*****
The West Wing and its characters are the property of Aaron Sorkin, Warner
Brothers and NBC. No Copyright Infringement is intended.
********
Sunshine streamed through the windows to finally penetrate the thick haze of C.J.'s slumber. She started to stir, trying to figure out why her bedroom was so bright. She noticed the shades weren't down as normal.
C.J. then remembered being so exhausted that she didn't bother to pull them down. A glance at the clock showed it was 11:00 A.M. She struggled to clear her head and sit up. Her stomach muscles ached. C.J. knew it was because of the strain of being so sick the night before. Yesterday's headache was nearly gone but that general achy feeling remained.
She couldn't remember the last time she had slept so soundly and straight through the night. Out of bed she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror.
Danny's sleep wear was comfortable and flattering. C.J. enjoyed wearing it. It made her feel pampered and it was a bit like sleeping with Danny, the scent of his soap and cologne clung to the material. She snuggled deeper into the shirt.
Reality set in with a second look in the mirror. C.J. desperately wanted a shower, a long one. She decided to make some tea first. As it cooled, she could take her shower. But first things first, she checked her pager to see if it had gone off. No messages, she planned to call in later.
Several minutes later, she was heading down the hall when she gave a startled gasp. There was a man in her apartment. A barefoot Danny Concannon sat at her dining room table typing furiously on his lap top. He was in a sweat pants and another of his white T-shirts. C.J. couldn't believe it. "Good Morning.", she ventured hesitantly.
"Hey.", his face lit up. "You look a lot better. How'd you sleep?"
"Like I was dead. But you're right, I'll survive."
"Hope you don't mind me bunking here."
"No, that's fine." C.J. moved into the living room and noticed a pillow and blanket on the couch. "You slept out HERE?"
"Yeah, it was too late to make that long drive home." Danny's grin was wide and endearing.
She smiled back at him. "Why didn't you use the guest room or the sleeper sofa in the den?"
He shrugged. "I didn't want to intrude by poking around or presume by making myself too at home." Then he looked sheepish. "I wanted to be close by so I'd be able to hear you if you needed me."
C.J. blushed. "Oh. Well, maybe I knew that subconsciously. With you here I slept sounder than I have in so long. Or maybe it was your outfit here that acted like a security blanket."
"You look great in the morning."
"Danny, you need glasses. Does the paper have a vision plan?" But she was pleased with the compliment.
"Whatever. Sit down. What would you like?" He got up and went toward the kitchen.
"I can do this, Danny." She started for the kitchen too.
"Nope, let me spoil you for once. You always take care of everyone else, now it's your turn." He turned C.J. around and she went over to the couch.
"Then I'd love some tea."
Danny started brewing the tea. C.J.noticed the newspaper on the floor. She bent to get it and moved too quickly. The dizziness washed over her causing her to pull up slowly. She didn't want Danny to know, so she went after what she wanted in a different way. "Anything big in the paper?"
"Have you heard there's a flu epidemic.?"
"No,do tell." C.J. made a slower grab for the paper and succeeded. "What else?"
"Nothing major. Looks like you'll win big on the Transportation Bill. Sanderson announced his Committee won't hold it up." Danny enjoyed sharing the news items with C.J. It felt natural and somehow right.
She was feeling the same way. "Great. My pager hasn't gone off so I figured things weren't falling apart."
"Most of the players are out of town." Danny brought out her tea. "Want anything to go with it?"
"I'm not that confident yet.", C.J. told him. "This will be enough once it cools."
Danny spoke with a bit of hesitation in his voice. "Uh, C.J., I didn't plan it but I met a few of your neighbors this morning."
"How did that happen?"
"I opened the door to look for the paper, wasn't sure there'd be one. Several folks came by. Very friendly floor."
"I'll bet. Is my reputation in tatters?"
"Not trying to brag here, but I'd like to think having me in your doorway looking for your paper, dressed like this, might enhance your reputation."
"I'll let you know if a scarlet letter turns up on my door." C.J. gestured to the computer on the table. "How's the series going?"
"Not bad. I got a lot done, very few distractions with you asleep. Very quiet building and neighborhood." Danny moved to the chair adjoining the couch with his own cup of tea.
C.J. offered, "You don't have to keep it so quiet. Put on some music if you'd like. Pick out what you want."
