Title: Christmas 2/? Twilight Series 4 /?
By: chipmunk and leosimpishgrin
Pairing: Leo/Margaret - Romance
Rating: R
Disclaimer: See Part 1-Posted 12-25-03
Warning: Sexual content
*****
While tracking down the kids, Colin gets thoroughly lost in the maze of offices. They find them still visiting Josh and Donna. Both kids are giggling at the two adults who are debating, to the kids like they are jurors, being given both sides of the issue of Donna getting coffee for Josh. Both adults are over-acting to keep the kids tickled with laughter.
Leo announces their presence to the room, "Josh, you can give it up. Donna is not going to bring you coffee, ever."
Donna has a huge grin on her face at winning by default and Josh is mock pouting for the kids' benefit.
"Josh, could we use your office a minute? Colin needs to talk to the kids," Leo asks, but tries to convey that even though it is personal, it is not too serious.
Josh picks up on the request, "Sure, Leo. I need to go and get some coffee, for myself, about now anyway." He winks at Katie as he passes her, since she has a smirk on her face that the Sisterhood won.
When the door closes behind Josh and Donna. Colin squats in front of the kids and explains, "Hey, Guys. Bad news. It's that time again. I got a call from work and I need to go to Denver for two days."
Katie asks, as her brother unhappily studies the floor, "Dad, does this mean we have to leave DC and Aunt Margaret and Leo?" She reaches a hand to her aunt. Margaret pulls Katie in close in front of her and wraps her hands in front of her to hug her in support.
"The good news, Kids, is that Aunt Margaret and Leo are going to let you stay with them, for the two days that I'm gone. If you two are agreeable with that? Then you can stay and still have the Christmas activities they have planned for you."
Ben's happy now, knowing that he doesn't have to leave DC so soon, "Dad, will you be here in time for Santa?"
Colin pulls Ben over to hug him, "Yes, Son, I definitely will be here. I promise! OK?"
"Yeah, Dad, It's OK. We'll be all right with Aunt Margaret and Leo. He's cool," Ben, in his little boy wisdom, knows from past experience that his Dad needs to hear that they're comfortable with staying here without him.
Colin gives Ben a squeeze, rises and bends to kiss Katie on the cheek. "Thanks, Kids, you two are the greatest. I love you both." He shifts and gives Ben a kiss to the top of his head. "I'll be here Christmas Eve day. Have a good time. I know Aunt Margaret and Leo will take good care of you and they have lots of friends to help, if needed and that's OK with me. OK? I need to catch a plane."
"Sure, Dad. Love you, Dad," Katie replies and hugs her Dad around the waist.
Ben turns and reaches a little to also hug his Dad, "I love you too, Dad. Thanks for letting us stay."
"Love you, Little Man. Love you, Kitty-Katie. I need to go. Leo is having me driven to the apartment and the driver will then take me to the airport." He kisses the top of each kid one more time. Ben reaches for Margaret hand, with both of his and she understands, as Katie steps back to lean against her again.
"Margaret, I'll be back to my office as soon as I get Colin in the car." Leo leans over and kisses Margaret a quick kiss, before Colin opens the door. Leo gets the expected ohhhh and giggles from the kids. He grins at Margaret, "Let me check with what's going on at my office, then maybe we can take these two down and get them some lunch in the mess."
Margaret and Colin grin at each other, at the kids' reaction to the kiss, knowing that Leo did it to put a smile on their faces. "Sure thing, Leo. We'll meet you there. We can take a quick look at the Mural Room on our way to back to your office."
At the pleased looks on the kids' faces, Colin waves bye to Margaret and the kids. Leo follows right behind. Margaret waits for Josh to reenter to take their leave of him. The kids are used to their Dad leaving them for work, as that is the way it has always been and now they look forward to enjoying the West Wing first hand, while Margaret and Leo work.
*****
After lunch and some good-natured teasing by some of the Sisterhood, for them renting kids for Christmas. That tickles the kids and they play along, as if it's true. They walk the halls back to the office and they each have a kid by the hand. Margaret suddenly remembers, "Leo, I need to run and check to see if the report has been sent over from The Hill, it might be down in the courier's office. Can the kids go with you to the office?"
"Sure, you go ahead and we'll be fine," Leo holds out his other hand for Ben to take and they continue on to his office. Ben is starting to drag behind, after his busy morning and a nice lunch. His bear is starting to droop lower to the floor. Leo glances down and can see that Ben is running out of steam. "Come on, Ben. I think you need to ride for a while." He bends and scoops Ben up onto his left arm. Ben tucks his bear safely in between them and then rests his head on Leo's shoulder to watch where they're going, from his new vantage point. He is tired, but he's still interested in learning the halls of the White House, so he can remember everything when he gets back home. Katie on his right hand is happy to hold hands and swings them just a little as they walk. All three of them are happy and content just being together, taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the White House's business, to enjoy the Christmas decorations as they pass them.
They meet Sam in the hall and Sam stops short at seeing Leo with two kids, who surprisingly seem very comfortable with him. "Hey, Leo. Who are your little friends?"
"Hi, Sam, these are Margaret's niece and nephew, Katie and Ben. They're staying with us this week, with their Dad, her brother Colin. Colin was called to work and the kids wanted to stay with us."
"That's great, Leo. Mallory did mention to me that they were expected this week. I think she has plans for us to stop over and see them one evening soon." Sam smiles warmly at the kids.
"Kids, this is Sam Seaborn and he works here in Communications. He's also dating my daughter Mallory, so they're in and out of the apartment, about as much as Josh and Donna are."
"Nice to meet you, Ben," Sam smiles and shakes Bens hand that he extends, after he lifts his head straight to look more grown up, but his drowsy looking face and the bear gives his real age away.
Sam next reaches out to shake hands with Katie, "Nice to meet you, also, Katie. I'm sure that Mallory will be eager to meet you both."
"You're dating Leo's daughter? I bet she thinks you're cute," Katie adds with a giggle.
"Hopefully, handsome, Katie," is Sam's response at Leo's chuckle and Katie's giggle. She found Sam's weak spot in record time. Katie is going to be a heart breaker when she gets a little older.
Leo lets him off the hook, "We'll see you at home, Sam, some evening soon. I think that I need to get Ben to my couch, for a power nap." Leo smiles at Ben again laying his head back onto his shoulder. Leo starts to move again for his office. They get a few startled looks from staff, most of whom could never imagine Leo McGarry comfortable with small kids, or them with him. Even a lot of the adults in the West Wing, will walk wide circles around him on most days.
*****
Leo arrives at his office and puts Ben down on the couch, "Hey, Sport, you curl up here for a short power nap and after Margaret gets back, I'll check with the President's schedule to see when you can go in and see him."
Ben gives a sleepy nod, but asks anyway, "Leo, you promise not to let me sleep through going to see the President?"
"Sure, Ben, I'm going to be right here, working." Leo takes the Air Force throw blanket off the nearby chair and spreads it over the little guy.
Ben sees the insignia on the blanket and happily snuggles down for a nap.
Leo glances at Katie sitting on a chair at the round table watching him, "Katie, do you think you could shut the hall door for me? We don't need someone barging into the office and disturbing Ben. You sure you don't want to use the other end of the couch?"
She slips off the chair to help, "No, I'm fine. Thanks. I'll get the door. You need anything else?" Leo grins at the very 'Margaret' sound, to Katie's way of speaking.
"Thank you, Katie. That's great. Do you think you could lay these files on Margaret's desk?" He holds out two blue files to her, loving her delighted face at his request.
"Leo, can I sit at Margaret's desk, till she returns? I won't bother anything," she solemnly promises.
"Sure, Pixie. I'm sure you won't bother anything." Leaning forward to see her, he grins as she hops up onto Margaret's chair. He can tell that now perched on Margaret chair, she pulling it closer by grabbing the edge of the desk. Leo goes back to reading the report on his desk, knowing that she's happy pretending that she's his assistant.
After a few minutes the phone rings and Leo is intently reading the report. After the third ring, Leo, being lost in the report, calls slightly impatient, "Margaret, answer the phone, please."
Katie's reply from her office pulls him back to reality, "Leo, she's not back yet."
"Thank you, Katie. My mistake. I just assumed she had returned." Leo grins at his own blunder and quickly thinks of a way for Katie to get her wish at helping in the office. "Katie, can you push the top button on the phone, to send the call in here?"
