Disclaimer: Yeah, right. I wish.

Summary: At the end of the administration, Danny comes back. (Yeah!) But CJ is still giving him the brush-off and he can't figure out why.

***

A strange feeling came over Danny as he showed his identification and walked back into the White House. He could see variations of the same feeling reflected on every face he looked at.

Deep and utter sadness. The end of eight years of doing amazing things, of not always winning but trying. Uncertainty about the future was also evident on many faces.

But not Danny's. He was pretty sure of where his future would lead him. Anticipation washed over him as he walked the path he knew so well. It had been so long, but he was finally back, ready to start the next phase of his life.

He approached her office, eyes lighting up when he heard her voice.

"And call back the Times, ask who they'd send for the interview. I'll decide only when they tell me who. Ask the Post who they want too. No crappy interviews, this is our last day."

He eased into the office and held a hand up to Carol, pleading with his eyes for her to be silent. She nodded, a small smile emerging through her teary eyes.

He stopped right inside her office, just staring at her for a moment. She muttered as she circled newspaper items and wrote comments in highlighter over the print.

"That's a nice fish."

Her head snapped up. Their eyes met and her mouth dropped open in disbelief.

"I've rendered the Press Secretary speechless." Danny smiled as he walked behind her desk. He gently pulled the glasses from her face and traced her cheek with his thumb.

"Danny?" she whispered.

Without a word, he leaned down and kissed her softly.

She stared up at him, still in shock. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see you." He suddenly became nervous. "To see if you'll go out with me."

She shook her head. "I can't Danny."

"CJ, you're leaving the White House." He took her hand in his. "There's no more conflict."

"No, Danny." She pulled her hand away and stood up. "I can't-"

"CJ?" Carol knocked hesitantly, a paper held out towards CJ. "I'm sorry, the President wants to see you about the interviews."

She sighed. "Okay. Danny, I have to go."

He took a step back and let her pass, knowing she had to worry about the President before all else. As she left, she turned back and caught his eye with a sad smile.

What just happened? The question ran through his mind as he sunk into her chair.

***

"Is that it, CJ?"

"Yes, sir. I'll set those up and see you later for the first interview."

"Sit with me for a minute."

"Of course, sir." She waited while he stared out the window for a few moments.

"I heard that Danny's back."

She stiffened. "Sir?"

"Danny. Ask him if he'd like an interview too."

"I already have an interview scheduled for another Post reporter." CJ protested.

Jed waved her protest away. "Do it off the record if you want. I'd just like to talk to him."

CJ nodded. "Of course, sir."

"That's it, CJ. I'll see you later."

CJ took her leave and walked back to her office, sharing sad smiles with many of the people she passed.

"Carol, find Fishboy for me."

Carol nodded as CJ moved past to her office.

"On second thought," she called. "Just get him on the phone."

Carol stuck her head into the doorway. "You sure?"

"Yes." CJ's tone left no room for discussion.

Carol nodded and dialed. A few moments later, she held up two fingers to CJ through the window.

CJ picked up line two. "Danny?"

"Hey, CJ. You need something?"

"The President would like an interview with you. Katie already has the one for the Post, so yours can be off the record."

Danny was silent for a moment, then cleared his throat. "Actually, I had been thinking of writing a book about him. So I can meet with him about that."

"A book." CJ smiled. "That sounds like a good idea. How's two hours from now?"

"Perfect."

"Come by my office, I'll walk you over."

Danny agreed and they hung up.

***

"Sounds great." Jed nodded. "My memoirs, I like the control you're giving me."

Danny laughed. "Sir, I can't wait to get started." He glanced at his watch. "But I shouldn't keep you from more important things."

"And you should get back to CJ." Jed smiled. "Since she's pacing my outer office waiting to see what's going on."

"Yes, sir." Danny stood to leave.

"What's going on with you and CJ?"

Danny swallowed awkwardly and sat back down. "Sir?"

"What are your intentions?" Jed teased him.

"Well, sir..." Danny debated before deciding to level with him. "I'd like to date her, but she turned me down."

"Did you hear, she's got a job lined up, starting in a few weeks. I think she's about ready to give them a definite answer."

Danny stared at the President. "Sir?"

"She'll be working with a prominent Congresswoman, as her PR person."

"And there's still a conflict," Danny realized, his heart sinking.

"As far as I know, she hasn't given her final decision." Jed told him. "Maybe you two should talk. Quickly."

Danny nodded, a bit dazed. "Thank you, sir."

"Anytime, Danny. I'll see you later." He stood, indicating the end of the interview, and Danny scrambled to his feet.

"Thank you again, sir."

As the door shut behind Danny, the door to outside opened.

"Sweetheart?"

"I did my part," he told her. "Now it's up to Danny."

Abbey smiled. "Good. And we hope Danny says something, or I have to go talk to CJ."

"He's a smart boy," Jed said. "I'm sure it'll be fine."

Abbey sat on the couch and patted the seat next to her. "Now, about Josh and Donna."

***

They walked silently out of Charlie's area before Danny spoke.

"I need to talk to you."

"Maybe later tonight, I might have some free time-"

"What are you doing right now?" He broke in.

She sighed. "I guess I have a few minutes."

He followed her back to her office, mouthing to Carol as he closed the door behind him, "Please hold all the calls you can."

She nodded with a smile.

He took a deep breath before turning to CJ.

"Why did you take the job with the Congresswoman?" He asked in a low tone.

CJ sat down suddenly at her desk. "How did you- never mind." She looked away. "Andy asked me if I would come work with her."

"She's hoping for the VP spot next time around, isn't she?"

Her eyes met his. "No comment."

Danny smiled. "She's got my vote, for the record. But what about us?"

CJ stood up. "There is no us."

He faced her over the desk. "There could be. Why didn't you wait for me?"

"I didn't know if you'd really come back." She told him softly. "It's been... how many years? I had given up on... this." She gestured between them and Danny caught her hand.

"I told you how I felt about you."

She stared at their hands, not able to look at his face. "That was years ago. I didn't know if you still..."

"I still."

She looked up. "Really?"

"I should have kept in touch. I should have let you know every day how I felt."

They leaned in closer for a kiss.

"I'm going to tell Andy no." CJ murmured.

Danny smiled. "Really? Are you okay with that?"

She smiled in reply. "Will you go out with me?"

"Are you really okay? Do you have another plan?"

"I have a few other job offers," she told him. "Don't worry about me."

"I love you."

She grabbed his tie and pulled his face closer. She kissed him thoroughly before letting go. "I love you too. Come find me later and we'll go get some lunch."

"How about dinner?" he asked her as she moved towards the door.

"Dinner sounds good too." She smiled back at him as she opened the door. She whispered, "Play your cards right, maybe we'll have breakfast too."

He grinned, speechless, as she left the office with a silly grin on her face.

***