What Seems to Be

Chapter 15

Fitz trailed behind Olivia as she unsteadily took the porch steps up to the front door of her parents' home. He reached out and touched the small of her back to help steady her. When they reached the door, she paused for too long and turned around. He pulled her back and into an embrace before she could escape around him. He tried to soak up the anxiety that radiated from her body. She felt small and fragile in his arms.

"Livy, honey, calm down. These are your parents. They love you unconditionally," he said against her ear. She was shaking slightly so he squeezed her tight for minutes more. He rubbed her back and arms briskly. He pulled back and lifted her chin with his hand until her eyes met his.

"You don't have to tell them today. It's okay if you decide to was your decision to come clean with your parents about your past so you can decide when to reveal your past. We can still enjoy a good visit. You can do it another time. I admire you for deciding to tell them, but you don't have to do it this time," he said slowly, hoping to remove the source of her anxiety.

She looked at him, gaining strength from is reassuring words and the safety of his arms. She nodded and looked across the yard as the sun seemed to sneak behind the grey clouds. She laid her head on his chest and soaked in his warmth, feeling protected and safe. She didn't want to let go, but she knew she had to.

Olivia pulled back. "Thanks for coming with me," she said with a sigh. After a few minutes, she turned and faced the door. "Here goes nothing. I may be leaving as an orphan after I tell them."

She rang the door doorbell. He entwined his fingers with hers. They waited.

The front door opened and Olivia's father appeared. "Hey, baby!" Lionel said wearing a big smile. "Charlise, they made it. It's Olivia and Harrison!" Olivia's mom appeared behind Lionel and then stepped in front of him. She grabbed Olivia in a hug. Then she pulled back and assessed her.

"Olivia, baby. You look so...rested. I love your hair all curly and wrinkly like that. And you've some gained weight. It looks good on you," Charlise gushed and looked up at Fitz. She leaned forward for a kiss on the cheek from him. "Harrison, come on in. It's good to see you."

"It's great to see you, both." Fitz said.

When Olivia heard them refer to Fitz as Harrison she forgot about her fear and trembling. She was sure of her decision. She could no longer wait. She had to tell them. Her reflection in the mirror that hung in the foyer flashed before her. The woman who looked back at her was barely recognizable. In the 6 months since she'd retired from the heists, she'd let her hair grow out and now it hung in loose twists around her face now touching her shoulders. She noticed that her face was more rounded. Aside from her anxiety about talking to her parents, she looked normal which was strange for her. This new normal was distinctly abnormal.

"Mom, Dad let's sit. I want to talk to you," Olivia said.

"Where are your bags? Lionel help them," said Charlise. Now she was frowning slightly.

"Mom, they're in the car. Fitz will get them later. Could you sit please?" Olivia said. She could tell that her mother was stalling. Lionel sat in a nearby arm chair. Charlise sat next to Olivia with a pained expression across her face. It was as if she was expecting the worse. This weakened her resolve until she felt Fitz squeeze her shoulder.

"Mom, Dad, when I had the accident and Timmy was hurt, I-I was...it was a very bad time for me. I felt I was...I knew I was responsible and the weight of that..knowing that I was to blame-"

"But, baby you weren't to blame. It was the other driver. We never understood why you took it al on herself," Lionel said, leaning toward Olivia.

"I had been drinking some too, but you're right I didn't technically cause the accident. I know that now, but I guess I didn't know it then. I became depressed and...it was a very bad time for me. Even though I told you I was okay, I wasn't. I…started stealing things, very expensive pieces of art. I got Huck into stealing-"

"Olivia..." Fitz said, urging her to tell the truth. She glanced over at him.

"Well, Huck stole something first, for me, to cheer me up. Then I convinced him to take something else. I went with him that time. That was the beginning for us. We finished college, but continued that way of life. What I'm trying to say is that I am a thief and have been for the last 10 years. I've been lying to you for at least that long."

Olivia stopped her monologue to gauge their initial reaction.

"Oh, Thank God, Olivia," Charlise said, enveloping her in a hug. She let her mom hug keep her there for a minute.

"That's a relief," her father said.

Olivia pulled back and looked from her mom to her dad, perturbed. "What?"

"Olivia, we are not fools. We knew were mixed up in something…that things were not quite right with your job. You made a lot of money and it couldn't be curating art…and then you were always traveling. Over the years, we racked our brains trying to understand. We thought you were either a spy or in the mafia, an assassin-in know far fetched-or something worse. We were convinced that Tim knew the whole truth and was looking out for you. It has been difficult all these years not quite knowing what was going on, but at the same time not being able to really ask you for fear you would leave us. We played along, hoping that would keep you visiting us. To now hear that you are just a thief-not that we condone that-is quite a relief. So have you stopped and," Charlise looked a Fitz, "Who are you, really?"

"Yes, Mom. I have stopped, but Harrison, the real Harrison-not in this room-is a threat to the new life I am trying to build. He and I were involved, but I ended our relationship when I met Fitz...Fitzgerald Grant, who happens to be the-the Deputy Director of the FBI, which presents another-"

"I'd say a damn pretty pickle," said Lionel. Olivia smiled at her father and his penchant for idioms.

