Well Hello Loves. Let's just say your #JudgesScores on the 1st chapter of this story blew me away. Because of that, I decided to write chap 2 early, and post it on today because it is Thursday and I love you.

I am also glad you LOVE the TWINS and as KWsGladiator pointed out, "Between Abby, Nina, Bells, and Liv … May God have Mercy on Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III." The poor man is swimming in the "estrogen ocean." ;-)

So enjoy and leave me your #JudgesScoreCard…Me's

/

Chapter 2: "Gladiators Can Dance…"

Olivia Pope was one of the area's best professional dancers. She had competed in many professional competitions and nearly won every single title, by placing on the podium. Early in the year she was approached to do ABC's "Dancing With The Stars" but declined. She had just opened her professional dance studio in the D.C. area, the year before and it finally was doing well. She put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into her opening her business. She did not want to take any time away from it, if possible.

Her Dance Studio, "Gladiators Can Dance" was solely owned by her but her two closest friends help run it. Cyrus Beene, her godfather and James Novak where there early on, helping her realize her dream. Cyrus help Olivia run the business end of the studio and James help her with choreography. But before Cyrus got involved with her studio, he was into the fast paced life of politics.

He was helping run the current President's run for the White House when he took a massive heart attack on Super Tuesday 2008. He had a quadruple by-pass, which saved his life. James and Cyrus had just gotten married before the campaign started that January 2008. James was upset that he made damn sure Cy was not going to die on him.

Olivia had been living up in Boston when she heard the news of Cyrus's heart attack. She left everything in that life and came down to the D.C area to help take care of Cyrus and make sure he slowed down. Olivia had never met Governor Grant at the time, but from everything she heard from Cyrus, he was a good guy.

After careful consideration, and James threatening to blow a head gasket, Cyrus decided to step down as campaign manager. His prize pupil, Olivia's best friend Abigail Whelan, was more than suited for the job. She had been called in to help run the campaign early on, and when Cy feel ill, she naturally took over. Olivia could not have been more proud of her, considering her best friend was the White House Chief of Staff.

Olivia and Abby still remained close, but since Abby became the White House Chief of Staff Olivia hardly saw her anymore. They texted almost daily, but rarely had the chance to see other. It made things more difficult even now because Olivia and her partner had been training for the "Dancing in D.C." Competition.

Olivia was reluctant to compete again, but her partner and Cyrus finally convinced her to give it one more try, hoping they could bring home the trophy. She had not had the chance to tell Abby because they both had been so busy. Between the White House and Olivia's training and classes, neither one could find the time. Even on their nights off.

Each night of the week she held a different class for the style of dance. The only nights she really did not try to work were on Thursdays and Sundays. Cyrus and James thought she was crazy but her favorite shows were on TV that night. They may have teased her about her shows but after a while they came to understand, and she got them hooked on "Grey's Anatomy" and "Once Upon A Time."

After checking to make sure she had everything before leaving for her studio, she stopped off at her favorite Dunkin Donuts, and made her way into her studio. She was not the first one there because Cyrus beat her to it.

"Hey Cy," she sauntered in drinking her Coffee Coollatta.

"Hey Kiddo," Cyrus answered back and then frowned. "Wait a minute where's mine?" Olivia then handed him a large coffee the way he liked it and a donut. Cyrus took a bite and smiled, then had Olivia leaned down for a kiss before he ate his donut.

"You best not tell James I gave you that," Olivia teased him.

"I won't. It will be gone before he gets here." Cy told her taking his last bite already. "So are you and "Lover Muffin" ready for the competition this weekend? You've been practicing really hard over the last month to get ready."

"Cyrus, can you please stop calling my partner that. Come one you know there is nothing going on with us. We have dancing with each other forever," Olivia threw a napkin at him.

"Even though he is pretty hot," she said letting her voice trail off.

"Ah huh," Cy said. "You keep telling yourself that girly."

