Happy Halloween My Pumpkins! This update is LONG overdue. Please forgive me. To make up for it I typed A LOT!
If any of you didn't know I started 2 new stories. #Kryptonite and #PartOfYourWorld. Check them out if you haven't yet. ;-)
So did I leave you a #Trick or #Treat in this update? Read on. Leave me #Candy on your way out. LOL
Me's
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Chapter 6: Waiting For Superman
Andrew sat across from Fitz in the residence and watched his closest and perhaps best friend struggle to put into words what happened to him this evening. The problem was Fitz didn't know how to explain to Andrew what meeting Olivia did to him. She changed everything with one look – one dance.
Her costume- the material, color, how it sparkled on her body. It hung to her every curve, molding her body perfectly. She looked like an angel on the dance floor. Her every movement, gesture, smile, and extension using her hands and dainty fingers mesmerized Fitz in every way. If he closed his eyes, he could still see her moving on the floor doing her routine. His mind – no heart memorized it, committing it to memory so he knew she was real.
But it was more than just her body that struck a chord within Fitz, it was her eyes. THOSE beyond gorgeous melted chocolate beckons or warmth drawing Fitz to her immediately; leaving him utterly helpless. In them he saw a piece of himself reflecting back. The part of his soul, he thought died long ago with Bellamy. Olivia, in that one long glance, saw right through him, and healed his broken heart.
He is the most powerful Man on the Planet, who makes World Leaders and other politicians either respect or fear him. A man who with all this great power realizes he must be a Great Leader so the country is proud to call them their President. He has a love for his country, his children that has no boundaries. But he's denied himself the love he craves since losing his wife. Now it seems, fate came dancing into his life.
Those words; "Every time our eyes meet; this feeling inside me. Is almost more than I can bare," rendered him powerless. He could not move, blink, or even think after she locked her dark brown orbs onto his. Every thought he had in his mind, left him. His mind went blank, leaving him powerless to watch her and listen to the words of the song she was dancing to with her partner.
"Fitz," Andrew called to him, but he was still sitting there thinking of the dancing angel that came out of nowhere tonight and knocked him as his ass. "FITZ!"
Fitz finally looked at him. "Sorry."
"What the hell happened tonight," Andrew asked. "I've never seen you this way."
"You know the girls and Abby dragged me to that dancing competition tonight right," Andrew nodded. "Well the girls' teacher is competing in it?"
"Is she any good?"
"Yes," Fitz told him. "She's more than good," his voice trailed off attempting to think of the right word to explain Olivia. He wanted to say she was the most 'perfect' woman he'd ever laid eyes on, but couldn't. He would be admitting something, he thought he never say again. Then he looked over to Andrew and saw him watching closely. "She placed third with her partner Max."
"Max," Andrew stopped seeing the look on his face and new 'the Max' Fitz meant. "Nina and Bells 'Max?"
"Yes the very same," Fitz groaned. "Abby told me, that my daughters," he ran his fingers through his hair in frustration, "said Max is sexy."
Andrew broke out laughing. "They're growing up. Man you are swimming in estrogen." Fitz now chuckled.
"Yes especially with Abby on my case every day," Fitz threw back and watched Andrew give him a slight grin. Fitz always suspected that Andrew had a thing for Abby but he never acted on it.
"What," Andrew said to him.
"You know you should have," he stopped when Andrew put his hand up.
"We're not talking about my love life Fitz," he countered. "Now tell me about this teacher. Fitz got up and grabbed the remote for the TV. "Fitz what are you doing? I want you to tell me about this teacher."
"Hold on. I rather show you. I am sure Nina and Bells recorded it," Fitz answered, now scrolling through the TV list menu. Andrew looked confused as Fitz went through the things the kids have recorded.
"Fitz?"
"I know. But I want you to see her dance." Fitz then found the Dance competition. He fast forwarded to Olivia's dance with Max. He started to play it, just as she was introduced and walked out onto the dance floor.
"Okay," Andrew replied. "Oh my," he breathed struck by her beauty also. Andrew saw her lock eyes with someone in the audience and he then knew it was Fitz. He watched her entire performance, just as blown away as he was a few hours ago. Once she finished the dance, he stopped the DVR. "Well?"
"She is really good. She's beautiful Fitz," Andrew told him.
"Yes and Miss Pope is breathtakingly so," he answered in a raised dreamy voice. "Olivia's extraordinary." Andrew stared at Fitz, his best friend and President of the United States. This was not the same man he had been running the country with and help raise his daughters. The man he had known, had been sad, and alone; but now he saw a light in his eyes he had not seen in a long time.
"Olivia Sir," Andrew questioned, hearing how Fitz said her name.
"What," Fitz countered. "She's Abby's best friend and was supposed to be teaching me, but…," he stopped.
"But what," Andrew raised his eyes and waited for his answer. "Oh don't tell me you said no to the lessons." When Fitz did not give him a response, Andrew knew. Fitz got up and walked to the window and leaned against it. "You won't let her teach you. Why the hell not? Is she afraid of you?"
