Brothers In Arms

Spoilers: Everything up to Election Day and spoilers from Transition.

Disclaimer: These are not mine, I do this for fun and hope that others will enjoy.

I have had a few emails requesting that I finish this story. I have however this has not been proofed in anyway, I am sorry for any mistakes.

PLEASE KEEP AN EYE ON THE DATE OR YOU MAY LOSE THE STORY

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December 2003 – Sam's house

"Are you ready?" Sam called to her as he tapped on the bedroom door for the second time. He was waiting outside her room nervously adjusting his necktie before moving onto his jacket. CJ once told him that he looked good in a tux; right now he was hoping that was true. "Ainsley?" He called a little louder this time.

Ainsley opened the door without warning. "I'm ready."

He couldn't believe it. She left him speechless; her long, curly hair trailing down her back and that dress. She was in that dress. "I didn't know it was possible but you look even better now then the first time I saw you in that."

"Are you trying to get yourself in as much trouble as you did the first time?"

Sam stepped aside to let Ainsley walk out of the room, "God, I can only hope so," He said under his breath as she passed.

"Sam," Ainsley's voice was thick with both her southern accent and sarcasm. "How long is it going to take?"

"How long?" Sam raised his eyebrows.

"How long will it take us to get to the wedding Sam?" Ainsley asked her tone still laced with sarcasm. "It doesn't start for another hour."

"About 20 minutes, but I wanted to take you for a drive." Sam said as he opened the door to the garage, then the passengers door to his SVU; it didn't take him long to notice that Ainsley wouldn't be able to lift herself into the car, "Wait," with on swift movement Sam picked her up and placed her onto the passengers seat.

"Thank you." Ainsley smiled as he closed the door for her. "Where are we driving too?"

"I wanted to show you the neighbourhood," Sam flashed a smile as he hit the release button on the garage door opener.

"You know if I didn't know better I would think that you were trying to sell this place to me?"

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Pacific Hills Reception Centre, Laguna Beach, Santa Ana – December 2003

Ainsley used her hand to cover her open month as she laughed, she couldn't believe how funny this guy was. It was at that moment she realized how unhappy Sam looked talking to his boss. She'd met his eyes as they constantly followed her.

Back when they were in DC Sam had always been a little protective, even from her first day in the White House. He's tried to take care of her, she never knew why or what caused him to stop thinking of her as 'one of them' and start treating her as a friend. A valued friend.

A smile spread across her face; it wasn't from the joke the man she'd been talking to was telling but from the realization that Sam was checking on her. He'd positioned himself so he knew where she was and who she was with.

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"Where did you meet her?"

At the sound of his bosses voice Sam turned his attention back to Greg, "Ahh what? … Sorry," Sam gave him a half smiled, "sorry Greg."

"That's okay, I would be worried if my wife was talking to Tom Mitchell," Greg laughed a little as he spoke.

"Oh it's nothing like that with Ainsley, we're just friends." Sam tried to emphasize the word friends; maybe if he could convince everyone else he might believe it himself.

"Well why don't you just go over and let Tom know that." Greg said as he lightly patted Sam on the back.

"Yeah, I think I will." Making his way over to Ainsley he placed his half empty wine glass on a side table just as he reached Tom and Ainsley, "May I interrupt?"

"Hey Sam, Ainsley was just telling me about your time together in the White House, I was saying that I couldn't believe that you've never mentioned her to any of us." Tom paused for a moment, "I was just about to ask how long she was in town. I wouldn't mine showing her some of the sights," Tom didn't take his eyes off Ainsley as he spoke despite all his statements being directed at Sam.

Sam wasn't sure what to say; luckily he didn't have to say anything as Greg came up behind the small group.

"Sam why don't you take this beautiful date of yours for a spin around the dance floor? Tom and I are going for a drink." With that Greg started to walk away and Tom had no choice but to follow him.

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Ainsley slipped her hand inside Sam's so he could lead her to the dance floor. As they turned to face each other the music changed from the usual upbeat love songs to the slow and sweet Breathe by Faith Hill. Ainsley relaxed as Sam wrapped his right arm around her, placing his hand on the small of her back, before closing his left hand around her right.

"So you were talking to Tom?"

"Yes, he seams like a really nice guy." Ainsley smiled as she felt Sam tighten his grip.

