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Leverage Bingo Round 1
Stats:
Published:
2022-03-07
Words:
592
Chapters:
1/1
Comments:
14
Kudos:
78
Bookmarks:
4
Hits:
690

Been So Long (Since He Called Your Name)

Summary:

Eliot doesn’t mind what’s unfolding; it just annoys him in a way he doesn’t want to acknowledge.
Set any time after The Unwellness Job. Title from “C’mon Baby Cry” by Orville Peck.

Notes:

I can tell you're sad, boy, just like me
Baby, don't deny what your poor heart needs
Been so long since he called your name
On the run from a losing game
Just bat your eyes, baby, let me feel the pain
-C’mon Baby Cry, Orville Peck

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Work Text:

It’s a very distinctive pattern, the way they take turns needling the other in front of the team only to share a soft moment once they’re alone. 

Eliot doesn’t object to what’s unfolding, doesn’t begrudge Sophie the chance to build something new. Doesn't mind that Harry is becoming more entangled in the family side of the team with every passing day.

The flirting though, it's insufferable. Picking on each other, teasing; Eliot feels it prickle at him in a way he can't, won't, define. 

He complains about it to Parker and Breanna from time to time. Parker, used to his grumblings and adept now at picking up on when a response was required and when he just wanted to vent, lets Eliot’s words wash over her while she goes about her projects. Breanna was pretty good at ignoring Eliot’s when she wanted to, though sometimes she liked to push back a bit. Like today, when Eliot brought up the now familiar complaint while the three of them worked on solo projects at the bar.

“Dude, you really don’t like this whole thing Harry and Sophie have got going on, huh?” Breanna said, looking up from her laptop. “What’s your problem? I thought you wanted them to get together.”

“Eventually, not right in the middle of a briefing. It’s annoying to watch them bicker like that.”

“Um, pretty sure it’s just their way of flirting. And isn’t that like step one to getting to the good stuff?”

Eliot glared at her.

“I meant romance, not anything gross. Geez.” Breanna made a face.

Eliot shook his head and turned back to his guitar and the strings he was replacing. Parker looked up from her rigging with a puzzled expression.

“Wait, picking on each other and being a little mean, that’s flirting?”

Breanna shrugged. “It can be.”

“Just like you and Hardison!” Parker told Eliot, beaming.

“What, no-not like me and-”

“AhHA!” Breanna shouted. “Is that why you’ve been in such a bad mood about Sophie and Harry? You’re mad because you miss your boo?”

Eliot growled.

“Dammit Breanna, Parker. That’s…that’s not it. It’s just annoying. That’s all.”

Parker nodded and looked at Breanna, clearly not listening to Eliot.

“They used to pick on each other all the time,” she told Breanna. “I mean, they still do, but with Hardison gone they don’t really get the chance. Now that I know for sure that’s flirting, his bad mood makes a lot more sense.”

“What makes more sense?” Sophie and Harry were headed out to see a client, but the mischief in the air drew Sophie to the bar with a gleam in her eyes. Harry was right behind her and looked between the others, curious.

“Eliot is missing Hardison,” Parker explained. “That’s why he’s been grumpy about you flirting with Harry; it makes him miss doing that with Hardison.”

Sophie and Harry both spoke at once; their words tumbling over the other’s.

“Oh, of course you’re missing Hardison. It has been a long time. You should take some time and go see him.”

“Flirting? Wait, you and Hardison are together too? That’s great; I didn’t know that. Hold on, back to me and Sophie-”

Eliot stalked out while Sophie and Harry were still talking. Parker watched him go then turned to the others, grinning. 

“He’s going to go call Hardison.”

“Yeah he is,” Breanna said and gave Parker a high five while Sophie laughed, already halfway out the door to meet with the client. Harry ran to catch up.

“Quick question about the flirting…”

Notes:

Written for Leverage Bingo prompt "A very distinctive __”