For the prompt: "It's always been you. You and only you."
When she finally got the call, she couldn't say she was surprised.
"Hi," she greeted when she picked up. "It's been a long time, Mike."
The tiniest breeze passed through her hair and rippled her clothing. Firmly, Nadine pulled the brim of her hat down further to shade her face. The California sun freckled her skin and had given her a permanent rosy glow high across her cheeks, but she burned easily and she refused to take her chances with skin cancer. Still, she liked herself like this. She liked who she was now that she lived here, and she liked that she lived here. She loved the salty air, and the water, and the hard heat. Even this close to Christmas, it was so warm. She always ran cold at baseline, and for once in her life this was a non-issue.
"I should have called sooner."
"With all the free time you've had this year?" She chuckled. "Congratulations, by the way. I've never been more proud to vote for anyone in my life."
"I hope that means you voted for us."
"It's a secret ballot. I'll never tell," she quipped.
"I definitely voted for the other guy. Mostly because I wanted to take some time off, and if Elizabeth won, I knew that definitely wouldn't be in the cards for me..." Mike trailed off with a sigh, sounding like he might be actually tired.
"Better luck next time, maybe," she offered.
"Doubtful. But how are you doing?"
"I'm well, thank you. But I have a feeling this isn't purely a social call."
"You're right. We're on an employment spree. She wants you back, if you're willing."
"For?"
"What else? White House Chief of Staff."
"I don't think so." The job had nearly killed Russell, and it would certainly end her. She might have had the stomach for it at one point, but she was older now, and the west coast had softened her. "You should take it."
"You know it's not me she wants in this seat."
"Mike—"
"It's always been you. You and only you, Nadine. You know that. This is your seat; you belong here."
"I'm happy out here," she said softly.
"Couldn't you be happy in DC? Seemed to work for you for a good long time."
"Not happy like this."
"Can't... can't you be happy with me?"
She bit down on her lip. "Oh, Mike."
"I think I could make you happy. I'd try really hard."
Nadine sighed. She thought for a long moment. For Elizabeth McCord, she'd at least give it her consideration. Even though she'd most likely turn it down in the end.
"When do you need an answer by?" she asked finally.
"I can give you until the end of the week." He sounded relieved. He probably had braced himself for a flat out no, so he'd take a maybe with a smile and know better than to push for more. "You'll think about it?"
"I'll think about it," she confirmed. "But no promises."
"I knew you were bored out there." She could hear the smile in his voice.
"Goodbye, Mike."
"Bye, Nadine. Talk to you in a week."