Hello Fan fiction Readers I hope this update finds you all well! Happy Independence Day! I hope you're enjoying the holiday break. And you find the time to relax and catch up on this story. Let's get back into it, as we invest in the story Between Friends.
Happy Reading!
Disclaimer: These characters are the property of Shonda Rhimes and Shondaland Productions.
While the party is still going strong, in its waning hours. The group has been briefed on Fitz's suspicion of Nick and Alex, and they are thinking of their next move. The silence among them is obvious, and everybody feels as though someone needs to say something.
So, Olivia is the first to say, "Look, I agree that your suspicion is valid. But, thus far the info you have is purely circumstantial. And, given who we are dealing with, I don't see how revealing the details of your account will help matters."
Abby nods as she adds, I agree. I'm certain she won't believe it anyway. I think she'd be more likely to twist it into some plot for Fitz to win her back."
Drew agreeably nods as he replies, "yeah. I think both of you are on track, especially you Abs. Fitz, I vote for letting her find out on her own. It's probably going to be your safest and most peaceful bet in handling this situation. Besides, whether you tell her or not, somehow she will find a way to blame you, because blaming others is what she does first, and best."
Stacy adds me too, she's too toxic to help in my book. It's time for her dramatic bullshit to fall back directly on her, instead of it blowing up other people's lives. Leaving them to try to pick up the pieces, while she goes on her way unscathed."
They all nod in agreement; but Fitz notices Harry is the only one who hasn't weighed in yet. Seeing he's been quiet throughout the exchange, as he nonchalantly chows down on a burger and some chips. Fitz looks at him as he asks, So Harry, what's your take on this? Tell her or leave it be?"
He looks over at him after swallowing his bite, and taking a sip from his cup. Then burps as he replies, "Oh bro. I wouldn't say shit if I were you." They all laugh at his carefree reply. He has to laugh too, seeing the comedic timing of the remark..
As the laughter settles, Fitz grins as he replies, I can always count on you to put a bow on a conversation man. He grins in return as he replies. "Hey, I'm not called the finisher for nothing."
They all groan as they shake their heads and Abby quips, "Nobody calls you that Harry." He quickly responds, "How do you know?" Everybody looks at both of them, as they lean into their banter. And Abby quickly backpedals, once she sees they've got a captivated audience, as she says, "Whatever, on that note, I'm going to enjoy the last of the festivities." And she ventures off toward the dance floor with her red cup in hand.
Initially, they all are confused by her remark and her walking away, until the music breaks and Ally says. "Hey hey party people! This is the last hour of the party. So, don't miss your last chance on the dance floor tonight. Let's get it!"
Now realizing the night is surely coming to an end sooner than they all realized; Stacy says, "Okay, let's get it in one last time peeps. Who's hitting the floor one last time?" The guys all chime in, but Olivia responds, "I will meet you all out there. Nature calls."
Quickly, Fitz says, "I'll wait here for you." She grins at him and they all tease them groans and smiles, as Harry replies, "Damn, so yall are gonna be that couple huh?" They chuckle at his remark and Fitz says, "Probably, and there's nothing wrong with that." Harry nods as he responds, "Facts."
He and Fitz fist bump with a smile, and Olivia grins as she says, "You two behave. I'll be back." Fitz smiles as he responds, "We will. I'll be here when you get back." They share a grin and she walks toward the house.
She's in full grin, enjoying the surroundings and her time with her friends. And thinking of how she cannot wait to return to the side of her love. But, just as she reaches the patio, she runs into Monica coming out of the house.
They both speak to one another and share a smile as they meet at the door. As they pass one another Monica asks, "Hey Liv. Can I talk to you for a moment?" With her bladder giving her somewhat of a break from the sense of urgency she felt a moment ago; she halts as she replies, "Sure, what's up?"
Olivia notices she's looking nervous, and wonders what has her up in arms, but she listens as she hears her say, "I was wondering if you could put in a good word for me with Fitz."
When she hears the words, it takes a minute for them to register. And she feels the pleasant attitude she had initially fading fast. Nonetheless, she is hoping her face doesn't deceive her by displaying her instant thought of, Uhm, how do I politely say, fuck no?"
But, her thoughts are broken by her hearing the crowd scream, as once again Ally is doing her thing, amping them up with the latest tunes. And in the meantime, she finds her reply as she replies, "Under other circumstances I'd be glad to do that for you Monica. But, Fitz is seeing someone."
She prepares to be consoling to her, but her response throws her for a loop, as she replies, "Really. Is it serious? Because he didn't mention her to me when we were talking earlier."
Instantly, she can see herself slapping her across the face. She thinks to herself, he didn't tell you because you likely didn't ask, and it's none of your business anyay. But I digress.
Her thoughts push her emotions in the moment, and prompt her mouth to respond before her brain can stop her reaction, as she hears herself ask, "It's serious enough for me to ask, can you fight?" Monica is completely taken aback by her reply, as she utters, "uhm, Uhh..…"
Olivia notices the look on Monica's face is pure shock and concern as she swallows hard, and tries to process what she just heard, but is still stumbling over her words to make a complete sentence.
In the meantime, part of Olivia wants her to heed the warning, taking it seriously. And the other part of her is cracking up inside as she watches her struggle in an uncomfortable moment, looking for an exit of some sort.
But, with her bladder reminding her of her purpose for heading this way; she lets her off the hook as she cracks a smile, ending her anguish as she says, "Lighten up Monica. I'm just kidding about the fighting. But, from what I know. Their vibe is pretty strong. He may not have mentioned her to you, But the fact that he didn't make a move on you, or invite you to make one on him speaks volumes, don't you think?"
