"That's what this trip is about, Fitzgerald."

"No, it's not."

"Yes, it is! Your family is a political GOLD MINE!"

"That of which I specifically said I don't want involved in this campaign."

"And, why not? Why ignore the fact that you have political capital waiting to be used?!"

Was this eaves dropping? Olivia walked into the file room at campaign headquarters hoping to find a set of old polls for Cyrus' consideration. Apparently, Fitz and Mellie were having one of their daily arguments. They were getting better at saving then for behind doors, a specific request per Cyrus and Olivia's orders. But, even then, they weren't conscious of the volume and location of these constant disagreements. So, Olivia found herself trying to make as little movement as possible trying to get in and out without making her presence known.

"I am my own person," he groaned. "I don't need them to-"

"Yes! Yes you do need them! I'm speaking to Big Gerry as soon as we get to Santa Barabara-"

"The hell you are! You will keep your mouth shut and smile like the good, supportive wife you claim to be, rather than meddle in business that doesn't fit your job description!"

"How dare you-"

"How dare I what? You are not a part of this campaign staff. So, stop acting like it."

"You know what? My opinion clearly isn't of importance to you. I'm not even bothering to go on that trip!"

"Oh?"

"That's what I said! Suddenly... I'm feeling ill," she said with faux sweetness. "Nothing a little visit to the lake house can't fix!"

"Mellie," he said calmly, attempting to diffuse situation, "you're expected to arrive at the ranch alongside me. Cyrus already-"

"Cyrus wanted me there to work my magic with your father. Seeing as how you are insistent on screwing everything up, my services are no longer needed!"

Mellie stormed out, leaving Fitz to groan in frustration. Olivia figured she should leave before he noticed her in the next room, so she turned slowly on the ball of her foot to walk away through the opposite door. Unfortunately, her hand knocked into an out of place pencil holder, making the loudest noise possible, or at least in Olivia's mind that's how it sounded.

Fitz turned his head at the sudden crashing sound and walked closer to the opposite side of the room, slightly shifting the connecting door open. There he found Olivia frantically grabbing at a mess of pens and pencils rolling around on the floor.

As soon as he tipped the door open she could feel his energy filing the entire room. She paused her movements, took a calming breath, and looked up at him from her knelt position. She gave an embarrassed smile, trying to buy some time before thinking of what to say.

"Everything okay?" He asked.

I heard the whole thing. Are you okay?

"Yeah, just..." she let out a sharp and forced airy exhalation,"clumsy. Guess I never grew out of that phase."

Fitz looked down at her with an apologetic smile.

She probably heard everything. That's just great...

"You didn't happen to hear the beginning of World War Three just now, did you?"

"No," she lied as quickly as possible, immediately feeling bad about it,"I mean, kinda. I heard some of...the end...of World War Three." Her consoling smile actually made him forget that he was ready to lose his mind a few moments prior.

"Mellie's not coming to Santa Barbara now." He sounded defeated.

I know. I heard.

"Really?" She stood up from her crouched position and dusted off her well-tailored office pants before turning her attention to him. "Are you sure? Maybe she'll-"

"Trust me, she's not going." He ran his hands through his hair, obviously stressed. "She didn't get what she wanted, so this is her way of getting me back. I'm sure she'll find something, or someone, to take her mind off of everything for a few days."

Something...or someone?

"She'll stay here?"

"No, she'll go to her family's lakehouse in Connecticut. This is just great, right? Just great!" He hissed frustratingly.

"Okay," she stated plainly, trying to settle the situation. "It's...going to be okay, right?" She was trying to convince herself almost as much as she was Fitz.

"I guess. We don't really have a choice. Can't wait to have that conversation with my dad."

"I'm sure he'll understand. This was more of courtesy trip to make some more connections. It's not a huge deal that she isn't there for it."

"It isn't?"

"Is it?"

"Look, I know you haven't met my father yet, but let me give you just a tiny heads up. He's a smart man, a family man. Above all else, though, he is a successful man. He takes his business seriously and politics are a part of his business. So, when he calls me, and tells me to fly to Santa Barbara to make a few more political connections, that's what I do. He's expecting Mellie and I to show up, smiles and all, for whatever photo ops he can scrounge together. He expects that perception of wedded political bliss...So, is it a big deal? Yes, it's a very big deal. At least to Big Gerry. I will be blamed for upsetting my ever-so-loving wife and accused of deliberately sabotaging my chance for presidency."

