Olivia keyed in the gate code and proceeded to pull up the mile long winding drive way that was lined with the most beautiful oak trees she had ever seen. She stopped halfway as the trees ended, leaving a wide open view of the home. The one time she had visited the home, Marine One had touched down in the back yard, and she and Fitz were so busy that night that she never had the opportunity to get the full tour. Liv took a moment to absorb the beauty of the front.

Much like the back the front was covered in floor to ceiling windows, but not as many. There was a fountain in front of the house, and the most beautiful rose bushes she had ever seen spanned the front of the structure. She looked up and noticed there was a balcony that began in the front, and wrapped halfway around to the side of the home. She figured that was their bedroom. It honestly was a beautiful home. If she had been given the chance to design it, she couldn't imagine she would have done differently. Fitz definitely knew his Livvie.

As she pulled up to the front, Liv noticed there were a few lights on and began to worry, but then saw who she assumed was the cleaning lady walk out front to greet her. The cleaning woman punched a code in and the garage door opened, allowing Liv to pull her car in.

Since she was sure either her father or Huck had a tracker on her Mercedes so she chose not to bring her own vehicle foe the trip. Just before she had left, Liv decided to err on the side of caution and purchased an sleek black Audi using funds she had stored under the alias "Jasmine Thomas". She then sprayed the windows, with what she called "super spy spray", so she could get past surveillance cameras undetected along the way. She remembered Huck using the spray when they were trying to help her mother escape, and Huck had unknowingly left the spare cans in her car.

"Mrs. Thomas, I'm Grace and I will be here to assist you in whatever you need." The cleaning woman said as she greeted her with a smile. Liv was set back a bit by the woman using her alias, but Liv quickly realized that Fitz must have already decoded the message and called in advance.

"Thank you Grace." Liv said as she warmly shook the woman's hand. "But please call me Olivia while it's just us. I'm sure the he wouldn't mind." Liv added with a wink.

Liv took in the appearance of the woman standing in front of her. She appeared to be in her late 50's - early 60's. Her hair was mostly silver, except for a few streaks that what was dark brown hair in her younger days. Her eyes were the most beautiful shade of Hazel, although they looked tired. Liv made a mental note to not run the poor woman too much. Knowing Fitz, he had already run her ragged, preparing for her arrival.

"Very well then Olivia," The woman said as she began to walk, with Liv closely behind her. "We have fully prepared the home for your stay. There will be a chef to come in and prepare your meals for you. I have been asked to stay on the grounds with you, but I will be in the guest house. The pool has been prepared, and is already heated to 70 degrees as we were told you like to swim when you have the time."

"There's a pool here?" Liv asked wishing she had taken a tour of the home during her last visit.

"Yes, Mr... Thomas had one installed. It is downstairs, and the pool area equipped with a locker room and showers spans the lowest level along with a gym and sauna. Immediately beneath us, you will find a rec room and a home theatre. This level is pretty much the living room, dining room, kitchen, and family room. There are also two guest bedrooms on this level. If you follow me, I'll show you upstairs and to your room so you can get settled."

Liv followed the woman upstairs as the woman proceeded to show her five separate bedrooms that were all unfurnished. She remarked that Mr. Thomas wanted her to furnish these rooms "When the timing was right." they proceeded down the hall and were met with a set of double doors made of the finest oak Liv had ever seen.

"This, is the master bedroom."

Liv walked in behind Grace and stopped as she saw a room that had to have been bigger than her entire apartment in DC. There was a King size canopy bed in the center of the room, Liv knew was calling her name. Liv took in the beautiful dressers that were crafted in way that made Liv assume Fitz had them custom made, and that thought was confirmed as she walked over to one which had Olive trees carved into the top with Olivia inscribed in between. Off to the left there was a beautiful white marble fireplace with a picture on top. Liv walked towards it and saw that it was her and Fitz sitting on a bench as they went over his appointments during his first campaign. They were so happy then. Everything was so simple and even though they had to remain quiet about their relationship, she couldn't remember a time where they had been so carefree.

