First Leverage Fic. Hope I do the characters justice. By the way, none of these wonderful colorful characters belong to me. They just let me play in their sandbox for a little while.

If this story gets enough good feedback I will turn it into a series just like my other stories. My cousin wanted something Leverage and Eliot centric, so here it is.

Decoding Eliot: Chap. 1

Allen Cummings watched the man out of the corner of his eye. The younger man seem to be quite on edge for some reason. Maybe it was just a natural state for him. Maybe he was just having a bad day. Whatever was bothering the man didn't affect his work with the Leverage crew, so Allen decided to leave it alone. Surely if the man needed anything his friends would be there. If he let them of course. Eliot Spencer didn't seem like the type of person to let anyone get too close.

Eliot went over the plan with Nate and the client for a second time, making sure everything was as secure as it could be, considering the circumstances. These jobs never really went as planned. All anyone of them could do was prepare for the unexpected and hope for the best.

"What was that guy's problem with me, man?"

Nate simply stared at his younger friend with a blank look on his face.

"You didn't notice him staring at me? Does he think I can't the job? Am I too violent for his liking? What the hell did I do to him?"

Nathen Ford knew full well what the man was talking about. Allen Cummings was truly a unique person. He had no biological children, yet he lay claim to hundreds of people as his own. Allen Cummings collected strays, people and animals alike. He had no doubt picked up on Eliot's situation. He certainly had with Parker earlier that same week. Now the lithe thief was as much a part of Allen's world as any of his other "kids".

"It's nothing you did, Eliot. As you know, Allen is a therapist. The land we're trying to save is his office. His ranch is a huge part of the therapy he offers. He works with PTSD patients and adult survivors of abuse."

"Yeah, and?"

How did you tell someone like Eliot, someone so guarded and secretive, that for all his hiding his past was plain to see for anyone willing to look hard enough?

"Eliot, you're a smart guy. Figure it out."

"I'm not some victim he can "fix". Parker, now there is someone that might actually benefit from someone like Allen. My past is my past and just that. Call me when we're ready to start the job."

Nate watched Eliot hop in his car and speed off. Well wasn't this going to be fun?

"He's just scared. He's afraid someone might see right through him. He's not as tough as everyone thinks. Not emotionally at least. I think he might be more in need of my services than Parker. What kind of team have you put together Nathan?"

"I didn't take this job so you analyze my team. They're the best in their field. That comes with some baggage."

"For Parker and Eliot that baggage goes deeper than even they realize. Be careful with them. Especially Eliot. He'll make sure Parker is fine, but he won't let anyone do the same for him."

"I don't need to walk on eggshells for him. He's a trained killer, Allen."

"Think about what made him chose that life. Just don't push him on this case, alright? He's already on edge for some reason."

"Go home Allen. Tell you clients not to worry. Your ranch is going to be fine."

"Don't take this lightly, Nate. I am appreciative to your team for the help, just be careful."

"I'll do my best."

As he walked away Nate was already planning a way to involve Allen in the lives of the team on a regular basis. Eliot wouldn't be happy at first, but eventually he'd come around. If he thought Parker might benefit from having Allen around, he wouldn't put up too much of a fuss.

Allen Cummings read the file with a light heart. His practice was in good hands. He and his clients would be fine. Now all he had to do was sit back and wait. What was it Eliot had said? His father had a horse ranch. That would explain why the man was so comfortable around his horses. He was actually very good with them. Horses, dogs, cats, birds, even the little raccoon that lived in the barn had taken to him on the visit out. The guy couldn't be all bad if his animals were so taken with him.

Sitting back in his chair, Allen vowed to try to help the Leverage team as much as possible. He just had to figure out a way to do so without offending Eliot. The younger man was heavily guarded for a reason after all.