AN: Thank you, thank you, thank you as always for leaving your kind and hilarious reviews and pms. You guys have been the best fandom I've ever shared my stories with by far. Even if you take the time just to say great update or to share your opinions on something that happened or what you think will happen, it all has just been amazing to take in. Thursday is almost upon us so I hope that you all find something to enjoy in Scandal 3B!

Chapter Eleven

"So tell me, just how many heart attacks did you anticipate being the cause of while getting dressed this fine Halloween morning?"

Reclining in the chair in her dressing room while she listened to his words, Olivia couldn't stop her reaction to the blatant arousal in Fitz's tone. Her body warmed and then she moaned softly before replying with a coy, "I have no idea what you're talking about, Mr. Grant."

"Seriously? You're going to play all innocent with me now? All I can think about is you on my screen in black leather, all red lips and mischievous eyes. And now you're talking to me in that voice. Be honest, you're trying to do me in, aren't you?"

"Never," she chuckled at the slight distress he seemed to be under, all the while longing to see his face. "I'm nowhere close to being finished with you yet so just relax, you're safe."

"Relax? Are you kidding me?"

Thoughts fully centered on her despite the pressing need to start his day, he had only gotten as far as putting on his slacks before he had to call her. And now with her voice in his ear, he paced his hotel room with his fingers lodged in his hair while images of Olivia slithering all over him in her cat suit played repeatedly in his mind. It was an exquisite kind of torture he wasn't sure he ever wanted to come to an end so he huffed in defeat.

"Well I see that somebody enjoyed this morning's program. It's always good to know that you have at least one satisfied viewer." She wasn't even trying to disguise the glee in her voice anymore. "Would you like to tell me what interested you the most, sir?"

"And now you're just being cruel. It's almost been a month since Vermont."

"I know. I remember." She sighed before deciding to twist the knife a little more with a tiny but delicious fib. "Well there's no need to be worked up any longer because now, now I'm wearing nothing. Fitz...?" She called out his name when she heard a commotion on his end.

"Fitz, are you okay?"

"Yes. It's just the damn phone. It kind of slipped out of my hand." Even though he smiled as she giggled at his predicament he still found himself begging for mercy. "Olivia, stop."

"I haven't even done anything, yet. We're just carrying on a conversation. And to be honest I think it's kind of messed up that you've seen me and I haven't laid eyes on you today at all. Tell me what you're wearing."

"Besides the largest erection known to man? Pants. I barely have on pants."

"Fitz," she gasped, her eyes closed while fixating on the visual he had given to her.

"What? You asked. And you caused it."

"Still, I just..."

"I know. I miss you. I need you too. But it won't be much longer now."

"Where are you?"

"I'm at the Plaza trying to get dressed, but the most bewitching woman in the world kept stealing my ability to function properly. And I knew I wouldn't be able to do anything until I talked to her."

He had arrived in New York the previous night to join forces with a select group of former and current leaders as well as political entrepreneurs to discuss and provide solutions for the world's health and hunger crisis. Honesty and serious restraint had kept them from seeing each other the moment he had landed. They both knew and freely admitted that any attempt at physical contact would shift the focus from the important issues at hand due to their dedication to make up for lost time. Although they both agreed they were quickly finding that being so close with some distance still between them equally as distracting as well.

It made her question how strong her resolve actually was when it came to him. It made her question how he could have such a huge impact on her in such a short amount of time. "Well all teasing aside, I really am glad that you called. And I know that your schedule is going to be crazy the next few days while you deal with some heavy stuff so I promise I'll be good and ease up on the friendly teasing."

"Thank you for extending mercy my way, Ms. Pope," he said playfully before taking a look at his watch. "Look, there's no way I will have any semblance of time to myself until after five at the earliest. Can I call you then so we can see what the rest of the night looks like?"

"I will be highly upset if you don't."

"Well, we can't have that. Your face is much too beautiful to be marked by anything but smiles."

"I agree. And you're doing a great job of keeping one there."

"That's always good to know. And, Olivia?"

"Yes, Fitz?"

"Whatever you do, do not get rid of that costume."

Although his earnest request left no room for doubt as to his intentions, it did leave her wanting him desperately as she imagined the next time they were together. Wise enough to know that they'd both be in real trouble if their conversation continued on in the same vein she knew the time had come to end the call. So with a promise to talk later that's exactly what they did.

