A/N: Thanks for the reviews! Okay here is my next chapter. This one took me awhile to write even though it isn't that long. I just wanted it to be really good and do the best at expressing what each person felt. I hope it is okay. I do not own Leverage.
A few hours later Sophie was finally able to calm Audrey down. Audrey was so worn out that eventually she fell asleep. Sophie laid on the bed besides her daughter not taking her eyes off her and running her hands through her daughter's hair. Nate occupied the chair beside the bed not taking his eyes off of the two women in front of him. Of course a part of him was angry. How could Sophie not him that she had daughter and the fact that she thought she was dead? Many times Nate opened up to Sophie about the loss of his own child, Sam. Sophie should have told him about Audrey. Why couldn't she open up to him the way he opened up to her? She tried and tried to get him to open up and all this time she should have been the one to open up. He would have understood. They could have helped each other. Well he could have helped her. Sophie did happen to help him. He was at more at peace with his son's death and more at peace with himself and it was all thanks to her. Nate was hurt that Sophie didn't tell him. Did she not feel comfortable opening up to him? Did she not know how much he cared about her? How could she when many times he often gives her the message he doesn't by treating her badly. But there have been times when he thought he did show that he cared. He needs to show her more often. Nate also felt happiness. He was glad that Sophie got the child that she thought she had loss back. He knew and understood the pain that Sophie went through when she thought her child, her only child was dead. Sophie may have been robbed of seeing her daughter grow up and missed a huge part of her life but she has her back. She can now build a relationship with her daughter and be there for all the things that will happen. Nate was grateful that Sophie had the chance. He only wished he had that chance as well with Sam. Nate's thoughts were interrupted when there was a knock on the door. Luckily the sound didn't wake Audrey. Nate got up to see who it was. It was the rest of the team. Nate went into the hall with the three younger members of the team so they wouldn't disturb Audrey. The girl has already been through a lot for one day.
Eliot, Parker, and Hardison each had many questions to ask but they didn't know which one to ask first and if now was the time to ask them. But soon Parker couldn't wait any longer.
''Is it true? Is that girl really Sophie's daughter? Why didn't Sophie tell us about her? Doesn't Sophie trust us? Doesn't she trust you? Why does she have Sophie's eyes? Did she steel them? Is she a thief too? Is she a grifter like Sophie?''
''Parker!'' Eliot and Hardison both said together. Parker gave them a look like you are just mad because you didn't have the guts to ask. Then she looked back and Nate waited for him to give her an answer to all the questions she just asked.
Nate let out a breath. He thought he should share some information with them tonight.
''Yes, it is true. Audrey is Sophie's daughter. I don't know why Sophie didn't tell us, tell me….''
The door opened and Sophie peeked out. They all turned to look at her but the only person she could look at the moment was Nate. She wasn't ready to face the others yet, heck she wasn't even ready to face Nate and to see the hurt and betrayal in his eyes. She would face the others eventually but she had to face Nate first. He would be the hardest and she felt he deserved to be told the truth first.
''Nate… Are you leaving?.. I was hoping we could talk.''
Nate looked Sophie in the eyes and he could see the pain, sadness, happiness, many other emotions but there was one that really stuck out to him. It was need. Nate could see that Sophie needed him. That meant something to Nate.
''No I wasn't leaving, I will be right in.'' Nate turned to the other members of the team. ''We talk tomorrow. Goodnight.'' Before any of them could respond Nate followed Sophie into the room and shut the door.
Nate and Sophie just stood there looking at each other. Then Sophie started to cry. She couldn't hold it anymore. Nate has seen Sophie cry before but not like this. Sophie never let herself before become that vulnerable in front of anyone before, in front of Nate before. Sophie was about to crumble onto the floor but then Nate filled the space between them and took Sophie into his arms. Nate rubbed Sophie's back and Sophie was able to calm down a bit but Nate still hung onto her.
''Nate… Nate I am so sorry. I should have told you…. I'm sorry… Sam. I don't know why I didn't tell you. I just couldn't. I didn't want to talk about it. I didn't want to tell anyone. But I should have told you…. I am sorry.''
''Wow. Three ''sorrys'' that must be a world record for you.'' Sophie looked up at Nate and gave him a small smile, Nate couldn't help but to smile back. Nate knows that it took a lot for Sophie to say that to him and he knew that she meant it.
''Why…Why didn't you tell me? I would have understood Sophie.''
''I know… I know you would have understood…I just… I couldn't face it. I pushed you to open up about Sam. I was hoping by getting you to open up about the loss of your child and deal with the loss and the pain… it would help me do the same. I knew how to help you… I didn't know how to help myself. There were a few times that I did want to tell you… but I didn't have the courage to do so. I didn't know how. But now I know I should have told you…. Nate…Nate I…I know I have no right to ask this of you… but… I need you… I am going to need your help. I need you to be there for me… to help me through this… Can you please do that for me?''
All of a sudden all the anger Nate felt melted away. Nate stared into the eyes of the woman in his arms. Sophie just spoke words that he has been secretly longing to hear. Sophie needed him and she admitted it out loud. He knew that it took a lot for Sophie to tell him that. They have been through a lot together. Sophie has helped in their time together more than anyone has ever helped him in his entire life. Despite the anger he felt before, he knew that he would try to help Sophie even if she didn't ask for it. Nate cared deeply about Sophie as a friend and perhaps something more. Nate pulled Sophie closer and kissed the top of her head and told her ''of course I can do that for you. I will help you in any way I can and be there for you ever step of the way.''