A/N after the shooting

Rating PG-13

Disclaimer see chapter 1

Chapter 10

CJ woke up feeling well rested and sated. CJ looked over at Danny's side and saw he wasn't there.

"Hey honey. I decided if you're going to go head to head with the President, you would need your favorite breakfast," said Danny.

"Scrambled eggs and strawberries with brown sugar and sour cream?" CJ asked hopeful.

"Yes and your coffee. I also thought you might want to read your favorite newspaper, the Post. Of course I have an article by your favorite reporter, folded down," he said as he bent down for a kiss.

"Thank you."

CJ walked into work confident, but not feeling that way inside. She had a meeting scheduled for lunch at noon with the President.

When CJ walked into her first briefing of the day, Danny discreetly blew her a kiss.

At 11:55am she walked into Mrs. Landingham's office.

"He'll be out in just a minute, CJ," Mrs. Landingham said.

"CJ, come on in!" The President said.

Once they were in his office, he said, "I hear you have something important you want to discuss with me."

"Yes sir and I'm quite nervous about it."

"Anytime you're ready, CJ," he said.

"Sir, I'm ready to be completely honest with you. For the past month I've been hiding something from you," CJ said.

"You have? That's not like you," the President said as he eyed her curiously.

"No, sir, it's not. My only excuse is that I wouldn't have done it if it wasn't the most important thing in my life. Besides serving at the pleasure of the President," she added with a smile.

"CJ, I trust you. I trust your judgment. But right now you're sounding like a Texan that claims he's compassionate. Crazy. If I'm to continue trusting in you, you're going to have to tell me what you've been hiding from me."

CJ took a deep breath, "Sir, since the day after the shooting I've been in a relationship with Danny Concannon. Last year I was told not to see him. I tried sir. He chased me, and I responded. After the shooting, I needed someone to take care of me. Danny took care of me sir, and I've been with him since. And for the record, we plan on keeping our relationship apart from the press," CJ paused and took a deep breath and added, "I'm sorry I held this information from you, sir. I wanted to make sure we were going to work. And I didn't want to lose my job over loving someone."

"CJ, who told you that you weren't allowed to see Danny?" the President asked.

CJ hesitated, "Sir, Leo told me that it was a conflict of interests. I didn't know if that came from this office or not."

"No, it didn't come from this office. I'll talk to Leo when we're done. CJ, you know how I feel about Danny Concannon. He's fair and honest. He does a great job. And despite how hard you've both tried, I see how you both look at each other," as CJ blushed, the President continued, "You and Danny dating isn't my favorite scenario. If the press finds out, it'll be a hell of a scandal, but I can't stop true love. I have no problem with you dating Danny Concannon."

CJ smiled, "I'm sorry sir, could you repeat that?"

"No, I couldn't. I want you to tell your select friends, and obviously try not to smile at him as much as you do, at least not in front of the press. I'll talk to Leo, and you won't hear another word about it," he said.

CJ leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, "Thank you sir."

"Oh, and Claudia, I'd love the four of us to have dinner sometime."

"Yes sir."

"Toby, in five minutes can you meet me in my office?" CJ asked.

"Sure, it's not like I don't have anything important to do. I'm only the Communications Director to the White House."

"Toby, it's very cute that you have to tell me your title to establish your manhood," CJ said on her way out.

"Sam, I also need you in my office in five minutes."

"Sure."

CJ walked across the bullpen.

"Josh, I'm glad you're back. How are you feeling?" CJ asked.

"I'm feeling good, and it's such a relief to get back to work," Josh replied.

"Okay, I need you and Donna in my office in four minutes"

"We'll be there Ceej!"

They all arrived at her office and looked at her like she was about to break.

"I just spoke to the President, I thought he might ask for my resignation. But he didn't. The reason I thought that was because I told him that since the shooting, I've been dating Danny Concannon," CJ revealed.

Donna reacted like a woman of course; she hugged CJ and congratulated her.

Josh and Sam both congratulated her also.

Toby looked a little upset.

"What's wrong Toby?" CJ asked.

"CJ-are you sure he's right for you? I mean, forget the conflict of interest stuff. Do you love him?"

"Yes, Toby. I love Danny. He loves me, and he treats me like the most beautiful woman in the world."

"You know I worry, because I see you as a little sister. And you should be treated like that, you are the most beautiful woman in the world," he said as he smiled shyly.

CJ hugged Toby, "Thank you, Toby. Thank you everyone for being supportive."

"Congratulations, CJ!" everyone said on their way out, as Leo headed in.

"CJ, I want to apologize for standing in between you and Danny. You have my full support, kid!" Leo said as he hugged her like a father.

"Thank you, Leo. I know you were trying to protect me and the Presidency. I always knew that," CJ said, "Now, if you'll all excuse me, there's someone I need to call, and then I need to get back to work."

"Danny? I had my talk with the President and he backs us 100. He wants the four of us to have dinner soon. Oh, that reminds me, I need to call the First Lady and tell her that it's done. Everyone wished us congratulations. See you at the briefing in an hour. Love you! Bye!"

The end for now, look for a Second Part to come soon.