Fitz's close proximity combined with him calling and letting her know that he had found a few minutes in his busy day to tune in and see her participate in the show's tradition of wearing costumes on the holiday had put an extra bounce in her step as she left her seat for the change of clothes hanging in the corner of the room. She had already removed her black mask the moment the program had ended and a part of her was sad that she would have to retire Catwoman and her signature purr so soon. But the real world was beckoning her yet again, requiring that she showed up in her big girl panties instead of campy villainess attire. Unzipping the garment bag to eye the black and white colorblock skirt and jacket, she exhaled deeply several times and prayed that the rest of her day stayed as amazing as it had started out.


"Oh, Liv, good. I was just..." Once she heard the door creak open and then close Abby stopped scrawling on the paper in front of her only to look up and find Harrison inching towards her instead. "Oh. Hey. Not Liv."

"No, not Liv." He shook his head, his eyes never wavering from hers. He didn't understand how he could be so utterly captivated by her standing there and yet so upset with her at the same time.

"Well I was just leaving her a note and since it doesn't seem she'll be back anytime soon I'll just..."

She turned and started moving just as fast as she talked but she was no match for him. He grabbed her by the arm, his fingers putting wrinkles in her green blouse. "Not so fast there, Whelan. I think I've let you avoid me long enough."

Eyes widening at the accusation, she scoffed. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"That. Do not do that," He shot back angrily with a pointed index finger. "Both of us are better than lies, Abby."

Embarrassed by the harsh truth in his response, she bowed her head and whispered. "I'm sorry, but I really have to go."

"Why'd you do it?" His question stopped her in her tracks and caused her to release the door handle. When he heard no sign that she'd left, he pivoted to face her. "Why did you take his ring? And if you had to take it why is it hanging from your neck like a noose instead of on your finger where it belongs?"

"Harrison." Her voice cracked and she was unable to give him the explanation he sought due to the heaviness she felt all over.

Seeing unshed tears in her eyes prompted him to temper the bitterness, confusion and resentment coursing through him. In that moment he chose to comfort her instead. His lips touched hers tenderly at first and as his confidence grew he poured all of his pent up emotions into the kiss. Remembering where he was as he felt all self control and common decency slowing leaving him, he broke their connection and cupped her face as he rested her forehead against hers. "Come have lunch with me so we can talk. We need to be alone to sort this out. To figure out just what in the hell we're doing."

"Miss Lee's?" she asked, thinking of one of their favorite spots just around the corner.

"No," He shook his head and took her by the hand before leading her away from Olivia's sanctuary. "I've got someplace better in mind."


Sitting in the lobby with her legs crossed and phone in hand, Olivia scrolled her inbox while waiting for her name to be called. To kill time and distract herself from the bubbling nerves, she had studied every painting on every wall, checked her watch repeatedly and even engaged in small talk with the receptionist. Just as she reached her hand inside her black Prada bag, the younger woman seated at the desk made eye contact with her.

"Mr. Patrick will see you now, Ms. Pope."

Hearing her name in conjunction with the chairman of BNN news rattled her all over again. So for a brief moment, she played with the hem of her jacket before plastering a smile on her face nevertheless. She stood, collected her belongings and thanked Marci as she escorted her inside the large intimidating space.

As soon as she appeared, the handsome man with piercing blue eyes and dark hair moved to greet her. Fighting the last of her nerves, she exhaled and extended her hand. In spite of his position of power he tried his best to put her at ease while ushering her to the seat opposite his desk.

"Are you sure I can't get you anything?" He asked again, his long legs disappearing under his desk once she was seated comfortably.

"No, I'm fine, thanks." She waved her hands as he laced his together in front of him on his desk.

While silence lingered, he studied her. "Well I won't keep you in suspense, Olivia. I know you're wondering why I've called you here."

"I am. The last time we talked privately like this we discussed my willingness to take Caitlin's place in the morning lineup."

"We did and I have to say you've more than stepped up to the plate. You're making a name for yourself and making all of us at BNN proud as well. It's unfortunate but Caitlin just wasn't a good fit. It was just too much of everything; the responsibility, attention and work ethic just weren't there. She was too concerned with the cameras and fame to cover the news. But you, you continue to prove your worth to the network and that's why I felt it was time for us to talk again."

