Hello there fanfiction readers, I hope you're all managing to remain safe during this health crisis. I know the quarantine and social distancing restrictions have become a real struggle for most folks. Hopefully some reading will distract you, and give you something more pleasant or entertaining to think about. We are certainly all in this together, and here's my contribution to helping you stay sane, even if it is just for a few minutes.
Be safe, and be good to one another. Happy reading!
Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to these characters. They belong to Shondaland productions.
Fitz is about to head into a briefing in the next hour, and notices Olivia hasn't called him back yet. Curious of the delay, but not looking to disturb her. He reaches out to her security detail for her whereabouts.
After pulling up the app on his phone, he sees her location isn't her office. He says out loud, "I thought she was canceling her therapist appointment." He remembers her preparing to call Dr. Baker's office to cancel a few days ago. But, he didn't hear the conversation because he was called away. And now that he thinks about it, he didn't confirm the cancelation afterwards with her either.
Feeling himself slipping into a tailspin of concern, as his thoughts begin to swirl. He manages to calm down as he looks at a family photo sitting on his desk. As he stares at it, his reaction is bitter sweet. He remembers how much work it took to get both Ella and Teddy to cooperate with the photographer. And the full story behind the photo shoot that changed him forever, concerning how he sees the loss of his beloved name sake.
On the day of the shoot, both he and Olivia were at their wits end with them. And then Karen stepped up like a big sis. She called them over to her and knelt down to them, whispering in their ears. At the time it wasn't known what she said to them, but when they returned to the set they were like angels for the rest of the shoot.
It wasn't until they got the pictures back, while looking at the finished product with glee. They found out what she said to get their cooperation. Apparently Karen told them she was going to superglue them into place if they didn't sit still. He shakes his head as he chuckles, thinking about her remark. And he and Liv were both shocked that Teddy or Ella didn't spill the beans at the time.
While admittedly, both he and Olivia found the remark hilarious after the fact. Understanding she didn't mean any harm, and was simply frustrated with then and trying to help. They both talked to her, reminding her she is the older sibling. And seen as an authority figure by both Ella and Teddy. So it's important to be mindful of her words and actions, because they will take what she says at face value.
What started as a simple teachable moment for Karen, ended up becoming one for both himself and Olivia. Because initially, Karen didn't see the harm in her comment. And she made it clear she felt like the situation was being blown out of proportion, because neither he nor Olivia have ever had a sibling, let alone lost one. She then went on to say, maybe they've forgotten what it was like between her and her brother growing up. But she'd never forget. Because she can never forget him even though he's no longer here.
While they wanted to combat her response, they couldn't. Her reply was valid. With their feelings now flowing freely between them, they all could feel a shift in the air. Instantly, Fitz's heart ached for his little girl; who was forever missing her older brother, and how they use to interact.
The room was deathly silent as the emotions settled upon all three of them. Each having a serious emotional struggle of pain, loss, sadness, and anger. But ironically, they all felt various sentiments for different reasons.
Despite the reality of Karen's comment to the kids being inappropriate to a degree. Her reasoning now made sense to both of them. It's what she knew to be normal banter between siblings. Something neither Fitz nor Olivia knew anything about. The only taunting either one of them ever suffered at the hands of a relative was from their own fathers.
As they sat in the moment he and Olivia truly didn't know what to make of the situation. They struggled mightily, because Karen made a great point they never considered. And, the guilt and pain they both felt for Jerry's loss was palpable for all of them.
Steadily, as everyone's emotions continue to swirl. A degree of reckoning is felt to be approaching, the tension suddenly rose toward an uncomfortable level. Leaving him worried about what was going to be said next. But after an elongated pause. They managed to push through the conversation without incident. Because of Olivia and her kind, empathetic heart.
Filled with admiration and care, she lovingly took Karen's hand and said, "Kar, you're right. Your father and I are at a disadvantage regarding having a sibling, and what that looks like. And I am so sorry for your pain my dear. If I could take it away; I absolutely would do it in a heartbeat. You know that, right?"
No sooner than she finished her sentence. The mounting wall of emotion crumbled as Karen responded, "Yes." And she fell into Olivia's lap, hugging her tightly as she sobbed.
As Olivia allowed her own tears to flow, Fitz sat next to her, with his hand on her shoulder as she comforted Karen, but she still spoke as she said, "Kar, I know you're hurting. We all are hurting in different ways because of losing Jerry. You're not alone in your grief."
They both heard her crying subsiding a bit as she said, "I just miss him so much sometimes I can't take it. I didn't intend to hurt Ella or Teddy. I just said to them what Jerry would've said to me."
Fitz gripped Liv's shoulder firmer, as he slid closer to them, and cradled them both. Olivia welcomed his embrace from behind, as she leaned into him, taking advantage of his support. He could feel the weight of the moment on her as well, and wanted to be the sustentation they both needed.
He remained quiet, despite being right there with them. Wanting to give Olivia the floor to handle the situation, something he later learned she appreciated. But, in the moment she was a little scared.
That said, she rocked it. He's not sure where she got the strength from. But, she did it. As she continued with a compassionate tone, "Sweetheart. I can see and feel the turmoil you're going through with the loss of your brother. And I am sorry we didn't consider just how different things have been for you since his passing. Especially with you suddenly being the older sibling."