Chapter Text
There is only a single light on in City Hall, illuminating the dark hallway outside the mayor’s office. Everyone else has gone home for the weekend, but Damien is still hard at work, always the last to leave.
The District Attorney pushes open the door to his office and steps inside quietly. The only light in the room is that of a small lamp perched on the corner of Damien’s desk. In the corner of the room, a gramophone fills the air with a soft melody. Damien, so lost in paperwork, doesn’t even notice that he has company until the DA clears their throat.
“Burning the midnight oil, I see.” They set their bag on one of the chairs in front of his desk.
Damien jumps lightly at the sound of their voice, blinking up at them. “Old friend, what’re you doing here? It’s the middle of the night.”
“I could ask you the same question. Dying from overworking yourself won’t help your approval ratings, you know.”
“There’s so much to do and not enough time.” He sets his pen down and smiles up at them with tired eyes. “What brings you by this late?”
“I went to see Marc.”
“Oh? How is he doing? I know the divorce hasn’t been easy on him.”
The DA crosses their arms, eyes dropping to the floor. “He’s been drinking, even more than usual. I know Benjamin is doing his best to look after him, but I’m worried. What if he can’t come back from this?”
“Marc always bounces back. He’ll be fine, it will just take time.”
Damien stands and crosses the room to the small dry bar next to the gramophone in the corner of the room. He grabs a tumbler and pours himself a drink of something dark and expensive, gesturing to them. The District Attorney shakes their head and he returns to the desk, sipping slowly.
“We’re all very worried about Marc, believe me, but tell me why you’re really here?”
“He told me…he told me about Celine.”
“Yes. It was quite a shock. I’m very displeased with her and William. I would’ve thought she’d have the decency to leave him before she replaced him, but I suppose Celine always has been a heartbreaker.”
“Damien, you knew. You knew and you did nothing. You didn’t say anything to him.”
The mayor purses his lips, refusing to meet their eyes. “Their relationship was none of my business, as it should be.”
“He was your best friend, Damien. We all grew up together. You don’t think you owe him honesty?”
“Don’t patronize me. Marc is a grown man. He should’ve known something wasn’t right! He doesn’t need me to hold his hand.”
The District Attorney threw their arms up in the air with a loud huff, a frown etched onto their face.
“Oh please, you didn’t say anything because you wanted them to separate.”
“And why on Earth would I want that?”
“You never wanted them to get married in the first place. And ever since the election you’ve practically been giving him the cold shoulder.”
“What does the election have to do with anything?”
“We all know you wouldn’t have won if he hadn’t gone to the press and given his support. You’ve been bitter about it ever since.”
Damien shoots up and slams his hands down on the desk, his chair shoots backward against the wall behind him.
“I didn’t need his support and I certainly don’t need your judgment!”
“No, of course you don’t.” The District Attorney scoffs. “Because you’re better than everyone else, aren’t you? I always forget how self righteous you can be.”
“Oh honestly, I know why you’re on his side.”
“Because he’s my friend? Because he hasn’t done anything wrong? Please, enlighten me, Damien!”
“You went crawling back to him because I didn’t want you!”
As soon as the words leave his mouth, they both fall silent. The District Attorney turns away, tears stinging their eyes. They grab their bag and start to head for the door.
“Wait.” Damien crosses the room and puts a hand on their shoulder. “I…I didn’t mean…”
“It’s fine, Damien. I appreciate you being honest with me for once.” They look at him over their shoulder. “I should let you know I’m going to be representing Marc during the trial. I wanted him to know his friends haven’t all betrayed him.”
“I…I will see you at the courthouse then.”
“Yes, I guess you will.” They shrug off his hand. “Goodnight Damien.”