xoxo
X
He walks with long, decisive steps through the halls of the White House, making his way back to the Oval Office with haste after Charlotte informed him that Mellie was waiting for him. He's disappointed, to say the least, now that she was involved in airing out Olivia's dirty laundry to the public with Rowan's help, the man who killed their son.
To think he wanted to give this woman the world at one point.
He enters the oval with his jaw clenched, greeted by Mellie's indifferent demeanor. He can see she's affected by something, but he's not in the mood to indulge her feelings, knowing she did something so despicable. He closes the door behind him and makes his way to his desk, not even bothering to acknowledge her presence, and damn, does she feel the cold shoulder.
"Fitz . . ."
"You released that information to the press about Olivia." He turns to face her, frigid in his demeanor.
"You worked with the man that murdered our son, and for what? To control Olivia because she didn't want to help you with your race to the White House anymore? That's low, Mellie, even for you."
She inhales sharply. "What's disgusting is that Olivia-"
"Olivia has nothing to do with this!" He exclaims. "This is between you and me. Your actions regarding that matter make me see that you are unfit to be a president. What was the reason for you siding with the man that took everything away from us? What was the reason for using your platform - your power to ruin a woman who has done everything in her power to get you where you are today?" He raises a brow.
"Because you damn sure wouldn't have made it thus far without her."
"She used B613 to get me here!" She retorts.
"And yet you didn't seem to mind." He folds his arms across his chest. "When you found out that Olivia was using B613 to help you . . . what did you do?"
His question brings her to silence and shame. Although she spoke up about B613 when Mellie was made aware of Olivia's actions, she didn't do anything to stop it because, just like Olivia, she was eager to have the power, the bragging rights, and the validation.
Mellie will never be able to duplicate the work she did with Olivia. She's unable to grasp what it's like being in Olivia's shoes, nor can she grasp reality. She's ignorant and unaware of what's happening in the world. The mighty has fallen, as did her campaign.
"Nothing." She murmurs. "I did nothing, but you can't sit here and excuse her actions."
"I'm not excusing her actions." He retorts. "I'm putting the spotlight on yours. You see, I spoke to Olivia. I know why she did what she did and why she left, but I don't know a damn thing about you." He scoffs.
"Fitz . . ." She pleads.
"No, Mellie. Not this time. Your actions will have consequences."
"Is that a threat?" Her brows furrow.
"Take it how you want it, but you are prohibited from White House grounds until my term ends." He makes it clear. "You have a lot of self-reflecting to do."
"I'm scared, Fitz!" She exclaims, throwing her hands up. "Some man pretending to be Olivia's brother made it clear that he's the worst enemy. He knew about Jerry's murder; he knew what I did." She steps closer to him.
"Please . . ."
Fitz burst into laughter, bringing a scowl to Mellie's face.
"His name is Ryan Lewis; son of Maya Lewis, also known as Maya Pope. I hired him a few months ago so he could help me with my foundation and some finishing touches to my presidency." He makes his way behind his desk.
"He is, in fact, Olivia's brother, and I would hate to have him as an enemy."
She inhales sharply. "You have to fire him, please. I'll lose everything I've worked for if you don't."
He sits at his desk, brows raised and a smile manifesting.
"You should've thought of that before you decided to work with the man that killed our son."
X
Olivia stands outside his apartment, her nerves getting the best of her. She hasn't heard anything regarding Jake and was beginning to worry that Ryan may have changed his mind.
She knocks on the door, quickly folding her arms across her chest as she waits for him to answer. She turns away and begins to pace back and forth to compartmentalize the overbearing thoughts coursing through her mind.
The sound of the door unlocking stops her in her tracks. Her heart sinks into her stomach as she turns around when he opens the door. The smile on his face and the glass of wine in his hand alleviates the unnerving feeling.
Olivia smiles, emitting a sigh, followed by a chuckle as she enters the apartment. He closes the door behind her, holding out the glass of delicious red to her, which she takes, moving to sit on the couch. So far, so good.
