Ten minutes later, Donna returned to the kitchen and sat down. Josh had a hand propping up his head.

"Josh is still in tact, that's good," she commented lightly. Josh gave a tired smirk but said nothing.

"Listen," CJ started seriously. Donna had her eyes fixed on Josh, whose eyelids were drooping dangerously. Donna was amazed he was still awake. He would have been asleep an hour or two ago on a normal day, let alone on a day where his whole life had changed this dramatically.

CJ snapped in front of his eyes a few times.

"Hey," she snapped again. "Eyes on me, this is important!"

Donna had to resist the urge to pull her hands away. Josh blinked a few times before settling his gaze on CJ, still not looking entirely in the moment.

"Josh, Donna. I don't know what the two of you want to do, but we need to get ahead of this story, so you need to decide soon."

"Wha-"

"If you want to be together or not," CJ said impatiently, gesticulating as she did. Josh and Donna glanced at each other both gulped. With a small sigh, CJ stood.

"I'll come back tomorrow and you can give me your answer," CJ said, quietly.

"A day?" Josh asked. If he'd had more energy, there would have been a sharp edge to his voice.

"Yes!" CJ said, challenging him. "We need to get out in front of this! If the press finds out on their own we are doomed. We're running out of time." She glanced apologetically at Donna.

"Donna's getting bigger every day, we need to decide on a game plan before someone..." CJ paused awkwardly and crossed her arms. "Guesses." Donna blushed and looked down.

"God, CJ," Josh muttered.

"It's true," CJ continued quietly. "One wrong picture, one false rumor," CJ trailed off.

Josh and Donna shared a glance before they nodded.

"Okay," CJ said. She began to make her way to the door and paused once her hand reached the doorknob.

"Oh and Josh?" Josh turned to look at her.

"Congratulations." Donna felt a small spark of happiness when she saw him smile.

"Thanks."

Once CJ was gone, an awkward silence descended over the apartment. Donna saw Josh fighting with all his strength to stay awake, but he was fading fast.

"Josh," Donna started. "You should go to sleep."

Josh shook his head, trying to keep his head from drooping.

"We need to talk," he slurred slightly. Donna nodded.

"Tomorrow."

Josh looked at Donna's attire and smiled lightly.

"You should stay here tonight," he ventured bravely. Donna was hardly opposed to the idea. She too felt completely exhausted both emotionally and physically. After everything they'd been through in the past 24 hours, she didn't even bother to argue.

"Okay."

"You take the bed." Donna gave a small laugh, this she would argue.

"Josh, I can't take the bed. You NEED that bed."

"You're pregnant!" Josh exclaimed. "You can't sleep on the sofa."

"Josh, you'll be in agony tomorrow if you sleep on the couch."

"I'll be in agony anyways," he said without missing a beat. Donna's frown did not look amused.

Josh rolled his eyes and yawned widely before a serious look took over his face.

"What if we um," he started slowly. He looked up at Donna. "Y'know. We could share the bed. There's room."

"Are you sure?"

Josh gave a short laugh.

"I mean, you're already pregnant. What's the worst that could happen," he muttered darkly. Donna pulled a face, trying to hide her smile and kicked at Josh's chair.

Twenty minutes later, Donna was lying flat on her back, eyes wide open and staring at the ceiling. A faint stream of light from the street outside the window was resting over her and Josh in the bed. They weren't really left time for things to become awkward because Josh had fallen asleep almost immediately.

She felt him rustling the covers next to her and popped up an elbow to balance her head on her hand and stare down at him. His face slowly started to twist and become more and more distressed with each passing second. Donna sat up a little straighter and frowned as she watched him become more animated. Nightmares weren't an uncommon occurrence. Ever since Josh had been taken off the heaviest dosage of painkillers, he would have them sporadically.

Beads of sweat began to build on Josh's forehead and Donna reached out an arm to wake him. Her hand paused as Josh started muttering her name. It was coming out in painful whispers. After a few more moments Donna shook her head and put her hand on Josh's shoulder.

"Josh?" There was no response, but Donna noticed the fidgeting stopped.

