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Special hugs to JimChou ( I have always looked forward to ur reviews. Your reviews have helped me in writing this fic very much :) , gf56 ( Loved reading ur reviews. I know that you are not happy that this story has ended, sorry dear :), Guest1 ( Your reviews have always made me smile :), No1butNeal ( So glad that u enjoyed this fic :), coffee bean ( always loved reading ur reviews :), Ally ( Thank you so much for enjoying this story :), Stormie ( I know you haven't reviewed in a while but ur reviews have always motivated me, thank you :). Other Guest reviewers too. Thank you all for sticking with me from the start to the end :-)
Also I want to say that all the mistakes, grammatical, medical, technical and law related are mine. I hope that u will excuse me for them :-)
...
Neal slowly climbed down the stairs with the help of his crutches. Last night, after he was asleep, Peter had carried him to his and El's bedroom since Neal's Winter Wonderland was a crime scene. El and Peter didn't want to leave him alone so they too had spent the night with him. El slept next to him while Peter rested on the chair. It was uncomfortable but the couple were scared that Neal might suffer from another nightmare and they wanted to be there for him.
In the morning, Neal used Burkes bathroom to get showered and dressed. He was a little sceptical about using it but Peter had told him that it was okay as he wouldn't be able to use his room before another day or two. He was now dressed in a maroon plaid shirt and a black pants.
He entered the kitchen that was smelling like heaven. Neal's tummy rumbled. God! He was hungry. El, sensing his presence, turned around and smiled endearingly at him.
"Hey, sweetie, good morning." She greeted cheerfully.
Neal smiled in return and took his seat at the table. "Good morning to you too, El."
"Hungry?" El asked pulling out a plate from the rack.
"Very!" Neal replied. El chuckled.
"Well, you are just in time for the breakfast. It's ready." She replied, filling the plate with pancakes and pouring maple syrup over them. She then walked up to the table and set the plate in front of Neal. "Come on! Dig in!" She said smiling.
Neal shook his head smiling and picked up the fork and knife and started eating. El turned around and walked up to the fridge. She pulled out the carton of milk and poured it in one of the glasses that were resting on the table top. She then took the glass of milk and set it besides Neal's plate. She then filled her own plate and came and joined Neal at the table.
"Where's, Peter?" Neal asked in between his bites. His eyes wandered around and immediately noticed Peter's absence.
"Peter went to the Bureau. They wanted to know more about.. last night." El replied, faltering slightly when she said last night. Neal seemed to be in a very good mood and she really didn't want to spoil it by talking about last night.
"Oh!" Neal stopped eating and stared at the pancakes. How was it possible that one minute you are devouring them like they are pure heaven and the next minute they look like a disease. His stomach churned as last nights event came rushing to him.
When he had woken up earlier, he was feeling relaxed. He had actually slept soundly as his nightmares hadn't returned. Somewhere at the back of his mind, he knew what happened last night but he had decidedly ignored it and was successful in doing so. Peter too hadn't reminded him about it when he had met him earlier and had told Neal to use their bathroom. That was until now.
"Neal, honey, I am so sorry. I really did not mean to upset you." El said, apologising. Her heart was breaking at seeing Neal so depressed.
Neal jerked his face up and stared at El and forced a smile, "Relax, El! I'm fine. It's just that..that I still can not believe that my Da.. James is dead."
El smiled sadly in return. She took Neal's hand in hers and spoke, "Sweetheart, James has gone, forever. You no longer have to fear him. Whatever hell you were going through with him is over. You can finally be happy. You are finally home."
Neal gazed at his and El's hands, stacked up on one another and then looked at El. Her face, her eyes showed nothing except love, care and affection. Immediately Neal felt safe. The bitter memory of the past night began to fade rapidly.
"Thanks..El!" He stammered.
El smiled and shook her head, "None taken, sweetie. Now come on, finish up your breakfast. Peter was telling that Diana would be coming to meet you to take your statement."
"Oh! El..?" Neal asked.
"Yes, Neal?"
"Um.. El, Actually I wanted to go to the Bureau. Not.. Today, not tomorrow but later. Can you think that it's possible?" Neal asked. He wasn't sure how El was going to receive this bit of news.
El frowned. She opened her mouth to ask why did Neal want to go to the Bureau but then at that exact moment, Peter Burke entered the kitchen through the back door.
