Thanks for sticking with me. Last update (chapter 11) was during the weird no-email notification period. So, check it out before reading this one! Let me know what you think. xo :)

The look of love is saying so much more

Than just words could ever say

And what my heart has heard

Well, it takes my breath away

Her brain told her to get up. A busy Tuesday was ahead. Contracts needed to be signed. Proposals written. The companies were looking for her to manage their image.

But she was here, wrapped in a cocoon of strong arms. In a bed that wasn't hers, but might as well could.

Staying over at Fitz's felt right. He needed her and that was good. She didn't have to use her GPS to find her way to the house. More welcoming than her solitary apartment.

Reaching over to see the time, Olivia sighed. Already thirty minutes later that what she was used to. But seeing him asleep, looking more peaceful, made him more irresistible. Everything was okay.

The night before, hearing him open up about Teddy. Watching him almost break down. He was very hurt. Olivia recognized pain - she saw it with her clients. The array of emotions, helping them push through to find the best option. But he wasn't a client - he was her boyfriend. The man who had swept her off her feet, showing how a relationship could work. She had to be there for him. While observing his face as he continued to sleep, she wondered if he was feeling better, or was he appeasing her, after they had sex, to change the subject. The last 24 hours had been quite mind-opening.

Lounging around wasn't going to pay bills and get her to the Fortune 500, so Olivia rolled out of the bed. Still naked, she tiptoed around the room, finding anything to cover herself. Just in case Teddy was the kind of child to rush in after waking up. Olivia could feel her teeth chatter and goosebumps rising; it was starting to get chilly in the mornings again. She found his robe - a dark blue one - and went downstairs.

She had about 30 minutes before she had to leave. Going to the car, Olivia pulled out the spare suit that she had. Always had to bring extra clothes, just in case. For anything. The newspaper at the bottom of the driveway, so she grabbed that.

Olivia decide to pause and look around. The neighborhood was quiet and very gorgeous. Houses with space between them. Empty streets with birds chirping. Reminding her of the house she lived in, not too far away, before everything changed for her. At 12, when the family she knew fell apart, causing a spiral of chaos.

But she couldn't think about that right now.

Olivia locked the door and moved to the kitchen. The coffee machine seemed to be easy to operate. With a few steps, Olivia started the brew and set a few mugs out for Fitz.

Quietly ascending to the bedroom, Olivia stopped at Teddy's door. The sweetest face, curled up in his bed. In three months, this child had a concrete space in her heart. She couldn't wake him; what if he needed extra sleep?

A smile formed on her lips as she closed the door.

Fitz was still knocked out, but now laying on his side. The butterflies were rumbling again; she couldn't keep her eyes off of him. Wanting to have him close was necessary. Even for a minute. Leaning down, she kissed his cheek.

"Livvie?" Fitz groaned as his eyes slowly opened. "Why are you up?"

Olivia shook her head, very amused with his question, as if this was unusual. "Getting ready for the day."

"Stay a minute," he mumbled, reaching for her hand. "It's still dark outside."

Olivia lifted her finger. "Not anymore. It's 6:45."

"Seriously? You're up this early during the week?"

"Yes, but it could be earlier if I get a call. You should be lucky there wasn't a call."

Fitz sat up. Pausing for a moment. "Is that coffee I smell? I didn't set a timer."

Olivia shrugged, taking her overnight bag, and walked to the bathroom. She knew he would be surprised. Ten minutes later while drying off, she heard a tap on the door.

"Yeah?"

"May I come in?"

"Sure."

Olivia was working on her face, with makeup and hair products laid on the counter. Probably more stuff than Fitz had seen in years. Her skin began to tingle as Fitz stepped behind her, pressing his lips on her back and humming lowly.

"I see you found my robe. You smell delicious."

Olivia sighed. "Thank you."

Fitz went to take a shower. He turned on his speaker for the radio or whatever Spotify playlist account. The random musings of Frank & Ella, soft rock, and Top 40 songs filled the bathroom. She hadn't listen to him sing before. A strong baritone. It was quite sexy.

Cleaning the space, Olivia left the bathroom and finished preparing for work. Hair being combed and styled, finally slipping out of his robe. Looking at the mirror, in her blush blouse and dark grey slacks, Olivia thought she looked okay and "badass" enough for an October morning.

