Two hours later the couple landed back in back in D.C. at a private air strip. A car was waiting for the couple.

When they got in the car the realtor was calling Olivia. She looked up at him, and he squeezed her hand. When she took the call, she heard good news. The seller was looking for a quick sale and was willing to pay for all closing cost. When Olivia asked about the furniture she was told they could purchase whatever pieces they wanted.

Olivia let her know that unexpected business brought them back in town, so they could stop by in the morning and sign the papers. Her friend thought the house would just be in her name, but Olivia let her know she wanted the house in both of their names. She informed her it wouldn't be a problem, and she looked forward to speaking with her soon.

When the call ended Olivia looked at Fitz, "I never thought I would say this, but I don't want to be here long. I am ready to go back to our happy place."

Fitz smiled, "This is our happy place too. It is just more complicated, but I am ready to go back home."

She leaned into his arms and relaxed until they got to the building. After a quick sweep they were escorted into Quinn's office. There was no surprise that Mellie was there.

When her team saw her walk in the door hand in hand with Fitz it made them smile. She didn't change into Olivia Pope the fixer. She walked in with her jeans and shirts with her hair in its natural state. She was just Liv, the girlfriend of former President Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III. Her friends had called her, and Marcus had called Fitz to give him a heads up.

Mellie was indifferent but jealous as she looked at the couple. It was clear that they were moving on. No one was standing in their way. Fitz had given her everything she wanted, and in this moment, it still didn't feel like enough. Really it was, but it ate at her that she still needed them in some capacity to save her.

Quinn walked over with Robin who quickly reached out for Olivia. Olivia gladly took her new goddaughter.

Quinn smiled at the pair, "Liv, thank you for coming back. If I felt like we could have handled things on our own I would, but with Cyrus and Jake trying to get Mellie out of the White House I thought we needed all hands-on deck."

Mellie was still in her feelings about Olivia turning her down. Instead of appreciating the fact that Olivia had come when Quinn called she was pissed.

Before she could think she, said, "Why are you here? When I called you earlier you said you couldn't help me. Now you come strolling in like you are doing me some favor because you left your love shack with my husband."

Fitz was beyond livid and stood up to confront Mellie, but Olivia stood and stopped her.

She looked at him, "I got this. Hold our other goddaughter."

He looked at Quinn who smiled at him. "She is right. You guys are a packaged deal."

Fitz smiled and nodded and took Robin from Olivia.

Olivia turned and looked at Mellie, "I'm not going to yell and scream at you. The truth is that my actions have led you to believe that you can talk to me anyway you want. You feel like I owe you, because I took your man. Newsflash that speech is old and tired, and no one is listening to it anymore especially me. Fitz & I were wrong when it came to how our relationship was started. Yes, I said relationship and not affair. As you can tell he didn't hit it and quit it. What I have always found interesting is that when things were going great then it was fine for me to be in love with Fitz, but if there was a problem there I was nothing more than a common whore."

Mellie shrugged her shoulders and under her breath said, "I call them like I see them."

"Says the woman who has had multiple affairs. I'm the wrong one. I am not your assistant that runs every time you yell. I know I gave you that impression but let me remind you that I am the one that knows all your dirty little secrets. You wouldn't want the world to know that you were on your knees providing lip service to the former Vice-President of the United States."

Mellie's eyes shot up in shock. Not only had Olivia heard her comment but read her in front of everyone. She didn't get a chance to say anything. Olivia was nowhere done with her.

"That is the last underhanded comment you will make about me in my presence. When I say my presence that also includes my team, Fitz, your children, and anyone I am acquainted with. I am done being your bitch. Now you are mine and it will remain that way. Fitz is also mine and it will remain that way. You didn't want him. You are always harping about how you made him, but every chance you get you need him. There will be no more apologies. I am not here for you. I am here for my friends. This is Quinn's team. Are we clear?"

Mellie stood up, "Don't stand here all indignant like you are innocent. You have blood on your hands. I can destroy you too."

Olivia and Mellie were so engrossed in their showdown that they hadn't noticed that Fitz had gotten up and put Robin in her bassinette.

"You want a war I will give you a war."

Both turned surprised to see Fitz standing by them.

Olivia had her turn to get some things off her chest. Now it was Fitz's turn. He should have taken up for Olivia more. It was a mistake that he was determined not to make again.

Mellie got a smug look on her face. Still thinking that she had the upper hand when it comes to Fitz.

She smirked at him, "I don't answer to you anymore. I am now the President of the United States."

