Fic: Burn (2/2), Crossover Leverage/A:tS, NC-17
Part One is here.
Burn (2/2)
elebridith
Fandom: Crossover A:tS/Leverage
Rating/warning: NC-17. Complete. Slash, swearing. Teeny spoiler if you haven't seen "The Two Horse Job".
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*
Pairings: Eliot/Lindsey. Very minor Sophie/Nate. Pre-Parker/Hardison.
Disclaimer: Not mine, no one, nothing. Just playing...
Set in my Face Value!Verse. About two months after Face Value part three. The whole thing can be found here.
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.
Special thanks to honeyjojames for all the bunny feeding! *hugs*
Alec bounced into the kitchen with an armful of breakfast, greeted Parker, Nathan and Sophie with a cheerful "Good morning, folks!" and dropped bagels and croissants on the table.
Parker nodded absently and grabbed a banana from Nathan's fruit platter. Something was odd… and then she realized that two people were still missing at the table. She put two and two together, suddenly became wide-eyed and gave Nathan a questioning look. Nate grinned and made a small head movement to the still-closed guest room door. Sophie just smirked. Parker beamed as she looked around and realized that Alec was still blissfully unaware.
That's going to be fun. Ah, here it comes.
Alec grabbed a full coffee mug, looked around and frowned. "Where's Eliot?"
Parker grinned happily. Five, four, three…
***
Lindsey stirred as someone shook his shoulders gently.
"Hey, wake up. Time to get up, breakfast has already arrived!"
Lindsey blinked twice before finally remembering the last night. A grin broke over his face and he sat up and surprised Eliot a bit by sliding a hand around his neck and pulling him in for a gentle kiss. "Good morning to you too, Eliot." He reluctantly drew back, had to smile at the stunned look on Eliot's face and stood up. "Breakfast, you say?"
Eliot caught himself quickly and nodded. "It's Hardison's turn to buy and he just got here." He got up and stretched. "Smell coffee too. 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 Alec who just at this moment took a sip of coffee. She giggled almost maniacally. Two, one…
"He's in Lindsey's bedroom, why?"
Liftoff.
Alec choked, coughed and sputtered a mouthful of coffee across the table. "WHAT???" It came out very high-squeaked and a little strangled.
Parker beamed, obviously pleased with the result. "Well, he's not here in the kitchen, he's not in the bathroom because I was there - alone - two minutes ago, he's not on his couch and I'm quite sure he wasn't in Nate's bedroom either." She tilted her head and looked at Nathan who laughed out and shook his head. She shrugged. "Leaves only one possibility. Quite simple."
She leaned back, looking very satisfied with herself while Alec still coughed. Sophie patted him helpfully on the back. "Cheer up, Hardison. It's no big deal, isn't it?"
Alec gasped for air and finally caught his breath again. "No… no, it isn't… but… but… I thought…"
Parker rolled her eyes. "No, he doesn't have a crush on me. Never had, stupid." She let out another 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 Alec's head to jerk up. 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. Nathan continued chewing his croissant, seemingly unimpressed. Sophie gave an appreciative glance and Parker almost bounced on her chair, self-satisfied grin on her face. Alec looked around and finally shook his head, obviously resigning. "Oh well. So be it."
Lindsey showed up just in time to hear those words. "Thanks for your approval, man." He smiled at Alec, only slightly mocking, and patted him on the shoulder.
Eliot followed 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. "Okay then." He took up a cup and settled down at the table. "What's up today?"
Nathan looked at him, face completely serious. "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 into an interesting shade of red while Eliot's lips just curled a little. Nathan gave them an innocent look. "You do realize that those walls aren't very soundproof, right?"
***
That afternoon they both got assigned different jobs, and Eliot's kept 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.
Do I want this? Yes. Does he? I guess, yeah. Oh no, no, that's not good. Attachment. Too close, too dangerous. For me and for him. Too fucked up even for him, Eliot. No way. Don't do this. You know what happens.
By the time he got back his too-tight self-control was back in place.
