Title: The Loyal Opposition
Fandom: Generation Kill/The West Wing
Pairing: Brad/Nate, Sam/Ainsley
Categories: Crossover, Future, Post-canon, Politics
Length: Medium (3,589 words)
Warnings: None

Author on LJ: alethialia
Author Website: N/A

Summary:
"Brad Colbert, Christ-Killer."

"Ainsley Seaborn, Blond Republican Sex Kitten."

Review:
Anytime American politics take center stage with coverage of debates, conventions, and elections running rampant across the news media, there’s a nostalgic part of me that absolutely craves The West Wing. I came across this fic at the perfect time. It’s a future fic crossover between The West Wing and Generation Kill with both Sam and Nate running for the Democratic ticket. While that premise is awesome in itself the fic actually focuses on their spouses, their unapologetically Republican spouses.

The dialogue is sharp, the banter is delicious and the characterizations are spot-on. This story clocks in less than 4,000 words (which is a tragedy because I’d read 40,000 words of it) and while it may feel short in length it’s not short in scope or storytelling. There are tons of little details I could mention that made me smile and enjoy the fic all the more, but really, the entire piece was terrific from beginning to end.

The Loyal Opposition

Title: The Loyal Opposition
Fandom: Generation Kill/The West Wing
Pairing: Brad/Nate, Sam/Ainsley
Categories: Crossover, Future, Post-canon, Politics
Length: Medium (3,589 words)
Warnings: None

Author on LJ: alethialia
Author Website: N/A

Summary:
"Brad Colbert, Christ-Killer."

"Ainsley Seaborn, Blond Republican Sex Kitten."

Review:
Anytime American politics take center stage with coverage of debates, conventions, and elections running rampant across the news media, there’s a nostalgic part of me that absolutely craves The West Wing. I came across this fic at the perfect time. It’s a future fic crossover between The West Wing and Generation Kill with both Sam and Nate running for the Democratic ticket. While that premise is awesome in itself the fic actually focuses on their spouses, their unapologetically Republican spouses.

The dialogue is sharp, the banter is delicious and the characterizations are spot-on. This story clocks in less than 4,000 words (which is a tragedy because I’d read 40,000 words of it) and while it may feel short in length it’s not short in scope or storytelling. There are tons of little details I could mention that made me smile and enjoy the fic all the more, but really, the entire piece was terrific from beginning to end.

The Loyal Opposition

Title: The Loyal Opposition
Fandom: Generation Kill/The West Wing
Pairing: Brad/Nate, Sam/Ainsley
Categories: Crossover, Future, Post-canon, Politics
Length: Medium (3,589 words)
Warnings: None

Author on LJ: alethialia
Author Website: N/A

Summary:
"Brad Colbert, Christ-Killer."

"Ainsley Seaborn, Blond Republican Sex Kitten."

Review:
Anytime American politics take center stage with coverage of debates, conventions, and elections running rampant across the news media, there’s a nostalgic part of me that absolutely craves The West Wing. I came across this fic at the perfect time. It’s a future fic crossover between The West Wing and Generation Kill with both Sam and Nate running for the Democratic ticket. While that premise is awesome in itself the fic actually focuses on their spouses, their unapologetically Republican spouses.

The dialogue is sharp, the banter is delicious and the characterizations are spot-on. This story clocks in less than 4,000 words (which is a tragedy because I’d read 40,000 words of it) and while it may feel short in length it’s not short in scope or storytelling. There are tons of little details I could mention that made me smile and enjoy the fic all the more, but really, the entire piece was terrific from beginning to end.

The Loyal Opposition

Title: The Loyal Opposition
Fandom: Generation Kill/The West Wing
Pairing: Brad/Nate, Sam/Ainsley
Categories: Crossover, Future, Post-canon, Politics
Length: Medium (3,589 words)
Warnings: None

Author on LJ: alethialia
Author Website: N/A

Summary:
"Brad Colbert, Christ-Killer."

"Ainsley Seaborn, Blond Republican Sex Kitten."

