AN:Ok, I have tried to be nice in my ANs by repeatedly stating this is NOT an Olitz story. I have had reviewers try and remind other reviewers that this is NOT an Olitz story (and thank you for that, by the way and you can skip all of this). But I'm starting to think that a more direct approach is in order.
First, thank you to the majority of reveiwers who have left nice comments, even those who have said that they like the story but are not emotionally ready to read it in full. That's cool and I understand. But to those of you who think you can come up into my reviews to lay down your burdens about how dare I write A,B, C or D, I'm going to need you all to grow your lives up and take that elsewhere.
I'm not sure, but I think this may be the first or one of the first stories where Fitz is moving on and getting his life with someone who's not going to leave him at the first sign of trouble, won't make plans behind his back with Mellie, won't release the man who killed his son out of prison, etc etc. I get it, y'all are in your feelings that Fitz can find someone else. I don't understand why, why would you want someone you like to be with someone like that? Regardless, there are TOO many instances on this damn site (and on the show as well, from what I recall and have seen reblogged onto my tumblr dash) where people have talked about Fitz like a dog and called him everything but a child of God (Olivia included) AND Olivia has been with someone else, so miss me with this need to stand up for Olivia and supposed black womanhood. Reviewers, critics and even SR have called Fitz all kinds of names but Ava and Nicole calling Olivia out (and note Nicole rightfully called out Fitz for being a simp but I don't see anyone being mad at that *eye roll*) is a problem? So you all really think that a black woman can never be wrong or called out in the context of an interracial relationship? Chile... y'all have issues. Sorry, but I'm not going to ride with cuckoo for coco puffs Olivia Pope just because she's a black woman. See, that's what some of y'all do with Shonda and us sharing melanin and having similar body parts won't make me overlook the fact that wrong is wrong, trifling is trifling.
Please tell me where Fitz demonized Olivia? Olivia was the one telling him that all Fitz had was a fetish for black women. She's the one who's demonizing him and all that they shared. Fitz said not one negative thing about Olivia. As for Ava and Nicole - it is NORMAL to gossip about ex's (and if you say it's not you are a damn lie), especially said ex has recently shown their ass. A lot of you need to stop with the faux righteousness.
Some of you may be reading this story, but you aren't comprehending the point of it. Again, THIS IS NOT AN OLITZ STORY. So, no, reviewer Alex, I will not be taking the route of BellaDameNoir or AroundHereSomewhere and fixing the show (the show I stopped watching after 3.18 and only wrote this story because I was asked to do so. I have no demons to exorcised, and I don't know how you got that idea into your head) because a) I don't have to and this is my story to do with as I please and b) Olitz is garbage now, and has been garbage for quite some time. My goal is NOT to strengthen Olitz or make them functional instead of trash. Did you miss the repeated memos about this NOT being an Olitz story? Reveiwer WTF, why the hell would I need or want to stir up controversy? That's stupid. That's sad. To the flop ass Guest anon #1 who had the audacity to say I should give up on this story and no one wants to read it - girl, can YOU read the majority of reviews who are here for this story? Can YOU read all of the support I get on my tumblr page? You got me all the way fucked up if you think I'm writing this story for YOU to the point where I would give up on it - from your say so - because you CAN'T read the repeated warning that this is NOT and Olitz story. To flop ass Guest anon #2, you telling me I'm stressed? Chile, not EYE. I had sense enough to dip out of this show years ago, unlike YOU and others who are emotional like Carl Thomas and getting all in your feelings over fictional characters as if they have the power to depress you. Yet you four (and others) continued to read past the first chapter -hell, past the first AN - seemingly thinking I would change my mind. Do not mistake my recent update of MTG to mean I'm here for Olitz. No, I'm here for the story EYE created as well as the readers who continue to stick with it.
So, basically, all of you who are in your feelings about Fitz legitimately moving on and being happy with AVA can SIT and read this story or you can SIT and not read this story, IDGAF and I won't miss you. But you will SIT and lay your burdens with this story down with Jesus and not me.
For those who wish to continue reading, I hope you enjoy this update! Besos.
I'm Gonna Find Another You Part 4
"Tripp, Zoë is…well she's very sweet, but Zoë is a bit…Zoë." Ava didn't know how else to describe her best friend as they exited the vehicle. Zoe had been Ava's friend since the 9th grade at prep school. With an Afro Puerto Rican and Afro Cuban mother and Russian father, the then girls bonded over the growing pains of being mixed race in predominately white spaces and the only two black students there on scholarship. As the years went on and guys, friends, relatives faded into the background they always had each other. While she knew Fitz was going to be a permanent fixture in her life, she wanted him to get along with Zoë.
Fitz rolled his eyes, "I'm sure she's perfectly wonderful. You've already introduced me to your loud, cheek kissing, rhythm having , dancing, opinionated, nosy family. This is the same conversation we had before I met them,and I'm still here." He grabbed her hand tightly. "Look how well things went with Winston and Nicole, I sure we'll have just as much fun with Zoë and Nate."