***
Lindsey wasn't sure what he had expected. He had done a whole lot of thinking himself in these last days, but still wasn't sure how they would go on. He was quite sure that a greeting from Eliot would never include a hug or a kiss. At least not in public, at least not yet - but he had hoped for something, anything. And a simple nod and not even a smile or a word sure as hell wasn't it. Sure, it was already late as Eliot entered the apartment, everyone else was gone or asleep. Sure, he seemed tired, but simply heading towards his couch without even looking at Lindsey - no, he wouldn't let that slide. He jumped off the chair he'd been sitting on. "The fuck's wrong, Spencer? Cat got yer tongue?"
Eliot didn't look at him, but flinched inwardly. Lindsey never called him by his last name, no matter how pissed off he was. That he was doing it now was a bulletproof sign that he was not only angry but also hurt. He turned around, expression blank but finally meeting Lindsey's eyes. "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 y'just ignore me? Sorry, but what in hell crawled up into your ass and died?"
Eliot sighed and sat down. "If you insist." He looked up, pretty sure he had hidden his own confusion safely behind his tried-and-tested expressionless face. "It won't work, Lindsey."
Lindsey froze. He couldn't believe what he'd just heard. "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.
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. "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. Don't worry, I'll still work on the team, but don't expect me to be around if you need to scratch an itch."
Eliot glared at him. "Funny. It didn't seem like that the other night!"
Lindsey snorted. "You weren't the only one doing some thinking in the last three nights." He turned abruptly, striding to his bedroom, and closed the door with more force than necessary. Inside, he dropped on the bed and balled his hands into fists.
Damn you, Eliot. And stupid, Lindsey. So fuckin' stupid. Should know better than fall for another damaged soul. Again. He curled up, trying not to feel the empty ache in his chest. And failed miserably.
I don't 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 curled up on the couch, drawing a blanket over him. Years of practice allowed him to push away any thoughts of regret and to fall asleep quite fast. The dreams were a different matter, though.
The next morning both acted as if the passionate night never happened. And if the others noticed Lindsey being a little more sarcastic and Eliot even less talkative than usual, they didn't comment on it. Both managed to work jobs together with no bigger problems. Neither of them wanted to get slapped by Nathan for sabotaging the teamwork with private issues.
***
It took five days before Eliot finally gave in.
Lindsey had been his usual if slightly more cranky self, retreating every evening back into his bedroom without even glancing in Eliot's direction. The others worked very hard not to throw questioning looks. Eliot had been sleeping on Nathan's couch as usual, but said five days (and not entirely comfortable nights) later 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, either not aware or not caring that four pairs of eyes followed him. Nathan let out a relieved sigh while Alec just shook his head and closed his eyes trying to shut out every non-PG-rated image that came to his mind now. Parker just grinned and Sophie muttered "About time" before grabbing the TV control and turning up the volume.
***
Eliot slowly 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 every emotion out of his voice. "Do we? I thought we were pretty clear."
A flash of hurt crossed Eliot's face before he looked away. What did you expect, Eliot? Knew it wouldn't be that easy.
He was quiet for a few moments before simply saying "I'm not good with relationships, Lindsey." He had prepared himself for a number of reactions, but Lindsey staring in utter disbelief, then gasping for air and falling on the bed with a fit of laughter wasn't one of them. Eliot frowned, failing to see anything funny in his statement. "What? 'M serious here!" He could barely constrain his voice, not wanting to show his sudden flare of anger. He exhaled forcefully and waited until Lindsey caught his breath again.
Lindsey stood up, shook his head with a sigh and took a few steps towards him. "Eliot." Eliot noticed with an odd sense of relief that Lindsey used his first name again. He still didn't dare to look at Lindsey's face though, afraid that his carefully placed mask would show cracks. Lindsey stood now behind him, almost close enough to touch. "That was it? Thought I'd want to go the whole nine yards within a day? Eliot, y'idiot, thought you'd read all my files?"
Eliot closed his eyes as he heard the affectionate tone in Lindsey's voice, but didn't move. Lindsey continued after a little while, his tone of voice lighter now. "No? Well, remind me again some time and I'll tell ya about Darla. You'll learn some about fucked-up relationships." He grinned for a second, but it faded into something more serious and he bit his lip.
Taking a deep shaky breath, 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 the other man'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. Not at all."
