Happy Sunday Gladiators. Here is your next chapter for this tale. I hope you enjoy it and unless something changes this story will probably be the Olitz Christmas Fic for this year. I DO NOT plan on writing a new one but I could change my mind. I hope you all understand.

So please leave me your #MiracleMuffins at the end. I am eager to hear your predictions at what will happen next.

Enjoy and thank you for reading…Me's

/

Chapter 9: Love is a Swing…

"It flies up and makes you breathless, then from the very peak of delight you fall down into the void. The higher you swing, the harder to stop." – Author Unknown

Missing Pieces...December 21, 2012 (1 Day Later)

One day has passed since Fitz learned of Olivia's "sweet tea secret." After their emotional and draining conversation Sunday morning while Miss Rose was attending Mass, he and Olivia had made "somewhat" of a truce. She promised Fitz she would no longer hide herself from his loving eyes. She course hated the fact he KNEW she could not walk but there was nothing she could do to change that fact now.

When Fitz had to speak to Stephen Finch, his Chief of Staff after lunch the next day after Miss Rose "gently" inquired about their talk. She pointed out that her Blue Eyes and Sunshine seemed more comfortable around each other.

"He knows now Noni. There is no point to me hiding the fact I can't," she stops just before she speaks the words.

Miss Rose sits next to her at the kitchen table. "Walk child," Miss Rose covers her hands over Olivia's. Olivia whimpers. It breaks Miss Rose's heart to see her Grandchild this way. She was destined for greatness. But even though that journey – the path of becoming Prima Ballerina was taken, Miss Rose believed there was something greater out there for her to become. After seeing the change in her and Fitz's behavior towards each other, she hopes the miracle she has prayed for arrived.

"Noni," Olivia whimpers removing her hands.

"And let me guess MY Blue Eyes ONLY sees you right," Olivia meets her Grandmother's soft brown eyes. Miss Rose smiles and soon one appears on Olivia's face. "I told you he would understand. This blasted wheelchair of yours means diddly-squat to him. I didn't raise no dip-shit child," she quips. Olivia cackles at her grandmother's word choice.

"Noni you cursed," Olivia jests.

"Of course I did. You both are driving an old woman nuts. Plus it's my house I can swear if I want to," Noni stands and kisses her forehead. "Just do this old lady a favor now all right?" Olivia exhales deeply but listens. "Don't close the door on ALL the possibilities that can happen now that you told Fitz the truth." She begins to protest but Miss Rose quiets her. "I am not telling you to marry him or anything," Olivia mouth drops open.

"Noni we are barely even friends… never mind anything else," she responds tautly. The mere idea of Fitz even thinking of marrying her sends a sensation through her body she is unprepared for. "He can even possibly think of me that way. It's preposterous." A devilish smirk appears on her grandmother's face. Olivia gulps really not liking where THIS talk is headed. "Noni…no….," she pleads.

"At least give that gorgeous man a chance. Men like Fitzgerald Grant DO NOT fall out of the sky." She fans herself as the words leave her mouth.

Olivia snickers but soon grumbles not ready for this conversation. "I am not ready Noni. After Max," she pauses in her words not ready to speak of her partner, even to her Grandmother.

Miss Rose holds her face. "Max would want you to be happy Livy. I know how much you loved him and he you. He wouldn't want you to close off your heart forever. And whether you believe it or not, your heart is already leading you exactly where you need to be and with who," she sighs as they see Fitz coming down the stairs. He stops at the bottom of the steps feeling both pairs of eyes on him.

He exhales watching Olivia not shy away from him. She's still in her wheelchair, and not hiding it from him. Olivia blushes then bits her lips as Fitz smiles at her. "Noni, stop," she chastises.

Fitz steps into the room. "Everything all right with MY TWO favorite girls," he stresses.

"Oh yes Blue Eyes," she coos. "I was just explaining to Livy that men like you just don't fall of the sky."

"Nope we grow on Sugar Plantations and wait for the right woman to come along," he quips then winks directly at Olivia.

"Oh Lord," Olivia blushes but then decides to play his little game. "And IF she does Mr. President then what?"

Fitz then strolls over to her and kneels before her. He takes her hands into his. "Then I wait till she gives me ALL of her sugar."

"And if she does then what happens..."