Another kiss came from Fitz, only adorned in a towel, hair styled though.

"Hey."

"Hey yourself."

"You look extra nice."

Olivia stepped to the left, avoiding Fitz.

"My hands are dry, Liv."

Not fully trusting him, Olivia turned to give him another kiss. With a flick of her wrist, she checked her watch for time.

"It's 7:15. Do you need to get Teddy ready? And put on some clothes?"

Fitz placed a few more kisses on her cheek and neck. "Okay, baby." With a little tap on her ass, he kissed her head, and left.

Smirking, Olivia realized she had to keep her man on track. But as soon as he reveled in her accomplishment, her face fell. What was this intense feeling of desire that was overcoming her? She lost her breath when he walked away, but knew that as soon as he in the room, her circadian rhythm would be intact. Is that what real love was like? A power that couldn't be dissolved, no matter the distance or time? She couldn't describe it.

But the day was beginning and she had to get a move on. Olivia made her way downstairs, with her purse slung over her shoulder. Taking a few minutes to check her emails and text Harrison that she would be at work soon enough.

When she arrived at the kitchen, Fitz was prepping Teddy's breakfast and lunch. She didn't even realize he had changed into something more suitable. As Olivia sat down, Fitz handed her the mug of caffeinated gold, and leaned against the kitchen island with his million-watt smile. "Thank you for starting the coffee and getting the newspaper."

"Mmhmm."

"What do you have planned for the day?"

"Same old, same old," she answered.

"I like this."

"What's that, Fitz?"

Olivia furrowed her brow, curious by his sentiment.

"Mornings with you."

He was too sappy sometimes.

Taking a long sip, Olivia rose from her seat and washed the mug. Pivoting to give Fitz a peck. He looked very confused.

"What happened?"

"I have to go. If I don't get a move on, I'll be late."

"No breakfast? I was going to make some waffles."

Olivia patted his arm, "Raincheck?"

"Of course," Fitz said. She felt his arms squeezing her tight as he hugged her. "I love you, Liv."

Her heart beating a little faster, she echoed, "I love you too. Have a great day. Please tell Teddy the same."

Fitz cupped her jaw with his hands, offering her one more lingering kiss. She couldn't resist to nibble on his bottom lip, but almost groaned when he pulled away.

"Get going before I keep your here all day."

"Absolutely."

Olivia winked, then closed the door. If she didn't give a damn about the optics, she'd skip to her car. But she had to hold it together. Still trying to adjust how her brain operated, a smile was plastered on her face as she drove away.

As soon as her car was in park, the phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number, so it had to be a potential client.

"Olivia Pope."

"Hello, Miss Pope. Chase Reynolds. Am I catching you at a bad time?"

"Good morning, Mr. Reynolds. What can I do for you?"

Quickly getting to the elevator, she took in all the information the man had for her. When she got to the office floor, Olivia hung up. Harrison was in the lobby, getting his hot cup ready.

"Morning."

"Good morning, Liv."

"I just got off the phone with a potential client. A little different this time, since they are in California and the situation is not what we're accustomed to. Meeting when everyone arrives. This could be great. Then, we can finally be bi-coastal."

Harrison nodded, before taking a long sip. "Ahh! Itching to get back into the game!"

The fall was a great time for OPA to thrive; they were slowly, but surely growing as a public relations firm. So many opportunities to help businesses and established individuals in the Metropolitan area. Word of mouth and receipts were key in this industry. Seen and be seen. It was an endless cycle and as long as they were in the thick of it, getting shit done, Olivia was happy.

Another mug was set on the counter and Olivia poured herself an ample amount of coffee. She knew when that it was going to get busy, she had to drink another cup before noon. Today would be one of those days.

"How's Grant?"

Olivia asked in a hurry, "Which one?"

Harrison raised an eyebrow and asked incredulously, "Fitz? Teddy? Both?"

Olivia sighed. "They're fine. I'm just worried…"

"What's going on?"

It was too early to opening a can of worms, but Harrison would be the one to hear her out. Knowing each other for over 10 years, they were like siblings. He always had her back, even when they didn't agree. Telling him wouldn't mess anything up.

"I know you're going to laugh. But this may be going too fast. I think they're getting too attached to me."