"And this is just the preliminaries this weekend. This stage of the competition will let us know if we continue. We have all our dances planned out and will be ready to go. Consider it handled Cyrus." Olivia told him, getting up checking the schedule for the classes she had this morning.

"Well I hope you and the Babushka win," Cyrus shot back at Olivia before stealing a drink of his coffee.

"I am no Babushka, Cyrus Beene you old fart," Max said coming into the room. He stopped by Olivia and kissed her on the cheek. "Hello Gorgeous."

"Hello Lover Muffin," Olivia told him back, wiping frosting on his nose. Max ChimKophskia (yes same Max from DWTS) and Olivia have been dancing together since Juilliard. They were in many competitions and decided to enter "Dancing in D.C." to bring up business and see if they both could still compete at a high level.

"Why do you insist on calling me that woman," Max said plopping down in a chair, and stealing some of her drink.

"Because you my Lover Muffin, and it scares all the creeps away." Olivia winked at Max, taking her drink back. "No Coolatta for you Maxi, you need to watch those love handles."

Max stood up, taking his heavier shirt off for Olivia, then flexing his muscles. "I do not have love handles Gorgeous," he said showing off his body. Cyrus was trying to keep a straight face but just because he was married, but he was not dead. Olivia saw him checking Max out and blushed herself.

"Ah Huh," Olivia walked to Max and threw his shirt towards him. "Put your shirt on Sexy, before you give Cyrus a heart attack and James divorces his ass."

Cyrus rolled his eyes and left the room, scolding Olivia on the way out. Olivia and Max then went off the rest of the morning and practiced their routine for the competition that weekend. Once they finished rehearing, they broke for lunch, and Olivia checked the schedule for what classes she hah that afternoon.

/

Personal Favor

By the time Olivia had finished her afternoon classes it was time for her and Max to get fitted for the last time for their costumes that weekend. Max came out in his first and Olivia blushed at how handsome he looked. Yes they were only friends but she had to admit, he was one good looking man, and he was her partner.

"What Gorgeous," Max said.

"Nothing," she teased. "You'll just have all your fans falling all over you this weekend."

Max waved his hands up in the air. "As long as we place well and we wow the judges."

Olivia nodded and went and got into her dress. She came out of the dressing room, and Max mouth dropped open when he saw her. "Wow," was all he could say.

"Yes," she blushed.

"I knew I should have pushed harder for us to date." Max teased, kissing her hand.

"You know I don't date people I work with. And I don't like bold, daring, pain in the ass Russians," she said pushing him away. "Plus you my Lover Muffin and I don't want anything to ruin our friendship or this wacky dance chemistry we have between us."

Olivia and Max never had the romantic chemistry between them, but on the dance floor it was different. The mutual respect, trust, and admiration for the other's talent took over, and they became one person, as they danced on the floor. Yes Max thought she was a stunning woman, and he would be lucky to have Olivia, but he never went there.

Their bond on the dance floor was something he would never want to lose. But if they ever stopped being partners, he vowed to himself he would go after her. In Julliard, before they were paired up, he asked her out on one date. Their date went well, and could not wait to take her out again.

Their next class Max found out when they paired up to dance, they had this spark on the dance floor that the other pairings did not. Olivia's drive, her brilliance to challenge his moves, drove him to push himself harder, to do better for her. He always held a special place for her in his heart, and hoped one day, they could become more.

"I know, but one day maybe we could go on our second date," Max asked her hopeful.

"Maxi," Olivia teased.

"Come on," he pleaded getting down on one knee, pouting at her. She rolled her eyes and dismissed him. "I will get you to say yes before this competition is over."

"In your dreams Fred Astaire," she giggled, shaking her head back and forth.

By the time Max and Olivia got changed it was time for her next class and then she was done for the day. It was a ballet class for 8-12 year olds, beginners. All the students got changed and as she looked up and began to get them ready to begin their stretching, she smiled when she saw Abby.