"Let me look, Leo, I think I can." She calls back into him. "The caller ID says it from Josh Lyman's office, is that our Josh?"
"Yeah, it is. Better yet, Katie, answer the phone with 'Leo McGarry's office'. Then after he replies, you can switch it to me with that top button. OK?" Leo's sure this will please her and Josh as well.
"Wow, sure, Leo." She picks up the phone and answers it like Leo instructed her, "Leo McGarry's office." She giggles at Josh's response and his treating her like she's Margaret, with him sounding very professional and not like he's talking to an eight year old. She tries to be serious, "One moment, Please. I'll check with Mr. McGarry and see if he can speak to you." She flashes a grin at Leo who's having as much fun as she is with Josh. Leo's tempted to string Josh along, but gives in and directs her, "Katie, tell Mr. Lyman that I'm available now and that you'll switch him in to me."
Katie's grinning from ear to ear at being allowed to handle the call. She does exactly as Leo instructed and is pleased when it works perfectly. She spins Margaret's chair to leans forward to peek though the door and watch Leo on the phone.
When Leo is done, he hangs up and pushes the button to switch the calls back to Margaret's desk.
"Katie, if it rings again, you handle it, OK?" His face tells her that he seriously trusts her.
Katie does a quiet squeak of joy. "I can do it, Leo. Thanks," she breathes the last word and she stares at the phone, willing it to ring again.
She's not disappointed in her waiting, when it rings in just a few minutes. Her eyes get wide, when the caller ID just has OO on it and she immediately knows who's calling. She leans back to look at Leo and gives him a glance, showing a little panic.
He sees her wide eyes and his face splits into a grin, guessing accurately at who's calling. He nods his head for her to go ahead and answer.
She picks up the phone firmly like it might get away, "Leo McGarry's office. Yes, Sir. One moment, Please." She glances a split second at Leo and pushes the top button to send the call to him and hangs up the handset she's holding. She quickly slides off the chair and moves to the doorway to hear if her call switching was successful. She finally starts to grin, when she hears Leo explain that he has a sub while Margaret's running an errand.
Leo knows that he has a very interested audience, "She very qualified, Sir. I trained her myself. She's just a temp for the week, Mr. President." Leo hears her giggle and it must have carried over the phone. "Yeah, it's Katie. Oh, he's here in my office. Ben is taking a power nap on my couch. He was really pleased to use my Air Force blanket. I think I have a new flying convert. Ohhhh, that's a good idea." Leo soon rolls his eyes, "No, Sir, we can't take him to the Sit. Room. No, you really can't, but I'm sure, Sir, that we'll run into some military officers before the week is out. Yes, Sir, he loves the Marine guards. Hey, we could get one of the guards to do the rifle drill for him. Yeah, it's great having a small boy around." Leo glances at Katie to see if she upset at his macho remark. He's glad she's not.
Katie has now crept to the front of his desk, while Leo's talking to the President. She folds her arms on his desktop and rests her chin on her arms as she listens.
Leo leans forward and rests his elbow on the desk, stretching out his fingers from his other hand to stroke them against her smooth child's skin. Katie can almost hear the President speaking. She's hardly breathing and her eyes are sparkling.
"Yes Sir, she's doing a fine job of taking care of me, while Margaret is gone. Yes, Mr. President, they'll be thrilled to come in to meet you. I'll call later and see if you're free. Thank you, Sir." Leo hangs up and scrunches his face down to hers and is nearly nose-to-nose. He takes a fingertip and taps her gently on the nose. "Thanks, Pixie. You better get out to your office and guard the phone."
Katie skips out, to do just that and climbs back into Margaret's desk chair, spinning it around once in her happiness.
Unfortunately, no more calls come in before Margaret arrives back. She had brought back with her, a brochure for the kids to look at about the White House.
Katie happily reveals to her Aunt Margaret, all about how she manned the phone for her.
Margaret gives her a hug and a kiss of thanks, on the top of her head. Then Margaret recommends that she rest on the couch with Ben, to read the brochure.
*****
When Ben wakes, Leo calls to check the President's schedule, but finds that he's in a meeting. Charlie assures him that the President will be available for the kids to see him later.
Margaret moves over and refolds the blanket from Ben's nap. "Hey, guys why don't I take you around to meet some of the other staff? You haven't meet CJ or Toby yet."
Ben is now rested and ready to go again. "That would be great, Aunt Margaret." He climbs off the chair at the table that the two kids were sitting at, while looking at the brochure.
"We'll see you later, Leo. Bye, Leo." the kids call back over their shoulders as they leave with Margaret.
Walking down the hall, Katie voices a deep wish she has in her heart. "Aunt Margaret, do you think that we can come and visit you and Leo more often, now that you have a bigger apartment and we're older."
Margaret looks down into the beautiful face of her niece that is framed with the strawberry blonde hair of her Dad's and can see the honest desire there. Of Katie needing to be close to her, her real family. Margaret can see that this is not a whim or just Katie being excited at visiting during the holidays. It's possibly something that Katie has been dreaming of at home and Margaret knows after this last year, how important dreams are. She now has her Leo, after all of her dreaming.
"Katie, I know that Leo and I work crazy hours, but we'll find a way to work it out. I want to be a part of your life and your childhood. I realize that some things just can't wait until later. You two are growing up so fast and I don't want to miss it." She hugs both kids in close against her. She counts her blessings. Margaret has so little family. These two and their Dad are all the family she has in this world. Leo is her life and he has accepted her family without hesitation.
Ben looks up from against her side, "Thanks, Aunt Margaret. We really want to see more of you too." Margaret's eyes get shiny, understanding that Colin has ingrained into his kids, how important family is and shared his love for her, with the two at her side. She is so happy that the kids are just as eager as she is, to bond as a family.
She grins with happiness and it still shows when they arrive at CJ's office. Carol is not at her desk, but the office door is cracked open. Margaret stops outside and knocks, calling, "CJ, are you in and free a moment?"
"Hey, Margaret. I sure am, come on in. I'm almost to the point of boredom. It has been so slow that it's almost scary." She smiles a welcome at the two children with Margaret. She has been hoping to see them this week during their visit. "All right, you two, are you into hugs or handshakes? By the way, I'm CJ and I'm a good friend of you aunt's."
Ben smiles up at CJ, as she stands to her full height. He sticks out his hand to shake. "I'm Ben. Glad to meet you. This is my big sister, Katie."
CJ bends down to shake his hand, "I thought you were suppose to be six. You seem older. Well, young man, I better put in my reservation now. You seem so mature now, that I can tell you're going to be into older women when you're all grown up."
Grinning at her thinking he's older, he states, "I think so too, CJ." He boldly answers her, giving her a small surprise, "When I'm older, like ten, I might like girls. Not now, the girls in my class act just like babies. I stick to hanging out with the guys, for now." He says this with all the dignity that he can while still carrying his teddy bear.
CJ is tickled at his reply and stifles her giggles, trying not to hurt his feelings by laughing. "Ben, you are just delightful. With that attitude, you should fit right in with the guys around here."
Margaret nods her head in total agreement. CJ turns to Katie, "You must be the newest member to the West Wing Sisterhood. Margaret has told us all about you. I hear you're a very independent girl. We like that, as the guys tend to out number the girls around here, so we can use all the female support we can get."
Katie likes CJ's style and when CJ holds out her arms for a hug, Katie slides right in, for a squeeze from CJ.
CJ holds Katie to her side with an arm around her still and Ben is in front of Margaret, as the two pair face each other. She asks the kids, "Who have you guys met so far, here at the White House?"
Ben answers, "We saw Josh and Donna. We met them last night at the apartment."
Katie adds, "We saw Sam in the hall. He's cute and he's dating Mallory, but I'm not to call him cute."
Ben pipes up, 'Yeah, guys are handsome and girls are cute."
CJ smiles at his candid statement. His rich red hair and ivory skin, which he obviously shares with his aunt, is definitely a handsome combination, even before you add in his green eyes. He's going to be a lady killer when his time comes. Cupping his chin in the palm of her hand, CJ looks into those green eyes and can see the old soul in a child's body, just waiting for time to make it right. Just like a friend she knows.
"Margaret, why don't you take them over to see Toby? I'm sure that they would like to see Sam's office too, while they're here." She grins wider at the thought of Ben and Toby meeting. It should be very interesting.
