Disclaimer: Um, of course I don't own Scandal...if I did we would already be in Vermont with our baby, living happily! _ anyways enjoy!
"Whose Amanda Tanner?" Olivia asks Fitz as she walks over to his grey marbled kitchen table, and hands him his breakfast. Breakfast consisted of eggs , bacon, grits, pancakes, and mixed fruit. Fitz looks up from the news paper with his reading glasses on and responded "My secretary, why?"
"What happened to Terry I know you didn't fire her, she was amazing." Olivia frowned , Terry had been Fitz secretary ever since she had started dating him over 8 months ago. Terry was a beautiful black woman of 30 , she was married and expecting her first child.
"No, of course not….Terry went into labor a little earlier than expected so I had to find someone to replace her, which you would have known had you not left two months ago." Fitz had started to eat his food because he knew he had hit a sore spot. In fact he did it on purpose. Olivia almost forgot why she even asked her question, she was about to give Fitz a piece of her mind but then she thought he had every right to still be spiteful towards her. Although it had been a month since she came back to him, they were still walking around egg shells with each other.
"I asked who she was because she texted you this morning while you were in the shower." Olivia said softly as she started at her plate. She didn't really have a big appetite in the morning but she was trying to feed Fitz before work. He had a big case he was working on and she wanted him to have some energy this morning. When Olivia started speaking softly Fitz immediately felt bad for the petty jab he had taken at her.
Olivia was still in a very vulnerable place. He knew he was wrong for throwing the past in her face but he couldn't help it. Olivia had left him high and dry, and although she came back he was still hurting behind it. Fitz sighed, "Amanda is my temp secretary until Terry comes back from her maternity leave. She probably texted to remind me about the meeting we have at 10."
Olivia nodded her head and started to eat her food, Fitz had annoyed her this morning but she didn't feel like arguing so she quietly ate her food. The silence between them was nothing short of awkward. They had so many things left unsaid between them. Mainly the reason Olivia had left like she did. They both played apart of the situation and they both were suffering internally. Olivia wasn't ready to talk about it yet and while Fitz was more than ready to talk this out and move past it, he was trying to give her space and not push her.
Fitz was done eating but he stayed at the table and watched Olivia. He could tell she wasn't looking up on purpose. Fitz looked at his watch, it was only 8:30, he still had quite a while before he needed to head in to his office. He got up and walked towards her, grabbed her hand and stood her up. He sat down in the chair and he brought her down to his lap. Olivia tensed up but immediately relaxed in his arms , she snuggled herself under his chinned and let him hold her.
"Livvie, we need to talk. I'm ready to move past this. I tried to give you space, but I'm at my limit. Its been a month and last night was the first night you have stayed with me, since you've been back. I literally had to beg you not to go." Fitz kisses her exposed shoulder. Olivia was still in her pajamas while Fitz was dressed for work.
Olivia stayed quiet for a minute, she was trying to gather her thoughts. She turned to Fitz and looked at him. She brought her right hand up to cup his face and kissed him. She was so happy to be back in Fitz arms last night she didn't even take the time to kiss him and they definitely hadn't had sex. She kissed him softly at first, and then she deepen the kiss and slid her tongue in his mouth. Fitz had groaned as he felt her tongue. He had missed her so much and he was so happy that she agreed to stay last night he didn't push for more than just holding her in his arms. She broke away before things got carried away. They both still felt this intense heat between them and they both were glad nothing had changed. "We can talk after you get off work, I'm going back to my apartment but i'll come back tonight."
"Stay again liv, I need to go to sleep with you in my arms again." From the way he was looking at her and how his voice rumbled deep as he said it , like it was the absolute truth. Like he literally couldn't sleep unless she was there...it made Olivia blush. She smiled shyly "Ok, i'll pack a bag this time."
Fitz smiled his crooked smile and it made her heart skip a beat. She felt her chest get tight as if her heart couldn't take the feelings that were swelling up inside of her. "You should go to work, before you be late."
