Peter smiled and tapped his beer bottle against Neal's glass. That same familiar feeling was back and he loved it. They were bantering again. It was like they had never been separated. "Yes, drippy candles." He shook his head and took a sip of his beer.
If he looked, he might see some subtle differences that weren't there before. He was still Peter, but he wasn't. If Neal really looked, he'd see see a few extra lines around his eyes that weren't there before. A hint of his hair going gray above the ears. The things going on recently in his life had affected him a little. Even if Peter was trying hard to push through and smile, there were things Neal would pick up.
"I..." He hesitated. "I wasn't sure what I was going to do. Hughes did say that I could come back eventually, but it left a foul taste in my mouth. It really hurt that this bureau that I loved was treating me the way that it was. Other than Diana and Jones, I felt like I didn't fit anymore." He remembered the day like it was yesterday. "Word must get around though. I received a call from Sara. We went out to lunch and she offered me a job with Sterling Bosch."
Neal noticed it all and the nausea only worsened. His friend looked like he'd seen three years on his account. He really hated the Feds then. More than his usual contempt, Neal was having a serious problem with, as Peter had so eloquently said, the bureau betraying their best agent. None of the rest had ever managed to catch him.
Peter, in theory, had done it again even if he wasn't going to act on the actual chance of an arrest. There was no contest in Neal's mind.
"Hughes and the FBI are fools for letting you go." He said honestly. "And for--"
Okay Peter had said something again that threw his head for a loop. It wasn't often people could make Neal lose his eloquence but Peter sometimes had a knack for it. Registering that last bit, both Sara and the subsequent Peter going to the dark side. Those people wanted him as badly as the Feds had. Neal didn't look entirely thrilled.
"Okay that's a serious pay increase more than 'pays the rent' Peter."
"It happens, Neal. Not everything that we think about in life is a constant. Change always happens. I didn't think that the FBI would be that way. I thought I would be there forever, but change will occur. For me, it was at the FBI." He sighed, drumming his fingers against his beer bottle.
Peter paused, struggling for the words that he wanted to say. When he had first gotten the call from Sara, he thought it was just lunch. When they met, it became more than that. The money that they saved her boss on that last job had endeared Peter to him. He admired everything Peter and Neal had done for the company and wanted to repay him.
"Sara had told him what was going on and really went to bat for me. She explained what a great investigator I was and what my success rate at the FBI had become. She informed him that the money I saved the company was just a start to what I could do for them. She really sold me to him and got a nice job offer for me." He took a sip of his beer, thinking it over.
"I don't care about the money, Neal. It's nice, but money isn't everything. I see it as I'm still getting to do what I love. I help people. I solve crimes. I get art or other things back for clients. It's not exactly the same, but it helps. I'm not sitting around and moping because I don't have a job." He smiled at Neal, tilting his head to the side. "It's not the end of the world, Neal. I can't arrest you, even if I wanted to. Which is why I'm pleading with you. Please, don't steal that diamond."
In that way, the difference in their ages showed. However old Neal was, he was apparently not old enough to handle change well. For a man who spent his life changing everything from his to his shoes, accepting that Peter had 'moved on' from the FBI was hard. In a selfish sense it meant that if he screwed up, even a little, he was done for. The FBI would probably put him in for life, or at least for all that time that he should have been in prison while helping Peter. This time? There was no Agent Burke to swoop in and save the day.
Something must have been registering because he managed to be quiet through every thing the other man had to say. There were appropriate nods and all that but apparently he was considering at least some part of what his friend was saying. No, it wasn't the end of the world but... Sterling and Bosch? Really? Couldn't he have found anyone else that didn't categorically hate Neal Caffrey to work for?
Sigh.
"I'm not here to steal it Peter. How arrogant do you think I am?"
In a way, maybe Peter didn't want to move on from the FBI. Maybe he was deluding himself. If Hughes called him today and offered him his job back, would he say no? He couldn't answer that question with certainty. And yes, Neal was a part of that decision. He hated thinking that if Neal stole that diamond, there was no way out for him. No leverage anymore. Maybe that was why he was pleading so hard, trying so much to get Neal to not pull the job. He couldn't be Neal's hero anymore.
For Peter, he really didn't have many options. He wasn't young. He wasn't an up and comer in the business world. He knew crimes. And not many would give him a job after he left the FBI. Especially with the circumstances on why he left. Sterling and Bosche had been his last hope. If he had his choice, he would rather go back to the FBI. His dream would be to return, bring Neal with him, and get Neal his freedom.
