Hello my #Pumpkins! I hope you are all having a great Labor Day weekend. I wanted to give you a special treat so I worked on this fic. (It had been a while.)
I really hope you enjoy it and you'll leave me your #JudgesScore once you are finished.
Thank you for reading
Me's
/
Chapter 13: "Own It. Control It. Feel It... "
"Life is a Dance. You learn as you go. Sometimes you Lead. Sometimes you follow." – John Michael Montgomery
Bunny Tracks on Top…
"Would you be my date to the State Dinner for the President of France," Olivia's mind freezes at Fitz's words. He JUST asked her to be his date for the State Dinner. How is that even possible? It can't be. THIS can't be happening! Her mind replays his words over and over again. "He can't be serious," she chastises herself in her mind.
Her eyes close hearing Nina and Bells now asking, "You're going to teach Daddy to dance and be his date for the State Dinner right?"
"Um date…," Olivia manages to stammer giving her mind a chance to snap out of its temporary haze. The girls are tugging on her hands.
"Yes date Livy," Nina huffs. "You get dressed up in a fancy expensive gown. Get your hair and nails done. Toes too," she points to her toes that are painted.
"I really don't think..," she manages to stagger before Belli offers her opinion.
"Livy it's a great idea. You will look so beautiful on Daddy's arm. Come on you know Prince Charming cannot go without his Princess," she begs. Fitz smirks at his young daughter's words. Both girls have been addicted to Once Upon a Time loving the costumes, ball gowns, and the notion of a love that can transcend dimensions and different worlds.
Since learning of the State Dinner, both Nina and Belli have been eager to see their Dad swoop his date off their feet just like Prince Charming in many fairy tales. This is even more the case now that they have seen how much their father is falling for Olivia. It was like magic watching him dance with her the night they met. And he wasn't dancing all that well.
They can picture him waltzing Olivia around the dancefloor like Princess Aurora from Sleeping Beauty in a gorgeous flowing gown. Fitz in a tux, handing her a rose when she reaches the bottom of the grand staircase in the ballroom. It's all they have talked about with Abby, Fitz, Andrew, even their Nanny.
Cristina and Isabelle will tag team her into giving in if they have too. The unfortunate thing however is that Fitz knows his twins all too well. Once his girls get an idea in their heads, there is no stopping them until it happens. Fitz normally would not entertain such a fantasy but it not just theirs – it is his too.
Fitz thoughts have been of HER standing proudly at his side greeting his guests, introducing her to the President and First Lady of France as his date or maybe girlfriend. Walking proudly with her as they are announced to make their entrance into the room. Olivia by his side at the table, holding her hand, kissing her cheeks, lips, and of course opening the dance floor.
He wants to not only step out into the dance floor with her but INTO THE LIGHT.
This is not just a fantasy for his girls, but a dream he longs to come true for them all. His feelings are not going to change – ever. He may have only begun to realize this – but whatever his feelings are for her he is certain of one thing, he will never be over her.
"Please Livy say you'll go with Daddy," Nina squeals jumping up and down. "You know you want to. Plus I can be Max's date then," she quips. Olivia's stifles a laugh but Fitz's groans.
"Nina, Max may be a bit old for you," Olivia comments hoping to save Fitz.
"Well Daddy is older than you right," she jests. "I don't see him running away from anything. Plus Daddy loves a challenge."
"Cristina," Fitz grumbles even more embarrassed.
"It's true Dad," Belli replies helping her sister. "We hear you talking to Aunt Abby and Uncle Andrew about Livy going to with you. You know she won't say yes right away," Isabelle then turns her head to Olivia. "But you will go with our Dad right. Oh and maybe be his girlfriend."
"Girlfriend," Olivia gasps feeling her cheeks flush. "Ladies I…," she croaks flustered. Olivia steps away from them all needing air and space to think. She cannot do this right now. Olivia only just agreed to teach him, not go to a formal State Dinner and most definitely not be his girlfriend.
"Liv…," Nina begins to whine but Fitz stops her.
"Girls can you give Liv and I a minute," pleading with sad eyes. He bends down to whisper. "She needs some space and I think we're freaking her out."
