Hi Gladiators… Yah Who a new chapter!

First I'd like to thank all who have read and reviewed this new fic. I truly appreciate it. I'm blown away but how much you all love it. I do love writing Fitz and Olivia in NYC on Broadway.

Second, I saw concerns Olivia is playing with Fitz. I can assure you she's not doing anything underhanded. #NoSpoilers

So enjoy. If you want Chapter 4 leave me lots of love. Thank you so much for reading. Me's

/

Chapter 3: She's Like The Wind…

"You meet thousands of people and none of them touch you. And then you meet one person and your life is changed forever." – Chandan Chetri

Morning of February 15th

"All right I'm coming," Phillips hisses stumbling to his front door. Someone has been incessantly banging for the last fifteen minutes. He lives in a building with strict security. Visitors have to be approved. Anyone at his door at 6 am must either want a death wish, family, close friend, or dire emergency.

Phillip hits the coffee pot walking by knowing he'll need the caffeine to deal with whomever is on the other side. He's grateful his wife is out of town because she hates being aroused early. She doesn't get up till nearly 9.

"Jesus I'm almost there," Phillip screams as the banging gets louder. He unlocks the door whipping it open. "Who in the hell do you think you are," he freezes. He gasps. "FITZ!"

Fitz stares at him before blowing past him. Phillip sees George. "George?"

"He'll explain Mr. Hughes trust me," George smirks. Phillip looks between them. "Mr. Grant is fine – well kind of. He needed a friend." George hands over his duffle bag with clothes and shower supplies. "See if you can get him to sleep. I'll be by around 12:30 to bring you both to the theatre."

Without another word George leaves Fitz with Phillip.

Phillip closes his door then faces Fitz who's doing laps around his coffee table in his living room. He's muttering incoherently. As he closes the space between them, he hears, "I can't believe I let you talk me into going. Why didn't I just stay home?"

Phillip stops taking in his closest friend. He's never seen him this wound up before. The bags under his eyes could fit the largest suitcase known to man. His hair is spiked clearly uncombed. He's wearing wrinkled flannel sleep pants, sweatshirt and jacket he wore last night.

He barely recognizes him. Fitz has been the most put together man. Not once has he seen him out of his apartment in wrinkled clothes, hair disarray, and in sleep wear. Fitz won't even take Rogue to the park not dressed. If you didn't know him, you'd swear he slept on the street last night.

Phillips eyes enlarge noting a particular item missing from around his neck. No scarf.

He always has it. He never leaves his apartment without it. It's his favorite. Blue. A gift from his grandmother. She knitted it for him to keep warm. He's had it at every performance since previews since the weather got cold. To see him without it is rare.

Fitz does not even acknowledge Phillip's presence. He's lost in his mind, the memories of a remarkable first impression of an enchanting woman. They drank hot cocoa, danced, FUCK had a first date. Olivia Pope flooded into his mind the entire evening invading his every thought. When he closed his eyes to sleep he dreamt of her.

In his dream he brought her home to his apartment to meet Rogue. They talked shared kisses till nearly dawn until falling asleep in each other's arms. He felt her every curve. The smell of her shampoo and perfume. How she tasted? His lips long for hers even now. If he licks his own, he still tastes her.

Her scent, taste, is weaved within every cell, muscle, bone, like an addicting drug or favorite food. The inkling of another man coming along stealing her from right under his nose, enhances his need to find her. He HAS to. It's unnegotiable.

His desire to be in her presence, to feel her near, is driving him to the near brink of insanity. He MISSES every square inch of HER. From the way the light refracts off the gold lines in her dark brown eyes, her struts in her heels, the sway of her hips, how she felt when they danced. Her voice is the sweetest sound he's ever heard.

He misjudged their evening, thinking she did not know who he was, until she disappeared after their kiss. Hearing her speak his name confirmed his worse fears. She knew him. Of course she did. But if she only wanted to be with him because of his celebrity status, they'd be something on social media.

There's nothing. He searched the internet finding nothing of her, him of their date. He looked on Facebook, and couldn't find her. No profile. Twitter was the same. There is no way a "young girl" in her twenties does not have a social media account.

Could it be Olivia wants to be with him for him, not any other reason? Has he finally the woman he's waited for all this time, but had given up on thinking she did not exist? Is Olivia Pope her? She's everything he's waited for, but never let himself believe was out there.

