Fitz was frozen in his seat, staring into the eyes of the woman he was so captured by. He couldn't believe what he'd just heard, what had just left her mouth. Was it all a lie? Did she really love him? So many things were running through his mind and he found it hard to keep himself in check.

"You can explain?" He spat, his eyes darkening. "Tell me, how can you explain?"

Olivia flinched at the intensity of his gaze, the way his voice seemed to raise with every word. She stared at him, lost for words. She knew this was going to be one of the many reactions she'd thought of in her head, the night before. It was reasonable, she was only twenty-three and yet she was becoming a mother.

It wasn't something she was ashamed of, she'd always wanted children and after so many failed relationships with men whom either wanted her for sex or the exposure it could give them, she didn't have it in her to date anymore. So her only viable option was artificial insemination.

She had thought about it for a whole year, researching the pros and the cons and found nothing wrong with it. She didn't believe in love at first sight or love in general when it came to her, sure she'd seen her fair share of relationships and marriages that consisted of love and passion but she hadn't discovered it for herself and she didn't want to wait forever and a day for something that might or might not have come.

With her head held high, she looked deep into Fitz's eyes and gave him her 'Olivia Pope' brand smile. "I'm pregnant by artificial insemination, Fitz I never lied to you when I said I was single. I am, and have been for the past two years." He blinked, and she continued. "It wasn't a spur of the moment decision, I thought about it long and hard. It's what I wanted, I always wanted a baby and God knows I haven't struck the jackpot with relationships in the past."

He sat there, trying to digest the information she was giving him. He couldn't believe his Livvie was carrying someone else's child, a stranger's child at that. He didn't like the thought of her having someone else's DNA inside of her, he hated the fact that she was going to be birthing someone whom she didn't know's child.

X X X

"Why? Why now? You're just twenty-three." He finally whispered, running his fingers through his hair out of habit. He couldn't believe it, he didn't want to believe it. "Couldn't you have waited a few more years? You're so young..." He fought to understand her reasoning.

"Fitz, I was born a thirty year old woman. I've never been normal, I grew up mature and different. I had my fun moments with Harrison and even Lydia as a child but the thing is. I've always dreamed of children, a husband and a large house with a white picket fence and a jam field." She said, her eyes lit with a fire he'd never seen before. "I may be young in age, but in personality I'm a woman who wants to settle down and have kids. I've accomplished all I've ever wanted to do, career wise. The only thing left is having children."

"Keep in mind, I never loved anyone romantically. I was always in relationships, but never once did I have that earth shattering love, filled with passion and knee-buckling intensity. Fitz, I admit now that I've met you I like you, but I've never been in love and I am new to these feelings, whatever they are." She sighed.

"I just wanted you to know before we continued. I want you to know, I hold no hard feelings if you don't want to continue whatever this is." She said, reaching out and touching his hand. He sucked in a breath, looking at her. 'Could he give her up?', 'Was this smart?', 'Could he bring an innocent child into his cluster fuck of a life, like he was doing with his Livvie?'. So many thoughts were running through his head and for once he was sure, more sure that what he wanted was right in front of him.

"This isn't a deal breaker, Livvie." His normal baritone voice, returning. She opened her mouth to speak but he stopped her. "I admit, this is all so confusing but I want you, I need you. God, I could barely function for fifteen hours without seeing you, let alone talking to you." He reached out and ran his fingers through her hair, he liked it straight but he loved it in it's natural curly state. "I'm not letting you go, I'm too selfish to leave the best thing to ever walk into my life, walk out of my life. You're it for me, Livvie."

"I..." She took a deep breath. "Can you see yourself raising someone else's child? Can you see yourself in it for the long shot? I understand it's a lot of pressure, Fitz. But I need to know, you won't just be there for the start and leave when the going gets tough. My baby deserves more than that, I deserve more than that."