"Your tastes are wide ranging. Never figured you for a Barry Manilow fan with Ronny Jordan and Meatloaf each a few CDs away from that."
"I'm a Renaissance woman. What's on your CD rack?"
"I like the Detroit sound. Lots of Motown and Bob Seeger. Also Jazz and Big Band. I like to dance." Danny's face reddened with that admission.
"You might find something here then. Get yourself some breakfast too." Suddenly everything felt very intimate and it made C.J. a little uneasy. She rose and waved Danny off. "I can get water on my own."
He stayed put but watched her closely. "Don't worry, I ate."
"You did?" She glanced at the sink. "What did you do with the dishes and pans?"
"No pans. The dishes are in the dishwasher. I'm a tidy fellow." Danny was a little defensive at C.J.'s curious look. "I had some cereal and fruit. Of course, it was hard to decide on the cereal with all those disgustingly healthy brands."
"Danny, you're slipping. I'm surprised at you. Enterprising reporter that you are, you didn't find the box of Trix?"
"You have Trix?", there was surprise in his voice.
"Uh-huh, but I keep the box hidden so I don't blow my image."
"How many people see the inside of your pantry? Oops, sorry out of line."
"No problem, where's the coffee?"
"I didn't make any. I can do without it for one morning."
"Danny, you know where things are. I don't understand, you can't function without coffee." C.J. was clearly puzzled by his actions.
"It's no big deal." He wanted to keep this short and sweet because it sounded silly. "I didn't want to make anything like eggs or coffee where the smells might upset you."
"Upset me?"
"Upset your stomach. The coffee did last night."
C.J. looked at him for a long moment. "You are so sweet and special. I think you must be St. Daniel come back to Earth to look after me."
"Don't patronize me C.J." Danny's tone was annoyed. "Trust me, I'm not a saint or some otherworldly being. I'm not a eunuch in a harem either."
"Danny, please..."
"C.J. stop." He held up his hand to interrupt her. "I am glad I was here for you. But believe me, I want to be more than buddies with you.
It killed me to hold you in my arms but only because you were sick. When I envisioned us on the floor it wasn't so you could throw up. When I imagine your bedroom, it's not sending you off at the doorway while I watch from the threshold. I want to roll around on that bed with you--to tangle up the sheets, knock the pillows to the floor and make us both so crazy your neighbors know what's going on."
Her eyes widened but she remained quiet.
Danny went on."You know I have a crush on you C.J. But it's not like grade school. I want you and I want as much of your life as you'll share with me."
"Danny, you're talking nonsense."
"Maybe. C.J. we are alike. We love our work, we live for our work. But I've come to realize it doesn't love us back. There has to be more in life. Your work is important but when it's over what will be left?
You give everything you have to the White House, what do you get back when it really counts? Have any of them called? Did they drop everything to get you home safely?
You're an intelligent, beautiful, sexy passionate woman. You need more than work in your life." His tirade stopped. Danny figured he'd gone too far but now she knew how he felt.
C.J. walked over to pick up the mug holding her tea. She took a tentative sip and spoke in the same manner. "Danny, I apologize if I patronized you. I was just so touched. You're right. No one's cared enough to take care of me for a long time. I'm the one who is the caretaker.
Please, don't think I'm angry, you spoke from your heart and your passions. You've given me a great deal to think about.
If you'll excuse me, this tea needs to cool a little more. While it does, I'm going to take a shower. Then I'm going back to bed because I'm still exhausted.
Danny, I'm very grateful to you for many things. I hope that's enough for now." C.J. walked out of the room.
He heard her bedroom door close, a few minutes later the shower was running. By that time he was back at the computer intent on finishing one more article. He wanted to make sure she was settled before he left.
There were things Danny needed to get done today. First and foremost, he needed coffee. Then Danny had a date tonight. The woman was a doctor who loved the outdoors. They'd met at an outdoor gear store. He'd taken her to dinner casually a few times. She made no secret of the fact she thought Danny fun, bright and charming.
He knew it was wrong to compare. But that woman all dolled up, on her best behavior and eager to spend time with him paled next to C.J. huddled over a toilet bowl, throwing up and telling him to leave her alone. This would be the last date with the doctor. Plus he knew if C.J. needed him, he would cancel the other plans.
