Title: Christmas Without You Part (4c/4)
By: adoreleo
Pairing: Leo/Margaret
Rating: R - Contains some sexual content and language.
Spoilers: Anything up to and including Abu El Banat.
Disclaimer: The characters are from the NBC, WB, TV show The West Wing; they do
not belong to me.
Beta By: Lynn, who went above and beyond the call... THANKS!!!!
Additional Ideas By: Katie, who always came through whenever I got stuck. THANKS!!!
Feedback: I would love it hear your opinion!
Summary: Its Christmas time at the White House and once again something is not
right.
Author's Note: Sorry this has been delayed in being posted. This last day of the story has taken on a life of its own. I have several more parts to post! Thanks for all the wonderful feedback!
Dec 25, 2003
Margaret's apartment: 12:00 pm (continues)
Margaret sits quietly with her head lowered and her hands tightly clasped on her lap. Her mind races as she recalls the night that she witnessed Leo and Jordan out on the portico dancing. Painful images from that night flow quickly through her mind. She's not sure that she wants to hear what Leo wants to explain. But, she knows that she's to trust him. After a few seconds, she takes a deep breath and lifts her eyes and stares intently into Leo's honey colored eyes. "Ok." The word slowly creeps from her lips.
Leo gets up off the couch and puts on his clothes. He sits back down on the couch and stares at the small Christmas tree in the corner of her living room. He keeps forgetting that this is Christmas Day. On this holiest of days and he's about to confess, what he considers to be, one of the worst mistakes he's ever made. "Margaret, your tree is beautiful". He realizes that he's stalling, but it's a difficult thing that he needs to admit to Margaret.
"Thanks. I wish I could have a larger one." Margaret has followed Leo's lead and has gotten dressed. She sits down beside Leo and places her hand on his leg. "Leo, you don't have to explain anything to me. What happened before we were together doesn't matter." She's not sure if she's trying to convince Leo or herself with this statement.
"Margaret, there are several things in my life that I've done that I'm not very proud of, you're aware of some and have even witnessed a few of them." He pauses and draws in a slow breath as he lays a shaky hand on top of Margaret's hand that is resting on his leg. "But, my relationship with Jordan is, quite possibly, one of my worst transgressions. I only dated her as a distraction. I used her, to try and get over my feelings for you. I never loved her." Leo lowers his head. He can't look Margaret in the eye. His face is covered with shame.
"Leo," she pauses, she needs to know about the night that she observed them. "On election night, I. saw you two dancing. You looked." Margaret's tears that she's trying so hard to hang onto, find their the way down her face.
"Oh Margaret." He never knew that she saw him that night. "I was. feeling so high that night, from our victory, that I gave into my physical desires and slept with her that night. As soon as it was over, I realized what a terrible mistake I'd made. All the feelings for you, that I'd been successful in pushing away, came rushing back." Leo pauses. He now knows that he hurt her that night and he needs for her to understand that he would never purposely do anything to hurt her. He's been trying to spare her from himself for years now. "Margaret, remember when I told you this morning that I realized I loved the day my divorce papers came."
Margaret bobs her head. "Yes."
"And I meant it. But, I thought that you were better off without an old man, with so much baggage, for a boyfriend. I'd driven away Jenny. I couldn't take a chance on driving you away too. So I pushed my feelings aside and buried myself even more into my work. It worked for a while, but do you remember the time I walked in on you in CJ's office?"
"Yes." A small smile appears on her lips at that memory.
"Well, I um. had quite a reaction to the sight of your long legs." A slight blush crosses over Leo's face. "After that, I made the decision that day to start pursuing Jordan."
"Ok." Margaret whispers.
"The night of the re-election, I felt. like. I'd cheated on you. Jordan and I only saw each other a few times after that, but I never had. sex with her again. Within a couple of weeks of that night, we stopped seeing each other altogether. I realized that if I couldn't be with you, that I didn't want to be with anybody. So, once again, I buried my feelings. Then when you didn't show up at work this week, I started missing you and I kept getting this feeling in the pit of my stomach. I didn't realize, at first, what the feeling was, because I'd been in denial for so long. Then yesterday, I finally admitted to myself that I was in love with you." Leo looks at Margaret in hopes of finding some understanding in her eyes.
"Leo, we've both made mistakes in the past. I, too, have used others to try and get over you and each time I'd wake up the next morning feeling cheap and empty inside. Leo, the past is the past. We have each other now and that's all that matters."
Something starts to weigh heavy on her mind. She's not sure if she should divulge a secret that she's kept from him. This particular matter happened right before Leo had stopped seeing Jordan, and since Jordan was out of the picture soon after it occurred, Margaret decided not to tell Leo what she knew. But now, she's thinking that it might help Leo feel better about his liaison with Jordan.
"Leo, there's something that I think you should know. I never told you this before, because right after it happened, you stopped seeing Jordan, so I didn't see any reason to tell you." Margaret is still having second thoughts about whether she should continue.
"Margaret, I suspected that you never liked Jordan, because you always seem to vanish whenever she was around. Its another reason why I felt so guilty about dating her and probably another big reason why I stopped." Leo looks at her with his honey colored eyes and reaches out to gently touch the side of her face.
Margaret is somewhat surprised by the fact that she wasn't able to hide the aversion she held for Jordan, from Leo. She thought she'd done a better job than that. But, that's not important now, she decides. She wants Leo to feel better and to let him know that Jordan was not without her own transgressions as far as their relationship was concerned.
"Yes, its true that I wasn't fond of Jordan, but that's not what I need to tell you. I once overheard a cell phone conversation that Jordan had with someone. She was waiting for you in your office and she thought that I was still at lunch. But, I'd forgotten my purse and gone back to my desk to get it. She was telling someone on the phone that her flirtation with you, was purely based on physical needs." Margaret pauses and wonders if she should tell him about how Jordan proceeded to tell this person that it did have some added bonuses. That her clientele had not only increased in size, but also the importance of clients had increased as well, since it had leaked that they were dating. Then, she went on to say that her office had leaked the story to the press. But Margaret decided against telling him, because she didn't want to hurt him with this information.
Leos visually seems relived with what he's just heard. "Margaret thanks for telling me this. It still doesn't change the fact that I was using her, but it does make me feel better knowing that it was only physical for her, too."
"Leo, what's done is done. And that goes for both of us. We both have things we wish we could change, but we can't. We just need to 'move on'. At least that what I hear someone tell the President, all the time." How many times has she heard Leo's gravely voice say, 'Move on, Mr. President.' She can't help but smile as the sound of his voice, echoes through her mind.
