It was Karen and Andre who were up first the next morning. They made themselves breakfast before moving into the loungeroom. Karen stopped so abrubptly that she alsmost spilt her orange juice and Andre nearly ran into her with his cereal. Andre was about to speak when he saw what made Karen stop. Her dad and Olivia were snuggled on the couch, they had barely moved since they fell asleep. She stood there stunned before turning around and walked out of the room. Andre followed her back to the kitchen.
"Karen." He asked not knowing how she felt about what she just saw.
"They look so peaceful" she mused. "I wonder how long they have been there. Should I wake them?" she asked.
"I dunno. So your not angry?" he asked. She looked to him and shook her head no.
"They clearly love each other. When I saw them kissing it was a whole nother level of passion which was a little bit gross because it was my dad, but that" she said pointing towards the loungeroom "That is sort of adorable." She laughed a little. "I want to let them sleep because I know Dad barely does. Im just worried that someone else will come down, mainly Jerry, and might be upset. And I don't know if Cyrus and James know." She said furrowing her brow trying to think if they had hinted anything.
"Why don't we wait till" he checked his new watch "8am, then I'll go up and see if Jerry wants to go for a run, give them till 8:30, then wake them up. I doubt Franklin will be awake for a while considering we didn't get home till midnight and if James and Cyrus come down, tell them the maid is in the loungeroom so just to use the sitting room near the front door."Andre suggested.
Thankfully Cyrus and James didn't come down and Andre and Jerry left for their run as planned. Karen sat at the dining table reading the paper until just before 8:30am when she woke them. She walked in and sat on the coffee table in front of them. They looked so cute. She gently started rubbing her dads arm. "Dad. Dad. Wake up."she said softly.
"Dad." She spoke more loudly and he roused slightly. One eye and his face scrunched up a bit before he realised where he was before he began blinking rapidly to adjust to the light. He was somewhat surprised to see Karen smiling at him. He started rubbing Olivia's back without noticing.
"Thanks Karen" he said, his voice slightly hoarse. His voice made Olivia jump awake. She quickly untangled herself from him and moved away from him on the couch before getting up off it altogether. She looked somewhat like a dear in headlights.
"Liv. Its ok. Jerry is out running with Andre, Franklin is in bed and Cyrus and James havent come down yet." She said standing up as Olivia walked around to leave the room. Olivia smiled weakly, avoiding eye contact before thanking her and practically running out of the room. Karen looked back at her dad on the couch as if to ask what the hell was that about? He ran a hand through his hair frustrated.
"I think I make her feel weak, and that makes her sad or angry or whatever." He guessed, slighly annoyed. Karen nodded.
"Just so you know, that was adorable" she said moving her hand in a circular motion indicating the two of them sleeping.
"Thanks Karen" he smiled and punched her arm lightly.
Olivia ran straight up to her room to try to compose herself. It was hard being so close to him, wrapped up in him. Well actually it was easy, so easy. It was the pulling away that was hard. She had slept well, somehow, even though she had been sitting up. She had pleasant dreams but did not want to dwell on them because they too made the situation harder. She got changed quickly before heading to Franklin's room to see if he was awake.
She knocked but heard nothing so she peaked her head in. He was sound asleep in bed. She smiled before deciding to go steal Ella to give James and Cyrus a sleep in which she thought they would need after the plans it seemed James had for them last night.
She opened the door to where Ella was sleeping, which adjoined Cyrus and James room. She made a note with some paper from a drawer so incase they woke up they wouldn't freak out. Luckily Ella was just playing in her cot, seemingly ammsued. She squeeled slightly when she saw Olivia but calmed when Olivia picked her up.
She took Ella downstairs and thankfully Fitz seemed to have left. She put Ella in her chair and made breakfast for them both. Karen entered a few minutes later with her mug to refil. She saw Liv in the dining room and went to sit with her.
"Morning Liv." She said happily.
"Morning Karen." She said slightly embarrased.
"Good morning Ella Bella." She said in a baby voice before she squished her cheecks, much to Ella's delight.
"How was your night?" Olivia asked.
"Was good, we had a great night. Franklin is great." She smiled.
"He is isn't he." She more said to herself than Karen.
"It was pretty funny, we were waiting in line and this French girl started trying to talk to him but he doesn't speak French so he had no idea what she was saying but she was cute so he just kept nodding and saying 'uh huh'. He is so cute!" she laughed.
"Oh god. He has a few friends at school that are girls but I didn't even really think about him having girlfriends till right now. I don't know if I can handle that. Thanks Karen." She joked. But she really hadnt thought too much about Franklin dating. The prospect was daunting when she thought about it. She decided to change the subject.
"So things between you and Andre seem to be going well." She said as both a statement and a question.
"Yeah, they are. He's great." She paused before whispering "In more ways than one."
"Karen!" she exclaimed somewhat shocked but also amused. She was smiling and Karen laughed.
"Liv, I'm not a child anymore. Im 19. I'm a woman"
"I know, and a beautiful one at that. I just don't need that imagery, especially when I am staying in the same house as the both of you." She made a little face.
"Like the imagery I got from you and Dad." Karen chuckled but Olivia's face dropped.
"Karen I'm sorry." She said seriously.
"Liv. Its fine." She said grabbing her hand. "I get it. I mean seeing you was a bit of a shock but I knew for a while."
Just then Jerry and Andre burst through the front door laughing, trying to catch their breaths. Andre walked straight to the kitchen and retreived two bottles of water, throwing one to Jerry.
