On her way to her office Liv received many congratulations and praise from the other attorneys. She just came back from court after winning a major trial which was heavily covered by the media. She was really becoming a force, so much so that many other big firms tried to poach her but she believed her place was at Novak Beene and Associates.
"Hey Violet, what have you got for me?"
"No meetings for today, Mr. Beene asked to sit in on your deposition later on and Dave Miller wants a meeting sometime during the week."
"Okay thank you Violet."
"Oh, congrats on your win Miss Pope."
Liv gave her a warm smile in return then made her way to her desk.
"You know we have associates to help you with those."
Liv looked up from the folders to see her boss and Managing Partner Cyrus Beene. "Cyrus, hey. These are actually intended for them I'm just sorting it out."
"You're taking over the associates now?"
"Oh no, Gareth is still very much in charge there but since he's still in Chicago he asked me to help out."
"You were great today Liv, really."
"Thank you Cyrus. By the way, Violet mentioned that you'll be sitting in on my deposition?"
"That's why I'm here. I know I handed this case to you since I had too much on my plate at the time but you don't mind if I get involved again do you?"
"Of course not. I could use your brilliance on this one, I'd love to do this with you."
"It's been a while since we worked a case together huh?" Cyrus smiled.
"Too long."
"You're right, so I'll see you at the deposition then."
Olivia left the office at 4pm and couldn't wait to get home. The deposition dragged on longer than it should have and she was tired, it was Friday after all. And she didn't have any plans with Fitz so her plan was to unwind on her couch with a bottle of red wine.
Oh, talking about Fitz, they've been together for almost four months now and they couldn't be more in love.
"Talia I thought you were going to mom and dad this weekend." Liv said when her sister emerged from her bedroom.
"Not anymore, they have old friends of theirs visiting them this weekend."
"Oh okay."
"Yeah, hey Jeremy is coming over later."
"Do you want me to leave?"
"What, no." Talia frowned.
"Then why are you telling me he's coming over?"
"Just so you would know.."
"Okay well I'm gonna take a shower and change into something more comfortable, it's been a long day."
"Oh yeah I saw a snippet of your interview on twitter after your win. Congrats sis, I'm not gonna lie I genuinely thought that girl was guilty."
"You did huh?"
"Liv..everyone did, including her own family. Homegirl was lucky to have you represent her."
"Well she's free now and that's all that matters."
"I still think she did it. She poisoned those people."
"Okay Talia." Liv said humoured by her sister's stance on the outcome of this case.
"How did you do it?"
"By simply doing my job."
"You're good."
"I know."
"Wow okay."
Liv chuckled humouresly and went to her room.
Half an hour later Talia opened the door thinking it was Jeremy only to find Fitz standing there.
"Ugh it's you." She feigned annoyance walking back to the kitchen where she was busy preparing snacks.
"Were you expecting someone else?" He asked following her.
"Could you not tell from my reaction?"
"Are you on your period?"
Talia gave him a blank stare causing him to break out in laughter.
"Sorry I'm joking but you had it coming trying to act annoyed." He said grabbing a handful of popcorn from the bowl.
"Dude!"
"Where's Liv?" Fitz asked nonchalantly.
"Put that back." She demanded.
"No and what's with all these snacks? Are you sure you're not on your period?"
"Fuck you Fitz. Olivia!!" She shouted for her sister which Fitz found terribly amusing.
Talia smacked his hand away once he reached for the bowl again. "LIV!!"
Olivia came out dressed in denim shorts and a tank top.
"Talia what's going on??" Liv frowned but her face softened once she spotted Fitz.
"Please take him away." She begged.
Liv darted a look at her laughing boyfriend. "What did you do?"
"Nothing." He answered rather unconvincingly and shrugged.
"Talia what did he do?"
"He's being annoying." She said and threw him with the closest thing she could find.
Liv chuckled and stepped over to Fitz. She took him by the hand and walked him to her room where he playfully tackled her on the bed.
"Hi." He placed a chaste kiss on her lips.
"Hi." She leaned in for another kiss, parting her lips to give him access to explore her mouth.
"Well you're happy to see me." Fitz smirked as they pulled apart.
"You need to stop teasing my sister. One of these days she will physically attack you."
"She could try."
"Fitz don't be an ass." Liv placed a soft kiss on his nose.
"Oh come on it's funny. Anyway, Scott is having a party and he invited us."
"Tonight?"