They doorbell rang and Ava straightened her posture. She laughed as she heard Zoë yell at one of the children to put their toy down and come to the door.
When the door opened there was Gisele , Ava's namesake, staring up at them. The kid could do puppy dog eyes as well as Jake. His were dark and slightly slanted, a gift of his mother's unique genetic background. "Hi, my name is Gisele Bennett, and it's nice to meet you Pres. Grant," she said, holding out her hand out to Fitz. Fitz took the girl's hand and returned her greeting
"It's a pleasure to meet you Gisele, and you can call me Fitz."
As soon as that was over, Gisele looked to the left and launched herself into Ava's arms. "Godmommy Ava! You're here! I'm so excited to see you!"
The four adults and Gisele's brother laughed at her sudden change in demeanour.
Ava smiled at her and kissed her forehead. Her godchildren were great, while she didn't see them as often as she'd like they had a wonderful bond. "I'm very happy to see you, Elle."
Zoë and Andre stood back so Ava and Fitz could enter their home. When Ava let the girl down, Nate came and gave Ava a hug.
"Hey Aunt Ava," Alex, the oldest, hugged her and kissed both cheeks. "It's nice to meet you Presi...Mr. Fitz. I'm Alex," he introduced himself. He looked to his parents for approval to leave then ran up the stairs.
"Stop running before you trip and fall and bust your head open. I'm not taking you to the hospital," Zoë yelled after him. Following her brother's lead, Gisele made her way back to the den where she had been entertaining herself.
Ava took Fitz's hand into her own, "Zo, Nate this is Fitzgerald," she introduced him, " Tripp, this is my best friend Zoë and her husband Nate."
"It's great to meet has told me so much about you," he smiled, shaking Nate's and returning Zoë's hug. "You both can call me Fitz. I don't know why Ave keeps introducing to her family and friends as Fitzgerald. It sounds pretentious."
"Baby, you're the president and your name is Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III, you are pretentious," she giggled as Zoë stood back observing the two. "Not to mention when we first met that night, you introduced yourself as Fitzgerald. I've never called you Fitz."
"Okay, dear, " he responded.
"Well it's nice to meet you, Fitz " Zoë said then turned her attention to Ava, "Come here you," pulling her into a crushing hug.
"It's so good to see you, Zo," Ave grinned.
"It's good to see you too, Avvie. I've really missed you, "she kissed both of her cheeks. "You look great. You have that glow. The 'I'm getting good dick on the regular' glow," Zoe teased in a whisper as she peeked over at Fitz.
"I know" Ava replied with a smirk. "It's wonderful. Being in love isn't too bad either."
Zoë released Ava and linked arms with her. "So we can either do interrogation now or we can wait until later in the day."
Fitz stood a bit awestruck but rebounded quickly. His eyes darted to his girlfriend and she shrugged. "I warned you." She mouthed to him.
"There's no time like the present,"Fitz answered.
"Good call," Nate patted his back. "I'll go get some beer."
"Why haven't you publicly supported the Black Lives Matter Movement?"
"If you and Ava had a children who preferred to identity as only black would you take issue with this?"
"If your ex-wife referred to Ava as a racial slur - because she looks like the type- how would handle that situation?"
"Do you intend to return to California after your presidency?"
"How does Ava fit into your 5 year plan?"
After Zoë grilled him over everything from having a racist ex wife to why he thought he fit best with the Republican, she finally let her no nonsense persona she mainly kept for mediations go. He had a sincerity about him that she assumed was for votes, but it remained throughout their entire exchange.
Zoë and Ava excused themselves while Nate and Fitz played video games with Gisele. They went into Zoë closet room with mugs of tea for a bit of privacy.
"Okay," Zoë jumped right in," I like him… a lot."
"You need to trust my judgement," Ava rolled her eyes.
"Clearly I trust your judgement or else you wouldn't be godmother to both of my children,but you broke the cardinal rule with him Avvie."
"I know," her head dropped sheepishly, "Never fuck a republican after 25. "
"This is something you were supposed to get out of your system during prep,undergrad, and med school. We're well over 25. You know how I found bearded Paul Ryan attractive, but if I had the opportunity I'd still pass, because that expiration date is gone.
"I'm slightly offended you compared Fitzgerald to Paul Ryan now that you've met him now. Let the record show I didn't just fall into bed with him."
"Oh I know you didn't. Here you come on a boat talking about 'I'm alive. Blow out was pointless. Will need a spa day when I get home.' Clearly it was worth the wait."
" It was. There was something about his approach I couldn't deny. You know I was all but done with his ass, when he pulled that disappearing shit, but it all worked out."
Ava's expression changed to something serious. "I want to marry him, Zo. I don't mean down the road. He asked today, I'd say yes in a heart beat. He makes me feel things I thought I was done with."