*****
When the trio is walking in the hall near the communications bullpen, they can hear a loud, gruff, male voice demanding that someone get the right report and get a person on the phone. Loudly stating, "It's wrong and needs fixing and fixing fast. Heads may roll and the world may cease to spin." The male is in a rant of injustice. Then, after a moment of staffers scurrying quickly up ahead, the area gets quiet. Arriving at Toby's office, they find Toby smoking his cigar and Ben knows this is wrong. He is smoking in White House. Ben walks right in, with not a shy bone in his body. This needs fixing and he knows just how to do it. With stats and trivia. Ben love to drive adults crazy this way and Toby looks like fun. Ben stops in front of Toby's desk and puts his hands to his waist, "You know, smoking is bad for your health, it can cause heart disease, cancer and strokes."
Toby growls, "You don't say kid? Where did you come from? Do we just have strays running around in the halls?"
Ben backs up his stand, "Second hand smoke contains over 4000 chemicals and at least 50 of them can cause cancer."
Toby glances at the doorway and sees Margaret, with Katie, both wearing a look of interest and not concern.
Ben looks at the smoldering, smelly, stub of a cigar in Toby's hand. "Cigar smokers have more mouth and tongue cancer, more than cigarette smokers.
Toby is really protective of his cigars, "You know what's worse for a person's health? Minding other people's business."
Toby growls softly, but not in real anger. He's working on a defense. This kid is good. Toby is intrigued that they're having a pint sized pissing contest.
Ben hears the growl, but he also senses a kindred spirit in Toby, with the 'right, wrong or fix it' motto he heard, as they were approaching his office. Even though he's challenging Toby's right to smoke, Ben is bonding with him, in a small way. They're on the same moral wavelength.
Toby goes at Ben with his American rights, "It's my freedom of choice."
Ben, with all of his small bravado makes his point, "but not to make others breathe it! Second hand smoke kills more than 4000 non-smokers every year."
Toby sounds grumpy in defense his smoking, "It relaxes me." He's not really thrilled that a child is calling him to task. "It helps me to concentrate and what I'm 'hearing' is something that's worse for my blood pressure than my cigar." He tries to bluster Ben down.
Ben holds his ground and exclaims, "But I'm breathing 'your' second hand smoke!"
Toby simply replies with another growl, "Then leave."
"Ben is not scared. He knows Toby is gruff, not mean and comes right back at Toby, "Children of parents, who smoke, have more respiratory infections, asthma and ear infections. I'd like to point out it is not good for the smoker either."
Margaret and Katie just watch the fireworks from the doorway. Sometimes Ben surprises Margaret, because he usually treats people with a detached respect, till he gets to know them, but that's obviously not the case when something needs fixing or he has a strong opinion about something. Not even at the early age of six. ~He's kind of like Toby in that regard, isn't he?~
Ben is ignoring Toby's gruffness, just like he does Leo's. Toby likes that.
Ben doesn't give in to Toby's silence and goes at him again, "Second hand smoke creates other health problems like allergies." Being a kid, Ben is enjoying the game and is letting a slight grin show, but it might give him away.
Toby gives a half smile and asks Margaret, "Was this brassy boy born an adult?"
"We seem to think so," is Margaret's honest reply and she smiles proudly.
Toby surrenders and snuffs out his cigar and grins at Ben, acknowledging Ben's victory. "You must be Ben? I'm Toby Ziegler. Glad to meet you." He reaches across his desk and shakes hands with Ben.
Katie giggles from the door. Toby gives her a grin, "You then, must be Katie? Word has gotten around the West Wing that you two have Leo McGarry smiling and that's a scary thing around here. You may need to tell us your secret."
Katie steps closer and shakes Toby's hand. She sees right through his guff manner. If Ben likes him that's fine in her opinion, "Nice to meet you, Toby Ziegler."
Toby grins wider at her making fun of him using his full name, like it would make an impression on the kids. Ben's uniqueness should have told him right off that he was connected to Margaret and Leo. He likes these bold kids and that's a scary thought as well.
*****
When Margaret gets the kids back to Leo's office, she gives them a snack and some juice at the table. Katie wants to watch Kim Possible. Leo relents and lets them change the channel on one of his TV sets to watch the Disney channel. Leo just shakes his head, completely lost to what cartoons kids, today, are watching on TV. They're definitely different from the Smurfs and Care Bears that Mallory watched on TV as a small child.
When the short cartoon is done, so is their snack. Leo calls Charlie and finds that the President is now available. Holding their hands, Leo instructs Katie to give a brief knock on the Oval Office door and they wait for permission to enter.
The President quickly calls permission to them to enter. His face lights up when he sees that Leo has children and not files in his hands. He sees Margaret waiting just inside the door, smiling, letting the kids have their long awaited moment.
The President moves around his desk to happily meet the kids, "Hi, I'm Jed Bartlet. Welcome to the White House." He acts like he's welcoming new dignitaries and the kid's grin at his jolly tone.
Katie replies with a smile, "Thank you, Sir. It's nice to meet you. I'm Katie Ryan and this is my little brother, Ben. We're visiting our Aunt Margaret and Leo for the holidays."
The President bends closer and holds out his hand to shake first Katie's and then Ben's hand. "Glad to met you. Now, that the formalities are done, tell me what you've seen and who you have met, since you arrived today, at the White House. We have lots of fun activities planned, which you two can enjoy. Did you hear that Gus is going to have a sleep over after the big dinner on Christmas night?" He guides them to the couches, to sit and tell him about their day, like an indulging grandfather or at least an uncle.
Leo just shakes his head, smiling at Jed enjoying the kid's recital of their day and of him getting a review of Ben taking on Toby. He and the President admire that not many six year olds would challenge Toby, let alone win. They're both pleased with Ben, like a couple of proud papas.
Margaret signals to Leo that she's going back to her office, to get some things done, while the kids are entertaining the President.
The President is delighted at the kid's adventures so far today, but of course, Charlie needs to interrupt them with a note. The President stands and moves to the portico doors to read it. Charlie waits near him for directions.
Katie turns to Leo and whispers, "I hate this, but I need to go to the little girls room. I'll be quick."
Leo nods his head in agreement. He knows that it must be from nervousness. He has an idea, "Ask Margaret to come back in with you and to bring her camera." Smiling, Katie pops up and quickly slips out the door to Leo's office. Leo knows that with it being relatively quiet in the office this week, Margaret can sneak around and get some candid shots of the kids, in the West Wing. Then he can print them out at his computer and make an album for them of their adventures. Margaret can pick a few special ones to put in frames to show off around the office and at the apartment as well as for the kids to take home with them.
The President looks up from the note, "Ben, would you like to sit at my desk for a few minutes? I'd like to speak to Leo."
Ben's face lights up, this is his fondest wish. "Yes, Sir. Oh, Thank you, Sir," is his happy breathless reply. He slides down to set his feet on the floor and glances his smiling face to Leo.
The President watches as the two move toward his desk. Ben is striding determinedly and Leo is doing his slight swagger, happily following the boy. As Ben gets behind the desk, the look on his face is priceless. Jed loves that look, possibly, the look of the future.
Leo follows him behind the massive desk, to watch Ben get up in the chair. He scoots Ben closer to the desk, before quickly moving over to talk to the President.
Ben holds onto the chair arms to resist touching anything on the desk, but it's really tempting to a six year old, who's getting his heart's desire at this very moment in time. He wants to remember every minute of this, forever.
Margaret appears at the door with Katie and her camera. With a nod from Leo for them to enter, she holds up her camera as the President looks over at them and the President nods his head toward Ben at the desk, as a signal of permission. Margaret moves in front of the desk and takes a picture of Ben at the President's desk. She knows just how special it is to sit at the desk of the President of the United States. Most government officials would be honored to do just this same thing. Margaret knows that because Leo and her are close to the First Couple and the fact that she works first hand with some of the behind the scenes most powerful people in the US government, the President might feel closer to her niece and nephew and be comfortable in favoring Ben, with this honor.
Katie has an asking look in her eye. She just knows that she should not speak normally right now, with Leo and the President talking about important matters across the room.
Margaret knows how it is, to want to be included, but knows the President gave permission just to Ben and she shouldn't presume any rights, by having Katie sit with him. She does think of a way to get Katie in the picture. She whispers in Katie's ear and the little girl quietly moves to stand behind her brother for a quick snapshot. Moving quickly back to Margaret's side, with a smile like 'no one saw me go behind the desk for a moment'. Katie and Margaret glance at the men on the other side of the room, to see if they are about to get thrown out.
