I wanted to play out Olivia's feelings in the future, when things have settled down. This is just my take on it, let me know what you think!
Oh, and as always, I don't own anything, but let me own Peter and I'd be more than happy...
Looking back, it's hard to believe it's only been 4 months since Olivia reappeared on our side. It seems like so much has happened, so many cases, so many sleepless nights. And yet, at the same time, it feels like no time has passed at all, because still, every time (and this is a rare occasion) she meets my eyes, there is still no more than the hollow, empty nothingness that I've learned to recognise as her new self.
I stared down at the gold lettered invitation I held in my hands, wondering desperately just how awkward the evening could get. Walter smiled at me as I met his eyes, and muttered something about how it was a good thing that I still had the invites, because he was sure it was going to be a lovely evening. Astrid had been given two extra invites to Agent Jessup's housewarming party, intended for myself and Walter. Truth be told, I'd been dreading the party since we'd been told about it. Walter, on the other hand, was simply jumping with excitement, which I'm sure comes as no surprise.
My dread lay in the knowledge that Olivia would be there, and recently dread was all I felt when knowing she would be around, let alone in a public, out of work setting. We barely speak any more, she can't meet my eyes because she can't cope with my guilt, and in truth, I can't cope with her hurt.
I'd dressed simply for the occasion, blue checked shirt over smart black jeans, top button tastefully left undone, whereas Walter had gone for a white shirt with a tweed blazer that looked several sizes too small and was likely purchased long before his admission to St. Claire's. No doubt when we arrived Astrid would be making the most of the opportunity, and would be wearing a figure-hugging dress that showed off the best parts of her body.
I mused over all of these thoughts as we drove, the otherwise silence interrupted by a strange excited buzzing coming from Walter's lips as he grinned in anticipation. I hit the car into neutral and pulled the handbrake when I'd found a free spot on the road; it seemed every agent in Boston had turned up. My throat caught slightly when I noted Olivia's car amongst the others. A rebellious lobe of my brain turned my minds thoughts to what she'd be wearing, until I gathered them up and locked them back in a metaphoric cage.
As I stepped inside (after being pushed past by an incredibly restless Walter), I noted the effort Amy must have gone to; a table was to the left in the hall with rows of glasses and full bottles of alcoholic beverages that were already starting to deplete. Behind and to the sides of the drinks were bowls of peanuts, crisps, and other snacks that seemed as if they'd had Walter's name on them, as he was stood cupping handfuls of them out with his fingers. We helped ourselves to drinks and wandered into the kitchen.
The house was brand new; modern furnishings and stylish decor, an island in the kitchen complete with bar stools, white tiles, everything a young, independent and successful woman would want. The kind of place I'd probably have looked for with Olivia, if things had ever reached that stage. I caught my sigh before it released, and turned to the left to look through to the next room. It was then that Astrid tapped on my back, causing me to jump around and spill a bit of champagne onto my shoe. I shook it off as she laughed at me. As predicted, she'd picked out a green, reserved dress that stopped just above the knee.
"Peter" she grinned, still chuckling at me, as I hugged her lightly in greeting. Walter followed suit. "Everyone's through here" she lead the way into the reception room, and I was surprised to see a few familiar faces in the midst, including, which I was really shocked at, Broyles, although he was sat talking to an agent whilst having a rather bored look on his face.
What caught my attention though, was the slender, blonde haired agent who stood conversing with a tall, dark haired man, with a smile on her face. I couldn't tell what surprised me more, the navy blue, floor length gown, or the genuine smile she wore. Astrid read the confusion from my face, and whispered into my ear.
"That's one of her FBI friends, I think he's called Lucas?" she stated, and I immediately wished she hadn't. Lucas, the suave looking, charming ex-boyfriend of Olivia's, who I'm sure hasn't betrayed her with an alternate version of herself, was leaning so close to her ears as he whispered that I wanted to forcibly remove his lips. I remained rooted to the ground as Walter and Astrid made their way to the only people we knew at the party. I didn't feel up to facing them though, so I excused myself, wandering through the house in an attempt to find a bathroom I could lock myself away in.