A/N I always found it odd that Mallory went by another last name but no indication that she'd ever been married so I figured why can't Sam. This is the story of Sam as the Bartlet's son. Younger then Liz, older then Ellie and Zoey. He stays out of the spot light because of his sexuality but his father's run for president is about to thrust him and his lover both into the national spot light. Can they save their secret and still help run a government.

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The phone call was going to blow his life apart, it was one thing to be the son of the Governor of New Hampshire no one really paid attention to you. A little secrecy and you could pass. Press wasn't going to pound on your door or follow your every move, and god forbid his father actually get the nomination. That just added a whole new level of fuckery to his life. Then there was secret service agents and his every move watched.

He swallowed. He had tried to live out of the limelight. He'd taken his middle name as his last, his grandmother's maiden name. his parents new, though they'd never met any of his partners, they expected him and he'd kept a low profile as to not ruin his father's political aspirations. He'd never expected this. A bid for the presidency.

He didn't know how he felt, not really, what he did know was that he wouldn't stop his father, that he would support him, he just wasn't so sure to what extent. His father wanted him Nashua he just couldn't go. Or so he thought until Josh showed up. Looking at him all wind-swept curls and that back pack slung over his shoulder and Sam was 21 again and Josh was older and they'd fallen for each other one balmy fall day on a collage campus. They were still best friends and deep down, so deep down he didn't think about it too much, or so he told himself. Because Josh was in politics and his dad was then a United States Congressman and then a governor and that would be dangerous, but there he was staring at Josh as he walked through the door of Gage Whitney. As he followed Josh out onto the New York street.

"So." Josh held his backpack strap with one hand and looked at Sam. Those eyes he never could resist.

"So." Sam said staring back at him.

"I'm headed to Nashua." With those words Sam's heart sank.

"Nashua, why?" he could have asked so much more. Questions like why would you do this to me? Don't I matter? Would you really help rip me apart?" he kept all those questions in as he shifted from foot to foot.

"Leo McGarry came to DC and pulled me out of Hoynes office, he wants me to come work for your father. I don't know that he has a shot in hell but I will go, I want you to come with me."

Sam shook his head and barked in disbelief. "You want me to go with you, are you kidding?"

"Hoynes isn't the real deal and well I never met your father from the way you always talked about him I think he could be."

Sam swallowed the words he wanted to say. He swallowed the words I don't want them to win. "Okay," was all he said.

Josh watched him. "Okay so I have your blessing?"

"Yes and if you think he's the real thing well then I guess come back and see me I'll think about it."

"I have to go. I have a train to catch. It was good seeing you Sam." Sam just nodded watching as Josh turned and walked away.

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Josh stood and listened to the man up at the potium. "So you made it." He looked over at Leo.

"I made it. I had to make a stop in New York first."

"What do you think?"

"I think he's the real deal." Josh whispered and shook his head because he knew he'd tell Sam the same thing and that Sam wouldn't like that answer.

"So you're going to come work for us."

"I have to talk to someone first."

"Someone in New York?"

"Yeah someone in New York."

Leo watched the younger man he knew the secrets of this man, but not all of them. No not all of them by far and he wondered who was in New York and why they were so important to this decision but he knew when to question and when not and this was a not to time.

Jed Bartlet watched his best friend talking to a younger man. A younger man he felt he should know the name of but that was evading him. He watched the man turn and leave as he made his way to Leo's side.

"Who was that?"

"Josh Lyman his father is an old friend. I want him as your DCOS."

"He seems familiar like I've seen him somewhere I just can't place it. Where is he going?"

"He said he had to go to New York to talk to someone."

"New York." Jed mumbled thinking of his son.

"Sam?" Leo questioned seeing the look on Jed's face.

Sam." Jed sighed "I know he doesn't want this. "I asked him to come on as the DCD but he doesn't want this, he doesn't want the pressure. I know he stops himself from fully being him for my sake the sake of the campaign and it kills me. If I didn't actually think I could do this job I would but I do." He shook his head.

"Did Sam ask you to stop?"

"No but I know he wanted too. He is scared of what will happen if he gets secret service. He is scared of the reporters and what that would mean for me. I know it." Jed shook his head.

'He's a good boy." Leo said.

"He really is. Abby and I are very proud of him." He just wished he could make it all easier on his son and still change the world the way he knew he could.

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Sam had seen the look on Josh's face when he'd came into Gage Whitney soaking wet. Josh had never had a good poker face so he knew what Josh thought. Of course he always knew what Josh's answer would be.

"So I guess we're gong to New Hampshire." Sam sighed and shook his. "I'm trusting you. He wanted me there and I said no but you, you I'm trusting."

Josh gave him a wane smile as they got onto the train Josh was still wet when the got to the Bartlet headquarters. Sam took a deep breath and followed Josh inside.

"Josh you're back I guess you talked to the person in New York."

"I did and I come with a new Deputy communications director."

"Well where is this person?" Leo asked looking towards the door that no one had stepped through.

"Um….." Josh looked behind him.

"Sam, he mumbled. Going towards the door. "Sam you can't just stand outside seriously you're not going to have a panic attack I promise. You said you trusted me."

They heard the other many say something but didn't hear what. "Did he say Sam?" Jed asked his best friend standing beside him.

"I think so." Leo muttered. "one moment." Leo walked out the door and Jed followed him.

"Seriously Josh I am just going to turn back around and go to New York." Sam went to turn and Josh stopped him.

"Oh no you're not." Josh stopped him and turned him towards the door. He stopped when he saw Leo and Governor Bartlet standing there.

"Oh hi." He said brightly "So this is your new DCD Sam say hi to the nice people."

Sam rolled his eyes and mumbled. "I Hate you so much right now Josh."

"Na you love me." He teased.

"Which is how I ended up here." He whispered. So low only Jed heard him. "Dad, Leo." He said looking up at the two older man. I guess I am joining your campaign hope you have room because I don't think he'll take no for an answer and I kind of quit my job for this."

"Always." Jed said taking in his son's face. "Come in and meet the rest of the team." Father and son locked eyes and they both knew this was only the beginning of a very long and bumpy road.