"Hey, pretty lady," he beamed with a smile as he entered their kitchen.

"Hey. How'd it go?"

His response was vague with a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders.

"Uneventful. He didn't even look at me when I left."

Fitz was just returning home from dropping Jackson off for a play date at Cyrus and James' house. Ella and their one year-old, Nicholas, were more than excited to have a friend over for their entertainment. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the idea except for one person.

"You can relax, Liv. Cyrus and James are more than capable to watch two toddlers and a five year-old. They're just playing with toys. It's fine." He walked towards her and placed his much larger hands on the top her tiny shoulders, massaging them lightly in an effort to calm her thoughts. As they faced each other Olivia was noticeably anxious.

"I'm a mom," she stated. "I'm allowed to be a little jumpy about my sons first first play date."

"But, this isn't his first play date. You and James get together more than any non-married man and woman I know."

"I stand corrected. This is his first play date without me."

"I offered to let you come with me to drop him off."

"Yeah. But, it was better for you to just do it. I don't want to be the woman that makes a scene every time she has to part with her kid. That's not cute."

"It's kinda cute."

Fitz kissed her forehead before turning her around slowly, gently pulling her body against his.

"Enough about that," he said, dismissing the topic at hand. He placed a kiss on a random spot between her neck and shoulder."How is my Olivia Pope-Grant doing?"

Olivia laughed lightly at the ticklish feeling of his mouth on her skin. She attempted to let her body relax as she rocked side to side along with his.

"I'm fine." Really, she was.

"Good. You know, I was thinking-"

"Uh-oh."

"Very funny," he rested his chin atop her shoulder as he continued. "But, I was thinking, we should take advantage of this house being a baby-free zone for the next few hours. A parting gift, of sorts."

He was flying to California to wrap up some loose ends regarding his mothers will. Almost as soon as he was to return home he had his much anticipated trip to Africa scheduled.

"A parting gift?"

"Mmmhmm."

"I already have something planned for that."

"Oh really?"

"Yes, really." She turned herself around to face him again, draping her arms around his shoulders. "Its Sunday."

"This is true."

"The games on."

"Also true."

"Go sit down and I'll meet you in there."

He wasn't making the correlation.

"Honestly, Liv. If its sports or sex," he grabbed a handful of one of her ass cheeks and squeezed, forcing out an unexpected squeal from her mouth. "I really don't give a damn about a bunch of male athletes running around on my TV screen."

He lightly nibbled her neck and Olivia giggled.

"You're being difficult, as usual," she said through her airy laughter.

She pulled away and turned his body in the direction of the living room. Her hands were on his shoulder blades as she pushed him along due to his resisting attempts.

"Go!" She said as she swatted his butt hard, causing him to look at her over his shoulder with a smirk across his face.

"I'll be in. I promise. Give me five minutes."

"Fine."

As he followed her commands he watched the game and waited patiently. After looking at the time he realized it had probably been more like ten minutes and he was sure to point that out as he yelled from the sofa.

"Olivia! It's halftime and you're still not in here with me. I don't think I like this plan of yours too much."

Right on cue, she suddenly appeared before him standing her body directly in front of the television.

"Had I known you were this impatient of a man, I might have reconsidered this whole marriage thing."

Olivia was a vision. She wore a black lace bra accompanied by a matching thong. Her tasteful yet barely there lingerie left little to the imagination. The only way she knew she wouldn't catch a cold was a white silk mini-robe that she let drape along her shoulders. Her hair was down, a mass of loose curls falling past her shoulders with her bangs almost covering her seductive eyes.

"Jesus Christ."

"You like?"

He stared at her speechless for a few long seconds. His mouth had even dropped open before he could verbalize his thoughts.

"My sexy wife is standing in front of me in lingerie, holding a cold beer. I don't like. I love."

She casually walked closer with a smirk on her face as he stared in awe. Her petite body had curves in all the right places. The bottled beer that she held was handed directly to him for his enjoyment. He took no time before drinking a long sip of it, never taking his eyes from his wife.

Olivia bent over in front of Fitz, just close enough to kiss his neck on both sides finishing with a lingering bite to his chin.

"I'm going to miss you too much over the next two and a half weeks," she whispered against his lips, barely able to make eye contact from her hooded lids.

"God, you're perfect," he said, still in disbelief at the sight before him.