"Of cause he was … he wants to get you into bed."

"Why Sam, if I didn't know better I would say that you sound at little jealous?" Ainsley said as she was spun slowly around by Sam and found herself facing the man they were talking about.

Tom smiled at her, "I was hoping to cut in?"

Ainsley caught a glint in his eyes, they had changed from the soft gentle look she had seen when she was talking to him before. Now she scanned his face and his stance; he'd changed. He suddenly reminded her of her father and his friends, the confident stance, his eyes and the sly grin. It was the way they looked when they were leaving for a hunt. He was looking at her as if she was prey. "I was just saying to Sam that I had to go to the powder room." With that she dropped Sam's hand and made her way off the dance floor; followed by both men in what Ainsley was sure looked more than a little strange to the other guests.

After taking her time in the bathroom Ainsley decided that she would rather take a walk around the gardens of the reception centre than risk returning to the main room. The night was warmer than she was used to at home and a lot warmer than they'd ever been in DC at this time of year.

For some reason when it snowed at home it seemed to seal everything; seal in sadness; trapping it till the snow melted. But when she was in DC the she loved the snow; loved rolling it into a ball and throwing it. She wondered if that was just one of many things she had built up in her mind about her time in DC since she had had to move so suddenly back home to Carolina.

Looking up at the sound of foot steps she saw Sam standing in front of her holding her jacket; just as he had when they'd worked together. He'd always seemed to have this ability to appear out of nowhere whenever so needed him. "I saw you from the balcony," Pausing for a moment. "I thought you might be cold and … I've had enough if you want to go?"

"Yeah I think I'd like that." Ainsley smiled as Sam helped her into her jacket, "Thanks," Turning to face Sam, "Can we stop for chocolate ice cream on the way?"

"You know that it's winter and cold right?"

Flashing a smile followed by an over emphasized sigh, "You've been in California to long!"

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11:20pm

Opening the door to the house from the garage for her, Sam took a step back letting Ainsley enter in front of him, "I'll take that for you," Sam reached out to take the now empty ice cream cup from Baskin Robbins.

"It's okay, I know where the kitchen is," Ainsley started to walk toward the kitchen, looking back over her shoulder; "It's late so I guess I'll see you in the morning?" She watched as Sam only smiled and disappeared up the stairs.

Wondering why she wasn't tired she placed the small cardboard cup into the bin and, as she did at home every night before she went to bed, Ainsley opened the fridge. Scanning the contents she noticed that he was eating a lot better then she remembered when they were at the White House. It was as she closed the door that the idea of having a bath popped into her head.

As she placed her foot on the first step she heard music softly drifting down to her.

At the mirror you fix your hair and put your makeup on
You're insecure about what clothes to wear
I can't see nothing wrong

"Sam?" Ainsley's questioning voice called as she continued up the stairs; all she could see was the soft dim light dancing across the walls as she made her way to the top of the stairs; stopping at the entrance to the sitting room, she could see him crouched in front of the fire place, the dancing light in the room was coming from the small fire he'd just lit.

Standing, Sam was still neatly dressed in his tux, only his tie now hung loosely around his neck, "I never really got to finish that dance," He said as he held out his hand and waited for Ainsley to reach him. Taking her right hand in his, she placed her left on his shoulder and he placed his left between her shoulder blades and they started to move to the music.

To me you look so beautiful when you can't make up your mind
It's half past eight, it's getting late
It's OK, take your time

Sam noticed straight away that Ainsley hadn't relaxed the way she had been with him at the reception; he guessed it was the location and the lack of anyone else in the room with them. It was the intimate feeling that he wanted, but he didn't want her to be uncomfortable.

Lifting his hand from her back; Sam thought that it would be best if he let her go, let her come to him if she wanted. Only as he did she seemed to stiffen even more, so he decided that was all he needed. She may not have been sure but that was better then outright refusal.

As gently as he could, Sam placed his index finger at the top of her spine and slowly ran it down her bare back until he met the curve of her dress, flatting out his hand. He pressed firmly and felt her shiver slightly as he pulled her closer.

Standing here my hands in my pockets
Like I have a thousand times
Thinking back it took one breath
One word to change my lifeThe first time I saw you it felt like coming home
If I never told you I just want you to know
You had me from hello

Listening to the words in the song Ainsley spoke, "I didn't have you from hello," She didn't realize what she had said until it was too late.