Sigh.
"Very." He raised an eyebrow at Neal, a smug look on his face. Neal could say until he was blue in the face that he wasn't there to steal it. Peter didn't believe him. "Sure. Tell Moz I said hi. Or is it Haversham?" He sighed, looking down at his watch. He had all day, but he doubted Neal did. He'd have to get back to his 'team' soon. If he didn't eat soon, his stomach was going to start making noises.
"Neal, I would go back to the FBI in a heartbeat if I could. I would want things to go back to the way they were, but it can't happen like that. Not unless we got to Kramer somehow." Now that was a con he'd love to do. He really wanted to stick it to Kramer. "Hell, Neal. I miss you. The stupid hats and going for coffee." He missed more than just that, not like he'd admit it.
The thought that he and Peter might never associate again, even in passing, if he stole that diamond was almost more than Neal could stomach. Some part of him had always assumed if one of his cons went horribly awry that Peter would be there. He'd fix it smooth it over, or do something else suit-y to give Neal the shot at going straight he'd always tried to provide. Not to mention, in all honesty, he missed his life in New York. He missed that view, June's singing, and yes even the crummy coffee that Peter was reminiscing about.
"I miss those hats too you know. The whole elbow pad thing?" Neal holds up an arm. "It's not working for me."
Okay he missed Peter too, immensely, but Neal never was good at communicating honest feelings.
"Haversham? I think that name died the moment he left New York. I haven't heard from him since it all went down."
God he felt like such a prick. Lying, even now, just came so much easier. Soon enough he was going to have to depart, but not to go back to his team. No, Neal needed to dump cold water over his face, grasp a sink's edge, and try to, well, get a grip. This was not how he intended the first two hours of the con to go. But now, more than ever, he needed this con. There was nothing left for him in New York if Peter couldn't, as always, make the mess go away.
Before he could stop himself, Peter reached out and touched Neal's elbow. He had a sad, faraway look on his face. Though, he felt like he was reminiscing all by himself. "I was jealous. You wear the hat well." He smiled and pulled his hand reluctantly away. He didn't want to think of a life without Neal in it. Still, he wasn't about ready to join the crime life either. That just wasn't who he was. With Neal, he'd dabbled, his big toe dipping into that world. That was about as much as he could stomach. He smiled, thinking of the video footage he'd stolen for Neal when he was drugged.
His smile faded. Neal was outright lying to him. He was sure of it. Especially after what went down with the treasure. He felt like any feelings he was having weren't being returned. Like he was having this little conversation with 'Michael' and not his Neal. His Neal. The thought really stung. "Whatever you wish, Neal. Maybe if you say it enough, you'll really believe it."
Peter waved the bartender down and asked for a menu. He stared at it, anything to take his eyes off of Neal. The way he looked so good in his suit. The terrible look on his face as he lied that was breaking his heart. "Then I'm guessing you won't want to come to dinner with El and I tonight. She'd love to see you." He ordered a sandwich and some fries and whatever Neal wanted for lunch was on him as well.
His shoulders slumped. "What if I went back to the FBI, Neal?" To be honest, he really wasn't sure that he even could get his job back. He sure didn't want to be the one who was begging for his old job. Still, he couldn't read Neal. It was as if this Neal had just busted out of prison and the last few years didn't exist at all. That really hurt. "I mean it. What would it take to get you to not to do this?" He didn't know what else he could say. The only thing he had left was how he really felt about Neal. And clearly, that card wasn't worth using. He was positive now that any feelings he had wouldn't be returned.
The way Neal knocked back that wine was probably telling in and of itself. Yeah he was lying. Or something was bothering him. Whatever it was, for all his lies there were some tells that Peter could tell. Maybe others wouldn't have noticed and part of Neal hoped Peter didn't notice. This was just all too much. Damnit, Moz was right. They never should have come to New York.
Neal was actually listening to Peter's pleading, even if it didn't seem like it. Internal turmoil was almost unbearable and he wasn't sure he wouldn't throw up later.
"You were jealous?" That actually made him stop and just stare. Peter admitting that the look had been good on him was clearly appreciated.
