#josh lyman fic

[teamhappyme]

it's time to go

josh lyman x female!reader

word count: 4.4k

warnings: my condensed rant at how the women are treated in the west wing, what is a timeline/plot

a/n: logging on to post a fic and then fall off into the abyss where there is no motivation or inspiration flowing! this has been sitting in my drafts for two years, folks. finally got the inspo to finish this generalized west wing fic-turned josh lyman reader core done! i hopee you all can indulge in this as much as i did :) (yes another taylor swift inspired title you can take them from my cold dead hands-)

~~~

There is a constant buzz that lives in the west wing. 

If it’s not the white house staff and all the varying levels of personnel making noise, it’s the conference room meetings that hold everyone in D.C. trying to influence the white house and the American people. 

Normally, the buzz is comforting to you. In the middle of the communications department, you all thrive on it. But the last twenty four hours had reached a level of mayhem that not even you guys could spin into a positive narrative.

You accompanied Toby to CJ’s second brief of the night, trying to inform the press on the situation in Haiti while attempting to dodge any questions about the MS shock and reelection campaign.

CJ was losing control of the group. She was shuffling papers, removing sticky notes, adjusting her glasses, all in an attempt to keep herself somewhat grounded from the chaos at hand. You sensed Toby tense up as a member of the press pushed and pushed, asking his third follow up question. 

And that’s when it all came crashing down.

CJ flew off the podium and you and Toby followed after her.

“Did she just say the President is relieved to send troops into Haiti?” Sam asked as he joined you in the hallway, waiting outside of CJ’s office. “Relieved to put American lives and Haitian civilians at risk?”

“I was standing right there!” Toby shouted back and you flinched. This certainly was not the good buzz you wanted.

Before they could continue yelling at each other, the door to the briefing room slammed against the wall, CJ rubbing her hands over her face and turned to find the three of you standing there.

“CJ,” Toby started, but was quickly interrupted.

“Just don’t say anything! Just… don’t say anything.” You all gave her a moment to regroup before she began walking back to her office. 

Your two bosses stood in the middle of the hallway, not knowing what on earth to do next, other than duck and cover from Leo once he heard what happened. 

“They’re gonna need extra hands for damage control.” Sam turned to you, and you nodded.

“I’m on it. I started drafting notes for an apology statement,”

“Apology?” Toby asked, voice still an octave louder than you liked, directed to you.

“I told her to.” Sam added, and you watched the look the two of them shared. They sure had some things to discuss. “We’ll talk about them later. Just, make sure they are clear about what CJ meant. Redirect as much as you can without stepping on any toes.”

“Got it.”

You pushed your stack of papers into Sam’s hands and made your way to the press offices. Phones were ringing off the hook, aides scrambling from desk to desk, as Josh stepped in beside you.

Before either of you could reach CJ’s office, she slammed the door, rattling a few frames on the wall.

“Well, we’re just getting started aren’t we.” 

“Happy Thursday.” you added as he walked back toward his office. You looked out over the war room and locked eyes with Carol. She let out a breath before meeting you at her desk.

“Heard there’s a bit of a situation going on. Where do you need me?”

- 

You’re not sure if it’s still Thursday by the time you leave the press office. It’s still dark out; you haven’t eaten anything besides Carol’s desk mints and you need a nap. Desperately. 

You walked through the bullpen to Josh’s office, your final memo delivered before you could put the events of the last day and a half to rest - at least for the next six hours. You checked in with Sam one final time, making sure your absence today didn’t put him any further behind. (Of course it did, but he’d never tell.)

Donna wasn’t at her desk, and the rest of the bullpen was empty save for Josh pacing around his office while reading over a document. You waited until he stopped moving, scribbled something on the paper, and stuck the pen back in his mouth to knock on the opened door.

His eyes shot up, meeting yours for a quick second before he began pacing once again. 

You’ll take that as a ‘come in.’

“7:00 a.m. briefing notes, CJ wanted you all to take a look at them before morning.” You handed him the paper, skimming it before he went back to his thick document. “Carol says all they are waiting on is an update on Haiti from the situation room. They assume they won’t get that information until-”

“Nancy is doing the morning brief tomorrow.” He interrupted, not looking up from his papers.

“I’m sorry?” you questioned.

“Nancy is doing the morning brief tomorrow. She has the information and will get the Haiti update by 5:00.”

Taking a second to recover your thoughts and do a double take at your own copy of the memo, you couldn’t help but question the man in front of you. 

“Why are you benching CJ?”

“No one’s benching CJ. Leo made the decision to have Nancy give the brief on Haiti. I mean, she seems pretty qualified to give the brief being the President’s National Security Advisor, but I could be wrong. She just bribed me with some bagels to give her the opportunity.”

“Don’t you think CJ deserves to do her job?”

“She said the President was relieved to send troops into Haiti.”

“She made a mistake,” You argued, and you could feel the anger starting to spew out of you.

“Yeah, and unfortunately she made it in front of the press and during broadcasted briefing.”

“CJ used one wrong word and she’s getting hanged for it.” You dropped the stack of memos onto Josh’s desk, his full attention now on you.

“CJ is the press secretary, she is the line of communication from the President to the public.”

“And you’re the Deputy Chief of Staff, and Toby is the Communications Director, and Sam is the Deputy Communications Director, and-”

“What’s your point?” He interrupted, running a hand through his annoying, unkempt hair.

You scoffed. “What’s my point? As the Deputy Chief of Staff, you went on Capitol Beat and slammed Mary Marsh while simultaneously ridiculing every person of faith in the United States. You also went in front of the same White House Press Corps and stated that the President had a secret plan to fight inflation when he obviously did not. As the Communications Director, Toby was accused of insider trading. Finally, as the Deputy Communications Director, Sam slept with a prostitute, and instead of staying away from her like all of the senior staff advised, including Leo, he was photographed with her, which could have caused a major PR crisis for us to fix.”

“I thought you were in favor of Laurie and Sam’s relationship, prostitutes shouldn’t be discriminated against.” He added with a smirk.

“Do you think this is funny?”

“You listing all of the mistakes we’ve made as we work in the most powerful building in the world? Yes, I do.”

You crossed your arms in defiance, fighting back frustrated tears. He wouldn’t get it.

“CJ has stood at that podium over the last twenty six hours taking shit from the press on the President’s diagnosis. She chooses the wrong language once, and Toby is yelling at her while Leo shoves her in the corner.”

He let out a sigh, trying to choose his next words carefully. 

“It’s her job to get the language right-”

“For fucks sake Josh, this isn’t about her damn job! It’s about every single woman in this building working their ass off, taking the hits for their bosses, for the men in this administration without as much as a thank you. How many times has Donna been on the receiving end of phone calls from angry senators, stayed late to make sure she proofread your memos, sacrificed her free nights to lobby and push your policy on people? And how many times have you thanked her for it? I sit in the communications bullpen and hear Toby shout for Ginger, Bonnie, and me dozens of times a day. I see, first hand, the scrutiny that CJ is under every time she has to defend policy to the press. And don’t think I don’t understand that we all signed up for these roles. We all knew what we were getting into, we all knew the hierarchy of the west wing. We knew we weren’t going to be praised for our contributions, no matter how big or small. But none of us expected to be benched for doing our job, for telling the truth of a man that is too scared to say it himself.”

Josh’s eyes widened at your casual tone and bold statement. You knew you were crossing the line. 

“You’re talking about the President, keep your voice down.”

“Why? Everyone is thinking the same thing. He’s hiding behind Haiti, he’s hiding behind CJ, and he’s hiding behind this damn white house!”

Josh moved around you, going to shut the door in hopes that no one heard you. But a foot propped the door open, and in walked a still irritable Toby.

“I sure as hell hope that wasn’t the President you were having a public outburst about in his goddamn west wing,” Toby exclaimed, only causing you to roll your eyes.

“Toby,” Josh tried to interject, but you were ready to finally give everyone a piece of your mind.

“It sure as hell was. And I’ll repeat it for anyone that wants to hear it, in fact, why don’t we all just march down to the Oval office and tell the man causing all these problems himself how we really feel. Or am I the only one with the balls to say it?”

