A/N: I appreciate you taking time out of your life to read anything I have to say. Writing has been an incredible outlet for me and I've realized it's the Olitz in my head that I truly have come to love the most. Xo
Chapter 36: I Know Us
Hearing the words "Not Guilty" felt more like a dream than reality. Fitz turned behind him to look at Olivia and seeing the woman he loved smile in return brought all the more satisfaction. His lawyers were quick to shake his hand and pat him on the back but all he wanted was to take Olivia into his arms.
It was her love he wanted to feel.
Gerald was first in his family to congratulate his son with a hug and Fitz in turn hugged both his mother and sister. After their humbled celebration, they parted giving Fitz a direct line to Olivia. Maybe they sensed his need...or maybe they respected them as a couple, regardless their actions spoke volumes and didn't go unnoticed by either of them.
Olivia stood and waited, simply beaming while watching their interaction from afar. Her confidence radiated and Fitz suddenly out of nowhere imagined her on their wedding day. His thoughts completely took him by surprise and he paused for a split second before finally extending his hand. Her face was beyond pleased and the closer they came towards one another, the more his insides calmed.
"I told you..." He smiled, bringing Olivia into his arms. "You are my lucky charm."
His lips were now within inches of hers and she wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him gently on the lips. She was first to pull away, kissing him again on the cheek once more before stepping back to give him space. She could feel his family's stare and caught glimpse of his father grinning from ear to ear. He was first to break the silence and both Olivia and Fitz turned their attention over to him.
"Please join us for dinner, Olivia. Our lunch was cut way too short and you haven't spent nearly enough time with us."
Fitz slipped his arm around her waist and spoke for both of them, not waiting for Olivia to answer.
"Only if it's an early one, Dad. I'll be returning to New York tomorrow and I really need to get back home-"
"I'd love to visit, Mr. Grant. And I'm sure it'll be nice to have both your children under the same roof one last time...I know you're going to miss having them together," Olivia added.
Helen walked up next to Gerald and Olivia watched her closely, her face tired but kind. She had been more than cordial with Olivia during their short time together and Gerald turned to look in her direction, placing his hand affectionately around her waist similar to Fitz. It amazed her how alike they were and the moment Olivia picked up on it, she couldn't stop noticing the similarities.
"Thank you, Olivia. I would love that very much...and you're right it would be nice to have everyone together one last time."
Olivia turned to look at Fitz who nodded his head as if she understood Olivia's intentions. Marisa took her mothers car keys out and handed them to Fitz letting them know she would ride back with their parents so they could drive back together. Confusion set in but Olivia decided not to mention anything until they were alone. Fitz led her out of the courtroom, turning back one last time towards his lawyers. They spoke for a short while and Fitz eventually returned by her side, taking her hand into his.
"Congratulations," Olivia said, looking him over. They were walking just ahead of his family downstairs to the first floor.
"What time is your flight tomorrow?" Fitz replied, opening the door for her. The outside air was a bit warmer and Olivia was thankful she wasn't wearing a coat.
They discussed the possibility of Fitz booking the same flight as they walked over to his mother's car. His family was parked across the street on the side of the courthouse and Olivia decided to ask about his living arrangements.
"Where's your truck?" She asked, stepping inside the vehicle. Fitz stood by the door and answered, his body leaned against the window.
"It's at my parents house...we rode together this morning."
Olivia watched him close the door and walked around the front of the car over to the drivers side. He quickly started the engine and before long they were approaching the interstate. It was a little after 2pm and Olivia opened her small clutch and pulled out her cell phone. She had two messages in her inbox and decided to question Fitz before she lost the nerve.
"Can I ask you something?" Olivia hesitated. Fitz glanced in her direction and encouraged to her continue.
"You can ask me anything."
"Have you been back to Troy?" It sounded odd coming out of her mouth but she truly wanted to know. He paused before responding and she suddenly realized he paused out of embarrassment.
"No, I haven't. Not since you left."
Olivia sat stunned and looked ahead at the road ahead of them. On one hand she found the news shocking but at the same time, completely understood why. It was beyond difficult to return home to her condo after Fitz left and she could only wonder how worse it would've been had he stayed there with her for a longer period of time.
"Liv..." He began, his voice a bit shaky. "I just wasn't ready to face it."
"You don't need to explain yourself to me," Olivia quickly replied. "I know exactly what you felt like. Because I felt it too..."