Another sigh. He was lying but he wished he wasn't. All Neal wanted was to go back to the way things were. Maybe sans anklet but even that he could take. Everything was so god awful messed up now. The menu that appeared next to him was a good thing because he too needed something else to stare at.
"Of course I'd want to come."
Now he was at Moz really, really, really wanting to kill him when they met next.
Peter practically chugged his beer and ordered another. Sharing a look with Neal, he tipped the bartender well and made sure he kept it coming for both of their glasses. When his food arrived, he dug into to it. Mostly because he didn't want to drink on an empty stomach. He wasn't even really hungry, just that he knew he needed to eat so that he could drink. When he got home later, he was sure El was going to hate him. She might even make him sleep on the sofa when he told her everything.
He paused, swallowing his bite and wiping his mouth with a napkin. Looking up at Neal, he nodded his head. "I was. Hell, I wanted to wear the hat." But that was another story. One clearly Neal wasn't ready for. Things had been so good before Kramer stuck his nose in. If only there was a way to get him. He was sure that Neal would have gotten his freedom if Kramer hadn't bothered them. Then he really would have found out how Neal felt.
"You would?" Peter was sure he felt his heart skip a beat. It had to have. That was the one thing he wanted to hear. The only thing that he wanted to hear. It was as close to an admittal as he'd ever get. Maybe, just maybe, Neal did feel a way about him. “You know me, Neal. I’m not the type of man to beg. But...” He sighed. “I’m putting it all on the line here. For you.”
He reached out and grabbed his beer, taking another long swig. "I would try to get my job back. I would go back, Neal, but only if you're there with me."
There were at least two more glasses of wine ordered to go with the salmon something or another Neal had ordered and it seemed like burying themselves in food and alcohol was setting the tone for their lunch. So much unsaid and even more said that, in some ways, was kind of worse. At least the words Neal said because they were at least 30-50% lies.
Eventually, even the food and rather good wine weren't enough to keep him from reacting to the things Peter was saying. There was something about getting his job back and, moreover, getting Neal's back too? Neal wasn't sure if that was even what Peter wanted but it certainly was what he wanted. That or some other way to not have to live like this any more. Maybe he had gotten a bit used to the straight life.
"Is that even possible? I've been on the run for months now. The FBI is going to take one look at me and it'll be cuffs and congratulations to Peter Burke on his most elusive collar."
That wasn't meant to be a jab at Peter. It was the honest way Neal felt. He'd gotten himself in so deep, diamond or not, that he was convinced he was a wanted man for life. For just a minute, there was a flash of that desperation in Neal's eyes. Peter had seen it before when he'd been ready to board the plane with Kate and when it was looking like he was going to take the fall under Kramer's supervision.
Food and alcohol were a good lunchtime tone. They had done it before in the past. Though the last time they did, he didn't remember there being so much emotion and tension in the air. He sat there, digging into his food and thinking over what they were talking about. Peter was somewhat positive that the things Neal were saying were true, but he couldn't tell anymore where the truth ended and the lie began. And that hurt.
Peter shook his head. "Stop that right now, Caffrey." He glared up at Neal. "If that was part of it, then I wouldn't go back. I'm not arresting you again. I care..." He swallowed, realizing it was too late to turn back now. "I care too much to do that. We make a deal or I don't even think about going back."
He took another long sip of his beer and waved a finger at Neal. "There has to be a way. If we can only catch Kramer. Maybe I wear a wire and we get him on tape. I would just need enough to play for Hughes. He could help. He saw your success rate. I know that I could get him to believe in you." Now who was lying? Hughes believe in Neal? Peter shook his head. He had to try though. It was Neal.
“Do you remember what we talked about Neal? That long time ago when you were going to get on the plane with Kate? Why you didn’t say goodbye to me?” He smiled up at his friend. Yes, friend. “Do you remember what I said to you? You can think that you’re a con man. Maybe you are, but you’re a good man too. You make a difference. You help people, Neal.”
He sighed. “Do I have to start name dropping all the good that you’ve done for the FBI? They were going to give you a commutation hearing, Neal. That has to count for something. We can go after Kramer. We can try to get our jobs back. We can do all that, but I’m not going to bother if we’re not doing it together.”
It wasn't as though Neal actually thought that Peter was trying to use his arrest to fuel a career advance. There just seemed to be no other way things could play out, at least in the narrow field of vision Neal had pared himself down to in the last few months. At first, he'd thought about it constantly. Time and again Mozzie had to tell him it was a fantasy more ridiculous than any of their planned heists. And now, well Neal believed it.
