Author: Sirius
Disclaimer: See Part I
Author's Note: Sorry that I've taken so long to update. I have three stories (and real life) meandering through my brain all at one time. This chapter is a little happier than previous ones, and contains much fluff. I'm giving the characters a (very) temporary rest from all the stress. It picks up where Part III left off, and I should be able to get Part V finished this weekend as well. Reviews are always welcome.
Tuesday – Day 18 – 8 a.m.
Bartlet walked into the Oval barely noticed Ron's whispered conversation over the Service communications system; that, after all, was routine. Charlie's empty desk in the outer office, however, was cause for concern, and he turned on his heel with every intention of personally checking on his aide.
Walking into the Residence and down the appropriate hallway, he paused when he noticed Charlie's and Zoey's main agents outside his aide's bedroom door. For a moment, the conflicting feelings within him each battled for dominance, and in the end, the loser was the overprotective father portion that was demanding Charlie's reassignment to the Yukon. He settled for giving Gina a rather quizzical look.
"Zoey had a nightmare, sir. She then came down the hall to check on Charlie, who also seemed to be having a nightmare." The look he gave her then demanded just a little more explanation. Seeing this, she continued. "Nothing happened, sir. They've just been sleeping. I'd spoken to Butterfield about letting them sleep in, but I gather he hasn't had the chance to speak with you yet, sir."
"No, he hasn't, Gina," Bartlet responded, "but it's a good idea. Let him wake up when he wakes up, and tell him to grab some breakfast or something before he comes to work."
"Aye, sir."
He was about to turn and head back to the Oval when he felt the urge to simply make certain that they were all right. He moved to the door and opened it just a little, quietly enough not to wake the two, and what he saw stole his breath and brought tears to his eyes. The heating system was on in the Residence, and the breeze from the vents stirred Zoey's hair so that it danced and whispered across Charlie's bare chest – fire on chocolate. Zoey's head was tucked under Charlie's chin, and even in sleep he held her so close that – were it not for the stirring contrast in skin tones – it would be impossible to tell where one began and the other ended.
They fit. They belonged together. He'd known it before, but the knowledge had never really hit him until now. This was how they were supposed to be, his kids. He smiled, closed the door softly, and headed back to his office after reminding the Detail – once again – that Charlie and Zoey were not to be disturbed.
Leo knocked quietly on the connecting door between his office and the Oval and entered as soon as he heard his friend's acknowledgement. He hadn't seen Charlie this morning, and careful questioning of Debbie proved that he hadn't come to work yet. "Charlie ok?"
"He's sleeping in this morning, Leo. Apparently, he had a nightmare last night. At any rate, there was a collective request from the agents that he be allowed a little extra time before showing up for work today."
A concerned frown crossed Leo's face. "Nightmare? Maybe I should go check…"
"Leave him be, Leo. Zoey's with him; he'll be alright."
Leo appeared about to say something, but then he shook his head and started to walk away.
"Leo, talk to me."
"About what, Mr. President?" Maybe if he pleaded ignorance, Jed would ignore the fact that Leo had wanted to say something.
"What were you going to say, Leo?" So much for that thought.
"Sir, I'm simply not used to you being so… at ease… with the thought of Zoey in the same room as a man."
"If it were anyone else, Leo… but it's Charlie. I didn't truly realize what they were to each other until this morning. I knew, but it hadn't sunk in until now."
"Sir?"
"They're Abbey and me, Leo. Not literally, you understand, and I haven't actually talked to Charlie about this, but… I know what I saw this morning. I know that she is first in his thoughts when he wakes up, and last when he falls asleep. I know that his strengths are her weaknesses, and his weaknesses are her strengths. I know that she is concerned first with his safety, while he looks first for her welfare. And I know that if anything were to happen to Zoey, life would lose its color for him, words would have no laughter, song would know no joy… and every breath would be torture. I know… because that's me and Abbey. That's me and Abbey, and even if they looked for the rest of their lives, neither one would be able to find someone else to make them feel this way. I understand that, Leo, and damned if I'm going to get in their way."
Leo, realizing that he had effectively been holding his breath while Jed spoke, drew air into his lungs once again. He had never heard Jed Bartlet say anything in quite so lyrical a manner and it moved him as much as the sight of Zoey and Charlie had moved Bartlet earlier that morning. He nodded and moved back to his office, rendered speechless by the same realization that had already made itself known to the President. Charlie and Zoey could make this work… if no one killed them first, that is.
TBC…
