Final Curve
Title: Final Curve - part 1
Fandom: political animals
Pairing: Elaine/Susan
Rating: pg-13 for language (subject to change)
Summary: Elaine is the subject of a documentary... what will the cameras pick up on?
a/n: the title of this story is taken from langston hughes' poem by the same name. in this story, garcetti never died and elaine agreed to run as his vp in 2 years. also, susan is once again dating the asshole boyfriend (alex?)
"Absolutely not."
"I'm sorry Madam Secretary, but this is non-negotiable," the man standing in front of her looked worn out, as well he should be after going at it with Elaine Barrish for the last five minutes.
"Nothing is non-negotiable Sam. Believe me," said Elaine. She was currently standing in the middle of her office, face to face with the man who had just delivered what she considered life-ruining news. At least it won't ruin my career, she thought to herself, if anything, it'll probably further it.
"I'm sorry Elaine," Sam let out a sigh, "but 'no' just isn't an option this time. There is no halfway here, either. This will happen, whether you like it or not," said Sam. His eyes shifted slightly to look at her desk. "But between us Elaine, you better start liking it," he looked into her eyes once again. "These guys, they're just hoping you'll do something stupid - like blow up on them while on camera - cause they know you hate this. We both know this will probably further your career, especially with the timing of it all, but be careful, Elaine. They're vultures." And with that he turned and left her office.
Goddamn it. A documentary. On her. Elaine Barrish. The woman who had successfully avoided talking about personal topics with the press for almost her entire career. She knew this was just a PR stunt that Garcetti had set up. The timing couldn't be better - the documentary would come out shortly before the election. Just another way to further Garcetti's career. And my own, the voice in the back of her head wouldn't shut up, if he wins, I win.
Oh, Susan Berg was going to love this. More press for the woman who hated press. Although she HAD made a connection with the younger reporter lately. It was something to think about, that while she may not have Susan Berg on her side just yet, Susan Berg was no longer rooting against her. Well that's something, I guess.
Later that night...
Susan's fingers clacked away at the keyboard, never missing a letter. This was big news. Not as big as some, but still. It was also fascinating. How would the Secretary of State react to having a documentary crew follow her around for six months? There would be office pools, she was sure, on how long it would take for the Great Elaine Barrish to snap. But Susan had seen Elaine in action. The woman's feathers were not easily ruffled.
Alex came up behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "How's it going?"
"It's going," replied Susan, looking up from the screen to give him a tight smile. Sure they'd gotten back together, but that didn't make what he did any less horrible. Still, they'd been together for so long - that was worth something right?
"How about some dinner soon?"
"Yeah. Lemme just finish up. And I'm gonna try to get a quote."
"From Elaine Barrish?" Alex smirked.
"Yes. From Elaine Barrish," said Susan, confused at his reaction. Did he not think she could do it?
Alex snorted through his nose, "Good luck, Susan."
Fuck off, Susan though to herself. She rolled her eyes and turned back to her laptop as Alex left the room. Now she couldn't not get a quote from Elaine. Goddammit. She picked up her phone, scrolling through her list of contacts until she found the one she was looking for.
"Susan Berg for the Secretary of State."
"Just one moment Ms. Berg," she heard at the other end of the line. Cindy - Elaine's assistant - was not the sharpest tack in the drawer... or the garage or whatever. How many times had Susan called and that ditzy girl had no idea what to do? Susan didn't understand why Elaine wouldn't just replace her. Susan also wasn't sure why she gave a rat's ass about this.
"Ms. Berg," Elaine's voice floated through the phone like a warm summer breeze.
"Yes, Madam Secretary. I wanted to get a quote about your reaction to the documentary being made on you."
She heard Elaine sigh, "Perhaps you'd better come in tomorrow morning," Well that was unexpected.
"Ma'am I hate to do this, but the piece is due tonight," said Susan, cringing as the words came out of her mouth, sure that Elaine would chew her to bits.
"Fine. Come in now, or you can forget about getting your quote," and with that she hung up.
TBC..
part 2