Check out "Before Dark" by Such... it will be good for the second part of the chapter. :)

Watching Olivia turn the corner, Fitz smiled to himself, knowing they were making progress. The week was completely hellish; not just professionally, but emotionally. After thinking he had left Mellie behind, she reappeared unexpectedly, and shook things up. So that was something he needed to figure out himself, how he felt by that. But then, the awkward moment affected Olivia tremendously. In his mind, he assumed she was someone who would be cold to any "lowly" competition. That was his mistake — shouldn't assume anything. The words were hurtful, understandably, but he had to make his intentions clear. Their conversation in his office returned them to a civil and friendly path. He was counting down the hours to see her, so they could talk, and hopefully, express themselves without words.

But now, he had to switch gears and do what he was good at. Not good, great.

It had been four months since he last anchored a newscast. Many memories flooded in as Fitz walked to the anchor desk. Swiveling in the chair, he thought about his years back home Los Angeles. The hours of working on scripts and prompts. All the long shifts, 4:30-11:50pm. Announcing breaking news, the camaraderie with Kimberly Mitchell, and others. Being the BMOC, and in the spotlight. Knowing his opinions mattered, and he was viewed as a go-to in the news community. He felt wanted and it was glorious. Sometimes at night, he questioned why he gave all of that up, so he could co-host a daytime local variety show, that was still in its trial run...

"Fitz?"

"Yes?"

Laurel called for him several times, finally making a connection. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I was thinking about the last time I did this."

"Do you miss it?"

"A little bit. I don't miss the late hours, but then again I don't like waking up at 5:30 either."

Laurel grinned, tapping her pen lightly against the desk. "You'll be fine. I heard Liv is taking off tomorrow so maybe I'll sub in for her, if all goes well today."

"Huh?"

Twisting her fiery red lips, Laurel explained, "Cyrus told me an hour ago. She needs to clear her head and he told me to get ready."

Puzzled, Fitz was quick to answer. "That can't be right. I just talked to her, she didn't mention that. At all."

Laurel played it off, acting like the info she gave wasn't a bombshell in Fitz's ears; "Well, that's what I heard. You have to admit, she was acting like a diva, and to be new here, I don't think that goes well."

Narrowing his brows, Fitz mulled over his response, wanting to be extremely careful. He had barely talked to Laurel since their first day at the station. It appeared to be quite bold of her to be open with sharing. "Do you believe everything you hear?"

"No, but—"

"Were you on set with us this week," he calmly asked.

Laurel was beginning to get frazzled, tucking a few strands of hair behind her right ear. "No."

"Well," Fitz checked his notes. With a sly wink, he added quietly, "I think it's best to not discuss what you don't know about."

Laurel pivoted her chair forward, clearly embarrassed by the quiet "read".

"Okay."

In a timely interruption, Marcus approached, handing them new scripts. Once he left the desk, Fitz felt more comfortable to share what he wanted to tell Laurel.

"Look, I don't know what you were trying to do, but let's start this broadcast on the good foot. All I want is a stress-free hour. As far as I know, Olivia Pope has standards when it comes to her work, and I do as well. We should keep the gossip to a minimum."

There. He asserted himself. Setting the tone, which was an element he was known for.

With a curt nod, refusing to turn towards Fitz, Laurel replied, "Duly noted."

The hour seemed to drag. During the commercial breaks, one of the producers mentioned how several viewers were raving about Fitz being the guest anchor.

An extra hour with Fitz Grant? How delightful!

I wish OP was on with Fitz.

Maybe I'll start watching the 12PM news more if Fitz Grant was anchoring.

While Fitz smirked, pleasantly amused by the tweets, Laurel was not as pleased.

"Hmm, I guess our chemistry doesn't match," she huffed, then spat out a few choice sentences in her native tongue, Spanish.

"Everyone doesn't have the Pope and Grant touch," Marcus shouted from across the room, giving Fitz a thumbs up.

After they signed off, Fitz commended himself for not losing his touch. That was his main concern, but everything felt like a breeze. Reading the teleprompters, and cordially engaging with Laurel, the meteorologist, and the field reporters.

Strutting off stage, he checked his cell. Nothing from Olivia, but a few emails regarding future appearances in the city, popped up in his notifications.

While walking to his office, his phone buzzed. Cyrus was on the line.

"Hello?"

"Have you talk to her?"

"Who?"

"Olivia."

"Yes," he answered, unlocking his door.

"Good. Now I feel better."

"Oh really now?"

