Surprise

Showing up at June's early one morning, Peter was happy that he could jog up the stairs and didn't have to stop to take a breather just from walking up a few steps. It was a good sign that his health had returned to a relative normal.

Smiling as he knocked on the door to the loft, Peter opened it to let himself in and surprise Neal with a visit, "Hey, Neal."

Looking up from his breakfast, Neal furrowed his brow at him and asked why he was so happy.

"I'm back to being able to jog up the stairs without needing a breather, that's a good start to any day." His eyes bounced to the coffee Neal was sipping as the scent was tantalizing. It had been a long time since he'd drank June's Italian Roast.

"Why don't you pour yourself a cup instead of staring at it?" Neal smirked lightly as he invited Peter to join him at the table. It wasn't the easy friendship they used to have which was still a painful reminder to Peter. However, they'd been making progress and were back to at least showing some signs of friendly interaction.

Knowing he'd been honoring Neal's protective instinct by keeping some distance, Peter wasn't going to let the opportunity pass him by. Moving to help himself, he quietly fixed a cup and then moved to take the seat opposite Neal where he could watch his face but leave him some space to process what he had to say.

With a slightly wary expression, Neal put his fork down having finished his food, and asked what was on his mind. "You were happy to be able to jog up the stairs and seem overly enthusiastic about the coffee, but neither of those is why you're here."

Sitting the cup down after the first pleasurable sip, Peter knew Neal wasn't going to beat around the bush. "We've talked. I know you removed your name from the system and are no longer looking for our family. After my act of stupidity, I'd probably do the same in your position. However, I haven't removed my name considering one of us should be in the system just in case there is someone else."

Paling, Neal moved to fidget with his cup. "There is another match?" His voice returned to that distant and professional tone that Peter had worked so long and hard to move beyond.

Sighing, Peter knew Neal's mind was leaping in negative directions. "I've told you I'm sorry for what I did, I am proud of you for who you are, and I'll never find another brother better than you. You may not believe me, but I will keep telling you that. However, yes, there were two hits. Our parents were matched with my records."

That had Neal's attention, "Our parents?" His head jerked up and his eyes were big as he tried to comprehend what that entailed. "They sealed our files, why would they suddenly be looking for us?"

Shrugging, Peter couldn't answer that question. "I don't know, maybe we can ask them that question later. Right now though, I got the notification this morning, and considering that our connection isn't general knowledge, I figured you would rather we have this conversation in private." Watching Neal, Peter let him take in the information and sat quietly by. Having had a little time to process the impending visit he resumed sipping his coffee and waited for Neal to adjust.

For a little while, Neal stared at his cup and seemed to be absorbing the news that they would learn something of where they came from and perhaps why their files were sealed.

"Do you have an appointment?" Neal's voice remained monotone and distant.

"Yes, I'm going to the agency tonight since we're not working on any major cases right now." Peter knew Neal probably wouldn't want to go with him but, "I wanted to give you the chance to go with me if you wanted to. This is the first chance either of us has had to learn about our parentage."

Looking away, Neal didn't appear interested and he even seemed a little scared.

Reaching out his hand and then lowering it as he drew it back, Peter wanted to offer comfort but didn't know if it would help coming from him, "Hey, you don't have to go if you don't want to. We both know you never want to be in that chair again, but you deserve the chance to choose for yourself." Dropping his gaze to the table as he sat, Peter wasn't as interested in his coffee anymore despite its lingering appeal. Instead, his mind replayed through memories of Neal and the damage he'd done.

"Thanks. No, I don't want to go, but I appreciate the gesture." Neal's voice hadn't changed and Peter didn't look up to see his expression.

Another little while passed as they each sat with their own thoughts. Peter was glad he'd gone over early to provide more time for them to work through the initial reactions. Still, it was drawing closer to time for them to leave in order to be in the office on time.

Needing to pick up, Neal was the first to move as he shifted his dishes to the kitchen and began to clean up.

When he was ready, Peter gave Neal a lift into the office as it was easier since they were both there and heading to the same destination.

