Saving Grace

by Da Princes and Me's

Fitzgerald Grant was about to become the first President to divorce his wife and remain in office. Olivia Pope (whom he's never met) is dealing with her own demons. She is grieving for her fallen fiancee, trying to move on with her life. Neither realizes that they are godparents to Ella Beene. This chance encounter changes them and soon they become each others Saving Grace.

8. I Want To Be Gladiator In A Suit

HAPPY SCANDAL THURSDAY! I am SO SORRY for taking so long to update this story. I will try to be better. My life has been busy. But I hope to update more often.

I left you off in the last chapter with Olivia's team seeing Fitz in Olivia's apartment and now they have to find a way to get him out of there. You get a quick flashback right before Fitz is introduced to her team. Not much else to say but enjoy.

Leave me Pumpkin Seeds cuz they make me smile and write more. ;-)

/

Chapter 8: "I Want To Be A Gladiator In A Suit."

/

As Olivia and Fitz approached her team in her living room, Fitz was shocked at how one of her employee's knew the plates on his car; what things to look for on his agents, and even the frequency of the ear pieces. A part of him was quiet nervous to meet her friends. Would they like them? Could they approve of him and her being in a relationship, when the time was right? How the heck are these people going to get him out of here?

As they inched closer, Olivia grabbed his hand, squeezing it, giving him strength and comfort all at the same time. Her one touch, was simple, but conveyed so much meaning to him. It told him that she would be with him, every step of the way.

She turned to him and said, "You ready."

"Yes," Fitz said. "Will they like me?"

She turned to face him. Whispering she asks him, "Are you seriously asking me that right now. Why couldn't you ask me that earlier?"

"I am just nervous that's all."

"Seriously," she stops him, from going any further before her team can see them. "You are nervous about meeting my people. Why?"

"I just am."

"You are the President of the United States. You meet World Leaders, Dictators, and Royalty. Are you trying to tell me, you are scared to meet the people that work for me?"

Now Fitz was embarrassed. He nodded his head.

"Why the hell for," she whispered to him.

"Because they are your friends and I want them to like me. I don't want them to think that I am some creep leading you on." Fitz said to her, now leaning against the wall.

She had to stifle back a giggle. She moved them back down the hall so she could talk to him more openly. "Come here," she reached out her hand to him. He grabs onto in but before she can move he pulls her into his body. Immediately he relaxes. His entire body posture relaxes, and he can feel himself, instinctually wrapping himself around her small body more.

She places her hands on his chest and she feels his hands on her back. She looks in his eyes and tells him, 'You are going to be great. You are the President of this country. But I don't want you to show them that. I want you to show them Ella's godfather, and Jerry and Karen's Dad. But most of all,4 the man my little girl trusted immediately. Can you do that?"

Fitz nodded his head. "Liv?"

"Come on. You'll be fine. These are my closest friends. They are my gladiators." She pushes herself away from him, and gives him her hand for him to latch onto.

As they begin to walk down the hall, he asks her "What's a gladiator?"

She smiles at him and says, "You'll find out soon enough, Mr. President."

Before they reached, where they could be seen, they both heard Harrison comment, "Huck there is no way the President of the United States, Fitzgerald Grant spent the night here at Olivia's. Dude that is just insane, and she's never met the man."

Just then Olivia emerged from the hallway. "Liv, for God's sake, who the hell do you have back there? Who in the hell are we helping sneaking out of here?" Stephen asked her.

"Well it's a long story, but I did meet Ella's god father yesterday. He happen to accidently spent the night. We didn't intend for it to happen but it did."

Harrison looked over at her. "Come on Liv. We've got your back you know that. But who in the hell do you have back there? Huck is positive that it is the President."

Olivia then reached her hand out and her entire time watched as a strong masculine hand, reaches out and latches on to hers. Her entire team watches in wonder, who the heck spent the night at her house.

When Fitz steps fully into view he says, "Good Morning Everyone."

"Fiz," Emmy yells and run to his open arms. He scoops her up, in a huge fit of giggles. He wraps his arm around Olivia, pulling her flesh against his body.

Her entire team is shocked to say the least. In unison they say "HOLY MOTHER OF GOD!"

/

Everyone from Olivia's team just stands there in shock and awe that the President of the United States is standing there, with one arm wrapped around Olivia and the other holding Emmalynn Grace. They took turns looking from one another, really not sure what to say at this point.

Abby decides to break the ice, "So Mr. President, did you two have a romantic evening? Liv, is he a good kisser?"

"Abigail," Olivia screams, "this is so inappropriate." She answers blushing.

Fitz not missing a beat, "Actually Miss Whelan I had a rather 'delicious' evening," looking right at Olivia, who began to squirm. "So Olivia, am I a good kisser?"

Olivia turned to him. "Mr. President, if you keep this up I swear you will NEVER find out for real. It will only happen in your dreams. Got it Fly Boy."

"Yes Ma'am." Fitz said. He leaned down and whispered in her ear. "So how good do I have to be for that to happen."

"God you are incorrigible."

"I know." Fitz said. All the while her entire team is looking on, still in shock as to what is transpiring before them. Their boss, and the President of the United States are flirting with each other openly in front of them.

"Ah hem," Harrison says, "Not to interrupt your Presidential flirting session. But Liv, HE is Ella's god father."

"Yes," they both in unison, and in sync.

"Wow," her entire team responds.

"Bloody Hell," Stephens says. "Sir, on behalf of all of us it is a great pleasure to finally meet you. I'm Stephen Finch. I am one of Liv's litigators."

Fitz reaches out and shakes his hand. Olivia then introduces him to everyone else. Everyone then began firing questions at the both of them on how they met. Olivia retold the story or her car breaking down, and her telling him off before she realized who it was.

"You told him off," Quinn asked.

"I did," Olivia said with a smile. Everyone had now moved to her dining room and Abby had begun to help Olivia get breakfast for Fitz, Emmy and the agents who spent the night on watch. Everyone sat down and ate something, before tackling how to get Fitz out of her apartment undetected.

Fitz then told him his side of the story, and her team looked just as shocked by his side of the story.

