Disclaimer: I own nothing. I am only playing with the characters Shondra has provided. The sandbox they're currently playing in, however, is mine.


Plans and Change

Chapter Seven

Fitz sat in the chair next to Cyrus right behind the judges' table, waiting for Olivia's turn. His phone vibrated, again. He glanced at it, frowned, and pressed ignore. The phone gave three short shakes - a text message. He read it and immediately wished he hadn't.

Going to be at the house party tonight. Come home early and meet me. I'll be in your room. I've forgiven you, Fitz. Just come home. - M.

She'd forgiven him? Well wasn't that just great. Good for her.

"I saw you two at breakfast this morning." Cyrus leaned over to him, voice low, his eyes still on the empty stage. "What are you doing Fitz?"

"We were having breakfast, Cyrus. You could've joined us." Fitz tried to keep his own voice even. He wondered when this would come.

"I saw you and that was more than just having breakfast. You're not stupid, Fitz, so stop playing this game and just answer the damn question. The picture of her parents for the locket? Driving her to the airport instead of her meeting the others on campus? I'm going to ask again, what the hell are you doing?"

"I don't know, Cyrus." Fitz turned and looked at the man who he'd come to love as a surrogate father. The man whose opinion he respected. "I care about her. I care, okay. Past that, I don't know. It's new Cyrus. We just met. All I know is that I care and I think she cares too."

"And Millicent? You two were at dinner a week ago and it didn't look like things were over." The vein on Cyrus' neck rose to the surface and pulsed. "Don't do this to her Fitz."

"Which her Cyrus?" Fitz's tone lowered. "Who are you trying to protect?" He waited a beat and when Cyrus said nothing he continued. "I'm going to deal with Mellie when we get back to campus. Tell her it's over. Does that satisfy your concerns? She can go, marry a will-be Senator and live a happy life. Just not with me."

Cyrus put a hand on Fitz's arm. "Liv wasn't raised in your world, Fitz. She doesn't live that life."

"God, Cyrus, that's a line," he glared at his mentor, anger radiating off him. "Considering who her parents were, how can you say she wouldn't be accepted? You're acting like I'd be taking her into the lion's den without any defenses. What more could Big Jerry ask for than a match with Margaret Pope's daughter? Does it get any more 'vetted' than that?" He tugged his arm away.

"So that's what this is about? You find out who her parents are and you target her as a replacement for Millicent?"

"No, damn it!" Fitz slammed his fist down on the arm of the chair. "I had already decided about Mellie. I don't care who Olivia's parents were. Big Jerry will; I don't. I care about her Cyrus. Olivia. Not her lineage. Jesus. You know I don't give a damn about that."

"You need to. You want the White House, you need to give a damn, Fitzgerald." Cyrus' grip tightened on Fitz's arm. "You need to see the bigger picture, kid. Your father, he's a bastard in a lot of ways, but he sees the big picture. You want to be more? Better? You need to get smart and start seeing this life for what it is - a game. You're just one piece. Olivia was never, ever meant to be part of that game or that life. She's too damn pure for it."

Fitz stared at the man sitting next to him for a full minute before he spoke. "Yes, I want the White House. I want to be president. But it doesn't have to be a choice between it and her. And I won't 'play the game' to get in there," he hooked his fingers around the words as he spit them out. "I'll win it by my own merits or not at all."

"God, you're so young and naïve." Cyrus released his grasp. "You think you live in this bubble, where you're insulated from the rest of the world. You don't. She doesn't. You'll never become president running a clean campaign. No one does, you know. Eventually, the mud has to come out. Skeletons rattle. And then what? What will do you, kid? You are meant to be great, to be a leader. Hell, you're the best I've seen since Jack Kennedy. But you've got to grow up and live in the real world." He sat back as they announced the first debaters.

Fitz watched as Olivia took the stage. Standing to her full height, she had a grace as she walked to her podium. He leaned forward, elbows on knees. She scanned the audience, her eyes landing on Cyrus and Fitz, and her face lit with a brilliant smile.