Review:
Anytime American politics take center stage with coverage of debates, conventions, and elections running rampant across the news media, there’s a nostalgic part of me that absolutely craves The West Wing. I came across this fic at the perfect time. It’s a future fic crossover between The West Wing and Generation Kill with both Sam and Nate running for the Democratic ticket. While that premise is awesome in itself the fic actually focuses on their spouses, their unapologetically Republican spouses.

The dialogue is sharp, the banter is delicious and the characterizations are spot-on. This story clocks in less than 4,000 words (which is a tragedy because I’d read 40,000 words of it) and while it may feel short in length it’s not short in scope or storytelling. There are tons of little details I could mention that made me smile and enjoy the fic all the more, but really, the entire piece was terrific from beginning to end.

The Loyal Opposition

Title: The Rarest Faith
Fandom: West Wing
Pairing: Josh/Amy, Josh/Donna, Sam/OFC, Toby/CJ
Categories: Post-canon, AU, Drama
Length: Epic (92,853 words)
Warnings: Female genital mutilation (mentioned as part of a cultural practice and perpetrated on a supporting character)

Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: Website appears to be defunct so here is author’s profile at FFN as it’s the only active place I can find their works.

Summary:
A series of post-administration stories depicting the years 2006-2011.

Review:
West Wing was one of my first fandoms back in the day and I'm reaching back into the vault for this one. I spent many hours devouring marvelous, well written, and intelligent fic produced by the writers in the fandom. This fic is at the top of my list as it is all three of those things and more.

This story covers a post canon over the course of several years after the end of the administration. Life goes on, but the characters are still tied together, those bonds they forged keeping them intertwined. The relationships, as they grow and change, are realistic and in character. The political storyline is multi layered and meaty. Extra props to the author for a strong, good Amy characterization that doesn't vilify Amy. The author also has a deft touch with both the Josh/Amy and Josh/Donna relationships, treating both well.

It's a rare fic that moves me to tears or makes me sit back, heart pounding, and thinking wow at the end, but this story does. Every single time.

Please note the warning but understand that while a part of the story it is not graphic or gratuitous (incident is relayed as part of a news story). The part containing the incident is labelled at the beginning of the chapter. If sensitive, you can skim over that part of the chapter, or skip the chapter all together.

The Rarest Faith I: Spirits of Great Events
The Rarest Faith II: A Mighty Thing
The Rarest Faith III: Healthy Irreverence
The Rarest Faith IV: The Surest Wisdom
The Rarest Faith V: Beginning to Believe
The Rarest Faith VI: The Triumph of Principles

Title: The Rarest Faith
Fandom: West Wing
Pairing: Josh/Amy, Josh/Donna, Sam/OFC, Toby/CJ
Categories: Post-canon, AU, Drama
Length: Epic (92,853 words)
Warnings: Female genital mutilation (mentioned as part of a cultural practice and perpetrated on a supporting character)

Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: Website appears to be defunct so here is author’s profile at FFN as it’s the only active place I can find their works.

Summary:
A series of post-administration stories depicting the years 2006-2011.

Review:
West Wing was one of my first fandoms back in the day and I'm reaching back into the vault for this one. I spent many hours devouring marvelous, well written, and intelligent fic produced by the writers in the fandom. This fic is at the top of my list as it is all three of those things and more.

This story covers a post canon over the course of several years after the end of the administration. Life goes on, but the characters are still tied together, those bonds they forged keeping them intertwined. The relationships, as they grow and change, are realistic and in character. The political storyline is multi layered and meaty. Extra props to the author for a strong, good Amy characterization that doesn't vilify Amy. The author also has a deft touch with both the Josh/Amy and Josh/Donna relationships, treating both well.

It's a rare fic that moves me to tears or makes me sit back, heart pounding, and thinking wow at the end, but this story does. Every single time.

Please note the warning but understand that while a part of the story it is not graphic or gratuitous (incident is relayed as part of a news story). The part containing the incident is labelled at the beginning of the chapter. If sensitive, you can skim over that part of the chapter, or skip the chapter all together.