Is it possible she too was watching and waiting for him to come along? She longed for the very same things as Fitz. In the last half of his life, after failed relationships, he never this connection to Olivia in only a few hours. Did she hope to prove she wanted only him, not his money or star status?

If so Olivia is too good to be true?

Now that's he found her, will he let her slip through his fingers? If she appears before his eyes, what will he do? Will he go after his heart's inner most desire, or let his mind get in the way.

Her words "I only see you" ring in his mind.

Olivia wants Fitz the man, not the actor, director, celebrity. That is who she had a date with last night. For the first time in eons, Fitzgerald Grant was treated like any other normal guy in New York City. He had to believe it wasn't an act. The connection, electricity he experienced is real.

She is real.

Their unexpected, unplanned first date did happen. It wasn't a dream. He's grateful to George. He documented most of their evening together. Every photo George captured her beauty, shyness, passion and innocence. Compared to Fitz, she is innocent.

At twenty- three she has so much life left to live.

She's young, beautiful. She gave him all of her in one incredible moment, daring to hope he'd want her in return. In honestly why would he when he could date be with any woman who crosses his path.

The constant replay of their date has been on a continuous time loop since she left him. He cannot stop thinking about it or her.

He continues to pace - faster with each lap. He's gearing up to enter the Daytona 500. Still unable to make out anything else he's saying but, "Why did I go? I can't stop. It was a dream. How could it have been real?"

Phillip walks up to Fitz blocking his path.

"Fitz what the hell is going on?" Fitz utters nothing staring at Phillip. "Why are you here at 6 A.M?" He steps closer. "Why in the hell do you smell like hot chocolate?" He sees hints of it on his jacket. "Did someone spill some on you on the way up here this morning? Do you need a change of clothes?"

"No," Fitz snaps. "I don't need a change of clothes."

The harshness of his tone shocks Phillip. He's never spoken to him in this tone before unless someone has gotten under his skin. He readies to question him but stops seeing Fitz's cell phone in his hand playing a video.

"Is that you dancing on you-tube," Phillip questions clearing seeing him doing a waltz with a gorgeous woman. "I didn't know you did Dancing with the Stars."

Fitz runs his hand through his unruly hair. He shoves his phone in his hand. "That's not from Dancing with the Stars."

Phillip is even more confused. "But that's you?"

"No shit," he clips.

"Then what is this from?"

"Last night. It's Olivia and I in the Rainbow room," Fitz explains dreamily with a sparkle in his eyes.

Phillips eyes widen seeing the red coat. "Holy shit balls, she's the Lady in Red." Fitz nods still watching her on the video. "You found her. It's her. But I thought you didn't know who she was nor how to find her again. You didn't know her name when you left last night."

"I didn't have a clue," Fitz clips.

"Then how did you find her," Phillip questions clearly confused.

"Look for yourself," Fitz instructs him. Phillip scrolls through photo after photo of Fitz and Olivia together. He nearly drops the phone when he sees them at the Top of the Rock. "FUCK ME SIDEWAYS she was there!"

"Yah," Fitz sighs staring at instant they met. As long as he walks this earth it will be engrained in his brain. He could gaze into her eyes forever lost in a river of rich milk chocolate. Even hours later, his heart nearly stops recalling it vividly.

"Hold this," Phillip hands the phone back, rushing to get them coffee. He's sits there eager for Fitz to spill the beans. "Tell me everything. How in the hell did this happen?"

Phillip nearly doubles over laughing hearing what she did outside the men's bathroom, and Fitz dancing. "I swear Phil how we talked to each other," Fitz explains wistfully. "We really listened and got each other wanting the same thing. It didn't feel like I had just met her. It felt…,"

"You'd known her your entire life," Phillip completes Fitz's thought. "That's how it was for me when I met my wife."

Fitz leans back in his chair, drinking the coffee. His Great-Grandfather Thomas knew after one date he's marry Annette. His Grandfather, Fitzgerald Thomas Grant Sr. was the same when he met his Grandmother. His mother knew. His Father, it didn't hit him until after their second date.

Could it be the same for him?

Phillip observes his closest friend carefully never hearing nor seen him this way before. Olivia Pope changed him only after two meetings. Some people past through your life not leaving an impression, until one comes along and knocks your socks off.

This lucky lady won the very heart of Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III without batting an eyelash. If he dare say it, Fitz is falling for her. His feelings are evident in every word he recants of their date. His eyes glow when he utters her name. His entire body relaxes thinking of her and their evening together.

