Title: Not Yet A Happy Ending
Summary: Spoilers for Out of the Box. Peter realizes Neal could have died in that blast, and he and El realize they can't live without the con artist. More Pre-NealPeterEl
Disclaimer: I do not own White Collar or any of its characters. I do not make any profit from this story.
Not Yet A Happy Ending
Happy endings don't happen for guys like us. - Mozzy
Thinking back, Peter Burke was grateful that Neal hesitated to get on that plane. Thinking back, Peter Burke realized that, as he held Neal back from running towards the fiery inferno, his chest clenched in an unknown emotion and his mind thought: Neal could have died. Thinking back, Peter Burke realized that that emotion was something he thought he would never feel for someone else. Love.
He never noticed the feeling before. Sure, he had always felt a little spark when Neal pushed his way into Peter's personal space, but he didn't think it was love. Not until he saw the plane blow, that is.
And now, as he looked upon his wife consoling Neal as best as she could, he knew she felt the same. They could have lost Neal; the whirlwind that swept into their lives, and hearts.
After managing to calm Neal down enough so that he wouldn't go running to the fire, Peter had dragged him back to the car. During the ride back to the house, Neal had completely shut down; saying nothing, doing nothing but looking out the car window with no emotion on his face.
Elizabeth didn't need any explanation when hey arrived, leading Neal to the spare bedroom for some privacy, where he promptly curled into her arms, quietly sobbing.
As if sensing someone watching them, Elizabeth looked up to find her husband standing in the doorway; their eyes locking. Love for Neal and the sadness of his grief flowed between them. Slipping out of his shoes, Peter slipped behind his wife. Reaching between her and Neal, he grasped Neal's hand; trying to portray his love and sorrow for the con man.
None of them knew how long they were there, curled up in the bed. In the morning, long after three had fallen asleep, the sun's rays shown on the figures; Peter hugging his wife while holding Neal's hand, who had curled himself as close as possible to Elizabeth.
Mozzy had been right; there was no happy ending for men like them. Yet.