The men did catch the ladies little detour in protocol, because no one, not even the senior staff, move behind the President's desk without permission. The men start out to give them stern looks, but in the holiday spirit, they relent and grin at the tenacity of the two of them.
Margaret and Katie share a glance, the Sisterhood did it again. They out maneuvered the men.
Ben just sits proudly behind the desk, enjoying his right to be there. Now that he understands he's special to get such a treat.
Margaret stays with the kids, while Leo is busy with the President, especially since they've not been given permission to leave.
A decision on the matter is made and instructions given to Charlie. The men move to join Margaret and the kids at the desk. The President loves a camera and moving behind the desk chair, he motions for Katie to join him. He shakes a finger at her in mock anger and when she reaches him smiling, he gently taps her impish little nose with his fingertip and drops a kiss to the top of her head.
Ben is turning in the chair and happily watching. The President looks down at Ben's shining face, "You get a kiss too." He bends and Ben ducks his head slightly with a giggle at the President teasing him.
The President turns to Katie and holds out his hands to her, "Here, little lady, Let me help you to stand in the chair beside your brother and get a real picture. I'll just stand here behind you and hold you steady." Like he's not important in the picture. "Put your arm around my neck, like you like me." Katie is giggling now at the President being silly.
Margaret moves to quickly take a picture of the threesome.
The President has an idea, "Margaret, hand Leo the camera. Maybe he can manage to work it, well enough to take one of you in here too."
Leo gives him a pained look, while Margaret moves around. The kids are delighted at seeing the two men having fun with each other.
Then the President instructs Ben. "Yeah, Sport, you stand up here too. We need to see that you're a big boy."
Ben has a surprised look on his face, "That's what Leo calls me, when he helps me to shower and get my jammies on."
The President laughs at the vision of Leo helping Ben into his small PJ's "Ben, it must be because we're best friends. We just think alike."
Leo gets the shot and the President razzes each of them, on the side of their neck, just to hear them chuckle deeply with childish delight. This is what Christmas is all about. Having fun with kids. Leo got snapshots of the President teasing them. They're exactly the special type of casual photos he hopes to get for them.
The President grins between Leo and Margaret and settles on her, "That's a great idea to catch their visit here in pictures. They'll need tons of them to show to their little friends back at home. Snap away anytime, you know what's appropriate and allowed." He addresses the kids again, "Let's move back to the couches. I want to know more about you." The President helps Katie down and Margaret lifts Ben to the floor. He's a little sad to give up his reign in the chair, but understands that is was an honor even if it was just for a little while.
Margaret smoothes down his hair with a comforting touch, before asking permission to leave the Oval Office and resume her work. The President understands that they're passing the responsibility of the children between them and are still able to get some of the White House business done.
After a few minutes of talking together, the foursome on the couches is getting comfortable around each other. Leo and Katie are sitting on one couch and Ben is beside the President, on the other. Ben is trying to look important and sitting up straight up against the back of the couch, with his shoes not touching the floor by several inches. Katie is the opposite of him and is leaning against Leo's side, but she remembers to keep her shoes off the couch. She's not being that casual.
Ben now feels the need to mention something he noticed at the President's desk and gives him a serious look. "Sir, you're my President and Leo's best friend? Right?"
The President gives Ben his full attention. Ben has been, bit-by-bit, revealing his sharp mind to him in the conversation and the President is impressed. "Yes, Ben, I am. The people elected me into office and I've know Leo, since we were in high school together."
"Sir, then that makes you important to me." At the President's nod, Ben continues. "When I was at your desk, just looking around, mind you, I saw that you have cigarettes in the box on top. The lid was not shut all the way." Ben gives the President his most accusing look. Pinning him better than any reporter. The look he inherited from his Aunt Margaret.
The President blows out his breath with a guilty sigh and glances sheepishly at Leo. ~How to answer the child, about his smoking.~
Ben makes a challenging statement, "Sir, smoking is bad for your health. It can cause heart disease, cancer and strokes. "
The President face lights up at the challenge. "I limit myself to one cigarette a day, on good days." He honestly admits.
Leo asks with a smirk from the safety of the other side of the table, with the kids to buffer any payback, "Sir, have we had any of them lately?" He gets a glare for his remark.
Ben pulls out some stats to use on the President, "Mr. President, 80,000 people die every year from heart attacks and strokes. Sir, 20,000 of the deaths are from smoking. That's 55 people every day!" Ben loves using numbers in his debates.
After his glory of shutting down Toby, he forgets himself and now tries the same with the President, who has to hold his ground.
Katie groans and hides her face against Leo. Here Ben goes again.
The President is now in his element. He loves numbers as well.
"Ok, Ben, You have numbers, convince me that it's bad for me." The President turns to better look Ben in the eye.
Ben gives him a list. "Sir, Heart disease risk is 70% higher for smokers than non-smokers." Ben holds up his small fingers one at a time and the President notes the significance of one so young, caring. "Nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar are the three most harmful chemicals in cigarettes. Smoking causes your heart to beat faster and pump less blood. It makes your blood pressure higher." Ben nods his head seriously at the President.
The President nods his head and reluctantly admits Ben is right. He has already heard this from Abby, in even greater details.
Ben now sees that he is winning and changes his tactics, "Sir, the risk of heart disease gets less, right away when you quit. Ten years or more after, the risk of heart disease, is almost like you never smoked."
Leo sounds relieved when he comments, "Good thing I've already quit smoking or I can see Ben would be giving me a hard time at home." He looks with sympathy at his friend. Leo knows it's hard to quit, but he personally finds its easier not smoke or drink, they go hand in hand for him. Margaret morally supported him in his period of kicking the habit. It was shortly after his rehab. It seemed that giving into one addiction, was tempting him to give in, to his larger addiction. "I started in the military, Ben. I smoked for years, but now, luckily, I've quit." He wants to be honest in front of Ben.
"Good, Leo," is Ben's honest opinion.
The President looks over at Leo, "Is this Ben's soap box at age six? He may make a politician someday? One with a conscience. I like that." He tries to distract Ben with other trivia. Which is his first love. "Well, Ben, since you like interesting facts, did you know that chewing gum was first invented by a dentist?"
Ben just grins at finding another person that loves trivia as much as he and his aunt do.
The President is now happily warming up to the new topic, now that he's found a willing listener. "It purpose was for jaw exercise and to clean the teeth." Ben's nod and full eye contact encourages the President to continue, "Later, Double Bubble chewing gum was invented to blow bubbles with."
Ben lets the cat out of the bag that he knows some trivia for gum also, "Sir, Wrigley's stick gum was added to some products, to get people to buy them."
The President comes back quickly with, "Gum was outlawed in the Soviet Union until 1935. I am not real sure on that date. Don't hold me to it, but I'm sure I'm fairly close on that."
They now have a trivia battle going and Ben fights back. This may backfire on the President.
Ben replies with a smile, enjoying the competition with an adult, "Sir." Ben pauses for effect and then plays his counterpoint, "It still is in Singapore." Ben grins at the surprised look on the President's face and then backs up his remark with facts, "They confiscate it at the airport, because it makes black spots on the sidewalk. It's illegal to be caught with gum there, you can get arrested."
Leo chuckles at Jed getting shot down by a child, "Mr. President, did I mention that Ben's first love is trivia?"
"What's his second love?" The President asks, both a little worried and hopeful at the answer he might get.
Leo nods his head to the side, "Computers, but I think I heard from his Dad last night that his third is chess. All three are a tight call and from what I've seen, he's really good at all of them."
Katie is looking the two on the opposite couch, from the safely of being now tucked under Leo's arm. She's grinning and nodding her head in agreement to Leo's statement about her little brother. "Sir, maybe we should have warned you that Ben is smart that way."
The President admits, "Leo did warn me, with your Dad." He looks at Ben's grinning little face and the teddy bear he's hugging to his chest, "He's six, how can he be playing chess already?"
Leo relates what Colin told him, "Ben excels at math and so computers and chess are logical to him." Leo nods his head to the side and adds, "The trivia is just for fun. He is a kid, after all."
Leo smiles at the gleam in the President's eye. He knows Jed will love Ben's intelligent mind, the same way he's sure Mallory will.