Eliot let his muscles relax slightly at the joking tone of Lindsey's voice, but refused to take it on yet. "Then what, Lindsey? You don't do fuckbuddy, and neither do I."
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? He huffed, a little annoyed with himself. As if I want to spend another night like the last ones. Come on, Eliot. After a few more deep breaths Eliot could finally feel much of his tension draining away. He finally turned around to look into Lindsey's eyes, lifted his hand and reluctantly slid it around Lindsey's neck.
"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."
Eliot's smile was now more visible. "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, looking very amused at the thought. "Didn't say I wouldn't take'm. Just said it ain't necessary." And now, before this really gets mushy…
He 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 been hoping to get. The almost bruising grip on his upper arms made him gasp. "You really prefer that couch out there?" Eliot didn't answer; he just slid his hands down on Lindsey's hips, gripped them tightly and lifted him up. He only needed three steps back until they reached the bed. Eliot let himself fall back and they both tumbled down on it, already kissing.
It still wasn't tender. But it also wasn't nearly as aggressive as the first time - more lips, less teeth, more hands, less nails. And their clothes survived being removed this time without irreparable damage. Eliot had pulled Lindsey on top of him. He discovered that he 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.
"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 volume…" 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..." His breath hitched in his throat as he felt Lindsey biting down softly. "Shit... Fuck!" His body arched up against Lindsey's and he threw his head back.
Here's your biting kink, Eliot. Funny that it's me who has it...
Eliot felt Lindsey's body stiffen just a little bit at his words. "Uuhhh, sorry... 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…"
Somewhere in the back of his mind Eliot registered the slight tension in Lindsey's voice, but decided to file that away for the moment. He laughed breathlessly and pulled him closer. "Fucking tease." Eliot's voice sounded almost admiring. He let his hands wander down Lindsey's back to his hips, exploring, feeling, all the time watching Lindsey's face. The half-closed eyes, the slightly opened lips mouthing silent words, the way he threw his head back when Eliot had found another sensitive spot. Whatever tension had been there was completely gone now.
I could get used to seeing this - I could…
The hands stopped. Lindsey needed a few seconds to actually realize it. His eyes opened. Eliot cupped Lindsey's chin and forced him to hold still, studying his face with a puzzled look. Lindsey took a shaky breath. "Don't tell me you're having second thoughts again." He sounded pleading, he knew it but couldn't help it.
Eliot held his gaze. "You know that we most likely will fuck this up. Majorly."
Lindsey's lips twitched and he relaxed a little. "Most likely."
"And we will probably kill each other while trying to sort it out."
Lindsey chuckled with relief. "Probably. That stopping you?"
Eliot stared at him a few more seconds, then he slid his hand around Lindsey's neck and pulled him in. "Hell no. Not anymore."
Lindsey's hands wandered down while they kissed, rubbing softly over heated skin, touching, lightly scratching, teasing. Their bodies slowly moved against each other and while Eliot still cradled his neck with one hand Lindsey could feel his other one mirroring the moves on his own body. "Eliot…"
An almost choking sound, hoarse and raw, and then fingers curled and pressed down. Hips bucked up and the feeling of teeth biting down on his shoulder again as Lindsey tried to muffle his cry was enough to send Eliot over the edge as well. When he was able to think again, he found Lindsey looking down on him, still breathing fast and face flushed. Eliot reached up and brushed a short damp lock of hair away from his eyes. "Lindsey…"
Lindsey leaned into the touch a little. "You're not gonna say something romantic now, are you?"
Eliot grinned a little apologizing. "We messed up the sheets again. Not very romantic, 'm afraid..."
Lindsey laughed out and let himself slide next to Eliot. "Not that I had really expected it."
Eliot ran his fingertips softly down Lindsey's arm. "Ain't going out there now to get new ones. Not moving now."
"Well, isn't it a good thing then that I have some in my drawer?" Lindsey grinned and got up.
"Sneaky bastard", Eliot commented lazily, suddenly feeling relaxed and so overwhelmingly tired that he was sound asleep when Lindsey pulled the new sheet over him a moment later.
