A/N-You know that I have to take you on an emotional ride. It is about to start. Stay on the train with me. You know in the end I always bring it full circle.

Olivia slept for a couple of hours but she could not turn off her thoughts to rest. She woke up and went to use the bathroom. She was glad that she kept a toothbrush and toothpaste in her purse. She cleaned herself up and went back to the waiting room.

A nurse came in and asked her if she wanted to see Fitz. Olivia could only nod her head. The nurse opened the door for her. She did not know but the nurse would become their guardian angel. Olivia looked at him and she started crying. He didn't deserve this. Wires were running everywhere. The nurse pulled up a chair and helped her to sit down. The doctor came in a couple minutes after she had been in the room. He explained all the monitors and what they were doing. He encouraged her to talk to him. While there was no scientific proof it helped he had seen and heard enough stories to believe that it did. She couldn't say anything at the moment so she just held his hand and cried.

Olivia knew she had to go talk to the kids and she needed to see what the media was reporting on the story. She kissed Fitz's forehead and she left his room. Jack & Elgin were watching over him. She greeted them when she came out the room.

When she got back in the room Tom was coming in. He had two roll-away luggages with him. Olivia looked at him curiously.

Tom smiled, "The President told us to keep a key to your apartment just in case something happened to you so we could get in. When Jason came on duty I went to your apartment and packed you some clothes and toiletries because I know you won't leave the hospital. I also stopped by the White House and packed one for the kids."

Olivia smiled, "Thanks Tom I really appreciate everything that you have always done for us. It does not go unnoticed by the President or I."

Tom nodded, "Thank you, but obviously I failed the both of you when you needed me most. I should have got to him sooner."

Olivia had not had time to think much since she got the call from Andrew. Looking at Tom made her pause and think about him and Hal. They were loyal to them.

Olivia motioned for Tom to sit down. He hesitated for a moment but he looked at Olivia and knew she meant business. Once he sat down she began.

"Tom, your job is to protect the President. It is what you did last night. You & Hal both threw yourself in front of Fitz. For that Hal got shot. You didn't get shot thank God. However your actions to pull him in the limo and get him to the hospital so fast may be what saves him. You are not God. You are not perfect. You did your best and that is always enough. I need you to forgive yourself and move on. I am going to need you in the coming months. I need you to be at your best."

Tom nodded, "I understand Miss Pope. I also wanted to let you know that I spoke with the Director and President Langston and they have approved the President's current SSAs to remain with the family even if he is never able to serve again. I informed them that it was for the best considering the attempt on his life that we keep familar faces around."

Olivia hugged him. Thank you again Tom. Olivia looked over and noticed the kids waking up. She knew that she needed to talk to them about what was going on.

Once the kids were fully awake she sent them to go wash up. She showed them their bag and they got their toothbrush and toothpaste out and went and got cleaned up. They came back and put their stuff up. Olivia motioned for them to come over to her. One child was on each side of her. She could see their fear.

Olivia said, "Guys your dad made it out of surgery but he almost died three times. Right now he is in a coma and the doctors do not know how long or if he will make it out of the coma. If he wakes up the doctors predict a long road ahead, and I am not sure if he will ever be able to be President again."

Olivia seen the fear on their face. They both began to cry and she allowed them to cry on her shoulders.

Finally Jerry looked at her and said, "What happens to us?"

Olivia smiled, "You remain with me. Your mom signed over her parental rights when she signed the divorce papers. Your dad asked that I become your guardian should anything happen to him. Andrew was able to get the court to approve the request."

Olivia could tell they were happy about that. She knew that Jerry would have really tried to run had they had to go with Mellie.

Olivia continued, "Andrew is looking for a house for us to live in here in D.C. My apartment is too small. If we can get your dad through this he is going to need some space to recover."

The kids nodded showing Olivia that they understood what she was saying.

Olivia asked, "I know that your dad had you guys home-schooled since it was towards the middle of a semester at school. Do you want to continue to be home schooled or do you want me to put you in school."

The kids were not sure what they wanted.

Karen asked, "What do you think we should do?"

Olivia responded, "Honestly I would prefer you attend school so that you can make friends and you both can play sports. This is not going to be an easy road for us, but I love you as if you were my own. I know that your dad & I had some issues but I love him so much and I will never ever leave you guys."

The kids decided they wanted to go to school when the new semester started in two weeks. In the meantime they would finish being home-schooled.

They hugged Olivia and she just held them. Tom came in and informed her that they had put a couple of suites together for her and the kids. Jason came in the room and grabbed the bags. He took the kids so they could go shower and change.

Olivia went over and turned on the TV. It was as crazy as she thought it would be. Dr. McDreamy had realeased a statement describing the injuries to the President earlier that morning. The statement ended by saying that the hospital would keep the media updated to any changes in his condition and at a later date approved by the family they would have a press conference.

