Just A Cloud Away Chapter 8, a scandal fanfic

Chapter Eight

"Wildest Dreams"

March 10

Spring break began and classes were dismissed for a week-long of sun, booze, guys, and girls. Princeton campus was a ghost town with only a few straggler students hanging around, but the majority either flew home or drove to neighboring beach towns to get started on their tans.

Fitz sat his black duffel bag by the front door. He had one stop before picking up Olivia, but he couldn't hide his annoyance. Call it a gut feeling but he knew Mellie wasn't joining him in New Jersey long before she called three days ago with an excuse. This time he didn't bother getting upset or demanding to know the real reason. He accepted it and decided to just have a good time with his friend.

Things with Mellie were still up in the air since his mother's birthday weekend. And whereas Mellie promised they were alright, they hadn't further discussed their argument, she was good at that. Pretending everything was fine and moving on as if it had never happened. Fitz didn't know whether to admire it or remain concerned, cautious. Waiting for when she decided to pull it out of her arsenal and use it against him.

But he owed her everything, He loved her, he was sure of that. But his mother's words stuck with him.

I believe you love her. But you aren't in love with her.

Though he couldn't ever recall the actual feeling of being in love-at least not the way his mother described it. Until he proposed to her he enjoyed their time together, Mellie's smart, brilliant, and beautiful. She was the first person who told him that he should follow his dreams and not the ones big Gerry had mapped out for him. Next fall he'll be applying to med school because of her.

But at the same time, he resented his mother for uttering those words to him because he couldn't shake them. Every time he thought of Mellie those words plagued him. This is why he was looking forward to this weekend, this was going to be their chance to make up, and maybe he could stop the replaying of his mother's comment.

"Hello, yeah, speaking," Fitz said. "What? I won't know when the next time I'll be in California." He moved the phone from his face and let out a heavy sigh followed by a muffled groan. "Okay well can you mail it to me, I'll pay whatever it costs." With that he hung up, slipping his phone into his pocket. He ran his fingers through his hair, debating on whether he was going to tell Olivia he stole her prized possession- but with good intention.

Only now it's weeks later and the antique guy is saying he'll need another two weeks.

While he had Olivia on his mind, he sent her a brief message letting her know he'd be on his way soon.

It was a little past noon when Fitz pulled up to Langley hall, Olivia was already outside waiting for him-ever the punctual girl she was. It made him smile. The moment she ducked into the car, he was immediately enveloped in her scent, causing the restlessness to dissipate. An incomprehensible relief. These days, all it took was a small smile from Olivia to make his day brighter.

"Hi." She greeted softly as she fixed her seat belt.

"Hi." Fitz couldn't hold his smile, his gaze stayed on her the entire time. "You're my best friend, you know that?"

Instead of letting that sting, Olivia warmed to the sentiment. A sugary simper that reached her eyes appeared. "You're mine too."

Reaching behind his seat, Fitz pulled a bag forward. "I made you something-well Abby did the baking but- just look."

"Biscuits? Why'd you make me biscuits, Fitz? " There was light humor in her question that just barely masked her confusion.

"Made with fresh camomile leaves. So I did some research and camomile is used in herbal remedies for relaxation and sleep." He searched her gaze looking for signs that she doesn't trust him, but couldn't find anything. "I thought since we'll be driving for a while, this would make you a little less anxious." Fitz gripped the steering wheel, nerves hitting him.

"I'm sorry- It's dumb and invasive-"

"Fitz, Thank you." Olivia giggled, at the redness that burned his cheeks. She's never seen him so flustered- it was cute. He was cute, the way his cheeks glowed red with embarrassment, and the way his hair bounced as he spoke. "I like biscuits, did you bring jam?"

"Actually, yes your favorite: boysenberry" Her heart swelled, and she couldn't come back from that. A thought wandered through her mind: what else did he know about her, what else had he been learning about her when she didn't see him looking or listening?

Fitz put the car in gear and started reversing when Olivia put her hand on his arm. "Wait, Fitz." She breathed out with a loud 'whew' sound. Drawing in as much composure as she could, she didn't want to cry in front of him but she wanted him to know her.

"My Twin sister, September, died in a car accident." Her shoulders deflated as if revealing that stuck a pin in her. However, when she said it out loud, it was the first time she acknowledged that her sister died that day. "It was our high graduation day, and-" A tremble caught in her throat and wetness flooded her eyes "I-" she couldn't hold it and broke into sobs.

He was out of his seat belt in seconds, pulling her close. "C'mere." Palming her silky black hair, Fitz held her close, letting her silently cry against his chest.

"I'm sorry"

"Shush, you have nothing to apologize for." They pulled apart, his hand on her shoulder, comfortingly. "Thanks for trusting me and I'm sorry you went through that," he said.

Olivia slid back to her seat, using her sleeve to wipe her cheeks, her eyelashes glistening from the tears. And whereas she thought she looked like a puffy-eyed insane person, out of the corner of her eye she could see Fitz was smiling at her. "We can go now."

