They're both sporting smiles as they stare into each other's eyes. Once able to move, he lays next to her and they share kisses. She revels in his arms as he holds her sweetly. As they lay in silence, they enjoy it for as long as it lasts. Until she says, "My God I need food." They both laugh as he replies, "You're reading my mind." They share a quick kiss, and then get up to wash up and eat.

Being a gentleman he allows her to wash up first. And when she's done He passes her one of his T shirts to wear. She gladly accepts it, and waits for him to wash up too. When he comes out of the bathroom, he sees her waiting patiently. He smiles at her as he has a seat, shirtless wearing some basketball shorts.

As he hands her the container with her salad in it, she says, "Thank you. This is sweet. You really did want to watch movies huh?" He grins as he replies, "Does it look like I'm complaining?" They share a laugh and begin to eat and talk.

With them halfway through their meal she says, "This is so good. I swear i could eat this salad everyday." He smiles as he responds, "I know, I like it too. Did they put extra pecans in it for you?" She nods as she smiles and says, "Yes they did." He laughs at her happy dance as she eats.

When they finish their food, he collects the containers and throws them away. When he comes back into the bedroom, she's still sitting on the couch relaxing. He sits next to her and she then moves closer to him, laying on his chest. He kisses her on the forehead as they relax together and she says, "This has been the best day of the week." He smiles as he replies, "Yeah. As far as being with you. I agree."

She notices something in his voice, and asks, "Hey, what's wrong?" He sighs as he replies, "I ran into Nyemah earlier." She sits up and looks at him as she asks, "And what happened?"

He explains the interaction, and when he finishes, she responds, "That bitch has a problem." Despite the fact he agrees with her. Her response catches him off guard and he chuckles as he replies, "Damn, tell me how you really feel. Don't hold back Liv." She grins as she responds, "Sorry. I know that was a bit aggressive. But something is inherently wrong with her thirsty ass."

He agrees as he says, "No argument from me on that. I'm just wondering should I say anything to Rob." She looks at him as she replies, "It's up to you. But if you do tell him. She's probably going to deny it. And tell him a version of the story that paints her to be the victim. What hallway did you say this took place in?"

He pauses and then responds, "The north hallway, just behind the gym near the stairwell and opposite the elevators that go toward her side of the building. Why does that matter?"

She reaches for her phone as she replies, "Because you never can be too careful with matters like these. It's probably nothing. But I know someone who can pull the video without a warrant, and without anybody knowing it was copied in case she tries to use this in a negative way." He never thought about the potential for that to happen. She sees the stress on his face after she sends a text to someone she knows can help.

Concerned about him she touches his face as she says, "Hey, don't worry. I didn't mean to upset you. I just know that being proactive in instances like these is very important, that's all. Maybe nothing comes of it, but maybe it does. And, being prepared is half the battle. Just let me handle it, okay?"

He can't explain it, but somehow she manages to calm him. While the matter is still on his mind, it's no longer a pressing issue. He's just in thought. Despite his facial expression being calm, his silence worries her, and she asks, "Can you please say something?" He takes a breath as he replies, "Thank you." She grins at him as she responds, "For what?" He openly says, "For always having my back no matter what, without any reservation and never judging me."

The level of appreciation in his eyes warms her heart as she says, "You're very welcome Fitz. You'd do the same for me." He agreeably replies, "Yes I would. But it's great to know someone would do it for me, you know." She understands his point as she replies, "Yeah, I get it. Just do me a favor and stay away from Nyemah as much as possible. And, if that's a challenge, due to not wanting to cause drama among the group. Don't be alone with her, okay?" He agrees with her as he says, "You got it. I was thinking the same thing." She nods as she replies, "Good."

With a feeling of having some sort of plan in place, she asks, "Oh, how'd your conversation with your dad go?" He sits back on the couch as he finishes his bottled water and says, "It went. He wants to talk. I told him I'd meet with him. But, I don't know if that'll happen." Curiously she asks, "What are you going to do? Stand him up?"

