A/N: I am putting all the storylines on the backburner the next few chapters. It's just going to be Olitz and what they need to reveal to each other. So, if you are reading this story for Olitz this begins the journey and the next two chapters will be only them, alone. Happy reading and please leave a review if you can. I will have the next chapter up by Sunday.

Stay safe, wear a mask, and thank you so much for reading.

Chapter 22-Christmas

As Fitz and Liv left Liv's building, hands interlocking the cold air hit her immediately. It was a brisk 15 degrees this Christmas morning in NY, but Olivia's heart was on fire right now. She didn't feel the frost in the air, she just felt the warmth of Fitz's body next to her.

He wrapped his arm around her shoulder as she turned her head towards his chest. She looked up at him as their foreheads touched. "Ready to go skate, Ms. Pope?", Fitz said as he held up his hand.

Liv looked in the direction he was waving and there was a shiny black town car approaching the curb. Fitz signaled to the driver to stay put as he opened the door to the heated car for Liv to get in. Fitz followed and they were on their way downtown towards Rockefeller Center.

This time, Fitz was taking in the sights of the city streets, as did Liv in Rutland take in the sights of the country street. The streets were crowded with people, despite the holiday. Liv looked at him and said "I told you this city never sleeps. It's always opened."

Fitz reached down under the seat and pulled out a big square box. It wasn't wrapped, it was just a brown square box and he handed it Liv who looked curious as to what Fitz had gotten for her, yet again. She pulled the cover off the box, and it revealed brand new pair of white Riedell Flair Ladies ice skates.

"I figured it would be better than renting the skates, and this way you have a pair in Rutland, for when the girls want to go ice skating." Fitz had a big smile on his face. Liv shook her head.

"You're so proud of yourself, aren't you?" Liv laughed. "Thank you, Fitz, they're great, but what about you?"

"Ahh." He reached down once again and pulled out a matching men's pair, black in color. "I don't know how well I'll use them, though, I am more of skier, but I'll try." He looked back at her. "Was I right? A size 5 in skates. Your feet aren't that big." Fitz shrugged.

"Perfect" Liv said. They approached the Rink and there were dozens of people already gathered around the tree and watching down from all areas into the empty rink. They grabbed their skates and went to the entrance.

They were greeted by one of the workers who knew Fitz by name. "Welcome Mr. Grant. The rink is ready when you are. We need to adhere to the fifteen minutes, though, as we have a waiting list of people ready to get on the ice."

"Thank you, I understand." They both sat on the bench and put their ice skates on. As the blades clicked on the ice, Fitz was a bit wobbly, but was able to stay standing. They made their way to the center of the ice. Fitz looked up and took a hard swallow as his hands made their way around Liv's waist.

"You ok?" She asked. She looked up too, she was used to the city crowds. They were never focused on her like they were now, but she didn't mind, Fitz seemed a bit nervous though.

"Yeah, fine, just didn't expect so many people to be watching." Suddenly Christmas music started playing and they began slowly gliding on the ice. Once Fitz was comfortable with his footing on the ice, they moved slightly faster. Liv had no problem being the one to skate backwards if needed. Soon their embrace became a bit closer and over the intercom and announcer said:

"Merry Christmas, New York. Let's welcome our first skate couple to the ice, as they glide to the song selected from Fitz to Olivia. Enjoy the first skate you two lovebirds."

Liv pulled her head to look at Fitz in the eyes. "What song? What did you…?"

A beautiful country melody started playing for all to hear as Fitz gripped her waist a little tighter. He looked down at her and kissed her lips. "Merry Christmas, Livvie. Listen to the words. Remember what you told me before I left for Atlanta? I wanted to skate to this song."

As the singing began, she recognized the voices of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. The couple still gliding slowly, time seemed to be standing still. Liv crossed her hands around his neck as they got lost in the music.