Josh had to physically stop you from leaving his office, holding onto your shoulder as you could practically see the smoke leaving Toby’s ears.

“You sure as hell don’t have enough seniority to command a meeting in the Oval!” Toby yelled out, landing another low blow to your ego. Josh’s hand tightened on your shoulder as you fought back the tears desperately trying to form in your eyes. But you wouldn’t give Toby the satisfaction. “So suck it up, and wait for us to tell you what the hell to write to get us out of this situation.”

You shook Josh’s hand off your shoulder as you took another step closer to Toby.

“I’m not writing a single word until I get to talk to the President.”

“Get the hell out of my bullpen, you’re done tonight.” Toby seethed, clearing the way for you to leave.

You didn’t think twice. You walked past the two of them, not a care in the world at the fact you just told off two of the most powerful people in the White House, potentially risking your job in the process.

The buzz followed you through the halls to the communications bullpen, walking past Ginger and Bonnie who were wrapping up phone calls at their desks. Sam yelled out to you from his office, but you kept your head down and kept walking. 

It wasn’t until you walked past the Roosevelt room, locking eyes with Donna as she sat with papers spread out in front of her, red markings all across the pages, that it hit you. She gave you a small smile, her eyes quickly turning to concern as you felt the tears threaten to fall.

You quickly walked to the exit, brushing past the security guards and stepping into the spitting night rain. The air was cold, and it felt like a shock to your system. 

What the hell have you done.

You barely made it fifty feet before you heard someone calling your name, heavy footsteps running toward you.

You turned to find Josh, coat in hand, approaching you outside the White House.

“Wait a second,” Josh said as he finally stood in front of you, draping your coat around your shoulders. You didn’t even realize you were shivering.

“I need to go,” you said, embarrassment and anger still seeping through you.

“We need to talk about what just happened. It’s been a long, hectic night-”

“Josh, you’re not going to talk me out of my own words.” You interrupted him. “I meant everything I said in there, and I’ve been feeling that way for a while. No amount of talking is going to change what I think, or what Toby thinks. It’s done.”

“We can fix it, please-”

“Nothing is going to change!” You exclaimed as your arms raised in frustration. “The only way this goes away is if I go back in there with my tail tucked between my legs and suck up to Toby. I’m not going to kiss the ring and pretend I’m okay with what’s going on in there. And if that’s the job now, I don’t want it.”

“It’s always been the job, the President's policies and opinions are our policies and opinions.”

“That’s easy for you to say when you’re in the room where it happens. And quite frankly, I’m sick of taking the hit for men who can’t help themselves.” you said and continued walking further away from the White House.

“It must be lonely up there on your high horse, pointing your finger at everyone who has what you want!”

“You have no idea what you’re talking about!” you whipped around to face him, finding him closer than he was before. You hated that he was looking down at you, both in height and pity. “And of all the people in that fucking building, it should have been you to understand why I feel this way.”

The two of you stood incredibly still, waiting for someone to make the next move. It had been like this between the two of you for months; push and pull, give and take, waiting for someone to crack and push the boundary wide open. No one knew how to get you to open up like Josh, and no one made him as flustered as you. And still, it all ended like this.

He looked down at your hands, clenched into fists at your sides, and he slowly reached out to grab them. But you couldn't let it happen this time. You took a step back, and both of you tensed up again.

“It’s time for me to go.” Physically, mentally, all of it. It was time for you to leave the white house.

Josh nodded, fighting the urge to continue to try and get you to stay. Instead, he rested his hands on the lapel of your jacket, pulling it tighter around you for the final time. You refused to look up at him, knowing you would give in just like all those times before.

He gave you a small nod once he was ready to finally let you go.

“I’ll see you around.”

*****

It’s been three days since the MS scandal completely shook the nation.

You haven’t left your apartment since that day, avoiding phone calls from everyone in the west wing.

Sam had left voicemail after voicemail, begging you to tell him why you haven’t been to work. Toby refused to tell him what happened, but he knew it had something to do with that night. Not even endless compliments on your prose and speeches from Sam could get you to crawl back there. He gave up after his sixth message.

There was a pile of unopened mail sitting on your kitchen table, along with empty take out containers and a bottle of wine - there may even be a copy of your law school application in the mix, a pity read or two occurring in a drunken haze. 

Later that night, after dodging another phone call from Donna and attempting to get as much of your life together as you could, you gave in and sat down to watch CJ’s nine o’clock press brief. You were glad to see that she was off the bench again, and seemed to be back to her usual self. 

There was a knock at your door as she opened up for questions, and you hated to think you missed the sound of the press gaggle.

You swung your door open, expecting a large pizza to be shoved into your face, but instead an exhausted Josh Lyman was standing at your door.

“Hi,” he said and began cracking his knuckles. “I would’ve called, but you seem to forget how the phone works.”

“I know how the phone works.” you replied. “What are you doing here?”

“Can I come in?” you sighed. “I walked all the way here, please take pity on me.”

“Fine.” You opened up your door, mostly to shut him up, and ushered him into your home.

“Glad to see you cut yourself off from us completely.” He jeered and pointed to the press briefing on the TV. “You know I’m the one that suggested she make the joke about Hungary, so they should be laughing for me.”

“What did you come here for, Josh?” you asked, again, trying to redraw the boundary between you two.

“Ginger and Bonnie kept saying you were sick, and since no one else heard from you, thought I would check in to see if you were alive. You look pretty not sick to me.”

“Josh-“

“We need you back in the west wing. Toby and Sam are at each other's throats and we need a speech for our first campaign stop. If you don’t get back to the bullpen I’m afraid we’ll never see the written word again.”

“I don’t-”

“I’m not beyond begging or bribing to get you back in there tomorrow morning.” He couldn’t help but smile at himself as he shrugged off his coat and sat down at the kitchen table. You tried not to notice how soft he looked in jeans and a sweater. “But you’re not getting my office, or my secretary, or my season tickets to the capitals. I will however put up Sam’s season tickets to-“

“I wrote my letter of resignation, Josh. I’m not coming back.”

You sat down next to him as you watched him freeze, eyes widening the slightest bit. Rendering Josh speechless never gets old, even under these circumstances.

“Toby’s not going to fire you, he was just pissed off the other night. C’mon, if we head down there now I’m sure he’s still there slaving away over this speech-“

“I didn’t write this because I was afraid of getting fired. This is my choice, Josh. I’m choosing to leave the White House.” 

You handed him the letter, and he took it with some hesitation. He spent a few minutes reading it, and then rereading it, shaking his head before throwing it back on the table.

“Why?” Was all he asked as he pulled his chair closer to you. You shook your head, not wanting to get into it. He leaned back in his chair, staring at your letter on the table.

“Josh, I’ve spent too much time helping people, specifically men, climb up the political totem pole. I’m tired of writing speeches and bills for someone else to say. I’ve been burned by too many men in my life to be naive enough to be comfortable in one place.”

He moved to pick up the letter, or so you thought, but instead he picked up your law school application.

“Since when have you been interested in law school?” He asked, flipping through the pages of the Georgetown Law School application. 

“Since forever,” you said, suddenly growing quiet under the scrutiny of his eyes on your application; your essay was practically a diary about your time working in the west wing. “I couldn’t afford to go after I graduated from UVA, and my parents weren’t exactly thrilled about the idea of having a girl lawyer in the family. So, I settled and started working on the campaign trails. I think you know the rest from there.”

Josh didn’t say a word in response, you’re not entirely sure he even heard a word you just said. Instead his eyes were darting across the page, flipping page after page to finish reading your essay. Josh had never read your personal work; sure you’ve written dozens of memos and speeches that he had proofed and listened to, but nothing with your voice. Nothing that showcased your intelligence, your compassion, and dedication to learning to improve not only yourself, but the world around you.

It was making you anxious the more he read and the less he spoke. Was it bad? Did he think you were absolutely insane for thinking you could go to law school? You need to get it out of his hands before it completely changes the way he sees you.

