#HolyFitz Two fanfic updates last Thursday and now this #ScandalThursday. What can I say I am making up for not updating in so long. Plus this fic and #FitzAndTheFixer should keep you busy not only tonight but all weekend.
Please leave me your #JudgesScoreCard at the end. I'm hoping it's high marks with extra #TricksAndTreats.
Enjoy…Me's
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Chapter 9: "From Afraid of Falling - TO - I'll Always Catch You?"
As Fitz's hands make initial contact with her face, she jerks away from him. Fitz is momentarily stunned unsure how she got away from him so quickly. There is no way she can allow him to kiss her, with her door WIDE open. Her Aunt Rose and Lois could see, or anyone else for that matter.
Now she's in her apartment by the sofa, with her hands on her hips staring at him. She feels her temper flaring, ready to maim him. Her foot is tapping quickly on her plush carpet, as she waits for him to make a decision whether to come inside or not. She raises her eyes, hoping he gets the hint. But course he only leans against her door frame with an evil grin upon his face.
She silently chastises herself because one part of her wants to slap him senseless for coming to her apartment in the first place. But on the other hand - her heart, knows it's one of the most romantic gestures any man has done for her. The impish grin spreading from his mouth to his eyes expands in size as she grows more impatient. It only spurs him to egg her on further.
Olivia plays hard to get. Fitz has learned and experienced this first hand. Never to be outdone, now it's his turn. If she wants him to come inside, she'll either have to ask or drag him through the door. Neither one speaks, just takes the other in. This man has left her so stunned and baffled, she is unsure of what to do.
The tension and electricity begins to escalate between the couple as they stand there squaring off against the other. Olivia refuses to make the first move, and Fitz won't give in to her unspoken demands. She swallows seeing Fitz dressed casually; now just realizing it. He is in a pair of dark charcoal jeans, deep purple collared shirt, and light weight black jacket.
She has never seen him this way, and cannot believe how devilishly handsome he appears to her. Her eyes travel down his body, taking in the "fit" of his jeans. In the suits she's seen him wear, they've never shown how in shape Fitz really is. His legs appear to be pure muscle and she can help but feel herself be turned on.
Her eyes then travel up to his shirt, and it too hugs his chest. His jacket only covers it partially. She can see enough.
"Are you going to invite me in," dipping his voice to a register lower to entice a reaction from Olivia.
"Nope. You're going to have to EARN it," attempting to provoke him. She's known him for only three weeks, and she confident in what buttons she can push to make him comply.
Fitz is more than ready to play this game of cat and mouse against her and win. He shrugs his jacket off, tossing it on a chair just across the room next to her.
"Really," she scoffs, seeing the smug look on his face that he made the distance.
"Really," he retorts in an even naughtier tone. The evil gleam in his eyes entrances her. A rational part of brains wants to throw something to knock him off balance. Her irrational side, rather throw herself in his arms. Fitz feels her inner turmoil, and keeps his distance.
He folds his arms across his chest, and to her dismay she can help but ogle. They are not too hairy; just enough to run her fingers through. His biceps and forearms are well defined, proving that he could lift and hold onto her without any trouble. In those arms, which she hates herself for already, have given her more comfort and safety than anyone prior in her life.
Her gaze sweeps to his chest. His pectoral muscles protrude in the shirt. She longs to run her fingers across them. Olivia realizes how strong and in shape Fitz is, and has no doubt he would give her a run for her money not only on the dance floor but in any other way possible.
When their eyes finally lock she blushes, seeing an even bigger self-satisfied grin on his face. "Seeing something you like Miss Pope?" He licks his own lips in defiance just to get her goat more.
She is not sure if it is his cockiness or self-confidence she is witnessing. Olivia finds it incredibly sexy and it is really ticking her off. "Nope," she snaps feebly to keep her cool.
Fitz is momentarily speechless by her quick answer. Of course he knows she is attracted to him. Her quick breaths, the rise and fall of her chest give it away. He is well aware that she was checking him out, and it only makes him crave more of her in every way.
