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I know I make mistakes in writing but English ain't my first language so it is a little tough. I sincerely hope that you will bear with me :-)
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Peter only blinked in shock!
But then quickly recovering himself he spoke to the doctor,
"Um.. You know Doctor, he's a criminal. A conman! He lies for a living!" Peter purposely kept his eyes trained on the doctor despite hearing a sharp intake of breath on his left side. He knew he was being outright blunt but come on, this was Neal Caffrey that they were talking about. How was one supposed to trust him.
The doctor glared at Peter and opened his mouth to answer but Neal beat him to it.
"I am not lying.. Please believe me please. I really don't remember anything about me. If I did why would I lie? What's in it for me?" He gritted his teeth.
Peter tried hard not to roll his eyes. He was sure that Neal remembered everything and was just acting and conning him but Peter didn't think it was the best thing to say right now seeing how it was disturbing Neal.
"You don't trust me. Do you?" Neal asked. He was way beyond annoyed. The agent was being unfair to him. The pain in his head flared up and he clutched his head tightly between his hands in an effort to stop the intense ache.
Both Peter and the doctor were on his opposite sides in a flash. Peter felt a pang of guilt for putting the poor kid through this. What if the kid had truly lost his memories and not to mention that it was solely because Neal saved his life.
"Relax Neal.. Just relax okay.. I'm not doubting you, alright. You just keep calm. " Peter stretched out his hand and placed it on Neal's shoulder and gave a squeeze, a gesture to comfort him in order to calm him.
"Yes Neal..don't think much about your memories. Just take it easy. " Dr. Grant supplied too. Neal nodded and finally dropped his hands on his side. He eyed Peter apprehensively. Peter conveniently ignored it even though inside he was cursing himself for not handling the situation well.
"Why don't we carry this conversation outside, Agent Burke.." Dr. Grant insisted pointedly.
Peter nodded immediately. He really didn't know how to deal with kids and those who suffered from amnesia were just too much. He gave Neal's shoulder another squeeze and both he and the doctor left him in the room to talk.
...
Peter straight away asked the doctor once they were outside the room,
"Are you sure Dr. Grant that he is suffering from amnesia?"
"Yes Agent Burke, I am fairly sure that he does not remember anything about himself. While he remembers everything else, like today's date, the year, the president of America and stuff like that but somehow he has totally forgotten about himself."
Peter sighed, " How bad is it doctor?" Really, such things can only happen with Neal Caffrey.
"I cannot accurately tell you when will his memory come back. He might remember everything the next minute, or he might not remember at all."
"Are you sure?" Peter asked skeptically.
"Well.. I already told you Agent Burke that the way ones brain works is really complicated. So I really can't say when will his memory return." The doctor answered patiently. Why was the agent so not trusting!
"Okay, I guess you are right Dr. Grant. It's just that he's a criminal, so it really is a little hard to digest this info."
The doctor nodded, " I understand." Finally the Agent believed him! "Other than that Neal is doing fine but I did like to keep him for the night because of his head injury. By morning he will be discharged and you then you can send him to the juvie. "
Peter frowned. " Juvie?"
"He's a criminal right? You only told me that so I was guessing that he'd be going to Juvie looking at his age."
"Of course the Juvie.." Peter replied tightly. Why did his heart constrict at the thought of sending Neal to the juvie? He was a criminal and the right place for the criminal was behind the bars, then why did imagining Neal behind them saddened him.
"Alright then, if you need me for anything just call me. " Dr. Grant said. Peter nodded. " and please be gentle on the kid, Agent Burke." The doctor added before taking his leave.
"Yeah ..yeah I will."
...
Peter was about to enter Neal's room when El called out his name. He turned to face her and after she accessed him thoroughly making sure that he was truly okay, he was immediately wrapped in a warm hug.
"How is he? " El asked breaking the embrace.
"He's fine El. Infact he is awake too. "
El sighed in relief. "Did you inform his parents? Are they here already ?"