“I know it’s a long shot that they would accept me, I haven’t even decided if I’m actually going to apply or not, so-” you tried to take it out of his hands, but he grabbed your wrist before you could reach it.

“They would be absolute fools not to accept you.” he said, slowly lowering your arm back to your lap, not letting go of you yet. “The west wing is going to fall apart without you.”

“You guys will be just fine without me.” you started and rolled your eyes. “Toby has an ego, and a vocabulary, big enough for ten speechwriters. And, I haven’t gotten in yet.” 

“You will. And Toby’s ego, no matter how large, will never fill the hole you’re leaving.”

He maneuvered his hand away from his wrist down to your hand, and watched as he laced his fingers with yours. You let out a breath as he rested them on his knee, slowly bringing you closer together.

“So, will you accept my letter of resignation now that you know the full story?”

“No, I don’t think I will.”

“Josh-”

“I have a stipulation to the letter.” he interrupted, the smirk returning to his face. “You stay on until we win re-election, and take on a very part-time consulting position once school starts. You deserve to see this through, and we can’t part with you any sooner.”

How the hell does anyone say no to Josh Lyman? Between his annoyingly handsome signature smirk, his warm brown eyes, and his messy hair, he’s a total heartthrob. But you seemed to have some effect on him too, seeing as he hasn’t let go of you just yet.

“That sounds like a plan, only if you and Toby agree to write me the best recommendations Georgetown has ever seen.”

“I can deliver on Toby, but I’m not so sure I can give you what you’re looking for. I may have a conflict of interest,” he said and squeezed your hand, causing you to laugh. “But I have the next best thing, the President of the United States on speed dial.”

“Then you’ve got yourself a deal.” His smile spread over his entire face now. “And thank you, for believing in me. And not firing me last night.”

“Well, you were right. A little outspoken, but nothing worse than what Toby has said to the President himself. There’s going to be some change in the west wing now, thanks to you.”

“Who knew all it took to get something done in this city is to have a temper tantrum?”

“Almost every politician in Congress,” Josh added before being interrupted by his pager. His face fell the slightest bit as he let out a sigh. “It’s Leo.”

“Back to work?”

“A crisis awaits,” he said, letting go of your hand as he shrugged his coat back on. Your fingers flexed against your side, already missing the warmth of Josh’s hand in yours. “So, I’ll see you tomorrow morning?” 

“Bright and early,”  You replied as you walked him to the door. “With a desk full of notes from Sam, I’m sure.”

“Oh if only we could all be so lucky.” He joked, as the two of you lingered in the doorway to your apartment. You really didn’t want him to go. “I’ll brief you in the morning, hopefully nothing too serious.”

“Okay. Um, drive safe.” You stumbled over your words, and you didn’t miss the way his dimple jumped out at your expense. 

“I will. Have a good night.”

“Night,” you mumbled back, watching as his eyes flickered down to your lips for a split second before taking his first step back from you. 

“Josh,” you choked out, and he turned back to face you in seconds. He waited for you to say something, but for once in your life, nothing came to mind.

“Cat got your tongue?” He jeered. You hated that he had this effect on you. And he was reveling in it.

“It’s all your fault, you know. Dropping the whole ‘conflict of interest’ bit, and then leaving without any explanation.”

“I’m sorry, let me be a little more clear.” he wrapped his arms around your waist, pulling you closer to him as butterflies erupted in your stomach. 

“Such a charmer,” you whispered as he dipped his head down, and finally kissed you.

His lips were softer than you imagined, slowly moving against your own. You’d be lying if you said you hadn’t thought about this moment before, but it was surpassing everything you thought it would be. Josh was always gentle with you, and he kissed you just the same. He took his time with you, and you could feel yourself getting lost in the feel of his body against yours.

He was the first to pull away, resting his forehead on yours as you caught your breath. 

“I think that made it very clear how much I like you.”

You smiled as you wrapped your arms around him, burying your face in his neck.

“I like you too.” You replied, placing a light kiss on his jaw before pulling back to get another look at him, dimples on display. 

“If you keep looking at me like that I’m never going to make it back to the White House,” he joked, and you shoved his chest.

“Then get out of here, Josh. I’ll see you in the morning.”

You smiled as he leaned in to kiss you once more, teasing you as he pulled away, leaving you chasing his lips. You placed one more chaste kiss on his lips before letting go of him.

“Goodnight,” he said, gently squeezing your hand before finally walking down the hall. “I’ll be sure to tell Sam I cured you back to health.”

“In your dreams, Lyman.”

*****

#josh lyman x female!reader #josh lyman x reader #josh lyman fic #josh lyman #the west wing #the west wing fic

[youvebeenlivingfictional]

Kinktober Day 6

Day Five | 🌹Kinktober Masterlist🌹 | Day Seven

Pairing: Josh Lyman x Reader

Rating: Explicit - 18+ Only. Any minors interacting with ANY of these Kinktober prompts will be blocked.

Warnings: Lots of dialogue!!; phone sex; power imbalance; dirty talk; praise kink; masturbation

“Alright, we should wrap this up,” You insist, cradling the phone between your shoulder and your ear, your eyes straying from the wall clock toward your computer. 

“...Why?”

“Because you’re falling asleep over there.” 

“What? No. No.” You hear the rustle of Josh’s sheets on the other side of the phone as he pushes himself to sit up. “I’m up, I’m listening.” 

You smile. “It's alright, Lyman. You’ve had a long day.” 

He gives a muffled grunt on the other side of the phone, and you can practically imagine him scrubbing his hand across his face. 

“You’re one to talk,” He grumbles. “You’re still in the office.”

“Hey, I’m nearly through here. And you have a nice comfy campaign trail hotel room to indulge in.” 

“Not sure I'd call it comfy, but it’s not the worst I’ve been in.” 

“Describe it.”

“Uh…” Josh pauses. “It’s a lovely beige.”

“Oo, fancy.”

“Brown carpet.” 

“That’ll hide a lot of sins.” 

“That’s disgusting, thank you.” 

“How’s the bathroom?” 

“Decent, standard.” 

“Tiny soaps?” 

“Of course.” 

“Love those tiny soaps.” 

“I’ll bring one back for you.” 

“You’re a dear. How’s the bed?” 

“Comfortable.” 

“Well that’s good.” 

“It'd be better if you were here.” 

Your heart skips a beat, your jaw dropping open. Did he just…? You don’t hear a thing from Josh for a few moments, either. Maybe he’s wondering if he said that, too. 

“Wow,” You nervously tease, “You are tired.” 

“I didn’t mean to, uh—” He clears his throat, “Fuck, I wasn’t—” 

“It’s alright, Josh,” You soothe, “I know you didn’t mean it like that.” 

“Right.” 

“Because—you know.” 

“Long day.” 

“Exactly. So we’re fine.” 

“...Would we be fine if I did mean it?” 

Your stomach flips. You hesitantly leaned back in your seat, twisting your office chair back and forth and eyeing your closed office door, as if you expect someone to burst in at any moment.

“...Yeah,” You finally offered. “We would.” 

“You’re not just humoring me?” 

“I wouldn’t do that.” 

“It would be alright if you did,” Josh adds. “What I said is wildly inappropriate, and I am your boss.” 

“You don’t say.” 

“If you were saying this for the sake of tact, it would be understandable.” 

“I’m not, Josh.” 

“Okay.” 

Okay. Are the two of you just going to leave it there—? 

“I wanted you to come with us,” Josh admits softly. 

“On the trip?” 

“Yeah.” 

“What for?”

“I don’t know. Maybe we could’ve gotten a drink.” 

“Oh, a drink,” You chuckled. “Trying to ply me with wine to get me into that hotel bed?” 

“I think ply is a little strong.” 

“Uh-huh.” 

“Grab a drink, and then I’d tell you that I need your opinion on a brief.” 

“A brief. Like a written brief, or your personal briefs? Or are you more of a boxers man?”

“I’m going to let you find that out for yourself at a later date.” 

“I’m looking forward to that. So what’s your move?” 

“My move?”

