Disclaimer: I don't own Fringe and though I have had a crush on Joshua Jackson for over a decade, I don't own him either.

Note: Spoilers for Season 2, Episode 15 - "Jacksonville"

Author's Note: A one-shot for now, the moment between Olivia and Walter right before her and Peter's (supposed) non-date. I am thinking of lengthening it, but I am still working on the story outline. I've had this episode in my thoughts though, ever since I watched it, so I felt the need to get something down. Hope you enjoy it.

Praxidikai

"Agent Dunham, please don't tell him."

Olivia stared at Walter, furious, she wanted to hit him. To hurt him. It was too much, after everything that happened in Jacksonville, it was just too much. He had been correct when he'd theorized that she no longer felt fear, but instead, anger, and at that moment, the full force of Olivia Dunham's rage was focused on Doctor Walter Bishop. His wrinkled face, those blue eyes that could be both kind and unspeakably cold. Who was this man? It occurred to her again, the kindly gentleman, the eccentric scientist, the loving father, the forgetful senior citizen, all were a ruse hiding the truth: Dr. Walter Bishop was a monster.

"How...?" The word hissed from her lips, "How could you?"

"How could I not?" Walter's eyes looked unspeakably sad, "He was lost to me...forever... I did not know how to let him go..." The explanation was simple, the emotion behind the words, heartbreaking. Olivia tried to harden her heart against him, but she had spent too much time with him for that. Too many days thinking of him as a trusted colleague. Too many nights over a dinner table, listening to him ramble about foods and ingredients, laughing over the odd trips his mind took at times. He was part of her odd little work family. The only people who had seen the things that she had, who knew the truths that she knew.

Besides, it was Peter he was talking about. Peter, who was coming down the stairs towards her, that half smirk on his face, his stormy blue eyes lit with an inner magnetism she found entrancing at times and infuriating at others. His smile faded slightly, his brow quirking down as he observed them. Of course he knew that something was up. Peter could read her face like a book. It didn't help that Walter was fidgeting like a five year old caught stealing gum in a candy store.

"Something the matter?"

Olivia forced a smile on her face, almost glad that her rage at Walter had overtaken the odd bout of fear and anxiety she had been feeling due to the possibility that this had all the indicators of a date and that in her heart, she had very much wanted it to be one. A real one. With a real kiss at the end. She hadn't been with anyone since John had died and he too had been her partner. It didn't set a very nice precedent, to be known as the woman who fell for her colleagues. That hadn't been what had caused her fear, however. Peter was her partner, as John had been. They had a very dangerous job. Not long ago, Peter had nearly died due to that horrible virus. It had occurred to Olivia that she couldn't bare to lose the man she loved again. It was that realization of "love" that had frightened her so.

Olivia swallowed, the motion feeling stiff and unnatural, like she was trying to choke down food without chewing. She shook her head in the affirmative, her blue eyes wide and innocent, "Uh-uh. Everything is fine. You ready?"

Peter cocked his head to the side, it was evident by his expression that he thought something was amiss, but decided not the press the issue, "Yes. Walter..." He turned from Olivia to face his father, probably to give him some last minute instructions or reassurances that he would be home soon and not to worry. What he saw in the old man's face was cause for concern, however, and his voice took on a worried tone, "Walter?" Peter was staring at his father now, concern evident in his face.

"I love you, Peter." Walter said, his desperate blue eyes moving over Peter's face searchingly.

Peter's brows rose, "Have you been in the medicine cabinet again?"

Walter shook his head, seeming to rouse out of his stupor, "No...no," He smiled, but it didn't touch his eyes, "You two have fun now and don't mind me...if well...you know...I am a...a heavy sleeper." The smile on his face could only be described as creepy.

Peter sighed, shutting his eyes for a moment and murmuring something about Chicago. Olivia shook her head, wondering how things could go from being down right devastating to completely ludicrous in only a few short moments, "Shall we?" She said softly, a teasing smile playing on her lips, effectively hiding her inner turmoil from the man in front of her.

Peter nodded, his hand finding the small of her back as he guided her out the door. She took comfort in its presence, much like Peter himself, his hand was warm and strong, guiding without pressure, and comforting without making a fuss. Olivia threw one last look over her shoulder at Walter as he slowly shut the door behind them. His eyes were pleading and she nodded at him, a short, terse gesture.

She would keep his secret for now.