"Morning Liv, Karen." Jerry said puffed before drinking from the bottle Andre threw at him.
"Morning." Liv replied.
Karen got up and walked over to Andre and wrapped her arms around his waist while he skulled the water. He rubbed one arm up and down one of hers. He finished the water and put the lid back on before leaning down to kiss Karen on the lips before hugging her.
"Ew. Your sweaty." She said pushing off him.
"What did you expect we just went for a run." Andre replied before trying to rub his sweaty face all over hers. She squeeled. "Get off!" she laughed. Jerry put his water on the table before yelling "Karen sandwich." And moving over to squish her between their two sweaty bodies.
"EW. JERRY! You guys are so gross. Get off!" She yelled. They didn't. Jerry mushed his sweaty hair into her shoulder and neck.
"Awwwww, my favourite sister." He said as he did so. Karen was wacking Andre who was holding her in place. Fitz came down at this point and started laughing.
"Daddy help me!" she pleaded. He laughed again at her use of 'daddy' which she only used when she was desperate.
"It's Andre's house and Jerry is just being brotherly, so your on your own honey." He said sitting at the table Olivia was at. He smiled at her before continuing to watch Karen squirm. Karen was desperate so she reached her arms back and began tickling Jerry's ribs. This was his achilies heel and she knew it.
"Your gunna get it now little sis." He said in mock anger. Andre let her go and she tried to run but didn't get far before Jerry picked her up and put her on the couch before tickling her underarms. He knew her weakness too. She started thrashing yelling "Stop." While everyone laughed. However a few seconds later she screamed loudly which frightened little Ella who started crying. Fitz cut in at this point and told them to cut it out. Olivia mimicker Ella's sad face as she picked her up from the high chair and cuddled her. Jerry stopped tickling Karen but sat on top of her as they caught their breaths. Once Karen could she stood up and went over to Ella and Olivia.
"Ella, its ok. Aunty Karen is ok. She didn't mean to scare you. Can I have a cuddle?" she asked and Ella held her arms out to be taken. Karen bounced her and kissed her and she calmed down quickly.
Olivia checked her watch and saw how late it was.
"What time did you guys get back last night?" Olivia asked the young ones.
"Umm, about 11-11:30pm I think." Karen answered, not really know if that was ok or not.
"Ok, I should probably wake him up then. Do you mind if I take this munchkin with me?" she asked standing next to Karen.
"Sure thing." She handed Ella back.
"Do you wanna help Aunty Liv wake up Franklin?" she asked in her baby voice. "I think you do." She said bouncing her on her hip as she walked to the stairs. Fitz watched her go smiling.
Olivia walked up the stairs and quietly entered Franklins room. She placed Ella at the foot of the bed and she began crawling towards him. Olivia moved around to the side of the bed before jumping onto it next to him. "Wakey Wakey" she said loudly as she landed. He groaned and covered his face with an arm.
"Look who came to help me." Olivia said pulling Ella up between them. She moved his hand and put her hand on his face. His eyes opened slowly at the gesture and he wrapped his arms around her.
"Did you have a good night last night?" Olivia asked.
"Yeah. It was a lot of fun. Karen, Andre and Jerry are pretty cool."
"What movie did you see?" she inquired.
"Fast and the Furious 8. It was pretty cool. Crazy ridiculous, but cool. And funny." He said while Ella used Franklin to stand up on the bed. "And there was this girl who Karen and Andre said was trying to flirt with me, but I didn't have a clue what she was saying." He blushed slightly.
She felt touched that she shared that information without even being prompted.
"Maybe I should teach you some then huh?" she asked with a wink.
"You really speak French?" he asked interested. He had heard her say a few words at the airport but nothing much. Didn't eveyone know please and thank you etc.
"French, and Mandarin, and Russian, and German, and Spanish and Farsi, and Swahili and Zulu." She rattled off. "As well as a few others that I have let slip a little." He stared at her.
"Are you serious?" he asked dumbfounded. She nodded and smiled at his reaction.
"Woah. That is so cool! Will you teach me some?" he asked enthused, holding Ella as she stood.
"If you really want I can get you a tutor?" she suggested.
"That would be pretty cool. Maybe I should learn a language you don't know so if we go there I can be the translator." He smirked. There really wasn't too many languages that she didn't know. Yeah she was a little rusty on some, but could easily pick them up again. And those she didn't know fully were mostly similar or dialects of what she did know, so she could pretty much handle herself anywhere.
"Or, you learn one of my favourites so we can practice all the time and visit." She countered. Franklin thought. He didn't know which would be better. "Anyways, just think about it." She smiled. She decided he was probably awake enough now so she rolled out of bed and picked up Ella. "How about we let Franklin get ready and meet him down stairs." She asked Ella, but obviously directed to Franklin. He nodded and Olivia and Ella left.
When Olivia got downstairs Karen and Fitz were the only ones there. She presumed that Andre and Jerry might have gone to shower after their run.
"Liv, we were thinking of maybe going for a walk. There is a river at the bottom of that hill and there is a picnic ground down stream. We could take a picnic, have some lunch. I know it is cold, but its not too bad. What do you think?" Karen asked.
"We should probably wait for Cyrus and James to wake up." Fitz suggested.
"Im not sure they will be up for quite some time." She said clearing her throat. "Maybe we just wait for Ella's nap time and put her to bed and then head off. Given them another hour or two." She thought grabbing a book from a box of toys to read to Ella.
"Good idea. I think she usually goes down about 11-11:30am. Or she has been for the last week or whatever." Karen said thinking.
"Yeah, sounds about right."
