, I'm still itching to find out why Christian is being sued and I'm sure we'll find out soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Both Christian and Ana are evolving and growing. She can't stay naive forever, and he must change and accept that.

      Delete
  26. brilliant..i really love the tenderness between christian ana and teddy there..just beautiful...

    cant wait to find out more about the law suit..

    thanks for this chapter, when can we get the next one please??

    michala xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chapter 11 reveals a bit more about the lawsuit...some big moments coming with that.

      Delete
  27. Stalking patiently ;) Can't wait for more :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Also stalking....not sure about patiently. (LOL) Truely looking forward to "more". :)

    Andrea

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  29. Another great chapter with such good detailed writing. You have me hooked! When can we expect the next chapter?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is posted! I originally thought I would post weekly, but it seems to take 2 weeks to do a chapter justice.

      Delete
  30. I love how you perceive Christian and Ana. You have really captured our hearts!! Thank you xxoo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you!
      I'm really trying to be true to EL James, while acknowledging that marriage and parenthood does change people.

      Delete
  31. Hi Hope everything is ok. Can you please post an update to let us know your ok. Thanks :))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm here, I'm well, I'm (a little) tan.

      Sorry for worrying you.

      If all of you were Christian you would have been waiting at my house furious with me for not telling you I would be gone.

      ;-) no punishments please.

      Delete
  32. I agree, I also want to know everything is ok with you, Mazie. You had stated in previous comments that the next chapter was flowing nicely so I was hoping to see it sooner than now. However, if life has gotten in the way....well that is to be expected...it is life. ;) I do hope you are well though! ANDREA

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I feel terrible for worrying you all!
      I meant to put an "gone to beach" post up so everyone would know...but between all the packing (we rented a condo, so needed food, sheets, towels, beach chairs, etc etc etc).

      I'm so sorry.

      Hope you like the new chapter.

      Delete
  33. I hope everything is fine. I've been on vacation and I was hoping to see an update when I return. It seems you were doing well with the next chapter. Being impatient as usual, hope everything is ok with you. Despite how impatient we can be your family and well being are way more important than the story. Hope all is well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was on vacation, too. Of course I brought my laptop. I thought I would be writing. But I relaxed, spent time with the family, got a hint of a tan.

      Then some frantic back to school shopping.

      Thank you for your patience.

      Delete
  34. Will you update soon? I'd really like to read more of your work.

    ReplyDelete
  35. This was awesome. I really love how you capture both Ana's and Christian's point of view. I am looking forward to the next chapter and hopefully it would be too long a wait. Thank you so much for your great writing. I love it.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Interesting chapter with a few little potential lemons. I am so looking forward to Ana's plans for Christian's birthday but equally looking forward to her post delivery recovery to be over. I will be 'stalking' your blog for your next installment. I am also wondering if Ana will lose that binder full of legal documents that she has been forwarned not to lose or share. I just saw a flag or potential lemon in upcoming chapters regarding this entire legal situation.

    As always, such good writing. Impeccable grammar and the time and effort you spend on each chapter is more than evident. Hope to see your next installment soon. The weeks between chapters is quite long to recall the previous story and I find myself having to reread prior chapters to bring myself up to speed, so it makes it a bit time-consuming, but your efforts are certainly noted.

    Bethann

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  37. thank you for updating a new chapter, i am so excited that i haven't even read it yet..

    really glad you enjoy your family holiday and getting family sorted for school, but please don't keep us hanging ...it was torture. i had to check every day,and had a :( face, hope you have already stated on the next chapter.lol


    sorry, your demanding fan from the north of Ireland ;) xxx

    Michala

    ReplyDelete
  38. I just stumbled across your fan fiction and it is really delightful. I am looking forward to reading some more of your work. How often do you post?

    ReplyDelete
  39. Luv this - please do not keep us waiting for an update

    ReplyDelete
  40. Ok, so I just finished reading the 50 shades of grey trilogy for the thousandth time. There is only so much I can do to keep from going crazy in anticipation of your next chapter. We are enthralled by your writing and creativity and you have us at your mercy. Please update soon or I may be forced to safeword. ;D Thank you for writing this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This was meant for chapter 11 comment. Sorry. See this is how messed up I am waiting for the next chapter.

      Delete
  41. I have to use anonymous because the validations don't take. I've read from the start to here, and I am really enjoying your rake on the little Grey family. :)

    ReplyDelete

I appreciate all comments - positive and constructive. Thank you for reading.