"Oh man, I'm stuffed. Thank you guys again for dinner." Talia was slumped down on the couch.

"No problem Talia."

Talia popped in for a quick visit but decided to stay over for dinner.

"Hey Liv did you ever get another phone call from that guy?"

Olivia straightened up in her seat and shot her little sister a stern look. "No Talia because I took care of it."

"What guy?" Fitz asked casually.

Olivia and Talia shared a silent coded conversation with their eyes from which the younger sibling could understand that she just spilled some beans.

"I uhh.. I just remembered that I have an assignment to work on so uhm, I guess I should get going since it's getting kinda late. See you around." Talia gave both Olivia and Fitz a quick hug before hurrying out the door.

After Talia's departure Fitz turned off the TV. "You ready for bed?"

"Sure." So they trekked upstairs to their bedroom.

"Are you two keeping something from me?" Fitz asked as they got settled in bed after doing their usual nightly routine.

"What?"

"What was Talia talking about?"

"Oh. ."

"Liv?" He probed.

"I received a phone call from one of Chad's friends."

"What!?"

"A week ago he called to my office which I ignored and then yesterday he called again, so I answered and I made it clear that if he bothered me again that I'd take legal action."

"And why did his friend contact you?."

"To tell me about how Chad was turning into this better version of himself and that he was finally owning up to all of his mistakes.. It was obviously setup by Chad but I promise you that guy won't be bothering me anymore."

"Were you ever going to tell me about these phone calls Olivia?"

"I knew how you would've reacted Fitz."

He was now sitting straight up in bed. "Oh so you would've kept it a secret." Fitz let out a bitter laugh. "I don't believe this. You know Chad is a damn bully and a disrespectful pig. And somehow you're still trying to protect him by not telling me."

"Are you serious? Protecting him, really? After everything that went down do you really think I'd still cover for him?" Olivia also moved out of her reclined position to sit up and defend herself.

"Shit I don't know, he's getting his buddies to send you cute messages from jail and you don't tell me. And don't forget that time you were willing to jump upon his request to see you. It looks like he's still got a hold on you and I honestly don't get it."

"You're upset, I get that. But I think you should think carefully about what you're saying and the accusations you're trying to make."

"Then tell me what it is Liv. Why do you still give him your time and attention?"

"I just told you that I threatened that guy with legal action and Chad already knows the amount of shit he's gonna be in if the court finds out about him sending messages to me through his friends. Do you not trust me?"

"What bothers me is that you were going to keep me in the dark."

" Oh my--" Olivia groaned with pure frustration. "This is exactly why I didn't wanted to tell you Fitz! You get all worked up and I didn't want you to worry because I could handle it on my own. You don't need to fix everything for me."

"I love you Olivia! Of course I want to protect you against that piece of shit!"

"Protecting me is one thing but what you've been doing during this whole conversation was trying to blame me of something disgusting. You know damn well I don't give a shit about Chad! You don't see me accusing you of still being in love with April." She gave him a low blow because her frustration was building up.

"Don't even go there. April is dead but she sure as hell didn't put me through half of what Chad did to you."

"Clearly which is why you still had her pictures all over your house." She took another jab.

"Now you're being unfair."

"I'm being unfair!? You're the one throwing stupid accusations around!"

"I just want you to erase him from your life. He's toxic Olivia!"

"Now you listen to me because I'm only going to say this once; I have moved on with my life and I have moved on from Chad. I feel nothing for him. I never think of him and I sure as hell don't ever want to. Do you understand that? I don't know what kind of twisted game it is that he's trying to play by continuously trying to reach out to me but I'm handling it. Okay?"

"How? How are you handling it?"

With a sigh Olivia threw her hands up in the air. "Fitz what is your problem?"

"I already told you. It's you trying to hide this from me. "

"I know you. And I know how much you hate him. You would've reacted emotionally and most likely would've ended up doing something irrational."

"Yes, because I'm your boyfriend and your safety is fucking important to me."