BREAKING NEWS

-The President of the United States was shot last night as he got out of his limo to attend a gala in honor of his 50th birthday. Right now he is in critical condition. He was shot twice in the head and once in the shoulder.

-Sally Langston was sworn in as President in the early hours of the morning. There was no opposition from anyone. It leaves everyone to wonder if the President will survive his injuries.

BREAKING NEWS REPORTED FROM BNC REPORTER KIMBERLY MITCHELL

-I was delievered a package that shows that the President and First Lady filed for divorce six months ago. The divorce became final on his birthday. We have confirmed that the divorce was filed in Californina. The First Lady received a five million dollar settlement, two cars, and houses in Cape Cod and Malibu.

-We received another package that shows that the First Lady was having an affair. Let me take it back the First Lady had multiple affairs throughout their marriage.

-We just received a recording of the First Lady talking about how much she hated her kids. The President had the First Lady to sign away her parental rights six months ago when they filed for divorce.

-Things have went from bad to worse. The First Lady did not suffer a miscarriage as she reported. She aborted the child. It looks like the President just recently found out. He thought she had a miscarriage as well.

BREAKING NEWS

-We are learning that investigators have received a copy of the information that was released to the public regarding the President and First Lady. They are trying to determine if the First Lady was involved in the assassination attempt on the President.

-We have learned the children of the President and First Lady are at the hospital with their dad. The court approved guardianship in the early hours. We are still trying to determine who had custody of the kids while the President fights for his life.

BREAKING NEWS FROM KIMBERLY MITCHELL

-We have learned that crisis manager Olivia Pope has temorary guardianship of Jerry & Karen Grant. We have received word that they remained in contact once Olivia left the White House to open up her own firm. There are speculations that the President and Olivia Pope could possible be in a relationship.

Olivia continued to watch the news. She knew that she was going to have to give an interview. She couldn't stay hidden. As much as it scared her she didn't want to. Fitz and the kids were her life now. Fitz couldn't speak and protect them right now. It was up to her. She emailed Abby to call Kimberly and set up an interview and get back to her with details.

Olivia knew her team would have questions. She emailed Abby asking them to all come to the hospital so they could talk.

As she ended the call she seen Cyrus come in the room. She knew that he had some things to say. She just hoped that she kept it together.

Olivia looked at Cyrus, "What is is Cyrus?"

"Have you seen the news Olivia?"

"I have"

"What are your plans?"

"I will be doing an interview with Kimberly Mitchell"

"To tell her what"

"The truth. I'm not hiding Cyrus. I'm not denying Fitz. I'm not going to pretend I am some distant friend whatching his children."

"And you honestly think that is going to help?"

"Cyrus, I'm not going to say that everything is not about the optics. What I am going to say is I am done caring more about the optics than my own well-being."

"Well congradulations Olivia Pope"

"Fuck You"

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me Cyrus. Fuck you! I'm done with you. I thought you were my friend. That was my mistake. I should have known that at the end of the day that power was always going to be the most important thing to you. You sit here wondering why you have been left out. You wonder why Fitz did all of this without you. He did it because he needed someone in his corner that cared more about him than the power. That is why he trusted Andrew and Lauren and Tom. That doesn't change. I don't trust you anymore. You want to visit Fitz fine. If he lives and gets better I'll let him determine what he wants from you. However at this time I want nothing from you. It is my fault that I did not stay with Fitz, but it is yours for working with Mellie to keep us apart. While I know that I have to forgive you so I can move on. Today is not the day."

"Olivia, you don't mean that."

"Oh I do. When I watched him getting shot I blamed you. Had you left me alone I would have let him resign. No I trusted that you really cared about us. I made a deal with the devil. The stupid bitch made a deal to get me out when she couldn't keep her legs closed. At least with Fitz & I it was real love. Up until I came in his life he never looked outside his marriage despite knowing that Mellie did. That could have been Fitz & I having a baby and raising the kids. Now he is clinging to life and those kids are left in chaos. Yes you have blame and I have no intention of letting you off easy."

"Olivia, I'm really sorry."

"No you are not Cyrus. You are sad that Fitz has been shot. I get it. He is your friend. I don't think you are that heartless. However you are really hurt that the man down the hall may never be President again and now your power is gone."

"Olivia, I am sorry. I can help."

"I don't want it. My team, Andrew, and I have hired Lauren to work for me are all that I need. Sally informed me over the phone that she is willing to allow you to keep your position. She knows of your value although she doesn't approve of your personal life. Go and do that. As far as you and I are concerned you killed our friendship when you joined forces with Mellie. I promise I won't keep you from Fitz."

"I didn't join Mellie."

