(( I apologize for the long wait, first my power went out during the hurricane and then my beta was busy so she couldn't get to it. I've already started the new series sequel the new story is called A Conman's Legacy. I will post the first chapter in about three or four days.))
Chapter 9: Conclusion
Peter walked into the FBI building on the cool October morning; he nursed the warm coffee in his hands and as he walked into the office he saw Neal sitting there working on his paperwork. Two months have gone by and every day Neal always seems to be changing, he's grown out his hair and he's even lightened his hair color but every time I ask him about it he finds something else to talk about. Peter thought as he stopped in front of Neal's desk and watched him pushing his hair behind his ear again. "It's getting pretty long; have you thought of cutting it at all?" Peter asked with a smirk. Neal looked up with a million watt smile. "Can't… Nick said I should grow it out and lighten it," Neal said as he looked back down at his paperwork.
"Well then can you at least come to my office to talk for a few minutes or do you have to clear it with your brother first?"Peter asked as he sipped his coffee. Neal stood up slowly and followed Peter into his office and shut the door behind him and took his usual seat in front of the desk. "Is there something bothering you Peter? You seem upset about something," Neal remarked as he tried to read Peter's face. Peter put his coffee down before removing his coat and putting it over the back of his chair. "I'm not really upset I'm just worried about you Neal. You've been leaving work early, you've changed your looks and I can't help but think you're getting ready to run. Even though you're promising me you won't," Peter said as he sat down. "I already told you I wasn't going to run, in fact I've told you at least thirty times over the last two months I wasn't going to, and yet you still think I'm going to run, I thought you had more trust in me Peter," Neal said as he stood up. "I thought by now I've proven I'm changing my ways but you don't want to believe it I guess," Neal said as he stood up.
Rising up as well Peter looked at Neal and saw the distrust forming in his eyes. "It's not that I don't trust you, it's the fact that you changed your looks for weeks before changing back and escaping prison… I've had Hughes asking me for days what you are up to so I had to ask. I didn't want to have to ask you but you brought it on yourself with your change in behavior," Peter said as he walked around his desk. Neal chewed on his bottom lip as he stood there, "I shouldn't have jumped down your throat about trusting me, I did change my looks and I can understand why you both suspected me of being sneaky with my hair and not being here in the afternoons," Neal apologized. "Hey, are you busy tonight?" Neal asked with a smile.
"No, I was going to sit and watch the game on TV tonight, why do you ask?" Peter asked curious to know what Neal was up to. "Well then here, you and El should take these," Neal said pulling a small envelope out of his front pocket. Taking the envelope Peter opened it and saw two tickets. "What are these?" he asked looking at the contents of the envelope. "What are these tickets to?" Peter asked looking them over. "Oh where is the fun in it if I tell you, I need to get back to work now," Neal said as he left the office and walked back to his desk. On the way to his desk Neal handed out more envelopes to everyone in the bullpen. "I want you all to come tonight for a very special surprise and I'm paying for the tickets so show up, and if you promise to show up I'll give you all back your wallets," Neal said with a smile that forced everyone to look in their pockets and purses only to find their wallets still there.
Once he was done handing out the envelopes Neal walked over to his brother's desk. "So is everything set for tonight?" he asked. Nick smirked "I have everything set up for tonight you just remember to take it easy so you have your energy for tonight," Nick remarked with a smirk. Neal nodded as he sat on the edge of his brother's desk. "I'll save my voice starting now," Neal said before closing his mouth. Smirking at his brother Nick handed him a notebook and a pen. Moving to his desk Neal dropped into his seat and leaned back and looked at the ceiling. I have to go all day without talking and drink warm tea before later today; Neal thought as he closed his eyes and put his head back against his chair to rest.
For a Monday morning the hours seemed to drag on forever. Peter had found himself nodding off a few times. I swear all con artists and forgers take this time off…it's strange but every year it's slow between now and the New Year, Peter thought as he looked down into the bullpen and found Neal asleep with his feet on his desk. Getting up from his desk Peter walked to Neal's and tapped him on the foot startling the younger man a bit. "Let's take a walk maybe the cold air will keep you up," Peter said as he threw Neal his wool coat. After putting his coat on Neal followed Peter until they were out of the building. Shivering against the strong autumn breeze Neal buried himself deeper into his coat. "Peter it's freezing out here," Neal whined as he ducked his head down a bit. Peter rolled his eyes "We're almost there so quit complaining," Peter said as he led Neal down the sidewalk and into a restaurant.