"And I get that but I'm also a grown woman who is perfectly capable of looking after herself."

"Then why is it the second time now that we're arguing over your convict former fiance who's not involved in your life anymore?"

"Because you're allowing him to get to you. My god you're acting like I'm the one who called him up to have a nice little chat. That man put me through so much pain. He almost caused me my life. I don't even want to talk about him because he's non-existent to me, and that's also why I didn't tell you anything because I just really don't want to discuss him in any way when I am in such a good place in my life right now."

"I just-- nevermind. It's been a long day. We should both get some sleep."

"If you want to be mad, be mad. But I handled the situation and it's over now."

"Whatever Olivia."

They turned their backs to each other and went to sleep without saying goodnight.

When morning approached Liv woke up to find the spot next to her empty. She brushed it off and got up to start getting ready for her day.

All dressed and ready to go she descended down the staircase and spotted him outside on the balcony with his laptop.

Olivia then noticed the french toast on the kitchen counter. So she poured herself a cup of the still hot coffee and grabbed a slice of the french toast - adding honey and cheese - then turned on the TV on the news channel.

10 minutes later Fitz was moving around inside the house but neither one of them acknowledged the other.

No hug.

No kiss.

No hi.

No good morning.

They were both too stubborn after their argument from the night before.

When Olivia turned the television off to head out to work Fitz was upstairs most likely taking a shower. So she left.

xxx

They haven't properly spoken to each other for two days now. Their sentences were short and direct while dinners went down in silence. The 'good night's' and 'goodmornings' were at least back.

They allowed the aftermath of their argument to get out of hand but who was going to be the first to admit it?

A few minutes after getting home from work Liv received a call from her mother letting her know they're in the city and would like to pay her a visit. It didn't take them too long to show up at the penthouse.

"Hi honey!"

"Hey mom. Hey dad. What brought you guys into the city?"

"Oh your father took me on a lunch date to this very fancy restaurant." Caroline beamed at her daughter.

"Can't let the romance die." Richard quipped.

Olivia chuckled and led them to the living room. "That's sweet of you dad. So would either of you like some coffee or anything?"

"No thanks honey, I'm okay. How about you Richard?"

"Yeah I'll take some tea."

"With honey?" Liv asked her father, knowing that's how he always preferred his tea.

"Of course."

"Great. I'll be right back."

Minutes later Olivia returned with the tea.

"So does Talia know you guys are here?"

"We called her actually but she was out with some friends of hers."

"Oh I see."

Caroline gave her daughter a soft smile. "So how's work?"

"Good. I just had a bit of an altercation like a month back with a colleague of mine but we now know where we stand with each other so it's fine. You remember that Angela girl I used to tell you about back in law school?"

"Yes I remember."

"She started at the firm a while ago."

"And I assume she's the one you had the altercation with?"

"Yeah, but it's sorted out. We're not friends but at least we can work together now without any issues."

"And Fitz, how's he doing?" Her father asked, joining in on the conversation.

"Work has been keeping him busy but he's doing fine." Liv replied with a forced smile.

Time flew by rather quickly as the trio chatted endlessly.

"Oh would you look at the time, it's six o'clock already. I think we should hit the road Caroline."

"You're right. I just had such a good time today."

"Me too. It was nice having my parents here for a change. I really miss you guys sometimes."

Caroline walked over to her daughter and pulled her into a hug. "Aww honey. Your father and I constantly miss you and your crazy little sister."

Olivia let out a hearty laugh. "If Talia heard you right now.."

"That one is so unpredictable. But we love her."

As they were walking towards the door, it opened and in walked Fitz.

"Hello! This is a nice surprise." He said in a pleasant tone and gave Liv's parents a hug.

"We're actually just about to leave."

"Oh, so you've been here for a while?"

"Yes." Answered Richard. "My lady and I spent the day in the city so we thought why not pay our daughters a visit while we're here."

"Well I'm glad I still had the chance to see you guys."

