Gladiators! Here's the next chapter. Thank you so much for the reviews on the previous one. I took them into consideration when deciding the direction to take this one in. This is a long one, but I hope you enjoy it. Happy reading!

The bedroom was barely lit by the rising sun that peeked through their curtains. The cream colored material allowed just enough sunlight to begin waking Olivia up from her slumber. During her pregnancy she had grown accustomed to sleeping on her right side. She hated sleeping in this position, accepting that the only good part was waking up while facing Fitz's handsome face every morning. She slightly rustled under the comforter as she began to wake.

"I can feel you staring at me," she mumbled.

Fitz snickered quietly at her emotionless statement as he watched her.

"You make me sound like a stalker," he said with a smirk on his face.

She slowly peeked at him through one squinted eye and gave a weak smile.

"Morning." Her voice was groggy and lacked enthusiasm.

"Good morning, grumpy." He inched over to kiss the top of her forehead.

"Sorry," she slowly repositioned to lay on her back and let out a heavy exhalation through her nose. "What time is it? Shouldn't you be getting ready?"

"It's 5 am. And yes, I should be getting dressed right about now but I took off today."

She turned her head without moving the rest of her body and looked at him with her eyebrows bunched and her face confused.

"Since when do you take off? The only person who's more of a workaholic than me, is you."

He sat up on his elbows and smiled at her.

"This is true. But I took off. And, dont be mad, but you took off too."

"What are you talking about."

"Well, technically I took off for you."

Olivia rolled on her side to get out of the bed, ignoring his statement and attempting to stand up and stretch. She was moving quite slow but knew that she had to get her day started.

"That's sweet, Fitz," she said while yawning, "but I can't. Not today. My client has court next week and we have prep starting today."

"I know. I spoke to Harrison. He's got it all taken care of."

"What do you mean you spoke to Harrison?"

"I spoke. To Harrison."

"About?"

"I arranged for you to have a long weekend. I ran it by everyone in your office. I told them I wanted to surprise you and they were more than happy to help out."

"A long weekend?"

"Yup."

She stood for a minute to watch him, placing her hands on her hips, waiting to see if he would give any signs of this being a joke.

"So that's why you were trying to butter me up last night," she said suspiciously. "The dinner you cooked, the foot massage, your little shower-time...you were setting me up so I can't be mad at you for making me take off work."

"There might be some truth to that."

"Or you're trying to butter me up for the interview next week."

"I'm shocked that you think so little of me Livvie."

She gave him a stern look. One that was harsh enough to make a nun look soft.

"Okay. There may be some truth to that too."

"Fitz..."

"Hey. We need some down time. Look at you. You're exhausted. And the kids haven't seen you in months. Skype doesn't count. So, I figure a few days with them, a few with just the two, I mean three, of us. It would be good."

"The kids are coming here?"

"We're meeting them there."

"Where's there?"

"Can you just come back in bed and lay with me for a minute?"

Fitz reached an arm out to her across the bed and gave his best pouting face. He knew that she couldn't resist much when he did that.

"If I wasn't pregnant you know I'd be pissed. I'm too tired to argue." She climbed back in bed to snuggle next to him. They met in the middle of the mattress and wrapped their arms around one another, Olivia burying her head in his chest.

"So tell me your master plan."

"I rented a house in the Outer Banks. The first two days it'll be me, you, and the kids. And then Jerry and Karen are heading home so we'll have the house to ourselves the last two days."

She lifted her head up to look at him.

"Impressed?"

"I am."

"I also may have gotten my hands on a jet to fly us there."

"You're the only man that casually mentions getting his hands on a jet, Fitz."

He could only laugh at her statement recognizing her to be right.

"I know you typically prefer me I act as if my family doesn't have resources like planes and vacation homes-"

"Stop right there. You know that's not true. I just don't see the point in having an obnoxious, privileged lifestyle. But, I don't even want to think of how many bathroom breaks we'd have to take if we decided to drive so a private flight works. This time."

As they spoke about the plans for the trip Olivia became more relaxed about the idea. And she was genuinely excited to see Jerry and Karen. Fitz was nothing but happy when they had the kids with them, so she knew it would be a great, relaxing weekend.