"I just want you to remember what's waiting for you when you finally get home."

"Trust me, I know."

She kissed his neck again, this time lingering against the spot that always drew a reaction from him. As her lips rested there she placed her hands against his thighs and rubbed her hands slowly against his firm limbs.

"Mmmmm." Fitz felt like a king as she catered to him, scantily clad in her lingerie. Every now and then he'd drink his beer, giving her a kiss with the aftertaste from each sip. She began to slip her tongue in his mouth to massage his. Before he knew it she was sliding her tongue as far back into his mouth as he could take, holding the back of his neck in place with her petite hands.

"You're being so naughty today," he muttered in an impressed tone against her lips.

"I'm about to rock your world Fitzgerald Grant." Her tone of voice was low and seductive as she made a move to lower herself down his body to rest her knees against the ground. Fitz immediately noticed what she was doing and became tense.

"Whoa whoa whoa. Uh-uh," he said firmly as his hand grabbed her elbow. "Come back up here."

He was barely using any strength against her as he made his request. So, she stayed in place on her knees in front of him. Her body fit right in between his thighs as her hands wrapped around and began to slowly knead his calf muscles.

"This is what I want," she said assertively as she dismissed his apprehension.

"Liv," Fitz responded in an exhalation. "You know what I want? I want to hear you scream. That's what I want."

"We always do that," she subtly pouted. Her right hand made its way up to his pronounced erection. She slowly stroked his length through his thin basketball shorts. His face winced. He was always so sensitive to her touch. But it always felt so good.

"Don't worry. I'll take it easy on you, I promise." She had a devilish look on her face and her lower lip tucked in between her teeth.

"I want both of us to enjoy this." He wasn't trying to kill the mood but he truly did enjoy sex more when he could watch her unravel with pleasure.

"You don't seem to understand," she said before kissing the inside of his right thigh slowly, "that I get turned on," she kissed the inside of his left thigh in the same way, "when I suck you off." She made a point of sharing an intense stare with him as she vocalized her last words.

Fitz tightened his jaw at her words. She was fully aware of the effect she had on him, especially when speaking candidly.

"There's nothing wrong with you letting me do this to you. Okay? I want to."

He would've argued his point, but more than that he wanted his rock hard member tended to. So, after letting out a slow exhalation through his nose and taking another quick swig of beer, he responded with a nod of his head.

"Okay."

"But, you know what would really turn me on?" She knew she was pushing it, but when did that ever stop her?

"What?" He had no idea what to expect from his wife at this point.

"Tell me to do it."

"Liv," he said with his eyebrows slightly narrowed.

She grabbed a hold of his length again and rubbed long strokes, pushing and pulling his long and thick cock with her much smaller hand.

"My rules. Or I'm gone."

He groaned as she stroked him. His head went back against the couch suddenly finding it impossible to keep his eyes open.

"Tell me you want it, Fitz," she demanded.

"God," he looked back down at her in between his legs and had a serious expression, almost as if he were angry. But she knew better. "Yes, I want it."

"I want to hear the words come out of your mouth."

Without warning he tugged her up by her shoulders, this time with forced strength, and pulled her body completely against his. He held her face by her jaw tightly with one hand, the way he knew she liked it. The other hand grabbed her ass tightly. Firm, and in control he finally spoke again."I'm only going to say this once. So listen closely."

She nodded faintly, now practically putty in his hands. Her plan was to be in control but when he became dominant like this it threw her off course. She knew she'd get back to being in control once she finally started, but in this moment, she would do anything he told her.

"Are you listening?" He said firmly, staring at her full lips. He wanted them so bad, but he also wanted to play along with her little game.

"Yes," she whispered weakly.

"Good. You want me to tell you what I want, huh?"

"Yes."

"Get down on your knees. And suck me until I come."

She let the words sink in for a second as he breathed within the closest proximity of her face without actually kissing her. The electricity between their bodies was palpable. They were both right on the edge of climax before even doing anything. She pulled her thoughts together and continued with her plan.

"Get your hand off my ass."

Olivia in control was back. He laughed under his breath at their crazy mood at the moment. She kissed her way down his body before settling again on her knees. He laid his head back against the couch, closing his eyes, hoping this wasn't a dream. But, as soon as she swallowed him whole and began sliding him in and out of her mouth, he knew he most definitely was not dreaming.

