I hope you enjoy!
Xavier woke up the next morning to find his brother locking his bedroom door from the outside while his mom pounded on the door. He didn't know what his brother was doing and he definitely didn't approve of it whatever it was he was doing.
"Jay, let her out of there." Xavier demanded.
He didn't know why, but for some reason he had the urge to protect a woman who he barely knew. She was a stranger to him, although she was the woman that carried him in her stomach for nine months and gave birth to him. He still felt some connection to her because she was still his mother and he was still her son.
"It's part of the process kid." Jay assured his little brother nonchalantly as he continued doing the job at hand.
"Jay Thomas Grant, open this door now!" Olivia screamed from the other side of the door, wailing on it.
"Open the fucking door Jay." Xavier spat coolly with a hint of urgency and concern in his voice.
Jay sighed and stopped what he was doing. He turned around to look at his little brother. Usually he had a small smirk on his face and his eyes had these little specks of light in them, but in that moment, his permanent smirk was gone and the light in his eyes were dimmed. All the joking had been set aside and his face was dead serious. He looked like a completely different person, definitely not his regular bubbly self.
"Listen Xav, I know this is hard for you. It's hard for me too but mom needs to get better. She needs to be fixed and this is the only way she can. This is the only way I know how to fix her. It's gonna be a tough process but she'll eventually be free. Until that happens, I need you to help me help mom."
Xavier listened to his older brother attentively. He was right, in order for their mother to get better; he was going to have to trust Jay to take care of her.
"Okay." Xavier conceded with an accepting nod. "I'll help you. What do you need me to do?"
The specks of light start to claim their usual place in Jay's eyes as his signature smirk reappears. He clasped Xavier's shoulder, "The only thing I need you to do is focus on that big fight you have tonight. Nothing else. Besides dad will bury my ass if you show up to your fight unprepared."
"Will you be there?" Xavier asked almost desperately.
Jay gave his brother a sympathetic look, "I'm sorry kid. I don't think I'll be able to make it. Not with this…" He gestured to his bedroom door, "…going on."
Xavier face fell at his brother's response. He knew what he was already going to say, but he needed to hear it. He needed to hear those words, so he didn't hang on to false hope. Jay hated seeing his brother like that. He honestly wanted to be by his side during his debut professional fight, but he also needed to stay with their mom in case something were to happen. At least Xavier wasn't completely alone. He was going to have their dad by his side through every second, minute, and hour of his fight.
"I'm really sorry Xav but mom needs me more. I know you're gonna do great tonight. You're gonna be a beast and bust this guy's face in and I'll be right here watching you do it. I'll still be cheering you on but it won't be in your physical presence." Jay slid his hand on Xavier's shoulder up to cup the back of his head and pulled it forward, so their foreheads were together. "Good luck baby boy."
"Thanks." Jay pulled Xavier in for a hug. When they pulled apart, he playfully shoved him in the direction of his bedroom. "Now get ready so you can head over to the gym. Oh and make sure to tell dad that I love him."
Xavier chuckled with a headshake as he walked back into his room to get ready for his productive day that lead to probably the most important night of his life.
The air was so thick with anticipation. It was only a few minutes before he had to walk out of the trainer's room to face his opponent and Xavier was on the edge. Everybody in the room could see how evident that was. Fitz, who had been observing his nervous son from across the room, knelt down in front of him. He rested his forehead against Xavier's with his left hand holding the top of his head as he spoke his soft words of encouragement.
"Look X, I know you're nervous, this being your first big fight and all but you have nothing to worry about. You're going to fucking murder that guy. I want you to go ballistic on his ass. Just remember to breathe, breathing is key okay. I'm telling you that pansy has nothing on you. Go out there and rip his fucking head off."
Xavier nodded. All the uncertainty left his body as confidence replaced it. He no longer had fear in his eyes instead he had the eye of the tiger impatiently waiting to attack his prey. Before he knew it, it was time for the big fight everybody was excited to see whether they were in the arena or at home. Everybody was eager to see the youngest Grant fight for the first time professionally. Of course there was a lot of pressure on him because he had very large shoes to fill. His father was a legend and his brother was known as a great fighter before he fell off.