Later in the day, after packing a few items, they headed for the airport with their driver and Tom in tow. It wasn't a long trip and Liv was grateful for the convenience of a private flight. Karen and Jerry met them as they landed, waiting with the private SUV Fitz had arranged to use during their weekend. They made the most of their first day at the vacation house, relaxing by the pool and grilling on the deck. Karen couldn't help but gush over Olivia's pronounced stomach every time they were in a room together. The property had a tennis and basketball court on it so Fitz and Jerry took advantage of that as much as possible.

On the second day of the trip Fitz and Olivia managed to steal a moment alone as they stood together in the living room. The large windows gave the perfect view of the ocean. They stood together, her head leaning back to rest on his chest, watching the waves crash. Olivia had her loose curls up in a messy bun and her bangs pinned back out of her face. She was in her typical strapless maxi dress, the only outfit she didn't mind wearing all day every day on their trip. Fitz was dressed in a well-fit blue polo shirt and pressed khaki pants as he waited for Jerry to go play a round of golf.

He placed gentle kisses on her soft skin in between her neck and shoulder. Olivia sighed at his touch, feeling genuinely relaxed.

"Thank you for this weekend. This is nice."

"You needed a break. And we needed some family time. It's as simple as that."

She reached behind her up to his head and lightly ran her hand through his thick curls.

"Mmmmm. I love it when you do that Liv."

"Well I love it when you do that." She looked down to her thighs where his hands were deeply rubbing her.

"Oh really? I had no idea," he mumbled sarcastically as he buried his face in her neck. His hands moved to her hips as he pulled her into his body even closer."Mmmm. Can I just say, your ass is fantastic."

She smirked at his statement and closed her eyes while they enjoyed their closeness. It was short lived though as Jerry quickly made his presence known.

"Dad! Are we heading to the driving range or what?!" Jerry barged into the living room and stopped in his tracks when he saw Olivia wrapped in Fitz's arms.

"Oh. Man," he sheepishly slowed down his pace, "Sorry guys. Didn't mean to interrupt. I'll just-" he started backing out of the room but Fitz spoke up to stop him.

"Jer, you act like you've never seen us kiss before. I'm ready to leave whenever you are."

"Okay cool. Sorry guys."

Olivia pulled away from Fitz to give him a look from the side of her eye.

"Jerry it's fine. Your dad gets a little mushy every once in a while," she playfully pushed Fitz in his arm.

"As it would seem," Fitz smiled at Olivia and turned his attention to Jerry."Jer, let me grab my clubs upstairs and we'll head out."

Fitz ran up the stairs leaving Olivia in the room with Jerry. She was grabbing a book to read as she headed to the deck to relax with Karen.

"Take it easy on your dad, Jerry. You know he gets competitive."

"Ha! Will do. We'll be back by dinner." Jerry whisked over to Liv, kissed her on her cheek, and grabbed his sports bag to wait for his dad outside.

"Fitz!" Olivia yelled from the bottom of the stairs. She didn't have the energy to climb them.

"Yeah?"

"I'm going to lay on the deck with Karen. Text us when you're on your way home and we'll start the grill."

"Okay baby. I love you. Have fun."

"You too."

Both Olivia and Karen loved a good book so it was no surprise that they sat in silence together on the deck while reading. Time passed and felt like hours as they both got lost in their stories, enjoying the sunshine and sounds of the ocean. Karen was the first to lower her book and give her eyes a rest.

"How's the baby?" She lifted her sunglasses to meet Olivia's eyes. Following Karen's lead she, too, closed her book and placed it to the side.

"It seems to think my bladder is its own personal couch. But other than that," She widened her eyes and gave a goofy smile causing Karen to laugh.

"You know, pregnancy looks good on you Liv."

"Did your dad put you up to that compliment? He insists that my body doesn't look as deformed as it feels."

"I'm serious. You look good. At least you know what to expect for your next one."

"My next one?" Olivia couldn't fathom the concept of having another baby, at least anytime soon. "I haven't even popped this one out yet."

"I'm sure you guys will have more. I hope you guys have more. The baby's gonna have me and Jer but I'm sure she'll want a playmate too."

"She?"

"Yeah. I think it's a girl. It's definitely a girl."

"Funny. Jerry told me this morning it's definitely a boy."

"Well, of course I'm right and he's wrong." Karen playfully rolled her eyes and Olivia laughed. She was always amazed at how much she looked like Mellie but acted nothing like her.

