(A/N: Hello, I know some of you were looking for this update by Halloween and I worked hard to get it up for you. I really hope you enjoy it and leave feedback, comments, reviews. Thanks again to everyone for your support and continued reading...Scandal Thursday!)

Dating Rule: Bring the Sexy Back

With a sigh of contentment, Alexis stretched out on the bed; she looked over at the time and sighed. She needed to leave; she had to get to work and needed to go home first. She heard Harrison starting the shower and thought to join him when his phone chimed. She looked over at the phone trying to make a decision; she wasn't a particularly nosey or jealous girlfriend, but sometimes curiosity got the best of her. Besides if Harrison failed to lock his phone then it was really his fault if she just so happened to see who was sending him a message this early in the morning.

Her eyes widened in anger as she saw the message: a photo of a girl in her bra and panties with a message that read 'meet me for lunch today for a quickie'. Alexis saw red; she reacted without thinking, slamming his phone down; shattering the screen. She quickly dressed, packed her belongings and left without a word.

XXXXXX

"I can't believe you just said that to me!" Abby screamed in the phone.

"Abby calm down; you're making too much of this; it's nothing, it doesn't mean nothing," David pleaded.

"How can you say it doesn't mean anything…that's like saying WE don't mean anything that WE are not important."

"That's not what I'm saying and you know it."

"Then sign the document," she dared.

"Abby…"

"Sign the damn document David! If our relationship is important to you then sign the document; acknowledge who we are and turn it in to HR."

"Abby…I'm not going to…"

"Fine…Fine.." It was not fine; it was far from fine.

"Abby, please…"

"What!"

"Can you come over…can we talk about this?"

"David it will be a long, long time before I come over and even longer before you get between my pretty little thighs," Abby said fiercely before hanging up the phone in his face.

XXXXXX

Fitz sat watching Sports Center; the scores were running across the screen but he had not paid attention to anything. All he knew was the Lakers won last night but nothing else registered. He hadn't spoken a word all evening; his arms were crossed as he stared at the TV screen, he refused to acknowledge her. Josie jumped on his lap and he unconsciously stroked her but still remained silent.

"You're angry."

No response.

"Come on Fitz, don't be like that…I'm sorry," she moved to sit next to him but the look he gave her made her retreat back to her original position on the opposite couch. She wanted to laugh at his sulkiness; he was like a child throwing a tantrum, but laughing at his attitude wouldn't do anything but make the situation worse.

"Fitz, talk to me…we should always talk about things…communication right?"

"Leave it Olivia."

"OK now I know you're upset. You only call me Olivia when you're mad. So talk to me."

"What is there to talk about, you made a decision without talking to me about it. A decision that affects both of us."

She couldn't help herself; she chuckled at his poutiness and it was a mistake. He knew she was laughing at him and he got up, put Josie on the floor and said, "I'm going to bed."

"No, no, no…OK wait; I'm sorry, I'm sorry for laughing. Let's talk, can we talk please?" Olivia said as she ran and stood in front of him before he climbed the stairs to the bedroom.

"I just can't understand why you would do that…why would you do that?"

"Honestly Fitz I didn't know it would be such a big deal. Abby and Lexi were going in on their problems and they started teasing me about how you're screwing my brains out, their words not mine; they betted that I couldn't go three days without having sex with you. It was only three days, so I didn't think it was all that big of a deal. We've been together a couple of weeks; I thought we could hold out for three days at least."

"That's not the point Livvy. You made a stupid bet with your sister and your friend because they're relationships are in the toilet. You see what I'm saying? They're relationships are crap so they want you to be in a crappy relationship too. Misery loves company, didn't you know that?"

"Of course I know that Fitz, but Lexi and Abby are not like that…they wouldn't want to see our relationship fail just because theirs is bad at the moment. They care about both of us."

"Mmmhmmm….then what type of friend would make you do this when you have a perfectly fine relationship with a person who loves you. Who does that, except someone trying to sabotage what you have?"

"That's not it…they just don't want us to only be about sex or physical attraction; they want us to be about much more….that's all."

