A Friend In Need

by: Kerry

Disclaimer: Apparently some guy called Sorkin owns ‘em.  My bank manager says I’m worth nothing (or did he say I was worthless?) so there’s no point in suing me!
Category: Josh/Donna Romance/humour
Rating: CHILD
Spoilers: None that I know of
Summary: Josh's idiocy results in pain for Donna - and a change in both their living arrangements
Author's Note: Big thank you’s to Abby and Jillian for beta reading and providing encouragement (and telling me to hurry up and finish!!).  I should warn you – the fic is long but please stick with it!
FEEDBACK: Pretty please, but be nice, it’s my first ever fic! J

Josh made his way towards his office from the Roosevelt Room at 8:10pm, looking for Donna.  He had found it difficult to get used to that fact that he was actually going to have to go and collect files from her, rather than bellowing for her to bring them to him, but he knew it would be difficult for her to carry them while on crutches – well, he knew it after CJ pointed it out to him, with the aid of a smack on the back of his head.

Not finding Donna at her desk he opened his office door and was surprised to find CJ sitting behind his desk, looking at some files, with her laptop in front of her.

"CJ, what are you doing in my office?"  He questioned.

"Working."  CJ looked up, made the simple statement and returned her attention to her work.

"Ok, but you know you have your own office, right?"  Amusement made its way into Josh’s voice.

"Yes, but right now my office is occupied by your assistant."  Again CJ only briefly looked up.

"What is Donna doing in your office?"  Josh’s tone had changed from amused to confused.

"Sleeping."  CJ smirked as she gave the one word answer, her smirk growing as she saw the frustration on Josh’s face.

"What the hell? CJ?"  Josh started waving his arms around in frustration.

"She asked if she could use my couch while I did my evening briefing – she needed to elevate her ankle.  Being the kind and caring person I am, I immediately agreed and I left her lying on the couch reading over some index cards when I headed to the press room.  When I returned, I found that she had fallen asleep, no doubt due to the fact that she didn’t get much sleep last night."  CJ gave Josh a pointed look and continued.  "I didn’t have the heart to wake her so I gathered up some work and decided to use your office."

"Well, can I have my office back now?"  The amused tone was back.

"No!"

"CJ, I have work to do."

"So go use Donna’s desk."

"Here’s a better idea – you go back to your office and kick Donna out so you can work there and I will use my own desk."  Josh was beginning to get exasperated, feeling guilty again about Donna’s injury, but not willing to admit it.

"No, Joshua, I will not kick Donna out.  Here’s an even better idea – take her home so she can sleep in an actual bed."

"I still have a ton of work to do."

"Josh, you don’t have any more meetings so whatever you need to work on, you can do it at home.  Donna is exhausted and needs to sleep – the couch is not good for her before you say that she can stay there while you work here."  CJ started to glare at Josh, willing him to give in.  Finally he relented, not wanting to get into a stand-off situation with CJ.

"Ok.  Can you go and wake her while I pack up?"  He asked meekly.

"No, but I’ll get Donna’s coat and bag while you get your stuff.  Then you can go and waken her, nicely, and tell her that you’re taking her home." Josh knew there was no point in arguing and nodded his head.  He stuffed some files into his backpack, put his jacket on and followed CJ to her office, taking Donna’s coat and bag from her as they walked.

CJ remained outside her open office door as Josh entered to waken Donna, watching him gently kneel down beside her.

"Donna."  He spoke quietly, reluctant to disturb her in case she tried to jump up.  When she didn’t respond he tried again, a little more forcefully.  "Donnatella, wake up."  He placed his left hand on her right upper arm, closest to him, and shook her gently.

"Josh?"  A sleepy voice responded.  Donna opened her eyes and, realizing where she was, immediately got a look of panic on her face.

"Josh, I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to fall asleep."  She started to move but Josh placed his hand on her arm again to stop her.

"It’s okay, you’re exhausted and everyone keeps telling me that it’s my fault so don’t worry about it.  Anyway, it’s time to go home."  Donna looked at her watch and did a double-take.

"I can’t believe I was asleep that long.  Where’s CJ?"  Donna quickly realized that CJ’s briefing must have ended a while ago.

"It’s ok, she went to work in my office so you could sleep." Josh replied gently.

"Oh man, I’m so sorry."  The panicked look was back, replaced with an apologetic one as she noticed CJ step into the office.

"It’s ok Donna, I don’t mind.  I’m just glad you got some rest, but now, let Josh take you home." Donna looked at Josh.

"But you can’t be ready to go home yet, it’s not even 8:30."  She stated.

"I can work from home, you need to get some sleep – in a bed."  He motioned for her to try to stand up and quickly held his arms out for her to grab onto as she struggled.  CJ handed her the crutches and she gratefully took them.  Josh then helped her on with her coat and indicated that he had her bag.

"Thanks CJ.  I’ll see you tomorrow."  Donna gave CJ a grateful smile, which was returned by the press secretary.

"No problem Donna.  Take care of yourself."  Josh shot CJ a look of gratitude and followed Donna out of the office.

"Hey Josh, you know you’re going the wrong way, right?" Donna looked over at Josh from the passenger seat.

"No, I’m not."  Josh kept his eyes on the road as he responded.

"Yeah, you are.  To get to my apartment we should have turned left at the last intersection, not right."

"We’re not going to your apartment."  Josh quickly glanced at Donna and seeing the look of confusion cross her face he continued.  "You’re staying with me until you’re back on your feet, literally."  He grinned at his last comment, but the grin slipped as he saw the panic on Donna’s face.

"Josh, I can’t stay with you.  I mean, I appreciate the offer and all but CJ would have a fit.  She wouldn’t like having to explain this to the press."

"Don’t worry about it, CJ and Leo already convinced me that it won’t be a problem.  Apparently, the Whitehouse press don’t find me interesting enough to camp out on my doorstep."  Josh gave an indignant look as he said this, his ego finding it hard to believe people weren’t interested in him.

"Are you sure?"  Donna asked quietly.  When Josh nodded and smiled at her another thought struck her.  "Well, we still need to go to my apartment, I’ll need to pack some clothes."

"All taken care of."  Donna gave him a questioning look.  "Don’t worry, I didn’t do it.  Carol went over and packed a suitcase and a garment bag for you.  The case is in the trunk and you’ll notice the garment bag hanging in the back window."  Donna looked behind her and nodded, suddenly relieved.  Josh taking underwear out of her drawer so she could change out of her vomit-covered pajamas had been bad enough, she certainly didn’t want him going through her stuff when she wasn’t there.  "Donna?"  Josh’s question made her realize Josh had been talking to her while she was thinking.

"Huh?  Sorry, I tuned out a little there."  Josh gave her a mock-hurt look and repeated his question.

"I said I’m gonna order some food since I haven’t eaten since we left my apartment earlier and I bet you haven’t either.  Is Chinese ok with you?"  Donna nodded.  "Your usual?"  She nodded again in response and Josh hit the speed-dial on his cellphone for the Chinese take-out place nearest his apartment.  He placed an order and asked for it to be delivered, being told it would be about 30 minutes, which would give them enough time to get home.

Chapter 6

| << back | send feedback | The National Library |