"Wow," Zoë gasped at her best friend's revelation.
"I know," she nodded, " But I'm not getting any younger. With him, I don't feel like I'd be settling. His kids are great. Mellie hasn't tried on me on some DAR, blue blood, white feminism nonsense yet. Olivia has moved it seems. All the ways I thought he'd complicate my life are non factors now."
"You really do love him," Zoë smiled with a kindness in her eyes. "It's clear the's got it so bad for you. It comes across in pictures and video of clips, but seeing it in person. I'm sure he'd take a bullet for you."
"I'm sure he would, but since he's already been shot up like 50 Cent once, I don't want it happening again."
"I'm really happy for you bella. I know you can trust him with your heart, and I doubt he's going to pull his disappearing act again."
"He definitely isn't going to do that again. Nicole - who I can't wait for you to meet- would kick his ass," Ava laughed. " I'm very lucky to have him. First I had Ben, and I loved him. He was one of the good ones and he was mine," she smiled. " And now… all those feelings I thought I had buried with him are back because because of Fitzgerald Grant….so yeah I'm pretty lucky." Ava leaned her head on Zoë's shoulder briefly.
"You know those two are probably down there gossiping right now," Zoë commented.
"Oh I'm sure of it. At Abuela's party, Erik was giving him at 101 course of dating a Canario."
While Ava recounted Fitz's experience with her Puerto Rican family members, Gisele gave Fitz her own version of grilling.
Gisele had just beat Nate and Fitz at the latest Mario game. Much like her father she loved to gloat. As she came down from her winning high, she decided she wanted to know what the president had in store for her godmother.
"Are you going to marry Godmommy?" Gisele asked leaving both her father and their guest stunned.
"Gisele, that's a rather rude question to ask of someone you just met," Nate admonished.
"Well she's always at the White House for state dinners and he does kiss her a lot," she began in a know it all tone. " And he is somewhat recently divorced with a even more recent broken engagement."
"Who told you all this?" Nate asked rather shocked, offering an apologetic look to Fitz.
"The kids at school. I had to verify their statements though. You know how people love to gossip," Gisele answered matter of factly. "So are you?"
"Uh... That's the plan," Fitz responded.
"Good. I think you should," she told him solemnly. "Godmommy Ava is great, and I like you."
"Thank you."
"If you marry her, would that make you my godfather?"
"No, he'd be your uncle,"Nate spoke up. "What do you think about having another uncle?"
Gisele shrugged " An uncle is okay, but I think I'd prefer an Uncle Fitz. " She said with a sly twinkle in her eye. "I'm sure he would have cute kids with Godmommy. Then I could dress them up and spoil them since you and Mommy won't change your minds."
"I'll take all of this into advisement," Fitz assured her. Gisele nodded before she slipped into the kitchen.
"I'm so sorry about that , Fitz," Nate apologised.
"It's fine," he brushed it off with a chuckle. " Remember I have a 3 year old that says everything that comes to mind, but if Gisele stays on this path I can definitely see her going into law."
"Oh she's definitely a mini Zoë. Her heart is in the right place, but she and I will be having a talk about proper hostess etiquette and what not to do when you meet the President. "
"We both know the Camerons are much more overbearing and probably had less than positive commentary to say where Fitz was concerned. Plus your dad's family probably loves that he's a white republican. You know how our people can be. 'Mejorando la raza.'"
Ava rolled her eyes at the truthfulness of that statement. Part of her father's family had deep colorism issues, so much so, that her great grandmother attempted to prevent her parents' marriage by claiming her father was mentally ill and needed to return to Puerto Rico to be cared for by family. She didn't want her grandson marrying a dark skinned woman that would not whiten the family's bloodline, despite her possessing "pelo bueno" unlike her grandson. He father, the proud Howard graduate he was, ignored his family followed his heart.
It was that reason Ava rarely dated white men. Those she did date certainly didn't make it far enough to meet the family. Here she was imagining a life with Fitz.
"I know," she sighed, " some of those guaynabichos still hate I proudly say 'Soy negra' , but will say 'prieta linda' with snark."
"You know I know. Remember my mother married a blonde hair, blue eyes, 6'4 Russian man and they wondered why I was a nice brown colour as if my mother's skin isn't a deep, dark olive as if her eyes don't shimmer like stones," Zoë ranted. " Thank God Fitz is woke. That way you don't have to worry about raising some spoiled blanquitos."
Zoë stood at 5'10 easily towering over her best friend. Her hair was an usual shade of warm brown with natural streaks of dark brown and dirty blonde, yet it had very few curls and many kinks. Her skin was the warmest bronze, tanning to deep brown at the slightest touch of sunlight. It was the complete opposite of her siblings. Her maternal family praised for having her father's blue eyes, a trait that had ended with her.
"I would never let that happen. My mother would never let that happen. My Detroit born and bred mother having white washed grandchild, ha."
