xoxo
X
He quietly walks around the bedroom, careful not to disturb a sleeping Danny as he gets dressed. Olivia texted him early this morning, wanting to spend some quality time talking about the growing elephant in the room. Her pregnancy.
When he heard the news, he was excited for his sister. Although there's that lingering question of 'what if?' He thinks she'd be a wonderful mother who will love her child or children unconditionally, giving them the life she never had.
He's probably more excited than anyone to have a nephew or niece running around, causing havoc. It puts things into perspective for him and his future with Danny. Children haven't been a conversation yet, but he could see them being fathers one day.
Now fully dressed in a black Fendi logo-jacquard high-neck wool-blend sweater, jacquard-waistband straight-leg jeans, and black, Double F-embossed leather trainers all from the same designer, he makes his way over to the bed, taking a seat on its edge.
A smile manifests on his features as he watches Danny sleep. It's slowly becoming one of his favorite things to do these days. Reaching over, he places his hand upon his face, thumb caressing Danny's cheek. It's still so surreal that he's in love, but it's also beautiful.
Danny begins to stir, slowly opening his eyes to see Ryan staring back at him, instantly bringing a smile to his face.
"Hey there, beautiful." He murmurs, placing his hand upon Ryan's. "Where you off to?"
"Liv wants to go on a walk around the place to catch up." He smiles. "Figured I'd put something decent on."
Danny raises a brow. "Plan on meeting another dashingly good-looking guy who's not as good as me?" He teases, sitting up in bed, using his elbows to prop himself up.
"Now, you know no one compares to my Secret Serviceman." He leans in, kissing Danny's abdomen, chest, and lips. "I promise."
"Kiss me again if you mean it."
Cupping Danny's face in his hands, Ryan kisses him once more. He allows his lips to linger, drinking the taste of Danny's sweet lips before peeling away.
"There's your promise." He smiles, chucking when he hears a knock on the door. "And that's my cue to go." He moves to his feet, grabbing his phone and Fendi FF logo poncho from the chair next to the nightstand, making way to the door.
"Be good, okay?" He turns around, hand on the doorknob.
Danny chuckles. "I'll be on my best behavior."
"Good. You might get rewarded for that." He winks as he opens the door to see Olivia smiling with her arms folded. She looks beautiful dressed in a gorgeous Françoise Floral-print bow-neck silk midi dress and red Midnight 00 Antoinette polka-dot tulle & PVC pumps.
"You look amazing. You ready to go?" He steps into the hallway, closing the door behind him.
"I am." She nods. "And thank you. So, do you." She chuckles. "This isn't too much to wear just to walk around, is it?"
"It's never too much." He chuckles. "I always say, you never know what's going to happen, so it's best to go all instead of doing nothing." He places a hand on her shoulder, motioning a nod towards the living room, where they make their way.
"Thank you. So, how are you in general?"
"I'm good." She assures. "Nervous, excited, afraid, oddly prepared. I'm all over the place. But I feel good. How are you? How do you like the place?"
"I can only imagine. You're experiencing a lot." He smiles as they make their way through the living room and out of the house, greeting Huck and Quinn with hugs before making their way down the path.
"And I'm good. I didn't expect this place to be so cold, but you get used to it after a while." He slips his poncho over his shoulders. "Kind of."
"You'll be okay." She laughs, gently nudging him. "Honestly, I didn't think I'd end up in this predicament. And I know how that sounds but being careful sexually was always a skill."
"Yeah, but you can't blame your lack of preparedness because although you're always careful regarding that matter, the heart wants what it wants. And sometimes following it will lead to amazing things."
"You're probably right." She folds her arms across her chest, glancing over at him. "Which is why after consideration, I've decided that I'm going to keep it, but I'm keeping it a secret from Fitz for now. Until the time is right."
"There's never a right time to tell the man you love that you're having his baby." He smiles, meeting her gaze. "But knowing how you are . . . I know you don't feel like it's the right time."
"You're right." She smiles. "But I will tell him everything. I can feel it in my gut. I know he'll be happy to hear the news."