"Yeah."
Liv moved out of his grip and sat upright. "I don't really feel like going out..."
"Baby c'mon it'll be fun."
She reached over to run her fingers through his hair. "Why don't you go and enjoy yourself."
"Livvie I don't wanna go alone."
"Fitz you're being silly." She smiled down at him now laying with his head on her lap.
"We don't have to stay long.." He tried again.
"Don't do that."
"What?"
"That thing you do with your eyes whenever you try to soften me, stop it." She giggled.
"Is it working?"
"It always works and you know it."
"You'll go?"
"Yes I'll go."
Fitz brought her hand to his lips, kissing the inside of her palm. "Love you."
xxx
"Fitz! You made it. Hey Olivia."
"Hey Scott." Liv said giving him a friendly smile.
Fitz looked around the pub and grill. "Man there's a lot of people here. Do you even know everyone?"
"If you're a friend of one of my friends then you're welcome."
"You're drunk already aren't you." It was more of a statement than a question.
"I can still stand and form sentences." He grinned widely at Fitz.
"Man shut up."
"Get yourselves a drink and please enjoy this night with me."
"Will do Scotty." Fitz chuckled then turned to Liv. "Come on let's go find a seat."
"Fitz, over here." Josh and Tyler signalled him over to their table. "Hey man, hey Liv."
"Hey you guys."
"Sit down and join us, besides I don't think you'll find an empty seat anywhere else in this place."
Fitz pulled out a chair for Liv then took a seat next to her. "There's a shit load of people here."
"That man is drunk he's just inviting anyone to join the party at this point." The guys shake their heads and share a laugh.
"Hey babe I'm gonna go and get us some drinks.. and food."
"Okay." Liv said as Fitz pecked her lips and disappeared through the crowd of people.
When he came back he found Liv doubled over in laughter.
"Here you go. Hot wings and fries, is that okay?"
"Yes of course. Thank you."
"Is Josh telling his stupid one liners again?"
"No they just told me a really funny story about you."
"About me?"
"Uh huh." She grinned into her glass.
Fitz glanced over at Josh and Tyler. "It's the one about us at the lake isn't it?"
"Classic." Tyler said through his laughter.
"It's really not even that funny." Fitz said with conviction.
Olivia started cracking up all over again. "It really is. It's so funny."
"Baby c'mon." He feigned hurt.
The laughter subsided after a few minutes when Fitz jokingly threatened to go sit somewhere else and the conversation flowed freely afterwards.
Some time later a tap on Fitz's shoulder grabbed his attention and when he turned to see who it was he was genuinely surprised.
"Kimberly, hey what are you doing here?" He got up and gave her a quick hug.
"Scott hopped into my dm's and invited me when he saw on my instagram that I was in Manhattan."
"He stalks you on instagram?" Fitz joked.
"You should have a word with him about that." She laughed. "I thought for sure he would've told you we're here."
"We?"
"Yeah, the whole gang is here." She pointed over to the two tall men and three other women.
"Oh wow, it's good to see you.. all of you. Anyway, this is my girlfriend Olivia and that's Josh and Tyler."
"Hey nice to meet you I'm Kimberly, April's-- uh, an old friend of Fitz. I can't believe Scott didn't say anything to you about us coming to his party."
"Well in his defense he's pretty drunk now so..."
"Yeah. Hey why don't you come and say hello to the others."
"Uh sure I'll be there in a minute."
When Kimberly left, his two friends bombarded him with questions while Liv just sipped on her drink.
"Okay guys calm down and how should I know whether she's single or not?"
"So she knew April?" Liv asked.
"Yes. We were all friends at one point, well actually they were April's college friends from Chicago but over time I've gotten to know them pretty well. You don't mind me going over there for a minute do you?"
"No Fitz of course not."
"Okay." He kissed her cheek and walked off.
30 minutes had passed and Liv was alone at the table. Josh and Tyler went to take part in a karaoke challenge and Fitz still wasn't back. She understood that he hadn't seen these people in years but she was growing irritated that he didn't even bother to come and check up on her. What the hell was she supposed to do here on her own? Just sit and wait?
Liv looked up to see a random guy approaching her from the bar. "Hey sweetheart would you like some company?" Okay. So he was drunk. Great. A drunk strange man trying his luck with her was the last thing she was in the mood for.
"No thanks I'm good." Liv politely declined.
"Oh come on I'll buy you a drink, I'm a gentleman."