"Ok. Ill go tell the boys and get started on lunch."
Olivia began reading the book to Ella. It was just a touch and feel book so it was really just pointing and saying the word while Ella touched it. She felt Fitz staring at her but kept reading. Eventually she said "What" while still looking at Ella.
"Nothing." He replied, just thinking. Just then Franklin walked in. Perfect timing in Olivia's opinion.
"Hey Franklin." He greeted. Franklin had definitely warmed to Fitz after his little Christmas gift but still worried about Olivia.
"Morning." He replied sitting next to Liv.
"We are all going for a picnic for lunch when Ella goes to sleep. Is that ok with you?" Olivia asked.
"Sounds good." So they waited for Ella to get grumpy and Olivia took her to bed and left the door to James and Cyrus room open in case she cried.
They were all rugged up and ready when she got back down the stairs and Andre lead the way down the back of the property. It was an interesting walk to the picnic area. Jerry and Andre kept playing tricks on Karen, like saying they heard something and then jumping at her to scare her. It was amusing for all but Karen.
When they arrived at the opening it was quite serene. It was very still, except for the flow of the river. They sat down on a large picnic blanket Fitz had carried and Karen started getting the food out.
They all ate and then started playing with the frizbe that Karen had also packed, as well as a tennis ball. Olivia mainly just watched. She watched as Karen was tackled and thrown over Fitz sholder and thought it best not to join. Franklin eventually got his new camera out and was taking photos of the river and trees and the view. He asked if anyone minded if he took their picture, which of course they didn't. He took photos of them throwing the frizbe. He was just about to take one of Liv, who was facing towards him, when "HEADS" was heard and Olivia threw her hands over her head to protect it and her knees came up to her chest, bracing for impact. But Fitz caught it just before it hit her and threw the frizbe back.
He plonked down beside her as she re-extended her limbs. "Saved your life" he winked at her. She laughed.
"My night in shining armour." She said in a mock girly voice.
"Always." He stated.
XXXX
They were out for a few more hours before heading back. On their way back Franklin caught up to Olivia after talking to Jerry about something.
"Hey Liv. I have been thinking." He started.
"Uh oh." She joked before giving him all her attention.
"You know how we talked about what we would call each other." He was slightly nervous, but didn't really know why.
"Yeah." She confirmed.
"Well, it would be ok if you introduced me as your son." He finished.
"Is that what you want?" she asked, wanting to make sure he was sure.
"You treat me like your son, and I feel like your son, so yes." He smiled.
"Well nothing would make me happier." She truly beamed. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder, and her around his back and they walked back to the house.
XXXX
That night Olivia lay in bed trying to fall asleep, but finding it very difficult. She tossed and turned, thoughts of Fitz filling her mind.
She was about to groan with frustration when her phone went off. She picked up the wrong one though. She picked up her Fitz phone instead. Before getting her other one she decided to send Fitz a text, even though she knew it was probably a terrible idea.
I hate you.
XXXX
On the other end of the house Fitz was having much the same problem. He heard his phone vibrate in his suitcase under the bed. He looked at the bedside table to see his iphone sitting there. He smiled before retreiving the phone. Even though her words said 'I hate you.' He smiled because he knew exactly why she did.
I cant sleep either. He sent back.
XXXX
She huffed at his response and put the phone on the bedside table. She turned over and tried desperately to think of something else.
It was probably a good half an hour to an hour later that she heard her door creek open and close again. She was facing away from the door so didn't see the figure until they moved to the other side of the bed before getting in next to her. He pulled her close and kissed her head. She pulled away slightly.
"We shouldn't." she whispered. She could have stopped him at any time before he actually got into the bed but she had deliberately waited till he was close enough that it was pointless to suggest, and he knew it.
"There arent any cameras. I told you, I miss you. I just want to hold you. Please." He pleaded. She didn't respond in words, she only turned over and wrapped one of his arms around her waist. He pulled her flush against him and began kissing her head. She fell asleep smiling for the first time in a very long time.
It had felt like a dream to her, to be in his arms like that again, so when she awoke to the same feeling she jolted slightly. She heard him inhale deeply and the hand on her tummy moved under her shirt and she felt his morning glory right near her bottom. She stifened and he felt it. She tried to move away but his arm wouldn't let her. He picked up her phone and checked the time. 5:30am.
"Livvie. It is only 5:30am. No-one is awake, no-one will see us. Can you please just lay here with me." He said groggily, but desperately. She turned around to face him and her hands moved to his chest. But she didn't respond, she just looked into his eyes which slowly opened more as he woke. Their faces were so close to one anothers that they could easily kiss, but that would make things so much harder for both of them. So instead Fitz kissed her forehead. His lips lingered before he returnd to look at her. Her eyes were closed but slowly opened feeling his gaze.
"Franklin said I could call him my son." She broke the comfortable silence. Their smiles matched in intensity.
"Im happy for you." And he was. "Your good for him." She shook her head no slighlty.
"He is good for me." She said sadly, still looking into his eyes though. Fitz didn't really know how to respond, so he didn't. A semi comfortable silence settled. It was not comfortable because they were both in pain, but neither felt the need to speak. Eventually Fitz fell asleep again.
Before getting out of bed Olivia pressed the lightest of kisses on his slightly parted lips. She then rolled out of bed and prepared for the day. She let him sleep but wanted to get out of her room as quickly as possible so noone would go looking for her there.
Fitz woke an hour later, alone. He understood and walked back to his own room running a hand through his hair.