"Dawn is slowly breaking

Our friends have all gone home

You and I are waiting

For Santa Claus to come

There's a present by the tree

Stockings on the wall

And knowing you're in love with me

Is the greatest gift of all."

Liv buried her nose into Fitz's shoulder. Then, she raised her lips to his ear. "Fitz, she whispered, "this song is perfect."

"The fire is slowly fading

Chill is in the air

All the gifts are waiting

For children everywhere

Through the window I can see

Snow begins to fall

Knowing you're in love with me

Is the greatest gift of all."

Fitz brought his lips to Liv's ear. "I am in love with you Livvie. I wanted this to be perfect for you." Liv put her forehead against his shoulder and had the biggest smile on her face. She had never felt so happy than in this moment. She looked up, still all the spectators staring down.

For a moment Liv would swear she saw her father standing up there. He was waving, waving and smiling that his little girl got to fulfill her wish on Christmas Day. She stopped skating suddenly, as the music came to an end. She guided Fitz down, tugging at his soft curls, slowly as her lips met his. There they stood in the middle of the ice rink, kissing. Although the eyes of dozens of people were on them, it was just the two of them for that minute. "Thank you, Fitz, so much." Liv pulled him in for a hug.

The worker skated out to them to tell them their time was up, as they let others on to the ice. "You're welcome to continue skating, but the free skate is over." Fitz thanked him. Liv and Fitz interlocked hands and took one more circle around the rink before exiting.

On their way out, they were offered a package of pictures taken by the Rink to purchase. Liv didn't hesitate to buy them. They would look them over later, as their day was just beginning, and Liv was still on a high about what just happened.

They stopped in front of the tree. They were posing for selfies. They must have taken a dozen pictures. There were silly ones, smiling ones, serious ones, and one of them kissing. A passerby offered to take their picture so they could get the full tree in the background, so they had a few that weren't selfies.

"I think Brianna will be amazed by the size of this tree. What do you think Fitz?"

"Definitely, we'll have to send them the pictures later. I am sure they are knee deep in Christmas gifts right now. So where to, Liv?" He was about to wave the car down, but Liv wanted to walk.

"Let's walk the city streets for a while. Just like you walked me down Main Street in Rutland, let me walk with you and show you all the window displays." Liv told the driver to head towards Macy's and they would meet up there in a while.

Liv was talking about all the amazing window displays NY was known for during Christmas. She didn't think they would get them all in on this cold morning, but she was going to make it as special for Fitz as he did for her in Rutland.

They stopped in front of Cartier's. Liv was pointing to the virtual display that had movement of gifts and cards floating in the air. She pointed to the necklace on display in the window. "You know, one year, when Tickle Me Elmo was the toy big seller, they had a million-dollar diamond necklace around the toy. You got to keep the toy if you bought the necklace. That was crazy."

Fitz was watching the display in awe. "So, they still sell million-dollar necklaces? I am asking for a friend."

Liv shook her head. "Don't even think about it Mister, there is plenty more you can do with that money."

They continued to Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, and everything in between. They found a small souvenir shop opened and they went inside to find different items for their Rutland friends. They arrived in front of Macy's having grabbed a hot pretzel from a street vendor.

After admiring the window displays of Macy's, all Peanuts themed this year for "A Charlie Brown Christmas," they found a bus bench and shared the pretzel together. Fitz wasn't prepared for the pigeons that wanted a taste of the pretzel too, and Liv had to laugh when he jumped as one flew right next to him.

"New York City pigeons Fitz have attitude. They don't mind becoming acquainted with you if you have food, but don't feed them. You'll have twenty of his friends here in two seconds."

Fitz took the last piece of pretzel and put it up to Liv's mouth. She nibbled it from his hand, and as she finished it, she leaned in for a kiss. "You're making this Christmas so special for me Fitz, thank you so much."

"Well, it's not over yet. We have a show to get ready for, and I think I'm as excited as you are to see it." Fitz grabbed her hand as they walked to the corner where their town car was waiting.

