Fitz's smile dropped as he watched Olivia's knees buckle. Rushing to her side, he knew.

He blew it. A royal fuck up. Everything was going so well. Too well. It was too good to be true. They had turned a corner, talking openly when things were going right, or badly. Being more comfortable with each other with this new way of life.

All he wanted was to be with her, as much as possible. Living in the same house, not dealing with going back and forth. Seeing each other every night, and waking up next to her in the mornings.

"Baby. Are you alright?"

Olivia laughed nervously, shaking her head. "I'm fine. My legs just gave out. Look at how much of a mess I am."

"Liv," Fitz kneeled down, ready to scoop her into his arms, but she rejected the gesture, stepping back, keeping her shins steady against the bottom step.

"I shouldn't have rushed up these steps. After all the skating around we did. That can take a girl out! Goodness. You know what, I'll take the bath at my place. I didn't fall and I'm already down the stairs and I haven't drank any wine, so I' m good to drive."

"Livvie."

She firmly placed her hand on his chest. "I need to go."

Abruptly, Fitz jerked away from her touch, as if it burned, instead of being a reassuring gesture — he was hurt. It wasn't making sense why she was doing all of this. "Are you mad at me? Because of what I just said? I'm sorry."

Olivia forced another smile. "No, I'm sorry. For making this awkward. Let's talk about this tomorrow, okay?"

"Tomorrow?"

"Yes."

Why wait? Usually they would just sleep it off, and go from there. After their online sessions that confused on communication properly, they had promised to each other that they would talk about their issues in a timely fashion. To wait a whole day? Fitz was utterly confused and needed to know why she was pushing this off. His eyebrows lowered, as he tried to convey to Olivia that they could discuss whatever she was feeling. They could work through this.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I can't talk about this right now."

Olivia went upstairs to say good night to Teddy. Fitz chose to wait by the steps, just in case she changed her mind. Two minutes later, she came back into view.

"I tried to wake him up, but he's out cold," she explained, try to keep a brave face, as she carefully descended. "But I gave him extra kisses and a back rub, FYI. So if he interrogates, you have my word that I went to see him."

Fitz crossed his arms, looking at his lady with concern. In his mind, he was more focused on what happened a few minutes earlier. "Are you sure you don't want to stay here and rest? I don't want you to feel uncomfortable on the drive back."

Her hand finding purchase on his cheek, gently massaging his skin, Olivia looked deeply into his eyes, then softly kissed him on the lips. "I'll be fine. It's best if we just…get our rest by ourselves."

That was a blow; mustering up some boldness, Fitz argued, "But I don't agree with-"

"Trust me," she insisted. "Good night."

Olivia walked past him — out of his reach — with her purse tucked under her arm. Waiting at the door, Fitz made sure she got into her car safely. As each second passed, the sting of rejection felt stronger as he followed her car until it disappeared from view. There was no use in arguing with Olivia; if she was set on something, it was going to happen. Her way.

It was true. She needed her space. She had the right to decide when to share. But it was so damn inconvenient. Fitz knew that being confined — in any situation — wasn't her strong suit. All he could could do was worry; he was incredibly sprung. From the moment he met her, he knew she was going to affect his life in some manner.

Perhaps, the surge in the pace of their relationship was scaring her. Obviously, he thought of all the times ignored his ex-wife, missing signs that he could have caught that would have avoided the pain both experienced. Was he repeating the cycle? Or trying too hard? Just trucking along to make his dream come true, and not truly considering what his girlfriend wanted?

Why did it appear to be that he was always the one chasing, pleading for some kind of resolution? He thought they had gotten past these rough patches. Anytime things got weird, she was always leaving, either physically or emotionally. He was tired. Was this even worth it anymore?

"Daddy? Daddy!"

Fitz cursed at himself for losing track of time. Three hours had passed. He shouldn't have allowed Teddy to nap that long; at this point, he would never get to sleep.

"What is it?"

Trudging down the hall, the boy came into Fitz's peripheral vision, lifting his hands to rub his sleepy eyes, and mumbled, "Where's Livia? I can't find her."

Taking off his glasses, Fitz gave the less-than-happy news. "She went home."

Teddy squinted his eyes, quizzically, "Why?"

"Because she wanted to go rest at home."

