"Peter, just say whatever it is." said Neal, glancing between the Burke's sitting in chairs across from the couch. "I promise I'm a big boy and can handle it. It's clear you talked to El about whatever it is, even though I still don't know why she would be involved with whatever Hughes said." He stared directly at Peter. "I promise not to do anything stupid."
"Well while that promise helps, I have to tell you either way." said Peter, still unsure how his partner would take the news. "Hughes talked to me about you living at June's...more like after this mess, the fact you won't be allowed to as it will revoke your deal." He looked at Neal long and hard.
"I shouldn't be surprised." said Neal, covering his face with his good hand. "So back to the motel I assume?" He really really hated that motel.
"That is one option." said Peter, glancing at El. "Though I have a better one. Why don't you just live here, with me and El? At least until you lose the anklet and have finished your sentence."
"What?" said Neal, sounding genuinely shocked. "I couldn't do that Peter, not impose on you guys any longer. As is, I have no idea how long you are going to keep me here." He had added the last part jokingly, but Peter hadn't given him any sign and he wasn't sure he wasn't past his welcome. Peter couldn't really want him to stay here for the years left on his sentence, he thought.
"You can and I think you should. El and I planned years ago when we bought the house to likely turn the third floor into an apartment...especially since we cannot have kids. So there would be plenty of space. It's not as big as June's...but you could have your own space." said Peter, wondering how Neal was able to charm people considering he wished for that power about now. "It would take a few months, but it's going to be that long until you are out of that leg cast anyways...which is how long I planned for you to stay anyways."
"Neal, honestly you'd almost be doing us a favor. The third floor sits empty and I almost find it sad." said El, moving to sit next to Neal. "Just a reminder it won't be used. So you using it would be a huge favor to both of us."
Neal looked at El, seeing her pleading eyes. He had no idea if she was telling the truth, but he always found he couldn't say no to her. He glances at Peter and said, "Hughes would really be okay with me living here?"
"He likely figures I could keep an eye on you easier." said Peter, laughing a little. "Though we both know you could sneak out from an even higher floor...like you did in Venice. He's got to run it by some higher-ups, but he doesn't expect to hit any issues...especially as I'm the only one who's ever caught you." He can't resist his usual taunt at Neal and tries to hide a laugh when Neal glares at him.
"Are you sure you are both okay with this?" asked Neal with a sigh. "I mean I do have to admit it's better than the motel and the $700 wouldn't be able to afford anything else in my radius."
"We're sure." said El, giving Neal's hand a squeeze. "And you'd be welcome to stay as long as you want. You're pretty much family to use by now, I hope you know that."
Neal looks between the Burke's, thinking similar - at least he would love to be family to them. It would be better than the family he had been born into. "Fine, I'll stay." said Neal, giving in. "Hopefully I at least get to pick the paint colors for the upstairs!"