Disclaimer: I don't own the Important characters, All hail Sorkin! But Jackson and Jefferson are mine and I love them.

Author's note: This story has been a beast to write, it first came to me when I was writing Kismet over the summer. The idea here is that it takes place during the sixth year of the Administration, but Josh isn't employed, Donna is Toby's assistant and Sam's still a lawyer. It's a "what if" Josh never caught the train to New Hampshire when Leo asked him and if Hoynes was the President. It switches POV and there's a back flash, damn I'm a pain in the ass. It's rated mature for language and later on more adult situations. Let me know if the labeling of the POVs gets annoying or not.

Sam POV

I study him as he puts on his sunglasses instinctively; years in the public eye trained him to hide his identity. Through the darkened lenses he scans the populous and his surroundings, there are people shouting, pushing fighting for chairs, tripping over luggage, it overwhelmed his senses. He frowns and utters the words I know has been running through his mind since we stepped onto this ship, "what the hell am I doing here, Sam?"

I shrug, "I don't know, you invited me, remember. But I think it has to do with my friends."

Josh's frown continues, "Yeah, they're assholes." Eight years ago, he probably wouldn't have minded my lawyer friends; they were, after all, mirrors of the darker side of him, arrogant, all-knowing and self absorbed. But being battered, beaten and bothered by the media left him humbled and smarter; mostly it left him a little sensitive about the whole thing.

He smirks trying to change the subject, "You know, my boss' wife thinks I'm gay."

I roll my eyes, "Gee, can't image why. You haven't been on a date for more than three years and you're bringing a man on a cruise with you. And she has the nerve to think you're gay. Bitch."

I can tell that smirking will be the main sort of nonverbal communication for this trip. "It was this or I wouldn't see you before you got hitched, take your pick."

"Don't get me wrong, I prefer this, it just doesn't surprise me that Helen thinks you're gay is all. Hell, I'm beginning to question it a little." I soften my tone knowing I am treading in dangerous waters, "You know they aren't all like Amy."

Suddenly I'm grateful I can't see Josh's famous glare, "I hate you."

I smirk, "no, you don't. Come on, let's find a seat." Crowds have a way of being it own organism. They think, feel, move and communicate. Currently, there were whispers of food to be found somewhere on the ship. I've been on the cruise ship for all of ten minutes and already became one of those people who obsess over food. I watch Josh look back over the crowd. There was something familiar, so familiar it was recognizable. His mouth speaks before his brain could catch it, "Toby?" I turned to see if Josh was right, sure enough, half way across the room: Toby Zeigler. It the was cocktail party effect that makes Toby turn around. "Sam? Josh?" He leans and squints and started towards us. A tall woman turned around when she heard Toby's voice.

Toby turns to the woman, "CJ, its Josh and Sam."

It's good to see them again. It's been six months since I left DC and went back to NYC. I did my civil duty, helped them through the hard times, and gracefully made my exit.

We greet each other. A manly handshake exchange with Toby and a feminine hug provide by CJ. Josh shifts a little uncomfortably and keeps searching around the crowd.

CJ starts the round of questions. 'What are you guys doing here?"

Josh supplies the details, "Well, my boss won a cruise for two as a door prize at some fundraiser and since he's at the "happiest place on Earth" vacationing with his family, he gave me the tickets as a bonus or to get me to relax before we start campaigning. Sam's here because I hate his friends and didn't want a night of debauchery and hookers with them."

"Batchelor party?" A third voice called, "With Sam's asshole friends? No one blames you." I don't think I've every seen his face light up as fast as when he sees Donna. Well, this should be interesting.

Donna smiled at us, "Sam tried to hook me up with one of his friends on a blind date."

I watch as curiosity got the better of him, "which one?"

"Daniel."

"The guy who is single handedly kept Internet porn alive? Damn, Donna what did you do to piss Sam off?" Josh laughs.

At this point I am a little tried of being ignored and interjected, "Two hundred and fifty dollars per centerpieces is what she did. Who the hell picks out centerpieces for two hundred and fifty dollars? Do you have any idea how many tables there are going to be?"

Donna and I have had this argument before, "Somewhere between twelve and fifteen. But you don't have to wear a five hundred dollar Maid of Honor dress. I don't know where Ainsley thinks I am getting my money from, but Samuel you have an expensive life ahead of you."

