AN: I tried to get this up as quickly as possible since it's basically a continuation of last chapter so please forgive any errors you spot. I read through it twice and I hope I got them all but it's a lot of words, some that have been twisted and changed a million times so yeah. Thanks to all of you who took the time to review and let me know you were still interested in this. No matter how I feel about the show, I'm not giving up on this as long as people are still reading it.

Chapter 21

After enduring a fitful night of rest, the first thing Olivia was grateful for on the day of thanks was the morning light. Once again Fitz had been proven right; the nights spent apart while in such close proximity were the worst. She missed him, needed him. He was the last thing on her mind when she dozed off and the first thing on it when she awoke. When her body had finally calmed enough for sleep to claim her, she had even dreamed of him.

Frustrated, she kicked her way out from underneath her bedding and left the room. Heading across the hall towards the bath she stopped and shook her head in disbelief when she saw him standing outside his bedroom door.

Judging from his bed head and squinted eyes, she deduced that he'd apparently had a rough go of it himself but devastatingly handsome nevertheless in his t-shirt and pajama bottoms.

"Good morning, beautiful."

She tingled at his raspy tone. "Morning."

They stood glued in place smiling, watching each other, wondering who would make the first move. As they waited it out, the door to her grandparents' room opened and Jeffrey observed them with a glint in his eyes.

"The both of you forget the bathroom schedule already?"

Oh, he's enjoying this she realized, resisting the urge to laugh after detecting glee in his tone. "That doesn't quite work in the morning, Pop Pop. You wake up, roll over and just want to get it out."

"Hmm, fine then. Fitz can use the powder room downstairs while you take this one. And then it's back to separate beds you go." He decreed before returning to his room and closing the door behind him.

"You heard the man, Grant," Olivia chuckled, her deep voice a horrible imitation of her grandfather's. "Downstairs and then back upstairs and no funny business in between."

"Funny business? Really?" he laughed. "I'll show you both some funny business."

Olivia yelped then giggled and broke out into a run when he began moving at a brisk pace in her direction.

The minute she heard the familiar clanking noises of her grandmother's pots and pans, Olivia knew it was her signal that Thanksgiving had officially started. Between yawns she swapped her pajama set for yoga pants and a tank top and started towards the kitchen. She passed by the kids on the way and unsurprisingly they were still sprawled out and asleep, unaffected by the slight ruckus.

"Happy Thanksgiving, Grammie." She kissed her cheek and whispered, very mindful of the still sleeping children just a few feet away.

Olivia saw that the Belgian waffle iron was already heating up and the ingredients for their traditional breakfast laid in wait. Her mouth watered in anticipation and Janice watched as she removed cheese, bacon and sausage, and another carton of eggs.

"Adjusting the recipe to include our guests didn't mean you had to come down any earlier."

"Trust me, you'll thank me for the assist once you see how they break fast."

"They really put it away, huh?"

"I think BNN should devote a segment to it so we can get it studied."

The older woman chuckled. "Well then I can't wait. So, how did you sleep?" She caught the rolling eyes and groan. "It was really that bad?"

"It's just that I've slept a lot better that's all."

"I'm sure you have," she replied, observing Olivia with knowing eyes. "In case you're wondering, there is a way the two of you can rectify your sleeping arrangement while in the presence of others and not one eye would raise or bulge or bat."

"Grammie, no," she blushed. "The last time I came you were on my case about being single. Now I show up with someone and your hints about taking the next step are about as subtle as a sledgehammer."

"Hey, I haven't said a word. Maybe that's your conscience speaking to you."

"Good morning, ladies."

Caught off guard, Olivia jumped at the sound of Fitz's thick voice. When it dawned on her that he could have possibly heard what they were discussing she panicked. Mortified, she stood frozen in place, her posture rigid as she inhaled and counted. When she was relaxed enough, brave enough to face whatever his reaction might have been, she turned and offered him a bright smile.

"Good morning. Happy Thanksgiving," She said after Janice greeted him.

"Happy Thanksgiving, Olivia."

If he heard any of their exchange, nothing about his demeanor hinted towards the fact. He was friendly, jovial and oozing charm while he initiated small talk.

Confident that he didn't have the slightest idea of what had previously transpired, Olivia exhaled. And after another moment passed, she got her head back in the present, walked over to the counter and poured him a cup of coffee.

"Thank you very much." He smiled and covered her free hand with his, his gaze boring a hole into her.

"You're very welcome."

She turned to walk away but he halted her movements by grabbing her wrist. He rubbed her pulse point but didn't have to voice what he wanted because she knew. She wanted it too so she stepped closer and gave him a kiss on the lips.

