I don't own The West wing
"We have to leave New Hampshire, we can't win New Hampshire." Josh ran his hands through his hair.
"The New Hampshire primary isn't in New Hampshire anymore did you hear that Sam. The New Hampshire primary is no longer in New Hampshire."
"Dad stop being a smart ass you know what he was saying."
Everyone froze at Sam's words wide eyed that Sam talked to the governer that way. Sam just shrugged.
"And you are?" Jed pointed to the other man
"Josh sir."
"Right and he is?" he pointed to Toby
"That's Toby."
"Stop messing with them you know their names." Sam snapped. "We are going to North Carolina and that's final."
"So I can win North Carolina?"
"No but you can come into second and then Wildy will drop out."
"So I just have to beat Wildy."
"Yes." They all shouted.
"Well lets get there. I better talk to Abbey."
"Right well we're all going to head to the hotel and get things settled to moved.
Jed nodded and walked out and everyone turned to Sam. "What," He threw a wadded up piece of paper.
"You just…." C.J. stuttered out.
"use your words Ceej."
"You just called the Governor an smart ass."
"Well he was being one." Sam shrugged okay lets get going."
Josh shook his head and smirked. This campaign would be fun to work for. C.J. just knew the possibility of Sam Seaborn Bartlet as first son would give her a giant head ache of course she would not know how big of one until later.
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"So Sam says we have to move to North Carolina, I guess I'm too much of a lock in this state so we're moving on. He told me to stop being a smart ass can you believe that."
"This is our son so yes I can believe that. So if the campaign is moving on I'll start packing and bring Zoey with me to the next stop."
Jed nodded. "Do you think there is something going on between Sam and that Josh Lyman character?"
"You mean that young man that Leo brought in as the DCOS?"
"Yes."
"I believe so yes. I remember seeing a picture of them when Sam was in College."
"That's where I've seen him." Jed snapped his fingers "I knew I"d seen the man before."
"If you're worried if they're still together I don't believe so."
"I think Sam still cares for him though."
"I'm sure he probably does but Josh is in politics he was with Hoynes before right?"
"Yes."
"And you have your political career that Sam would not want to ruin so I'm sure that is the reason they are no longer together."
"I hate this." Jed ran his hands over his face. I hate that my choices are impacting Sam's life so but I do believe I can do good for this country."
"I know you do." Abbey rubbed his arm. "Sam does too, he understands or at least he tries too. If he didn't believe that he wouldn't be helping with your campaign."
"I think that had more to do with Josh then anything else." Jed said remembering the words he'd heard his son utter.
"Even so if he didn't believe in you he'd be fading more into the background not putting himself front and center, and if he does want to be with Josh well we have to accept that and help them the best we can.
"I know…" Jed whispered. "I know."
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Sam heard a knock on his hotel room door. He opened it to see Josh on the other side.
"Why do you even have a hotel room? Your family has a giant house not far from here."
"Well I'm trying to just be a part of the staff."
"Yeah you might want to remember that next time you decide to call your dad a smart ass in front of the staff."
"Yeah maybe." Sam snorted.
"You also might want to not call him dad."
Sam's face shuttered. "No I gave up enough for my father's political career I won't give up calling him dad that won't happen."
"Whoa okay." Josh held up his hands. "Sorry I brought it up."
Sam shook hi head. "No I'm sorry I shouldn't have snapped at you. Are you packed?"
"Yeah all ready to go. Your dad just showed up at the hotel and C.J. says we leave in half an hour. I guess your mom and Zoey will follow us in a few days." Sam just nodded.
"Okay well I just have a few more things to pack."
"Okay see you in a bit." Sam just nodded and watched as Josh walked out. When the door was closed behind him Sam leaned his head against the door and stood there. "I'm so screwed it's not even funny." He muttered to himself.
Half an hour later the staff was on their way to the airport. Onto the next leg of the campaign trail. No one knew where it would take them. No one knew where it would lead but they were all willing to take the chance. Even if some of them were a little less willing.
