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teamhappyme · 4 months

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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-)

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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

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krmy2386 · 7 months

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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

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love-imagineitall · 4 months

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Taylor Swift Prompt List

Hello all! I have been severely lacking inspiration, but after listening to Taylor Swift for a while, I wanted to create a prompt list with some Taylor Swift songs.

So please request away! And if there are other taylor swift songs that are not on this list please feel free!

Debut

Tim McGraw: "When you think Tim McGraw I hope you think of me"

Picture To Burn: "As far as I'm concerned, you're just another picture to burn"

Should've Said No: "You should've said no, you should've gone home You should've thought twice 'fore you let it all go You should've known that word 'Bout what you did with her'd get back to me (Get back to me)"

Fearless

Fearless: " You take my hand and drag me head first, fearless And I don't know why but with you, I'd dance In a storm in my best dress, fearless"

Love Story: "Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone I'll be waiting, all there's left to do is run You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess It's a love story, baby, just say, "Yes""

Hey Stephen: "Cause I can't help it if you look like an angel Can't help it if I wanna kiss you in the rain so Come feel this magic I've been feeling since I met you Can't help it if there's no one else Mmm, I can't help myself"

You Belong with Me: "If you could see that I'm the one who understands you Been here all along, so why can't you see? You belong with me, you belong with me"

Speak Now

Mine: "You made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter You are the best thing that's ever been mine"

Back To December: "So this is me swallowing my pride Standin' in front of you sayin', "I'm sorry for that night""

The Story Of Us: " Now, I'm standin' alone in a crowded room And we're not speakin' And I'm dyin' to know Is it killin' you like it's killin' me?"

Red

I Knew You Were Trouble: "Cause I knew you werе trouble when you walked in So shamе on me now"

All Too Well: "And you call me up again Just to break me like a promise So casually cruel in the name of being honest"

We Are Never Getting Back Together: "We are never, evеr, ever gettin' back togеther"

I Bet You Think About Me: "I bet you couldn't believe When you realized I'm harder to forget than I was to leave And I bet you think about me"

1989

Style: "Say you'll remember me Standin' in a nice dress Starin' at the sunset, babe Red lips and rosy cheeks Say you'll see me again Even if it's just in your Wildest dreams"

Now That We Don't Talk: "I call my mom, she said that it was for the best Remind myself, the morе I gave, you'd want me less I cannot bе your friend, so I pay the price of what I lost And what it cost, now that we don't talk"

reputation

End Game: "I wanna be your end game (End game) I wanna be your first string (First string) I wanna be your A-Team (A-Team) I wanna be your end game, end game"

Don't Blame Me: "Don't blame me, love made me crazy If it doesn't, you ain't doin' it right"

Delicate: "My reputation's never been worse, so You must like me for me (Yeah, I want you) We can't make Any promises now, can we, babe? But you can make me a drink"

Gorgeous: "You're so gorgeous I can't say anything to your face 'Cause look at your face (Gorgeous) And I'm so furious At you for makin' me feel this way But what can I say? You're gorgeous"

Dress: "Only bought this dress so you could take it off"

New Year's Day: "Don’t read the last page But I stay when it's hard or it's wrong or we're makin’ mistakes I want your midnights But I'll be cleanin' up bottles with you on New Year's Day"

Lover

I Forgot That You Existed: "I forgot that you existed And I thought that it would kill me, but it didn't"

Lover: "I take this magnetic force of a man to be my lover My heart's been borrowed and yours has been blue All's well that ends well to end up with you Swear to be overdramatic and true to my lover"

Paper Rings: "I like shiny things, but I'd marry you with paper rings"

Cornelia Street: "And I hope I never lose you, hope it never ends I'd never walk Cornelia Street again That's the kinda heartbreak time could never mend I'd never walk Cornelia Street again"

Daylight: "I don't wanna look at anything else now that I saw you I don't wanna think of anything else now that I thought of you I've been sleepin' so long in a twenty-year dark night And now I see daylight, I only see daylight"

Folklore

The 1: "But it would've been fun If you would've been the one"

Peace: "All these people think love's for show But I would die for you in secret The devil's in the details, but you got a friend in me Would it be enough if I could never give you peace?"

Evermore

Tolerate It: "If it's all in my head, tell me now Tell me I've got it wrong somehow I know my love should be celebrated But you tolerate it"

Happiness: "There'll be happiness after you But there was happiness because of you Both of these things can be true There is happiness"

Midnights

Midnight Rain: "He wanted it comfortable, I wanted that pain He wanted a bride, I was making my own name Chasing that fame, he stayed the same All of me changed like midnight"

Bejeweled: "Best believe I'm still bejeweled When I walk in the room I can still make the whole place shimmer"

Mastermind: "What if I told you none of it was accidental? And the first night that you saw me Nothing was gonna stop me"

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meganwritesfanfics · 28 days

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Fresh Bruises (Josh Lyman x Reader) Part 10

Y/N couldn’t believe that any of this was happening. She sat on the cool tile floor of the bathroom, her head leaning over the toilet as she vomited what little contents she had left in her stomach. She had been drinking the night before, of course, but not enough that she was hungover, and she prayed that this wasn’t the flu or something like that. But she also thought of another option that could be causing this sickness.

“Y/N,” A voice called as they knocked on the bathroom door.

“Come in,” Y/N groaned.

Donna popped in, her hair and makeup already partially done. “I got the stuff,” She said as she set the plastic bag on the counter. “How are you doing?”

“I’m ok,” Y/N said as she slowly got up and splashed some water on her face.

“And you’re sure this isn’t just some wedding day jitters.” Donna asked as she gently rubbed her back.

A smile spread across Y/N’s face. She couldn’t believe the day had finally come, after months of planning today was the day that she finally married Josh. And now there was a possibility of more excitement.

“No, this is, this is different.” Y/N said as she pulled out a Pedialyte and a pregnancy test.

“Y/N, hun, you gotta hurry up, you still need to get your hair and makeup done.” CJ called.

“I’ll be right out.” Y/N called as she turned to Donna.

“Are you going to be ok?”

“Yeah, of course Donna,” Y/N replied as she started to take the test out of the box.

“Y/N,” Donna said as she reached out and grabbed Y/N’s hand. “Are you going to be ok if this come back negative, I don’t want this to ruin your day.”

