A Closer Eye, Part Four
Author: J. Rosemary Moss
Genre: White Collar
Rating: PG-13 (T)
Disclaimer: Alas, I don't own White Collar or the characters.
Summary: Peter finds a way to keep Neal under a closer eye . . . at least for a week. Friendship or pre-slash, depending on your glasses. Ok, leans toward pre-slash, but still open to interpretation. Spoilers for The Portrait.
Link to Part One
Peter wondered if he had lost his mind as he passed the insurance papers over to Neal. He was about to share an intensely private part of his life. Memories from four years ago flitted through his head-memories of capturing Neal after dedicating his professional life to hunting him.
It wasn’t long afterwards that he and Elizabeth had started trying for children, and Peter had known there was a connection between the two. It was as if an empty space had opened up in his life once Neal was behind bars-once there was no more opportunity for Peter to match wits against the conman. Elizabeth understood. Hell, she probably felt it herself. She had always been his sounding board when it came to Neal Caffrey. She knew almost as much about the kid as Peter did.
And so they decided to fill that empty space with children. Would Neal put the puzzle pieces together and recognize the part he played in their decision? Probably. The kid already saw himself as the center of the universe.
Right now Neal was furrowing his brow, trying to decipher the reports on what treatments the insurance company was covering for Elizabeth-and the lengthier reports on what treatments it refused to cover.
Neal looked back up at him, his face grim. “I hate insurance companies,” he said. “But-if you want kids . . . I mean, this doesn’t mean you have to stop trying, does it?”
Peter shrugged. “I don’t know. We’re not rich, Neal. We’ve already spent tens of thousands of dollars out of our own pocket-and no doctor can give us a guarantee.”
Neal chewed on his lip. “What about adoption?”
“It’s on the table-but it’s also expensive and a lot harder than you would think. Elizabeth and I will have to come to a decision soon. Maybe we’re not meant to have kids. Or any more kids,” he corrected, managing a small smile.
“Satchmo and me?” Neal asked with raised eyebrows.
Peter nodded.
“Am I at least your favorite?”
“No.”
Neal grinned. “I gotta work on that.” He paused as his face grew serious. “Mind if I keep these papers today-maybe look over them and see if there’s anything you missed?”
“Yeah, I do mind. I appreciate the thought, Neal, but I don’t want you coming up with some scam to get us more money.”
The kid had the grace to look chagrinned. “Ok. But if it’s a question of money, how about renting me a room for seven hundred?”
Peter stared at him. “I beg your pardon?”
“I could move in here,” Neal explained, his voice strangely rushed. “It wouldn’t be a lot of extra money each month, but it would help.”
“Did something happen at June’s?” Peter asked, suspicious.
“What? No, nothing happened. Everything at June’s is great. It’s just that-well, you can use my housing allowance more than she can. And I don’t mind it here.” He paused, giving Peter a mock-smoldering look. “I like crazy, impulsive, romantic gestures, remember?”
Peter smiled. “Thanks Neal. But I think there’d be some ethical concerns if you handed your allowance over to me-I don’t want to be seen taking advantage of my, ah, pet convict.”
“But-”
“And you don’t want to give up your rooms at June’s to live here. That place has a view to die for.”
Neal hesitated before answering. “Yeah,” he said. “That’s true.”
Peter narrowed his eyes at Caffrey. Why on earth did the kid look as if he had just taken his puppy away? He was telling him to remain in the lap of luxury, not sending him back to prison.
“Did you want to move in here?” Peter asked, baffled.
The sorrowful look vanished and Neal’s smile was back in place. “Of course not-you’d strangle me if you had to live with me, remember?” He paused and handed the papers back. “But, if there’s anything I can do about this . . .”
“I’ll let you know,” Peter promised, not bothering to hide the gratitude in his eyes.
“So what now? Should we make breakfast?”
Peter nodded. “Yeah. El should be getting up in half an hour or so-let’s have it on the table by then.”