The Rarest Faith I: Spirits of Great Events
The Rarest Faith II: A Mighty Thing
The Rarest Faith III: Healthy Irreverence
The Rarest Faith IV: The Surest Wisdom
The Rarest Faith V: Beginning to Believe
The Rarest Faith VI: The Triumph of Principles

Title: The Rarest Faith
Fandom: West Wing
Pairing: Josh/Amy, Josh/Donna, Sam/OFC, Toby/CJ
Categories: Post-canon, AU, Drama
Length: Epic (92,853 words)
Warnings: Female genital mutilation (mentioned as part of a cultural practice and perpetrated on a supporting character)

Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: Website appears to be defunct so here is author’s profile at FFN as it’s the only active place I can find their works.

Summary:
A series of post-administration stories depicting the years 2006-2011.

Review:
West Wing was one of my first fandoms back in the day and I'm reaching back into the vault for this one. I spent many hours devouring marvelous, well written, and intelligent fic produced by the writers in the fandom. This fic is at the top of my list as it is all three of those things and more.

This story covers a post canon over the course of several years after the end of the administration. Life goes on, but the characters are still tied together, those bonds they forged keeping them intertwined. The relationships, as they grow and change, are realistic and in character. The political storyline is multi layered and meaty. Extra props to the author for a strong, good Amy characterization that doesn't vilify Amy. The author also has a deft touch with both the Josh/Amy and Josh/Donna relationships, treating both well.

It's a rare fic that moves me to tears or makes me sit back, heart pounding, and thinking wow at the end, but this story does. Every single time.

Please note the warning but understand that while a part of the story it is not graphic or gratuitous (incident is relayed as part of a news story). The part containing the incident is labelled at the beginning of the chapter. If sensitive, you can skim over that part of the chapter, or skip the chapter all together.

The Rarest Faith I: Spirits of Great Events
The Rarest Faith II: A Mighty Thing
The Rarest Faith III: Healthy Irreverence
The Rarest Faith IV: The Surest Wisdom
The Rarest Faith V: Beginning to Believe
The Rarest Faith VI: The Triumph of Principles

Title: The Rarest Faith
Fandom: West Wing
Pairing: Josh/Amy, Josh/Donna, Sam/OFC, Toby/CJ
Categories: Post-canon, AU, Drama
Length: Epic (92,853 words)
Warnings: Female genital mutilation (mentioned as part of a cultural practice and perpetrated on a supporting character)

Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: Website appears to be defunct so here is author’s profile at FFN as it’s the only active place I can find their works.

Summary:
A series of post-administration stories depicting the years 2006-2011.

Review:
West Wing was one of my first fandoms back in the day and I'm reaching back into the vault for this one. I spent many hours devouring marvelous, well written, and intelligent fic produced by the writers in the fandom. This fic is at the top of my list as it is all three of those things and more.

This story covers a post canon over the course of several years after the end of the administration. Life goes on, but the characters are still tied together, those bonds they forged keeping them intertwined. The relationships, as they grow and change, are realistic and in character. The political storyline is multi layered and meaty. Extra props to the author for a strong, good Amy characterization that doesn't vilify Amy. The author also has a deft touch with both the Josh/Amy and Josh/Donna relationships, treating both well.

It's a rare fic that moves me to tears or makes me sit back, heart pounding, and thinking wow at the end, but this story does. Every single time.

Please note the warning but understand that while a part of the story it is not graphic or gratuitous (incident is relayed as part of a news story). The part containing the incident is labelled at the beginning of the chapter. If sensitive, you can skim over that part of the chapter, or skip the chapter all together.