"I never saw you as a wine drinker." She chuckles. "What kind?"
He walks over to the chair and sits on its arm, crossing his legs.
"It's a 1961 Château Canon-La Gaffelière." He smiles. "It'll change your life."
A soft hum rumbles from her chest as she takes a sip of the delicious red, swirling it around in her mouth before swallowing.
"It's good." She admits with a chuckle. "I needed this."
"I know. It's because you worry too much."
"I do." She nods. "When I didn't hear anything from you, I figured you may have changed your mind."
"I see every job through." He assures. "And with that, I can let you know that you won't have to worry about Ballard anymore."
Her eyes light up like a shooting star glistening in the darkest of nights. Nothing she can say or do could thank Ryan for what he's done for her, but she is eternally grateful. She sighs, the weight slowly lifting off her shoulders, nodding.
"Thank you." She murmurs. "I don't know how I'll pay you back for this, but you just gave me another chance to live my life."
"Of course. I want that for you more than you know." He smiles. "Everyone deserves a chance at life."
"Even me?" She inquires.
He chuckles. "The fact that you have to ask shows me you've given up hope, although you're aware of how much you've changed since you and I became close. But don't give up hope."
She chuckles, downing the remaining red liquid and setting the glass on the table.
"I won't. Oh, and I decided what I want to do as far as Mellie."
"Do tell."
"I want her to experience everything I'm experiencing now. I'm done letting people walk away scot-free. She wanted Olivia Pope. She's going to get Olivia Pope."
"So, what's the plan?" He raises a brow. "And by plan, I mean backup plan because you always want to ensure you're prepared for all possible contingencies."
"Trust me, this time, I will be." She chuckles. "I've been around you long enough to know that you should have at least three different backup plans."
"Minimum." He chuckles, his thumb and index finger put close together without touching. "Five max."
She bursts into laughter, mimicking the gesture. Ryan's preparedness was always something she admired, even when she was against him.
"Can I ask how you do it? How do you stay so far ahead?"
"That quality comes from mom, but I'm adaptable from my own experience."
"How does that affect how you do your job?"
"Being adaptable is what gave me the title Ghost of D.C." He informs. "I can be in and out within seconds, and no one will notice unless I want them to."
"Why make a spectacle when you can assassinate from the shadows?"
"Exactly." He nods, folding his arms across his chest. "Which brings me to this, are you going to make a spectacle out of Mellie, or will you assassinate from the shadows?"
X
He approaches the red door, a black box in hand. After handling Jake's remains, he decided it would be best to let the man pulling the strings know that his best man is no more. This move is checkmate. This move is a win for Olivia and everyone involved with Ballard.
Huck sets the box down upon reaching the doorstep and rings the doorbell. He doesn't stick around. He didn't need to see Eli's face when he saw his beloved son's remains presented to him as a gift on Christmas, for he knew what was to come.
Ryan made sure of that.
Like clockwork, Eli opens the door and notices the black box, wasting no time picking it up and taking it into the house. He kicks the door close behind him. There's no address stamp on it, nor is it complex enough to have a tracker or any detonation device lodged inside it, so he deems it okay.
Setting the box on the dining room table, he dusts his hands off on his pants before making his way to the kitchen. He grabs his glass of wine from the counter and returns to the dining room. He takes a sip of the red liquid and sets the glass down next to the box, humming a tune as he opens the box, examining the contents.
It's Jake's head, in some way.
Time slows. His heart sinks into his stomach as he pushes the box across the table. Although he's wholly indistinguishable and dismembered, he knows who it is due to the acid trip and Huck's talents. This can't be possible. This can't be the end of his son.
But it is.
Tears begin to well in his eyes as his emotions start to take over. He's angry, sad, defeated, indifferent, unaffected but still very much awake, and this is one nightmare he won't be able to escape. Everything is crumbling down, and there's nothing he can do to stop it. It was inevitable the moment the man he fears the most touched down in D.C.
