Many More
Disclaimer: They don't belong to me. They belong to Aaron Sorkin. Or if they don't, they did. Bah, in any case, they don't belong to me.
A/N: Well, what can I say? Inspiration's visits have been sporadic at best over the past year or so. So when this popped into my head, not only did I know that I had to get it out or I wouldn't stop thinking about it, but I was just plain delighted. Even if I still had to finish homework.
Happy birthday, Mr. President. C.J. raises a glass.
Happy birthday. Josh chimes in.
Happy birthday. says Will. And many more.
Abbey smiles at him. Happy birthday.
The entire room of staffers is wishing him a happy birthday, but Jed is focused on Abbey's calm demeanor. They've become so good at freezing their emotions. Even in this gathering of friends they are the President and the First Lady, not husband and wife.
It's getting worse, Jed. And I don't know how bad it will get or if it'll get better or...I don't know. I don't know.
He'd tried to be nonchalant. Okay. Okay.
He looked up. She was studying him from the bed as he paced the room. Come here.
She hugged him as he sat down, and he didn't try to distance himself from her or his MS.
I'm scared.
I know.
You know a lot.
Well, Dartmouth had to teach me something in ten years.
And for a moment they're back in the bedroom, Jed and Abbey, not the President and First Lady. And as his eyes hold hers, he sees sadness below love, and she sees uncertainty because both know that Will's optimism could be misguided; there will be many more, but of what, neither is sure. Attacks. Long nights. Happy birthdays. None, perhaps.
Or all.
Jed broke away from Abbey's glance. There was much more work to be done.
Leo, I need to talk to you.
