A/N: I would like to give a huge S/O to Jen (JenOdomOTH on Twitter) for her love & support concerning this particular story and of course her love for Emmie:)
I know it's been a while since I updated and I appreciate your patience. Please keep in mind this story takes place during season one after Olivia resigned from her position in the White House.
As always I appreciate you taking the time to read. I am excited about the journey I am taking this particular Olivia and Fitz on and look forward to sharing more of them with you. Xo
Chapter 10: The Best Thing
"Sometimes you can't explain what you see in a person. It's just the way they take you to a place where no one else can."
OPOV
Olivia smiled at the music playing in the background. It was just after 9 o'clock and the house smelled wonderful. She could hear Fitz rummaging through the kitchen cabinets and refrained several times from checking on him. He insisted on making them breakfast and after the second 'shoo' Olivia decided to retrieve to the living room where she stayed put until the food was ready.
Her feet were up on the small ottoman in front of her and she opened her tablet that rested on her lap. She quickly scanned several emails and was about to reply to one from a former client when she felt her cell phone buzz against her hip.
"Good Morning, mother," she said into the receiver. She knew Maya would be expecting to have dinner with Genevieve and she contemplated for a few seconds on whether she should put the inevitable off any longer.
Maya spoke her usual morning routine, asking Olivia how she was feeling and if she was taking care of herself. She half listened and returned her attention back to the email in front of her when Maya shifted the topic of conversation to Fitz's mother...just as Olivia expected.
"I'm still not sure how long she's in town for, mother...why don't you ask her yourself. We'd love for you and Dad to join us for dinner tonight."
Maya grew silent for a moment and Olivia knew she had taken her off guard with the invitation. She quickly accepted and soon cut the conversation short, letting her know she would bring over some homemade dessert for the special occasion.
Olivia hung up the phone and returned her attention back to her tablet. She was a few sentences in when Fitz called her by name into the dining room. She caught glimpse of two plates in his hand and quickly finished typing her thoughts before joining him.
Fitz stood at the end of the table and extended his hand to her. He wore a gray navy t-shirt and Olivia spotted a few stains from his breakfast preparation. She lovingly touched his chest and kissed his lips before sitting down in the chair he had waiting. Her stomach growled at the sight of the food and she eagerly thanked him for his efforts.
"This looks so wonderful..."
Fitz sat down across from her and they both began to eat, eventually bringing up her conversation with Maya.
"I invited my parents over tonight...do you want to give Genevieve a call? I feel so bad we didn't even have a chance to eat together last night." Fitz nodded his head and replied, speaking between mouthfuls.
"She'd love that. I'll give her a call when we're done. I don't want you lifting a finger today. You went through a lot of trouble yesterday."
Olivia could see the regret on his face and she suddenly felt bad for bringing last night up. It was true she spent a good part of the day cooking for his mother but the fact they didn't eat together certainly wasn't his fault. She reached for his hand and caressed the top of it gently.
"Stop. I was happy to do it. I enjoy your mother so much...Maya is bringing dessert tonight. You know she's baking ten cakes as we speak." She spoke the last words playfully in hopes to lighten the mood. Fitz laughed and Olivia took the opportunity to change the subject.
"I think we need a break from all this...we keep talking about seeing Jerry and Karen. We need to make it happen." Her words stopped Fitz mid bite and she could see the wheels in his head turning.
"What do you have in mind?" She watched him set his fork down and sit back in his chair. His plate was nearly empty and it always surprised her to see how quickly he could devour food. She couldn't help but wonder if it was due to once being in the military.
"Let's go visit them. I'm sure they'd love to see you. And we can tell them about Em-"
"Is this about the job offer?" Fitz's question cut her off before she could finish the rest of her sentence. His voice was a bit on edge and it made Olivia choose her words carefully.
"No...not entirely. I mean, I'd love to know more about your life before Washington but there's no pressure. I want this to be about Jerry and Karen. I honestly want to know them better. And it will be good for us to get away..." She spoke the words slow and trusted Fitz would accept her answer.
