A week has passed since Fitz's meeting with Talia.
He has been receiving regular updates from his agents on Olivia.
The company took on two new clients and he's shifting his focus to them because surely they are much easier people to work with than Olivia Pope.
"Sir the client wants to speak to you."
"What? Why?" Fitz asked confused.
"Uhh she's very angry Sir.."
He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Fine.. Put her on."
"WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO!?"
"You think I had something to do with it don't you?" Fitz sounded cool and calm.
"Chad and his father was arrested! Were you not the one who said you were going to the authorities!!?"
"Olivia, I decided against it because like you said..it's not my place."
"Then how the hell did they find out about his deal with the federal agent huh??"
"I don't know but it wasn't from me or any of my agents."
"BULLSHIT!"
"It's not like he was innocent Olivia, he got what he deserved. I hope you find out whoever exposed him, the company and the federal agent but I'm going to hang up now. I don't have time for this."
He hung up on her and reclined back against his office chair.
He followed the rules. He stepped back. She became a normal client to him. What joke was the universe playing on him by constantly involving him in her bullshit.
Fitz decided to head out for lunch but he stopped midway to the door when his office phone rang.
"Mr. Grant there is a Talia Pope in front wanting to see you. Should I send her through?"
"Uh, yeah okay.." He said placing the phone down.
Fitz looked up to the ceiling silently questioning the universe once more.
A knock on his door snapped him back to reality.
"Come in."
Talia poked her head in first before walking through the door.
"Talia, what are you doing here?"
"I have to tell you something.. I called your cellphone but you never answered."
He rounded his desk to sit down signalling her to have a seat as well.
"Sorry, I've been kind of busy lately and I don't think your sister would approve of this..us talking." He chuckled.
"My sister is going to hate me anyway."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm the one who went to the police. I basically sent her fiancé to prison." Talia confessed.
Fitz was shocked.
"But how? I mean surely you would've needed evidence to convince them.."
"I stumbled upon the envelope you gave to her."
"Shiiit.. Talia why did you do it?"
"I could've lost my only sister, my parents could've lost their daughter because of him."
"True but Chad couldn't have known they would come after Olivia though."
"Oh come on, that's nonsense and you know it. Once you start making shady deals with corrupt federal agents, you should expect the worse to happen. He never once took Liv into consideration from the scamming to the shady deals, but as long as he got away with people's money and manage to stay out of jail then all is well. To hell with him."
"Listen I know you love your sister and everything but what the hell is wrong with her!? Seriously, it boggles my mind. Why does she refuse to accept what he did?"
"Sometimes even I don't understand her. This is one of those times.."
"Can I ask you something?"
"Yeah sure."
"Was Chad abusive to your sister?"
"Chad comes from a rich family. His fucking forefathers probably scammed people out of their money as well.. Sorry, anyway yeah he comes from a rich family. Olivia is the opposite. We didn't really have much growing up but I mean my parents did their best. They worked multiple jobs to get us the education we deserved but most importantly they gave us so much love that it didn't even feel like we're didn't have much. We were happy, the house would always be filled with joy and laughter and that was enough for Liv and I. When Liv met Chad, she forgot that you only need love and happiness to feel fulfilled. She's different when she's around him. He wants her to be this trophy wife. So whenever she acts like our Livvie and not his Olivia, he puts her in check. Now she lives according to his rules which is pure insanity because she a smart woman."
"He puts her in check?"
"He let's her now that his family has the power to put her out of a job. He reminds her of the poor lifestyle she had growing up..and I've seen bruised marks on her arms before."
"Do you know if he's been cheating on her?"
"I fucking saw the asshole once in the VIP section of the club surrounded by trashy women. I told Olivia but she just snapped at me. He's not even cute with his rich boy hairstyle and ugly ass tan."
If Fitz wasn't so angry not just at Chad but at Olivia for staying on with him, he would've been on the floor laughing at Talia's comment.
"So, the engagement. How did your parents take it?"
"I mean they weren't over the moon or anything but they weren't completely livid either but that's 'cause they don't know about what's going on below the surface..the abusing and cheating. I wanted to tell them on so many occasions but I fear that would only anger her and drive her away from us because she's so in denial."