"Why? She can take a nap in your room. Livia does that a lot when she stays with us. It's Saturday. She always stays with us on Saturdays."

Fitz reminded, hoping to "It's not that simple. She just had a busy day like the rest of us and she wanted to go to her place."

The tantrum was rising. With a foot tapping against the floor, ready to escalate into full-blown stomping, and gritted teeth, Teddy ran to pull at his father's arm. "Daddy! Call her. I'll call her. She always picks up when I call her. Daddy, tell her I need her!"

"No."

"Why not? Dadddyyyyy…. do it now! I want Livia! I want her now!"

"Theodore Grant."

Fitz worked on never raising his voice, but he had enough of the complaining. His command was firm. Little Grant halted his whining.

"Yes?"

A deep breath in and out. Fitz softened his tone. "I need you to listen to me. Olivia made this decision, buddy, and that's okay. We all can make our own choices. We can't force people to do things that we want. It was the right thing for her to do. She'll return soon."

He watched for the signs. Eyebrows began to knit, with a frown. Then, like clockwork, Teddy's bottom lip quivered. Fitz sighed because he knew what was to come. Crumbling into tears, he clenched his fists. "It's not fair," he wailed, running away. The boy had a strong set of lungs; his cries bounced against the walls.

Eventually, Fitz followed to the family room, where Teddy was — standing at the wall, sobbing. Of course, without fail, he walked to Teddy's side, getting down to his level. He asked softly, "What's wrong?"

"Why did Livia leave me?"

"She didn't leave you. She just needed to go home, honey."

Teddy couldn't fathom the idea of being separated. It felt like a punishment. Trying to get the words out, Teddy's chest heaved as he spoke, "But it's not fair. Everyone else has mommies and daddies at their house, and I don't!"

Fitz pursed his lips, allowing his son to cry it out. He wanted to assure that it was okay to be angry, hurt, and frustrated. Just to channel it correctly and not hurt someone else in the process.

"What's going on, Ted?"

Once again rubbing his eyes, he replied, "Why can't we all be together?"

"What about us? You don't like it when it's just you and me anymore?"

Fitz wanted to get Teddy's genuine reaction. Was it a dig?

But he cried more, collapsing against his father's solid frame. "I love you, Daddy. I just…want Olivia."

"Me too."

He couldn't handle his baby boy crying like this. He rarely broke down because he was such a happy baby, into a toddler, and now at five years old, this alarmed him. Crying wasn't the issue - it was why. Taking his boy into his arms, Fitz held him close, cradling him. His heart breaking more as he consoled Teddy, somewhat like how Olivia would rock him to sleep.

"It's going to be okay, Teddy."

As he comforted his son, Fitz began to think. Was there a timeline for these things? With Mellie, they didn't move in together until after they got married. He just wasn't feeling it. She didn't care either. But with Olivia, he couldn't wait to be under the same roof all the time. All of his dreams were about her. It all made sense. He was hoping that he didn't place too many hints to her. This was a touchy subject and on the surface, there was no rush, but when was the perfect time to ask?

Eight months seemed like a good time. Maybe at a year, he could ask again, and everything would be fine. Now, he was doubting himself. Was he risking two relationships — Olivia and Teddy — to have his picture perfect home again?

"Can you hug me some more?"

Fitz kissed Teddy's forehead, which was so warm. His face was beet red, cheeks and chin stained with tears. "Of course."

"Do you think—" Teddy mumbled, while his father hushed him.

"All we can do is ask and be patient. She'll be back soon."

"I hope so."

It took about ten minutes to calm Teddy down. A few songs later, he was sitting on the couch, stoically. Fitz noticed his eyes were distant.

"Are you thirsty? Hungry? We didn't get to eat dinner yet." It was pushing 8:30, a little late, but with all the activities from the party, as well as Teddy's extended nap, everything shifted.

Teddy chose not to answer.

Fitz didn't remember getting advice about situations like this. Rather than interrogate, he left for the kitchen. There was some bread and meat in the refrigerator. He made two sandwiches, one with the fixings and one without, but some on the side, just in case Teddy wanted to try. An easy dinner.

Back at the couch, he approached his son, placing the food on the coffee table. Putting a napkin on Teddy's lap, he instructed, "Take a few bites, please. If that's all you can eat right now, that's fine. But I need you to have some dinner."