"Yeah. Yeah, you're right. We'll just move on."
Leo reaches over and pulls Margaret into his arms. He can't believe how lucky he's, to have finally found his place in life. He slowly pulls himself from her arms and stands up and reaches a hand out to Margaret. "Baby, I'm really tired and drained. I think I'm going to take a nap. Will you come too? I'd love to just lay there and hold you in my arms." Leo has such a little boy look on his face.
"Sure. I could really use a nap too and I'd like nothing better than to take it, while laying in your arms." Margaret takes his hand and leads him to her bedroom. "You need to rest up for this evening." She smirks.
"Margaret!" A widespread grin crosses his face. "You're going to be the death of me!"
"Yeah?" She says, with a coy glance at him.
"Yeah, remember I'm an old man!"
"You didn't seem very old to me last night or this morning."
"Yeah?"
"Honey, your age doesn't matter to me. And if these past few hours have been any indication of your age, well then, I'd say you have nothing to worry about."
"Ok." Leo says slowly and somewhat timidly. "But, I still need a nap." Leo can't believe he wants to take a nap. He's never been one to nap during the day. But, then again, they really didn't get much sleep last night and most of his nights lately, haven't been filled with such strenuous activities.
"Me too." Margaret can't believe she's so tired, this early in the day. But, they have had some difficult and straining moments this morning. Plus, there were all those vigorous activities from the night before, too.
Leo lays down on the bed and pulls her into his arms. He's perfectly content to lie there for a while, just holding her tightly in his arms. He can't believe how good it feels to have her next to him and how quickly his life has changed in these past few hours. He sighs and slowly drifts off to sleep.
Margaret lays curled up in his arms and can't believe how safe and secure she feels laying in his arms. She's dreamed about this many times before, but those dreams don't even come close, to how she feels right now. She hears him sigh, as she drifts off to sleep.
Residence: 12:00 pm
"Jed, will you come over here and sit down?" Jed is about to drive Abbey crazy. He's been pacing around the Residence every since he'd gotten off the phone with Leo.
"What, can't a guy wonder around in his own. house?" Jed walks over to the couch and falls down next to her.
"Jed, what's wrong?"
"I'm just thinking about Leo."
"You mean worrying, right? Abbey gives him a knowing look.
"I know what I meant." He smirks back to her.
"Jethro?"
"Would you please stop calling me that!" Jed pleads, in a whiny voice.
"No, I don't think I will." Abbey retorts back to him.
"Whatever."
"Jed, why are you worr. I mean, thinking about Leo?"
"Its just. you know what his whole life has been like. He just. You don't know what he's been through, these past few months. I just want this thing, whatever it's, with Margaret, to work out for him. I don't think he could take another blow in his life if it doesn't."
"Jed, I noticed something about Leo yesterday that I haven't seen in a long time and I'd hoped I'd never to see again. He's been close to the edge, hasn't he?" Abbey's voice is full of guilt and concern. "Jed, just what all has been going on around here?"
Jed turns to her. He wants to lash out at her in anger. Anger, that he's kept hidden for a while now. But, he knows that she's not the cause of most his outrage. He's furious with himself. "Abbey, I don't even know where to begin. So much happened, while you were away."
"Oh, Jed." Her voice is filled with sorrow. She'd been too wrapped up in her own anger, to even think about what had been going on with Jed or anyone else.
"Abbey, what's happened has happened. We just move on." Jed reaches out and takes her hand.
"Jed, please tell me what has been going on with Leo."
Jed goes on to explain the lowlights of the past few months. About how he feels he's to blame, for a lot of Leo's stress. That he left the running of the country to Leo while he went off to, 'I don't give a damn anymore land'. That Leo was the one dealing with all of the crises, the staff's tribulations, the new Vice President, Josh's blunder and a dozen other important things. He told her how Leo had been protecting him and that Leo had been the one who had held together the administration. He told her about Leo's intense grouchiness and moodiness. He told her how he'd even overheard Margaret commenting about Leo's temperament, to Charlie. He told her that Leo was smoking again and that he couldn't help but wonder, if that bad habit was back, could Leo be far from having others take over his life again?
Abbey is somewhat shocked by all that has happened and realizes that she's had a part in all of this, too. "Jed, Leo needs a break and not just a long weekend. He needs to get away from this place."
"Yeah, but you know him. He'll never agree to it."
"What good is being the President, if you can't order him to?" Abbey smirks.
"Yeah!"
"I still need to talk with Leo tonight." Abbey says, as she looks at Jed. Jed gives her a concerned look. "Jed, don't start with me. I know I was partly to blame for his current condition and I plan on setting the record straight, tonight."
"Ok." Jed can't help but think that this is a good thing.
"While I'm talking with Leo, you need to discuss Leo's situation and proposed solution with Margaret. If anyone can get him to take a vacation, it will be her."
"Great, we get to gang up on him. I love this plan already."
"Jed, we need to tread lightly with this, don't go overboard."
"Who, me?" Jed gives her a look of disbelief.
"Yeah, you!"
"Ok, I promise." Jed seals the deal with a kiss.
Margaret's Apartment: 2:00 pm
Leo has been awake for a couple of minutes, but has no interest in getting out of bed. He's very content to rest here and hold Margaret. He thinks about what their married life might be like and can't keep the growing smile from his face. He's probably smiled and laughed more in these last few hours than he's had in months. He doesn't want to rush Margaret, but there are a lot of things that need to be decided and worked out quickly. They have wasted far too much time; he doesn't want to wait much longer. He knows this is what he wants; he hopes that she feels the same way. His mind wanders back to the first three days of this week, as Margaret starts to stir in his arms.
"Hey, Baby." He murmurs into her ear and pulls her even closer to him.
"Mmmm." She sighs. "I never knew that napping could be so relaxing."
"Yeah."
"Have you been awake long?" She says, as she rolls over to face him and plant some small kisses on his brow.
"Nope, not too long."
"What ya been thinking about?" She continues her assault on his face.
"Um. just the some of what happened earlier this week."
"Care to tell me?" She's stopped kissing him and is looking into his warm eyes.
"I was just thinking that you never get to ever take another day off again, without me." He says, making a flustered face.
"Oh, Leo, that's so sweet." But then she notices his facial expression. "Why? What happened? Did you mess up my files?"
"They're technically my files and no, I didn't mess up your renowned system." He chortles back at her.
"Well, maybe, but you're not the one who has to keep them in order. So, would you care to enlighten me about what was going on, while I was having my break?"
