A/N: Update! Formatting errors fixed! Not sure what happened, but fixed! Happy reading, next chapter next Thursday!
Cherry blossoms were always her favorite thing about Washington, D.C. Fresh off of a whirlwind vacation in Jamaica, Olivia Pope stared out at the expanse of suburban Northern Virginia from her coach seat window. It was always hard for her to arrive in D.C. and not see her beloved cherry blossoms in bloom. Noting the snow, she was contemplating taking the next plane back to Jamaica when her best friend Abby began making exasperated noises beside her.
"Ugh. All David does is text me. I swear at times, I wish he'd get a life."
Olivia merely chuckled lightly, eyes casts downward. The two were silent as both thought of what to say next.
"You know, Liv, Edison adored you. I'm sure he would have proposed to you, if he had not..." Abby trailed off. Olivia's eyes filled with fresh tears.
"Abby, I..." she paused for a moment, gathering herself. "Edison was a good man. I know that he would have proposed. I don't think I would have said yes."?!" Abby said much louder than she intended, illiciting annoyed grumbles from the other passengers.
"What do you mean you wouldn't have said yes? You two were damn near inseparable, and..."
"That's because he wouldn't let me breathe!" Olivia snapped. "He treated me like I was a child! 'Wear your hair like this, Liv. Try that dress, Liv. Now Liv, I thought you said no more wine... ' "She lowered her head, defeat shining on her face. "I feel like an ass for verbalizing this, but I was going to leave him anyway. He's been gone now for 7 years, so let's just drop it."
Abby stared at her usually quiet friend with new admiration.
"Wow, Liv, I'm sorry. I didn't know that you two were in so much drama. You know, you're right. It is time to move on." Abby nudged her knowingly.
Olivia cracked her first genuine smile of the day. She needed to move on, alright. Maybe she'd call Robert once away from prying eyes.
Fitzgerald Grant adjusted his tie awkwardly, trying with great concentration to get the knot just right.
"If I didn't come in today like I threatened, you'd be so lost." Lauren laughed playfully, stepping in to help him.
It had been a while since he'd been with a woman, and the proximity of Lauren felt good. He wasn't attracted to her, it just had been so long since someone cared. 'Since... her...' He thought wistfully, letting a sigh escape.
"Are you okay, sir?" Lauren asked, genuine concern on her face. Fitz smiled at her. So young and pretty. So many opportunities to have a family, get a less demanding job, raise some children...
"I'm fine, and thank you." He patted her hand gently. She grinned at him.
"Well, you already know what today is. You have to be sworn in at 11, you have your speech, then the parade at 2:30, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service at that southeast soup kitchen at 4, then the ball..."
"Yes, Lauren, I am now familiar with my Inaugural Day festivities. It was only 4 years ago..."
"Yes sir, you have had quite the ride. Reminisce if you must, but remember, your motorcade will be waiting at 10:30." Lauren smiled kindly, bounding out of the Oval Office.
As Fitz Grant was staring out at the snowy January morning, it hit him like a ton of bricks that there had to be more to life than this.
Dropping her keys in the bowl by the door, Olivia barely got out of her Michael Kors' before her phone vibrated her jacket.
"Olivia Pope," She answered, monotonously.
"How many times do I have to tell you that you shouldn't give your name out before saying hello?" Maya chided, amusement in her tone.
"Good morning to you too, mama..." Olivia trailed. So much for Robert.
"Listen, honey... I know that you just landed..."
"Mom..."
"And I know that you're probably exhausted..."
"But?" Olivia continued for her. They both enjoyed a hearty laugh.
"Sweetie,"
"Oh, no."
"Could you do me a favor?"
"That depends, are we talking a CVS run or an infiltration of the CIA?" Olivia quipped.
"Don't get smart. I wanted to know if you would get dressed up for me." There was a long silence as both waited.
"Why?" Olivia finally asked, sounding petulant.
"Because, Olivia, President Grant is having his second Inaugural Ball tonight."
Mom, you know I'm apolitical."
