Fic: Burn (2/3), Crossover Leverage/A:tS, NC-17

[elebridith]

Title: Burn
Author: elebridith
Rating: NC-17. Slash, swearing.

Disclaimer: Not mine. Nothing, no one. Just playing.
Genre: Slash, Crossover A:tS/Leverage
Pairings: Eliot/Lindsey. Minor Sophie/Nate. Pre-Parker/Hardison.
Summary: He was pretty sure that it was written all over his face - and with immaculate timing Eliot turned his head and looked his way.

Beta'd by havenward , with endless patience for my crazy run-ons. She also wears now the badge of "The Southernifyer". A million thanks, hun, this wouldn't be here without you! *smishes*

A/N: Set in my Face Value!Verse. About two months after Face Value chapter three, follows "Dreams". Oh, and The Smile? First pic in my sidebar. :-)

Special thanks to honeyjojames  for all the bunny feeding! *hugs*

Part One is here.


It was a low blow, he knew it. He had barely a second to see the flare of anger in Eliot's eyes before the man launched at him. Eliot's fists were balled, and Lindsey ducked sideways, expecting a blow to his face. But Eliot changed his direction at the last moment, shoving hard against Lindsey's shoulder and delivering a kick against his right ankle just a split second later. The combined momentum sent Lindsey stumbling backwards. His foot caught on something, causing him to lose his balance completely. He landed flat on his back, breath knocked out of him. Dazed, he could hear a snorted-out laugh from Eliot, and, before he had time to react, Eliot suddenly crouched over him. A lightning fast move, and Lindsey's wrists were in a tight grip on the floor over his head. Eliot grinned down at him, without the slightest trace of amusement. His voice was still dead calm despite the anger still showing in his darkened eyes. "Fighting dirty, Lindsey? Good. Seems you've learned at least one lesson in all your fighting sessions." Eliot quickly moved his feet in a manner that prevented Lindsey's legs very effectively from moving, and smirked. "Now let's see what you make of this one."

Lindsey was trapped. Eliot was now pinning Lindsey down with his weight and his fingers around Lindsey's wrists were too strong to twist open. Great. Just great. Don't think I give up this easily, Eliot. He could see the smug expression on Eliot's face as he struggled helplessly against him, but there was also something else behind it. Something he really couldn't place. What kind of game is he playing now? He snarled, half-angry, half-frustrated, and bucked his hips upward in another futile try to throw off the hard body above him, and then his eyes suddenly widened in surprise.

Oh. Now that's… OH. Now that explains a lot. Lindsey let his expression morph to a wicked grin and very slowly and deliberately repeated his movement. A small growl told him that Eliot had gotten the message, loud and clear, and Lindsey's grin widened. He tilted his head just a bit and gave his voice as much smugness as possible. "Now, 'm pretty sure that's not a gun in yer pocket, so... happy to see me?"

Eliot stared angrily down at him, although Lindsey wasn't sure anymore if the anger was directed at him. Nevertheless the grip on his wrists tightened to almost bone-crushing, and Lindsey had a hard time keeping up his dirty grin. Eliot's jaw clenched and his eyes blazed, but he managed to keep his voice low. "Loosen up, huh? That's what you want? Not me, boy. Still in control here." And Lindsey had not even a heartbeat before the other man lowered his head and kissed him.

It wasn't tender. Not in the slightest. It was almost an attack, a hard smash against his lips complete with teeth and tongue. Lindsey still couldn't move his arms or legs, but he didn't mind just now. He kissed back, just as feral, trying to catch Eliot's lower lip with his teeth, and another buck of his hips convinced him that he hadn't been imagining things before. A small moan escaped Lindsey. Guess that answers the liking guys thing...

Eliot pulled back suddenly, leaving them both panting heavily. He stared at Lindsey's face as if he couldn't decide if he should go on or back off, and Lindsey used the opportunity to finally twist one of his hands free. Oh no. No getting away, Eliot. Sensing Eliot's momentary conflict he dug his fingers in Eliot's long hair without hesitation, trying to draw him back into another kiss. Eliot grinned, refusing to give in but pressing his hips down harder for a moment. Lindsey's brain short circuited as Eliot rolled his hips just slightly before abruptly moving back. He only started thinking again as Eliot got to his feet, dragging Lindsey up in the process. Lindsey opened his mouth, but whatever words he had on his tongue died away as Eliot gripped his shoulders hard and pulled Lindsey flush against him.

