Disclaimer: I do not own Scandal

Chapter Seven: Enough for Always

You asked to dance and I got shy

You said honey there's not time for excuses

Barefoot on Hermosa Beach

Oh we just let that ocean breeze be the music yeah

Cause you're the only thing worth coming home to

It's how I want to spend all of my days

Say you're forever say that you're heart's gonna stay

You, you're who I love and oh, oh this is enough for always

- "Enough for Always" Kate Voegele

Olivia leaned back against the wall inside the Grant Headquarters in Santa Barbara, California and accepted the glass of champagne from Cyrus.

Holding up his glass, Cyrus looked at Billy, Verna, Abby, Huck, Stephen and Harrison, "While they're still speaking, I'd like to give a toast of my own," he paused, "here's to trying our best, playing it clean, and losing gracefully." He paused again, "And here's to Olivia Pope, we may have lost this election, but you certainly saved our souls."

"To Olivia Pope." The rest of the group repeated as they clinked their glasses together.

"So what happens now?" Abby asked.

Taking a sip, Olivia shook her head, "You know, I actually don't know. I guess we go be normal people."

Cyrus cleared his throat, "I was offered a normal person job."

All eyes swiveled from Olivia to Cyrus, "What? Where?" Billy asked quickly.

"Running the law school at Harvard." He paused, "I was thinking it may be too clean for me, but maybe I need a change of pace."

Olivia pulled the older man into a hug, "I think you deserve it. I think you will be great."

"I want to know what Olivia is going to do though." Cyrus prompted her.

Olivia shrugged, "I may open a business. I may move. I have a few thoughts going through my head." Verna chuckled and Billy gave her a sideways glance, all of which Olivia chose to ignore.

When the door opened and Sally and Fitz stepped through they were greeted with applause. Fitz held up his hands and the room died down, "I want to start by thanking everyone who came out to support us. We're sorry that we didn't win. I believe that in 2012 Sally Langston will make an incredible president. I'm sorry that we will not have the chance to run together and work together to make this country a better place. I also cannot wait to see what you all do with your futures."

When he paused, Sally took over, "I want to thank you all as well, particularly Billy Chambers, Olivia Pope, Cyrus Beene, Verna Thornton, Harrison Wright, Stephen Finch, Abby Whelan and Huck. Your support has been unwavering in times of great need here. God bless you all."

One Month Later

Fitz tipped his chair back and grinned into the computer screen, "I'm serious Liv, I'm going to buy a house in Vermont."

Olivia rolled her eyes and tugged the blanket up to her chin as she curled up in bed, "What are you talking about?"

"We planned to move to Vermont. You were going to make jam and I was going to run for mayor of whatever little town we settle in." Fitz reminded her.

"Fitz I just opened a business." Olivia reminded him.

"Which you admitted could be run from anywhere in the country."

"Well I was thinking we'd at least end up somewhere like DC, New York, Santa Barbara." Olivia began listing off major cities that had major players.

"Nope, Vermont. I'm going looking for a place I can build a big house for us and all the monsters we decide to have."

"Fitzgerald Thomas Grant, III!" Olivia shot up.

"Yes Olivia Carolyn Pope?" He asked sheepishly.

"You expect me to have your children when you haven't even taken me on a proper date, let alone asked me to marry you?" She crossed her arms and frowned.

Arching an eyebrow, Fitz leaned forward, "Are you saying that enough time has passed for me to properly ask you out?"

Olivia closed her eyes and thought for a moment. She thought about Fitz's children Jerry and Karen. She thought about the fact that their mother had already moved on with Andrew Nichols, the Governor of California. Opening her eyes she answered, "Yes. I'm done waiting Fitz. As long as you're comfortable and your kids are comfortable I'm done waiting. Let's move to Vermont."

A wide grin spread across his face, "Want to pick a small town with me?"

Olivia nodded, "With a good school system." She paused, "And maybe even a place for Karen and Jerry to go to school if they'd rather live with us." She paused again, "I mean, if you want to give them that option."

"Of course I want my kids to live with us." He stopped, "I just can't wait to start our lives together."

"Me too, but Fitz," Olivia hesitated, "I just, I want to date first. I want to take it a little slowly. Our affair, everything was so high speed and secretive and I want to make sure we can work in the real world first." She paused, "I need to know that this can work long term."

Fitz sighed, "I understand Livie. I do. I'm just so ready to get on with our lives."

"Dating is a part of any relationship Fitz. Let's go on a date. Doesn't that sound like fun?" Olivia asked.

Fitz chuckled, "Well I just happen to be coming to DC to join Sally at an event next week. Be my date?"

