Chapter Text
Damien had never been good with words. He was good at speeches, as any politician should be, but then he had practice. Those were read, rehearsed, and rewritten so many times that they could echo the sanitised drivel in his sleep (which he often did). Finding his own words, however, and expressing his own unprofessional feelings, that was far more difficult. Which was clearest when it came to his feelings towards his darling district attorney.
He'd known them for years. He’d known them for so long that the exact circumstances of their meeting had been forgotten. It was if they’d always been there, a part of their little gang. What he did know is that as long as he’d known them, he’d loved them. He knew it, his friends and sister knew it. The only person who seemed to not to know it was the district attorney.
He’d attempted, on many occasions, to confess. Every single time, he chickened out. There was always a block when it came from speaking from the heart. He’d been brought up with expectations. A man of his class was meant to be stoic and unemotional, roles that didn’t match up to his soft heart. So, when it came to falling in love, he had to find new ways to communicate.
Music. Music was the food of love, at least according to Shakespeare, and he gladly played on. He’d expressed interest in the piano from a young age and his parents had been happy to indulge in the hobby. He had been around sixteen when he started composing. Sure, he was no Mozart, but it had been the perfect way of expression. A sweet, flowing melody for Mark and Celine’s first dance, a quiet tune for when he feared Will might go away forever, several little tunes for the district attorney, not that they ever realised that they were for them.
For years it went on.
“Could you listen to this one for me? I just want to hear what you think.”
Maybe they’d take the hint eventually.
“This one is meant for a slow dance.”
Maybe they felt the same way and would ask him first.
“This one reminds me of you.”
Maybe he was being stupid for thinking he ever had a chance with someone like them.
It was a month before Mark’s party when he presented what would end up being his final piece to them. The last time they got the chance to be alone together. They hadn’t been seeing each other as much as they used to. They’d both been so busy. Damien had become mayor and had the slow trainwreck of Celine’s marriage to take care of. The DA had a new job and Mark to worry about, and that man did not make it easy. Now at last the dust seemed to be settling. The party invites had arrived, and Mark was finally ready to step back into the world. Life was on its way back to normal. It was the perfect time for music.
“It’s beautiful.” The DA commented once the piece was finished. “Are you going to play it at Mark’s.”
“No.” Damien shook his head. “I don’t think it’s that kind of party. Besides, this one’s for us.”
“For us?” The DA smiled.
“Yeah, you know, to celebrate our success. Our tune.”
“I love it. You should really show of your skills more.”
“Oh no, I don’t think so.” Damien waved dismissively.
“But you play so well. I can barely manage twinkle twinkle little star.” The DA laughed.
“I’ll teach you.” Damien blurted out without thinking.
“You would?” They asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Of course, I mean, I could try. I’m no teacher but…” he let his voice trial off. Sure, why not? Any excuse to spend more time with them.
“That sounds wonderful.” They nodded. They glanced their watch. Damien’s heart sank as the DA’s expression changed to rushed alarm. “Just not today. I’m running late for a meeting.”
“Do you really have to go?”
“I’m afraid so. Duty calls. Another time though.”
“Absolutely, drop by anytime. Well, not anytime. There’s a good chance I won’t be. Phone ahead anytime. I’ll try and, you know, schedule you in and um…” Damn it, he was rambling.
“I will, don’t worry. I’ll see you at the party, Dames.” They laughed as they headed to the door. Somewhere, in the back of his mind, a voice was screaming at him. Tell them now. Even if it wasn’t romantic or ideal, it had to be now. This is the last chance.
“Oh, and before you go…” He called after them. They stopped in the doorway. He hated holding them up. Even though they were patiently waiting, he could sense that they were in a hurry. Yet here he was, forcing them to stand there. Wasting their time. He had to say something, just something. “I’m…really glad to get the chance to work alongside you.”
“I’m glad to be working with you too, Damien.” They nodded firmly before walking away. Damien sighed before closing the door and heading back into his house alone. He was being silly. Of course, this wasn’t the last chance. Sure, they weren’t as young as they used to be, but they were far from old and both in good health. They had plenty of time. Maybe after the party.