A/N: Sorry this update took me so long. These new Scandal episodes have got me in my feels. What do you think of what's happening right now? Well, I hope an extra long chapter helps make up for the delay. Oh, and does the bartender seem a little familiar?
Chapter 13: Lovers in a Dangerous Time
When you're lovers in a dangerous time
Sometimes you're made to feel as if your love's a crime -
But nothing worth having comes without some kind of fight -
Got to kick at the darkness 'til it bleeds daylight – Bruce Cockburn (covered by Barenaked Ladies)
The water dropped into the pan below with a steady rhythm. Liv focused her eyes on that, not wanting to engage in any conversations. The lady placed a glass of an alcoholic beverage in front of her on the bar. Liv cupped it in her hands despite her tied wrists. She brought it to her lips to taste. Questionable origins. It seemed to be some kind of cross between beer and wine. Fitz had left her at the bar to help Harry with some problem he had with his rover. She guessed Fitz trusted her enough not to bolt, which he probably shouldn't have. Liv thought briefly of smashing the glass and using it as a weapon, but she looked around the room at the militia and knew she wouldn't get far. The bartender offered a sympathetic gaze as she asked, "You ok? They haven't treated you too roughly, have they?"
Liv considered the person in front of her. She was an older woman with fading blonde hair and shrewd blue eyes. She not only managed this small bar, but offered rooms, women and men for rent. "I'm fine, but I'd be better if you could help untie my hands," she whispered, thinking she didn't have much to lose by asking.
The woman gave a regretful smile, "Sorry, dear. I have no plans of going against the militia. They're my best customers. But your drinks are on me."
"Thanks," Liv responded flatly, returning her eyes to the dripping water. They just passed the summit earlier that day; the snow gave way to a steady rainstorm which made everything muddy and miserable. This small town was the first bit of civilization Liv had encountered in weeks. The run-down lodging was relatively clean and it beat sleeping outside.
Liv took another swig of the alcohol and couldn't hide the grimace. The man walked up to the bar and stood next to her. "What's the matter, good old Madame Sharon's special blend is too much for you, Livvie?" Jack challenged.
She took a big swallow in response, thinking it might help deal with the present company. "My name is Liviana. You can call me Liv or you can call me Ms. Bishop, but don't call me Livvie. I don't know you."
A sardonic smile graced his mouth, but didn't reach his eyes. "Fitz calls you Livvie. How well did you get to know him?"
She refused to take the bait and instead stared straight ahead and took another drink.
He made a little noise under his breath and then tapped his glass on the bar for a refill.
Sharon took it with pursed her lips, shaking her head as she turned her back to fill his drink. "You need better manners, Jackie. You people think you can just come in here and take anything you want and not even ask for it."
"Hey, we give your town fuel, food, and we protect you from outsiders. I'd say you are getting a pretty good deal here." He held out his hands and circled in place, scanning the room for agreement from his fellow militia members. A few people held up their glasses and grunted with approval.
Sharon placed the drink on the counter with such force that the liquid splashed up onto Jack. She didn't hide her smile as he shook off the liquid. "Supply us with fuel, do you?" She gave a short, exasperated laugh. "You cut our winter supplies in half this year. And we were already cut in half last year too. A lot of people have already moved to Denver, and who knows what the population will look like next year?"
Jack narrowed his eyes and his jocular tone evaporated. "Fuel supplies will be restored to previous levels soon. The General wants all of his people to thrive. He is forming new alliances with the Kansas Energy Cooperative and our enemies that have thwarted our efforts to bring peace and prosperity to the land will be defeated."
An uneasy feeling came over Liv as she listened to Jack's rhetoric. "Enemies? Since when did the Denver Territories have enemies," she asked, her brows knotted in puzzlement.
He then took a swig of his drink and addressed her loud enough so everyone could hear in the room. "Since Texas decided to renege on trade agreements and effectively close its borders." Liv glanced around the room and saw people murmuring their approval and raising their glasses to what he was saying. Liv didn't usually talk politics, particularly when it came to Texas. She kept her head down and opinions to herself when it came to such matters. Privately, she didn't see how Texas could be the enemy just because they were protecting their own energy supplies.
