Angry Men and Women 1

by Peppe1951

(Sequel to Framed and Punished)

Summary: Neal collects on his prize for staying out of trouble in Framed and Punished and learns that it isn't wise to make El or June angry. Warning: The story contains non-consent punishing of an adult; if you don't like, don't read. Disclaimer: White Collar belongs to USA; I only write about it.

This is an AU story where corporal punishment is an allowed manner of punishment for CI's.

Chapter 1

When Peter arrived home about a week later his wife was waiting with a kiss and news. "Hi Honey, what are you looking so happy about?" Peter asked as he gave her a peck on the cheek as he headed for the kitchen and an ice cold beer.

"I got you the tickets," she began only to be interrupted with a..

"What tickets?"

"The tickets to the musical you're taking Neal to," she finished as she handed two tickets over.

"So Neal finally picked one he wanted to see," responded Peter until he saw the price. "CAFFREY! Did you see the price of these…well they are going back…"

"You will do nothing of the sort; and for your information Neal didn't pick the Musical…I did and I charged the tickets to your credit card," she replied angrily.

"It was my understanding that Neal was going to pick the one he wanted to see…he may not even want to see this Les Mis..ser…how do you pronounce this?" asked Peter.

"Les Miserables is based on a novel by Victor Hugo and it will be perfect for the both of you to see and I bet Neal will be ecstatic to see it. It played on Broadway for thirteen years and now is being performed all over the country…call him and you will see that I'm right," El said boldly.

"I will but why did you have to get such expensive tickets…it's just a play," argued Peter.

"To you maybe but to Neal it will be something he will treasure seeing as much as you would the Super Bowl. I bought those tickets because I know if you had your way you would have gotten something in the nosebleed section….and I also know that if the tickets were to a sporting event that you wanted to see as that much you wouldn't hesitate to fork out the money…and you owe him. He was framed and punished severely and brutally for something he didn't do…he deserves this and you are damn well are going to take him!" El said sternly.

"Okay…okay…I'll call and see if he wants to go," Peter said as he pulled his cell from his pocket and quickly called his CI.

"Neal? Peter. Look I know our original deal was for you to pick the Musical you wanted to see but I have tickets to," Peter paused and held the phone out to El who filled in the blank with, "Les Miserables"….before continuing the conversation, "would you like to go to that instead of one of your own choosing?"

Even El could hear the shouted response from Neal "YES! I've wanted to go but never had the money when it was on Broadway or the time afterwards with you chasing me or being in prison…thank you Peter."

"To be completely honest it was El who picked the musical and bought the tickets," replied Peter ass he suddenly held the phone to his wife and whispered, "he wants to talk to you."

El eagerly took the phone and soon was chatting excitedly with her husband's partner and their friend. Peter used the time to glance at the tickets and noticed the date for the first time…oh no that was the day of the Giants' game. He had already arranged to be off pending a big case

"Neal is so excited about going…what's wrong?" asked El as she noticed her husband's face.

"The date…it's the same time as that big game I am taking a vacation day to watch…maybe I can convince Neal to go another day?" he asked his wife.

"PETER BURKE, don't you dare and anyway you can't these are the only tickets left in the orchestra…and no you can't exchange them for cheaper ones in another section. Neal was punished for something he didn't do…you owe him and isn't he more important to you them some game," reasoned El. "You told me once that in Neal you see more than an CI you see a son and what father wouldn't sacrifice for his son…now forget about the game you aren't going to see and embrace a son who you love enough to risk a career over to keep him out of prison," she added with a smile.

Peter hung his head as he had to admit that all his wife had said was true and in fact he can always watch games but to see joy grace Neal's face again after all he's been through since entering their deal will be well worth it. "You're right as usual El," he replied with a smile and a kiss.

"Now why do you think I'm going to enjoy this musical?" asked Peter as he followed El back into the kitchen.

"The main character is a man named Jean Valjean, a paroled criminal. He breaks his parole and runs away to a better life. He is pursued by a police inspector by the name of Javert. Does that remind you of anyone?" replied El as she finished her introduction with a question.

