These characters are the property of Aaron Sorkin, Warner Brothers, and NBC.
No copyright infringment intended.

CJ was hard at work in her office, as usual. Long forgotten was the fresh,
warm air of Spring. More important things were on her mind, and good reason
for that, too. She had fifteen minutes before CJ had to meet with the
President about her briefing, five minutes after that, to the Press corps
largely concerning racial discrimination (brought on by outdated,
pessimistic, greatly public activists). 'darn stupid thing to do. I'm just
glad the president leaves for the Bartlett family farm today and I wont have
to go. There really couldn't be anything that the staff could do after the
speech. a weekend to myself,that's what I get.'

(A knock on the door.) "Come in."

"Hey." 'Danny of course' (Shuts door.)

"Hey."

"What's the president going to say about these activists?"

"Wait your twenty minutes and you'll figure it out yourself."

"Yeah yeah. that's actually not why i came in here."

"Oh really?" CJ shows a slight smile; she knows what is coming. here we go.

"Really. I'm guessing you have the evening off since the president and first
lady are off to the Bartlett Farm?" CJ moves around the desk to lean on the
front as Danny speaks.

"MMMhmm. Actually, I have the whole weekend off, on call, of course. Why?"

"Even better. I was wondering if you'd like to spend part of that time with
me. dinner and a movie, at least?" 'told you,' CJ thinks.

"My place, Seven thirty."

"Let me guess, 'Spartacus'"

"'Woman Of The Year."

"Humph."

"Oh, and Danny,"

"Yeah, CJ?" (CJ crosses and starts at Danny, they end in a mutual, tender
kiss.)

"I thought you said there would be no more of that."

"I did. But I didn't hear you complaining."

"Didn't give me the chance."

"Tonight then, bye."

"Bye, Danny" (smiles, Danny starts to exit)

"Oh wait!" (Danny holds, turns around.)

"I'll come back later...even though I already know where you live."

"You know where I live? Oh, I forgot who I was talking with for a second."

"Of course I know where you live, that's what the press does."

"Stalker."

Danny grins. "Bye." (Danny exit.)

CJ. Alone. Thinking of what she has just done. 'this could end up being one
of two things: a serious disaster, or a major development. I know he really
likes me. We all know I like him just as much even though I tend to be one
for subterfuge. Down to business though. What should I wear? What should I
make,or order out? No, no, show the side that only few have scene: domestic
CJ. I can cook, Sam, Josh, Toby, and Leo all know I can. Very well, if I
don't mind saying so. Pasta? Any chicken with it? I guess that's the way. I
already have the stuff for it. And I thought there would be no use for that
stupid new dvd player. Thought wrong. Will he like it? I hope so. Danny's so
passive,I'm sure it won't matter to him. Right?'

CJ turned back into the professional and started her briefing checklist.
Pad, pen, glasses, notes. She knew probably what the view of the President
was going to be on the activists, but to follow protocol, she scheduled five
minutes with the President. CJ made her way through the West Wing to the
Outer Office of the Oval Office.

"Good Morning, Mrs. Landingham."

"Hello CJ, have a cookie?"

"No, thanks though, I just had lunch."

"The President will be with you in a minute, so you can take a seat if you
like."

"It's alright, I can stand a for a couple of minutes if need be."

Mrs. Landingham's phone buzzed, and she picked it up.

"Yes sir, she's right here." She hung up.

"CJ, The President will see you now."

CJ rose. "Thank you Mrs. Landingham." CJ made her way into the office to
find the President moving from his desk to one of the couches.

"Hello CJ."

"Good morning Mr. President."

"So you want my view on something for a briefing?"

"Yes. Sir, it's about these Political Activists on Racial Discrimination.
They're attacking your views and your so-called lackadaisical action on the
subject."

"What a bunch of inconsiderate morons. I'm going on vacation today, and they
have the nerve to start this crap now? Are you sure you said something about
me leaving today?"

"I'm almost positive Mr. President. I am trying to solve the problem by
getting your take on it now so I can put in early lid on to counter."

"Well thank you for being so considerate."

"Anytime, sir."

