Breath of Fresh Air

by Da Princes and Me's

Fitz won the Presidency as a divorced, father of two. He needed to hire a Communications Director. He had no idea that when met Olivia Pope, that she would be like a breath of fresh air to him. He was drowing and she saved him. She came into his life exactly at the right time. Not only did she "fix" him, but brought something into their lives they both needed, each other.

25. Coming Up For Air

Happy #Scandal100 #Gladiators…

I seriously cannot believe we've made it to 100 episodes. We've been through a lot together and I decided to update this fic as a special (and yes overdue) treat.

I won't keep you. Please enjoy and remember to leave #crumbs on the flipside for me to follow you home.

Me's

/

Chapter 25: "Coming Up For Air…"

"I feel like everything in my life as led me to you. My choices, my heartbreak, my regrets. Everything. And when we're together, my past seems worth it. Because if I had done thing differently, I might never have met you." - Unknown

The Conversation

Joseph's soft but hard eyes stare into Fitz's. If he didn't know any better he swears he's making the President of the United States break a sweat. He is sitting with his hands in his lap on his legs but they won't keep still. Then he folds them in and out, one over the other as if he's wiping them in a towel.

He's twitchy – very.

Joseph is a man – who has lived a long happy life. He met his wife early, and married young. They had their children one after another. He ran a strict household. He was in charge. Even though he knew in his heart, his wife controlled all of him and then some. He hoped for each of his children, grandchildren they would find the love he had found.

A man now in his nineties, he loved being a Grandfather to all his grandchildren. One my one each new birth weaved a special place in his heart. However all it changed, the moment HIS Olivia was born. She coiled herself not only around Joseph's heart, and pinky finger but his very soul.

He prayed with the good Lord a worthy and noble man would enter her life, turn it upside down, and be able to love, care for her beyond her wildest dreams. Joseph did not want this "suitor" to be rich, but a good job was necessary. He wanted him to not only want a family, but to dedicate his life to HIS Livy and no other.

This man's SOLE purpose was to live, eat, sleep and BREATHE for his youngest Grandchild. Not only would she in turn make him a better man; he could give her a life – the fairy tale Olivia dreamed of. Joseph desired for Olivia to encounter a man where the first moment he saw her it would not only be love at first sight – it would be so much more.

Olivia would be his soul mate – his beating heart. The very life-force pumping through his veins. With her by his side, not only would this man be able to accomplish wonders but be the person in her life who'd understand her completely. They could silently communicate with their eyes and not even utter a single word.

However Joseph also prayed this man would be powerful. He had no idea after everything with Joel and losing Gracie it would mean literally. His "Sweet Baby Girl" not only found the man he always longed for, but she captured the most Powerful Man on the Planets heart; The President of the United States of America.

Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III.

Since Joseph heard Fitz's "I Love You," in the hospital that night after his surgery, he was left blown away. Joseph heard Fitz enter the room that night. Jenny was fairly certain he was coming, but nothing prepared her for Fitz actually coming to be with Olivia. She scolded him fiercely for risking his own safety to be there.

"I do not care Jenny. Olivia needed me. You told me so yourself. How did you expect me to stay where I was at Camp David when my heart was begging me to leave and come to her?" Fitz whispered to her once they were inside Joseph's room. "I know how much her Grandfather means to her. I could not just stay away."

"You were supposed to stay there and work on your first State of the Union Address," Jenny reasoned. "Olivia is going to flip out when she sees you. You are technically not supposed to be here."

"Technically," Fitz chuckles as an impish grin appears on his face. "Where am I…"

But she cuts him off. "You know damn well what I mean," she quickly turns glancing at Joseph. She learned at an early age to curse in his presence. Even at her age, she is still afraid of him. "Liv is going to flip out. She'll be worried about your safety and well-being more than her own. You belong with your family; Karen and Jerry needed this time with you."

"I know my kids need me but they told me to come. I was no use to them there. I was instructed to follow my heart and come here. Look I know you don't know me very well but…" he halts in his words as Jenny raises her hand to stop him from speaking.

"You are right I don't. However," she counters before he can begin speaking again. "You are still The President. The Nation and your kids should come first."

"No," Fitz snaps harshly but still in a whisper. "Olivia is MY family Jenny," Fitz sighs walking to the window. His admission shocks her. "She is the most important person in my life." The tears are ready to fall down his cheeks. "She's…"

"Holy shit," Jenny gasps. "You're in…"

"Yes very much so," Fitz answers dreamily. "She is the very air I breathe. Every breath I have taken I truly believe lead me to the White House - to her. She's the…,"

Jenny walks to him. "You don't have to say it me." She squeezes his hand. "I truly believe she has been waiting for you too. I've never seen her so happy. However after she recovers from the initial shock of seeing you, be prepared for her wrath."

