Fitz confesses, "Yes. Again, I recall that conversation very well. But dad I only said I wanted to be in politics because of you." Gerry replies, "And that's fine son. I did the same because of your grandfather and he probably did the same for his father. It's the Grant way."
Somewhat taken aback by his remark, causing him to pause at first. He then says, "If that's why you dedicated your life to the senate, that's your call. But that's not mine. I don't want to do it. And I'm not going to do it. So your dream of me marrying Mellie and pursuing the Whitehouse is not happening. And I know I should've been more forthright and direct about it; I'm sorry about that because I know that was wrong. But my heart simply isn't in politics. I can't tolerate the bullshit involved and all of the treachery. That's not where my passion is; I'd rather just practice law."
Gerry finds his logic baffling as he shakes his head as he asks, "How in the hell are you going to pursue a career in law, if you can't deal with treacherous behavior? No matter what profession you get into there's going to be some level of deception or favoritism, or something that involves something happening for someone else's benefit anyway. In law, that's literally the point of plea agreements is it not?"
Fitz nods as he responds, "Dad, I get your point. But please stop. I'm not going into political office. It's bad enough I will have to deal with politics of a job daily, just like everyone else. But at least I won't have to sell my soul to the devil to be successful."
Gerry's ears and eyes perk up as he replies, "Is that what you think about me? I sold my soul along with your grandfather and great grandfather.." He wasn't trying to make a dig at him, and he certainly opting to speak ill of his grandfather or great grandfather. But it appears that's where they've landed in the conversation.
Looking at his father without wavering he says, "Look, I'm not judging either of you for your career choice or what you've done throughout it for the sake of getting the job done. Deception, trickery, and playing dirty is a definite part of the game in government. I'm just not willing to play that game for something I'm not interested in."
Gerry feels himself getting upset as he replies, "Three Generations of Grant men have donned the halls of Capitol Hill, and now you think you're too good to be the fourth, that's what you're telling me?"
Fitz is incredibly peeved and knows no matter how he words it, his father is going to be pissed because he's not agreeing with him. He tries to keep his head, but he ends up smartly responding, "Yes dad. That's what I'm saying. If that answer will end this conversation and I can go on with my life. Let's go with that."
Gerry hears the irritation in his voice and says, "Very mature. Just another example of how grown up you are, right? I swear you're so dammed dramatic some times." Fitz feeling inordinately vexed replies, "You are impossible." Gerry asks, "What are you talking about?" Exasperated he replies, I'm talking about how it's impossible to understand you, or have a conversation with you if I have an adverse opinion.
He shakes his head as he responds, "That's not true. You're wrong because you're wrong, not because you're disagreeing with me." Fitz gives up as he replies, "I'm not going to argue with you about this dad. I know it's true. Because you've been doing it to me my entire life. Our conversations go two ways when we disagree. You tell me I'm making a mistake and either, find a way to make it about you somehow, or just change the narrative to something you want to talk about."
Gerry is now extremely irked as he replies, "I don't do that. That's total bullshit Fitz and you know it." Fitz quips, "Is it really?" He protests, "Yes. it is, name one time that's happened." He looks at his father in awe of his reply, but answers him as he says, "You literally just told me I was ruining my life because I am making changes you don't approve of regarding my future, and you actually think I'm doing it to piss you off. Instead of the reason being the fact that I want something different for my life. So tell me how is that not about you putting yourself at the forefront of the discussion; ergo making it all about you instead of it being about me?
Gerry refuses to admit he's right, so he pulls his usual move of twisting the argument into something it's not, to get out of an uncomfortable spot in the conversation as he says, "That's not the same thing. I was under the impression your change of heart was related to me. And I was right. You don't want to follow in the footsteps of myself and the Grant men who came before you. Because you feel we're devils and you're above us. And might I add, had you not spent all of this time dodging me, and talked to me about your plans this conversation wouldn't be happening. So give me another example if you have one."
Fitz smirks as he replies, "You know what? It's not even worth talking about anymore. Because you're just going to twist it into something it's not, and disagree with me." Gerry responds, "If it's a valid response I will own up to it. Tell me what you're talking about. Or drop it."
Knowing he's not ready for it, he decides to go there anyway as he replies, "Okay. Whenever the subject of mom comes up or the circumstances around her death, you flip the script and make it about you instead of it being about her. You don't want to talk about how you hurt her, you just want to talk about how you lost her. As if your pain of being a widower is somehow greater and more significant than the pain you caused her when she was alive. "
Gerry didn't see that example coming at all. Fitz can tell he was really caught off guard. His facial expression shifts, including his eye color. Something he knows he gets from him. His eyes are like a mood ring, changing with his emotions.
He snaps from his thoughts in time to hear him say, "Don't you dare bring your mother into this! This isn't about her. It's about you and the choices you're making with your life. See, that's about you, not me." Fitz shakes his head in annoyance, as he replies, "Wow, you really took this to another level to avoid seeing my point. You know what, I'm done talking. If you're done you can go, I don't have anything else to say."
Gerry moves to the edge of his chair as he replies, "That's it, I'm tired of your bad-mannered tone and attitude. Who the hell do you think you are dismissing me? You will damn well respect me, especially in my presence and in an apartment I'm paying for!"