Happy 4th of July #Gladiators. I wanted to send out some special fireworks to ALL of you that reviewed the last chapter and helped this story reach new heights. As most of you knew most of this chapter was written. However I edited and added to it today, doubling it's size.
Also I anyone on Twitter who follows me and reads my stories, I know I have been #TwitterMIA for 2 weeks. I know it's rare for me to do so but I needed some time away and I was on vacation. I was spending time with my family, my kids and friends I have not seen in a while.
But I'm back and get your tissues out. Here is the other part to the chapter before and I hope you're ready. This is ONE update I hope that adds some #Spice to your 4th of July weekend.
Enjoy & leave me fireworks…Me's
/
Chapter 21: (Fighting,) Living and Breathing for What you Love…
"The "Mother" Inquisistion…"
The next morning when Olivia finally opened her eyes, it was about 7:00 am. She noticed she was in a hospital room with her mother by her side, along with Jenny. Jenny was sleeping on the spare bed, and her mother in the chair beside her. She didn't have to be told by anyone what happened because if she was in the hospital, it meant she came into contact with tree nuts.
As she looked to the door, she saw Derek coming in his scrubs. Relieved it was him, she smiled. "Hey," he whispered, doing his best not to wake her mother or Jenny. He sat on the bed in front of her running his fingers across her forehead. He was so happy that she's awake and hopefully out of the woods.
He did not get very much rest during the night because Fitz had called him more than once to check on her. Every two to three hours his phone would ring and it would be Fitz. He could hear the desperation in his voice with each conversation. Each time he assured him that she was fine, but Derek could hear heartache in his voice.
Finally the last time he rang, Derek told him that if ANYTHING changed he would call him right away. He had to make Fitz promise to get some rest because he was sure Cyrus and the White House were on damage control. With news of Olivia's accident at the top of the hour, Derek was positive the White House was swamped with phone calls.
As Derek looked softly in her eyes, she too could see how tired he was. "What's up Doc," she softly answered. Her throat felt like it was on fire, and she could barely speak, but it made Derek smile, which was her intent.
"Nice Libs," he chastised. "Do you know where you are," She nods. "Good do you remember any of what happened?"
She move her hand from side to side, and makes a face. "Kind of," she softly speaks. "Tree nuts," Derek nods, and then holds her hand that is closest to him.
"How bad," she whimpers. She notices the look in Derek's eyes, and his faint smile. "I went into anaphylaxis shock."
"Yes. You went into cardiac arrest and you stopped breathing. Do you remember anything before you lost consciousness?" Derek inquires.
"Fitz," her voice breaks uttering his name. Through the night she had vivid dreams that he was there screaming for her to come back to him. For her not to die and leave him, Jerry and Karen all alone. She swears he was reaching for her while she was on the floor before she closed her eyes. "He was there?"
"Yes you ran from him," Derek explains. "Fitz watched you stop breathing and go into cardiac arrest. He saw it all Lib's." Olivia eyes begin to fill with her tears realizing the hell he must have gone through seeing her die in front of him. She thought he was there but had no idea to what degree he witnessed.
"Derek, the kids. Did they see…," and he confirms her fears. She begins to let her tears spill out of her eyes and Derek comforts her. He pulls her into his chest and she quietly cries against his scrubs. She never wanted Jerry and Karen to witness this. She whimpers into his chest, "They must hate me."
"No Lib's," lifting her chin. "They love you even more now. Probably more than me," making her smile. Derek then asks, "Do you remember anything?"
"No," she nods and begins to cry. "A little," she then states.
"How about before," Derek hates to ask, but he must. She gives him a faint smile. "We'll talk later okay, but Fitz and I saved you Libs. We both had to give you CPR. I pumped on your chest and Fitz breathed into your body. You would have been so proud of him Lib's."
This revelation causes Olivia to wrap herself around Derek. He moves on the bed so she can lay in his arms. He hold her head against his chest, as she buries her head into his scrubs again. She thinks to herself that it should be Fitz by her side, but right now she cannot see him. Her heart isn't ready. Derek is her best friend, and in his loving embrace is what she needs right now.
"The kids," she muffles into his chest. She hopes that maybe one of the agents pulled them away.
"They saw everything," Derek admits.
"Oh God," she voices and instantly her mother wakes up along with Jenny.
"My baby girl," Mrs. Alice Pope, is up and to her side. Derek moves away so her mother can tend to her.
"Hi Momma," leaning into her mother arms. Jenny then sits in front of her on the bed. "Hey sister from another mother."
"Hi yourself," Without missing a beat, "Christ what the hell happened," after a quick hug.
"Tree nuts," Olivia grumbles under her breath.
"No shit Sherlock," Jenny scolds.
"Jenny Elizabeth," Mrs. Pope scolds her. "Language."
Jenny gulps. "Yes Ma'am," but then she turns her head back to Olivia. "Derek told us a little what happened," leaving Fitz out of what he could. "You know you can't touch those nuts Libs."
"I know," she groans. "I didn't realize the kids had them. If I did trust me I would not have held their hands. I'm assuming some got into my mouth," gazing up at Derek.
"Yes," he replies.
