Disclaimer: Well, obviously they're not mine... they'd be much happier if they were.

Author: Alright, I was supposed to be the author, but seriously I wasn't. Much as I tried to not let her, Abbey Bartlet took over about a third of the way in and wrote the rest. She's pretty devious, just saying she wanted to be in for a moment, then taking over the whole thing. I can't get her to behave, but at least the story got an ending... hers!

Summary: CJ overhears something she wishes she hadn't, poor CJ!

Takes place around, season five, with no spoilers for basically anything.

***

She stopped as she approached her office. From this angle she could see Danny leaning over her assistants desk. She sighed, not sure she really wanted to deal with him today. Straightening her shoulders, she breezed past Carol's desk, hoping Danny wouldn't follow her into the office to ask her out again. She had too much work today to deal with him.

"Thanks, Carol." she heard him say and steeled herself for his appearance. "See you later."

"Sure, Danny, no problem."

When thirty seconds had passed, CJ stood up and walked to her door. Not seeing Danny anywhere around, she turned to Carol. "Where'd Danny go?"

Carol shrugged and never stopped her typing. "I guess he had a column to finish. Did you want him for something?"

"No, no." CJ went back inside, confused. Then she shrugged it off and went back to work.

---

A few hours later, she heard giggling coming from outside her door. If she strained, she could hear voices.

"C'mon, Carol. I hear your boss is really nice, bet she'll let you leave early."

Carol's laughter was muffled as she covered her mouth. "See that pile, tons of work. What could possibly be more important?"

"A new restaurant, I want you to come with me to check it out."

Carol sighed. "I'll get off in a few hours, can you wait for dinner?"

CJ smiled, thinking that at least someone had a possibility of a social life. She wondered if it was the young Secret Service agent that Carol seemed to be checking out whenever she thought no one was looking. She shook her head, it was none of her business.

The man groaned softly. "Alright, alright. I'll wait, but you owe me."

Carol laughed again. "Oh, right. I'll keep that in mind. I'll come by and get you later, go get some work done."

"See ya, Carol."

"Get out of here, Danny, you're driving me nuts."

CJ's head snapped up. She crept to the door and glanced out. She could see the redhead sauntering back to his cubicle. Two visits to her office in one day and neither time to see her. She stood in the middle of her office pondering this new phenomenon.

"CJ?"

CJ whirled around. "Carol?"

"You okay?"

"I'm fine." CJ said, trying to keep the ice out of her voice.

Carol smiled. "You just looked a little out of it there. Anyway, any idea what time we'll be done tonight?"

"Why?" CJ snapped. "Hot date?"

Carol laughed. "Come on, CJ, when was the last time anyone in this building had a date?"

CJ had to smile at that, but realized Carol hadn't really answered her question. Trying not to care, she told Carol, "We should be done in a few hours, maybe three."

"Thanks." Carol handed CJ the stack of papers in her hands and left her there, staring at the door.

---

"Danny, I don't like all this sneaking around." Carol adjusted the collar of her coat as he helped her into it.

He turned her around to face him. "Come on, it'll all be fine."

"But CJ..."

"Don't worry so much. We'll find out soon enough if she does suspect anything. I'm sure she doesn't though."

"Why?"

Danny sighed. "Stop worrying about it, it's not like she can fire you over this. Now let's go before she gets back."

CJ watched them from around the corner in her office, wishing she had gone straight to her office from Toby's instead of going through Josh's office into hers. Then they would have seen her walk in and she wouldn't have to hear them. She felt weak and fell onto her couch.

"CJ, do you have the numbers on..." Donna trailed off. "Are you okay?"

"Fine, just fine."

Donna looked at her critically. "No you're not. I'm just outside if you want to talk."

CJ waved her off.

"Alright, but I need something from Carol, she was supposed to get some numbers for me but now she's not there. Do you know where she might have put them?"

CJ sprang up. "No idea, ask her when she gets back."

Donna backed out, not wanting to get in the middle of whatever this was. CJ was pissed at someone, odds were on a certain reporter. She'd have to get the dish from Carol later.

---

"What are you muttering?" Toby's voice cut through CJ's rant.

"Go away."

"No, that wasn't it. It sure sounded like 'conflict of interest' and then some words that I'm sure the Secret Service don't want you uttering within this building."