"That. See that Cy? That's why. That's why I want to run a clean campaign. Why I want to do this on my terms, not Big Jerry's."

"Look, I'm saying to you Fitz. Don't do this to her. Don't put her in your father's sights. Don't bring her into that life. You know how that life can wreck you. If you care, then don't do this to her. Let her find someone else. Someone... "

"Cyrus, I can't. I just can't."

Cyrus muttered under his breath and Fitz was sure he heard something that "foolish kids" and "death of him."

Olivia was still riding the high when they landed at the airport the next day. Cyrus had given her flowers after she'd won her first debate, the card now tucked in the pocket of linen jacket. She leaned into Fitz's side as they disembarked. Cyrus came up beside her.

"Dinner, tonight. We'll go to Roma's. We have to celebrate."

Liv laughed. "Cyrus, you act like you've never had a team win before."

"I haven't had one win with my goddaughter taking the most points for us. I'm proud of you kiddo. That was great work."

Fitz gave her a quick hug to him before shifting her out of his arm. "I'll go grab our bags from the carousel. You wait with Cyrus?"

"Geez. Yes, I'll be fine. I'm over twelve you know. You two act like I'm glass."

"Nope. Just special. To both of us." She saw the look Fitz shot Cyrus before he turned and headed to get the luggage.

"Cyrus."

"Liv." He countered as he led her over to a bench. "You know you sound just like your mother when you use that tone."

"You're deflecting. I saw the look. What was that?"

"How should I know. Fitz being Fitz." He shrugged but Liv wasn't buying it.

"Nuh uh, Cy. What happened? Why is he giving you a look like that?"

"Olivia, I really don't kno-"

"Hey, I got your bags too Cyrus." Fitz walked up with all the bags. "She might not need debate tips, but maybe debate packing advice." He grinned and leaned down to kiss her.

Olivia smacked his arm playfully. "Fitz Grant. You weren't complaining a bit yesterday. You said I looked beautiful. Do you think that just happens?"

Cyrus cleared his throat. "Alright you two, enough, please." He stood. "Fitz, you'll come to Roma's with us?"

Olivia watched Fitz, she could see him considering it before he shook his head. "No, I'll get her over there and delivered to you though after we drop her bags off at the dorm."

"Fitz?" Olivia tried to keep the surprise out of her voice.

"You and Cyrus could use some time alone. I have a Supreme Court case to dissect." He rubbed a hand on her arm. "Come on. Let's get you back to your room."

Olivia nodded. "Okay. Sure." She moved and hugged Cyrus. "Roma's at seven? Get us a table if you get there first?"

"Sure kiddo, sounds good. Fitz?" She moved as Cyrus put his hand out. "Thanks for coming with us on the trip."

Fitz shook the offered hand. "I'm glad to help. I'll have her at Roma's by seven." With that, he laced his fingers with Liv's and walked her out the doors.

Millie had been waiting for an hour by the time she saw her Fitz and was just about to say his name when she saw his arm was wrapped around Olivia. He was hers. Had been for years. They had plans. She had every intention of making sure those plans were fulfilled. First, she needed to take care of a problem named, Olivia. Then, she'd get Fitzgerald back on track - her track - the one that ended at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. She pulled out her phone and scrolled until she found the number she was looking for.

"Jerry, it's Millicent," she slid her shades into place as she walked into the parking lot. "It's been so long since you've up here to visit. I think Fitz has missed you. You know this weekend is the big game and I know the fraternity is hosting the families at their annual tailgate. I'm sure Fitz would love it if you could join us." She opened her car and slid behind the wheel. "Why yes, of course my parents are coming in for it too. Good. I'll look forward to seeing you. Oh, and let's keep this between us. Give Fitz a surprise." She disconnected and smiled.

Yes, everything would be back on track in no time.


AN: Thanks to everyone for all of the lovely reviews and comments. I'm glad that so many of you are enjoying this.