"I mean, let's say, hypothetically, there was a way. At the end of all of it, I don't end up in prison? Sure, absolutely. I'll shake your hand right now and we have a deal." More wine and a big breath. "But let's say it all goes wrong. Then what do I do? There's no risk for you Peter. You don't work it out you're still already gainfully employeed. You don't work it out and me? I'm in prison because I came out of hiding."
There. The first really honest thing, no lies, nothing, he'd said. Even putting his fears on the table was hard for Neal. Running a hand through his hair, something he'd started doing after too much time around Peter, there was a shakey sigh. This conversation was eliciting too many sighs!
It was a bit of pushing his food around on his plate before he said anything more.
"Do you really think we could pull it off?"
Because maybe, just maybe he could be convinced. If anyone could, it was Peter Burke.
Neal had every right to be frightened. He was frightened. He was scared to death that this would not end well and Neal would go back to prison. It was why he had left the FBI and gone to Sara when she offered a job for him. Peter didn't want to see Neal in prison again. He really wanted to to think that he'd had an impact on Neal's life. There had to be some way to make it all right again. He smirked up at Neal, just picturing what Mozzie might say when Neal told him about all this. Oh to be a fly on that wall.
"How about this." He looked up at Neal, biting his bottom lip. "You talk to Mozzie and you don't pull this con. I know, the one you're not here to do." He held up his hand, stopping Neal from arguing. "Trust me on this, if you pull it, it won't help your case." Peter took a long sip of his beer, thinking over what he wanted to say. "You go into hiding and you stay hiding while I make some calls. You and Moz are good at that. Leave New York if you have to, but we get a few burn phones so that we can talk."
He reached up, running a hand through his hair. It helped him to think. "I'll talk to Diana and Hughes. You know, Diana told them at your hearing she thought you should go free."
"I make sure that I get everything in writing before I even hint that I know where you are. Whatever happens, you don't contact me or call me unless it's the burn phones because that's how they will find us." The one good thing about scamming the FBI was that Peter knew what they would look for. He smiled at Neal. "I think that if anyone can pull it off, we can?"
There was that moment's hesitation. Neal was listening and it wasn't just because he had to. Guarantees were made and, truth be told, he was already considering backing out of the con regardless. Peter had shown up and that didn't mean others might not too. This was now far too high profile for the city he was in. Well, it really was all along but running into Peter had gotten into his head.
Either way, con he was admitting to or not, he had equal reason to listen. There was something about the way Peter was thinking that actually sounded promising. Part of that was because Peter really was a good man. A far better man than Neal was, or so Neal felt anyways. He was what inspired Neal to try at all. So, given a taste of that Burke inspiration he'd missed, he was willing to at least talk.
"Okay. Now you're thinking in a way that sounds a lot less like a walk down the yellow brick road to prison." There was the smallest smile and nod of agreement. "We could. Look, do your thing and make your calls. If you can actually make this go away..."
That trail off was kind of like a promise. Ish. For Neal at any rate.
Mozzie was going to dump his body in the Hudson and Peter was never going to see him again.
The fact that Peter was able to get through to Neal really made him feel good. He smiled, finishing his beer and throwing some money down on the bar to cover them both. It wasn't that he thought Neal couldn't pull off the job. Far from it. He just knows that if Neal wants to come back, one more job isn't a good thing to have on his record.
And whether he believed it or not, Neal was a good man. He'd made good choices and done good things since meeting the Burke's. El had even fallen in love with him. They both thought of Neal as one of their friends and they never wanted to lose that connection. The time without him had been hard.
"You're having an influence on me, Caffrey." He winked and turned his stool to face Neal outright. "I can't make promises, but it's a start. Let's go get those burn phones and part ways before someone sees you." He smiles and reaches out, gently slapping the back of Neal's shoulder. His hand lingered a little longer than it needed to.
"Neal... Thank you for coming back. I mean it. It's... It's been tough without you."
Neal stood still that moment Peter's hand lingered. He'd missed him far more than he was willing to put into words. Closing his eyes, Neal savored the moment. Soon he'd be back in hiding. Everything was going to go back to where it was before and just like that bottle of wine he'd obsessed over, Neal would find something new to be fixated on. A dream and a wish he could return to his life before, with his only hope being trusting Peter.
