They were so tired that they barely moved in their sleep all night. Not even Olivia, who normally always would.
She did start to stir, though, when her boyfriend starting kissing her neck to wake her.
It was clear to see, this morning, what they'd done last night. They both had marks from where the other had gripped their skin so hard it left evidence. And Fitz had a light hickey on his lower neck, too.
But now Fitz was the one kissing her neck. And it seemed to be a successful way to wake her up.
It worked so well that it gradually began to lead elsewhere. They clearly picked up right where they'd left off the prior night, because he was between her legs again in no time.
"Oh — God. Yeah, baby. That's perfect, just...like that."
Olivia laid on her back, legs wide open, stroking the curls of the man currently eating her out like it was his profession.
In between his licking and sucking, he'd moan quietly against her sensitive skin. And that had her even more turned on — hearing a soft "mmm" escape his hardworking mouth.
"My God. I don't know...how I'm gonna...live without this — all summer," she moaned, arching her back.
He gently sucked on her clit and then pulled away, looking up at her.
"I'll just have a lot to make up for when...we see each other again," he whispered, returning to his work.
"Oh...yeah. Yeah, okay...I think I'll be able to live, now...with that knowledge," she panted.
He smirked to himself, before sliding his tongue inside her.
He put in work. Making sure it was the best one yet — since it was the last time for a while.
And that made him sad too. He'd miss tasting her. He'd miss the way her body trembled, and the tight grip she usually had on him. And the way she unraveled — moaning so hard like she was now.
"Fitz — oh, Fitz," she whimpered, rolling her hips against his face.
He smiled at how loud she was this time around. God, his name never sounded so good than when she was yelling it during an orgasm.
He gripped her thighs hard, feeling her whole body tremble — but slowly relax.
"Oh," she moaned quietly, sinking back down into the bed. "Oh...God. I...love you."
He chuckled against her skin, peering up at her.
"Is that...because I just ate you out?" he asked.
"Uh-huh. And about...ten thousand other reasons. But...that is the most...recent reason, yes," she whispered.
He was still chuckling, making his way up to her face.
"I'm glad that's the most recent reason," he said. "I think I'm going to give you, uh...another reason, though."
"Mmmm, that sounds...so good," she whispered, smiling. "What are you going to do?"
He stared at her lips as she licked them, and then went in for a big kiss.
She moaned into his mouth, tasting herself on his lips.
"I'm going to make love to you," he whispered, going back in for another kiss.
"One more time."
"Ohhh," she replied desperately. She was sad to hear the words aloud. One more time. "Yes, baby, please."
"Slow. We're going to make it last, okay," he added, massaging her breasts beneath him.
"God, yes," she nodded, eyes closed in a daze. "I want it...slow. So slow."
He nodded in agreement, reaching to his side for the condom box.
"Fitz, I want to feel you first. I want to...feel you one more time, too. Please," she begged.
"Whatever you want, baby," he whispered, watching her.
"Do you want to feel me too?" she asked, rubbing him with her hand.
"I always do. Always," he replied quietly. "I love feeling you."
She eyed his bare length with desire, which was slightly wet from the tip.
"Mmm," she smirked, licking her lips.
Without a second thought, he stroked himself a few times before he rubbed her entrance with his tip. Seeing her look at it like that made him want to be inside so bad.
She gasped, widening her legs for him and eyeing his dick.
"Baby..." she moaned.
"Hi," he smirked, circling his tip around her entrance. Watching it get wet.
"You want me inside?" he asked.
"You know I do," she said.
He guided himself in, pushing slowly as she had yet to adjust.
"Oh — God, oh. All...all the way," she begged.
"I know, Livvie. I know," he said, smiling at her.
A faint smile formed on her face as she looked up at him, and he slowly went all the way inside.
He looked down at their bodies fully connected and bit his lip, slowly pulling out again.
"Just...just a few times," he whispered, starting to roll his hips again.
"Yeah. Just...a little longer," she nodded, feeling his wet, bare dick stroke in and out of her slowly.
Oh wow, there was a reason they could only do it so long. First off, because of obvious protection reasons. It felt way too damn good to do it raw the whole time — neither trusted themselves to stop. And second, if they were trying to make this last, this would absolutely not help.