"You two talk about babies before?"
"Some years ago." She smiles. "At the time, he wanted two babies. We were going to move to Vermont, he would be mayor, and I would make jam. Things are different now, but I still think about that sometimes."
"You can have both." He assures. "Love and career. It's possible."
"I never thought it was. And if I'm being honest, I still don't, but I know that's because of my father's way of raising me."
"Well, if you take that part of your life and put it in a box, how would you feel?" He folds his arms across his chest.
"I think the happiness I feel today would've been even better years ago." She smiles. "Without question."
He places a hand on her shoulder, stopping her as he turns to face her.
"Then that's what you strive to reach. Forget your father and his methods. Throw that away and focus on what's important." He jabs a finger at her. "You."
He's right, and she knows this. For so long, she's been trying to be someone else's perfect version when she's had her version locked inside for years. And now that it's finally coming to the surface, all she wants is to strive for what she truly deserves.
The career and the love because she can have both.
"I'm happy you came into my life when you did." She smiles. "Our relationship has been one of my favorite things."
"As am I, and I have to agree." He smiles, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as they continue their walk down the path, taking in the scenery.
"Now, show me what this place has to offer."
X
"I'm glad to finally spend some time with you," Fitz smiles, throwing the football to Danny. "I feel like we haven't had any one-on-one time."
"We haven't." He chuckles. "You've been focused on Olivia as you should, and I've spent as much time with Ry." He catches the ball and throws it back.
"It's beautiful here. Very inspiring."
"Yeah, just trying to make up for the lost time." He chuckles, catching the ball. "Inspiring, you say? How so?"
"I won't bore you with the details, but long story short, I plan on proposing to Ry before we leave." He smiles, using the towel tucked in his waist to wipe the sweat from his forehead.
"I just have to figure out how I want to approach it."
"What?" He walks towards Danny, shock manifesting in his features. "That's a huge step, man! I'm happy for you." He opens his arms for a hug which Danny reciprocates.
"Do you need my help?"
"No." He chuckles. "This is something I have to do myself but thank you."
"No problem." He smiles. "So, how did you come to a decision? Was it easy, or was it something that took a lot of thought?"
"For me, it was easy." He smiles, folding his arms across his chest. "Every day I wake up next to him . . . I know there's not a place on earth I would rather be."
Fitz smiles. "You're really in love."
"I am." He nods to confirm. "It feels good."
"I'm glad." He places a hand on Danny's shoulder. "You of all people deserve it. You've worked for me for years, and not once have I ever seen you this happy."
Danny chuckles. "It wasn't that I wasn't happy. I just didn't have much to focus on besides work."
"Well, now you do." He smiles. "Are you nervous to ask him?"
"Kind of, yeah. I think big questions like that are the most nerve-wracking and the most rewarding. So, all in all, I'm excitedly nervous to see what he says."
"I'm sure everything will go as planned." He chuckles, making his way over to the water cooler. He grabs two bottles, tossing one to Danny, which he catches.
"Are you sure you don't want my help?"
"I'm sure." He laughs, opening the water and taking a sip. "But enough about me. How are you and Olivia?"
"Man . . ." He opens his bottle of water, taking a fulfilling sip. "We've been so good. I think it was nice to get away from everything. Although, I think that something is going on with her."
"What do you mean?"
"She got sick the other day. She said it was because of something she ate. However, we didn't eat the day we left, nor did we eat when we arrived in Vermont."
Danny bursts into laughter. "Relax, Fitz. Maybe she was just overly excited and didn't want to tell you. Maybe her lack of eating made her sick because that also happens. Regardless, she just didn't want you to worry. So, don't."
"Easier said than done." He laughs. "But you're right. The last thing I need to do is worry because I become overbearing and annoying."
"We all do." He chuckles, taking a sip of water.
Standing at the backyard entrance, Olivia and Ryan watch a shirtless Danny and Fitz have what appears to be a deep conversation.