"Hey! I knew you guys must be in the kitchen." Peter said, closing the door behind him and taking a chair on the opposite side of Neal.
"Hey, hon!" El greeted smiling. She got up and went to fill Peter's plate with his share of breakfast. She also made him his favourite coffee.
"So, how are you, kid?" Peter asked Neal. "Feeling good? Diana will be here any time soon." He added.
Neal smiled, "Feeling better, Peter!"
Peter smiled in return too. Neal wanted to ask Peter if he could go to the Bureau but then Agent Diana Berrigan was already on her way and that meant they didn't have much time to talk, so he decided to ask Peter about it later.
...
"Thanks, Neal! This will be enough." Diana said. She had come to the Burke house a little over an hour ago and had been interrogating Neal since then. Actually, Neal should have gone to the Bureau and Peter's superior, Agent Reese Hughes had denied initially that Neal's statement be taken at home but then he had given in to Peter's earnest request.
"Okay. So, Peter won't be held responsible for Da..James' death?" Neal asked. He feared that because it was from Peter's gun that James had died and that it had Peter's fingerprints on it would held Peter responsible for his dad's death.
Diana shook her head, "No, Caffrey! What happened last night was an accident. Plus, James was an escaped convicted felon, he tried to kill you, El and Peter. Peter didn't shoot him on purpose so he will not be held responsible for his death. I assure you." She punctuated the last line with a smile.
Neal sagged in relief. Finally things were beginning to get better in his life. Finally he could have his happy ending. "Thanks, Diana." He replied gratefully. And then asked, "Would I have to come to the Bureau for this? I mean will I be asked questions again?"
Diana shook her head, "No, not for any questioning, hopefully, but you will have to appear in the court as the witness when time comes."
"Oh, okay."
Peter and El came out from the kitchen and entered the living room. El sat next to Neal while Peter remained standing. "So? All done, Diana?" He asked his probie.
Diana nodded, "Yes, Boss! All done. I will take my leave now. You guys take care. I will see you in the Bureau tomorrow."
Peter nodded in return. "Of course." Diana then bid goodbye to El and Neal, and left. Peter then took his regular seat, the coffee table right in front of Neal. He took a deep breath and looked at El who nodded encouragingly.
Neal eyed the couple curiously and asked, "What is it, guys? You are making me nervous. Did I do something wrong?"
Peter chuckled and replied, "Relax, buddy, you didn't do anything wrong. Well, at least not yet."
El smiled at Neal. "Actually, sweetie, we wanted to discuss your punishment with you."
Neal's heart stopped for all two seconds. "Pu..punishment?" He sputtered. He had thought that after yesterday's incident, Peter and El would let go the idea of punishment but , boy! Was he wrong.
El giggled, "of course, honey! We have already told you that you will have to face the consequences of your deeds, right?"
"Yeah.." Neal replied and slumped his shoulders in defeat and crossed his arms.
Peter rolled his eyes. Really the kid could really win an Oscar. "Please, Neal. This kicked puppy dog look ain't going to stop us from giving you your punishment."
Neal pouted at that. Peter and El found it so very cute and loving but they weren't going to tell the kid that.
"So, Neal, you ready?" El asked, placing her hand on Neal's arm. Neal looked at El's hand and sighed. These people loved him so much and he too loved them equally. He had hurt them, so he definitely deserved to be punished. He smiled at El, a genuine smile that lit up the whole Burke household.
"Yeah, Peter. El. I'm ready." He said resolutely.
El nodded. "Your punishment is written on the paper that is on the bed of our bedroom. You go in there and check it out." She said but Neal immediately sensed a little apprehension in her voice but remained quiet.
Neal frowned. "Your bedroom?" The couple nodded. "Okay.." He adjusted his crutch and got up. Peter got up too and spoke, "Want me to carry you and take you to the room?"
Neal's eyes widened in mock horror. "No ways, Peter! You've carried me enough!"
Peter laughed. "Oh, so you don't like it when an angel carries you in his arms?" He asked with an amused expression on his face.
Neal smiled automatically. He remembered that these were his exact words. He had told the Burkes on his first morning in this house that an angel must have carried him. He shook his head. Time had fled so quickly but history seemed to be repeating itself again and again but only this time, things were good.
"I wouldn't mind if that angel wants to carry me again." He replied, smiling.