Leo moves to sit up straight on the couch, helping Katie to do the same, they've relaxed in a holiday mood long enough and suggests it time to leave. "Sir, I'd like to take Katie down to the Secret Service agency for a visit. Ben's special treat was to go to the Oval Office, so now it's her turn." Leo and Katie stand. Katie is firmly holding Leo hand to make sure he doesn't get away before granting her wish.
The President looks a little disappointed at losing the opportunity to further enjoy Ben's visit. "Leo, if Ben is willing, I'd like to suggest that he stay here with me and spend some time playing chess." At Leo's puckered look of doubt, he gives some logical reasons, "I don't have any meetings till later and you can leave the doors open to your office. If I have to take care of something that Ben needs to leave for, I can call for Margaret or Charlie can take him to her." Seeing some tiny doubt still on Leo's face, he continues quickly, "If Margaret's away from her desk, Charlie can watch him for a few minutes. You know Charlie's good with kids." The President looks confidently at Leo.
Leo grins at the happy face on the President, "Sir, it's up to Ben. If he wants, he can go later to see the agency." He turns to Ben, "You want to stay and play some chess with the President?" At Ben's glowing face, he gets his answer, before Ben even speaks. He can tell that the President has a new kindred friend.
Ben nails Leo with a pleading look, "Leo, I really want to stay here with the President. I'll be good and if I need to leave. I can even sit in the hall all by myself. I'm six now, you know."
Leo remembers that Ben wants to be treated like a big boy, even though he reserves the right to be babied, when he feels the need. Leo leans over to tousle Ben's hair in agreement and then remembers to smooth it back down. "OK, Sport, you stay here and enjoy your time with the President. We'll be back in a little while." Leo and Katie leave by way of the connecting doors to his office. He wants to tell Margaret the plan and to tip her off to go to the Oval Office in a few minutes to take the President up on his candid photo offer and get one of Ben and the President playing chess in the Oval Office. Ben will definitely want one of those for his album.
The President is delighted that Ben is agreeing with his plan, "Leo, why don't you tell Ron to entertain Katie down there for a little while, as a favor to me. That will give Ben and I more time for chess and you can go to your office and clear up some reports. You can rest assure it's the safest place in the White House for her, it's crawling with agents and has some neat security devices." He's actually talking to Katie by this time and loves the sparkle that has entered her eyes at the mention of what is found at the agency.
Leo grins at the President encouraging Katie's new passion for all things to do with White House security. "Let's go, Katie, before the President can think of anything else to enrich your visit to the White House. Sir, I'll have my cell phone if you need me. Thank you, Mr. President."
Katie echoes Leo's words, "Thank you, Mr. President."
The two leave the Oval Office into Leo's office and Katie is still firmly hanging onto Leo's hand, hopefully preventing any delays or distractions to her being delivered to the agency offices. She heard the President's request for the Secret Service Director to let her stay awhile in the agency. In her opinion, her visit is just getting better and better.
*****
The President gets a nice surprise at the chess set, which is sitting between Ben and himself at a small table in the back area of the room. Ben can see chess moves in his head. Jed is delighted. Leo has found him a teddy bear genius and he's giving the President a run for his money. Actually, it's a good thing that no money is involved with chess playing, since the President never carries money.
A fact that Ben finds fascinating to logic out, while they're playing the game. He enjoys talking to the President about different topics that relate to him, as an intelligent kid. Just like he's a close friend of the family, which he now is, staying with Leo. The President nearly forgets Ben's age, with his clear logical thinking for a child. Ben also is comfortable with the debating over the game and does not feel he's being tested, but honestly being listened to. It never overwhelms the boy with wonder that he's spending one-on-one time with the leader of the free world, now that they're chess playing friends. Ben has immediately included the President into the circle of people he trusts.
*****
Down at the Secret Service Agency, Katie is enthralled with Ron Butterfield, all six-plus feet of him, especially compared to her being less than four feet tall. After the introductions are dealt with, Ron gives Katie a quick tour and is hoping that this is a short visit, he was hoping to review the variety of security measures that'll be used for the upcoming holiday events that the First family are having this year. With the First Family remaining at the White House this year, it relieves him of organizing extra security details for their coverage if they were spending the holidays at their New Hampshire farm or Camp David. He's planning to use some time this week to catch up on a few reports and to finally get the drill schedule planned for the first two weeks of the New Year, ahead of when it's actually needed. Katie has found a new hero and she just loves to question Ron. She's one of those kids that want to know the 'how' as well as the 'why'. Katie's so pleased she's driving him nuts and is being a real trial to Ron, to answer her questions. She loves to make him growl, but she recognizes right from the beginning that it's the same growl that Leo and Toby use and she's not the least bit intimidated by it. She just doesn't understand why, when any of the three men growl, it makes the other adults around them nervous. She wishes she could stay here with Ron all day, everyday. This is the most fascinating work she has ever been exposed to. She must take after her Dad with a love for adventure. She knows from Leo's being a pilot that he must also love adventure and that may be the reason that he's indulging her thirst for this. This White House is full of adventures for an eight-year-old.
Ron is anything but thrilled that he's now responsible for a little girl for the rest of the afternoon, as a favor to the President. He saw the delight in Leo McGarry's face when he imparted this request, earlier. It was as if Leo loved the payback, for when he had to give into Ron's insistence, of his own need for an agent. Leo's last comment was something along the line that they'll have to give in to having someone around that they don't really want. It goes with the job. Throwing Ron's own theory back at him. Leo's satisfied rolling gate was not lost on Ron, as he glared at Leo's back leaving the agency.
Two hours later in the agency, finds Katie and Ron in a stand off. Looking like David and Goliath. Both are determined not to back down from their stand. Both with fists on their hips and a hard look on their faces. Ron is slightly leaning over the small girl, using his most intimidating glare. Katie is glaring right back, neither so much as blinks.
Ron's raising his voice slightly to get his point across, "You, young lady, are 'not', I repeat, 'not' going to check out the shooting range. You are 'not' to even touch the doorknob. It's too dangerous for you in there. You do 'not' have the eye or ear protection to wear that is mandatory in there. You are 'not' going to, in any way, talk, threaten or sweet smile any of the agents into letting you shoot a real gun at the silhouette targets in there. You understand that I have your little tactics already figured out?" Ron lists his points with complete care.
"You have female agents in the Secret Service. So why can't I learn to shoot from one of the agents? They'd make sure I was safe with shooting." Katie's not going to back down. She's a Ryan after all and they know how to debate with the best to them.
"To begin with, you're well under age to handle a firearm. You have to grow up first." He's using all his tactful ability to change her mind. Good thing he has lots of practice with the President.
"Boys learn to shoot hunting guns at my age." Katie has just remembered a point to use again his 'young age' factor. She has always been a fearless tomboy.
"It is definitely 'not' that you're female. As you, yourself, pointed out, we do have female agents." Ron is trying to not completely blow his cool. This kid is firm in her conviction that she can do anything she sets her mind to. If he admitted it to himself, he admires that in people, including little girls.
"The best reason I can give you is that Leo McGarry would use 'me' for a target, if I even let you in there and we won't even think about what the President would be yelling at me." Ron is honestly considering the consequences of her wish to shoot at a target of coming true.
Katie warns, "I won't give this up, Mr. Butterfield. I can learn to shot. I can do it and do it right. Just try me!"
Ron has had it, debating with her and her determined mindset. He's taking this to a higher authority.
*****
Entering the office, Ron brings her back to Leo, under his arm. Katie did not back down. Ron likes a real 'hands on' kid. It makes him wish that someday that he'll have kids like her.
Leo looks up at Ron with surprise, at the manner in which he's returning Katie. "Ron, you want to explain to me why you're man-handling a child in your care? In my care!" He watches Ron carefully set Katie to her feet and that is about the time that it dawns on Leo that Katie has that look on her face that the Sisterhood is born with. Her arms have been crossed against her chest this whole time. Showing her silent displeasure at being returned, all the way from the agency, as Ron packed her through the halls.
"I'd be happy to, Mr. McGarry." Ron is calm and collected in his review. "Miss Ryan has decided that she should be instructed in the art of firearms. She is 'not' pleased at my prohibiting that from happening."
Leo stands and looks at the two individuals lined up in front of his desk. He looks at Katie with some disbelief, as she again has her hands on her hips and her head is turned to glare up at Ron, for ratting on her. Leo looks back up at Ron, "The firing range was not on the guided tour you gave us. How did she learn of its existence?"