He continued to watch her from across the table and took a few minutes to respond.
"I'll make the arrangements and give them both a call later." They continued to stare at one another for a few moments before Olivia shifted the topic of conversation to her parents.
"I'd really like tonight to be about Emmie and celebrating your moms visit. You mentioned talking to my dad-"
"I called him this morning."
Fitz's words again cut her off again and she paused at his response wondering when he could have phoned him.
"You were in the shower," he replied, reading her mind. "He knows everything. He wants to speak to mother some more but we agreed it wouldn't be today. We want the same thing, Livvie..."
His face was sincere and she fought the urge to go to him. He eventually picked up his fork and finished the last bit of food on his plate, allowing a comfortable silence to fill the room. Olivia's emotions suddenly took over and she desperately wanted to cry. It was just like Fitz to know exactly what she needed.
They finished eating breakfast and Fitz reluctantly let Olivia help him clean up. She insisted she help put the dishes away and playfully swatted the dish towel several times at Fitz's bottom when he tried to protest. The mood was light and she felt good for the first time in a long while.
When they finished in the kitchen Olivia asked Fitz to join her in the nursery. She wanted his input on a few things concerning the arrangement of the room and Fitz was eager to offer his two sense.
They discussed the best place to put the crib and Olivia leaned against Fitz, listening to his suggestions. His arm wrapped around the front of her body, his hand rubbing her stomach in what was now becoming a regular pattern. He paused for a moment as if deep in thought and she couldn't help but turn to look at his face.
"What's wrong?" She asked, her voice slightly concerned.
"Thank you for wanting to spend time with my children."
Olivia stepped out of his hold and fully turned to look at him. For the second time that morning his facial expression was childlike and she reached for his hand and wrapped it around her waist. His blue eyes turned sapphire and she affectionately rubbed the stubble forming on his cheek.
"Thank you for being willing to share them with me."
They stood in the middle of Emmie's room and embraced, tears pricking the corners of Olivia's eyes. She was overly emotional and knew there was nothing she could do to stop herself from feeling this way. Fitz began to share some memories he had of his children when they were little and Olivia's smile spread from ear to ear.
"We need a rocking chair..." Fitz said definitively. "Karen was a rocker- it was the only way we could get her to sleep."
"Maybe Emmie will take after Karen," Olivia replied. She rummaged through a few bags near the closet door and began mentally picturing where certain things would be placed in the room when a thought crept into the back of her mind.
Should they even be making arrangements right now? What if Fitz ends up taking the job in California?
Olivia tried not to show her concern and decided to change the subject, making her way back into the hall. She brought up their soon to be trip and asked Fitz where he was thinking of staying. They were now back in the living room and Olivia sat on a nearby chair, picking up her tablet that rested on the ottoman.
FPOV
Fitz sat across from her and remained quiet. He watched as Olivia appeared to be busying herself, as is trying to ignore him. Her demeanor suddenly changed in Emmie's room and he reexamined his last few words wondering what could have brought on the mood swing.
"What just happened?" He decided not to spend any more time trying to decipher what caused the change and simply cut to the chase.
Olivia eyes lifted from the screen in front of her and he noticed her shift uncomfortably from side to side. Her head tilted back and she closed her eyes. She was definitely holding back and he couldn't figure out why.
"Olivia..." His voice was deep and his elbows rested on his knees waiting for her to respond.
"I don't want to spend time decorating Emmie's room in case we end up moving..."
"Who said we're moving? Livvie, your complicating this-"
"I'm just trying to be realistic."
She sounded conflicted and Fitz wasn't sure if he should continue to press the matter. They stared at one another before Olivia returned her attention elsewhere. Fitz knew he wasn't going to get anywhere with Olivia right now. She was holding back and there wasn't much he could do until she opened up to him. He eventually stood and went into their office, deciding to give Genevieve a call.
