Hello dears!
I swear I have two speeds, either fast as lightning or slow as snail. But I got really motivated thanks to the feedbacks on Surprise, Surprise; and now I officially start the series of one shots for the black wing thief canon AU! Now, a bit of info before we jump into the first one shot.
You need to read first Surprise, Surprise. This first one shot, and the main storyline, is a direct sequel. The AN also contains informations, and it won't make sense if you don't read it. For those that did read it by now, yes I went with making the series a sequel of starting anew.
Know that while it is a series of one shots, they will all be published in this story. Overall, it stays a continuous plotline, with one shots showing specific moments. But this is also where I add details about the three types of one shots!
It will appear before the title, but you have Main, Past and Alternate. Main form the main storyline, and for the most part one shots are direct sequels to each other. Sometimes, one can develop on something that wasn't in previous one shots (this is the case here, Three Brothers is set toward the end of the second part of Surprise, Surprise, precisely after they enter the Burke home but before Joshua and Jack leave). Past will be stories of past events compared to the main storyline. They're all canon to the storyline, though rarely linear. There will be an addition of A, B, C, D or E after Past (example: Past (A), Past (C), etc), and they correspond to the five major arc of Neal's past. D is from first meeting Mozzie to getting arrested by Peter the first time. E is events of the show (but previous to anything about Neal's father). So D and E Past one shots will be mostly to give a better idea of what I kept canon and what headcanons I have.
A, B and C will mostly be discovered slowly. I will write A, B and C Past only if something has been divulge enough, and/or to give hints. If I guess well enough, you will first see mainly C Past, then B Past, then A Past. The overall A-E categorization is so you do have an idea of where in Neal's past the one shot happens. If one is related more closely than just the general arc (sequel, mention, etc), I will tell which other one shot it connects to (and if it's before or after most of the time).
Now, Alternate one shot are AU to the canon AU, so to speak. They're also independent from each other, unless stated otherwise. They will be to play out with other versions of existing one shot, or for one shots that can't fit in the Main. For example, I might do an Alternate about Peter's first encounter with Jack and Joshua.
Now to the first one shot! It didn't go as I expected, but then again, I have the background but have no plan for what will happen. But it's the fun, right? I still feel happy about this one, but don't hesitate to tell me what you think of it!
Oh, and I might not be so fast all the time, I need to work on my second novel very soon, and I have blogs to keep in shape, but don't worry I'll continue no matter what!
Main: Three brothers
Needless to say, once El made sure Neal knew the sudden appearance of his two brothers to her doorstep had been quite the shock, she had to marvel at the likeness of the three. Only Neal had very dark brown hairs while Jack and Joshua had dark hairs. If she was honest, while Jack more of a raven haired, Joshua's hairs seemed… pitch black. With the way the oldest held himself with pride, bright eyes and mischievous grins or smirks, she realized his charisma was stronger than Neal. She never thought she would one day meet someone that gave such a sensation; but then again, this was his brother.
Jack, for his part, woke all her maternal instincts. The young man stuck to his brothers, utterly lost when El had sprung hugs on both brothers. Joshua had tensed in surprised, but showed a genuine smile; but Jack had been adorable with the way he blushed while his lips twitched into a fait smile. He radiated of shyness, even if he tried to hide it behind a cool exterior, and felt like someone who wasn't used to people that weren't his brothers. However, El could not help but notice that it made his charm, one just strong as his brothers.
They truly were all Caffreys. Though… "So, are you called Caffrey too?" She asked with light tease in her tone as they all sat around the living room table with some snacks, Neal sandwiched between his two brothers while El and Peter faced them.
Jack sort of froze his petting of Satchmo, the dog lifting his head that had been resting on the man's laps to whine slightly. The young man quickly returned to the petting, Joshua locking eyes with El.
"Maybe, maybe not." He gave a wolfish grin, making Peter scowl.
Definitely Neal's brother. The agent looked at his CI, but Neal shrugged his shoulder in silence. Well, at least, it seemed they would know very fast what none of them were ready to give out. Unexpectedly, it was Jack that added something.
"It's not really important. I'm Jack, he's Joshua; surnames are just for papers and stuff." When he noticed the pensive frown of Peter, he got even more focused on the dog that wagged his tail very fast from attention.
Neal's lips twitched with amusement. "Careful, he might not want to let you go at this rate."
Jack flickered his eyes to Neal. "Tell that to Angie, she wouldn't let go of Satchmo."
The new name did not go unnoticed, not even by Joshua who rolled his eyes above Neal's shoulders. Jack snapped his mouth shut, gazing at the Burke somewhat sheepishly before shrugging and going back to the petting. It wasn't like Angie was a rare name, it gave out nothing else than the three of them knowing a woman named Angie. Well, from what Neal told them of the Burke, and from what they saw so far, they might guess she was part of their family, or at least that she was close to them. And that she loved animals. It was actually too personal to be able to start a search, and to be honest, neither Jack nor Joshua believed Peter would take the risk. Contrary to what Peter believed, they had heard Neal's whispers.