Fitz could tell, that was one of her biggest fears. He saw the fear in her eyes, he could tell she was trying so hard to keep herself from crying. He could see the emotional turmoil in her eyes and he wanted more than anything to wrap his arms around her and assure her that he would never do that.

"Livvie, I promise. I'm in this for the long haul."

An awkward silence passed before, Olivia finally spoke.

"I just..." She closed her eyes, feeling the sting of tears. "It's just really hard, this... I have no control in this, you take it away from me. You're already on my mind most of the time and we've only just met Fitz. I can't take your word right now, no matter how much I want to. I have to emotionally prepare myself for anything."

Fitz could barely form words, he knew she was bringing her walls back up. He could tell she hated being vulnerable, he could see in her demeanor that she was in 'Fixer' mode. He sighed, as he allowed her to speak freely.

"I think we just need to go slow, take this day by day..." She said, looking him dead in the eyes. "A fast relationship isn't what we need, and you're married. No matter if it's legit or not, I have to protect myself and my baby. I just need some time to process this, just please give me some time."

"Okay..." He said, he let out a breath. "If time's what you need, then that's what you'll get."

She nodded, standing. Fitz stood and captured her waist in his strong, hands and pulled her into him. "Just know this." He whispered, his lips trailing the skin behind her ear, making her shudder. "You're mines, from the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were my future, my life. Time is of the essence, I'll give it to you but know that I won't give up. I'll prove to you, that I'm in this for the long haul."

He nipped her earlobe and Olivia fought arousal, trying to keep control as she stifled a moan. "I'll earn you." He said, and with that he let go of her and left her to her devices. Olivia stood there lost for words, she didn't expect the evening to go like it had. She stared at the doorway where Fitz disappeared from and exhaled.

X X X

Mellie walked into Campbell Keaton's office with a confident strut, she was after all a very rich woman at the expense of her husband Fitzgerald Grant and she knew he would take care of her. She had the power to destroy him and his family, as well as slander a government official.

Of course, Mellie wasn't stupid. She knew there would be a price on her head if word got out that she was blackmailing Catherine Marie Grant, so she had to be careful. She had many people in her back corner, and an army of people on the opposing side, just waiting for a chance to take her down.

Her P.I. Franklin Bert told her, Fitz was already talking of taking her down if he found out she had anything to do with Jerry's death. She found it comical that Fitz could think she'd ever harm her own child. She may have been evil, but she wasn't wicked. Jerry's death effected her as much as it did him, she may not have been the world's greatest mom but she did try her best. She gave him the best nannies and gifts their was to offer.

"Ah, if it isn't the Wicked Bitch of the West." Campbell snarled, as Mellie shut the office door. "What the fuck are you doing here?"

"You've been ignoring my calls, Keaton." She said, choosing to ignore his comment.

"Have you met you?" He scoffed, as he averted his gaze. He studied the paperwork in front of him, as he heard her take a seat in one of his arm chairs. "Do you mind, I'm quite busy."

"Drop the attitude, I find it completely unattractive. Now, I want you to hire someone." She said, showing off her pearly whites. He was going to do this for her, he knew not to go against her. She had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"And why the hell should I do that?" He said, tilting his head in question. He was sick of her, and she knew it but he also knew she wasn't going to just leave him alone without getting something.

"Keaton, Keaton, Keaton." She clicked her tongue, licking her lips. She leaned forward, her eyes twinkling. "I heard your wife is now in her final trimester. Would be a shame, if some light were to be shed on some of your personal matters."

"Are you threatening me, Millicent?" He glared at her.

"Just simply reminding you, of some things." She shrugged. "Like, Whitney Foreman for one. Such a young and truly beautiful young woman, too bad for you, she knows not how to keep her mouth shut. All I had to do was give her some liquid courage and she sang like a canary."

"Fuck off." He growled.

"I want you to hire someone, and I want you to do it by the end of this next week. And do not test me, lord knows I'd hate to have to give your wife reason to bust."

