xoxo

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Darkness surrounds her. She's suffocating with no way out, and although she appears to be fine, she is not. After her breakup with Fitz six months ago, she found herself in a numbing haze unable to escape the harsh reality she painted in her mind, the harsh reality that came true every single time.

There is no them.

With the image of them shattered into pieces, she wired that painful reminder into her brain accepting the simple fact that the life she desperately wanted is only a figment of her imagination, using those memories to become an unstoppable force of nature whose name will be remembered for centuries.

She colder, but her fire burns brighter. She's quiet, but her roar is the loudest in the jungle. She's disconnected from emotions, but more calculated than ever. She's alone, but she has everything she needs. She is power. She is grace. She is in control. She is, Olivia Pope. And whatever Olivia Pope says... goes.

After picking up the broken pieces of herself after the excruciating ending of her relationship, she immediately went back to work. Now that Fitz is completely off her radar, she was more than ecstatic to have her attention back on Mellie Grant and her run for the President of the United States.

The two seem to be an amazing pair together. After all, they do have a common 'enemy.'

Making her way to Mellie's office dressed in an all-black Armani suit with white pumps, and a white Prada bag topped off with her shoulder-length, sleek, dark hair parted slightly to the right, she walks with a burning passion for success, hips swaying attracting a great deal of attention. However, her face remains stoic.

With a subtle nod and smirk, she passes by Mellie's assistant who's sitting at her desk and enters the office attracting the attention of Mellie. Dressed in an all red dress paired with black heels and her parted down the middle shoulder length curls, she glances up at Olivia with a welcoming yet worried smile.

"What's wrong?" Olivia asks, setting her bag on the desk.

"I'm nervous." She murmurs.

"About what? Mellie, you have nothing to be worried about. You're going to be president, your campaign will be flawless, and you will do everything these men didn't."

"Coming from you it sounds more believable." She huffs, closing her laptop. "Coming from me . . . it sounds like I'm trying too hard to fit in."

"Elaborate." She takes a seat in the chair in front of the desk, crossing her legs.

Mellie sighs. "I don't know, Liv. From my view these men seem to have done everything and I-"

Olivia raises a hand to stop her. "First of all, you're a woman. Women tend to be better than men in every way possible. Ultimately, we have the power to make and change the rules, which is why the men you're running up against want to silence and trap you in this corner you're in."

"Exactly, and if we stand up for ourselves, we get called bitchy, and don't get me started when they chuck everything up to us being emotional."

A smug smile spreads across Olivia's face. "We're not bitchy or emotional . . . we're passionate, persistent, and powerful. Three things they can't take away from us even if they tried."

Mellie smiles, heaving a soft sigh. "So, what do I do, Liv? I need help."

"You let me take care of the senators."

"And what should I do?"

The look on Olivia's face says it all.

"You're insane, Olivia. I won't do it."

Olivia scoffs. "You have to. Out of the two of us you're the one still somewhat in his good graces plus, you need him to back you in case I can't get this done in time. He is still the president."

"I know that." She moves to her feet, pacing back and forth behind her desk, eyes glued to Olivia. "I just don't think it would be a good idea."

"Fine." She smiles, moving to her feet while grabbing her bag off the desk. "If you want to commit political suicide this late into your career then I'll leave that decision to you, but you know I'm right." She proceeds to the exit.

Mellie ponders Olivia's words, heaving a soft sigh. She knows she's right, but she hates the gut wrenching feeling that she'll have to see Fitz again after prying herself away from him only to ask if he'll back her.

She hates asking for favors, but she loves the idea of her being the next president more. Before Olivia could open the door, she scurries over to her placing her hand on her shoulder, a look of acceptance upon her face.

"I'll do it."

"Good. Let me know what he says."

"You really haven't talked to him?" She inquires.

"No." She shakes her head. "I haven't. We don't have anything to talk about."

"But you two were so in-"

"Mellie." She smiles, although the thought of Fitz weakens her tough exterior momentarily. "Let me know what he says. I'll handle the senators."

And without another word, she exits the office leaving Mellie with her thoughts.

"Love."

The Oval Office is booming with an unprecedented energy that has been missing ever since Olivia Pope left. Sitting behind his desk, a warm smile upon his face, Fitz watches and listens intently as Abby, Cyrus, and Marcus go back and forth about what Fitz should do with his legacy.