It just felt too good.
Fitz closed his eyes and clenched the sheets between his fingers as he pumped in and out ever so slowly. But his strokes, while slow, were long. He lingered, and felt them grow wetter together. Felt her lightly tense her muscles around him.
"Oh, baby. You're...perfect," he moaned. "You are the best...feeling — in the world."
She reached up and ran her fingers down his strong chest, watching his movements in awe.
"You feel perfect," she whispered. "I don't know how I'm going to go without...this all summer either."
"Me neither," he panted.
"I wish you didn't — have to stop," she whispered desperately. "You just feel so good. Don't...want you to stop, Fitz."
"I know — I know," he agreed. "But...I need to. I'm gonna...I'm gonna pull out for a second, okay?"
She nodded immediately, knowing he was right. It was, indeed, the smart move.
She waited desperately for him to roll a condom on so they could continue. He was so hard, and she was so wet. Both were just aching for it.
But he still wanted to make this last. So as soon as he had his condom on, he didn't slide back in just yet.
Instead, he extending his body all the way back up to meet her eyes, and went in for a kiss. A long one, that made her gradually start to moan against his mouth again. She was pulling him down against her body — desperate for contact, clearly.
So he did give them what they both wanted.
"On your side...face me," he whispered gently, sliding off and laying right beside her.
She turned toward him and smiled at him as he caressed her cheek gently. He was quick to lift her leg, and she immediately rested her foot atop high thigh.
She had to keep her leg lifted at a certain angle for him to be able to slide in. When he did, she gasped and reached for his curls.
He let one arm rest above him, and wrapped the other arm around her body, gently rubbing her back as he began to thrust in and out. Very gently, and very slowly.
Her breaths came out in a deep, slow pattern as they got back into a rhythm.
Her big, brown eyes locked with his as they connected. She was looking at him with that look of hers. That look of adoration.
A slight smile on her face. Damp skin. And her hands gently running through his curly hair.
It felt good. He had to admit that was a nice feeling on top of having sex with her. And so was feeling her in his arms. Holding onto each other so tightly, and looking so affectionately at each other during such a moment.
It definitely made him think about the next time he would get to look her in the eyes while he made love to her. It wouldn't be for a while.
"I love you, baby," he whispered, lazily leaning in for a kiss.
She kissed him back, letting her tongue brush his as they started to make out. But she took a breath in between to respond to him.
"Love you...so much," she whispered back.
He could feel himself getting close, so he had to break things up again so he had more time to get her there first. He refused to come before her, especially this time.
Soon, he had her on his lap as they sat there in bed. His hand was squeezed between their bodies, rubbing her clit as she rolled her hips. His other hand had a handful of ass. And his lips were currently on her nipple.
She seemed to really like that combination.
His thrusts upward and her own thrusts were still slow, as they'd planned. But she was growing closer now. He knew. He could always tell.
"I want to hear you when you come, Olivia," he whispered.
"You've almost...got me there," she panted, clenching around him.
"Ohh," he moaned, leaning his forehead against her chest.
He was really having to hold off now, but he could do it.
He sped up his finger movements against her clit, and he started kissing her neck.
He didn't linger, not wanting to leave any more marks on her — at least where they were visible. So he used his tongue a lot more instead of his lips, and she loved that.
It was the last straw; what pushed her over.
He could tell that was the case when her body went from trembling against him — to full-on shaking.
Her moans grew louder, and her sentences — more difficult to understand.
"Fitz...Fitz," she whimpered, slowly rolling her hips on him — filling herself up with his stiff dick.
"Louder," he nodded, softly stroking her cheek.
She about yelped in his arms, filling herself up repeatedly. There was always something about that slow sex that hit just right.
Her orgasm shook through her body, and he was hit with that same sense of pride and satisfaction he always had, as well as a little bit of relief, because he'd been on his own edge. And he could finally let go.
"Oh — fuck," he moaned, making eye contact with her one last time as they both reached their climaxes just about simultaneously.
"Livvie —" he groaned.
The initial jerking of his body slowed, and she stopped shaking, too.
She was still slowly riding him, though, letting him fill her up ever so slightly.
He wasn't going to stop her. He would cherish every moment he had inside of her.
