"Because I thought that's what you wanted. You have so much going on in your life, and I assumed you didn't need the distraction." Fitz cleared his throat. "Didn't need me," he added hesitantly.

"I crossed that line, and we went over together, but after that morning, I was stuck thinking you were regretting it," Olivia said huffily. "I was embarrassed because you and I didn't even get the chance to discuss it before YOUR girlfriend was at the door. It was humiliating, Fitz."

"I understood, and I'm sorry. I couldn't predict our kiss or her arrival." He stood and assisted her with her shoe. Bent at the knee, gazing up. "What do you want? I know I'm a month late, but I'm asking now."

Olivia's eyes were like soft chocolate pools as she gazed into his ocean orbs. The answer was written beneath her eyes. And even though she was scared of taking that uncontrolled step. She believed Fitz was worth it thousand times over.

"I don't for sure know. But I want to be more than friends," She replied. Tears were brimming in her eyes. What he discerned were tears of consolation.

He desperately wanted to kiss her but resisted, sensing the delicate balance between them.


Although Olivia didn't take the whole week off, the three days of Fitz pampering her did the trick. He was relentless in the less irritating, headache-inducing way. He cooked for her, cleaned for her, basically anything that would have her standing up for long Fitz did. And he did it with a smile. However, on the fourth morning, Olivia was feeling better. She got up before he could, and she made them both breakfast, which gave them more chances to talk about the potential of a relationship.

Saying that one is ready and willing to start a relationship was easier said than done. There were difficulties, although ones that could be fixed with no real damage or error. Jennifer was a factor, one that Olivia didn't pay the most attention to. Their biggest obstacle was navigating a healthy and communicative partnership which both were willing to do. Except, Olivia would rather take things slower.

It's the fifth day, and Olivia's in the office. Only because it's her last day and she couldn't miss this. Dick, her boss, and mentor was equally thrilled and discontented that she would be leaving the firm. At first, he was okay with it because he had expectations of her returning after maternity leave. However, he found out seconds later after finally letting her finish the announcement. That she was seeking education to transfer over into a different field. As proud as he was, it didn't belie the fact that he was losing one of his top accountants—youngest junior partner at the firm.

"Olivia do you have a minute?" asked Dick, standing in the doorframe.

She was packing up her office. The photo of her and her parents on her graduation day was sticking out of the box. Then there was the photo of her and Dick the day she got the job. The picture was taken in this office. It was his before he gifted it to her almost two years ago.

"Yeah, come in."

"I wanted to give you something for the baby. I know Janet already bought that horrible gift basket. No thought whats so ever" he mumbled that last bit.

Olivia chuckled because no matter how annoyed Dick got with Janet, she knew he loved and appreciated that woman.

"It will be used, I promise." Her eyes landed on the medium-sized box in his hand. "What's in the box?"

He gestured to the box as of he'd forgotten it was there. "Something the boy will actually cherish and probably get to use one day. Open it."

Giving him a suspicious glance before she carefully lifted the lid of the box. Inside was a baseball glove and a baseball. As she picked it up, she could see that a 'Tony Gwynn' signed it. Before she could disclose that she had no idea who that was-

"He's a famous baseball player. His last game was in October of 2001. Greatest baseball player of his time...shoot ever, in my opinion. 135 home runs" reverence written on his face. "Anyway, he signed this ball at that game, and I'm giving it to you to give it to your baby boy."

"What, no, I can't this is-"

"You can't say no to a gift. This is I 'I'm proud of you but pissed that you're leaving me' gift."

Olivia smiled up at him sweetly. "Thank you!"

"Your welcome, and I'll have claire come and finish clearing out your office." He cocked his head towards the door, beckoning Olivia to follow him. "Let's go get some of that cake in the breakroom."


Tuesday morning, Olivia received a package in the mail. She was already running late, so she left it unopened until later when she returned home. It was from her parents, so she made a mental note to call them back. Today is the only day she can get Abby and Angela in the same space. Usually, Angie travels, and Abigail is always immersed in penal code studies and rulings from fifty years ago. The three met at a cafe downtown. There is a girl's day planned, but that all starts with brunch.

