C. 14-

Olivia was glad the dated had ended well but it bothered her how Fitz shut down when he was around Brody. He had to know he was who she wanted and that her choosing him meant that. She wanted to do something to show him that, but wasn't sure how. Abby would be home tomorrow and she would know how to help. She could relate to Fitz and his insecurities. Olivia had always been an extreme perfectionist from the time she was a small child and it was one of her defining qualities. She believed it was what made her such a great athlete and student, however it could also be her greatest weakness. She had high expectations for people she really cared about and when they didn't live up to it she could never see them the same way. Maybe this is why she never really fell in love with Brody and was just staying with him because she doesn't like change. It was also why she could be so unbearably critical of herself and took forever to complete things. Her mother noticed her OCD and perfectionist qualities early in her high school career and had worked with Olivia's guidance counselor to help her find coping skills, but there were still times when she couldn't control her urges or her desire for perfection.

She felt bad for Fitz, she knew it all stemmed from his father and seeing the news article had only made him feel worse. She would never understand how someone could treat their own flesh and blood like crap, especially when he was exceptional. She was hoping she'd never have to meet the man and that Fitz would not have to deal with him much longer.

She decided to text Fitz before she fell wasn't sure if he was still awake, she could see the tv on in his room but he might have fell asleep. She walked over to her window and looked out to see him looking back, in just a pair of boxers. She really wished their date would not have been cut short by that phone call and giggled looking at him. He shook his head and she turned out the light and laid down in bed.

She was more ecstatic for her best friend to meet Fitz, she knew they would hit it off. That was something she had always missed when she was with Brody and she was glad that she would be able to have a boyfriend and her best friend. She laid down in bed, at peace with all of her recent decisions, knowing she made the best one possible, by choosing Fitz.

Friday-the day of the scrimmage

Jackson, Luca and Fitz pulled into the parking lot in my jeep, ready to go through walk throughs, lunch then the scrimmage. Their day started later than any other day this week and he drove separately from Liv, who would be finishing up closer to the time they would be arriving. Fitz had slept like a baby after his night with Liv.

"O.k. Romeo, tell us about the first date" Luca asked.

He smiled "Everything was going great, we had a secluded spot at dinner, we went to the park to dance and listen to music it was the ideal first date…"

"But, guess who they ran into?" Jackson chimed in.

"Oh God, you didn't?" Luca responded.

"Yep, it's like he knew what we had planned."

"He probably did man, he's got connections and was trying to mess with you. Listen I know you and Liv are lost in your own little world right now, but you've gotta keep your wits about you, he's a little snake and is going to do anything to get to you and make sure you either run, or she leaves you," Jackson explained in a serious tone.

"I'm not running… how do you know all this?"

"Oh, Jack and him used to be best…" Jackson elbowed Luca in the gut "ugh what was that for?"

"We were never best friends"

"O.k., Brody used to worship Jackson until…"Jackson smacked him again.

"Look stop talking about it."

Jackson walked away from both of them and Fitz just gave Luca a look.

They got taped up and headed out to the field for their first scrimmage. Jackson was jogging along side of him.

"You alright? I was concerned about what happened early in the parking lot."

"Yeah, Luca doesn't know when to shut his mouth. I used to be friends with butthead but I didn't like the path he was going down, so I quit hanging out with him. I swear he went after Liv on purpose after that. Speaking of my sister, she's right there Fitz, I know you'll be looking for her," he said as he pointed to Olivia, a red-headed girl and Marisa.

The girls waved, Fitz smiled at her as he put his helmet on. He was determined to impress his girl. He would play tailback with the first team offense and quarterback with the second team the first half and then switch the second half.

They were on offense first and it was a pitch to Fitz, he took it, hit the corner and took off, he ran over one guy and Jackson hit a block and he picked up twenty-five yards. The next play was a hand off up the middle to picked up ten yards. The final play of that drive was a pass across the middle to Jackson that he took to the house. Luca kicked the extra point and all three of them celebrated before they ran to the sideline.

The second time they had the ball it was the Fitz and Jackson show all over again with Fitz running it in from four yards out. He was feeling great at tailback and figured if this was best for the team, he'd accept his role. Brody however was not liking the way this was playing out. The first play of the final series for Brody with the first team he was determined to make Fitz look bad.