"Then why are you looking at me like you want to eat me for breakfast, lunch and dinner," he cheekily replies, now leaning on the shelf by the door.
Her mouth falls open at his bold statement. She glares into his eyes, as Fitz places his hands next to him on her end table, proving to her that he's not going anywhere. "I was not," partially arguing with herself and him.
Fitz lifts his eyes and brows not believing her one bit. "Oh yes you were," contradicting her further. He finally steps forward, and moves backwards to her door. He closes it gently.
"What the hell are you doing?"
"Shutting your door," nonchalantly replying like it's no big deal.
"I didn't invite you in Mr. President," crossing her arms in defiance. "Aren't you being a tad bit presumptuous? You NEVER enter a lady's home without an invitation. Your Momma must not have raised you right."
"Oh trust me Olivia, my mother raised me to be a gentlemen," answering her with a gleam in his eyes. He watched her facial express change. She looked as if she was ready to explode. "But I'll tell you what…," winking. "Invite me in to sit down and I'll show you how much of a gentlemen I can be."
"Ha ha. You are a funny man. Take it on the road. I don't have time for this song and dance with you right now. You need to go before someone sees you," walking by him to open her door. The moment she's within reach, he pulls her into his body. "Hey," scolding Fitz. "Let me go."
"Never," he voices with force but tenderness. She closes her eyes, feeling Fitz encasing her in his arms. If she looks at him, he'll know she is putting up a good fight, but does not really want him to leave. Or for him to release her. It is wrong for him to be in her home, but in another sense it's so right.
She places her hands on his chest to push herself away but his grip tightens. "Let me go," wiggling her body, in a vain attempt to place some space between them. Any time Fitz's has touched her in the past, all her rational thoughts leave her mind. She's is totally consumed of nothing but him in his arms.
"I can't," he murmurs, leaning his head forward so they can finally touch skin to skin. Their foreheads are pressed together, and he can think of no place he rather be.
"You have to," looking anywhere but at Fitz. "I can't do this," pleading in a cracked voice.
"Yes you can," softening his voice to ease her fears. He grasps in his heart that she is not afraid of him, but whatever it is, he aches to squash it. Fitz would slay the biggest dragons in the world for her; all she has to do is allow him to do so.
"You need to go before someone sees you. You are NOT supposed to be here," now his hand is resting against her cheek. Her eyes are still squeezed shut. "If anyone sees you, both of us are ruined."
"No we're not Olivia," gently speaking. His voice is calm and even. "I have a Press Secretary that can fix anything. Plus a great Chief of Staff." She smirks slightly at comment about Abby. "Now please look at me."
"I can't then you'll know," fighting her inner demons that she is NOT right for him.
"I already do. So what's the point of hiding from me now," doing his best to sooth her in a voice in just above a whisper.
"Can we at least sit down," she suggests. Fitz smiles and leads her over to couch. He gently helps her to sit, and bends down on both his knees in front of her. Olivia feels his hands on the sides of her legs. His touch is soothing, and it makes her heart flutter.
"Now Livy, please open those eyes of yours," he softly coos. She exhales and opens her brown chocolate orbs to him. Fitz's face spreads into a wide grin, as they lock eyes. He then takes in a breath, and squeezes her hands on her lap. "There you are," smiling in a manner that gives her butterflies.
He cups her face. "Hi."
"Hi," she replies meekly. Fitz monitors her closely getting the impression that she is finally at a total loss for words. Her body begins to shake, worrying Fitz. He pushes himself off the floor and sits by her side. He reaches his arm behind her, and pulls her into his chest. The moment both his arms are around her, securing her in place, he hears hints of crying.
"Livy," he mutters sweetly. "I'm here."
"I know," sniffling into his shirt. "You shouldn't be. If anyone sees you," burying her nose further into his chest.
"I handled that Liv. Don't worry," hoping to reassure her fears. But it doesn't stop her sniffles. "What's wrong? Tell me what I can do to ease your pain."
"You need to walk away from me. I can't teach you if we're like this," hugging him tighter. Her mind wants Fitz to let her go, but her heart never wishes him too. The inner battle between her heart and mind is never a good thing. It will end badly and she refuses to allow Fitz or his girls to be hurt.