Liv continued to look around and realized there were two huge walk in closets and smiled. Fitz knew her well. She entered a door off to the left and froze. She crept in slowly as she came face to face with the biggest bathroom she had ever seen in her life. It was equipped with a huge walk in shower with multiple shower heads, a jacuzzi, his and hers sinks, and a smaller sauna set around a corner to the back.

"Well, if there is nothing more you need of me at this time, I'm going to head on over to the guest house." Grace said, happy that Liv was so taken with the set up of the home. Liv nodded and listened as the woman's footsteps began to grow faint in the distance.

Once she was sure the woman was gone, Liv walked over to the tub, and noticed an assortment of her favorite bubble baths and body washes along with a towel warmer and silk robe. She smiled as she drew herself a bath and proceeded to get undressed. She placed her iPod in the ihome charger and made a mental note that she needed to upgrade from her Windows Phone to an iPhone and soon. It wasn't long before she was in the tub and relaxing as the jets massaged away the tension of the previous days.

Liv closed her eyes and allowed her thoughts to be filled with happy moments with Fitz. The first moment that came to mind was their first night at Camp David.

It had been a week since their rendezvous in the oval office, and they were both in need of some alone time. Liv knew the State of the Union was coming up, so it took her by surprise when Fitz suggested the entire team head over to Camp David to work there. It wasn't until she saw her cabin was directly next to the main cabin, while everyone else had been placed in the cabins on the back that she began to fully understand.

By day he was the president, and she was his Communications liason, working together to prepare the speech that would set the tone of the next four years. By night, he was Fitz and she was his Livvie- just two simple people in love and on borrowed time. They made sure to express their love every chance they got. But that was then, before things became crazy and everyone knew the nature of their relationship. Now, she's lucky if she can get a hello in without Cyrus or Mellie calling for her head on a platter. Now, she sees herself as just the help, the maid who was sent in to clean up the mess of the people who hired her. Liv knew that wasn't how Fitz saw her, but that was how her mother saw her and she couldn't explain why, but it stung.

Liv finished her bath, toweled off and motioned up before wrapping herself up in the silk robe Fitz had laid out for her. She walked into the bedroom and collapsed into bed as soon as she had turned down the beautiful ivory down comforter. It wasn't long before Liv fell asleep, exhausted from the 12 hr drive.

Liv's dreams were full of Fitz and the way they he took his time exploring her body as they made love. As her dream went on, it became more real. It was almost as if she could feel Fitz's hands roaming her body and gently pinching her nipples. It was almost as if she could feel Fitz's mouth clenching onto her neck, leaving a trail of moist kisses along the way. It was almost as if she could feel his tongue gliding down her abdomen. It was almost as if she could feel his hand parting her slick folds as his tongue sought out her bundle of nerves. It was almost as if he was there. Liv's hand subconsciously made it's way down her body, and she awoke when she her hand met the thick curls she'd know anywhere.

"Fitz..." Liv moaned as both hands worked their way into his hair and began massaging his scalp. Liv wanted to ask him what he was doing there, but couldn't form the words as her masterfully strummed her clit like it was a violin. It wasn't long before she was arching her back as her hips jerked up to meet Fitz's mouth as she was thrown over a cliff.

Once her body had calmed down, Fitz wasted no time removing his boxers as they were the only thing blocking him from sliding into home.

Liv looked up as he rejoined her on the bed, and helped her remover her robe. No words were spoken as he slid into her core, and began moving at a slow, sensual pace. Liv wrapped her arms around Fitz's neck, and her legs around his waist as they met each other thrust for thrust.

"Hi."

"Hi."

Those were the only words spoken as they moved together harmoniously, until they both succumbed to the orgasm that rocked their souls.

Liv wanted to ask Fitz what he was doing there, why he decided to risk everything and leave DC when he had plenty to do, but she already knew the answer. She knew she should send him on his way, but honestly she didn't want to. She needed this time, they needed this time. So for the first time she decided to be selfish, she decided to embrace the man who was risking it all for her. Liv put them first as she laid quietly curled up in Fitz's arms and drifted off to sleep.

Mellie made her way towards the oval needing to get something off of her chest. She knew Fitz would probably be busy, but she decided it couldn't wait. She needed to speak with him as soon as possible.