She gave the class their instructions and had her assistant Quinn take over. She hugged Abby and asked, "What are you going here Ab's? It's been forever."

"I can see that you are busy Liv. I can come back later if you want." Abby said to her not wanting to disrupt her class. Abby knew that Fitz wanted to meet with her and she hoped they could meet sooner rather than later.

"Well can you wait an hour? My class will be done by then." Abby nodded, ran some personal errands with her agents in tow, and met Olivia back at the studio. They went and got a drink and sat in her office. "So what's up Ginger?"

"You're still the only one that calls me that," Abby groaned.

"I know. I do it cuz it bothers you. So what's up? I know you didn't take time out of your busy White House schedule to come down here for nothing. I know you Abigail Margaret Whelan. Spill it."

Abby put her drink down, knowing and almost forgetting how well Olivia knew her. They had been best friends for so long they could read each other, without even thinking. She wondered how she could ask her to help our Fitz and his kids. Olivia then said, "No I am not asking Max out for you. He's not your type."

Abby smiled. "Liv, I have David remember. This has nothing to do with a man, per say."

"Okay," she questioned.

"Do you still give private lessons?"

"I haven't in a while. Why?"

"Well someone very high up on the political food chain, needs some lessons. He wanted me to come and talk to you about teaching not only him but his two kids. He can pay you, whatever you want, and we would need to keep this between us." Abby said to Olivia, trying to gauge her reaction.

"Someone high up huh," Olivia curiously asked.

"Abby what aren't you telling me?" She figured Abby was up to something but what was the question. "This has to be someone you work with, or know in the White House."

"It is," Abby said, trying not to tell her it was The President of the United States that needed her services.

"Abigail," Olivia countered. "I know for you to be here, there has to be some big event coming up at the White House that involves dancing." Then Olivia thought about it, and asked, "wait the French President and the First Lady. They are coming to D.C. for a visit aren't they?"

"Yes they are," Abby smiled politely. "Look can you help him and his kids out. His kids really want to learn to dance, and he desperately needs you."

Olivia looked at her, and was certain she was keeping something hidden from her. "What aren't you telling me Abby? You are trying to set me up with one of those politicians you see every day. I told you, I want nothing to do with that life."

"Nothing Liv," Abby lied. Abby knew that Olivia dated a Senator once and it didn't end to well. They man just wanted her on his arm for arm candy. He wanted her to give up dancing because seeing her with another man, made him self conscious. And he didn't see the need for her to work, in a profession that made her wear costumes that showed too much skin.

Abby has also never introduced Olivia to The President because they were both to busy. She tried a few times when they were campaigning but Olivia was either busy with her business or it just didn't work into the then – Governor's schedule. She always regretted them not meeting, and now was the perfect time to make up for it.

Abby then continued with, "It's just we don't want the press swamping you once it gets out that you are their teacher. We want to keep this quiet. Plus this would help this man do something really fun with his kids. You ARE the best and HE really needs your help. Consider this as a personal favor to me."

"Personal favor huh? Abby is he a republican? You know I hate republicans. I only voted for President Grant because you asked me to and you were working with him."

"That's not true, you voted for the President because you said he was HOT, had nice eyes, and a nice body. You said, if he wasn't a Republican and Politician you would go out with him in a heartbeat," Abby corrected her, making Olivia blush at that particular conversation.

"I hate you and your memory," Olivia begrudgingly answered.

Abby and Olivia then broke out laughing. "Please will you help him? I promise you'll fall in love with him and his kids instantly. His girls are fantastic, and are in love with dancing. You would help them get closer as a family." Abby had no idea the truth behind her words. "Plus I'll bake you your favorite dessert."

Olivia raised her eyes. "Are you bribing me girl?"

"Yes."

"Fine," Olivia snickered. "But I swear if I don't FALL for him and his kids, I am not doing this. You got me lady."