Fitz spent the first few minutes of their call discussing dinner plans. He explained Olivia's parents were coming over that evening and also wanted to discuss Rowan. It was time she speak to him about the information concerning Susan and he honestly preferred her talking to Rowan over the DCPD.
Genevieve quickly complied, explaining she would gladly cooperate and wanted to be of help. He appreciated her support and made certain he shared his gratitude with her. Before he ended the call he decided to mention the trip to California.
"Olivia and I are wanting to visit the kids this weekend. I'd like to stay in the Carmel house."
"Of course, dear. It hasn't been occupied in some time...let me make a call. It will be ready when you need it."
Fitz thanked his mother and hung up the phone. Carmel was a quaint little town off the coast of California his family owned property on. He knew Olivia would like it there and was actually feeling excitement about showing her a part of his life he hadn't thought about in a very long time.
He leaned back in the chair and sat in silence for a while thinking about the job offer he received yesterday. It was a good opportunity and something he could easily see himself not only doing well but enjoying. He knew it would be a big change from the White House but maybe Olivia was right...maybe it was worth pursuing.
Without thinking any further, he decided to pick up the phone again and give Commander Richards a call. The conversation was short and Fitz explained he would be in the area soon and wanted to meet and discuss his offer in person. He could hear the surprise in the commanders voice and was thankful he didn't question his change of mind. They agreed to meet later that week and Fitz made certain the commander understood this conversation was simply a discussion and nothing more.
Once he hung up the phone, Fitz stood and headed for the door. Before he could open it, Olivia entered and immediately apologized. Her hair was now pulled back and he admired her long, beautiful neck line. She stood near the wall and crossed her arms at her chest, eyeing him closely, waiting for a response.
"I've set up a meeting with Richards this weekend. Let's hold off on the room...at least until we return. Sound okay?" He ignored her apology and rubbed her shoulders repeatedly in a soothing pattern watching her brown eyes deepen in color.
"It sounds more than okay," she replied quietly. Fitz kneeled down before her and kissed her stomach several times whispering words of love into the life growing inside her.
"I can't wait for you to meet your brother and sister. They are going to love you."
"Fitz...this will be an adjustment. I don't want you to be disappointed..."
He looked up at her and she stroked his hair with her fingertips. A memory of Jerry and Karen surfaced and he rose to his feet, kissing her cheek in the process. Fitz walked out of the study and motioned for Olivia to sit down with him on the large oversized chair in the living room. The moment she snuggled into him, he began to open up to her.
"When I made the decision to resign it was going to affect them the most. I had to be honest. They deserved to know why I was uprooting their life so I told them about us."
"They already know about Emmie?" Fitz could hear the surprises in her voice and he wished he would've had this conversation with her a long time ago.
"They do."
He wanted to be honest. Olivia's desire to visit California was a shock to him and it was the only reason he was even bringing this up right now.
"Fitz! How could you not tell me about this sooner!" Olivia sat up and turned her body around to face him.
"I should have- I've been so preoccupied with Susan and my father- but that's no excuse. I should've told you."
He stared her in the eyes and hoped she understood. Her face was hard and her lips were pressed together tightly in a manner that indicated her clear irritation with him. They stood silent for what felt like an eternity until Olivia's shield finally softened.
"What did they say?"
Fitz inhaled slowly and wished he had a drink in his hand. His children were in their early teens and often hard to read. Answering her question wasn't going to be easy but he desperately wanted to ease her mind.
"I don't think they were really surprised about us, Liv. They saw me after you resigned. I'm sure they connected the dots."
Olivia broke eye contact with him and stood from the chair, walking towards the kitchen. He knew she was probably wishing for a glass of wine right about now and he didn't blame her. She was in a very awkward position. He didn't want to sugar coat it because it wasn't going to change anything.
He was in love with her and that was never going to change.
Fitz remained seated and gave Olivia space. He knew both their parents would be arriving that afternoon and wanted to focus on family time. It would be good for them...especially Olivia. He listed to her rummage throughout the kitchen but didn't go to her, hoping whatever was on her mind wouldn't take away from what was most important right now.
