xoxo
X
He reaches from under the covers, searching for the blaring alarm clock atop the nightstand. He struggles a great deal at first, knocking down his phone, a watch, wallet, and a set of keys that aren't his own. What a great start to the day.
An inaudible groan rumbles from his chest as he peels the covers from over his head. He regrets it immediately, for the sun's beams peeking through the semi-opened curtains bombards him. Stretching his arms out, he finally shuts the alarm off.
How the hell was the alarm set in the first place? A question he asks himself as he lifts his head from the pillow using a hand to shield his eyes from the sun. He attempts to get out of bed but soon finds himself wrapped in a pair of strong arms.
Danny's still here.
Before reacting, he's pulled back down and pinned to the mattress within seconds. Their fingers interlace, and his hazel eyes meet Danny's grey ones, a warm smile manifesting into his features as he leans in and kisses him.
"I thought you were gone." He murmurs.
"And miss the chance of waking on top of you?" He raises a brow. "Not a chance."
"I think you were on top enough." He wraps his legs around Danny's waist. "Why don't we switch?"
"I disagree." He murmurs, pressing his hips into his, eliciting soft moans from Ryan's lips. "Because I think you love when I'm on top."
There's no combating his words, so Ryan simply kisses him, tongue brushing across his lips.
"How many times?" The question pulls a chuckle from Danny.
"Once on the couch, once in the hallway outside your bedroom door, and once in the bed. So, three, but I'm feeling a fourth." He buries his face against Ryan's neck, tongue brushing along his sweet skin and his hips rocking against Ryan's.
Although he tries to fight it, a soft moan passes through Ryan's lips, unable to withstand Danny's erection grinding against his own. His want for this man surpasses his desire for any and everything, making him putty in Danny's hands.
"We should go, Danny . . ." His voice trails off. "The alarm . . ." His mouth's agape with pleasure.
"The alarm was set on purpose so that I could spend some time with you this morning." His voice is muffled by Ryan's warmth, sucking marks into his skin. "Don't you want to spend time with me?"
He does. He wants to spend every second of every day with this man.
"I do." He murmurs into Danny's ear, tongue brushing against his earlobe.
"Yeah?" He presses a soft kiss upon Ryan's neck, trailing a hand down his wanting body, slipping it inside his underwear, eliciting soft moans from his lips.
"Mhm." He grinds his hips into Danny's hand, placing his hand upon the nape of his neck. "Kiss me."
And he does. Lifting his head to meet Ryan's gaze, Danny kisses him with a feverish passion. There's no better taste than his boyfriend, and the soft curses he emits when their lips meet lets Ryan know. Together, they fall into desire, letting the ocean consume them.
Danny smiles, massaging Ryan's erection, eliciting moans from his lips. Every part of Ryan is beautiful, and Danny ensures that he gives every inch of him his undivided attention. Nothing surpasses the hunger he feels for Ryan or the animalistic rapture that drives him.
He grabs Ryan's jaw with his free hand to keep him from focusing anywhere but him, kissing him with an uncontrolled passion. He groans against Ryan's lips, rocking his hips into his. He feels so good, and Danny's trying his best not to rip his boyfriend's underwear off and take him.
"Take the day off." He murmurs against his lips. "For me."
"And what would we do?" Hands rubbing down Danny's back.
"Well," he grabs the waistband of Ryan's underwear and begins to pull them down slowly. "For starters, I need you all over me."
"Is that right?" He lifts his hips, allowing his underwear to slide down his legs. "What's after that?"
Danny smiles, tucking his lip between his teeth.
"After that, we can test the shower, maybe the kitchen."
"The elevator too?" He slips his legs out of the underwear, wrapping his legs back around Danny's waist.
"The whole damn apartment complex if we have to." He chuckles, pressing a soft kiss upon his lips, tossing Ryan's underwear aside. He returns a hand to Ryan's erection, pumping him.
He moans. "And here I thought you were with me because of my vast intellect, dashing good looks, and amazing fashion sense."
"Those are just a few qualities I love about you."
"Yeah?" He slips his hand inside Danny's underwear, his fingers brushing against his erection.