They were lucky to find a small pizza place opened, despite the holiday. They ordered two pies so they could have a late lunch with Maya before the 4:00 show. As promised, Maya was propped up on the couch watching some show on Netflix as they entered the apartment.

She sat up, still in her pajamas. "Back so soon? Oh, Livvie, I smell that NYC pizza. Bring that to your mama."

Fitz set up the table as they sat around it, and Liv began telling Maya all about the morning skate. She pulled out her cell phone and showed her the pictures they took. She wasn't allowed to look at the ones they bought from the rink yet because Liv hadn't seen them either. So, Maya had to wait.

"Baby, if you think I am listening to a word you are saying as this cheese is melting in my mouth you are wrong. Yeah, you had a wonderful time, I know. Who wouldn't with this fine man attached to you?" She winked at Liv.

"Mom, Liv blushed for Fitz this time."

"Oh, Livvie, I am just playing with you. I heard every word; I am very happy for you." She turned to Fitz. "I do have to find me one of you when I get back to Paris. You don't happen to have a clone in that bag of tricks of yours, do you?"

Fitz smiled. "I don't have a clone. But I do have to thank you for bringing such a wonderful daughter into this world. She is everything to me." Fitz was looking directly at Liv as he was talking.

Liv turned away, complimented, "I hope you don't mind me taking her from you today. I know this was a surprise."

Maya waved her hand. "Don't even think about it. I am just happy she is doing something other than work. If she got three hours of…."

"Mom…I'm fine. In fact, I am going to head to the shower." She turned to Fitz. "You are sure you're going to be ok out here with her? I can…."

"She can take you in the shower with her." Maya finished.

Liv just held her head in her hand. "On second thought, Fitz, enjoy getting to know Maya Pope." She gave Maya a kiss on the cheek before she headed out.

"What about him baby? You aren't going to kiss him like you did before? That was a kiss." She nudged Fitz. "Am I right handsome? She jumped into those arms."

Now it was Fitz's turn to blush. Liv walked over to him and gave him a quick peck on the lips.

He stood up, beginning to clean up the table and Maya instructed him to sit back down. "Leave that alone. I will get that when you two go back out. You really did make her day special. She has been miserable, drowning herself in her work. I cannot thank you enough for coming to my rescue. I am too old to be walking these city streets on Christmas Day. She dragged you around, didn't she?"

Fitz nodded. "It wasn't anything I didn't enjoy. Every moment I am with her I enjoy. She fulfills me, she's awakened a side of me I forgot existed."

"I am not going to lie; she is a handful. She is more a handful as an adult than as a child. You know about her father?"

Fitz nodded. "The car accident? Yes, she told me about it. She was there when it happened."

"I will not go into detail, because it is up to my daughter to tell you her story, but she was touch and go on surviving herself. It took weeks before we realized how lucky she was. There's so much more, and for you to find out, she has to open up to you and feel comfortable in telling you."

"Maya, Liv doesn't know, but I want to take her away in a few days. The baseball team is having a New Years Eve Formal in Vermont, but I want to take her away prior to that for two nights. Would you mind?"

"Boy, would I mind? You are doing me a favor. I love my daughter, I truly do with all my heart, but she is exhausting. I would rather she use that energy on you, you know what I mean?" Maya looked at Fitz up and down. "Lord knows she could use it."

"You have a way to make me blush, Maya. I can feel the heat rising to my cheeks. I have a special place to take her in Vermont. I wanted to let you know. If you want to go back to Paris before the New Year, I can arrange that. I know Liv has to come back to close out the job, so I wasn't sure if you wanted to stay."

"Handsome, arrange it. I can't wait to get back to Paris. Liv needs to explore her life with you. I will say when she told me she moved to Vermont, I was taken aback. I finally realized she was doing something for her best interest. As much as she wanted this nonstop life, deep down she never was happy. Have you figured out her issues with love?"