~oOo~
Peter had envisioned a quiet Saturday at home, but Neal and Elizabeth had other ideas. They overrode his objections that Neal was grounded and dragged him off to the MOMA. Peter did his best to stifle his complaints about the long line and the stiff entry fees; now that he was here, he might as well enjoy himself. He didn’t even complain as he paid for Neal’s entrance-the kid could save the gold card he’d gotten his hands on for more important matters.
Peter had to admit that Neal was the perfect guide to the museum. His depth of knowledge was astounding. Art was a true passion for him and he loved showing off his learning. Peter shook his head at one point. Why did the kid ever get involved with cons and fraud? He could have worked in the art world in a legitimate capacity. Perhaps Neal liked higher stakes-but if that was the case, he had paid for his thrill-seeking.
Peter found himself wondering, not for the first time, how Neal had fared in prison. The kid deserved the sentence-there was no question of that-but he didn’t deserve the extra-legal difficulties so many prisoners faced. Peter found his stomach tying itself into knots as he wondered how Neal had kept his pretty face in tact on the inside.
By the time the threesome left the MOMA, they were all ready for a meal. Neal advocated a French kosher steakhouse he liked, until Peter reminded him that a kosher place wasn’t likely to be open on a Saturday afternoon. Elizabeth took both men by the arm and suggested a new Indian place. It was impossible to say no to her, so Peter reconciled himself to curry.
Neal and Elizabeth still weren’t done with the city after the meal. Peter found himself in an artsy movie theatre, and then in the Stonewall. Neal had chosen the gay club, of course-undoubtedly to discomfort Peter. But El was enjoying a drag queen’s performance and Peter didn’t really mind the place. Besides, it was a Manhattan landmark.
Was Neal a regular at places like this? Probably not. He was in deep with Kate, after all. On the other hand, Peter wouldn’t be surprised to find out the boy wasn’t entirely straight. Neal liked to be petted and adored-and as long as he remained the center of attention, he might be flexible when it came to the gender of the person doing the petting and adoring.
“What’s next?” Peter asked Neal sarcastically when they left the club. “Henrietta Hudson’s?”
Neal looked impressed that Peter knew the name of a lesbian bar--but then he flashed Peter an evil smile. “That’s a great idea!”
Within five minutes of walking into the bar, it was obvious that Neal didn’t feel out of place as he ordered drinks for the threesome. Neither did Elizabeth, for that matter--she was soon playing pool with a lesbian couple. Peter found a quiet corner and began to relax. He was comfortable enough, he decided. It was an unpretentious place and, apart from the fact that women so largely outnumbered guys, it didn’t seem that different from any other bar.
They stayed long enough to hear a live performance from some up-and-coming band. There wasn’t a lot of room for dancing-it wasn’t that kind of bar-but somehow when the music turned slow, Neal popped up at Peter’s side.
“Shall we?” he asked, his face alight with mischief.
Peter rolled his eyes, but decided to take the kid up on his offer. His lack of discomfort would impress Elizabeth, if nothing else. He pulled Neal to him and started dancing-and he didn’t miss the surprised light in the kid’s eyes. Apparently Neal hadn’t expected him to go along with this. That in itself made the dance worth while.
Neal, being Neal, had to up the ante by drawing even closer and resting his head on Peter’s shoulder. When Peter didn’t complain, the kid laughed quietly. “You win-I can’t make you uncomfortable.”
Peter grinned. “Homophobia isn’t one of my abiding sins.”
“I knew that-I just didn’t know where your comfort level stopped,” Neal said. He paused to glance up at Peter with what appeared to be a genuinely happy smile. “You know something? I like this.”
“Dancing with me?”
The kid chuckled. “Well, yeah-but I meant hanging out with you and Elizabeth.”
“You’re ok spending time with an old married couple, huh?”
“There’s something to be said for it,” he agreed. “And I fit in well with you two. I’m not a third wheel.”
“How do you fit in? As my son? My little brother? My other spouse?”
“Don’t forget pet convict,” Neal reminded him, eyes sparkling. “But the answer is all of the above.”