Fitzgerald Grant found his heart in Midtown Manhattan.

"So that's why I smell hot chocolate?" Fitz chuckles staring at his jacket. He won't wash it. Not yet. It not only smells of his drink but of HER. After a few quite moments looking at the photos Phillip asks, "I take it you want to see her again." Fitz is quite but his eyes speak volumes.

"Oh please you can't just let a woman like her slip through your fingers," Phillip chastises ready to throw his coffee at him.

"Yah I kind of figured that part out on my own," Fitz snips requiring more than a strong cup of coffee.

"Oh for the love of God please tell me you asked her out, invited her over for a meal or at least made it known you want to see her again," his friend questions in tone laced with excitement and concern. "Because if you just let her slip into the night without so much as a…-"

"Oh course I did," Fitz snips breathing deeply. "I'm not that stupid." Phillip sips his coffee. "Okay fine maybe I am but I told her how I felt more than once. Of course I want to see her again. Phil I want to see her all the time. I don't care how…I just have to…," His hands fly up stopping Fitz from talking.

"And?" Phillips is as eager for this information like a kid in a candy store. He chews on his breakfast pastry eyes on Fitz. "What did she say when you asked her out?"

"Next time she sees me, I'm to ask her again," Fitz grumbles.

"Great so call her," Phillip taps on Fitz's phone. Fitz sits there doing nothing. "Call her. So what if it's early in the morning. If she had this effect on you, I can only imagine the feeling is more than mutual. Shit invite her over here for breakfast I'll cook." Phillip rushes to get up to check his pantry but Fitz stops him. "What?"

"I can't call her," Fitz sighs running his fingers through his hair.

"Why?" Fitz grimaces. "You mean after all that you didn't get her number." Fitz nods. "WHY THE FUCK NOT!"

"I didn't think of it," Fitz admits. Phillip is ready to smack Fitz.

"Does she have your number?" Fitz slinks down in the chair. "O for the love of God. I could kill both of yah." Fitz sighs gazing into Phillip's eyes.

"Wait your scarf?"

"Livy has it," Fitz coos saying her name.

"Livy huh," Phillip teases.

"Stop it," Fitz deadpans quickly moving across the room. Phillip is on his heels.

"Fitz? Damn you got it bad," he quips. "Your Gemma is going to be pissed."

Fitz whips to face him. "Livy has it okay. I didn't even realize it until after she kissed me." Fitz blurts out. His hand flies over his mouth.

"SHE FUCKING KISSED YOU," Phillip bellows. Fitz scoffs crossing his arms. "Well shit I like this girl. She's feisty, got style and balls." Fitz hands fly to his hips. "Apparently yours." Fitz releases a labored sigh tossing a pillow in his direction. "What it's true. Olivia Pope has got you so wound up right now, you couldn't get a pool cue up your ass."

"PHILLIP," Fitz bellows loudly.

"I'd bet you fart diamonds," he quips finally making Fitz laugh. He nearly doubles over laughing so hard. His stomach now aches as he sits on the couch. Phillip joins him laughing at his expense. After their mutual giggling fit ends Phillip sits with him.

"Well the diamonds would go along with my Casanova image," Fitz snickers. Philips eyes narrow. However it is very true. Fitz has always had a certain appeal with the ladies young and old. "It's what Olivia called me."

"Why?"

"She wouldn't let me tell her my name?" Phillip's brows furrow. "I didn't find out until after she kissed me, then up and disappeared."

"What the hell you mean disappeared," he questions. Fitz shows him a gif on his phone of Regina Mills from Once Upon a Time waving hands disappearing in a puff of purple smoke. "Now come on she's not a witch?"

"Well fuck no shit," Fitz hisses. "But explain to me one minute we're kissing. It's one of those first kisses Phil I swear if I was a girl my foot would have popped." His friend stifles a laugh. "I was totally unprepared but man did I kiss her back. We should been alone not under Radio City Music Halls lights."

Philips eyes sparkle. He's not one for this kind stuff but hearing Fitz talk about only confirms his suspicions. She is THE ONE.

"Well…," he pries for more information.

"Before she left in a puff of smoke she said Fitz. She knew who I was the entire time. I looked for her like a crazy man but didn't see her anywhere. Unless she's a fairy tale character, where the hell did she go?" Phillip sits up hearing the sadness and frustration in his voice. "Phil?"