"I have. She's scared. She told me about Tyler."

"Tyler, oh that poor boy. Liv had just finished intensive therapy after her father's death. She was scared to leave my side. There were times I watched her sleep for hours, sometimes until daybreak. She would scream out of a dream. I figured I had to be there anyway, so I slumbered in her room. She wouldn't tell me she loved me for close to two years. I thought it was resentment from the accident. Turns out the therapist said she was afraid. She was afraid to tell me she loved me because she thought I would die next."

"I am sure that was hard. I didn't know the extent of her fear." Fitz said

"Well, we finally broke through the barrier, and we promised we would never end a conversation or a goodbye without an I love you. Then, Tyler happened. That girl was lost, Fitz, so lost. I didn't think I would ever get her back. The nights she spent sobbing and blaming herself because she told him she loved him." Maya stopped. "This is something she should be telling you."

"Thank you, Maya, there are things I need to share with her also. That's why I think our get away before the formal will help us. I had a dress sent to her tailor, Betty. We are going there to meet her and I wanted to let you know so you can help her with the dress. Also, I want to make sure she likes it, that it suits her."

Maya shook her head. "She did hit the jackpot with you. They don't make them like you, Fitz. My daughter is a lucky girl. I will make sure she likes that dress. That necklace you gave her is exquisite. That's perfect. You have to go after her heart strings. Pull those strings, because she can cling to them unexpectedly. The last thing I am going to tell you, don't be discouraged if she doesn't say she loves you. Those three words are hard for her to say, and when she does say it, she needs to be fully awake, looking you in the eyes to mean it. I have no doubt she loves you but getting those words out may take some time."

"I'll give her all the time she needs, as long as she continues to be by my side."

"I don't know what your story is, soldier, but I can assure you, don't think Liv can't handle it. She can, don't hold back from her. I spent years thinking I needed to shelter when what I really needed to do was let her explore the world. I knew that night in Vermont when she didn't run, she loves you. After her father, Liv drowned herself in schoolwork. After Tyler, she drowned herself in college, and after college, this near death job. That's how she runs. She knew she had this job to run back to, but she stayed with you. She's given you her heart, take it, but don't break it, ok."

"I never would. I have my own demons, Maya, that's why I need to have her alone, no distractions to tell her, to hear her story, so we can move forward."

Maya stood up. She leaned and gave Fitz a gentle kiss on his forehead. "I am glad she has you, Fitz, whatever your story is, tell it."

Liv came out in a bathrobe drying her hair and looked at the two of them. "Don't believe a word she told you Fitz, it's all fabricated." Liv walked towards her mother. She handed her a small gift box. "Merry Christmas Mom."

Maya took the box. "Livvie, thank you, I wasn't expecting anything. Just having this time with you, my zombie daughter, has been a gift enough." Maya opened the box. She read the contents of the paper inside. "Liv is this." She looked shocked at Liv.

"Yes, a spa day tomorrow at The Carlyle. The Sisley-Paris Spa. We are getting the works. You're getting spoiled Maya Pope. Hope you can handle it."

"Livvie, this is too much."

"Nothing is too much for you, mom. You want me to relax, you're coming with me to do it. This is the peace from the city in the city. I can't wait to share the experience with you." She gave Maya a hug then turned to Fitz.

"I called Huck. He's going to come tomorrow to spend the day with you, is that OK? In the morning we can head to Harold's I want so much for him to meet you. Then, I'll be gone with my mom to the spa, but we can go to Betty's the next day, is that ok, Fitz?"

Fitz walked over to her. "I'll be happy to spend the day with Huck. We can go touring the subway system" Fitz said with a laugh.

They arrived at Radio City fifteen minutes before the start of the show. Fitz wasn't kidding about the best seats. The only people closer than them was the orchestra. This was amazing and it was so overwhelming. Liv felt like she was 10 again.

