(Chapter 2)

A week went by and the stranger hadn't woken up, but as usually happens real life interfered enough that Neal temporarily forgot about his unusual visitor. He was distracted as he prepared for Sara's return and a rare but special evening in. She had the upcoming weekend free and his current projects were either finished or set aside on the back burner to celebrate with his fiancee. Nothing was going to mess up this special evening as he picked up his cell and answered.

"Arts Supply Emporium, how may I help you?"

He could see by the caller ID it was Theo, the little guy often doing the same when he called him. There was silence a moment before his friend coughed and replied.

"Funny, Neal. I just wanted to see if I could borrow a bottle of wine. I think I'm going to pop the question tonight."

His friend sounded excited, more so than he ever had for a woman he was dating but it seemed the past year had been enough to convince Theo that Sally was the one. They were practically connected at the hip, their interests similar in many ways. It was a perfect relationship, much like his and Sara's. He grinned, nodding at the cell as he finished cutting up some vegetables and pushed them with the knife into a small frying pan.

"Sure, just stop by before 7. Sara said she wasn't sure exactly when her plane was arriving but that should be about right. It's nearly 5:30 now and the airport site says 7 PM for estimated arrival."

He was distracted a moment as he chopped up a whole onion, eyes tearing slightly but he was an expert, careful to wash his hands as he finished, pushing the diced bits into the same frying pan and wiping his hands on his chef's apron. It had been a gift from Sara, a dark red color to hide any spills but he was a expert, the tease not lost on him.

"I'm already half way there. See you soon, Mon frer."

The call ended and Neal put the cell on the counter, moving towards the stove with the pan full of chopped and diced veggies when he suddenly winced, a horrible migraine hitting him hard. There was a clatter, a delay in his thinking that didn't immediately let him know it was the pan in his hand as it fell to the tiled floor. He followed after a moment, collapsing to his knees first as the pain seemed to weaken him. He'd never had a headache like this before, Neal biting his cheek until he tasted blood. The pain was unbearable as he finally slumped to the floor with a painful thud, head connecting with the tile. His eyes saw the cell phone above on the counter, miles away it seemed as he reached for it but finally succumbed to the ache and blacked out.

Neal… Neal wake up!

Someone was talking to him but he didn't recognize the voice.

Neal… wake up!

His eyes were shut tight and yet he felt as if he had waken up somewhere else, eyes staring up through a blurry haze of smoke and semi-consciousness. There was a figure bent over him, only a hint of brown eyes in his field of view, the rest a silhouette as he tried to make sense of the vision.

Neal…

The man was begging him to wake up, a hand touching his cheek while another gently but firmly shook him. Their voice was full of worry and concern but who they were was a mystery as the dream or hallucination went on. Suddenly he felt a hard slap to his face, the scene fading away.

"Neal? Neal… Geesh…"

He had reached up and grabbed the hand that had slapped his face as it started in for another hit. It was a different hand than the one in his dream, Theo looking down at him in panic. It took a moment for him to realize he was back in the kitchen as he made a clumsy attempt to sit up with his friend's assistance. Neal leaned back against the kitchen island, eyes shut a moment as he saw a brief glimpse of the man from his dream or at least those brown eyes and then opened them up again to see Theo gazing at him curiously.

"Do I have to ask why you're on the floor? You had me worried when I saw you in a heap…"

Theo was describing what happened, Neal stopping him before he could continue. The little guy had a spare key so that explained his getting in but had he really fainted?

"I don't remember... what happened. I was chopping vegetables…"

His mind was blank, even the vision of those honest brown eyes looking down at him in concern were fading away as he blinked up at his friend. Theo looked worriedly at him, helping him to his feet despite wanting to call someone. Neal shook it off, standing shakily on his feet a moment before everything seemed to settle again.

"I'm fine. I need to finish getting things ready for Sara."

He was trying to get his friend not to fixate but Theo, when started was quite the worrying type and hypochondriac when allowed to let his paranoia out. His body ached but he acted normal, not wanting to give his friend any more reason to be concerned about him.