"Anything WE want," he brings her hand to his lips but does not kiss it. Instead of kissing her hand, he presses his cheek against it. She feels her face become extremely hot as the tension between her and Fitz grows. The hint of arousal and tenderness in Fitz's eyes mirrors her own. She quickly removes her hand from his so can focus on something else not how good it feels to be touching him.

"Shameless," she grumbles quickly wheeling out of the room needing some space and giving privacy to him and Noni. She places herself in front of her favorite window in the Living Room. She cracks it slightly needing the cold winter air.

"Oh Blue Eyes you SO are your father's son." She kisses Fitz's cheek. Now it's his turn to blush. She motions for him to lean down in order to whisper in his ear. "Don't give up on her all right." Fitz gaze falls on Olivia watching her grab a book to read, then back to Miss Rose. "She'll need YOU," she places her hand over his heart, "now more than ever."

"Miss Rose I…," he speaks meekly.

"Trust me child," she coos in an even softer tone. "And you don't fight THIS either." Fitz squints unsure of her meaning until her hand clasps his heart. Miss Rose KNOWS him. She can see IT happening in his eyes every instance he is around Olivia whether she is looking into his eyes or not. They have only known each other a little while, but when it's right, it happens in the blink of an eye. "Be the man I help raise not only for this country Fitz but FOR HER."

"Miss Rose," he mumbles not eager for THIS talk either. "I am not ready…

"Oh honey you are so full of shit," Miss Rose curses again. Fitz mouth drops open. He reaches for the curse jar. "My house, my rules," in which he giggles. "You ain't fooling me darling," she chastises as he leans against the wall, still watching Olivia. "If you aren't ready you would not want to be around her. Flirting with her, and I am certain, she is weaving her way into your thoughts. Stop thinking Handsome," she cups his face, "And feel."

Fitz sighs. "But…,"

"Don't BUT me Fitzgerald," she warns. He shifts his body against the wall. "You know what to do, so do it," she kisses his cheek then heads off into the other room. Fitz continues to watch them both for a few more moments. For the remainder of that day he kept a close eye on Olivia and Miss Rose. He helped Miss Rose with chores around the house, when Olivia needed to rest.

Throughout the day, Olivia reluctantly excepted help from Fitz. He would help her maneuver around the house in her chair. If not, she would feel his gaze on her anytime she moved on her own. If she meet his eyes, he'd wink, making her blush. She swore many times she could catch him REALLY absorbing every part of her, when she was doing the smallest things.

She'd be either wheeling from one room to another, watching TV, how she held her tea-cup or for no reason at all, reading her book, or just gazing at her as if she was the missing piece of puzzle he had been searching for but never able to find – until now. A lot of times Fitz did not realize he was outright gawking until she called him out.

"Stop it," she chastised finally after him doing NOTHING but watch her since their talk with Noni. She was doing a puzzle on her puzzle board which was sitting on the coffee table. Some nights after dinner Noni and Olivia would build one together but since it was only four days before Christmas Miss Rose was busy making preparations for the family dinner. Her family knew Fitz was there and his parents were coming, so she had a huge meal to plan.

Miss Rose also kept finding excuses leaving Fitz and Olivia ALONE to "get to know each other," which was starting to drive them both crazy. Fitz was now standing off by the fire place noticing her struggling to find a piece. She kept crinkling her nose because she has been searching since before he got here for this piece and she cannot find it.

"Stop what," Fitz snickered knowing for some strange reason he could not look away. He felt CLOSER to her since that morning, drawn to her even more. They did not ignore each other, but Miss Rose kept them both busy focusing on other things. Miss Rose may have found him things to do but all he wanted to do was find a way to explain it how she's changing his outlook on life without her wanting to "wheel" in the other direction.

"Watching me," she huffed. "You've been doing a lot since OUR talk. You're making me nervous…," she protests. Fitz sighs deeply. From where he's standing from across the room, she is takes his breath away. The lights from the Christmas tree are dancing off her hair just right, and if she smiles, into her brown eyes.

"Why," he teases now sitting next to her on the couch. But what she doesn't know is how NERVOUS she in return makes Fitz.

"Because it's embarrassing," she blushes. He chuckles. "I can't concentrate. And I'm not going to miraculously stand up and start walking you know."