"I'll keep that in mind," he smirks as Tom comes to the door to warn Olivia is now coming down the hall. Jenny takes her position outside the door, watching Olivia approach. Joseph heard some of her talking outside his room, but heard his Granddaughters reaction to seeing Fitz.

He heard her plow into The President's arms. Their quick breaths, and of course her crying in "THIS" man's arms. As Joseph listened, he couldn't wait for her to fall asleep and make his presence known. Joseph was afraid of no man. Fitz as President made no difference.

Joseph smirks as Fitz sits nervously in front of him. That night after his surgery, Fitz matched him wit for wit and utmost honesty about his undying love and devotion to her. Fitz spoke to Joseph that night as a man, in love with Granddaughter not the Ruler of this Great Nation. Even though he noticed aspects of Fitz the President show himself.

Fitz asked Joseph to "court" Olivia properly making his intensions known. He did not just want to date her. He ached to marry her, have more children, and as he put it, become First Lady. Joseph held out Derek Shepard would return one day and claim her heart. That notion was thrown out the window once Joseph met Fitz.

As Joseph gazes at Fitz, he can truly be grateful Olivia chose well. But as of this moment, it is not the World Leader sitting in front of him, but the man in love with Olivia. And he is more nervous than a cat in a room full of rocking chairs.

His foot taps lightly on the carpet. Fitz is finding it more and more difficult to keep from fidgeting. "I am not going to hurt you Fitzgerald," Joseph speaks first hoping to break the tension.

"Yes Sir I know," Fitz answers softly as both his legs begin to move. "My agents wouldn't allow it."

Joseph chuckles. "Well it's a good thing you have them then."

"It is," Fitz gulps wishing they were in the room with him right now. "Do you think Livy or Miss Allie need any help in the kitchen?"

Joseph realizes exactly what Fitz is hoping. If Livy needs him, this conversation will have to wait for another time. There is no other time. Once Olivia's brother, sister and their families begin their twenty questions, Joseph will not have an opportunity. He is certain Fitz would bring him to the White House but this talk should not happen there.

"Oh trust me Fitzgerald, if Allie needs our assistance, she'll be sure to waltz in here and ask without a care in the world. She is strong woman," Joseph teases. "However she also knows not to interrupt us unless the kitchen on fire or in your case the world is coming to an end."

"Good to know," Fitz gulps. He shifts uncomfortably.

His shoulders are tense, and forward. Fitz licks his bottom lip hoping to quell the need for a drink – a STRONG alcoholic one. Joseph cannot help but enjoy making the most powerful man on Earth squirm. But as Olivia's grandfather observes Fitz scanning the room, he wonders what has all of a sudden caught Fitz's attention.

Joseph's tracks Fitz's gaze, and cannot help but smile proudly at what item has caught his attention. Each one of Louis and Alice's children in this office have a collage as each one of the Sacraments were made at St. Paul's Parish. Each one of his children and theirs made these choices on their own of their free will to receive God's grace and love in their lives.

Fitz inwardly feels this draw to Olivia's photo. Ignoring Joseph's commanding presence, he stands and strolls over to her photo. The first is the day she was born. Not only is her immediate family there, but Fitz notices Joseph, her Grandmother, and Father Dolan, the priest who presided over Gracie's remembrance Mass.

Then as Fitz's eyes glance over the other photos, he cannot help but pick up the photo collage in his hands. His fingers trace over her Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation. Her confirmation she is in a red "graduating" gown, but the others WHITE.

PURE ANGELIC WHITE.

Fitz stammers backwards as images of her walking down the aisle in a wedding gown appear."Livy," he murmurs. Fitz eyes trail upwards seeing her parents wedding photo, Joseph's and her brother and sisters. He cannot help but smile as he returns the photo to its rightful place of Louis's mantel.

"So do you want to hear that story I was about to tell you Fitzgerald," Joseph inquires with a hint of tenderness in his voice.

"Yes Sir," Fitz answers still glancing at all the images of Olivia in white. However he cannot walk away from the photos. There are more of her as she has grown into the beautiful woman she is today. HIS beautiful woman. Joseph finally startles him, by placing something in front of him.

"It seems I have your attention Mr. President," Joseph smirks. He retrieves the object, then motions for Fitz to sit again, which he complies. "THIS is what you want for you and Olivia. Am I correct?"

"Very much so," Fitz answers with confidence but his tone is tender.

"You have not changed your mind," Joseph counters placing the object in between them on the end table.

"Never. Did you expect me to," Fitz challenges. "We discussed this after your surgery. Olivia is WHOM I want. I will not walk away from her now. I thought we had a mutual understanding."

"We do," Joseph smirks. "However you still need too…,"

"When the time is right, I will," Fitz smiles finally relaxing.