As Fitz pulled away from campus, the car fell into a comfortable silence, until he switched on the radio, letting music control the mood. Out of the corner of her eye, Olivia caught him looking over at her as he merged onto the highway. One song later, she saw him do it again. But she was choosing peace and that didn't include tricking herself into seeing more than what was between them: friendship. And she could accept that.

"Hey, could you reach back there and get the green bag, it's got some snacks." Fitz looked over, raising both his brows with a silly look of delight on his face. Olivia opened the bag to find an array of sugary snacks and energy drinks.

"You're gonna get cavities." She said definitively as she took a few candies out of the bag and sat them in her lap. "What do you want?"

"Reeses cup and can you crack open a red bull for me…please."

Fitz peaked over at her and then turned fully back to the road in front of him. Olivia did as he asked, she set the energy drink in the cup holder. And started peeling back the wrapper of the Reese's Cup.

"Open up," Olivia says, holding the peanut butter cup to his mouth. "What? You can't hold this and drive safely, so if you want it-open it up." Olivia giggled at his incredulous expression as he slowly opened his mouth and ate the candy out of her hand. Licking the melted chocolate off her thumb, forcing herself to ignore the goosebumps and chill that ran up her spine. Olivia picked up another piece and fed him. When all of it was gone, Fitz gingerly sipped the energy drink.

"Why didn't you want to bring Abby along?" Fitz suddenly asked.

"Why didn't you bring your girlfriend." It was jealous and petty but Olivia's soft demeanor and tone didn't convey that.

"She's said she's not feeling well, but something crap happened in Santa Barbara and I think she's blaming me…I blame me also but-" Fitz sighed running his hand through his hair. "She's confusing sometimes, I never know what she's thinking about. And when I ask I get the cold shoulder or she'll lie and say everything is fine. Which I can tell it isn't."

"Maybe you should just meet her where she is. I have a feeling she's pretty independent; so if she really needs you, she'll let you know."

"Thanks."

Olivia's hand rested on the armrest. Without thinking about it, he reached out and took her hand. When his palm touched her hand he felt an electric spark go off between them and from the look in her eye, Olivia had noticed it too. Immediately, she withdrew her hand, dropping it into her lap. He looked out the window to the left and she looked out the window to her right. Heart beating too fast, Olivia really needed to get a grip.

Olivia clasped her hands and batted her eyelashes, trying to clear whatever the hell had just happened out of the air. He took a long sip of red bull. Yes, a distraction. she picked up her water bottle which had sweat in the holder and a drop of water hit her bare legs. She wiped it off. The movement drew his attention to her legs.

So Olivia reached forward and turned the volume up, letting the music fully take over the ride.

Gorgeous, amazing, lovely, Olivia didn't know what words fit the house, all of them described an aspect of it. The house itself was breathtaking white with black trim and a long case of slanted stairs that led down the private beach that was only shared among the residents. The spring day breeze was a sweet fragranced petal that wrapped around her a little a gentle hug, it was peace itself. Being here Olivia felt like a weight had been lifted, she wasn't overthinking about Fitz and her friendship, they were just here in the moment. And nothing else felt better.

"I was thinking we get settled in and then go to the farmers market, I think you'll really like it."

"Yeah, that sounds good." She nodded, gleefully. "I can help with those." She said pointing to his arms filled with their bags. Both his hands were full and he was still trying to close the trunk with his elbow.

"Maybe just get the trunk. Thanks."

The inside is big but not too big that she felt like she's being swallowed but big enough that she can stretch out, moving from room to room, inviting in a new scenery of peace, including the tranquil sound of waves washing ashore. The decor was modern with splashes of coastal pieces, probably to accent the beach right outside. It was cozy, the furniture simple but elegant.

"Want a tour?" Fitz asked, placing their bags by the door.

Fitz took her around the cottage-style house, showing her bedrooms and the kitchen. He'd decided to give Olivia his room for the next few days just because he wasn't sure how his brothers might've soiled their rooms. And he took his parents' master suite, just like he did when he and Jake visited.

That also bothered him to a certain degree, he and Jake always spent spring break here or partying on yachts. But Olivia being here made up for Jake's absence, and he wasn't completely sure he wanted to put up with Jake's shenanigans. Still, it bothered him.

After showing Olivia the inside, he brought her to the back patio where the hot tub lived. It was the single best feature of the house he thought, and he was sure Olivia would enjoy it.

"You did bring a bathing suit, right?"

"Swim captain, remember." Olivia giggled "Of course."

"Okay, that concludes the tour. I'm gonna shower, and lucky for you, my room has a connecting bathroom." Fitz clasped his hands, excitedly. "Thirty minutes and I'm all yours."

