AN: Hi! This is a story that I've been wanting to write for a long time. It's actually the first fanfic I started for Josh/Donna. It's going to follow every major event that we saw in the show for Josh and Donna with some layers of drama and between the lines things. This first chapter is probably too long but the other ones will be shorter! Thanks for reading! Please leave a review!

AUTHOR'S WARNING In this chapter, I talk about an abortion. While I believe that it is a medical procedure that women have the right to that should be normalized, I know not everyone feels this way. If you are sensitive/offended by the topic, you can skip the February 18th entry.

Donna

February 14, 1998

My heart is racing so hard you'd think I just did a triathlon as opposed to what I actually did… which was pee. A very normal human function that should not be anxiety inducing. Unless of course you've missed two consecutive periods.

The first one I thought was due to stress. I've been running around like crazy. I'm working two jobs during the week and babysitting on the weekends. Honestly, the Rodriguez kids and the Robbins' baby are a cake walk compared to how I spend my free time now- nannying my nearly thirty year old boyfriend.

This morning I woke up ninety minutes earlier than I should have had to so I could make sure he got to work on time, was fed, and that the house was picked up after he had his pals here last night. I don't have to meet my parents for church for an hour so I spend the time working out, taking a quick shower (quick because the damn thing loses essentially all water pressure after seven minutes max), and working on the bills.

My eyes narrow in on some purchases I don't recognize. I look up where the charges are from and at least two of them are from online lingerie stores. Paul and I share a laptop and my stomach drops when I realize that he has an account. Maybe they're birthday gifts for me? Or for Valentine's Day? Which is today. Not that he said anything. I don't expect anything.

I look at the previous orders. Now if I really believed what I was trying to convince myself- that the purchases are for me- I wouldn't have looked. I love surprises. Well, maybe not all surprises.

The orders are definitely not my size.

The bastard is using my money to buy lingerie for his affairs?

Dammit. I hope he rots.

And then I burst into tears. I know it's true. There's been hints. Especially in the past few months. How could I have been so naive? I run to the toilet and puke my guts out. Once I'm done, I pull myself up- washing my face, getting out my toothbrush. I sigh when I realize the toothpaste is out. And he clearly just left it on the counter for me to find. I look in other drawers for some. And that's when I see the mostly full box of tampons.

And I remember that I definitely should have had my period. For a while. That's two months.

Knock, knock, knock.

My parents are here to pick me up for church. Fuck.

Church is a bore and even more excruciating than usual. I want it to finish in a hurry so my parents will drop me off at home, I can walk to the drug store, and buy a pregnancy test. Or several. Just to be sure.

All four have been positives.

Donna

February 18th, 1998

"Honey, do you want more soup?" My mom calls to me. I'm cuddled up on the couch with several blankets. My mom is pulling out all the sick child stops. Except I'm not sick. I had an abortion three days ago. I think my mother is waiting for me to break down at any second.

When I called my dad, while packing up my whole life, to come pick me up, both my parents were scared but I knew a little bit relieved. They didn't like Paul very much. Of course, they were always polite and never really told me I shouldn't see him but they told me in their own ways. Some may say passive aggressive, my mother would say polite.

My parents aren't thrilled I decided to get an abortion. I know my mother is sad and my father is frustrated. But I can tell that they love me anyways and they understood not wanting to have Paul's baby. That doesn't mean they aren't judging me. My father hasn't quite looked me in the eye and I think my mother is praying more than usual. I would feel better if I could get out of here. Which I can't. Because I don't have anywhere to go.

Which Paul had been so kind to remind me when he stopped by on Tuesday night. I'm pretty sure he only noticed I was gone when there was no one to pick up after him or his card got declined when buying something.

When he showed up, my dad looked murderous. Which I found touching but I'd rather my dad wasn't brought up on homicide charges. I forced Paul away from my father and I let him say what he needed to say and then I went back inside. I said very few words and he said a lot of hurtful ones but I'm made of stronger stuff than that. I have to be made of stronger stuff than that.