“Yeah. You’ve got me in your room, I’d be two wines in, ‘cause I drink faster than you do—” 

“Uh-huh.” 

“So how do you, you know…Close the deal? Arm around the shoulder? Telling me I have an eyelash on my cheek and leaning in to blow it away?” 

“Honestly?” 

“Yeah.” 

“I think I’d just—Lean in and go for it.” 

“Kiss on the lips?” 

“Yeah.” 

“Very bold. I’m impressed.” 

“You know, I haven’t gotten the chance to shave in a couple of days,” He adds. 

“Mm, so your cheeks are kinda bristley?” 

“Yeah.” 

“I’d like to feel that.” 

“Where?” Josh’s question makes your stomach flutter. You lean back in your seat, twitching back and forth. 

“My lips…”

“Mhm.” 

“My neck, maybe.” 

“Anywhere else?” 

Man, how much are you willing to give up to this man over the phone.

“Between my thighs,” You whisper. You squeeze your eyes shut in panic, silently praying that you haven’t taken it too far. It takes Josh a moment, but—

“I’d like that, too,” He murmurs. 

“Yeah?”

“Would you let me?” 

“Yes.” 

“If I was in your office with you right now?” 

“Yes.” 

“Fuck,” Josh breathes. Your eyes slide closed as you hear the clanking of his belt buckle on the other end of the phone. 

“Josh, are you…?” 

“Are you not?” 

“Are you serious?” You huff. “I’m at work.” 

“I am, too, technically.” 

“You’re not at a desk.” 

“There’s a desk in the room. You want me to sit at it?” 

“Oh, my god.” 

“...C’mon,” Josh goads softly. “Listen to me.” 

“Josh—” 

“Go lock the door.”

A shiver runs down your spine, and you swallow thickly. You’re not seriously going to…

“Hang on,” You mumble before you stand, gingerly setting the receiver on the desk. You hurry to the door and locking it before you turn, closing the blinds of your office. You reach back, double-checking that the door is locked before turning back to your desk to grab the phone. You move it to the small side table beside your couch. You take in a deep breath, steadying your swelling nerves before you reach down, taking the receiver up again. 

“...Okay.” 

“Is it locked?” 

“Yeah. Blinds are closed, too.” 

“Good girl.” 

You close your eyes at the murmur. He’s said it before when you’ve done well at work—always lightly, and always in passing, but god does it rile you up. 

“What are you doing?” You ask. 

“I’m touching myself,” Josh admits. 

“Are you naked?” 

“Almost…I’m guessing you’re still dressed.” 

“Yes, I am.” 

“Unbutton your shirt.” 

You reach down, undoing the buttons one by one before you push your shirt open. You reach down, shifting your skirt up as well as you lay down. You hesitantly raise your fingers, tracing over where your nipples are pebbling beneath the cups of your bra. 

“Are you still at your desk?” Josh asks. 

“I’m on the couch.” 

“Getting nice and comfortable?” 

“As comfortable as I can get.” 

“I know, you hate that fucking couch.” 

“Okay, not the time.” 

“Sorry,” He laughs. 

“Does that get you hard? Talking about my couch?” 

“No. Thinking about fucking you on it does, though.” 

You grin, laying down on the couch and swinging your legs up. 

“Maybe you shouldn’t have gone on that trip,” You offered. “It would’ve been conspicuous if I’d gone into your room, but it wouldn’t have been so strange for the two of us to be hiding out in here.”

“That’s true.” 

You slide your hand down between your legs, fighting the feeling of utter filth. You’re at work for crying out loud. What if someone knocks on the door? What if they try to open it and find it locked? What the hell are they going to think? 

And why do these nerves feel so good?

Your heart ticks up in your chest, your breath hitching as you swirl your fingers over your clothed clit. 

“What are you thinking about?” Josh murmurs. 

“I’m thinking about you fucking your fist in that insanely beige room of yours.” 

Josh spits a curse on the other side of the phone, and you hear him shifting on the other side of the phone. 

“Are you—”

“Of course I am,” You insist, slipping your fingers beneath the band of your panties as you tip your head back against the arm of the couch. 

“How does it feel?” 

You swallow thickly, trailing your fingers along your plump lips and feeling the wetness gathering there.

“I’m so goddamn wet, Josh.” 

“I wanna taste you,” He groans. “The second I get back—” 

“Mhm—” 

“I’m gonna lay you out on that stupid fucking couch. You’re gonna have to be nice and quiet for me, or everyone’s gonna know what we’re doing.” 

“Oh, god,” You whimper, sinking two fingers into your aching cunt. 

“Or do you want that?” He presses, “Want everyone to know how good I’m making you feel? Want them to hear how I take care of my girl?” 

His girl. Your pussy throbs around your fingers at the assertion. You shift your hips up into your hand, grinding the heel of your palm against your needy clit. 

“Wanna take care of you, too,” You admit.

“Yeah?” 

“I wanna make you cum, Josh. I wanna feel it—” 

“Fuck—Where?” 

“Everywhere. I want it in my mouth, I want it on my skin…I want it inside me, Josh.”

Josh growls low, curses and murmurs of your name falling from his lips. Your body goes hot as you chase your orgasm, listening to Josh fall apart on the other side. You sag back against the lumpy couch, gazing up at the ceiling as your heart races. You suddenly feel sort of silly, half-naked in your damn office. 

“...Still there?” Josh speaks up after a moment, his voice cracking a touch as he does. 

“Uh-huh.” 

“You okay?”

“Yes,” You ease your fingers from your pussy, shivering as the pads brush your tender clit. 

“Regretting it?” 

“No…Are you?” 

“Nope.”

“Good,” You sigh softly. “When are you coming back, again?” 

“Next Monday.” 

“That feels like an eternity from now.”

“I know,” He laughs softly. “But I’ll call.” 

“Promise?” 

“I promise.” 

“Okay.” 

“Wrap up whatever it is that you’re doing and go home.” 

“Yeah, I will, I just, uh…Couple more emails that I need to send.” 

“Make it quick.” 

“No, I will, I will.” 

“Good…Goodnight, sweetheart.” 

“Goodnight.”

Tag list: @missredherring ; @fantasticcopeaglepasta ; @massivecolorspygiant ; @blueeyesatnight ; @recklessworry ; @amneris21 ; @ew-erin ; @youngkenobilove ; @carbonated-beverage ; @lorecraft ; @moonlightburned ; @milf-trinity ; @millllenniawrites ; @chattychell ; @dihra-vesa ; @videogamesandpoorlifechoices ; @missswriter ; @thembosapphicclown ; @brandyllyn ; @wildmoonflower ; @buckybarneshairpullingkink ; @mad-girl-without-a-box ; @winchestershiresauce ; @phoenixhalliwell ; @wild-rose-35 ; @daisyslibrary ; @informally-liz ; @andrastesflamingtitties ; @muchacha-encabronada ; @nerdygirl0414; @elen-aranel ; @ohbee-whatcanyoube ; @kmc1989 ; @quietpainter ; @thedreadandthefugitivemind ; @kaletastrophes ; @nyx2021

#Josh Lyman x Reader #Josh Lyman x You #Josh Lyman/Reader #Josh Lyman/You #Josh Lyman fic #Josh Lyman imagine #Kinktober #Kinktober 2023

[krmy2386]

QUICK QUESTION!

I’m sorry I know it’s been a while😅

BUT

If I wrote things about The West Wings characters

(Current hyperfixation)

Should anyone be down to read them or would it just be self-indulgent???

#the west wing #josh lyman #sam seaborn #josh lyman x reader #samseabornxreader #tww fic #the west wing fanfic #fanfic

[hawkp]

West Wing fan fic ideas that I need motivation to write that no one asked for —

“ Mirrors ” — With the Congressional investigation and tensions running high in the White House, Sam quietly develops an addiction to stimulants during preparation for Bartlet’s fourth State of the Union. Like everything else, Leo handles it.