"And if you want to stay that way then you are going to stand down. If you don't then you won't have to worry about Cyrus and Jake because I will be happy to help Olivia destroy you."

"How dare you threaten me?"

"Easy. I dare you to step out of line Mellie. I accept that we made a mistake. Marriage should never be a business deal. It worked well for a while, but like many business deals they go south. That is what happen to us, and it was long before Olivia stepped in the picture. You have always made unilateral decisions for us. When my father raped you in our home you decided use your pain for political gain. Something I never would have agreed with. When I was losing the election, you teamed up and rigged my first election. You didn't do it for me. You did it to ensure you became First Lady. You love to call Olivia a mistress and whore every chance you got. Newsflash Mellie you were pimping her out to me every chance you got so you could continue on with your dirty little deeds."

A collective gasp was heard in the room. Even Huck had a slight grin on his face. Any reservations he had about the Fitz were now gone.

Mellie was in shock. Fitz had never spoken or took this tone with her even when he was made. She was a little afraid of him now.

"I know you like to use words and games to hurt Olivia and me. Those days are over. You said you wanted to be President then damnit be President. Act like you went to college and graduated at the top of your class. What you will no longer do is bully my girlfriend. What you will no longer do is disrespect the people in this room that have saved your ass more times than you can count. Finally, you will never threaten Olivia again. You might be President now, but don't forget I was a two-term President. I will protect those I love at any cost. You have no room to talk. After all it was you who got a bus full of innocent jurors killed, remember?"

It was a drop the mike moment. Fitz had laid down the gauntlet. Olivia had never been afraid of Fitz. One of the reasons that she fell in love with him was that he never wielded his power. Watching him stand up to Mellie and take up for her turned her in ways she couldn't imagine. She would take care of him later. Right now, she was enjoying the look on Mellie's face. Was it petty? Sure, it was, but it felt good to see her fall off her pedal. She knew she had done her dirt, but she was trying to make amends. She didn't pawn off her mistakes on others.

Fitz walked over to Mellie, "I didn't hear anything yet Mellie. Are we clear?"

Mellie looked around and realized that she had gone too far. She needed these people's help, and they could ruin her before anyone else had a chance to take her and her administration down.

Mellie found her voice, "Yes, we are clear."

Fitz nodded then turned to Quinn, "You have the floor."

"Mellie's administration is under attack by Jake and Cyrus. Long story short is they want her out, so they can take over."

Olivia wasn't shocked by that but knew there was more because they could have handled this without her.

"The problem is that they are back stabbing each other. Cyrus is upset that Mellie had him hand over the speech he wrote and planned to give at the dinner Mellie recently had. Something big is about to happen, but we haven't figured that out yet. They are not going to stop until they destroy Madame President."

Olivia nodded.

Quinn looked at her, "I know that you no longer work for the administration, and that you gave up B613. I want and need you to keep the White Hat on, but I need you and Fitz. Both of you know the inner workings of the White House, and instead of Huck having to hack into systems to see if he can find anything I thought you could help us narrow down our options."

Olivia looked at Fitz. He knew she was asking him for permission. It warmed his heart that she cared about his opinion. In the past she would have made the decision, and he would have had to accept it.

Fitz grabbed her hand, "We need to help them."

He looked at his ex-wife then back at Olivia, "I don't like many of Mellie's actions, but she has earned the right to lead the country. Jake and Cyrus shouldn't be allowed to take that away. This is your chance to be the woman I fell in love with. The woman who brought these gladiators together. We have a home here now. Between helping them maybe you can help Marcus & I determine what cases we should take up next at the foundation."

Olivia grabbed his hand, "Are you sure? We were taking some time for ourselves."

"We will get time. We are together. We wouldn't be able to enjoy ourselves if we didn't help get this all sorted. You didn't do all this work to get Mellie elected only to let two jackasses take it away."

"I agree…"

Mellie stood up and went over to Olivia, "Thank you for helping."

"Madame President I am not saying this to be funny, but I am not doing this for you. This is about me getting my soul back. Despite how you treat me I have always been on your side. I didn't run your campaign to get back at Fitz. I wanted you to win. I wanted the world to see that women can do it too. So much so that it consumed me. I sold my soul to make sure that the Republic remained in order, and nothing could touch you. In the process I lost myself and those who love me. We will figure this out. I agree with Fitz. You earned it and you deserve to run the country. While we are putting out these fires you need to do some soul searching, because if you truly want to be more than a one-term President you are going to have to step up to the plate. You are going to have to stand on your own two feet. Most importantly you are going to have to learn how to foster relationships. Talking down to people and blackmailing them will only get you so far. If the person is smart they will always have another card to play."

