This glorious sunny day prompted a rugby scrimmage in the Radcliffe square. Scoring is 8 to 3, and no sign of team 2 slowing down. The ball bounces off the grass and into a player's arms. With his sights set on the goal, Fitz immediately takes off running. Dodging his opponents on his tail, and before they can tackle him, He brings it home. It's his sweet victory. Looking across the lawn Fitz spots her staring. He flashes a boyish grin before running back to base, and she rolls her eyes smiling.
Middle of the field, the players are locked down in scrummage, and he can't help the urge to impress her. And when the game kicks off, number 5 is down within seconds. As the other team pries the ball from his hands, Harrison steals and dropkicks it over the goal-scoring again. 9 to 3, the team's official players are baffled, wondering why they aren't on the actual squad, and others are jealous.
"Nice," Fitz and Harrison high-five
"Anything goes, they said; I bet they're regretting that now," he said, laughing.
As the final minutes of the spirited game started: Smith, a player for the other team, snakes the ball, and they are hot on his tail. Fitzgerald steals it, and it was a setup as he goes to kick it. Instead of his opponents going for the target, they go for him. 5 prominent players tackle him into the grass.
Olivia jumps to her feet, she couldn't see anything from a distance, but Fitz was down. Peering students began to clamor loudly when he gets up limping. A couple of players helped him to the benches.
"Fitz, are you ok?" Anderson asks.
When Fitz finally stopped seeing double, he was able to answer. "Yea, I'm fine, that guy is a bitch. I wasn't even holding the ball," Fitz says. He's a little hazy when he went down; somebody's knee collided with his skull.
"He's outta here," Anderson promises. Smith had always fought dirty, and Anderson didn't mean to Fitz to get hurt when he begged him to play. What was supposed to be a lighthearted game turned sour because of a sore loser.
Fitz blinked rapidly, trying to get his vision to focus, and when it did, he saw Olivia walking away.
"Come on. You need a rest," Harrison said. Holding out his hand, he pulled Fitz up and threw his arm around his shoulder, leading him away.
"Thanks- we still kicked their asses."
"I had no doubt, but I don't want you to get CTE in the process. You should be glad you don't play on the team."
"Yeah..."
XXX
When Fitz got home, his mild head injury seemed nonexistent. He rested on the couch with a glass of orange juice. The mock trial case files set there staring back at him. He hadn't opened it since last week, during the meeting.
Two light knocks sounded, and Fitz got up. "Melody? This is a surprise."
"You got hurt today, and your first thought is to be alone. You could have a concussion," Mellie said in one breath as she invited herself into his apartment.
Sighing at her boldness, Fitz shut the door. "I didn't want to bother you. I got tackled- it wasn't serious."
Melody's eyes feasted on the perfectly sumptuous apartment. The two-bedroom one and half bath is everything she wants and deserves. Mellie was so captivated with the interior she didn't even hear when Fitz offered her a beverage.
"Um...water is fine. You live here all alone?" She giggled. The giddy girl was already imagining moving in and about things she would change.
"Yeah," he called from the kitchen. "That brings me to my next question: how did you know where I lived?" They'd been hanging out for weeks now, but she hasn't been to his place until now.
"Harrison told me, I told him we were dating," she giggled, and Fitz wasn't too amused by her fabrication. He knew that he would come to regret their kiss the other night. Now she's twisting the reality of that night and forgetting that they were both heavily intoxicated. A drunken kiss doesn't count as dating, and now he has to be the bad guy and tell her it wasn't as life-changing for him as it was for her.
"Mel- we're not, though," Fitz said.
"I know, but I wanted to check on you. " Melody confessed as she seated herself on the loveseat beside Fitz.
"I'm not interested in a relationship at the moment," he said quickly, smirking apologetically.
"We're in college, is anyone really looking for anything serious?" Mellie said unconvincingly, probably because she was still wearing a supercilious grin.
Fitz gave a nod of agreement. "I'm glad we're on the same page- who else would get coffee with in the morning," he smirked, playfully shoving Mellie. He felt a lot better now that they've had a chance to talk because he would hate to lead her into something he has no intention of fully committing to.
"yeah..." She smiled without her eyes, "Are these the mock files?" flipping through pages, Mellie mumbled something about that bitch, Sidney.
Fitz had heard all about the one-sided rivalry between the triad. Apparently, during the first week, Olivia, Sidney, and Mellie bumped heads. Harvard is the most competitive school in the country except for Yale and Princeton, so it takes a lot more than daddy's money to assert oneself when you get in. And Olivia had her heart set on mock-trial and being number one in her classes. Most of that was lost along the way and when she overworked herself. Mellie had a chance to take over as number one, but daddy's money came through once again. At least that's melody's version of events. And as for Sydney, Mellie will never forget being the second choice to Olivia freaking Pope.