"Yes, Dad, that's one way to put it. I want to apologize for lying to you and Mom all these years. I want to move forward, but there is a lot to be sorted out. I want to make amends for it all and I'm trying to figure out how. I keep thinking I should just turn myself in-"

"Which is not an option-" Fitz interrupted, finally speaking. "I love your daughter, and I am committed to finding a way forward, working out all our problems."

"Fitz, It's obvious that you love our daughter. But how can you be in this impossible situation? Your job mandates that you arrest Olivia. Being in a relationship, much less helping her puts you in danger. You could both go to jail. I don't see a way out. What is Tim's involvement in all this?" Lionel said.

"I will take the risk. She's worth it. To be honest, our biggest challenges are not from the Bureau or the authorities, its people close to us, namely Harrison and my ex-fiancé. Tim knows everything."

"Mom, Dad, I just couldn't keep this from you any longer. That's why we are here," Olivia said.

Fitz rubbed her shoulders as she talked. He felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. "I'm sorry. I have to take this," he said. They glanced at him as he left the room.

"Olivia, baby, stop looking like you are waiting for us to scream at you or throw you out. It's a relief to finally know the truth. Imagining has been worse than knowing the real truth. We both regret not making you move back home after the accident. We let you convince us you were okay, I think, because we wanted you to be okay. If anyone failed you we did. You were obviously lost there all by yourself," Lionel said. They now sat on either side of her.

"No, it was my-," Olivia began.

"We will spank you if you keep blaming yourself. Now listen, regardless of whose fault it was we are going to do better now. We are ready to do whatever it takes to get you through this. I am thankful that you have Fitzgerald. His love for you is certainly not an act. So how long have you all really been together and how did you meet?" Charlise asked.

Olivia looked from her mother to her father as they waited for her response. She was sure she wasn't going to tell them the complete truth about the circumstances of them getting together. At the same time, she didn't want to lie. In this case, a lie is appropriate, she thought.

"It's pretty boring actually. At a museum if you can believe that...We were looking at the same sculpture, and um sorta bumped into each other, and the rest is history," she said before quickly changing the subject.

Fitz walked into the kitchen and out the door to take the call. It was Tim.

"How's it going, Grant?" Tim said dryly. "I'm mad that you two snuck down to Princeton to tell them. I should be there."

"Tim, you know she didn't want you here when she told them. She didn't want you to make it easier for her or defend her. I think she thought your parents were going to be angry and disown her. Their reaction was unexpected to say the least. They seemed happy that she wasn't some spy, a part of the mafia, or an assassin. So it's going well so far," Fitz explained, with a few chuckles.

"Has she told them about her new life's passion as a baking Robin Hood? She used to steal from the rich now she bakes and gives it away to the less fortunate," Tim said sarcastically.

"And you are willing to do whatever it takes to help her do just about anything she wants, Tim so your sarcasm is wasted on me, because I am too. What's up?" Fitz pressed, eager to get back inside. He leaned against the column on the front porch noticing the dark clouds forming in the sky.

"I guess it was a fluke to think that the quietness of the last couple of weeks would last. I've been listening in over the wire taps on Mellie and she's getting to close to finding out that Quinn is not Olivia. Apparently, getting back on the dating scene hasn't taken her mind off you. For some reason she isn't convinced that you are with Quinn despite having you two bump into her at that fundraiser or the staged making out. I guess it would have helped if you and Quinn weren't laughing when you were supposed to be fake making out. And we really need to deal with Harrison. Even though we contained Nash, we need to bring Harrison back from Australia. It's hard keeping tabs on him from that far. Abby is convinced he is working on something else. You and Liv can't stay in Princeton past tonight. We need to strategize," Tim explained.

"Okay, I'm sure Liv will have some ideas," Fitz predicted.

"I'm sure she will, but let's just handle it ourselves. This will just stress her out."

"I promised her we wouldn't do that," Fitz reminded him. "We have to keep her updated on these things and involve her in working this out."

"Well, you also promised her you'd stop surveilling her, but instead you increased it. It's really funny. She is traipsing all over New York thinking she is alone, but she has all these plain clothes agents at every corner. We won't even get into the satellite technology and face recognition software. Instead of bugging her you've bugged her surroundings to track her. Grant, I must say it's funny. It will take Huck awhile to figure this out if she ever asks him to."

"Well, the surveillance is necessary for her safety. I will keep my other promises. Is there anything else, Tim?"

"No, I'll see you both tomorrow," Tim said before hanging up.

When Fitz returned from outside carrying their overnight bag, Olivia was explaining her baking.

"Your great grandfather, Percy, was a baker. Maybe you get it from him. How do you give it away without raising suspicion or at least interest into who you are?" Lionel asked.

"Well, I've only been doing it for a couple of weeks. It's a really small operation. I have two people helping me deliver. I thoroughly vet the organizations first. They are mostly private shelters or community centers. I choose private ones because they don't have to have detailed information about me before they can accept the bread. My dream is to teach kids how to bake, especially kids who live in poverty with those food deserts where it's hard to find fresh ingredients. That's way off, though." Olivia explained excitedly.

"Yeah, she doesn't need some cub reporter doing a personal interest story on her and then uncovering the truth," Fitz explained.

