"Happy Birthday sis." Fitz gave Julia a big bear hug.
"Thank you Fitzy. Are you coming to the dinner tonight?"
"Depends.."
'On what? Fitz it's my birthday dinner you have to be here."
"Is it gonna be formal? Like do I have to dress up and stuff?"
"No, it's just us, mom and dad, and a few of my friends."
"Why didn't you host the dinner at your home?"
"Because I don't wanna clean up afterwards. So you're coming?"
"Yes okay. I'll be here, I might be a bit late though because I still have a bunch of stuff to do at the office."
"It's fine as long as you show up...with a gift of course." She smiled.
Fitz groaned with a hint of irritation. "I never know what to get you for your birthday Julia. Every year is a struggle."
"Hey you didn't show up last year neither did you get me anything."
"I was away because of work and I did get you flowers."
"Flowers don't count."
"Damn now I gotta think of something else to get you."
"Hilarious. By the way there's something I've been meaning to ask you.." She trailed off.
"Sure."
"You didn't tell me you know Liv.."
Fitz pretended to be clueless. "Liv?"
"Don't act dumb Fitz. Olivia Pope."
"Oh.."
"Yeah..oh."
"What was your question?"
"She was here with her sister two weeks ago and she mentioned that she was a client of yours."
"That's not a question. Jules you know I don't casually discuss my clients with you or anybody for that matter."
"I know but she's my friend, we're not that close or anything but still..I consider her a friend and I couldn't help but to wonder if her accident was foul play hence her being a client of yours."
"Julia I'm sorry but I can't tell you anything."
"Yeah no of course, I get it. Her sister praised the hell outta you just so you know."
"I'm an awesome guy."
"If you show up tonight with a gift I might second that statement."
"If I get you something it's gotta be better than whatever Ryan is getting you."
"I hope that encourages you to go all out."
Fitz chuckled. "Yeah but hey I've got to get going. See you tonight."
"Bye."
When Fitz got to his car he received a phone call.
"Talk to me." He answered getting in the driver's seat.
"Sir there's been an ambush, we have men down."
"What!? How the hell did this happen!?"
"Look Sir we knew they would come for him and we were prepared but there were just too many of them. At least now we know that these people will do anything to get their hands on his software program."
"Where's the client?"
"We were able to get him out Sir. I'm transporting him to a more secure location."
"How did you manage to lose the group that's after him? You said there were a lot them."
"Agent Ross brought backup just in time and managed to create a diversion, that's how I got the client out."
"He's a high value transport, you better make sure you get him there in one piece. I'm on my way." Fitz ended the call and sped off tyres screeching.
xxx
"Hey, you're home early." Talia said stepping into the apartment and seeing her sister.
"So are you, I thought you had a group assignment to finish.."
"About that.. Is it cool if we work here?"
"When?"
"They'll be here around 4. We won't be in your way."
"I'm leaving just after 5, the dinner starts at 6. I can't until next week to get my car then I don't have to rush to go everywhere."
"Oh yeah I forgot you're going to Julia's birthday dinner. So what did you get her?"
Liv went to sit on the couch and Talia joined her.
"A prada gift voucher 'cause I didn't really know what else to get her."
"That's not bad, who wouldn't like that, right? Anyway.. What will you be wearing?"
"Something comfortable and not too over the top. She said it'll be fun dinner."
"Okay, can I help you pick an outfit?"
"Sure."
After catching up the sisters went to find an outfit for Liv.
Talia's classmates arrived and soon enough it was time for Olivia to leave.
"Have fun Liv."
"I will, you better not leave a mess here."
"We won't. Don't rush home please, enjoy yourself."
"I don't wanna stay out too late you know how much I hate taking Uber on my own."
"I'm sure there'll be someone offering to bring you home."
Liv knew Talia was referring to Fitz but chose not to say anything.
"See you later."
Olivia arrived in SoHo at the restaurant just before 6. She noticed that some of the guests were already inside.
