Press

Epilogue: Press Secrets and Obsessions

The White House, with its grand halls and endless political maneuvering, had seen many changes in the past year. Damon had risen to prominence as the White House Communications Director, his name becoming synonymous with polished strategy and unwavering dedication. But tonight, the stately East Room was alive with something beyond politics—a celebration of recent presidential initiatives, progress, and unity. Chandeliers twinkled, and soft classical music filled the air as high-profile guests mingled.

Damon, dressed sharply in a tailored navy suit, moved gracefully through the crowd, offering polite nods and measured smiles. It was his natural habitat—commanding attention and controlling the narrative. But tonight, there was a certain restlessness in him. His mind drifted to someone he hadn't seen for almost a year but had been thinking about daily: Parker.

Parker had been off in Southeast Asia, living a life as free-spirited as ever, but he was back in D.C. tonight, requested by the President for a new digital campaign initiative. Damon spotted him almost immediately. Parker stood near the entrance, effortlessly captivating in his crisp white shirt, his tanned skin a stark contrast against the bright room. He looked relaxed, a man at peace with himself. Damon felt his chest tighten as their eyes locked from across the room.

Parker grinned, his face lighting up as he made his way through the crowd. They exchanged a nod—understanding, deep respect, and an unspoken connection passing between them. It was as if time hadn't passed at all. Yet they both knew how much had changed.

Before Damon could reach Parker, he was intercepted by Bryson and Jaxon, the couple radiating a sense of unity and joy that was contagious. Bryson, now a well-established White House campaign consultant, was his usual sharp self, but his edges had softened since getting together with Jaxon. There was no denying how much they'd grown together.

Jaxon, with his playful smirk and confident energy, playfully elbowed Damon. "Look at you, Mr. Communications Director," he teased. "Getting too famous for us now?"

Damon smirked, his usual composure cracking just slightly. "Oh, please. You and Bryson are the real power couple now," he shot back, glancing at Bryson, who gave a sheepish grin.

Bryson's hand subtly tightened around Jaxon's, their fingers interlaced in a way that was both casual and intimate. "Jaxon keeps me in check," Bryson admitted, his voice softening, a rare glimpse of vulnerability from a man who once kept his emotions locked away. Jaxon's face softened, the love between them palpable.

As the four stood together, it felt like the culmination of years of growth and shared experiences. They had all been through so much—love, heartbreak, career shifts—but here they were, thriving. The warmth of the moment enveloped them, an unspoken acknowledgment of their intertwined fates.

-

A few hours later, after the event had wrapped up, Damon returned to his apartment, exhausted but grateful. As he pushed open the door, the last thing he expected was the sight that greeted him.

Parker lay sprawled across his bed, shirtless, his toned body bathed in the soft glow of the bedside lamp. His smirk was pure mischief. "Hey there," he drawled, his voice low and teasing. "Long day?"

Damon froze for a moment, taking it in. The sudden shift from the formality of the White House to the raw intimacy of Parker's presence sent a jolt of warmth through him. He shook his head, chuckling softly. "You have no idea."

Parker patted the spot next to him, the gesture playful yet somehow tender. "Come on. Leave all that behind for a bit."

Damon hesitated for just a second, then let out a sigh, his usual mask of control slipping as he shrugged off his jacket and kicked off his shoes. Climbing onto the bed next to Parker, he let himself sink into the mattress, the weight of the day falling away.