"Mrs. Grant! What are you doing here?" Lauren asked as she knew where Fitz had gone, but wasn't expecting the first lady to be in the White House that day.

"The DAR picnic was postponed due to the rain so my afternoon became free. Is my husband in?"

"N-No ma'am." Lauren replied nervously. She remembered the moment she had spent with the First lady a few months before while Fitz was away with Liv. Lauren sat quietly, praying this wouldn't be a repeat.

"Do you know when he'll be back?" Mellie asked rather calmly. Too calmly for Laurens liking.

"Either tonight or tomorrow. He said he needed time away. Time to just reflect."

"I'm sure he did Lauren. Welp, that's all I needed. Thank you Lauren. Have a wonderful day, and don't work yourself too hard. The cat is away after all." Mellie said with a wink as she walked back towards the residence. Lauren was more alarmed by Mellie's calm behavior than anything and decided she'd better call Fitz and give him a heads up. Lauren pulled out her personal cell phone and looked for the number listed under "Jasmine". It was a direct line to the home in Vermont.

Liv woke up believing the night before was a dream. She turned over and quickly realized she hadn't been dreaming at all. Fitz was really there. She made a promise to herself that she wouldn't worry about how long they had, or if he was staying too long. He was there with her in their home, and she was going to enjoy what little time they had. Liv went to stand and smiled as Fitz's grip on her tightened.

"Where do you think you're going?" Fitz asked as he buried his head in her hair.

"To the bathroom if that's ok with you Mr... President."

"I guess so." Fitz replied as he loosened his grip on Liv and watched her naked frame walk away. Her hair was a mess from their night of love making as they woke up twice, both desperately needing the other.

Liv went to the bathroom and quickly cleaned up a little before she brushed her teeth, washed her face and combed her hair then proceeded back into the bedroom, joining Fitz on the bed. Fitz looked surprised when Liv said nothing about him having to leave. He decided not to push it.

"How'd you sleep last night?" Fitz asked as he began drawing lazy circles on Liv's back.

"Best sleep I've had in a year." Liv responded. It wasn't lost on Fitz that she was referring to the last night they spent together in her apartment - The night he chose her and they ran down the clock together. After a few beats Liv spoke.

"Good morning."

"Hmmmm, good morning sweet Livvie."

"So, what do we have planned for today?" She asked causing Fitz to sit up and raise his eyebrow. He let out a deep breath, before reclining back and answering her question.

"I figured a little horseback riding and a picnic in the orchards. That is if you have no other plans."

Liv smiled up at Fitz. "No. No plans at all."

They laid in silence for a while before Fitz heard the house phone ringing. He immediately knew it was Lauren as she was the only one with the number.

"Hello?"

"Mr. Thomas... Sir, I just wanted to let you know that Mrs... Holiday was looking for you not took long ago. She didn't seem to mind that you had taken an extended lunch, she actually seemed... happy. I thought you should know. Just in case problems arise later."

"Thank you Lauren. I'll be in touch." Fitz said before hanging up. Fitz turned over and pulled Liv back into his arms.

Liv moaned as Fitz's lips gently glided over hers. His tongue began begging for entrance and she was all too willing to oblige.

"Hmmm, I though we were going horseback riding." Liv giggled as they broke for oxygen.

"We are. But I remember you saying it's been a while so I figured we could practice here." Fitz said as he pulled Liv on top of him.

"So, you're a horse now?" Liv asked as she began trailing kisses along Fitz's jaw. She smiled as she felt Fitz's erection pressing firmly against her stomach.

"I'm a stallion Livvie. Nothing with ever ride as smoothly, or as accurately as me." Fitz replied with a light tap to her ass. "No mount me."

Liv wasted no time to lift up, and lower herself onto Fitz's erection. No matter how many times they made love, it never ceased to amaze either of them just how much he filled her. Fitz always took comfort in the knowledge that not only did he fit her like a glove, but he apparently was better endowed than his adversaries Davis and Ballard. Liv reached down and held onto Fitz's shoulders for leverage as she began riding Fitz in a way she only felt comfortable doing with him.