Fitz laughed. "Christ no. More like the other way around. One minute she's challenging me like no woman ever has before. She is beautiful, sexy, and ready to step on my toes if I get out of line. I need that if I am going to survive the State Dinner. Once she steps onto that dance floor she rules. Being President does not frighten her one bit."
"So what's the problem," Andrew wondered. "If she's not afraid of you then what is it?"
"I don't know. Abby won't tell me. She's afraid of something though. I am sure of it."
"So after the competition you met her," Fitz nodded. "Did you dance get to dance with her?"
"I did," Fitz grinned and Andrew saw a slight twinkle in his eyes, he had not seen in a long time.
"And?"
"And what," Fitz said back.
"How did the dance go? Did you crush her toes or something? Is that why she won't teach you," Andrew was trying to figure out why Fitz won't take the lessons from her.
"The dance was perfect," Fitz said to him. Andrew heard the sadness in his voice. "It was incredible. Olivia felt, I mean Miss Pope…is….She's perfect."
"Perfect huh," Andrew teased him and knew it was more than he thought.
Fitz then got frustrated and walked away in front of the fireplace. He looked at the family pictures of him, Nina, Bells and Bellamy. They looked so happy back then. Bellamy was not sick and his life was just the way he wanted it to be. Shortly after these were taken, Bellamy became ill and they discovered her cancer.
"Andrew do you believe in love at first sight?"
Andrew gave him the strangest look. "I supposed so."
"Do you think that there is only ONE special person out there for someone to find? That there is only person that you are meant to grow old with, have babies, and share your life with?" Fitz asked.
"Fitz, I'd always hoped I find love like that but I haven't been that lucky in my life yet. Why?" Andrew knew how much he loved Bellamy. She was his everything and losing her so early, changed him.
Bellamy wanted him to find love and move on but Fitz closed himself off to that thought. He focused on raising the girls, being Governor of California and now the Presidency. He threw himself into his work, and raising his girls. He was there by his side to remind of the simpler things in life.
"Andy," Fitz picked his family pictures up and let a tear fall.
Andrew walked up to him, and placed his hand on his shoulder. "I know you miss her."
"Every day of my life I do. I see her so much in the girls Andrew. I thought she was my soul mate," and he stopped talking. "But her last words to me." He looked up at him. Fitz reiterated her prediction of someone coming along and giving him a reason to live again. A woman would turn his world upside down and make him believe in love again.
He then turned and faced the TV and saw Olivia on the screen paused. Fitz felt his chest tighten, and heart begin to race. Something about that dance, "their moment" changed everything for him. That one dance – that one moment in time, created such peace and happiness within him. He had not felt this way about anything in so long.
Andrew saw him staring at Olivia. "Oh Hell. That's why you won't let her teach you? She made you feel something. And you are afraid you are betraying her memory and your love for her." Fitz nodded. "Bellamy wanted you to be happy Fitz. I know she didn't want you, Cristina and Isabelle to be alone."
"You think I've want to be alone and to have lost my wife," he raised his voice because he was now getting upset. His voice cracked as he uttered, "To raise my kids without her."
"Fitz," Andrew began to attempt to calm him down.
"I miss Bellamy every day. I thought she was the love of my life. I want to move on, go forward, but," Fitz began to pace back and forth in front of the fireplace. "I didn't think I feel this connection to Miss Pope this quickly. I danced with her tonight Andrew and the way she felt in my arms was just…," Fitz paused, unable to continue.
"Just…,"
"Perfect. It's like she was made for me. That she was born for me to find. Her body molded to mine and I can't describe how it made me felt. But then I felt guilty. She felt something to. We were dancing it was like everything faded away and we became one person. Every moment I made was in sync with hers," Fitz did his best to explain.
"She's a dancer Fitz." Andrew tried to interject.
"I know that," Fitz groaned at his comment. "But it wasn't just the dancing. I felt my heart begin to beat along with hers. Our breathing matched, breath for breath. God when I looked into her eyes, I swear I saw the piece of myself I lost when I lost Bells, coming back to me through her. I'm not supposed to feel this way for a woman I just met."
"Why not," Andrew walked up to him. "You're not married Fitz. Bellamy wanted you to be happy and find love. There's nothing wrong with finally letting yourself be happy."
"I am not ready," Fitz began to get upset. "It's why she can't teach me Andrew. Abby is going to look for someone else."
"Why the hell for? If she's right for you then why push her away?" When Fitz heard those words he stared at him, and sighed. "You need to let her teach you Fitz. If she is more than capable to put up with you and all your quirks then allow her to. Try to stay professional."
"Professional," Fitz posed the question. "She called me 'Fitz' tonight and kissed me."
"She did what," Andrew about spit out his drink.
"I wish her a pleasant evening and thanked her for the dance. I didn't ask her to do it Andrew, she did it on her own. She told me 'Goodnight Fitz," and leaned up and kissed my cheek," Fitz pressed his hand to his face. His skin began to tingle at the memory of her lips that were there not that long ago. "I was so stunned I couldn't say or do anything."
"Ah huh," Andrew commented.
"What," Fitz threw back to him.