Once before he'd told the older man that he was the only one he trusted, and he'd meant it. If there was anyone he was willing to hold out for, it was Peter. Puling back on his jacket and adjusting his glasses, Neal almost hated to go back to being Michael Stanton. He just wanted to be Neal Caffrey, parter and friend to Peter Burke. He missed him absolutely terribly, even if he hadn't shown it like he should of.
"I..." Neal shifted a little. "It hasn't been easy for me either."
Said softly, it was another moment of honesty too.
If he looked, he might see some subtle differences that weren't there before. He was still Peter, but he wasn't. If Neal really looked, he'd see see a few extra lines around his eyes that weren't there before. A hint of his hair going gray above the ears. The things going on recently in his life had affected him a little. Even if Peter was trying hard to push through and smile, there were things Neal would pick up.
"I..." He hesitated. "I wasn't sure what I was going to do. Hughes did say that I could come back eventually, but it left a foul taste in my mouth. It really hurt that this bureau that I loved was treating me the way that it was. Other than Diana and Jones, I felt like I didn't fit anymore." He remembered the day like it was yesterday. "Word must get around though. I received a call from Sara. We went out to lunch and she offered me a job with Sterling Bosch."
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Peter, in theory, had done it again even if he wasn't going to act on the actual chance of an arrest. There was no contest in Neal's mind.
"Hughes and the FBI are fools for letting you go." He said honestly. "And for--"
Okay Peter had said something again that threw his head for a loop. It wasn't often people could make Neal lose his eloquence but Peter sometimes had a knack for it. Registering that last bit, both Sara and the subsequent Peter going to the dark side. Those people wanted him as badly as the Feds had. Neal didn't look entirely thrilled.
"Okay that's a serious pay increase more than 'pays the rent' Peter."
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Peter paused, struggling for the words that he wanted to say. When he had first gotten the call from Sara, he thought it was just lunch. When they met, it became more than that. The money that they saved her boss on that last job had endeared Peter to him. He admired everything Peter and Neal had done for the company and wanted to repay him.
"Sara had told him what was going on and really went to bat for me. She explained what a great investigator I was and what my success rate at the FBI had become. She informed him that the money I saved the company was just a start to what I could do for them. She really sold me to him and got a nice job offer for me." He took a sip of his beer, thinking it over.
"I don't care about the money, Neal. It's nice, but money isn't everything. I see it as I'm still getting to do what I love. I help people. I solve crimes. I get art or other things back for clients. It's not exactly the same, but it helps. I'm not sitting around and moping because I don't have a job." He smiled at Neal, tilting his head to the side. "It's not the end of the world, Neal. I can't arrest you, even if I wanted to. Which is why I'm pleading with you. Please, don't steal that diamond."
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Something must have been registering because he managed to be quiet through every thing the other man had to say. There were appropriate nods and all that but apparently he was considering at least some part of what his friend was saying. No, it wasn't the end of the world but... Sterling and Bosch? Really? Couldn't he have found anyone else that didn't categorically hate Neal Caffrey to work for?
Sigh.
"I'm not here to steal it Peter. How arrogant do you think I am?"
Short answer. Very.
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For Peter, he really didn't have many options. He wasn't young. He wasn't an up and comer in the business world. He knew crimes. And not many would give him a job after he left the FBI. Especially with the circumstances on why he left. Sterling and Bosche had been his last hope. If he had his choice, he would rather go back to the FBI. His dream would be to return, bring Neal with him, and get Neal his freedom.
Sigh.
"Very." He raised an eyebrow at Neal, a smug look on his face. Neal could say until he was blue in the face that he wasn't there to steal it. Peter didn't believe him. "Sure. Tell Moz I said hi. Or is it Haversham?" He sighed, looking down at his watch. He had all day, but he doubted Neal did. He'd have to get back to his 'team' soon. If he didn't eat soon, his stomach was going to start making noises.
"Neal, I would go back to the FBI in a heartbeat if I could. I would want things to go back to the way they were, but it can't happen like that. Not unless we got to Kramer somehow." Now that was a con he'd love to do. He really wanted to stick it to Kramer. "Hell, Neal. I miss you. The stupid hats and going for coffee." He missed more than just that, not like he'd admit it.
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"I miss those hats too you know. The whole elbow pad thing?" Neal holds up an arm. "It's not working for me."