Then it hits him. Is that really what she thinks he is waiting for? To be honest he is not sure either, but he's willing to see how THIS plays out if he can get her to relax and FEEL instead of overthinking what is happening between them. He exhales. "Do we need to have this discussion again Olivia? I told you what I see, what I will ONLY and ALWAYS see."

She refrains from looking him in the eye but stops when his thumb graces her cheek, bringing her back TO him. "Yah me in that chair."

"Olivia," he growls. "You know that is NOT true. That wheelchair does not matter to me. It never will. You are enough with or without it." She begins to close herself off from him. He can see IT in her eyes. "What can I do to make you believe it and IN ME?" She shrugs her shoulders. "No I need you to talk to me," he pleads hearing Miss Rose on the phone in the other room.

"I don't know what I need all right," she answers. It's the truth but only partially. He stands then sits before her on the coffee table. He takes her hands in his own and squeezes. His large hands totally encompass hers. His touch is light, gentle and feather like as if her hands could fall apart against his skin. She closes her eyes but opens then sensing him move closer. "Don't."

"Don't push me away," he pleads.

"I can't walk remember it's kind of hard," she sarcastically replies.

He exhales deeply. "Olivia," he mutters growing frustrated. He would do anything to make her happy – to see he smile. "I am NOT going away." His words cause her to pull her hands out of his then shift back on the couch. At this moment it hits him. If she allows him into her heart, and he leaves, she'll be crushed or will she. "You think that once I leave here to become President I'll forget about you, won't I." She looks away from him. "Liv?"

The use of "Liv" turns eyes back to his. He has NOT called her this until now. Only one other person called her LIV. Olivia feels the tears in her eyes beginning to form but she stops them. They are wiped away before they are allowed to fall. He leans back next to her draping his arm behind her. His hand travels down to rub her back but she flinches the moment his hand touches her. He does not remove it keeping it resting gently on her shirt.

"I have forgotten about you wanting to see and touch the Constitution," he bends forward to catch her eyes. She moves her head slowly to glance at him. "I am working on it. I want you to believe I am and did not forget. And," his voices catches in his throat and he stops.

"And," she bumps into him.

"In me," he pleads turning his head away from hers. Before he can truly look away she raise her hand and grasps his face prevening him from looking away.

"I do," she utters, nods then locks eyes. Fitz's fingers spread across her hand. He feels this surge within his body to draw her closer. His pupils grow large as he gets lost in her eyes. She senses it too.

"Can we just work on the puzzle," she whimpers. "I need you…" her eyes meet his and Fitz heart breaks. Olivia is aware of the implication of her word choice but it's true. In some way she DOES need Fitz even if it is JUST for a puzzle. "I mean your help." Fitz scoots forward, leaning down to look into her eyes. There is so much pain hidden behind them. All he aches to do is take it all away.

"I'll always BE around to help you Sunshine," he nudges her shoulder gently. "Will I get extra sugar in the morning if I do," he chastises hoping to lighten the mood.

The corners of her mouth turn up. "Depends," she smirks as she finds herself flirting with him.

"On?"

"How much HOPE there is for you helping me find this missing piece I can't seem to locate," she quips. He smirks then turns to look at her puzzle board. She points to the spot on the puzzle and Fitz looks out onto the board to find it. Olivia crosses her arms "thinking" he can't find it but then her mouth drops open as he picks a piece up then places it where it needs to go. Dumfounded she asks, "How did you…,"

Now his hands is caressing her back as he leans into her. "Superpowers," he answers.

"Yah right," she nudges him back. "You are so full of…," but she stops herself before she curses.

"How much hope is there now," he drops his voice leaning his head closer to hers. His nose catches a scent of her sweet shampoo. He inhales deeply loving how her hair smells. Olivia catches him and raises her eyes. He bits his bottom lip then blushes.

"You'll just have to wait till morning and find out now won't you Fi-," she pauses as she almost calls him by his name. Fitz stifles back a laugh but stops as she leans her head on his shoulder. Then he swears he hears the final two letters "tz," as her head touches him. It catches Fitz off guard and slowly he draws her closer. He exhales a breath he didn't know he was holding as her eyes connect with his.

