xoxo
X
It's quiet. Everyone on the chopper sleeps aside from Olivia, who sits comfortably beside Fitz, wrapped in his arms. She periodically glances up at him, a small smile on her face watching him sleep. He looks so peaceful and happy.
"I love you." She murmurs, pressing a soft kiss upon his jawline before resting her head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat lull her back to sleep as the sun peaks over the horizon, shining through the chopper windows.
"I love you, too." He mutters, eyes closed, wrapping his arms tighter around her, planting a kiss on her forehead. "I'm glad you're back."
His words bring a smile to her face, a faint blush rising to her cheeks as she opens her eyes and looks at the smile creeping onto his face. She places a hand on his face with a chuckle and pulls him down to her, planting a kiss on his lips.
A deep groan rumbles from his chest, loud enough for her to hear but quiet enough not to disturb those still sleeping. For once, their reconciliation doesn't hurt. The world is their oyster for once, and they can finally have whatever they want together.
"We're almost there." He smiles against her lips. "How do you feel?"
"Happy. I feel happy." And she does. I'm glad we could sort that mess out in D.C. before boarding the flight. I know it's still tense, but your plan is still in motion."
"I'm happy you're happy." He nestles his face against the crook of her neck. "And I'm relieved we could calm the tension long enough to board." He chuckles. "Do you think he'll do it, however? Ryan."
"I think he'll do it if he's pushed, but you want to know something funny?"
"Lay it on me."
"Even with Marcus's random outburst, he still didn't get the reaction he was expecting. So, he made himself look like an asshole in front of everyone, and not only that, knowing Ryan, it'll be decades before he decides to react. Meanwhile, Marcus is living proof of the big bad wolf."
Fitz chuckles. "I'll huff, and I'll puff, and I'll-"
"Shhh." She chuckles, placing a hand over his mouth. "Don't you dare!" She exclaims in a whisper. "You'll wake everyone up."
Quickly, he moves his face from her hand, interlacing their fingers together.
"I'll blow your house down!" He exclaims, burying his face against her neck in laughter.
She can't help but laugh with him, playfully pinching his side with her free hand, causing him to shift in his seat. Realizing they were louder than expected, she peeked her head up and checked to see if anyone else was interrupted by their outburst, only to see Ryan staring back at her. She smiles at him, mouthing the words I'm sorry, and in return, he shoots her a wink, mouthing the words it's okay before cuddling back up with Danny.
Returning her attention to Fitz, she shakes her head before resting her forehead against his, smiling.
"Did I wake anyone?" He asks, pressing a soft kiss upon her lips.
"Just Ryan, but he's going back to sleep until we land." She chuckles. "So, what do you hope to accomplish with this trip? I get why you wanted to go to Vermont, but personally. What?"
"I want us to get closer, and Vermont is the place to do it because we're away from all toxicity. I hope." He chuckles. "For us, it'll be making up for the lost time. For the others, I can't speak on them, for their experiences are different."
"I like that." She smiles. "I think it'll be something like a paid vacation for the couples, but as far as friendships go, that's where it becomes questionable."
"True." He nods. "Do you think that your friends are ready to forgive you?"
"I'm not sure, but I know that I'm moving on regardless of whether they do or don't. I refuse to continue harboring unspoken words and feelings. When it comes down to it, I'll say my peace. Whichever way they take it is on them." She smiles.
"I'm just grateful that Huck forgave me. That meant a lot to me."
"I know it did." He kisses her forehead. "And I'm sure the others will follow suit, but even if they don't, I'm proud of you for saying your piece and moving on. That takes courage."
"Thank you." She emits a sigh, her gaze shifting to the window. The view from above is magnificent. The house looks much more prominent in the sky.
"We're here."
Fitz turns to look out the window before rising to his feet. He leans down and kisses Olivia's lips before making his way down the aisle, waking everyone up as the chopper begins its descent.
"We'll be landing in a few minutes, and I just wanted everyone to be informed." He announces, making his way back to his seat. "You don't have to worry about gathering your luggage because my people will handle that."
"Thank God," Quinn murmurs, tired. "I require a bed."
"Don't we all," David agrees, wrapping an arm around Abby and pulling her close.
"So, are the rooms already picked out for us, or is it first come, first serve?" Danny inquires, stretching his arms out before resting his head upon Ryan's shoulder.
