Fic: Burn (3/3), 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 Two is here.


Eliot flinched inwardly at the sharp tone. Lindsey had never called him by his last name before, no matter how pissed off he was. That he was doing it now told Eliot loud and clear that Lindsey was not only angry but also hurt. He closed his eyes for a moment, steeled himself and then turned around, expression blank but finally looking at Lindsey. "Do we have to talk about this now? I'm really tired. We'll talk tomorrow?" Or better, never. Not about us.

He could see Lindsey's anger rising, saw the narrowing eyes and the slowly clenching fists. "No, we won't. Talk to me now, Spencer." Lindsey's voice got louder. "Three days ago I thought I'd finally got through to you and now you're playin' oyster again? Sorry, but what in hell crawled up into your ass and died?"

Eliot sighed, stepped out of the kitchen and sat down, setting his mug on the table. "Right then." He looked up, pretty sure he had hidden his own hurt and regret safely behind his long tested expressionless face. But actually saying the words was much harder than he thought. "It won't work, Lindsey."

Lindsey froze. He couldn't believe what he'd just heard. That... can't be. The way he looked at me, and now... this? Was it all a joke? He blinked twice and then was able to talk again. "What?" His voice was deceptively calm. "Just like that? 'It won't work, Lindsey.' What are you talking about?" He kept his face blank and raised an eyebrow as if he was actually only curious and didn't just want to strangle the other man. He held Eliot's gaze and managed to keep his blank expression, but had to cross his arms to keep his hands from shaking visibly.

Eliot sighed again. His voice was patient as if he was talking to a stubborn child. "You're getting involved, attached. I can see it, and it just won't work."

Lindsey took one step back, straightened and got a hard look on his face that hadn't been there for weeks. Putting up walls again, Eliot? That's a game I'm good at, too. Very slowly he drew his lips into a deliberately scornful smile and gave his voice a sharp cold edge. "Yeah. Because you're such a lone wolf. Because you work best on your own. Because you don't need anybody. Fine. I get the message, Spencer. I won't be the one messing up the team work, don't worry, but don't expect me to be around if you need to scratch an itch."

A muscle in Eliot's jaw twitched and his eyes darkened, but he didn't move, just glared at Lindsey. "Funny. It didn't seem like that the other night!"

Lindsey snorted. "You weren't the only one doing some thinking while you were gone." He turned abruptly, strode to his bedroom, and closed the door with more force than necessary. Inside, he sat down heavily on the bed and balled his hands into fists. With an angry sound he hit the mattress twice, then stood up again and raked his fingers through his hair. Damn you, Eliot. An' damn myself. I'm so fuckin' stupid. He sighed and slowly took off his clothes. Should know better than fall for another damaged soul. He crawled under the sheet and curled up, trying not to feel the empty ache in his chest. And failed miserably.

I ain't gonna miss him. Really.

Eliot stared at the closed door, took a shaky breath and fought the urge to get up and follow. No. No, don't. Better to end it now, remember? Keep your distance. He turned around and snagged his mug from the table where he left it, carried it into the kitchen and emptied it in the sink. He clenched his jaw. That fuckin' promise is attachment enough. For a moment he stared blindly ahead, then he exhaled slowly and rubbed his eyes. Gotta get out of here. He left Nate's apartment and drove back to his own, thoughts still racing. Finally he curled up on his bed, drawing a blanket over him, years of practice allowing him to fall asleep quickly.

The next morning, both men tried to act as if the passionate night had never happened, but didn't succeed completely. Eliot was sure that everyone noticed that he was even less talkative than usual. And he could see the confused looks Parker gave Lindsey as he made biting sarcastic comments that actually hurt. Eliot tried not to take the bait, but couldn't help snapping back at least once. Only Nate's hard stare prevented them both from an open fight. As they finished planning and left the room, Nate took a few steps towards Eliot, but Eliot pretended that he hadn't seen it and fell into a fast jog to catch up with the others. The next two days he ignored questioning looks from Sophie and Hardison and more than once dodged Nate or Parker when they tried to corner him. Only the knowledge that Lindsey had to do the same kept him from growling at them.

