Not because she had a plan, but because of how quickly it was rolled out, with little to no effort. When they left the room, the level of calm and peace achieved was remarkable. In the end, they had faith she'd lead them through this. Like she had many times before, and they all knew the first thing they had to do was get through the dinner. So the rest of their plan could unfold.

Present day

Both Kerry and Tony snap from their thoughts, as the skype ring slices through the air. They both jump, then giggle when they realize what made them jump. He kisses her forehead, and she takes a breath as she presses the answer button.

When the image appears, Judy is sitting at a desk that's different from the one in her LA office. But she's wearing a smile as she greets them. They smile in return and they get down to business. Kerry says, "So, what's the verdict Judy?" Judy replies, "The verdict is, the good guys one. Bad guys zero."

Both Tony and Kerry smile as they look at each other, and then back at the screen. And Tony says, "What does that mean exactly?" Judy replies, "I just got off the phone with Shonda. I made it clear that we'd steer clear of speaking with the network. If she managed to keep her paws off of your personal lives. While advising her that any more attempts to tamper with your personal lives will cause pure hell to reign down on her."

Tony replies, "She couldn't have taken that well." Judy responds, "She never does. But that's irrelevant. I don't care about her feelings, she cares enough about her own feelings for anyone else to care." Kerry replies, "Ain't that the truth?" They all nod in agreement as Judy says, "Yes, it is. Anyway. This is a short lived victory. Because while we've secured your off camera lives from her pettiness. I believe your character's lives will go from mildly uncomfortable to downright brutal. Peter's not going to be writing for Scandal anymore."

They both look at one another in dismay of what they've heard, as Kerry asks, "Did she fire him?" Judy responds, "No, she conveniently reassigned him. So she's going to be running the writing room next season. While he works on a new pilot project for the network, to give him his own show." Kerry responds, "So she's distracting him with another project, while she takes the show back." Judy replies, "In a nut shell. Yes."

Tony replies, "She actually told you this?" Judy responds, "Of course not. I have reliable sources who filled me in. Which is why I suspect more fuckery on the way on set for you two."

Tony nods as he responds, "We can't say we're surprised. That's always been her way of acting out. She's like a petulant child." Judy replies, "True. But something tells me this time whatever she does will be extreme." Kerry takes a breath as she says, "That's a shame. But again not unexpected. As long as our off camera lives are off limits. I don't think it matters what she does with the characters. In the end, if the ratings plummet it won't be because of us. It will be because of her, and everyone will see it for what it is. I just feel badly for the fans. They deserve better." They both agree with her.

Tony supportively replies, "Well said Ker." They share a sweet kiss, and Judy says, "Well, I'm glad you two are happy. I think we dodged a huge bullet coming out of this with no reverberations in the media, and your relationship still being under wraps. Thanks again for pulling through that dinner like pros." Kerry replies, "Thank you for guiding us through it. It was hell for sure. And even seeing some of the pictures taken in some of the magazines; I still can't believe how quiet everything remained."

Judy grins as she says, "Well, it's not done by osmosis. But I like to make it look easy." Tony replies, "Your work isn't going unnoticed Judy. You're amazing. Thank you for helping us." Kerry chimes in as she says, "Yes. Thank you very much."

Judy smiles as she says, "It's my pleasure, and it's my job. But I appreciate your kindness. Just do me a favor and keep your wits about you on set. Even when things get uncomfortable. And let me know if you need anything else." They both nod and says, "We will." Judy responds, "Good. Both of you have a great day, and I will talk with you soon." They both say, "Bye, have a great day too."

As the screen goes black, Kerry and Tony look at one another and Kerry says, "This is insane baby." He takes a breath and rubs her tummy as he says, "Yes. But it's all worth it babe. Because it's about the destination, not the journey." She agrees with him, it's not about where they are. But where they're going and they're truly on the road to something great. This could truly be their time. Or is it?

Thank you for reading my fan fiction tale. Well, that was quite a spin huh? What was your take on Kerry's parents finding out about their relationship and the pregnancy? How do you think Tony handled Kerry's father? Did her father make valid points with his concerns about Kerry and her career being impacted by their relationship?

In regard to Shonda, and her foolishness. Will Shonda ever learn messing with Judy? She seems to come up short every time. What did you think of Tony's reaction, when talking to Shonda? Was he overboard, or just right? Looks like Shonda didn't expect to be tag teamed between Judy, Kerry, and Tony. But they all got some good licks in Nonetheless, put nothing pass Shonda, her pettiness will continue.

In the next installment we find out if Judy's speculation of Shonda taking out her frustrations on Kerry and Tony through their characters comes true. We also find out if Terry's road to happiness is truly afoot, or are there more curves to come. Happiness is relative, after all this is fan fiction.