Author's Note: So, I've seen plently of stories that try to explain why Neal doesn't like guns. Most of them seem to involve some tramatic event in his past. Which is fine. That's a good reason. That's not what this is though. This is an idea I've become a little bit obssessed with lately and I hope someone out there likes it!
Disclaimer: Yeah. I wish. However, sadly, I must admit, White Collar does not and never will belong to me.
Warnings: Spoilers for the episode Hard Sell.
Darkness Within
There's a reason Neal Caffrey stays away from guns; a reason he dislikes them.
In the darkness of his loft he remembers when they shoved the gun in his hands outside of Avery's house and he squeezes his eyes shut, trying not to think how it felt to have the cold steel there in his hands.
"Just because I don't like guns, doesn't mean I can't use them."
Neal had been unable to resist that crack and he had seen the discomfort in Peter's eyes.
The discomfort and, yes… the fear.
The gun had been there, heavy, and oh so right in his hands… and for an instant… just one reckless instant… he had wanted to shoot Peter.
The moment passed though, his anger not that far gone, and he'd handed the gun over quickly, lest he make a mistake he'd regret.
Yes… there is a reason Neal Caffrey doesn't like guns.
Neal remembers the dark glee he'd felt, firing that weapon… the look on Peter's face… and some deep and dark part of him had rejoiced.
No, he doesn't like guns, doesn't like them because, frankly, what he could do with a gun in his hands scares him. Doesn't like them because he knows there's some part of him that does… some part of him that would be all too happy to pull that trigger.
And it scares the hell out him.
There's a reason Neal Caffrey dislikes guns.
A reason he stays away from them.
As long as he remembers that reason, keeps it close to him, he knows he'll be okay.
As long as he remembers than the temptation will never be too great.
As long as he remembers the darkness won't be able to suck him in, won't be able to win.
Neal doesn't like guns.
He has a reason.
And that's what saves him.
End.
A/N: Comments? Like? Didn't like? What's on your mind, people?