"That's why my body still feels like it's on fire," feeling the burn in her esophagus and throat. She looks to Derek for some water, and he gives her some in a glass with ice. Olivia sips it slowly, and soon the other doctor comes in to examine her. He states that she should be fine, but he wants to send her for some tests to make sure.
"Okay," Olivia agrees. After Olivia tries to eat some breakfast, Miss Alice then asks her daughter, "I didn't know you were so close to The President's children."
Olivia smiles sweetly at her mother. She has always been someone that she cannot hide anything from. "I am Momma. Karen and Jerry are great kids. I work for their Dad, so of course I'm close with them," looking at Jenny grinning.
"Ah huh," her mother states. "I thought you had a date with this boyfriend of yours."
"I did Momma but it didn't happen because of this," Olivia rolls her eyes. "Momma can we drop it for now," not wanting to get into anything.
"Yes child, but I MUST hear more about him later," now looking at Jenny. "I am sure Jenny must have met him," raising her eyes and voice hoping.
"I have Ma'am. He's very handsome," winking at her best friend. Olivia blushes.
She looks over at Derek for some help. "Mrs. Pope. Jenny why don't you both head over to Liv's, shower and come back. I'm here with her and I trust she'll be kept busy with staff from the White House stopping by. Take a few hours and come back. Trust me. She's in good hands," walking over to her mother, and taking her hand.
"Always the charmer Derek." Miss Alice then looks at her daughter. "I hope it's Derek you are dating child. This man right here is a keeper," making Derek blush.
"No Momma it's not Derek," grumbling. Miss Alice kisses her daughter's cheek, and gathers her things to leave. She tells Jenny she'll meet her at the nurse's station and Derek escorts her out.
Jenny sits on the bed with her, taking her best friend in her arms. "What happened?" Olivia fills in Jenny quickly on what she saw with Mellie. Jenny is shocked but tells her. "If he comes to see you, talk to him Libs. I heard he does not want her back, then it must be true. Fitz wants you and no other."
"Then why would his ex be all over him Jenny," she whimpers, falling into her friends arms. "How could he allow her to get that close to him?"
"I don't know, but I am SURE he'll be here. He's not going to stay at the White House in the Oval Office with you dying in front of him Libby. I've seen the way he looks at you. There's nothing keeping him from coming here to you." Jenny points out.
"I can't see him right now," turning her head to the window.
Jenny then gets up and walks to the other side of the bed so she can look into her best friend's eyes. She then fills Olivia in that it was Fitz that got them here so quickly. He bought their tickets to be here. Their ride to and from the airport, and it all. She also told Olivia that she knew Fitz helped save her and how a mess Derek described him. "He loves you Lib's."
"Jenny," muttering her friend's name. She heard the word "love." "If it's true he would not have kissed his ex-wife."
"He DID NOT kiss her back. You told me that yourself. I know you are a mess but so is he. Talk to him."
"I don't want to see him Jenny. I can't," she begins to cry.
"You're going to have to honey," squeezing her hands. "I got a call from Abby and Fitz himself last night. There is nothing keeping him away from you today. He watched you die right in front of him Sweetie. You need to remember that when you see him," touching her face.
"We'll see," is all she replies hearing her mother calling for Jenny to move it. "Keep my Momma busy girl."
"Considered it handled," Jenny replies back and heads out the door. "Give Tom my best. He's such a cutie."
/
"Here with You…"
Olivia rolls her eyes at her best friend, and once the room is quite, she closes her eyes and tries to sleep. As she closes her eyes, she replays the previous night's events in her head that lead her to the hospital. She remembers Fitz and Mellie's conversation, walking in on their kiss, and running away.
She heard what Fitz had said to his ex-wife, but it made no sense why he would have allowed her to get so close to him. Close enough to kiss him. Why didn't he push her away sooner? Did he mean what he said that he wanted her? Was she his "everything" that she had been lead to believe? Did he really want to be in this relationship with her or did he want his ex-wife back?
So many questions and no answers. She knew she needed to talk to Fitz; to hear him out, but right now she just couldn't. Before she stopped breathing, he was there crying for her on the floor. Her vivid dream was true. She could hear him screaming her name to come back and not die. He was a few feet away from her, reaching out to touch her before she lost consciousness.
None of anything made sense right now, and all she wanted to do was sleep but she couldn't. Instead she turned on the TV and saw Fitz giving a press conference as to what happened in the residence the night before. He answered all the questions brilliantly, but she could see regret and sadness in his eyes.
Olivia looked away until she heard, "Mr. President, it is true then. Miss Pope did go into cardiac arrest in front of you."
Fitz: "Yes," swallowing quickly, keeping his tears at bay. "She did." The entire Press Room instantly quieted. Normally you could hear clicking from cameras but this time there was nothing. The cameras zoomed in on Fitz and you could see him fighting his emotions.
Reporter: "That must have been unbelievably difficult for you to witness."
Fitz. "It was," he answers just above a whisper. "But I have heard that Miss Pope is awake," now looking into the camera, "and probably watching to make sure I don't mess anything up." The room slightly chuckles.
Reporter: "Is it true Sir that you and Dr. Shepard revived Miss Pope with CPR before the paramedics arrived."