"Yeah." He groans, feeling his cock pulse against Ryan's fingertips. His chest rises and falls, hips rocking back and forth. He's in desperate need of Ryan's depths.
"I promise to tell you more, but right now . . . the only thing I wanna do is-"
There's a knock at the door, attracting their attention, bringing their moment to a sudden stop.
Ryan snickers. "Get the door?"
"Yeah." He chuckles. "Get the goddamn door." He shakes his head, stealing a quick kiss from Ryan before climbing out of bed.
"The robe is hanging on the back of the door." He watches from the bed, combing a hand through his disheveled hair.
"Let's hope it helps." He laughs, grabbing the robe from the back of the door, sliding it on, and tying it loosely at the waist. "Be back in a flash."
"I'll be here."
Danny leaves the bedroom, making his way to the door. The last thing he wanted was to be interrupted, but he'll have plenty of time to ravage his boyfriend. Approaching the door, Danny doesn't bother looking out of the peephole and instead opens the door. He's surprised to see Abby standing on the other side, though she's facing away from the door, engaging in what appears to be a flirty conversation on the phone.
Danny chuckles, leaning against the doorframe. He folds his arms, planning to let her finish her conversation until it descends to where he doesn't want to go. So, he clears his throat. Abby jumps, quickly ending the call when she realizes she hasn't been alone this entire time. She laughs, though embarrassed, emitting a sigh as she collects her bearings and faces Danny. The look on his face says it all.
"How much of that did you hear?" She wonders.
He smiles. "Not much."
"Good. I, um, am I interrupting something?" Her gaze wanders over him. "I can leave if I am."
He chuckles, as does she. "You just cock-blocked the hell out of me, but come on in." He moves aside, allowing her to enter the apartment, closing the door behind them.
"I'm sorry about that." She laughs, setting the bag on the living room table. "There's enough for three if you want to join."
"That's nice of you. I don't want to intrude."
"Intrude on what?" Ryan asks, walking into the living room wearing Danny's dress shirt. He's oblivious to what's happening until he sees Abby. "Abby?!" He quickly moves behind Danny, causing both him and Abby to laugh.
"What are you doing here?"
She grabs the bag off the table, holding it up.
"I bought breakfast!"
X
"Huck, do you think you can - what are you doing?" She asks, standing in the doorway of his designated space. Confusion manifests in her features when she sees him bent over, touching his toes.
"I'm stretching out my lower back." He exhales heavily, turning his face to her. "What were you going to ask?"
"I was going to ask if you could watch the place until I get back. I wanted to grab us some lunch, and how the hell are you so limber?"
"It's a small space. I have no choice but to be."
"Interesting . . . so, you'll watch the place?"
"Where's Marcus?"
"He's not answering his phone. I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't show today. So, will you? I'm kind of in a rush." Her foot taps a cadence upon the floor.
He inhales, then exhales. "Do you think she changed?"
"Who?" She has no clue.
"Olivia."
"That's not something I care to answer right now."
"Why not?"
"Because I don't believe it for one goddamn second!" She steps into his room, triggered. "Just because she had a change of heart due to her plans not going accordingly doesn't mean that she's this new and improved Olivia Pope."
"People can change, Quinn." He retorts.
"Not her. She'll forever be the same Olivia Pope who ruined and left us!" She throws her hands up. "Why do you care all of a sudden?"
"I forgave her. She needs it. Her monster is in its cage." He's sincere. "She seems different."
"That fast?" She scoffs, unable to believe him. "You're more than welcome to be gullible and ride the Olivia train back to where it came from, but I don't want any parts. Are we clear?"
"Crystal."
X
Soft moans pass through her lips, fingers tangled in his curls as he uses his superpower to push her over the edge. Fitz's calculated tongue whirls around her pearl as he gently sucks her oasis, drinking her with every lash of his tongue.
His precise movements send chills coursing through her heated flesh, her hips swiveling against his face. He can feel her walls tighten around his tongue as he pushes deeper inside her, pulling guttural sounds from him.
The pleasure that he delivers is enough to make her body shudder with an intensity she's never felt before. Her world is spinning, vision hazy, legs shaking as she hooks them over his broad shoulders. There's nothing that can compare.
