This is my first attempt at writing a fanfic and it was a one shot that came into my head based on a photo Tom Verica posted of a giraffe with the caption that he came upon it while scouting for episode 314. I replied back to him what if Fitz took Liv to the zoo on their first date. I hope you all enjoy.

Olivia's perspective…

Olivia woke up this morning like every other morning she had for the past 7 years with one thing on her mind. She wondered if that would ever change. Yes Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III has always been her first thought when rising and her last thought before falling asleep. You would think after walking away that final time that wouldn't be the case. Yet, here she is laying in her be doing exactly that. "Okay Olivia, you have to go ahead and face the day. You promised Cyrus and you can't disappoint Ella. James will definitely have a fit. You are the God mother . ." Olivia tells herself. Yes, today is Ella Beane's 5th birthday.

5 years, a lot has transpired in the 5 years since she & "him" held the beautiful baby as god parents in their arms at her christening. The said God father had been re-elected to a second term as President. A campaign which she managed after a lot of persuading from others none more than Cyrus. Guilt over defiance, faith in the candidate and pure love for him drove her to say yes. That was 3 years ago and then she severed her ties of working for the administration again.

2 years ago Fitz made a huge decision. He decided he didn't want that life anymore. Not a life in which he was tied to Mellie as his wife. This essential made history. He became the first president to get a divorce while in office. At first the public was shocked. Surprisingly though the public's overall response was positive. Many of the critics had to admit that he seemed a lot happier and even functioned better as a President. That led to a lot of finger pointing that many of the shortcomings in Fitz first term were Mellie's fault. While Fitz approval ratings soared after the divorce, Mellie's public opinion plummeted killing any chances she had for a political career of her own.

1 year ago by chance while returning from her morning swim she decided to stop in a bakery she hadn't been to in years. 4 years to be exact when she decided to pick up pastries and muffins for the entire campaign staff. Many including the President declared they were the best they ever had and enquired about the location. Little did she know they had now become his once of a month indulgence since being re-elected. While waiting for the fresh batch of pumpkin walnut muffins to come out of the oven she stood to the side. "Next" she hears the cashier call out. A familiar voice says "1 dozen lemon poppy seed muffins and 1 dozen pumpkin walnut muffins, please." The cashier replies "the lemon poppy are ready but, you'll have to wait 15 minutes for the pumpkin." The familiar voice replies "fine, I'll wait."

All of Olivia's nerves are on edge. It can't be. Let's hope he is just picking up this order for his boss who is waiting for his return. Afraid to turn around she tries to fade in with the four other customers patiently waiting as well. Next thing she hears is a soft "Hello, Miss Pope" from the familiar voice belonging to the person she always felt was on their side. "Hello, Tom what a nice surprise" there is a genuine smile, but it is laced with a hint of nervousness. That nervousness doesn't go unnoticed by Tom. He smiles back with a reassuring smile. On that lets her know that he understands and he hopes all is well with her. They wait quietly for about 5 minutes not knowing what to say. Finally Tome says "he's outside, no need to worry. I'm just in here to pick up the usual for the staff. We'll be gone and he won't even know you were here." Olivia just nods, but her gut is telling her just the opposite. This can't go that smoothly. So she just waits on edge. Hoping and praying 15 minutes quickly pass. She is tempted to cancel her order and leave, but she knows his motorcade is right out front so she can't leave undetected. Two minutes pass by and the door opens again. This time she hears Hal asking what's taking so long. Tom steps forward in an attempt to shield Olivia and replies "waiting on fresh muffin". Olivia's back is still turned, but she hears them. Familiar footsteps of non-other than "him". She's frozen hoping he doesn't see her. Tom has moved away from her to divert his gaze and protect her not only physically, but emotionally from this. This being their devastating, all consuming, complicated love that these two once shared. Olivia feels like all the air has been sucked out of the bakery. She doesn't have to turn around to know that he knows she is there. Just like her he can feel her presence. His body on edge the moment he walked in the bakery. Only one woman had that power over him. His gaze piercing her and she can feel his eyes on her, yet she can't move, frozen in place. Then she feels it. His breath on her neck as he stands behind her. The heat exchanging between their bodies. He speaks "Hi" it's everything yet, it's only ONE word. She says it back in a whisper "Hi" so low he almost misses it, but he doesn't. With that they are both frozen in the moment of understanding and love. Each listening to the other breath whiles other bakery patrons observing. The next voice is the baker shouting from the back "Pumpkin muffins are ready". Just like that the moment is broken. As customers greet the President and ask for pictures which he complies, Olivia grabs her muffins and quietly exits all under the watchful gaze of Fitz. Year ago was the last time she was physically in his presence. That would all change today.