Fitz and Olivia agreed on homemade pizza for dinner, and to be truthful Olivia didn't trust herself to boil a pot of water but Fitz was confident enough in his own chef skills enough to teach her or at least make sure she doesn't burn down the kitchen.

Before leaving the house, they sat and made a list of ingredients, so with the list and a couple of smiles they headed off to the farmers market. Olivia dressed comfortably in jeans and a T-shirt, Fitz on the other hand wore a pair of dark khaki shorts and a crew neck that hugged his thick biceps.

The town was a sight, the street crowded with locals and tourists, not in a way that made Olivia anxious but in a nice way that made her happy to be outside exploring. The sun on her neck touched like a welcome back to the outdoors. There was faint laughter, and high-pitched, sounds of children escaping the cumbersome coats and gloves of winter.

"And everything is grown locally?" Olivia asked Fitz as they strolled through the crowded fair.

"Yes!" A man called out, smiling ear to ear, as he waved Olivia and Fitz over. The stall was apple themed, he had fresh beautiful red, green, and yellow apples, and on the table, there were jars of what looked like homemade applesauce chilling in a bucket of ice.

The man offered Olivia a bright red apple that glistened as the sun hit it. Accepting the apple Olivia took a small bite out the side, with wide beaming eyes, she smiled up at Fitz. She'd tasted orchard apples and organic apples but this was nothing like that. She didn't know there could be a third-best kind of apple, without thinking she held the apple to Fitz's mouth, eager to invite him into her heaven that was this red apple.

Shameless, Fitz took a chuck right out of Olivia's bite. "Wow! That is amazing. Can we get a whole basket?"

"Eight for five." The man smiled. Olivia already had her wallet out and a twenty in her hand. Fitz collected their apples.

"Keep the change." She called over her shoulder.

Fitz spent the next thirty minutes following Olivia around the market, collecting the list of items and picking up extra stuff that definitely wasn't in grocery stores, and if it was, the quality probably wasn't as good. Every stall interested her and he didn't dare complain. He was standing off to the side, his bag getting fuller and fuller, and Olivia's stayed the same, with just the weight of her wallet and sunscreen. Despite her offering, he wouldn't let her carry anything.

As they made it to the next vendor, Olivia struck up a conversation with the woman who was selling knitted crafts and handmade totes. Fitz's gaze wandered south to the flower vendor across the market.

"Livvie, what's your favorite flower?" Fitz asked hurriedly.

Wanting to get back to her initial conversation Olivia quickly threw over her shoulder, "Tulips and peonies." Not thinking about it further she continued on with the woman.

Fitz returned with two bouquets of flowers, one soft cream peonies, and the other bright red tulips. Thankfully, when he found her again, she was talking about wrapping up their visit. With their list fulfilled, they packed the car and headed back to the cottage to start dinner.

"Wow, we were there that long?" Olivia said watching the sunny day transition into night. With the sun dropping below the horizon in an orange-y glow.

"Yeah, we'll have to visit more markets, you were really thrilled with this one."

"Well I haven't gone to any since I was a kid, I forgot how whimsical they can be." A bright kid-ish smile played on her lips.

By the time they arrived back at the cottage, stars bespeckled in the dark sky, the waves were calm with the evening. Both starving from the long drive and an even longer day at the farmers market, they made quick work to prepare dinner.

Olivia glanced at the vase of peonies and tulips, a reminder of her sister, how they were the same but different in many ways. September wouldn't have waited to ask the hard questions, she was too spirited for that and she preferred everything truthful and upfront, no matter how painful it might've been, Olivia wished she could be more like that.

"Thanks, for the flowers," Olivia said, peeking over Fitz's arm. He'd already started on the pizza dough, which they ended up stopping by a local pizzeria and buying freshly made dough, to save them time on making it and waiting for it to rise. "Tulips are-were September's favorites."

"It's something my mom did when we used to vacation here, so I make a point to bring fresh flowers. I'm glad you like it though, I'm not a florist so let's hope they wilt right away."

I love you.

And I know I'm supposed to but I can't help it.

"Livvie?" Fitz said, turning around to her, waving his hand in front of her face trying to catch her attention, and bring her out of her head.

"Sorry, what?"

"Where'd you go?"

"Just thinking. What were you saying though?"

"Tomatoes, can you chop?" He asked, looking at her questioningly. With a small nod, Olivia washed her hands and grabbed a knife. It was apparent that she didn't exactly know where to start, so he walked her through it until the tomato was reduced to small and medium chunks. It wasn't chef great but they would have toppings. Following his directions, Olivia went on to chop the peppers, and basil while Fitz grated cheese and pre-heated the oven.

"So what's new with you?" Olivia cut through the silence, not that it was uncomfortable but because she didn't trust herself to be alone with her thoughts while sharing a close kitchen space, with Fitz bumping her every so often as he moved around grabbing different ingredients. "You haven't talked about your mom's birthday. I know you said she's…very enthusiastic."

