Number 06 │ A Leverage Fanfiction

The Reunion Job | Part 2

[High School Gym]

Parker adjusted the camera on the banner pole, her eyes scanning the old class photos plastered on the display board.

"So many awkward people in so many ugly outfits." She wrinkled her nose.

I grunted as I climbed up onto a ledge, carefully securing a small surveillance camera among the decorations. "I know, right? It's like a crime scene for bad fashion choices."

Hardison's voice crackled in my earpiece. "Yeah, well, you're lucky you never went to high school. Nothing but heartbreak, pop quizzes, and questionable cafeteria meat."

Parker tilted her head. "Wait, didn't you go to prom?"

There was a pause.

"Uh... I was kinda busy," Hardison admitted.

[Flashback]

A younger Hardison sat in a dimly lit room, eyes glued to the monitor as his fingers flew across the keyboard. The glow of the screen reflected off his glasses.

On the screen, a bank transaction finalized.

"Looks like the Bank of Iceland just paid off Nana's medical bills. That's dope!" He grinned.

[End of Flashback]

"Good times," Hardison said with a nostalgic sigh.

Eliot scoffed. "So, you guys get to play dress-up at some reunion while I'm stuck out here on goon patrol?"

Nate leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "Eliot, once we get the password, you're the one who has to enter it on Duberman's computer and shut down Manticore. Hardison's got his hands full."

"Besides," Hardison added smugly, "I bet you had your high school glory days. What were you, quarterback? Big man on campus?"

Eliot simply shrugged. "I had many interests."

I let out a defeated groan as I yanked the oversized, suffocating mascot costume over my head. The fabric was thick, heavy, and smelled faintly of regret.

"I still don't get what the big deal is," I muttered, my voice muffled by the ridiculous costume head. "I didn't go to school, and I turned out fine."

Parker and Hardison both exchanged a look.

"Yeah... let's not unpack that right now," Sophie said.

Hardison snorted. "Agreed."

<>

[High School Reunion – Two Hours Later]

The gymnasium buzzed with energy. Laughter, clinking glasses, and a playlist of '80s hits filled the space as former classmates reconnected, swapping stories that had grown taller with time.

Standing at the entrance, Larry Duberman inhaled deeply, adjusting his suit. You own this place.

With renewed confidence, he stepped into the crowd.

As I walked past, still trapped inside the stifling mascot costume, I raised my arms in an exaggerated cheer. "Badger, badger, badger, badger, '85!" .

Duberman chanted along with me, " "Badger, badger, badger, badger, '85!"

"Great to see you!" A man clapped him on the shoulder.

"Looking good, Larry!" Another grinned, raising a drink in his honor.

Duberman beamed, his shoulders straightening. "Hey! Yes, it's me, in the flesh!"

A woman gave him a polite nod. "Hi, Larry. Great to see you again."