"You get to pick your rooms," Fitz answers, taking his seat next to Olivia. "Only one that's off-limits is my bedroom." He chuckles.
Danny chuckles. "Perfect."
"Please tell me you have a fully stocked bar." Cyrus inquires.
Ryan snickers, glancing back at him. "It's nine in the morning."
"Nothing like starting early." He laughs. "You're more than welcome to join me."
"There are too many things I need before even thinking about alcohol."
Danny puts his lips to Ryan's ear. "Like me inside of you."
Ryan returns his attention to Danny, making sure he sees him rolling his eyes. He's only teasing, as usual, and Danny knows this, evident by the boyish smile on his features.
"Maybe if you clean up your act, you can have a sample."
"Deal." He smiles, wrapping Ryan in his arms.
"Does anyone feel weird or out of place by coming here?" Olivia asks, gaze drifting around at everyone.
"At first, I did." Quinn answers, "but then I realized that Fitz is right. We're just one big dysfunctional family. So, everything is good now."
Olivia smiles, nodding. "Well, I hope we can make the best of this time away."
"I'm sure we will." She responds.
Silence ensues, but it's not awkward. It's indifferent. There's a giant ass elephant on the table, and everyone knows it but so far, so good. Just as Fitz was about to speak, the pilot exited the cockpit and made his presence known to the others.
"We have safely landed, sir. You are all now free to leave the chopper."
"Thank you." He smiles, taking Olivia's hand and rising to his feet with her following suit. "Well, let's go, everyone."
Making their way off the chopper first is Olivia and Fitz, who inhale the brisk air blowing through their hair. With a crooked smile, he wraps an arm around her waist and pulls her closer while they wait for the others.
Next are Huck and Quinn, who immediately bundle up in their no-so-wintery leather jackets. They've never been to Vermont, only heard of it through idle gossip, so seeing it for the first time is quite thrilling. It's beautiful.
Marcus, Cyrus, Abby, and David follow them, their eyes widening when they see the land and the house. It's something you'd see in a dream which, to Abby, puts a lot of what Fitz said to her into perspective.
And finally, is Danny carrying Ryan on his back. He spins around, the two of them taking in the beauty. It's unlike anything they've ever seen, and they're ecstatic that they decided to come on this trip.
"Although it's fucking freezing here, it's gorgeous," Ryan says as they rejoin the group. "Can we go inside now? I'm exhausted."
"Right this way." Fitz chuckles, making his way to the house with Olivia.
Everyone follows behind them, ensuring they take in the sight before they all crash for the next few hours. Reaching the door, Fitz opens it, and they walk inside, immediately falling under the spell of its beauty. It's something straight out of a movie where the guy gets the girl. Magical.
Fitz clears his throat. "So, the kitchen is full, bedrooms are cleaned and made to perfection, there're fresh towels and wash rags on the dressers inside each room for those that didn't pack their own, and last but certainly not least, mi casa es su casa." He chuckles.
"We'll reconvene for breakfast after some much-needed sleep. Sound good?"
Everyone nods in agreement, branching off to find their chosen bedrooms, while Fitz and Olivia make their way to the primary bedroom away from the others. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she smiles at him.
"So, this is where Vermonters go."
He smiles at her words, kissing her lips.
"It most certainly is."
X
"So, do you think you can do it?" Mellie asks a hesitant Charlie, who stands in the doorframe of her living room while she walks around sipping hooch from the bottle.
"You're the only person I know capable of utilizing B613."
"But why would I do that for you?" He questions. "Putting together a kill folder on Ryan Lewis; a man who's done some good for this country, and Olivia Pope; a woman who's turned herself around after being sucked into this mess because of manipulative people like you, wouldn't be as effective as you may think. Besides, doing that will ruin my chances of-"
"Please." She chuckles. "Quinn Perkins doesn't want anything to do with you, number one. And number two, try not to fanboy over two people that ruined my life!" She steps towards him aggressively, jabbing a finger at him.
"Ruined your life?" He scoffs, dismissing her with the wave of his hand. "That can't be possible when you live in a giant ass house with maids who come in and out of here around the clock to ensure this place is up to your standards. You're funny. I-"
"You want to know what's-?"
