"Looking Back V"

Written by: Melissa (Doc)

NOTES: The Looking Back series deals with six stories. Each one being dedicated to each of the main characters. These were written during the second season, so it obviously doesn't flow with the past few seasons.

Part V- Leo

For the last four years, Leo has been the one putting out all the fires that the senior staff made. But he wouldn't want it any other way. He was the founder of this administration. He hired the staff and talked Jed Bartlet into running for President. If it weren't for Leo, all of this wouldn't have happened.

He looks around at all the people who have put everything they had into the last four years. They are all waiting to see if they are lucky to see another four. Leo stands in the room talking to Jed. He looks around and sees CJ sitting looking off into space, Sam eating cookies and talking to himself again, and Josh leaning against the wall thinking about god only knows what.

"We picked a good staff didn't we?" Jed asked Leo.

"Yeah, we did," Leo looked at his long time friend and smiled. "Even though I picked them."

"I helped," Jed stood up for himself.

"You wanted nothing to do with any of them. You couldn't even remember their names."

"That's because I'm old and grumpy. There I said it, are you happy?" Jed said with a smirk.

"Yeah, yeah," Leo chuckled.

"CJ, Toby, Sam, and Josh. There, I got it now."

Both men laughed and patted each other on the back.

Leo has been through a lot here in the White House. His drug and alcohol addiction became public, but was protected by the staff. CJ, Josh, Sam, and Toby all made sure that he would not hurt from this, and they did a good job of that.

And then because of his job, he lost his wife. That was hard for him, but again the senior staff made sure he was okay. Even Margaret looked out after him. He grew to love the whole staff, even though they drove him crazy sometimes.

"Here it is," Donna yells as she turns up the TV.

"With 70 of the vote, we are happy to announce Josiah Bartlet as the winner…." The newscaster said. Just then the whole room went up in a roar. Everyone started hugging and laughing.

Leo turned around and hugged Jed.

"Another term, who new?" Leo teased.

"You did," Jed laughed. "Thank you brother."

Leo smiled and nodded. He thought to himself that work should start right away, but decided to give the kids the night to celebrate.

The End