"That won't be necessary I already had enough to drink.." She shifted uncomfortably as he stood closer.
"It's a partyyy." He growled. "There's no such thing as having enough to drink. One drink, come on."
"No thanks."
"Hey what's your deal!? I hate you stuck up bitches. You think you're too good to have a drink with me huh!?." He raised his voice in anger and grabbed her wrist.
Josh spotted the incident and rushed over to them. "Hey!! Get your paws off of her!"
"And who the hell are you?"
"Listen, do as I say unless you want to end up in the hospital. Her boyfriend will not ask nicely at least I'm giving you a chance here."
"Fuck off. We're about to have a drink."
"Let go of her!" By now their commotion grabbed the attention of the other party goers, including Fitz.
When he saw the man's grip on Olivia he lost it.
"Oh shit." Josh muttered when Fitz came storming through the crowd of people that has gathered around them. After snatching his hand from Liv's wrist he grabbed the guy by the throat in a chokehold and had him laid out on his back on the table as Liv jumped away. Fitz kept him pinned down amidst his struggling. "I will fucking kill you, do you hear me?" He said angrily as the veins in his head and neck bulged.
Josh quickly stepped in. "Fitz ease up man he's struggling, he can't breath."
"He laid his fucking hands on her!" Fitz lifted him up by his shirt and slammed him back down with force - everyone winched at the sound when his head collided with the table.
"Fitz it's not worth it man, he's wasted anyways."
"And that makes what he did okay!?"
"No it doesn't but--"
"But fucking nothing Josh." Fitz was seething.
"Look just don't do anything stupid. C'mon man we'll get him out of here." Josh tried to reason with him. They all knew Fitz would severely hurt this man so they had to try and avoid that from happening.
Fitz's focus momentarily shifted when he saw Liv pushing her way through the crowd towards the exit.
"Come on man let him go."
Reluctantly Fitz removed his hold and stormed off hoping to still catch Olivia outside.
He spotted her not too far off and called her name but she simply kept walking. Fitz released a frustrated groan and jogged after her until he eventually caught up with her. "Baby where are you going?"
"Home." She answered and stopped walking to halt a cab.
"Liv.."
"I told you I didn't really feel like going out but you insisted and then what do you do? You leave me there for who knows how long. Did you expect Tyler and Josh to keep me company all night? ...Now you wanna play the hero."
"I'm sorry I lost track of time. I guess not seeing them in so long got all of us a little excited."
"Whatever Fitz, I should've just stayed at home in the first place. Go back in there and enjoy the rest of your night." She said as a cab pulled up.
"Liv.. Olivia." He pleaded but got no response.
Before Liv could move forward to open the door, Fitz was one step ahead of her and knocked on the passenger window. "It's cool man you can go."
The driver flipped him the finger and drove off.
"What the hell was that? What do you think you're doing?"
"I brought you here so I'll take you home."
"No your friends are all waiting for you inside and you've probably had too much to drink anyway."
"I didn't drink anything after I left our table and they're not important right now Livvie."
"Oh really? Is that why you forgot all about me being here."
"I didn't forget about you Olivia." He said slowly.
"Look Fitz I don't have time for this." She said with finality in her voice.
"Do you want to go home?"
"Yes."
"Good then let's go." He waited for her to make a move then fell into step with her to his car.
At her apartment she walked through the door leaving it open behind her. Fitz was kinda surprised, he fully expected her to slam the door in his face since she didn't utter a word during the ride over here.
"Uhh.. Is the party over already it's not even 11 yet." He heard Talia ask Liv but she ignored her little sister and walked to her room. "Oookay." Talia frowned confused at Liv's behaviour.
"Don't worry it's not you she's mad at." Fitz said plopping down on the couch next to Talia. "Where's Jeremy?"
"He left about 10 minutes ago to meet up with his friends I didn't want him to cancel on them for the second weekend in a row."
"I see. Anyways, what are you watching?" He asked staring at the tv screen.
"Bridesmaids. What's with all the questions shouldn't you be in there talking things through with Liv?" She gave him a pointed look.
"She needs time to cool down."
"That bad? How the hell did you manage to upset her like that at a party?"
"I really don't want to talk about it."
"Okay it's probably none of my business any way. So how long are you planning on letting her cool down?"
"Just a couple more minutes then I'll go."
"Listen if you're don't resolve this argument by tomorrow, can I at least still come to Jaden's birthday party?"