"Tía J is the realest," Zoë laughed thinking of how Ava's mom had educated her on African American history.
"Hey you two, dinner is ready,"Fitz announced.
"Have we really been talking that long?" Ava asked?
"You have been. I was informed under no circumstances was I to come and interrupt."
"And you listened," Zoë said cheekily. " You'll fit right in. "
"Oh and guess what else, Zo? He hates running too!" Ava exclaimed.
"It's official. We're keeping you forever," Zoë grinned.
Fitz spent his days pushing for police brutality reform. It is a bill that he and his administration invested the last bit of his term into. By some miracle they were able to get a living wage of 15 dollars and 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents. It wasn't as much as he wanted, but it was something. He had been referred to as a lame duck most of his presidency, but in the last 18 months, the tide was slowly turning.
So when his bill - a rather comprehensive bill that would hold law enforcement and judicial systems accountable - did survive congress and it became actual legislation he could've have been more proud. When he saw Ava, she cried. She cried because 10 years ago when her fiancé had been gunned down no lawmakers cared. She cried because it showed her life did matter. She cried because she knew just how hard he fought for this bill.
The long days that had led to late evenings. The dinners he had sacrificed, the plans he had cancelled. Of course the details of Ava's late fiancé's death came out and people assumed she was the person to plant the idea in Fitz's head. Her detail had to be increased , but she didn't let it change her daily patterns or become an issue between her relationship with Fitz.
The truth was Fitz had been sitting on his bill since his first term. After his reelection and Jerry's death, he knew it was something he had to do. He was nothing more emotionally taxing than seeing people he was supposed to serve being viciously killed while no one was held accountable. Piece by piece it had all come together. To offer himself a bit of a retreat, he made his way up to the Boston area with her.
No matter how often he visited her, he couldn't get over the shock of seeing her home. It wasn't the size or colour or the neighbourhood but the style. Everything he pictured about her was modern; from the clothing she wore, car she drove, engagement ring she would want. Yet this late 19th century Victorian style home was anything but modern, at least on the outside.
It's mahogany front porch leads to an original Dutch door. The grand foyer was graced with sliding pocket doors maintaining its original woodwork; tall ceilings,ceiling moldings,chair rails. It had been modernized with a marble fireplace, granite counters and stainless appliances including wine chiller,gas stove,mud room and sun room. All little details Fitz kept in mind when he thought of their future.
As they made their way to the entrance their detail let them know a woman was inside the house. Ava assumed it was her cleaning lady Lisa.
"Am I a terrible person for wanting this blizzard to come so Air Force One will be grounded until sometime next week?"
"Considering you're in the lame duck phase of your presidency no," she giggled as they walked the path to the door. " We can pull the space heaters out and you can fuck me senseless in the sunroom as the snow falls."
The Dutch door opened, leading to the foyer and there stood an older women with a neutral and unreadable expression that Ava knew all too well. It was her mother, Julia.
Ava's eyes darted between her mother and Fitz as slight embarrassment washed over her. Clearly over the shock Ava's vulgar statement, Julia gave a small chuckle and opened her opens. Ava gave her mother a quick hug before looking back at Fitz. "Mom, what are you doing here?"
"What am I doing here? Well when my only daughter starts gallivanting cross the country and overseas, barely making time to visit her mother. I thought I'd just show up."
"You talk to me every day, Mom. You know I'm alive and well. Life has been busy. You could've called or texted. I wasn't expecting you."
"Clearly that's the case," Julia said as she took in Fitz's casual dress. "Fitzgerald, you look well. It's good to see you," she greeted with a warm hug.
"Likewise. Had Ava told me she hadn't seen you and Mark in a while, I would have suggested a New York trip instead."
"Oh that's quite all right dear. Mark is out of town at the moment," Julia shared.
"Now the truth comes out. You're just here because Dad is gone and you're bored."
"Can't a mother drop in on her daughter?"
"Drop in implies you plan to leave quickly. You rode the train for nearly 4 hours to see me," Ava retorted as Fitz went to carry his bag upstairs. " I need to take my key back from you. It was meant for emergency purposes. Something along the lines of you not hearing from me for a week or two, not you coming up here and..." She trailed unsure how she wanted to word her statement.
"Not me coming up here and interrupt you getting fucked senseless by that man upstairs?" Julia asked with a raised brow and impish grin.
"Ma!" Ava yelled.
"Oh cut it out," Julia swatted her arm. "You're a grown woman in your own home. If that's what you want, that's what you want. I'm certainly the last person to stop you. Unlike you grandmother I'm not a prude."
"I know you aren't. That's the problem," she shook her head with a laugh.
"Just say the word I'll go book myself a hotel or Air BnB."
"That won't be necessary. I can control myself for one night. Scouts honour," Ava held her hand up.
"But you gave up on being a Girl Scout," the older woman reminded her.
