xoxo
X
Seven months later.
The morning sun peeks through the sheer white curtains, landing perfectly on a sleeping Olivia. Her dreams are about Fitz and how far they've come. From the constant on and off to an unexpected reunion that brought them close together with no signs of tearing them apart. It still amazes her to this day. Not only is she blessed to have such an incredible man, she's also humbled by their experiences together and a whopping seven months pregnant. Time certainly does fly when you're happy. She knows that now.
In the past seven months, she's gotten closer with Fitz. Her relationship with her mother is unbreakable. Donovan has proved himself to be the father figure she needs. Huck, David, Quinn, Charlie and Abby still get on her nerves every second of every day, but she loves them dearly. Ryan is the best relative she's ever had, and Danny has become a part of her family. Not to mention, Cyrus and Marcus who constantly bicker with one another regarding who's going to be the baby's uncle. She knows the answer, but she likes the mess.
Her and Fitz found a nice townhouse in Georgetown. Mainly her wanting to take the initiative to start their lives together. A much more realistic life. She once thought it was too big, but now that she's expecting; it makes much more sense for them to be here. She's truly amazed and bewildered by the woman she's become, never once expecting to make it out of the darkness, let alone with amazing friends, family and a fiancé who plans to marry her after the birth of their children. She's more than okay with that.
Lying next to a sleeping Fitz, she rubs her tummy in circles. It's early so she knows her babies are awake and ready for the day. For a pregnant woman, Olivia still hasn't found the meaning of slow down, but she's also not as agile as she once was when she was early in her pregnancy. With a smile gracing her features, she leans over and plants a kiss upon Fitz's temple, tossing the blanket from her then slowly sitting up. Her feet lands perfectly in her slippers and with one push, she moves to her feet.
Grabbing her robe from the foot of the bed, she slides it on and exits the room without a sound not wanting to wake Fitz. On her way to the kitchen, she smiles when she sees the bouquet of roses sitting perfectly on the living room table. She wastes no time reaching them, picking up the card attached and opening it. It was a poem. A beautiful poem that brings butterflies to her stomach and tears to her eyes. Till this day, she still hasn't gotten used to Fitz surprising her and she never tells him to stop because she likes being spoiled.
She heaves a soft sigh, reading the words again.
I loved you first: but afterwards your love
Outsoaring mine, sang such a loftier song
As drowned the friendly cooing's of my dove.
Which owes the other most? my love was long,
And yours one moment seemed to wax stronger.
I loved and guessed at you, you construed me
And loved me for what might or might not be –
Nay, weights and measures do us both a wrong.
For verily love knows not 'mine' or 'thine;'
With separate 'I' and 'thou' free love has done,
For one is both and both are one in love:
Rich love knows naught of 'thine that is not mine;'
Both have the strength and both the length thereof,
Both of us, of the love which makes us one.
She always wondered how he never ceased to amaze her. Every day something new.
Wiping the tears welling in her eyes, she sticks the card back into the roses and proceeds to the kitchen where she slowly takes out the ingredients to make French Toast, eggs and sausage. Yes, she's been cooking a lot more instead of her usual ordering out and she's never felt better. Besides, with twins on the way, she must be functional in the kitchen for Fitz still hasn't found his groove though he tries.
Bless his heart.
She starts with the mix for the French Toast, mixing milk, eggs, cinnamon and vanilla extract into a small bowl, whisking it to perfection. The sight of the eggs sends an indifferent chill down her spine, so she decides to opt out on making them and just stick with the French Toast and sausage. Fitz can make eggs if he wants. He's more than capable of doing that.
There's already a pan on the stove, so she turns the burner on low to get it heated. From there, she grabs down two glasses and fills them with ice cubes and freshly squeezed lemonade she made a few mornings ago. It's Fitz's favorite.
As she proceeds to take the glasses to the dining room table, she's surprised when she turns around and is met by a shirtless Fitz who's smiling brightly. She takes a moment to regroup for she's a bit startled, but his laughter eases that.
"You were going to stand here and let me be startled, weren't you?" She asks, hands moving to his chest. He's gotten bigger.