Y/N smiled sadly. “I am anticipating it is going to be negative, I mostly just want to double check to make sure I’m not getting Josh sick. I don’t want you to have to take on any more of his work that you already do.”

“Ok, I’ll just be right outside.” Donna said as she closed the door behind her.

“It’s going to be negative, it is going to be negative.” Y/N kept telling herself as she waited for the test. She needed to keep her expectations low or it would end up ruining her day. That was why, when the test came back looking positive, she had to keep staring at it.

“Donna!” She called “CJ, Ainsley!”

All of the girls burst in, dressed in their bridesmaids dresses. “What’s wrong?” CJ asked.

“It’s positive, I mean look at this that is positive right.” Y/N exclaimed tears in her eyes.

All of them looked at the test before screaming and hugging Y/N tightly.

“Oh my god! This is so beautiful.” Ainsley said.

“This can’t be real.” Y/N said her hands shaking as she still had the dance.

“Well, it is and while this is all very exciting, we have even more excitement that we are going to be late for if we do not get your hair and make up started.” Donna said as she started as she ushered Y/N out in the hotel room to get ready.

“You know Claudia is a really great name for a baby.” CJ said causing everyone to laugh.

****

Y/N stood in front of the mirror, taking in her appearance. Her dress had off the shoulder straps that hugged her arms as it went into a flower patterned bodice that went into a large princess skirt. Her hair was pinned up with a dark blue comb that Abby Bartlet had lent to her for her something borrowed and something blue. On her wrist she wore a bracelet that Josh’s mother had given to her one christmas, it had been in Josh’s family for generations and it was her something old. For her something new it was something that no one would see but herself and Josh. The new lingerie wore was something she had bought especially for this day.

“Y/N you look so beautiful,” Donna replied tears in her eyes.

“Donna you can’t already be crying, you are going to make me cry.” Y/N replied and CJ quickly handed Y/N a tissue to dab her eyes.

“Josh and you have been through so much, I just can’t believe we are here, and I can’t believe you are pregnant.”

Y/N felt her breath his in her throat as the tears started to well up in her eyes. All she could think about was telling Josh that she was pregnant, she could just imagine the look on his face. And in that moment she could picture their future together with their new family.

“I love you all so much, that you all for being there for me and Josh. You are our family and I am so happy you are all here to share this moment with me.”

All of them hugged again, when there was a knock on the door.

“Alright Y/N, it’s time.” Her wedding planner said and Y/N took a deep breath her stomach filling with butterflies.

“You got this,” CJ smiled as she handed Y/N her bouquet that was filled with white and dark blue flowers that matched the bridesmaid dresses.

As they made their way through the hotel and past their reception area, Y/N really took in the awe of the location and decoration. When Josh had told her they had booked the Hay-Adams hotel for their wedding and reception, she couldn’t believe it. Every since they had first gotten engaged, Y/n had mentioned that her dream location to get married but she had knew how hard it was to get booked. And Ceilia had been amazing with helping her find a wedding planner and helping with some of the homemade decorations. It was the wedding of her dreams. Of course when she was younger she hadn’t imagined that there would be secret service agents at her wedding.

“You look beautiful,” Bartlet said as she appeared near the doors.

“Thank you so much.” She beamed as he held out his arm for her. When thinking about who she wanted to walk her down the aisle, the only person she could think of was the man who had become like a father to both her and Josh. She knew it took some major negotiating with the secret service and she couldn’t be more grateful that it worked out.

“I am so happy for the both of you. You two truly are made for one another.”

“Thank you sir, and thank you for everything you have done for Josh and I. We owe you so much.”

“You don’t owe me a thing, I care about you both deeply, and I want to make sure you are well taken care of.”

He pulled her in for a hug, just as she could hear the music start for her entrance. She had picked the song At Last by Etta James for her entrance, it felt appropriate.

“Are you ready for this?” Bartlet said.

“I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life.” She smiled.

Bartlet nodded and the two secret service agents opened the door.

Her nerves were going crazy when she saw all the people looking back at her, but the minute she locked eyes on Josh all her nervousness went away.

Josh felt his heart skip when he saw Y/N. Instantly this eyes were flooded with tears. He couldn’t express how beautiful she looked and how grateful he was that they had made it to this moment.

“Hi,” Josh whispered as Bartlet handed Y/N off to him.

“Hi Lemon, you look very handsome.” She smiled as she took in his appearance. The man wore suits every day, but some how as he stood in front of her in his dark blue suit, she had never been more attracted to him.

“Let’s get married.” He smiled.

“Let’s do it.”

Josh had asked Leo to officiate the wedding ceremony and Leo did a beautiful job adding in funny stories about the couple. The two had also written their own vows, Josh’s were emotional and funny but full of heart. Y/N’s were powerful and tear jerking but with a lot of humor as well. And before the couple knew it, Leo said the magical words,

“I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may now kiss the bride.”

Josh didnt hesitate as he pulled Y/N in for a kiss as the entire room errupted in applause.

“I love you so much Y/N.” He said kissing her again.

“I love you Josh.”

The wedding photos went by in a blur, all Y/N could think about was trying to find the right time to tell Josh. They were just constantly surrounded by people and all she wanted was a moment alone with him to tell him. So when they finally got called out to do their first chance she knew this was her best chance.

The song that Josh and Y/N picked was Crazy Love by Van Morrison, and as they swayed to the lyrics Y/N could feel herself tearing up.

“Mrs Lyman, what are you thinking about.” He asked.

“I have a surprise for you.” She smiled.

“I don’t need anything, I have everything I need right herel.”

“Well, you might need to make room in your heart for someone else.”

Josh looked at her confused. Suddenly she watched his face brighten as it clicked.

“Are you serious?” He asked his voice cracking.

Y/N nodded with a giant smile on her face.

“Oh my god!” Josh gasped as he pulled Y/N into his arms tightly. “We are going to have a baby.”

“We are going to have a baby.” She said and at that moment Y/N felt that she could never be more happy in her whole life.

#josh lyman x reader #josh lyman #west wing #imagine #fanfiction

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fandom-imagines-stories · 1 year

Text

Not in Kansas Anymore

Josh Lyman x Reader

Words: 2054

Summary: A suggestion the reader makes to the President leads to an operation with severe casualties. Her best friend, whom she’s covertly began dating, tries to talk her down from making some very rash decisions.

Notes: This was actually inspired by a plot with Mandy in season one. I thought it would be an interesting concept to work with. Also, I’m lazy so I’m just going to give her Mandy’s job title of media director.

