Thank you for all your sweet reviews! You guys reading and enjoying this story is truly the only reason I wake up in the mornings. If not, I would probably sleep the rest of my summer away! Anyway, let's see what's moving and shaking at Camp David this morning! Disclaimer- I do not own Scandal or these characters!
Olivia had probably seen him on television a thousand times but those cameras did him no justice. He was a very handsome man but something seemed a bit off. Not with him. She could find a flaw on him. Something was off with the way he was acting.
He and his wife sat almost a mile away from one another and would barely even look in each other's direction. She quietly sipped her orange juice while pretending to listen to some story Hollis was telling about going 'Gater huntin down by the Sippi River'. Her mind was actually wandering all around Fitz but she wasn't allowing her eyes to look at him. She couldn't be too obvious.
'He's probably a completely different person when Mrs. Grant isn't around.' She thought to herself. She saw Mellie pinch him though it was obvious no one else did.
'So Olivia-'the southern twang brought her out of her trance. 'We hear you graduated from Harvard.'
She smiled proudly 'You heard correctly. Class of 2006.'
Cyrus smiled like a proud father, 'My top student in all my 25 years of teaching. Top of her class, valedictorian!' he nudged her shoulder, making her laugh.
'Yes, but Cyrus knows I don't like to brag about it.'
'Well shit fire girl, you've got a lot to brag about!' Hollis got the words out, though he had a mouthful of toast and eggs.
The rest of breakfast was mostly spent with everyone asking Olivia questions about her education and where she grew up. Cyrus eventually stood up.
'As fun as this '20 Questions: Olivia Pope Edition' game has been, we need to get some work done. So let's all go to office and start brain storming some ideas.'
In agreement, everyone got up and started headed towards the little area set aside for them to work for the day but Fitz pulled Cyrus to the side and out of earshot of everyone else.
'What is it, Fitz? We need to join the others. '
'I want her gone.'
Cyrus laughed. 'Who? Mellie? I wanted her gone five years ago!'
Fitz's jaw clenched and he yelled in a hushed tone 'You know who I'm talking about. Ms. Pope! Fire her.'
Cyrus raised his eyebrows 'Do you remember what I told you last campaign season?'
Fitz rolled his eyes 'Yes yes yes. You run the sausage factory and we're all sausage but that's beside the point right now. I want her gone.'
'Look, getting Olivia Pope here on the campaign is the best thing we've ever done and it's a huge favor to not only me, but to you. Now we're about to go sit in this room and work and you're going to make nice with Olivia Pope if it kills you.'
'Fine! Alright Cyrus! But if she screws one thing up, I'm firing her myself' Cyrus walked into the room with Fitz following suit.
When Fitz got in the room the only available seat left was the one between Olivia and Mellie. He cursed to himself but took the seat between the woman of his dreams and the source of his nightmares. Once the work started, it became obvious to everyone in the room why Olivia was chosen to be the fixer.
She was brilliant.
She wasn't afraid to speak her mind, even when it came down to some scheme Hollis dished out.
After having many of his ideas thrown out by Olivia, Hollis just sat back and watched her work. Olivia stood up and walked over to a map they had displayed in the room and starting putting red tacks on the conservative states and blue tacks on the liberal ones, then drawing lines on campaign routes that need to be taken. While everyone else took notes, Fitz just watched her. When Olivia turned around, she could tell he had been staring at her. This made her skin heat up and she quickly turned her attention back to the map.
'He wasn't checking me out, was he?' She thought to herself
It had to have been in her imagination. She shook it off and continued explaining her plan.
Once Mellie was bored, she left to go to the gym they had there at Camp David, leaving the others to work for the rest of the day. After almost an hour of working, Fitz and Olivia couldn't help but steal glances at each other from now and then. Olivia would look up and him and he would smirk, or Fitz would look at her and she'd shoot him a smile and continue with what she was doing.
Fitz was now a man on a mission. He didn't want a mistress. He didn't want just a campaign fixer. He wanted Olivia Pope. Every single inch of her. And she was going to be his.
5:30 p.m.
Fitz and Mellie were in the main bedroom, preparing for dinner that the first family and staffers were planned to share.
'I don't see why the kids have to eat with us tonight. Karen only wants to be on the phone, Jerry would rather be playing video games, and Teddy is just going to be making a bunch of noise throughout dinner.' Mellie had been complaining about the dinner for the past hour and a half and Fitz was getting sick of her attitude.