Fitz: "Yes. But it should be noted that if it Dr. Shepard was not there, Miss Pope would have died. He saved her life Ladies and Gentleman. I was just there to assist him," nodding into the camera, talking to Olivia and Derek. He hoped they were both watching. "This Press Conference would be totally different if it was not for him. I am truly grateful to Dr. Shepard for saving her life. She means a great deal to…," he stops.
Reporter: "Mr. President?"
Fitz: (Takes a drink of water.) "Miss Pope means a great deal to myself and the rest of the West Wing Staff. Cyrus is not sure how to function without her most days," adding with a smile. The room chuckles.
"Look you all know there is someplace I rather be," looking directly into the camera. "And I also have a country to run. If there is any other news on Miss Pope's condition please contact the hospital and the staff will assist you. Just please remember to be grateful that Miss Pope is alive and still with us."
The reporters try to ask Fitz a few more questions but he exits the room…
Watching Fitz give the Press conference breaks Olivia's heart. He did well but there was so much he was "not" saying she hoped the reporters didn't catch. However it her more than anything seeing him on the screen. "I can't do this…," she said finally turning it off.
"My son cares for you deeply dear," she heard at the door and saw Lillian Grant standing there.
"Mrs. Grant," attempting to get herself together. She had no idea that his mother would have flown in for something like this. "How did you know?"
"Karen and Jerry called me last night," walking over to her bed to sit down. "I got on the first flight. Plus it's all over the news."
"I can see that," looking up at the TV. "You didn't have to fly out Mrs. Grant. I am…,"
"Olivia," taking her hands. "I know that you and Fitz are a couple. I was relieved to learn from my grandchildren when he finally made you his. Do not let that crazy ex-wife of his mess up what you two have? That Mellie is a piece of work."
Olivia gives her a faint chuckle. "But why did I see…,"
"Her kissing my son," Olivia nods and a lone-tear shoots down her face. Lillian wipes her tear off her face. "I don't know. Fitz himself told me he's not sure how he allowed it to happen. I got in the wee hours of this morning, and he's a mess. I've never see him this way. He barely slept. You NEED to talk to him dear before he loses himself in his guilt."
"Ma'am it's not his fault I got hurt," Olivia explains.
"I told him that but he feels that it is. If he didn't allow Mellie into the residence, and her to kiss him, you would not be here now," Lillian touches her face gently, hoping to sooth her fears about her son's devotion to her.
"Mrs. Grant…," pleading with her to stop. She cannot handle this right now.
"Olivia do you know that my son NEVER loved her at all," causing Olivia to swallow quickly and gaze into her eyes. Lillian smiled because she now has her attention. "Fitz stayed in a loveless marriage for Karen and Jerry. He wanted to make it work until Mellie cheated on him, which I am sure you know."
"He told me," Olivia meekly replies.
"Good. When he filed for divorce during the election, we were sure it would have ruined his chances for winning the White House. But it didn't. Fitz has always been a man that leads with his heart, rather than his head. It makes him great. And I always hoped that deep down he would find someone that truly understood him…ALL of him."
"Mrs. Grant I…," Lillian quiets her by placing her finger over her lips.
"You Olivia truly understand my son in all the ways that matter. And more than that, you love him in a way I hoped and prayed for," her words cause Olivia to gulp down her tears. "But what's more important is that he LOVES you just as much. Maybe more." That is twice someone mentioned the word "love."
"Look I can't…," not wanting to hear anymore.
Fitz's mother sits closer to her on the bed. "Olivia dear," holding her face in her hands, just like Fitz. "You need to know that he LOVES you even if you don't want to hear it or believe it. The man you saw on the screen this morning is not my son. That's only a shell of him. The rest of him is…,"
"Here with you," she hears out of Fitz himself standing at her door with Tom by his side. They lock eyes, seeing the sadness, regret, and pain she's caused him. She also sees something else that causes her heart to break and melt at the same time. She can't handle it any longer. She turns away.
"Miss Pope," she hears Tom call her name. "I'm happy you are well."
She turns her head and faces Tom still with Fitz by his side. He was instrumental in saving her life last night. She motions for him to step forward and he looks to Fitz. "Go, it's okay," Fitz nudges him forward.
Fitz's mother steps back to allow Tom to sit down in the chair by her bed. Olivia reaches for him and he reluctantly places his hand in hers. The moment he does so, she squeezes it as hard as possible. She looks up and meets his eyes. "You helped save me Tom. You got Derek to me quickly. Thank you," whimpering in an attempt to hold back her tears.
"I was doing my job," Tom replies.
"No," shaking her head as a response. "I probably would not be here. You helped Derek and Fitz. I have no words," she finishes becoming too emotional to continue.
"Ma'am," squeezing her hand doing his best not to break down himself. He nods then stands to guard outside her door.
As Tom walks by Fitz, he places his hands on his upper arms. Fitz says not a word to Tom because there is no need to. "Mr. President," Tom croaks and walks to his post.
/
"Full NUT Disclosure…"
He turns to face Olivia and she has her eyes now closed. She is not asleep but needs to be close to her. As he begins to walk to her, he hears, "Livy," from Karen and Jerry coming into her room.
"Kids this is a hospital," their grandmother scolds. Lillian heard they also had a rough night and in the morning she found them in all bed with Fitz and Mocha.
"Sorry Nana," backing up and stopping by their Dad.