My mom sat on the couch with me and started channel flipping. She paused for a couple seconds on one of the news channels. They were showing a town hall with one of the candidates for presidents. My mom moved onto the animal channel but the stronger stuff in me asked her to go back.

Governor Bartlet spoke of hope, better education, and supporting poor families. He talked about relying on one another in times of need and standing strong on our own. His words pierced my soul. And just like that, on a Thursday night at 8:04 pm on February 18th in 1999, the stronger stuff inside me made a decision. I had somewhere to go.

Donna

February 23rd, 1998

I just crossed into New Hampshire. I've basically made it. I let out a breath I think I've been holding since I peed on that stick.

On Friday morning, I sat my parents down and told them my plan. On Friday afternoon, I told my jobs I was leaving. On Saturday morning, my brother and my father went to get my car from Paul. Paul threatened to call the cops but I had been prepared and found the paperwork that had the car in my name. I had paid for that car when I was 17 out of my own pocket. I don't know how or why Paul thought he had any right to it. On Saturday night, I babysat the Rodriguez kids one last time. Saying good night to them was the first time I cried since Valentine's Day. On Sunday morning, my eyes were puffy from crying but I packed up my car, said my goodbyes to my family, and headed to Nashua, New Hampshire to work for Bartlet for America.

I drove late into Sunday night I was so hyped up about it. I was in Indiana before I stopped to sleep. I woke up and started driving again. It was half way through Ohio when my excitement ebbed and my nerves poured in. What was I doing? How could I just pick up and expect to figure things out? What if Paul was right, what if I needed him? What if I just made a huge mistake? What if I'm rejected by the Bartlet for America staffers? From what research I did, Governor Bartlet has a PhD in economics. He went to Notre Dame and a fancy school in London. Why would a campaign for that man want me to do anything other than stick signs in the ground? I was a college drop-out. Were they going to see me for anything else? I fingered the fifty dollar bill my dad gave me on my way out. He said it was for emergency only- for when I needed to get home. I drove through the nerves and stopped in Pennsylvania to sleep. In the morning, the anxiety and uncertainty still were there but the stronger stuff in me decided those things weren't so important.

According to a sign, I'll be arriving in Nashua in forty miles. That means by 8:50, I will be passing by the Bartlet for America campaign office- where I would walk in tomorrow with my head held high and my hands ready to get to work. I pressed a little harder on the gas pedal.

February 24th, 1998

I can't help but notice that these pants are a little big on me. I haven't looked in the mirror at my naked body in a while. I've lost weight over the past few months. When things started to go south with Paul. Not that they were ever particularly north.

Despite the pants being a size or two too big, I think I look nice. I'm wearing a shirt my sister-in-law gave me once she gave up her job to be with the kids. I pin the sides of my hair back so it looks pretty without looking like a spent too much time on it. These pants are from a year and a half ago. I bought them when I had an interview with an advertising firm in Chicago. I hadn't told Paul. I didn't get the job. Paul found out and it was a huge fight. He left and got raging drunk and I had found him with his pants around his ankles passed out outside our apartment complex. It wouldn't be the last time something like this happened.

The stronger stuff inside me doesn't have to think about those nights anymore. The stronger stuff inside me is ready to walk through the campaign office doors and find my passion. If only the stronger stuff inside me could actually convince me feet to move.

A woman running by with her dogs jostles me. Okay, time to get moving. Enough staring at the window, at the hustle and bustle of the campaign. It's time do the damn thing.

There seems to be some sort of meeting going on the corner of the main room. I can't see over anyone's heads or discern any words out of the shouting and the phones ringing to figure out what the meeting is about or who with. I decide that it's probably better that everyone seems to be distracted. I can just… slip in, acquaint myself with my surroundings, help out, and make myself invaluable. By the time they realize they never hired me officially, I'll be so ingrained in the functionality and efficiency of the campaign, they won't be able to get rid of me.

I pick up a folder that was lying on a desk. It's comparing Hoynes and Wiley's numbers in New Hampshire- seeing how their polling. It's interesting but I know I should put it back so no one can accuse me of like being a spy or something.