"Are you sure it's not Ebola? Didn't you have some guest from Africa the other day at the gallery? You don't feel warm…"

Theo was reaching up to feel his cheeks and forehead, Neal pushing him aside with some annoyance. He glanced down at the mess on the floor, distracting himself to forget what had happened but his friend shooed him away.

"Go clean yourself up. I'll… clean up here."

Neal was going to argue but he saw that Theo was just concerned about him as he nodded almost sheepishly, patting his friend on the shoulder before he left the room and headed upstairs. It seemed a very long trek up, his body aching from the fall he barely remembered. If that had been a migraine, it had been a doozy of a headache, a low throb in his temples still remaining. This was new for him, having had some headaches in the past due to using paint thinner and some oils but he had never passed out before or lost time. He glanced at the grandfather clock in the hallway at the top and saw he'd lost almost 45 minutes. It was after 6 PM and Sara would be in town soon. He sighed, the dinner he'd hope to make for her turning into a take out night at this rate. Neal walked into his bedroom at the top left and started to undress, seeing the food stains on the white linen shirt where he had collapsed on the scattered vegetables and olive oil. The shirt wasn't ruined but it was close as he took it to the bathroom and rinsed it out in the sink with some light soap. The oil was washing out but time would tell if the rest of the stains would go away. Maybe June his dry cleaner and tailor could fix it with her magic? Neal hung the shirt up in the shower, wiping himself down with a damp towel before he went into the bedroom again to put on another clean shirt. Thankfully only his shirt had been stained as he brushed any dust from his khaki slacks. He stepped back into the bathroom to fix his hair when he noticed a slight bit of red along the right temple, reaching up to touch it.

"Damn…"

He cursed lightly, grabbing up the same towel he'd used a few minutes before to dab at the injury. Apparently there was a small gash along the hairline, a little blood dribbling down now as he gently prodded the tiny wound and cleaned it, placing a bandage over the cut. It was small, nothing to worry about and not even enough to take to the ER. Last thing he needed to do what worry Theo more so he fixed his hair, tossing a bit of his bangs over the bandage to hide it as he washed his face with a bit of cool water. Now he looked like himself, a confident artist who was about to have a date night in with his fiancee. He broke out his trademark smile and grinned, hoping to fool everyone even if he couldn't fool himself.

You're fine, Neal. Breath…

The words seemed to calm him, the last one in a voice he didn't recognize but he was relaxed now and ready for whatever was to come. He heard a doorbell downstairs as he hurried to answer. Theo was no where to be seen when he opened the door to find Sara standing there. She was looking away from the door a moment, right hand on a rolling suitcase as her other sat on her hip firmly. She was wearing a dark green two piece dress with a matching jacket and black knee high boots. It looked like she had been visiting with someone important or maybe a meeting that morning. Sara's sense of style was impeccable much as his own. Suddenly, her brown eyes were looking into his, a shy yet seductive smile on her lips.

"Neal…"

She was smiling at him a bit more broadly, brushing back his hair as she caressed his face. He saw her eyes widen, fingers delicately touching the bandage. He winced a little at the still fresh injury, Sara ts-tsking him as her expression turned to concern.

"What happened?"

She asked him as he tried not to say. Thankfully Theo came by right at that moment, looking between the two like some kind of thief, a bottle of wine tucked surreptitiously beneath one arm. Sara looked between the both of them when she saw Theo's expression reflecting her own.

"Hopefully one of us can get through to him… not that it's any of my business. (looking at Neal) Enjoy the evening…"

The last part was mysterious at best, Sara glancing between the two again before a smile returned to her lips. Theo's departure had brought about a nice aroma to the air that Neal didn't recognize at first. Sara hit him gently on the shoulder, the smile widening as she kissed him.

"Neal… I thought we were going to eat out."

He helped her inside, taking her luggage as they finally moved from the door to the entry way. The bags were put aside before she slipped out of her boots and they walked into the dining room. Neal could smell something good and it made him curious as they both entered to see a table set with everything he had planned for the evening and more. Leave it to Theo to do the cooking for him. He smiled inwardly glad for the little guy having shown up when he needed someone. If anything, Neal was lucky to have the friends he did. Sara suddenly poked him, drawing him closer as she wrapped an arm around him.