Emmie.
OPOV
Genevieve was first to arrive carrying more gift bags. Fitz quickly took them from her hand and Olivia watched him kiss his mother hello on the cheek. She overhead an exchange between them referencing California but didn't know what it meant. Olivia invited her into the living room and was about to offer their guest a drink when more footsteps could be heard outside.
Rowan opened the door for Maya and Olivia eyed her parents suspiciously. She wondered how long they were waiting on Genevieve's arrival before coming inside. For a split second she pictured them parked at the curb as if in a steak out and the thought made her want to roll her eyes.
Maya was first to make eye contact and motioned for Olivia to take the container from her hands. She could smell homemade banana bread and her stomach instantly grew alive. Hunger set in and she regretted not eating more for lunch.
Olivia set the dessert down and watched from the other room as Maya hugged Genevieve. Their embrace somewhat shocked her and she was even more surprised to see Rowan's reaction towards Fitz's mother. Her eyes continued to widen as Maya shared how good it was to speak to her on the phone that morning. The exchange made her feel awkward and she could only imagine what that conversation was like.
Fitz returned from the other room and walked towards the gathering before her. She soon felt his stare and within seconds he was by her side asking what was wrong. Olivia felt foolish and quickly reassured him she was fine. She mentally gathered herself and finally joined in conversation.
The two grandmothers doted on Olivia, complimenting nearly everything about her. Maya touched her stomach several times and continued to talk their ear off about how well Olivia was handling the pregnancy. It felt odd hearing the two woman go on and on about her and she knew her facial expressions alone were more than likely harsher than she intended them to be.
Fitz and Rowan walked to the corner of the room and Olivia kept subtle tabs on the two men in her life. She watched Fitz pour her father a drink before inviting him to take a seat. Olivia went to him and gently touched his arm hello. It was her first contact with him that evening and he immediately grabbed her hand into his.
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm doing good, Dad. We're really happy you're here."
Rowan simply nodded his head and took a sip of his drink eventually breaking eye contact with Olivia. She kissed the top of his head and joined Fitz who was now pouring himself a drink at the wet bar. The afternoon had been somewhat quiet between them and Olivia appreciated the space. The moment she joined him, Fitz wrapped his arm around her and kissed her warmly.
"It sounds like our mothers chatted this morning..."
"I wish I could've been a fly on the wall for that convo," she replied, snickering under her breath. She heard Fitz chuckle and she couldn't help but eventfully laugh with him.
They turned in unison towards the living room and watched their parents from a distance. Olivia rested her head against Fitz's chest and listened as Maya talked Genevieve's ear off. Part of her wanted to intervene and spare Fitz's mother but after close observation Olivia realized she actually looked interested in the conversation.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Jerry and Karen sooner...there was so much going on-" Olivia turned at his words and raised a finger to his lips.
"Don't. You have nothing to apologize for. I just don't want to be the enemy..." Fitz reached for Olivia, setting his glass down next to him.
"They're teenagers, Livvie. Just remember that. I'm glad you brought up California...I've been thinking a lot today and it's a perfect time for them to get to know you."
Olivia's grip around Fitz tightened. Things were really happening fast but she didn't see any other way. Emmie would be here before they knew it and she wanted things in their life to settle down once she arrived. She was determined not to have this child brought into chaos and they were growing one step closer in making that happen.
She kissed Fitz softly on the lips and thanked him for being so patient with her these last few days. Her emotions were all over the place and it was comforting having someone who understood by her side. She linked arms with him and whispered against his shoulder, gently pulling him towards the dining room.
"Lets eat...we're starving."
FPOV
Dinner was pleasant and everyone seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. Olivia and Emmie remained the focal point of conversation and it was refreshing seeing their closest family members together under the same roof. The moment made Fitz miss his children and he couldn't wait to call them later that evening.
Olivia seemed happy and Fitz watched her carefully from afar. She truly glowed and he loved how her entire face lit up when talking about the pregnancy. She let each of the mothers take turns touching her stomach and Genevieve's reaction was of course his favorite. The honest gratitude she displayed was what he simply loved the most. She beamed with pride and thanked Olivia profusely for allowing her the opportunity.