"Well she probably Regina Mills you because she was afraid you'd push her away. However she wants you Fitz," he quickly walks to the counter retrieving the phone. He opens the photos. He scrolls through them until he stops at one of them dancing.

It was taken early, when she first heard A Thousand Years. Fitz recalls it vividly. How shy she became? Afraid of what was transpiring between them.

"How can I be sure?"

"Because no woman reacts to a man like this, if she's using you. Look at her face as you take her in your arms when you begin to dance," he points showing him the video. "Trust me Casanova," Fitz grumbles. "You are everything she's ever wanted. She's been waiting for you to come along and sweep her off her feet."

"Now come on…" he grumbles.

"Oh for the love of God," Phillip grouses, showing him the photo of when Fitz first walked up to her. "Look at her face. She's falling for you. You can see it in her eyes." Fitz stares at the photo and himself.

"Then why didn't she tell me she knew who I was," Fitz counters standing up strutting to the window.

"Because you would have run in the other direction," Phillip utters not giving two shits if he's wrong or right.

"I would not have just left her there," Fitz spits walking towards the kitchen to get more coffee requiring more of the scalding black liquid to help him feel alive.

"Are you sure," Phillip clips joining him. "Look me in the eye and tell me you would have had your guard up. You would not have opened your heart to the idea you found the woman of your dreams. All this time you have been waiting to feel like you do now. This Olivia Pope saw you for the man you really are. In your heart you know I'm right."

Fitz leans on the window.

"So how can I be sure?" His gut says Phil is right but can he risk it? He's tired of being used.

"I don't know but something tells me," Fitz shows him her hair clip from last night and the note she left. Phillip grins. "Oh Fitzgerald she'll be back. This right here," he points to it. "It's proof."

"Do you know where it's from?"

"No," he examines it. "But it's fancy."

Fitz yawns. "Come on. Go shower. Take some med's to sleep. I'll wake you at noon so you can shower and get ready. George is coming for us at 12:30." Fitz nods. After two cups of strong coffee he's wiped. He has to sleep before he performs two shows today.

After Fitz is in the spare bedroom, Phillip makes a call to the head of security at the Gatsby Theatre. They have an enlightening conversation. Phillip trots to his room to sleep until he must get ready to perform that afternoon.

/

Across Midtown: 8 A.M.

The Scarf

"Hey is Liv up yet," Lauren questions curious why Olivia is awake. She's normally the first up in the house. For her to sleep past eight in the morning is rare.

Ferra and Nina glance at one another. They got up thirty minutes ago.

"No," Ferra comments. "I had to turn on the coffee machine." Olivia is always rises shortly after 6 in the morning even though she does not have to get up early. Since college she's been an early riser. If she's in bed past seven, something is wrong.

Nina glances down the hall. "Her bedroom door is still closed. What time did she get in last night? It was late."

"Well I went to bed after eleven and she wasn't home," Lauren replies stepping to the hallway. "I think she came in well after mid-night. She went last night right?"

"Of course she did," Ferra clips annoyed at her friends. "I offered to go with her but she insisted I stay behind. You both know how hard yesterday was for her. I'm surprised she was as chipper as she was considering."

"Hey I offered to go with her too," Nina snaps. "You know I hate when she goes at it alone. Always has to be in control even with us here." The other girls nod. It's true.

Lauren walks towards her door. "Should I go check on her since I'm the only one who wakes her up nice?"

"No…," Nina quickly responds. "Let Liv sleep. She hasn't been sleeping lately because of yesterday. She's been working so hard too," she grumbles. "That damn family of hers."

"Stop it," Ferra warns standing up. "No one's family is perfect."

"Yes but…," Nina is shushed again by Ferra.

"Now is not the time. Her brother and sister bothered her enough yesterday telling her what they think she should do. They love her I get it," Lynn whispers. "They give her crap every year about it but they fail to go to the one place that means the most."

"I know," Nina hisses rolling her eyes. "She loves her older brother and sister but they can be to overbearing and keeping their nose out of Liv's life. She a grown women and doesn't need their approval."

"Stop it you two," Lauren snips at both Nina and Ferralynn. "Liv has been through enough." She eyes the clock. It's nearly 9. "Do you think we should check on her? I woke up in night and saw her light on around 2 am.

"Leave her be but if she ain't up by 9:30 I'm going in there with my Cha-Cha heels to get her," Nina chuckles.