"Down to business. Racial discrimination is archaic and the entire idea of
discriminating people because of the color of their skin is a sign of
insecurity from the person who discriminates. The reason they believe I am
so 'lackadaisical' is because we've had a run in with some terrorists, the
State of the Union, filling a seat on the US Supreme Court, Sex Education,
war against Nuclear bearing countries, and a hell of a lot more issues that
are screaming to be resolved. This argument is as old as time, and at the
moment, racial discrimination is lower than it has been in a long time."

"In a nutshell, it's a sign of insecurity, it's archaic. We've been a little
busy around here. It's a very old argument, and racial discrimination is
slowly dissipating...and how dare the activists make their statement when
the President is going on Vacation."

"That's it."

"Thank you Mr. President."

"Anytime, CJ, anytime...just not this weekend. Oh and CJ, Leo was telling me
about a thing between you and Danny."

CJ blushed and it was apparent she was caught off guard. The leader of the
country was asking her about her personal life. "A 'thing' , Sir?"

"Yeah, a thing. Nothing wrong with it, I just thought that everyone on Staff
should have some sort of life outside of their work and I think it's
great."Crap. "Well, uh...thanks, Mr. President."

"Bye CJ."

"Goodbye Mr. President, have a great time at the farm."

She shut the door as the President chuckled. Crap. Now that's something you
don't do everyday.

"Something wrong CJ?" Mrs. Landingham.

"Nothing, Mrs. Landingham, just the President and his usual amusing self."

"Uh huh." CJ walked out, she felt her cheeks: Red. She found her way to
Leo's office where Margaret and Leo were bickering over something Leo
wouldn't do, as usual. "Hello Leo, Margaret."

"Hey CJ. Leave Margaret."

"Alright, sissy."

"Stop it." CJ gave him an incredulous look. "Don't even start, CJ."

"I just got the President's views on the activists to quote during the
briefing and I came in to ask for the OK on a full lid. I've already to been
to Toby and gotten his stuff and his OK."

"Yeah that's fine. Go ahead and set it for when the President leaves at 1."

"Thanks."

The day ravaged on. The activists turned out to have some 'sissy' arguments
that were to be easily toppled. The Press Corps didn't seem too impressed
with the activists either. Their relief was expressed as they learned of the
early lid for the day. It was very rare for an early start of a weekend.

Another staff meeting went by, and CJ soon started gathering her paperwork
for the weekend and a way to get Gail into her car without major spillage.
Workaholic CJ gathered her laptop, and stuffed her briefcase full of
paperwork. She limited herself to only a hundred and fifty pages or so of
topics to topple over the weekend. But they were to take the backseat in the
event that Danny and her were to get anywhere in their...'thing' as the
President put it. It would be interesting to find out what he did on his
spare time, what he wore in a relaxed state.

CJ worked through another lunch so that some more paperwork would be gone.
Chopper One was to arrive at 1pm. So she made her way to the White House
lawn to see off the President at about 1:25. CJ's assumption was right, of
course.

The sweet smell from the freshly cut grass reminded CJ of when she was a
kid, playing in the Spring with her sisters. Amongst the photographers and
reporters on the White House lawn was Danny nonchalantly trying to look at
CJ. Their eyes eventually locked and Danny nodded and smiled. CJ, more of a
conservative, lightly turned the corners of her mouth into a small smile
because she though that everyone was staring at her and would question her
credibility down the road. 'Screw them.' Her smile broadened, and the
President making his way to the Chopper broke their attention. The whole
ordeal sent a tingle down her spine. It did it every single time; this was
one of the perks of being a West Wing workaholic. CJ made her way back
inside, and walked back to her office to extract her essential weekend work
belongings and headed to her car.

Well, CJ found the beauty of Spring on her way out of the White House.
Everything was in full bloom, beautiful shades in the grass, on the flowers,
in the trees. The chirping of the birds, the amalgamation of smells that
make Spring what it is. She sighed as she walked to her car, piddling around
so that CJ could live in it for a few more brief moments. CJ took a deep
breath as she stopped at her car, for one last intake before the internment
into the atmosphere of another confined space. Gail in her little fish bowl
had to be carefully strapped in because who knew when CJ would be back at
the office. Could be in an hour, or the actual rest of the weekend. The cd
changer hummed its tune as CJ turned the ignition to a start. It was Dave
Matthews' 'Lover Lay Down'. 'Music? Should there be any music? What kind?