"She won't leave will she," Belli whimpers through her tears. "We can't lose her now."
Belli's words cause Olivia to whip around to face them quickly. She bends down. "Come 'ere," she sighs with her arms open. They run into her arms almost knocking her off her heals. Fitz smirks. "I am NOT going anywhere."
"You promise," Nina scolds.
"Yes."
"Like pinky swear, cross your heart, and share the last piece of chocolate piece of cake swear," Belli mutters.
"Yes I promise with even Bunny Tracks Ice Cream on top," Olivia adds. She watches the girls squint. "Oh ladies it is seriously the best ice cream. I'll have my aunts get us some for dinner tonight after I teach your Dad okay." They nod.
"It doesn't have Bunnies in it does it," Nina groans making her Dad snicker.
"Actually yes," Olivia laughs watching Nina face go pale. "But they are made entirely of chocolate." The girls giggle. "Now go find your Aunt Abby and I'll see you towards the end of your Dad's lesson. You can only come back during the last 5 minutes or so." They agree. "I'll be here waiting," her eyes then meet Fitz's. "With him."
"Liv," he mouths loving those words. His hands go over his heart.
"Okay," the twins agree.
"But please think about going with him. We don't want Daddy making an idiot of himself if he's not with you," Nina quips. At Nina's words Fitz's scoots them out of the room. He closes the door, then turns his attention back to Olivia. She is in the center of the room, fidgeting. Her hands are jittery, and she's tapping her foot.
/
Dancing In My Mind…
"Liv," he mutters closing the space between them.
"Stop," she begs stepping backwards in need of space to think.
Fitz however will NOT allow this to happen. If she THINKS instead of FEELING what is right, he'll lose her again. He caught more than once today already. If he must do it over again to reassure her he's ALL IN then so be it.
"No," he booms in a gentle voice. He steps forward slowly approaching her. She inhales quickly as he steps forward. "I can't stop Livy. Can you," he raises his voice hoping to calm her. It does nothing. Olivia's eyes widen as he keeps getting closer.
"Fitz," she whimpers. When he is in close proximity, breathing the same air, she cannot think. And right now, she needs to be able to gather her thoughts. "We need to start your lesson," she beseeches.
"It can wait," he voices in a tone coursing shutters down her spine. He raises his eyes as a devilish smirk appears on his face. He's played this game of cat and mouse with her before. It lead to their first passionate kiss outside the dance studio. His body responds to the memory of her hands in hair, their tongues meeting for the first time, and her flushed cheeks once he broke the kiss.
Now he HAS to get to her.
"No it can't," she states. He increases his steps until she's pressed up against a wall with no escape. His arms coil around her trembling body like a snake ready to swallow its prey whole. His touch only allows her body to betray her, and give into his touch. "Fitz," whimpers.
Fitz senses her fear pressing her head against his chest. He steps them away from the wall moving them from side to side swaying to an imaginary tone. She cannot help but nuzzle her face then smile against his cotton shirt. He feels her slowly relinquishing control as he moves them on the dance floor.
Right now in this very moment HE MUST LEAD, and she follows. It is the only way to sooth her anxiety.
"I'm right here Livy," he coos into her hair. "You are dancing with me now, as you will that night as my date," She gulps at his words. "I can only move like this with you. I don't want anyone else. You are amazing Olivia and I want to show the world how much you changed me."
"Amazed By You," comes into her mind as the words leave is lips. The moment they met and saw each other. Everything about that night appears in her mind like a movie. From the moment she steps out on the floor with Max and her eyes connect with Fitz's. Every person in the room fades away. She lost herself in his cerulean blues as he did in hers.
It was as if she was "supposed" to be there that night, as was he. She felt his eyes on her during her entire performance. Then when the music stopped she was standing directly in front of Fitz. Her heart pounded in her chest like a drum as the most powerful man in the world mouthed "Hi," capturing her heart.
They danced later that evening BOTH feeling then denying a connection like never before. It was A Moment Like This neither could move past once she felt his arms around her, nor Fitz. She had danced with Max for years. Max is her dancing soulmate. She knows his every thought, movements when the music starts. It has always been that way, since dancing school.
