When he's standing in front of her, seeing the expression of concern on her face. But yet, still looking so beautiful with her hair pulled up into a high ponytail, and donning jeans and a sweatshirt. He's gorgeous no matter what she wears, he thinks. Trying to focus on the moment, without distraction. But struggling mightily too. She tries to shake her thoughts of how sexy he looks in jeans and a polo. But then again, there's nothing he doesn't look sexy in.
Her focus shifts when she feels his familiar hands around her waist. She looks up and his baby blues are peering down at her, while his superman curl is resting on his forehead. Which doesn't happen unless he's rustled his hands through his hair out of frustration, or during their love sessions when she manages to set the curl free with her toiling fingers in his locks.
He strokes her cheek first with his hand, and then kisses her lips as he says, "A penny for your thoughts." Although she's engaged by his stare, she's not letting him off the hook. She doesn't smile at his remark. Instead she says, "Don't play with me Fitz. You've been covertly talking to Mark all day off and on. And clearly it's not work related. Now you're huddled off in your office alone taking secret phone calls. Alerting not just me, but Cy too. So please, please just tell me what's going on and don't say nothing."
He takes a breath and hears she's got all the bases covered. He thought he was being discreet. But clearly he was wrong. He didn't want to ruin their weekend; which is why he didn't mention what was happening. However, with her curiosity peeked as well as Cyrus' he knows that he has to come clean.
So he says, "You're right Liv. I'm sorry I kept this from you. I was going to tell you. I just wanted to wait until later." She replies, "Well later is now." He understands her need to know and says, "Come here, let's talk in my office. I don't want to disturb the others." She agrees to go with him and they walk into his office.
When the door closes he again takes her hand and they go over to the couch, where he says, "I don't want you to panic." She replies, "Starting a conversation with that preface doesn't prevent anyone from panicking Fitz. Just spit it out." He nods in agreement and says, "Okay. It's Mellie. She found out where we are and she's been trying to get a chopper up here." Olivia replies, "She what? How the hell did she find out where we were? And why does she care considering her comment about wanting to spend Christmas alone verses with her ungrateful children."
Fitz responds, "Well, you know Mellie. Everything she says is only half true. The other part is pure emotion and ridiculousness." Olivia says, "Fitz this is absurd. I don't want her here." Fitz hears her anger and her concern and says, "I know baby. Me either. Which is why she's not going to be here. That's what the problem has been. She's tried to get a chopper to bring her here but the pilots can't get clearance to fly over the property. So she's grounded and has been calling my phone bitching, which has been with Mark all day."
Olivia now understands why he's been trying to keep this quiet. And says, "Baby, I appreciate you trying to prevent her craziness from interfering with our holiday. But you really should've told me." He replies, "I know. And I'm sorry. Don't be mad babe. I just wanted us to have a great time, and we have right?" She nods as she says, "yes. it's been really special. Thank you for that. Thank you for everything, the truck, the orchard, our time alone. It's all been incredible baby."
He replies, "You're welcome." They share a sweet kiss, and Olivia begins to feel better about the situation. She also appreciates his actions a lot more when she realizes he said she's grounded. So she says, "Wait. You said she's grounded. Where is she?" he replies, "Her and Hal are in New Hampshire. They made it that far and because of the impending storm. They had to land there to refuel. But when the pilot tried to get clearance to land here he was denied access and all hell broke loose."
Olivia now understands how Mellie found out about their home in Vermont, with Hal being her plus one. But getting past that she smiles as she says, "So are you telling me she was bringing Hal with her, your ex security staffer, to crash our holiday and bring about sheer chaos. Only to end up being stuck in New Hampshire on Christmas?"
Fitz nods as he smiles and says, "Yep. Serves her right. Hope she enjoys the holiday food at the air field. Because she's not getting out of there till morning; which is when we'll be headed back to DC anyway." Olivia has to admit, she's getting exactly what she deserves. And says, "My God that woman has the worst luck ever, and I can't stop enjoying when she falls flat on her damn face." Fitz chuckles as he says, "Honestly me either. You've always said let her be her, and she'll find a way to screw herself on her own." Olivia nods as she says, "She's nothing if not predictable for sure." In solidarity they smile and laugh as they hug one another; and once again they share a kiss as they settle into the moment.