Oh, how the mighty fall.
With tears running down his cheeks, he emits a pain-filled scream, swiping his hands across the table and knocking everything to the floor, including the box. The wine glass shatters, and blood from the box forms a pool on the hardwood floors mixing with the red liquid. He walks over to his couch, where he kneels, grabbing the gun underneath it and putting it to his head.
He rises to his feet slowly, a shaky finger upon the trigger.
"You win." He murmurs, pulling the trigger, finding himself still alive.
It's empty.
The gun falls to the floor, and he falls to his knees afterward, head dropping to the floor. He's alone, and it's no one's fault but his.
X
"Thank you for coming to see me, Senator Briggs," Fitz is appreciative. "I know I haven't given you much reason to come here."
"Nonsense." He chuckles, leaning back against the couch. "You did what you needed to do and showed support for Senator Mellie Grant because of your relationship with her, but you never offended me. You did close the door on my face before hearing what I could offer to this nation."
Fitz chuckles, resting one foot over the thigh of the other.
"And I apologize for that. I was so gung-ho on giving Mellie what she's owed that I didn't give you the chance to put your chips on the table. So, I called you today to get insight into who you are and what you stand for." He smiles, sincere in his words.
"I took the liberty of looking into your accomplishments. You've done good work."
Briggs nods. "And I hope to continue, Mr. President. I've taken down a lot of Goliath's back in my day, but now is the time to enforce change. As a black man in America, I have the power to grasp the younger generation and minorities. I want to start in those urban communities and work my way up, giving them everything they are - we are owed." He clears his throat.
"You can look at my numbers to see how I resonate within the black community and minorities. I've also made a tiny dent within the white communities with common sense."
Fitz chuckles, listening. "So, what is it that you promise to do to make this world a better place with the changes I already implemented?"
"For one, free college. I am a big supporter of that because it was costly when I went to college, and not everyone had the money. Free education could reduce the dangers our younger generation is facing today. I also agree with climate change as well as banning assault weapons. Guns of any caliber shouldn't be easily accessible by any man or woman with a gun license."
He nods. "I agree."
"And what I promise to do is make sure this nation stays afloat. No person in power will be able to influence my decisions. The only people capable of that would be the American people because they live in constant fear and worry that something someday will go wrong, and I want to make sure that doesn't happen." His motive is clear.
"Their voices are more important than all of ours, and with that, if I'm elected president, the people will be the focal point, not the ones in power. There are too many inequalities to bow down to the average white man sitting behind some desk. No offense."
Fitz smiles. "None taken."
He likes Senator Briggs. He's passionate, dedicated, and promising. He's aware of this nation's issues, and Fitz feels good to know that.
"You know, you're the second man to come in here, his head high, focusing on the right thing and plans in motion. Plans that don't have to do with selfish motivations."
"Really?" He raises a brow. "Who's the first?" He inquires.
"My colleague, Ryan Lewis." He smiles. "You remind me of him in a way."
"And what way is that, if I may ask, Mr. President?"
"Unable to be influenced by darkness." He makes it clear. "The best quality to have."
Briggs chuckles, nodding. "I hope to improve this nation and continue your work."
"Well, Senator." He rises to his feet, extending a hand out to him. "You have my unyielding support."
Briggs rises to his feet, a smile manifesting as he shakes Fitz's hand.
"You won't regret it, sir."
X
The elevator doors open, and Huck walks out alongside Danny. They haven't heard anything from Ryan, so they wanted to check on him to ensure he's doing okay after Jake.
"Do you think he's here?" Huck asks, glancing over at a worried Danny.
"I hope so. Since that night, I haven't spoken to him, which worries me." He answers, voice unwavering. "I've been all over the place."
"You know him more than we do. If he's here and he's changed, you'd know. Just keep your head above the water." He smiles. "You talked to him, right? Expressed your worries?"
