AN: So... here's chapter 20. I wrote this as fast as I could. I just want to thank all of you who are still interested in this story and the new readers who decided to give it a shot. To the reviewer Sandra Nowakowsk thank you so much for taking the time to review each chapter, your reviews made my my week. I really do love reading what you guys think, I hope you enjoy it :)


Monday afternoon everything was set up for the interview that evening, Olivia picked the outfits for the three of them and coached them on all they were supposed to talk about, while her team handled everything with the tv crew and the press. It was going to be a live interview so it was important to be very careful of everything they said. About an hour before the interview, Fitz left his office and went to get ready, once he had changed his clothes he went to find the make up crew, and on the way he saw Karen and Jerry in a room next to the one where the interview would take place, they were talking and giggling and Fitz worried they might be plotting something. However he didn't get to ask them because he was dragged away by Abby who had been looking for him so he could finish getting ready.

Karen and Jerry had actually been plotting something, it was all about putting the idea of their father and Olivia out there sooner than what was planned. Jerry had realized from his previous encounters with the press that people loved everything he said, and he figured that whatever came from the first children, people just ate it up. He figured it had to be the fact that people assumed, since he was a kid, he didn't have an agenda and just spoke his mind, and also that he always said he was talking without permission. So if doing his own thing had worked before it shouldn't be any different now, and it would be much better if it came from both him and Karen. She was on board right away, they thought about telling Fitz, he would have agreed, but they wanted his reaction to be real. They would probably be in trouble, but only briefly and it would most likely end up well.

The interview was scheduled for 8pm, and ten minutes before, everyone was seated on their assigned spot just waiting for their cue. At 8 sharp, the interviewer Kate Miller, made the necessary greetings and introductions and proceeded with the questions.

"So, Mr. President, a lot has happened to your family in a rather short time, how are you all coping? you guys look good, but we would all like to hear it from the source" She began cheerfully.

"You are right, a lot has happened, but I think we are doing great, there have been some adjustments, but we know that as long as we have each other we will be ok" Fitz answered, but he knew one of his kids would be up next, they needed to hear it from the kids too, it was all planned like that.

"How about you guys, I mean, when you came back" Kate said to Jerry "Everything had changed, your parents were already divorced, and you she turned to Karen "You lost your brother, your parents got divorced, then he came back, it must have been really hard for both of you"

"Well yeah some things were hard, like being away from them, and knowing they were hurting, but my parents divorce didn't really affect me in a negative way" Jerry spoke first "I don't think I need to repeat myself, I believe I made it all very clear a few days ago"

"I agree with Jerry, it was actually a relief when dad told me they were getting a divorce, my only concern was if me and Teddy would get to stay with him" Karen added

"If you don't mind, I really don't think we should keep talking about things relating to our mother, everything that had to be said has been said, so we should just put that subject to rest"

Kate nodded, she knew not to push things when it came to children, she could come off as rude or mean, besides the kid was right, he had already said a lot about the former first lady, it was better to get some fresh information. She moved on to ask them about they had been up to since Jerry returned, it was supposed to be lighthearted interview to let the country know they were all better off. They talked about what they did in their spare time, and how Fitz always found time to spend with them, to be a part of their lives. Everyone thought it was so cute, it was all about their little things, watching tv with them, Fitz' new habit of eating mac n cheese and fish sticks, and how they played in the pool at Camp David. Olivia had even planned for them to "embarrass" their dad with stories that had been specifically picked and modified for that purpose. After that, it finally came the moment they had been counting on, they all knew questions about his romantic life would come up, and they had prepared for it, but they were not counting on the kids side plans.

"Mr. President, you are pretty much the most elegible bachelor in the world, will you start dating anytime soon?" Kate asked with a flirty grin.

"I don't know about that, I feel like I'm a little to old for the whole dating thing, and I'm too busy between my job and the kids" He answered as he had been told to. The interviewer turned to the kids.

"And you are ok with your dad dating?" Kate asked them.

"Yeah totally, but whoever it is, she has to be vetted by me, Karen and Teddy" Jerry answered.

"All three of you?" She asked them

"Yes, specially Teddy, because little kids don't lie, and sometimes they are very perceptive, when they don't like you they just don't" Karen answered.

"You see now" Fitz told Kate "It's not as easy as it sounds, it's going to be hard enough for me to meet someone, and then I'll have to get their approval" The kids looked at each other and grinned and of course everyone noticed.