"I could help you with this"
"It's fine, and I think I'm gonna pass this time and let the lawyers handle the trials. I'm not ready for this, and I don't want to disappoint anyone." Fitz got up and walked to the kitchen. He pulled out a large bowl and a large bag of lays potato chips. "You do want anything?"
"I want you to do this; I know I said we would do it together, but Sydney doesn't like me- just do it for me, please," She said, batting her dark silken lashes at him and making Fitz utterly weak to her persuasive pouty face.
"Fine, but you're walking me through this. 2 months of nonstop tutoring."
a wide-eyed bright smile formed, and she threw her arms around him, laughing uncontrollably. "Deal, whenever, however, you need me."
Fitz frowned at the double entendre. "Okay, let's getting started."
"Also, your first trial is in a week, it's the practice, but it's still important," Mellie mentioned, giving him a diplomatically apologetic look.
About twenty-five minutes into transformers, the last knight. Olivia and Michael's lips were locked and only occasionally coming up for air. With him working all the time and now Olivia's case, they've had little to no alone time together. Even now, they're not entirely alone. Abby and David are parked in the car next to them.
"Ahem," Abby cleared her throat, tapping on their window.
They separated, Olivia turned her head, looking at Abby through the glass, and she was whirling her finger around, telling them to wrap it up.
"Ok- go away."
Michael closed his eyes in exasperation. "Next time, we're not double dating. Abby argues with David, and we have to suffer," he said half-jokingly.
Olivia pecked his lips, coaxing a smile from his crestfallen lips. "We'll do something just for us; you know what next Friday is?"
"Mhm, I have a surprise that will blow your socks off."
"Just my socks?" She raised a curious brow and bit her bottom lip.
"Among other things too."
"I hope that's a promise you plan to keep," Olivia says
"Let me take you home before Abby comes back," Michael says, and as he's talking, Abby walks up.
"Don't you mean I'll take you home?" Olivia chuckled, and Michael frowned.
XXX
The mock trial practice had been going well until it was Fitzgerald's turn to close. The beauty of an opening and closing statement is it's a story, and since they're trying to exonerate their client, it would help if the story matches up. The opening is about establishing who Bailey Matsumoto is and why the jury should believe she wouldn't kill her husband. The closing, mixed with all the evidence, should make the verdict easy to deliver. With Olivia being the first chair and Fitz being second, they need to get the story straight because their client is going to faux prison if they don't.
Fitz was sunbathing the quad. Soon there won't be whether like this to take advantage of. Sometimes he misses California weather and the beaches. He's finally into his rhythm of school, and his professors are satisfied with his work. This year is shaping up nicely, and he'll have his bachelor's before he knows it.
Suddenly, the warmth of the sun disappeared from his redding skin; Fitz fluttered one eye open. Staring up at Olivia, she gazed down at him with soft pair of deep brown eyes.
"Get up; we have to go over the opening and closing statements," she said
Fitz sat up, giving Olivia a goofy confused grin. "you wanna practice...with me?" he said, pointing to his chest.
Crossing her arms and cocking her head to the side, Olivia began, "Well yeah, I don't want you to make me look bad. So we have to get what we're going to say straight."
"Don't have to ask me twice," he quipped, grabbing the jacket he was using as a pillow.
"I don't know why you asked to be the second lawyer? You dropped our shared courses. You're not even studying law."
Fitz arched his brow because she noticed he was gone. He wonders if she misses him. "Yea, It's just a hobby now. I enjoy it."
"Mhmm" Olivia, looked everywhere but his face.
"Is our usual room available?"
"No, but Professor Beene volunteered his office."
"Nice"
When they made it to the tiny space, they turned to each other, checking if they both heard the same thing. As they got closer, the shrill but distinctive voice came speed walking past them. Mr. Novok didn't even acknowledge Olivia; he just kept walking. Fitz walked ahead of her and found Cyrus sitting at his desk, obviously unnerved.
"Professor Beene?"
he jumped, startled by his former student. "Fitz, what're you doing here?"
"you told liv we could use the space to study" now Olivia was standing by his side, looking just as puzzled.
Cyrus started moving stuff around his desk and collected his personals. "Right, well, I'll get out of your hair" whatever that was about had him rattled "play nice, you two," he called over his shoulder.
Fitz tossed his bag on the table "interesting," he said, snickering.
"Very," Olivia replied, laughing.
He gazed at Olivia, bathing in her mirthful laugh, a laugh he's come to love. He hasn't heard it in a while, and now that he's been reminded of the beauty, he can't help but make her laugh more. Remembering all the reasons he fell in love with her in the first place. He must have spaced out because Olivia was sitting down with her notes and case packet out.