The first handoff he placed too high, causing a fumble, which Fitz recovered but lost yard. The second play was an option pitch. Brody threw the pitch too far out in front of him, so when he grabbed it he was laid out by a linebacker. It took him a while to get up, after an unprotected hit. The final play of that series Brody threw into coverage rather than hitting Fitz or Jackson, who were open, and was picked off.

"What the hell was that?" Fitz yelled at him as he took off his helmet.

"I just want you to know that I'll decide who's gonna look good and bad out there" Brody shoved him as he walked by.

Fitz was pissed but he couldn't worry about it at the moment, because he was going into quarterback in the next series, and needed a breather.

The first play out there Fitz was hit before he even had time to look. The next play he got off a short check down pass to Jackson before he was blind sided. As he slowly got up, he saw Jackson grab the lineman, who was one of Brody's friends, by the mask and push him off the field before the next play.

"Listen he's trying to make you look bad and not block for you, I don't think Coach realized it yet, take the next snap at shotgun, rollout towards my side and look for me, if I'm not open keep coming and I'll block for you."

Fitz listened and found Jackson open hitting him in a fade down the sideline for a big pickup. After that Coach called timeout and Jackson let him know what was going on. A change was made at right guard and they began to march down the field. The half ended and Coach began to lecture the team at halftime about being selfish and running the plays that are called. Everyone knew who he was talking about but it didn't seem to phase Brody. Brody wouldn't be quarterback until the end of the second half and Fitz would be tailback for the third string quarterback, a freshman named Nick. They were discussing plays to make sure he was comfortable.

"Look you'll have Jackson and he'll be open most of the time, if not follow your check down, if you feel the pressure I'll be there for a screen pass, or scramble, you have a good feet and speed use it to get yourself out of trouble. You don't need to make spectacular plays, just get the ball in the hands of the people who can make the plays and you'll be fine, you have a strong arm have confidence in yourself," Fitz reassured him.

"Don't waste your breath he'll never see the field after tonight," Brody laughed "You'll be lucky to either."

"What is your problem? Why wouldn't you want to make him better? He's a freshman he needs your knowledge" Fitz was in his face.

"Psh why do I care if he is good, I'll be gone, playing D1 somewhere."

We were inches away from each other "That's what's wrong with you and why you'll never be a good leader."

"Grant, get out there lets go!" Coach yelled before anything escalated.

Nick was nervous so the first few plays were runs. Fitz picked up decent yardage each time and they were ready to run a play action fake.

"Nick, they are going to be expecting me to run again, so fake the handoff hard, you have a good matchup with Jackson, be ready to fire it downfield."

He faked the pitch perfectly and hit a wide open Jackson who was able to run it in for a score. After that series the older boys took their seat on the bench because their night was over.

"Look at that, we have ourselves a dynamic duo! You at tailback will open up the field for me to catch passes like that all day long." they gave each other a fist bumped and laughed as they took off their jerseys and shoulder pads. They both thought they were unbelievably cool wearing homemade crop tops under their jerseys.

Their enthusiasm irritated Brody even more, but at this point no one cared.

After coach talked to the team they walked to the the girls when a brown hair cheerleader came running over to Fitz. He immediately remembered her as the girl he danced with the night he snuck out of the house and went to the bar.

"Hi Fitzgerald, " she giggled and ran past him.

"Ughhh how do you know her?"

"It was a mistake."

Jackson gave him a look to kill.

"Listen one of the first nights I was here I snuck out and went to a bar using a fake id. I met her and figured she was a college girl, we danced and made out. She wanted me to go back to her apartment but I wasn't letting it get that far, I could see crazy written all over her."

"Well you have that right, it's Brody's cousin Melli, if she sinks her fangs into you, you aren't getting out alive."

"Great he's probably trying to get her to do that and get me out of the way. Do you think I should tell Liv about it?"

"They hate each other, but I'd let her know before she finds something out from someone else."

"Well look who we have here the stars of the team and a handsome kicker."

"You must be Abby. It's nice to finally meet you," Fitz said holding out his hand.

"Polite too? You can quit showing off Fitz, Liv has already filled me in enough for me to like you," she laughed and gave him a hug.