Fitz chuckled humouresly. "You're worried about a party?"
"He personally invited me plus I got him a very nice gift."
"That little guy is so in love with you."
"He's the sweetest thing but you're interrupting my movie so go and straighten things out with my sister. I don't want to put up with a moody Liv."
He chuckled and got up. Liv's bedroom door was left ajar so he poked his head inside to find her dressed in one of his shirts, propped up against the pillows as she busied herself on her iPad.
She didn't notice him, or maybe she was just purposefully ignoring him, so he knocked quietly on her door. "Can I come in?" Fitz asked when she lifted her head up only slightly.
She stayed mute and went back to scrolling on the device in her hands. Great, Fitz thought but still made his way inside. Sitting down on the bed he gazed at her. "Are you still upset?"
"What if I am?" She wasn't entirely mad at him, that was his friends that he had not seen in a long time and she would never keep him from his friends but she was heavily irritated that he couldn't think to check if she was still good, after all he dragged her to that party.
"Livvie are you okay? I mean after what happened back there. ."
"I'm fine." She answered avoiding his gaze.
"Are you sure?"
She looked up at him. "Yes. I'm okay."
"Okay. Liv, you know I didn't intentionally leave you there on your own."
She glared at him.
"Look I'm sorry I shouldn't have left you there after I practically begged you to go with me and I feel terrible that while I was catching up with old friends you were being harassed by some drunken asshole. Did he try to hurt you?" Fitz asked as his jaw clenched at the mere thought of someone hurting his Livvie.
"No he didn't but he probably would have since he didn't like me rejecting him."
"I should've kicked his ass." Fitz said with venom in his voice.
"I was a little freaked out." Liv whispered.
"I would never let anyone hurt you baby."
"When you had him pinned down on the table. . I've never seen you that angry before. You had this look in your eyes. If they didn't stop you. ." She trailed off.
Fitz sighed. "I would've hurt him. Badly. I swear, I don't care whether he was drunk or not. Hey, look at me." He requested and reached over to touch her leg. "Are you really okay? Did he really not hurt you in any way because I will go and beat the shit out him."
"Fitz. Calm down."
"I only let him go because I saw you leaving and Josh was begging me to not hurt the guy."
"Well you probably would've killed him with how angry you were so you did the right thing."
"I'm supposed to protect you."
"Hey, you did show up for me."
He didn't respond he was fuming all over again. He wanted to get his hands on that asshole.
Liv sensed his anger and took his hand in hers. "Babe relax please. I'm over it, so please just calm down."
"Are we okay?"
"I'm not mad at you."
Fitz smiled and took a deep breath then kicked off his shoes to get on the bed next to her. "You seemed mad though."
"I was irritated."
"I'm sorry." He said with compassion and placed a kiss on her shoulder.
"I know."
"So.. I'm forgiven?"
She turned to him and gave him a soft smile. "I guess."
"I love you." He kissed her, slowly at first then he deepened it and sneaked his hand under her shirt.
Liv broke the kiss and pushed him back. "Are you sure you don't want to go back to the party? Scott is your best friend."
"You're my best friend." He said with conviction and pulled her into his lap.
"You're just saying that to get lucky." She smirked.
Fitz kissed her nose. "You are. Besides if I go back there I might go looking for that asshole and teach him a lesson."
"In that case you're staying right here. Hey, so Kimberly looked like a nice girl."
"They're all pretty cool people. Shit I'm sorry I didn't introduce you to the others."
"Hey it's okay you guys had some catching up to do."
"I did tell them about my insanely gorgeous girlfriend though."
"How long will they be here in new york?"
"I'm not sure."
"You should meet up with them again. I'm sure you still have a lot to talk about."
"You're amazing you know that?"
"I love you." She cupped his face and leaned in for a kiss. "Go close the door."
"Am I about to get lucky?" He asked with a cheeky smile.
"You sure are."
Fitz jumped up to shut the door and came back diving on top of her making Liv squeal in delight.
xxx
Fitz strolled into the kitchen the next morning wearing yesterday's clothes. "Good morning." He said and stood between Olivia's legs as she sat on the counter drinking her coffee.
She placed the cup down to greet him properly. "Mmmh." She moaned contentedly into their kiss. "Morning." Liv said with a bright smile.
"You are so beautiful." Fitz complemented her and kissed her cheek as she locked her legs around his middle.