It took five days before Eliot finally gave in. Lindsey was starting to act like his usual if slightly more cranky self, retreating every evening to his bedroom without even glancing in Eliot's direction. Eliot had been sleeping on Nate's couch as usual during a job, but after waking up feeling like shit for four days in a row, he knew that he at least had to do the talking thing again.

So that night when Lindsey went to his bedroom with a "Good night everyone!", Eliot hesitated exactly ten more seconds before standing up and following, not caring that four pairs of eyes were watching him. But he could picture vividly the smug looks Nate and Parker were exchanging now. He could hear Hardison letting out an exaggerated relieved sigh while Sophie muttered "About time" before grabbing the TV control and turning up the volume.

Eliot slowly pushed the door to the bedroom open, entered the room and saw Lindsey adjusting pillows with far more force than necessary. He closed the door and hesitated when Lindsey didn't even look to see who it was, staring instead at the bed, motionless and not saying a word. Finally, Eliot opened his mouth. "We have to talk."

Lindsey turned around and caught Eliot's eyes, remaining expressionless and keeping every emotion out of his voice. "Do we? I thought we were pretty clear."

Eliot felt a flash of hurt going through him and he looked away. What did you expect, Eliot? Knew it wouldn't be that easy. He took a moment to collect himself and to make sure that he had his voice under control. "Let me at least explain, okay?"

Lindsey snorted and gave him a scornful look. "No, 's okay. I understand, really. You don't like attachments, I was getting too involved, yadda yadda. What's left to explain?"

The dripping sarcasm in Lindsey's voice stung, hard and kind of unexpected. Eliot was quiet for a few moments before he simply said "I'm not good with relationships, Lindsey."

Lindsey raised his eyebrows and eyed him up and down. "You don't say. Gee, I wonder why that is." A flare of anger rose inside of Eliot. He balled his fists, but before he could say something, Lindsey raked his fingers through his hair and looked him in the eyes, sarcasm shifting to anger mixed with hurt. "Tell me one thing, Spencer." His voice wavered a bit. "Why didn't you just tell me off?" Lindsey must have noticed his voice trembling, because he inhaled sharply and his face hardened. "If you're so afraid of gettin' attached, why didn't you just say 'Oh sorry Lindsey, I'm not interested'?" He spat the words out now. "Would have saved me from lookin' like an idiot the whole three days you were away. I was almost convinced you..." Lindsey broke off the sentence and turned away abruptly. "Never mind." He started fiddling with the pillows again.

Eliot watched him for a while, looking at Lindsey's tense shoulders and his angry movements. His first impulse had been to give no answer and just storm out, but he resisted. Come on, Eliot. You wanted to make things right, at least smooth this out. Just tell the truth and be done with it. He felt his own anger die down and relaxed his stance a bit. Finally he said softly "You still want an answer?"

Lindsey stopped his fiddling and stood still for a moment, still not facing him. Then his shoulders sagged a bit and he turned around with a resigned sigh. "Yeah." He met Eliot's eyes for a second, expression blank. But before he looked away again, Eliot could clearly see that both anger and hurt still lingered underneath.

Eliot straightened and said quietly, "Because I thought for a moment it could work." He didn't look away as Lindsey slowly turned his head and looked him in the eyes. Lindsey's mouth opened and closed again, and Eliot could see the anger slowly draining away.

Lindsey took a deep breath. "An' then you got time to think an' you panicked." His voice wasn't accusing anymore, just stating a fact. Eliot narrowed his eyes, not really liking how accurate that statement was.

"I didn't panic." It came out harsher than he intended, and Eliot flinched inwardly. To his relief he saw Lindsey's lips curling into a quick small smile.

"You had second thoughts. Of course." There was now a glimmer of amusement in Lindsey's eyes, and Eliot could practically see the air quotes around the words. But the lighter expression faded quickly and Lindsey's face and voice was neutral. "And now?"

The question hung in the air. Eliot opened his mouth to give the answer he had planned to give - the one that would end it, the one that would keep him safe. But he couldn't. Nate's voice came back to him, unwanted. "Do you want him to be?" He idly wondered if Nate had foreseen this, if he had known better than Eliot himself how much he wanted someone close. And Eliot remembered the understanding in Lindsey's eyes when they had talked about dreams and nightmares. He closed his mouth again, wondering if Lindsey had read his conflicting thoughts on his face. He exhaled slowly. "I... don't know."

