"Morning everyone," Liv said walking into OPA.

"Liv?" Huck whispered.

"Yes, Huck," she turned to him and said.

"Can we.. umm… have a moment?"

"Sure, let's go into my office," Olivia said closing the door, "What's up?"

Huck paused and glanced down at his feet. "Do you think it's a good idea to come back to soon? Do you need time or.. uhh"

"I'm fine, Huck, let's get to work."

"No Liv, you aren't fine. You say you're fine only when you're not. I see it. You barely breathe around here, you seem… like…Less of a person."

"Huck-"

"No, listen, I know what it's like. It's the hole. The confinement. The pressure. When you're alone with yourself, you learn about the person you are you, you, you uhh, you kill that were alone, and you saw sides of yourself you didn't want to see. Being alone it brings out the worst in you but most importantly, it brings out the person you really are. Liv, I know."

"Huck…" Olivia's voice grew quieter, more somber.

"You took off the ring." Huck said glancing at her bare finger.

"I don't want it anymore. I don't want him anymore. It's all on me. I have to be me."

"He would do anything for you, you realize that right?" Huck barely muttered. Being confrontational was never his strong suit, and Liv knew she must not be okay if he was able to be outright and say it. She couldn't think about what Huck had said, well, except for the ring. The ring. The ring. The ring.

"Maybe you should take a few days off. Gladiators need rest too-" Huck trailed off. But Olivia wasn't listening. All she could think about was the ring. The ring. The ring. The ring.

******4 Years Earlier ****

"Mr. President, when is Olivia Pope arriving?" Cyrus asked Fitz.

"She's," Fitz took a breath, trying to conceal the lump building in his throat, "She has decided to pursue other career options."

"Fitz- Do you mean she-?"

"Quit? Yes, Cyrus, Olivia Pope quit the west wing."

"You have to get her back. She's the only one keeping us above water in this shark tank of a White House."

"You don't think I know that?"

"Mr. President.."
"Can I just have some time alone please?"

"Call her."

"LEAVE!" Fitz yelled.

Grabbing his disposable phone, Fitz dials a familiar number. He listens to the ringing, knowing that even if she doesn't answer he's connected to her through at least a phone line, where she is on the other end. Ring, ring, ring.

*BEEP* "Olivia… please," Fitz sighed. "Please just talk to me. Just tell me how you are. I know you don't want to hear from me, but.. Livvie…" Fitz wiped a tear, "Please just say something."

Olivia listened to his message instantly. She gathered herself up and said, no. She knew she needed to leave the White House, leave Fitz. She knew it would be better for everyone. Wouldn't it? That was a part she was still trying to convince herself of.

And so the days went on. Fitz was President, and Olivia started OPA. She worked ruthlessly and tirelessly, gaining trust and entrusting hope in all of her clients. Olivia Pope was a gladiator by day. However, when the nights came, she was anything but.

As much as she wanted to be okay, leaving Fitz broke her apart in ways she didn't know were possible. At home, all she wanted to do was dial the phone, hear his familiar baritone voice, and be herself. She wanted to hear about his day, and tell him about hers. She wanted his presence, so much that she was growing weaker each and every night. Some nights she would pick up the phone, click the buttons, and then hang up before the first ring even started to ring. No, she was better than this. She was Olivia Pope, and Olivia Pope could get through anything…. Right?

And this is where I leave you! If you want me to keep writing, please follow/review! Tell me what you think! Tell me what you think should happen! Tell me what you had for breakfast!

With lots of Olitz love,

A.