Jack slipped into the barstool next to her and leaned into her space. "So tell me, Livvi . . ." She shot him a death glare. And he quickly corrected himself. "Liviana. You're a bounty hunter; you must get around, ever been to Texas?"
She felt herself tense up at the question. "No, can't say that I have," she smoothly lied.
He adopted a dubious expression as he studied her. "I'm just trying to figure out what the General wants from you." She could feel his eyes travel her body from head to foot. She returned the favor, but wasn't too impressed.
"Maybe he wants someone dead; I am a bounty hunter after all," she said with a straight-face.
He seemed to consider that for a moment. "Nah, there's plenty of people he can use if he wants someone dead." He leaned in closer so she could feel his breath on her cheek as he whispered, "I think you know exactly why the General is after you and I'm going to figure it out soon." She felt a cold chill run down her spine.
A hand clapped the back of Jack's neck. "Need something?" Fitz spoke tersely. Jack looked caught off guard and quickly backed off and straightened up. Fitz had come in the bar weary, after helping Harry fix a leaky radiator on the rover. The rain made it difficult and mud covered him from head to toe. When Fitz saw Jack whispering into Liv's ear, he felt a lump in his throat and balled his fist.
Jack met the challenge in Fitz's eyes and then slow smile spread across his face. "No, we're good, Fitz. Really good." Liv watched the strange display of aggression between them and she yearned for free hands so she could slap both of the men.
"Fine, you can leave now," Fitz ordered. For a second he thought Jack would challenge him, but instead he gave a slight nod to the pair and turned around to join another table.
The bartender broke out a smile and placed a drink in front him. "Aw, Fitzie, it's been too long since we've seen you here. We've missed you." Fitz was about to plop down on the stool just vacated by Jack when Madame Sharon demanded that he stop. "You are too dirty to sit down at that stool we just washed it. You may stand so I can take a good look at you." Fitz gave her a quick smile under his mud splattered face as he lifted up the glass and called out cheers. "Finish your drink, your room is ready and there's already a bath there."
"Much obliged, Ma'am." Fitz scrutinized Liv. She looked annoyed and he wondered if it was because he had interrupted them. "What did you two talk about?"
She detected a note of jealousy and found it galling. "We just talked how we are going to screw each other's brains out as soon as you turn your back." Fitz's mouth hardened into a thin line and his eyes burned with fire. He knew she was trying to get a rise out of him and it worked. He took several large gulp from his drink as an unwanted image of what she described flash through his mind.
He didn't trust Jack even though he had known him a long time. The man was charming enough, but just under the surface Fitz sensed resentment. Jack tried to one-up him at every turn, most of the time Fitz found it amusing, but occasionally it got tiresome. Now that he wasn't quite sure where he stood with Liv or his father he had no patience for it. He finished his drink and tossed a gold coin at Sharon who caught it with ease. "Keep the change."
"Be a good boy, Fitzie," Sharon admonished.
"I'm always good," Fitz replied with a wink.
Suddenly, he grabbed Liv by the waist and tossed her over his shoulder. "Hey, what are you doing? Let me go," she exclaimed. Others in the bar laughed as she hit his back with her hands and cussed. Jack just narrowed his eyes and stared. Fitz ignored them as one arm held her legs down while the other hand gripped her tush. He opened the door to his room and tossed her on the bed.
Her face blazed with a passion. "You do not handle me like that! You do not humiliate me like that," she bellowed.
Fitz rolled his eyes. "What, so you could fight me as I made you walk to the room? Do you know how many bruises I've gotten these past few days because of you?"
"Well, you're lucky they are only bruises." She had fought him at every turn and it was a good thing he didn't wind up with a knife in his back. "I thought you were going to make a plan to free us, Fitz."