"Is it true?"

"Is what true?"

"You trying to sabotage your chance at winning."

"Of course not. Why would I-"

"Then, ignore him," she stated plainly.

"It's not that simple."

"It is that simple, Governor." She looked at him dead on, forcing him to return the look in same. "Ignore him. You're the only person that knows your true motives. You are the one in control of winning. So, focus on that, and screw the rest."

He crossed his arms and lifted and eyebrow with a vague smirk creeping at his lips.

"Screw the rest, huh?" He was always impressed with her no nonsense demeanor. Tough as nails, this one.

"Screw the rest," she restated firmly as she shrugged her shoulders.

He smiled at her and took a deep breath.

"Someone put an extra dose of feisty in their Wheaties today..." They both shared a small chuckle. "I can't wait for you to meet Big Gerry. You're in for a treat."

"That bad, huh?"

"That bad..."

"I'm a big girl. I can handle it."

"I know. I wouldn't let you come unless I knew you could handle it. But, just know, that if he says anything too out of pocket, give me the word and-"

"And then what, you'll get all Governator on him for me?"

He airily laughed at her reference.

"Sure."

They stood in silence, both glad that the mood had shifted to a lighter one after that volatile conversation moments prior.

"Speaking of the ranch, I still need to finish packing," she said, breaking their gaze and grabbing the folder she had originally been searching for. She looked up and smiled courteously.

"Me too actually." They stood a few feet apart for a moment without moving. "Thanks for the pep talk, by the way."

"Anytime, sir."

Fitz nodded at her formality and looked down as he rubbed his neck. He kept his hands intertwined at the base of his head and looked into her eyes once more.

"See you at the ranch, Olivia." They shared one last smile before he turned around and walked out.


"So, you know Big Gerry, right?" Olivia asked as she grabbed a binder and her workbag tote from the back seat of Cyrus' rental car. She had just arrived at the Hilton Hotel in Santa Barbara with the rest of the staff, but Cyrus insisted that she visit the ranch alongside him, first thing in the morning.

"Sure," he said as he remote locked the car, leaving it parked in front of the enormous and impressive mansion. "Met that sonofabitch years ago, when he first approached me about Fitz running for president."

Olivia and Cyrus walked to the large front double doors made of oak, and finished their conversation before ringing the bell.

"Are the rumors true?" She asked curiously, almost with a look of worry on her face.

"The rumors. That he's a large man? A charming man? A man that would sell and quite possibly eat his young for political gain?"

Her eyebrows narrowed and her eyes widened as her mouth ever so slightly opened.

"Relax, my dear. He isn't that bad. But it's not that far off, either."

The grand door opened, a housekeeper cordially inviting them in. Cyrus led the way as they entered and gave their belongings to the house staff waiting on them. Olivia took in her surroundings as they stood in the center of the largest foyer she had ever seen. It looked like the size of a national museum, or modern library. The grand staircase, dark wooden accents, cream walls and pristine floors. It was more modern than she had imagined. If she had to guess, newly renovated for a more updated look.

Suddenly, a group of people were seen walking from the further end of the house, all following the same man. He was tall, one of the tallest men Olivia had ever seen. And large. Broad shoulders, a wide chest, white hair, the color of snow, and icy eyes that pierced right through you.

"Cyrus, you old bat!" His booming voice filled the space as he approached them. "Good of you to join us!" Within a few strides he was pulling Cyrus in for a hug, almost forcing the embrace. Cyrus wasn't the affectionate type, but it would seem as though Big Gerry was a man that you make more than one exception for.

"How are you sir?" He said in a giddy voice, smiling from ear to ear.

"Better now that you're here. We have our work cut out for us, my friend...I'm happy with how things are going, and I can tell-" Olivia listened and watched from her location behind Cyrus, observing Big Gerry's undeniable ability to demand everyone's attention. She assumed the handful of men behind him were the workhorses for the Grant family. Assistants, speech writers, lawyers and the like. As she scanned the group of men she caught a glimpse of Fitz, who also stood behind his father with a thin and unconvincing smile. He, himself, watching the interaction between his father and Cyrus. Fitz must have felt Olivia looking at him, because he made a momentary subtle shift of his gaze to hers. They shared a brief conversation, only between their facial expressions.

Hi

Hi

I told you he was one of a kind.