Harrison listened to Olivia explain the previous day's events; the more she revealed, the more she was confused and upset. She began to pace, giving details of Teddy's behavior and what happened when she came over the night before.

"Do you even hear yourself talking? If this is an issue, you're lucky. I don't think anything is wrong. Do you even like them, Liv? Harrison teased.

"Of course, I do, asshole," Olivia scowled. "I love them. I want to be there for them. Fitz and Teddy have become two of my people. I love Teddy. But I'm not in a rush to become a stepmother! People barely know I'm dating!"

Harrison crossed his arms, giving a slick side eye. "Now whose fault is that?"

Olivia rolled her eyes. That question was uncalled for and yet the response was very obvious. "I'm getting there. But let me ask you, Sage of Relationships. When is it ever the right time to tell everyone, 'Hey! I'm a business owner, trying to make it in DC. Dating this wonderful man, who happens to be in every magazine in Washington. He has a son. It's getting serious and I think I'm in too deep.'"

"You need to talk to him about this."

Taking a sip of coffee, Olivia deflected. "Anyway, I think I may need to take a step back. Refocus."

"It's because of your parents?"

Harrison knew how to stop Olivia in her tracks. Any mention of a certain Eli and Maya "Marie" Pope was sure make her wince.

"Yes" was her cold response.

"Does he know?"

Olivia turned away, putting her things down on the desk, but of course, Harrison followed. "No. What do you tell a guy like him? That when your heart gets broken over and over by people who are supposed to love you, you get leery of being close. Including people like Fitz Grant. I'm not ready to fully commit. I couldn't say that to him."

Harrison gave a nod. Taking a step forward, he replied, "But you could, Liv. He'd understand. I know him. He's a good man. Trust me."

It wasn't going to be easy. Taking a breath, Olivia shifted gears.

"This trip may be a good thing. If anything, you and I can go. Have the girls and Huck manage here. Distance is a good thing."

"But is it the right thing?"

"I don't know."

"Don't run off."

Olivia narrowed her eyes. "I'm not running."

"You're runnin'."

"I am not."

Harrison wasn't scared of her, matching the intensity of her tone. "Then why are you jumping the gun, already transporting yourself to the opposite side of the coast when you have no clue about it?"

"Work."

"I know you. It's an excuse."

Olivia stepped forward, pointing her finger at Harrison. "Don't you start…"

The door opened. Abby and Quinn were getting in.

"Hey Liv, Harrison."

Harrison tipped his fingers in a salute. Olivia gave him one more look, turned towards her desk. After the door closed, she breathed deeply. Every time she opened up, there was always some kind of argument and she would regret speaking. It was an unhealthy mechanism - she was used to doing this all of her life. If only she could be the Olivia Pope that Washington knew…

An hour passed. Everyone had started working. Olivia felt like she had calmed down after making copies of files and checking her email again. Making her way to the lobby, she announced.

"Everyone, in the conference room."

Abby, Harrison, and Quinn followed. When they congregated, they were greeted by Olivia and someone else.

"Huck!"

Diego Muñoz, known by his nickname, Huck, strolled in without anyone noticing. He had been on a work assignment that took him away from Washington for several months. Being the incredible tech genius, Huck was contracted out for different gigs, but always found his way back "home".

"Hello," he quietly greeted.

Quinn rushed to hug him. Olivia smiled at the reunion. Everyone loved him. When all was settled, she asked the team to have a seat. Slapping a picture on the glass wall, Olivia began her introduction.

"We received a call from Chase Reynolds, the COO of Encore Unlimited Talent Agency, in LOs Angeles. They have received some backlash with an artist and her team. Contract was breached and they could be in a lot of trouble. Somehow, they found out about us and we invited to meet them. To see if we can help. This is a huge step in our company. We are embarking on a new facet of OPA. Crisis management. We'll have to dig deeper, look at various angles. Be relentless in our searches. We may even have to be the bad guy. It's going to take a lot."

Olivia looked at everyone's faces. "Are up for it?"

"Hell yeah," Quinn exclaimed.

Abby and Harrison both stated, "Over a cliff." Huck agreed wordlessly.

Olivia sharply nodded. "Awesome. Let's get it done."