Lindsey slid under the sheet as well, propped himself up on his elbows and watched Eliot for a few seconds. 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. He 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…
***
Eliot woke up a few hours later from an unfamiliar weight on his chest. He needed a few seconds to remember where he was, and then found Lindsey draped half across him, one arm curled around his torso like it was a pillow, obviously feeling very comfortable 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 he had somewhere along the line completely accepted the idea of having Lindsey in his life like this. A tiny little flare of panic rose in his stomach. 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 felt Lindsey stir and realized that he must have felt the way he 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.
Fuck the odds. We will just have to beat them. That's what we do, right?
***
Alec Hardison patted himself on the shoulder for his relaxed attitude. He had arrived at Nathan's house at the same time as Parker who had brought breakfast this time. They had chatted a bit in the kitchen while making toast, and he hadn't even blinked as Parker cheerfully remarked "The lovebirds are up!". He yet again had a full view of half-naked Eliot. And, as a bonus, Lindsey, only wrapped in a towel, padding out of the bathroom, and yup, okay, really nice bodies. Not that he was jealous or something.
He still had to twist his brain around the fact that his idea of Eliot having a crush on Parker had been completely wrong. Also, he asked himself how on earth he had missed the whole Lindsey-Eliot development, but the thought slowly began to settle down. He was very proud that he had his voice under control and could greet both of them fairly normally as they entered the kitchen a few minutes later. He even 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 - and he gratefully let Eliot take charge of the coffee machine. He took the first mug and sipped happily. Nate should really be kept away by force from the coffee - this is so much better… Nate? Where is he, anyway?
He looked around and just opened his mouth to ask as Nathan's bedroom door opened to reveal Sophie, clad only in a very short and rather transparent negligee, followed by a yawning Nathan. "Sorry folks, we'll be there in a minute! Don't drink all the coffee!" Sophie chirped happily before vanishing in the bathroom.
The others looked at each other and then Parker burst out laughing. Lindsey joined in and even Eliot grinned.
To his credit, Alec didn't squeak. He just sat down his coffee mug very slowly and then buried his face in his hands, groaning.
"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, but entirely unhelpful.
Alec looked up in despair. He groaned again as Lindsey smugly said something about two more sets of earplugs and dropped his head again. "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 snickered as she studied Alec's astonished face.
"Baby, all you had to do was ask."
Burn (2/2)
elebridith
Fandom: Crossover A:tS/Leverage
Rating/warning: NC-17. Complete. Slash, swearing. Teeny spoiler if you haven't seen "The Two Horse Job".
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*
Pairings: Eliot/Lindsey. Very minor Sophie/Nate. Pre-Parker/Hardison.
Disclaimer: Not mine, no one, nothing. Just playing...
Set in my Face Value!Verse. About two months after Face Value part three. The whole thing can be found here.
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.
Special thanks to honeyjojames for all the bunny feeding! *hugs*
Alec bounced into the kitchen with an armful of breakfast, greeted Parker, Nathan and Sophie with a cheerful "Good morning, folks!" and dropped bagels and croissants on the table.
Parker nodded absently and grabbed a banana from Nathan's fruit platter. Something was odd… and then she realized that two people were still missing at the table. She put two and two together, suddenly became wide-eyed and gave Nathan a questioning look. Nate grinned and made a small head movement to the still-closed guest room door. Sophie just smirked. Parker beamed as she looked around and realized that Alec was still blissfully unaware.
That's going to be fun. Ah, here it comes.
Alec grabbed a full coffee mug, looked around and frowned. "Where's Eliot?"
Parker grinned happily. Five, four, three…
***
Lindsey stirred as someone shook his shoulders gently.
"Hey, wake up. Time to get up, breakfast has already arrived!"
Lindsey blinked twice before finally remembering the last night. A grin broke over his face and he sat up and surprised Eliot a bit by sliding a hand around his neck and pulling him in for a gentle kiss. "Good morning to you too, Eliot." He reluctantly drew back, had to smile at the stunned look on Eliot's face and stood up. "Breakfast, you say?"
Eliot caught himself quickly and nodded. "It's Hardison's turn to buy and he just got here." He got up and stretched. "Smell coffee too. 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 Alec who just at this moment took a sip of coffee. She giggled almost maniacally. Two, one…
"He's in Lindsey's bedroom, why?"
Liftoff.