"Thank you so much, sir. It really means a lot," she spoke earnestly.

"Olivia, I'm older, but not that much older than you. Right now we're just two people brainstorming, focusing on what's best for the future of BNN. So please, while we're in here feel free to call me Keegan. The sir thing makes me feel ancient," he chuckled. "Now for the reason I wanted to meet with you..."

As he began talking and revealing his ideas for her, all fears and doubts vanished, replaced with hope and possibility as he spoke of making her dreams reality.

By the time she left Keegan's office Olivia was coasting. She was also so very thankful that her work day was done because she was barely able to function never mind make it to air to anchor coherently. Once the fog lifted from her dazed mind, her first thought was of Fitz. But she knew he would be unavailable so she reached out to all the other important people in her life before changing into casual clothes and going home.


Her plan to lounge around and hopefully catch up on sleep until Fitz was free was derailed when she was ambushed by the appearance of Abby and Harrison at her door. Together they were able to convince her to allow them the honor of treating her to an impromptu celebratory dinner. And although drinks, laughs, and accolades abounded inside one of the city's hottest blues clubs, she couldn't stop her mind from veering off into thoughts of Fitz.

She wondered what he was doing, if he was surrounded by a throng of colleagues enjoying a great meal and thinking of her too. And though her attention was waning she wasn't so far removed from her friends' interactions that she missed the obvious flirting between the two. They were giddy and not even subtle in their attempts. Just as she was about to suggest comping a room for them, her phone chimed alerting her to a text message.

Convinced that they were absorbed in their own little game, she engaged in some flirtatious fun all her own until she felt the weight of being watched. "What?" she asked defensively.

"Come on, Liv, who's the guy?" Harrison wondered.

Olivia couldn't dare meet Abby's gaze fearful that one or the both of them would crack, so she dismissed him. "I don't know what you're talking about. Abby, make sure he gets home safely because he must have had a little too much to drink."

His smile never faltering he leaned forward "You've got it confused because you'd have to be drunk to think that I can't see what's right in front of me."

"Alright, both of you guys go to your corners and chill," Abby advised before liquor infused words escalated things more.

Feeling like children who had just been caught with their hands in a cookie jar they each took a breath and apologized. Olivia spoke first. "I'm not trying to play you for a fool. I just can't get into it right now, that's all."

"Then say that and leave it there."

"Fair enough, I take your point. Are we good?" She extended her hand.

"Always," he replied and then they shook on it.


Immediately upon exiting the cab Olivia hugged her waist length cape closer to her body while balancing her handbag and the last slice of dessert that had been forced on her by Abby and Harrison as they parted ways.

Her mind already fixated on soaking in a nice warm bubble bath once she made it inside her apartment she almost didn't hear the measured footsteps approaching. But since she did she turned towards the noise and instantly relaxed when she recognized the head of Fitz's security detail.

"Hello, Tom."

"Ms. Pope. President Grant would like a word, ma'am."

"How? Where?"

"If you'd follow me..."

He led her to a dark luxury sedan with even darker windows and opened the door for her. After gifting him with the piece of red velvet cake, she nodded as she walked past him. Whispering her thanks as she slid into the backseat, she left Tom smirking as he closed the door behind her and stood guard outside.

Before she could even get situated a pair of strong hands reached for her. She yelped and then laughed as she was pulled into a strong embrace. "Fitz what are you...?"

He swallowed the rest of her question with his lips when he crushed his mouth to hers for a soul stirring kiss. As desperate for him as he was for her, she matched his fervor while realizing that in that moment she was experiencing what it felt like to be completely consumed.

"I had every intention of being a grown up, to focus on my commitments, but look how well that turned out." He explained with labored breaths once they separated. "I missed you."

"I missed you too." She admitted with a sigh as she tried to recover from the sudden shock of his appearance and the thoroughness of his kiss. Feeling feather light pecks against her face she grinned and opened her eyes in time to see him smiling at her.

"Hi." He spoke softly as the pad of his thumb grazed her cheekbones, jaw and then lips.

"Hi." Her smile intensified from the combined effect of his voice and touch. "So tell me again about that beautiful and brilliantly constructed plan to handle business first and take care of pleasure later..."