"So," Harrison asked, "how did you end of up here Sir?"

"Well Emmy forgot Sadie in my motorcade. I knew she couldn't sleep without her, so I brought her over." Her entire team raised their eyes at him. "Yes I know it could have been dangerous. Olivia already scolded me for it and my agents."

"Yes and I'll do it again, if you pull this kind of stunt again, President Grant." Olivia said, as she walked back and nudged him.

Fitz smiled at her. "So what is it you all do? You're all lawyers right?"

"Yes we're lawyers but we don't work for a law firm. We fix things Sir," Quinn said. "You could say we're problem solvers."

"Problem solvers," Fitz asked curiously.

"Law firms are for pansies. We're in crisis management. Olivia is a fixer." Stephen said.

Fitz raised his eyebrows looking at Olivia. "A Fixer? What is that? What is it you all do then?"

"We manage crisis. Save Reputations." Abby says to him.

Fitz just nodded. They all talked a bit more. Once they finished eating, Olivia laid down the ground rules to Fitz.

"Now Mr. President here are the rules; I always trust my gut. Even though you said, no one knows you are here with me and my daughter we cannot take that chance. We have to make sure no one knows you slipped out of the White House last night. I am sure someone must know you are not there."

"How can you be sure of that?" Fitz asked her. "The agents I trust are with me and back there making sure no one knows where I am."

"Trust me I just know. I trust my gut and my gut is never wrong." Olivia told him. She had now begun walking around in her living room where everyone moved. Fitz was standing by the window looking out into the morning. He loved it here and could see himself spending more of them here with her and Emmalynn.

"Fiz," Emmalynn said, pulling on him, "Sit with me." Fitz smiled at her and sat down with her on the couch. "Watch Mummy okay."

"Okay, I'll watch Mummy." Fitz said. Olivia heard him and blushed.

"Huck, I want you to check all the video footage around my apartment and make sure there is none of him coming in and leaving. Then I am going to need the President to grant you access the White House network, and erase any footage of him leaving the grounds. I know there are no camera's in the residence, but we have to make sure we cover all our bases. Can you get him into the system?" Olivia asked Fitz.

"No I have no idea how but Tom can show him."

"Good have him come in and Huck get yourself set up on my table." Huck nodded and next thing you know him and Tom were already working on the camera feeds.

"Quinn and Abby, I need you both to go outside and ask any questions and make sure no one saw anything unusual last night around my apartment. Stop the doorman, any neighbors you see on my floor. Don't knock on any doors. It could attract unwanted attention. Ask around if anyone saw a strange car, or person, anything that could possibly tie the President here with me."

Fitz just looked at her. She saw his fear that she did not want anything to do with him. She knelt before him then. "I am not trying to hide you like some dirty little secret. I just don't want anything to halt your divorce and you know how rumors are spread in this town."

"Hey can I be bad cop this time. Twitchy over here can't do it right." Abby said.

"What do you mean I can't do it right. I can to be bad cop." Quinn corrected her. Harrison just looked on.

"Fine," Olivia said. "Abby you can be the bad cop this time. Work your magic and please don't come across as too pushy or bitchy."

"Mummy bad word!" Emmalynn said to her. "You go time out."

"Oops sorry Em. I'll sit right here okay." Olivia told her daughter.

Emmalynn nodded her head. "Mummy in trouble. She said bad words."

Everyone in the room laughed. Olivia sat quiet and then got up when her time was "up."

"Stephen, I need you to work your magic and make sure the coast is clear when it comes time to get the President out of here. If it's okay with the President, I'll have you go with him to the White House."

"Excuse me Liv, you want me to go with the White House? Bloody Hell why?"

Now Fitz was curious too. Olivia then continued turning to look at Fitz. "Is your soon be ex," she said.

"The mean lady Mummy," Emmalynn said for her, causing Fitz to laugh.

"Yes Em in case the mean lady or her staff is around. If they are around, I need you to get them out of the President's path into the White House. I know you said she is in the process of moving out, but I don't want any of her staff, or loyal people to her to report you sneaking in this morning. With Stephen with you, he can hopefully head them off at the pass. If that is okay with you," she asked looking at Fitz who nodded in agreement.

"Now," Olivia continued. "I want one of your agents to take Harrison over to the White House right now. Get him a pass so he can walk around freely and pretend he is a new staff member getting orientation. Harrison while you're there, I want you to talk to the other agents, and make sure no one knows the President was here, and not up in the residence. Take a disclosure agreement with you for them all to sign. If anyone of them speaks of this, they could lose their job."

Fitz just sits there in shock. "Liv, is that necessary?"

"Yes it is. Because if anyone finds out that we spent the night together, not only will you soon to be ex come after me and my daughter but she could fight you on your divorce and hurt your chances for re-election. Then of course there's Cyrus. Do you really want to deal with him? I definitely don't want him to have a heart attack over this." Olivia says to Fitz.

"No I don't. I don't want to deal with either one of them." Fitz answered.

"Is all this necessary to get me out of here? My boys in the White House are pretty good. My agents do their jobs well at seeing to my safety and protection." Fitz said to him.

Harrison then straightened up his suit. He smoothed out his purple tie and made sure his jacket was just right.

"Now Mr. President," Harrison said, "this is absolutely necessary. Olivia knows what she is doing and trust me you are going to need her and us to survive this. And for the record, she is not only the right person to get you back safely to White House, she is the BEST at her job. That is not arrogance, she just is. Trust me she is a lot better than all your boys in the White House. You need her and us if you are going to survive this."

Fitz stood up, moved Emmalynn off his lap and walked over to the window. He placed is hands in his pockets and thought for a few moments.

"Mr. Wright, how old you are you?" Fitz asked him.

"Sir I am 28 years old." Harrison answered him.

"You're a baby lawyer." Fitz says to him, leaning against the window.

"Oh no," Abby and Stephen say.

"Here comes the speech." Olivia says.