I wander into an office with a sign that says "Josh Lyman" next. Everything about this room is a mess. The desk is atrocious. Papers and file folders and notepads are strewn about. Whoever this man is, he better be some kind of genius. I pick up one of the folders which analyzes media markets in Illinois- specifically Chicago. This one I actually feel like I know about. I took two media classes in college that I had aced. I make a mental note to look up stuff about this as it relates to the campaign. Under the folder is a planner. There are a million notes and it's clear that whoever is keeping this is just writing things down as they come, not in chronological order. Hence why there seems to be so many crossed wires, meeting overlapping and such. Clearly this is where I'm needed. I find some sticky notes and a legal pad and go to work. I'm in there for a total of five minutes before the phone rings.

"Josh Lyman… No, he's not available right now. Oh, this afternoon? He's got a media session the clock with finance… If you leave your name, I can give Josh the message when he gets back." I can feel someone reach behind me but I'm looking down to right the name down so I don't see who it is. "Thank you very much." I hang up the phone.

"Hi." I turn to look at the voice. The first thing I notice is his chest. It's broad. I notice his hair next. It's kind of receding but it looks fluffy and… cute. Oh come on. I cannot get a crush after one word on my first day. Pull it together, Donnatella.

"Hi." I respond, looking back down.

"Who are you?" Okay, well someone gets to the point. I look back up at his face. He looks skeptical but also like he's about to bounce from standing still too long. Which is all of two seconds.

"I'm Donna Moss, who are you?" I throw back at him. I don't know who this guy thinks he is but if he thinks he's going to sass me, he doesn't know he's running with the big dogs.

"I'm Josh Lyman." Oh. Okay, maybe he does know he's running with the big dogs.

"Ah." I say cleverly, trying to stall to figure out a strategy. Okay, it's fine. Just pretend like this is who you are, that you know what you're doing here. That acting class in college is going to come in handy. Acting is reacting, Donna.

"Yes…" He's not impressed.

"I'm your new assistant."

"Did I have an old assistant?" He looks suspicious but amused. It's cute.

"Maybe not."

"Who are you?" Okay, back to just suspicious.

"I'm Donna Moss. I came in to volunteer and the woman assigned to you." That's right, keep it vague. He's busy man. He'll give up the inquisition soon enough.

"Which woman?" Alright. Should have seen that coming. Just keep moving, like you're doing things. Like you know what you're doing.

"Becky."

"You mean Margaret?" Oh, sure. Now you offer details. He still looks very suspicious.

"Yes." Just drive it in.

"Who are you?" Okay, well now I've been over this.

"I'm Donna Moss. I'll be working as your assistant." Okay, does not look convinced.

"I'm gonna talk to Margaret." Shit. I side step him to block his way. He looks taken aback. Oh, well. Time to fess up. Maybe he's a guy who respects a straight shooter.

"Actually, Josh… When I said I was assigned to you-"

"Yeah?" Wow. He has nice eyes. Focus!

"Well, I may have been overstating it a little." This time he physically leans back. Utterly confused. Poor baby.

"Who are you?" Okay, again. Well, do you want my life story? Also now he's walking away from me. Not so fast, Mr. Lyman.

"I'm Donna Moss. I'm from Madison Wisconsin-"

"When did your boyfriend break up with you?" Um, rude.

"What makes you think my boyfriend broke up with me?"

"Well you're too old for your parents to have kicked you out of the house." He just keeps walking. Jesus. Slow down. Also be nicer.

"I'm here because I want to work for Bartlet." True. "I'm a college graduate with a degree in political science and government." Eh. Not so much. Also now he's shoving peanuts in his mouth.

"Where did you graduate?"

"Huh?"

"Where did you graduate?" Well at least he's looked at me this time. Oh, hey brown eyes. Shit. Focus!

"Okay. When I said I graduated-"

"Yeah?" Let me finish a sentence!

"I may have been overstating it a little-"

"Look-" No, my turn buck-a-roo.

"I-I was a couple of credits short." Eh. Again. Not so much the truth.

"From where?"

"University of Wisconsin?" Why did I say that like it's a question?

"And you majored in political science and government?" Okay, well he doesn't have to sound so condescending.

