Disclaimer: White Collar belongs to Jeff Eastin, USA Network et al. This is for fun, no copyright infringement is intended.


As You Were


"Peter?"

"Hmm?"

Still holding one headphone against his ear Peter glanced across the cramped interior of the van at Jones. The younger man took a deep breath.

"I wanted to thank you. For trusting me. Believing in me." He paused and breathed in again deeply, choosing his next words. "For believing I wouldn't let my emotions get the better of me again and letting me go into that building. I … just wanted you to know how much I appreciate it."

Peter cocked his head sideways then slowly put the headphones down.

"Clinton," he said gently, ignoring the surprise flickering across Jones's face at being addressed by his given name, "You are a good agent. And I might not tell you this often enough – no. Please let me finish. You are a good agent. Smart. Compassionate. Thorough. Reliable. One day you will be an excellent lead agent. And you should not have allowed Horn to get to you like that. But…" His lips twisted in a wry smile "… I hit Fowler."

For a few heartbeats Jones only stared at him then his lips, too, twitched with a smile.

"Yeah," he nodded, "Yeah, you so did."

Peter wordlessly lifted his hands. And indeed the gesture told it all.

"Thank you," Jones said again and Peter only nodded. Clearing his throat Jones pointed at the empty plastic cups in front of them. "Want some more coffee?"

"Sure. Looks like we'll need it," Peter answered with a glance at the silent receiver.

He watched the younger man clamber out of the van and tapped his fingers on his thigh a few times. Then he impulsively reached for his cellphone and called Neal.