Fitz groaned when said thumb of his was taken into her warm mouth. "I know what I said. But I found that doing it; actually staying away from you when you're so close, is an entirely different thing."

His confession pleased her and her eyes sparked with delight. "I was wondering which one of us would cave first. I'm just glad it wasn't me. As a matter of fact, I should have placed a bet on it. I'd be sitting pretty right now."

"Aren't you always?" He raised a brow and drank in the sight of her. In spite of him smearing the color on her plump lips she was still stunning in the navy blue cape and leather mini skirt. "I can't tell you how good it feels to touch you and hold you again."

"I think I have a slight idea," her fingers swept the hair at his temple. "So how are things shaping up at the conference?"

"Great. They're always great. There's never been a lack of ideas, we just always seem to hit snags when it comes to executing in a timely manner. But when you have a truly committed group of people trying to bring change to the people and places that need it most amazing things do get accomplished. And we're working on it. So how was your day?"

"I don't even know where to start. It was like walking around in my own fairy tale," she sighed dreamily. "And, you sir, are the topper."

"Oh? So do I get details? I mean past the morning. Because when I saw you onscreen I could tell that you were excellent."

His lecherous grin made her blush. "Fitz."

"Olivia. Why aren't you in the costume?"

"Because it was just a costume."

"But it is still also Halloween. I don't want to seem like I'm judging you or anything but I think that you are doing the day a disservice."

"Am I really?" she laughed.

"Yes really. I mean you're beautiful. God knows you look stunning right now." His gaze made it apparent he approved of her ensemble."But you as Catwoman, I think I lost a few brain cells on that one."

"All the more reason you should be thanking your lucky stars it's safely tucked away. Your intelligence and insight are needed elsewhere for the time being, so we don't need you sidetracked. But don't worry I can easily get my hands on it when the time is right. Speaking of hands," She whimpered when his fingers grazed her thigh and swooped around to cup her behind.

"Aren't you going to invite me up?"

She wrapped his tie around her hand, pulling him closer while his lips and teeth brushed her neck. "Sure if you don't mind being off your game for the rest of the week. Being apart has been hard and when we finally get to be all alone I'm going to take my time with you. Which means neither of us will be of any use to anyone whatsoever for the next few days."

"Well you can't blame a guy for trying, can you?"

"Nope. Especially when given that the consequences of me agreeing would bring a lot more positives than negatives for the both of us. But going our separate ways tonight is for the greater good."

"You're right and I'm sure we'll be rewarded for our sacrifice." He held her in his arms and kissed her atop her head. "Since I took over the conversation with visions of you as Catwoman dancing in my head you haven't had the chance to tell me about your day."

"Oh, it was only the best one ever, professionally. In addition to co-hosting our morning show I have been hand picked as special correspondent for our nightly newscast. The chairman of our news division Keegan Patrick himself met with me and went into great detail about his vision for me at BNN. He's really ready to invest in me and groom me for everything I wanted when I chose to go into television journalism."

"Wow, that's amazing." He was genuinely happy for her and filled with pride. He knew that she worked hard and deserved every bit of success coming her way.

"It is, isn't it? He's talking intermittent night time exposure at first that'll eventually lead to a seat at the desk and then me possibly anchoring that desk solo or going on to my own weekly program. Tell me I'm not dreaming, Fitz? Tell me that you're really here with me and everything else I've ever wanted is right within my reach."

He smiled and squeezed her closer to him. "This is real. I'm here and I'm not going anywhere. Enjoy every minute of it, because it's only the beginning and it's going to get much, much better than this."

He strengthened the promise made by fusing their mouths together. Olivia shivered when he growled against her skin and her fingers instinctively wound their way into his hair. They kissed and touched and spoke of their need for one another until they were both breathless.

"Tom is probably close to freezing his butt off out there."

"Don't worry, he's a big boy." He looked her in the eyes. "He's trained to withstand worse than the weather. You just feel your willpower dissolving so you're looking to distract from the fact that you want me in your bed tonight."

"Pretty damn confident, are we?"

"Am I misreading the situation?"

"No," she sighed. "But it's really getting late."

