To say that it was madness in the White House so close to election would be an understatement. Cyrus and Liv spent many nights hauled up in his office going through numbers. More often than not with Lily in the room. If Fitz or Gerry hadn't first called dibs on her. She clearly had both Grant males wrapped around her little finger.

"Hi Sweetheart!," Liv answered as she picked up her cell.

"Hi Liv. I just wanted to call to say don't worry about me for dinner. Mom said we'll grab something before she drops me home."

"Sure sweetheart. Thanks for letting me know. Call your Dad okay?"

"I will. Thanks Liv."

Liv hung up and took a breath before turning her attention back to Cyrus who had been more than briefed on the subject of Mellie and her latest shenanigans. For the last couple of weeks Karen had been on the receiving end of Mellie's sudden outpour of motherly love and attention. She had been picking up Karen from school to spend the afternoon with her. Numerous pictures had been taken of Mother and Daughter strolling around the mall, starbucks, anywhere visible to capture interest. All could see through it, all but Karen who finally had the mother she always wanted.

"Let me guess..." Liv nodded shrugging not really wanting to get into it.

"It is what it is Cy." Cyrus took the hint.

"So what are you guys up to tonight?" He asked changing the subject. He and James were taking Lily for the evening so that Liv and Fitz could have some uninterrupted time together.

"Camp David. He needs the break and we both need the down from the dramas that we all fondly know as Mellie Holden."

"You two okay?"

"We're getting there. I want to be back where we were before. When I questioned nothing and I know it's killing him to feel that there is now a distance between us that's never been there before but I can't unfeel what I've begun to feel as a result of everything that's happened."

"And that's perfectly normal. Cut yourself some slack and give yourself some time. He also needs to learn that not everything can be undone with a grand gesture. Sometimes only time can diminish the hurt you strongly feel."

"I just don't want it to be what drives us further apart."

"Bug, the fact that you're conscious of that is what is going to ensure that you don't have to worry about that. Take each day as it comes."

"Thank you Uncle Cy." She said gratefully planting a kiss on his cheek before heading back to the residence.

After getting Lily all ready for her sleepover at the Beene' she went to pack a bag for her and Fitz. Gerry was sitting on the chaise in their room,

"Mom, seriously. I don't mind cancelling my plans to stay with Lily."

"I know you don't but I do. I won't let you cancel the first date you've managed to finally allow yourself to make. You have to get out there sometime hon. I love and appreciate that you put your little sister first but I'm pulling the Mom card on this one. Go on your date." Gerry sighed,

"Okay okay." Liv dropped a kiss on his head,

"Liking someone enough to date her doesn't diminish what you and Pey have. Nothing can do that. Your part in each other's life doesn't stop because you both decided to not be together. I don't want you to miss out on what life has for you now because you're scared."

"Thanks Mom. You know," he began carefully.

"That applies to you too. I know the road hasn't been easy for you and Dad and recently you've had some doozy's...but you love each other. Don't let his mistakes that he is learning from scare you from that." Gerry knew that as hard as Liv was working on being fair to Fitz there was a little part of her that had started to protect herself.

"Duly noted Germball."

When they arrived at Camp David Fitz could almost see Olivia physically relax. There was almost a complete peace within her that he had missed for weeks.

"Take a walk with me?" He asked reaching out a hand to her as she met his gaze and nodded taking the hand he offered.

"Thank you."

"For what?" She asked surprised.

"For not running when I have given you every reason to especially these last couple of months."

"I promised you I wouldn't. For good times and bad remember. Sometimes I think it's you who forgets." She confessed,

"I have never doubted for a moment you love me. Maybe you love me too much that you think you have to protect me from everything. I don't know. I need you to remember that we're partners. We're the parents. You're not the only responsible adult Fitz. We're in this together."

"Baby I'm sorry."

"I know. Let's move on. I think all that needs to be said about this topic has been thoroughly excercised." She said giving his hand a reassuring squeeze before changing the subject. Fitz dropped his lips to her head and wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

"A heads up. Karen is about to ask us if she can spend her Winter Break with Mellie." Fitz sighed. He wasn't surprised.

"I don't want to let her go."

"I know Fitz. I don't want to either, "

"But you think we should."