They were both sweating now together. That whole session had felt damp and warm and...utterly perfect. But tiring, nonetheless. So she did carefully climb off of him. They both watched, with some sadness probably, as his dick pulled out of her and she lifted herself off of him.
But they collapsed back in bed together afterward, her still right there in his arms. Panting. Relaxing the tensed muscles. And feeling deeply satisfied.
"Goddamn," she panted.
"Uh-huh," he agreed breathlessly.
"I love you," she said tiredly.
He chuckled and did a little thumbs up. "Most recent reason — check."
She giggled, looking up at him sweetly.
And a whole wave of warmth washed over him again, seeing that face.
"I'm going to miss that look of yours," he whispered.
"What look?" she asked curiously.
She genuinely didn't know what he was talking about and it made him chuckle.
"What?" she asked.
"Nothing. You're just so cute," he said, reaching for the room service menu he'd been looking at last night.
"Thank you!" she exclaimed. "You're pretty cute yourself."
He couldn't help the smile that grew bigger on his face. And of course, she got lost looking at him, too. The smile. The eyes. She was just going to miss him so damn much.
And she wanted to show him one last time — if she could.
But he was currently busy flipping through the menu. So she let him for a while, because he would need to bounce back anyway.
But when she did make a move for it, he wasn't entirely aware of when she started to slide down his body. He mindlessly thanked her when she disposed of his condom and cleaned him up — but he was focused on other things.
He was naming breakfast items out loud — trying to figure out what they both might like. That is, until she started tracing his soft dick with her fingers.
He paused, lowering the menu.
"Oh. What...what're you up to down there?" he asked, peering down at her.
"Let me try and get you there. Just one more time," she whispered.
He raised his eyebrows at her. "Right now?"
"Mhm. Right now," she said, starting to kiss his shaft.
He couldn't deny the excitement he felt, but also the panic about coming not too long ago.
"Think you can?" she asked, swirling her tongue along his tip.
Uh, maybe? Solid maybe.
"Absolutely...I can," he nodded, watching her mouth move.
She already had him semi-hard, and it didn't take long for him to harden all the way, either.
He still tried to scan the menu, while she moved her mouth up and down on his rigid dick.
"Oh...the...the eggs benedict...sounds nice — Christ," he moaned, tossing the menu aside.
She smiled, stopping her wonderful pace for a moment to respond.
"Oh. Eggs benedict doesn't sound so good anymore?" she asked, resting her palms on either side of his thighs.
"Does. Just...have other priorities right now," he replied, watching eagerly for her to return to what she'd been doing.
So she did — repeatedly filling her mouth with his thick dick.
"Ohhhh," he groaned, head falling back against the headboard.
He was impressed with both of them. Because it was clear she knew she could get him there. She did it without much of a problem, really.
He took a little longer than normal, but she could handle that. Sucking on him was a treat, really. It took determination, but it was certainly no chore.
And it was rewarding once it was over. Seeing the reaction. Feeling the clenched muscles. Tasting the warm cum in her mouth.
She swallowed, but had some leftover to wipe off her lips. She licked her lips thoughtfully, making sure he saw.
"Oh, fuck," he whispered, panting hard. "You are...incredible."
"Right back at you with that one," she nodded, kissing his sensitive tip affectionately.
He held his breath, watching her soft kisses in anticipation.
"I love you," he whispered, knowing he'd get a laugh for that one. He did.
"Why, 'cause I just sucked your dick?" she teased.
"And about a million other reasons, but that's the most recent reason," he said, mimicking what she'd said earlier.
She giggled, making a little checkmark in the air with her finger.
She gave him one last soft kiss, before scooting up to meet him again.
A sigh escaped her lips as she snuggled her head back down against his damp chest, wrapping her arms around him tightly. He noticed her grip tighten, and looked down at her afterward. She looked a little sad.
"Everything okay?" he asked, stroking her cheek.
"Yeah. I just don't want to leave you," she said.
"I don't want you to leave me, either," he agreed quietly.
"What am I supposed to do without you?" she sighed, kissing his chest.
"Call me. And...and FaceTime me," he nodding, thinking hard.
She sighed. "That's it? Not enough."
"Hmmm...okay. So then...I think you should also...masturbate. Often. Very...often. And...FaceTime me while doing so," he nodded seriously.