Peter found he couldn’t argue-and that’s what worried him. Allowing Neal Caffrey to become part of the
family, in any capacity, was going to lead to headache after headache.
Elizabeth appeared just then and cut in. Peter thought she wanted a dance with her husband, but alas, she was eyeing Neal. Peter stepped back gracefully and watched the pair of them slow dance.
Now Neal was the tall one, and Elizabeth soon had her head on his shoulder. Peter grinned, not in the least jealous. Neal had a chivalrous penchant for his wife, but Peter approved of that. Besides, Elizabeth could help keep the boy grounded. And if Neal was going to be an unofficial part of the family, Peter wanted him as grounded as possible.
~oOo~
“I told him about our infertility problems,” Peter said. He was in bed with El, his arms wrapped around her as she nestled against his chest.
She peered up at him. “I’m glad,” she said. “We agreed not to keep it secret-and it will be nice to have another shoulder to cry on. Both of us need that.”
“Yeah,” Peter admitted. “He wants to be helpful. He offered to move in and hand over his housing allowance to help cover what the insurance won’t.”
Elizabeth smiled, but there was a puzzled look in her eyes. “I know you can’t take him up on that-the money part, I mean-but do you think he wants to move in?”
“Why would he? He’s living in a place worth ten times this house-at least.”
“Maybe he likes being part of the family.”
Peter sighed. “I don’t know. I don’t want to see him give up his rooms at June’s--and I don’t think he really
wants that either-so it doesn’t matter.”
Elizabeth nestled in closer. “You’re probably right. I wouldn’t give up a place like that--but let him know that he’s welcome to crash here any time. Make sure he knows he can come to you whenever he needs to.”
Peter ruffled her hair. “You know you’re setting yourself up for heartache, don’t you? He’s more than capable of breaking his probation over Kate-and then he’ll land back in prison. And not just for four years.”
His wife looked up at him again and shook her head. “Peter, do you really think seeing him back in prison will hurt us any less if we keep him at arms’ length?”
Peter let out another sigh and decided not to answer that.
Link to Part Five
Genre: White Collar
Rating: PG-13 (T)
Disclaimer: Alas, I don't own White Collar or the characters.
Summary: Peter finds a way to keep Neal under a closer eye . . . at least for a week. Friendship or pre-slash, depending on your glasses. Ok, leans toward pre-slash, but still open to interpretation. Spoilers for The Portrait.
Link to Part One
Peter wondered if he had lost his mind as he passed the insurance papers over to Neal. He was about to share an intensely private part of his life. Memories from four years ago flitted through his head-memories of capturing Neal after dedicating his professional life to hunting him.
It wasn’t long afterwards that he and Elizabeth had started trying for children, and Peter had known there was a connection between the two. It was as if an empty space had opened up in his life once Neal was behind bars-once there was no more opportunity for Peter to match wits against the conman. Elizabeth understood. Hell, she probably felt it herself. She had always been his sounding board when it came to Neal Caffrey. She knew almost as much about the kid as Peter did.
And so they decided to fill that empty space with children. Would Neal put the puzzle pieces together and recognize the part he played in their decision? Probably. The kid already saw himself as the center of the universe.
Right now Neal was furrowing his brow, trying to decipher the reports on what treatments the insurance company was covering for Elizabeth-and the lengthier reports on what treatments it refused to cover.
Neal looked back up at him, his face grim. “I hate insurance companies,” he said. “But-if you want kids . . . I mean, this doesn’t mean you have to stop trying, does it?”
Peter shrugged. “I don’t know. We’re not rich, Neal. We’ve already spent tens of thousands of dollars out of our own pocket-and no doctor can give us a guarantee.”
Neal chewed on his lip. “What about adoption?”
“It’s on the table-but it’s also expensive and a lot harder than you would think. Elizabeth and I will have to come to a decision soon. Maybe we’re not meant to have kids. Or any more kids,” he corrected, managing a small smile.
“Satchmo and me?” Neal asked with raised eyebrows.
Peter nodded.