"Enough about me and the baby. Tell me about you. How's life? Any new guys?"

"Yeah, a few."

"Karen Grant...I hope you don't say that when your dads around. He'll have a cow."

"I'm just having fun Liv. Nothing serious."

"I can appreciate that. You're being responsible about it right?"

"Yes, mom," she replied dutifully.

"I'm serious Karen. There are so many things that can happen that will change your life forever. You have a right to be young and explore life but you also need to be responsible."

"I know, Liv. Trust me, there's nothing serious."

"Okay. You know you can always talk to me about that kind of thing. Your secret is safe with me."

"I know that. You've always been my go-to for that kind of thing."

"Speaking of which, I hear you have a new tattoo."

"I'm going to kill my brother."

"In his defense, it kind of was an accident. He told me he was thinking of getting one and when I told him about my almost-tattoo experience he let it slip that you got one."

"You have a tattoo?"

"I said almost. It was silly. Of course it involved me being upset at your dad. Abby had taken me out to lick my wounds. And after multiple margaritas and one too many tequila shots we found ourselves at a dingy tattoo parlor in northeast DC."

"What?! Liv! Are you serious?!" Karen's long legs were on the edge of her chair as she leaned forward to get the scoop.

"I'm not proud. But yes. I'm serious."

"Olivia Pope-Grant. I would have never imagined you even being close to drunk, let alone crying over a guy. And the the tattoo thing...I just can't even fathom this is true."

"Sometimes I can't believe it either Kare. Your dad has had me about to lose my mind on a few occasions. This was the most embarrassing one, though."

"Do tell, please."

They stood in a tattoo parlor across the street from the bar they just raided. It was still early in the night but it felt later because of when they began their festivities. Both of them had one too many drinks, their usually well kept professional clothes looked wrinkled and sloppy, and their speech left much to be desired. As they perused the binder of tattoo options, Olivia continued the rant she had been giving for the last few hours.

"Abby! I'm not the one that's at fault here! He is!"

"Okay, Liv. Lets say that's the truth, one hundred percent. You're right, he's wrong. You still shouldn't get a tattoo that says "screw you" on your ass."

"He sent me a card on our first real anniversary. A card! Signed, might I add, by his assistant. I've seen his signature! I've studied it. I've watched him sign things a million and one times. I know what it looks like. So, not only is he out of town at some stupid charity event this week, but then he thought he'd send me a card? A card?! Not even a real present? He deserved every bit of what I said to him after thinking that-"

"O-livia. Listen." Abby took the binder out of Liv's hands and grabbed hers tightly making sure to lock eyes."Men are dogs. They're worse than dogs. They're pigs. They use you, and get back to you when it's convenient. The sooner you learn that, the better you are."

"But, Abby," she sloppily walked outside to the cool autumn air and leaned against the side of the brick building. Her voice was sad and whiny as she breathed heavily, full of emotion, and tired from her previous rant. She was hitting the next stage of drunkenness- emotional breakdown. Her words slurred and slowed as she continued her emotional speech. "I love him. I'm in love with him. I love him, like, so much. And I love being with him. And I love how he smells. And I love how he looks at me. And I love how he touches me."

"Liv-"

"And I love the way he wakes up with his perfect eyes and that handsome smirk on his face -"

"Liv-"

"And I love standing next to him. And his hair...god I love his hair..."

"Olivia! Stop!"

"What?!" Clearly Liv was irritated at the interruption.

"He's calling you." Abby pointed to Liv's hand that was holding her cell. As soon as she saw his name on her screen she discarded her sensitive attitude and switched back to being angry.

"What is it?" Her tone of voice as she answered the call sounded as if she would spit fire if she could.

"Where are you Liv?"

"What does it matter to you?"

"I'm standing inside of your apartment listening to your hate voicemail. So where are you?"

"You're inside my apartment? What?"

"The card was a joke! I came back early to surprise you and I just listened to one message where you're telling me to go screw myself. And the second message where you're crying...so I know you're somewhere drinking because you only cry after you've been drinking..back to my question. Where are you? I'll come pick you up."

Olivia sobered up quickly putting her hand over the speaker of her phone. She began whispering to Abby.

"He surprised me," she stomped her foot in frustration still whispering so he couldn't hear her conversation on the other end of the phone. "Oh my god. You have to take me back to my apartment. Now."

