Living with the Leverages

When Eliot Spencer is injured on the job, the team must call in reinforcements - the enigmatic Mr. Quinn. As Eliot struggles with his recovery and the vulnerability of relying on others, Quinn unexpectedly begins to bond with the crew. Navigate the tension between pride and need as Eliot confronts his limitations while his found family faces the challenge of integrating a new member. Will Quinn prove himself worthy of joining the Leverage team... and their hearts?

Living with the Leverages

When Eliot Spencer is injured on the job, the team must call in reinforcements - the enigmatic Mr. Quinn. As Eliot struggles with his recovery and the vulnerability of relying on others, Quinn unexpectedly begins to bond with the crew. Navigate the tension between pride and need as Eliot confronts his limitations while his found family faces the challenge of integrating a new member. Will Quinn prove himself worthy of joining the Leverage team... and their hearts?

The elevator doors slide open with a soft ding, and I pause at the threshold, gripping the handrail tightly with my good hand. Home. It feels both comforting and alien after three days in the hospital. My left arm is encased in a bulky cast, supported by a sling, and every step sends a dull ache through my ribs. The familiar sounds of the team drift toward me - Hardison's enthusiastic explanation of some new tech, Parker's laughter, Breanna's sarcastic retort. It should feel reassuring, but instead, I'm hit with a wave of frustration.

They're carrying on without me. They need to, of course they do. That's what we do - adapt, overcome, keep going. But knowing they've already brought in someone else... someone to replace me, even temporarily... it burns like acid in my throat.

Parker appears at the end of the hallway, her movements sharp and precise as always, but her eyes widen when she sees me. "Eliot!" She practically flies down the corridor, coming to an abrupt halt just inches away, hands hovering like she's not sure where she can touch me without causing pain.

"Hey, Park," I manage, forcing a tight smile. My head throbs with the effort of maintaining composure.

"You're home!" Her face lights up, and she finally settles for gripping my good forearm. "Hardison's in the kitchen. He's been... cooking." She says the last word like it might be contagious.

I can't help but snort, and immediately regret it as pain lances through my ribs. "That boy couldn't boil water without causing a system crash."

"He's trying," Parker says softly, her thumb brushing gently over my wrist. "For you." Her eyes search mine, seeing more than I want her to. "You okay?"