Warning mention of sex and overuse of alcohol.

Pedro

****

"Man, you look like shit." Normally I'd probably punch someone who told me that but since I feel shit and because it's Oscar, I'll let it slide this once.

"Don't hold back," I growl sarcastically. "Tell me how you really feel."

"What'd you do?" Oscar asks. "Drink enough alcohol to sink a ship?"

"Wouldn't you like to know, asshole!" I stumble into the kitchen and start the coffee maker, making it extra strong. My head isn't pounding as much as usual but maybe that's just because I'm still too hungover to care.

"You see your ex for five seconds and suddenly, you're drowning yourself in alcohol? That's screwed up."

I don't dignify that response with an answer. Besides, technically Oscar isn't wrong. I grab a large coffee mug and some cream and sugar setting them on the counter while Oscar stands there, silently judging me.

"It's complicated," I say at last, grabbing the half filled coffee pot and pouring it into the mug. I replace the pot and add the sugar and cream, stirring briefly before gulping it down allowing the strong hot liquid to burn my mouth and throat.

"When it comes to exs, it's always complicated." Oscar moves to grab his own coffee mug and pours himself some. Neither of us speak for several minutes.

"Why did I do that, Oscar?" I hear myself say. "Ana was the best person to come into my life."

"I don't think you ever really said," Oscar answers. "Whenever I asked, you always avoided the question."

"I guess I just wanted to pretend that I didn't completely screw myself over. It was a bad nightmare that I wanted to forget."

"It's not too late." Oscar puts a hand on my shoulder. "You and Ana could try again."

I love Oscar. He's always been just another brother to me. We've been friends for years. We've just always clicked. With Oscar, I don't have to try too hard. He accepts my stupid ass without question. I've always admired him for that. But he doesn't know what he's saying. Ana and I can't get back together.

"I'm sorry," I say quietly. "But it just won't work. The way things were left between us. It was a catastrophe."

"What happened that was so terrible that you don't deserve a second chance with Ana?"

I don't answer. I can't. Or more accurately, I'm won't because I'm ashamed.  Ashamed of my cowardice and ashamed of my stupidity.

***

I have an interview this afternoon and I'm not really in the best place, mentally to be doing any interviews. But I suck it up and go anyways as I don't need any rumors starting about how I'm hiding something deep from everybody.

The bright sun is making my head hurt and I'm grateful for my sunglasses. I'm clutching a water bottle as a walk into the building where the interview is being filmed.

A young man greets me enthusiastically as soon as I step into the room, introducing himself as Stephen and shows a chair that I'll be sitting in. I thank him and he says if I need anything, don't hesitate to ask.

He leaves and a middle aged woman with a beehive hairdo emerges and asks if I can remove my sunglasses so she can apply some makeup to my face and fixes my hair a little bit.

After she's finished, a young woman with platinum blonde hair and green eyes comes in, introducing herself as Mela and says she's conducting the interview. I grin and shake her hand. The camera woman gets ready and gives us the cue to begin.

We go through the usual questions, Mela asking about my role, my co stars etc. I start to relax a little but suddenly Mela catches me off guard by asking about if I'm currently seeing anyone. I stumble through the question, stuttering like a moron, and I know Mela is going to jump to conclusions.

"N..No. I'm not interested in having a serious relationship at this time." My cheeks are burning from embarrassment and immediately, Ana's beautiful face pops into my head.

Luckily the interview ends shortly thereafter and I'm able to make my getaway, hurrying outside and hailing a cab. As the scenery zips by, I stare out the cab window, itching to be close to..Ana. I make a flash decision and ask the cabbie to take me to Ana's apartment building.

As I'm paying the cabbie and I climb out, I'm thinking about how Ana might not be here. But the pull is too strong. I need to see her. I have to see her. I want her in my arms. I want to taste and feel her. I walk up to the front entrance, pushing the button for Ana's apartment. The wait feels like an eternity.

"Yes?" I suck in breath, my heart rate picking up at the sound of her sexy voice.

"Hello?" I can hear an edge to her voice and I wonder if she's annoyed or..afraid.

"Ana, it's Pedro. Can I come up for a few minutes?"

"I'm not sure that's such a good idea."

