(A/N: Sorry this took a while to get out, but I wanted to update all of my other stories as well. This chapter will be a flashback chapter. It starts two years before Olivia and Fitz began dating. Enjoy…)

"Loss of Innocence Pt. 1"

Two Years Ago

"I'm telling you Liv; with your voice, you'll be selling out arenas in no time," boasted Cyrus. "But we have to make sure you work with the right producer to nurture your talents," he explained.

At nineteen years old Olivia Pope would've never imagined that she'd be signed to a five-year, multimillion dollar recording deal. But after winning a televised singing competition called The Sound, last month, here she was. At this moment,The Sound was still showing on TV; and it was in the early stages of the competition. For that reason, she couldn't let any of her fans know that she'd won yet. The competition had only been on TV for three weeks now, and still had another nine weeks to go. Even though the show was still in it's beginning stages; Olivia had already built up a massive fan-base. With her angelic voice and charismatic personality; she'd come to be known on the show as America's Sweetheart.

Now with the competition over, for her at least; it was time to get to work. The winner of the competition got to sign with Enterprise records. She and her mom met Cyrus last month, shortly after she won the competition. He told her that he wanted to get started on recording her debut album right away. He was one of the heads of the company, but he wanted to work with her personally. He watched her in the competition and knew that she was born to be on stage. He'd been out of town on a much needed vacation for the past two weeks. As soon as he got back, he called Olivia and her mom to set up studio time. Maya was meeting with more executives right now, to go over the fine points of Olivia's contract. She'd meet with Cyrus and the music producer he picked out later.

Olivia was excited to see who she'd be working with. Enterprise had the reputation for being one of the best record labels in the world. They only worked with the best. To be signed to them, was a personal honor and great accomplishment for her. She told Cyrus that, every time she could. She trusted him and knew that whoever he'd have her work with, was probably the best possible producer in the business. They walked past a few recording studios where sessions were taking place, and Olivia felt at ease. She couldn't wait to start recording and having people all over the world singing along to her songs.

"Right this way," said Cyrus, holding a door open for her to go through. She thanked him and walked into a recording booth. There was only one other person in there. When he turned around, she was starstruck. Cyrus smiled as he saw her reaction. "Liv this is…" but she cut him off excitedly.

"Eddy D," I'm huge fan of your music!" Edison smiled at her kindly. He shook her hand and she almost fainted.

Edison Davis at only thirty years old, was one of the most well known music producers in the business. He graduated from Howard University at the age of twenty with a degree in Music Technology. While there he met, and fell in love with his wife Kimberley Mitchell, of seven years. She'd began working for the E network last year, and was now a co-host. They were like black royalty in the entertainment industry. But Edison known, as Eddy D was a celebrity in his own right. Four out of the five albums he'd produced for Enterprise Records, won the Grammy for album of the year. They were also all certified double platinum, within weeks of their release. Simply put he had the magic touch.

"Thank you. I've seen you on The Sound, and I'm a huge fan of yours as well." Nodding over at Cyrus he said. "Cy told me all about you, and I'm excited to be working with you on your first album Olivia." She blushed as he said her name. She never thought anyone as important as him would ever know who she was.

"Thank you, but you can call me Liv," she told him shyly. He smiled and nodded. Cyrus clapped his hands together.

"Well now that the two of you have been properly introduced, I think it's time for me to take my exit." He looked over at Liv and said. "I'll see you and your mom for dinner tonight Liv, we'll go over a few more things kid." Olivia nodded eagerly, with a grateful smile on her face.

"Thank you so much Cyrus, see you later."

He smiled back. Then he looked over at Edison, and gave him a polite nod. Edison returned it, then Cyrus left the two of them alone.

"So Cy told me that you had some songs written already." Olivia shook her head and pulled out her phone. She walked over to him so that he could see what she had.

"I wrote this one a few years ago, it's called Listen," she announced proudly. He skimmed over the lyrics. They were good. "It's a ballard, I think it would go great with a really awesome piano composition," she suggested. He nodded.

"Yeah, I'd have to hear it first to determine that for sure, but from what I see; it does look like it would do well on a slow track. Can I hear it?" he asked her. She smiled nervously, but nodded. She took a deep breath; and then she belted out the lyrics for him.