"I know, but your dad and I were invited and we thought we'd grab something from the wharf last night for dinner and, well.." Maya trailed off as Olivia listened in disgust to her father padding out of the room, slamming a door.
"Is he okay?" She asked.
"No, the snow crabs did not agree with him." Maya chuckled.
"Okay, well that sucks, but it sounds like you're asking me to take your place. I literally just got in and would need a shower, my hair to be done, a nap and possibly a glass of wine so I don't offend your influential contacts,"
"Okay, okay. I get it. I'm sorry, but we really need for you to go. Your father has some prospective clients that are attending and he has some questions about what they are like." Maya said, allowing the long pause.
"Are you asking me to vet your clients? Really, mom?"
"Please, Olivia?" Maya added sweetly.
Olivia sighed heavily. "Mom, what time do I need to be at your house to get the tickets?"
"Well, the ball starts at 9pm, so you should be here at 7. You can always leave your car here and call a cab to the ball."
"That works. Can Abby come as my date?"
"Of course, that's a given."
"Awesome. See you then. Love you." Olivia disconnected the call, heading immediately to her closet.
"Liv, you almost ready? It's 6:25!" Abby called upstairs. Abby was just chuckling at how it always took Olivia years to get ready for anything when her friend slowly emerged at the top of the stairs.
"Liv, you look gorgeous." Abby breathed.
"Thanks, Abs," Olivia blushed, smoothing the skirt of her white La Femme strapless gown. "Off the rack, Saks." She smiled knowingly at Abby. "You look amazing yourself, Ginger."
"Well, you never know who you might meet. Too bad the president's not looking at the moment." She grinned, spinning around in her emerald gown.
"Yeah. Well, I don't think we'd be his type of company anyway," Olivia laughed. "Let's move!"
By 9 on the dot, Abby and Olivia's cab was pulling up to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The place was bustling with expectant excitement, and mostly women were trailing in like greedy ants.
"Grief, you'd think this was the season opener of The Bachelor!" Exclaimed Abby, slapping Olivia's arm and pointing at a peculiar woman in a red gown, presumably made of pasties.
"Abby, we have to behave; besides, if these women are all here for the president..." Olivia trailed off.
"More men for us! Let's go!" Abby called, slapping the cabbie some cash and jumping off of the seat. Olivia grinned at the driver apologetically, following after her friend.
Fitz painted on a smile and exited the limo, waving to everyone he saw. He wondered how many women had actually decided to show up, thinking he would be interested. He was indulging in a small joke about being Prince Charming when Lauren fell into step with him.
"Just remember, anyone that you dance will WILL be plastered on The Post tomorrow, so if you absolutely must dance, choose wisely."
"Lauren, I am your boss and the leader of the free world. I know how to work a room without coming off like The Bachelor," Fitz joked. Lauren smiled while leading him into the room, pausing at his booming introduction and applause.
"Well, you're up, Bachelor. Have fun." She whispered.
Fitz grinned widely, met with camera flashes, seas of women and co-workers.
Olivia heard his name and looked up leisurely, smirk firmly in place. What she wasn't prepared for was the drop in the pit of her stomach the moment he looked in her direction. He was breathtaking.
She was breathtaking. He made his way around the room exchanging pleasantries, never once losing her presence. After what felt like years, he slowly approached the now blushing woman. She stood out impeccably in her stark white gown, her skin a dizzying contrast. Her eyes casts downward as he spoke briefly to the red headed woman next to her. As he stood in front of her, she slowly lifted her eyes to his. He held out a trembling hand, his heart racing as though he had inhaled a delicious drug. As she stared at him expectantly, he realized that perhaps he had.
"Hi," He croaked out softly, still holding her slender fingers. "President Grant, nice to meet you."
"Hi," She returned, shyly. He almost moaned from the torture of the absence of her voice, but then, she continued. "Olivia. Olivia Pope."
He couldn't help but stare. He had to say something, do something.
"Do you attend political events often?" He asked her, kicking himself at the level of corniness. Abby confirmed with a coughed laugh.
