Title: Details, Details

Author: tlyman48

Summary: Someone unexpected gives Josh an idea. Takes place after Transition.


"So will they start on the morning of the Inauguration? Or the day after?" Josh asked, seated in the visitor's chair of the spacious and well-organized office.

He had initially been surprised by the absence of personal effects in the room, especially considering how long the man across from him had occupied the space. Over the course of their conversation, however, Josh came to realize that the lack of decoration must have been deliberate. Nobody in the building needed to know whether or not the man had a family at home.

"All agents begin their new assignments the moment the Oath of Office is taken." Ron Butterfield replied simply.

"Peaceable transfer of power is a thing of beauty."

"Yes, it is." Ron took a moment to study Josh's expression. Understanding that Josh had another motive in requesting this meeting, he asked, "Is there something else on your mind?"

"Yeah. It's just," Josh paused in an attempt to collect his thoughts, "I had a few questions about how...dating...works with a Secret Service detail. Would my significant other's apartment need to be swept each time before I enter? And would she have to be patted down before entering mine?"

"The answer to both questions is yes."

"What about, um, where I spend my nights?"

"We would prefer that you spend most of your evenings in your home, but other sleeping arrangements are best planned in advance."

"Where's the romance, Ron? You're killing my mojo." Josh's mind recalled the evening two short weeks prior, after returning from his visit to Sam in California. He remembered the surprise of finding her behind his door, and the passion that grew from the entryway to his bedroom. He thought of the day after, how they had dropped everything for an impromptu vacation. What would their fledgeling relationship become if spontaneity was taken from them?

"Mr. Lyman, our nation is currently involved in an international military engagement. The Secret Service has policies in place for a reason."

"I'm sorry, Ron. That wasn't a complaint. You know I truly appreciate the Secret Service."

Ron gave a single nod of acknowledgement. "There is one course of action."

"What's that?"

"Permanent residents of the home can forgo the security checks for admittance."

There was a pause as Ron's words sank in.

"Are you telling me to ask my girlfriend to move in?"

"I suggested nothing of the sort. I simply explained our security policies."

"Are you being coy, Ron?"

A blank stare was the only response Josh received.

"Right. Anyway, we're not even at that point yet. It's too soon."

"Eight years is too soon?" Ron asked, his voice and posture still giving off his usual air of dry professionalism.

Josh was taken aback. "You know who I'm dating?" He asked, incredulous.

"The Secret Service knows everything, Mr. Lyman."

"I'm not sure if that was a joke or not, but I know better than to ask." Josh stood as he continued, "Thanks for the, uh, detail...details. Yeah."

Josh extended his hand towards the head of White House security.

"Yes, sir." Ron replied, shaking Josh's hand.

Josh moved to let himself out of Ron's office, a thousand new thoughts swirling in his mind. He thought of the previous week, and the 6 mornings he woke up next to Donna. He could easily entertain the notion of ending and beginning each day with her. But would their living in together so soon after becoming involved be a matter of commitment, or simply one of convenience? His reverie was broken by the sound of his name uttered one final time.

"Yeah, Ron?"

"When you do ask her to move in, mentioning our conversation today may not be the best course of action."

Josh laughed. "Thanks, Ron. I'll keep that in mind."

"Just looking out for your mojo, Mr. Lyman.