Listen to the song here in my heart

A melody I start but can't complete

Listen to the sound from deep within

It's only beginning to find release

Oh the time has come for my dreams to be heard

They will not be pushed aside and turned

Into your own, all 'cause you won't listen

Listen, I am alone at a crossroads

I'm not at home in my own home

And I've tried and tried

To say what's on my mind

You should have known oh

Now I'm done believing you

You don't know what I'm feeling

I'm more than what

You've made of me

I followed the voice, you gave to me

But now I've gotta find my own

He was literally blown away by how much power and control she had in her voice. He'd come across many good singers before; but she was on another level. She was everything he'd hoped to work with one day. Olivia was getting ready to sing her next verse, but he stopped her before she could.

"Woah there superstar. Save some for the booth okay," he joked. She laughed.

"Sorry."

He shook his head. "No need to be sorry," he smiled kindly. "You're incredible," he told her. She blushed heavily. He grinned at her. "Olivia Pope I'm going to make you the biggest popstar on the planet," he promised.

She gave him another shy smile and timidly said. "Ok."

It didn't take long for Edison to find a track that Olivia fell in love with. He took in her suggestions, just as she listened to whatever constructive criticism, or praise he had for her. They had a natural chemistry as singer and producer. One that often takes years to build. To say that Cyrus was please, was an understatement. Shortly after their first meeting, Edison signed a contract to produce Olivia's first studio album.

Cyrus was as happy as can be. To have the best producer they'd ever worked with, and one of the best singers he'd ever heard in his life working together; was a dream come true. They complimented each other very well. It was like they were made to work with one another. Olivia's songs were coming together quicker than he thought they would. Maya was pleased as well, not as much as Cyrus though.

Edison seemed charming enough, and he was very good at his job. But the way he looked at her daughter sometimes, and the way she held onto his every word as if it was law; didn't sit too well with Maya. Olivia was in awe of Edison, and he knew it. He didn't play it to his advantage often. But when Maya had suggestions or questions about their work; Olivia would more often than not, side with Edison. She knew he had a bigger hand than he should in guiding her daughters decisions, and she didn't like that one bit.

One day she flat out asked Olivia if anything was going on between her and Edison. Olivia laughed it off, and told her that she was being crazy. But she could tell that Olivia had developed a little crush on her very married music producer. One that he didn't do anything to dissuade. Two months into Edison and Olivia working together, Maya decided to confront him. She was going to get to the bottom of this right now.

Olivia wasn't due in the studio today, but Edison was. Maya thought that this would be the perfect time to have a little chat. She walked into the recording studio that he was in with another artist; interrupting his session. She glared at him, ignoring the looks of confusion she was getting from the artist he was working with.

"We need to talk."

Edison looked at her and sighed. He turned to the artist he was working with, and told him to take a lunch break. He knew by the look on Maya's face, that this was going to be a long talk. Once the singer was gone, he offered her a seat; which of course, she refused.

"Maya what can I do for you?" he asked, trying to hide his annoyance. Maya picked up on it, but didn't care.

"You can stop leading my daughter on."

Edison raised a curious eyebrow and spoke slowly. "I don't know what you're talking about." Maya rolled her eyes.

"Oh please, honey. She's got her nose so wide up in the air because of you, it's a wonder her feet are still on the ground." Edison chuckled.

"Is that some sort of saying in the south?" He taunted.

Maya refocused her glare on him. "She's nineteen years old, and she's brand new to this business. You're the first major producer she's come across in the industry. I knew she'd be impressed by you. But it's more than that, and you know it." Edison shook his head and smiled at her.

"She's a talented artist Maya, you should be proud," he deflected. Maya scoffed at him.

"Don't try to change the subject. You and my daughter work very well together, yes this is true. But I know you can tell that she hangs onto your every word. It's like she's enamored with you."

Edison shrugged. "She values my opinion as a producer, just as I value hers as an artist. I can assure you my relationship with Olivia is strictly professional Maya." Maya narrowed her eyes at him.

"If that's the case then why are you and my daughter texting and talking on the phone at two and three o'clock in the morning!"

"All of those conversations are about work. Sometimes we're in the studio at those hours as well Maya. You don't complain then," he challenged. She sent a death glare his way.