Now she was cracking up.
"Ohh. Okay. I appreciate how you just snuck that in there, baby. So sly," she laughed.
He was chuckling now. "Well, you said...regular calls weren't enough. I was just trying to give you...you know. More options."
"Well, thank you, baby. And you know I'm always down," she smirked. "As long as...they are reciprocated."
He bit his lip and nodded. "Deal."
"Good. 'Cause I can't go months without seeing your dick. That's just...not going to work for me," she said, eyeing him up down there.
He laughed, nodding in agreement. "Yeah I don't...I'm not sure this whole...you leaving thing is going to work. I think you better just stay."
"Oh is that right?" she asked.
"Yeah that's right."
She smiled, reaching up to cup his cheek.
"That would be nice, wouldn't it."
He nodded silently in response.
In the midst of his silence, her smile faded and she took a deep breath.
"I'm...really going to miss you, Fitz."
"I'm going to miss you, too," he replied, studying her sad face. "You are my world, Olivia. You are...what I love. I'm so
Much happier with you here. You are just...everything. You are my life."
"And you are mine," she whispered, pecking his lips. "You are mine."
"I don't want you to go," he whispered.
"I don't want to go," she shook her head, laying it on his chest sadly. "I don't want to go."
He sighed, hugging her tightly against his chest. Trying to comfort her, when he felt he needed to be comforted, himself.
Last night had been a little easier to focus on having a good night. It had been sexy, and fun, and of course, a little celebratory, because they'd purposely stayed away from the sadness last night.
But this morning hit a little different. This morning — it couldn't be helped. Because reality had to set in now.
They tried hard to push it aside again for a bit longer, at least to enjoy their breakfast and their time together while they got ready.
Fitz was going to drop by and see his mom for a bit today, as he promised he'd come look at her gardens soon. And, she wanted to see him after all the recent issues he'd been having with his medication process. She was just being a normal, worried mother, wanting to check up on her son.
But he was fine with it anyway. At least this way, it hadn't been a whole lie when Fitz had told Karen he was going to his mom's last night.
Rather than...the city, with Olivia.
Olivia on the other hand, was going to spend one last day with her friends, and pack up tonight with Greta.
Since she and Greta were rooming together in an apartment again in the fall, Greta's parents were taking some of their joint things, and Olivia's bigger things home with them. It was far easier for them to do it, since they only lived a short car ride away, while Olivia lived a couple flights away. But Olivia was very grateful for it, so she wanted to make sure everything was set out for them tonight, and that they didn't have to do any extra work when they came to move Greta out.
But until then, she did enjoy a nice breakfast and cup of coffee with her boyfriend.
And he did, indeed, get the eggs benedict.
After they'd eaten and gotten ready together, it was a sad trip down the elevator and to the sidewalk for a cab.
The Langham had provided yet another unforgettable night.
But the cab ride itself. That was the worst part.
They made it back to Olivia's place and he walked her inside, as she held back tears. Annoying tears, as always. But ones that probably needed to just come out. She'd held these ones in for a long time now.
He rubbed her back while she unlocked her front door with shaky hands.
From the looks of it, Greta was sleeping, because her bedroom door was closed. So they spoke quietly once they were inside.
It only took a few seconds for her to break down. She collapsed her face into his chest, sniffling hard.
"Oh, Livvie," he whispered, holding her head affectionately. "Baby, I know. I know."
"Sorry," she murmured. "Dumb."
"Not dumb," he whispered. "You can cry for as long as you need to. I'm not going to leave you. I'm here."
And with that, it was like the floodgates had opened. But...quietly, for Greta's sake.
He held her so close, feeling the sadness radiate through him as his girlfriend just about bawled in his arms. He just tried his best to be strong for her.
It did take a while. But eventually, the sniffles slowed, and she looked up at him after the tears had stopped.
Her eyes were puffy and red, and her makeup was smudged. And yet, she was so beautiful.
"Only a couple months. Right?" he whispered, smoothing back the curls from her face.
She nodded silently, looking like she could cry again.
"I love you more than anything," she whimpered, her lip trembling.
Holy shit — she had him working hard to keep it together. He felt like he had never seen such a sad face before.
