Hope you liked...

For those who wanted this chapter, thanks for being patient.

xo

Prepping for this new show was a bitch and the anticipation was building. In all his years of news journalism, Fitz had never felt this nervous. Telling the news was all he knew. There were no deviations. He gave it his all and the people loved him for it. Now this was a new concept, using different techniques to present information in a lifestyle, casual format, was going to be harder than he perceived. But he was hired for his reliability and personality; he was going to let those two strengths shine.

When he wasn't at the office, he was apartment hunting. The studio was a mile from the Maryland / DC line, so his options had expanded. The realtor did most of the searching, only giving Fitz the best listings. All he wanted — a large master bedroom and enough space to host gatherings, whenever he was going to make new friends. That was the hard part; He was such a social butterfly, eager to interact. With all the hours spent crafting this new show, he had no time to go out and meet people.

On his weekly phone call with his mother, Catherine, he opened up about his reservations. She was the sole reason why he contemplated not leaving Los Angeles. Her encouragement kept him going over the years.

"How's Washington treating you?"

"I like it, a whole lot."

"What about your co-host?"

"Olivia?"

"Is that her name?"

"Yes, ma'am. She's wonderful. She comes from Charleston, a firecracker. Energetic. Annalise thinks we work well together."

Catherine sighed, "Good old workmanship and chemistry."

"Yes."

"Don't fall for her."

"Mom!"

She laughed loudly in his ear. "I'm only kidding. Everyone can't resist my Fitz. But I know you have show crushes on everyone you work with."

It was a fact that Fitz was a flirter, and would be enamored by a strong, beautiful woman, especially in the office. Most of the time, it would backfire, either in a fail of a date, or misconstrued feelings and actions.

When he sucked his teeth, his mother added, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you on your first day. But I'm glad you and Olivia are working well. Where can I catch this program?"

"I don't know. I'll see if it will be online so you can watch it 9 o'clock your time."

"That's awesome, honey. So," Catherine started, "The likelihood of you visiting me will be slim?"

"Mom, I just left."

"I thought I'd ask…"

Fitz adored Catherine to the moon and back. Their relationship was one of love, respect, and sarcasm; their banter was sweet and funny. It made sense since it had been just the two of them for 30 plus years. When tragedy struck and his father passed away when he was 10 years old, Fitz and Catherine's bond grew stronger because that's all that was left. Being the only child, he was able to learn more and gain affection from her, being each other's rocks during tough times. He wanted to make her proud, in every phase of his life. Even with three thousand miles separating them.

"Possibly Thanksgiving? By then,I should know the status of this show. You know what, it doesn't matter, I'll fly to you."

"You're doing what you love, and that's all I care about."

"Thanks, Mom."

"May I ask one more question?"

Fitz had crossed from his bed to the bathroom, starting to prep his toothbrush. "Sure," he sighed, knowing exactly where she was going.

"What if the show doesn't go well…"

"It will. I don't intend on moving back anytime soon. I quit my long term job for this. I'll find another job on this side of town."

"That's my boy. I love you, Fitzgerald Thomas."

His ears perked whenever she said those three words. It meant the world to him.

"Love you too, Mom."

Fitz was not a morning person. Never had been. As soon as he graduated from high school, he always opted for classes after 1pm. The bliss of being an established newscaster — having a say of when he could work.

Those days were over.

The obnoxious alarm started blaring at 5:30.

"Five more minutes," he mumbled into the pillow.

Finally, at 5:45, he arose. Only having to take off his grey boxer briefs, Fitz grudgingly showered, letting the hot spray revitalize his senses.

It was the day; the debut of Morning Live. Staring at himself in the mirror, Fitz brushed down the wet curls that almost covered his eyes. He desperately wanted to style a certain way in gel. Annalise was insistent about him getting camera ready at the station. She wanted a certain look, he guessed.

By 7, he parked into his new space, strolling into the office in a t-shirt and jeans, ball cap covering his messy hair, backpack slung over his shoulder, garment bag, and his trusty USC alumni mug in his hand.

Once he got situated in his office, he found his way into the break room to get more coffee.

"Good morning."

