Hello again fan fiction readers, I appreciate all the reviews for this story and I'm pleased that you're all enjoying it. Many of you loved the read that Fitz and Olivia gave Mellie in chapter 7. I must admit, I loved writing that exchange. Mellie deserves to be checked on a regular basis. Anyway, thanks again for all of your support. I'm nothing without your support; my success is literally in your hands. So again, thank you for the reviews and thanks for the encouraging words. Be blessed.
It's Christmas eve morning, and the sounds of moaning, groaning, screaming, and grunting are all that can be heard in the residence suite bedroom, and beyond. The raucous is enough to keep the wait staff away, and the secret service damn near blushing. Olivia's cries of passion, screaming out Fitz's name, only to be matched by the president's voice grunting in kind. By the sounds of it there's a physical and verbal battle going on in that bedroom that isn't for the squeamish.
As the final scream of passion fills the air, which makes the secret service agent new to the detail look at the door behind him in awe. His lead agent says, "Keep your eyes forward son; stay on this detail long enough and you'll see this is nothing." The young agent shakes his head in amazement, certainly it can't get more graphic than this he thinks.
Meanwhile back in the residence suite, Olivia's hanging off the bed, with her love slumped over her kissing her back as he tries to catch his breath. Both are totally spent, as they lie in the afterglow of their latest session. Spent, and unable to function as of yet. They continue to try to rebound as they rest.
24 hours removed from the situation with Karen, they're trying to push past it and enjoy the holiday. As their breathing calms, they re position and face one another as Olivia snuggles up to him, and he strokes her face as he kisses her sweetly. He sees that look in her eyes, and says, "We agreed we'd get through the holidays before addressing it Liv." She takes a breath, conceding to the fact that he can read her like a book. She doesn't bother pretending he's wrong about his assertion of her thoughts. She simply says, "I know. And I'm trying babe. I don't want to push you. I know I don't have any real standing here…"
Fitz cuts her off as he says, "Liv, I need you to stop that." She gives him a look of confusion as she says, "Stop what?" He replies, "Stop discounting your influence in our lives. You're here with me because not only are you the love of my life, but you also are a blessing to the kids. They both love you, and look to you for support more so than their biological mother. So I need you to stop acting like your opinion about them doesn't matter, because I think after last night we all know that's not true. It matters a hell of a lot. If it didn't Karen wouldn't have called you."
Olivia takes in his words and she relents as she says, "I'm sorry. I just feel so awkward in this space of being parental." Fitz smiles as he says, "Join the club." Olivia smiles in return as she says, "You're a great parent, no way could you feel awkward." Fitz replies, "That's kind of you to say babe. But the truth is being a parent is probably one of the most uncomfortable, awkward, exciting, challenging, and rewarding positions to hold in life. And if anybody tells you they've somehow mastered it, and it's easy. They're either doing it wrong, or lying."
Olivia takes a breath as she appreciates his reassuring response. But she clarifies the meaning of his response as she says, "So you're saying it's normal to feel like you want to kill her and hug her all at the same time?" Fitz nods as he smiles at her and says, "That's exactly what I'm saying Liv. There's no doubt we need to talk to her; but I think sometimes experiencing a really scary situation is it's own teacher for a while. There's no rush here. Let's relax, have fun and be a family for the next few days. And when everything settles down, we will sit down and talk to Karen together. Is that a deal?" Olivia responds, "It's a deal, but I don't know how that will play with her mother?"
Fitz responds, "What about her?" Olivia replies, "Fitz, she's her mother. Don't you think we should include her in the discussion?" Fitz responds, "Maybe so. But I don't want to. I need this to be about Karen, and not about Mellie. You know she has a habit of making things about her, even when it's not."
Olivia agreeably says, "I can't say you're wrong there. But at the same time babe, she deserves to be there when this is addressed." Olivia sees the resistance in his eyes, and says, "I don't want to deal with her either honey. But right is right. I say we at least invite her to be there, and if she refuses we will let it be. But not inviting her wouldn't be fair. We can even advise her of the guidelines in advance. So that things stay under control in Karen's presence."
He understands her point, and her intentions. But says, "You mean the way she controlled herself last night in front of Karen because her feelings were hurt. All those bogus accusations of us stealing the kids from her, and you intentionally trying to replace her. Something even Karen told her was bullshit last night." Olivia is suddenly taken back to that moment, and recalls the anger and bitterness Mellie spat when Karen refused to talk to her. Olivia admittedly and sadly says, "Okay, you've got me there." Fitz sees the disappointment in her eyes. He knows she just wants to do the right thing, and on it's face. He knows she's right. If Mellie was even remotely logical, Olivia's approach would be ideal. But she's not logical. She's Mellie. Nonetheless, he appreciates his love for trying to keep the peace, and handle this delicate situation with such strength and integrity.