"And sociology and psychology." Oh, no word vomit Donna is here. Staaaahp.

"Uh-huh."

"And biology, for a little while… With a minor in French." Well, I do actually know a good bit of French.

"Okaaay-" For example, Josh Lyman est un connard.

"And uh, drama."

"You had five majors and two minors in four years?"

"Two years." Okay, word vomit Donna go away now.

"Okay. Listen-" Shit, he's about to tell me to get lost. No. I can't let that happen.

"I had to drop out." Well, at least he's paused for a second. "I had to drop out." I'm not sure if this admission is worth it. It twists my heart still… He looks contemplative. Like he might be listening. And then Josh Lyman says…

"Your boyfriend was older than you?" Um, fuck off.

"I think that question is off a personal nature?"

"Donna-" He has a dimple. Cute. Even when it's from smirking. "You were just at my desk, reading my calendar, answering my phone, and hoping I wouldn't notice I hired you. Your boyfriend was older?" Well, someone's insistent. I'm well aware I could walk out of here. I could find another person to work in the campaign. Or give up. But now I have something to prove to this egoist.

"Yes." I try very hard not to roll my eyes.

"Law student?"

"Medical student."

"And the idea was you'd drop out and pay the bills til he finished his residency?" Weird that he knows that. Am I that obvious? Do I have sucker painted on my forehead? He sits down, leaning forward on his elbows. He has nice arms. FOCUS.

"Yes."

"And did you?"

"Yes."

"And why did Doctor Freeride break up with you?" I hate this man. I hate this scruffy, handsome man with beautiful eyes.

"What makes you think he broke up with me?" He doesn't answer. He does look like I may have stunned him for a second. Oh, preconceived notions are hard to get over. Don't worry big boy I'll make this easy on you. Just because I want to get a move on and really don't want to talk about Paul. I sit down and sigh. He snaps out of it.

"Donna, this is a campaign for the presidency. And there's nothing I take more seriously than that." Why do I find that hot? "This can't be a place where people come to find their confidence and start over."

"Why not?" Now I'm just feeling indignant.

"I'm sorry?" He's got that suspicious look on his face again.

"Why can't it be those things?"

"Because-" I'm not done, pal.

"Why? Is it going to interfere with my typing?"

Ha. Got him. He stands up and walks across the hall. He's diverting. Because he can't say I'm wrong. A girl could get use to this.

"Donna, we're picking up today and going to South Carolina. If you wanna stay in the Manchester office-" Not getting rid of me that easy, Lyman.

"I want to come to Charleston."

"I can't carry ya, Donna." I like how he says my name. "I got a lot of guys out there not going."

"I'll pay my own way."

"With what?" Oh I really don't like how he said that. Or how he's looking at me right now. Like he knows my capabilities better than I do.

"I'll sleep on the floor- I'll sell my car." Reigning him back in, he steps back into the office, leaning on the doorframe. "Eventually you're going to put me on salary."

"Donna-" Again, I do like that. But it's time for him to shut up now. Also he's too close. He smells good.

"Look. I think I can be good at this. I think you might find me valuable." He's looking at me like he's trying to figure out a difficult math problem. The phone starts to ring. We don't break eye contact.

"Go ahead." Keep emotions in check. This is fine.

"Bartlet for America, Josh Lyman's office." I hate that I keep looking up at him. But also he's so cute. And looks so serious. "Uh, yes. I think I'm going to have somebody from the press office get back to you if it relates to media." That's a look. That's a sexy look. He's looking at me like that. "Uh, yes. Hmm. Yes." I focus on the conversation. Next time I look over he's taking off his badge and suddenly I'm holding it.

I think I've just been hired by Josh Lyman.

Josh

February 24th, 1998

Today was one of those days that makes your head spin. The day had started pretty well. I'm getting along with CJ and Toby. They're fun. And it's nice to hang out with Sam again. But this isn't a social club and me making friends isn't the goal.

We're getting a man elected to the highest office of the United States!

A man who either doesn't know who I am or really hates my guts.