"This… looks delicious. Thank you..."

She gave him a long loving kiss on the lips, her fingers gently combing his hair as he hugged her close. He watched her eyes move up to the injury on his forehead, that worried look back as he tried to assuage her fears.

"I'm fine. Just a little accident… I'll tell you about if you really want to know AFTER dinner. Ok?"

He didn't want to think about what had happened, happy to have Sara back as she agreed with a silent nod. Neal pulled a chair out for her as they sat down for their date night feast.

()()()

A couple of hours later, they were half way through their dessert, a luscious creme brulee Neal had made earlier in the afternoon when he felt his cell buzzing in his pocket. Sara blinked, looking at him a moment as he looked surprised. He wasn't expecting anyone to call and Theo knew better (not that he ever listened to better judgment) as he glanced down at the screen to find out it was the hospital.

"Who is it, Neal?"

He must have looked surprised, answering the call uncertainly.

"Hello?"

He listened a moment, replying as needed. Finally he hung up the cell and gave a sigh of relief and surprise. Sara seemed curious for answers as he replied.

"It was the hospital. John Doe woke up."

He had kept Sara up to date through text and during some of the initial calls when she was in London about what was going on with his mysterious visitor. She had been intrigued, her hazel brown eyes bright with interest as they left the table to go see who this man really was.

Half an hour later they were at the hospital when they should have been home relaxing in each others company but both of them had been curious why the man had showed up on his doorstep and known his name. Maybe it was just a coincidence but something about the man's words told him he should know. The doctor was waiting for them at the lobby when they showed up, a curious look on his face.

"Mr. Caffrey… Ms…"

He turned to shake Sara's hand as she replied.

"Ms. Ellis…"

Once they had been introduced he walked them towards the elevators, everyone entering as he pushed the 3rd floor and they headed up.

"Officer Barrigan and her precinct still haven't found a name or any report of a missing person matching our John Doe. I thought since you were interested in this case, I'd call you if he woke up."

Dr. Carlson waved them towards a door.

"Let me do a quick exam and when I come out, you'll be free to visit."

The doctor seemed happy he was there, Neal having helped to put the word out and a small reward for anyone who knew who the man was. Nothing had come in that had told them who his mysterious visitor had been or that he even existed. Sara held his hand, the two moving towards some seats outside and getting comfortable as they waited to go inside.

"So there's been no word on who he is or that anyone knows him?"

She seemed very curious but also confused why Neal was still dealing with this when it really wasn't his business anymore. He was a kind man and maybe he was too generous at times but this person had come to find him and he had to know why. It seemed a mystery too intriguing not to discover the specifics of. Perhaps it would turn out to be nothing at all but he had to figure out who the man was.

"Not yet. Officer Barrigan called on a friend of hers in the FBI named Jones. There's nothing placing this man in connection with me or my family much more he doesn't seem to exist according to the Federal databases. Theo thinks he must be a time traveler but you know how impressionable he is."

They chuckled about the comment, the topic turning to his show and a current piece he had finished. Sara told him about London and also a side trip to France. She took plenty of pictures of the Louvre and some other fine art museums and classical architecture for his reference collection. She was showing him some images on her phone when the doctor came out and addressed them.

"I don't want to agitate him so why don't you go in alone, Mr. Caffrey."

Carlson blushed slightly at Sara who nodded in understanding. It made sense the man inside might be confused after a week unconscious. Hopefully they'd get some answers soon. Neal rose, letting go of his fiancee's hand as he followed the doctor into the room. The door clicked closed softly behind him, the room dimly lit but for one light near the bed where a man with short brown hair seemed to be sleeping. They approached quietly, Dr. Carlson talking in a relaxed tone.

"You have a guest. I thought you might like some company."

When the doctor finished speaking, the man moved, turning towards them. His eyes were a soft brown color, emphasized only slightly by the yellowing bruises on his face and neck. A large bandage was wrapped around his forehead with various other smaller bandages over cuts and gashes, one arm in a sling. Despite everything the man seemed aware of his surroundings but mainly he looked at Neal a long moment before turning to the doctor and smiling.