He nodded silently, and began to partake. "I'm going to try the mustard and lettuce today."

"Good," Fitz smiled, "I think you'll like it."

Teddy snuggled next to him, pretty much an extension of Fitz's arm. There they were, without any television on, or music, just bonding by themselves.

"Did you have fun today?"

"Mmhmm," a whimpering response.

"Wasn't it great that all your friends came?"

Teddy agreed, while taking a huge bite of his meal. "I would like to sleep in your bed, please."

"Okay."

The boys cleaned up, then retired upstairs.

"You get in bed while I put on my pajamas."

Fitz shut the door, looking himself in the mirror. There was more to work through. He couldn't rush her. At the same time, she had to tell him when lines were being approached. He also had to prepare his son about boundaries and patience.

By the time he walked out, Teddy was fast asleep, sprawled out on her side, obviously.

Sunday was a doozy; Fitz and Teddy were struggling. Both were in a sour mood. If he wasn't giving the silent treatment, little Teddy was crying. The back and forth was draining; Fitz knew that if he didn't get backup, he would be in big trouble; it would result in shouting matches, premature timeouts, and mutual meltdowns. He was at his wits' end. As he drank his coffee, he scrolled down the contact list on his phone. Some of his friends had never seen Teddy like this, and he wasn't about to explain all the ins and outs. This damn separation anxiety that his son had been dealing with since he was 2, but only recently he sought help for Teddy.

Thankfully, he was able to get a hold of Harrison, who was also chilling at home.

"Harri, can you come over? I'm dealing with something."

"What's going on?"

"It's Teddy. And Liv."

"I'll be there soon."

Twenty minutes and a soothing bath later, the Grants awaited Harrison. When the door rang, Fitz gave Teddy the go-ahead to answer the door, after checking the window.

"Hi, Uncle Harri," Teddy greeted, with a hoarse voice.

Glancing at his best friend, while lifting the little man into his arms, he asked, "What's up, my guy? What's wrong?"

Automatically turning on the waterworks, Teddy blubbered while explaining, "I had my party yesterday and Livia left before bedtime. And I-miss Livia-And she left and I'm a little upset- Not a lot because I love her-But she's always here and if I'm not at school, then we are together-She's like my second Mommy and since my real Mom left me, I don't want it to happen again. Re-re-re,"

"Repeating."

Teddy put his head on Harrison's shoulder, bringing his voice down to a whisper. "Yeah. And Daddy feels sad too, but he told me we can't call Livia yet, and I'm just sad!"

Once again, Fitz felt validated. He wasn't overthinking this. He was thinking it had to do with Mellie, and the environment Teddy was in. Was it his fault? Should he have met someone new sooner? But if he had, Olivia wouldn't have been in their lives. She was worth waiting for.

The trio congregated in the kitchen; Teddy was holding the bear she got him, while Fitz and Harrison talked a few feet away, while preparing a brunch.

"Man, I wasn't expecting all of this. I was so hyped from yesterday that I foolishly asked if she wanted to move in."

"You're not being foolish. Just very enthusiastic."

Fitz added, "I thought we were on the same page."

"Maybe she's a few sentences behind. In the middle of turning that page."

"What am I supposed to do?"

Harrison shook his head, very empathetic to their situation. "Just have to wait. She's going to come around. Whatever answer she gives, know that you did your best."

When she said she needed space, Fitz wondered if that meant absolutely no communication. The day had been moving along, and still nothing from Liv. If he sent a text, would she distance herself further? The nervous energy was similar to their first date and the hours after. Typing and erasing lines of words, only to redo, and come up with a message that was more important.

He decided to just send something.

Hi.

Sliding his phone over, so he wouldn't be tempted, Fitz walked over to his office by the den. Harrison had left two hours ago. He had to stay busy. There must be something he could work on. Preparing a fun dinner for Teddy, while keeping him calm helped his mind.

Fitz was able to get several smiles out of Teddy the rest of the evening. Obviously when he wanted cuddles, he got them. The boys were stuck like glue. Like old times.

But he couldn't resist. While Teddy was laying on him, gradually letting sleep take over, Fitz turned on his MacBook, checking his messages. Olivia still hadn't respond. It was crushing. Yes, he was willing to understand. But all of this still sucked and it was painful.