Peter chuckled, " Slow down hon. There's something I gotto tell you."
El hummed and waited for Peter to continue.
"The boy in there, who saved my life, he's..he's none other than Neal Caffrey."
El gaped at her husband comically. If the situation wasn't serious Peter would have laughed at the sight.
"Neal Caffrey?.. The.. Neal Caffrey?" El asked in a shocked voice. Peter nodded.
"But ..but.. He's only a kid Peter! How can he be Neal Caffrey? I mean I was thinking like he did be a little older.." Or more older, Peter thought.
Peter sighed, " Me too El! And there's one more thing..." El raised her eyebrow in anticipation. " He seems to have lost his memory too because of the bullet that hit him."
El's hand flew over her mouth. "Oh my gosh!" Peter cringed. If this was the reaction already from his wife, he really didn't want to see how she would react when he told her about the juvenile center.
"The doctor says he's fine other than that.." Peter purposely left out the details of abuse and Neal being malnourished. No use worrying El more than she already was. He would speak to her about it later.
El nodded in relief. " When are they discharging him Peter?"
"Um.. They are keeping him here tonight just as a precaution. Tomorrow he will be sent to the juvenile center." Peter winced as soon as the words came out of his mouth because the deadly expression El was giving him was enough to make him shudder.
"Juvenile center?" El exploded. " Are you seriously telling me that Neal is going there? "
"He's a criminal El." Peter defended himself but he didn't like that at all.
"Well.. Do you have one solid proof against him? " El challenged him.
"Yes El.. He can be sent there for Bond forgery..."
El sighed, "No ways honey.. He's not going there. And that's final! He's lost his memory, he just can't be sent there. That place is not for kids like him. Plus Christmas is around the corner. He seriously cannot spend his Christmas there all alone. He's only a kid and no kid should go through this."
"You haven't even met him El!" Peter said incredulously.
"He saved your life Peter and he's a kid. That's enough for me."
"It ain't that simple El.."
"Then do whatever it takes to make it simple Peter..." Her tone didn't leave any place for further discussion. " I am going in to see him." El walked past Peter and entered the room and Peter had no other option but to follow her in..
...
Neal was still seated in the same position that Peter had left him in. Neal heard the click of the door and knew somebody was coming in to see him. He averted his eyes from the opposite wall that he was staring and locked them into a pair of beautiful blue eyes of a woman who entered the room.
His breath caught in his throat even as he continued to stare at the woman. Not only she had beautiful blue eyes but also a kind smile. He was suddenly reminded of his mother and words flew out of his mouth even before he could stop them.
" Are you my mom?"
Neal's eyes held so much hope that it broke El's heart. As soon as She had entered the room she was instantly mesmerized by the intense blue eyes that were staring at her. Her heart thudded loudly. The more she looked at Neal the more she felt drawn to him and the yearning for a kid of her own increased tenfold. Neal, with his brilliant blue eyes, curly brown hair and a charming face was absolutely adorable. And then Neal spoke and yes her heart broke because she knew what she was going to reply to the boy , it was definitely going to break his heart too.
Peter too was rooted to the spot after hearing Neal's simple yet loaded question. He was sure that after hearing the question, El's heart must be thudding painfully. It would have definitely reminded her that she still didn't have anybody to call her Mom. It's not that they never tried but it just didn't happen for them. Afterwards it became like an unspoken agreement between them , not to discuss about it.
Seeing at the raw emotions playing on El's face Peter decided to answer Neal on her behalf because he really didn't think she would be able to do so but then she surprised him and she spoke.
"No..sweetie.. Actually I'm not.." El's heart stopped at the disappointment that showed on Neal's face but she continued steeling herself, " Actually I'm Elizabeth Burke, Peter's wife." She smiled kindly at Neal.
"Peter?" Neal asked in confusion.
Both El and Peter looked at each other. Peter's eyes widened. He now realised that he never told Neal about himself. He turned to look at Neal who was staring intently at the couple.