Wanting more of her, he places his hands under her thighs and lifts her legs towards her head. Burying his face into her, he increases the speed of his tongue, eliciting soft whimpers from her lips as she moves her hands to the bed, gripping the sheets.
He can feel her going through the motions, attempting to process how he can take her there with only the power of his tongue. She's coming undone, breathing heavily as her body heat rises to the heavens. Her lips part to speak, to moan, but nothing comes out.
He groans against her folds, sending shivers of unyielding pleasure down her spine. He knows she's close. He knows she wants nothing more than to give him the sweet taste of her nectar, and he will do whatever it takes to get it.
Removing his face from between Olivia's thighs, he casts his gaze on her, licking her nectar from his lips as he slowly slides a finger inside her. She tenses up, her slickness clenching around his finger as he thrusts into her steadily, his thumb rubbing her pearl.
She can't control the pool of wetness forming between her legs as his ocean gaze wanders over her, breaking down her walls easily. He leans in, kissing her inner thigh. The feeling of his lips makes her moan, her back arching off the bed.
He keeps up the onslaught, fingers plunging into her oasis, making her moan his name. She grabs his wrists, and with her toes curling, Olivia cums for him, covering his fingers and hand in her nectar. Fitz smiles, licking her taste from his fingers.
"Kiss me . . ." She murmurs.
And he does. Fingers sliding back inside Olivia, he kisses up her body, leaving no part of her skin untouched by his reddened lips. He takes a moment, taking each of her hardened nipples into his mouth, tongue swirling around the sensitive nubs, driving her crazy.
He groans softly at her response, moving to face level, smiling as he gazes into her beautiful brown eyes.
"Hi."
She smiles, cupping his face in her hands as he coaxes her legs around his waist.
"Hi."
"Ready for that kiss?"
"Yes."
He leans in and kisses her passionately, pressing his weight onto her, his hard arousal pressing against her abdomen. He has no desire to release himself. This pleasure is strictly for her.
As she falls into the kiss, he shifts himself to lay on his side, pulling her close and wrapping her in his arms. He stops kissing her for a moment to take in her beauty. No makeup, no armor.
Just her.
"You're beautiful."
She chuckles, although a faint blush rises to her cheeks. "You're only saying that because you had your way with me."
He laughs, placing a hand upon her face, thumb rubbing in circles upon her cheek.
"I mean it. You are."
"Thank you, Mr. President." She leans in and kisses his forehead. "So, what are your plans for today?"
"I have a few meetings regarding post-presidency. Some international matters require my attention as well."
"And you're here in bed with me? That's not the man I voted for." She teases.
"It's still early." He chuckles. "I have about thirty minutes. What about you? Anything on the radar for Olivia Pope?"
"I have to talk to Mellie." She emits a soft sigh. "And I'm afraid."
"Why?"
"Because a part of me wants to leave it behind, you know? Cut all ties with this crusade for power, but I still crave it." She admits.
"And I know I apologized to you and Ryan and Huck, and you forgave me, and I don't want to jeopardize that. I also owe myself to do as I said and stand in my truth. I didn't realize I was wrong to go back to being wrong, but that kind of power doesn't come easily or often."
"That's the thing about power. Whether good or bad, once you get a taste of it, it seeps into your veins, and you become an addict. However, what matters most is what you do with that power." He smiles, pressing a kiss upon the bridge of her nose.
"Your brother is a perfect example of that. The only difference is that he's not addicted to anything that can harm who he is and wants to be. You have to find what works for you without sacrificing yourself to get it because you are powerful, Olivia Pope. You always have been, and you always will be."
Olivia buries her head against his chest, his words resonating with something inside her.
Her gut.
X
"Thank you for bringing breakfast." Ryan smiles, placing the dishes in the dishwasher. "It was delicious."
Abby smiles, wiping off the table. "Of course. We haven't spent much time together outside of work, so I figured I would do something nice and surprise you even though I was surprised."
He chuckles. "It was a nice surprise, but why were you?"
"I didn't expect Danny to be here, but that's not all."
He turns to face her, brows furrowed. "Spill."
"Well, I took your advice and decided that it was time for me to get back out there . . . with David." She glances up at him, but he doesn't react yet. "So, he and I were having phone sex on my way over here, and Danny heard some of it."