"Liv hey! You made it."
"Hey Julia." Liv leaned over to give her a friendly hug.
She held out the small gift bag. "Do I give this to you now or..?"
"Aww thanks so much. Come, let me introduce you to the others."
"Okay." Liv smiled and followed her to where everyone else was hanging around.
Eventually when everyone arrived they got seated around the long dinner table. She noticed Fitz's absence and wondered why he didn't show up.
During dinner everyone got engaged in an easy going conversation, laughing and being merry.
"So Olivia, I'm thinking we should give you an award for most loyal customer." Ryan joked.
"Oh, do you come here often?" Sheila, their mother, asked.
Julia chuckled. "She sure does."
"I like it here. Everything is nice and relaxed." Liv answered with a smile.
"Julia did you hear anything from Fitz yet?" Sheila enquired.
"Not a word. Maybe something came up."
"Well he could've let us know."
Joe chimed in. "Easy you two, he might still be on his way."
Speak of the devil. Just then Fitz texted Julia to say he's outside.
"Why did you lock me out?"
"Technically the restaurant is closed and why are you so late?"
"Shitty day at the office and I went home to take a quick shower and change. Did you at least save me some food, I'm starving."
"We're still eating. Where's my gift?" She asked as they approached the table.
Fitz laughed lightly. "What did Ryan get you?" He asked loudly.
"Nothing! Can you believe it?"
Ryan defended himself. "Hey! My wife got you something from the both of us."
Fitz moved away from the banter to greet his parents.
"You're late."
"Mom I was busy. C'mon give me a hug old lady."
"I'm no old lady!" She playfully scolded him and reached up to meet him in a hug.
"You're still gorgeous though." He kissed her cheek.
"You can't charm me, go and eat your food."
Fitz was in a fit of laughter moving past his mother to greet his stepfather.
Liv watched their exchange across the table. She loved their family dynamics.
She didn't realise she was staring until she met Fitz's eyes.
He gave her a soft smile and rounded the table taking the empty seat next to her.
"Hi. I didn't know you were going to be here."
"Right? I can't believe I was invited." She joked.
"Funny." He laughed. "How are you?"
"Great, you?"
"Good, just a lot going on at work."
"With your job I don't even want to imagine what a busy day is like."
"Yeah it can get ugly. Anyway I'm starving, excuse me." He went on to fix himself a plate.
Later Liv got up to use the bathroom and Julia fell into her seat.
"This isn't weird for you guys right? I mean she was a client of yours now you guys are seated next to each other having to socialize..." She said locking eyes with her brother.
"Jules it's okay. She's your friend."
"To you it is yes, but is she cool with it? I'm too afraid too ask. I should've told you she'd be here, sorry."
"Stop worrying. Would you like to have your gift instead?"
"Please."
He pulled an envelope from his pants' back pocket. "Here you go."
Julia opened it immediately. "A trip to the Caribbean!? Thank you! You're by far my favourite brother."
"Say that a bit louder please." He joked.
"Man get over yourself." Ryan threw a napkin at him.
"Can you two stop acting like little boys?"
"Sorry mom." Ryan apologized.
Liv nearing the table caught Fitz's eye. She looked great. He didn't want to be caught staring so he quickly averted his gaze.
"Hey are you still enjoying yourself?" Julia asked getting out of Liv's chair.
"Yes of course. You have a nice family and a great group of friends how can I not."
"Let me go and check on the dessert. Excuse me."
Olivia sipped on her wine and listened in on the conversation at the table while Fitz finished his food next to her when suddenly she turned to Fitz. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure." He pushed his now empty plate forward.
"Did Julia mention anything to you about me being your client?"
"She did yes, and she was curious. Don't worry..I don't discuss my clients with anyone. Confidentiality is important."
"Thank you."
"She did say that Talia had only good things to say about me." He chuckled.
"Of course, she's still very grateful for your help as am I."
"I just did what I had to do. Hey, your firm represents the tenants of that building Brian Manning is trying to gain ownership of right?"
