A/N

Started the 30 Day OTP Challenge on DeviantArt. The link to the rest of the topics are below:

journal/30-Day-OTP-Challenge-LIST-325248585

Day 1 – Holding Hands

"And I'm proud to introduce to you... The President of the United States!"

Bright lights. Flashes. Appluase. I stand up and lift my hand in a salute, face bursting with a smile. My head moves left and right as I walk to the stand, acknowledging the crowd, absorbing the looks of everyone who have contributed so much to help me. I spot a kid in the back, holding a flag up high and waving it without knowing what's going on; an old man is cheering in front, one hand on his walking stick and the other signalling a peace sign, held high for all to see… And the many other faces that I've glanced over, connecting me to each and every person's individuality, the hopes they have entrusted with me to cherish and nurture.

In that brief moment when the only sounds belonged to them, I let their joy overwhelm me.

Too soon, and with a few more steps I take to the stands, the crowd gradually subsiding. Adjusting the mic, I shot a look at Jack, my husband. His eyes sparkled with pride, and as elated and nervous as I am I felt immediately calm, his pools of blue diamonds washing over me in their serene embrace. This is the moment we've all been waiting for, the culmination of hours and days of planning and campaigns. I look back to the crowd and make my speech.

"This day… has been a monumental day. For my family, for my supporters and most of all, for you, the nation. My heartfelt thanks extends to every single individual out there, whether you're young or old, supporter or not, for accepting my differences and allow me to even participate in this race, let alone see it through the end. For that I am honoured with your generosity and kind understanding."

Words of praise and gratitude continue to tumble out of my mouth, to my staff, to the volunteers, to my opponent - A gushing stream of human empathy and compassion that cannot amount to even a fraction of what those who have helped me have shown.

"Even now, having seen how far we've come together, how much we can and have accomplished, I am astonished at how little acts of kindness make all the difference. There's the high school student, spending time after class at campaign headquarters; traditional folk who didn't agree with my policies or lifestyle, but invited me into their homes to discuss and inform me; that little girl who shyly handed me a flower before darting behind her moms. I may not have known them, but through the hard times we've gone through you have picked me up, given me warmth and restored faith in myself and in this country challenge after challenge, wave after wave. A lot of times the campaign almost failed - because of money, social norms or conservative thinking. YOU made this possible, YOU made this happen, and YOU demonstrated to the world - our nation's greatness in embracing change."

The crowd went ecstatic. Seeing a sea of faces, full of expectations of a happy future, I am humbled by their courage in choosing me to represent them. I looked back to also acknowledge the crowd behind, but most of all I was looking at Jack. He looked so beautiful and proud, and also a bit teary-eyed on this big occasion. No amount of lost sleep or starving nights could diminish his perfectness. We were meant to be, and his love has been invaluable in getting me through stressful times.

I continued with my speech. Towards the end I motioned Jack to come up to the stage. My hands reached for him, and his fingers wrapped themselves snuggly around mine, the feeling so familiar and natural that we didn't have to think about it.

"Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III was a shy child. Never had the bravery to embark on anything new, but maybe... he was saving it for something greater. It's thanks to your love that America has elected their first gay president. We look forward to a brighter future, good night!"

Jack and I raised our interlocked hands in acceptance, and the crowd cheered on.