Watching the sun rise was different this time around.

As she silently laid in bed with Fitz, contemplating all that had happened, Olivia needed one hour to regroup. There was no room for error; she had to make this right. Being away from him was excruciating. Each minute that turned into an hour crushed her. But being the stubborn person, Olivia continued to keep her distance. assuming her time alone was the answer.

She was dead wrong. It wasn't the best decision. Everything was moving so fast, it was overwhelming. As much as she wanted to blame him for forcing the issue, she could have responded differently. She had the right to pull away, but it didn't make her choices accurate. The damage had been done.

At thirty-three, Olivia Carolyn Pope had to grow the fuck up.

They could have jumped into being intimate, but Olivia didn't feel like going there. Not yet.

In a small voice, she asked, "What can I do?"

"Huh?"

Olivia studied his face, watching his eyebrows knit in confusion. After a quick moment to pause, she clarified the request, hoping Fitz could finds words to answer.

"What can I do to be better? For you. Teddy. Us. So I won't hurt you."

Fitz sat up, adjusting his pillow so he could lean against it. Turning to Olivia, he said, "Just talk to me. You had to do what needed to be done. That's fine. You wouldn't have been able to decide with us nearby. Thinking clearly is what you want to do best. But a text back to tell me, that we're okay, would have helped tremendously. Teddy was having a meltdown. He loves you. He needs you. He thought you were deserting him. Yes, it seems over-the-top. But he just turned 5. You have become his world, Livvie."

His response was gutting and ripping her heart out. To know that her presence or lack thereof, could change a person, was devastating.

"What about you? This can't be all about Teddy," she rushed, "There's us. You and me."

"I have no problem giving you space. I just need to know if you're there. We don't have to talk every minute of every day, but you have to give me a sign. We have to fight. Actively move forward, to keep this going."

"Right."

Where was the balance? She had to look out for her well-being, but also consider others. When it came to her work, she had no issue with doing so. But why during a personal moment, a relationship with people outside of that building on K Street, did Olivia struggle royally like this? She was willing to own her faults; but not stepping away was not an option. It wasn't easy, it wasn't the best way to go, but how else would she have gone about this?

Compromise.

"Alright. I'll think of something."

"Okay."

A minute passed. Fitz slowly pressed his lips onto her cheek, moving his head, hoping she'd give him access. She knew he longed for her. There was no use in denying the love and passion they shared for each other. It was part of their reconciliation. Through counseling, they recalled the power of words, and once they were able to communicate, they could easily parlay into touch and anything physical.

Their lips carefully touching, molding.

Olivia could feel her body tense, but at the same time, relaxing because she missed him.

She couldn't do this anymore. Play games and try to live life without him. But needing one more part of closure, she leaned back, softly placing her hand on his bicep, keeping her eyes trained on him. "He told me he cried a lot. And you cried."

Fitz blinked several times, looking very offended that she would mention this.

"Did you?"

He didn't answer at first, slowly inching away from her grasp.

"I had to ask. It was bugging me. You can tell me, baby. Don't hold back."

Letting out a heavy sigh, he finally spoke. "Yeah. I thought I fucked up, and I seriously thought was going to lose you and that… that was unbearable. I need you."

"I'm so sorry. I don't want to hurt you anymore."

"Then come back to me," Fitz demanded, "Don't shut me out. I'm right here, Livvie."

That sealed it.

Olivia climbed on top of Fitz, wrapping her arms around him, and boldly kissing him.

"I love you."

Fitz's lips ticked the shell of her ear. His hand ghosting under her shirt, reaching her stomach.

"Can I… can we?"

Olivia looked up to the clock, to see how much time they had before Teddy might call for his father or if a client would ask for help. With a raised eyebrow and subtle nod, she rose to discard her clothes.

Rushing wouldn't do any good; she relaxed, breathed deeply, and let the moment take over. Once Fitz got situated, they embraced. His abs tightened while she moved. As always, their bodies started a dance that they never forget. Their eyes hinting and sharing what they wanted. Getting rid of the toxins. Sweat beading her forehead. Her hair shielding her face, contorting with pleasure.

Each soft grunt that she heard, made her want him more.

The remaining pent up emotions went away as they continued to make love. Fucking the anger, fear, and confusion away. Coming back to each other.

When they finished, she got lost in his eyes. Lingering kisses, then placing her head on his chest. The raised nails of her manicure drawing light circles through the hair and on his skin.

"Fitz."

"Yeah."

"What time is it?"

"Exactly 8:05. We've been mighty productive, Miss Pope, he smirked, incorporating some humor in their "quiet" time.

"Stop it, you."

"Never, my sweet baby."