"Shut up, Toby." In spite of herself, she smiled. "And those threats weren't directed towards the President, so I'm fine."

"Then who?" Toby pointed at himself. "Did I do anything today against you?"

CJ thought a moment, just enough time to make him nervous for bringing himself into this. "Not today. Yet."

"So what is it?"

"Is Carol out there?"

"No, she took off early?"

"I told her she could leave for dinner, but I had her paged to get her back here. There was too much work for her to be gone."

Toby nodded. "Of course."

"Shut up."

"Claudia Jean! I'm agreeing with you, what's your problem? Carol have a hot date and you're jealous?"

CJ's eyes flashed. "What do you know?"

Toby backed up. "It was a joke. CJ, stop it, you need to just... stop it. Go bury yourself in work, it seems to have killed any thoughts of relationships for the rest of us."

She shook her head and looked down at her desk. "Sorry, Toby. I just... it's just hard sometimes. Did you need something?"

"Nah, word came to our hallway that your ears were actually blowing steam, and I wanted to see."

CJ laughed. "Donna. Thanks Toby, but I'll be fine. With friends like you..."

Toby smirked. "Who needs enemies?" She waved him out of her office as she chuckled, glad that no matter what else, at least her friends were there for her.

---

*Knock, knock*

CJ held up a hand as she continued reading the folder in front of her. "Just a sec."

"Looks important, maybe I should come back."

CJ's head snapped up and she stood. "Mrs. Bartlet! Ma'am, I'm sorry, I didn't realize."

"Sit, sit." Abbey came in and closed the door behind her. Once she took a seat on the couch, CJ came around the desk to sit at the chair next to the couch. "I just needed a quick favor."

"Of course, Mrs. Bartlet."

"Drop that, it's Abbey right now." CJ smiled slightly and nodded. "Alright, I need you to explore something for me. When would be a good time to announce another book about me?"

CJ nodded and reached for a pad of paper. "Another biography. Alright, covering the first four years in office?"

Abbey shook her head. "Covering the entire eight years, but I want to start on it now. I want a writer to be working for it to be released right after Jed leaves office."

CJ nodded. "That makes sense. Total access?"

"The writer would have very high access, I want a complete and accurate picture."

"Okay, first a problem. You need a writer you can trust completely. Second, how much would be access to the President? What about his staff? Is the book just about you, or both of you?"

"Both of us, through my eyes generally. The writer would be with me for everything, but would need help from Jed's office also. Is this type of thing even feasible, CJ?"

CJ nodded as she took notes. "I think so. I'll check with some people, but I think eight years is enough time between books, especially for your life."

Abbey smiled.

"And the writer?"

"I haven't made my final announcement, but I have figured out who I want." Abbey waited for CJ to look up before she continued. "And I think he knows he'll get it, he's a smart guy, lots of sources and connections. Danny Concannon."

CJ jumped up to walk around. "Alright, then. That's great, good for him."

"Isn't it good for you too?" Abbey smiled at her. "No more conflict of interest."

"I'm sure he'll be thrilled, he can date who he wants to."

Abbey nodded. "You."

CJ stopped and stared at her. "Oh, Abbey. Thanks, but he doesn't want me anymore."

"That's crazy, CJ. Have you seen how he looks at you?"

CJ shook her head. "Looked, Abbey. He hasn't been in just to see me in almost a week now. I thought he was playing hard to get or something, but apparently I was wrong. He and Carol are a hot item now."

Abbey's mouth dropped open. She thought she was kept informed of most of the dealings of the West Wing, but this one had slipped through her grasp. "Are you sure?"

"Pretty sure." CJ said wryly. "They're out at dinner right now, actually, probably celebrating."

"He mentioned the conflict of interest being a reason to take the job with me. I just thought he meant because of you, I didn't think he was interested in anyone else around here."

Abbey stood up, pushing her astonishment away out of concern for her friend. "Do you want me to choose a different writer? There's still a conflict of interest for Carol and Danny then."

CJ considered for a few moments, then sighed. "No, if they're happy together, good for them. I just wish he hadn't tried so hard for me, if he was going to go out with Carol instead. If he had just left me alone, I wouldn't have..."

Abbey watched as CJ trailed off and stared at the wall. "You really like him, don't you?"