'Hold it. Last time I checked this was CJ Gregg, hard nosed White House
Press Secretary. Now it seems I'm a high school teenager with the first date
jitters. Hell, it's just dinner and a movie...with a guy that I really like.
A guy that has serious potential, that's all. On with it.'

---------

Danny was a filled with the usual sense of jitters, as well. This is what he
had been dreaming of, ever since CJ stepped up to the pressroom podium, this
was it. Just CJ and Danny, no restaurant, no White House, no West Wing,
'just the two of us. Should I wear a suit? Slacks and a tie? Slacks and a
sweater? Yeah, yeah, slacks and a sweater. Maybe even add in the suspenders
to make her laugh. That laugh, infectious, really. I love that throaty
chortle. Sidetracking Danny, get back on the ball. Flowers, oh yes, for her,
flowers. Not too much, like a dozen roses or an immaculate bouquet. Simple,
clearly stated, beautiful. Just like her. Do I have it bad, Danny? I think
we can safely say, we're hooked. And there is no way anything or anyone is
going to get in the way of this relationship. Our jobs, our commitments. No
way.'

------

7:10pm.

Danny stared at his apartment door. 'It's time.' He sighed. With flowers in
hand, he left his D.C. pad, and onto Hers. In the car: 'I wonder what this
place will be like. Of course it will be absolutely beautiful. But what
style? How does CJ release her tension from the White House?' Danny now felt
rather inadequate for CJ now. He knew the political CJ, but what of
domesticated CJ? Can she cook? Can she decorate? What does she like? An
office in a Colonial style White House does not exactly tell you everything
about someone. 'But this will be a new realm. Right? A new thing to discuss.
Who wouldn't want to hear this woman babble on about nothing in
particular?'

CJ's apartment was in a district for its' individuality in style between
owners. It was 7:28 before Danny arrived. Perfect timing, for he wanted to
be composed, a little relaxed, a little on edge. 'It's nothing out of the
ordinary. I've been on tons of dates, not enough to pride yourself on, but
enough to feel adequate.' He parked, extracted himself and the flowers from
his sporty sedan, and buzzed CJ.

"Danny?"

"Hey."

"See you in a sec."

CJ was hopping about her apartment with a little spring in her step. 'Who
wouldn't be that way? A minute before he arrives. The elevator always takes
a minute and forty-five seconds.' With one last check of the appearance at
the hall mirror, CJ double checked everything. Dinner, tableware,
silverware, Wine, DVD player, movie, lights, music. CJ almost killed herself
with the state of indecision she had over her what to wear. Slacks, skirt,
shin length skirt, sweater, blouse, AHH. Sweater and shin length skirt.
Lavender, Grey. Black mules. It was different from what she wore at work. It
kept her femininity and hint of a working woman, but stated she could relax
and be someone else for a while. RING. 'It's time, and it's Danny.'

CJ hesitated for a moment, so that she would not appear to be over-anxious
like she actually was. She walked casually over, trying to be calm. Stopped
at the door, took in a deep breath, and opened the door into tomorrow.

"Hello Danny."

"Hi CJ."

"Come in,"

"These are for you."

"For me? (takes flowers) They're absolutely beautiful. Thank you." (kisses
Danny on the cheek.) The dinning room is just here to the right, and I'll be
there in a sec." She walked into the dinning room just in time with the
salad to see Danny chatting with Gail.

"Are you two plotting to conspire against me?"

"No, she's just telling me about how you say I'm the most gorgeous man on
the planet."

"And I'm Cindy Crawford."

"Pretty darn close." CJ exited back to the kitchen, with a big grin that was
well hidden from Danny...or so she thought.

Dinner was very amiable. They chatted on about things that were far from any
work related topics.

"CJ this is fantastic stuff."

"A surprise?"

"From the renaissance woman? Nah." They both laugh.

"My mother was an expert chef; I paid attention. It's a liberation of sorts
from work. Don't get me wrong, I love doing what I do, but it's taxing, ya
know?"

"Yes, I do know."

"So what is it that you do for a release from work?"

"I take pottery classes."

"Really?"

"No, not since high school. Messy stuff, that is. I play the piano, sing,
and of course, keep track of the sports."

"Of course. I didn't know you played. Any good? Oh wait, don't answer; it's
a stupid question because there's not comfortable way to answer such a
question. But...wait, this could be like all the times you ask me awkward
questions. So yes, answer."