Neal shivered again as they were led to a booth far from anyone else and hidden by a floating wall. As soon as they were seated Neal scooted around the half round table until he was right against Peter. "You are such a wimp when it comes to the cold," Peter remarked with a smile as he felt Neal slip his hand into his to keep warm. When the waiter arrived Neal grabbed the menu and looked it over before ordering right away, Peter looked at the menu and quickly ordered to send the waiter away. "Hughes has been asking me if I have any leads on the treasure or your former father-in-law," Peter remarked as he grabbed his glass of water.
Sighing softly Neal looked at his lover, "I'm sorry I got you involved with the treasure like that. I wouldn't have shown you the warehouse if I had known this would happen. I'll make you a deal Peter, give me a year and I will give up the treasure to the FBI and I won't tell them that you know anything I promise," Neal said keeping his voice down. Peter has been sucked into this, I'm forcing him to lie for me…now that I think about it did I have an ulterior motive? I really didn't think before I showed him maybe deep down I wanted him to know about the secret so that we could share something, but maybe I wanted him to know so he would be stuck in the same boat as me…Neal thought as he watched the agent beside him. When their lunch arrived Neal picked up his fork and began to pick at his food.
"Just eat Neal we'll talk about your worries later after this thing tonight you've invited everyone too," Peter said as he made sure Neal had started eating before he started. Lunch finished quickly and after paying the check with cash as the two men made their way back to the Federal building. The day moved slowly even for Peter, he was on the verge of finding a deck of cards to play solitaire when Neal walked into his office unannounced. "I have to go get ready for the concert, so I was wondering if I could leave early." Neal asked nonchalantly as he walked farther into the office. Peter looked at his watch then up at Neal. "The concert is at eight it's only three, how can you take that long to get ready…the answer is no. You'll have enough time to get ready after work tonight, I've given you two months of getting out of work early with no reason, so get back to work," Peter said as he went back to the minimal work that was in front of him.
Neal returned to his desk and began to goof off and tap his pen on his desk in hopes he would annoy everyone enough to get himself sent home. After a couple minutes Neal realized everyone had begun to ignore him. Huffing loudly Neal looked at his phone to check the time before he decided to use his backup plan. Looking around Neal began to drum his pen against his desk and hum loudly. Out of the corner of his eye Neal could see people looking up and glaring at him. It's not enough I guess I have to really pull out all the stops…Neal thought as he stopped tapping and grabbed some gum out of his drawer and began to snap his gum loudly as he drummed his pen on his notebook.
"I swear to God Neal if you don't stop that right now I'm going to shoot you," Diana said from her desk as she gripped her pen tightly. "Am I doing something to annoy you?" Neal asked casually with a smirk as he continued to snap his gum even louder. Peter looked up when he heard raised voices from his agents. Noticing that everyone looked like they were going to burn Neal on a stake Peter rose from his desk and walked out to Neal's desk. "Stop what you're doing because I'm not going to send you home early. So throw that gum out and stop acting out," Peter said putting his foot down on the matter. Neal locked eyes with Peter as he reached into his drawer and pulled out another stick of gum and began to chew and snap it louder than before.
Hughes walked out of his office. "Caffrey get out of here you are a distraction to my agents," Hughes barked at Neal. Neal smiled and jumped up from his desk and grabbed his coat. "Later everyone, see you tonight," Neal yelled as he ran out of the office and whistled a tune as he waited for the elevator. Peter returned to work his curiosity of why Neal wanted to get out of work so early hit him. As soon as he got into his office Peter pulled up Neal's tracking data only to find the site was down for maintenance. Rubbing away the oncoming headache Peter could feel his stress level going up greatly.
By the end of the work day Peter was on edge with everyone as he tried to call Neal four times only to have his calls go to voice mail. "Damn it Neal what are you keeping from me…" Peter grumbled as he shut his computer down for the night. Making his way out of the office Peter drove home and walked in the front door just before Elizabeth began to make dinner. "Hey hon, I was just about to start dinner what would you like?" Elizabeth asked as she gave Peter a quick hug and kiss. "Nothing too big, Neal gave everyone concert tickets for some band tonight at Madison Square Garden. I think I'm going to just not go I'm tired," Peter said as he dropped on the couch and sighed.