Lindsey shook his head with a sigh, but then took a few steps towards him. "Eliot."

Eliot noticed with an annoying sense of relief that Lindsey used his first name again. He scowled at himself. Ain't like it matters. I ain't doin' this. I should go. Now. I should... He closed his eyes briefly and tried to convince himself that the thought didn't hurt, no, not a bit.

Lindsey reached out but pulled his hand back before he touched Eliot. He looked down, worrying his lower lip, and then obviously came to a decision. He caught Eliot's eyes again, face calm now, but his voice was determined. "If it helps..." He huffed out a small self-deprecating laugh. "I ain't exactly a poster boy for relationships either. Dunno if you read all my files, but if not, remind me to tell ya about Darla some time. You'll learn some about fucked-up relationships." He chuckled humorlessly. "Certainly ain't wantin' to go the whole nine yards within a day with ya."

Eliot closed his eyes as he heard the affectionate tone in Lindsey's voice, but didn't move. He wanted to believe the other man, wanted to think that maybe, this time... He heard Lindsey's footsteps slowly moving behind him. Eliot heard a deep shaky breath and then Lindsey wrapped an arm around Eliot's chest and the other around his waist, resting his chin on Eliot's shoulder and lightly pressing up against him. He obviously could feel the heavy tension in Eliot's body and laughed a little nervously. "Just makin' this clear. I don't wanna dive into a 'relationship'. Ain't talking about holdin' hands or..." He chuckled. "...you buyin' me pretty flowers. Nothin' like that."

Eliot let his muscles relax slightly at the joking tone of Lindsey's voice, but then his too tight self control kicked in again. No. Won't work, Eliot, you know that. He snorted, stubbornly refusing to give in to that small voice in his his head that screamed liar. "Then what, Lindsey? I don't think you're doin' fuckbuddy, an' I ain't crappin' where I eat."

Lindsey pressed closer, his voice earnest now. "I know. Just - don't shut me out. Not before we've so much as started. A chance, Eliot. 'S all I'm askin' for..." Lindsey's voice trailed off, but he still held on.

Eliot sighed. A chance. Yeah. As if we have one. But... leaving? Again? I... can't. He huffed, a little annoyed with himself. As if I want to spend another night like the last ones. Come on, Eliot. Stop lying to yourself. After a few more deep breaths Eliot could feel most of his tension draining away. He finally slid out of Lindsey's hold and turned around to look into his eyes. He lifted his hand and almost cupped Lindsey's face, but hesitated at the last moment and only brushed his thumb over Lindsey's jaw. "So - no hand holding?"

Lindsey couldn't stop a wide grin from spreading over his face as he detected the small hint of a smile on Eliot's face. "No", he said firmly. "Not necessary, and besides, that would really scare the others. Nate would kill us if we break Hardison's brain."

Eliot's eyes glinted and his smile was now more visible. "True. And - no flowers?" Lindsey just shook his head and grinned even wider, vaguely aware that he maybe looked a little stupid now but he really didn't care. Eliot studied his face and then shook his head in mock resign. "Darn. An' here I just wanted to phone Happy Flowers for a bouquet."

Lindsey saw his lips twitching. He tilted his head, very amused at the thought. "Never said I wouldn't take'm." And now, before this really gets mushy… He leaned in, nuzzled Eliot's neck and then slowly bit down on his earlobe. It earned him a sharp intake of breath and that little growl he had liked so much before. Eliot's hands had wandered to Lindsey's upper arms, and now held him in an almost bruising grip that made him gasp. Lindsey nipped on Eliot's earlobe again and murmured "You really prefer that couch out there?" Eliot didn't answer; he just slid his hands down to Lindsey's hips, gripped him tightly and moved them backwards to the bed. He only needed three steps until they reached it, and Eliot let himself fall back and they both tumbled down on it, already kissing.

