"Fitz and I are dating. Print it."

The universe wanted him to be patient; he wasn't always cooperative, but holy shit, was he rewarded…

As the words reached his ears, Fitz stood attention and was incredibly amazed. It was a given Olivia had some creative plan up her sleeve, because of her willingness to attend the gala. There could only be a purpose - this was her world, setting up a situation so she could have the advantage. He knew she was going to do something. But this?

Olivia Pope purposefully admitting to someone outside of her inner circle that they were together?

Returning to the present, Fitz almost let out a nervous laugh, but that would have ruin the moment completely. Instead, he placed his hand on Olivia's lower back, ready to be in sync.

"Anything you'd like to add, Mr. Grant?"

The reporter waited, lifting her recorder to catch whatever he would say.

"Please, call me Fitz," he interjected, giving his signature crooked smile. "I am the luckiest man in the city and I am so proud to be Olivia's boyfriend and plus one tonight."

She glanced up to him and his heart melted.

"Are you excited for a fun evening?"

"The gala is a special place for DC's finest to reconnect and have a great time. Fitz and I plan to do that."

Olivia was glowing, looking confident, being flirty, and exact in her statements. Fitz beamed as she spoke.

"Perfect," the reporter said, turning off the app. Giving the two a smile, she shook their hands. "Thank you for your time. Be on the lookout in the paper."

After the reporter walked away, Olivia squeezed Fitz's hand, and led him towards the dance floor.

One of the perks of the evening was hearing the band play or getting a chance to move and let go.

"I love this song," Olivia smiled as the horn section resonated through the room.

Fitz carefully listened to the words of the song.

In my world, only you make me do for love what I would not do...

"Hmm, this sounds like us," he noted, swaying with Olivia.

"It does."

Olivia pressed her cheek against Fitz's lapel. "Are you mad," she whispered.

Stopping their movement, Fitz lifted her chin so they could make intentional eye contact. "Fuck no. You made my night."

The blush appeared on Olivia's cheeks. "I thought maybe I overstepped."

"Sweet baby…"

"Oh, Fitz."

Contuining their slow dance, he imagined how perfect all of this was. As they socialized for the rest of the evening, Fitz has a constant grin. Being out in the open with her, among their peers. What a night. What a moment. What a miracle.

The ride back to the house was quiet. Surprisingly, they got home at a decent time - 11:30, which was unheard of for a Washingtonian. Early commutes almost always resulted in late night taxi rides.

Rachel greeted them, quickly giving a rundown of the evening; Teddy was usually a ball of energy the first hour, and then sleepwalking after dessert. Fitz walked her to the car, locked all the doors, turned off the lights, stopping by Teddy's room to make sure he was settled in, before retiring.

As he started to unbutton his shirt, Fitz's eyes shifted to the corner. Olivia was sitting at the new vanity she purchased. It looked great, having a feminine touch to the master bedroom. He almost couldn't remember how that corner was so bare before. But most importantly, it reminded him that one of his dreams had come true. His Livvie was here.

Strong, and yet so delicate. Watching Olivia complete her nighttime routine, taking time to slow down. It was so simple, but it all looked incredible beautiful.

He couldn't resist; standing behind her, Fitz leaned down to kiss her neck, placing his lips on her bare shoulder. Feigning annoyance, Olivia play-swatted him away. But with the coy smile on her face, Fitz knew she was enjoying his touch. When he had his fill, they looked in the mirror.

"Hi."

"Hi."

The sigh in her voice made him smile bigger.

"You keep on surprising me."

"Mmhmm?"

Fitz, very amused by her responses, probably wanted him to expound, asked, "When did you plan this?"

"The other day. I knew…we were going to get asked. I thought it would be cool to mention it there."

"But Olivia," he asked, "You have been so private before, why now?"

She turned around, taking off an earring. "I had to show you. That I'm for real. I knew this was important to you. To be public. Not keep sneaking around and keeping our love a secret. What is the easiest way to do that? In front of everyone. With the cameras. I can't go back on my word now."