The smile that bestowed upon Peter was priceless. Neal could give anything to keep that smile forever. He handed his crutches to El. Peter then gently lifted him off the ground in his arms.
"Just one thing though, kiddo!" Peter said in a serious tone.
"What?" Neal asked in confusion.
"Don't enjoy these airborne flights too much! You're kind of a little heavy!"
Neal and El both laughed.
...
Neal closed the door behind him and approached the bed. Peter told him that he and El would wait for him downstairs. After Neal read out his punishment, he was to come downstairs and then they would discuss things then. A thin stack of papers were lying on the bed. He frowned. So many papers for punishment? Then his eyes widened in surprise when it landed on the metal near those papers that was glinting in the sunlight that was pouring through the window. His keychain!
He leaned forward and scooped up the cold metal, that instantly warmed in his hand. He felt relief wash over him. He had missed this thing so much. He stared at the words, 'With love, Peter and El.' And smiled. He pocketed the keychain and picked up the papers and began to read.
Neal's eyes shot so wide that it disappeared beneath his brown curls. He felt his knees begin to tremble as if they couldn't support his weight anymore and his heart thudded painfully loud in his chest. He wiped his face with his free hand and sank into the bed and stared at the paper hard. He wasn't able to believe that he was actually reading what was on the paper.
These papers were none other than adoption papers. Peter and El had actually wanted to adopt him as their son. No! This couldn't be possible. He must be dreaming. He had to be dreaming. Peter and El would never think about adopting him. But.. But they loved him, so of course they would love to adopt him, right? But, he had never actually thought that they would actually consider this.
He once again read the contents of the paper. He lips curled into a soft smile but then it disappeared as soon as it had come. The Burkes wanted to adopt him but he suddenly wasn't sure about it. Dreaming about him being their son was very different from actually being their son. After his mum died, he had lost the reason to be happy and ever since it was imprinted on his mind that happiness was not a word for him, even James had made it sure that it wasn't.
But.. Peter and El? Ever since he met them all he found in each and every single step was happiness. But what if he actually didn't deserve it? After all he was a criminal, he lied, he manipulated people, his father was a murderer and Peter and El were so nice people. What if..what if he said yes and their lives were ruined because of him? No, They deserved someone who is much better than him.
Neal's eyes began to water. He wanted to live with the Burkes but he hadn't thought that they would adopt him. 'How in the hell were you going to live with them then, Caffrey?' He asked himself. Maybe he had thought that they would be his legal guardians? Then after he was eighteen, he would move out.
But no, they wanted to adopt him. Make him their son. Neal shook his head. No, he didn't deserve them. It's not that he didn't want to be their son. He wanted nothing more than that. Peter and El were just the parents that he had imagined all his life but he just wasn't worth it. Wherever he was, happiness was destined to elude that place. He couldn't do that to the people whom he loved so much.
...
Neal didn't know for how long he was sitting on the bed holding those adoption papers in his hand. He knew that Peter and El were waiting for him downstairs. He knew that he had to give them his answer but he just couldn't do it. He couldn't say yes and ruin their lives. He pulled out the keychain and stared at the words written on it. They loved him and he loved them too but he couldn't do this. They didn't know what would happen if they adopted him. He wasn't going to spoil their lives.
He sighed and got up adjusting his crutches that Peter had left for him in the room. He slowly walked towards the door. His eyes fell upon the pictures that had his heart ache. He smiled sadly at Peter and El's picture. 'I'm so sorry.'
He then looked at his own picture with Peter. He wanted to say yes. He wanted to live with them as their son. They were his happy ending but it seemed that happy ending wasn't meant for him. A few tears fell from his eyes and he quickly wiped them away with his shirt sleeve.
He pulled open the door and walked in the direction of the stairs. He had just reached the top landing when suddenly Peter came climbing up and was next to him within seconds.
"We heard the door, so I thought you might need help coming down." Peter said, panting. He smiled at Neal but Neal knew that he was nervous.
Neal forced a smile, "Relax, Peter. I can manage. I swear!"
Peter shook his head, "I know, kiddo. But it will make me feel better if I helped you." He was still smiling. "Come on." He put his arm around Neal's waist and Neal wrapped his arm around Peter's neck. Slowly they climbed down the stairs and went to the living room where El was still sitting on the couch. She smiled brightly and Neal could see that her eyes held so much hope that Neal's stomach churned in guilt.