"I'm not finished." He interrupts her, bringing the room to silence. "I don't think you understand how fucked up a person you are. It's like what the fuck goes through your mind. Why are you so evil?"
"Because I am owed!" She yells, smashing yet another bottle of hooch on the floor.
"You aren't owed a damn thing!" He retorts. "You get yourself into these sticky situations, attempt to manipulate, and then find yourself at a loss when things don't go your way, and that's when the victimization comes to the surface. Liv and Ryan were correct when they released that information, and I won't help you. I want nothing to do with B613, and I damn sure want nothing to do with you." He jabs a finger at her.
"Figure it out yourself." He proceeds to the exit.
"Charlie! I-"
"And one more thing." He quickly turns around to face her after opening the front door. "I know you made sure I stayed away from Quinn. But you wanted Quinn to believe it was Olivia so that Olivia wouldn't have a place to fall back on after her quest for power failed. You ruined her." He sneers.
"You're worse than her father."
X
Her eyes flutter open as the sunlight peaks through the dark curtains. Olivia can't believe she's in Vermont with the man she loves at this point in her life after everything that's happened between them. But here she is. Wrapped tightly in Fitz's arms and his Navy shirt, Olivia watches him as he sleeps, placing her hand on his face. She's careful not to wake him.
With her thumb rubbing in circles, she leans in and kisses the bridge of his nose. A smile manifests on her features as she rests her head on his pillow, remaining close to him. Her eyes fall shut, his calm, even breathing lulling her back to sleep, or so she thinks. There's a rumbling in her stomach, and a second later, nausea washes over her.
This can't be.
Posthaste, Olivia slides out of bed, rushing to the bathroom with a hand covering her mouth, slamming the door behind her, which startles Fitz in his sleep. He wakes up in a panic. Lifting the toilet seat, Olivia drops to her knees and leans over the toilet, vomiting profusely into the porcelain bowl. She's vomiting so loud that Fitz is now knocking on the door.
"Liv, is everything okay?" He asks, placing his hands on the door, worried. "Do you need anything?"
"I'm fine." She mutters quickly, hoping that her answer is enough.
"Are you sure?" He questions. "You don't sound fine."
"I'm fine, Fitz." She says with a little more conviction. "I didn't have a good breakfast, so this is my body telling me that I need some real food." She chuckles, wiping her mouth before flushing the toilet.
"I know the feeling." He chuckles. "Could you open the door now? This feels weird."
"Yeah, I'm sorry." She moves to open the door, her somewhat reddened eyes locked on his. "I didn't want to disturb you or your sleep." She murmurs, making her way to the sink to wash her hands.
"Nonsense. You could've woken me up." He smiles, watching her through the mirror. "I could've at least held your hair back."
"President Grant for the win." She snickers, grabbing her toothbrush to brush her teeth. "I appreciate it, but the good news is that I am precise at vomiting. Hair is clear."
He bursts into a peal of soft laughter, making his way over to her, wrapping her loosely in his arms.
"The many talents of Olivia Pope."
She smiles before beginning to brush her teeth. Though she smiles, she's wary that Fitz can feel something different within her. Is this happening? Is she? How could this be? And then it dawns on her.
They weren't careful when she called him over to her apartment.
Fuck.
Spitting into the sink, she keeps her smile on as she rinses her mouth, even going as far as splashing him with a bit of water, to which he reacts by laughing and kissing her neck.
"Are you sure you're okay?" His hands rub her stomach in circles. "Is there anything I can do? Anything I can get you?"
"I'm fine. I promise." She sets her toothbrush down and turns to face him, hands rubbing against his finely-haired chest. "I just need some fresh air. So, I'm going to bother Ryan and Abby a little bit. On the other hand, you should get back in bed and get at least one more hour of sleep before the day starts."
A soft groan rumbles from his chest. "And here I thought you'd want to take me for a ride." He chuckles. "You're missing out."
Feeling challenged, she rubs a hand down his body and into his boxers. He hisses at the contact of her hand around his semi-erected arousal, holding her hips.
"Mr. Grant, you fail to realize I'm in control here." She tucks her lip between her teeth, putting her mouth to his ear, teasing his erection with a slow, steady pump.
"So, get back in bed, and see me when you see me."
He couldn't stop the groans passing through his lips as she teased him. Damn, he loves when she does that.