More imagines HERE

You told him to wait. You told him that the best option for all concerned would be to wait to act. The house was surrounded. They had to surrender. They had to. A bunch of nutjobs from your home state that didn’t know what the hell they were talking about. You’d seen them before. You thought they’d spout their nonsense, make a big show about their land and their rights, and come out with their hands up.

But you underestimated the power of fear and ignorance. And now seven people- seven federal agents- were dead. More were wounded.

All because you told the president to wait. Because, surely, they would surrender and all would live happily ever after. Everyone would read about the peaceful arrests in the morning papers and the president’s handling would be praised.

And now seven people were dead.

“Hey Billie,” you called with a weak voice. The usually bubbly member of your team, and close friend, peaked her head through your doorway. “Can you get me the names of the agents, please? I want to be prepared for when they hit the news.”

She gave you a solemn look, knowing what you were really doing, and nodded. “Sure thing.” She started to step out but stopped. “Oh, I was supposed to let you know that Josh Lyman has been asking about you.”

You nodded absentmindedly, still staring into the dark corner of your shrouded office. “Tell him I’m swamped with this thing. I’ll talk to him later.” You twisted open your blinds and looked outside. It was raining.

Billie’s frown deepened, but she made no argument. “Okay.” She took a deep breath. “And Y/N-”

“The names, thanks Billie,” you interrupted.

The door clicked shut behind her. You snapped your blinds closed.

It wasn’t a bad call. Either way they went, the press would eat up every possible mistake, every outcome. They would spin it in whatever way they wanted.

“How’s it looking?” Donna asked. She was more timid than usual, given the grim circumstances.

Josh shrugged. “I’m glad I’m not Toby or CJ.”

“Or Y/N,” she added sadly.

“This isn’t her fault,” he said. “She knows that.”

“Still…” Donna shook her head. “I can’t imagine what she’s feeling right now.”

“Yeah,” he sighed. “Hey, could you call her office and see if she’s still here?”

She glanced at him. “I was wondering how long it’d take you to ask.”

Donna went back to her desk and Josh returned to his office. He already knew the answer, of course. He could picture you now, sitting in the dark, keeping everything to yourself and worrying your staff. He knew better than anyone how hard you would be taking this. Hell, he was the one that had to tell you what happened and his heart broke when the guilt and grief flooded your eyes.

He shouldn’t have let you run off to deal with it alone. He should have stayed with you.

Josh looked over the files piled up on his desk and blew out a low, long breath. He’d just opened one when Donna came back in.

“Donna, I really don’t have time-”

“Leo wants to talk to you.”

Josh motioned to the mountain of paperwork around him. “Right now?”

She nodded. “He said it’s important.” Her frown deepened. “I think it might be about Y/N.”

He sat up straighter. “What makes you say that?”

“I called her assistant like you asked, and apparently she just left without telling anybody.”

“What?” His voice resonated throughout the room. He was up and hurrying down the hall before she could say anything else, calling back to her. “Call Y/N’s apartment. Hopefully, she went home.”

Josh stopped by your office and sure enough, your desk sat empty and in the dark, the only light being the streetlights through the slitted blinds. He hung his head.

Why did he leave you alone?

“I thought I’d find you here.” Leo stood at the other end of the hall with a grim expression painting his features. He joined Josh at your door and looked inside. “Do you know where she went?” He asked.

Josh shook his head. “I told Donna to call her apartment but…” He blew out a breath. “She’s taking this really hard, Leo.”

“Wouldn’t you?” The older man sighed. Leo held out an envelope. “We need to find her.”

“What-” Josh gulped. “What is that?”

Leo’s eyes met his and gave him the answer. “Y/N’s letter of resignation.”

Josh stared at the paper in his hands. He knew you’d take the news hard, but he didn’t think you’d go this far.

“You can’t be serious,” he gasped.

“As a heart attack.” Leo shook his head. “Listen, I think you should go talk to her. Hopefully, she’ll listen to you?”

Josh scoffed. “What makes you think that?”

“Because you are closer to her than anybody else.” He gave him a knowing look. Josh opened his mouth, but Leo stopped him. “Everybody knows, Josh,” he chuckled, despite the dark tone of the conversation. “Including the president.” He put a hand on the younger man’s shoulder. “Hell, I’ve known since the moment you saw her.”

Josh didn’t know what to say. Sure, he wasn’t exactly known for his subtly, but you’d always been adamant about keeping your relationship a secret. Convincing yourselves to admit your feelings had been hard enough, for fear of ruining your friendship. Telling your coworkers seemed like it’d just cause a whole other wave of issues.

“Don’t worry about that right now,” Leo said, as if reading his mind. “Just go and find her.” Josh tried to hand him the envelope, but he wouldn’t take it. “Bring her back, Josh. We can’t afford to lose her.”

There was so much more unsaid that Josh understood. This wasn’t just about the importance of your job. Everyone here cared about you and didn’t want to see what would happen if you let this consume you.

Josh nodded. If you were hiding from the world, there was one place you would go to forget about everything. He tucked the envelope into his coat pocket. “I think I have an idea of where she went.”

Your coat did little to defend your arms against the biting breeze of January, but you didn’t really notice. Across the water, the moon’s perfect reflection glared at you from the still pool. The towering monument in the distance was little more than an ominous silhouette in the light-polluted sky.

You pulled your legs closer to your chest. The hard steps beneath you provided little comfort, not that you thought you thought you deserved it. Still, the space helped to clear your mind enough to let yourself cry. The numbness you forced when writing your letter was gone now. All that was left was the digging claws of guilt and the shadow of disappointment. In the system. In the people you thought would make the right choice. Most of all, disappointment in yourself.

“We’re not in Kansas anymore, huh?”

Josh stood at the bottom of the stairs, hands in his pockets and eyes locked on yours.

You laughed humorlessly and wiped your cheek with the back of your hand. “Please don’t try and be cute right now.” You lowered your voice and muttered to yourself. “Dorothy didn’t kill anyone.”

“Sorry,” he nodded. He stays there, just looking up at you with big, caring eyes that you can’t bare to look at so you turn away.

“How did you know I’d be here, anyway?”

Josh shrugged. “Because this is where you always go.” He began climbing the steps and continued. “You came here when we won the election. You came here when President Bartlet hired you on as media director. And you came here after the first night we…” He trailed off, giving you a slight smirk. “You come here to think when you don’t know where to start.”