Peter helped him to settle down on the couch and went and sat on the coffee table. Neal's eyes flickered between Peter and El. They were both looking at him with so much expectations, his heart clenched at the thought of breaking their hearts.
"So?" El asked nervously. A smile was plastered on her face but Neal could see right through it. He was a conman after all. He shook his head. Great! See! Once a criminal, always a criminal. He chastised himself bitterly.
"Um..Peter, El.." He started to say but then Peter raised his hand stopping him.
"Neal, remember one thing, whatever your answer will be, we will never stop loving you, buddy. Nothing will change between us." He smiled assuringly.
El took his hand in hers and said, "Yes, sweetie, there is no pressure on you. You can tell us the truth. But yes, it would make us immensely happy if you'd agree to be our son, baby."
Neal stared at El. He loved her so much. He wanted her to be his mum but he couldn't do it.
"Yes, Neal. I have been saying this always and now I might sound like a broken record but..Ever since you came in our lives, we have been nothing but happy. You have filled our hearts with love. You are everything that we desire, son."
"Yes, baby, we don't want to be your guardians. We don't want to see you leave forever when you are eighteen. We want to be your parents, honey. We want to be the ones that you come to in vacations, at the times when you are in need of helpful advice, be there when you come with your better half, with your children. We want to be your children's grandparents. We want to give you the perfect life. The perfect home, sweetie."
Neal gulped. His heart constricted in his chest and tears leaked out from his eyes. They didn't understand. They were loving the wrong person. He didn't deserve to be their son. He would make their lives hell.
"But, just like El said, there's no pressure. Alright." Peter said in encouragement.
Neal nodded. What was he supposed to say? Refuse them right away and break their hearts? No! He couldn't do that. "Um.. I .. I .. I need time." The pain etched on Peter and El's faces as soon as the words were out of his mouth, was enough to make Neal's heart stop. Damn you Caffrey! He cursed himself.
"Of course, sweetie." El forced a reply. She smiled but her heart was breaking into a million pieces.
"You can take all the time you need, kid. We are always here. Whenever you feel like you have reached a decision, you can tell us." Peter assured Neal even though his own heart was aching as if icy hands had clutched it tightly.
Neal nodded and remained silent. What was there to say. He knew what he had done had caused immense pain to Peter and El but according to him, it was the right thing to do. He knew that after they found out his reply, they might not want to live with him but right now, he would just take all the love that they shower upon him.
...
Fifteen days later :-
Neal was laid out on the couch on his back. He was toying with the snowflake that the Burke couple had given him. He had removed it from the keychain and had threaded it through a chain and now was wearing it around his neck so that it would always be with him.
El had gone to a meeting with one of her clients while Peter was at the Bureau, busy with his new case related to bond forgery. Fifteen days. It had been fifteen days since Neal had read those adoption papers. It had been fifteen days since he had told the Burkes that he needed time to think about it.
Since then everything was going great. Peter and El's love for him had only increased. Each day was filled with joy and laughter. Things had gone back to normal again. El had started going out to work and Peter had started going to the Bureau. Peter had been able to evict Neal from his past crimes. Neal had gotten a months community service but it was agreed that he would do it after his leg was healed well.
Peter and El had also enrolled him to the nearest school which also Neal was supposed to start after his leg was healed but he knew that it was pointless as when Peter and El came to know about his decision, they would just kick him out. Neal was feeling extremely guilty about this all. The Burkes' love never wavered even though he still hadn't given them his answer. He knew that even though they hadn't pressurised him even once, whenever he looked into their eyes, he could see how much hope they had in them. It was like they were confident that Neal would say yes eventually.
"What?" Neal asked. Satchmo was curled up on the floor. He was sitting directly opposite of Neal with an expression that told that he was mad at Neal for making them wait for his answer. He barked softly as if telling Neal that his decision was wrong.
Neal snorted at that. "Oh. Come on, Satchmo! You know that I can't ruin their lives, right? You know, I'm like one of those bad omens that only causes bad things in your life. I can't say yes. I can't be selfish. They deserve someone better."
Satchmo barked once again but this time only louder. Neal rolled his eyes. Of course he or his decision wasn't going to be affected by the judgemental dog!
The sound of the knock on the door, startled Neal slightly. He frowned. El and Peter weren't supposed to be home before an hour. Then who? The knocking grew louder and louder. "I'm coming!" Neal yelled as he got out up from the couch and limped towards the door. His leg was no longer in the cast but he still had little difficulty in walking. Satchmo ran in the direction of the kitchen to go to his house through back door.