"Why are you smiling guys, is there something he's not telling us?" Kate turned to the kids, an Fitz worried, that was not part of the plan, he knew they were up to something.

"It's true meeting new people is complicated, and we might not like them, but maybe he doesn't have to" Jerry started, Fitz worried even more, and Olivia did too.

"Maybe theres someone already there, that we all approve" Karen added, Fitz eyes went wide, he saw where they were going.

"Guys…" he said in an attempt to quiet them.

"So there is someone" Kate said

"Not really, but we like to think it's a possibility" Jerry said

"Oh who is it? Can you tell us?" Kate pressed

"Guys" Fitz said again, but he knew there was no point.

Karen and Jerry looked at each other, and Jerry nodded.

"We keep telling him he and Olivia Pope would make a great couple, and it's great because they already know each other and they are friends, and the three of us really like her so it would be perfect" Karen blurted out.

"But they keep saying we are crazy" Jerry added.

Fitz was covering his face with his hand, he knew he should have asked when he had the chance, at least get some sort of warning, he knew Olivia was probably freaking out. They would just have to wait and see what happened, they had put the idea out there already, maybe it was for the best but they couldn't know for sure.
Kate wasn't sure what to say, she had two options, she could bring the cheating issue back up, since everyone probably remembered that for a moment it was thought she was his mistress; or she could forget about that and keep things cheerful. She went for the second option, the other issue had been put to rest a long time ago and it was too risky to bring it back up.

"Mr. President, what do you have to say about that" She went for the most obvious question

"That my children have overactive imaginations" he said with a light chuckle.

"See, he says we are crazy, we are just saying they both should just think about it, who knows it might be a good thing" Jerry insisted. "I mean don't you like her?" he asked Fitz

"Don't you think she's pretty" Karen asked before he could answer the first question, his own children were putting him on the spotlight.

"Yeah of course… I do… but we are just friends" Fitz blushed and national television and the kids resisted the urge to laugh out loud.

"We are just saying you could be more" Jerry said, the time of the interview was running out and Kate cursed in her head for not bringing up the topic until the end, she didn't think it would get so interesting. She made a quick judgement call to give Fitz a breather, she figured it might help her chances of a future interview.

"Ok guys, you are making your dad blush now, give him a break, maybe he just needs some time" Kate said "And luckily for him, we have reached the end of this interview.

Kate proceeded to say the appropriate goodbyes and soon the transmission came to an end. She thanked the three of them for their time and they quickly left.


Quinn and Abby were the ones in charge in charge of dismissing everyone and sending the trio back to a conference room, where Olivia was waiting for them.

"What were you thinking" Olivia almost yelled when they went into the room.

"I swear I had nothing to do with it" Fitz said right away, he really didn't want to sleep on the couch.

"It's true, we didn't tell him" Jerry told Olivia

"We just wanted to get the ball rolling a little faster, you guys have waited so much already" Karen added

"And everyone loves whatever we say" Jerry was beginning to have second thoughts, he felt guilty looking at how upset she was.

"We didn't mean to do any harm" Karen said apologetically.

Olivia's face softened hearing their words, she was touched that they cared about her and their dad, and she realized they meant well, but she was still worried, it had been something quite reckless to do.

"I know guys, but it was still very risky, I'm just worried the whole cheating thing will come up again" Olivia told them calmly

"Maybe it won't, Kate didn't say anything" Jerry tried to ease her worries

"Sweetheart don't worry, he's right, and as far as everyone is concerned, I slept with someone else and you were fully exonerated" Fitz really did think it would all be ok, even if some people tried to make a mess out of it.

"I guess, we just have to wait and see" She started walking to leave the room, so she could go ask Abby and Quinn what was being said already, but Fitz stopped her before she could leave.

"Liv, everything is going to be alright" he whispered in her ear and held her close to him. The kids began to feel like uncomfortable and quietly started walking out of the room. Olivia was avoiding Fitz' gaze.

"Look at me please" he lifted her chin with his hand "We are going to be ok, no we are going to be great, no matter what" he said confidently

"Yeah, I guess" she said without much conviction

"Liv, please, just trust me ok, do you trust me?" He asked her

"Of course I do, but I can't help worry, the media can be pretty ruthless and its so hard to know how the public will react"

"That's not what I'm saying Liv, it really doesn't matter what people say or whichever direction the press takes this, we are going to be great because we have each other, and we are building a beautiful family together and thats all that matters" Liv took a deep breath and finally relaxed, she still worried a little, but she knew Fitz was right, she couldn't allow other people's opinion of them get in the way of their happiness. Fitz was going to lean in for a kiss, but in that moment he remembered about the kids and moved back.