He missed this . . . a lot.

Now that he faced the harsh reality that him and Olivia were just two ships momentarily docked before passing, he's become an entirely different man, and an entirely different president although his term is coming to an end. He's never felt better, no longer tethered to the darkness that the White House holds because now, it's filled with light, a light he hasn't seen in years.

A light . . . that he's become.

He listens more, allowing those that work for him and with him to have a voice. He's more focused, no longer blinded by the emotional strain of dealing with someone who's only agenda is to be powerful. He's no longer distracted and for most of his supporters, the country . . . they can see the significant difference.

As he watches the ongoing discussion about his legacy, he leans back in his chair relishing in the moment although it seems to be heating up.

"I think Fitz should stay in DC and tend to the issues that matter." Abby states.

"And do what?" Cyrus questions. "He's done enough for this country. I say, he should go to Vermont like he planned and take some time off."

"Cyrus is right." Marcus agrees, attracting a piercing stare from Abby. "He has done a lot, Abby. Give the man some time off."

"Time off? He has the power to solidify himself even after he leaves the White House. I just think that-."

A knock is heard at the door and Fritz's assistant Charlotte walks in.

"Mr. President. Mellie Grant is here to see you . . . should I let her in?"

Everyone in the room looks at Fitz and then Charlotte.

"Yeah send her in." He smiles. "As far as everyone else, I think I want to do work here in DC. Honestly, I think I going to Vermont used to be my plan when I was sure I was going to be married, but now that that's over, I can put my energy on what matters the most which is the American people." He says, an unwavering tone in his voice. "If I can still do good outside of this place then that's what I'm going to do."

"Perfect." Abby smiles. "I'll have a few options on your desk by the end of the day."

"And I'll keep my ear to the ground to see what the people need." Marcus adds.

"I'll assist, Red." Cyrus says, glancing over at Fitz. "I think you made a wonderful choice, Mr. President."

Fitz smiles. "Then it's settled, we'll reconvene in an hour to discuss what you've heard and all your brilliant ideas regarding what I should do.

Everyone gives a steady nod before proceeding out of oval, not once acknowledging Mellie who hesitantly enters, closing the door behind her.

"Hi, Fitz." She murmurs.

"Mellie, how may I help you today?" He asks with a smile from his desk, eyes focused on her.

"I like what you've done with the place." She slowly walks towards his desk, examining the lighter decor. "How have things-?"

"Mellie." He interlaces his fingers together. "How may I help you? I'm sure you didn't come all this way to talk about my office and how I've been."

He was right, she didn't. She's just nervous that he'll say no to her proposal regarding him backing her for her campaign. After all, they weren't on necessarily good terms either. With fear etched upon her face, she takes a seat on the couch and crosses her legs.

"I came here to see if you would back be for my campaign. I know you and I don't have the best relationship right now, and I don't have any right to ask you, but even if it was just a letter of-"

"I'll do it." He smiles.

"What?" She asks in disbelief, glancing over at him.

"I'll do it. Besides, it's the least I can do for you right?" He moves to his feet, walking around to the front of his desk leaning against it. "I feel like I owe that to you as a man considering how much turmoil we went through. Also, this is all you've ever wanted, right?" He folds his arms.

"Right." She murmurs, her gaze drifting around the office. "If it means anything . . . I am sorry . . . for everything."

"Bad things happen all the time. What matters most is how you pick yourself up afterwards." He smiles. "You seem to be doing great. Your presidential run is proving to be a success, and you seem much happier."

"So, do you." She smiles up at him.

"I am. I've never felt better. After everything that happened with Olivia passed, I didn't think I would be able to stand in this office, but here I am doing my job for the country and for myself."

"You are doing good. I've heard about all the things you've accomplished in such a short time." She exhales softly. "Congratulations."

"Thank you, Mellie." He smiles warmly. "So, with that, I'll make sure to show my support for you within the next few months. You deserve it. I want you to have everything you've ever wanted."

His words hit her like a ton of bricks. She wasn't expecting Fitz to be so above the water, but here he is living what seems to be his best life, and although she's very happy for him she ponders what this means for them as friends.

"Thank you, Fitz." She moves to her feet, fixing herself up as she turns to face him. "I don't know what I did to deserve your kindness but thank you."

