I'm so incredibly sorry for the long delay with this chapter. I've been exceptionally busy, along with some real life crises that neaded to be handled. Add to that, Neal was being stubborn and didn't want to let me inside his head. I've almost finished with the next chapter, though, so there shouldn't be a long wait for the next one. I'm committed to seeing this "plot bunny" through to the end, wherever it goes. I hope you enjoy Neal's first chapter.

Neal POV

From Season 4 Episode 16

"The first time we met, you were chasing me. The first time we spoke, you called me a sociopath. The first time we had dinner, you asked me what I wanted from you. And the first time we kissed, I realized I didn't want anything…except you. And now I'm asking if you'll go on one more adventure with me."

I held the ring out to her on shaky hands, hoping that I had made the right decision to change the plan at the last minute. She smiled through tear filled eyes, and took my hand, nodding her head, allowing me to slip the ring on her finger.

"You bastard. That was a little too real; and it was damn good." She said with a sad laugh.

"I had a different speech planned, but you need to know that I meant this one, Sara." I willed her to look at me. I couldn't lose her too.

"Another time, another place." She said, as tears slowly started to slip from her eyes.

End flashback

She took the ring. MY ring. She said yes. But then she left anyway, without a thought or a care about what she was leaving behind. I told her that I would support her in whatever she chose, because I thought that she would always choose me and what we were building together here. Instead, I'm left holding on to broken dreams and a note,

" We both know this is for the best. Our lives are too different. Another time, another place, another life. I'll always care for you, and I'll never forget you."

Take Care,

Sara

So now, here I sit, watching planes fly by, drinking coffee that I don't taste and imagining a life I can never have. Who have I become? Neal Caffrey doesn't fucking wallow. It's time to pick myself up, dust myself off, and get back to business as usual. I need a distraction from the chaos of the world around me, someone beautiful and witty to take my mind off the fact that my love life is less than stellar at the moment. The trouble is, my normal avenues for searching for women are blocked at present. I don't go to clubs and troll for women; I'm not out for a one-night stand. Alex is in Italy, and most of the other women I would consider are either married or taken, and I will not break up a happy relationship. Hmm. Sounds like I need a plan.

"Knock Knock, Neal."

"Door's open, Moz. "

"You look like shit. She's gone, Neal. No matter how many airplanes you watch fly over the Hudson, she's not coming back. Aren't you a little late for work? You aren't going in dressed like that, are you?" Typical Mozzie, not one to mince words, and I chuckled, even if they did sting a bit.

" I know she's gone, Moz. I told her to leave, if that was what she wanted. I'd never trap her here; you know that as well as I do. I'm going in to work late, Peter had a meeting with a new client, and didn't want me there, said something about me spooking her." I had to smile about that one; I know he's hiding something. Peter has never intentionally kept me out of a meeting before, especially not with a client.

"Why would the Suit keep you out of a meeting? Do you even know who he was meeting with?" Mozzie kept up with the interrogation, even while he was pouring wine and looking at me over his shoulder. "Wear the blue Devore. It feels lucky today, for whatever reason."

"Isn't it a little early to be raiding the wine cabinet, Moz? Most people haven't even had breakfast yet. Pink or white?" Why I'm letting him give me wardrobe advice, I don't know, but Moz is very rarely wrong, so I'm rolling with it.

"Pink. I like the contrast…aren't you supposed to be the artist, here? And it's dinnertime in Japan, it's never too early for wine; It enhances creativity."

"Where did you read that? Never mind, I don't want to know. See you later Moz, I'm off to the office to try and figure out what Peter's up to." I called as I walked out the door. I didn't stay and wait for his answer.

I made good time on my short walk to the office, thinking about what Peter could possibly be doing that he didn't want me there for. I might stretch the truth on occasion, and I definitely let him draw his own conclusions, even when they are incorrect, but I don't outright lie to him. What could he be hiding from me? I was still lost in my thoughts when I stepped off the elevator on our floor, only to be greeted with the sight of a pair of startling green eyes. A second look revealed a sharply dressed woman, in a black pants suit that set off auburn hair and the aforementioned eyes. I smiled quickly at her, never one to miss a beautiful woman, and continued on into the office.