Fitz looks at them confused. Harrison then continues. "Mr. President this is the best job I have ever had. I may get paid a crappy salary, but I get to stick it to the bad guy and slay dragons. Olivia is not only the good guy, she's the best guy. We're the good guys. Trust me President Grant, when I tell you that Olivia Pope is as amazing as they say. This is only the tip of the iceberg that you see here. And by the look on your face I know that you know that already."

Fitz just stared at him. He couldn't believe that he was saying this to him. But the truth was, Olivia was the best thing that had ever happened to him in his entire life. He was not going to let anything happen to her, or Emmalynn. But not only that, he had a hunch that everyone that worked for her, was beginning to see it too.

Harrison looked on and saw how Fitz then turned and faced Olivia. She was talking to Emmalynn about something, and noticed how his eyes softened and his smile changed. It showed his dimples more and when Olivia looked up, she gave him the same smile.

"Yes" Fitz says, "She is absolutely amazing," looking right into Olivia's eyes. He then walked over to her and grazed his fingers across her cheek. Harrison, Quinn, Stephen, Huck and Abby looked on in amazement. He leaned down and pulled her into his arms for a quick hug.

"Not only that Mr. Wright, but she's everything," Fitz then leaned down and kissed Olivia on her forehead, letting his lips linger there for a moment. He did not pull away but by how shocked all her team looked for a brief moment, it proved that he already had some strong feelings for her and Emmalynn.

Harrison then continues after he gathers his final thoughts. "And Uh," Harrison then fixes his suit. He sees everyone in the room roll their eyes, because they know what is coming. He walks right up into Fitz's personal space and tells him "I'm not a baby lawyer Sir. I'm a gladiator in a suit. That is what you are when you work for Olivia Pope. That is who you are when you're around her and Emmalynn. Right now, you are not just President Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III. You are a gladiator in a suit."

Fitz eyes just about came out of his head. Harrison got the expected reaction.

"Now President Grant, do you want to be a gladiator in a suit?" Harrison asked him point blankly.

Fitz then nods his head up and down, causing everyone in the room to chuckle.

"You have to say it to believe it Sir." Harrison told him.

Emmalynn then says to him. "You gotta say it Fiz! You have to say it. Please."

Fitz then says, "I want to be a Gladiator in a Suit."

/

Possible POTUS Play Dates

"Yay, Fiz a glad-ee-dor." Emmalynn says. "Told you Fiz, you had to say it."

Fitz bends down and kisses her on the forehead. "Yes Emmalynn, I get it."

"Emmalynn honey, it's glad-e-ate-tor…okay. We'll practice it later." Emmalynn shakes her head at her mom, and giggles.

Everyone looks at Fitz and lets out a huge laugh. He then looks over at Olivia and asks her, "So am I one of your gladiators now?"

Olivia walks up to him and says, "Maybe. I'll think about it." She then turns to Emmalynn and tells her that she must get dressed too. Emmalynn agrees and runs down the hallway. Olivia follows her and lets her team get to work. Fitz watches on as mother and daughter sprint and skip down the hallway.

When she gets back, Fitz is by Tom and Huck who have found all the information they need from the camera's in the White House and around her place. They doctor up the footage in both places and place the cameras in both areas on a time loop. IT won't last long, but it should be enough to get Fitz out without being detected.

Abby and Quinn also arrive back and let Olivia know that no one saw anything unusual last night in her building, which is good news for Fitz. She then asks him to make sure that her floor is clear before Fitz heads out the door. His agents were brought inside already to not draw attention, so both of them walking on her floor should not be an issue. She asks the agents to please let Abby and Quinn know when Fitz is ready to leave, so they can be the lookouts. The elevator might be right across the hall, but Olivia is not taking any chances.

At the White House, Harrison had gotten inside and is being given his tour. No one seems aware that Fitz is not there. He asks a few questions and normally the President does not come down from the Residence till after 7:00 A.M. so they still have a little time. The Press had also not begun to arrive yet either, but would be soon.

Harrison phones Olivia and asks what to do about Cyrus if he finds him looking for Fitz.

"Then you find one of Fitz's agents and have him get detained. Do not let him up into the residence Harrison. If Cy goes up there and discovers that President Grant is missing, holy Hell is going to break loose. Is one of the agents with you?"

"Yes Mitch is right here?"

"Good, tell him to go and stand by the elevator to the residence and have him place some other agents he trusts by the other entrances. No one is allowed to go up unless President Grant gives the okay."

"Okay Liv, got it." Harrison tells her and hangs up.

All this time Fitz watches everything that is happening and is in awe. He can believe what is happening. He only came by last night to give Emmalynn Sadie but he ended up having a really late breakfast, and then spending the night. It was not supposed to happen but right now watching Olivia, he realized that this was the only place he was needed.

He leaned back against the window and watched Olivia and Emmalynn come back down the hall. Emmalynn was now dressed. She had on a cute little dress, "Mary Jane" shoes, and her hair was in the process of being done.

"Mummy, can Fiz do hair?" Emmalynn asked her mom.

"Oh honey, I don't think so." Olivia asked him, while looking at Fitz who just his head feverously no.

"Teach him Mummy. He a glad-a-dor." Emmalynn insists to Olivia.

"I will Em. I'll teach him." Olivia then sits down and fixes her daughter's hair, while Fitz is watching everything else go on. The agents are now preparing Stephen to go with them to the White House. He's is instructed not to say much, unless Fitz needs him to do something. He is also told that they will take him down to where the First Lady could enter to ensure she goes in another direction.

It is almost getting time for Fitz to leave and Olivia is busy running all over the place, checking to make sure the cost is clear for him to leave. She looks over at Fitz and smiles. She walks up to him quickly and squeezes his hand to assure him that things will be fine. She looks out the window, noticing that nothing looks unusual.

She begins to walk away when he stops her. "It's going to be fine," she tells him, and walks away.

"Come on people, let's handle this. Let's get him out of here." She starts to walk over to the computer monitors to make sure everything is good to go.

She walks up to Fitz with his suit jacket and he puts it on. She looks at him and notices that his tie is terrible. She shakes her head no and has Tom come over. She instructs him to take his tie off and he does so smiling. She motions Fitz to do the same, and he hands her his tie. She hands it to Tom, who puts it on, and she begins to tie Fitz's for him.