Laughter vibrated her chest as she tossed her head back. After Angela retold the story of the date from hell she went on. The girls were in tears, laughing.

"And did you pay the check?" Abby lifted the cucumber off one eyelid.

"Yes, I did. Foolishly" Angela replied, shaking her head. "You know what? He tried to kiss me afterward- I just turned my head and said goodnight."

"Speaking of kissing and whatnot. Fitz and I kissed," Olivia said as if it was everyday news. Both women snatched the vegetable off their faces and turned, staring incredulously.

Stunned, shocked-just combine all of the above, and it described their faces.

Abby asked, "So are y'all hooking up...dating? What's going on, Liv." Breaking the awkward silence that seemed to fall over the entire salon.

"We're...I don't know exactly. We've talked, and that's what both of us want- a relationship, not casual sex." Clarifying

Angela has been quiet for too long. The things that are coming out of her best friend's mouth are worry-inducing. These last 6 months, she's been nothing but supportive and accommodating. Keeping her opinions to herself, especially if Olivia hadn't out-right asked. This, however, is where she puts her foot down.

"You do remember you're pregnant." A couple of heads in the salon turn in their direction. Angela lowers her voice. "Olivia, this is kind of crazy because what if you and Fitz break up? What about the baby?"

Relaxation flew out of the door. Olivia excused the pedicurist so they could have some sense of privacy. Now sitting upright…

"My child is always my first thought. It hurts that you think I would put him in harms ways or-"

"Don't put words in my mouth! I'm trying to understand what you're doing. Olivia, you're literally about to give birth in two months. You're living in Fitz's house with no plan. Before you started talking about dating and all this other nonsense. I was on board. But you are not thinking-"

Abby, shocked into silence, is just watching her two best friends duke it out. She can see where Angela's concern is coming from, and she can also see where Olivia is coming from. She deserves a good man like Fitz, but she needs to slow down and handle her business first. Abby can't tell her that without Olivia feeling tagged teamed. She sits quietly as her friend talks some sense into her other friend. Abby tuned out of her thoughts and back into the main conversation.

"-I'm not trying to aggravate you, Liv. Only trying to make you see something that you're too close to. I hear you when you say that you're not trying to move fast, but things happen. That's why couples date for a few months or even years before they start considering living together."

There were many truths in Angela's speech. Many that Olivia has battled with herself.

XXXXX

Emotionally drained, although physically relaxed. Massages and pedicures are a dream. Even with the incident this afternoon. Olivia isn't angry that it happened. She wished Angela had approached the conversation with more care. It was all true, and neither of them parted with animosity on their conscience.

The brown box is still sitting at the foot of her bed, waiting to be opened. She opens the box and finds herself both confused and intrigued. Olivia calls her parents, so they explain themselves. The receiver picks up, and on the other end, her mother screams "Surprise!" and then Olivia hears Maya calling for her father. Still in the dark, she asks to be filled in on the big surprise and an explanation for the box's contents.

After Olivia ends the call with her parents, it's still early in the evening. She takes a hot soothing bath. While she's in the tub, she has the next thirty minutes just to sit and think over everything that's happened in the last six hours. And it's a lot. What's most fascinating is how calm and collected she is. Done with her bath, she climbs out of the tub and wraps the brand new plush robe she bought at the mall this afternoon around her body. She made sure to not get her hair wet because, honestly, she doesn't have time to deal with the bush it would turn into if it had.

She felt something fluffy and warm brush against her smooth legs and knew that was her cue to feed the fussy cat. As she was pouring the frisky's into his bowl, the front door opened and shut.

"Livvie, you home?" Fitz called from the foyer.

"I'm in the kitchen" When he rounded the corner, he saw her standing on her tippy toes, putting a bag of cat food away. "Hi"

"Hi" when she looked up at him, he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. The kind of kiss made one lose their train of thought but simple in the same sense.

"What was that for?" The corners of her mouth curled.

"I missed you. How was the girls' day out?" his hand automatically went to her protruding belly, saying hello to his little buddy.