You weren't kidding.

Before they could share a true smile at their wordless conversation, the attention was turned to the petite young woman standing in the midst of only men.

"Well look at this precious-faced angel."

"Where are my manners?" Cyrus said cheerfully. "This is O-"

"Olivia Pope," she said confidently as she extended her hand for a firm handshake. "Sir. It's an honor to meet you."

Fitz's lips curved into a slight smirk as he watched Olivia make her presence known.

Look at her go.

"Miss Olivia Pope. Of course. The pleasure is all mine young lady."

"Olivia is doing wonders with the campaign. She's the best of the best," Cyrus gloated.

"Not only a pretty face, but the brains to go with it. Impressive."

"Thank you, sir. It helps to have the best candidate anyone could ask for." Olivia looked over at Fitz with a subtle smile.

Thank you.

I mean it.

"Glad you think so. Well, not to be rude, but we have some strategy to go over and time is of the essence! Ginny?!" He yelled randomly into the air, knowing his voice would carry.

"I'm right here, Fitzgerald," a sweet but confident voice replied. "You don't have to yell." Apparently Genevieve Grant had been watching this entire meet and greet from the top of the staircase. She made her way down the steps, Fitz walking over to meet her halfway. They hugged and she hooked her arm around his as they walked over to everyone.

"I thought you were joining me for my swim this morning," she stated warmly, leaning into her much taller sons side.

He looked down at her affectionately and moved his arm to wrap it around her shoulder.

"Decided to get some extra sleep instead. Tomorrow maybe?"

"Sure. If you're up to it. I know you have bigger things to worry about than-"

"Mom," he kissed her temple, and squeezed her closely to himself."Tomorrow. I promise."

They made their way over to everyone else, Mrs. Grant standing directly in front of her husband.

"Ginny, have you met Miss Olivia Pope?" Everyone's attention went to Olivia again as the family's matriarch looked at her square on. Fitz smiled to himself at the fact that these two strong women were the same size, build, height and all.

"I've yet to have the pleasure. Your reputation proceeds you. Welcome to our home, Ms. Pope." She extended her hand to hold Olivia's, gently squeezing it in between both of hers.

Olivia couldn't get over how warm and friendly Mrs. Grant seemed. Her gentle demeanor was accompanied by a freshly tailored pair of slacks and a colorful blouse that fell against her even complexion beautifully. Her dark hair was pulled back in a sleek and sophisticated style which brought out her rich brown eyes and perfect skin.

"Thank you. You can call me Olivia. And, it's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Grant."

"Oh, please. Call me Ginny," she said in a soothingly calm and inviting tone. "My son has nothing but the best things to say about you." She looked up at Fitz who nodded shyly in agreement.

"He was being gracious, I'm sure."

"I think beautiful is an understatement, Fitz."

Olivia blushed.

"I said you had a beautiful spirit. Mom, a beautiful spirit."

"I'm sure," she dismissed without taking her eyes from Olivia's similarly bright brown ones. "Olivia, my dear, your skin is flawless. And these cheekbones-"

"You're too kind," she shook her head in disagreement. "I don't-"

"And modest too. You did well, Cyrus." She turned her attention to him and reached for a hug.

"Ginny. Mmmm. You get prettier by the second."

She separated from him and smiled, showing all of her perfectly whitened teeth. Her hands reached up to gently pinch his cheeks.

"No need to butter me up Cyrus. I already had our chef prepare your favorite Key Lime Pie."

"You're too good to me."

The warm greetings and small talk were interrupted by a booming voice.

"Well, now that we have that out of the way," Big Gerry stated sarcastically, "Cyrus, Fitzgerald- why don't we leave the ladies to do...what ladies do, and we can have some serious discussions about where we are headed during the next few months of this race!"

"I love the smell of campaign strategy early in the morning!" Cyrus said with genuine excitement.

"That's the spirit!" Big Gerry wrapped his arm around Cyrus'a shoulders and began walking to another section of the house.

"Olivia will be joining us," Fitz said firmly never shifting his stance, pausing the movement of everyone else.

"Come again?" Big Gerry wasn't impressed as he halted and turned his head to his son.

"Olivia will be a part of this conversation, too."

His father smiled, that smile only a politician can master, as he turned on his feet and looked between his son and Olivia.

"I'm sure a sweet girl such as herself doesn't want to be bothered by the details of this campaign."