"Hey Peter, was that why you didn't want me here this morning? She's the new case?" I knew I was grasping at straws, but I wanted to make the first move. From the look on his face, I was right. Hmm, this could be interesting. I hope she has a brain to go with the killer looks.

….

He thinks I need a distraction; that my head's not in the game. Does he think I'm just going to jump on the next plane to London? What, have I just somehow managed to spirit away the extra appendage on my ankle? I mean, I know I was just thinking about this very thing this morning…. damnit!

I walked into Aureole and up to the bar, ordering a drink and trying to figure out how this woman had gotten under my skin so easily, when she hadn't spoken a word to me. Peter said she needed our help urgently, and that it was a matter that only I could attend to. That got my attention quickly. Then there was the matter of the gallery opening in two weeks time. I thought that the event was the business at hand, but Peter assured me the case was more than that. Hopefully all would be explained tonight.

"Mr. Caffrey, the rest of your party is here. If you will follow me, I will show you to your table." I followed the maître d' to a table close to the center of the restaurant, near where the dance floor had been set up. It was still early in the evening, and the band was still getting set up, but it looked to be a nice turnout. I spotted Peter and Elizabeth as we neared the table, and greeted them both warmly, before noticing that we were missing our fourth, my distraction.

"Peter, we seem to be short one guest. I thought everything would be explained tonight, but I guess I'm going to be disappointed." I was agitated at being kept out of the loop, and the run around was making me more so. I want answers.

"She's on her way, she got tied up with work. You know how traffic can be in this town. You'll have your answers soon enough. Here, you're the artist, pick some wine to go with dinner." Peter was trying to calm me down. Hmm, let's see what's on this wine list…Bingo!

"1982 Bordeaux for the red, and 2002 Rias Biaxas for the white. One from France, of course, and the other is from Spain. Should pair nicely with this menu, and won't over power your delicate taste buds, Peter." I know I'm being petulant, but I don't care. Where is she?

"Rias Biaxas? Good choice. Sorry to keep you waiting, traffic this time of day from the hospital is atrocious. Hello, Peter. This must be Elizabeth, nice to meet you." The voice came from over my left shoulder, and I stood with Peter to greet our latecomer.

"Hello, Ms. Wade, I'm glad you could join us tonight. Your father throws an extravagant party." Peter began.

Turning to me, she spoke, "You must be Neal. I'm Stephanie Mansfield-Wade. It's a pleasure to meet you. Peter has told me a lot about you, and I must say that I'm intrigued. It seemed that for all that he said, there was so much more that he didn't say. I look forward to getting to know you, Mr.…" She let the sentence trail off, and I realized that Peter hadn't told her my last name. I gave her one of my best smiles, and came to the rescue.

"Caffrey. I hope Peter hasn't spilled all of my secrets just yet. I'd like to be the one to tell you the stories behind a few of them. " I pressed a kiss to her knuckles and returned my gaze to her eyes, "And the pleasure is all mine."

I'm not sure if I imagined her quickened pulse as I pushed in her chair, but I hoped she was reacting to me. I can't be the only one affected by this connection between us. Patience, Caffrey, you waited longer than this for Kate. After we were seated and had ordered dinner, the conversation turned serious for a moment. I spoke up, "Stephanie, Peter has told me a little about the gallery opening that has you so worried. Can you tell us a little more about why you are worried about this opening in particular? Have there been threats? Is there a particular exhibit that you're worried about?"

"No, there haven't been any threats, but there is an exhibit in particular that I am worried about. In the place of honor at the opening, is an artifact that hasn't been displayed since its authenticity was verified in Radiocarbon in 2003." she began.

I felt the blood drain from my face. Why does my past keep coming out of the woodwork? Time to lay another ghost to rest. "You have the Vinland Map? The original map that was supposedly purchased in 1957?" My voice came out sharper than I intended, but no one seemed to notice.