"Take it," Fitz is instructed. He gulps. "Please Fitz," Joseph finally calls him Fitz offering his hand out with the object in question. Fitz slowly picks it up in his hand, closing his shaking hand around it. "Now if this is not right…"

"No it's perfect," Fitz smiles. "Like Livy." Joseph nods. "But…,"

Fitz is momentarily interrupted when Joseph tells him the story he had been meaning too. Fitz leans back listening intently to his every word, paying close as if he would have an exam to earn a passing grade. More than 15 minutes later, he finishes sitting himself next to Fitz.

"So you understand?"

"I do," Fitz answers honestly.

"And even though you may," but he's halted in his words as Fitz returns the object to Joseph's hand and squeezes it.

"There won't be. It would be my honor. However…,"

"You are free to do as you wish," Joseph assures him. Fitz places the object in his pocket. "Take care of my baby Mr. President."

"Always," Fitz mutters as a tear sneaks out of his eye. "But how will…"

"Trust me something will happen between you both. You will just know it's time," Joseph exhales resting his hand on his shoulder. "Do NOT disappointment Fitzgerald." Fitz shifts uncomfortably where he sits. "And it would be in your best interest to remember our Gentleman Agreement."

/

"Can I Keep You…"

"Now Papa be nice," Olivia calls out as she enters the door. Fitz spins around as she meanders into her Papa's arms. Fitz "pretends" to be wounded as his bottom lips protrudes outwards earning himself an exaggerated eye roll.

"Fitzgerald I was the man in her life before you," Joseph reminds him.

"Yes," Fitz answers with confidence. "But I am the man in her life now Sir." He slowly but confidently walks over to Joseph and Olivia. "I will share her with no one." Her Grandfather raises his eyes at the intonation in Fitz's voice. He is not only speaking to him as her boyfriend but as the President.

"I see," Joseph replies. He kisses Olivia's cheek. "Don't let him keep you in here for too long Livy. You know your Momma will have a fit if you two are not out on time for dinner."

"Yes Papa," Olivia kisses his cheek. She whispers. "You'll always be the first love of my life." Joseph eyes tear up at her admission. "Fitz is just the last."

Joseph feels himself becoming emotional. He kisses her forehead leaves the study giving Olivia and Fitz privacy. Once the coast is clear, Fitz brings her into his arms. He lifts her off the ground staring into her eyes. "Hi," he coos.

"Hi," she smiles. "I missed you," she admits coyly.

"Did you now," Fitz grin widens. He sits with her in his lap on the couch. "Well I miss all of your sexiness." He wiggles his eyes. "I am especially eager to see the black lace bra you came down the stairs for this morning before you knew I was here." She gulps. "What do I have to do to maybe see it later?"

"You're shameless," she chastises. "But it will be in the laundry hamper later. You can look there," she giggles.

"You wound me Woman," he hand flies over his heart. "Maybe so but you love me…don't you?"

"With all my heart," she answers with not a hint of hesitation. He brings her closer. Olivia's long fingers lace into his curls as her arms wrap around his shoulders. Her fingers begin to massage his scalp and twirl his hair. Fitz cannot help but allow his body to relax to her touch. He has missed her so much.

"Livy," he croaks.

"Yah…,"

"Don't EVER leave me again," he pleads as his eyes connect with hers. She kisses him softly then nods. "I need you to say it. Promise me Sweetheart you won't run from US – me, the kids. I do not know if I be able to live through it again."

"Fitz I wasn't in a good place. When I saw HER kissing you I thought….," but she's silenced when he kisses her passionately. His tongue seeks out her own instantly; the battle for who is in control begins. It does not take long for Olivia to grant Fitz the power of their kiss granting his mouth authority to kiss her as deeply as he wants.

As he breaks their connection, a POP is heard. "Don't EVER leave US again," he commands referring to not just himself but his children. "We almost died without you." Her eyes widen as her hands cup his cheeks.

Behind those blue eyes she adores, she picks up how tired he has become without her. The sleepless nights he endured without her by his side. It was the same for her. She felt at times all hope was lost and nothing was worth living for.

"I promise Fitz," she kisses him a second time before burying her head into the crook of his neck. "I almost died without you too. I thought you didn't want me. You chose her again and…."

Fitz's grip tightens suddenly.

"Like the kids said, I will NEVER chose my ex over you. She is no longer allowed on the White House grounds. If she wants to see the kids, it must happen through our lawyers. I do not want her Olivia. The only woman on this earth for me is you," he sighs hating himself for placing her in that position. "Can you forgive me?"

"There is nothing to forgive," she answers. "If I had talked to you instead of running away none of that other crap would have happened including me ending up in the hospital. I am to blame Fitz perhaps more than you."

He watched her die due to a tree nut allergy he had no prior knowledge of. She "coded" on the floor in front of him as he stood by unable to offer Derek assistance until he was needed. He "may" have helped save her life. But if it was not for Derek, she would be gone. It was the scariest thing in the world to watch the woman he loves die and be powerless to save her.