"It's not a bother at all, sir," she said confidently. "Especially considering the fact that figuring out the details of this campaign is what I get paid to do."

Fitz spoke up again.

"Olivia's ideas will easily put the rest of ours to shame. You'll want to hear what she has to say."

Big Gerry made no effort to be subtle about his once over before grabbing Cyrus again to keep walking.

"Very well then. Follow closely. No lingering."

Olivia and Fitz shared a small smile before walking in the same direction, side by side.

"Thanks for that," she whispered as they made their way to the office, a few short paces behind the two older men. They made eye contact through the corners of their eyes.

"Don't thank me yet," he whispered back, "this won't be pretty."

"But I'm his "precious faced angel"," she said in a deliberately overly sweet tone. Fitz rolled his eyes and smiled as he looked down at her, causing her to return one in same.

"You look nice today, by the way."

Knowing that she she would be meeting the Grant Family for the first time, Olivia paid special attention to her outfits for the few days they would spend in Santa Barbara. On this specific day, she opted for a light pink chiffon top and a well fitted pencil skirt, sure to wear flats for all of the walking they would be doing.

"Thanks, Governor. Does it meet the standards of the West Coast Kennedy's?"

"West Coast Ke-" he laughed. "I take offense to that."

"Sorry," she whispered back, slanting her mouth in an embarrassed way.

"No you're not," he teased back, guiding her into the room where they would all strategize for the next few hours.

And, boy, was Fitz right. It wasn't pretty. It only took a few hours before the conversation turned to a point of no return.

"Fitzgerald, you cannot be afraid to-"

"I'm not afraid," he said with conviction. "This is not fear. This is an attempt at being honorable."

Big Gerry groaned obnoxiously, slamming his palms down on the table, bearing his eyes directly into Fitz's.

"Honorable, schmonerable! Is that what you think got Kennedy in office?! Nixon?! Roosevelt?! Sacrifices need to be made for the betterment of this country! And you, wanting to be sweet little Fitzy, won't cut it! It's time to man up, my boy!"

Olivia was watching Fitz get ripped to shreds by his father. It was all coming together as she watched what could be described as the most confident man she knew, reverting back to his five year old self. He eventually sat, stone faced, playing with the rim of his scoth glass, as he glared at his father with a tightened jaw.

"Do you want to win this?"

"Of course I-"

"Do you want to win this?!"

"If you let me-"

"Do you want to win this?! It's a yes or no question, Fitzgerald Thomas!"

"Yes!" He was angry now. "Yes! I want to win this!"

"Then start acting like it!" The room was quiet enough to hear a pin drop. Olivia felt like maybe she shouldn't have seen this father son interaction. She didn't like Big Gerry, and had only just met him. He was overbearing, and pushy, arrogant, and selfish. All traits that were the opposite of the Governor.

"I'll have a folder with every little piece of dirt you'll need to slam that bible thumping lunatic, Langston, so deep in the ground that she'll be begging for you to take that Republican Nomination."

Big Gerry stood, straightened his tie, and downed his scotch in one motion.

"Now," he cleared his throat and smiled at Cyrus, "I believe we have a round of golf to make up for from your last visit."

"Sir, you know I hate golf."

"I know. And that's why I love playing with you. Enough stalling, Cyrus Beene. We have more business to attend to on the green."


"Olivia."

Fitz had been sitting in the family's china room, staring aimlessly into thin air when he saw Olivia walk down the hallway. He immediately called out, getting her attention. She stepped back a little and saw Fitz sitting alone in the beautiful room.

"Sir?"

"I know you're probably busy right now." She peeked in the room and gingerly walked in, approaching the centered table where he was sitting. "I just wanted to apologize. My father-"

"There's no need to apologize. I completely understand-"

"He's...passionate. I guess." Fitz looked sad, and alone as his narrowed eyes never left the table.

She didn't see the need to focus on Big Gerry at the moment. It was clearly taking a toll on him. A quick change of subject couldn't hurt.

"Will your sister be joining the family today since you're in town?"

"Maggie. She just had another baby," he said, with a small hint of happiness in his voice. "So, I doubt she'll be leaving her house anytime soon. Besides, she's mad that I didn't bring Mellie with me. Sometimes I think she loves my wife more than me."

"Congratulations, by the way. On becoming an uncle again."