"Anytime, Mel." He smiles, brows furrowed as he takes notice of her hesitant demeanor. "Anything else? I have a meeting in a few minutes, and I can't be late."

With a shaky exhale, she folds her arms across her chest, eyes glued to his. She knows she shouldn't push, but her curiosity piqued after her conversation with Olivia and she must know.

"Have you spoken to her?"

"Who? Olivia?"

She nods her head unable to speak.

"No." He answers straightforwardly. "And I'm okay with that. I've been better without her." He smiles. "I can honestly say that our break up made me a better man, and a better president. I will always respect her, and her decisions, but love is only a word and without action it's null and void. Just like you, she wants power, and I'm done standing in the way of that. Once I'm done here, you two will be able to run this country however you see fit. I'm not a part of her journey anymore . . . and she isn't a part of mine."

There's nothing Mellie can say now. He painted a very clear picture that left her feeling sick to her stomach. Olivia used to be his everything, and now he's prospering without her. It's unexpected, but nonetheless, she's happy for him.

"I'm happy for you, Fitz." She says, contentment clear in her voice.

He smiles. "And I'm happy for you."

Arriving to her apartment, Olivia grabs her keys from her purse and unlocks the door. As soon as she walks inside, she sees Jake sitting on her couch with three envelopes in his hand. A small smile spreads across her face as she closes the door behind her and sets her bag on the coffee table to the right of her.

"Did you get everything you could find on them?" She asks, walking over to him.

"I did." He nods affirmatively, moving to his feet. "What's in these folders should make the senators switch their votes in favor of Mellie."

"Perfect. And their location?"

"They're at some country club. Easy to find. Easy to get into." He says, holding out the envelopes.

"Good." She takes the envelopes and walks over to her bag, tucking them inside.

"Are you sure you want to do this, Liv?"

"Do what?" She turns to face him.

"Run B613."

"Yes." She says hesitantly, folding her arms. "Why?"

He takes a few steps towards her. "It'll change you."

Olivia knows this to be true. She's seen what the power that B-613 holds can do, but she doesn't care. She wants it. All of it. And she'll do everything in her power to assure that she keeps it. After all, she has nothing to lose.

"I changed the moment I let him into my life." She says, an unwavering tone in her voice although she didn't even believe the words she speaks. "Had I never fallen in love with him and put myself into that relationship with him, I wouldn't be here . . . grasping for straws to try and get what I deserve because I would've already had it."

"Liv . . . I-"

She holds up a hand to stop him. "I was weak, but now that he and I are done . . . I can walk myself to victory and I hope that you'll join me, Jake."

He gazes into her eyes, trying to find some sort of weakness, softness, but he could see nothing. However, he knew that her mentioning her relationship with Fitz was only a way to deflect, a way to blame her shortcomings and irrational behavior for the last six months on someone other than herself.

Because in all honestly, everyone knows she's better with him than without.

"Jake? Are you with me?" She asks, furrowing her brows, lip quivering, gaze darkening.

He nods affirmatively, tucking his hands in his pockets. "I'm with you."

"Good." She turns and grabs her bag. "I'll go pay these senators a visit, and I need you to dig up dirt on Mellie's competition, but keep it on the back burner just in case plan A doesn't work. Got it?" She glances back at him.

"I got it."

After her conversation with Jake, Olivia finds herself thinking of Fitz more than she should and she's to blame. Sitting in her car in the driveway of the country club, she inhales and exhales heavily as she tries to remove the thoughts so that she can focus on the task.

She does it within a few minutes.

Getting out of the car, she closes the door and proceeds up to the entrance attracting unpleasant attention from older white men making her wince internally. She can see the senators having some conversation on the porch so, without hesitation, she approaches them.

"Senator Klein, Murray, and Bennett. How are you gentleman doing today?"

The three men turn to greet her with smug grins spread across their faces.

"Olivia Pope." Senator Klein acknowledges. "You're far away from home. What brings you here?"

"I'm here to talk about you three changing your votes in favor of my candidate."

The senators' glance at one another before bursting out laughing.

"You're a bold woman, Ms. Pope." Senator Murray says, placing his hands on his hips. "We aren't changing our votes."

"He's right." Senator Klein says in agreement. "Your candidate offers us men nothing so why would we vote for her?"