He unlocked the door and swung it open. He let out a soft gasp of surprise. "Mozzie!"
"Neal!" Mozzie greeted his friend and walked past him without waiting for Neal to let him in.
Neal rolled his eyes, "Come on in, Moz!"
Mozzie went into the living room and settled himself on the couch while Neal limped his way to the armchair and sank in.
"It's so good to see you, Moz!" Neal told his friend earnestly. Mozzie smiled.
"You too, Mon frere! I was so worried then at the farmhouse. I thought that I had lost you." Mozzie said, his eyes shining suspiciously bright as he took in his friend's appearance.
Neal smiled at his friend. Mozzie never expressed his emotions and never showed physically that he cared for Neal, always, but once in a blue moon, he would and that day was today. "I'm right here, Moz. I'm okay. In fact I am very good." He replied.
Mozzie straightened himself and asked, "That's why I'm here, Neal. Wanted to see how you are doing? I didn't see you at the hospital because you know all the germs." He said as if it was the most obvious thing.
Neal rolled his eyes, "Yeah, Mozzie, I figured."
Mozzie shook his head and ignored his friend's sarcastic remark. "So, how's life here?"
A soft smile spread across Neal's face instinctively. "Life's good, Moz! In fact, it's too good. Peter and El.. They just love me more and more with each passing day. Peter, he got me evicted from my crimes, Moz! I will also be starting school from next week onwards." Neal gushed out.
Mozzie immediately sensing a but asked, "But?" He adjusted his glasses and gave his friend the look that meant that Neal had to answer truthfully. No conning.
Neal sighed. He ran his hands through his messy mop of brown curls. He should have known. He could never keep anything hidden from his friend.
"They want to adopt me, Moz." He replied, stating the fact directly because he knew he couldn't beat around the bush forever.
"Whoa! You serious?" Mozzie asked in utter shock and disbelief.
Neal looked into his friend's eyes and nodded. "Yeah!"
"Wow!" Mozzie muttered, still awed by the information.
"I know, Moz." Neal replied, sadly.
"So?"
"So, what?" Neal asked trying to delay the answer.
Mozzie huffed a sigh of irritation. "Really, Neal? You are going to play games with me now?" He got up and walked in the direction od the kitchen.
"Well, I had to try, right!" Neal muttered. He too stood up and limped to the kitchen where Mozzie was already attacking the fridge. He pulled out an apple and a carton of orange juice and sat at the table. He gestured Neal to get two glasses from the counter.
Neal threw him an annoyed look but got the two glasses any way and set them on the table. He sat on the opposite side of his friend. Mozzie filled the glasses with the juice and passed one of them to Neal.
He took a sip from his glass and spoke, "Will you give me a reasonable excuse as to why you haven't accepted their proposal, Neal?"
Neal frowned. "Was it that obvious?" He muttered.
Mozzie rolled his eyes. "Um.. Yeah!" He drawled out the words. "Neal, you are ignoring my questions by making some stupid excuses. I know you well, buddy. So, shoot!"
Neal fingered his juice absently. He took a deep breath and said, "You told me once, Moz, that happy endings aren't for us."
"Neal.." Mozzie started to say but Neal kept talking.
"You only told me that we are criminals and criminals don't get a happy ending, Moz. First, I thought that there was still a hope but you know what, Moz? You are absolutely right. I don't deserve to get a happy ending." Neal lowered his head and stared at his drink as if mesmerised by it but inside he was hurting so much.
"What? Are you crazy, Neal? When I told you that we don't get happy endings, the circumstances were different then. Your monster Dad was alive. I didn't know the Burkes. You are no longer a criminal. Everything was complicated then, Neal!"
Neal didn't reply or lift his face to look at Mozzie but Mozzie knew that his friend was listening to every word of his. Neal had this dejected look on his face and it was breaking Mozzie's heart to see him like this.
"You definitely deserve to be happy, Neal."
"But..but.. I was a criminal, Moz. All my life I have been unlucky. Happiness was never for me. What if my bad luck ruins Peter and El's life too?" He finally looked up to meet his friend's concerned face.
"So, just because you don't want your happy ending, does that mean that you can deprive them from theirs too?" Mozzie bit back. He was getting angry at his friend.