"You did. You try to tell yourself that you didn't because there was no sit down discussion. However the moment you realized that Fitz & I were having an affair all you could think about was getting me out the way. I was a whore as Mellie loves to call me. I was a problem for you. Fitz was the dumb politician that had no clue what he wanted, and I was just young and dumb to get myself caught up. When I joined the campaign I did it for you. I trusted you. You had always been there for me. You were a father figure to me. I didn't expect you to run over and support us, but I never expected you to plan our demise. Don't be sad now. You weren't when you did the things you did. You were not sorry when Fitz & I were broken. When the kids were stuck away from their dad. For once maybe you will think about others when you make a decision. You will realize that things can happen when you play with people's lives."

Olivia got up to leave and turned around, "Potentially this could cost us Fitz. He is not the President to me. He is not the President to Jerry & Karen. He is the man I am in love with. He is my other half. He is the father to those children. The only parent that ever gave a damn about them. If I find out you had anything to do with this. There is no place you can run that I won't find you. Even if it is in hell. I can assure you I have no interest in seeing a trial. I'm going to kill you with my bare hands and not regret it."

Olivia walked out the door. Cyrus sat there stunned. He had been the way he was for so long. He knew there was fall out with the decisions that he made. He just never planned on this. He was at a point of no return. He left the room knowing he had lost.

Olivia went to the suite where her belongings were put in. She took a shower and allowed herself a few moments alone. She finished and got out and got dressed. She walked back to the conference room that her team was set up in. As she sat down Tom opened the door and Lauren walked in.

Olivia got up and introduced Lauren. Olivia explained that Lauren did not want to work for Sally. Since their was no timeline on when or if Fitz would be able to return she offered Lauren a job.

Everyone greeted Lauren and then everyone sat back down.

Olivia began, "I know that most of you have suspected a relationship between Fitz & I. Huck knows of our relationship. I'm not going to sugarcoat this. I am in love with Fitz. I have been from the time we met. Considering his job and that he was married I fought it. He begged me on numerous occasions to give us a chance. He offered to give up being President for me. I couldn't do that to him or his family. Six months ago Fitz let me go. He wanted me to have normal. He gave me that chance to be with Jake and live my life. I ended things with Jake the night of his birthday. I had texted Andrew asking him to set something up for us. I was not aware of the divorce and all the revelations that came out until I got to the hospital last night. Huck assisted him & Andrew. It is true that I have custody of the kids. I love him. I am in love with him. Right now most of my time and effort has to be with them. You guys are the best. It is not just me. I need you to hold down the fork. If you need me on any case or I need to make an appearance I will. Lauren is great at keeping things together. She can arrange your meetings. She can run the office while you handle the cases. Use her. I didn't just bring her own for play. She is part of our family. Treat her that way. I will be moving into a house soon so the kids can have plenty of room. If Fitz gets better he will be in a house that allows him mobility. I know that I keep my personal life and emotions close to me. For that I am sorry to all of you, but especially to you Abby. You are my best friend. It was never about not trusting you guys it was just new and different and falling in love does things to you. I hope that you all can forgive me. I love you guys. I need you. The kids will need you. From now open I promise to be more open with you guys. What questions do you have for me?"

No one said anything for a minute. That made Olivia nervous. Finally Abby stood up and walked over to Olivia.

Olivia turned to face her, "What do you need from us right now?"

Olivia began to cry, "Your love and support."

Abby got on her knees, "Then you have it on one condition when it comes to me as I can't speak for everyone."

Olivia looked up and asked, "What?"

Abby smiled, "When things settle down we will have a girl's night with Quinn and Lauren and you tell us about this love story from start until now."

Quinn and Lauren got up and came over and nodded to Olivia.

Quinn said, "Everybody deserves somebody and for a woman who gives all of herself I could not think of anyone more deserving."

Lauren said, "I want the girl's night because I never have been good at making friends. I was always a nerd. I also would love to hear the whole story since I only know bits and pieces."

Oivia nodded, "Done"

Harrison looked at Olivia, "Over a cliff Liv. As long as you are happy and safe then I am fine with it and I know that you are because Huck would not be involved in anything that would bring you harm."

Olivia nodded.

Huck looked at her, "You know how I feel"

Abby said, "I brought you a suit and Kimberly Mitchell will be here in three hours. Do you want us to come up with a list of things she can't ask you?"

Olivia got up and said, "No I want to do this once. Let her ask anything. Considering that Andrew and Huck have given her a lot I don't imagine she will be too tough on me."

Olivia walked out and went to go check on the kids. Tom informed her that they were in their dad's room. She walked down to go check on them. When she got to the room it made her pause. They were sitting on each side of Fitz holding his hand and talking to him. She turned around when she heard Jerry say something that made her pause.