That day the group went out to some local markets and picked up fresh produce, hand crafted items and just admired the culture. Olivia was browsing a preserves stand when she spotted something familiar. Bouvier's Confiture De Framboise (Bouvier's Raspberry Jam). She picked up the jar and turned it around and read the label. She quickly gave the cahsier the money for the jam and left the stall. She stood to the side waiting for the others to catch up and further inspected the jam. She was so engrossed in thought that when they did approach she didn't notice. "What did you get?" Fitz asked her. She jumped slightly.
"Just some jam." She played down. Fitz frowned slightly but she put the jam in a bag and he let it go. They then went into a second hand English and French bookstore and the all picked up at least 1 book, Franklin a few more before they headed back.
That afternoon Olivia was trying to get some work done but could not concerntrate. She decided that she needed to swim so she went to find Andre. Andre advised her that there was in fact a pool on the property, as he explained, she remembered the building and had assumed that it was the house of the groundskeeper, or a boathouse kind of setup. She thanked Andre and asked him not to say where she was going, that she had gone out. She needed privacy, some room to think. He agreed but said he wasn't sure whether Secret Service were monitoring the building so she should take one with her.
She then went to find one. They were staying in the other side of the masion. She found a few of them in what she assumed was the loungeroom. Tom, Hal and Erik were sitting watching some form of sport, they were on rotation with 4 other agents (she didn't know where Daniel was). Olivia cleared her throat.
"I need to get out of here, by myself for an hour or so, just down to the building at the bottom of the property. Andre said he wasn't sure it was being monitored. Im not interested in creating a security issue for you, and I know your not on duty, so I would be most happy to cover the cost of your time in order to do so. Would any of you be interested?"
It was against protocol. They could of course spend their time how they chose, but they usually kept a low profile as falling asleep on the job had serious consequences, even if nothing goes wrong. Noone spoke for a few moments before Tom cleared his throat and stood. "Certainly Ma'am."
Olivia was not surprised. She knew that Tom was aware of the nature of her retalitonship with the President, and had seemed to pass no judgement and only loyalty for the President. She had her things with her so they left via the Secret service entrance to be discreet and walked down the property.
The lights were off when they arrived. Tom turned them on and did a quick sweep before he sat at the side of the pool as Olivia swam back and forth. She swam hard and Tom was slightly concerned that she might pass out with exhaustion if she continued at that pace, but she did for another fourty five minutes. He let out a sign of releif when she appeared to have finished her swim. She dried off somewhat before putting on a pair of track pants, boots and jacket before they left. They were walking up the hill pretty close to the house when Olivia stopped walking.
"Tom." She spoke as her ears started ringing, her head pounded and she started seeing white dots in her vision. From where he was a few steps behind he was next to her as she spoke his name. He looked at her to see her face drain of colour.
He watched as she began swaying slightly before she reached out an arm for him. He quickly moved to pick her up as he could see something was clearly wrong. He saw her eyes roll into the back of her head and her head fell back.
Fitz was standing at the back of the building. He had caught a glimpse of the colours in the skye as sunset appraoched. He went to move away before his eyes caught the two figures on the hill not too far from the house compared to the hill. He squinted to see Olivia and… was it Tom? Before he knew it though Tom was carrying her.
"JERRY" Fitz yelled into the house as he opened the sliding door to the back deck. The crisp air collided with his face. He felt tears fill his eyes and didn't know if it was the wind, or the sight before him. He ran down the 6 back step and towards Tom.
"What happened." Fitz asked Tom as he grabbed Olivia from him. Tom knew better than to argue at this point. They were on the move again when Tom replied.
"She went for a swim, we were walking back and she fainted." He was usually very calm and collected, but in this moment he was flustered. When he covers the President there are strict rules, what he can and cant do, a particular way to act. If something happened it was not on any one person, it was on them all. But right now he felt as if it was all his fault.
Fitz moved quickly and took the stairs two at a time. He saw Karen and Franklin move away from the door as he walked through it. Only a second or two later Jerry was running into the room. Fitz put her on the couch they had slept on a couple of nights ago. For just a second Fitz was able to convince himself that she was doing just that. But Jerry kneeling next to him broke him from that thought.
"She was swimming and then she fainted on the way back." Fitz repeated. Jerry immediately took her pulse. He then checked her eyes and improvised with the torch off his phone to examine her pupils and reaction. He felt her hands and examined her nails.
"Karen. Damp cloth and a glass of water." He said and she ran to retreive them. "And a bucket." He yelled after her. Cyrus and James, with Ella, arrived just after Jerry. Cyrus was visibly worried. Ella could sense something was wrong and began crying. James tried to calm her but decided to vacate the situation to see if helped Ella. He walked up to Franklin, thinking he didn't need to be in the room. "Franklin." He put a hand on his sholder. "How about we go upstairs." Franklin shrugged from his hand and remained exactly where he was. James took that as a no and left to get a crying Ella out of the room.
Karen returned quickly and handed them to Jerry before standing next to Franklin and started rubbing his back for comfort..
Jerry placed the water on the table, the bucket right next to him on the floor and started patting her face gently with the cloth. He wiped her forehead and her cheeks. "I think it is anemia. But she would need a blood test to confirm. She will wake up shortly but she might vomit." He looked at his dad to see tears rolling down his face. He handed him the damp cloth and placed his other hand on his sholder. "She will be fine."
He stood up and walked over to Andre to get the number for his local doctor so they could get him to come over.
Fitz moved over to where Jerry was and continued to dab her face with the cloth. Not too long later her eyes started to flutter slightly.
