AN: I wrote this for those who were interested in the rest of Olitz's Christmas whether it was more of Fitz's gifts to Olivia or whatever. I was going to just mention the gifts in passing but it's Vermont and did I mention I really love Vermont lol. Next chapter it's back to the real world and the things and people who await them.

Chapter 25

After showering and sharing breakfast duties, Olivia and Fitz worked on turning their tree and other rooms into the most accurate representation of Christmas cheer ever created. When taking in her choice of lights, wreaths, figurines and ornaments she quickly found that she had no problem putting the disturbing amount of paraphernalia to use, she just objected to the idea of letting perfectly good popcorn go to waste by using it as garland. Other than that minor disagreement, they worked harmoniously around the house, transforming it into a Christmas wonderland.

Once all tasks over the large space were completed to their liking, they stood back and admired their handiwork. Impressed but exhausted after the work and subsequent inspection, Fitz sat down on the nearest surface and pulled Olivia onto his lap.

As she giggled and squirmed he smiled into her neck, happier than he'd ever been. "So what now?" He wondered, his voice husky as his teeth tugged at her ear and his fingers moved underneath her sweater, over her stomach and into the waistband of her leggings.

After an instinctive moan she shook her head and covered his hand with her own. "No sir. Not so soon. I need a moment to adjust to all this togetherness."

"You love it. Admit it." He laughed while his teeth grazed her collarbone.

"I do. I just need a little reprieve. It's been a while since we've had all this uninterrupted time. There's always an obligation that we have to break for; be it the kids, work or other commitments. There are no breaks here."

"Just one of the many awesome perks of vacation if you ask me," he kissed her quickly. "So if me taking you back to bed is out, again I ask, what now?"

Without an honest clue, she shrugged and said casually. "Whatever else you want to do."

Over a lunch of leftovers they agreed on a Christmas menu for two and then took a leisurely walk around the snow covered property until their winter wear was useless against the frigid temperature. Inside Fitz adjusted the thermostat and rekindled the fire while Olivia made sure their food supply contained all of the necessities for the following day.

"Karen and Gerry?" She asked after watching him end his call once she returned to the his side. "Is something wrong?"

"Not really. They seem fine. So far their schedule is being filled with lunches and parties they couldn't care less about attending but Mellie..."

"Is being Mellie?"

"She can't resist. The former first lady returning to her hometown for the holidays with her loving children in tow supporting various charities and fundraisers, what a headline that will be."

The tension he harbored was stifling the expansive space and clouding his features. She sighed and caressed his cheek. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I just have to learn to cope and get through it. It was just a whole lot easier when she couldn't be bothered to even fake an interest in them. Hopefully this is just some passing phase."

"And if it isn't? If she really makes an effort to be in their lives what then?"

He really didn't want to entertain the thought. He knew eventually he would just have to suck it up and deal because at the end of the day he was the one who chose to marry her and procreate with her, but in the here and now he wasn't ashamed of admitting to himself that his life was much better when she was both out of sight and mind. "Can I cross that bridge when I come to it? I think I'm giving her a little too much of my attention as it is."

"Okay, what do you want to do?"

He stood, took her hand in his and smiled. "Follow me."

Perched on the island sipping wine, Olivia decided that watching him work was truly a thing of beauty; literally her idea of poetry in motion, and she was enjoying every second of it; even going so far as to commit it to memory.

Her breath hitched, her stomach fluttered and then tightened at the way his body moved. His steps were swift and sure as he retrieved ingredients and cookware. She admired the way his muscles flexed as he shook spices, chopped meat and vegetables and stirred pasta. He was the epitome of a sight to behold and the fact that he was unquestionably and completely hers, filled her with a level of smug she didn't usually give way to.

She didn't know if the alcohol, the heat from the stove or the man and her thoughts about him was responsible for the rise in the room temperature she just knew things had become considerably hotter. She fanned herself and gulped down the rest of her Chardonnay while he concentrated on the content of his pots and pans.

As if he had access to her innermost thoughts in that moment, Fitz shook his head and chuckled. He lifted a chunk of cream covered chicken from the pan and walked to her. "Open."

He raised his eyebrow when she spread her legs but fit his body into the space it created without further comment. She was tipsy and her brazenness only made her sexier in his eyes. Exhaling he ran his free hand along her thigh before his fingers teased her lips. "Open up, Livvie."

Extremely sensitive to his nearness and the sound of his voice, her body tingled and then complied with his command, and in doing so was swiftly rewarded for her obedience. She got to experience the succulent and rich tasting meat as well as the beginnings of Fitz's arousal.