"What?" Neal asked in surprise.
Mozzie rolled his eyes, "Come on, Neal. Now if they are your happy ending, then it's obvious that you are their happy ending. They love you so much. I have seen them, Neal. First here, then at the farmhouse and then at the hospital. They care about you. It's like, you are their world."
"But, Moz.. I don't deserve them. They are just too good for me." Neal replied sadly.
"Okay! You don't deserve them but does that mean that they don't deserve to be happy too?" Mozzie demanded.
Neal chose not to answer but Mozzie continued undeterred, "There are many things that we don't deserve, buddy. But that doesn't mean that when you still get them you throw them away. You accept it. You don't get that lucky always, Mon frere! Peter and El, they love you even with your faults, past life and every other excess baggage that you carry. When they are willing to love you so much then why the hell can not you give them their happy ending?"
Neal stared at his friend as if Mozzie had literally knocked the sense in his head. He finally understood what his friend was trying to tell him. He thought that he was doing good to the Burkes by not getting his happy ending but in the end he was actually only hurting them. When they were ready to be with him with all his qualities, good or bad and they were happy and he too wanted to be with them, then who is he to deny this.
"Neal?" Mozzie's voice broke into his thoughts. "Neal? What happened? You zoned out, buddy!"
Neal sighed. "Sorry, Moz!"
"You okay?" Mozzie asked in worry.
"Yeah.. "
"It's up to you, Neal, whatever you decide but just keep one thing in mind. Everyone deserves a happy ending. Whether it's you or them."
Neal smiled. "Yeah.. Yeah.. Thanks, Moz."
Mozzie stood up and gulped down his glass of juice and picked up the apple. He took a bite and headed for the back door. Neal too stood up and followed his friend.
"Thanks for coming, Moz. It feels like a burden has lifted off me." Neal spoke gratefully.
Mozzie shook his head. "Neal, you don't have to thank me. I'm always there for you."
Neal smiled. Suddenly he came forward and engulfed his friend in his arms. "You are a good friend, Moz."
Mozzie chuckled. "Late news, buddy!" He broke free and opened the door and stepped out. He turned around and said, "Go for it, Neal. You won't get a second chance."
Neal sighed. "Yeah..Moz.."
Mozzie nodded, "Just one thing though. Please don't tell the Suit that I talked in his favour, okay."
Neal giggled, "Never, Moz, never!" Mozzie rolled his eyes and turned around and left. He knew that Neal was definitely going to tell the Suit.
...
Neal closed the door and turned around just in time to hear the main door opening. He walked out of the kitchen and headed towards the main door. He smiled as soon as he saw Peter and El enter the home.
"Hey, honey. How was your day?" El asked. She dropped her purse to the nearest table and walked past Neal to the kitchen.
"It was okay. Mozzie was just here."
"Really? We didn't see him outside." Peter said, removing his jacket and following El.
"Yeah, he went through the back door, Peter." Neal replied with a shrug.
Peter nodded. "He should have stayed. We brought chinese."
"Yeah, maybe next time." Neal replied. He wanted to tell them about his and Mozzie's talk but he knew now wasn't the right time. He would talk to them in the night.
...
"You ready, Neal?" Peter called out. After having their lunch, El had already left saying that she had another meeting with her client. She had promised to come home early. They were supposed to go to the new restaurant in town that apparently served the best italian dishes. Peter on the other hand was heading back to the Bureau and Neal was going along with him.
"Yup, ready, Peter!" Neal came down the stairs wearing a simple blue button down and a faded blue jeans.
"Alright, let's go!" Peter replied smiling.
...
Max was sitting in the interrogation room for about last ten minutes. He wasn't sure about why he was suddenly brought here. His bullet injury had healed a few days before and he was sent to the prison soon after. He shifted in his seat and looked around the room. His eyes landed on the glass wall. He frowned. Somebody must be watching him. Once again he thought what was he doing here.
Suddenly the door opened and Peter entered the room. Max' eyes widened in surprise.
"Well, to what do I owe this pleasure of meeting you, Agent?" Max asked. He wasn't able to understand why the agent had come to see him. He had already given his statement.
Peter smiled though it was a formal one. "There's someone who wanted to meet you, Max."
Max' face crinkled in confusion. He didn't have anybody in this world. So who was it that wanted to meet him.
