The team sat around the bar, sharing Christmas memories, or as Sophie called it "giving each other some trust for Christmas."After several rounds, Nate and Sophie disappeared, leaving Eliot with a bottle of bourbon, a very cheery Parker and a very subdued Hardison. Great. As if this night wasn't uncomfortable enough already. As Parker rambled on about elves or reindeer or whatever, Eliot turned to look at Hardison. Alec was nodding along with Parker, but he wasn't really listening. He was staring down at the bar, deep in thought. Maybe now was as good a time as any. There wasn't a gourmet meal, but there was booze. Eliot took a deep breath. Now or never, he thought.

"Hey, man. You wanna talk?" Eliot whispered.

Hardison looked up at Eliot and then over at Parker, who had gotten up and was singing loudly and fiddling with the decorations.

"Yeah, actually. Can I have a drink first?"

Eliot passed him the bottle. Alec took a quick drink and coughed.

"Thanks, bro."

Hardison looked back over at Parker as she flitted around the bar.

"You know she broke up with me?"

Eliot nodded.

"You know why?"

Eliot picked up the bottle and nodded again.

"I figured."

Alec took the bottle from Eliot and took another quick drink.

"You actually like this stuff?"

Eliot just smiled as Hardison shook his head in disbelief. They both sat without speaking for a minute, watching Parker as she danced about in her own little world, singing about snowmen.

"You know," Hardison continued suddenly, "I really think I could've loved that girl. She could've been the one for me."

"I know."

Alec turned to face Eliot and looked at him hard for a long moment. Then he turned away and sort of nodded to himself. Neither of them said anything for another minute. Eliot really started to wonder what Hardison was thinking. What was with the staring and nodding? Maybe it was just the bourbon, Eliot thought, as he watched Hardison take a third swig. After all, it wasn't Hardison's drink of choice. The man was 50% orange soda. Alec abruptly stood up.

"Then, buddy, you better never let her go."

And without turning back, he trudged towards the back to take solace in his giant computer screens, taking Eliot's bourbon with him.

AN: changed my mind and put that last paragraph in the next chapter, which is now completed! As always, endless thanks for your support. - J.