"Who?"

"Olivia Pope." She said, she smirked as his eyes widened and she left with a smirk on her face.

Keaton swallowed, he knew very well who Olivia Pope was. She got things done without problem, legally or under the belt. She went above and beyond for her clients as long as they weren't in the wrong. He wondered what Mellie wanted with Olivia Pope, because he surely couldn't think of anything good.

X X X

Olivia laid in bed, tossing and turning as she thought of Fitz. The way he spoke with determination, she felt completely and totally out of her element. The amount of emotions the man had her running through was tiring, and she was pregnant after all. She'd lost her appetite but Fitz being the ever controlling man he was, made Tom bring it with them and watch her eat at least half of it.

She huffed after an hour passed and gave up on sleep, she sat up and leaned against the headboard in frustration. 'I'll earn you' was all she could think about, as well as the way Fitz's eyes darkened and the way he spoke to her. Never in her life had she experienced something so intense, he was literally going to be the death of her if he had anything to do with it.

Olivia was brought out of her thoughts when her phone rang. "Hello?"

"Hi." Came his smooth, baritone voice.

"Hi." She said, there was something about the way they greeted each other. It was like a grand gesture with only one simple word.

"I see you're still awake." He said, wishing she was still with him.

"Yeah... I'm not really tired."

"I guess, we're in the same boat." He smiled.

"Shouldn't you be sleeping?" She questioned.

"I could ask you the same question, Livvie."

"I need my usual glass of red wine to help me sleep, but seeing as how my situation is set up. I can't indulge." She sighed, as she placed her hand on her stomach. She was just a week over her one month mark and it still felt strange, her morning sickness hadn't started yet but according to her doctor it could be late and start at the one and a half month mark.

"Right." He said, taking a deep breath. "You know I meant what I said, Livvie?"

She didn't reply, she simply just listened to the sound of his breathing.

"I'll earn you, because you're worth everything and more to me. I know I don't deserve you, but I'll work towards winning you over. You're my end game, Livvie. I'll prove it to you, if you just let me." He said, softly almost pleadingly.

"I emailed my team already, sending them the cliff notes and main points that need to be memorized. I have my Security Advisor, Huck looking into Mellie's past." She said, Fitz fought the groan that was determined to break free. He knew from Cyrus that Olivia would often bring her walls back up at any moment if she felt too vulnerable or at risk. "You do realize we'll soon find out the truth right?"

"Yes."

"Are you really going to make us go through all the trouble of digging instead of just telling us?"

"I gave my mother my word, I wouldn't utter anything to another soul. I don't break my promises, Livvie. I can only lead you in the right direction, but I can't do anything other than that." Fitz said, Olivia marveled at the honesty in him. It was a good trait, that was hard to find now a days.

"Alright, well I'll have my brother Harrison visit your college, your high school and speak to any and all friends you and Mellie both had. one of my gladiators Abby, will visit your mothers old place of employment and ask questions. We're doing this as quietly as we can. We've already set up the NDA's, if anyone so much as breathes a word of our dealings, they will be blacklisted and worse."

"How bad will this effect Mellie?"

"Let's just say, when this is all over and done with. Mellie won't want to show her face in this great nation again, let alone this city." Olivia said, wondering what was with Fitz's sudden curiosity towards what would happen to Mellie.

"I don't care if she's slandered, I just don't want her blood on my hands, Livvie. She still gave birth to my son and I won't destroy Jerry's legacy by signing Mellie's death warrant." Fitz said, he was speaking half-truths. Truth be told, if he found out Mellie was involved in anyway with Jerry's death he would order the hit himself but if she wasn't then he wouldn't watch her get killed. He was more than okay with her being ruined, but not with her dying if she was innocent of Jerry's account.

