-Fall 2012-

The first light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. Tony stirred, his arm instinctively tightening around the warm body beside him. Kerry sighed contentedly, snuggling closer to him. The world outside was waking up, but in this quiet moment, nothing else existed but the two of them.

Tony opened his eyes slowly, a lazy smile spreading across his face as he looked at Kerry. Her curls spilled across the pillow, her expression peaceful in sleep. He gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch light enough not to wake her.

Suddenly, his eyes darted to the alarm clock on the bedside table. It was 7:45 AM. They were supposed to be on set by 8:00.

"Shit," Tony muttered under his breath, the peaceful moment evaporating as reality set in.

Kerry stirred at the sound of his voice, her eyes fluttering open. "Morning," she murmured, her voice still heavy with sleep. "Morning," Tony replied, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "But we're late."

Kerry's eyes widened as she registered his words. "What time is it?"

"Almost eight," Tony said, already swinging his legs out of bed. "We need to get moving."

They scrambled out of bed, the serene intimacy of the morning replaced by a frantic rush. Kerry grabbed her clothes from the chair where she'd draped them the night before, pulling them on with practiced speed. Tony did the same, both of them moving in a synchronized dance around the room.

"We're so dead," Kerry muttered, pulling a brush through her hair. Tony chuckled, despite the situation. "Think we can blame traffic?"

"Maybe," Kerry replied, flashing him a grin. "Or we could just tell them the truth."

"And what, admit we spent the night together?" Tony arched an eyebrow. "That might make things even more complicated."

Kerry paused, her smile softening. "Maybe. But I don't regret it." Tony crossed the room, pulling her into his arms. "Neither do I," he said, kissing her deeply. For a moment, time stood still again. But then Kerry pulled back, glancing at the clock. "We really do need to go."

They rushed out of Tony's house, climbing into his car. The drive to the set was a blur of nervous laughter and hurried apologies. When they finally arrived, it was 8:30, and the crew was already bustling with activity.

Shonda Rhimes stood near the set, her arms crossed as she watched them approach. "Nice of you to join us," she said, her tone stern but her eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Sorry, Shonda," Tony said, trying to look contrite. "We overslept." Kerry nodded in agreement. "It won't happen again."

Shonda looked between them, her expression softening. "Just make sure it doesn't. We've got a show to make."

They all walked into the room for their table read for season two. The atmosphere on the set of Scandal was always charged with energy and anticipation, but today, there was an added buzz in the air. Rumor had it that Shonda Rhimes had made a major casting decision that was going to shake things up.

Everyone sat down and the room quieted down as Shonda cleared her throat and started to speak. I have some exciting news," she began, leaning forward. "We've decided to bring in a new character who will add some serious drama to the story."

Tony raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And who's the lucky actor?"At that moment, the door behind him opened, and Tony turned to see Scott Foley walk in, a confident yet humble smile on his face. Tony's eyes widened. He had a feeling where this was going.

"Scott Foley," Shonda announced, her eyes twinkling. "Scott's going to be playing Jake Ballard, a mysterious operative who has a complicated history with Olivia."

Tonys eyebrow immediately furrowed but he managed to save face. Shonda leaned back in her chair, watching the two men. "I know this will be an adjustment, but I think Scott's character will add a fascinating dynamic to the story. We're heading into some very interesting territory."

Tony nodded, though a part of him felt a pang of jealousy. He had been the leading man, the central figure in Olivia's tumultuous love life. The addition of Scott's character meant more on screen competition.

The table read was amazing as always and afterwards all the cast and crew crowded around Scott, welcoming him. Tony went straight to his trailer, sitting down on the coach with a sigh. A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door and it opened. There stood Kerry. "May I come in?" Tony nodded and Kerry sat next to h him. "So what do you think of the new character addition? Kerry asked. "That's going to shake things up. Could be good for the story."

Tony couldn't help the bitterness that crept into his voice. "Yeah, if by 'good' you mean complicating everything."Kerry looked at him, concern in her eyes. "Are you okay, Tony?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I just... I didn't see this coming. It feels like everything's changing."She placed a hand on his arm, her touch warm and reassuring. "Change can be good. It keeps things fresh. And you're still Fitz, the heart of the show. Don't forget that."