"I still got all the badges that I felt were important," Ava defended herself. "If you want to make it up to me, you can fry up some chicken and platanos for me. Ooh and make an Arnold Palmer. I stole some lemons from the White House, because I was going to make fresh lemonade, but now you can do it. Thanks Ma," Ava beamed, kissing her mother's cheek before jogging up the staircase.
After getting settled in and updating his detail, Fitz made his way downstairs, following the scents into a large kitchen with wood cabinets and black granite counters. Julia was standing by the stove, and as she heard him approach, she turned around and smiled widely.
"Fitz, you look relaxed. Dinner will just be a few more minutes."
"Thank you. May I help?"
"If you don't mind taking the tea out of the freezer then rolling the lemons to soften them up I'd appreciate it. ?"
"What's the purpose of putting the tea in the freezer?" He inquired as he made his way over to the freezer.
"Since Ava has requested an Arnold Palmer, the quickest way to cool the tea is by placing it in the freezer after the sugar has dissolved. This wouldn't be an issue of Ava didn't have an aversion of ice."
"She is the person I know to request an iced coffee but fish the ice out of the cup," Fitz chuckled.
"My child..." she gave a genuine laugh. " So Ava tells me you purchased a home in this area."
"I did. I'm still a short flight away from the DC area so I can visit Teddy. I'll be closer to Karen since her boarding school is up here and she's looking at colleges in this region."
"I didn't know the two of you were close," Julia looked up at him seemingly surprised.
"We've had our bumps here and there. She was upset that I approved her going to boarding, but we're getting better." He answered honestly as he watched Julia chop the lemons in half as he finished rolling them.
"It's good that you're working on it," she smiled softly. " I know Ava is going to love having you closer. "
"She will and she'll be able to spend less weekends traveling. I know she rarely mentions it but between work and me the flying has to be exhausting..."
"She doesn't do anything half assed, she's either all in or all out. Clearly she's all in when it comes to this relationship."
"So I've noticed, and I get the feeling that's a trait she gets from you," he commented.
"You know, if you had made that comment when I first you, I would've thought you were being a kiss ass..."
"... And now?"
She angled her body to study him. " Now I know you're someone that wants to find his footing in my rather liberal family."
Fitz hummed in agreement. "Every few people make me nervous these days, but when I first met you I felt like at 21 year old going home to meet the parents."
"Why is it?"
"Let's just say I've not less than friendly encounters with people from Detroit," he revealed making her chuckle. " I also know how much Ava values you opinion. Not to say things would end if we didn't have you blessing, but I know it would put a strain on your relationship with her."
"You know my daughter well. I'll admit I was skeptical of your presence in her life. You're the type of person that gives your life to politics not for the glory of fame but because you care."
"And is that a bad thing?"
"It is when you neglect those around you," she dead panned, squeezing the lemons. " It doesn't help that your ex wife is racist or that the last black woman you were attached to was very similar to my daughter on paper, but Marc told me not to worry."
"The thought of your daughter marrying a white man left you unsettled?"
"Oh no, you being a white man so much of an issue as you being a republican. I'm not one of those people that thinks a black woman needs to marry a black man. There just aren't enough of them and Ava is far too educated and wonderful to waste away waiting on an imaginary man. Pass me the sugar please," she instructed as she got to the last lemon. " But I call republicans blue eyed Devils. Never doing anything good for our people. Now clearly there are exceptions. When it comes to political belief systems, those are included by other belief systems."
"You didn't want some right winged nut in your family," he chuckled.
"Pretty much. Although the more I get to know you, I feel that you could've run as a conversative Dem."
"I've been getting that a lot."
"It's the truth," she assured him. "I was wrong about you, and I'm happy I was. You make her very happy and at this stage in her life, that's all I want for her."
"She makes me happy too... While my career is done, I know hers isn't. I intend to support her continuing it..." He trailed off and she gave him a pointed look to continue. "If that involves me being the primary caretaker of any children we have I welcome it. There's nothing more hindering than a partner who isn't truly a partner wanting you to thrive."
"I couldn't agree more."
"And Julia, thank you for welcoming me in your family. It's nice to finally belong to one."
They fell silent for a few moments, and then Ava walked into the kitchen.
"I'm so sorry. One of my mentees needed advice that ran longer than I was expecting it to."
"That's quite alright. Fitz was helping me put the finishing touches to your lemonade."
Fitz had surprised Ava with a candle light dinner and rose petals around the suite. At first Ava thought he might be proposing,but it was too cliche and something she had warned him against. Before she got around to asking him why he decided to go all out, she found herself holding onto the balcony, with ragged breath and curls clinging to the back of her neck. She wasn't sure how or when,but they had made their way to the bedroom.
"Ava? Are you still awake?" He whispered.
"Mmm hmm," she replied sleepily.
Fitz shifted slightly so he was leaning up on his elbow. He looked down at her as her head rested on the pillow, he couldn't help but to smile as her warm brown eyes peered up at him.