Olivia opens her arms, and their eyes widen. "Come on. I'm not hurt."
"But we thought," Jerry stammers unsure if they should go to her or not.
"Go," Fitz urges them, understanding how much they need this moment with her. Fitz walks further into the room, and stands by the window. She follow him out of the sides of her eyes, doing her best not to make eye contact. The sun is coming inside her room and she can see its rays on his hair. He did not jell it back, and he's dressed casually.
Olivia gives them a warm smile, encouraging them to come closer. They stop at the sides of her bed but do not climb in with her. "My Heavens, both of you get up here now," reaching her hands out and making Karen and Jerry get into bed with her.
"But your wires," Karen whimpers. "We touch those won't we hurt you?"
"No," moving them out of their way. They snuggle into her arms and place their heads on her chest. The kids wrap their arms around her and nuzzle themselves close to her. Once securely in her arms, Lillian walks to Fitz. She looks up at her son, who is overcome with emotion watching their interaction.
She leans over on him as they listen to three people he loves more than life itself. "You're okay," Karen squeaks to her first.
Olivia closes her eyes and pulls her close. "Yes Pumpkin," making Karen smile. "I'm fine. My body still really hurts though. I am going to be feeling yucky probably for the rest of the day."
"What happened Liv," Jerry asks next.
She breathes out. "I am highly allergic to tree nuts. They are poisonous to my body. Do you both know what that means," Olivia asks them both. They nod.
"It's like the bad red apple the Evil Queen gives Snow White," Karen innocently inquires.
"Just like that Sweetie," Olivia kisses her forehead. She closes her eyes and allows her own tears to fall into Karen's hair. She opens them and sees Fitz fighting his own emotions by her window. He swallows quickly as they lock eyes. Before his tears fall, he turns away so she cannot see them.
"So what happened Liv," Jerry curiously states. "You turned funny colors, and your lips swelled."
"That's part of my body's allergic reaction. It went crazy to drive and protect me. I went into shock unable to fight of the infection. It's very dangerous. If I come into contact with them, I could die," trying to explain the best she can.
"YOU DID DIE LIVY," Karen wails. "We ALL watched you go," now she's crying in Liv's arms. Olivia removes her arm from Jerry and encases her against her chest. She sobs uncontrollably on her hospital gown. Olivia can feel her soaked gown sticking to her chest. "If you die, we'll lose Daddy too."
Olivia freezes and looks up at Fitz. In his eyes she can see his fear; a life without her. Her lips begin to tremble, along with her entire body. Looking at Fitz then at the kids, "I am so sorry," she murmurs into Karen's hair. Jerry lifts her arm, cuddling Olivia. "I never wanted you to see me like that."
"Well don't do it again," Jerry scolds her.
"Okay," she smiles because even though Jerry is only nine, he sounded just like his father. Fitz too grins by the window knowing why Olivia smiled for Jerry.
"You almost didn't come back to us. Dad and Derek both gave you CPR," Jerry explains further. She scrunches her eyes at Jerry. "You don't remember."
"No."
"When it didn't work, Daddy kissed you and you gasped for air like Snow White did for Prince Charming in Once Upon A Time," Karen then explained. She looks at Karen and then to Fitz, who grins slightly, then blushes.
"Really," looking at each of them for confirmation.
"Yup," Karen sits up. "Daddy leaned down and kissed you. Then right after you woke up, and looked at us all. It was like magic."
"Um," Olivia stammers.
"Really Livy. Just ask Daddy," Karen turns to her father. "Right?"
"Karen," Fitz finally speaks her name. "I am sure it wasn't magic. But I did kiss you."
Olivia fights a smile by biting her lip. Fitz knows she resisting and hopes that it's a good sign. "I just hope you won't leave us like that again," Fitz voices softly.
She swallows quickly. "I promise," gazing right into Fitz's eyes. "I'm not going anywhere okay. You're kind of stuck with me," she quips making the kids chuckle. "I should have told you about my allergy."
"Obviously," Jerry states sounding just like his father. Fitz chuckles by the window. "But Liv why didn't you tell us. Dad's banned tree nuts from entering the property; even outside. If anyone is carrying them, it must be disposed of before coming through the gates."
She turns to Fitz in shock. "He did," looking at Fitz.
"I have to know you're safe – at all times," feeling himself ready to cry all over again.
She whimpers. "I am sorry that I didn't tell anyone. I never seen them in the residence or West Wing. I just didn't think about it. And then you guys had them in your hands and when I saw," and then she stopped talking and looked at Fitz. Her breathing began to increase just as Derek came into the room.
Derek noticed her struggling, and the kids instantly went to their Dad. "Daddy?"
"She's fine," Derek said, taking her pulse and giving her some extra air. He mouthed to Fitz that maybe the kids should go and see her later.
"But we don't want to leave her," Karen wails. "What if something happens to you again?"
Olivia clenches her heart not sure how to ease her fears. She looks at Jerry, Fitz, and Lillian seeing the same expression. They are all afraid they could lose her again. Derek nods to Olivia and walks over to Karen.
He kneels down and looks into her eyes. "Karen nothing is going to happen to her. I promise," making Karen smile. "Right now she needs to go for some tests to make sure all the bad stuff is out of her body."