"Thank you."
He then picked up her coffee and brought it to his lips.
"Hey! Get your own." Liv scolded.
"What? You don't like sharing with me?"
"Not my morning coffee no." She said and he took another sip. "Fitz!"
He chuckled at her reaction and handed her coffee back. "I have to get home to shower and change."
"Nooo." Liv whined and hugged him close to her chest. "You can shower here, with me."
"I could but I still have to change clothes and I'm gonna check in with Jules to see if they're all set for the party."
"Fine." Liv said with a petulant pout.
"Stop with that face you adorable little bunny." Fitz joked and kissed her pout away. "I'll be back later to pick you guys up, Talia is kinda excited to give Jaden his present." He chuckled then laid a kiss against her forehead. "See you later baby."
"Bye."
xxx
The party went on for almost 3 hours until it finally came to an end. Jaden and his little friends had the most fun which is why he was currently knocked out and snoring.
"Julia I have to admit it's been forever since I've been to a kiddies party but I had a really good time."
"Right? I think I had as much fun as Jaden and his friends." Talia said making them laugh.
"You don't have to thank me ladies, you're like family and Jaden adores the both of you." Julia said smiling.
Fitz approached the trio and rested his hand on the small of Liv's back. "Hey babe something just came up and I really need to get to the office.." He said apologetically.
"Really Fitz?" His sister chimed in, locking eyes with him.
"Yeah Jules, look I'm sorry but this is kind of important." He explained then turned to his right. "Babe I'm not saying you should leave right now I'll have an agent come and pick me up, you can take my car."
There were still family and friends of Julia and her husband having a good time now that all the kiddies have gone.
"Sure, okay."
Fitz pulled her aside, away from their sisters. "Hey I'm sorry that I have to leave you here on your own."
"Fitz I understand. This is your work, please don't apologise. Besides, I'm enjoying the company and Talia is also here, I'm good. Are you coming over tonight?" Liv asked while playing with the buttons on his shirt.
"Yes. I'll let you know when I'm finished at work."
"Okay."
"Here." He handed her his car keys.
"Did you say goodbye to your parents and everyone else?"
"Not yet."
"Well go on, I'll wait for you at the door. I need a kiss before you go." She said flashing him a bright smile.
Fitz grinned back at her. "Okay."
Late that night, just before 11pm, Fitz showed up at Liv's apartment.
"You look tired." She commented watching him discard his clothes to get in bed.
"Yeah.. And to think my day actually started off great."
"Did you manage to take care of the issue at work?"
Fitz got under the covers and pulled Liv into his arms. "Only temporarily."
Liv rolled on top of him and gave him a questioning little frown.
"I'm leaving for Prague on Monday."
"Prague?"
"Yes..to take care of the issue. We have a client over there and my team needs my help."
"Oh okay."
"I'm sorry."
"Babe stop apologising for doing your job. How long will you be over there?"
Fitz smiled and kissed her forehead. "If I'm gone for more than three days you'll need to start getting worried."
"Fitz!" She smacked his chest. "That's not funny."
"Sorry." He squinted his eyes as he laughed.
"During our time together you've never been out on a job, so I'm already worried."
"Don't be. Remember a few weeks after we started dating how I told you about my stint in special forces? I've experienced and seen some dangerous things so don't worry I've got this." He answered her reassuringly.
After college, at the age of 23, Fitz decided to join the Special Forces. He wanted to do something challenging but have an adventure at the same time. A thrilling adventure to get his blood pumping. Something life changing. Initially he wanted to try out for the Navy SEALs but Special Forces intrigued him. He was there for four years and he excelled in everything. Fitz was good, but he realised he wanted more. He wanted a life - a life he could enjoy. He wanted to spend time with his family. He wanted more.
He told Olivia everything, well everything he could, about his time in Special Ops. Also how that experience has helped him build his company.
"Is your client's life in danger?"
"Our clients are always in danger."
"Fitz.."
"Yes, great danger."
"As in guns and stuff?"
"Most likely guns and stuff."
"Does it get to that a lot? Where you have to use guns I mean."
"No, not that often. We do our best to be on top of things you know, in order to make the whole operation run smoothly without compromising the client."
"Not all your clients are good people are they?"
"Sure they are."
"Oh come on, really?"
"We don't do business with shady people. That's looking for trouble."
"And your current client in Prague?"
"He's good. Just very, very smart and that's what has gotten him in trouble. His mind."