"I guess I don't need to ask if you've heard of it. There's been talk about the authenticity of the map since it appeared in the states in the 1950's. We have the original map, and my father, in an insane attempt to be the biggest opening of the year, wants to display it. That is what has me so worried." Stephanie finished her explanation fervently.

"Maybe it's best if I explain a little of my past and why I'm the best man to help you, Stephanie." I began. "I take it you don't recognize my name, and to be honest, I'm a little grateful, because you'll let me explain without running and screaming. I am a felon. I am a reforming art thief and a master forger. That is why I am the best man to help you with this. I need to see your copy of the map. And it is a copy." I finished with a smug grin on my lips.

"How do you know it's a copy?" asked Elizabeth from across the table. She had been curiously quiet throughout this conversation, just watching the interaction between Stephanie and I.

"Because I made it. I forged the map. The map that was authenticated in the journal was a forgery of mine. Peter, it was one of the jobs I did when I came back from Europe and was trying to get Kate's attention. You just couldn't pin it on me. They never suspected it was forged, because there were too many questions surrounding the map to begin with. I'm guessing we can't get in to see it until tomorrow morning. I can prove it to you then." I said.

"So, Neal, when you're not an art thief, or helping the FBI, what do you like to do? Music, Art, Wine, Theater? Any of the above? Or are you a homebody like Peter?" Stephanie asked, obviously trying to change the subject, and get some information on me. I guess I can give her a little. Time to turn on the charm.

I gave her a big grin, and watched as she sucked in a breath, and then smiled back at the look in my eyes, "Yes." I said simply, to which we all laughed. "There are times when I'm a bit of a homebody by default, but I enjoy culture, and people. I believe we do have much to talk about." Her eyes were almost glowing as they held mine, and it made me want to see her in a different light, to know her secrets. This will be some distraction, indeed.

Elizabeth continued the conversation, "Peter tells me you're a nurse, Stephanie. Tell us more about your job. It sounds exciting!"

"It's less glorified than you think, actually. I work in the trauma intensive care at Bellevue. I've been a nurse for seven years now, and I've been here for a little over a year. There's something about trauma. It's exciting, it's fast paced, there can be no mistakes, there's always a life hanging in the balance. It's an adrenaline rush that gets into your head and never lets go. I love it, and I have a great team. It just doesn't leave much time for a social life. But, " Regret for wasted time is more wasted time."" Stephanie quoted, by way of explanation.

"Mason Cooley, abstract and unknown. You're intelligent, as well as beautiful. "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."" I took her quote and raised another. I've always loved a challenge. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Peter roll his eyes and whisper something to Elizabeth. Before I could call him on it, Stephanie responded.

"T. S. Elliot, nice choice. I see you're not just a pretty face either. "Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars."" She quoted.

I knew the quote, it was one of my favorites, but I gathered from her body language that she thought I would fail at this one. I closed my eyes to make her think that I was focusing on her quote. I felt her eyes on my face, and I wondered for the first time, if she liked what she saw. I snapped my eyes open and was immediately drawn in again by her enchanting green eyes. Beautiful, and a worthy opponent. Game on.

"Khalil Gibran. You almost got me with that one. "Though we cannot change the direction of the wind, we can adjust our sails."" I can tell she knows this one, but it has been a fun match. She'll get along well with Mozzie, as well.

"Bertha Calloway. I guess it's a draw. I'm done." She finished, with a satisfied smile on her face. I returned her smile before turning to refill my wine glass.

Stephanie stood, stretching her arms, and I realized then that I might have an opportunity. Walking up behind her, I bent to speak close to her ear, "Would you like to dance, Miss Wade?"

As she turned to look up at me, I held out my hand for hers, knowing that this moment would solidify my intent. Is this just business, or was she up for more? I looked into her eyes that seemed to flash with a thousand emotions before she finally reached out her hand and placed it in mine.