"Damn, Liv," he said in a quite and strained voice, reaching out blindly to rest his hands on the back of her head. He gently wrapped a fist full of her hair in his hand as she slowly slipped her warm and wet mouth up and down his shaft.

She was taking her time sucking him, knowing that her pace was on the verge of torture for him. Every so often she'd lick his length, from the base to the tip. She began paying attention to his balls, sucking them hard, flicking them with her tongue while jacking him off with a free hand. Fitz sucked through his teeth and tightened his jaw at the feeling.

"Shit. That feels amazing," he groaned.

Olivia knew her husband well enough to know it wouldn't be long before he finished. When it came to receiving oral pleasure from her he just couldn't contain how good it felt. Before he knew it she had her swollen lips wrapped around just his head, sucking hard and lowering just enough to keep the tip in her mouth. She used her tongue and occasionally a light graze of her teeth to help send him over the edge. He was shifting awkwardly on the couch trying to prolong his orgasm, but her efforts made that difficult.

"Fuck, Liv. Don't do that unless you want me to come."

That was music to her ears. She kissed the red tip of his cock and whispered against it as she locked her eyes with his.

"I want you to."

She put both hands around his shaft and began pumping up and down at an irrationally fast pace.

"Fuck!" His head was thrown back against the couch again and his hips began to buck, showing her that he was about to reach his climax. He let out a loud groan and looked down at her as if he were in pain, his breathing labored and his mouth dropped open in awe.

"I..." he could barely talk as he shook his head, "I don't want to come like this. Let me stand up."

He did just that. Standing right in front of where he had just been sitting, Olivia moved back slightly to give him space, still on her knees. She was so turned on watching him try to control the timing of his orgasm. He was losing it.

He reached in front of his knees as he stood to get a hold of her face. He held her, his right hand flat under her chin, his left hand holding the back of her head. This was the part that he always felt selfish about but it never failed to help him finish right away and it felt so good. This was also the part where Liv knew he couldn't help but scream out her name in utter pleasure at the feeling. He started out with hard, seperate thrusts, looking down at her as she made sensual eye contact with him.

"Fuck, Olivia! That's it baby."

He rolled his head back as his eyes drifted shut. She closed her lips around his length letting her warm, wet mouth tightly suck him as his hips worked back and forth in an even rhythm.

"I'm about to come. Lean back, baby."

He tugged at her hair and tilted her head at a good angle for his release. He slightly bent his knees and used his other hand to jerk off quickly. He stared at her beautiful face waiting for him to finish. Her eyes looked up at him, knowing exactly what effect she had on him. As he looked at her, she did the one thing that always sent him over the edge. She started licking her lips sensually and biting them, just mere inches from his head. The sight of that last gesture was it.

His hips bucked as he released, his typically deep voice sounding a couple octaves higher than usual as he made numerous sounds of pleasure. Most of his release landed perfectly in her mouth, with the exception of a small bit against her top lip. His breathing was heavy and labored as he finished his load.

He groaned looking down, still stroking himself gently as he felt himself going soft. He let out a sigh while his entire body began to relax from his post-orgasmic high.

She was proud of herself as she stood up and kissed his chest.

"I'm gonna go clean up," she whispered.

He was in a daze but still wanted her with him.

"Wait, Liv, let me-" his hand reached out for hers to stop her.

"That was perfect. I'll watch the rest of the game with you in a minute."

He lifted her hand to his lips and placed a gently kiss against her wedding band.

"Thank you, baby."

"I love you. I'll be back in a minute."

She successfully pulled off her plan and was honestly proud of herself for it. As soon as they had scheduled Jackson's play date she knew how she would be using their time. And their rendezvous in the living room just now went exactly as hoped for. Now she just wanted to switch back into some clothes and relax together before picking up their toddler. But, before Olivia could even make it to the bedroom she heard Fitz coming up the stairs behind her. Almost in a flash, he was approaching her in the hallway. She turned around to see what was up.

"The games over?"

He yanked her wrist and whipped her body around, slamming her back into the hallway wall. There was a split second of utter confusion written on her face. He didn't say a word opting to press his body against hers, giving her an intense stare that she recognized. Similar to a lion about to capture his prey. She immediately became aroused as she realized what was about to happen, completely intrigued by her husbands force.

"You dont seriously think I would let you get away that easily."