"There was actually a reason why I set up all these candles and tried to set a romantic mood up here," he told her.
She reached up, running a finger lazily down his chest, causing goose bumps to form across his skin, as she looked up at him now with a smirk. "Oh, it wasn't just so you could get some?" Ava joked.
"Well…that was one part of them plan," Fitz joked, "but there was another, more important reason behind it."
He tried to swallow down the lump in his throat as nerves slowly crept up on him. Ava seemed to sense it, and her joking was pushed aside as she sat up with a concerned look.
"Fitzgerald, what is it?" she asked softly.
He leaned over to the nightstand, reaching to retrieve a small box He pulled himself up so he was facing her, as she mimicked his actions.
She eyed him with curiosity as he concealed the box in his hands. He took one final breath before he opened his palm to reveal the box to her.
She stared for a few moments before she looked back up at him with pure astonishment in her eyes.
"Before your mind starts to go there," he began carefully, " it isn't exactly what you might think." he opened the cover off the box and removed the content inside to show her. "It's a key ring," he told her as he held it up for her to see.
She reached out and took it from him, turning it between her fingers as she examined it. When she finally looked up at him, her expression was soft, but still looked confused.
"Okay…you're keying me?" she questioned softly.
He scooted closer to her on the bed so that their knees were touching as they sat Indian style, before he took her hands in his . "Ever since I dropped my fuck boy attitude," he began making her giggle, "I have had some of the best days of my life with you."
"I'm not getting any younger, and you spend so much time here with me..." he paused to see if she was following him.
"Um…okay," she responded slowly.
"What I'm trying to say - in a not so eloquent way - is that I want my new place in Cambridge to be home for you too."
He remained quiet for a moment as Ava processed what he was really saying to her. She looked down at the key again, just staring at it, and then suddenly, he could see the actual light bulb in her head go off, her head snapped up and she stared at him with wide eyes.
"Fitzgerald, are you asking me what I think you are asking me?" she said in practically a whisper.
He nodded his head, never breaking eye contact with her. "Yes, Ava, I want you to move into my place. I have wanted to ask you for the longest time, but I needed to figure out where I would be. I wouldn't have dreamt of asking you to move into my Vermont house….'
"You have a home in Vermont?" She asked as she never heard him mention the property before.
Fitz sighed and nodded in response. He did not want to mention his ex at a time like this, but there was no reason for him to delay the conversation. "I few years ago, after my shooting actually, I built Olivia house in Vermont. Then I thought the two of us were going in a different direction, so I purchases 30 acres of land and built this home with orchards, a greenhouse, marble countertops, fieldstone fireplace, local wood ceilings. It was the perfect dream home. Beautiful, new, and built to last unlike us."
"You planned that all on your own?" Ava asked softly.
"I did."
Ava shook her head and expressed a deep sigh. "She's a damn fool…. I would love to see picture of it one day."
"Remind me and I'll show you. The house, it's just been sitting there. I almost had it torn down and thought about starting all over again, but I couldn't. A team of people poured months of their lives into creating that. Who am I to say it should be destroyed, because my heart was broken? Part of me wants to keep it, let the kids use it at a vacation home, so some other couple madly, hopelessly in love can have it as their dream home and watch their family grow."
"Until I make a decision,it'll continue to sit there. One day, I want at build a home with you - for you - every step of the way, from the land to the fixtures to the heated floor options. Until we reach that step, I know when I move, I don't want to spend one more moment wishing you goodnight over the telephone when you're only a few short miles away. I don't want to spend time going back and forth between your place and my place. I want us to be in our place, to have that sense of being grounded and having roots to return to after long travels and late nights." He reached out and brushed his thumb across her cheekbone with a smile "So…what do you think?"
She looked back down at her lap where the key rested. "I don't know what to say," she said as her brain began to think about the process of moving. "For sentimental reasons I don't want to sell my house. If you hadn't just closed on this property, I would be tempted to ask you to just move in with me, but you did, and I do love the neighbourhood you're moving into."
Placing his finger under her chin so he could tilt her face up to look at him, " If you want to stay in your house, I'll move in with you. My house will look wonderful after the renovations, but your anywhere with you will be ready to move in home. "
Her eyes widened in shock at his suggestion. Of course he would present the perfect solution. Her house held a special play in her heart,because it was her first true investment after medical school. While she owned property in Brooklyn that she had inherited from her grandfather - that was prime real estate at the moment - this was something she acquired on her own. It had been with her safety net through break ups, job transitions, and deaths of loved ones. In a way it was her own security blanket.
"Say something," he said with nervous laugher.
Ava stared at him for a few more moments before a smile spread across her beautiful face. She flung herself, half wrapped in the sheet, into his arms with her her own draped around his neck.
"You always know the right thing to say, you know that don't you," she pecked his lips. "Yes, I'll move in with you. We can decide on renovations together. And one day, I'll be honoured to build a home with you."