Resting her head under his chin, knowing she was very safe, Olivia mused, "We can do this every day, if we want."

Fitz immediately countered, "Fight? Hell no. I don't need that stress."

"Noooo," Olivia fake complained with a laugh. "Doing this. Having fun. Just being here, Fitz."

"I know."

Another minute to enjoy their bliss. She began to move, but he wasn't having it — sneaking in luscious kisses.

"Where are you going?"

Olivia wiggled away from his warm but greedy arms. "I need to take a shower and make Teddy breakfast."

"I'll take care of that."

"No. This will help me talk to him."

Fitz sat up against the headboard, giving her a silly smile.

"What?"

"Nothing," he answered.

"You want me to stay in bed?"

"Sure."

"Tonight," she stated, leaning over him, kissing him once more.

Fifteen minutes later, Olivia was downstairs, pacing back and forth, finding ingredients, along with fun additions. This gave her more time to allow the right words to come.

The padding of small feet alerted her.

Teddy skipped into the kitchen, already wearing his school uniform. "Good morning, Livia."

"Hiya."

His eyes grew as he noticed the adjustment in the regular morning scenario.

"Are you making breakfast?"

"Yes."

Teddy smiled wide. "That's so cool! Daddy usually makes me food. Or if I stay at Aunt Gracie's, she'll do it. But never you. Well, for breakfast. What are you making?"

"Waffles."

"Eek! That's amazing, Livia. Can we do it together?"

She couldn't help but smile. It was a simplistic gesture and he found it to be amazing. She helped Teddy put on an apron to cover his uniform, then got to work. Mixing the ingredients together, scooping the batter on the iron. During a break of waiting for the food to cook, Olivia asked, "Can I ask you something?"

Teddy nodded. "Mmhmm. What's up?"

Olivia knelt down, making sure they were at the same level. "What do I need to know that will help me to be a better Livia?"

"Hmm?"

"Can you tell me how I can be a better Livia to you? So I don't make you sad anymore."

Teddy poked out his lips while thinking. "I don't like it when you and Daddy leave. It reminds me of my Mom or when I have to go away. Will you give me hugs when I ask? I like being hugged, a lot. When I didn't see you after my party, I thought something bad happened. Like I did something wrong. That you didn't like me anymore."

Hearing him reveal his true thoughts was breaking her heart even more. She was being extremely selfish. As much as it hurt, she needed to see how painful this was for him.

"What if I have to go away for work? What should we do?"

"Maybe a phone call or FaceTime. We did that when you were in California, remember? I'm like this with Daddy."

After checking the waffles, Olivia explained, "Teddy, I want you to know that even though I had to go the apartment, that doesn't mean I didn't love you. You didn't do anything wrong. I had to work on something."

"Okay," Teddy answered, fiddling with his shirt. Looking up to her, he asked, "Will it happen again?"

Well, that was a wake up call.

"I don't want it to. But if anything comes close, I'm going to talk to you and Daddy first. Okay? But we talked about it while you were sleeping, and I'm going to work very hard to fight from leaving."

Teddy didn't budge.

"Will you forgive me?"

Not waiting too long, he wrapped his arms around Olivia's shoulders. "Yes."

"Thank you. From now on, I'm going to do better. If I have to sit down and have 'me time', I'll explain it better. I love you so much."

"I love you! I'm glad you're home."

Home. It was like he already knew where she needed to be.

Fitz came downstairs — perfect timing in her mind — seeing Teddy and Olivia work on another set of fluffy waffles.

"Hello, favorite people."

Teddy cheerfully greeted his father. "Good morning, Daddy. Livia is back and I'm happy. She said sorry, and she said she loves me a lot! Isn't that awesome?"

Still with much to work through, Olivia felt relieved that she was able to talk with both Grants, and make process. This could be something good.

"Honey, I have something to tell you."

Still all smiles, he sat in the chair, waiting to hear.

Olivia shared, "I talked to Daddy and I want to live here now."

"Daddy asked you to live here?"

Her eyes widened, sharply turning towards Fitz for backup. "Yes..."

Teddy tapped his fingers on his chin. "No more apartment? You're staying here?!"

Olivia clarified, "I'm keeping my apartment, but I'm going to be here, a lot more."

The most exuberant scream filled the kitchen. Teddy began to jump around, waving his arms above his head. "Best news ever! We're all going to live together and be a family! One step closer to you being my real Mommy!" The little boy danced, shaking his behind, singing some made up tune, joyful as all get out.

Fitz glanced at Olivia, mouthing, "I can't believe this."

"He's already planning our future."