It wasn't nearly as aggressive as the first time - more lips, less teeth, more hands, less nails. And their shirts survived being removed this time without irreparable damage. Soon they both only had their jeans left on, and Eliot pulled Lindsey on top of him. Judging by the soft gasps that escaped him Eliot liked it immensely when Lindsey's fingers slid through his hair, tugging softly and pulling harder whenever Eliot's hands touched somewhere especially good. Lindsey discovered several methods to get that little growl low in Eliot's throat that really turned him on, and gently sucking at the little hollow at the base of Eliot's throat rapidly became his favorite one. He had wanted to take it slow, not letting Eliot know just how much he wanted him, but that idea went out of the window as Eliot nuzzled his neck and at the same time worked the button of his jeans open. Lindsey made a low needy sound as Eliot's hand slid inside his pants. "You think Nate bought… shit, do that again! … those earplugs already?"

Eliot's soft chuckle vibrated through both of their bodies. "Don't know… but they definitely turned up the TV." He moaned as Lindsey kissed and nibbled his way down Eliot's chest and up again until he reached his neck. "Lindsey... just... I need..." Eliot's breath hitched in his throat as he felt Lindsey biting down softly, and Lindsey couldn't help but grin.

Biting kink, Eliot? Now that's funny. He bit down again, a little harder this time, and Eliot cursed.

"Shit... Fuck!" Eliot's body arched up against Lindsey's and he threw his head back.

Lindsey unconsciously stiffened just a little bit at the word, but forcefully relaxed again. Calm down, Lindsey. He's not like that. And he didn't want it the first time either, remember? He brushed his lips over Eliot's ear. "Actually, I'd prefer your hands right now - this is only our second time, can the fucking wait a little…" Lindsey murmured before another bite, "until, say, day five? Don't want you to think I'm easy to get…"

Lindsey was quite sure that he'd kept his voice calm, but Eliot must have registered the slight tension nevertheless, because his hands stilled. But he seemed to decide to file that away for the moment, because he laughed breathlessly and pulled Lindsey closer. "Fucking tease." Eliot's voice sounded almost admiring. He let his hands wander down Lindsey's back to his hips, exploring, feeling. Lindsey relaxed completely again and did the same, all the time never taking his eyes off Eliot's face. Eliot held the gaze, like they both wanted to learn their reactions. The half-closed eyes, the slightly opened lips mouthing silent words, the way Lindsey arched his back when Eliot had found another sensitive spot.

Lindsey was so lost in the sensations that he needed a few seconds to actually realize that Eliot's hands had stopped moving. He made a weak protesting sound and opened his eyes, searching Eliot's face questioningly. Eliot cupped Lindsey's chin and forced him to hold still, studying his face with a puzzled look. Lindsey took a shaky breath, tensing up. "Don't tell me you're having second thoughts again." He sounded pleading, he knew it but couldn't help it. He locked eyes with Eliot, but didn't dare to move or say more, afraid of pushing Eliot in the wrong direction.

Eliot held his gaze, face stern. "You know that we most likely will fuck this up. Big time."

Lindsey suppressed a smile and relaxed a little. Eliot hadn't been able to hide a touch of resignation in his voice, which meant that at least he wouldn't bolt out of the door right now. He nodded. "Most likely."

Eliot looked very serious now, but didn't get ready to leave. In fact, he tightened his grip around Lindsey's waist a little bit. "And we will probably kill each other while trying to sort it out."

Lindsey's grin faded as he realized what was behind this. He's doing worst case scenarios. He's... scared. His expression softened. "Yeah, probably. 'M willin' to take that risk, y'know?" He had to smile at the amazed expression Eliot wasn't completely able to cover up. "An' you? Is that stoppin' you?"

Eliot stared up at him a a little longer, speechless. Then his face lit up and he huffed out an unbelieving laugh. He slid his hand around Lindsey's nape, cupped the back of his head and pulled him down. "Hell no. Not anymore." He lifted his head a bit to brush his lips over Lindsey's in an almost tender way, pulled back again and shook his head, still looking amazed. He opened his mouth and looked like he wanted to say more, but closed it again, fond expression shifting to wicked smile. Without a word he grabbed Lindsey's upper arms and flipped them both over, covering Lindsey's body with his own. He rolled his hips as he captured Lindsey's mouth again, kissing him heatedly, almost desperate.