Lauren's eyes widen. "What," her roommates inquire.

"Do you think she had a man over? I heard a male's voice," Lauren wonders. "It be nice if she found someone."

"No," Ferra sighs. "But I bet she watched more of Fitzgerald Grant last night. She loves everything he's been in. Not that I blame her. That man gives me serious heart palpitations, especially when he wears jeans."

"You and the bulge," Nina chastises Ferra who tosses a towel at her head. When she spins to miss it she sees the bouquet of white lilies on the coffee table. She scoffs seeing the card. "Let me guess. For Liv?"

Ferra hisses. "They arrived yesterday. I don't blame her for staying away. I don't know why she just doesn't send them back."

"Because she doesn't have the heart too," Lauren comments going to make herself something for breakfast. "She'll donate them. That stupid guy is a total ass-hat and flaming asshole."

Nina and Ferra agree. "Him and his self-righteous, holier than thou bull shit he spews."

"I'd have to agree," Olivia steps into the living room with a different red winter coat on, her boots, and purse. Her hair is up in a high pony tail showing off her natural curls.

"You are alive," Nina heckles. Olivia smirks. She rolls her eyes picking up the card. "When is he going to stop," she snips staring at it. She tosses it in the trash. "My Dad needs to stop encouraging him. I am so not interested."

Her roommates watch her fill her travel mug with a soft and adoring smile on her face. They are staring when she turns around to get the lilies. "What?"

"Why are so gitty this morning," Ferra questions. "This smile is new."

"No reason," she moves to grab a quick bite.

"And where are you off to," Nina inquires next.

"You were out awfully late to be going somewhere," Lauren steps to her stopping seeing a letter in her purse.

"I have to mail something," Olivia explains feeling her face become heated. "And get these flowers out of this house. I hate lilies. The pollen makes me sneeze and I feel like I'm in church at Easter."

Nina blocks her path to the door. "Nice scarf," she lifts it with her manicured nails. "Is it new? Kind of manly don't' you think and knitted with care." She smells it. "Jesus it smells good." Her eyes widen. "Where did you get this?"

Olivia whips it out of her hands. She will not entertain their questioning. "Look I have to go. I'll see you guys in a little bit. I have some errands to run." She wraps the scarf around her neck breathing in its owner's unique scent. She did not intend to leave with his scarf but she did. She had forgotten it was with her jacket. She realized after she got home.

Even now she feels HIM on her as the unique scent enters her lungs. Her pulse quickens remembering when Casanova tied it around her neck to keep warm. She felt him on her all night. She felt he came home with her and never left her side.

Her entire evening replayed in her mind like a romance movie into the wee hours of the morning. She re-hashed the entire night from the moment she fell into Fitz's arms, never wanting this fluttering feeling in her heart to stop.

He left a lasting first impression. From their long talk over hot chocolate, baring pieces of themselves, speaking truths she's never been brave enough to admit to anyone. She had always been scared to say what she wanted in a man, the guy who would capture her heart.

Did HE – her Casanova do that very thing?

Each time they touched, held hands, she felt alive and he's the missing piece of the puzzle she's been searching forever for. He truly listened, understood where she was coming from. He genuinely cared. He saw her for herself, not her body, or appearance. For the first time she let her guard down and let a man in.

Is this the mutual and how can she be sure? Would his intention to pursue something more with her changed because she said is true name. She had to say it, so he knew. She couldn't lie to him. Now he knows the truth, dare she will herself to believe that someone like him, still wants her?

She came home last night unable to sleep. She did something incredibly special and heartwarming for Casanova. Now she has to get out the door before she loses the nerve and he arrives at the Gatsby Theatre.

Ferra blocks the door.

"What happened to you last night? You came home late," Ferra challenges not allowing her out the door.

"You know where I went."

"Ah huh," Ferra crosses her arms. "But did you really?"

Olivia looks at her aghast. "Of course I went to the Top of the Rock." She faces her friends nearly on the verge of tears. "You know damn well what that place means to me. How important it is."

Lauren comes to her squeezing her hand. "Of course we know."

"Then why are you all hounding me," Olivia mutters sniffling. "I have to go." Ferra does not move from the door. "Please I have to do something?"

"Give the owner back this scarf," Nina challenges eyeing the new article of clothing. "I smell a hint of cognac, and pine. Hot chocolate too," she pries aware how much Olivia loves her hot cocoa. "It be a shame for this scarf not to find it way home to HIS owner."