"I was saddled with the temp from Hades. She was a stiff as a board and had the personality of a doorknob. As soon as six o'clock rolled around, she was out the door. She made me call her Ms. Whitcome and she wanted me to use the intercom. Her coffee making skills come nowhere near yours and if you innocently give her a muffin, she accuses you of trying to pick her up!"
"Leo, you tried to pick her up?" Margaret finds this very funny and a great opportunity to pick on him.
"No! That's not what happened. I'd been down to the mess and they had just put out fresh muffins. I wasn't thinking and picked a blueberry one up for you. I didn't even realize my mistake, until I got back to the office and found her in your chair. You know I don't like blueberry, so I decided to give it to her." Leo pauses as the scene replays mind. "She immediately jumped to the wrong conclusion and told me that she would not be party to that type of a relationship. That she didn't believe in mixing business and pleasure. That I should act my age and then told me if I persisted, she would file a sexual harassment complaint against me. Then she wanted to know, if you put up with that type of treatment!"
Margaret can't help herself as she bursts out with laughter. "Oh, Leo, you poor thing!"
"It's not funny." He's quite flustered from having just relived the moment.
"Poor baby, did the mean temp scare you?" She asks in her best motherly tone that she could manage, between bouts of laughter.
"Margaret!"
"Well, serves you right for hitting on her like that. A man of your advanced years, what were you thinking?" She's still trying to keep up the facade, but failing miserably at keeping a straight face.
"You know she does have certain qualities that I like in a woman." Leo decides it's his turn to have his fun.
"Yeah?" She snorts, having still not completely recovered from her attack of the giggles.
"Yeah. She doesn't tell dumb jokes, she doesn't nag me about getting enough to eat or sleep and she could care less if I slouch in my desk chair."
Margaret pretends to pout at Leo's statement. "You just named qualities that she doesn't have."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
"Well, I'll tell you something else she doesn't have. She doesn't have my love!" Leo reaches over and pulls her into a tight hug. "Margaret, I love your quirkiness, the way you look out for me and care for me, all of your notes you give me, the way you keep me centered and the way you move, from your office to mine. But most of all, I love you. We have wasted so much time. I don't want to waste another moment. I want you to move in with me."
"Leo, do you think that's a wise thing to do before we get married?"
"I don't care. I want you safe with me. This building and neighborhood that you live in, is far too dangerous." Leo's face has taken on a serious quality.
"But, I've lived here since the Administration started. I've not had many problems." Margaret's knows that she's in for it, the second that last bit slipped out of her mouth.
"Margaret, what problems?" Leo voiced, with great concern.
"And besides, I can't move in with you, you live in a hotel. Which I might add is a 'huge' waste of money. If I've told you once, I've told you at least a hundred times, that you spend way too much money." Margaret is trying her best to derail his questioning.
"A for effort Margaret, but don't think you're getting me off the subject that easily. Now, what problems?"
Margaret realizes that there is no way that he's going to give up. So, she might as well tell him. "Um. I did have a break in once."
"And?" Leo can tell that she's holding something back.
"Ok, I was. mugged almost two years ago." Margaret absent-mindedly raises her hand and touches the spot where the mugger had hit her on her head.
"Margaret, did he hurt you?" Margaret's slight gesture to her head doesn't go unnoticed by him. He reaches over and pushes aside the hair at the spot she'd touched and notices a scar. "Oh, Baby. When and where did it happen?"
"Leo, I'm ok. It happened." Margaret doesn't want him to know that it happened on a night that she'd stayed late at work, because Leo had needed something done before she left work. She isn't going to tell him that she hadn't been paying close attention to her soundings, the night of her attack, on her way home from the metro stop, because she was fretting about him. She'd been so worried about him all that day, ok more worried than normally. On the afternoon before, Leo had a meeting with General Adamley, an old Air Force buddy. After the General had left, Margaret had found him in his office softly crying. He'd tried to hide the fact that he was crying and told her to go home, so Margaret didn't question him about what was going on and left his office. But, Margaret didn't go home right away. Instead, she visited his best friend that night and told the President that she was worried about Leo. She never did find out why Leo was upset that night, but the next day Leo was very despondent and guilt ridden. Margaret had driven herself crazy that day trying to ease his burden and when he'd asked her to stay late, she was more than glad to help. It had been an emotionally draining and tiring day for Margaret. Her mind was elsewhere on her walk to her apartment and didn't even notice that she was being followed. The man attacked her and might have done more except that someone had come along and scared him off. The memory of that night made her shudder. "Leo, I."
"Oh, Margaret, it happened because of me, didn't it. It was because I kept you late at work, wasn't it?"
Margaret shakes her head no.
"Margaret, don't lie to me."
"Yes." She now nods her head, as she whispers yes and then quickly tries to take the blame. "But, I wasn't paying close attention and."
"Stop it. Stop trying to protect me." Leo puts his hands on her shoulders. "When?" Is the only word that would come out of his mouth.
"Remember last year when I called in and told you I'd a family emergency and needed a week off." Margaret lowers her head in shame for having lied to Leo back then.
"Yeah." And then it dawns on him. "Is this," gently touching her scar, "the reason why?"
Margaret nods her head yes.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't want you blaming yourself. I didn't know what was going on with you at that time, but I wasn't going to add to your guilt or bother you with any problem of mine."
Leo looks at her with a puzzled look. "Well, which problem, Lord knows we've had our fair share of them!"
"It happened the day after your meeting with General Adamley. I don't know what happened during that meeting, but when I went in your office after the meeting I. um. found you crying. I realized you were trying to hide the fact, so I left you alone." She doesn't want Leo to know that she went to the President after she left his office. "When I came to work the next day, I could tell that you were still upset. You were a darker shade of gray that day." Margaret looks at Leo with so many unasked questions showing on her face. She knows that Leo flew in the war in Vietnam and the General Adamley had been his commander or something of his. She assumed it had something to do with that, but she'd never asked.
Leo drops his head, while thinking back to what Adamley had told him that day. How was he going to tell Margaret that he'd killed eleven innocent civilians in the bombing of a supposed military target? He decides that now is not the time for it. One day he would sit her down and tell her about some of his war experiences or maybe he never will. But now, he just wants Margaret to be safe. He wants to protect her from danger of her living environment and from his past. He raises his face and looks into her blue eyes. "Margaret. I. someday I'll...."
Margaret interrupts him. "Leo, it's ok. You'll tell me when you're ready." Several seconds pass before either one of them says anything.