The cheery greeting from Michaela sounded like a disaster in his ears.

"Mmhmm, mornin'."

His gruff response prompted her to ask, "Not an early riser?"

"Usually, no. But as with all people, I'll warm up."

As quickly as he could, he returned to the office, went to change, then got his hair styled. He realized AK and her team wanted to continue this handsome go-getter look for the Washingtonian viewers. Nothing like getting high ratings than seeing eye candy.

Tanya, the makeup artist, worked on his face, dabbing concealer and light foundation his face. She and Fitz chatted about life in L.A., families, and good scotch. He realized she could be a good person to talk to.

Just as he was getting finished, Olivia walked in, plopping into the chair next to him. Fitz's eyes flitted towards her sleek ensemble — Black top and red pencil skirt. Her hair slicked back into a bun. She looked amazing.

"Wow," he breathed. Did he say it too loud? Probably not because she didn't turn her head. Changing gears, he spoke first. "Good morning."

"Hi, Fitz, good morning."

"You don't have to get your hair done here?"

Olivia pressed her middle fingers on the hairs closest to her forehead, known as "baby hairs". "I didn't want to take a risk. You can never know who on staff. A lot of people don't know how to do my hair. But I'll talk to Annalise, if she actually gives a shit about it."

Her candor was a bright spot for Fitz. For two straight weeks, he was observing almost everything about her. What her interests were; what made her tick, and how would she respond when things didn't go her way. Olivia was definitely a woman who commanded the stage. All eyes on her. Whenever she spoke, he listened. He was smitten. Of course, he couldn't ignore her beauty. She was everything he loved about a woman. Olivia's features were stunning. Gorgeous brown eyes, pouty pink lips. Curvy in the right places. There was a regality to her and a boldness coming from this petite being — that captivated him so much. The determination, the passion.

Somehow, he had to get to know her better, outside the walls of WWTK.

"Touché," he agreed blissfully.

Cyrus marched in, clipboard in hand. "Alright, everyone! Places in five."

Fitz thanked Tanya for her help, standing up. Olivia grinned, walking in front of him.

Pope and Grant were on the move.

The set had been transformed. Stage one: a blue couch, with colorful accent pillows. The kitchen stage was brightly lit, with working appliances. One more spot with three chairs and a orange backdrop.

With the assistants giving the hosts their mic packs, Olivia signaled to the cameramen, then glanced over her script.

"Here we go…"

Fitz winked at Olivia, "Break a leg, Pope."

"You too, Grant."

"Together?" He blurted, not sure why he said that. He and Kim Mitchell had a series of hand motions and key words they'd use before each broadcast to pump themselves up and make sure they were on the same page.

Thankfully, Olivia quickly smiled and repeated. "Together."

"In 5, 4, 3…"

"Hello, DC, and you're watching Morning Live. I'm Fitz Grant."

"And I'm Olivia Pope."

The episode had Fitz and Olivia bouncing around to different topics: trying out new recipes from a local Cajun restaurant, learning aout new exhibits at the Natioanal Zoo, and a segment on affordable buys. There were a few awkward pauses, but overall, the broadcast went well.

With the new theme song playing softly in the background, Fitz waved while standing at the counter with the chef. "Thank you for joining us! See you tomorrow."

Olivia took a bite of the extra spicy jambalaya, wiggled, also waving goodbye.

"And that's a wrap. Good job, everyone," Cyrus exclaimed. The whole room applauded.

Olivia shuffled off the kitchen set, untying her apron. "Thank Jesus... Great job."

"Thanks."

Their brains were connected and they high fived.

Annalise emerged from the background, giving them smiles. "Good work, you two. It's just what I imagined. We're going to meet in the conference room at 7. Enjoy the rest of your day.

Fitz stood next to Olivia, who had a big grin on her face.

"All thanks to you," he nudged her arm with his elbow.

"It takes two... Shit, I need to switch my shoes, be right back."

Olivia rushed out of view. Fitz couldn't keep his eyes away, watching her until she couldn't be seen anymore. until he heard his name being called.

Smitten...

Olivia and Fitz were definitely in a groove, entering each segment with pizazz, humor, and compassion.