"What? He's here? In DC? In your apartment?"

"Shit! I knew I shouldn't have left a voicemail..."

"You know I can still hear you Olivia," Fitz said plainly.

"Babe, I'm so sorry. I just...that card wasn't funny dammit!" She planted her flat palm on her forehead realizing what an idiot she looked like. "I'm with Abby. I'll be there in twenty minutes. Don't move."

"That's hilarious! My story isn't half as good as that. And I actually went through with mine."

"What'd you get?"

Karen lifted her shirt slightly to show Olivia her hip where a small Asian inspired tattoo was placed.

"Just a small one. It's the sign for love."

"That's pretty, Karen. And tastefully done."

"Thanks. I want another one. For my grandmother. I haven't decided what exactly though."

"How was she when you were in California last week?"

"Okay. She's weak. Just really tired. I could only stay for three days but it was good to just be there."

"I'm sure she appreciated it."

"Yeah...hey are you hungry?" Karen picked up her book to head back inside the house. "We should probably start dinner before Dad and Jer get back."

It didn't go unnoticed by Olivia that Karen wasn't completely comfortable talking about her grandmothers illness. But she didn't see the need to push the subject. It was the kids' last night at the house and they had an early flight the next morning so she wanted nothing but positive memories.

"Sounds good. I'll meet you inside in a bit."

As they boys came back from golf the family enjoyed dinner outside. It was perfect weather with just enough breeze to keep them cool. The kids said their goodbyes after dinner before heading to bed because they didn't want to wake Liv and Fitz early the next morning.

It was officially the weekend now and just the two of them in the house. Fitz woke to a rustling in their bedroom closet. He knew it was early from the barely lit sky he noticed through the top of window.

"Livvie, the sun isn't even up yet. What are you doing?" He asked as he laid in the bed and rubbed his eyes.

"Shhhh. I'm coming back to bed in a second."

He opened his eyes to see her small frame grabbing a tote bag from the closet. She walked back over to the bed and slid on top of the comforters, sitting with her back against the headboard. She looked down at Fitz and smiled as she scrunched her nose.

"I have a surprise," she whispered.

"Why are we whispering?" He mocked her sleepily.

"We are whispering because, like you said, it's early. Back to my surprise, actually it's from me and the baby."

"Okay. You have my attention." He sat up so he was shoulder to shoulder with her in the bed. She reached into the bag and took out a small contraption.

"Is this some freaky sex machine? I'm thinking the baby doesn't-"

"Fitz," she cut him off,"you're a mess, first of all. Second of all, no. It's a fetal heart monitor."

A wide smile beamed across his face as he looked at her in her eyes.

"Yeah?! So we can..." He motioned his hands rapidly between the small monitor and her baby bump.

"Hear the heartbeat. Right now. Cool, right?"

He raised a hand to wrap around her shoulders and pulled her close to him as he kissed her temple.

"Thats amazing. How does it work? Hook me up."

"I'm trying, I'm trying," she laughed as she fumbled with the cords. After a few minutes of her double checking the instructions she searched around low on her abdomen with the flat top of the metal head. Within seconds of searching they were listening to the rapid heartbeat of their new addition. It was as if the whole world stopped the moment they heard the flutter.

He sat in silence and smiled as he closed his eyes. Olivia watched him knowing that this was the perfect surprise. He was perfectly content just sitting their listening to the heartbeat of his child. Their child. That they made together. With love. As she looked on at him he peeked his eyes open and gave her a look. He was clearly happy but had a sense of sadness. The longer they stared at each other the more anguish filled his face. She raised her hand to cup the side of his face rubbing his cheek with her thumb.

"Fitz, baby?"

"I'm good. This is beautiful Liv. Thank you so much," he slightly turned his head to face the inside of her palm and kissed it sweetly. His eyes were closed and Olivia knew exactly why he was struggling with his emotions.

"Hey, look at me," her hand lowered to his chin and lifted it so they were eye level. His grey eyes had tears in them, just short of flowing over onto his face. "Hey. It's just me. Talk to me."

He opened his mouth to speak but no words came out. He lowered his face and looked down as his jaw tightened. His words were barely audible but when he spoke all she could hear was,"my mom."

