Dinner

a/n They're just SO DARN CUTE! I couldn't help it! I blame my sister, who bought the second season of Leverage. *laugh*

Eliot wasn't even surprised when he turned around from making dinner and found Parker curled up on the couch.

"Parker," he sighed. "What're you doin' here?"

She peeked over the back of the couch. "Hi, Eliot."

The infamous hitter continued mixing the chicken, blueberry and honey roasted almond salad. "Parker," his tone made it clear he wouldn't ask again.

The lithe blonde smiled, and didn't move. "I don't have any more fortune cookies, and I got hungry."

Eliot rolled his eyes. That was pure Parker.

And the obsession with fortune cookies was weird.

"Why couldn't you just go out an' steal some more?"

Parker frowned and glared, childish surprise in her voice. "Eliot! We're supposed to be the good guys! And Nate said that means we shouldn't steal stuff unless we're working on a job."

"Okay, I get that," Eliot exhaled, pulling open the oven to check on the Honey-Mustard Tilapia with Panko breading. "But why'd you come here, instead of just goin' out and buyin' something?"

"I like your cooking." The completely honest answer brought a smile to Eliot's face. It always made him happy when the thief told the whole truth, without even seeming to consider lying. Parker stood out because of that tendency, but the childlike innocence was actually endearing. Here she was, the very best thief (possibly ever), who still saw the world with the excitement and wide-eyed innocence of a kid.

Eliot knew how much the job could twist people. So whenever the core of who Parker was and how she reacted didn't change, it made Eliot's heart lift.

"Congratulations, darlin'. That was the right answer," he chuckled, pulling out another plate and cup. "Now get over here and set the damn table."

He started reaching for the silverware drawer, but the thief was already there, grinning and holding up a knife, fork and spoon triumphantly.

Eliot laughed, and while she whirled around the kitchen, pulling out the salt and pepper, napkins, place settings, lemonade and salad dressing (all with far more familiarity to the kitchen then Eliot wanted to contemplate), he checked on the Tilapia again.

Perfect.