Realization

Note: this is my first attempt at J/D or West Wing fanfic- please send me your comments!

Josh/Donna

Set after "Manchester II"

Red, white and blue balloons waved festively in the autumn breeze as the Columbia HS marching band played a rousing Sousa tune. Emotions were running high as President Bartlet made his official campaign announcement in the hills of New Hampshire. Although it was meticulously scripted by Bruno and others, Donna felt a chill as the president spoke eloquently to the assembled crowd, many of whom had supported him during the first campaign as well as when he was governor of New Hampshire. The feeling of working for President Bartlet was wonderful, and it never went away. Sure, sometimes after a long week of wrangling with the staff of various legislators (not to mention Josh), she was tired- but she loved this job. Sighing quietly, she felt patriotic and content and excited all at once. Although the campaign ahead would be brutal, especially with the upcoming subpoenas, she was confident in President Bartlet, and in the senior staff that he would be reelected.

"Donna!"

She could hear Josh bellowing from miles away, it seemed. Josh. The man for whom she works, the Deputy Chief of Staff. A man that was enigmatic and infantile and complex and made her feel...alive. She respected Josh a great deal, but tried not to let him see that- or he would be unbearable. Donna felt that it was her job to keep his ego somewhat in check. The thing about Josh- Donna tried not to think about what made her feel so... happy when she was with him. True, she finds him attractive, and there is a spark- they had witty banter, and sweet moments-- sometimes she thinks that he is her best friend. Of course, since she spends twelve to sixteen hours a day with him at the White House, she doesn't socialize too much anyway. But what she has with Josh is a special relationship; something that the other assistants don't have with their staff. Her relationship with Josh is important to her, and she keeps her feelings hidden from the other assistants, especially when they are gossiping or complaining about office problems.

Lost in thought, she hears Josh call her again as he walks up the steps to where she is standing on the stage, watching the crowd disperse. "Donna? Didn't you hear me calling for you?" Turning, she says quickly," Is it time to go? Is the motorcade ready?" Scanning her face, Josh replied," Yes, he's almost finished with the rope line. Do you have the paperwork for HR.393 and the Skinner meeting so that we can go over it on the way?" Donna nodded affirmatively, and added," Also, you have a 6:00 on the Hill with Mark Robertson." "Really?" Josh whined. "When did that get added?" Donna replied,"Leo added to your schedule this afternoon, because of the upcoming floor vote." "'Kay." Josh and Donna started down the hill, headed for the motorcade that would take them to Air Force One, parked at a nearby base.

As they found their places in the deserted staff area of Air Force one, Josh spread papers on the floor and table in messy piles as Donna settled down with his laptop, working on the research that Josh had requested for the upcoming child welfare reform legislation. Sinking into the cushy leather seat, Donna closed her eyes for a second, reflecting on her general happy mood. Considering that the subpoenas would be handed down next week, she didn't have too much reason to be optimistic about the next week-- but she was just happy to be alone in the staff area, working with Josh.

"Hey, are you OK?" She opened her eyes to see Josh leaning over her, looking worried. "Are you too tired? We have a lot of work to get done tonight, but you could take a quick nap if you need to. I could wake you up when we're over D.C. I know that you didn't get too much sleep last night, especially with Carol and Margaret up talking." Donna smiled at his concern, and was about to reply when she suddenly felt water dripping onto her thin blouse. She let out a small cry, and started to jump up from her seat, saying "Josh, are you trying to use your powers of Chinese water torture on me?" As she stood up, she collided with Josh, who looked confused and then glanced down at the glass in his hand. "Oh... sorry. Want me to get you a towel?" She nodded, and Josh started to leave the room. Suddenly turning around, he looked at the soaked front of her blouse, and said," A towel is not going to help that. I'm giving you my shirt." He began to unbutton his shirt, and shrugged it off, handing it to Donna. She could still feel his warmth emanating from the blue oxford as she stared at Josh. Feeling as though it was difficult to breathe, she told Josh, "Turn around." As a cocky but shy grin played across his face, he turned toward the window, secretly watching her reflection as she removed her blouse and put his on. "You can turn around now," she said, as she finished buttoning his shirt, reveling in his scent and warmth as she rolled up the sleeves.

Looking at her with his shirt on, sleeves rolled and the hem reaching almost to the bottom of her skirt, he felt a wave of happiness crash over him. This was what he wanted, and for the first time in his life, he wasn;t sure how to get there. Donna was his assistant, and there was already a scandal brewing for the Bartlet administration. He realized, maybe consciously for the first time, that he was in love with Donna, that she was the one that held him together emotionally as well as professionally. He realized that he was happier over the past four years than he had ever been.

This was what he wanted, and for the first time in his life, he wasn't sure how to get there. For now, he would just enjoy sitting next to her on Air Force One, leaning into her warmth as they worked on legislation and bantered with each other. That was enough, for now.

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