It was late one night and I really, really wanted to write something White Collar. So, I just started writing and then this fanfic came out. I'm actually pretty proud of it.
Influenced by the episode: Home Invasion. It was so "adorable" – as Peter put it – to see Neal's hat trick so idolized. Hope you enjoy.
Disclaimer (before I forget): White Collar and its amazing characters don't belong to me.
Hat Trick
In an attempt to get out of the house – or possibly just an excuse to get away from me for a while – Neal suddenly declared that he had an appointment to keep with Mozz at the bakery conveniently placed under a certain judge's personal chambers.
I didn't argue nor did I insist on coming along. I just watched him skeptically from the couch. This seemed to suit him fine.
Neal opened a closet and looked to the top shelf. I knew this was where he kept his beloved Fedora hats. The ex-con rarely left the house without one delicately placed on his head; with just the slightest tilt to one side to match his devious smirk that never seemed to leave his face.
Always one to look his best no matter where he was going, Neal brought down three hats to model with his outfit and see which one looked the best.
I put the file I had been reading down to watch his performance.
Dressed in a casual dark blue suit – that made his crystalline eyes stand out like two gems – with a black tie and crisp white undershirt, Neal stood before the great mirror that hung on the wall. He admired his appearance for a moment, examining himself from head to foot to make sure that everything was perfectly and handsomely in place. He smoothed down his tie and adjusted his cuff links before picking up the first hat of pure black and placing it tentatively on his head.
He tilted his head as he watched his reflection and as I watched him; my amusement transforming slowly into an intent fascination as the man in front of the mirror took such care and precaution to ensure that his appearance was to his high standard of liking.
His examination complete, Neal removed the black hat and replaced it with a speckled blue one with lines of gray: a most distinguished hat indeed. He turned his head to each side; studying the image out of the corner of his eye.
This hat too was lovingly placed aside as he donned the last hat. A black hat lined with criss-crossing white and a black band. It brought out the contrasting black tie and white undershirt to create a complete picture with the dark blue of his suit serving as a medium to ensure that neither the black nor white overcame the other.
He removed the hat and ran his fingers through his wavy, dark hair as he inspected each of the three hats to decide which he would wear.
"The third one," I offered.
Neal spun around in surprise and seemed even more astonished at the fact that I had actually been watching him, but he was assured by my sincere smile.
"Thanks partner," he said with his usual smile so full of deviant charm.
He picked up the black and white hat and twirled it over his fingers and caught it: his famous trick that only he seemed able to do.
"How can I ever repay you?"
The question was dripping with sarcasm and was asked rhetorically, but I saw an opportunity to make my own joke.
I stood up and walked to stand in front of him.
"You can teach me that trick," I said in my most no-nonsense tone as I pointed to the hat that now rested lightly on his head.
I had intended my words to be pure mockery but I was surprised to find that I too was taken aback by the fact that I meant what I said. But Neal recovered first.
He picked up the blue hat and twirled it in his fingers. Then he caught it and handed it to me; his smile still sparkling brilliantly in those strikingly bight pools of blue.
"Sure thing, Peter."