Not only did Xavier have big shoes to fill, but he also had to prove himself. He didn't want to be known only as the Fitz Grant's son. He wanted to make a name for himself and tonight was probably his only chance to do so. Xavier stood right behind the curtain where the arena was on the other side. He was bouncing in place as he loosened his arms. Fitz stood behind him and rubbed his shoulders through his black Navy St. T-shirt.
"You ready?" Fitz asked him. Xavier nodded. "Okay, let's do this."
Immediately Xavier's entrance music started blasting through the speakers strategically placed throughout the building and he exploded through the curtains. He grabbed the collar of his shirt and ripped it right down the middle, while letting out a 'roar' just like his father did back in the day when he fought. Xavier pounded his chest twice with his right glove clad fist to show that he was ready for battle. Both he and his opponent made their way inside of the cage on opposite sides with their team following in suit. Fitz slipped Xavier's black mouthpiece into his mouth and gave him one last brief pep talk.
"This is it. This is your moment. That guy has nothing on you. Remember to keep breathing if you get stuck and no matter what happens tonight, I love you. You're my boy, my blood. Even though Jay's not here I love him too. We're a fucking a family. Now go out there and make that fucker wish he was never born."
Xavier nodded and made his way to the center of the cage, where the referee stood in between him and his opponent. Both men stood eye to eye, neither showing a hint of fear. The looks on their faces told the crazed audience that this was going to be a helluva fight. Each fighter listened to the referee as he went through the rules and touched gloves once he was finished. They referee stepped back as they did so. They both squared up and waited for the bell to ring.
Ding Ding…
Fitz lifted Xavier up on his shoulder in triumph. He was extremely proud of his son's victory. At first he was a little unsure of the outcome being in their favor because Xavier's opponent came out hot. He was landing every hit and every kick, while Xavier struggled to block each attack. The third round was when Xavier found his momentum. His opponent had him pinned to the point where he was on the brink of tapping out. His father knew it and yelled, "Don't you tap out. Breathe. Hips. Breathe."
Xavier listened to his dad's coaching and did as he was told. He kept breathing, while he put all his power in his hips in order to lift his opponent up. Once Xavier lifted his opponent up high enough, he slammed him onto the floor hard, knocking him out. The referee declared him the victor and lifted his arm up. Fitz immediately ran into the cage and lifted his son up on his shoulders, parading him around the cage. Xavier victoriously lifted his fists up in the air. He smiled as he looked at the cheering crowd as best as he could. He had a cut above his right eye that caused a trail of blood to travel down the side of his face. His other eye was slightly swollen, but he could still see out of it.
Xavier did a couple of brief interviews after he finished celebrating. He even got a few offers from sponsors that were beyond enthusiastic to sponsor him, knowing that he had so much potential and was going to be the next big thing. Everything that Xavier wanted to accomplish that night, he did. He couldn't wait to go home and have a mini celebration with his brother to end the best night of his life and afterwards get his many deserved hours of sleep.
Nearly three weeks went by since Xavier's big fight and life for everybody seemed to be getting better, including Olivia's. The first couple of days were extremely difficult to get through without having her regular fix, but she eventually got used to not having any in her life. She still had the urge to snort, shoot up, smoke, etc. but the urge wasn't as strong as it had been the previous week. Even Jay trusted her to stay away from drugs on her own. That was why he finally let her out of his bedroom.
He carefully walked her to the bathroom, where a bath was drawn up for her. Jay had scrubbed the tub clean before he drew up a bath for his mom and got her up to get in it. Jay gently washed her entire body and her hair. Olivia had her head down the whole time in shame and embarrassment. Most sons would feel uncomfortable about bathing their mothers, but he didn't. His mom was vulnerable and in desperate need of help. Most mothers would be uncomfortable with their sons bathing them, but Olivia was grateful that her son cared enough to step out of his comfort zone to care for her.