"Oh that woman is crazy about birthdays, but we love her all the more for it. But um…we just had a nice family dinner and small activities, I don't think she was in the mood for explosiveness this year." He muttered, he didn't want to discuss the trip because it was a disaster in his opinion. "What about you, you never talk about your family."

Olivia stopped cutting, her body tensed.

"I mean like your parents, and you have a brother right?" As she absorbed his words, her expression went from tense to relieved, and then on to something sweet and sad.

Olivia moved around him to grab the white onion off the counter. "Mom, Maya, she's a professor at Drexel univ and my dad Eli is the curator at the Philadelphia art museum and Corey is nine. We're pretty normal people I guess." A soft shrug moved her shoulders.

"I think it's pretty cool. What does your mom teach?" He asked.

"Art, funny enough, it's how my parents met. Mom was new to Philly, there for school and they bumped into each other on campus. Dad was working with another student to get their art in the museum and I guess it was fate. Four years later, my sister and I were born."

"Sounds like love at first sight." Fitz had stopped grating cheese and was gazing at Olivia, she was too oblivious to notice his cerulean gaze had zeroed in on her.

Stop it, Fitz.

Mellie, Fiance, Mellie

"Okay, I think that's enough onion." Wiping the onion-caused tears from her cheeks, she washed her hands and patted them dry. "Shall we assemble?"

"Let's do it," Fitz announced loudly as if it would scare his thoughts away.

The pizza came better than either of them had expected, the crust was light and garlicky, but the fresh veggies stole the show. So after cutting and plating the dish, Fitz and Olivia took to the living room with a card game and light conversation in between eating the delicious pie.

"You're cheating." Looking down at his own hand, and then back at the table Fitz surmised that she had to be cheating, she had to have done it as she dealt the cards. Giving herself the kings and queens and leaving him with the lowly, joker cards and number cards.

"I'm not cheating, you're just bad at this game." Olivia teased.

"I'd like to hear that smack talk while playing call of duty or kombat." Fitz challenged a smirk dancing on his face.

"Well that doesn't count, you cheat playing those games and-" Fitz's phone rang, she knew it had to be his because her Blackberry was sitting face up on the table, while his Nokia was facedown under the coffee table. "Are you gonna get that?" Her eyes bounced between Fitz and the phone.

"I'll be right back," he said, pushing off the plush rug, taking his phone with him.

In all fairness to Olivia, she wasn't trying to be nosy. However, Fitz wasn't exactly talking low.

You sound better. I'm glad

I miss you too, maybe you could come down, save me from myself. I just meant that I wish you were here. I know and I- Mel I can barely hear you, where are you?-

A knock at the door interrupted Olivia's eavesdropping but then followed by a dozen impatient dings and bells ringing back to back. Olivia stood, looking at the door, and then Fitz came out of the kitchen.

"Who's that?"

"Fitz this is your house," Olivia said practically.

"Hey, asshole let us in." The voice was familiar, but neither of them showed any amusement by it.

"Is that who I think it is?" Fitz had already crossed the living, pulling the front door open wide so he could know who exactly the 'us' was. "What are you doing here?"

"C'mon man you're not still mad about that bullshit from two weeks ago." Jake moved past Fitz with Harrison, Quinn, and Huck in tow. "Hi, Liv."

"Hey Jake, I didn't know you were coming." A twinge of guilt bubbled up as she looked at Fitz, sure he could tell that she hadn't broken the news to Jake. But for the moment that was overshadowed by Fitz's annoyance at the self-invite plus three extras. "You uh never got back to me when I texted you."

"Fitz" Quinn greeted.

"Hey Liv, Fitz." Huck greeted holding up a six-pack in place of a wave.

And then..."lil sis," Harrison popped through holding another bag that was substantial in size, bottles clinking. "Abby couldn't make it, David's folks invited her to New York."

While Jake and his crew set their things down in the kitchen, Olivia and Fitz snuck off to his room to have a private chat. Though upset about their spring break 'friends getaway' being crashed as Olivia put it, they decided not to be party poopers and allowed the group to join them. Though there were only four bedrooms and five guests, Olivia made it clear she wasn't giving up her room or bunking with anyone.

After deciding on ground rules of their own, Fitz and Olivia returned to the group.

"Great pizza." Huck gave a thumbs up and a greasy smile.

"Okay." Fitz snapped his palms together, gathering everyone's attention. "Jake and Huck one room Harrison, and Quinn work that out, I say Harrison take the couch."

"Liv and I can share." Jake took a swig of his beer and all eyes turned to Olivia, Fitz's looking the most hurt.

"Um not this time, I'm kind of already used to sleeping alone." An uncomfortable chuckle sounded off, and few straggling chuckles from the room but not enough to shake the awkwardness of it all.

"It's whatever I'll sleep on the couch," Jake said, annoyance laced his words. Every single time Fitz was around Olivia acted like a different person, so it was hard not to suspect something. But every time he asked either of them they always denied it, promising they were just friends. In fact, as long as he's known Fitz he never had many girl-friends.