CJ took a deep breath. "I wish I could say no. I wish it was just a silly flirtation I could brush aside. But I really think we could have had something, if not for this whole mess."

"Hey," Abbey cautioned. "That mess is my husband, you know?"

CJ smiled slightly. "You know what I mean. Why couldn't he have been a janitor instead?"

Abbey laughed and patted CJ's hand. "It'll be okay. Want me to set you up with a cute agent? One of mine, maybe, so there's no conflict of interest? Or, ooh, the new chef is pretty cute and makes a mean lasagna."

CJ finally laughed. "I think there might still be conflicts there, but I'll keep you in mind. My other option is becoming a nun for awhile, think they'd let me do that?"

Abbey shook her head. "No. Besides, there's no guys in there, how would you deal with that?"

CJ put her hand over her face. "You know, I've pretty much stopped checking out other guys."

Abbey's face fell, finally realizing just how deeply this was hurting CJ. "Oh, CJ." Abbey hugged her, not knowing what to say.

CJ took a deep breath. "I'll be okay. But I was so rude to Carol, I need to apologize."

"Last chance, do you want me to pick a different writer for the book?"

CJ pulled away and looked at Abbey. Searching her face, she realized Abbey was completely serious. "Thank you, Abbey. But no, he is the best and you deserve the best."

Abbey gave her another hug, then stood up. "I'm announcing the name tomorrow." At CJ's horrified expression, she amended her remark. "I meant to my staff and the writer chosen, not to the public. You'll know in advance of that. First I need you to find out if the idea will be well received though, or will it be a waste of my last few years here. Will I be seen as..."

She trailed off and CJ reluctantly chimed in. "I think the word you're looking for is egotistical."

"Well, how dare you!" Abbey scolded her. "I can't believe you'd say that to me." CJ hid a smile as Abbey continued. "Yeah, alright, that word works as well as any, just don't be the one to bring the word up!"

"I'm going to go back to work now. But feel free to sit there and tell me how to do my job if you want."

Abbey smiled at her, realizing she looked better now than when she had come in. She opened the door and CJ heard voices outside.

"Guess Carol is back?" Abbey peeked out, then closed the door slightly. "I'll send her in when I leave, okay?"

CJ nodded, then grimaced as she heard a male voice. "Danny's out there, isn't he?"

Abbey nodded. "I'll take him with me and tell him now, then send Carol in."

CJ nodded again and Abbey left. She braced herself to talk to a woman she had recently considered to be a very good friend.

***

CJ leaned back in her chair and rubbed her eyes. It had been a long two days coordinating with Abbey's staff for the announcement. CJ decided she actually hated a few of them. Carol had become quieter than CJ had ever seen her, which was fine with CJ, who didn't want to deal with happiness of any sort while she was feeling like she had been dumped.

"Stupid." she muttered to herself as she stared out her window. "Dumped? Without dating? Stupid."

"Is that directed at you or someone else?"

She whirled around. "Daniel."

"Hey, you hear the good news?" He grinned at her and she found herself smiling back.

"What good news?"

"I get to write a book." He told her.

"Really? How come my office didn't hear about it?"

"You didn't?" he appeared shocked. "There was a memo, I'm sure."

She gestured at her desk. "A memo? Amazing I didn't get it, unless maybe it's in one of these huge piles. What's the book about?"

"Mrs. Bartlet."

"Wow, impressive. Have you cleared it with her?"

He laughed. "Alright, I admit defeat. You win. This could go on all day, couldn't it? Happy for me?"

"Delirious." She said dryly.

"What time's the press conference?"

She glared at him and he grinned. "Is that what you came in here to ask me?" He nodded and she continued. "You know very well when it is, you have to stop making up excuses to come in here."

"You know, next time you see me I won't be a reporter, my resignation goes into effect at noon."

She rolled her eyes at him and pointed to the door. Instead of the door, he moved to her desk. "What, no good luck kiss?"

She laughed and pecked him on the cheek. He grinned, "Cheesy, but I guess it'll have to do. For now."

"Get out!" was her only reply.

As he walked out, she heard his voice float back. "Carol! Where've you been, I missed you on the way in."

"Hey Danny, big day huh?"

"The biggest! Wish me luck."

"You won't need it, Danny. I'll see you around."

"I'll still be haunting the halls for the book. See ya, Carol."