"Livvie," her name rolled deep within his throat once she refused to release his index finger from the warm recesses of her mouth.

She ran her feet along the length of his very long legs, her eyes wide and innocent but darkening with each passing second. "What?"

He shook his head to clear it of the haze she had induced and swallowed. He glanced at the boiling pot and then back at her before capturing her mouth with his own. The mating of their mouths was eager and uninhibited; tongues warred, teeth clashed as noises mingled and then were absorbed. Hands drifted; floating and grasping at skin and clothing as words of love and wanting filled the air.

When the sounds and smells the stove began emitting reminded him of how completely he had been distracted, he severed the connection between them to give his attention to what he had started. Her body humming, Olivia brought her knees to her chest and giggled at the speed in which he drained pasta, turned off burners and then returned to her. Chuckling with her, he pulled her to him while his fingers embedded in her hair and he drank from her lips like he was in search of a taste of her very spirit.

"Would you marry me?"

Her body limp, lax and satisfied on the floor in the den, Olivia's form instantly stiffened once Fitz's question penetrated the dissipating spell she was under. She shifted her posture, drew her eyes from the blinding lights of the tree to stare at him. She studied him for a long while but his expression gave away nothing.

"What did you just say?"

"I asked, 'Would you marry me?'" he repeated.

"Are you serious right now? Is that a proposal because if so...?"

"It's not. I'm asking out of curiosity. I mean with the way you freaked out earlier when you thought that could have been an engagement ring," he paused, sighed. "I thought I'd have to bring in oxygen for you. So I'm just wondering if that was a reaction to a possible proposal or the way you thought it was being handled. Liv-" He pushed when his thoughts were met with nothing but silence.

Unsure of what to say, where to begin she sighed and started with the truth. "I love you, Fitz, I do. I am in love with you. I'm happy with you, committed to you and to us. But I'm not at a place in my life where I want marriage, I'm not sure if I ever will be. I'm a strong believer in not tinkering with things that aren't broken. Things are as good as perfect so what would be the point in messing with it?" Even though his expression was still unreadable she could feel a slight change in the air, she reached out touched his face and asked softly. "What about you? Do you think you ever want to try it again one day?"

After finally being loosed from decades of a disastrous entanglement a great big part of him was in no rush for a repeat of matrimony however improved upon it would be. But then when he thought of Olivia he was confident he was up for any and all things."When the time is right. To do it again the right way, for the right reasons, with the right woman, I have to say it's something I would like very much. But until then..."

His lips touched her shoulder for a tender kiss and then his teeth nipped at the very same spot before slowly inching upwards, traveling along the curve of her neck until he reached her earlobe. She panted and grabbed a fistful of his hair as she felt his breath then voice in her ear as he positioned himself on top of her.

The late evening was spent devouring the meal he prepared and sharing their favorite memories from Christmases that had long passed. They laughed and cringed at some of the must have items they had begged and compromised mischief making for. Things that were so corny and insignificant but they would have given limbs for at the time.

Once they finished Olivia looked around the room and took in the damage done to the kitchen. Since Fitz had cooked, she spared him cleanup duties and persuaded him to relax. She was thinking more along the lines of a drink and a movie or maybe time spent listening to Christmas tunes. She could only shake her head and smile as he carried in more logs for the fireplace and then watched her work in the kitchen. She cleaned efficiently and without much distraction from him and when she was done he turned out the lights.

They were more than ready to retire upstairs for the rest of the night when he heard distinctive ringing throughout the lower level of the house. Switching directions, he strolled towards the study and accepted the video call from Karen and Gerry and as soon as they were connected everyone started speaking at once; bright faces, booming voices and wide smiles abounding.

"The kids sounded good. They looked good, right?" Olivia posed the question to Fitz as soon as she heard him exit the adjoining bathroom.

Taking in the unexpected sight of her in a midnight blue gown crafted of silk and lace temporarily halted his steps and literally stole his breath.

Wondering if she had imagined his presence she finished turning down the bed and whipped her head around. "Fitz? The kids?"

"Yeah, they seemed great."

Perfectly aware of what had captured his attention she smiled. "I thought I'd try something a little different tonight since me in a gown was such a big hit a few weeks ago. And who knows, I might actually let you get me out of it this time around."

"If only I could be so lucky." He moved towards her, kissed her forehead, nose and then lips.

She sighed and held his waist. "You are. I am. We are so blessed."

