Our Father's Crusade (leverage x Psych) COMPLETED

I'll Always Find My Way Back To You

"Carter, I know you don't want to talk about it, but before you leave I want to say something." Nate joined me in my room as I packed to go visit Elliot's dad. He'd been trying to get a word with me alone all morning.

"You're my dad, I have to listen to you." I smiled turning around to humor him. After all I put him through, he deserves it. Especially since he's stayed sober.

"Sophie and I discussed it last night, we're coming back as consultants. She's bored, so am I. Now hear me out." He reasoned as he saw my face change. "Either choice you make, we have your back, it's still your team but we'll share the workload."

"Would you have made that choice if I wasn't pregnant?" I asked as he smiled at his feet.

"I made the choice the second I heard the panic in your voice on the phone. I never should've left you. Not because you can't handle it, but because I can't." Nate confessed as we stood there.

"It was selfish to talk to you during that." I looked away with my head down trying to stifle my emotions. Talking about it wasn't easy.

"I'm glad you did." He smiled gently hugging me. "Don't ever be sorry for needing me. I wasn't there so many times you did, I want to change that."

"I'm glad you ended up being my dad." I whispered as I hugged him back. "Did you really almost hit Elliot?"

"I did, I would've killed him if he kept it up." He chuckled as we parted our hug. "You're my little girl, that outranks our friendship."

"Mind carrying my bag to the car for me? I can't pick it up yet." I asked making a pleading face.

"I've got it don't worry, go say goodbye to your sisters." Nate answered taking the bag with a smile.

I wandered out to find Parker and forest playing with foam blocks on the floor. Parker was already trying to train her to be a thief while Sophie watched amused. Hardison and Elliot were in the corner quietly talking, giving me looks that made me nervous. I was dreading the long car ride to Oklahoma. It was a two day drive. One if we take shifts.

"Whatcha making?" I asked sitting down smiling at Forest.

"A safe, gotta teach them young." Parker answered in a baby voice. She loved playing with Forest, she would've loved Jaclyn.

"You okay with me leaving?" I asked quietly joining in their play.

"Call me if you need me." Her voice got serious looking at me before going back to her baby voice. "Forest and I will be busy studying right Forest?"

"Are you okay with leaving?" Sophie asked as she helped me up from the floor. She was worried, it was plain as day.

"Mhm" I muttered as she hugged me, pulling me close against her.

"We both know I'm far too young to be your mother, but that doesn't mean that I don't see myself that way." She whispered in my ears as she hugged me. "We both love you and your sisters more than life itself. I promise, I'll drop everything if you need me."

"Thank you for giving me a home Sophie." I whispered back as we parted our embrace. A smile shared between us.

"Ready to go?" Elliot asked putting on a chipper face as he put his arm around me.

"Yep, Dad put my bag in the car. I'll drive first shift if that's okay?" I replied as we turned to say our goodbyes.

"Nope, you're not driving. Your ankle is still messed up." Elliot sternly informed me making me glare angrily. My emotions are so out of check. I hate being pregnant.

"I'm on his side this time Carter." Hardison chimed in looking between us.

"Fine. I love you guys, I'll see you next week, call me if anything happens okay?" I announced as they all said their goodbyes and I love you's.