"I'm the boss its no such thing as being late."
Olivia smirked and shook her head "You are working on a big case right now, so boss or not you should head in and get situated before your meeting bossman." Olivia said a little sarcastically. Fitz smiled again and leaned in to her get closer to her face "Yes ma'am."
Santa Barbara, California was truly a beautiful place, and Fitz was enjoying the scenery as he made his way to his office. At 38, Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III was a very well known established Lawyer. He opened his own law firm Grant and Associates four years ago, with little help from his father. Fitz was his own man and he liked to do things his way. His father Big Jerry had wanted him to get into politics but Fitz never wanted that for himself. Big Jerry was a former two termed governor and had several terms as a California State Senator.
Fitz knew he wanted to be a lawyer like his deceased mother, that was always his dream. Fitz is a Rhodes Scholar, with a PhD, and J.D. He graduated from Yale Suma Cum Laude and then went on to Harvard Law School. Big Jerry wanted to help his only son but he knew Fitz would not allow it. After Fitz graduated he got a job working under Cyrus Beene as a lawyer for his team. For a few years Fitz saved his money and bought land and then designed his office space. He eventually left Cyrus's Law Firm to begin his own.
Fitz best friend Tom Larsen and a loyal college buddy of theirs , Hal Rimbeau became partners of Fitz after he had built his Law firm. The only help Fitz allowed big Jerry to do was to throw him a grand opening party. Fitz knew his father had connections and he knew by being his son that he needed to go above and beyond so that he won't be in his fathers shadow.
As Fitz entered the two story building , he couldn't help but be proud as he was living his dream out. Being his own man and paving his way through life on his own accord. Fitz office was on the second floor so before he made his way up he stopped by Tom's office to see if he was in. Tom's secretary was making coffee so he knew Tom wasn't in yet. Tom couldn't function in the morning without his coffee.
Fitz stepped off the elevator and he saw Amanda already organizing todays itinerary. He liked that she worked hard and got things done without being asked twice.
"Good Morning Amanda is everything all set for the meeting this morning?" Although Olivia had told him she had texted he didn't bother to look at it. Amanda was 31, she had long blonde hair and she was fairly an attractive woman. She was use to men falling for her with little work on her part. She smiled at Fitz "Everything is in order and awaiting your approval for the Hollis Doyle Oil case on your desk, and as for the meeting I have prepared everything you will need to know about them as potential clients, its on your desk in a vanilla folder ."
"Great lets get this day started." Fitz stated as he made his way into his office.
Olivia was pacing around her apartment living room. She had been home 20 minutes before she decided that maybe this talk with Fitz needed to be put off. She was conflicted and she needed some advice. She could call her best friend Abby, but she was a little judgmental at times and she didn't need that right now. She was debating between Stephen Finch and Harrison Wright. Two of her closet friends/colleagues with good listening ears. She decided to call Stephen because he was always her first choice. Huck wasn't even a choice when it came to advice, she thought with a chuckle.
Stephen picked up on the second ring "Good morning Love, what do I owe the pleasure?"
" He's ready to talk and I am panicking! I don't want to talk , but I do owe him answers. He is an amazing man , he truly is, but I…" Olivia trailed off
"Am an amazing woman , who is emotionally guarded right now." Stephen finished for her.
Olivia smiled softly and walked towards her couch, and sat down. This is why she called him, he always knew how to pick her up. She sighed "I may not be ready to jump back into this, my anxiety is at an all time high, and I am barely functioning. He deserves more than what I have been giving him. I have been back a month and last night was the first night I stayed with him. He has wanted to take me out on dates and I have declined every one of them. Last night was the first night I din't have a nightmare and I think it was because I was in his arms… "
"The fact that you can admit all of this , means you have grown and you are being considerate of him and his feelings. Love, your just scared and its perfectly normal to be. You went thru a very traumatic thing and now your being cautious with yourself. I think he understands that. I mean the guy waited a whole month for you to come back without even moving on I think you should cut him some slack. Liv, talk to him about what really happened and why you left. You can't keep bottling your feelings up, you are going to explode. Lean on him, confide in him, and let him be there for you. I understand your Wonder Woman and you don't need Superman but it is ok to be vulnerable, especially to someone you care about."