"No but you had me from your first day in the White House, from when you told me that I could yell at you tomorrow … I could do it over the phone or come in and do it in person," Sam smiled and lifted her right hand and laid it over his heart, he then covered her hand with his.

When we walk into a crowded room it's like we're all alone
Everybody tries to kidnap your attention
You just smile and steal the show

You come to me and take my hand
We start dancin' slow
You put your lips up to my ear and whisper way down low

With every turn Sam pulled her closer until there was no space left between them, until he could feel every curve of her body and he knew she could feel his.

From the first time I saw you it felt like coming home
If I never told you I just want you to know
You had me from hello

"Sam," Ainsley's unsteady voice could only just be heard over the faint music that sounded as if it were million miles away to her now.

"Shhh," Sam trailed his hand back up her spine, only this time he used all of his fingers, and continued to follow her spine until his hand was at the base of her neck and used it to guide her head until it rested gently on his shoulder.

And when you're laying down beside me
I feel your heartbeat to remind me...The first time I saw you it felt like coming home
If I never told you I just want you to know
You had me from hello

As the music faded out Sam placed a soft kiss on her head and left his cheek to rest in its place, ensuring that he held her just a little more firmly.

From hello
From hello

Once the music faded away completely Sam didn't release her or even try and move. He didn't know what she wanted, should he do something, say something? He just wasn't sure. He really didn't want to think, the only thing he was sure of was that he didn't want to let her go.

Lifting his head Sam placed another kiss on the top of her head, holding it only seconds longer than the last one; he realized that Ainsley was only inches from the wall. Stepping her back, he pressed her firm against the wall; they were now so close that when his chest rose it met hers with each breath.

"Sam,"

The tone of her voice hit him all at once, every conversation, every thought, every image. All of it. They were racing through his head as he heard his name. He knew that having her here was going to be hard on him; he just didn't realize how hard.

"Sam, we can't do this." This time her voice was barely more then a whisper.

'Oh god' Sam thought as he suddenly pulled back "You don't want this. I'm so sorry." He said as he pulled back further. "I thought you …" Sam trailed off, 'God what did I just do?' Was racing around in Sam's head, over and over, 'What have I done?'

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December 29th 2005 – Georgetown

"That'll be $47.50." The driver said as he glanced into the back of his cab.

"I need you to drop me-"

"No she doesn't." Josh cut her off as he handed over three 20-dollar bills.

"I've arranged with CJ to use her place." Donna countered.

"You don't need it. Now can we get out of the cab?"

"Listen I've got another call so if the lady wants to go somewhere I need to know." The driver said as he hit the meter.

"No, she's fine." Josh said as he turned his attention back to Donna, "now can we please do this upstairs? … Please." Josh watched as Donna silently opened the door.

"Josh I'm not sure that I should go up." Donna said with her bag sitting next to her on the sidewalk. "We've had years Josh and all you could come up with is a holiday. I still don't know what you're thinking."

"Donna I'm not sure that I'm ready to get married but I would like you to stay." Judging by the look on her face that wasn't going to be enough to make her stay with him. "I don't want you to just stay I want you to move in … I want to live with you."

"You want me to live with you."

"Donna I'm not sure I can live without you anymore. You've been with me through everything and I want you to stay. I just need time."

"Josh."

"Donna."

"What about congressmen and senators from the Bible belt. What are they going to say about your live in lover?"

The corner of Josh's mouth cocked into a smile, "I don't think they'll be moving in so I'm not worried."

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December 2003 – Sam's house

"Sam-"

"I'm sorry, the last thing I wanted to do was upset you," Sam stepped back down onto the living room floor leaving her pressed against the wall.

"Sam, we can't …" Ainsley let herself slide down the wall coming to rest on the top step that lead to Sam's room. "If we … we haven't done this because it would end your public life … you wouldn't get endorsed with an outspoken republican wife."

"Wife?" Sam questioned quickly, it didn't sound like a bad idea, just one he wasn't ready for yet, "I just wanted to date you for now."

"Date? We can't have anything long term," Ainsley looked up at Sam, "You wouldn't have a future."