A few seconds later Max got his answer when Neal Caffrey entered the room and stood beside Peter as if the agent was his protective shield. Max refrained himself from smirking. Even after all the things that happened, the boy was still scared of him.
Peter turned to Neal and spoke, "You sure you want to be here alone? I can stay if you want."
Neal smiled, "No, Peter. It's okay. Plus I know that you are standing right on the opposite side of the mirrored wall, right?"
"Most definitely." Peter replied without any hesitation and Neal's smile broadened.
"I will be fine, Peter."
Peter nodded. Neal had told him everything about Max but he was still apprehensive about leaving Neal with the criminal. "Don't take too long, okay!" Neal nodded and Peter left the room, closing the door behind him.
Neal walked towards Max and took the seat on the opposite side of him. Neal didn't look at Max but he was acutely aware of Max' eyes on him. Yes, he knew that Max had saved his life more than once but still he was kind of intimidated by the man.
"You look great, kid." Max said, deciding to break the silence finally and make it easy for the kid.
Neal jerked his head up and looked at Max. He was surprised to see him smiling genuinely instead of smirking cruelly. Neal automatically returned the smile.
"Thanks to you, Max. If you hadn't saved me from James then, then I wouldn't be here today."
Max shook his head. "Thanks not required, kid. You know that what I did was only to make it sure that my Ronnie didn't die all over again." He stumbled upon his son's name and his heart constricted but he looked at Neal. Neal who was just like his Ronnie. Neal was safe. He had saved his Ronnie this time.
Neal shook his head and smiled sadly. "I know, Max but still..thank you. And.. And I am glad that you are okay too." He replied with a shaky breath.
Max smirked but it wasn't cruel, only a playful one. "Now, now, kid. If I didn't know any better then I did think that you are worried about me?"
Neal smiled, "Yeah.. I guess I learned that from you.."
Max laughed at this and replied, "What can I say, kid, but I guess you've grown on me."
Neal smiled again. "Will you be good.. I mean.. You are in the jail.. I mean.." Neal stammered.
Max shook his head, "Relax, kid. This is not my first jail time. I will survive." Neal nodded and relaxed. His eyes instinctively went towards the door. Max noticed it and spoke, "You know that the agent loves you, right?"
"What?..oh.. Yeah.." Neal replied with a smile.
"I'm sure that you have shown him that you love him too in return, right?" Max asked as if sensing that Neal had done the exactly opposite of that.
"Um.. I.." Neal stuttered. What was he going to say?
"Kid, it's not in every person's luck to have someone who loves you this much. And when you do get this lucky, you know what you have to do, right?"
Neal didn't answer and only stared at Max. How was it that everyone knew what he had to do, everyone except him.
"Don't let go, kid. Don't let go before it's too late." Max continued. "I loved Ronnie so much but never got the time to let him know that. You are lucky, kid. Agent Burke shows it almost twenty four hours in a day. When you have someone who does that, you don't think, just grab the opportunity and let know that you love them too."
Neal continued to stare at Max. How right his words were. Neal had delayed enough. Now he wasn't going to repeat his mistakes. He was going to Peter and El how much he loved them. He wasn't going to make them wait any longer.
He smiled, "Thanks, Max." Max nodded and returned the smile. "Anytime, kid."
...
Peter kept glancing at Neal while driving back to home. The kid was uncharacteristically quiet in the car. He was not even playing with the radio. Peter frowned. Everything had gone smoothly at the Bureau. All the agents had greeted Neal well. Even Reese Hughes was happy to see the kid. Neal's talk with Max had apparently gone well too. Peter knew this because he was standing there there on the opposite side of the wall. There wasn't a instance when he felt that Neal was at unease.
Of course, he couldn't hear the conversation between Neal and Max but from their looks, it didn't seem worrisome. But then, since then Neal had been quiet. But why? "You okay, kiddo?" He asked finally when he couldn't take it anymore.
"Yeah, Peter.. I am good." Neal replied promptly with a smile. There was something about the smile that made Peter uneasy. Neal was upto something but what?
All too soon they arrived home. Peter sighed in relief. El was home too. He knew this because of the twinkling lights in the living room. He parked his Taurus and exited the vehicle along with Neal.
Neal then without waiting for Peter quickly limped to the house. Peter was utterly confused at this. El opened the door as soon as he rang the bell.
"Hey! You are back!" She said, smiling.