Olivia laughed "Wow, since when did you become such a know it all?"
"I'm not I just know my best friend and how she operates."
"Get to work Mister and tell Georgia I said hello!"
Stephen laughed "Alrighty, I sure will….I love you and call me later."
"I will…and I love you too."
Olivia felt better after talking to one of the few people who knew her best. Olivia got up and went to her self made bar in her kitchen. She had a lot on her mind and she needed a glass or two of wine to calm her nerves. She popped open her favorite bottles of red wine and poured herself a nice glass and went back to her spot on her couch with the bottle in her other hand. As she checked her phone she saw that it was 12, and she had a few messages.
Fitz: Headed to a meeting , will call you as soon as I can.
Harrison: I sent you a email , check it when you have time. No rush but it is work related.
Huck: I came by your apartment and did a full sweep, everything is clean.
Abby: 2 missed phone calls
Cyrus Beene: How much longer do you need off, clients have been asking about you. If you need more time let me know. I love you kid.
She placed her phone down, she would respond later. Right now all she wanted to do was think about Fitz. She took a long sip of her wine. The taste seemed to instantly calm her. Fitzgerald Grant was a very good man to her. He was romantic, patient, a good lover, and they had a fire between them that didn't burn her out, it felt as tho she was literally on fire for that man. They had met 8 months ago at a dinner party at Cyrus and James house. Cyrus introduced the two and they flirted that night. Before the end of that night Fitz had asked for her number, he was very forward about wanting to take her out on a date. They had dated a full month before deciding they want to date exclusively. Fitz being 38 and Olivia being 36, they were both at ages where they knew exactly what they wanted, and they were in no rush to hurry their process. They dated, and eventually started to stay the night over each others place around their 5th month of dating. They both decided after that first night of being in each others arms that they were ready to be intimate. Fitz being the gentleman that he is, waited on Olivia to say when she was ready. He never pushed any further than what she allowed. Truth be told Olivia wanted Fitz that first night she stayed over, but she didn't act on.
Although it had been 8 months they were not in a "relationship" although she knew if she said that outlaid Fitz would be angry with her. They were two grown adults even without saying it everyone knew they were together. Olivia needed that security tho, it was one of the things that she was insecure about but she had never admitted that. And they were not at a place where they professed their love for each other. She could tell he wanted to say it, and if she was really honest with herself she wanted to say those words as well. And maybe if she hadn't left him 2 months ago they would be saying it by now. Olivia knew she had to come clean with Fitz. Truth was she was scared. She didn't really know how to be in a healthy relationship. Her mom had died when she was 12, after that her dad shipped her off to Saint Anne's & Surval Montreux boarding school. She then attended Princeton where she received her undergraduate degree in Political Science. She moved on to Georgetown Law where she met Cyrus Beene for the first time. He had told her about his law firm he was opening up in Santa Barbara and told her whenever she was ready he would have a job waiting for her. Of course when Olivia eventually moved she brought her own special team with her. Abby, Huck, and Harrison, Stephan already was living in Santa Barbara with his finance , now wife Georgia.
They each had reasons why they were ready to move. Abby, Olivia's roommate and best friend from college had an abusive ex husband who she divorced with Olivia's help. Wherever Olivia was going , Abby was definitely following. Huck had a very dark past working for the government. He almost lost his life when Olivia found him and helped clean him up. She changed his life and he has been fiercely loyal to her ever since. Olivia trusts Huck with her life and he would do anything for her, because he trusts her as well. Huck is a tech wiz and is very good at gathering information. Harrison got caught up in a inside trading scam, he got off only serving 6 months instead of 8 years with Olivia's help. Harrison began back practicing law with Olivia's help and guidance. Harrison is loyal and looks up to Olivia as his big sister although he acts more like an older brother. Stephen already lived in Santa Barbara so that was another pro reason for Olivia to make this move for her and her team. She knew they would follow her to the ends of the earth if need be.
