August 30th, 2015

9:25 PM

Sigma Chi House

Stanford, California

Fitz's POV

"Fitz! Stop!"

I can't deal with this. Not right now. And I can't stop - not just because Jake is dragging me away in record speed.

"Please," I hear Livvy's voice behind us as we stumble out of the house. She's sobbing hysterically yet sounds completely pisses off at the same time. "Stop."

I sigh and stop moving. Jake turns to me, his grip on my getting tighter. "Move."

I close my eyes. The early fall freeze is hitting at the cut under my eye and it stings like hell. "I need to talk to her."

"No," Jake mutters under his breath. "Security is about to pop up any second and you've already done enough damage, you dumb ass-"

"I wasn't asking," I shrug away from his latch and turn to Olivia, who is standing in the doorframe, mascara stained tears on her cheekbones.

I walk up to her, hands in my sweatpants pockets. My face really fucking hurts and I'm gonna deal with Cyrus, Big Jerry and Mellie on my ass about this but I have to apologize to Livvy about this. "Look, Olivia, I'm-"

Without allowing me to finish or even begin my apology, she picks up her hand and slaps me across the face - as if it's not fucked up enough from her stupid, dick of boyfriend. "Ow."

"What the hell is wrong with you?" she demands. I put my hand on the side of my jaw, where she slapped me. I could ask you the same thing...

"That was my freaking boss, you asshole," she yells through sobs. It's kind of interesting how she's crying and screaming at the same thing. It's also depressing as hell to see her this upset. "How could you do that me? How c-could you be so...how could you?"

I look away from her. It's really hard to see her cry. "I'm sorry."

And I really am. I didn't mean to make things worse for her. None of this was premeditated. I didn't go in thinking I was gonna end up on top the of guy, beating him up. I have never, EVER gotten into a fistfight. I didn't expect this to happen.

That said, I don't think I regret it. The guy had his hands on her and for all I know, had I not been there, he might have been planning to take advantage of her himself. I wasn't willing to take that risk. He made me angry - seeing her that vulnerable made me angry. That's why I did what I did. And for that? I'm not sorry.

"You really have a shitty boss."

"That's not funny," she stares at me coldly. "Is that funny to you? That's really not funny."

"Livvy," I sigh, reaching out to touch her hand.

"That is not my name," she reaches away and for a second, I think she may actually hit me again. But she doesn't. She just stands there, looking at me icier than I thought possible. "I'm not your thing to be saved, to be protected, to be taken care of. I'm not your student. And at this point, I don't even think I'm employed. Fuck you."

And then she's gone. Just like that, she's back into the house and there is nothing I can do about it.

August 30th, 2015

10:05 AM

Olmsted Terrace Home

Stanford, California

I'm so pissed off. I'm pissed off at Jake, at Harrison and as much as I hate to admit it, I'm pissed off at Olivia. Not for hitting me - I don't even care about that. I'm not even mad that she started this whole situation with me ending up on top of another man, beating him to a pulp. I'm not mad about that per se.

I'm mad that she acted reckless. I'm mad that she was even there in the first place. It has nothing to do with me. But I'm mad at myself too. Why was I so invested? Why did I even care that she was there at that party? Why did it bother me to see another guy put his hands on her?

For the life of me, I don't know. All I know is that I'm sitting in the on campus residence of Cyrus Beene, my ass on his bathroom counter and his husband, James, pressing an alcohol dampened washcloth to my eye.

"Ow."

"Stop whining," Cyrus marches into the bathroom, crossing his arms. "You lost your right to whine when you entered that stupid frat house and decided to be the idiot of the century. Do you know how much trouble you would be in had you not called me to bail you out of the wrath of campus security? Do you?"

"I'm sorry," I mumble.

"What's that?"

"I'm sorry," I roll my eyes. But I really didn't mean to disappoint Cyrus. He's the closest thing to a father I have. And I didn't want to drag him into any of this.

"This is Stanford," Cyrus lectures me, pacing around the bathroom. "You're better than getting into fist fights with undergrads."

"I know," I repeat lamely.

"And all for what," Cyrus shakes his head in disgust. "A girl?"

I sigh and lean my back against the mirror. I take the washcloth from James after thanking him. When he leaves, I turn to Cy. "Not just any girl, Cyrus. Olivia Pope."

Cyrus' expression changes. "Olivia? From Poli Sci?"

I nod and he braces his palms on the counter. "Are you sure?"

I nod again. "I'm sure."

He shakes his head. "She's a brilliant student. I only officially met her today and out of hundreds of students, she stood out. She's smart."

"She's a genius." I agree glumly.

"What is a girl like that doing like a party like that?" Cyrus asks.

I don't know if he's expecting an answer but if he is, I don't have one. Olivia is so much better than stupid college parties. I don't know why she was there. "When you figure it out, let me know. Because I'm lost."