"I did." He nods, combing a hand through his hair. "He said I'd never lose him. Sounded pretty certain of that."
"If he said that to you, then believe it. He's never been one to lie, but with you, he's vulnerable."
Danny's brows furrow, glancing over at Huck as they stop in front of Ryan's apartment door.
"How can you tell?"
"I've seen you two together. I know." He smiles. "And you know, too."
Danny chuckles. "You're right. I'm just worried that-"
The door unlocking attracts their attention, interrupting their train of thought. The door opens before Huck and Danny can adequately adjust, and Ryan steps out looking stunning as always. He's dressed in a beige Mason Margiela notch-lapel single-breasted suit, Christian Louboutin Milan leather boots, and a maroon and beige Skypouch Loubicity stud-embellished leather pouch from the same designer in hand as he shuts the door behind him.
He's not surprised to see Danny and Huck, but he is happy.
"Hi, guys." He smiles, locking the door behind him. "I'm sorry we haven't spoken; I've just been busy working."
"You're okay?" Huck inquires.
"I'm good." He assures, returning his attention to them. "How are you two?"
"Danny's worried. Thought you might've gone to the dark side."
"The dark side." Ryan snickers, casting his gaze on Danny. "Really?"
"Really." He answers, tucking his hands in his pockets. "When you didn't call after it happened, I figured something was wrong."
"I told you you'd never lose me. I did a job and went on about my day. I didn't go to the dark side, which sounds like I'm living in Star Wars, by the way." He folds his arms.
"I've always been sure of myself, and killing Jake wouldn't send me off the cliff."
Danny chuckles at the Star Wars remark. "You're right. I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry." He steps closer to Danny. "I'm happy you told me how you feel. And I'm happy you came with him, Huck."
Huck chuckles. "Anytime."
"So, you're okay?" Danny raises a brow, smiling as he wraps his arms loosely around Ryan's waist. "One hundred percent."
"One hundred percent." He smiles, wrapping his arms around Danny's neck and pulling him in to hug him. "You don't have to worry. I promise."
Danny wraps Ryan tighter in his arms, burying his face against his neck.
"I am so enamored by the way you carry yourself."
"You should be." He smiles, turning to face Huck, keeping an arm wrapped around Danny's neck. "And how are you holding up?"
"I'm good." He assures. "I made a pit stop and delivered the contents to the man pulling the strings."
"You are a genius." He chuckles. "And the statement regarding Jake's sudden decision to go into retirement and pursue other life goals is on standby in case people start asking questions, correct?"
"Correct. No trace could lead back to any of us. You made sure of that." He assures. "As far as anyone knows, this never happened, and the box I sent to Eli can't be identified as Jake, although he'll know that it's him."
"Perfect. I appreciate you, Huck, for helping me even after everything you've gone through."
Huck smiles. "I couldn't let you do it alone."
His words warm Ryan's heart. Huck didn't have to tag along with him, but he did without Ryan asking, which shows how loyal Huck is to the people he cares about and his willingness to help those in need.
"With that, I'll catch up with you two later. I'm on my way to the White House." He kisses Danny's cheek before making his way to the elevator, squeezing Huck's shoulder.
"Make me dinner later, chef Ford? Yeah?"
"You can count on it."
Ryan points at Huck. "Huck, you're more than welcome to join us."
Huck grins. "I'd love to."
X
Dressed in a Gucci GG-pinstripe double-breasted wool-twill blazer, GG-pinstripe wool-twill flared trousers from the same designer and yellow Christopher Kane crystal-embellished patent-leather pumps. She carries a yellow Prada double saffiano-leather bag to complete her look. Her heels tap quickly over the porcelain floors as she makes her way to B613 Headquarters without Mellie knowing.
She walks with purpose; her head held high and a confident smirk upon her face as she greets those she passes with firm nods and soft stares. Reaching HQ, she enters the code, and the doors open. She slips inside without drawing any attention to herself. Upon entry, she's met by Mellie's assistant Jonah standing by the door, which throws her off guard, but she quickly catches herself.
