Title: Control Issues Author: Penemuel Posted: it is now... Archive: Sure, just let me know where if other than list archive Part: 7/? Pairing: Josh Lyman/Sam Seaborn; references to John Hoynes/Josh Lyman Rating: NC-17 Warnings: References to consensual BDSM Notes: None, really, this time. Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, I'm just playing with them for a while and will give them back when done. They might be a little sticky, though. Control Issues by Penemuel Part 7 By the time Senior Staff was over the next morning, I already had a plan. The first stop was to talk to Leo... I hovered around Margaret's desk, waiting for Leo to finish whatever briefing he had stayed in the Oval office for; going over the plan again to make certain I hadn't forgotten anything. I just needed to make sure Donna would help without mentioning it to Josh... "Sam, I'm not sure how long he's going to be -- do you want me to call you when he's done?" Margaret asked. I'm sure I gave her a totally blank look, because the expression on her face was at first concerned and then rather amused. "Sam?" "What? Oh -- no, thanks; I'll wait..." I smiled, but I'm not entirely sure it was a reassuring smile, because she cocked her head and studied me, and I think she was considering calling someone to 'assist' me back to my own office... Thankfully, at that moment Leo opened his door and saw me standing there. "Sorry, Sam," he said quietly, studying my expression. I could see concern lighting his eyes now, hear it in his voice as he asked, "You need to see me?" "Yeah." "Come on in. Margaret, don't let anyone bug us, okay?" And then he disappeared back into his office expecting me to follow; which, of course, I did. Once I was in his office, he quietly added, "Close the door, Sam, and whatever it is, breathe before you pass out, okay?" I let out a nervous chuckle and his brow furrowed, then he stepped back out from behind his desk and moved to my side. "Sam? Jeez, come on, sit on the couch..." He eased me over to the couch, and all I could think was, did I really look that bad? "You need a glass of water?" I shook my head, and Leo sat down near me, still studying my face. "Tell me what's wrong, Sam -- is it Josh? You two haven't had a fight, have you?" "No," I answered, suddenly snapping back to myself. I wasn't sure what had happened, and it made me a little nervous, but there was time to deal with that later. "No -- we didn't really have a fight, but it is Josh... I need your help with something, but it's very delicate..." "Tell me, Sam," Leo coaxed, his voice gentle and soothing. He always seemed to know how to get through to people -- it was what made him so good at his job, and so good a person. I swallowed hard and nodded, then said, "Josh was with John Hoynes a couple of nights ago. Hoynes was waiting for him when the budget meeting let out; took him back to his place, then seduced him." As I watched, Leo's expression shifted from concern to disappointment, and then into something that was almost anger... "Sam, this isn't something I should be getting in the middle of -- it sounds to me like it's between you and Josh." "If that were all, I'd agree with you," I answered softly. "What else happened, then?" Leo asked just as softly. I realized, suddenly, that if what I'd suspected were true, I was putting him in one hell of a difficult spot. But, Hoynes had to learn that he couldn't get away with abusing other men's lovers! "Hoynes whipped him black and blue..." Immediately Leo's expression hardened, and he whispered to himself, "Damn it, John!" He shook his head and asked, "Is Josh okay?" "He's worried that he ruined things with us; he's upset with himself... He said he loses it with Hoynes, and that's what I'm really scared about -- he doesn't realize that he's in danger." "Now hold on, Sam, you really think John's a danger to him?" Leo asked, his tone indicating that he thought I was exaggerating. "I'm not imagining it, Leo -- I don't know what it is, but there's something dangerous about Hoynes' relationship with him. Josh isn't-- isn't aware of -- He doesn't know when he's in too deep. He doesn't understand when things are going too far..." "And you think they went too far this time..." "Leo, he was stalking Josh. He was waiting where Josh jogs during lunch; he took him out to dinner, and then he was waiting for him when the meeting let out. That's not normal -- that's what obsessed people do..." "Sam..." "Leo, I don't know all the details -- I was pretty busy working on speeches at the time, but I know there was a blow-up during the campaign. I