Cadence felt like an intruder as she stood in Josh's office taking a call from Gavin. She had initially been relieved when Donna had caught her in the corridor to say she had a call waiting before she could return to the lake people alone but now she was wondering how the day kept getting stranger as she tried to figure out what Gavin was trying to tell her.

Cadence glanced about the office hoping to find something embarrassing but it was all rather mundane and cluttered yet the mess was oddly organised so even that she could not critique. She wondered sardonically if Josh would sterilise the phone after her usage of it. Would he even know Donna had offered up his office with a smile as a private place for Cadence to respond to the call?

"Cady we need your P.R skills for the Vice President this afternoon," Gavin explained. "He has to make an appearance at the Smithsonian Zoo for a ceremony of sorts." His voice held a hint of haggardness to it as he addressed her quickly.

Cadence looked about the room again with suspicion as she cradled the phone close. She glanced at the window, the blinds were shut but she could still hear the rain hammering off the pane. It was loud and a little too distracting for her liking.

"Cady?" Gavin called impatiently.

"Sorry, I misheard you say something about a ceremony at the zoo," Cadence retorted lightly, "and then I remembered the V.P is meant to be in New York and now I'm wondering if this office has a hidden camera in it because I would swear someone is pranking me today."

"What?"

Cadence sighed as she reached up to her hair. She frowned as she felt more of it loose than she had expected to and began to wonder exactly what she had looked like when taking coffee with Congressman Landis. Had that been some kind of prank too? The paranoid side of her wondered if the Republican was just looking some kind of funny story to take back to his party about the Democratic Chief of Staff's daughter.

"Nothing," Cadence grumbled, "just tell me what's going on and please tell me the Vice President is in New York because cancelling that event is bad publicity."

"Well he did cancel it," Gavin said flatly, "because a racoon was running about outside the Eisenhower and pest control were going to kill it, I think. Now it's getting donated to a zoo because I didn't consider ringing a park first or whoever the hell you ring about raccoons that aren't pest control. At two o'clock the Vice President is to present the racoon to the Smithsonian Zoo with a small ceremony."

Cadence twisted the phone cord about her finger as she tried to take in this latest surprise.

"You need to come do the P.R for this," Gavin concluded.

"He cancelled New York to save a raccoon?" Cadence queried quietly.

"Well he wasn't all that keen on New York," Gavin grumbled, "and this raccoon is not that a big a fan of captivity so I don't know how well it's going to take to the zoo."

"Wait, you have it?" Cadence quipped in surprise.

"Have it, they made me catch it!" Gavin lamented. "Because pest control couldn't even do that, I mean I get it, I'm being punished. You know, I was sincere about my apology to you," he added hotly, "but you and I both know why I did what I did."

Cadence turned sombre at Gavin's words, she did know why he had leaked her story of suicide and Robbie to the press, to oust her before she could do any more damage to John with scandals. In a way she was sorry Gavin hadn't been more successful with his plan.

"You didn't let it bite you, did you?" she queried coolly.

"I'm not that stupid," he retorted irately. "I just left the cage door open with cat food in it and when it went in I closed the door. You have to come make something out of this mess."

Cadence looked to the clock on the wall, it was only coming up to half ten and New York was approximately an hour and a half flight from D.C.

"Get Air Force Two rescheduled for New York asap," she ordered. "I'll get in touch with NY Angel Kids' League, they will understand having to work around the Vice President but not him cancelling. Why didn't Cal reschedule?"

"Vice President Hoynes did not desire to," Gavin retorted in a low voice. "It's been one hell of a morning and this raccoon keeps yapping at me. Stop that! That noise is disturbing."

Cadence's smile widened as she heard the noise of a slightly upset raccoon in the background.

"Gavin it's just chittering. Make sure it's got plenty of water and food while it's waiting and space. Is it a boy or girl? Young?"

"I have no idea and I have no desire to find out. It's not getting out until it's at the zoo," Gavin retorted flatly.

"Yes, I'll ring them too, who suggested two o'clock?"

"They did," Gavin admitted, "and I agreed."

"Well they have to understand the Vice President will be making the schedule not them," Cadence said firmly. "Since you're so eager to make amends I'm going to leave it with you to arrange with Cal and the V.P to get to New York and then back to Washington for say five. I'll get the zoo locked in for six."

"Right. You know I remember you getting all righteous about a raccoon back on the campaign trail," Gavin commented scornfully. "This sudden sense of animal rights is your influence, isn't it?"

"One can only hope," Cadence retorted happily. "I'll let you go Gavin, calls to make and all that."

"Bye."

Cadence hung up the phone and took a deep breath. She wondered about Gavin's story, was the raccoon just an excuse to get out of New York? She doubted it, John had been indifferent to New York, he hadn't loathed the idea of the trip. She hugged her torso tentatively as she considered the only explanation that made sense to her. John couldn't cope with Cadence potentially learning that pest control had been called to her place of work and killed a raccoon. He had wanted it spared for her.

Realising she was going to have to balance phone calls with the lake people as she couldn't let her father down today, Cadence finally stepped out of Josh's office. She would speak to John later about the raccoon but for now she had to distance herself from the confusing emotions that came with her curiosity. Her father was trusting in her good faith to do good work with Josh and to show his team that she wasn't a screw up. Sure Leo hadn't told her that was what he wanted to achieve today but she knew he was thinking it. It wasn't exactly normal for someone from the VP's team to try and help with the work of the President's team even in the name of team building.

Donna, standing bent over her own desk, stood upright to give the young woman a cheerful smile.

Cadence smiled back. She liked Donna, the blonde always seemed to welcome her with a sincere happiness, there was no agenda there or suggestion of a pretence of friendliness.