Danny paused in his typing and listened, then smiled. He heard the hair dryer's roar. It was a good indication that C.J. was on the mend if she was worried about her hair.
He pushed himself to get the article written. Then Danny put the pillow and blanket away and used the guest bathroom for a shower. Once dressed, he gathered his belongings and left a note for C.J. with his pager, cell phone and home phone just in case.
Another quick look around and he was heading to the closet for his coat. But it was no good, Danny had to check on C.J. one more time.
He walked down the hall and pushed open the bedroom door. This time he looked around the room more closely. It was cozy with lots of framed photos. Danny recognized C.J. in a few of them and figured these to be her personal pictures. The dressers and night stand were antique and oak, the bed was brass and curvy, the fabrics pastel and full of lace.
C.J. was lying on her stomach head to one side, facing away from the door. One foot stuck out of the covers and her arms cradled the pillows under her head. Danny noticed she wore ice blue satin pajamas. He moved over to cover her foot and muttered, "I should have known you wouldn't own any ratty sleep wear."
A drowsy voice answered, "I do have some. I just didn't want you to see it." C.J.'s sleepy voice had a smile in it.
Danny laughed. "C.J., I'm leaving. If you need me call. I left all the numbers." He leaned down and kissed her on the hair since her face was half buried.
"Good Night.", she murmured.
**********
Monday morning C.J. gingerly walked into the West Wing. She was still tired, sore and pale but proud to be walking. The flow of people indicated the worst was over.
It had been a lost weekend for her. C.J. meant to get things done but all she could do was sleep. Yesterday, she managed some of the chicken soup that Mrs. Landingham sent home with her. It was good and soothing. That and apple sauce were the staples of her diet. Real food was still not a possibility.
C.J. indulged herself to get to work. She used the perk of calling the White House Transportation Office and had a driver bring her in. C.J. toyed with the idea of calling Danny but decided against it. Things between them were still too supercharged with emotion and energy.
But she hoped to remedy part of that today. C.J. had summoned some of her energy to launder the outfit Danny loaned her. It was packed in a small box with a note. It wasn't just a thank you but also an IOU for a home cooked meal, any meal.
C.J. remembered Danny telling her he wanted to see what she looked like over that first cup of coffee. This was his chance.
She noticed Cathy, Bonnie and Charlie moving through the halls. It was slow movement but they were at work. At her desk, C.J. went through the usual routine. She fed the fish and started sorting through the paperwork and newspapers. Then C.J. noticed something unusual, flowers.
An arrangement nestled in a teacup with a matching saucer. The flowered cup was painted in pastel tones similar to the ones in her apartment. C.J. pulled out the card and found a note attached from the florist. That read: This is an antique, please pull out the arrangement. We built it in a separate dish to protect this beautiful container that was provided to us. We loved it and hope you will too."
The card was from Danny. "What's a trip to London without tea? This reminded me of you, now that I've seen the colors in your home, I understand why. It looks like it and like you."
C.J. sighed and looked at Gail the Goldfish. "And all you got was Big Ben."
There was a cough from the hallway. It was Donna. "C.J. are you ready for Staff?"
"Absolutely, as you heard I'm starved for conversation." She joined Donna for the walk to Leo's office. "Glad you're feeling better, Donna."
"You too. Did Josh send you those flowers C.J.?"
"No, why?"
"Well, I got flowers but no card. Any idea who sent us flowers?"
"Donna, mine weren't anonymous. No clues on yours?"
"Just a little get well thingy stuck in them. They're very pretty."
"A secret admirer Donna. That's pretty amazing considering there are no secrets in this place."
Inside Leo's office was a nearly full complement of Senior Staff. Leo, Sam, Josh and C.J. plus assorted aides and assistants. Nice to jockey for a good seat. But some remnants of the ravages of the flu remained, not a lot of takers on coffee or pastries.
Sam looked around, "Where's Mandy?"
Leo told them. "Still on the disabled list. And we'll have to manage without Toby today."
Josh was surprised. "Wait, all his preparations, preventatives and paranoia and Toby still got the flu?"
"No." Leo made no attempt to hide his glee. "He had an allergic reaction to the dye in his Vitamin C tablets. He'll be okay by tomorrow."