know when Hoynes joined us that he thought he could just take Josh, and that Josh told him off... I don't know if this is some kind of payback or what, but I *do* know that Josh is at risk..." "I'll talk to him," Leo said, with finality. He'd talk to him -- that was it. I was supposed to just drop the matter and leave it there? He must have seen the doubt in my eyes, because he added, "I don't want to hear that you went to talk to him, Sam -- I don't want this to be like when you and Josh went to talk to that girl after I told you not to, do you understand?" What could I say? I couldn't promise I'd stay away from Hoynes, because I was still going to follow the rest of my plan... I nodded, but kept silent. "Okay, good. Look, I've got things I have to do, and I don't want this going on at work -- I'm going to talk to him *after* work today," he said. I nodded, and he continued, "You go back to your office and deal with whatever you need to deal with, and take good care of Josh when you go home tonight." "Leo, thank you for this -- I'm sorry I'm putting you in this position..." He looked at me for a long moment, and I think he was trying to figure out what I knew. Then he said, "Nah -- if you're genuinely worried about Josh and he's not recognizing he's at risk, I should talk to John." Then he paused and studied me again, and asked, "Are *you* okay, Sam?" "Me? Yeah, I'm... I'm okay. I guess I'm a little pissed off, but I'm more worried..." "Do you want to talk to someone about things?" Again the almost fatherly concern -- I wondered briefly if I should, but I just couldn't... "No, I'm fine, really." "You two need a nice vacation together," he said decisively. "You should think about going somewhere this winter." I smiled, and he grinned in return, then said, "You've already been thinking about it -- good. Let me know when you two need some time off, and I'll make sure you get it." "Thanks, Leo..." "Yeah, now get outta here and let me deal with the rest of the messes..." The first stop done, I went back to my office and worked on things for a while, until I heard Donna telling Josh she was going to take a break. I hurried after her and caught up with her in the hallway. "Hey, Donna..." "Sam -- did Josh send you after me? I told him I'm taking a break for a few minutes--" "No, he didn't. I just needed to talk to you -- I need your help with something, but *only* if you can promise you won't tell anyone..." "Something serious -- about Josh?" she asked, looking at me and studying my expression. "It is..." "Yeah, it's about Josh. And it is serious -- I need you to give me your word that you will NOT mention this to anyone..." "Wow..." she whispered, her eyes going round. Then she nodded and said, "You've got my word, Sam -- I won't mention this to anyone, not even Josh." "Good -- *especially* not Josh. Can we go back to my office to talk?" She nodded, and we turned around and returned to my office, luckily avoiding running into Josh on the way there. If we had run into him, I had an excuse prepared -- discussing what to get him for the holidays -- I was just glad I didn't have to use it... Once we were in my office, I shut the door and closed the blinds while Donna sat in one of the spare chairs. Then I sat in the chair next to hers and took a deep breath. "Donna, you know about the little blow-up yesterday -- do you know what happened that caused it?" "I know the Vice President's involved, but I'm not sure how. Are you and Josh okay now?" she asked softly. I studied her expression, glad that I could tell she was okay with Josh and I being a couple. "Yeah, we're okay, but I'm worried about what happened... Look, I'm not sure how much you know about Josh's personal life -- did you know he used to be involved with the Vice President before he joined the Bartlet campaign?" She nodded, and I could see a glint of displeasure in her eyes -- she knew about them, and the relationship didn't sit well with her, either. "Yes, I knew about that. He never told me, but there were signs of it -- and anyone who was close to Josh knew about the confrontation..." "Hoynes thought he could just walk in and have Josh back whenever he wanted..." "And Josh told him off. He thinks no one really knows about that," she said quietly. "So, is that what happened? The Vice President thought he could just take him back now?" "I'm not sure exactly -- but he did seduce Josh. That's not the problem, though. I can handle that part of it myself," I said, wanting to make sure she knew that Josh and I were still together and that what I needed her help with was something even more