Alec choked, coughed and sputtered a mouthful of coffee across the table. "WHAT???" It came out very high-squeaked and a little strangled.
Parker beamed, obviously pleased with the result. "Well, he's not here in the kitchen, he's not in the bathroom because I was there - alone - two minutes ago, he's not on his couch and I'm quite sure he wasn't in Nate's bedroom either." She tilted her head and looked at Nathan who laughed out and shook his head. She shrugged. "Leaves only one possibility. Quite simple."
She leaned back, looking very satisfied with herself while Alec still coughed. Sophie patted him helpfully on the back. "Cheer up, Hardison. It's no big deal, isn't it?"
Alec gasped for air and finally caught his breath again. "No… no, it isn't… but… but… I thought…"
Parker rolled her eyes. "No, he doesn't have a crush on me. Never had, stupid." She let out another 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 Alec's head to jerk up. 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. Nathan continued chewing his croissant, seemingly unimpressed. Sophie gave an appreciative glance and Parker almost bounced on her chair, self-satisfied grin on her face. Alec looked around and finally shook his head, obviously resigning. "Oh well. So be it."
Lindsey showed up just in time to hear those words. "Thanks for your approval, man." He smiled at Alec, only slightly mocking, and patted him on the shoulder.
Eliot followed 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. "Okay then." He took up a cup and settled down at the table. "What's up today?"
Nathan looked at him, face completely serious. "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 into an interesting shade of red while Eliot's lips just curled a little. Nathan gave them an innocent look. "You do realize that those walls aren't very soundproof, right?"
***
That afternoon they both got assigned different jobs, and Eliot's kept 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.
Do I want this? Yes. Does he? I guess, yeah. Oh no, no, that's not good. Attachment. Too close, too dangerous. For me and for him. Too fucked up even for him, Eliot. No way. Don't do this. You know what happens.
By the time he got back his too-tight self-control was back in place.
***
Lindsey wasn't sure what he had expected. He had done a whole lot of thinking himself in these last days, but still wasn't sure how they would go on. He was quite sure that a greeting from Eliot would never include a hug or a kiss. At least not in public, at least not yet - but he had hoped for something, anything. And a simple nod and not even a smile or a word sure as hell wasn't it. Sure, it was already late as Eliot entered the apartment, everyone else was gone or asleep. Sure, he seemed tired, but simply heading towards his couch without even looking at Lindsey - no, he wouldn't let that slide. He jumped off the chair he'd been sitting on. "The fuck's wrong, Spencer? Cat got yer tongue?"
Eliot didn't look at him, but flinched inwardly. Lindsey never called him by his last name, no matter how pissed off he was. That he was doing it now was a bulletproof sign that he was not only angry but also hurt. He turned around, expression blank but finally meeting Lindsey's eyes. "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 y'just ignore me? Sorry, but what in hell crawled up into your ass and died?"
Eliot sighed and sat down. "If you insist." He looked up, pretty sure he had hidden his own confusion safely behind his tried-and-tested expressionless face. "It won't work, Lindsey."
Lindsey froze. He couldn't believe what he'd just heard. "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.
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. "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. Don't worry, I'll still work on the team, but don't expect me to be around if you need to scratch an itch."
Eliot glared at him. "Funny. It didn't seem like that the other night!"
Lindsey snorted. "You weren't the only one doing some thinking in the last three nights." He turned abruptly, striding to his bedroom, and closed the door with more force than necessary. Inside, he dropped on the bed and balled his hands into fists.
Damn you, Eliot. And stupid, Lindsey. So fuckin' stupid. Should know better than fall for another damaged soul. Again. He curled up, trying not to feel the empty ache in his chest. And failed miserably.
I don't 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 curled up on the couch, drawing a blanket over him. Years of practice allowed him to push away any thoughts of regret and to fall asleep quite fast. The dreams were a different matter, though.
The next morning both acted as if the passionate night never happened. And if the others noticed Lindsey being a little more sarcastic and Eliot even less talkative than usual, they didn't comment on it. Both managed to work jobs together with no bigger problems. Neither of them wanted to get slapped by Nathan for sabotaging the teamwork with private issues.
***
It took five days before Eliot finally gave in.