He didn't break their embrace allowed her to hold onto him for as long and as tightly as she wanted to while he kissed the top of her head. "Liv, who was that on the phone? They kept calling but you kept ignoring. Was it your mom?"

She nodded and replied. "Yes."

"What did she want?"

"Her message said she just wanted to say congratulations on the interview that will be broadcast tomorrow night. Wanted me to know that she'll be watching right along with Elijah, that they're both proud as peacocks and that she'll call again tomorrow to wish me a proper Merry Christmas."

"And when she does will you answer?"

Olivia thought about all that had transpired between her mother and herself the last month and she just became incensed and exhausted all over again. She exhaled and placed a hand on Fitz's cheek. "I'm really not sure and right now I can't be bothered to search my soul for an answer. All I want is to feel you, to lie in your arms for the rest of the night. Can you make that happen?"

He smiled and hugged her again. "Livvie, your wish is my command. Let's get you to bed."

In spite of growing up and older Olivia's love of Christmas never dampened. It didn't matter where she was or whom she was with, during the most wonderful time of the year she was still that proverbial kid; giddy and curious and wide eyed. No matter the circumstance, the warmth and goodwill of the season spread through and then radiated off of her and that particular morning was no different.

Even though it was terribly early when she awoke she still did so with a beaming smile and racing pulse. Her eyes flew to the nightstand on her side of the bed and thankfully found no surprise awaiting her. She turned to her right and saw that Fitz was still asleep. It was sound and peaceful and beautiful but she couldn't figure out how he did it. She couldn't understand how he didn't know that it was officially Christmas. Smiling, her thumb traced his jaw and the corner of his mouth before she leaned over, placed a kiss on his chest and left the warmth of the bed for the bathroom.

When she returned she was happy to find Fitz awake, smiling and waiting. "Merry Christmas, Livvie."

She ran to close the distance between them and landed on top of him with a thud and a cackle and replied. "Merry Christmas, Fitz."

"So who's up first?" Fitz stood in front of the tree staring at the presents underneath.

"Let's start with the kids," Olivia decided from her chair and rubbed her hands together. "I'm dying to know what they've picked out for me."

"You're choosing my children over me? I'm crushed," He joked and winked at her before squatting and rummaging through the wrapped packages.

Olivia oohed and ahhed over the silk lined gloves and scarf from Gerry, the jeweled headband and brooch from Karen. And although Fitz was very impressed with the thoughtfulness of the gifts the teens had selected for Olivia, he couldn't resist feigning jealousy over the consideration they had obviously employed while buying for her. Even with his teasing, her eyes didn't stop twinkling; both of them pleased that they cared enough to give her anything, touched all the more that she could actually put them to use.

While he continued on with his ribbing she stood and gathered parcels and extended them to him, silencing him with the look of love and pride on her face. He took his time unwrapping each one; awed by the elusive first edition penned by an author he'd made mention of being interested in as well as an accompanying hand written journal. He was stunned by the rare Breguet; the 18 karat gold open face keyless watch the perfect addition to his collection.

When he said nothing she exhaled and began rambling to fill the quiet. Olivia explained the process behind her choices for him, her difficulty in finding the things she felt would be just right for him, hoping the sound of her voice drowned out her nervousness. And then she felt his hand taking hers, his firm grip immediately calming her down. She smiled and so did he before he pulled her into his lap and thanked her with a gentle kiss.

"Are you pleased? I want you to be pleased." She cupped his face.

"I am. I told you I would be. I have been from the day you started taking my calls, from the day you decided that we could try and see what was between us. You have made me the happiest I have ever been, Livvie. You do know that right?"

She nodded. "It's just with all that you do for me, give to me, I just wanted to give you something you would love. I want to always give you the best."

"You do. Everyday you're with me, you do."

While she was still in his arms, Fitz presented Olivia with a diamond necklace and a pair of pear shaped earrings designed as the perfect companions to her ring. She instantly fell in love with the extravagant pieces constructed of brilliant and yellow diamonds and told him so. After admiring her jewels and then safely storing them, Olivia and Fitz Skyped with those far away but close to their hearts. They held conversations with Karen, Gerry, Harrison, Abby and CiCi before she checked in with her grandparents. After hanging around for small talk with the older couple Fitz excused himself from the room.

"I really wish you guys would have changed your minds and accepted Fitz's invitation to join us here in Vermont."

