[Multipleverse]

[burkethejerk]

Occasionally, Peter can be convinced to take off, not just at a decent time, but even a bit earlySuch a miracle has occurred on Thursday, which is why Peter and Elizabeth are waiting for Neal to show up around five in the afternoon

Comments

[smileforaliving]

That's okay, Elizabeth is taking up a corner of the dining room table with her laptop and a slightly distracted expression on her face. She's got some things she needs to be working out herself and she figures that, while she has the time, she may as well use it wisely.

Neal slips in through the back door, surveying the scene with an amused expression.

"I can come back later," he says with a laugh, though not stepping further into the house. He's pretty sure he has the right day but well, he could be wrong.

[burkethejerk]

Peter glances up with a smile when Neal speaks, though he does look back down to the paper as he answers, despite his words. "Are you kidding me? You'll take away our excuse to take a break. Sit down," he offers, pushing out the chair next to him.

[smileforaliving]

Neal laughs, shaking his head and taking the proffered seat. "Nice to know I make a handy excuse," he teases, leaning back in his chair.

Elizabeth does a few more thing son the laptop, then starts shutting down. "Oh c'mon," she says with a small laugh. "You like being our excuse."

"It is true," he agrees with a solemn nod.

[burkethejerk]

Peter just shakes his head, smiling as closes and gathers up the files and stands up, moving them over to a bookshelf for now.

"Anybody want anything?" he asks as he starts back their way, passing the table and stopping at the kitchen door instead.

[smileforaliving]

"Coffee," Neal prompts hopefully. He will never object to a good cup of coffee and while Peter and El's isn't Junes it's still not too bad.

"Neal," Elizabeth questions, pushing aside the rest of her things. "DO you ever worry about getting overcaffeinated?"

He laughs. "Nope."

[burkethejerk]

"We're going to start cutting you off," Peter tells him with a laugh as he starts into the kitchen. "Hon? Anything?" he adds, calling over his shoulder as the door swings behind him, making his way to the cabinet and pulling down two mugs.

[smileforaliving]

"I think that I maintain a healthy balance between wine and coffee," he says with a shrug, arms folding on top of the table as he leans forward.

"Oh, that's healthy," El teases. Then, to Peter. "I'm fine for now. I might get some coffee later."

[burkethejerk]

Peter rejoins them after a few minutes, setting one of the mugs he's carrying in front of Neal. "Make it last," he advises with a grin, sliding back into his seat and taking a sip from his own coffee.

[smileforaliving]

Taking a drink, he lets his eyes fall closed in approval. "Not bad," he says with a nod. before taking another sip.

"He can make good coffee when he tries," Elizabeth says with a small laugh. "He just needs to try."

Neal raises his eyebrows. "Peter, I had no idea. It's a skill you've never shared with me."

[burkethejerk]

"It has nothing to do with trying," Peter argues, shaking his head. "I get lucky occasionally. Very rarely. The chances are slim."

This argument would possibly be more convincing if he didn't still look mostly amused.

[smileforaliving]

"I think you're holding out on us," Neal accuses, gesturing with his cup. "I think when we're not around, you make excellent coffee and keep it all to yourself."

"Speak for yourself," El says with a laugh. "I occasionally get it, well sort of."

[burkethejerk]

"Don't encourage him," he tells El, ignoring Neal's accusation entirely in favor of his own coffee and trying to get his wife on his side. "He's bad enough without help."

[smileforaliving]

"I'm only telling the truth," she replies with an innocent smile.

"So, you have been holding out on me!" Neal looks offended. I hope you know that I expect decent coffee from this point forward."

[burkethejerk]

"You're dealing with him when he doesn't get it," he informs El, shaking his head.

[smileforaliving]

"I"If by 'dealing with him' you mean I'm the one who's making the coffee then what's going to be new about that situation?" she questions.

"And I wouldn't give Elizabeth a hard time," Neal adds in. "She scares me. You don't scare me. She? Very much does."

Elizabeth smiles sweetly.

[burkethejerk]

"I meant dealing with the complaints, but that would work better."

Peter is not about to argue that point, so he just shrugs. "All the more reason to let her deal with you," he points out, smiling.