Disclaimer: The West Wing isn't mine.

Author's Note: I know this story is a little out there and this probably wouldn't happen but just go with it for now hopefully it will make sense later on (after the next story(ies)

This one hasn't been proof read very good, sorry. (This story takes place after my story entitled "From the Editor," you might want to read that one first. Please tell what you think of this.

Rated: PG

Spoilers: The Leadership Breakfast

Title: "Regarding Dale"

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It had been a few weeks since Danny had taken the new job; things in the West Wing were slowly returning to normal. "Carol!"

"Yeah."

"Are we done?"

"Yeah."

"Well then I'm gonna head home and hopefully get some sleep." CJ put her papers in her briefcase and headed out the door, "Have a good night."

"You too."

------

"Hey Fishboy."

"CJ!"

CJ walked into Danny's private office and sat down. "I just came to visit Dale."

"I glad. I'm almost done here, would you like to grab so coffee?"

"Sure."

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CJ and Danny walked into a nearby coffee shop a little while later and sat down at a corner table. "So how are things in the West Wing?"

"Okay, busy but okay."

"I hear Ann Stark hit you guys hard."

"Danny! What did I tell you about stuff like that."

"CJ it's no secret. It's all over the news and in the papers."

Realizing Danny was right CJ continued, "Yeah we got hit, hard."

"He's gonna run. You know that?"

CJ picked up her coffee cup and took a sip, "yeah he's made that crystal clear. What's happening with you?"

"Why did you change the subject?"

"Because I really don't want to talk about the Senate Majority Leader right now."

"Okay."

Danny and CJ got up and paid the bill, after each buying another cup of coffee to go. They decided to walk around for a while before heading back to Danny's office.

"Hey you never answered my question before, "What's happening? How do you like the new job?"

"It's great but..."

"But what?"

"They're sending me to the Middle East."

"Why do they need and editor in the Middle East?"

"They don't need an editor as much as they need an experienced reporter. I know we gotten close recently and I won't be go long, only six weeks. CJ, I need to do this.

They sat down on a bench. CJ took in this new information and didn't say anything for the longest time. "CJ?" Danny as with a bit of concern.

"I understand Danny, really I do."

"Thank you for that. Listen I need you to do me a favor."

"Danny you know I can't do..."

"This favor you can do; you won't get in trouble I promise."

"What is it Danny?"

"I need you to take care of Dale."

CJ laughed, "I can do that."

"I think it is easiest if you just take him with you. I'll get when I get back."

"Sounds like a plan."

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Later that night CJ returned to her apartment with fish in hand. She walked in and set Dale down on the counter, put her briefcase down and checked her messages. There was one message on the machine from Danny, "CJ I just wanted to thank you for taking care of Dale. I'll miss you but I'll be back soon, see you then, I love you." After the message ended, CJ went into her bedroom to change; she picked up the picture of Danny that she kept on her dresser, "You come home safe. You hear me?"