"Thanks, Dr. Carlson and this is...?"

He was definitely looking at Neal now, holding out a hand entangled with IVs and sensors. Neal reached out and shook the man's hand, a firm handshake he noticed. The man's quick and curious glance caught him off guard as he tried to think where he might know the man from. Perhaps the days since his discovery had make this stranger more familiar than he really was.

"Neal Caffrey."

He watched the man give him a look over before settling back into bed, their hands releasing. There was a pained look on the man's face and one of confusion before the look turned to something more tragic. Dr. Carlson immediately started to talk about amnesia and head trauma and the fact that his memory might return any day. The man nodded but it was obvious that although he seemed to know Neal, he didn't know who he was. It wasn't an act. He could only imagine what "John" was going through.

"Thank you Dr. Carlson. I guess I just feel strange not knowing what to call myself."

The man didn't seem demented like a few people that had showed up on his doorstep in the past. It was hard dealing with random strangers stopping you on your stoop asking to come in or to listen to them rant about art, especially their own, although he normally didn't mind that sort of thing at shows or gallery exhibits. There it was expected but at home he should have some privacy. It was by chance he was asked to do a spread in one of the big "magazines" on his home, something that had just allowed more access to where he was. It had been his agent's idea to do an article about getting inside the head of a famous artist or at least their home to learn more about them. It had definitely boosted his prestige in some circles but caused him further problems when it came to his privacy. The home he bought on Riverside had belonged to an old bootlegger and con man named Byron Ellington. When he died he had no heirs and the house had come up for auction. Neal had fallen in love with the place immediately, the history of the bootlegger and the original architect romanticized in his mind as the perfect place to work on his painting. There was quite a bit of history behind the structure not to mention secret rooms, passages, 2 way mirrors in some cases and a million dollar view anyone would pay for. He often went up to the terrace and just stared out at the city letting his mind wander away from the cares that worried him. The house suited him and was a work in progress for him and now Sara who both wanted to upgrade it into a showplace once they were married. This was why the article had been made, his agent contacted by a reporter who thought this would be a great opportunity for everyone. He regretted the choice now but there was nothing he could do about it.

"Mr. Caffrey…"

Their eyes met, brown staring into blue. There was familiarity there and yet Neal didn't know why. The man knew him but his memory didn't remember ever meeting up.

"I… it's good to see you looking well. I'm glad I could help."

He tried to keep the conversation simple, Dr. Carlson standing nearby but reaching into his white lab coat pocket. The doctor stared down at a cell, reading the screen and then glancing at the two men apologetically.

"Looks like I have to leave you for a few minutes. I'll be back soon. If you need anything, push the nurse call."

He smiled somewhat sheepishly before leaving the room. The door clicked softly close emphasizing the awkwardness which seemed to grow between them as the other tried not to acknowledge the lack of real conversation. Finally the man sat up a bit, eyes gazing deeply at Neal. There was a knowing look but also a question coming he sensed.

"You... don't remember me?"

The query was odd but it was hardly unexpected. Still Neal wasn't sure how to answer, shifting his weight from one foot to the other as he figured out how to reply.

"We've met before?"

He didn't want to say anything in case he was mistaken that the stranger was a fan. It was also a possibility that John was a past acquaintance but he remember most of the people from his life starting after age 3. This man didn't fit anyone from his childhood including distant relations which he had few of. Besides, there was no family resemblance, John Doe's age seemingly around the early 40s which would make him at most an older cousin or brother but he had no siblings. He waited for a reply.

"I guess you don't remember. Maybe that's for the best."

The man spoke in riddles, the tone making him nervous. The man frowned slightly, a disappointed look on his face. Neal was about to answer when the door opened and the sound of someone walking in distracted them both. He saw the man blink, looking at the figure who entered. It was Sara.

"Neal…?"

She moved closer, standing behind him as she placed her hands gently on his shoulder and squeezed in a reassuring manner. It made him more comfortable having his fiancee there. This strange man was claiming to know him but not saying how or why. Was this all an act? Maybe he knew who he was?

