AN: Just having fun with a few of the characters from Leverage, none of them are mine.
AU tag for "The Future Job" A few basic details from the show and the rest is collaboration between my mind and my muse. Thank you to those who have reviewed and also to those who prefer to read without reviewing. I just hope you are still enjoying it. I apologise profusely for the delay, real life can be a bitch at times. Enjoy x
The weather in Boston had taken a turn for the worse that evening. Eliot had taken Parker home with him, stopping to collect milk for his guest's cereal and to swing by her place to collect a few things just in case she chose to stay a few more days. It was getting late by the time the truck pulled up out front of Eliot's place and Parker had fallen asleep. Eliot waited to see if she would wake when the trucks engine stopped, but she didn't, nor when his door opened and closed. Shaking his head and smiling he carried her inside and as she had not stirred with the movement he reckoned that the tired thief could do with a good nights sleep. He removed her shoes and tucked her into his bed. Looking at Parker laying still was rare, she was normally so full of life and over excitable much like a Labrador puppy. Yet now as he looked on her while she slept all he noticed was how naturally pretty she was. He had initially been confused by her odd behaviour, yet now he was completely mesmerised by her peculiar brand of crazy and while he couldn't put his finger on it, he was sure it had something to do with her utterly infectious laughter. Eliot found himself smiling once again as he headed for the bathroom and after showering he dressed in sweats and a tee then carefully crawled into bed next to Parker, hoping not to alarm her. He couldn't get to sleep and eventually turned on his side so he could keep an eye on Parker, he was thinking about how young she really looked. He didn't want to wake her, despite how much he wanted to talk about their passionate kiss, amongst many other things. For one, he hoped she wouldn't freak out over it, as he felt sure he was doing enough of that for them both! More than anything he wanted to make sure she wasn't feeling pressured by anything he did or said. He'd find time tomorrow to talk with her and perhaps he'd even get a chance to talk with Sophie, she knew more about Parker than the rest of them. Mostly from times they shared hotel rooms on jobs and then there was the occasional shopping trip that Sophie tried to encourage Parker to partake in, the stylish grifter had been trying to prise her out of those tight black pants and tee shirts and into something a little more sophisticated. Maybe he would wait until after this job was finished, although he was enjoying distracting her from their current target. He wanted to make sure he could take time to explain exactly how he felt about her, assuming he'd worked it out himself by then. Maybe he'd take her to his ranch when this was all over and spoil her, they could get to know each other better without the watchful eye of the rest of the team. Yes, that's what he'd do. First, a quick chat with Sophie, he needed to get this right. Finally turning onto his back, tucking his arms behind his head Eliot went to sleep with a wide grin on his face.
When Parker awoke the next morning she found herself alone and in Eliot's bed again, before freaking out completely she squeezed her eyes closed before flicking up the quilt to check what she had on, "Oh shiny tomato!" she thought, lifting the covers grateful to see that she was fully dressed. She should have known that Eliot could be trusted, he didn't strike her as the type to take advantage, she had learned that particular 'tell' early on in life. Getting out of bed, she heard the shower running, followed swiftly by a loud grumble from her stomach, "Time to find some breakfast" Parker said patting her tummy. Slipping on her shoes she headed for the kitchen and after a brief search found Eliot's favourite tea and put the kettle on to boil while preparing cups for them both. Turning towards the island she spotted her favourite cereal on the counter, smiling at the typically kind thought from the hitter she helped herself to a bowl while waiting for Eliot. Parker was feeling a little nervous, having left with Eliot and going by her place, she must have fallen asleep in the truck and slept soundlly all night. What was Eliot going to think of her? Despite being nervous, part of her felt giddy with excitement as she and Eliot had kissed and boy had she enjoyed it. I might need to talk to Sophie about what happens next thought Parker. Meanwhile, Eliot walked back into his bedroom to find the bed empty. Dressed in a pair of his favourite jeans and pulling a plain shirt over his tee, he walked through to the kitchen to find Parker munching away on a bowl of cereal.