"Josh, wake up. You're having a nightmare." She gently put her hand on his shoulder.

"Josh," she said again. More firmly this time. She shook harder and this time she got a response. With a gasp, Josh awoke from his nightmare and shot into a sitting position, causing him to cry out in pain.

"Fuck," he muttered. He was out of breath, his chest rising and falling heavily as he struggled to regain it.

"You're okay," Donna said calmly. His nightmares were always visceral and always took him a while to come out of. She rubbed a hand across the shoulder blades of Josh's t-shirt. At her words, Josh turned to her quickly.

"Hey," he whispered, startled.

"Hey," Donna said back, giving him a smile.

"You're okay," Josh said aloud, more to himself than Donna.

"Why wouldn't I be okay?" Donna asked him, but Josh wasn't listening. His gaze was staring straight ahead at the wall, a lost look in his eyes.

They both started speaking at the same time.

"What-'s"

"Donna-"

"You go," Donna said with a small smile.

"I wanna do this Donna," Josh said bluntly. His voice was still a little wheezy from the nightmare, but his tone was sincere.

"Do what?" Donna asked, wanting full clarification before getting her hopes up.

"This," Josh stated, moving his hands around to gesture between the two of them. "All of this. I wanna do it together." In the faint light, Donna caught his eyes glance down at her belly.

"I mean," Josh stuttered. "If you want to, too."

Donna stared at him for a moment. Josh being so upfront about his feelings like this was shocking.

"I-"

"I don't want to go to sleep and not have you be there," Josh continued quietly. "I hate when you leave. I always hate when you leave, even before all this happened. If there's one good thing about this shitty recovery it's that I get to see you every day."

"Josh-"

"And I know I'm not of much use lately, but I'll get better and I'll make it worth your time. I promise. I'm trying my best to get better as soon as possible so I can be there for you." He gulped. "For both of you."

"Josh-"

"There is only one in there right?" he asked suddenly, he was narrowing his eyes in a suspicious way and glancing at Donna's belly. Donna laughed and rolled her eyes.

"Only one," Donna told him, rubbing a hand over her bump. She paused to see if he'd continue talking and when he didn't she gave him a warm smile.

"I want to do this together too," she said easily and relief properly washed over her body. Finally. It was like dumping cold water over a scalding fire.

"Yeah?" Josh asked quickly. Donna nodded firmly. Josh broke out into a large smile and quickly gathered Donna's face in between his hands before kissing her gently. Donna kissed him back eagerly. The kiss lasted longer than both of them anticipated, neither wanting to break it off. It was only a sharp gasp from Josh that broke them apart. Donna glanced down guiltily at the hand that had strayed to his chest and pulled it away quickly. Josh shook his head with a couch.

"Sorry, I'm so useless right now," he said glumly.

"It's nice to see you finally sit still to be honest," Donna said lightly, trying to make him smile. It worked.

"Whatever happens when we see," Josh's eyes darted away from her for a second. "When we see Leo. I'm there." Seeing Donna's visible relief at his words, he felt guilty.

"I'm sorry you've been going through this alone, Donna."

Donna looked at him thoughtfully for a while, her mind racing.

"Josh?"

"Yeah?" she noticed he was still trying to catch his breath.

"What was the dream about?" Josh just shook his head.

"Josh," Donna said again, grabbing his hand. Josh turned away. "Tell me."

"Donna-"

"Please?"

"I," Josh took a deep breath.

"You got shot instead of me," he said shortly. Donna blinked and ran her thumb over the back of Josh's hand.

"I'm right here."

"We're going to do this," Josh said to CJ the next morning. He was still dressed in just a t-shirt and boxers. Donna was dressed to go into the office, complete with a baggy sweater.

"Yeah?" CJ said, a smile on her lips.

"Yeah," Josh nodded, wrapping his hands around a mug of tea.

"Good," CJ said quietly, looking down for a moment. When Josh and Donna looked at her she continued. "I mean. It'll be easier to swing if you guys are actually together."

Josh gave a sheepish smile and took a sip of his tea, glancing over the rim at Donna.

