AN: Glad you all enjoyed the 1st chapter and thanks for the reviews. We'll be going back in time to learn just how Fitz and Liv came to be POTUS & FLOTUS. I promise this will be mainly fluff...
Chapter 2: That Girl
Before I tell her that I love her
That I want her
That my mind, soul and body needs her
Tell her that I'd love to, that I want to
That I need to do all that I have to
To be in her love
-Stevie Wonder: That Girl
October 2002
It was official; Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III was a single man. His divorce decree had finally arrived. It had just been five months since he and Mellie had released a joint statement, announcing their divorce. Mellie being her usual self was against the divorce. She knew his ultimate goal was to make it to the White House, and she wasn't willing to easily let that go. After offering his support to her political career and a hefty alimony settlement, Mellie agreed knowing a nasty divorce was the last thing their children needed.
Since the announcement of his divorce, his ratings across the board had dropped. His chief of staff had suggested he seek out a fixer and one person came to mind, his former professor: Cyrus Beene. Cyrus had taught him during his time at Yale and the two had remained in touch over the years. Cyrus, someone who made it his mission to keep tabs on Fitz, was more than willing to help the governor out. Fitz had been one of his best students. There was a charm about couldn't be ignored about him and Cyrus knew he'd be destined for greatness. That's why we quickly contacted the only person he knew could possibly turn everything around for Fitz, Olivia Pope.
"I want her gone," Fitz demanded as he soon as Cyrus stepped into his office.
"Why? She's brilliant. She's just want you need," Cyrus boasted.
"She's a child, a baby! Is she even finished with law school? What can she do for me?"
"More than you're currently during for yourself," Olivia's voice came from behind him.
"You may not like what I have to say but it's the truth. If you want to remain in public office you need to pull your shit together. While it isn't any of your concern, I am indeed out of law school. Princeton Law, first in my class. Clearly you aren't as dedicated as you make yourself out to be. I'll be on the next flight out. It was lovely seeing you Cy," Olivia kissed his cheek before closing the door behind her.
"What the hell was that," Cyrus hissed. "You came to me. You asked for the best, well Olivia Pope is the best. Best student I've ever had, even better than you. If you want to another term as governor, if you even want a whiff at the Presidential Campaign of 2008, you'll go out there with your tail between your legs and do some major ass kissing!"
" Miss Pope, Miss Pope," Fitz jogged after her.
"What do you need, Governor Grant. I have a flight to book," Olivia said curtly.
"Please don't book that flight. Will you come with me? Let me explain my behavior and apologize," he pleaded with his eyes and voice.
"Lead the way," Olivia said as he led them to a conference room.
" Miss Pope," Fitz began but Olivia cut him off.
"Look, I understand this has been a trying year for you, and you have deepest sympathies but..."
" That does not excuse my behavior back there. My sister would have kicked my ass," Fitz joked. It had been a little over a year since his family had lost his sister. Since was a victim of the 9/11 attacks, and to say the family had been on a rollercoaster ride would have been an understatement. It seemed after the one year mark, the family was beginning to move forward and come to terms. No matter the heart ship he'd endured, it didn't excuse his childlike behavior.
"The truth is I'm attracted to you," Fitz admitted as he locked eyes with her. In actually he was certain he was in love with her but wouldn't dare utter those words.
"Governor Grant..."
"Before you say anything, let me clarify I know nothing would ever happen between us. I'm slightly disgusted with myself, seeing as you're young enough to be my daughter or niece. It makes me feel like a dirty old man," he shook his head.
"Governor Grant, you're correct. Nothing would happen between us. Not because you aren't handsome and charming," Olivia commented and the corners of his mouth tugged upward, " but I don't mix business and pleasure. However, you need me. You need my expertise if you have in hope of one day becoming president. I'm the best you'll ever have. I will eat, breathe, live Fitzgerald Grant III until I know you've secured another term as governor. Now tell me, are you capable of putting your emotions aside to let me help you," she raised a brow.