Fitz perspective….

Lying in bed in the residence ready to begin his day and all he thinks about is "her". She consumes his thoughts daily. It's her, it's always been her even before he knew her and it will always be her. It's been a year and he can tell you every single detail about that brief chance encounter. The smell of the bakery was nothing compared to her scent that filled his nostrils in that moment he stood behind her. Today he would see her again at his god daughter's birthday party. Today he'd get to bask in her beauty if only for today. Today will be a good day he thought to himself. For today he could openly gaze up Olivia, his Olivia without the shadow of marriage clouding his feelings for her. Fitz gets out of bed and heads to young Teddy's room where he finds Teddy still asleep. Fitz looks at the sleeping boy and for a moment thinks about how Teddy's life began and briefly about what life would have been like if he and Liv raised Teddy together. 5 years ago that was his plan. Fitz shakes the thoughts form his head and proceeds to wake Teddy from his sleep so he and the little boy can eat breakfast before they head to Ella's Party.

Meanwhile at Liv's place she begins the process of getting ready. She stands in her closet picking out exactly what to wear. Yes, it's a kid's party and because of location casual attires a must. Other factors to consider, photos will be taken some released to the public and of course HE will be there. She wants to look good. She knows she shouldn't care, but she does. Once she finally has her outfit together she heads to the restroom. As she does she hears the phone ringing. Glancing at the caller ID she answers "what". Knowing exactly what the response would be. Cyrus replies "Good morning, to you to Olivia." With that she chuckles and responds "Yes I'm still coming, Yes I know he will be there and yes I already put my security pass in my purse.: Cyrus sighs then states "Great, then I don't have to tell my beautiful daughter her god mother won't be at her birthday party. All is right in the world. Talk to you later Liv." Bye Cyrus" was the last thing he hears before the line goes dead. Cyrus looks at his phone and thinks to himself, one down one to go and he's on to making his next phone call. As Cyrus holds the phone he hears young Teddy yell "dad it's uncle Cy." Next the boy says "so uncle Cy what did you get Ella for her birthday? You can tell me I can keep a secret." Cyrus laughs and says "you'll just have to wait and see along with everyone else including Ella. Are you all getting ready?" The next voice responding to the question shocks Cyrus. Fitz groans and says "Cyrus quit stressing out. I'm getting Teddy and myself ready. We'll be there. Teddy and Ella are best friends. Ella is my god daughter. I cleared my busy schedule. We. Will. Be. There." Cyrus a little shocked by his tone stays "Okay Sir, see you soon" Before he can hang up Fitz ask " Umm, Cyrus will.." and before he can form the words Cyrus says "Yes, she will be there" Fitz just nods forgetting that he is on the phone and Cyrus can't actually see him. He then hears "see you soon". Fitz proceeds to pick out what he will wear for today.

Fitz and Teddy arrive at their destination. Teddy is super excited. He can't believe Fitz managed to have the National Zoo shut down for the day so that Cyrus could host Ella's birthday party there. Only he had that kind of power and it was truly what had to be done in order for his dad The President to be able to enjoy a public outing with everyone else because of security issues. SSA Tom steps out of the vehicle first followed by Fitz, then Teddy. They are greeted by Cyrus, James along with Ella at the entrance. Other guest have already gone through security and entered and are waiting on the zoo tram that takes you around the zoo. 10 more guest on the list have yet to arrive. Liv along with Abby, David and their daughter Samantha aren't there yet. 5 minutes pass and a car pulls up with Liv, Abby, David and Samantha inside. Soon as Ella spots Liv she runs up to give her a big hug. Teddy watches on and asks his dad who she is. She looks familiar to him. Fitz looks down and says "she used to work at the White House, which is probably why you remember her." Liv walks over to everyone with Ella in her arms. She hugs James, Cyrus and gives Fitz a warm smile. She puts Ella down and kneels before Teddy and says "It's really good to see you again Theodore. You have gotten really big. Do you mind if I give you a hug?" Teddy says "Okay" but he is hesitant. As he hugs Liv memories hit him the minute she puts her arms around him and he smells her perfume. It's a scent he can't forget. Just one of the many things he has in common with his father. Teddy ways "Libbie" under his breath, but his father hears him and looks on with a shocked expression. Liv says "you remember me" you can hear the love in her voice. Teddy replies "you would play with me and sing me songs and bring me treats. Dad said your name was Olivia, but I remember calling you Libbie." Liv smiles, you are the only one I let call me that. She stands and messes up his curls with her fingertips. Fitz just stands there with a goofy look on his face until Ella yells "Uncle Fitz are you okay. You look funny." Every one of the adults chuckle at the moment while the kids are oblivious to what's going on or so they think. Teddy gives his dad another glance noticing the way his dad is looking at Liv again and smiles. Abby and David head inside followed by everyone else. The photographers waiting behind the barricades have been capturing plenty of pics of the group outside the zoo.