"I'm Peter.. Peter Burke."
Neal nodded, " So ..who exactly are you? You said I am a criminal, then what are you? A cop or something?"
Peter sighed, " Yes Caffrey, I'm an FBI agent. "
Neal nodded again and then his face screwed in confusion, " Where are my parents?"
The couple shared a look. Peter had spent years researching about Neal. He never knew anything about him until recently, that too he only came to know his real name. Neal always used so many disguises that it was not easy to know his real name but they had succeeded finally. But other than his name and the crimes he committed, Peter didn't know anything else. Even learning about his age had come as a shock to Peter. So now he didn't have any idea about Neal's parents, that is if they were with him in first place because if the kid at this age was doing what he was doing then surely his parents mustn't be with him. Peter didn't really know how to tell a memory less Neal about it.
El then silently gestured Peter that she would handle the situation. She closed the distance between her and Neal and sat at the edge of the bed.
"You just concentrate on getting better sweetie, we will talk about the rest later, alright. " She placed her hand on top of Neal's in an comforting gesture.
Neal stared at the hand and found that it was extremely soothing. He wanted this woman who reminded him of his mother to stay here forever. He wanted the soft touch of her hand to stay with him forever.
"Okay.." Neal nodded. He didn't press the question because he really didn't want to upset the woman.
El smiled and Neal's heart melted at that. " So... Just get better. They are going to keep you here tonight and will be discharging you in the morning. We will then go home, alright."
"Home?" Both Peter and Neal simultaneously spoke. While Neal's tone was that of confusion, Peter's voice was panicked.
"Yes honey, HOME, where else?" El challenged her husband.
"But El , he's a cri.. " Peter cringed when he saw the hurt look in Neal's eyes. Even El was glaring at him. No, this wasn't a good time to remind that Neal was a criminal.
"But El, he cannot just come home with us. It's all complicated. It's.."
Neal interrupted Peter giving him a much needed relief, " Um.. You said I am a criminal, shouldn't I be sent to juvie or something? I mean that's where fifteen year old criminals go right? "
Both Peter and El's eyes widened, " You remember your age? " Peter asked. Seriously the kid was conning them if he remembered his age.
Neal's eyes widened too, " Um, yeah.. I remember being fifteen. My birthday is next month. I will be sixteen then." He then frowned, " but that's all I remember, nothing else.." He brought his hands to his head, and rubbed in circular motion, as if nursing a bad headache.
"Neal, sweetheart, it's okay, don't stress. You will remember everything soon. Okay, just relax. " El's voice was soothing and it immediately released some tension that Neal felt building in him.
He nodded and dropped his hands on his lap and El immediately squeezed them in comfort.
"Now, why don't you lie down and try to get some sleep, sweetie, you must be tired." As if on cue, Neal yawned and El smiled and Neal just wanted to melt in that smile.
El made Neal lie down and covered him with the sheet and gave in to the urge to kiss him on his forehead. When her warm lips caressed Neal's forehead, an involuntary tear slipped from the corner of his eye and his squeezed them shut. They couldn't see what this was doing to him. Hell, he couldn't let this happen to him either. He just couldn't keep relating this lady to his mother.
A few seconds passed but Neal could still feel the weight on the bed other than his, he knew Mrs. Burke was still sitting there. He opened his eyes saw her smiling at him. Damn!
"Will you stay Mrs. Burke?" His eyes shot wide at what just slipped out of his mouth. He never meant to say that, the words just came tumbling out. What he wanted to say was that she could go, he was fine.
Now his heart was racing, what will she think? Why would she stay with a criminal? He was a criminal right? That's what Peter had told him. He thought she would laugh at him but then she smiled again.
"Of course Neal, I'm not going anywhere. Just go to sleep. And call me El or Elizabeth, alright?"
"El.." Neal said softly. El smiled. " That's better. Now close your eyes." Neal nodded and closed his eyes. El caressed Neal's hair softly and after a few seconds his breathing evened out indicating that he was asleep.
