A/N: I have no words for the all the gracious, kind feedback regarding Chapter 9...thank you so very much. xo

Chapter 10: Welcome Back, Ms. Pope

Perhaps our eyes need to be washed by our tears once in a while, so that we can see life with a clearer view again. -A. Tan

OPOV

Olivia sat up in bed and glanced at her pill bottle on the nightstand. She couldn't believe she slept an entire night without taking one. She turned her head and reach for Fitz but he wasn't there. The clock read 8:35am.

She stood and tied a robe on, making her way out to the study. Fitz was on speaker phone sitting behind the large wooden desk. He waved her towards him the moment he saw her. Olivia heard Lauren's voice on the other end.

Apparently the media got word Fitz was spending little time in the White House and his PR team was busily trying to put the fire out. There was major disagreement on the correct way to handle the situation...mainly between Cyrus and anyone else offering an opinion.

Olivia curled into Fitz's lap and listened carefully. He kissed her hair as her body conformed into his. From what she could tell, it sounded as if the media was trying to insinuate Fitz was dealing with an off the record health issue and spending personal time at Camp David. The American people were still very much rallied around the First Family since Jerry's death and Olivia knew if word got out what was really going on it would quickly destroy and dismantle the Grant administration.

It didn't take her long to figure out Fitz didn't seem interested in what Lauren had to say. Olivia could feel his eyes on her. She turned to face him and whispered in his ear.

"Ask Lauren to schedule a press conference for next week."

Fitz leaned back and studied her face; his thumb slowly caressing her left cheek. Lauren soon grew quiet awaiting further instructions. No one spoke a work for a few moments. Olivia began to second guess herself and wished she hadn't said anything to him. After a few more seconds, Fitz broke the awkward silence.

"Lauren, Ms. Pope will be contacting you later today with further instructions." His voice was solid and clear. Olivia could feel the blood draining from her face. She couldn't believe he just did that.

Olivia immediately tried to stand from his lap but Fitz held onto her waist, pushing her further towards him. Lauren's tone shifted slightly but didn't waiver. She wondered what she must be thinking regarding their current situation. Her cheeks grew hot and her stomach knotted.

Fitz barked one more order before wrapping up the call.

"I want Ms. Pope's instructions carried out immediately; with no question...from anyone. Is that understood?" His face was serious but his eyes looked soft; almost as if he had the urge to cry. He looked directly at her while speaking. Olivia's heart began to race.

The call ended and she watched him push a button on the phone. The red light switched off indicating they were now alone to speak freely. Olivia could feel his eyes still on her. She knew he was waiting for her to speak.

"Why did you just do that?" Her voice sounded harsher than she intended.

Fitz cleared his throat and shifted her weight on his lap. She could almost sense amusement spread across his face. He sat back in his chair but didn't say anything. His forehead was slightly wrinkled and she watched the corners of his mouth fold up.

"I don't think this is funny." Olivia snapped. She now was completely annoyed... and it showed.

Fitz narrowed his eyes at her and lifted his eyebrows. Clear amusement now spread across his face and it pissed Olivia off even more.

"Liv...you started this. You clearly had an opinion or you wouldn't have said anything." He spoke slowly and continued to study her face.

Olivia didn't respond and could feel herself begin to sulk internally. He really frustrated her sometimes. More silence ensued before he continued.

"You don't have to do anything you don't want to...but for the record the idea of the press conference is one I actually agree with." His face was serious again and she watched his jawline slightly twitch.

Fitz patted her thigh for her to stand. Olivia watched him put both hands inside his pockets. He had on a snug white tee and gray sweatpants. He looked very un-presidential and it warmed Olivia's heart to see him this way.

"Livvie...I have a lot of work to do. Take some time and think about it. There's no pressure..." He took a step closer to her with those last words. Olivia reached up and touched his cheek. She felt his arms wrap around her waist; his face snuggled into her neck. They embraced for a long moment until Olivia finally broke the embrace.

"I'd like to go into town today..." Olivia said, rather too softly. Fitz lifted her chin so he could look directly at her. His eyes twinkled and she could sense his happiness at her words.