"Livvie told us you're quite a busy man."

"Oh, yea I just have a lot going on at work at the moment."

Richard arched his eyebrow. "As long as you two don't forget to make time for each other."

Olivia and Fitz shared a quick glance. "Of course." Fitz replied.

"Let me walk you guys out." Liv offered.

"Have a lovely evening you two. Fitz it was good seeing you. Livvie, take care."

"Thanks again for stopping by. Bye Dad." She hugged him then moved to her mother. "Bye mom."

After her parents left Olivia figured she'd start with dinner.

"I'm making stir fry. Is that okay with you?" She asked Fitz quietly as he took a bottle of water out of the fridge.

"Yes, I'd like that."

He watched her from his spot. She had her back turned towards him as she chopped away on the fresh vegetables on the countertop. He missed her. He missed them being happy together.

So Fitz finished his water and walked up behind her. Their bodies inches apart. "I'm sorry about the other night. The things I said.. I'm really sorry Liv. And I'm not mad at you - I hate that we've practically been avoiding each other. I miss you Livvie."

"You're the one that's been avoiding me by constantly working late." She replied as she continued her chopping.

Fitz rested his hands on her hips. "I just didn't know whether or not you were ready to talk and I certainly didn't want to fight again so I figured I'd stay out of your way until you were ready. Are you still mad at me?"

"No but I still feel like you don't trust me."

He wrapped his arms around her middle. "I do trust you. I was just trying to look out for you baby."

Liv placed the knife down and wiped her hands before turning around in his arms to face him. "Do you really believe that he's still got a hold over me?"

"I-- No, I don't. I was angry Livvie - more so at him trying to get into your head."

"I know you wanted to protect me but Fitz, I know how to take care of myself. So when I told you that I took care of the situation, all I needed was for you to trust me. I know some pretty powerful people too that owe me a favour or two you know."

"I should've listened to you before getting all worked up, I realise that."

"I was wrong too. I know you only ever have my best interest at heart, so I guess I should've told you about the phone calls. Also, mentioning April was out of line and I'm sorry."

"You're it for me baby. I'm sorry if you ever felt like a part of me was still holding on to April. I promise you it's nothing like that. I only remembered her for the kind of person that she was because apart from our relationship she was also a great friend who didn't deserve to die like that. But don't you ever question my love for you Livvie. I am completely and entirely in love with you and no one else can compare. You're the love of my life. My every feeling is controlled by the look on your face. You own me Livvie. You control me. I belong to you."

"Fitz.."

"It's the truth and I wouldn't have it any other way." He said cupping her face in his hands. "I'm truly sorry about everything that I said and I'm sorry for being a stubborn asshole."

"I love you Fitz." A tear rolled down her face and Fitz brushed it away with his thumb.

"Please don't cry." He said, kissing the corner of her mouth.

"Well you're making me emotional." Olivia chuckled.

"Why don't we get back to preparing dinner. I'll help."

"It's just stir fry, I'll manage. Why don't you get out of your work clothes and slip into something more comfortable." Olivia replied as she turned back to focus on their dinner.

Fitz then hugged her from behind. "I'll rather just hangout here with you for a little while. Is that okay?"

She tipped her head back and stared lovingly up at him. "Of course, now gimme a kiss mister."

"Gladly." He grinned and obeyed her request.

"Okay now you've gotta let go because I can't move around while you're holding me." She wiggled in his arms.

"Alright fiiine."

"For a grown man you're extremely adorable."

Fitz's frown in response made her laugh.

"Hey baby?"

"What?" She was busy cooking and didn't look up until she felt his arms snake around her waist yet again. "Baby I'm gonna burn both of us in front of this stove."

"Livvie.." His voice was sincere.

"Yes Fitz?"

He opened his palm in front of her and instantly Liv froze as she caught sight of the shiny item in his hand. "Fitz. ." She whispered, turning around to face him.

He smiled and went down on one knee. "Will you marry me?"