"Uh yes, why?"
"Don't bite my head off but I might've overhead you and your colleagues talk about it once here at the restaurant. Anyway, during your accident when we looked at possible suspects with motive, he was on our list. Obviously he wasn't involved but we did find information you'll might get to use in your case."
"And you obtained this information legally right?"
"Somewhat.."
"Fitz I'm not looking to get in any trouble."
"You won't, trust me." Their eyes lock and he gave her a reassuring smile.
"Okay. When can I see this information?"
"It's at my office, I could drop it off for you."
"Okay."
"Relax, I promise there won't be any negative blowback on you or your firm."
xxx
"Thanks again for inviting me Julia, I really enjoyed it."
"Of course, we should do this again minus the parents and with a lot more alcohol." She joked and gave Olivia a tight hug.
"Goodnight."
"Bye Liv."
When Liv got outside she looked at the time on her phone and it was 10pm. Time sure flies when you're having fun.
"You're not about to take a cab are you?" The deep baritone voice came up behind her.
"That's what people do New York haven't you noticed?"
"You're so funny." He matched her sarcasm.
"Uber is safe isn't it?"
"How do you know for sure?"
"Well since I haven't replaced my car yet I don't exactly have a choice."
"I parked down the street, let's go."
Liv didn't move. She stared at him with quirked eyebrows. "I don't remember asking you for a ride?"
"Is your Uber on it's way?"
"No I--"
"Okay then. I'm driving you home." He said with finality.
"Do you always order people around?"
"I'm offering you a ride home Liv. Look if you're not cool with that, it's fine. I'll wait here with you until your Uber arrives."
Olivia wasn't exactly used to this. This level of concern from a man other than her father was almost foreign to her hence her behaviour. Her fight or flight response kicked in because that's what it used to be like with Chad.
"Sorry, I'm being rude. I accept your offer."
"Good, I was probably going to tail that Uber anyway just to make sure you got home safe." He said with a serious face.
"You're joking right?"
Fitz laughed as they strolled towards his car. "Of course I'm joking."
"Good." Liv chuckled.
Fitz was about to say something witty when his phone rang. "Hello?"
Liv looked straight ahead of her listening to his end of the phone call. He sounded frustrated. She stopped walking when he unlocked the car and the lights flashed brightly in front of her.
Not knowing wether she should get in or stand there while he was still on the phone, Liv opted for the latter.
"Sorry about that." Fitz said opening the passenger door for her and quickly rounding the car to get in behind the wheel.
"That was my friend, Josh. His out with Tyler, another friend of ours and they got into a fight with some guys, next thing they know their pockets are empty. No wallet, no phones, nothing. That's what happens when two grown men like themselves act like they're still in their twenties."
"How did they manage to call you?"
"Borrowed someone's phone I guess because I didn't recognise the number when he called."
"So you have to pick them up.."
"Yeah.. They can be so stupid sometimes." He sighed and sat back in seat starting up the car.
"Where?"
"Brooklyn."
"Oh.."
"I'll drop you first don't worry."
"I appreciate that but you'll just be wasting your time driving to Manhattan then having to go back to Brooklyn. Why don't you just go from here?"
Fitz looked surprised. "But then I'll be wasting your time though."
"You won't, I'm going straight to bed once I get home anyway so it's really not a big deal."
"Are you sure Liv?"
"I am. Go get your friends before they get into more trouble." She giggled.
"Okay."
When they got to where Josh and Tyler was, Fitz got out and suggested Liv stay in the car.
Later she saw Fitz coming out with a scowl, his hair looking messier than before and two men looking dishevelled following behind him.
He got in the car and breathed heavily. Josh and Tyler stared at the unknown woman in the front but chose to keep quiet since Fitz was already pissed.
"Why the fuck did you lie to me!"
His sudden outburst made Liv jump. Fitz was turned in his seat facing his two friends in the back. "You made me come all the way out here to get into a fight. What's wrong with you!?"
