Disclaimer: The West Wing and its characters are the property of Aaron Sorkin, John Wells productions, Warner Brothers, and NBC no copyright infringement intended.

Author's Note: This is my first Jed/Abbey fic so please be kind and tell me what you think. Thanks to Kat for reading this and putting up with me.

Spoilers: Bartlet's Third State of the Union and The War At Home.

Synopsis: What was the deal anyway?

Rated: PG-13

Title: "Deal Maker" 1/1

New Hampshire, January 1998

"Jed."

"In here, Abbey."

"Hey." Abbey walked into the study and wrapped her arms around her husband's waist.

"Hey yourself, Dr. Bartlet." Jed replied, the smile obvious in his voice.

"Don't get any ideas, Mister. I came in here to talk, not to play."

"Could have fooled me." Jed turned around and captured her in a kiss.

"Jed." Abbey scolded as she pulled away.

"You're no fun."

"Well if we talk, I promise we'll have fun later."

Jed put his hand on the small of her back and led her over to the loveseat. "What's on your mind?"

"Your health."

"Abbey, do we have to talk about this now?"

"Yes, Jed. Leo wants you to run. That's fine with me if that's what you want."

"It's what I want."

"Okay, but you know as well as I that the MS is unpredictable."

"I know, we don't have to tell anyone."

"Jed, I don't know if that..."

Jed put a finger up to her lips. "No one, Abbey, not even Leo, not yet."

"I want to be President and I can't be if they know."

"I agree for now, Jed. We're not done with this."

"Abbey, not now." He said as he pulled her into his side and she rested her head on his chest.

March, 1998 Illinois Primary

Abbey walked into the bedroom. "Jed."

"Do we know yet?"

"Not yet. Leo says the exits look good though."

"So we have to talk again. Don't we?"

"Yeah, come sit with me."

He joined her on the bed. "Am I ready for this?"

"You will be." She took a hold of his hand. "You will be. Jed, this disease... we need to have a plan. It's been six years. In another four you could have major health problems. If you want to keep this a secret..."

"One term." Jed cut in. "I promise."

"One term." Abbey agreed, kissing him. "You're going to be a great President, Josiah Bartlet. I love you."

"I love you too."

"You should tell John Hoynes, He has to know so if…"

"I know Abbey but we don't even know if he's said yes to the VP yet."

"When he does, he needs to know."

"He will Abbey."

October 1998

"John, please come in."

"Governor, Mrs. Bartlet."

"Would you like something to drink?"

"No, thank you, Sir."

"Well then, shall we get down to business?"

"Certainly, Sir."

"John, I know we've had our differences and you were expecting to be in my position at this time. You're going to be my Vice President, so I think you should know that because of a condition beyond my control, I will be seeking only one term."

"Sir, due respect. I know we've had our differences but why only serve one term?"

"Hear me out. Support me and my agenda. I'll do my best to make sure you get the nomination in four years."

"We haven't even won the election and you've already decided not to run again."

"John, there is something you need to know but no one can know about it. If anybody finds out we can forget about the White House." Bartlet bowed his head briefly as if in prayer. "Six years ago I was diagnosed with a relapsing/remitting course of MS. John, you are the heir apparent. More importantly, you're only the thirteenth person to know about my condition."

"Understood, Sir."

"You understand why no one can know and you agree.?"

"Yes, Sir."