Disclaimer: I do not own Leverage nor am I associated with Dean Devlin, Timothy Hutton, Gina Bellman or Elisabetta Canalis.

A/N: This is based on spoilers from the May 21st issue of Entertainment Weekly.

Belladonna

"You remind me of someone."

"She must be extraordinary."

She winks and he laughs, handing her a drink. They're standing at the bar downstairs, alone, no one there to keep a watchful eye on him.

"That she is." A smile tugs wryly at his lips.

"Does she have a name?" The Italian leans against the bar, giving him a shot that hints and teases down her dark trenchcoat.

"Probably. But I don't know it." His voice is soft as he answers, clinking his shot glass against hers before tipping his head back, the bitter liquid pouring down his throat.

She raises an eyebrow, following suit. "Must be some belladonna to have you hooked before you even know her name."

"You're aware belladonna is a poison in English?"

Her eyes twinkle. "I know."

"I know her name. Just not her real name. She doesn't trust me enough yet, I guess. It's only been twelve years." He rolls his eyes, refilling her glass but not his.

"Ah, I see. You are… lovers then?" She looks disappointed; apparently he stills doesn't seem like the type to cheat.

"No." He shakes his head. "No."

"Why not? She does not love you?"

"I ask myself that everyday." He raises his eyes to hers and she can see how deeply he means it.

"She is foolish. If you loved me, I would not wait a moment." The Italian nods definitively as though there were no argument.

"It's a lot more complicated than just love," he disagrees, shaking his head as he finally pours himself that second drink.

"I am Italian. It is never more complicated than amore."

He sees Sophie in her, he really does. In the way she teases him, in the way she trusts him, in the carefree smile he puts on her face. He used to do that for Sophie. He can only pray he will do it again one day.