Ron gives his report in the same manner as any other report to the CoS. "Sir, she seems to have overheard a couple of our female agents remarking about their shooting session that they had this morning. After that, it seems, Katie decided to go exploring for it. I found her trying to enter the locked range. She was 'not' happy at being denied admittance. I escorted her back to my office and we have been at a stalemate ever since. Honestly sir, I need a break!"
*****
Ron leaves after Leo prompts an apology from Katie. Ron assures her that he's fine with her now. Reminding her that he has rules, which govern the agency that he's expected to follow as well.
Leo rounds the desk to where Katie is still standing. To Leo, she looks about as un-contrite as Mallory did at her age, when she didn't get to do something that she felt she should be allowed to try.
Leo stands in front of her with his hands at his waist holding his jacket open, showing his displeasure at her behavior. He knows that he needs to be the authority figure here and not just her friend. Leo uses his 'chewing Josh out' voice, "I guess we need a firm talk about rules that apply to all of us, all the time and not just when they fit our needs. I'm sure you know that we can't just ignore the rules, when they don't let us do what we want to do. The White House is where we make the rules that the whole country follows. So we're really pretty good at having rules for us to follow here that make sense."
Katie's crossed arms droop to where she's now hugging her rib cage, as she reflects on what Leo is impressing on her. Her eyes are studying the floor.
Leo asks her in a quite voice now, a tone which some of the senior staff find scarier, "Do you agree with that reasoning, Katie? You are 'not' to touch a handgun until you are of legal age. That is not debatable. Handguns are designed to injure people and you have 'no need' to know how to properly use one, as a child. I don't want to hear six months down the road that you accidentally shot someone. Trying to show how the agents use their weapons, with a gun you found in someone's house." He's slightly amazed that no tears are showing, at his scare tactic. He usually has Josh and Sam nervous with his 'laying down the law'. The power of the Sisterhood must have gone to her head. Katie is responding more like Margaret, CJ and the rest of the sisters here. He is sure that it's just a matter of her wanting to grow up too fast. The girl has pluck, but he doesn't want a nightmare like that, to happen to her.
Katie grudgingly admits, "Yes, Leo. I'm sorry. I won't touch a gun till, I'm an adult and get proper training."
Margaret is back already from one of her errands. Leo glances at the door and sees her there. She's quietly listening with concern, but doesn't want to interrupt. He sees her signal to him, using their private and silent communication that she agrees with his talk to Katie. He is being a parent here in handling it and she's learning from him how to be stern, and to discipline, while encouraging more rational reasoning with decision-making and yet convey loving concern too. Never showing anger, but definitely that he's disappointed with Katie's behavior.
"You understand that Ron has a job to do and he has rules to follow. You are very fortunate to have been given practically free roam of the West Wing." Leo points out the freedom that belonging has given her. Leo slides his hands into his pants pockets at her apology.
Katie quietly speaks as she looks down and watches as she puts her foot out to just touch her shoe tip against his. "I didn't break any rules or say or do anything wrong. I just know I can do some of the things that the agents do. I just thought that since all agents need to learn to properly use a gun, I could start with that and they do have a range here. I won't have that available to me at home."
"You can start with something else." He blows out his breath, showing some impatience, "They have a fitness center here. You can start by getting strong and building up your endurance. Being an agent is hard work." He pauses to let that sink in. It's not a glamour job of just walking beside the President's limo. "You're right about not crossing the line and breaking a rule, but you can't see how far you can bend or push them either. Ron is not a babysitter and you're no baby. That may be part of the problem we have here today. You're old enough and smart enough to just get yourself into some real trouble." He notes her change in attitude, which is for the better, "I need your word that when Ron or any security agent, of any type, tells you that something is not allowed, you'll immediately agree with their decision. "If you can't give me your word on this, then you won't be allowed back down to Ron's office and possibly you'll be limited to where you can go in the West Wing."
"Yes, Leo, I will. I promise. Honest, I give you my word," Katie steps closer to him and starts to play with the end of his tie. It's her quiet way of asking for forgiveness. She doesn't want her freedom curtailed. She knows that Leo is not really mad at her. He's upset and is just trying to tell her what's best for her. She knows that at home he's a marshmallow inside. That's her real Leo.
She sees he's upset and the little girl in her is sad that she caused it. She wraps her arms around his waist and gives him a hug. "I'm really sorry I butted heads with Mr. Butterfield and that I upset you, Uncle Leo." She rubs her cheek against the smooth feel of his shirt, wanting to regain the snuggling closeness that they've formed since she arrived.
At hearing her say that she's sorry and calling him 'Uncle Leo' for the first time, Leo's disappointment and fear melts. He knows she's a good kid.
Watching Leo's face and the stern look leaving it, Margaret breathes out with relief, happy that Leo knows how to handle a determined Katie. She realizes that he's just being bluntly honest with Katie, like he is with his 'kids' of the Senior staff, this is how he is with those he loves and sees as family. It just reaffirms to her that he really loves his big kids and this also shows how quickly he has formed a family bond with her niece and nephew.
Margaret looks down at Katie who is hugging Leo, now tying to make amends with him. She's surprised that Katie didn't get angry, yell or cry, like some strong willed children might. Margaret has always known that Katie is a determined child, but she's a little amazed at her ability, at such a young age, to keep enough control to debate and try to support her point. Margaret is really glad that Leo seems to be able to deal with Katie. She's proud of her for admitting that Leo is right and when she hears the 'Uncle Leo' and she tears up, knowing that Katie has added Leo to her circle of family. It's obvious to her that the kids trust and love him already.
Margaret catches Leo's eye and she signals that she's going on one more errand to finish up and will return soon. She knows that Katie and he need a few minutes to get right with each other.
Leo nods his head to Margaret in understanding and he bends to give Katie a kiss on the head, "Were fine then, Pixie. We'll just drop it and try again. Let's go rescue the President from your little brother. Maybe after that, Margaret will be back from her errand and we can go home for the evening."
"Sure, Uncle Leo. Sounds like a plan. I wonder who's winning in there?" Katie's happy again and ready to move on.
Leo looks down at her with a smile for her and teases, "With the trivia battle or the chess game? I'm sure that neither one of them is nowhere near done." He bends down to whisper in her ear like it's a secret, "This may be an ongoing contest with the both of them." Katie giggles at his whispering. Her Leo is back.
They're holding hands as they knock for permission to enter the Oval Office, to rescue one or the other of the room's occupants.
*****
Arriving back at the apartment that evening from the White House, Margaret is considering how they're going to keep the kids occupied this evening. "Leo, were you planning on going down to the pool and swim laps this evening? If you are, then it might be fun for me to take the kids down and let them play awhile with the kick boards. I told Colin to bring their suits with them."
"OK, that sounds good to me. Are we taking them into the hot tub afterward?" Leo asks, since that's their usual routine.
"When I mentioned to Colin, how everyone loves to soak in the hot tub and to bring his suit, he mentioned that he'd heard where it's not good to let small kids stay in the heated water for any length of time. Something about it raises their whole body temperature, but that he thought he would let them get in for just a short time to enjoy the bubbles. We can take them in long enough to get the chill off them from the pool. I think ten to fifteen minutes would be OK." Margaret has logically settled on a plan.
"They don't keep the water that hot in the tub," Leo points out. "No more than fifteen minutes sounds good to me, we don't want any sick kids for Christmas." Leo leans closer to her on his way past and whispers with a grin, "I'll just have to keep my hands under the water." He gives her a quick peck to the lips and hears a moan from behind him, telling him that they have been caught kissing again. The kids are getting good at this new game of scolding them for kissing.
Margaret puts an end to their exaggerated moans. "Kids get your swimsuits on. We're going down to the pool before dinner. I don't want to hear any debating on who's changing where. Katie you can change in the guest bathroom and Ben you change in the guest room. The longer you take, the less time we'll have in the pool, because Leo's a fast changer and he might not wait for any slow pokes. He needs to get started on his laps." Margaret, by this time, is talking to a closed guestroom door, after the kids call back over their shoulders, begging for Leo to wait for them.
Leo laughs loud and deep at the pleading kids. They don't realize that he wouldn't think of going without them. He grabs Margaret's hand and pulls her to the bedroom in a hurry. They just might have time for one passionate kiss, before the kids start beating on the door. He's an old hand at dodging the eyes of kids in the home, but this is new to Margaret and this could get interesting over the rest of the week.