"Margaret, I still think. no I want you to move in with me." Leo tries to put on a smile.
"I'm not going to live in a hotel." She replies.
"Well, then it's time I found a house or something." Leo tells her.
Margaret perks up at the mention of him finally moving from that hotel that he's lived in for almost 4 years now. "Really?"
"Yes, we're getting married and we'll need a place to live. So, we might as well find a place now and move into it together."
Margaret gets that look again, like she's getting ready to protest the moving in together. But, Leo doesn't let her even start. "Margaret, we've wasted too much time. Please tell me you'll move in with me and that we can start to make a life together, right away."
"Well, Mr. McGarry, how can a girl resist an offer like that?" She brazenly says to him. She knows how calling him Mr. McGarry gets to him.
"You're going to be the death of me, yet." Leo moans as he pulls her back down onto the bed and assaults her with kisses.
After a few minutes of intense kissing, Leo gently pulls away from Margaret. "Baby, there's nothing I'd rather do than finish what we started here, but I need to go to my hotel and get some clothes to wear to the dinner tonight." He pauses and thinks about how to phrase his next sentence. "Um. Also, I was hoping that I could pack up a few things and bring them over here for after the dinner. I really don't want to spend another night away from you." Leo anxiously awaits her response.
"Leo, I can't imagine spending another night without you by my side. Should I get dressed now and go over to the apartment with you or do you want to come back and get me?"
"Oh no, you're coming with me. I'm not giving you a chance to escape. You're staying close by my side. You're not going to get a chance to avoid an evening with Mr. Christmas Trivia himself!" Leo laughs as he starts to attack her with more kisses. Leo is having a definite problem in his pants. They suddenly have gotten really tight in the front. He starts to rub himself against her thigh.
"Leo, stop that. I thought you said we needed to get going. If we keep this up, I'll never get changed into my evening clothes." She gets up and heads to her closet in search of an appropriate outfit.
Leo follows close behind her. "OK by me, I like you undressed. Let me help." He presses himself into her from behind and wraps his arms around her waist and holds her close to him. He starts to unbutton her blouse and since he can't see what he's doing, his hands keep missing the buttons and brushing against her breasts.
"Leo, stop it. Go out into the living room and wait for me. I'll be out in a bit."
"Can't I stay here and watch." Leo whines, as her turns her in his arms and starts to caress her breasts.
"No, because you'll proven yourself to be untrustworthy when it comes to me and even just the thought of me without clothes on."
"I still don't see the problem."
"Well, if you'd look down at yourself, you'd see the problem that I'm referring to." She glances down at the front of his pants and feels a shiver go through her body. No man has ever made her feel this way. She's surprised at the affect she's on Leo.
Leo takes a step back and looks down at the front of his pants. The bulge is very noticeable. "I still don't see a problem. I see something that needs to be taken care of, but it's not too hard of a problem for you to help me solve. I think you're up to the challenge, I know I'm up to it." He says, with an emphasis on the words hard and up.
"Leo! You're terrible. What happened to your 'I'm an old man' and 'you're going to be the death of me' routines?" She playfully slaps his chest and then proceeds grind her body into his.
"I've had a power nap with my arms wrapped around a beautiful lady, so it not my fault that you have this affect on me."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
"Leo, Honey, I really do need to get dressed. I also have to do my hair and makeup. We'll have time for us later tonight."
"Ok." Leo pouts. "But, we will continue this later?"
"Yes, Honey. I promise. Now, why don't you go make arrangements for a service car to come get us and take us to your hotel and then it can take us to the White House."
"Ok." Leo walks stiffly from her bedroom to the living room. He's really having a difficult time with the problem located in his pants. He makes the call for a car. He decides to go back to the bedroom and tell Margaret that everything is set. He gets to the doorway just in time to see her slip her dress over her braless body. He follows the path of the dress down to her silk panties. Leo groans at the site before his eyes. His pants twitch in the front.
"Leo, you're just making it worse. Go wait for me in the living room." She scolds.
Leo slinks off to the living room and sits down on the couch. He can't get his mind off her long legs and that is not helping his problem at all.
A few minutes later, Margaret has finished getting ready and come out into the living room. "I'm ready, is the car here yet?"
Very gingerly, Leo gets up from the couch and turns towards Margaret. "Yeah, it just got here."
Margaret can't believe her eyes. Leo is still sporting a huge bulge in his pants. "Leo!"
"Baby, I can't help it. My mind won't stop thinking about you."
"Are you going to be able to make it to the car?" She teases.
"Yeah. Thank God it's winter time and my heavy overcoat will hide my 'Problem' as you call it."
Margaret can't help but giggle and continues to torment him. "Well, that's differently NOT a problem that an old man would have, for this 'length' of time!"
"Margaret!" Leo growls. "You killing me over here." He motions to the front of his pants.
"Come on Honey, we should get going." She goes to the coat tree in her hallway and grabs hers and Leo's coats. She hands Leo his coat.
"I think you could choose your words more carefully." He whines, as he grabs his coat and puts it on.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah!"
"Ok, I'll try and be better. I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself before tonight. I have plans for you later, Mr. McGarry." She says in her sexiest voice.
"Oh, merciful God, Margaret! Would you please quit it?"
"Quit what?" She innocently asks, as she bats her eyes at him. She flips her hair at him and heads for the door. "Let's not keep the driver waiting any longer." She opens the door and stands in the doorway, waiting for Leo to make his way to and out the door. She just can't resist on more grab. "Hey, Leo, is that a banana in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?" She's overcome with a case of the giggles again.
"Hell! Margaret. That's where you're going, Hell!" Leo heads down the hall and down the stairs. Thank God, Margaret only lives on the second floor. He doesn't think he can make it down more than one flight of stairs with his current predicament. He holds the outside door open for Margaret, as they exit. It's blistering cold outside and for once in his life, Leo McGarry is happy that the temperature's below freezing. The cold air is helping to shrink his difficulty. By the time he reaches the car, after holding the door open for Margaret, he's feeling a lot less restriction in his pants. He breaths a heavy sigh of relief as he sits down.
"Problem, Leo?" Margaret can't resist making just one more comment.
"No, I think everything's finally under control." He smirks. "But, there will be some sort of punishment, for your earlier behavior."
"Punishment, why Mr. McGarry, that sounds very nice." She breathily says.
"Yeah." He growls back at her. He knows when he's been beaten. There's no way that he can win at this game with her. She doesn't play fair. But, then again, he wouldn't want it any other way.