The Rarest Faith I: Spirits of Great Events
The Rarest Faith II: A Mighty Thing
The Rarest Faith III: Healthy Irreverence
The Rarest Faith IV: The Surest Wisdom
The Rarest Faith V: Beginning to Believe
The Rarest Faith VI: The Triumph of Principles

Title: The Rarest Faith
Fandom: West Wing
Pairing: Josh/Amy, Josh/Donna, Sam/OFC, Toby/CJ
Categories: Post-canon, AU, Drama
Length: Epic (92,853 words)
Warnings: Female genital mutilation (mentioned as part of a cultural practice and perpetrated on a supporting character)

Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: Website appears to be defunct so here is author’s profile at FFN as it’s the only active place I can find their works.

Summary:
A series of post-administration stories depicting the years 2006-2011.

Review:
West Wing was one of my first fandoms back in the day and I'm reaching back into the vault for this one. I spent many hours devouring marvelous, well written, and intelligent fic produced by the writers in the fandom. This fic is at the top of my list as it is all three of those things and more.

This story covers a post canon over the course of several years after the end of the administration. Life goes on, but the characters are still tied together, those bonds they forged keeping them intertwined. The relationships, as they grow and change, are realistic and in character. The political storyline is multi layered and meaty. Extra props to the author for a strong, good Amy characterization that doesn't vilify Amy. The author also has a deft touch with both the Josh/Amy and Josh/Donna relationships, treating both well.

It's a rare fic that moves me to tears or makes me sit back, heart pounding, and thinking wow at the end, but this story does. Every single time.

Please note the warning but understand that while a part of the story it is not graphic or gratuitous (incident is relayed as part of a news story). The part containing the incident is labelled at the beginning of the chapter. If sensitive, you can skim over that part of the chapter, or skip the chapter all together.

The Rarest Faith I: Spirits of Great Events
The Rarest Faith II: A Mighty Thing
The Rarest Faith III: Healthy Irreverence
The Rarest Faith IV: The Surest Wisdom
The Rarest Faith V: Beginning to Believe
The Rarest Faith VI: The Triumph of Principles

Title: The Rarest Faith
Fandom: West Wing
Pairing: Josh/Amy, Josh/Donna, Sam/OFC, Toby/CJ
Categories: Post-canon, AU, Drama
Length: Epic (92,853 words)
Warnings: Female genital mutilation (mentioned as part of a cultural practice and perpetrated on a supporting character)

Author on LJ: N/A
Author Website: Website appears to be defunct so here is author’s profile at FFN as it’s the only active place I can find their works.

Summary:
A series of post-administration stories depicting the years 2006-2011.

Review:
West Wing was one of my first fandoms back in the day and I'm reaching back into the vault for this one. I spent many hours devouring marvelous, well written, and intelligent fic produced by the writers in the fandom. This fic is at the top of my list as it is all three of those things and more.

This story covers a post canon over the course of several years after the end of the administration. Life goes on, but the characters are still tied together, those bonds they forged keeping them intertwined. The relationships, as they grow and change, are realistic and in character. The political storyline is multi layered and meaty. Extra props to the author for a strong, good Amy characterization that doesn't vilify Amy. The author also has a deft touch with both the Josh/Amy and Josh/Donna relationships, treating both well.

It's a rare fic that moves me to tears or makes me sit back, heart pounding, and thinking wow at the end, but this story does. Every single time.

Please note the warning but understand that while a part of the story it is not graphic or gratuitous (incident is relayed as part of a news story). The part containing the incident is labelled at the beginning of the chapter. If sensitive, you can skim over that part of the chapter, or skip the chapter all together.

The Rarest Faith I: Spirits of Great Events
The Rarest Faith II: A Mighty Thing
The Rarest Faith III: Healthy Irreverence
The Rarest Faith IV: The Surest Wisdom
The Rarest Faith V: Beginning to Believe
The Rarest Faith VI: The Triumph of Principles

Title: You and Me in a Rowboat to Rio by Punk and Sabine
Fandom: The West Wing
Pairing: Josh/Sam
Categories: Romance
Length: Medium (4426 words)
Warning: None
Rating: PG


Authors on LJ: Unknown
Website: Punk and Sab Fiction


Summary: You can never go home again, but sometimes you can go to Florida.

