Disclaimer: I do not own The West Wing or anything pertaining to it except my own writing. All the rights go to the rightful owners.
A/N: Based after s1ep15: Celestial Navigation
Josh weaved his way through various hallways and around various assorted White House staffers to make it to his team's section in the west wing. Surprising him was the fact that Donna was actually seated at her desk, sorting papers and looking busy.
"You're still here, Donnatella?" he said, in place of a greeting.
"I dunno, Josh, am I?" she quipped, not looking up. After another second she must have remembered something because she glanced at him, then. "How was your thing?"
He tilted his head at her in question. "My thing?"
"You know, that thing you had to go to, for the students–"
He waved his hand with a grin, entering his office. He called to her, "I knew what you meant the first time. Like I told C.J., I'm just amusing myself."
Donna stood in his doorway and, while he gathered last minute items, said, "That could be taken the wrong way."
He looked at her. "Cute. Very cute."
"Kidding," she assured him with a grin. "How was it?"
"Right. It was fine. They loved it." His smile returned and Donna scoffed, giving him her classic 'disapproving-Donna' expression. He raised his eyebrows. "I know that Look. Care to share?"
She shrugged. "They didn't love it, Josh. They loved you."
He walked by her out into the cubicles, waiting for her to leave with him. "Can you blame them?" he asked teasingly.
"Oh, of course not. Can't deny your unfailing wit and charm."
Josh smiled at her. "You think I'm charming?" She quickly busied herself finishing up her work and grabbed her bag. He lifted her coat, helping her put it on. She just knew she had to be blushing. She tugged the coat firmly, keeping herself in place.
"I didn't say that, Josh."
"Oh, I get it. Sarcasm. How could I miss that?"
Again, she shrugged. "Don't know. Leaving?" He gestured grandly for her to go first and she rolled her eyes, walking quickly ahead. He caught up easily.
"So what'd you do without me? Actual work?"
"I work when you're here, Josh!" she told him defensively.
"Day-old coffee, reminders I don't need… Can't see how…" He trailed off and grinned. "Just joking, Donatella. You are the backbone of the west wing." She cracked a grin then, punching his arm lightly. Though her awkwardness had somewhat faded, she still didn't know what she should say.
But of course, Josh did. "Going home?"
His assistant rolled her eyes again. "No, Josh. I'm heading over to the bar."
He whistled. "Care if I join?"
She shook her head, tired. "I'm going home, Joshua."
"My response stands." She whirled on him, face reddening. "I'm teasing, Donnatella! God; you're face sure turns red." Donna wanted to sprint down the hall but forced herself to stay put.
"Well don't tease," she said lamely. "I'm going home. I'll… see you tomorrow."
He grinned his usual half-smile, nodding easily. "Until then, Donnatella."
Once outside, Donna put her hands against her cheeks, wondering if they were as warm as the rest of her felt.
What. The. Hell.