"Damn Livvy, you really believe that. Tell me this, what do Lexi and Harrison or David and Abby have keeping their relationships together besides sex. Are they in love with each other? I mean for real…in love?"

"I…I don't know; they never told me but it doesn't matter because I know ours is about much more which further proves the point that we can go without sex for 3 days and it won't kill us…It will give us an opportunity to focus on other things besides our obvious physical attraction…Come on Fitz, please…do this for me? For my own piece of mind. We can still hold each other…that's something isn't it?"

He didn't want to do this but what choice did he have. "When does day 1 start?" he asked begrudgingly. When she looked at him with those eyes, he found it hard to resist anything she asked for.

"Tomorrow," she answered.

He raised one eyebrow; grabbed her hand and led her up the stairs, "You're not sleeping tonight; you'll be lucky if you're able to walk in the morning."

XXXXXX

"You're settling in nicely," Fitz said as he walked into the small office.

"Yeah, thanks again for the connection, I appreciate it," Huck said as he unpacked more boxes.

"Hey I just put you two in contact, you did the rest." Fitz had heard of an open position in IT and referred Huck to the hiring manager. Huck's skills were amazing, borderline miraculous and it was obvious that he was the best candidate.

"So I need to ask you something." When Huck nodded for him to continue, Fitz said, "What you did for me….the information you got, would you say it was fairly simple? I mean could you do it again?"

"I can."

"It's sensitive and confidential….but I need you to look into something and someone for me. I don't trust them and it would help if I knew what was really going on."

"I understand….but of course the more information you give me the better I can help you."

"Yeah I understand. I just didn't want to do it here. Can we meet after work? There's a sports bar up the street, I could meet you there at 6PM…Is that good?"

"Sure no problem I'll see you there."

XXXXXX

It didn't take long for Mellie to gain a reputation at the magazine. Most often, she was referred to as 'Sybil' due to her apparent ability to quickly change personalities and 'Ice Queen' due to the frigid climate she seemed to create everywhere she went. Mellie was completely oblivious to the rumors about her, instead thinking that everyone liked her and valued her constant opinion on every subject.

"I'm black and my boyfriend is white. He has no problem with our interracial relationship but every time we go out I find myself looking at black people trying to make sure they approve of our relationship. My boyfriend is starting to figure out that I act differently when black people are around vs. when we are around people of other races. He's wondering if I'm ashamed of our relationship. I don't think that I am but I'm starting to wonder. Help!"

"So Olivia, how would you tackle this topic? What would be your suggestion to this reader?" Mellie asked during their morning debrief.

"First she needs to start by accepting her relationship and her value in it. She needs to develop the confidence of being secure in her relationship; loving the man she's with, without feeling that she needs the approval of other people. Some of what she is feeling may be in her own mind; it is possible that all the people she thinks are looking at her, are not. Part of it could be that she has created this problematic situation in her own mind. There is no doubt that racism exists but she could be imposing that thought on people without any evidence to indicate it."

"And what if it's not, what if she is correct in her belief that society disapproves of their interracial relationship?"

"Then, it should go without saying that society is wrong. And if we cave in to all wrong ideas just because it's easier that way or because it's less confrontational, then where would be as a human race? We would be stuck in the past with stupid, racist ideas only held on to by ignorant people."

Olivia could tell she hit a nerve; a frost fell over Mellie's eyes and the room seemed to turn icy cold in silence. The Ice Queen, Olivia thought.

Mellie turned her attention to Fitz, "And you Fitz? What would be your input?"

"It would be exactly the same as Liv's…I agree with her viewpoint."

"Well that doesn't make for very entertaining reading does it? Aren't you two supposed to disagree? Maybe we should pick another letter; one less controversial," she offered.

"No we are doing this letter. It's important and it needs to be addressed. This is the letter we are doing," Olivia responded firmly.

"Olivia I don't think you understand the magazine's…." Mellie started in a patronizing tone.

