The Politics of Poetry

by: Lida Rose

Pairing(s): C.J./Danny, Jed/Abbey, Sam/Mallory, Donna/?, mentions of Josh/Donna
Category(s): Alternate Universe
Rating: YTEEN
Disclaimer: The West Wing and its characters are the property of Aaron Sorkin, Warner Brothers and NBC. No copyright infringement is intended.
Summary: Valentine's Day at the White House brings everything from the ridiculous to the romantic intertwined with poetry and politics. Sequel to "One Flu Over the White House".

Josh Lyman hit the door of the West Wing whistling, backpack slung over one shoulder and scarf blowing in the breeze. The whistling died when he was confronted by a vision. A sea of red had flooded the West Wing of the White House.

Josh faced red dresses, blouses and scarves on women. He saw men scurrying around wearing red ties, vests and sweaters. Hearts and cupids decorated the area.

The realization hit Josh like a tsunami, Valentine's Day had captured the heart of the White House. And he was unarmed. Before anyone noticed him, Josh made a quick retreat. He wouldn't face this skirmish without proper ammunition. Josh was a battle scarred veteran when it came to love, like and adulation.

An hour later Josh came back in carrying a shopping bag and a flower arrangement. He was now Moses who could walk through the Red Sea of Valentine's Day.

Josh stopped outside his office to put the flowers on Donna's desk. He flanked it with a small stuffed cat and a box of chocolate covered pretzels. "I'm ready Cupid, bring on your best stuff." He noticed Donna's coat but not his assistant. He decided to finish doling out his other gifts before getting down to real business.

He made a quick round of his other stops. Josh yelled, "Head's up" to C.J. Cregg before tossing her a bag of her beloved Goldfish crackers. She caught them expertly despite being on the phone. Josh recalled her playing a wicked third base during a campaign softball game.

From there Josh moved to Carol's desk. He left C.J.'s assistant a selection of exotic teas. Margaret in Leo's office got chocolate drenched cookies. His last stop took him just outside the Oval Office. Josh carefully placed an African Violet on Mrs. Landingham's desk. She was already at work and pleased. "Thank you dear, so thoughtful of you. Josh, please have some cookies."

"Thanks." Josh grabbed a handful and turned to go. He spun back around to deliver a line, sure to bring a smile to the elderly woman. "My work here is finished, I go to brighten another drab part of the world."

But the real work day was far from finished. The Economic Summit was a week away, Josh was ready to work long and late even though he wasn't going. The Bartlet Administration was recovered from the recent flu epidemic and ready to show the world it was in high gear.

Donna was in Josh's office. Not dumping the usual files but placing a muffin carefully in the center of his desk. It was his favorite, lemon poppyseed. Josh knew he'd scored big by remembering Valentine's Day. "Josh, thank you. That was so sweet." Donna Moss reached up to give him a hug. "The little cat is so cuddly and the flowers are lovely."

"First of many tributes, I'm sure will grace your desk. I wanted mine to be noticed before your desk resembles the Chelsea Garden Flower Show." He noticed she was now staring at him and frowning. "What's wrong Donna?"

"You're not wearing it, you hate it."

"What?"

"I should have known, you were just being kind."

"Okay, focus Donnatella Moss. I have no clue where we are or where we're going."

"The tie I gave you last year for Valentine's Day. You're not wearing it."

"Damn." Josh thought. "I should've known something would trip me up." He took a deep breath and said, "Donna, I think it's important to be honest with you. I'm sorry, I did forget. I was in a rush to get everything else done. The tie is one of my favorites."

"You're just saying that." There was a pout in her voice and on her lips.

"Well actually I am. But if I could remember what it looked like, I'd describe it."

She pulled a box off his bookshelf and slammed it into his chest. "Do better with this one." As he took it, she folded her arms waiting for Josh to open it. "Hurry up!"

"Donna, I'm sure it's perfect. But what if it clashes with my suit?" Her gaze hardened so he tried a different tack. "I'm sure it will go fine. Donna, forget I said anything." She stalked off. Josh sighed, he'd lost this round in the war of love, like and adulation.

A few minutes later Josh stopped at Donna's desk wearing a red and grey tie that really didn't match his brownish suit. But, he wouldn't hurt her feelings or make her mad enough to hurt him. "It's another winner. How about I wear it tonight?"

"You have plans?" Her ears perked up, maybe something was brewing in Josh's personal life.

"Nothing concrete. I figured we get more done on the Briefing Memos for the Summit, then I'll buy you dinner."

"No, Josh."

"Okay, I probably can get some Kennedy Center tickets and we'll eat after that."

"No Josh, I mean I can't. I have plans already and I'm leaving early."

"You are? I okayed that?"

"Last week. I have a date."

"With who?"

"Don't look so surprised. It's with Wally, it'll be nice."

"Isn't Wally the guy who lives with his mother? The one who hasn't had a full time job for at least five years? That guy?"

"Josh, he's a poet, a sensitive soul. Regular work doesn't suit him."

"Whatever. His mom must have given him his allowance."

"You're just jealous because someone else has plans. Get over it and let's get something accomplished before Staff. I'm running out at lunch too."

"Yes, ma'am."

***************

Donna reminded Josh about the Staff Meeting as she continued to pound the keyboard of her computer. She would follow soon. Josh started for Leo's office but detoured when inspiration struck. The Deputy Chief of Staff was looking for Charlie Young.

He found the President's Aide already at his desk. Charlie was wading through paperwork. To Josh's relief, there was no red tie or red sweater. Josh figured Charlie hadn't fallen prey to the Valentine monster. "Charlie, my man. I require you."

"Sure Josh." Charlie was never sure where Josh was coming from. But he liked the Deputy Chief of Staff. "I can give you a hand."

"No, I was thinking outside the box and outside the White House. How about a couple of beers and then catching the Hoyas' game tonight? They've been hot."

"I can't, Josh."

"Sure you can. I can spring for the tickets if you're a little short."

"You don't understand. I can't go with YOU. I'm already taking Zoey to the game and then we're trying a new jazz club. First, we're taking my sister out for pizza. The President announced it'll be an early day."

"Good deal for you."

"Sorry Josh. Maybe another time."

"Don't worry about it. Figured you were a free agent 'cause you're not wearing a red tie or sweater foisted on you by some adoring female." "Do socks count?" Charlie's face lit up with a smile as he hitched up his trouser leg. Josh noticed red socks with small hearts.

"Oh man, you are hooked." Josh shook his head. "So what did you do for Zoey?"

"I didn't want to do anything inappropriate or too personal. Mrs. Landingham suggested a sweater. She helped me pick out some red yarn and then she knitted it."

"Charlie," Josh put a hand on the young man's shoulder, "You have unlimited potential if you have Mrs. Landingham on your side. How do you pay that back?"

"I went to her house and planted red tulips. They'll bloom through Spring. I have one in a pot to give her now. Then she'll see the rest when she gets home, I think she'll be surprised."

"When you're President, I want to be in your Cabinet. Or maybe on the Supreme Court. Keep me in mind, President Young." Josh always felt better after spending time with Charlie. It renewed Josh's sometimes wavering faith in the future.

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

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