"Yes, ma'am." He kisses her lips, smacking her ass as he quickly climbs into bed and under the covers. "Tuck me in, Miss Pope."
She chuckles, moving over to the bed and pulling the covers below his chest.
"Get some sleep, okay?" She steals another kiss as she makes her way to the door.
"Will do." He smiles, nodding. "See you in a little bit."
"See you in a little bit." She smiles, leaving the room. Once she closes the door behind her, worry spreads across her face as she frantically makes her way down the opposite hall to Abby's room, hoping she'll answer.
Upon reaching the door, she knocks with a sense of urgency. Her hands tremble inordinately, shoulders feel heavy, nerves run amok. She hasn't been this on edge in some time.
When it seems like no one is coming to the door, she turns to leave only to find herself stuck in place when the door opens, and Abby steps outside into the hallway, tying her purple robe.
"It's early." She says, a bit irritated. She's always grumpy in the mornings. "How can I help you?"
"I'm sorry." She turns to face her. "I just, I don't know what to do."
"About what?" She raises a brow. "Please don't be cryptic right now. You know how I am in the morning."
"Follow me." She starts walking towards Ryan's room, leaving Abby confused before she ends up following behind her.
"Where are we going?"
"To get Ryan. I know you, and I don't have the best track record because of my past actions, so I don't want you to feel blindsided."
"Wait." She grabs Olivia's shoulder, stopping her. "You think I'm still upset with you about B613, amongst other things?"
"Yes." She answers, turning to face her. "And I'm sorry. I was wrong and insensitive. I shouldn't have treated you or anyone the way I did."
"You did, and so what? This stage you're in is the most you've grown, Liv. Yeah, what you did was fucked up, but we've all done fucked up things. And I'm sure you've heard this a million times, but what matters is what you do now. Okay?"
"Okay." She nods. "Thank you for that."
Abby smiles. "If I had to choose between a life with you or without you, I would pick you in a heartbeat."
Olivia smiles, and without hesitating, she pulls Abby into a hug which she reciprocates.
"Just please keep your shit together." She teases.
Olivia snickers. "It's together."
"Good." She reaches over, knocking on Ryan's door. He opens the door a few moments later, hair disheveled, eyes still low.
"What is it?" He asks, voice husky. "Did someone die?"
"No." Abby and Olivia say simultaneously.
"Liv needs to talk to us; can you spare a minute?"
"Sure." He steps out into the hallway closing the door behind him. "What's up?"
All eyes go to Olivia, who sighs, folding her arms across her chest. She's worried about what they will think, although she shouldn't be, not because it's a bad thing but because it's unexpected.
"I think I'm pregnant."
X
Fitz wears a smile on his face, making his way down the quiet halls to the kitchen, fully rested, wearing a Navy sweatshirt and pajama pants. Not only did his dysfunctional family inhibit the place, but so did his sometimes-dysfunctional girlfriend.
Surprise washes over him upon entering the modern kitchen when he sees Marcus skimming through the cabinets, searching for something. He doesn't make his presence known just yet, but instead, he leans against the wall, crossing his arms and legs at the ankle.
"How hard is it to find the pots and pans?" Marcus asks himself, unaware of Fitz's presence, kneeling to check the cabinets below.
This scenario amuses Fitz, but he decides to help the man out. Walking into the kitchen, he approaches the island and kneels, opening the cabinet and pulling out two medium-sized frying pans. He moves to his feet and purposely slams the cabinet door shut, startling Marcus, which attracts his attention.
"The pots and pans are on the island," Fitz informs, setting them down on the stove. "Do you need anything else?"
"Yeah. I need to apologize to you for the way I confronted Olivia." He folds his arms across his chest. "I should've been brave enough to address only the men in the room, but I was so angry because-"
"Because you love Mellie."
"Yeah." He nods. "But after some downtime, I realize they were right to handle it the way they did, Olivia and Ryan. They did what I would've done. I know that now. I just hope they can understand that."
"We do," Olivia says, entering the kitchen alongside Abby, Ryan, and Danny. "I've reacted to situations poorly because of my love for Fitz. It happens."
"Love can either build you or blind you," Ryan adds, moving to sit on the island. "With that, I don't blame you for how you reacted. I don't have any issue with you. We're good."
"We're good, too." Olivia smiles, pressing a kiss to Fitz's lips. "But next time, I won't stop Fitz."