Okay he missed Peter too, immensely, but Neal never was good at communicating honest feelings.
"Haversham? I think that name died the moment he left New York. I haven't heard from him since it all went down."
God he felt like such a prick. Lying, even now, just came so much easier. Soon enough he was going to have to depart, but not to go back to his team. No, Neal needed to dump cold water over his face, grasp a sink's edge, and try to, well, get a grip. This was not how he intended the first two hours of the con to go. But now, more than ever, he needed this con. There was nothing left for him in New York if Peter couldn't, as always, make the mess go away.
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His smile faded. Neal was outright lying to him. He was sure of it. Especially after what went down with the treasure. He felt like any feelings he was having weren't being returned. Like he was having this little conversation with 'Michael' and not his Neal. His Neal. The thought really stung. "Whatever you wish, Neal. Maybe if you say it enough, you'll really believe it."
Peter waved the bartender down and asked for a menu. He stared at it, anything to take his eyes off of Neal. The way he looked so good in his suit. The terrible look on his face as he lied that was breaking his heart. "Then I'm guessing you won't want to come to dinner with El and I tonight. She'd love to see you." He ordered a sandwich and some fries and whatever Neal wanted for lunch was on him as well.
His shoulders slumped. "What if I went back to the FBI, Neal?" To be honest, he really wasn't sure that he even could get his job back. He sure didn't want to be the one who was begging for his old job. Still, he couldn't read Neal. It was as if this Neal had just busted out of prison and the last few years didn't exist at all. That really hurt. "I mean it. What would it take to get you to not to do this?" He didn't know what else he could say. The only thing he had left was how he really felt about Neal. And clearly, that card wasn't worth using. He was positive now that any feelings he had wouldn't be returned.
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Neal was actually listening to Peter's pleading, even if it didn't seem like it. Internal turmoil was almost unbearable and he wasn't sure he wouldn't throw up later.
"You were jealous?" That actually made him stop and just stare. Peter admitting that the look had been good on him was clearly appreciated.
Another sigh. He was lying but he wished he wasn't. All Neal wanted was to go back to the way things were. Maybe sans anklet but even that he could take. Everything was so god awful messed up now. The menu that appeared next to him was a good thing because he too needed something else to stare at.
"Of course I'd want to come."
Now he was at Moz really, really, really wanting to kill him when they met next.
But... he really didn't want to say no.
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He paused, swallowing his bite and wiping his mouth with a napkin. Looking up at Neal, he nodded his head. "I was. Hell, I wanted to wear the hat." But that was another story. One clearly Neal wasn't ready for. Things had been so good before Kramer stuck his nose in. If only there was a way to get him. He was sure that Neal would have gotten his freedom if Kramer hadn't bothered them. Then he really would have found out how Neal felt.
"You would?" Peter was sure he felt his heart skip a beat. It had to have. That was the one thing he wanted to hear. The only thing that he wanted to hear. It was as close to an admittal as he'd ever get. Maybe, just maybe, Neal did feel a way about him. “You know me, Neal. I’m not the type of man to beg. But...” He sighed. “I’m putting it all on the line here. For you.”
He reached out and grabbed his beer, taking another long swig. "I would try to get my job back. I would go back, Neal, but only if you're there with me."
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Eventually, even the food and rather good wine weren't enough to keep him from reacting to the things Peter was saying. There was something about getting his job back and, moreover, getting Neal's back too? Neal wasn't sure if that was even what Peter wanted but it certainly was what he wanted. That or some other way to not have to live like this any more. Maybe he had gotten a bit used to the straight life.
"Is that even possible? I've been on the run for months now. The FBI is going to take one look at me and it'll be cuffs and congratulations to Peter Burke on his most elusive collar."
That wasn't meant to be a jab at Peter. It was the honest way Neal felt. He'd gotten himself in so deep, diamond or not, that he was convinced he was a wanted man for life. For just a minute, there was a flash of that desperation in Neal's eyes. Peter had seen it before when he'd been ready to board the plane with Kate and when it was looking like he was going to take the fall under Kramer's supervision.
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Peter shook his head. "Stop that right now, Caffrey." He glared up at Neal. "If that was part of it, then I wouldn't go back. I'm not arresting you again. I care..." He swallowed, realizing it was too late to turn back now. "I care too much to do that. We make a deal or I don't even think about going back."