But with Fitz, however clumsy he is, it felt real. It blew her away. The moment Fitz placed his arms around her frame and took the "dancing position" – it threw her. Time stood still in that moment. She felt as if she had known him her entire life, and was just waiting for him to show up. She denied herself to feel love or be loved by any man – even Max.
Olivia never wanted or needed anyone since losing her mother. She grew up to be independent, and strong willed, going against her father's political plans for her. It was never her plan to be anyone's arm candy for any events having to do with politics. She stayed away from it deliberately – until the night Fitz, Isabelle, and Cristina came into her life.
The ONE MOMENT when they danced changed EVERYTHING.
Since then she hasn't been the same. And if she wanted to, can she go back to the way things were before that night? If she wanted to she cannot.
Fitz sensed her insecurities not only about teaching him to dance, but being in a relationship. Without her realizing it, he became her Superman she had been waiting for. Not only did he show up in the most unexpected way, but he caught her – literally. But what Olivia did not realize is that when Fitz caught her from falling, she caught him in return.
She allowed herself to FALL into his arms. Her mind flashes back to their screaming match. She hated herself for wanting, needing, and aching for a man she was NOT supposed to be with ever. She vowed to never want anything to do with.
Olivia is NOT supposed to want Fitz or feel a connection to him like anything she's EVER experienced on or off the dance floor. He CAUGHT her in a way she never imagined she envisioned. The safety, solace she finds in his presence is something she has been searching for her entire life. Since losing her mother Olivia has been without.
It is WHY she loves to dance. It allows her to delve deep into the character she is on the dance floor granting her heart permission to be someone else for a while. THIS PERSON has their mother alive and well. A Father – DAD who loves and supports her. A family who's proud of her.
MOST of all, a man that LOVES her more than anything in this world. On the dance floor SHE IS whose she strived to be her entire life. The only problem is when the music stops SHE goes away and the real Olivia returns.
That was fine and dandy UNTIL President Fitzgerald Grant III came into her life – caught her, won't let her go. He is now asking to be his VERY PUBLIC date for the State Dinner. That is how she GOT here – to this place. Her "make believe" life NOW turns into her REAL life. The two are connected; as are her and Fitz.
As if Fitz senses her mind recalling their most precious moments, he cups her face, holding it delicately as if she'll collapse before his very eyes. His thumbs lightly caress her soft cheeks as one hand is placed behind for stability. His words turned her world upside side. If she was not dancing in circles – she is now.
"I knew I should not have asked her," Fitz scolds himself in his mind. "I should have waited."
But in truth it FELT right. His relationship and feelings grow by each passing minute –screw that SECONDS he spends in her company. She is everything he didn't know he was missing from his life. Fitz assumed he found and lost the greatest love of his life until Olivia Carolyn Pope. He is not admitting he's is in love with her, it's too soon.
But this magnetic pull, attraction he experiences JUST being around her – amazes him. His heart beats out of chest the moment she first notices him in a room. His arms ache to hold her against his frame. Fitz's body, aches to feel the warmth of hers pressed up against his. And he knows he just not want the physical intimacy, he wants ALL of her.
Fitz wants to learn what makes her smile, laugh, cry, and most of all what makes her happy. He yearns to garner her heart before her body. Yes he is a man, viral man who has needs like any other. Fitz has not been with a woman in so long. Olivia stirs sexual feelings in him he thought he learned to control since leaving high school and college.
But Olivia stirs a desire within he did not think was possible. The thought of ANY man touching her, even Max creates a jealousy that could send him punching a whole in the wall. Fitz of course knew Olivia would be at the State Dinner that night. But the mere idea of her being with ANYONE but him – NO.
He cannot and WILL NOT permit it.
Fitz wants to show the entire world that not only did OLIVIA teach him to dance, she taught him to LIVE granting her LIGHT (love) into his dark heart.
His words, "Come with me Livy. Be with me that night," ring in his own ears as Olivia's heart flutters in his embrace. "I don't want to share that night when anyone but you." Her mind replays then turns to complete mush as Fitz's soft and tender plea for her accompany him to the State Dinner. "Did he really ask me to be HIS DATE for this event," her mind ponders. "He couldn't have…?"