“Am I at least your favorite?”
“No.”
Neal grinned. “I gotta work on that.” He paused as his face grew serious. “Mind if I keep these papers today-maybe look over them and see if there’s anything you missed?”
“Yeah, I do mind. I appreciate the thought, Neal, but I don’t want you coming up with some scam to get us more money.”
The kid had the grace to look chagrinned. “Ok. But if it’s a question of money, how about renting me a room for seven hundred?”
Peter stared at him. “I beg your pardon?”
“I could move in here,” Neal explained, his voice strangely rushed. “It wouldn’t be a lot of extra money each month, but it would help.”
“Did something happen at June’s?” Peter asked, suspicious.
“What? No, nothing happened. Everything at June’s is great. It’s just that-well, you can use my housing allowance more than she can. And I don’t mind it here.” He paused, giving Peter a mock-smoldering look. “I like crazy, impulsive, romantic gestures, remember?”
Peter smiled. “Thanks Neal. But I think there’d be some ethical concerns if you handed your allowance over to me-I don’t want to be seen taking advantage of my, ah, pet convict.”
“But-”
“And you don’t want to give up your rooms at June’s to live here. That place has a view to die for.”
Neal hesitated before answering. “Yeah,” he said. “That’s true.”
Peter narrowed his eyes at Caffrey. Why on earth did the kid look as if he had just taken his puppy away? He was telling him to remain in the lap of luxury, not sending him back to prison.
“Did you want to move in here?” Peter asked, baffled.
The sorrowful look vanished and Neal’s smile was back in place. “Of course not-you’d strangle me if you had to live with me, remember?” He paused and handed the papers back. “But, if there’s anything I can do about this . . .”
“I’ll let you know,” Peter promised, not bothering to hide the gratitude in his eyes.
“So what now? Should we make breakfast?”
Peter nodded. “Yeah. El should be getting up in half an hour or so-let’s have it on the table by then.”
~oOo~
Peter had envisioned a quiet Saturday at home, but Neal and Elizabeth had other ideas. They overrode his objections that Neal was grounded and dragged him off to the MOMA. Peter did his best to stifle his complaints about the long line and the stiff entry fees; now that he was here, he might as well enjoy himself. He didn’t even complain as he paid for Neal’s entrance-the kid could save the gold card he’d gotten his hands on for more important matters.
Peter had to admit that Neal was the perfect guide to the museum. His depth of knowledge was astounding. Art was a true passion for him and he loved showing off his learning. Peter shook his head at one point. Why did the kid ever get involved with cons and fraud? He could have worked in the art world in a legitimate capacity. Perhaps Neal liked higher stakes-but if that was the case, he had paid for his thrill-seeking.
Peter found himself wondering, not for the first time, how Neal had fared in prison. The kid deserved the sentence-there was no question of that-but he didn’t deserve the extra-legal difficulties so many prisoners faced. Peter found his stomach tying itself into knots as he wondered how Neal had kept his pretty face in tact on the inside.
By the time the threesome left the MOMA, they were all ready for a meal. Neal advocated a French kosher steakhouse he liked, until Peter reminded him that a kosher place wasn’t likely to be open on a Saturday afternoon. Elizabeth took both men by the arm and suggested a new Indian place. It was impossible to say no to her, so Peter reconciled himself to curry.
Neal and Elizabeth still weren’t done with the city after the meal. Peter found himself in an artsy movie theatre, and then in the Stonewall. Neal had chosen the gay club, of course-undoubtedly to discomfort Peter. But El was enjoying a drag queen’s performance and Peter didn’t really mind the place. Besides, it was a Manhattan landmark.
Was Neal a regular at places like this? Probably not. He was in deep with Kate, after all. On the other hand, Peter wouldn’t be surprised to find out the boy wasn’t entirely straight. Neal liked to be petted and adored-and as long as he remained the center of attention, he might be flexible when it came to the gender of the person doing the petting and adoring.
“What’s next?” Peter asked Neal sarcastically when they left the club. “Henrietta Hudson’s?”
