Why are you confused? Chapter 3

Fitz sits on the shower floor, his knees drawn to his chest and his arms hugging his legs. Pulsating streams of warm water from the omni-directional showerheads cascade down on his body massaging his stress-laden muscles. Olivia sits next to him in the same position. Both sit motionless, allowing the cleansing flow to wash away the pain, to wash away their sins and if only briefly, the cares of the world. She reaches for Fitz's hand. The move barely registers with Fitz. He feels her, he needs her but he's lost in his thoughts.

"So much death, Livvie, so much death." He mumbles. He's stuck in a mental loop of repeating statements. His thoughts are echoes that his voice gives resonance to.

"I know baby. We are neck deep in blood, bodies and bad actors. Soon things are going to change Fitz. I promise you the horrors of the past will be just that; in the past. You and I are going to leave here clean, maybe not spotless but clean, hopeful and reenergized. Fitz it is time for our future to be one of our own making. Here we will decide what is and what it will be. The lies, the heartache, the manipulations of others end here and now. Do you hear me Fitz? Are you with me? Are we in this together?"

He nods ever so slightly. He is spent both emotionally and physically. He wants to believe her words. He needs to believe her words but there is so much pain. The cost to get him in the oval office and keep him ensconced is a product of political deficit spending. The favors owed, the cover-ups, his political debts are staggering. The realization that his consignment to the nation's premier debtors' prison will last another four years is taking its' toll on his already fractured psyche. He needs to shut down, quiet his mind or he'll snap. Sleep, the nocturnal temptress beckons and he needs to answer the call.

"Liv, I am so tired, so, so tired. Can we go to bed? Can we just go to bed? I just want to sleep. Can we shut out the world and close our eyes for a few hours? Can we Liv for a few hours?"

"If that's what you want." Olivia stands and turns off the shower. Extending her hand, she helps the weakened soul next her onto his feet. She dries him off, lotions his body and helps him put on his pajama bottoms. She then does the same for herself.

Olivia maneuvers Fitz into their bed. She cuddles him from behind. It is her turn to wrap him in protective arms. She whispers words of comfort and assurance into his ear. He grabs her hand and kisses it.

"I love you Olivia. Thank you for bringing me home."

"I love you too Fitz. Sleep baby. I promise tomorrow will be a better day."

Exhaustion overtakes them both and within minutes they are fast asleep.

/

AN - I know this is a short chapter but it is a necessary pause before Rowan is dealt with and the story concludes.

I'm kid free this week, so my plan is do a little something on each story. Enjoy and let me know what you think. Your reviews are appreciated and really make my day.