"All right. I'll go. Sorry for bothering you." I turn around, my heart dragging on the ground, tears blurring my vision.

"Wait! Pedro, are you still there?"

I whip around, pushing the button, my heart beating faster.

"Yes, mi amor. I'm here."

"Come up." There's a loud buzzing noise and the front door unlocks. I grab it, flinging it open and practically running inside. I spot the elevator and rush in, impatiently pushing the number for Ana's floor. The elevator ride seems far too long. The second the doors slide open, I'm bolting out, almost running down the hallway.

I reach Ana's apartment door, banging on it, eager to see her face and to have her in my arms. Ana takes her time unlocking and opening the door. The moment our eyes lock, we both freeze, staring awkwardly at one another. Then I'm pushing inside her apartment and I grab her, gently kissing her.

Ana's arms come up between us and she's pushing me away with such force, I nearly topple over. She looks..pissed but also..vulnerable.

"What the hell do you think you're doing, Pedro?" The sharpness of Ana's tone snaps me straight.

"I..I'm sorry," I stutter. "I just..." I stop. What exactly was I doing? Allowing my raw emotions to run away with my head.

"You can't just come up here, unannounced and start kissing me! In case you forgot, we broke up. Years ago."

"I know." I place my hand on my chest. That's where my anxiety is. I suddenly feel foolish for coming. I shouldn't have come.

"Why did you come?" Ana's voice has lost its edge and I look at her. God, she's breath taking. And it's not necessarily what she's wearing. Which is an oversized tshirt and boxers. I remember. It's her comfort outfit for whenever she's just hanging around her place.

"Because ever since I saw you the other day, I can't get you off my mind. No matter what I'm doing, you're always there."

"So you thought we could, what pick up where we left off?"

"No." I shake my head. "I'm not so stupid as I'd think that."

Ana wraps her arms around herself. I remember that as well from the other day. I try to remember if she ever did that when we were together. I don't recall it. It's something new. She's using her body language to convey how vulnerable she feels. Someone has hurt my girl.

"Let me guess," Ana says, the sharpness returning. "You were in the neighborhood so you decided to drop in?"

"No. I was planning to go home. Then I thought I needed to see you." Ana is frowning thoughtfully as if she's really concentrating on my words.

"Pedro," she begins. I don't rush her. She clearly needs to process this shit.

"I've missed you." I smile uncertainly. "But I've been through Hell since we were together. I just don't know if I can be in a relationship right now. Especially with..you."

"I wouldn't ask that of you," I murmur, aching to touch her. The ache is beginning to overpower me and I'm afraid I'll do something stupid and then, Ana will never let me near her again.

Ana lowers her arms, exposing herself to me in a raw way. It's both heartening and frightening. She steps closer to me, her hand stretching out. I hold myself in check. I don't want to frighten her.

She touches my hand and I nearly come undone. Does she realize just how much power she holds over me? Do I hold that same power over her?

"Oh, Pedro." Ana gazes up into my face. What I wouldn't give to just hold her in my arms. Her hand slides up my arm reaching my cheeks, her hand cupping it tenderly.

I practically melt away at Ana's touch. It's been so long and I can't get enough of it. Or her. Ana leans in, and does the unthinkable. She kisses me. God, she tastes amazing. I cup the back of her head, feeling the intensity of Ana's desire.

She suddenly jerks away, looking frightened and ashamed. I reach out for her but she slips through my grasp, her chest heaving as though she's been running.

"I..I'm sorry," she gasps, doing that protective stance again, her arms wrapped around herself, her gaze the floor. I feel like I'm coming down from a massive high. Disappointment floods through me as I sigh.

"No need to apologize, Ana," I murmur as I head for the door. I've already overstayed my welcome and its time to go. As I pass Ana, I feel her fingers on my back. I quickly turn abd our eyes lock again. This time, however, Ana smiles a genuine smile at me.

"I'm happy you came, Pedrito. Maybe...maybe we could have dinner sometime?"

My hopes soar. Ana kissed me and she wants to go our for dinner sometime! I take her hand, raising it to my lips and plant a gentle kiss on them. Ana closes her eyes, gasping softly. I reluctantly let go as her eyes open.

"I'd love to, mi amor. Do you have my number?"