He shrugs his shoulders as he replies, "Maybe." She doesn't want to upset him, but she doesn't agree with how he's handling this at all. Seeing how quiet she's gotten, he asks, "What's up Liv?" She looks at him a she says, "Nothing." He doesn't buy it, he knows her and replies, "Don't do that." Ready to let it out she takes a breath as she says, "Do what? Act petulant and defiant just because I can."

Despite the fact her remark lands soundly, he can't be mad at her. The silence is awkward at first, but he takes it head on, and surprises her as he replies, "Damn, harsh much." She sees his expression and chuckles with him as she responds, "You deserve it, and you know it." He nods as she replies, "Yeah I do. I know what I should do. But things always go south when we talk."

She sees the pain in his eyes that rests at the root of his anger, and she knows she can't relate to what he's going through. But, she can still empathize with him and encourage him. Lovingly she says,"You have to work through your feelings Fitz, not stuff them and try to ignore them. You know that."

Admittedly he says, "I don't think I know how to do that. Or at least i don't know if i want to, despite knowing i need to." She wants to continue to be supportive, but she has to be honest with him, as she replies, "You can start by talking to your father, and making it a point to listen more than you speak." He takes a breath as she replies, "It's not as easy as it seems Liv." She agrees as she says, "I'm not saying it is Fitz. But it's necessary in order for you both to heal and get pass this. God forbid something happens to either one of you with so much between you left unfinished."

Her words settle on him, and he's taken aback by her response. She sees him sitting with her words, and says, "I'm not trying to guilt you. I just want you to realize how short life is. And we both know that if your mom could talk to you, she'd want both of you to make up. Because all of this anger and pain you're both trapped in, isn't worth holding on to."

He can't argue her sentiment, even though he wants to. Because he knows she's right. She sees him still processing her words, and knows he's struggling with it. But he's at least listening to her. And that's enough for her. She's not there to judge him or shame him, she's there to support and encourage him.

After a few moments of thought he feels a calmness come over him. He suddenly looks at her and takes her hand as he says, "You're truly the best friend I could ever have Liv. Thank you." She smiles at him as she replies, "You're welcome." They hug and share a sweet kiss, which again rounds into another hug as they snuggle on the couch for a bit. As the moment of quiet settles them, they contemplate what to watch on Netflix.

Deciding they need more drinks and snacks, she offers to grab them from the kitchen while he sorts through the movie choices. However, while she's in the fridge she hears the doorbell and it catches her off guard. She stands up and she hears Fitz come down the hall, and he's looking at his phone. Their eyes meet and he shows her the doorbell camera as he says, "It's my dad." She's looking at the footage, but still quickly replies, "Your dad's at the door?" He nods as he replies, "Yeah."

She sighs as she responds, "Oh boy." They then hear the doorbell ring again, and his father's voice says, "Fitz, I know you're in there. Let me in or I will use my key." He hangs his head, and she walks over to him as she touches his chest and says, "Remember, this isn't a competition. There aren't any winners with this feud continuing between you two. And nobody is expecting for everything to be fixed between you in one conversation. Just be willing to listen more than you speak, and don't let your emotions lead you. Okay?"

He nods at her as she continues, "I'll be in the room if you need me." As their eyes lock she sees concern, but she also sees hope. She then says, "You've got this Fitz." He again nods as he says, "I've got this." She smiles at him, hugs him again and pecks his lips sweetly.

As she walks away he pops her on the butt, making her giggle. And she scurries off to his room. As he opens the door to face the music of dealing with his and his father's fractured relationship.

Thank you for reading my fanfiction tale. Wowsers, this was one heck of an installment. I cannot wait to read your responses. So much to unpack, it's not even funny. Allot of things to watch going forward. Do you think Eddie is truly out of Olivia's life?

What do you think about how Fitz handled Nyemah and Mellie? What do you think will happen with Fitz and his father? Family is family but just because you're family, doesn't mean you should be around them. Just saying. Join me next time for the next installment of Between Friends.