"I was." He leans in, pressing a kiss to her lips, arms snaking around her waist. "Did you like the gift?"
"I loved the gift." She confirms with a grin. "When did you have the time to do that?"
"I always have time to do nice things for my future wife." He smiles, bringing an even bigger smile to her face. "I'm glad you loved it."
"Me too." She chuckles, removing herself from his grasp so she could finish tending to breakfast. "I'm making French Toast and sausage. You can make your own eggs if you want them."
"Sounds good." He leans against the counter. "Need my help with anything?"
"Just set the table for me because we both know the kitchen isn't your expertise." She teases, a shocked expression etched upon his features.
"I can cook!"
"Well, how about I set the table and you make breakfast?" A brow arches. "Everything is already prepared."
"You have yourself a deal, woman." He chuckles, approaching her. "Let this be the first breakfast I make correctly for you and the new addition or additions to the family." His hands land on her stomach, thumbs gently rubbing. This makes her smile.
"Are you ready for all the chaos again?" She asks, hands landing atop of his. "This will be your fourth."
"I'm more than ready." He assures. He's never wanted anything more than he's wanted this. "Now, go set the table and I will handle breakfast. I promise I won't burn the house down."
"I hope not." She chuckles, making her way to the cabinet, grabbing down two plates and proceeding to set the table. "I actually love this house."
"More than Vermont?" He moves to the sink, washing his hands and drying them. His hues fixated upon her as he started on making the French Toast.
"Way more." She answers without hesitation. "Vermont was just a moment to me. A very beautiful moment, but this is reality which is what I've always wanted with you."
This brings a pleasant smile to his face. "You've gotten soft, Miss Pope."
"And you enjoy every single second of it, but don't get it misconstrued," she sets the plates on the table, "I can bring the bitch you also love back. Once I give birth of course."
"Maybe I should keep you pregnant forever." The joke brings a smile to her face as she finishes setting up the table. His focus solely on making the French Toast.
"Don't tell me you're afraid, Mr. Grant. Because you know being a mom is going to bring a whole new meaning to the word power." She chuckles. "Better stay out of my way."
"Oh, yes, Miss Pope." He nods imperceptibly, happiness gleaming in his eyes. "I can do that."
"Speaking of staying out of the way, I was thinking of pursuing teaching maybe. When I'm able to get back to work." She folds her arms across her chest. "I don't know... I just feel like being the fixer has run its course. And with Ryan here I don't feel like I have to do that anymore. And that's not me being insecure. I just think Ryan excels in that area. Whereas I still don't know my place after everything that went down."
He flips the French Toast onto the plate sitting on the counter then adds the sausage to the still-heated pan. He understands.
"You just need to find your place again." He says. "You need to figure out who you are again. Not only as a mother, but as Olivia Pope. I think you'd make a great teacher, but there's no one else like you in D.C. and I think you know that already. You and Ryan together are everything this place needs, but at the same time being in that White House for two terms... I can understand why you want to change course. And just know that whatever you decide, I support you."
That's all she needs is his support. It's still something she's thinking about, but to know she has Fitz in her corner makes all the difference.
"You're right." She heaves a soft sigh. "I'll take some time to think about it. Weigh my options as I would say to a client. Though, I'm curious to know what you would do if you were in my shoes."
"Hm. I would do what makes my heart feel full." He takes a moment. "Do you hate being a fixer?"
"No. I love helping people. It's the negative effects that come with it." She explains. "I almost lost myself and you and everyone else because I took a shortcut and I'm finally at the place where I'm genuinely happy." Her gaze shifts reflectively to nothing in particular. "I'm not willing to jeopardize that. I have a life now. A great one. Even with all its imperfections. It's mine."
Fitz smiles. He loves the fact that she put her own needs and wants first for once. Growth looks damn good on her.
"Then you know your answer, Livvie. There's nothing stopping you from living the life you built— the life you worked hard for." He flips the sausages onto the plate, covering it with another. "If you think teaching will bring you a new sense of self, then do it. If you think being a fixer will do that, then do it. Just know that whatever you chose will come with different effects. Some good. Some bad. All depends on what you're willing to put up with, but even then, you can change the outcome."