Lindsey had been his usual if slightly more cranky self, retreating every evening back into his bedroom without even glancing in Eliot's direction. The others worked very hard not to throw questioning looks. Eliot had been sleeping on Nathan's couch as usual, but said five days (and not entirely comfortable nights) later 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, either not aware or not caring that four pairs of eyes followed him. Nathan let out a relieved sigh while Alec just shook his head and closed his eyes trying to shut out every non-PG-rated image that came to his mind now. Parker just grinned and Sophie muttered "About time" before grabbing the TV control and turning up the volume.
***
Eliot slowly 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 every emotion out of his voice. "Do we? I thought we were pretty clear."
A flash of hurt crossed Eliot's face before he looked away. What did you expect, Eliot? Knew it wouldn't be that easy.
He was quiet for a few moments before simply saying "I'm not good with relationships, Lindsey." He had prepared himself for a number of reactions, but Lindsey staring in utter disbelief, then gasping for air and falling on the bed with a fit of laughter wasn't one of them. Eliot frowned, failing to see anything funny in his statement. "What? 'M serious here!" He could barely constrain his voice, not wanting to show his sudden flare of anger. He exhaled forcefully and waited until Lindsey caught his breath again.
Lindsey stood up, shook his head with a sigh and took a few steps towards him. "Eliot." Eliot noticed with an odd sense of relief that Lindsey used his first name again. He still didn't dare to look at Lindsey's face though, afraid that his carefully placed mask would show cracks. Lindsey stood now behind him, almost close enough to touch. "That was it? Thought I'd want to go the whole nine yards within a day? Eliot, y'idiot, thought you'd read all my files?"
Eliot closed his eyes as he heard the affectionate tone in Lindsey's voice, but didn't move. Lindsey continued after a little while, his tone of voice lighter now. "No? Well, remind me again some time and I'll tell ya about Darla. You'll learn some about fucked-up relationships." He grinned for a second, but it faded into something more serious and he bit his lip.
Taking a deep shaky breath, 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 the other man'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. Not at all."
Eliot let his muscles relax slightly at the joking tone of Lindsey's voice, but refused to take it on yet. "Then what, Lindsey? You don't do fuckbuddy, and neither do I."
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? He huffed, a little annoyed with himself. As if I want to spend another night like the last ones. Come on, Eliot. After a few more deep breaths Eliot could finally feel much of his tension draining away. He finally turned around to look into Lindsey's eyes, lifted his hand and reluctantly slid it around Lindsey's neck.
"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."
Eliot's smile was now more visible. "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, looking very amused at the thought. "Didn't say I wouldn't take'm. Just said it ain't necessary." And now, before this really gets mushy…
He 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 been hoping to get. The almost bruising grip on his upper arms made him gasp. "You really prefer that couch out there?" Eliot didn't answer; he just slid his hands down on Lindsey's hips, gripped them tightly and lifted him up. He only needed three steps back until they reached the bed. Eliot let himself fall back and they both tumbled down on it, already kissing.
It still wasn't tender. But it also wasn't nearly as aggressive as the first time - more lips, less teeth, more hands, less nails. And their clothes survived being removed this time without irreparable damage. Eliot had pulled Lindsey on top of him. He discovered that he 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.
"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 volume…" 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..." His breath hitched in his throat as he felt Lindsey biting down softly. "Shit... Fuck!" His body arched up against Lindsey's and he threw his head back.
Here's your biting kink, Eliot. Funny that it's me who has it...
Eliot felt Lindsey's body stiffen just a little bit at his words. "Uuhhh, sorry... 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…"
Somewhere in the back of his mind Eliot registered the slight tension in Lindsey's voice, but decided to file that away for the moment. He laughed breathlessly and pulled him closer. "Fucking tease." Eliot's voice sounded almost admiring. He let his hands wander down Lindsey's back to his hips, exploring, feeling, all the time watching Lindsey's face. The half-closed eyes, the slightly opened lips mouthing silent words, the way he threw his head back when Eliot had found another sensitive spot. Whatever tension had been there was completely gone now.
I could get used to seeing this - I could…
The hands stopped. Lindsey needed a few seconds to actually realize it. His eyes opened. Eliot cupped Lindsey's chin and forced him to hold still, studying his face with a puzzled look. Lindsey took a shaky breath. "Don't tell me you're having second thoughts again." He sounded pleading, he knew it but couldn't help it.