"No! I don't think you understand….Fitz and I have been writing this column for months. The people who read it are our fans, not yours. Your input may be valued by the magazine but I assure you that we know what we are doing. We appreciate what you are doing but we have chosen this letter and it is what we are going with."

Fitz smiled brightly in appreciation mixed with a healthy amount of pride.

"Fine," Mellie said in a huff as she closed gathered her papers and shoved them in a folder. "And have you both filled out the document from HR?"

"What are you talking about?" Fitz asked her.

"The contract documenting your relationship to the company….as I told you it is the new HR policy."

"We know what you are talking about Mellie, we just don't know why you are asking us about it," Olivia offered.

"Your relationship," when they continued to look dumfounded, she grew more frustrated. She exhaled sharply, "Look, I know you two are seeing each other and you need to tell the company or I will and then it will look like you are deliberately holding back information."

Both Olivia and Fitz smiled at her; they had prepped for this conversation. If Mellie was anything, she was predictable. "Fitz and I are friends Mellie. And it's my understanding that the document is confidential, so whether or not we are in a relationship with each other or any other person in this company; whether or not we fill out the form, will never, ever be any of your business. Am I right or do we need to call someone in management to clarify that?"

Through clenched teeth, Mellie said, "Of course you are right?...Well, I think we are done here. I'll see you both later."

She left Fitz's office in a huff, practically slamming the door behind her.

When they were sure she was out of earshot, they both burst out in laughter.

XXXXXX

When Fitz walked into Harrison's office he almost laughed out loud at the sight before him. Harrison looked like a lost puppy with his head lying on the desk. He looked up at Fitz walking in and resumed his position; laying his head back down.

"You look horrible," Fitz said as he sat down.

"Shut up," Harrison croaked out.

Fitz chuckled. "So what did you do?" It was obvious that Harrison had done something to make Alexis mad, just as sure as David had done something to make Abby mad. Their relationship troubles created friction in his own relationship with Olivia.

"Old girlfriend, trying to get back with me sent a pic and an offer to hook up. Lexi saw it and cut me off."

"Wow," was all Fitz could say, "That's really bad…Are you? Were you still with your ex?"

Harrison looked up at him and quickly responded, "Hell no….I'm not with her. I told her time and again to leave me alone but she won't and I should've changed my number a long time ago." Harrison put his head in his hand. He was miserable without Alexis; he had been racking his brain to find a way to get her back.

"Have you tried calling her; explaining?"

"She won't take my calls..maybe Liv can…."he stopped because Fitz was already shaking his head.

"Nope she won't do anything. As it is, because you and Abby and David can't keep your shit tight, I'm suffering. Livvy got dared into abstaining with me, just to prove that there's more to our relationship than just sex."

"Aww shit, I'm sorry."

"It's cool…I mean it's definitely been hard but I know she'll cave before I do. She likes to think she's strong but her sex drive rivals mine; she'll give in at the Halloween Party. I'm sure of it."

Harrison laughed. He knew he was one of the few people who knew about their relationship and they trusted him to keep it to himself; which he had no problem doing.

"Well good luck to you…You think Liv can get Lexi to come to the party at least. Maybe face to face I can get her to talk to me."

"I think so…It's the least I can do for you…you really look like shit."

XXXXXX

"Are you coming home with me tonight?" Olivia asked from his office doorway. The floor was empty; everyone else had gone home for the day.

Fitz looked up at her with one eyebrow arched. "No I don't think so…I have some things I need to do at home."

She came in and sat on the edge of his desk in front of him. Fitz knew what she was doing. She had on a pencil skirt, which sitting on the desk caused to hike up very high upon her thighs. He bronzed legs were begging to be touched and his hands itched to do so but he forced himself to hold back.

"Are you avoiding me? I've barely seen you all day," she said in a husky voice.

He smiled. "I'm not Livvy; I've just had a lot to get through. Lincoln gave me some things for the center that I need to review. I'm sorry I've just been swamped." It was the truth but in reality no matter how busy he was, he always made time for her. They hadn't kissed in days and as he watched her lips move all he wanted to do was taste her but again he refrained.