That staff meeting didn't fuel me with hope but I want to get started on making sure our shit is together for South Carolina. I don't want anything sneaking up on us. Like a certain blond not-assistant did on me today.

Really today wasn't a day to make my head spin. That's most days on a campaign for most people. Not for me. It's my normal. I like it. It exhilarates me. What does make my head spin is the very young, very attractive, very clever, underqualified, soul-searching girl who just showed up in my life.

At 10:05, I had no assistant.

At 10:15, I had an assistant and I'm pretty sure she's great at it and I'm pretty sure she's going to be the death of me.

I think most people figured I hired her because she's a beautiful leggy young woman. Don't get me wrong she's stunning. But the whole sweetheart of middle America thing wasn't usually what got me going- and we saw plenty of 'em on the campaign trail. Her Bambi eyes and bright smile were not The Factors.

The Factors are sort of ineffable. I think I felt The Factors when she said, "What makes you think he broke up with me?" She was so self-assured. But clearly insecure at the same time. Yet here she was insisting on being here and speaking truth to power. She doesn't seem intimidated by me. Honestly she doesn't even seem that impressed with me. Maybe I'm masochist or maybe her eyes are just honest and decent and easy to drown in. Yeah, this is going to be a problem.

I tried to play the tough guy act for half of the day. She didn't buy it. In fact, the more I pressed her, the more she pushed back. She was a sniper. And by that I mean, every time I'd hit her with my classic mind-blowing wit, she sniped right back at me. I think Leo would call it "spunk."

At around 5:30, a lot of the volunteer staff was going home. I was curious to see what she'd do. After all, I'd ridden her pretty hard today. Okay, nope. Gotta get that imagery out now. I wonder how long she'd stay. 5:30 was two thirds of my day done. On a good day.

At one point, I got so caught up in whatever I prepping for tomorrow, I forgot I was supposed to be checking if she stayed or not. I stuck my head out. I was disappointed when I didn't see her blond head out there.

"Whatcha lookin for?"

"AH!" I let out a very manly and impressively masculine squeak. Donna was smiling brightly behind me. "Okay, I'm reporting you to HR."

"Do campaigns have an HR department?"

"National ones have some version of it."

"Oh, I'm already learning so much from you, Josh. Teach me more." Donna exclaims dramatically. She says it in that haughty, sexual tone. I retreat back to my office. She's laughing.

"You're fired!" I yell out to her.

"Third time's not the charm." She calls back. I smile goofily at the briefing memo. I have tried to fire her twice already today. The first time I asked her to bring me coffee. She put up some argument but eventually brought me back a mug. Twenty minutes later. With the remnants of what was once coffee. She said she got thirsty on the way back. I fired her. She just reminded me about the media session and walked back out.

The second time happened when she met CJ. Women will be the end of Josh Lyman.

Just before it happened in my office, Donna is sat on the floor organizing papers.

"What are you doing?"

"Organizing."

"Um, we're leaving tomorrow."

"That's why I'm doing it."

"I'm getting everything together that you might need for South Carolina trip."

"My, my Joshua. They told me you got a new assistant but they didn't tell me she would be replacing you." CJ sauntered into my office. I sit down behind my desk. This has trouble written all over it. Donna pops up and shakes CJ's hand.

"Donna Moss."

"CJ Cregg, campaign spokesperson."

"And massive pain in my ass." I mumble. The speed that both of their glares whip over to me is enough to make any man squeal and put his head down.

"Anyways, came to welcome you on board. If this jerk gives you any trouble, let me know and I'll be happy to kick him in his place." CJ is the she-devil.

"Oh, funny. That's exactly what his mother said to me today!" Donna announces.

"MY MOTHER!? When did you talk to my mother?" I shout.

"Keep your voice down. Fifteen minutes ago. She wants you to call her by the way. I told her you'd be doing so on the bus tomorrow." She has this big grin on. I glare at her. "Oh, also she said to remind you the clock is ticking on grandchildren." At this, CJ was laughing out right and had to leave. Donna just started humming and sat back down on the floor. I'm pretty sure I was blushing.