"I'd hate to see what would happen if she would have kissed your lips," he winked. Fitz blushed and nudged his arm. "Fitz obviously this is something and apparently she feels the same way. Let her teach you go to dance," Andrew told him.
"I won't be able to stay professional with her. I can barely do it now," he admitted.
"Then let things happen. If you already feel this way about her now, allow this to happen naturally. Don't rush it or push her away. You need her."
"No. Abby is going to look into other teachers for me. I can't. She doesn't want do to it anyway. It's done. She's going to teach Nina and Bells and that's it," he lamented.
"You're making a mistake." Fitz threw another comment out, and took another sip of his drink.
Andrew shrugged his shoulders and knew there was nothing that could be done to change his mind. For the next hour or so they chatted about the girls, dancing lessons, and what was on the agenda for the next few days. After Andrew left Fitz went to bed, hoping that Abby could find him another instructor that was just as good as Olivia Pope.
/
Not Dancing in Sync…
For the next couple days following Olivia's encounter with Fitz, she had been having trouble in practices with Max. The next dance for the competition was only a few days away, and the song they chose was up-beat and filled with intricate footwork. She was having a hard time remembering the steps, and Max was doing everything he could not to lose it.
"Come on Gorgeous," Max said to her. "What is wrong?"
"I don't know Max," she was getting upset with herself.
"This is not like you darling," he walked up to her taking her hands.
"I know," she whimpered. "Can we take a break?"
"Sure Gorgeous," Max said to her and let her be for a few moments.
She had a good hunch what the problem truly was but would not say anything to Max. Since meeting Fitz, he has been in her mind constantly. Yes she knew he was the President of the United States, but something drew her to him. He has been in her mind since the night of their first dance.
Everything about Fitz, not only scared her, but gave her peace. Connecting with him the way she did while she danced with Max that night, was something that had never happened before. Olivia and Max had always dance perfectly with one another, because they had been partners for so long.
But that night, gazing into Fitz's perfect eyes, changed something for her – no in her. She had connected with him, in a way that made her want to get to know him more. When they touched, and danced, she felt as if she knew him longer than Max. They did not do any intricate steps, but every movement they did, was in sync.
Max had always been there for her, for guidance, a shoulder to cry on and support. He was her best friend on and off the dance floor. She didn't think she could "dance in sync" with anyone else, until Fitz the other night. The way she felt when he touched her, made her feel things that seemed so unreal.
The butterflies in her stomach, the tingling of her skin, created a fire with her body no man had ever done before. Since that night, he invaded her dreams. She had flashes of them dancing, laughing, and so much more. "Those" thoughts, caused her body to ache for his touch even more.
There was no doubt they had "chemistry," but was it more. The way he looked at her, let her to believe that she was the most beautiful woman in the world – no his world. In that moment, she realized she let him into her soul, and no matter how hard she tried to deny it later, he got her. In ONE DANCE, he got her. And that scared the day-lights out of Olivia.
Olivia had not felt that way for anyone - EVER. In their "moment like this" she let herself believe that she was NOT from a family that wanted her to be First Lady. Her walls came down and she gave herself to Fitz into that moment. Finally she was "just a girl" dancing with an incredible man – that saw the real her.
She let herself give into that moment. He wasn't the President of the United States, and her the teacher who was supposed to teach him to dance. In that encounter, she was just "Liv" and he was "Fitz." She didn't want to say his name or kiss him before she left but it felt right.
She saw – no felt his reaction, and quickly backed away. Olivia knew if he reached for her again, that she would not be able to deny him. Of course she wanted to teach him, but knew it was for the best that she didn't. In teaching Fitz, she knew something more could happen, and she vowed not to let that old life, hurt her anymore.
"Love at first sight" only happens in Disney Princess movies she was told by her father. "You are NOT going to be the girl at the end of the movie that the guy wins," her father began to tell her as she grew older.
Her father was not always a monster. He spent time with her, and her siblings whenever he could. He was a good man until her mother passed away when she was a little girl. He threw himself into his work, and began to ignore her. Eventually he remarried, and she liked her step-mother. They grew close, and she became the mom she needed as a teen.
As Olivia began middle school her step-mother enrolled her in dancing lessons and she excelled quickly. She danced in recitals, and her step-mother went to every single one, proud of Olivia. Eventually, Olivia applied to Juilliard, got accepted, which is how she met Max. They immediately became friends and realized they were the perfect dancing partners and had been together ever since.
Once she got close to graduation, she cut her father out of her life. "Dancing will get you nowhere Olivia," her father announced. "You are my daughter and have not spent all his effort for you, getting you into the right circles, for you to just throw it away on a pair of dancing shoes."
"I don't care what you say. I am not going to be some pawn you will use to run for office. I am good at what I do. If you want the Presidency so much, then run for it yourself," she screamed at him one day. "These men you are setting me up with are not for me. I REFUSE to be someone's political wife for show. I want nothing to do with politics, or you for that matter. We are done."
"If you walk out that door Olivia, don't ever come to me for anything," her father screamed.
"Consider it handled," Olivia threw into his face and walked away. That moment gave her so much freedom in her life. She changed everything about herself, including taking her mother's maiden name of "Pope." Few people in her life knew who her father was, and she wanted to keep it that way.