“ Can You Hear the Music ” — Five times music is played in the White House.

“ Lineage ” — Leo puts in a call to Westport, Connecticut or Leo tells Josh’s mom he’s been shot.

“ Next to Me ” — Sam loses the election in California, Santos wins, and everyone slowly drifts apart. When nobody’s heard from Sam in over a year, Toby makes a long distance welfare check.

#pls bully me or ask me questions or give me ideas baaaaaaaaaaagghhhhh #why do I like to beat the shit outta Sam???? #sam seaborn #leo mcgarry #josh lyman #jed bartlet #cj cregg #toby ziegler #donna moss #tww #the west wing #tww fic #west wing fic #ww fic #fic #or take them and write them pls I’m begging

[muldxr]

Tuesday, I’m in love.

the west wing | joey lucas/josh lyman | 2k words | post-episode s01e20, canon divergent, awkward flirting, mutual pining

Hidden away in the far corner, she's chosen to sit with her back to the wall. She's concentrated, sipping out of her White House mug (the very same Josh had gifted her, he guesses). An organized pile of dot matrix pages fill the square table. A roller suitcase leans against the table leg, airline tags still attached at the handle, reading DCA-LAX and then back. On the chair next to her is a leather messenger bag, strap saggy around the frame of the chair.

Kenny is nowhere in sight. 

Josh second-guesses whether he should or shouldn't, but he'd seem like an ass if he didn't, right? You miss all the shots you don't take.

(Or: the "regular Tuesday suit" brings luck, again.)

Read on AO3

#tww fic #the west wing fanfiction #joey lucas x josh lyman #joey lucas #josh lyman #my fic #it took some self-convincing to place this fic right after 1.20 and not 2.14 #for tuesday suit reasons #anyway! fic!!!!!

[twwpride]

TWW Pride is intended to encourage creation of queer fanworks and help to form community and support for queer creators in The West Wing fandom.

The first The West Wing Pride Week will begin on Sunday, September 17th, 2023 and run for seven days! Any fanwork posted within these dates and tagged with #twwpride23 or included in our Ao3 Collection will be included as part of the event. At the end of every day, we’ll be posting round-ups of everything created, in addition to an end-of-week masterpost. Anyone who participates in all seven days of Pride Week will be added to our Hall of Fame!

Event Info & Guidelines

For Pride Week, two prompts will be provided per day. These prompts are primarily intended to generate inspiration, so feel free to use one, both, or neither, and in whatever order or combination you want!

If you do choose to follow the prompts, they will be filed under whatever day(s) their prompts fall under for easy reference. If you post on Tumblr, don’t forget to tag your work with #twwpride23 - any tagged posts will be reblogged unless otherwise requested.

The prompt list will be reposted weekly as we count down to the beginning of the event. During Pride Week, prompt reminders will be posted at the beginning of each day, and round-ups will be posted at midnight EST.

In order to keep TWW Pride accessible to everyone, we request that you add alt-text or an image description to any visuals.

This information, as well as a plaintext version of the prompts list, can be found on our desktop site here.

FAQ

What do you consider a queer fanwork?

Whatever you consider to be queer - and in whatever form (fic, poetry, gifs, edits, art, etc) - so do we. This is an inclusionary event, and here will be no policing of identity or creation. While any maturity rating is welcome, all we ask is that content is appropriately tagged for its platform (AO3 or Tumblr).

Do I have to wait until the week begins to start writing/drawing/editing?

You can begin creating as soon as you’re ready, but only content posted during the week will be counted for archival purposes.

How closely do I have to follow the prompts?

The prompts are inspirational, not compulsory. Any queer fanwork is welcome this week, regardless of if they fit into the prompts!

How do I make sure you can find my work when I post it?

If you’re posting on tumblr, be sure to use the tag #twwpride23 so we can reblog and promote it! On Ao3, you can find The West Wing Pride Week collection here!

A question we missed? Ask us right here!

#the west wing #tww #tww fic #west wing fanfic #twwpride23 #josh lyman #donna moss #sam seaborn #cj cregg #toby ziegler #image description in alt #please boost and share!

[fadeouttowhispers]

Fandom: The West Wing Relationship(s): CJ/Danny, CJ & Josh, implied Josh & Danny Word Count: 1,595 words Genre/Tags: Secret Crush, Pre-Show, Bartlet for America Campaign, Silly Summary: Her current predicament does not make sense. … Only, in a way, it kind of does. It’s easier to fool herself into believing it does not. What if it was CJ with the initial crush? Originally Posted: 08 March 2024

#the west wing #cj cregg #josh lyman #cj x danny #creggcannon #~challenges #fanfiction #~fics

[agent-troi]

Fictober prompt #30: "Are you with me?"

Fandom: The West Wing

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences

Warnings: blood, injury, PTSD

------------------------------------

nunc et in hora mortis

Josh could still hear the sirens. It took him almost a minute to realize some of them were in fact real, and not only inside his head.

He was vaguely aware of Donna murmuring reassurances to him, leading him into the emergency room, filling out forms and talking to nurses while he followed along numbly in her wake.

The voices washed over him in an incomprehensible wave of dissonance, punctuated by the clacking of keyboards and ringing of phones. Benign chatter and noise blended seamlessly into horrified screams and wailing sirens, back and forth in an interminable cycle as he wavered between past and present.

Was he here to repair his damaged hand or his collapsed lung? He couldn’t remember.

The next thing he knew, a doctor was kneeling in front of him, waving her hand in front of his face. “Mr. Lyman? Josh? Are you with me?”

Read the whole fic on Ao3

Tagging @fictober-event

#taking a break from my regularly scheduled txf posting to get this fic out into the world before I explode lmao #the west wing #josh lyman #donna moss #joshdonna #noel #ptsd #hurt/comfort

[unseenacademic]

Anything Else I Need to Know

Summary: Five times the staff of Bartlet for America interrupted a barbecuing session and one time CJ interrupted a different kind of session. Inspired by CJ’s quote from “The Fall’s Gonna Kill You” (2 x 20):

“During the campaign, we were in Manhattan, Kansas, at a Sheraton, or a Marriott, I can't remember, but we were in Manhattan, Kansas... And I came to your suite early to tell you we'd be doing Nightline that night and we had to get to an ABC affiliate. And I think by then the two of you were so used to people walking in and out of your room that you didn't hear me open the door. And I was almost sure I saw you giving the President an injection of something.”

It got me thinking, what other things did the poor staffers see while campaigning?

#the west wing #abbey bartlet #mrs doctor abbey first lady doctor #jed bartlet #abbey x jed #josh lyman #leo mcgarry #toby ziegler #mrs. landingham #sam seaborn #cj cregg #my fic #5+1 things #5 + 1 fic

[chrononautintraining]

Fic Rec Friday - Short and Sweet

I like a four hundred thousand word epic as much as the next reader, but a well written short story can go so hard. Here are some of my absolute favorites in a thousand words or less.

radish roots by trickybonmot is just a shade over double drabble territory, and glorious. Domestic Wei Wuxian raising A-Yuan in the Burial Mounds, trying to give him brothers and sisters the way only the Yiling Laozu can. Absolutely beautiful.

Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It by Dira Sudis is a Marvel/West Wing crossover that I read a lot when it was published in 2016, a lot more in 2020, and will probably be revisiting again this year. For something that's only 900 words, it's strangely satisfying.

A Letter from "Crawly" to Azirapil by mostlydeadlanguages because sometimes fics are short enough to transcribe on clay tablets in cuneiform and that's the point. This is art.

What Makes a Hero by Elsajeni is a character study to explain a discrepancy between the Tolkien novel and the Hobbit movies. It is also rather more than that. Because some fans suspend disbelief and some fans patch the cracked things they love with gold.

Fruitful by Resonant may be my favorite piece of fan writing in all the world. In a brief description of Cheery Littlebottom's wedding and subsequent domestic bliss told from the point of view of Sam Vimes, this story makes explicit what was always implicit in the Discworld novels. Terry Pratchett might have written exactly this, in a world where he lived long enough to see how much it would matter. Perfectly executed in less than six hundred words.