TBC in part4D
By: adoreleo
Pairing: Leo/Margaret
Rating: R - Contains some sexual content and language.
Spoilers: Anything up to and including Abu El Banat.
Disclaimer: The characters are from the NBC, WB, TV show The West Wing; they do
not belong to me.
Beta By: Lynn, who went above and beyond the call... THANKS!!!!
Additional Ideas By: Katie, who always came through whenever I got stuck. THANKS!!!
Feedback: I would love it hear your opinion!
Summary: Its Christmas time at the White House and once again something is not
right.
Author's Note: Sorry this has been delayed in being posted. This last day of the story has taken on a life of its own. I have several more parts to post! Thanks for all the wonderful feedback!
Dec 25, 2003
Margaret's apartment: 12:00 pm (continues)
Margaret sits quietly with her head lowered and her hands tightly clasped on her lap. Her mind races as she recalls the night that she witnessed Leo and Jordan out on the portico dancing. Painful images from that night flow quickly through her mind. She's not sure that she wants to hear what Leo wants to explain. But, she knows that she's to trust him. After a few seconds, she takes a deep breath and lifts her eyes and stares intently into Leo's honey colored eyes. "Ok." The word slowly creeps from her lips.
Leo gets up off the couch and puts on his clothes. He sits back down on the couch and stares at the small Christmas tree in the corner of her living room. He keeps forgetting that this is Christmas Day. On this holiest of days and he's about to confess, what he considers to be, one of the worst mistakes he's ever made. "Margaret, your tree is beautiful". He realizes that he's stalling, but it's a difficult thing that he needs to admit to Margaret.
"Thanks. I wish I could have a larger one." Margaret has followed Leo's lead and has gotten dressed. She sits down beside Leo and places her hand on his leg. "Leo, you don't have to explain anything to me. What happened before we were together doesn't matter." She's not sure if she's trying to convince Leo or herself with this statement.
"Margaret, there are several things in my life that I've done that I'm not very proud of, you're aware of some and have even witnessed a few of them." He pauses and draws in a slow breath as he lays a shaky hand on top of Margaret's hand that is resting on his leg. "But, my relationship with Jordan is, quite possibly, one of my worst transgressions. I only dated her as a distraction. I used her, to try and get over my feelings for you. I never loved her." Leo lowers his head. He can't look Margaret in the eye. His face is covered with shame.
"Leo," she pauses, she needs to know about the night that she observed them. "On election night, I. saw you two dancing. You looked." Margaret's tears that she's trying so hard to hang onto, find their the way down her face.
"Oh Margaret." He never knew that she saw him that night. "I was. feeling so high that night, from our victory, that I gave into my physical desires and slept with her that night. As soon as it was over, I realized what a terrible mistake I'd made. All the feelings for you, that I'd been successful in pushing away, came rushing back." Leo pauses. He now knows that he hurt her that night and he needs for her to understand that he would never purposely do anything to hurt her. He's been trying to spare her from himself for years now. "Margaret, remember when I told you this morning that I realized I loved the day my divorce papers came."
Margaret bobs her head. "Yes."
"And I meant it. But, I thought that you were better off without an old man, with so much baggage, for a boyfriend. I'd driven away Jenny. I couldn't take a chance on driving you away too. So I pushed my feelings aside and buried myself even more into my work. It worked for a while, but do you remember the time I walked in on you in CJ's office?"
"Yes." A small smile appears on her lips at that memory.
"Well, I um. had quite a reaction to the sight of your long legs." A slight blush crosses over Leo's face. "After that, I made the decision that day to start pursuing Jordan."
"Ok." Margaret whispers.
"The night of the re-election, I felt. like. I'd cheated on you. Jordan and I only saw each other a few times after that, but I never had. sex with her again. Within a couple of weeks of that night, we stopped seeing each other altogether. I realized that if I couldn't be with you, that I didn't want to be with anybody. So, once again, I buried my feelings. Then when you didn't show up at work this week, I started missing you and I kept getting this feeling in the pit of my stomach. I didn't realize, at first, what the feeling was, because I'd been in denial for so long. Then yesterday, I finally admitted to myself that I was in love with you." Leo looks at Margaret in hopes of finding some understanding in her eyes.
"Leo, we've both made mistakes in the past. I, too, have used others to try and get over you and each time I'd wake up the next morning feeling cheap and empty inside. Leo, the past is the past. We have each other now and that's all that matters."
Something starts to weigh heavy on her mind. She's not sure if she should divulge a secret that she's kept from him. This particular matter happened right before Leo had stopped seeing Jordan, and since Jordan was out of the picture soon after it occurred, Margaret decided not to tell Leo what she knew. But now, she's thinking that it might help Leo feel better about his liaison with Jordan.
"Leo, there's something that I think you should know. I never told you this before, because right after it happened, you stopped seeing Jordan, so I didn't see any reason to tell you." Margaret is still having second thoughts about whether she should continue.
"Margaret, I suspected that you never liked Jordan, because you always seem to vanish whenever she was around. Its another reason why I felt so guilty about dating her and probably another big reason why I stopped." Leo looks at her with his honey colored eyes and reaches out to gently touch the side of her face.
Margaret is somewhat surprised by the fact that she wasn't able to hide the aversion she held for Jordan, from Leo. She thought she'd done a better job than that. But, that's not important now, she decides. She wants Leo to feel better and to let him know that Jordan was not without her own transgressions as far as their relationship was concerned.
"Yes, its true that I wasn't fond of Jordan, but that's not what I need to tell you. I once overheard a cell phone conversation that Jordan had with someone. She was waiting for you in your office and she thought that I was still at lunch. But, I'd forgotten my purse and gone back to my desk to get it. She was telling someone on the phone that her flirtation with you, was purely based on physical needs." Margaret pauses and wonders if she should tell him about how Jordan proceeded to tell this person that it did have some added bonuses. That her clientele had not only increased in size, but also the importance of clients had increased as well, since it had leaked that they were dating. Then, she went on to say that her office had leaked the story to the press. But Margaret decided against telling him, because she didn't want to hurt him with this information.
Leos visually seems relived with what he's just heard. "Margaret thanks for telling me this. It still doesn't change the fact that I was using her, but it does make me feel better knowing that it was only physical for her, too."
"Leo, what's done is done. And that goes for both of us. We both have things we wish we could change, but we can't. We just need to 'move on'. At least that what I hear someone tell the President, all the time." How many times has she heard Leo's gravely voice say, 'Move on, Mr. President.' She can't help but smile as the sound of his voice, echoes through her mind.