He lifts her face, so he can gaze into her eyes. Their faces are inches away from each other. Fitz is so close, Olivia can feel his breath on her face. "I can't walk away from you. I've wanted to desperately but I can't. I NEED you Olivia, and not just to dance."
She raises her head from his chest, and rests it against his arm. Lightly she smiles. "You just THINK you need me. There are other teachers out there that can handle you."
"Ask Abby because they're aren't. I've tried and all I've managed to do is make a complete mess of myself," causing her to smirk. "I can't do this without you. I don't want too, not anymore."
"Fitz," finally reciting his name. Fitz sighs hearing her hidden feelings for him in it. He is not the only one developing these strong feelings. The difference is he is no longer fighting it, he's given into it. The same cannot be said for her. She wants him, he senses it without a doubt. Her kiss in the car the other night, only confirmed it.
He cups her face with his hand. She nuzzles into his touch. "You're the ONLY ONE that can save me Olivia Pope. And you know what the scary thing is, I think I've saved you too."
Her eyes widen. "No. You don't mean that."
He swallows the lump in his throat wondering how this beautiful gifted woman could think that she has not changed his life already in the most profound way. "Yes I do Livy," leaning forward to kiss her forehead. "You saved me from a darkness I thought I'd be in for the rest of my life. I have LIGHT back in my heart because of you."
"I can't do this," whimpering in a hoarse voice. "I'm no good for you. Maybe I can teach you to dance, but I can't be more than that Fitz."
"Why not," feeling his heart breaking. "I know you feel this between us. I'm not an idiot," causing a tiny smirk to appear on her face. "Okay maybe I am coming over here to get you, but I had to."
"You had to," raising her voice. "I am not SOME GIRL at the end of a chic flick that needed to be saved. I never wanted to be that girl. I don't need any man to save me. I can take care of myself," feeling her frustration beginning to grow towards him again.
"Liv?"
"I don't want to be saved," rushing her words out, finally pulling away from him and walking by the window. Fitz huffs. "I was FINE until you came along and messed everything up. If we would have agreed to the NO dancing lessons we would not be here now."
"Oh yes we would," challenging her.
"No we could not have," correcting him. "My whole life has been about dancing and being the best. To prove to myself and my stupid ass father that I didn't need him or anyone. And then you show up in sexy suit, slicked back hair with hair porn, and gorgeous blue eyes that leave me winded and dumbfounded. I freaking hate you," she spats.
"Hair porn really," chuckling. Fitz raises then her eyes at her blunt confession. "No you don't," standing up to face her. He places his hands in his pockets, to refrain himself from reaching for her.
"It's true. You show up at opening night with those precious little girls and turn my FREAKING LIFE UPSIDE DOWN," screaming at him. "You ruined me."
"You RUINED ME!" He didn't mean to raise his voice to her but she's frustrating the hell out of him. She wants THIS with him, but won't allow herself to feel it. "You think I wasn't 'fine' until I went to your competition. One look at you – from you on the dance floor and I was done. You did more than turn my world upside down Olivia. You made me FEEL again," allowing his emotions to come to the surface.
"I…,"
"Livy," he murmurs calming down. "I wasn't alive until I met you. I know you felt the same."
"Is that what you think," answering him in a broken voice. "I was fine until you came along. I was ready to date Max," causing Fitz to walk over to her.
"Do you want Max?" He feels his jealousy brimming to the surface. He understands that they are 'just" partners, but the man wants more from her, and that thought alone causes his blood to boil. The mere thought alone of her wanting Max terrifies Fitz. "Is he who you want," Fitz gulps and prepares himself for her answer.
"What? No. I thought I did until you FUCKED EVERYTHING UP!" Fitz is shocked at her swearing. Abby told him she was not one to drop the F-bomb unless she was beyond upset about a situation.
"Olivia," reaching for her.
She swing her hands forward to prevent him to touching her. "You and I WILL NEVER WORK," making herself utter the words.