Marcus chuckles, nodding. "I wouldn't expect anything less. But thank you both for showing forgiveness."
"It's kind of our thing." She chuckles.
"Aw, I love moments like this." Abby smiles, taking a seat next to Ryan. "So, what's next? I hope there is food involved."
Marcus snickers. "I was trying to have breakfast ready before everyone woke up, but I couldn't find the pots and pans until Fitz helped a brother out."
"Well, why don't we cook together?" Fitz suggests. "I can help you find everything you need, and you can cook." He pauses. "And I hope that doesn't sound disrespectful."
Olivia glances over at Ryan, who glances at Abby, across at Marcus, whose gaze narrows at Fitz. It's silent, alarming for Fitz, but it's short-lived as everyone bursts into laughter.
"It's not disrespectful at all," Marcus assures. "Let's do this before everyone wakes up."
X
Waking up to an empty bed and a delicious smelling aroma filling the room, Danny lifts his head from the pillow and looks around. The beauty of this place is impeccable, and it's inspiring him. So many unexplainable emotions are coursing through him just by being here, and it feels good.
Emitting a soft sigh, he pushes the covers off him and moves to sit on the edge of the bed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. There's a knock at the door, and with Danny wearing nothing but his underwear, he drapes the blanket over his leg, combing his fingers through his hair.
"Come in."
Entering the room is Huck which surprises Danny. He watches as Huck closes the door behind him but remains standing by the door.
"I wasn't expecting you, Huck." He smiles.
"I can tell." He says with a smile, noticing Danny's clothes-less physique from afar. "Do you have a minute to talk, or do you need to get dressed?"
"I have a minute. I'm not full-on commando under here." He chuckles. "What's up?"
Huck chuckles. "I just wanted to see how you were adjusting and see how you and Ryan were doing."
"Well, I think I've adjusted pretty well. It's a beautiful place, so it was easy once you get past the cold weather." He smiles, emitting a soft sigh. "Ryan and I are good. He means the world to me, and being here solidifies that."
"How so?" He inquires.
"Because this is what I want for him and me." He throws his hands up. "Not this in particular, but a sense of normalcy we can call our own. The moments we've spent together have been more than I could ever dream of, but we still have yet to reach the pot of gold."
"So, how do you plan to do that?" He questions. "Is that a bad thing?"
"It's not a bad thing at all." He chuckles. "And if you look into my black bag, front compartment, you'll see what I mean."
Huck's curiosity is piqued. So, without hesitation, he moves over to Danny's duffel bag and opens the front compartment. He glances back at Danny, who nods, giving him the 'ok' to reach inside. And boy was he surprised when he did.
There's a little black box In Danny's bag with Ryan's initials carved on the front.
"You're going to propose here?" He turns around, the shock manifesting into his features, mouth agape.
"I am, or at least I'm hoping to once I figure out how I want to approach it." He smiles. "Do you approve, or am I not quite worthy yet?"
"Why are you asking me that? Do what your heart tells you to do."
"I'm asking you because you're one of his best friends, and you talk to him every day, so you'd know."
Huck smiles, making his way over to the bed, and taking a seat next to Danny.
"He is madly in love with you. We talk about you when we're not sending memes and talking about me or absolutely nothing." He smiles. "And don't tell him I'm telling you this."
"I won't say a word. I promise." He assures, listening intently.
"You make him nervous. He told me he wakes up unsure of what to do because he loves and cares for you. It scares him because it's unexpected and because you're the first guy ever to win him over and treat him the way he deserves." He informs.
"He's not going to run away, though. I told him not to as a precaution because you're good, just like him, and I can tell that you two love each other even when you're apart. A certain glow shines bright when you're apart, which lets me know that it shines brightest when you're together. So, I approve. I think you taking this step gives me all the answers I need."
Huck's words bring tears to Danny's eyes, but he quickly wipes them away, a manifesting onto his features. It was different hearing this from Huck. It added more power to what Ryan had told him, making this the perfect time to ask Ryan to marry. Before they left, they agreed to move into Ryan's apartment, and now he's going to propose to Ryan.
Hopefully, he says yes.
"I'd hug you, but I'm in my underwear, and I don't want to make it weird."
Huck snickers, pulling Danny in for a hug.