Danny chuckles and began his reasoning. "I guess I'm pretty good. Not a lot
of people who play the piano can sing along with it and vice versa."

"Yeah. So have you been playing since you were a kid?"

"Since I was seven. I really got into it and almost went to college on a
scholarship for it, but then I started doing the newspaper in high school
and that became my most voracious love."

"Wow. I wish I had learned how to play, or had a piano for that matter."

"Don't worry, next time, we'll go to my place. I have an old baby grand
that's just dying to be played for you." A smile came from CJ. She rose from
her chair and picked up the plates to be put rinsed in the sink and put in
the dishwasher.

Danny rose, also, and started heading towards the living room.

"I've been looking forward to watching this movie all day. I haven't seen
Woman of the Year. And I haven't seen what has been said their greatest film
together, Adam's Rib, in a long time. Love that Spencer Tracy. And Katharine
Hepburn? She has to be the greatest actress there ever lived."

"I totally agree. Kate is has so much class, yet so humane, and funny, yet
still serious. She's such a well rounded thespian. Spence...well jeez. He's
such an enigma. So true in every performance. Did you ever see Inherit The
Wind?"

"The monkey trial one? Yeah?"

"His examination of the prosecuting attorney was phenomenal. It was
overwhelming and gave so much to think about. Not only the idea that he
presented in his prodding of the guy, but his acting!"

"Oh yeah. I couldn't get over that speech. For like a week I could not stop
thinking about it, the power of his voice, the resonance, the vitality."

"Mmmhmm, but let's gush after the movie. Shall we?"

"OK."

"Would you like any coffee? Or even better, popcorn?"

"Whatever you're having."

"Bottled water and popcorn."

"Alright. Are we watching it on the DVD player?"

"Yeah. Could you get it the dvd out of the video cabinet to the right of the
TV?"

"Sure."

"Thanks." They parted ways, grinning over the progress they had made. CJ
found Danny even more charming and down to earth, but with defining
character. She wondered what the seating arrangement was going to be over
watching the movie. Would they sit together, sort of apart? Move as the
movie goes on?

Danny took another look around the apartment. It really was what he
expected. Elegant, homey, tasteful, practical, very organized and spotless.
This has CJ written all over it. This date was going really well. He'd
learned a lot about CJ as a kid, her parents, what things she likes to do
away from the office. When she was reminiscing, Danny thought his heart was
just melting for her. Even the 'home' CJ was desirable, just as 'office' CJ.
As a whole, he could not think of another woman who could compare with CJ
Gregg: mind, body, or soul.

The aroma of popcorn found its' way into the living room, and Danny soon
snapped out of his reverie and found the DVD for Woman Of The Year. He
prepared the player, and turned around to look at the couch and chair. 'How
was this going to play out? Who knows.'

CJ walked in with a tray with two glasses, a bottle of Perrier, and a giant
bowl of popcorn. She sat everything on the coffee table and seated her self
behind it on the couch. Danny walked over with the controls to the TV and
DVD player and sat next to her. The drinks were poured. CJ asked Danny
whether he liked the lights on while watching a movie and of course, he was
indifferent to either. The lights went out, save the ones in the kitchen.
Danny leaned back and put his feet up on the table, and CJ plopped the bowl
of popcorn in his lap.

"Make yourself useful."

"Anytime." CJ laid back as well, they were close, not too close. Woman of
the Year was a delight, and a few parts were similar to situations the two
had shared together. As the movie wound on, their proximity increased. Now
Danny's arm was around CJ's shoulder and her head rested on his. Soon the
end credit showed its' face and the movie ended. They didn't move from their
places. It was comfortable to them, a mutual state that both were not
willing to give up just yet. The popcorn found its' way to the other side of
Danny and now CJ and Danny's hands were intertwined.

"Tess reminded me of you a lot."

"Why?" CJ asked.

"Her never ending schedule and need to know what's going on and telling
people about it."

"Well Sam, he was so you. You're subtle stubbornness."

"My subtle stubbornness."

"Yeah, you would never admit defeat when I would never agree to go out with
you. You made my resistance dwindle."

"With my boyish charm."

"MMMhmm."

"Are you glad now that I didn't give up?" he turned to face her.