"Donna, could I accommodate somewhere to make a few more phone calls later today?" Cadence asked politely.

Donna nodded. "Sure, Josh's office is too fussy isn't it? Sure he knows where everything is but I keep telling him it doesn't give good impressions. I can find you another office space if you give me a few minutes."

"Thanks. I'll be with the lake people in the meantime."

Cadence headed through the West Wing to the toilets first.

She was dismayed when she caught sight of her reflection. Her clothes were wrinkled and her hair was askew having long drifted from cute, messy ponytail to bird's nest. She placed her bag onto the worktop beside a sink, opened it up and tugged out a brush.

The door opened and shut as Bonnie entered to use a cubicle. As the door closed, Cadence suddenly tensed, turning sharply to move back as she looked to the door accusingly.

Bonnie missed the stare as she had already hurried into a cubicle.

Cadence sucked in a breath and took in her rigid stance. Her hands were up at her sides, arms bent but even she didn't know if she had been preparing to shield herself for something or halfway to covering her ears from an unwanted sound. She turned back to her reflection and frowned as she felt her hands quivering slightly. She made herself take another deep breath before she tugged out the remnants of the ponytail and started brushing.

Cadence frowned at her reflection before glancing sideways to the right to a raised window. It was shut but she could still hear the rain, it seemed to be heavy no matter what room she was in.

Josh returned to Tom in his usual brisk, animated manner with an apologetic smile. He was returning after having left the congressman for the second time just five minutes after Tom had returned from his morning break. Donna had intruded upon them again after the tea break to advise that Cadence had received a call from the Vice President's party and now she was trying to deal with something for them.

In a reaction this, Josh was trying to balance the lake people unsuccessfully with Cadence. He knew that he and Cadence had to reunite at some point and form some sort of decision as to whether they were going to give any finances to Jack and Jill's cause. He was a little infuriated with Cadence for finding a way to escape dealing with Jack and Jill full time and, since she wouldn't tell Josh what exactly she was dealing with, he was starting to think it was all a ruse. In fact Josh was starting to suspect Cadence had gotten one of the Vice President's aides to ring her on purpose, the whole 'get me out of this bad date' phone call.

As Josh turned his attention to Tom he wondered how coffee had gone. Josh had worked out Cadence and Tom had spent approximately fifteen minutes together and couldn't decide if that was good or bad. Yet Tom couldn't be the 'bad date' Cadence was escaping from or she would have thrown herself into dealing with Jack and Jill surely.

"I'm sorry congressman," Josh apologised again. "I didn't mean to get called away so quickly but you know how it is."

Josh was sincere with his apology but there was a hint of indifference in his dark gaze. Tom was a Republican coming to court money for his district, he wasn't exactly a priority for the Democrat President or any of his staffers.

Tom smiled up at Josh. He had resumed his seat by his notes and was attentively working through them and an open file of documents.

"Sure you're not trying to avoid bargaining with a Republican?" Tom teased.

Josh laughed faintly at this and shook his head. "No, not at all congressman."

Josh pulled out the seat opposite Tom.

"Is Cady coming back or is she staying with the lakes people?" Tom queried.

Josh hesitated in sitting to look over at Tom with surprise. He raised his pale brown eyebrows slightly and made himself smile to hide the budding horror within him.

"Well, congressman, she really wasn't meant to be here in the first place," Josh retorted calmly. He used Tom's title purposely to remind him that this was a business meeting and not a casual get together. "She's part of the Vice President's detail but she's here today to help give people who otherwise have difficulty reaching us a chance."

Josh paused as he rhymed off Leo's polite way of phrasing 'wasting time with crazies'. He gave Tom a serious stare as he realised suddenly how it might sound to him.

Josh had met Tom a few times and considered him likeable despite his political stance but he didn't know him well and couldn't say for certain if Tom was trustworthy or liable to run back to the Republican party with mocking tales of how the Democratic Chief of Staff arranged cheese days and had his Deputy chasing money for mythical water creatures. Josh didn't think Tom would but with politicians one often couldn't see the knife until it was too late. Hell, who was Josh to ponder over it, hadn't he wielded the political knife before on behalf of Leo and the President? It was the game, the House was meant to be for the people but instead of coming together for the people the residents looked to each other with ire and moved in a rush of violent words to unseat the unstable, hoping to gain another throne in Congress for their party.

"Like liberal Republicans going against the grain?" Tom ventured. His blue stare remained warm and friendly.

Josh sat down at last and crossed his arms on the table. "No congressman, our meeting today at the same time as The Foundation of Lakes and Lake Wildlife meeting was a double booking, I didn't know I was having a meeting with them today."

Josh knew how ridiculous that sounded, true as it was, the idea that the Deputy Chief of Staff would have a meeting he was unaware of didn't come across as organised. Josh wondered if this was another argument to be used to Leo for ending Big Block of Cheese Day. Considering Toby's argument that wars needed dealt with hadn't worked, Josh doubted a Republican being hurt by a meetings clash was going to cause Leo to rethink his favourite tradition.

Tom's stare became serious as he held Josh's gaze. "Josh if we get something good done for the people here today then I don't really care how I got this meeting. And enough with the congressman, call me Tom, we are colleagues."

Tom's blue stare brightened again as he queried chirpily, "I do have to ask, what's the connection to lake people and cheese?"

"She told you about the cheese," Josh murmured as he bowed his head. "Why?"

Tom smiled. "Cady was a little annoyed there were no cream cheese bagels, she said this was supposed to be a cheese day but it's a false cheese day."