"Where is Mellie, anyway?"

"Busy."

Amid the boys suiting up for an argument that Olivia knew was coming at any moment, she took the chance to slip away. Almost regretting the trip, before she had been suppressing feelings and just trying to be in the moment but there was always a reminder that Fitz isn't hers, and she can't be his.

In the morning she showered and dressed before everyone woke. The house rules went out of the window, Olivia thought as she stepped over the boys in the living room, passed out from the looks of the empty whiskey bottles and scattered red cups.

Beaches of white sand surround the house...hot and soft underneath her feet making her feel so at home. The bluest sky all around with big white fluffy clouds that go on forever. There's a sweet breeze and the smell of salt in the air makes the day smell new and fresh. Sea oats blow in the wind as if they are telling a secret that has been kept for years. Blue waves crash against the beach making the sand crumble between her toes.

Olivia perched in the sand, drawing her knees to her chest, just watching the waves wash ashore and then retreat. She didn't turn around when she heard footsteps, she was in so deep with Fitz that she knew what his breathing patterns were.

"Hi," she said softly.

"Hi." He breathed, joining her on the sand.

Her hair was tied in a low ponytail, she wore a pair of denim shorts, shorter than he'd ever seen her in, allowing him to catch a quick glimpse of her bare thighs. Shaking his head Fitz, kicked himself for ogling her.

"You didn't eat breakfast."

"I wasn't hungry." What she didn't say was that she regretted coming here and that it was a terrible idea. On her part of course. In all her years of being the rational child, this trip had her sister's name written on it. Never in a million years would Olivia Pope have chosen pain and discomfort.

"What do you want, Fitz?" The question took him back and what was more was he couldn't find the light humor that usually laced her words. "I just mean do you ever want more." This time she cocked her head to look at him.

"I-I don't understand."

"Me either." She sighed. "I think I like…well, I know-" Looking at him she could see that he was purposefully playing dumb, at least that's just what it seemed like. His brows were drawn together, and an incredulous expression itched on his face.

He's either too dumb to see or he doesn't want me the way I want him.

"Okay, I'm gonna head back inside." Pushing off the sandy bank, Olivia dusted herself and headed back to the cottage.

XXXXXXX

The gang spent the day on the beach, and Olivia spent her day trying to put more distance between her and Fitz, she refused to be alone with him, even if it was just for a second. But with Jake around he was even harder to break away from.

He'd snuggled up on the beach lounger and taken a nap. She hadn't had one chance to talk to him in private, of all else she wanted to be free of the 'Fitz and Jake' chains that bounded her. But she couldn't break it to him while he was sound asleep.

Olivia covered him up so he wouldn't get sunburned and went inside the house.

"Hey Liv you comin' out to the club with us, I know you don't drink but it'll still be fun."

"Who said I don't drink?"

"Fitz I don't think he meant it like-" Harrison decided not to finish that sentence, he didn't know what was going on with the three of them but knew when to mind his business. "Are you coming?"

"Yeah, lemme get ready. What's the vibe?"

"It's a bar, sexy or casual, either will do." Harrison shrugged, and Olivia skipped off to her room to get ready. "Not like Jake or Fitz are gonna let other guys talk to you." He muttered as he took a sip of whatever pregame concoction was in his red cup.

XXXXXXXX

Olivia and the group filed into the bar, no IDs insight, and security didn't push the issue. They were used to students coming up here to party, probably the most patronage they got, because the majority here tonight couldn't be any older than twenty-one and that was pushing it. Jake went and opened a tab at the bar and loudly announced he'd pay for everyone's drinks. The crowd cheered and music roared.

Hellbent on keeping space between herself and Fitz, Olivia stayed close to Huck and Harrison like they were her personal bodyguards. Olivia soberly danced to Smack That, moving her hips to the rhythm, pulling consciously at the hem of her too-short skirt. Everyone fed off smiles and the extra courage of the booze, but she just couldn't keep her eyes off him. Perched at the bar, arms leaning against the counter as Jake talks into his ear, his expression unmoving, his eyes following her as she moves across the crowded dance floor. And then she realizes that he's staring at her too. Her cheeks flush red, and she looks away.

Her eyes widened and she stiffed as a stranger's hands touched her waist and then slipped his arms around her from behind and drew her back against his chest. It was only now she noticed Quinn dancing with Huck and Harrison was distracted by a blonde.

"What, you don't recognize me." Jake crooned in her ear, alcohol coming off his breath in hot waves, making her stomach turn. Whereas she was glad this wasn't a random man, Jake was no better.

Her gaze went up to Fitz whose jaw was noticeably clenched tight. "Can we go outside and talk?"

"I wanna stay inside." He said, cracking a smile.

"Jake, please."