He snatched her thigh and swiftly wrapped it around his hip, tightening his jaw in the process. He dipped his waist slightly and pressed into her as he brought himself back up. He did the same move again for a second and third time, going slower and grinding deeper each time. He wanted her to feel every last inch of his hardness and she definitely did.

"Fitz," she said as a whisper.

Olivia's heart was beating so fast she thought it might explode from her chest just watching him. Her husband was good at many things, but one of his specialties was knowing exactly how to turn her on.

Maybe it was because her heart was beating so rapidly, or maybe it was just the fact that she was pressed so tightly against him. Either way, Fitz's eyes became glued to Olivia's breasts as he tempted her with his hardened length. Her black lace bra was doing wonders for her already perfect mounds. Deciding that they needed some attention he forcefully freed her right breast from the lacy material. Before she could even respond he had her in his mouth. She let out a loud moan and whimper as he suddenly sucked hard, finishing with a bite to her brown bud, tugging it between his front teeth. His slick tongue sent shivers down her spine as he began tracing patterns against her hardened nipple.

"God, Fitz. Please," she moaned.

He lifted his mouth so that their lips touched, but he didn't kiss her.

"Please what?" He firmly whispered.

He lowered his mouth and bit her neck. Hard. No sucking, no pulling. Just a hard, carnivorous bite.

"God Fitz!" He flattened his tongue and licked the same spot.

"Please, what, baby?" He whispered again, this time kissing her against his teeth marks.

"Stop teasing me."

He growled, laughing quietly but wickedly at the thought of her begging him like this.

Fitz, not wanting to let go of her, reached down with one hand and pulled out his cock which sprung out with ease. He groaned behind his gritted teeth, thankful for its release. Not wasting any time he used his fingers to slide her practically nonexistent lace thong to the side. They both looked down and watched as he entered her. Their two skin tones melding together, him sliding in and stretching her beyond her limits. It was mentally the hottest thing and would never get old to her.

Neither of them could even speak they were so drugged with one another. He used one hand to hold her hands above her head as Olivia began rolling her hips against him, riding him deeply. Fitz furrowed his eyebrows and tightened his jaw.

"Fuck you ride me good."

His left arm still wrapped around her waist tightly as she went to work on him. She continued riding him throwing her head back against the wall as he lowered his head again to put her exposed breast in his mouth again.

She was letting out sharp shrieks every time Fitz hit her spot. Their hips rolled to the same rhythm, each of them working to bring the other to climax.

"Give me your hand," he demanded, almost out of breath.

He grabbed one of her hands and brought it to his mouth to suck her thumb. She watched as his warm mouth made her finger sufficiently wet. After a few seconds of sensual sucking Fitz pulled it out of his mouth, placing that same hand in between their two bodies.

"Rub yourself with me."

He licked his mouth and bit into his bottom lip as he watched her start going to work, his much larger thumb on top of hers. The extra pressure rubbing into her already swollen bundle of nerves felt so good. She wasn't being loud on purpose, but she truly couldn't keep the sounds in.

"Get loud, baby. It's just us."

She moaned loudly. Her eyes were rolling shut as she began to feel her body explode.

He pressed his thumb on top of hers deeper, making sure to stroke at the same pace as his cock.

"Damn, baby. Scream my name when you come."

"I'm almos-"

He thrust into her hard, burying his face into her neck. That did it.

"Fitz!"

Their muscles involuntarily spasmed as they reached their orgasms together. It was so strong that he slammed his fist into the wall above her head.

"Goddamn!" He yelled out at the sudden feeling exploding through his body for the second time that day.

He was completely spent. Not even having enough energy to unwrap her legs. His forehead pressed into the cool wall as his breathing remained heavy."Oh my god. Liv, you're amazing."

She blushed as she dipped her face in the crook of his neck, letting her heart rate slow down a bit.

"That wasn't part of my plan for our evening together," she mumbled.

"I know. But I couldn't get you off of my mind after you sucked me that good. I was still hard."

"Plus, you're stubborn. And greedy. And stubborn." She lifted her face up to make eye contact with him. "Did I mention stubborn?"

"You like it."

"We could've done this in the bedroom. It's literally right there."

"Where's the fun in that?"

"You're out of control."

"You make me this way."

"Can you put me down now?"

"I don't want to go."

"You have to."

"I know. But I don't want to."