After dinner, Olivia brought up their upcoming trip with her parents. Maya of course had reservations and shared them instantly. Fitz sat back and allowed Olivia to take the lead. She confidently let her mother know the trip was important to both of them and they were in need of a little get away. Maya looked several times to Rowan who kept quiet the entire time. He briefly glanced at Fitz when Maya mentioned his father and that was the only time he felt it necessary to interject with his opinion.
"I understand your concerns, Maya. You should know by now I will never allow anything to happen to Olivia."
After that statement, Olivia called it a night, letting everyone know she was exhausted. The goodbyes were short and Genevieve agreed to meet Maya the next morning for breakfast. They sounded like old friends instead of in-laws. Olivia turned to look at Fitz in disbelief. He simply shrugged his shoulders unsure of what to make of the exchange.
Once the house was empty, Olivia disappeared into the bedroom, leaving Fitz alone. He quickly began to clean up the kitchen and was in the middle of loading the dishes when he heard the music playing in the other room. It was one of his favorite songs and the loud volume peaked his curiosity.
Fitz left the kitchen and froze at the sight before him. Standing on the small coffee table was Olivia. She was wearing his white button up shirt and dancing, mouthing words of the song in a seductive manner.
"Baby...it's been a long day, baby..."
He watched her legs move to the beat, her fingers pointing towards him and motioning for him to come closer. Fitz stared in awe for some time and drank every inch of her in. Olivia's hips swayed to the raspy voice singing through the air and he stood enthralled with her every move. She began to unbutton the shirt slowly, continuing to mouth parts of the song as she exposed her breasts to him.
"You are the best thing...that's ever happened to me..."
His body took on a mind of its own and his cock pressed firmly against his jeans at the sight of her nipples. The shirt was now open and completely unbuttoned and it drove him absolutely crazy. He walked closer to her and stood mesmerized at her dance moves trying to decide what turned him on more.
Halfway through the song her movements grew more exaggerated and Fitz saw she wasn't wearing underwear. Her dark mound peered through the cotton material and that was his final undoing. He lifted Olivia from the table and her legs wrapped securely around him. She showered him with kisses on his face and Fitz sat down on the nearest chair, gently pulling the shirt off of her.
The music finally faded in the background and Olivia rose to her knees, helping him out of his pants. He was throbbing and he closed his eyes when Olivia grabbed his shaft, pumping him several times so his cum coated his penis before entering her.
Olivia's hands were slick, massaging him roughly until he took over and positioned her hips over him. The second she slid down, it felt as if both their souls collided. She straddled him firmly and circled her hips again and again and again, mimicking the rhythm of the music even though it was no longer playing.
"YOU are the best thing, Livvie...you. It's always been you." He whispered the words against her skin, caressing her breasts in between his fingertips.
They made love in such a primal way, completely enmeshed with each other. Fitz couldn't take his eyes off her and with every thrust her name fell off his lips and into the air between them. He felt comforted and loved and knew the life inside her connected them in ways he never imagined. And it was that connection that gave him the most hope.
Even though they were surrounded by the unknown...he knew everything would be okay.
You Are The Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne
It's been a long day, baby
Things ain't been going my way
And now I need you here
To clear my mind all the time
And baby
The way you move me, it's crazy
It's like you see right through me
And make it easier
Believe me, you don't even have to try
Oh, because
You are the best thing
You are the best thing
You are the best thing
Ever happened to me
Baby
We've come a long way
And baby
You know I hope and I pray
That you believe me
When I say this love will never fade away
Oh, because
You are the best thing
You are the best thing
You are the best thing
Ever happened to me
Both of us had no love before
to come on promising like a spring to walk on out the door
Our words are strong and our hearts are kind
Let me tell you just exactly what's on my mind
You are the best thing
You are the best thing
You are the best thing
Ever happened to me