chapter 4

I really wanted to have this up yesterday but it never happened. Thanks again for the support and reviews. Please keep them coming. They really do inspire me to keep writing!

Peter kept a steady gaze on his young charge who had finally fallen asleep. Neal's figured was sprawled breathing deeply as Peter watched the rise and fall of his chest. Peter dug the heels of his palms into this eyes desperately trying to get rid of the images in his mind.

Neal had fallen apart mere hours ago. Dropping to his knees in quiet sobs one moment and the next screaming at the top of his lungs. Peter did the only things he could do: he stayed by Neal's side as his silent partner. He watched Neal destroy June's apartment. He listened to Neal scream obscenities till his throat was raw. He felt each blow Neal gave to the doors, counters and anything else he could get his hands on.

He saw the tears in Neal's eyes as he realized how lost he was.

A small whimper brought Peter back to the present. He stood up hearing his back crack and cursed his age as he went over to him. Neal's hair was plastered to his forehead, covered in sweat. Peter brushed the locks out of his eyes and silently checked the young man over. His hands and feet were still tightly bandaged. It had taken Peter nearly one hour to remove the shards of glass from Neal's body. Neal hadn't even stirred during the process, completely entrusting Peter even in his sleep.

Peter sighed and wondered if he should try to sleep for at least an hour when Neal began to twitch.

He began to murmur and plead with the silent ghosts in his head.

it wasn't until he began to thrash about that Peter intervened. Neal shot up in the bed, hands clutching the silk sheets. He ran one hand over his face, brushing day old stubble and weariness away.

It took a few moments before recognition and a painful reality dawned on him. His breathing quickened and he felt as if his heart would explode. His blue eyes scanned the room. He remembered the rage, grief and destruction. Was it all a dream?

"Did I..." he began thinking he was alone until a voice answered him.

"Yeah, you did."

Neal swallowed hard when he realized he wasn't alone. He looked embarrassed, and ashamed for his outburst as well as for the fact that Peter had obviously cleaned up his mess.

"June...she's..."

Peter stood up from the couch and took a seat next to Neal on the bed.

"I'm sure she'll forgive you."

Peter's voice was a lot quieter than Neal expected it would be.

"What do I do now, Peter?"

Neal knew that Peter would know. He was his only constant besides Moz . Maybe those two always were....

"Right now, you need to be under 24 hour surveillance."

The sleepiness banished from Neal's eyes as realization dawned on him .

"I'm supposed to be dead."

Peter understood survivor guilt and felt a pang of sympathy for Neal.

"You're not dead."

Neal's bright eyes met Peter.

"Because of you."

Peter had to tear his eyes away from the kid's unabashed look of faith and trust. Damn it, Neal....

He was not up to having this conversation at the moment.

"Tomorrow we can talk if you want to, but right now you need to get to sleep." Neal frowned. Sleep was the furthest thing from his mind at the moment.

Peter gave his own legs a slap and stood to stretch. He could feel Neal's eyes watching his every move right until he saw Peter's fingers dancing over the cell phone.

Backup...Neal knew how it worked. Peter needed to call backup so he could get home to Elizabeth. Neal knew it had to be done. He would be trapped in a new kind of cell with strangers as roommates.

Peter whispered softly in to the phone with one hand on his hip. When he hung up his brown eyes softened toward Neal. Neal shifted uncomfortably under the scrutiny. He knew what was about to go down even if he didn't want to accept it. He didn't need Peter to hold his hand. He could get through this.

"Tell Elizabeth I said hi, Peter."

Peter sighed running his hand through his hair.

"I will...tomorrow."

Neal's confusion was clearly written on his face.

"Aren't you.... I mean didn't you just call an agent to relieve you?"

Peter's amusement was unmasked.

"I called Elizabeth who wanted to know how you were should you wake up. Besides, do you think anyone else wants this detail, Caffrey?"

Neal's head dropped. His lips curled slightly, beyond grateful to Peter.

"Didn't know you cared, Peter."

Peter whispered words not meant for Neal's ears.

"More than you know."

Hope you like it. pleaser review and up next Mozzie visits!!!