Knowing smiles from Kendra and Stein were the first thing Len noticed when he and Sara joined the team on the bridge the next morning. Kendra's eyes were actually dancing with glee, and Stein's were warm with understanding. Len made a mental note to find something nice for the professor, to thank him for his good advice on dealing with a post-Pit Canary after Nanda Parbat. He'd even buy it instead of stealing it.
Ray and Jax pointedly did not look at them, both seeming embarrassed by this new relationship status. Although, thinking about it… they did have the rooms on either side of his. Maybe he and Sara had been louder than he'd realized when they'd woken up for a second round that was more raw sex than lovemaking, but still very satisfying.
Whatever the reason, Len filed those flustered looks away as potential fodder for future verbal shots. And maybe a practical joke or two.
He expected the smirk on Mick's face; it was the same look Mick wore whenever he'd bedded someone. But the wink and genuine smile that followed it was a bit of a surprise.
Rip looked… well, resigned. He probably took some comfort in knowing Gideon was making sure there wouldn't be any tiny time travelers added to the team. At least not until Savage was defeated.
Len blinked at that little voice in his head. Before he could chase the thought down any further, Laurel was standing before him with an apprehensive look on her face.
"Len, I'm sorry about…"
He stopped her by putting his hands on her shoulders and pressing a kiss to her forehead. As much as her words had hurt yesterday, today he knew they were the start of healing. "Laurel, I forgave you two seconds after I walked out of the fabrication room," he said as he released her. "I'm not good at staying mad at pretty ladies, especially when they're related to the woman I love."
He felt Sara wind her hand in his. "Laurel, this is a crew that believes in second chances. So why don't we start over, the three of us?" When Laurel nodded, Sara went on, "Len, this is my sister Laurel. And Laurel, this is Leonard," she looked up at him with a smile, "the man that I love."
He put his other hand out to Laurel. She smiled and clasped it warmly. Her hand was surprisingly strong for all of its delicacy. "I'm looking forward to getting to know you, Leonard," she said.
"Call me Len," he said. "And I should warn you, your sister did pick up a bad boy." He leaned in closer. "But she's helping me get better."
And for the first time in about 40 years of "messed up," he believed it really could happen.
-END-
This story was incredibly tough for me to write, but in many ways very satisfying. I hope you are enjoying my little AU.-LR