"Oooh like in the movies where they need the guy to build a bomb or something."
"Okay, that's enough about my job." He chuckled and pecked her lips.
"I've never seen you with a firearm."
"I don't walk around with those."
"Do you have one at your home?"
"Nope."
"No?"
"I have a tranquilizer gun at home, in case of emergencies."
"But not a real gun?"
"A real gun kills people Olivia."
"You were in special forces."
"And that makes me an animal?"
"What, no. That's not what I meant Fitz."
"I know, sorry."
"No, I should apologise. I'm sorry."
"I just don't like the idea of guns around my home."
"I get it."
"Let's get some sleep. I love you."
"I love you too."
xxx
Monday came quickly after the two of them spent all of Sunday together. Now Liv was in her office going over statements with associate attorney Andre Gray but her mind was not completely focused on work. She needed to see her man before he left.
"Olivia did you hear what I just said?"
"Hmm sorry what?" She asked snapping back to reality.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes I'm fine. Sorry, I was just thinking about the Jenkins case." She lied.
"How bad ass is Cyrus on that one though?" Andre said with excitement.
"I know. This is peak Cyrus. It's amazing to witness really, I'm still learning so much from him."
"True. He's good."
The all too familiar baritone voice of her boyfriend had Liv smiling in the direction of her office door in a matter of seconds before her secretary announced his presence.
"Mr. Grant is here to see you, should I send him in?"
"Yes, thank you Violet."
As Fitz made his way into her office, Liv got up and turned to Andre. "We can continue with these later but thank you for your assistance so far Andre, I appreciate it."
"Of course, no problem." He stood, quickly threw a glance at Fitz then focused back on her. "We make a good team." He smiled and brushed his hand over her arm then turned to leave.
"We make a good team." Fitz mimicked as he walked over to her. "Idiot."
"Hey, be nice."
"Man's got a crush on you."
"Andre is a friendly guy."
"A little too friendly."
"Fitzgerald.." She said with a smile.
"What?"
She stood in front of him and bit her lip. "You look fucking sexy."
He was dressed in all black from head to toe. Black suit, black shirt, black tie, black shoes. "You like?" He did a little turn.
"So hot, I love."
"I'm gonna miss you." Their fingers intertwined.
"I wanna kiss you so bad right now."
"You should consider getting rid of these glass walls. Imagine the fun we could have in this office. I'd take you right there on that desk."
"You're not helping my situation." She said and took a step back trying to clear her mind of the visuals of them, naked, on her desk.
"I can help you take care of your..situation."
"No, we can't. Hey promise me you'll be safe out there."
Fitz grimaced. "Ooh that's a toughie."
"Babe don't be a dick right now."
"Relax Livvie, I'll be safe and make it back to you in one piece..if I'm lucky."
"Oh my god." She groaned frustratingly and rolled her eyes.
"Come on walk with me to the parking garage, we can make out in my car."
"I wanna do more than make out."
"Baby." He chuckled. "You just said we can't."
"I knowww." Liv pouted adorably. "Let's go, I still have a lot of work waiting for me."
Fitz allowed her to lead him out the door and stayed close to her as they walked to the elevator. "You'd think the drooling would've stopped by now. They obviously know we're together." Liv said referring to the ladies checking Fitz out.
"Then they should also know by now that I only have eyes for you..and Miss Violet."
"Violet? My secretary?" She laughed heartily stepping into the elevator.
"Hey Violet is my girl."
"Yeah that's why she cleared my whole afternoon two weeks ago so that you could take me out to lunch."
"What can I say, we just get each otherya know."
"You're such a charmer."
Fitz took her hand in his as they walked timingly to his car in the underground parking garage.
"So no longer than three days right?" She looked up at him when they stopped at his car.
"Yes."
"Please be safe baby."
"I'll try."
Liv shot him a glare. "Why do you keep saying things like that?"
"Because.. This part of my job is unpredictable, out there..I could actually get hurt. I don't want to make you any promises that I can't keep."
"Well then try your best to not get hurt."
"C'mere." He said in a soothing voice, pulling her into his arms. "Stop worrying."
"It just sucks that I don't even know what you're walking into. Yes you're going to protect a client but at what cost? I can't help but to worry."