"Fitz, Mellie signed her own death certificate when she decided to blackmail your mother. I don't know all the details, but from the looks of it. This goes way deeper than a destroyed legacy and shame, it could send the nation into utter chaos so you need to prepare yourself for anything." Olivia said, sadly.

"I know..." He said. He decided to change the subject, Mellie's name was starting to anger him. "How would you like to have coffee with me tomorrow?"

"I can't drink coffee..."

"Right, I forgot. Um, how about tea or something?"

"Sure, but it'll have to be after three. I have to go to church with my brother and our parents." She said. "And then Harrison's going to stick to my like glue until one of his conquests text him."

"That sounds like fun." Fitz snorted, he'd met the Wright's before and they were nice people. He could see some of The Wright's in Olivia's personality. They were calm and level headed, but if you messed with them their bite was well bigger than their bark. Like a cobra, taunting it's prey. They always had the last laugh, he could see how Olivia grew up to be a fixer.

"Yeah, church where so many hypocritical and judgmental people are." She remarked, sarcastically. "At least, it gives me an opportunity to catch up with my grandmother, Dorothy on my father's side." Olivia said.

"Ah, yes. Dorothy Camilla Wright, I do believe she has a crush on me. She's always trying to touch my ass..." Fitz said, shuddering. Olivia laughed.

"Wait, you're Mr. Steel Buns?"

"Ugh... the woman is always trying to molest me at events." Olivia was laughing so hard, her mother had told her about her Grandmother's like of one of the shareholders at the Women's Society Charity Events.

"That's just wrong..." Olivia shook her head.

"You're telling me, I don't understand what other way I could possibly turn her down. She doesn't take 'no' for an answer." He choked out, chuckling.

"Yeah..." Olivia smirked. "She's very..." She searched for a word. "Determined?"

"That's not even the half of it..." Fitz said, staring up at the ceiling.

They spent a few hours just talking, taking turns answering questions about one another. Olivia found out Fitz was in the navy for a total of six years, before returning home due to Big Jerry's connections. He started at the bottom of the employment chain and worked his way up to CEO within three years. He threw Big Jerry out of the company and over powered his shares, because he wanted the business to be ran legitimately.

Fitz found out Olivia was on the swim team, the debate team and the equestrian team. She was captain of all three teams and led her team to victory, she still swam and occasionally did equestrian and she put her debating skills to good use in her career as a Crisis Manager as well as an actress when it came to drama thrillers or political dramas.

X X X

Olivia made it back from church with Harrison following her back home, she kicked off her shoes and made a dive for the couch. She was exhausted, she'd spent a good four and a half hours the previous night and morning speaking to Fitz on the phone and she was drained.

"So, what's got you all happy and shit?" Harrison asked, he noticed his sister was smiling all throughout church. She kept looking to and from her phone throughout the service and he had a feeling she was seeing someone, she just had the glow Lydia had when she met Edison.

"Nothing, Harry." Olivia said, Harrison glared. She knew he hated, when she called him that.

"You're lying, usually you bitch and moan about sitting through hours of hypocrisy but today you were so elated, smiling and checking your phone non-stop." Harrison said, watching his little sister's face.

"It's none of your business, Harry. Now can you please make me a sub?" She says, giving him her best pouty face.

"Not until you tell me, what's got you so happy." Harrison said, crossing his arms.

"You'd deny your niece or nephew food?" Olivia gasped, playfully. He rolled his eyes.

"Way to guilt trip me, brat." He muttered as he made his way towards her kitchen. He opened the refrigerator and pulled out the cheese, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato and turkey. "Toasted or un-toasted?"

"Toasted, you know that." She said, as she checked her phone for an update from Huck. He and Quinn were checking into Mellie's past, as well as seeing what she was up to now. They would give her a full breakdown tomorrow, but they had promised to tell if they found anything.

"You know, I wouldn't be surprised if that baby came out of you all demanding and what not." Harrison, chortled as he made Olivia her sub. "Hey, so Lydia said Edison's going on a business trip for a few weeks. She wants to bring the kids down here for thanksgiving, since Edison' going to be gone and she dislikes his family."