Josh glanced up at Tom to see his quizzical expression. "Why?" he lamented again as he groaned and raised his right hand to pull it down his cheek.

"No, see," Josh hesitated, "it's...it's a thing we do here." Josh waved his hands outwards dramatically. "It-We're tight for time," he changed the subject quickly. "I'll explain another day. Let's get talking about this history and arts bill." Josh glanced at his watch. "I'll have to dart out again to talk to Jack and Jill."

"What's the story there? Cady said they want funding for sea dragons and she's not doing it unless they offer her a unicorn."

Tom's smile widened and his blue gaze filled with amusement.

Josh frowned hearing Tom call Cadence by her nickname yet again. For some reason he found it more concerning than her telling a Republican that they were having a meeting regarding giving people money to protect mythical animals.

"She's not good with details," Josh grumbled. "They want some kind of funding to protect these water creatures from poaching and captivity." Josh paused and waved a finger in a circle motion as if miming tape being rewound. "And I just heard that. I didn't make it sound any saner, did I?"

Tom gave a brief chuckle and shook his head. "I think I get the just of it. Why don't you consider taking funding from the environmental budget for the protection of the environment of these water bodies and all their inhabitants, then these creatures would be protected under the blanket order of it without it seeming like the White House is funding the protection of sea dragons. And maybe," he added light heartedly, "some Republicans would even support that."

Josh studied Tom's calm expression carefully. It was a good suggestion, Josh could admit it to himself but he wouldn't say it out loud.

"I'll think on that one," Josh conceded. "Now, what about this history and arts bill? You want to include Richmond in the funding, which would specifically be Richmond's history as the capital of the Confederacy."

"Josh you can't silence history and I'm not looking to show it off in a good way, I just believe people should see all sides of history. You can visit Auschwitz," Tom pointed out.

Josh winced slightly at the comparison and gave a nervous smile. "Yes but Auschwitz is presented as the horror it was and is. I'm not sure Confederate history is so clearly presented."

"Richmond is trying to promote the history of slavery and emancipation more," Tom said, "and with this bill it can. Josh, Richmond isn't just the former Confederate capital, it's where Patrick Henry persuaded people to rise up against the British, and the Virginia Holocaust Museum opened there a couple of years ago."

"See I know how you want it to sound," Josh addressed him calmly as he tried to sound understanding, "but Tom, consider this viewpoint, we wouldn't be funding a Holocaust Museum without also sparing funding to promote the history of the Confederacy in a city that supported it."

Tom frowned. "I don't think Richmond is ready to rise up for the South again," he said sardonically. "It's all history Josh and it's all learning, I'm not suggesting we use it to manipulate opinion, only that we promote the education of people. We don't have to like all aspects of history but we shouldn't promote one over the other."

Josh turned his gaze to the door. The topic made him uncomfortable, more so since Tom seemed keen to bring Jewish history into it, which Josh considered an unfair ploy.

Josh turned back to Tom. "The bill is to be split over various territories Tom, and look we want to avoid anything controversial with it, we're leaning more towards Picassos and museums on farming, I can't guarantee funding to Richmond, is that the only way you're supporting it?"

Tom gave a firm nod. "Why Josh, are you going to say it only gets through without Richmond?" he queried.

This time Tom's smile was a little bitter and a ruthless crept into his blue stare promising Josh a fight.

"Not everyone in the Republican party is a fan of this bill," Tom reminded him. "Most are against in fact, that brush with Colombia makes them want to consider finances for military not the arts."

Josh nodded. "Well Colombia wasn't exactly our finest hour," he murmured. "Tom let's go through it, bit by bit. There are other areas in Virginia to benefit from this."

"I'm for the fourth congressional district, not the entire state," Tom reminded him. "The President wants to sign this bill and you need a Republican supporting it for Congress."

Josh gave Tom a small smile, he couldn't tell if Tom was getting pissy or being humorous again with his reminder of their need for a Republican. He figured Tom's interpretation of his own smile might give him a clue.

Tom smiled back with a warmth to his face as a spark of merriment returned to his gaze.

"You know it's very Republican to remind us we need you when we're disagreeing over something you want," Josh said in a teasing manner with a friendly glint to his eyes to show he wasn't trying to offend the man.

Tom laughed. "I am a Republican," he reminded him.

"You should wear a badge, you keep saying that."

"And you keep acting I should be ashamed of it and hush it up," Tom retorted.

Josh leaned back in his chair and gestured outwards with his arms. "Well I'm not sure if you've noticed but you're in the minority in here," he remarked sardonically.

"But not in the House," Tom retaliated as his smile widened.

"Touché," Josh consented.

Josh didn't know why was attempting some friendly bickering with Tom. For some reason Tom was able to amuse him, most other Republicans and he would have grown weary now. They often had a stick up their ass because whilst they held majority in the House they hadn't got what they really wanted- the Presidency. Tom was charming and humorous, and more agreeable and patient than most Republicans tended to be. Not that Tom was immune to showing a flicker of disagreement, he certainly wasn't happy with Josh's attempts to dismiss Richmond but he was willing to work to a compromise when most would have huffed and puffed.

Yet for all of Tom's amicable nature, Josh still determined to exchange light hearted barbs with him and hold what he really wanted out of reach. Josh wondered if it was because the man was Republican or because he was making the history and arts bill difficult for Josh or because he had taken Cadence McGarry of all people for coffee this morning. Josh realised he didn't even know if that was what Tom had done, he hadn't even asked.

"Did you get good coffee this morning?" Josh blurted out. "I hear it's hit and miss, depends on who's serving and the time of day." Josh thumbed his nose awkwardly. "Toby talks about a server with a blonde bob," he commented as he placed his palms flat on the table, "says she puts too much cream on."