Janice stood behind them taking in the boring, chaste display. Her faint snort alerting them to the fact she was observing their every move. "I know that's not the way you would normally do it because if it is neither of you would still be hanging around the other. At least I hope not."

"I decided to give the poor guy a break." Olivia explained. "Pop Pop already has him scared out of his mind."

"He does, does he?" She dumped the dry mixture into the bowl and then wiped her hands on the cloth towel."In that case I'll go upstairs and have a little talk with him. But all I can promise is ten minutes, fifteen at the most, so I suggest you make your next kiss count."

It was eleven thirty a.m. when Olivia walked to the door and locked it. Her grandparents were on their way to church to observe another one of their Thanksgiving traditions while she opted to stay behind to oversee the food. Karen expressed interest in attending the service which meant Gerry tagged along by default, leaving Fitz and Olivia as eager house sitters.

"I thought we'd never be alone again." She said while slowly advancing towards him, but Fitz kept taking steps backwards trying to stay out of her grasp.

"The Colonel probably has cameras around here, doesn't he?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "Not upstairs at least. There are only sensors on the windows."

The look in her eyes made him blush. It made him hard. It had him aching and wanting so much that he groaned loudly. "Now I know why no one is allowed past the family room. You can be a bad girl Olivia Pope."

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Fitz." Her voice was pure but there was still mischief in her gaze. "All I want is one little smooch before I go hop in the shower."

"Shower you say?"

"Yes, shower. "That I have every intention of taking alone. So get your mind out of the gutter and kiss me." She commanded and he happily obliged.

Olivia removed her top and had barely stepped out of her shoes when she heard a knock at her bedroom door. Having been expecting Fitz from the moment she sauntered away from him, honestly from the time she realized they would be all alone for at least a couple of hours, she smiled victoriously. However, the smile fell and her eyes narrowed when she opened the door and saw him standing before her wearing nothing but pajama pants and a towel that hang about his neck.

"Liv, I know you wanted to grab a shower. But according to the Colonel's instructions, the bath is mine for the next forty five minutes." He spoke casually but a smug smile lined his lips.

She flashed a smirk right back at him as her arms met underneath her light blue bra. "Is that so?"

"It is. I can show you the schedule if you don't believe me."

She waved her hands, cognizant of the way his eyes were drawn to her breasts. "No, no. I believe you."

"Olivia, I'm really not trying to be a jerk here but if we're really sticking to the rules..."

"Rules are rules. I get it. So you just had to inform me of this shirtless?"

"Well I was on my way over and didn't want you to make the trip for no reason. Besides, if you had, you may have gotten a peek at more than just my chest. And we can't have that here now can we, Livvie?"

She moved closer, her fingers gliding over his collarbone before her nails raked over his chest. "And just what might I have seen exactly? This?" Her hand curled upon dipping lower and reaching for him.

"Livvie," her name rumbled in his throat as she caressed him.

"What?" Her tone was angelic, her gaze innocent but her touch was firm and confident. After loosening the drawstring on his pants her hands wrapped around to squeeze his buttocks. She pressed herself to him, kissing his chin and his chest while her fingers hooked into his waistband and yanked down. He groaned and gasped at the feel of the cotton grazing his erection. She gasped at the sight of him strong and nude.

"So you are a bad girl aren't you, Livvie?" He winced when she began to stroke him again.

"I don't know what you're talking about. Technically the rule was only about us not sleeping together. And I can promise you that sleeping is the last thing that I'm interested in. Do you have a problem with that?"

"No. Not at all," he gulped. "Sleep is definitely overrated."

After tempering their desire for one another, a pacified Olivia and Fitz tidied the house, showered, and dressed. She had chosen a dark yellow number with long sleeves and gathered detailing that created a twist effect at the shoulder and waist. But what Fitz loved most about the dress, besides the perfect fit, was the modest slit that showcased a hint of her perfect thigh when she moved just right. He whistled in appreciation and she voiced her approval of his cashmere sweater and dark pants seemingly molded to his physique.

When they finished their staring contest and got down to business they worked well together as a team. They talked, joked and laughed while setting the table and retrieving finished dishes from the oven at the proper time.

Once everyone returned, they took turns remarking on the progress that had been made; Jeffrey even toning down the suspicion in his gaze as he observed the hand holding couple.

They sat in the family room listening to Karen and Gerry recount their experience at the Lewis's church, the football game playing in the background while they impatiently waited for dinner to be served.

Olivia smiled and nodded intermittently, believing her reactions were appropriate enough considering the rumba taking place in her stomach. When hunger got the better of her she excused herself and went into the kitchen. She browsed the delectable selections and made quick work of a baby carrot and a few grapes before scooping up a fruit and cheese tray to take back to the others.