“You make me sound so predictable,” you said. He sat down beside you and, while you felt the instinctive pull to put your head on his shoulder, you kept your distance.

“Yeah, well.” He took something out of his pocket. “I can’t say I saw this coming.”

He handed you the envelope you’d left on Leo’s desk.

“How did you…”

“You didn’t really think he was going to accept that, did you?”

“Josh-”

“Y/N, you can’t blame yourself for this,” he said firmly.

“How can I not?” You fired back. “I told the president to wait. I told him not to give the order because I thought those sonsofbitches were cowards that would come out with their tails between their legs.”

“Those men were cowards.”

“Tell that to the seven people they killed!”

Josh fell silent and more tears streamed down your cheeks. You covered your mouth with your hand to try and quiet the sobs, but Josh brought it away, holding your hand in his.

“It’s not your fault,” he whispered. “You said what you thought would work and, at the time, it was the best option. The president agreed with you because he trusts you.” Josh squeezed your hand gently, getting you to look up at him. “He made the call, but even he didn’t pull the trigger. The only people responsible for those deaths are the ones that killed them.”

You closed your eyes to hide your tears. Josh put a finger under your chin, not letting you hide again.

“Hey,” he said. You reopened your eyes to find his filled with only worry and love. “It’s not your fault.”

You let a cry escape your lips and fell forward into his embrace. Josh locked his arms around you, pulling your shaking form as close as he could to remind you he was there. And he wasn’t going anywhere.

For a long time, he just let you cry. He didn’t say anything or try and get you to leave. Josh sat with you and kept his arms around you until you pulled away.

“Thanks,” you muttered, swiping at the stray tears still falling.

Josh brushed them away with his thumb. “Does this mean you aren’t quitting?”

You groaned, twisting in his arms to face the Washington Monument once more. It loomed there, holding all of your anxieties in its shadow.

“I never thought it would be like this,” you admitted softly.

Josh nodded, hand rubbing up and down your arm to keep you warm. “It isn’t exactly flowers and rainbows, huh?”

“But I thought we’d be making a difference,” you said. “I thought that’s why we’re here.”

“We…” He took a deep breath. “We do what we can.” Josh kissed the side of your head. “It’s all we can do. It’s all we have.”

You stayed like that for a few more moments, intertwining your fingers with his and listening to his heartbeat. But eventually, whether from the cold or from the situation awaiting you, you forced yourself to stand.

“Alright,” you said. “I guess I should go tell Leo I’d like to keep my job, if he’ll still have me.”

“Of course, he will,” Josh smiled. A look of realization and a grimace passed over his face. “Oh, one other thing I should probably mention… Leo knows.”

Your eyes went wide. “He what?” You exclaimed. “I can’t believe you told him!”

“I didn’t!” He swore. “He just knew.”

Your finger pointed accusingly at his chest. “This is because of all of those stupid puppy-dog eyes you’ve given me.”

“I thought you liked my puppy-dog eyes!”

You scowled and he tugged on your hand, kissing your lips gently. When he pulled away, you were smiling.

“Come on,” he said. “The Emerald City awaits.”

After taking you back to your apartment so you could freshen up, you walked back into the west wing together and straight to Leo’s office. He tore up your letter and, much to your dismay, ushered you into the Oval Office where President Bartlet waited to discuss the matter with you. You couldn’t remember the last time you were that nervous, but he was more than gracious and told you he’d be a fool if he let you go.

All the while, Josh stayed with you, holding your hand as you went back to your office together to face whatever came next.

#josh lyman x reader #the west wing #west wing imagines #bradley whitford #leo mcgarry #josh lyman #hurt and comfort

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imawkwardlysoc · 10 months

Text

honey just put your sweet lips on my lips

Song- Like Real People Do by Hozier

Pairing- Josh Lyman x gn!reader

Warning(s)- None

Summary- Josh and the reader pretend to be a fake couple for Sam and Ainsley's wedding.

Wordcount- 1,809

“I can’t believe I agreed to this,” I mumbled as Josh stood next to me during cocktail hour.

“Look just a few more hours before we can end this,” he told me before leaving to take pictures.

“A few hours too long,” I sighed.

*Few Weeks Ago*

Tossing my bag on the couch and slipping my shoes off, I took off my jacket and headed into my kitchen to see what I had left in the fridge. Filling my plate up with the last of deli meats and sliced cheese, I poured myself some wine before sitting my butt down on my couch. While on the TV, I scrolled through the channels until I landed on a random show. Getting into the mood of relaxation, it was soon interrupted when there was rapid knocking on my door. Letting out a groan and getting up from my couch, I went up to my door and opened it to see a curly haired brunette standing there.

“What do you want Lyman?” I questioned him. “I was about to relax.”

“I need a favor,” he walked into my apartment.

“You always need one, not surprised,” I took a gulp out of my glass of wine. “What is it this time?”

“I need you to be my partner,” I choked on my wine when he told me. “Be my fake partner just for two or three days.”

“Why?” I refilled my glass of wine.

“Because I may or may not have told Sam that I started dating someone and I had a plus one to his wedding,” he explained.

“How drunk were you when you told him?” I chuckled in disbelief. “I know that you can’t handle your alcohol well.”

“I wasn’t, I just blurted out that I was dating someone for some reason,” he threw his hands in the air.

“And your first choice was to ask me?” I raised my eyebrow.

“Do you really think that asking Amy was a good idea?” he questioned.

“You do have a point,” I agreed with him.

“Look, just think it out and let me know,” Josh told me.

“Fine,” I agreed.

“Thank you,” he thanked me before leaving my apartment.

Letting out a sigh, I laid down on my couch debating what just happened.

*Present Day*

Just imagine everyone’s reactions when they saw me at the wedding. I mean all of them were happy to see me but were shocked when I told them that I was ‘dating’ Josh. It’s good that I’ve known the senior staff for a while so it isn’t really that weird talking to each other. All of the girls who weren’t part of the wedding party were asking me questions about my relationship with Josh.

Josh and I created a fake story on how our relationship started. Josh and I spent an evening out together a few months ago and we enjoyed each other’s company together. We decided to spend the evening going out in DC or the neighboring states a few times before we confessed our feelings for each other. After our second date, Josh asked me if I wanted to be his girlfriend and I said yes. We’ve also set some rules about PDA where we don’t kiss each other on the lips but cheeks and forehead/top of the head kisses are fine along with hugs.

