Title: A Promotion of Sorts
Author: Mandy
Spoilers: None that I can think of, but anything from the show is really up for grabs. No, I really don't think I've got spoilers.
Pairing: Leo/Margaret
Category: Romance, General, AU (at least I think)
Archive: If you'd like, just let me know
Feedback/Reviews: If you want
Disclaimer: I promise that I'm just borrowing these characters from Aaron Sorkin, Thomas Schlamme, John Wells et al for a little while. I will put them back just where I found them when I'm done with them, unharmed and just as they were when I took them. I claim absolutely no ownership of any aspect of the show, nor am I making any profit from this writing.
Author's Notes: This is my first attempt at "West Wing" fanfic, so please bear with me.
A Promotion of Sorts
He found her standing outside on the portico, looking out into the night sky. He padded toward her lightly, so as not to disturb her. She, being as lost in thought as she was, did not notice him approaching. Stepping behind her, he grinned softly as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to him.
"Why aren't you inside at the party with everyone else?" he asked as she leaned back to rest her head against his shoulder.
She sighed and moved closer into his embrace before responding, "I don't feel much like celebrating tonight."
The night, in fact, was President Bartlett's last night in office, and the Senior Staff had thrown a bash to commemorate their eight years at the White House. They were, of course, all sad to see it end, but Jed and Abbey had refused to let them sulk; instead, telling them to plan the biggest party that the White House had ever seen. The staff had risen to the challenge, and all of them were currently enjoying their last night together. Everyone, that is, except for Margaret.
"Margaret, I know you're sad to see the administration come to an end; we all are."
"It's not that, Leo," she sighed, turning to face him. "I'm worried about us. And not just you and me. The entire Senior Staff. Where do we all go from here? What happens to us now?"
Leo pulled Margaret closer. "First of all, you and I are going to be just fine. As for the rest of the staff, they're going to survive and stay together; I'm taking care of them." At Margaret's expectant look, he took a breath and continued. "Margaret, I've decided to run for President in the next election, and I'm going to hire the staff back in their original positions."
Margaret smiled up at him. "That's wonderful!" she cried. "You're really going to hire back the whole staff?"
"Well, not everyone," he told her with a small smirk.
"What do you mean 'not everyone'? Who aren't you going to bring back?"
"You," he stated simply.
"What?" she exclaimed, pulling back slightly. "Why not? You know that your office won't run properly without me. I can't believe this!"
Sighing, Leo pulled her back toward him and placed a gentle kiss against her lips. "If you would let me finish, please." When she stopped her tirade and looked at him, he continued. "Margaret, the First Lady can't exactly be her husband's assistant."
It took a moment for Margaret to fully comprehend what Leo was telling her. "First Lady? Husband? Leo. Leo, are you...are you proposing?"
With a smile that could have lit up all of DC, Leo reached into his suit jacket and pulled out a black velvet box. "Yes, I am," he stated matter-of-factly. Opening the box, he presented her with a brilliant diamond. "Margaret, will you marry me?"
With tears streaming down her face, she flung herself into his arms. "Yes," she whispered into his ear. "Yes, Leo McGarry, I will marry you."