"You and Sally stayed good friends?" Olivia's eyebrow quirked up. "Who'd a thought?"

"Not us. Especially since we disagree on so many issues, but I figure she's a good friend to keep. After all, she and Billy stuck it out on the campaign and lost with all the drama I brought. I owe her one."

"Yes of course I'll be your date Fitz." She laughed as FItz pumped his fist in the air in victory. Rolling her eyes she mumbled, "Good night Fitz. I love you."

"I love you too Livie." He replied before she shut her laptop.

SCANDAL

"So you're going on a real date with him?" Abby asked as Olivia stepped into the cream colored floor length gown.

Olivia nodded, "Yes an actual date to a Vietnam Veterans event that Sally is helping host."

"Wow, so do his kids know?" Abby tucked her feet underneath her as she sat up straighter on Olivia's bed.

Olivia nodded and slipped the diamond studs into her ears, "Yeah he asked their permission first. She's already moved on with Andrew Nichols so I guess it doesn't really matter to them at this point."

"Is he bringing them out here?"

Olivia nodded again, "Yeah, they're not going to the event, but tomorrow we're going to spend the day together just doing silly tourist things." She grinned, "I'm really excited and nervous."

Springing up, Abby pulled her down into a hug, "I'm really happy for you Liv. You deserve a good guy."

"Speaking of good guy," Olivia paused and walked over to her closet, "you should put this on." She held out a silvery floor length gown.

"Um okay fairy godmother I'll bite, why am I going to the ball?" Abby took the dress from Olivia and laid it on the bed before ripping her shirt over her head.

Olivia grinned, "Fitz has a date for you. Someone he wants you to meet who will be at the gala."

"My very own prince charming will be here?" Abby rolled her eyes, "Does Fitz even know my type?"

"He and I both agree this guy would be perfect for you. Anyhow, Fitz wants two dates. He wants to look like a playa once in his life." At Abby's incredulous look Olivia giggled, "His words, not mine." She paused, "You're coming. You need to have fun after Stephen."

"Stephen was supposed to be fun." Abby reminded her.

"Stephen is a womanizing man-whore." Olivia piped up. "I love him, but he is."

Stepping into the dress Abby commented, "Fine, but can I wear your long white-gold earrings? The antique ones."

"In the jewelry box." Olivia pointed to her dresser, "Help yourself to anything of mine."

"You're lucky I carry make up in my purse." Abby responded dryly, "I can't exactly pull off your tone of foundation."

Olivia grinned at her, "I would've bought you make up if I knew you didn't usually carry it with you." She blew her best friend a kiss. "Now come on, Fitz will be here in forty minutes, I need to do your hair." She pushed Abby down onto the vanity chair and plugged in a curling iron.

SCANDAL

"So who exactly is it you want me to meet?" Abby asked as she stood with Olivia and Fitz off to the side near the bar.

"Fitz, Olivia!" Sally, Billy and Cyrus came up to them, "And Abby!" Sally grinned, "I did not expect to see you here tonight."

Fitz smiled and pulled the small woman into a hug, "There's someone I want her to meet." He paused, "How are you doing Sal?"

"You know I'm actually doing quite well." She nodded, "We all are. It's amazing, even after that loss we've all landed on our feet."

"We certainly have." Fitz agreed, "Oh David!" He called out, flagging down one of the DAs."

"Fitzgerald Grant, III, how are you?" David Rosen adjusted his glasses before holding out his hand to shake Fitz's.

"I'm doing well, I want you to meet Senator Sally Langston from Georgia, Cyrus Beene the new head of Harvard Law School, Sally's chief of staff, Billy Chambers, my girlfriend Olivia Pope and our friend Abby Whelan." Fitz introduced the group.

"Well I didn't realize you and Ms. Pope had started seeing each other." Sally spoke up.

Olivia grinned and leaned up to place an peck on his cheek, "We're just testing the waters a bit. I guess some would say it was inevitable. And David, it's good to see you again."

"Always Olivia," He faced the rest of the group, "occasionally we find ourselves as sparring partners through work." He explained.

"You haven't met Abby yet though, she works for me at Olivia Pope and Associates." Olivia motioned to Abby. "Oh you and Abby both need another drink."

Abby rolled her eyes and went to respond, but David beat her to it, "Why don't we go the bar and get another one. That is what the not so subtle Olivia Pope and Fitz Grant want after all." He extended an arm to her, which she gladly accepted.

"Here's to not being subtle." Olivia clinked her glass with Fitz as she made a toast.

"You two are ridiculous." Cyrus rolled his eyes and took a sip of his brandy.

"Just playing fairy godmother and cupid." Fitz grinned down at Olivia.

SCANDAL

XOXO

MAS