Cyrus gruffly commented, "Absolutely. I'm on edge when you're not on your A-game. Shit ain't right."

"What do you mean?"

"Your chemistry, Fitz. The genuine spark we saw during the screen tests. It wasn't there this week and I need to make sure it comes back and stays. Whatever you need to do— "

Combining a fast eye roll with his sigh, Fitz interjected, "Don't worry, I remember what you said."

"Now, don't stay up late, because I need you to be on."

Fitz was becoming concerned about all these strict orders from Cyrus. If anything, shouldn't the instructions come from Annalise?

"Okay, one last question before I go."

"Yeah."

"Did you ask Olivia to take the rest of the week off?"

"I gave her that option, yes."

"Why?"

Cyrus sighed heavily. "I thought it would be the best option, without getting Annalise involved. Olivia appeared to be going through a lot, and since I'm not privy to all the details, maybe a few days away from the station would help her out. You could read it all over her face, that she was not comfortable."

"So how would that help your goal? Of us being together? You don't want to stick it out with her? She's off her game for three days and you want to bench her?"

"It's been six weeks already, she deserves a break."

Fitz wasn't clear with his supervisor's reasoning. "That seems a bit unfair, don't you think?"

"I have to protect the show. If one of you display behavior that is not beneficial to the program, I have to consider options."

"Why didn't you ask me to take time off?"

"I did not think it was necessary."

Fitz lowered his brows, putting the call on speaker. "You did this because you assume she's not in control of her emotions?"

"Our show is different than a taped series, where we can stop and reset. Everything's live and everything counts. Maybe she's stressed, all is still new for her."

"So you don't think she's equipped?"

"Fitz, you have more experience. You're calm under pressure. She's still learning."

"But these are assumptions," he stated, trying to also stay chill. He didn't like how Cyrus was implying about his partner's demeanor. Sure, she needed to adjust, but to throw her under the boss. That did not seem right.

"Needless to say, she opted to stay on for the rest of the week. But promise me, you two will be on the same page. We can't have any blow ups. Spent too much money advertising…"

"Cyrus, what's going on with her, is none of your business. We talked. It got resolved, so let's move on."

"When it affects my ratings, it sure as hell does. And by the way, I would advise you to keep your ex away from Olivia."

The stern lectures needed to stop. Fitz was a grown man; he was not immune to correction, but the tone of Cyrus' comments were a bit too much, definitely out of line.

"So you do think this is my fault?"

"Actually, yes. If you knew your ex-girlfriend was coming, we wouldn't be in this mess. Olivia clearly was jealous of what you two had."

"No," he rebutted. "I was surprised to see her while I was working. Olivia responded negatively to what was said to her. I don't blame her, but I cannot control or belittle her feelings. Olivia is her own person. As much as you think we glued to the hip, we are not. With that in mind, I will see you in the morning."

"Sounds good."

Taking a beat, Fitz was catching on to what Cyrus was giving. The problem wasn't Olivia's reactions; it was how everything affected the show. Cy wasn't caring about them as individuals, wanting them to rest up. All he needed was the products deliverable. Whatever it would take, Beene wanted a good result.

Fitz should have guess by Cyrus' suggestion of getting physical was a huge red flag.

The walk back home helped him come to a decision: as long as he could keep everything with Olivia under wraps, they would be fine. Ripples that would disturb this formula would be unwelcomed.

Another thing to talk about in the evening.

"Mama, I'll be fine. No need to worry, I have a plan for the apartment, it's spacious enough for me and me alone. You don't have to come up to help. I mean, I want to see you, but that would be pointless."

Olivia was in the middle of decorating and it made sense to pass time with a phone call to her mother. On average, she saw her parents at least once a week, when they were all in the same town. It had been far too long since their last in-person visit, and it was weighing on her. But she chose this new direction in her career and they understood. Hopefully the break during Christmas would be a mood changer.

"Yes, Mama, work is great too. Nothing is perfect, but I'm here for the long haul. Once we past November, we should be able to breathe easier."

In the middle of her explanation, Olivia put the call on speaker, so she could keep moving and make use of both hands.

"That's all we want for you, dearie. Making sure you're safe and doing what you're called to do."

Mrs. Pope was a spiritual woman, always believing the universe would lead her daughter to the right places.

"Thank you."

There was a knock at the door. Anticipating a package or food, Olivia had to answer.

"Hey, can I call you back? The delivery guy is here. Okay, love you."

Olivia tossed her phone on the couch, then rushed to the door, looking through the peephole.