“I can’t believe Sam and Ainsley managed to get this venue,” CJ awed.

All of us were in Napa for Sam and Ainsley’s wedding and they managed to score the most gorgeous winery for their wedding.

“Excuse me ladies,” I heard Josh as he wrapped his arm around my waist.

“Josh, I’m surprised that you didn’t trip on your feet when you walked up and down the aisle,” CJ joked which made me laugh.

“Oh we still have the reception,” Josh chuckled before sipping his drink.

“What number of drinks is that?” I looked at him and raised my eyebrow.

“My first one,” he replied as I raised my eyebrow again. “I promise, Sam didn’t even let me drink when we were getting ready.”

“Good,” I stole the beer and took a sip of it before giving it back to him.

“I’m just here to tell you ladies that you can head in and sit down,” Josh told us. “And I’ll see you later at our table.”

Josh placed a kiss on my cheek, which caused me to blush, before he left. Facing back to the girls, I saw the look on their faces.

“What?” I questioned.

“Nothing, I just never imagined Josh being so in love with someone,” Donna explained. “That man drowns himself in work but now he’s leaving work at a reasonable time.”

“Yeah, being in love with someone changes them,” Carol added.

“Yeah, it does,” I nodded my head.

Love does change people, even though ours is fake.

We all headed to the seating chart and saw that we were sitting at tables near each other. I sat down at my seat at my assigned table and greeted some of the other guests that were sitting in the same table as Josh and I. Soon the wedding party was introduced along with the newlyweds who went straight to their first dance. Josh sat down in the empty seat next to me and greeted Sam and Ainsley’s family members who were sitting with us.

“So how do the two of you know each other?” One of Ainsley’s aunts questioned.

“We were childhood friends,” I answered.

I mean it’s not a lie, Josh and I did become friends when we were kids. Despite him being a few years older than me, we became immediate friends when my family moved two doors down from his family. Our schools were close to each other so we would walk together and he would drop me off at my school first since it was the first one on the way. When we were done with school around the same time, we would go to the local corner store to grab some snacks before heading home. Things did change when he went to high school but at least once a week he would pick me up and take me to either the corner store we went to or another place. When Josh went to college, we still kept in contact and hung out when he’s home for vacation. We did the same thing when I went to college on the West Coast. Despite the distance and time zones, we still managed to keep our friendship alive.

After we graduated, Josh started living in DC while I stayed in Connecticut running a PR firm before I got asked if I was willing to move to DC to help do some PR for some politicians. I accepted the offer, told Josh, stayed with him for a little bit before I found my own place. Sometimes he would bring me to parties at the White house if I was free and one of my favorite moments was getting drunk off of wine with Mrs. Bartlet.

“How long have you been together?” One of the cousin’s asked.

“For a few weeks now,” Josh looked at me and placed a kiss on the top of my head.

Food was placed down in front of us and we continued the conversation as we ate. Halfway through the meal we changed the subject onto Sam and Ainsley since the day was about them. Josh got up from his seat and headed to where Sam and Ainsely were sitting to do his best man speech. He started off with introducing himself and soon proceeded telling the story on how he knows the both of them. There was laughter throughout the crowd as he told the story of him and Sam almost burning the White House down.

“Seeing the two of them grow from friends, to best friends, to soulmates has made me reflect that being in love with your best friend has its perks,” Josh said while looking at me.

I felt my heart drop to my stomach when he said that. I mean there’s no way that he’s in love with me. There’s no way I was in love with him. I mean it was just a phase and I was just a pre-teen. It was all puppy love. Him being in love with me is crazy and vice versa. Wait, am I even still in love with him?

Excusing myself to the restroom, I headed out of the reception venue, which I thanked that the restrooms were there, and headed to the vineyard to catch my breath. I paced back and forth reflecting back on what just happened.

“Y/N?” I heard Josh and turned to face him.

“You told everyone that you were in love with me!” I blurted out. “Are you out of your goddamn mind?”

“I mean I wasn’t lying to them,” he told me.

“What do you mean ly-” I paused as the realization came to me. “No you’re not. There’s no way you are.”

“Ever since you went to college I realized it wasn’t just a two and a half drive where I can easily see you.” He walked closer to me. “It was a five hour or more flight to wherever you were. When you decided to move to DC, I was so happy that everyone questioned why I was happy. You were moving and I figured it was time to tell you how I felt but I didn’t even after I got shot.”

“You getting shot was the second time I fell in love with you.” I told him as I chuckled when tears started to form. “I thought I was going to lose you and I didn’t want to lose my best friend. I just couldn’t handle that feeling.”

“But you didn’t,” he gently caressed my cheek. “I’m here alive and well. You’re not going to lose me and you never will.”

He tilted my head up and started to move closer to him. I placed my hand on the back of his neck and our lips started to move as they touched. A mix of butterflies and fireworks started to explode in my stomach. My heart started to flutter as we continued to kiss.

“Joshua Lyman, I’m so in love with you,” I told him after we detached our lips. “Ever since I was a pre-teen.”

“Y/N L/N, I've been so in love with you too ever since I met you,” he said before kissing me again. “Now, I heard there’s dancing and cake waiting for us.”

“Alright,” I grabbed his hand and we walked to the reception to the dance floor. “You’re taking me out on a date when we get back to DC right?’

“Oh you bet,” he answered as he wrapped his arms around me.

#josh lyman x reader #the west wing fanfic #the west wing x reader #josh lyman #the west wing #Spotify

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companionjones · 2 years

Text

My Job

Pairing: Josh Lyman x (She/her)Reader

Fandom: The West Wing

Summary: After a heroic but tragic act, the Senior Staff waits for you to come out of surgery in a hospital waiting room.

Warnings: Surgeries, some cursing, major angst, about as violent as West Wing can get on its worst days

This story is inspired by @fanficfanatic1997’s story Fresh Bruises. If you’re a West Wing fan, I highly recommend you read this. It’s a multi-part story, and it is very beautifully written.

*******

The waiting room was quieter than it should’ve been. Of course it was. A member of the United States Senior Staff was currently being operated on. CJ was leaning her head on Toby’s shoulder as the two sat on a couple chairs. Sam and Donna sat, quietly talking. They didn’t know what else to do with themselves. Josh was who sat alone. No one knew what to say to him.