Olivia would not be in his arms where's she always belonged right now. She would be with Gracie – her sweet baby girl.

Soon her neck is wet as Fitz's tears fall onto her skin. He begins to rock her back and forth on the sofa as he clings to her desperately. He's holding it together, just barely. By permitting only a few stray tears to fall, he's reliving the moments he lost her. It was only for a short time but it was enough to ensure that he protect her at all costs.

"Livy," he murmurs placing kisses on her neck. "You literally left me."

"I'm sorry," she sniffles keeping her muffled tears at bay.

"Livy," he speaks her name a second time, this time with even more tightness in his voice to match the hold on her body. He'd given anything to take her away and just be ONLY with her. However she must be with her family but the instant he can have her alone it will happen.

He needs it – NO THIRSTS FOR IT and each other.

Every fiber of Fitz's being, who he is yearns for her love, touch, kisses, and voice. He aches for her body next to his at night to be able to sleep. The comfort she gives, is enough for him to wake to begin a day in the Oval fresh, literally ready to take on the World.

Olivia IS his World.

Olivia presses her forehead to his as if she can hear his thoughts. "When my family is willing to leave me be, I want to spend some time ONLY with you, Karen, Jerry and Mocha." He lifts his head to gaze into her perfect doe eyes wondering how it's possible she always figures out what he's thinking. "After we have time with OUR family, then you can have me to yourself Mister."

A smile appears on his face. "Is that so," he questions just before he flips her over on the couch. She covers her mouth to prevent a cackle from being heard by her family. Fitz hovers over her dangerously. Her black dress bunches up displaying her gorgeous and toned inner thighs. She wiggles her eyes as she taps Fitz to move in between her legs.

She bites her bottom lip nervously as Fitz eyes never leave hers as he situates himself in HIS place over her hungry body. He is always a "starved" man for her love, touch, kisses, anything. With one kiss he'll devour her lips for hours. Her touch leaves him craving more. The closer he becomes to skin to skin, the aching need within him increases.

She notices the HIGH arousal level in his darkened pupils. His large hand trails up her soft leg to her thighs. "I told you in the car Livy I already have plans for some special alone time for us." She smirks. "There will be no kids, dog, NO ONE. Just you and me. Got it," he growls. "I am plain tired of sharing the woman I love with everyone."

She laughs silently as he bites her bottom lip again. "And why do you HAVE To have me alone Mr. President? Is there another speech we must write together?" He hovers his lips dangerously low just ghosting over hers. She is aching for him to kiss her but he won't. Fitz is being a tease making her work and wait for it. "FITZ!"

"Oh Sweetheart what I have planned for us, there won't be any speech writing. When this is ALL over it is just going to be you and me – JUST US," he huskily states. "I promise you here and now there will be a lot of tongue and cheek action taking place." Her mouth falls open as the desire in his voice rips through her like a wildfire.

"Is that so," she teases. "And what if my boss won't give me time off to go screw off with my boyfriend?" She wiggles her eyebrows noting how her word choice affects Fitz. His large hand palms her bottom over her dress. He lifts her hips pressing her against his ever growing hard member.

Fitz enjoys when she teases him this way. He is her boyfriend and her boss. It's crazy he's jealous of himself but in the end all that matters is that SHE is his. Olivia will always be his and there is nothing to stand in between them finding their happiness.

"Then I'll make sure you can screw off with you boyfriend at work, on his desk," he moans into her ear. Her nails dig into his shoulders as his hot breath and sultry voice cause every nerve ending spark with a frustration she has not allowed herself to indulge since losing Grace.

"Fitz," she moans as moves against her. "We can't. This is my Dad's office."

"I know but just think what I'll do to you in my office," suggesting through hooded eyes.

"FITZ," she squeals. His mouth connects to her neck sucking the sensitive skin into his mouth. Fitz is grateful he is still wearing his suit jacket. Her nails would have surely clawed through his shirt leaving him bleeding.

Suddenly he lifts his head from a special spot under her ear. His eyes soften then lifts her into his lap. His hands cup her face delicately as if she could shatter into a million pieces at any moment. Fitz lips grace each cheek softly, her forehead. He pecks her lips in a serious of sweet feathery kisses.

She cannot help but melt as he peppers her lips. As he connects with her lips a final time he murmurs, "I want you Livy with every fiber of my being. Do not ever doubt it for moment. We have no more secrets. And now that we CAN be together I'd like to show the world with your permission how desperately I am totally in love with you," he pleads.

She sniffles. "Are you real? Can I keep you?"

"I plan on never letting you go so you are kind of stuck with me Sweetheart," he winks. She giggles. "Plus Karen, Jerry, Mocha and the rest of my family would literally shave my head if I ever allowed you to get away."

"Well we can't have that," she teases. "I am not sure what twitter would write about if you cut off all these curls of yours." He mouths drops open not realizing this. "What you don't know? Fitz at least once a week some reporter asks what kind of shampoo you use. Or I get tweets if anyone knows how soft your hair is."