Fitz senses her body shutting down before him. He lifts her face. He kisses her lips, starting a wave of unleashed tears to pool in her dark, but love-filled eyes. "Livy," he speaks her name gently to not startle her. Her body still flinches. "Look at me," he pleads.
"No," she murmurs.
"Please," he begs. Her body tingles as the memory of his touch courses through her body. His free arm slowly surrounds her torso, bringing her back to him and them. "Goosebumps" begin to appear on any bare surface his hands touched prior. She shivers as the realization how much HE WANTS to show the world she is his - shoots through her body.
"If I look then you'll know," she blurts out.
He silently laughs. "Maybe I will, or won't…," he teases.
"I can't," she removes her arms from his body to his chest. She begin to shove him away. He's past the point of crowding her space. HE IS HER SPACE. If someone were to come in, you could not differentiate which appendage belonged to the other.
"Oh yes you can." He bends his knees permitting himself to come to her level. He's below her eye level submitting himself to her whims. "You are choosing not to." She smirks. "I don't bite Livy. Unless," he drops his voice pressing his nose to her face, "you really want me to."
His tantalizing words cause her eyes to shoot open. "Fitz," she bellows.
He laughs. "There you are," he sighs as her eyes finally connect with his. She begins to move her head to the side, but he stops her. "Don't hide from me. I am right here, with you. FEEL don't think Livy." He places both her hands on his face. Her eyes glisten at his words. How Fitz speaks to her; it's as if she is the most precious to him.
She is NOT glass and will not break, but to Fitz it makes no difference. At times, when he MUST catch her from falling, she's beyond breakable. One look, touch, kiss, breath next to her, she crumbles before him like warm French delicate cookie – or a hot soufflé fresh out of oven. One sharp movement, or jolt will send her to the floor.
"I don't want to feel," she whimpers bending her head to focus her gaze down on his feet. "Feeling things make it real. I've felt too much real the last few days to last me two lifetimes," she admits. Being with Fitz has made her wish for life she never thought possible. But now she's here with him in the White House of all places, and she feels safe but she is still scared.
/
State Dinner-Posal…
"As long as those two lifetimes are with me Livy I don't care," he murmurs. She lifts her eyes to meet his. A soft smile appears as his bends his knees. "It's JUST the State Dinner. I am not asking you to go steady or anything."
He can see her fighting the smile. "We're not in high school Fitz."
"Thank God," he chuckles. "But if you were there with me I would SO do a Prom-posal?"
She scoffs then giggles. "Prom-posal," she places her hands on her hips. "What the hell is that?"
"Oh Livy get with the program," he teases bumping her nose. "It's like a proposal but instead me asking you to marry me," she raises her eyes at his word choice. Fitz catches it too. "I ask you to be my date for the prom."
She scoffs. "Fitz you are NOT asking me to go to prom with you," she sighs. "This is NOT just a prom."
"Well it kind of is," he explains taking her hand over to couch in the room it sit down. Her eyes meet his as he places his hands in his pockets to refrain from touching her. "Think of it Prom for grown-ups where you can get shit faced legally." She furrows her brows then crosses her arms not amused. "What it's true."
She exhales deeply. "You're incorrigible," she scolds.
"Yes but you're starting to love me for it," he quips. She shrugs off his words but inside her stomach is doing flip-flops. Fitz notices the small dilation in her pupils as his words flow through her mind and into her heart. He did not mean anything by it or did he. Is he falling in love with her? Could he be this soon?
"Fitz," she warns. He kneels before her. She pushes herself away to give her space, but Fitz closes in not allowing her to move. "Don't," she begs as he closes both her hands in his on her lap. He runs his hand up and down her legs to sooth her fears. Her breathing calms, but she cannot shake her nerves.
"Livy," he moves forward. "I know you want to say yes." Her eyes widen. "Come with me to the State Dinner Olivia Pope. I do not want to spend the evening with anyone but you, before, during and after it's all over. I want to walk in with you on my arm. My girls are right, it has all I've thought about the last few days."
She begins to close down in front of him again. "I can't. Take Abby."
