AN: My dear readers, I feel terrible for my treatment of you this week, but I'm horribly blocked on this chapter! So frustrating! Here's hoping the Christmas episode is full of inspiration. Until that lovely inspiration strikes, I present a half completed chapter (perhaps consider it a transition chapter?), with my love and gratitude for your enduring patience. - J.
"And I know that you love me, even if you never say it out loud. So I'll say it. I love you, Eliot."
Those words echoed in Eliot's ears long after Parker had gone. He should have said he loved her, because he did love her, damnit. He adored her.
"I choose you, Eliot."
Neither of them might have realized it at the time, but she'd been chosing him in little ways for years: leaning on him, asking him for help and advice, jumping into his arms. He wished he had said something, anything really. But he had kept his mouth shut, because he couldn't stop thinking about Hardison. What was he going to tell Hardison? The more he thought about it, the more agitated he became. Nate came up to get him for their client meeting and found him pacing across the roof.
"Eliot? You ready?"
"What? Oh, yeah. Right behind you, Nate."
"You sure? Wanna talk about this first?"
"Nothin' to talk about. Really."
Nate nodded.
"Alright then."
Nate turned back towards the stairs. Over his shoulder, he added:
"If I may make a suggestion, I find people are always more receptive after they've eaten a good meal. Less energy to be angry."
And with that, Nate disappeared down the stairs. As Eliot followed him, he thought about Nate's advice. Maybe a dinner would be just the thing.