Everyone gathered in the President's private quarters that evening around 9 p.m. Leo escorted Alanna. When they arrived, the president and Mrs. Bartlet were greeting everyone.

``Oh my God. Is that Alanna McGarry?'' Jed asked as she approached. ``My how you've grown. I remember when you were just a little girl.''

Alanna laughed. ``Very funny, Mr. President,'' she said and gave him a hug. Then she shook Abby's hand and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. ``It's good to see you, Abby.''

``Please come in and make yourself comfortable,'' Abby said.

``You know, Alanna, you weren't even born when Leo and I became friends. In fact, I think your mother was pregnant with you.''

``Yes, Mr. President, I think I've heard this story a few times.''

``Well, a good story is always worth repeating. It was 1960 and I was attending Notre Dame...'' he said as Alanna sighed.

It took about a half hour for the party to get started but by then there was music and Donna and Josh were dancing. C.J. even managed to convince Leo to take a whirl. Leo was smiling as he danced. It's good to see Leo relaxed and having a good time, Alanna thought as she watched him.

Toby and Sam were talking but it looked like it was more business than fun, Alanna observed. Toby appeared his usual, stern self. Alanna watched him get up and fix himself a drink. Sam walked over to where Alanna was sitting and sat down next to her.

``Are you enjoying yourself?'' he asked.

``Yes, I am. Thanks.''

``Want to dance?''

``Sure.''

They got up and joined the other couples in the center of the room.

``So are you still thinking about Toby?''

``Yes and no.''

``Meaning?''

``Well, during your staff meeting today, I went into Toby's office.'' Sam's eyes opened wide in shock. ``Oh please! Don't be so dramatic. I didn't snoop. Well, okay maybe I did a little. But I just wanted to get a better feel for the kind of person he is.''

``You're lucky you escaped undiscovered. What did you find out?''

``Not much, really. And I did not escape. Toby came back while I was still there.''

``And you're still alive to tell the tale?''

``He was very calm but got the message across that I wasn't going to be doing it again.''

``Sometimes he's scarier when he's calm than when he's yelling.''

Alanna nodded, laughing.

``Anyway, after I left his office, he ordered me not to bother you. What does he think? That I'm going to running to you every time I have a free minute?'' She scoffed. ``Although I do feel comfortable talking to you, Sam.''

``The feeling is mutual, Alanna.''

Alanna glanced over towards Toby and saw he was talking to Mrs. Bartlet. He was drinking scotch or some kind of dark liquor. I think that's the second one he's had since we got here.

After they danced, Sam and Alanna sat down on a couch.

``You sound like you're irritated with Toby but not quite ready to give up.''

``Well, there is something about Toby. I just can't quite put my finger on it.''

``Looks like Toby is sitting alone now. Maybe this is the opportunity for you to go and chat with him.''

``I can't believe you're encouraging me. Besides, he'd probably just send me away or insult me.'' Sam looked at Alanna and shrugged. ``Oh, what the hell?'' She said and walked over to Toby. He was finishing his third drink by her count when she got there.

Toby looked at her as she approached.

``Bored with Sam already?''

``I thought I would talk with you for a bit. If I'm not intruding on your privacy, that is.''

He indicated she should sit down in the chair next to him; the one Abby Bartlet had vacated.

``So what shall we talk about?'' he asked, his voice calm and warm. All of the sarcasm was gone and Alanna thought his voice sounded almost tender, inviting. ``How about your sightseeing? You did some today, right?''

``Yes, I did. I visited the Vietnam Memorial and the Korean War Memorial,'' she said and saw Toby's back go rigid and his eyes get hard. But then a second later, he shook it off.

``Oh? And how was that?''

``Very moving and solemn,'' she said, closing her eyes and remembering. ``At the Wall, it was kind of like going to church. Everyone was very quiet and respectful. There were hundreds of people walking by and they made less noise than the 20 people in this room are making right now.''

He nodded, as if he understood.

``The Korean Memorial was pretty solemn too but not as depressing for some reason.''

``I'd have to disagree,'' he remarked, a slight edge to his voice.

``Really? Why is that?''

He shook his head.

``What, Toby?''

He hesitated for a moment and closed his eyes. ``My Dad fought in Korea,'' Toby said, very quietly.

Alanna touched his arm reflexively. ``Oh Toby, I didn't know.''

``I don't like to talk about it too much.''

``That's certainly understandable. Is he still alive?''

``No, but he didn't die in Korea,'' he said, finishing his drink. Toby got up and poured himself another one.

``How did he die?'' Alanna asked when he returned.

``Alcohol,'' Toby said and took a big gulp of his drink.

``Are you sure you want to drink that so quickly?''

``Yes.''

``Drinking can make you feel depressed.''

``I was depressed when I got here. That's why I'm drinking.''

``Do you want to talk any more?'' she asked, hesitantly. ``About your Dad or Korea?''

``That sure would cheer me up,'' he joked, giving Alanna a quick but sad smile.

``Okay. But if you want to talk about it, I'm a good listener.''

``That's good to know. But I think I had better be heading home.''

``You're not driving?''

``Nope, a cab oughta do it.''

``Can I walk you out?''

He hesitated for a moment. ``Why not?''

Toby said good night to everyone and Alanna walked with him to the west gate. They waited quietly, not really needing to talk. Alanna sensed that he was glad for her company and she felt really comfortable with him for the first time. Alanna felt she had glimpsed a bit of the real Toby tonight - the one hiding under all the armor.

When the cab came, Alanna opened the door for Toby. He smiled at the gesture. He was a little unsteady on his feet as he was feeling the drinks. He stepped off the curb and felt Alanna touch his arm. He looked at her.

``Goodnight, Toby. I enjoyed our chat,'' she said and kissed him on the cheek.

Toby didn't want to show the surprise he felt, so he decided not to speak. He only nodded at Alanna and climbed into the cab.