Chapter 7

A/N: I don't want to bump the rating so will go with strong T in a section or two.

Fitz held Olivia's face between both his hands, knelt down in front of her, and looked at her lovingly. He leaned in and ever so lightly kiss her lips. He pressed butterfly kisses on both sides of her neck. He then kissed the bandage on her forehead that covered the stitches above her eye. "Oh, Livvie, I missed you so much." He whispered into her ear as he kissed the sensitive spot behind it. Olivia was so happy to see him. She need to draw strength from him but she couldn't not yet. This was all so overwhelming. It was too much too fast. Olivia pushed her hand firmly against his chest to break the latest kiss. "Livvie." Fitz looked at her in concern as he was forced away from her. "Did I hurt you?"

Olivia shook her head no. "Olivia, you need to tell what's wrong." Fitz could see new tears form in Olivia eyes. He reached up and brushed them away. "Sweet Baby, don't hide from me. Use your words, tell me what's wrong."

"I feel so ugly. I feel dirty. You shouldn't be here. "

Fitz felt the anger rise inside him and fought to control it. He knew his anger was misplaced. The anger he felt should be directed to the person responsible for the attack. Olivia's father, if the information they had was correct, should be the one his anger should be directed toward.

He knew she would try to push him away. He was prepared for it. He needed her to understand that it wasn't going to work. Fitz smiled at her He reached forward a cupped her cheek with his hand."It's too late for that Sweet Baby. I'm here and I'm not going away." He moved his other hand around her lower waist and stared straight into her eyes. "You are beautiful. You are not ugly. You are beautiful inside and out." Fitz whispered lovingly before leaned in gently and kissed her deeply. "I love you. Don't ever forget that. I'm here to stay. I'm not going anywhere."

"Fitz, I don't want you to leave me. I need you here with me, but I feel so ugly right now. Look at me, I haven't been able to bathe for the last five days."

"That's not true. They helped you in the hospital and Corrine helped you here." Fitz caressed her lovingly as he held her close.

"It's not the same." Liv gasped as new tears began to fall once again."

Fitz leaned forward and gathered her gently in his arms. "I know. Consider it handled."

Fitz whisper looking up into Liv's eyes with a smile across his face.

"What?" Olivia was shocked.

"You have problem right?" Olivia shook her head. "I have a solution. I fixed it for you." Fitz stood up.

"How?" Olivia followed Fitz with her eyes as he stood up and looked out the window.

"I'm in so much pain with the broken ribs that I can hardly move. It hurts to stand, walk, twist, breath and sometimes even sit."

"This is our dream house." Fitz said as he walked back toward her, a smile still on his face. "Our dream house with your perfect master bathroom."

"Oh, Fitz. " Olivia reached out for him wincing slightly at the pain. He came to her immediately. "I can't."

"You can."

"I need help in and out. I don't want anyone to see me like this. I'll need more than one person to help me and you are the only person I would ever let see me like that."

"I've got you, Livvie." Fitz stood up. "I'm sending some friends in to help you change. I'll be back soon."

"Fitz." Liv's voice began to shake and was full of fear. "Don't leave me."

"I'll be back. Lesley is waiting right outside. She is going to help you." Fitz now stood next to the chair she was sitting in. He leaned over and kissed the top of her head. "I'm not leaving you ever again. I'll be back. I need ten minutes to check on some things."

Fitz squeezed her hand and walked out the door. Lesley and Mariah were waiting in the hall. "She's all yours. I'll be back shortly." Fitz said as he walked toward the Master suite to prepare for their evening.

Lesley smiled and turned to talk to Fitz before going into Liv's room. "Your bags are on the bed. I left the bags with the other supplies in the bathroom and those boxes of things you wanted for Liv are also on the bed. We've had a light meal brought in and it's laid out as well.

Fitz smiled at Lesley and looked back at Liv. "Thank you, I'll be in there shortly."

"We will call when she is ready. We have to glam her up for your romantic evening at all."

Fitz's laughed as he began to walk down the hall "Just don't take too long."

OOO

Fitz walked into the bathroom to check on what still had to be done. While he was with Olivia, Lesley, Tom and Hal had set out candles on the cream colored tile ledge surrounding the Jacuzzi style Oval shaped tub. The candles had yet to be lit. The bench against the adjacent wall held a few towels and some pillows. Olivia's body wash was sitting in the corner of the tub near the wall. He went over to the double vanity and found the additional items he was searching for and made quick work of the final preparations for their evening together.