He snickers before bursting into laughter, leaning back against the counter. Abby can't help but laugh with him, tossing the towel at him, which he catches.
"I know you're embarrassed."
"Embarrassed isn't even the word. I almost said something I probably would've regretted."
"Good thing he interrupted."
"Very good thing he interrupted."
"So, are you happy? With David." He wonders, folding his arms across his chest.
"I am." She smiles. "He makes me happy. We're supposed to go on a date tonight, so I'm excited to see where that goes."
"It'll go fantastic." He assures. "You deserve it."
"I do deserve it." She repeats with confidence. "What about you? How are things with Danny?"
"I hate to sound like one of those teenagers who scribble hearts in their notebooks about their crush, but it feels right. Whenever I'm around him, I get butterflies like he - I feel warm inside, which has never happened." He sighs, smiling.
"He makes me smile, and he makes me laugh. He makes me extremely nervous, although I'm a pro at hiding it, and best of all, he makes me feel like me without the armor, without the influence. Just me."
She smiles at his openness. "That's a good thing. It means he's always seen you as a person instead of a persona." She raises a brow. "Are you in love?"
He's never been asked this question until now. He hesitates to answer, not knowing what to say, but his answer becomes more evident the longer he thinks about it.
"I-"
"Don't answer that." She chuckles. "He should be the first to know."
"You're right." He nods. "I hope he feels the same way when the time comes."
"Of course, he will." She walks over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "That man isn't going anywhere. He has absolutely no reason to."
"I have absolutely no reason to what?" Danny asks, a smile upon his face as he walks into the living room, casting his gaze on Abby and Ryan. His hair was still damp from his shower.
"What'd I miss?"
Ryan snickers, as does Abby, followed by soft laughter.
"Nothing." The two of them say simultaneously.
X
After her conversation with Fitz, Olivia knows what she must do. She's nervous, to say the least, unable to think of any good that can come from this talk she's about to have with Mellie. She left without saying a word and has no desire to be in this environment anymore. And although it still calls to her, it's toxic and in no way, shape, or form suitable for her.
Dressed in a camel Bottega Veneta contrast-panel single-breasted blazer, matching beige canvas straight-leg trousers from the same designer, white Prada pointed Mary Jane leather pumps, Olivia's heels tap quickly over the porcelain floors. She carries a white Ouverture canvas and leather tote in hand to complete her look, making haste to Mellie's office.
Jonah, Mellie's assistant, hops up from his seat when he sees her, thumbs twiddling rapidly.
"Miss Pope, Senator Grant has been a mess since you disappeared. She even attempted to hire Mr. Beene to run her campaign, which he declined. She's furious, but you didn't hear this from me."
She nods, entering Mellie's office, attracting her frigid glare as she closes the door behind her.
"Well, well, well, look who decided to show up after abandoning me," Mellie says, venomous, rising to her feet and walking around her desk. "If it isn't Olivia Pope; fixer and destroyer of campaigns. What brings you here?"
That comment doesn't sit well with Olivia. She sets her bag in the chair by the door, her gaze darkening as she stares a hole through Mellie.
"You can feel how you want to feel because I abandoned you, but you are a grown-ass woman who wanted to be in politics. Just because your sword and shield are tired and worn out from this God-forsaken place doesn't mean the fight is over." She retorts.
"It's like you've learned nothing by having me on your side."
"What was I supposed to learn, little miss fixer? Please, elaborate. I would love to hear how you spin this."
"That I can not do everything." She says plainly. "You still haven't learned how to be self-sufficient, which is disrespectful to me. You're still treating me as if I'm the help instead of the woman that got you this far. It's insulting."
"What's insulting is that you left without informing me that-"
"I don't have to inform you about anything! Especially when it doesn't pertain to your campaign." She jabs a finger at her. "I left because I was the problem. I left because people like you constantly ask and ask without so much as an ounce of courtesy to see how I'm doing."
"Oh, please." She laughs dismissively, folding her arms across her chest. "It was never about how you were doing; it was all about control and how you could use your little B613 to keep everyone wrapped around your little finger." She retorts.
