DISCLAIMER: Scandal and its characters belong to Shonda Rhimes and ABC/Disney.

Grant Ranch - Santa Barabra, CA - early morning

Mellie couldn't sleep that night. She kept on thinking of ways to prevent Fitz from going forward with his plan. She wasn't going to allow him to make her lose everything she had worked so hard for. She was destined to be First Lady, and she wasn't going to let some idiotic tramp her husband was screwing jeopardize it. There was no way she was giving him a divorce without a fight. She needed some ammunition of her own, just in case Fitz wouldn't let it go. The look on Fitz's face kept hunting her throughout the night. Her mind kept going over the what-ifs.

But now, it was morning, and, it was time to act. She wouldn't take this lying down. She needed to find some leverage to use against him, even if only to delay the divorce a few months. Once they were on the trail, if she managed to stay that long, she would be 'safe' from this nonsense. He wouldn't be able to go through with the divorce without completely losing the election.

So, she called the one person she knew would help, her sister. She instructed her to find any and everything he could on her husband. She also called her lawyer and asked to go over her prenup. Perhaps she could slow it down enough for Fitz to come to his senses. She was determined to fight all the while knowing it might be a losing battle, Grants had ways to always get what they wanted. The Grants were a political dynasty like no other and they stood up for each other. It had been one of the reasons she had been so keen to become one after meeting Fitz at Stanford. But, her in-laws had hated her, they all thought the precious golden boy could do better. If she went to war with him empty-handed, she could only assume that she'd be out in the cold in less than an hour while they all celebrated her political demise. No one was going to save her. She needed to save herself. Just like she had gotten herself here, she would get herself to 1600 Penn.

Washington, DC - 3.30 p.m

Liv and Stephen arrived at the firm around 2 p.m. For the first time in months, Liv was buzzing with excitement. She wasn't going to be stuck in a menial routine, she was going to do what she liked: helping people. And she had the chance of a lifetime to not only affect politics but change the world. She went to her office to prepare for he departure. Once she was done packing her belongings, she needed to have the inescapable conversation with the name partners. She had tried to avoid that discussion for as long as she could. George Campbell and Russell Davenport had seen something worth nurturing in her and she was endlessly grateful to them for the opportunity. It was hard for women, particularly women of color, to not only succeed but thrive in an industry that remained overwhelmingly white and male.

Davenport & Campbell was known as the go-to law and PR firm for CEOs, dignitaries, and politicians throughout the DC Metro area. They helped all politicians, but it was no secret that the owners were democrats and most of their employees were either democrats or apolitical. Liv was very nervous about telling her mentors, people she respected and cared a great deal about, that not only was she leaving for a year, but she was also going to run the presidential campaign of a republican.

She went to Russ's office. She wanted to talk to him first. She had been an intern at the firm the summer of her 1L when Russ Davenport had taken her in as his protege. She had been a scared 21-year-old, in over her head, and he had helped her gain the confidence she needed to conquer the world. She owed him more than her career, he had been a father figure to her when she had needed one. She hoped that her decision didn't tarnish their relationship.

She took a deep breath and entered the office, after checking with his secretary that he was in.

"Olivia, how nice to see you?" He said before adding, "you know, you don't have to come to work every day right?"

She chuckled. "Don't let George hear you." She joked. "You know how he worries that it might go to my head, and never come to the office again."

They both laughed. Of all the partners, Liv had the most flexibility when it came to her hours, and whether to take or drop a client. She brought in the most high profile clients, and everyone, particularly George Campbell, worried they would be all too willing to follow her if she ever decided to set up her own shop. That was the reason why they were so willing to accommodate her even if it caused groans of protestation from the other partners and associates.

"We both know you wouldn't do that. Plus we wouldn't let our best litigator walk out without a fight, now could we?" He replied. "You look like you have something on your mind." He said, gesturing for her to take a seat.

Taking a deep breath, she mustered the courage to say: "I need to take a leave of absence."

"Is everything alright?" He asked concerned. She had never taken time off in the 7 years she had worked for him. They even had to force her to take her vacation days. For her to willingly take time out of her work, something must be wrong he thought.

"Nothing is wrong." Seeing the look on his face, she quickly reassured him. "A former college professor gave me a great opportunity for me carrier-wise. I…" She says.

"Let me know if there is anything we can do to keep you here. You know how much I'd hate to lose you." He said cutting her off. He knew that every firm in DC was interested in hiring her, and one of the reasons she had stayed was a sense of loyalty to him.

"I was offered the opportunity of running a presidential campaign and I'm thinking of taking it." She continues.

Russ let out a sigh of relief. "That's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You can't pass it up."

"I know. It's just…" She started, fidgeting with her fingers. "It's the Grant campaign." He had yet to officially announce his candidacy, but everyone knew he was running.

"Oh. I see." He said understanding what she left unsaid. Russ thought of Olivia like a daughter and he knew she thought of him as a father figure. It must have been hard for her to come to him with this information, particularly after George had left to run the Reston campaign.