Maya wanted to ring his neck. She wasn't born yesterday. It didn't take a genius to know that something was up. She just didn't have enough proof yet. She'd gone through the text messages on Olivia's phone. Hell she still paid the bill; so she figured that she had the right too. But like Edison said, their text messages were mostly about work, with the occasional good morning or good night text. She still wasn't convinced though.

"Just make sure things continue to stay professional between the two of you, or else I'll end you." She walked up close to him and invaded his personal space. "Don't forget I used to be in this business as well. I still have many friends in high places. I can end your career with the snap of my finger if I want too," she warned, snapping her finger to make sure he got the point.

Edison smirked at her devilishly. "Don't make promises you can't keep Maya." She stared him down.

"Try me!" she hissed. He laughed humorlessly, and she walked away. Before she could get out the door, he said.

"Tell Liv I'll see her tomorrow. We're working on her newest track. So we might have to be in the studio all night to get it done right." Maya looked over at him snarling. He winked at her and she walked out. He was a certified asshole. She decided, she'd keep a closer eye on him from then on.

Four months into Olivia and Edison working together, things were coming together nicely. They spend many days and nights in the studio laying down track after track. Olivia had written so many songs; but she didn't know exactly which ones she wanted on the album. And it seemed as if Edison had a beat for every song she wrote. Both were perfectionist, so they refused to leave the booth until the songs were done to their liking.

So far she'd recorded ten songs, they had yet to decide which ones would be on the album. But Edison told her that if she had anything she wanted him to hear, he was always there to listen. She liked working with Edison a lot. He actually respected her opinion, and listened to what she liked and didn't like. He treated her like an adult, not like a child; despite her age and inexperience. Her mother and other executives, would often talk over her in meetings. Even Cyrus did on occasion, but not Edison.

They spent a lot of time together and had a natural chemistry. It wasn't very hard for them to build up a friendship. Sometimes when they took breaks from recording Edison would tell her stories about other artist he'd worked with, or different trips he'd been on. She listen on eagerly, hoping to someday travel the world as he had. He'd often talk about certain artist that he was close too. Also the ones that he didn't like working with. Jake Ballard's name came up for artist that he didn't like.

She'd also share stories of her life with him. She told him about her dreams and aspirations. How hard she'd worked to get to this point. But how grateful she was to be here. And he'd listen, and gave her words of encouragement as well. Sometimes when she was feeling down, or felt like her mother/manager wasn't listening to her, she would call him and talk to him about it. He would offer her advice. He never turned her away. He was her closest friend and confidant. Sure she had her best friends Abby and Quinn. But they were both back in Georgia in college. She'd forgone college to follow her dreams. So far it was paying off, but it did get lonely sometimes.

Olivia was in L.A. pretty much all by herself. Talking to him made her feel like she wasn't alone. She grew close to him over these last four months. Perhaps too close, she'd developed a little crush on him. She knew it was wrong, he was married and just trying to be a good friend to her. Plus she thought that because of their age difference he'd never see her as more than a little sister anyway. She shrugged it off. They were friends and that was all they ever would be. She was ok with that.

She wasn't supposed to be in the studio today, Cyrus wanted her to rest her voice, at least three times a week. But she couldn't stay away. She'd just finished writing a song last night that she thought was so fantastic. She wanted it to be her first single. Subconsciously she'd written it about Edison, but he didn't need to know that.

She walked into the studio where she knew Edison would be. She was getting ready to walk into the booth, when she heard him arguing with someone loudly on the phone. She hung back a bit so that he wouldn't notice her.

"This is how I pay the fucking bills Kim!... Since when have you cared whether I was home or not. You're never there your damn self!...Now it's all my fault that we don't spend any time together!...I'm always trying to make things work between us! You're the one who just fucking gave up!..."

She heard him go back and forth with his wife Kimberley. Out of all the times they'd spent just talking, he'd never once mentioned his her. Nor had she ever seen him call her just to talk. She'd just figured it was because he was being professional, now she didn't know what to think about that. She'd also never heard him so angry.

"Look I don't have time for this!...Oh yeah! Well I'm recording late tonight! Don't fucking wait up!" he yelled enraged.