When Jay finished up washing his mom, he helped her step out of the tub and had a towel ready for her. He walked her back to his room, where she got dressed in the same clothes she'd been wearing for the past three weeks since they were the only clothes she had (on) when Jay 'kidnapped' her. While Olivia got dressed, Jay cooked breakfast for her, Xavier, and himself. Just as he was setting the three plates of toast, scrambled eggs, and bacon on the small rectangular table, Xavier tiredly walked into the kitchen.
His eyelids were barely open as he mumbled a pathetic "good morning." He walked over to the refrigerator and pulled out a carton of orange juice. Instead of pouring the drink into a cup like a decent human being, he drank it straight from the carton. Just then, a refreshed looking Olivia walked in the room and the sight of her youngest son being a barbarian made her scoff. She walked over to him and snatched the carton out of his hand. Xavier was shocked that she was walking around the house instead of being locked up in Jay's room, but he was even more shocked that Jay let her out after putting her through hell those last couple of weeks.
Olivia ignored her youngest questioning stare as she poured him a glass of orange juice and handed it to him. He took it with a simple, "Thanks." He, Olivia, and Jay then sat down to eat their breakfasts. Breakfast, for the most part, was quiet except for the clinking of forks against plates. Olivia was finally the one to break the silence.
"So what are we doing today?" She asked cheerfully.
Jay shrugged as he continued to pile forkful of eggs in his mouth, "I don't know, whatever you want to do I guess."
"I want to go out and get fresh air, be connected with society. I'm tired of being cooped up in this house all day. Can we go shopping?" Jay and Xavier looked at each other apprehensively, which didn't go unnoticed by Olivia. "What?"
"Nothing Ma, it's just we don't really having shopping money." Jay responded.
Olivia pouted, "Oh c'mon Jay please? I have no clothes except for the ones I got on, I need a new bag, and this place could definitely use a woman's touch." She said that last part looking around the house with a frown.
"Hey my place is very classy." Jay jested, feigning offense.
"You mean trashy." Olivia corrected with a grin.
"Yeah yeah whatever."
"Anyway can we please go shopping Jay? Please? Please? Please?"
"Fine." Jay relented. "If Mama wants a new bag, Mama's gonna get a new bag okay."
Olivia clapped excitedly, "Thank you. I'll even pick up some ingredients to make you boys dinner tonight."
"Sounds good Ma." Jay kissed her cheek and finished his last bit of food.
"Yeah." Xavier simply agreed, having no say whatsoever.
The trio first stopped by the thrift store, where Olivia picked some outfits out and Jay even picked out a Maroon suit. It didn't exactly look tacky, but it was a bit of an eyesore. Xavier opted not to buy anything because he didn't like wearing used clothes. It made him feel weird wearing other people's old clothes.
They went to the grocery when they got done with clothes shopping. Xavier walked around with Olivia as she collected the ingredients she needed for their meal. Jay excused himself to make a call. He stepped out of the store, while dialing his dad's number. Fitz answered on the third ring.
"What Jay?" Fitz sighed already tired of his son's bullshit and he hadn't even said anything yet.
"Wow Pops, what a greeting." Jay joked causing Fitz to roll his eyes.
"What do you want?"
"I was calling to see if you wanted to come over for dinner if you're not busy."
Fitz was taken aback. Did Jay just ask him to come over for dinner? "What's the occasion?" He asked, not bothering to hide his skepticism.
"What a son can't invite his dear old dad over for a nice dinner?"
Fitz thought for a second, "No. Not you. I know you. You either want something or you have something up your sleeve."
Jay placed his right hand over his flesh covered heart, "Uh you wound me. I'm truly offended." Fitz again rolled his eyes at his son's dramatics.
"Whatever. I don't know what you're up to but I'll come I guess since I have nothing better to do." He reluctantly agreed.
"Where's Kelly?"
"She's out with her girlfriends. Do you want me to bring anything?"
"Yeah, your finest bottle of wine since you have so many."
"This motherfucker." Fitz muttered underneath his breath. Followed by a, "Fuck you" loud and clear.
Jay laughed, "Sorry Pops, you're not my type."
Fitz wanted to curse Jay out, but even he couldn't hold back his own laugh. "Alright I'm hanging up now."
"Wait!" Jay yelled quickly on his end of the line before Fitz could hang up.
"What?"
