Hello everybody.
Decided to write up an AU of Leverage 4x01 for putting Eliot/Parker together.
Besides I think I've read nearly every E/P story I can get my hands on so need new material.
Onwards.
Inside a tent
As the footage of Alan Scott plays all around the area Parker looks on watching the widow, uncertain.
"You did it. You brought him back to her" Eliot says softly to the blonde-haired thief.
When the hitter turns to leave Parker throws her arms around embracing Eliot in a hug. Surprised the man quickly readjusts for returning it while they rest their foreheads against one another. Just everything else disappears leaving a feeling of only them.
First, a rocky friendship built in trust from living in dark ways unknown to everybody else in their family, the unflinching when touching, looking after the other quietly when hurt, like when Mile High Job occurred. Among other events including their shared training sessions or when Parker would crash at Eliot's place for food, a nightmare, etc.
Parker's unease when coming to the topic of romantic feelings for Hardison was not from can't talk about, but rather nothing to discuss. Recently the conversation from the cave seemed to be where the raw honesty came crashing down.
"Parker" Eliot says carefully.
Running her hands up from his back to his head Parker leans up a few inches before capturing Eliot's lips in a kiss. Returning it Eliot opens his mouth allowing greater access while the blonde thief does the same while they just stand there kissing, before separating. Breathless not due to lack of air, but from the emotions involving each other.
"We are us, just us," Parker says.
"Yeah…" Eliot says.
Stepping back Eliot and Parker look over seeing a shocked Hardison by the doorway a mix of sadness and hurt on his face. Maybe a realization of losing something that was never really his cause it's not like their relationship was ever fully defined. Across the room, Sophie has a mild gasp as Nate merely tilts his head in thought. Mostly wondering how nobody else, precisely Hardison and Sophie hadn't picked up on long before. Parker under the influence of those pills that made their thief, his daughter, in a ridiculous hungover sense of being far too happy immediately ran to Eliot first when getting out. That was the initial clue, there were others over the years Nate knows looking at his family.
Of course, feels compassion for Hardison as you can't help but who you fall for Nate knows glancing at Sophie. Yet just hopes despite everything in his kids don't have an unbreakable rift. But ultimately Nate has the feeling things will work out. Since the alternative is something doesn't want to even consider. Ironically for all his masterminding the former ISY investigator knows.
Approaching the opening Eliot and Parker stop near Hardison who meets their gazes for a moment until they leave.
Nate's Loft
Once more, dressed in his regular clothes like everybody else, and enjoying not just that but being able to have warmth in his body once more, Hardison has the feeling everybody else does too. Looking up to see Parker flipping backward off the staircase's top and landing gracefully on the ground, Hardison can't help, but shake his head in familiar concern yet amusement.
Glancing over sees Eliot causally moving around in the kitchen preparing dinner, and his stomach grumbles. Been a long past couple of days from the job to the plane right home, airport, getting equipment unpacked, etc. Curious, Hardison heads into the cooking area seeing the trays prepared, with plates and silverware stacked ready to be placed.
"Hey man, I bet you're glad to be back around fire" Hardison quips.
"You mean besides this team?" Eliot retorts.
"Ouch, but accurate," Hardison says.
Parker walks over sitting on one of the stools. The three are quiet for some minutes until the thief decides to speak first.
"We are sorry Alec" Parker says, "We know you are hurting by this."
"Yeah, I am, I'll admit. Just how long has this been going on?" Hardison inquiries.
"Just from the recent job," Eliot says.
Scoffing "Not buying that con, man. Just you two didn't kiss like that was recently. I ask again how long?" Hardison replies.
"Eliot's telling the truth. Why would he lie?" Parker asks bluntly.
"Because he… I" Hardison says shaking his head "Just no."
"I've always been drawn to Eliot in a way I was never drawn to anybody else on the team. Of course, Nate and Sophie have in that category been out from before day one" Parker says.
Nodding "Yeah I get that mama, too much like parents," Hardison says.
Eliot merely makes some disgruntled noise while checking something in his pan. Both ignore the long-haired man for the moment.
"It's hard to explain, like a safe for needing to be cracked. Turning the right wheels, patience. Explains us… which is not something I can really tell others. I know I'm attracted to him, and makes me feel warm" Parker says.
"Wait, wait the lock cracking speech when you were dressed as a sinfully wrong nun on our first Boston job? That was about us" Hardison notes.
Tilting her head "It was? I didn't realize" Parker says.
"You were… when I told you that I was looking for you during those six months," Hardison says in bewilderment.
"Looking and never found me" Parker replies.
"You are too good at disappearing. Then what was the speech about if not us? Or everything with pretzels?" Hardison inquiries.
"Pretzels?" Eliot asks.
"I was jealous of the attention Ashley Moore gave you, but not for reasons you assume. Never been great at sharing, or have had people who like me until joining this team" Parker replies.
"Hardison I really am sorry man for this, but have you ever actually just asked Parker if she likes you that way?" Eliot asks.
"I didn't even know if she even" Hardison begins yet gets cut off.
"Maybe never understand real people, yet I am aware of the opposite gender. And what sex is" Parker says, "I'm not that socially blind."
Opening and closing his mouth a few times until "You never said anything to me" Hardison says.
"Didn't even realize you had… feelings. I'm not a people person or a grifter, okay? I can act but I'm not…" Parker replies trailing off.
"She's not Sophie. Neither is you with her the complex relationship she has with Nate" Eliot says.
"Oh," Hardison replies in understanding. Wondering how much advice from Sophie over the past years was muddled by the grifter's issues involving Nate.
"I just… are we going to be okay? The three of us?" Parker inquiries unsure.
Exhaling before glancing at them both "Yeah… it will take time, but I'll work through stuff on my own. We will be fine; this is the closest I've had to family in a long while" Hardison says.
"Thank you," Parker says.
Hardison looks over at Eliot who merely nods with a look that the other man exchanges.
"And for sure not changing if it means I can't get this man's wonderful cooking. Let's eat 'cause I'm starving" Hardison says shifting back into his usual role.
"Quit your yapping Hardison and make yourself useful then. The plates and silverware aren't going to set themselves" Eliot says grumbling without heat.
Parker has a light smile when hopping down to help Hardison grab the plates, and silverware beginning to set the table while Eliot brings the food over. Meanwhile, Nate and Sophie head down from the staircase.
Hope whoever reads this enjoys the story and let me know what you think.
Nothing to add, until next time.