"Say what," he gasps blushing.

"Wait it gets better," she snickers. "A member of my staff came into my office one day with a comment on twitter stating that someone heard you say you'd wish your Superman Curl would stay back with the rest of your hair. I had to specially say 'No Comment."

Fitz face completely turns white. "Oh no tell me you didn't."

"Livy," he creaks glancing up at his hair and the curl in question.

"I was coming out of the elevator and asked if I had gel in my office. This "Superman curl" has a mind of its own and wouldn't stay back. No matter what gel I use it won't stay in place. I had no idea someone heard me from the press," he winks ready for her to hit him or something.

Olivia cannot help the giggle erupting from her body. "Liv this is not funny," he grumbles as she doubles over in his arms continuing to laugh at his expense.

"Yes it is. Now I have to figure out how to fix it," he jests.

"Well we could always cut it off." She stops laughing. "What I'm serious."

"I swear if you cut your hair Fitzgerald I will tie you to your desk and hurt you myself," she growls. Her intonation stirs images in Fitz's mind of him being tied up and then her doing a strip tease in the Oval just for his viewing pleasure. She picks up the arousal in his eyes whacking the back of head.

"Ouch."

"Don't even think about it Mister. I know what you were trying to figure out," she huffs. He crosses his arms as he stares into her eyes.

"Oh yah," he sighs leaning back on the couch.

"You want me to do a strip tease in the Oval Office. I'm sure you'd even try to find me that white office Demi Moore wore when she danced to Sweet Dreams are made of these," she sings moving her hands down his chest then up her own chest, accentuating her chest.

"Considered it handled the moment we get back," he teases wiggling his eye brows.

"No," she counters removing herself from his lap.

"Yes." He sits with his arms stretched out across the back of the couch.

"Heck no," she challenges a bit louder.

"Heck yes," he counters standing up, then shrugging his jacket off.

"Fitz," she warns as he begins to approach her like a lion hunting its prey. Her hands fly up to in front of her chest to keep him back. Fitz chuckles before decreasing the space between them.

"Olivia," he growls in a voice laced with longing. His eyes brows raise as he continue to stalk her from across the room. "I will get my way."

"No you…," but she's halted in her words as her bottom is pressed against her father's desk. Her eyes scan the room glancing around for quick get-away. Before she can move, an arm stops her in her tracks. Then coils then tightens around her stomach like a snake. "FITZ," she protests in an exaggerated sigh.

He spins her then lifts her to sit on the desk. He towers over her as she leans backwards hoping he won't start something in here they cannot finish. "Livy," he moans lowering his face to hers. His need to kiss her grows as his hands find their way to the bare skin on her soft silky legs.

"We can't," she objects raising her hands to his chest to stop him.

"Why," he questions.

"This is NOT your office Mister," she explains. "And if my father or Papa comes in here and sees my legs open. You in front of them, you'll wish the agents were in here to save you."

Her words stop him. Their eyes connect. "I hate it and you when you are right Miss Pope," he address her formally.

"Well one of us must be practical," she reminds him as he steps to the side. She slides off her father's desk. Fitz's eyes travel to the photos behind her. "Oh no you saw all those huh," she blushes nuzzling into his arms.

"I did," he grins. "You were an adorable baby."

"Stop." She rolls her eyes stepping away. Fitz of course trails behind her then wraps his arms much white I wore." Fitz's head rests on her shoulder. Even she is not looking at him, she senses he's smiling. "What?"

"I'm just thinking Sweetheart that is all," he admits.

"Of," she spin in his arms.

"You," he cups her face. "How happy I am and lucky you came into my life."

"I am the lucky one," she murmurs. "Do you know what I believe," he waits for her answer. His gaze softens. "I feel like everything in my life has lead me to you. My choices, my heartbreak, my regrets. Everything. And when we are together, my past seems worth it. Because if I had done one thing differently, I might have never have met you."

"Livy," Fitz mutters at a total loss for words. She is perfect. Too perfect. If there is such a possibility.

She blushes. "I didn't come into your life Fitz."

"True. You whirled into it like a class five hurricane. With one look my world no longer could exist without you in it." She staggers in his arms as overcome with how this man literally takes her breath away. "Hey," he sees the signs of tears in her eyes.

"You don't have to tell me this now…," she pleads.

"No Livy. I learned after almost losing you there is no time like the present. I love you with all my heart. There is nothing I would not do to see you smile. You, Karen, and Jerry are the most important people in my life. You understand," he questions drawing her closer.

"Yes," she exhales into his touch.

"I know your family is out there waiting, but I just want you to understand no matter what they say about me – us, I AM not going anywhere without you," Fitz mutters cradling one of her cheeks against his hand. "They can attempt to scare me away but I am not leaving."