"I love you. I love you so fucking much. Okay? I love you," he whispered, kissing her forehead.
"I love you," she murmured again.
"And we will see each other tomorrow. Right? Karen and I will come pick you up. And...we'll get to see each other one last time. This isn't goodbye yet. Okay?" he asked softly.
She nodded, composing herself. "Mhm. Yes. Right. You're right."
"Look at me," he whispered.
She looked up at him hesitantly, knowing she looked like an absolute wreck.
"I need to see your pretty smile," he said.
And just at his words, a small smile formed on her face. And when he smiled back — of course her smile grew.
"There it is. That's what I was looking for," he whispered.
She let out a little giggle, and before she knew it, he was leaning in to kiss her.
She was quick to kiss him back. Desperately. Sloppily.
They both held onto each other's cheeks, going in for more. Because it was their last kiss.
"I'll...see you tomorrow?" she asked softly, after they pulled away.
"Yes you will," he assured her, kissing her softly once more. "I'll see you then, okay?"
"Okay," she nodded, not wanting to let go. "Will you text me when you get to your mom's?"
"I will, baby," he nodded, kissing her hands one by one. "You want me to call you a little later when I'm on the way?"
She nodded at him. "Please. Yes."
"Okay, baby. I will do that," he promised.
"Okay. Thank you," she nodded. "I'll miss you. I'll...I mean, I'll see you tomorrow, but I'll miss you."
"I will miss you too," he chuckled, giving her a smile. "I'll call you in a little bit. Okay?"
She nodded, going in for one last hug and kiss.
"I love you."
"I love you too," she whispered. "Bye, honey."
He shook his head. "Don't say bye yet. It's not bye yet."
She laughed and nodded in agreement. "See you later, honey."
"See you later," he whispered, kissing her cheek.
And then he was out the door — headed back outside.
But funny enough, there was a knock at her door only moments after she'd shut it. She wondered what he could have possibly forgotten, as he hadn't brought anything inside to forget.
But when she opened the door, it wasn't Fitz. It was Stephen. Though, he was looking in the direction Fitz had just gone in, a bit confused.
"Oh. Hey, Stephen," Olivia said, wiping her face.
"Hey...Liv, who was that?" Stephen asked.
He turned to look at Olivia, and realized her sad state.
"So...that was who I thought it was, then," Stephen nodded, pulling her in for a hug.
Olivia nodded, embracing her sweet friend.
"Aw, Liv. I'm truly so sorry. I came here to ask if you and Greta wanted to go and get boba. I figured...you'd both be sad today about leaving your laddies. This boba tea...it seems to be a universal cheer-up. I'm not sure if...if you would want that, or...?" he wondered aloud.
Olivia laughed, pulling away from him.
"I would love to get boba, Stephen, thank you. You're very thoughtful," she laughed, wiping her face again. "Sorry I'm such a mess."
"Well that's alright. You don't think I understand the pain of leaving such a loved one?" Stephen asked.
Olivia nodded. Goodness, of course.
"I know. I know. I'm...such a baby, I can't imagine how hard it's been for you, being away from her all year," Olivia nodded.
"Yes, indeed. It's been difficult. But, like your situation, and Greta's situation, I know it's not permanent. And that helps me through," he nodded.
"Smart man," Olivia sighed. "You're right, though. You're right. I'm good. I just needed a good cry, because I've been...holding that in for a hot minute. Now I'm good. I'm spectacular. Let's go get boba."
"Wonderful then," Stephen chuckled. "You sure you don't need another hug? I have been told I give wonderful ones."
"I'm okay, thank you though. Your hug was very comforting," Olivia giggled.
"Well thank you, though I'm sure not quite as comforting as a hug from your...well, I suppose I shouldn't even say laddie in this scenario. That was...that was no laddie. That was just a man. A large...muscular man," Stephen wondered aloud. "I only saw him from behind and yet I know for certain he could kick my ass. You were just being nice to me yesterday!"
Olivia cracked up. "No, I was being honest — he would never kick your ass."
"Alright, well. I suppose that'll have to do," Stephen chuckled. "I'm sorry, again, Liv. But you will see him again."
"Yes. Yes I will," she smiled, letting out a sigh.