Donna

February 25th, 1998

Yesterday had been a rollercoaster. I couldn't help but feel like everyone was looking at me and honestly I wasn't sure what in the world had possessed Josh Lyman to actually hire me but I loved it nonetheless. I spent a lot of the day yesterday reading and organizing. I didn't really meet that many people. I'm pretty sure that's going to change today. I got along really well with C.J. Cregg. I admired how she held her own with Josh. Not that I couldn't but it was definitely in a different way when she did it.

I met Margaret and her frenetic energy reminded me of a friend I'd had in high school. Margaret gave me gossip and some tips on how to be a good assistant. Her stream of consciousness may have been hard to follow to some but I really enjoyed it. I'm going to need some mental exercises if I'm going to keep up with Josh Lyman.

I'm wearing a pair of khaki pants and light blue button down. Josh said that it was more casual on travel days but I still felt like showing up in jeans on my second day was a no go. I get to the office a half hour early (I couldn't sleep due to excitement as well as nerves). I know that senior staff is already here but few of the junior staffers or volunteers are here yet. I see Margaret but she looks busy so I go to camp out in Josh's office to wait for him to be done in his meeting with Leo and the others.

Yesterday when Josh wasn't in meetings or on the phone, we prattled on with each other. I found him grating and egotistical. I think he found me sarcastic and confusing. And we got along swimmingly for it. Our conversations were held at warp speed. I'm sure this is something Josh does with everyone but I've never been able to play at this level of conversational volleyball and I'm not sure if Josh has had much of someone responding to him at his pace. My theory is that my brain operates a lot like Mario Cart's Rainbow Road while Josh's operates like a high speed road chase in a spy movie. Somehow they compliment each other.

"Hey, you're here early." Josh says entering the office. I'm looking through one of the media markets files for South Carolina and I'm a little wrapped up in it so I don't look up as I respond.

"Yeah, couldn't stay away from you, what can I say?"

"Yeah? I can tell." He snorts. I get up from his chair and he slides behind me to sit down. "Hey you wanna get me coffee?"

"Josh?" I finally look up.

"Yes?"

"Suck it up."

"So that's a no?" He's grinning. I roll my eyes and pick up my notepad.

"Did anything get changed in the schedule for today in that meeting?"

"Nah. Toby is reworking the stump speech again but the schedule is the same for right now- at least not for the campaign. The plane is still leaving later tonight but we're going to get on the road at ten this morning.

"You aren't going on the plane?"

"Nope. You and me, highways and my CDs. Leo wants me to get there early to check in on the venue for the fundraiser tomorrow night. There won't be time to do it later." He explains. Huh. I am going on a road trip with Josh Lyman. This should be interesting. "We'll need to stop in New York for like an hour because there's an issue with their field office then we'll stop for the night in D.C. but we'll have to leave really early in the morning."

Josh and I talk a bit about the New York issue and then I go to take care of printing out the directions. Which he tells me he doesn't need which convinces me that he really does. When I'm at the printer, Margaret comes up to me.

"Hi. Leo wants to meet you." Uh oh. This feels like getting called into the principal's office.

Josh

February 25th, 1998

My original plan for today had been to drive to New York City, take care of the issue there, come back, sit with Toby about the stump, and check in with the person who'd be taking point in Nashua now that we were moving our headquarters for the next few weeks while we focus on the south. But Donna had mentioned something about leaving a little early today so she could get on the road to meet us in Charleston at the first campaign event. Which meant she was planning on driving the fifteen hours straight by herself through the night. Which I didn't like very much before I walked her to her car last night. It's a shitty car. It's not safe. And it wouldn't look good for the campaign for a headline to read "Bartlet Junior Campaign Staffer In Serious Wreck Because They Can't Afford To Pay Their Staff." Or at least that's the reason I told myself I was so bothered by it.

In the staff meeting, I proposed the idea of Donna and I driving to New York and carrying through to D.C. so I could meet with someone I wanted to bring on board and meeting them in Charleston. Really, the plan about D.C. wasn't untrue. It just hadn't occurred to me until I saw Leo looking skeptical for me wanting to change plans and drive. So I covered it with wanting to bring on a kid in Senator Grath's office who would help with our legislative portfolio. Leo shrugged and agreed.