OOO

Lesley pulled out the three options for Olivia. "Okay, given your condition you will need help in and out of the tub, so Fitz sent me shopping and it's your turn to pick which of these items you are going to use to wow your presidential boyfriend." Lesley smiled and winked wickedly."

Olivia took the first option from Lesley. "What you are going to model them for me?"

"Oh, Sass, I'm glad to see that has returned. No, these aren't my style." Lesley said holding up the second and third bathing suit options."

"They are all bikinis." Olivia said sounding a little defeated.

"Liv, think about it. You asked for a bath and a little dignity because of the situation. You won't be wearing this long but while you are, why not drive the man of your dreams insane?"

Olivia smirked at that thought. She held up the white halter string top with matching white bottoms. "I look good in white but I don't think it's what I want for tonight.

Lesley took the suit from Olivia. "Next option." Lesley held up the white bikini with silver sequence sewn on.

"I'll take option three." Liv declared. "It's sexy, sensual, sophisticated and romantic. I'm not ready for slutty quite yet.

Lesley walked toward the chair Olivia was sitting in and handed her the suit. "Option three it is."She helped Olivia stand and carefully removed her top. She quickly replaced it with the white halter twist top with ties at the neck and back. "Okay, sit for a minute and relax before we put on the bottoms. This one is my favorite of the group. "Lesley said holding on the bottoms while Olivia rested. I have to say I think you understand what Fitz is trying to accomplish tonight. The suit Olivia selected for the evening was white on top and was matched with a black and white geo tile design bottoms. The bottoms also featured peek a boo rings and sassy double ties for a playful and sexy effect.

"I think Fitz will enjoy the suit...Liv paused for a moment and looked quickly around to see who was there. before continuing. "...and taking it off."

Lesley was enjoying this side of Liv. It was great to see that Fitz being there with her was bringing out this side of her."

Lesley put her hand under Olivia arms and stood her up again. "I'm sure he will. Are you okay to stand while we get these bottoms on you. Olivia nodded. "How's the pain? Lesley asked while helping dress.

"About a four." Liv winced a little as Lesley finished the left side tie and guided her to sit down.

"I brought some kinetic tape with me. It's black so it will go with the suit but I'm thinking it might help during the bath since you have to bend a twist a bit."

"Sounds good. " Lesley let Olivia rest before helping her walk the short distance to the bed. She helped her lie down gingerly and began applying the tape."How am I going to be able to do this? Who did Fitz ask to help get me in and out?"

"Fitz is taking care of it. He bought all this stuff for you so you could do this tonight. He's been planning this since Boston. Hal and I will be helping, but I think Fitz will be your main focus."

"Oh, God, he didn't pay for all of this...?"

"Stop, It's on my card. We'll settle it later. I have to say it's good to see you be Olivia Pope for a minute."

"It doesn't last long. I still have to tell him everything. I feel useless and dirty. I'm not worthy of him."

Lesley helped her sit up and put some pillows behind her. She turned to the bedside table and opened the nearby pill bottle. "Take one, it'll help too." Lesley walked away as Olivia took the pill with water. Lesley pulled to kimono style robes from another bag on the floor. "Black or cream."

"Black." Olivia answered quietly as the heard a tap on the door. Lesley walked over to

Liv quickly and helped her into the robe to hide the surprise for Fitz. "You are worthy of him. Enjoy what he's about to do for you. You have to open up soon but there is no harm in enjoying this moment. " There was another knock, followed by Fitz calling Liv's name from the other side of the door. Lesley moved away and opened it. She's ready for you. Try not to jostle her too much. I'll see you inside." Lesley smiled a Fitz and then back at Olivia before leaving the room.

OOO

Fitz walked over to where Liv was seated on the bed. "You are a vision of beauty." Olivia cracked a small smile as Fitz approached her. He sat on the side of the bed a light caressed her cheek, placing a kiss on her soft lips. "The things you do to me, Livvie." Fitz whispered as he continued to place butterfly kisses down her neck.