Olivia turned and went over and hugged her team. They agreed to meet the next day at the foundation to come up with a solid game plan.

The couple left. Once they got in her apartment and got comfortable Olivia emailed the designer that had helped Fitz with the few rooms that were done in Vermont. She explained what they would be needing, and she was willing to pay to get the jobs done as soon as possible.

As soon as she hit send a pair of arms wrapped around her. She gladly leaned into them.

He kissed her hair, "What are you working on?"

"Not working. When we were in Vermont I decided that I was happy with the work the designer done on the rooms. Instead of us trying to find someone I thought it would make sense to see if she could complete the job, and work on our home here. I hope that's okay."

"It's fine Livvie. I appreciate you including me now in your decisions, but I don't expect you to run everything by me. I know you will make the best decision for us."

She turned and looked at him, "I will. When do you get Teddy again?"

"This weekend. Are you okay with that?"

"Absolutely. I love Teddy. I got to spend time with him between you and Mellie. The reason I ask is that I want him to pick out what he wants his bedrooms to look like. They are his homes too, and he should have a choice. I also want to order some games to go on that second story in the barn."

"God, I am so in love with you…"

Olivia giggled, "I love you too. I was also thinking that summer is around the corner. What do you think about us taking a nice long vacation. I was thinking two weeks. The first one just the two of us, and the second week Teddy and Karen could come. It would allow us to catch up with each other and try and bond together."

Fitz felt like he was experiencing an out of body experience. She was here and invested in their relationship. He wasn't begging her to be open up to him. He knew they could be good together if they tried, but the real thing was so much better.

"Where are you thinking?"

"I don't care as long as I am with you. If you want to go then you can choose. It will prepare you for planning our honeymoon."

Fitz looked at her in shock, "Don't say things you don't mean Liv."

She caressed his face, "I don't. I mean it Fitz. I'm not running. I know we will argue and fight from time to time, but that is life. I am in this with you. I don't want to play house. I want us to build a life. A life that includes our careers, your two children, and the two children we always dreamed about. I want you. I need you. I can never be without you ever again."

"I feel the same way baby."

"Good. Let's get some sleep. We have a long week ahead of us."

They climbed in the bed and snuggled together. Both were silently thinking the same thing. It was nice to just be in bed. As much as they enjoyed having sex it was nice that they didn't have to worry about getting that moment in. They weren't living on stolen moments.

The next day they started out early. They met with Olivia's friend and completed all the paperwork to purchase their home. It would be their home in 48 hours. The designer responded back to Olivia. She was more than happy to take on both jobs. They scheduled a meeting with her.

They headed over to the foundation. Marcus was already in his office working. Olivia was looking at the cases that he had on the table. Each one of them spoke to her.

She looked at Marcus, "Do you mind if I take a look?"

"No, I would love your input. Do you mind if I speak to Fitz alone?"

Olivia shook her head. The men made it to Fitz's office. He filled him in. Marcus enjoyed being Fitz's number two. They respected each other. More importantly Fitz didn't micromanage him.

Marcus asked, "I don't mean to pry, but do you know what Liv is planning to do long term now that she is not working at the White House?"

"No, she hasn't decided. Why do you ask?"

"I have been thinking about this for a while, but I was thinking that Liv would be perfect for that final position on the board. I know that you haven't looked at the cases, but if you look at them I think about Olivia. I know she has helped us in the past, but if it is something she wants I think she is what we need here at the foundation. Olivia is going to always be the best fixer in the business. That is what some of these cases need, and they need someone to put the right spin on them. We can do a lot, but with her by our side I think we can do extraordinary things."

Fitz leaned back in his seat. He agreed with everything Marcus said, but he didn't think Olivia would want to work with him again.

"Marcus, I agree with you. I am just not sure…"

"Marcus, can you give Fitz & I a moment?"

He turned around and noticed Olivia in the door. She didn't seem upset. He simply nodded and walked out of the office.

Fitz looked at her, "How much did you hear?"

"Most of it…"

"Listen Liv…"

"Until I walked in the foundation I didn't know what I wanted. I enjoy teaching, but I don't think that will fulfill me right now. When I was looking at those cases they spoke to me. I could think of things we could do. The change that the foundation could create. Then I heard Marcus. He is right. I can be a fixer, but for the first time I am on the right side of things. I don't regret my career, but being a fixer is hard. Knowing sometimes that your client is a douche bag, but you still are defending them. Making them look like a saint. This is where I belong. Together we can do some great things, and because this is your foundation I would still be able to consult for Quinn if she ever needed me."