"Oh no you don't, go shower and change your clothes we're going to that concert tonight because Neal invited us for a reason. Anyone else we know going besides Neal?" Elizabeth asked as she tried to plan a meal that wouldn't take too long to make. "Oh just the entire White Collar division and his brother and cousin, his sister- in-law and I'm not sure who else was invited. But all I know is it's a band I've never even heard of," Peter said as he pulled the tickets out and handed them to his wife. "Alright then, move it mister you need to wash up before we go and dress casual we're going to have fun tonight," Elizabeth said as she took the tickets and swatted Peter with them until he went upstairs and got ready to go.
Trudging up the stairs Peter stripped off his suit and got into the shower and washed the dirt and grime of the city off his body. When he was done he dressed in jeans and a tee shirt. Heading downstairs he found Elizabeth already dressed in jeans and a band shirt. "We should call a cab it would be easier to get there," Elizabeth said as she grabbed her purse and strung it over her shoulder. After hailing a cab Peter got in with his wife and gave the driver their destination.
Peter walked into Madison Square Garden with Elizabeth; all they had for information was a cryptic letter and a pair of tickets for a concert that night for a band they had never heard of. As they got inside they saw Nick standing by a staircase that led to the upper levels. "You guys made it, come on the others are waiting," he said leading the Burkes up the stairs to their seats. When they got there they noticed that the entire White Collar Division had come and was seated in the section along with Neal's family and extended family on both his mother and father's sides along with Mozzie and Alex were seated in the first seven rows.
Nick ushered Peter and Elizabeth to their seats beside him and Catherine. "Okay we're here; will someone explain what's going on and where is Neal? I haven't seen much of Neal for the last two months but these last three weeks have been ridiculous. I know you know what's going on Nick," Peter said. Before Nick could respond a young Asian woman ran up to Nick and whispered something in his ear. "Excuse me, I'm needed and to answer your question Burke, just enjoy the show," Nick said as he got up from his seat and left with the woman.
As they waited as the rest of the patrons were filed into the arena, nearly an hour later the lights were turned off plunging the crowd in darkness. Soon the music began with a classical intro and green laser lights and smoke filled the air. The people all around the auditorium began to scream. A prerecorded beginning began before ending just as soon as it began.
Soon the white lights trained on six tube shaped objects being lowered from above the view of the curtains that had been set up near the ceiling of the domed roof. The cameras panned on the faces of the singers everyone in the group that knew Neal felt their jaws drop.
"Nagai jumon Ni kakaru furi nemuru setsuna no yoru wa" Neal began the song in perfect Japanese which didn't shock Peter too much.
"Jiyuu o Te Ni shita ningyo no yuuwaku fukai umi ni ochiteyuku Ah" Kame sang as he pushed his bangs out of his eyes.
Tsumetai mizu ga kokoro kuruwasu hada awasetemo anshin dekinai
Paranoia, Think of you futari dake tsuresari hikaru nami ga nomikomu unmei
I will see through your secret tsumi to batsu
I will see through your secret tsukiyabure
Mashou no tobira ni kono te kaketa toki kimi no naka oboreru kakugo
The tubes began to rise and fall in a wave pattern as the band sang. Each movement mimicking a perfect ocean wave as the song continued.
Fukaku nagai kanjou mukidashi no Crazy
Izanau mizube Ni nido to modorenai yoru no umi Ni tokete yuku Ah
Kizukeba futari torinokosareta hitotsu Ni natte oyogu shika nakatta
Can't stop lovin' you juujika o kakagete zutto kimi o mamorinuku Ah
I will see through your secret kuroi mitsu
I will see through your secret tachiagare
Eien no kusari Ni futari tsunagarete kimi no tame dake Ni sakebeba
I will see through your secret tsumi to batsu
I will see through your secret Tsukiyabure
Unmei, no tobira o kono te de aketa toki umi no hate hikar?
O tsukame (1)
As the song came to the end the tubes froze in midair before rising back into the rafters as the lights went dark and the smoke grew thick before they were lowered quickly down to the stage.