He took another long sip of his beer and waved a finger at Neal. "There has to be a way. If we can only catch Kramer. Maybe I wear a wire and we get him on tape. I would just need enough to play for Hughes. He could help. He saw your success rate. I know that I could get him to believe in you." Now who was lying? Hughes believe in Neal? Peter shook his head. He had to try though. It was Neal.
“Do you remember what we talked about Neal? That long time ago when you were going to get on the plane with Kate? Why you didn’t say goodbye to me?” He smiled up at his friend. Yes, friend. “Do you remember what I said to you? You can think that you’re a con man. Maybe you are, but you’re a good man too. You make a difference. You help people, Neal.”
He sighed. “Do I have to start name dropping all the good that you’ve done for the FBI? They were going to give you a commutation hearing, Neal. That has to count for something. We can go after Kramer. We can try to get our jobs back. We can do all that, but I’m not going to bother if we’re not doing it together.”
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"I mean, let's say, hypothetically, there was a way. At the end of all of it, I don't end up in prison? Sure, absolutely. I'll shake your hand right now and we have a deal." More wine and a big breath. "But let's say it all goes wrong. Then what do I do? There's no risk for you Peter. You don't work it out you're still already gainfully employeed. You don't work it out and me? I'm in prison because I came out of hiding."
There. The first really honest thing, no lies, nothing, he'd said. Even putting his fears on the table was hard for Neal. Running a hand through his hair, something he'd started doing after too much time around Peter, there was a shakey sigh. This conversation was eliciting too many sighs!
It was a bit of pushing his food around on his plate before he said anything more.
"Do you really think we could pull it off?"
Because maybe, just maybe he could be convinced. If anyone could, it was Peter Burke.
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"How about this." He looked up at Neal, biting his bottom lip. "You talk to Mozzie and you don't pull this con. I know, the one you're not here to do." He held up his hand, stopping Neal from arguing. "Trust me on this, if you pull it, it won't help your case." Peter took a long sip of his beer, thinking over what he wanted to say. "You go into hiding and you stay hiding while I make some calls. You and Moz are good at that. Leave New York if you have to, but we get a few burn phones so that we can talk."
He reached up, running a hand through his hair. It helped him to think. "I'll talk to Diana and Hughes. You know, Diana told them at your hearing she thought you should go free."
"I make sure that I get everything in writing before I even hint that I know where you are. Whatever happens, you don't contact me or call me unless it's the burn phones because that's how they will find us." The one good thing about scamming the FBI was that Peter knew what they would look for. He smiled at Neal. "I think that if anyone can pull it off, we can?"
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Either way, con he was admitting to or not, he had equal reason to listen. There was something about the way Peter was thinking that actually sounded promising. Part of that was because Peter really was a good man. A far better man than Neal was, or so Neal felt anyways. He was what inspired Neal to try at all. So, given a taste of that Burke inspiration he'd missed, he was willing to at least talk.
"Okay. Now you're thinking in a way that sounds a lot less like a walk down the yellow brick road to prison." There was the smallest smile and nod of agreement. "We could. Look, do your thing and make your calls. If you can actually make this go away..."
That trail off was kind of like a promise. Ish. For Neal at any rate.
Mozzie was going to dump his body in the Hudson and Peter was never going to see him again.
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And whether he believed it or not, Neal was a good man. He'd made good choices and done good things since meeting the Burke's. El had even fallen in love with him. They both thought of Neal as one of their friends and they never wanted to lose that connection. The time without him had been hard.
"You're having an influence on me, Caffrey." He winked and turned his stool to face Neal outright. "I can't make promises, but it's a start. Let's go get those burn phones and part ways before someone sees you." He smiles and reaches out, gently slapping the back of Neal's shoulder. His hand lingered a little longer than it needed to.
"Neal... Thank you for coming back. I mean it. It's... It's been tough without you."
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Once before he'd told the older man that he was the only one he trusted, and he'd meant it. If there was anyone he was willing to hold out for, it was Peter. Puling back on his jacket and adjusting his glasses, Neal almost hated to go back to being Michael Stanton. He just wanted to be Neal Caffrey, parter and friend to Peter Burke. He missed him absolutely terribly, even if he hadn't shown it like he should of.
"I..." Neal shifted a little. "It hasn't been easy for me either."
Said softly, it was another moment of honesty too.
"Right. Let's get those phones."
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