"Well thanks to you he's gone now."
"And I probably won't have a sister once she finds out it was me."
"She thought I was the one who did it just so you know."
"I don't even want to imagine how that conversation went."
"A lot of angry yelling." Fitz chuckled quietly. He has calmed himself quite a bit.
"She's lowkey so rude to you though. I would've been forever grateful if someone did for me what you did for her."
"Try telling her that."
"Before or after I tell her I sent her dumbass fiancé to jail?"
They both break out into geniune laughter. Somehow making light of a messed up situation.
"So why did you decide to tell me what you did?" Fitz asked her.
"I had to tell someone and you're kinda easy to talk to plus you have knowledge of this whole..situation."
"I'll take the blame. I don't want your relationship with your sister to get torn apart because of what you did although you did the right thing."
"Fitz no that's not why I confided in you. You can't do that."
"I can actually, she already hates me anyway." He said nonchalantly.
"No that's just wrong. No. I'll tell her."
"Talia are you sure?"
"Yes. Maybe I'll even slap some sense into her."
"You'd do that?" He asked with wide eyes and raised eyebrows.
She chuckled. "Probably not. Anyway I should be on my way, I got a train to catch."
"Off to your parents house?"
"Yep. I don't know why Liv bought them the house in Garden City. They could've stayed here in the city."
"Garden City is nice."
"Yeah but sometimes I just want my momma's food then I gotta go all the way there." She laughed.
Fitz got up and grabbed his keys. "Come on forget the subway I'll go take you. I want to have a word with your sister anyway. Her life won't be in danger anymore anytime soon."
"She's going to kill you man."
"I'm like three times bigger than her."
"She's got spunk, she ain't afraid of nobody."
"We'll see. Let's go."
After 20 minutes on the road Talia picked up the conversation. "So Fitz, tell me something about you. "
He gave her an amused look. "This isn't a road trip where we're getting to know each other."
"C'mon tell me something."
"Okay.. I have three close friends whom I haven't seen in a while because I might've broken the most important bro code."
"You didn't!"
"Well I didn't sleep with my mate's girl but I did make out with her. In my defense he wasn't serious about her and he was with another girl during that time."
"But still, code is code.. You don't do that shit."
"We were all drunk and I think she was into me for a while. She initiated the kiss."
"That still does not make it right man."
"I know which is why after almost two months I still feel like shit about it."
"So you just decided to end your friendship with all three of your pals? Why?"
"No I just started hanging out with them less and less, now we just don't hang out anymore."
"But you miss them right?"
"Of course I do. Now I gotta spend my days with my annoying siblings instead."
"Then go to them. I'm sure they miss you too, guys forgive each other easier than girls don't they?"
"I guess. Hey maybe I will."
"That's the spirit!"
"How old are you?" It was his turn to ask a question.
"21."
"Oh okay."
"You?"
"37."
"Ew you're an old man." Talia joked.
"Please enjoy yourself. Laugh. You're about 25 minutes away from getting your ass handed to you by your sister."
"See that's not funny."
Fitz roared with laughter at her expense.
"And that's why you don't tease me."
"So.. I'm assuming you don't have a girlfriend."
"No I don't."
"Why?"
"What do you mean why? There's a lot of single people in this world."
"Yeah but I mean, you're a great guy, not my type but a great guy." She chuckled.
"You have a type?"
"Yes but you're deflecting. Answer my question."
"I had a girlfriend, six years ago."
"Six whole years ago!? That's a very long time."
"I know."
"And you've never dated anyone since then?"
"I was never in another relationship since then."
"But why? What happened."
"You're asking way too many questions. What if I don't want to talk about it?"
"Hey! I've given you another chance after you lied to me. We're friends now."
"I was in a long term relationship with a very nice girl. She was beautiful. I loved her. I really saw a future for the two of us until I lost her. Her father was a drug dealer but she was estranged from him. They didn't have a relationship but the thugs he was in business with didn't know that. He played them and they retaliated by shooting his daughter. I lost the woman I loved and I never had the courage to open my heart to another woman again. I know she would've wanted me to move on and be happy but I guess I'm just afraid.."
Talia was in tears. "I'm so sorry Fitz."
