TITLE: People Move On

AUTHOR: Micky Fine

DISCLAIMER: Check out the beginning.

SUMMARY: You read it. You're here. Continue

SPOILERS: Check out the first chapter. Then add Guns Not Butter.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Just wanted to have a little bit of fun and fluff before we head into some heavy stuff. This chapter alternates Josh and Donna's POV. Reviews adored and welcomed.

"Joshua, are you kidding me?"

"No."

"Seriously?"

"Am I ever anything else?"

"Well, yesterday you managed to convince Margaret that all Georgia peaches were really imported from the former Soviet Union."

"Ok, fine so I'm not always serious."

She snorts at me.

"Well, that was very ladylike."

"I don't see how that's a problem because I'm definitely not going to look ladylike in that."

"C'mon Donna, it's for a good cause."

"Technically the function is for a good cause. You just want me there so that I'll remember names and take notes on who promised to give us money."

"Fine, but the ticket I bought for you will go towards said good cause so I don't see how you can turn me down."

"Well, once you see me in that you'll understand."

"Donna."

"Fine, but only because it's for the Children's Hospital."

I give her a dimpled grin.

"You're fantastic. You won't regret this."

"We'll see."

----

I flop onto my latest hotel room bed and sigh.

"Donna?"

"Hey C.J."

C.J. peeks out of the bathroom, holding hair on top of her head with one hand and a large baby blue bow in the other. Spying the garment bag in my hand she grins.

"So, what did Josh get you?"

"How did you…you were in on this?"

C.J. lets out a small giggle.

"I only told him your dress size and shoe size. The rest was all him."

I groan.

"Hey, it can't be that bad. I sent Sam to go pick one out for me and now I'm going as Bo Peep."

I look at C.J. incredulously until she reaches under her bed and pulls out a large crook. At the sight of the large wooden staff we both burst into hysterical laughter. Between gasps for air I motion for C.J. to open the bag next to me. She does and after seeing the outfit inside starts laughing even harder. We've both collapsed on the floor, tears streaming from our eyes when there's a knock at the door. I muster enough strength to get up and open it.

"Donna."

I continue to giggle in spite of myself.

"Hey Toby. You looking for C.J.?"

He nods.

"Hey, Bo Peep, Toby's here to see you."

C.J. manages to get off the floor and goes to greet Toby, still holding the bow.

"I'm going to go get dressed."

C.J. nods and turns to Toby. I grab my garment bag from where I left it on the bed and head into the bathroom. Twenty minutes later I emerge, tying an elastic around my other braid. Hearing Toby and C.J. still talking in the doorway I call out to them.

"Hey guys? What do you think?"

I do a slow twirl. I turn back to find Toby staring at me like he's lost his brain in the past five seconds. C.J. elbows him and he suddenly comes back to reality. He clears his throat.

"You look…umm…it's a nice…you're…you look fine."

C.J. glares at Toby and then turns to me.

"You look great, Donna."

"Thanks. Anyway, Toby, do you know if Josh is at the hospital already?"

"Yeah, he left fifteen minutes ago."

"Great. I'm gonna go pack his stuff and then I'll come back. Think you'll be ready in twenty minutes C.J.?"

"I will be, but I can't guarantee that my sheep will."

We both chuckle once more and then I saunter past Toby and down the hall. When I'm almost out of earshot I hear C.J. speak.

"Close your mouth Tobias."

----

C.J. and I walk into the ballroom filled with members of the local DNC, hospital board members and staff, and members of the Bartlet for America campaign. I glance around the room and my eyes are drawn to the stage. Above the podium is a large banner that appears to have been painted by children. It reads: The Annual Reinick Children's Hospital Masquerade Ball Fundraiser. I then survey the growing crowd and their costumes. I spy several clowns, a few princesses, and other similar stereotypical costumes. I turn to C.J.

"Ah, March in Vermont. A time when we give great speeches, eat pancakes with maple syrup, and allow our friends and co-workers to dress us in costumes that have a large circumference."

C.J. chuckles and is about to interrupt when I sense a new presence in my vicinity and then feel a familiar hand resting on the small of my back. I turn and feel my face break into a large smile.

"Well, hello, sir. And just who might you be?"

"Donna, I'm disappointed. You can't tell from the umbrella?"

I look Josh up and down. He's wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and narrow black tie. Atop his head is a bowler and in his hand is an umbrella. I think for a brief moment and then speak.

"You're Steed."

C.J. is now intrigued.

"Who?"

Josh groans.

"C.J. you really shouldn't have asked. Now she's going to give you a history."

I glare at him and then turn to C.J.

"Josh is dressed as John Steed the male lead character of the classic British TV series The Avengers. Of course there was also the film made in 1998 based on the series that starred Ralph Fiennes, Uma Thurman, and Sean Connery. Of course, the show was greatly superior to the movie."

"Of course."

