Kerry takes a breath, and thanks God she was bailed out, as she says, "Excuse me ladies." They all scatter and everyone takes their seats. Kerry and Tony sit next to each other. He saves her a seat on the couch next to him. The lights dim and the show begins.
Everyone is focused on the screen; so no one sees them holding hands as they watch the show. As the show progresses, she notices the original scene Liv, Cyrus, Mellie, and Fitz shot is in this copy. The reshoot is missing that would've showed the love scene Fitz and Mellie shot. This small detail brings Kerry personal joy that she tries to contain. But Tony looks over at her and smiles too. He's also glad the scene didn't make it.
When the Oval Office scene comes on; everybody in the room is breathing heavy and making noises. Jeff bumps Tony's shoulder as he says, "Great scene!" Tony nods and they finish watching the show. When it ends they all clap and celebrate the viewing. It looks great, and they all feel it's a winner.
When the lights come up Kerry and Tony stop holding hands, and everyone listens as Shonda advises there is going to be a huge social media push behind the show, and she shows them the twitter handle that's been set up. They read some of the feedback of the show's premise, and they see the excitement about the pairings of the actors and cast members.
Their excitement is remarkable; everyone wants to see this show. Shonda explains that she held onto the pilot to be sent to the network till tomorrow; because she thought she was going to use the reshoot that was shot earlier with Mellie and Fitz, but she has decided to send the version that they just saw, which doesn't have the love scene in it. She feels like this one is better.
After hearing her words; Kerry looks at Bellamy's face, and she's putting on a brave one. But deep down Kerry knows she's pissed. She knows it's wrong to take joy in someone else's sorrow, but she can't help herself. She is ecstatic that the scene was cut and won't be used.
Her joy is broken by Shonda telling them all to create twitter handles, and join the conversation about the show that's happening. She advises this will help promote the show and get them closer to being picked up. They all agree to participate in the social media campaign push.
Shonda lets them know she will hear from the network within the next 24 hours, and will give them the news as soon as possible. They all rejoice and clap for her statement; everyone feels extremely positive about the project, and remain hopeful they will get the green light.
After an hour of socializing a bit more; the night draws to a close. Knowing they aren't shooting tomorrow, but still have to attend the table read for the next episode, the crowd disperses. On the drive home; Tony and Kerry sit in the back of the car, and talk about their night. He sees the joy on her face, and knows she's relieved the love scene didn't make it. They relax together on their 35 minute ride back to their love nest.
Over the next five weeks, the shooting schedule is beyond crazy; the excitement from the network picking up the show has worn off. Now it's time to put the work in to keep the show on the air. The work hours are terribly long, and exhausting. But the work is productive. They not only complete the second episode, but they also shoot the next four episodes too.
The emotional scenes between Fitz and Olivia are incredible. Kerry can't wait to see the finished product of their last episode because she feels like she and Tony have nailed their roles. Everyone is raving about their chemistry, and she has to admit its pure magic.
What once had her in fear about them being on camera together, now makes her proud of what they have, and they are able to explore it openly. However, she can't lie; she is concerned about their first sex scene, which is said to be coming soon. She has no idea what it will be like; but she hopes she can get through it without doing something insanely embarrassing.
It's been a long day of shooting; it's 1 am and Kerry is dead tired. As she grabs her purse and IPAD she sees the synopsis on her chair for the next episode. She yawns as she picks it up and reads the title; it says, "The Trail." She puts it in her bag and goes to the car where Tony is already inside waiting for her. She climbs into the car, and into his arms, not realizing that the episode that changes everything is in her bag. Once she reads these words her life will never be the same.
Thank you for reading this fan fiction story; I love all of the reviews. I enjoy reading them. So please continue to comment and share the story. It's growing little by little, and I appreciate the excitement and acceptance of the story. I know it steps on some folk's toes; but what's the point of reading if it doesn't evoke something in you and make you think? Anyway thanks for the continued support I really appreciate you all. Your comments make me strive to be better as a writer.
In the next installment we find out how filming "The Trail" changes everything. We also explore what happens when real life won't wait and these two are forced to let it in. Will it disrupt everything? Or will they make it through? All this and more in the next installment.