"Hal will drive you." He said, kissing her softly on the lips. "A few things before you leave...your things will be here this afternoon. I'm having them placed in the spare room until you decide what you want to do with them."

He paused to kiss her again; this time deepening it to another level. Olivia's breath caught at the contact. She felt his hands roam down her backside and he pushed her closer into his growing erection.

After a few seconds he finally released her. They were both now breathing heavily and inches away from one another. Fitz caressed her lips with his thumb in a repeated pattern. They stood there drinking the other in for some time. Olivia was the first to finally speak.

"What else did you need to tell me?" She tried to sound normal but knew her voice was coming out needy. Fitz began to kiss the sides of her neck while answering.

"The sketches will be delivered soon. We'll start with 3 and go from there." He spoke each word between soft kisses and Olivia could feel her insides growing warm. His voice was now low and extra deep bringing forth such a desire inside, it felt suffocating.

Olivia felt the back of her legs bump into the desk. Fitz's hands were everywhere now and wouldn't stay in one spot. They finally reached her robe which took him seconds to untie.

"You drive me fucking crazy..." His lips were now making their way down to her breasts kissing the outside of the cotton material. Olivia felt a whimper escape her at the sensation.

Suddenly his office phone rang startling both of them. Olivia took the opportunity to slip out from underneath his arms and made a b-line towards the door. As difficult as it was to admit, her body needed a break from him and she thanked whoever was on the other end of that phone line. She was about to turn the knob when Fitz called her by name.

She turned and looked at him. He had one hand on the receiver and the other on top of his desk. His cheeks were flushed and Olivia could easily see his penis pressed against his pants begging for freedom. Before he had the chance to say anything Olivia wanted to share her news with him.

"I slept on my own last night." Her voice was proud and she couldn't help but flash a small smile. She watched his face process the information she just shared. His entire demeanor softened and she could see tears in his eyes swell. He didn't say anything but simply nodded his happiness in her direction.

Olivia opened the door and began to leave when Fitz called her again. She peeked her head back around the door to see what he wanted. The phone continued to ring; both of them ignoring the sound.

"I love you." He spoke the words with such warmth it took all of Olivia's willpower to not run back to him. They stared at one another until Olivia finally responded.

"I'll call Lauren when I return." She replied; her voice sure and confident. She watched sheer satisfaction cross his face at the words. He believed in her and that meant the world. He nodded once more and smiled. She wished she could have bottled up his reaction; Olivia couldn't remember seeing him happier.

FPOV

He watched her turn and walk out of the study, the door closing behind her. He replayed her words over again in his mind...she didn't need anything to help her sleep. He couldn't help but feel emotional. This was a huge moment for them and he felt like celebrating but wasn't sure exactly how. The phone continued to ring, finally snapping him out of his trance. He cleared his throat once more before answering and quickly got back to running the nation.

It was nearly noon when Fitz heard a knock on the door. It was Tom delivering the sketches he requested. He was knee deep in paperwork and briefings and hesitated to stop. He motioned for Tom to place the package aside and got back to work. Before Tom left he asked him to make arrangements for them to eat dinner outside later that night. He wanted to surprise Liv by eating near the orchard field. He also asked Tom to make certain Olivia's favorite wine was included with dinner.

Fitz continued working for several more hours until he heard the movers down the hallway. Olivia's things finally arrived. He glanced at the clock and it read 2:40. He threw his pen down and stood. For the first time in a long while he wanted a drink...not because he was anxious or upset but because he just felt good. He poured himself some bourbon and stood in front of the television screens. He watched the weather maps show dark red and green strips of rain approaching the Maryland area. He took a slow sip when he suddenly sensed her.

He heard the door open and turned. Olivia entered and his heart nearly stopped beating. The Olivia Pope that entered the room was not the same woman that left earlier that morning. She wore a simple sleeveless beige dress with matching heels. Her hair had been straightened and it was long...much longer than he ever remembered her having it. She had light jewelry on and carried a small clutch under her left arm. He felt himself gawking at her and forced his mouth to close. Embarrassment shot straight to his cheeks and he felt himself blush.

Olivia walked to him and set her purse down on the desk. There was a hint of amusement on her face.

