Author's Notes~

Ah, here I am with a good 'ol holiday fic for you all! No fear, I'm in the process of chapter three of Captive Heart, that story is still on! :D This is just going to be a quick story to get in for the holidays. Now, originally this was going to be a one-shot, but then I discovered it'd just be too long of a one-shot, so this will be a two-shot. I'll probably work on Captive Heart next, then write the second part to this and then post my other Christmas fic I have planned. :D Dang. I've got a lot to get done...XD

Anyway, let me note that 'Free Fall' does not exist in this fic. It just wouldn't work...

Also, I sorta arranged Neal's apartment to my liking since it's hard to fully say how the layout really is~

Anway, read, review and enjoy! :D

White Love

Looming over the towering skyscrapers of New York City were fluffy clouds of various shades of grey, covering most of the sunlight. Falling gently from the heavy clouds were flakes of snow, bit by small bit covering the streets of the city in a sheet of white for kids to laugh and play in despite the chilling weather.

The favorable holiday season was in which meant that stores were crowded with their sales, Santa Claus's were out with bells to earn the favor of donations. Kids were peaking into the glass windows of stores to admire the latest toys and noting them before they send their list off to Santa.

Soft crushing of the snow could be heard under their feet as the cartoon con artist and the FBI agent treaded along the busy sidewalk.

"The holiday season, you just can't go anywhere without bumping into somebody!" huffed Peter with annoyance.

"Relax, Scrooge, get into the Christmas spirit!" Neal encouraged, his rather fashionable hat tilted on his head.

"I'll try to remember that when we hunt down murderers,"

"But we hunt con artist," Neal pointed out.

"Yeah, like you," Peter grunted as they both entered the FBI Headquarters building. They had just now gotten back from lunch and Neal felt quite satisfied with his cup of hot coco he had.

At the office, they went back to work on the case they had been investigating; your average money counterfeit that was discovered in a cash register at your everyday Sears store. This case was recently given only yesterday. They had already declared the forgery –with the aid of Neal of course – and went through the security cameras and payments and already were getting names. Today it was just a matter of piecing the puzzle together and they'll probably have their guy by day's end.

For the ex-conman, this was incredibly boring and dull; he'd honestly follow the children's example and make snow angles. But it was better than those mortgage cases at least.

Within fifteen minutes, Neal had uncovered who it was and police were sent out to arrest and interrogate. The man hadn't had any backup plan in case his forgery was found out.

Another case done with, Peter had leaned back in his chair, "Well that's one more case closed. I doubt this guy will be found innocent,"

"Definitely not smart enough to not even have a backup plan," Neal agreed.

"Do you even have a backup plan, Neal?" Peter questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"I never need one," smirked Neal.

"Right…" Peter chuckled dryly, "Anyway, since this case is wrapped up, we might as well take it easy the rest of the day. No use in staying if we're just going to lounge around," he said, rising to his feet.

"Oooh, short day! How exciting," Neal said with a small grin.

Peter proceeded out the door, "Come on Neal," he called, "I'll give you a ride back to June's,"

It was back to that Christmas setting of snow and laughter as Neal took advantage of his early day, walking along the street. Mozzie walked along at his side saying, "You know, I really think you should break away from all this FBI stuff. Especially if they're your enemy holding Kate,"

"Moz, how can I find Kate in the FBI if I'm not among them?" Neal questioned and Mozzie shrugged, "Well what if that's what they want?"

"It'll be harder to find Kate and keep track of the FBI to prevent from being arrested,"

"You know you can do it though," Mozzie put in.

"I'd rather not," Neal said firmly.

Mozzie then paused, sniffing the air, "Mmm… I do believe I've been given the heavenly smell of hot coco and soup. Care to join me?"

"Nah," Neal replied with a shake of his head, "You enjoy and I'll meet up with you later,"

"Your loss," Mozzie said as he headed off, following the scent with his nose like a dog.

Neal smiled and continued his walk, taking in all sorts of thoughts. He didn't get very far, however. He stopped when he couldn't help but notice a small girl about seven years old on the street, standing by store and looking into its window at the Christmas display. She looked ragged with a dirty-looking dress with faded colors. She had a thin jacket that didn't keep her warm enough, she still shivered and her skin was paled. Her body was small and thin, she didn't look like she had enough to eat and dirt covered her cheeks. The long dusty-brown hair of hers fell over her shoulders and reached halfway down her legs.