"Mornin' darlin', I see you found the cereal. Are you feelin' any better after a good nights sleep?" he asked walking around to where Parker stood in his kitchen, kissing her cheek while he finished buttoning his shirt, "are you makin' tea for me too?" he asked with a cheeky grin.
"Of course," said Parker smiling, handing him a cup of his favourite tea, "Eliot, I'm sorry about last night."
Lifting a hand to cup her cheek he said, "Hey sweetheart, you've nothin' to apologise for, you were tired. The last few days have been tough on you." Eliot wanted Parker to understand that she didn't have to hide how she felt around him. "You don't have to try and be brave through this Parker, and you certainly don't have to do this by yourself either. We're your friends and more importantly we're all like family, a dysfunctional ever-so slightly crazy one, but family nonetheless, okay?"
Laughing Parker replied, "It's nice to have family, a new feeling but it's real nice."
"Parker," Eliot turned to his little thief, "when this job is over, Nate suggested we all take some down time, well, eh…would you like to come away with me for a few days?" by the time Eliot finished his invitation he was staring at the floor and felt like he was back at high school again!
"Oh maybe to steal something by ourselves, that sounds nice, where did you have in mind?" asked a curious Parker.
"Not really what I had in mind, just some time away from the city, a bit of time off work to relax, maybe get to know each other, if you like? I have an idea of where in mind, but we can sort that out later if you like, once we've got this job finished." Eliot said thinking he should probably try to re-word that invitation in a few days once this case was closed and the time away was guaranteed. Also he'd have had time to talk with Sophie by then too. "Speakin' of the job, are you're ready for this?"
"I'm fine…..ok…. I will be fine but thank you Eliot, honestly thank you for looking after me and for……." Interrupting her sentence Eliot couldn't look at her glazed eyes and the 'attempted' look of determination on her face for a second longer. He pulled her into his arms and placed a kiss on top of her head. Looking down at her he promised himself that he would keep her safe no matter what came along. He really was falling in love with Parker, each and every minute he spent with her made him feel it all the more. Once again Eliot felt his heart beating loudly against his chest, he couldn't quite believe the effect Parker was having on him. He was going to have to stop this if he was ever going to take things slowly and wait patiently in the way Parker needed things to proceed. "You know I won't let anyone or anythin' ever hurt you again, I promise you that Parker." Eliot whispered into her ear making Parker's face beam into one giant smile.
Pulling away, despite not wanting to "Come on darlin', let's go get this job finished."
"Alright," Parker agreed, unsure if she really wanted to leave the safety of Eliot's embrace. She liked the idea of being able to kiss Eliot whenever she wanted. "I'll just get my bag and grab a shower at the office." Eliot took Parker's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. Smiling at the thief when she squeezed back.
When they arrived at the office everyone was in the kitchen and while Sophie notably smiled when the pair arrived together, if anyone else noticed they had the good grace not to make any comment.
"Mornin' all" offered Eliot heading behind the counter, "who'd like pancakes?" He hoped that his suggestion might break the silence which hung over the others at the kitchen table and he knew they wouldn't refuse his pancakes.
"Yes please man, my stomach thinks my throat's been cut," complained Hardison light heartedly, "As you weren't here I even had to put the coffee on, and hell I don't even drink the stuff." He continued swigging from his orange soda bottle.
"Oh, me too please Eliot, I've missed your cooking so much," chirped Sophie.
Nate was smiling as Parker handed Eliot a spare hair band from her wrist to tie up his hair in the kitchen, finally he'd spotted what Sophie had seen the day before. Perhaps time away was exactly what the whole team needed and he decided he was going to make sure they got just that.