"You did great, even if you don't know your position," Liv poked me in the ribs and laughed, "By the way, what are you two idiots wearing?"

They proudly smiled "Oh, you like our crop tops? We cut them this morning."

"I told you Liv, mancrush…"

"What was that?" he started laughing as he dropped his pads and helmet grabbing her in a bear hug and kissing her.

"Eww Fitz you stink let me go!"

He laughed so hard and wasn't going to let her go as he kept kissing her.

"Please I think I might pass out from the stench. You might look good but you smell like wet dog!"

"Let's go we need to shower then we'll meet the girls down at Abby's beach house to help them get ready for the party tomorrow." Jackson smacked him to get him to leave.

He gave Olivia one more kiss and she made a grossed out face "Bye Livy."

"Aren't they so sweet it's sick?" Marissa asked Abby.

"Well he is adorable and it is a major improvement in personality," Abby responded.

"You two realize I am sitting right here!"

"We know Liv, I just love ribbing you. Honestly though, he's great, and it's nice to see you with someone who makes you smile rather than doubt yourself. Plus he'll let me hang out with you!" Abby exclaimed.

"You know what else you're going to like about him?"

"What?"

"He and Jackson talked about Luca to you!"

"OH MY GOD! He won't even know how to think, he's never noticed girls," Abby responded embarrassed by the my confession.

"That's NOT what Jackson says, he told me that at practice last week Luca was asking when you'd be back, they think he likes you," Marissa chimed in.

"Abby, your cheeks are as red as your hair!"

They giggled, talked about the boys and sang corny music the rest of the way to Abby's. They picked up some pizzas and drinks for mixers. They needed to make sure they had what was needed for tomorrow and clean up some. The boys were going to find a way to get a keg and other alcohol tomorrow afternoon.

"So Olivia are you planning on spending the night with Fitz tonight?" Abby asked.

Liv just gave them a look, not sure what either of them had planned. She wanted to be with him all night, but wasn't sure if she was ready to have sex with him yet. They had both talked about how they wanted their first time together to be special. She was not sure if sex with people in rooms near them would be as special.

"Liv, you don't have to have sex with him, we just meant stay with him, geez you guys have practically spent the night together twice before at your beach house. You don't have to panic!"Marissa giggled realizing she made her friend uncomfortable with the question.

"I don't know how you haven't jumped his bones yet, he's gorgeous and I'm sure his body is fine" Abby made sure to add.

"It's not like we haven't had the thought, but everytime it starts to escalate, something happens to prevent it. I don't know, we both said we wanted our first time together to be private and special."

"Oh lord, you have it bad, both of you!" Abby exclaimed.

"I think it's adorable, he really cares about how you think and isn't just worried about himself. I'm so glad you have him and left jerkface," Marissa added in.

They were giggling on the porch eating pizza and drinking wine when the boys pulled in. Fitz snuck up and had his arms around Liv and was stealing a bite of her pizza.

"Hey just because you scored bunch of touchdowns does not mean I'm sharing my food with you."

"But Livy, I'm starving' he said with a pouty face.

"You're cute when you pout,"then fed himl "There's three pizzas inside go get some and get me another piece please since you ate mine"

Fitz came back with two plates, and sat down so she could sit on his lap. He fed her pizza as they talked and giggled. She was starting to feel the wine and he was starting to feel how tired playing two positions was going to make him. She ran her hand through his hair.

"Do you want to go to bed baby?"

"No let's stay out here a little while, I'll be ok. I wanna see what happens with Luca and Abby, we gave him some advice."

"Do you need a drink?" she asked him before walking inside to fill up her wine glass.

"Are you trying to get me drunk and take advantage of me?" He asked laughing as he followed her.

"I don't think I need to have you drunk to take advantage of you."

Fitz chuckled and wrapped his arms around her from behind. He kissed her cheek and whispered "We don't have to do anything tonight, I just want to be next to you. No pressure ok, it'll happen when we are both ready" he continued to kiss her and snuggle his face into her neck.

She nodded and leaned back against him, "I'm glad you don't smell like a wet dog anymore"

"Thanks," he laughed and kept kissing.