Fitz turned into his parents neighborhood and Olivia immediately spotted his company truck parked in their driveway. She studied the Missouri plates for a short while before turning her attention over to their home. It was quite beautiful and spacious and the size surprised her immensely considering they had been empty nesters for quite a long time.
He parked his mother's car on the street and turned to face Olivia. They were the first to arrive and she could sense something his need to share something important. She reached for his hand and massaged the top of it, rubbing her thumb against the veins on his hand.
"You being here...I don't know if I'll ever be able to express what it means to me- or my parents."
"I'm excited to get to know them, Fitz. And I wasn't missing today...I want you to know I'm here for you. I will always be here for you."
Silence took over and after a short while Fitz leaned in and kissed Olivia tenderly on the lips.
"I love you and I'm going to marry you one day."
His words were just above a whisper but sounded so final and made Olivia's heart constrict into a million different pieces. She cleared her throat and affectionately touched his face before pressing her forehead against his. He consumed her in ways she couldn't imagine- especially when he spoke so confidently of their future. She didn't know how to respond and was thankful when she heard a car approaching.
His parents drove up behind them and Olivia turned to see them park next to Fitz's truck. His fathers license plates were nearly identical and she admired the II & III that sat side by side in the driveway. Fitz kissed her cheek again before opening his door and walking over to Olivia's. They eventually caught up to Helen and Gerald who graciously invited her inside.
Their home was elegant and large- so large she couldn't believe once again only two people lived there. It didn't match her economically friendly car and she prayed her outward emotions didn't give her inner disbelief away. She walked from the living room to the kitchen and looked around waiting for Fitz's lead. He was leaned against a barstool taking the moment in while his parents and sister busied themselves in the kitchen.
"Olivia, please make yourself at home," Gerald called from across the room.
His sports coat was now off and Olivia watched him roll his sleeves up before opening the refrigerator door. A family portrait caught her attention and she walked over to the mantle and admired the picture. It was obviously a professional photograph and both Fitz and Marisa looked so young. She felt Fitz soon approach her from behind and before she could turn, his lips were near her ear asking her if there was anything she needed.
"I'm good," she responded over her shoulder. "How old were you here?" She asked, not taking her eyes off the picture.
"That was at least twenty years ago."
They stood quiet for a while until Marisa joined them, bringing them each a glass of iced water. Olivia thanked her for the drink and even though she wasn't thirsty tried to sip on it periodically. His sister asked them about their plans once they returned to New York and Fitz was quick to answer.
"I need to focus on the reno. We're incredibly behind schedule. Once that's back on track I'm hoping I can get a team assembled as soon as possible. My goal is for us to break land by the New Year. You know Dad decided not to take on any pro-bono's for a while." This was news to Olivia and she listened carefully hoping Marisa would share some information.
"I know," Marisa replied, shaking her head. "We both know that should've happened a long time ago. If he would've been more involved there would NEVER have been a lawsuit."
"Maybe not, but you're right...this has been a long time coming. I can't run things on the west coast and also be responsible here. I was spread too thin and I know Dad understands."
"I still can't believe you're building a home in Jersey, Fitz! You. Of. All. People." Marisa exaggerated the words and Olivia kept quiet, taking the revelation in as his sister continued to share her thoughts regarding their decision.
"You hated the east coast...I will never forget the fuss you made when I finally told you I was choosing NYU. It was bad enough mom nearly had a heart attack but I expected more from you."
Fitz shook his head and Olivia watched him closely, part of her trying to decide if she should comment. Doubt began to enter and she tried to push her feelings down, hoping her fear wouldn't get the best of her.
"Funny how things work out, isn't it?" Fitz replied, casually. "Goes to show you how people can change."
He turned to look at Olivia and she took another sip of water, locking eyes with him. No one spoke for an uncomfortable moment until Helen called from the kitchen, asking them to help themselves to some food they prepared for everyone. Fitz was first to join his parents and his appetite didn't surprise Olivia. He barely touched his lunch from earlier and when they received the call from his lawyer, everyone left in such a rush no one bothered finishing their food. She watched him pop an appetizer into his mouth before getting into a discussion with Gerald.
Several minutes passed when Fitz subtly motioned for Olivia to join them. Fitz pulled out the wooden barstool for her to sit down and Marisa eventually sat next to both of them. Helen was in and out of the room and Olivia noticed right away she didn't seem to have much to contribute. Gerald kept his eyes on her just as Fitz often did with Olivia and she couldn't help but smile as more similarities between the two men revealed themselves.
