Chapter Text
It was a normal good day for Jeremy. So far, all the plans he made ahead were executed as scheduled. His proposal of Immigration to the Parliament was still in debate but he heard from many that the favor was on his side. With such a good spirit in his mind, Jeremy entered the Palace of Westminster with a broad smile and murmured 'hello', 'good day' to anyone meeting his eye contact.
He was about to pat Trevor, the door guard on his way to the staircase when he spotted a young figure in light grey suit wandering in the waiting hall with his eyes fixed onto the carvings on the pillars. The waiting hall was a public place and you can spot many types of people with different businesses; yet the figure stood out with a pair of curious eyes studying the carving details. When he was done with the pillars, he looked around nervously and fidgeted the button on his suit as if he was anxiously waiting for something, maybe the main reason for his business. Jeremy contemplated going over for a small talk but he then dismissed the idea. There was no reason for him to behave that way to a complete stranger given his position in the House. So instead, he made his way up the staircase and into the Palace.
Jeremy kept his head busy in all matters for the full morning until Peter called and reminded him of their lunch.
“We will have some new interns coming up," Peter announced simply.
“What's with the intern thing?” was his inexpressive reply.
Then Peter walked him through a brief part of the Budget plan for the Party saying that additional workforce might be helpful for the election campaigns. And the level of paperwork was unimaginable so help was always welcoming. Jeremy made no object since the budget was granted for this minor addition.
“Do you need an extra-hand?” Peter asked after the brief ended.
“I suppose, yes," he said without thinking too much of it. He needed all the support he could to ramp up for the Party leader position this term. He was not certain that having any interns will help with that but more people means more brains to take care of the works for him.
“Just send the best brain you have to my desk. I don't have much time to go through the full training process. Olivia will handle the training but she has enough tasks on her list now.”
“They are top graduates from Cambridge with a political background family. I'm sure they will pick up the pace soon" was Peter's assurance.
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“Sir, do you have a minute to meet our new intern?” Olivia, his secretary knocked on his door at about 3pm on the same day.
“Sure, send them in," he looked up from the piles of paper and fixed his glasses. The conversation earlier with Peter slipped his mind completely.
A few moments later, there was another knock at the door and a familiar face bursted in
“Good afternoon, Sir,” it was the young boy at the waiting hall this morning.
“My name is Clive Durham," he offered his hand to which Jeremy accepted willingly. His eyes had not yet lifted off the beautiful bright face who was now sitting opposite to him.
“Nice to see you Mr. Durham. I'm Jeremy Wolfe," he added with a smile.
“Please, call me Clive,” Clive grinned excitedly. “I am thrilled to be assigned to your desk, Sir. If I may say, it is a complete honor to work under your leadership," he added more and the twinkle in his eyes as he spoke those sincere words made Jeremy curse inwardly.
“I met Mr.Wilson after lunch. We all did. He talked with us for a few minutes and then we got assigned,” Clive elaborated further about what he went through the day.
Jeremy was not certain if he should be mad with Peter, or not. He asked for the brightest brain, not the brightest face. Yet Clive was here, seemingly scoring top of all those categories. The young man was beautiful, no doubt with the dreamy big blue eyes, an elegantly straight nose and the slightly curved peachy lips that opened a little bit when he was lost in his thoughts. For the brain, Jeremy had no doubt Peter hand-picked him specifically and now Jeremy could confirm as he sat here listening to Clive's thoughts on the public healthcare system plan, the project he worked on for graduation.
“Interesting view you have," said Jeremy as he stood up to make himself a cup of tea.
“What direction do you want to achieve now being under my wings in the House, Mr. Durham?" Clive answered his question again with a sheepish smile.
Being a powerful man with years of experience in this suffocating politics, he was no stranger to reading the opposite's reactions. And here sat this new intern with obvious admiration to Jeremy on his face, it was needless to say more.
“I would like to share your views on the public matters, Sir. The Immigration proposal in debate; the unemployment budget; healthcare issues. It will be really great if you can have me as your close secretary since I really want to be involved as much as possible in those meetings or debates. I know I can learn a great deal from you, Sir. You have great insights on the infrastructure state that our country is in. Your approaches are fresh and intuitive. And as they said, if you want to grow fast, you learn from the best," young Clive took a deep breath as he finished his speech. His fingers slightly trembled as he accepted the cup of tea from Jeremy's hands.
Quick correct, it's idolization. Not admiration. Jeremy noted to himself.
“Very well, I'll talk to Olivia and get you settled," Jeremy added a smile because Clive now was watching him in fear; probably due to his speech earlier. Was it too straight-forward and demanding? Probably. But it was also the kind of spirit he wanted to be on his team.
He spoke the last thought out loud to assure the young man. Clive returned that with a charming smile. They shook hands again before saying goodbye.