They watched the show as if the Hall was empty and they were performing just for Fitz and Olivia. Olivia loved seeing the show with Fitz. To be honest a part of her felt a guilty because she never saw it with her father, but he wouldn't want this any other way.

After the final act, they sat in their seats with no rush to leave the theater. "Did you enjoy it Fitz? Maybe the next stop, we can take in some Broadway shows?"

"I loved it. This was so vibrant, such an uplifting show. It brings life to the holiday. It was spectacular." He nudged Liv as he said it.

"That was corny, Fitz, see you're funny, but you're not funny."

"Oh, yeah?" Liv began heading towards the exit. "That's not true," Fitz followed her. "I'm funny."

On the way back in the town car, Liv climbed into Fitz's lap, straddling him. Their lips were inches apart. "Today was just amazing, Fitz, surprising and amazing." She leaned in and overtook his lips with hers. She separated them with her tongue, and pushed in deeper.

Before it got any further, too much for the back of a car, Liv rested her forehead on his shoulder and turned to his ear. "I want you so bad, I don't want to wait too much longer, Fitz."

He brought her head back so his eyes could meet hers. "Come away with me Livvie. Let's do three nights together, alone, just you and me. I have it all arranged. We leave in three days. Then, on the third night, New Year's Eve, you can come to the Lake Monsters formal with me, if you want."

Olivia thought about this. She thought of his words. "I want our first time to be special." She shook her head yes. This would be it, he was making it special, and she would reveal it all to him. This would be their true test, but would he reveal his story?

She wrapped her arms around and rested her hands on his neck. "Ok, two nights, then the formal. I'll need a dress right?"

"Taken care of already." Fitz smirked. "Just us Livvie, sharing our stories, because we haven't been completely open with each other. I want to do this, away, with you." He reached up and placed a gentle kiss on her lips, as he caressed her cheek. "I can't wait to be inside you, Livvie."

The chills ran up Liv's spine, and she shivered. "Fitz." She turned her head. "You know what your voice does to me when you're all seductive."

When they arrived, Maya was already asleep. Fitz took a quick, quiet shower as Liv changed to basic pajamas. She put his NAVY sweatshirt over her t-shirt and went to get Fitz. He was sitting on the couch, getting ready to lay down.

"You're not sleeping out here. Come to my bed."

"Liv, your mother…."

"Fitz, I am 30 years old, my mother does not control what happens in my bed. Besides, we're not going to…"

"Just come here for a minute, you look exhausted. You haven't slept, right? You had a non stop day. Just come here and sit with me for a minute."

Liv's head rested on his chest and once his arms wrapped around her, she closed her eyes. She took in his smell, and reached her hand up to caress his face. He placed a kiss on her head. "Did you enjoy today, Livvie?"

She nodded her head, too exhausted to speak, she felt the comfort, the warmth of his arms, and that's all she really needed to get her sleep. She felt herself drifting as he asked another question.

"Why don't you sleep Livvie, why do you exhaust yourself?"

In a whisper, because it's all the strength she had, she said "I am afraid of the nightmares, Fitz, I don't have nightmares in your arms though. I need you, this is where I am safe." As her heavy eyes closed, she couldn't escape the joy of the day she had with him. She was thinking it, but she didn't know she said it for him to hear. In the softest whisper, he heard, "I love you, Fitz."

Fitz smiled to himself. He remembered Maya's words. "She has to be fully awake, looking you in the eyes." Still, she said it, and was now deeply asleep in his arms, and there was no place in the world he would rather be.

Liv and Fitz entered the bakery, Liv ignoring the sign that said "Final Day". Harold was finishing on two customers, hugged them good bye and noticed Olivia. " I was hoping you would come in today." He turned and reached a box. "One dozen boysenberry, for you. You look well rested."

She took the box. "I am rested Harold," she said trying to stop the tears. "Thank you for the Danish. I want you to meet Fitz. Harold, this is Fitzgerald Grant, Fitz, this is Harold."