She is so wrapped up getting him presentable that she doesn't notice his hands are resting on her hips. She looks up and smiles at him, now realizing that he was pulling her closer to him. She feels his fingers, gently caressing her body, causing a smile to come on her face.

"Liv," he says to her.

"Hmmm," she looks up at him. "You're going to be fine. We've got this." She begins step away to walk away back to everyone.

"Have dinner with me," Fitz says to her. He doesn't get a response because he notices she so focused on making sure everything is perfect and that no one sees him leaving.

"Come on we have to get you out of here." She tells him again, reaching her hand for him to take as he walks over.

"Livy, have dinner with me. Go out with me." This time it's louder and everyone in the room freezes.

Olivia turns, freezes and stares at him. She hears "Holy Shit, the President just asked her out," from Quinn.

"Bloody Hell! I think he just earned his gladiator card." Stephen says. "Come on. Let's um, give them some privacy."

Tom with Stephen's help, gets everyone out of the room to give Fitz and Olivia some privacy.

Olivia is just standing there stunned not sure how to respond. She swallows hard and can feel her heart begin to race in her chest. Fitz is now walking towards her. He gets to her and brings her with him to sit on the couch. He takes her hands in his, and begins to rub his fingers on the top hers. The touch is relaxing and sensual.

"Livy," he says to her, still touching her hands, moving closer to her.

"You're asking me out. Now," letting her voice getting higher. "Why?"

"Because, I want to spend time with you. I can't walk out that door and have you not know my intentions for you; for us. I want to get to know you. I want more of last night with you and Emmalynn." Fitz says to her. He knows she's scared but he just could not leave her and not ask her.

"But," she tries to say but he stops her. He places his finger over her lips. He then takes both his hands and places them over her cheeks. He is touching her so delicately, that she knows that he is afraid that she could break apart. Fitz then begins to rub his thumbs across her cheeks. He starts brushing them up, lightly and sweetly under her eyes. He senses tears but she does not let them fall.

"Livy, I know you say it's too soon, but for me it's not. I've been in a dead marriage for almost two decades and I am about to be free. I want to go out with you. Will you give me that honor? Will you date me, once I am free?" He leans heads towards her, with a smirk on his face. She can see his dimples in his cheeks, knowing that he is terrified that she'll disappoint him.

Here is the most Powerful man in the World sitting before her, asking her out. He is feeling like he's in high school, waiting for the most popular girl to say 'yes' to a date. She then takes her hands and places them on his face. "I don't know what to say. I mean, you know both of us are not ready for that yet. I want to say yes, but both of us have to be ready for the consequences. You're the Leader of the Free World, and I am just me."

Fitz shakes his head 'no' at her. "You are not just 'you' Livy. You are perfect. You changed me. In less than twenty-four hours you changed me. I want to see you again. So will you go out with me? Will you have dinner with me?"

"Oh Lord," was all she could say.

"You are not going to make me beg are you? I am the most powerful man on the planet, and right now I feel like falling to my knees, in front of you, to show you, how much power you have over me already."

Olivia's eyes widened, unsure on how to respond to that statement. No one has ever told her that before. Then she had an idea. "I want to say 'yes' but I am not ready. We both need more time. I have an idea, how about we do something with ALL of us."

"What do you mean all of us?"

"Jerry, Karen, You, Myself and Emmalynn. We can have a family 'date' night or a play date. That way we can get to know each other. Emmalynn seemed comfortable around them, so why not. We can do pizza/movie night. Does that work for you? We need to take things slow. Friends first then we'll see what happens." Olivia said to him.

"Friends first huh and a play date, seriously Liv," Fitz looks at her like she's silly and is not sure about this idea.

"Yes a 'play date.' It's a way to see how our kids get along together. Come on you've never done one before I gather."

"Um, no. Mellie always had the kids with nannies when they were little."

"Well Mr. President. I know they are older now but it will look good on your part. You'll be setting the perfect image to start your re-election campaign; balancing work and single parenthood. Being a single parent is a hard job. Well not that being the Leader of the Free World isn't either but this could show your constituents you're serious about the Presidency as a single Dad. Yes?"

"So this is how you fix things? This can't be considered a date you know."

"In a way it can. It's just not a traditional 'date.' We're just two single parents, sharing each other's company with our kids. There is nothing wrong with that. Sometimes you need be around other single parents, so you can find your way. You need to figure out who you are first, before you jump into anything."

"Liv," he tried to say but she stopped him.

"And it's a way for us to get to know each other and not giving Cyrus a heart attack. Like I said, you are not divorced. You need time to figure out who you are alone, before you bring any woman into the picture. You should on yourself, and your children. The country needs to see that."

"I just don't want any woman Olivia." Fitz stopped at that point. He knew what he wanted to say but didn't finish it.

She squeezed his hands and understood him. "So a 'play date' works for me. How about you?"

Fitz shook his head. "This weekend?"

Olivia told him that she couldn't but the following weekend she was free. Fitz then leaned in and kissed her cheek. "Don't you try to get out of this play date on me now? I don't want to have to call Cyrus instead. He's no fun. He doesn't like to share."

Olivia giggled at him. "I wouldn't dream of it. I live to serve the President," she said winking at him. She then helped him up and told everyone to come back into the room. She helped him put his jacket on. She looked over at Tom, who was listening to something in his headpiece.

"We're ready Sir," Tom said, getting word from everyone. "We need to get you back. Mr. Beene has not arrived yet but I heard he is leaving his house now. He's running a little slow this morning I guess."

"Thank you Tom." Fitz turned and looked at Olivia and Emmalynn. She was in her mom's arms now.

"Mummy, Fiz stay. I want him to stay," Emmalynn said. "Fiz don't go."

Emmalynn had Olivia put her down and she ran into his arms. He picked her up and her entire team looked on. After all this time of watching Emmalynn grow, and the bond they each had with her, they had not seen her do this before. She had only known Fitz a short time, and for her to run to him crying, not to leave was heartbreaking.