Fitz looked at her. He looked in her eyes and knew this was what she wanted for herself.

Fitz nodded, "Under one condition…"

"What is that?"

"We work together. You don't work for me. You, Marcus, and I will have the final say on what cases are worked. I want you to create a new team of gladiators that report to you. Put the White Hat back on and do what you do best."

Olivia was a little shocked but excited at the same time. She loved when they worked together. They did magical things, and now that they didn't have to hide their relationship she felt confident that this was the right move.

"I accept your offer Mr. President."

"Not now Livvie…"

She giggled, "Later…"

"You better believe it…"

The couple headed back down and let Marcus know of their decision. He was excited. Fitz wanted to take everyone out to dinner. He wanted to celebrate Olivia's new role, but also spend time with everyone. Neither of them had a lot of family. Her team was her family, and they had become his. The last time they were all together was during Olivia's intervention. He wanted them to sit down together under better circumstances. Olivia agreed to keep the decision quiet until dinner.

A short time later her team showed up. They sat down and got to work. There were clues, but nothing concrete that showed their hand. It was decided that Huck and Charlie would continue to spy on Cyrus and Jake. Hopefully they would make a mistake and communicate what they were up to. Abby would shadow Mellie. Since she knew how the White House worked and worked there before it wouldn't be suspicion to see her roaming the hallways.

Once they were done with work Fitz invited everyone to dinner. They decided to make it for Sunday to give them time to move into the house.

They were chatting when Fitz got a call from Mellie. She let him know it was personal. It was regarding Teddy.

Fitz asked Olivia to come with him. When they arrived, they were escorted to the Residence where Mellie was waiting.

She was thrown off a bit to see Olivia, but this was her new reality. She knew she wasn't going anywhere this time.

Fitz sat down and asked, "What's going on?"

"Teddy keeps asking for you."

"Well why didn't you call me?"

"No Fitz he wants you. He is not happy here, because you are not here. He wants to be with you. I know that I don't have that natural mother gene. When Jerry died I got better, but I can admit that I'll never be that mom who wants to sit down and get dirty with him. I wanted primary custody more out of spite. You enjoy being a parent while I feel like it is a chore, and I believe Teddy is old enough to understand that."

"What are you saying Mellie?"

"I am doing the selfish and selfless thing. I am willing to give you primary custody. I just ask for at least a month in the summer, and some of the holidays. I also ask that when we release a statement to the media that you be supportive. Now that the two of you are together I'll give you some time to talk. Teddy is in his room. I need to head down to the Oval for a briefing."

Mellie quickly exited the room. Fitz and Olivia were in shock. Fitz was afraid to look at Olivia, but they needed to have this conversation.

When he looked at her he was surprised to see the calm look in her eyes. She grabbed his hand, "Don't even think that this isn't an option."

"I know I have to do this. He is my son, but I know this was not what you were expecting."

"No, but as a fixer I learned that things change in the blink of an eye. We just need to make sure that Teddy is comfortable."

When they walked into Teddy's room he ran into Fitz's arms. It was a heartwarming moment to see the two of them together. After a few moment he pulled Teddy in his lap. That is when he finally noticed Olivia.

"Hi Livia…"

Olivia smiled, "Hi Teddy. How are you?"

"Good..."

Fitz looked at his son, "We just talked to your mom. She tells me that you aren't happy here. Is that true?"

Teddy nodded, "I want to be with you daddy."

"Okay, well daddy needs to tell you something. You know Olivia, right?"

Teddy looked at Olivia and smiled while he nodded.

"Well Olivia is daddy's girlfriend and I love her very much. We just bought a house together."

Olivia moved beside Fitz.

Teddy looked at them, "Can I live there with you guys. I won't bother you Miss. Livia. I know you work a lot."

Olivia laughed, "You never bother me Teddy. Your dad and I will be working at the same place again. Your daddy and I would love for you to stay with us, and you can visit your mom still."

Teddy looked at his dad to see if it was true. When Fitz nodded he wrapped his arms around him and hugged him like it was the last time they would hug.

It brought tears to both of their eyes.

Fitz looked at his son, "I'm going to go talk to your mom. Liv & I will pick you up in two days. We need to pack up her old house. I'm going send someone over here to pack up your stuff to bring to the new house, and we can all move in together."

"Okay daddy…"

Olivia grabbed his hand, "When you get to the new house you can tell me what you want in there and we can work on it together."

Teddy's eyes lit up, "Really…"

She nodded

He jumped up and hugged her. Other than Fitz no hug felt better.

