Title: Asylum

Disclaimer: I do not own Leverage or its characters and I make no profit from this. It's just for fun.

Spoilers: None.

Pairing: Nate/Parker (if you don't know that by now, you haven't been paying attention!)

Author's note: I didn't think I'd post another story so soon, but...here I am. And with an actual, semi-complicated con! I don't know how it will turn out…hopefully alright!

Special thanks to: housefan87 for my awesome background. Erin for reading these and otherwise being my best friend. Against the Evening Sky and agenttofutti (make an account so I can message you, already!) for loving N/P as much as I do. Leveragefan3621 for writing other N/P stories. And all readers & reviewers.

Asylum: 1. An institution for the care of people, especially those with physical or mental impairments, who require organized supervision or assistance.

2. A place offering protection and safety from danger or hardship; a shelter; a sanctuary.

XXXXXX

Parker sat quietly and watched, as she had been for the past twenty minutes, because that was what they had asked her to do.

"I love my wife very much, but lately her past…issues have started to come up again," Eliot glanced at her. "I knew we had to intervene before things got much worse. I've heard only the best about your clinic, Dr. Andrews."

Dr. Wilhelm Andrews steepled his fingers together, his face showing nothing but sympathy for the plight of the young couple before him. "Mental illness is indeed an awful thing, Mr. Haywood."

Eliot nodded in agreement. "Please, call me Tom."

"Tom. Since you've heard about us, then you know that we are not the choice of those looking for an…economical placement. We provide the best quality care and environment for our patients."

"Cost isn't a problem," Eliot assured him. "I only want the best for my wife."

"I'm sure you do, and you'll find it here. We can arrange for your wife to be admitted immediately. Anna?"

Parker didn't immediately reply, unaccustomed to the name. Eliot nudged her with his foot and she snapped to attention. "Yes?"

"You have nothing to worry about, Anna," Andrews smiled at her. "We'll have you better and out of here in no time."

"Does that mean I can leave now?" She asked, actually hoping the man behind the desk might agree.

He only smiled indulgently. "Your intake interview will start after you've settled into your room. Your husband can accompany you. I'll have a nurse help you get accommodated." He led them out of his office and flagged down a passing nurse. "Theresa, please help Mrs. Anna Haywood settle into one of our rooms."

"You go on ahead, honey," Eliot told her. "I'll be right along in a minute."

Parker inwardly seethed but only nodded passively. Already she was contemplating ways to get back at him for this – ways to get back at all of them. Because even though she'd agreed to it, she still hated it, and they damn well knew it.

Eliot watched the nurse lead her away with no small amount of worry. He'd been unsure about this one, but their desire to take this job had outweighed any concerns they'd had.

"Dr. Andrews, again I want to say that I love my wife more than anything, but my business is quite complicated. The other day, when I invited some clients over for dinner, her erratic behavior was cause for much alarm. I managed to play it off by telling them she'd had too much drink, but I simply cannot allow situations like that to jeopardize my job. Do you understand?"

Dr. Andrews nodded. "Perfectly clear, Tom. Thought I must warn you that we cannot perform miracles. We use the most advanced methods including drugs, therapy, and other treatments but sometimes mental illness simply cannot be cured. In the worst cases, it can sometimes not even be controlled. Your wife may have to stay here for a significant amount of time."

Eliot ran a hand through his hair; he was having no trouble feigning true distress. "I understand she may have to stay here for a long time, possibly permanently. I assure you, if that is the case, I will ensure that my donations far exceed the cost of her care."

Dr. Andrews, having heard exactly what he wanted to hear, shook his head. "Don't worry about any of that just yet, Tom. That would be a last resort and I haven't even met with your wife one-on-one yet. Why don't you go help her settle in? The nurse I just spoke to, Theresa, will also give you more detailed information on the treatment programs we offer."

"Thank you, Doctor." Eliot nodded, trying to suppress the shudder he felt merely being in Andrews' presence. He had the sudden, strong urge to go get Parker and leave with her – get her as far away from this place as possible. But he ignored it, reminding himself that any discomfort they suffered would be worth it in the end.