"Well, hello."

Greeted with a different kind of surprise, Fitz was standing in front of her. Back in his casual fall outfit — a blue sweater, jeans, and sneakers — holding a huge bouquet of roses.

"Good evening."

Olivia stepped back, so she could allow him to enter. She didn't even care how underdressed she was; only in a hoodie, leggings, and barefoot. She was in her own place, comfort was king.

"What is this for?"

Grinning while offering his gift to Olivia, Fitz answered, "To make up for the shitty week you had. Remember when you got flowers in your office?"

She groaned, "Don't remind me."

"I hope this will officially erase that bad visual."

Grateful for his attentiveness, Olivia smiled at Fitz, taking the roses to the kitchen. It definitely was a 180 from the useless gesture she received at work. She hoped he would surprise her with a beautiful token of appreciation and sure enough, it happened.

When she returned to the living room, Fitz was still standing in the middle of living room.

"Ooh, I forgot."

A simple round of "hello" kisses were delightful; his arms finding their favorite restig place — her waist, while she lifted her chin so their lips could meet. They were extra soft and inviting, and a wonderful solution.

"How was the rest of your day," he asked.

Olivia shrugged her shoulders, "Boring. I drove to Bethesda to get some furniture."

"Oh, yeah," Fitz questioned, plopping on the couch. "You got it all in your car?"

Waving her hand, she teased, "No, silly! They're delivering it tomorrow afternoon. But I did go overboard with kitchenware, and pillows, and other shit."

Fitz laughed, while observing her gorgeous curves. The sway of her hips were mesmerizing. "Nice!"

"I ordered a few dishes from the Deli across the street. Is that okay? Thought they'd be here before you came, but here you are."

"Sounds excellent."

The exchange of smiles and lovey-dovey eyes were adorable.

"How was your day?"

Fitz's laugh was caught in his throat. "I had an interesting afternoon, I'll tell you that."

"Really? I watched the noon broadcast. You looked good."

"Thank you. Do you get the feeling Cyrus is a fucking puppermaster?"

Olivia offered Fitz a bottle of water, then joined him on the couch. "Sometimes, why?"

"I didn't realize until now how serious he was about this show. It's like it's all he lives for."

"He just wants everything to be perfect."

"Too perfect."

Fitz poked Olivia's thigh. "So…we need to keep our lines of communication open."

"Agreed. I admit, I was jealous. Seeing her touching you like that... I shouldn't have taken it so seriously. I felt like an idiot. She knows you longer than me, but I thought I was fooling myself with my feelings."

Fitz stopped her, by rubbing her arm. "You have nothing to worry about. I forgive you, Liv."

"Thank you." Olivia blinked a few times, so stop herself from tearing up. Fitz was such a good friend.

"If I know anyone is going to try to hurt you, I'm going to protect you. I promise."

The food arrived, and the two had healthy appetites. While they ate, Olivia turned on Netflix.

"In the mood for anything?"

"Nope," Fitz said, toeing off his shoes, so he could stretch his legs.

Olivia found a simple drama to watch. After setting it up, she decided to get cozy with Fitz. Their legs tangled, finding a cozy position.

"This is nice."

"Same," he answered, giving her the crooked grin she adored.

Gradually, the movie became ambient noise, and Olivia couldn't stop studying his face, watching him watch her. Their eyes met. Fitz slowly licked his lips. The temptation, the wanting. She didn't want to fuck around this time.

She made the first move again, and she didn't regret it.

Their lips crushed, with tongues slipping out, and mouths open. Everything about this make out session was bold and hungry. Eventually, she was lying on top of him, grinding on him, feeling how hard he had become. His hands were on her ass, kneading her taut flesh, thankful she was wearing thinner material.

"Fitz?"

"Yes," he answered breathlessly.

"Would it be a crime if I wanted to take up on your offer from the other day. Remember?"

"Oh, yes, I do, and I was hoping you'd bring it up."

Olivia stroked his ear, which was gradually turning into a brighter shade of pink.

"Can you do something for me?"

She whispered, "Yes."

Fitz lifted her chin, kissing her again.

"Take off your clothes."

Olivia sat up, crossed her arms, and pulled the hoodie over her head. Only in a bra, she glanced at Fitz. Then, she slowly pushed the leggings down, revealing to him her legs that he definitely lusted over. Whenever she wore her form-fitting skirts, or even the first day they met when she had shorts on, he always paid attention to her toned legs.

"Fuck."

Not expecting Fitz to curse, she covered her mouth, stilling the rolling laughter in her belly.