She kept in contact with her step-mother and siblings, but only did so, when all involved were sure HE would not find out. Olivia had gotten a text from all of them that they saw her compete for the first time, and would be watching her every week. Deep down she hoped they would see her, and that alone made her realize she made the right choice walking away.
So after years staying away from anything to do with politics, she was literally drawn back into it by none other than President Fitzgerald Grant and his two little girls. Cristina and Isabelle were perfect. She silently prayed that Fitz would be the one to bring them to their lessons, but considering he was the President, it may not happen.
As she was thinking of Fitz and the girls, Max approached her again and asked if she was ready to practice. "Sure."
/
1st Dancing Lesson, 2 week of Dancing Competition
They began to dance, and she was still struggling. She finally asked Max if they could call it quits because Nina and Bells would be showing up for their first lesson. "Okay."
Olivia began picking out their first song, when she heard Abby arrive with the girls. "Livy," the squealed as they ran up to her.
"Hi ladies," she perked up.
"Hi Liv," Abby greeted her next.
"Hey RED," she hugged. Her heart began to beat fast looking for Fitz.
"The President couldn't make it Liv. He got pulled into a meeting before I left," Abby explained. Abby saw Olivia's face slump.
"Oh," Olivia nodded. She then shrugged it off and focused on the girls. They chit chatted about their day and said a few things about their Dad. Olivia smiled and decided to make this first lesson fun for them.
"So what are we going to learn first," Nina asked Olivia first. She rattled off a bunch of dances but Olivia nodded NO to all of them.
"Well if it's none of them, what are we going to do," Bells asked Olivia.
"Today, you two girls, Abby, Max and I are just going to let go and have fun. No fancy steps or routines. I just want us to let go and have a good time," she informed the girls. Abby winked and they danced however they wanted, ate popcorn and had a blast. Olivia felt free the first time all day.
When the girls left, they kissed her goodbye. "We'll see you next week Livy, and Friday night."
"Okay," her heart raced thinking of Fitz being there again.
But when Friday arrived and Olivia was introduced onto the dance floor, she looked out onto the audience, and did not see Fitz. Abby was there with the kids, Secret Service, Cyrus and James. Her and Max danced their routine, and the judges did enjoy it. But each of them told Olivia and Max that "something" was missing.
When their scores were announced, they fell down on the leader board to fifth place. Nina and Bells saw her after the show and gave her a big hug. They were sad and asked if there h was something they could do. Olivia smiled at their concern but told them no. Abby said they would see her Tuesday for lessons and took the girls home.
Fitz saw her compete on the TV and felt horrible that he had not attended. He knew being President that he could not go every week, no matter how much he wanted to. Seeing her, made him want to be with her in a way he didn't think possible. Since she was not teaching him, seeing her would be too much for him to handle.
The girls came in and cried on Fitz. "You should have been there Daddy. She needed you," Nina announced to Fitz.
"Cristina, she has Max," Fitz tried to explain.
"Well Daddy, he's not you. I don't know why you are being so silly. Aunt Abby is trying to find you a new teacher and each one is not 'doing it' for you. You need Livy. Why are you both being so stubborn," Nina pointed out.
"Nina," Fitz sternly said to her.
"Dad Nina is right," Bells said next. "Livy needs you. You dance in sync," making Fitz's eyes dart up and look at Abby. "You need each other. Momma wouldn't be upset with you for that. You like her don't you."
"Oh sweetheart isn't just that," he said to her.
"Well you HAVE to go next week Daddy. We are NOT taking no for an answer," Nina boasted. "She needs you and that's that."
Fitz rolled his eyes and looked at Abby who did her best not to laugh. She texted Olivia and asked if she was okay. Olivia told her she was fine and they were on their way back to the studio. Olivia knew Max was a little upset she hoped he would not harp on her. But once they hit the studio, he just watched her. "What Max?"
"What happened tonight Gorgeous," Max asked.
"I don't know Max," she answered sadly. "I've just been off for the last week. I'm sorry I failed us – you." She began to cry. "We're never off, it's my fault."
"Did your family contact you again," Max asked thinking it could be them. Olivia nodded "no." He asked her a few more questions but all were the same answer. "Is it teaching the President's daughters?"
"Good grief no. They are a trip Max. Plus Nina has a small crush on you, Lover Muffin," she nudged him, making Max role his eyes.
Max walked up to her and held her hands. "Everyone has a bad week honey. Next week we'll do better okay. It's not your fault."
"Max I've…," she stammered. "But it is…."
"No it's not. I push us hard and place a lot of pressure on us. Next week we'll do better. Come on," he took her hand. "Let me take you home."
"Max," she didn't want to lead him on. "You don't have to do that. I can get home on my own."
"I know. I am only going to drop you off and make sure you make it inside. I don't want to stay. Come on Gorgeous let's go," and he placed his hand out for her to take and she did so. He drove her home, and made sure she went inside her apartment before leaving. Once Olivia got inside she changed, and crawled into to bed and attempted to get some rest.
/
Talking to the Girls….