Peter put the pieces to the strange puzzle together; everything finally made sense with Neal's lack of energy at work and his reason for changing his hair the weeks before. Soon the stage was lit up; many who couldn't see the stage well watched the giant screens as the cameras panned on the band. Neal walked forward and held his arms up as the fans began to scream louder as he moved to the edge of the stage. "Kon'nichiwa…Madisonsukueagaden!" (2) Neal yelled into microphone getting another wave of screaming from the crowds in front of the stage. Neal turned and looked at his co-leader of the band walking up behind him.
"Watashi wa dono yona kyoku ga tsugitsugi okonau hitsuyo ga Kame o shiranai nodesu ka?" (3) Neal asked as the camera zoomed in on Kame as he lifted the mic to his lips. Instantly the fans were silent. Kame looked around his eyes giving off an intense sex appeal. "Tsuki..."(4) he whispered in a tone that made the women in the audience scream as the Biwa intro began. Soon a guitar entered with the drums joined in before the Biwa resumed.
Neal moved back and joined the others as Aki began to sing with Jin, Keido and Hiro. They all began to dance in perfect step that mimicked each other.
"Tsukiyo no yume ao ni somaru omoidetachi kanawanu koi to shitteta"
"Itsu kara darou kakechigaeta kimochi futatsu" Neal and Kame joined in and broke away from the group and faced each other as they sang to each other.
Mada maniau? nante ne
Asaki yume samenaide
Amai me de aibushite
Sotto...
WHEN I FEEL YOU
WHEN I LOVE YOU
Ichiya kagiri no tsuki no hikari
Subete nugisutete habataku chou ni naru
Umarekawattemo dakishimete ne
Onaji yasashisa de watashi wo aishite
SO PLEASE
UNDER THE MOONLIGHT
Moving around the stage the group moved in perfect step as they danced. It was because of two months of training they knew every step perfectly. Peter kept his eyes trained on Neal as he moved around the stage with grace he also saw how much fun he was having with his friends.
Oboro no zukiyo kiri ni kasumu futari no hibi
Kowaresou na yakusoku
Uso de mo iianata no taisetsu de aritakute
Senobishite oikaketa
Adeyaka ni maiodoru
Utsukushiku sasowarete
Motto...
WHEN I MISS YOU
WHEN I WANT YOU
Ichiya kagiri no tsuki no hikari
Subete nugisutete habataku chou ni naru
Umarekawattemo dakishimete ne
Onaji yasashisa de watashi wo aishite
SO PLEASE
UNDER THE MOONLIGHT
The lights darkened so there was only a silver light like moon light on the stage as all six of them sat on the stage and looked up at the projection of the moon on the ceiling.
Kagayaita harukana kioku wo
Yobisamashite susumu yo
Demo nanigenai chiisana koto bakkari
Kienai kesenai
Ichiya kagiri no tsuki no hikari
Subete nugisutete habataku chou ni naru
Umarekawattemo dakishimete ne
Onaji yasashisa de watashi wo aishite
Ichiya kagiri no tsuki no hikari
Subete nugisutete chiri yuku hana ni naru
Umarekawattemo dakishimete ne
Yume no naka de ii yo watashi wo aishite
SO PLEASE….. (5)
When the song ended the fans we're screaming until they were hoarse, Peter sat back in his seat and looked at the giant screen closest to them as the camera zoomed in on Kame and Neal who had their arms over each other's shoulders. Neal was smiling as his long hair stuck to his neck and face. Peter watched Neal closely. So this really what Neal did for those seven years of his life that I never knew about...? Why did he give it up and become a con he seems to be having fun here, Peter thought as he watched Neal slip away from the others and go back stage. Soon another song began but Peter barely listened to it without Neal singing he wasn't as transfixed by the catchy tunes and after nearly an hour of songs Peter became worried about Neal; especially after he saw the rest of Neal's group run off stage. A brief intermission began as the roadies moved the band equipment off the stage and move things into place for the next set. Elizabeth looked at her husband and smiled at him, because of great acoustics the music hadn't been very loud at all so their hearing wasn't gone yet.
