Happy #TGIT #FitzInVermont #Gladiators

Before anyone wonders why I am opening a BRAND NEW story, this fic is your Olitz Christmas fic for this year. (I write one every year.) The title was from a movie on Hallmark (no copyright infringement intended). I couldn't get it out of my head.

Episode 7.03 – Day 101 helped me decide to post this early. So #BlameTony #CasualFitz in the leather jacket for this new Xmas Fic getting an early start. The man in my muse.

I will not spoil anything but here is the first installment. IT sets you up for what is to come IF you want more. If you don't I just won't write any more. But if I hear plenty of DINGS then I know more is wanted for this holiday season.

My other fics will not be abandoned but as the holidays approach THIS story will take over.

Please let me know if you are interested in more of Olitz in Falling for Vermont. The possibilities are endless.

Take care and TY for reading…

Me's

Falling for Vermont…

Chapter 1: A New Beginning…

"We cannot change the past, but we can start a new chapter with a happy ending." – Unknown

January 20th

"Excuse me Mr. President," Fitz is interrupted in his closing hours in the Oval Office by Mrs. Handley his secretary. She has been with him since he was Governor of California; both terms in fact. At noon today he will no longer be President of the United States. His very public political life would come to end. A new – exciting chapter will begin.

"Yes," he smiles watching her come into the Oval. He admires her dress with matching jacket. Her eyes just peek over the rims of her glasses with the chains dangling down the sides of her cheeks. Fitz bought them when he became President because she kept forgetting where she left them. Now they were always on her body.

"Miss Theodora wanted me to remind you to not to be late for your morning 'meeting' with her at precisely 9 am," Mrs. Handley snickers. "She called my line directly sweetly asking me to come in here and remind you; just on the off chance you forgot Sir. She was very persistent."

Fitz chuckles glancing up from his letter to his successor. He wrote it when he first entered the Oval this morning. Not wanting to be rushed when he wrote it, he informed Mrs. Handley, Lauren and Charlotte to not be disturbed. Now complete, written in his own hand, it's finished.

One of his last acts as President. The final chapter in a life of Washington DC politics. He's earned it and is ready for this stage of his life to close. It's time.

Well almost….

"I did not forget Mrs. Handley. I am acutely aware of my appointment," he comments with a wistful smile. "Miss Theodora texted my phone first thing this morning with a reminder, and there was a message on my voicemail waiting when I entered in the Oval this morning. I will be waiting for her arrival. Everything is ready."

Mrs. Handley chuckles to herself. As she readies herself to leave the Oval she eyes the letter. "Sir would you like me to proofread the letter for the incoming President."

"No," he flips the letter over not wanting her to sneak a peek.

"Are you sure? I really do not mind," Mrs. Handley suggests with a smirk growing on her face. The President is an eloquent speaker and writer but sometimes he does not notice all the mistakes. His "English" grade in high school and college was not the highest.

Fitz leans back in his chair. "I'm sure. I got this. There is only one person that will see this letter now," he suggests.

"I understand," his secretary replies.

Fitz nods. Mrs. Handley sees her way out of the Oval. She glances at her watch. In a little over three hours President Fitzgerald Thomas Grant's Presidency will be over. He accomplished much in his years in office. The Brandon Bill and Dream Act are the two pieces of legislation he is most proud off. He leaves office today with an over 65 percent approval rating.

Everything from his administration is be archived. Pictures on the walls in the West Wing have begun to change as are various rooms in the Residence. Fitz has been packing things himself for weeks, not wanting to leave the task of him moving out of the White House solely to the massive staff whose job it will be to transition the White House from his occupancy to the new President family's in a matter of five hours.

He has been looking forward to this fresh beginning for him and Theodora. She came into his life in such an expected way – a blessing really. She will become his focus as he leaves office. For the last six months they have been discussing where to go once he is no longer President. He's very pleased with his decision to move into Hope County Vermont, Rutland to be exact.