For the next four days Olivia had been focused on planning their next routine with Max. Every chance she had, they planned their dance vowing to wow the judges this week. She picked the song, and dance style.
So Olivia devised the perfect plan, and how to make it a reality. She told it to Max that afternoon, and got everyone on board. She set up rehearsals, and let the coordinators for the competition when they would like to rehearse at the studio. Once everything was set up she, Max rehearsed. She was still a little off, but she did her best to push Fitz out of her mind.
Seeing the girls for their Tuesday dance lesson with Abby was a huge help. She found out from the girls that Fitz was working with another teacher, but he was not doing well. He couldn't remember the steps and he had been "moody" at work. The West Wing staff was beginning to call him "President Grumpy Pants."
"Nina you weren't supposed to tell Liv that," her sister shushed her.
"It's not a secret that Dad is struggling without Livy, Bells." Nina shoved her sister playfully. "Daddy misses her."
Olivia rolled her eyes and got the girls started on their lesson. She decided to teach them tap first and kept it light for the first lesson. She did not want to overwhelm them with steps to remember and by the end of hour, they had steps to practice. "I can't wait. We are going to drive Daddy and the staff crazy," Nina giggled.
"Nina," Bells attempted to calm her down. "Daddy is not going to let you dance all over the place."
"Whatever," her sister blew her off. "Let's go I can't wait to show Daddy our steps Liv taught us."
The girls kissed Olivia goodbye, hugged Max and ran out of the studio. By the time they made it the White House, Fitz was in the residence waiting. He asked how their lesson went and the girls put their tap-dance shoes and showed him. Once they finished, Fitz could feel a headache coming on and insisted they take off their shoes.
"Daddy are you going to see her dance Friday night," Bells asked Fitz first. "I guess this week she and Max are rehearing a special routine."
"I don't know girls. I have a lot of work to do," Fitz explained, seeing both their faces slump.
"She misses you Daddy," Nina blurted out, making Abby choke on her drink.
"Cristina you don't know that for sure," her sister chastised her.
"Yes she does. I know Livy misses Daddy," Nina insisted.
"Girls can you excuse us for a minute," looking at Abby. The girls kissed him goodbye and ran down the hallway. "So does she?" He was now looking at Abby.
"Does, she what Sir," Abby took a sip of her water.
"Abby," Fitz sternly called her name. "Now is not the time to play coy."
Abby decided to turn the tables on him. "Now it's not. But the question should be, do you miss her? How are the lesson's going?"
"We are not talking about me Abigail," he got up and walked away. He poured himself a scotch and stood there looking in the opposite direction.
"Well why don't we," she challenged. He turned to face her. He began to talk but she stopped him right away. "I know you miss her, Olivia. I know you think no one knows you are watching her on TV but I know you are. Something happened between you two that night and both of you are running from it and each other."
"Abby I don't know…," Fitz tried to say but she stopped him.
"Oh yes you do. I have known you a long time, and having feelings for Liv is not betraying Bellamy. She wanted you to be happy. Being depressed, around the White House solves nothing. You and Olivia connected that night on the dance floor and she has been struggling staying focused," causing Fitz's to star at her, wide mouthed.
"Abby I…,"
"You don't have to say anything. But I know this, why are you running from her. You need Olivia to dance. You are not doing well with his new teacher and I heard that you stopped the lessons after the first two. She's my best friend, and I know her," Abby walked up to him and touched his shoulder. "You really should reconsider."
"Abby it's not a good idea," Fitz ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.
"I am not going to push you Mr. President but you need to think about it. And the girls really want you to go and see Olivia and Max dance Friday night. The Vice President is going and let me know if you are interested," Abby began to walk away.
"Abby," she turned to face him. "She misses me. She told you that," he asked, raising his voice.
"Yes. She has not come out and said it but I heard she's been off her game since you two met. Goodnight Mr. President," Abby walked to the door.
"Goodnight Abby," Fitz told her and went and looked out the window. He leaned against the pane and got lost in the DC skyline. Since meeting Olivia, he had thought about her every day, and watched her performance of that night and the other week. He could see that she was struggling but could he really be the cause.
He had a decision to make for this week's competition. Should he go and watch her compete, or stay behind? Plus the girls had been mentioning she had been looking for him to come to their lessons. Yes he had been in meetings but if he really wanted to, he could have arranged things so he could have gone.
He walked to his room and picked up his picture of Nina, Bells and their mom. "I guess I have a decision to make," he said to himself. But what that choice would be, only Fitz knew.
/
"Waiting for Superman…" (Night of Competition – Week 3)
"Liv," she heard her name and turned around. She was in her dressing room, finishing getting dressed.
"Come in," she called to the person at the door. "Oh hey James." He walked over to her and gave her a hug. "Where's Cyrus? I figured he'd be here giving me a pep talk."
"Oh he'll be in a few. He's out bothering Max," James told her to turn around and did the last few buttons on her dress. Olivia giggled. "You nervous?" She nodded. "Look I know you had a bad week last week but honey everyone does."
"I don't want to disappoint Max, you, Nina, Bells, and…" she stopped herself from saying anything further.
"The President," James looked at her, and watched her breathing quicken. "You hope he comes tonight don't you."
