Analyzing the situation.

That was Olivia's modus operandi. It was expected. Whenever she was faced with a decision, great or small, she had to think. Dissect every option, pull out visuals, see what would be the best solution. She treated relationships the same way. Ever since getting hurt in her last relationship, Olivia was particularly careful as to who was allowed into her life. When she said yes to Fitz, she spent the rest of her weekend thinking. How could this affect her job, her views. Not sure about him, but her name crossed all social and business circles. Olivia wanted to keep her brand clean.

Resisting all of her urges to text her new boyfriend, during the morning, she made it to OPA - Olivia Pope & Associates. She wanted to have a clear head on the first day of the work week. No distractions. Her clients needed her to be focused. The team wanted her full attention. This was her life - for the last three years - owning a business, leading others in this fight to do the right thing. Not matter what the sacrifice.

Everything needed to be sectioned off and organized.

Unlocking her door, Olivia was pleased to know she was the first to show up. This gave her a chance to prepare in silence, without the constant questions. By nine o'clock, Abby, Harrison, and Quinn had arrived. They were without Stephen for another two weeks, so they had to double up on their workload. Four new potential clients, wanting their assistance to save their careers. Busy as they were, Olivia wouldn't change a thing.

"Good morning," she called out. "We have a full schedule today."

Abby stopped by first, coffee mug in hand. "Hey, Liv. How was your weekend?"

"Fine. Yours?"

"Not too shabby, went on a decent date," Abby responded, sitting down across from Olivia. "Any updates with your guy?"

Olivia refrained from shooting a harsh side eye. Her best friend was always wondering about business that did not pertain to her. "Not that I think of. Everything's fine."

Abby knowingly smirked, placing a folder on the desk. "I have some info on Stevens. Things aren't looking great. The DA could pop up at any moment."

"Okay," Olivia scanned the papers. "Nothing we can't handle. Let's put in a few calls and we can settle this matter soon."

The morning quickly transitioned to the afternoon hours. Olivia was emailing and calling, putting in good words, cutting down opponents, corresponding with the media outlets. Not a lot of people visited OPA, unless they were requested or they were in dire need. Outside of her marching orders, the office was very quiet.

Quinn, the newest employee, knocked on Olivia's door.

"Yeah?"

"Liv, are we expecting someone?"

Olivia thought for a moment, then scanned her notes. "No. I think Mr. and Mrs. O'Riley are coming in tomorrow afternoon."

Timidly, Quinn added, "I hear the elevator."

"What?"

Quinn gave a shrug and asked if standing by would be necessary. Olivia waved her off and the brunette shuffled to the elevator, waiting for the unexpected visitor. It could have been David Rosen, or some other minion, hoping to get some juicy tidbits from Olivia's clients.

Harrison nodded and sectioned off Olivia's quarter of the loft. Trying not to panic, she listened in on the conversation. The sudden "ping" alerted the group.

"Hello," Quinn greeted. "May I help you?"

"Yes, I'm here for Miss Pope."

Olivia traveled to her desk, ready to make moves. The voice, albeit muffled, was definitely not Rosen's or anyone from his office. Before leaving, Harrison whispered for Olivia to stay back, so he could handle business, if things got out of hand.

"May I have your name?"

Before Olivia could reach for her cell to press her speed dial button, Harrison swung the door open, and exclaimed, "Fitzgerald Fucking Grant!"

"Hey, brother!"

"What are you doing here? Come on in!"

Olivia's anxiety turned into irritation as she slowly opened her door, to see the action. Down the long hallway, she saw Harrison shake hands and hug the one person she was not expecting to see.

Fitz!

Quinn was properly introduced to the "stranger". Noticing a bouquet of roses in Fitz's left hand, Olivia mumbled to herself.

"Just here to see Liv."

Immediately, Olivia's eyes became large like saucers. She hated mixing pleasure with business. Especially in her office. Abby sauntered by, and Olivia huffed.

"Hello, I'm Abby Whelan. Are you the man who has won Olivia's affection," Teasing, she extending her hand.

"I would hope so. Fitz Grant."

