WC Themed Recs: Different Handlers
The most well-known take on this theme is called “Front Man”, written by our estimated White Collar writers themselves. The situation which Neal is in leaves a lot of room for abuse. It’s not surprising that ff writers like to explore this theme; some give Peter a darker shade, but most of them go for a different agent who oversteps their bounds.
Left by The Common Denominator
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5804926/1/Left
This was the first story about this theme which really pulled me in. The setting is absolutely believable and I quite like how the abuse slowly escalates. One of the difficulties of this kind of story is to create a Neal who stays quiet about his suffering without making him OOC. This writer manages to sell Neal’s reactions to me. An absolute must-read.
Three Kinds of Hell by TeeJay
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6658361/1/Three_Kinds_of_Hell
This one is a different approach to the theme because the handler is not really abusive. It’s difficult to describe. In any case, this writer pulled off a very creative version of a “handler” for Neal.
A Healthy Neal is a Happy Neal by kriadydragon
http://kriadydragon.livejournal.com/248438.html#cutid1
Of course I like this one, after all, it was written for a prompt I left at White Collar Corner. I was very lucky to get such a great response. I was aware that the theme wasn’t exactly new; the writer was aware of that too, but took great joy in diving into a couple of popular fandom tropes. Careless agents, a sick Neal and an angry Peter, this story has all, what the common White Collar reader wants.
NEW
Neal’s Seven by kriadragon
http://kriadydragon.livejournal.com/239524.html#cutid1
What happens if a handler has a certain disregard for Neal’s safety and is more interested in covering his butt than rescuing his missing CI? I have some trouble with the premise of the story, because I’m sure that someone would notice it if Neal went missing for a whole week, but otherwise a great hurt/comfort story for the angst-addicted reader.
Expendable by nefhiriel
http://nefhiriel.livejournal.com/20538.html
Short, but I love it. It’s one of the few stories about this theme in which Neal stays independent, never mind who his handler is.
Untitled by Maisontv
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5563985/1/Untitled
Well, who said that different handlers-fics have to be angsty? After all, Neal can be a right prat - and very resourceful when he wants something. A unique and very funny take on the theme!
Untitled Story by kriadydragon
http://collarcorner.livejournal.com/3443.html?thread=60787#t60787
Well, less a “Different Handler” and more a “fellow FBI Agent is a douche to Neal” - story, but since the dynamics of both themes are similar, I decided to add it here. A short but fitting insight into the dynamics in the White Collar Unit.