The next month went by quickly. While moving half of her belongings to the house, Olivia's workload tripled. Everyday, more people were calling, needing her assistance. The team was busy, taking matters into own hands, solving cases. Her clients were ranging between up-and-coming brands to a few politicians that required her to visit Capitol Hill. It was the confidence boost she needed after taking such personal risks.

Rising early, Olivia would cuddle with Teddy before she had to rush off to the office. Their relationship was becoming stronger, and that meant so much.

Fitz was also on the go. Winning two important cases in a three-week span.

But almost every night, Olivia was in Chevy Chase, at the house. Dinner with the boys. Chores around the house were fun. Hearing about Teddy's day, tucking him to bed. She was choosing to be there, not stall at OPA. There were people who wanted to see her.

It was a good change.

Olivia and Fitz's communication skills were growing; their bond was healthy and strong. She had to admit their progress was making their private time a hell of a lot entertaining. The sex was extraordinary. Olivia had become more free.

Springtime was always so beautiful in the District. Bordered by the cherry blossoms, the city was shaking off the cold and grey, and coming alive. Olivia preferred this time of year. Reminding her of better days and fun memories of visiting when she was on breaks from school.

Another gala was on the horizon. It was hosted by the Post, and both Olivia and Fitz were invited. After she received her letter, she suggested that they be each other's plus one. Fitz enthusiastically agreed.

Being closely ingrained with the PR world, Olivia found out about stirring in their circles about an upcoming blurb being posted about their relationship. There were sightings downtown. A family trip to Georgetown and National Harbor. The goal wasn't to be seen, but there was no point in hiding. It wasn't ideal — being under this proverbial microscope — but she had an idea of how to work this situation in her favor.

During their lunch breaks, Olivia and Abby would look for gowns, hoping to find the perfect one for the occasion.

"Do you think this is a good idea?"

Puzzled, Abby asked, "What do you mean? This is a great company to get dresses."

Olivia tisked, "Nooo... I meant going to the gala together? With all the cameras there. It will be our first official event as a couple. There's no going back."

Abby made the most incredulous look of disapproval, before bursting into laughter. "Are you serious? Liv! This is huge for you two. The sexiest power couple in D.C., officially stepping out in public? Do you know much press you two will get? The upgrade in your careers? I'd be excited to see you guys."

Searching on the websites of the smaller boutiques in town and the well-known brands, Olivia sighed. "I guess. It's now or never. I can't hide in the shadows forever. I don't want Fitz to keep thinking I'm going to flake out on him. He's been patient but I know he's been waiting. Mellie surely wasn't the best arm candy. Besides, if I'm there, someone may need some spinning or fixing. Promo, right?"

"Atta girl! But more importantly, a wonderful night with your man. By the way, are you two in a good place? After the move?"

A huge smile appeared. "It's been great," Olivia replied. "The adjustment was nothing short of a miracle. I enjoy getting up in the morning and he's right there. Dinner is the best part of my day. With him and Teddy. For the most part, we're always together. We get to talk about our day. I feel more invested. Like I'm supposed to be there. I'm connecting with them better. He has become everything to me. I can't let this go. We haven't had any major fights lately. Nothing that's causing me to run. I scheduled a meeting with a therapist. Maybe that will help too. Because once my parents catch wind, I need to be extremely strong."

"This is your life. You have to do what's best for you. Your parents don't fit that category anymore."

"You're right."

Abby smiled, pointing to a dress that Olivia could look fabulous in.

"Damn, Liv. This has everything you want."

Olivia scooped the phone receiver. "That's the one, I'm going to call and see if we can pick it up tonight."

The gala had arrived. The two had been busy all day, they weren't able to really connect until the early evening. Olivia visited Drybar after work to secure a fancy and wavy blowout. Knowing it would be a long night of photo calls and networking, she wanted to look her best.

With Rachel and Teddy playing downstairs, she and Fitz could focus on their final wardrobe decisions. Olivia found a navy blue mermaid gown that showed off her curves, giving the right touch of elegance, and showing off enough skin, look good in person and on camera, that would also drive Fitz wild. Still looking for ways to get him excited before the night ended, especially since she hid the dress at her place.

"You ready?" She heard Fitz call from across the hall.

"Yessss…" Olivia responded, singing, smoothing out any wrinkles. "Same status as two minutes ago."

Fitz strutted into the room, in his white dress shirt and slacks. Hair coiffed perfectly, cleanly shaven. He smiled as he approached Olivia, who was standing in front of the long mirror she brought over from the apartment.

"How in the hell are you on my case when you don't have your jacket on?"

"My apologies. Wow."

Well pleased, Olivia pivoted towards him, adjusting her bracelet. "Yes, my dear?"