"Olivia Pope," Cyrus repeats to himself, as if he still can't believe it. "That's crazy, but it doesn't change the fact that you were universally stupid. Why did you put yourself on the line like that?"

"I don't know," I admit candidly. I honestly don't.

"Fitz," Cyrus' says in a different, edgy tone. "Are you...did you sleep with her?"

"What?" I look up at him and then sigh. I didn't do this because I'm sleeping with Livvy. I'm not.

"Because I know Mellie," Cyrus scoffs. "Mellie is...she's smart and she's beautiful but come on. She's Mellie. And Olivia is very attractive and obviously brilliant. So I wouldn't blame you. It's unorthodox, you being her TA. But I wouldn't blame-"

"Cy," I stop him, leaning back against the mirror. "I did not sleep with Olivia Pope."

Cyrus frowns. "So then why did you do it?"

"I don't know," I repeat, exasperated. I don't want to talk about this anymore. My face hurts and I'm developing a hell of a headache. "Did Harrison get in trouble?"

"You started the fight," Cyrus mumbles. "Why would Harrison get in trouble?"

I open my eyes. "Because he assaulted her!"

"No," Cyrus closes the medicine cabinet and shakes his head. "You assaulted him. He, like he explained to campus security, was simply protecting a friend from a potential predator."

"I'm not a predator!"

"I know that." Cyrus looks at me. "And you're lucky that Olivia Carolyn Pope told the same thing to security, otherwise your ass would be in the Dean's office, awaiting expulsion."

I stare back at Cy. I didn't know that Liv stood up for me like that. Now I'm feeling really guilty for dragging her into a situation like this. "Cy...what do I do?"

"Make it right."

August 31st, 2015

10:16 PM

The Coffee Express

Stanford, California

Olivia's POV

"I'm sorry," I apologize for the thousandth time, taping in the code and opening the cash register. "Thank you, again, for the second chance."

I know it's late and I'm barely making any money but on top of eight classes, I barely get a chance to come in. That, and I wasn't going to deny a second chance. I was so surprised when Harrison told me I could come in. I had already reluctantly accepted that I was fired.

"It's whatever," Harrison pours us both coffee in the low quality cups we serve them in. He's sporting multiple bruises on his face and he's walking with a slight limp but other than that, he's been a good sport about the whole thing. Granted, he's not acting like my best friend. But he's not holding it against me, which I appreciate. "You shouldn't be held accountable for your asshole TA did."

I look down at my hands. I don't want to think about Fitz right now but since Harrison brought it up, I don't think Fitz is an asshole. He thought he was protecting me. And it's hard to blame him for that. "Nevertheless, thank you."

Harrison nods, sliding me the cup of coffee. He watches me closely as I take a cautious sip. He waits as a customer gets their order and passes until he speaks up a low voice, "Liv?"

I try to smile. I just want to forget everything about last night. Luckily I didn't have Political Sciences today and I didn't have to deal with Fitz. I don't ever want to have to. "Yes?"

"i just need you to know," Harrison shifts uncomfortably. I look away from him. Seeing those bruises makes me cringe. Fitz really fucked him up. "That I wasn't trying to take advantage of you that night."

I nod, but I don't know that. I don't know that at all. I barely remember anything. I just told security that Harrison wasn't trying to assault me or take advantage of me because I don't want to start anything. I want to put all this behind me. "I know."

"So," Harrison cocks his head. "Then why did you tell security that Fitz was a good guy?"

"Because I know he is," I admit, taking another sip of my coffee. "He was being protective and thought he was doing the right thing."

Harrison nods slowly, like he doesn't believe me at all. He doesn't have to. As long as I have this job, I'm good. "I'm sorry, Harrison."

"Like I said," Harrison picks up his coffee and turns around."You don't need to apologize."

August 31st, 2015

11:57 PM

The Coffee Express

Stanford, California

"Two pumpkin spiced lattes," I repeat the young student's order and then look up at him and his girlfriend, smiling. "That's a popular choice right now."

I repeat the order quietly back to Quinn, who is working the back. We're the only ones in here tonight. I turn back, tell the couple the price and the young guy hands me a ten. "Keep the change."

I give them their order, smiling for the huge tip. I could use every extra quarter I get at this point. "Get home safe guys."

"You too."

After they're gone, I look at the now empty coffee shop. I feel a hand on my back and turn around. "Olivia?"

I smile at Quinn. I think she knows what went down last night because she's being extra nice and quiet tonight - the latter being very hard for her. "Hey, Quinn."

"I'm thinking about closing up," she nods at the empty cafe. "Can you card me out?"

I'm nod and turn around, ready to put her hours card into the machine when I hear a bell on the door.

"Hold on," Quinn calls. "One more customer."

"Okay," I tell her, still turned around. I put down her card and turn to make myself another cup of coffee - one I can take back to my dorm and drink while I study.

"Livvy?"

Hearing that voice makes me put down the empty coffee cup. I brace my palms on the counter and inhale. I don't want to deal with this - not right now. Preferably not ever.