"Nope. I've been told by my Vice President under so uncertain terms am I allowed to take Abby," he shrugs his shoulders. "My sister Elizabeth will be here as will my parents. But I don't want them by my side. I am not going stag," he winks. "I want YOU."
"It's not right," she explains softly wishing she could say yes. A political event like this hits too close to home. She wants to accompany him, but as of right now she cannot. Olivia needs more time to think. "Plus I'll be there already."
He scowls. "With Max," he snips. He does not make any attempts to hide the jealousy in his voice. The thought of her sharing the evening with Max and NOT him sends waves of anger coursing through his veins.
Her eyes widen at his tone. "I told you I DO NOT want him."
"But you ARE going with him right," he snips harshly. His eyes harden as the tension in his arms increases. The mere idea of Max's arms around her the entire night causes Fitz to feel ill and an urge to pull him away from her.
"In a professional capacity yes," she explains softly. He huffs in annoyance.
"So MAX," he sneers in a nasal tone, "is permitted to show you off but I can't. Why?"
"Fitz," she reaches for his face but he prevents it. He moves away from her touch. The thought of him not allowing Olivia touch him, hurts her. Fitz begins to pull away but she grips his hands stopping him. "Hey," she scolds. "Now who's pushing the other away?"
He sits next to her on the couch, but keeps a distance. He glances out into the room. "Do you really want me Olivia," his head whips to look out into the room. "I caught you, and now you won't allow me to keep you."
"Keep me. I am not a prize to be won," she reminds him.
"No you are not," he turns to face her with a sadness in his eyes. His hand then cups her face. "But to me you are more priceless to me than ALL the crown jewels in the world." He moves his body closer to her. Their hips touch. "I would chose you over ALL this over and over again." She swallows hard at his omission. No man in power that has wanted her before EVER would give it up for her. "Do have any idea how much I want you?"
She sighs. "Yes," she breathes then blushes.
"Not like that," he chastises but of course she knows how attracted he is to her. He may not want to jump her right now, but it's always there hidden just under the surface. He smirks. "Oh all right, I do WANT YOU Olivia but it's more than that. I want ALL of you, even the parts Max has on the dance floor. I don't…,"
"He's NOT you," she locks eyes with his. "If I wanted him, I would have given in by now. He is a good man Fitz but he's never made me half of what you have in this short time." She shifts her body and surprisingly she places herself right in his lap. Fitz gasps as she sits on him, then almost freaks when she wraps his arms around her.
Soon her hands are on his face. "Livy," he croons. "Are you okay here with me like this?" He's never wanted anyone in the manner he wants her. His arms draw her closer. She nods.
"The ONLY time I really feel safe with Max is when we dance. I love him dearly," his eyes widen, "as a friend. He knows the ME on the dance floor. That person that only comes out when the music is heard and is not real. You," she kisses his lips, "will have the rest. The real me. The person I always wanted to become but was too afraid UNTIL you caught me."
He releases a labored breath. "You don't want Max."
"No," she kisses him again. "You just need to give me time. If THIS happens to soon and we are not ready we'll never have a chance. There's hope for us to be together Fitz, you just have to trust that sometimes I'll have to catch you."
Her words make him laugh. "I'll hurt you if you catch me."
"Maybe but sometimes the hardest things in the world to catch become worth it and so much more," she sighs. "Even if it takes time, you have to be willing to wait."
"And if I don't want to wait," he smirks.
"Then we'll lose each other before we even have a chance." He holds her tighter placing a soft kiss on her brow. She breathes deeply as his lips make contact with her skin. "There is hope for us Fitz. My aunts are right."
"What that I want more than dancing from you," he quips. She laughs. "Because I do. I want ALL of you Livy. I won't share with anyone." The possessiveness in his voice is a huge turn on. "Not even Max."
She rolls her eyes. "He'll never have me like this," she kisses his lips. "Only you. Plus you need your lessons."
/
From 6 Lessons to….
He smiles. "After all my lessons are over, will you go out with me? I mean be with me, OPENLY." She begins to protest but soon he's kissing her. She moans as his lips connect with hers. She loses ALL focus and can only FEEL not think of anything but him, and HOW good his kisses are. He groans in her mouth as their kiss deepens. His tongue explores every section of her mouth leaving not a place untouched. She is breathless by the time he stops.
