Heliophobia – fear of sunlight

Cape Verde islands, the port city of Santa María; sunshine, beaches, protection from local law enforcement, no extradition treaty with the US, and the best coffee this side of the Atlantic. Just what every man with limit-less wealth, a taste for the finer things in life, and is on the run from the FBI could ever need.

Well, all except for a hat. He will have to look into getting one.

Neal walks along the beach, the waves reaching to lick at the bottoms of his bare feet, while he stares off in the direction he knows his true home to be.

As seagulls' caws from overhead and the rhythmic sounds of the tides fill his ears, he can't help but think of the life in New York he left just three days ago. His feet still on the sand, and pushing away thoughts of friends and family of a life now gone, James Maine turns his back on New York City. Turns his back on Neal Caffrey.

Pasting as real a smile as he can on his face, a smile that seems dim and doesn't even begin to reach his eyes, he walks back to his island paradise. The beautiful, tropical sunlight shines down on him, warming his skin pleasantly.

~WC~TheFearOfFear~WC~

Heavy and surprisingly quick footsteps stop just out of sight behind the open door, breathless panting the only sound for a moment before he speaks up. "You know, I used to take pride in being able to steal your wallet." There is a quiet huff of amusement, then the other man pushes the door open the rest of the way, revealing each to the other.

Six weeks. Six weeks he thought his life in New York was gone forever. Six weeks since he last set eyes on Peter Burke. Forty-four days since he last saw his best friend that he thought he'd never see again.

"But, if a kid can do it. . ."

One month, two weeks, two days. And there he is, wearing a supremely clichéd tourist shirt in the ugliest shade of green he has ever seen and a crisp pair of blue jeans and a smile bright enough to light up the darkest of days.

As much as Neal Caffrey wants to run up to and be near the man he considers family, James Maine doesn't do it. That life, that part of him, the part that will always consider New York his home, he was supposed to have destroyed that. Supposed to have killed the part of him that is Neal Caffrey. But he couldn't. Not after all he had there. He didn't want to lose that life, even if he no longer could have it. The weight of his failure hangs on him, but is overwhelmed by his immense joy at feeling whole again for the first time in six weeks. Yet, as Peter moves forward towards him, his intentions visible in his bright brown eyes, James Maine holds up a hand to pause him, taking a couple steps forward of his own. Mozzie would think he is being cautious, but that isn't it at all. He needs that bit of space to keep a hold of his emotions. That short distance to control himself.

"How are you Peter?"

"Alright," Peter replies, taking back his wallet.

He narrows his eyes, trying to get a read on this man he thought he know, but never would have guessed would chase him halfway across the Atlantic like this. Then, before he can even blink, Peter's arms are encompassing him in a tight embrace. "Damn good to see ya."

After the shock of suddenness wears off, Neal Caffrey can't help but return the hug. Because it is. It is so good to see him. "You too."

And his smile is the most genuine it has been since he came to this island.

And suddenly, the sunshine seems blinding.

Word Count: 652

Disclaimer: If I owned White Collar, I would know what will happen in the season six premiere, instead of playing around with the season four premiere.

Author's Notes: I've been re-watching past seasons of WC these past few weeks, and the season four two-part premiere has to be two of my favorite episodes of the entire series, along with As You Were (3x8) and Checkmate (3x11), but it is a growing list. I guess this one is probably rather boring. I had never planned on writing this one, it just snuck up on me, so here it is. Enjoy. Suggest. And for goodness sake, if you decide to review, give me something more than "It's cool. I love it. Update soon." So I can actually respond to it. xD I'm a talker! Talk to me people!

-TheOneThatGotAway99