"Olivia, I hope you brought us some of your bread," Charlise said, looking at the bag Fitz brought inside. "I'll warm up some soup to go with it. I love to eat soup when it rains."

"See, Livy, your parents didn't disown you. They took your news very well," Fitz pointed out. He massaged her shoulders as they sat in the center of the queen sized bed in what used to be her room, now long since redone into a guest room. She rested between his outstretched legs, hers folded like a pretzel.

"Mmm... yes I worked myself up over telling them. It turned out to be something that brought us closer. I must say I'd work myself into a nervous wreck again just for this massage," she mumbled. "This is better than sex."

He smiled and kissed her neck. He kneaded her neck, arms, and then down either side of her torso and waist. He splayed his fingers across her back and used the pads of his thumbs to rub little circles on either side of her spine. Reaching the band of her bra, he slipped the tips of his fingers under its underside. He slid his fingers around her and released the front clasp. He preferred her front clasp bras over the others and just now realized that she only wore these kind now. This realization excited him and he felt his manhood lengthen and harden. Her deep intake of breath let him know that she felt it too.

It wasn't in his plan to make love to her just yet because he wanted to talk to her about something her mother had said when they arrived. He decided to try to resist what every part of him wanted right now, to be deep inside her. He racked his brain at the extent of his desire for her. He had made love to her countless times, but the quantity didn't quell his desire for her each time he had another opportunity to have her.

She felt him harden against her hip at the same time that he released the front clasp of her bra. Her nipples tingled when the air hit them, but also because they were a little sore. She braced herself slightly, waiting for him to caress her nipples. She knew his touch would bring her pleasure and pain. Instead, he pulled her bra straps down and, lifting both her arms, pulled the material up and off, tossing it on the floor. He kept her arms lifted while he kneaded her palms, wrists, and forearms. By the time he reached the inside of her elbows, she couldn't keep her arms lifted. He entwined his fingers in each of hers and pulled them behind his neck. She felt her breathing quicken when he untangled his hands from hers and continued his massage on either side of her torso. At this point, she thought she would have a heart attack if he didn't touch her breasts based on the frantic beating of her heart. His pliable fingers danced all around her chest to every place but her nipples, which now were aching and stinging.

He felt her nails biting into the skin of his neck as she tried to maintain the hold. He looked over her shoulder noticing the darkness of her nipples and how they protruded forward. He let his hands slide down either side of her waist until they reached the twin bones of her pelvis that used to stick out more prominently than they did now. He remembered her mother's statement about her appearance. Could she be? He thought. He reached behind his neck and unclasped her hands, letting her arms rest by her side. He moved from behind her and off the bed, removing his briefs. She did the same with her panties and laid on her back against the bed, let her eyes trail over his body.

"Come here," he ordered.

She scooted to where he stood by the bed. He grasped her legs and turned her towards him. He leaned over her and grasped both of her breasts as he looked into her eyes in question. She stared back at him with heavy lidded eyes. He leaned over further until his lips closed over her nipple. He sucked softly once and then hard a couple of times. Feeling the sensation deep within her, she grabbed a handful of his hair and gasped, arching her back. He released her nipple and repeated his hard suckling on her other nipple. Her hips buckled towards him. He looked into her eyes and wiped away a tear that had escaped and was making a path down her cheek. He positioned himself at her entrance which was very wet. Immediately he dropped to his knees, placed her legs over his shoulders. He plunged his tongue deep within her, using his tongue and lips to lick away all the evidence of her arousal that would make his entrance easier. He didn't want it to be easy. He wanted her to feel every inch of him for as long as she could. He didn't want to come too quickly. Her moans were about to send him over the edge so he rose to his feet and leaned over her. She locked her legs around his waist.

"Do I need a-?" he asked breathlessly.

She shook her head from side to side as if she couldn't form the word.

He dived into her and she screamed out at the same time that a loud peal of thunder clapped in the sky. He covered her mouth with his and moved into her. Within a few strokes she was wet again, making it harder for him not to come. He flipped her over on her stomach. She immediately rose to her knees before he entered her from behind. She grabbed a pillow to muffle her cries. Reaching back, she opened herself wider for him causing him to plunge deeper into her depths. He could no longer control himself. He came, emptying himself into her. She slowly straightened her legs and they slid onto the bed still connected. After awhile he rose from the bed and walked into the bathroom. He returned with a warm cloth which he used to clean around her legs and thighs. He pulled back the covers and they settled under the bedclothes together. He pulled her head back slightly and kissed her on the lips.

They lay there in silence for awhile with the lamp still on. The storm that had been brewing was a chorus of pounds and claps outside. The heavy raindrops pelted the windows. His hand absently rubbed her lower abdomen.

"Fitz..." she said softly.

He didn't respond. The possibility of her carrying his baby had gone from a fleeting thought to an almost certain inevitability. He had decided that he wasn't going to say anything about it right now. He had no idea what was going through her mind and he didn't want to do anything to upset the delicate balance of normalcy they had created since she came back. Also he was not sure. All he knew was that he had not seen any evidence of her bleeding in the weeks of her return, only the subtle changes in her body.

He continued rubbing her there until her breathing became even and he knew she was asleep. Then and only then did he close his eyes.