"When do I get coffee?" he asked with a grimace. Donna rolled her eyes.

"Never."

"Donna!"

"Tea is good for you!" Donna insisted.

"I miss coffee," Josh said glumly. Donna patted his shoulder consolingly, though her face was mocking.

"Doctor's orders."

"Yeah, yeah," Josh muttered. He shook her hand off his shoulder.

"We're going to have to tell Leo now," CJ said after a moment, a hint of apology in her voice at breaking up the moment. Josh's gaze dropped to the mug.

"Yeah."

"Soon."

"Yeah."

"Tomorrow?"

"I'll come up to the office to see everyone and swing by," Josh said, his mouth flattening into a thin line as he leaned forward on his elbows. CJ didn't miss the small wince the change in posture caused him.

"Josh," she started slowly. "I don't know if that's a good idea."

"Josh, you won't be able to make it up to the office," Donna admonished, walking closer to the table.

"I can't expect Leo to come all the way down here," Josh muttered. He was feeling guilty for all the extra work he was dropping on Leo's plate by being stuck in his apartment.

"Josh," Donna said, her voice softening. "Nobody blames you for not being at work. I keep telling you."

Josh just shook his head.

"It'll be fine. I'll go in at lunch time with Donna," Josh said, trying to sound nonchalant. CJ looked to Donna, who still looked worried.

"Josh..."

"Come on, I haven't been able to leave this apartment in what seems like forever. I haven't even seen my office since," he broke off. "You know."

The two women exchanged glances.

"Please?"

"If you get tired, you HAVE to tell me, Josh," Donna said severely. "This isn't a joke, you could get hurt if you overdo it."

"It'll be fine," Josh said with a dismissive hand. "Leo doesn't have the time to come down here anyways."

"Do you need any help on how to tell-"

"I got this, CJ."

"Doubtful," CJ said playfully, a small smile on her lips. "I'll see you later."

After CJ took her leave, Donna and Josh stood watching each other awkwardly for a moment.

"Well, I guess I better go too. I'll see you later."

"Kay," Josh said simply. Donna took a few steps towards him at the table and swooped down to place a quick peck on Josh's lips.

"See ya," she said again as she moved to leave. Josh sat stunned in his seat, surprised but pleased at her goodbye.

"Bye!"

The next day, Josh was moving down the West Wing hallways at a pace he did not feel overly comfortable with. He felt like he was clogging the halls and slowing everybody down. All of his focus was going towards just placing one foot in front of the other and trying not to look too pathetic. There was sheen of sweat on his forehead and he tried not to make it too obvious how much he was leaning on Donna to keep going.

He was fine until he passed by Toby's office. Toby immediately jumped up upon seeing him.

"Josh!" Josh paused and turned to look. He gave Toby a friendly smile, which was not returned. "CJ told me you were coming."

Josh tried not to grimace, wondering what else CJ told him.

"Can I talk to you for a second?" Josh repressed a groan.

"I guess." Him and Donna both moved towards the office door but Toby held out a hand.

"Just Josh?" he asked quietly. "Please?"

"Donna-"

"Sure," Donna said back. She let go of Josh's arm and started to walk away.

"Call me when he's ready." Josh tried to convey a sense of betrayal in his eyes, but Donna didn't catch it. Josh could tell that Toby knew and Donna didn't know Toby knew.

Once Donna was out of sight, Toby pulled Josh into the office and let the door close with a solid smack. Josh quickly crashed down onto the sofa and tried to prepare himself for what was coming.

Toby started pacing, one hand rubbing his chin as he looked lost in thought. Josh busied himself by trying to subtly catch his breath. The journey to the White House had already sapped most of his energy. He hated to admit already that Donna and CJ were right.

Finally Toby stopped. He leaned against his desk with his arms crossed, both hands cupping his elbows.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Toby asked quietly, one hand flicking up. Josh sighed.

"Toby-"

"Do you know how much damage your little night of what, of passion? Is going to cause this administration?" Toby's voice was growing louder and louder. "Why the hell didn't you listen to any of us when we constantly told you to be careful around Donna?!"