"You're right." She nods affirmatively. "Thank you. I'll take some time to sleep on your words." She chuckles. "So, is breakfast ready or am I going to have to wait another day?"
His jaw drops, a genuine laugh following. "I'm going to get you back." He assures. "Breakfast is done. And it looks good." He turns the eye off.
"Let's hope it tastes even better." She laughs taking a seat at the table while he brings the food to the table, making their plates. He presses a kiss to a temple before taking his own seat.
"Keep it up. You'll be living here by yourself." He jokes.
She chuckles, head tipped to the side. "Please, you couldn't go a day without me."
He snickers. "That's true. Now, let's eat."
X
It's one of the Grant Foundation's busiest days because they're cleaning house and hiring new people who are capable of 6pushing the agenda that needs to be pushed as well as keeping up with the workload. Over the past seven months they've had some hits and misses and while Fitz and Olivia are focusing on their relationship and Ryan is juggling offers though popping in when he's really needed, they've been doing okay for the most part.
Standing around Fitz's desk, Abby, Marcus and Cyrus go back and forth as they focus their attention on the few candidates left. None of them look as if they're ready to take on the task nor do they have the proper experience. It's kind of sad really. D.C. has become playground for the inexperienced and based off the potential applicants, the Grant Foundation would be on the suffering end of this. They need fire and they need it now.
"So, what should we do?" Abby asks. "Because not to be rude, but all of these potential candidates suck."
"Red's right." Cyrus says, agreeing. "We need to do something and fast before this foundation crumbles under our watch."
"How hard is it to manage a foundation?" Marcus asks. "Fitz pretty much gave us everything on a silver platter, so how can't we keep up?"
"Those are wonderful questions, Marcus, but I don't have the answers to them right now." Cyrus responds. "What I do know is that everyone in this shithole of a town has become only a figment of what they really are. These potential new hires are all incompetent because they're pretending instead of being who they are. They don't want to make a difference, they want power. Everyone wants power."
"You kind of need power to manage your way through life here." Abby adds. "Without it, you're just someone who's unable to help yourself when the time comes. It's a sad reality, but it's a reality, nonetheless."
Marcus's brows furrow. "So, what you're saying is that we need someone who has power?"
"Power that isn't corrupted or hasn't been corrupted, yes." She answers. "If you look at this list, not only are they inexperienced for the most part, but they've all been corrupted in some way that makes them invaluable to us considering how we're trying to inspire change."
"What should we do then, Red?" Cyrus asks, everyone's attention now on Abby.
She clears her throat, nervous. "I think—"
"I think you should give Rose Saunders a chance." Jonah says from the doorway, attracting everyone's attention. "Number one, she's the only person who checks all the boxes. Number two, she's educated beyond measure. Multiple bachelors and masters as well as intelligence surrounding our government. And number three, she's on her way inside so, good luck."
As Jonah disappears, he walks by Rose who smiles at him. She's petite, curves in the right places, dark curly hair down to her shoulders highlighted with brown, beautiful brown skin that glows perfectly under the bright lights, feline like eyes overlaid with dark mascara and eyeliner, plump lips and a small button nose dressed in a beige Zimmermann Super eight pussy-bow silk-charmeuse blouse and super eight silk-charmeuse maxi skirt from the same designer with a pair of white Jimmy Choo Tao 85 wrap-around leather sandals topped off with a white The Row ascot linen clutch and a beige Junya Wantanbe button-front technical-gabardine cape.
She strolls into the office, her head held high, hips swaying, hair bouncing, diamond ring from Tiffany and Co. glistening. A true work of art. And little do the members of the Grant Foundation know, they're going to be in for a true awakening.
"You must be Rose Saunders." Marcus approaches her to greet her, hand extended. She reciprocates the action. "Marcus Walker. This is Abby Whelan and Cyrus Beene." He motions a hand back to them. "And you've already Met Ryan's assistant Jonah."
"I already know who you are and what you stand for and I have to say I'm impressed."
He smiles. "Thank you."