"Yeah. Yeah, you're right. We'll just move on."
Leo reaches over and pulls Margaret into his arms. He can't believe how lucky he's, to have finally found his place in life. He slowly pulls himself from her arms and stands up and reaches a hand out to Margaret. "Baby, I'm really tired and drained. I think I'm going to take a nap. Will you come too? I'd love to just lay there and hold you in my arms." Leo has such a little boy look on his face.
"Sure. I could really use a nap too and I'd like nothing better than to take it, while laying in your arms." Margaret takes his hand and leads him to her bedroom. "You need to rest up for this evening." She smirks.
"Margaret!" A widespread grin crosses his face. "You're going to be the death of me!"
"Yeah?" She says, with a coy glance at him.
"Yeah, remember I'm an old man!"
"You didn't seem very old to me last night or this morning."
"Yeah?"
"Honey, your age doesn't matter to me. And if these past few hours have been any indication of your age, well then, I'd say you have nothing to worry about."
"Ok." Leo says slowly and somewhat timidly. "But, I still need a nap." Leo can't believe he wants to take a nap. He's never been one to nap during the day. But, then again, they really didn't get much sleep last night and most of his nights lately, haven't been filled with such strenuous activities.
"Me too." Margaret can't believe she's so tired, this early in the day. But, they have had some difficult and straining moments this morning. Plus, there were all those vigorous activities from the night before, too.
Leo lays down on the bed and pulls her into his arms. He's perfectly content to lie there for a while, just holding her tightly in his arms. He can't believe how good it feels to have her next to him and how quickly his life has changed in these past few hours. He sighs and slowly drifts off to sleep.
Margaret lays curled up in his arms and can't believe how safe and secure she feels laying in his arms. She's dreamed about this many times before, but those dreams don't even come close, to how she feels right now. She hears him sigh, as she drifts off to sleep.
Residence: 12:00 pm
"Jed, will you come over here and sit down?" Jed is about to drive Abbey crazy. He's been pacing around the Residence every since he'd gotten off the phone with Leo.
"What, can't a guy wonder around in his own. house?" Jed walks over to the couch and falls down next to her.
"Jed, what's wrong?"
"I'm just thinking about Leo."
"You mean worrying, right? Abbey gives him a knowing look.
"I know what I meant." He smirks back to her.
"Jethro?"
"Would you please stop calling me that!" Jed pleads, in a whiny voice.
"No, I don't think I will." Abbey retorts back to him.
"Whatever."
"Jed, why are you worr. I mean, thinking about Leo?"
"Its just. you know what his whole life has been like. He just. You don't know what he's been through, these past few months. I just want this thing, whatever it's, with Margaret, to work out for him. I don't think he could take another blow in his life if it doesn't."
"Jed, I noticed something about Leo yesterday that I haven't seen in a long time and I'd hoped I'd never to see again. He's been close to the edge, hasn't he?" Abbey's voice is full of guilt and concern. "Jed, just what all has been going on around here?"
Jed turns to her. He wants to lash out at her in anger. Anger, that he's kept hidden for a while now. But, he knows that she's not the cause of most his outrage. He's furious with himself. "Abbey, I don't even know where to begin. So much happened, while you were away."
"Oh, Jed." Her voice is filled with sorrow. She'd been too wrapped up in her own anger, to even think about what had been going on with Jed or anyone else.
"Abbey, what's happened has happened. We just move on." Jed reaches out and takes her hand.
"Jed, please tell me what has been going on with Leo."
Jed goes on to explain the lowlights of the past few months. About how he feels he's to blame, for a lot of Leo's stress. That he left the running of the country to Leo while he went off to, 'I don't give a damn anymore land'. That Leo was the one dealing with all of the crises, the staff's tribulations, the new Vice President, Josh's blunder and a dozen other important things. He told her how Leo had been protecting him and that Leo had been the one who had held together the administration. He told her about Leo's intense grouchiness and moodiness. He told her how he'd even overheard Margaret commenting about Leo's temperament, to Charlie. He told her that Leo was smoking again and that he couldn't help but wonder, if that bad habit was back, could Leo be far from having others take over his life again?
Abbey is somewhat shocked by all that has happened and realizes that she's had a part in all of this, too. "Jed, Leo needs a break and not just a long weekend. He needs to get away from this place."
"Yeah, but you know him. He'll never agree to it."
"What good is being the President, if you can't order him to?" Abbey smirks.
"Yeah!"
"I still need to talk with Leo tonight." Abbey says, as she looks at Jed. Jed gives her a concerned look. "Jed, don't start with me. I know I was partly to blame for his current condition and I plan on setting the record straight, tonight."
"Ok." Jed can't help but think that this is a good thing.
"While I'm talking with Leo, you need to discuss Leo's situation and proposed solution with Margaret. If anyone can get him to take a vacation, it will be her."
"Great, we get to gang up on him. I love this plan already."
"Jed, we need to tread lightly with this, don't go overboard."
"Who, me?" Jed gives her a look of disbelief.
"Yeah, you!"
"Ok, I promise." Jed seals the deal with a kiss.
Margaret's Apartment: 2:00 pm
Leo has been awake for a couple of minutes, but has no interest in getting out of bed. He's very content to rest here and hold Margaret. He thinks about what their married life might be like and can't keep the growing smile from his face. He's probably smiled and laughed more in these last few hours than he's had in months. He doesn't want to rush Margaret, but there are a lot of things that need to be decided and worked out quickly. They have wasted far too much time; he doesn't want to wait much longer. He knows this is what he wants; he hopes that she feels the same way. His mind wanders back to the first three days of this week, as Margaret starts to stir in his arms.
"Hey, Baby." He murmurs into her ear and pulls her even closer to him.
"Mmmm." She sighs. "I never knew that napping could be so relaxing."
"Yeah."
"Have you been awake long?" She says, as she rolls over to face him and plant some small kisses on his brow.
"Nope, not too long."
"What ya been thinking about?" She continues her assault on his face.
"Um. just the some of what happened earlier this week."
"Care to tell me?" She's stopped kissing him and is looking into his warm eyes.
"I was just thinking that you never get to ever take another day off again, without me." He says, making a flustered face.
"Oh, Leo, that's so sweet." But then she notices his facial expression. "Why? What happened? Did you mess up my files?"
"They're technically my files and no, I didn't mess up your renowned system." He chortles back at her.
"Well, maybe, but you're not the one who has to keep them in order. So, would you care to enlighten me about what was going on, while I was having my break?"
