S2 E The Black Vera Wang
FADE IN: INT. HALLWAY - DAY Donna is walking through the hallway. Josh catches up with her.
JOSH Good morning.
DONNA My man!
JOSH Yes.
DONNA You came back to me.
JOSH Just like I promised.
DONNA I missed you.
JOSH When did you find you missed me the most?
DONNA The nights.
JOSH Of course.
DONNA Did you bring me anything?
JOSH I did.
DONNA Where is it?
JOSH It should be in my office.
Donna sees a big crate sitting in JOSH'S OFFICE.
DONNA Wow!
JOSH Open it.
DONNA I'm just happy it's not moose. What is it?
JOSH Moose. It's sauna-soaked moose meat. Nicely packaged in a burnt pine box. The hinges are made from hand-woven Lapland ribbons.
DONNA I missed you so much.
JOSH Where am I supposed to be right now?
DONNA The basement, office C. Josh leaves. Donna looks confused, staring at the box.
Well. That was certainly a disapointing reunion. She really did desperately miss him the last four nights. Especially, the three she spent at her parent's condo in Wisconsin. By the time she got back to her apartment last night, she'd been exhausted. She had sort of hoped he'd stop by, but truthfully, she's not 100% positive that she would have woke up if he had.
Sure, it had been nice seeing family. Her niece is getting so big, and she was so excited to see Aunt Donna at her ballet recital. And then to watch the boys play soccer was really fun. But it would have been better if Josh had been there. They even went to a ballgame on Sunday as a family. Josh would have liked that. It would have been a great way for him to bond with her Dad.
For a few moments last week it had looked like the Helsinki summit would get canceled, then maybe, just maybe he'd have joined her. If he had, she would have told her parents that their relationship had changed about 6 months ago. It seems weird that all the Senior Staff, Leo, and the President of the United States know that they are dating, but her parents don't.
When he greeted her this morning, she had wanted to throw herself at him and kiss him senseless, but absolutely NO public displays of affection was one of Leo's hard and fast rules. He had agreed to let them continue to work togehther as long as it didn't become an issue with either of their performance, AND as long as they didn't make any scenes or cause any more gossip than they had been for the last three years.
So instead of touching, they had bantered. Sure, they pushed the limits a little, if any reporters or other assistants had heard them it could have caused some extra gossip, but really as long as they kept it to banter, they are pretty safe that no one would really think anything of it.
. . . . . .
When Josh returns to his office, Donna's not at her desk. His heart thuds painfully. He really wanted to just grab her and kiss the daylights out of her this morning, but he really doesn't want to cause a scene. Leo told him that if he breaks one of the rules he's going to whack him with a two-by-four. Donna knows most of the rules: no pda, keep doing a good job, be discreet. But she doesn't know the biggest rule: Don't break Donna's heart. He's been reminded several times that both Leo and the President are very fond of Donna and both the 82nd Airborne AND the IRS work for them. Plus his Mom told him that if he makes her choose between them, she's choosing Donna. He told her that he understands. He'd choose Donna too.
When he's done staring whistfully at her desk, he heads into his own office. The Sauna-Cured Moose meat is gone. Well, that gift went over like a lead balloon. What did she think he was going to bring her? She knows they don't really have time to shop when they're working. She's lucky that he got a fairly expensive gift from the Finnish Office of Protocol. Sam had to pick up tacky gifts from the hotel gift shop for Kathy and Ginger. Besides, even if he did pick up a really nice iittala glass vase from the hotel gift shop and have it carefully packaged and wrapped, he couldn't exactly bring it to the office, could he? So he'd left it at home sitting in the middle of the table, waiting for her to come over after work. She didn't really think the moose meat was her gift, did she?
He sits down at his desk and tries to focus. He really does. Leo's rule number 2- keep doing a good job. But he's having a hard time concentrating. He really needs to be with her. He wanted to bring her on the trip, but no one was taking assistants and she certainly couldn't come along as his girlfriend. He knew she was disappointed, so he had encouraged her go to Wisconsin for the weekend. He even insisted that she leave on Thursday so that she'd have a little extra time with her family. It's the least he could do, since he's been monopolizing what little free time for more than four years, now.
He'd restrained himself from going over there last night. By the time they'd finished up in the office it had been late. And she'd had a late flight and needed her rest. He's actually really proud of himself for how considerate he was.
But tonight, he's got big plans. They have four nights to make up for, and he's got something he needs to ask her. He's not sure how to bring it up. Should he just slip it into casual conversation or make a big show of it? He hopes she'll say yes, but he's not 100% sure. What if she thinks they aren't ready? They've only been dating for 6 months, even though it seems like it's been a lot longer.
. . . . .
Donna is sitting at her desk, working on the Helsinki Summit Report. Josh's notes leave a lot to be desired but she usually understands how his mind works, connecting the dots between the two or three word phrases that are connected by arrows, and placed into boxes, and underlined three or four times. She smiles to herself at his doodles in the margin. JL + DM with a heart around it. He knew she'd see this when she typed the report. Then a couple pages later, Do you like me? With boxes for choosing yes or no. What is this, fifth grade? She picks up a red pen and puts a big X in the yes box. Then she grins back at his reflection in the screen of her computer monitor.