"Are you ok?" Olivia looked at him confused

"Yeah, I'm sorry I just" he turned around and realized he and Olivia were alone, he let out a small chuckle.

"I suddenly remembered Karen and Jerry were in here with us" he explained

"Oh god… you are right, they must have left when you stopped me from leaving" They both felt embarrassed and looked at each other for a moment, before breaking into loud laughter.

"We should be more careful" Olivia finally said

"Yeah, what kind of parents are we that we forget our children are in the room" he let out a small chuckle, but it didn't go unnoticed by Olivia that he referred to the children as theirs, not his. He noticed he was looking pretty serious now, she knew already they would become a family officially and she loved the kids already, but it was the first time he actually said it like that and it caught her off guard. She still felt unsure about her status as a parent.

"Everything ok?" he asked her, he knew his words had affected her, but he wanted to know why.

"Yeah, its just that it's the first time you refer to the kids as ours" she figured there was no point trying to lie or change the subject.

"Is it? Well I thought that was implied, it just feels natural" He said sincerely "Is that ok with you?"

"Yeah… I mean of course it is, I just… we haven't really talked about it, It's kind of a big deal for me, that you consider me good enough to be a parent to them, I don't have much experience and I worry that I won't be good enough" Fitz interrupted her before she continued

"Babe, no one is born knowing how to be a parent, and it's impossible to get it right all the time, I personally don't have the best track record, what matters is that you care and you want what's best for them, and I firmly believe you got that covered. You have been much more of a parent for them than Mellie ever was, and I always have thought you would make and amazing mother, there's no one else I'd trust my kids with" He fully trusted her, and he needed to make sure she knew it, he didn't have the slightest doubt"

"Thank you" she said choking back tears.

"I've actually been meaning to talk to you since movie night at Camp David , but I kept putting it off for some reason, I just wanted to let you know you have as much authority with them as me, you don't need to consult me for permissions or anything, and also hmm… I wanted to talk to you about having a meeting with my lawyer, just to make sure they stay with you in case anything happens to me, I just think it's important" It was truly a concern for him that something could happen to him and they were shipped back to their mother, Karen and Jerry were old enough to fight it, but it would be catastrophic for Teddy. Olivia smiled at him broadly and nodded, she was just really happy about how far they had come.

"Fitz, listen to me, if you die, I will kill you" He chuckled "But you are right, set up that meeting for later this week"

After they had sorted everything out, Olivia went back to her previous task and told him she had to go check with her team. Fitz went to the residence to check on the kids before he went back to the office, he had to make up for the time spent in the interview.

"How's everything?" Olivia asked as soon as she found Abby, Quinn was seeing out the last men of the tv crew.

"Pretty well, the network posted a poll on their website to see if people think you guys should get together" She opened the website on her tablet to show Olivia "And there's a 90% absolutely yes, a 3% maybe a 5% not sure and just a 2% no"

"Wow, that is surprising" Olivia said

"Not so much really" Quinn said as she walked towards them "Jerry put you in a very good place on peoples minds after he told everyone you saved his life"

"She's right actually" Abby agreed

"And people also think it was very nice of you to stick around even though you were accused of sleeping with him and your name was dragged through the mud, but they all bought the story about the other girl so…"

"Yeah don't worry Liv, things are looking good, no one will think wrong of you after they heard how much his kids like you" Abby added

"Our kids" Olivia corrected her "He said it, out loud, and it feels right even if it's not official yet"

"Official doesn't matter" Abby said with a smile "I'm really happy for you"

"See Liv, there's nothing for you to worry about, you have your family on your side, and when I say that I'm talking about us too, you gladiators" Quinn was really happy everything had turned out so well for all of them, aside from the fact that business was as good as ever, it was great to have the team again. She just wished Harrison could be there too. They still hoped though, since there was no body yet.

"Thank you guys, I don't think I say it enough, I'm really grateful you had Fitz' back when I was gone" Olivia felt very loved by everyone at the moment and she felt great. She may no have any biological family, but she didn't need them.

"What do you guys say we go back to OPA with Huck and get some take out" Abby suggested

"Sounds like a plan" Quinn agreed and the three of them went to get their things, Olivia texted Jerry she was going out, he asked if she was ok and she told him everything was good, that she just wanted to hang out with her team. Both him and Karen were relieved to know all was well. She also texted Fitz and he told her it was great and to have fun.