Jerry said, "Dad I need you to come back to us. I know that you have waited what feels like a lifetime to be with Olivia. We are okay. She is taking care of us. She has been for a while. Karen & I use to wish that she was our mom. Well she kind of is now which is cool considering all the bad that are going on. While you are getting better I promise to be the man of the house and take care of Liv and Karen. I won't let anything happen to them. We will be good for her and cause her no problems so when you get better she will still want to keep us. We don't want to get sent away again."

Olivia walked off. Her heart broke for these kids. They had been through so much. She prayed that she would do right by them.

Olivia went and got dressed for the interview. Abby knocked on the door letting her know that Kimberly was here. Olivia finished and went to meet Kimberly.

She walked into the room. Kimberly greeted her with a hug. She was shocked for a moment, but then returned her embrace.

Kimberly said, "Thank you for interviewing me and giving me the exclusive on the President's divorce.

Olivia smiled, "Between us I didn't know until last night. I did tell Fitz that he should consider you for any exclusives because you were competent and fair. So I guess you are welcome because of the advice I gave Fitz."

Kimberly nodded, "Let's get started so you can get back to the President and the kids.

They sat down. The cameraman nodded to Kimberly that they were on.

Kimberly Mitchell: I am live at George Washington Hospital speaking with Olivia Pope. As you know we received a report that showed Olivia Pope has guardianship of the President's children. It has caused speculation to the nature of their relationship and she agreed to take a moment to talk with us.

Kimberly turned to Olivia

KM: Hi Olivia. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me.

OP: Hi Kimberly. My pleasure

KM: Let's jump in. Are the reports correct that you have guardianship of the Karen & Jerry Grant?

OP: That is correct they are with me.

KM: Why would the President choose you to take care of his kids should something happen to him?

OP: I have maintained a relationship with the children since the trail. We talk at least once a week and I have attended many of their events when they were in boarding school. President Grant & I at one point were in a relationship. Most people would say an affair, but it was more than sex for us. We loved each other.

KM: You said were so you guys were no longer in a relationship?

OP: That is correct. Fitz wanted to give up his Presidency to be with me. He was too good and I could not let that happen. I also did not want to break up a family. I was aware that he & Mellie had problems. It was why I was called in to their campaign, but I thought if I take myself out of the equation it would allow them a chance to fix their marriage.

KM: So if you guys were not together why did he get a divorce considering that he has only been in office a year?

OP: He did it for his kids first and then for himself. As you can tell from the recordings that you received Mellie was not fond of children even her own. Fitz felt guilty about that for some time. He hated that they were shipped off to boarding school. He decided that being President was a job and it would end in four or eight years. His children's well-being as well as his own was more important.

KM: Do you still love him and do you plan on remaining by his side?

OP: She took a moment to try to keep from crying. I do love Fitz. I am in love with Fitz. I thought I was doing the right thing by walking away. Others told me that I was doing the right thing by walking away. I lost time with a man that I love that I will never get back, because we were all more concerned about the optics. We forgot that we were human beings at the end of the day. No matter what from this day forward I will remain by his side through the good and the bad.

KM: Last question. Do you think there is any truth that the First Lady had anything to do with the President assassignation attempt?

OP: I can't comment on the investigation. What I will say is for her sake I pray that she didn't. If she did it will be my personal mission to burn her house down and take her down.

Kimberly paused for a moment. The tone in Olivia's voice was scary. She got it together and looked at the camera.

"That was an exclusive with Olivia Pope. President Grant is fighting for his life. As Americans we need to pull together and pray that he survives. These kids have been through so much. We hope that they do not lose their dad. It seems they are in good hands. We all hope that the President survives and gets his happily ever after. Thank you for joining me and good night. We wish President Grant and his family well wishes.

The camera man let her know they were clear. Kimberly thanked Olivia for her time and told her she could call her if she needed anything.

Olivia left the room and went and changed into something comfortable. The kids were in their room. Olivia went and sat on the sofa with them and just held them.

Olivia found out that the room had a blu-ray so she asked Tom if could order them some pizza and enough for the SSAs as well and get them some movies to watch.

Tom nodded. He went and got everything for them. Olivia went down and check on Fitz. She spent a few minutes with him. She placed a kiss on his lips and left the room to spend the evening with the kids. They changed in their pajamas while they waited for Tom to return. Tom brought them their pizza and sodas. He also brought them some movies to look at.

The three of them settled in for the night and enjoyed a little slice of normal in all of the chaos.

A/N-So much happened this chapter. I wanted everyone's emotions out on the table. I stopped it there because I wanted what happens to Fitz to stand alone. Next chapter most of the focus will be him. Also the investigation picks up. Who shot the President? I will go ahead and let you know that Sally is really on Fitz's side in this story. She is not playing him or Olivia.