"Because she's a woman." Senator Bennett answers. "And without a man by her side she's-"

"Without a man by her side she's still Mellie Grant." Olivia retorts. "One of the most powerful women in the country and she isn't even president yet." She smiles. "I find that to be insulting that you three can stand here believing the toxic, emasculate bullshit spewing from your mouths as if you are any better." She jabs a finger at the three of them.

Senator Klein scoffs. "Now listen here Ms.-"

"No, you listen here, Senator Klein." She interrupts, steeping closer to the three men, gaze fixated upon them. "This can go my way or the hard way. If you choose my way, you change your votes and I walk away from here and this never happened. If you choose the hard way . . . you'll lose everything."

"Who the hell do you think you are?" Senator Bennett asks. "You come onto our property demanding that we change our votes for a woman who's a political threat to this country without backing up your reasoning. You must think we're stupid."

"I do." Her voice lowers in tone. "I do think that you lack the brain power to run yourselves let alone voting for a man who wants to strip everything away from everyone . . . not just women. Have you seen the polls? Or are you also as blind as you are incompetent?" She waits for an answer but doesn't receive one. "That's what I thought. I-"

"I'm sorry, Ms. Pope, but insulting us isn't going to help your case nor is it going to bring President Fitzgerald Grant back." Senator Bennett spews, making Olivia scoff in disgust. "I mean come on, teaming up with his ex-wife spewing some we're women, we rule the world bullshit isn't the woman I saw you to be. It's pathetic."

She glares at them angrily, lips quivering at the mention of Fitz, but also at how little women seem to mean. With a deep exhale, she reaches into her bag and pulls out the three envelopes holding them out to the senators in which they take, opening them slowly.

"One, who I team up with and why is none of your concern, but since you're so curious to what kind of woman Olivia Pope is . . . let me reintroduce myself. Hi, I am Olivia Pope. Aside from fixing everyone's problems and making them disappear, I also made a two-term president and I plan on making another. I've went against men more powerful than you and won. I'm one of the most sought out Crisis mangersand don't get me started on how excellent of a lawyer I am." She steps closer to them. "I may not have a pair of balls, but I do have methods to hang you by yours. Two, inside these folders envelopes you'll see every single dirty deed of yours that was covered up, take a look."

The three men slowly look through their envelopes without pulling anything out, their mouths agape with incredulity. She, however, smiles confidently folding her arms across her chest.

"As you can see, these envelopes are hot. Hot enough to ruin your marriages and political careers." She informs. "Imagine your lives without those women that have no idea just how reckless and disgusting you are. Imagine your lives without the power you hold. Imagine your lives with Mellie as president. A woman who is for all people not just men. Vote for her, and this information will stay hidden. Vote against her . . . then every major network will have this out to the public within seconds and before you know it, your lives will be over."

"Got it?"

They're speechless. Their words didn't affect her as much as they'd hope for, and now they were eating their tongues, facing the monster herself.

"Good. And you can keep these . . . I've already made copies on the off chance that you decide to go against me."

Before they could even mutter a word, she makes her exit leaving them with a tough decision to make.

Fitz, Cyrus, Marcus and Abby sit on the couch inside the Oval Office reconvening after their last meeting to discuss Fitz's post presidency options.

"So, what did you hear, Marcus?" Fitz asks, brows raised.

"Well, what the people need is someone who's a beacon of light and justice. Something like OPA, but above the fray and underhanded tactics to achieve goals."

"Considering we used to work there, I find that insulting." Abby says, causing Fitz to chuckle.

"You and I both know what we had to do at times." He smiles. "It wasn't all bad, but it wasn't all good either."

"That's a better way to put it." She chuckles, handing Fitz a folder in which he opens. "Inside you'll see a few options for you."

As he scans through the contents of the folder, he smiles, glancing up at Abby.

"A library? What could that possibly do for the people?"

"Not sure, sir. That wasn't one of my best ideas, but a library in your honor could be a way to keep your legacy alive after your time here."

"We'll keep that on the table." He nods, reverting his attention to the contents of the folder. Besides the library, all the other ideas were lacking. "However, the rest of these are crap, no offense."

"None taken." Abby smiles.

"Cyrus? You're awfully quiet." Fitz notices.