"So did you enjoy the quiet time?" Janice inquired, quickly passing Olivia to take a look at the turkey's progress.

Recalling her interlude with Fitz as anything but quiet, her skin flushed in remembrance. "It was nice."

"Nice? That's the word we're going with now? Honey, I'm not that old that I can't remember how new relationships go. There's never enough time, touching, or anything else, always needing more of everything."

Olivia smiled at the accuracy of the statement. "Growing up I always wondered how it was possible, but now I can better understand how Pop Pop got you to the altar after only two months." She shook her head no at Janice's animated expression. "I'm not saying that's where we're headed, I said I understand it. Things between us are perfect as is so there's no need to change it up."

Janice just stared at her, her smile never wavering. "If you say so sweetheart. If you say so."

For Olivia, Thanksgivings had always been lively and joyous affairs, the rooms filled with friends from school and members of their church. And even though the current one was cozier, more personal and intimate due to the guests, it was the one dearest to her heart to date. The food and wine were exceptional and conversation was stimulating. Fitz and Jeff discussed ever changing military policies and politics, which Olivia chimed in on from time to time.

Janice held the children's attention with tales from her days as an educator and they in turn talked about some of their travels and experiences in boarding school during Fitz's presidency. Olivia took in the deafening laughter and genuine smiles and found herself thankful. She felt blessed that it was not some dream but in fact her life. She was grateful that she was able to share the day with the people most important to her, to bring them together and watch new relationships develop.

Warm, content, and consumed with love for the ones present, a smile played at her lips as she sipped her wine. Since she considered herself merely an observer while the others found common ground, she placed her glass on the table and offered to answer the ringing doorbell.

Giddy, she didn't bother with the peephole. Later she would chastise herself for the fact. She opened the door absentmindedly, her focus more on the tender scene to her right at the dining room table. But then she heard it, her nickname being called by her mother and her smile along with her peace vanished.

When she looked straight ahead to face her she saw that she wasn't alone. She was accompanied by the one person she never thought she'd see again. Elijah and Maya Pope stood united. Her mother and father were together. And in the blink of an eye it upended her. She was dizzy, so very dizzy and finding it difficult to breathe. Her brain was fuzzy, her heart was racing and threatening to pound its way out of her chest. She felt as if she had been dunked in cold water with her head continually held down.

Her gaze repeatedly shifted from side to side, her senses thoroughly bum rushed by the sight of them. Her father with his cold eyes and stoic demeanor. But her mother, she was ecstatic; her smile showcasing more of her teeth than not as she spoke in an irritatingly sweet, high pitched voiced. "Happy Thanksgiving, baby. Look who I found."

"Mom? Dad? What?" Her eyes watered as she grimaced in disbelief. Unable to comprehend their timing, their presence, she slammed the door shut and turned but there was no strength left in her to move. Knees buckling, she stood just shy of the dining room tugging at the sleeve of her dress and biting her lip. Seated directly across from her, Janice saw her first. Concerned and confused she shot from her seat and walked to her.

"Livvie, what's wrong?" She asked, reaching out a hand to wipe her granddaughter's falling tears. Already unsettled by her reaction, she knew without a doubt that whatever it was, it was very bad when Olivia recoiled from her touch.

In the fogged recesses of her mind, she heard her grandparents, Fitz and the kids questioning her but all she could do was retreat after shooting a brief look in their direction.

Desperate for answers, Jeff rose and walked towards the foyer, snapping. "Who is at my door?"

Fitz immediately stepped up to follow but Janice placed a hand on his wrist. "I'll go see after her. Just stay with the children."

He was too busy staring at the spot she had vacated to see the pleading look in Janice's eyes, but he heard it in her voice. "Okay. But if she..."

"I won't hesitate to come get you."

She stood in the mirror taking in her reflection as she inhaled and exhaled. Her nose and eyes were stinging and Rudolph red, her sinuses on the verge of clogging. She winced as her head roared viciously and her stomach flopped and churned. Her appearance an accurate representation of the turmoil she felt inside.

Woozy, she gripped either side of the sink for support until her knuckles ached. But in spite of the pain and discomfort she stood. Believing that if she stared long enough at herself; while doing so noting that her features were a perfect replica of her parents, the answers to the questions that swirled in her mind would materialize.

How could he? What does he want? Where has he been? Why now? What was she thinking? How could she bring him here? How could she forgive him? How long have they been in contact?