'Mellie, they're our kids! Not just things can be pulled out when you want them to then put away when you're tired of them! Now for the last time, they're joining us at dinner and you're going to put a smile on your face and be happy. And if you're not, act like it!' he hissed out the last words as he buttoned his shirt.
By the time Mellie and Fitz finally arrived to dinner, everyone else was already seated and the food had already been set out. He looked around to find Olivia and there she was, sitting between Jerry and Karen.
'You missed it dad. I was telling Olivia that upcoming Star Trek convention and guess what? She said she LOVES Star Trek!' his fourteen years old son exclaimed excitedly then parted his middle and ring finger to show the 'Vulcan Salute'.
'I figure we could both go together and dress up this year. I could dress up with her instead of the guys' He grinned excitedly then took his fork to stab a roll out of the basket in the middle of the table. Before taking a bite of it, he offered it to Olivia, obviously trying to impress her.
'Would you like the first one?' Jerry said in his most sincere voice.
Olivia smirked. He was definitely on his way to becoming a charmer. 'No thank you Jerry. I think I'll just stick to salad tonight.'
'Alright. But when we go to the convention, we're getting pizza!' he smiled with finality, making Olivia giggle.
Karen grabbed Olivia's arm that was closer to her 'Will you finish telling me the story about the time you studied in Paris'
Olivia smiled 'How about after dinner I'll finish the story and I'll show you some pictures?'
Karen almost squealed as she giggled excitedly. Fitz couldn't help but smile as he watched her interact with the kids. He hadn't seen either of them this excited in years.
Mellie rolled her eyes 'Now now kids, we can't just make Olivia do things. She still has a job to do. We didn't rent her out to you two.' She played with her spaghetti on her fork.
Fitz could sense the tension building in the room so he loudly cleared his throat to get everyone's attention.
'As tradition says, before we return to Washington, a Sunday morning hike is in order.'
Cyrus, Mellie, and Hollis all groaned in unison. Hollis spoke out first.
'Now Fitz, you know I'm all for tradition and what not but do we have to hike again?'
'Yes, we do. And if you didn't bring clothes then don't worry those can be provided. Everyone is going. End of story.'
Mellie had been doing these hikes since the beginning of Fitz' term as president and she's always hated them.
'Fitz, I just got my hair done honey. The humidity would kill it.'
Fitz rubbed his temples but to tell the truth, he really didn't want Mellie there. 'Fine, Mellie can stay but that's it.'
Cyrus leaned forward 'But sir, my heart-'
'The exercise will go good for your heart so like I said, everyone else is going'
Olivia didn't want to go either. She wanted to stay behind and try to get some work done and she didn't bring clothes for a hike but she didn't want to defy Fitz either. She wanted to spend more time around him anyway, even though she wouldn't make a move on him.
9:00 p.m.
Fitz was just about to go to bed and was going around telling the kids they needed to go to sleep. They would need their rest for the hike the next day. When he got to Karen's door it was slightly cracked but instead of the usual sound of her on her phone, he heard giggling. Though it wasn't just Karen, someone else was in there with her. He raised his eyebrows and listen closely outside her door, only to hear Olivia.
'So you really liked Harvard that much?' She barely knew Olivia but she already loved her. She didn't talk down on her like her mom did and she had a lot of interesting stories.
Olivia smiled 'Yes and you're going to love it. The campus is so beautiful and the people there are amazing.'
Fitz lightly knocked on the door and came in. It made him smile seeing Karen getting along with Olivia so well.
'I hate to break up this little slumber party, but we are going hiking in the morning –'
'Can I sleep in Olivia's cabin tonight?' Karen cut his sentence off.
'Now Karen, you can't just impose on Olivia. Did you even ask?'
'She said I could if you said alright.'
Fitz sighed but smiled. He would give Karen the world if she asked.
'Alright. Fine.' He turned his attention to Olivia while Karen busied herself packing some of her clothes up.
'You sure you want her over there all night, Ms. Pope?'
She laughed and stood up 'I think I can handle her Mr. President.'
'Please, call me Fitz.'
'Well, then call me Olivia' she smiled.
They were in arm distance of each other and it hurt them both to not be in the other's embrace. He smiled.