"So the results of the other tests I bought were...?" Huck asked, handing her the plastic bag from the pharmacy, as he stepped inside the door.

His question hung in the air, unanswered, as Olivia took the bag and backed away from the door as he walked inside. She sat on the sofa and rifled through the bag, smiling at the pack of Reese's Peanut Butter cups sandwiched between two pregnancy test boxes. After examining the boxes, she opened the chocolate and peanut butter treat and took a bite. She extended her arm to offer him one, but he declined with a shake of the head.

"I haven't gotten around to taking them yet. I've been really busy baking. I just added that women's shelter by the public library, not to mention the deliveries which are keeping Quinn, her sister, and me pretty busy. Whatever happened between you and Quinn, anyway Huck?" she asked, now on her second piece of chocolate.

"Ask her or Tim, but...Liv, stop trying to change the subject. You must have at least 12 pregnancy tests," he said. "Where are they?" Before she could answer, he assessed the room.

"You wouldn't keep them in the obvious places," Huck mused out loud to himself. He moved to the kitchen pantry and walked in.

"Huck, what are you doing?" Liv questioned, a little edge in her voice as she walked in behind him.

"I'm ending this nonsense for the sake of my future niece or nephew. Now, I can understand why you might want to be in denial about this," he said as he pushed items aside. "Life is happening every day and it is hard to catch your brea-Oh yes, I think I have a winner."

He lifted out a large cylinder shaped tin with ornate designs decorated on the outside. Sitting it on the counter, he opened the top and pulled out various brands of pregnancy tests, lining them in a row across the counter's marble top. He walked over to the refrigerator, pulled out three bottled waters, and set them beside the array of boxes.

"Okay, Liv, which one do you want to try first?" Huck said with an uncharacteristic smile.

"Joline, this pastry is excellent. Where did you get it again?" Mellie asked between bites.

"One of the reference librarians at the library volunteers at that women's shelter that's a block away. She said that they recently started getting these donations from an area bakery. Usually the staff doesn't partake of the donations they receive, but she says that they sit by the clock waiting for the delivery. The tenants as well as the staff are hooked," Joline explained. She pulled off a piece of the long twisted pastry from the box of assorted varieties.

"Find out the name of the bakery. I can use them at the office and for myself," instructed Mellie.

"So stop stalling, Mel. How was your date last night with Jake? I could spend a night just looking at him across the dinner table. I thought you liked him, but you haven't breathed a word about your date. Come on and spill it!" Joline demanded.

Mellie sat back in her plush office chair and continued savoring her pastry. She chewed slowly and then took a couple of sips of her coffee.

"There's not much to tell. We had a great time. The conversation flowed of course given our jobs, but would I really want to get serious about a public defender? We are on opposite sides of justice," Mellie mused.

"When the lights go out, you will be on the same side of the bed, Mellie. Did you all kiss at the end of the date?"Joline pried.

"Wow, you are a little overzealous about my love life!" Mellie observed.

"Yes, I am living vicariously through you. Plus, you really need to move on from Fitz, Mel," Joline argued.

Mellie sighed, turning her head towards the expansive window. After a few minutes, she looked over at the portrait on her desk which depicted them on a horse. The camera had captured their smiles and closeness, Fitz's arms around her waist. He had just stolen a quick kiss before the shot was taken. She had that picture too, but she didn't display it because she thought the kiss was inappropriate for work. She closed her eyes and remembered how romantic that weekend had been. Instead of relishing it all, she had been eager to get back to finish research on a pressing case.

"I..Jake is handsome, funny, and sexy, but he's not...he's not Fitz. I wish I could go back in time and be more...give him more time and attention. I think I was so busy with our external relationship, I neglected the internal, it that makes sense," Mellie mused.

"But Mellie, there's still no guarantee that you would be together. I mean you don't really know why he left you in the first place," Joline added.

"If we'd been closer, he wouldn't have left me. I don't buy for one second that he is really with Olivia Pope. When I saw them at that fundraiser, something wasn't right. I want to know the truth and...I really miss him." Mellie said sadly.

"But do you, did you love him, Mellie?"

"Yes, of course. We made a great looking couple. There was no limit to how far we could have gone had we stayed together, gotten married, and transitioned to politics. I wanted to have a baby, hopefully twins. But..." Mellie imagined.

Joline realized that Mellie still had the same priorities when it came to Fitz. It was all about the external.

"In my humble opinion, I say you learn from your relationship with Fitz and explore something new with Jake," offered Joline. At that moment, Jake's number appeared on Mellie's caller ID.

"Speaking of something new," Mellie said with a smile, holding up her cell phone and presenting it to Joline.

"Answer it, already, Mel!" Joline demanded.

Mellie pressed, "ignore" and slid the phone back on the desk, "I'll call him later. He is a good kisser, but not as good as my Fitz."

Joline rolled her eyes heavenward, "Oh Mellie, it's time to accept reality. Fitz is not yours and you won't be kissing him anymore in this life."

"Well, Liv, they all say the same thing," Huck said. They stood in the bathroom she shared with Fitz, observing the pregnancy tests lined up on the counter like cars in a parking lot.

