Fitz pulls up to the house and looks at the time on the dashboard. It's ten minutes past seven and he doesn't see a car or anyone in sight. He begins to wonder if she's actually there. Or did what Vanessa said scare her off? God he hopes not.
He gets out of the car and walks into the house as the memories start flooding back to him. He recalls the first time they were there and how amazing that night was. Then he remembers when they were here just last night, which, for some reason, seemed like forever ago.
He thinks about all of the harsh things that were said and all of the revelations that were made. He shakes his head. They aren't important anymore. Everything that's happened is in the past. They need a fresh start if they want to build a future together. They both need to put the past behind them.
He's searching the house for any sight of her, but she's nowhere to be found. He doesn't even realize that tears are developing in his eyes. They missed their chance again. By not breaking up with Vanessa sooner, he ruined every chance of them being happy again.
He looks up, as if he's talking to God.
"I guess we're just not meant for each other, huh? Please, I know we've both done terrible things, but we're still good people. We still deserve happiness. This can't be the end for her and I. Please don't let this be the end," he pleads to the Lord.
He hears a noise from behind, startling him. He turns around and loses his breath.
"You're…you're here. I didn't see a car."
"I took a taxi," she looks around the room and takes a deep breath. "It's past seven."
He runs over to her and grabs her hands. "I know it is, and I'm sorry. I drove as fast as I could to get here."
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a piece of paper.
"I even got a speeding ticket. I guess being a former president doesn't carry the same weight as it used to. The police officer didn't give a damn."
She tries not to laugh, wanting to be and stay serious.
"I was so worried that you didn't come because of what Vanessa said. When I didn't see a car or any sign of you, I almost lost it. I'm so happy that you're here."
"What about Vanessa? What did you say to her to let you leave?"
"Vanessa is no longer in the equation. I broke up with her."
She releases herself from his grasp and starts pacing around.
"You shouldn't have done that."
"Why? What are you talking about?"
"What she said was true, Fitz. I'm poison. You and I both know that."
"Liv, whatever happened prior to the past minute can all be forgotten, okay? The past is the past. If we want to move forward and build a life together, we need to stop harboring the feelings we've had the past two years. I don't care what happened. I just want you. I want to live in this house together and I want to have babies with you and…I just want us."
She looks down, as he realizes that she's crying. He walks over and picks her chin up with his index finger.
"Olivia, you were so strong earlier today. You fought for us. You made me so proud and in that moment, I fell in love with you all over again. Not that I ever stopped. Please don't let Vanessa's words make you feel like we don't deserve this. She was jealous. She knew that I still had feelings for you. We fought about it this morning after we ran into you in the lobby."
"I stood on the other side of your door and heard you tell her how happy you were with her and that you and I were just at a wedding. That was it."
"Then you must not have heard the rest of the conversation. Cause if you did, you would have heard her tell me that she knows I'm still in love with you. You would've heard me tell her that I didn't love her. And you also would've heard me tell her that there is always going to be a part me that will always love you."
She moves her head away from his finger and bows it again.
What happened to the Olivia from a couple hours ago? Did Vanessa's words actually hurt her that bad?
"Liv, talk to me. What's wrong? What changed between what you said earlier and now? Was it Vanessa? 'Cause like I said, she's gone. It's just you and me now."
"I just…I listened to her words and I saw how Parker reacted and…I felt like a monster. I always knew our affair wasn't right. I always knew that people thought I was a whore that slept my way to the top with a married man. But…something in me just broke. I usually never listen or care about what people have to say, but today…"
"Today you were human. You and I both know that our relationship was way more than you sleeping your way to the top. Mellie knew about it too so it's not like you were some terrible homewrecker who was nice to Mellie's face and sleeping with me behind her back."
"But that's what I was! Up until she found out that day you took me to see the Constitution, that's exactly what I was."
"Olivia, listen to me,"
"No! I...I was wrong to fight for us. You don't deserve me. We've both done terrible things, but I take the cake. I'm the worst."
"Shut up!" he yells, startling her. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell. But it's my turn to speak, okay? I listened to what you had to say today without saying a word, and I would like to be given the same courtesy. Please?"
She nods, urging him to continue.
"It doesn't matter what happened in the past anymore. The sneaking around, the stolen moments, the adultery part of our relationship is over. We don't have to worry about anyone trying to break us up. It doesn't matter what anyone thought of our affair how many years ago? I love you, Olivia Pope. I am so in love with you and I have never stopped loving you. These past two days with you have been…confusing and crazy and messy, but they have proven to me that we're not over. Fate brought us here this weekend. Now before you interrupt me-yes, it was for Abby's wedding so it wasn't just fate, but everything else has been. We are meant to get a second chance. I'm not in the White House anymore. We don't have to worry about any of the things that we used to. We can finally just be us. We can take things slow, go on dates like normal people. I can court you, like I always wished I could have done. Then, when the time is right, we can move into our house together and get married. We can have kids, as many as you would like. We can grow old together, just like we always imagined. It's possible for us now, Livvie. It's not just a dream anymore. Let's make this a reality. What do you say?"
She stares at him, before kissing him hard. He wraps his arms around her and picks her up, twirling her around like they were in some rom-com.
After a minute or so, he gently places her back on the ground, pressing his forehead against hers.
"Yes," she whispers. "I want it all. I want you more than anything in the world."