*****
After Leo's laps and the kids trying to do small laps, side to side in the pool on the kick boards, Leo takes a few minutes to play with the kids. They're all enjoying the horsing around, but not for long, it has been a long day for all of them. They still have the kid's showers and a late dinner to get in, before bedtime.
In the hot tub, the kids are delighted with the bubbles and find that they can stand in front of a jet and not only will it tickle their tummies, but for a few seconds, it will gently push them out to the middle of the tub. Leo takes advantage of the occupied kids and pulls Margaret close against his side, for a little underwater groping. Margaret is just as happy to give him some payback and she rubs her hand up his leg as well. Good thing that they're only going to be here a few minutes or she'd have to take the kids on upstairs and let Leo stay here and cool off. Leo leans over and whispers in her ear, so the kids don't overhear him over the whoosh of the bubbles. "We may need to retreat to the bathroom upstairs, I really need some loving time with you. You know how I can't resist you wet. How soon until shower time for us?"
Margaret's eyes light up at his suggestion. She smiles and then quietly gives him the bad news, "Leo, our shower fun will have to wait. The good news is that the kids take their showers at bedtime. Then they can sleep in, in the morning. We can get up early and shower together."
"Let's get the kids upstairs for a shower and dinner. Maybe we can get in some necking time in tonight after they're safely tucked in?" Leo has a plan of his own tonight.
*****
On the way up to the apartment, the kids are wrapped in their towels to keep warm. Just as they are getting off the elevator, Margaret notices that Ben is shivering. "We better get you two showered, dried off and into your warm jammies." She looks at Leo for his agreement, as she asks, "If you can handle Ben in the guest shower, I'll take Katie with me into ours?" We can each dry off and get into our jammies, while the kids are in the shower.
Leo grins at her plan to keep the evening moving along, "Sure, Margaret, we'll use the men's bathroom. Katie, run and get your jammies, before you go to shower. Ben, go along and get yours out as well. I'll be right there in a second."
The kids are in the same hurry to get warm and dry. When they're both in the guestroom, Leo pulls Margaret into his arms, "I'll get you warmed up better than your soft blue jammies." He moves to place his lips to hers for a preview of his plans for later."
"Ohhhhh, they're kissing again, Ben," Katie calls back to her brother that she's caught them in a lip lock. Again. A groan is heard from Ben in the guestroom, of his disapproval of kissing on a whole.
Leo grins and moves to join Ben, who's now waiting impatiently in the bathroom.
Leo's eyes are still on the females heading for the master bedroom. Katie looks back at him with a sassy grin, for getting Margaret away from him and breaking up the grownup's kissing session.
Leo teases her back, "Remember, Pixie, Santa has ways of knowing."
Katie giggles at Leo, since she's too old for Santa, but knows better than to spoil it for Ben, with giving him a smart reply about her knowledge of the real Santa, as Ben might overhear her.
Leo smiles to himself, as he turns his back to her, to go to Ben. He can see she's going to be handful as a teenager, if she's already starting to act like a member of the Sisterhood at age eight.
Leo starts the shower water to warm it up for Ben, "Get out of your wet suit and I'll hook it on the towel rack for you." Leo holds his hand under the water to test it. "You can get in now, Ben." He holds Ben's hand as he climbs in, to keep the small boy from slipping. Ben gets quickly under the spray, rubs his hands over his hair a few time and move back out from under the spray, "I'm clean now, Leo!"
"Not so fast there, Sport." Leo is used to a girl that you could never get her out of her bubble bath. "Here, Ben, hold your hand out and I'll give you some shampoo. Rub it on top of your head. You might still have chlorine in your hair."
Ben is scrubbing the shampoo around with curled fingers, like a cat scratching on a tree, "What about the rest of me. Dad usually just has me soak in the tub, to get me clean. I like this better. Showering like I'm a big kid."
Leo smiles and remembers back, to how he also hated to get a bath as a boy. "Just rub your soapy hands over the rest of you. I'm sure you're clean from the pool and the hot tub." Sounds practical and logical to both males.
"OK, Leo." Ben now looks like he's trying to set a speed record for showering. He barely had the bubbles on him, before he's under the spray to rinse off. The boy now is making sounds that remind Leo of a loud duck in the water, as he rubs his hair to get the bubbles out. Leo grins, he going to have to mop the floor with a towel after this, Ben is getting as much water on the floor as a wet sheepdog. Leo has been unable to pull the curtain. He's afraid Ben will fall, at the rate of speed he's going at. Like the soap will become permanent. Leo has found out that boys are definitely different to get clean, than girls. "OK, Ben, lets get you out and dry."
Leo holds onto Ben again as he scrambles out of the shower and Leo quickly gets him dry. He wraps Ben around the waist with the towel. "Go in the bedroom and get your jammies on, while I get dry and into my jammies as well."
Ben giggles at the thought of Leo calling his satin pants, 'jammies' which are so much bigger than his own. With a whoop of fun, Ben drops the towel and streaks to the bedroom to dress.
Leo laughs after him. ~Oh, the joys of boyhood. Having the kids here is so enjoyable.~
When Leo enters the bedroom, he sees that Ben is mostly dress, but has some trouble with the buttons on the shirt. Leo stops after donning a clean t-shirt to help Ben with the last buttons at the top that Ben can't see. When done, Ben wraps his arms around Leo's neck and Leo scoops him up to join the girls for dinner.
*****
Dinner is soon over and the kids are starting to wind down, after giving the grown-ups a full review of their day during dinner. Margaret can see that they're just about ready for bed. "Ok, you two, time to brush your teeth. After Leo and I get the kitchen cleaned up, since it's not too late, we'll come in and start you a video to watch till you fall asleep. How's that sound?" She knows she's probably spoiling them, but that's what the holidays are for.
Katie perks up at the treat of watching a video in bed. "We can use the little TV in the guest room? Cool! We brought our video, 'The Santa Clause' with us. We have some other Christmas videos with us too." She hops up to hurry and brush her teeth.
"Wait for me, Sis." Ben rushes across the living room to catch up.
With great timing, Colin calls for a short check on the kids and to tell them goodnight. After that, it takes more than a few minutes to get the two kids settled in. First, they have to find their new bears and next, they want hugs and kisses from both Leo and Margaret. The last stalling trick that they try, is begging the adults to stay and watch the movie with them. That suggestion is rejected firmly, but with reassurances that they'll be just across the living room in their bedroom and can easily hear them, if they call during the night. Leo and Margaret have plans for some heavy necking in bed tonight. "Good night is wished by all, as Margaret and Leo leave the room, leaving the door open a crack.
*****
Over in their bedroom, Leo peels off his t-shirt first thing and tosses it to the chair in front of her vanity table. A nightly ritual, before he and Margaret waste no time in getting in under the warm covers. Much to Leo's dismay, Margaret has already turned on the Restwarmer, prior to tucking the kids in. She hates a cold bed and Leo loves a cool bed and sadly he's still required to wear some kind of clothing to bed. They really need to get a Restwarmer with duel controls, so he can keep his side turned off. For now, Margaret has compromised by keeping the dial at a low setting and Leo can make up the difference for her. Not a problem, as he soon proves. He just loves the feel of her soft flannel shirt under his hand as he rubs against her breast, teasing the erect nipple. She wiggles with delight and moves closer to him. He gives a small growl of approval and she shushes him for fear that they'll get too loud and wake the, hopefully soon to be asleep, children on the other side of the apartment. Leo gives a soft chuckle at her scolding him, but he does change his vocal approval to soft moans, as she rubs a thumb across his nipple in return. He ceases his attentions to her breast and reaches around her, rubbing his hand in a circular motion, before cupping her hips to pull hers firmly to his. She happily wiggles again, to rub against his hips, to encourage a response from him. He responds to her encouragement by thrusting his hips against her satin covered mound. She moans at the pleasure his lips are giving at the same time, trailing up her chin line, making for the spot just behind her earlobe. It drives her wild.
The door pops open after a short knock and Katie is heard to exclaim to her little brother, "I told you they wouldn't be asleep and I just knew that they'd be kissing again."
Leo and Margaret both rise slightly in surprise and whip their heads to the door to see the kids hugging their new stuffed bears, with dissatisfied looks on their faces. Margaret gives a small gasp of surprise, quickly followed by a sound of disbelief as the adults fall back to the pillows. Leo, after the startled appearance, chuckles at the kids looking at them like scolding parents, who've caught them eating cookies in bed. He knows this is a first for Margaret, with her quickly trying to look innocent to the probing eyes of children, entering your room unannounced. It's obvious that the kids are welcome anytime in Colin's room and Colin must have never had a reason to discourage them in this practice.