Fitz watched as Liv arched her back and ran her fingers through her hair, before allowing her hands to work it's way to playfully tug on her nipples - all while moving her hips in a way that showed him her body was made to please only him.

Fitz's hands came to rest on Liv's hips as he met her movements with his own. Liv loved how the timing of their thrusts were so perfect that each sensation only strengthened the moment. He smiled as he felt Liv's walls begin to close in and instead of shying away, she locked eyes with him without him saying it.

He felt his own orgasm approach as he watched Liv's body begin to spasm as she reached her peak. This honestly had to have been the sexiest moment he had ever experienced in his life. Fitz followed a few moments later, and smiled as Liv collapsed on his chest.

"So, did I pass the refresher course?" Liv asked joking as she closed her eyes and allowed herself to bask in the afterglow.

"With flying colors."

Back at the White House, Cyrus was just beginning his day. He decided to bring Ella along with him, deciding it was safer to have her spend the day with Teddy, than at home with the nanny.

As he made his way into the residence, he was shocked to see Mellie sitting and eating a casual breakfast with Andrew. To make matters worse, Fitz was nowhere in sight. Deciding that he wouldn't allow their teenage hormones to get the best of him, Cyrus simply wished them a good morning before dropping Ella off in the nursery and beginning his day. At this point, Rome could burn for all he cared.

Cyrus walked towards the oval and stopped in front of Lauren's desk.

"Jasmine?" Cyrus asked, already knowing Fitz had found Liv and had gone to her. When Lauren didn't respond, Cyrus simply nodded and headed towards his office. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get angry. The possibility of losing Ella so briefly after losing James was too much for him. Now that he had Ella back, he wasn't letting anything ruin his day.

Cyrus sat in his office and focused on his job. Honestly his job had come second to the Shakespearian drama that Fitz and the women in his life. He had honestly forgotten how much easier his stressful job could be once he removed playing baby sitter. He was honestly at the point where he didn't care anymore. Fitz's and Mellie's love lives were no longer worth his health. Cyrus was ready to enjoy his morning cup of coffee as he perused some briefs that were laid on his desk when Ethan came barging thru his office door.

"Mr. Beene... Sir. There's been a shooting on the hill. The president we have been told has been secured as has the first lady and vice president. The children are with them sir."

Cyrus nodded and followed Ethan out of his office where his men were waiting to escort him to the bunker.

After a few passionate rounds of love making, Liv and Fitz made their way to the stables and pulled out their horses. Fitz went to go help Liv mount hers, and smiled as he watched her spring up and mount the horse on her own. He mounted his horse and they began to make their way towards the orchard with a picnic basket in tow when Hal came rushing towards them.

"Sir, we have word there's been a shooting on the hill. We need to return to DC as quickly as possible. The White House has been given word that you've been secured."

Fitz looked at Liv with saddened eyes and was met with a smile.

"Go, your country needs their leader." Liv said not able to help but feel the pride that was swelling in her heart at this very moment.

Of course the situation wasn't ideal, and secretly she wished they had more time, but that was neither here nor there in this moment. The love of her life had to set out to do his job. He had to be the voice of the nation and put their minds at ease like only he could. But not before he leaned down and passionately kissed Liv goodbye , before making his way towards the front of the home.

Liv watched as Fitz walked towards their flag which stood proudly in the front lawn and lowered it to half mass. She knew the rest of the flags would soon follow, but the fact that the flag in their home, on their lawn was first, as ordered by the president - her boyfriend made her proud. But even in the face of a national crisis, the President of the United States put her first with that kiss. It wasn't ideal situation with him having to leave so quickly, but he did as best he could in that moment, and she was enough for her. Liv waved as Marine One took off and disappeared into the sky, carrying the man who now had an added weight on his shoulders.

Fitz climbed into his seat on the chopper and smiled as he looked over at Livvie. He loved how patient she was with him when the nation called. He loved how she was proud of him for doing the job only she had faith in him to do. Their eyes locked and his heart sank as the chopper ascended into the sky and he watched the love of his life become smaller and smaller in the distance. In this moment the same thought crossed both of their minds.

This... Is why I stay.