Nina has known Olivia longer than Ferralynn and Lauren. Out of all the years they have been friends, she's notices a change. She just can't pin point what but her gut tells her a possible guy is involved.

Olivia remains poised. "Look what ever ideas you all have swirling around – just quit please. You are all going to have to trust me." She faces them all with tears in her eyes. There is no way she can tell her dearest friends she had a remarkable unplanned first date with Fitzgerald Grant and at the end of the night she freaking kissed him.

She cannot get over she did it. But she had to. Olivia would regret it now if she didn't. She wanted him to know she WANTED him more than any other before him, and will come after. She just hopes he feels the same.

Ferralynn steps aside permitting Olivia to reach the door. "We want ALL the juicy details when you are ready," Nina quips. Olivia waves her hand and bolts out the door with the flowers, her purse, and everything else in hand.

/

Phillip's Apartment -Noon

Nearly five hours later, Fitz surprised himself and actually fell asleep. Phillip gave him some natural herb. Now its noon and he's awake. His remembers little before his head hit the pillow. He closed his eyes and was fast asleep. He was relieved. He was so exhausted from the night before.

Even as he slept, Olivia came to him in his dreams. She was even more beautiful in a red dress with black heels. Her hair up in a twist. The dress showed off her gorgeous figure. She chose it for him. He pictured at her opening night, in the front row smiling brightly when their eyes met.

Her closest friends joined her on either sides, excited to have the most sought after Broadway ticket in town. He'd text her before and during the show aware his messages only flustered her. She had not told anyone of their budding romance. He was eager to fix it during their curtain call. He planned on dragging her on stage, in front of everyone, introducing her as his girlfriend.

Then backstage in his dressing room, they'd want each other so desperately, he'd slide her out of her panties, sit in a chair, and they'd have sex for the first time. Fitz wanted it to be more romantic, but by the time they reached his dressing room, he'd lose the battle with himself.

He wouldn't be able to wait to claim her, to feel her walls wrapped around him, sucking him deeper, thrusting harder. He'd kiss her franticly to keep her quiet because her orgasm would be so loud, everyone outside his door would hear. When they finished he'd cling to her desperately, ensuring she knew there was no other for him in this lifetime.

She'd agreed to join him on the red carpet, after party, and finally come home with him. They'd spend the entire night in his bed talking, cuddling, and making love. He would not force her to sleep with him again, but once they entered his apartment, it was Oliva who jumped him first. He wouldn't deny her.

Fitz woke up the moment Olivia fell asleep in his arms. His dream was lifelike. He woke up in a cold sweat aching for her presence. How is possible to miss someone so desperately you just met? To yearn to hold them in your arms. To kiss their lips until neither one of you can breathe. To just hold her, keep her close until you must part.

He's never felt this way. He's slowly realizing he'll never feel this way ever again. Fitz grouses glancing at the clock. "Dammit," he tosses the covers off. He takes a quick shower, to meet Phillip in his Living Room by 12:30.

Phillip is waiting for him at the counter with a travel mug of coffee. "Did you sleep because no offense but you look like hell man…," Phillip points out.

"I feel like I got run over by a train Phil," Fitz sighs sipping on his coffee. George should be knocking at the door any minute.

"The understudy can take over for you tonight if you want," Phillip reminds him. "Call Ian and let him know you're under the weather."

"No I can't do that," Fitz reaches for his jacket slipping his arms inside. "All those fans I'd disappoint. I have to be there." A knock is heard. Fitz walks to the door. "Georgie…,"

"Mr. Grant. Mr. Hughes," George greets them. They walk down to the parked SUV and slip inside. "Sir do you want to take a ride by Rockefeller Plaza? I can still have you both to the theatre before 1."

"George," Fitz sighs deeply unsure if this is wise idea.

"Do it George," Phillip pipes up. "You never know the elusive Miss Pope maybe strolling by and this guy can finally get her number."

Fitz protests but it's too late. The car is already headed in that direction. As they near where he first saw Olivia the day before his eyes frantically scan the area for any sign of her. Fitz sits up straighter as his eyes zone in on every woman who passes their car.

When they stop at a red light, they are in front of Radio City Music Hall. His eyes widen recognizing the very same security guard from the night before. "George that's the same guard," he blurts out. George switches on the hazards. Fitz rolls the window down. He waves and calls out to him.