"Yes," he nodded.
"Very well then. Looks like I won't be needing that flight after all," Olivia made her way to the door. "And Governor, you shouldn't feel like a dirty old man. I may be young but I'm certainly not young enough to be your daughter, but thank you for the compliment. Very flattering," Olivia winked, confirming what Fitz already knew: he was in trouble.
December 2002
Fitz loved the weekends. Weekends generally meant he saw his kids, more importantly, he didn't see Olivia.
After his reveal of his attraction, she never brought up the issue again and neither did he. However, he did notice she was cautious around him. She made it priority to not to be alone with him, much to his dismay. Despite her best efforts, he'd still find a way to be close to her. He'd lean over her to look at stats to get a whiff of her hair or causally brush pass her in the hall to feel the smoothness of her skin.
There was no denying he's drawn to her. It was as if a magnetic force was pulling him towards her. No matter how much he fought it, he couldn't stay away. He found himself watching the sway of her hips, the way her full lips pursed together as she pondered over a task.
Generally weekends meant he didn't have to attempt to avoid her but this one was different. This weekend, he was hosting his staff appreciation party at his ranch. It was his chance to that them for their hard work, mingle with there families and enjoy pleasant conversation. While he normally enjoyed himself at such events, he kept eyeing Olivia, looking for a chance to talk to her, to learn more about her.
Just as he had finished a conversation with one of his staffers about football, he saw his son with Olivia. Jerry was snuggled up with Olivia, his head plush against her chest and in that moment, Fitz wished he was a four year old. Curious as to why his son wasn't interacting with the other children, he quickly made his way across the room.
"Hey you two," Fitz greeted with a bright smile.
"Hello," Olivia greeted.
"Hi, Dad," Jerry snuggled closer to Olivia.
"Bud, why aren't you playing with everyone else," Fitz crouched down, so that he was eye level with his son. It also gave him the chance to observe the beauty of his son's pillow. "How I wish those were my pillows," Fitz thought to himself, as if she could read his MJ d Olivia eyed him briefly.
"Cause, Liv is here! We got lots to talk about. Liv is pretty and when I'm big, I'm gonna marry her," Jerry explained as if the explanation wasn't needed.
"The two of you are getting married? Talk about robbing the cradle, Olivia," Fitz teased and to his surprised, Olivia granted him with a sweet laugh.
"Hey who says I'm a cradle robber. You don't even know my age," Olivia turned to Jerry , " I think your dad is trying to call me old."
"You're not old. Dad is old! You're too pretty to be old. He's just jealous cause you're mine."
"First, I'm not jealous," he tickled Jerry's side. " Second, I wasn't implying that you're old, simply that there's a significant age difference between you and my son," he meet her eyes, hoping he'd gage her response.
"You know all about significant ages differences don't you, Governor," Olivia challenged as the mood sifted.
Fitz didn't turn away, instead his eyes bore into hers and he was certain her expression matched his. Behind her resistant, he could see a gleam of desire, a fire simmering.
"Hey, stop staring at her like that," Jerry pokes his dad.
"How was I staring at her, Bud?"
"Like you want to kiss her. And you can't kiss her cause Liv is mine," Jerry pouted as both Liv and Fitz stared flabbergasted.
"Jer, I'm sure your dad doesn't want to kiss me," Olivia recovered first, looking around to make sure no one had heard. The last thing she wanted was to be the talk of the office.
"Yeah huh! Dad is smart. You're pretty and very smart and funny and nice. You kiss people like that. At least that's what Karen said when she made me play with her dolls," Jerry said adamantly. "Livia, will you still marry me, even if Karen makes me play dolls?"
"Yes, I'll still marry you. And you want to know a secret," Olivia lowered her voice and Jerry nodded. "I think it's very sweet that you play with your sister. That means you're a good little brother. "
"See Dad, she's nice. That's why you want to kiss her but you can't, only me," Jerry sat up and kissed Olivia's cheek.