All of Ella's friends enjoy their trip to the zoo and the cool behind the scenes access. The adults also thought it was pretty cool. One of the coolest moments happened at the giraffe enclosure. Liv wanted to take a picture with the giraffe standing near the gate. It seems Liv wasn't the only one who had eyes for Fitz. The giraffe refused to come to where Liv was standing. Even though Liv tried to lure her with food, she kept wandering over to where Fitz was and leaning down to kiss his cheek. So Abby yells out "it looks like the only way you'll get a picture is if you are both in it." Abby knew Liv still loved Fitz and by the way he kept stealing glances he felt the same about Liv. Fitz told Liv if she didn't mind he didn't mind either. So there they stood next to each other with the giraffe leaning its head over Liv's shoulder. Right as the picture was taken the giraffe stuck out her tongue and licked Liv's face. This caused Liv to screech and grab Fitz. Everyone who witnessed the moment laughed while Fitz calmed Liv telling her it's ok. She just likes you. Liv was truly shocked that her first reaction was to grab Fitz. Abby gave a quizzical eye at the pair. She thought to herself yep the chemistry is still there. Fitz reached for a napkin to wipe Liv's face. While he did this she just stared into his eyes. Cyrus noticed everyone watching the moment including Teddy, Ella and Sam and decided to snap the pair out of their private moment in a very public place. The time had arrived for Ella to open her presents and the day at the zoo would come to an end.

As everyone watched Ella's delight at the gifts she received Liv and Fitz continued to steal quick looks when they thought the other wasn't watching. As the gifts were getting to an end James asked if Ella's god parents would come forward. Once they did he thanked them for being such a big part of Ella's upbringing. Ella then gave each a hug and presented them with a stuffed giraffe to remember this day. They each told her how much they loved her and hugged her once again and took a seat. James and Cyrus then thanked everyone for coming and said their goodbyes. Teddy had already made arrangements to spend the night at James and Cyrus home so that freed up Fitz for the evening. Fitz wasn't sure how today would go, but since things seemed to go well he took a chance and asked Liv she could stay a little while longer so that they could talk. Liv agreed and informed Abby that she would be going home a little later and would give her a call. Abby hugged Liv and whispered in her ear "you deserve to be happy. He has truly been the only one to do that. He is single, you are single and he obviously loves you." Just and James said ok let's go, Teddy ran back and said good night to Fitz. Then he turned and saw "Libbie" with that he gave her a hug and told said "Bye Libbie, I hope to see you again." She said "me too" and off they went. Fitz stood for a second digesting the moment. A second chance was all he could think of and don't mess this up. He asked Olivia if she was hungry and she nodded yes. He said let's see what's around here to eat. The zoo had a few food venues opened for just them and their day at the zoo. Fitz knew the perfect place to sit and eat. He had already asked Tom to have them set up a spot as he saw the place earlier. It was a small café that overlooked the giraffe enclosure. As they walked in there was a table set up and two menus placed on the table. Being as it was the zoo, nothing fancy was on the menu, but neither cared as it was just the enjoyment of being in each other's company. Fitz reached out for Liv's hand and she placed hers in his willingly. This was their moment to have a long overdue conversation.

Leave comments, tell me what you thought. I enjoyed writing this and I hope you all enjoyed reading it.