Leo and Margaret futher explore their relationship. When the press gets hold of the news thier world is turned upside down.
Disclaimer: The West Wing isn't mine. It belongs to Aaron Sorkin et al. No copyright infringement is intended. Author's Note: This is a sequel to "The First Phone Call." Thank you to EJ and Lana for the help with some of the headlines. Title: The Nightmare that is the News Cycle."
Rated: T
'The Kiss Heard 'Round the World.' Leo threw down the latest newspaper in disgust there were at least twenty more in his office only that had varying degrees of the same headline 'A Passion in the White House other than Government.' The week had definitely taken a toll on them. Leo walked out of his office and went to talk to CJ.
"Hey."
"Hey, Leo." CJ called not looking up from the latest stack of papers.
"How bad is it?"
"Well to be honest, I was sure it would be over by now."
"I sense a but coming on."
"But, then The Sun Times came out with this." CJ handed him the paper. "The West Wing Kiss: What should we know about West Wing staffers that we don't?"
"Oh it gets better, if you read the article. You need to talk to her Leo and then you need to do something for me."
"What?"
"I need you two to get out of here so I can do my job."
"CJ, you can do your job when I'm in the building. You do it everyday."
"This Time it would be better if you weren't, trust me."
"What's in the article?" Leo asked picking up the paper CJ had handed him.
"Lot of stuff about the lack of morals in the White House."
"Great." Leo said as he took the paper and walked out of her office.
"Leo."
"Yeah, Charlie?"
"The President would like to see you as soon as possible."
"Okay, I'll be right in." Leo turned the corner and walked into his office. "Good morning, Margaret."
"I wish. I'm sorry Leo. I didn't mean for this to happen."
"This isn't your fault Margaret."
"How can you say that?"
"Come in here and close the door behind you, please." Leo said as he walked into his office and waited for her. She came and closed the door a couple of minutes later. "Margaret, there is something between us and because we decided to act on our feelings doesn't mean that we're wrong. No matter what the press says. I still want to see you and we still can."
"We can't Leo!" Margaret screamed in a panic and fell back on to the chair. "The kiss heard 'round the world. Leo, that's what they're calling it." I can't take this anymore. People never reacted like this with my other boyfriends."
"Your other boyfriends weren't the White House Chief of Staff, your boss, and twenty-five years your senior."
"I don't care. It's none of their business who I date, kiss or sleep with! Sorry that didn't come out the way I wanted it to."
"I know this doesn't seem possible but it will pass."
"When? It's been so long already. Do have any idea how this makes me feel?"
"I think I do. It's all gonna work out I promise." Leo said as he took her hand.
"I hope so." Margaret leaned into his side. Her lips gently brushed against his. "May be I shouldn't have done that." She said as she pulled away.
"It's okay. I'm glad you did. I've missed that."
"So have I. I should probably get back to work."
"Me too. I'll be with the President." Leo said as he walked through the connecting door into the Oval Office.
"Mr. President." "Leo come in, please."
"Sorry it took me so long."
"Don't worry about it." The President motioned for Leo to sit next to the desk.
"Apparently the Secretary of the Interior came down with the flu and cancelled our meeting so I'm free for a while longer. I'm glad you came. How are you doing?"
"Fine Sir. Thank you."
"And Margaret?"
"Not so well." Leo replied a hint of concern in his voice.
"Did you Know that Margaret has been crying about this almost everyday?"
"No, Sir. I didn't."
"She has. Yesterday Nancy found her and today before the staff meeting CJ told me she found her in the ladies room."
"Leo get out of here and take your girlfriend with you."
"She's not my girlfriend."
"Whatever Leo. You could have fooled me."
"Sir, I'm not sure this is necessary. I can still work."
"Leo, we want to end this. You've both been put through enough. If you're here it looks like you told CJ to get rough. It's better if you're not here and just let CJ do her job. So, just get outta here."
"Yes, Sir." Leo replied as he walked back to his office. There was someone he needed to talk to.