"That wasn't a compliment." She clarifies. "I am impressed because had Jonah not mentioned me, I wouldn't have been a choice when I'm the most qualified on the list. And before you go down the incorrect road by mentioning my husband Drew who's currently running for governor, all I'll say about that is his power has nothing to do with me. I built myself from the ground up, I found my own power and all I want to do is use that power to help you turn this place around before Mr. Grant and Miss Pope return."
The room goes silent. Incredulity etched upon their features. They didn't expect this kind of energy, but they're glad it came. They know more than anything that when one can present themselves confidently, standing on their own two feet without basking in the accomplishments of someone else that they're the ones you take chance on and Rose is certainly well-equipped to deal with everything that comes with the foundation.
"I like her." Abby whispers to Cyrus with a smile, "but do you know who sent her?"
"Olivia Pope and Ryan Lewis did." Rose answers. "No need to speak quietly. I'm sure this comes as a shock to you all considering I wasn't even an option." She chuckles, teasing. "Be that as it may, all you have to do is say the two magic words and we can start." She folds her arms across her chest. "You helped shape a president and the world as we know. Now, let me help shape you."
Marcus, Cyrus and Abby exchange glances before giving Rose their full, undivided attention.
"I think we can all agree when I say this." Marcus chuckles. "You're hired."
"Perfect. Now, let's start with the reasoning behind why you're so behind on cases when you shouldn't be."
"What are you suggesting?" Cyrus inquires. "We're all ears."
"Well, first things first. The mentality that you're tired and overworked is only a mental roadblock meant to psyche you out." She says, voice unwavering. "You're none of those things, but you are unorganized." Her hues drift to the desk. It's a mess. "These cases need to be organized by level of importance. What needs your attention now, what can wait? So, on and so forth. Put that in your routine and things will turn around. Also, there's an entire staff here. Use them. It's not just you three. You may be three out of seven faces of the foundation, but the heart is these people that work tirelessly day in and day out for you and with you."
"You're right." Abby says, agreeing. "We've been looking at this entire situation wrong. If we organize the case files like we should've done in the first place, we can each tackle an area to assure that we do what needs to be done for the people."
"Divide and conquer." Marcus adds. "That can work considering we never had a fully functioning system. We simply went with the most important case at hand."
"Which is why we're behind." Cyrus heaves a soft sigh. "We all focus our attention on one when we're able to focus it on many. There's plenty of us here."
Rose smiles. "Now that you all see the underlying issue, we can get to work. These cases need to be organized by the end of the day. That's step one."
Abby nods affirmatively. "Well then, let's get started."
X
"So, this is it huh?" A calm Quinn asks Huck, and Charlie as they sit around the conference room table. "QPA formally known as OPA is finally coming to an end? Not the ending I would've expected for us."
"It's not like we won't have jobs. The Grant Foundation is happy to have us." Charlie says. "This merge could allow us to save more people, to change the world, to give people fairness and justice. We'd still be us just under a new name."
"That's weird." Huck murmurs. "Are we really sure that's the best move for us? We're doing so good. A lot of memories here. If we leave, we'll miss it."
"That's true, we will, but maybe we need to do what everyone else did and find a new outlet. Abby went from here, to the White House to the foundation. Ryan and Cyrus went from the White House to the foundation. Olivia from here, to the White House, to the foundation before she was seven months pregnant. Marcus the same as Olivia minus the pregnancy. Hell, even Danny went from the White House to the foundation." Quinn explains. "They all made a choice and we never did. We never saw what was outside of these walls because we're comfortable."
"I like being comfortable." Huck states. "Change can bring doubt and I don't doubt myself here."
"Huck has a good point." Charlie points at him. "Aside from being an ex-assassin, the only time I love leaving this place is when it's time to catch the bad guys and do our jobs. Other than that, I'm content. Plus, we play by different rules here. Not sure if those rules would mesh with those of the Grant Foundation."
Quinn scoffs. "You're telling me that neither of you want to experience something different?"
"Yeah." Huck answers followed by Charlie.
"Pretty much."
"You guys suck." She laughs, Huck and Charlie following suit.
