Author's Note: Written mainly to stave off boredom because I still can't watch season 3. The following could be considered a pair of "missing scenes" for the Season 3 premiere, "On Guard", but really can we consider anything missing from the amazing episodes that make up the series White Collar? In any case, I wanted to do a version of convincing Mozzie to give up the plane escape, and get a reaction from June on Neal's continued tenancy, and thus these ideas were born.
"Save it, Neal," Mozzie sniped back as he gulped a glass of one of Neal's favorites.
"I have a chance to solve the case. And keep money out of the wrong hands. There will be other escape routes."
"There'll be other cases too. The suits will need to learn to solve them without our superior skills. Or are you planning to stay until they're out of people to catch?"
Neal cracked a smile. "The more law the more offenders, my friend."
"Thomas Fuller. And stealing my shtick won't change the subject. You—" Mozzie gestured dramatically with Neal's wineglass. "—aren't ready to leave."
There it was a pause. Short, undetectable to the average man as the two cons confronted the elephant in the room. One beat. Two beats.
"Of course I am." No elaborate lie, no attempt to sell it. It was Mozzie's move.
Depositing the wineglass by the door, Mozzie gave a simple, "I'll see you in the morning."
Neal opened his mouth, then shut it again.
"We'll save The Suit one last time."
After the door shut, Neal raised Moz's glass in the air in a silent toast. They picked right in each other that was certain.
The ending is for Jeff Eastin. I agree there is a lot of toasting on this show ;)