The ex-con's smile faded at the poor sight of this girl, everyone was bustling by her, either ignoring her or not even noticing her and she backed away shyly from the mob of New Yorkers.

Taking in a deep breath, Neal walked over to her, "Hey," he said in a gentle voice and kneeling down to the girl's height. The girl seemed to back away slightly, her eyes deep in uneasiness but Neal gave her a small smile, "Hey there, don't worry. I'm not a bad guy," –if you don't count laws – "You lost?"

The girl seemed to pause for a sec, and moved her head as though trying to decide whether to answer 'yes' or 'no'.

Neal frowned a little once more, "What's your name?" he then asked, deciding to let her be more eased this way. It was concerning how this girl appeared in this state.

The girl seemed to feel comfortable with the gentle tone of voice Neal had picked and opened her mouth to respond, uttering the word, "N-Natalie," was the stammer.

"Natalie? It's a pleasure to meet you. Do you need help getting back home?" Neal asked, he wasn't about to leave the girl here of course.

Natalie shook her head slowly, then opened her mouth and stuttered some more words with a shifty voice, "D-Don't h-have h-home," she managed to say. Neal's brows creased, "No home?" he echoed. How could a girl not have a home? Well, he knew there were homeless people out there and all but….

Neal then rose to his feet and smiled once more at Natalie, taking off his coat and placing it over the small child's shoulders. She seemed to smile and held the jacket close to her body as though the warmth was an amazing new feeling to explore, "Where are your parents anyway?"

This time, Natalie spoke no words. She just gave him a deeper frown and shook her head, her eyes saddened.

Neal asked no further on that subject, "How about you come home with me and we'll get you cleaned up?" he suggested, bending down and offering his hand.

Natalie observed the hand for a moment, seeming hesitant but then she placed her tiny hand into his and kindly he led her along the street back toward June's.

June was out, but Neal was sure she wouldn't turn away a homeless girl. He got right to work on getting her cleaned. He first warmed her up and gave her some hot chocolate and a sandwich to eat while he went out to quickly buy her some fresh clothes.

Neal had her use his shower, though he had to give her some direction on how to turn the water on and off, which Natalie seemed fascinated with. She had taken a long while in the shower; Neal frowned, had this girl really never even showered in a shower before?

But soon Neal heard the water turn off, telling him the girl was finished. The cartoon man could just visualize the smile on Natalie's face as she turned off the water. She probably felt like she was living in magic.

She remained in the bathroom for a few more minutes, probably putting on the new clothes Neal had given her to wear.

Then the click of the door could be heard and Natalie emerged from the bathroom, now adorned in a new, jade green dress. Her dusty brown hair no longer was dusty, but more radiant after a much needed shower and dimples could now be seen on her cheeks with the dust wiped away. Her bright blue eyes seemed to now have a glow to them.

Neal smiled, "Hey, you're certainly looking pretty," he said as the girl skidded over to him and plopped down on the couch next to him, "How do you feel?" he then asked.

"Clean!" chimed Natalie, beaming at Neal. She then tilted her head, sitting on the couch like a dog, "What's…What's your name?" she asked curiously. Natalie was already speaking better, Neal had noted.

"Neal," he said, tipping his hat politely to her which made her giggle. He hadn't realized he forgot to introduce himself.

"Neal…" mused the girl, looking thoughtful. Then she looked down slightly in a shy way, "Thank you Neal…"

Again, Neal found himself with a smile, "No trouble," he assured. Just after he spoke his words, Natalie crept forward on the couch and wrapped her arms around him, a genuine smile on her face.

Neal was surprised by this, though the existing smile he wore only spread farther and he wrapped his arms around the small girl. Something about that very moment hit Neal; hardly ever did someone appreciate him like this girl did. Kate had been one of the few and Mozzie, well, he did in his own way Neal supposed.

Neal was up early the next day with breakfast for Natalie. He had told June everything the previous night after he let the girl drift off into a good sleep, giving her his bed. Like he had suspected, June insisted on attending the girl to her every need and had an extra-special breakfast prepared.