"Livvie." He whispered.
She slowly opened her eyes and met his. His gentle, hers pained. "Do you need to be sick" he asked seeing that she wasn't ok. She brought a hand to her mouth and nodded. He quickly moved the bucket to sit on his thighs. "The bucket is right here." He said at the same time.
She moved her head over the bucket and the contents of her stomach emptied. Fitz secured the bucket between his torso and the couch before he pulled her damp hair into a ponytail and held it with his hand. Her gag reflex caused her whole body to shake. He used his other hand to rub her back until the heaving subsided. When it did she was shaking.
"Liv. You need to sit up and have some water." Jerry said. Fitz helped her sit up, wiped her face once more with the damp cloth, wiped her mouth and handed her the water which she drank. He then picked up the bucket and moved to the bathroom to empty it and wash the cloth.
When he returned, some colour had returned to her face. Jerry had stopped him to let him know that a doctor would be there in 20 minutes. It was about dinner time by now and Jerry said she needed to eat something sooner rather than later. Fitz went straight to the kitchen to make her toast. He noticed the jam he saw her holding today and put that on top. He got a bit on his finger and thought it was absolutley delicious when he licked it off. He knew she would like it. He cut it into squares. He handed it to Franklin who was sitting next to her now.
She looked at it "Im not hungry."
"Liv you need to eat." Jerry said sternly. Olivia looked at Fitz who was sitting on the coffee table in front of her. He was worried. She then looked at Franklin who looked almost scared. So she reluctantly picked up the toast and put it in her mouth. The taste explosion surprised her. She looked at the rest of the piece she was holding confused.
"I used the jam you bought this morning." Fitz clarified seeing her face. She looked up at him once he spoke and then back at the toast. She began chewing, almost like it was rubber that she could not swallow. She put the rest back. She didn't want to eat any more but saw the still scared look on Franklin's face.
"Can you make me something else. Please." She asked her lap.
"Im sorry Liv. I'll make something else." Fitz said picking up her toast and going back to the kitchen. He opened the cupboard and found a nut bar. He thought he would try that. She ate it all in a couple of minutes.
She had just finished when the local doctor arrived. He asked everyone to leave the room. Fitz and Franklin clearly did not want to leave her but Cyrus, Andre and Karen had left when asked. The doctor looked around anxiously.
Olivia could sense this. "C'est bien. Je parle francais (I speak French)." She said and he understood.
He examined her and took her blood.
"Est-il une chance que vou estes enceinte?(Is there any chance you are pregnant?)" The doctor asked.
Olivia shook her head no.
He took her blood but agreed with Jerry's 'diagnosis'. "I would recommend having something else to eat in an hour or so, and then going to bed. You have exerted yourself too much today. And I would suggest no more swimming, at least untill we get the results back. Which will probably be new years eve." He said in English to make sure everyone would keep an eye on her.
"Merci" she said thanking the doctor.
"Merci beaucoup Docteur. Je vais la regarder." Fitz said shaking the Doctors hand.
Olivia stared at him as he spoke to the doctor. His accent was perfect. She didn't know he spoke French. He looked back at her smiling, knowing he had surprised her.
Karen and Jerry walked the doctor out.
"Since when do you speak French?" She crossed her arms slightly annoyed that what she thought was a relatively private conversation about a very private matter was made known to him. She was definitely embarrassed but wasn't really certain why.
"Who do you think taught Karen?" he said raising an eyebrow playfully. "I just got a bit rusty while running the first time but with Karen over here I asked her to help me brush up."
"Am I the only one who doesn't know another language?" Franklin piped in. This lightened the mood and Olivia elbowed him gently.
"So your gunna be ok?" he asked just checking.
"Sounds like it." She smiled reasurringly.
That night they ate dinner in the loungeroom. Pizza. Olivia had one or two pieces. Fitz saw that she was finished.
"Would you like me to help you to bed?" Fitz asked. She shot him a death stare.
"Let someone help you Liv." James suggested. He was the only person in the room that didn't know about their 'relationship'. She shook her head no.
"I need a shower, to brush my teeth…" she started.
"You need someone there incase you faint again Liv." Jerry recommended. She huffed. If she did faint in the shower, who would she prefer to see her naked? There was only one other woman in the house, Karen. If she did faint again she supposed that Karen probably couldn't lift her, nor could James or Cyrus.
"Fine." She said looking at Fitz. He smiled. He stood up to help her get up.
"Goodnight Liv. Hope you feel better in the morning." Franklin said leaning over and kissing her on the cheek from where he had remained next to her on the couch.
"Thank you." She said. She stood up but wished she hadnt.
"Good night everyone."
"Night Liv." Everyone chimed.
She hurried out of the room, followed by Fitz. As soon as they were out of sight Olivia turned around and grabbed his arms, her fingers digging into his biceps. He quickly picked her up as he had been carrying her earlier. "You ok." He asked when she was firmly in place.
"Yeah, just stood up to quick." She said as he carried her.
They got to her room and he sat her on the bed. "What are you wearing to bed?" he asked. He opened the cupboard where he assumed her clothes were.
"Probably my satin pants and a singlet." He put them on the bed. He walked back over to her and took off her socks and pants. Leaving her in her swimming costume. He went to pull the straps down when she stopped him. "Fitz."
"You want to shower in your costume?" he asked. If that was what she wanted, that was fine. "But you will have to take it off eventually." He said honestly. She stared at him again before rolling her eyes. He took this as consent and moved them successfully this time and pulled her arms out of the wholes, leaving her covered. He then got her a robe and put it on her while she was sitting.