In short order, the pancakes were served to the team and they sat round the table talking primarily about their roles during the day ahead. Parker was lifting wallets to get names from the audience as they entered the studio, she would be wearing a wig to disguise her from her initial meeting with Rand. In turn passing each name and general descriptions to Hardison . Who would then, aided by Nate, be working several computers in order to access all types of personal information on all the people at the show to pass to Tara. Eliot was going to be cruising the car parks, when names came up he was fed their vehicle details revealing even more information about the subject. Finally the rest was up to Tara; having hooked Rand the day before she would be working from the control room and using the team comms to glean information from them all. Sophie was going to help Parker with her disguise and then join the line talking to people attending the show, picking up information there too. Breakfast dealt with it was time to get the show on the road.
Parker grabbed a shower then went to her office, Sophie followed on with the wig and as she helped her pin up her hair, Sophie turned to Parker, "so how did it go last night with Eliot?"
"Oh, that was fine, I stayed at his place again it feels a lot more homey than I thought it would. I fell asleep in his truck and woke up this morning, we didn't talk much."
Really, oh well, there's plenty of time for things to progress thought Sophie. "Never mind Parker, you were exhausted, surely Eliot understood?"
"Of course, he put me to bed, took off my shoes only. He did ask me to go away with him this morning, when the job's over," explained Parker tucking her hair up in bands to go under the wig, "I thought he wanted us to do a job together."
"Really, was that what he said?" grinned Sophie.
"No, then he said it was just a short break away from work for us. I'm not sure what he has in mind though," Parker continued, "but I think it would be nice, not that I'm not pleased you've come back, I could ask him if you could come too if you like?" Turning to Sophie she asked, "how did your chat with Nate go last night?"
"It went well thank you Parker," better than Eliot's with you from the sounds of it she thought, "We talked for hours….it was the most fun I've had legally in a very long time." Sophie was thinking back upon last nights 'talk' with a delighted smile upon her face. "Parker, I think that Eliot might just want to take you away with him, perhaps so you can get to know the personal sides of each other a bit better."
"Oh I see, well….maybe….I don't know, what do I say," Parker looked worried, "tell me I haven't messed this up already?"
"No, Parker, I don't think you have. Eliot is a patient man under all that gruff exterior, I'm sure he will understand. How do you feel about him?" asked Sophie candidly.
"I really liked kissing him last night and he's fun to be with because he still likes me even though he thinks there's something wrong with me," Parker was glad to have Sophie help her explain things. It was great to have her back. "How will I know?"
"You know those feelings we talked about, when you thought Eliot had poisoned you, well I think you like him a bit more than you are letting yourself believe, perhaps the time away might help you decide. However, you know that you don't have to go if you choose not to, don't you?" offered Sophie.
"I mean what's not to like, he's handsome, fit and he likes doing all the things that I like to do, stealing things, money and lots of other crazy things." Laughed Parker, "I think he's got lovely hair too." She added.
"Okay, well, enough for now I think that's you all set up, I've just got to catch up with Eliot about the surveillance in the parking lot, maybe I can help him first."
"OK Sophie, see you later." Parker skipped off, happy as a sand lark and completely oblivious to Eliot's real intentions.
Heading towards the kitchen where Sophie found Eliot placing things into the dishwasher, she smiled "so Eliot I hear you and Parker are going away on a job together once this is all over?"
Looking up from the dishwasher, Eliot shook his head "Wasn't what I had in mind, but I ain't pushin' her into somethin' she clearly ain't ready for."
"Why would you say that, she told me that you have shared a rather delicious kiss, at least I seem to recall that's how she described it to me." Sophie said with a large grin on her face.
"I was raised a gentleman so I don't kiss and tell Sophie. Speakin' of gentleman, how was your night with Nate?" Eliot waggled his eyebrows at the grifter.
"Very nice thank you Eliot. Did you still want to have that chat with me?"
"Yeah I do please, all the jokin' aside. Your office?" asked Eliot.
"Yes, meet me in there, I'll just tell Nate I'm helping you out first so as not to wait for me." Sophie headed off to see Nate so he could leave with Hardison and Tara.
Eliot felt like he was waiting in the school principal's office all over again while he sat in the grifter's office. It was furnished eloquently yet none of it was as comfortable as he had in his own office. Hell, there wasn't even a sofa. The door opened and Sophie came and sat down in the chair next to Eliot breaking him from his reverie.