Somehow they both were wearing blue on Friday's taping. Fitz was wearing a navy blue suit and a light blue shirt; Olivia wore a cobalt blue top with black wide leg pants. Her hair was softly curled, hitting her bare shoulders.

"Together?"

"Together."

They smiled as the countdown ended.

After the show, Fitz visited Olivia's office.

"This is nice."

Olivia extended her arm, like she was a hostess. "Thanks. Finally began to make it my own."

Along wth South Carolinian trinkets, there were lots of photos. One particular frame caught Fitz's eye. A beautiful shot of Olivia at her college graduation with her parents.

"Those are my cousins," she stated. "We're hot messes."

"Who's that?"

Olivia paused. Looking away for a few seconds, then returning to look at Fitz, she replied, "Oh…that's an old friend of mine."

Fitz immediately scanned the photo in his memory. They looked happy, but after seeing her wince, made him remember their first talk together. She was sad. Maybe he was involved with her sadness.

Connor Walsh, one of the segment producers, tapped on the door. The olive-skinned brunette informed there would be a celebratory happy hour at 4:30.

Olivia asked, "You going?"

"Maybe. You?"

"Sure, why not? I didn't make any plans."

Fitz changed his mind. "Okay, I'll go. Can't let my co-host attend solo."

She smirked. "Whatever you say. I can hold my own. But it would be nice to see you there."

The little jabs that seemed like teasing were more than that. They were flirting, casting lines to see who would catch the bait first.

Connor, Michaela, Jake, Marcus, Olivia, Fitz, and three more staff members, were hanging out in the middle of the bar. Everyone was in their casual wear. Olivia had a fancy black and gold top, while Fitz wore a lightweight white dress shirt and jeans.

"How about we all give one interesting fact about ourselves?"

Fitz ended up sharing, "I play the guitar."

"Nice!"

Olivia hesitated but then offered something, "Every winter, I participated in debutante balls."

"Really," Jake Ballard asked, "With the fancy dresses and gloves?"

"Mmhmm," Olivia replied. "My mama was all about it, and I looked the part, so there I was. I think it helped me feel comfortable on TV."

"You're like Southern royalty."

Fitz watched Olivia give a brutal side eye, highly unamused.

"No, not really."

Connor lifted his tall beer glass, "Let's make a toast to us. To Morning Live!"

Everyone raised their glasses of shots, wine, or beer. It was becoming a good evening to get to know everyone better.

The conversation became more loose and candid.

"Is it hard to date people in DC?"

Marcus laughed, "Depends on what you're looking for. Politicians, forget about it. Best bet — brunches, club nights, maybe a gala or award ceremony."

Kyla, one of the writers, interjected, "Can't forget happy hours!"

Michaela decided to add to the conversation, "Raise your hand if you're single!"

Everyone except for Connor was part of the demographic. Fitz and Olivia glanced at each other, then off to somewhere else. Trying to stay cool, he smiled at Michaela, who later beamed. That probably wasn't the best move, but he wanted to make it less obvious of whom he was interested in.

A few drinks and appetizers later, the group began to dissipate. Michaela said she had to meet friends downtown, Connor was going home, and the others were slowly making their way outside.

"Alright," Marcus interjected, "I'll see you guys on Monday."

Fitz hugged him; "Take it easy."

Then, it was just him and Olivia. Hoping she'd stick around for a few minutes longer, he asked, "Have you found a place?"

"I'm looking at an apartment off of Connecticut."

"That's great."

"How about you?"

"I think I'm down to four spots. Three apartments and a townhouse in Bethesda. I'm tired of being in the hotel. It's been a month and I would like to sleep in a bed that's actually mine!"

Olivia giggled, "That's the truth! Say, are you still hungry? I'm still hungry."

"Oh?"

"Yup," she replied, scrunching her nose. "All that drinking got me in the mood for pizza."

Fitz shrugged his shoulders, "I could always try something new. Did you drive here?"

"I took an Uber."

Maybe he'd be able to take her back, so their night wouldn't have to end so soon.

They found a pizza shop a few blocks away. Megaslices, two dollars a piece. Fitz handed Olivia her slice, while he paid for their food and two sodas.