Fitz pushed off the bar counter; it wasn't his business and no matter how many times he muttered it, he still couldn't stop his legs from carrying him outside.

Olivia had her arms wrapped around herself, there was a slight breeze and he told her to wear a jacket but she didn't listen. Now he just wanted to take her home. Obviously, he came out on the last part of their chat. Jake's expression was confused, but something else was there.

I'm sorry he heard her say that.

Are you fucking kidding me? All this time.

Fitz inched out of his hidden spot off the side of the building. Olivia's face dropped, glowering at her feet. "What's going on?" Fitz asked. Olivia couldn't look at Fitz either but when moved in between the space, shielding her, she didn't protest.

"None of your fucking business. Liv, tell me why." Jake tried to go around Fitz but he blocked him.

"Leave her alone. I'm not gonna say it again."

"Whatever." Jake swiped his hand in the air walking away from them. "Fucking bitch."

"What'd you say?" Fitz challenged, charging toward Jake like an angry linebacker. Only stopping when he felt her delicate hand push against his chest.

"He's not worth it," Olivia said, searching his gaze for resolve. "Can we go back to the house?"

Finally, his eyes softened as he peered down at her. "Yeah"

"Are you okay?" He asked, they'd been home for a few minutes. But Olivia hadn't said a thing the whole way home, she just kept her head down, chewing her thumbnail. When they got in she sat on the couch in the dark.

"I'm fine. Sorry I feel like I'm making a habit of you saving me."

"He was wrong. And I don't mind even though you've avoided me all day." It came out light and witty which made her feel crazy and dumb. "Is everything okay?"

Silently she stood and walked into the kitchen, following behind her Fitz watched her pop the cap off the vodka. She poured a shot and knocked it back, squeezing her eyes closed, frowning as the white liquor slid down her throat burning the whole way down.

Now or never

"Do you wanna get in the hot tub?" Olivia asked.

"Yeah, I mean…we can."

"Okay, I'm gonna change." She knocked another shot back and that's when worry set in for him, he'd never seen Olivia take one shot let alone two. "Ten minutes." She said.

A one-piece is more flattering than a bikini.

Bouncing back and forth between the black one-piece, casual and not too revealing, and the white Two-piece Bikini that showed everything and more.

But this is sexier.

"Hey Liv, I'm gonna warm up the tub," Fitz called through the door.

"Okay, thanks. Be right there!"

Now or never

Olivia got dressed or undressed in a sense, but before she made her way to the patio, she detoured to the kitchen for a little more liquid courage. After the fourth shot, Olivia felt warm, and a smile slid across her face. Whatever was in that bottle was working, she thought.

The patio door slid open and then close, Fitz was sitting with his back to it and his head on his phone like always. Lifting his gaze, his body went still momentarily, giving himself a second to drink her in. Her bikini bottoms were low cut and the top was haltered. The white made her look like a goddess. He couldn't shake the electricity he felt flare when she dipped herself into the hot tub.

"This is nice, huh Fitz"

"Yea-yeah it is" his brows raised, and he set the Nokia on the deck. Something was up with her and he couldn't figure it out for the life of him.

Desperately trying to keep his eyes above her chest, while trying not to float into her. Unsurprisingly the feelings felt familiar, still, there was a nagging voice in the back of his mind but he didn't know if he was reading the situation right. Fitz could be somewhat of a dunce when it came to girls but Olivia wasn't just any girl.

She's my best friend

"Were you really gonna hit Jake?"

"For you, yes. You don't deserve his bullshit."

Olivia picked at her nails under the water. "Then what do I deserve?"

Her flawless copper-brown skin and her eyes shined like diamonds. The way her hair, whether curly or straight flowed beautifully down her shoulders. The way her voice was a song, sung for the gods. She was everything, and he was only just now realizing it.

Clouds drifted away from a full moon, drenching the patio with soft lunar light. "Livvie look at the moon." Wading over to his side of the hot tub Olivia scooted under his arm that he was holding out. "You deserve someone who adores you, someone who would give you the moon if you asked for it." Their eyes connected for a while, searching each other's gaze. But Olivia was done wondering and waiting for the right moment. It was now or never.

She pressed her lips against his and he didn't move, in fact, he leaned in further.

Her first kiss was light as if she were testing him but then he pressed his lips back to hers, harder.. the kiss was consuming, hungry yet sweet, teasing her with a hint of promise and driving her body to new heights of awareness. Olivia found herself breathless and consumed before the end of their first kiss, yielding to the intensity of his kiss and the firmness of his touch. Their tongues fighting for dominance, Olivia surrendered first at the feel of his palm cupping her curls, pushing his tongue deeper wanting to taste every inch of her mouth.

'Brrrrrzzzt'

Every atom in Olivia was buzzing but so was something else. Olivia pulled out of the kiss glancing over at the Nokia dancing on the deck. A shock of guilt vibrated through her and then shame crashed down on her. She put her fingers on her swollen lips, a look of horror across her features.

