This story will is a spinoff of my All is Fair in Love one-shot series based on reviewer requests. The story is inspired by Ep 106 of Scandal. I always thought it would be fun to answer Fitz's pondering of why he didn't meet Olivia sooner. What if he had? I feel compelled to explore what could've happened it they had met before he married Mellie. Though there are inconsistencies in the series regarding the age difference between the two, so I'm sticking with 12. Looking forward to your thoughts. ?

Spring 1990

As she prepared for her college exploration weekend exploring Yale, she looked forward to visualizing herself on her own in this next chapter of her life. It was planned for her father to make this trek with her as he did for her exploration of Princeton, but unfortunately something unexpected came up at the Smithsonian keeping him away. Having spent the bulk of her time abroad at boarding school, Olivia was quite accustomed to taking care of herself. So adjusting her itinerary, she planned to drive around town while visiting the university and fly back to D.C. to join her father for the remainder of her spring break. Arriving at the Tweed Airport in New Haven Connecticut, Olivia made her way to the car rental counter to access the vehicle her father had reserved.

As a prospective student, attending the scheduled events, the school offered discounted accommodations at three nearby hotels. At her father's insistence, she booked a room at the Blake Hotel given its high ratings and Michelin starred restaurant. Her father had already called ahead, given she was a minor at 16, to ensure a smooth process. Deciding to check into her room before heading to the prospective student dinner, she efficiently loaded her vehicle and made her way to the valet stand at the hotel. With a kind smile at the offered hand, Olivia accepted the assistance out of her car and unloading her bags. She deftly slipped the attendant a tip before making her way to the lobby to check in. While waiting, she swayed gently to the music playing softly over the speaker and hummed to herself. Hearing heavy footsteps stop behind her, she turned to glance over her shoulder into calm, yet intense blue eyes. Brown eyes stared into blue for one pulsing, charged moment before she heard "next guest please." Wow, they both silently as the contact was broken. Moving forward, Olivia released a breath she was unaware she was holding to complete her check in process. Grabbing her bags, she headed to the elevator, hearing those footsteps and feeling this wall of heat behind her. Before she could push the button for the elevator, a hand reached around her and pushed it, heat emanating from his body.

"We met again." A deep baritone said in a calm tone sending a shiver down her back.

Looking over her shoulder, Olivia locked eyes with him again. "We didn't meet the first time," her eyes challenged.

Lifting an eyebrow, Fitz extended a hand. "Fitz."

Placing her hand in his, she held his gaze. "Olivia" she paused for a breath "Pope." His grip tightened on hers briefly as the elevator doors opened. Reluctantly he released her hand. "The pleasure's all mine Ms. Pope" Fitz said warmly, following her into the elevator.

"Which floor?" Olivia asked, a smile in her voice. Glancing at the floors, he smiled. "The same as you it seems," he said looking into her eyes again. They both once again held their breath as well as the potent gaze until the elevator dinged their arrival to their floor.

Following Fitz out of the elevator, they both paused to read the signs for room numbers. As they started off in different directions, they both looked over their shoulder for one last look, eyes meeting briefly, they acknowledged each other with twin smiles and continued to their rooms.

Unpacking, Olivia set aside what she would wear to the late afternoon tour and early evening reception. Although working, she quickly called her father's office and left a message that she had made it safety and was preparing for the evening events. After showering, carefully applying makeup, then dressing in a Yale blue dress with blue and white accents, she was ready to wow and in turn be wowed by Yale. With a quick glance at the clock, she hastened, calling down to the lobby to have her car brought around as she quickly tucking her mini notebook and pen into her blue purse, along with her room key before making her way to the lobby. Having already mapped out her route, Olivia mentally reviewed her questions and thought about how she wanted to come across. She knew this would be an important visit regardless of if she would attend Yale or Princeton; the people in attendance were current or possible connections and relationship building opportunities and she intended to make the best of it.

After parking and making her way to the designated meeting location with fifteen minutes to spare, Olivia saw another female she assumed was a prospective come her way.

"Glad to see I am not the only person to arrive early to be on time."

The redhead smiled while extending a hand. "Abby Whelan."

Olivia shook her hand firmly. "Olivia Pope," she said with an answering smile. "So Abby, where are you from?"

As they chatted, they formed a fast friendship and Olivia was excited to learn they had applied to some of the same schools. They exchanged emails to keep in touch after the weekend and realized that quite a few other people had arrived as they had been immersed in their conversation. Before they could consider introducing themselves to any of the others, the 54-bell Memorial Carillon of Harkness Tower began to play, effectively silencing the group as the event leader emerged. The group of 20 prospective students were led around campus on a short tour and told about the history of the school., it's buildings and the proud alumni who have emerged. Making their way back to the main room, they were informed that they would have a networking dinner in small groups with alumni and had already been matched for a one-on-one session with an alum based on their career interests. They were each handed small envelopes containing cards with the name of their matched alum who they were to connect with during the afternoon's free time tomorrow. Opening her card, Olivia looked down at her card puzzled at the name 'Fitzgerald Grant III' in bolded scripted font. No. It couldn't be. Could it? She wondered. "What are the odds?" she muttered softly to herself.