There were suppressed grins around the room. Leo got down to business. "This will be quick because we all have a lot to catch up on at our desks. I want our goal today to be to get as close to top speed as possible. C.J., that's the theme in your Briefings. The President has a full morning and light afternoon."
From Staff C.J. headed to the Briefing Room. Libby Rhodes stopped her. She worked with Danny. "C.J. just wanted to let you know, I'm in today for Danny. He's trying to finish up his series."
C.J. was a little surprised but concealed it. "Okay, welcome. Need anything Libby?"
"No thanks. He's working here. If I have any questions, I can bug him. Probably not much happening anyway."
"We can only hope." C.J. moved towards the podium and her arrival was greeted with applause. "Thank you. It's nice to see so many of you back. Why all this adulation now? It should be an everyday thing when you see me approach."
Stan took the lead. "C.J. it's a tribute to your supply closet. It was a life saver and we're grateful."
It was Chris' turn to join in. "We'll repay the debt, can we just drop off replacement supplies in your office?"
"Tell you what, how does this sound? Restock what you took and we'll send it some of the shelters. I'm hoping we won't need the items any more and I'm sure they were hard hit too." There was a murmur of approval for her off the cuff idea. It set the tone for a quick and positive session.
When it wrapped, C.J. moved through the milling reporters. Billy Kenworthy stopped her. "How are you feeling C.J.?"
"Better thanks. You're still on your feet, that's pretty astounding."
"I heard the West Wing Staff got hit hard. Sam, Josh, Josh's Assistant."
"Yeah but everyone's back now." C.J. was only half paying attention as she kept an eye out for Danny.
Billy asked, "Even in Josh's office?"
"Uh-huh, I saw Josh and Donna scrapping and bickering already. A sure sign things are back to normal."
"That's good. Catch you later C.J."
Her preoccupation kept C.J. from connecting Billy's interest in Josh and his staff with Donna's flowers. C.J. wondered how to discreetly track down Danny. She ended up taking the direct approach, leaving a note on his cubicle desk asking him to come to her office. He showed up there an hour later when she was putting some files on Carol's desk.
"Hi, come on in." She led him into her office.
"Hey, how are you?"
"Much better Danny, especially when I saw these. Thank you." She pulled him away from the door and leaned over to kiss him. "They're beautiful."
After a few seconds, they broke apart. "Glad you liked them. Did Libby check in with you?"
"Yes, just before the Briefing. Are you about wrapped up?"
Danny was staring into space. "Huh?"
"Danny are you okay?"
"Fine, eye strain. Lots of time this weekend staring at the screen."
"That'll do it." C.J. handed him the box. "I'm returning your belongings."
Danny looked inside. "Freshly washed and nicely folded, you might have an alternate career as a laundress." He pulled out the folded sheet of stationery. Danny read it with a glance and put it back in the box. "Thanks."
C.J. expected a more enthusiastic response to her offer of a home cooked meal, even a breakfast. Maybe she'd misread things. "You're welcome." Her tone went from unsure to cool. "Let me know if you'd rather eat out or just forget the whole thing."
"Okay I will. Excuse me, C.J." Danny left hurriedly. C.J. was left behind with confusion on her face and a heavy heart. She got up and shut her door to get some work done.
It was still closed an hour later when Josh knocked and staggered in. He struggled to carry a huge box of toilet paper and tissue to add to the growing pile of replacements. "Great idea to help the shelters C.J." Josh flopped onto her couch. "Let's get the stuff delivered today or Mandy will be calling a full scale media alert tomorrow. Plus I'll bet you'd like to have your office back."
"Good point. Oh Josh, just so you know, Billy Kenworthy asked about Sam, Donna and you after the Briefing. He was glad to hear all of you are back. Pass it along."
"I hardly know him but that's nice, I guess." Josh shrugged. "Ran into Libby Rhodes outside. Is she covering for Danny?"
"Yeah, he's getting that European Leaders series wrapped up."
Josh sprang up from the couch. "He won't get much done from the Men's Room."
"What are you talking about, where's Danny?"
"Making that endless loop between his desk and a stall. Poor guy. See you later."
"Sure, bye." C.J.'s mind was elsewhere because of Josh's news. She looked at the pile of papers on her desk and reached a decision. "Carol?"
Her assistant came into the office. "Yes, C.J.?"
"We're planning an early lid. You'll have to help Sam or Leo handle it. I need to leave."
