Hello again everyone, it's been a while since my last update of this story. My apologies for the delay, but life happens. Nonetheless, I am back to updating this story that started as a mere thought, and has blossomed into a fan favorite, to my delight. I'll try to update this one more regularly, and finish it soon.
I'll probably end up posting another Terryfic, given the latest antics of someone receiving 40 dozen roses for her birthday. My word, I can't even begin to think about what one does by receiving 480 roses! But, I am certain it was a welcomed surprise from her bae. #GottaloveTerryLove. Hope you enjoy this installment, be sure to leave a review; I appreciate all feedback. Be blessed!
As Kerry sits in her trailer before shooting the next scene; she's both nervous and concerned about what's coming up. It's hard to believe they've arrived at this point; despite knowing something was coming. However, both she and Tony knew that after the coup he staged once they shot Happy Birthday Mr. President. Shonda had to come back with guns blazing, and she didn't disappoint. She's certainly hit the ground running with her obvious anti Olitz campaign, by introducing a love triangle and forcing Fitz to be extremely disrespectful to Olivia.
When she thinks about the last conversation she and Tony had with Shonda, after shooting Happy Birthday Mr. President, all she can do is shake her head. To say things went left is an understatement. She's never seen Tony so in control and yet so damn cold with no regard for what happened next.
While it was inevitable that at some point Tony and Shonda would have words; given the reaction at the table read for the HBD Mr. Pres episode. Initially Kerry still wasn't prepared for the shouting match that was set to unfold, as a result of Shonda's disdain for Tony's comments about her after the episode aired.
If someone was walking by during the conversation; one would've thought he was rude, or maybe even disrespectful toward her. But, regardless of how ridiculously rude she was to him in their last cast meeting; he was just the opposite. While on the last promotional tour, they appeared on The View together; during the show he ranted and raved about how he admires Shonda's success and brilliance. He went on to say she's the most engaging boss he's ever worked for, and working for her has been the most memorable learning experience he's ever had in his career.
Kerry knew he was setting a trap; he'd told her from the start where this was going, and that he'd been waiting for this to unfold. Therefore, she went along with his idea, and supported him. Because he was going to do it, whether she liked it or not, and she'd want him to support her if the shoe was on the other foot.
Nonetheless, she was still nervous sitting next to him while he was baiting the trap for Shonda. During the interview he continued to seriously play up the charm, and had all the ladies eating out of his hands to boot. The biggest moment came when Whoopi Goldberg asked him what he expected next for his character, given how the last episode ended with him being shot.
He plainly laid the responsibility at Shonda's feet, and said, "Well Whoop, you know how this business can be." She smiled as she said, "Yes. I do." He grinned as he said, I'm enjoying playing this character; I work opposite some amazing people, namely this beauty I have sitting beside me." Kerry beamed at his compliment and the ladies clamored in response with applause.
Sherri interrupted as she said, "Watching you two bring the heat every week, will make you a believer that good good is out there for real. Yawl are hot enough to change a sister's faith, amen." Everyone laughs as he continues and says, "Look, in my mind the sky is the limit for Fitz. But ultimately, his longevity on the show isn't up to me. That's Shonda's call. I'm just honored to have been a part of the show this long, given the fact my character wasn't originally written as long term."
The crowd promptly booed, along with Sherri Shepherd at the idea of Fitz no longer being on the show, or anything bad happening to him. The moment he made the remark, and the reaction of everyone began to develop. Joy asked Kerry, "Do you think his character is in jeopardy?"
Kerry quickly stepped in and said, "No. He's not going anywhere; he's too beloved by fans and the cast for that to happen." Her reply caused immediate happiness by way of cheers and smiles by everyone.
When the interview ended; Kerry recalls feeling a sense of peace. Largely because Tony appeared to be very happy, and content. They left the show and continued with their tour.However, in thinking about the interview; Kerry knew in that moment the door had been opened to trouble ahead. Just by him doing what he set out to do from the start.
The goal was to compliment Shonda to the highest peak, while laying all the responsibility for his character's existence on the show on her shoulders. It was only a matter of seconds before social media blew up, and the tweets and face book posts on Scandal sites, were bubbling with reaction from fans all over the place. The Olitzers as Olivia and Fitz's fans had been branded; were very concerned and borderline angry at the idea of Fitz being killed off.
Many argued the fact that it had to be a possibility if Tony entertained the question; while others advised he was merely answering the question posed to him by Whoopi Goldberg. Regardless of what position was taken, it was definitely a talking point many had to consider. What exactly would come of the show if Tony was no longer on screen?
It didn't take long before fan polls created and posted on Twitter, asking would fans continue to watch the show if Fitz were killed off. The overwhelming response was in Tony's favor. 90% or the voters stated no. They wouldn't watch the show without Fitz being on the show. Or not being with Olivia.
The results of this poll and many others that played to the strength of keeping Fitz on the show, made it back to ABC headquarters. And by the time Kerry and Tony touched back down in LA. He had talked to his agent three times, because network executives were freaking out about the fallout from the interviews. Namely, because he gave the same answer when asked that question on every show he and Kerry appeared on, and they wanted to renegotiate his contract so he was indeed locked in for the long haul.