"Dinner's at 6. Be there or be square."
Fitz shook his head, "Okay. Bye."
"Wait!" Jay yelled again.
"What the fuck do you want?" Fitz asked impatiently.
"What're you wearing?" Jay asked seductively, trying to hide the humor in his voice.
"Go to hell." Fitz replied and hung up, causing Jay to bust out in laughter. He wished he got paid to get on his dad's nerves because he would be a rich man since he was such a professional at it.
At 6 on the dot, Fitz pulled up to his sons' house. He got off his Harley, simultaneously removing his helmet. He took out his least expensive bottle of wine from the satchel strapped over his shoulder. After taking one final glance at his motorcycle, he made his way up to the front door of the house. He knocked and waited a few seconds for Jay to open it. As soon as the door opens, Fitz immediately notices Jay's new suit.
"Why the hell are you dressed up?" He asked observing his son's appearance.
"Well, it's suppertime Pops. Come in." Jay invited him in.
"Look nice." Fitz complimented as he looked around the house. "Wow this place looks a lot better. It's about time you guys cleaned up around here."
"Yeah. Anyway dinner's almost ready."
"It smells fucking great in here." Fitz announced as he walked in the kitchen behind Jay.
What he didn't expect or better yet, who he didn't expect to see standing at the stove cooking, was his ex. He instantly froze at the sight of Olivia. Olivia turned from the stove to face Fitz. Both stood with their eyes securely locked on each other from either side of the kitchen. To say they were shocked to see each other would be the biggest understatement of the year.
"I believe you two know each other already." Jay said to break the very thick layer of ice.
Olivia and Fitz briefly broke their intense stare down to look at their eldest son. Xavier awkwardly stood off to the side with his arms folded. A part of him wanted to laugh at the expressions on his parents' faces, while the other part of him felt beyond uncomfortable. That was the first time that he witnessed parents in the same atmosphere, in person. He was sure he seen them together before, but was too young to actually remember those times.
"Hi Fitz." Olivia said with a friendly smile.
Fitz didn't return her greeting, still too stunned to voice words.
"Well, why don't you look at us huh. Who's hungry? I know I'm starving." Jay clapped his hands together, not realizing what he caused when he came up with the bright idea to reunite his parents over a family dinner.
The dinner for the Grants was more awkward than the breakfast they had earlier. They were sitting at a picnic table in the backyard of the house. Fitz sat next to Jay, while Olivia and Xavier sat across from them. The only sounds that were made were the sounds of their utensils coming in contact with their plates.
"Fitz can you pass the butter please?" Olivia asked as she held a roll waiting to be slopped with the butter that was currently in between Fitz and Jay on their side of the table. Fitz didn't respond. He simply handed her the butter without saying a word. "Thanks."
"Well, this is nice." Jay said optimistically and Xavier sighed at yet again his brother's attempt to make their current situation seem better than it was. They were not the ideal happy family that Jay was trying to make them out to be. In fact, they were the complete opposite and each of them was well aware of that.
"No." Fitz scoffs with a shake of his head. He had had enough of this bullshit that was pretending. "This is fucking stupid. It's ridiculous. Can I talk to you?" He asked Olivia through clenched teeth.
"Sure. Let's talk." Olivia acquiesced, putting her butter clad knife down to give him her undivided attention.
"Inside."
"No problem." Olivia said with a slight smile and got up to walk into the house.
Fitz stayed seated for a couple of seconds, glaring at Jay before he finally got up and followed Olivia. Olivia was standing in the middle of the living room as she waited for Fitz to join her, which he did seconds later.
"What are you doing here?" He straight up came out and asked her.
"I don't know what you mean." Olivia feigned ignorance, but Fitz called her out on it right away.
"Cut the shit, Olivia." Fitz snapped.
Olivia folded her arms across her chest. There was no way she was going to allow Fitz to talk to her like that ever again. Furthermore, she was not going to let history repeat itself. "What's the matter, Fitz? You don't like this? You don't like me being a part of the world?" Fitz rolled his eyes, but didn't answer her. Olivia took that as her cue to continue taunting him. "I know you don't. You hate it. You like me abused and on my back with my feet over my head… just like you left me."
