Peter and Neal get back to work on the cases as El gets back to work on planning an event.
"Hey Neal, are black lilies too odd for a wedding?" asked El from where she's seated. She had been driving herself mad with choices in flowers all morning and knew the florist was about to throw a fit. She hoped Neal would have the answer and could bet he would love a quick distraction. "The bride is wanting black and white for everything. I'd love to toss in pink lilies or red roses, but it's her choice."
"If you mix them in the white, I think it will look fine." said Neal, avoiding the look from Peter. "No compromise at all with color - not even gold or silver? Both would look pretty as accents."
"I'll talk with her and see what she says." said El, making notes of what Neal had said.
"See Peter, I will get back to work." said Neal teasingly, going back to his file. "Some of us can multi-process."
Peter rolls his eyes. "Make sure I remind you of that next time I want to play a game while you are doing research on a case." he said, remembering their first year together as partners.
"That's different!" exclaimed Neal, looking up at Peter. "A game is distracting and loud, that only took a quick thought."
"Sure." said Peter, though he's almost laughing. He usually hated working from home, but he had to admit he was having a little fun.
"While we're all distracted anyways, mind if I ask a question?" said Neal, looking at Peter seriously.
"You having a question has never stopped you before and you've never asked." said Peter, glancing back up and seeing how serious Neal looks. "I swear if it starts with 'I'd be okay at June's', I will figure out a way to lock you in the guest room."
"Oh Peter." said Neal, his turn to roll his eyes. "It's not that. Just a question I have for after the anklet comes off." He nudges Peter with his right foot. "I promise it's not about a crime or anything either. Just curious about something."
"Okay, what is it?" said Peter, curious himself at this point to what the question is. "If it's a confession to crimes, I'd recommend you do that now versus then."
"Nope, not that and you'd have to throw me back in jail for that." said Neal with his usual taunt. "No, it's more what happens to us, this, the partnership when it comes off."
"I hadn't thought about it, really." said Peter, being honest. "I honestly figure you would want to book it out of New York and to Paris or London or anywhere but here once you get a chance."
"While all those places sound fun and I might want to hit each for a week or two, just I don't know." said Neal. Peter caught the note of nervousness. "Is there any chance we could still work together?"
"Are you asking if you could still work as a consultant?" said Peter, shocked. "I mean there's precedent and you have been valuable, but it would have to be run by Hughes. He would likely approve it though. Is that what you would want to do?" Peter can't help but stare at Neal now.
"Just thinking of my options, but it's high on the list." said Neal, honestly. "I might would want a month or two off to travel a bit first."
El couldn't help but overhear the conversation. "Well I think no one would expect you not to want to." she said, chiming in. "Not even Peter."
"El's right, as always." said Peter. "But if it's what you want, I can talk to Hughes about it. Maybe after we catch Keetes and everything."
"Okay." said Neal, glad it could be an option. "I should get back to work." He starts reading the file again, trying to concentrate as his mind spins with his question answered.