Another week had passed with Olivia racing from her house, to work, then off of whatever appearance she could manage, and back to the house. The routine was non-stop; it was a miracle that she got any decent amount of sleep and didn't collapse as soon as she reached her front door.

Why was she working so hard?

Olivia wanted to shed the "spoiled brat" facade that she knew was hovering over her. Being the only daughter of a wealthy couple, it was obvious that important members of the community were not taking her seriously. When her parents donated thousands to renovate the town, everyone was happy. It brought revenue and a vibrancy that was unmatched. But when Olivia left for college, so did her parents. They weren't invested. That hurt the residents and Olivia.

Returning from New Jersey and DC, Olivia was determined to make a change. Starting with buying a small house in The Grove, one of the middle class neighborhoods. She could have stayed in one of the villas, where the gate separate them from the main roads. But she wanted to be among the people. Accessible, unlike Doyle, would was a big joke.

Olivia wanted to show herself worthy. She wanted to be different. As a result, she was building high walls around herself. Isolation was necessary. Every move was calculated and no errors could be made on her part. Her father made sure that she remembered what needed to be done in order to win. Only calling upon those who were helping her reach to success. Going out at night to socialize was preposterous. Being alone with a glass of wine would suffice.

It was 7:52 in the morning. Knowing she had to get up to prepare for the day, Olivia groaned, trying to curl back into the covers, hoping that these last minutes of peace would linger. It was incredibly hard to turn the switch on time and time again. But it had to be done.

As she closed her eyes, Fitz's blue irises were etched in her memory. This had been happening every day, since he was in the living room, offering her Italian food and an encouraging word. His number was still on her nightstand. Olivia hadn't bothered to call. Obviously too busy with responsibilities. But maybe more nervous to call.

Reaching for her phone and the slip of paper, Olivia dialed.

"Hello?"

The low tone was startling and amusing Olivia; she thought he wouldn't pick up. But hearing his voice already made her happy. "Hi, Fitz?"

"Yes?"

"This is Olivia," she spoke, unusually nervous.

"Hi."

His greeting immediately calmed her down.

"Hi."

"Good morning."

Fitz's voice was putting her in a trance.

"Olivia? Are you okay?"

"Yeah," she stammered, covering her face. "To be honest, I'm...tired. Fucking exhausted. I'm questioning myself. Do you have a minute to talk?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Olivia jumped out of bed. "Are you sure?"

"Yesss," Fitz drew out his response. "I told you, I'd drop everything to listen to you. You have my word."

Remembering what he said, Olivia took comfort in his promise. For the next thirty-five minutes, she opened up to Fitz, about her fears and dreams. How the last year had taken so much out of her, but she knew quitting was not an option.

"I see," he answered. "Do you believe you can do this?"

"Yes."

"Then you can. You have a great team by your side. I've talked with some folks and they love you. You're what the town needs."

"But you're new."

"Not that new, Olivia Pope," Fitz clarified. "But you know what to do to make it happen. Just trust the process. Trust…"

Interrupting, she said, "My gut."

On a cool Tuesday evening, Olivia prepared herself for the biggest night of her life. The debate was finally here. It was crucial that Olivia state everything she wanted to mention, so the residents could know where she stood. It was a defining moment in this budding political career of hers. The hall was packed, with about 2,000 audience members. All present to her what each candidate had to offer.

As each candidate was announced, applause was heard. Olivia was announced last.

Mrs. Sally Langston, a tenacious reporter, was the moderator. She didn't play around, and asked hard-hitting questions. To Olivia's dismay, the sympathetic touch Sally usually showed, was absent.

When the spotlight was on her, Olivia stood tall, in her black pant suit. Smiling whenever she could and remain unphased.

"Miss Pope, you grew up in our town. Your parents helped build the community to where it is today," Sally mentioned. "Some may call you a privileged young lady. But by leaving the area to attend two of the nation's finest colleges. Princeton and Georgetown, you distanced yourself. That does not always fare well with our residents. We're a loyal people. Why does a big city woman as yourself, want to govern a small town?"

Olivia smiled to herself, knowing immediately it would be a trick question. Emphasizing on the gap between her luck and success, with the residents. It was interesting that Sally did not ask Doyle and Rosen the same question.

"Simple. Because I was raised here, I know the people. Just because I left for a few years, does not mean that I lost my pride in our community. Our residents are loving and loyal. They deserve a leader who knows where they come from and can assist them to reach where they want to go."

When she finished, the audience respectfully clapped. Olivia scanned the crowd, seeing Harrison and Abby give thumbs up. Then, she spotted Fitz, who nodded and winked. Olivia lifted her chin slightly in approval and straightened her form. He had become a confidant in the past week. Daily phone calls were now a thing and having him in her corner, meant the world to her.

"Is mayor the highest you want to reach politically?"

"No," Olivia stated.

Sally reacted with a smirk. "Is that so? Would you like to share?"

Olivia quickly reminded, "We're only here to discuss the future of our town."

The debate lasted two hours. Olivia gave it her all. Some questions led to heated discussions, that put Olivia in a good light. Other times made her look weak, experience was not on her side. But overall, it was a long evening. In her mind, Hollis Doyle won. Harrison projected the night would as a positive for her camp, but she didn't want to think about it. There was too much to scrutinize, but it could wait until the morning.

After congratulating her team for a job well done, Olivia switched into a pair of flats before she left the building. Fitz opted to stay behind to walk her to the car.

"You were great out there."

