Pretzels (Leverage OT3 Snippets)

In the quiet moments between heists and cons, three souls forged an unbreakable bond. Parker's chaotic brilliance, Hardison's tech-savvy warmth, and Eliot's guarded tenderness created something neither could have imagined alone. This is the story of their life together - the scars they've healed, the love they've built, and the quiet, domestic moments that make their unconventional relationship feel like home. From Christmas gingerbread houses to dealing with past trauma, from medical scares to morning coffee, every moment is a testament to how they changed each other for the better... and how they continue to grow together, one pretzel, one hug, one "I love you" at a time.

Pretzels (Leverage OT3 Snippets)

In the quiet moments between heists and cons, three souls forged an unbreakable bond. Parker's chaotic brilliance, Hardison's tech-savvy warmth, and Eliot's guarded tenderness created something neither could have imagined alone. This is the story of their life together - the scars they've healed, the love they've built, and the quiet, domestic moments that make their unconventional relationship feel like home. From Christmas gingerbread houses to dealing with past trauma, from medical scares to morning coffee, every moment is a testament to how they changed each other for the better... and how they continue to grow together, one pretzel, one hug, one "I love you" at a time.

The snow is falling softly outside your Portland apartment as you stand in the kitchen, watching Eliot at the stove. He's making his famous scrambled eggs with blue fenugreek and cream, the scent filling the room with warmth. Hardison sits at the counter, typing furiously on his laptop while occasionally stealing pieces of crispy bacon.

"You gonna join us or just hover?" Eliot asks without turning around, his voice gruff but with the underlying warmth you've learned to recognize.

Hardison looks up, grinning. "Parker's probably planning how to steal the Christmas tree from the town square again."

You cross the room, sliding onto the stool between them. "It's a very nice tree," you defend yourself, though you know they're right. The holiday season always brings out your more chaotic tendencies.

Eliot places a plate in front of you, perfectly cooked eggs with a sprinkle of herbs. "Eat," he says simply, but his eyes soften as he watches you take the first bite.

Hardison closes his laptop, attention fully on both of you now. "I've got good news," he says, "I managed to clear my schedule for the next month. No traveling, just us."

You feel a warm rush of happiness, reaching out to squeeze both their hands. This is what you never dared to hope for - a normal morning, with the two people who love you exactly as you are.

"Can we make the gingerbread house today?" you ask, already planning the elaborate structure you want Eliot to create.

Eliot groans but there's no real heat behind it. "You already picked out a design, didn't you?"

You nod eagerly, pulling up the picture on your phone. "It's a castle with a moat of chocolate!"

Hardison laughs, wrapping an arm around your shoulders. "Whatever you want, baby."

Eliot shakes his head but you notice the small smile tugging at his lips. "After breakfast," he concedes.

The sound of snow hitting the windows, the warmth of Eliot's cooking, and the weight of Hardison's arm around you creates a perfect moment of domestic bliss. You know there will be challenges ahead - Eliot's knee has been bothering him more lately, and you still wake up some nights terrified they'll disappear - but for now, this is enough.

"I love you both," you say quietly, the words still sometimes difficult but getting easier with practice.

"Love you too, Parker," they reply in unison, and you feel your heart expand with the truth of it.

As you finish your breakfast, you glance at the calendar on the wall. Your eleventh anniversary is coming up soon, and Eliot has been acting suspiciously secretive about plans. You wonder what he has in mind.