Review: Ten years ago, in Florida, Josh missed his chance with Sam, and he's always regretted it. Now Sam's fallen heir to a timeshare at a Florida resort, and he's somehow persuaded to take Josh along with him. When they arrive at their accommodation, however, it's to discover that there is only one bed, and Josh is going to have to sleep on the flimsy wicker couch. Naturally this doesn't improve Josh's temper, and nor does Sam's odd ambition of sleeping with a stupid girl - an aim, in fact, which he does very little to pursue.

Instead, it's Josh who ends up meeting somebody; he's on the verge of going home with a kid called Parker when Sam arrives and catches them together, and after that everything - quite unsurprisingly - starts to change.

This is a story that's been around a while - since 2001, in fact - and it's still one of my two or three all-time favourites in the Josh/Sam genre. It has a beautiful sense of place, and the characters of the boys ring very true; so do those of the non-speaking 'extras' who roll through the background - especially Donna, who has no direct speech but is very much a presence in the story.

There is nothing complicated or angsty here; this is a story about sweetness and second chances, making up for lost time and the power of friendship, and above everything else it's a story about the very great importance of never losing hope. That's probably why I keep going back and reading it; because doing so is always like opening up a fresh box of optimism. I can thoroughly recommend it for that reason alone.

Link: You and Me in a Rowboat to Rio (original version) and also on A03 at this page

Title: You and Me in a Rowboat to Rio by Punk and Sabine
Fandom: The West Wing
Pairing: Josh/Sam
Categories: Romance
Length: Medium (4426 words)
Warning: None
Rating: PG


Authors on LJ: Unknown
Website: Punk and Sab Fiction


Summary: You can never go home again, but sometimes you can go to Florida.

Review: Ten years ago, in Florida, Josh missed his chance with Sam, and he's always regretted it. Now Sam's fallen heir to a timeshare at a Florida resort, and he's somehow persuaded to take Josh along with him. When they arrive at their accommodation, however, it's to discover that there is only one bed, and Josh is going to have to sleep on the flimsy wicker couch. Naturally this doesn't improve Josh's temper, and nor does Sam's odd ambition of sleeping with a stupid girl - an aim, in fact, which he does very little to pursue.

Instead, it's Josh who ends up meeting somebody; he's on the verge of going home with a kid called Parker when Sam arrives and catches them together, and after that everything - quite unsurprisingly - starts to change.

This is a story that's been around a while - since 2001, in fact - and it's still one of my two or three all-time favourites in the Josh/Sam genre. It has a beautiful sense of place, and the characters of the boys ring very true; so do those of the non-speaking 'extras' who roll through the background - especially Donna, who has no direct speech but is very much a presence in the story.

There is nothing complicated or angsty here; this is a story about sweetness and second chances, making up for lost time and the power of friendship, and above everything else it's a story about the very great importance of never losing hope. That's probably why I keep going back and reading it; because doing so is always like opening up a fresh box of optimism. I can thoroughly recommend it for that reason alone.

Link: You and Me in a Rowboat to Rio (original version) and also on A03 at this page

Title: You and Me in a Rowboat to Rio by Punk and Sabine
Fandom: The West Wing
Pairing: Josh/Sam
Categories: Romance
Length: Medium (4426 words)
Warning: None
Rating: PG


Authors on LJ: Unknown
Website: Punk and Sab Fiction


Summary: You can never go home again, but sometimes you can go to Florida.

Review: Ten years ago, in Florida, Josh missed his chance with Sam, and he's always regretted it. Now Sam's fallen heir to a timeshare at a Florida resort, and he's somehow persuaded to take Josh along with him. When they arrive at their accommodation, however, it's to discover that there is only one bed, and Josh is going to have to sleep on the flimsy wicker couch. Naturally this doesn't improve Josh's temper, and nor does Sam's odd ambition of sleeping with a stupid girl - an aim, in fact, which he does very little to pursue.