"What do you think they're talking about?" Olivia wonders, counting the beads of sweat dripping down Fitz's body. "Looks important."
"Who cares?" Ryan answers. "As long as they continue to look good, they can talk about whatever they want."
She chuckles. "I was trying to be subtle about it."
"It's okay to gawk over your man. You have exquisite taste."
"So, do you."
He chuckles. "So do I. Come on." He hooks his arm with hers and enters the backyard alongside her.
Fitz takes another sip of water, noticing Ryan and Olivia approaching.
"Hey, you two." He grins. "Did you enjoy your exploring?"
"We did," Olivia answers with a smile, quickly making her way over to Fitz, wrapping him in her arms. "How was football?"
"It was good." He chuckles, pressing a kiss to her lips. "Danny kicked my ass, so I decided we would just play catch to save face."
Olivia burst into laughter, as does Ryan, who's pulled into Danny's arms and peppered with kisses.
"What can I say?" Danny asks with a smile. "I'm a natural."
"That you are," Ryan agrees, pressing a kiss upon Danny's lips. "So, Abby wants to see me. However, I'm all yours this evening, okay?"
"That's perfect." He murmurs against Ryan's lips. "She can wait a few minutes, though. I need a little time now." He coaxes Ryan's legs around his waist and makes his way inside.
"See you two later."
"Bye." Olivia and Fitz say simultaneously in soft laughter.
"So, I have a surprise for you, but I'm not telling you when and what it is," Fitz says, wrapping his arms loosely around Olivia's waist. "Just wear something equally gorgeous as this dress."
"Okay." She smiles. "Anything else?"
"Yeah." He flashes his crooked smile. "I love you."
She chuckles, hands rubbing up against his chest. "I love you more. No backsies."
X
With two plates of food in her hands, Abby quickly makes her way to the front porch where Ryan is. She missed her friend dearly, so catching up with him is something she deems mandatory.
Upon reaching the door, she kicks it three times to signal him since both her hands are tied, and on cue, he opens the door for her and grabs his plate before sitting back down.
"Thank you, Abs." He smiles. "I feel like I haven't eaten all day."
"It's no problem." She chuckles, taking her seat. "It's probably from going on an adventure earlier this morning. Not to mention your very intense make-out session with Danny."
His eyes shift to her. "Wait, you - the door was cracked." Damn. "Did I at least look good?"
"You did." She laughs, taking a forkful of pasta to her mouth. "I would honestly watch you two have sex."
Her admittance shocks him, making him burst into uncontrollable laughter.
"Abby!"
"What?! I would." She's telling the truth, a hand covering her mouth. "It's not every day you see two equally attractive people you happen to know engaging in a kiss that looks that hot. Get with the program."
He snickers, taking a forkful of pasta to his mouth. He turns to her, smiling.
"I'm guessing you've never seen Olivia and Fitz in action."
"They're too quick! I did see them kiss once, but it wasn't like a make-out session. It was more of an emotional reaction."
He snickers. "Why are you like this?"
"I don't know, but I'm dead serious." She laughs, taking another forkful to her mouth.
"With that, I think it's time you use what you saw and put the moves on David. I'm sure he's dying to get a piece of the pie. Unless you aren't there yet with him, then I understand."
"Honestly? And don't judge me."
"This is a judgmental free zone." He assures. "Do tell."
"I gave him a handjob when we were on the chopper on our way here. And we also had sex the moment went into our rooms." She chuckles. "I've been so hot for him, but something isn't clicking, and after sneaking a peak of you and Danny, I know what it is."
"What is it?" He raises a brow, taking another forkful to his mouth.
"David lacks the knowledge of my body." She sets her plate aside, wiping her mouth with her napkin. "It's like in the brief seconds of me watching you - hopefully, you don't think I'm a perv." She chuckles, as does he.
"I can tell that Danny knows your body. The way he touches you, the way he kisses you. David doesn't do that to me. And don't get me wrong, he's amazing, and the spark is still there, but I need more."