Irrelevant chatter begins as the three of them get off topic for a second. What they didn't know is that there's a fresh new face entering the firm via elevator and they're going to be in for a surprise. She's small, not too curvy but just enough, dark wavy tresses tied up into a half-up bun while the rest sits right above her shoulders, rich brown skin that illuminates her surroundings, almond, upturned eyes overlaid with dark eyeliner that winged off perfectly, full, sultry lips and a small, dainty nose dressed in a navy blue Balenciaga Logo-print striped satin blouse and navy blue high rise denim jeans from the same designer with a pair of grey Jimmy Choo Diamond F faceted-sole leather trainers topped off with a silver, square link necklace and solitaire diamond earrings from Tiffany and Co.
Hands tucked inside of her pockets, she enters the conference room immediately catching the attention of Quinn who stops speaking in the middle of her conversation, moving to her feet. When the others see the woman, they follow suit. They weren't expecting anyone, so this comes as a surprise.
"Hi. The name's Zara Leary and I come to lend my talents to the firm." She examines the slightly guarded postures of Huck, Quinn and Charlie, deciding to stay where she's at. "Saw the hiring sign outside along with a bunch of furniture being used for some sort of yard sell."
"We were supposed to take that sign down ages ago." Quinn says with a smile, approaching Zara to greet her, extending a hand in which Zara reluctantly shakes. "I'm—"
"Quinn Perkins, formerly known as Lindsay Dwyer." Zara finishes, hues fixating upon the others. "That's Huck. Real name Diego Muñoz and that's Charlie. Real name Bernard Gusky." She turns her attention back to Quinn who's just as bewildered as Huck and Charlie. "You are a former employee of Cytron and those two are former Black Ops agents for B613."
"What do you want?" Quinn inquires.
"A job." Zara chuckles. They're clearly rattled from her appearance. "No need to go on defense mode for I'm as friendly as they come."
"Why do you want to work here?" Huck asks.
"And how the hell do you know about our pasts?" Charlie asks, a bit more agitated.
"It's public information." Zara retorts. "And B613 now called Foxtail is a public organization now under the president's watch. Just because you are no longer tethered to it doesn't mean the files just up and disappear. Not only that, I graduated from Harvard Law at the top of my class. I've put many bad guys behind bars and I also saved some good ones. And from the looks of it, you don't have a lawyer present though Miss Perkins graduated from Stanford. You need my help."
Quinn swallows hard, glancing back at Huck and Charlie then returning her attention to Zara. She doesn't seem threatening though she has expertise in law. She appears much lighter than what Quinn's used to seeing especially in D.C. and on top of that she gets the vibe that when poked Zara would be as lethal as a black widow's bite, and that appeals to Quinn.
"I have to say… I didn't expect anyone to want to work here considering how we operate like eighty percent of the time. So, to hear you speak interest of working here without a shed of doubt in your eyes speaks volumes to me."
Zara nods. "I think you do good work. Work that sometimes requires you to go against the law. With me on your team, you wouldn't have to because in most cases I am the law and I have zero issues with challenging people in my realm."
"I like her." Huck says with a smile. "She's cool."
"Well, come on, Robin." Charlie eggs her on. "Hire her already."
Quinn chuckles. "Well, Zara. Welcome to QPA."
"Quinn and associates… I'm happy to be here."
X
"I still can't believe you're about to have my grandbabies." An enthusiastic Maya says, rubbing Olivia's stomach. "Are you excited? Tell me all about it."
Olivia chuckles. "Well, I am very excited. I never knew that motherhood at its beginning stages would feel this good, you know. I always thought it would be a hassle, but here I am enjoying every single second of it. Not to mention, I have someone great by my side." She glances over at Fitz who smiles back. "It's beautiful."
Maya smiles, giving Fitz a nod of approval. "Good. I must say… pregnancy looks good on you. I never would've thought that my Livvie wanted a family, so I'm happy and so, so proud of you for taking this step in your life. Not because I can't wait for grandbabies, but because I see a lot of light in you now. A lot of happiness."
