Downfall

A/N – This is a somewhat AU story. While Fitz isn't running for president, he is running for governor of California when he meets Olivia. I'm not sure if I will have Fitz run for president in this story and if I do, it would most likely be in a sequel.

For anyone unfamiliar with my writing, I tend to find songs that either inspire me during my writing process or that I feel have a strong connection with what I am writing. These songs become part of the story's "soundtrack" that I later post on my facebook or twitter – both links are on my profile.

This particular story was inspired by a couple that I know and the song that I felt connected the most with it was "Be My Downfall" by Del Amitri.  – G.

 

 

Downfall

Chapter One: Things We Know We Shouldn't Do

"We really need to start hitting some of these cities hard; getting your name out there and letting people become familiar with your face," Cyrus Beene announced to his boss, Fitzgerald Grant III.

"We need to show the people normalcy. They're upset with Ryan because of all the scandals that have taken place during his entire first term. They want a normal, American family," Mellie Grant spoke up, smiling at her husband of eighteen years.

"Mellie's right," Fitz grinned back, "We should have pep rallies, debates, all the normal stuff, but we also need to plan normal, everyday American activities."

"I'll work on the pep rallies and debates. You and Mellie can work on the other." Cyrus grabbed the large, black folder on the desk in front of him. It was stuffed and dwarfed the older man. He had devoted the majority of his time to this campaign, putting his life into getting Fitz successfully through this campaign and gaining Cyrus himself a place as a top aide to the person he believed to be the future governor.

"Cyrus, don't you think we should coordinate?" Mellie pointed out, standing from her chair and heading in the direction that Cyrus had headed calling behind her to Fitz, "Don't forget to pick Jerry up from daycare!"

Fitz watched as his wife and friend exited the room. They had both instantly become more invested in this campaign than he had. He wanted to be governor, but he didn't seem to want it as much as they did.

He slowly stood and turned to grab his jacket. He slung it over his shoulder, it was warm out and he didn't feel like sweating any more than he already had. He felt his phone buzz in his pocket as he headed toward the exit. He checked the white, slim phone that seemed to control his life. Mellie had texted a reminder to pick the baby up.

Fitz laughed. She never had trusted him with Jerry and thought she had to leave notes around the house, reminding him that the baby needed fed every two hours and to check his diaper. He hadn't expected that from Mellie. He never pegged her to be the maternal type. He figured that she was either shockingly maternal or that she didn't want to deal with the scandal a dead child would bring. He still wasn't entirely sure of the answer.

When he stepped outside, the bright sun shone harshly, warming his skin and causing him to shield his eyes. He hoped he had a pair of sunglasses in the silver Mercedes-Benz parked in the driveway. If not, it would be a painful twenty minute drive to Jerry's daycare. He briskly walked to the vehicle and climbed in, turning the keys in the ignition and cranking on the a/c before searching for his sunglasses.

After finding a pair in the center console, he slid them on his face and put the car in reverse, quickly spinning out of the drive and onto the highway. He fumbled with the radio station, annoyed at the amount of traffic on the roads. He switched through several stations before growing frustrated and turning the radio off.