CJ lifted her head to look in his eyes and smiled. "Yeah, I am."

"Good, because so am I. I must admit I would waiver over the thought that
you might never would say 'yes'. But after Mandy was trying to flirt with me
and the look on your face, I knew that I could see the light at the end of
the tunnel.'

"I did not make a face." She slightly pulled away, and let go of his hand.

"Yeah you did: 'the other woman must die' face."

"There wasn't a face, Danny."

Danny pointed at her. "But there was a kiss, which you initiated, and which
after, you walked into the door."

"I was joking."

"Yeah, prankster CJ strikes again."

"And macho Danny lives on without his pride hurt."

"Of course. I rocked your boat, admit it."

"I will not admit it."

"Then give me a chance to prove that I can, even though I already have."

"Fine. Now?"

"Now."

"Here?"

"Right here. CJ Cregg, stand up."

"Yes sir. (a mock salute.) I feel so lucky."

"You should. There is absolutely no other woman in the world I would do this
for."

With that he starred at her, a few inches from her face, just smiling his
boyish smile. CJ starred into his, questioning, trying to figure out what
was going on behind those twin pools. Their hands were locked at Danny's
sides. Danny ended his beam and tried to look beyond CJ's eyes, into her
heart and soul, to see what she was feeling. He released her arms and slid
his hands slowly along her frame to rest gently on her waist. CJ's heart was
racing. His right hand did not stop there, it left her to return and rest on
CJ's face. Danny's fingers played with her hair, and glided over her silky
skin. Involuntarily, CJ moved her head to touch the palm of his hand with
her lips. All Danny could do was sigh and close his eyes. His heart was
pounding. No one had control here, anymore. It was orchestrated through
souls. They both moved in, hesitating, staring at one another's eyes one
last time, then lips. Softly, gently their lips played upon, heads switching
their tilts. The fervency grew, moans escaped mouths, proximity neared,
hands went all around; his on her back, hers in his hair and shoulders. At
this moment, it was all they could do to stay living and yet go so near to
the brink of insanity. And then their kisses were broken. Head rested on
head. Eyes closed lightly to relive what transpired. This was definitely
another beginning for them.

"Well?" Danny breathed.

"Hmmmm," was the only agreeable utterance she could manage at the moment.
This guy really knew how to take her.

"Uh huh." Danny agreed. Their eyes opened simultaneously and they warmed in
each other's presence. A light smile played over their faces.

Danny found CJ's hand, and like a gentleman, he caressed his lips over the
top. "Care to dance?"

"I'd love to." It was like a fairytale to CJ. No one was ever able to do
this. All the other guys she had every dated thought her as domineering, so
much, that CJ had to make all the moves and came out looking overly
aggressive. But not now. Now, it was mutual.

Their embrace ceased as they walked to her CD cabinet. Danny scrutinized
every one of them. "Well, if I can get over the excruciatingly perfect
organization, I might be able to find something."

CJ grinned. "Force of habit." They both looked over her selection; a broad
taste she had, from jazz to classic rock, classical to big band, and of
course her favorite soundtracks.

Danny stopped his observing, and carefully pulled out Diane Reeve's Jazz
album, "Bridges". "I've heard 'River' and 'Make Someone Happy' from this
CD. They're wonderful pieces."

"Yeah, I love those songs, along with the rest of the CD. The words are
simplistic, poetic, and with the music, beautiful." Danny nodded in
agreement. He popped open the CD while CJ turned on the CD player; he
inserted it, and track number 11 ('Make Someone Happy'-the longest of the
two songs and the most romantic) was selected.

They closed the space between them, and Danny slid his hand around her and
held out the other. The music began to flood through the speakers, and they
began to dance. A slightly firm hold they put upon one another, and it was
found that they both could dance very well.

"Cotillion?" Danny asked.

"Yeah. You?" "Of course." They both chuckled. But the mood soon returned to
intimate and the music took center stage. They moved in closer, as CJ leaned
her head on Danny's shoulder, and he nestled his head into her hair. CJ and
Danny hung on each other, as if they stopped, they would fall. Danny was
overflowing with emotion, his face winced as his dreams came true. CJ sighed
and smiled. She couldn't think of anything else in the world she would like
to be doing than dancing with this man at this moment. CJ kissed his
shoulder, and Danny put his head in more.

------