"I'm not pregnant," Olivia said. Her voice was edged with a little shock and a lot of disappointment.

Huck closed his eyes when he heard her voice and that tone he knew so well. She was going to deny her disappointment.

"Well, I really dodged a bullet there. Thanks for making me take these tests, Huck. I haven't had a drink or coffee in a couple of weeks now. I am ready," she said, grabbing the small wastebasket. With one swipe, she pushed all the tests inside.

"Liv, it's okay if you're sad about it regardless of...anything," Huck counseled. He took the wastebasket out of her hands and gave her a side hug. "You should call Fitz."

"No. I won't bother him with this. Unless you are going to help me bake, you should probably go," she said.

"Okay, I'm up for helping," he said.

"That's bullshit, Cyrus! I'm not letting him come back to the New York office," Fitz bellowed angrily. His anger caused him to shoot up from his chair and glare at Cyrus who sat in an arm chair facing his desk. He started to pace around the office.

"Whether it's bullshit or not, Lee went to Internal Affairs and made a complaint against you. If they start snooping around, Fitz, it's all over. So, you will transfer him back to your division and find a way to smooth this over. There are ways to keep him busy. I think you plumb overreacted. He suspected that Olivia was your girlfriend but still went after her. She turned him down. End of story. When he gets back, put him on a long, tedious case and just keep an eye on him. Shit, you have access to all the latest surveillance. Use it. This is simple," Cyrus explained.

Fitz was seeing red. He noticed Helen Tate walk by his office door, looking in quizzically. When she saw his stormy expression, she increased her stride. Fitz forcefully closed his privacy blinds.

"Now, for the good news. I have come up with a plan to help you and Olivia have chance at a normal life," Cyrus said.

Fitz narrowed his eyes. He knew he was already in too deep with Cyrus, but he had no choice. Over the last months, Cyrus had stopped making off hand comments about his relationship with Olivia. He even asked about her well-being periodically. When she'd left him, Cyrus had given him the authorization to satellite and face recognition software to track her down. Cyrus had never done anything malicious to him in the past. In fact, he'd always been an advocate. But, everything Cyrus did was a calculation that always put things in alignment to follow his plan. Fitz wondered what that plan was and how it now seemed to involve Olivia. Fitz decide to take the bait.

"Good news?" Fitz asked.

"Yes. The CyberSec corporation has won the contract to create the software and hardware for the computing and data management of the FBI, NSA, and CIA. Part of that process is purging some of the outdated information in our electronic files. Each organization has to present a list of the files they want wiped out. I have a contact on the CyberSec board who owes me a favor. Now, I need you to walk with me."

Cyrus rose from his chair and walked out of the office. Fitz walked out behind him and locked the door. They walked from the building together stopping just north of the busy front courtyard beside the Liberty Plaza waterfall.
"Upon my word, my contact will ensure that any and all information related to Olivia and her criminal record will be permanently expunged from the national databases." Cyrus said in a low toned voice. He continued to look at the water fountain waiting for Fitz's response.

"But that is not possible Cy. Data cannot be permanently deleted. It can always be reconstructed if the person knows what to look for. What about her team? They are connected to her," Fitz responded, also looking at the waterfall. He still wanted to hear more.

"Right, but the data will be overwritten with some other fabricated information. We can use our own resources to create another identity for Olivia. We'll still have to be careful, but the only real danger is having someone who knows the truth start looking for the files that will be no longer. Then the trail could lead back to the contract. You were the last person to work on her case. Sanders Black is still on his leave of absence. The last thing he will be thinking about is Olivia Pope when and if he comes back. We can keep an eye on him, though. We should consider a transfer for him especially with his family issues. So, Fitz, you give me the word and we can set this in motion immediately," Cyrus said.

Many thoughts raced through Fitz's head. He thought about Harrison, Abby, Huck, and the total cooperation he would need from them. He thought about the price of moving forward with this. He had no idea what Cyrus wanted from him, but he was finally seeing a way out and a way forward.

"Cyrus, what do you want from me? Why are you helping Olivia and me?" Fitz pondered.

"Haven't I aways been in your corner? Your father is one of my closest friends. I have always believed in you, Fitz. You are right. I do have a proposal for you, but now is not the time to discuss it. I think you have enough on your plate right now," Cyrus said, now looking at Fitz.

"You call it a proposal, which means it is something I can accept or reject. In reality, though, will I have a choice?" Fitz asked turning to face Cyrus.

"We always have choices in life. Right now I am offering you a chance to be with the woman you love. You can take it or leave it."

"I am going to take it," Fitz said.

"Hello," Olivia said breathlessly, running to catch the phone, now on its second, 4th ring.

"Hi Livy, what are you doing? You sound winded."

"I was in the bathroom when the phone rang. The oven timer went off. I was running back and forth. Huck helped me so I have more batches. He left before they were done so I am monitoring them by myself. What's up?" she asked.

He had decided to call her, eager to see if she had taken one those dozen pregnancy tests she had hidden in the tin on the back shelf in the pantry.

"How are you doing? Anything exciting going on there? Did you make any deliveries?" he asked trying not to sound to eager.

"Exciting like what?" she asked, woodenly.

"I don't know. Did you talk to your parents today? Add any other groups to your deliveries?" Fitz ventured to guess.