Leo walked in then, setting everything into motion. “How is she?”

Even though he wasn’t the President, mostly everyone else in the room stood when Leo entered.

Sam started filling in the Chief of Staff. “She has one stab wound in her abdomen, the other in her shoulder, pretty close to her neck.”

Toby kept his voice down, in light of Josh. “It doesn’t look good. She lost a lot of blood.”

CJ, as always, was the voice of compassion. “She fought him off. I don’t know how she did it. She fought off an assailant of the President and won. The guy went down.”

Donna asked, “Do we know who he was yet?”

Normally, Leo couldn’t have told a secretary such secretive information, but it wasn’t sensitive anymore. Really, it wasn’t sensitive as soon as you killed the attacker, but it definitely wasn’t sensitive by then. Most of the news stations were already reporting the whole story. Leo informed, “His name was Carl Henrikson. He was acting alone. The last stimulus apparently wasn’t enough for him to keep his home and job.”

“Like he deserved them,” Donna remarked as CJ got on the phone.

The Press Secretary apologized, “I’ve stayed here too long already. Toby, you’ll keep me updated?”

“Yes,” he confirmed.

“And not just for--”

“--Not just for the job, I know. I know you care about her just as much as the rest of us, Claudia.” It was one of the rare moments Toby Ziegler had softness in his eyes.

CJ nodded in sincere thanks to her friend, then took her leave.

Leo did the same, except instead of exiting the room, the Chief of Staff went to sit next to his deputy. “She’ll be alright,” he told Josh. “You know Y/n. She’s the best fighter there is. She’ll make it through this.”

For the first time since you had left his arms, Josh spoke, “I don’t think I can do this without her.”

“Do what?” Leo wondered.

“My job.” Josh’s voice cracked when he answered. He looked so empty. “I don’t think I can do anything without her.”

“Mr. Lyman?” a doctor suddenly interrupted, approaching the Chief and his deputy.

They stood, and so did everyone else in the room.

“What’s the news on her?” Leo inquired, knowing Josh was too far away in his head to really pay attention.

The doctor gave her spiel, but all Josh really got was that you were still unconscious. “Can I see her?”

He alone was granted visitation. Josh was shaking so much on his way to you. When he finally saw you, Josh thought he died because his whole body froze up. Maybe he was only dreaming. Maybe you weren’t actually laying there, in that be, barely breathing and looking entirely lifeless.

“You look horrible.” Josh’s tentative jibe barely did anything to break the suffocating silence of the room. Josh thought he was going to throw up when you didn’t reply with a slight in kind. “What were you thinking, taking that guy on? Did you think you were some bulletproof superhero that could kick everyone’s ass? God, you would need to be a real idiot--” He cut himself off then, finally realizing that he was taking his anger out on you. “I-I’m sorry. I know you didn’t deliberately take him on. I know he tried to shove his way past you, and you probably just reacted...” Josh took the steps needed to get to the side of your bed. “...Though, knowing you, it probably wasn’t just a reaction. You were protecting the President. I probably would’ve done the same, but I’d probably be in worse shape than you if I had...If there is a such thing as worse shape...this really isn’t your best day. Maybe it’s your hair?...” Josh shook his head. “You’re killing me with this ‘not answering’ thing...You gotta wake up. You’ve gotta wake up, and then we’ll go home, and then you’ll force me to go to bed even though I’ve got work to do at home like I do every night...Just...wake up...please?...Come on, babe. I need you to wake up for me. God, when I saw you go down, I don’t think I’ve breathed since then. And when I had you in my arms, an-and your blood...” There was that feeling of throwing up again. “God, they couldn’t have brushed your hair or something--?”

“Would you shut up about how I look already?” sounded your weak, scratchy voice.

Josh’s heart simultaneously dropped into the pit of his stomach and jumped into his throat. “Y/n? Y/n, oh my god. I’ll ring a nurse.” He pressed the button above your bed. “How are you feeling? Do you need water?”

“Yeah,” you rasped.

Josh turned his back to get you some but when he turned back, he barely thought to put the cup on your bedside table before lunging for you. “Y/n! Don’t try to sit up now.”

You sighed, laying back down. “It was worth a try.” You took the straw Josh offered you in your mouth. As you took a few sips of water, you saw Josh staring at you. “What?”

“You’re just--so beautiful.”

That got you to snort. “Nice try at a save, honey.”

He was smiling with all his teeth. “Doesn’t matter if you believe me or not. It’s true.”

“Yeah, yeah,” you chuckled.

A few hours later, your room was buzzing with people. All the Senior Staff were there. Even CJ made it back about an hour after you woke up. There were happy reunions, and everyone refused to leave you and planned to stay by your side until the nurses threw them out. Only Leo had to head back to the White House, and he reluctantly did so after asking you several times if you were okay with it. Of course you were.

By then, you were all doing your jobs, despite the late hour of the night. There had just been an assassination attempt on the President, after all. You had begged everyone, especially Josh, to give you some work. What else were you supposed to do? Josh was still a little hesitant about putting you under any sort of pressure, but have the reason you wanted to work was to annoy your partner. You chuckled at Josh when you finally got your way.

“Who the hell gave Y/n a laptop?”

Everyone in the room sprung to their feet. “Good evening, Mr. President,” was said by everyone almost at the same time.

“Good evening, Mr. Prez--” Josh took his turn to say, but then he caught sight of you out of the corner of his eye. “What are you--?”

CJ saw you almost simultaneously, and she worriedly sprung toward you. “Y/n!”

Nearly everyone else voiced their alarm as well, and several others tried to stop you from standing up in the President’s presence.

“Y/n, are you crazy? You’ve just been stabbed! You don’t need to stand up for the President.” Josh reprimanded you, only fighting a small smile.

President Bartlet backed up his Deputy Chief of Staff, “Y/n, I promise I won’t be disrespected if you don’t stand. Hell, after what you’ve done for me tonight, I wouldn’t feel disrespected if you threw a tomato at me every time I entered a room.”

“Yeah, but I would,” notified Dr. Bartlet as she entered the room with Zoey and Charlie behind her. “The stains would be hell to get out.”

The President jokingly rolled his eyes. “When was the last time you had to do my laundry?”

She raised an eyebrow. “I’m still surprised I had to do it at all seeing I met you when you were already old enough to vote.”

Ignoring her parents, Zoey walked up to you and kissed your cheek. “I don’t know what to say. Thank you so much for what you did for my father.”