"It was chill. I really needed it." She'd looped her arm around his and led them to the couch. "Angela and I had words. Nothing bond-breaking, but she had some good points and others hurt." Olivia sighed softly, grabbing his hand to ease his apprehension. "I'm fine now."

"That sucks, Liv. What did she say?"

"Nothing that I want to repeat. But I'm glad that you're home. We have something to discuss."

It was now or never. Her parents' surprise couldn't have come at a better time. However, she couldn't leave Fitz in the fog. All she could hope for is that he's understanding and supportive.

He nodded, signaling for Olivia to start the conversation. He didn't know if he should be worried, but her bouncy body language made him less anxious.

"I'm going to move out."

Fitz's gaze wandered over her face, and then his brows lowered into a frown. She was serious, he realized.

"Can I ask why?"

"Two reasons; If we're gonna explore a romantic relationship, I think we should do it right. Living here with you would ensure that our relationship wouldn't last." Letting the realness of the announcement sink in. She searched his features, looking for something that could reveal his thoughts. Nothing

"Say something."

"What do you want me to say? You seem to have already made up your mind about this." He stood and walked over to the window, staring out absently. "This is what Angela said that upset you; she told you to leave me" His voice held an accusatory note that Olivia ignored.

"No, she didn't. She verbalized thoughts that I was refusing to confront." Olivia clarified. Taking in air through her nose, she adjusted her position even though Fitz had his back to her. "I don't want you to feel obligated to my baby because we're interested in one another, romantically-"

"Livvie, I want to be here for you and him."

"And I understand that, but I can't have you in his life for a few months and then walk away. We can't see into the future..." Olivia stood and met him at the window; she cupped his face in her palms "...I want to be with you so bad it makes me dizzy. Let's do it right, okay!"

"Then stay here with me. If you're worried that we'll fight- couples fight, and they make up."

Her hands fell. "You're not listening to me. What we're doing is stupid. Tricking ourselves into thinking everything will be strawberries and cream is ridiculous. Fitz, we've been friends forever, never an intimate couple. What if there are things I do that you despise. The result is a break-up, and I won't do that to my baby. He deserves stability."

This whole discussion was frustrating, and she could see the lines in his forehead forming. "You don't think I would make a good father, is that what you're saying?"

"No. I am saying you aren't his father" Olivia's voice raises in equal frustration. Inside, he was burning with anger at the reminder. "I want-" her sentence is cut by the sudden ringing in Fitz's pants pocket.

Fiery blazed her eyes as she caught sight of the caller.

"Answer your phone. I'm not the only one stalling." Olivia scoffed and walked off south of the living room.


10 days later, Fitz watched Abby and Olivia move her things out of the house. The hardest part was watching her scour every inch of the house for the past six days. Making certain she wouldn't leave a trace of herself behind. The worst of all is that they hadn't talked during this time. When Olivia saw Jennifer's face flash across his screen, she was afflicted and angry. How was he going to explain that he hadn't broken up with that woman?

Olivia said he was stalling; she was wrong. He isn't stalling. He was simply waiting for Jennifer to come back into town. He has respect for her, and he once very recently adored the woman, so he won't humiliate her while she's hundreds of miles away. Fitz understands that he has faults in this, and her anger isn't misplaced. Whereas he would prefer Olivia to stay, he can't stop her.

"Hey," Everything had been loaded into the truck. In an hour, Olivia would be moving into her brand new downtown apartment. Courtesy of her parents. While Olivia waited in the truck, Abby returned Fitz's key. "Oliva said you would want this back."

Seeing the small gold key in her palm broke something in him. "She doesn't even want to give me a key herself," he said to himself aloud.

"Olivia is dealing with a lot right now. Just give her time." Fitz took the key out of her palm and tossed it on the coffee table behind him. "Tell her I'm sorry."

Abby could see that they were both in pain. When Olivia handed her the key, she couldn't even look at the house because she knew Fitz was standing in the window. And Fitz's voice is shaky and full of regret.

"I'll tell her. And I'll call later to check on you, okay?"

XXXX

The apartment is huge. Maya and Eli Pope are no strangers to spoiling their only daughter and new grandchild. Olivia has already toured the space a few days in advance, her parents paid for everything, and she's extremely grateful.