Olivia kissed him, right on the mouth.

"Yes, but this time is different. We are out in the open. No turning back. You are mine and I am yours."

"I think," he offered. Voice dropping a half octave.

"You think what I did was sexy, didn't you?"

Pulling the shirt off his back, Fitz growled, "Yes."

Olivia's eyebrow lifted. "C'mon, Mister. I told you I'd make good on my promise from earlier. Remember the mirror."

"Stop teasing me, Pope."

The transition from verbal to physical was seamless. It was never difficult to get into their happy place. Kissing and touching, before and after their pillow talk.

"Shh, Bubba, you're going to wake up Teddy."

Fitz pshawed, holding onto her thigh, "That's a risk I'm willing to take."

"No you don't," she laughed, nipping at his ear, which turned red as soon as they began.

"I want you."

After a few minutes of pleasuring each other, Fitz's breath was heavy. "Fuck, you just…make me go wild."

His hands had a life of their own; touching, caressing, grasping. Since they started dating, whenever their kissing turned into something more of a heated situation, his thick fingers would move towards her neck, her supple flesh, wherever he could touch and she'd allow. The wonderful combination of softly kissing Olivia while easing himself in, was the sexiest. He wanted her everywhere - against the wall, on the floor, in their bed, and in any position. Her hand cupping his chin, trying to sneak kisses. As often as he wanted to be gentle, couldn't stop his body from responding to hers in a powerful way.

Dreaming of how they'd be, in this moment, in ten years, maybe twenty. Still in a fit, after long and intense lovemaking.

He wanted every part of their love. The good, the unpleasant. Everything would be worth it.

My friends wonder what is wrong with me. Well, I'm in a daze from your love, you see...

The following week had become a whirlwind. Between work, school and Teddy's activities, and everything was involved with being an adult, Fitz was near the point of exhaustion. But he would look at the picture on his desk - an adorable selfie of him and Olivia from their winter getaway and those fears would shrink. As long as he could talk to her. See her. Experience her.

When the blurb was released online, then in print, with a beautiful red carpet photo, Fitz was getting calls left and right. Former neighbors. A friend from the old church he and Mellie used to attend. Of course, his father got wind and congratulated him.

Rocco and Tim, his law buddies, were quick to set up a lunch date in Adams Morgan.

"FTG, something has really changed. You've grown up!"

"You're in deep. You've never been this in love," Tim realized, pointed at Fitz. "It's Liv."

Crossing his arms, Fitz admitted, "What can I say? I'm a man in love."

"So what's your plan…"

"Is it crazy to say that… I might want to leave my job?"

Tim nearly choked on his drink, while Rocco stared at Fitz and yelled, "What the fuck?"

"I've been there ten years, guys. I think there's more."

Hands raised, Rocco interjected, "Than be a partner in an established law firm in the Nation's Capital?"

"Yup."

Fitz observed his best friends; they looked alarmed and confused.

"Would you leave law all together?"

He reached for his short glass of vodka, "No. But I want to use my knowledge for good."

"But you are."

"In a different way, smartass," he retorted, finally drinking.

Rocco asked, "Do you mind sharing?"

With a shrug, Fitz answered, "I want to work in education. Helping children and young adults. I want to create change. Give them some type of hope because this world is turning into a shithole."

"I can see you doing that. You've always been a visionary. If I didn't know better, I'd say you'd run for office."

To which Fitz emphatically denied, "Fuck. That. That's the last thing I want to do."

"To Fitz."

"No, to us," Fitz corrected. "You guys are doing great work."

The men saluted and enjoyed their rest of their meal.

Olivia had to work late so she opted to sleep at her apartment, instead of arriving and possibly interrupting Teddy's sleeping. Fitz didn't think anything of it, but he did want to talk before turning in. The screen lit up when the call connected.

"Good evening."

Olivia waved, "Hiiii."