"Yes Ma'am," Abby said. She then hugged Olivia and then set up a time for them to meet. Because Olivia had to rehearse her routine with Max all week, she really didn't have to much free time. She told Abby to bring the girls by the studio, and to just let her know beforehand. Abby went back to Fitz and told him the plan.

/

Meeting Miss Pope….Few days later…

A few days later, after the girls got home from school they quickly did their homework and ran down to the Oval to see Fitz. He of course knew they were coming, and tried to end his meeting early, but his guest kept talking. He about to end the conversation when Abby knocked and then the girls ran past her, running up to Fitz.

"Ladies, manner's please," Fitz scolded them.

Nina and Bells looked up, and at the same time uttered "Sorry Daddy."

Fitz shook his head. His guest excused himself and Fitz sat with the girls on the couch. He could already tell that they were pinging, to meet their dance teacher. Abby sent the Secret Service to Olivia's studio beforehand, hoping Olivia wouldn't realize that they were guarding the First Children.

"Daddy, are you coming," Bells asked hopeful.

"Oh sweetheart I can't. I was not able to move my meetings around, so I have to stay put and work." Fitz told his girls.

"But Dad, you said you would come with us to meet her. What if you don't like her?" Nina asked him, already whining.

Fitz took her face in his hands, an act that always calmed her, ever since she was a little baby. "I know I did but I can't. But we will arrange something this weekend for us to meet. I need to set my lessons up with her anyway," Fitz said, looking at Abby who nodded.

"But what if you hate her, and she doesn't like you. Auntie Abby, Nina and I were hoping you two would really hit it off," Bells told Fitz with the sweetest eyes. "If you hate her, or if she doesn't like you, then you won't learn to dance."

"Oh sweetheart," Fitz put his arm around Isabelle. "I am sure Miss Pope and I will get along fine. Auntie Abby said that she's the best and I believe her. Everything is going to be fine. Okay?"

Isabelle and Nina agreed. The hugged Fitz and went to meet Olivia. By the time they got to the studio, Olivia and Max were getting ready to run through their final rehearsal for the day. The girls walked in and loved everything about her studio. Abby had the agents stand in the background, not to alarm Olivia and Max.

The moment Nina and Bells cleared the window so they could see Olivia and Max rehearing, they just about had a heart attack when they saw Max, dancing.

"Auntie Abby, that's…," Nina stammered, unable to find her words. Abby grinned.

"Ab's that's…oh my gosh…," Bells squeaked out, barely.

"Yes my ladies," Abby answered back, with a hint of mischief. "Something wrong?"

They finally walked into the room and saw Olivia and Max dancing around the room. "Auntie Abigail," squealed Nina. "That's Max ChimKophskia - the MAXS that I see on TV. Oh My God, I think I am going to faint."

"Nina, get a glass of water," Bells teased her. But she was having a hard time not freaking out too.

"Oh shut it Bells. You think he's HOT too," Nina bugged her.

"Yah well, I'll tell Daddy you said you think he's SEXY," Bells said that word just a little bit louder.

Nina was about to say something back when both girls heard, "Well thank you ladies. I appreciate the compliment. You made me blush," out of Max who was standing right behind them.

Both the girls turned around with their cheeks flushed and more embarrassed than ever. Max got down to their level and introduced himself. The girls shook his hand and vowed not to wash it afterwards. They were so giggly and excited that Abby almost forget why they were there.

Just then Olivia introduced herself to the girls. "Wow you're really pretty," Bells said first, immediately, shocking her sister.

"Thank you Isabelle," Olivia called her. "Is that okay if I call you Isabelle?"

"Sure but only my Dad calls me that when he's mad at me," she made sure to point out to Olivia. "But most people call me Bells."

"And I am Cristina, or Nina," her sister made her to tell Olivia next. "You are a really good dancer. Our Dad definitely needs you."

"I am sure he does," Olivia said to them. "Where is he by the way? I thought was meeting him today too. Have I seen you before? You two look familiar."