I turn back to Josh and find that somewhere during my speech he's gotten the same look that Toby had before. I pinch him lightly.

"Ow."

"You deserved it."

"I deserved to be pinched?"

"Well, when you stare at me like that you do."

"Sorry, it's just…"

"Yes, Joshua, I know. I have legs. Long legs. And this very delightful East German cocktail waitress outfit that you so thoughtfully picked out for me, displays them quite well. This just goes to show you that you should consult me before you pick a costume for me."

"Duly noted."

"Guten Abend, Donna."

I turn to find Sam striding towards our small group.

"Hey Sam. Are you just a Mountie or Dudley Do-Right?"

"Just a Mountie."

I smile. Sam turns to Josh.

"Listen, Governor Bartlet wants to go over some more health stats before the speech. We need you both."

C.J. immediately heads towards the backstage area. Josh squeezes my arm and then goes off with Sam. Just before he disappears, he turns and tips his hat to me. I smile. When he's gone behind the curtain I turn to find a waiter and grab a glass of champagne. Before wading into the crowd I mutter to myself under my breath.

"You can't fall for him."

----

I whistle as I join the rest of crowd who are giving a standing ovation for the wonderful speech Governor Bartlet just gave on his plan for improving Medicare. As he takes his wife's hand and heads backstage once again, I turn to find the chair beside me empty. Craning my neck, I attempt to find my missing assistant. I catch C.J.'s arm before she wanders onto the dance floor with Toby.

"Where's Donna?"

"I think she went to the bar to get a drink."

I nod and start heading in that direction. I am forced to halt when a large group of DNC members descend on me. Listening to them congratulate me on the Governor and his amazing speech I continue to scan the area around the bar for Donna. I'm rewarded for my efforts when I spot the blonde pigtail braids. Once again I find myself staring at the large expanse of her long legs exposed by the short skirt of her costume. My view is suddenly obstructed when a man dressed in large clown shoes, a white doctor's coat and an oversized stethoscope hanging around his neck approaches my assistant.

Continuing to nod as the DNC members pat me on the back and head off in search of Sam and Toby, I watch incredulously as this clownish doctor hands Donna a drink, rests his hand on her arm and whispers something in her ear. Donna flushes and looks uncomfortable and I suddenly feel a foreign sensation in my gut. I watch in disbelief as Donna attempts to move away from the buffoon and is prevented by the doctor's suddenly tight grip on her arm. I growl to no one.

"That's it."

I march up to my assistant and her new companion with a false smile plastered on my face.

"Donna, I've been looking for you."

Donna turns to me and I can see the relief in her eyes.

"Sorry, I just went to get a drink."

"That's fine. Who's your friend?"

I turn to the man next to Donna who amazingly still hasn't let go of her arm. I now notice that he's slightly unsteady on his feet. Great, he's drunk. Donna speaks for her companion when it becomes obvious that he's suddenly lost his ability to do so.

"This is Dr. Blackman. He's the head of the board at the hospital."

"It's very nice to meet you, Dr. Blackman."

He nods to me and then leers at Donna. Seeing that this guy isn't going to take a subtle hint, I place my hand around Donna's waist and pull gently. The idiot doctor doesn't let go and stumbles into Donna. Now I'm really annoyed. I'm just about to warn this guy that if he doesn't get his hands off my assistant he's going to become well acquainted with my fist when Sam comes up behind Donna.

"Is there a problem here folks?"

The doctor blanches at the sight of Sam in his garb and Donna immediately catches on.

"Actually, officer, this man here…"

Dr. Blackman finally manages to speak.

"I was just about to leave. I think my table finally got dessert. I'll see you later. Good evening officer."

And with that the idiot doctor wanders off into the crowd. I watch him walk away and then face Donna who is rubbing her arm lightly. I touch her back and speak to her softly.

"Are you all right?"

"I'm fine. I've had to deal with worse."

I look into her face for a long moment. She returns my gaze and apparently sees something there that makes her uncomfortable because she suddenly turns to Sam.

"Danke, Sam."

"Mit vergnügen, Donna."

"Ok, you've now exceeded my German vocabulary."

"It means with pleasure."

"Ah, well, I'm going to go get something to drink. You guys want anything?"

We both shake our hands.

"I'll be back in a minute then."

We both watch her head towards the bar. Once she starts talking to the bartender I turn to Sam while still keeping an eye on Donna.

"Thanks for that."

"Yeah, well, I saw you had the same face from when you slugged John Stameck during that party."

"He deserved it."

"Yes, he did, and I'm sure this guy did too. Only problem is that you're at a fundraiser and punching someone out to preserve the honor of your assistant would probably not be looked on highly by most of the people here."

"Probably."

I go back to watching Donna.

"She's pretty amazing isn't she?"

"Donna?"

"No, Wonder Woman. Yes, Donna."

"Yeah, she is, but can I say something to you without you getting angry or upset?"

