Chap. 10

Eliot felt their eyes on him as he exited the truck. God, this was so humiliating! Now the whole damn team knew how weak he was. How could they ever trust him to keep them safe again? He knew he would have to bolt soon. It would be hard to leave, but it had to be done. The team didn't need him if he couldn't do his job.

Parker leaned against Nate as she watched a weakened Eliot make his way to the sprawling ranch house. This was too weird. Eliot was the strong one.

"I always thought Eliot was invincible."

Nate smiled sadly at the perky blonde. Her innocence would always astound him. It reminded him so much of Sam his heart almost stopped when he thought about it.

"He's just very good at hiding the pain. He's human Parker. Lots of things hurt him. He just either ignores them or waits until he's alone to acknowledge them."

Parker thought about that as her favorite tough guy slowly made it up the porch steps. She would have to be more observant around Eliot from now on. He shouldn't have to hide the hurt anymore. He had friends to help him face it now.

"You know, Parker I imagine he's still off his game somewhat. Tread lightly okay?"

"You mean don't poke him."

"Yeah, Parker, I mean don't poke him."

As the thief scampered off, Nate swallowed what was left of his coffee and prepared to greet his hitter. Eliot would claim he was fine, just like he always did. This time Nate Ford knew better. This time he had seen firsthand the devastation that could come from Eliot pushing past his limits. That wouldn't happen again if Nathan had a say so.

Allen helped the kid onto the couch and motioned for the others to come in. Eliot didn't know it yet, but he needed them. They were the people he trusted the most in the world. Having their support was essential to his recovery. Not just from the headaches, but from whatever had him so distant around parental figures.

Once Eliot was comfortable with a cup of tea and muscle relaxant, Allen draped a blanket over his legs and turned to Alec.

"Keep him company while the adults have a private conversation, will ya?"

Hardison snorted his answer and flopped down beside his friend. This was going to be fun.

"So, what possessed you to let that migraine get so bad? I know you're stubborn, but damn man, you scared the shit out of all of us."

Eliot sighed and closed his eyes. He didn't have to explain himself to anyone.

"I thought I had more time. Usually I can predict how the migraines are going to play out. This one just snowballed on me. I never meant to worry anyone. You guys should have home. I could've caught a flight back later."

"Leaving you wasn't an option. Family doesn't do that, man. Would you ever leave one of us?"

"No. It's different with me. I can protect myself. I'm trained for that. You guys aren't."

"I'm getting Parker."

"Hardison! Hardison!"

Parker flew at him, landing on his stomach with an hmmph!

"Sparky! You're back!"

"Damnit Hardison!"

Sorry this is so short. I just wanted to get something posted before you guys gave up on me. At least our man is out of the hospital and on the mend. More to come.