PRICELESS
Neal watched Peter sweep Elizabeth into his arms, ending perhaps the most terrifying days in the couple's time together. Neal sighed contently and sadly when he saw Peter smile for the first time in days. He wasn't going to kid himself about this one: he was happy—no, overjoyed—to see Peter and Elizabeth reunited and safe. Still, whenever Neal witnessed their happiness, he couldn't help but desire that happiness for himself.
"Is that why you chose to stay?"
Neal looked to his right to find Mozzie at his side. Neal smiled and glanced back at Peter and Elizabeth once more. He turned back to Mozzie. "Face it, Moz: Peter and El are the best people we know. Leastways, they're the best people I know. You have Mr. Jeffries too." Neal shrugged. "I couldn't turn my back on them. And it's a good thing I didn't, right?"
Mozzie gave Neal a guilty look, but chose not to delve into that right now. There would be plenty of time later. "Do you think you have a shot at that, too?"
They both turned back to Peter and Elizabeth, who were now kissing as is they were the only ones present.
Neal shrugged again. "Can't a guy hope? I still—maybe Sara and I could get back together?" He chose to ignore the horrified look that flashed across Mozzie's face. "Listen, Moz, I think I have a shot at this life. I think I can change."
"I'd say you have changed," interjected Mozzie. "You did, after all, choose to stay."
"Yeah," snapped Neal. "Even with one of my best friends acting so negative about it."
Mozzie shot Neal another guilty look. "Okay, I do care about you Neal. I didn't want to see you get hurt by sticking around here. I mean, we both know what Peter has to do now that he knows about the treasure." Neal looked away. Mozzie pressed on. "You've risked your freedom, my conviction, and priceless treasure that would've led you to any life you wanted. And you risked it all for a 9-5 workday and a shot at a friendship that could shatter at any moment. That sounds a bit crazy to me. It probably would sound crazy to normal people. People who aren't even criminals would say that's stupid."
Neal gave Mozzie a genuine smile after the little man's rant. "Moz, that is priceless treasure." He pointed Peter and Elizabeth, arm in arm, walking down the sidewalk, in pure bliss with love. "They're happy. They're safe. They're in love. They live for each other. That's worth more than any treasure we could loot. And I realized that, even before El got kidnapped. I realized that this happiness isn't something I'll ever get from a con or the greatest score."
Mozzie just shook his head. "I guess we're more different than I thought."
"You're still my friend, Moz."
"A friend whom you've put at risk by revealing that I had the treasure all along."
Neal looked back at Peter and Elizabeth. "You know Peter can make a good deal. And I'm sure we can count on Elizabeth to soften him up. You never know: maybe Peter will make you a consultant too." He patted Mozzie on the shoulder as he walked off.
Mozzie was left standing alone on the sidewalk, looking a little worried.
"Neal! Does June have another loft?"