Harold shook his hand, and it dawned on him. "Grant? As in Grant…."

"Yes, sir, that's me. I will take good care of this place. It holds an important piece of Liv's heart, so it's special to me also."

"Thank you so much Mr. Grant. I would never have sold to a developer, knowing my little place is going to feed homeless veterans and families is just so heartwarming. Liv, is this who.."

"Yes, this is my "Harold". All your stories, me always wondering if I would meet a Harold, well I did, and I couldn't be happier. I am going to miss you so much."

"I'll send you my address once we move. We are heading to Virginia. We found a nice place there, quiet and relaxing." He pulled Liv in for a hug then shook Fitz's hand and thanked him once again. "I promise to keep in touch Harold." Liv wrote down her address in Vermont for him, and took one last look at the bakery before heading out with Fitz.

Outside, she looked at Fitz. "You really are amazing. You're going to love this boysenberry Danish."

"I am sure I will. You know, in Vermont, maybe you can learn to make boysenberry jam. Sophie knows how to make to jam. You could always learn."

"Domesticating me are you Mister?"

After an 80 minute facial at the spa, Maya and Olivia were now getting ready to take a rest in the tea lounge. They were feeling refreshed and they began talking about everything. They had 20 minutes before their massage, which Maya insisted Olivia get, despite her fear of the scars.

"You'll be on your stomach. It's going to be fine. Release that stress from your body, girl." Maya had convinced Liv to do it.

Now, in the tea lounge, Liv started. "He wants to take me away. A three night getaway in Vermont somewhere, the third night being a baseball formal. Mom, I am scared."

"Of what? Is there a monster under the bed? Will the aliens come and take you home? What can you possibly be afraid of with that man Livvie? He is golden."

"I don't know, what if…well…if I reveal the scars and he doesn't want me, what if he has second thoughts?"

"Livvie, you could be a cyclops and that man would love you, stop doing this to yourself. You get away with him, have your rendezvous and get your man. Lord knows you deserve this. Besides doesn't he have some things to tell you? What if you don't want him?"

Liv shook her head. "I think his is more of when he was overseas, deployed. There's something about him and Huck's friendship, something top secret."

"Do you think he had a girlfriend over there?"

"No, he was almost engaged here. She didn't wait for him though, she married when he was still deployed."

Maya sighed. "There it is for you Liv, smacking you in the face and you still don't see it? Fate, girl. That wasn't an accident. It wasn't meant to be with what's her name because you were out there, needing him as much as he would one day need you."

"That's what I thought also, and then when I found out Huck was his friend from the war, I thought this had to be more than coincidence."

"Yeah, fate is hitting you upside that bubble head instead of me. Go with it Livvie. Now, let's go, I need my massage."

"Wow, this is Liv's office?" Huck had brought Fitz to the company because he had some things to work on. "I can't believe she's leaving all this for her little place in Vermont."

"It's for the best, Fitz. This place is toxic for her. She's here too long, works too many hours, and doesn't give herself the rest she needs."

They sat at a conference table. Fitz told Huck the story about what Two Shot and Sparks had told him. "I need you to look into all the bills in the Senate that were passed or waiting to be passed while I was captured. I need to know about my father, how he voted, what they were. There's something I am missing. Two Shot is looking into the Pentagon's motives and Sparks is going to talk to my dad, but there's more, I am sure of it. I just don't know if I was set up by the Navy or by my father."

Huck was concerned. "When you came to the prison, there was so much chatter about you. You were off limits, or you were supposed to be. You were important to them. I knew that from the moment they dragged you in. Give me a few days and I'll get the information you need."

"I am taking Liv away until after New Years. I think it's time I finally tell her. Huck, what if she sees these scars, these marks, and she doesn't want me, she has second thoughts. What if my two year captivity scares her, thinking I am too needy?"

"Oh, don't underestimate Olivia. She can handle it. It's better you're up front with her rather than hold it back and she finds out some other way. Do you mind if I take a look at them? The last time I saw them they were raw, really bad."