"Is there anything I can help you with? Maybe if we work together you'll get done faster and we can go home…I miss you." He had been deliberately staying at his place every night since the abstinence pact. She just wanted to lie beside him; she found it difficult to sleep without him there with her.

"No…it's fine. I'll get it done. I'll probably take it home with me; work on it on my laptop."

She stared at him, hoping he would change his mind and when he didn't she gave a belabored sigh and hoped off his desk. "Alright then, I'm going home…Tomorrow's the Halloween Party, do you know what you're coming as?"

"I do."

"You're not going to tell me are you?" He shook his head no.

"Then I won't tell you who I am either," she stuck her tongue out at him like a kid and he laughed at her antics. "I'll be coming with Lexi and Abby, so I guess I will see you there then. Goodnight Fitz, I love you."

"Goodnight Livvy, I love you too."

After she left, Fitz took several deep breaths to calm his growing arousal; time was needed to make sure the bulge in his pants deflated enough to not make him so obvious.

XXXXXX

"Repeat after me 'I will not have sex with David tonight'", Olivia said looking Abby directly in the eye in the back of the car.

Abby nodded and repeated, 'I will not have sex with David tonight." Olivia smiled looking at her dear friend struggle to keep it together. In true red-head fashion, Abby looked cute as Lucille Ball.

Olivia looked over to Alexis and before she could even say anything Alexis spoke up, "No need…Harrison will be lucky if he gets two words out of me tonight." Olivia nodded to acknowledge the statement. Alexis was dressed as Dorothy Dandridge from the movie 'Carmen' and Olivia thought she looked absolutely beautiful.

She looked down at her own costume and wondered if she had done too much. She dressed in a 1920's Gatsby Girl Flapper style costume complete with a bejeweled headpiece with a feather in it, spaghetti strap dress that stopped just beneath her ass, thigh-high stockings and draping pearls. She wondered what Fitz's decided on and whether they would clash. But more importantly, she wondered if she looked too seductive or if it was inappropriate. "Stop worrying Liv, you look beautiful…Fitz is going to have a fit, especially after you cut him off…If I look up and see you're missing, I'll know I can find you in the nearest supply closet," Alexis joked.

They all laughed and Olivia said, "Shut up Lexi." Secretly though she was happy this no-sex pact was over and would be deliriously happy if Fitz found an opportunity to sneak her into a supply closet; at this point she would even settle for a secluded hallway.

XXXXXX

"Happy Halloween," Quinn said cheerfully as she greeted them at the door of the venue. She was adorably dressed as Groucho Marx. Her fiancée, Jesse, held the post with her, dressed as the Hunchback of Notre Dame. "Take these ballots, we have a contest on best dressed man and woman; the winner gets $1,000.00 a piece."

As soon as they walked inside, David and Harrison were there ready to grab Abby and Alexis for a moment alone. Olivia was left to look around at all the decorations and festivities. There was a buffet full of food and an open bar. She wasn't very hungry but she could use a drink to relax. She went to the bar and ordered an apple martini. Cyrus walked up dressed as a mad scientist, "Hello beautiful lady."

Olivia chuckled at his outfit. "Hello Cyrus…are you sure that would qualify as Hollywood Glamour?"

"Do you know how many movies were made with mad scientists? Of course this qualifies, so vote for me as the best costume."

"Sure Cy, I'll think about it. Join me for a drink?"

"I would but I have to make sure the haunted house is set up."

"There's a haunted house?" she asked excitedly; she hadn't been in one in ages and she was anxious to try it out.

"Oh yeah they transformed two rooms into the haunted house…come check it out when you have a moment…well I'm off kiddo. Have a great time." He kissed her cheek and took off.

"Hello Olivia," Mellie said as she walked to the bar and stood next to her.

"Mellie, how are you?" Olivia took in her Betty Boop outfit and decided that she showed entirely too much cleavage. Mellie was already a beautiful woman and while she was going for the sexy angle; the outfit actually made her look slutty and whorish. The red lipstick in particular was overdone and unflattering. But it was Halloween; an excuse to dress up as something you would never be in real life.

