Title:
The Path Which Has Led to the Present (14?)
Author:
Aerial312
Rating: PG-13. This one's got some swearing.
Category:
Humor/Fluff/Angst/Romance (a little of everything)
Spoiler Info:
Pre-Series.
Disclaimer: I own nothing…I just borrow.
Feedback:
Greatly appreciated. Sure. Just
let me know where its going.
A/N: Okay, so I've decided to make the 1998 Democratic National Convention in Boston, because I know Boston.
"How have you already managed to make a mess of your desk?" Donna stood beside him with her hands on her hips, pouting in an adorable way. Really adorable. "It was neat when we left, and we've been back all of 10 minutes."
"I came in—"
"—and dumped out the contents of your backpack."
"If you already knew the answer why did you ask the question?"
"And who's going to sort that mess?"
He looked up at her and smiled.
"Right. Me."
"But you do it so well."
"Couldn't you have taken it out neatly?"
"My neatest still wouldn't be neat enough for you. You'd redo it anyways," he grinned, bringing out the dimples. He had learned that it was nearly impossible for her to resist the dimples.
"I suppose you're right."
"I'm what?" More dimples.
"You're…you're insufferable today, that's what you are."
"Insufferable?"
"There are phone messages under that mess somewhere. Have fun finding them." Donna turned to exit, with a smile.
"There are phone messages already in the 10 minutes we've been back?"
"Yup. Under all the stuff you poured out of your bag."
"Who called?"
"The messages were laid out, in plain sight—"
"Who called? When did they call?"
Donna sighed, and dug through the pile for the little yellow slips. "While you were with Leo. Two calls. Barry Goodwin, the DNC chair—"
"Goody, goody…"
"And Eric Leeds, who is running the venue for the Convention."
"What did he want?"
"Apparently, Leo has decided you are now his liaison with the campaign."
"Yeah, no shit. Apparently I'm the campaign's advance liaison for the whole Convention. So I have to deal with Barry too. Call them both back, and tell them that they can both wait until I'm Boston tomorrow and we can meet in person, because that's what Leo wants."
"You're going to Boston tomorrow?"
"Yeah, Leo's sending me."
"Why?"
"Because he doesn't want to do it," Josh growled.
"Who else is going?"
"Just me. Us. Oh, I'd better check on that."
"On what?"
"I need to make sure that Leo's sending you with me." He'd just assumed that Leo was.
"You think he might not?"
"I'm not sure. I've got meeting upon meeting, and you are one of like 3 competent aides this campaign has."
"The other two being?"
"Mrs. Landingham and Margaret."
"I see," Donna grinned. "They're both on salary."
"I'll try again before we go to Boston. I am trying."
"I know," Donna smiled softly at Josh. It was a little peculiar. "So you think Leo will want to keep me here."
"I hope not." Being sent to Boston early was already irritating. It would be unbearable to leave Donna in New Hampshire.
"You should go see him now, because you have a meeting with Toby an CJ in a half hour."
"I'm going. I'll bring back your stipend. That should be ready now. Have you seen my jacket?"
"Did you leave it in Leo's office?"
Josh thought for a minute. "Yes. See, what would I do without you?"
"You'd manage—"
"I—"
"You like to be taken care of, but you're not helpless."
"I need—"
"You managed to take care of yourself for the first 20 years of your adult life before you met me."
"Once you're spoiled, its hard to go back."
"Uh huh."
"You do want to come, right?"
"Of course."
Phew.
"Didn't you just leave my office?"
"Yes, I—"
"Forgot your coat."
"Margaret is walking it back to your office as we speak."
"Thanks."
"I have a question."
"If its your usual question, the answer is still no, unfortunately."
"I know. I know we're in rough shape. I just told her I'd ask."
"You still spotting her?"
"Yeah."
"She know?"
"If she does, she's not letting on, and I'm happy to keep it that way."
Leo nodded. "Anything else?"
"Actually…"
"You're not here to cause me more grief, are you?"
"I don't intend to."
"Good. Be quick. See that stack? I have to read that before my noon meeting."
"That's in 45 minutes."
"Which is why I'm trying to get you out of my office."
"When I go to Boston tomorrow, I can bring Donna right?"
"Is she essential? Cause God knows we could use her here."
"She…I would say she's essential."
"You're in meetings all day."
"But I'm also the point person for the campaign for a week…by myself."
"You are a grown man, but I don't have time to argue with you now. If you think you need Donna to stay on top of things, take Donna."
"Thank you."
"Now, get out of my office." Josh headed out the door, as Leo yelled, "Margaret! No one gets into see me in the next hour unless its an emergency."
She scurried by Josh, as he headed across the old warehouse.
"Hello, Mrs. Landingham."
"Hello Joshua, would you like a cookie?"
"Yes, please."
"Here. And take this back for Donna. That girl needs to eat more. I'd better not hear you ate it."
"I'll make sure she gets it."
"What can I do for you?"
"Could you write Donna's name on an envelope for me again?"
She reached up to her right without looking, and pulled a blank envelope out of a bin. "This is very nice of you."
"Ma'am?"
"You're paying her out of pocket, aren't you?"
"I, uh…" She gave him a stern look. "Yes, ma'am."
"I'm glad you appreciate how much she's kicked your bottom into gear."
"I do, Mrs. Landingham, I do."
