Title: Tomorrow Is Much Too Late (7/?)
Author: Trish
Rating: PG-13
Category: AU - Angst/Romance
Spoiler Info: Transition, but goes completely off cannon.
Disclaimer: Not mine, but how I wish they were. LoL.
Feedback: Very much appreciated.
Archiving: Sure. Just let me know where it's going.
A/N: Please keep it coming; it really does inspire me. I like to know what people want or think will happen and if people are interested at all.

A week had passed since Josh and Donna had spilt. The senior staff couldn't believe it and were extremely cautious around Josh, Sam especially. Donna had checked into a hotel and picked up most of her clothes while Josh was still at work and left him a note promising movers would arrive within a few weeks to collect the rest of her belongings. The East Wing and The West Wing Chief of Staffs only dealt with each other via their assistants and were only referred to as "The President's Chief of Staff" or "The First Lady's Chief of Staff."

That afternoon Sam met Donna for lunch in The Mess, which he reluctantly agreed to do, fearing the wrath of his boss. Sam walked in and got some food and walked over to where Donna was sitting in the back.

"Hey."

"Hi."

"I know you fear that spending time with me will result in being fired or death, but I really appreciate this. I need to talk to someone who knows Josh as well as, huh, like I knew him."

"You still know him. I still think this will be resolved. His being stubborn and letting his pride do the thinking. You have to talk to him, Donna. We all can see he's completely miserable."

"Maybe. I kind of have a problem that I need to talk to you about."

"Ok. Sure, go ahead."

"Well, before this all happened, things seemed to be fine with Josh and I. We were happy and we did things couples do when they're happy." Sam looked at her confused. "We had sex, Sam. A lot of sex."

At that precise moment Josh walked into The Mess to hear Donna say that to Sam, though the two were still unaware of his presence. Josh began to walk towards them.

Sam smiled. "Donna, you think…" Sam reached out and held her hand.

Josh cleared his throat. Sam and Donna quickly looked up and separated.

"Sam, maybe you should go upstairs and do some work. We do have bills to pass you know." And with that he stalked off.

"I'm sorry. I better go." Sam apologized.

With tears in her eyes, Donna went back to her office.

Around 7 o'clock, things began to calm down. Then, Josh's assistant knocked on the door.

"Mr. Lyman?"

"Yes."

"Your 7:15 is here."

"Who?"

"The First Lady's Chief of Staff." She said, frightened to get his response.

"When did…"

"You were in a meeting. I tried to ask and you said to just do whatever I thought."

"Yea. Alright."

Josh's assistant quickly left before he realized he was pissed and sent Donna in.

"Hi Josh."

"Hello."

"We need to talk."

"Here?"

"I figured it was the only place we would be civilaized."

"Yea. What do you need to talk to me about?"

"When you saw Sam and I today…"

"Sam's a big boy. He doesn't need his mistress to protect him." He regretted the words the minute he said them.

"You know that's not true. Why do you continuously try to hurt me? Did you ever love me? All I feel from you is this hatred that I know I don't deserve."

Josh was silent. He just stared at her, not know how to fix this or if he would ever allow himself to swallow his pride and overcome his doubts. This is Donna. Why was he doing this?

Unable to stand the silence, Donna blurted out, "Josh, I'm late."

Josh was stunned. He was trying to figure out how to fix this and she just wanted to leave. "Yea. Got a hot date with Sam? Or maybe Duncan?" The words were dripping with distain.

"Josh. No. I think--"

Josh interrupted, "I'm late, too. I need to be in the Sit Room."

Donna stood watching him walk away. Terrified she could be pregnant with the child of a man who hated her.