"Honey, I need to go. You know how it is when I'm baking. I'll see you later. I love you," she said, before disconnecting the line.

Hearing his voice in light of what she had found out about the non-pregnancy caused tears to well up in her eyes. While she was overwhelmed by her disappointment at not being pregnant, she was more angry at herself for being disappointed. The emotions coursing through her body just made her tired. She laid out the loaves and muffins to cool. She knew she needed to get a handle on herself before Fitz came home. She knew he would be able to pick up on her low mood. Sometimes she hated how good he was at reading her. Setting her clock to awaken her in an hour, she crawled on the bed for a nap planning to shower and put on a new face before he arrived home.

Fitz held the phone, listening to the dial tone after Olivia had essentially hung up on him.

"Something's wrong," he said aloud, before dialing Huck.

"Fitz," Huck said, seeing Fitz's name on his caller ID.

"Huck. What's wrong with Olivia? She said you were there today. I just called her, and I know something is going on?" Fitz inquired.

"Negative. That's what's wrong. She wanted positive, but all those tests said negative. She's sad, but even madder that she's sad," Huck explained matter of factly.

"You were with her when she took them? All of them? How did you get her to do that?"

"I know you know I've been sneaking them to her for weeks now. You can take those guys off me. I don't need surveilling. I don't have anything against you. If Liv wanted me to help her get away from you, again I'd find a way even with your guys following us. We are not there. She wants to be with you so call them off."

"Huck, I don't know what you are talking about. Thanks for the update on Liv and for getting her to take the tests" Fitz said, hanging up. He held himself back from the things he really wanted to say to Huck. He grudgingly accepted him as an indelible part of Olivia's life. That would be a battle he would lose.

Olivia was running at full speed in the blaring sun, sweat poured down her face. The person behind her was trying to take the contents of the backpack that was slowing her down. She concentrated on what was in front of her, ignoring the weight of the straps on her shoulder that held the backpack. With each block she passed, the weight of the pack grew until she dragged to a slow jog. She didn't look back, but she could feel the assailants breath on her neck. Now she was at a slow stroll unable to bear the weight of the pack. She collapsed, but strong arms caught her, preventing her fall. The hands that looked a lot like Fitz's wiped her brow. "No!" she screamed when he removed her backpack.

"Shhh. It's okay," he responded, unzipping the pack.

Olivia was frantic because she had spent the entire night taking the art piece from the museum. She couldn't go back home empty handed.

When the pack was opened, the loud cries of what could only be a baby filled the air. Olivia couldn't take her eyes off the opening of the bag as the man reached inside.

"Livy. Livy, wake up," Fitz whispered against her ear.

Olivia's eyes open immediately. She she saw Fitz leaning over her she realized she had been dreaming and that she must have slept through her alarm.

He smiled down at her. "You're napping. I thought you were baking."

Olivia sat up. She looked at the clock and realized she had only been sleeping for about 30 minutes. She hadn't overslept.

"Why are you home so early?" she yawned deeply. She realized her bladder was full and scooted off the bed to the bathroom.

"I wanted to see you," he said through the door.

Olivia closed her eyes, laid her head on her knees, and looped her hands around her legs as she set on the toilet emptying her bladder. Her emotions were still tender so she wanted to stay where she was.

"Okay. I'll be out soon," she said through the door, hoping he'd give her some privacy. She heard him walk away, remembering the pregnancy test boxes and other paraphernalia overflowing the bathroom wastebasket. She had planned to discard them before he'd gotten home.

Fitz noticed the tests in the wastebasket. He pulled each one out and lined them up one by one on the counter. He heard her flush the toilet. She walked out of the toilet area and stepped to the other basin to wash her hands. In her peripheral vision, she saw him lining up the test sticks.

"I was thinking burritos for dinner, but I need to go to the market," Olivia said, ignoring Fitz's actions.

"Livy, come here."

Olivia gave him a frustrated look, but walked over to him. He pulled her over in front of him so that she faced the tests and the mirror. His hands rested lightly on her shoulders.

"So all negative, huh?" he said, looking at her through the reflection of the mirror. He watched her eyes brush over each of the tests. Then she lifted her eyes to meet his in the mirror. She pressed her lips together and shook her head in agreement. They stared at each other. Her eyes reddened and became glassy with unshed tears.

"That was a lot of pee, babe," Fitz said seriously.

Olivia couldn't help but laugh at his comment. When the chuckles started, they wouldn't stop. She gripped the counter and doubled over with laughter. She was crying, but the sad tears were now mixed with joyful ones. He laughed too.

He wrapped his arms around her when the laughter stopped. She turned in his arms and hugged him.

"I know I should be happy that the tests are negative. Why would I want a baby? How can I be responsible for another life when my own is in shambles. But I'm not, Fitz. I tried to ignore the signs at first, but I couldn't after awhile. I was late when I left last month, but I thought it was stress. I couldn't bring myself to take the tests because I didn't want them to be negative. Things between us have been wonderful lately. Being pregnant just seemed to make everything seem normal if that makes any sense," Olivia said against his chest. She finally looked up at him. "Fitz, despite everything, I want a normal life with you."