Neal's heart fluttered at her smile and he automatically returned it. " He then without warning, he engulfed El in a tight hug. El let out a gasp of surprise but then wrapped her arms around Neal after the initial shock.
"You okay, sweetie?" She asked. What had happened to Neal to react this way?
"I'm fine.. I am okay.. I.. I just wanted to tell you.. I love you, Mom!" Neal whispered.
El was stunned. Peter who had just reached the duo froze to the ground. What did Neal just say? El broke free from the hug and stared into Neal's deep blue eyes which were so similar to hers. They were shining brightly. "Neal..?" Her heart was hammering in her chest. Neal was finally telling her what had she always wanted to hear.
"I love you, Mom. I love you so much. I know.. I know that I never told you this before but it's the truth. I love you." Neal replied. He was nervous about this. He didn't know how Peter and El would react to this.
"Neal, buddy?" Peter called him.
Neal turned and wrapped his arms around Peter's neck and hugged him too. "I'm sorry I am late in telling this but .. I love you.. I love you, Peter.!"
Peter's heart stopped. He was expecting Neal to call him Dad just like he called El mom but no, Neal had called him Peter. He shook his head. At least this was a start.
Neal stepped away and scratched the back of his neck. God! He was nervous. "Do you guys still want to adopt me?" He looked at Peter and El with hopeful eyes.
Both Peter and El were too stunned to reply. What had transpired that led Neal to this conclusion. Not that they were complaining but still this was a surprise.
Neal mistook their silence as a no and his hesrt sank. He was too late. Peter and El didn't want him. "It's okay, guys! I understand that I am too late... I..." Whatever he was going to say was cut off as both Peter and El enveloped him in a bone crushing hug.
"Of course, sweetheart! You are already our son." El gushed, tears flowing freely from her eyes.
Neal gasped in surprise but then relaxed in the hug.
Peter said laughing softly, "We would not want anything else, kid. Thank you."
Neal shook his head, "Thank you, for loving me so much."
The three parted but the silly happy smiles remained on their faces.
"This calls for celebration!" El said excitedly. Neal grinned at her and Peter nodded.
"Your choice, son! Wherever you like, we will go there!" Peter said to Neal.
"My choice?" Neal asked? The Burke couple nodded. "Um.. How about we relax at home and order pizza?"
"You sure? I mean we could go out to that italian restaurant that we were supposed to go. It was your wish ,right?" Peter asked.
Neal shook his head, "Tonight, I only want to be home."
Peter and El smiled and nodded. The three went inside and ordered pizza.
...
Soon the pizza was gone amidst the cheerful atmosphere and Neal was now sleeping on the couch with Peter's shoulder as his favourite pillow. El then told Peter to carry their precious bundle up to his Winter Wonderland. Peter smiled and shifted Neal away from his shoulder and stood up. He gently lifted Neal in his arms and went to Neal's room.
He gently laid him on the bed while El covered him up with his blanket. She kissed Neal on his forehead and whispered, "Good night, baby. I love you." She then turned and joined Peter who was standing a few feet away. She wrapped her arm around his waist and sighed softly. The couple stared at their sleeping kid a little while longer and then turned around to leave.
Peter stopped suddenly and said, "You go, El. I will join you in a minute." El smiled knowingly and left.
Peter turned towards Neal and walked up to him. He stared at Neal feeling overwhelmed with a lot of emotions bubbling in him. He couldn't describe this feeling but if put simply, then he was happy.
He hesitated a bit but then gave in the urge and kissed Neal on his forehead just like El. "I love you, son." His eyes began to water. He turned around to leave but then a soft warm hand on his wrist stopped him. He turned around once again and saw that Neal was looking at him with utmost affection.
"I love you too, Dad." Neal whispered. His blue eyes staring intently into Peter's brown eyes, letting Peter know that how much he truly had meant those words.
Peter smiled in return even as his heart thudded loudly. This was the happy ending that they all were looking for.
Neal smiled too. He had found the happiness that he had once lost.
...
...The End...
...
I'm not really happy with the chapter because it was difficult for me to write as at the back of my mind it was always reminding me that this is it.
So here ends this story. I really don't know how I feel but I definitely feel sad that this journey has ended. The thing I am going to miss the most is the interaction between me and my readers. I loved interacting with u all. I'm going to miss you all but hopefully I will return and hopefully my readers will return too :)
Please please do review one last time for this story :-)
Be seeing you :-)