"Hey it's okay. I've made peace with it long ago."
"Is that why you started this company?"
"It definitely played a big role in it yeah."
The rest of the drive to the Pope household, Fitz tried his best to change the mood and he succeeded. They talked about their families and in no time they pulled up in the driveway.
"This is it." Talia exhaled.
"You'll be fine."
"Let's see. By the way these agents of yours are fine as hell." She said getting out of the car.
Fitz snorted laughter. "Thank you?"
"I think I should get myself in danger."
"Terrible strategy, trust me it won't work."
He followed her into the house and was greeted by an expressionless Olivia.
"Hey Liv, where's mom and dad?"
"Hi Talia. They went to the farmers market. What is he doing here?"
Fitz took a step forward. "I came here to talk to you about our services."
"What about it?"
"You won't be needing it anymore soon since that scandal was exposed."
"Thanks to you."
"No actually thanks to me." Talia chimed in.
"What now?" Liv looked confused.
"Yes you heard right. It was me. I did it. I found the envelope Fitz gave you and I handed it over to the police."
"Talia.. Why?"
"You know I don't like Chad but apart from that, you almost died Liv. And not just that. I did it for all the other times he fucked up. The abusing, cheating and disrespecting. He deserves worse than jail. So if you want to know why, that's why. Be mad at me all you want but I did the right thing Liv and you know it. Stop being afraid of him, that's not how our parents raised us. We're not cowards. We don't allow anyone to belittle us, to bully us or to walk over us. Did you forget all that?"
Liv paced in slow circles.
"Livvie.. Say something." Talia said in a hushed voice.
"I can't-- I don't know-- This is too much." She sounded short of breath.
Liv hunched over, hands on her knees, trembling as she was trying to catch her breath with tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Talia I think she's having a panic attack!" Fitz said and rushed over to Liv's side.
Talia was with them in seconds.
Fitz carried Olivia over to the couch and sat her down sideways, propped up against the armrest.
"Talia you have to talk her into taking deep, slow breaths okay?"
She nodded with a panicked look i her eyes. "Okay."
"Look here, you've got to calm yourself down as well, otherwise you won't be able to help her."
Talia pulled herself together. "Okay, okay I'm good."
She crouched down in front of Olivia and clasped their hands together. "Liv focus on me. C'mon, you're going to be okay. I'm here. Now take a deep breath with me.. In and out, deep breaths, come on you can do it. This will all be over soon, you'll be okay trust me. Just breath. Nice and slow..deep breaths." Talia's voice was calm and soothing.
Fitz made sure he was standing out of sight, he didn't want to upset her any further.
Olivia fought it and focused on Talia's instructions.
"That's it you're doing great. Now close your eyes and picture mommy's beautiful smile and daddy's infectious laughter. Can you see that? They love you. I love you."
Fitz was in awe at the scene playing out in front of him. The bond these two sisters share is simply amazing.
Olivia got it together. She calmed down. Her breathing was going back to normal but her tears started flowing uncontrollably.
Liv cried, properly cried. She was inconsolable.
Talia got up, sat next to her and pulled her into her arms.
She held on to her older sister, allowing her to let it all out.
Fitz decided to give them some privacy and went to stand outside with his agents.
"It's okay Liv.. Everything will be okay. You've got me, and mom, and dad.. We love you the most. You've got your friends, they love and care for you as well. You're not alone."
"I'm sorry." She cried.
"Hey, it's okay."
Another few minutes later and her tears finally dried up. Talia kept encouraging her and soothing her.
"Would you like some water?"
"Yes please and some painkillers.. My ribs are killing me."
"Okay, I'll be right back."
Talia returned quickly with the water and pain medication, handing it to Liv with a reassuring smile.
"I haven't had one of those since high school..."
"A panic attack?"
"Yes. I was scared, it scared me. Thank you for helping me through it."
"I'll help you through anything Liv."
"I know that, which is why I'm not mad over what you did. I don't know what got into me these past few days."
"Do you still love him?"
"Hm?"
"Chad..do you still love him? Are you still in love with him?"
Olivia went awfully quiet for a minute.
"I don't.. I don't think I was ever really in love with him. I just wanted someone in my life and he was there. I shouldn't have allowed him to stay in my life for this long.."