It was a miracle that he was able to keep Teddy in his room. After reading a story and finding a fresh uniform for school, Fitz kissed him goodnight and left.

Closing the door to the master bedroom, Fitz stripped down. Although his day was wrecked, his body was on autopilot. The routine had to continue. Brush teeth, take a shower, tidy up. Every task was marked by her. She was usually in the room when he did of all these things.

Wondering if she was experiencing the same. The kind of loneliness that keeps you awake, makes you cry your eyes out, stare into oblivion and wait. Not want to move until the other moves.

The thought of her wanting to break up crossed his mind. He felt pitiful, for these emotions. But he couldn't deny how important she was.

It hurt to breathe without her.

Something was different and Fitz didn't know why. He found himself on the right side of bed — her side — which never happened because even when she was out of town or back at her place, his body kept him still where the mattress had contoured to his frame.

Yawning and stretching, he was ready for another Monday. Schlepping to the room down the fall, he cracked the door open.

"Teddy, time to get up."

Usually, he would hear some rumbles. But there was silence.

Fitz turned on the light. The bed was empty. Since North Carolina, Teddy's sleeping habits had been funky.

As far as he knew, he didn't go downstairs in the middle of the night.

"Hey, Teddy? Where are you?"

He rushed to the kitchen. But beyond the room's borders, the TV was playing softly.

When he turned the corner, he gasped.

Teddy was asleep on the sofa, in the arms of Olivia. She looked so beautiful. Her eyelashes sporadically fluttering as she kept her hold on him.

Kissing her on the forehead, he called her name.

"Liv?"

"Yeah?"

"What are you doing here?"

"I felt like I should come. I needed to come back."

"Did Harrison talk to you?"

Olivia made a face. So that must have been a negative.

"My gut was bothering me. I couldn't sleep."

"Livvie."

"I tried to stay quiet. I couldn't wait any longer. Thought about going upstairs, but Teddy was down here and I wanted to make sure he was okay. I told him I was very sorry for leaving him. We talked for a few minutes and he fell back asleep."

Fitz sighed.

"How about I take him and then we can talk? Would you like some coffee?"

"Sure."

Taking Teddy back to bed, gave Fitz some time to work out his anger towards Olivia. He was pissed. He wanted to curse at her, letting her know how much her absence affected the two of them. But it wouldn't be any use. His love for her was willing to hear her out. There was a reason. When he returned, Olivia was sitting at the island. After pouring her a cup, he asked, "Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why did you go?"

Olivia crossed her arms. "It was only two days, Fitz. We don't have to talk everyday, if we don't have to."

"Okay."

"I needed to get my shit together again. You know how overwhelmed I get."

"That's not the best excuse."

"I needed space," she replied sharply, with fierce eyes. "Don't you need space sometimes?"

Hearing her question him was a pain in the ass. It wasn't why he wanted to talk. He wanted to know about her thought and action process, not for the questioning to turn on him.

"Yes, but I didn't abandon you."

"How did I abandon you?"

Fitz moved his coffee mug aside, getting more irritated. "We needed to talk and you conveniently walked away."

"We are talking right now."

"No, we are arguing," he brooded.

"Fitz. You have to trust me. I wasn't going to leave you. We weren't going to break up. I needed to be prepared and being asked these kind of questions - I don't respond well. I thought you knew that. When was the last huge decision you had to make?"

Taking a breath, he replied, "Dating, and before that, pursuing custody."

Olivia pursed her lips. "Okay, did that process take a hot second?"

"Okay, Olivia," he brushed her off, already knowing where she was going with this.

"So, why can't I have that luxury to decide if this is right for me? For us. You can't dictate what happens in my life. I'm going to take all the time I need."

The accusation she was making, was hurting like hell. Was she truly viewing him this way? Like her father? Or any other man who had done her wrong? Fitz wasn't taking it well, but he couldn't downplay her feelings. He didn't speak.

Olivia added, "You do know that I don't have to live with you, or be with you 24/7, to express my love, right? That doesn't change the fact. Just because you can't see that, doesn't mean-"

"I don't want to lose you, Liv! I cannot think straight if we aren't talking," he boldly interjected, red in the face. "I love you so much. I'm in love with you. Do you know that? I cannot see myself with anyone else, but you. You know why? You're the love of my life. I thought that asking you to move in, would show you that. How much I love you. That I'm taking this seriously."