They looked at each other for a moment, faces only inches apart. Lindsey could feel Eliot's fast breathing against his heated skin and didn't dare to move. After what seemed like hours Eliot's eyes closed for a moment, then the angry tension melted a little and the grip on Lindsey's shoulders was still tight but didn't hurt anymore.

"Bedroom. Now." Eliot's voice was pure want and hell if it wasn't the most arousing sound Lindsey had ever heard. His room suddenly seemed very far away, certainly too far to reach without kissing Eliot again. Eliot seemed to like the idea, but then he growled, pushed Lindsey forward and they stumbled into Lindsey's bedroom, somehow managing to close the door behind them. Eliot was already tearing at Lindsey's shirt and made an impatient sound as some of the buttons refused to work. "Hope this isn't your favorite."

Eliot simply ripped it open, and Lindsey shivered with a rush of arousal at the hungry look in Eliot's eyes. Lindsey shook his head, giving a little breathless laugh while he shrugged off the remains. He grabbed the belt of Eliot's jeans and used it to pull him over to the half-made bed. As they dropped onto it Lindsey managed to end up on top of Eliot. He pushed himself up a bit to catch a look at Eliot's face, pressing his hips down in the process. The movement drew a very small moan from Eliot. Lindsey grinned happily, but let his smile fade quickly as Eliot just glared at him. He smirked inwardly. Was that a slip of control, Eliot? But then he got serious. He studied Eliot's face, the mixture of need and still lingering anger, and shook his head. "Thought I'd freaked you out the other day."

Eliot huffed out a laugh that was half amused, half affronted. "Takes more than that. 'M very flexible." He grabbed Lindsey's arms and flipped them both over, giving a wicked smile as he pressed Lindsey's body to the bed.

Lindsey made an angry sound and tried to free himself, not wanting to give in too easily. It had been a long time since he'd been shoved around like this but any objections he had flew out of the window as Eliot lowered his head and pressed his mouth to Lindsey's jaw. He was using his teeth a little less aggressively than before, slowly biting and licking his way down. Lindsey closed his eyes, moaned a little and let his head fall back. "Flexible sounds great, y'kn..." The words go stuck in his throat as Eliot ground his hips against him. He gasped. "Fuck… yes…more…"

Lindsey could hear soft chuckling as he tangled his fingers in Eliot's hair, trying to direct him further down his chest and not really succeeding. Eliot resisted his pushing easily and sounded genuinely amused now. "Nuh-uh, Lindsey. My pacing here. Not taking orders from you."

Lindsey growled impatiently. "No orders. Fine. Have it your - " His voice broke and he arched his back up with a sharp hiss as Eliot's mouth found the soft flesh below his left collarbone. Skin. Now. He lifted his head slightly while his hands tore almost desperately on the shirt that Eliot was still wearing. The front finally ripped open so he could get his hands on bare skin. Lindsey raked his fingernails down Eliot's back and a sharp intake of breath told him that he had just hit the right button. He smirked and ran his nails softly along Eliot's spine, and Eliot finally gave in and lowered his whole body down. Their naked chests pressed together as Eliot kissed him hard, and Lindsey dug his fingers in Eliot's hair and pulled not too softly. Eliot growled and nipped at Lindsey's lower lip, but didn't really bite down. Lindsey took it as an encouragement and tugged again, getting that growling sound again that he was starting to like.

Eliot still kissed him, hungry and needy. Lindsey ground his hips upwards, already breathing hard and fast, seeking friction against the body covering him. Eliot chuckled against his lips and, without breaking the kiss, gripped Lindsey's hips and held him down easily. Then Eliot's lips moved to Lindsey's left ear, ghosting over the sensitive skin under it, and Lindsey's breath caught in his throat. "Shit, Eliot... stop fuckin' teasing me..." Lindsey gasped out as Eliot now softly sucked the skin between his teeth. "Get yer hands movin' an' touch me already?"

Eliot didn't answer, just soothingly licked at the spot where his teeth had left tiny marks. Lindsey hoped with the last bit of clarity he had left that this mewling sound only was in his head and hadn't slipped out. He gripped Eliot's shoulders and finally, finally, could feel Eliot's hands sliding down between their bodies, working first Lindsey's and then the buttons of his own jeans open, pushing them down just a bit. The only sounds coming from Lindsey now were moans deep in his throat and harsh panting, the words ohGodyespleasenow only sounding in his head but not coming out. He threw his head back with a small cry as Eliot sucked on his earlobe, voice now a deep low purr.

"I wanna see you fall apart, Lindsey. Lose control. Burn."