"You promise Derek," Jerry asks for his sister who is now up in her father's arms clinging to him for dear life. She nuzzles her head on Fitz's and pulls herself into him for comfort.
Derek reaches up and lightly pushes a stray hair from her face. "Of course. It's a beautiful day to save lives. And keep OUR Olivia safe."
Olivia blushes hearing Derek's famous phrase and then his reference to her belonging to all of them. Karen smiles and looks to her father. "He's got it handled Sweet Pea," Fitz coos to softly. Karen nods and hugs her father tightly.
After a few moments, Fitz sets her down and she goes back to Olivia. The kids kiss and hug her goodbye, along with Fitz's mother. "Remember what I told you dear. Talk to him," looking at her son. "He needs you. You are his breath of fresh air."
Hearing these words freezes Olivia. Fitz has told her these words before, but to hear them from another none other than his mother, causes her heart to about stop. Olivia smiles at Lillian not sure how else to respond.
Derek asks Fitz to give Olivia some time and he could see her later. "Derek I need to be with her," he argued. "We need to talk."
"I know you do but right now it's not what's best. Olivia is my patient and despite what you think she's not strong enough for the conversation you two need to have. She went through hell last night and is stubborn," Derek explains gently to Fitz not wanting to get into an argument.
"Derek I need her to know that…," Fitz interjects.
"Trust me she knows," hinting to Fitz that she has a good idea how he feels about her. I'll talk to her okay and if she's up to it you can come back later. You go with the kids and see if you can sneak out later," Derek assures him.
"What if something…,"
"Nothing will happen to her. Trust me. I've got her," placing his hand on his arm.
He huffs out a breath and looks at Olivia on the bed. Fitz begins to walk in her direction and slowly sit in front of her on the bed. "Hi," he whimpers. He reaches out and touches her face with the outer part of the tips of his fingers.
"Hi," she mouths back. Unable to look at him she begins to close her eyes. The moment they shut she feels Fitz's hands on her face. His thumbs lightly grace across her lips, melting some of the pain she's been feeling. Slowly she feels the wall she built around her heart begin to crumble as she hears his pleas to look at him.
"Look at me," she feels his lips grace her cheek. She finally opens her eyes and he's six inches from her face. "There you are," running his thumb under her chin. "Do you ever scare me like that again!"
She nods. "Say it Olivia. You should have told me the truth."
"I know," she murmurs, attempting to turn away from his gaze. It's so intense that she can feel herself losing her will power. He's look at her many ways before but THIS TIME it's different. His pupils are wide and their icy blue color reminds her the sea just after a ragging storm. It's not like anything she's seen before and she begins to feel herself overcome with her own feelings for him.
"Do. You. Ever. Leave. Me. Like. That again," Fitz states in a tone that Olivia has only heard when he's in the Oval showing the world why he won the election. "You understand."
"Yes," she whispers.
He run his hands down her arms and finally hugs her. She whimpers against his touch, feeling overwhelmed from how he's holding her. It feels different, but yet the same. His heart pounds in his chest, causing Fitz wraps himself around her on the bed. She feels his tears on her neck as her hands wrap around his shoulders. She runs them against his back lightly, causing Fitz to bury his face in her scent further.
"Livy," he murmurs into her neck. Fitz feels her body begin to shake, so he pulls back and holds her face gently in his hands. "You ARE my heart." She stares at him, unsure of what to say. "Don't forget that." He leans forward, kisses her forehead lingering his lips on her skin for a long as possible.
When moves away, her eyes are closed and her head is turned away from him. Sensing that he's losing her, he brings her face back, and lightly presses his lips to hers. "Livy," he moans as their lips touch, finally allowing himself to believe that she's alive. Lightly he feels her respond, giving him hope that they'll survive everything that's happened between them.
She whimpers making Fitz pull back. Fitz instantly feels her walls coming back up but holds onto her, not willing to let her go.
Derek comes up behind him placing a hand on his shoulder. "She'll talk to you later."
"Derek, I can't leave her," struggling to walk away. He's holding her hand.
"Sir," Derek sits in a chair beside him. "Nothing will happen. Her mother is on her way, and so is Jenny. I'll have Jenny call you if anything happens. Trust me. Please."
Fitz hears Derek and finally looks up into his eyes. Derek gives him a faint smile, and nods. "Take care of MY girl Doctor. Or you have to deal with my and the White House."
Olivia finally turns to face Fitz, hearing the conviction in his voice. She smiles slightly, but before Fitz sees it, she turns away. He picks up her hand, kisses it, and finally walks to the door. He sees Derek checking her monitors. Once he's sure she'll be fine, he leaves her, hoping to return and finally talk to her later.
/
Giving for What You Love…
1 week Later…
Since Fitz returned to the White House after seeing Olivia the morning after her accident, he was not able to return to the hospital. The White House went into crisis mode when an accident on an aircraft carrier in the Gulf happened later that day. As an F-14 was landing on the flight deck the wire that catches the plane snapped.
The pilot was able to save the plane from going into the Ocean but the frayed wire, demolished many other aircraft on the deck. Also some Navy personnel were injured. Luckily no one was killed but a few of the Seamen on board had to be transported off the carrier for treatment to military hospitals. This accident dominated the new cycles, and Fitz new it was up to him, being a pilot himself to handle it.