At least he prayed that was the case.

XXXXXX

Parker followed the nurse to what would be her room for an indeterminate amount of time.

"Here you go, dear," Theresa told her. "Dr. Andrews will be bringing you in for an intake evaluation soon." With that, the woman left the room. It was as if she didn't want Parker to ask her any questions, so she fled as soon as possible.

But Parker had no questions – not for Nurse Theresa anyway. Her questions were more for Nate and Eliot. They'd told her she'd be able to have a private room, and yet the one the nurse had brought her to had a second bed. The thought of sharing her room with another patient did not sit well with her.

And it got even worse when that patient showed up.

"Could you refrain from infringing upon my personal space?" The woman snapped irritably, as Parker looked around to ensure to herself that she hadn't done any such thing.

"Sorry…?" Parker shrugged, phrasing it as a question even though she had no real interest in who the woman was.

"I'm Lydia. Let me guess, you're new. You have that look." Lydia's disdainful glance showed that she was none too impressed with her roommate. Well, the feeling was mutual.

"What look?" Parker asked, irritated. She threw her bag on the bed. She knew it had already been searched, probably while they were speaking with Dr. Andrews, because her cell phone was missing. No contact with the outside world allowed, then?

"That look like you hope this place might do you some good." Lydia lounged on her own bed, twirling her dark hair around one finger and watching Parker too intensely. "It'll disappear soon."

Parker didn't know what to make of that statement, except it sounded vaguely ominous. Eliot appeared in the doorway before she could dwell on it for too long. He called her name, and again she didn't respond right away. She was all too aware of Lydia watching them closely.

"Do you mind?" Parker asked sharply, motioning for Lydia to leave.

The other woman shrugged, but left, sizing up Eliot on her way out.

"They took my phone," Parker hissed as soon as Lydia had gone, shutting the door behind her.

Eliot sighed, "Andrews told me they confiscated it. It's a no communication policy, they want you free of all distractions, at least while you're first here."

"Eliot!" Only the way she felt now told her that she hadn't truly been on edge before. "Don't you think that's a bit suspicious? And how am I supposed to get in touch with anyone."

Eliot frowned at Parker's uncharacteristic behavior. They'd been in Briarwood for less than 2 hours and already she was acting almost…helpless. It didn't bode well for their con – or her – if she didn't pull herself together. "Parker, relax. You know we went over this already and we have plans for everything."

"Right, you're right." She mindlessly went about unpacking her suitcase. "I don't know why you made me bring so many clothes. As if I'm going to be here that long."

Eliot watched her move from the suitcase, to the bureau, and back again, almost automatically. "It's going to be fine, remember –"

A knock on the door silenced him as their eyes met and he nodded before calling for the person to enter. It was Andrews. "Sorry to interrupt you two so soon, but it's getting late Anna, and I want to complete the intake process before 6:30 so you don't miss dinner."

Parker nodded in acquiescence, dropping the rest of her clothes to sort through later. Tonight. When she had to sleep here.

She watched apprehensively as Andrews and Eliot talked quietly near the doorway for a few moments before Andrews turned to her. "Are you ready? I'll give you a moment to say goodbye, I'll be right outside." He left the room and Eliot and Parker faced each other, their motions tinged with awkwardness for the first time that day.

"I guess this is it – I won't be allowed to come back until visiting day next week. You know what to do between now and then."

She forced herself to smile and more or less pretend she was fine. Everything was fine with this situation, which really could not have been worse. "I know, I'll see you in a few days."

She thought he might hug her, but he simply patted her on the shoulder and walked her out to Dr. Andrews. "Everything alright?" The older doctor asked, with only kindness in his voice, which irritated her so much she wanted to punch him.

"We're good," Eliot said quickly. "Bye honey, I love you. Remember, do what the doctors say. Everyone's here to help you." He watched her carefully, then added, "Remember you're not alone here."

She forced herself to smile again before following Andrews as he led her to complete the intake process. She saw no point in telling Eliot that she was alone everywhere.

He'd never understand it.

XXXXXX

TBC - as long as I'm alive, I'll never leave a story unfinished. All thoughts welcome.