"Um, let me check." Ana goes to grab her phone and unlock it. I give her my number and she gives me hers. I want to jump around but decide I better wait until I'm alone.

"Just give me a text whenever you're available," I say. Ana nods and this time, I do leave. It's torture, though, having to walk away from the woman I love.

Again.

***

"You what?" Oscar is gaping at me. I nearly double over with laughter. The look on his face is priceless.

"Oh like you weren't hoping for this, asshole!" I chuckle, shaking my head as I slap Oscar on the thigh.

He jerks as my hand makes contact with his thigh, practically falling over. I laugh harder and Oscar pushes me off my seat.

"Well. I guess I was hoping you'd hook back up with Ana. I just didn't think it'd be that quickly."

I get up, sitting back on my seat and grin at Oscar, who still looks somewhat in shock at my news.

"We haven't actually hooked up yet," I say. "She just mentioned dinner. I'm not holding my breath." I lean forward, remembering how scared Ana looked.

Oh baby. Who hurt you that deeply? How could anyone hurt you? You're an a woman disguised as an angel.

"Oscar, I think someone hurt Ana. She's so..guarded now. She was never that way before."

"Yeah, Pedro. She just broke up with some abusive asshole."

"WHAT?"

Oscar looks away. My stomach drops. No. It can't be true. He knew and never told me?

"Yeah. Kellan Marcus. That big shot action star. He's done all those stupid action films over the last several years."

"Oh my God!" I stand up and begin pacing around. My anxiety is raging and I have to press my hand into my chest. That hot shot was the bastard was the one who hurt my precious Ana? What the actual hell?

"Now, Pedro. There's no need to get upset now. Ana isn't with him anymore."

"He hurt her," I growl. "Just thinking about that makes me want to kill him."

"Pedro." Oscar gets up, marching over and grabbing me by my tshirt. I twirl to face him. "That's not a smart thing for you to do."

I sigh, pausing as I run a hand over my face and nod. Killing that asshole isn't a smart move. I don't need negative press.

"Just be Ana's rock, like you were before. She'll learn to trust you again."

I don't necessarily believe Oscar's words. But for Ana, I'd do anything.

***

Several years ago:

"Oh, Pedrito," Ana is giggling as she kisses my forehead and I pretend to ignore it. She giggles again, gently swatting my ass. I squirm and chuckle, opening my eyes to the most glorious sight; Ana smiling down at me.

I roll over, grabbing her by the waist and pulling her on top of me. Ana wiggles around, giggling harder as my fingers dig into her bare sides. I finally stop, gently wrapping my arms around her as Ana as she snuggles against my chest. I kiss the top of her head.

I release Ana and she rolls off of Mr on to the bed. I smile, watching her. She has to be the most perfect woman I've ever seen.

"Do you have any idea what kind of power you hold over me, Hermosa?" I touch her cheek. Ana smirks, arousing me.

"No, Mr. Pascal. Please. Enlighten me." I slide my body against hers, my sexual desire pulsing stronger.

"You have so much power over me," I huskily. "That you could order me to do anything and I'd do without fail."

"Is that so  Mr. Pascal?" Ana's eyes are twinkling mischievously as she traces a finger across my cheek.

"Yes."

"In that case, Mr. Pascal, I order you to screw me until I'm screaming your name."

Quick as a flash, I'm up, grabbing Ana and flipping her face up on the bed, positioning myself above her, teasing her slightly, watching her reaction. She's writhing beneath me, bucking her hips. Her eyes never leave mine.

I thrust into her, feeling her lower half tighten as she grips my back with her hands. I grunt, my thrusts growing more intense with each one. Ana rises up to meet me. It's glorious and beautiful and I know I could do this to her everyday and never grow tired of it.

***
Ana is lying beside me, drowsy and content. I kiss her forehead and she smiles in a slow hazy way.

"Has anyone ever told you how amazing you are." I smile.

"Not within the last ten minutes," I joke and Ana chuckles.

"You're such a diva."

"Of course. You don't get to where I am in Hollywood just from being talented. I have to be a diva and amazing."

"You are amazing, Pedro. Never, ever forget that."

"I won't have to," I murmur. "As long as I have you at my side."