"Look man, they were threatening us with knives and shit we didn't know what else to do."
"How about calling the fucking cops."
"Dude c'mon you always have our backs." Tyler said.
"That's your reasoning!? Fuck you guys." He said angrily and got them on their way home.
After some silence Josh spoke up again. "Look Fitz we had a bit too much to drink and acted childish, it won't happen again."
Fitz didn't answer. Stopping at a red light he glanced over at Liv, who looked slightly uncomfortable due to their quarrel.
"Hey Liv, sorry about that."
"It's okay."
"They wasted your time."
"No c'mon you did offer to drop me off first.. I can't blame them."
"Well I do."
A male voice echoed from the back. "You just gonna talk about us like we ain't right here?"
"Tyler if you don't shut up I'm throwing you out of this car right now."
Josh took it upon himself to get Tyler in check, his friend had a little more to drink than him.
Fitz dropped both of them at Josh's place and drove off without a word.
"They're your friends Fitz and Josh looks like he genuinely regrets what happened."
"I drove to Brooklyn and got into fight because of their stupidity. "
"I'm sure they'll make it up to you."
"Please don't talk in their favour I wanna be mad at them still."
Olivia chuckled. "Sorry."
"Wouldn't you be mad as hell if your friends played you like that?"
"Okay but they did say those guys had knives, so you didn't show up there for nothing."
"Still.. What if I got stabbed?"
"You can't get stabbed." Liv said nonchalantly.
"Oh really? How'd you come to that conclusion?" He asked intrigued and amused at the same time.
"Your career makes me believe you can go with your fists to a knife fight."
"Wow." He laughed heartily.
"I'm right aren't I?"
"Okay don't sound so cocky." He said making her laugh. It was slowly becoming his favourite sound.
"See your friends know that too which is probably why they phoned you."
"I thought I asked you nicely to stop talking in their favour."
They eventually make it to her apartment building.
"Woah you're not putting up a scene at me walking you up." He joked as he held the door for her.
Liv snorted laughter. "When did I ever put on a scene??"
"Only everytime I offer to do something for you.. Exhibit A, offering you a ride and--"
Olivia immediately cut him off. "Okay no need to go into detail."
"You asked."
"I wasn't putting on a scene though. I just politely declined."
They made it to her apartment and Fitz waited until she had the door unlocked.
"Thanks for the ride and the entertainment."
"You're welcome." They stood in silence, goodbyes always becoming an awkward event between the two of them.
"Uh.. so I'll see you around."
"The info you have on Brian Manning, you don't mind dropping it off at the firm tomorrow do you?"
"Not a problem. Goodnight Liv."
"Goodnight Fitz."
xxx
"How did you know I was at home?" Fitz asked opening his door to reveal the two men on the other side.
"We went to your office, your secretary said you're working from home. Can we come in?"
"Sure.."
Josh and Tyler follow him into his luxury penthouse and took a seat on the sectional sofa.
"You want something to drink?" Fitz asked but both of them declined.
"Look we came over to apologize. We were cowards. Shamelessly lying to you to get you to come and beat up a few guys..that wasn't cool. Really man, we're sorry."
"I was angry. Thank you for the apology, next time though..just tell me what's what. Like you said, you know I got you guys."
"Also, sorry for acting like an ass in front of your lady friend." Tyler said with a slight smirk at the mention of Fitz's friend.
Then Josh chimed in. "Yeah we probably messed up your date didn't we?"
"It wasn't a date and she actually came up for you guys after I wanted to just slap some sense into both of you."
"She did? Niiice. I like her already."
"Okay I accept your apology but I gotta go so get moving."
"Are you meeting her for lunch?"
"You just love being in other people's business don't you Josh?"
Grabbing the folder on his kitchen counter, Fitz locked the door behind him as they left.
"So when can we meet her? I mean like officially."
"You hooligans? Probably never."
"That's rude."