"I wasn't expecting all of this. You are a vision. I'm in awe of you."

Olivia giggled as Fitz kissed her shoulder. "Thank you. Oh, no, you don't!"

"What?"

"Please, we cannot ruin this gown. I paid a pretty penny for this. I would like to wear it again someday."

"Okay," he smirked, "Maybe we should stall while you take if off for a little bit. The gala doesn't start until 8."

Stepping out of his reach, she squealed, "Fitz!"

"I'm kidding," he lowkey fibbed, wiggling his eyebrows. "But we should probably…ya know…"

Teddy hurried upstairs. "Daddy! Livia! The limo got here! Don't wanna be late."

Olivia covered her mouth, trying to hide her laughter, because Fitz was thinking they could be a little frisky before leaving.

Grabbing his jacket, he playfully rolled his eyes, then met Teddy at the bedroom door. "Thank you, litlte man. You be good for Rachel, okay?"

Nodding, Teddy cheered. "Of course! We're going to have fun. I hope you do too. See ya, Livia."

"Good night, Sweet boy."

Teddy puckered for a kiss. Olivia complied, then squeezed him tightly.

While they drove to the Meridian, Olivia reached for his hand, their fingers linking ever-so-nicely, like a glove. Fitz was looking for signs of anxiety, or hesitation.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes."

"We can do something different if you want," he lowly suggested, making sure they were connecting. "There's no pressure."

Olivia scooted a tad closer; pressed up against him, she made sure that he could get a whiff of her sweet perfume. "It will be fine. This is important for both of us. This has been a good month for us. A great month. Social events come with the territory. I'm in a better place. Trust me."

The limo stopped in a line of other cars. Taking Fitz's hand as she stepped out of the car, Olivia was reminded of the past. She was so used to walking the red carpet alone, or with a casual date. Never even thinking of bringing any serious along.

"Miss Pope! Miss Pope! Fitz! Mr. Grant!"

Olivia politely smiled, tightening her grasp on the clutch she rented, stepping on the mark that one of the planners pointed to. It was no problem to give her best angles as she posed for the cameras. Then, she locked eyes with Fitz, waving for him.

A photographer shouted, "Can we get a few shots of you two?"

"Absolutely," she replied with confidence.

"Thank you."

Fitz approached, looking at her, a bit confused. "Really?"

"Mmhmm," she whispered. "C'mere."

The two smiled as the row of photographers captured them for a few minutes.

Entering the building together, hand in hand, walking confidently into the space. This is what she hoped would happen, without any mishaps. Olivia could already feel all eyes on them. It was a different kind of glance. Not of judgment, but of fascination. They were rising power players in Washington. They needed to be seen as a team, not competitors.

The two met with politicians, some of Olivia's neighbors, as well as personalities who ran in their circles. It was good to interact with people who were on their side, not wanting to throw them under the bus, or judge them for the delayed public appearance. Folks knew, but they were being respectful of her wishes.

"Liv!"

"Good evening."

Olivia beamed as her former college classmates, Sylvie, Robert, and Brandon approached. It had been years since they all were in the same room together.

"I want you to meet Fitz."

"So this is the wonderful man on your instagram!"

Feeling her cheeks warming, she admitted, while taking his hand, "Yes. This is him."

"Wonderful to finally meet you!"

Fitz couldn't help but share, "She's the best," quickly kissing her temple.

The call for everyone to find their seats was announced; Olivia and Fitz followed the crowd. To her delight, their table was off to the side, not too close to the stage. But not extremely far back. Throughout the evening, Olivia kept her imaginary receptors up - always in fixer mode. She wanted to know how they were being perceived. If this was the best move.

"Look at the beautiful duo."

"Aren't they gorgeous?"

"Is that Grant with Olivia Pope?"

After the program, everyone mingled and danced a little. A reporter found them, introducing herself.

"Mr. Grant. Miss Pope."

"Good evening."

"I wanted to let you know that the paper is planning to run a section C story about you two. You know how it goes. Pictures, various sources giving us tips. Is that okay?"

Olivia assumed Fitz would jump in to deny the rumor, but to her surprise, he deferred. Calmly, she stated, "Ask the question."

"What?"

She smirked, facing the reporter squarely in the eye. Fitz appeared to be a little nervous. "Ask me. About our connection and I will give you the answer."

The reporter checked her notes, and asked, "Olivia, it is unusual for you to bring a date to a Post Gala. Are you and Fitz Grant dating?"

It was her time to shine. Standing tall, feeling very authoritative, with a knowing smile, Olivia responded.

"Yes. Yes, I am. Fitz and I are dating. We are a couple. Print it."

Have a great week! xo