He met with a local architect, bought the land, and had their house built. There is plenty of extra bedrooms, a large kitchen, guest house, a house for the Secret Service to live, two offices, a massive family room, 1 other living room, a basement, wine cellar, and many of other rooms. It was finished just after New Year's Day. He has been to his new home once and cannot wait to show it to Theodora.

Which will be today…

At noon precisely, the large staff will come into the Residence and begin moving him out. He ensured everything he wanted to pack himself was taken cared off. Some of most prized possession are already at his home in Vermont waiting. There is only one left and he cannot wait to share his closing moments with her before he meets with the New President and his family.

He stands from his desk for the final time glancing around the Oval Office. His personal belongings have been all removed all accept the desk. This desk was with him in the Governor's mansion. It was his Grandfather's; who gave it to his father when he became Governor of California. His father used it his entire time in office.

When Fitz became Governor he passed it down to him. He used it at his office in California. Then it followed him to the White House. He traces his fingers along the soft lacquered maple. He closes his eyes as he walks to the front then sits on the front edge. He inhales then exhales deeply remembering the moments he's spent working behind this desk; most good but some bad.

Perhaps the memory he'll most cherish is of Theodora. As he retrieves their picture from his wallet, a small tear sneaks out of his eye, falling onto his pants, just missing the photo. He remembers this moment well, shortly after he became President. It is engrained into his heart – a piece of him as SHE became to be.

Theodora has had him – Fitzgerald Thomas Grant wrapped around her fingers since the moment she came into his life. Once her light blue eyes, connected with his, he was a goner. His heart swelled with a special kind of love he never knew existed. Truthfully, he would not want it any other way. He never though he – no they would get here.

But they are.

A new phase of their lives is about to begin today. He is eager to experience a slower paced life out of the hustle and bustle of the Nation's Capital. It will not only be quieter but the perfect beginning he has longed for since he began President. Vermont is the perfect location for this journey to begin. He is more than ready.

He stands then turns to face his desk. He leans on it then picks up the battleship from President H.W. Bush – his gift to Fitz after he won the Presidency. "I'll see you soon," he speaks to his desk then heads out of the Oval. He stops on the Presidential Seal allowing its remarkable history to remind him how lucky he IS to have been chosen by the will of the people to do the job he was elected.

As he begins to leave he hears, "Do you think you miss it?"

Fitz turns to his Chief of Staff with a soft smile growing on his face. "In the beginning Marcus but as time passes no. My time is over."

Marcus Walker became his Chief of Staff when his former professor Cyrus Beene recommended him for the job. Cyrus ran his campaign with Marcus' help. Cyrus spent the first six months with Fitz allowing Marcus to be his shadow – then gradually stepping aside.

Fitz hated to see Cyrus go, but it was the right decision. Georgetown University approached him with an offer he could not refuse, President of the prestigious school - his alma mater. He taught political science and history until Fitz ran for Governor of California. Cyrus was his Chief of Staff during both of Fitz's terms.

Cyrus not only became his Chief of Staff when he was Governor but one of his closest friends. They are many photos of the two floating around of not only a team, but a bromance it was no to be called. Fitz and Cyrus became known as Citz to those in their inner circle. Fitz relied on Cyrus when it got tough and he became unsure if he was going a good job.

Cyrus never let him forget that he was his hallelujah, heroine and reason to breath some days but truthfully if it was not for that man, Fitz may never have run for the White House and won. It was a difficult decision for him to step down but worth it.

It wasn't that he did not want to be with him in the White House, but he missed teaching or "shaping" the youth who could one day lead this Great Nation. Fitz of course was his prized pupil and he could not be more proud he won the Presidency.

"No second thoughts," he is questioned. "Or regrets," Marcus walks up beside Fitz eyeing him closely.

Fitz sighs. "No." He pivots on his feet to face Marcus. "This is the best for my family."

"You are young enough Sir." Fitz eyes raise but then he chuckles. He is aware of what Marcus is implying. "This doesn't have to be it."