"Hey, are Abby and Luca still here?" Marisa asked.

"I don't see them why?"

"Well we told him to take her on a walk and talk to her. We were hoping he'd finally man up and admit his feelings." Fitz stop kissing Olivia and chimed in

"Hey lovebirds, I'm going to start a fire on the beach, are you coming down or what?" Jackson teased. He was really happy for them but he couldn't stand not to pick on his little sister.

"Yeah Jack, let me grab a few blankets and sweatshirts, then we'll be right down," Liv replied as Fitz went to help him build a fire.

The four of them sat around a fire and talked. Fitz was sprawled out on a blanket leaning up against a log and Liv curled up against him. He and Jackson reminisced their performances and predicted the season. They couldn't believe they were starting their last year. Everyone was excited with anticipation for it to start on Wednesday. The first three days would be half days then they would start a full week the following had convinced her mother to show her Fitz and her schedules, they were really similar except for electives. He had a woodshop class when she was in photography, but most importantly everyone had lunch together. They spotted Luca and Abby walking back hand in hand. Everyone started cheering, embarrassing them both.

"Oh shut up" Abby shot us dirty looks. Luca was clueless as always and just smiled.

Everyone sat around the fire, laughing, talking and drinking more than they should have. It was still early but Fitz laid back down and Jackson began to make fun of him.

"Shut up, you're job is only hard if it is a pass play, I feel like I was in every offensive play running around, then asshole threw me into the linebacker."

Liv looked at him concerned and he just shook his head like it was no big deal. She was going to have to get use to him having bumps and bruises, he wasn't the type that wasn't in the heat of the battle. He wanted to win, and would do whatever it takes.

"I need to talk to Coach about him, he's gonna ruin our season with his jealousy," Jackson said. He was the team captain, and Coach really respected his opinions, he knew he wouldn't do anything to hurt the team.

"Oh he'll see it, hopefully it won't be too late in the game when he realizes it. He just pisses me off, how can someone be such a dick and not care about winning."

Everyone continued to laugh and heard faint snores coming from Fitz and looked to see his eyes were closed. She shook him and he opened his eyes.

"Come on, let's go up to the house."

He stood up reluctantly and walked to the house, she wasn't sure if he was fully awake. When they went into the room he took off his shirt and laid down on the bed.

"Are you sure you feel ok with me sleeping with you? I can sleep on the couch if you want."

Liv jumped on the bed with him, pulled him close,"I wouldn't want you anywhere else,' she kissed him and walked away to change.

"Don't I even get to watch you change?"

She walked out in a pair of pajama shorts and and tank top. Fitz was in a pair of mesh shorts laying on the bed flipping through the television. She sat on the bed between his legs, they started to kiss and he pulled her back on the bed with him.

"You are so beautiful," he began kiss her neck down to her shoulder. "Livy believe me when I say I want you, I want to make love to you, but not tonight. I am exhausted and am not going to be able to show you love the way I want to."

She cupped his face in her hands "Ok then we wait."

"We wait," he wrapped his arms around her pulling her into his chest.

They laid there together as he rubbed circles on her back making her fall asleep. She rolled to her side, and Fitz fit perfectly behind her. He continued to whispered sweet things into her ear and ran his hand up and down her arm until he was starting to fall asleep.

"Fitz."

"Yes Livy."

"I've never felt as safe as I do with you."

"I'll always protect you sweet baby," he kissed her on the shoulder then the head. Within a few minutes he was snoring and comfortably asleep.

"Abby, we gotta figure out what Brody is up to." The four friends were still sitting around the fire after Olivia and Fitz left.

"I know, those two are too clueless to be careful or watch out for themselves,"Abby responded. "I mean I am glad Liv is so happy, but there's a difference between being happy and being careless."

"Jackson, you don't really think he'd hurt them do you?" Marissa was concerned.

Jackson knew Brody better than anyone. They had been friends growing up and he had seen the evil side of him many times. He had had enough midway through their sophomore year and he never was his friend again after what happened. Jackson thought he could help him, but knew it was a lost cause.

"You have no idea what he will and can do. Olivia, doesn't realize the depths he could go, and Fitz thinks he can fix everything with his fists, so we have to look out for them and try to solve this before it gets outta hand. Fitz and I already figured out that Meli is part of the plan."