"I am very happy. Each day that passes I find myself looking in the mirror and loving who I've become. Not only as a soon to be mother, but as a woman. Olivia Pope was just a name, a face and a robotic personality that only cracked when certain people or situations tested me, all wrapped in expensive clothing. Now Olivia Pope is a woman that knows what she wants. She's a soon to be wife, she's a sister, she's a friend and best of all… she's a mother. The difference shocks me, too."
"You'll get used to it soon." Donovan says, bringing a smile to everyone's faces. "Just keep looking forward and soon the difference won't shock you, but instead it'll push you to continue down this road you're currently on."
"He's right, Liv." Fitz agrees. "You are exactly who you've been trying to become. And after our conversation this morning, I know for a fact that you won't do anything to jeopardize that."
Olivia goes to speak, but Maya beats her to it. Fitz's statement piquing her curiosity.
"And what conversation was this?" She arches a brow, fixating her hues upon Fitz.
"Work." Olivia answers. "I know this won't be for a while, but I was trying to decide what I wanted to do once the babies are able to be without me for a few hours."
"And what have you decided?" She inquires, still rubbing Olivia's belly.
"I don't know. I'm torn between wanting to be a teacher and returning to the Grant Foundation." She heaves a soft sigh. "Both would be equally challenging; I just have to figure out where my heart is."
"Take your time and make the correct decision for you." Maya says, a smile gracing her features. "And what about you, Fitz? Do you plan on going back to work once the baby is born?"
"If it's okay with, Liv, yeah." He answers, taking a sip of the orange juice in hand. "I'm not in any rush. I trust the people we hired to keep it afloat while we're away. My focus is on Liv and our family right now. I think we've both given enough time to be able to stay away for a while."
"That's true." Maya chuckles as does Donovan and Olivia. "I'm glad to see you both on the same page. It's such a beautiful sight especially after seeing how far you both have come."
"Thank you." Olivia smiles, sliding her hand onto Fitz's thigh and in return he takes a hold of it. "It feels good. After all these years of an up and down relationship I was finally able to answer the what do you want question he asked me."
The smile that graces Fitz's features says it all. He's proud of who he's become, proud of who she's become and proud of who they've become together. A journey that lead them to a life together is one of the most fulfilling rewards they could've ever imagined. And it's only the beginning.
"As your mother and his soon to be mother-in-law, I can say that I'm tremendously happy for you both. Donovan, too. All we ever wanted for you was for you to stand in your truth, find the light and hold onto it. And that's what you did. There's a level of dependency amongst you two, as expected in a relationship, but you have your own identities and sitting with you two seven months later I can see who you both are. Separately and together."
"I don't recall you being this mushy." Olivia smiles, jubilation coursing through her. She's grateful. "Though, I have to say that I appreciate your words, mom and I'm happy you and I were able to move forward with our relationship. It's been such a relief having you around. Donovan, too." Her hues fixate on him. "You've been more of a father to me these past seven months than the man that raised me and for that… I am grateful."
"And not only that, I think having you both around makes our lives a hell of a lot better." Fitz laughs. "We've learned so much from you and Donovan and have applied what we learned to our relationship and it's helped out a lot. I love you both."
"We love you, too." Donovan says with a smile. "I'm glad were able to bestow some knowledge upon you two. We'd hate to see such a beautiful love story end in tragedy. Not saying yours will, but you understand what I'm saying. Don't let anything or anyone deter you from this path of happiness. It's easy to let that happen when temptation rolls in, especially in D.C."
Maya smiles. "He's right. This life is something you built from the ground up. There is nothing new under the sun other than the bundles of joy on their way to grace us with their presence and the love you share. Hold on to that and everything will remain abundantly clear."
"Oh, trust me." Oliva chuckles, hues fixated upon Fitz. "We will."
X
Dressed in an all-black, Chloé Funnel-collar Wool-blend cape and black Balmain Velvet-trim distressed slim-leg jeans with a pair of black, Christian Louboutin Colonnaki patent leather loafers topped off with a Gucci Cabas floral-print leather tote bag, diamond ring and stud earrings from Tiffany and Co., and his wavy, shoulder-length hair with platinum grey ends that move with each step, Ryan walks confidently down the main hallway of the White House towards the Oval Office the only way he knows how. Not hesitating to smile at the staff along the way.