"He won't come James. I know Abby is here with the girls, but I don't think he wants to see me again. We agreed it's for the best. I'm not teaching him, so that's that," she went and got the rest of her costume and James slipped it over her body. "I'm not the right person for him."
"But what if you are the RIGHT person for him? I saw your dance honey. It was magical," James hinted. Olivia stood there stumped, not saying at word. She continued to put on her make-up, beginning to transform herself into the character she was playing tonight. James knew the song choice. "Wait, is the President your…" but Olivia gave him the look that if he continued she'd throw something at him.
"We are not having this conversation James," she stood up and looked at herself in the mirror. James squinted and dropped it, when he heard another knock at her door. Cyrus then came inside and gave her a huge hug.
"You look incredible kiddo," Cyrus kissed her cheek lightly.
"Thank you Cyrus."
"Cristina, Isabelle, Abby and the Vice President Nichols are out there tonight," Cyrus pointed out.
"Great. Can't wait to see them," Olivia held his hands. She was beginning to shake her hands out to hide her nerves. "I can do this Cy."
"Yes you can. You are a Gladiator in dancing shoes," making her smile. He made her say it until she believed it. "Good now all cylinders and go out there and kick some ass."
Olivia laughed and when she opened her door she saw Max, waiting for her. "My word," he groaned out. "If we win tonight…date?" Olivia told him no. They couldn't jump five slots to the top of leader board in one week. "Oh yes we can. I have faith in you Gorgeous."
"Whatever Lover Muffin," she teased him and he led her to their positions while they waited to be called onto the stage. "I'll think about it," she managed to say as she heard;
"Ladies and Gentleman, doing a free style dance…Olivia Pope and Max ChimKophskia."
Leaving Max behind the curtain, Olivia walks out onto the dance floor. She hears the audience comment on her costume. Because of their song choice, Olivia's costume is a pale white slip dress, with a blue sparkling overlay. Her hair is up in a French twist, with small curls on the sides and back of her neck. The only jewelry is a pair of diamond studs.
Her dress flows behind her as she walks to her spot in the center of the dance floor. She sits down in the center and takes her starting position. In the whispers she can just make out Nina and Bell's voices. They are telling she someone, "She looks like Lois Lane," making her smile.
"Maybe he's here," she chastises herself. "No he wouldn't be here. He came once why would he come again." Before she gets her hopes up, the opening to their song began. As she listened to the first lines to "Waiting for Superman" by Daughtry, she acts out the song with the other dancers on the floor.
"She's watching the taxi driver, he pulls away
She's been locked up inside her apartment a hundred days
She says, "Yeah, he's still coming, just a little bit late.
He got stuck at the Laundromat washing his cape."
She's just watching the clouds roll by and they spell her name
Like Lois Lane"
The lights begin to brighten as she begins to get up and dance on her own. She stops for a moment and gets a quick glimpse at someone in the crowd. As the audience now appears, her eyes widen as she stares directly into President Fitzgerald Grant's eyes. He gives her one head nod and a smile. The smile causes her heart beat to increase, and the biggest smile to appear on her face as the line…
"And she smiles, oh the way she smiles"
(Fitz's heart melts and begins to increase. There was so doubt in his mind who she was looking at their eyes were locked in on the other. He hadn't seen her in person in two weeks, and was possibly even more captivated than the last time. Her dress, makeup, hair, everything about her tonight was flawless. She looked even more beautiful than the last time he was in her presence.)
(She then acts out the next part of the song, with Max, but not touching her. Max feels she is different, as she does each movement. Her foot placement, hand gestures are better than they had rehearsed. The President is mesmerized by her every move – lost in her interpretation of the dance.)
"She's talking to angels,
Counting the stars
Making a wish on a passing car
She's dancing with strangers,
Falling apart"
(As the next verse begins, Max gets behind her and whispers, "We got this." He scoops her up and they move gracefully as one person. She is in his arms, pretending to be Lois Lane, and Max is Superman flying her across the floor.)
"Waiting for Superman to pick her up
In his arms, yeah, in his arms, yeah
Waiting for Superman"
(For the next two sections of the song, they dance better than had been practicing. The footsteps were lively, and in time with the other. Everything was in sync. The crows was on their feet, clapping with the beat of the music. As she passes Fitz, the girls, Abby and the Vice President, all she can see is compete joy on their faces. Her and Max are on fire and having a good time on the dance floor.)
"She's out on the corner trying to catch a glimpse
Nothing's making sense
She's been chasing an answer, a sign lost in the abyss,
This Metropolis
She says, "Yeah, he's still coming, just a little bit late.
He got stuck at the Five and Dime saving the day."
She says, "If life was a movie, then it wouldn't end like this,
Left without a kiss."
Still, she smiles, oh, the way she smiles, yeah
(Max then does the next section of lifts through this section of the song. Olivia feels like she is flying through the air as Max carries on the dance floor. Her arms are fully extended and the sheer on her dress makes her look like an angel, flying across the stage.)