"Really?" She called.

"Yeah, you know how she is."

"I do, but she said she was going to spend thanksgiving with the Davis's and come home for Christmas. Damn it, I planned a whole fun day for me and the kids." Olivia said, shaking her head. She knew if Lydia came for Thanksgiving, she wouldn't return for Christmas. "Now I'm going to be the bad guy..."

"You know how she is..."

"Yeah, but I promised Zara, Zane and Matthew that I'd take them out and we'd go all out. She does this crap every year..." Olivia said, annoyed.

"You shouldn't be surprised."

"Now what am I supposed to do? I promised the next time they visited I'd bring them to an amusement park. Hell I bought an all weekend pass for The Zone and Disney World." She sighed.

"Change it to thanksgiving weekend." Harrison shouted.

"I gave Dane thanksgiving off, so he could spend some time with his family." Olivia said, getting off the couch and walking into the kitchen.

"Hire extra security." He shrugged, as he placed her plate at the breakfast nook. She sat on the opposite side of him and dug in, she'd felt a ave of nausea earlier that morning but didn't throw up. Which was a sign, her morning sickness would come up with a vengeance.

"You know, Huck likes to screen the guys months in advance and look up every possible factor on them. Plus Huck himself will be going to visit Quinn's parents for the holidays." She pointed out.

"Ha, you're shit out of luck." He laughed.

X X X

Just as Olivia finished changing into a simple pair of black jeans, a denim shirt and leopard flats, the doorbell rang. She grabbed her sunglasses and pushed them into her purse, opening the door.

"Wow, you look..."

"Mundane?"

"Different, your usually always in business suits and dresses." Fitz had heard from Cyrus, Olivia was one for conservative and respectable fashions.

"I love to dress up as much as the next person, but sometimes I just want to let my hair down and dress like a normal person. I do have nieces and nephews, on top of the charities I work with in my free time. So dressing in jeans and flat surfaced shoes is a must." She smiles, as she steps out and locks her door.

She sees Tom and Hal, by the elevators holding the doors open for them. She gave Dane the day off, since Fitz had his security with him and it made no sense for him to tag along if there was double protection.

"How was church?" Fitz smirks.

"Well, it was a little annoying. Some guy just kept texting me and wouldn't take a hint." She teased, he chuckled.

"Want me to deal with him?" Waggling his eyebrows.

"Not really, I'm sure he'd probably snap you in half." She winked.

"That's impossible, but very interesting thought. Ms. Pope." He winked as they exited the building and entered his Bentley.

"So, besides doing some work from home and arguing with Cyrus. How was your Sunday so far?" She asked.

"It was better than usual, after all. I was texting a beautiful woman." He said, cheekily. Olivia rolled her eyes, as the car pulled into on coming traffic.

"So, how was your 'No means Yes' Grandmother?"

"She cant wait for the next event next week." She giggled.

"Ha, ha." Fitz said, he had to admit their was some progress made but he knew he needed to do more than just have a phone conversation. He'd decided to make the most of the day, by making a date. He was smart in planning it to be romantic and friendly at the same time.

Tom pulled up at the company Helicopter Port, where the helicopter was waiting on the landing strip. The pilot, Mike was seated in the front waiting on them. Olivia watched with wide eyes, as Fitz helped her out of the car. She stood there staring, he said they were going out for tea not a helicopter ride.

"What happened to tea?" Olivia asked.

"Nothing, we're still having tea. It's just a matter of where." He grinned, as he led her towards the helicopter.

"You sneaky-"

"Buckle up." Fitz said, as he helped her get buckled in. Tom and Hal took the two seats in front of them, as Olivia sat next to Fitz and the doors closed. The helicopter descended off the ground, causing Olivia to wrench her eyes shut. It was causing her stomach to turn as they started over Malibu.