"I didn't think you'd be the type who would need advice on women Eliot," seeing the smile drop from his face, "I'm was joking, I assumed it was Parker you wanted to talk about?"
"It is. Parker's so much more complicated than anyone else is aware of," Eliot was staring at the floor and ringing his hands, "so much more than she'd want anyone to know Sophie."
"I'm sorry Eliot, I wouldn't have teased you before if I had known. Is there something I can help with?" Sophie looked seriously at Eliot, "is it something that Parker might trust me with?"
"I honestly don't know, I mean I knew she had an awful childhood, but nothin' prepared me for her to have been treated so badly….not just by her real parents, but all the others…those who were given the chance to love her, yet didn't." Eliot was pacing Sophie's office, clenching and unclenching his fists, "I can't believe what they did to her!"
"What happened Eliot?" looking at his face told her immediately that she should know better than think he would tell a secret trusted to him. "Sorry I know you wouldn't betray her confidence. However, if it helps, perhaps you could run a hypothetical situation by me? It might help prove beneficial for you both." Sophie offered, knowing from personal experience that you didn't get into this game by accident, you normally had a less than ideal childhood if you wandered down these paths. She liked them both and would even trust them with her secrets one day maybe.
"I won't betray her, Hell that's been the problem all through her life, she's had no one to trust and no one to love her. Sophie, I know this might sound strange, especially comin' from me but I want to be more than her team mate. I want to get to know her better, find out what makes her so….well what makes her Parker. I want to take care of her and protect her from anyone who might try hurt her. I understand that we've all become like a family and we look out for each other," turning to look Sophie in the eyes, "I need to be more than that for her. God, she's crazy but she takes my breath away, she's so beautiful, innocent yet at the same time so scarred and street wise….I just don't know what to do anymore. She's got my head in a spin Sophie." Eliot continued pacing, surprised at the look Sophie was giving him. "What?"
"Eliot, I had no idea that you felt so deeply for Parker. How long have you been feeling like this?" she found it strange to see the hitter in such a quandary over what she would have thought would be simple for the attractive young man. Sophie had always assumed he would care for nothing more than the functionary needs of a woman and she was feeling dreadful for even thinking such things while she looked at the man in front of her. Then again every now and then she would see him trying to hide those little clues about something huge, the secrets that he kept at bay to protect himself from the outside world.
"A while now, I just need to, no I want to do this right. No mistakes Sophie, she's too important to me. Can you help me get this right, please?" pleaded Eliot, knowing that Sophie too cared for Parker and would help if it involved her happiness too.
"Of course, I want her to be happy and to see her fall in love with the right man. Eliot I'm sure you're that man and I want you both to be happy, and if you can make each other happy then it's all the better. Now let's get this horrible man sorted out first. Are you ready?" Sophie smiled at Eliot she was so pleased for him, well for them both as she had already talked a little with Parker about the kiss.
"I'll get my keys and lets go, car park first stop. Thanks Sophie, this is real important to me and I just can't screw it up. And Sophie, I'm real glad that you've come back to us, damn place hasn't been the same without you." Eliot hugged the grifter then left the office to get his keys.
Meanwhile, Tara met up with Rand and was running through the computer system in the control room. Parker was set up in the studio with her card-swiping machine and Nate was in the van with Hardison. His precious laptops were set up in a row, booted up piggy backing a WIFI signal coming from the nearest library. They were waiting patiently for their first guest when Sophie announced she was in the parking lot with Eliot.
"Bout time, where were you two at?" mumbled Hardison as he tapped away on his keyboards, "did you get lost?"
"Shut up Hardison," growled Eliot through the comms.
"Gentlemen, we've got a job to concentrate on, you two can play nicely til it's over perhaps," Nate paced in the van rubbing his temples once more.