"Thank you."

"I didn't mean to be filthy, but my God," he spoke with admiration, "You...are perfect."

Olivia smirked. The words soothed her as she lay back on the couch, waiting for Fitz to make the next move.

"Don't just ogle, come here and do something about it, Grant."

Fitz let out a chuckle. In thirty seconds flat, his clothes were on the floor.

Now it was Olivia's turn to drool over how gorgeous this man was, up close.

His hands roaming over her body, reaching behind her to unclasp her bra. Her breasts, medium-sized, were full with hard, chocolate nipples, which kept Fitz's attention. Hungrily, he lapped her buds, taking his time to press his tongue on each. He moaned, elated for this moment. Always thinking about this. Of course, he was going to respect the boundaries, but once she gave him the go-ahead, Fitz was prepared.

With one hand, Olivia tugged on the growing curls at the nape of Fitz's neck, using them like reigns on a horse, guiding him where he should go or stay. The other, digging into his strong back. As he continued to kiss her skin, Fitz moved her panties to the side, brushing his thumb through her folds, exposing her wet core.

"I need you," she growled in his ear. As much as she enjoyed a good round of foreplay, the whole day had been a tease and she wanted this, finally.

Fitz nodded, inching away, leaning down for his jeans. In the back pocket, there was only lint.

"Shit. Shit!"

"What," Olivia asked, underneath him.

Rolling off of her, Fitz rummaged through his wallet. It seemed so juvenile, but he had to check. Nothing. Eyes big with slight embarrassment, looking down at himself, already pitching a tent, Fitz muttered, "I— Ummm.. Give me a minute."

Stumbling around, he hurried to get his jeans back on, grabbing his keys, and left for the unit across the hall.

Olivia breathed heavily, staring at the ceiling, with the irony not lost on her. Exactly when she wasactually ready for Fitz to plow into her, he wasn't. But that wasn't his fault; they needed to be safe. The tension was thick and finally, she was going to get all the things Fitz had promised to give. Or whenever he would return with a condom…

Counting down from ten, she heard his door slam, then her door also slamming shut. It must have been a miracle that no one was in the hallway, innocently walking to and from their residences.

In a rush, Fitz waved the missing piece, a gold foiled packet. He pointed at her, "Don't laugh."

Olivia used her arm to cover her chest, shaking her head. It was difficult, but she kept his request.

After removing his jeans, again, Fitz turned away, tearing the packet open..

"No," she encouraged. "Let me see you."

It had been a while since Olivia was blessed to see Fitz's dick. She enjoyed the view; he was thick in all the right places. Already ruffled brown curly hair. A broad chest with a smattering of hair all over, and a trim waist. She wondered how he looked working out... toned and so muscular. Legs for days, and his ass was tight and firm.

When he got settled, he looked at Olivia, who was watching him intently.

"What?"

Shrugging, Olivia grinned, pointing her toes, "Oh, just admiring."

"You're not too shabby yourself," he replied, strutting back to the couch. "You want to do this here?"

Olivia scooted down, making sure she was comfortable. "Absolutely. Fuck me."

"What?"

Confidently opening her legs for him, "You heard me."

Fitz lifted her, lining his dick with her opening, which was glistening.

"You are so wet."

"Fitzzzz," she sighed when he finally began his entry. She loved having sex; the first time having a man inside of her was always great, but then looking right at him while he did so, was such an exhilarating time for her, and a huge turn on.

While he slowly stretched her out, Olivia inhaled, then let out a huge breath when he finally reached his limit. She was already loving how his skin touched hers. Giving themselves a moment to adjust. He was so big and she was extremely tight. Fitz moaned again. But shortly after, once she knew how good he felt inside, they started to move.

Olivia looped her arm around his neck, as her pussy squeezed on his dick. The pace changed. While rocking at a dizzy speed, she mumbled, "I like this" and "fuck, yes".

That only encouraged Fitz to keep at it, slightly pulling away, only to fuck her again. He grabbed her thigh for a moment, then lifted her leg, so he could have a better angle. He glanced down to watch how his dick easily slid in and out of her tight and wet core.

"Damn," he smiled, finding her blissful face. "You feel amazing."

Olivia pulled him down, wanting to kiss him again and again.

There was no reason to turn on the TV, because it was just background noise. But it finally paused, so the only sounds being heard in the apartment, were coming from them. A steady fucking.

Fitz ended the kiss, working on getting her to completion. He switched his approach, making his strokes heavier, determined to make her clit throb even more.

