AN: I cried at your overwhelming support about me returning to fanfic writing. I really missed this hobby of mine, and it is so nice to be appreciated and missed. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart, and I hope you enjoy this new installment of Fighting Hearts. Please be as kind to leave a review at the end. Hopefully, I still got it. XO

Merry Christmas

Fitz POV

It was Christmas Day, and the Grants were in full celebratory mode with their friends and coworkers and their families from Firehouse 51. The weather outside was 43 degrees and very overcast. It was not one of those snowy white Christmases shown in Lifetime movies this time of year. Nevertheless, the room was filled with the warm faces of colleagues who were more like family than friends. The space was decorated festively with a 9ft Douglas fir tree, tastefully adorned with gold and white ornaments. It added a layer of festivity and merriment to the atmosphere. The sound of classical Christmas music played softly through the speakers. Everyone looked cheerful and bright in their festive outfits. Fitz took in the scene before him, but his eyes eventually landed on his wife, who was sitting across the room talking with an animated Tina. He took in her natural beauty from the swoop of her tight curls into an elegant updo, red lips, and glowing skin. She looked as ever beautiful in her sparkly gold dress that stopped mid-thigh with long sleeves. He eyed her smooth legs and mused at how good of a job he had done the day prior. The memory of him shaving her legs and her sucking him dry and him returning the favor resurfaced, causing the tip of his ears to tinge red. His eyes shifted to her baby bump to distract from the racy memory, and it made him smile involuntarily at how radiant she looked as an expecting mother. Mother to his children. Wow. He could not believe in less than three months he was going to be a dad. He hoped he doesn't screw this up. He would not screw this up.

"Hey Grant, that a yes on the bourbon?" Fitz snapped from his musings at the sight of a mischievous Harrison producing a tumbler of bourbon to him.

"Oh, Nah. I'm on an alcohol break in solidarity with the wife, you know?" Fitz quipped smoothly.

Harrison snickered and turned his attention to Olivia without responding to Fitz. "Yo, Liv, can my man partake in some bourbon?" Some of the firefighters who were mingling nearby chuckled and threw jabs at Fitz. Randy piped, "Been there, done that, never again." To which Fitz rolled his eyes. Their pokes did not upset him, not in the least, but he played along with their taunting.

Before Olivia could respond, Fitz muttered, "Wright, don't try to start shit," to which Harrison chuckled in response.

From the corner of his eyes, he could see Olivia turning towards them, and she evenly stated, "Fitz is a grown man Harrison, he does not need my permission to drink". With that, she returned her attention to Tina, effectively ending his prodding.

Fitz shook his head and smirked at the impish young man and asked, "why do you insist on riling up my wife?"

"I guess that's what little bros do," he beamed.

Fitz smiled, it was no secret that Harrison had adopted Olivia as his big sister, and she gladly accepted the role. Even though Olivia no longer worked at the firehouse, she was still close to him, and they would often communicate through text messages. Fitz would raise his eyebrows whenever she recanted one of Harrison's wild tales with the ladies. As much as his wife tried to advise her surrogate brother, the young man was far from ready to listen to said advice. Nonetheless, Fitz had hope for him because he was once him many years ago. He would even classify himself as being worse. Somedays, he could not believe that he was with the same woman for almost three years and married to her for two years with twins on the way. If he could change from his sordid past, then so could anyone.

Stephen joined the trio; it was like he had materialized out of thin air because Fitz had not noticed him reentered the room. He came bearing a punch that he quickly hurled. "Fitz can't drink because he is pussy whipped."

Harrison erupted in laughter, and Fitz glared at them both.

"You a real punk Finch, but who are you to talk," Fitz retorted. "Either way, nothing is wrong with being a little whipped," he shrugged nonchalantly. "Wright, one of these days you will experience it; when the right woman comes along, there won't be anything you wouldn't do for her."

Stephen nodded his head, "true, true." Fitz knew that his friend's experience with women throughout the years had taught him that. From taking women for granted to finding love to losing the woman he loved and now finding it again.