"Hi." She said to him; her voice smooth and calm. He watched her stand directly in front of him frowning at his glass in disapproval.

"Hi..." Fitz replied. He didn't bother hiding the surprise in his voice. He watched her look past him up at the television screens. Something caught her attention and for a few moments the only thing present was her body; her mind clearly elsewhere.

Fitz turned to look at the screens but couldn't figure out what was so fascinating. His attention quickly returned to her profile and he set his drink down. He desperately wanted to touch her.

Olivia continued to stare at the weather deep in thought while Fitz examined every inch of her. He could tell her nails had been manicured. He slowly walked around behind her, eyeing her up and down. Her hair nearly touched the back of her bra straps. He tried to remember if he'd ever seen it this straight before.

His self-control fell by the waist side and he immediately hovered behind her. He inhaled her scent and could feel his cock growing uncontrollably. She allowed her hair to fall back against him and the sensation nearly sent him over the edge. His arms quickly wrapped around her and went straight to her breasts; cupping them over her clothing while kissing the side of her cheek.

Olivia was oblivious to him and still deep in thought. Fitz continued to caress her; slowly sliding his hands under her dress. That's when Olivia stepped away from him.

"Camp David was built in what...1935?" She said turning around to face him. Fitz looked at her confused and reached for her again ignoring the question.

"Fitz, stop. For just a minute...I'm thinking." He watched her look at him and a sparkle in her eyes grabbed his attention. She was serious and he could tell meant business. He took a few steps back and crossed his arms. That would be the only way he could keep his hands off of her.

Olivia began to pace the room. He watched her demeanor carefully. She had a confidence in her he hadn't seen in months. Her eyes were narrow and she stayed quiet for some time before finally speaking.

"Let's get Lauren on the phone." Her voice was stern and authoritative. It pleased him to no end hearing her like this. He walked to his desk and sat down while pushing the speaker button. After a few seconds Lauren answered. Before he could say a word Olivia took over the conversation.

Fitz sat back in complete awe. She explained in great detail exactly what she wanted to happen within the next 48 hours. Fitz would hold a news conference regarding the media's health speculations next week. A naval doctor would accompany him and would be taking questions. After the Q&A Fitz would regret to inform the Press Corp Camp David received substantial damage in the recent storm and would be off limits for a while undergoing repairs. Fitz would explain a temporary undisclosed establishment would be used for him to retreat to for personal time. Olivia wanted the speech writers to contact her for approval of what exactly would be said regarding his statement.

She talked fast and Fitz could only hope Lauren was able to keep his surprise she only asked a few questions and the call ended without Olivia saying goodbye. Fitz stared at her; a huge lump growing in his throat. He had the urge to tell her 'Welcome Back, Ms. Pope' but decided against it. He simply watched and silently thanked God for bringing her...all of her...back to him.

Olivia leaned against the desk and stood directly in front of him. Her dress rested well above her knees and he couldn't help but stare at her caramel legs.

"Do YOU have any questions?" Olivia asked him, a hint of sarcasm spread across her face. Fitz rose and stood over her. He watched her eyes follow him.

"No...actually, I'm tired of all the talking." Fitz slid his hands up her thighs, slowly raising her dress upwards. Olivia spread her legs slightly giving him open access. He made his towards her center, ready to pull her panties down when he felt her.

"Jesus Christ...you waxed." His breath caught and a deep moan left his chest. He lifted her dress even higher and snuck a peak, nearly ejaculated on the spot. Olivia knew how he felt about her pussy and seeing it like this was just too much for him.

Fitz quickly lifted her on top of the desk and cleared his papers to one side in one swift motion of his arm. He laid Olivia down and watched her hair fall down around her. She was a vision; almost angelic and he couldn't take his eyes off of her. He lifted her legs up and bent her knees towards her chest; her high heels catching his attention.

"Leave these on." He said to her while rubbing her legs up and down, his voice possessive and deep.

He slowly pulled her panties down trying extra careful to be gentle. He knew how sensitive she would be, especially after a waxing and for what he had in store for her he didn't want to be careless now.