As the quiet surrounds them she makes a realization in the moment. Since this morning, this has been their first moment alone. While loving their family time, she truly enjoys their love time too. So she says, "You know. I appreciate having a family Christmas. But, I'd really like some romantic time too." He smiles at her as he says, "I know me too. That's something we can probably benefit from tonight. Considering it's a given we will be here for one more night." She grins as she says, "MMM that sounds like a plan." He replies, "Oh it is one. Because the way I figure it. We've got a master bedroom we need to break in thoroughly anyway, including the bear skinned rug in front of our fireplace."
Caught up in his words she pulls his face to hers, and they engage in the deepest kiss. Their fires are lit and the heat is rising as Olivia finds herself atop him, and straddling him. He's gripping her ass, as she positions herself onto his bulge. With her legs spread apart, and her grinding on him slowly as they kiss. Their minds are in sync as the kiss breaks and they both say, "These damn jeans." Their response makes them both chuckle and they kiss a bit more, before a knock on the door halts their motions once again.
Knowing it's probably their guests looking for them, they agree to straighten their clothes and rejoin the group. When they step into the hall, they learn that dinner is ready. Hand in hand they join everyone at the table and they enjoy their meal and the conversation.
As the evening winds down the kids are playing with their new toys, and watching television. While Karen has managed to connect with friends via skype on her IPAD so, she's decided to leave the adults to their own devices. While Cyrus and Fitz finish watching the rest of the basketball game. Fitz fills Cyrus in on Mellie's latest antics, and all Cyrus can do is laugh and shake his head. After hearing the story, Michael excuses himself as he goes into the kitchen where he finds Olivia, who's getting more tea.
When Olivia turns around she sees Michael come into the kitchen. They share a smile and she asks, "Are you in here by force or choice?" He has a seat at the kitchen island, and she walks over to it too, having a seat opposite him as he says, "Choice. I wanted to ask you a question?" She's a little surprised he's asking her opinion on anything. But says, "Sure, what's up?" She can see him struggling with something, so she says, "Whatever it is Mike. Your secret is safe with me."
He nods as he asks, "How do you know when you're happy? I mean really happy in your life. And nothing more is required to make you happy." She can relate to the question. She's posed it to herself a time or two. So she responds, "I think when you're really happy; you're at your best as a person. Because you're completely balanced." Michael nods as he says, "So like firing on all cylinders, per se?"
Olivia sips her tea and says, "Yes. Exactly. When that happens you know. Because you feel it. Nothing feels like work, it all feels like bliss. Even the sucky days are easier." He smiles as he asks, "Is that how you feel right now? I mean since you and Fitz are public, and OPA is still doing quite well."
Olivia is a little thrown by the question at first, but then says, "Yes. It is. Every emotion I feel at this point in my life is genuine. And I am enjoying every aspect of my life professionally and personally because I feel balanced, which is the foundation of my happiness. Without a solid foundation for you to build off of, you'll never truly be happy." Her words seem to settle with him, and the conflicted look he was sporting when he sat down. Has dissipated.
Olivia, seeing the shift asks, "Are you okay Mike?" He replies, "Yeah. I'm fine. Your advice has helped a lot." She responds, "Good. I'm glad. I hope you find your happy." He smiles as he replies, "Me too. It's clear you've found yours and it looks good on you Liv." She grins as she says, "Thanks Mike. It's taken me quite a while to find it. But now that I have. I can't and will never let it go." He responds, "As you shouldn't." With that said Olivia picks up her mug, and he holds his mug too, as she says, "To knowing when you've found your happy. And keeping it." He replies, "I can drink to that." She nods as she says, "Same here."
Their conversation ends shortly after that, and everyone heads to bed for the night. As Olivia and Fitz walk to their room. She can't help but wonder what Michael was really trying to say, without saying it. He clearly has been in thought for a while. And if she's not mistaken it appears to have been most noticeable after they opened their Christmas presents.
Completely wrapped up in her head, she's shaken from her thoughts as she feels her feet leave the floor. She then looks up and feels Fitz's arms around her, and notices they're standing outside their bedroom door. She smiles at him and asks, "What are you doing?" He replies, "I was trying to romance my lady. But if you have to ask. I may be doing something wrong." She realizes at that moment she's been spaced out, and not paying attention to her surroundings. She doesn't even recall walking up the steps to get to their room.