As always, thanks for the support. This story has gotten such a reaction, I am humbled by it. Warning: this chapter contains references to spanking and abuse. Cancer is no laughing matter. My reference to ovarian cancer was thrown in because my cousin thought it would be a great way to spread the word about prevention and treatment. She is now cancer free, but her journey was a long one, filled with heartache and laughter. Hope this little chapter conveys that.

Sorry it is so short, I didn't want to give too much of the cemetery scene away.

Chap 10

"Haversham, will you just give it a rest!"

"I most likely have some incurable disease now, Suit! At the very least, I have some infectious contagious germ invading my person. TB, Bird Flu, Ovarian cancer…"

Neal grinned at the wording his had used. The ovarian cancer bit wasn't bad as comic relief either, considering Mozzie had no ovaries or any use for them.

"Moz, I highly doubt Peter cares about anything invading your person. Please don't say that again. It gives me mental pictures that will fuel my nightmares for years to come."

El and June lagged behind listening to the conversation. The three men grabbing the bags were certainly entertaining. They had been throughout the flight. Especially once Mozzie was convinced that the woman with two small children had been planted by the government on the flight to expose him to some kind of microorganism to keep him from discovering all the conspiracies and cover ups it now hid. That conversation had been an interesting one.

"Honey, June and I are going to rent a car, meet us there in twenty?"

"Sure, just be careful not to get lost."

"Funny, Peter! One time and you have never let me forget it."

Neal enjoyed the banter between his friends. It was normal. It was fun. He let the day wash over him as he let it all sink into his overactive brain. At the hotel, he would think about the reason he was back in Texas, now though, he just wanted to enjoy family and friends.

June and El were lost. Completely, totally lost. They had followed the signs and here they were, in the middle of the airport, with no rental and no clue how to go back or forward.

"Fancy meeting you here, ladies."

"Neal!"

"Let me guess, you got lost."

"No, not lost exactly, just sort of off course."

"Sure, El. Whatever you say. The rental agency is this way. And I know, don't tell Peter."

By the time they arrived at the hotel, June and Mozzie both made it a point to suggest a late lunch. Even though Neal wanted to get to the cemetery, he realized he needed to pace himself. This was something he had never allowed himself to cope with and now he was right in the middle of his nightmare. Maybe lunch was a good idea.

Peter watched Neal as he finished his lobster spaghetti. The kid seemed alright. A bit quiet, but that was to be expected. His eyes were bright and dancing, his smile, easily reaching his those glowing blue orbs. Upon seeing that, Peter let himself relax.

June laughed all the way back to her room. Neal Caffrey was a charmer. He had gotten not one, but four phone numbers before they finished dinner. Turning on that southern accent had been the kicker. The boy could sell ice to polar bears. When that charm was unleashed full force, the world would be in trouble.

Mozzie sprayed disinfectant on the beds as Neal showered. Just because you were paranoid didn't mean they weren't out to get you. Germs and infections would be the perfect way to bump him off. Neal would tell him to relax, but he just couldn't. Much like Neal didn't like to reveal his past, Mozzie didn't like unsanitary, germy, microbe filled air. And everywhere he went, that air was there. As filthy as it was, it was essential to him. Maybe conquering his past was essential to Neal. Just maybe when they finally left Spring, Texas, Neal could move forward with his life.

Neal stepped into his bedroom and found Peter on his bed.

"Good thing I wasn't naked."

Peter smirked.

"That would have been interesting."

"I guess."

"Are you alright?"

"Honestly, Peter? I'm better than I expected to be. Earlier, I was dreading going to the grave, but now, I think I can handle it. I have four people that would do anything for me right beside me."

"Don't ever forget that, Neal."

Before he closed the door behind him, Peter watched Neal crawl into bed. Mozzie was just a sitting room away, behind his own bedroom door, Neal would be fine.

"Is he o.k.?"

"Yeah, he is. He's already in bed. He seems nervous, but fine other than that. Just keep an eye and ear open will you?"

"Suit, you forget, I've been doing just that for five years now."

"Haversham?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

Peter left the suite knowing his son was in good hands. Mozzie might be quirky, but he cared deeply for Neal. That was evident in his actions toward the kid. He had gotten on a plane and flown hundreds of miles in bacteria infected air just to help Neal put the past where is belonged.

"Everything alright?"

"Everything's fine babe. El, have I said thank you for being you lately?"

"Yes, but it's always nice to hear it again."

Neal fell asleep dreaming of a life with Peter and El. In their home, he had found love and acceptance. In the Burke house, he found rules and regulations and along with them, he found consequences for breaking those rules. Being grounded really didn't bother him. He liked spending time with Peter, El, Moz, and June. Having his backside tanned was another story all together. He didn't like it, but he knew it made him consider his behavior and the effects it had on everyone around him. It left him sitting carefully for a while, but it did no permanent damage. It didn't border on abuse or strike fear in him. It made him realize just how much these people cared about him. They didn't like to punish him, but they did it to keep him out of trouble and unharmed. Yes, he had found home with these people.