The men fell into a comfortable silence, each mulling over the words that Fitz had spoken. Unbeknownst to the two men in front of him, Harrison was struck deeply by what Fitz said.

Something about the Holidays made you more reflective about life and love. It was the perfect time to be with your loved ones, and it was also a time that could make you feel the loneliest. At that moment, Harrison realized that all the meaningless relations he had while fun still left him aching for that one. He thought that his high school girlfriend would be that, but after she moved away for college at UNC, they had grown apart because of the distance and mutual infidelities, more so on his part. He admired how much Fitz loved his wife and was not afraid to show it. And he deeply respected Stephen's strength and grit to be a better version of himself. It was impressive to see the change in his friend in the last two years. Maybe there was hope for him after all.

Olivia's POV

Olivia settled her back closer to the couch for additional support because the heaviness of her belly caused her a great deal of lower back pain. She relied on a combination of stretches and massages from her husband to offset the pain at times. She listened closely to Tina as she recalled her son, Michael, reaction to his Christmas present. Stephen had gotten him a train set that he always wanted, and the little eight-year-old boy cried tears of joy.

"You should have seen him, Liv. He was so happy," Tina relayed with an easy smile on her face. "I cannot remember the last time I saw him so speechless, and I am truly grateful to Stephen for making him happy. He is so good with him, Liv."

"That is amazing, Teens. I am so happy for you." An unexpected relationship between the two gave way for something beautiful to bloom. Olivia was still at a loss for words at how well Stephen was with Michael. If a caterpillar could shed its cocoon and turn into a beautiful butterfly, it was no surprise that Stephen could become a better and more mature version of himself after his cocoon of darkness.

The holidays were indeed a time to celebrate your loved ones, but it was also a time to remember those that were gone. Ever since Abby had passed away, the men and women of Firehouse 51 tried to memorialize her; so that she would always be remembered. As they sat around the long rectangular dining table, each with a lit candle in hand, they held it up in memory. The room was quiet as the people who knew Abby remembered the moments they had shared with her before she passed away. Olivia found herself using the napkin to dab at her eyes with her unoccupied hand. Some days she still found it unbelievable that Abby was truly gone. Her husband noticing her tears, wrapped his free arm around her slender shoulder and drew her into his side, kissing the top of her head.

The faces around the table, which was once smiling a moment ago, all looked pensive and in deep thought after Chief Beene's speech. "Grief is something that you never truly get over; you simply find a way to continue living despite the pain. Loss reminds us that life is short and that tomorrow is not promised to anyone. The only time we have is the present, so we must fully live in it. Love each other deeply, let go of anger quickly and forgive. Like Mark Twain said, "Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of joy you must have somebody to divide it with." In honor of one of our camaraderie, who was slain in the line of duty, you will not be forgotten, to Abigail Wheelan, may her soul rest in eternal peace."

Through blurry vision, Olivia recognized Stephen smiling bleakly with his free hand resting tightly in Tina's. She could only begin to imagine how he was feeling at that moment, how they both were. After all, it was impossible to heal the heart of someone whose love of their life had died, but that was the thing about life. No one said that you could not find love again. Some people were lucky to be given another chance at it, and Olivia truly believed that was Stephen's fortune.

The evening wrapped early with hugs and well wishes as everyone departed to their homes. Fitz and Olivia made sure to thank James, Chief Beene's partner, for being such a gracious host before heading out. On their way home, the couple regaled the Christmas gathering as one for the books. It was just what they needed. Nothing over the top but something meaningful, which made it easy for them to connect. Olivia observed as her husband skillfully navigated her Camry with his left hand while his large right one splayed across her belly. She had mentioned that one of the twins was moving, and he wanted in on the action. It made her melt into an puddle at how attentive he was to her and their growing babies. Her misgivings about him not being ready faded away slowly each day. She had almost forgotten how tumultuous the journey to this point had been. Some moments were shameful, and some were beyond frustrating. Nevertheless, they were here together and thriving.