"Marcus…,"

"I'm just throwing idea out there Mr. President. Just now no matter what you decide I'd be honored," he touches Fitz's arm.

"Thank you."

"Plus Miss Theodora would never forgive me if I left," he quips.

"Oh so that's the real reason you are coming with me to Rutland, Vermont to run my foundation," he snickers softly.

"That and I hear your Godmother is one of the best cooks up there," he winks.

"Yes," he sighs. "She is. The woman is very eager to put meat on my bones and gush over Theodora."

They speak a few moments more until Marcus glances down at his watch. "Sir the time. She'll be here soon. We should," he motions for Fitz to head out. Fitz nods.

By now Mrs. Handley is at her desk to begin her final letters for The President. Lauren and Charlotte work at their desks keeping a close eye on the clock.

"You know," Lauren speaks first glancing at the clock. It's nearly nine. "I am really going to miss him."

"We all will," Charlotte comments sadly. "He was a joy to work for."

"Now you all quit it," Mrs. Handley chastises. "Give the man a break. You two are going to Vermont with President Grant. He's giving you some much needed paid vacation allowing him and Miss Theodora get settled. He has not had a true break in such a long time. Neither have you. I on the other hand…,"

"Is very lucky to be staying behind here to set up for the new President and his staff before you retire in three months," Fitz comments stepping out of his office. He walks over to Mrs. Handley embracing her. "I am going to miss you Mrs. Handley. Are you sure I cannot convince you to come to Vermont? You have been invaluable to me all these years."

She lightly chuckles. "I'm afraid not Sir. My family and grandchildren are here. I trained Lauren and Charlotte. Plus haven't you had enough of me pestering you all these years."

Fitz laughs. "Actually no," he draws her in for a hug. "If it was not for you I would have been late for a lot more meetings, lost more files I care to count. You helped keep me focused and on time. You have to promise to stop by and visit me in Vermont."

"I'll think about it after I retire. You know how much I love the city," she teases. "Now before Miss Theodora comes in here I wanted to make you sure you knew it has been an honor working for you all these years."

Fitz hugs Mrs. Handley. "No the honor has been mine," he sighs realizing how much he is going to miss her. "Without you I surely would have botched more than a few letters a phone calls to heads of state."

"That's putting it mildly," Mrs. Handley chastises. The room laughs. "You should have listened to me and took up typing," she suggests.

Fitz laughs as he checks his watch. "If I say yes will you still be my teacher," Fitz smirks.

"I'd have to come to Vermont Sir," Mrs. Handley reminds him. Fitz can only shrug his shoulders. "I'll think about it."

"Think about what," Theodora announces stepping into the room. Fitz turns hearing her voice. His smile widens as she runs into his arms. He lifts her off the ground as he squeezes her tightly. "Did you miss me?"

"Of course," Fitz boasts. "Don't I always." She kisses Fitz.

Theodora faces everyone. "Hello Ladies and Marcus." Everyone greets her warmly. "Please tell me you didn't forget," she eyes Fitz.

"I did not forget," Fitz responds dramatically. "How could I have will ALL of those reminders today. I am not that old am I?"

Theodora examines his hair. "No. I don't see any white yet." Fitz laughs. "So are we ready for our final showing?"

"But of course," Marcus pipes up before Fitz can respond. "If you would follow me Miss Theodora. Everything you have requested is in place." Theodora meets Fitz's eyes. He nods. He releases her permitting her to hug Lauren, Charlotte and Mrs. Handley who is on the verge of tears.

Theodora notices it. "Why are you crying," she asks innocently.

"I am going to miss you seeing you everyday Miss," Mrs. Handley admits in a disbelieving tone. "You grew on me."

"Us all," Lauren steps to Theodora with Charlotte. "We will miss our tea-time in the afternoon."