Fitz opened his eyes after a few seconds, still gathering his bearings from the kiss that left him in a dizzy haze.

"You have a girlfriend. Oh my god, your girlfriend." It was the first time Olivia acknowledged that much about Mellie, but seeing her name lit up his phone screen. She started on cloud nine- her crush liked her, he liked her, and no sooner was she painfully thrust into reality. She needed Fitz like the earth needed the sun but this was the wrong way to get him.

"Liv, wait." She was already out of the water, but he caught her by the arm. "I'm sorry-"

"No, don't." When she nudged her arm away he didn't hold on, and she took off into the house, dripping wet.

Stupid,

so,

stupid

Oliva just wanted it to stop, she needed a minute, one minute to collect herself. She wasn't breathing- well she was but it was too many emotions at once. Who knew that kissing the boy she loved would make her feel so dirty-and not the good kind that was described in steamy romance books, but in the way that she wanted to crawl in a hole and never show her face again?

The bottle of vodka was still sitting on the kitchen counter without a second thought Olivia grabbed it and headed down to the beach. By the fifth and sixth drinks, the wind didn't feel as cold to her. She lay on the shore, letting the oceanic water wash away her dirt, the coolness felt good paired with the way the vodka warmed her insides.

XXXXXXXX

"Liv?" His knuckles touched the door slightly, he didn't know what he was going to say to make things right. Plus he didn't know how to make this right. He was sure he adored Olivia, certain that he breathed a little easier when she was around. But he couldn't have his cake and eat it too. To choose Olivia, was to burn another. He'd hit a wall.

By the second more intentional knock, he pushed her bedroom door open. Panic filled him as he ran to the kitchen. "Shit Olivia."

The night air smelled of salt and pulsed with the sound of crickets and active waves. Standing on the smooth sandy beach Fitz peered around looking for signs of Olivia.

Spotting her lying prone in the sand.

"Livvie, get up we need to go in the house." He had a big blue towel thrown over his shoulder for her.

Olivia popped one eye open and then the other, focusing on Fitz, she smiled a drunken smile. "Lay with me." Her words slurred a bit.

The bottle was barely touched, maybe two cups full missing. No doubt she was a lightweight. If anything he'd suggest she have a glass of wine and never touch hard liquor again.

"Olivia you're wet and it's cold, you could get pneumonia."

She flipped over on her hands and knees, turning towards the ocean. "Wanna swim? We should swim! Swimwithme, Fitz." It was cute, her need to be in water like it was her safe place- like a beautiful koi fish. He wanted to be that for her. The thing that she ran to in her time of need.

"Can you stand?"

"Of course." More slurred speech but he couldn't find a reason to be angry, at this point he just wanted to take care of her.

Bending he wrapped the towel around her and as he brought her up to her feet, however, she lost her balance and dropped back to the sand like a busted pipe, she spewed vomit all over the sand.

"It's okay. It's just vomit." He lifted her again, bridal style.

XXXXXXXX

Olivia winced at the bright bathroom light, her back was pressed against the side of the tub, eyeing the glass of water he'd brought her.

"You'll feel better in the morning. Here this is mouthwash." Now eyeing the blue liquid Olivia knocked it back like a shot and then spit it into the tub. "Do you want bread, it'll soak up the vodka."

She shook his head and rolled her eyes.

"Livvie? Let's get you to bed." He felt her shiver. After they got in from the beach he wiped as much sand off of her as he could without doing too much but he seriously wished Abby or Quinn were here to help her get dressed.

One cup?

Fitz brought her to his room, sitting her on his bed as he fished around looking for something to put her in. She was still wet and somewhat sandy. He found an old Pj shirt -it would do the trick. As he slipped it over her head, Olivia gave him a syrupy drunk smile before she laid down, snuggling his pillow.

I guess I should stay with her.

Just to make sure she's okay.

He covered her up, then crawled into bed. Not realizing how exhausted he was.

The sun was trying to force its way through the curtains, it's rays heated up the room. Olivia popped one eye open and then it registered. She wasn't in her room. Turning over carefully, she winced squeezing her eyes shut. Then everything all at once hit her like a ton of bricks, though how she ended up in Fitz's bed was still blurry, she knew why her head was pounding like a stereo.

Her legs felt weird with the absence of pants, and that's when she realized she was dressed in Fitz's shirt. A gray t-shirt, not much special about it.

Olivia climbed out of bed mumbling to herself about never drinking again.

As she reached the door, Fitz popped up, "Livvie?" In his worst 'I just woke up voice.'

Wincing she turned slowly, pressing her back against the door she held the knob. "I'm sorry I'm- an idiot and-"

"You fell asleep and I didn't want to leave you alone just in case you got sick again."

Olivia blew her breath in her hand and was surprised to not smell anything rank coming off her breath. "We brushed your teeth and I didn't want you to catch another cold, hence my shirt."