"We're just messin' with each other, aren't we Eliot?" Hardison was laughing now, "Eliot….. hey man……that ain't nice,"
Eliot said nothing, just smiled. Sophie was smiling too, happy to be back where she belonged with the people she cared for and regarded as her family.
After some time the show ended with Tara booked as a resounding success in Dalton Rand's eyes. As he walked her out to the parking lot a van pulled up and as the side door opened Eliot was running towards them, shouting at Tara through the comms for her to watch out. Rand was being dragged into the back of the van squealing and whimpering like the stuck pig he was, Tara was stood in mock horror at the scene which befell her eyes. Moving away, she noticed a gun sticking out the side window and before she could warn Eliot two loud shots rang out and struck the hitter square in the chest.
Sophie was horrified at the scene, as she ran towards the fallen hitter. Hardison jumped in the front seat and roared around to the rear parking lot. Parker ran, heading out through the crowds of people, wishing she could just get to Eliot and see that it wasn't real. He couldn't die, not now, she was beginning to realise that she needed him more than anyone else in the whole world.
A passer by dialled 911 as the team gathered around Eliot, who was unconscious on the ground. Checking his pulse Nate found it was weak and thready, but it was there. His breathing sounded like it was rattling, which wasn't good, he had may have punctured a lung, perhaps even both of them looking at where the blood was oozing from. Parker got to the scene and was on her knees next to him in seconds.
"Eliot, Eliot, can you hear me?" taking his hand, Parker was crying. Sophie put her arm around her shoulder while Nate applied pressure to the wounds with his hands.
"Alec, nearest hospital. Tara, IDs we need one for Eliot and Parker, same surnames. Husband and wife here to see the show." Nate checked the hitter's pulse once more, it was weaker than before, "dammit," he said. "I'm beginning to understand why he doesn't like guns!"
He looked into Sophie's eyes, nodding slightly towards Parker, unspeaking words showed a need for the grifter to keep an eye on Parker, Nate returned to his first aid duties, grateful for those courses IYS had made him attend all those years ago.
Finally an ambulance made it's way through the crowd of bloodthirsty bystanders. Two paramedics jumped out and while one assessed Eliot the other began grabbing kit out of the back of the ambulance.
"I'm Jim, can you tell me what happened here?"
"I'm Nate, this is my friend Eliot." Nodding across to Parker who was holding Eliot's hand, "Parker, his wife." She certainly didn't need to be told how to handle this part he thought ironically to himself. "He tried to stop someone from being kidnapped and they shot him, hitting him twice in the chest. His pulse is weak and his breathing is heavily compromised."
"Okay everyone stand back and give us some room. Nate, hold these pads onto his chest for me, I'm just grabbing some kit with my partner Zac." Explained the medic rushing off to the truck. Pulling out a flat board and blankets and first aid box, Jim and Zac were back at Eliot's side in a flash. Swapping out the blood soaked rags for cleaner wadding, Jim cut open Eliot's shirts to expose a chest with two clear holes in it. Placing the wadding over the top he asked Nate "Are you able to keep applying the pressure while I check his breathing?" Turning to Parker "Ma'am can you keep talking to your husband, it helps a great deal." Parker nodded and began to whisper to Eliot. Sophie and Tara stood back with Alec in a state of shock.
Zac had the stethoscope on Eliot's chest, while Jim turned him slightly to listen from behind. "Collapsed on right" confirmed Zac, "Left too" confirmed Jim. "Bag him, we're losing him".
Lifting Eliot onto the gurney that seemed to appear from nowhere, they were breathing for Eliot. Turning to Nate as they wheeled Eliot away, "Can you follow us, there's not going to be room in the truck for passangers?" he was looking pointedly at Parker, who was stood back staring at Eliot's blood on her hands. As the doors slammed, they all piled into the van to follow the ambulance to the hospital, when Parker turned to Sophie, "But I didn't get to tell hiim yet?" Sophied just placed her arms around Parker, ushering her into the van and assuring her that there would be plenty of time, and desperately hoping that she was right this time.....