"No problem, are you alright?"
"I will be. Also get these supplies where they need to be please. I'll call Leo to let him know I'm leaving."
"Don't worry. I'll handle everything, just take care of yourself."
"Thanks Carol." C.J. moved to the phone and punched a number. She loaded up her briefcase as she waited for an answer.
"Leo McGarry's office." The voice was not Margaret, it was Mrs. Landingham.
"Mrs. Landingham, it's C.J. Where's Margaret?"
"Latest casualty. Leo's in a meeting, I'm helping out."
"As you always do. I needed Leo to know that I'll be leaving. Everything is under control, someone just needs to do the final Briefing."
"I take it anyone but Josh."
"Absolutely. Mrs. Landingham, I'm sorry to be cutting out."
"Of course you are Dear, we'll manage. One more thing, C.J."
"Yes?"
"Is Danny Concannon around? I was looking for him."
"He's here Mrs. Landingham. Did you try his cubicle?"
"No luck. He sent me flowers for helping him on Friday. I wanted to say thank you."
"Flowers? Very considerate. I appreciate your help too. The chicken soup was delicious and just right."
"Thank you C.J. I thought you might come across Danny. Don't worry about a thing, just get yourself out of here."
They hung up, C.J. was sure Mrs. Landingham was on to her. But just as sure her secret was safe. She grabbed her stuff and headed for the Press bullpen. Danny was heading the same way. She intercepted him at the door. "Grab your coat and whatever else you need, I've fed the fish. You're out of here."
"What do you mean?"
"You're sick, you're tired, you're on your way home. Do as you're told or I'll get Mrs. Landingham."
Danny started to protest and thought better of it. "Where are you going? Are you having a relapse?"
"No, I'm taking you home Danny. Meet me outside in two minutes before I change my mind and get Josh to play chauffeur."
"Sold." He headed for his cubicle.
C.J. was signed out and nearly out the door when Mrs. Landingham hurried up to her. She carried a brown bag. "C.J., a little more soup to take." Then the older woman whispered, "There's a thank you note for the flowers inside, please give it to Danny." Mrs. Landingham squeezed C.J.'s arm as the Press Secretary blushed.
C.J. hurried out the door to the garage. Ralph came to meet her. "Nice to see you back Ms. C.J."
"Not for long. I'm leaving for the day."
"Let me get your car, you need to save your strength."
She started to protest. He stopped her. "You were so thoughtful while I was sick, my turn." That convinced her to be gracious and offer her thanks.
Ralph put C.J. into her car a short time later. She pulled around to find Danny outside and walking toward the media lot. C.J. stopped the car so Danny could climb in. "Need a taxi, sir?"
"So I've been told." Danny sighed.
C.J. pulled out of the driveway. "I know where I'm going. I looked you up. I can't believe you're listed in the phone book."
"I owe you an apology, C.J." Danny began, "I wasn't very nice or grateful this morning. I just felt lousy and couldn't focus."
"No big deal, turn about is fair play. It's my turn to look after you Danny."
"Just drop me off and then you can get back to work."
"I'm not going back to work." C.J. said firmly. "A wise person told me there's more to life than work, I'm testing his theory."
"Okay, but my place isn't as big or la-dee-dah as yours."
"I'll ignore la-dee-dah because I saw you smile. It's not a problem as long as you're going to be comfortable."
"The bathroom floor is all I'm interested in. That and my bed."
"I'll get you into your rattiest pajamas, get you tucked in and get some of the soup Mrs. Landingham sent into you."
Danny interrupted, "No food, please C.J."
"I understand, it'll be fine. I'll take care of you." C.J. reached over and rubbed his shoulder.
Danny put a hand over hers. "Got a travel bag with you?"
"I don't think you'd like my lingerie." At that Danny grinned, C.J. clarified. "For you to wear, you idiot."
"Fair point, how about you?"
"I can always wear something of yours." She smiled wickedly at him.
Danny groaned, "I'll never be able to sleep."
Traffic was slowing for a red light. C.J. braked and told him. "Don't worry, there's no rush. We have lots of time in our favor."
She took her eyes off the intersection to send him a smile. But it was lost on Danny who suddenly opened the door to lean outside and be sick.
"Oh, well." C.J. sighed and said."We'll work on that romance stuff later."
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