"Don't you look….appropriate for the evening," Mellie said.

Olivia smiled. "As do you Mellie."

"Have you seen Fitz?"

"No, I have not but I just got here, so I really wouldn't know," there was 2 minute rule; it only took 2 minutes of conversation with Mellie to make you wish you were somewhere else; anywhere else.

She shrugged and said, "Oh well I'm sure I will see him later. I'm anxious to see what he thinks of my outfit. We once went to a Halloween Party together dressed as Bonnie and Clyde; it was the best costumes ever. We always did look great together."

It stung and she knew it. Mellie had been trying to rattle her for days now; little childish jabs here and there about how great her relationship was with Fitz but Olivia didn't take the bait. It helped to know that Mellie was delusional and seriously needed some type of medication; at least that is what Olivia thought.

Olivia smiled sweetly and said, "Oh that must have been a hit. I'm sure you both looked great…well if or when I see Fitz, I can let him know that you're looking for him." She wanted to dismiss her so Olivia turned her back and focused on her drink. She walked away and began to mingle with the other guests.

Mellie watched her walk away; eyes squinted, venom still present in her bloodstream. She scanned the room looking for her date and smiled as she found him standing next to the food table; looking extremely dapper and charming in a military uniform. She walked over to join him; a welcome distraction for the night.

XXXXXX

Olivia was slightly intoxicated; dancing with all her friends and generally having a good time. She wasn't bothered that she hadn't seen Fitz; she wasn't even bothered that Mellie brought Jake as her date; she was in a zone and nothing bothered her. She was determined to have a good time, eat lots of candy, and drink heavily – in that order. She was at the candy table, unwrapping a blow pop and the moment she put it in her mouth she heard a voice whisper in her ear, "I like the way you taste better; you're much sweeter."

She didn't turn around; she kept her eyes focused on the candy selection, "And how would you know Mr. Grant, you haven't tasted me in days."

"Has it been days? It's felt like years…I'm practically starving for a taste."

"Well, seeing as how I haven't seen you all night…I don't know if you deserve anything from me."

"I think I do….You wore this dress for me, didn't you? Tell me Livvy, do you have any underwear on and is that just for me too?"

Fitz kept his hands in his pockets but he may as well had been touching her intimately because his words, the warmth of his breath against her neck was creating a fever inside of her that she couldn't let go of. She had to have him right there; anywhere. She needed him and turned around to tell him so but was not prepared for the sight before her.

Fitz was dressed like a 1920's Prohibition Era gangster; complete with the fedora and gun holster. He looked sexier than she had ever seen him and she didn't know how that was possible. Even without communicating to coordinate their outfits they had managed to match each perfectly.

"Is that real?" Olivia asked looking toward the gun in his holster.

He chuckled at her wide eyes. "It's real but it's empty, no bullets." He tried to assure her.

She looked up at him and said, "Do you know how sexy you are right now?...I want you inside me right now. Can you make that happen?"

Fitz eyes glossed over as he watched her lips form the very words he was thinking. He was about to make a way for that to happen when unexpectedly Mellie and Jake walked up or rather Mellie dragged Jake up to them.

"Fitz, there you are. We thought you were MIA, we hadn't seen you all night. Isn't that right Olivia?" Mellie was eyeing Fitz intensely, wanting him to comment on her sexy costume, but he didn't.

Olivia continued to lick and suck her lollipop seductively drawing the stares of both Fitz and Jake. Then she said, "Of course Mellie, you are absolutely right."

Fitz cleared his throat, tearing his gaze away from Olivia's lips and trying to remember what question he was asked, "Yeah…yeah I had a meeting with Sally; it lasted longer than I thought."

"Oh Sally told me she wanted to talk to you. I hope the meeting was productive," Mellie hinted. She was scheming at something but Olivia was feeling too good to worry about it right now. She would worry about Mellie another time, when she could think clearly.

"Fitz, it's good to see you again," Jake said as he extended a hand to him in greeting. Fitz shook it; he didn't know Jake well but maybe he was a nice guy. Inwardly, he wished him luck with Mellie; she was more than a handful.

