It all started with the 2012 presidential election. Going into it, Mitt Romney's goals were purely oriented toward running a good campaign and winning the White House, but along the way something happened. Something came along that turned his world upside down. This something had a name, and his name was Paul Ryan. Initially, Mitt had chosen his running mate because he was the best man for the job—a good-looking, charismatic speaker with firm ideals and a pleasant disposition—but little did he perceive the deeper feelings he harbored for the vice-presidential candidate. Nevertheless, as the campaign progressed they became increasingly difficult to ignore.
First came the rallies, and with every passing speech Mitt Romney began to realize that the fire Paul Ryan's voice aroused in his heart was fueled by more than just ideology and rhetoric. It was with shock and dread that he ultimately admitted to himself that he had fallen in love with his running mate. This was not supposed to happen. He was married. He had children. He was a devout, religious man. How was he going to reconcile all of this? Nevertheless, it had happened, and now Mitt Romney found it impossible to imagine living on without Paul Ryan.
The election cycle wore on, each day leaving Mitt more and more hopelessly in love. Never far from his mind was the sparkle in Paul Ryan's eyes a moment before they stepped off the campaign bus, or the steadiness of his voice as he described their tax plan to a gaggle of incredulous reporters. Whenever they locked eyes, Mitt would lose himself, desperately searching for some sign that his feelings were reciprocated. At times he thought he caught a glimpse of something there, but in the end could never tell whether or not it was simply a product of his imagination.
And then came the Republican National Convention. For a while now, the campaign had been fairly certain that they would receive the republican nomination, but the adrenaline and electricity in the air that night made it exhilarating all the same. The evening was a blur of blinding lights, flashing cameras, cheering masses, rousing speeches, and balloons. However, the moment that made this evening unforgettable occurred outside, after all the hubbub had ceased.
Paul and Mitt stood side-by-side out by the busses, enjoying the warm Florida air. Everything seemed so peaceful and quiet compared to the packed hall of the convention, and they were grateful for these few minutes to themselves, without advisors or reporters or anyone breathing down their necks. The two stood in silence for a while. At length, Mitt spoke.
"This is a new milestone. For both of our careers. And it's all thanks to you, Paul. You did it."
Paul Ryan turned to look at him. "No," he replied. "You did."
Mitt Romney smiled slightly. "We both did."
Their eyes met, and held one another's gaze. Mitt could feel his heart racing. The distance between them began to disappear, and before he knew it Paul Ryan was kissing him. It was then that Mitt Romney knew he was in too deep. Whether for better or for worse, there was no way out now, and he was surprised to realize that he didn't care. He didn't care what happened next. It no longer mattered whether he would win the election: he had won Paul Ryan.