'Well, goodnight Olivia, and thank you.'
Before Olivia could respond Karen had her arm and was dragging her out the room.
'Good night, dad!'
Fitz smirked but took a deep breath before going into the bedroom with Mellie.
6:00 a.m.
They were all supposed to meet in front of the main house in 30 minutes so Olivia and Karen were both up and getting dressed for their trip. Agents Vince and Brown had dropped some hiking clothes off for both of them to wear for the day.
Most of the night had been spent talking about all different types of things from fashion to Harvard. Karen enjoyed having an older person to talk to without criticism and Olivia enjoyed the company.
They met everyone else outside of the main house at 6:30 just as planned and she couldn't help but look at Fitz. He even looked good in khaki shorts and a polo shirt.
'Good morning dad' Karen went up and kissed her dads cheek then turned her attention to her brothers.
'And a good day to you too, dorks' she smirked as she tipped Jerry's glasses up, forcing him to readjust them. She loved both of her little brothers but she really got a kick out of messing with them.
Usually Fitz would've broken up their little squabble but not today. He was too distracted to pay attention to their petty bickering.
'Good morning, Olivia.'
She smiled sweetly in his direction, 'Mr. Pre- Fitz' she corrected herself.
'I'm assuming Karen wasn't too much trouble since you're still here.'
Olivia laughed. 'No, no trouble at all. It was a pleasure having her. And thank you for letting me borrow these clothes for the hike.'
'Consider it a gift. Blue is really your color.' He smiled and started walking towards the front of the group so that he could lead. Olivia could feel her skin heat up again and her shoulders tense. He was the only person who had the ability to make her nervous and she's barely known him for a day.
Once the hike started, Olivia found herself holding Teddy's hand while he talked about his upcoming first day in Kindergarten. He had already discussed it with Fitz, Jerry and Karen but Cyrus and the other's refused to listen to his ramblings.
'Well, I don't think all the girls in your class will have cooties.'
Teddy wrinkled his nose 'Are you sure about that? If I touch them, I may get them to!'
'Well, you're holding my hand and you don't have them.' She smirked.
'That's different. You're a nice lady. Those girls in my class are mean.'
About 20 minutes later and another mile down the trail, the kids were ready to turn around and go back to the cabins but Fitz wasn't hearing any of it.
As he forged ahead of the pack, he lectured to the kids about the importance of exercise and staying active until he heard a shriek. He quickly turned around to find Olivia had fallen.
Everyone rushed to her side but Fitz was the first one there, kneeling beside her.
'What's wrong Olivia? What hurts?'
She turned and sat on her butt and reached to rub her ankle. 'I think I twisted my ankle.'
Cyrus quickly pulled out his cell phone. 'Vince, Brown- I need you to send a car on our trail to take Ms. Pope to the doctor's cabin.'
Fitz started carefully working to take Olivia's boot off. 'It only looks like a sprain but don't worry, we're going to get you right over to the doctor.'
She could only nod and watch him. His hands moved so gently around her skin and he was so careful with her. She had never been handled so attentively to by a man. It felt good.
4 Minutes later
The group saw a black SUV approach their party so Fitz carefully lifted Olivia up and walked her over to the car.
'I can take Olivia over to the doctor's cabin while everyone else goes back to the main house' Fitz said as he placed Olivia in the back of the SUV.
'With all due respect sir, I can go with her. You can prepare for dinner and we'll meet you shortly.' Cyrus' father-like concern was showing. His face and ears had turned red and his palms were sweating. He understood it was only a minor injury but that didn't stop him from fretting about her.
'Cyrus, I can handle it. You need to get back and relax. Look' Fitz gestured to two more vehicles that had just pulled up to take everyone else back to base.
'Your blood pressure is probably soaring through the roof. Just go back and take your medication.'
Cyrus sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose and shut his eyes tightly but nodded his head in agreement.
'Alright, fine.' He looked past Fitz and to where Olivia was sitting. 'Be strong, kiddo. I'll see in a little while.'
She smiled and nodded. Cyrus was the perfect father figure for her through college during the absence of her real dad.
February 10, 2006
It was after class but Olivia stayed behind. She had just returned from Paris and was letting Cyrus flip through her pictures. They laughed and analyzed them until they ran across a few with a boy. He looked to be around Olivia's age and they were extremely close.