Josh kept his head down, a scowl on his face. He was trying to muster up the energy to fight back.

"Did you miss sex-ed in high school? How could you have been this stupid?" Toby was half laughing now. "You're a grown man, Josh. Anyone with half a brain cell could have avoided this situation."

Still scowling, Josh looked up at him.

"You done yet?"

"I'm sorry, am I boring you? The fact that you've exposed this administration to a scandal so large we might not be able to fully recover?"

"Toby, come on!" Josh snapped back angrily. His chest was heaving and he placed a hand there to try and quell the pain slightly.

"What!? You think I'm wrong? You think Bartlet's most senior political advisor, the White House Deputy Chief of Staff, knocking up his young, unwed, beautiful secretary isn't going to cause a stir? Isn't going to turn a few heads? Isn't going to send Mary Marsh screaming up the front gates?"

Josh looked down again and shook his head. He knew Toby was right.

"CJ doesn't think it'll be that bad if we swing it right."

"I think CJ's wrong," Toby said simply. The lack of empathy on Toby's face stung. Josh winced and pressed on.

"You could be a little supportive you know," Josh muttered. Toby laughed.

"You want me to hold your hand and be your buddy?" Toby practically sneered. At Josh's pained silence, Toby continued. "I'm the one who has to clean this up, Josh. While you're off in the safety of your apartment. I'm the one who has to clean this up."

Josh felt a rush of emotion flow through him as he caught the meaning behind Toby's words. While I'm at work and you sit at home doing nothing while I cover for you. Guilt, anger, pain. Without another word he stood up, but in his haste, he forgot to account for the loss of mobility he had suffered across his body. He immediately wavered where he stood and had to take a few moments to steady himself against the arm of the sofa.

Toby's gaze grew concerned as he watched Josh struggle. Toby hadn't seen Josh since the hospital. He didn't trust himself not to explode at him like he just did so he had been avoiding Josh's apartment. When Josh was out of sight, it was easy for Toby to forget just how extensive Josh's injury was.

Josh took a deep breath and made to walk forward again, but this time his foot caught the side of the sofa and he came tumbling to the ground with a loud thud. A sharp gasp of pain emitted from him and Toby immediately rushed over.

"Josh-" he gasped out before crashing besides the younger man. Josh was sitting on his knees with his head buried between his arms. Toby could see his back rising and falling through every sharp breath. Heard the groans Josh would let out intermittently.

"Are you okay?" Toby asked tentatively after a minute passed. He put a hand on Josh's back.

"Get off," Josh immediately barked. He pulled his head from his arms and leaned against the sofa. He didn't turn to look at Toby.

"Josh, I'm-"

"I gotta go," Josh muttered angrily. He pulled himself up on the sofa and slowly, very slowly made his way out of the office. He made sure to slam the door on his way out.

Donna spotted him coming the second he appeared down the hallway. She easily met him halfway.

"Josh, what happened?" she asked, concern etched into her every feature. Josh was still breathing heavily, wincing with every step. Donna helped steady him and Josh gratefully let her help.

"I'm sorry," he muttered. He felt awful having to use Donna as a crutch. She brushed off his comment easily.

"What happened Josh?"

They were closing in on Josh's office now, drawing the eyes of everyone in the bullpen. Once they were safely behind the closed door Josh collapsed into his chair. After taking a few minutes to regain his composure and catch his breath, he looked around the office with fondness in his eyes.

Donna watched as a small smile came to his lips at the pile of presents on his desk.

"Were you going to keep these for yourself?" Donna rolled her eyes.

"You know it."

Josh smiled and started to open one of them.

"Josh," Donna said seriously. He looked up. "What happened?"

Josh sighed and coughed. "Toby knows."

"Oh," Donna said, sounding a little defeated. She fell into one of Josh's visitor chairs. "How angry was he?"

"Pretty angry," Josh said darkly. A knock came at the office door. They both jumped.

"It's Margaret," the source of the knocking called out.

"Oh, I called her to let us know when you could get in to see Leo," Donna said apologetically. "Should I tell her to cancel?"