"Why are you in here?" She questions.
He doesn't beat around the bush. "Because I know what you're planning."
She raises a brow. "And what? You're here to stop me?"
"No." He chuckles. "Contrary to popular belief, I came to support you. I disagreed with her methods, and I didn't speak up then because I was afraid I'd lose my job, but she's sick in the head."
"What does this mean for your career? It would be a shame to let your talents go to waste."
"Your brother gave me a substantial amount of money and told me I could be his assistant once President Grant opens his foundation."
She chuckles. "Of course." She motions towards the stairs, where they both make their way. "So, are you sure this is the side you choose? Because once this gets out, knowing Mellie, there will be war."
"She's quite persistent and doesn't give up, but I'm sure. I don't owe her anything." He's firm in his stance. "I want to be appreciated, not tolerated."
"You're on the right side then." She smiles, setting her bag on the table.
"Can I ask you something, Miss Pope?"
She turns to face him, leaning back against the table. "Sure."
"How did you know you wanted to change? After becoming consumed with B613."
"My brother opened my eyes to that. To the fact that I was hurting not only those close to me but also myself. It was a very toxic environment to be in every day doing things I didn't think I would ever do."
"How does it feel being here now?"
"It feels good because I'm not here to unlock some false path to power." She huffs. "I'm here to give back to those that have given to me."
He chuckles. "How noble of you. Is there anything I can do?"
"There's a press conference happening here in about five minutes." She reaches over, pulling a red folder from her purse and holding it out to Jonah, who takes it immediately.
"Give that to the person in charge, and I'll do the rest."
"I'm on it."
Once Jonah disappears from headquarters, Olivia turns her attention to the monitors. Just as she expected, the story they would cover gets pushed to the back burner, and Mellie's dirty deeds spread like wildfire. Every news network in America covers her inadequacies, shining a light on her secrets.
The door beeps before opening, and Jonah enters, walking over to Olivia, who stands tall, arms folded across her chest, smiling at the ensuing chaos.
"It's done." He informs although she knows. "What's next?"
A chuckle passes through her lips as she walks over to the central console, leaning over the desk, hands planted firmly upon it.
"Now, we have some fun."
Pushing the enter key on the keyboard, she uses B613's systems to spread Mellie's information to every leader worldwide. Mellie wanted to play with fire, and now she will get burned.
Making her way over to her bag as the chaos takes over, she grabs it off the table and makes her way to the exit.
"So, what now?" Jonah asks, following behind her.
"We let the bitch burn."
X
"Sorry I'm late, Mr. President," Ryan announces, entering the Oval Office and closing the door behind him. "You wanted to see me?"
"Ryan, hey." Fitz looks up from his desk with a smile, rising to his feet and making his way over to Ryan. "This is, in fact, a Fitz call. I wanted to see how you were doing. I feel like I haven't seen you in a while."
"Yeah, I've been busy." He smiles, moving to sit on the couch, crossing his legs. "How are you?"
"I'm good. Due to the change of events, I will be showing support for Senator Briggs." He smiles, taking a seat next to Ryan, resting one foot over the thigh of the other.
"He's more down to earth than I originally thought."
"I don't know why you didn't show support for him sooner. He stands for everything we strive to achieve and dominates in the polls. He's garnered quite the following, especially in urban communities, and he-"
Fitz chuckles. "I know his stats, Ry."
"I know, you know. I just want to reiterate how big of a deal this is for you when you transfer the power to our future president."
"Am I an idiot for not seeing it sooner?" He glances over at Ryan, brows raised.
"No." He huffs. "You have a big heart. You truly believed that Mellie was different now that her dream was on the line, but now you see that nothing has changed. It was just her masquerading her erratic behavior under some pretense that she wanted to do better."
Fitz emits a sigh. "You think you know someone until they do a complete one-eighty."