"Thanks," Olivia said, turning the knob, she had to get away before she made another embarrassing mistake.

Fitz stood from the bed and pressed his hand against the door, their height difference more noticeable than ever, as her sweet gaze peered up at him.

"And if we can forget about what I did in the hot tub. I was drunk and-"

It didn't surprise him that she hadn't forgotten about the kiss in her drunken haze. "Maybe we shouldn't. Are you still drunk?" If she was it wouldn't have been as sexy

"No, I mean I don't think so." She said softly. Fitz nodded and then took her face between his palms and pushed his lips against her softly, her defenses fell and that gave him everything he needed to deepen the kiss, sticking his tongue in her mouth.

"...Fitz I screwed up Olivia's not here-" The door flew open, and Olivia and Fitz flinched apart.

All of their eyes went wide and Jake looked at Fitz, then at Olivia. It was written on their faces. Olivia's lips, pink and pouty from Fitz sucking on them and Fitz's flashed expression, sliding into guilty territory.

"What the fuck is going on?" Jake fully pushed the door open. "Olivia," he said taking a step towards her just for Fitz to block him. "What was that bullshit last night, huh. You're not ready, sorry fucking excuses so you could fuck my best friend."

"Don't speak to her that way. Now we can be adults and talk about this or you can get the fuck out."

"Adults? Dude, you're pathetic and you're stupid, he has a fiance." Jake looked around Fitz, his glare cold enough to send shivers down her spine. "Yeah did you tell her that while you fucking her?"

The punch flattened him and left his ears buzzing, Fitz stood over Jake and hit him again before Olivia came back to herself and pulled Fitz back. But the commotion woke the house, and soon Harrison, Huck, and Quinn were standing in the doorway watching the chaos.

When the boys stepped between Jake and Fitz, Olivia slinked out of the room. Her head was pounding, and although she wasn't drunk anymore, she thought she might vomit.

Fiance?

Tears stung her eyes, as she pushed into her bedroom, locking the door behind herself.

Fitz's yelling could be heard through the water, her shower was short but that was just because she had to get out of there. Shame and embarrassment didn't quite explain how she was feeling at this point. Humiliation was high but there was a bigger feeling that weighed on her like a boulder pushing her into the floor: Betrayal. It hurt like her heart had been ripped out and wrung and put back all shriveled and depleted.

The first time he knocked she ignored it, she needed time to pack her stuff, nothing was neat or folded, just haphazardly thrown in the duffle. But he made it clear that he wasn't leaving until she talked to him to at least hear him out.

Opening the door, she immediately put her hand up to halt him.

"I called a cab, so I don't have much time," Olivia said. She took a breath. "How long have you been engaged?"

He hesitated, but more lies wouldn't make this better. "Since winter break, but that was before I met you, before everything," gesturing between them.

"What about after I asked if you had a girlfriend when you were in my bed." Olivia zipped the bag closed. "Or why not tell me after I kissed you, but no you manipulated the situation and me. You wanted me, that's why you kept pushing me to break things off with Jake."

"You can't blame me for that, you didn't like Jake from the minute you met him that's why you never made time for him."

"I don't care what you say, you're a liar."

"Livvie, just-"

"Don't call me that, matter of fact we never have to speak again. I hate you." Tears brimmed her eyes. "move"

"Liv— Olivia please just don't leave yet, please. If we can just talk about this."

Honk…

Honk.

"That's my ride. Goodbye Fitz"

He followed her to the driveway, where the taxi was waiting to whisk her away, a haunting feeling crept up, that if he didn't do something now this would be the last time he'd ever talk to her.

The yellow taxi pulled away and it was down the road by the moment his instincts kicked in. He couldn't just let her go. As fast as he could he ran back into the house desperately searching for his car keys, just now seeing that he had a million missed calls and messages from his fiance but he couldn't stop.

When Fitz got on the road, his chest was rising and falling at wild rates, but he ignored it as he searched for the yellow taxi. He didn't spot it until he was out of his neighborhood, bordering on the other little town.

Of course: she's going to the train station.

All the cars came to a halt as they pulled to a red light, the yellow taxi about four cars ahead of him. And he was boxed in so he had to wait. Their light switched green and the opposite light turned bright red.

The yellow taxi attempted to proceed across the intersection and that's when a huge Toyota truck rammed into the side. The yellow taxi rolled over several times, breaking glasses and inflating the safety bag.

Fitz watched the entire accident. There wasn't a moment to process, his legs just started carrying him as he hoped out of his BMW, dashing through cars.

"Olivia! OLIVIA!"

Another car came careening through the intersection but the driver must have been distracted by the crash to see Fitz run in front of his car, and though he pressed on the break, it was too late, his white sedan had already collided with the Fitz, sending him flying through the air. Hitting the payment...

SMACK!

WOW!

I'm gonna keep posting every three days, as long as the reviews keep rolling in. Thank You!

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