Title: Friendship Private Times Series 2/?
By: chipmunk
Pairing: Leo/Jed
Rating: PG
Spoilers: None
Beta By: Lee pigletnpooh@comcast.net
Disclaimer:
The characters are from the NBC, WB, A John Wells Prod., TV show, 'The West Wing'.
They own them; therefore, they do not belong to me.
They are the creation and property of Aaron Sorkin. I only borrowed them.
No copyright infringement is intended. No monetary benefit is received or anticipated.
Please keep in mind that, 'Imitation is the highest form of flattery'.
A 'grateful' and 'enormous' thanks, to the actors and actresses,
who portray the characters brilliantly and bring them to life in my head.
Any mistakes found in this fic, are totally my own fault and ignorance.
This is a learning process for me. Additions and Corrections are encouraged.
Feedback: I would love it hear your opinion! PLEASE! It helps to improve my writing!
Archived at:
Summary: Leo and Jed's Friendship is confirmed and witnessed.
Note:
***********
It's late in the evening. Josh and Sam are sitting on the couch in Leo's office, hashing over the events of the day. Leo is sitting in his favorite soft chair in front of the window.
Margaret enters to hand him a file to be signed, "Leo, I just need you to sign this correspondence."
He looks down at the clipboard to sign the letter, just as the President enters from the Oval Office. Leo, plus Josh and Sam on the couch, rise to stand as he enters. "Have a seat guys. Hello, Margaret," he greets her, since she's standing behind Leo. He looks at Leo, who's still standing, "Leo, can you help me?"
"Anything," Leo quickly replies.
The President stops up short at Leo's instant reply, "You say that every time, without any hesitation."
"Yes. Anything," is Leo's honest and immediate answer.
The President's really serious now, "Leo, you never question me first?"
"No. Anything," Leo answers again, solemnly serious.
"Leo, I'll never know what great destiny brought you into my life," is the President's indisputable sincere statement and he's proud to say so, in front of the others in the room. Anytime.
Leo has a small knowing smile on his face. He looks into the face of the man that's more than a best friend. He's more to him than brotherhood can ever cover, as brothers are destined by birth. They're like two old souls that have, most likely, traveled across time. Finding each other as comrades, to cover each other's backs in whatever conflict they find themselves. They are that close. "Sir, remember what you said to me, when I came to you for help?"
"Yes. Anything," was the President immediately answer as he looks at Leo.
The friends are standing close enough to reach out and touch each other, eyes shining with the bond between them. A moment caught in time.
"I love you, man," as Jed now; he wants Leo to know for sure.
"Love you, too, sir," is Leo instant and heartfelt reply, like was it ever doubted.
The president takes a deep breath, indicating it's beyond his realm of understanding. This love they have. Leo just grins at him, like he's known all along. The President turns and returns to the Oval Office, not revealing what he came to ask. It's need lost and insignificant now.
Leo watches him leave, knowing that his friend would return and that he would be right here. Anytime.
Margaret reaches slowly and unaware for the clipboard, which pulls the occupants back to the real world.
Josh comments in amazement, "That is so cool," as he looks at Leo and then at Sam.
Sam's still trying to remember to breath. "Really." No more words are needed from the Deputy Communication Director.
Josh feels the need to walk, charged by the refreshing energy in the room, "We'll catch you later, Leo. Have a good evening, if I don't see you before I leave."
Sam adds, "I'll just check back before I leave." He follows his friend from the room and Leo watches them leave, with at slight smile. Knowing.
They walk together, shoulder to shoulder, in the hall. They are both in good spirits; with out slowing their pace, they look at each other and grin. Both hoping that someday, their friendship will grow to compare to the men they just witnessed.
Margaret looks at Leo with tears in her eyes, "Leo, I know, that you're keenly aware of how special your relationship to the President is." She sighs. "You are truly blessed with it. Most people never find that kind of kinship."
"Yeah, I know, Margaret." He softly continues, "I've no idea how it happened. I just know that it did and I'll defend it till one of us is gone from this world," Leo answers her like a vow.
"Leo, some say you lead this term, in the White house, with your head and not with your heart, but I know you have a hidden, Hero's battered heart," she places her hand on his chest.
"Sure, Margaret, with my sorted history," is his cynic reply and with a sad smile, as he looks at her tear bright eyes.
"You're my Hero, Leo! Always." She gives him a gentle kiss on his weathered and time lined cheek.
The end.
Betty Lou Riley
1st June 2003
riley2@bright.net