"I think you should do it." He said after taking a moment to regroup. She was stunned into silence. "Don't look so shocked. I might be a democrat but I can't help but admit that there is a certain je ne said quoi that Governor Grant has and Reston lacks. Plus, it would be good for you. You know I think of you as a daughter, so allow me to try my hat at parenting. I see the look in your eyes. You don't have the drive and hunger you used to. I don't think many people have picked up on it, but I know you better than most. You seem lost. Perhaps it will do you good to be out of here for a while. You might even end up figuring out what you want out of your life before the light in your eyes is extinguished."

"But, what about George?" She asked.

"He'll get over it." He dismissed nonchalantly. "You are Olivia Pope, you thrive off of challenge. And what's a bigger challenge than the possibility to one up on your mentor and boss?"

"Why are you doing this?" She asked. She knew Russ very well, but she couldn't make sense of why he was being so supportive.

"I don't want you to end up like me. I don't want you to end up with a life full of regrets." He said with melancholy in his voice. Olivia knew there had to be a story behind that, but she didn't push. He would tell her when he was ready. "Besides, whether you or George manages to put your candidate in the White House, Davenport & Campbell will come up on top. Perhaps, I'll even think of one of you if I decide to throw my hat in electoral politics." He winked.

"I don't know what to say." Came Olivia's small voice.

"You're going to run a presidential campaign." He said, and the look on her face was priceless. It was as if it had fully sunk in at that moment.

"I'm going to run a presidential campaign." She said in disbelief.

"Don't worry about George. I'll manage his temper tantrum. But I have no doubt in my mind that you, Olivia Carolyn Pope, are going to make history." He said, getting up to give her a hug. As he watched her leave, he thought to himself, they better watch out because they wouldn't know what hit them. Olivia Pope was destined for greatness, he had no doubt in his mind that she could make a president but could be one herself if she wanted to. If only he had known just how true his words would prove to be.

Grant Ranch - Santa Barbara, CA - around 2 pm

Fitz and Cyrus were arguing, yet again, about how he couldn't run single and win. Stubbornly, Fitz was adamant about not changing his position which irritated Cyrus to no end.

"You're doing everything in your power to lose this election before it even starts. Can't you at least wait until after you are elected?" Cyrus felt like strangling or shaking some common sense into Fitz. "This is just giving the evangelicals even more ammunition and it does nothing for your RINO perception."

If he continued like this, Cyrus was certain he would have a heart attack before Super Tuesday. Damn him for having an idealist candidate. Fitz didn't know how the game was played and now he was making Cyrus' job that much harder with this foolishness. Was it so hard for the man to pretend? He had done it for a long time. To think that he chooses now, just as they are on the edge of history, to grow some balls, incensed him. How dare this man not appreciate how fortunate he was? He had the money, the charm, the charisma, but they might all be doomed if he didn't understand that he needed to make some sacrifices. He couldn't see what the big deal was. They could have continued to pretend and arrange for him to meet with someone if he was so keen on spilling his wild oats. That was just politics. It wouldn't have killed the man. But, no, he had to go and make Cyrus' work that much harder by insisting on going through with this charade. Fitzgerald Grant III was acting like a spoiled brat. Cyrus could think of a number of people who would gladly kill to be in Fitz's position but the manchild couldn't see it. And, he was determined to squander his potential on this inane divorce.

He couldn't wait for Liv to arrive there so the two geniuses could hash that out. He had a feeling she might be the only one able to reason with him. If there was anyone more stubborn than Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III, it was Olivia Carolyn Pope. Perhaps she could drill some sense into the man because he wasn't having any luck so far.

"No Cy, I can't wait. I told you all I was done and I meant it. I can no longer pretend. And as far as losing the election, a divorce just before I announce that I'll be running won't make me lose. Au contraire, it will set me apart from the rest of the pack, as the candidate refusing to lie to the American people about my marriage and its state. That will show the people of this great nation that I am trustworthy, something not often found in politicians. That will boost my approval rating to the rough. Besides, the staunchest evangelicals weren't going to vote for me either way with the Bibletrumper known as Sally Langston in the race. My divorce will make me more relatable since almost 50% of all marriages end in divorce. It will appeal to younger voters and independents who are tired of politicians and their bullshit. Heck, if I wanted to, I could even bring liberals into the fold by citing as the reason behind my renewed support for parental leave. And even the stanchest of evangelicals would learn to love me because if I wanted to, I could milk this divorce to make myself into a once in a generation kind of politician." He said animatedly.

Sometimes Cyrus forgot that Fitz was a brilliant politician who had managed to make this far on his own. Now he was more and more anxious for Liv to arrive. He needed someone to help him reign in his candidate and his newfound gonads, otherwise, Cyrus might also find himself left behind. And he couldn't let that happen. He had schemed, manipulated, and cudgeled, all to become the right hand of Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III and his inevitable presidency. But if things continued this way, Fitz might get the idea that he didn't need Cyrus, and given how easily he was destroying every single one of his arguments with a smart one, he might be on his way there. He really needed Liv. Having someone more brilliant than he, might tamper Fitz enough for Cyrus to control him once more.