Gerald engaged in conversation with his children, purposely including Olivia with each topic discussed. He made her feel right at ease and things quickly became relaxed as the afternoon progressed along. They snacked freely and Fitz eventually got comfortable changing into jeans and a dark brown sweater. The weather was beautiful and Fitz invited Olivia to join him and his father on the large wrap around porch.
It surprised her to see Gerald take out two cigars from a small container on the outside table. She didn't take him to be the smoking type and her eyes nearly popped out of her head when he handed one of the cigars to Fitz. He immediately looked at her and mouthed the words 'do you mind'. Olivia shrugged, shaking her head no and Fitz winked at her before taking a lighter from his Dad.
The way he held the cigar was simply one of the sexiest things she ever witnessed. And she honestly had never been attracted to anything like that ever before. He took only a few puffs before handing the cigar back, blowing smoke in the opposite direction of Olivia. Her body gravitated towards him, unable to keep her distance any longer. He was close to Gerald leaning against a large white column and watching Olivia. When she finally came within arms reach Fitz swallowed her whole, kissing her cheek several times.
"Are you cold?" Fitz asked, rubbing his hands up and down are arms.
Her silk blouse was rather thin and normally she would've been cold but because Fitz was near his presence consistently made her feel flush. She shook her head and looked down the street at the beautiful land lined with stunning trees. Their neighborhood was quiet and peaceful and she longed to be back in Troy standing on Fitz's front porch.
"Olivia, Helen and I were talking about visiting the east coast soon. We would love to see your show...And maybe even meet your parents if you think that could be a possibility."
Olivia froze and tried her best to remain calm. She looked at Fitz and he lifted his eyebrows at his father's words looking at her for guidance. Deep down she understood Gerald's intention, after all they were planning on moving in together. Olivia wasn't some fling so his proposition truly wasn't that far fetched. Unfortunately, she felt a bit cornered and she truthfully wasn't certain how to respond.
"We'll get back to you, Dad once we get settled. I'll let you know."
Fitz spoke confidently and rubbed Olivia's back as he answered for both of them. Although she appreciated his response, she liked Gerald and didn't want to appear rude so she decided not to remain silent.
"My father's schedule is very hectic these days but I'm sure something can be arranged. I would really love for you all to meet...but Fitz is right. I think it's a good idea if we take some time for ourselves."
Gerald smiled and took a puff of his cigar before responding.
"Certainly. Just let us know and we'll make the arrangements..."
Olivia and Fitz left his parents home a little after five in the afternoon. They ate an early dinner as promised and after a long drawn out goodbye they finally headed back to Troy. The inside of the truck was quiet for a while as Olivia processed the day's events. His mother was quite reserved during their goodbye and she couldn't help but sense her overall sadness. She wasn't certain if it was specifically aimed towards her but she did feel it and it was bothersome.
Her thoughts began to drift and she wondered how much of Helen's behavior was a result of her testimony. She stared out the window deep in thought while Fitz made a phone call to his secretary. Most of the drive consisted of him making arrangements in preparation of his absence and Olivia appreciated the time to think.
This was really happening.
In less than twenty-four hours she would no longer be living alone. It was a surreal moment for her and a combination of different emotions filled her psyche. Before long the sign she missed and even once dreamed about came into view and she smiled when the words Troy City Limits sharpened into focus.
Fitz had just wrapped up his conversation with work and Olivia sensed him looking at her. She turned and rested her head against the leather III and studied his profile. His face was soft but tired and she imagined him the night before tossing and turning, unable to sleep because of worry.
"Are you excited to be back home? Even if it's just for a night?" Sadness suddenly filled her and she reached for Fitz's hand, placing it on her upper thigh.
"I am," his voice beamed. "Especially now that you're here. It finally feels right."
Tears sprung her eyes and she quickly swallowed trying to push her feelings down. A familiar turn was up ahead and before long Fitz was making his way toward his gorgeous home. It was exactly how Olivia remembered and a flood of memories surfaced bringing forth waves of emotion.
"I just love it here."
It was the first thing to come to mind and she felt Fitz squeeze her leg. Silence filled the inside and Olivia could now sense his sadness. He drove into his driveway, parking next to his other black Audi and turned off the ignition. Olivia opened her clutch and pulled out the silver keychain Fitz gave her during her first visit, dangling it high into the air. Fitz sat back and looked at her lovingly- his eyes glossy and filled with love.