Neal looked up when he heard and saw Natalie emerge from the bedroom, rubbing her eyes which now looked healthier with no bags evident under them.

Her eyes strayed to the appetizing smell of eggs and bacon that made her stomach rumble.

The conman smiled his morning greeting, "Mornin'. Breakfast?" he offered her the food, placing it on the table and sitting across with a plate of his own.

Natalie's eyes lit up as she climbed on the chair; looking at the food before her, "Eggs…?" she looked to the said food, "I've seen people eat it before…but…"

Neal handed her a fork, "Eat up, you'll like it,"

Natalie gripped the fork in one hand, and then she began to eat. Her face awaked at once as she ate, "It's so…yummy!" she exclaimed, swallowing a bite.

The two of them both finished their breakfast, Natalie faster than Neal which came as little surprise.

Neal stood up, collecting the dishes and placing them aside, "I have to go-"

"Go?!" Natalie turned to him, her eyes wide with an emotion of sadness and close to fear which Neal found him to hate.

Neal sighed, looking to Natalie, "I have to work," he explained, "I'll get back as soon as I can, I promise. June will be taking care of you, you'll have fun with her," he smiled.

Natalie nodded, "Okay…" she said in a small voice. Neal gave her a soft pat on the shoulder before heading out the door.

Throughout the day, Neal was distracted with thoughts. He hated leaving Natalie there, but June was with her and June could cheer just about anybody up. Looking around everywhere, Neal saw Christmas and he wondered….could he still bring Christmas to Natalie? She of all people deserved it after all…a smile broke out onto his face and after the boring day of mortgage frauds, he headed straight to the store.

Arriving home, Neal walked in and saw June at the dining room table with Natalie, cards before them. Natalie's face brightened and she got out of her chair and ran to Neal, wrapping her arms around him in a hug, "You're back!" she cheered. Neal chuckled, his eyes looking to the table, "What have we going on here?" he asked.

Natalie danced back, "Aunt June is teaching me how to play games like Go Fish!"

June smiled, "Yes, and Natalie here has already become a champion!"

The girl blushed, a small smile on her face.

Neal grinned, "Well, don't let me interrupt you. In fact, I'll join you," he offered which brought another bright smile to Natalie's face as Neal sat down in one of the chairs and June dealt another hand.

With the snow falling out the windows, it was one of those few, rare evenings full of smiles, laughter and fun among the ages.

At seven o'clock that night, Natalie was already asleep. She fell asleep on the couch in Neal's room, not even making it to the bedroom. Neal placed a blanket over her to keep her warm before getting to work.

Up when strings of shimmering colors throughout and the notable tree with it's subtle but radiant ornaments hanging from its branches. Everything beautifully lit. June had helped with the tree, paying for it herself.

Soon enough upon reaching eleven or so, Natalie tiredly got up. She smiled at the comfortableness of the given blanket, she fluttered open her eyes, realizing she had fallen asleep.

Something felt different, though, she saw color.

She sat up on the couch, and gazed around as gradually a bright bream brighter than the sun masked her face.

Natalie slowly drew back the blanket and rose to her feet off the couch. The entire room was decked in Christmas lights and a humble tree stood near the kitchen, the ornaments reflected the lights. She looked like a kid first coming to Disneyland.

"What do you think?"

Natalie turned and saw Neal sitting at the table with a soft smile.

"It's beautiful," was the girl's response in awe. Of course, the tree wasn't terribly large, it couldn't be, but to Natalie, it was the grandest thing in the world and she sat before it. She felt at peace with it, she felt joy and love in her heard with it.

Neal had taken a seat next to her on the floor, "Thought we could use a little Christmas,"

"I like it!" Natalie beamed, her head turning to Neal, "I like Christmas!" she said, huddling close to Neal and giving him a hug. Neal smiled, wrapping his arm around her, "So do I," he said.

And so there they sat, the moonlight streaming through the windows and the lights of the tree echoing off their eyes. For the first time, Natalie truly felt like she had a family, and that love did exist in the world.

Author's Notes~

Reviewers get Neal-shaped cookies and a second part! :D

----Just to tell you, I was up late typing this up so please pardon any typos. I'll go back and make edits. :)