AN: Thanks for all the reviews! I don't know how long this chapter will be as I am still making my way through the death of Nana. I know last chapter was a while ago…SORRY! Life happens…and I also know that chapter was pretty heavy. I promise to try NOT to be as heavy with this one!

CH 11

Over the next few days, Fitz stayed close to Olivia. He didn't want to overcrowd her knowing he needed to give her space, and how important it was to her to be independent. This didn't stop him from coming to her rescue several times. One time in particular she had invited him over to Nana's to watch a movie and get her mind off of things. Fitz had insisted she come stay with him, but she declined saying no one was left to guard Nana's belongings. He gave in, some nights spending the night on the couch as added security.

Olivia got up to go make popcorn. She went into the kitchen and walked towards the cabinet. She wanted stove top popcorn and when she reached for the cabinet door, Nana's apron was hanging inside. She felt like she was in shock, unable to move her body as silent sobs began to escape her body. Fitz sensed something was off and when he got to the kitchen, she was sitting with her legs to her chest, back against the cabinet, and Elizabeth's apron clinched though in her hands. She was weeping for her loss, sniffing her Nana's scent through tears and Fitz felt his own tears begin to drop down his face. He wished for the life of him he could spare her this pain.

"Oh, Livvie. Come here, baby." Fitz walked towards Olivia, careful not to rush so she had plenty of time to deter him.

She didn't.

She continued to sniff, looking up at him with her signature doe eyes and when he got to her, he stood he up in his arms.

"I'm sorry. Sometimes it just hits me," She said through sniffles.

Fitz shushed her, running his fingers through her natural curls. Ever since the funeral she hadn't had the energy to do much to her hair other than routine maintenance. Fitz wasn't at all bothered since he liked her hair in this form.

"Don't apologize for being human, Liv. Please just let me-"Fitz was cut off by her laying her head on his chest and wrapping her arms around his torso snuggly.

They took deep sighs together, finally relaxing in each other's embrace. They were both thinking the same thing. Olivia spoke first.

"I, um….I think I'll take you up on that offer, Fitz." She said quietly. She didn't want to leave Elizabeth's home unattended to. She deep down didn't want to leave the house period but every corner she turned something new would send her into a fit of tears.

Fitz didn't say a word. He helped her gather an overnight bag from upstairs and escorted her to his home in silence. When they arrived, Fitz unlocked the door and let her walk in while he locked it back, her overnight bag on his shoulder. Wonder where she is gonna sleep? I'm not gonna assume anything….I'll just stand here until she makes a move, he thought.

Olivia was having similar thoughts until her Nana's voice popped into her head. She turned and looked at Fitz, who was wearing a warm side grin on his face.

"Will you take my bag to…to your bedroom?"

After showering and getting ready for bed, Fitz lay in bed waiting on Olivia to finish. She emerged from the bathroom with her hair tied in a messy bun on her head. She wore a soft pink pair of tights and a lose fitting southern chics shirt. She was without make up, socks, or shoes, and Fitz thought she never looked better.

As a man, it was more than hard to think she was about to be in his bed with him and NOT get a hard on. He did his best to maintain his composure as she walked toward the bed. His libido calmed slightly as he noticed the worried look on her face.

"Liv, look at me."

She obeyed.

" I don't expect anything. I just want to be near you and comfort you. If you want to talk all night and sleep later then fine. If you want to cry it out, my chest will always be ready for you. If you want to just lay and have a staring contest, I don't mind. I just want you ok." Fitz explained.

Olivia felt her eyes full of tears. She had cried more this week than she had in quite some time. She pondered his offer and slid in bed beside him. She lay her head on his right side, his free hand easily rubbing circles in her back.

"I just…I wanna be ok, you know?" She asked him.

"I do. I also know this will take time. I'm right here every step of the way until you dismiss me, ok?" Fitz kissed the top of her head, inhaling the magnificent scent that was her.

"Ok." Olivia's independent side was inwardly struggling to calm, but the God sent man holding her was easing her worries. She wanted to feel ok with her Nana being in a better place, and she wanted to be ok with her family blowing her phone up to make sure she was ok, but Olivia was a different kind of griever. She needed to deal with things on her own.

As if Fitz sensed this, he took a deep breath and finally spit out what was on his mind all day.

"How about I take you somewhere to get your mind off things?"

Olivia hesitated. She didn't want to be rude and say flat out no, but she was NOT in the mood for a couple's outing.