"I'm working on it, Liv." She made a derisive sound and he closed his eyes, wondering when she'd trust him again. The exhaustion he felt seemed to settle in his very bones. He silently thanked Sharon for sending someone to draw a hot bath for him. The metal tub was located in the middle of the room. The town had a limited plumbing system, so having a heated bath was a luxury. He sat down on a chair, took off his boots and then started to take off his shirt.
"What are you doing?" Liv asked with alarm. Fitz pulled off his shirt, every muscle stood in stark relief.
"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm taking a bath." He proceeded to unbuckle his pants.
"Not here you are. Not in front of me." She could have turned away, but she didn't as she watched him peel off the mud caked pants.
"Hell, Liv. It's not like you haven't seen me naked before. I seem to recall the first thing we did was take a bath together." He smiled a little wistfully at her. She met him with a stubborn silence. He stood up and she observed his well toned features. She watched fascinated by the shape of his body, the way he moved, the way he stood. Dammit, why did he have to be so good looking? The thought came to her unbidden as she observed him walk over to the tub. Her eyes lingered around his groin area and a knowing grin spread across his face as he caught her staring at him. "Come and join me Liv. I'm sure you'd like a bath too," he cajoled.
She held out her tied hands. "Kind of hard to take a bath like this."
Fitz had kept up the pretext that she was his prisoner in front of Jack and the other militia. He didn't know if she'd run away if he freed her bonds or not, but he came to the conclusion that it wasn't his call to make. He hesitated for a moment then walked to his travel bag and pulled out a knife. He severed her bonds and then slowly rubbed her wrists as he looked into her eyes. She said nothing, but his proximity and the way he massaged her hands stirred something in her. She felt her breath quicken and her heart beat faster. "There. That's better." He broke contact with her and turned his back on her as he walked to the tub, leaving the knife by the bed stand. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't kill me."
Fitz climbed into the tub and let out a deep sigh, closing his eyes and leaning his head back. He stayed like that for a few minutes, almost falling asleep before he opened his eyes again and focused them on Liv. She hadn't made a move from the bed and just seemed to watch him. "Come on, Livvie," he smiled seductively. "Why don't you take a break from hating me and take a bath?"
When she didn't respond, he took up the soap and washcloth. He lathered the fabric and ran it up and down his taut arms. Liv watched the soapy water slide down his body, running down the rivets of his chest muscles, circling his nipples and disappearing back into the tub. She needed a distraction. "What's happening with Spin?"
"I checked on him before I helped out Harry. He's doing fine, much better than the medic expected. Still, he's not going to get very far in his present condition." Fitz frowned. That was a problem. Spin was not strong enough to help with an escape. "Twitchy is right by his side; although she did try to stab a few people who changed his bandages." He noticed her anxious expression and added, "They are going to be fine, Livvie. Everybody is going to be fine." He sent a silent prayer that circumstances wouldn't prove him a liar.
He finished washing up and wanted to soak the warmth of the bath a little bit longer. However he caught the longing gaze of Liv and knew she probably wanted a bath too. Just not with him. Not anymore.
In truth, the thought of joining Fitz tempted her. She wanted to get clean and a part of her yearned for the simple pleasure of his touch. He stood up splashing water on the floor as he got out of the tub. He grabbed a towel and wiped himself down, running it over his hair which made it stick every which way. He ruffled through his bag and pulled out a t-shirt and underwear. Fitz grabbed a clean towel and washcloth and tossed it to her on the bed. "Better get in now before the water gets cold."
She looked at him skeptically. He turned his back and held up his hands. "I promise I won't look." She quickly took off her clothes. Fitz stood in front of a dresser, rummaging through his bags looking for the book he took from the bunker. He caught a quick glimpse of her reflection in the dresser mirror as she padded across the room, her shapely bottom bouncing a little as she moved. He felt the rush of blood tighten his loins almost immediately. Down boy, he thought as he shook his head and headed for the bed.