"This is so delicious." Olivia closed her eyes, enjoying the savory piece of baked dough, cheese, and sauce.

Fitz gulped; he imagined her closed eyes for the wrong reason.

"Shit."

"What?"

Feeling his cheeks heat, he answered in a hurry, "Nothing."

"I'm glad we didn't tank."

Fitz sipped on his drink, then shook his head comically. "We couldn't, not when the best EP in Washington hired the darling of the South and the California pretty boy."

Olivia laughed, touching his arm. But when their eyes met, she brought her hand back.

"Oh, sorry."

"It's okay. We're friends now. Right?"

"Yeah."

Fitz pointed at her, "Why did you look at me when Michaela asked who was single?"

"I don't know. I guess I was curious. But hey, you looked right back!"

"I did."

Boldness took over. "What's your stance on dating co-workers?"

Olivia answered mid-chew, "I don't."

Fitz's heart plummeted. "Oh."

"I've gone on a couple dates back home... I don't know. Anything is possible," she tried to soften the blow. "But it never worked out. Plus, I just got out of a long-term relationship. I don't know what to think."

"That makes complete sense, Olivia. Just wondering."

"How about you?"

"I think if ground rules are set, it can work."

Fifteen minutes passed, along with the awkwardness. Fitz asked, "Ready to go? I'll drive you."

"That's fine."

When they parked at the hotel, Olivia thanked him for driving. "Sorry to be such a Southern Belle, but would you walk me in?"

"Absolutely."

The two walked silently into the lobby, passed the front desk, to the elevator.

Olivia reached for her key, pressing the card on the screen, alllowing the door to open. Fitz followed her in.

During the ascent, she softly commented, "Tonight was fun, a whole lot of stress off our backs."

"Yeah," he replied, with a faint smile.

They stood side by side. The elevator was moving a little too slow for Fitz's liking.

"You're beautiful."

Olivia looked up to meet his face. "Fitz…"

"I mean it. I'm sorry if I'm fucking things up. But I had to let you know."

Fitz's eyesbrows knitted, hoping she wouldn't flat out reject him.

Olivia lowered her gaze. He noticed her eyelashes fluttering against her sweet skin.

"Thank you. I guess it's honesty hour. I find you to be very sexy yourself."

They both let out nervous laughs. The bell rang, alerting them of their desired floor.

Olivia led the way to her room. But she stopped, not quite at the door. She turned to Fitz, "I guess I'll see you on Monday, partner?"

"I better," he answered.

The joint yearning made the hallway smaller. Fitz could sense something so heavy between them. Was it the faded buzz from the evening? All the attention they were giving and receiving all week. He knew they had been flirting and doing more on and off set.

Very apphrensive, Fitz took a half step closer to Olivia; he watched her eyeing his mouth. He licked his lips.

"Fuck."

Olivia was breathing hard; her chest rising up and down. She dropped her purse, a complete no-no, and lunged to him.

More than ready to receive her, Fitz used one hand to cup her face, while the other, wrapping around her waist.

They were hungry; all the unsettled glances and vague comments came to a head. Their lips crushing and pulling, sucking. Fitz opened his mouth slightly, and sure enough Olivia's tongue pushed forward. He moaned in satisfaction, as they continued to explore.

He also noticed their hips were grinding against each other, in a supposedly empty hallway.

Olivia's hands squeezed the space between in Fitz's shoulders, before she stepped back.

"What's wrong?"

Fumbling for her purse, collecting her thoughts, she apologized. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry, this wasn't right."

"I don't get it."

"Thank you for walking me to my room. Good night, Fitz. I'll see you on Monday."

The total letdown made Fitz rush to make amends. "Olivia, if we crossed a line, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for this to make you uncomfortable."

"I know. I made the first move. I blame myself."

"Good night."

Before she crossed the threshold, Olivia rose to kiss him again. This time, it was fulfilling, comforting, and warm. Her fingers combing through his thick curls.

Fitz was about to take her into his arms, when she once again, pulled away. Touching her lips, pivoting away, she closed the door.

What a strange way to end the evening, he thought.

The first week of Morning Live ended in fireworks.