"Nothing wrong with that, and I don't think you're a perv." He chuckles. "However, David isn't the problem in this instance. It's you. He's still tiptoeing around because you never clarified what you wanted from him. Yes, you go on dates. Yes, you have sex. Yes, you love him. But you kept that from him. Tell that man how you feel and watch how his mind becomes in tune with yours. Then, you'll sing a different song the next time this topic comes up."
She takes a moment to think about what Ryan said and then her relationship with David. She's undoubtedly closed off still, which won't lead to any progress with him. She's still a bit afraid, but maybe that's a good thing.
"I think I'm scared I will end up as some lonely old woman living with my twenty-five cats. So instead of trying to pursue what I desperately want with him, I straddle the fence."
"Stop straddling fences and start straddling faces. David's in particular." He points inside the house. "He's not going anywhere, but he will if you keep putting your true feelings aside."
"And I don't want that."
"And you don't want that." He smiles, bringing a smile to her face. "Fear is an amazing motivator. Use it. Get your man, girl."
"You're an amazing friend." She chuckles. "I'm thankful to have you in my life, and I love you. And after this talk, I will get my man, and you can teach me some tricks for the bedroom. More so this straddling face thing. I'm curious."
He bursts into laughter. "Likewise, I love you, too. And trust me, I got you covered."
X
"Hey, Cy," Fitz speaks, entering Cyrus's room. "Got a minute?"
"Of course." He smiles, setting his book aside and moving to sit on the edge of the bed. "What's going on? Everything okay?"
"Yeah." He tucks his hands in his pockets, smiling. "I just wanted to see how you were doing."
"For once, I'm at peace." He's honest. "This was your best decision, aside from running for president."
Fitz chuckles, moving to sit in the chair next to the nightstand.
"It's been one hell of a ride."
"True, but the ride isn't over. There's still much to do."
Fitz smiles. "There is, and I'm glad that after everything you and I have been through . . . you're still here."
"There's no place I would rather be, sir." He nods, manifesting a smile. "So, thank you . . . for not giving up on me."
"You were here since the beginning, and you'll be here till the end, Cy." He assures. "Not only as my right-hand man but also as my friend. That's history I can't see myself living without."
"I have to agree." He smiles. "Other than that, you're good?"
"I'm the happiest I've ever been."
X
Olivia follows the trail of rose petals from her bedroom. She stuns in an all-black The Attico crystal-button ruffed velvet wrap dress paired with black Gilda crystal-embellished velvet mule Amina Muaddi heels. She decided to wear her hair in a sleek, messy bun to show off her gorgeous jawline and high cheekbones.
She wasn't sure what Fitz had planned for them, but she could already tell it would be something she'll never want to forget. The petals take her down the hallway and through the living room, leading her to the backyard. She has many questions regarding the empty house, her heart beating, and his plan.
But she opts out of asking herself to stay sane.
Upon stepping outside, her eyes light up when she sees a candle-lit path to the top of the small hill where Fitz stands in the distance next to a small table with a bouquet of roses atop it and two silver plate covers.
She can see his crooked smile, and with an overwhelming excitement rushing through her, she makes her way to him, hips swaying to give him a show.
His smile grows even bigger the closer she gets. She's beautiful, and he's in awe. He feels like the luckiest man on the planet, and nothing will ever be able to change that for as long as they thrive.
When she gets close enough, he wastes no time pulling her closer to him, pressing a kiss upon her lips that leaves her wanting more.
"You look so beautiful, Liv." He murmurs against her lips, kissing her once more. "I'm glad you could make it."
She chuckles. "Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself." Her hands move to his chest. "Tom Ford looks best on you."
"I'm glad you think so." He smiles, motioning a hand to her pulled-out chair, which she walks to with him following suit. "I figured I would utilize the land's beauty while we're here."
"Great idea." She smiles, taking her seat as he pushes her chair in for her and makes his way to his. "It's gorgeous, Fitz."
"I'm glad you like it." He smiles, taking his seat opposite her. "I hope you like what I graciously prepared for us."