Her hand reaches across her lap over to his. She turns he hand right side up waiting for him. The smile that appears on his face causes his eyes to shimmer under the Christmas Tree lights. His hand slowly meanders over to hers and they connect. She nuzzles her head into him as they ONLY hold the others hand. She is granting him not only permission to hold her but to prove in some way that she believes even slightly, that he'll be there for her.

It's a tiny step, but it's enough to warm his entire body. He hasn't felt needed by anyone in so long, and she's stirring emotions in him he thought he never feel again. "Livy" he murmurs in his mind as a wave of contentment begins to take hold of his mind and body. She raises her head as if she heard his thoughts.

She bits her lip in embarrassment. "Show off," she quips glancing at him then the piece. Now he laughs throwing his head back. Olivia removes her hand just pokes him in the stomach only making Fitz laugh harder.

She sits up. "I hate you," she pokes him in the side.

He cups the opposite cheek holding her face gently. "Liar." She snickers. "But if I helps I hate you too."

"Then no sugar," she quips.

"I'll work for it Sunshine," his drawls in a southern voice. Now it's her turn to laugh.

"You are a pain in the…," but as Fitz raises his eyes daring her to curse she giggles. To his surprise she leans up to reach his ear and whispers "Ass," into it. Fitz involuntary jumps besides beside her then shivers. Olivia blushes not expecting this TYPE of reaction to whispering in his ear. His ears to beet red. "Now who's embarrassed Mister…," she snorts

Fitz does not say a word but points the puzzle hoping they can get back on their task. They continue to work on the puzzle paying no mind to Miss Rose spying on them from the other room.

"Is it working," the person on the phone questions.

"There's definitely hope." Miss Rose answers noting and hoping that just maybe her Sunshine and Blue Eyes will finally lead with their hearts permitting themselves to FEEL instead of think.

/

Come Swing With Me… (12-22-16)

The next morning, Olivia is in her room just waking up. She normally wakes up around 6:00 am but this morning she slept in later. Her and Fitz had worked on her puzzle much later then either one of them had planned. By the time they had even looked at a clock it was nearly 11:00pm. Miss Rose had kept the company assisting them once she ended her phone call until nearly 9 which was late for her.

Her head turns to take a look at the time. "Oh heck," she sighs but then remembers her reason for sleeping so late. Fitz. Since coming to Hope, Vermont and meeting him he's the last thing she think of and the very first when she wakes up. It frustrates her to no end because NO MAN before had ever been able to do this to her in the past. She has known Peter it seems forever and he's in her mind but no to this degree.

Not even Max, which causes her heart to break. She misses him every day, not permitting herself to move on or to even other trying. But it turns out her grandmother intuition of second chances always come along when you least except them is true. Losing Max in the manner she did, transformed her life forever and not for the better. She had met Max her first year at Juilliard in of all places an American History class.

She did well in the class, better than Max, but she hated it. Max was struggling with the subject and Olivia volunteered to tutor him so his dance scholarship would not get taken away. He had to keep a 2.75 grade point average in all his classes and with History it was not happening. He was barely pulling a 2.0 after their first few tests. Their professor asked her to tutor him in order to save his scholarship. Since they were dancing partners all ready, it was no big deal.

By the time American History 101 ended he squeaked by with a 2.80. Max made it a point to always keep his grades up after that scare and with Olivia's help he succeeded.

Soon they became the top ballet dancers by the beginning of their junior year. Their dance instructor had them do a mock audition during their spring semester for Boston Ballet Inc. A nice train ride to New York City where Julliard is located. The couple hour train ride did nothing to calm their nerves but with their dance instructor's help and guidance they did extremely well. They had to do two dances.

One in the traditional ballet format and the other contemporary. For their traditional dance they chose the instrumental music from How To Train Your Dragon where Hiccup takes Astrid her very first ride. Olivia wore a costume much like Hiccups in the movie and Max became Toothless, even with the wings. They truly became their characters on the dance floor learning to trust, need and love one another. This was when they realized they loved each other.

Then for their contemporary piece, Max chose All or Nothing by Athena Cage the piece used in Save the Last Dance for Sara's audition. The ballet staff from the Boston Company was so impressed with their dancing, Olivia and Max were allowed to dance with them during the summer breaks, and at times for some shows in the winter. By the time they had graduated Julliard Olivia and Max were given full time jobs working at the Boston Ballet Company.