Peter was stunned by how his wife could handle kids. She had just met Neal but it seemed now like they both knew each other for ages. Now that Neal was sleeping, he asked what he wanted to urgently.
"El.. You were serious about bringing him home? El we cannot take in a criminal. "
El sighed, "Peter, he might be a criminal, but right now he doesn't remember any of it. He's really scared and vulnerable now. You really think juvie is a good place to send him?"
Peter frowned. If he was honest to himself, then even he didn't think Neal should be in Juvie. The kid looked so innocent. Okay, he knew Neal definitely wasn't innocent but right now, the kid didn't remember that. He then decided to talk to Reese about taking Neal home.
He finally gave in, " Alright El, if that's what you want."
El smiled and stood up and crossed the distance between her husband and enveloped him in a warm embrace. " Thank you so much Peter. This is going to be the best Christmas ever." She murmured. She didn't know why but she just felt the need to keep the sleeping kid happy.
...
Neal's eyes opened and he blinked to adjust to the darkness. Judging by the darkness he knew it was late hours of the night. His eyes wandered around the room and he could make out a hunched figure in the chair on his right side. He blinked again a few times to adjust and finally saw that the hunched figure was none other than Peter Burke, the FBI agent. He sighed. He must have been a little loud because next moment Peter's eyes opened.
Peter winced at the pain in his neck because the chair was definitely not a good thing to sleep on. His eyes then fell on Neal who was looking at him.
" Hey.." Peter said awkwardly.
"Hey .." Neal replied.
"How are you feeling Caffrey.."
"Much better." Silence fell over between the two. Peter was thinking of ways to talk to Neal but just couldn't come up with anything. But apparently Neal had something to talk about.
"Peter..where is El?"
"She left." Peter replied but then immediately regretted his words. The way Neal said "Oh." Was so very sad. Neal had thought that El had left him in spite of telling him that she'd not leave.
"I mean..she went home to decorate your room. She's super excited about you coming and staying with us. " Peter rushed. Peter didn't mention that he yet had to talk to his superior Reese Hughes about it.
El really didn't want to leave Neal but then she really was excited about this whole thing. She wanted to make sure that Neal felt at home. She was sure that she would return before Neal woke up. But Neal had other plans.
Neal's face brightened up at that and it filled Peter's heart with warmth. But then Neal's lips began to curl downwards and Peter was heartbroken at the scene. He really was amazed at how in a few seconds the kid had done weird things to his heart.
"What is it Caffrey?"
Neal remained silent for a long time and Peter was about to give up the question but then Neal was speaking softly.
"I.. You..you told me that I am a criminal but still you are taking me to your home instead of the Juvie. I really don't know how to thank you Peter."
Peter waved his hand in dismissal, " Don't worry about it much okay. You just concentrate on getting better. "
Neal nodded. They remained silent for a few minutes and then Peter spoke,
"I want to thank you for saving my life, Caffrey. Really, thank you. If you hadn't taken the bullet for me then you wouldn't have been here."
Neal frowned, "Is that why I am here Peter? Nobody told me about it."
Peter replied nodding, "Yes Caffrey. We were at the warehouse. There was cross firing and you pushed me away and took the bullet aimed at me. "
Neal smiled, "Well, I really don't remember saving you Peter. So no thanks required."
"No kid, you don't remember about yourself because of me, because of saving my life. I really cannot thank you enough."
Neal sighed, "Alright Peter. I accept your thanks."
Peter relaxed but then added,
"And Caffrey .." Neal hummed.
"It's Agent Burke to you, alright." Peter admonished him.
Neal smiled, " Whatever Peter! "
Peter huffed, "I'm serious Caffrey."
"Okay Peter.. And it's Neal to you." His smile widened.
Peter rolled his eyes. "Rest Caffrey..I don't know about you but I can manage with some sleep."
Neal nodded, "Good night Peter." He closed his eyes but the smile remained intact. Peter couldn't help but smile too.
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