"I'm just thinking sir."

"About?"

"I think what Marcus said about OPA could be very beneficial to you. Think about it. Right now, you are at the final stages of your career as the President of the United States and doing a damn good job. If you were to open a foundation of some sorts to help those that'll need help, those that don't have access to the tools we have now . . . I think that could be a good way to solidify your legacy while continuing to do good work, and if you felt up to it, we could have a library built containing all your trials and tribulations of your time here."

"I agree with Cyrus." Marcus says. "A foundation could be really good for you. You already have the American people on your side. Once you leave here, they'll follow as long as they continue to believe in you."

Fitz nods imperceptibly. "What do you think Abby?"

"I think it could be a fresh start for you, a way to make even better connections . . . a way-"

"A way to do things right." He adds.

"Exactly." She smiles.

"Well, thank you all for being such a good help. I think remaining in DC doing work that I'm proud of that the people can be proud of is a good step in the right direction."

"What should we do now, Mr. President?" Marcus asks.

"Abby should put out a statement regarding my choice to build a foundation. You can continue keeping your ear to the ground and reporting back to me what the people need or expect once the statement is made. And Cyrus, if you can find someone that can help me pursue this, I would gladly appreciate it."

"Roger that, Mr. President." Abby says, moving to her feet and exiting the office with Marcus following.

"The only person I can think of that's good at what they do is your ex-girlfriend, Olivia Pope." Cyrus admits. "She would be perfect although I hate to admit it."

Fitz chuckles, moving to his feet and proceeding to his desk.

"Then you aren't thinking hard enough. Find me someone, or you're fired. How's that for a fire under your ass?"

Cyrus springs up from his seat. "Right away, Mr. President."

Sitting in her office watching Abby make a statement regarding Fitz's choice to start a foundation, Mellie smiles, happy to see what choice he's made. She always knew he wanted to continue doing good work so, to see him pursuing it is everything.

"I have good news." Olivia says contentedly, walking into the office.

Mellie glances back at her. "Really?"

"Of course." She smiles, stopping when she hears Fitz's name on the television, her smile slowly fading. "What's this about?"

"Oh, I'm sorry." She scuffles to change the channel. "I-."

"Leave it."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm fine." She says with as much conviction as she could. "He's starting a foundation?"

"According to this, yes." She nods, setting the remote down. "I'm so proud of him. He's really changed it around these last few months."

Olivia doesn't acknowledge what Mellie says. All she can see is her and Fitz's tumultuous time together flashing before her eyes. She's knows she's not supposed to think of him, but she can't help it because deep down inside, she misses him.

"I got the senators to change their votes." She says wanting to change the subject. "They will now be voting in favor of Mellie Grant. Have you talked to him?"

"What? That's good news." She smiles, moving to her feet, hands clasped together. "And I did. He said he's going to be showing his support for me within the next few months."

"Perfect. You're well on your way, Mellie. In a matter of months, you'll be the one sitting behind the desk calling the shots."

Mellie smiles, proceeding over to Olivia placing her hands on her shoulders.

"And you'll be by my side."

Sitting in his office, Cyrus looks through a folder of potential candidates that could help Fitz with his foundation. None of them seem up to par so in a fit of irritation, he swipes everything off his desk.

"Cyrus?" Abby's asks from the doorway, jaw agape. "Are you okay?"

"Come in and close the door, Red."

Quickly, she steps inside the office and closes the door behind her.

"What's going on?"

"I have to find someone qualified enough to help Fitz with his foundation otherwise, he's going to fire me."

"Why is this so hard for you? And you know he's not going to fire you." She assures.

"It's hard because the only person I can think of is Olivia Pope, and she's no longer in his life."

Abby chuckles. "Cyrus Beene without a plan. This is interesting to see."

"Now is not the time for jokes, Red." He says, irritation clear in his voice. "Help me!"

"Relax. I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out. There are plenty of other people qualified for the job other than Fitz's ex-girlfriend, Olivia Pope."

"I'm guessing you haven't spoken to her?" He inquires.

"She tried to ruin me to get closer the White House so no, I haven't talked to her." She admits. "She's hasn't been a thought in my mind, and she shouldn't be one in yours." She walks over to the desk. "Get your head in the game, Cyrus! Get that image of Olivia doing the right thing out of your mind because that Olivia is dead, and as far as I'm concerned, she's a ghost."

