BTW, this absolutely results in Hardison calling Eliot every endearment he can think of in lieu of his name for the next month, the more over-the-top the better, ostensibly to rub in just how not-usual that is. (It certainly has nothing to do with Hardison having a list of endearments he's tempted to use for his people but is afraid would spook them. That would be weird. And ridiculous.)
Eliot reacts way less than Hardison expects. It takes multiple days of this (and a "schnookums") to even elicit the first "OK, you've made your point!" grumble. He really doesn't object (as long as it's not threatening a con, and Hardison does use his cover names where needed), so it's all fine...until Parker attempts to follow suit.
The first time Parker says "Sugar, can you hand me my lockpicks," Nate groans, Sophie's eyebrows shoot up, and Eliot doesn't even look up from the blueprints he's studying. A moment passes. Parker frowns.
"El, I think Parker just asked you a question."
Eliot looks up distractedly. "Oh, sorry, darlin'. What'd you say?"
"I said, 'Sugar, can you hand me my lockpicks.'"
Dead silence falls again. Eliot stares at Parker, expression completely blank. His hand is frozen in midair above the table, still holding the printout he was reading. Parker's frown deepens, and she looks at Hardison for support. "Am I doing it wrong? I know people say 'sugar'! I looked up a list!"
"Yeah, mama. You did great. Just...give him a minute." Hardison's desperately trying not to laugh.
It takes almost 90 seconds for Eliot's brain to reboot enough for him to fumble for the lockpicks and stammer "S--sorry, you wanted these?"
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