800sqft, two bedrooms, and one bath. It's more than enough space for her and the baby—plush beige carpeting in the living area and wood-style plank flooring in the kitchen. The appliances are stainless steel. Her parents really went all out finding her the perfect apartment. Olivia's favorite part is that the master bedroom and nursery are directly across from each other.

Olivia and Abby went to lunch while the movers moved everything in. She was too exhausted to deal with that too.

Later that night, when Olivia went home, she had time to decompress the last few days. Now she's alone; the quiet is nice, although she misses Fitz. She never fooled herself into thinking this would be easy and painless. Nevertheless, she made the right call. There's no regret about leaving; she only regrets that they aren't speaking.

After a snack, Olivia is in bed, fast asleep with Milo curled at the foot.


"Shit, I'm late," Fitz muttered to himself. SpeedWalking through the halls of the hospital, the receptionist directed him to room 103 in radiology. This morning, Fitz had been in his office shuffling some things around when he noticed the calendar. The 14th was circled, and the note read "Livvie's 32-week appointment" he must have written that there before she moved out. He wanted to show her that he was dedicated to her and the baby, so he got dressed and rushed over to kaiser Permanente. Although he hadn't predicted a traffic jam and ended up being fifteen minutes late.

When he got to the door, he inhaled a big breath and blew it out through his mouth. Fitz walked in, but Olivia was alone. He panicked, thinking he missed the fun part. She was clad in a standard white, patterned hospital gown.

"Fitz, what are you doing here?" Olivia asked incredulously. Inside she was beaming.

"I promised I'd be here. Did I miss anything?"

"Nope. I've only been here for 10 minutes…."

"Traffic-" They said simultaneously, then laughed because even weeks apart and they're still connected. When the laughter died down, the room fell into silence. Fitz cleared his throat.

"I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry too," Olivia said, picking at her cuticles. "I shouldn't have left when everything was so mangled. Jennifer always seems to come up whenever we're trying to figure out shit, and I hate it."

She ended her confession by expelling a tired sigh.

"- and I'm sorry for putting you in that situation. I don't want us to fight about that anymore. It's gonna be handled soon."

"So she still thinks you guys are together?" her eyes betrayed her, and he could see the disappointment behind them.

Before he could give her an answer, the door opened, and a petite woman entered, clad in pale pink scrubs. She was wearing a stethoscope and occupied with what Fitz assumed was Olivia's chart.

"Good morning, folks. You're a new face," The technician said to Fitz.

"He's my friend."

"Well, nice to meet you, friend. Okay, let's get started. Olivia, we'll do a simple ultrasound so you can see your baby. When we finish here, the doctor will come and discuss your birthing plan...Sound good" Olivia nodded.

XXXXX

Following the enjoyable aspect of her appointment, Olivia took her sonogram and waited in doctor Leeman's office. Waiting to start her birthing plan and hear the results of the latest test they've done. Her nerves are fine, but she did ask Fitz to wait in the lobby. Everything she explained to him before still stands. She has to protect her baby and herself. She can't let Fitz in on everything because it will hurt more if he leaves.

"Olivia, it's great to see you again and the little one," The middle-aged man says, closing the door. He's smiling, but she can see that he's apprehensive. "How is everything?"

She lifted her shoulders in a noncommittal shrug. "Fine. I just have to pee more often, and my back is killing me." Chuckling softly.

"Okay, that sounds good." He opened her chart. "Everything looks good on our end too. You'll be happy to know your baby is now 3.45 lb and 12 inches long. I would like to point out that you are extremely fit, and the baby's weight isn't a concern yet. Within the last 7 weeks is when all the fetus' weight will start to stick. Hopefully not to you, though," he jokes, Olivia doesn't crack a smile. She just nods.

"Where were we...ah...birthing plan. Do you have a preference for drugs, rooms, or guests?" They start with the basics and work their way into the actual birth and what Olivia should expect days prior.

The meeting doesn't run long.