He heard from Cyrus and Abby that Olivia was released from the hospital the next day. That had spent the morning with her, hoping it was ease Fitz's mind and keep him focused. They had stopped by the day before but couldn't stay long because of the incident on the aircraft carrier. They scolded her for not disclosing her allergy and then they all chatted with her mother and Jenny.
Her mother and Jenny not only took her home but she started her time off early. Cyrus informed Fitz that Olivia asked to start her vacation early in the hopes she'd get her head back into the game. Cyrus knew she had a family matter to attend to up North, but he hoped she wouldn't have left so soon. Fitz spoke to Jenny every few days, because Olivia would not answer her calls.
Finally after a few days, Jenny told him that she was not even talking to her. "She shut me out to Fitz. I've never seen her this way. What the hell happened?"
Surprised at this revelation he was at a loss for words. Finally he asked, "Is she speaking to Derek?" Fitz hated to ask but he had to know. "Is he with her?"
"No he's down there in DC with you. She's barely speaking to anyone. It has us all worried. I've only seen her like this once and it took forever for her to come back. You need to fix this Fitz. Whatever she thinks she heard or saw with you and your ex, YOU HAVE TO FIX IT." Fitz could hear the strain in her voice.
Fitz knew she was right but with his unplanned trip on Air Force One to the Gulf to see the injured personnel from the accident, his hands were tied. He went on the trip, boarding Marine One from the South Lawn, waving to the crowd. He hoped Olivia was watching, and would contact her once he was in the air.
He was all over the news, while Cyrus held down the fort at the White House. He was gone for five days, and when he returned, he was shocked to see that Derek was waiting for him in the Oval. "Dr. Shepard," Fitz addressed him formally.
"Mr. President," Derek placed his hand out for him to take. Then the two men looked at each other unsure at first of what to say to the other. Both of them loved the same woman and this was new territory for the both. Fitz poured himself and Derek a drink. He handed Derek and both men sipped them at the same time.
"How is she," Fitz asked before he could stop himself.
"You mean you haven't spoken to her. It's been over a week," Derek replied in shock. He placed his drink down on the coffee table.
"No. She won't answer my calls," Fitz leans back on the couch, running his fingers through his hair.
"She shut me out too," causing Fitz to stare at Derek.
"Seriously!"
"Yes. Her mother, Miss Alice called me the other day. She's barely eating and she's crying herself to sleep. Lib's barely comes out of her room. She was this way once, after her accident. It took forever to get her back. I'm trying to be there for her, but every time I go up there, she pushes me away."
"Livy won't talk to me either Derek. I've been lost without her. I think we're still together but I am not even sure on that right now," he leans his head back feeling himself wanting to let go. "I thought we'd have a chance to talk after seeing her at the hospital but she won't let me in. I can't do this without her. I can't breathe without her."
"Well it turns out, she can't breathe, sleep, or do anything without you. Miss Allie heard her one night calling out your name tears. She asked me who this "Fitz" was but I couldn't give her an answer. Her mother suspects that this person is her boyfriend, and assumes you broke up. Not even her Pappa's love is helping. You have to do something," now sitting next to Fitz.
"Derek. I've tried," sounding defeated. "She hates me after what happened with Mellie."
"Fitz, she does not hate you. You just need to tell her what happened."
"But she won't talk to me Derek. I've tried to reach out to her through Jenny. But she refused to talk to me. I know she's talking to Karen and Jerry but that's it. I've lost her," defeated he puts his face in his hands. "I was supposed to be up there with her this weekend for something important."
"The anniversary of her accident. When she lost…," Derek stops speaking, seeing Fitz really studying his face.
"What did she lose?"
"She still hasn't told you about losing…," Derek again stops mid-sentence.
"Losing what…whom?"
"You still don't know," Derek states as Fitz confirms his suspicions.
"She was going to tell me everything the night of our first date," he huffs. "Livy is terrified she'll lose me after I know."
Derek realizes in this moment he must do one thing, or both of them will lose the woman they both love. "Go to her."
"What?"
"You heard me Mr. President. GET YOUR ASS up there," Derek states in a firm tone.
"Derek I can't just leave the White House. Plus sf
he doesn't want me there," Fitz gets up and walks to the window.
"Yes she does. If you DO NOT go, you will lose her. I can't save her anymore. I know how to save a life; I'm a doctor. But I can't save her heart. It's been broken and messed up for so long, until she met you and your kids." Fitz looks at him in disbelief, hearing the distress in his voice. "She needs you Fitz to fix her."
"But," Fitz counters. His entire body has been numb from not seeing or talking to her. He has just been going through the motions without her. Defeated he informs Derek, "She won't see me."
"Then make her. The Secret Service already knows everything right," Fitz nods. "Then you know what you must do. Fight for her," Fitz sees the tears in his eyes. "I have tried but it's not me she needs. It's not me that has her heart."
"I…..," Fitz pauses totally shocked that Derek is saying these things to him. "I thought you loved her."
Derek sheds a few tears. "I do love her, and I know I always will. I am man enough to step aside knowing it's what's best."
"Derek," Fitz's voice is hoarse overcome with emotion.