As night fell, so did the weather. The air was dry and bone-chilling cold. Although the couple had not spent much time outside, they were eager to be inside the warmth of their home. Fitz assisted Olivia with a hand as they exited the car and navigated the icy walkway in her three-inch boots.

"Thank you, babe," Olivia said graciously when Fitz unlocked the front door and allowed her to enter first. He gave her a crooked smile in response. She was so appreciative of his chivalry. It never failed to make her feel precious.

As soon as they entered the two-story home, Bubba eagerly greeted them at the door with his tail wagging, and Fitz bent to pat his head. "Hi buddy, time to go pee-pee, huh?" Bubba growled in response. Olivia snickered at him treating Bubba like a baby, she truly had no worries that he would be a good father.

Fitz took that as his cue to take the boxer outside so he could take care of his business while Olivia made her way to the master bedroom to undress after removing her jacket and boots. She made her way to the en suite bathroom and began removing the hairpins from her updo. She fluffed her curls once the last hairpin was removed and studied her reflection in the mirror. She marveled at how her curls could shapeshift into any style with a little bit of effort. As a young girl, she was led to believe that her hair was only beautiful when it was chemically relaxed or pressed bone straight. She remembered the occasions when her grandmother would take her to the salon so they could "fix" her hair. It had taken the natural hair movement that swept across the culture to truly inspire her to embrace the hair that grew naturally from her scalp. Now, she could appreciate her hair in all its beautiful glory. From the corner of her eyes, she saw her husband enter the bathroom. She observed that he had also disrobed from his jacket and shoes. In a few strides, he was behind her, and she felt his strong arms wrapped around her burgeoning belly.

His face automatically moved to the right side of her neck, where he inhaled her scent deeply. He kissed her softly at the point just below her right ear. She melted into his arms, and he held her tighter in response. "You are so beautiful," he crooned into her ears as his eyes met hers in the mirror.

She blushed visibly from his praise and lowered her eyelids to soak it in. She loved this man so… much. He was her everything, lover, confidante, and rock.

"Livvie, open your eyes so I can see your beauty fully."

Oh my… He was truly relentless tonight. Olivia's eyes slowly fluttered open, and she mused at how well her husband could play her. He knew just the right cords to strung to get her arousal going, and he also knew the right cord that got her blood boiling. As they said, all is fair in love and war. Sometimes it was war.

Eyes the color of freshly melted chocolate sprinkled with gold flecks, met gray-blue-steely ones. Olivia could read the arousal in them because it was more gray than blue. It was the color of stormy clouds just before it started raining. She saw the same pent-up energy that was ready to be released at the sign of an escape. It made her shiver to feel so desired and wanted by him, pregnant belly, and all. She grounded her round butt into him, unsurprised by the feeling of his arousal. She wanted him. Badly…

Fitz knew he had her just where he wanted, as he kissed her exposed skin tenderly while lowering the zipper on the back of her dress. She had expressed wanting to take a quick shower, so he provided her a few minutes to do so while he undressed and joined her to wash off the day's old dirt and grime before making each other filthy again. By the time they had exited the bathroom and dried off, Fitz's hands were boldly massaging her breasts. Her erect nipples pressed against his palms as he felt the heaviness of her full mounds; he marveled at how enlarged her breasts had gotten from pregnancy. He did not imagine he could have been more attracted to her, but he was. She looked so beautiful carrying his children.

Fitz took his time massaging her nipples, rolling the coffee bean-colored pebbles into stiff peaks while soaking in the soft peals of her cries. He knew pregnancy made her breasts extremely sensitive, and sometimes he could suck her nipples until she orgasmed. Tonight, Fitz yearned to feel her heat wrapped around him as his length sunk deep into her core. Sometimes the urge to be one with her overcame him with such vigor, and he took the opportunity whenever she was up to it. He did not believe he could ever get enough of her.