#fic rec friday #the untamed #captain america #josh lyman #Good Omens #the hobbit #Discworld #Sam Vimes #cheery littlebottom

[teamhappyme]

an adjustment period

josh lyman x female!reader

word count: 2.7k

warnings: politically inaccurate portrayal of the white house, aka the west wing, projecting all my feelings onto josh lyman

a/n: me? posting two fics in one month? groundbreaking. I really am in my josh lyman era sue me idc.

“He will call you back at his next availability. I don’t know when that will be, Congressman.” You pulled the phone away from your ear as the Congressman yelled at you through the receiver. “I will let him know. Thank you, have a nice day Congressman.” 

You slammed the receiver against the base until the rest of the communications bullpen looked over at you. 

“I swear to god,” you mumbled to yourself as you barged into Sam’s office. “This is the first and last time I ever fill in for Ginger. Congressman who-gives-a-shit wants you to call him back at your earliest convenience.”

Sam looked up from his briefing, a small smirk on his face. “You would rather help me with research for the state of the union than answer my phone? I’m shocked.”

“Sam, if you don’t give me back my encyclopedia and the keys to my office,”

“Relax,” he interrupted, throwing your keys back to you which you caught easily. “I have a meeting in the oval, walk me there and I’ll give you your precious encyclopedia.”

“Fine.”

You walked through the communications bullpen, bumping into a frantic Kathy juggling a stack of papers in her hands.

“Sam owes you lunch everyday for the next two weeks until he leaves,” you told her, a small smile spreading over her face. “And if he tries to give you a hard time, call me, and then the President.”

“I’m not made of money, you know.” Sam piped in while leading you back into the route of the Oval Office. 

“I have three words for you: Gage Whitney Partner.”

“Touché.”

The two of you rounded the corner past Josh’s office, and you couldn’t help but peer in to see if he was there. 

It was a habit that started first out of survival. In the beginning of your tenure in the west wing you couldn’t walk past Josh’s office without him singing the Yale fight song. Then, after a heated argument in the Roosevelt room between the two of you over the relevance of the Oxford comma, you took every opportunity to occupy his free time to support your argument in favor of the beloved punctuation mark.

Four years had gone by, and somewhere along the way, the small squabbles turned into advice sessions on policy or speech writing. Sometimes, if either of you were feeling sentimental, you would share stories of your times at Yale. 

Over time, it became part of your everyday routines to check in on one another, and it was one of the best parts of your day.

Behind writing speeches for the President of the United States, of course.

“Remind me to edit the concluding paragraphs of the President's speech to the education forum. Toby told me I’ve been using too much passive voice.”

“You do use too much passive voice.”

He stopped in front of Charlie’s desk, glaring at you for the comment.

“Hey, I like the passive voice as much as you, but Toby hates it, therefore I don’t use it.”

“He’ll be ready for you in a minute.” Charlie told Sam before leaving his desk for the Oval.

“Hey, have you guys found a new you yet? Toby has gone through like ten interviews and half of them left looking like they were going to cry.” You said as Charlie waved him in to the Oval. “I mean, the solution to this would be to not have you leave and become a congressman, because that’s boring and you can’t even write your own speeches. In fact, that’s exactly what you should do.”

You walked him to the doorway of the oval, waiting for him to hand you your encyclopedia that had been held hostage.

“Why don’t you come and join me and the President, he would like to be the one to tell you who we picked.”

“Why can’t you just tell me now? You know I have absolutely no patience for these things.”

He didn’t answer you, instead he looked into the Oval Office, a small smile on his face. You looked in after him, curious as to what he was so amused with. 

All you saw was the President leaning against his desk, staring at the two of you, I’m sure not happy to be kept waiting.

“I don’t have all day you know,” President Bartlet joked before waving you both in.

Wait a minute.

“Sam,” You looked over at your boss, his smile now grinning from ear to ear. “No, Sam, it can’t-“

“Come on,” he interrupted, pushing you into the oval with a steady hand on your back.

You’d been in here plenty of times; usually with a group of people, and usually not when you’re getting offered the job of a lifetime. But when it’s just you and the President, it’s the most terrifying place in the world.

“I’ve never seen you scared a day in your life, don’t tell me today is the day you decide to be scared of the White House.” The President commented as you tried to relax.

“Well if you offer me a drink from the fancy decanter I can promise you I’ll be a lot less scared, sir.”

You and Sam sat down across from the president, and waited for the rest of your career change. 

It was hard for you to listen to anyone praise your work ethic, character, and dedication to your job, let alone from the commander in chief himself. You worked for Toby, so there weren't a lot of warm and fuzzy feelings being spread around. So when the president mentioned that, yes, Sam recommended you for his position, but it was Toby that practically locked him in the Oval Office saying it had to be you, you were more than shocked.

You knew deep down he was a softie.

After accepting the position with absolutely no hesitation, it was off to the races with another meeting for the president.

“Mr. President, just one more question.” You asked as he walked you out. “Is there any way we can rework this position so that Toby answers to me and not the other way around?”

“Dream big,” the President said through his laughter, which brought a smile to your face. 

Once you and Sam cleared through Charlie and Mrs. Landingham, you landed a sharp smack to his chest.

“What the hell was that for?” He asked, resting his hand over his hurt chest.

“You couldn’t have told me that you were going to nominate me for your job? Or that the president was going to offer me the job himself in the Oval Office?!”

“Well, then I wouldn’t be able to see your anxious shaking and clammy hands as the President raves about you.”

You rolled your eyes as he wrapped an arm around your shoulder, and the smile quickly returned to your face.

“You deserve this. I’m just sad I won’t be able to see you and Josh fight in Senior Staff meetings.”

“Oh don’t worry, we’ll be visiting you on the hill.”

Sam walked you back to your office and handed you the responsibility of finishing the President’s remarks for tonight’s Town Hall meeting.

“If it isn’t the new Deputy Communications Director in the flesh.”

Josh was waiting for you in your office, holding a gold box in his hand while swiveling around in your office chair.

“Technically we’re equals now, so I can tell you to get the hell out of my chair without fear of losing my job.”

“Technically, I outrank you, but since you don’t answer to me, I’ll let it slide.” He stood up from your chair, moving to stand across from you. “Did you quake under the stress of wondering what the president wanted from you?”

“Did you come here to congratulate me or make fun of me?” You asked, a smirk appearing on his face. “And is that present in your hand for me or your new accessory?”

“Do you have to ruin all the fun?” He commented and handed you the present.

You opened the box, taking out the tissue paper to reveal a book, The Social Contract to be exact.

“I know we both went to Yale, but I’m not sure I share the same affinity for the literature of Rousseau that you do, I’m more of an Austen or Didion kind of gal.” You joked. 

“I thought I’d get you something that you could quote from in your State of the Union address. You know the President loves the cheese.”

You opened the cover of the book to find a note from Josh written on the inside. There were butterflies in your stomach before you read the first word, because that’s just the effect he had on you.

The relationship you shared with Josh is one that you greatly cherished. Your work rarely overlapped, being an underling of Sam in the communications department didn’t leave a lot of room for talking major policy with Josh. But after your own squabbles, and then overhearing a debate between you and Toby only days into your tenure at the White House, he quickly found any reason to work with you.

He would volunteer to work on research with you when he had any spare time, and he always requested you when he needed an extra hand when heading over to the Hill. You finally asked him about it a few months into the arrangement, and he shrugged before admitting he’d never seen someone stand up to Toby like that. 

“You’re gonna go further than a speech writer in the communications department. One day I think you may run this whole building.”

You read aloud from his note, the same thing he said to you three years ago on your walk to the Hill. 

You didn’t think he meant it then, and you surely can’t believe it now.

“I told you I’m good with words, Sam and Toby just never give me a chance.”

You closed the book, the weight of this new position pushing you back against your desk. You’re senior staff now. You’re in charge. You are going to be in the room where it happens.

“What if I’m not good at it.” You admitted in the open air. 

“Hold on-“ Josh tried to interrupt you.