That's when it dawns on Cyrus as he listens intently. Moving to his feet, he walks around his desk to Abby.

"Thank you, Red!" He laughs. "I know who can help!"

Before she can speak, he exits his office and proceeds to the Oval as quickly as possible smiling at those he passes. Giving a subtle nod to Charlotte, he enters the office immediately attracting Fitz's attention.

"I hope you've come with good news, Cyrus." He smiles.

"I know who can help us."

Irrelevant chatter fills the Le Cinq restaurant in Paris, France where Maya Lewis also known as Maya Pope sits at table in a form-fitting, strapless black dress, hair draped over her right shoulder sipping on a glass of their finest wine. She's awaiting someone, becoming slightly impatient as her gaze drifts around the room not realizing the waitress approaching her table.

"Hi there. Are you ready to order?"

"I'll take the-" She smiles when she sees her son entering the restaurant.

Dressed in an all-black, form-fitting Alexander McQueen Military Frock with matching trousers, paired with Valentino Soul Rockstud leather brogues and a matching Valentino leather tote topped off with his mid-back length, wavy, black hair, he walks confidently towards Maya.

With a smile upon her face, she takes a moment to admire his warm brown skin, perfectly parted lips, the subtle swaying of his hips, and his brown yet frigid eyes. Damn was she blessed to have given birth to someone just as chic as him.

"My baby, I'm glad you could finally bless me with your presence." She says, moving to her feet to greet him.

"I'm so sorry I'm late." He smiles, setting his bag on the table, hugging her tightly. "When I realized the restaurant you were at, I had to make sure I looked the part."

"Well honey, you look fabulous." She laughs, taking her seat at the table.

"So, do you." He smiles, taking his seat across from her crossing his legs. "How are you? How's dad?"

"Mama's good, and Donovan is Donovan."

He chuckles. "You can't stand him, can you?"

"Chile, not really, but I love him dearly."

"That's good. I love you two together." He smiles, slightly flipping his hair over his shoulder.

"And what about you? Are you seeing anyone I don't know about yet?" She inquires, leaning forward on the table.

"Absolutely not. Men are a distraction. Work is more important."

"You haven't met the right man yet."

"Mom."

"I know you, Ryan. You're just like me. An extremely tough exterior, but when you care you care hard. Someday, you're going to meet someone that makes you feel something, baby."

Approaching the table, the waitress refills Maya's glass. "Would you like some sir?" She glances over at Ryan.

"Sure." He grabs his wine glass, holding it up to her as she pours him a drink.

"I'll check back with you in a moment to take your order." She smiles, leaving the table.

"Honey she's been watching over me like a hawk since I came in here." Maya says, taking a sip wine.

"That's her job." He chuckles, taking a small sip of wine. "Besides, this doesn't look like your usual crowd. I'd be watching over you too."

She chuckles, setting her glass down. "You get your humor from your father . . . it's terrible, but I still love you. So, how's work?"

He snickers, setting his glass down. "I love you more, and interesting you asked because before I arrived, I received a call from Cyrus Beene."

"And what was this call about?" She asks, raising a brow.

"He wants me to come to DC to meet with President Grant regarding some foundation he wants to build. Said I'd be the perfect candidate."

"And what did you say?"

"I said I don't know." He huffs. "Last time I was in DC it was a mess in every aspect."

"Oh honey, you could be a part of history if you say yes. Not too many people get the chance of working for the president, let alone with him."

"True, but wouldn't I be following in my sisters' footsteps? That would be kind of redundant." He says, brows furrowing.

"You would be following in your own footsteps because unlike your half-sister, you can handle anything thrown your way without cracking under pressure. I raised you to be better than everyone including the spawn of Eli, but I also raised you to be you." She smiles. "Take the job, baby. Show them turncoats in DC how it's done."

He nods imperceptibly. "One question though, she doesn't know about me, does she?"

"Of course not, baby, but I'm sure she will soon enough." She smiles, raising her glass to him.

With a deep exhale, he reaches into his pants pocket and pulls out his phone, dialing Cyrus's number. It rings a few times before he finally picks up.

"Cyrus Beene speaking."

"Cyrus, it's Ryan Lewis. I'll take the job."