Tom stared back at Josh with amusement. "Josh, I didn't go for the coffee," he answered plainly.

Josh couldn't hide the unease from his face. He tapped the table with his right hand and stared at his watch again.

"Right, you went for the bagels," Josh murmured, "of which there were none." He turned his stare back onto Tom.

"I think it was the lack of cheese that disappointed Cady," Tom retorted. He gave Josh a slightly bashful smile. "I was going to suggest some sort of lunch that involved cheese but that's..."

"Cheesy?" Josh ventured. He gave a slight chuckle at this. "She'd probably enjoy that."

"Really?"

Tom turned a hopeful stare on Josh even as embarrassment crept into his blue eyes.

Josh frowned back at him as he realised what Tom was attempting to ask.

"She's the Democratic Chief of Staff's daughter Tom," Josh reminded him bluntly. "Anyway, this topic is disturbing me, back to this bill. Actually, let me go talk to Jack and Jill first, I'm concerned Cadence might be doing damage with unicorn talk."

Josh got up from the desk and hastened out of the room. He wondered how quick Leo would be to blame him for this potential fiasco- a Republican possibly asking his daughter for a date and so soon after all her other scandals. Alright, there were no rules against it but it still seemed wrong.

Josh met Cadence in the corridor as she escaped the room from Jack and Jill.

"Another important call to make?" Josh quipped chidingly.

Josh put his hands into his trouser pockets and gave her a calm stare.

Cadence nodded back as she gave him a neutral expression.

"Yes," she said, "although when compared to conversations about the flathead lake monster, most other things are important."

"You know Congressman Landis had a suggestion."

Josh watched for Cadence's expression at the mention of the congressman's name, there was a glimpse of intrigue before she masked it with polite indifference.

"Oh?"

Josh smiled and nodded. "He said we should offer up financial support from the environmental budget to protect the environment of these water bodies and their residents and that way these creatures are covered under it."

"Hmm. I like that," Cadence said. "That is if we're being generous enough to give any money."

Josh folded his arms and frowned at her. "Don't like it," he scolded her, "he suggested it for purely selfish reasons. It would mean money to protect Chesapeake Bay and if it came out that he suggested it think of the support it would get him, a Republican," he reminded Cadence.

Cadence sighed back at him. "Fine, you brought it up. What do I care what he suggested?"

"You were telling him about it," Josh said almost accusingly.

Cadence frowned this time.

"I see," she said heatedly, "and he told you. I can already guess what's following. I slipped up and joked with a Republican about sea serpents and blocks of cheese, now he's threatening to run and tell the Republicans and hell maybe the press about how Cadence McGarry is still reckless," she snapped as ire burned in her grey gaze. She glanced around the hallway in annoyance. "No windows but I can still hear that damn rain, there will be flooding soon."

Cadence pushed back a stray strand of golden-brown hair before turning a sharp stare back on Josh. "Go on say it, I shouldn't have went for coffee with him."

Josh weighed out his options quickly. Here was his chance to nip this in the bud and prevent Leo from chewing him out for introducing Cadence to a charming Republican. He realised as he stared back at her and noticed the hollowed eyed stare of woe returning that he couldn't do it.

"No," he admitted crossly with a shake of his head, "no you've got it wrong. I don't know why I'm telling you this but he can't stop talking about you but not like that, not negatively, it's annoying actually. He wants to take you for lunch so you can get this cheese you're obsessed with."

Cadence's eyes widened with surprise and her mouth parted in a small o. She slackened her hands by her sides.

"Really?" she queried with an astonished stare.

"Yes," Josh confessed reluctantly in a groan. "Look, if you and I finish the lake business together then I'll make sure you and Tom talk again before he goes," Josh offered.

Cadence folded her arms and looked at Josh with fresh suspicion. "Why do you want to help with this?" she demanded.

"I don't," Josh responded sincerely, "and if Leo asks I'm denying it but I think I'm going to have to deny Tom his requests for the history and arts bill so maybe this will help."

Cadence let out a snort at this. "I'm to sweeten the blow?"

Josh grimaced at this terminology. "Do you want to date the Republican or not?" he snapped at her impatiently.

Cadence mulled this over briefly as her expression turned serious again. Dating was a novelty she hadn't done in a long time and the idea of being seen with someone without fear of discovery or concern over keeping track of lies appealed to her.

"Do you think he would make a story out of me?" she queried quietly, betraying some of her self-consciousness.

Josh shook his head. "No," he said sincerely. "He might have some questionable political beliefs but he is a good guy."

"He's been here for a while, can't you meet him halfway on this bill?" Cadence pried.

Josh shrugged. "I think the issue is that he won't meet me halfway."

Cadence smiled. "Hmm a guy who stands up to you, I like him more now. Anyway, have fun with Jack, Jill and knock off Nessie."

Cadence walked past Josh without waiting for his response. He turned to watch her go, contemplating the insults he could call after her before deciding it wasn't worth it.

As Josh re-entered the meeting room he wondered if Sam, C.J and Toby were having as many problems as he was.

"Chessie!" Jill snapped angrily as Josh stepped into the room. "She's calling it Nessie on purpose!"

Josh swallowed down another groan and decided that no one could be having as problematic a day as he was.

It was just after two when Josh found himself walking side by side with Cadence to the Oval Office. He didn't think it could be for anything good. The fact that the summons came from Leo but was for both of them to meet at the Oval Office suggested a double telling off.