Janice sat wordlessly and took in Olivia's appearance, wholeheartedly approving of what she saw. There was not a part of her that wasn't glowing and her voice was laced with joy. Overwhelmed with emotion from witnessing a side of her granddaughter she had prayed would be awakened, she felt tears prick her eyes. "I know you mean well sweetie, but something tells me you two are doing just fine on your own."

"We are. The time alone together has been more than good. It's been great for the both of us. There's no work, no press, no cameras; just us. It doesn't mean I don't miss you and Pop Pop very much though."

"Speaking of us," Janice glanced at the gifts that had arrived from Olivia. She looked from the cruise tickets, pamphlets detailing a year of spa services, and cooking classes, "were your presents a way of trying to tell us something, young lady?"

"Nothing except that I love you both so much. I want you to have some fun and relaxation together. Something that doesn't include you hanging out at Miss Lucy's while he hangs out at the church barbershop for a change."

"Fifty plus years, darling and I think we've managed, but we appreciate the thought. The cooking class sounds fun and he's probably off packing for the cruise as we speak but I'm not sure even I can get him into the spa. You know how Pop Pop is about touchy feely stuff with outsiders."

"Which is precisely why he probably needs the sessions more than most. I can only imagine the amount of tension they can work out of him over time. But if he refuses, give the package to one of your girlfriends. What?" She wondered upon noticing Janice's goofy smile.

"It just makes me happy seeing you so happy. It looks very good on you. I think I need to have a talk with Fitz to thank him for that."

Her features animated, Olivia smiled until it hurt. "He has made this Christmas heaven for me. He's made me forget everything except him and that's what I need if only for a week and a half."

"Well I hope the feeling stays longer than that because you deserve it. And if you have someone willing to give it? Hold on to him, Livvie, and don't let him get away."

"Oh, I don't plan on it, Grammie. As long as he's staying, I'm not going anywhere."

The rest of Olivia's day was spent on the highest of clouds. In between displays of affection they managed to a prepare their meal and eat it, agree on a destination for a few days of fun and sun as soon as Karen and Gerry arrived and passed the rest of the afternoon counting down to the airing of her interview. When the time came she watched the program in its entirety snuggled in Fitz's embrace, mentally critiquing her work while he whispered words of praise and encouragement. His comments helped but she could still pinpoint moments that could be improved, such as the intensity of her focus, her posture, allowing subjects more time to reflect on a point before moving on.

Once it finally ended, Olivia released a breath she had been holding in for the better part of the hour and slowly faced Fitz.

His eyes and smile beamed with pride that was all for her. His respect and admiration were apparent and humbling and appreciated. They helped silence the lingering doubts she had about her effectiveness in getting her subjects' stories told, her abilities as a journalist. With a small smile, she accepted his congratulations and kiss before regrettably ending it to put a stop to the incessant ringing of her phone. She accepted call after call from people she knew, whether personally or professionally, offering her congratulations on her work. She spoke briefly with coworkers; longer if they were friends as well and carried on lengthy conversations with Abby, Harrison, and her grandfather. By the time she finished up and returned to Fitz he was already asleep so placed a soft kiss on his lips, prepared herself for bed and joined him.

AN2: Thank you all for take the time to review! Martina G, I always like hearing whether or not this story is coming across the way I intended. Sorry that it has veered into blah territory for you. From the day I uploaded the first chapter I had to select a genre and I chose Romance/Drama. I've never intended for this to be a piece of angst though I recognize the issues between them could easily take the story there. I'm not afraid to do it, that's usually what I write, but personally I have had my fill of Olitz angst for the time being.

What I've tried to do is sprinkle most of their obstacles/issues (race and career, an ex spouse, kids, the public's reaction and the return of her parents) throughout the chapters while steadily building them up and keeping the focus on them as a couple. The story's not over which means things haven't been resolved. But when I do revisit some of those things they still won't take over the story. I won't say it's easy finding the right balance, some will have no problem with the pace at which I write and some will and that's okay. My style of storytelling is not for everyone and that's fine with me, but as long as the majority can deal with it and stay interested in this, I'll keep posting.

Sometimes I do want to dive more into the dramatic side but I'm more interested in Olitz togetherness than all their obstacles combined and I'm sure it shows. I have to write where my interests lie or there'll be no words at all. And it may become drawn out and boring and not worth the read to some but that's just how my brain is wired when it comes to them. If this story is not your cup of tea, luckily this is a fandom full of talented writers with many unique, beautiful, and entertaining takes on Olitz out there to enjoy, I know I do. Hope you have found some you do enjoy!