"That's just the way life goes, friend." He places a hand on Fitz's shoulder. "No need to stress yourself out about it. Everything works itself out eventually."
"You're right." He smiles. "So, where have you been? I haven't had any one-on-one time with you in a while. It makes me think I'm a bad friend."
Ryan snickers. "You could never be a bad friend. And I killed Admiral Ballard and needed time to ensure there were no cracked doors."
Fitz doesn't say a word. He simply stares at Ryan, a smile upon his face as he leans back against the couch.
"You're not surprised." He notices.
"Why would I be? He had it coming. Are you okay?"
"I'm wonderful." He assures.
"And did you do it for you or someone else?" He inquires.
"I did it for Olivia." He's telling the truth. "She asked me to because I'm the only one who hasn't been affected by this place negatively. So, it was a cakewalk, and nothing will blow back on you or the administration. I made sure of that."
He smiles at the mention of her name.
"And what if people start asking questions?"
"A statement regarding his decision to go into retirement and pursue other life goals is on standby in case people start asking questions."
"You thought this through."
"Don't I always?"
"Can't argue with you there." He rises to his feet, making his way over to the table where the crystal decanter sits, grabbing two glasses and setting them on the table.
"This calls for a drink."
"What's the occasion?"
Fitz fixes them a glass of scotch and returns the lid to the decanter. He smiles, grabs both glasses, and walks over to Ryan, handing him a drink as he takes his seat.
"You did this nation a favor."
Ryan chuckles. "I'll drink to that."
X
She's practically sprinting to her office, attracting indifferent glares that shake her core. She looks like a deer caught in headlights, hearing whispers and chatter from her colleagues. Mellie's dirty deeds spread like a virus across the nation, embedding itself in the minds of the American people and those she calls her friends.
She went behind Fitz's back and sided with the man that murdered their child, and she's been working with his enemies unbeknownst to everyone in hopes of expediting his time in office. Mellie had zero plans of becoming the president she preached she would be to Olivia and tried to flip the script on her when she decided to move on, and that's not even half of it.
What has she done?
"Has anyone seen Jonah?" She asks, looking around at those she passes, awaiting a response.
No one answers.
"Has anyone seen Jonah?!" She exclaims.
"I saw him leaving with Olivia Pope." Someone answers.
This infuriates her. How did this happen, and how did she not know about it? Fucking bitch. Emitting a sigh, she rushes into her office to her desk only to be surprised when she's caught off guard by Ryan sitting in the chair by the door with his legs crossed.
"Don't bother calling her or Jonah." His words attract her attention. "They won't answer." He smiles. "You played with fire forgetting how fast the flames could grow, and that was your biggest mistake."
"You don't know a damn thing!" She spews.
"Ah, denial. Stage one." He rises to his feet, folding his arms across his chest. "Negligence, treason, deception, ignorance, murder. All things I can associate with your name, which doesn't include the usage of B613." He steps closer to her.
"You are a threat against what America stands for."
"So, what?" She tilts her head slightly to the right. "You jump in to try and cover little Miss Pope's tracks by outing my dirty deeds to the country?"
"Oh no, this isn't my work. If it were, you wouldn't hear about it. You'd wake up, and everything you know would be gone." He chuckles. "This was the work of Olivia Pope. She has a flair for the dramatics."
The mention of her name makes Mellie's heart sink into her stomach, regret washing over her within an instant, hoping that she can appeal to Ryan's moral compass.
"Please, I'll do whatever it takes, but don't take this away from me."
"You are undeserving of sitting behind the desk in the Oval Office. You turned your back on Olivia because she had a change of heart which shows me that you're incapable of leading the American people." He chuckles.
"Karma is a bitch; this time, its name is Olivia Pope."
"Don't do this!" She exclaims, smashing her hands down on her desk.
"Goodbye, Senator Grant."
Before she can speak, he exits, leaving her trapped by the chaos she caused.