She sees the look of defeat on her face, as well as one of understanding as she replies, "You're right. Besides, I didn't actually ask if he was seeing anyone. I just assumed he was single, since I heard about him and Mellie breaking up. But, if you say he's taken. I believe it." She nods as she replies, "Yeah he is taken. And I've never seen him this happy."
In the wake of their discussion there's an instant sense of relief that falls upon them, as Monica nods and says, "At least now it makes sense as to why he's been sort of blowing me off all night."
Olivia nods as she responds, "Yes. And it's a relief to know it's nothing personal too, right?"
She agrees as she replies, "Right. Well thanks anyway Liv. Whoever she is, she's a lucky duck. Take care." She grins kindly as she replies, "You're welcome. I agree. She is lucky, And I get a sense that she knows it. But you take care of yourself too."
They part on good terms, all smiles, as Olivia thinks to herself, Lord, I almost caught a case in my own backyard. She shakes her head at herself as she makes her way inside, and to the bathroom.
After using the bathroom she washes her hands, and checks her makeup. She freshens up her lip color, and smiles to herself thinking, Yup, tonight is shaping up to be quite a night indeed, and the best part hasn't happened yet. But she feels it is fast approaching. And she welcomes it with open arms.
Ready to make good on that dance she promised Fitz; she gives herself another once over, and then makes her way back to the party. However, when she walks out the door she sees Mellie walking down the hall, with Nick in tow.
Quickly, she attempts to escape; but as she nears the threshold leading outside. Mellie calls out to her, "Liv, we need to talk!" Refusing to entertain whatever antics she has prepared. She doesn't even break stride, as she continues to walk while saying, "Yes. We do. But it's not happening tonight Mel. Maybe tomorrow." Before she can respond to her; Olivia has closed the screen behind her and Mellie is watching her disappear into the crowd.
Frustrated, she folds her arms as she says, "This is bullshit." She then hears snickering behind her. She turns to see Nick standing there smiling.
Aggravated, she asks, "What's so funny?" Initially, he isn't bothered by her expression of aggravation; instead, he simply replies, "You." Confused, she asks, "What is that supposed to mean?"
He doesn't want to say it, but it needs to be said, so he replies, "It means it's clear you set this situation up to inconvenience your roommates and friends. And, it's backfiring on you just like I told you it would."
She knows he's right. But, she still doesn't want to admit it. The more she thinks about his response, the more upset she becomes. And much like she does in most cases when confronted about her own missteps, she flips the script.
Unable to tolerate him being right; she responds, "You're being a real asshole right now, and enjoying this way too much." He shakes his head at her, which causes her to get angrier. As she says, "If you're my boyfriend. How can you be so joyful in my time of angst?" He responds, "it's your own doing Mel. Why can't you face that? Instead of blaming me for things falling apart?" Refusing to take his response lightly, she blows a gasket as she yells, "You know what. Let's go. I'm not doing this with you!"
Immediately he gets annoyed with her power play remark, as if she's commanding him to do something. This is why he wanted to drive himself, he knew this could happen. But, if she's going to take it there, he's going to open the flood gates.
Just as his group of friends comes in, smiling and laughing, unknowingly interrupting the tension filled moment. Cameron says, "You guys are missing a kick ass party. The dj and the ambiance is fire!"
Alex adds, "Agreed. If you all party like this often Mellie. Count me in for an invite on a regular basis." They all nod and grin in agreement with her response, still oblivious to Nick and Mellie's drama.
Until Nick angrily replies, "Yeah well. The party's over apparently. Since Mellie is ready to go, due to everybody having a good time but her. Yet she's calling me the asshole for reminding her of how dumb it was to play this game in the first place!"
Seeing they stepped into a minefield, Keely tries to fix it as she says, "Hey let's calm down guys. No need to let things get out of hand." But, it's too late. Nick walks out the front door as he responds "Fuck that. It's too late for calming down. Let's go!"
The level of discomfort filling the moment is palpable, as Mellie has a look of confusion and uneasiness on her face. She doesn't know what to do, and it's evident. Everyone in the room feels somewhat sorry for her, as she tries to save face by saying, "I guess we'll get back in time to swing by White Castle's."
Everybody begins making their way out the door, seeing the night has come to an abrupt end. But Keely tries to help make her feel better, being the last to walk out just ahead of her, as she replies, "They do have the best shakes."
She appreciates her kind attempt at trying to smooth things over, but it obviously doesn't completely take away the awkwardness of the moment. Before they walk out the door, she realizes she doesn't have her phone in her hand.
She walks over to grab it off the coffee table, and sees Harry standing on the patio, drinking a beer and looking inside. Their eyes meet and she then looks over to see Drew and Stacy, as well as the back of Fitz's head, while he's dancing with someone she can't see, as Drunk and In Love starts, one of her favorite songs.
Instantly, she recalls Nick saying, everybody is having a good time, but her. The irony of the situation upsets her even more. This was supposed to be her moment for vengeance, but instead it's her moment of eating crow. She snaps out of her head as she hears Keely ask, "Mel, are you okay?" She nods as she walks toward her, and they leave, closing the door behind them.
When they get to her car; she sees Nick has traded places with his cousin, and has decided to ride back with Heather and Cedric. Leaving Cameron, Alex, and Keely in her car. She looks at him; but he's not looking in her direction; his eyes are straight forward. She wants to cry, but she can't. She just unlocks the car, they all get in and drive off, being part of the most uneasy car ride of their lives.