Fitz's eyes matched hers, his now red-rimmed. "No matter what the tests say, we are in this together. We don't need a baby to prove that you are mine and I am yours. It will happen in time along with you becoming my wife."

Olivia's heart quickened at his words and the tenderness in his voice. She felt like she was in the eye of a tornado. Everything was still and quiet there wrapped in his arms while chaos whipped around them.

"Fitz…"

"Don't say anything, Livy. That wasn't an official proposal. You deserve a better one than that so, just practice saying, "yes," Fitz said against her cheek. He pulled her back. "So, you want normal? I say we do what normal couples do. We go to the market together to pick up a few things for dinner. How's that for boring?"

"Okay, that sounds good," Olivia said, pulling his dress shirt out of his waistband and unbuckling his belt. "First I want us to do something else that normal couples do." She lifted up on her toes to take his lips in a suggestive kiss during which he dispensed with all but her shirt. Olivia hopped up on the sink, knocking over some of the test sticks. He grabbed her up into his arms and walked to the bedroom, laying her on the floor beside where he finished undressing them.

Olivia saw his eyes greedily assess her breasts. She covered them with her hands. "They are sore, Fitz..." she pleaded, warning him to be gentle, but knowing he wouldn't.

"Okay," he whispered, grasping both her wrists and binding them with one of his hands above her head, his other hand free to roam. He settled himself between her legs and scooped one breast with his free hand. He wasn't planning to be gentle because the harder he sucked the wetter she became. He had even brought her to climax that way. Even though the tests were all negative, he wasn't convinced primarily because of her breasts. With that thought, he gently took her nipple into his mouth, sucking lightly. "Harder," she whispered. He laughed smugly against her breast before firmly drawing on her nipple.

Fitz and Olivia walked hand in hand down the city block in route to Wegman's market in the East Village. They were no longer afraid to be seen together. In their estimation, Mellie was the only person who posed a threat. In an abundance of caution, they both wore glasses. Fitz wore a baseball cap pulled low. They both wore jeans. Fitz wore a t-shirt and Olivia a silky blouse. From outward appearances, they looked like a normal couple on an evening errand.

Fitz grabbed a big cart as they entered the foyer of the market.

"I don't think we need a big one, honey" Olivia said, enjoying the cool air of the store on her skin.

"It won't hurt to have it." They walked into the store hand in hand.

"Wow, these cherries are on sale for $2.95 a pound. We should get some." Olivia plucked two. She popped one in her mouth and the other one in his. They chewed.

"Sweet. Let's get two bags. I can take some to work and put them in the conference room. Maybe the agents will start liking me. Your bread is warming them up to me," Fitz said. Olivia lifted her hand to his mouth. He spit out the pit in her palm.

Olivia laughed as she tossed the pits in the trash. They strolled down each aisle alternating between chatting about nothing in particular and discussing the need for this food or that item. One constant was there obvious affection for each other. They were rarely not touching. Whether it was him massaging her neck on her arm around his waist, their bodies were drawn to the other.

"I never would have predicted that Tim and Quinn would get together. I've been so preoccupied that I didn't even notice, Fitz. I bet Tim is happy about that, but I am going to give him hell now that I know. It'll be fun," Olivia said as they passed a kiosk advertising a ready made dish of salmon, spinach and roasted red pepper quinoa. The smell of the salmon turned Olivia's stomach and she held her breath to block out the smell.

"Liv, we should get some of that salmon," he suggested. "Let's try a sample." He pulled the chart into the line of eager patrons wanting a taste.

Olivia kept walking until she couldn't smell the fish anymore. She stopped in the produce department clear across the store. "Livy? Livy...Oh there you are. Why did you run away?"

"I think the salmon is bad, Fitz. You didn't smell it? It's almost rancid," she said.

"You should see your face. I didn't smell anything out of the ordinary," Fitz said. "Let's get our produce and not forget the ingredients for the burritos. They continued their stroll down the aisles. Olivia was bent over the peaches intently studying them, filing the bag with those that passed her inspection and met her approval. Fitz bent over and kissed her neck before his own started to tingle. That was the feeling he got when he felt that he was being watched. He looked up, leaving Olivia to her inspection. Then he turned in the opposite direction and made a wide perimeter around them in the opposite direction. When he swung around, he saw Mellie watching Olivia from where she stood in the pharmacy section. Fitz stood Mellie now.

"What the hell are you doing here? You never shop on this side of town," Fitz said.

Mellie stiffened and then turned to face him. Fitz looked over her shoulder. Olivia was now intently studying the lemons.

"So that is why you left me. That woman. Don't even try to deny it. You can't keep your hands off each other. My God, why did you have to go to such lengths to lie to me, Fitz?That other woman was supposed to throw me off from this woman. Why?" Mellie challenged.

Fitz looked at her with irritation, but he didn't speak.

"Maybe I should ask her," Mellie said.

"Don't you dare!" he breathed out acidly. "Who I am with is none of your concern. Nothing about me is your damn business. It is unfortunate that we ran into each other. I suggest you leave and stop watching us. Stay out of my life." Fitz breathed deeply to control his anger. It wasn't just her presence at the store, but all her efforts to spy on him that knew about based on his surveillance.