"Thanks. My five year old nephew had been begging for a little brother or sister. And, it happened to work out for them."

"That's nice," she answered warmly.

"Yeah. Her husband wants to run for office in the near future. He comes from a family of politics, himself. No surprise there."

Olivia looked around the room, noticing the many sets of chinaware on display. She gradually made her way around the room, barely realizing that Fitz had stood up to join her at some point. In between each display of china, Olivia noticed various pieces of intriguing paintings.

"This is some beautiful artwork in here."

"My mother has always been a fan of the arts. She's been buying pieces for as long as I can remember. The entire house has some really interesting pieces that-"

"Well, don't just tell her, Fitz. Show her," a sweet voice stated. They both turned around to see Ginny Grant standing with her hands held in front of her stomach.

"Mom," Fitz stated with surprise as he walked over and gently kissed her cheek. "I though you had bridge this afternoon."

"I did. I cancelled. It's not everyday I have my son around."

"I'll leave you two to catch up," Olivia cordially said with a smile as she went to exit the room. Fitz went to speak up but his mother beat him to it.

"Olivia, my dear," she tugged on her hand to stop her, "where on earth are you going?"

"I have reports to look over. You and the Governor should enjoy some time together." The two of them obviously shared a bond, and Olivia figured her boss could use a friend, especially after the meeting with his father.

"Don't be silly," Ginny said, shaking her head and grabbing her sons hand with her free one. "Fitz, why don't you take Olivia here on a tour of the house and grounds. There's a lot of history here on this estate."

"Mrs. Grant," the older woman gave her a look, reminding Olivia that she asked to be called something different."Ginny," they shared a warm smile, "I really shouldn't."

"Oh, Olivia. Relax. Enjoy yourself while you're here. Fitz could use some down time too, I'm sure."

Fitz stood there, secretly hoping Olivia would say yes. After the morning he had, he figured he could use a friend.

"If you're okay with it..." He said charmingly, bowing his head to make sure he got a good look into Olivia's eyes.

As soon as he did that, Olivia's mind was made up. That look gets me every time.

"Sure. Why not."


"So, this is obviously the pool house."

"The pool house? This looks bigger than the house I grew up in. And I didn't exactly live in a shack."

Fitz laughed at her statement.

"Yeah, well, this is how the West Coast Kennedy's roll."

"I knew I was onto something," she joked back.

They walked around, Olivia taking her time as she admired more artwork. Fitz was busying himself, looking at old literature in a bookcase, and perusing through a few random drawers.

"Well I'll be damned," he mumbled with a hint of mystery in his voice.

"What?"

"My nephew," Fitz shook his head in disapproval, "I'm going to kill that kid."

He pulled out a bag of unadulterated weed and held it up for Olivia to get a good look. She walked closer to Fitz, never taking her eyes from the product.

"Is that-?"

"You betcha," Fitz said, wide-eyed, bringing it to his nose to sniff it.

"Your nephew smokes that? Isn't he like five?"

"Oh. Not Maggie's kids. My cousin Edward, we grew up together. His son, Eddy, always calls me Uncle Fitz." He stared at the bag with a smirk and small chuckle.

"I caught him smoking out here last summer."

"That's embarrassing."

"Yeah, I guess. I mean, I'm not totally against smoking a little here and there, but he's too smart for this stuff. So, I told him to flush whatever he had down the toilet, and if I ever caught him again or got wind of him smoking, I'd call the police myself."

"Wow. Governor. I didn't picture you as the disciplinarian type."

"I'm not," he shrugged. "I figured if I was the one to scare him, then maybe he'd respect me and take it seriously. Drug problems are the last thing this family needs."

"You really think he doesn't smoke anymore?"

"Hell no. But hopefully it's not a lot. And hopefully it doesn't become a gateway to anything else. He's a good kid. Wants to be a doctor."

"Sounds like you're close to him."

"Yeah, I guess. But, you know what I'm thinking?" Fitz had a sudden twinkle in his eye.

"Should I even ask?"

"It'd be a shame to let this go to waste." He dangled the small bag in between them as if he were ringing a bell.

"No. Not happening. We are so not smoking pot. And as a personal advisor to your campaign, I'd strongly suggest that you don't even think twice about it."

"Oh, come on, Olivia. It'll be just like the college days."

"Not my college days..."

"You're telling me you never smoked a little toke in your wild years of undergrad?"

"Nope."