You didn’t know what to respond with either, so after an affectionate smile to Zoey, you referred back to the 'trying to stand up when you were seriously injured’ thing. “Sorry about that, Mr. President. It’s a force of habit.”

President Bartlet’s brow raised. “Oh boy, I hope you’re not apologizing for saving my life earlier.”

“Of course not, sir. I just--”

Dr. Bartlet stepped in to save you. “You don’t need to clarify, Y/n. My husband was just trying to be funny. Which he really has no room to do because he likely wouldn’t be standing here without you.”

“Oh, I doubt that, ma’am. There were tons of secret service--”

“But you were the one to take him down, Y/n,” Abbey cut you off to say. “Thank you. Thank you so much for what you have done for us. We are truly in debt to you for this.”

The President nodded, “That is true, Y/n. There is nothing I could possibly do to get you back for this.”

“With all due respect, that’s not on the table, sir, ma’am.” You clarified, turning back to Jed, “You are the President of the United States. It’s my job to protect you. Although, I never thought I’d be doing it in such a direct way.” You tried at a joke, then quickly grew serious again. “And...you being the President really had nothing to do with this, sir. I look up to you. Just like everyone else in this room. I did what I felt was right in the moment, and I got lucky.”

“And thank God you did,” Jed thanked you sincerely. He took your hand, kissed the back of it, then clasped it in both his hands. You shared a moment with the President, then he placed your hand back at your side.

President Bartlet then noticed Josh, whom Jed realized had been staring a hole into your forehead pretty much since the President and his family had entered the room. Bartlet rescued the Deputy Chief of Staff. “Alright, everybody out. It’s well past midnight and all of you need some help.”

Although a couple of them looked disappointed to leave, they all, of course, followed the President’s casual order. Everyone had a quick personal goodbye to you, save for Toby, who only gave you a quick nod on his way out. You knew he wasn’t really one for sentimental words.

Josh was the only one who didn’t move from his spot, and he gave a look to President Bartlet that said he was sorry for disobeying his sort-of-order, but there was no way Josh was leaving your side for a long time.

Jed nodded, “I understand, Josh. I got everyone else out so the two of you could be alone for a little while.” He said the last part much lower, “And I am truly sorry for all of this. What this must have triggered for you, and nearly losing--”

Josh couldn’t heart that said out loud. “I’m just happy she’s okay, Mr. President.”

Bartlet understood. “That’s right. You two have a nice night.”

“I should be back at work in about a week or so, sir. If you don’t need me,” Josh notified.

Bartlet smiled at that. Leo must have told the President what Josh was thinking about doing. “Take all the time you need, the both of you,” were his last words before taking his leave.

Josh turned his attention back to you. “Yeah, I’m not letting you back in the White House until a month after the doctors give the okay.”

“You’re not gonna let me,” you laughed, “Yeah, okay. We’ll see how that goes...You’re staring again.”

Josh grinned, “If I tell you why, you’re gonna yell at me again.”

“Maybe I won’t this time. Try it,” you encouraged.

His smile grew. “You’re beautiful. You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever met, and you only get more beautiful every day.”

You snorted, “Yeah, right.”

He raised his eyebrows. “It’s true. I’ve never said anything more true in my entire life.”

You chuckled, “Get over here and gold me so I can fall asleep.”

“Yes, ma’am.” That dopey grin was back. Josh climbed into your hospital bed with you and you settled into his arms. The two of you rested in the silence for a moment before Josh said in a more serious tone, “I really did miss you.”

“I know.”

“I was terrified that you were--”

“I know, but I’m still here.”

“I know,” Josh swallowed, and pulled you closer to him. “I know.”

*******

Author’s Note: Thank you so much for reading! Fill up that heart and reblog if you liked it! I would also really appreciate a comment, if you have the time. If you would like to read more, I have more West Wing stories over on my page. You should check it out. Have a nice day, night, or whatever time it is for you! <3 <3 <3

#josh lyman #west wing #the west wing #josh lyman x reader #west wing x reader #the west wing x reader #bradley whitford #companion jones #my job

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eminems-skittles · 2 years

Note

Hi! If you're still accepting requests from the blurb prompts, could I please request one for Josh Lyman with the dialogue prompt "I think I love you" with a female reader? xx

josh lyman x fem!reader requests: open

the two of you were sitting in an empty office of the hotel waiting for the rest of the team to show up for an impromptu midnight meeting. josh was sat next to the door, papers and folders stacked next to him as he read the briefing folder in his lap. you were across from him, your own paperwork sprawled across the desk you had taken over. josh glanced up from what he was reading and looked at you. he could have sworn his heart stopped beating. you looked perfect sitting at the desk. you were dressed in sweatpants and a sweatshirt you had swiped from josh's room when you told him that leo had called a meeting. josh himself was clad in almost the same outfit with a white t-shirt peeking out of the color of his fading sweater. he examined you as you worked. your tongue was poking out from between your lips and your eyes squinted as you read and annotated the documents in front of you. feeling his eyes on you, you looked up at your boyfriend and warmth spread across your cheeks when you met his eyes.

"what?" you asked.

"nothing," he said, smiling and slightly shaking his head. "i think i love you."

====

i can't find the people who were in my tag list so please let me know who you were!!!

#the west wing x reader #{ tww }#cassie's masterlist #{ writing }#masterlist #{ josh lyman x reader }#josh lyman x reader #josh lyman #the west wing #tww x reader #{ blurb }

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fangirling-throughlife · 2 years

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I had the shittiest day ever (trying not to cry while I'm on the train level of bad), and to make matters worse, I saw that the West Wing episode that's due today is In Excelsis Deo. Maybe it's a bit crazy, but that's the one my dad put on after my brother and I abandoned halfway through the pilot, and I sobbed so much I stopped breathing for a while, and I ended up liking it so much I decided to give it a second try.

And it's stupid that I don't want to skip it (now that I actually know the background, I'm noticing little details that show how well this show is written), but I know I can't watch it either. Not today (and, if things go on like this, probably not for two weeks).

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youvebeenlivingfictional · 4 months

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Josh Lyman coming home late from the office

Finding you asleep in bed

Moving around as quietly as possible to keep from waking you up

Finally laying down beside you and feeling the tension of that day begin to drop away

And then you rest your hand on his chest and sleepily murmur, "Hey, stranger."