"Would you do me the honors?" Fitz asked, his voice slightly cracking.
Olivia nodded and reached for him, kissing his lips, bringing the keychain between them. They eventually exited the vehicle and Fitz grabbed a few items from the back before making his way up the stairs. His porch swing moved ever so slightly with the breeze and once again memories filled her mind. Her black heels clanked loudly against the wood and Fitz stood near his door waiting patiently for Olivia to unlock it. His hands purposely mimicked Vanna White showcasing the lock in a playful boyish manner and she laughed at the gesture, shaking her head at his innocence.
He leaned into her as she turned the lock and kissed her temple welcoming her home. His hand instantly went to her backside, patting it affectionately when all of a sudden her legs were in the air. Fitz swiftly lifted her like a bride as he had so many times before and carried her inside. Loud squeals filled the air and Olivia looked around as Fitz's eyes remained focused on her. Everything looked the same and as she surveyed the room she instantly spotted their special blanket near the fireplace. It had been folded neatly and placed at the edge of the sofa and she made a mental note to bring it with them back to New York.
Once Olivia's feet were placed firmly on the ground, Fitz brought her in close and kissed her passionately, pinning her body against the front door. One leg wrapped high around his waist and Fitz wasted no time inching his fingers slowly up her skirt. He was first to eventually break free, his mouth leaving a trail of kisses up and down her neckline.
"Jesus...I've missed you," he breathed out.
Olivia's clit began to tingle against his jeans and something inside snapped. She wanted him now more than ever and she wasn't going to shy away from telling him. She moved her hand down the inside of his pants, purposely cupping his ever growing penis. Fitz sucked in a breath and Olivia closed her eyes at the sound.
"I want to touch you..."
Her voice was pleading yet forceful and left no room for error. Fitz adjusted his stance and remained still while Olivia unzipped his pants and set his manhood free. She stroked him hard and long until Fitz had enough and before she could process what was happening he lifted her into the air and headed straight for his bedroom.
Fitz undressed her within seconds and stood hovering over the bed watching her intently. Olivia couldn't understand his apparent hesitation and was about to reach for him when he finally spoke, his request taking her completely off guard.
"Touch yourself...just like you did the other night."
Desire was spread across his face and he remained motionless waiting for her to oblige. Olivia's ego inflated within seconds and without any reservation she kneeled naked on his bed and moved her hands immediately into position. One hand traveled to a breast while the other went in between her legs and the verbal foreplay quickly came into effect.
"I haven't been able to stop thinking about you like this..."
Olivia strained to hear him, part of her simply unable to concentrate. She felt like a sex goddess and wanted nothing more than to put on a show for the man she loved. The transformation was fluid- effortless- going from her wanting to be fucked to her wanting nothing more than to please him. Her clit begged to be caressed and the second she applied pressure everything inside grew warm. She closed her eyes and stood tall on her knees siding a finger fully inside her pussy.
She vaguely heard Fitz mumble and from his sounds she knew he was more than enjoying the show. Her nipples grew hard at her own touch and her need for him reached an all time high. Her orgasm was near but she more than anything wanted him.
"Fitz-"
Before she could finish she felt his hand cover hers, his body now also kneeling on the bed. She opened her eyes and saw he was undressed and she instantly reached out to touch him. Their fingers intertwined and it didn't take long for Olivia to feel his fingers inside of her. Fitz kissed her gently...slowly...and she couldn't stop herself from moving her hand away allowing him to completing take over.
"Lay back, baby."
Fitz helped her down onto the bed keeping his finger tucked snugly in place. The movement slightly made Olivia wince and she felt a gush of liquid slowly roll down the side of her inner thigh. She quickly realized Fitz's plan and watched as he lowered his body down to get into position. Her legs parted and she closed her eyes again as his tongue replaced his finger, plunging deep inside. Olivia cried out in pleasure as part of her body rose up in reaction. He tongued her continuously, over and over, until her muscles clinched and heat completely washed over.
Time grew stagnate and she clawed the pillows above her head for mercy when Fitz retrieved his tongue and finally slid up her body. He entered her almost instantly, bending her leg at the knee and burying his face inside the crook of her neck. Olivia's arms clung to his body as Fitz made slow love to her, their souls reconnecting as if they were never apart...