"I understand Livvie." He turned them around in order to pin her body against his car. His hands went to cup her face and he stared lovlovingly into her eyes before kissing her with fire and passion. They're tongues went to battle as the kiss grew more and more intense. Fitz's lips trialled along her jaw to the sensitive spot behind her ear while his one hand wandered to her breast. Liv released a soft whimper before it hit her where they were.
"Fitz.." She smiled and pushed him back slightly.
"Not the place or the time to be inappropriate, I know." He chuckled.
"Call me when you land?"
"Of course. Oh yeah, here."
"Your car keys?"
"Yeah. My ride is over there." He motioned to the car two rows from them.
"Did he just watch us making out like horny teenagers?" There was an agent of his in the drivers seat.
"No, they know better then to watch me make out with my girlfriend."
"Why are you giving me your car?"
"You have to get around don't you?"
"The subway, cabs and ubers exist for a reason."
"And that's great but I don't trust those uber drivers. I want you to be comfortable and safe at all times. Just use my car."
"Okay, fine."
"Thank you."
"You should go."
"Give me another kiss first."
"You're so--" His lips crashed onto hers before she could finish talking.
"I love you."
"I love you too handsome. Now go."
"Bye Livvie."
"Bye Fitz."
xxx
Fitz had been away on his trip for 2 days now and had phoned Liv every night to set her at ease about his safety. Today was his third day away and Liv was expecting him home within the next day.
Liv knocked on her sister's bedroom door. "Talia are you up?"
"Yeah, come on in."
"Hey morning, do you have class today?" She poked her head inside.
"It's Wednesday."
"So, yes?"
Talia sat up in bed. "Why do you ask? Don't you have work?"
"No, well yes but I'm only going in to meet with a client. I thought we could go visit mom and dad."
"Oh."
"But it's fine since you have to go to class."
"No we can go."
"You sure?"
"Yeah. What time will you be back here?"
"Somewhere around 12. I'll let you know."
"Cool, see you then."
Just a little after 12 the two Pope sisters were on their way to their parents home.
"You practically own this car."
"I'm just using it until Fitz is back."
"I'm surprised you haven't moved in together yet."
Olivia looked at her bemused. "Where's that coming from?"
"It seems like what's his is yours. He loves you a lot and you really love him, the one is always staying over at the other and he takes you to work and back, why wouldn't you move in together?"
"What's his is mine? How exactly? Because I drive his car..?" Liv rammed off question after question.
"Oh c'mon you two have a serious relationship, I'm just saying."
"You have a serious boyfriend, why haven't you guys moved in together yet?" Liv countered.
"Because I live with you and he's sharing an apartment with a friend and besides, you know me, I like having my space. Maybe one day I'll be mature enough to move in with a boy." She chuckled lightly.
Liv ran her fingers through her hair and adjusted her sunglasses on her face. "Fitz and I haven't really talked about it yet."
"Okay. Hey does mom and dad know we're coming?"
"No." Liv said smiling.
"So this'll be a nice surprise for them."
"Yeah."
When they eventually arrived at their parents home, Caroline and Richard were extremely delighted to see their daughters.
"Did you eat yet? I could whip something up for you."
"No mom, I thought it'd be nice if we went out somewhere. A nice restaurant or something."
"Livvie you know I don't mind cooking for you two."
"I know mom but you don't have to do that today, come on lunch is on me."
"Say yes mom." Talia encouraged from afar.
"Okay, just give me a minute to get ready."
Their mother headed upstairs leaving them in the company of their father.
"Is there a reason why you two never bring your respective boyfriends around? They were here what 2, 3 times? Your mother and I actually like them you know."
"Fitz is working." "Jeremy is busy." They answered simultaneously then looked at one another and shared a laugh.
"Well whenever they're free don't be shy to bring them along."
They chatted for a while until Caroline reappeared downstairs.
"Wow mom, you look nice." Liv complemented her with a smile.
"Dad you bagged a good one."
"Talia Lucille Pope!" Her mother scolded causing laughter amongst them all.
"Alright let's go. Livvie are we driving in separate cars?"
"Oh my god dad is mom making you feel some kinda way? Is that why you don't want us in the same car?"
Caroline's mouth went agape. "Richard if you don't teach your daughter some manners. ."
"Okay Livvie let's just go with your car."
"Fitz's car but yeah okay." Liv said and lead them out.
"Your father never once allowed me to drive his car when we were dating."
"That car was my baby."
Talia laughed amused at this and got in the backseat with her father.