Her eyes flutter open as Fitz now kisses her again but only like pecks on the lips. "Fitz," she places her fingers over his lips to stop him.
"Go out with me Livy after my lessons are over." She eyes him curiously. "I am NOT just asking you to be my date for the State Dinner. I want you to be my girlfriend." He wants her to be more than "just" his girlfriend, but he will not voice those thoughts as of yet. In his gut, heart, and mind, he wants it all with her.
"Girlfriend," she smirks.
"Ah huh," he teases then dipping her over on the couch.
"What if another World Leader comes along and asks for lessons or date," his eyes raise at her words. "I think I need to keep my options open."
"I tell them to go fuck themselves," he growls pulling her closer. Their noses are almost touching. "I saw you first and since I'm the most powerful man in world, it does come with perks." He wiggles his eyes. She laughs then sighs at his child-like grin. "Trust me I'll be the best you've ever had in ALL the ways that matter."
"Fitz," she warns.
"What I'm serious," he boasts.
"So am I. I'll think about it after your last lesson. We'll have a dress rehearsal before the State Dinner, and IF you pass, you'll get your wish." He grins like a school boy then kisses her lips. "I am not yours…"
"Yet," he corrects her even though in his heart she already is his and vice versa. She begins to speak but this time it's him that stops her. "Do you think I can take you out on a private date beforehand?" She crosses her arms as she lays across his lap. "I'll make YOU dinner, dessert, and maybe we can watch a movie."
"What kind of dessert," she plays along.
"Anything your heart desires Miss Pope…IF you say yes to ONE private before the State Dinner," he pleads. She squints. "You've have to allow me to sweep you off your feet before I step on them."
"You better not," she chastises.
"One PRIVATE date. No kids. Abby. Andrew," he brushes his nose against hers. "Just us."
"What if my aunts want to chaperone," she jests.
"Then I'll take them out later," he counters.
"Lord my Aunties may not survive," she giggles.
"I may not either," he groans as his ears turn red. "Please Livy. One date." He gives her the most pathetic face she's ever seen. His eyes shimmer, his lips pout, and he whimpers. "I promise it will be the BEST first date you've ever had." He sits her up then places his hands together praying she'll finally say yes.
"Fine," she acquiesces. He jumps up quickly ready to twirl her around the room. "Fitz," she stops him before he gets started. "After 6 lessons you get your date. Got it. Not before." He chuckles. "I mean it Mr. President. No date till after 6 dancing of yours NOT including the girls.
"Seriously," he boasts.
"Take it or leave it Mister," she backs up placing her hands on her hips. "There is no other way."
He waltzes up to her lifting her face to meet his eyes. "Six lessons." She nods. "So I'll have Abby schedule me for three days this week and next week."
"Fitz," she warns.
"What we can have one every day if you want," he quips. "Then on the 7th day, I get my date," he boasts loving this new idea.
"Are you always this type of negotiator," she grumbles in frustration. He shrugs his shoulders as the huge smile appears on his face. He shakes his head agreeing with her. "Two lessons per week for 90 minutes." He frowns. "I'll make it an hour."
"No ninety minutes is good," he agrees, wrapping her back in arms. He leans down to kiss her but she stops him.
"Good then it starts now." She moves away from him. "On my time you DO what I say and when." He smirks attempting to cajole her back in his arms. "On no Mister," she warns as Fitz hastens his steps to her. "It's time to get these lessons started or do you NOT want your date. Plus we cannot be late for my Aunt Rose or Lois. Or did you forget…,"
"I didn't."
/
Back to the Fundamentals
She nods.
Then before his eyes "his Livy" disappears and Olivia Pope the dance instructor returns. Everything about her changes. From the look in her eyes to her foot placement, hand movements, how she glides across the floor to him. He reaches out to touch her but she instantly stops him.
"First," she states, "if you want to learn from me Mr. President there is one thing you should keep in mind."
"Okay," he answers cautiously.