CJ quietly closed the door and moved to sit on her couch. She had thought she would break down in tears, but instead found herself giggling. Finally she sighed, being friends with Danny was better than nothing.

---

CJ looked through the door at the crowd gathered for Danny's Going Away party. Although he would still be around, it was a good excuse for a party. The President was even supposed to make an appearance, but CJ couldn't bring herself to go in. Instead, she watched Danny from the relative safety of the hallway. He appeared to be in high spirits and she found herself glad for him, glad that he was finally getting what he wanted, even if it wasn't her.

Danny finally looked over long enough to realize she was standing there and pried himself away from those surrounding him. He came out in the hallway with her.

"Congratulations, Danny. The book will be amazing with you writing it."

Danny smiled shyly. "You really think so?"

"You're one of the best writers I know, of course I think so."

Danny blushed slightly and ducked his head. CJ smiled, this was a different Danny than the take-charge guy who had asked her out 186 times. She leaned over to give him a kiss on the cheek, but he turned at the last moment. As soon as he realized where their lips were, he tangled his hands in her hair to pull her closer and deepened the kiss. Their bodies hadn't forgotten the stolen kisses from so long ago and melted together as their tongues dueled.

Thoughts ripped through CJ's head first and she yanked herself away, touching her lips lightly as she stammered. "I'm going... I have to go... now, I have to leave... I..."

Danny reached for her arm. "Wait, CJ, we need to talk." She brushed him off and nearly ran down the hall to her office, seeking a locked door. She barreled past Mrs. Bartlet, who was headed to talk to Danny.

"Danny, what's going on?"

A bewildered Danny answered the First Lady, while still staring down the hall after CJ. "I don't know, but I need to talk to you. I need your help."

---

Behind the locked door, CJ had nearly cried herself out. Then she screamed, silently and not-so-silently, at Danny. Thank goodness, she thought at one point, for thick doors and walls.

"What?" she nearly barked at the door when a knock came.

"Message for Ms. Cregg."

CJ took a deep breath and wiped her eyes as best she could. Opening the door revealed a Secret Service agent. "Yes?"

"A note from the First Lady."

CJ thanked him and opened it. She found a request that CJ join her for dinner that night, naming the time and restaurant. She nearly groaned before she realized the agent was still standing there, waiting for a reply. There was no way she felt like going out, but it was a request from the First Lady. "Oh, tell her yes, of course."

"Thank you, Ms. Cregg."

CJ peeked out her still-open door. There was no one around, which meant if she hurried she could duck out and not have to see anyone. She threw some files in her briefcase and grabbed her things. As she passed the party, it was still in full swing. She felt guilty for a moment, then decided someone else would have to announce the President tonight.

---

"CJ Cregg."

"Right this way, Ms. Cregg." The maitre d' led her through the crowded restaurant to a private room. She glanced around as they walked, glad for the extra time this afternoon that had enabled her to look her best tonight. She sighed to herself, wishing she was able to dress up for someone besides Abbey.

The maitre d' showed her into the room, then closed the door. CJ's eyes adjusted to the flickering candle-light and she gasped.

"Surprised?"

"But, I don't understand, how? Why?"

Danny came forward to help her into her chair, taking the opportunity to kiss her lightly. She pulled away quickly and stood back up. "No, what's going on here? I take it I'm not meeting Abb-- Mrs. Bartlet?"

"No, I talked her into helping me with this, getting you here. I didn't think I would need such a devious scheme for this, though."

CJ shook her head. "But Carol-"

"Has been helping me find a restaurant and pick out some other things." Danny cut her off. "Abbey told me what happened. How could you think I was in love with anyone but you?"

CJ closed her eyes, sure she was dreaming. "I fell asleep on my couch and this is all a dream." She pinched her hand. "Ouch!"

Danny moved over to her and took her hand, kissing where she had pinched herself. "I'm so sorry you thought I was with someone else. I've been trying to surprise you since I figured out I would be writing the book." He took it as a good sign when she didn't pull away, inching closer to him as they talked.

"But, I heard you talking to her, and..." as CJ replayed the conversations in her mind, she realized how she had misread everything.

"Abbey told me today what you had thought, I'm so sorry for doing that to you. I tried to find you after, I didn't want you to think...."

"I wouldn't have listened to you."

