Mellie had been enjoying the small celebration-victories always meant good press and so long as the team continued winning business was much better. She was still learning the ropes of managing the team she had inherited from her father but she seemed to have things under control. She just needed to maintain a steady fan base, win streak and keep the players happy.

Seeing Fitz score the winning goal today had made her proud to have him on her team and inside she had preened happily knowing that their relationship extended off of the field as well...until recently. But she was working on fixing that which had been proving difficult with his training and game schedule. Still, she made it a point to make contact before and after home game played even if she had to force it while he was being interviewed. After missing him for the last couple weeks she managed to latch herself onto him today during interviews and he had not pushed her away. She took it as a sign that he might come back around.

After mingling throughout the banquet hall she found herself looking for him. She could have taken up with any of her other players-especially her second striker Jake Ballard who made it a point to try and make her blush at least once per meeting-but Mellie had her eyes set on Fitz. How could she want anyone else? He was the captain of her team, he would compliment her in ways that no one else-not even Jake-could. She thought she had seen him near the assortment of fruit and made her way over only to pause as she saw him with an arm wrapped around some woman kissing her as if he had every right to do so.

"Fitz! What are you doing?!" Mellie hissed out the question and grabbed his arm, yanking him away from Olivia.

Fitz was enjoying getting intimately acquainted with Olivia's mouth only to be snapped back into reality by the shrill sound of Mellie Montgomery's voice and the force of her grabbing his arm.

"Mellie, what are you doing? First of all, let go of my arm. Second, kindly explain why you interrupted what was the best kiss I've experienced so far in my life."

He shook his arm loose, taking in the surprised expression on Liv's face. He wanted to distance himself from Mellie and comfort Olivia.

Fitz stepped out of Mellie's reach, walking over to Olivia and draped his arm along her shoulders, pressing her into him. She relaxed into his side, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Fitz...I don't quite know what to say. I was looking all over for you and when I stumbled across you I find you kissing some-"

He interrupted her with a raised hand. "Beautiful, amazing, kind, wonderful-"

"Woman. I thought we had an arrangement," Mellie finished, sounding slightly exasperated.

"Yes, we do. Your father hired me to play and made me team captain. I go out on that field and do my job. I score goals, train and keep the team motivated. Off the field, we had a...dalliance. It was bad judgement on my part and again, I apologize if you think I lead you on in any way. Our current relationship as it stands only involves work. So, unless you sought me out to talk about the team or my performance in the field we can save that talk for some other time." Fitz prepared to walk away with Olivia when she laid one hand on his and stuck the other out towards Mellie.

"I'm Olivia Pope and I am sorry that the circumstances are a bit awkward at the moment but I really do not want to cause any drama for either of you."

"It's nothing to worry about Ms. Pope. Wait...are you the Olivia Pope? The actress that everyone is talking about? There seems to be a lot of buzz about you right now. I think I've even seen you on a magazine cover." Mellie gushed and shook Olivia's offered hand, pumping enthusiastically.

"Just plain old Olivia Pope. I can't really comment on the buzz, that's the work of my publicist really, I just show up when I'm told and do what is asked. I hadn't gotten the chance to tell Fitz but the reason I am here was that my agent gave me tickets. He's always telling me to get my face out there and it seemed like a good way to spend some of my free time." Liv felt Fitz absently running his hand up and down her arm as she rambled.

"Well, thank you for watching one of our games! Maybe you can invite some of your co-stars and friends along if you revisit the stadium. You are not causing any drama. As Fitz stated our relationship only extends to work and I was going to ask about his plans for the upcoming away games."

Olivia's phone vibrated then began ringing. She didn't even glance at the caller ID before picking up. Holding up a finger to signal that she would return once the call was finished, she walked away seeking a more private area.

"Mellie, you and I both know that you were not looking for me to discuss game plans. What did you really want?"
Fitz watched Olivia as she walked away, sticking his hands in his pockets. He turned back to Mellie and widened his stance.

Mellie tilted her head slightly and clasped her hands together in front of her. She studied him thoughtfully, taking in his strong, handsome features.

"I wanted what I have always wanted. You. I want us to get back together. We're good together and perfect on paper. I heard what you said when Olivia was here but I know it was just a show for her." She smirked slightly at the thought of having him back where she wanted him.

"No, Mellie. It was not a show." He lowered his tone softly and shook his head.

"We had a thing and it ended long before now. And just because I have an inkling of how that brain of yours works, I would appreciate it if you do not try to force situations where you can try to wrap yourself around me or get me alone. No need for any hostility or unprofessional since I have told you where I stand and I prefer to keep things that way," Fitz explained.

"Fitz, you can't mean this. You will change your mind when things don't work out with your-"

Olivia walked up to Fitz unaware she interrupted Mellie.

"Sorry, Fitz, I'm sorry but I have to run. I got called in to re-shoot something but it was nice meeting you," she rushed out.

"Also nice to meet you too, Mellie. I hope the team continues its winning streak." Olivia turned back towards Fitz to give him a quick hug.

Reading her intentions, Fitz caught her in the hug but tilted her chin up so that he could capture her lips. Her mouth opened and their tongues tangled. Olivia was the first to pull away after a few minutes and they both groaned at the loss of contact. She ran her hands down his chest briefly before stepping back and walking out of the banquet hall with one more wave in his direction.

Thanks for showing this sticking with the story! The chapters will be getting longer in the future but I didn't want to delay putting this out. I appreciate all of the reviews, favorites, and follows. OX