Olivia chuckles. "I'll admit, using B613 to propel you to the forefront was wrong. Using B613 to have some power was also wrong because its effects on me have been somewhat detrimental. You knew this and could see this, yet you still allowed me to sweet talk you into keeping it around because you craved the power just as much as I did. However, I don't want it anymore, nor do I need it." She folds her arms across her chest.
"You haven't changed."
"And you have?"
"I've come to terms with the person I am, and I've made a tiny step in trying to change before it's too late for me. So, yes, I have changed, but as I said before, you're still the same privileged, insecure, oblivious, silver-spoon fed, stick up her ass woman you've always been." She reiterates, venomous.
"And all that talk about you wanting to change was simply to keep me around because you can't fathom doing the job without me, and that's your downfall."
She steps closer to her. "I need you, Olivia!"
"I am unavailable, Mellie!" She retorts, remaining firm in her stance. "For once, I am choosing myself."
"You do that now, and you will live to regret your decision."
Olivia's eyes widen. "Is that a threat?"
"Oh, it's a promise, Olivia Pope. You stop working for me, and I'll ensure that my privilege is the last thing you see when you're backpacking out of D.C. after losing everything you've worked for."
Olivia doesn't budge, but her heart sinks into her stomach. Before she can even breathe, Mellie makes her way out of the office. If it's not one thing, it's another.
X
"What options do we have?" Fitz asks, sitting behind his desk, gaze focusing upon Abby and Cyrus. "This war in the Middle East is making too much noise, and if we don't do something fast, this can be a bigger drawback on us than it is on them."
"On one hand, we can send in troops to alleviate the problem, but the downside is that it'll kill your approval rating before you step foot out of the White House."
"And if you're approval rating is low, that'll kill all chances of your foundation because you made the wrong decision," Cyrus adds. "No one likes a man or woman who can't keep their head above ground, and right now . . . you're above it."
"But this requires our attention." He emits a sigh. "I am the President of the United States. There has to be something I can do."
"Do you want the truth, Mr. President?" Abby's gaze falls on Cyrus, who nods before returning her gaze to Fitz.
"It's why we're here."
"The best thing to do in this situation is nothing." She approaches his desk, handing him a black folder, which he opens immediately. "If you do nothing, it will stop a war from happening. It'll also allow them to solve the problems independently in the Middle East."
"And why would I do that?"
"Because the American people don't want a war for one and two, no one asked us to get involved. Not even the leaders of the Middle Eastern armed forces." She answers. "You do this war, and you lose. And it won't be a loss that you can slap a Band-Aid on and go about your day. There will be extreme repercussions that could tarnish your entire four years of being president."
"She's right, Mr. President," Cyrus interjects. "The facts are all there in those documents you're reading. Nobody on our staff or in the U.S. of A wants it either. It's bad for business and the current state of the nation we're in."
Closing the folder and setting it on his desk, Fitz nods as he thinks about the situation. Usually, he would try to influence or out-power his colleagues regarding their actions and the steps they should take, but he's not that same man anymore.
"Then we don't intervene. We continue to make sure we keep this nation afloat." He smiles warmly. "Progress updates. Go."
"Well, more missing black girls have been found." Abby states. "Thanks to the division you created within the FBI."
"Also, the free college bill and the push to stop climate change will take effect next year before this place turns to a shit show," Cyrus adds.
"And what about banning assault weapons?"
"That could take effect within a year, maybe two." Abby answers. "That's the quickest timeframe possible with the bill already passed."
Cyrus clears his throat. "Also, there has been vast improvement regarding the bill passed regarding injustices minorities face and the bill forcing all police departments to equip hidden cameras on their officers. People committing crimes are now rightfully punished. And although racism is not completely eradicated and never will be, there's been a small surge of equality which is better than nothing."
"That works for me." He smiles. "Hey, have any of you spoken to Ryan? He should be here for this."
"He's enjoying a day off," Abby answers with a smile. "We had breakfast earlier."
"Good." He chuckles. "Next time you talk to him, update him so that he's up to speed."
"Will do, Mr. President. Anything else?"
"That will be all. After these meetings regarding my foundation, I'll be sure to send an update to your offices."
"Sounds good, Mr. President." She smiles, making her way out of the office, with Cyrus following suit.
