The next day, Olivia did what she knew she loved to- her job. She still couldn't believe the audacity of her dad and Eileen and Brian. She had a feeling that after Peter's declaration last night, that she would be saying those words as well. She wasn't quite there yet, but she knew she was well on the way to reciprocating.

'Olivia… are you okay?' Fin rushed over and gave her a hug as he came in to the squad room for his late shift as Olivia was just finishing up.

'I'm fine. I feel better than fine'

'I can't believe you stood up to him. What was it that made you see sense?'

'Him setting me up with Brian"

'Precisely, but what made it even worst was I accidentally told him about Peter'

'You told him? How did he take that?'

'He didn't. He said I wasn't allowed to see him again… he knows nothing and I walked out'

'I'm so proud of you. You put yourself first for once'

'There's something else…'

'What?'

'I told Peter, and he seemed to think it was his fault. I told him not to be sorry. I kind of poured my heart out to him, about how I've started to heal since I met him, and he told me he loved me'

'Pardon me?'

'That's exactly what I said, he just text me and said it again. I didn't reply but I spoke to him this morning'

'What did he say to you?'

'That he thought he had ruined it, but I told him he hadn't. I'm not there yet I don't think, but I know I soon will be. Now I have cut all them people out of my life I can focus on the love I have for my job and my ever growing for Peter'

'Olivia… I am so happy you. Fancy a drink tonight to celebrate your new found freedom?'

'I'd love to, but I made plans to go to Peter's tonight'

'Ooh… did you now?'

'Hey, less of that Fin'

'Ooh, I must have hit a nerve'

'You didn't, but I will hit you in a minute if you don't wipe that smirk off your face'

'Touchy!' Fin's laugh echoed around the squad room as Olivia finished her paperwork and waved at him.

Forty five minutes later, Olivia arrived outside Peter's apartment. Knocking the door, she smiled widely when it was opened almost immediately, as if Peter had almost been waiting for her.

'Hi…'

'Hey, how are you?'

'Better for seeing you' as he stood aside of the door, inviting Olivia in.

'So…. Good day at work?'

'So so. Though I seem to be the focal point at the moment because of last night.'

'Well, you did a very brave thing Olivia. You stood up to your dad; I just wish things were different for you… because of me…'

'Stop it, I told you last night it wasn't your fault. It's been simmering for a while and when he told me I wasn't to see you again.

'You care about me?'

'Deeply Peter, you know that. So, what are we having for dinner?'

'What's your favourite pizza topping?'

'Pepperoni yours?'

'Pineapple'

'Pineapple on a pizza. That is disgusting'

'No it's not.'

'Well, I think it's horrible. Just keep it away from me, I hate pineapple'

'Guess that means no kissing later then? I'll have pineapple breath'

'Better get it over with then, don't you think?'

In the two seconds it took for Peter's eyebrows to raise, Olivia had closed the gap between the two of them. For a few minutes, Olivia and Peter stood in Peter's hallway embracing like they hadn't seen each other in years, rather than a day.

'Wow…' Peter pulled back from Olivia, peering at her widely, searching for any signs of regret or unenjoyment, but Olivia's face was full of smiles and affection.

'My thoughts exactly…'

'Shall we order the pizza?'

'Yes, but you'll have to order a separate one for you. Who orders pineapple on a pizza, that should be a criminal offence'

Peter's laugh echoed down the hallway, as he went to get his phone to order their takeaway.

As the end credits of their film rolled, Olivia glanced over at Peter, who was cuddled up next to her on the sofa.

'Hi' he said softly, a tired grin spreading across his face.

'You've got ice cream on your chin' Olivia said fondly. Peter eyes widened and he quickly wiped his chin, looking at Olivia wildly. But Olivia's grin widened and then she impulsively leaned down and kissed Peter's on the lips. 'You're sexy'

'Sexy?' Peter sounded sceptical

'It's a good thing'

'Is it?'

'To me, of course. Is it not too you?'

'I know it isn't true'

'Why wouldn't it be true?'

'Because… because… I'm not Olivia'

Olivia reached down and intertwined her fingers with Peter's.

'You are sexy Peter, I don't know who or what has happened to you, but there is nothing you can tell me that will make me run a mile. I'm in too deep. Your message, last night… you meant that didn't you?'

'You know I did. I know you aren't there yet, but I am. I can't say it very often, but it took me a lot to say it. Do you want me to take it back?'

'I already told you I don't. I loved what you said, I'm so glad you said it and I really don't want you to say it. Being with you, makes me happier than I have ever been. I know there are things we don't know about each other, but that will come with time and trust. I am not going anywhere. You're text last night didn't scare me off'

'I want to tell you…'

'Peter, you don't have to. Not until you're ready'

'I think I am, as long as you stay with me, please'

'I told you I'm not going anywhere. I'm in this for the long haul I promise. I… I just realised… I love you as well'.

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