Reaching Charlotte's desk, he nods in which she reciprocates as he makes his way inside the oval. The president who's dressed in an all-white suit, Danny who's dressed in a tailored, grey Gucci Jacquard-motif checked wool two-piece suit with a pair of grey, John Lobb William monk-strap leather shoes and his diamond ring also by Tiffany and Co. present, and the president's new press secretary dressed in an all-black suit, move to their feet to greet him. He shakes hands with the president and press secretary and hugs Danny before they all take their seats.
"I'm glad you're here, Ryan." President Briggs states, a smile gracing his features. "Danny already filled us in on where you're currently at with juggling offers, so I'll do my best to not waste your time." He chuckles, motioning a hand to his press secretary. "This is Mike Wilcox, he's in charge of providing advice on how to deal with the news media and, using news management techniques, us maintain a positive public image and avoid negative media coverage. In other words, he's my new press secretary."
Ryan's attention moves to Mike. It's nice to see another man of color working next to the president. A handsome man at that. Now, although Ryan is happily married, he does take a moment to admire Mike's features. The determination, yet softness of his dark brown eyes, the richness of his dark skin and though his face is a bit round, his jawline is a bit squared complemented by his medium-length, shaped and tapered beard and perfectly shaped-up buzz cut embedded with waves and an honorable mention of his dazzling smile. It makes sense as to why he's press secretary. He has the look for it, that's for certain.
"Nice to formally meet you, Mr. Lewis." Mike says. "Your husband has told us a lot about you."
"I'm sure he did." Ryan chuckles, hues fixated upon Danny who smiles back at him, bringing a smile to his features. "It's nice to meet you, too, Mr. Wilcox." His hues fixate on the president. "So, why am I here, Mr. President?"
"Please, call me Briggs. You and I both know we're past formal greetings." He chuckles, reaching forward, grabbing a black folder from the table, holding it out to Ryan in which he takes, examining the information. "This is something I dreaded bringing to you knowing your history with it, but I want you to consider working for me by running Foxtail formally known as B613. I think you would be perfect for the job and it would be nice to have you on my administration."
"With all due respect, sir. I don't think I can accept this. Not after what it did to my sister." He closes the folder, setting it on the table. "This will only lead one way and I don't want to be the one standing in front of the blade."
Briggs smiles, a slight nod following. "I figured you'd say that, but it's not the same organization you once went against." He glances over at Mike who gives him an imperceptible nod.
"With the lid off and light shining in thanks to you, President Briggs with my help was able to weed out a lot of threats with this organization." Mike states. "We hired every single man willing to make a difference and we made sure that these men couldn't be influenced by the power it holds." He pushes a red folder across the table which Ryan takes, examining it. "In this folder is every good deed we have done under this administration. We hope that with seeing this, you'll change your mind."
As Ryan takes all the information to memory, Danny leans forward to gauge Ryan's mindset. He can't quite tell if he's pleased due to him still being hard to read. At least with work-related things.
"So, what do you think, Ry?" He asks. "I know this is the last thing you want to have under your belt, but you're the only one capable of not falling victim to its effects. And yes, it almost ruined Olivia's life, but you and Olivia are different and that's not meant to be disrespectful, it's fact. What this used to be would put anyone in front of the blade. Especially with the predicaments that she was in in the past, but President Briggs and Mr. Wilcox is right. It's not that anymore."
"Are you trying to influence my decision?" Ryan asks, his hues fixating upon Danny who freezes up immediately. Ryan notices this and chuckles, closing the folder and setting it down on the table. Relieving Danny of that feeling. "I need to think about it. I can't accept something that almost ruined my family's life and I'm sorry if that upsets you, President Briggs. If you know me, you know the one thing I can't go against is family, unless they're on a warpath then I'll have to step in."
"I respect you for being honest." Briggs says with a smile. "This is one of the reasons I respect you. You never put yourself in compromising positions, however, I do have one that's less compromising. Chief of Staff."
Ryan arches a brow. "And did Danny vouch for me again?" He teases.