"Sure."

"Donna's great and we all love her but she is your assistant. Your very young assistant. She's what, 24?"

"25."

"Fine. So she's endearing, young, and very attractive. Especially in that outfit. She's also your employee. And I get that you two are together for massive amounts of time and that means that you'll inevitably be close but we just want to make sure that you don't go out of bounds."

"Sam, I would never…"

"Ok. I believe you. Just remember what I said. Plus, let's not forget that Mandy would kill you."

I sigh.

"Yeah, ok, I got it."

"Got what?"

We both whirl around to find Donna holding a beer stein containing what appears to be champagne. I exchange looks with Sam.

"Well, we were just plotting how we're going to steal C.J.'s crook."

"You guys are awful. There's no way I'm taking part in your felony. I want some ice cream."

She starts to saunter off, but then turns around smiles at me and raises her stein in a salute of thanks. I nod in response and then watch her continue to walk away. Sam wanders off and I'm left watching Donna eat ice cream and giggling at something Toby's saying. I mutter under my breath.

"You can't fall for her."

----

I finish brushing my teeth and after giving myself one final glance in the mirror I head back into the main area of the hotel room I share with C.J. Giving my East German cocktail waitress outfit one final glance I seal it inside the garment bag and then turn towards my suitcase. We're leaving Vermont late tomorrow night after another function and while I've made sure Josh is packed, I'm nowhere near ready. I sigh as I survey the large pile of clothes that I've left on top of my luggage and then dive in.

I've finished folding almost all of my stuff when a sharp rapping on the door breaks the silence. Instead of opening the door, I call out.

"C'mon in. It's unlocked."

I hear the door open and close softly. I finish folding my third Bartlet for America t-shirt and then look up to see Josh standing rather awkwardly at the foot of my bed. He's changed out of his garb from this evening and is wearing jeans and a dark chocolate brown sweater. I avoid thinking about how good he looks and instead focus on what's making him look so uncomfortable.

"Josh?"

"Yeah?"

"You came to see me."

"Yes. Yes, I did."

"Did you have a reason or are you just drawn to my Tweety Bird pajamas?"

"Definitely the pajamas."

We chuckle and I feel the stiffness disappear from the room.

"So, is your suitcase packed to your satisfaction? I made sure to leave out clothes for you for tomorrow so that you wouldn't have rummage through it tomorrow and ruin all my work."

"Oh, yeah, it's great."

I look at him for a moment and find that he still seems to be struggling to say something.

"Josh?"

"Hmm?"

"Did you come here to talk about something else other than my pajamas and your suitcase?"

"Yeah. I just wanted to make sure you were all right after your encounter with Dr. Bozo this evening."

I smile softly over his concern.

"Like I said before, Josh, I'm fine. I've had worse run-ins with drunk, horny men before."

"I get that, but you shouldn't have to deal with that out here."

"On the campaign trail, you mean?"

"Yes."

"Josh, I know you revere campaigns as something divine, pure, whatever. But you're traversing America and although this country is ideal and I wouldn't live anywhere else, it does have its share of jerks. I just happened to run into one tonight. It's happened before, it'll happen again."

"Ok."

He smiles and then turns to go but before he reaches the short hall that leads to the door he turns back to face me.

"It's normal that I worry about you, right?"

I'm briefly astounded but then regain my composure.

"I think so. I mean I worry about you. I think it's just the natural result of us spending so much time together."

"Yeah, that's definitely it. Anyway, you're probably exhausted."

"Well, it is three in the morning."

Josh chuckles.

"Goodnight, Donna."

"Goodnight, Josh."

I watch him walk out. After the door clicks closed I flop back on my bed. I go over the entire evening in my head and recall the overwhelming concern I saw in Josh's eyes after he'd chased off the drunken doctor. I shiver at the intensity I saw there and then shake my head, trying to clear it of these thoughts. I sigh.

"This can't be happening."

----

I close the hotel room door behind me and then lean up against it. I go over the entire evening in my head, remembering everything from how amazing Donna looked to the thankful look she had in her eyes when I came up to her and Dr. Bozo to our conversation just now. Then I remember all of the other amazing days and nights I've spent with this woman in three different states, two tour buses, four airplanes, and thirty-five hotel rooms. And then the thought runs through my brain like one of those giant banner ads: you're involved with someone.

I inwardly cringe at the thought of Mandy. She's a great woman but spending time with her is so draining. And now I can't help but compare her with Donna. Where Mandy is harsh, Donna understands. Mandy is tiring, Donna energizes me. Mandy frequently leaves me feeling frustrated and annoyed. Donna makes me laugh and whenever I leave her I feel happier. Ok, I've got to stop this because if I keep thinking like this I'm going to start thinking things that are definitely inappropriate considering who Donna works for. You know, me.

I bang my head against the wall for a few seconds and then let out a long sigh.

"This can't be happening."

To be continued…