She let out a sigh as the warm water enveloped her. She glanced at Fitz who seemed thoroughly engrossed by his book. It seemed he didn't have a problem detaching himself from inconvenient desires, she thought with some frustration. She watched as he licked his pointer finger to turn a page. She held the bar of soap, twisting it absently in her hand foaming lather on the washcloth. Suddenly a loud knock startled her out of her revere and sent the soap flying out of her hands and skidding across the floor.
Fitz answered the door, opening it half-way to shield the view of the bathtub. A maid asked if they had any laundry they needed done. That's one thing he loved about Madame Sharon's place, accommodations like laundry and a warm bath were heaven after several weeks on the road. He gathered his muddy clothes and a few other items. "You have anything you need cleaned, Livvie?"
His question was perfectly innocent, but her mind suddenly flashed to him using his tongue like a cat exploring all the hidden reaches of her body. She tried to banish the image from her head and told him of the clothes she wanted clean from her bag. He handed the maid the rest of the clothes, shut the door and then faced Liviana. She crossed her arms and hunkered down in the bath a little. He shook his head and started back to the bed.
"Fitz?" He stopped and turned around. "Could you hand me that bar of soap?" Liv pointed to the soap that laid in the middle of the floor. He slowly walked over and picked it up. When Fitz handed it to her, she grasped his hand and studied his face. The simple touch of her skin left him almost painfully aroused.
He finally broke contact and headed for the bed. Did she actually look disappointed? Maybe. He stopped and thought, fuck it, just try. Without facing her he spoke, "Liv, I think you have some dirt on your back. It looks like it might be hard to reach. Would you like me to help you with that?"
She didn't respond at first and he was just about to go to bed when she whispered, "Yes." He turned around and regarded her large brown eyes that held an invitation in them. It took his breath away. He made deliberate steps back to the tub and took the soap and cloth she held in her hand. His fingertips lingered a moment on hers. Fitz dipped his hand in the water and started twirling the soap in his hands with the washcloth. Liv examined his hands as they made small waves in the water. Strong hands. Gentle hands. Hands she wanted on her body.
She hugged her knees exposing her smooth back. When he finally touched her, she felt like he seared her flesh. Fitz made large circles beginning with her shoulder blades and tightening to a center point. He dipped the washcloth under the water and touched the top of the crevasse of her bottom before tracing it slowly up her spine. He dropped the washcloth as he placed both hands on her shoulders and began to massage them. She felt him gathered her hair and pushed it to the side of one shoulder. He gave her a gentle kiss on her neck and she took in a sharp breath when he whispered in her ear, "Lie back and relax, Livvie."
When she complied, the water splashed up on him, soaking his shirt and boxers he wore. Her eyes traveled down his body admiring how the wet fabric clung to him. She couldn't help looking lower and saw that his bulge stood in stark relief. She had an urge to reach out and touch it but instead she leaned back in the tub, closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. He retrieved the soap and washcloth which partially sat under her and gave her derriere a gentle squeeze. She swallowed the moan in the back of her throat as his hand traced up her side along the curve of her hip and to her shoulder. He took the lathered washcloth with one hand and with a feather-light touch started to circle one of her breasts. The other hand held on to her neck, his thumb stroking the length of it. His lips grazed her neck, working a particular spot with his teeth and tongue.
He's leaving a mark on me, Liv thought. But the marks felt like they were already there, like he brushed aside the leaves of a trail that he had once known; familiar, yet new again. Here she was marching to a fate unknown led by this man. Why am I allowing this to happen? He had already lied to her, and yet she still wanted to believe him. She still wanted to believe that he would right this situation. She still felt connected to him. She moaned as he lifted a breast, testing its weight, caressing a nipple with his slippery fingers. Maybe it's just lust.
I'm losing control. She could be dead in a week and here she was, letting him in, opening herself up to him once again. She wasn't this person. She spent years creating a life and a name for herself and all of that was in danger of disappearing in a moment. She opened her eyes and met his blue gaze. She wanted to hate him. Why couldn't she?