"How's my girl?"

"Tired. You?"

"We're good."

"Good," Olivia answered. Her cheeks rose as she said, "I love you."

Fitz adjusted his glasses, leaning forward, always being excited to hear those three precious words. "I love you too."

"Do you know I've received twenty emails inquiries today?"

"Get out."

A dainty middle finger appeared into view as Fitz chuckled. She knew he was teasing him.

"Mmhmm. It's been a week and I don't think I've ever been much in demand. We're not that fascinating, right? Other than be rising power players in our industries, we can't be segment worthy?"

Fitz snorted, "I can't say. I'm biased. You know I think you're extraordinary."

Her smile crept and he thoroughly enjoyed it. The little details. How her nose crinkled during an amusing moment or as the light enhanced her eyes or facial features. Curling into his side when they sat on the couch. He was able to notice more since they have been living together.

"I got a call from Washington Life. I'm getting interviewed. The day in the life of a DC Dad."

Olivia cocked her head to the side, "Is that so?"

"Yeah. Cyrus thinks it'll be a good thing. Show me off in a great light. It's been a while since I did any press."

"I guess that means my boyfriend is a celebrity, huh?"

Fitz toed off his sneakers. "Yup yup. When the town still views you as an attractive playboy, up and coming lawyer, who happens to randomly settle down and have a kid, then abruptly divorce, it's an anomaly."

"Well, that's nice."

Olivia's plain response made Fitz nervous. "You're not impressed?"

He watched her shuffle the paperwork off of her couch. "No, I think it's great for you. You deserve to be recognized for everything you do."

"Do you… Would you?"

"You're going to ask me."

Fitz knew she would catch his drift. "Yes?"

"No."

"Okay."

Olivia squeezed her eyes shut, changing her mind. "I don't know."

"Okay."

"You're making it hard to say no!"

Fitz smirked, happy to see her flustered, but lifting his hands in deference. "I haven't done anything, Liv!"

"I know you want me to be involved."

The two laughed, being quite comfortable with their playful banter.

Scooping her hair into a messy bun, Olivia considered, "What if I sleep on it. And give you an answer?"

"That works. So, how much longer as you staying up?"

Olivia gave a shrug. "I don't know. Have something in mind?"

"Not really. Just want to spend as much time with you. Busy day tomorrow?"

"Not as busy," she replied.

"I miss you."

"I saw you this morning."

"I know, but that doesn't mean I can't miss you."

"Touché."

"Hold on a sec."

Fitz took his laptop, upstairs.

"What are you doing?"

"Shhh…I don't want T to hear you. He'll wake up in a flash!"

They laughed and chatted some more while he got ready for bed.

"Fitzy! Have you talked to Harrison?"

"No."

"He has a new girlfriend. Did you know that?"

Fitz's eyebrows rose as he got comfortable on the bed. "What? No! What's her name?"

"Whitney."

"That's awesome! The matchmaker finally finds a match."

Olivia added, "He wants to go on a double date. Told me to set the date and the wheres. You know what that means."

"It's like meeting the parents. But instead, meet the best friends."

"He has a glow about him, Fitz. It's endearing."

"Like how we were. When everyone realized we actually found someone."

"Yes."

He watched for her cheeks to rise. That's when he knew. The fire was still there. His Livvie was still in love with him.

Got a thing for you and I can't let go.

Saturdays were made for sleeping in, a trip to Union Market, or the library. Fitz and Teddy didn't give up their weekly routine when Olivia move din. She didn't want to ruin things so she made sure to limit her weekends at the office. That gave them a chance to do more things together.

Fitz was peering over the kitchen table with a fresh cup of coffee. The front door opened; Olivia returned from a morning run.

"Good morning."

"Mornin'."

After a quick kiss, Olivia looked at the paper trail. "What's all this?"

"Paperwork."

"A client?"

Shaking his head, Fitz answered, "No. I have to decide in two weeks if Teddy should continue at the school."