Miss Rose, her father Louis and mother Alice Pope were extremely proud of their daughter. Normally the Boston Ballet did not hire someone fresh out of school. They made the exception for Max and Olivia because their chemistry off the ballet floor translated into every performance they did with the company, as solo dancers or as a team.

During this time Peter Caldwell was very much in Olivia's life, and had been for some time. He come to see her dance often and knew of her relationship with Max. He kept his feelings for her hidden, especially after she kissed him innocently at her graduation party. Max was unable to make it due to his family having a party for him. Peter was extremely proud of her and when he realized he loved her, but she was in love with Max, he willingly stepped aside.

That was until three years ago when everything in Olivia's life changed and she lost it all in the most horrible way. Since then she has only been a fraction of the person she used to be. There are glimpses of her dancing past all through-out her grandmother's home. Her trophies, pictures, and her ballet slippers tucked away since her accident. They are placed securely in a box in for safe keeping.

She'll NEVER dance again, Olivia is well aware of this fact. She has been unable to FEEL anything in her legs since her accident. Olivia has been to countless neurologists claiming they can help her to walk again. Olivia has had surgery after surgery to get the feeling to return to her lower half, but nothing. She has undergone three invasive procedures each from a different doctor claiming their surgery could return the feeling to her legs.

It is all she's ever wanted, to dance ever since she was a little girl and heard of Noni speaking of her Blue Eyes. After going through it the 4th and final time, Olivia vowed to never do it again. It's too painful and each time it does not work. Ever since the procedure she's hoped every morning when she wakes Olivia has prayed to feel anything in her legs. The neurologist, a Dr. Derek Shepard pioneered a new procedure in the hope it would return the feeling to her legs gradually.

"Move dammit," she scolds the lower half. She throws the blankets off her legs. She "should" feel the chill on her legs but NOTHING. She pushes herself up on her elbows enough to sit up on the bed. She rests her back against the pillows.

"I SAID MOVE DAMMIT," she screams on the verge of tears. "WHY WON'T YOU MOVE!"

"Olivia," her name is called after a soft knock. Fitz enters. "I heard yelling" he explains as he enters her room. She scurries for the comforter and sheets but she tossed them to far in order to cover her legs, to shield them from his eyes. Yes she is in pajamas but that does not mean she wants Fitz's perfect eyes to see them. As Fitz sees her on the bed rushing to locate the blankets he stops at the door.

She freezes noting a hint of fear and sadness in his eyes. "Hi," she speaks next unsure of what else she could say to him.

"Hi," he steps forward then stopping at the foot of her bed. "Do you want," he points to the blankets to cover her legs. She smiles. Fitz retrieves them then covers her legs. She's in light weight pajamas.

"Thanks," she answers meekly. He backs away from her unsure of what do to do. Miss Rose taught him NEVER to enter a lady's room uninvited and definitely not in her home. If you were not married, or engaged later on, a man in HER house did not belong in a lady's bedroom. He remembers these words and begins to leave.

"Wait," Olivia blurts out. Fitz breathes a sigh of relief. He crosses his arms across his chest unsure of what to do.

"You sure you want me to stay," he asks now stepping forward. She nods. "Miss Rose asked me to come in and help you up this morning." Olivia pushes herself up to sit fully without anything to rest her back on.

"Did she say why?"

"Shopping for Christmas Dinner with your Uncle Bernard," Fitz answers. "I guess she wants to make sure she has enough food because all your family is coming to see me while I'm here. And my family is coming also. Lots of mouths to feed."

"Oh. But she doesn't allow any man into…,"

"I know but I'm NOT any man now am I…" he blushes and hides her eyes from him. This man affects her in ways she never dreamt of. "So," he moves forward unsure of what to do. "What do you need? I'm guessing help out of bed, getting in the chair…," he rambles afraid of doing something to upset her or do it wrong.

"First for you relax and breathe," he chuckles. "I am NOT that hard to take care of." He stifles a laugh as her eyes widen. "Then how about you sit with me." His mouth drops open. She shifts over on her bed making a spot for him. She reaches out to him. "Sit with me," she pleads. She senses his resistance and begins to retract her hand. That is until Fitz's hand meets hers.

He steps to her keeping his eyes on her then finally sits down. Their hands stay connected as their fingers move against the other. He drapes the arm closet to her over her body. "Does this…is this," he asks.