"Soooo….we're in this together?"
She smiles, remembering the first time that he said that to her.
"We're in this together," she repeats.
He picks her up again and kisses her passionately.
"I love you so much, Livvie."
"I love you too, Fitz."
He sits her back on the ground as she kisses him again, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Well since we're going to take things slow, I guess I should be a gentleman and bid you goodnight."
"Excuse you? I don't think we both left Abby's wedding early and drove an hour to just leave. Why don't we hold off on the taking things slow til tomorrow? Or better yet, we can take things slow in our bed tonight."
"Hmm, I like the way you think, Ms. Pope. Would you like to lead me to the bedroom?"
"Oh, I would love to."
Fitz awakes the next morning, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Last night was even more amazing than the night before, and he can't wait to start this new journey with the love of his life.
He looks over and sees that she's not in bed. He tries not to panic, but then he thinks about what he did to her just the other night. She must have been devastated.
He hops out of bed and puts his underwear on before walking downstairs. He smells the most delicious smell, realizing that Olivia didn't leave him. He walks down to the kitchen and is shocked to see Olivia, Abby, and Leo sitting at the island.
"Good morning, sunshine," Leo says, biting on a piece of bacon.
"Umm…hi, everyone. Good morning."
Abby and Olivia are laughing at the sight of Fitz in nothing but underwear.
"Good morning to you too, big boy," Abby jokes.
He walks over and wraps his arms around Olivia and kisses her cheek.
"You didn't tell me that we were having company."
"Well Abby and Leo are leaving for their honeymoon in a couple of hours and I felt terrible for completely ditching their wedding last night, so I invited them over for breakfast."
"Of course we had to stop and buy the food, but we're happy to be here. You owe us about $20, Fitzy," says Leo.
Everyone laughs. "Congratulations, guys. I'm very sorry that we left so early."
"No no, it's fine. We're glad you did."
"Although, your girlfriend….ex-girlfriend, sorry…wasn't too happy that you left. But I think she got over it pretty quick. I saw her leave with my friend Parker."
Olivia and Fitz look at each other and laugh. "Well, at least they weren't alone for long."
"I'm so happy that you two finally grew some balls and laid everything on the table. And this house is amazing, Fitz. I had no idea that you owned a house in Vermont."
"Oh, you have no idea how big my presidential balls are. But Olivia here made this all possible. And yeah, I had it built for her about five or so years ago."
Abby looks over at Leo. "You hear that? He built her a freaking house."
"And all I have to give you is my love. I guess we should get a divorce huh?"
"Oh yeah, right away. You need to step up your game."
They lean over and kiss each other.
"But Liv, I've never been prouder of you," Abby says.
"Me neither," he pulls her close and kisses the top of her head.
"So what's next for you two? Marriage? Babies? A very public break up?" Leo asks.
"We don't intend on ever breaking up again, Leo," Olivia admits.
"Right. But I would like to take things slow. You know, kind of woo her."
"Woo her? Aren't you like 60? With all due respect, you're not getting any younger."
Everyone laughs again.
"I'm 55, thank you very much. And I just think that we need to get re-acclimated to each other again before we jump into anything."
"Leo's right. Why wait? You two both know how you feel about each other, you know literally everything about each other, and you really aren't getting any younger."
Olivia and Fitz look at each other, not knowing what to say.
"Fitz and I will figure it out. Right now, we're content."
"Alright, alright. We'll stop grilling you guys. Come on Leo, we have to be getting to the airport."
"You don't want a tour of the land?" Fitz asks.
"Some other time, definitely."
Abby and Olivia hug as Fitz and Leo shake hands.
"I'm so happy for you. You deserve all the happiness in the world."
"You too Abs. I can't thank you enough. I'm sorry I kind of bailed on my maid of honor duties."
"No it's fine. You really didn't miss too much. Your emotional stability comes first, always."
They both laugh and release from each other's grasps. Abby and Fitz hug while Leo and Olivia do the same.
"Take care of my best friend, Fitz. You better not hurt her."
"I wouldn't dream of it."
"Well, we're off to Punta Cana for two weeks. Enjoy your own little honeymoon period."
"Oh, we will. You two be careful and have a safe trip. We'll get together when you get back."
"Of course. Bye guys!"
"Bye!" Fitz and Olivia say in unison.
After they leave, they turn and look at each other.
"So what happens now?" Olivia asks.
"Whatever we want."
Never in a million years did they think that Abby getting married would bring them back together. Of course they knew they would be seeing each other, but being on the same flight, staying in the same hotel in rooms right next to each other, and both going to their house was something they never expected to happen.
For the past two years, they had thought that their time was over. They tried and they failed. It was never going to work out again. Too much had been done and said and they could never recover.
Turns out, they could. All they needed was to be stuck together, forced to confront their feelings and their past. They both had to man up and put all their cards on the table. Apologies had to happen and a break up was inevitable.
The truth was out. There were no more secrets and lies. They could start fresh. They could build a life together.
They finally realized that no matter how long they are away from each other, their relationship and the love they have for each other would always remain…
Unbroken.
Soooo...it's over. However, I have written another chapter as kind of an epilogue, but only if you are all interested.
I want to thank you guys for your constant support and making this my favorite writing experience ever! I truly loved writing this and I am so happy that you all enjoyed it as much as I did.
I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and an even better New Year!
Stay lovely,
burtneymac95