Josh shook his head. "Might as well get this over with. I wanna know if I should start looking for a new job or not." He ended the sentence with a smile, but Donna and him shared a glance that was anything but humorous.

"Come in, Margaret," Josh called. Margaret let herself in and smiled upon seeing him. Taking in the state of him after a second, her smile waned slightly. Josh's hair was unruly, the shadows under his eyes were noticeable. The toll this day had already taken on him was clear to see.

"It's good to see you, Josh," Margaret said earnestly. "Really good."

Josh gave her a smile.

"You too, Margaret."

"We miss you around here," she said kindly.

"Sorry about all the extra work you're probably stuck with," Josh muttered, immediately apologetic. Margaret shook her head.

"That's not what I meant. We miss you."

Josh's face broke into a small smile.

"Yeah?"

"Yes." Josh was surprised at the happiness he felt at her words. To know he was genuinely missed from more than just a work perspective was nice.

"Thanks, Margaret." Margaret nodded and then got down to business.

"Leo will be ready to see you when he gets back from his next meeting in 20 minutes."

Donna nodded. "Thanks, Margaret. The sooner, the better I think."

"I'm fine-" Josh started. Donna cut him off.

"This was a bad idea, Josh." Josh rolled his eyes and just turned his chair away from the two of them.

"Thanks, Margaret," Donna said again. Margaret nodded and gave another smile before leaving the room.

"You ready?" she asked once Margaret was gone. Josh just nodded sadly and took one last look around the room.

It took them around 10 minutes to walk to Leo's office. Josh had all but collapsed on Leo's couch when they finally arrived. His entire body was aching and screaming in protest. He had far surpassed his limit.

"Do you want me to stay?" Donna asked, looking worried. Josh shook his head.

"I should do this alone."

Knowing the gravity this conversation would hold for Leo and Josh on more than just a professional level, Donna understood.

"Good luck," Donna told him. She glanced over her shoulder to check that the coast was clear before placing a kiss on Josh's cheek that caused him to smile. He noticed her hand stray to her belly as she left Leo's office and found that made him smile too.

Ten minutes later, Leo came bustling into the office, briefcase in hand. It wasn't until he sat down at his desk that he even noticed Josh was there. He jumped.

"Jesus, Josh! Have you been sitting there the whole time?" Josh nodded, but his nerves meant he was unable to bring himself to smile.

"Did you know I was coming?" Leo was staring at him intently. Taking in Josh's haggard appearance, the exhaustion seeping out of him.

"Leo?"

"Hm?"

"Did you know I was coming?" Josh asked him again. Leo also noticed the slight breathlessness in Josh's words.

"Yeah, Margaret told me." He got up and started doing various tasks around the room.

"So what's up? You feeling all right? You look like hell."

Josh watched nervously as Leo busied himself about the office as though this was a normal day. As though the news he was about to tell Leo wasn't about to ruin his day entirely.

"Leo-" Leo didn't look up as he searched through a row of books with a finger glancing over the spines. "I gotta tell you something."

"Shoot," Leo said seamlessly, his concentration still on the books.

Josh gulped before pushing on, choosing to rip of the bandaid.

"Donna's pregnant." Leo found the book he was looking for and pulled it down from its shelf.

"You're kidding," Leo said in a calm voice. "Good for her, I didn't realize she had a boyfriend." Josh felt his stomach sink even further.

"Leo-"

"Has she talked to you about maternity leave yet?" Leo asked, sitting down at his desk now.

"Leo," Josh sighed, a hand wiping across his face. "I'm the father." He let his head fall down to his chest. He couldn't bear to look at Leo's face, all he could feel was shame. It was silent for a long time.

"What did you just say?"

Josh flushed and still couldn't bring himself to look Leo in the eye.

"Donna's pregnant and it's my kid."

"Is this some kind of joke?"

"No, Leo." Josh felt about two feet tall.

Leo slowly removed his glasses and set them on the desk.

"Can you deny it?" Josh was taken aback.

"What?"

"Can you deny that it's yours?"

"What? Leo-" Josh stuttered. He took a moment to compose himself. "I don't want to deny it."