"What's going on? Is he doing alright?"

Fitz moved a few papers around. "It seems like he's adjusting well. Making friends. Good teachers. I just...didn't think this all the way through. Private school is all I know, so I thought it would be logical to start Teddy there. But Livvie, tuition is fucking ridiculous for an elementary schooler. Not even in the first grade and my bill is outlandish. Since it's a Catholic school and we don't practice, it's $11,000. I didn't realize much of a dent it'd be for me. My advisor has been on my ass lately. Mellie's amount isn't a lot to help with tuition payments. I just need to be wise."

"Wise for what," Olivia interjected, leaning on the island. "Is something else going on? Are you buying something big? Are y'all moving?"

Immediately, Fitz twisted his lips, sticking one hand in the front pocket of his jeans, and left for the couch to deflect from her question. "Just in general, baby. I just need to be smarter. Work is still work, you never know with DC life. Teddy's getting older and he'll need more from me, and I have you to think about."

Olivia slowly nodded. "Me?"

"Yes, you."

"Honey."

"You know how I feel. You're part of my family now," Fitz replied.

Scooting over, allowing Olivia to sit with him, he let her see another chart he created.

"There are two schools he could attend. Lafayette, is a few blocks in the other direction. Pros and cons. Somerset is in Maryland, but very well rated. But what I've noticed, Liv, is the diversity at these schools."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. I want Teddy to be part of the real world. Everyone he comes in contact with, isn't going to always look like him. I pray I've been raising him correctly. He's cool with everyone, but I feel better knowing the atmosphere is inclusive. I grew up sheltered. I went to an exclusive private school in California. It was okay, but I think in today's world, I don't want my kid to act better than anyone else. When he goes to high school, we'll revisit."

"I see."

"Also, there's an in-house aftercare program, which is actually affordable. I've been doing my research. It looks great and there is flexibility, in case I need to work late."

Olivia touched his arm, gently interrupting; "I could always pick him up. I can adjust my schedule too, you know."

Narrowing his eyes, Fitz countered, "But you'll have to work late as well. I don't want that burden on you. I would hope to have Rachel around but I don't want to stretch her too thin. What if she decides to do more in school or finds a better job. Except for Thursdays - that's gymnastics, and he loves that."

"Is this all because of the fluff piece they're doing on you?"

Fitz shot her icy glare. "What?"

"The magazine. Are you trying to look more...accessible?"

"No."

Olivia leaned back into the cushion, "Then why?"

Fitz took a breath; it was obvious he was becoming agitated with her questions. They were reasonable, but he didn't feel like explaining everything. "Because — I'm making plans. I'm thinking about our future."

"Okay."

"You really think I'm doing this to win approval?"

"I can't tell," Olivia pondered, looking down. "You have this urgency that I've never seen before."

Fitz sighed. "It's a little complicated, but I don't want to repeat what my parents did. I want to do right by you and Teddy."

"You are." Olivia's hand ruffled his curls, that were still a bit wet from his shower. Fitz closed his eyes while she kissed his cheek, placing her hand on his chin. "Don't doubt yourself. Trust your gut, baby."

"Thanks, Liv."

A kiss eased the weighty discussion. Fitz sighed when Olivia's fingers massaged his scalp.

"Okay, shower time."

Fitz groaned, "What? We were just getting started."

"If we got started, we wouldn't finish, I'd still be a sweaty mess." Olivia gestured to her athletic wear. "No, thank you. You have all day to love on me."

"Finnneee…"

A few minutes later, Teddy came downstairs.

"Daaaadddyyy…"

"Hi, baby boy. Did you sleep well?"

"Yeah! It's Saturday. What are we going to do today?"

"I don't know. I think it may be your day to choose."

Teddy tapped his index finger on his chin; quite comical to Fitz. "What if we go out for brunch?"

"Alrighty, and then what?"

"Umm…can we see the cherry blossoms?"

"They're not here yet."