"Yes we will," he contradicts her with conviction. "You actually think you're not good enough for me. That is what this is about." He notices her body stance change. He comes to realize he's hit the nail on the head. "You really believe that."
"I don't know what you're talking about," walking to the opposite side of the room, placing distance between them.
"Oh no prove it," stopping her. "You also think that if you give US a chance, and you fall or jump I won't be there to catch you. That I will allow you to get hurt, and not be there to save you. You believe that I am NOT as deep in this as you." Her mouths falls open shocked that he's right.
"I..," stutters unable to find her words.
"What are you more afraid of Olivia," dropping his voice to a commanding tone she has never heard before. "Are you afraid that if you JUMP or Fall I won't be there to catch you or," pausing, "if I do, I'll never let you go?"
"You're crazy Mr. President," huffing and backing away from him. "You need to get your head out of the clouds."
"Oh no prove it," demanding her to attest otherwise. Her eyes squint. "Get up on your table and fall backwards. I'll catch you."
"What? Are you out of the bloody mind?"
"You heard me Miss Pope. Get your ASS on that table. Stand there, and fall backwards. I'll be there catch you, and EARN YOU," instigating her further.
"You're nuts." She waltzes by him and throws his coat at his head. "Leave me alone."
"I already told you never," being even more difficult. "Get your booty on that table Olivia."
"No. Make me!"
Fitz huffs. "Fine. You want me to fix this. I'll fix this shit," waltzing up to her and picking her up in his arms.
"Put me down you idiot," hitting his chest.
"Hell no," strolling over to her table. He sits her on it. "Now stand up." She folds her arms across her chest in act of insubordination. He wants her to stand up, he was going to have to work for it.
"Fine," placing her all the way on the table. He jumps on a chair and makes her stand up.
"I am not falling backwards Fitzgerald," scolding. "I need to be able to dance Friday night."
He leaps off the chair and positions himself in front of her. "Turn around and fall backwards. I swear I will catch you. I WILL ALWAYS CATCH YOU."
"Why should I believe you," she asks on the verge of tears. "Almost every person who makes me this promise never delivers."
"Because whether you believe me or not, I'm ALL IN this with you. I've waited and watched for you my entire life Livy. You caught me the moment you stepped onto that dance floor three weeks ago. I've have not been the same since. Now, if you allow me to catch you, I swear that I'll never let you go," he croaks. She can see the tears now beginning to form in the base of his eyes.
"I am afraid to trust you, in US," she whimpers. She swears it is love in his eyes she sees and that scares her even more. He CANNOT love her, not yet. It's too soon. Olivia conveys that to herself, but deep down in her soul, she reasons otherwise.
"Then allow me to do it for both of us," placing his hands out for her to fall into. "Trust me Livy. I care about you WAY TO FUCKING much to allow anyone to ever hurt you."
"You can't guarantee to always keep me safe," correcting him.
"Oh no. I can sure as hell try. I am the President of this Great Nation, and have a lot of power. Most women would find that attractive," quipping in the hopes to get a smile from her.
Slowly she smirks but stops herself. Her eyes widen. "Fitz I'm scared." Now tears are cascading down her face. It breaks his heart knowing that someone did this to her. He vows to make whomever it was pay for hurting her so deeply.
"So am I. I am not supposed to feel this way for you Livy. My wife died of cancer, and I loved her with all my heart. But how you make me feel, is what freighters me most of all. The thought of you dancing out of my life, breaks me. I need you so much that I can't sleep without you. I can't breathe without you. I exist you for you." His voice cracks displaying his true feelings for her. "I would never forgive myself if ANYTHING happened to you."
"Fitz," she mumbles in a strained voice. "You have to promise me that you will ALWAYS catch me. I need to hear you say it," now fully crying.
"Liv?"
"I need to hear you say it," imploring to him through red blood shot eyes. "If I jump and you aren't there, I know I'll be ruined."
"I swear Livy," Fitz answers without reservation. He opens his arms wider for her to fall into.
"Say it dammit," squealing in a broken voice.