The office was now filled with excited conversation. Harrison had invited Fitz into the sitting area, while Abby and Quinn smiled and laughed along. Olivia was quite done with the shenanigans. Emerging from her cave, she met with the group. Very annoyed at the sight of her boyfriend mingling with her team on her time and dime.

"Everyone," she began, "you need to get back to work."

The response she got was a chorus of "What?". Fitz rose from his seat, beaming from ear to ear. "Hi, Liv."

Olivia was shocked to feel his lips on her cheek. Masking her embarrassment, she grinned politely. "Hello, Fitz." Abby smirked at the exchange, before straightening up. Olivia gave her the disapproving eye. The strained greeting was not lost on Fitz. His eyebrows lowered.

"What's wrong?"

Olivia didn't answer. Facing her group, she continued, "I need the update on the Stevens case. So, please, someone, anyone , find that for me."

Harrison shook his head, Abby rolled her eyes and stomped away. Quinn dutifully complied. Having a confused and slightly annoyed reaction on his face, Fitz waited for the team to depart before he turned his attention back to Olivia.

"What was that all about?"

Olivia grabbed Fitz's hand, pulling him into the lobby. After closing the main door, she curtly answered, "This is so inappropriate. You should have called before coming here."

"Seriously?""

"Yes," Olivia stated. "So unprofessional."

Fitz rubbed his jaw, "I didn't realize this building was an undisclosed location. I'm able to Google your address, you know."

With a quick sigh, Olivia began to justify her actions.

"Wait," Fitz interjected. "Are you embarrassed of me?"

"No! That's not the point."

Noticing her defensive and firm stance, Fitz asked, "So what is the point, Olivia?"

Olivia gasped. She wasn't expecting Fitz would catch on to her wordplay. "I don't like to bring people here if they don't need to be. As you saw, it is a distraction."

Fitz nodded. "I see. It's a personal thing. Not some by-law of this establishment."

When she didn't reply, Fitz continued. "I didn't mean to upset you. I haven't heard from you since our date and I wanted to make sure you were doing alright. I thought a surprise was in order."

Olivia wasn't budging. "You assumed wrong, Fitz."

"Okay, I apologize. Will you forgive me?"

Without hesitation, she accepted. "Yes."

"Here," Fitz handed the roses to her. "These are for you. Maybe you can put these on your desk."

Subtly biting her lip, Olivia knew her reaction was uncalled for. Fitz didn't appear to be like the other men in her life, pushing their way into her world. The possibility of not having to be on her guard 24/7 was shocking. But this surprise was outside of her realm; not having control was a foreign concept. By default, Olivia reacted in a way that she would in her work life, which did not go as planned. Salvaging this conversation, she included, "My vase at home are dying to have fresh flowers."

Fitz lifted his eyebrow, with a smirk. "I see. I'm sure they'll have a great time together."

Olivia asked him to move towards the elevator, so the others' vision would be obscured. "I'm sorry for shutting everything down like that in front of everybody. Just call me first. Depending on the workload, I may let you come up to visit. It's very important to me to keep things separate. For now."

"Alright," Fitz agreed. "I can deal with that. For now. Hey, do you want to come over for dinner? I'm thinking steak. Teddy would love to see you."

The invitation was delightful. Olivia reached for Fitz's hand, marveling at how soft and comforting his touch was against her skin. "Yes. I would love to come visit. But I have to go. I'll text you when I'm on my way."

"Sure thing." Fitz softly brushed his fingers on her cheek. "I want to kiss you. Is that alright?"

Olivia shifted her eyes to see if the team was actually on task, or witnessing this day drama. "I'll allow it, Mr. Grant," she slowly answered. The butterflies were rising as Fitz got closer, pressing his lips onto hers. One kiss wasn't enough for her. So, as a surprise to him, Olivia scooped her hand around Fitz's neck, and kissed him with more urgency. His hums vibrating on her mouth, oh-so-delicately, almost bringing her to her knees.

"Okay," she mumbled. "I have to go. I'll do better at texting you."

Fitz snorted, kissing her forehead. "Great. See you in a bit."

As she moved away from the elevator, watching Fitz descend and out of her view, Olivia realized one thing.

She was in love.