"On the dance floor, I AM IN CHARGE. I Lead. You follow. There are NO exceptions. You may be the Leader of the Free World but in this world," she dances a tiny bit in front of him, "IS MY WORLD. I call ALL the shots not you." Fitz gulps partially turned on and half terrified. "You do what I say and when or THIS ends now."
"Olivia," he softly growls out her name not agreeing with her choice of words.
"Your job Mr. President," Fitz eyes grow huge as she formally addresses him, "is to be the student and listen to me. If I command you to straighten your back you do so. Or to lift your head higher. Raise your shoulders, be lighter on your feet, etc. As the MAN it is your job to show off the woman in your arms you are dancing with. It is your job to lead – when I feel you are ready."
He nods unsure what to say.
"That is the ONLY time you are allowed to LEAD. Otherwise it is me. I am NOT going to allow my student to dance at this State Dinner and be a bumbling buffoon. You will NOT step on anyone's toes nor make a fool out of yourself or this country. Are we clear Mr. President," she asks waltzing up to him.
"Yes Ma'am," he meekly responds.
"You should also know that to become a fluid dancer is not easy. They are very few people in the world who look good on the dance floor when they first learn to dance. No one is an expert when they first begin. Not even me," she smirks. "So there a few universal dance basics for you to keep in mind that will really help you. Okay?"
"Sure," Fitz answers unsure of what to say.
She smiles. "First you must come to lessons wearing comfortable shoes. There is a high chance your feet could hurt after lessons." Fitz looks down. He's wearing his favorite loafers. "If those don't hurt your feet, they are fine. As the State Dinner approaches we will have to break in the shoes you will be wearing that night. Make sense…," she inquires in a raised tone.
"It does," he sighs. He has heard every word she has said, and it amazes him. This woman is perfect not only for him on the dance floor but in everything. He dismisses those thoughts for the moment. "Can I wear sneakers too?"
"If they are better for your feet then what you are wearing now it's fine," He glances down at her feet seeing her in heels. "I always dance in heels, so these shoes do not bother me." He chuckles. "Sometimes we'll even dance bare foot." Now he laughs.
"Sweet," he answers happily.
She shakes her head. "Also before lessons YOU must warm up. Stretch your legs, arms, chest, etc. All your muscles will be utilized during my lessons and I don't want you sore when we are done."
"No," he sighs. "Are you planning on breaking me Miss Pope?"
She waltzes up to him with THIS lust filled look in her eyes. "Trust me when I break you Mr. President you will know and enjoy it." He reaches out to bring her into his arms but she stops him. "You do not touch your teacher UNTIL it is permitted."
"Then stop being so sexy," he quips with an eye wink. "I look forward to you breaking me."
"Fitzgerald," she warns. He winks causing her to laugh. "Now you need to learn the basic rhythm of your dance style and learn to move." He squints unsure of her meaning. "In other words we need to get your feet and arms used to the moving with the beat of the music. It's actually the MOST basic part of dancing. Once you learn the tempo of the song, it will be easier for you to learn the steps. Make sense," she inquires.
"What if I can't," he asks unsure of himself.
"Then you'll have me to lead and help you. You are not alone. Not anymore," she finishes this time walking up to him cupping his face. "I am here with you in THIS always." She is not talking JUST about dancing and Fitz knows it.
"Livy," he murmurs nuzzling his face into her hand. She sighs as he kisses it.
They lock eyes and then she backs away but still only an arm length . He can touch her but he's not. "Next you have to get used to moving your arms. If you do not move them, it looks unnatural. So once your feet learn the beat, your arms will follow. No matter what dance you learn, you need to keep your arms moving in rhythm with your legs. Understand…"
"I do."
"You also have to watch your kicks." Fitz mouth drops open. "No it's not what you think Silly." He chuckles. "They are important for fluid motion on the floor and from taking up too much space. Your toes should always be pointed toward the floor. I will have you practice in front of a mirror to help. And kicks (if any) have to be timed with the music."
"Whatever you say Miss Pope," Fitz answers totally unsure of everything.
"I promise I won't allow you to kick the President of France or his wife," she winks.
"Good," he sighs. "Then there would be an international incident."
She rolls her eyes. "Then you'll have to learn to ground yourself in your turns. I'll teach you to find your balance picking a point of reference when you spin your partner around. I don't want you to make anyone sick or fall on your ass."