When the staff of OPA committed to a client, they did went all out. When Olivia Pope was in work mode, she didn't stop until she was done. Or forced to take a break. The next 36 hours were used to compile information, search every nook and cranny about Encore and the artist - Chelsea Williamson.

"Abby, what do you have?"

The leggy redhead gave a detailed breakdown on Chelsea's history as a small town singer who made it big in LA, but hung out with the wrong crowd, overstepping boundaries, and missed concert dates.

"Cool."

A loud buzz rang. Olivia answered.

"What?"

"Hi to you too."

Olivia quickly smiled. "Hi."

"Doing okay?"

"Yes."

"I brought home Thai. Wondering if you wanted to come and have some."

"Maybe. We have a new case and we're busting tails over here."

"Want me to drop it off?"

Olivia wasn't expecting Fitz to offer a delivery. "It's okay."

"Honey..."

"I'm fine. I'll just find something to eat when I get to my place."

"You only eat popcorn and drink wine when you're alone. No, I have no problem making a doggy bag for you. I'll get in the car now."

Abby had walked away, snickering, so Olivia closed her door, not wanting her little spat to distract the team. "Please, Fitz. Harrison or Abby will just order a pizza or Gettysburger."

"Yeah, and you won't eat any of it. I won't have you starve."

"Fine," she huffed. "I'll stop by. It'll be late though."

Fitz chuckled in approval. "Great. The door will be unlocked. Just come on in."

"I have to get back to work."

Olivia clicked the red button, growling in frustration.

"Why does he have to do this?"

Olivia pulled into the driveway; she never parked there before. It was after 10, so after her visit, she could just jump in the car without incident. She didn't think Fitz would mind.

So much was running through her head. Preparing to pack for Los Angeles, while still running her business, and gradually learning the constant ins and outs of living in the Nation's Capital. Still thinking like a woman with no strings. But there was her special someone in Chevy Chase waiting for her behind that door.

Opening the door as seamlessly as possible, Olivia walked inside. Fitz was in his typical ensemble of t-shirt and jeans. Using his long legs to glide across the floor, he greeted her with a kiss.

"Well, hello there."

"You just wanted me to come over."

"Of course," he said, taking her jacket. "Why wouldn't I want to see you before I shut my eyes for the night? Hungry?"

"That's what you convinced me to come over for. You condemned me."

Fitz rubbed her arm, "No, I convicted you. Gotta take care of yourself. I ordered soup, pad Thai, and Beef Kapow."

"Just a little bit of Pad Thai, please."

Fitz nodded, scooping the food in a bowl, and microwaving. Olivia kicked off her heels, before sitting at the table. It was the first time she had been able to breathe in over a day.

The bowl was placed in front of her. As she ate, she sank down as his hands massaged her shoulders. Fitz kissed the little spot under her chin that drove her wild. Every time.

"Thank you," she said, breathlessly.

After he was content with getting all of her knots out, Fitz sat down.

"How was your day?"

"Not too shabby. Closed a few deals. Shooting the shit with Cyrus and others. How about you?"

"It was fine."

"But you guys were hella busy. What happened?"

"We got a call from Los Angeles; this talent agency asked for our help. They even asked us to fly out to assess the situation. We've never been requested outside of DC before."

Fitz's eyes widened. "Nice!"

"What did you tell them?"

"Tell them what?"

"Did you accept?"

Olivia sipped her water. "Of course. Yes, I accepted their offer. I'm going to leave on Thursday. It may take a while - not sure when we'll be back in DC."

Fitz shrugged. "A week can't be that bad to enjoy the nice wea-."

"More like three weeks."

"Oh."

"Yes," she answered. "I don't know. But the project could be hefty. It's like an overhaul of sorts. We've officially crossed into crisis management, but we shall see what happens. I'll let you know."

Watching Fitz's jaw tighten, Olivia knew to change the subject.

"How's Teddy?"

Fitz promptly said, "He's fine."

"And how was yesterday? How the phone call?"

"Awkward. Boring. He didn't look comfortable. I don't know why."

Olivia reached for his hand, very ready to squeeze tight in comfort. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay."

"Really?"

"Yes," Fitz confirmed, "Really."

Olivia looked into his eyes, hoping to find some optimism, but those orbs of blue were bleak. What else was she supposed to do? This was the exact feeling she during her talk with Harrison - her conscience telling her to open up to Fitz more and be there for him, but also protecting herself and not giving up her dream.