Instead, it's Josh who ends up meeting somebody; he's on the verge of going home with a kid called Parker when Sam arrives and catches them together, and after that everything - quite unsurprisingly - starts to change.

This is a story that's been around a while - since 2001, in fact - and it's still one of my two or three all-time favourites in the Josh/Sam genre. It has a beautiful sense of place, and the characters of the boys ring very true; so do those of the non-speaking 'extras' who roll through the background - especially Donna, who has no direct speech but is very much a presence in the story.

There is nothing complicated or angsty here; this is a story about sweetness and second chances, making up for lost time and the power of friendship, and above everything else it's a story about the very great importance of never losing hope. That's probably why I keep going back and reading it; because doing so is always like opening up a fresh box of optimism. I can thoroughly recommend it for that reason alone.

Link: You and Me in a Rowboat to Rio (original version) and also on A03 at this page

Title: You and Me in a Rowboat to Rio by Punk and Sabine
Fandom: The West Wing
Pairing: Josh/Sam
Categories: Romance
Length: Medium (4426 words)
Warning: None
Rating: PG


Authors on LJ: Unknown
Website: Punk and Sab Fiction


Summary: You can never go home again, but sometimes you can go to Florida.

Review: Ten years ago, in Florida, Josh missed his chance with Sam, and he's always regretted it. Now Sam's fallen heir to a timeshare at a Florida resort, and he's somehow persuaded to take Josh along with him. When they arrive at their accommodation, however, it's to discover that there is only one bed, and Josh is going to have to sleep on the flimsy wicker couch. Naturally this doesn't improve Josh's temper, and nor does Sam's odd ambition of sleeping with a stupid girl - an aim, in fact, which he does very little to pursue.

Instead, it's Josh who ends up meeting somebody; he's on the verge of going home with a kid called Parker when Sam arrives and catches them together, and after that everything - quite unsurprisingly - starts to change.

This is a story that's been around a while - since 2001, in fact - and it's still one of my two or three all-time favourites in the Josh/Sam genre. It has a beautiful sense of place, and the characters of the boys ring very true; so do those of the non-speaking 'extras' who roll through the background - especially Donna, who has no direct speech but is very much a presence in the story.

There is nothing complicated or angsty here; this is a story about sweetness and second chances, making up for lost time and the power of friendship, and above everything else it's a story about the very great importance of never losing hope. That's probably why I keep going back and reading it; because doing so is always like opening up a fresh box of optimism. I can thoroughly recommend it for that reason alone.

Link: You and Me in a Rowboat to Rio (original version) and also on A03 at this page

Title: You and Me in a Rowboat to Rio by Punk and Sabine
Fandom: The West Wing
Pairing: Josh/Sam
Categories: Romance
Length: Medium (4426 words)
Warning: None
Rating: PG


Authors on LJ: Unknown
Website: Punk and Sab Fiction


Summary: You can never go home again, but sometimes you can go to Florida.

Review: Ten years ago, in Florida, Josh missed his chance with Sam, and he's always regretted it. Now Sam's fallen heir to a timeshare at a Florida resort, and he's somehow persuaded to take Josh along with him. When they arrive at their accommodation, however, it's to discover that there is only one bed, and Josh is going to have to sleep on the flimsy wicker couch. Naturally this doesn't improve Josh's temper, and nor does Sam's odd ambition of sleeping with a stupid girl - an aim, in fact, which he does very little to pursue.

Instead, it's Josh who ends up meeting somebody; he's on the verge of going home with a kid called Parker when Sam arrives and catches them together, and after that everything - quite unsurprisingly - starts to change.

This is a story that's been around a while - since 2001, in fact - and it's still one of my two or three all-time favourites in the Josh/Sam genre. It has a beautiful sense of place, and the characters of the boys ring very true; so do those of the non-speaking 'extras' who roll through the background - especially Donna, who has no direct speech but is very much a presence in the story.

There is nothing complicated or angsty here; this is a story about sweetness and second chances, making up for lost time and the power of friendship, and above everything else it's a story about the very great importance of never losing hope. That's probably why I keep going back and reading it; because doing so is always like opening up a fresh box of optimism. I can thoroughly recommend it for that reason alone.

