My LotR readers - I haven't given up on any of my stories. Don't worry. I've been a tad depressed lately and it has affected my writing. Bleh.
This takes place after the season two premiere (which was AMAZING!) - I mean - who expected Neal to be a crack shot? But I like it. And did you see his eyes? *shivers* Just chilling. Not really a point here, in this little oneshot. Just some of Peter's thoughts (so glad he was good - I never did like Kate).
"Where did you learn to shoot a gun?" Peter asked, holding the file out of Neal's reach.
Neal looked away, his hand lowering. "The streets aren't the safest place."
"That doesn't answer my question." Peter said firmly. "Where did you learn to shoot a gun?"
Neal fiddled with his hat. A damn safety blanket – Peter thought darkly. Adults shouldn't need safety blankets.
"I taught myself."
Peter blinked. He hadn't expected that. "Why?"
Neal let his hat fall into his lap, his blue eyes flickering up to meet Peter's. "The streets aren't the safest of places. I wanted to make sure that Kate would be safe." There was steel behind those words. A promise that he – would – keep – Kate – safe.
Damn kid. Peter didn't like it. A good kid like Neal being manipulated and having his heart strings tugged and twisted by a conniving little cat like Kate.… It was wrong. It was so wrong. And Neal looked so young – sitting in the chair twiddling with his ridiculous cartoon hat. Peter handed him the case file, causing Neal to look at him, startled.
No more questions? The blue eyes asked – almost hesitantly, even as Neal's fingers grasped the edge of the folder.
Not for right now. Peter's eyes spoke back. Damn kid. Somebody needed to teach him that once you did what was expected of you – you got what you asked for. Simple rule of life. But no. The only rule Neal knew and lived by was that you look out for yourself.
Peter sipped from his coffee as Neal poured over the contents of the folder. Damn the kid. It hurt to see him be hurt.
Damn him.
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