DISCLAIMER: I own nothing from ABC's Scandal or anyone/anything else.

We arrived in Washington, D.C. around five that dreary afternoon. It felt amazing to be back on American soil, but knowing I had to leave my brothers behind was torture. As our plane parked on the runway, I looked around and saw police cars and fire trucks, American flags hanging from the trucks, and fellow military brothers. I saw the families of the fallen gathered nearby, waiting for us to unload. I hadn't prepared myself for the tears that day.

We got off the plane slowly and Owen and the others helped our soldiers off and to their families. I stood behind Warren, watching as they folded his flag first. Owen took it and walked with me to his parents and wife. I stopped in front of them and Owen handed me the flag, and I gave it to a teary-eyed Hailey, who was quietly thanking me. I reached into my coat pocket and pulled out the letter, neatly folded into an envelope, and handed it to her.

"He told me to give this to you," I said quietly. She nodded and I gave a quick nod before going back to my original position with Owen by Warren.

A few days later was his funeral, and he was to be laid to rest at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery. It was a nice, closed-casket graveside service. His wife accepted his numerous honors on his behalf. She let me and Owen sit with the rest of the family for the service. I was touched. Warren was like family to me, but for someone else to see that meant everything.

As Taps was played and the guns were fired, Hailey wiped her eyes and glanced at me, putting her hand into mine. I felt something cold in my hand and looked down; it was one of Warren's tags. I looked up at her and she gave me a look, letting me know we would talk about it later.

After the funeral, she took me to the side and spoke softly. She took off her dark sunglasses to reveal her red, swollen eyes and looked into mine.

"Thank you, Fitz, for everything. You did so much for him, you were his best friend, practically his brother. I know how much you meant to him..." She paused, her voice breaking as she fought back tears. "Thank you for making sure he got home safely. And thank you for the letter," she whispered.

"Yes ma'am," I nodded professionally. "Thank you, Hailey. It was an honor to serve with a man as great as Warren. It won't be the same without him, but he worked his hardest and did his best to defend this country," I said. "I loved him. He loved you. The last thing he said was to tell you he loved you," I whispered.

She nodded and began crying, and I took her in my arms as best I could and still hold myself up. I rubbed her back and just let her cry, because that's what she needed at this point: to cry and be assured it was ok to do so.

A few minutes later she pulled away, wiping her eyes, ashamed of crying in public. I told her it was ok to cry as I pulled out my tags and took my chain off. I handed her one of mine and put Warren's next to my singular one and put them back around my neck.

"Keep it," I whispered.

I cried myself to sleep that night.

Present day

It's ten at night, and me and Mels are watching reruns of Criminal Minds. She's wide awake after more contractions at seven and nine. I had two cups of black coffee before she woke up from her two hour nap. Betty was asleep on the couch; flying always wore her out.

We're good to go for a few more hours.

As I sat beside her bed in an ugly black, plastic chair, her hand in mine as we watch the TV late that night, I couldn't help but admire her more. Her strength, her beauty, her love. I knew on our second date that she was going to be a wonderful mother one day, and I could only hope that she would be the mother of my children.

That wish was coming true.

"Fitz," she whispered, pulling me out of my deep thoughts as she stroked my hand.

"Hmm?" I looked over at her, her beautiful eyes shining and long hair put up in a messy bun.

"Do you want to lay down here with me?" She asked, wanting me to be comfortable, worrying about me more than herself, as usual.

I just wanted to hold her in my arms, to keep her safe, to help her through everything, to have one more moment with her to cherish.

"Sure," I said, taking off my shoes and watch as she scooted over slowly, making room for me. I saw our duffel bag across the room and debated changing, but I didn't want to yet. I got in bed beside her and she snuggled up next to me as I put my arm around her. I kissed her forehead and sighed quietly; I would actually miss her being pregnant. She wouldn't, but she said she would do it all over again for our daughter. She was so cute, and even more gorgeous than before when she carried our child; I didn't even think that was possible.

I wasn't going to fall asleep; I would be ok until she went back to sleep. I just needed a little nap. I would be ok after that-

"Fitz, wake up," she nudged my side with her elbow. "You're about to miss the best part."

I quickly opened my eyes and directed my attention to the TV, pretending to watch. I was too tired to watch. I was too excited, I was ready to meet our daughter, I was ready to see Mel not exhausted.

She fell asleep for a little while after the end of the episode. I was still trying to stay awake myself.

I had an hour to sleep. I needed to take it.