“Sam, Toby, and the President of the United States just told me they want me for this job. I don’t have a law degree, Josh. I have a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Masters in Political Science from Yale, but I don’t make laws. I don’t have an illustrious career in politics, I’m not even a head speechwriter for Christ’s sake. I crumble under the image of the Oval Office, and unless I’m correcting Toby’s grammar, I don’t particularly like to debate with people. I am going to be in charge of a department, responsible for people to get things done the way I want. I barely get things done the way I want. I am not going to be good at this.”

“Hey, I went to Yale, don’t drag her down.”

You threw him a look as he moved from his spot in the doorway.

“For the last three years, I’ve watched you handle more crises and speeches than any other deputy in the communications office. Sure, the President showered you with compliments for your writing skills, but it’s you, the person behind the speeches, who is going to make real change here.”

“Josh,” you protested, your voice becoming a whisper as you grew uncomfortable with the accolades once again.

“I’m serious,” he began, moving to stand in front of you. “No one ends up in the West Wing by chance. You were meant to be here. And I have no doubt in my mind that you are going to run this building one day.”

You shook your head, letting your hair fall in front of your face to shield Josh from seeing the tears forming in your eyes. No one has ever believed in you like Josh does.

“Hey,” he worriedly said, slowly reaching for your hand. “What’s really bothering you?”

You looked down at your hands, fingers laced with his for what felt like the hundredth time. The line was always a bit blurred with Josh. You worked on so many projects together, spending hours on end in one office or another. Three years of small spaces and critical decision making led to post-meeting breakdowns, confiding in people you spent hours on end with.

Josh quickly became your person at work, and after the shooting, you became his. Neither of you spoke of it, you just knew that he would be there for you whenever you needed it. Josh knew it all, from screaming matches with Toby, to family emergencies, and the never ending question of what your purpose in life is, which was looming over everyone’s head that worked in the West Wing. 

You had always felt something more for Josh. Maybe you read too much into it when he would walk you home from a late night event at the White House, or how he would call you in the middle of the night to get your thoughts on how to best proceed with policy. It was easy between you two, and with Bartlett’s second term in the White House now halfway through, you thought this friendship would finally shift to something more.

But now that you were equals, senior advisors to the President, holding extreme responsibilities for the republic in your hands, you knew that the dynamic would change. There was no room to slide into a new relationship.

“Things are going to change now, between us. And I know that nothing has really been said but, I’d like to think something was… shifting into more.” Your voice trailed off at the end, embarrassment taking over. 

“There was.” Josh reassured you, a small smile breaking over his face.

You nodded, and in an attempt to hide the goofy smile crossing your own face, you continued to look down at your hands. You reached out for his other hand, which he gladly surrendered to you.

“Things don’t have to be different. There are no rules against a devilishly handsome Deputy Chief of Staff dating a gorgeous Deputy Communications Director.” He joked, trying to get a laugh out of you.

He was right, there really wasn’t a rule against it. And if there was, you’re sure it had been broken before.

“I’m sure you’re right. But if I really want to make a difference here, I need to focus on this job, and not be distracted by an annoying Deputy Chief of Staff.”

“I understand,” he said with a smile, giving your hands a squeeze. “And I think a two month adjustment period is plenty of time before I ask you out on a date.”

“Josh,” you said through a laugh, “Are you really that impatient you need to put a timetable on it?”

“Yes. Four months sound better?”

“Six months.” you said, but as you looked at him longer, you knew you couldn’t possibly last that long. “With a check-in at the three month mark to see how I’m adjusting.”

“That sounds like a great plan.”

A great plan indeed. 

To an outsider, the two of you looked like school kids interacting with their first crush. And that’s exactly how you felt, butterflies in your stomach and your brain all fuzzy.

“Josh!” You could hear Toby yelling through your closed office door, and you couldn’t help but sigh.

“You’re Director is a real pain in my ass.”

“I tried to get his job while I was in there, but the President said no.”

He laughed and tried to pull away, but you held on to his hand even tighter.

“Josh,” he turned back to you, and you couldn’t help but wrap your arms around him. It took him a minute, but his arms wrapped around your waist, and you finally felt like you could do this. “Thank you for the book.”

“You’re welcome. You’ve got this.” He said and dropped a kiss to your shoulder, then your cheek before pulling away. “I’ve gotta go find the dictator before he breaks every door down.”

“Go ahead, I’m going to spare myself from him for as long as I can.”

“Ok, I’ll see you in Senior Staff tomorrow morning. Newbie brings a full breakfast.” he joked.

“In your dreams,” you said with a roll of your eyes as he went to exit your office. 

“You really are going to do great here.” He winked and wrapped his knuckles on the doorframe before yelling into the bullpen himself for Toby.

Yeah, there’s no way you guys are lasting six months.

****

#josh lyman x reader #josh lyman fic #josh lyman #the west wing #the west wing fanfiction

[youvebeenlivingfictional]

#15 - (Mindlessly watching tv after a long day, more focused on one another's company and touch than on the screen) with Josh Lyman plssss<33 love ya

Sure thing!

Warnings: Just fluff!

You expected a running commentary.

Nine times out of ten, if he came home to you watching the news, he'd offer running commentary—a little inside baseball, a little behind the scenes of how the democratic sausage was made. It didn't matter if he'd had a long day, or if he only offered a tidbit or two. He always had something to say.

But that tenth time, that outlier—that was when you knew that his day has been absolute hell.

He hardly moved now, even when you leaned away a little to pick up your water, take a sip, and settle back down. He just slouched against you when you sank into the couch cushions, pressing his face into the crook of your neck. You heard the deep pull of his sigh, the brief hold, and felt the heat of it pushing out against your skin.

"Are you watching this?" You asked.

"...Whatever."

Your brows jumped at the mumbled reply. You picked up the remote, aimlessly flipping through channels before settling on Seinfeld. You felt Josh shift beside you, his arm curling around your middle and drawing you closer. Your turned your head, nuzzling against his hair and sliding your hand over the tight muscle of his neck.

"Busy day?" You hedged. You waited with baited breath for his answer, and after a few moments, you didn't think you would get one.

"Can we talk about anything else?" He finally mumbled. You nodded a little, sliding your hand down to slip beneath his collar, gently teasing your nails between his shoulder blades.

"We don't have to talk about anything at all if you don't want to."

"You can talk." Josh tipped his head up, nosing tenderly along your jaw. "I missed your voice today."

You smiled, face going warm with flattery. "You could've called."

"Didn't have time."

"Slammed, huh?"

"Remember a minute ago when I asked if we could talk about anything else?"

"Right. Sorry."

"Tell me about your day."

"I can guarantee it's five times less interesting than whatever you did."

Josh groaned, fingers flexing in your shirt as he pressed a kiss to the hinge of your jaw.

"Sounds perfect."

Tag list: @massivecolorspygiant @winniethewife @winchestershiresauce @kmc1989 @brandyllyn @missredherring @amneris21 @blueeyesatnight @nominalnebula

#Josh Lyman x Reader #Josh Lyman x You #Josh Lyman/Reader #Josh Lyman/You #Josh Lyman fic #Josh Lyman imagine #asks #replies #requests #comfort prompts

[twwpress]

Weekly Press Briefing #81

Welcome back to the Weekly Press Briefing, where we bring you highlights from The West Wing fandom each week, including new fics, ongoing challenges, and more! This briefing covers all things posted from January 7 – January 13. Did we miss something? Let us know; you can find our contact info at the bottom of this briefing! 

Challenges/Prompts:

There are no open challenges/prompts that we know of this week. Do you have a challenge or event you’d like us to promote or know of one we’re missing? Be sure to get in touch with us! Contact info is at the bottom of this briefing.

This Week in Canon:

Welcome back to This Week in Canon, where we revisit moments in The West Wing that occurred on these dates during the show’s run.

Season 1, Episode 12: He Shall, From Time to Time aired on January 12, 2000.

Season 2, Episode 11: The Leadership Breakfast aired on January 10, 2001.

Season 3, Episode 10: H-Con 172 aired on January 9, 2002.