"I know. For me too." He readjusted her clothes before running a hand down the front of his slacks. "Saturday night we're having a benefit dinner with all proceeds going towards the Healing Hands Foundation. There will be lots of big name donors there and some members of the press. Are you interested? It will be no problem getting a ticket to you and getting you cleared in enough time to attend."

"You don't have to, it's already been handled. I'm one of the chosen few who'll represent BNN there. I was going to surprise you Saturday night but I can't hold it in anymore, so surprise!"

"Surprise indeed," He said huskily and captured her smiling lips in another sweeping kiss. "So I guess I'll see you Saturday."


Olivia and Fitz barely made it to Friday evening before seeking each other out again. After admitting they had reached their respective limits with the self imposed separation, they decided that she would pack a bag and he would pick her up. Curious when he had Tom bypass his hotel without any explanation given, she sat and observed the scenery impatiently as they were ushered through the streets of New York.

When the car finally came to a halt some time later, he shot her a devilish grin and winked before exiting the vehicle. He opened her door and helped her to her feet while their bags were being transferred inside. Giving instructions to Tom and others as he made his way up the steps Fitz turned when he realized Olivia was no longer beside him.

She stood staring in awe at the commanding piece of real estate. It was all brick and glass situated on hill surrounded by trees. "This is absolutely beautiful. Is it yours?"

"No, it belongs to my cousin CiCi and her husband. She agreed to loan it to me since they only use it to escape the rush of the city. As for me, most of my properties lie in California, Vermont, Colorado, and Florida. There's also one in the mountains of Tennessee."

"So you're either a swim or ski type of guy?"

"Usually. Although having something of my own here in New York wouldn't be such a bad idea now that I think about it. Suddenly The Empire State has much more to offer than ever before." He licked his lips and smiled, enjoying the look his declaration put in her eyes. "Come on, Olivia. Let me show you around."

After taking a walk around the grounds, Fitz's eyes were trained on Olivia as he opened the door. The penetrating stare aroused and intrigued her as she wondered what exactly he had up his sleeve. She soon found out once they were entered the house, her senses kicking into high gear from the grand gesture before her. Candles and flowers were everywhere, starting at the foyer and extending far beyond her line of vision. She could also hear music, the sound of something soulful playing in the background while the smells from the kitchen had her mouth watering.

"Oh my, what have you done?"

He shrugged. "What, this? I had some very efficient people putting this together the better part of the day. I just thought we'd celebrate your promotion as well as being able to finally spend some uninterrupted time together again. Do you like?"

"I love it. Its amazing. Thank you."

"No need to thank me, the pleasure is all mine."


"So, I have something for you...a couple of somethings for you actually." He said as they sipped wine on the sofa after dinner and watched the fire.

Emotions already threatening to overtake her due to his lavish spoiling and attentiveness, she twisted and turned in his arms until their eyes met. "Fitz no, it's too much. You've already done so much."

"And I'm just getting started." He kissed the tip of her nose and carefully untangled their limbs so that he wouldn't hurt her or spill their drinks. After doing so, he stood, held out a hand to her and led her upstairs.

The bedroom reserved for them was as lively as the home's owner, decorated in bold reds and radiant white with every comfort imaginable.

"Bedtime already?"

"That's entirely up to you," he kissed her lips before releasing her.

"Hey, where are you going?" In need of more of him, she pouted when he walked away from her and towards the luggage.

"Patience. Why don't you make yourself comfortable?"

"Comfortable or comfortable?"

His chuckled at the suggestive hint in her tone. "You can sit, for the moment there, tiger. I really want you to have this first."

She took a seat at the edge of the bed, her eyes bulging when he returned to her wheeling a small suitcase and setting it at her feet. "What in the world?" She asked as he stayed on bended knees.

"Open them." He extended one wide crème colored gift box after another to her.

She blushed and ran her fingers along the famous name adorning the packages, keenly aware of what the company specialized in and curious as to what he could have possibly chosen for her. After a quick intake of breath, she dove into the gifts. Some boxes contained bra and panty sets, a few for functional everyday wear while others were strictly bedroom creations, negligees and similar things, all in an array of colors and designs meant to seduce and entice. "These are some beautiful pieces, Fitz. I'm almost afraid to touch them, forget about wearing them."

"But you have to. I got carried away in Vermont so it's only right that I saw to their replacement."

"So is this your way of saying it won't happen again?"