"Hey breath, okay? Don't stress yourself out right now."
"This is mu own fault! I allowed him to treat me like crap. I was a coward. I allowed him to belittle me, to bully me and to walk over me. I wasn't strong. I.. I let my pride get in the way everytime you told me how wrong he was for me. Now look where my pride got me."
"Olivia, listen to me. I'm not here to say I told you so. So you weren't strong enough then, but you can be strong now. Be the woman mom and dad raised you to be. Be strong, courageous and brave. Know your worth."
Olivia took slow, deep breaths trying to remain calm.
"I love you so much Talia. I feel terrible for letting you down. I feel embarrassed for standing up for that man. I failed you, and mom and dad. I hate myself for fearing him and not standing up for myself."
"Don't, do not hate yourself. That's giving him a win and he doesn't deserve a win."
"Sorry but I'm finding it a little difficult to love myself right now."
"You're tired. Why don't you go lay down, those pain meds will kick in any minute now. I'll just tell mom and dad you weren't feeling well. Go on."
Liv agreed but when she rose to her feet a sharp pain made her collapse right down again.
The tension in her body was not working well with her recovering broken ribs.
"Shit!" She groaned in pain.
"Don't get back up, stay here I'll be right back." Talia instructed.
She went to find Fitz out front.
"Hey.. is everything okay in there?" He asked looking slightly concerned.
"Yeah but we might need your help.. or one of your agents."
"Why what's wrong?"
"She's drained, I told her to take a nap but she's in pain. Her ribs.. Now she can't make it up to her room on her own."
"Alright let's go. Wait, she'll allow me to help her right?" He asked unsurely.
"Yeah she's uh.. she's her old self again, well she's trying plus she's exhausted I doubt she'll refuse your help."
When they got in the living room Olivia was leaning back against the couch breathing through the pain.
"Hey sis, so Fitz is going to help you get upstairs, okay?"
She cast a glance at Talia and Fitz standing side by side.
"Okay.." Liv whispered.
Fitz stepped up and bent over to lift her into his arms.
He did it with ease and she didn't fight him.
Talia lead him to her sister's bedroom.
Halfway up the stairs Liv felt another sting in her side and she dug her nails into his back.
"Sorry." She mumbled afterwards.
"It's okay." Fitz said, quite surprised at the change in her demeanour.
Talia opened the bedroom door and fixed her bed before Fitz placed her down.
They prop her up against the pillows since she couldn't lay flat down yet due to her injuries.
"Thanks Fitz." Talia smiled appreciatively at him.
"No worries. I'll be downstairs." He said leaving the room.
Talia chuckled at her sister. "He's not so bad is he?"
"Leave I want to sleep."
"He's nice Liv!" She laughed on her way out.
When Talia got downstairs, she heard a car pulling up.
"My parents." She said to Fitz.
"I should probably leave. I can have that conversation with your sister another time."
"Excuse me, did you forget I drove here with you? I gotta get back home as well but I gotta eat first."
"I'm not your chauffeur Talia."
"Then you shouldn't have offered to bring me here."
"Your parents don't even know me. The last time I was in the same room with them Olivia was freaking out and they probably wanted to kill me."
"Too late. Here they come." She grinned.
"What do I do??"
"I think you need to hire your own agents, my dad is very protective over his daughter's." She teased him.
"Nothing's stopping me from going home right now and leaving you here."
"Okay sorry jeez relax. They're cool."
Just then both her parents appeared in the living room.
"Heyyy momma. Hi daddy." Talia embraced her parents in a loving hug.
"Hi cupcake. I was wondering about the strange car in our driveway." Richard said glancing from Talia to Fitz.
"Oh, yeah I caught a ride with this guy. I wasn't feeling the subway."
"And this guy is? Because as I recall he turned out to be Liv's friend who wasn't really her friend."
"He's actually my friend."
"Talia what is really going on here?" Caroline demanded to know.
Fitz spoke up. "Mr. and Mrs. Pope, why don't you sit down and I'll tell you exactly who I am."
xxx
"I don't know what to say..." Richard said after Fitz, and Talia, told them everything.
"How could he put my daughter's life in such danger." Caroline was upset.