X
Her heels tap quickly over the pavement as she makes her way to her car. After her conversation with Mellie, the last thing she needs is to remain in her orbit, especially after the apparent threat. She's more confused than anything, trying to wrap her mind around where she went wrong with Mellie after doing her best to make her shine like gold clusters.
And then it dawns on her. They should've never become friends, let alone partners in crime who only became close because of their hatred for Fitz. They don't share the same values and barely share the same man. Olivia will always be to Mellie what black and people of color are to America.
Convenient, replicated, misconstrued, and worthless.
It was always unrealistic, but that's what she gets for trying to see the best in someone desperate for her help and herself for a win. She sees it clearly, and she wants no parts of it. Not anymore.
Reaching her car, she pulls her keys from her bag, unlocks the door, and gets in, only to be met by Eli sitting in the passenger's seat.
"Hello, Olivia."
She's not surprised. "Get out of my car."
"Don't you want to hear what I-?"
"Get out!" She exclaims, glancing over at him.
He remains unfazed. "What's the matter, Olivia? Not too happy to see your father?"
"I'm not going to tell you again. Get out of my car."
"Or what? What will you do if I don't get out of your car?" He challenges her, taking in the scowl on her face. "Nothing. You are going to do nothing. But since you're so adamant about pushing me away, I'll clarify this: your job as Command is far from over."
Her lips part, and the bewilderment manifests on her features.
"How did y-?"
"Oh please, Olivia. I know your every move before you even make it." He chuckles. "Did you think it would be that easy? I'll admit, you had me going when you left D.C., but that's what you do. You run, but you always come back, and every time you do, there's a glimmer of hope looming over you and this gut feeling that you've changed when you haven't." He smiles.
"You're still the same Olivia you were before you left."
"You're wrong."
"Then I'm sure you wouldn't mind elaborating."
She burst into stomach-clenching laughter, holding up her finger as she rests her head on her lap.
"It's simple." She inhales sharply, lifting her head, casting her gaze upon him. "I'm nothing like you. I'm capable whereas you," She snickers. "You're a lost cause, and your obsession with me is becoming a bit strange."
"Deflect all you want, Olivia, but it doesn't change that being command is your destiny. And if you go against me again, you will suffer the consequences. So, what's it going to be?"
Inhaling and exhaling heavily, she stares a hole through him, contemplating.
What is she going to do?
X
Figures. First Mellie and now her father. This very bright starting day has turned into a shit show, and she blames herself for even stepping foot back inside the Devil's Playground. All the toxicity she had hoped to avoid is cascading over Olivia, trapping her in a web that has her desperate to break free. All she feels is despair and uncertainty.
Pacing back and forth in her living room, a glass of her favorite Bordeaux in hand, she inhales and exhales, compartmentalizing her thoughts to have peace of mind. Why is everyone she's trying to escape so consumed with this idea of her being their meal ticket? Why do they want her to be fucked up for their agendas to come to fruition?
It doesn't make any sense. How does Olivia's happiness, wants, and dreams affect those living in a world wearing rose-colored glasses?
There's Mellie, a woman who painted an excellent picture of woman empowerment and feminism. She decided she would run for president only to have Olivia do all the work because she's incapable of loving and caring for anyone else.
Then there's her father, Eli, a man that showed her that she could be the most powerful woman on the planet as long as she played the right chess moves and followed his commands. He's the puppet master, pulling all the strings, and he's incapable of caring for anyone else.
It's a pattern.
Besides a select few, every person is doing what she's good at— playing the political game and using the tools in her arsenal against her. Why? It's simple. They can see that she's trying to change and better herself to live the life she deserves.
She's a threat.
Stopping by the window, she gazes out of it at the cityscape, taking a small sip of wine. She exhales softly, finally bringing herself to a state of peace. She doesn't care what anyone tries to do or what threats they make because she will prevail, no matter how hard she struggles between wanting this unobtainable power and a life she can be proud to live.
There's a knock at the door, attracting her attention. She takes another sip of wine with furrowed brows, making her way over it. She didn't even bother seeing who it was, opening the door only to be shocked at who was standing on the other side, a smug smile on his face.
Jake.
"Hello, Olivia. Did you miss me?"