The rapid fire succession of thoughts ceased when she heard the soft knocks at the door followed by her grandmother's voice calling for her just as softly. So she groaned and sniffled and then wiped at the corner of her eyes. Moving from her spot, she threw her shoulders back and held her head high as she swung open the door. She didn't waste time trying to muster a smile.

"Livvie, what's going on? Tell me what happened. Who did you see?"

"Mom. She brought Dad."

"You've got to be kidding?" Janice felt her heart drop at the shocking revelation. "What is wrong with her? With the both of them? Still acting like teenage fools. In what world could she possibly think a surprise ambush was a good idea?"

Olivia shrugged as tears threatened to flow again. "I don't know. And I don't want to think about it or talk about it anymore."

"Olivia-"

"I'm serious, Grammie. I just can't. It's been a long day just made longer and I'm tired. Even more tired now. I think I'll shower. It'll give me time to get myself together and then I'll come back down, okay?"

"If a shower is what you need..."

"It is."

"I don't have to tell you that the people downstairs are very worried about you."

"Tell them I'm fine, that I'll be fine. I just need a minute or twenty under the steaming water."

Still frowning in spite of the reassurance, Janice studied Olivia before relenting. "All right sweetheart, I love you."

"I love you too."

Fitz instructed Karen and Gerry to stay in their seats once Jeffrey returned. The man's expression alone had him worried and furious, it compelled him to stalk after him for any information available. He soon found what he was looking for once they sat in the living room and he listened to his explanation.

"Where are they now?" He asked, clenching his jaw until he felt pain.

"On the road if they're smart. But they never were that smart whenever the two of them got together."

"Should I call for security? Do I need to be worried about Olivia's safety?"

Impressed with Fitz's concern, Jeffrey softened even more towards him. "Physically, no. But you saw her and what they can accomplish just by showing up. The wounds they caused have never really healed. She can function and work around it but it's always there. Probably always will be."

"If you don't mind my asking, what did your daughter have to say for herself?

"That she's sorry, but it couldn't be helped. Decades later and it still can never be helped. She's old enough to know that tonight's antics were a mistake but she was only thinking of herself. Of Elijah. They never stop to consider Olivia."

He paused when he heard Fitz's sharp intake of breath, his murmurs. "But back then? At the time she saw Olivia as a constant reminder of her failures; the marriage that didn't work, the man who left her behind to find himself and his place in the world. The divorce really did something to her, took a lot out of her. So we took Livvie in in a heartbeat rather than have something bad happen to her, to the both of them really. Truth be told, Elijah and Maya were irresponsible parents even when they were on good terms. The father in me wants to blame it on them doing everything too soon, too young; but then again Jan and I were babies too. Some just aren't fit to be parents no matter the circumstance."

"Believe me, I know." Fitz's thoughts turned to his own father, Mellie even. "I could write a book on the topic."

Jeff said nothing, just watched Fitz intently for a long moment. During the lull he contemplated, looked back over his own life, wondering exactly where he went wrong with his only child. "Even though there's still a lot of resentment towards Maya there's some reluctant communication between the two. But her father, there's been nothing. He's given her nothing that anyone's money couldn't buy, so he's basically left her at square one. Seeing him without warning like that..."

The possible impact the misguided reunion could have on Olivia made Fitz see red all over again. He couldn't help but think that he should have heeded his instincts to begin with. That way her parents would not have even made it into the driveway."I had my doubts about sending the guards home for the holidays but Olivia wouldn't hear of it. She wanted everybody spending time with their loved ones today and now this. She didn't deserve to have this day ruined for her. Where has her father been all this time anyway?"

"Out of the country. Germany last I heard."

"Doing?"

"Working for our government. The Pope's hold some military patents; weaponry and combat equipment. Always fascinated with that world but not enough to suit up to serve our country, he's worked in the civilian arena most of his life."

Still fuming, Fitz filed the information away."Seems like he's done well for himself all on his own, lived the way he saw fit. My only hope is that after tonight he goes back to forgetting Olivia even exists."

Slightly reinvigorated after the hot water had thoroughly pelted her skin, Olivia gathered her hair into a ponytail and changed into grey workout pants with its matching jacket thrown over her fresh white tank top. She returned to the first floor just in time to see everyone working swiftly when it came to clearing the table and storing the leftovers. After food was transferred to containers, Karen made repeated trips to the refrigerator while Gerry wiped down countertops and took out trash.

The scene was disciplined and almost completely void of any noise. She almost spoke up to announce her arrival, but smiled instead when she witnessed father and son at the dishwasher; Gerry playfully bumping into Fitz as they unloaded and reloaded dishes. About to join in, she was convinced that Fitz must have felt her presence because it only took a few seconds for him to turn in her direction.