They hadn't moved from their spot in the hallway. Olivia was still wearing her lingerie with the robe tightly wrapped around her to keep from getting cold. Fitz sat across from her, his back against the wall parallel to hers. They both sat straight, facing each other, caressing the others legs gently. They were spent from the hot impromptu sex and were taking their time before finding enough energy to shower.

"It'll go by quickly. Believe me."

"Listening to lawyers divvy up my mothers inheritance? Nothing about that sounds quick."

"When I said I would go I was serious." She dipped her head to catch Fitz's eye. "All you have to do is say the word."

He sweetly smiled and squeezed her ankle gently.

"Thank you. But, there's really no point," he said as he shrugged. "You and Jackson would be by yourselves all day until god knows what time. What do you have planned while I'm gone anyway?"

"Well, we have Mommy and Me Yoga tomorrow afternoon. Jackson has his doctors appointment for that rash-looking thing he has going on. That's the day after tomorrow. Its the soonest they could fit him in."

"You should've specified who he is."

"Fitz, every major politician in the tristate area takes their kids to the same pediatrician. I'm sure their office isn't giving priority to the son of a one-term president from over five years ago, no offense."

"None taken. So, that's it? Yoga and doctors? Nothing else?"

"You're only going out west for two days. What more should we be doing?" Her sweetly confused smile said it all.

"Nothing, I guess." He knew he was asking seemingly silly questions. "I just...I hate being away from you guys. With the older two at least I get to talk to them throughout my day. Jackson's not exactly using full sentences or sending me text messages. It just makes me miss him more when I travel."

He lifted his hands and rubbed his face deeply as the thoughts of his next few weeks were catching up to him.

"And then I have Africa as soon as I get back here. It's a lot. All the back and forth."

"I know. But this California trip was unexpected. And Africa...well, that's been looming in the background since before your mom." She tilted her head and grazed her nails along his leg soothingly.

"It'll be over soon. And then you're going to be stuck coming with us to Mommy and Me Yoga," she joked.

"I'm game for that," he assured her. "Remember when you and I tried Bikram Yoga together? I may have been a few years younger but, as you recall, my eagle pose continually got props from the instructors."

"Props? Fitz," she lightly laughed to herself at his perception of things, "they were giving you compliments because "President Grant" asked for exclusive classes in their studio. And don't even get me started on their faces when they saw you in your bike shorts."

"It's hot as hell in those studios. All the guys wear them."

"Well, yeah. My point is, they were drooling over you, even when your poses looked like crap. So, don't be so sure that you can keep up with me and Jackson at yoga. Those Bikram instructors were a bit much, now that I think of it."

"Oh, I can keep up," Fitz smirked with that cocky look that she loved and hated at the same time. "Dont tell me Olivia Pope was jealous of the cute little yoga instructors."

"Jealous? No."

"Dont fret, my love. I only have one baby momma and I just cant seem to get enough of her." His use of that term always made her laugh and this time was no different.

Fitz slowly shifted to his hands and knees and crawled over to her. He lifted one leg over hers so that she was trapped in between his limbs. Before Olivia could give a snarky response he was placing gentle kisses along her neck and collarbone. He took his time, and she relished in his delicate approach. Her hands instinctively lifted to get lost in his thick hair at the nape of his neck.

"Fitz..." She spoke quietly with her lips turned in a half smile. He said something against her skin but she couldn't quite hear him.

"Hm?"

"I said, let's make more babies, Liv." His request was mumbled casually in between the soft pecks against her neck.

Olivia moved both hands to his cheeks and lifted his face sweetly. She never knew how to respond to the baby topic but she loved the fact that he was eager to have more with her. When they made eye contact, his grey eyes getting lost in the depths of her brown ones, she didn't know what to say. So Fitz spoke up.

"We said we'd talk closer to Jackson's first birthday. And that's right around the corner."

Olivia was still unsure of what she wanted her response to be. Fitz moved off of her and sat back against his wall, tenderly pulling her with him. She settled into his lap she straddled his waist, making themselves even more comfortable in the hallway. They stared into each others eyes in brief silence before Fitz filled the silence.

"You don't want more."

"I didn't say that," a twinge of defensiveness in her voice.

"You didn't not say it either." He wasn't mad, but he was clearly ready for a real heart to heart about the topic.

