1Hello dear readers. Just wanted to say thanks for being such kind, encouraging people.

Chap. 6

Neal Caffrey sat on the balcony enjoying his morning coffee, planning his day. Considering he was still confined to the mansion, there wasn't much to plan. God, he was so bored. He had read and reread so many books that he feared his eyes may be permanently crossed. He and Peter had gone over tons of cold cases, finding new leads in some of them. He wasn't allowed to check them out though. That had to be done by Jones and Diana. It just wasn't safe for him to be out on the street yet. He understood the reason for his confinement, but that didn't mean he had to like it. He seriously thought he might start climbing the walls soon if he didn't find something to keep him occupied.

Peter glanced at his wife as they unpacked what had just been delivered to the mansion. After the agents at the doors checked it out and deemed it safe, the two had taken it inside instantly. Upon opening the first box, they found a note written in the most atrocious handwriting either had ever seen.

Peter, I'm not really much for care packages, but Neal as well as I do, I thought this might make life a little easier for all of you. Inside these boxes you'll find art supplies for Neal, his books and course material for his classes, and even a few "unsolvable puzzles" to keep him entertained for the duration of your stay. You and Elizabeth will also find certain things in the boxes for you as well. All of Elizabeth's scrap booking material is in here. I have included here latest project as well. All of her knitting equipment is there. Now, finally for you Peter, I have included several books and films on varies subjects of interest to you. I have packed all of you equipment for your new hobby as well. All of the parts for your models have been carefully packed and stored here. Enjoy!

Reese Hughes

Peter and El glanced at each other and giggled before tearing into the boxes. Only Reese would be this thoughtful and be stoic enough to hide it from them.

"Peter, Neal is going to love this. I know he has to be bored to tears. His mind is so active. I don't see how he can't be. We have to thank Reese for this. He is a life saver."

Peter agreed as he unwrapped more boxes, finding the scrap booking and knitting. He also found dog toys and the ingredients for the organic treats Neal and El made for them in another box. Finally he found his stash. His models were quickly becoming his favorite hobby. And as such he hoped to share it with Neal.

"Peter look at these. They're wonderful."

Peter looked at the 3D puzzles El was holding. They would be fun and Neal would be right in his element with them. The Pyramids, the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tower, and several more were in the boxes. Peter would have to thanks his boss for this. He hadn't realized Reese knew this much about Neal or himself or even El.

"I'm going get Neal. He'll want to see these."

Peter nodded his agreement as he glanced at the art supplies. Neal Caffrey would be in his own version of Heaven.

June let Mozzie into the house with a quick embrace. The man was an enigma, just like the boy upstairs. Taking his coat and storing it in the coat closet, June then showed her guest to the den where Peter, El, and Neal were currently unpacking the Reese Hughes care package.

"Mozzie, check this out! This came just in time. I was going out of my mind with boredom when this came. Hughes sent it over"

Mozzie strolled over to his young friend and peered into the boxes, taking in the contents. He had to admit that the older man had definitely made Neal's day. At twenty, and with an IQ that topped the charts, Neal's mind was incredibly active. The art supplies and puzzles would help ease much of his boredom for a while. Maybe Reese Hughes wasn't so bad.

"Mom, I'm going carry the art supplies upstairs."

"O.K. I think I'll put my stuff away, also. Maybe when we finish we can start on one of these puzzles."

"I'd like that."

As she watched him trek up the stairs, El wondered if anyone had ever done a puzzle with him. Or even played a board game with him. She knew he and Mozzie often played Scrabble, but had Neal ever played as a family? If he had not, he would tonight. In the bottom of the box with the last 3D puzzle was Scrabble.

"Mrs. Suit, I do believe this forced confinement will be good for him. He craves parental attention and with all of this, he'll get that."

"Did you two ever play games Mozzie?"

"Actually, yes we did. I realized early on that I had to keep him busy or he found trouble so the board games came into play. He's so very innocent in some ways, Mrs. Suit. I don't want him to ever lose that."

El went in search of Peter as Mozzie made his way up the stairs to find Neal. Finding her husband in one of the empty guest rooms setting up his models, El wrapped her arms around him and sighed.

"Neal went to put his stuff away. I told him we could start one of those 3D puzzles when he finishes. His face lit up, Peter. I don't think anyone ever really did that with him before. Other than Mozzie of course."

"Then, Mrs. Burke, we'll just have to remedy that won't we?"

"Peter did you find anything on Gerald when you went to the office? I need to know these things, Peter! This affects my son."

"I did actually, but I would like to wait until Neal is asleep to show you. He doesn't need to relive this again."

"O.K. Just don't leave me out."

Peter turned, facing his wife and kissed her. Bringing Neal into their lives had brought them closer as a couple and more importantly, as a family. Hearing the footfalls on the stairs, Peter smiled and broke away from his wife. His son would be ready to start his puzzle in a few minutes and Peter didn't want to make him wait.

After starting a 3D puzzle, the Colosseum, Neal's choice, Peter, El, Neal, Mozzie, and even June worked on it until Neal's stomach began to growl, demanding that it be fed lunch.

"I think a break might be what we need. Lunch sounds good."

Everyone agreed with June about lunch and soon Neal, El, and June were in the kitchen working to get lunch out. A simple lobster spaghetti with an Alfredo sauce was lunch. The thick, crunchy Greek bread was a nice touch on the side. The white wine was perfect with the Alfredo pasta. Even Mozzie commented on how it seemed to work well with the lobster. Adding that the fresh Parmesan cheese gave the dish a nice salty tang that complimented the wine. For Neal having the whole group together was more enjoyable than the food. For most of his life, having family meals was only a fantasy, now he got to do just that at least three times a week. Peter and El even made it a point to have lunch with him at least once a week. And most mornings were spent around the breakfast table chatting, drinking coffee, and eating before the day started. Peter and El never seemed too busy for him.

Peter stood back and watched as his son molded a lump of clay into what he assumed would be one of Neal's masterpieces once it was finished. He couldn't figure out how so much intelligence and talent could be housed in the slender kid. It was little wonder that the boy talked non stop. All that energy had to go somewhere. The graceful movements gave way to short choppy strokes as the lump started to take shape. Peter wished not for the first time that he and El had found the kid when he was younger. Before all the damage had been done. Before the abuse and neglect, before Neal's sense of self worth was completely destroyed. How different would Neal Caffrey be today if he had grown up knowing without a doubt that someone cared? Would he have turned to crime at such a young age? Peter doubted crime would have even entered the picture if Neal had grown up with them. Most likely, Neal would be in college studying everything he could, calling home every day, flying or driving home at least once a month. The only worry Neal would have, aside from which party to attend, would be his academics, and as intelligent as he was, they would not pose a problem.

"Dad!"

"What?"

"I've been calling you for at least a minute. Can you hold this for me?"

Peter glanced at his son and what he was holding. The clay that was now turning into what looked like the Eiffel Tower, was teetering in his hands.

"Sure. Like this?"

"Yeah. Thanks. I just need to smooth out the base and I couldn't get the right angle with it on the table."

"Neal?"

"Hmm?"

"I'm so proud of you kid. You know that right?"

Neal stilled in his work and thought about his answer. Did he know that? After everything he had done, Peter still thought him worthy of his pride.

"Yeah, Dad, I know. It just took me a while to see it."

Next chapter will have Gerald in it. Neal's perfect little world will be rocked and tilted on its axis.