X X X

"Where are we?" Olivia asked, as they exited the helicopter. They landed in front of a large beach house, it was beautiful and very homey. She found herself loving it, there was a grape vineyard as well as strawberry fields and a horseback riding trail. She noticed the beach was surrounded by clear water, they were on an island but she had no idea which.

"Casa Del Grant." Fitz smirked as he led her up the stairs and into the house.

"Island, Fitz." She demanded, annoyed and slightly still nauseous from the helicopter ride.

"Santa Catalina." He said, smiling softly at her. "I thought we could have peaceful evening here."

"Why didn't you just ask me, instead of lying to me?" She raised an eyebrow.

"I didn't lie, I asked you out for tea." He said.

"You didn't mention, tea being almost a hundred miles away!" She exclaimed.

"I'm sorry, I didn't tell you. But I wanted to surprise you." He apologized. 'He also knew, she would have said no'.

"Fine..." She said, as Fitz gave her puppy dog eyes. "You're too old for that." She said.

"Old? I'm only twenty eight, I'll have you know." He said, with mock offense.

"Technically you're older than me, there fore you're old." She teased, he smiled at her playfulness.

"When did you acquire this property?" She asked, as they made their way throughout the house. He gave her a tour of the bedrooms, family room, great room, kitchen, dining room, study, library, game room and observatory on the third floor. They were now on the back deck, overlooking the beach down below the cliffs.

"A good two or three years ago, it was a gift from my grandfather before he passed." Fitz said, standing next to her and leaning against the bar.

"I'm sorry for your loss." She sympathized.

"It's fine," He waved his hand dismissively. "Anyway, you're my first visitor. I never came here before, I wanted my first time here to be special."

Olivia didn't know what to say, so she didn't say anything.

"Are you hungry?" He asked.

"Sort of comes with the territory." She snorted, he nodded and led her over to the blanket and picnic basket that was down the beach. Tom and Hal a few paces behind them.

"So, how about we play a game." He said.

"What are we, in elementary school?"

"No, but I'd like to know more about you." He said.

"You know a lot more than my gladiators do." She pointed out.

"Not enough information." He said, setting out their dinner.

"Okay, what game do you want to play?"

"Twenty questions?"

"Sure, but I'll start." She smirked.

"That's not fair, I was the one who came up with the idea." He pouted.

"Beggars can't be choosers." She smiled. "Favorite color?"

"Chocolate brown." He said, without hesitation. Olivia blushed, knowing he was talking about her eye color. "You?"

"White." She said, it was a simple color and she liked it but in all honesty she loved his eye color but she wouldn't admit it, she was too built up. "Favorite food?"

"Italian." He said, handing her a plate of tart with pear and Gorgonzola and a cup of vanilla and green tea. He really did his homework on her. "Favorite music?"

"Jazz, and sometimes classical." She smiled, as she crossed her legs and balanced the plate on her lap. "Same question."

"Jazz, classical and sometimes R&B." He said, Olivia giggled.

"R&B?"

"Yeah, R. Kelly, and Usher created R&B for a reason." He smirked, leaning forward. "Sexual background music."

When he pulled back, he laughed at Olivia's face. She was gaping at him, he knew the effect he had on her as she him.

"You're horrible." She laughed, shaking her head.

"Eh, never claimed I wasn't." He said.

As they ate, Olivia asked him more about his childhood and him the same. He told her about his little sister, Cassandra Lynn Grant and his older brother Liam Phillip Grant. He told her about how Phillip and him would mess with Cassie, by hiding her stuff and drawing on her face with chocolate and whipped cream.

X X X

So Olivia's vague explanation.

Fitz's declaration of 'Earning' her.

A little insight on Mellie.

Harrison's introduction.

Nana Wright's crush on Fitz.

Fitz & Liv's special place.

R & R

Thanks for the amazing reviews and encouragement :)

See you later!