The girls giggled, not realizing that Olivia didn't know who they really were yet. Abby then spoke up, "He couldn't make it. He had to catch up some work before the weekend. He says he can meet you this weekend, if that is okay." Olivia said it was fine, not shaking the feeling she had seen them before somewhere. They then talked about what kinds of dances they would like to learn and what time their lessons could be at.

It was almost time for them to go, when Nina asked, "Miss Pope, what were you and Max practicing for?"

Olivia then told the girls about the competition that weekend and asked them if their Dad, Bells and Nina would like to come and see her perform. The girls jumped up and down and Abby said she would check to make sure it was okay. Olivia ran to her office and handed them as many tickets as Abby said they thought they would need.

The girls hugged Olivia and Max came back out, and hugged them to, causing both the twins to walk off fanning themselves. Olivia looked at Max and said, "See look at that you have ten year old girls, thinking you're a Lover Muffin too now, Maxi."

"Whatever you say Poppy," Max shot back.

"Hey," she threw something at him. Max gave Olivia the nickname 'Poppy' in college because she constantly ate popcorn. It was still one of her favorite snacks and to this day, he only called her that to get a rise out of her.

"Come on, let's run through this one more time. I want to handle this dance and place high on the leader board. Plus these girls Dad is going to be there and I want to leave a lasting impression." Max agreed, and before the music started Olivia was in a daydream.

"Care to pounce it off me," Max asked.

"It's bounce Silly," Olivia pinched his arm. She asked Max if they girls looked familiar to him but he couldn't be sure.

"Don't know. If their Dad is famous and works in the White House I am sure we've seen them on TV before. Lord knows honey, we don't watch the news. We stay away from the gossip sites and stuff. But I thought they looked familiar."

"Me too," Olivia then had Quinn start the music and Max and Olivia ran through their routine one more time. Once they finished she asked Max, "Do you think their Dad is going to like me Max? What if we hate each other? You know I don't do well around Politicians. I never know how to act around them. I always feel out of place. Plus I feel like Abby is setting me up or something."

"She's not. She just wants you to teach this guy and his girls to dance. You should be able to tell the kind of person he is, if they come to the show this weekend."

"I don't know. I have this funny feeling Maxi. I'm trusting my gut. My gut is…"

"Never wrong," he finished for her. He wrapped his arm around her giving her a hug and kissed her forehead. "I really liked his girls. If he hates me, I can't teach them. They're really sweet and they have this special something you know."

Max looked her in the eyes and said, "I am sure you both will hit it off fine. His kids seem to like you instantly. He'd be an idiot and a fool not to want to learn from your grace, brilliance and style. Only a moron not to want to be your student, and not have you in their arms, holding you close. He's going to LOVE you Liv. Trust me on that one."

Max had no idea the truth behind his words when he told them to Olivia. The words would have more meaning to Olivia then he could predict. Olivia kissed him on the cheek and said, "He's going to LOVE me - A Politician LOVING ME – A Dancer; HA! Now that would be something to dance about."

TBC

/

Yes My Pumpkins, that is it. The NEXT chapter OLITZ FINALLY MEETS. I didn't want to drag it out anymore. How that meeting happens, well you'll have see. I am still the #SlowBurnQueen but doing some #QuickStepping is good, don't you think.

So now you know why Cyrus is not the White House COS. Cy helping Olivia out and James there too makes things interesting. Yes he knows Fitz, but he never introduced her because he left that life behind. And Quinn is there as her assistant.

You also FINALLY met her partner MAX. Yes it's the same MAX from DWTS, but I just changed the spelling of his last name. And as you can tell Bells and Nina, freaked out when the saw him. #TooFunny.

So leave me your #JudgesScore and let me know if you want CHAP 3 sooner rather than later. I know you are all eager for Fitz to step on her toes and shake his #THANG. Makes my email and twitter go CRAZY!

Peace, Pumpkins and Luv,

Me's