Then he took his phone and threw it across the room. It slammed against the wall, breaking at the contact. He groaned out loud in frustration. Olivia took a peek inside the room and saw him take something out of his pocket. It was a joint and a lighter. He sat down on the couch turned on some loud music and began to smoke it. Olivia was frozen outside the door, she didn't know what to do.

"Liv I know you're out there, are you gonna stand out there all day?" he asked startling her. She walked in and gave him a nervous smile. He turned the music off.

"Sorry, I didn't know if you wanted to be alone or not." He shrugged smoking the blunt still. He offered her a seat, and she sat down after she closed the door.

"What's up, you're not supposed to be here today are you?" he asked smoking still. She shook her head.

"No I'm not, but I finished writing this last night," she said handing him her notebook. "I think it would go great with that beat you played for me on Friday." Edison took the notebook from her and read over the lyrics. He was trying to remember which beat she was referring too. When it popped into his head.

"Oh, ok cool, get in the booth and let's try it out," he told her. She nodded eagerly, anxious to get away from the smell of that thing he was smoking.

Once she got in the recording booth, he stood in front of her on the opposite side of the glass, and turned on the controls. She put the headphones on and waited for the track to start. When she heard the part she was supposed to come in on, she started singing into the mic.

Every night I rush to my bed

With hopes that maybe I'll get a chance to see you when I close my eyes

I'm going out of my head

Lost in a fairytale; can you hold my hands and be my guide

Clouds filled with stars cover your skies

And I hope it rains

You're the perfect lullaby

What kinda dream is this?

Edison bobbed his head to the music. She sounded amazing, and the beat was perfect for this song. He continued to smoke, while she continued to sing. He was thinking that this should be her first single.

You can be a sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare

Either way I don't wanna wake up from you

Sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare

Somebody, pinch me-your love's too good to be true

My guilty pleasure-I ain't going nowhere

Baby, 'long as you're here, I'll be floating on air 'cause you're my

You can be a sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare

Either way I don't wanna wake up from you

He paused the music quickly and said. "Liv this sounds perfect, do you wanna continue on with the second verse?" She nodded as she heard his voice come through her headphones. He smiled and started the beat up again and she sung.

I mention you when I say my prayers

I wrap you around all of my thoughts

Boy, you're my temporary high

I wish that when I wake up you're there

To wrap your arms around me for real

And tell me you'll stay by my side

Clouds filled with stars cover the skies

And I hope it rains; you're the perfect lullaby

What kinda dream is this?

He stopped the music there and she felt pleasantly energized. She always felt amazing after singing. He smiled goofily at her as she walked out of the booth, and over to him. Partially effects of the weed, but mostly due to the incredible song she just finished singing.

"Liv that was breathtaking," he gushed. She blushed heavily. He always knew the right thing to say. She laughed nervously.

"You really think so?" she asked, hope shining brightly in her eyes. He nodded.

"I really do, this should be your first single," he said confidently.

Olivia's eyes widened in shock. She knew that the song was good, well at least she thought it was. But the first single! That would set the tone for the whole album. The first single could make or break an artist on the rise. Edison was the best in the biz; and he thought that this song was good enough to put out first, that was saying a whole lot.

"Holy shit!" she swore excitedly. He laughed, he couldn't ever remember hearing her curse. before.

"Holy shit indeed." She laughed looking over at him.

"Should I go back in there so we can finish it?" she asked. He shook his head and held his half smoked blunt to his lips.

"Naw let's take a break, you're not even supposed to be here today. Cyrus would kill me if he saw you, you know."

She laughed again. "I won't tell if you don't," she teased. He winked at her, then he sat down on the couch. He patted the space next to him and she sat down beside him.

"You're amazing you know that," he complimented. She blushed beat red, she knew he was only talking about her singing, but that didn't stop her mind from wandering. "You'll probably be around twenty or thirty years from now, still blowing up the billboard charts," he laughed as the weed he was smoking started to hit him stronger. She smiled at him. He held the joint out to her. "You wanna hit this?" he asked.

She froze for a bit. Though she'd been around people who've smoked marijuana before, it was never particularly her cup of tea. But she didn't want to look like a loser in front of him. He was the only person that treated her like an adult; she wasn't going to give him any reason to stop now.

He started to pull it back. "You don't have to if you don't want too." She shook her head and reached for it.

