Hearing Dave's statement, Mike softly chewed on the corner of his lip and he flicked his brows, "I mean...yeah." He admitted softly, "I never really...asked her about it, I guess. It was just how it was." Now he felt bad for not thinking about his mother more in that situation but there was really no changing it now. "My mom is tough. She's been married to my dad for over forty years. She's used to it." He mentioned with a nod. His mom was a great lady. It was a shame that over the past decade, Mike rarely got to see her. And now that he was retired, he was spending all his time on some island in the middle of the ocean. What a shitty fucking son he was.
He nodded in understanding as the other spoke of his father situation. While their lives were different, they seemed to be able to understand what it was like growing with a father expecting something so big of you, "I feel like... a lot of politician families don't." He mentioned with a frown, "It's just something that runs in the family. I imagine it's difficult to separate the two aspects of your life." Mike really had no idea, but it seemed like it would be hard. At least his mother accepted his job. That was one, small win.
His brow raised at David's next question before they immediately furrowed as well as his lips pressing together into a tight line. Mike had never thought about it. He just knew that the FBI was his future. The next question seemed to be tougher for Dave, especially after he accidentally brushed his leg against his own. It was obvious that the other got nervous about those types of things, but it was really nothing. Reaching out, Mike softly patted Dave on the hand, his way of saying 'everything is fine' before he looked down to his menu again, "Well, I think I want a burger and some onion rings. I can't recommend those more." He mentioned, then dropped his menu and folded his hands, "The job question though...that's hard." He admitted and sighed, shaking his head, "It never occurred to me want to be anything else..." How stupid was that? "It's all I've known." Mike frowned a bit, suddenly feeling like he missed out on something important, "What's yours?" Maybe that would trigger something in his mind.
David could easily tell how much admiration Mike had for his mom after that short exchange – and honestly, he could understand exactly why he felt that way. Moms were tough. A lot of kids should give them more credit than they did nowadays but that was how things were. They would always want what was best for their own children – while at the same time allowing them to pursuit their dreams and aspirations. “Moms are tough. We might view them as fragile beings because they are our moms and we only know that soft side of theirs but…” They could be really damn tough. Having to accept their son’s career choice even if they didn’t probably wasn’t the easiest thing in the world to do… but they always succeeded in seeing the long run. Whatever made their kids happy, would make them happy. David chuckled and nodded at Mike’s words, giving the other man a quick smile as he admired the strength he mentioned from his mom. “I have no doubts in my mind that your mom is an incredible woman. I mean, she raised you.” And as long as their kids were happy… so would they. It was just that easy. At the mention of running in the family – the politician genes that is – David could only nod in silent response, considering the weight of Mike’s words. Maybe it was something genetic or maybe the concept of following their father or mother’s footsteps had been ingrained into them since an early age. Honestly, David didn’t know if he followed politics because he wanted to or because it was a way to connect to his father. His mother… she was a stay at home mom. Typical politician wife with her well trained smiles and waves – knowledgeable enough to organize fundraisers and other public events that would further boost her husband’s career. Like the saying went – behind every powerful man there was an even more powerful woman. “I think deep down… she just wanted for me to live my life. And while she accepted my own choice to follow in his footsteps, she knew better than me at the time of the price to pay for it.” No actual freedom to say or do whatever he wanted. To have his life dictated and controlled by a very precise schedule that he needed to maintain. Public opinion was in the end… everything for a politician. Clearing his throat, David could feel his cheeks burn even more once Mike’s hand covered his own, almost as if reassuring him that it was ok to brush his leg against his own under the table. No harm done – not like he had kicked him in the balls or something. To be like that with another man – to be able to speak freely and not having to second guess his ever choice of words or actions was something that would take David some time to get used to. It was ok to touch a man at the Haus. To touch their hand or walk with their arms linked or even smile at one. No one would judge him there. No one would point a finger and gasp in a rather audible way. He needed to make sure to remember that. To remember that at the Haus… he could be who he wanted to be. “T think I’ll ask for the same as you. Burger and onion rings. It has been a long time since I ate a burger, honestly. I barely remember what those taste like.” And as the question about what he would do if he had a choice, David could only lower his eyes to the menu and feel that faint smile creeping on his own lips. He had thought about it. What he would do if he had a choice or even if things had been different.
“Promise you won’t laugh? I…. I always wanted to like… be a teacher. Maybe highschool or college level. I… don’t know exactly why but… y-yeah.. That’s what I would do if things worked differently, I guess.”