"I knew there was something about him that didn't feel right."
"Other than that hairstyle and awful tan?" Talia joked.
"Right? That shit irked me from the beginning. What grown man wears his hair like that and walks around with a tan making him look like an over seasoned chicken."
Talia was in hysterics. "Ohhh man I love you dad."
Fitz tried hard not to laugh but failed.
"So where is your sister?"
"Oh she's taking a nap. This mess was finally taking it's toll on her."
"I can only imagine. As if the accident wasn't bad enough. Thank you Fitz, for everything." Caroline said getting up and offering him a handshake.
He stood tall and took the older woman's hand. "It's not a problem."
Richard was next in line. The men exchange a firm handshake.
"Thank you." He said locking eyes with Fitz who replied with a soft nod.
"Fitz is staying for lunch then we'll be heading home." Talia announced.
Richard laughed quietly. "Fitz you must be so tired of this one. She's a lot isn't she?"
"I'm afraid if I answer that question she'll attack me." He joked.
"Tali sweetie come and help me prepare lunch."
"Okay mom."
That left Fitz alone with Richard.
"So what's going to happen now? I don't want that man near my daughter again."
"Although he didn't appear in court yet, he's guilty of a white collar crime which carries enormous implications. From my knowledge, conviction for a federal crime draws heavier penalties. He will get a good amount of years in jail. Well not just him but everyone involved."
"It's what he deserves. Would you like to have a beer?"
"Sure yes that'd be nice. Just one though, I still have to chauffeur your other daughter home." Fitz chuckled.
"She's a grown 21 year old but she's still our bundle of joy. There's never a dull moment with her."
Richard made a quick trip to the kitchen and came back with two beers.
"Thanks. Olivia and Talia are very close aren't they?"
"Very close, even with the 7 year age gap."
The two men engage in small talk until they were summoned for lunch.
Fitz felt quite comfortable with the Pope's.
"Thank you Mrs. Pope, that was extremely delicious."
"You're welcome. You know, I felt so bad when we ate and the agents are stationed outside. I even offered them food but they won't accept."
"Don't feel bad. They're just doing their job."
"Okay.."
"Well it was nice officially meeting you both but I think we should get going."
"Likewise. You're a good guy Fitz."
"Alright alright, don't get emotional mother. Fitz let's skedaddle." Talia said getting up.
They laugh at Talia's silliness then Caroline and Richard saw the two of them off.
"Olivia should be so lucky to have someone like that looking out for her when her own fiancé couldn't give a damn." Richard said as he followed his wife back inside the house.
"Yeah.."
They were surprised to see her in the kitchen when the entered.
She was drinking water like there's no tomorrow.
"Oh, hi you guys. Sorry, I woke up thirsty as hell."
"Are you okay?"
"Better than I've been in a while. Can I talk to you?"
Richard and his wife shared a glance. "Sure, of course..yes."
Olivia decided that it was time her parents learned the truth about Chad and everything put her through.
xxx
When Fitz got home he thought about his conversation with Talia, about how he should reconnect with his friends. So he called them up and they agreed to meet him at the bar they used to hang out at.
Tyler, Scott and Josh already occupied their usual booth when he got there.
Dressed casually in jeans and a plain t-shirt.
"What's up guys?" Fitz greeted awkwardly.
"Hey man what the hell happened to you? You just disappeared and left us."
"I figured you guys would be pissed at me for what had happened you know.."
"Fitz dude come on. I texted you saying it's cool I'm over it. We've been friends for too long to give up on one another. You're my bro." Scott said.
"I got the text but still man.. What I did wasn't cool."
"Hey! You know I was never really even into that girl and I've lowkey noticed the way she used to look at you. The way I lashed out at you? I was just drunk and annoyed when I caught you guys."
"Fuck I've missed you guys." He said taking a seat.
"Man you're stupid, come on have a drink we have a lot of catching up to do."
"No shit. Tonight is on me, let's get wasted assholes I never wanna be without you guys again. It was horrible, I only had my brother and sister to hang out with."
"Aww Fitzy poo we missed you too buddy." Tyler laughed out loud.
The guys rekindled their friendship and enjoyed the rest of the night to the fullest.
