Neal, oh God Neal. Hearing his voice, seeing him in the flesh brought Peter a temporary sense of relief, and he breathed deeply, even as his friend held him at arm's length, and they surveyed one another.
"How are you Peter?" the question was less of a question and sounded like a cautious statement at best.
"Alright," because I know you're alright. And that you're safe. He couldn't help it. He pulled the kid into a hug, letting out the sigh of all his trepidations, alternately relieved and ecstatic at the same time. But he had to say something, anything, to push away the awkward sense that Neal was not the hugging type.
"Damn good to see you," He managed, clapping Neal on the back, holding him in a tight hug, unable to keep the elation from his voice. After so much time spent worrying over him, his safety, everything…
"You too," Neal finally returned the hug, and Peter was grateful that he couldn't see the con's face.
He only hoped that Neal would trust him.
He held the wallet between his fingertips, as Peter turned and pushed the door aside. He watched the myriad of emotion wash over the FED's face, as he walked closer, but held his hand up. Peter respected his wish.
"How are you Peter," it wasn't a question. He had told him that enough was enough.
"Alright," And the older man started towards him, arms open, and embraced him tightly. Neal remained blank faced at first, if not a little curious. Peter had missed him, and he couldn't keep small smile from his face as his friend clapped him on the back.
"Damn good to see you," he intoned, hugging him all the tighter.
Neal bit his lip, and returned the hug, blinking away his emotion. "You too,"
And it was, if slightly inconvenient.
He wondered about Elizabeth, and Satch.
And he found that he meant it.
It was damn good to see Peter.