'And who might this be?' he raised his eyebrows
'Oh, him? His name is Alexandre.'
'You two look extremely close.'
'Don't worry. He's only a friend'
Cyrus continued flipping through pictures only to find a lot more with him. He sighed and put the camera down for a moment.
'I just worry about you sometimes Olivia. I just want you to be careful.'
'I know and I'm being careful. I promise.' She smiled reassuringly.
Most girls on campus would hate if Cyrus was looking after them, but Olivia appreciated it. She knew she needed someone's help.
Present Day
Olivia truly wouldn't be the person she was today if it wasn't for Cyrus.
'I promise I'll be careful'
He nodded and turned to Fitz. 'Take care of her'
'Alright, I will. We'll see you soon.' Fitz turned and shut Olivia's door and went to get in on the other side. Cyrus watched as they left going in the opposite direction they were headed then got inside one of the other vehicles.
Fitz helped Olivia prop her ankle up on the arm rest on the front seat.
'We're going to have to keep it elevated.'
Olivia winced. Any movement at all hurt so bad but she let him move her ankle.
'Alright, thanks.'
'Sorry about all this. I feel kind of at fault.'
'No no. It was just an accident. It was no one's fault' she smiled through her pain.
He was so close and he smelled so good. She internally chastised herself.
'He's married. He has kids. He's the President' she repeated over and over to herself.
When they arrived at the doctor's, he confirmed Fitz's prognosis of a sprained ankle. They wrapped her ankle up and gave her a pair of crutches, instructing her to put ice on it and keep it elevated. Fitz tried to help her back into the truck but Agent Brown took over and rolled her out in a wheel chair.
It was about a ten minute drive back to the main camp so Fitz utilized his time by asking her questions.
'So, you really know all about all that Star Trek stuff Jerry likes?'
'Well, I used to love it in high school but I stopped watching it because I've been so busy, but when Jerry greeted me with the Vulcan Salute, it brought back all those memories 'she laughed.
He smirked, her laugh was beautiful.
'Who would've guessed the infamous Olivia Pope was a Trekkie'
'And you're not, Mr. President?' she smirked.
'I must admit I might have watched it a little bit.'
'A little bit?'
'Well, maybe it's my favorite show but you can't tell anyone that. I don't want to be a nerd like you and Jerry.'
They both laughed. By the way their conversation flowed and comfortable they were around each other, anyone would think they had known each other forever. They looked a married couple who never let the sparks die.
The ride back to the camp was too short. Neither one of them wanted to get out of the car but Vince and Brown both got out and opened their car doors so they knew it was time.
Olivia sat on the couch in the main house with her foot up on the couch. Cyrus came and sat beside her.
'I can call a car and they can take you home early.'
Olivia didn't want to say goodbye to Fitz so soon. Even if all she could do was sit and talk to him, she would stay for weeks. Everyone was scheduled to leave in the morning. She could wait until then.
'No, I'm fine. Thank you though Cyrus.'
'Alright but if you need anything, you need to tell me, alright?'
'I will.'
Jerry ran in and flopped down on the other couch with a box set of DVD's.
'I know what will make her feel better! Star Trek marathon!' he grinned proudly and showed his collection off.
Before he could put the first DVD in Fitz came in and took it from him.
'I think what would make Olivia feel better would be some dinner and some rest. Go get washed up, Jerry.'
'Aw, dad.' He got up and moped past them to go the restroom.
'Don't worry Olivia, we're going to have dinner in the living room so you don't have to move so much.'
Cyrus sighed with relief when he heard that, happy to know she have to move anytime soon.
'Where's Mellie?' he hadn't seen her since they had been back.
Fitz rolled his eyes and sat in Jerry's seat on the opposite couch. He wanted to sit by Olivia but he couldn't just tell Cyrus to move.
'She, Hollis, Kaven, and Davis all left a couple minutes ago. They all said they had other things to do back in the city.'
'So it's just us and the kids?' Cyrus raised his eyebrows, earning a nod from Fitz.
The six of them all shared dinner together in the living room, mostly quiet except for Teddy's ramblings on about kindergarten.
After dinner, Fitz was going to help Olivia back to her cabin but Cyrus stopped him.
'Sir, I'll just call Vince and Brown and they'll drive her.'
