5 is 5 is 5
In honour of this being the fifth post
I chose to write the opening like this
-Pentameter, but not at any cost-
Write not about a hug, a shag, a kiss.
Will write about how lovely I do think
You all and awesome your artistic skills.
If you are looking for some fic, this link,
Will bring you to the page with all the fills.
-- Sorry, I simply am not patient ( Read more... )
I chose to write the opening like this
-Pentameter, but not at any cost-
Write not about a hug, a shag, a kiss.
Will write about how lovely I do think
You all and awesome your artistic skills.
If you are looking for some fic, this link,
Will bring you to the page with all the fills.
-- Sorry, I simply am not patient ( Read more... )
“I thought I should... I thought I should hand you this in person,” said Nick, the awkwardness of the situation in no way helped by the awkwardness of his posture and rehearsed speech.
David swallowed and took the proffered envelope without a word, allowing Nick to continue.
“I, um, just wanted to say that I have enjoyed working with you for the past few years. The Coalition has been a unique opportunity for my party to make its voice heard and it has been a privilege to participate in it. Whatever our differences on specific policies, I am proud of what our parties have achieved together and I believe that I speak for all, for all in the Liberal Democrat party when I say that we would like to thank you. Thank you, David, and your colleagues in the Conservative party both for giving us this opportunity and for providing your friendship and support when we needed it most. Sadly, it was not a partnership that could continue indefinitely and in order to ensure that our voice can continue to be heard both in opposition and in future governments, I have decided to tender my resignation as Deputy Prime Minister now in order to concentrate on the upcoming election campaign.”
Having made his point, Nick continued on these lines, repeating his gratitude and expressing the hope that their parties might continue to collaborate on an informal basis. Conscious of the crowd watching them - civil servants, former and current ministers, aides and staff, all gathered in the Cabinet room - David nodded gravely, his serious expression communicating attentiveness and gravity while his mind wandered, focussed on Nick's voice and the movements of his large hands.
The resignation was a long awaited formality, inevitable as 2015 dawned and the spectre of the fixed general election, dreamed up in such haste during the 2010 negotiations, started to cast its long shadow on the Coalition's dying months. But that didn't make it any less painful.
“Thank you,” said David when Nick finished. He was conscious of the pomposity of his own voice as he hid his emotions behind a mask of formality. “It has been a pleasure working with you all these years. I'm particularly pleased to have proved all the naysayers wrong when they said this union would never last the full parliament. We have proved that mixed marriages can work provided both partners are committed to each other.” There was a predictable snigger from their audience and Nick rolled his eyes. “I'm becoming quite an expert on divorce these days,” continued David, deliberately allowing a wistful note to enter his voice. “And although this was one we predicted nearly five years ago, it doesn't make the moment any easier...”
He listed a few of Nick's key contributions to the Coalition, adding some specifics about the Lib Dem colleagues who would also be leaving the government. He talked about future cooperation with a party which would inevitably turn its back on the Conservatives as soon as Nick stepped down. He did not mention the MPs who had already jumped ship, or the gloomy poll predictions, or the fact that no matter how hard he might try, David would be powerless to stop local Tory candidates from besmirching their LibDem opponents by dragging Nick's personal reputation through the mud.
Most of all, David didn't mention how much he would miss the passionate arguments and equally stimulating agreements with his ever hyperactive deputy. Nick had become a friend, a partner in all but the physical sense, and his resignation was a cruel reminder that all this had ultimately only been a political agreement born of necessity one heady May weekend.
They shook hands and patted each other's shoulders, the gesture no doubt reminiscent of their first photo op on the Number 10 doorstep. David wanted to embrace Nick, but settled instead for keeping his hand on his arm a moment as they both turned to talk to the people surging forward to wish then each well in advance of the election campaign.
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Looking forward to more very much indeed.
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A fantastic start, anon. I'm so glad someone is filling this, and excited that it's being filled so well!
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It's also going to kill me..I'm not looking forward to the real 2015 when this happens...
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Am SO glad someone is filling this! Great start author!anon, can feel the angst building already :D
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