She smiles and nestles into his touch. "Fitz what are you saying?"

"You and I are a team. Our relationship will have nothing to do with my family, yours, or this country. We are the only people in this relationship. ALL I require is you. No secrets when we get back to DC. We talk to one another and…,"

He's halted in his words as her lips press to his in an aggressive passionate kiss. He steps backwards finding his footing not expecting her to kiss him with such fever and life. His arms wrap around her waist then sweep up her back. One hand finds a home under her hair on the base of her neck.

He dips her head backwards, gaining control. He walks her backwards until she is pressed against a nearby wall. Her lips soften as her rapid heartbeat begins to calm as Fitz's hand cradles her face gently in his hands. Olivia's own hands cling to his rib cage needing to be closer. They are chest to chest grinding against the other.

His feathering soft touch travels through her body almost making her buckle. She is completely lost in the feeling his hands create. The warmth of his mouth covering hers. All semblance with reality slips away, including where they are. She hungrily responds as his fingers from one hand trace from her face, over her shoulder, ribs, just brushing against the edge of her breast.

It is electric. Her heart pounds ferociously against her chest, ready to break out her body to join his. He kisses her again, and again, over and over, until her heartbeat became his heart-song. His arms tighten, He is not letting go.

Finally when the need for air between them is too much, Fitz releases her lips. Her eyes flutter open but her lips remain ready to be kissed again. Her brown eyes connect with his. Before he speaks, her fingers covers his lips. "I love you," she utters. "It will always be you and me literally against the World."

He gulps. "Yah," he questions in a tone of utter amazement. Every day since she came into his life he's wondered how he became so lucky.

"Always Mr. President. I am not with you because you are President Fitz. I am with you because I love and you are what I need," she sighs. "I'm sorry I made US wait so long to get us to this moment."

He releases a labored breath. "You do not have to apologize for anything. I took me a while to get off my ass and go after you. I was terrified you didn't want me. It wasn't until you kissed me at Camp David, and finally said my name I was truly sure."

"Oh yes that kiss when I ran off the helicopter and left you…,"

"In a haze of happiness and delirium," his cheeks flush as the memory of her kissing him for the very time flashes into his mind. "I longed to kiss you for so long and then you kissed me instead. If you hadn't ran back to the helicopter so quickly I know I would have gone after you."

"I know," she smiles. "It was a true Bodyguard moment." He squints. "Fitz really. The movie with Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston." Now he remembers. "And for the record I'd run off any plane for you Mister any day."

"Good. Because I heard I'm attractive because I have a lot of power," he quips. "And I can stop any aircraft from leaving on it with MY girl."

"Oh stop," she grumbles, shoving him playfully away from her. "Shameless." He winks.

/

"Say Grace…"

Shortly they hear her mother Miss Alice call for them and a knock is heard on the door as she steps inside. Luckily they do look as thoroughly kissed as they did before, but her mother can tell they've had more than a few heavy kissing sessions.

"Mr. President," Miss Alice coyly speaks his name formally. "Olivia."

"Mrs. Pope," Fitz blushes squeezing Olivia's hand firmly.

Miss Alice saunters over to Fitz and her daughter. "Nice lipstick Mr. President. That color looks good on you. I didn't realize you and my little girl wore the same color." She winks mischievously.

"Momma," Olivia blushes burying her face into Fitz's arm. "Leave him be."

Miss Alice hands Fitz a napkin for the lipstick. He cannot utter a word due. "Thank you Ma'am." He removes the lipstick from his lips.

"Ah huh," she snickers in a raised tone. "You missed a spot." She lifts the napkin to his neck removing any extra. "I'm not going to find any more am I." Now Miss Alice's eyes are wandering all over Fitz's body. "Not that I blame my daughter."

"MOMMA," she chides. Fitz wraps his arm around her possessively.

"What can I say Mrs. Pope, I am a man in love with an incredible lady. And I just have to kiss her every chance I get," Fitz announces proudly. Olivia covers her face with her hand. If she could crawl under her father's desk right now to hide she would.

"And from what I saw at the front door, and Livy's messed up face, I'm a guessing you're a good kisser," Miss Alice jests. Olivia groans.

"He's a very good kisser Miss Allie," Karen and Jerry enter the room coming to get Olivia and Fitz for dinner. "We hear Livy all the time saying that Daddy makes her toes curl."

"Okay you two," Olivia finally speaks up. She winks at Fitz. "You just wait," she launches for the children, making to them both before they can escape. She tackles them to the sofa to pepper them in kisses and tickles. Karen and Jerry beg for mercy but she will not stop until they are tears coming out of their eyes.

"Daddy save us," Karen whines.

"Fitz don't even think about it," Olivia growls as she gazes into his eyes. He raises his hands in surrender, but the moment her head is turned, he scoops her honeymoon style. "NOOOO," she bellows as Fitz, Karen and Jerry take turns tickling her while she's wrapped in his arms.