Fitz fell back against the door and expelled a frustrated sigh. The evening hadn't gone at all how he expected. He'd known Jennifer for some odd years, but he's never pegged her for the insecure, bat shit crazy woman she turned into tonight. Since she was in town, he knew it had to be tonight because if it wasn't, he would just be stringing her along and lying to Olivia. He wanted to do neither. Thus he invited her over, which was the worst idea. When she arrived, she automatically leaned forward for a kiss, and he made up some excuse that she wasn't at all buying, but for the moment, she let it pass.

It wasn't until they were having a glass of wine that Fitz broke the news. He didn't want to wine and dine her because that would have just made this worse. He just needed to take the edge off, although shit hit the fan anyways. She let out a sinister chuckle that chilled him. Already feeling guilty, he did his best to calm her and let her know it wasn't her fault. Still, she refused to listen to any of it. The screaming went on for a good ten minutes of her throwing in his face over and over that she took a risk, and he was behaving like it was a tawdry affair. And that he had no respect for women; he's a manipulator. None of which actually reflected his character. Rightfully she was pissed. However, his breaking point was when she'd started accusing him of cheating (and her words exactly) "With that pregnant bitch"

Fitz attempted to end it there, and that's when she smacked him clean across the face. Truly he'd had enough. Before she could even apologize or throw another punch, he snatched her up by the arm, dragging her to the front door, and threw her out. Slamming it firmly in her belligerent, reddened face.

He felt less guilty now about moving forward with Olivia. But for the sake of their work relationship, he knew Jeff would be heated. Not that he cares a whole bunch.


It has been a solid two weeks since Olivia's moved into this complex. Not many of her friends have seen it yet, and at the time she moved in, she and Fitz weren't on speaking terms. Since her doctor's appointment, they've been doing better, talking more over the phone. With all that in mind, Olivia decides to throw a mini house warming party, inviting her closest friends. This week also happens to be the same week her cousin Harrison is visiting. Although she knows her parents sent him to spy on her.

While it's a housewarming get-together, she figured decorating the nursery wouldn't hurt because in three more weeks, this baby will be here, and he'll need a place to sleep. Knocking two birds out with one stone.

Olivia is planted on the edge of the cream sofa, sipping a virgin cocktail that Angela mixed for the guest. Everyone has arrived, but she's still waiting for one special man. When the doorbell rings, she wastes no time getting it. A wall separated the living room and front door, so she used that to her advantage.

"Where have you been?"

Fitz glanced at his wrist; it was only 5:36 pm. "I stopped to get something," hiding the small decorative bag behind his back. "I wouldn't miss this, Livvie."

Olivia simpered, and her face lit up with joy. "Hi."

He stepped through the threshold and gathered her up in a warm embrace.

"Hi."

"I'm glad you're here."

"No place I'd rather be. Where is everyone?" The apartment was foreign to him, but it in many ways felt familiar, like Olivia. Everything he could see was exactly her. The small art hanging on the walls and statues by the door. Hell, even the welcome mate screams. "Olivia Pope lives here." He had to admit seeing Olivia in her own space was good, and she looked comfortable.

"They're in the back. What's in the bag" she subtlety asked.

"It's a gift," he responded.

"Welp, you can put the thousandth baby item in the nursery," she said, feigning indignation.

He smirked and made it apparent he was trying to toy with her. "I didn't say it was for the baby."

"Well, what is it?" Now he has her interest piqued. She reached for the bag just for him to hold it above his head.

He got close and whispered..."Uht uht be patient." The warmth of his breath sent shivers down her spine and tingles to another place.

Their little moment came to pause when Harrison rounded that wall and said… "If you two are done, I could use Fitz's help with the crib."

Fitz nodded and turned to Olivia, whispering "later," Which when she returned to the living room, she was smiling like an idiot. Abby gave her a knowing look.

"What?"

"Nothing. You just look happy, that's all." Abby explained.

"I am"

A few minutes went by, and Olivia noticed her other friend's absence. She and Abigail were wrapped up in another conversation that somehow circled back to Angela.

"Where'd Angie go."

"To the bathroom originally, but it sounds like she's back there with Harry and Fitz now."

Olivia hadn't felt anxious until that statement. Angela had a habit of speaking her mind and not caring who got offended, and Fitz could also be ruthless if he felt one was trying to sabotage or undermine him. The salon argument was bound to come up if she didn't go in there. So before anything jumped off, Olivia and Abby made their way into the nursery.