"What? The Fitzgerald Grant cooked? I am shocked." She teases, placing a napkin upon her lap. "What did you prepare for us?"
"Stop teasing me." He laughs. "I do well in the kitchen. But what I prepared for us isn't anything five stars."
"Teasing you is the best part." She smiles. "Hurry up. The suspense is killing me."
He snickers. "What I made for us is Chicken Alfredo with a side of Garlic Bread. It's the only meal I can properly cook without putting the house at risk of a fire."
She laughs, leaning over the table and taking his hands in hers.
"The fact that you even cooked means a lot to me. So, I know it will be good. The gesture alone is better than anything a five-star restaurant could give me." She assures.
"Not to mention, the decorations are beautiful. The string lights, the roses, the candles. Simple but worth a thousand words."
"I know you're not one for grand gestures unless you're the one making them." He smiles, thumbs caressing her hands.
"I just wanted to do something that would mean a lot to us in the long run. I already brought you here. That's grand enough. I want to start building a better foundation with you so that when we look back on this, it will bring us peace and happiness."
She smiles. "And this is the first step."
"Indeed, it is." He grins, grabbing his glass of scotch. "This is our first official date. So, let's make a toast."
"What are we toasting to?" She keeps one hand interlaced with his, reaching over with her free hand and grabbing her glass of wine.
"Don't be cliché."
He chuckles. "Here's a toast to me having the most beautiful, intelligent, funny, capable woman ever and us growing old together, filling our lives with as much happiness as possible. And I hope that we can start a family one day so our children can navigate the world freely like we would've done when our time passes."
She couldn't help but smile at his words, a faint blush rushing her cheeks. Hearing him speak candidly about them while mentioning children gives her all the answers she needs. It's Fitz. It always has been, and it always will be.
"Cheers."
He smiles, clinking his glass off hers. "Cheers."
Together, they take a sip of their respective drinks before setting their glasses down and removing the lids from their plates. Olivia's eyes light up when she sees how well he did.
"This looks good, Fitz."
He snickers. "Hopefully, it tastes as good as it looks."
"Well, if I die . . . Ryan gets all of my coats and capes." She laughs, taking hold of her fork.
"I'll put in the request immediately." He chuckles, following her lead. "I love you."
"I love you, too." She smiles. "Don't forget, I have a surprise for you later."
"Trust me." He flashes his crooked smile. "I would never forget something like that."
"You bet not." She takes a forkful of the Alfredo to her mouth, savoring it as he watches. "It's good."
He emits a sigh, chuckling shortly afterward as he follows her lead and digs in.
"Thank God."
X
Ryan lays across the couch, his head on Danny's lap. He focuses his gaze on the television but doesn't react to it. It wasn't entertaining. Frankly, the only thing he wanted to do was address his feelings for Danny to alleviate the pressure he felt. And, it would be a perfect chance to take his advice.
"You know, I wouldn't trade this for the world."
Danny smiles, glancing down at him, a hand caressing Ryan's chest and the other stroking his hair.
"You wouldn't?"
"No. I keep trying to wrap my mind around us and how it all happened, but I realized there's nothing to wrap my mind around." He smiles. "We met, fell in love, and now we're taking strides towards the next step in our lives."
"We are, and I couldn't be happier. I haven't been this sure about anyone until I met you." He's sincere. "Know that I will do everything to keep you happy."
"As will I." He assures, placing a hand upon Danny's face. "I'm never letting you go. That's why you're moving into my apartment."
"That I am." He smiles. "But before we do that, I wanna take you on vacation. Somewhere tropical, maybe."
"Really?" He moves his hand to Danny's chest. "What would be the occasion?"
Danny chuckles. "Can't a man just do something nice for his boyfriend? You deserve it. You've been working hard since you arrived here."
"I don't disagree with that." He smiles. "The world is our playground. We can do whatever we want. And that is Olivia Pope verbatim."
Danny chuckles, leaning down, pressing a kiss upon Ryan's lips.
"I love you, Mr. Lewis."
Ryan smiles against Danny's lips.
"I love you too, Mr. Ford."