"Livvy," he repeats my name through the other side of the counter.

I turn around and force myself to smile for Quinn's sake. Once I look at him, I can't stop. He's wearing a navy blue Henley and dark jeans. He looks better than Harrison since he pretty much won the fight but he still has a crimson cut under his eye and a deep purple bruise next to his cheek.

"Liv," Quinn probably notes my discomfort.

But I just continue smiling at her. "You can go ahead. I'll close up."

She nods and heads to towards the back exit, probably relieved. But I'm anything but that.

I come up to the counter and put my hands on the register, refusing to look into those deep blue eyes.

"Hi," Fitz says warmly. "You look different without ten pounds of makeup on you. It's good. You look good."

"I wish I could say the same for you," I look up coldly. "How can I help you?"

Fitz raises his eyebrows. "What?"

"You heard me," I reply icily. "You're here, in my coffee shop. How can I help you? You want to order the seasonal pumpkin spice products? Lattes, frappuccinos, mochas? What do you want?"

"You," he says blantly and I stare at him. He clears his throat. "I want to apologize."

I focus my eyes on the ceiling, LED string Christmas lights brightening the dark shop. "I don't care. If you're not ordering something, get out."

He looks at me. "Are you serious?"

I don't say anything, assuring him that I am. He takes out his wallet and rolls his eyes. "Get me whatever your seasonal shit is."

"A pumpkin spice latte?"

"Yeah, whatever. Livvy," Fitz begins. He sounds hurt. I wish he knew I didn't want him to be."I'm sorry. How many times do I have to say that? I'll say it again. I'll say as many times as it takes. I don't want you to be mad at me."

I swallow and force myself to look at him. It hurts to look at the bruises and cuts on his face. He doesn't deserve them. Turning around, I start the Keurig and pop a coffee container in there. "I'm not mad at you, Fitz. I'm just mad."

"I don't want you to be," he stresses.

I don't say anything. I apparently don't have to. He keeps talking, changing the subject. I appreciate that. "I never got to thank you for saving my ass from security."

"I didn't save your ass," I insist. "They asked if I had assaulted you and I said no. They asked if I was protecting you and I told them that you thought you were and they that they couldn't hold you accountable for that. I was just being honest."

"And now you're being modest," Fitz smirks. I turn to him and see his smile under the string lights. It makes me smile too. "So...I like your outfit."

I roll my eyes as he refers to the ugly dark green t shirt and white shorts I have to wear under the apron. "Gee, thanks."

"No, it's very you." He grins and he clears his throat. "So...Harrison let you keep your job?"

I nod, my smile disappearing. When he first came in here, I wanted him to leave. And a part of me still does. Another part is happy he's here, even if it's in a situation like this. "Harrison is...forgiving."

"Harrison is a dick," Fitz replies immediately. I stare at him but he doesn't even blink. "He could have taken advantage of you. He was going to. And I think you know that."

I shrug, putting pumpkin spice creamer in the coffee. I turn around and hand it to him. "It's whatever."

"It's not whatever," Fitz insists, taking the coffee, looking genuinely concerned. "If he's your boss and he was going to take advantage of you, why would stay here, working for him? I don't like that."

"It doesn't matter what you like," I practically shout. Okay, now I'm getting annoyed.

"Why?" Fitz demands, equally as loud. "Why would you stay?"

"Because!" I yell. I take a deep breath. "I don't have any other choice. Not everyone is you, Fitz. Not everyone has a rich daddy willing to pay for whatever damages you do in this world. Not everyone can bounce back on anything. Not everyone has limitless options and opportunities and fucking choices. Not everyone is you, Fitz."

He stares at me but I can't look him in the eyes. I cannot believe I just called him out like that. But I'm so upset, I don't like being here and I can't do this anymore. I can't be this...girl. I can't.

But I also can't see Fitz like this. He looks like I just stabbed him in the heart. I reach out to touch his arm but he pulls away. "Fitz, I'm sorry."

"It's whatever," he says coldly. He opens his wallet, takes out a fifty and slams it down on the granite counter.

"Fitz," I begin but he's already turned around, his coffee still on the counter.

He opens the door without looking back. "Keep the change."

AN: Oh no...D:

Lol, I hope you guys are enjoying the story so far! Sorry for the late update. I just wanted to say thanks for enduring the change of point of view and being so supportive about it! :)

That said, I don't know what happened when I was writing the last chapter. Maybe I was high or something because that is not at all how I see canon Harrison (RIP!). If you know me, you know how much I LOVE Columbus Short and Harrison Wright. I have the honor of saying I've talked to him on Twitter and have been blessed with a follow from him (!). But tbh I get nauseous if I write too much Jake in my stories, so that's just how it's gonna be I guess.

And there's gonna be a time jump next chapter! Hopefully Liv and Fitz can get their shit together (as if that's ever gonna happen on the actual show) and confront their feelings for each other - because we all know the feelings are there