"Right, sorry."
"That's fine. I didn't think you were gonna get anything done just staring at the wall," she said, putting on her prescriptions.
"I didn't know you wore glasses."
"Since I was 12, only to read-otherwise I have 2020 vision."
Fitz pulled out his phone and sent a quick text message, and after that, his full attention was on Olivia. She explained the basics of writing the closing argument and conveying Mrs. Matsumoto's grief instead of exultation. Mock trial for 2L's was solitarily their way of experiencing the courtroom for the next two years. By the end of Olivia's spiel, they each took turns learning their lines without holding note cards. The judge won't particularly like it if they are unprepared.
And the audience of one claps and hoots when Fitz finishes his unrevised closing argument. "That was good-mostly because of me," Olivia comments.
"Hey!" he says, pretending to be offended. "If it weren't for my excellent knowledge of English, you wouldn't have found the right wording, so there," sticking out his tongue at her.
she shook her head, entertained by his childishness. "You're such a child. Do you need snacky time?" talking in a baby voice.
"I want animal crackers, actually" Fitz gave her his signature lopsided charming smile. "Can I see these?" he asked and grabbed them before she responded.
"Ew, they don't work for you," crinkling her nose, Olivia reached for the glasses just for Fitz to hold them away from her.
Stretching his arm to the ceiling, Fitz teased Olivia about her height, stretching further when she started jumping for the specs. Olivia had no other choice but to use his weakness against him, something she had learned during their relationship. She tickled his rib cage, causing him to double over, trying to escape her nimble fingers. She snatched the pair and put them away. But now, it's his turn to get revenge; he pulled her close, holding her still. Struggling to break his hold, Olivia melted into his body as he tickled the crease of her neck. Laughing uncontrollably, neither of them heard the open and close.
Michael cleared his throat loudly, informing the pair of his presence.
"Oh hey Mike," Fitz said patronizingly.
Olivia straight-faced pushed Fitz's hands from around her waist. "Thanks, Fitz. I'll see you Thursday," she said, quickly packing up and leading Michael from the building.
"What was that?" Michael asked, stopping her from opening the car door.
"I told you we had to work on mock trial stuff," she said casually, pushing his hand away and getting in. "Are you getting in?"
"Olivia, are you gonna tell me what yall were doing?" he asked, moving her backpack to the backseat.
"Michael, if I were doing something sneaky with him, I wouldn't have told you where to pick me up from." She answers shortly and pulls out from the student parking lot.
Thursday night was here in a flash. Fitz adjusted his tie again. That had been the third time since he'd put the damn thing on. He was less nervous when he thought trials were two months away. It turns out that's only if they win these three local rounds, which'll determine whether they qualify for championships.
Mellie's humming a tune, she smacks his hand away for the fourth time, she picked out his suit for tonight. Though she can't go and watch, she's showing her support before and after the trial. A navy blue pinstripe brooks brother suit paired with his Rolex and a red tie. Fitz argued it was too much for a mock test, but expert Mellie convinced him it would impress the judge. After an hour of playing dress-up, he noticed she was mesmerized by his closet, and it raised a couple of questions for him. But Fitz never asked. Now he was ready, and he had a little extra time.
"ready?" he asked. "I'm taking you home."
"oh, that's fine, you could just call me a Lyft," she said, bringing her bag up to her arm.
"It's fine- I'm heading that way. The courthouse is downtown" another perk of mock trial, real judges, and courtrooms, which was also overwhelming about all of this.
"I'm not going straight home... I'm gonna meet up with friends" A weary look covered her face.
"Okay," Fitz said slowly, enunciating every syllable, "well, I'll call you a Lyft tp where ever you wanna go," he promised.
After melody safely caught her rideshare, Fitz headed over to downtown. He took a deep breath before exiting his vehicle. Double-checking the car, the last thing he wanted to do was forget the cross-examination or his closing argument.
He spotted his group right away. Mr green and Olivia were off to the side; he was probably giving her tips for tonight.
"Hey, Yall," Fitz greeted the team.
"I hope you're ready," Harrison teased. He was their example for what to do and what not to do. Now that the entire team is here, Mr. green checks his students in, and they go up to the courtroom. The honorable judge Lauren madden is presiding.
"Are you nervous?" Olivia asks as she reaches across his chest to readjust the crooked tie.
"Nope, you?"
"Peachy perfect." She flashed a smile and folded her hands in her lap.