Olivia stopped in the doorway of the nursery. Her anxiety was replaced with relief. Relief that the man she adores and her best friend's relationship wouldn't suffer because of childish disagreement. The three were in the middle of connecting the legs of the mahogany crib together. Another gift from her parents, they insisted on refurbishing her old crib. Olivia welcomed the gesture of passing such an important symbol of her own childhood down to her child.

As the day transitioned into night, her friends poured out of the door, leaving Fitz and Olivia alone for the remainder of the evening. They relaxed on the plush rug after everything and just had a moment to finally talk and be real with each other. Fitz got to explain the Jenny mess is now over, and they are free to do whatever they want without compromising their morals.

"Thank you...for waiting for me," Fitz says quietly. "And thank you for being patient and not hating me."

"I could never. We were both in some sticky situations and being foolish. These few months have taught me that patients and understanding are the only way we're going to work or at least try. And believe me when I say I wanna try. We owe it to ourselves." Olivia says.

"Yes, we do."

In this, they've been subconsciously inching closer to one another. Now they're nose to nose. It is entrancing how close they are, and the anticipation is relentless. Olivia is inhaling his breath and producing it back to him. She can't wait any longer; Olivia crashes her lips onto his. He captured her tongue and sucked the velvety flesh. Olivia felt herself breathless and consumed before the end of their first kiss, yielding to the intensity of his kiss and the firmness of his touch.

Fitz broke the kiss, remembering he had something for her. He had left it in the nursery this afternoon.

"I'll be right back," he called over his shoulder. Olivia nodded because that's all she could muster. That kiss was dizzying, and all she could think about was doing it again.

Before he resumed his spot on the floor, he dimmed the lights until there was a golden glow cast over the room. "Open it"

Like a giddy child on Christmas morning, Olivia opened the bag and pulled out each item. Since the bag wasn't that big, she was surprised to find all that she had. Lavender and vanilla-scented candles, essential oils, and her favorite perfume. Fitz must have been paying closer attention to her than she thought. It was all her favorite things.

"Having a baby isn't always all about the baby. Sometimes it's about the incredibly strong woman who carried the baby. I know it's not my responsibility, and our situation is way more complicated, but having you in my life as a friend or more has been a tremendous joy."

"I love you-...that you're so thoughtful." She stammered a bit. Scrambling to clean that up.

Fitz wasn't going to put her on blast, so he let it go but hoped she'd say it again in the future because he feels exactly the same.

"Come here; I'll give you a little massage and then get going."

Olivia quickly agreed she missed being pampered by Fitz, and having his hands on her was an added bonus. One she wouldn't be foolish enough to turn down. Olivia slid between his legs. She unbuttoned her shirt and brought it under her arms. She wasn't wearing a bra and didn't want to flash him on accident.

He massaged her shoulders firmly and then softly alternating between those two methods. Olivia let her eyes fall shut, and an involuntary moan escaped her lips. Neither of them acknowledged it with words; Fitz just kept doing what he was doing. He squeezed five drops of the rose oil on her shoulders and worked his hands up her back moving gradually as he massaged every inch of the muscles on either side of her spine.

"OH god, Fitz." she purred, rhythmically rocking back into him.

"How does that feel? Talk to me, Livvie" his husky voice vibrated through her, and she could not control herself. Olivia twisted her neck slightly and devoured his lips. Fitz distractedly kept rubbing, but eventually, his hand slipped to her side, gently exploring upward until it reached her breast.

God help her now.

His tongue was still down her throat, and his hands kneading her breast aggressively. If she didn't stop now, she would have him in her bed prematurely. And she desperately wants to wait. Their moment will come, and so will they (just not tonight)

Olivia separated their mouths, although she didn't move. She spoke against his lips, "I want to wait."

"I know," and he grinned, then pecked her lips once more.


Author note

I honestly don't like packing this much into one chapter. BUT this was absolutely necessary. Don't be shy give me a couple of reviews I live off the stuff. Hell of a ride!

Love and light- Skye-Anne