Lindsey lifted his hips a bit so that Eliot could push his tight jeans down some more. Eliot's hands rested for a moment on his bare hipbones and then touched, curling his fingers tightly and stroking them both at once. All it took was a few firm moves, and Eliot's mouth back on his, and Lindsey cried out, a hoarse, choking sound. He dug his fingers into Eliot's back, holding on for dear life as the force of his orgasm sent rippling waves through him. He was vaguely aware that Eliot's body stiffened for a moment and Lindsey more felt than heard a rough sound against his lips that might have been his name.

It seemed like hours until he was able to breathe properly again, and he felt so sated that opening his eyes seemed like hard work. But seeing Eliot looking down at him with a very unguarded and almost vulnerable expression was kind of unexpected. His hazy brain still couldn't form coherent thoughts let alone provide words, but he managed a little smile. He wanted this. Wanted me.

Eliot didn't smile back. He just stared at him, looking stunned and a little disbelieving. He opened his mouth and closed it again, and for a tiny moment he looked almost helpless. Then Eliot lifted his hand and brushed his fingertips softly over Lindsey's lips. Lindsey's eyes fluttered close and only opened again as the caress was suddenly gone and he felt the other man shift his weight away from him.

"What…?" Lindsey slowly sat up, absently pulled his jeans back up a bit and frowned. He's not just gonna leave, is he? He can't think that this was all I wanted! He was awake again all of a sudden, confused and a little anxious. "Where are you going?"

Eliot stopped moving and looked at him, and something that could have been regret showed on his face. But then his eyes went cold and Lindsey could practically see the defenses coming up again. "Back on the couch. Where else?"

Eliot started to push himself upright and reached for his zipper. Lindsey shook his head fiercely. "No." He quickly reached out and placed his hand on Eliot's upper arm. "Stay." He looked into Eliot's eyes, trying to connect again. "Please."

Eliot hesitated, and closed his eyes for a moment. Lindsey saw his face harden for a moment, and fully expected a negative answer. He prepared himself for a brush off, but now a quick flash of frustration went over Eliot's face. Lindsey held his breath. Come on, Eliot. Eliot inhaled slowly and opened his eyes, and that particular expression was gone, replaced by calmness. His voice was almost soft. "Are you sure?"

Lindsey locked eyes with him and nodded. "Yeah." Eliot didn't move a muscle for a few long heartbeats, but then Lindsey was rewarded with one of those rare brilliant smiles. For a moment the mask of the unflappable fighter was removed, and Lindsey's eyes lit up at the sight. Mine.

Eliot dropped back on the bed again, now wearing a mixture of amusement and concern on his face. And still a trace of that smile. "You do realize that the others will find out as soon as I open that door in the morning?"

Lindsey grinned happily, his self-confidence back in place. "And that should bother me? Why? Is Nate going to burn me at the stake?" he asked jokingly.

Eliot chuckled, now looking completely relaxed. "No, he won't. Hardison on the other hand will probably choke on his coffee when he finds out." At Lindsey's questioning look he smirked and explained. "He's still sure that I have a thing for Parker. Don't know where that came from." He shrugged and stood up again.

Lindsey frowned, confused. He swung his legs out of the bed without thinking. "Hey - where are you… I thought…"

Eliot looked down at him and arched his eyebrows, eyes glittering with amusement. "I'm gonna grab a fresh sheet. Don't know about you, but I'm not sleeping under your wet and..." He pointedly looked at the spot where they had been before. "...slightly sticky one. 'M gonna have my own, thank you." He smirked and walked over to the drawer.

Lindsey eyed the messy sheet under him and had to grin. Okay. You got a point. He stood up and got rid of his jeans, used his torn shirt to clean himself up a bit and threw it in the dustbin just as Eliot turned around. Lindsey saw the quick movement of his hands, but wasn't fast enough - the new sheet landed on top of him. As he finally wrestled himself out of it Eliot had changed into boxers and examined now the shredded remains of his shirt. He sighed and stripped it off.

"Ain't goin' out to get a new one now. Might as well give them a good show later."

Lindsey laughed and quickly replaced the sheet. He slipped on a fresh pair of boxers, let himself drop on the bed, crawled under it and yawned. He stretched like a cat as Eliot slid next to him and gave him a relaxed smile. "I really thought I'd blown everything to pieces the other day." he said softly.