Link: You and Me in a Rowboat to Rio (original version) and also on A03 at this page

Title: You and Me in a Rowboat to Rio by Punk and Sabine
Fandom: The West Wing
Pairing: Josh/Sam
Categories: Romance
Length: Medium (4426 words)
Warning: None
Rating: PG


Authors on LJ: Unknown
Website: Punk and Sab Fiction


Summary: You can never go home again, but sometimes you can go to Florida.

Review: Ten years ago, in Florida, Josh missed his chance with Sam, and he's always regretted it. Now Sam's fallen heir to a timeshare at a Florida resort, and he's somehow persuaded to take Josh along with him. When they arrive at their accommodation, however, it's to discover that there is only one bed, and Josh is going to have to sleep on the flimsy wicker couch. Naturally this doesn't improve Josh's temper, and nor does Sam's odd ambition of sleeping with a stupid girl - an aim, in fact, which he does very little to pursue.

Instead, it's Josh who ends up meeting somebody; he's on the verge of going home with a kid called Parker when Sam arrives and catches them together, and after that everything - quite unsurprisingly - starts to change.

This is a story that's been around a while - since 2001, in fact - and it's still one of my two or three all-time favourites in the Josh/Sam genre. It has a beautiful sense of place, and the characters of the boys ring very true; so do those of the non-speaking 'extras' who roll through the background - especially Donna, who has no direct speech but is very much a presence in the story.

There is nothing complicated or angsty here; this is a story about sweetness and second chances, making up for lost time and the power of friendship, and above everything else it's a story about the very great importance of never losing hope. That's probably why I keep going back and reading it; because doing so is always like opening up a fresh box of optimism. I can thoroughly recommend it for that reason alone.

Link: You and Me in a Rowboat to Rio (original version) and also on A03 at this page

Title: Disclosure by Your Cruise Director
Fandom: The West Wing
Pairing: Josh/Matt Santos
Categories: Pre-slash
Length: 1007 words
Warning: None
Rating: PG-13 at most


Author on LJ: Your Cruise Director's Log - Friends Only but with links
Website: Archived at The Big Block of Cheese


Summary: Matt Santos didn't answer Josh Lyman's question about whether he had ever had marital problems.

Review: This particular pairing is as rare as rocking-horse poop, so despite the fact that it is extremely short and doesn't go into a lot of detail this story is an absolute Must See for the fandom.

All that happens is that Josh asks Matt Santos - his guy, his chosen Presidential candidate - whether he has ever been unfaithful to his wife. In canon this was a pivotal moment between them and established their relationship of trust; here, it opens the way to a whole lot more - because Santos's answer is not at all what he has been expecting.

Some stories leave you wanting more, and in a way this one does exactly that; it is only 1,000 words, after all. On the other hand, it is so precisely poised at the tipping-point, with Josh only just beginning to understand that his feelings for Santos may go way beyond their straightforward functional roles of candidate and campaign manager, that adding anything else would spoil it. I like to think of the two of them perpetually balanced at the moment of revelation, with Josh forever wondering exactly what he is getting into; poor Josh, his life will never be the same again.

This is a perfect little gem of a story that all West Wing slash fans - even dyed in the wool Josh/Sam aficionadoes - should go out of their way to experience for themselves. It will well reward your time.



Link: Disclosure

Title: Disclosure by Your Cruise Director
Fandom: The West Wing
Pairing: Josh/Matt Santos
Categories: Pre-slash
Length: 1007 words
Warning: None
Rating: PG-13 at most


Author on LJ: Your Cruise Director's Log - Friends Only but with links
Website: Archived at The Big Block of Cheese


Summary: Matt Santos didn't answer Josh Lyman's question about whether he had ever had marital problems.

Review: This particular pairing is as rare as rocking-horse poop, so despite the fact that it is extremely short and doesn't go into a lot of detail this story is an absolute Must See for the fandom.