"It's only weird when you talk about making it weird."
Danny chuckles. "Noted."
X
"I'm stuffed," Quinn announces, pushing her plate away. "You cook a mean breakfast, Marcus, thank you."
"Yeah, you should've been a chef," Abby suggests with a smile. "You would've been a millionaire by now."
The compliments make Marcus smile as he leans back in his chair, gazing at everyone. A job well done.
"Thank you." He chuckles. "Does anyone else want to boost my head up before lunchtime?"
"Yeah, can you come to my house and make me a week's worth of food?" Olivia asks with a chuckle. "My kitchen is so unused. It's ridiculous."
"You don't cook?" His brows furrow, the disbelief evident. "What do you eat?"
"Wine and popcorn." She laughs, as do the others. "I just never had the time to sit down and focus my efforts on trying to cook."
"You should start. You might come to like it." Fitz says.
"It's not happening." Ryan snickers. "That's never been her thing. I think it feels too housewife for her."
Olivia laughs into her hand, playfully grabbing and tossing her napkin at Ryan, which he catches.
"It's true. I never felt like I had a reason to cook, so why not dabble in the finest wine and popcorn I can, and if I require real food, why not order from a fancy restaurant."
Ryan chuckles. "I have two words for that. High. Maintenance."
The table goes silent before everyone bursts into laughter. It's true. Olivia is high maintenance, and cooking to her would mean lowering herself to fit someone's imperfect standards of being a loving girlfriend or wife.
"I am." She nods in agreement. "I am."
"It's okay, Liv," Fitz assures. "I don't know how to cook, so we'll have to learn together."
"Hold on now. I know how to cook. I just choose not to." She nudges him with her shoulder. "Do you think my mom would've allowed me to be in her house when I was younger, waiting for her to come home or not come home to eat? Hell, to the no."
"Yeah, mom taught us how to cook early on," Ryan adds, resting his head against Danny's shoulder.
"Wait, Olivia has had a brother this entire time, and he's you?" David asks, pointing the finger at Ryan. "Where have I been?"
"Under a rock." Abby quips, pressing a kiss upon David's cheek. "Don't worry. Patrick from SpongeBob lived under a rock too. It looked like a very comfortable living situation."
Everyone bursts into laughter. The moment was light and fun, bringing a smile to Olivia's face. However, her gut has pushed her to make this final step, and what better time than now.
"I want to take this moment to apologize to both Quinn and Cyrus sincerely." Her words bring silence to the table, attracting Cyrus and Quinn's attention. "You both have a right to feel how you feel. I would never take that away from you, but I'm doing it now since I didn't get the chance to apologize to you. I-"
Cyrus raises a hand to stop her. "I'm going to stop you right there, Olivia. If I'm being honest, I don't care about your words. I care about action, and over these past few weeks, you have become the Olivia you wanted to be, not some carbon copy of your father."
"I mean, he's right," Quinn adds. "I was angry at you for so long because you were a fucking bitch, and not only that, I felt like you took me away from the best life I ever had. However, after a long time, I can finally say that I no longer harbor any ill feelings towards you and that my life now is a million times better. It was all sunshine and rainbows like I hoped it would be, so, thank you." She manifests a genuine smile.
"I also want to apologize to you and everyone else for my shitty attitude. I wasn't pleasant to be around."
Olivia chuckles. "Neither of us was, but your feelings are warranted. I hated who I was then, but now I feel more and more like myself each day."
Quinn smiles. "I think we should hug it out." She casts her gaze on Cyrus. "You too, Mr. Beene."
Cyrus waves them both off. "Fine, Fine."
They rise to their feet and make their way to the end of the table. First, Cyrus hugs Olivia and then Quinn. The elephant in the room is now gone, and for once, it feels good to be in the same space without having to worry about bringing up something lingering.
"I do have one more thing to say," Quinn says, folding her arms across her chest. "If you go all Darth Vader on me or anyone at this table again, I won't hesitate to shoot." She jokes.
Olivia smirks. "Just make sure you have good aim, bitch."
X
While everyone is enjoying the land's beauty after a delicious yet productive breakfast, Olivia and Fitz sit comfortably on the living room couch watching some rom-com about a woman trying to push the love of her life away. Still, she sees that it's been him all along.