"Darn! What about a baseball game?"

"We got tickets for opening day. In a few weeks."

Teddy made a disgusted face, then rolled his eyes. "How come my ideas are all wrong?!"

"No, no. They're good suggestions. The timing is off. Have some fruit, buddy."

"Yum, this piece of apple smells like banana. Want some," Teddy offered. Fitz pretended to gag.

"No, thank you."

Teddy stuck out his tongue. "I know! Just teasin' ya!"

Olivia sauntered towards the guys. "Good morning, Teddy."

"Hi, Livia. I think we're going to brunch."

"Wonderful!"

Teddy changed into a light sweater and shorts, the new sneakers he received for his birthday, and continually reminded Fitz and Liv of the time to leave for the day. Midway through their drive, at a stoplight, he began to sing, "Daddy and Livia sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G… first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in the baby carriage."

Fitz and Olivia glanced at each other, then he decided to ask.

"What's that, T?"

"A song."

"Yes," Fitz sighed, "But where did you hear this rhyme from?"

"At school."

"Why our names?"

"Because you like to kiss! Duhhhh… I think when grownups kiss a lot, a baby comes. And you guys kiss a LOTTTT... so be careful! I need to be ready!"

Olivia burst into laughter, while Teddy giggled as well. All Fitz could do was purse his lips and press his foot on the accelator as the light turned. His own son trying to rush this process. It had only been five weeks since they made the move official!

Things were good and they were comfortable. Fitz had a lot to be grateful for. Maybe the only blessing of being the lone child of two wealthy individuals was that he had a healthy savings account he could fall back on, if the constants in his life shifted. If he wanted to, he could not work until everything was in place. But how would that make him look?

He had been at the firm for ten years. It was never easy; as much as his friends assume. As much as his father promise, the road was not a smooth one. He worked too damn hard to get to this position. But was this all he wanted? To be an attorney, working long hours downtown, focusing on big clients. He appreciated the little guy too. He wanted to make sure everyone was represented, selecting cases that Cyrus and Liz didn't even sniff at.

This place had become his home. When he accepted the offer from Cyrus after graduation at Harvard, he was on a special trajectory. Cy could smell success on a person, and he was ready to groom Fitz into becoming the best. While that happened, Fitz was able to become his own person. Far enough from his Dad's watchful eye, away from the security blanket of college.

He knew he was born to do something great, different than the norm. His mother, Katherine -Katie, to most - would constantly affirm him of his worth, even during the darkest moments when he felt so alone. As time moved on, after her passing, Fitz could do his best to remember her beautiful voice, reminding him, of what he could do for himself and the community around him.

Moves had to be made. But after his faltering with Liv in the kitchen, he didn't know when he could share this dream of his.

After sending off completed briefs, he received an email from Liz, asking to make time available for a chat at 11 o'clock.

"What's up?"

"Hey Fitz, we need to talk."

"About?"

Liz asked him to sit, and he did. It didn't appear to be a positive meeting; it was never just them. So Fitz braced himself.

"Cyrus has to quit."

"Excuse me?"

Liz clasped her hands together, keeping her face void of emotion. "Yes. He's been having health issues and his doctor is telling him he needs to lessen his load."

"Oh, no. Why hasn't anyone told me?"

"He told me not to tell you and didn't want to worry you."

The urge to express the hurt was present, but Fitz decided to not lash out at Liz; she was only doing what she told. "That's why he's been away?"

"Yes."

Taking a moment to breathe, he softly asked, "So where does that lead us?"

"Well. We have a few options. We can either dissolve."

Fitz could sense his blood running cold. This was the last thing he wanted. "Hell no."

"Or we hand the firm to you, Fitz."

Shocked, he stammered, "What about you, Liz?"

"I don't think anyone else is ready to become partner and I honestly don't have the energy to start over."

"But..."

"You're ready. You've been a partner for a while now. These cases have been fucking hellish for you, and still, you've been able to rise to the top. It's time for you to take the lead. You're qualified, Fitz."