"Ok. Up we come." He said helping her stand, making sure she did so slowly. He waited till he thought she seemed stable before turning her around. He reached for the top of her costume from behind her and pulled it down. When the top reached her hip he pinched all the fabric between his thumb and forefinger and pulled it the rest of the way down to her knees. He made sure to close the robe properly before wrapping one arm around her waist, still from behind, so she could step out of them.
Olivia was touched by how respectful he was being. He had seen her naked many times, and she him. But he knew that she didn't want to be exposed to him like that so he made every attmept to make sure she wasn't.
Fitz walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower.
"Fitz, I think I am ok. I can do the shower." She said walking in behind him. But the walking even made her feel a little dizzy.
"Ok. Well, I'll let you shower. But I am going to sit on your bed just in case. Call if you need me ok." He said sweetly before walking back to her room.
She hopped in the shower, the robe on a hook. She began washing her arms and torso with her bodywash, she avoided bending over at all. She then moved to wash her hair to get rid of the chlorine but felt a little queezy when she moved her head to much. She stood for a few minutes staring at the taps, trying to feel normal.
"Fitz." She said softly. She didn't want him to help, but she just felt really off.
"Everything ok?" he responded standing from the bed.
"It hurts when I move my head…Do you think you could help." She said still softly. He moved to the shower door and pulled it open slightly.
"What do you need me to do" he said looking only at her head. She was facing away from him with one hand on the wall of the shower the water falling onto her back.
"I need you to get in here and help me wash my hair." She said without moving. He didn't know what he was supposed to do here. Did he just go in fully clothed, or naked? Being cautious he just opened the door further and stepped in.
She saw him appear at her side and saw he was wearing all of his clothes.
"What are you doing. Take your clothes off." She said thinking it was impractical. He quickly removed them and threw them over the shower wall. She reached out with her hand that wasn't supporting her on the wall and pulled him against the wall. She then reached her arm around his neck. When she felt fully supported, she wrapped the other one around his neck too.
"There is already shampoo in my hair, I need to wash it out. Don't move my head too much" She said to his chest. Fitz grabbed the washcloth and rinsed it out.
"Close your eyes." He said before putting the cloth over her eyes. He then grabbed her waist and moved them back to the stream of water. He ran his fingers through the ends of his hair and then held her head steady with one hand and let the water hit the top of her head and swept it back with his other hand. He then massaged the front few centimeters of her hair and tried to wash it away before bringing the wash cloth up and over to catch the water.
"I think your hair is all clean." He said just running his fingers through it one more time. "Do you need any more cleaning?" he asked.
"I need to wash my face and…" her cheeks flushed slightly. He put a hand on her cheek for encouragment.
"Can you hand me the washcloth and facewash and help me turn around." Which he did.
She leaned against his chest with her back. He held her there as her legs were quite shakey. "I need the water now." She said and they moved under the water.
"I really need to brush my teeth but my toothbrush is at the sink."
"Can you lean against the wall while I get them?" he asked. She vocalised a yes and he helped her do so before he rushed to grab her toothbursh and paste and went back to her. She brushed her teeth, probably less thoroughly than she would have liked because she just wanted to lay down, in the same position as she had washed her face.
"All done?" he asked.
"I need the pink bottle and the washcloth." He handed them to her. He looked at the bottle as he handed it to her. He felt his own cheeks flush as he read the bottle. Was this why her cheeks were warm before. It was feminine wash. He cleared his throat and tried to look at a tile on the wall close to the roof, trying to give her some form of privacy while holding her to keep her standing. He felt her legs move slightly and tried so hard to think of something unsexy. The war, Cyrus, pregnant Mellie. He cursed himself for the last thought because it then put into his mind a pregnant Olivia. He felt blood rush to his groin at that thought.
"Im ready." She said when she finished. She could feel his slighlty erect penis on her lower back just at the top of her bum crack.
"What" he said distracted.
"Im ready to get out now." She repeated. She tried to sound stern but was smiling at his arousal.
"Oh yeah, of course." He said redirecting his thoughts. Fitz reached around and grabbed her robe and Olivia turned the shower off. He helped her into the robe, wrapped a towel around his lower half . Then he carried her back to the bedroom and sat her on a chair so as not to dampen the bed. He helped her dress and then pulled back the covers to put her in bed. He then went to put his own clothes on.
"Im going to go get you a bucket, just in case and some water." And he exited pretty quickly.
He realised he hadnt spoken to Mellie since she had left late on Christmas day so he thought he and the kids should speak to her. He grabed out his phone and quickly called her. When she answered she sounded out of breath.
"Are you ok?" he asked
"Yeah, just walked up some stairs." She dismissed his concern.
"How are your parents?" he asked.
"Good." She answered quickly.
"Ok… Everything ok with the baby?"
"Yeah, all is looking good. My feet are a bit swollen, probably from flying, but otherwise im ok."
"Good. Do you want to speak to Karen or Jerry?" he asked.
"Ah sure." She responded half heartedly.
He passed the phone to both of them to say hello and chat for a few minutes before she made some excuse that she needed to use the bathroom. Fitz then said he was going to do some reading and head to bed. He wished everyone goodnight. He retreieved the bucket and a glass of water and took them with him to his room first to get changed and then went back to Olivia's room.
He opened the door and wasn't sure if she was awake or not. He put the glass down next to her phone and the bucket on the floor nearby. She had opened her eyes as he did so. When he noticed he tilted his head to be on the same angle as her. "Thank you." She whispered. He then kissed her forehead. He walked towards the door and heard her try to vocalise, but even she wasn't sure exactly what she wanted to say.