"Same shit." Fitz laughed humorously. "Why do you fucking talk like that?" He asked, clearly disgusted with her attitude and even more disgusted with her words.
"Why do you act like it's not true?" She threw back. "Believe it or not, Fitz. None of this has to do with you. Not everything's about you. I'm here because Jay wants me here."
"And what about our other son?"
Olivia smirked at him, "We had a really great day."
Fitz didn't make a facial expression. He wanted to seem unfazed by her, even though deep inside he was fuming, while another part of him felt anxious to be in her presence after he spent so many years away from her. He couldn't believe Olivia still had that effect on him after so much time had passed.
"Did you? I see what you're doing, Olivia. Be careful." He warned. "Fuck this." Fitz stormed out of the house and passed both his sons, only acknowledging Jay with an angry, "Fuck you."
"What? What?" Jay quickly got up from the table and chased after his dad. "What? Hey Pops wait up!"
"Fuck you." Fitz reiterated as he continued to walk away from Jay.
Jay ran to catch up with him and cut him off when he did. He stared at the older version of himself and the look on his face told him everything he needed to know. "Oh shit. You know. Look I'm sorry Pops. I thought you wanted to be a family." Jay explained.
"You fucking ambushed me." Fitz spat angrily.
"No, I invited you to dinner."
The boyish look on Jay's face made Fitz soften up a bit. He understood that Jay lost his innocence at a very young age from having to witness all the shit he and Olivia went through. Both of them tried to protect Jay and Xavier from seeing half of the things they did, but they obviously failed. He knew that Jay longed for his mother in his life and so did Xavier even though he didn't want to admit. It was hard for him to walk away from the woman he loved and the mother of his children, but he had to do what was best for his boys and at the time that was taking them away from their mother.
"I don't understand what you're trying to do here son but you're doing it the wrong way."
"I'm trying to show you how it is. This is our family."
"There is your problem. This is how you think it is. This isn't our fucking family. You're fucking detached from reality."
"I'm detached from reality, really Pops?" Jay asked incredulously. "Fucking Pops, you're like a teenager who's angry at the fucking world. When Xavier was mad at you I spent all day in bar listening to you talk about what?"
"My son."
"Nothing but your fucking self Pops." Jay corrected.
"No my son. How can I fix my son? Not my fucking ex-wife."
Jay scoffed, "Ah yeah sure. You don't give a fuck about your son. You don't give a fuck about this family. You're just fucking lonely."
"I'm lonely?" Fitz asked with disbelief.
"Yeah."
"You're fucking blind. There is so much shit going on and you can't even see it."
"Oh is that right?"
"You're trying to fuck me up." Fitz accused as he shoulder checked his son out of his way.
Jay was unfazed by this action. "Okay. Well, I'm gonna go back and sit down and finish my delicious dinner that my mother, your wife was so generous enough to cook."
"You do that." Fitz called back over his shoulder as he got on his motorcycle and strapped his helmet back on.
"You're welcome to join us but I'm sure you're gonna get the fuck outta here."
And Jay was exactly right. Once Fitz' Harley started up, he immediately took off, leaving his family, whether he wanted to it admit it or not, behind.
Author's Note: I know it's been awhile, but lately I've been weighed down with piles of schoolwork. This is the first day I somewhat have a break from school. Like I stated in my previous author's note, these first few chapters are going to seem fast which they are because I really want to get to the root of the story. I definitely took out a lot of the plots in the show out to only focus on Olivia, Fitz, and their sons. Once I get to where I'm trying to I'll start to slow things down. So this chapter Olivia and Fitz came face to face, but things didn't really end well for any of the Grants. You also learned a little more about Olivia and Fitz' backstory. For those that were wondering, Fitz is well aware of Olivia's drug addiction and he used to take drugs as well. Anyway I hope you enjoyed and yay Season 5 is back with lots of Olitz! The only thing that would make this season better is if Sally was shut down because she pisses me off, Liz disappeared, Cyrus and Abby were team Olitz, Mellie bowed out gracefully, and Jake stopped having scenes with Olivia lol.