As the stage crew finished up Peter glanced at his watched and saw that it was getting close to midnight. He wondered just how much longer the concert would go on for. Just then the green laser lights started again with a classical introduction on the giant screens the cameras were pointed at a man in a cage who looked like Neal it took Peter all of two seconds to notice it was Nick dressed like Neal. The cage began to rise at least thirty feet into the air with Nick reaching out for help when it stopped and the door opened and Nick grabbed onto the edge and hung on a bar before dropping the thirty feet to the ground below. The lights cut out and red spot lights began to search the area as taped horns and dogs barking played as the lights searched. Men ran out onto the stage carrying large banner flag and others with swords lined up as the lights moved up to the lowered catwalk where someone was sitting in a woman's kimono and a goblin kabuki mask.
When the lights rose a soft intro began to play on violin and piano. The figure began to open a large fan and swing it before closing it and continuing to move the fan around gracefully before putting it aside and running their hand over the mask. Grabbing the bottom they pulled the mask away to reveal it was Neal with his long hair tied up with hair sticks. Getting up he grabbed the fan and begun to spin around with it open as a large banner unraveled behind him on a track depicting a Japanese garden. Grabbing a paper umbrella Neal spun it around before closing it. On the stage below the men with the swords and banners were moving around.
Neal was lowered from the cat walk by wire. When he got to the stage below the lights turned off and he was bathed in a red light. Raising his finger to his lips he shushed as the music began and the fans screamed.
Shihaisareru yubisaki made
Kuruoshi hodo shibirete
Atama no naka kowarete yuku
Dancing around Neal took one of the male dancer's hands and turned in a wide circle with him.
Watashi wa ima naze doko
Me no mae kara hikari ga kie
Towa no nemuri SHI demo
Sasoi monku
Akai sono kuchibiru
Putting a stripe of lipstick on his right side Neal gave a small smirk as he did it.
Shibireru kokoro odoru midarete yuku
Moving side to side provocatively Neal pulled the outer kimono closer around his shoulders as he danced.
Sono chi ni oborete somaru
Mihatenu chi ni mukau me wa
Nani wo utsushi dashite yuku no?
Douka douka watakushi wo
Sono te de tsukande ite
Sliding the outer kimono down again to his elbows Neal moved rocked his hips.
Tomo ni kizamu haritachi ni
Oku no hou wo kamishimete
Zutto zutto samenu yo ni
Mune ni te wo ate negau
Ai wo...
Sliding his hand into his inner kimono he ran his hand on his left side pushing it down a bit. Turning his back to his fans he slid the outer down before stripping it off and reaching up and undoing his hair sticks Neal licked his lips so the microphone could pick it up. Shaking his hair out, when he turned around his left arm and side of his chest was exposed and he was carrying a sword.
The beat of the song picked up and the women in the audience screamed twice as loud at that point at the amount of skin exposed.
Kizu darake no kokoro sae mo
Anata wo miteieru wa
Yokubou to ka sou ja naku
Muishiki na no SHItte mo
Neal walked down the long center stage and moved and slashed his sword at the air as water shot out of the stage in jets giving him an almost magical appearance.
Kizu wo iyasu kusuri kimochi ii no
Asu wa izuko he ikareru
Sonna no iya na no
Sono chi ni oborete somaru
When he reached the end of the stage he handed his sword away and took a large purple umbrella from one of the dancers and stood on it as three jets of water shot up and with his wire system he was lifted into the air.
Anata to no hibi yume mite
Chitte itta hoshitachi mo
Douka douka samenu yo ni
Mune ni te wo ate negau
Yasashii no yara nani na no ka
Ichibyou goto ni iro wo kaeru
Zutto zutto watakushi wo
Sono te de tsukande ite ai de
After he was lowered Neal was handed a pair of large sparklers and risen into the air again as he spun in the air before being lowered again and handed a scroll
Sasoi monku
Kizu wo iyasu
Soon larger jets of water shot into the air and gave off a look of a cage of water with Neal in the middle.
Mihatenu chi ni mukau me wa
Nani wo utsushi dashite yuku no?
Douka douka watakushi wo
Sono te de tsukande ite
Rising into the air again Neal held the scroll and began to fly around the arena as he sang. Grabbing another scroll from the rafters he took everyone by surprise.