"Fight for what you love. Give for what you love," Derek gets up and takes Fitz with him. "Go to her and I'll help you anyway I can. Give Tom and your agents my number. I'll see you there, if you decide to do what's right. Sunday…" And what that Derek walks away.
"Tom," Fitz calls and he enters into his office. He explains to Tom the situation.
"Yes Mr. President," and then leaves.
/
"In This Together…"
Five Days later…
Today is the day Olivia hoped that Fitz would be by her side; the day she hoped they could finally move forward, but she doesn't see that happening now. Not only has she pushed him away, he finally stopped calling. His phone calls, even though she refused to answer, gave her hope that he still wanted her; now that wasn't the case.
They did not end their relationship officially but she felt that they were over. She realized that she should have spoken to him about Mellie. But with everything that happened she was not ready. Now it was too late.
Her mother had seen her crying since she made it home two weeks ago and could do nothing to sooth her pain. She was not just crying for Fitz, but what she had to go through now without him by her side. This year she felt different, thinking she could finally move forward and allow Fitz in fully. That it would not happen now.
She was lost in her own grief from losing the ONLY man she truly loved. And she had to relive the painful events surrounding her accident. This accident changed her forever. Derek would be by her side to help, along with Jenny but it wasn't enough.
Her mother saw her crying again this morning. "Livy child. Go upstairs and get ready. We have to leave in a little over an hour. Your brother and sister will be here soon."
"Momma today would have been," unable to finish her words.
"I know darling," her mother pulls her into her arms. "I thought your boyfriend was coming to this today."
"He can't Momma." Her mother heard her crying for a "Fitz," but she had no idea who he was. She didn't pry but she had never seen her so happy prior to this day. "I'll be fine Momma. On my way upstairs I'll check on Pappa and get dressed."
Her mother nods and Olivia heads up the stairs. Her grandfather is still getting ready, and she hugs him tightly before going into her room. She hears the doorbell ring, and assumes it's Derek and Jenny. She sees her black dress on her bed, finds her shoes, and everything else she needs accept her bra. "Oh Man..I must have left it downstairs."
She heads into the laundry room and finds her bra on a hanger. Solemnly she heads out into the kitchen and stops by the back patio doors, which her mother opened. The porch is screened in and she steps outside into the sun, allowing its rays warm her. In her pocket she reaches inside and pulls out the locket she's kept by her side since her accident.
She brings it to her chest and begins to cry. Through her tears she musters the courage to murmur, "I'm so sorry. I messed up. I so wish things could have been different. I pushed away the only man I've ever really loved," only causing her to cry harder.
"Hi." She freezes. "No you haven't Livy," she hears from a deep baritone voice behind her.
Instantly she turns around and sees Fitz there, dropping her locket. "Fitz. How? What are you…," then she sees Derek.
"Derek," Fitz lovingly answers stepping closer to her. "He's very informative."
Her eyes meet Derek and he nods solemnly knowing he did the right thing. He winks and walks into the other room. She turns to face Fitz and crosses her arms to refrain herself from running into his embrace. She begins to back up until she cannot place any more distance between them.
"Livy," he murmurs, with tears coming down his face.
"Why are you here," she asks. She wanted him here but seeing him before her eyes, after longing for his presence is too much. Her body is trembling from being in his company. All her senses are waking up from a sleep she didn't even realize she was in until seeing Fitz before her eyes.
He begins to walk in her direction. She pleads with him to stop but he doesn't. "I'm here to fight for what I love," he states with conviction.
"What," not sure she heard him right. Her body begins to shake unable to handle his words. She's waited so long to hear them; waiting too long to say them back. Her mind can't fathom why he's hear and saying to her now.
He bends down and picks up her locket, placing it on the table next to him. He is finally standing inches away from her, allowing his body to just grace her. The electricity she senses from his proximity to her, sends her body into overdrive.
Both are breathing heavily taking in the others aura. He reaches up, startling her, and caresses her face lightly. He begins to catch her tears as they fall. "Fitz" she murmurs pressing her face into his hand.
"I'm here," now holding her other cheek in his hand. "Because I love you Livy. I'm in love with you Olivia Pope. I've been in love with you since the moment I saw you in Cy's office telling him off," making her smile through her tears.
"Fitz wait…," trying to stop his words.
"These last two weeks of not seeing or talking to you have taught me one thing." He bends his knees so he can look in her eyes. "That I am nothing without you. I can't sleep without you. I can't breathe without out." His voice cracks. "I belong to you. You are the love of my life. I don't want you to hate me."
"Stop," she cries out, flinging her hands up into the air. She backs away from him slightly, giving herself some needed space.
"Livy no," afraid she's pushing him away. He reaches out and pulls her back forcibly back into his chest. He holds her body tighter terrified he lose her forever.
She then looks up into the eyes she's missed so desperately. The eyes that have haunted her dreams for two weeks, and now have become her salvation. Exhaling and finally allowing herself to verbalize, "I love you Fitz. I am in love with you too. And you had me at Hi," finally throwing her arms around his neck unable to hold back any longer.
Fitz moans "Oh God," as she embraces him, and wraps his arms around her tightly. Fitz lifts her into the air, as he expresses his love for her over and over again. "I'm so sorry," he cries and he'll never hurt her again. "I'm never letting you go. Ever." He apologizes for Mellie but she stops him by kissing him. "My Livy," he sighs into her mouth as their lips touch.