serious than that. "Did he hurt Josh?" she asked, anger sharpening her voice. "Is that why he spent the entire day on his feet? What did he *do* to Josh?! Are you going to hurt him? Can I help?" Ah yes, Kipling had it right... "No, I'm not going to hurt him, but I am going to tell him to keep his hands off Josh -- and yes, you can help," I answered, very glad that she was on my side. "I'm going to confront him, and I don't trust him not to try something. So, I need someone I can trust completely for back-up." She nodded, and said, "I'm your woman then -- just tell me what to do, and I'll do it." --==**==-- I waited in the outer office while Janeane told Hoynes I was waiting to see him. I could hear him saying something, his voice lowered enough that I couldn't tell what he said. A few moments later, she returned and smiled at me sweetly. I wondered if she knew what a bastard her boss could be... "You can go in, Mr. Seaborn," she told me, nodding as I thanked her and walked into his office, pulling the door closed behind me. When I walked in, he was sitting at his desk, leaning back in his chair looking as relaxed as could be. He smiled up at me, and something in that smile sent a shiver down my back. "'Afternoon, Sam, how can I help you?" he asked, his tone sounding just a touch too innocent. "Mr. Vice President," I began -- last thing I needed was for him to say I was disrespectful from the start; "first, let me say that this has nothing to do with work." His only response was a measured nod -- he knew why I was here. "I came here to tell you to stay away from Josh." He continued smiling and asked, "Sam, why don't you have a seat?" with a gesture towards one of the chairs in front of his desk. I remained standing, and at that point his smile faded slightly. "Don't you think that request should come from Josh?" he asked quietly, his tone holding just the slightest bit of threat. "Not in this specific case," I answered, watching his expression and his body language carefully. "And why is that?" he asked, still calm; still quiet. "Josh is an adult, he can make his own decisions." "With all due respect, *Sir*, you whipped him so hard it bruised, but he can't see how bad it looks." "So because he can't see how bad it is, he has no idea when to say when? He still has nerves, Sam; don't you think he would have stopped me if he *felt* things were going too far?" "No, I'm not so sure he would have," I responded, and then I made the same mistake I always make -- I don't know when to keep my damned mouth shut... "Besides, I'm not so sure that someone who sat outside waiting for him to get out of the meeting would have *listened* when Josh said stop..." Even as the words were leaving my mouth I knew I shouldn't have said it. The smile remained on his face, but his eyes narrowed and he sat up straight. "I don't have to defend myself to you, Sam," he said evenly, but the threat in his tone was no longer veiled. "If Josh wants to be with me, that's *his* decision. If he wants to let me whip him, that's also *his* decision -- if you can't keep him--" Before he could say it, I stepped up to his desk and placed my hands on the hard wood; cutting him off, "You hurt him badly enough that his assistant says he stood up all day. You're an adult, too, *Sir* -- as the dom you've got a *responsibility* to pay attention to the condition of your partner and make sure things don't go too far!" I've *really* got to stop doing that... He was on his feet, glowering down at me. One very strong hand fastened on my right wrist and suddenly I was standing right in front of him, my mouth gone dry and my heart pounding its way out of my chest. "Don't you *dare* tell me what my responsibilities are, Sam; ever," he warned as he loomed over me, his voice still sounding calm and all the more scary for it. Involuntarily, I tried to take a step back, and he held me immobile. He was a lot stronger than I'd given him credit for... Fighting down the irrational fear that gripped me, I said, "I should warn you, I've asked Josh's assistant Donna Moss to act as a silent alarm, just in case something happens. After what you did to Josh, she's more than willing to call the cops on you." And then he laughed. He laughed! And let me go with a shove, nearly sending me sprawling -- it was the last thing I'd been expecting-- "Oh, Sam -- you don't know a *damned* thing about me," he said, still chuckling slightly. I could see he was still angry, but not furious as he had been a few moments earlier. "First, you are *so* far from my type it's not funny. Silent alarm -- God, do you honestly think