"But you'll be in Vermont with us right. You both are still coming," Theodora spins to Fitz with her hands on her hips. "You said they are?" He cannot help but smirk at her mistrustful tone.

Fitz saunters to Theodora. "Yes both Charlotte and Lauren will be arriving in a few weeks. They have a much needed vacation starting after the parade today." His eyes meet both his secretaries. "Watch the parade with the new President and then GO HOME. ALL OF YOU," his eyes wander to Mrs. Handley.

"I am out of here before that," Mrs. Handley boasts. "I promised my grandchildren I'd watch it with home AT HOME on TV." Theodora hugs her again. "But I will do my best to visit you in Vermont all right."

Theodora smiles then reaches Fitz. "I'm ready."

"Okay," Fitz smiles softly keeping his emotions under wraps. He did not expect to be this emotional. If she sees his tears then she'll start crying. He cannot have that.

/

"Boysenberry…"

Marcus ushers then into the Oval. Theodora's eyes dance with excitement seeing everything set on the coffee table. From her favorite mango juice, fruit, donuts, and favorite breakfast "tea" foods. As she walks to the table she stops. "Is that really what I think it is?"

"It is," Fitz places his hand on her back to steady her. "Marcus put in a request for it."

"But I thought he couldn't get any more," she questions.

"Well I put in a special order," Marcus sits on the arm of the couch next to Theodora. "You know my cousin makes the best….,"

"Boysenberry jam in the ENTIRE world," Theodora squeaks ready to try some on her bagel. She cannot contain her excitement. It was right after Thanksgiving she was able to have some of this delicious jam. Her favorite. There are other's Marcus has brought to the White House but Boysenberry won first place in her mind.

Fitz cannot help but laugh at her zealousness. At times he would crave the different flavors of Jam Marcus would bring in for him to taste test from his trips to Vermont. Fitz has a sweet tooth not much for Jam but the flavors Marcus has had him try always leaving him craving for more. He cannot explain it but it is the only jam he'll eat now, where he would not have any before.

Since he began working for Fitz three and a half years ago, he's brought homemade jam and jelly from his hometown. He came to learn it's a family recipe passed down through the generations.

Marcus attempted to make it once and about burned his Aunt and Uncle's house down. His mother and Aunt were giving him cooking lessons after many long years of him pestering to learn to make it. He remembers turning his head only for a few seconds to answer a phone call while his mother and aunt went to get the mason jars.

The berries were cooking on the stove. He turned while he was speaking to his cousin and they had bubbled over falling onto the hot gas burner. The berries caught fire. He abruptly dropped the phone and ran to get fire extinguisher to put out the flames before they spread. His aunt and Mother rushed up stairs to a smoke filled kitchen and a rather upset Marcus.

His cousin, who was in the area, rushed over to help clean up the mess and save him from her own mother and Aunt. He'll never forget it. Since this day he's been banned from the kitchen unless someone is in there to supervise.

"Marcus," Fitz calls out to him.

"Yo…," Theodora waves her hands in front of his face finally getting his attention.

"Sorry," he blushes. He has never informed Fitz of his incident and he'd like to keep it to himself. "I was just remembering the last time you had this."

"It had been a while." Fitz's whimsical answer makes him smile. He too is aware this is a family recipe. But this time notices the jar. "Marcus? This is the same right?"

"Of course. She finally made her dream a reality a year ago," pointing to the label on the jar. "Now when I get jam, it comes in one of these special jars from the store. It's very fancy. We are extremely proud of her."

Fitz picks up the jar to examine it closely. "How close it this to where the Foundation will be and my new Residence?"

"Well depending on traffic," he pauses. "Thirty minutes to forty-five. The Secret Service would know more IF you ever wanted to go visit the store. She is very busy these days but loves every second of it."

"I'll keep that in mind," he contemplates. "Marcus your family is aware you are moving back to Vermont right?"

"Yes Mr. President," Marcus snickers. "My family is eager to have me close to home again. We are a very close nit family. No matter how much I begged them to come to DC they wouldn't do it even though they are huge fans of yours. They have been pestering me to invite you over for dinner once you get settled."