"You're too good," she remarked, reaching over to slap his ass.

He grunted — they both realized he enjoyed that — and dipped his head, sucking on her nipple, grazing his teeth on her, adding another element.

Olivia knew she was close; her stomach contracting, and breath hitching. Biting down on his shoulder, she finally came.

It was glorious.

Five strong strokes later, Fitz collapsed, slamming his eyes shut, being in the moment of his orgasm.

"Damn," she wiped her forehead, a minute later. "That was… fun. How was it for you?"

Fitz kissed her cheek, neck, and chest. "I loved it."

They cuddled for another minute, before Olivia asked him to scoot over so she could get up.

"Damn. So soon?"

Olivia snorted, pulling her hair into a messy bun. "I'm sticky, baby, and I need to wash up. Care to join me?"

"Seriously?"

Olivia scooped her clothes into her arms, giving Fitz another chance to see where he was giving most of his attention recently.

"I got new towels, so…"

He accepted the invitation. Thankfully, it was a hot, slow, relaxing shower, because emotionally and physically, they were spent. In between lathering, he snuck in a kiss. She giggled, swatting him away so she could focus, but it was obvious she wanted to continue what he was doing.

"Welcome to my room," she gestured. "It isn't much."

"It's great. Next time," Fitz pressed his lips on Olivia's ear. He could feel her shudder. "I want to take you in your bed. Or my bed."

Swallowing dryly, Olivia thought of a few positions they could try with more space. Getting fucked by Fitz Grant was the highlight of her week. She regained her composure. "Thank goodness you live five seconds away. Your walk of shame won't be so... shameful."

Fitz clenched his fist, but only to softly and slowing tap the side of her arm. "Very funny, Pope."

"This is why I wanted to wait, so we could talk."

"I'm glad you did."

Olivia let the towel fall, seductively turning away, so Fitz could see all of her. Inching closer, he zoned in on the small mole on her back, and softly pressed his finger on it.

"So."

"So what," she mimicked.

Feathering more kisses on her skin, he asked, "What are we doing? If someone were to figure this out..."

She slipped out of his reach, putting her robe on. "We are friends, and co-workers, who like to spend a lot of time together. And we can decide how often we do this," she stated, tying the robe tighter. "But can we wait until after Thanksgiving to think about next steps? Ratings season will be over and we will know of its fate."

Olivia glancd at Fitz, waiting for his response, hoping for his approval.

"I can do that. But you need to not get jealous."

She let out a scoff. "You were pissed at her too."

"Of course, she's my ex. If you thought you're jealous, watch out for her!"

"Why?"

Fitz paused from drying his hair with a small towel, "Why what?"

"Why did you break up with her?"

He requested to use her lotion, after receiving the bottle, while moisturizing his skin, he revealed, "I wanted to be my own person. After a while, I knew she only wanted to be with me because of my footprint in L.A. I was a good asset for her, which was okay, but it was getting old. It was time to start over."

"I know exactly what you mean."

"Oh?"

Olivia gave a sad smile. "Yes. My last relationship had similar qualities. Everything was safe and there were decisions I had to make, to benefit myself, not him. Me not speaking up and living out the status quo was was the best move for him. But I wasn't satisfied."

Fitz left the room to get his clothes, all naked and beautiful. Olivia bit her bottom lip, feeling good about her decision to finally get physical with him.

He returned shortly, wearing his jeans. "So what are you thinking, Missy?"

Olivia shook her index finger. "Aht aht. It's already ten o'clock. I need to get to bed, Fitz."

"Yes."

"Ready for tomorrow? You are coming?"

"Of course," she answered. "Word went around?"

Fitz sighed, nodding, as he sat at the foot of the bed. "Yes. We have got to get a handle on this gossip. We can't be the only people worth talking about!"

Olivia rubbed her hand along the middle of his chest. "You're right. I agree with that."

With his now signature lopsided grin, he concluded, "Let's agree to do our best at our jobs, and if people want to talk, so be it. We're a team, on and off the soundstage."

"I'm all about that."

"Together?"

Olivia stepped forward, slipping her hand into his. "Together."

Hope this chapter was worth the wait and clarified some things for you, including you, anon, who left that very heated comment... Instead of leaving a guest note and projecting / assuming you know what I'm doing with my story, message me with your username; it's easier for me to answer you and it's less cowardly. And for those who read my stories, and are respectful with your questions and feedback, if you don't agree with certain things, I appreciate ya.

Happy and Merry! xo