-Present Day-
Tony spread the jam carefully over the toast as he put the finishing touches on the breakfast for Kerry, still thinking about all the incredible moments they have had together. His mind drifted off to a cast party that they had in the early years of Scandal..
-Summer 2012-
Tony adjusted his tie, glancing at his reflection one last time before stepping out of the car. The Los Angeles night was warm, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the manicured trees lining the driveway of Shonda Rhimes' sprawling estate. He took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. Tonight's cast party was special, a celebration of the end of a successful first season of Scandal. But more than that, it was a chance to spend time with Kerry Washington outside of their roles as Fitz and Olivia.
Kerry arrived moments later, stepping out of her car with the effortless grace that always left Tony a bit breathless. Her dress, a deep emerald green, shimmered under the soft lights illuminating the path to the house. She caught his eye and smiled, a smile that made his heart skip a beat.
"Hey, you," she said softly as they met at the foot of the stairs. "Hey yourself," Tony replied, offering his arm. She took it, and together they walked towards the entrance, the hum of conversation and laughter growing louder as they approached.
Inside, the house was buzzing with energy. Cast and crew mingled, glasses clinking, voices rising in cheerful exclamations. Shonda's home was a testament to her success, filled with tasteful decor, a blend of modern art and cozy furnishings that made it feel both luxurious and welcoming.
Tony and Kerry moved through the crowd, greeting friends and colleagues, accepting congratulations and toasts. Yet, even amidst the throng of familiar faces, they seemed to gravitate towards each other, their connection palpable.
"Come with me," Kerry whispered at one point, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Tony followed her through a side door, out onto a secluded patio. The garden beyond was a lush oasis, fairy lights twinkling among the foliage, casting a romantic glow. The sounds of the party faded, replaced by the soft chirping of crickets and the distant hum of the city.
"I needed a break from all the noise," Kerry said, leaning against the railing and looking out at the view. "Me too," Tony admitted, stepping closer. "It's beautiful out here."
"It is," she agreed, turning to face him. There was a moment of silence, a charged pause where the air seemed to thicken between them. Tony reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "You look stunning tonight, Kerry."
She blushed slightly, a rare sight that made Tony's heart swell. "Thank you, Tony. You don't look too bad yourself."He chuckled, then grew serious. "You know, I always look forward to these parties. Not just because it means we've wrapped a successful season, but because it means I get to spend time with you."
Kerry's eyes softened. "I feel the same way. It's nice to just be us, without the cameras and scripts."
You know," Tony began, his voice breaking the comfortable silence, "sometimes I wonder where Fitz ends and I begin."
Kerry turned to look at him, her eyes reflecting a deep understanding. "I know what you mean. Olivia Pope is such a part of me now. Sometimes it feels like we're living their lives as much as our own."
Tony nodded, his gaze drifting, "It's funny, isn't it? We spend so much time pretending to be these people, feeling their emotions, that it's hard not to carry some of that with us."
Kerry's lips curved into a wistful smile. "Yeah, and it doesn't help that their story is so... intense. It's hard to leave all of that behind when Shonda yells 'cut'."
They fell silent again, each lost in their thoughts. The chemistry between them was undeniable, a powerful force that had made their on-screen romance so believable. But it was also the source of their unspoken angst, the barrier that kept them from exploring what might exist beyond their characters.
"You know," Kerry said softly, breaking the silence, "sometimes I wish we didn't have to stop being Fitz and Olivia. That we could just be... us."
Tony turned to her, his expression serious. "I've thought about that too. More times than I care to admit."
Her eyes searched his, looking for answers to questions she was afraid to ask. "What do we do about it, Tony? How do we separate the real from the pretend?"
He reached out, taking her hand in his, the touch sending a familiar spark up her arm. "I don't know, Kerry. I wish I did. But what I do know is that whatever we feel, it's real. Maybe it started as Fitz and Olivia, but it's become more than that."
Kerry squeezed his hand, a mixture of hope and fear in her eyes. "It's just so complicated. Our lives, our careers... everything." Tony nodded, understanding her hesitation. "I know. But maybe, just maybe, it's worth trying to figure it out."
She leaned her head against his shoulder, closing her eyes. "I want that, Tony. I really do. But I'm scared of what it might mean for us, for our careers. For everything." He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. "We don't have to figure it all out right now. Let's just take it one step at a time. See where it leads."
In that moment, they were not Fitz and Olivia, nor were they Tony and Kerry trying to navigate the complexities of their feelings. They were just two people, connected by something deeper than a script, sharing a moment of vulnerability and hope.
They stood there, inches apart, the unspoken words hanging between them. Tony could feel that natural pull, He leaned in slightly, testing the waters, and Kerry responded, her breath hitching as their lips met in a soft, tentative kiss.
It was as if the world stopped. All the noise, the pressure, the constant whirl of their professional lives melted away, leaving just the two of them in that perfect moment. When they finally pulled apart, they were both smiling, a new understanding glimmering in their eyes.
"Should we go back inside?" Kerry asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"One minute," Tony replied, taking her hand. "Let's just stay here a little longer."