Fitz then told her. "I will see you and your mom soon okay. I promise. You are both going to come and see me at the White House."

"No Mean Lady." Emmalynn asked him.

"No Pumpkin. No Mean Lady. We're going to have a play date with Karen and Jerry."

Olivia's team eye's all widened when they heard Fitz tell her that. Abby mouthed to her 'a play date," and she nodded.

"Really," Emmalynn asked him, now looking at Olivia. She walked up to both of them.

"Yes Pumpkin. Next weekend." Olivia told her. "We are going to go and see him, Jerry and Karen. We're going to have pizza and watch a movie. How does that sound?"

"Yah who." Emmalynn said. "POTUS Play Date!"

Everyone in the room then began to laugh.

"Sir, it's time." Tom said to Fitz.

Fitz then put Emmalynn down and she ran to Abby. She grabbed onto her hand.

"So, I should go." Fitz told Olivia.

"Yes," was all Olivia could say. She didn't want him to leave either, but he had to go. Being with him, made her realize how happy she could be, if she let herself. She had not been this happy in such a long time, and hated to see him go.

"I'll see you soon Olivia and don't forget to use those passes I gave you and Emmalynn anytime. I hope to see you both before next weekend."

"I'll think about it."

"Goodbye Olivia."

"Goodbye Mr. President."

Fitz then goes to the door and opens it to leave. He turns to see them watching him. He smiles slightly and leaves with Stephen by his side.

"Olivia Carolyn Pope," Abby screams, "you get your booty out there right now and kiss him goodbye."

"What?"

"Emmy go stop him. Tell him Mommy has something she forgot to give him. Go honey." Emmy then takes off out the door, trying to stop Fitz.

"Abby are you nuts." Olivia says to her, practically screaming at her.

"No I am not NUTS! For Christ sake Liv, that man is flipping crazy for you. I've never seen any man look at a woman the way he looks at you. Shit I hate Republicans, but I'd give anything for a man to look at me like that. Now you get your ass out there and kiss him goodbye. NOW!"

Olivia looked over a Quinn and Huck. "Go," Quinn told her.

Huck nodded his head. "It's okay Liv. He's really cares for you." Now that was a lot coming from Huck.

Abby went to the door and opened it for her. She went out into the hallway and saw Fitz standing there with Emmalynn.

"Livy, Emmalynn said you had something you wanted to give me." Fitz said to her.

Tom smiled and knew what was going on. The other agents back up and give them some room. But Olivia just stood there staring at him.

"Mummy, come on. You can do it." Emmalynn told her. "He doesn't bite."

Olivia looked down at her daughter and gave her a faint smile. She bit her lip nervously and walked towards him. Her eyes were moving back and forth in her head, and each step she took in his direction, made her heart flutter even more.

She stood in front of him, and looked up into his eyes. "Close your eyes."

"Olivia," Fitz told her, "Okay now you have me worried."

"Just close your eyes," she instructed him again.

She then walked forward and ran her hands up his chest. Fitz's breath immediately hitched and increased. She swore she felt this electric current shoot from her to him at that very moment. She ran her hands up and down his chest slightly to relax him. She was unsure if it was working, but she noticed that his breath quickened with anticipation.

"Olivia as nice as this feels I have to…" Fitz tried to say to her, but then he felt her hands on his face. She rubbed her fingers across his cheeks causing him to stop talking. The more she moved her hands on his face, the more she swore she could feel hear his heart beating feverishly in his chest. She was certain that her own heart rate was a match to his.

Fitz then felt her breath on his face. It was warm, and sensual. He was so turned on that he had to brace himself. Even though his eyes were closed, she could feel his eyes, boring wholes in her face. He was seeing right through her, and this moment, she did not care.

She then leaned forward and kissed him lightly on each cheek. With each kiss, she lingered her lips even longer. The first kiss sent one of Fitz's legs weaker, and the next did the same. By the time she her lips lift off his face, his hands were already around her body. They were so close to one another, barely touching, but so far. She felt his legs go weak. His eyes were still closed.

"Wow," Fitz said. He opened his eyes to see her staring at him, smiling. He was so lost for words, that he was not sure where that even came from. Her lips barely touched his, and he's never felt anything like them before. They were perfection and he was going to go back for more.

"Wow," she says back. "Have a good day Mr. President."

Fitz can barely respond, not knowing what to do. Olivia had begun to walk away and was getting ready to head into her apartment, leaving a very stunned POTUS behind her, still breathing heavily against the wall.

"Sir," said Tom, nudging him, "Go after her. Trust me, after that you can't just let her walk away. A woman like that only comes around once in a Presidency."

Fitz smiled at him, and sprinted back just before she closed her door.

"What are you...," was all Olivia could get out before Fitz pulled her back, picked her up, and hugged her tightly as if she was his life line. She heard him, laugh in her neck causing her to do the same. He pulled away from her neck and stared into her eyes. He was lost in them, sucked into their warmth. There was all this comfort in them, and this was something he had not found before.

He then leaned in and on both cheeks his kissed her. Each kiss, caused her breath to hitch. She felt him smile each time before he pulled his lips away.

"I don't want to let you go." Fitz told her, still holding her.

"I know, but you have too."

"I'll be seeing you soon Miss Pope. You can count on that one." He placed her back on the ground and tried to move away from her. She could barely stand, when he tried to move, she began to wobble on her feet.

Olivia didn't respond, and continued to hold onto and stare at him. Abby and Quinn looked on in shock at what just happened. Fitz looked at Abby and said, "And for the record Miss Whelan, she'll find out VERY soon if I am a good kisser," with this huge cheesy grin on his face. "After all I am a gladiator in a suit."

"Mummy mushy gushies Fiz!" Emmalynn said.

"Yes Emmalynn she sure is now. Liv you okay?" Fitz asked her. But she still could not respond to him.

"Liv," Fitz asked again.

"Livy," Fitz said this time, getting in her line of sight. He turned to Abby and asked her to get the basting brush. Olivia heard him and pinched his arm.

