Things Change
A little Josh/Donna UST, post 2162 Votes.
Disclaimer: Neither of these two belong to me, but if wishing made it so... But seeing as it doesn't, I promise to return them as soon as the story ends.


Josh, Will, Donna and a handful of Russell's staff were sitting in a surprisingly companionable silence watching the Santos/McGarry victory celebrations. Once the speeches were over though the staff walked away and Will stood up and left the room without speaking.

"He'll get over it," Donna told Josh.

"Or not," Josh replied.

"Possibly, would you have if the tables were turned?"

Josh evaded the question. "The difference is, Will never expected to loose, whereas I wasn't too sure what the hell was happening half the time."

"Only half the time?" Donna asked. "You're improving."

"Thanks," Josh smiled.

"Shouldn't you be out there with them?"

"Nah, I'm a backstage guy."

"Yet you're not even backstage, in fact you're in your opponent's office suite."

"Good point," Josh agreed but made no attempt to move.

"Why?"

"Am I here?"

"Yes."

"We always celebrate these things together." Josh's tone showed that, to him, that was obvious.

"Except we were on opposing teams," Donna pointed out.

Josh shrugged, "Didn't feel right without you," he replied.

Donna watched him, unsure whether he meant just this evening or the whole campaign.

"They look good together," Josh continued.

Donna dragged her eyes away from Josh and back to the television screen. "Yes they do. You've wanted to put Leo forward for VP since Hoynes resigned."

"Actually since before the last election. We considered taking Hoynes off the ticket for a while. We had three favorites to take his place; Leo, Fitz and Ulysses S. Grant," Josh smiled.

"He'll make a good VP," Donna told him.

"Leo?"

"Ulysses S Grant," Donna deadpanned and Josh laughed. They watched more of the convention programming, Santos's profile was now being discussed by the commentators. "I like him," Donna said.

"Santos?" Josh asked. "Me too. He's gonna make a great president."

"Yeah," Donna reluctantly agreed.

"That stick in your throat a little?" Josh teased.

Donna glared at him. "I should find Will."

"No, wait," Josh grabbed her arm as she stood up. "It was a joke, Donna. We used to be able to joke."

"Things change."

"People don't,orat least we shouldn't."

Donna sat back down and carried on watching the television, but she didn't speak

Josh wasn't sure now was the right time to ask this, but he asked anyway. "What you gonna do now? You gonna work for Russell 'til the end of the term?"

"I don't have too may options do I?"

"Of course you do. You could work for anyone you chose. CJ would hire you in an instant."

Donna shook her head. "I don't want to go back to The White House."

"Then how about Boston and Washington, with some extensive traveling around the country for the next four months or so. Then the OEOB, or The White House if you change your mind on that one."

"What are you waffling about?" Donna asked.

Josh smiled at Donna's irritated tone, it was almost like old times. "Leo wants to hire you. He needs a staff, he wants you as his media director."

Donna was thrown, "Leo wants me to work for him?"

"Yes," Josh agreed. "So, Donnatella, what do you say?"

"Will I be answerable to you?"

"No, you'll be relieved to hear that you'll report directly to Leo."

Donna smiled. "Will isn't going to be pleased."

"Is that a yes?"

"It is."

Josh jumped up and grinned. He held his hand out to Donna and pulled her to her feet. "Then let's go and join the celebrations."

"I thought you were a backstage guy?" Donna asked.

"I am, but now you're with me. Come on, the night is young."

"The night is young?" Donna mimicked as she followed Josh down to the convention hall.

END