"It's okay," she smiles as he scoots forward. "It's not like I can feel anything anyway," she huffs.

"Olivia," he inches forward.

"What it's the flipping truth," she scoffs.

He moves closer eager to ease her heartache, even though there is not much he can do but be with her right now.

"Why were you yelling," he inquires. "Who were you screaming at to move?" He feels the tension in her hand and understands. "Your legs," he exhales when she does not respond. She lowers her head unable to gaze in his blue eyes any longer. It's stupid for her to think she'll feel something. It makes no sense why she keeps hoping for miracle that will never happen.

"Hey," he inches forward placing his fingers under her chin. It stops her from averting his gaze but she becomes closed off from him once again. "You will walk again," he states with conviction.

She now glances up to meet his eyes. "No I won't."

"Yes you will. All you have to do is believe," he smiles softly.

"What are you Santa Claus," she grumbles with a half smirk on her face.

"Well only this year because next year I'll be President and I'll have to rule the world," he quips. Finally she smiles. Sensing he must get her mind off of things he glances out her bedroom window. His eyes widen at what is there. An adorable smirk appears on his face reaching his eyes.

"What," she scolds.

"Let me get you up for Miss Rose. We'll have breakfast then I want you to come outside with me," he wiggles his eyes.

"No." Olivia does not go outside much in her wheelchair in the winter. She is terrified that her chair will not have traction on the snow or ice.

"Oh come on," he protests in a loud whine. "You don't even know what I have planned."

"I don't go outside Governor unless I have to. And I don't have to," she scoffs as she tries to pull her hands from his.

"Do you trust me," he asks. "I'd never ask if I didn't have a plan or have your back. Nothing will happen to you out there. You won't fall. I swear."

She sighs. "It snowed."

He chuckles. "Yes I know. It is three days before Christmas after all. If it was 80 degrees and sunny here in Vermont I'd be worried." Now she glares at him. "But I am not afraid of a little snow. Are you Sunshine?"

"I guess not but what if I slip or my chair," she begins to explain but Fitz stops her.

"I'll be with you every step of the way all right. Trust me. I really want to do something special for you," he pleads now holding her cheek. "Please," he pouts with a full lip stick out.

"Oh Lord please don't do that," she begs and then giggles. "Fine," she agrees. He smiles. "But I swear if anything happens Noni will beat you in the back yard with all the wood you haven't chopped yet for her." He laughs. "What why do you think it hasn't been chopped yet. She was waiting for her Blue Eyes to show up." He hears this sarcasm and drawl on her voice making Fitz's ears to red.

Now it's her turn embarrass him. He sighs then Olivia explains what she needs help with getting out of bed. He raises the blankets off her legs, then carefully lifts them to the side. His eyes are on hers the entire time, not once leaving them. Once her legs are over the side of the bed, she reaches for her fuzzy socks. He slips them over her bare feet then runs his hands up her legs. Her eyes widen.

"Stop," she blurts out.

"Did I hurt you," he sits next to her.

"No I just," stops mid-sentence unsure of how to explain. "I thought for a second I felt...," he leans down in order for him to see her face and her eyes.

"Felt," and then he realizes it too. He kneels in front of her resting his hands on her legs. "Do you feel me?" Now he's panicking. But her face says it all. Soon the tears begin to stream down her cheeks and he's next to her instantly. He draws her close into his chest and holds her as she cries into his chest. "It's going to be okay," he coos into her brow. His hand runs up her back and he feels something. "Liv? What happened?"

Into his chest she speaks, "I had surgery two months ago. Beginning of October. Doctor Shepard did this new operation that would gradually return feeling to my legs. He said I should be feeling something by now but I'm not. NOTHING is happening."

"Liv," he croaks holding her closer. Now both arms are around her. He lifts her chin to look into her eyes. He wipes the tears away with his thumbs. "Everybody heals differently. Give your body time." She swallows hard listening to his words. "One day it will happen. You'll move your legs and not even realize it."

"And how can you be so sure," she asks.

"Because one way or another you'll be okay. I just feel it," he hopes to reassure her. He sees the doubt in her eyes. "Come on let's have breakfast. And have some fun before your Grandmother comes home put my ass to work." His cursing makes her laugh finally. "There you are," he sighs as she lifts her head so now they are eye level. He aches to place a tender kiss on her brow, forehead to show her that he be with her in any way he can.