Season 4, Episode 12: Guns Not Butter aired on January 8, 2003.

Season 5, Episode 10: The Stormy Present aired on January 7, 2004.

Season 6, Episode 12: Opposition Research aired on January 12, 2005

Season 7, Episode 10: Running Mates aired on January 8, 2006.

Photos/Videos:

Here’s what was posted from January 7 - January 13:

Bradley Whitford posted promo for a memorial screening of Not Going Quietly, the documentary about Ady Barkan.

Dulé Hill posted photos of himself and his daughter Kennedy on a USO trip. 

Josh Malina posted an AI-altered photo of himself with wings sprouting from his head. 

Marlee Matlin posted a slideshow of herself and her husband having date night at The Academy’s Governors Awards. 

Marlee Matlin posted a video sharing one of her favorite tattoos and celebrating 37 years of sobriety. 

Melissa Fitzgerald posted promo for Modern Warrior live in LA on January 17. 

Rob Lowe posted photos with the guys from NFL on Fox from his new game show, The Floor. \

Rob Lowe posted a photo from the last table read of the second season of his Netflix show, Unstable. 

Rob Lowe posted a promo video for The Floor. 

Rob Lowe posted a photo of himself napping with his dog Daisy.

Rob Lowe posted a video of himself singing with Robert Downey Jr. as they get ready for his episode of Rob’s podcast.  

Donna Moss Daily: January 7 | January 8 | January 9 | January 10 | January 11 | January 12 | January 13

Daily Josh Lyman: January 7 | January 8 | January 9 | January 10 | January 11 | January 12 | January 13

No Context BWhit: January 7 | January 8 | January 9 | January 10 | January 11 | January 12 | January 13

@twwarchive: January 7 | January 8 | January 9 | January 10 | January 11 | January 12 | January 13

Edits/Artwork

#joshdonna: heart eyes by @nacejisbon [VIDEO EDIT] #joshdonna: options by @nacejisbon [VIDEO EDIT]

Editors’ Choice: 

This week, we’re recommending fics with a found family component to them! Be sure to share your favorites as well!

fathers and sons by rearviewmirror | Rated T | Zoey Bartlet/Charlie Young, Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet/Leo McGarry | Complete | “It’s good to be a little scared. Scared means you care. Caring means you’re gonna do great.” the way old friends do by mikaylawrites for swancharmings | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete | They’ve formed a natural trio at events like these; they’re the in-laws, so to speak. While everyone else is getting up to their usual antics, they’re likely to be the ones quietly observing in the corner of the room, or convening in the kitchen to catch up on each other’s lives and sneaking food when Abbey isn’t looking. Donna, Toby, Charlie, and the chaotic people they love. breathe by jazzjo | Rated G | C.J. Cregg/Andrea Wyatt, Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete | She had never expected to see past her twenties, let alone this. She has her little brother and his family next door, music in all her days, and this family she's found in the midst of everything. Yes, she thinks, this is all she’ll ever need. now don’t lose your fight kid by sam_writes_fics | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete | The night of the Illinois Primary. a glamorous invitation by jeaniecregg | Rated G | C. J. Cregg/Toby Ziegler | Complete | CJ joins Toby, Josh, and Sam for Thanksgiving. brothers in arms by hufflepuffhermione | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete | “Do you have any siblings, Joshua?” the teacher asked. Have. Present tense. He worried the faux wood of the desk with his fingers, his head pounding as the teacher raised his voice with another “Joshua”. Josh finally allowed a strangled, “No,” to escape, and put his head down on the desk, because saying that two letter word meant that it was true, that he was now an only child. Josh Lyman was no longer a brother, and he didn’t know who he was anymore. Josh Lyman and how he reclaims the title of brother. if you’re looking for the girl of your dreams, she’s in brooklyn with me by starsontheceiling for TheBreakfastGenie | Rated G | C. J. Cregg & Josh Lyman (No Pairings Listed) Complete | “Why do you talk to me like this?” “Because you never had a big sister, and you need one.” Snapshots of CJ and Josh, over the years.

Stay tuned for our reblog with this week's fics!

#the west wing #tww #tww fandom #tww fic #west wing #josh lyman #donna moss #cj cregg #sam seaborn #toby ziegler #found family #weekly press briefing

[qvid-pro-qvo]

sam is a senior advisor to the president. he is deputy communications director. and at some point, he's gonna run for president (says the president, of course - sam's not quite sure if he believes him yet). he's a speechwriter, and a lawyer, and a major political player in the democratic party. he works with some of the best minds in the damn business, and keeps up with them.

but tonight, he's doing nothing of the sort. tonight, his brain is static.

they're in black tie. he's in a tuxedo. or he was. now his tie is off, thrown to a corner of josh's office, and josh's hands are on his lapels. the room is dark, and so are josh's eyes, and they're both breathing heavy against each other's mouths.

static. static buzzes in his ears, trickles down his spine. his hands are on josh's wrists, because he just can't believe what he's feeling.

he was a speechwriter, earlier. a few hours ago, the president said words that he had written down. he has no recollection of this, however, because right now all he can think about is the fact that josh lyman just kissed him when he came to see him in his office and has half a mind to kiss him again.

"i'm... guessing you liked the speech," sam says. his voice is hoarse.

"yeah, the speech," josh murmurs. swallowing. his brow furrows as he says it.

sam reaches up with one hand. smooths the furrow, because he can do that now. he's always thought about it, a press of his thumb right over the stress lines, hand moving over his forehead and cheek and cupping his jaw.

he feels the grip on his jacket tighten at the motion. he squeezes josh's wrist with the hand that's still there before both hands settle on josh's chest.

sam breathes, in and out, a little ragged. "josh -"

josh kisses him again. mouth on his own. hot and heated. sam's head hits the doorframe, and josh's body presses against his. when he pulls back, their foreheads touch. sam blinks a few times, wonders if his tie is going to be the only thing on this floor.

"i like you, sam," josh murmurs, mouth falling open a little as he works his jaw. he seems just as shocked with this new revelation, and his brow furrows again. "the words you write are just a bonus."

#samjosh #joshsam #the west wing #tww #qvo ships tww #my fic #my writing #sam seaborn #josh lyman

[muldxr]

tuesday snippet

thank you @missanniewhimsy for the first writing tag in a while! i'm finally dusting off some long wips that have been sitting in the dark for too long. this piece is a canon-divergent au about a disabled character in The West Wing that i'm drawing from my own experiences for

read it under the cut -

As the senior staff begin to file out of the Oval Office talking to each other, something comes over Joey, telling her to leave it all alone. Because this battle’s not worth it. Not in this field. Not in this room. Not in this building that’s seen far greater things. The President’s secretary stands by, her hands full with a hefty file bound in red string. He turns his back on Joey, unaffected by the one event she had zeroed on, discussing political affairs much more important than a single person. She’s dismissed. After gathering her reports and peeling her self-esteem off the floor, Joey follows the rest of the staff through the door that leads to the adjoining secretary room. Instead of getting to work immediately, the others are hanging back—some by the edge of Charlie’s desk, some leaning on cabinet shelves with a morning coffee, but all more than ready to sink their teeth into the welcoming camaraderie, ready to shake off the meeting. It’s an opportunity for fellowship, but it’s also small talk. Joey doesn’t dare linger, suffering through forced words and a dying hearing aid battery. She’s here to work, not to make friends.

i'll tag @miabicicletta @mihrsuri @unseenacademic @disgruntledkittenface @lululawrence @bigxrig (no pressure)! and whoever else sees this, please tag me if you want to share!

#nbd au #while i love joshdonna wholly and truly..... #this is joey lucas/josh lyman. we were deprived of even ONE REAL DATE in the early seasons. i think its unfair #i don't know how long this fic is gonna turn out to be #but it will get done at some point

[twwpride]

Hi everyone! There's now a Discord for TWW Pride Week and any subsequent pride events we host! Join and talk about what you're working on & your favorite moments, share your work, ask for beta-readers, and more.

#twwpride23 #the west wing #tww #tww fic #west wing fanfic #josh lyman #donna moss #sam seaborn #cj cregg #toby ziegler