Title: Content
Author: Liz Huisman
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Can't say I'm Aaron Sorkin. Dammit!
Spoilers: Absoballylutely none. (There is a small reference to 'The Short List', but rest assured, it gives away nothing.)
A/N: Sequel to 'Retarded Heart'. If you haven't read it, may I suggest doing that? (Shameless promotion of my story. Gee!) This is from the POV of. someone. Read.
Summary: "See, I have this thing, for this guy."
See, I have this thing, for this guy. I didn't want it to be like that, but that's how it turned out. And who am I to mess with fate?
I can't remember when I first realized that I had a thing for him. On the campaign, maybe?
I knew then that I could never act on my feelings. And even if I were to desire to, there's always the matter of this other woman.
I didn't know for sure what he felt, but I sensed it was something more. I never felt that same thing about me, though. Well, not right away, anyway.
I also can't say exactly when things changed. But they did.
One time, at Senior Staff, I felt his gaze on me nearly the entire time. That's when I knew things had changed. And I definitely wasn't being disappointed in things, either.
So I know he has a thing for me, and I, a thing for him. No, not a thing. We use 'thing' so often around here, there are times that no one knows what anyone else is talking about, including me with all my female intelligence.
So, I'm in love. And I'm fairly convinced he is too. With me.
I need to take a walk. I start walking towards a park nearby. I'm not sure what's drawing me there, but for some reason that's where I'm going.
As I near the fountain in the middle, I see someone familiar standing near it. So this is what drew me here. I'm certainly not disappointed.
I watch him a moment, considering him. From what I can tell, he's feeling lonely. And another point for my incredible female instincts!
I decided right then to do it. I stepped forward, so I was nearly right behind him.
And then I spoke.
"Josh."
He jumped slightly in surprise, and then turned around. He smiled.
"CJ."
We stood there for a moment, just looking at each other. Trying to read the other's thoughts.
Let it be known that he, Joshua Lyman, is not nearly as dense as Sam and Donna would have everyone believe.
"Walk with me, Claudia."
I follow. He's still the only one who can get away with calling me that.
"It's totally mutual, by the way," he says, almost as an afterthought.
Let it also be known that in certain situations, Joshua Lyman knows exactly what to say and when to say.
Let this situation be included in that category.
"So you've been talking to my $20 psychic, right?"
"She told me my boss was sleeping with anyone and everyone who would sleep with him. I didn't like the thought of my boss being a slut, and let me tell you I got MY $20 bucks back too."
I started to laugh. He joined me. I love his laugh. I can add that to my stalker-type list of everything I love about him.
"CJ?"
"Yes?"
"You know-you know it's not her anymore?"
"I also know that it hasn't been for some time."
We become silent again, and we walk. We just enjoy each other's company, arm in arm.
And I'm content, for the first time in a very long time.
Author: Liz Huisman
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Can't say I'm Aaron Sorkin. Dammit!
Spoilers: Absoballylutely none. (There is a small reference to 'The Short List', but rest assured, it gives away nothing.)
A/N: Sequel to 'Retarded Heart'. If you haven't read it, may I suggest doing that? (Shameless promotion of my story. Gee!) This is from the POV of. someone. Read.
Summary: "See, I have this thing, for this guy."
See, I have this thing, for this guy. I didn't want it to be like that, but that's how it turned out. And who am I to mess with fate?
I can't remember when I first realized that I had a thing for him. On the campaign, maybe?
I knew then that I could never act on my feelings. And even if I were to desire to, there's always the matter of this other woman.
I didn't know for sure what he felt, but I sensed it was something more. I never felt that same thing about me, though. Well, not right away, anyway.
I also can't say exactly when things changed. But they did.
One time, at Senior Staff, I felt his gaze on me nearly the entire time. That's when I knew things had changed. And I definitely wasn't being disappointed in things, either.
So I know he has a thing for me, and I, a thing for him. No, not a thing. We use 'thing' so often around here, there are times that no one knows what anyone else is talking about, including me with all my female intelligence.
So, I'm in love. And I'm fairly convinced he is too. With me.
I need to take a walk. I start walking towards a park nearby. I'm not sure what's drawing me there, but for some reason that's where I'm going.
As I near the fountain in the middle, I see someone familiar standing near it. So this is what drew me here. I'm certainly not disappointed.
I watch him a moment, considering him. From what I can tell, he's feeling lonely. And another point for my incredible female instincts!
I decided right then to do it. I stepped forward, so I was nearly right behind him.
And then I spoke.
"Josh."
He jumped slightly in surprise, and then turned around. He smiled.
"CJ."
We stood there for a moment, just looking at each other. Trying to read the other's thoughts.
Let it be known that he, Joshua Lyman, is not nearly as dense as Sam and Donna would have everyone believe.
"Walk with me, Claudia."
I follow. He's still the only one who can get away with calling me that.
"It's totally mutual, by the way," he says, almost as an afterthought.
Let it also be known that in certain situations, Joshua Lyman knows exactly what to say and when to say.
Let this situation be included in that category.
"So you've been talking to my $20 psychic, right?"
"She told me my boss was sleeping with anyone and everyone who would sleep with him. I didn't like the thought of my boss being a slut, and let me tell you I got MY $20 bucks back too."
I started to laugh. He joined me. I love his laugh. I can add that to my stalker-type list of everything I love about him.
"CJ?"
"Yes?"
"You know-you know it's not her anymore?"
"I also know that it hasn't been for some time."
We become silent again, and we walk. We just enjoy each other's company, arm in arm.
And I'm content, for the first time in a very long time.