"Can you," she eyes her chair. He nods. He leaves her momentarily on the bed and pushes her chair to the side of her bed. Before she can do anything, she's in his arms. "I can do this myself you know. I slide off the bed into the chair."

"Well I was told by Noni to NOT allow you to under any circumstances. She was rather insistent that I pick you up," Fitz raises his voice at the end of his statement unsure why. He slowly places her in the chair. Olivia rolls her eyes and then he pushes her out of the room. Olivia wants to fight him but she allows it. He places her at the table while he readies coffee, eggs, bacon, and sausage.

Olivia watches him intently. "What," he inquires bringing breakfast to the table.

"Your breakfast skills will come in handy at the White House," she jokes.

He sits. "I'll only make breakfast for you," he blurts out unsure why. She bits her bottom lip as he watches. He reaches for the sugar but she snags it quickly out of his reach. "Hey?"

"Who said you could have MY sugar Mr. President," she teases.

He snickers. "Well I made you breakfast. I'm kind of hoping you'll give me more than JUST sugar." He eyes bore into hers and she quickly has to avert his stare. Before she can pull her hand away, his hand covers hers.

"Shameless," she grumbles. Fitz chuckles but they eat breakfast and she only allows him only a little bit of sugar at a time. She is teasing him but Fitz is enjoying it.

They finish breakfast and Olivia heads to her room to change. She is more than capable of dressing herself. She places her legs into some warm pants which is a struggle but she does it. Then a warm top and sweater. She emerges from her room ready to go.

Fitz cleaned up the kitchen quickly and is waiting for her with her winter coat. "What are we doing?"

"No questions," he pleads helping with her jacket. "Now we get done I am hoping I can swing you in the right direction for you to call me Fitz." She squints.

"Um…,"

"I doubt it but we'll see," she exhales as he begins to push her to the door and outside. Once on the porch he pushes her down the ramp. The snow was removed this morning and soon she is headed to the side of the house but a large oak tree. "Oh my Gosh. I can't," she places the breaks on her chair.

Fitz exhales deeply behind her. "Oh yes you can," he whispers into her hair. He nuzzles his face into her hair and soon she relents. She is pushed down the ramp over to the tree. Her eyes glance up to the large branch above them and the rope hanging down attached to a wooden swing her Grandfather made.

"No I can't. I'll fall off," she protests wanting to be anywhere but here. She has not been on it since her accident. Probably longer.

"I've got you." He leans over so his head is adjacent to hers. She turns to see him there. "I promise." She sighs deeply. "I will never allow you to fall." She hears the sincerity in his voice and meekly nods. He pushes her chair over to the swing securing her brakes. He steps in front of her.

"What are you," Olivia asks just as he lifts her out of the chair and then sits with her in his lap on the swing. "Holy Shit," she cries out as Tom comes over to them and fastens her to Fitz with a leather belt. She is so shocked that she is speechless. Fitz draws her so close that he can rest his head on her shoulder. He cannot help it. She's tense but he whispers into her ear that she'll be fine.

Once Tom has them secure, he steps back and Fitz slowly begins to move the swing back and forth. He uses his legs only, and keeps his arms around her. "I am going to fall," she squeals.

"Never," he coos as Tom begins to push on Fitz's back. Her eyes are closed tightly afraid to look. "Open your eyes Princess and let your heart desire," he whispers into her cheek.

She chuckles at his choice of words. Soon her eyes are open and he's urging her place her hands on the chain. She shakes her head vigorously no but eventually she caves. His arms begin to lift off her body. "Don't even think about it," she scolds. They coil around her tighter and Tom continues to push them a little bit higher. "You best not let me go," she squeals at the motions of the swing increase and they get higher.

"I can't let you go Livy," her nickname slides off his lips like the melody of a perfect song with her name in the title. His grip tightens as it washes over him. He does not want to let her go. For the first time since he lost everything he's happy and free. It's because of this incredible woman in his arms. Her breath hitches as it hits her full on like the wind.

"Tom," Fitz calls out as his lead agent steps away and allows Fitz to finally take over.