"What can I do?"

With a faint smile, he spoke, "You're here and that's all I want."

Olivia knew he needed more, but she didn't know what else to give in that moment.

"I can't stay long, but do you want to cuddle? Just sit here for a minute?"

Fitz stood up, still holding on to her hand. "C'mon, beautiful."

Opting for the sitting room, they got comfortable on the sofa. As always, they didn't have to explain to each other anything. How they were going to make it happen, with limited time and under the circumstances of a little boy sleeping upstairs. Their bodies connecting, just creating the atmosphere that they needed.

"I'm going to go crazy while you're away. You know that right," he whispered after tugging on her lip.

Running her fingers through his curls, Olivia answered, "Three weeks isn't long. It will go by so fast, you won't even notice. You got things to do, people to see, stu-"

"Bullshit," he spoke in her ear, shutting down her diplomatic spiel. "Too long. It's already bad that I miss you during the day."

Olivia felt the giggles rise in her belly as Fitz blessed her mouth with his endless kisses. His hands softly roamed her body, from splaying his fingers across her toned stomach, moving up to her chest, to the delicate territory that was her neck.

He liked keeping his fingers there. Putting just enough pressure to cause her to shake and moan - because to his surprise, she did like it rough - but so very gentle that his hold felt like a relief.

"Fitz…"

"Mmhmm."

"Don't ever stop."

The request was all Fitz needed. Olivia grunted as he laid her down, quickly removing her slacks, pushing her legs apart.

"Damn."

Fitz used his knuckle to push away the thin fabric that covered her, humming at the sight of her body being wet and swollen. Dipping his head to get close. The quick rhythm of flicks and taps by the tip of his tongue made her wild.

"Shhh," Fitz rose to kiss her. "You taste so good, baby." His fingers were long and thick, using the right amount of pressure, to make her fall apart, and yet become whole.

His eyes always riled her up. Olivia bit her lip, allowing him to make her feel good, as she did for him the night before…

Twenty minutes later, a very content Olivia rubbed her nose against Fitz's neck. His fingers tickling her skin. Of course, he has to ask her something.

"How was that? Was it okay, baby?"

A wide grin appeared. Olivia lifted her head so she could kiss him. Her eyes was hooded, still in a haze. "Yes. That felt great. You know it was. But I do have to go," she whispered.

"I love you."

Olivia pursed her lips. "Fitz…"

"I mean it. I'm just saying it to pull your strings. You know that, right?"

"I know, baby, but I think something's wrong. What's wrong?"

"I don't want you to leave just yet," Fitz smiled.

Olivia was confused and was getting a little defensive. "I don't know when this kind of opportunity will come around."

"Liv, you don't have to justify anything. I'm very happy for you - you deserve this. I was talking about tonight," he softly answered.

"Shoot, I'm sorry," Olivia replied, "I thought you mean about the trip. I can't. I need to sleep at my place."

Fitz rubbed her shoulder. "I respect that. A guy can only ask."

Olivia scooped her pants, dashing towards the bathroom. She cleaned up, getting her thoughts together. She was going to miss this. Just drive fifteen minutes and feel him. See him. Just be here. Not having to rush out, nervous to miss a early morning appointment, or receive curious questions from Teddy. But maybe that would change soon.

"I'll text you when I get home. But I'm going to do my best to see you tomorrow. Do you have time for lunch?"

Fitz smiled. "I'll be there. I'll clear out two hours if I need to."

"Cool," she replied after kissing his cheek. "I'll get Abby to take over for a bit. Your choice of food."

"No, your call, my Livvie. My sweet baby."

Shaking her head, Olivia stood on her toes. His nose needed another Eskimo kiss. "No, you're the sweetest."

"Wow. The formidable Olivia Pope, behind closed doors, is sappier than a maple in Vermont."

Fitz must have been waiting for a laugh - his eyebrows were lifted, eyes wide and steadfast on her. But instead, Olivia scrunched her nose and wagged her finger, then pointing to the second floor, taunting him for even try to get a peep out.

"You are such a cornball. Goodbye, Mister."

Olivia sashayed to the door, giving Fitz a nice view of her hips. He scooted past her, halting her once more.

"Love you, lady."

"Love you."