When Fitz woke up the next day he felt like shit.
A relaxing shower, pain relievers, some orange juice and a good breakfast got him through the morning though.
After two meetings he was sat in his office, thinking.
He scolded himself. He did so well this last week to draw a line when it came to Olivia but now he was being pulled right back in.
What the fuck was up with having lunch with her family!? That's not professional at all. He had a job to do.
And yet, he couldn't stop worrying about her. The way he saw her break down yesterday wasn't something he enjoyed. He hated it. Her vulnerability got to him.
He couldn't understand why he was so drawn to her. Was it attraction? Is it because of the situation they were in..His state of mind, which is to protect her? Fitz doesn't know for sure.
He still needed to go over some details with Olivia in regards to her safety.
"Might as well get it over with.." He mumbled and grabbed his car keys.
Fitz figured having Talia there would help both himself and Olivia, so he called her.
"I don't normally get into cars with older men." She said when he came by to pick her up.
"Get out then."
"It's okay I'll survive the embarrassment, besides you need backup and I don't want to disappoint you."
"The embarrassment? You'll never be seen with a more handsome man than myself."
"I can see some grey hairs man."
"I'd prefer if you just don't speak on our way there."
"Sorry that would be impossible."
"By the way I hung out with my friends last night."
"Whaaat? And, how did it go?"
"We had a great time. I had a terrible hangover this morning."
"See old man I told you it'd be fine."
"Yeah and stop calling me old I have feelings you know."
"Whatever. Liv said she's going home sometime this week."
"To the apartment she shared with Chad? She's actually going back there?."
"Why not? The threat has been neutralised."
"You're getting way too comfortable in this environment."
"I might've left my resume on your secretary's desk. I'd make one hell of an agent just so you know."
"Oh my god."
"I might be tiny in posture but I can kick ass okay. Anyway, tell me why my sister can't go back to her apartment."
"Oh, no she can go back I just assumed she wouldn't want to with everything that's happened. I'd imagine that place doesn't hold such great memories.."
"Did you eavesdrop on our conversation yesterday with your secret spy type gadgets?"
Fitz chuckled humouresly. "No, that was private."
"Well maybe I'll move in with her then we can get rid of his bad juju and create a positive vibe with happiness and joy oozing off the walls."
"Is this what an art student talks like?"
"No idiot."
They talked so much that they arrived in Garden City in no time.
"Anybody home?" Talia asked loudly as they enter the house.
"Did she bully you into chauffeuring her again?" Caroline ask meeting them halfway.
"Luckily no, I'm here to discuss a few things with Olivia."
"Oh okay, she's up in her room, reading. You can go ahead, it's the first room on your left."
"Thank you."
"Mom you never allowed boys in my room."
"Shut up." Her mother said dryly and walked away leaving her in a fit of giggles.
Fitz knocked on her door.
"Come in."
"Uh, hi. Your mother said gave me the okay to come up here." He said stepping inside.
"Oh okay."
"Do you have a minute?"
She closed her book. "Yeah. You can um, you can sit in that chair, just uh..take off that stuff on there."
"Sure, thanks."
Fitz got comfortable then glanced at her.
This much 'nicer' Olivia was something he'd have to get used to.
"So am I now officially removed from your client list?"
"Well there's some papers you gotta sign but yeah.."
"Wait but I didn't sign anything when you started providing your services.."
"It's a little late now but that's one of the documents I have ready for you. Even though this was free of charge this job has to go on our records."
"Are those the papers you have there with you?" She pointed to the folder in his hand.
"Yes." He got up and handed it over to her along with a pen. "Here you go."
Liv didn't read through it or question anything, she just signed.
"Done." She gave it back to him.
"Okay then that's it. Thank you."
"Why are you thanking me?" She asked.
"Uhh I meant for the signature. I know you were somewhat opposed to our services since you had no say in it and all.."
"Oh.. I do appreciate it though."
"Sorry?" He walked backwards to find his seat again.
"Weird hearing me say that huh?" Liv looked down into her lap.
She had a lot of time to process things since her breakdown yesterday and she acknowledged the fact that she should've appreciated Fitz's help more. She should've been grateful instead she was awful and rude towards him.