I hadn't seen Donna in a little while. I was typing up a memo for Toby about social security since he wanted to look into that part of our stump speech- or at least one of the parts. And then Mandy had called. Pissed off. As usual. Apparently I am to stay away from Sarah Wessinger tomorrow night at the fundraiser. Despite the fact that we were currently in one of those off periods in our relationship.

"Donna!" I bellow.

"You summoned me your majesty?" She says, looking annoyed.

"Yeah, where've you been? You could have saved me!"

"From?"

"Oh, Donna. If you're going to be my assistant… you have to know. If a woman named Mandy- or Madeline or whatever Nome De Pure Evil she goes by- tries to contact me or meet with me, it is to berate me and you should not let her do that. Ya know, trusty assistant that you are."

"I'll be sure to do that." For some reason, I don't think this is true. "I typed up a schedule for this trip."

"Of course you did." I reply. She glares at me. "Which I'm very grateful for?" She rolls her eyes.

"So it's almost nine. If you still need to pack, you should go do that now. We are leaving at 9:50 from here. I'll have to drop my car off at my hotel first. Since you insist on driving-"

"Your car is a death trap."

"Shut up. We'll get into New York around 2PM. We'll go straight to the field office- if traffic is heavy, 2:30. Which it's New York so I imagine it will be. Our goal is to leave there by 3:20. Which will have us in D.C. around 7:30. We'll leave the following morning at 7AM. We'll stop for lunch in Fayetteville, North Carolina around 12:45. We'll get into Charleston by 3:30. You have your meeting with the fundraiser people at 5:00 then dinner with a donor at 6:30."

"What dinner?"

"Oh. Leo added it."

"You met Leo?"

"Yeah."

"How'd it go?"

"He called me into his office a little bit ago. Said he wanted to meet me, he gave me the customary he'll kick your ass if you annoy me too much line and asked me some questions. He was plenty nice." I get the feeling she's not telling the whole truth here but I've known her for maybe 26 hours. I can't really pry.

"Ah-kay. Can you call Senator Grath's office and tell them to have Larry Duffy give me a call on my cell sooner rather than later?"

"Yeah. What's it for? And do you have the number?"

"Uh. Ask Margaret for the number. And I wanna bother Larry into meeting me tonight in D.C. I wanna bring him into the campaign for some policy work. He knows the appropriations committees and the foreign policy players in congress really well."

"Okay. You should go pack if you haven't." I haven't. But I'm not about to leave when I have an hour to do work here.

"Wouldn't it be more efficient for you to go grab it?" I ask, finding the swipe key and handing it over.

"Do you want me peeping on your stuff?" She says cheekily.

"Peeping? No. See now you've scared me."

"Too late- you've already given me the card." she waves the key card in front of me.

"Ah, but I didn't tell you what room." I raise my eyebrow at her, challenging her. She comes closer to my desk and leans.

"Oh, Mr. Manager. I've completely forgotten what room my husband and I are staying in. I feel like such a ditz. I think his cell died, would you mind terribly looking up what room Lyman is under?" I keep my eyes resolutely trained on her face because I'm pretty sure if I looked down a little bit I'd be ogling her cleavage. Which would be bad. Obviously.

"That minor in Drama really did it, huh?" I reply, but my voice sounds off. Shit. Am I aroused at my assistant playing my wife while I'm playing "hotel manager"? If she notices the change, she doesn't comment.

"I could have been Jennifer Aniston." She sighs dramatically and goes to leave.

"It's 204 by the way. You don't have to flirt with any hotel managers."

"But if I want to?" She tosses back at me. She looks over her shoulder as she leaves, possibly sending me into cardiac arrest.

"Have at it." I reply, even though I vehemently dislike the idea.