He considered he was partially to blame for it, jinxing himself by wondering how this already long day could possibly get worse. They were into the afternoon now, passed the point of a late lunch and still Congressman Landis, and Jack and Jill remained in the West Wing with their issues unresolved.

Josh glanced at Cadence out of the corner of his eye. "It's probably your fault," he suggested calmly.

"Probably," Cadence agreed brightly.

Josh halted in surprise and stared at her mystified.

Cadence took a few more steps before she noticed Josh had stopped. She turned and looked back at him questioningly. "Why did you stop?"

"Why did you agree to that?" Josh demanded.

Cadence frowned back at him as she raised her hands to her hips. "Really?" she quipped sardonically. "Have you made the headlines several times this year?"

Josh shook his head. "No."

"Then it's probably my fault," Cadence retorted pointedly. She turned to continue walking.

Josh frowned this time and hurried back to her to side. "I know I should like you agreeing to that but I don't," he informed her as he caught up to her.

Cadence shrugged. "Thank God I don't live for pleasing you A.A," she retorted bitingly.

"Now see that is uncalled for," Josh admonished her as their walk became a fast pace through the West Wing. "I say something nice...ish and you insult me."

Cadence glanced over with a taunting smile. "It's not an insult it's your nickname."

"The second A is for asshole!" Josh cried out as he halted again. He gestured his hands outwards dramatically. "How is that not an insult?" he snapped.

Several staffers looked over curiously before resuming their business when they realised who Josh was shouting at.

"If you keep halting for theatrics we will never get to the Oval Office," Cadence chided calmly as she continued walking without looking back this time.

"I am not halting for theatrics!" Josh retorted heatedly.

He started to march again, almost moving to a jog to catch up to the young woman.

"We used abbreviation so it was nicer," Cadence informed him cheerfully, "which is a sign of fondness really."

"You kept the nickname up after I left, AWOL Asshole, remember?" Josh grumbled in a quieter voice. He didn't want the nickname catching on here in the West Wing.

Cadence glanced over at him again with irritation in her grey stare.

"You left Josh and it hurt people," she reminded him coldly. "They called you worse than that, they called me worse too when I left. You got to the White House, you can't be that sore about it."

Josh frowned and pushed a hand through his curls as he declined to respond.

Cadence stopped this time to scrutinise him. "Wait, is that it?" she demanded. "Is it because Gavin told you we changed it? Oh wow Josh you did like the nickname," she realised.

Josh gave a forced smile and shook his head. "No, no, I didn't," he insisted, "it was horrible."

"Mmm like demon and devil and Benedict Arnold," Cadence mused. She waved off Josh's look of concern with one hand. "I'm not bothered by those," she assured, "I deserve them but you deserve yours as well."

"No, I don't," Josh said defensively as his dark stare filled with anger. "I deserved praise, congratulations, it wasn't an easy decision for me to leave Hoynes, no easier for you I'm sure," he added pointedly, "but you get welcomed back and I still get scorn. When will you guys get over it? Can't you be better people and stop with the bitterness?"

Cadence's stare filled with surprise. She took a few seconds to consider her next words as her mouth turned downwards in a small frown and she dipped her head slightly. She decided angrily that it had to be the rain putting her in a mood today, it was just a constant noise and the smell of damp seemed to seep in at every window sill. She could feel her head tense with the repetitive noise and figured it was why her patience for Jack, Jill and Josh was low.

Cadence turned her head back up to fix a serious stare on Josh.

"Josh you are the son my father never had," she informed him in a sincere voice with a hint of woe to it. "You have all these degrees, all these achievements and against all the odds you got President Bartlet to the White House. I couldn't even finish university or the Vice President's campaign trail. I insult you but the truth is you have all my admiration and envy. Just once I'd like my father to look at me and not have worry in his eyes," she confessed.

Josh raised his hands to his hips before lowering them again as he bobbed his head in a slight nod. He didn't know what to say. He knew he was part of a great team here in the West Wing but sometimes he missed his companions in Hoynes' team even if it was just for a fleeting moment before the President brought them to a basket ball court for some down time or they had a poker night on a rare night of reduced meetings and Josh was reminded then of how he had the best job in the world with the best people.

As Josh looked at Cadence with an expression he tried to keep neutral as his mouth sat in a line fighting off a frown, he recalled the smokey bars the Hoynes' campaign team sought refuge in, full of easygoing laughter as they eased the stress of campaigning with shots and shared jokes, and made bets over karaoke. He remembered the few times John Hoynes had ceased being the senator and offered them a glimpse of a human being when they had taken a break for a game of mini golf one day and he had whooped them all with glee. Josh knew it was spoiled of him but he wanted both worlds sometimes.

Josh gave Cadence another awkward smile wondering why she always brought out the worst in him.

"It might be my fault," he offered weakly.

Cadence just frowned at him before resuming the march.

They reached Mrs. Landingham's post and she regarded them with the same lower lidded glance of greeting, a stare that gave away nothing.

"Afternoon Mrs. Landingham," Josh greeted politely. He looked at the cookie jar hopefully.

"Josh," the woman retorted calmly as she kept her stare down on her notes, "you've kept them waiting, which means no cookie."

"Sorry, we got caught up," Josh apologised.

He put his hands in his pockets and smiled, wondering why he was apologising to this woman and not the people he had actually kept waiting. There was just something about Mrs. Landingham he supposed, she had a quiet authority that came to her effortlessly, commanding respect from everyone without her ever having to ask for it.

She nodded and reached for the intercom. "Sir, Josh and Cadence are here," she announced.

There was a crackle and a murmur of voices.

"No sir, this button," Leo's voice of instruction called out calmly.

"Damn it, why is it so difficult?" Jed's voice snapped.