Olivia could never get enough of him like this. He was such an attentive lover and knew exactly what she always needed. "Wait until you see what's underneath this." Olivia was not sure where her new found confidence had come from. If she had to guess, she was certain it was Fitz and his attentiveness to her needs. The sensations were all becoming too much. She took his head in her hand and ran her finger through his curls. "Fitz, please... Olivia breath caught in her throat.

Fitz met her eyes quickly ending his ministrations. "Did I hurt you Sweet Baby?"

"No, of course not, it's just all your attention is a little much. I tire easily and I really want to have a bath. We could continue this later. Liv suggested as Fitz kissed her one last time before standing over her next to the bed. Fitz picked her up carefully and walked with her to the master suite. Liv placed her head against his shoulder as they made their way down the hall. "You are perfect Fitzgerald Grant."

"Don't inflate my ego too much Livvie." Fitz felt her wince as they entered the master bedroom. "I'm going to place you on the bed to rest for a moment before we go in. Fitz placed her on the king sized sleigh bed in the room. Liv looked around. The room was enormous with a fireplace on the wall in front of the bed. The fire place had a living area around it much like the one in his White House bedroom. In front of the bed was a bench, to the right was a set of French doors that opened to a large balcony. The furniture was done in a tasteful dark cherry finish. Liv could feel new tears falling from her eyes. Fitz sat next to her on the bed "No more of these." Fitz said as he wiped away the tears.

"These are happy tears. This," Liv took in her surroundings, "is perfect. It's everything I've ever dreamed it would be." Fitz helped her sit up and swung her legs over the side of the bed. He knelt down and began playing with the belt on her robe. He undid it slowly and stood up pushing it back off her shoulders. He leaned down a placed a kiss on each shoulder as he sensually removed the garment to reveal his surprise underneath. "Like what you see?" Liv asked looking into her lover's stormy gray eyes.

Fitz could feel his body reacting to the sultry vision in front of him. "I." Fitz leaned down and kissed her on the lips. "Love." He kissed her again. "What." He kissed he on the right side of her neck in the spot just below her ear. "I." He moves to the other side of her neck and places a kiss there. "See. Do you like what you see?"

Olivia took in Fitz's appearance. They were in such a hurry to touch each other that she failed to notice he was wearing his Navy T-shirt and a steel gray bathing suit. "You're quite handsome, Mr. President. Olivia did her best to reach up under his shirt and caress is chest. Fitz took hold of his hand and slid it back down to her side. Olivia put on her pouty face.

"Save your strength, Livvie."

"Fitz, we can't..." Olivia whispered almost sadly.

"I know." Fitz said as he pulled the shirt over his head to reveal his perfectly molded chest and abs. "Is that better?" Fitz asked playfully.

"Much, Mr. President. I'm rested now, can we get on with our evening plans?"

"Are you sure the pain is bearable?"

"It is as good as it's going to get." Olivia reached up for his neck. Fitz carefully scooped her up into his arms. She leaned her head against his shoulder once again.

"I want you to close your eyes, Livvie. " Fitz watched as he eyes drifted shut. He then walked her into the master bathroom. As he walked in he saw both Lesley and Hal waiting for them in front of two steps that led to the tub. The candles were now lit. The orchid petals were scattered around the room. He smiled as he kissed the top of Olivia's head. "Open your eyes, Sweet baby. Fitz whispered.

Upon entering the room, Olivia was immersed in the scents of lavender and Vanilla. When she opened her eyes she was greeted with the most romantic sight she could imagine. The room was bathed in candlelight. The bathtub's ledge held burning candles as well, as orchid petals-her favorite flower. She was certain that when she got closer to the tube they would be floating in the water as well. The room was huge with a soaking tub under a Palladian style picture window that had shutters to allow them privacy. She was sure it would bring in an abundance of nature light in day time. Off to the right of the tub was a glass enclosed shower. The room was done in light seaside blue. The floors appeared to be marble and the tile and counters of the tub and vanities were no doubt custom as the allowed for the light airiness of the room. "It's perfect. You certainly know how to romance a broken girl."

"You're not broken. You're beautiful. Fitz approached a bench next to the vanity and set her down. I'm going to put you down and test the water. We don't want too cold for you.

Olivia looked at the tub as Fitz approached it to check the water. Liv could see towels rolled up and waiting from them on the ledge as well as wine and snacks. Fitz talked to Lesley and Hal for a moment and returned to her side. "How am I going to get in there Fitz?"