"It was kind of hard to concentrate over there. I really missed you." His voice is soft so no one else in the bullpen can hear. But she has no trouble. She's attuned to him.
"I really missed you too. I wish I could have taken you home to meet my parents."
"I've met your parents."
"You know what I mean! When they met you before, you were a rising star in the Party and my boss. I wanted to introduce you as my boyfriend."
"Do you think they'll like me as your boyfriend?"
"Well, they love you as the Democratic Party's current wunderkind, I don't see any reason they won't love you as my boyfriend."
"Come on. Let's go."
"To my parents?" She feigns confusion, and he laughs.
"No really, Josh, where?"
"My apartment. We can grab some take out on the way."
"Were leaving now? It's just past 8 o'clock."
"Yeah, but it feels like 1am Helsinki time." He looks around and lowers his voice again. "And I can't stand any longer. I need to touch you."
. . . . .
She didn't really need much convincing. She'd just said "Chinese? The usual?" And when he'd agreed, she'd picked up the phone and placed the call. The food would be ready by the time they arrived to pick it up. Life was just easier with Donna around.
For a long time, he'd chalked up all his feelings to that notion. Of course, he was happier in her presence. Life was just easier when she was around. Of course, he got more done. Life was just easier when she was around. Of course he was more motivated. Of course, he'd do anything for her. Of course, he didn't want to spend a minute apart.
But then, he'd been shot. And life wasn't easier even though Donna was around. In fact, she was tough on him. Imposing rules. Making him do his breathing. Watching him struggle to even make it to the bathroom under his own power. Waking up in a cold sweat, because he'd had another dream where instead of him being shot it was her. And thanking a god he wasn't sure that he believed in that it was him. Listening to her softly weeping in the other room, in between her own prayers of thanksgiving, and supplications for his recovery.
No, it hadn't been easy but that's when he realized how much he loved her. Not as a friend. Not because she made his life easier. He just loved her. And he sort of suspected she might love him too. Because there is no way an employee or a friend would ever have put up with him for those long three months unless there was something more to it. He'd wanted to tell her how he felt, but he didn't want to do it while he was an invalid. He didn't want her to pretend something was there just because she felt sorry for him. So he'd waited until he was whole. Waited until she moved back into her place. And then one rare Saturday, when he'd given her the day off, he showed up at her apartment in the morning with coffee and flowers. When she opened the door and looked happy to see him, even though it had only been 8 hours, and even though it was her day off, he knew it was safe to tell her how he felt.
He'll never forget the feeling of her telling him that of course she loved him too. Silly man. Of course she likes her job, but did he really think she stayed late every night for the work? It was him. She stayed late for him.
The only flaw in how he'd handled it was letting her move out of his place. But he plans to remedy that tonight.
. . . . .
Josh was pretty quiet on the way home. He must be more tired than she realized. He even let her drive. He's just been sitting in the passenger seat of his car, staring at her with a slight smile on his face.
Every few seconds she looks over at him and smiles. Life just feels so good right now. Josh has been killing it at work. Not only his normal domestic policy stuff, but foreign affairs too. He was the one urging Leo and the President to recognize that the heavy water reactor construction in Bushehr could have been rogue agents. He was the one discouraging them from abandoning the Helsinki summit. Sam's message wouldn't have been nearly as well received if Josh hadn't been paving the way. She's so proud of him.
"We're here." She informs him unnecessarily as she pulls into his spot. He grins at her mischeviously and she immediately suspects something is up. He's like a little kid sometimes. When he has something good to share it's like his whole body vibrates and he can hardly contain himself. She wonders for a moment what he was like as a child. It isn't the first time she's had the image of a little version of Josh in her head.
. . . . .
As he helps her off with her coat, she spots the gift on the table. She turns back at him and raises one eyebrow. "For me?"
"Yes."
"But you got me moose meat."
"No, I gave my assistant moose meat. I got my girlfriend something else."
"You had time to shop?"
"The hotel had a nice boutique. Go on, open it!"
She picks the gift up. She carefully unties the ribbon and takes the paper off. Inside is a white box, "iittala" is embossed on the side. When she pulls the lid off, she discovers a glass vase fitted into a foam center. It's simple. Just a clear, tall rectangle. But as she pulls it out of it's container she can feel how heavy it is. Obviously, it's high quality.
"Finland is known for its glassware. This company goes back to 1881, and it's made to last. A lot of pieces end up becoming family heirlooms." He's rambling a bit then he cuts himself off. "I just thought you might like it for when I bring you flowers."
"I love it. Thanks for thinking of me."
"I was thinking of you the whole time. In fact, I . . ." He looks serious for a moment. But then he pauses, and suddenly shifts gears. "How about you? We're you thinking of me? Did you bring me anything from Wisconsin?"