"I do. Because I don't want us to be what stops her from having the proper mother daughter relationship she has always hoped for. She needs to take her own risks. And who is to say that Mellie isn't being genuine this time. She has amazing children, she finally sees what she's missing out on. It's not far fetched that she's want to be a part of that somehow. She knows that ship has sailed with Gerry. Karen, well she's banking on her."

"And if she's not genuine?"

"Then we will be there for Karen. We have to trust that we have loved and we love upon her enough to never question or measure who she is using Mellie's as a scale."

"Then we let her go." He replied somewhat despondently. Liv wrapped her arms around his waist.

"We'll make sure she calls every day. We'll assure her that she can come home any time."

"I'm so glad I have you. That we all have you."

"I'm glad I have you too. All three of you."

Fitz and Olivia enjoyed their time together. It was rare for them to ever be alone and they realised just how much they needed it. They were able to just be Liv and Fitz. To remember that their marriage was based on a friendship that was always built on trust. In each other and their part in each other's lives.

"Morning Sweetheart," he whispered coaxing her out of her slumber. Olivia stirred and smiled as he sat by her side of the bed with a breakfast tray.

"Morning Baby." Liv sat up and leaned to kiss him.

"You let me over sleep."

"It's barely after 9 Liv. It's hardly a sleep in. I figure you could use extra few hours of sleep. I've checked in with the Beene's. Ella is taking very good care of Lily."

"Of course she is. The world coping in your absence?" Fitz grinned,

"With Cyrus around? Please, that man runs this country. I'm just the face."

"As pretty as that face is husband it's your great mind and heart that navigate this nation. It's your compassion for the people that allow you to ensure that you take counsel from equally wise people so that you have the very best options." Fitz kissed her on the forehead then her lips.

"I love you Olivia Pope Grant. You make me want to be the very best person I can be. I am who I am today as a man, as a husband, as a father and as a President because I have you by my side."

"I love you too Fitz."

After breakfast they took a stroll around the property before spending most of the day curled up by the fire place. Fitz's arms wrapped around Liv who was laying close to him with her head on his chest while he read Pride and Prejudice out loud to her. Liv sighed contently tightening her hold on.

"I love you," she said softly out of the blue. Fitz smiled and paused for a moment.

"I love you Livi." Olivia nodded and snuggled closer to him before closing her eyes. Fitz chuckled when her breathing changed knowing she had drifted off to sleep. He put the book book down and pulled the blanket that was thrown over them up to her chin.

That evening as reluctant as they were to leave Camp David they were also missing their kids. Neither one of them wanted to be away from Lily who was still too small to part with. They weren't at all surprised to see that Gerry was waiting for them at the residence.

"Hey Slugger!" Fitz greeted giving Gerry a hug hello.

"Hey Pops! Mom. You two look rested." He commented in observation. The relief in his voice not at all missed. Olivia smiled and wrapped her arms around him as he hugged her.

"How did you go?" She whispered conspiratoraly. Gerry only grinned in response shaking his head.

"Look who's here Lily...it's Momma and Dadda." Karen cooed as she entered with Lily in her arms.

"We sort of begged Uncle Cy to drop her off earlier so we could hang with her." Karen explained knowing that Liv would be wondering where Cyrus was.

"I'm surprised he did. He usually has a tight hold on those reigns." Cyrus loved his pseudo granddaughter beyond measure and took every opportunity to be with her.

"It seems Karen still has some effect on him because she had him relinquishing his granddaughter though reluctantly." Gerry answered.

"I just missed the munchkin okay. It's weird being in this house without her and without you both."

"You know once upon a time I was enough for you." Gerry teased feigning hurt.

"Blame Liv. Without her this place seems empty, and Daddy too of course."

"Thanks for remembering the old man Kare. Even if it was an after thought." He said with a chuckle. Liv wrapped her arms around Karen and Lily.

"My girls." She murmured lovingly. Karen kissed Liv's cheek and handed Lily to her before hugging her Dad hello.

"Everyone sticking around for the night?" Fitz asked as both of his older kids nodded.

"Great. Who's up for Pizza and game boards?"

"Sounds good. Ger, why don't you and Karen let Chef know what kind of Pizza you want and your Dad and I will get set up." Gerry and Karen nodded and headed towards the kitchen.