Tomo ni kizamu haritachi ni
Oku no hou wo kamishimete
Zutto zutto samenu yo ni
Mune ni te wo ate negau
Anata to no hibi yume mite
Chitte itta hoshitachi mo
Douka douka samenu yo ni
Mune ni te wo ate negau
Being lowered one last time Neal dropped one scroll and wrapped himself with the other.
Yasashii no yara nani na no ka
Ichibyou goto ni iro wo kaeru
Zutto zutto watakushi wo
Sono te de tsukannde ite ai de (6)
When the song ended Neal wiped his lipstick off and unwrapped himself from the scroll and threw it as it retracted back into the rafters as the fans cheered. Peter found himself clapping along with the other fans. Neal bowed to the fans as Kame came up beside Neal and bowed as well. Soon the fans were yelling the same word over and over. Peter felt a flash of jealousy when he saw the word on the screens. Looking to his left he saw Elizabeth chanting the word as well. "Kisu…Kisu…" (7) Looking back at the screen to see what would happen.
Neal and Kame faced each other and shared a kiss that made the women scream. They held the kiss as the camera flashes filled the air. When they pulled apart they bowed once again they bowed and were joined by the other members as they bowed as well. "Watashi wa kore ga shō no owarida to itte mōshiwake arimasenga, wareware wa futatabi anata no fan o mite hoshii zen sekai no ichi-nenkan tsuā ni narudarou"(8) Neal said as he looked out at the audience with his puppy dog eyes that made the girls squeal. Bowing once more the group waved at everyone and reached down to shake hands to the close fans as they walked back down the long stage to the instrumental music to one of their songs.
Peter rose from his seat and stretched his arms over his head. Watching everyone below leave he thought about Neal on stage. "You came…" Neal said as he walked up to Peter and Elizabeth, he had traded in the kimono for some low rise jeans and a band shirt so that he blended in with the fans. Peter turned around and looked Neal over for a moment. "Well that was one hell of a surprise Neal, so that's what you did for those missing years you wouldn't talk about," Peter said forced his eyes not to look Neal over again. "Peter can we talk some more about it later tomorrow I'm beat and I want to get some sleep," Neal said with a yawn to emphasis how tired he was. Before he could even say anything Elizabeth draped her arms around Peter and Neal. "You can stay the night at our place that way you don't have to drag yourself all the way to June's tonight," she said as she walked toward the closest exit with them.
Neal smiled as he was led through the stairwells and out into the night. After hailing a cab the three piled in. Peter gave the driver his address and leaned back and found Neal was starting to drift off. When the cab stopped at its destination Neal opened his eyes and got out with Elizabeth while Peter paid the driver. As they walked inside Neal made a beeline for the couch and dropped on it. "Hey Peter do I have to go to work tomorrow I'm really tired," Neal said with a pout. Peter rubbed his eyes a bit as he scooted Neal until he was sitting up. "I guess you can come in late tomorrow, now I'm going to check the scores for the games I missed you can stay and suffer listening to sports scores of you can go upstairs and sleep," he said trying to shoo Neal away.
Snuggling up against Peter Neal smiled as he closed his eyes and instantly fell asleep. Peter rolled his eyes and let Neal fall asleep against him. Once he was done Peter shifted the sleeping man a bit and put him into a more comfortable position on the couch before heading upstairs for the night.
By noon the next day Peter wondered if Neal was actually going to show up, he was dead to the world when Peter had left for work that morning. Quarter after twelve Neal strolled into the office still dressed in his jeans and tee shirt from the night before. Neal walked through the bullpen and up into Hughes's office and shut the door behind him. Peter forced himself back into his work and strained his ears to listen to the conversation in the other office. A little after two Neal walked out of the office and strolled into Peter's with a wide smile on his face. "What are you so happy about?" Peter asked as he raised his eye brow a bit.
Neal tried to contain his smile "Oh nothing, I will tell you later," Neal said as he dropped into the seat his tee shirt riding up a bit exposing a little skin. "So is that it for the surprises or are you still holding onto a few?" Peter asked as he leaned back in his seat. Neal wiped the smirk off his face before getting up from his seat. "Maybe… maybe not," Neal said with a smile as he got up from the chair. "I do have one little secret that I can and want to share right now," he added as he leaned over Peter's desk so that passersby got a good view of his backside. Peter glanced over Neal's shoulder and saw people checking him out in his tight jeans. "You're not wearing underwear again and you're going to try and tempt me all day," Peter said figuring it out already. "Darn you figured it out already," Neal said with fake disappointment. "I better get to work before you bend me over your desk… then again," he said with a smirk.