I'd be stupid enough to-- Never mind." He shook his head and turned his back on me, walking back to his chair. Once he was seated again, he said, "Don't come back in here telling me how to live my life, Sam. I won't mention this to President Bartlet -- this time. But don't do it again. I'm sorry about Josh, but he said he'd apologize to you..." I know I was staring, but what else could I do? He'd had me totally intimidated -- it had seemed such a good idea to confront him when I was furious the night before, but after talking to Leo and Donna, I'd obviously cooled down enough to start using my brain instead of my adrenal glands once more... At that point, my subconscious, at least, realized that confronting the Vice President and telling him to keep his hands off my man was a pretty dumb thing to do. Too bad it didn't talk to the rest of my brain *before* I made an ass of myself... I couldn't even think of anything to answer him with -- I just nodded, then fled his office. The President's speech-writer, totally at a loss for words. Again. God -- I hoped Leo had better luck than I did, and that tomorrow he didn't skin me alive for disobeying him... --==**==-- "You're back," Donna said, glancing at her watch to double-check the time; "And 45 minutes early..." She almost seemed disappointed that I hadn't been detained -- or worse. And then she looked at me and did that mind-reading thing that unnerves Josh so much -- I could see why! "Oh. No, Sam, I'm glad *you're* okay, I just wanted to call the cops and have him arrested..." She smiled, and asked, "Can I call them anyway?" "No, Donna, that would be a bad idea -- as much as you and I may want to, at this point it wouldn't hurt him, anyway." She was pouting, now; something that was also very effective. I felt a sudden need to explain it to her, although it's quite possible I needed to hear the reasons aloud myself, just to convince myself not to make an even bigger mistake... "First, we wouldn't be able to prove any wrongdoing -- Josh would have to be the one to press charges at this point, and we both know he won't. Second, it'll only hurt Hoynes a little, but it would really hurt the President, and that's the last thing we want to come of this! And third, it would hurt Josh..." "Well, *that's* the last thing *I* want to do," she said quietly, "I mean, I wouldn't want to hurt the President, either, but Josh is the one I'm worried about..." "I know, believe me..." "But I still want him to keep his hands off Josh..." she protested, lowering her voice even more as she saw Josh enter the office and stare at the two of us. "Uh oh." I looked up at Josh and smiled, then turned back to her and quietly said, "There's still Leo -- he said he was going to talk to him tonight. And then he'll kill me tomorrow for going to see Hoynes anyway." And then I spoke normally, "So, you'll give me that list of suggestions for what to get him for the holidays, right?" "Of course," Donna said, nodding as Josh neared us. "Of course what?" Josh asked, "What are the two of you up to?" "Nothing, Josh," I answered innocently, "Thanks, Donna..." Josh looked at her for a long moment, then turned to follow me, asking "What kind of nothing?" I sighed and answered, "Nothing nothing, Josh," then smiled at him. I continued into my office, aware that he was following me closely. "You're discussing nothing with my assistant?" "Yeah." "Why?" "'Cause the holidays are coming up, Josh." "'Cause the-- what?" He blinked at me blankly for a moment, then a broad grin spread across his face. "Aw, *Sam*..." I smiled at him and reached out to squeeze his hand, then asked, "So, you got things going this afternoon?" "Yeah. A couple of meetings. You?" "Yeah -- got to work on some of these reports, got to write a position paper..." "Sounds like we're both pretty busy -- dinner tonight?" "My place, we'll get something delivered?" I suggested, then when he nodded, "And maybe we can get something nice for dessert..." I leered a little at him and he smiled as he realized what I was suggesting. "Sounds good -- I'm *really* looking forward to dinner then..." He leered back and licked his lips, and suddenly I knew I was blushing. Then he leaned closer and whispered in my ear, "I know where we can get something nice for dessert -- just need some chocolate sauce." With a huge grin, he stepped back and said, "Gotta run to a meeting -- see ya later!" I watched him walk back to his office, wishing we could just take off right now but glad that we seemed to be okay -- at least, until Leo ripped me into shreds tomorrow... --==**==-- To be continued...