OPOV

Olivia's eyes closed and her head tilted back. Fitz was now pulling her dress down; her bra soon to follow. She knew he was going crazy with her reveal and she couldn't help but silently cheer. For the first time in months she felt really good and going into town was exactly what she needed to complete the Olivia Pope transformation.

She felt Fitz place her legs on each of his shoulders; his warm breathe now against her inner thigh. Moisture began to drip down and he hadn't even touched her center yet. The effect this man had on her body was simply overwhelming.

He began to gently kiss her lower navel making his way downward. His morning stubble rubbed against her and the touch caused her to flinch. It didn't go unnoticed.

"How sore?" He asked; his lips brushing gently against her skin. His voice was soft and brutally sexy. Olivia felt her legs squeeze towards his head involuntarily. Despite the fact she actually was sore...it didn't stop her body from reacting to him.

Olivia couldn't answer. She just wanted to feel him inside of her and the longer he took the more her body craved him. His fingers were now lightly touching the outer part of her skin. She wasn't certain how much more she could take.

After a few minutes, she finally had the courage to peek at him. He was steadily hovered over examining every inch of her. The muscles in his back flexed and Olivia wondered when he had taken his shirt off. The veins in his arms were well defined and the sight was intoxicating. HEwas intoxicating and for a slit second she regretted getting waxed because he was spending entirely too much time NOT being inside her.

"Fitz..." She called pulling on his hair slightly. He jerked his head up and looked at her as if she had interrupted him from something important. His face changed quickly and Olivia was certain the desire on her face spoke volumes.

A deep guttural moan stirred from his chest and Olivia watched him ease towards her. The look on his face shot straight to her core and she instinctively bit her lip at the sight. She felt him immediately pull her lip free before devouring her; his tongue completely taking her mouth hostage. He entered her soon after taking Olivia by complete surprise. The impact was forceful leaving her insides frantically trying to expand at his fullness.

Olivia couldn't help but break free from the kiss. Her loud cry filled the room and she felt her freshly manicured nails dig hard into his back. She forgot how sensitive her jewel would be and feeling him like this was beyond stimulating. They were now nose to nose and Fitz looked at her with such intensity she ached in places she didn't know existed.

"You're swollen baby..." Fitz took her arms and lifted them above her head. He wrapped her hands around the edges of the desk and tightened her grip for her. His mannerisms alone were so primal it sent Olivia's libido into overdrive.

He rose off her and she felt him pull her body down off the edge of the desk. The friction of him still being inside her sent waves of heat throughout her body. Fitz stood upright and wrapped her legs around his waist. Olivia instinctively crossed them at the ankles. Both his hands cupped her bottom pushing her farther up into him. Her most precious walls contracted heavily around him as her orgasm took hold.

Fitz was now talking to her body in the way only he could, telling it that it belonged to him and him alone. His voice was raspy but tender and the combination left Olivia bare. He simply owned her in every way possible.

His thrusts were slowly increasing as Olivia held on tight. Their loud moans intertwined in the air creating a beautiful harmony of the love they had for one other.

"Look at me..." Fitz said; his voice nearly desperate. Olivia opened her eyes and the sight was almost too much. The way he looked at her...it was overwhelming. Heat grew deep inside again and she tried very hard to keep her eyes from closing while her body convulsed violently again and again and again.

A few thrusts later and Fitz finally emptied himself into her. Olivia marveled at the sight. He looked so vulnerable when he released, it nearly brought tears to her eyes. They clung to one another until Fitz gently pulled out from inside her, cursing softly under his breath.

Olivia couldn't move. She stayed on the table; her heart beating heavily and she was certain her limbs were about to fall off. She would never be able to understand Fitz's stamina. She heard him dress but didn't have the energy to lift her head. A few seconds later she felt Fitz take her heels off and lift her off the desk. He carried her to the leather chair, her shoes landing with a thud on the ground. She was still completely naked and curled into him as soon as they sat. She desperately tried to even her breathing out. Fitz's hands were in her hair and the more he touched it, the sleepier she got.

They were both quiet for a long time until Fitz finally spoke.

"Listening to you talk to Lauren...I didn't realize how much I missed that side of you." Fitz spoke low and nestled his nose against her right cheek.