"Mmmm, I love that song," Olivia said cutting through everyone's thoughts. Fitz and Jake looked at her each about to ask her to dance but only one who was available to do so.

Fitz smirked and said, "Liv, will you dance with me?"

"Of course I will thanks."

"What have you had tonight Olivia?" Fitz asked as they swayed to jazz tune.

"A little of this and a little of that…you missed the drinking game. I tapped out early but I had fun," she giggled as she put the lollipop back in her mouth after she answered him.

"You are so beautiful Livvy," Fitz whispered as he looked down at her. He pressed her body closer to his and said, "Can you feel how much I want you?"

"Oh I feel you…I'm just waiting for you to get me out of here. I've been waiting all night."

Fitz didn't care how it looked; most of the people at the party were either slightly inebriated or on their way to it. He was confident that no one was watching them and he was determined to find a secluded spot for them to end this abstinence pact right now.

On the other side of the room, Mellie watched them through squinted eyes. She knew something was going on and so desperately wanted to catch them in the act. She almost moved to follow them when Jake grabbed her hand and said, "Hey where are you going? Dance with me."

He was so charming and good-looking that Mellie instantly smiled and resumed her position back in his arms. After all, it had been too long and she needed to get laid tonight too.

XXXXXX

There was a nursing room several doors down from the women's restroom. Inside was a lounging couch, but more importantly the room had a locking door to prevent intruders from walking in. They were pretty sure there were no nursing mothers in attendance so they felt confident they would remain undisturbed.

When they were finally inside, Fitz leaned against the back of the door; his hungry eyes taking in every part of her. He wanted her bad but she needed to be the one to initiate it; she was the one who came up with the pact, so she would have to be the one who ended it.

"So what do you want to talk about?" Fitz asked calmly.

"Talk?...You brought me in here to talk?!" Olivia asked in disbelief. There must have been some sort of miscommunication.

"We should always talk, Livvy. For example do you want to talk about this abstinence pact you put me on…no sex for 3 days…I don't know, is that over or are we still doing that; I may have my days mixed up?" Fitz asked innocently as he took off his hat and ran his hand through his curls. Olivia wanted to do that. He knew she loved running her hand through his curls. He was depriving her on purpose.

She shook her head to say no but the word didn't come out. She kept looking him up and down amazed at how attracted she was to him and how desperately she wanted him naked, on top of her, pumping in and out of her body. Her mouth went dry and she licked her lips. He closed his eyes at the sight; he had to keep his composure if this was going to go his way. But her lips always beckoned him; he always wanted to taste them.

"You're not mixed up…It's over…It's done." She said breathlessly as she watched him remove his gun holster, loosen and remove his tie, unbutton his sleeves and roll them up.

"So what do you want to do Livvy?" he asked as he took two steps toward her.

"I want you," she said urgently.

"Tell me what you want me to do to you Livvy."

"I want you to taste every inch of me; I want you inside me; I want you to make me scream your name…I want it now," her desperation was unmistakable and he chuckled at her honesty.

He started to walk closer to her when she effortlessly removed the straps of her dress from her shoulders and let it fall as a pool at her feet. She was completely naked underneath; the only thing remaining where her thigh-high stockings and heels.

The pact was definitely over. Thank god.

XXXXXX

Back at the party, Sally was on the microphone thanking everyone for attending. She thanked Mellie for working diligently in a short amount of time to put the entire event together. A slow clap began and Mellie basked in the praise; waving thanks to everyone. Then came the announcements for the best dressed.

Sallie opened the envelope and looking at the names, smiled and said, "Well this isn't really a shock…the winners are a couple who look absolutely gorgeous together and are actually dressed alike – roaring 20's Prohibition Era I believe. Let's hear it for Fitzgerald Grant and Olivia Pope."

A huge round of applause erupted in the room and everyone waited for them to appear. They waited and waited but Fitz and Olivia were nowhere in the room. Alexis, Harrison and Abby looked at each other and said, Oh Shit.