Eliot tilted his head, lips twitching. "Well, your expression wasn't exactly subtle. And ya looked pretty freaked out yourself." He chuckled, but only for a second. "I didn't want it. Didn't want me to want it." He looked away, and Lindsey saw his shoulders tense. "Being close always means trouble." He looked back at Lindsey with a quick apologetic smile, visibly relaxed again and stretched his legs.

Lindsey smiled, already more than a little sleepy. "Glad you made an exception to the rule." His eyes fell close and he could feel Eliot shift into a more comfortable position next to him. He was vaguely aware of Eliot's arm sliding hesitantly halfway around his waist before he drifted off to sleep completely, his head almost resting on Eliot's shoulder.

***

Parker was just grabbing a banana from Nate's fruit platter when the door opened and Hardison bounced into the kitchen. He greeted Parker, Nate and Sophie with a cheerful "Good morning folks, glorious food for the hard-working!" and dropped bagels and croissants on the table. Nate immediately grabbed a croissant, Sophie tapped her lip and eyed the bagels, and Hardison chatted on while cutting a bagel in two.

Parker gave him a greeting smile and sliced the banana into her cereal bowl, nodding at it. Fruit is healthy. Eliot's gonna be proud of me. She slowly lowered the knife and frowned. Eliot. She looked up and turned to Nate. "Is Eliot still on the job?"

Nate swallowed his croissant bite and shook his head. "No, he came back here last night." He didn't say more, just shot her an amused expectant grin and sipped his coffee.

Parker frowned again and nibbled on her lower lip. There were no pillows on the couch. So where did he sleep? She suddenly became wide-eyed as she realized that Eliot wasn't the only one missing at the table. She clapped her mouth shut to keep herself from squeaking and gave Nate a questioning look. Nate smiled and made a small head movement to the still-closed guest room door. Sophie had caught the wordless conversation and just smirked. Parker beamed as she looked around and noticed that Hardison was now rummaging around the fridge and was still blissfully unaware. That's going to be fun. Ah, here it comes.

Hardison grabbed a full coffee mug, looked around and frowned. "Eliot came in?" He gave a gleeful laugh. "Then he definitely slept longer than ninety minutes! Hah!" He slapped his hand on his thigh with delight. "The champion has overslept! Can I wake him and gloat?"

Parker grinned happily. Five, four, three…

***

Lindsey stirred as someone shook his shoulders gently.

"Hey, wake up. We're missin' breakfast."

Lindsey blinked twice before finally remembering the last night. A delighted grin broke over his face as he found Eliot still next to him in the bed, watching him. He caught a small tender smile lingering on Eliot's face before the other man looked away and moved to stand up. Lindsey quickly reached out and surprised Eliot a bit by sliding a hand around his neck and pulling him back for a gentle kiss. "Good morning to you too, Eliot." He reluctantly drew back and had to smile at the stunned look on Eliot's face. Not used to still being there in the morning, are ya? Lindsey stretched himself a bit and stood up, trying to act as normal as possible. "Okay, then we gotta hurry. Whose turn was it?"

Eliot recovered quickly. "Hardison's, I think. He just got here." He got up and stretched too. "And I smell coffee. Let's just hope it wasn't Nate who made it." He crinkled his nose and made a disgusted sound.

Lindsey laughed while he slid into new clothes. "That bad? I never paid attention who made it, just noticed that sometimes it's, well, better."

Eliot reached for his jeans. "You have no idea." He sighed and then grinned. "Ready? Let's face the music."

***

Parker looked at Hardison, who just at this moment took a sip of coffee, and worked hard to keep a casual expression. "Yeah, go get him before all the coffee is gone. He slept in Lindsey's bed last night." Two, one… She watched Hardison's face as the realization sank in and finally hit.

Liftoff.

Hardison choked on his coffee. "Wha.. huh? WHAT???" It came out very high-squeaked and a little strangled, and Parker beamed, very pleased with the result.

"Well, he's not here in the kitchen." She motioned around and looked questioningly at Hardison who coughed violently but managed to give her an affirming hand wave. She continued, puzzled that she really had to state the obvious. "He's not in the bathroom because I was there - alone - two minutes ago. He wasn't sleeping on his couch, because there are no pillows. And I'm quite sure he wasn't in Nate's bedroom either." She tilted her head and looked at Nate, pursing her lips. "Or was he?" Nate laughed and shook his head while Sophie lowered her bagel and just stared at her. Parker stared back, confused. "What?"

Sophie blinked, once, twice, and then shook herself and smiled. "Nothing, Parker. Go on."

Parker shrugged and turned back to Hardison. "Leaves only one possibility. Quite simple." She leaned back, looking very satisfied with herself while Hardison still coughed.