"I'll remember that son," Fitz finally spoke with a chuckle in his voice. "I'm going to grab some food, would either of you like anything?"
"No thank you," Olivia answered.
"Yes, pasta and cookies and juice," Jerry requested.
"Pasta, cookies and juice. Got it," Fitz stood.
"Good, now Livia can finish her story," Jerry nodded as his father left the two.
Fitz still could believe the words his son a had uttered. Was he truly that transparent or what it that kids just observed more. He couldn't deny that seeing her bond with Jerry tugged at his heart strings. It was if she belonged in his life., and want her even more than he already it. Despite trying to convince himself it was purely a physical attraction, he knew the way he felt he could no longer lie to himself. Shaking his head, Fitz decided not to dwell on the situation. No one had heard and he knew Olivia wouldn't mention it again. After all, she would never all him to kiss her.
January 2003
"Liv, have you seen these ratings? They're high across the board. Higher than they were before the divorce," Cyrus exclaimed like a child on Christmas morning. "I knew you were the person for the job."
"Someone had an extra cup of coffee this morning," Fitz smiled at Olivia.
"Have you seen these, it's almost February and your ratings are still high. Given everything that's occurring in his country, that's a damned good thing."
"I can't take all the credit. Governor Grant here had a little to work with. He just had to polish him up a little," Olivia smiled at her mentor.
"You're only saying that because you know I'm pissed you're leaving," Cyrus looked to her.
"Which is very hypocritical seeing as you've been in Connecticut," Olivia retorted.
"I have people to see, cases to oversee," Cyrus defended.
"Can I just say, I'm grateful for everything the both of you have done and that I'll miss you both," Fitz smiled.
"It was my pleasure, Governor and my word still stands. If you ever need anything just let me know. I'll be around more frequently next year during the campaign," Olivia promised. "Don't forget I'll be keeping tabs on you. Can't have you ruining all my heard work, " she teased and with those words, Fitz smiled internally. Knowing that she'd be checking up on him was music to his ears.
"I'll be sure to remember that. And don't forget you have to visit, your future husband is highly upset that you're moving across the country," Fitz joked, remembering Jerry's reaction when he discovered Olivia was heading back east.
"Of course I have to visit my future husband. What kind of future wife do you think I am," Olivia joked.
"The kind that's taken in by the Grant charm," Cyrus added. "Never pegged you as a cradle robber."
"Like you said, the Grant charm got me. It's the grin, gets me every time," she laughed.
" As much as I'd love to continue to discuss Liv's dating life, I have a few phone calls to make. You children behave yourselves. "
"Yes, father," Fitz called after him before turning his attention back to Olivia. "I know I'm said but thank you for all you've done. I know this was a favor for Cy but I couldn't be more appreciative. "
"I had fun, truly. I love practicing law but I also love politics."
"Have you ever considered running for office; You'd be perfect."
"Not in a million years. I'd rather stay behind the scenes. "
"Well if you ever change your mind, let me know. I'd be happy to repay the favor."
"Will do," Olivia nodded.
"I hope I'm not overstepping," Fitz looked down at her, " but can I give you a hug. A simple thank you for all you've done. No funny business I promise."
Olivia's headed cocked to the side as she eyed him. Her gut was telling her that his words were sincere, and her gut never stirred her wrong.
"One hug."
"Thank you," he smiled before pulling her into a strong embrace. At first he felt her tension but it soon disappeared as he wrapped his arms about her delicate waist. He never thought he'd experience such a moment. Her curves pressed up against him, him breaking in the smell of her hair, her own smooth arms wrapped around him. In that moment, Fitz knew he had to have her in his life. He needed her like he needed air. He loved her and he was going to do his damnedest to make sure she loved him as well.
AN: Liv has helped Fitz out and now she's heading back home. What ever shall he do now. Weren't Liv and Jer cute. Next update should be sometime next week.
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