Neal looked impressed that Peter knew the name of a lesbian bar--but then he flashed Peter an evil smile. “That’s a great idea!”
Within five minutes of walking into the bar, it was obvious that Neal didn’t feel out of place as he ordered drinks for the threesome. Neither did Elizabeth, for that matter--she was soon playing pool with a lesbian couple. Peter found a quiet corner and began to relax. He was comfortable enough, he decided. It was an unpretentious place and, apart from the fact that women so largely outnumbered guys, it didn’t seem that different from any other bar.
They stayed long enough to hear a live performance from some up-and-coming band. There wasn’t a lot of room for dancing-it wasn’t that kind of bar-but somehow when the music turned slow, Neal popped up at Peter’s side.
“Shall we?” he asked, his face alight with mischief.
Peter rolled his eyes, but decided to take the kid up on his offer. His lack of discomfort would impress Elizabeth, if nothing else. He pulled Neal to him and started dancing-and he didn’t miss the surprised light in the kid’s eyes. Apparently Neal hadn’t expected him to go along with this. That in itself made the dance worth while.
Neal, being Neal, had to up the ante by drawing even closer and resting his head on Peter’s shoulder. When Peter didn’t complain, the kid laughed quietly. “You win-I can’t make you uncomfortable.”
Peter grinned. “Homophobia isn’t one of my abiding sins.”
“I knew that-I just didn’t know where your comfort level stopped,” Neal said. He paused to glance up at Peter with what appeared to be a genuinely happy smile. “You know something? I like this.”
“Dancing with me?”
The kid chuckled. “Well, yeah-but I meant hanging out with you and Elizabeth.”
“You’re ok spending time with an old married couple, huh?”
“There’s something to be said for it,” he agreed. “And I fit in well with you two. I’m not a third wheel.”
“How do you fit in? As my son? My little brother? My other spouse?”
“Don’t forget pet convict,” Neal reminded him, eyes sparkling. “But the answer is all of the above.”
Peter found he couldn’t argue-and that’s what worried him. Allowing Neal Caffrey to become part of the
family, in any capacity, was going to lead to headache after headache.
Elizabeth appeared just then and cut in. Peter thought she wanted a dance with her husband, but alas, she was eyeing Neal. Peter stepped back gracefully and watched the pair of them slow dance.
Now Neal was the tall one, and Elizabeth soon had her head on his shoulder. Peter grinned, not in the least jealous. Neal had a chivalrous penchant for his wife, but Peter approved of that. Besides, Elizabeth could help keep the boy grounded. And if Neal was going to be an unofficial part of the family, Peter wanted him as grounded as possible.
~oOo~
“I told him about our infertility problems,” Peter said. He was in bed with El, his arms wrapped around her as she nestled against his chest.
She peered up at him. “I’m glad,” she said. “We agreed not to keep it secret-and it will be nice to have another shoulder to cry on. Both of us need that.”
“Yeah,” Peter admitted. “He wants to be helpful. He offered to move in and hand over his housing allowance to help cover what the insurance won’t.”
Elizabeth smiled, but there was a puzzled look in her eyes. “I know you can’t take him up on that-the money part, I mean-but do you think he wants to move in?”
“Why would he? He’s living in a place worth ten times this house-at least.”
“Maybe he likes being part of the family.”
Peter sighed. “I don’t know. I don’t want to see him give up his rooms at June’s--and I don’t think he really
wants that either-so it doesn’t matter.”
Elizabeth nestled in closer. “You’re probably right. I wouldn’t give up a place like that--but let him know that he’s welcome to crash here any time. Make sure he knows he can come to you whenever he needs to.”
Peter ruffled her hair. “You know you’re setting yourself up for heartache, don’t you? He’s more than capable of breaking his probation over Kate-and then he’ll land back in prison. And not just for four years.”
His wife looked up at him again and shook her head. “Peter, do you really think seeing him back in prison will hurt us any less if we keep him at arms’ length?”
Peter let out another sigh and decided not to answer that.
Link to Part Five