"I swear Olivia Carolyn Pope on my life and my Presidency, I will ALWAYS be there to catch you NO US when you fall. I promise," giving her a faint smile.
More of her tears descend down her cheeks. She cannot stop them from coming out of her eyes. Fitz nods and stretches his arms out ready to catch her. He prays she believes his heart felt plea. If she walks away not only from the lessons, but him now he'll never be the same.
He truly loved Bellamy with all his heart and soul. Fitz believed she was his everything. Even when she told him that one day another woman would come along and throw his world on its axis. That he would love again; but this time it would be life changing, extraordinary, painful, difficult love. He believed he had that love with his precious Bellamy, until he saw Olivia Carolyn Pope dance three weeks ago.
Since that fateful night, his life has not been the same. Everything Bellamy and Olivia said to him, is true. Fitz believed he was doing fine, until she locked eyes with him. Then everything he thought he knew about life, fate, and true love when clean out the window. With one look from Olivia, he was utterly taken. She had his whole heart, and if she only allowed him into hers. If she did, he'd would be the happiest man on the planet.
"Please Olivia," imploring in a cracked voice. "I've got you."
"Swear to me you'll stay by my side no matter what happens. Promise me Fitz that we ARE not going to rush into anything. Guarantee me you'll give me something I can work with," lifting her eyes and the corners of her mouth. Fitz sees the faint smile appear on his face.
"I'll give you anything your heart desires Liv. I swear it to you with all my heart," placing his closed hands over his heart.
"You better," finally turning around. Fitz smiles.
"Fold your arms across your chest and close your eyes," he gently commands.
"Fitzgerald," groaning in protest.
"Livy," chastising. "Just listen to me just this one time."
"I've to be crazy," speaking more to herself than to him. Fitz chuckles but his smile grows wide watching her guard come down and trust me. "Now what Dearie?"
"Dearie," quipping.
"I can call you whatever I want if you are making me do this stupid stunt." Her voice is playful but he can hear her annoyance. "Now what," she asks already knowing what is next.
"Fall backwards Dearie and I'll catch you," Fitz instructs.
She affirms to him one more time. "I swear to God Fitz if you don't catch me, you will need more than the Secret Service to protect you."
"Got it."
Fitz watches Olivia inhale and exhale before she allows her body to relax. She does this two more times before leaning backwards, allowing herself to be caught. She screams thinking Fitz is not going to catch her. Just as she begins to panic, she's in Fitz's arms. Fitz is down on one knee then stands up with her against his chest.
She is breathing heavily when their eyes meet. Suddenly she begins to cry, acknowledging more to herself that he REALLY did catch her. Fitz walks them over her sofa with her crying in his arms. He rocks her shaking body, without uttering a word. The only sound he emits is "Sh…," over and over again.
He hand rubs her back up and down, soothing her cries. The longer he holds her, the calmer she becomes. As he final tear sheds, she lifts her face and stare into his crisp, bright blue eyes. All she sees is hope, causing flutters in her stomach. She cups his face. "You caught me."
"I did."
"You saved me."
"No Livy. You saved me," placing a sweet kiss on her forehead.
"How?"
"Because…," rubbing his nose against hers. "You chose me."
Finally she smiles. "Well someone had to," teasing him. They begin to breathe in sync as she wraps her arms further around his neck.
"So what happens now?"'
"Now Mr. President we dance," she winks, and finally leans in to kiss him in a way that will cause more than his feet to dance.
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#DropsDancingShoes and runs….
Yuppers my #Pumpkins that is it. She allowed Fitz to "save her" which earned Fitz his dancing lessons and "just maybe" a whole lot more. Now before you all jump for joy, they are still not truly a couple. Fitz has NOT ask her out, and UNTIL he does she is NOT his girlfriend.
I know when precisely that will happen, so keep those dancing shoes on and stayed tuned. Trust me it will be sweet.
I am sure you have questions and thoughts about this EMOTIONAL chapter. If so send me a PM or DM on twitter. I'll answer the best I can.
Have a safe and Happy Halloween weekend.
Hoping for your #TricksOrTreats….
Me's