"I was saddled with the temp from Hades. She was a stiff as a board and had the personality of a doorknob. As soon as six o'clock rolled around, she was out the door. She made me call her Ms. Whitcome and she wanted me to use the intercom. Her coffee making skills come nowhere near yours and if you innocently give her a muffin, she accuses you of trying to pick her up!"
"Leo, you tried to pick her up?" Margaret finds this very funny and a great opportunity to pick on him.
"No! That's not what happened. I'd been down to the mess and they had just put out fresh muffins. I wasn't thinking and picked a blueberry one up for you. I didn't even realize my mistake, until I got back to the office and found her in your chair. You know I don't like blueberry, so I decided to give it to her." Leo pauses as the scene replays mind. "She immediately jumped to the wrong conclusion and told me that she would not be party to that type of a relationship. That she didn't believe in mixing business and pleasure. That I should act my age and then told me if I persisted, she would file a sexual harassment complaint against me. Then she wanted to know, if you put up with that type of treatment!"
Margaret can't help herself as she bursts out with laughter. "Oh, Leo, you poor thing!"
"It's not funny." He's quite flustered from having just relived the moment.
"Poor baby, did the mean temp scare you?" She asks in her best motherly tone that she could manage, between bouts of laughter.
"Margaret!"
"Well, serves you right for hitting on her like that. A man of your advanced years, what were you thinking?" She's still trying to keep up the facade, but failing miserably at keeping a straight face.
"You know she does have certain qualities that I like in a woman." Leo decides it's his turn to have his fun.
"Yeah?" She snorts, having still not completely recovered from her attack of the giggles.
"Yeah. She doesn't tell dumb jokes, she doesn't nag me about getting enough to eat or sleep and she could care less if I slouch in my desk chair."
Margaret pretends to pout at Leo's statement. "You just named qualities that she doesn't have."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
"Well, I'll tell you something else she doesn't have. She doesn't have my love!" Leo reaches over and pulls her into a tight hug. "Margaret, I love your quirkiness, the way you look out for me and care for me, all of your notes you give me, the way you keep me centered and the way you move, from your office to mine. But most of all, I love you. We have wasted so much time. I don't want to waste another moment. I want you to move in with me."
"Leo, do you think that's a wise thing to do before we get married?"
"I don't care. I want you safe with me. This building and neighborhood that you live in, is far too dangerous." Leo's face has taken on a serious quality.
"But, I've lived here since the Administration started. I've not had many problems." Margaret's knows that she's in for it, the second that last bit slipped out of her mouth.
"Margaret, what problems?" Leo voiced, with great concern.
"And besides, I can't move in with you, you live in a hotel. Which I might add is a 'huge' waste of money. If I've told you once, I've told you at least a hundred times, that you spend way too much money." Margaret is trying her best to derail his questioning.
"A for effort Margaret, but don't think you're getting me off the subject that easily. Now, what problems?"
Margaret realizes that there is no way that he's going to give up. So, she might as well tell him. "Um. I did have a break in once."
"And?" Leo can tell that she's holding something back.
"Ok, I was. mugged almost two years ago." Margaret absent-mindedly raises her hand and touches the spot where the mugger had hit her on her head.
"Margaret, did he hurt you?" Margaret's slight gesture to her head doesn't go unnoticed by him. He reaches over and pushes aside the hair at the spot she'd touched and notices a scar. "Oh, Baby. When and where did it happen?"
"Leo, I'm ok. It happened." Margaret doesn't want him to know that it happened on a night that she'd stayed late at work, because Leo had needed something done before she left work. She isn't going to tell him that she hadn't been paying close attention to her soundings, the night of her attack, on her way home from the metro stop, because she was fretting about him. She'd been so worried about him all that day, ok more worried than normally. On the afternoon before, Leo had a meeting with General Adamley, an old Air Force buddy. After the General had left, Margaret had found him in his office softly crying. He'd tried to hide the fact that he was crying and told her to go home, so Margaret didn't question him about what was going on and left his office. But, Margaret didn't go home right away. Instead, she visited his best friend that night and told the President that she was worried about Leo. She never did find out why Leo was upset that night, but the next day Leo was very despondent and guilt ridden. Margaret had driven herself crazy that day trying to ease his burden and when he'd asked her to stay late, she was more than glad to help. It had been an emotionally draining and tiring day for Margaret. Her mind was elsewhere on her walk to her apartment and didn't even notice that she was being followed. The man attacked her and might have done more except that someone had come along and scared him off. The memory of that night made her shudder. "Leo, I."
"Oh, Margaret, it happened because of me, didn't it. It was because I kept you late at work, wasn't it?"
Margaret shakes her head no.
"Margaret, don't lie to me."
"Yes." She now nods her head, as she whispers yes and then quickly tries to take the blame. "But, I wasn't paying close attention and."
"Stop it. Stop trying to protect me." Leo puts his hands on her shoulders. "When?" Is the only word that would come out of his mouth.
"Remember last year when I called in and told you I'd a family emergency and needed a week off." Margaret lowers her head in shame for having lied to Leo back then.
"Yeah." And then it dawns on him. "Is this," gently touching her scar, "the reason why?"
Margaret nods her head yes.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't want you blaming yourself. I didn't know what was going on with you at that time, but I wasn't going to add to your guilt or bother you with any problem of mine."
Leo looks at her with a puzzled look. "Well, which problem, Lord knows we've had our fair share of them!"
"It happened the day after your meeting with General Adamley. I don't know what happened during that meeting, but when I went in your office after the meeting I. um. found you crying. I realized you were trying to hide the fact, so I left you alone." She doesn't want Leo to know that she went to the President after she left his office. "When I came to work the next day, I could tell that you were still upset. You were a darker shade of gray that day." Margaret looks at Leo with so many unasked questions showing on her face. She knows that Leo flew in the war in Vietnam and the General Adamley had been his commander or something of his. She assumed it had something to do with that, but she'd never asked.
Leo drops his head, while thinking back to what Adamley had told him that day. How was he going to tell Margaret that he'd killed eleven innocent civilians in the bombing of a supposed military target? He decides that now is not the time for it. One day he would sit her down and tell her about some of his war experiences or maybe he never will. But now, he just wants Margaret to be safe. He wants to protect her from danger of her living environment and from his past. He raises his face and looks into her blue eyes. "Margaret. I. someday I'll...."
Margaret interrupts him. "Leo, it's ok. You'll tell me when you're ready." Several seconds pass before either one of them says anything.
