A/N: So here we go guys, last chapter before the really good stuff starts... this is all from Fitz's POV. Thanks for your helpful/motivational reviews.
I know many of you have questions, but bear with me, after this chapter and in the coming ones you will start getting answers.
Hope you enjoy this.
Chapter 7: Why, hello there stranger
Fitz POV
The gala was a tremendous success. Then again, it always was. Mellie and her planners always made sure that everything ran smoothly. That everyone knew what their job was. The drinks were flowing on account of the fact that the press had been asked to vacate the premises an hour ago. It was the portion of the night where every politician just let go without having to worry about being scrutinised and harming their reputation. The live band was amazing, still able to entertain people hours later, now and then taking song requests from guests. Everyone seemed to be having a good time except him that is. He had not had a drink the whole night, being restricted to only drinking water, and he was frustrated, surrounded by drunken idiots. Somewhere he remembered seeing Sally teaching the dictator next to her how to do the two step, obviously having too much to drink and having forgotten her hatred of the man. He chuckles slightly, thinking of how Sally would react the tomorrow when she realised what she was doing tonight. He would love to see that.
Some of these politicians and foreign ministers were driving him insane with their stories and their jokes, forcing him to laugh and smile even when they weren't funny and even when he didn't want to. He had finally managed to get away, using the excuse that he would really like to enjoy the evening with his wife. Fortunately for him, that was the truth. He was really trying... he wanted to make their relationship better...healthier...that's all he could ever manage. He would never be in love with Mellie again, but he did love her as a friend and companion, and mother to his children. He runs his fingers through his hair absentmindedly. His head hurt, and he was tired of everyone, wishing they would all just go home. Plus, a feeling of unease and anticipation surrounded him most of the night, making its appearance the moment he walked into the room where the party was happening. Even now, it was nagging at him. Something was off...not in a sensing danger kind of way, but something was just not as it should be...he just didn't know what it was yet. He sighs, looking around the room for the 100th time that night. It was packed... he had not even said hello to everyone yet. He spots Cyrus across the room in deep conversation with his husband James. It seemed they were arguing by the rapid movement of Cyrus' mouth and hand. He watches as James, mumbles something before storming out of the room.
Fitz makes his way across the room to where Cyrus was furiously rubbing his head, frustration marring his features. "What was that about" he asks handing Cyrus a drink he had grabbed from one of the trays as he comes to a halt next to the man, letting his eyes wonder over the people dancing. "He's driving me insane! I gave him exactly what he wanted and he's still not happy, and as much as I love and adore Ella I'm not the dad that spends 24/7 with her and entertains her and keeps her busy. That's James' job. I have a very demanding job as this country's chief of staff. But no, he wants more family time, he wants me to not work weekends... and come home earlier to read to her before bed. He wanted me to come home now, but he's missing the part that this is the ideal opportunity to butter people up" Cyrus whines. "Dammit, if I wanted to become a librarian I would have" Fitz chuckles, watching the man down half of his drink in one sip. His eyes make their way to the dance floor again seeing Mellie approach them. "What a lovely party this is, don't you think" Mellie says standing in front of them. He hears Cyrus scoffing and he grins, shaking his head slightly.
"Cyrus, you're in one of your moods again. Why don't you have another drink and try and put a smile on that always dark face of yours" Mellie says sarcastically eyeing him. Fitz sighs, seeing Cyrus turn to his wife with a challenging expression. This was not the time for one of their little arguments. "Mellie..." he warns for the second time that day.
"Fitzgerald, why don't you take your lovely wife for a dance, before, in a minute, people wonder why I have my hands around the neck of the first lady and I'm dragged out of here by Tom and Hal" his voice laced with irritation and contempt. "Cyrus..." he warns before he takes Mellie's hand and pulls her to the dance floor. "You have to stop" he grumbles in her ear as the move across the floor. "The poor man is having troubles with his husband and you aggravating him is not helping. I cannot have an irate Cyrus running around this gala. Who knows what he'll get up to." He looks down at her and sees her nodding glumly. "Fine. I get it, it won't happen again...in public that is".
He sighs as he briefly watches a smile cross Mellie's lips before he lifts his head, the unease becoming more pronounced. He glances at the people standing around the dance floor, and then something catches his eye... a dark haired brown skinned woman in a white and black dress slipping out of the door with someone. Slipping out a door that should be guarded, a door that led to the private rooms of the White House. Something pulls him in the direction of the door... the back and hair of the women seeming so familiar to him...Olivia? runs through his mind. Unease swirls in him, hope makes a knot in his throat, and he lets Mellie's hand go. Leaving her on the dance floor and without saying anything he follows, slowly passing people to get to the door...pushing back the thoughts of impossibility. He needed to see...he needed to make sure that what his mind was conjuring up was not fake...he feels anticipation blossom in his heart as he reaches the door and pulls it open, entering the hallway and coming face to face with the one person he didn't think he was going to see here.
A/N: There we go...let me know what you guys thought! :)
And in the next chapter we get the moment you've all been patiently waiting for.