Josh laughs, "It will cost a small fortune just to keep her fed." The others had all encountered Ainsley's appetite before. Donna laughed and Josh's dimples appeared. Toby made quick eye contact with me, instantly questioning if this interaction was a good idea. There seemed to be none of the tension expected between Josh and Donna. I can tell he found it unnerving. There is a secret in the group, unspoken knowledge; right now I am the only one in the loop. Josh is ignorantly blissful of the situation, sort of. Toby on the other hand, hates not being the center of all knowledge. A fourth person joined the group, tall, male, and Josh and I found him threatening. "There is an elevator about 20 yards away. We can use it to get to the ninth floor where the food is." His presence seemed normal to Donna; it made Josh shift is weight.

Donna smiled at the new edition, "Thanks, Jackson. You guys wanna head up there?" she asked us.

Josh glanced over to CJ looking for permission, "Is that cool?"

One eyebrow rose unexpectedly, "Um yeah sure, why not." Clearly there was something wrong with this situation but CJ couldn't pinpoint what it was.

Donna led her merry band of misfits. Toby, CJ and I followed while Josh and Jackson made awkward eye contact. But Jackson took the rear of the crowd, giving Josh an opportunity to push his way closer to Donna. "So are you going to the wedding?"

She looked at him confused, "Um yeah, I'm the maid of honor."

"Really?" He pointed to his chest, "Best man."

They stood in front of the elevator waiting. Jackson put out his arm in front of CJ and Donna, blocking them from the family waiting to ride the elevator. Eyeing them up and down, detecting this Midwestern family posed no threat, his hand retreated and ushered the women into the elevator. Secret Service? Yeah, now I remember him, he was in charge of Donna's detail. "

So what are you guys doing on the cruise?" Josh asked with a causal shrug.

CJ, the constant Press Secretary, provided the answers. "Celebrating and relaxing before the regime change."

"What are you guys celebrating?" Josh follows up as the doors opened on the ninth floor.

This time it was Toby to provide the answers, "Donna got her masters."

Genuine pride shown on Josh's face, "Donna that's wonderful."

She shrugs and blushes. "It's no big deal."

"Its no big deal? You worked full time for the Vice President and we all know how flexible those hours can be. You finished your BA and your masters. Amazing."

Donna was feeling a little uncomfortable with all the attention so she shrugged again. "Apparently the VP thinks so; otherwise he wouldn't be paying for the trip." Toby added as he pointed to a table.

The deck was already filled with people; Toby and CJ claimed the empty table as the others went to get their food. The rest went in various directions to forage for food in the buffet lines. Donna approached me at the juice bar. "What is going on? He's acting like he doesn't know." She leaned into me.

I shake my head, "That's because he doesn't know. He thinks it was CJ."

"But it was in every newspaper, on every channel for six months… He has to know it was Me."

"Donna, for whatever reason, he doesn't. Just go with it ok."

When everyone got to his or her seats, small talk continued. "How's Danny and the wedding plans going, CJ?" I figured keeping the conversation neutral would steer attention away from the fact that Josh still had no clue about the ramification of sitting at this table.

CJ smiled as she bit into her sandwich, "Fine, we set a date, got a church, found a place for the reception, pick out invitations and started on the menu. Of course when I say "we" I mean Donna.

I smirked, "That's a dangerous road to go down. $250.00 for centerpieces." Any little digs I can get at Donna makes it worth it.

Donna ignored the dig and turned her attention to Josh, "How's the hamburger?"

Josh frowned, "It's no hockey puck on a bun."

Seven years ago.

There were three weeks before the election; the Hoynes Bartlett campaign had a solid lead on the Republicans. This was one of the last sessions the two men and their staff had to meet to hammer out details. The willowy blond woman whisked into the room and called, "I am taking lunch orders." Hoynes order a chicken salad as did CJ, Jed and Leo. When she got around to Josh, his lunch became gravely serious. "I want a hamburger with the look, and consistence of a hockey puck." The blonde woman blinked at him a couple of times. Josh found the he needed to explain farther, "It tastes good that way."

She smiled and shrugged but under her breath she uttered, "Freak."

Josh called back, 'I heard that." She smirked back, "I know." Toby ordered a cheese steak. Donna paused over him, "You want a salad, too."

"No, I don't."

"Yes, you do."

"Donna, I am pretty sure I don't."

"I'm pretty sure you do."

"Donna!"

She shrugged and starts to walk away and an airy and bitter tone, "Fine, whatever."

Toby pointed to Josh, "You didn't make Josh order a salad!"