"Don't worry, Im just turing off the light." He gave her a smile before flicking the switch.
She didn't argue as he slipped into her bed for the second night and he held her while she slept for a third.
XXXX
She woke up the next morning feeling rejuvinated. Nevertheless everyone had decided to lay low today, get some work done. So Franklin did some school work, as did Jerry, Karen and Andre. They all sat up at the dining table. Everyone else was in the library working on the campaign except James who was entertaining Ella.
Everyone watched Olivia like a hawk. By lunchtime she had had enough though and announced to everyone that she was feeling much better and that they didn't need to worry about her. Everyone added their two cents about just caring about her and wanting to make sure she didn't hurt herself if she fainted again blah blah blah. She finally relented just asking them not to coddle her.
Once again that night Fitz found his way to Olivia's room and Olivia didn't stop him. She knew she should. She knew she would most probably find it difficult to sleep when she left, but she couldn't deny the calm that fell over her when he wrapped his arms around her. She knew he needed it too.
XXXX
The next day was new years eve. Late in the afternoon they decided to go to a carnival. Fitz had decided to stay back because of the security presence that would be needed for him to attend, as did Cyrus and Ella.
They others had an absolute blast. Jerry and Andre had both won massive soft toys. Andre had given his to Karen and Jerry was going to give his to Ella. They went on a few rides: a rollercoaster, the ferris wheel and the log ride.
Jerry, Andre and Franklin went on a spaceship ride that spins so fast you stick to the wall. They all came out a little woozy.
They stuffed their faces with carnival food. On the way out there was a stall selling lots of NYE party stuff. Hats, and glow sticks and funny glasses and flashing cups and the like. They all decided to grab enough for everyone, as well as some glow stick glasses for the secret service. They also took some fair floss back with them.
When they got home it was about 9:30pm. Cyrus and Fitz were working but the return of the group ended that. They fell through the door laughing and smiling. They had a really good time. They showed Cyrus and Fitz what they had won and purchased. Ella was asleep but they all knew she would love the giant kermit the frog Jerry won.
Cyrus and Fitz, with some help of the Secret service had arranged for snacks and soft drink and a bon fire.
"Everyone to the roof." Cyrus announced and eveyone moved towards the stairs. Fitz held Olivia back and handed her a sealed envelope and a chemist bag. He went to the kitchen to get some wine while she opened it.
"Anemia." She said as he walked back in.
"That's ok, thats manageable." He said genuinely. Inside the paper bag was iron tablets. She shrugged. She had been pretty much healthy her whole life so she was somewhat dissapointed.
"Come on, lets join the party." He said and started towards the stairs. Olivia followed.
When she stepped onto the roof she was amazed, as had the rest of them when they arrived aswell. There were fairy lights set up across the massive roof. With tables and chairs around a bonfire. There was a snack table and an esky full of drinks.
It was the perfect night for it. It was chilly but not too bad and when sitting around the bon fire it was perfect. They roasted marshmallows and made smores for a while. Olivia sipped on wine, Fitz on scotch, Jerry on beer, and james and Cyrus on cider. Fitz had given Karen a glass of wine so Olivia said Franklin could have either wine or beer mixed with lemonade so he didn't feel left out.
Being new years, house lights were on even this late which illuminated the sky and gave them quite a magnificent view.
As the countdown began Andre directed them to one side of the roof. They stood there counting down. "Happy New Year" was heard, echoing through the sky and the fireworks started seconds later.
As the countdown started Fitz heart started racing. Every new year since he had met Olivia he had wanted her to be the one he kissed as the year changed. She was standing behind Franklin who was leaning with his forearms on the wall. The countdown reached 3 when Olivia breifly looked behind her and saw Fitz staring holes into her head. She went to turn back around but he grabbed her by the arm and pulled him to her, crashing his lips down on her before she had time to react. When she did have time to react she kissed him back, opening her mouth for his tounge. They broke after about thirty seconds when a particularly loud firework exploded. They continued to stare at one another for a few more seconds before Olivia turned around and walked up to where she was standing before Fitz pulled her away.
They stood there until the fireworks stopped and then Jerry lead them in a toast to the new year. They finished their drinks and headed to bed.
Olivia didn't sleep at all that night. Not one wink. She just kept picturing the kiss over and over. She tossed and turned, trying to get comfortable enough for sleep to overcome her. It never did. She arose with the sun.
She went to make some breakfast and found Fitz in the kitchen eating toast. Upon her entance they knew that the other had not slept. Fitz' hair was a mess, Olivia's eyes were clearly tired.
"I used some of your jam. I hope you don't mind." He said putting a piece in his mouth. She only shook her head that she didn't mind. Without asking he grabbed a cup and made her a tea with the kettle he had boiled only a minute or so ago.
She took it and moved to the couch.
"You need to have something to eat too." He reprimanded. She rolled her eyes. She silently moved to make breakfast for herself. He watched as she moved.
"I didn't sleep at all either." He confessed without prompt. She looked at him, not sure how to respond.
"I didn't come last night because I don't want us to become reliant upon each other." Olivia snorted.
"It is a bit late for that." She whispered, but he heard. He bowed his head. She moved out of the kithen and he sighed.
Everyone slowly dribbled down. It was their last day there, they would all be traveling back on Air Force One tomorrow morning. They all made sure their bags were packed before they returned to the picnic area down the river. It was a crisp day, but cloudless. That night Karen cooked her dads favourite, spagetti bolognaise and it was delicious. Karen and Andre were the only two not returning to America. They would start back at Uni soon.