Donna

February 27th, 1998

We're at the fundraiser now. Josh was grumpy because when we got here yesterday, things were very up in the air and the staff was running around like chickens sans heads. He complained about being a glorified event planner. We played good cop, bad cop with the fundraiser planning people. Josh was not aware of this game but it worked fantastically well. The fundraiser was going swimmingly. I couldn't believe that I was making this happen! And while Josh was at the meeting with the donor I had twenty minutes to go to a little boutique down the street and find a dress. It was simple but cheap. It was a dark green that went past my calves. I felt both professional and sexy.

The fundraiser had started at 8PM. The senior staff (as well as Governor Bartlet's) plane had landed at 7:20 and Josh met them in the Governor's suite right after his donor dinner. I had gone downstairs to the ballroom to make sure no last minute catastrophes happened as soon as I had finished getting ready in the hotel lobby bathroom. (My hotel was a good bit away from here, this place was too expensive). I didn't see Josh until he called me to come to behind the stage area around 8:10.

He had not warned me that Governor Bartlet would be right there as I stepped through the curtains. The Governor, his wife, his daughter, Josh, CJ, a grumpy looking person I assumed was Toby, Leo, Margaret and a very handsome man I'd later learn was named Sam were all gathered in the small staging area. My first thought was oh my god. That is the next President of the United States damn you Josh for not telling me which led to me searching for Josh's eyes to glare at him but the only thought I had was he's looking at me. In a way a boss usually shouldn't. I do not mind. I do not mind one bit. It wasn't like he was undressing my body with his eyes. It wasn't lustful. He's looking at me like I've stunned him, like I'm beautiful.

"Donna!" Leo booms, smiling at me. Josh looks down and seems to regain his composure. I don't think anyone noticed… except maybe Leo who had something of a knowing look in his eyes. "Everything looking good out there?"

"Yes, sir. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. We've had some donations already which I expect we'll have a lot more after the speech."

"Unless he blows the C section." The man who I'm almost positive is Toby mumbles to my right. He looks quite anxious. I wonder if he's always like this before the Governor speaks. That can't be healthy.

"Josh tells us everything was a mess til you came in. So thank you. Have you met the Governor?" Leo ignores Toby. Josh has stepped up by Leo now. He gives me a smile. I return it as a thank you for telling Leo about me doing a good job. I wasn't sure if Josh had even noticed. But I'm also just a bit nervous about the prospect of meeting Jed Bartlet. Leo is leading me over to him anyways.

"Jed? I have someone for you to meet. This is Donna Moss, she joined the campaign recently and she's doing great work with Josh." Leo introduces. I think I'm going to pass out.

"Nice to meet you, Donna! Which one is Josh?" He leans to shake my hand. In my periphery, I can see Josh take an annoyed inhale. I think he thinks he's being serious. I'm pretty sure he's just giving Josh a hard time. As if I needed another reason to like this man.

"You, too, sir. I-I saw you speak on T.V. and a few days later, I was on my way to Nashua. I am excited to be here, to work on the campaign." I'm worried that I sound too immature or that I'm giving away too much information but I can't help rambling a little bit. "And honestly, sir, I think he's one of the ones frowning but I'm not quite sure." I joke, hoping I didn't cross the line. It's too easy! It's Josh. I look at him next to me, he's glaring at me but unsuccessfully. His lips are twitching upwards. The governor laughs. Score for Donna.

"Donna, this is my wife, Dr. Bartlet." He gestures to the graceful woman next to him. She shakes my hand as well. Before she says anything, CJ comes over from talking on the phone.

"Governor, I think it's time." She says. He nods.

"Alright, let's kick off your plan to override democracy!" He jokes. I'm not sure what this is a reference to but I see Josh discretely roll his eyes then turn to me. He jerks his head to indicate that we should go back out. We walk side by side out into the ballroom and find a spot in the back. Josh's hand is on the small of my back, touching very lightly. He removes it as we come to a stop but I think I may be blushing just from the small gesture. And I was thinking of his face when he first saw me. Oh no.

I have a crush on my boss. Who I've known for less than three days. I am so screwed.

AN: WOw okay that was longer than I intended. I wanted talk about their road trip but it was getting too long but if anyone really wants that I may post a separate fic that's like "inserts for the Here series" of entries that I cut; let me know if it's something you'd like to read