Fitz stood and without hesitation pulled his t-shirt off. Huck looked at the back and immediate flashbacks came back. He could remember each mark and when it happened. There he stood looking, and they weren't as bad as Fitz made them out to be. They each were about two inches in length, above the skin, but the redness was faint.

"Fitz, there's three marks, each two inches in length. They aren't red, but there is scarring around them also. I don't think she is going to care about this as much as she cares about you being held against your will for two years, that's going to get her."

"I just want this all behind us. I want to move forward with her, but we can't move forward if we are keeping things from each other. Will you be there for her if she turns away from me?"

"I will be here for both of you, but I doubt any one of you will need me. Edison is out of the picture you know. Poor bastard, killing his own partner. Should spend a majority of his life behind bars."

"Yeah, poor bastard." Fitz played along. "Huck, no more killing for us, ok. We can't risk losing you. The kids of Rutland are counting on their master of martial arts."

Huck smiled. "Yeah, I arranged it with Mr. Harris. I am going to spend a month in Vermont and a month here, but I will be able to work remotely on tech issues from Vermont. I am looking forward to it. Just know, like I told Liv, if anyone threatens the people I love, I will deal with it the way I was trained. I have a toolbox now to help me along."

"Remind me to thank the McClellan's for that." Fitz shook his head.

They grabbed a bite to eat before Fitz headed back to Liv's place. Liv was already back with Maya. "The two of you look ten years younger than when you left." Fitz greeted them.

"See, Livvie, he's a keeper." Maya headed to her room.

Two days later:

After a tearful goodbye at the airport with Maya, Liv and Fitz headed to a smaller, more private airport where he had chartered a plane to take them to Vermont. He still hadn't told Olivia where they were heading, but Liv was excited for the trip anyway.

"Just a little hint. Come on Fitz. Are we going to be near Rutland?"

Fitz put his head back and pretended like he was asleep not listening to Liv. She nudged him. "Come on Mister."

He jumped up and gently grabbed her face. As they were kissing, he reached down to her jeans. "Are these too tight on you?" He unbuttoned them and slowly glided his hand in. He wasn't sure how she would respond, but when she pulled him in deeper for a kiss, he knew what she wanted.

He went further down, moving her lace panties to the side, and circled his finger around. "You are already so wet, Livvie, this is too easy." He looked at her, her head back, her eyes closed, clearly concentrated on the sensation she was feeling.

"You look so beautiful right now." He put his lips on hers and at the same time, two fingers entered her as her hips rose off the seat.

"Oh God", she moaned. "Don't stop Fitz, please don't stop." She returned her lips to his, deeply moaning from the back of her throat. He released his fingers, and began rubbing up and down stopping at the top of her clit. She was so weak at this point, Fitz knew it wasn't too far for her orgasm.

Planting his lips now on her neck, he went up to her ear. "Soon Livvie, it won't be my fingers doing the work." That was her undoing. His voice in her ear. Her body started to shake as her hips rose again off the seat. All she could do was breath, fast, rapid breaths as her body calmed from the orgasm.

She opened her eyes, him staring at her. "I could watch that all day, Livvie. "You. Are. Beautiful." Each word followed with a kiss. "I'll be right back."

He went to the bathroom as Liv took a moment to calm herself. She was anticipating what he can do with other body part to her. She couldn't wait much longer.

When Fitz came back it was announced they were starting their decent. Liv put her head on his shoulder as they landed safely and entered the car already waiting for them.

He interlocked hands with her. "When I first arrived in Rutland, I had no intentions of staying there. I wanted to find the most secluded place I could and I wanted to live there. After it was clear I wasn't heading to NYC, I began looking outside of Rutland. I figured when my work there was done and Edison was no longer a threat, I would leave and let the residents there thrive. So, I found this place and I bought it, not realizing I would stay in Rutland."