"It's cool. Let me have some," she told him. He handed it to her and she inhaled heavily. She began coughing uncontrollably and he laughed as he patted her back.

"Slow down tiger, wouldn't want you choking and losing that pretty voice of yours, now would we," he joked. She forced a smile out at him as she calmed down. She inhaled it a bit slower. When she blew out the smoke this time, she only coughed a little.

"It's not that bad," she told him. He cocked his eyebrow at her feeling amused.

"You've never smoked weed before, have you?" he asked? She giggled, already feeling it in her system.

"No, but you didn't need to know that." He shook with laughter. "Stop laughing at me," she said playfully hitting him on the arm.

"I'm not," he promised, his laughter subsiding. "But Liv, you didn't have to smoke you know." Olivia shrugged feeling the effects of the weed hitting her stronger, she felt her filter slipping.

"And have you look at me like I'm a baby, no way." Edison placed his hand on her knee and she looked over at him. He looked her in her eyes and said.

"Trust me, when I look at you; a baby is the last thing I see." She felt her heart slamming into her chest uncontrollably, and decided that it was time to change the subject; before she did something she would regret.

"Maybe I should get back in the booth and try to finish the song," she suggested. Edison took his hand off of her knee and laughed again.

"I don't think you'll be able to focus on singing for too much longer."

He was right, Olivia felt her thoughts getting all jumbled in together. She had her mind on one thing, and then she lost her train of thought. She began thinking about something else seconds later. Damn this shit was strong, she thought. "Besides I like talking to you," said Edison, bringing her attention back to him. He smiled at her sweetly, and she smiled back feeling her heart rate quicken again. She was about to say something else when the door to their studio opened.

"Liv what the hell are you doing here, I've been calling you all day!" said Maya angrily. Olivia scrambled away from Edison quickly; while her mother scowled at him.

"Edison and I were just working on some new music," she said quickly. Her mother heard her, but she wasn't listening. She glared at Edison heavily, and he rolled his eyes.

"Would you like to hear the song your daughter and I did today?" he asked?

Maya ignored him. "Go get in the car Olivia."

"But mom…" she whined, Maya cut her off.

"Now!" she said firmly.

Olivia looked over at Edison and mouthed sorry. He smiled at her and nodded his head. She walked out the door, leaving Maya and Edison alone. Once she was gone Maya walked up to Edison and smacked the joint out of his hand.

"Strictly professional huh!" she yelled.

Edison sighed. "I was helping Olivia relieve some stress Maya."

"My daughter doesn't need any help relieving stress, least of all from you!" she spat. "Stay away from her."

"That'll be kind of hard to do since we're working on her album together," he stated simply. Maya frowned at him.

"Maybe I should tell Cyrus to put her with someone else." Edison glared at her this time.

"Maybe you should stop trying to live out your dreams through your daughter." Maya's face turned red, she felt as if she'd just been smacked.

"Excuse me!" she said loudly.

"Have you ever listened to anything she's tried to tell you?" he asked rhetorically. "The first song she ever sung for me was called Listen. After meeting you, and seeing the way you are with her; it doesn't take much to figure out that the song is about you!" he fired back at her angrily.

"You need to mind your fucking business, and leave my daughter alone! I know what's best for her and it isn't you." Edison smirked at her.

"Oh really, well maybe we should just see what Olivia has to say about that."

"It doesn't matter what Olivia has to say!" she said through clenched teeth. "I'm her manager!"

"I thought you were her mom first! You know what this is pointless. You're not going to stop me from working with Olivia, you're wasting your time here." She moved even closer to him, and pointed her finger in his chest.

"Keep pushing me Edison, and I will lay all of your shit bare. Leave. My. Daughter. Alone." She said, emphasizing every word. Edison scoffed.

"Your daughter's outside waiting for you, maybe you should worry her instead of being in here badgering me."

"Maybe you should go home to your wife!" she spat back, leaving him momentarily speechless.

He growled furiously. "Leave my wife out of this." She smirked at him this time.

"Maybe if you kept your wife in this we wouldn't be having this conversation." Edison was about to respond, but she cut him off. "Stay away from my daughter."

"Goodbye Maya!" he hissed at her. She glared at him in warning before she left.

Once she got to the car with Olivia; she got in on the drivers side. Before Olivia could utter a word she was yelling.