"Um…what did you have in mind? I'm really exhausted and everyone is expecting me to-"

"To be there for them. You have to be ok to be there for anyone and that's what this is about. It's not very far away, Livvie. In fact, its privately owned and about 30 minutes away. Just for a few days-until you can get your mind right."

Fitz had done so much for her lately, a good part of her felt guilty. She didn't want him worrying over her so much, and when she met his eyes, she could see the worry dancing in his facial features. He looked at her, not with pity, but with concern and she decided to go with the flow.

"Fine. You have done so much for me lately, I guess you seem to know more of what I need than I do myself right now. When do we leave?"

Fitz smiled, knowing he had finally won. "In the morning."

/

The next morning, Olivia woke up to find Fitz staring at the ceiling fan. She gazed up at him, and was met with his signature smile. "Morning, sunshine." He kissed her head.

"Good morning", she said with a yawn.

For the next few hours, they gathered their belongings, showered, and before she knew it, were on the road. Fitz explained to her that they were going to a place that was not public and very desolate. He told her that it was quiet and beautiful, and he thought she would be able to gather her thoughts.

When the car finally stopped, Olivia thought she was dreaming. They pulled up a gravel driveway and to a 2 story cabin-like home. It looked so inviting, with a tire swing not far from the driveway and a garden that looked well taken care of. She took in the beauty of the home. It appeared to be a little older and had cream colored shutters. She subconsciously grabbed Fitz' hand while her eyes scanned the property. She noticed how the yard seemed to dip behind the house, and her curiosity peaked. By the time he got around to open her car door, she was out and already walking up the rest of the driveway, looking up at the clear blue sky and taking in a deep breath. She hugged herself as she made her way up the path and when she reached the top, she felt her breath hitch. Behind the house was a VERY large set of stairs that lead to a lake and beside it lay anything you could ever imagine wanting to use on the water.

"Fitz…." She breathed. She didn't notice him directly behind her until she felt his hands skim across her stomach and slightly pull her back into his embrace.

"I love it here. I used to come up here all the time when I was a child with my family. Now, I only come up here to clear my head and grasp reality."

They made their way into the home using the front door. Everything in her immediate line of view screamed southern grace. She took in the smell of pine and cinnamon, eyeing the pictures on the wall and the bible verse painted in cursive writing above the coat hanger. She walked in slowly, taking in the feel of the home. For some odd reason, she felt extremely comfortable.

Fitz left to put their bags away and when he returned, he found Olivia in the exact same place had left her, less about 3 steps forward. He gave her a tour of the home, dragging her around by hand, and finally settled down to make dinner. The conversation was light and carefree. Olivia couldn't remember the last time she felt so at peace.

After dinner, the couple decided to relax. Fitz took her to the back poarch, and climbed into a hammock. He extended his hand to her.

"Oh no, I'm good. Thanks."

"Come on, I promise I've got you."

They lay in the hammock, watching stars and making small talk until Fitz noticed her breathing become steady. He didn't want to move her out of fear that he might wake her up, so he flexed a little, got comfortable, and dozed off.

/

Fitz woke up to the sound of a car door slamming. At first he thought he imagined it until it happened again. He slipped out of Olivia's embrace and tip toed to the end of the porch, noticing an unoccupied vehicle. He couldn't make out the make and model of the vehicle and he knew no one else was supposed to be up here. He quickly made his way back around to where Olivia was, making sure she was still asleep. He reached up under one of the rafters and pulled out a .38 that was kept there in case of emergencies.

Sliding the glass door open, he quietly made his way towards the sound of shoes on the kitchen floor. He flicked the light on and pointed the gun, causing his sister Natalie to almost drop the glass of moonshine she had poured.

"FITZ! Jesus, what the hell are you doing here?" Natalie screeched.

Fitz lowered the weapon, "I should ask you the same thing."

Natalie looked down at her feet and answered, "I needed to clear my head. Didn't think I'd be risking a bullet to the ass, big bro."

Fitz smiled at his sister, and took a moment to put the safety back on the weapon. He was about to say something back to her when he heard glass shatter. He followed her gaze behind him and noticed Olivia standing at the kitchen door.

SILENCE.

"And this is….?" Natalie asked.

Fitz took a deep breath, inwardly praying that the love of his life would not end up hurt by the end of this conversation.

Sorry to leave you guys here! How will this go? Any ideas? Will Natalie scare Olivia off or has she met her match? Leave me reviews and another chapter should follow quickly. Thanks for those who are still following me!

I have a few more ideas floating in my head and am thinking of making a few one shots….let me know what you think if you read them!