"Would you make it better if I did," he wiggles his eyes. "Because if YOU fell," he waltzes up to her reaching behind her to cup her bottom. His hands actually touch her. Her eyes widen. "I'd gladly massage it to make it better."
"Mr. President," she warns but does not move his hands away. "You cannot…," she begins to speak but is lost in the feeling of his hands.
"I can't what," he lowers his voice to a soft growl. "I can't help it if I am highly attracted to you." She raises her eyes to look into his. She exhales deeply. He kisses her lips then moves away. "Okay it's perfect now. Go ahead Miss Pope." Her face turns into a scowl which only makes Fitz laugh. "Now what is the last thing I need to keep in mind?"
This time she holds his hands in her own squeezing them. She says nothing but conveys what she means through this. "I need to be confident." She nods. "Even if I make mistakes that night it's okay. No one is perfect. Well maybe except you," he sighs. She begins to protest but he stops her. "You are perfect Livy and you will help me show that on the dance floor."
She smiles. "Confidence is everything even when you are not sure of the steps Fitz. If your guests or the audience watching you can see that you are having fun that is all that matters. The guests and diplomats at the State Dinner will have their eyes on you Fitz."
"I'm aware," he grumbles in frustration. "You do know what happened last time I danced in public right," he questions not sure if she knows how he stepped on his escorts toes almost breaking them.
Olivia stifles a laugh. "Abby told me. And I did kind of see it on the news." Fitz blushes.
"What if I can't remember all the steps," his body jerks.
"I will be there to remind you. We have a lot of time to whip you into shape. I'm a gladiator in a suit Fitz and I NEVER give up," she cups his cheek. "Especially on you." His face beams at her words. She has this faith in him he's never seen before. Bellamy always believed in him, but with Olivia it is SO much more. She smiles into his eyes.
"I do have you by my side don't I," he inquires in hushed tone.
"You'll have me that night Fitz in ALL that ways that matter."
"I will," he asks in a voice full of hope.
"I'll always be here to help you command the dance floor when I am ready to release it. All right," she exhales deeply as her eyes lock with his. She can see his uncertainty slip away. He nods quickly. "But I need you to remember one thing most all that night, or anytime you dance with someone."
He sighs. "To be what is needed on the dance floor; not make a total fool of myself."
"If you are having a good time, it won't make a difference." He squints. "When you walk into the Oval Office, you are in charge correct." He chuckles, then agrees. "Then when you walk your guest onto the dance floor that night, I want you to take control, and command it. Once the music starts, OWN IT, CONTROL IT, and FEEL IT."
"But if you are not with me," he sighs.
"I will be Fitz," she presses her hands over his heart. "In every way possible. All you have to do is believe."
"Believe," he exhales cupping her face.
"Believe," she replies. She presses her forehead to his. "So are you ready to become a Gladiator in a Suit." He grins. "No Mr. President I need to hear you say the words," she warns.
"I want to be a Gladiator in Suit on and off the dance floor," he voices in pure confidence with his eyes solely on hers. "For you."
She shakes her head at his admission. "For yourself," she corrects him. His face spreads into a wide smile. "This is going to be great," she beams helping him posture his body for the first position.
"This is going to be great," he agrees and his lesson begins…
/
TBC…(Yes I promise)
Yuppers I am leaving it here. I know she DIDN'T say YES to be his date for the State Dinner but at least Fitz has a 1st date (as do you all) to look forward too. They each have to learn to LEAD and FOLLOW at different points in this journey.
For Fitz, it's allowing Olivia to LEAD him on the dance floor.
For Olivia, it's OFF the dance floor. It's hard for her relinquish control (even to Fitz.) We'll see how that plays out in later chapters.
Also you got to love Nina and Bells. They are a trip to write and I really enjoy it. Trust me they are not done working their magic getting the fairy tale to happen. Neither are OP's aunts.
Oh BUNNY TRACKS is real ice cream by Blue Bunny. Good stuff. I am ALSO not a dancer, but hope I wrote this true to learning to dance.
Take care and I'll hope to see your #JudgesScoreCards…
Me's