The move to Santa Barbara was life changing for Olivia pope. She and her team started working for Cyrus Beene at Beene Law firm. Olivia and her team were so good that they brought in more cliental than cyrus had ever had. Cyrus offered Olivia a position as Partner and she couldn't refuse. It became Beene, Pope, and Associates Law firm. Life couldn't have looked better for Olivia. Cyrus had decided to throw a dinner party to celebrate his new partnership with Olivia, and of course he invited everyone including a certain handsome friend of his who used to work for him. Cyrus introduced Fitzgerald Grant to Olivia that night and there was an immediate attraction between the two. Fitz was very charming, charismatic and extremely sexy.
Olivia was glad he had asked for her number, she was more than interested. They had started seeing each other when they could of course work got in the way at times but they made it work. After a month and only 3 dates, they both decided that they wanted to put in more effort in seeing each other and that they wanted to date exclusively. Olivia had started to get in the swing of things at work. Being partner came second nature to her, she was in her element. She had hired an assistant , Quinn and her team was flourishing on their own.
5 months of Olivia and Fitz dating , they were smitten with each other. Anybody who saw them instantly knew that they were in love. Neither wanted to speak on those feelings yet, but they each treasured the feeling. Around this time Olivia was working on a secret case. Adnan Salif, had almost finished serving her time and she was about to get out and she was making requests to get documented and stay in the U.S. Olivia knew the first thing she would do is track down harrison so she was calling in favors to get Adnan's request denied.
What Olivia didn't know at the time was that Adnan wasn't really trying to stay, she was setting up a trap for Harrison. Adnan figured that if he found out she was trying to stay , he would try to run and she had hired someone to find him and kill him. Olivia had got Adnan's Visa request denied and she went on with life never telling Harrison.
Exactly one month later Olivia was locking up her office and headed to the garage that was across the street from the building. As she was headed to her car someone came up behind her and placed a gun to her back. She was terrified for her life, never had anything like this happened to her, and she never thought it would. Their law firm was in a crowded area with buildings and other car garages surrounding. It was your average work environment, where really no crime ever happened. The person grabbed her, gun still pointed in the middle of her back and pushed her to the ground. She wanted to scream and cry but all thoughts left her as he crouched down and pointed the gun in her face. He obviously didn't care because he wore no face mask, she knew this was personal. They wanted her to see his face. He was eerie quiet as he studied her features. She did her best to stay calm but all she could think about was that she was going to die.
At that moment she screamed as loud as she could hoping someone would hear her. He slapped her in the mouth with his gun and placed it at her temple. Olivia almost blacked out , she felt her hot tears and tasted a metallic taste in her mouth and she knew it was her blood. He then asked her if she was Olivia Pope and when she didn't answer he punched her in the face. She had never been hit a day in her life, that blow broke her, she had started to cry. He asked her again if she was Olivia Pope, and she said yes. He then asked with a cocky grin "Where is Harrison Wright, Adnan Salif wants me to have a little chat with him." Despite her circumstances Olivia huffed and smiled. She knew now who had sent this guy but she could never give up her friend to face his death. The man still had his gun to her temple, he was crouched over her and that was his mistake.
Olivia used her left arm to push his right arm so that she could knock the gun away from her face and she immediately kicked him in his groin with her 6 inch heel. It caught him off guard and she rolled away tried to grab the gun that had skidded off to the side. The man grabbed her leg and she turned around and used her other leg to kick him in the face, she clearly was panicking but she was using borrowed adrenaline and strength. She was not abut to die today. He screamed when her heel caught his face. She grabbed the gun and pointed it at him and didn't think twice when she fired it, she shot him in the chest. He fell to the ground but he was still alive she heard him holler in pain. Olivia had grabbed her purse , looking for her cell phone. She still had the gun pointed at her attacker just in case he got up. She called 911 and explained what happened.