Fitz let out a huge breath he didn't realise he was holding in as he wrapped his arms around her and laid back down onto the bed, pulling her down on top of him. Immediately his lips found hers. He knew the very next time he presented her with a ring it would be an engagement ring, but it was all about timing. He wanted to be completely free from the presidential chapter in his life. This time, there was no looking back.
Fitz made his way through the house, making sure to lock up for the night, as he was sure he and Ava wouldn't be leaving their room much if he had anything say in it. The bathroom was lit was dozens of candles and Miles Davis played through the speakers.
Since they moved into the house, they found themselves more of an average couple. The Democrats had one the election, making Edison Davis Vice President. During one of the inaugural balls, he gave his best wishes letting him know his would be around if Edison needed a listening ear.
He would always be President Grant but he was no longer The President of the United States; the significance of no longer being in a fish bowl made him more at ease.
Fitz felt more free and open with Ava. He shared more with her about his past and about his wishes for the future. Fitz was happy to know Ava loved him; anything else was icing on the cake at his point.
As he entered their room,changing out of his trousers and button down, he thought of how much his life had fallen into place the last two years. Now he and his children had reconnected. Facetime had come in handy over the months since he relocated from the DMV area. He watched in wonder and awe as Ava juggled a million different projects and never made his place in her world seem like a burden.
He was at peace. When he had turned on the news to see Olivia was engaged to a Brazilian politician she had met at the state dinner, he felt nothing but happiness for her and sent over a bouquet of flowers to her place. While it was clear they would never be friends, he wished her no ill will and was glad to see she as moving on too. The hole that been ripped into his life was skillfully , carefully stitched back together, all with Ava's presence in his life. It made him fall even more in love with her if that possible. It was the reason he was ready to give her something he had been holding onto since they first moved into their new home.
"Hey, Carino," Ava greeted as she made her way into the room from her study, slightly startling Fitz, making the small velvet box bounce in his hands.
"Hey, beautiful," Fitz replied, turning to grin at her. "Are you do for the evening?"
"Uploaded and work phone switched to silent," Ava answered moving through the room, as she switched from her day clothes to lounge wear. It wasn't her usual silk camisole and shorts, but his oversized YALE sweatshirt. The navy color material stopped mid thigh, showcasing her slender brown legs..
When Fitz noticed she was walking towards the bathroom, he grabbed he around the waist, pulling her to him before she could get away, causing her laughter to fill the room around them.
"Fitzgerald….what are yo…"her trailed off into a moan as he dusted kisses along her shoulder and up her neck.
"You're beyond ravishing, Ave," Fitz's words vibrated against her skin, moving his lips to nibble on her ear.
She hummed in response, the small noise driving his wild as his hands trace the silhouette of her body. His fingers posed the outer edges out her breasts,before resting on her hips as his returned to her flesh,landing on the hollow of her neck with nips and lips. Despite his desire,he resisted the urge of getting lost in the dips and valleys and curves of her body.
Instead he twirled her around to face him, and she offered him a lazy smile. His hand made its way up to her cheek, stroking the soft,supple skin, before his lips touched her, pulling the into a slow, passionate kiss. As he kissed her, partially out of distraction - partially of his own selfishness, he removed the ring from the small box.
Ava gasped as they broke apart causing Fitz to grin, yet casting a loving graze down upon her.
"Ava, you know you're everything to me, "Fitz began, his hands taking hers into his own. "There are not enough words to express how happy you've made me, my children, my friends, by coming into my life. I never thought this - love - could be so easy, so effortless, but you showed me it was possible with trust and patience and openness. The only way I can thank you is by letting you know how much I adore you, how much I value you, how much I love you," he professed, leaning in for a kiss. "I know we have a wonderful thing here. No matter where life takes us, I'm going to be there with you, to love you, to support you, to cherish you," the words flowed out as he slowly glided the ring down her finger.
"Fitzgerald...what," Ava asked as she began to feel the added weight. "Oh my God," she gasped as tears began to well in her eyes.
"Nothing would make me happier than you allowing me to be your husband, Ava Gisele Canario-Cameron," Fitz lifted her left hand, placed it on his chest.
"Fitzgerald," she shook her head in disbelief as her eyes darted between his and the ring. "It's so beautiful...Tripp...it's so gorgeous...I..."
"Of course it is. You're the recipient," Fitz said with a small laugh, still holding his breath for that single, three letter word. Ava stood speechless staring at the 4.2ct, cushion cut, peach champagne sapphire ring, in a 24k rose gold diamond setting.
"It's an engagement ring?" Ava asked looking up at him with watery eyes. She was in shock, trying to form coherent thoughts.
"It's an engagement ring," he confirmed.
"You want to marry me?"
"Yes, Ava, I want to marry you," he laughed, nodding his head.
"I want to marry you too."
"So that's a yes?"