"Ainsley I don't want a public life anymore, I'm not sure that I ever really wanted it in the first place." Sam pulled Ainsley back to her feet, letting his hand follow her jaw line. "If that's the only reason you don't want this … I decided when I lost the 47th that I was done with that life." Taking a chance Sam leaned in and slowly, gently pressed his mouth to her ear. "Ainsley you need to tell me what you want." He didn't move, "I need to know if you want this."

"Sam …"

Sam felt the rush of soft warm air on his neck as she breathed out his name. It caused a shiver to run down his side but he didn't move away. "If you don't want this. If you don't want me … not because all that other stuff … but if you really don't want me." Sam paused for a moment, "if you really don't want this you just have to say so and I'll leave you alone."

"Sam," Ainsley voice was barely above a whisper. "I'll be back in North Carolina this time next week, I can't just-"

"No," Sam gentle tone cut her off. "Ainsley I want you to stay." He waited, "just tell me …" Sam relaxed as he placed the first tender kiss below her ear, he waited just long enough to see if Ainsley would object before he continued along her jaw line. "Ainsley," Sam pulled her into his lap and Ainsley finally pressed her lips to his.

Sam continued the kiss she started. Soft at first, but harder once he felt her tongue on his, gently caressing her cheek with his thumb. "I need to know you want this."

"Sam," Ainsley's hands slid under Sam's jacket circling around his waist, "I want you."

Not wanting to break contact Sam lifted Ainsley and started up stairs to his room, pushing the door closed behind him he delicately placed Ainsley onto the bed so she was lying beneath him. Resting on his elbows with a confident smile he was holding himself just slightly above her. Sam closed the distance between them capturing her mouth with his again, "Hey." Sam said as he released her.

"Hey," Ainsley repeated as she raised her eyebrows and smiled, slipping her hands back under his jacket Ainsley began tracing the lines of his shoulders with her fingers as she pushed off his jacket. Her hands quickly making their way to the buttons on his dress shirt, tossing aside his tie as she did.

Sam didn't give her time to focus on what she was doing. Concentrating on her neck he trailed kisses down to the shoestring strap of her dress, all the time his hands worked her dress up to her waist. Suddenly Sam drew them both into a sitting position and let Ainsley pulled both his dress shirt and under shirt over his head.

Only now Sam was the one finding it difficult to concentrate as Ainsley's lips explored his chest while her hands focused on his back, tracing the lines of his muscles, running her fingers agonizingly slowly down his spine. Her legs were tightly wrapped around his waist and by the time her hands reached his belt and he wasn't sure how much longer he was going to be able to control himself.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, taking control again Sam moved his hands to her hips and started to gather up her dress, slowly edging it up over her head until she was left with nothing more than her black lace panties. He drew in another deep breath at the sight of her almost naked body. "My god Ainsley." Sam's voice was coarse as he tried to control both his actions and his breathing.

Pulling Ainsley as close to him as possible; for the first time he felt her bare skin on his. Still with his hands wrapped tightly around her Sam laid her back on the bed again. His eyes scanned her body; her clear soft skin, her perfect round breast and flat stomach. He hooked his finger under the lace of her panties and slowly began to kiss his way down her leg pulling her panties as he went.

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December 2005 Los Angeles

"You want to go back to DC?"

"That's not what I said." Sam said as he let himself relaxed back into the chair across from her.

"Josh just flow all the way out here with even talking to you? Just decided to show up at your office and say hey come back to the White House, without even calling you first?"

"It is kinda what he does."

"You told him we're getting married?"

"I did … he didn't think it would be a problem."

"So, you do want to go?" Ainsley smiled.

Sam paused for a moment, before looking at her with a slight smile. "I don't know."

"I'll come with you."

"I just said I didn't know what I wanted to do."

"I think you do, but I think you are scared that you leave me behind."

"Ainsley." Sam pushed himself up and made his way to Ainsley, crouching himself in front of her. "I've already asked too much of you …" Sam folded her hand in his. "You left your family, your job and hell I had you move across the country … I can't ask you to give everything up and move again."

"I did that because I wanted to … I wanted you and if this is what you want I think we should go."

"Are you sure?"

"LA, this house will still be here in month or four years-"

"Or eight." Sam interrupted with a smile.

"Whenever you want to come home."

"And where will you be?"

"Where you are." Ainsley finished as Sam pulled her into his arms.

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Thank you.