As Olivia thought about that day she couldn't help but to cry. That was the worst day of her entire life. She had been rushed to the hospital where they took pictures and the police questioned her. Fitz had been out of town for a case. She had called him over 20 times while she was at the hospital. Cyrus, James, Abby, Huck, , Stephen and Harrison was at the hospital within an hour of her getting there. After 3 hours of her being examined she was released. Cyrus had ensured her that he would take care of everything for her. Huck had came and left before she was finished, he told them to tell her he was going to the crime scene. Abby, Harrison and Stephen was waiting downstairs at the entrance of the hospital to take her home.
Harrison filled out her release paperwork and helped her get into the back seat of Stephens car. Abby was fidgeting in the front seat as Stephen drove them. Harrison held her hand the entire time , almost afraid to let go. When they made it to her and Abby's condo, Huck was there waiting in front of her door. Abby opened the door for everyone to come in. As soon as they stepped in the condo, Olivia turned to Huck who was standing at the door. No one said a word. Huck reached out his hand and Olivia flung herself in his arms. No one had ever seen Olivia get emotional let alone cry, but that day as huck held her in his arms , she cried till her tears ran dry.
Olivia had finished her bottle of wine and was feeling a light buzz. She checked the time and decided she wanted to take a nap before she got ready to head to Fitz place.
Fitz checked the time and decided he was gonna call it a day. He normally worked until 6, but today he was going to leave at 4:30. He locked his office door and stopped at Amanda's desk. She was typing on the computer as he approached her. He sat his briefcase down on her desk as he patted himself for his phone.
" I don't have anymore meetings for the day, so I'm heading home, you can leave at 5." Amanda looked up at Fitz, stood up and grabbed his briefcase.
"Ok, Mr. Grant if there is anything you need just call or text me. I'm just finishing up some notes from today's meetings." She grabbed his hand and placed his briefcase in it.
He nodded his head "Thanks, see you tomorrow." and left.
Amanda stayed in her spot until the elevator doors closed. She bit her lip, Fitzgerald Grant she thought with a smirk on her face.
Fitz pulled up to his condo at 5:10, he wasn't expecting to find Olivia watching the news on his couch. He was surprised, she rarely used the key he gave her, but he was happy nonetheless. She turned the volume down and watched him as he made his way to her. His sexy walk and the way he took his jacket off and loosened his tie, made Olivia forget how to breath for a second. Fitz sat down and pulled her to him, till she was siting on his lap, face inches apart. He kissed her ever so softly, and ran his index finger down her nose.
"Hi"
"Hi"
"I've missed you" he said as he rubbed her back in circles, comforting her like he knew she needed.
Olivia didn't say anything , she closed her eyes and laid her head under Fitz chin. She just wanted to be held by this man, why was it he always knew exactly what she needed.
Fitz knew this talk was talking a toll on her as soon as he saw her face he could see the worry lines and dark circles under her eyes. Not to mention she was watching the news, she only watched when she needed time to think. He knew because he had learned all of her habits.
He stopped rubbing her back and sat her up so she could look him in his face. " I don't want to stress you out, I just want answers."
Olivia huffed and got off his lap. She stood off to the side " I know you know why I left. Why do we need to have this conversation. When I came back, I came to you and I left it up to you to decide if you would take me back or not."
"Olivia, yes I know why but I don't know why you didn't wait for me."
Olivia folded her arms and thought for a second. It was now or never, might as well just lay it all on the line. " You weren't here for me"
Fitz jumped up suddenly angry " You didn't let me."
"NO! I called you, I waited for you that entire day!" Olivia screamed at him.
Fitz couldn't believe what he was hearing, "You knew I was out of town on a case…and then we went to court , you know I don't take my phone in court with me."