"You are not going to smack me with that brush. Or you'll never get to do that again," Olivia said sternly to him.

"Yes Ma'am," Fitz said. "Come and see me soon okay. I HAVE to see you again, sooner rather than later. Please Livy, especially after that."

"I will do my best okay. If not play date next weekend."

"Play date next weekend," Fitz said back. He leaned in, and kissed her forehead. "I can't wait to see you and Emmalynn again. I'll call you and you call me anytime you need me. If you can't get me on my private line, call my secretary, or Tom. He'll make sure we get to talk okay." Fitz told her, barely moving away from her.

"Okay. See you soon. Now go." Olivia said.

"Bye." Fitz said as he walked backwards to the elevator.

"Bye," she said back, not wanting him to go either.

She turned after seeing him enter the elevator, looking at Abby and Quinn staring at her. "If either one of you breathe a word of this to anyone, I'll see that he locks you in a bunker and you're never found. Are we clear?"

"Yes Liv." Abby said, and Quinn.

"So can I ask you one thing?" Abby said. Olivia just looked at her. "Does he taste as 'delicious' as he looks. Geez if him kissing you on the cheeks does that, I can't wait to see what happens when he kisses you for real."

"ABIGAIL!' Olivia screamed at her and chased after her into her house. Emmalynn laughed on with Quinn and all the girls laughed even more. They then got ready and we're kept up to date by Harrison and Stephen. After the fit of giggle subsided, Olivia took Emmalynn to Preschool.

/

First Kids VS. The POTUS

Fitz luckily made it back to the residence without being detected. Stephen and Harrison made quick work to see that everything was perfect before, during and after his arrival. He safely made it upstairs, and into his room. He looked around and his bed was unmade, reminding him to thank the maids for their help, and the staff.

He walked into the dining room and saw Karen and Jerry staring at him.

"Morning," Fitz said to his kids. "What's going on?"

"Oh nothing Dad," Karen said, "How was your night?"

"It was good." Fitz said, now walking to sit down.

"Did you sleep well?" Jerry asked him.

"Yes, why do you ask?" Fitz said, now really wondering what was up with his kids. They normally chit chatted in the morning, so he knew what their day would be like, but something was off this morning.

"Oh just curious," they both said at the same time.

"Uh Huh. Please tell me you two didn't get into some trouble," Fitz asked his kids, folding his arms in front of him, finally sitting down.

"Oh no Daddy, we would never do that. But we have to ask you something before we leave for school." Karen said to him, with her 'Grant' smirk.

"Me too Dad. Both of us need to talk to you about something." Jerry said to him.

"Oh lord," Fitz said, running his fingers through his hair. "I already told you NO the last time you two asked for something. Your grades have to improve. You're supposed to come right home from school to study."

"Oh no Dad, it's not that. We have one question for you," Jerry said this time, looking at his sister. This was so much fun making their Dad squirm.

"Well," Fitz said, getting agitated.

"You've been President for a while now, and we didn't know that wearing lipstick was part of your new look. That's a lovely shade Daddy. Olivia wears it well." Karen said to him, watching her father blush about ten shades of red, covering his face.

Then before he can answer, Jerry says "How is she by the way? Did Emmalynn get Sadie back? Please tell us you were smart and used protection."

"Excuse me," Fitz said in disbelief, practically spitting out his orange juice

"What's the matter Daddy? Did we catch you in something inappropriate," Karen said to him.

"We are not having this conversation. And furthermore, I am not wearing lip…" and before he can wipe it off, Karen takes a napkin, and does it for him. This only caused Fitz to blush even more.

"HA, caught you Pops. You snuck out and spent the night at Olivia's last night. We caught you!" Jerry said. "Do you know how crazy that was Dad? The security risks. Geez Dad if we did that you'd ground us for a month. We at least hope you were smart and used a…"

"Fitzgerald Thomas Grant IV do not finish that statement." Fitz scolded him. Jerry sat across from and looked at him. Fitz just sat there in shock. He didn't know how to respond. The truth was that he would ground the kids if either one of them had done that. He folded his arms, still trying to think of answer.

"Guys I am a ground man, and for the record nothing happened. She made pancakes, we talked and we feel asleep on her couch. It was the best night sleep I've had I don't know in how long. I don't need to tell you two all my comings and goings you know. Plus how the hell did you find out?" Fitz then asked them.

"Dad we went to check on you. You weren't in the Oval but you weren't there either," Karen told him,

"Then," Jerry commented, "we came to see you this morning, and you're bed was perfectly made. We heard the agents whispering on how to sneak you back in. Even the maids knew something was up. The maids know everything Dad."

"Oh Crap. Does Cyrus know anything and your Mom?" Fitz asked them, afraid of their answer.

"No. Mom is at Blair house, refusing to come this way unless she has to and Cyrus well he got detained this morning for some strange reason." Jerry answered him.

"That's a relief. Look I know it was reckless but I had to bring Emmalynn Sadie. And yes I wanted to see Olivia again." Fitz told them.

"You really like her don't you Daddy?" Karen then asked her.

"Yes Kar, I do. Very much. I invited her and Emmalynn over next weekend for a 'play date," he told his kids, who then looked at him like he was crazy.

"Dad you realize we're too old for play dates now right?" Karen tells him finishing her breakfast.

"Yah Dad, we're 15, and 13. Not 5 and 3." Jerry then tells him.

"Yes I am aware. But this was Olivia's idea for us to spend some time all together. It will help Emmalynn get used to us. We don't want to rush into anything until after I am divorced for a bit. So right now we are just friends," letting his voice trail off with the silliest smirk on his face.

"Friends huh," Jerry says to him.

"Okay, good friends," letting his voice go up a few levels, and smiling a lot more than he did earlier.

"Friends, that kiss once and a while." Karen then leans on her hand looking at him all 'Grant doe-eyed.

"Friends with benefits," Jerry says to him, teasing him.

"Jerry," Fitz glares at him, "do you even know what that means?"

"Yes Dad I know what it means. I don't live under a rock and Karen does too. Kids talk in school you know. Lot's of parents have relationships like that."