"Thank you." His eyes meet Theodora's. She grins excitedly.

"Can we eat now," she pleads baring keeping still in her seat.

"Mr. President we better," Marcus instructs him.

"Yes let's eat before I have to meet the new President and his family," he urges before he must go. He is impatient not to miss any of this final "tea-time" in the Oval with Marcus and Theodora. He spreads the jam out on his favorite pastry. The moment he bites into it, he cannot help but sigh loudly.

Marcus chortles which makes Theodora laugh. "What," Fitz asks? "Can't a man enjoy his breakfast in peace without being laughed at," he protests playfully.

"I see it's still as good as ever," he teases his boss.

"It's like eating a piece of heaven. Your cousin MUST be angel to create something this delicious," he gushes. There is a tenderness in his voice Fitz's rarely uses unless he is with Theodora.

"I'll make sure to tell her you said so Sir," Marcus winks. "She hasn't lost her touch."

"No she has not. In fact it's even better than before," Fitz mumbles in between bites. Then he remembers a conversation he had with the new President. He recants it to him. Marcus places his food down.

"Seriously Sir," he utters in shock.

"Yup," Fitz smirks. "The new President and his family loved it." He reveals no more of his conversation he had with incoming First family. Marcus is aware Fitz is hiding something and he's certain he'll find out later. If not from his boss, his cousin will gladly tell him.

They continue eating until it's time for him to meet this new President. Everything is tidied up as best as they can for the staff. Fitz stands with Marcus and Theodora taking one more look at the Oval.

"Everything okay," Theodora questions holding Fitz's hand.

"Yes. Just taking one final look before we go," Fitz sighs as he kisses Theodora's hand.

"Sir it's time. The President-Elect's car is five minutes out," Marcus announces.

Fitz releases a labored sigh. "You know we'll be back one day right," Theodora questions squeezing his hand.

"Maybe," Fitz smirks. He takes both of her hands in his as they stand on the Presidential Seal. He scoops her up in his arms. "But you know what." Theodora squints. "In a few hours you and I begin a new story."

Fitz chuckles and agrees with her. "But you know what the best part will be?"

"What," Fitz asks curiously.

"Maybe one or both of us will get OUR happy ending," Theodora smiles. "Especially you."

Fitz places her down on the floor. "And why's that. I already have a happy ending Theodora. I have you." She brings his forehead to hers for a sweet kiss. As of this moment he truly believes he does not need anything more in his life to be fulfilled.

"Oh it's up there," she suggests. Fitz squints and catches Marcus eyes. Her response is so whimsical. His chest tightens briefly as his nerves briefly take over. Is he excited about living a normal life away from politics of course, but he's also terrified.

What if he's been the politician for so long, he cannot find Fitz the man any longer? Or are they one in same. This is the very reason he chose Vermont. It is a fresh start – a new beginning – and maybe there is a happy ending waiting there for all.

"You both are too much," he chastises side-eyeing both Marcus and Theodora. But as he walks out of the Oval Office for the final time with his hand laced with Theodora's he has this gut feeling he'll be falling for Vermont it will literally take his breath away. And when he does it will happen exactly at the right time in a way he'll never see coming.

/

TBC…

Okay my precious Pumpkins that is it for this first installment of this year's Christmas Olitz Story.

Now what do you think? Honestly. Are you eager to earn another ticket to ride on the Olitz Express in this new Holiday tale? I can promise you fluff, jam making (many types) and Hallmark Olitz moments.

Also I'm sure you have questions from the crumbs I left behind. One I'm certain is #WhoIsTheodora? Thoughts, predictions. Who is she to Fitz?

So I you are interested for more leave me a crumb, PM or DM. If no one likes it I won't add any more. The choice is yours.

As always thank you for reading and your continued support.

Peace, Love and Pumpkins…Me's