Title: Crime Prevention
Author: TeeJay
Rating: PG-13, just to be safe
Characters: Peter and Neal (gen)
Summary: Peter receives an unexpected gift from Neal.
Word Count: 300
Warnings: None
Author's Note: Just a short triple-drabble for the Live Journal whitecollar100 community prompt #22 "Savings". I hope it's not too much of a stretch to give Peter a hobby that involves an SLR camera.
Disclaimer: White Collar, its characters and its settings belong to Jeff Eastin and USA Network. And, guys? Your characters are not only welcome, they're wonderful. I'm just borrowing, I promise.

"Neal, I can't accept this."

Peter placed the shoebox-sized cardboard package on Neal's dining table.

"Why not?"

"It's a $2,000 telephoto lens. You don't give $2,000 gifts to people just like that."

"Come on, Peter, you've had your eye on it for weeks."

"Yes, and there's a reason why I haven't bought it yet. El and I have some savings, but they're for the important things. You know, for the things you save up for. And when you think you've earned them, then you feel you deserve to spend that large sum of money on them. Not that I expect you to understand that concept."

There was a twinkle in Neal's eye. "Seriously, deep down, that really hurts."

"Besides, I don't want anything that was bought with dirty money from your fencing jobs."

"What, don't you think I have savings too? Believe it or not, I've worked honest jobs."

"Oh yeah? Like what?"

"Hm, let me think... I've worked as a book restorer at the Smithsonian once."

Peter narrowed his eyes. "And that pays well enough to gather savings?"

Neal flashed an innocent smile. "It was a high profile project."

"And I'm supposed to believe that didn't have anything to do with canvassing the museum for the next job you were planning."

"Peter," Neal said with mock exasperation. "Would I ever do such a thing?"

"Yes, you would."

"So, what do I have to do to make you take the lens home?"

"Nothing. I'm not gonna take it."

"I'm gonna give it to Mozzie if you don't want it. He has a 17-year-old, very attractive neighbor in Friday that likes to undress with her blinds open."

Peter quickly snatched the box and put it under his arm. "All right. I'm gonna take it, but only because it'll prevent a crime.".