"Get out and get to work," Peter said as he pointed toward the door. "And keep your pants on until after work," he added as he watched Neal leave and go to his desk. The rest of the work day passed quickly as did the rest of the week.
The weekend was a blur to Peter he could barely remember the sports games he watched or the walks he had taken with Satchmo. Walking back into the office early Monday morning he felt like there was something off about the day. "Diana have you seen Neal yet this morning?" Peter asked as he stopped by Diana's desk.
Diana shook her head "I haven't seen him since Friday so he must be running late," Peter sighed he was wondering why Neal didn't call him all weekend. "Burke, if you're looking for Caffrey he's not coming in today or for the rest of the year, he's been given temporary release from custody and he's been placed in his brother's custody until he returns," Hughes said as he walked over to Peter. "If you want to catch him he should be at JFK right now waiting for his…" Hughes stopped when Peter turned on his heel and practically ran to the stairs he wasn't ready to waste time waiting, nearly breaking the sound barrier running down twenty-one flights of stairs Peter rushed to his car and got in and made his way to the airport as fast as possible.
Peter let out streams of curses at the other motorists as he fought morning traffic, when he got to the airport he parked his car outside the door and looked at the officer and flashed his badge and ordered him to watch his car. Running inside Peter pulled out his cell phone and called Neal, "Neal, where are you? I will throw you in jail for the rest of your life if you don't tell me," Peter warned as he looked around trying to use his gut to find him.
"I'm at gate I seventy-nine waiting for my plane it will be boarding in thirty minutes," Neal said knowing Peter wasn't joking about his warning. Before Neal could even ask a question Peter hung up and began to run down the terminal and flashed his badge at every checkpoint, he knew that it was wrong since he wasn't there on a federal case but he needed to see Neal off.
When he got to the waiting area he saw Neal and his brother with the rest of his band waiting by the large window for their plane to start boarding. "How did you manage to con Hughes into letting you go?" Peter asked as he stood before Neal and saw his lips thin for a moment before he smiled. "I've got some time to talk so I'll make this quick, we're going on a world tour, we talked Hughes into letting me go only after our meeting yesterday. I guess it helps to threaten suing the FBI for psychological damages, he signed the paperwork to release me and gave me my passport back," Neal said with a smirk. Peter groaned "What am I going to do with you… so, does this mean you're free forever or what?" Peter asked trying to figure the arraignment out.
"No, I'm free for a year then I finish up my last year with the FBI when I return, oh and before I go, do you remember when I told you I didn't want to share you anymore, but I would let you decided… well take the year to think it over I don't want you to make the wrong choice because you think it's right," Neal said as he kept his voice level. "Now boarding flight two-seven-two to Montreal, first class passengers, please have your ticket and passports ready, once again first class only boarding…" the voice over the PA said. Neal looked up at the speaker on the pillar beside him for a moment. "Well it looks like I have to get going, but before I do; I want you to hold onto this for me…because I trust you," Neal said as he undid the chain that held the key to the warehouse where the treasure was being kept. Peter took the key and looked at it before putting it around his own neck and slipping it under his collar to hide it.
Neal bit his lip "So you weren't planning on saying goodbye again…I'm lucky I caught you this time before you left," Peter said with a smile." This way I can say goodbye and make sure you get on that plane safely and I will be here in exactly one year to pick you up so you better come home or I will hunt you down and lock you away from the world," Peter promised. Neal smiled and chuckled," I promise I'll be back," Neal said as he walked away from Peter and grabbed his bag and handed the woman by the door his ticket and passport for her to check before he boarded the plane with the others.
1 ( Taboo song)
2 Hello, Madison Square Garden!
3 I don't know Kame, what song should we do next?
4 Moon
5 (moon song)
6 1582
7 Kiss Kiss
8 I'm sorry to say this is the end of the show but we're going on tour for one year all around the world we hope to see you fans again
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( I do not own these songs if you wish to hear them please go to Youtube and type in Taboo, 1582, and Moon to hear them. I do not make money from these songs these belong to a Japanese band Kat-Tun.)