"I have a plan. Ready to give it a try?" Fitz picked her up and carried her up the two stairs to the top ledge. He sat her down with her feet in the tub. "I'm going to get in first, turn around to you and lift you in. Lesley is to your right and Hal is behind you. Hal put his hand on her shoulder." You can lean against Hal if you need to. Olivia watched Fitz step in and turn to her. She leaned against Hal to relieve the pressure building in her back, as Fitz made his way back over toward her. "I didn't want to bend and twist you too much. " He stood up and picked Liv up again and gently placed her in the right corner of the tub facing the room. Liv sunk down as far as she could and allowed the warmth of the water sooth her pain away. She opened her eyes to find Fitz smiling next to her. The flower petals felt as heavenly as the bubbles against her sink. "How is it?"

"Heavenly." Liv answered, smiling at Fitz.

Fitz wrapped his arm around her shoulder and massaged them. He's actions elicited a moan of pleasure from her. He smiled as he whispered in her ear. "It's about to get a little more heavenly. "

"And that's our queue to leave." Lesley quipped as she turned to Hal.

"Yes, Ma'am."

Lesley looked over to a smiling Fitz. He looked like a kid that got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. "I'll take care of the other things you need while you are seeing to Liv. There are more towels on the table next to the tub on the shelve below the food. Call if you need us to help Olivia get out." Lesley said as she and Hal left the room.

"Thank you." Liv and Fitz said at the same time. When the door closed to signal they were finally alone, Liv looked at Fitz. "What else do you have up your sleeve Mister?"

"As I said, it's about to get a little more heavenly. Fitz began to play with the bow that held her white halter bikini top in place. Liv felt the tie give way and gasped. "Easy, Sweet Baby, we are alone now. There no need for this any longer Fitz moved his hand down to the middle of her back sending a surge through her as he went and pulled on the second tie at her back. the top gave way allowing the warm water to envelop her. Fitz threw the bathing suit top on the floor next to the tub. He brought his hand over her newly exposed sink as he travel down to the ties hold the bottom of the suit in place. Olivia felt his fingers ever so slightly ghost over her breasts. She could feel her heart beat quicken and a familiar heat rise within her. She knew they couldn't do what they normally did but she couldn't wait for him to free her from the confines of her suit and him from his so they could enjoy and evening of loving caresses and kisses He worked quickly on the double ties on both side of her black and white bathing suit bottom. He pulled her to sit between his legs. "How's the pain?" he asked as she very contently leaned against his chest. "Lift up. He whispered in her ear while placing a kiss behind it. She did as instructed and felt the warm water rush around her to caress her newly exposed skin. She was most certainly now in heaven there was just one thing that would make this night better.

"I don't feel any pain." She smiled up at him. " Fitz, I think you're overdressed." Fitz wrapped his arms carefully around her and nuzzled into her neck trailing butterfly kisses down her neck. He gently moved her off his lap and stood up next to her. He quickly rid himself of his suit throwing it to floor to join her and sat down in the tube.

He reached for a strawberry on the plate and fed it to Olivia. "Is that better?"

Olivia took the strawberry in her mouth and ate it suggestively. Olivia's actions drove him wild. "Much, Fitz could you hold me please." The venerability creep into Olivia's voice. Fitz moved Liv into his arms and held her close. Olivia relax immediately into his embrace and allowed both Fitz and the water to calm her. It was in the moment that they both realized why there were here. Olivia knew her time was short. She needed to tell Fitz what happened before the strain of the events consumed her.

Fitz spent the next hour and a half showing Liv what she meant to him. They shared kisses and intimate touches. Liv even dozed off in his arms. She still hadn't opened up to him but he felt this was a start and he knew when she did his life would never be the same. Olivia stirred against his chest. He brushed a stray hair off her forehead away from her stitches. " You ready to get out, Livvie." Fitz whisper as he kissed her forehead just next to the bandage covering her stitches.

Liv's brown eyes meant his blue ones in the candlelight. "It seems the lavender candles did their job. Liv said as she reached for her wine glass of grape juice. After taking a few sips she placed it back on the ledge and turned to Fitz. Yes, I'm ready to get out. Do you have to call Lesley and Hal to help? I don't really know how I would get back into that suit now that it's wet.

