Safely Home

BeautifulAlice

Summary: After a particularly rough case, Elizabeth offers to let Neal stay at the Burkes in order to heal. Gen fic, no spoilers.

Genre: Friendship/Gen

"I still can't believe you went and got a broken arm, a concussion, and let's not forget the various sets of bruises, shall we?" Peter said dryly, as he was helping lowering Neal into a bed. Elizabeth was fluffling up the pillows so that Neal could sit up comfortably enough, but still lay down somewhat to go to sleep.

"Got the bad guy though, didn't I?" Neal's smug tone was ruined when he winced as he moved wrong. "I've forgotten how much having a broken arm hurts," He muttered.

Peter chuckled.

"Don't worry, you'll be well cared for here. Seeing as you haven't had lunch, we're having some kind of chicken soup and a bit of baked bread and cheese. Do you want some?"

"Yes, please!" Neal said hopefully. His stomach was rumbling unhappily, and he couldn't help but feel relieved when he finally got properly situated onto the bed. He hoped he didn't fall asleep before lunch arrived.

"I'll go and bring you your lunch," Elizabeth offered, and went out the room before Peter or Neal could protest.

For a moment, both men were quiet, each not looking at one another. Then, finally, Peter spoke,

"Neal...I'm sorry. I should've acted faster, if I had-"

"Peter, don't-it's not your fault. You know trouble is attracted to me, and if it hadn't been me, then you would've gotten hurt," Neal said firmly.

Peter stared at him a bit, before huffing.

"Fine, fine, I'll let it go...but don't think you're not getting out of self-defense training later. I know you've been working on it some with Diana, but you're lessons are going to be increased from here on out,"

Neal sighed.

"Of course they are. But in the meantime? Thanks," He said earnestly, and Peter raised an eyebrow.

"For what?"

"For saving my life," Neal managed to say, right before Elizabeth came back into the room with a tray of food and a glass of sweet tea. She began talking about what was on the tray, but Neal barely heard her as he was looking at Peter who simply smiled.

They were home.

And that was all that mattered.

End