"So...I take it that...Greta's asleep?" Stephen asked.
"Yeah, I know her order though. We can surprise her with it," Olivia nodded, grabbing her purse again.
"Dandy," Stephen replied.
They went and got boba tea for the three of them, and returned to wake Greta up with the surprise. She was ecstatic, especially because boba was her favorite. And after an apparent long night spent at Mikko's, she'd returned this morning for an extra nap.
If Olivia had to guess, she probably had had a similar tiring night...
They all spent the day together, with Huck, Mikko, Joel, and Quinn, too. Even Huck's boyfriend Elliot popped by later that evening for their last homemade dinner together.
The rest of Olivia's evening, though, was spent with Greta. They listened to music together, and Olivia spent some time recovering from more goodbyes that evening. Greta at least didn't have to say goodbye quite yet to the others, since she still had a couple days here — but Olivia had to. She had sure had a rough day. Which is why it was nice to wind down and try to make the most of it. Just like Fitz had suggested the prior night.
By the end of it, she had a very neat and tidy pile of her things for Greta to take with her and store when she went back home. It wasn't much at all, but it was a big help to Olivia.
And so, her last official day in New York City, had come to a close.
She woke up happier than she thought she would on Sunday. Though, Greta was a big crier, so that led to more tears that morning when the two girls said goodbye to each other.
"You better text me, girl. I'm trying to hear all about your summer," Greta said, hugging Olivia.
"I will. You too, please, okay?" Olivia sniffled.
"Absolutely. I'll miss you, O. And I love you," Greta said.
"I love you too. And I'll miss you lots. August can't come soon enough, huh?" Olivia sighed.
"Damn right. I've never been more excited about a school year. I've never...despised summers this much," she laughed.
"Me neither. The time off is nice, of course, but...God, this is just tough. It has been a tough weekend," Olivia nodded.
"Yeah it has. But...I guess we can look forward to the amazing first weekend we'll have when we're all back," Greta said.
"Yes! That's...that's the spirit," Olivia agreed. "I need to keep remembering that, myself."
"Well. Until then?" Greta asked, smiling at her.
"Until then. See you, G," Olivia said. "I think...I think that's Fitz. Yep, it is."
His jag slowly rolled up on the street and Greta nodded.
"Alright, good. I'll see you, O. Text me when you land!"
"Yeah, I will! Thank you so much again for taking some of my things. Please thank your parents again for me," Olivia replied.
"No worries, girl. Have a good flight!"
"Thanks. Bye!"
Greta waved, and then waved at Fitz, before heading back inside.
Fitz waved to Greta as he got out, coming to grab Olivia's things.
Olivia thanked him and greeted him immediately, but also was distracted by the adorable voice inside the backseat.
"Olivia!" Karen greeted.
"Well, hi miss K!" Olivia exclaimed. "Give me one second, and I'll be right there."
"Okay!"
Olivia grabbed the last of her duffel bags on the sidewalk and put it in the trunk, smiling at him.
"Hi," he whispered, looking at her.
"Hi," she whispered, hand lingering on his for just a moment. The trunk was open, so it blocked Karen's view from the backseat window. So — they indulged in one little kiss, too, before making their way to the front of the car.
"Thank you so much for coming along to see me off today, K!" Olivia exclaimed, getting in the passenger seat.
"You're welcome! I am sad. But...dad said it is just a temporary goodbye, and I'd feel more sad if I didn't see you one more time," Karen nodded importantly.
"Well, your dad is a very smart man," Olivia smiled, looking over at him.
"Yeah. He's, like...really smart," Karen agreed.
Fitz chuckled to himself. "Thanks, you two. I am in the presence of some pretty smart ladies, myself."
Karen blushed, clearly flattered, and Olivia smiled at him.
"So what are you going to do this summer, Karen?" Olivia asked.
"Hmm. Well, I'm going to read a lot of books. Hang out with my friends. And play volleyball. And golf with dad. Have...more girls' weekends with mom. And...go to the beach, and swim in the pool. Celebrate my birthday. And dad's birthday, too. Oh — and me and dad are going to move to a new house in July, too," Karen said, listing off her summer activities.
"That's right! That sounds like a pretty great summer to me!" Olivia nodded. "I'm so sad I'm going to miss both of your birthdays, though!"