"I just had to sit down again, so yes..it's a little weird." He couldn't stop the faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Olivia mustered up the courage to face him, to look him in the eyes and apologize.
"I have been so rude to you.."
"I mean, I'd say you despised me but--"
"I want to apologize, for everything."
Fitz ran his hand over the stubble on his cheeks. "Before you do, do you think I should hear you out?"
She wasn't expecting that. Fuck, he's making this difficult now.
Quickly she broke eye contact with him and stared out the window.
"I don't know. I feel horrible but I can't imagine how you must've felt with all those things I said.. the way I lashed out at you every chance I got."
Fitz didn't want to make this worse for her but he also had things to say.
"You were rude to me from day one. That day in the restaurant.. You overreacted, I called you out and you didn't like it. I get it if you had a bad day, that's understandable. But your behaviour just got worse, when I tried to come to your defense against your fiancé and now again during thia situation. I get it, maybe I came across as being too forward but--"
Liv listened to him, tears forming in her eyes and then she couldn't listen any further.
"I'm sorry! Okay, I'm sorry! Yes, you bumping into me was terrible timing, I was already upset but.. The othe-- I--" Liv wiped the tears from her face, collected herself and locked her eyes on his again.
Fitz gave her a moment and spoke up. "Look I'm not trying to be cocky and say you have to be grateful for what I did for you because the fact is, you never asked for my help in either situations. I just want to know why you hated receiving my help."
"I appreciated your help. What I hated was the fact that you were there, standing up for me. We were strangers and yet you cared enough to do all that. I was fucking rude to you but you still wanted to kill Chad when he had a go at me outside of that restaurant. I hate that you were there! I hate that you saved me twice from my own fiancé! I hate that I actually loved seeing someone call him out on his crap and pushing him around because I couldn't do it! I hate how small I felt and that some stranger had to come and save me against a man I chose to be with! I DON'T HATE YOU, I HATE MYSELF!"
Downstairs they could hear Olivia's cries but Talia assured them everything will be fine. She knew Liv owed Fitz an apology and she knows Fitz cares more for Liv than what he lets on. So she stopped her parents from going up there.
Fitz stood and walked over to a sobbing Olivia.
"You shouldn't hate yourself. Everyone makes bad choices and they get over it. A bad choice doesn't make you a bad person." He sat on the edge of her bed but she avoided his gaze.
"Why do you care?"
"Because that was my choice. I chose to care."
"And was that your bad choice?"
"No." He said with conviction.
"So you don't make any bad decisions?"
"I do. Everyday. Come on it's just a glitch in our program. You had your glitch and now you're trying to fix it."
"That's a weird analogy. I'm picturing myself as a robot with head and eyes twitching because of all the glitches." She found herself smiling. Not entirely but nonetheless, he was actually making her feel better.
"Twitching is good, at least you're not malfunctioning or reprogramming yourself into an evil robot."
"I kind off was an evil robot when I was around you."
"Then I'd say your glitch is fixed because you're not evil anymore." He chuckled.
"Why are you talking like we actually are robots?" She asked now with an actual smile. It was covering her face but it was a smile. A real one. Better than the one he saw on her at the restaurant when Chad joined her.
"I don't know about you but I make a good robot."
"I cracked my ribs, that's lame for a robot."
"Excuse me but did you see what that car looked like after the accident? A normal human being don't survive stuff like that."
"I was lucky." She said softly.
"I accept your apology Olivia."
"Thank you, that means a lot."
"You must be relieved that you won't have these guards around or see my face anymore."
Liv just gave him a faint smile and Fitz didn't know what to make of it.
He got up. "So, it has been an honor serving you Miss Pope. By the way you should talk to your sister, she wants to join my company as an agent." He said on his way to the door.
Olivia chuckled and Fitz stopped at the sound. It was like a melody.
He looked back over his shoulder and smiled.
"Thank you Fitz.. for everything."
Why does it feel like he's getting drawn towards her with more force than before? What was he going to do...
He had no reason to just show up at her place now to see her or talk to her, the job was done.
She just started being herself around him and their time together came to an end..
Does he want to spend more time with her or is this just a glitch in his system?
Will she be okay without him keeping an eye over her?
This was all new feelings now. .