"Oh great, I can only imagine what she is up to. Fitz isn't that naive and clueless is he, he'll figure her out quick, that'll set Liv off. But what's Brody's part?"

"I don't know, Luca and I have been keeping our ears out at practice but we think he knows that and is keeping things quiet. I have ideas of what his usually plans are but I just don't know what he has planned for Fitz. He's never been around someone who is such a threat, first he embarresses him at a party and now he's trying to take away football. It is scary what could happen."

"Luca, you might have to be the one that hears it, Brody won't notice you as much and he can be and idiot. Please look out for them.:"

The four of them sat and talked worrying about their friends and how they could help them.

Fitz stood there looking at Livy realizing how lucky he was to be with her. He walked over to the large window and saw the sun was just coming up. He wasn't sure why he was awake, but he couldn't stop thinking about what he needed to tell her about Meli. So he stood and looked out the window just letting the warm sun hit him and savoring the moment of being here with her. Her voice broke his thoughts.

"Fitz, it's too early to be up. Come back to bed with me," her voice as still filled with sleep.

He crawled back into bed and Livy curled up next to him snuggling her head on his shoulder and wrapping her body around his. He took her hand and placed it gently to his mouth kissing it. He ran his other hand over her hair moving it out of her face.

"Hi Livy."

"Fitz go back to sleep. How are you even awake? You have to be exhausted," she asked, her eyes still closed.

"I just wanted to enjoy the view. I got up to go to the bathroom, and I saw the sun was coming up and you looked so cute while you were sleeping."

"Oh stop. you're so cheesy sometimes."

He laughed and kissed the top of her head. "Ok Livy we'll go back to sleep."

"That's better."

He didn't know if he'd fall back asleep, his mind was racing but before he could say anything else she was snoring on his chest. It was the cutest little noise, he was content just laying there.

Fitz was distracted all morning and afternoon. Before he left with the guys to get the keg, he decided he would talk to Liv. They were alone in the room.

"Hi pretty girl, can we talk for a minute?"

She shook her head and gave him a funny look.

He wrapped my arms around her and looked down at her. "Livy, I need to tell you something."

She let go of his body and backed away with a look of uncertainty.

"Remember how I told you I wasn't a good person before you? Well I would sneak out of the house and use my fake id to get into college bars. One night I went and was dancing with a girl and making out with her. She wanted me to come back to her apartment but I didn't want to give her any ideas. I figured she was in college and I wouldn't see her again, but I did yesterday and am afraid she might be here tonight, it was Meli and I think Brody is trying to have her come between us."

The look she was giving him was one of disgust and when he tried to approach her she pushed him away..

"Liv, tell me what you're thinking."

" I don't know Fitz, what do you want me to say?"

"Are you upset with me? I had no idea she was someone I'd see again or even my age. I wanted to tell you so you heard it from me and not someone else. I'm just trying to be open" he was pleading with her.

"O.k." she said in a voice barely above a whisper.

He knelt down in front of her and reached for her hand but she pulled away.

"Livy, come on, don't punish me for something that happened before I met you."

"You don't know how she is Fitz! she's going to be relentless and not let you alone. I'm not like her I'm not that type of girl. Now I have to fight her off for your attention?"

"You CANNOT be serious! How is this fair!? You are punishing me for something that happened before we were together, while you had a boyfriend at the time... Dammit you had a boyfriend the first time you kissed me! When have I held anything against you? That's right never. You want me to be honest and then I am and you punish me," his temper was getting the best of him.

She just looked at him and he couldn't tell if she was shocked, sad or indifferent.

"You know what, take your time to think about it,I need to go get stuff with the guys, you can come find me when you're ready to have an adult conversation!" Fitz slammed door and left with Jackson and Luca.

"What was that about?" Luca asked totally confused.

Jackson just looked at him, he knew what had happened and figured silence was the answer.

Abby opened the door to check on her friend.

"Liv, what just happened?"

"Fitz, he met Meli before we were together and had made out with her, he was drunk at a college bar,"

"Oh God he must have been REALLY drunk!"

"Abby it's not funny."

" What did you say to piss him off like that?"