"Are you serious?" Fitz didn't bother holding back his surprise, facial expression included.

"Yes! Governor, not everyone was a privileged party animal during college. Some of us had to actually take our studies seriously. "

"Ouch, again!"

"Sorry." A hint of a smirk crept at her lips.

"No you're not," he said grinning ear to ear.

"Maybe a little," she teased.

"Come on. Follow me. There's one last stop on the tour."

Fitz lead the way out of the back of the pool house and down a long path. They walked in silence and enjoyed the early evening weather as the sun began to set. Olivia couldn't help but watch her boss, who was seemingly in his element. Even though she was behind him, his entire demeanor reflected how at peace he was in this particular environment. The path was cleared but on either side there seemed to be an endless view of high grass and wild flowers covering the area. Fitz allowed his hands to graze the greenery beside him as he walked closer and closer to their final destination. Finally they arrived at the anticipated stop.

"Wow," Olivia exhaled quietly. "This is beautiful."

They stood side by side in front of a quaint home, covered in ivy to give it a rustic look.

"This is the original house. Before anything else. This is where it all started."

"It's amazing."

"Come on. The best view is in the back."

He again lead the way, Olivia taking in the old beauty that was such a large part of his family's history.

"You gotta grab a spot right...here." He laid down his light jacket on the grass behind the house so her pants wouldn't get dirty.

"Thank you."

"Of course."

They sat in silence leaning back on their palms as they watched the sun set over the trees.

"This house is really amazing."

"My great grandfather built it with his own two hands. My grandfather was born in this house along with all of his four siblings."

"Wow. There really is a lot of history here."

"Tons. I used to take trips here once a year. No electronics, no disruption. I tried to get Mellie to jump on board with that tradition."

"What happened?"

"Well, before the kids, she didn't exactly love the idea of a secluded house with no air conditioning or alarm system. And then after the kids, she claimed there wasn't enough to keep them entertained. So, whenever we bring Gerry and Karen to visit my family, the three of us spend at least one night in this house. Mellie, of course, stays in a hotel."

"That's nice that you keep that tradition with your children, though."

He shrugged.

"It's good to remember where you came from. Keeps people grounded."

No words were shared for a moment until Fitz spoke up again.

"This house also has another significance."

Olivia curiously tilted her head and raised and eyebrow.

"Do tell."

"It's where I had my first kiss."

"Well isn't that just precious," she said in an obnoxiously sweet voice, teasing him.

"Joke away," he teased back, nudging her lightly against her arm. "She was something else. Maria Saratoga. Ninth grade knockout."

Olivia laughed.

"Ninth grade? You had your first kiss in ninth grade? And what kind of name was that?"

"Yes, ninth grade! And, Italian, I believe. I'm not really sure. She had big brown eyes, beautiful skin, curly dark hair. She looked like she belonged on a yacht in the Mediterranean."

"Wow. A yacht huh?" She couldn't hold back a wide smile as she saw him light up about his possible first love. "Sounds like Maria had you hooked."

"I was more than hooked. That girl..." He looked up to the sky and sighed. "I was kinda shy growing up. I didn't think a girl like her would even think about a guy like me. But she must've gotten a taste of something she liked because that same night..." He looked over at Olivia and wiggled his eyebrows in a goofy manner, forcing a childish giggle from both of them.

"You didn't."

"She took the wheel and I followed her lead."

"You had your first kiss and first time on the same night?"

"I did. And I'm proud of it. Thats quite an accomplishment for a scrawny kid like myself. Little did I know, Maria was making the rounds, and I was one of many. Including my Edward."

"You and your cousin had sex with the same girl?"

"True story. But, let the record show I was first. Of course, she never talked to me after that first time but I had gained all the confidence in the world after that."

Olivia laughed harder, not believing that she was having this conversation with her boss. But, it felt natural and comfortable, and okay.

"That is..." she raised her eyebrows and tilted her head as they looked at each other, "some story."

"Now, if your story can beat mine."

She shook her head and closed her eyes with a grin still on her face.

"I'm not even touching that topic."

"Oh, come on! Please? I've only shared that information with a handful of people. You gotta help me out here. Save me a bit of embarrassment."

"I don't know," she looked at him, already slightly embarrassed, "it's not something-"

"I swear I'll never bring it up again. Scouts honor."

His charming smile melted away any walls she had up. He playfully poked her side and made her laugh.