Eliot held his gaze. "You know that we most likely will fuck this up. Majorly."
Lindsey's lips twitched and he relaxed a little. "Most likely."
"And we will probably kill each other while trying to sort it out."
Lindsey chuckled with relief. "Probably. That stopping you?"
Eliot stared at him a few more seconds, then he slid his hand around Lindsey's neck and pulled him in. "Hell no. Not anymore."
Lindsey's hands wandered down while they kissed, rubbing softly over heated skin, touching, lightly scratching, teasing. Their bodies slowly moved against each other and while Eliot still cradled his neck with one hand Lindsey could feel his other one mirroring the moves on his own body. "Eliot…"
An almost choking sound, hoarse and raw, and then fingers curled and pressed down. Hips bucked up and the feeling of teeth biting down on his shoulder again as Lindsey tried to muffle his cry was enough to send Eliot over the edge as well. When he was able to think again, he found Lindsey looking down on him, still breathing fast and face flushed. Eliot reached up and brushed a short damp lock of hair away from his eyes. "Lindsey…"
Lindsey leaned into the touch a little. "You're not gonna say something romantic now, are you?"
Eliot grinned a little apologizing. "We messed up the sheets again. Not very romantic, 'm afraid..."
Lindsey laughed out and let himself slide next to Eliot. "Not that I had really expected it."
Eliot ran his fingertips softly down Lindsey's arm. "Ain't going out there now to get new ones. Not moving now."
"Well, isn't it a good thing then that I have some in my drawer?" Lindsey grinned and got up.
"Sneaky bastard", Eliot commented lazily, suddenly feeling relaxed and so overwhelmingly tired that he was sound asleep when Lindsey pulled the new sheet over him a moment later.
Lindsey slid under the sheet as well, propped himself up on his elbows and watched Eliot for a few seconds. 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. He 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…
***
Eliot woke up a few hours later from an unfamiliar weight on his chest. He needed a few seconds to remember where he was, and then found Lindsey draped half across him, one arm curled around his torso like it was a pillow, obviously feeling very comfortable 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 he had somewhere along the line completely accepted the idea of having Lindsey in his life like this. A tiny little flare of panic rose in his stomach. 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 felt Lindsey stir and realized that he must have felt the way he 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.
Fuck the odds. We will just have to beat them. That's what we do, right?
***
Alec Hardison patted himself on the shoulder for his relaxed attitude. He had arrived at Nathan's house at the same time as Parker who had brought breakfast this time. They had chatted a bit in the kitchen while making toast, and he hadn't even blinked as Parker cheerfully remarked "The lovebirds are up!". He yet again had a full view of half-naked Eliot. And, as a bonus, Lindsey, only wrapped in a towel, padding out of the bathroom, and yup, okay, really nice bodies. Not that he was jealous or something.
He still had to twist his brain around the fact that his idea of Eliot having a crush on Parker had been completely wrong. Also, he asked himself how on earth he had missed the whole Lindsey-Eliot development, but the thought slowly began to settle down. He was very proud that he had his voice under control and could greet both of them fairly normally as they entered the kitchen a few minutes later. He even 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 - and he gratefully let Eliot take charge of the coffee machine. He took the first mug and sipped happily. Nate should really be kept away by force from the coffee - this is so much better… Nate? Where is he, anyway?
He looked around and just opened his mouth to ask as Nathan's bedroom door opened to reveal Sophie, clad only in a very short and rather transparent negligee, followed by a yawning Nathan. "Sorry folks, we'll be there in a minute! Don't drink all the coffee!" Sophie chirped happily before vanishing in the bathroom.
The others looked at each other and then Parker burst out laughing. Lindsey joined in and even Eliot grinned.
To his credit, Alec didn't squeak. He just sat down his coffee mug very slowly and then buried his face in his hands, groaning.
"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, but entirely unhelpful.
Alec looked up in despair. He groaned again as Lindsey smugly said something about two more sets of earplugs and dropped his head again. "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 snickered as she studied Alec's astonished face.
"Baby, all you had to do was ask."