"Yes Mr. Grant," he addresses Fitz. He sees Phillip. "Mr. Hughes. What can I do for you?"

Fitz notes his nametag. "Morris." He nods. "You do remember seeing me here last night correct."

"I do."

"The woman I was with…,"

"The Lady in Red," Morris finishes for Fitz. Fitz eyes widen. "I remember." Fitz blushes. "She's kind of hard to forget."

"Have you seen her today? Walk past here," Fitz questions daring to hope.

"I work different shifts Mr. Grant, but I have seen her past by here quiet often different times of the day." Fitz mouth drops open. She is the area. "Today unfortunately no I'm sorry. But if I see her, I'll stop her," he winks at Phillip.

Fitz feels desperate. He must find her. "Thank you Morris," Phillip interjects. They have to get to the theatre. Even with traffic they arrive there at 12:55. George opens the car door and Nigel meets them just out front.

"Mr. Grant," he stops Fitz as he's walking through the black gate.

"Yes."

"Sir I was told to give this to you personally," Fitz keeps walking.

"Nigel," the black gate closes behind Fitz. "I am running a tad bit behind." Fitz brushes past him. "Put whatever you have in my dressing room. I'll look at it after the show."

"But I was told to hand this directly to Casanova," Nigel blurts out stopping Fitz dead in his tracks before he enters the stage doors. Phillip even stops to look hearing it.

"She came by yes," Phillip grins triumphantly. "I knew it."

"What did she say," Fitz clips staring at Nigel. His entire body is shaking. She could not have been here and he missed her. It's not possible.

Nigel meanders up to Fitz. "I believe Mr. Casanova," he speaks. "This was left for you." He hands him the small bag placing it in Fitz's trembling hands. It can't be. He peers inside. His eyes spot a letter.

On the envelope he reads "To my Casanova: FTG3, Till We Meet Again."

Next to it a small bag of hot chocolate from a local store in the area. On it a red heart. It reads. "It case you need something sweet – OP."

On the bottom he pulls out a red kitted scarf. It smells like HER. The lavender, vanilla aroma invades his senses. He buries his face into it breathing it deeply. His entire body relaxes. There is another note. "Found your scarf attached to my coat. I'll keep it safe – until next time. Hope this keeps you warm. Ever mine. Every thine. Ever Yours."

"Nigel," Fitz stammers. His words catch in his throat. She was right here and he wasn't. If he was here, he would ran to her, picked her up, dragged her inside, and kissed her. He would not have stopped until she said yes to go out with him.

"The young lady was quite beautiful dressed in a red coat."

"Did she leave you her name," Fitz is shaking.

"No." Fitz sighs. "If it helps she just left only a minute before you got…," he pauses observing Fitz drop his backpack and rushing towards the black locked gate. "Here." Phillip walks up to him. He whispers something into his ear. "Yes. Mr. Hughes I got the message. I took care of it." Nigel winks then hurries out the gate.

"OLIVIA," Fitz bellows running to the opposite side of the theatre near the gate where he stops with Stella to do their kissing scene. He's panting, catching his breath by the time Phillip joins him. "OLIVIA," he yells her name hoping she's close.

Phillip scans both sides of the street as far as he can see. There is no one in a red winter jacket.

"She's not here," Phillip explains softly. Security guards have joined them keeping on lookers back.

"She has to be," Fitz clips. He steps closer to the street. "My gut says she's here Phillip. Olivia could not have gotten far."

"Fitz," he walks in front of him blocking his path so he does not bolt across the street. "Both of us have to get inside." Fitz ignores him. His eyes scan the crowd the opposite direction. He spots a red coat. "SHIT," Phillip hurries after him scared half to death Fitz is about to freak out whomever that person is.

George steps in front of him, preventing Fitz from rushing towards the person close to Time's square.

"George move. It's her. It has to be," Fitz hisses. The other guards including Phillip block him.

"Sir," George places his hands on Fitz's arms. "It's not Miss Pope. I checked." Fitz eyes him. As the person gets closer, it's a woman, definitely not Olivia. "Mr. Grant let's get you inside the theatre," he suggests seeing his boss ready to lose it on the street.

Fitz complies.

Once inside the black gate, George hands him his backpack then ushers him inside. Fitz greets his fellow cast members before walking into his dressing room. Phillip will give Fitz as much time as he needs to calm down. He cannot take the stage a mess. He has to be in his make-up chair in thirty minutes.