It's also in this very moment he has an epiphany. For the first time in their relationship he notices she's opening up to him about her thoughts, without him prodding her. Or being left in the dark about how she's feeling. Olivia sees a smile spread across his face as he stares into her eyes. She's again confused about his response and asks, "Are you listening to me?" He takes a breath and says, "Yes. I'm listening. I hear you. I think for the first time; I'm hearing you. And you're right. We should involve Mellie. Or at least try to. Thank you for thinking of that."
She sees a kindness in his eyes she adores, and feels a warmth of appreciation in the moment that lets her know his response has a deeper meaning. But at the same time she asks, "But you just indicated how impossible Mellie is." He nods as he says, "And I stand by that statement babe. But that doesn't mean we have to stop trying to do the right thing. Regardless of what she does to bring us down, we will continue to fly high." Olivia smiles as she says, "Is that your attempt to quote Michelle Obama, without plagiarizing her?"
He grins as he says, "You caught that huh?" She grins in responds as she says, "yes I did. And I appreciate your encouraging words, even if they're borrowed." He strokes her face and she kisses his lips sweetly, and then says, "Thank you for being so understanding babe. I just want to do things the right way where the kids are concerned. You know, present a good example for them. They deserve good parenting, regardless of how the adults in the situation feel about one another."
He strokes her face as he says, "I know. I agree with you. Thanks to you being in our lives, we will do things the right way for sure." They share a smile, and a kiss. Which gets both of their motors running once again, as they embark on round 5 of the morning, But their moment is halted as their alarm clock goes off, advising it's time to get up for the promise of sledding in the back yard with Teddy and Karen.
Slightly disappointed at the halting of their love time, but agreeing the kids and family time come first. They pull themselves out of bed, shower, dress, and meet the kids for breakfast. While they eat, Karen appears to be in better spirits. She's smiling and attentive to her little brother, and being very affectionate to both Olivia and Fitz. This is something that eases both Fitz and Olivia's concerns. And makes Fitz feel even better about his surprise for his family. Something not even Olivia is aware of.
When breakfast finishes they get their coats on, and as they walk out back they see marine one landing. Confused, everyone looks at Fitz and he smiles at them. Karen asks, "Dad, what's with the chopper?" Olivia also asks, "What have you done Mr. President?" Fitz replies, "It's called a surprise you two. Just roll with it. I promise you won't be disappointed." Despite the intrigue forming on the faces of the ladies in the family. Teddy is the one family member who's not intrigued by this change in plan. Instead he sadly responds, "But daddy, I want to go sledding. You promised. Even Ella was coming."
Fitz sees the brewing disappointment in his son's eyes, and says, "Look at the chopper buddy." Teddy looks over and sees Ella in the window waving. As she sits on Michael's lap. Teddy smiles as he looks at Fitz and says, "Yay Ella. She's coming on the surprise too?" Fitz grins as he says, "Yes she is bud. We can't leave her out. Can we?" Teddy excitedly says, "No! Can we go now daddy? Can we go on the surprise?" Fitz sees his son's exuberance and adores it. Just the quickly he's no longer upset about the plan change, and is ready to see what's next. Kids are so resilient that way, and it's refreshing to see.
Ready to go, Fitz looks at his family and says, "Yes. Let's go family. Time's ticking away." Olivia smiles as she takes his hand as he reaches for hers. And he puts his arm around Karen as she tucks in under his other arm. They begin to walk toward the chopper, while Teddy takes off running just ahead of them. As the Whitehouse photographer who will be accompanying them on the trip takes pictures. Fitz can't help but feel they are one step closer to being a complete family, and they haven't reached their destination yet.
When they board the chopper, Michael, Cyrus, and Ella are smiling at them. They all exchange greetings and take off shortly after buckling up. While Ella and Teddy sit together and play during the ride. Karen sits looking out the window with her head phones on listening to music. It's obvious she's in thought; so Olivia opts to give her some space. In doing so, Cyrus, Michael, Liv, and Fitz sit together.
As they take off Cyrus asks, "How's Karen doing?" Olivia as sighs she says, "I think she's doing as well as can be expected given the circumstances. I can tell she's trying to push through. But it's a difficult time for her." Michael responds, "I'd imagine she's probably a little embarrassed too." Cyrus replies, "Well, given the circumstances of the situation; she's a lucky duck for certain. Because that could've turned out much worse." Fitz responds, "Agreed. I'm beyond thankful she's okay, and I hope her friend ends up okay too. Nobody deserves to go through that kind of trauma."