"I might have thought of you once or twice. Maybe I brought you something." She teases him playfully.
"Did you bring me cheese?"
"Josh! You know that's not the only thing they make there. And it's not like there are speciality cheese shops on every corner in Madison."
"So, did you?"
"I think I have some Kraft singles in my fridge at home."
"Donna."
"Okay, yes! I brought you some of that Wisconsin Sharp Cheddar you like from that place."
"Where is it?"
"It's in my fridge at home."
"I think you should bring it here. And while you're at it I think you should clean out your fridge, and bring the rest of your stuff too. And you know, keep it all here. And have this be home."
"Josh, are you asking me to move in with you?"
"Yes? I mean, yes. Yes, I am. I love you. I don't want to be apart from you for a moment longer than necessary. I want to travel together, and when we can't I want to come home to you, or have you come home to me. And I want that to be the same home. I just want home to be where you are."
Her face lights up. "Oh JOSH!" She sets the vase down on the table and flings herself into his arms. "Of course I'll move in with you."
. . . . . .
"That was . . . nice." Josh offers as they are laying in bed much, much later.
She gives him a look. He's way underestimating himself if he thinks that was just nice. On the other hand, if that way just nice, maybe he's got some more tricks up his sleeve.
"You know, sometimes I really doubt that 760 SAT word score you like to brag about." She bumps him with her shoulder.
He rolls over on top of her grinning. "Well, you know, they say actions speak louder than words. I guess I'll have to show you what I mean . . . again."
He captures her mouth in a passionate kiss, and all her words disappear too.
. . . . .
"That was awesome. Incredible. Earth-shattering."
"That's better." She grins at him.
He loves her like this. All confident and a mouth full of wiseass. It's not that he didn't adore her from the day he met her, but she really has grown from uncertain young woman into a self-assured, powerful presence. She may not wield her power in obvious in your face ways, but anyone who doesn't realize that she has it, is liable to get blind-sided. He knows from experience. He also knows he can't keep her as just his assistant for much longer. She's earned a promotion and he needs to get someone to take the stupid stuff off her plate so she can do even more of the important stuff. But that's a discussion for business hours.
"Hey. Do you think the Chinese is still good?" It's been sitting in the containers on the counter for a couple hours. Maybe they should just order some pizza.
"I'm sure it's cold, but it should be fine. We can just nuke it."
"Are you sure? I don't want either of us to get sick."
"Josh. It's fine."
"Do you want to eat it in bed, while watching TV?"
"Ew. No. We can eat it on the couch watching TV."
"Okay." He flings the covers off and gets out of bed and throws his boxers and t-shirt on. Then he walks over to his dresser and grabs a clean pair for her. He pulls open another drawer and pulls out a soft grey tshirt. "Here. I'll go start heating up the food while you do your girly stuff."
She climbs out of bed and heads toward the bathroom. He stops and stares as she leaves the room. "Are you sure you're hungry?"
"God, Josh. Yes. I'm hungry." She rolls her eyes then shuts the bathroom door.
. . . .
"I love it when you wear my clothes." He says softy, with a little more seriousness than she's used to, and suddenly she remembers that they've just entered a whole new stage of their relationship.
She gives him a quick peck on the lips then picks up a container and a pair of chop sticks. This domestic stuff just feels right. "How'd you end up with a Wesleyan shirt anyway? Do you know somebody who went there?"
"No. They probably gave it to me for speaking to a class or something. I end up with a lot of free tshirts and coffee mugs."
"Speaking of tshirts and coffee mugs. What should I bring over here? There's not really room for another dresser in your room and your cupboards are already full of dishes you hardly use."
"First of all, I'll clean out one of the dressers in OUR bedroom. I can move half of my stuff into the guest room. Or if you'd rather have your own dresser I'll just move one of mine out."
"My dresser is crap. I'd rather use one of yours."
"Okay. As far as kitchen stuff, it's up to you. You can bring yours over here if you want, and I can get rid of mine."
"I don't know. Maybe it's not a good idea to get rid of it. What if . . . ."
She doesn't finish, not wanting to say it out loud. But she's lived with someone before. She knows what it's like to have to start over with nothing. She hopes that it'll work out with Josh, but it's not like he proposed. What happens if he gets tired of her?
"Hey." Josh is looking at her intently, he can see the doubt flickering across her face. "I love you. As far as I'm concerned, this is just step one. I'm planning on this being forever. Someday, I'm going to be bringing you flowers for our 50th anniversary and you're going to be putting them in that vase over there."
She smiles at the thought.
"I know you've been burned before. I'm not that guy. But I don't want you to feel like you are taking all the risk. Why don't you sublease your apartment fully furnished. That way you'll still have all your furniture and time to adjust. But I swear, I'm going to make it my goal in life to make sure you never want to leave me."
She instantly feels so much better. She doesn't have any doubts that she wants Josh forever. But having him understand, and for him to want to make sure she feels secure. Well, yeah, he really is better than her old boyfriend.