"Smoking weed! What the hell has gotten into you Olivia Carolyn Pope! You need to get your head out of your ass and focus on what's really important here!" Olivia looked over at her as she got to a red light.

"I am focused mom."

"The only thing you seem focused on is that damn producer. He's married Olivia and he's over ten years older than you; don't you know that!" she yelled again.

"Of course I know that," she stressed. "Edison and I are just friends." Maya laughed humorlessly.

"You think I'm stupid don't you?" she asked looking over at Olivia. "I saw how close the two of you were sitting together when I came in. You don't sit that close, and look at friends the way you two look at each other. If you keep on going down this road Olivia you're going to get hurt!" she warned.

Olivia sighed heavily as her mother continued on with her rant. Maya was seriously blowing her high. In her eyes, she wasn't doing anything wrong. It's not like she kissed Edison or something. Sure she felt things for him that she shouldn't. And when he touched her leg early, he held on a little longer than he should have. But they weren't fooling around with each other.

"Go to your room," said Maya after she and Olivia got home. Olivia looked at her in disbelief.

"Are you serious!" Olivia almost yelled. "I'm nineteen mom, you can't just tell me to go to my room. I'm not a child anymore, stop treating me like one," she argued.

Maya raised an angry eyebrow at her and said. "I'll stop treating you like a child, when you stop acting like one. As long as you live under my roof you're gonna do what I say. Get up to your damn room now!" She pointed up the stairs.

Olivia huffed and stomped all the way up to her room. Once she got inside, she slammed her door. Then she flopped onto her bed face first. She yelled into her pillow feeling frustrated. Why didn't her mom ever listen to her, that was all she ever wanted? She felt so trapped in this house. All she wanted to do was leave. She couldn't wait until she made it big, so she could move the hell out of here. Olivia tried calling her friends, but they both texted her back saying that they were in class. She sighed heavily. Edison was the only person who listened to her.

Shit Edison! She thought, she had no idea what her mother said to him. She'd been on the opposite of her mother's tongue lashings before, tonight included. She could only imagine how bad Maya laid into him. She pulled out her phone to send him a text, but then she remembered that he broke his phone. He'd friended her on Facebook a while back so she looked on their to see if he was online. She wrote him an instant message.

"Hey Eddy you there?" she sent. The little dot bubbles popped up and he sent something back shortly.

"Hey Liv, I'm here. You good?" he asked? She sighed.

"I'm fine, sorry about my mom earlier." He sent a smiley face emoji.

"Don't sweat it." She smiled. "Hey I'm going to an industry party tonight. They'll be some Enterprise artist there, plus some other big names. You wanna go?" he asked.

Olivia looked at the screen excitedly, of course she wanted to go. This would be a great opportunity for her to meet some people in the business, plus she'd get to spend time with Edison. But how would she get there. She didn't have a car, and she doubted that her mother would let her take hers.

"I'd love to go, but I don't have any way to get there," she responded sadly.

"It's cool, I got you, just send me the address of where you'll be." Olivia smiled widely as she sent him her address. Sure she'd have to sneak out, but she knew that this would be totally worth it. Once she sent him the address Edison responded. "Cool, I'll pick you up at eleven." She quickly responded back.

"Ok great. See you tonight."

"See you later superstar." She blushed and squealed as she read this, tonight was going to be awesome. She just knew it.

(A/N: So it begins. This portion of the story will be broken into two parts. I was going to make it one big chapter, but I wanted to get all of the details straight since this is a very important part of the story. You won't have to wait long for the next chapter, because it's already halfway written. Next up Olivia heads to the party with Edison and sees some things that she never thought she would. The two of them get closer, we'll see exactly what kind of relationship they developed, though I bet a few of you can guess by now LOL. Maya goes into super protective mom mode. Maybe now some of you can see why she acts the way she does about Fitz. If you don't; then next chapter I promise you'll understand it completely. Not that I'm saying it's right LOL. Next chapter is the last part of the flashback. Olivia has her nose wide open doesn't she. LOL poor girl. R&R, let me know what you all think will happen next. Some of you got very close in your assumptions. Surprised the hell out of me. LOL anyway enough of my ranting. The songs in this chapter were Listen and Sweet Dreams, by Beyonce. Till next time…)