They moved in groups of five to their assigned seats for dinner, waiting to be joined by two alumni. Unsurprised to find Abby in her group of five, they smiled and decided to sit together sipping lemon water and meeting the other prospective students as they waited to be joined by the alumni. Making polite conversation, they learned their table had a common interest in politics and law; two at the table were children of a prominent New York lawyer and a D.C. politician. As she listened to the response to her question of what it was like being the child of an elected official, she felt her body heat as two men joined the table and familiar blue eyes locked with brown.

"I'm sure Mr. Grant can add some color to the topic as the son of a former governor of California and state Senator," John Davis said confidently.

Olivia raised an eyebrow.

"I figured I would get grilled on that at some point this weekend, but not first thing," Fitz said with a boyish grin, causing them all to chuckle.

"The truth is, it's honestly all that I know. For as long as I can remember, my father was actively involved in politics, instilling patriotism, leadership and community in me from a young age. It's not all glory and glamour and the system isn't perfect, but it's one I've been taught to respect. But enough about my childhood for now, please let's do a round of introductions. I'd like to get to know you and provide any insights that I can."

After the other alum introduced himself, the students began with the closest next to the alum starting, placing Olivia second to last. Abby smoothly introduced herself and continued saying "I believe I'll be scheduling a chat with you Sir to learn more about my interests in political science."

Fitz laughed as she smiled. "Ok. We will get right on planning that out," he smiled in turn.

"Well I suppose you'll just be one busy guy as I've also been matched with you." Olivia locked eyes with him for a heated moment before proceeding to introduce herself and her future interests to the larger group.

Conversation flowed easily, the group never having to make use of the conversation cards placed in the center of the table to keep things going. With rounds of laughter frequently emitting from their table, they received looks more than once during the event.

When they were notified that the evening was coming to a close soon and encouraged to schedule a session with their alumni, conversations came to a close as people began moving about the room. Since Abby announced that she had been matched with him first during dinner, Olivia insisted she have dibs on scheduling their session. With her purse wrapped over her arm, she decided to kill time by making use of the dessert and coffee station, she filled a small plate with mostly fresh berries and a small chocolate treat before fixing a cup of decaf with a splash of cream. Making her way to one of the few remaining high-top tables, she had no sooner put down her things, than she felt a heat that was becoming familiar at her back.

" There you are. I'll grab a cup of coffee and join you."

Olivia released her breath as he walked away. She chose a berry at random and popped it into her mouth, calming nerves she didn't realize she had. She took her notebook from her bag to earmark the meeting time they decided on.

When Fitz returned and moved across from her, they both smiled shyly, looking at each other in silence.

Clearly her throat, her lips twitched, "I'm sure you didn't join me just to stare at me. So, what does your schedule look like tomorrow?"

He scoffed, "Really? Don't be so sure about that." He smiled before turning serious. "I was completely caught by surprise seeing you at that table tonight." The unspoken acknowledgement of her being in high school between them. As she looked up at him bashfully, he internally struggled with the attraction he felt for her. "Have breakfast with me tomorrow."

Olivia raised an eyebrow. "Breakfast?"

"Yes Ms. Pope. Eight o' clock. Hotel lobby." He took a sip of coffee, never breaking eye contact. "And make sure you bring your questions. Otherwise, I have no problem just staring at you." He smiled before picking up his cup again his eyes roaming her face softly.

As Olivia got lost in his gaze, it was his turn to clear his throat. "Until tomorrow Olivia. We should both be networking."

"You're right; we should be. Tomorrow it is then."

As they went their separate ways, he shook his head, reminding himself that she still had to be in high school amid other complications.

Olivia made her rounds, knowing just what questions to ask to get a person talking about themselves and listened with half an ear as she thought about Fitz and how impossible the sizzling tension she felt between them given that she currently went to school at a boarding school and he was undoubtedly several years older. As their eyes connected yet again across the room, she resolved her will to uncover the mystery he presented, hoping it would quell this budding attraction and refocused herself on the conversation at hand.

When the night was officially called to an end, Olivia grabbed her belongings and made her way to the parking lot. Though the campus was mostly well lit, she made haste to her car, digging out her keys as she walked. As she reached her car, she heard voices behind her.

Turning around she saw Fitz walking toward the parking lot with a woman who was clearly also an alum. She surprised herself with the flash of jealousy that sparked in her chest.

"Olivia, did you walk out by yourself? You should've have told me. I would have walked you to your car." Sincere concern colored his tone.

"I appreciate that Mr. Grant, but I made it ok." She watched him lift an eyebrow in surprise before turning her back as she opened the door.