They ended up at a seafood restaurant and ordered a family feast which they enjoyed between casual conversation and spontaneous laughter. They received a few adoring glances from the people surrounding them because of their lightheartedness.
In the middle of their lunch Olivia's screen lit up with Fitz's name. "Hi." She answered with a beaming smile as her family continued their conversation.
"Hi, how are you?"
"I'm having lunch with Talia and my parents at the moment so I'm great." He could hear the smile in her voice.
"Nice, so you're in Garden City?"
"Yep, just for the day."
"Well tell them I said hello."
"Will do. How's..work?"
"We're handling it but I uh.. I might have to stay a day or two longer."
"Is everything okay?" Liv asked concerned.
"Under the circumstances yes, like I said though, it's being handled. But hey I'm keeping you from your family and your food so I guess it's goodbye for now."
Liv nodded in response as if he could see her.
"Livvie?"
"Sorry, yeah goodbye..for now." She spoke quietly.
"I love you baby, so much."
"I know I love you too."
She ended the call and immediately turned her focus back on her family. "Fitz says hello, to all of you."
Caroline's face softened. "Aw.. How is he?"
"Okay Caroline your eyes don't even sparkle that way for me, your husband." Richard joked.
"Shut up Rich."
Smiling at her mother liv answered. "Fitz is good mom, he'll be home soon."
The sisters stayed until sunset when decided to depart from their parents place.
"Today was just lovely girls and thank you for the outing Liv."
"Yeah, next time you must come to Manhattan for the day." Talia said releasing her mother from a hug.
"Deal."
"Bye mom, goodbye dad."
"Bye girls. Drive safely."
xxx
Friday evening came around Liv had her girlfriends over where they had dinner and were currently just enjoying some inappropriate girl chat. A knock at the door pulled Liv away from the hilarious conversation. She was still laughing as she swung the door open to reveal Fitz standing on the other side.
"Fitz! What- I didn't know you were back. You didn't say anything. I thought--"
He interjected. "I texted you an hour ago when I landed."
"Oh.. Ohhh my phone is in my room, Amanda, Leslie and Mia are here. Hi."
"Hi baby."
Liv stepped over the threshold and into his arms. She hugged him tightly but quickly pulled with a frown when she heard him wince. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." He shrugged it off.
"Fitz.." She knew him well enough to know when something's wrong. "Come on in."
"I don't want to intrude on your evening with your friends Livvie."
"You won't be. Come."
He followed her inside and was met with 3 friendly faces. "Hey ladies."
"Hey Fitz."
"Girls I'll be right back." Liv excused herself and lead Fitz to her room.
"So are you going to tell me what's wrong?"
"It's just my ribcage."
"What happened? Did you get hurt?"
He smiled lovingly at her and pulled her into his lap as they sat down on her bed. "Can I have a kiss?"
She didn't hesitate upon his request. They lingered on for a while just breathing each other in. It has been a week after all.
"You got hurt didn't you?" Liv asked massaging his scalp with her nails.
"Hence me staying longer over there. When I phoned you to say that I'll be staying a little longer I was on the way to the hospital to get two bullets removed."
"Fitz.."
"Don't worry I'm fine. I saved a life so.."
"By putting your life on the line? And don't you wear protective gear?"
"I did what I had to do and yes we do but there wasn't exactly time to put on a bulletproof vest. Trust me, I'm okay, really." He kissed her cheek for reassurance.
"Well next time make time. I can't be worrying about you. It stresses me out. What if. ."
"Nothing will happen to me, ever, I'll make sure of that because I know you'll be pissed at me for being reckless." He said with a smile.
"It's not funny. I'm serious, I don't want to lose you."
"And you won't."
"But you can't promise me that can you?"
"Hey c'mon stop worrying it's not like I go out on jobs that often, just when my team needs some assistance. Anyway aren't you happy to see me?" He kissed her cheek again.
"I am. I love you."
"There's that smile." His thumb brushed over her bottom lip making her blush slightly. "I love you too baby."
They share an intimate kiss. A kiss saying I've missed you. I love you.
"You have to get back to your friends."
"Will you stay? They'll probably be leaving soon anyways."
"How do I know you're not just gonna kick them out. That's not nice Livvie, they are you're friends."
"I'm not kicking them out but they will have to leave sooner than originally planned. Don't worry they'll understand."
"Hey take your time, enjoy their company. I'm not going anywhere."
Liv smiled lovingly at him. "Okay."
"Love you."