Fitz's emotions spike, and with great concern he replies, "Oh my God. Is she okay?" Liv responds, "Yes, we think she'll be fine. Quinn is taking her friend to a hospital, and Huck is bringing Karen here. But we have more issues to contend with." Cyrus asks, "What else Liv?" She responds, "Mellie is here. Her car just arrived and I have Abby briefing her before she meets with you."
Fitz jumps up as he says, "Good, I have a few things I want to say to her. Let her in!" Liv replies, "Fitz. Laying into her too severely isn't going to solve anything. You have to calm down and approach this mindfully." Fitz is annoyed by her response as he replies, "Calm down? Liv you've got to be kidding me. Karen could've been hurt, or worse. She could've been the one having the abortion, and we'd be none the wiser. This happened on her watch; so how in the hell do you expect me to react?"
She knows he has a point. But she has to get him to see the bigger picture. She tries to impart wisdom to him as she replies, "Fitz, don't get me wrong. I know you're angry and you should be. You should absolutely have a discussion with Mellie regarding your feelings on this matter. But, you can't go at her out of pure anger; Karen will be here soon too, and the last thing she needs is to see you this angry. If she sees you go off like this she'll never call us for help again. And I know that's not what you want."
Her reasoning hits him out of the blue, like a bat over the head. He hates to admit it; but she's right. As much as he'd love to tell Mellie exactly what he thinks of her. It's in the best interest of his relationship with Karen, to keep his head, at least until he and Mellie are alone.
The pause is interrupted by Cyrus saying, "She's absolutely right Sir. You can't afford to have a blow out with Mellie in front of Karen, especially not now, with the upcoming sit down interview in a few days, and her being in the middle of writing her book. We need to keep this as cordial as possible to minimize the drama, and the press coverage around it. We've sold this as a mutual break up, and we have to keep it looking that way."
Their words are weighing on him; Fitz hates to hear the political side of this, but he has to be aware of the optics. Additionally, it's rare that both Liv and Cyrus see the same point of view. Therefore with Olivia being on board with this approach, he figures he can't lose. So he gives in, and takes the high road as instructed; clearly the smart play is to keep his head, and that's what he needs to do.
Begrudgingly he says, "Fine, I will keep my cool. But when will Karen get here?" Liv replies, "She's on her way. She could be arriving any minute." Fitz responds, "Find out how far out she is, and tell Mellie to come here to the oval. I want to speak to her." Despite his agreement to remain calm when talking the Mellie; Cyrus is still concerned with the potential for things to go awry, as he asks, "Sir, are you sure it's wise to speak to her right now? You could wait until things settle a bit more before talking to her about this. The important thing is that Karen is safe."
Fitz looks at Cyrus with great control and focus. His voice doesn't waver, and there's no doubt he means business as he says, "Yes Cyrus I agree, Karen's safety is the most important element of this situation indeed. But additionally, this matter needs to be addressed, and I want to see Mellie right now, to do just that. Before my daughter gets here. Now will you have her bought to me, or do I have to do that myself?"
Both Olivia and Cyrus feel the simmering anger in his tone, and they both know that there's no way around this. Understanding that he's not budging; Olivia calmly replies, "Okay, Fitz. Cy will get Mellie." Cyrus stands up, and leaves to bring Mellie to the oval.
When the door closes; greatly concerned about him, and knowing the situation they're about to face. She walks over to Fitz and says, "I know you're furious babe. But remember, you have to try to keep it together when you talk to her. Can you please at least try to do that? I only ask because you know she's going to do everything in her power to push your buttons, and she never plays fair. We don't want or need this to become a knock down drag out battle."
Fitz sees the pleading in her eyes, and he takes a breath, and responds, "I will do what I can Liv. But this must be addressed." He's still angry, she can see it in his eyes, but he's relenting. She knows that her being by his side, is making that possible. She stares into his eyes with empathy, and he takes her into his arms. She touches his face, and she sees the struggle in his eyes. He wants to scream and yell, but he knows better.
She responds to him as she says, "I agree with you baby. This needs to be addressed. You can do that, but you don't have to throw the baby out with the bathwater here. Don't give her the ammunition she needs to screw us publicly. Keep it about Karen's safety and that's all. No personal attacks no matter what she says, okay."
He hears her plea, and he has to admit, he's lucky to have her by his side during this situation. She always sets him up for success. She knows Mellie very well, and there's no doubt she'll try to use his rage for her gain later. With all of the negative press they've gotten for being together, and the divorce itself, he can't afford any more negativity floating around in the media.