"Come on, Liv. Please?"

That nickname. Liv. He had never called her that before. Once in a while Cyrus referred to her as that, but she had never heard it come from the Governors mouth. And, she liked it. It was sweet, and endearing and familiar. A nice change to her usual work day of nothing but professional titles and serious conversations. Between the nickname and his begging, she couldn't resist.

"Okay," she sighed before proceeding. "His name was Jake-"

"Terrible name," he complained as he scrunched his faced.

She darted him a look and he took the hint.

"Okay, okay. Quiet as a mouse. All ears."

"So," she proceeded slowly, "his name was Jake. And we met senior year on this trip to the capital that was offered across the country to all students in the National Honor Society. He was sweet, and funny, and the nicest guy you'd ever meet. And, I felt safe with him. We got to know each other and dated for a few months. So, a week before my first year of college, we slept together. He was my first but I wasn't his, of course. And... it was perfect." She looked into the distance and smiled to herself at the memory. "He took his time with me. We spent the whole weekend together afterwards. I don't think it could have been better."

"So, this perfect prince, Jake," he said in a dry tone, "the two of you went to college together?"

"No. I went to Georgetown. He went to the naval academy. Not too far from each other."

"And, then what?"

"And then what, what?"

"Something had to happen. You're not with him now."

"Well, he proposed our sophomore year, which completely threw me for a loop. I told him I needed some time, which he didn't agree with. And then, he cheated on me."

"What?!" Fitz hadn't expected that part of the story.

"Yup. One of his roomates sisters. He called me the next day crying and trying to explain himself. But, I was so disgusted. He cheated just because I didn't say yes right away. It's not like I said no. I just didn't think it was fair for me to wear his ring, knowing good and well I had no intention of being married anytime soon. So that was that."

"That was that."

"It's fine, though. I've heard so many horror stories from girls about their first time. I feel like I was lucky."

"You were," he acknowledged sweetly before switching to a low tone, "But, he was an asshole."

"No," she cordially disagreed. "He was a good guy. When I think of it, I shouldn't have broken it off that quickly. He deserved-"

"I don't think-"

"I was just so mad and hurt, you know? I was completely in love with him. He was genuinely sorry. They had some house party and he got drunk...I jumped to conclusions, I guess."

"Olivia, " he shook his head while playing with a random piece of grass,"He was an idiot. You're...incredible." He spoke softly, almost to himself. As he realized what he had just said, he tried to lighten the mood. "A pain in the ass every once in a while, of course, but incredible."

"Was that a compliment, sir?" She asked with a smirk on her face that they shared. "I'm not sure if I should say thank you or slap you."

"It was a compliment. The pain in the ass part is only due to your constant need to be right."

"I am right. Most of the time."

"My point exactly. Nonetheless, you have everything a man could want. A grown man, that is. Obviously, this Jake character didn't know what to do with you."

She smiled and shook her head.

"It doesn't matter now."

"Don't sell yourself short, Liv. You're great."

"And a pain in the ass," she added jokingly.

"And a pain in the ass."

They enjoyed the sounds of nature surrounding them before Olivia spoke up.

"I should head back to the hotel." They both looked at their wrist watches. "I can only imagine how many emails and phone calls I have waiting for me."

"Yeah. Me too."

They stood and Olivia handed his jacket back to him. He put it on and began their walk back to the main house.

"Don't think I forgot about what's in your pocket..." She stated halfway down the path.

"I'm flushing it as soon as we get to a toilet," he replied, before looking over his shoulder at her with a mischievous grin.

"Governor..."

"I swear!"

"There will be a random testing. By me, if I have to."

"I look forward to that, Olivia," he said with a low voice, deliberately being difficult as he continued walking.

"And somehow, I'm the pain in the ass," she teased.

They both laughed, enjoying the last few moments of peace and solitude they were able to share. They didn't dare talk about how much they enjoyed themselves that afternoon. Both secretly knowing that they wouldn't have wanted to spend it any other way.

A/N

Gladiators! Chapter 2! Whoohoo! These two are getting on a roll. I'm really trying to pace this well so we can enjoy how this version of Olivia and Fitz came to be. As always, drop me a review/comment. Your reviews from chapter 1 were so inspiring! Everytime I'd read a new one I'd start writing more. I cannot describe how thankful I am for your support and feedback! It's so great! THANK YOU!