Olivia let his words sync in. She missed the way it felt too. Everything about the day felt good and she owed so much of her happiness to Fitz. She felt now was a good time to bring up her conversation with Michael.

"I talked to Michael earlier about my next session." Olivia paused and turned to look at him before continuing. "I would really like for you to join me...if you're comfortable with it. There's still one thing we need to discuss and I want to do it...with you."

She felt Fitz stiffen slightly and knew the reason. The issue of WHY she left him had been explained but they still hadn't discussed why she left with Jake of all people. She knew leaving with him would cut Fitz deeply and she did it anyway. It was time she shared with him why. She didn't think it would make it any easier for him to accept but she wanted him to know some things she's learned about herself through her time working with Michael. And if she was being honest with herself, she was too chicken to bring up Jake again. Their last fight was still very fresh in her mind and deep down she was frightened a conversation concerning Jake would get out of hand again.

Fitz responded physically by nodding his head up and down. She squeezed his neck tightly and whispered 'Thank You' into his cheek. After a few seconds she gathered her things and dressed. She was about to leave when Fitz told her the designs for her office were sent over that morning. Olivia set the things in her hands down so she could open the package. She could feel Fitz watching her. Three hand sketched drawings were inside; each one detailing information such as square footage, pros/cons, and material options.

FPOV

Fitz watched her examine the pages closely. She looked deep in thought but gave no emotion as to what she was feeling. He couldn't help but wonder about her earlier request. Deep down, he was afraid to hear why Olivia left with Jake. He feared she may still not be over the manner in which Jake entered their lives to begin with.

"I don't like any of them, Fitz...who is the architect again? I'd like to speak to him. I like certain aspects of the second drawing but I have some questions." She began to carefully put the pages back inside and returned them to their former location on the desk.

Fitz began to rummage through some papers until he found the business card he was looking for. He handed it to Olivia and encouraged her to give the firm a call; stating he would make certain they accommodated anything she requested.

Reaching across the desk, he grabbed the large rectangular envelope and opened it up. It was the first time he actually looked at the designs himself. Each one was nearly perfect and a sinking feeling entered his heart. He couldn't imagine what more Olivia would want in an office. He turned to look at her, worry spread across his face.

"What's the problem with these Liv...they're solid designs." His voice was clearly disappointed.

Olivia gathered her things once again into her arms and made her way to the door. She opened it and turned to face him; the feeling of déjà vu flashed before Fitz's eyes.

"The designs are fine...I just need them to be more kid friendly. Or at least have an area especially for them...to play at." Her face was smooth and her eyes sincere. Fitz's heart swelled and her words nearly knocked the wind out of him. This was the first time Olivia ever acknowledged having kids and the fact she was planning for them in their future meant all the suffering they both endured up to this point wouldn't be in vain.

Fitz cleared his throat for the third time that day before responding.

"Makes sense...I'm sure they will come up with something more suitable." His voice cracked and he quickly tried to compose himself. He gathered the designs and placed them back inside trying hard to blink his tears away. Olivia called his name a few seconds later. He looked up and she was leaned against the door; her head resting on the edge of it in the most delicate manner.

"I love you." She said looking directly at him; her voice soft and confident.

Fitz sat back in his chair and stared at her. Silence filled between them; their love for one another speaking in ways their words couldn't. Olivia finally turned and left, flashing him a small smile before closing the door. He continued sitting in his chair thinking about the difference 24 hours could make and the transformation he witnessed in Olivia. It had been a long road to get to this point and it amazed him to see her this way again.

He stood and walked over to the safe mounted in the wall. The green letters 'ARMED' flashed continually at him. Fitz punched in the 7 digit code and pulled the door open. Inside was the black velvet box he placed there almost two years ago. He took it out and opened it. The diamonds twinkled in the light and Fitz admired its beauty. He carefully pulled the ring out and re-read the words 'I belong to you' engraved in perfect cursive along the inside of it. He couldn't help but imagine it against Olivia's beautiful finger.

The situation they were in was beyond difficult but it was reminders like this of what would eventually be. It filled him with hope and more importantly, determination.

A life with Olivia would happen; and he couldn't wait until the whole world knew who his heart really belonged to.