Tony nodded, appreciating her words but unable to shake his unease. "I know you two are bound to have certain scenes with each other and I don't really want to be around for those. It's like watching the woman you love have sex with another man."

Kerry laid her head down on his shoulder. "Tony, you have nothing to worry about."

The rest of the day, he found himself watching Scott interact with the cast and crew, his easy charm and professionalism on full display.

Back in his trailer that evening, Tony poured himself a drink, trying to drown the jealousy he felt in his chest and stomach. He knew he had to get a grip, to focus on his own performance.

As the night wore on, Tony resolved to befriend Scott and welcome him into the cast. He went and congratulated him on the role and they talked for a few minutes about this season's script. Tony ended up being glad he went to welcome him.

A few weeks later found them deep into filming the second season of scandal.

The set was a whirlwind of activity as the crew prepared for a pivotal scene. Tony stood off to the side, script in hand, watching as the final touches were made. Today, he was scheduled to film a particularly intense scene with Kerry. However, before that, he had to endure watching a romantic scene between Scott Foley's character, Jake Ballard, and Kerry's Olivia Pope.

Tony's stomach churned as he glanced over at Scott and Kerry. They were laughing together, rehearsing their lines. Shonda called for quiet on set, and Tony took his place just off-camera, where he had a clear view of the action.

As the scene began, Tony felt a knot form in his chest. Scott and Kerry moved closer together, their voices dropping to intimate whispers. Scott's hand brushed Kerry's cheek, and she leaned into his touch, her eyes filled with the kind of emotion that Tony knew all too well.

"Cut!" Shonda called, adjusting a few elements before the next take.

Tony clenched his jaw slightly, forcing himself to stay professional. He knew this was just acting, but it didn't make it any easier to watch. He had spent awhile portraying Olivia's tumultuous relationship with Fitz, and seeing her with another man, even in fiction, stirred feelings he struggled to suppress.

During the break, Kerry walked over to him, her expression concerned. "Are you okay, Tony? You seem... off." Tony forced a smile. "I'm fine. Just focused on the next scene."

Kerry searched his eyes, sensing there was more to it, but she didn't press. "Alright. Just let me know if you need anything."

As she walked back to her mark, Tony's gaze followed her, the pang of jealousy intensifying. He turned away, trying to compose himself. He knew he had no right to feel this way. After all, they were just "friends" who shared a deep bond on and off screen. But watching Kerry with Scott brought emotions bubbling to the surface that he thought he had under control.

The next take was even more intense. Scott and Kerry's characters shared a passionate kiss, their bodies pressed close together. Tony felt a wave of anger and sadness wash over him, He wanted to look away, but he couldn't. He probably shouldn't have stuck around for this scene and just went to his trailer, but here he was.

"Cut! That's a wrap for this scene," Shonda announced.

Scott and Kerry broke apart, laughing and congratulating each other on a job well done. Tony watched, his heart heavy. He knew he had to pull himself together for his own scene with Kerry, but the jealousy was relentless.

The next scene was a confrontation between Fitz and Olivia, filled with raw emotion and unresolved tension. Tony channeled all his pent-up feelings into the performance, his voice trembling with genuine pain and anger. Kerry matched his intensity, their chemistry crackling in the air.

"Cut! Perfect, that's a wrap for today," Shonda called, looking pleased.

As the crew began to pack up, Tony felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. Kerry approached, her eyes filled with concern. "Tony, that was incredible. Are you sure you're okay?"

Tony sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I will be. Just... needed to get some things out, I guess." Kerry placed a hand on his arm, her touch warm and reassuring. "You know I'm here if you need to talk."

He nodded, grateful for her support, "Thanks, Kerry. I appreciate it."

Sitting in his own trailer later on, he decided to take Kerry up on her offer to talk. Standing up, he went out the door and started making long strides to her trailer near by. He knocked, the door opened and there stood..Scott Foley.