"I will leave, but this is not over, Fitz," Mellie said calmly.

"The five years we were together you had the illusion that you were in control. I guess that is why you can't move on. I am willing to do whatever it takes to get you to leave me alone Mellie...whatever it takes!" Fitz stood there until she walked around him. He turned and watched her, ensuring that she left the store.

When he turned around, Olivia pushed the cart towards him. "There you are, babe. I was looking for you." Olivia glanced around him and the condoms, lubricant, feminine products and similar items that lined the shelves. "Are you trying to get condoms or feminine products for me? I guess we'll need these... and the condoms too until I can get my IUD reinserted, at least."

Fitz made a mental note to talk to Olivia about Cyrus's offer and proposal. He hoped she wouldn't be upset that he had already taken it. He was ready for any resistance she gave. Now, all he could think about was the present. His altercation with Mellie would not stand in the way of their normal night.

"Hey, let me show you something," he said, grabbing her hand and maneuvering the now full cart with his other hand.

"Okay, but how are we going to get home with all these groceries," she observed, shaking her head.

"I'll call your favorite agents, Tom and Hal. You know they miss you," Fitz said, turning her onto another aisle.

"Strangely, I feel their presence whenever I'm out. It's like I'm never alone. I wonder why I feel that way, Fitz? Do you have any ideas?" Olivia asked. She smirked at him, knowing he wouldn't answer. She noticed that this aisle housed shelves that were lined with everything baby related, formula, baby food, diapers, etc.

Fitz grasped both of her hands in his and pulled them around his waist. He rested his hands on her shoulders. "Livy, I know what the tests said, but I think this is the aisle that we will be coming back to for a long while. I am convinced that you are carrying our baby. I don't have any experience with this sort of thing, but something is going your body. I know it well."

"I know Fitz. Maybe I have a thyroid problem or I was supposed to be a twin and the other fetus got absorbed inside my body. Maybe now is the time for me to give birth to a mass of hair and flesh," Olivia mused.

"What?" Fitz laughed.

"No. It is possible. A small portion of the population passes their unborn twin when they reach adulthood. Sometimes the eggs don't fully split in twins and one twin absorbs the other. Later in life the twin that matured, passes other one. I saw it on the Discovery channel," Olivia said seriously. "There has to be a reason I'm gaining weight, my breasts are tender, and I can't stand the smell of certain foods..."

"Don't forget that you are very late too..." he added.

"Yeah. I could have a tumor pushing on my ovaries," she maintained.

"Your previously absorbed twin...?" he said mockingly.

"Yes. I've already made an appointment with that doctor from the hospital to reinsert my IUD. I'll talk to him about my symptoms," she said.

"I am going with you to that appointment. When is it?" he asked.

"Day after tomorrow, first thing, 9:00 am." Olivia said.

"Okay. I'll be there," he said looking at his watch. "I need to call Tom and Hal to come get us."

After enjoying a normal night of shopping, cooking, and cleaning the dishes, they lounged on the sofa. Fitz watched a normal baseball game while Olivia fought sleep. He decided that now was a good time to tell her about Cyrus's offer and proposal. He just started talking, letting it all come out. After he finished, she moved to the other side of the couch facing him.

"Fitz, it sounds perfect, but it doesn't allow me the opportunity to make amends for what I did all those years. I get a free pass. Also, we don't know what Cyrus wants from you. We can't go in blind without knowing. And what about Abby and Harrison, will they agree to this? Before we make any decisions, let's really think about it."

"I've already taken his offer. I'm sorry, but we are not considering the unborn. I know you have this need to bare a cross for what you did, but you have to consider how it will affect the baby and me," Fitz said with finality.

"What the hell, Fitz! We don't even know if I am pregnant for God's sake! Here you go again, bulldozing over me! I am not going to take this. Tell Cyrus you changed your mind and you'll get back with him after we've talked more," Olivia demanded.

"I can't do that, Livy. I do agree that we need to get everyone in a room and demand their allegiance to this plan. I've already called to arrange Abby's and Harrison's return stateside from Australia. They'll be here by the end of the week," Fitz said, watching Olivia's anger continue to rise. "Baby, don't be angry."

"What about Mellie! I saw her tonight at the market, you know. I didn't say anything because I knew you were taking care of it. She is the threat to all of this, Fitz. You continue to underestimate her!"

He reached for her hand but she snatched it back. "Don't touch, me, Fitz."

He sat back, hoping she wouldn't flee to the bedroom to lock him out. He was ready to run and cut her off before she got there.

"Don't worry, I am not going to run, this time, okay? Happy? I am tired of you bullying me. I have a say! I can decide!" she screamed at him, rising to her feet on the sofa cushions. "Why do you have to be so damn bullheaded and bossy? I am surprised that you even told me this much," she bellowed looking down at him.

He looked up at her. "I'm surprised that you aren't running from me," he observed softly. "That's progress, right? We are making progress."

"Ugh! You are intensely irritating, Fitzgerald Grant," she sat back down on the sofa. He moved toward her slowly. She let him pull her back into his arms.

"There is more to sort out, but we don't have to do it on our normal night, okay?" he said.

She didn't respond to his comment. She snuggled deeper into his arms and fell into an angry slumber.