"I'm not that type of girl and I am going to have to fight for his attention.".

"Well no wonder he was pissed. Liv, do you trust him? Do you really think he'd want her when he has you? Come on, he fought for you, like literally? He punched Brody and rescued you, what type of guy does that then messes around with a girl like her? Think about it."

"I know."

"Then what's wrong? Big deal, you used to be with Brody and he doesn't care and that is just as bad if not worse!"

Abby was making the exact same points as Fitz."You sound just like him!"

"Well maybe we are right. Listen, you can't hold everything he does wrong against him, he's not perfect, I know you may think he is, but he's not. You're gonna have to realize this and not get so upset over stupid stuff. He is crazy for you and wouldn't jeopardize it over a tart like that!"

Olivia didn't like to admit she was wrong, but she thought this time, she just might be.

"Liv stop thinking, he'll be back soon. Get ready and come drink wine with me and Marissa ,I'm sure he'll steal you later so let's hang out."

Fitz returned with the guys and the alcohol. He was still angry didn't look for Olivia, he felt they still needed some time to cool off. He needed to shower and change before people started to arrive. He was shocked at how she reacted to him, and it hurt. He rarely put himself out there, and he would find it harder to do that if he was going to be attacked. He let the hot water wash over me and tried to relax. He worried she was done with him. Was that all it was going to take to end this? He took a longer than necessary shower, hoping to avoid the inevitable of seeing Olivia later.

Fitz was standing at the keg filling up his cup when he was approached by Melli.

"Hi Fitz, can you get me a beer?"

Before he could respond, he heard Liv.

"Hey handsome, I've missed you." She wrapped her arms around his waist and gave him kiss. Meli rolled her eyes and walked away. "Do you wanna go for a walk so we can talk?"

"I'd like that."

They walked in silence for a while, then she took his hand and stopped.

"I'm not used to being wrong, and I really don't like to admit it. But, you're right Fitz, I need to trust you, and not get mad when you tell me something I don't like especially when you're trying to be honest with me. You haven't given me a reason not to trust and I haven't been fair to you multiple times so far. I'm sorry, I don't want to argue or have any bad feelings between us."

"I'm so relieved to hear you say that. I was scared you were done with me."

"Fitz," she caressed his face "I don't think I could ever be done with you, even if you were an idiot before you met me and had terrible taste it women."

They kissed and he wrapped his arms around her, "Point taken"

"Jackson told me she'll try to sink her fangs into me."

"I'll punch her if she tries."

"I love when my girl is overprotective, although leave all punching to me, you'll hurt your tiny hands," he took her hands and kissed them.

They walked down to the water and he threatened to throw her in. They stood there for awhile in silence watching the sun go down and seeing the colors reflect on the water. All the sudden they could hear a lot of noise coming from the started walking back and It sounded like Jackson yelling, they looked at each other and walked quickly to see Jackson in Brody's face telling him to leave.

"Fitz, just stay here, he's probably looking for you and Jackson can handle him," she grabbed his bicep.

"I can't let him fight my battles Liv."

"Fitz please.. for me, I don't want any fighting." she begged and ran a hand through his hair,

"Livy you can't do this to me now" he groaned and she kissed him more passionately..

"Just stay with me, please." they rested their foreheads against each other and she ran a hand on the back of his head, through his hair.

"Livy."

They heard the car start and the party calming down. Fitz was glad he had her there to prevent him from getting in another fight, With half the football team there nothing was going to happen to Jackson. He sat down on a step at the bottom of the porch, she sat on his lap and started to run her hands underneath his shirt.

"You're a bad 's go back up before we start to get too distracted."

She grabbed him by the shirt one more time and kissed him.

"I just wanted one more."

The rest of the night they rarely left each other's side, but unlike the night before they were awake until the end with Luca and Abby cleaning up.

"Abby, Liv and I can finish, go hang out with your new boyfriend," he smiled at her.

"You know what you're a keeper, make sure Liv knows that," she walked over and gave Fitz a hug."I'm so glad she has you Fitz, you don't know what difference you make," she whispered.

He smiled at Abby and watched her walk out the door to Luca.

"What was that about?" she giggled.

Fitz kissed her, "Everything is going to be alright."