"Margaret, I still think. no I want you to move in with me." Leo tries to put on a smile.
"I'm not going to live in a hotel." She replies.
"Well, then it's time I found a house or something." Leo tells her.
Margaret perks up at the mention of him finally moving from that hotel that he's lived in for almost 4 years now. "Really?"
"Yes, we're getting married and we'll need a place to live. So, we might as well find a place now and move into it together."
Margaret gets that look again, like she's getting ready to protest the moving in together. But, Leo doesn't let her even start. "Margaret, we've wasted too much time. Please tell me you'll move in with me and that we can start to make a life together, right away."
"Well, Mr. McGarry, how can a girl resist an offer like that?" She brazenly says to him. She knows how calling him Mr. McGarry gets to him.
"You're going to be the death of me, yet." Leo moans as he pulls her back down onto the bed and assaults her with kisses.
After a few minutes of intense kissing, Leo gently pulls away from Margaret. "Baby, there's nothing I'd rather do than finish what we started here, but I need to go to my hotel and get some clothes to wear to the dinner tonight." He pauses and thinks about how to phrase his next sentence. "Um. Also, I was hoping that I could pack up a few things and bring them over here for after the dinner. I really don't want to spend another night away from you." Leo anxiously awaits her response.
"Leo, I can't imagine spending another night without you by my side. Should I get dressed now and go over to the apartment with you or do you want to come back and get me?"
"Oh no, you're coming with me. I'm not giving you a chance to escape. You're staying close by my side. You're not going to get a chance to avoid an evening with Mr. Christmas Trivia himself!" Leo laughs as he starts to attack her with more kisses. Leo is having a definite problem in his pants. They suddenly have gotten really tight in the front. He starts to rub himself against her thigh.
"Leo, stop that. I thought you said we needed to get going. If we keep this up, I'll never get changed into my evening clothes." She gets up and heads to her closet in search of an appropriate outfit.
Leo follows close behind her. "OK by me, I like you undressed. Let me help." He presses himself into her from behind and wraps his arms around her waist and holds her close to him. He starts to unbutton her blouse and since he can't see what he's doing, his hands keep missing the buttons and brushing against her breasts.
"Leo, stop it. Go out into the living room and wait for me. I'll be out in a bit."
"Can't I stay here and watch." Leo whines, as her turns her in his arms and starts to caress her breasts.
"No, because you'll proven yourself to be untrustworthy when it comes to me and even just the thought of me without clothes on."
"I still don't see the problem."
"Well, if you'd look down at yourself, you'd see the problem that I'm referring to." She glances down at the front of his pants and feels a shiver go through her body. No man has ever made her feel this way. She's surprised at the affect she's on Leo.
Leo takes a step back and looks down at the front of his pants. The bulge is very noticeable. "I still don't see a problem. I see something that needs to be taken care of, but it's not too hard of a problem for you to help me solve. I think you're up to the challenge, I know I'm up to it." He says, with an emphasis on the words hard and up.
"Leo! You're terrible. What happened to your 'I'm an old man' and 'you're going to be the death of me' routines?" She playfully slaps his chest and then proceeds grind her body into his.
"I've had a power nap with my arms wrapped around a beautiful lady, so it not my fault that you have this affect on me."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
"Leo, Honey, I really do need to get dressed. I also have to do my hair and makeup. We'll have time for us later tonight."
"Ok." Leo pouts. "But, we will continue this later?"
"Yes, Honey. I promise. Now, why don't you go make arrangements for a service car to come get us and take us to your hotel and then it can take us to the White House."
"Ok." Leo walks stiffly from her bedroom to the living room. He's really having a difficult time with the problem located in his pants. He makes the call for a car. He decides to go back to the bedroom and tell Margaret that everything is set. He gets to the doorway just in time to see her slip her dress over her braless body. He follows the path of the dress down to her silk panties. Leo groans at the site before his eyes. His pants twitch in the front.
"Leo, you're just making it worse. Go wait for me in the living room." She scolds.
Leo slinks off to the living room and sits down on the couch. He can't get his mind off her long legs and that is not helping his problem at all.
A few minutes later, Margaret has finished getting ready and come out into the living room. "I'm ready, is the car here yet?"
Very gingerly, Leo gets up from the couch and turns towards Margaret. "Yeah, it just got here."
Margaret can't believe her eyes. Leo is still sporting a huge bulge in his pants. "Leo!"
"Baby, I can't help it. My mind won't stop thinking about you."
"Are you going to be able to make it to the car?" She teases.
"Yeah. Thank God it's winter time and my heavy overcoat will hide my 'Problem' as you call it."
Margaret can't help but giggle and continues to torment him. "Well, that's differently NOT a problem that an old man would have, for this 'length' of time!"
"Margaret!" Leo growls. "You killing me over here." He motions to the front of his pants.
"Come on Honey, we should get going." She goes to the coat tree in her hallway and grabs hers and Leo's coats. She hands Leo his coat.
"I think you could choose your words more carefully." He whines, as he grabs his coat and puts it on.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah!"
"Ok, I'll try and be better. I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself before tonight. I have plans for you later, Mr. McGarry." She says in her sexiest voice.
"Oh, merciful God, Margaret! Would you please quit it?"
"Quit what?" She innocently asks, as she bats her eyes at him. She flips her hair at him and heads for the door. "Let's not keep the driver waiting any longer." She opens the door and stands in the doorway, waiting for Leo to make his way to and out the door. She just can't resist on more grab. "Hey, Leo, is that a banana in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?" She's overcome with a case of the giggles again.
"Hell! Margaret. That's where you're going, Hell!" Leo heads down the hall and down the stairs. Thank God, Margaret only lives on the second floor. He doesn't think he can make it down more than one flight of stairs with his current predicament. He holds the outside door open for Margaret, as they exit. It's blistering cold outside and for once in his life, Leo McGarry is happy that the temperature's below freezing. The cold air is helping to shrink his difficulty. By the time he reaches the car, after holding the door open for Margaret, he's feeling a lot less restriction in his pants. He breaths a heavy sigh of relief as he sits down.
"Problem, Leo?" Margaret can't resist making just one more comment.
"No, I think everything's finally under control." He smirks. "But, there will be some sort of punishment, for your earlier behavior."
"Punishment, why Mr. McGarry, that sounds very nice." She breathily says.
"Yeah." He growls back at her. He knows when he's been beaten. There's no way that he can win at this game with her. She doesn't play fair. But, then again, he wouldn't want it any other way.
TBC in part4D