When they got to OPA Huck was anxiously waiting for them, pacing all over the office. They had texted him they were going there to get dinner, and he didn't mention anything was wrong.

"I'm glad you are all here, this is too big to be told over the phone" Huck said when he stopped in front of them.

"Is something wrong? You didn't say anything earlier, what happened?" Olivia said with concern.

"It's recent, and since you said you were coming, I figured I'd tell you in person" Huck told her

"Huck please just spit it out we are dying here" Abby said with desperation.

"Maybe you ladies should take a seat… It's about Harrison" The three of them were shocked and they moved the conversation to the conference room.

"What is it Huck, is he… did you find a…" Olivia couldn't bring herself to say it.

"No, he is alive" Huck cleared

"You should've lead with that buddy" Abby said

"Sorry… anyway he is alive and he contacted me for money to come back here" Huck explained to them.

"Wow… this is… wow" that was all Quinn managed to say

"Oh god, this is great news, I can't believe it, I'm so happy we don't have to add him to commands list of casualties… but where is he is he ok?" Olivia was relieved to say the least, she couldn't wait to tell Fitz.

"He says he's ok, he didn't explain much, he just said Tom helped him and he managed to leave the country and somehow made his way to a small village in China" Huck began telling them what he knew "He said they don't hear much american news there, but a few days ago he had to go into the nearest city to help a sick child from the village or something and he overheard some american tourists talking about Jerry and and all that has happened so he decided to call" he continued

"But we changed all of our numbers and everything for security reasons" Olivia remembered they had made a lot of changes during the time she was gone and after she returned.

"Yes, and it took him a while to get access to a computer find our one public number, but he did and I just wired him the money, he said he will be on the road soon, he should be back here in a couple of days" After Huck was done telling them everything, they were quiet for a few minutes, that was indeed a whole lot of information to take in.

"I guess now we have one more reason to celebrate" Olivia finally said

"Our team is almost complete again" Quinn said

"Yeah, but Stephen left by choice so it's ok, he should come visit though" Abby added

"I will see if I can find some wine so we can toast to the great news, why don't you guys order the food" Olivia got up and went to her office, she wanted to celebrate with her gladiators, but she needed to talk to Fitz.

She dialed his number as soon as she closed the door of her office, he answered on the second ring.

"Hey sweetheart, everything ok?" He found her call a bit odd, she had told him about going to OPA and he figured she hadn't been there for long

"Yes, more than ok actually, it's just… I just got some rather shocking news" Olivia took a deep breath before she continued, just hearing his voice made it all better "Harrison is alive"

"What? Oh my god, that is great news, is he ok?" Fitz knew how bad she felt thinking Harrison could be dead because he of command.

"Yes, he left the country, went into deep hiding, he told Huck that Tom helped him" Olivia and Fitz were still trying to decide what would happen with Tom after he was discharged by the doctors.

"That is… very interesting, we need to make a decision on that don't we?"

"Yes we do"

"Are you ok?" He knew she must be feeling far too many things at once, he wondered if he should leave work and just go get her.

"Yeah, Im just… I've spent so long worrying, and I honestly didn't expect this, it's been a long time and I really thought we had lost him" She was choking up by the time she said the last part.

"Oh sweetheart I know, but try to focus on the good news, everything is ok now… if I leave now I can be there in 20 minutes" He couldn't hear her crying and not go running to her side.

"No Fitz it's ok, I need to be with my team now, we need this, after all that has happened… for old time's sake, I think we are even getting Stephen on Skype"

"Ok, then" He was a little disappointed, but he understood, they were her family too and this was a huge deal for them.

"I will probably be back home a little past midnight, will I find you up?"

"Yes, I still got lots of work, see you later babe, I love you"

"I love you too" with that they both hung up and Olivia busied herself finding the wine to go back to the conference room.

Huck had already ordered the food when she returned to them, once the shock wore off conversation flowed easily, it was like no time had passed and it felt good, even Huck was participating. They all had gone through some difficult times, but things just kept getting better. They did manage to get Stephen, it was a bit early for him, but he was happy to see them and to hear about Harrison, he actually took his laptop to the kitchen so he could have breakfast while they ate their dinner. It had been really long since the last time they had just hung out together, and for a long while she didn't think it would happen again. Olivia was in a place in her life she didn't think she'd get to, everything she had gone through, every bit of heartache, it had all been worthwhile to get to where she was now