Peter seemed to conclude the same thing, as he gazed at Jack with a mix of slight exasperation and faint appreciation. Those three were too similar when it came to word play, and he wondered what would happen if they worked together. All he knew was that he would prefer if it was on his side. Like El, he felt the overpowering aura of Joshua, demanding respect without threatening, his eyes and smile almost hypnotizing you. But if he looked away, Jack's attitude mellowed his heart, bringing his guard down and almost making him want to soothe his own attitude. And in the middle, Neal almost earned his place as second brother, middle ground between those two charms. He has his own charms, all three had their own, and the smiles; but he could give out the same soothing sensation as Jack.
Yes, those three would be a force to be reckoned with, if they teamed up. It was obvious they had learned from each other, and more than that, when they were together it seemed each acted and spoke in ways that worked with the two others. It was almost overwhelming; and yet they were not trying to do anything .
"So… Do I dare hope your life is relatively calm?" The resignation in his tone told them he already had an idea of what the reply would be.
"Oh Agent Burke, I'm sure you don't expect us to reply to this?" Joshua teased, which was an answer in itself. Whatever they did, it was not something they could divulge easily, especially for an FBI agent.
Jack let out a low chuckle. "Well, I don't know about you, but I actually feel pretty chill most of the time."
The two older brothers threw narrowed eyes gazes at him for the snark he showed. The exchange was amusing to watch, yet frustrating as it still told nothing. Peter might become crazy if they kept this on. But as usual, El saved him.
"Can't we have a clue?" She smiled sweetly. "You know we won't speak of you. We simply want to know better those that are important to Neal, because they are important to us too."
Neal smiled softly while Jack and Joshua stared at her. Only El would manage to worm her way and sway his brothers. But the truth was, just like him, she had a personality that could weaken them easily if she tried, or even if she didn't. Indeed, as Neal observed Joshua gulping and Jack leaving the oldest to deal with this as stared down at Satchmo, the middle brother knew they saw what he had first seen.
The gentleness yet the ability to be stern, the way with words… Those were traits she had possessed.
Peter and El seemed to realize something had happened in the three brothers, as concern flashed in their eyes. Jack had grown slightly hard to read, which was a first for him, while Joshua was slowly building up his usual composure after something very close to longing crossed his face. Neal handled it better than them, secretly already used to those moments where he wasn't quite seeing El, but because of his train of thoughts, his expression had shifted into nostalgia for a second. The various and powerful emotions startled a bit the woman, though Peter managed to note them down in his mind.
Joshua was quick to talk as soon as he got back his grin, though it had grown soft. "With this skill at words, I guess it would be bad of us to not cave in." He wrapped arm around Neal's shoulder, poking in the process Jack's own. It earned him dual eyes roll. "Jack and I both know what needs to be known. Allegedly, we might or might not have helped out our brother."
Peter couldn't help the little grin at the familiar wording. There was nothing wrong with helping someone, or knowing things. But he would bet they were not doing it legally, or not totally at least. Neal exchanged a little amused smile with him, confirming his suspicion. But because of Neal, he had learned to overlook some things. He still didn't know if he should worry about It, yet he could not grow to care about it right now-or most of the time really.
El gave a chuckle for her part, aware he had evaded any… compromising wording. "I see. But you don't seem too used to people, Jack?"
The youngest brother looked at her, the genuine little worry mixed with the inquiring observation making the heterochromatic eyes brighten. "It's their domain. I prefer the shadows."
Peter's eyebrows shot up for a second, his mind whispering to him that sometimes, it was those that stayed unseen that could be the most dangerous. If Jack wasn't someone who stood in the crowd, what did he do? Joshua had said they knew what needed to be known, in short that they were into informations, and in that moment the dots slowly connected. Joshua evolved in ways similar to Neal, which he would be on the field to seek informations. So, it left Jack with ways that kept him out of sight. Communication, or maybe…
The three brothers let identical smirk form, making El look at her husband and almost seeing the wheel turning. "He's as good as you said." Joshua whistled, though Jack was the one who showed the slight anxiety all probably felt. Yet, Joshua carried on, earning a frown from Neal. "Let's see what your guess is."
Peter locked eyes with the green eyes of the man, and in that second he felt like he was on the thin line of becoming friend or foe. His heart thumped in his chest, and his tongue tied in his mouth for a bit. El titled her head, though something in how Joshua looked at Peter made her unwilling to look elsewhere than Peter. Her own heart accelerated, and she was torn between showing protectiveness toward her husband, or diffusing the tension in some way.
"Joshua, he's a FBI agent. You can't force him to acknowledge this." Neal's stern voice sounded, edged with protectiveness and slight anger.