Sophie patted him helpfully on the back. "Cheer up, Hardison. It's no big deal, isn't it?"

Hardison gasped for air and finally caught his breath again. "No, no, of course it isn't!" He shook his head and looked a bit affronted. "Hey, totally not my business, okay?" He threw a small glance at Parker and laughed a little too loud. "I just... I thought…"

Parker finally got what he was thinking. She rolled her eyes. "No, he doesn't have a crush on me. Never had, stupid." She let out a giggle. "Lindsey and Eliot. Well, that gives the whole "Fuck Yourself" thing a complete new meaning, doesn't it?"

"Very funny, Parker." Eliot's dry remark caused everyone's heads to turn. They all had now the full view of a half-naked Eliot indeed leaving Lindsey's bedroom and heading for his bags, searching for some clothes. Nate continued chewing his croissant, seemingly unimpressed. Sophie gave an appreciative glance and Parker almost bounced on her chair, self-satisfied grin on her face. Hardison looked around and finally shook his head, smiling to himself and then directing a wide grin at Parker. She smiled back and then turned to Sophie, eager to get feedback.

"Was that good? This teasing thing, I mean? In the movies, people always sputter coffee, that means I did it right?"

Sophie had to chuckle and then gave Parker a proud smile and nodded approvingly. "Yes, you did. You waited for the right moment and then delivered your line. That was very good." She patted Parker's arm and Parker beamed at her, feeling very accomplished.

She turned back to Hardison, still grinning. "Did you hear that? I teased you."

"---is in good hands..." Hardison's voice trailed off and Parker frowned, but then realized that he'd been talking to her. She gave Hardison a blank stare, eyebrows raised. Hardison sighed and repeated his words. "So, Parker, now that Eliot is in good hands..."

Before Parker could react, Lindsey said "Thanks for your approval, man." He pulled himself a chair and sat down, smiled at Hardison, only slightly mocking, and patted him on the shoulder.

Eliot followed suit seconds later. He looked hard at the mugs on the table and narrowed his eyes. "Who made the coffee?"

Sophie gave him a smug grin. "Since you were… busy, I took the liberty. Don't worry, Nate got nowhere near it."

Eliot nodded gravely. "Okay then." He took up a cup and settled down at the table, looking questioningly at Nate. "Got a new job for us already?"

Nate looked at him, face completely serious. "Yes. Buying earplugs. Well, at least if you guys want to keep up what you did last night." This time it was Lindsey choking on his coffee and turning an interesting shade of red while Eliot's lips just curled a little. Nate gave them an innocent look. "You do realize that those walls aren't soundproof, right?"

***

That afternoon they both got assigned different tasks, and Eliot's job sent him out of town for three days. The job itself was easy - the difficulties boiled down to three nights alone in an empty, uncomfortable hotel bed and way too much time for thinking. He easily managed to close off all thoughts about Lindsey during the job, but as soon as he had checked on the security of his room and switched off the light, the thoughts came back with a vengeance. And their intensity almost frightened him. Do I want this? Him... closer? Yes. Shit. If I'd just wanted to fuck him, it'd be over by now. An' him? Does he? I guess, yeah. And there you have it, Eliot, what you always tried to avoid. Attachment. An' you know what happens. It's too dangerous, for me, an' for him. He snorted, a bitter, self-deprecating sound. The others think that it could work. I've seen their looks. The way Sophie smiles when she looks at us. His lips twisted into a snarl. They have no idea. Too fucked up even for him, Eliot. No way it's gonna work.

Three nights were enough to convince himself of that. And were enough time to - again - rebuild his defense walls before having to face Lindsey. He had to laugh at the thought. Practice makes perfect. I didn't even dream again. And when he got back, he was sure that his self-control was back in place. He entered Nate's apartment and just nodded at Lindsey, who was watching TV and had looked up at the sound of the opening door. Shit. I was hopin' he'd already be asleep. Okay, cup of coffee an' back to my own place. Don't need this now.

He walked right through towards the kitchen and tried to ignore the way Lindsey's face had lit up at the sight of him. Tried to ignore the way Lindsey had started to move, as if he wanted to get up and touch him. Even as he heard Lindsey saying "Eliot?" in a soft voice that was a little surprised and a little anxious, he didn't turn around, just continued making his coffee. Then a chair scratched over the floor, the angry sound of footsteps came towards him and then he could hear Lindsey's voice again.

"The fuck's wrong, Spencer? Cat got yer tongue?"

Part Three is here.