Olivia pulled a hairtie from the abyss of her purse, and collected her locks into place. "Thank you, Fitz."

"I'm proud of you," Fitz said, rubbed her back.

"Thank you."

"Want to get a drink? Have some time to relax before you go to bed?"

Fitz's invitation was so sweet. Looking at him with a tired smile, she shook her head. The timing was horrible. She felt as if her presentation lacked in some way. Celebrating wasn't appropriate.

"Maybe another time."

Fitz's shoulders drooped a little. "Okay. I'll hold you to it." Leaning in, he kissed Olivia on the cheek, which caught her off guard.

"Good night, sweet Liv."

Olivia's heart began to race as Fitz walked away. His long frame, getting farther away and it was killing her. He truly cared about her, wanting her to do well. It was endearing, but it was scary. She was dropping the ball - that was a fact. Every since they met, Olivia brushed him off, ignoring the feelings she had. She couldn't let him keep leaving without some resolution.

"Fitz?"

Stopping in his tracks, he turned back to her.

"Yes?"

Olivia always had something to say, but she was fidgeting, speechless. But fuck it all.

"Come back and kiss me."

"What?"

Olivia shoved her belongings on the passenger seat and slammed the door. "I want you to kiss me right now."

Fitz lifted his eyebrows, as if the action would help him process Olivia's request better. "Right now?"

"Right now. I'm tired of being so calculated. I... I want you. To kiss me."

Olivia's eyes were wide as Fitz marched back to her. Feeling his hands caress her face, the relief washed over Olivia as Fitz pressed his lips to hers. It was like as she could breathe again.

Their hands roamed from their faces to shoulders, to waists, pulling each other closer, but there was no room.

"I get nervous when I talk to you," she mumbled, words slurring between sloppy kisses. "Every time I see you, I get butterflies. You make me happy. I really like you. I don't want you to leave."

Fitz huffed. "I know. It's so cute. And I don't like you."

"What?"

Olivia pulled away, lips swollen, and eyes bewildered. Fitz smirked, wrapping his arms around her waist, giving her another kiss.

"I love you. I love you, Olivia Pope, future mayor."

What a powerful statement to hear when she was at her lowest.

"Let's get back home."

Olivia wasn't a speed demon, but she became one. The adrenaline was overtaking her as she swiftly drove back to the Grove. Turning on her favorite playlist of R&B songs, Olivia sang loudly, with the windows down. The shock of telling Fitz to kiss her, which led to an intense make out session, and ending with him professing his love? Who would have thought this would happen? She didn't.

Still abiding every traffic rule, she prayed that every light would be green. The fire she noticed in Fitz's eyes before they left the parking lot, gave her the push to go for it. This was exciting, and very new. It was so embarrassing to track the last time she was royally fucked, but tonight would end that streak.

Once she parked in the driveway, Olivia scrambled out of the car, waiting for Fitz to stop his engine.

"Your house or mine," she called from her side.

Fitz laughed, running his fingers through his wavy hair. "I don't know. You pick."

Not willing to halt her spontaneity track, Olivia ran across the street, with a mischievous grin. "Yours."

With another hearty laugh, Fitz unlocked his door, inviting Olivia to his home. The door closed and all bets were off. Their hands found purchase on each other's bodies again, as they were pressed against the wall. Returning to the kisses they had began to enjoy more and more. Olivia's breathing was shaky, indulging in Fitz's touch. It was electric and sexy. She nearly fell down when Fitz cupped her ass. Her panties were soaked.

"Liv, I…"

"Yes."

Fitz paused, looking Olivia in the eye. To find clarity. "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

With that in mind, Olivia heard him request, "Take off your clothes."

Not thinking if her underwear was sexy enough, or how it would be if she stumbled on her pants, Olivia slowly disrobed. Throwing caution to the wind and not caring how she looked. She wanted to embrace all that was about to happen. While she stripped down, Olivia kept her eyes on Fitz. He was in awe of seeing her body, watching her become vulnerable and trusting. In this intimate setting, knowing Fitz was accepting her, gave her the confidence she needed. He was helping her understand that she could take time off for herself, and allow her to be appreciated and loved.

Fitz ripped off his shirt and jeans, and boxers, revealing a chiseled and well-endowed body. Olivia didn't know what to say or think, but she smiled widely. Only to stand on her toes to capture his mouth once more. Crushing his lips, using her tongue to open them up, sneaking past what was cordial, and meeting his moans with her own. Surprisingly, Fitz bent down to use what he called his "superpower", setting her off into an euphoria. Gripping his shoulders, Olivia had to use Fitz as a balance for all the work he was doing.

Scooping her in his arms, Fitz carried her to his room. In the hours that followed, they discovered what felt good, which positions that would make the other cum faster. Teasing her for the countless times she ignored his greetings. What words to say to make the other laugh. In between sloppy kisses, breath-taking and toe-curling orgasms, they cuddled, with noses touching. "You're doing great Livvie," Fitz whispered, kissing every patch of her skin. "I love you."

Those words made her heart sing.

In the late hours, while tucked in Fitz's arms, in his huge bed, Olivia had a feeling that everything would turn out alright. For the first time, in a long time, her mind was thinking past tomorrow. Beyond the to-do list and the need to be perfect. Election Day would come and go, and no matter what the result, she would have someone on her side, who would approve of her, regardless of a title.

And when the votes came in, she did have a title. The one she wanted. With a loving boyfriend next to her, placing a congratulatory kiss on her cheek.