"Me too. And...wait. Will we miss yours, too?!" Karen exclaimed sadly.
"Sadly, yes, we are all summer babies," Olivia agreed. "July 31st is mine."
"Dang it," Karen sighed.
"Well, maybe when Olivia comes back, we can...we can have one big birthday celebration to make up for our three birthdays. How's that?" Fitz asked.
Karen gasped. "Yes! Dad, that's a great idea!"
"Thanks, I thought so too," he chuckled.
"I love your thinking, Fitz. Sounds wonderful to me! Let's see...May 20th, June 1st, and July 31st all in one big, delayed birthday celebration?" Olivia asked.
"That's right," he nodded.
"I can't wait," Karen giggled.
"Me neither!" Olivia replied.
"So what about your summer, Liv? What will you do?" Karen asked.
"Well. I'm also going to read a lot of books," Olivia smirked. Karen giggled. "And...let's see. Hang out with my friends, and my family. I'm sure we'll do something for my birthday. Work at our restaurant a lot. Referee summer basketball. I think...that's all I'm going to do!"
"That sounds nice. You will be a referee too? That sounds so cool," Karen noted.
"Mhm. It will be my first year doing it. But I think it will be fun," Olivia nodded. "What about you, Fitz?"
"Me?" he asked. "Hm. Well. Let's see. I'm going to...work. Golf. Um...see my friends, too. And my mom. And...go to the beach, and swim in the pool. Celebrate some birthdays. Take my daughter to volleyball..."
Karen was giggling in the back, which had them all laughing.
"And...move to a new house in July," he finished.
That last one made her heart jump a little every time.
"That sounds wonderful," Olivia said.
"But we can't wait for you to come back, Olivia," Karen piped up. "We were talking about it on the way here. New York won't be the same without you in it."
Olivia looked back at Karen with a smile. "Oh, honey. Well that just made my day. I can't wait to come back, too. Because you know what?"
"What?" Karen asked.
"My life just...isn't the same without you in it," Olivia replied.
Karen smiled and blushed.
"Or...your daddy," Olivia added, nodding at Fitz.
"Yeah. Daddy too," Karen agreed.
He smiled, looking back and forth between his girls, and then back at the road. He wanted to let them talk — because he'd had his night with Olivia this weekend.
But damn, it was hard not to tell her how much he'd miss her, or how much he loved her, all the way to the airport.
When they did get there, he took out all her bags for her, and watched happily as she and Karen hugged and talked for a while. Karen didn't cry, but she was pretty noticeably sad after they finally said goodbye to each other.
Fitz was the one that felt he had to really keep it together this time. Because this time, Karen was here, and this time, it was truly goodbye.
"You got everything?" Fitz asked, walking up to her.
She adjusted her large bags on her shoulders and looked around, nodding. "I think I do. Thank you so much again for dropping me here, and for all your help!"
"Of course," Fitz nodded.
"You're welcome!" Karen exclaimed from behind.
"Alright. Well. This is...this is goodbye, then," she whispered under breath, peering up at him.
"This is goodbye," he agreed quietly, pulling her in for a hug.
He meant for it to be brief, as Karen was right by them, but both couldn't help it. They settled into the hug, breathing in each other's scent. Cherishing their touch one more time.
He felt like he couldn't pull away from her. But after almost a minute he forced himself to.
"But it's just goodbye for now," he whispered, leaning close to her ear. "I can't wait to see you again."
She sighed, hugging him tightly. Her face was facing toward Karen so she would see if Olivia said something to Fitz. So she remained quiet as he whispered one last thing to her.
"I love you so much."
They pulled away slowly and before he knew it — he was kissing her cheek. And he didn't much care at that point, whether Karen had seen it or not.
But as Karen turned to get back into the car, Olivia mouthed something in response to him after they'd pulled away from their hug.
"I love you too," she mouthed.
He smiled, blowing her a kiss.
And after a semester away — turned year away — that was it. That was goodbye.
But not forever.
It was just goodbye for now.
Wow. A couple more emotion-packed chapters.
But no need to worry. It'll be okay! And they will see each other in no time.
Thank you as always, for sticking with me and watching these two grow.
Stay safe and read on,
~T