Lindsey's hands wandered down Eliot's body while they kissed, rubbing softly over heated skin, touching, lightly scratching, teasing. For endless minutes their bodies just slowly moved against each other while they managed to get rid of both their jeans without breaking the kiss. Eliot cradled Lindsey's neck with one hand, and Lindsey could feel his other one sliding between their bodies, moving downwards. He moaned against Eliot's lips, a low sound that turned into a whimper as Eliot teasingly brushed over his hipbone. Lindsey could feel a soft chuckle coming from Eliot, and then Eliot's fingers curled and pressed down before he began to stroke him roughly. Lindsey threw his head back against the pillow, his breath coming now fast and ragged as he bucked his hips against Eliot's touch. He lost all sense of time as the strokes became faster, slowed down again and finally found a pace that was just right. Lindsey clung to Eliot's shoulders and buried his face against Eliot's neck, biting, trying to muffle his cry as he came. That was enough to send Eliot over the edge as well.

When Lindsey was able to think again, he found Eliot looking down at him, still breathing fast and face flushed. Lindsey gave him a small breathless smile and felt almost giddy as Eliot returned it, looking as mellow as he probably could. Eliot absently wiped his come-covered hand clean on the sheet, looked down on it and grimaced. He shook his head and laughed quietly to himself, then reached out and brushed a short damp lock of hair away from Lindsey's eyes.

"Lindsey…"

It was the softest tone of voice Lindsey had ever heard from the other man. He leaned into the touch a little and grinned teasingly. "You're not gonna say something romantic now, are you?"

Eliot rolled off Lindsey to the left side of the bed and grinned back, a little apologizing. "We kinda messed up the sheets. Not very romantic, 'm afraid..."

Lindsey laughed, used a dry spot on the sheet to clean himself up and then kicked it off the bed. He slid next to Eliot, nudging his shoulder. "Not that I had really expected it."

Eliot ran his fingertips softly down Lindsey's arm, eyes already half closed. "Ain't going to stand up an' get new ones. Not moving now."

"Well, isn't it a good thing then that I still have some in my drawer?" Lindsey grinned and swung his legs out of the bed.

"Sneaky bastard", Eliot commented lazily. His head dropped on the pillow, his eyes fluttered closed and his body relaxed. He was sound asleep when Lindsey pulled the new sheet over him a moment later.

Lindsey slipped under the sheet as well, propped himself up on his elbows and watched Eliot for a while. He had seen him sleeping a few times - on his couch, in a car, even once at the kitchen table - but this was the first time he saw him where he didn't look like he was ready to fight even in his sleep. Lindsey hesitated a moment and then moved closer to him, close enough to feel body warmth but not close enough that it could be considered cuddling - he wasn't entirely sure that Eliot wouldn't break his arm for actually doing that…

A few hours later Eliot woke up from an unfamiliar weight on his chest. He remembered just in time that he hadn't been alone while falling asleep, and forcefully relaxed his already clenched fists. He blinked a few times and then realized that Lindsey had draped himself half across him, one arm curled around Eliot's torso like it was a pillow. Obviously Lindsey felt very comfortable in that position because even asleep there was a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Eliot watched him for a moment and then slowly shook his head.

Great. Just great. Don't think for a moment that this can become a habit, Lindsey. Oh no. No way.

He tried to wriggle himself free, careful not to wake Lindsey, but it didn't work - at his first movement, Lindsey just groaned a little and tightened his grip. I'm not a pillow, Lindsey. We have to discuss this later. Sleeping habits. He closed his eyes again and tried to drift back into sleep.

Habits?

His eyes flew open. He suddenly realized that the idea of having Lindsey in his life would include things like this - and it shook him just how casually he had accepted it already. A tiny little flare of panic rose in his stomach and grew fast. How did this happen? Too fast. He can say what he wants, but one day this will be a relationship - fuck. Never wanted one. It's going to fail. We'll screw up... I will screw up. We'll probably really kill each other. The odds that this will work? Zero.

He quietly growled to himself as he noticed himself going into defense mode. He took a few deep breaths and relaxed again. You made a decision, Eliot, and you're not chickening out again. He felt Lindsey stir and knew that he must have felt the way Eliot had suddenly tensed. Lindsey looked up and smiled sleepily. "Hey. You all right?"

Eliot blinked, opened his mouth and then closed it again, returning the smile. "Yeah. It's nothing. All's good." He caressed Lindsey's shoulder. Lindsey's eyes fell close again and Eliot grinned, feeling better.

Fuck the odds. We will just have to beat them. That's what we do, right?