Danny smiled. "Abbey told me that, she knows you well. You can thank her for some of this plan. I have to admit I didn't trust her and tried to call you at home as soon as she left me alone and I realized you weren't in your office."

CJ smiled back. "I took the phone off the hook to get ready for my date."

"And you look incredible, did I mention that?"

CJ blushed as Danny perused her dress. "Hot." he clarified, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer. "Very hot."

This time, neither felt the need to pull away as their kiss deepened. The occasional need for air was the only thing disturbing them until their waiter appeared and cleared his throat.

"I told you a half hour." Danny all but growled at the man. At his nod, Danny glanced at his watch and shrugged. "Alright, alright, give us a few more minutes."

Trying not to laugh, CJ buried her face in Danny's shoulder and managed to choke out. "We need to, uh, study the menu more thoroughly."

As soon as the waiter left, Danny stroked CJ's cheek. "I planned a whole dinner for us, is that okay?"

"Of course. We really should look at the menu." Neither wanted to move first. "I'm sure they have specials, we could just get those."

"Sounds good." Danny agreed as he kissed her again, more gently this time. He sighed and pulled away slightly. "I just hope you're this enthusiastic about my next surprise."

CJ's eyes met his. "What is it?"

Despite her stare, he managed to evade her by answering, "Not yet, later."

---

As dinner progressed, CJ remembered again and again why she had fallen in love with Danny. They laughed and joked, only mentioning politics briefly. It was a new record for her in non-political conversation since joining the campaign.

Between dinner and dessert, Danny began to fidget. "What's the matter?" CJ asked, concerned.

"We're having such a good time, I don't know if I want to risk ruining it." At CJ's questioning look, he amended, "Well, I'm having a great time."

CJ laughed and assured him, "I am too."

"Alright." Danny took a deep breath to steel himself, then stood up. Before CJ could figure out what he was up to, he was on his knee by her chair.

"Oh!" she gasped, for once at a loss for words as he opened a box.

"CJ, I love you. I'm asking you to marry me. I hope this isn't too sudden, being our first real date and all..."

He trailed off as CJ began to giggle. "Oh, Danny. Five years is long enough, I think we can skip dating." She sank onto the floor next to him, throwing his arms around him. "Yes." she whispered into his ear. "How soon can we be married?"

Danny grinned at her. "Whenever you want, the sooner the better in my eyes." Then he pulled out his cell phone and pushed a speed dial button. CJ pulled away, confused.

"Yes." Danny said into the phone, then held it out so CJ could hear Abbey scream. CJ grinned and grabbed the phone from him. "Of course he did, ma'am. You mean you didn't pick it out for him? Carol... oh."

CJ looked at Danny as she realized what must of taken up most of Carol's time with Danny. Carol would have been very picky about which ring CJ should get. "As soon as possible, ma'am. I'm tired of waiting, it's been over five years you know. Next week? The White House gardens??"

Her eyes widened as she stared at Danny. He finally took the phone from her. "Sounds great, Abbey, start the arrangements." With that he hung up the phone.

"You just hung up on the First Lady."

"She'll forgive me."

"You sure?"

"She likes me, I'm her favorite writer, remember?"

"Next week? We have a lot to figure out then." CJ stood up, taking the ring box with her. Danny stood also, gently prying the box out of her hands.

"Hey, that's my job." He tossed the box onto the table and took her hand, gently putting the ring on then kissing her palm and each finger.

The waiter came in then, but neither turned. "We'll take dessert to go, whatever dessert you think is best." Danny ordered.

"Something with chocolate." CJ chimed in and Danny laughed. "The lady gets final say, chocolate it is. Come on, we need to plan a wedding."

"And call Abbey back." CJ reminded him. "There's a lot of arrangements to make, family to call, all kinds of things."

He groaned. "Am I going to get any time alone with you in the next week?"

"Probably not. But it's looking to be a light few days after the wedding, we could have a long weekend honeymoon."

"Light?"

"Relatively speaking." CJ thought for a moment. "Alright, not light, but I don't care. I'm taking a few days off and they can deal with it."

Danny kissed her again and sighed. "Alright, we waited five years to be together, I guess I can suffer through a week."

"At least this time you know you'll get me in the end." CJ pointed out.

"Oh, CJ." Danny told her. "I always knew I'd win you over in the end."

***

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