"It's a hell yes," she exclaimed beaming up at him.
He hugged her to him tightly, peppering kisses on her forehead,her tear stained cheeks, her nose, and finally her lips.
Ava pulled away, tilting her head slightly in attempt to get a look at her newly dressed finger resting on his shoulder. Fitz tried not to laugh at how hard she was pretending not to gawk, but she continued to move her fingers resting on his shoulder as if she was playing the piano to get a better look.
"Is this truly happening?" she whispered as if she was talking to herself.
"It is," he responded, kissing her neck.
"This is beyond surreal. I was expecting a small dinner, a light conversation, maybe even a little sex, " her hands toying with the hair at the nape of his neck. "But not this...this, this was perfect."
She had told him when he decided to propose, she wanted something small and private. They could go all out for their nuptials, but this tiny moment needed to be separate from that. The imagined he would go the same route he went during giving her a key, but she loved this more.
"Well we can still have a little sex...actually we can have a lot of sex," he growled playfully in her ear causing her to giggle.
"Is that a promise?"
"Always," he nibbled on her ear.
Ava pulled away, leaving Fitz with a confused look. "Where are you going?"
"To run a bath for the two of us, my darling fiancé," she answered suggestively as he pulled her back to him.
"Say that word again," he requested.
"Which word?" Ava batted her thick lashes and tilted her head to the side.
"You know which one," Fitz whispered as he leaned in closer to her.
Ava stood on the tips of her toes,wrapping her arms around his neck, "Fiancé," she whispered back before capturing his lips.
She opened her mouth, inviting his tongue to mingle with her own, as she pressed her body firmly into his. She moaned into his mouth, as her hands grabbed the sides of her face, deepening the kiss, sending a sensual vibration throughout them. Fitz danced her backwards until her back hit a wall, and her legs wrapped around his waist. His hands travelled up the bare flesh of her thighs and under the thick, fleece lined material, as she nipped and sucked on his neck.
"Are you sure you want that bath?" Fitz breathed as his fingers danced around the smooth skin of her abdomen.
"Mmm hmmm," she nodded," but there's nothing spotting us from continuing this in there," she smiled at him.
"I like the way you think, Dr. Canario."
"I aim to please, Dr. Grant," she winked at him as he let her down. As she walked towards the door, she began to gather her hair into a top knot bun. Just before she crossed the threshold to the master bathroom, she turned with a twinkle in her eye.
"Carino."
"Yes, Ava?"
"Thank you," she answered softly. "It was the perfect , sweetest proposal,because you remembered what I asked for. I am so blessed to have you in my life. I am beyond in love with you, and I love you so much. So thank you for wanting to be my husband, and thank you for wanting me to be your wife," she finished with unshed tears, before dipping into the bathroom.
The following week, more newspapers sold throughout the country than since the U.S. declared war on Iraq. It was a small blurb in Page 6 announcing their engagement , but doing every news outlet on television, radio and Internet made it headline worthy. There were columnists discussing what Ava might wear and the venue the couple would chose. Gossip sites speculated she might be carrying the next Grant since the couple had only been together for a little over a year. Statements from Mellie's camp and the current administration issued a circulated. One young girl that had snuck of picture of Ava in a coffee shop the previous week posted it as it was the only image of the ring.
"Good morning, Ave," Fitz leaned down, capturing her lips quickly.
"Good morning to you too," Ava smiled. " Did you sleep well?"
"I did," he nodding as he put a cup in their Keurig. "I see it didn't take long for them to discover our announcement."
"Not at all. Lauren has been keeping me updated. We should probably issue a statement later this week to thank everyone."
"Sounds good to me," Fitz agreed. "Ohh, you made breakfast this morning."
" I did. There's turkey bacon, homemade banana nut waffles, platanos, and chopped fruit," she said to him before answering a phone call from her father.
"Hi Papi...yes they did chose good photos of me...No I'm not going to address the pregnancy rumours...Yes,I'm sure I'm not pregnant...No won't snitch on you and tell Mom that you asked...Love you too."
Anticipating some of the uproar, the happy couple planned their day accordingly. Ava made sure she didn't have surgery scheduled and let all the appropriate channels at her consulting firm know she would be out of the office. Lauren, who had relocated from DC to continue on as Fitz's assistant, was at their home, fielding calls and accepting gifts as they came in. While the world erupted, Ava and Fitz continued on as they normally would.
AN: So just to explain some of the Spanish. Mejorando la raza means improving the race. It seems from the whitening movement in several latino countries to bring in white people because they had white blood to get rid to dark skinned people. Which brings me to my next term "prieta". It is a term that can be affectionate if it comes from another dark skinned person, but's a big no no if lighter skinned people use it.
Now that that part is over, I hope you all enjoyed meeting some of the important people in Ava's life. There will be one more update and then the epilogue. I'm not sure if you caught it,but yes Olivia got engaged before Fitz.