"Well, we are not discussing what other parents do. Olivia and I will not be like that trust me. It's not what is best for all of you, and Emmalynn. Her and I have found something really special. Yes I really LIKE her. But right now we are just friends. Okay?"

Both kids nodded and they finished eating. Fitz told them both that next weekend was when Olivia and Emmalynn were to come over for their "play date." Karen and Jerry were very excited and then got up and left for school. Fitz then finishes his juice and heads out to the Oval in the hopes that Cyrus in none the wiser at what happened last night.

/

Ten Days Later…

In the ten days since seeing Olivia and Emmalynn both had been extremely busy. Olivia was getting used to having Emmalynn in Preschool a few times a week, and Fitz was attempting to not get into a war with his soon to be ex-wife.

Fitz and Mellie had a few arguments about her running for office and her staying in D.C. after the divorce was finalized. Fitz did not want her in the area. She told him that it was for Karen and Jerry's benefit, but he was not buying it. He told her that she was not going to be a mom to them just around the camera. If she wanted to spend time with them, as their mom, then all four of them would sit down and discuss it.

She had asked a few questions about Olivia but no one, especially Cyrus would tell her anything. Cyrus and Fitz knew Mellie would not give up easily, but for now she was quiet, which worried both of them. She was gradually moving her things out of the White House and into Blair House across the street. Luckily for Fitz for the next two weeks she would be out of town, so Olivia coming by wouldn't be a problem.

Cyrus had noticed his seemingly good mood since Ella's Baptism and just assumed that it has a lot to do with his divorce papers being filled and Fitz becoming a free man. Cyrus just hoped that he would not jump in the dating pool too soon. He did not want the White House to turn into an episode of "The Bachelor." Cyrus would slay dragons for Fitz but finding him the right woman, was not what he signed up for.

As Fitz worked in the Oval, he kept having this nagging feeling to call Olivia. He chastised himself because he would be seeing her later, but something in his gut was telling him to call her. He didn't understand why though. They had only talked once since he spent the night and he knew he would be seeing her later today. He tried to push the thoughts out of his head, but he couldn't. He then got back to work and waited for Cyrus to come by.

As Cyrus was working in his office, he was talking to James. They had just finished talking to about adopting another baby. James is already bugging him about getting a baby brother for Ella and he was not ready for that yet. Heck he was still getting used to her. He was about to head to the Oval when his cell phone rang, "Oh hey Liv."

"Hi Cy," she barely got out.

"No Hi. Hello. How are you," he teases her. When he doesn't get a response he asks, "Olivia, are you alright?"

"I've been a little under the weather the last few days. It's nothing to serious don't worry."

Now Cy was beginning to worry about her. Olivia Pope does not get sick. "Liv do you need me to get Emmalynn? Do you need anything?"

"Emmalynn is with Abby and Stephen right now. She brought something home from Preschool last week. She had it first and now I have it. She only had it a day or so. I've been sick for longer. Look I need to go lay back down Cy, but I need you do something for me."

"Sure Liv."

"I need you to please let President Grant know that I cannot make it to our 'play date' tonight. I am running a temp and don't want to get him and his kids sick." Olivia got out barely. Her voice was wavering, and Cy could hear how sick she sounded.

Cy wanted to make sure he heard her right. "So you want me to tell the Leader of the Free World, that you have to cancel your 'play date?" Cy then ran his fingers through his hair, and was about to start pacing the floor. "A 'Play Date,' Liv, seriously?"

She could already picture him pacing in his office. "Yes Cyrus you heard me and stop pacing. Please let him know that I will talk to him when I am feeling better. I have to go. I'll call when I can." Olivia told him. "Call Emmalynn on Abby's phone, she misses her Pappa Cy."

"I will Liv. I will call and check on you later." Cy told her.

"Bye."

"Bye," Cyrus tells Olivia and makes a quick phone call to Abby. He talks to her a few minutes before hands the phone to Emmalynn.

"Poppa Cy," she says.

"Hi, Emmy," he tells her. They chat for few minutes about how sick Mommy is and before he goes to see Fitz she asks him to do her a favor.

"Poppa Cy, tell Fiz tanks for me," Emmy tells him

"Thanks for what honey. I know you thanked him for giving you a ride to Ella's baptism, and helping out with Mommy's car."

"No Poppa Cy. He brought me Sadie," Emmalynn told him.

"He did what," Cy asked her there was no way he heard her right. "He did what Pumpkin?"

"Fiz brought Sadie home. Then he slept with Mummy. Fiz saw the sun wake up with Mummy."

"Did he now," Cy asked her, feeling himself loosing it. He could feel his pulse begin to race and he was two steps away from exploding.

"Yup. Tell Fiz I miss him. I see him when Mummy better."

"Okay honey I will. I tell Uncle James you miss him and Ella too."

"Okay, wuv you."

"Me too Emmy. Bye."

"Bye," he hears before going off to the Oval for a talking to with Fitz.

/

Fitz is working at his desk, waiting for Cyrus to arrive. If it wasn't a phone call that needed attention, it was another brief that he needed to read over before Cyrus came in and gave him more to do. He was getting ready to sign some paperwork when Cyrus finally his office. He looked like he had been busy with something, but Fitz did not pry too much.

"Cyrus," Fitz said.

"Mr. President, James wants to adopt another Ethiopian baby," Cyrus told him, sitting next to the Resolute desk. Fitz was still busy signing paperwork, not really looking up at him.

"That's good Cy. Ella I am sure would love to have a little brother or sister to play with. They can grow up together. Being an only child is not fun. It's a lonely way to grow up." Fitz told him, looking at him.

"Well that was off the table, until just a little while ago," Cyrus stopped and looked at him.

"Off the table, why," Fitz asked curiously. He had no idea what Cyrus was hinting at. "What happened just a few minutes ago?"

"Well, it was all off the table, till I just got a phone call from Olivia and asking me to tell the Leader of the Free World, that she has to cancel, how did she word it" Cyrus paused for effect, "oh yes, YOUR PLAY DATE tonight!"