XXX
So far, they're off to a good start. Harrison won both motions to have the script thrown out. Bailey, a talented producer, and screenwriter had nothing to do with the case at hand, and that script had no standing in this trial. Fitz mistaken Olivia for an actual lawyer, her opening was terrific, and all night, she was on time with objections and replies. Olivia did her job for the night. When she took her seat, Fitz stood and went to question his witness.
Confident in his abilities, the judge seemed to be highly impressed with his direct and cross-examination. Nodding her head and smiling at him. Having a lawyer for a father paid off tonight. Their opponents were just as good...maybe even better, and they had a lot of experience. They had to be 4L's. Wowing the crowd was second nature to Fitz. His closing statement was nothing short of perfect, except when his words got a little mixed up-of course; he played the hell out of it.
"Woah, Mr. lawyer," Harrison clapped his back, "why did you drop law 101, Man? You dominated."
"Yeah, I tried. Hey, do you think they'll take off points for that screwup? I stuttered in front of a real judge- and who was that girl. She already passed the bar and handed me my ass." Fitz said in astonishment.
"You wanna beat her or buy her dinner." He chuckled, "Their motion lawyer was an amateur."
"Alright, well, let's go get something to eat, the courtroom is really a lion's den, and since I made it out, we have to celebrate...and Liv. Shit Liv where is she?" Fitz did a 360 around the lobby; she must've snuck out.
"That's who you need to buy dinner for," Harrison called over his shoulder. "I'll meet you there."
"Yeah," Fitz pulled his phone from his breast pocket,
"We make quite the legal team. I'm proud of you."
Olivia was sitting in the car parked in the lot. At a glance, his name lit up on the screen. A cute bashful, smile crept across her face. She caught herself quickly-took a deep breath and got out of the car.
"Thanks, you were pretty impressive too."
"Hey, Liv," she called from the living room.
"Oh god Abby" Olivia grabbed her chest, "Remind me why I gave you a key again- what are you doing here?"
"I wanted to congratulate you on your big night and hoping you'll let me spend the night...I can't do those dorms anymore, it's hell, and I can't take it."
"Curfew...that's your problem. Abby, it's for your safety, and keeping your boyfriend out of the community bathroom is a safety measure for the other girls" kicking her shoes off.
Abby stood up, following Olivia to her bedroom. "Liv, I'll sleep on the couch. And I'll call my dad and beg him to reconsider."
"You will not sleep on my couch, but if you want the left side of my bed, you're welcome to it." Abby squealed, hugging her bestie. "That's a Dresden sofa. Don't ever think about sleeping on it."
"Ugh, your such a snob."
"Mmm, whatever. I'm taking a shower." Abby heard the running water, and Olivia's phone's notification went off.
"see you next Thursday with a smiling, winkingemoticon.
She rolled her green eyes and put the phone down.
XXX
Stretching his arms and yawning, she leaned forward, peering over at the redhead. She slept like a drunk man on the subway. Arms flailed wildly, legs draped over Olivia's. As she pushed off the mattress, a series of knocks flooded; she didn't even have a chance to relieve herself.
"HAPPY ANNIVERSARY," he announced, grabbing Olivia and kissing her cheeks.
"Michael! What time is it?" She giggled, kicking the door shut.
"It's 10:30. I'm sorry I didn't call last night."
"That's okay, baby. What's in the bag?"
Shaking this bag of goodies in one hand and the breakfast he picked up on the way in the other, "this is breakfast for my girlfriend and her gift- French toast, sausage, and eggs-"
"And I hope you have enough for me because I'm starving- morning Liv, hey Mikey," Abby said, walking into the bathroom.
Whispering, "Abby spent the night...again?"
"She doesn't like the dorms, and I like having her here- don't let her hear me say that," Olivia says.
"I'll set the table," Michael said, going to the kitchen. He set the table and split the food up as evenly he could.
After a hurried breakfast, Michael attempted to pry the duo apart. Desperate to find some alone time with Liv so he could give her his gift. Abby was that annoying best friend with who he constantly shared Olivia. You see Olivia and Abigail is tagging along like a lapdog.
He took his opportunity when Abby took a shower.
"I wanted to show Abby what you got me."
"You can show her after I put it on you," Michael promised to set the gift bag in her lap.
"Put it where-on me?" She said slowly, squinting at her boyfriend.
Unable to contain his excitement, Michael snatched the bag back he popped open the tiny ring box. Revealing the aquamarine birthstone promise ring. Olivia widened her big brown eyes, mouth agape. She choked out a gasp.
"Michael..."
"I'm not purposing; I'm making a promise- you don't have to say anything; you just have to put it on and kiss me." Michael grinned proudly.
I'm not leaving you all in the dust. Leave a review. Any thoughts and opinions are welcomed. I hope you have a nice night or day. Stay safe.