Her heart broke for him in that moment. She herself wasn't close with her mother, but she knew the pain of losing a parent after her father died. Olivia didn't know the right thing to say. All she knew was that she wanted to be supportive.

"She's a fighter, Fitz," Olivia nodded as she made that statement. "Your moms going to fight it, and she's going to hold our little lovebug, and it's going to be great."

Fitz couldn't hold back the tears any longer as they discreetly slid from his eyes. He muffled the sound from his throat and attempted to clear his voice.

"I'm sorry Liv. This is good. I'm happy. I just-"

"Don't be sorry Fitz. I understand," she assured him. "I do."

"Im listening to this sound. This beautiful sound, this beautiful heartbeat. I have you as my wife, carrying my child. I have two healthy kids who love you just as much as I do. Everything finally feels right, you know. I should feel nothing except happiness. I just cant help but to think about the fact that my mother is across the country fighting for her life. I hate that thought. I hate the thought that my children with you might not ever know my mom. Really know her. It's...she's my mom Liv. She's sick and I can't even help her."

"I know." She kissed his jaw and motioned for him to lay his head in her lap. He made himself comfortable as he held onto her waist as her hands ran through his thick hair. "I'm here. If you need anything. Or to just talk. I love you and I'm here" She could feel his body relax against hers as she spoke. He laid his head against her legs feeling calmed by the lazy patterns of Olivia's fingers in his hair and against his scalp.

"I think it's a boy. The heartbeat, just now when I heard it, I pictured a boy," He stated nonchalantly.

"Really? I think it's a girl. Karen thinks its a girl, too."

"A girl? Are you trying to kill me? Imagine all the guys I'll have to beat off her."

"It won't be that bad."

"Yeah right. If she looks and acts anything like you, we're in trouble. Could you imagine our daughter?" He lightly laughed to himself. "Curly hair, big brown eyes, your lips, creamy brown skin. Just like you."

"You have some pretty strong genes Grant. I think she'll have your color hair. I do hope she doesn't get your nose," she teased to further lighten the mood.

He leisurely sat up to be next to her again against the headboard.

"Liv, how did I get lucky enough to end up with you?"

She grabbed his hand to hold it in hers.

"It started many, many moons ago with you stalking me as your campaign fixer."

"Me? Stalking you? I don't remember any complaints during our little rendezvous. More moaning than anything else," he joked. Their hands fit together perfectly as their fingers locked within one anothers. Olivia turned her face to look at him, admiring his handsome profile.

"I couldn't help falling in love with you. I'm the lucky one Fitz. Without a doubt." She leaned over to nuzzle under his arm and into the side of his chest. "You know, we need to start seriously picking some names."

"I have a few. Lets just sit here for a while and not think. We can talk about that on the way home, if that's okay."

They sat silently together and fell asleep again, allowing themselves one day of laziness before they returned home. The most they exerted themselves was a walk along the beach at sunset.

By the time the next day rolled around, they were gathering their belongings to get back to Washington.

"So," Liv let the word linger on her lips as she pretended to be busy fixing the pillows on the couch. Fitz was close by picking up a few of their belongings that needed to be packed.

"So, what?" He wasn't sure what was on her mind but he knew to expect an earful.

"The interview this week. Are you excited?"

"Kind of. You know I love any chance to flaunt you." He looked up to flash a smile.

"I know."

"Thank you for doing it with me Liv. I know this is taking a lot of sacrifice on your part."

"I think it'll be good for us. Kind of a coming out."

"A coming out," he arched an eyebrow and had a goofy look plastered on his face. "I've been divorced for years, you and I have been together for forever, we're a few months away from having our first baby, and this is a coming out? I think your timing is a little off Liv."

"Well, you know what I mean."

"Whatever you mean, thank you for trusting me enough to do this the right way. I think you'll be surprised with the outcome."

"We'll see. You know you owe me for agreeing to do this."

"I figured as much. So what do you want?"

"I haven't decided yet. But when I do, I'm sure it'll be something good." She bit her bottom lip teasingly and gave Fitz a sultry look. His body immediately responded to her as he walked towards her and pulled her into him from behind.

"Oh, I'm sure it will."

A/N- Thanks for reading! What'd you think? I hope it was an enjoyable chapter for ya;) Next stop, the interview! As always, please feel free to leave me a review!