***

Hardison had arrived at Nate's house at the same time as Parker, who had brought breakfast this time. Amazingly it had contained what Hardison considered "real" breakfast apart from her favorite sweet cereals and fortune cookies. They had chatted a bit in the kitchen while making toast, and Hardison patted himself on the shoulder for his relaxed attitude. He still had to twist his brain around the fact that his idea of Eliot having a crush on Parker had been completely wrong. And how on earth did I miss the whole Lindsey-Eliot thingy coming on? But the thought slowly began to settle down. He blamed his miss on the fact that he really hadn't known that Eliot apparently also liked guys, but that was just more proof that it was impossible to put the hitter in any category.

Hardison didn't even blink as Parker cheerfully remarked "The lovebirds are up!"

But as the guestroom door opened, he couldn't help but make a loud exasperated groan. He and Parker got a full view of half-naked Eliot. Again. And, as a bonus, Lindsey, only wrapped in a towel, padding out of the bathroom. Hardison rolled his eyes and threw his hands up. "Hell no, not again! Aw man, it's great that you two kissed and made up and all, but are you auditioning for The Full Monty or what? This muscle show has to stop, okay?"

Eliot just glared at him before disappearing into the bathroom, and Lindsey smirked, half-dropping his towel clearly on purpose before the guestroom door closed behind him. Hardison dropped his face in his hands and groaned again.

"What's the problem? You don't look bad shirtless yourself."

Parker's curious question made him snap up his head. "Wha..." His jaw dropped for a moment as her second sentence sank in. A wide happy grin spread over his face. "Really? You think I can compare to them?"

Parker shrugged. "Not exactly compare, but good enough. Why, are you jealous?"

Hardison sputtered. "Well, thanks for being good enough, really, that's quite a compliment, thank you so much! And..." His voice trailed off as he looked into her blank expression. He sighed and took up his full coffee mug. "Look, Parker, I'm not..." He interrupted himself to nod a greeting to Eliot and Lindsey who now entered the kitchen, both looking very content. Hardison watched them for a moment and had to grin about the possessive way Eliot's hand touched Lindsey's hip once in a while - he was pretty sure that Eliot didn't even notice doing it and that was kinda cute. But then he turned his attention back to Parker who was watching him very intensely. He leaned towards her, pointedly ignoring the other two men for now. "Parker. I'm not jealous. I'm happy for them, really. But if I wanna see the Chippendales or whatever, I would... um..."

The words got stuck in his throat as he looked up just in time to see Nate's bedroom door open. It revealed Sophie, clad only in a very short and rather transparent negligee. "Sorry folks, we'll be there in a minute! Don't drink all the coffee!" Sophie chirped happily before vanishing in the bathroom, followed by a dishevelled and yawning Nate.

Parker burst out laughing at the completely crushed look on Hardison's face. Lindsey joined in and even Eliot grinned. To his credit, Hardison didn't groan again. He just sat down his coffee mug very slowly, stared at the others and then pointedly buried his face in his hands again, making loud sobbing noises. "Am I the only one here not getting any? Why am I not getting any?"

"Because you're a pain in the ass," Eliot replied matter-of-factly.

"Not helping here, Eliot!" Hardison snapped before rolling his eyes heavenwards in despair.

Lindsey patted his shoulder. "I feel for you, Hardison. Really." His voice cracked with laughter. "Would it help if Nate lends you his earplugs or should we get another pair?"

Hardison glared at Lindsey and his decidedly smug tone of voice, then turned his head. "Parker?" he whined. "Help me. Wanna have sex?"

Next thing he knew Parker was straddling his lap and kissing him passionately, pulling back only when she had to come up for air. She frowned as she studied Hardison's astonished face. "What?"

Hardison caught himself quickly, grabbed Parker's shoulders and kissed her back, not really believing what just happened but deciding to snag the moment. A loud wolf whistle interrupted them finally, and he looked around, feeling slightly dazed and sure that he had the biggest grin ever on his face. The others had stopped what they were doing and watched, more or less smirking. Hardison shook his head and looked at Parker. "Where did that come from, girl?" he asked slightly breathless. Parker rolled her eyes as if he had said something stupid. She shifted her weight to sit more comfortable and gave him a happy smile.

"You know, all you had to do was ask."