Cadence tensed slightly at the tone. She knew it was for the machine but it made her instantly wary of his temper. Ever since the business with the CIA she couldn't shake her wariness for the President. She had deserved his admonishment and his disappointment too but it had been hard to receive and she was always scared now of another rebuking or worse, a stare of hopelessness that told her he had finally given up on her.

"Sir, you're still holding the button," Leo chided.

"Alright Leo, not everything is as easy as you make it out to be!"

"Sir, just ask them to come in," Leo retorted calmly.

"Yes, yes, that's implied isn't it," Jed grumbled. "Mrs. Landingham, send them in please."

"Certainly sir," Mrs. Landingham responded cheerfully. She glanced up to Josh and Cadence and gestured them to the Oval Office doors with a smile.

Cadence and Josh exchanged a glance, both willing the other to go first.

"Ladies-" Josh began.

"Don't you dare," Cadence cut him off sharply.

Josh didn't bother with an argument, instead he led the way in to Leo and Jed.

Jed stood up from his desk as Cadence and Josh entered. Leo was standing beside him and remained at his post as he turned a calm greyish-blue stare on the pair.

"Cadence, Josh," Leo greeted them with a fixed smile, "why are the lake people still here?" He was quick to the point.

"That nickname has caught on fast," Josh murmured.

"What do you mean still?" Cadence pried.

"It's after two o'clock," Leo pointed out as he tapped at his watch for emphasis. "Toby wrapped up with The Secret Society of the Gold Rush over two hours ago and Sam and C.J finished with The Brotherhood of the Bells forty-five minutes ago."

"That's...very precise," Josh retorted as he glanced from Leo to Jed. He saw there was a spark of amusement in Jed's stare.

"How?" Cadence demanded as she crossed her arms. "I mean what did they offer them?"

Leo cocked his head at his daughter in surprise. "Nothing," he retorted bluntly.

"What?" she snapped as she dropped her arms to her sides in surprise. She stared back at her father in disbelief. "That's an option?!"

Josh gave a smirk as he clasped his hands behind him although he was a little wary of an admonishment coming his way, he had dealt with Big Block of Cheese Day before so he knew most of the time you just had to say no, as nicely and vaguely as possible.

"First there's no cheese," Cadence grumbled, "then there's people talking endlessly about sea serpents that are most definitely, a hundred percent not Nessie," she sneered sardonically, "now you're telling me I could've told them no, and it's been raining, all day."

Cadence stared pointedly at the tall arched windows which shone with a smear of damp as fat raindrops broke on their panes.

Leo glanced over his shoulder to follow her gaze to the windows. He frowned slightly before turning his stare back to her.

"That's not all," Jed spoke up at last as he gave a small smile. "Isn't there some minor business of my Vice going to donate a raccoon to the prestigious Smithsonian Zoo? A truly worthy destination for such an animal," he added mockingly.

Cadence stared back at him in astonishment. "You know about that," she replied weakly.

Jed nodded. "I do, as I should, even unusual events like this should be run past the West Wing team."

"I...I didn't know I should be telling you," Cadence admitted, "or I would have sir."

Jed's gaze softened slightly. He realised Cadence had lost some of her confidence and knew it had to be from Colombia. Truthfully, he hadn't enquired much about that business, John's scorn he had taken as an insult initially but then the guilt had gotten to him and he had avoided the matter with some flustered murmurings about Cadence being responsible for her own actions. Jed knew suggesting John had overreacted was a little unfair but Cadence hadn't offered anyone much of an explanation as to what had happened in Colombia and the truth was they all wanted the business behind them. So Jed hadn't pried and had trusted Leo and John to keep an eye on Cadence.

"You didn't," Jed assured her with a warm smile, "that's John's call and he has phoned me about it. I'm sure he considered getting one of his aides to ring Leo but I'm glad he didn't." Jed's smile widened as his blue gaze danced with glee. "It was truly very enjoyable listening to him try to make donating a raccoon to a zoo sound important and the next time he gets pompous with me I'm going to remind him of this very meaningful event."

"Sir," Leo chided him quietly.

Josh suddenly turned to Cadence with an accusing look. "Wait a minute, is this what you've been doing all day?" he blurted out. "Trying to organise a donation event for a raccoon?"

"And you Joshua," Jed remarked before Cadence could answer, "what have you been doing all day? Have you been entertaining a Republican in these currently Democratic quarters?"

Josh whipped his head round to face his superior with a bashful smile. "Sir, he's here to support us," he insisted. "We're trying to come to terms over the history and arts bill."

Leo dipped his head slightly before giving Josh a calm stare. "It's not gonna happen," he informed him.

Josh's brown gaze darted over to Leo. "Why not?" he quipped. "Leo I know we've been at it a few hours but Congressman Landis is considering looking at placing restrictions on where the funding is used."

Leo shook his head. "It's not good judgement right now," he said quietly.

"We have met with some opposition to this bill," Jed explained, "too much."

"Mr President we are going to have to say something better than that to the congressman, he's trying to work with us for the benefit of the people, this doesn't seem like a fair response to his time," Josh argued.

"Josh let it go, it's not personal," Leo berated him.

Cadence glanced from her father to the President with suspicion.

"It's not good publicity," she guessed, "to be pushing through a bill on the back of a Republican's support. You took a hit with the CIA because of me, some of the American people are questioning that judgement and how the CIA were able to do all that they did." She sighed as she folded her arms again. "I've read the papers just like everyone else. You run this bill and it looks like you can't stand on your own feet without the support of the opposition, who currently hold the House and more than that, it's money for arts after a CIA scandal, it seems frivolous."