"I'm saying that they were very grateful for my business via CiCi's account and I foresee being a repeat customer."

Olivia touched his face and smiled. "You Fitzgerald Grant are an incorrigible man."

"I'm an honest man, a smitten man with exquisite taste. And I'm not talking about the lingerie in case you're wondering."

"Oh boy. You with the words again and the actions to back them up." When she leaned down to kiss him, he avoided her. "The hell?"

"I'm not finished yet. Because I have to be honest, although you will be the one wearing that stuff it's primarily for my benefit. But this...this is for you."

He presented her with two jewelry boxes; one long, one small and opened them for her. Nestled inside was a diamond and yellow gold starburst pendant necklace, and a pair of identical extra small earrings. The extravagant set winking at her wowed no doubt, but also stunned her into silence. So much so that she could only shake her head for a time. "No, Fitz, I can't."

"You can. They're yours and no one else's. You can choose to wear them or not but you have to accept them."

Olivia loved the set. She was sincerely touched by his thoughtfulness and wanted claim them, but a part of her was still hesitant. A tiny voiced nagged at her, telling her that everything was moving entirely too fast. And even though he had shown her from the beginning that he didn't do anything halfheartedly it still managed to throw her for a loop sometimes and caused her to back up. But when she saw confusion and doubt cloud his eyes due to her indecisiveness she decided to trust in him, in them, and leap once again.

"Okay" her head bobbed up and down "I'll accept."

"Excellent," he smiled and unclasped the necklace.

She gathered her hair on top of her head and took in a breath and then let it out as he secured it around her neck. When he finished he watched the flawless creation shimmer against her skin and placed kisses in the exact spot before moving on to the surrounding area. "Perfect. Absolutely stunning. Drop dead beautiful."

"Gentle. Caring. Handsome. Sexy. Persuasive. Determined." Kissing him right back, she replied with descriptions of her own the moment she realized he was no longer commenting on the jewelry, if he ever was to begin with.

His ministrations soon elicited a moan from her and she raked her fingers through his hair as he busied himself with other parts of her body. As his touch strengthened and his kisses deepened she felt her control snap. She jerked and moved her body until he was physically thrown off guard and she gained the upper hand. The force of his weight colliding with the bed sent sent the packages flying and crashing to the floor but neither noticed or cared at the moment.

Her focus was concentrated on pleasing him, appreciating him the way he did her. His attention was solely on her, the way she moved and looked as she straddled him, kissed him, and began undressing him; his sweater quickly removed and thrown to the floor.

When her advances ground to a sudden unexplained halt, it was his turn to groan in frustration."God, Livvie, what are you trying to do to me?"

She laughed and kissed his neck before burying her face there. "I'm not trying to tease you anymore, I promise. I just think its time for me to get comfortable."

Immediately comprehending the meaning behind her words, parts of him became even more alert than they were just a few seconds prior. His fingers traced her neck and her arms before winding in her hair and bringing her mouth to his for one more thorough kiss. And then he let her go to ask, "So is Catwoman making an appearance?"

She giggled, kissed his bare chest and then lay a hand there. "I don't think you could handle her tonight and still be on your A game at tomorrow's dinner. Bur afterwards? I say the chances are overwhelmingly in your favor. But I feel I should warn you, I don't think she'll show you any mercy."

His body tensed while his eyes danced in anticipation. Figuring that the time to practice for the femme fatale's arrival was as good as ever, he flipped Olivia onto her back and covered her body with his own. "You tell Catwoman to give it her very best shot and I promise to give it mine."

AN: The more I write this, I come up with about one hundred different ways to take this story but I've decided to focus more on the romance. Of course there'll still be little bumps and hiccups, they still have to deal with the Melllie stuff after all, but I really can't see this going full out angst because I'd rather focus on the happy. I hope that's okay with you guys. The real deal will be back Thursday so I'm confident they'll bring the emotional torture everyone who tunes in. Oh, I finally made a Twitter for fangirling. So if you're on there and talk Scandal on your feed, I would love to follow you to hear your thoughts on the show when it airs (I'll probaby watch from between my fingers) especially given some of the comments you leave me in reviews. I also plan to take a few request for one shots and such once I wrap this up so you can drop me your ideas over there or through PM. My twitter handle is SBNewgirl!