"I don't know," she genuinely responded, playing with the string from his basketball shorts. "I don't know if I'm ready yet. It's a lot on my body. And he's starting to walk-practically run." She looked up from the shorts and looked at her handsome husband. He was so effortlessly sexy, if he asked her in that moment for ten more kids she'd do everything in her power to give them to him. But she wanted to be smart about the timing.

"Honestly, I don't want to be six months pregnant, chasing around a toddler almost in his terrible twos."

"You're not a single mom, Livvie. We're married, remember? I'm here. You're here. Its a team effort. Plus, we can always get a nanny."

Her neck snapped back in shock at his use of that word.

"Over my dead body. We're not outsourcing to raise our kids."

"Kids," he grinned as he kissed her lips,"as in, plural." He kissed her lips again, just as swiftly."So you are thinking about another one." He pulled her waist as close to his as possible and rested their foreheads together. His basketball shorts left little to the imagination. He wasn't visibly excited but her body couldn't help but react to the close proximity of his well-endowed manhood. And Fitz knew it.

"I know what you're doing. And, of course I think about it. I just don't have a good answer yet."

"Fair enough. Well, you think about a good answer. And get back to me when you're ready. I won't bring it up again, I promise. In the meantime...I'm hungry."

"We have to pick up Jackson soon," she stated quietly as she attempted to brush back a rogue curl of his that always fell out of place. He squeezed her body closer to his before letting out a sigh.

"Let's leave him. They can handle a third baby. Especially if we throw in his overpriced crib and a few extra bucks."

"That actually might work. Between him, Nick, and Ella, Jackson has the closest resemblance to James."

"The only problem with our plan is the strong possibility that Cyrus would have another heart attack. Three kids? He wouldn't survive it."

"True. But, he survived one heart attack. There's a chance he could survive another."

Their playful banter left both of them with mischievous grins as they sat with one another in their own world. Their own bubble.

"Okay," Liv broke them from their moment,"seriously, lets get changed. I'm starting to miss my little guy."

Rather than moving, Fitz lowered his head to rest on her shoulder. Olivia smiled to herself and lifted her hands to lazily drag her nails against his upper back.

"You wanna give it a go one more time? Before we leave?" He requested.

"No. I don't want to 'give it a go one more time'. We need to get cleaned up. And leave. Come on."

As she stood up she extended her hands to pull him from their spot on the ground. They walked the short distance towards their bedroom with her body engulfed in his arms.

"Mmmmm. Your ass is..." He whispered in her ear.

"Stop," she giggled. "Seriously. I can't go for round three."

"You can. And you will."

Suddenly the walk to their bathroom was filled with high-pitched shrieks and laughter as he picked her up and carried her into their bathroom.

Within a few short minutes the only sounds filling their steam filled shower were moans of contentment and the few words barely escaping her mouth, "God, Fitz. Don't stop."

"How was yoga?"

"Interesting, as always. Jackson seems to think the mat is a chew toy."

"Teething baby's will do that."

"I guess..."

"Have you heard from your hubby?"

"I got a text that he landed last this morning. Does that count?"

"That's unlike you two," Abby mentioned. And, she was right. As one of Olivia's closest friends she was more than aware of how much Fitz and Liv spoke when either were out of town, for whatever reason.

"Yeah. But he's out there taking care of family business. Its stressful. The kids are there, too. They deserve some alone time together."

"Gotcha."

"You think I should call him, don't you."

"I'm just saying, you two have been together long enough to know that even though he might not ask for help, or a listening ear, that doesn't mean he doesn't want or need it."

"Abs, it's just a tough time. We had a great day before he left."

"Let me guess, hot sex and amazing conversation."

"Don't sound so bitter about it."

"It almost makes me sick how you two still have the hots for each other. You better be careful before you have another Jackson running around."

"If it were up to Fitz we already would."

"He's ready again?"

"He would've had me pregnant months ago if I were on board."

"Tell Mr. President we get it. He's over fifty and still a stud. He doesn't have to reproduce to prove it."

"Ill pass along the message," she said as she smiled into the phone. "I want more. Just not quite yet."

"Right. Hey, Liv. Can I call you back? David's calling me."

"Jeeze, Abby! You just drop me as soon as your loverboy calls?"

"I was supposed to meet him for dinner twenty minutes ago!"

"Im kidding! Tell my favorite frenemy that I said hi."

"Will do."