I need you to lean forward so I can stand up. I hope it doesn't cause you too much pain." Liv leaned forward. The pain was dull but not nearly as bad as she thought it would be.

"I'm sorry Livvie. Fitz said as he stood up and gently eased her back against the bath pillow he was leaning against. I'll be right back. Do you think you could sit on the edge of the tube without anything behind you for a couple of minutes?

Liv thought about what Fitz said as she watched him step out of the tub and grab and towel. He wrapped it securely around his waist and turned back to face her. "I think so."

"Okay, can you move toward me so I can lift you out from here?" Liv nodded and moved slowly toward the side of the tub were Fitz was standing on the stairs. When she was close enough her reached down and lift her onto the ledge He sat her down facing him on the stairs. She had a very good view of some of her favorite parts of Fitzgerald Thomas Grant the third. "Don't get any ideas" Fitz said playfully looking at her the expression on her face. He wrapped her quickly in a warm, fluffy bathroom before bending down and scooping her up for a ride to the master bedroom. He placed her on the king bed propped up against several big pillows. "How's the pain."

"It's about a five so middle of the road. It was worth it." Liv said in a small voice. She looked around and so more flower petals scattered on the bed and more candles around the room.

Fitz moved to the bench at the bottom of the bed He picked up a set of underwear and a set of white silk pajamas. "Can I help the love of my life get comfortable before dinner."

"I don't deserve all of this. You do too much. "

"You deserve every bit of it and more." Fitz said as he swung her legs over the bed and put her panties on.

"Well this is different, usually you're taking them off."

"Funny." Fitz deadpanned. "You're a funny girl."

The pajama bottom quickly followed her underwear. Fitz allowed his hands to caress her skin in some sensitive areas before helping her with the top. It was a wrap around with a tie that ended in a bow at her hip. Liv wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down to her. She kissed him lovingly. He stood her up and deepened the kiss the kiss was broken only when it was no longer possible for either of them to breathe. "Would you like to eat now or sleep. Liv was a bit hungry It seemed that Fitz's attention helped her work up and appetite. He lead her to a small table with candles in front of a raging fireplace with orchid petals on the hearth and floor. They were soft against her feet. She and Fitz shared a small meal together. When they were finished Fitz carried her to bed then snuggled they together. Olivia felt content for the first time since her attack. Fitz always made her feel safe. She snuggled closer and drifted off into an uneasy sleep knowing that her contentment couldn't last forever.

OOO

Fitz lay awake with Olivia snuggled against his side. She was so broken but tonight he saw glimpses of his Livvie and he wanted her back for good. He was pulled from his thoughts by the sounds of her moans and her arms wrapping tighter around his waist. He caresses her skin softly and whispered sweet reassurances to her in hopes that it would calm her. He hated seeing Olivia struggle like this it broke his heart. She was holding back from him about what happened and he needed to get her to see that it was doing more harm than good. It was time for to open up.

OOO

The hallway was dark as she approached her door. She struggle momentarily with the keys before getting the door open. She walked through the door and through her keys in the basket on the table next to the door. The room was dark and it felt eerie. She walked to the switch be no lights came on. The figure was looming large behind her but she didn't see him until it was too late. He forced her to the floor. She did all she could to protect herself and get away but it wasn't enough. She felt something hard hit her repeatedly. Twice as good...twice as good. twice as good. " She opened her eyes but didn't see anything. She could her someone saying twice as good over and over again and then she blacked out. When she woke up again she felt wet...she felt like she was burning. She couldn't move and she was laying in a sticky red substance. The figure was standing over her this time as clear as day."You should have aim higher...but no you wanted to be his first lady...First Lady...the figure laughed and kept repeating First Lady. You can't even keep his child safe. He won't want you as his First Lady...you're not good enough. First Lady. The figure continued to laugh at her as she tried to get away from the pipe he was hold. It came down to her head and her world went black.