Fitz eyes her gift bag. He rests in his lap trailing his fingers on the upper edge, peering inside. The letter is the first item he reaches for. If he reads it now he'll have trouble concentrating. He quickly changes into his suit. Olivia's letter slides into his inside breast pocket. He has to have her with him.

He steps outside his dressing room and is stopped by Stella. "Fitz you all right," she notices he's a bit off.

"Yes Stella I'm just a little tired," he smiles giving her a quick hug. "I'll see you out there."

She nods but her eyes remain on his watching him walk on stage. He sits in his chair and the make-artist does her job. Two and a half hours later the performance is over and he's in his dressing room again. He reaches for the letter but cannot bring himself to read it before the next performance.

"What if she doesn't want me? If last night was a mistake," Fitz pulse quickens bringing the letter to his chest. He makes a split second decision to read it after the last performance of the night. He'd lose all focus on stage.

When both shows are under his belt for the evening, and he's alone in his dressing room. As he begins to open it, Stella knocks on his door. He slides the letter into his pocket.

"Hey Fitz," she speaks. Her brows furrow. He's even more drained. "I came to check on you. Are you all right?" She sits next to him on his couch.

"I am Stell," he explains.

"You sure," she reaches over to place her hand on his forehead. She leaves it there a few seconds. Fitz is warm but no temperature. He slides away from her. "You weren't yourself tonight." He was 'there' in the scenes with her but wasn't. No one in the audience would notice but she did.

When they waited to film their scene outside, she watched him scan the area as if he was searching for something or someone. He's not dating anyone. He's heard he's not interested but there is definitely something off with her co-star. She hopes her being here will lead him in her direction.

"I appreciate you checking on me Stell but I'm all right," he stands to gather his things to get going. He really wants to read HER letter.

"You sure," she steps to him as he slips into his winter coat. She helps him zip it. "You have something on your coat?" Suddenly a soft grin appears on Fitz's face. It surprises her.

"Yah hot chocolate," Fitz explains not willing to elaborate. She opens her mouth to help him clean it off but he interrupts her thought. "I'll take care of it when I get home." She nods.

He walks to his door with Stella and towards the stage door to sign autographs. "You know you can talk to me if something is wrong you know Fitz. I am here."

"I'll see you tomorrow."

eobserves Fitz closely. He again is scanning the crowd for the Lady in Red. Phillip knows what she looks like and does not see her. He too is disappointed. He hoped she'd be there so if Fitz didn't see her, he go to her, and hold her there for Fitz.

As Fitz signs autographs on side facing Time's Square, Phillip catches a hint of red in the opposite direction. The person steps out so Phillip can clearly see them. "Olivia," he mouths to the person.

Her heart quickens being spotted. "Yes," she mouths at Phillip surprised he knows who she is.

Phillip turns to Fitz. He's still busy. "Did you…,"

"Yes," she bites her lip. "Did he," she mouths. Phillip points to her gift bag in Fitz's hand.

"Wait," Phillip gestures in order to get Fitz. But when he turns to Fitz to get his attention and back in her direction she's GONE. "WHAT THE HELL?"

Fitz hears him. "Phil you all right?"

"Yah," Phillip assures Fitz. He cannot tell him she was there. He'll freak and search for her all night. But now he's curious how in the hell she vanished so fast. She is like the wind and everything Fitzgerald Grant needs.

Thirty minutes later when Fitz is safely in his apartment, in his chair by the window, he opens Olivia letters. Tears soon form in his eyes when he reads;

"My Dearest Fitz….,"

/

TBC…

Now wait a minute where in the hell did Olivia Pope disappear to this time? She allows Phillip, not Fitz, to see her, and then POOF she's gone. Like…WTF! Curious. Good…then I'm doing my job.

So to say the least, Olivia definitely left a lasting first impression on Fitz. What do you think of her goody bag for Fitz? A good idea. She's a bit of an enigma, a mystery Fitz is going to have to figure out and solve. He just has to find her first. When do you think she'll make her next appearance in his life and where?

I hope this chapter leaves you aching for this new side of Me's. It was so fun to write. And how about Phillip and Olivia's friends. Aren't they the best?

As always drop me some love if you are eager for more of this tale. The more #Crumbs that fall into my lap, the next chapter could be in the horizon. Thank you for reading…

Me's