"Is that where we are heading now?"

"I wanted to be close to the capital because that's where the team plays, but I didn't want to be part of the team recognition. I figured being close by, maybe I would, but I was too damaged. So, this place is a small log cabin in the woods of a town called Addison in Vermont."

"Why so alone Fitz? What happened to make you want to be so alone, so far from everyone?"

"That's why we are doing this. You'll have all the answers I promise you. Just in case it's too much for you, though, you won't be trapped."

"I am not going anywhere Fitz. We are in this together. What if you want to run? You going to leave me here?"

Liv looked up as the car pulled into a small little driveway. In front of them, the most amazing log cabin Liv had seen. She jumped out of the car stopping at the front door and just looking at the exterior. It looked small, but cozy. Looking around there was not another house in sight.

Fitz joined her by the door. He pulled out his key. "Ready, Livvie?" Before he put the key in the lock, Liv stopped him. She kissed him softly, and as her lips met his, a light snow began to fall from the darkening sky. With snow dusting on their clothes and hair, Liv pulled back and said, "now I am ready."

Liv entered a two story cottage with a winding staircase. She looked around and noticed a kitchen with a gorgeous stove and huge window. The master bedroom was located downstairs and contained a Jacuzzi tub and shower for two. In between the two was a plush bathroom rug.

Before entering the bedroom there was a small living room area with a loveseat facing a stone fireplace. Liv had never seen a place so serene, peaceful, and dynamic all in one.

Upstairs was a smaller bedroom, fully furnished. There was also a full bathroom with a toilet and shower.

"I'm going to get the fire started, then I will bring in some bags. The kitchen is already stocked. I had that done the other day. Get us some wine, I'll only be a few minutes."

Liv could feel the heat from the fireplace as she took a spot on the loveseat. She looked out the window, hearing running water, and noticed there was a lighted pond just beyond the deck outside. This place was outstanding. The smell of the fire and fresh wood from the cabin overtook her senses.

Fitz came over to her by the window and wrapped his arms around her. "You like the place?"

"Fitz this place is beautiful. It's so secluded though, beautiful, but hidden."

"Yeah that was the point. I didn't want to be near anyone. I needed seclusion."

Liv couldn't take it anymore. She loved him. She wanted him. She needed him. This moment, right now, this was the time. She turned to him and he didn't let her speak.

He pulled her in grinding his lips against hers, and as she composed herself to catch her breath, falling into the kiss with him, he reached her shirt and was ready to pull it off.

She pulled back. "Fitz WAIT!" She practically screamed the word wait, and Fitz stepped back. His brows crossed as tears filled her eyes. "Fitz" she whispered. He watched as she slowly pulled her shirt up.

He noticed her eyes were closed, but tears were falling as she continued to pull her shirt up. "Liv, if you don't want to…" and then he stopped. He saw the jagged scar first, and looked up at Liv, her eyes still closed. Her shirt slowly creeping up to just beneath her breasts. He saw more scars, not as surfaced as the jagged one, but significant enough.

Because Liv had on a sports bra, she was able to grab it with the shirt and in one swift motion she pulled off both, eyes still closed as she dropped both pieces of clothing to the floor. She put both hands on her face, covering her eyes waiting for a response. She had just revealed what she had never revealed willingly to any other person in her life.

Fitz, after seeing the first scar, brought his hand to his mouth, more in shock. His eyes grew wider as he saw each scar revealed as Liv slowly pulled her shirt and bra off. When she was standing there, breasts exposed, all he could do was stare, his hand going through his hair. Then both his hands went to his mouth. All he could think of was this was the result of the car accident, but he didn't know what to do next.

Liv, not opening her eyes yet stood vulnerable, waiting for a response. "Fitz", she whispered. "Please say something." The silence was deafening and suddenly Liv wondered if what she did was smart at all.

A/N: The next chapter is ready. I promise I won't keep you waiting long. I hope you enjoyed.