"Fitz," Olivia whispered his name as a soft plea. He heard the urgency in it, the impatience, and the longing. Fitz then released her right breast and used that free hand to snake between her legs; to test her readiness for him. Before his fingers met the lips of her pussy, he could feel the moisture already pooling between her legs, which elicited a low growl from his chest.

He wordlessly urged her to open her legs wider and, she hissed when she felt his middle and index fingers circling her clit with just the right amount of pressure. Her moans and cries, he could never get enough. He worked her bud for a moment before instinctively removing his hand from her core. He led her to the bed a few steps away and instructed her to lay on her side. As her pregnancy advanced, they found creative ways to be one with each other, making it as comfortable and enjoyable for the mother-to-be.

In position, Fitz laid behind her and tilted her face so that his lips could connect with hers. He kissed her thoroughly while fisting his length; he was fully erect after being semi-hard ever since standing behind her in front of the mirror, where it all began. It was time to feel her silk walls around him. With the same hand fisting his length, he positioned himself between her legs and placed the head of his penis at her entrance. He took a few seconds to lubricate his cock with her fluids before slowly filling her. They audibly gasped at the sensation. It never got old. Feeling her around him while he impaled her had to be one of the best, if not the best pleasures he has experienced in life.

He watched as she closed her eyes, something she did whenever the sensation was all too much that she had to savor it with her eyes shut. Fitz rocked slowly into her while his right hand returned to her breasts, interchanging between the two, tweaking her nipples, and massaging the mounds. A few blissful minutes passed, and Fitz could feel her walls fluttering around him. He knew she was not far from her release. However, he wanted to prolong this feeling, so he pulled out.

"Babe…" Olivia hissed at the loss of his sizable pulsing member.

"I don't want you to cum yet," Fitz replied in a husky voice while licking the side of her neck, which caused her to shiver.

"It's not fair," she cried, eyes reopened, and glaring at him from over her shoulder.

"I just want it to last because the minute you cum and make that sweet fucking sound, I'll be right behind you," he groaned.

"I don't see the problem," Olivia whined wantonly. "You have five seconds to give me what I want, or I'll do it myself." She threatened.

Fitz retorted cockily, "you wouldn't dare touch my pussy." With that, he reentered her in one fluid motion. This time his right hand snaked around her rounded hip and landed on her engorged clit. He was serious about her not pleasuring herself at that moment. He wanted to be the one to give her that earthshattering release. He wanted to feel the tightening of her walls around him. He was purpose-driven to have her crawl out of her skin.

"Fuck…" Olivia chanted as she felt each nerve ending come alive with each thrust of his cock. It felt like mini fireworks going off just before the big display, which ended with a large eruption of sparkles in all shapes and colors. She could feel the buildup deep within her belly, sending flickers throughout her body. His fingers skillfully massaging her rosebud pushed her closer to the edge with each purposeful ministration. "Fitz…I-I'm…gonna cum." She was almost there; she could feel herself launch off as she ground on his fingers while her walls greedily sucked him in. Moments of blissful pleasure later, she shrieked, "fuck…" as her body stiffened. Her eyes tightly shut displayed the fireworks in all various colors behind her lids.

Fitz was almost there too, despite how much he wanted to prolong the incredible sensation. She was so wet, which made him impossibly hard, to feel her physical reaction to him aroused him beyond imagination. And now that she came, he couldn't withhold his body from responding to her orgasm. It was its natural inclination to follow her over a cliff because they were one. A few deep strokes later had him grunting and calling her name as he climaxed, spilling his seed deep inside her. Panting, he slowly pulled out of her, and a gush of their combined fluids flowed out and onto the bedding. He would clean that later. But for right now, he pulled her into his arms, mindful of her belly. He kissed her several times on the mouth, basking in the aftermath of their post-coital connection.

"I love you," he murmured against her mouth.

"I love you too," she returned contentedly.

What a splendid way to end the day; their hearts were full of love for each other. Their babies were all the gifts they needed.

Merry Christmas.