Josh glanced at her angrily and was surprised to see the grief and guilt in her gaze. He realised she wasn't in favour of the President's decision to drop the bill.

"Almost right Cady," Jed retorted. "Our hit with the CIA, as you put it, was because of their actions, not yours."

Cadence nodded quietly even as she stared past Jed to the rain soaked windows. "The Congressman has been here for hours," she murmured, "waiting in the rain."

"He's been waiting in a nice, dry office actually," Josh corrected sardonically.

Leo looked at his daughter with puzzlement, wondering why she cared how long the congressman had been waiting.

"Cady, it's the way things happen in politics," Leo retorted, "he is holding a seat we would like like many other Republicans, we're not going to help him keep it by netting him more support."

Josh stepped forward as he turned his attention back to the President. "Sir about the lake people," he began.

"Yes?" Jed looked intrigued. "Leo tells me they want funding for the protection of mythical sea creatures." Jed smiled again. "I have to say, I do enjoy hearing about these Big Block of Cheese Days. Do you know," he quipped brightly as he wagged a finger up and down, "Toby almost started a war for us this morning over Mexico's rights to California?"

"I warned him," Leo lamented.

"Well at least we're working north with the territories we offend," Cadence jested quietly. She gave Jed and her father an immediate apologetic look as she felt their glowers of disapproval upon her.

"Well, we have spent a lot of time with them too today," Josh remarked, "even while dealing with the congressman and..." Josh glanced at Cadence again. "A raccoon," he stated flatly in an attempt to emphasise how it was much less important than what Josh had been dealing with. "And I would like for at least one party to have some success on Big Block of Cheese Day otherwise," Josh paused to smile winningly at Leo, "what's it all for?"

Leo gave his subordinate a tranquil stare that held just a hint of warning in it telling Josh that he had better not be leading to a joke.

"Go on," Leo urged him.

"Well, instead of pushing through the bill on arts and history, which we won't get without Republic support, why not permit to extend the funding for the environment to include the environment of water based bodies and their residents," Josh said with a wave of his hand. "That way, our lake friends are getting what they want but we don't look foolish for it."

"You would need to narrow that down or I'll be covering the kingdoms of Neptune," Jed retorted dryly.

Josh nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, we can work that into the writing, I'll say bodies of a certain size, chiefly those that would attract tourism and thus be at a higher risk of damage from it. It also means the public should approve the funding because it's for areas popular with the people that generate funding for many businesses and, of course, our wonderful water creatures tend to be in these tourist areas, some might even suggest they are part of the appeal."

Cadence listened to Josh with a slight frown, wondering if he was going to gloss over the credit for the idea to get it approved.

"That sounds feasible," Leo said enthusiastically. "It's for the environment, which always scores big points with the rural areas and it would be nice to see something successful done on Big Block of Cheese Day," he added as he turned to face Jed. "What do you think sir?"

"There's just one catch," Josh interrupted as he pointed up slightly with one finger.

"Do we have to suggest some sort of donation to sea dragons?" Jed queried sardonically.

Josh grinned and shook his head as he lowered his hand. "No sir, the idea was Landis', we will have to credit him for it."

Jed frowned. "Now how do you propose we do that without incurring all the afore mentioned problems of needing Republican support?"

"Because the suggestion was his," Cadence answered calmly, "and he needs our support to get it through."

Josh pointed back at her enthusiastically and snapped, "exactly!"

Josh clasped his hands together as he looked to Jed with fresh excitement. "Sir, we'll let him have the credit for the idea but by granting it we're doing him and all other environment loving Republicans a favour. Look, we'll not publicise credit too hard until the funding is secure or the Republicans will try and oppose it out of spite but then Landis can promote it to his people as his suggestion and look good for it but we'll look better for having seen beyond its Republican origin as something to benefit the people."

"Essentially you want to offer Congressman Landis the opposite of what he came for," Leo summarised. "Instead of him getting credit for supporting us on a bill we wanted, he will owe us something for pushing through environmental funding at his suggestion."

"Well yes, sort of," Josh agreed, "but he wasn't exactly seeking this funding too hard but one of these water things is Chessie from Chesapeake Bay, which is in Landis' area, maybe we could start there with this funding. I'll tell Landis he can leave with something instead of nothing, he'll still have a way to get support in his district but it shouldn't hurt us too much."

Josh turned a hopeful stare on the President. "Sir, can we do it?"

Jed glanced from Josh to Cadence before cocking his stare in Leo's direction. "I think the kids have done their homework and they've spent a lot of time on it," he jested. "We should reward them."

Leo gave a small smile. "We should sir. Toby and Sam can work on the wording to get it brought to the House and put through."

"Excellent." Jed turned back to Josh and Cadence with a smile. "Well done you two, see where teamwork gets us? Now, Cadence, can I ask nicely that you don't let John milk this raccoon business and get it wrapped up quickly? I don't want the American people thinking we have nothing better to do."

Cadence nodded. "Yes sir."

"Good, you can both go," Jed dismissed them.

Cadence and Josh left together, bypassing Mrs. Landingham and heading back to the West Wing.

"Well I'd better tell Tom the news," Josh murmured, "and let him get out of here."

"Tom," Cadence repeated as she gave Josh a curious glance, "you kept calling him Landis in there, not even Congressman Landis."

Josh frowned at the implied accusation. "He is a Republican," he murmured.

Cadence smiled. "Tom in private, Landis in public," she mocked him. "Honestly Josh, he is a person, you are allowed to be friendly to him, you won't turn to dust and neither will he."

"You don't know that, I'm perfectly sure some Republicans might turn to dust when exposed to direct sunlight," Josh retorted teasingly.