It's pretty cliché considering it's what Olivia used to do, but she can't help but fall into its depths. After all, she is a sucker for a good romance. With her hand caressing Fitz's chest and her legs hooked over his thigh, wrapped comfortably in his arms, she smiles before looking at him.
"So, breakfast was nice."
He smiles. "It was. I must honestly say that I didn't expect Quinn to come around. Cyrus? Yes. Her? No."
"Neither did I." She chuckles. "She doesn't quit when something is in her sights. Well-deserved, though."
"Yeah. I'm glad it didn't turn into a cat fight at breakfast." He laughs.
She playfully smacks his chest. "I think you would've enjoyed that."
"Maybe." He presses a kiss to her temple. "On another note, how do you feel being here?"
"It feels good. I kind of want to move in and never leave."
"Really?" He raises a brow, shocked. "When did you come to this point?"
"When we first arrived, if I'm being honest, but I know that I'm not that ready yet."
"You're reconsidering moving here? Or did you still want something that feels a bit normal?" He inquires, rubbing her side.
"I don't know." She lifts her head from his shoulder to look at him. "What if this is normal, and I'm just afraid to take that step? What if I need to take a break and try to get in touch with my normal side? I can still work and do what I love, but I come back home to you at the end of the day. It's not as difficult as I feel like it is."
Her words bring a smile to his face. "Look, you don't have to try to please me because I see a life with us here. If you're not ready, then there are other options. I built this house to last, so we'll make that step together whenever you're ready, one hundred percent ready. I'm fine with living in D.C. until you've made your dreams happen."
"How did I get so lucky?" She smiles, placing a hand on his face as she becomes lost in his ocean blues. "You're a dream."
"I'm the lucky one." He responds, kissing her lips softly. "I don't regret our journey together."
"Neither do I, Mr. President." She murmurs against his lips, moving to straddle him on the couch. "I still owe you for this morning."
"You do." He groans lowly, taking her bottom lip between his teeth and pulling gently. "Why don't you make it up to me right now."
"I think that's a great-"
The front door opens, attracting Fitz and Olivia's attention. In walks Abby and Quinn. Abby looks a bit on edge, and Quinn seems as if she's seen a ghost.
"Did someone die?" Olivia asks, moving from Fitz's lap and sitting beside him. "What's happened?"
"Can we talk?" Quinn asks, urgency prevalent in her voice. "Alone."
X
"What is it?" Olivia asks, entering Abby's room and closing the door behind her. "Why are you two acting so strange?" Her gaze drifts from Abby to Quinn. "Hello."
"I told Quinn about the pregnancy." Abby blurts out.
Olivia's eyes widen. "Abby!"
"I'm sorry! It just slipped out during our conversation. I swear I didn't mean to say anything, but you also didn't say to keep it a secret."
Olivia rolls her eyes.
"So, is it true? Are you pregnant?" Quinn questions.
"Yes, it's true. But I haven't told Fitz."
Excitement washes over Quinn. "Oh my gosh! That's great! How do you feel? Are you nauseous? Do you always feel tired or hungry, or horny? Do your feet hurt?"
Olivia can't help but chuckle. "All of the above minus my feet hurting. I don't think I'm at that stage yet."
"Oh my gosh, this great I – wait. Why haven't you told Fitz?" Her brows furrow. "You know this is something he's wanted since you two met."
"True, but I don't know if it's something I want right now." She folds her arms across her chest, moving to sit on the foot of the bed. "I don't know the first thing about being a mother. Not to mention, I have no idea what I'm going to make career-wise."
"The best part about being a mom is figuring it out," Quinn says, moving to sit next to Olivia on the bed. "I'm not saying that to alter your decision-making, but I am saying that because you are capable of being a mom. Don't think otherwise."
"She's right, Liv." Abby smiles, moving to sit on the other side of Olivia. "You, in some weird way, have been like a mother to us this entire time. Or maybe an older sister with mother tendencies, I don't know, but I do know that you'd make a great mom."
"Yeah. And you have us in case you need anything." Quinn adds. "Regardless of what happened between us, we're still family. You wouldn't have to do this alone."
Emitting a soft sigh, Olivia takes their hands in hers. She's still very conflicted, but it's nice to know she's not alone. With the big question of whether she wants to keep it or not looming over her, she'll have to look deep inside of herself for the answer.
Is she ready to be a mom?