Sunlight began to fall and Olivia grabbed Fitz's nearby shirt and placed it on before getting out of bed. It was a quarter past eight and Fitz was busy packing while Olivia lazily watched from the comfort of his bed. He walked back and forth from the line of suitcases to his closet, filling the insides nearly to the brim.
A long circular tube suddenly caught her attention from the corner of the room. She first noticed it when Fitz grabbed a few items from his truck earlier that evening. Deep down she knew exactly what it was and had been waiting for this moment all week. She bent down to pick it up and turned to Fitz who watched her from across the room.
"Are these our blueprints?" She asked, trying to pry open the edge of the cylinder with one hand.
Fitz smiled and tossed the garments he was carrying on the bed making his way over to her. He took the long tube from her hands and opened the end with ease. The plastic made a loud pop when it finally came off and Fitz motioned for Olivia to follow him. They walked down the hall towards his study and he turned the light on, heading directly to a large table in the center of the room. She watched fascinated as he took the contents out of the tube, carefully spreading it flat on the table. He reached for a few special tools placing them around the edges of the paper preventing them from turning upwards.
"Come here."
Fitz was barefoot, wearing only pajama bottoms and he reached for his glasses from a smaller nearby desk behind him. When Olivia finally joined him he positioned her in front of his body, tucking her in between his legs, watching her from behind as she stared at the sketches. Fitz kissed her back admiring his large shirt on her tiny body. She remained silent for a long while until he finally stood and wrapped his arms around her waist. He rested his head on her shoulder almost like a child as all patience quickly escaped him.
"It's not nearly complete...and I have some questions for you before I start on the bedrooms."
More silence filled the room and Fitz began to worry. Doubt slowly seeped in and he took his glasses off, turning Olivia's body around. Her eyes were glossy, obviously filled with emotion, and he quickly understood the meaning behind her silence. He caressed her cheek with his thumb and wrinkled his face searching her eyes.
"Livvie...are you okay?"
His voice was filled with concern and Olivia shook her head as if she was embarrassed with her own actions. A tear fell down her cheek and she suddenly chuckled, swiftly wiping it with her hand.
"I'm more than fine," she said looking him squarely in the eye. "Fitz...I don't think I've ever been this happy. It's perfect. I mean...this is our home."
She nearly squealed her last two words and Fitz wrapped his arms around her, resting his forehand against hers.
"It is ours, baby. All ours. I'm going to build you the home of your dreams."
Olivia lifted up on her tippy toes and squeezed Fitz, again her emotions spilling over. She cried softly against his skin, happy tears now falling freely down her cheeks.
"Will you sketch for me? I want to watch you," she asked in between quiet sobs.
"Now?" Fitz asked, his voice filled with surprise.
"Yes...now."
Fitz studied her face for a while and eventually smiled a wide grin, kissing her softly on the lips. Olivia turned back around and wiped her face while Fitz once again placed his glasses on and stood behind her. He chose a small area to work nearby so he didn't have far to move. Olivia stood motionless and didn't make a sound, slightly mesmerized by his actions.
He grabbed a nearby pencil and she watched his hands moved with precision. Although he didn't have the best intended angle he sketched with such finesse, his strong hand flexing with every move. After a while he could no longer take the silence and needed to hear Olivia's thoughts.
"Do you approve, Ms. Pope," he jokingly asked. His voice was deep and sensual and spoke right against her ear.
Olivia rested her back against his chest and she felt her hands gently rub his arms in a slow, gentle pattern. He wasn't exactly sure what she was doing but it felt good so he continued to draw. After a long time, Olivia spoke and he could tell once again she was overcome with emotion.
"I never knew life could be this way. I never knew my heart could be this happy." Fitz stopped sketching and kissed her shoulder allowing her words to sink in. "This is our home. Our. Home." She continued, repeated the words again as if she herself couldn't quite believe them.
Fitz remained still and listened, brushing his lips against her shoulder deep in thought. After some time he finally responded, recalling a phrase his housekeeper, Lucinda, used to share with him often.
"Una casa llena de amor."
"What does that mean?" Olivia asked, not skipping a beat. Fitz chuckled and smoothed her hair from behind.
"It means a house filled with love."
"How are you so sure you know what it's going to be filled with?" Her voice was soft and he could hear the sincerity spilling over.
"Because I know us," he replied. "And we wouldn't settle for anything less than love..."