(Fitz is totally captivated by her. Abby and Andrew watch him for a few moments. His mouth is in a full smile, and he feels the most alive he's had in two weeks. He wants to tell her after she dances, that he wants her to teach him, but would it be wise. If he feels this way just with her in the room, will those feelings increase once she's back in his arms?)
"Waiting for Superman to pick her up
In his arms, yeah, in his arms, yeah
She's waiting for Superman...
...to lift her up and take her anywhere
Show her love and flying through the air
Save her now before it's too late tonight
Oh, at the speed of light
And she smiles"
(As Max and Olivia continue to dance, the judges and the crowd continue to clap in time with the beats of the music. They are now doing more intricate footwork. It's light, peppy, showing the judges that they "got this." Everything about THIS dance, has finally come together, and Olivia is living in the moment, coming into her own.)
"She's talking to angels,
Counting the stars
Making a wish on a passing car
She's dancing with strangers,
She's falling apart
Waiting for Superman to pick her up
In his arms, yeah, in his arms, yeah
She's waiting for Superman..."
(Max takes her around the dance floor once more time, doing their final lift section. He spins her around as her dress flows freely around them. As he places her down, she dances to another section on the floor and grabs a red cape. She ties it around his neck in one move, and they finish the final moves.)
...to lift her up and take her anywhere
Show her love, oh, and flying through the air
Save her now before it's too late tonight
She's waiting for Superman"
As she stops as the final lines to the song play, Olivia makes her final pose with Max. He's carrying her the way Christopher Reeve carried Margot Kidder after she "flies" with him in the movie. He places her down on the floor and her arms around his neck. He places her down on the floor and kisses her cheek.
"What a Superman," she says loud enough.
Max then "flies" away from her leaving Olivia watching him leave the dance floor. She glances out into the crowd and sees Fitz watching her closely. Max comes down the stairs with his "cape" and takes Olivia in his arms giving her the biggest hug and kiss on the cheek.
"My Lois Lane," Max exclaims as he takes her hand and let her take a bow. They bow together and he escorts her to the judges for their scores.
/
Judges Scores….
The host of the show begins first. "My word what happened tonight. You two were on outstanding."
Max: "Olivia and I practiced very hard this week. I had every faith that we would find the perfect song and routine to make us stand out. I am very proud of her tonight."
Olivia: "Tonight for us, me especially everything clicked. (Side glancing Fitz.) Everything between Max and I have always been in sync but this song choice was different. This dance was different. It felt right. (Blushing because she sees Fitz grinning from ear to ear.)
Host: Well I would say that you both made a huge improvement over last week. Let's see what the judges have to say…
Karrie: "You both were on fire this week. I think Max found his Lois Lane, and you Olivia, Superman must have showed up for you. You're extensions were such an improvement from last week, and you really through yourself into this performance. My only critique would be to be lighter on your feet. Other than that, I LOVED IT.
Glen: "This performance was such a dramatic change from last week. This week you were sure of yourself and in sync with the other's movements. Even you, Olivia on the floor alone, "Waiting for Superman" to show up, I am impressed. You had me hoping he'd show up for you. This was my favorite performance of the night.
Bruno: My GOD that was incredible. Olivia you were gorgeous, so sure of yourself and most of all ON FIRE. Such a dramatic change. You were waiting for Superman and BLOODY HELL he must have shown up for you. Everything about the performance was on point and perfect. Both your expressions, movements, Max you had her up in the air I swear she was flying. This was my dance of the night. Well done!
Olivia and Max then gave each other a huge hug and ran up the stairs. They talked briefly to the other dancers, and waited to hear the scores for the judges come in.
Karrie: 8
Glen: 9
Bruno: 9
The host then said, "With a score of 26, Ladies and Gentleman that puts Olivia and Max in SECOND PLACE! They jumped up three slots from last week!"
Olivia jumped into Max's arms and gave him the biggest hug. She looked down onto the dance floor and saw Fitz watching her closely. His eyes were narrowing in on her, making her heart race against her chest. She felt no butterflies when she was dancing, but now they were there. She bit her lip and Max put her down.
"Second place Gorgeous. It's almost a date."
"Almost but not quite," she told him and they watched the rest of the show with the other dancers.
/
"Lois and Clark…"
After the show and the ballroom cleared out, Olivia heard that Abby, the girls, the VP, and she was sure Fitz were all waiting for her again. She touched up her makeup and found them in the middle of the dance floor waiting. She smiled at she entered the room. Nina and Bells ran into her arms, giving her hugs and kisses.
They began talking her head off and dragged her over to see Fitz and meet Andrew. "You are an extraordinary dancer Miss Pope," Andrew commented, making Olivia blush.
"Thank you Sir. I am honored you could come and see me dance," she put her head down and could feel Fitz's eyes on her. She finally said to Fitz. "It's good to see you again Mr. President."
"You as well Miss Pope," Fitz said to her with his hand in his pockets. "You were incredible."
"Thank you," she flushed at his praise. She felt her cheeks heat up as he watched her. Max came and stood beside her, putting his arm around her waist. Max kissed her cheek and leaned his head on hers. Fitz was clenching his fists watching Max fuss over Olivia and hold her so close to his body.