Josh paused as they neared the corridors where the office Tom occupied was. "Do you want to come with me?" he queried quietly. "I didn't get to talk to him about lunch yet."

"I figured," Cadence retorted, "it would have to be a very late lunch otherwise."

Josh gave a flicker of a smile. "I had a few other things come up, we have a delegate of Spain visiting and there has been rioting in Alabama over a tax hike. Anyway," Josh touched his brow briefly with his right hand, "Tom is going to be mad, maybe you should talk with him another time."

Cadence gave a bitter smile. "It's fine," she insisted, "we did this business with the lake people together and the congressman is connected to it now so let's wrap it up together."

Josh nodded. "Alright."

Josh led the way back to Congressman Tom Landis.

Tom glanced up with a glint of frustration as the door opened but was quick to smile when he saw Cadence following after Josh.

"Good afternoon Cady," he greeted brightly. "How has your day been since this morning?"

Cadence smiled back. "Good, except I still keep saying Nessie instead of Chessie," she confessed.

Tom chuckled at this. "You get the hang of it," he reassured.

Josh gave a faint smile before he took a step towards the desks Tom was standing behind.

"Tom, we aren't going ahead with the bill," he confessed.

Tom looked at Josh in confusion before annoyance quickly took over. "Why?" he demanded.

Josh gave him a sympathetic stare. "It wouldn't look good for us," he admitted, "to get a bill approved only because a Republican backed it but, we have something to offer you."

Tom raised his hands to hips as he frowned back at Josh. "What?" he quipped bluntly.

"You mentioned using money from the environmental budget to cover water bodies and their residents-"

"Josh come on," Tom snapped as he shook his head in annoyance.

Josh raised his hand in protest. "Tom hear me out. We'll pass it, for water bodies that attract tourists and therefore incur damage and need the extra financial support and we'll let you say it was your suggestion, you can have the credit for the idea."

Tom continued to frown as he raised his hands slightly before slapping them against his thighs. "You'll let me say it was my idea? It was! I'm getting screwed with my pants on," he sneered. "It's not you need me but I need you to pass something I suggested on a whim."

Tom's blue stare darted to Cadence with hostility. "Did you come back here just for the show?" he demanded. "See how they take out Republicans in the White House."

"Tom no," Josh interrupted as he glanced over at Cadence. "Come on, this isn't personal. You can have this or nothing," he added firmly.

"We've achieved something because of you," Cadence remarked quietly. "Big Block of Cheese Day is serious to the people that come here but it seems like a novelty and they usually get turned away because we can't find a solution, which is a failure. I've had a lot of failures this month and I wrote today off as another one the moment I walked into the room and saw knock off Nessie on a projection." Cadence smiled. "You came up with the solution, an actual solution to the question of how to support aquatic monsters without looking stupid and more than that, it benefits the people because it protects the natural attractions they love."

"We'll start with Chesapeake Bay," Josh offered.

Tom nodded but he was staring back at Cadence with a small smile. "Have either of you ever been there?" he pried.

"No," Josh retorted.

Cadence shook her head.

"It's incredibly beautiful," he enthused, "you should."

Tom turned and reached for his jacket, pulling it from the back of the chair and tugging it on. "Well it's a defeat but I'll have to take," he said, still sounding bitter.

Tom stepped around the desks and halted before Josh. "You'll let my staff know when we're ready to go ahead with this?"

Josh nodded reassuringly.

"Alright." Tom extended out a hand.

Josh accepted the hand and shook it. "Goodbye congressman."

"Goodbye Josh."

Tom released the hand and turned to Cadence. He offered her a small smile. "Goodbye Cady."

Cadence kept her expression polite as she nodded bye. "Bye Tom."

Tom stepped past her before halting and glancing back again. "I have to ask before I go, did you get the cheese issue resolved? Any cheese related food for lunch?"

Cadence's smile returned and she shook her head. "I skipped lunch," she admitted.

Tom looked thoughtful for a moment. He glanced at his watch and gave her another grin. "Could we arrange for dinner?"

Cadence looked apologetic. "I have an engagement with the Vice President at five," she explained.

"Hmm." Tom nodded. "Well-"

"Well then you need food now," Josh piped up suddenly. "I mean you missed lunch and you're going to miss dinner."

Tom and Cadence glanced over at the man in surprise.

Josh gave them both a sheepish smile and shrugged. He contemplated retracting his words or just smacking his head on the wall behind them whilst chanting 'idiot' over and over but he resisted.

Cadence turned her attention back to Tom. "You probably had lunch, didn't you?" she queried.

Tom nodded. "I did but I feel it's important you get some cheese on this block of cheese day thing."

Cadence laughed. "I really would like that."
"How about cheesecake to celebrate you victory?" Tom suggested.

"Sure."

Tom glanced over at Josh. "It's your victory too, do you want to come?" he offered politely.

Josh looked back in surprise before shaking his head with a smile. "No but thanks, I'll deliver the good news to Jack and Jill."

Cadence looked startled at this. "Right, them," she murmured. She looked to Josh.

"I can deliver the news fine," Josh assured, "you keep annoying them with the Nessie thing anyway."

Cadence gave Josh a stare of gratitude and mouthed the word 'thanks' before turning back to Tom.

Josh watched the pair go with mixed feelings. Part of him had wanted to join them and he didn't know why. Was it just because he'd been nostalgic today?

Why Tom? Why not Tom? He had an interesting chemistry with Josh in the show O.O. Also, not an entirely demonic Republican, too few of them on the show, if I ever finish the fic and do a sequel maybe it could include Ainsley, I loved her.