Fitz pushes the swing just high enough with her not to freak her out. In another few minutes, Olivia is finally letting go, having fun and laughing. "Higher," she pleads and Fitz acquiesces. She has not FELT this free since her accident. She FEELS the wind on her face, passing through her hair, over her ears. Fitz has taken her "dancing" and he does not even realize it.

THIS is what this ride on the SWING FEELS like.

Olivia senses are in overdrive and she FEELS too much at once. Her heart is pounding in against her chest, beating rapidly. Her breaths are quick and short as the swing moves back and forth. Her hands grip the metal chains tighter, leaving indentations in her hands.

She also FEELS Fitz. His broad, strong, firm chest behind her, gives her comfort. The rising and falling of his chest gives a sense of peace she has not felt since the accident.

His arms. Fitz's muscular, large arms and hands are cocooned around her small and fragile body. Her mind travels back to Toothless and Hiccup. Fitz's arms are HIS WINGS protecting her from harm, and the outside forces that threaten to eat her alive every day.

"I've got you," he murmurs into her ear as her head falls back on his shoulder. He is needed, wanted actually by so many all the time. But in this moment she's allowing herself to NEED him. This sensation courses through Fitz's body, taking hold of his darkened and broken heart. She's brought LIGHT and HOPE back into his life he did not except nor want until now.

"You BEST not drop me MISTER," she chastises.

"I promise," he giggles as she laughs with him.

Finally he begins to slow the swing and it comes to a halt. As it stops, Tom begins to stand behind him to undue the belt but Fitz motions for him to stop. He assures Tom that he can do it himself. Tom steps to the side of the yard giving them privacy. He positions the belt so his hands can reach the buckle. As his hands touch the metal Olivia's hands cover his, lacing their fingers together.

He sees something in her eyes he had not seen before now. It causes his heart to flutter and skip a beat. "Liv," he croaks.

One hand then travels up and slowly cups his cheek opposite her face. Her fingers spread across his face, holding him in place. "One minute," she whispers. "I don't want…,"

"One minute," he sighs. She presses her forehead against his and closes her eyes taking him in. Her breathing calms and in a few long breaths Fitz is in sync with her. Happy tears stream down her face she feels Fitz continue to hold her. His large hand moves up and down her back attempting to sooth her whimpers. Thinking he has done something wrong, he apologies. "Liv?"

She quiets him, by gazing hard into his eyes with a soft smile. When he senses she is ready to be released he unhooks the belt, then lifts them both, placing Olivia in her chair. Once she is sitting down, he fetches her blanket and covers her legs. He crouches down in front of her resting his hands on her legs. Olivia is completely quiet as she gazes lovingly in his eyes. He begins to speak again until she cups his face with both his hands.

"Liv," he speaks her name hoarsely for a second time. "Are you okay? Did I hurt…," She nods no. "Then what's wrong," he mutters.

"Thank you…," she pauses.

She nods her head then exhales deeply to quiet him just as his mouth opens to return the gesture. She lifts his head in order to place a kiss on his forehead. Fitz is stunned as her soft, slightly warm lips connect with his skin.

His heart bounds in his ears not expecting her to kiss him. He stumbles slightly but Olivia holds onto him with all her arm strength. As she retracts her lips and gazes deeply into his eyes, it is her next word that changes EVERYTHING…

"Fitz."

/

Drops #MiracleMuffins and #PumpkinSeeds and runs…

YES #HolyFitz she FINALLY said his name. In the story it has only been about four days since they met. But it's a HUGE momentous step you could say in the right direction.

Olivia is slowly letting Fitz into her hear. He's giving her more than she realizes and she in return is doing the same. She is changing his life, and per Miss Rose's medaling he is allowing it to happen. (Like seriously who could resist Fitz anyway.)

Both have been through SO much heartache but are on the road to recovery. Yes Olivia has had some surgeries and the last one was by my favorite doctor. Derek Shepard. Will he make an appearance, who knows, #ThereIsHope

Also the ending of this chapter was inspired by Tony Goldwyn's "Swing the Vote" commercial that aired the other day with Matt McGory. It totally took me by surprise and I added it to this tale. And it was the perfect moment for her to call him Fitz. Yes

So I'm eager to hear your predictions on what should happen next.

As always thank you for reading and reviewing…

Pumpkins Muffins and more…

Me's