Josh shifts closer and tugs you in, apologizes for waking you up

You just shush him and make him promise to save how his day was for tomorrow morning

He promises, kisses your forehead, and the two of you blissfully drift off to sleep

#.....please #Josh Lyman x Reader #Josh Lyman x You #Josh Lyman/Reader #Josh Lyman/You #Josh Lyman imagine

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teamhappyme · 4 months

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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

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doctorstethoscope · 2 years

Text

doctorstethoscope's 2k celebration 💞

hiiii besties, thank you all again for 2k! It means so much to have y'all here with me. This is just a little something fun for me to say thanks to all of you and for you to hopefully get to know me better <3

This celebration will be open from 8/16-8/20, but you can start sending in asks any time! It will help me to queue content so I can hopefully get to all of these before the celebration is over.

for anyone:

🌈: send me a prompt from this or this or this list and I will write a drabble!

🖋: send me an ask from this or this list!

🎧: send me a song and I will listen and tell you what character it reminds me of!

for mutuals:

💛: cast your mutuals as...

🌝: send me a fic and I'll review it! (less than 3k words pls)

💝: send me any of the prompts from the above lists and I will write a one-shot!

some notes: I will be writing these for whichever characters I am most inspired for when I read the prompt--- plenty will be Hotch-related, I'm sure, but there will be some others in the mix too! (and I'll tag appropriately here). Also, I reserve the right to cut off one shot requests if it gets to be too much (I know my lovely moots will understand but wanted to make it clear for full disclosure)

#celebration #doctorstethoscopes 2k celebration #aaron hotchner #aaron hotchner x reader fic #aaron hotchner x reader #hotch x reader #hotch x you #hotch x y/n #aaron hotchner x y/n #blake moran #blake moran x reader #madam secretary #blake x stevie #stevie x blake #josh lyman #donna moss #josh x donna #donna x josh

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twwpress · 9 months

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Weekly Press Briefing #56: July 16th - July 22nd

Sorry for the technical difficulties: tumblr's new post editor hates us apparently, but we love you and we are glad to be baaaaack! 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 July 16 - July 22, 2023! Did we miss something? Let us know; you can find our contact info at the bottom of this briefing!

Challenges/Prompts:

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

Photos/Videos:

Here’s what was posted from July 16 - July 22.

Allison Janney posted graphics and photos of herself in SAG-AFTRA gear and on the picket line in support of the SAG-AFTRA strike: 1 | 2 | 3

Amy Landecker posted photos of herself with Brad and his daughter on the SAG-AFTRA picket lines.

Bradley Whitford posted a photo of himself with his daughter and his wife Amy on the SAG-AFTRA picket lines.

Dule Hill posted a photo of himself and his wife Jazmyn out with other actors on the SAG-AFTRA picket lines.

Janel Moloney posted photos from her vacation in Brazil, including a selfie and photos of the Caiman Ecological Refuge.

Josh Malina posted a video of himself in support of other SAG-AFTRA strikers from the picket lines.

Marlee Matlin posted a video of herself at a Chicago Cubs game calling for the use of captions at Wrigley Field.

Marlee Matlin posted photos of herself and her son Tyler in celebration of his 21st birthday (and also a photo of how Gen Z celebrates).

Mary McCormack posted a photo of herself with Beth Ostrosky Stern, her Private Parts co-star Howard Stern’s wife.

Peter James Smith posted a photo of a residual check for $0.00 that he received in 2015 in support of the SAG-AFTRA strike.

Richard Schiff posted photos of himself and his wife at a restaurant in Italy.

Rob Lowe posted a throwback photo from the 80s of himself with George Michael and Demi Moore.

Rob Lowe posted a photo of his wife in celebration of their anniversary.

Edits/Artwork:

TWW x #Barbie [Josh x Donna] by @kennyharperz [PHOTO EDIT] #joshdonna: i just want to see you shine by @anidalakins [VIDEO EDIT] #joshdonna: come on baby come on over, let me be the one to show you by @iheldontoyou (twitter) / @sweetsouldhavernas (tumblr) [EDIT GIF SET]

Miscellaneous:

Happy birthday to Twitter user @schwifts!

Editors’ Choice:

Dear Readers, This week’s theme is epistolary fiction, or stories that are told in the form of letters, notes, messages, emails, or other written communication. We’ve also included some fics that are centered around correspondence, even if they are not only in letter form. If you want more, you can find stories we weren’t able to include this time under the Epistolary and Letters tags on AO3!

24 Post-Its by isquinnabel for miss_slipslop | Rated G | Ainsley Hayes/Sam Seaborn | Complete | The last of Ainsley's cookie stash mysteriously vanishes.

dear donna by swancharmings | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete | Josh tries to find the words.

The Inscription by sempreinsieme | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete | Donnatella, As you may have noticed, this is not a pair of skis. A peek inside the front cover of The Art and Artistry of Alpine Skiing.

With or Without You by kiss_me_cassie | Rated M | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete | Sleight of hand and twist of fate; On a bed of nails she makes me wait [Ed. Note: This is a story told in emails]

People Underestimate the Value of a Good Deputy by raedbarde | Rated T | Sam Seaborn/Toby Ziegler | Complete | An unsent letter from the Seaborn files: being Toby Ziegler's deputy has its own rewards

An Open Letter to the Man Who Loves Him Next From the Man Who Loved Him First by Lily_Padd_23 | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Sam Seaborn | Complete | Josh writes a letter. Just in case.

for you i would ruin myself a million little times by crossingdelancey | Rated M | C. J. Cregg/Toby Ziegler | Complete | She’s in love with him, and he knows that well. He knows this from across the country, and when she kisses Danny Concannon, she’s kissing Toby Ziegler. They write letters, because emails are too easy. Too impersonal, and too traceable. She’s always been a writer. Not in the way Toby writes; eloquent and neat, but in scribbles and post-it notes and reminders to pick up oat milk. Danny hangs over her when she’s writing emails, but when she’s pressed into the side of the couch scribbling with a biro, he leaves it alone. —— the letters across the country, and the moments in between

Please hold for a reblog with this week's fics coming in the next minute or two - it seems we have run up against the maximum length for a tumblr post and tumblr is no longer letting us post the newsletter in full in one post! We know it's a bit of a hassle, and we apologize. If you happen to be a tumblr wizards and know of ways we can troubleshoot us, please send us a message! Thank you! This week's fics incoming:

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