"Ok. I'll meet with you tomorrow. Gretchen where is your car?" he asked the woman beside him who pointed it out as he gave her one last look before continuing on.

Feeling silly, Olivia berated herself as she made her way back to the hotel. Clearly I need to prepare for tomorrow and go to bed, she thought to herself as she dropped off her car with the valet and went up to her room. She decided to shower before working on her questions and was surprised to come out to a ringing phone.

"Hello?" she asked in question.

"Hi." He said in an unsure tone.

"Hi." She uttered back. "How did you get my room number?" she sat on her bed, slipping in between the sheets.

"I asked for it," he stated as though it was the simplest thing in the world. She heard rustling in the background as though he also settled on his bed.

"Why?"

"I wanted to make sure you were ok. You seemed…different in the parking lot." He heard her sigh on the other end.

"Fitz we just met. You definitely shouldn't feel as though you can discern my moods and you definitely shouldn't be calling to check up on me," her voice was firm yet her could hear a smile in it.

"Yet I can and I am," he said taking the same tone and smiling in turn. "I'm glad to hear I'm back to Fitz."

She scoffed. "Goodnight mister."

He laughed. "Goodnight Olivia."

Both fought losing battles with the smiles on their faces as they adjusted to lay down more comfortably, Fitz on the end of the bed and Olivia not quite in the middle of her bed. They both went to sleep thinking about a chance occurrence that could cause them to meet the most interesting person.

As an early riser, Olivia centered herself with her yoga practice, remembering the flow from a class she routinely took during the school year. As she breathed in and out evenly, she cleared her mind and set her intentions for the day. She wanted to know more about Fitzgerald Grant and the both puzzling and intoxicating energy that seemed to surround them. After a hot shower, she dressed just as carefully today, applying her makeup with smooth strokes from a steady hand. She fully intended to make the most of her time on campus, touching base with the political science advisors and current department leaders as well as sitting in on an afternoon class to gain better perspective on the class experience. This would be her last full day as she intended to head back to D.C. mid-morning the next day. Despite her full morning, she made it to the lobby at 7:50 and was surprised to find Fitz leisurely standing by the entrance of the restaurant.

His eyes found hers and a warm smile crossed his face. "You're early."

"So are you I see." She returned his smile.

"I'm an early riser. It's my time to think and reflect. Plus I wanted to get in a workout this morning since I have a few meetings with the school, in addition to my one on ones today." They turned toward the hostess stand. "Two please."

As they were seated, they quickly placed their orders for fresh juice and coffee while taking a moment to review the day's specials. Olivia ordered a Spanish omelet with whole wheat toast, fresh raspberry jam and a side of fresh berries. Liking the sounds of her breakfast he asked for the same but with strawberry jam.

They sat silently for a moment sharing yet another long gaze before she broke the silence. "So I know from last night, your knowledge of politics stem from your father's career in it, but what led to your interests? Why did you study political science?"

"Honestly? In part because it was expected of me and in part because I wanted to understand the foundation of the systems and policies that inform life as we know it but furthermore the bases of which those that govern us use to make systemic changes to society."

"Hmmm.. Well given that response and the fact that you are a Navy man," she watched him quirk a brow, "all you'd need is to be pursing a law degree and I'd think you were being groomed for a career in politics."

His ears tips pinked as he held her gaze. "I start at Harvard in the Fall. How'd you know I was in the Navy?"

"I'm observant. I saw your watch." She smiled at him. "So what do you want to do with a career in politics?"

Feeling shy about just how uncertain he felt about his future, Fitz questioned, "shouldn't I be asking you that? It's why we were matched after all, given your shared interests."

Locking eyes with him she responded, "You're deflecting. But to answer your question I want to learn and understand politics to tackle the systemic problems within it. I'm just not sure what the right fit in a career path will be for me just yet." She paused as their food arrived.

"It's ok you know…" she said softly.

"What's ok" he asked cautiously.

"That you are still figuring it out. Deciding what you want."

His eyes met hers again. "Very astute Ms. Pope."

As they ate, they talked about anything and everything, enjoying the frank and honest conversation with each other.

"You are so easy to talk to. I find it easy to forget I only just found you yesterday." Fitz spoke calmly.

Olivia felt a visceral response to his declaration of found. "Fitz…"

"Olivia I…"

"Fitz! There you are." A brunette crossed over to the table, breaking the moment. Olivia watched his face immediately shutter close.

"Mellie, what are you doing here?"

"I know you are here supporting school events, but I thought it could be fun to surprise you this weekend. Fitz we're being rude." Turning she smiled at Olivia lacking the warmth from a genuine smile, as she extended her hand.

Taking it Olivia shook it. "I'm Olivia, a prospective student."

"Mellie, Fitz's soon to be fiancée."

…

Ok so what do you think? Should I continue this What If story interspersed with my normal one-shot stories? Let me know your thoughts!