That night Olivia lay awake in her bed, desperately trying to sleep. After having no sleep the night before she was thoroughly exhausted. She had half expected Fitz to come in at some point but he didn't. It was just past midnight when she decided that she might go find Ella, see if she was awake and perhaps snuggle with her. She checked on Franklin on her way, only to find little Ella in bed with him. She frowned. Now what would she do.
She returned to her bed for another hour untill she was alsmost so exhausted that she wanted to cry. She got out of bed, defeated and slowly walked to where she knew Fitz' room was. She walked slowly so as to give her time to rethink, but she quickly found herself at his door. She stood there. Should she knock? He never had. What if he is already asleep?
Before she could think more he came up behind her. "Liv?" he inquired. He was holding a mug. She didn't respond.
He opened the door to his room and grabbed her hand to bring her in with him. He released her hand and closed the door. He then put the mug on the bedside table and pulled the covers back on the bed and got in. Olivia had not moved since he let go of her hand, still not wanting to commit. When he saw she hadnt moved he got back out of bed and picked her up, putting her in the bed.
"Want some camomile tea?" he asked after he took a sip from his mug. She nodded and he handed it to her. He put it back on the side table and properly lay down. He was about to pull her to him when she almost lunged on him. She rested her head at the top of his chest and her arm across his torso and threw one bent leg over his hip with her foot between his legs. He rubbed her back and only a minute or so later they were both asleep.
XXXX
Having had so little sleep the night before they slept later than normal.
The next morning Franklin went to find Olivia to ask what time they were leaving again. He checked her room first, then the kitchen. She wasn't there. He asked one of the Secret Service if she had gone for a swim and they said she hadnt left the house.
Franklin knew Fitz was usually up early so he thought he would ask him instead. He knocked but heard nothing so he opened the door slightly. He saw Fitz laying there asleep. He might not have noticed Olivia laying there if her hand had not been resting on his cheek. The contrast of colour made it stand out. Fitz' hand was in her hair as her head rested on his chest. He sighed a little, knowing how much harder it would make going back for her. He was almost angry about it. He closed the door and returned to his own room. He got dressed and finished packing before taking his bag to the door.
He made breakfast and waited for everyone to wake up.
Eventually it was just Fitz and Olivia who had not made it downstairs. Everyone thought that was odd, so Franklin made an excuse about forgetting something and quickly ran upstairs. He knocked again and proceeded after silence. They had not moved since he came in earlier. He stood at the door and cleared his throat loudly, not really knowing how else to subtly wake them up. Nothing. He moved a little closer, nothing.
He moved closer, now he was pretty much standing next to the bed. He felt very awkward. He didn't want to lean over the President to nudge Olivia so he just nudged him instead.
Fitz inhaled sharply and moved the arm not around Olivia to rub his eyes. He removed the hand putting it above his head on the pillow. He opened his eyes and saw Franklin. Shit he thought.
"Franklin, what's wrong." He asked groggily.
"Ummm. Its 8:30am." He said awkwardly. Fitz turned his head to the clock on the side table, he was right. They were supposed to be leaving on AF1 at 11am and they had to get to the airport. Franklin only turned around and left the room.
Fitz ran one hand over her back and the other over her face, whispering to wake Olivia. He felt guilty that Franklin had come to wake them up. He knew Olivia felt like a bad rolemodel and he didn't know if he should tell her or not. She slowly woke, moaning at his touch. Realising where she was though she quickly moved away from him and out of the bed. She almost ran to the door when she saw the time. He jumped out after her.
He met her at the door. "Livvie, please wait. One minute." He pleaded. She paused and he turned her around.
"We have to go." She said unconvincingly as he invaded her space. She moved flush against the door. His hand moved to her face and his thumb caressed her cheek. He was looking at her lips, she was looking at his eyese. He moved in slowly and she closed her eyes anticipating impact.
He brushed his lips against her gently before kissing them softly. He was going to pull away but she turned her head and kissed him back. Her tongue poked out between her lips slightly. He felt the moisture on his lips and stuck his tongue out slightly to meet hers. When they met, both of their mouths opened wider to take the others tongue. The kiss was not urgent like the others they had shared this week. It was passionate, but slow and sensual. They broke away and both chests were heaving.
Olivia removed her hands from his neck and found the door nob next to her. She turned it and slipped out.
XXXX
11am came around and they somehow made it. The plane took off flawlessly and on time.
Franklin was quiet. He sat and looked out the window, barely commenting that he was actually on Air Force One. Fitz had noticed that he was quiet and thought he should probably talk to him.
"Hey, do you want the grand tour?" he asked Franklin. Franklin only shrugged. Olivia nudged him a little. "Sure." He said unenthusiastically.
He stood up and Fitz took him through each room explaining it. The tour somewhat cheered him up, only because of how awesome it was. The last stop on the tour was the nose, which was the presidential suite.
"So, do you wanna talk about it?" Fitz asked. Franklin didn't respond.
"Your angry at me." Fitz stated. Franklin coyly looked at him.
"You hate me?" Fitz asked. Franklin didn't hate him. He shook his head no.
"Well don't worry, I hate myself enough for all three of us." Fitz said solemly. Franklin leaned against a wall.
That was all that was said. They walked back to to where they were sitting. The rest of the flight was pretty quiet.
Soooooooooo: What did you think? Please review!
Rest assured that what I have posted so far is less than half of what I have written, it is just a matter of proof reading etc.