"Sara…"

The man said her name with some familiarity, a confused look on her face as she glanced between Neal and the stranger. She knew only what he'd told her about the incident while she'd been overseas but having the man call her by name seemed to make her, as it did himself, slightly uneasy. The man held out a hand and she politely shook it, brown eyes looking down at the ring on her finger then back towards Neal with a proud smile.

"Congratulations I guess are in order for your engagement. I'm glad it finally happened. I always thought you two would make a good couple."

Now everything felt strange, Neal standing up and turned away as the man let go of Sara's hand and the couple glanced between the other in silence. Neither of them seemed to know the man in the bed but he was familiar with them. Perhaps Neal was wrong when setting this man aside as a fan but Sara's name had not been in any articles about him due to the nature of her work. They were waiting for the date they finally set their wedding to announce themselves as a couple publicly. Nobody beyond a few friends or guests at his recent events would know they were even dating. This man was neither that he could see, deepening the puzzle.

"I don't believe I've had the pleasure. Neal?"

She was looking at him as if he had talked about her behind his back but he shrugged, uncertain where the man was going with this charade if that's indeed what is was. Neal wanted to know more but something about the turn of the conversation was making him uncomfortable.

"I think I should probably rest. I apologize for being so forward. I remember bits and pieces… You understand."

He was looking right at Neal, the expression on the man's face querying something he didn't know how to answer because he didn't know the question.

"Thank you for visiting. Maybe next time… I'll have more answers."

Neal sensed the hint of something there that felt like a threat but not in the traditional sense. The man was trying to tell him something though not directly. He really didn't understand what he was supposed to be figuring out as they nodded and said their goodbyes. Once outside he only looked back at the door briefly as it clicked shut, Sara's arm wrapped in his as she gave him a little squeeze.

"Penny for your thoughts. I didn't realize our engagement was public domain."

Her tone was only mildly teasing. She didn't mind letting their friends and family know. Her parents had been happy to know they would have a son in law soon but telling strangers? He shrugged, trying to put into words what he wanted to say.

"He just knew… I don't understand how but when the doctor was there he acted as if he was completely helpless then… then when we were alone he just started acting different. He asked if I remembered him but honestly, I don't. It's crazy but I can't remember if I have met him before so maybe Theo was right. Perhaps this is just another odd fan or reporter trying to be my friend. It's happened before."

He shivered slightly remembering a particularly chilling incident, an old classmate from college breaking in an accusing him of being a hack. He had tried to help the man a few years before by finding him a job with a major gallery. Ended in a huge mess he'd tried to forget. Matthew Keller was gone for now, an injunction keeping him 2000 feet away from his residence and self. He still had the small scar on his shoulder where he'd been injured by a letter opener Keller had used to stab him. His experience hadn't made him leave the public eye or shy away from fans but it made him more cautious. Sara hugged him closer, kissing his cheek.

"That is strange. So Dr. Carlson doesn't know?"

She was already looking for someone but Neal shook his head. He was almost certain the man wasn't faking but right now he just wanted to leave.

"Later… Let's go home and... finish our dinner."

He just wanted to forget about this odd situation and spend time with Sara. Today had been a strange day as it was with that migraine and fainting spell but knowing that man may have purposely showed up on his doorstep made it much more eerie. It didn't explain how the stranger was hurt but for now that was just a side issue. The man was coming to see him but had forgotten why.

"You know best how to deal with this."

She didn't argue with him as she normally would, a yawn stifled behind one finely manicured hand. He smiled at her and nodded, hugging her close as they kissed again, his eyes staring into hers as they pulled their lips slowly apart. Sara was jet lagged and he was feeling almost the same way after the migraine.

"This was supposed to be our night. Let's go get a drink somewhere or better yet… I have a special bottle of wine I've been saving. Even Theo doesn't know about it."

His friend tended to raid his small cellar of fine wines, Sara's lips curving into a broad smile.

"Oh? Keeping secrets from your best friend? What would Theo say?"

They walked down the hallway towards the elevators, arms wrapped around the others waist as they kissed again and he grinned back and pushed the elevator button.

"Bon Appetite…"