Olivia's eyes widened.

"I didn't think I would be able to fall in love again after my divorce. But you...you changed me."

Fitz breathed deeply, rubbing his hand over his face, trying to pull himself together. Speaking in anger wouldn't solve anything, but he was exasperated. "I don't want to cage you in. You are free to go wherever. I'm sorry if I'm scared you but I'm not embarrassed to tell you. I'm done keeping how I feel about you a secret."

Olivia studied his face. Probably seeing the fear and sadness. Calmly, she began, "Do you know…how terrifying this is? How much I want to do this moving in thing but scared that I will fail you? Disappoint Teddy? I don't want to fail you. What if we don't work out?"

"But what if we do? I believe in us. There's hope. I'm going to wait for you."

She didn't answer, which discouraged him. Maybe she didn't agree. Checking the time, they had been discussing, arguing, or whatever the fuck they were doing, for ten minutes. It felt like nothing had been resolved. He waited, and saw her place her fists on her hips.

"Come here."

"Why?"

"Just come here, okay?"

He followed her directions, stepping into her space. They began a staredown. Olivia made the next move, embracing him and holding him tight. It didn't take much for him to reciprocate, having her so close. In the grand scheme of things, not talking for a day and a half wasn't a big deal. But this was important to Fitz. He couldn't let her go.

"I love you," she whispered. "I won't stop loving you."

Standing the middle of the kitchen, with the fan whirring above them. Settling back into what they knew. Fitz tipped her chin upwards, so he could admire her face again. Leaning forward, he had to kiss her. Olivia accepted his romantic gesture, deepening the kiss, allowing him to explore.

His heart fluttered as he felt her hands run through his hair. Talking helped, but he wasn't against expressing himself with action. Neither did she.

"I did some thinking," she murmured against his chest.

"Mmhmm?"

"I'm going to keep my apartment."

Fitz rubbed her back, rocking back and forth. "Okay."

"But, effective March 1st, I will be living here. I want to move here."

Fitz pulled away to make sure her eyes were telling the truth. Olivia had a way of talking sometimes just so he could get off her case. "Livvie…"

"I mean it. If I have late nights, I'm staying at my place. Because it's closer to the office. I don't want to ruin y'all's nights," she explained, "But yes. That's my decision."

"Oh my God, are you serious?"

Smiling, she confirmed. "Yes."

Lifting her up and twirling around, Fitz celebrated by laughing, hearing her giggle, before kissing her again, but deeper this time. It didn't matter how it started, their kisses were luxurious and healing. Always finding a way to come back together.

Afterwards, he said,"I couldn't be any happier, my sweet baby! Do you want us to move things there?"

Olivia smirked, amused by his enthusiasm. "For now, it's fine. Still want to keep my space, my space."

Fitz rolled his eyes. "Damn. Already doing too much. I'm sorry if I was pressuring you. Will you forgive me?

"Yes," she replied, still holding his hand, "I forgive you."

"I think… I'm going to call the school and tell them he's coming in later. I doubt he slept either."

"I still have to work."

Fitz asked, softly, "Do you have to go in right away?"

"No."

"Cool. Would you like to take a nap or just chill...with me?"

Olivia nodded and they moved upstairs. When she entered the bedroom, she noticed how messy her side was.

"You slept on my side?"

Fitz shrugged, not even embarrassed. "Teddy was there first then me. I admit it, we are a complete fucking mess without you."

With a chuckle, she removed her shoes. He kept his eye on her, as she joined him in bed. As he stared at the ceiling, Fitz waited for Olivia to initiate, because he didn't want to force anything.

"Hey."

"Hmm?"

Olivia turned to her side, facing him; her eyes searching, like she was reaching his soul.

"Are we okay?"

"Yes," he immediately answered. "Without a doubt."

"Good."

Olivia gave Fitz another reassuring look, taking his hand again. "I love you."

Taking in her declaration to heart, he slowly grinned while hugging Olivia. "I love you too."

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. The next chapter is halfway written, so it will return way sooner than this time around. xo