Peter nodded, "Yes Neal and me. What was Valjean arrested for?"

"He stole a loaf of bread to save the life of a starving child, his sister's son and for that he was arrested and sentenced at hard labor for five years which eventually turned into nineteen years for his many escape attempts," replied El who knew she had her husband hooked when he asked,

"Why did he break his parole?"

"You will have to go and see the musical to find that and any other questions you may have out," replied El.

Peter didn't have to wait but a few days more before Sunday came and the matinée performance arrived. "Now remember after the play you are to bring Neal home for you for dinner. I have something else to give him and I know him he will want to talk about the musical and I'm excited to see how you both enjoyed yourselves," El reminded her husband.

"What are we having?" Peter asked as he put on his overcoat. He was dressed casually but because of the temperature outside the overcoat was needed.

"It will be a surprise…now scoot the performance starts in an hour and I don't want either one of you to miss a minute of the musical," urged El as she gave Peter a kiss and sent him on his way. "I hope they enjoy it," she murmured to Satch as she went into the kitchen to fix herself a cup of tea to be enjoyed as she read her book.

Neal was waiting impatiently for Peter to pick him up glancing out the entrance for his arrival. He was so looking forward to this outing. He was going to watch a fantastic musical and with a man he looked upon as a father figure as well as a boss and friend. He hadn't realized when he agreed to become a CI for the White Collar division that he would hit it off so well with his handler and even though he didn't like the all of the conditions that came with it, like the spankings, he did like Peter and his wife Elizabeth and soon considered them as family as they did him.

He was still deep in thoughts when he heard the honking of a car horn and looked up into the face of Peter who urged him to come quickly.

"Are you ready to have a great afternoon at the theater?" asked Peter in a surprisingly British accent.

Neal answered with a big smile and got in…"I'm more than ready."

El looked up from her book as the front door opened. "I am not like Javert!" cried Peter as he walked in followed by Neal who was arguing with him.

"You are too. Javert hounded Valjean just like you did me!" asserted Neal.

"I did not hound you…I was tracking you…that's my job to catch criminals and I caught you three times. And while we are at it you favor Valjean in your escape attempts," accused Peter.

"BOYS!" shouted El.

"Oh Hi honey," Peter said as he noticed her for the first time. "El tell Neal that I'm nowhere like Javert."

"Well, in a way you two are alike…you are both officers of the law," replied El as Neal said,

"I told you so."

"But in another way you are nothing like Javert. You have compassion and you recognize the possibility of criminals being able to reform. In Javert's mind a thief is always a thief…not ever changing! Peter is nothing like that like you should well know, Neal," El said as she defended her husband. "Now join me for dinner and you two can tell me all about the musical," she added as she changed the subject.

"I really had a great time. Thanks for picking the musical El and Peter thanks for taking me," Neal said emotionally as he prepared to leave as he hastily wiped a few tears away.

El pulled Neal down and gave him a hug and a kiss, "Neal we love you; you'll the son we never had the fortune to have natural," she said lovingly.

"I f-feel the same about you and P-Peter…you are the only ones other than Mozzie who ever cared about me…cared whether I lived or died-d."

"Neal we can be the parents you have wanted…if you will let us," Peter said as he embraced the younger man.

"I would like that," Neal said quietly, "if it's no trouble."

"It's what we have been doing since we met you buddy," replied Peter with a smile.

Neal returned his smile with one of his own as he headed for the door. His cab had arrived and had sounded its horn. "Neal before you leave I have something for you to remember the day by," El said as he handed a DVD to him.

"It is the 25th Anniversary performance of Les Miserables…now you can enjoy the play once again."

Neal took the DVD and hugged El once again before leaving, hiding his tears from the couple.

AN: For those who do not know Les Miserables is a musical that played on Broadway for thirteen years and is now playing across the USA. The story was written by Victor Hugo. It is a story of redemption…the redemption of Valjean and the many lives he saved along the way. If you get a chance to see it, do so.