X
She sits on the dresser wrapped in a white silk robe that hangs off her shoulders, back against the mirror, and her legs spread just enough, wearing only her signature pair of white pumps. With her lip tucked between her teeth, she slips a hand down to oasis and rubs her pearl as thoughts of Fitz flash through her mind.
She moans, rocking her hips against her fingers. She craves Fitz in every way, and although she knew he was coming, she couldn't stop herself from getting the party started on her own. Her back arches, feeling the pleasure coursing through her. Olivia's been on edge since she found out she was pregnant, and what better way to relieve stress than to make love to the one she loves.
Still, she'd tell him when the time was right.
A sharp moan passes through her lips as her finger dives deeper, toes curling inside her pumps. She adds another finger, steadily working herself while rubbing her pearl with her other hand. She can't wait to have him inside her, filling her with his arousal. She needs to feel him filling her hungry tide with his anchor. But for now, this will suffice.
Her eyes roll shut as she tips her head back against the mirror. Her moans escalate in volume, folds clenching around her fingers as she moves them faster inside her. Something about making herself cum without him pushes her deeper into the moment, making her forget all the worries and stress. Not to mention, it makes her feel extremely bad in the best possible way.
Feeling herself reaching her peak, faint whimpers in the sound of Fitz's name passing through her lips, she moves her fingers faster. However, before she can get her happy ending, Fitz enters the room and closes the door behind him, nothing but shock and desire manifesting into his features. Such a beautiful sight to see.
Talk about a surprise.
"I would be very disappointed if you came without me, Miss Pope." He smiles, walking towards her, arousal hardening in his jeans.
"You caught me at a good time, mister." She chuckles, removing her fingers and holding them out to him. "Let's get you out of those pants."
And he does. Taking Olivia's fingers into his mouth, he sucks her sweet nectar from them and rubs his hands up her thighs. She tucks her lip between her teeth, his mouth sending a shiver down her spine. She undoes his pants when he's close enough, pulling them down. His erection springs free, and she takes it into her hand, pumping him, eliciting groans from his chest.
He sucks her fingers harder, ensuring they're clean of her essence as he buries his face against her neck, kissing and sucking her soft skin. She moans for him, feeling his hips moving in rhythm with her hand. Olivia always made him hard, and this was certainly no different. They're so eager for one another that she wastes no time and pushes his cock inside her.
Olivia whimpers, feeling him stretch her oasis. Her sounds are music to his ears, and he repays her by letting her hear the groans trapped in his chest. He gives her all of him, every inch of him, and when he reaches that spot Olivia craves him, he rocks his hips into hers. He steady, giving her just enough to make her wet before he takes her.
Fitz curses under his breath, kissing her lips with a feverish passion. He loves her taste and is willing to drown in her sweetness. He's an addict, and she is his supplier. His hips rock harder into hers, eliciting moans to spill from her lips. He grips her hips, and without warning, he fucks her against the dresser— needing to be a part of her.
Olivia takes him, watching his cock slide in and out of her oasis. The slick pool between her legs engulfs his erection, driving Fitz wild. She knows he loves how wet she can get for him, and this was no different. He'd probably slip out if it weren't for her vice gripping his inches, keeping him buried within her silk as his hips increase in speed.
There's only one way out of this moment of euphoria, and they're reaching that peak. Their moans and groans fill the bedroom, pushing them further to the point of no return. Olivia moans aloud, throwing her arms around his neck. Fitz growls with an unadulterated rapture, picking Olivia up and bombarding her cunt with long strokes.
Olivia's head falls back, and Fitz attacks her neck with his lips, marking her as she bounces on his cock. The desired peak they crave, they'll reach in unison. His guttural sounds splash against her neck, and her whimpers disperse into the air. There's no going back. Olivia is the first to cum, holding onto dear life, and Fitz follows, filling Olivia with his cum.
"You're a dangerous woman, Ms. Pope." He exhales, peppering her neck in kisses.
"It's why you can't get enough of me."
He chuckles. "Damn right."