She rolled her eyes at him, "That's because I think he's the dreamiest. Toby, you're a grown man, do what you want. Sure, Andi will have to raise your children alone after I find you dead in your office after a major heart attack and I might need years of therapy to rectify the emotional scars and your children might grow up to be Mets fans, but that's fine you don't have to eat the salad."

Toby blinked at her. "I don't have any children."

A coy smile graced her face, "Not yet, you don't." He grumbled and she won.

Josh swallowed, "I'll have a salad too." Her million watt smile made him instantly agree with his choice. Josh found himself smiling against his wishes; he was a pit-bull, rough, rash and a rebel. But this wispy blonde made him order a salad. If she could control him in a few minutes, Toby didn't stand a chance.

Over the course of the next hour Donna whisked in and out of the conference room dropping off food, messages and running copies that needed to be run. Josh noted her efficiency and the care in which she tended to Toby and CJ. He briefly wondered why no one ever did that for him and if he would even like it. As he bit into his perfect hamburger, he admitted he would.

It was Hoynes who suggested they drop Social Security from the campaign strategy, stating America already knew his stance and it was time to focus on more pressing issues.

Donna let out a gasp, "But you can't drop it now. It's the first thing you will go to the center on once you're in office. If you drop it, it'll be forgotten and the problem will never be solved." Her eyes were wide and panic. Toby stood and ushered her out of the room.

Josh looked around for some reason for the outburst; his gaze fell on CJ, who shifted uncomfortably. She sighed and knew an explanation was in order, "Sorry, she's been kinda on edge all day. The divorce papers came today."

"Kinda young to be getting divorced." Hoynes observed.

CJ glared, "One of the reasons it didn't work out."

The meeting continued for another half and hour before Leo announced it was time for a break. During the intermission Josh found himself wandering over to her desk. He stood over her, but she didn't move until he spoke, "Um, I could look at those papers for you." He knew every line had been crossed, he barely knew this woman, and yet he wanted to help. She looked up, blue eyes swimming with confusion.

Josh returned to the meeting with the stack of the papers in his hand, and Hoynes gave him a discouraging look. Josh shifted under the gaze, "What? It'll take five minutes." He looked over the papers, rereading her name, Donnatella Moss, reread his name, Kevin Riley. Josh found himself instantly disliking this Kevin fellow and considered Donnatella as interesting name. He was half way through the documents when he discovered a glaring error.

"DONNNNNAA!" The rest of the meeting was discussing tax reform, stopped and stared at Josh, then followed their eyes to Donna who was running in the room, wide eyed and horrified.

"What?"

"You aren't asking for alimony?"

Donna started to play with her fingers, "um, no."

CJ stood up, "You paid for his education, apartment, food and you AREN'T asking for alimony?"

Donna shifted her weight. "Um, I just want to get this part of my life over with. He really wasn't such a bad guy."

CJ scoffed, "No, in fact he was saving a young woman from choking by dislodging something in her throat with his d…"

"Claudia Jean!" Bartlet hissed.

Josh turned his attention to Donna, "you really should ask for it."

Hoynes hissed, "Take the bastard for all he's worth."

Josh shook his head, "I don't think you should do that. I think he's the kind of guy who will try to get back with you so he won't have to pay. But I can work out something out that is fair."

The meeting halted temporarily as Josh and Leo ran some numbers. When the papers were in order, it resumed as if nothing happened. Afterwards, Josh found himself wandering over to Donna. He pulled out his business card, "Um, if you need a lawyer, I have a friend, Sam Seaborn, he's the best." He turned the card over and started writing a number down. "I'll be busy for a while with the campaign. But afterwards, if you need anything let me know." She looked down at the card and back to him and smiled. Eye contact was made and the connection was nearly palpable, tangible. She opened her mouth to speak, but his cell phone started to ring. He fumbled around for it, and apologized. "Lyman. Oh, hey Mandy. Yeah, that sounds fine for dinner. I'm in the middle of something right now."

Disappointment surged though Donna. She had forgotten Josh was spoken for, and by Mandy Hamilton none the less. She had encountered Mandy several times. Each time her opinion of Mandy sank lower. Josh seemed like such a nice guy, Mandy didn't seem like the right fit.

Hoynes made his way over to Josh and nodded to the door. Josh took the cue and started to follow. Donna's arm reached out for a second, "Josh." He turned to her voice. "Thanks for everything." She smiled shyly and bit her lower lip.

He mirrored her smile, "Thanks for getting the lunch order right." He paused, and then added, "Seriously give me a call."