His hand touched the side of her face, holding it as he kissed her upside down. His teeth caught her bottom lip and nibbled it before his tongue pressed against hers and explored the bottom of her mouth. He thought she hated him. He knew she didn't trust him. He wasn't quite sure what made her change her mind about tonight. Maybe it was nothing more than her body calling out for release. He would take whatever she offered, but he wanted her trust. He needed her to believe in him. He needed her to believe he would be there for her. He held her neck firmly, feeling her pulse under his fingertips as he continued to explore her mouth. Her hand stroked the side of his face and she broke off for a moment between kisses and murmured, "Join me."
He didn't need more prompting as he stripped his wet clothes off and slipped in behind her, cradling her between his legs. She could feel his hard erection pressing against the small of her back. She had her knees up, her feet pressing against his inner thighs. He grabbed her ankles and slowly moved his hands up her legs, to either side of hips before he hugged her stomach and brought her closer to him. She felt like a stuffed animal hugged by a loving owner. He nuzzled her neck in the same spot he did before. He then turned her slightly and sought her breasts taking a wet nipple by his teeth and pulling it. He playfully licked and sucked at one of her breasts while his other hand matched his movements and then switched breasts. He delighted in seeing her facial expressions; her mouth shaped like and an "o," her brows knotted in almost painful pleasure while she began to pant. He released her breast with a pop and Liv made a sound of disappointment, grabbing his head to bring it back to her breast.
"No, lean back." She reclined on his chest without hesitation. Fitz found the cloth and soap again and she watched as he flipped them repeatedly in his hands making a lather. She slid her hands up his arms and held onto his wrists watching the soap glide over their skin.
"Spread open," he whispered into her ear. Liv complied by lowering her legs and hooking her feet around his ankles, while pressing her thighs against his. He started with her left inner thigh from her knee to just where leg met her pelvis. He then repeated the action with her other leg, but purposely avoided her apex. Fitz dragged the washcloth across her stomach and dipped into her belly button which made her tingle and gasp. He moved up to her breasts caressing their undersides and circling her nipples. She was groaning by the time he finally made it to the center of her womanhood. He stroked her steadily with the slightly rough fabric. She curled her toes and ran one of her hands up the back of his neck to grab his hair. Fitz planted a series of kisses on her collarbone and neck as his fingers danced along each ridge and fold.
He stuck one finger and then another in her opening as his thumb traced concave circles around her clit. Liv called out his name and felt his manhood twitch in response. She reached behind her and started to stroke the length of his shaft in rhythm with him. He let out a throaty groan. Both of their movements became more urgent and she could feel herself reaching a peak. She felt a little pre-cum at the tip of his cock. "Let's . . ." she said between pants.
"Yeah," he responded. She straddled his lap, still facing his feet and slowly lowered herself onto him. She leaned forward and rested her palms on the bottom of the tub. Fitz held onto her thighs as she rode him. She took it slow and easy at first undulating on top of him. He moved his hands to her ass cheeks and squeezed. He then took one hand and traveled up her spin and grabbed the hair at the back of her neck as he thrust into her warm, tight embrace again and again.
Would this be the last time they made love? The thought terrified him. He felt the walls closing in on them the nearer they got to Denver. This is a dangerous time. He increased his movements to drown out the voice in his head until all he felt, and saw and thought was the woman in front of him. He could sense that she was reaching her climax as well. When she called out his name, he joined her in release. They called it the little death, but he never had felt more alive. Not with anyone. When he saw his future, the only thing he could see was her.
A/N: I thought I'd start giving a cheat sheet on which present character corresponds with their past life. There are a few that might remain a mystery until the right time.
Olivia Pope = Liviana Bishop
Fitzgerald Grant III = Fitz Grant
Quinn Perkins = Twitchy
Huck = Spin
Stephen Finch = Fincher (already left story)
Harrison Wright = Harry Walker
Abby Whelan = Amber
Edison Davis = Lewis (died in Tombstone)
Jake Ballard = Jack Story
Fitzgerald "Big Jerry" Grant II = The General