Katie faces changes to the a look of a sad little girl, "The movie is off and we're not sleepy."
Ben yawns, which contradicts him nodding his head in agreement to his sister's announcement.
Katie uses her best pitiful voice, trying to play on the sympathies of the adults. "Can we get in bed with you. It's a long way across to the guest room." She gives the only reason she can think of, as they move slowly into the room to lean against the end of the bed, in hopes that their request will be granted.
Leo looks sideways to see Margaret's reaction and she's looking at him for a decision. They're both a little disheveled, but luckily she's still buttoned. So, to her, the real question is if Leo is in a passive condition to let children in under the covers with them.
He reads her face and chuckles at her questioning eyes, "Sure, Kids, it's fine for a little while and then it's back to your own bed. This bed was not made big enough for the four of us, for any length of time."
The kids grin at his agreement, scrambling up over the end of the bed, crawling to the top and quickly diving under the covers between Leo and Margaret. The twosome are still grinning and hugging their bears with satisfaction. "Thanks, Leo and Aunt Margaret," is Katie's sincere appreciation.
Leo leans over the two and in mock anger accuses them. "Did I hear you two right? Did you not like me kissing Margaret?" His voice has laughter in it and he's grinning at them. He leans down and starts smooching loudly on both the kids alternately. They giggle and wiggle with happiness. They just love Leo teasing them. This is great fun for them.
Margaret joins in on the fun. "Hey, I give great kisses too." She starts giving them loud smacking kisses, till both kids are breathless with laughing and are panting for breath.
Ben finally pipes up in a small tired, but hopeful voice, "Leo, what if we fall asleep, before the little while is up?"
Leo leans over Katie to use a mock-whisper, close to Ben face, "If that happens, Sport, I guess you'll have to wait till morning to find out." Realization spreads across the tired, but happy face now and Ben wiggles in comfortably against his aunt.
Katie snuggles against Leo, "Tells us a story and maybe we'll get sleepy."
Leo agrees with his wonderfully deep rumbling but soft voice, "OK, I'll tell you a story about two people who were so close in spirit, that they just could just sense that they had known each other at different times in history. The may have know each other back in the time of brave knights with swords and Ladies of the court that needed defending?" Leo voice rumbles on as he weaves a tale to lull the minds of the two cuddled in between them to sleep. Margaret smiled softly to discover this wonderful side of Leo. That of the father side in him that can dream up a bedtime fairytale, as easily as he can compose a political statement for the President.
Soon, Leo looks up at her with a smile of satisfaction at his success in getting the kids asleep. He moves to swing his legs from under the covers. "I'll take her over first and be back for Ben. Then if you're a good girl, I'll tell you the end of the tale and how they lived happily ever after."
Margaret nods quickly and in total agreement to his plan. She loves the happily ever after part and hopes to do her part justice, to reward him for his clever story-telling skills. She also hopes to encourage him to reveal other skills he may still have hidden from her.
*****
Leo rejoins her after his last trip across the apartment. "Now, my dear, where were we before the little darlings interrupted?"
Margaret gives a soft moan of approval and slides over to cuddle in against his body. "I think we were just about right here." She pulls his hips against hers and gives a reminder wiggle, just to get him up to speed.
He growls his approval, he has been waiting all day to get her in his arms and to show her just how much he wants to love her. Leo goes to unbutton her pajamas, to savor her breasts to his heart's delight and to make her breathless with his attentions. She moans, as his mouth is following his hand's decent on her buttons. She whispers softly and a little sadly, "Leo, I don't think you should go there tonight, he kids might come back in, since we made them welcome here the first time. It's fine for you to be bare chested in front of them, like Colin does, but I don't think it would be OK for me to be caught bare chested."
Leo gives her a disappointed groan, but then give a soft chuckle, "We could say we're not sexist and feel that females should have the same freedom." He rubs her breast through the soft flannel, again teasing the nipple to a firm peak.
She giggles and gives him a mock scolding, "Nice try, Leo, but no such luck. Katie is old enough to understand that females keep their breasts covered in mixed company. She would definitely ask questions that we do not want to answer right now."
"Speaking of now, how about I go exploring in dark and mysterious places," he goes digging under the cover with his hand, to find the bottom edge of her pajama top. "I wonder if I can find my way, blindly searching for your hidden treasures"?
She gives a soft "ohhhh" of anticipation, as he goes exploring, up from the bottom, moving slowly, caressing her ribs. He's searching for her mounds of delight under her clothes, getting his way, with still leaving her clothes on. He loves a challenge and this is a most enjoyable one for both of them. She moans and makes other sounds of approval, which are smothered by his mouth closing over hers. He plunders her mouth and explores it as well. He's good at multi-tasking.
She joins in with some exploring of her own, on his body. Rubbing her hands up the side of his ribs, hesitating a moment to flick her thumb on his nipple, to make him squirm at her determined treatment to it, to harden like her own. When he growls at her in response to her knowing what he likes and boldly getting a reaction from him. She nibbles at his lip, encouraged by his sounds. She slides her hand around to his back, to rub with teasing strokes up and down his spine, till he shivers at her soft touches. She relents and moves her hand down to slip it under the band of his satin pants, caressing the peach fuzz of his firm hips. Stroking the area where she knows the tiny jet tattoo is located. Loving the warmth that radiates from his body. As he increases his attention to her with his hands and his lips, she responds to the need to somehow to get closer to her love. She throws her leg over his, to rub her mound firmly against his growing manhood.
He pulls her fully against his body. Wrapping her firmly in his arms, rubbing his free hand, from the nape of her neck up under the soft flannel, to the band of her panties. Leo follows her lead and slips his hand underneath her silk panties to caress the soft roundness of her hips.
She wants to touch him more intimately, but is hoping that they don't get too carried away and get too loud. She worries that the kids might come over to investigate the noise. She has never had to face this situation. She closes her mouth over his and moves her hand to the front of him to cup the warm velvet skin below his manhood.
Leo moans into her mouth with satisfaction. At her moving them to a new level of passion, he explores the soft curls that he has easy access to with her leg over him. He whispers loving words in her ear as he reaches under the pillow where he keeps a small tube of lube with a flip top. Leo knows that once she's relaxing and she starts to move them along faster that he can not make a clear break from her to go too far to fetch the lube. With one hand he successfully retrieves a small amount and returns to fondling her pleasure point. He still needs to be gentle and take his time to build her pleasure slowly.
Margaret moans into his mouth to smother the sounds at are involuntarily emerging from her. She loves what he's doing to her, the stroking and circling, then dipping farther to repeat the motions at the opening to her womanhood. Leo is moving between the two sensitive areas, making her wiggle against his fingers to fully enjoy the sensations he's creating. In return, her hands are now more active on his manhood as well. They're both working the other up, to the edge of passion. Now, both of them are losing control over some of the louder sounds that are coming from them.
Margaret pulls her lips from his with a monumental effort. The sound of their heavy breathing is loud, in the quiet room. Maybe they should have opted to have the CD player going, but then again, with it on, they wouldn't have any warning if the kids were on their way in. She gives him another quick, soft kiss with love-swollen lips. "Leo, we have gotta cool off. We can't do this with the kids here and their door cracked open. We're getting louder and louder. They're going to hear us. They may not be sleeping as deeply in a strange bed, with their dad not here. I'm sorry, Leo."
Leo returns her kiss with his own swollen lips. "Don't be sorry, Baby. You're right. Cooling off is a good idea tonight. The kids might not sleep well and they might return for some reassurance during the night." He chuckles and admits, "Plus, I really don't want to have to get up and change my satin pants, after you get done having your wicked way with my body."
She giggles against his bare chest, as he rolls onto his back, pulling her along to lie tucked in under his arm. Leo kisses the top of her head, breathing in the scent of her hair. She cuddles in and smiles softly at the reassuring sound of his heart. She stretches her arm across his chest to hug him lovingly, as she hears his breathing slow in rhythm and she sighs in contentment, as they settle off to sleep and she thinks about how much she loves him and how much she loves the holidays with her family. She is so blessed this year to have both.
*****
Continues in part 3
Posted on 01-04-04