"I didn't have to." He responds. "Your work ethic speaks for itself. It's why I kind of vouched for you to be the head of Foxtail. And I do apologize if that upset you. I meant no disrespect by it."
"I know." He assures. "You didn't. It didn't. The fact that I was even thought of means something to me considering the fact I didn't think I would be a choice for either of these positions." He smiles as does Danny. "As far as Foxtail goes, I will talk to Olivia and Fitz to see what their thoughts are on this matter. Now, Chief of Staff we can discuss now. Why is that an option?"
"Because of your work with President Grant. I mean, you helped remain on the right path and if there's anyone I trust enough… it's you. And no offense, Danny, but I would love to have another black man on my team."
Danny chuckles. "No offense taken. I agree with you. I think it would be good for diversity to have more people of color on your administration."
"But that would lead the public to believe that the president is attempting to put together an administration that's pro-black and not inclusive to all which isn't a good look." Mike interjects.
"Unless it's done right." Ryan counters. "It's your job to spin, Mr. Wilcox, but your job is also to give the American people information that can put their hearts at ease." He crosses his legs. "If this got out that the president wanted more black men and women on his staff and it caused an uproar, what would you do? Would you spin? Embellishing the details of how he came to this decision. Or would you tell the truth to keep his face and name from getting slandered?"
Mike clears his throat, all eyes on him. "His presidency has been known for its honesty and that's thanks to me. I keep his name from getting slandered every day I step on that podium. So, to answer your question, Mr. Lewis I would gladly tell the truth, but I would also embellish a few minor details because you and I both know the American people won't be satisfied if I get on that podium and announce that President Briggs want more people of color on his team. It would cause division within the people and if that happens, this admin will crumble."
Ryan hums, pleased. "Well, President Briggs, I think you made a good decision in hiring Mr. Wilcox. He understands the job. My biggest thing about working for someone is the people he's surrounded by and if he's someone you go to for all things, then I could see me fitting in good here. Still, I have to have that discussion with my husband and my family. So, if you don't mind, I can have an answer within a—"
His phone begins to ring, interrupting him. Excusing himself, he moves to his feet and walks over to the door, pulling his phone from his bag. He didn't know the number, but he answers anyway.
"Ryan Lewis, how may I help you?"
"Hello, Ryan." A familiar voice speaks over the phone. "Don't make it obvious that you're speaking to me."
"Why are you— how are you calling me?" He questions. "I'm the last person you of all people should be reaching out to." He stings.
"Never mind that. I called to warn you." He states. "Those around you are in danger. I need to see you."
"I'm busy." He glances over at Danny who can see something is up, but he doesn't move. "And you should be in the yard making friends, mingling with others. Not calling me for whatever reason."
"You aren't listening." He states, voice unwavering. "If you don't get ahead of this… you will lose."
Ryan scoffs. "This has to be a fucking joke." He heaves a soft sigh. "Let's get one thing clear. You do not call me, nor do you summon me. Especially when I despise you. Your only focus should be trying to stay alive because I hear you're the most hated man in an orange jumpsuit. Do not call me again."
And just like that Ryan ends the call and tucking his phone back in his bag. He heaves another sigh before returning to the others.
"Sorry about that." He folds his arms across his chest. "As I was saying, I'll get back to you with an answer within the week, President Briggs."
"That works for me, Ryan. Thank you for coming." He moves to his feet, a hand to Ryan in which he shakes. "Thank you, too, Danny. It's always good seeing you."
"It's always good seeing you, too." Danny responds, shaking his hand and then Mike's. "See you both soon."
Mike looks over at Ryan, holding his hand out. Ryan shakes it without hesitation giving him a nod of approval.
"It was nice meeting you, Mr. Lewis."
"Likewise, Mr. Wilcox."
With nothing left to say, Danny and Ryan make their way out of the Oval Office. When the coast is clear, and they were far enough away, Danny places a hand upon Ryan's lower back as they proceed to the exit.
"What's wrong? And don't beat around the bush. I know you."
"A rat is trying to escape from its trap."
happy to be back.
love you all.