"Not really, just a White House tour last year." Olivia responded softly.
Fitz could not place his finger on it, but as he wished her a good time and moved on to other guests, he realized that he would have to find some excuse to speak to her again.
Fitz had waited long enough. Seeing that she was now alone, he motioned with a finger for the beautiful woman to come to him. Olivia walked gracefully over to the president, surprised that he was approaching her so casually.
"Mr. President?" She asked, staring into his eyes.
If Fitz didn't know any better, there was definitely a hint of seduction in her sweet tone. It started a constricting burn beneath his belt, and he wondered if she knew the effect she was having on him.
"I, um... there is a room outside of here... meet that agent in the hallway in 5 minutes." He motioned toward his secret service agent, Tom.
She eyed him steadily, unable to ignore the need that laced her voice. " I can do that."
The president nodded and headed out briskly. As she watched him saunter out, she questioned herself. She was not one to indulge in one night stands with strange men, high profile or not, but he was different. With piercing blue eyes and a stature that oozed masculinity and power, she felt helpless to the tremors that racked her body at the thought of being underneath of him. Making sure that Abby was preoccupied with the tall blond man she had been talking to for hours, Olivia checked the clock, then headed out into the hallway.
Fitz was waiting when she walked into the room. As he looked over her face, he wasn't sure what he was allowed, what she would he comfortable with. He settled with placing a hand at the small of her back, pulling her into a full on kiss. She pushed back forcefully, and before Fitz knew what was happening she slapped him hard across the face. They stood staring at each other for what seemed like forever. As she glared into the pained look on his face, her gaze softened, then turned primal. She launched herself into his arms, kissing him hard. He growled as he nipped at her lip, running a hand down her back and grabbing her soft bottom. He moved his lips into the hair that gathered at her neck, inhaling her scent deeply.
"Tell me you don't want this," he murmured huskily against her skin as she mewed softly. "Tell me you don't want this and I'll stop now. Because if you don't, I won't be able to stop." He placed kisses along her ear, down her neck, across her shoulder. She moaned low, fidgeting to give him more access.
"Tell me." He repeated in a broken command. His hand slid down her face, down her neck to her breast, which he cupped gently, his finger putting pressure against her strained nipple. She cried out, her head swimming.
"Yes!" She choked out. "Yes, I want you," She stared imperceptibly into his eyes, her brown orbs now a golden fire-like hue.
With that, Fitz dipped his tongue back into her waiting mouth, playing a leisurely game of hide and seek. Both knowing that they could be caught at any time, neither could bring themselves to rush this. He forced himself away from her mouth, causing her to whimper. He gently turned her around, searching her dress for hooks, clasps, zippers. He found a zipper and eased it down slowly, covering each exposed area of skin with his warm lips. As he tasted, studied and learned every inch of her back she moaned and hissed softly, unable to move but unable to stay still. Finally, the gown fell to the floor in a shimmering cloud. Fitz resisted the urge to take her right then and there, turning her to face him. Still on his knees, he was hit hard with her wafting scent. He was left without words as she stood above him in her white Jimmy Choos and an agonizingly sensual lace black strapless bra and panties set. La Perla, if he had to guess. Giving her no time to shy away from his approving critique, he ran his hands up the backs of her thighs, pulling her flush against his face. He looked up into her eyes, seeking the permission he needed.
Olivia looked down at Fitz, overwhelmed with emotion at the care he was showing her. Before she knew what she was going to say, she found herself calling his name.
"Mr. President..."
"No, sweet baby," he crooned against her wetness, the vibrations making her throw her head back. "Fitz." He whispered, barely audible above her heavy breathing as he placed butterfly kisses against her now soaked La Perla's. "My..." He placed a kiss againat her bundle of frayed nerves. "Name..." Another kiss met her core. "Is..." He placed another slow kiss against her, this time not bothering to pull away. "Fitz. Say it." He began tracing her nerves with the tip of his tongue through the scratchy fabric.