The couple walked out and spoke with Marta who was their long-term nanny. When they lived in California she helped around the house and care for the children.

Fitz & Olivia had already discussed when they had children that they didn't want a full-time nanny. He pulled Marta aside and explained that Teddy would be moving in with them, and that they were happy to hire her. They explained what they would be looking for. Marta readily agreed to the job.

They headed down to the Oval. They spoke with Mellie. Fitz filled her in on hiring Marta, and what would happen the next couple of days.

Surprisingly she didn't give them any problems.

It was a busy couple of days, but two days later they officially moved into their new home with Teddy by his side.

That Sunday the couple got ready for dinner. They were both looking forward to the dinner, but it meant more to Olivia. She had never had a social dinner with her friends and boyfriend together. As she got dressed she smiled at what she saw in the mirror. She chose a dress that would guarantee that they wouldn't be going to bed until the wee hours of the morning.

Olivia looked herself over once before opening the bathroom door. When Fitz turned around he was in awe of what he saw. He had never seen her in a sexy cocktail dress. She had selected a red Haney Lani dress. She paired it with her light gold leather Manolo Blahnik heels. To finish off the look she chose her Marzook Capsule handbag.

Fitz walked over to her, "Wow baby you look stunning."

"Thank you. You look handsome."

"Only for you…"

The couple went and said goodnight to Teddy before heading out.

Fitz had made reservations at the 701 Restaurant. When they walked in everyone else was there waiting on them. It felt good to let their hair down.

Fitz had reserved their Admiral Room for the evening.

The group had a wonderful night. Everyone told Olivia how happy they were to have her back. They assured her that no one harbored any ill feelings.

Fitz could tell how important it was to hear that. He grabbed her hand under the table, and she gladly took it.

After dessert Fitz decided to make the announcement.

"Guys, I just want to take the time to thank you for everything that you have done for me. Over the years I have made a lot of mistakes. I haven't always done right by Olivia, but we are finally getting it right. Olivia has always saw you as more than her employees. You were her gladiators and her family. I hope that in time you will accept me as part of your family. Tonight, started out as us just getting together to catch up with each other, but it is also a celebration. After some discussion Olivia has decided to come work at the foundation with me. She is going to have her own team at the foundation and assist us with the cases we select. Her schedule is flexible so that leaves her with the ability to assist you guys if needed."

Everyone was happy for Olivia. They even offered to help her put her new team together. Olivia had discussed with Fitz that she wanted to hire two or three people full-time, but then she wanted to bring in interns for a year. She found that she enjoyed teaching. This way she could do both things that she loved.

They all thought it was great.

Quinn looked at Fitz, "I just want to say that I consider you family already. Charlie & I consider you Robin's godfather as well as Huck."

Fitz smiled and thanked Quinn

Olivia stood, "I have one more announcement. Rather an offer."

She looked at Quinn, "My original plan was to put my apartment on the market, but after some thinking I thought that you and Charlie could buy it. I bought the apartment for a deal. I know that you have been looking for a house now that you have Robin, but don't have enough for the area you want to live in. You can pay me what I paid for the apartment, and you can pay me in payments. You can move in as soon as you want, and you can keep everything. Fitz and I are designing our new home together."

Quinn and Charlie looked at each other in shock. Olivia looked over at Fitz who smiled at her. She didn't tell him about her plans. It wasn't on purpose. She was still undecided until tonight. She could tell by the look in his eyes that he was proud of her. He no longer doubted her commitment to him but knowing that she was selling her apartment felt good. It assured him she was looking forward.

Olivia then handed them a piece of paper showing what the original purchase price of the apartment was. The couple almost fainted. They knew that with all the work that Olivia had done the apartment was now worth at least double if not more than what she paid.

Quinn looked at her, "Are you sure?"

Olivia nodded, "We are family. We all know I am not hurting for money. Besides my future husband over here will take care of me."

Fitz laughed and grabbed her hand, "Damn right. You will never want for anything with me."

Olivia laughed and looked at Quinn, "See…I'm good…"

The couple laughed and got up and hugged Olivia. They were happy that they now had a good home to raise Robin in, and it wasn't that far from the office.

The night was winding down. Fitz and Olivia had been playing handsy under the table. They were ready to home and get the after party started.

They had walked out the restaurant and were headed to their cars when Quinn's phone rang. When she stopped walking they all did. They knew they were not headed home.

Quinn got off the phone and looked at them, "Air Force Two has been hijacked with Cyrus and David on board."

A/N-Until next time. Check out Olivia's date night outfit on my twitter account kimberl17711667.