Olivia shrugged her shoulders "I don't care, I needed you that day and you weren't here" she turned her back on him.
Fitz stood there dumbfounded " No, you over reacted."
Olivia whipped around so fast, eyes bucked " How dare you try to invalidate my feelings. YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I WENT THROUGH."
Fitz raised his hands up , and took a step towards her " I'm sorry, I am not trying to invalidate your feelings, baby I just don't understand why you left, its just not adding up for me."
"It doesn't have to Fitz! I made that decision for me, I left because I couldn't stay here , the way I was feeling…I was suffocating and I needed to get away."
"It wasn't right Liv, we have something , did you even think or consider me when you just packed up and left." Fitz voice cracked a little bit, he walked back to the couch and sat down. He placed his hands on his face so he could try to compose himself.
Olivia heard how his voice cracked and she knew she was at her limit as well. She walked to the couch and sat down.
Fitz looked up and starred off " A text message is not the way you tell someone that you are leaving." He turned to face her "You left me Livvie, high and dry. I came home as soon as I found out. That night after everything had calmed down with the trial, I called Cyrus when you wouldn't answer your phone. He told me what happened, I felt sick to my stomach. I got on the next flight out, but I still didn't make it to the next day. I went to your place and Abby told me you took a leave from work and that you didn't tell anyone where you were going. How could you do that to me, just up and leave me like I didn't mean anything to you."
When Fitz had made it that next day, he found out Olivia was gone. He went to see Cyrus to see what he knew. Cyrus had pictures of Olivia, it broke Fitz heart to see her look so broken in those photos. The man that attacked her was still alive after they got the bullet out of his chest. Cyrus told him that as soon as her attacker recovered he was going to jail for a very long time. The look of pure hatred on Cyrus Beene face told Fitz he would personally see to it.
Olivia reached out and grabbed his face, she had tears in her eyes, she nodded her head " I ran away but not from you. I felt so helpless, alone and I was terrified. That night I had a panic attack in the middle of a nightmare. Abby had to throw water on me to wake me out of it. She said she heard me screaming like someone was murdering me. I couldn't go to sleep after that. It was 2 am, I called you again with no answer so I called Huck and told him that I needed to leave. I packed a few of my belongings and I left. I went to France where my mothers family lives. They have always wanted me to visit more, so I called my grandmother and aunt and told them I was on my way. I thought about you everyday, but I was struggling and I needed to take care of myself first."
Fitz pulled her into his embrace and stroked her hair. " Never leave me again."
She smiled and nodded her head. "I won't run away again."
"I was a wreck, I barely functioned, I couldn't sleep, I drank a lot, ….I ….." Fitz trailed off, he had something he needed to tell her but he didn't want to ruin this moment.
Olivia sat up and looked at him, " I think i'm ready to go back to work, I'm no longer having panic attacks and I didn't have a nightmare in a week."
"Don't push yourself, if you need more time, take it. Please."
She smiled at him, the concern he has been showing her, the delicate way he had been treating her, and how even more attentive he has been , she felt her emotions swelling up.
" I love you."
Sooooo , what do yal think? Thoughts, concerns? Any idea whats going to happen next? I adore OLITZ and their relationship. Fitz is seriously such a good man, I'm about to fan girl just thinking of all his good qualities! Leave me a review and let me know what you think. FYI: I am a graduating college senior who will be walking that stage May 6, so I won't be able to update everyday but I will try to update weekly. I think I will right abut 10 chapters, thats where I am headed so far.
I am still currently watching scandal...is anybody else? If so let me know what you think about it so far. I personally am ready for the 100th ep, because Olivia will be daydreaming about what their lives would have been like if they hadn't rigged that 1st election. I personally think that her and Fitz will find their way back to each other, its gonna be something to happen and i for one can't wait!
How obsessed are you about KerryW and TonyG...they are so wonderful , I love them! I wonder if anybody caught on to something about them in the story? hmmm... well until next time...I hope all is well and you are in a happy place. Peace!