Miss Alice cannot help but laugh. Olivia's squeals and yelps echo in her father's study. Fitz nibbles on her ear while the children tickle under her arms and sides. Her mother cannot help but smile her daughter's family before her eyes. This IS the family she was always destined to become a part of.

"Do you yield Miss Pope," Fitz questions with an enormous smile.

"Yes," Olivia begs with happy tears in her eyes.

"You promise Livy," Karen inquires. "With extra TV time with us on top."

"Or me on top," Fitz whispers into her ear.

Olivia head whips to gaze into his eyes. "You're incorrigible." Then she kisses him. "Yes I surrender." Fitz releases his arms but she continues to sit next to him. She also has no choice because Karen is in her lap and Jerry is squishing her into his father.

"Oh picture time," Karen pleads noting Olivia's phone on the table behind the couch. She retrieves it then hands it to Miss Alice. "Please Miss Allie."

Miss Alice of course acquiesces.

Just as she is ready to snap the photo, the entire rest of the family shows up wondering where all the giggling and yelling was about. "Oh let's crash their photo," Olivia's brother snickers dragging his wife into the room. Olivia's sister eagerly follows. Soon the entire family is crowding around Olivia, Fitz and the kids.

"Well I have to be in it too," Miss Alice boasts. She calls for Tom, and he course obliges. He enters the room once the entire family in his place he snaps a few photos of Olivia's family with Fitz and the kids. Tom hands Olivia her phone.

"Let me see Baby Sister," her sister Jeanette teases.

"No Jeannie," Joseph booms. "Supper is ready. If all that food gets cold your Grandmamma would come back and haunt us all. Up and get a move on." He winks at Olivia.

Everyone groans but quickly make their way into the family's formal Dining Room. Joseph and Louis are sitting at opposite heads of the table. The entire family sits down including Fitz and the kids. Olivia, Jenny and Derek of course remain standing to help bring in the dishes despite her mother's objections.

"Momma Allie," Jenny holds her hands as Derek pulls out her chair. "Sit we are serving dinner. You cooked. There is no serving or cleaning up. Right boys," she glances towards Louis, Joseph, Kevin, Derek, and Fitz.

"That's my girl," Louis states with a wide smile towards Jenny. "I knew there was a reason we kept you around." Jenny cannot help but laugh. Miss Alice sits next to Fitz, while watching Jenny, Derek and Olivia bring out the massive meal. From roast chicken, ham, sweet potatoes, grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, and homemade biscuits Fitz is grateful he did not eat a big lunch.

Once Olivia is seated next to him he asks, "Does your Mom always make this much? I feel like I'm at White House fancy dinner."

"Only when the entire family is here," she explains. "If not my Dad would be a lot heavier than he is now." Her eyes meet her father's. He nods in agreement.

"Livy," her father calls her name. "Would you do the honor of saying Grace this year?"

Everyone watches her closely. It is normally Miss Alice or Joseph who say Grace. But this year IS different. Louis's daughter has changed and he could not be happier or prouder.

"I'd love too Daddy," Olivia sighs. "Hands." Everyone joins hands.

"Heavenly Father, we thank you for this food and blessings you have bestowed on our family on this day. I am grateful for your love and guidance in watching over my family and myself during the last year. I personally would like to thank you for also bringing Karen, Jerry, and Fitz into my life at a time when I needed each one the most." Fitz squeezes her hand. "In front of my family, You Almighty Father, and Gracie as witnesses I am eternally grateful. They are the loves of my life and the greatest blessings I have ever received from you."

Fitz removes his hand from hers wrapping an arm around her. His kisses her brow. "I love you Sweetheart. Very much," he murmurs into her ear. Her eyes meets his briefly.

"Always," she mouths with her family looking on. Fitz exhales deeply closing his eyes as his head nestles on top of hers.

She sighs and leans into his touch. Her family not only smiles at they observe but realize Olivia is not only at peace but for the first time in her life, she is happy – truly happy. Her sister and brother realize Fitzgerald Grant is THE ONE. Her sister shows her wedding ring as a sign it WILL happen.

"Stop," her husband chides her quietly.

Joseph clears his throat urging Olivia to continue. "Bless us, oh Lord, and these thy gifts which we are about to receive from thy bounty through your loving Grace. Amen."

"Amen," the entire table responds.

The meal is served without any issues. The conversation is light, funny with stories of Olivia from her childhood, teenager to an adult. Her parents, Kevin and Jeanette enjoy every second of embarrassing their "baby" sister in front of the most powerful man in the world. Jerry and Karen share "interesting" stories of their father.

Through the meal, Fitz is saved from the "Spanish Inquisition" until after dinner. The table is cleared by the men. The kitchen is tidied, dishes are washed, dried while Olivia, and Jenny go into the back yard to play with Karen and Jerry. Her nieces and nephews are outside playing as well.

