Chapter Seven

And the verdict comes from those with nothing else to do

The Next Evening

"Olivia Pope," Stephen raised his glass of scotch, "you are a bloody marvel." He clinked his scotch glass with her wine glass, "I'm fairly certain Edison Davis is going to be crying all the way back to Yale." They'd just successfully crushed Yale's debate team, largely thanks to Olivia and they were out celebrating with a few rounds.

Olivia chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling happily as they flicked between Stephen and Fitz, "Thank you, Stephen. You know it was a joint effort." She gave the entire team the credit.

"So modest." The team all turned at the voice behind them. "I didn't realize that was a quality you possessed."

Olivia rolled her eyes and snorted, "Didn't take enough of a beating at the debate, Lizzie?" She asked absently, "I'm sure we could give you a repeat performance if necessary." She offered, the Harvard debate team backing her instantly.

Elizabeth 'Lizzie' North scowled at the tiny woman in front of her. The two had both been on the Georgetown team, taking an instant dislike to one another. "Not quite." Lizzie smiled sardonically at her, "I actually just came to say congratulations."

Olivia's eyes narrowed, "Really? On beating you?" She asked skeptically, waiting for the trap that the skinny blonde would no doubt set for her.

Letting her smile widen, North shook her head, "Oh no, not for that, I'd heard rumors, but didn't realize until now that you'd managed to snag the Grant man from Mellie Carmichael." She motioned to Fitz, who was standing just close enough behind Olivia that she could handle Lizzie North on her own, but still know that he was there if she wanted his help.

Olivia let out a grunt, "I didn't snag him or steal him or anything like that. He's not a fucking goat."

Lizzie kept her smile in place, "Still, it's amazing that you were able to convince him to date you." At Olivia's questioning look, the blonde continued, "I mean you're from a middle class, black family. Mellie is North Carolina money." She smiled sweetly, "Money usually marries money, but maybe he isn't like his daddy." She grinned over at Fitz who let out a growl, "Anyhow, it's just so brave what the two of you are doing, being together like this so openly when it will only be an obstacle you'll have to deal with for the rest of your lives. Congratulations." She turned on her pointy stiletto, the Yale group snickering and following her out of the bar.

Quinn's mouth snapped open, "What a bitch. Want me to shank her for you?" She offered.

"She's really a fucking bitch." Harrison agreed, stepping towards Quinn to help develop a murder plan that could work.

Stephen glanced down at Olivia, who, unusually, hadn't said a word in response to Lizzie North's tirade, "You okay, Liv?" He asked.

Fitz slid an arm around her waist, "Don't listen to her, baby, she's just blowing hot air, pissed off that you wiped the floor with her."

Tilting her head up, Olivia nodded and smiled, "I know." Fitz studied her, not entirely convinced she wasn't upset by Elizabeth North's words. He didn't say anything more, just pressed a reassuring kiss to her temple and hugged her against his side.

SSS

The next day, after Fitz left to meet a study group at the library, Olivia stacked up her books and spread out on her living room floor. Lizzie's words were still haunting her from the night before. She was right, no matter what Fitz said, Olivia was from a different world than Fitz. She didn't have the political capital he had and she never would have the same type he did.

She pressed her palms into her head and groaned. She had to stop thinking about what that horrible woman said. She'd probably talked to Edison and Mellie. Not to mention the fact that she was bitter and angry over her loss at the debate. And Olivia was personally responsible for that loss.

Still.

Doubt creeped into Olivia's mind. She couldn't put Fitz's career at risk. It wasn't fair. His career, his reputation, he'd worked so hard to create all of this for himself away from his father. Wouldn't it be incredibly selfish of her to hold him back? With another groan, she put on her headphones and dove into her research for her paper.

Four hours later, her apartment phone rang. Reaching over, she glanced at the caller ID. Seeing it was Fitz's number, she set the phone back down. Closing her eyes, she pushed herself up to a standing position and moved to her bathroom to take a shower. She just needed some space and perspective.

SSS

Fitz handed the bartender the phone back, "Thanks, she didn't answer."

Harrison frowned, "Maybe she fell asleep. Quinn said she was going to be reading and writing all day. She could be exhausted."

Stephen nodded, "Why do you look so worried?"

Fitz sighed and took a sip of his scotch, "I think what Lizzie North said upset her more than she's willing to admit." He shrugged, "I don't know, maybe I'm reading too much into it."

"You're not seriously worried about that close-minded blonde witch, are you?" Harrison asked. "Cause she was probably pissed she lost the debate and she has Edison needling her." He reminded Fitz, "Lizzie's a lot of hot air. I remember when we debated Georgetown in undegrad. The witch would go after her own mother if it benefited her."

"A real peach." Stephen muttered. "Look, Fitz, don't worry too much about it. They're gone and we won't be seeing them any time soon. Okay?"

SSS

Two Days Later

"Olivia Carolyn Pope open the damn door. I know you're home!" Fitz pounded on the door of her apartment, "Please open the door."

Olivia stared at her shaking front door. She'd been dodging Fitz's phone calls, hiding behind Quinn who wanted to know what was wrong, but Olivia wasn't replying. And she was only considering letting him know that she was here now.

Swallowing hard, she opened the door, "Yes, Fitz?" She asked.

He crossed his arms and stared down at her, "You're avoiding me." He accused sharply.

She stared at him for a moment, watching as he tried to keep his composure. After a moment she ran a hand through her hair and nodded, "I want to take a break. That's easier if we're not together every moment of every day. We'll already have to see each other in class, that's more than enough right now."

His mouth fell open, and then closed again, "Um, what?" He'd been expecting a fight, for her to panic, but not for her to just end them. "I'm sorry?"

"I said I want to take a break, to think about our futures and what we want and how to get that and" Olivia began explaining.

Fitz held up a hand, "Olivia," he began slowly, "I know what I want in my future." His voice dropped slightly, "I want you. I want to spend my life with you."

She let out a small half-sob at his words, shaking her head, "I need space, Fitz. I need it right now." She took a step back, her hand on the door, "Please, Fitz." She saw him about to respond, but she started to close the door, "Please." She murmured. When he slightly nodded, she shut the door. Turning she leaned back against the old wood, sliding to the floor and stuffing her fist into her mouth to stifle her sob. What have I done?

SSS