Olivia shot up out of bed in cold sweat with a blood curdling scream. Fitz shot up next to her and threw on the light by the bed. He instinctive reached for her by she shied away from him. She sat up with shaking uncontrollably. Fitz watched helplessly as she began to rock and cry like a helpless child. The Secret Service rushed into the room and Fitz quickly put a hand up to let them know to back away and kept their distance. Hal remained in the doorway. Fitz thought he looked as helpless as he himself felt. Fitz waited a minute and then reached for Livvie again. She didn't shy away this time and he began rubbed small soothing circles on her back. He carefully wrapped her in his arms and began whispering sweet nothings in her ear to calm her down. She continued to shake and cry. Fitz felt sick. This was not his Livvie. This person had taken her away. "Livvie." Fitz whispered brushing new tears from her eyes. The shirt we wore to bed was no completely soaked through curtsey of the nightmare. "Take a breath." He felt her breathe in against him. "Do you want to talk about it. Fitz asked quietly while rubbing soothing circles on her back.

"I can't be here." Olivia said in a small broken voice. "I need to get up."

Fitz held her tighter as she started to come undone again. "Okay." Fitz looked around the room and then it hit him. He gathered Olivia in his arms and walked her over to the sitting area. The fire that they had started early was almost out. "I'll lay you down here and start the fire back up. "We can talk all you want. " Fitz set her down and pulled a plush soft blanket around. He then tended to the fire before returning to her side. "We are not in bed anymore. It isn't dark, the fire is nice and warm and you're safe in my arms. Fitz wrapped her protectively in his arms. "I wasn't going to push, Livvie." Fitz could feel Olivia being to shake again. "I can't take seeing you like this anymore. I need to know what's going on. You're safe now. He can't hurt you anymore. I need to know what happened. Will you tell me?" Olivia burrowed into his neck, but shook her head. "Good."

Olivia sat up and looked at Fitz with tears in her eyes. How do you tell the love of your life that you lost a baby-their baby. "I need you to promise you won't be mad or disappointed."

Fitz wiped the tears away with the back on his thumb. "I could never be made at you. There is nothing you could do that I wouldn't forgive, remember."

Olivia cuddled into his embrace and took in Fitz's scent and watched the flames dance in the fireplace. "I couldn't stop him. I tried to fight him. I don't know what he wanted. He came up behind me and started hitting me. He hit me over and over. I tried to stop him. I tried to protect myself. It's my fault, my fault. It's all my fault."

"It's not your fault." Fitz said as he kissed her. "Tell me what happened."

Liv turned and sat up facing Fitz. She placed her head on his shoulder. Fresh tears soaked in to the shoulder of Fitz shirt. "I wasn't going to run. It's important that you know that I wasn't going to run. "I made an appointment with Lauren...I told her to tell you I didn't want to see you in the Oval. I told her to tell you would know where to meet me.

"Our spot. You wanted to me in our spot."

"I didn't want what I had to tell you to be on tape in the Oval office. I didn't want it to be about your Presidency. I wanted, I needed it to be about us.

Fitz rubbed Liv's back to encourage her to continue. "What were you going to tell me in the rose garden? You weren't going to leave me again were you?"

"No," Liv kissed him and whispered through her tears. "I wasn't going to run. I was going to live in the moment. I hadn't quite worked it all out but..." Liv began to shake again. Fitz held her tight. "It doesn't matter now because he took it all away from us."

Fitz felt his heart drop and his stomach tighten with fear. He didn't want to believe what his heart was telling him."What did your father take from us Livvie?"

"I know it wasn't the best time. I know you're running for President I know you want to run and win clean. It wouldn't have been clean but you deserved to know. I had this special meeting in the rose garden planned and I was going to tell you and then I was going to see what you did. What you said but somehow he found out. I don't know how. I was extra careful but my father found out." Liv was crying now. I tried to protect them...I tried...but he was too strong. I didn't even know it was him at first. He was so strong. He was possessed and I couldn't stop him. I wasn't strong enough. It my fault. I lost our baby. I lost our baby..."

Fitz held Olivia as she sobbed uncontrollably in his arms. He couldn't breathe. He could feel the tears streaming from his eyes. The thought of having a child with her warmed his heart but thought of losing that child or any of his children filled him with cold fear and rage. He wanted, no needed to tell her that it wasn't her fault. He needed her to know that he loved her and it wasn't her fault but he couldn't get the words out through his grief and he knew she wouldn't be able to hear him. Fitz did the only thing he could do in this moment. He sat there and held Livvie in his arms. She cried and he did as well until neither of them could cry anymore.