Fitz helps Kevin, Derek, Louis, and Thomas her brother in law in the kitchen but is distracted gawking at his girlfriend in the backyard.

"You really love my sister don't you Mr. President," Kevin questions.

"Kevin quit it," Thomas warns before Louis.

"No it's fine," Fitz replies facing her older brother. "I do. Very much. There is nothing I would not sacrifice, or give her if it's in my power. And it's Fitz by the way," he counters with an assuring smile. "We are not in the Oval Office."

"Well this could be the Oval because my Mom is in Command in this house," Kevin chuckles.

"Sir," Kevin sighs. Fitz faces him fully. "Joel really messed her up. I just don't want to see…,"

"I'll never hurt her. Olivia," he pauses as he glances into everyone's eyes in the room, thinking of the right words. "Liv…," he quickly peeks outside. Karen and Jerry chase after her and about catch her. Jenny stops her from running from them and his children tackle her to the ground. Her hand flies over her heart as she laughs.

"Mr. President," Thomas addresses him formally interrupting his thoughts.

"Livy is my beating heart," Fitz admits keeping his eyes connected to her brothers. Louis, and Derek hear his admission as does Joseph who is standing in the doorway. "And you are her family, the men in her life. I respect that. I do not want to compete with you on that. But I am not going anywhere unless it's with her. Where ever she goes I go. I promise you from this moment she is my life and you'll have to trust as the MAIN man in her life, I will protect and love her with every fiber of my being."

"Oh my heavens," Miss Allie exhales making her presence known.

"Mrs. Pope," Fitz blushes. Then he sees her Jeannette, her sister in law Samantha also. "I didn't expect for ALL of you to hear me."

"Well we did Sugar," Miss Alice teases. "You made even my heart flutter with that speech."

"Momma you cannot call the President of the United States Sugar," Jeanette playfully scolds her mother.

"Oh Hell yes I can Child," she winks then waltzes up to Fitz. Miss Alice walks up to Fitz cupping his face. "This man right here can charm any lady out of her better judgement."

"Mom," Olivia cries out coming into the room. Fitz opens his arms to her as she eagerly waltzes into them. "I literally go outside to have fun and you all are questioning him. Leave him be before he runs away from y'all."

"Y'all," Fitz snickers never hearing her use the southern accent before.

"Don't mess with me Mister," she winks. Fitz whispers his answer in her ear. She blushes as her eyes roll. Olivia kisses his cheek, then helps her mother with dessert.

After everyone is finished, and the mess is gone, Olivia's family goes home for the evening. They are eager to see Fitz again but they will play the next couple days by ear. Everyone leaves, while Olivia helps settle Karen and Jerry for bed while Fitz speaks with her parents. They are sharing room and a queen across the hall from hers.

She settles in between them under the covers. "Livy," Karen asks.

"Yes Sweetie?"

"Are you all better now?"

"Yes," she exhales.

"So before you were all broken and kind of messed up," Jerry pipes in.

"I was," she sighs as their heads snuggle into her. "But your Dad," she creaks as her eyes pan to the door and finally notice Fitz standing there with a smile on his face. "Helped to heal my badly broken heart. You all did." He waits by the door while she kisses both of them goodnight.

"No stay here," Karen pleads.

Her eyes meet Fitz's. "Only until you both fall asleep and your Dad can snuggle with us." She gestures for them sneak a peek by the door.

"Come on Dad," Jerry teases. "But we're sleeping next to Olivia. You cannot have her until we fall asleep. And you can get her away from us."

Fitz cannot help but snicker. "Oh trust me Son," he boasts. "I'll get her. I have my ways." He slides in next to Karen under the covers. He leans upwards to kiss each one of the kids goodnight then of course Olivia. "No tongue Dad."

"Eww Jerry gross," Karen answers nestling her head on Olivia.

Fitz winks at Olivia as his arms coil around all three the best he can. She must speak to him about losing Gracie but as she gazes upon their sleepy face, including his, it can wait until the morning. In less than thirty minutes the kids are asleep as is Fitz. Olivia kisses all three then peacefully follows dreaming up a new beginning now that she has finally come up for air.

/

TBC…

For anyone who has not watched, or planned not watching Scandal 100 PLEASE DO IT. It was good. I can truly see hope for Fitz, and Olivia separately. And there is a tiny bit of hope for them to be together. I literally felt like I was watching a fanfic come to life, even parts of it were like WTF!

#NoSpoilers.

And yes that is it for this fic for now. I know you are eager to learn of Gracie's death and how Olivia lost her but I just couldn't write it. The previous update of a fic last week ruined me and I needed to write some serious fluffy mushy gushies. For those of you that know the fic I speak of, you understand. #ItWasTooMuch.

So as always my darlings TY for reading and please leave a #crumb so I can follow you home.

Me's