They chit chatted a few more minutes, and asked Max to come get her in a few minutes. She smiled nervously at Fitz, and Olivia excused herself to go change out of her costume. She could feel his eyes on her the entire walk out of the ballroom. When she made it to the door she glanced at Fitz, and saw him lick his lips as she opened the door. She shook her head and went to her dressing room.
When she arrived she sat at her mirror and thought about her performance and was pleased they came in second. She placed her hand over her heart and got up to begin to change. Her hands reached under her sheer shall as she heard a knock. "Come on in Max," she called out not facing the door.
"Hi," Fitz said to her as he shut her door.
She whipped herself around and stared at him with her mouth open. "Hi."
Her heart rate increased and she felt the butterflies in her stomach return in full force. She tried to think of something to say back as she studied him standing before her. He was leaning against her door looking devilishly handsome. His hair was slicked back, and his navy suit made him look so sexy.
"Hi Lois," he told her this time walking in her direction. She moved her head back and squinted. Now he was a foot away from her breathing heavily. He could smell her perfume and it was affecting his body on all levels. Fitz had been thinking of nothing but her for two weeks. Every thought had been consumed by this incredible woman before his eyes. He was aching to touch her but was holding back.
"Hi Clark," she winked, making Fitz chuckle.
"So," he moved a foot closer.
"So," she stepped back. They were playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse and both knew it. He was completely drawn to her and even if he wanted to pull away from her, he couldn't. His mind was telling him to back away from her, but his heart was aching to get as close as possible.
"Did Superman show up for you tonight," he was now standing right in front of her. She could feel his breath on her face as she looked up into his eyes. He watched her mouth open, but no words came out. No witty come back or even a sound. Her eyes were darting from side to side.
"So did he?" he asked again lowering his voice.
She bit her lip and closed her eyes. "Yes," she whispered. She moved away from him, slightly. Fitz heard her answer and grinned like a child on Halloween Night. He was getting into her personal space, causing her brain to short circuit. The crack in her voice, told Fitz everything he needed to know.
She let out a breath and finally met his gaze. She took a few steps backwards. In an attempt to remain professional, "What can I do for you Mr. President?"
"Do for me," he dropped his voice. Olivia watched his pupils darken and felt herself get warm. "Oh you've done plenty already." Olivia gave her a strange look wondering what he meant. Fitz licked his lips and continued to creep towards her.
"Did you want something?" She asked this this with her voice shaking.
Fitz raised his eyes but didn't answer her. He just stared down into the most expressive pair of brown eyes he'd ever seen. He was lost in their warmth, passion, and enduring compassion he sees within them. Her eyes, see something in Fitz he thought died long ago. He saw hope of a life he didn't think he wanted – no needed.
Abby and Andrew were right. He can't keep running from his strong feelings. He had been miserable for the last two weeks, and it was all because of her. At first he thought it was all just some sick joke, which is part of the reason he came back to see her tonight. But after watching dance, and come alive on the dance floor, he wanted her more. What happened between them two weeks ago was real, and was certain she felt it to.
Fitz continued to smile but did not answer her question. "You know what I don't have time for this," she began to turn away but he got in front of her so she couldn't go around him. She side stepped and he moved with her. Olivia tried to move around him a few more times but Fitz wouldn't let her pass. She tried to get past Fitz in one quick attempt.
He sensed her movements. Fitz reached out quickly and pulled her into his body. She slammed into his torso, knocking the wind out her lungs. Olivia placed her hands on Fitz's chest, finally noticing his rapid heartbeat, pounding against his sternum. His breathing wasn't much better. He was lowering his head and she felt his nose on her forehead.
He then spoke in the deepest, sexiest voice she had ever heard. "I am the powerful man in the world, but when I am around you, I can't think straight. I want a lot of things Miss Pope," he didn't finish his statement and hoped she figure out without his words. "And after watching you dance tonight, I am sure of only one thing?"
"What's that," she whimpered. She was coming apart in his embrace. She began to feel his hands all over her body.
Fitz reached up and cupped her face with his hand. She gasped out, feeling him pull her closer. He narrowed his gaze to meet hers. Her legs were shaking as she not only felt her own body betraying her, but Fitz's as well. She never thought she'd have this kind of effect on a man, especially the most powerful man in the world.
They stood that way another few moments. The tension between them was growing and if Olivia didn't do something, who knows what would happen. Gathering her last bit of strength, she asked, "Answer me, WHAT DO YOU WANT?"
"YOU! I want you Olivia Pope!"
/
*Drops bag of candy and runs….
Happy Halloween Pumpkins. Yup I am going leave you in #ThatPlace aching for more. I do it so well after all. So if you are wondering what could happen after that last line, use your imagination. Hot Dang!
Kind of out the normal or me but I don't think you are complaining. Not going to say "something" is going to happen, but it will interesting. Yes Fitz showed up for her and became her "Superman." Now if she still teaches him, you'll have to wait and see.
And anyone waiting for #PartOfYourWorld…I know made a promise and I will honor it. You just have to wait it out. (I know I am so mean.)
So leave tons of #TricksOrTreats or no UPDATES!
Ghosts, Goblins and More…
Me's