And then, with just a few steps, he was in front of her. When he finally got a look at her for himself he released a breath he didn't even know he had been holding on to. "I know what today meant to you, what this meant for us and I'm sorry you had to deal with that today of all days."

"It's okay, Fitz. It's not like it's something that can be undone now anyway."

He was uncomfortable with the fact that her voice sounded so far away, that her eyes never met his, and that she was basically conversing with his chest. Hurting for her, he crooked his index finger and placed it under her chin. He gingerly lifted her head so that she couldn't hide from him.

Looking at her, he was struck by how hauntingly beautiful her face was. How her expressive eyes were puffed up yet weighed down with fatigue. Weariness, disappointment, and sadness marred her and it gutted him. He hoped that his disdain for her parents was restrained when he spoke. "It's going to be all right, I promise you."

Her smile was weak but she nodded. "I know. I believe you."

They walked into the kitchen together; a quick, surprise hug from Karen almost literally knocked her off her feet while Gerry placed a strong pat to her shoulder. She smiled at Janice and gave a brief explanation and apology to the kids, both of whom were much too polite to question her further. And then after a deep breath she dived into the task of putting the kitchen back together again along with everyone else.

Alone in her room she sat on her bed poring over family photo albums; pictures of her grandparents with her mother, a few pictures of her with her own parents. The more she turned the pages the more they morphed into photos of her with Janice and Jeffrey or her alone striking a pose or during various school activities.

Once she finished, she flipped back to the beginning; back to the photograph of her being cradled in Maya's arms in the hospital after her birth. Her father was standing over the both of them looking down. He looked proud and happy. But for her it was tainted because she knew he eventually threw it all away. But why he did it and for what, she would never understand. Nevertheless, it didn't stop her from wondering how they could allow it to crumble, how they could blow it all to hell when they had such a sterling example to mold their marriage, their family after in her grandparents.

Through her musings she heard her grandfather's distinctive knock followed by his voice. "Livvie, can I come in?"

She pushed off of the bed and opened the door to find Fitz standing by his side watching her with his hands stuffed into his pockets.

"Well I'm about to be out like a light, baby girl. I just wanted to say goodnight. He hugged her and kissed her cheek. "I thought you might like company and this somebody here jumped at the job. Now if you're not up to it he'll gladly be on his way. Won't you?"

"I will," Fitz replied, taking no offense to Jeffrey's words.

Once they were alone they stood watching one another as they had in the early morning light. Just like earlier she was exhausted and frustrated but this time he was hesitant to add to whatever she was going through. "Can I come in?" His voice was cautious and unsure but he waited for his answer just the same.

She recognized that in spite of what he needed, how he felt, he always put her first. His love and devotion and support strengthened her and gave her comfort. It compounded her love for him, caused her to appreciate him even more than she thought she was capable of doing. Crying a little from all the emotions coursing through her, she threw herself into his arms and fastened her arms around his neck. "Yes, yes, yes," She sighed while his hands rubbed soothing circles on her back.

"Everything is going to be okay, Olivia, I promise you that," he whispered and kissed her ear.

She looked up and smiled, her thumb fascinated with the corner of his mouth. "Will you just hold me tonight?"

"Tonight and any other night you want me to." He walked into the room and closed the door.

Without question, he moved to the bed and cleared the photobooks from the blanket and pulled back the covers. Having long discarded her jacket she took off her pants and crawled into bed in her top and panties. Stresses seemingly melting away upon contact, she closed her eyes and sighed. Her body relaxing, she opened her eyes to see Fitz still rooted in place so she beckoned him with a crooked finger. Happy to submit to her wish, he quickly removed his sweater and shoes; settling in beside her in his slacks and white t-shirt and immediately drawing her closer to him.

He hugged her tight. He kissed her atop her head before doing the same to her forehead and entwining their fingers. "My father was an asshole too."

His words simple but sad pierced her heart. Disappointed with a large portion of mankind at the moment, she shut her eyes thinking of how they were further connected in one of the most painful and devastating of ways. But she also quickly realized that they could at least be there for one another, to comfort one another and hopefully help heal one another. She kissed his chest and allowed the silence to hang between them for a long time as they wallowed in their own thoughts.

She was the first to disrupt the atmosphere; kissing his chest again as she revealed her decision, her voice determined and strong. "I don't want Elijah Pope anywhere near me. In fact, I never want to see him again."

Already resigned to do what she wanted, give her whatever she needed, he squeezed her tight. "Then you won't. He won't touch you. I won't let him."

His promise was the last thing she heard before she fell asleep.