'Nonsense, Cyrus. Her cabin's 50 feet away.'
'50 feet is a long way for someone who can't walk, sir.' Cyrus argued.
Olivia wasn't used to being fussed over this way but she didn't like it that much.
'I can walk over there by myself.' She interjected.
'Alright so let's compromise. You can walk over there, but Fitz has to walk with you. Now, everyone is pleased.'
Fitz and Olivia both liked the idea so they agreed and Olivia carefully stood up and started headed towards the door with Fitz following right behind her.
There was no way he was going to let something else bad happen to her on his watch. Not ever again.
When they go to her door he helped her up the stairs and then to get her door open.
'Thank you for everything, Fitz.'
'It's absolutely no problem. It' the least I could do. Someone will help you over to the main house for breakfast. Just know, Jerry has been begging for that job.' They both laughed.
'He definitely is a little charmer.'
'Just like his old man.' Fitz beamed proudly, making Olivia snicker.
'Goodnight, Fitz.'
'Goodnight, Olivia.'
He wanted to kiss her so badly. He wanted to know exactly how her full lips would feel next to his and to feel the way her body would react to his gesture. If only he knew she wanted the exact same thing.
Instead, he made sure Olivia got in safely and shut her door and headed back towards the main cabin.
8:00 a.m.
After breakfast, the group went their separate ways, with their next meeting day to be in a week but this time at the White House.
Olivia and Fitz shook hands and said their goodbyes, both of them fighting the urge to wrap the other in their arms and just stand there.
Meanwhile, in the city
Mellie and Hollis were having breakfast together on one of the patios at the White House.
Hollis sipped his coffee. 'Now girly I know you're not blind. You saw the way Fitzy was eyeballing that nig-'
'Don't, finish that' Mellie raised her hand to signal him to stop. 'But, yes. I saw it.'
'So why did you leave those two together? You off your rocker?'
'No, Hollis. Olivia is a distraction and Fitz is stubborn. He won't stop until he gets what he wants. If he wants her then he can have her. Maybe getting off with her will help him keep his concentration on the campaign.'
'I see you're committed to keeping your seat as First Lady.'
'As long as Fitz doesn't affect that, he can do what he wants. Plus I can't say that I haven't a few extramarital rendezvous' she shrugged and sipped her tea then smiled deviously at him.
'How's that son of yours Hollis?'
Back at Olivia Pope & Associates
The week had been extremely slow. Huck had busied himself fixing some things around the office and Quinn insisted on helping him. He didn't mind though. It was nice to have her company sometimes. Not only was she willing to learn, she learned fast.
Abbey and Harrison spent their days in the conference room, organizing some paperwork to be filed away. They had been on their tenth date so far since committing themselves to each other and they had dinner reservations for that night at 6 p.m. They tried their best to keep their office flirting down to a minimum, especially around Huck and Quinn.
'Must you bend over right in my face?' Harrison smirked, finding her gestures amusing, yet sexy.
'I don't know what you're talking about Mr. Wright.'
'Well I'll tell you all about it tonight.'
Before Abbey could reply, Quinn came rushing in.
'Turn on the news! Turn on the news!'
Harrison raised his eyebrows but leaned forward and turned the television on.
'This is Kathryn Bell reporting breaking news that the son of CEO Hollis Doyle has been arrested on DUI charges. Inside the car with him was the daughter of Governor Samuel Reston, Jessica Reston. Mr. Doyle also does work as a supporter of President Grant's campaign. It is reported once Hollis Doyle Jr. was stopped, he resisted arrest and threatened officers. Police Chief Roberts also reports that there were high levels of cocaine in both of their systems. We'll bring you more on this story once we get it.'
'Looks like Olivia is going to be busy for the next couple weeks.' Abbey remarked as they looked at the mugshot on the television.
Right on cue, the phone in the middle of the table rang loudly, catching everyone's attention.
'And it looks like we will be too.' Harrison stood up and pressed the speaker button on the phone's receiver.
'Olivia Pope & Associates.'
So much for 6 o'clock reservations.
So I'm not in love with this chapter but as usualy, tell me what you think about it! Olivia and Fitz are starting to connect and even the kids love her. Poor Olivia hurt her ankle but her super hero will always come to her rescue. And what's going on in Mellie's mind? Abbey and Harrison seem to getting serious, too. Until next time guys!