Her lips tenderly presses against his over and over again. "Livy, I'm so sorry," still attempting to apologize for Mellie.
She pulls away and "I forgive you," holding his face. "I could never hate you Fitz," wrapping her arms around his shoulders completely. "But I will if you don't stop talking and kiss me like you mean it. I need the man I love to…"
Fitz silences her by picking her up off the ground and stares hard into her eyes. He stares deeply into her eyes causing her stomach flip flop. Her eyes close as she feels his breath on her lips, and then his lips tenderly pressed against her own. He starts giving her open mouthed only kisses. But as she combs her nails through his curls, her mouth opens, and he deepens it.
He attempts to hold back his hunger for her but can't stop himself. She lifts her legs, like she's trying to climb up his waist. He places one hand under her leg, pulling her into his body. His tongue connects with hers, like two snakes coiling around the other. With each touch, the sensations that coursed through their bodies, only deepened their desire to be together.
She feels him pressed against her, and grins against his lips. His hands crawl up her pajama top and are now on her bare skin. His touch consums her, making her forget where they were until they heard;
"Livy who are these children child," she hears her mother call out from the other room.
"Shit," Olivia stammers but Fitz doesn't release her lips. She giggles trying to stop him but it's no use. He won't stop until he gets his fill of her which will be never. She is the very air he breathes; the life force coursing through his veins. He's been starved of her love for weeks, and cannot stop himself.
"OLIVIA CAROLYN POPE," her mother announces coming into the room where she can see her and Fitz, in a heated make out session. "WHAT THE HELL…," seeing her and Fitz in a heated lip lock. Fitz buries his head into Olivia's hair embarrassed.
She opens her eyes just in time to see her mother come closer with her hands on her hips and then Karen and Jerry blowing past her. They plow into her and Fitz, practically knocking them over. "We missed you."
"I miss you too," she coos to them. Fitz is still hiding his face in her neck, breathing her in. She feels his hot breath and lips on her skin. His touch sends shivers down her spin, making Fitz sigh in her arms.
"I hate to break up this family moment," her mother states in a sarcastic tone. "But I'd like to know if this is the FITZ you were crying about and why he broke your heart?"
"Oh shit," Fitz quietly whispers.
"Allie come down," Olivia's father exclaims now coming into the room, now walking up to Fitz. "Let me man explain himself," he stops and stares at Jerry and Karen. "I recognize these children here but I don't see why," making all four of them giggle.
"Daddy, Momma," nudging Fitz to finally show himself. As he lifts his head she says, "This is my boyfriend Fitzgerald Thomas…"
"Oh my heavens," her mother states dropping everything in her arms onto the floor. "Child you're dating…"
"The President of the United States," her father utters next.
Fitz finally walks forward with his hand stretched out to shake her father's hand which he does and then to her mother. "You all can call me Fitz."
Her father's mouth gapes open but shakes Fitz's hand. "Nice to meet you." He releases it and then goes to his daughter. He always hoped she'd find the right man for her, but never in his wildest dreams did he think it would be the Leader of the Free World. "Your dating the President!"
Olivia wraps her arms around Fitz. "Yes Daddy," batting her eyes.
"Christ," Louis Pope verbalizes at a loss for words.
Before he has a chance to scold his daughter her mother stops everything. "Child you best explain right now before I take your HIDE outside and make you pick a switch."
Olivia swallows quickly, not ready for the wrath of her Momma. "Yes Ma'am," she begins to explain until they all hear.
"My heavens Fitzgerald you did make it," out of her Grandpa Joe. He is standing right next to her father and Fitz can see that they are almost the same height. "And it's about time too Son. My grandbaby has been miserable without you."
"Nice to see you again Sir," Fitz expresses to Joseph. He is not the same man he met in the hospital all those months ago. You would swear by looking at him that he did not have a heart attack at all.
Before anyone can answer, Miss Alice squeals…"Daddy you know the President? How? And someone best tell me what the heck is going on? I want answers and I want them now…"
Olivia then looks at Fitz, "In this together."
"We're in this together," he answers back with no hesitation before placing a kiss on the lips he's missed so desperately.
/
TBC…
Well that's it my loves. I hope you have a safe and happy 4th of July weekend. Please be safe and rest assured that our couple found their way back to each other. They finally said those #3LittleWords #ILoveYou and in a big way. I hope the moment was everything you hoped it would be. Now was the perfect time.
It was a long, hard road especially the last few chapters to get OLITZ to this place. But all is well (sort of) if they can get through Miss Alice and the rest of the family meeting Fitz now. (Which is next.) In the next chapter you'll finally learn about Olivia's accident but I left major "crumbs." I won't state what they are but trust me they are in here.
Derek finally realized (or did he) that he is not the man for her. But he's not fully gone yet from this tale. I've got to make sure McDreamy finds his own love of his life also. IN this chap however he did the right thing, and stepped aside for the woman he loves. He's not going yet however.
So please leave me your #LongAndLengthyCrumbs if you want more. The next chapter will be very hard for me to write because I've envisioned it for so long. It will be worth the wait just make sure you have tissues handy.
Have a safe and happy 4th of July weekend…Me's