"At least, can you tell me who you are leaving Mellie for? Cause if you had or are having an affair, you need to tell me as your campaign manager. So I know how to handle this." He tried to change tactics. What had that woman done to make him flip a switch? He needed to look into this. He was sure that something had caused Fitz to finally break free. He hoped it was an affair like Mellie suspected, if that were the case it would make him easy to control again.

Fitz was becoming irritated by Cyrus and his questions, it seemed as if his words were entering through one ear and coming from the other without reaching his brain.

"For the last time Cyrus, I never had, am not having, nor will I have an affair. I am not leaving Mellie for anyone. I am doing this for me, for my children, and no one else." He replied calmly.

"Ok, ok. I believe you haven't cheated. But, how are you supposed to run on family matters if you are dissolving your own family? Think about the campaign for a moment." Cyrus pleaded.

"Cyrus, I am going to tell you what I told you once I told you I would run. My children and their welfare come before anything else. If me having to divorce their mother is what's best for them, then I'll divorce her in a heartbeat. And right now, this divorce is what's best for my children. And as for the campaign, me divorcing my wife isn't the issue. The problem is..."

He was cut off. "Your age." Stated a voice from behind the room. Fitz turned to see who dared to interrupt him in his monologue and was met by the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen.

She looked no taller than 5 feet 4 inches. She looked absolutely gorgeous in her black pantsuit that hugged her figure, a light blue tank top, and a black jacket. She paired that with a pair of 4-inch heels and a light blue purse. She only wore her gold earrings with a matching pendant and watch which complimented her mocha skin. Her hair was in a nice ponytail with little curls surrounding her face. She looked absolutely breathtaking. She continued to speak and with every word got even closer which caused Fitz's heart to speed up.

"It looks like you're too young, too brash and indecisive. One minute, you're running for President, the next, you're divorcing your wife. And the idea that your run for the presidency is an exercise in vanity on your part would not be served by you being perceived as a petulant child. And this makes voters not want to trust you. In your case, it wouldn't just be a child with visions of grandeur, but someone who wants to buy himself the presidency. And this campaign will be doomed if Americans feel like they cannot trust you. And to be frank, you are too handsome for your own good.

Which would be fine except that if you're single, every man in America will be scared that you'll steal their wife. Or they will be too busy trying to figure out what is wrong with you, that you couldn't keep your wife despite your money and good looks, to ever take you seriously as a candidate. Could it be that you had an affair? Perhaps you're gay? Or could it be that you were too focused on your own political ambitions that you neglected your family? It wouldn't matter because those are the questions voters will be asking once they find out that despite everything, you couldn't keep your wife. And all those questions wouldn't be good, particularly considering you're a Republican. Family values matter to republicans, it's why they vote for who they vote for. And since Sally's got Jesus firmly on her side it only leaves, family. And yours, whatever the truth may be, from the outside it'll look like you just burnt it to the ground and have no respect for families."

She continued to step closer while looking him in the eye. She was staring in what she thought were the most beautiful blue-grey eyes she's ever seen. She felt drawn to him, like if there was a magnet compelling her to get as close as she could to him.

"People want to like who they're voting for. Voters thought Al Gore was a big stiff until he stuck his tongue down Tipper's throat. They put George W. in office because he and Laura seem like a fun couple to have a beer with. People have to want to invite you in for dinner, but right now your decision to divorce your wife, makes them not like you. Not because they are enamored by her but because it looks like you're giving up on the "American dream" they were taught from a young age. You had it all, the money, the career, the wife, the 2.5 kids, and a divorce makes it seem like you didn't fully appreciate it. So how could the people expect you to fight for it on their behalf when you didn't even fight for it in your own life?

Not only are you defying your party by divorcing your wife, but you're also opening yourself to the scrutiny of the media and providing your opponents with ammunition. Why so soon before officially announcing his run for president? Could it be that his wife didn't want him to run? Couldn't he wait until after the election? How can you expect the people to take you seriously when you stood with your family wishing them a happy Fourth of July, only to tear it apart less than a week later? All of which makes you look impulsive and reminds people of your age. Before long pundits and other candidates will point at your divorce as the encapsulation of your entire candidacy by reducing you to an entitled child who couldn't even make his marriage work despite having the world handed to him on a silver platter. And that's why you'll lose the primary before it even starts."

She finally stops to take a breath. They're still looking into each other's eyes, they seem transfixed and neither one can look away. Fitz is flabbergasted and at a loss of words. Finally he otters: "And you are?"

She smirks, satisfied with the reaction she was getting from Fitz. She the answers, offering him her hand to shake. "Olivia... Pope".

After a moment of silence, he looks over from Cyrus then back to Liv before saying "Miss Pope, a word, please?" On that cue, Cyrus excused himself. He left praying that they wouldn't get into a screaming match or something of the sort. This campaign needed both their brains if they intended to win the White House. He hoped they would let go of their stubbornness for a while for the good of the campaign but he doubted that Fitz would want her on his campaign after she just ripped him a new one. But, who couldn't hope right?

Please tell me what you think. Your opinions are welcomed and desired.

Simply J