Author's note: I do not own West Wing or any of its characters. However, I do own all the kids in the caroling crew. Please don't sue me, or at least wait until I've finished paying my student loans.


The Caroling Crew

President Stevens rubbed his temples. Outside it was snowing. There were five days until Christmas; it would be his first Christmas in office. And he had a headache.

News began to trickle into his office, news of carolers. That puzzled him; there was no group signed up to be caroling today. From what he had heard it was a small group, no more than ten people, and mainly teenagers. They had started their rounds at the wall and had meandered through the mall.

The snow had gotten worse throughout the hour, but still they persisted. Now they were headed towards the White House. He had to admire them. It was the middle of winter break, and there were dozens of things they could be doing that were probably warmer, but these kids had chosen to spend there afternoon in the cold and snow.

An idea sprang to mind, and he called the kitchen. When the carolers arrived, they were quickly invited inside to warm up with hot chocolate. They agreed and came inside.

"I'm Keri Donovan," a girl with sparkling blue eyes introduced herself. "The twins are actually the oldest in the group, but somehow I got voted leader. The twins are Rachel and Renee Zigler. The shy brunette next to me is Sarah Seaborn. The two blonds behind me are Jamie and Justin Reese, and the guy with the blue ski cap is Jim Lymon. Mari Young's our youngest member at age eight. And Kit Mulder, she's the redhead over there, and Harm Rabb are on loan to us for the month; they normally live in Japan. Oh, and Kris, where are you from again?"

"Colorado Springs," replied the petite blond with a grin.

"Right. Anyway, that's us, the caroling crew."

"I am a little surprised security has just let you wander around though."

"Oh, they know most of us pretty well; our regulars are all the kids of former West Wing staffers," Keri shrugged, "and my dad's retired secret service. Kit's parents are former FBI agents, and Harm and Kris have Marine, Navy, and Air Force parents."

"That must make for some interesting family politics."

Harm, a girl with short brown hair, laughed, "Not as much as you'd think. Besides, Kris is the one with the weird relatives."

"It's an O'Neill thing according to Dad."

The president laughed, "So why are you out caroling? I'd think you'd have better things to do."

Keri smiled, "We know better than most how stressful jobs in public service can be. Especially during the holiday season. So we decided to do some cheering of our own. This is about the fifth year of our tradition."

The president grinned; these kids really were amazing. Keri put down her mug, "We'd better get going; we still have the Supreme Court to do, and Justice Day-O'Conner always bring the best cookies for us."

As the kids waved goodbye, President James Stevens felt his spirits lift.

Owari (the end)