The older male turned his attention to Neal, who flinched back for a second before he straightened once more. The sight pained Peter, as he realized the two brothers were having a silent battle about him. He didn't understand how the conversation turned this way this fast, but all he knew was that his answer might have triggered something bad out of the older brother. It was almost as if daring to voice it, and to voice what he thought of it. As if he was testing if Peter would know what was best to say-or not-for himself and Neal's safety.
El wanted to do something, but a quick shake of head from Jack told her she shouldn't. He looked a bit worried, gazing at Joshua with slight plead in his eyes, while he put a hand on Neal's shoulder. Satchmo had moved away as soon as the tension rose, ears low as he hide behind El's chair now.
"Won't you calm down?" Jack finally muttered to them, and they blinked their eyes as if finally coming back to their senses. "Joshua, I know you want what's best for Neal, but you know forcing him and Peter to talk won't work. But Neal, it's alright to let them in a bit more, you know?"
Now, it was Jack who had the attention of both his brothers. They looked partly panicked at what he voiced, and partly grateful he was soothing them down. In truth, it had been quite instinctual that Neal had defended Peter, in ways that his brothers understood more than Peter and El would. And it was why Joshua softened while Neal looked down.
"Well… I didn't mean to lower the mood, especially as it's Neal's birthday." He ruffled Neal's hairs, looking at Peter at the same time. "Let's say you might have guesses, and it might or might not be close enough, if you can deduce well."
This was the peace offering, and Peter took it willingly. "Well, I caught Neal. Twice. " Neal actually pouted at the reminder. "But it can only be guesses."
And with this, they soon threw themselves back into lighter subjects. Joshua teased Neal about his protectiveness, to which the younger man retorted that Joshua himself was worse. In the end, they paused before agreeing in one voice that Jack was the worse when it comes to protectiveness. This earned them a double whack, Jack grumbling, "Watch your tone, or I'll make sure to gather all your little secrets."
That effectively shut them up, and amusingly enough they pawed the pockets with their phones. Jack smirked for a second, whistling innocently at the accusing glares, before he called back Satchmo who willingly returned to his new friend now that the air was calm again. The gesture got noted by Peter, working with what he believed Jack might be working with, but soon he focused on the real matter at hand.
They had to share the cake, as Peter was aware the rest of the guests would be there soon enough. He didn't believe Neal's brothers would stay, if the subtle glance at the clock by Joshua told him anything. Seeming to catch his train of thoughts, El smiled warmly before getting up. "Come on, boys, at the table or you won't have anything."
And in a flash, the three dark haired males moved from the couch to the table while Satchmo made a sound of surprise followed by a whine. Peter and El blinked, turning to see the three men already sitting with impish lights in their eyes.
"Do we earn something for being first?" Neal called out, his grin wide.
"Technically, I arrived first." Jack corrected, crossing his arms in false indignation.
"Or I can eat your parts out of frustration at being the last." Joshua joked, waggling eyebrows.
El laughed in pleased surprise, but moved to the kitchen as Peter slowly sat too. "Behave, or none of you will have anything." The woman called from the kitchen.
And it was in good spirits that they ate together, the look of happiness on Neal's face worth all the events of the day in Peter's mind. They carefully avoided touchy subjects, instead flying over a few amusing events of the past few days, and at one point Peter finally caught the answer.
"Oh I wish I saw this!" Joshua laughed, picturing well enough Jack hiding behind the jam.
"Oh snap your mouth shut, what was I supposed to do? I was supposed to go hide when he arrived, by Peter was here before we noticed!" Jack replied, flustered.
"Well, maybe it's not a bad thing." Neal added, amused grin softening. Because indeed, he felt happy seeing how his brothers fitted right in within the Burke house.
Having them for this birthday had been one of the greatest joy, which would only be matched when he would be with his whole family. But having them and the Burke? It was a blessing he had not thought to come so soon. Maybe it was accidental, but… Peter knowing more about himself, about this deep and private part, both frightened and rejoiced him.
The man had grown very important to him; and he felt happy in knowing he was able to share something else. Their line of works, even if he was technically an ex conman, meant it was hard to be fully honest with Peter. Their life themselves meant that they couldn't and wouldn't easily allow someone to know of their connection. So, it felt good to have been able to trust Peter with this.
Neal didn't know how it would go, now that Peter was so close to so much more, but maybe Joshua had always been right. Maybe Peter had grown too important for him, and it was a matter of time before Neal himself wished for the man to know the truth.
But today was not the day, the revelations of this day had been enough. Jack suddenly voiced that they should go, and Neal exchanged hugs with his two brothers as they told him they would wait at June's apartment. They also got hugs from El, and handshakes from Peter, with a subtle promise as Peter told them, "Until next time, then," and Joshua replied with a grin and nod.
Yes, they had entered the frame, even if for now they left again into the shadows. Even if everyone else would not know, Peter and El did. And the two brothers knew it meant their brother was one step closer to opening up to the man he cared for so much.
End of Three Brothers.
Stay tuned...