"Cyrus," Fitz tried to say sitting up straighter in his chair. He felt this huge smile beginning to emerge on his face. "It's not what you think?"

"No wait Sir, it gets better." Cyrus then stands up and walks in front of Fitz's desk and leans on it. "Then I talk to Emmalynn Grace and she asks me to thank you for bringing Sadie back to her. And, how you saw the sun wake up with 'Mommy."

"Oh hell," Fitz said. He was trying to keep a straight face but it wasn't working. Cyrus saw his smirk growing on his face. Fitz noticed the veins on his forehead protruding and says, "Oh here it comes. The great Cyrus the holy."

"You sign your divorce papers the day Ella was baptized. You meet Ella's god-mother on the side of the road, and swoop in like Prince Charming and save the day. I see you two practically undressing each other during the ceremony, and think it's only my imagination." Cyrus tells him.

Fitz then gets up and walks to his window. He does not turn around to look out it and listens to Cyrus. "Then I notice the way you watch her at the reception, thinking, he would not be that crazy to go after Ella's god-mother when the ink on his divorce papers is not even dry." Cyrus voice is getting louder. "Then I find out today that you spend the night at her house! Are you out of your mind?"

"Okay Cy, that's enough. Did she tell you why she cannot make it tonight?" Fitz asks him.

"Yes she told why she cannot make it to your POTUS Play Date this evening. But that is besides the point Sir. Are you crazy? What the hell did you do? Did you throw rocks at her window and then hide behind her couch, until Emmalynn Grace when back to bed. Out of all the stupid and reckless things you could have done. Do you realize what would happen if Mellie found out or the Press?"

"Cyrus get the point. I wanted to see her again okay." Fitz told him point blankly.

"You wanted to see her again," Cyrus practically screamed at him. "Are you crazy! You cannot start a relationship with Olivia Pope Sir. You just can't. She's Ella's god-mother for Christ sake. Think of the optics. You can't go prancing around like star like you're on Dancing with the Stars. This administration is not going to do into "The Bachelor."

"Really the Bachelor, come on Cy you know me better than that. I am practically a free man. My marriage has been over for a long time. My divorce from Mellie will be final in a few weeks, and then I will be free to be with whomever I damn well please. You have no say in that matter. My personal life is none of anyone's business."

"Well the American people and Sally Langston won't think so. Oh god, you two slept together didn't you?" Cy asked him now beginning to pace in circles.

"No we did not sleep together. Well we kind of did, but didn't." Fitz told him, now beginning to walk onto the blue Presidential carpet. His hands were in his pockets.

"What the hell does that mean?"

"Cy, we fell asleep on her couch after she told me how Emmalynn's dad died. It was only supposed to be for a minute and the next thing you know it's morning. Emmalynn woke us up. Nothing happened, DAD!" Fitz told him, with a whole lot of sarcasm in his voice.

"Ah huh. Well she can't come to your little play date tonight Sir. She's not feeling well. Emmy brought something home from school and it got her sick. She sounded terrible on the phone. I know Olivia, if she said she can't make it tonight, she must be worse than she told me."

"Is she okay? Can she eat anything?" Fitz asked her now, beginning to worry even more.

"I don't know Sir. She didn't say."

"Where's Emmalynn?"

"She's with her friends Abby and Stephen." Cyrus then started to tell him how she sounded on the phone because Fitz kept asking him questions. He knew Cy was telling him everything Olivia had told him but he was trusting his gut. Olivia made it sound that she was getting a little better but something was off.

Fitz then picked up his landline and called her. Cyrus tried to stop him but Fitz glared at him, and Cyrus backed down.

Olivia picked up the phone on the second ring.

"Olivia, are you okay?" Fitz asked her.

"Mr. President," she says to him in a whimper.

"Talk to me. Cyrus is standing here with me ready to kill me, for calling you like this. Are you alright?"

"Ummm, yah getting there." Olivia tells him. Fitz then hears, "Hey quit it, that hurts I told you to stop."

Cyrus and Fitz turn and look at each other. Cyrus then asks her, "Liv honey, what is going on?"

"It's nothing Cy. It's the TV." Olivia tells him, trying to hide what was going on.

"Ma'am we need to place an IV in your arm. Lay still please," Cyrus and Fitz hear on the phone.

"Olivia what was that?" Fitz now asks her.

"It's nothing. It's the TV. I am watching Grey's Anatomy." Olivia tells the both of them. Then all of sudden they both hear an ambulance siren.

Fitz and Cyrus turn and look at each other, with fear now running through their veins. "Olivia Carolyn Pope, are you in a ambulance?" Cyrus practically scream this at her.

She ignores him. "It's nothing boys. I am fine."

"Olivia, are you in an ambulance?" Fitz then asks her.

"I'm fine. It's nothing really." She tells them both in the hopes that neither one of them will do anything drastic.

Then Cyrus and Fitz hear, "Ma'am we are bringing you to the hospital to admit you. You're fever is too high and you are severely dehydrated. You need antibiotics."

Then in Unison she hears both Cyrus and Fitz scream… "OLIVIA!"

/

So my Pumpkins, I am going to leave you here. I hope you enjoyed this "Gladiator in a Suit" chapter. I tried to create "Sweet Baby," when Harrison gave that first speech to Quinn. And of course, you almost got their first kiss. I was close to having them kiss but that can't happen till he's a free man, so you'll have to wait on that.

This chapter took me a while to write and I hope I did this story justice. Writing Karen and Jerry messing with Fitz was enjoyable. And of course re-writing the scene with Cyrus from "Grant For the People," and the ambulance scene with Olivia instead was funny. I cracked up laughing a few times.

So Fitz is a "Gladiator in A Suit," and what does that mean for him. Keep reading, and following. Next chapter will he visit Liv in the hospital? Will he finally be free of the "Mean Lady?" And will Mellie find out WHO Olivia is? I know so many questions, and I'm not telling you anything.

Get ready…their "POTUS Play Date," is next. "A Thousand Years" is next for the update. Leave me Pumpkin Seeds cuz they make me smile.

Happy Pumpkin Season….ME's