Seeing her words are settling in with him, she hears him say, "Okay Liv. I'll be good." She smiles at him as she says, "Thank you." He smiles at her as he says, "You're welcome." They share a sweet kiss, which settles both of their nerves momentarily. However, their kiss breaks to the sound of her phone buzzing. After she reads the text she says, "Karen's car is 10 minutes out." Fitz nods as he replies, "Okay."
Upon inspecting his face post kiss, she wipes her lip gloss from his chin. He continues to hold her during this action, and then he pecks her lips again. They share a smile as she says, "You're counteracting my progress here Mr. President. He grins as he replies, "I know, when this is over, I just want to hold you in my arms for the rest of the night. I'm determined for us to have a real first Christmas Liv. You, me and the kids." She sees the desire for their future in his eyes, and says, "I know. I want that too baby. But one thing at a time. Let's get through this, and then we can truly begin to celebrate our holiday. Okay?" He nods as he responds, "Okay. Sounds fair. We do have a few days to settle things before Christmas." She nods as she says, "Yes, we do. I love you." He replies, "I love you too.
They share another kiss, which leaves her feeling naughty; largely because of his ass squeezing. When the kiss breaks he says, "Before our family time though, I'd like very much if we get to finish what we started earlier." He chuckles at her kinkiness, as he replies, "We'll have to find another bedroom, but okay." They share a sinful grin as they recall the damage done earlier to the current bed.
Engrossed in thought she replies, "I'll hunt down a bed, and you bring your A, game deal?" He winks at her as he says, "It's a deal sexy." She grins at him, takes in his scent, and his strong embrace. She loves his arms wrapped around her, it's truly her safe place. By his touch and demeanor, she can tell he's continuing to calm down, something they definitely needed in this moment.
Seconds later their interrupted by a knock on the door, and Liv's phone buzzes simultaneously. They step apart, and Fitz yells, "Come in." When the door swings open, Teddy runs in and into Fitz's arms. He's screaming, "Daddy, daddy!" Olivia almost wants to bust out into laughter, knowing that Mellie sent Teddy in first, to break him down. It's a good think she's already briefed him, and he's ready for her. As Fitz hugs and kisses on Teddy, and they have their father son moment of joy. Liv notices the glee on Fitz's face, and how happy he is with his son.
The gleeful moment almost distracts from the brewing drama of Mellie's antics. As a cool chill fills the air, Olivia looks at the door and sees Mellie walk into the Oval, with Cyrus not far behind her. Olivia and Mellie's eyes meet, and the mutual feeling of dislike for one another is unavoidable.
Olivia can feel the tension beginning to develop in the room, and she's not sure how long she can hold her peace. Which is ironic given the speech she just gave Fitz about keeping his cool. She thinks to herself, lead by example Olivia. She's not worth it.
Olivia tries to calm her mind, despite seeing Mellie's eyes throwing daggers at her. She decides to focus on Fitz and Teddy. However, that distraction is taken away when the nanny comes to get Teddy to tuck him in. Fitz begrudgingly passes Teddy over to Jennifer. He hates interrupting their play time, and so does Teddy.
As Jennifer takes him he says, "I want to stay with you daddy." Fitz replies, "I know bud. But it's late. You need your rest. Especially if you want to go sledding in the morning." Teddy's eyes perk up and he grins as he says, "Yay sledding!" He claps his little hands and his blue eyes sparkle, making everyone in the room smile at his cuteness. He quickly asks, "Can Ella come?"
Fitz looks at Cyrus and he says, "She sure can sport. I'll make sure she's here." Fitz adds, "But you've gotta go with nanny Jen and go to sleep. Don't give her any trouble. Do you understand?" Teddy nods as he says, "Yes daddy." Fitz replies, "Okay bud. Love you." Teddy smiles as he says, "Love you too."
As nanny Jen carries Teddy out he says, "Bye uncle Cy." Cyrus replies, "Bye Ted." As they prepare to exit the oval Jen stops by Olivia; because Teddy reaches for her. He says, "Livy are you going to sled with us?" Olivia smiles as she says, "Yes of course sweetie. Now you go to bed, and ill check on you later okay?" He replies, "You promise?" Olivia responds, "Yes. I promise." Loving his sweet nature; Olivia hugs him as he reaches out for a hug. She hugs and kisses him and he says, "night Livy." She replies, "Night Teddy bear." He giggles at her pet name for him. It's the sweetest moment to witness between them. Olivia sees Fitz looking at them as she passes Teddy back to the nanny.