"Fitz! Fitz... Fitz... Fitz..." She cried out loudly, moaning his name over and over as he continued his slow torture. Between the smooth baritone of his voice, now humming hotly at her outburst, and his tongue, inhe was driving her insane. Her legs trembled and buckled, but he held her firmly in place with one hand. When he decided she had enough, he moved his lips along her panties, resting for a moment at her hip before using his teeth to pull them down the flat plane of her abdomen. He hoisted her by the legs into the air, allowing her panties to fall to the floor. He stood and moved them over to a nearby sofa that he was thanking God that was in the room. Laying her down, he reached behind her and unhooked her bra as she leaned forward and ripped at his shirt, buttons flying. By the time they stopped to stare at one another, they were both nude.
"Beautiful Livvie," he breathed, running a finger down her thigh. "Take your hair down." At her surprised expression, he lowered himself over her core, his eyes never leaving hers. "I want to see it fly around your face when your squirming underneath of me."
Coming undone at his words, she moaned loudly.
"Fitz, please..."
"Take down your hair first." He commanded. She obliged, her hair framing her face in a seemingly windblown halo. He grinned and lowered his mouth to her bundle of nerves, his tongue plucking at it slowly.
"Fitz," Olivia breathed, unsure how long she could last between heaven and hell. The euphoria she felt was nothing compared to when he sunk a single finger into her dampness, his tongue never letting up.
"Oh, God, yes! Fitz!" Olivia sobbed as he continued his ministrations. She began to move against him, causing greater friction. Suddenly, Fitz stopped and was towering over her. He looked in her eyes, seeing the acceptance he needed. He sank himself slowly into her waiting apex, bottoming out and causing them both to groan.
"Fuck," They moaned in unison. Fitz began to move, painfully slowly. Olivia was dizzy from the length and girth of him, he was deliciously deep.
"Oh, fuck, Fitz..."
"I... have waited... all damn night..." He dragged out through ground teeth, pausing between each aching stroke to imprint his body and his soul on her heart.
"Oh, yes," She responded, beginning to match his lazy pace.
"To... make love... to you... just like this." He continued, slowing his pace to a crawl.
"Oh, God, Fitz!"
"Tell me what you feel, sweet baby." They moved at a snails pace together as though this were a learned dance.
"God, you feel amazing,"
"Yeah?"
"I can't take this; faster," Olivia cried. Fitz merely flashed her a smile that touched her heart.
"No," He breathed, slowing to an impossible pace. Olivia let out a guttural growl as he continued.
" When I make love to you, baby," he spoke as slowly and as softly as his thrusts. " I want to touch your soul. I will make you crumble in my arms every time." He began to pull all the way out to the tip, slowly inching back in.
"Fitz! Oh my God!"
"I will have you crying and hoarse by the time you come," He said with so much authority and primal dominance that Olivia thought she might black out. As he looked into her dazed eyes, he knew she was ready.
"Fitz, fuck me." She commanded, reaching down and running hard nails against his bottom. He bit his lip slightly, then picked up the pace.
"Oh, Yeah. Feels so fucking good," Olivia cooed as Fitz met her thrusting hips with deep, hard strokes.
"Damn, Livvie, you're so tight. Jesus," Fitz began pounding into her harder, rolling his hips in wide circles.
"Don't stop, right there," She cried out, moving against him faster.
"Fuck. Livvie, come for me," He growled hotly.
He felt like he was spiraling out of control as she came undone all around him. He felt like he were falling, and she faded out of view.
Before he knew what was happening, Fitz shot up in bed in a cold sweat. Throbbing erection and wild eyed, he realized that his amazing interlude has been nothing but a dream.
In her Arlington, VA home, Olivia woke up with a massive headache and sweaty, realizing that her passion filled night with a man she had just met the prior night was a dream. She sat there for 30 minutes, an hour, unmoving. She felt it. Everything. He loved her in that dream, she knew he did. How could it be so real? She would spend the rest of her day planning to get tickets to the next White House tour.