Leo let out a long sigh, looking like he was trying with all he had to remain calm.

"You should leave," Leo growled out after a moment. Josh finally looked up.

"What?"

"Get out of my office, Josh."

"What do you mean?" Josh asked quickly, worry flooding over him in waves.

"I mean I can't look at you right now," Leo said, struggling to keep his voice level. "Get out."

Josh began to rise to his feet and took a few deep breaths.

"Does that mean I'm fired?" Josh asked in a small voice.

"I donno," Leo said sharply. He began focusing on the work on his desk his glasses slipping down his nose slightly.

"Leo-"

"JOSH," Leo piled in so much emotion into one single word that Josh was left with no choice but to miserably see himself out. He could feel the disappointment, the rage in Leo's voice.

Before closing the door, Josh looked up one more time, but Leo still didn't budge. With a sigh he closed the door behind him and then fell backwards against it with his eyes closed.

Instead of going back to his own office, Josh slowly made his way to Sam's office. He hadn't seen his friend in a few days and right now, he craved a familiar face that wasn't mad at him in any way. The office was empty when Josh got there so Josh made himself comfortable in one of the chairs. Within minutes he was fast asleep.

He awoke to the sound of a door creaking open and a sigh of relief.

"Josh!"

Josh opened his eyes blearily and tried to remember where he was. His whole body was screaming at him for the awkward position he'd fallen asleep in and for the trauma of the day. With a groan, he tried to sit up, a hand to his chest. When he looked up Sam was gone, but he could hear him.

"Tell Donna I've got him in my office?" Sam was telling somebody.

"Sam?"

"Josh, nobody knew where you were, everyone was worried sick," Sam admonished as he walked back in and dropped his things on his desk. Josh winced as he shifted positions again.

"How long was I out?"

"Close to an hour," Sam muttered, taking off his jacket now. "Or at least that's what I've been told."

"Sorry," Josh said quietly. Sam took the time to actually look at his friend now and paused.

"Josh, are you alright?" Josh didn't even bother to hide his pain this time. He shook his head and looked up at Sam with wide eyes. Sam hurried to take the seat next to his friend.

"What's going on, buddy?"

Josh shook his head with a laugh and looked away.

"Josh, come on. Tell me."

"You mean besides the fact I can't walk across the office without feeling like I just ran the Boston marathon?"

"Yes," Sam answered immediately, knowing Josh's tricks of distraction. Josh sighed and looked away bitterly. When he glanced back at Sam, he noticed the concern in Sam's eyes.

"Donna's pregnant Sam. With my kid."

Josh watched as Sam's face went through the motions processing the news.

"I just told Leo today."

"Wow." Josh was shocked to see a small smile appear on Sam's face.

"Sam?"

"Congrats, buddy," Sam said genuinely. Josh sat up straighter and shook Sam a baffled look.

"What? Sam-"

"Does this mean you're going to get together with Donna?" Sam continued.

A small smile came to Josh's face. "I think so."

Sam smiled again. "Good."

"Sam, why aren't you upset?" Josh asked, bewildered.

"Judging by the looks of you, you've had your fill of people being upset," Sam said bluntly. "And besides. This is Donna. This isn't some random one-night stand right? I mean it's you two."

Josh felt a rush of affection bloom within his chest for his best friend.

"Sam, I-"

"I know," Sam said quickly. He put his hand on Josh's knee. "We'll get through this, don't worry." Josh nodded solemnly.

"You scared?" Sam asked after a moment.

"Oh yeah," Josh said with a sightless stare. He blinked and looked up at Sam.

"You glad somebody finally fucked up worse than you did with the hooker?"

Sam laughed and crossed his arms. "Oh yeah."

The two chuckled for a moment before Sam reached out a hand to Josh's shoulder and leaned in.

"It's going to be okay," Josh."

Notes: My thinking with Leo asking Josh if he could deny it... remember when they found out Hoynes was cheating on his wife and had to resign? Leo asked him the same thing and that always struck me as notable. Like the best thing for the administration would be if it wasn't Josh's kid so that's what Leo's going to grasp for in those first moments of shock.