All that happens is that Josh asks Matt Santos - his guy, his chosen Presidential candidate - whether he has ever been unfaithful to his wife. In canon this was a pivotal moment between them and established their relationship of trust; here, it opens the way to a whole lot more - because Santos's answer is not at all what he has been expecting.

Some stories leave you wanting more, and in a way this one does exactly that; it is only 1,000 words, after all. On the other hand, it is so precisely poised at the tipping-point, with Josh only just beginning to understand that his feelings for Santos may go way beyond their straightforward functional roles of candidate and campaign manager, that adding anything else would spoil it. I like to think of the two of them perpetually balanced at the moment of revelation, with Josh forever wondering exactly what he is getting into; poor Josh, his life will never be the same again.

This is a perfect little gem of a story that all West Wing slash fans - even dyed in the wool Josh/Sam aficionadoes - should go out of their way to experience for themselves. It will well reward your time.



Link: Disclosure

Title: Disclosure by Your Cruise Director
Fandom: The West Wing
Pairing: Josh/Matt Santos
Categories: Pre-slash
Length: 1007 words
Warning: None
Rating: PG-13 at most


Author on LJ: Your Cruise Director's Log - Friends Only but with links
Website: Archived at The Big Block of Cheese


Summary: Matt Santos didn't answer Josh Lyman's question about whether he had ever had marital problems.

Review: This particular pairing is as rare as rocking-horse poop, so despite the fact that it is extremely short and doesn't go into a lot of detail this story is an absolute Must See for the fandom.

All that happens is that Josh asks Matt Santos - his guy, his chosen Presidential candidate - whether he has ever been unfaithful to his wife. In canon this was a pivotal moment between them and established their relationship of trust; here, it opens the way to a whole lot more - because Santos's answer is not at all what he has been expecting.

Some stories leave you wanting more, and in a way this one does exactly that; it is only 1,000 words, after all. On the other hand, it is so precisely poised at the tipping-point, with Josh only just beginning to understand that his feelings for Santos may go way beyond their straightforward functional roles of candidate and campaign manager, that adding anything else would spoil it. I like to think of the two of them perpetually balanced at the moment of revelation, with Josh forever wondering exactly what he is getting into; poor Josh, his life will never be the same again.

This is a perfect little gem of a story that all West Wing slash fans - even dyed in the wool Josh/Sam aficionadoes - should go out of their way to experience for themselves. It will well reward your time.



Link: Disclosure

Title: Disclosure by Your Cruise Director
Fandom: The West Wing
Pairing: Josh/Matt Santos
Categories: Pre-slash
Length: 1007 words
Warning: None
Rating: PG-13 at most


Author on LJ: Your Cruise Director's Log - Friends Only but with links
Website: Archived at The Big Block of Cheese


Summary: Matt Santos didn't answer Josh Lyman's question about whether he had ever had marital problems.

Review: This particular pairing is as rare as rocking-horse poop, so despite the fact that it is extremely short and doesn't go into a lot of detail this story is an absolute Must See for the fandom.

All that happens is that Josh asks Matt Santos - his guy, his chosen Presidential candidate - whether he has ever been unfaithful to his wife. In canon this was a pivotal moment between them and established their relationship of trust; here, it opens the way to a whole lot more - because Santos's answer is not at all what he has been expecting.

Some stories leave you wanting more, and in a way this one does exactly that; it is only 1,000 words, after all. On the other hand, it is so precisely poised at the tipping-point, with Josh only just beginning to understand that his feelings for Santos may go way beyond their straightforward functional roles of candidate and campaign manager, that adding anything else would spoil it. I like to think of the two of them perpetually balanced at the moment of revelation, with Josh forever wondering exactly what he is getting into; poor Josh, his life will never be the same again.

This is a perfect little gem of a story that all West Wing slash fans - even dyed in the wool Josh/Sam aficionadoes - should go out of their way to experience for themselves. It will well reward your time.



Link: Disclosure