As soon as her conversation with Abby ended she called Fitz.

"Hi."

"Everything okay?"

"Yeah. Just haven't heard from you. Wanted to check in."

"Oh, sorry. I've been at the lawyers office all day."

"Its no problem. I was just thinking about you. Are you still there? At the office, I mean?"

"No. I had one of the drivers pick me up so I'm on my way to the ranch to sleep. I'm exhausted."

"I bet. How is everyone?"

"A little better. Karen's been glued to my side. I actually spoke to Mellie for a moment today."

"Really?"

"She was on the phone with Karen and I happened to be nearby. You know, she just wanted to send her condolences. I guess sometimes even she can have a heart."

"Fitz..."

Olivia wasn't Mellie's biggest fan but she didn't like the idea of Fitz harboring resentment against her. Or anyone, for that matter. It wasn't worth his energy, in her opinion.

"I know, I know. It actually wasn't a terrible conversation. She's worried about Karen, too."

"This is a tough time for her. But, she has a lot of support. I spoke to her a bit last night."

"Yeah, she told me. Thanks."

"Of course. And you? How are you holding up?"

"I'm fine."

"Fine?"

"Yeah." He wasn't budging.

"You need to take care of yourself, too, you know."

"Yeah, I know," he said dismissively. "Hows Jackson? Let me say goodnight to him."

"He's already asleep. I put him down like an hour ago. Sorry."

"Oh. No, its okay. I forgot I'm a few hours behind you guys right now. Guess I'll talk to him tomorrow."

"We can FaceTime right now if you want to at least see him."

"I would but I just pulled up to the house. Give him a kiss for me though."

"I will. Hey, Fitz."

"Yeah?"

"If it starts getting to be too much, you can tell me, okay? Even if its just for me to listen."

"I know."

"This is a lot, and you're working so hard to help out, and-"

"I'm fine. Okay? I promise. Don't worry about me. I'm fine. Really."

"I love you. So much."

"Me too. But, seriously, don't worry. I'm okay."

"Call me tomorrow?"

"I'll try. Listen, get some rest. I'll talk to you soon."

"This should be everything. Sorry about that."

Olivia was standing in her office. Her old office, now. She felt out of place as she wore skinny jeans, flats, and a pale pink blouse. An outfit that, during her time working there, she wouldn't have been caught dead in within the walls of her firm. But, she wasn't the boss anymore. And she was just running in a favor for the new owner, and old friend, Stephen Finch.

"Liv," he said in surprise as he looked up from his paperwork. "How are you?"

"Fine. I wanted to drop these off myself. Time sensitive information, I know."

"Thanks," he said with a smile as he stood up. He walked around the desk and breezed through the stacks of papers she had just dropped off. "My crew was going crazy trying to fill in the blanks. Fortunately for me, you're just about as organized as they come."

She smiles. He looked up from the information in his hand and gave her the once-over.

"Look at you," he smiled and placed the information on his desk. He crossed his arms and legs, leaning his body into the oak table. "I'm not used to seeing you in anything but a suit. You look really good, Liv."

"Thanks," she nodded her head in disagreement and tucked the loose strands from her ponytail behind her ear. "I was just getting back from a doctors appointment when I finally saw your email."

"Doctor? Everything okay?"

"It was for Jackson. Apparently he has a few allergies we didn't know about. Nothing too serious. Anyway, I wanted to drop this stuff off. Abby's actually with the baby now so I should get back home before traffic is a pain." She began gathering her belongings off of the table, going through a rapid mental checklist to make sure she had everything.

"The house I've yet to be invited over."

She looked up from her purse where she had been searching for her keys.

"There's always an open invitation for you, Stephen. When Fitz comes back from his trip-"

"Where the hell is he going now?"

"He's in California at the moment. You know his mother passed-"

"I was sorry to hear about that. Please send him my regards."

"Thank you. And he has one of his last trips for his scholarship foundation in a few days."

"Busy man."

"Yes indeed. But he loves it."

"And do you love that he's never home?"

Olivia didn't appreciate his tone as he spoke about Fitz. He didn't know anything about their marriage and really it was none of his business. She stood up straight with her bag on her shoulder and keys in hand. Her facial expression told him he was skating on thin ice with his implications.

"He's home plenty. And I love what he loves."

Stephen laughed airily and shook his head as he stared at her.