"I don't know what to say."

Liz handed him a large folder. "You have time, think it over. Talk to Liv if you need to."

"What are your thoughts?"

Fitz cleared his throat. "Yes."

"Yes?"

"I'll do it."

Liz smiled, "Okay. We will start the process. Did you want to go in a different direction?"

With confidence rising, Fitz declared, "I would like to start an initiative for high schoolers, college students, and post-grad, to intern here, learn about the many facets of law. How to make it work for them, as well as start a career, if they would like."

Liz's mouth opened. "Wow. That...sounds great, Fitz. It's a big undertaking, but I know you are capable. Would you like to start this in the near future?

"Hopefully."

"Is this something we can do?"

"Yes. It's all paperwork and you have so many connections to hire more lawyers. Send us a proposal and we will have a meeting."

Fitz felt like he was in a daze. This dream of his was actually coming to fruition. A secret he had only shared with his mother, was now going to be revealed.

"Thank you." They stood to shake hands, then hugged.

After settling his work for the remainder of the day, knowing he would have no brainpower to focus or be productive after the eventful meeting, Fitz made his way through lunchtime traffic - it was a mess but it was worth the trouble. He had to tell her in person.

"Livvie?!"

Abby was the first person he saw when the elevator reached OPA's floor.

"Hi, Fitz."

"Hey. Is Olivia here?"

"She's in her office. Is everything okay?"

Fitz walked on, waving, "Thanks."

The door was ajar; Olivia was in the middle of typing when he knocked. Her eyes widened when she saw him.

"What brings you here?"

Fitz closed the door, biting his lip. Just as Olivia was about to argue, he placed a firm kiss on her lips.

"What- what?"

"I got called in."

"For…"

Wrapping his arms around Olivia's waist, Fitz explained, "Cyrus is stepping down and Liz for some reason, doesn't want to continu, so…"

Olivia's eyes began to fill with tears, "No…"

Chuckling, he shook his head. "Livvie. They're giving it to me. I am going to have my own law firm and I— I want to start a branch for education."

"Oh my god! Baby! What a surprise!"

Fitz beamed, "This has been a dream of mine since I decided to go into law school."

"What?"

"Yeah. I never told you because I was too scared to talk about it. Plus, you work for yourself. I want that kind of independence. Shit load of work but it's different. I want this."

Olivia squealed, hugging him tightly as he lifted her off the ground.

"I'm so proud of you, honey. Congratulations! I'm so happy."

"Thank you."

After a lengthy celebratory kiss, Olivia was back on her feet. "What do you want to do?"

"Huh?" Fitz was still floating. Olivia scoffed, returning to her desk.

"To celebrate."

Fitz stretched out his arms. "I don't even care. I'm done for the day. Go out to eat. No, let's just order in. Watch a movie with Teddy. I don't know! I just want to be with you and drink wine. Or scotch, or whatever. And…"

Olivia's laugh filled the office. "You are just so giddy, my love. I love it." Then her voice became sultry. "Let's do all of that. Plus, quality time with me. In our room. With more wine and no clothes?"

Nodding, he agreed. "That sounds perfect."

"How about you let me finish my work, and I'll be at the house by 4:30. Does that sound doable?"

"You sound doable."

Fitz laughed as Olivia sucked her teeth, shooing him.

"Get outta here. I have work to do."

After chatting with Harrison, Fitz took the elevator back down to the garage. Whistling the tune he heard while dancing with Olivia a week earlier, Fitz couldn't believe that love for life, his son, and his beautiful girlfriend, could lead him to a new level in life.

Some people go around the world for love but they mahy be never find what they dream of...

Song - "What You Won't Do For Love" - Bobby Caldwell (Check it out - it's one of my favorite songs!)

Good Lord, it's a few days away from year 2 for this story. Thanks for sticking around - there's still a lot to share with my Liv, Fitz, and Teddy!

xo