Fitz just laughed and got into his car then drove off on his way to Liv's workplace.
The ladies, young and old, working at Novak Beene and Associates was eyeing him up and down when he entered the firm.
He was nicely dressed in navy blue dress pants and a soft pink dress shirt with a few buttons at the top left undone.
One of the ladies gathered herself and was brave and confident enough to go up to him.
"Hi can I help you?"
"Yes.. I'm here for Olivia Pope."
"Oh.." She sounded dejected.
"Excuse me?"
The lady, who looked to be in her mid 30's, cleared her throat. "Sorry uh, Olivia Pope you say.. You can go right this way, her secretary will be able to help you."
"Okay. Thank you."
After getting approval from Olivia, her secretary showed Fitz into her glass wall office.
"Hi." She smiled brightly once he entered her office.
"Hi. This is a nice office you got here." He did a 360 scan of the room. "It's bigger than mine."
Liv chuckled as he did his little observation. "Have a seat, please."
"Thanks. You look.. different. I mean good different obviously. Very lawyer-like."
"Considering I am actually a lawyer, thanks I guess."
"Don't make fun me. It's just an experience to see you so.. in your element."
"So my office is bigger than yours?" She ask with a giggle.
"Yes, I have a better view though."
"How can anything beat this view?"
"Mine does."
"Don't look now but there's a group of junior associates outside my office pretending to talk to my secretary when all they're really doing is checking you out."
"Is that how it goes around here?"
"Uh huh. So beware or you'll get mauled."
"You should talk to them."
"I'm not in charge of the associates and I don't think they like me."
"Woah how can they not like you?"
"Did you like me when we first met?"
"That was different, you had reasons to be rude."
"I'm just joking. No but some of them come here with an attitude, acting like they're smarter than us. I'm not here for that. You're gonna have to earn your right to be cocky in this building."
"You're a real bad ass." Fitz said laughing.
"I'm really not." She laughed along with him. "Anyway, did you bring it?"
"Yep." He handed the folder over to her.
She took out the documents and quickly went over it. "Thank you for this Fitz, it's really gonna help us with this case."
"I hope you nail him. He's just a piece of work isn't he? I read through those files."
"Yeah he is."
"Do you think it's safe for me to go out there yet?"
"Probably not. C'mon I'll walk you out." She said getting out of her seat and Fitz was stunned into silence when he saw the way her knee length dress was hugging her body.
Quickly recovering he hopped up but Liv had already noticed his gaze. However she chose not to think much of it.
Olivia walked him over to the elevator.
"Allow me to make the rest of the day very entertaining for you."
"What?" She was clearly confused.
As the elevator dinged Fitz pulled Liv in for a hug. This was the first time they had any physical contact with each other apart from the time she had her panic attack and he carried her to her bedroom. Olivia was caught by surprise, she kept her hands down, not returning the hug immediately but eventually she raised her arms and wrapped it around his back. It was like her body was reacting on it's own because her mind was still stuck questioning his move.
She mentally kicked herself. It's just a hug from a friend Olivia, nothing more, nothing less.
Shit she barely allowed Chad to touch her whenever he visited her at the office.
So..they hugged. Fitz smiled when he felt her returning the hug. It felt good. Olivia relaxed and enjoyed his touch.
After a minute he stood back and Liv smirked at him. "Do you realise what you just did? There'll be hushed whispers all around me now."
"A little office gossip is always fun."
"Not when I'm the topic you fool."
"Did you really just call me a fool?" He asked acting appalled.
"The elevator is waiting, leave." Her voice playful.
"Are you upset?"
"I'm getting your number from Talia and I'm sticking it all over the walls of this building for these women."
"You'd never do that to me."
"Sure I would."
Fitz chuckled and hugged her again resting his hand on the small of her back then quickly walked into the elevator. "See ya!"
Liv didn't know wether to laugh or call him an asshole after seeing his smug face dissappear behind the steel doors.
Making her way back to her office, it started. The hushed whispers.