"That doesn't even sound like you."

"That I'm happy if my husbands happy?"

"Where's my old friend? Where's the woman that threatened politicians and rescued multi-million dollar companies from imploding after a seemingly unforgiving scandal? Where is she?"

"She's here Stephen. I'm just...I'm a wife and mother now too."

"And you're happy?"

"Yes. Really, really happy."

He sighs.

"Maybe that's what I need. Maybe that's why I can't-."

"Stephen-" Olivia really wasn't in the mood to play therapist for her friend. The same friend who was a self-proclaimed lifetime bachelor and womanizer for so many years.

"No. Maybe that's it. I married Georgia and that completely blew up in my face. We never trusted each other. I need...I need someone to support me. The same way you do."

"There's a woman out there waiting to be swept off her feet by you. I'm sure of it. Listen, I'll talk to you soon. Okay?" She went to turn out of the office and before she even reached the door he spoke up again.

"Is there? Because I think the only woman I really ever wanted to feel that way was just standing in front of me, beaming about her husband and child."

She immediately stopped walking and turned around in the same spot.

"Stephen-"

"I miss you, Liv. I do. Don't you ever wonder what might've happened if we would've given it a shot in law school? What we could be by now? What we could've built together?"

No. The honest answer was no.

"Stephen. I love my husband. I love my son. And, I really do care about you, but I never- I don't want to hurt you, but you and I were never something-"

"Liv," he said, almost pleading, as he walked closer to her. He was walking the fine line between friend space and personal space.

"Come on, Stephen. Don't-"

"I just want a hug, Liv. No funny business. Just a hug." Before he even let her respond he had his arms wrapped around her tightly. He held on, squeezing her for dear life. Olivia was more than uncomfortable so she tried to back away and loosen his grip a little.

As he slowly pulled away from the hug he gave her a weak smile. But, suddenly, in a flash, he leaned in and kissed her.

What's happening? His lips felt foreign to hers. They're nothing like the ones she's used to, the ones she loves. His hands are holding her face and they feel...they feel wrong. He tries to deepen the kiss but she uses all of her force to push him off of her.

Stephen stumbled back as he brought a hand up to wipe the side of his mouth. They both have equally confused looks on their faces.

"Liv, I-"

"What the hell!"

"Olivia, please, just listen-"

"Dammit, Stephen. You shouldn't have done that. I gotta go."

She's upset. In her car. Driving. Her thoughts going as fast as the car. The speed of lightening.

She doesn't want him. She never wanted him. How is she supposed to explain that kiss to Fitz? He'll be angry. He'll be hurt. She doesn't want him to hurt. She hates when he hurts. And to be the cause of that?

At least when she gets home Abby will be there. And they'll...do something. They'll figure something out. A way to make this right. To fix it. But how? It is what it is. A kiss.

Why did he have to kiss her? All of their years as friends and he waits until she's married with a family to profess his feelings? Either way she would have denied him. She never wanted him. But, now. Now something like that, something like this-it's a problem. It can't be brushed over.

She's walking through her front door, throwing her keys on the vanity by the entrance. She walks towards the family room and turns the corner only halt her steps. There he is. Why's he here? He's not supposed to fly home until tomorrow. He looks tired. Worn out. She doesn't know what to say. What is there to say? It meant nothing. But, she has to tell him. Right? Just say it, Olivia. Just get it out. The man that you don't trust, the one you told me not to trust, who I've been friends with for over a decade just cornered and kissed me, professing his undying love for me, asking me to give him a chance.

That doesn't sound right. It sounds wrong. Every type of wrong. Because it is. So, instead, she went with the next thing that popped into her brain.

"You're home early."

GLADIATORS! How's Summer treating you?! I hope things are well. This last chapter took a bit of time before I was happy with it but I hope that you enjoyed it. I felt like Fitz and Olivia were due for some alone time. The hallway scene wasn't exactly planned but it kind of happened anyway, and I felt like this is actually how Fitz would have responded after their sexy time in the living room. Anyway, thoughts on the Stephen kiss? How do you think Fitz will react? How do you think Olivia will fix it? Do you think she can fix it? I'm still figuring out the layout of the next chapter but I LOVE LOVE LOVE hearing from you guys and getting some feedback. Thanks SO MUCH for reading this story and being patient with me as I update when I can. Let me know what you think:) Until next time...