Donna placed the card in her wallet, knowing he was too far out of her league and spoken for, she won't call him. Not now, maybe later. Maybe.

Hoynes looked at Josh with his disapproving glare. "What was all that about?"

"Nothing. She needed help." They walked towards the limo.

Hoynes questioned farther, "Aren't you dating Mandy?"

"Yeah, but it isn't working out. I don't think its going to last."

"So you figured you'd get a back up lined up?"

Josh turned in horror, "No!" They both scooted into the limo. "Look, she needed help; I didn't have any other motives. Believe it or not, sometimes I can be a nice guy."

Hoynes smirked and punched Josh in the arm. "Hey I know. She's good pick, vulnerable, young, hot. You have great taste, well except for Mandy."

It was Josh's turn to glare, finding himself overly defensive. "I'm not interested in her. And you shouldn't be either. What's rule one, sir?"

He recited the rule, bored and absentmindedly, "We don't shit where we eat. I'm just curious if that rule works for you too."

Josh didn't answer, but continued to stare out the window.

Josh POV

She asks me about my lunch and I frowned, "It's no hockey puck on a bun." A quiver of a smile crossed her lips as she recalled the significance of the statement. My eyes left her gaze and focused on the leafy green salad Toby was currently choking down. In my head, I laughed. Poor Toby, he never stood a chance.

She picked at her salad and checked her watch, "We should be sailing soon, does anyone want to go to the upper decks and watch?"

In typical Toby fashion he grumbles, "All that's going to happen is the building around us is going to get smaller, right."

She rolled her eyes, "Yeah."

"And I can look out the window and see the same thing, right?"

"Yes, Toby you could."

He forced another piece of lettuce into his mouth, "I'll stay here." Sam mentioned he wanted to check out the dessert bar, CJ is on the phone with someone and shook her head no. This Jackson guy, best I can figure he's Secret Service, but what's he doing here I have no clue, was too busy with his food to respond. Donna started to pout a little bit.

I found myself saying, "I'll go." Her eyes brightened and she nodded with agreement.

We finished our meals and headed towards the upper deck.

Toby POV

Josh told Donna he would go with her, and I nearly fell off my chair. When they are out of ear shot I kick Sam under the table, "What the hell is going on?"

Sam leaned in, "They're going to watch the boat cast off."

I leaned in too, "No shit, but what the hell is going on? He's totally comfortable around her, like he doesn't know."

"That's because he doesn't."

CJ's jaw dropped, "How is that possible?"

"He was out of the country for all of the scandal. I tried to tell him, but he never wanted to hear it. I think he assumes it was you, CJ." Just when I think her jaw couldn't get any lower, it does.

Jackson talked to his other agents, "Maple Leaf is on the move." This was when a rustic roll hits Jackson in the head.

"Dude, we all heard her, we all saw her leave. You don't have to give the order." Jackson looked at the offending roll and then up at Jefferson who was sitting two tables back.

Jackson glares at his younger counterpart. "What the hell is that on your face?"

Jefferson touches the fake mustache, "This? I'm incognito, I'm like a spy. She'll never know it's me." Jackson just blinks at Jefferson before pointing to the door. Jefferson looks hurt and frowns, "You're just jealous that you didn't think about a fake mustache." When I think how hard we fought to get him his job back…

Finally CJ speaks, "Sam, do you think this is going to be all right?"

He looks down onto his plate, "Honestly, I have no idea."

JOSH POV

Donna leads and I follow, we make our way though the crowds. I've been back in America for six months now; I'm only recognized once or twice a week. Still a whole lot more then when I was Chief of Staff. Neither of us talks as she walks to the upper deck. Damn, do these stairs really need to be this steep? She stops at the front of the ship and looks out into the marina. "You know some times dolphins follow cruise ships out to sea." She says, but doesn't look at me. I take this opportunity to survey her. She's changed so much since the first campaign; her hair is shorter and ultimately looks more mature. Gone are the days of innocence and taking lunch orders, DC changed her, like it changed me.

I swallow a disturbing amount of saliva that's been building in my mouth, "Do you think we're going to see any dolphins today?"

She looks out deeper into the water, "Don't know. Maybe."

"So I haven't seen you since the Inaugural Ball, what have you been up to?"

Her eyes still focused on the ever changing water, "Nothing much, finished my masters, I'm getting a promotion in a couple of weeks."

I smile at her, "That's great."

Now she turns and faces me, I assume mostly to gage my reaction, "Oh and there was that little thing of getting President Hoynes impeached."