"That damn Fitz." She mumbled.
xxx
"Hey Talia.. and friend?" Liv came home looking exhausted.
"Liv this is Jeremy."
"Hello Jeremy."
"8:30, and you didn't even text to say you're working late. I made dinner and saved you a plate."
"I was too busy sorry. We ate at the office, but thanks though."
"Big case?"
"Just prep for an important trial."
"Okay. Well we are going out, I just waited for you to get home."
"Hey before you go, can you give me Fitz's number?"
"Whyyy?" Talia asked playfully.
"I need to have a word with him."
"What did he do?"
"Jeremy is waiting, are you going to give me the number or not?"
"You get so grumpy when you work late. I'll text it to you. Bye."
"Bye, have fun and be careful."
"Always."
After they left Liv went to take a shower, got changed into her favourite sleep shirt then crawled in bed. She unplugged her phone from the charger and dialled Fitz's number.
"Hello?"
"I got cornered by at least 5 people asking me about you."
"Liv! Hi."
"Don't hi me."
"I'm sure it wasn't that bad."
"Listen, I'm a junior partner at that firm, I can't be caught up in office gossip."
"Sorry.."
"I handled it though."
"See? Bad ass."
"Whatever."
"Hey I mean it I'm sorry. What can I do to make it up to you?" He sounded sincere and Liv almost cave but she intended on giving him a hard time.
"Nothing."
"Nothing? You just threw away an opportunity to get anything you want out of me. Are you sure?"
"How about you earn my forgiveness?"
"But you're not even really mad and I just apologized like.. twice." He was teasing her.
"How would you know if I'm really mad at you or not?"
"I can hear it in your voice."
"Well I am mad." She stated and heard him laugh heartily.
"What's so funny?"
"Nothing. So you're not accepting my apology?"
"No."
"Okay."
"What is okay supposed to mean? You know what, goodbye."
"Goodnight Olivia." Fitz said sweetly before she hung up.
It didn't take Liv long after her phone call with Fitz to fall into a slumber but now she had to get up to use the bathroom.
Returning to her bed there was a loud knock at the door. She checked the time and it was 10pm.
Liv walked cautiously to the door and stood on her toes to peek through the peephole.
Why did she feel slightly giddy right now but also annoyed?
She opened the door. "I was already asleep. What are you doing here?"
He couldn't help but feel a bit flustered by her appearance. Her sleep shirt hanging loosely over her thighs, her hair in a messy bun, no make up... Damn.
"Apologizing." He took a step forward and leaned against the doorframe.
Olivia didn't know what to make of the fact that she found him extremely cute right now.
"I don't see any flowers.."
"My hands are clearly behind my back indicating that I have something for you." He smirked.
"Well I'm waiting."
"I thought you didn't want anything from me.. Something about earning your forgiveness and all that."
"Okay smart ass, would you like to leave so that I can go back to bed?"
He pulled her surprise out behind his back. A bouquet of origami flowers. Purple, yellow and white. Lilies, Cherry Blossoms, Roses, Tulips and Lotus flowers.
"I had a bit of time on my hands."
"You do origami??" This was the last thing Liv expected.
"A hidden talent."
"It's beautiful.." She inspected the creation in amazement.
"So, am I forgiven?"
Olivia couldn't keep stop the smile forming on her face. "Yes, you are."
"Thank god."
"These are really beautiful Fitz."
"I haven't done it in a while. I wanted to show you that this apology is geniune."
"I was never really upset." She admitted in a fit of giggles.
"I know but I liked that you gave me a hard time anyway." Fitz said in a low, deep voice and kept his gaze on her.
Suddenly her whole body felt heated. He was making her blush. What is this!?!?
Liv started freaking out again and Fitz could tell by the subtle changes in her body language.
With a sweet and charming smile Fitz said, "Goodnight Liv."
"Goodnight Fitz."
Closing the door she leaned back against it, staring at the 'flowers' in her hand with a smile.