At the end of the day, Peter closed up his office and ducked into Hughes'. "I'm off to my appointment. Neal doesn't want to come considering how the last round went so he's working on a stack of cold cases. Jones and Diana will help him if he needs anything." Peter kept tapping the desktop as he spoke showing his nerves.

"Is Elizabeth accompanying you?" Hughes had nodded to his previous statement before tackling his obvious stress.

"She's meeting me there afterward, she has a meeting that coincides." Peter made the conscious effort to still his fingers and pull his hand back from the temptation. It wasn't every day he learned his biological parentage and his emotions over that made him even more uncomfortable.

"Good, are you going to need time off to meet them?" Hughes kept the conversation rolling.

"No, yes, maybe? It will depend on this meeting and what transpires afterward." Peter wasn't sure and fought not to resume fidgeting.

"Let me know if you need anything," Hughes leaned forwards in preparation to go back to work.

Knowing he needed to be leaving in order to make it on time, Peter appreciated the talk as it helped him to slow down and think in a linear fashion. "Will do. Thanks, Hughes." Peter took a deep breath and managed a small smile before he turned to leave.

Heading down through the office, he nodded at Neal and signaled that he'd share the results of the meeting with him later.

Although Neal paled, he nodded his understanding before ducking behind his computer and resuming his work on the cold cases.

Sighing, Peter knew he only had himself to blame. He was the final straw that caused Neal to retreat so deep into himself and, although they'd been making progress, this was threatening to send Neal crawling back into his shell.

At least worrying about his brother kept him distracted for the drive to the agency and they didn't make him wait for his appointment so he didn't have much time to begin worrying when he did arrive.

Taking his seat, Peter greeted the man who was handling his case and listened to his report as he shared about the discovery.

"They only just recently came into our system so we're surprised to find a match so quickly." He passed the folders across the desk for Peter to read over.

Skimming the files, there wasn't much about either of them. Both of his parents had listed their names, general descriptions, and a few other required details, but there wasn't anything extra that provided insight into who they were as people. Maybe they weren't good at expressing themselves?

What surprised him was when another piece of information was shared. "Your parents have reservations set for you tomorrow night so that you can meet. It's at a public restaurant and the details are inside." An envelope was slid across to him. "Whether you choose to go or not is up to you."

Thanking the man, Peter took his copies of the information and walked out into the lobby meeting Elizabeth as she arrived.

"How did it go?" She moved forward to take his arm and walk with him.

"Well, I guess, our parents aren't very descriptive as they filled the forms out with the most basic of details. For instance, my father is listed as a teacher. Nothing about what he teaches or where. My mother is a director, but again, of what?" Peter showed Elizabeth the generalized details.

"What's this?" She pointed at the envelope he had in the back.

Passing it to her, Peter explained while she opened it up and read the details, "Reservations for dinner tomorrow night, to meet them."

Whistling, she was surprised. "That place has a six-month waiting list, they either have a lot of pull, or they gambled on finding you before this reservation," Elizabeth observed with a frown.

Puzzling, Peter wasn't sure why that seemed expected, but somehow he wasn't surprised. "My brother is Neal Caffrey. Why wouldn't our parents be able to pull off the impossible too?"

Amused, Elizabeth was glad to see him taking it so well. "You've adjusted to having Neal as a brother quite well. Hopefully, things will work out smoother with your parents."

"I don't know enough to make much of a judgment about them, but I'm sure that not accusing them of being nothing more than criminals is a really good place to start," Peter commented as they rode the elevator down.

Rubbing his back comfortingly, Elizabeth leaned into him and distracted him with talk about the restaurant and what she imagined to be possible details about his parents.

Grateful for her understanding, Peter added comments and laughed as he tried to imagine his parents being a music teacher and an orchestra director. It was possible, but somehow, he didn't think it fit.

Giving Neal a call, Peter wasn't surprised that it went to voicemail. Neal had developed a habit of listening to his messages after the fact and then texting a response. He'd managed to get him back to answering at times, but the resurgence of the family issues seemed to have caused a regression.

Working through the day, Peter was trying to keep his nerves under control so he passed the time with as many number heavy cases as he could find in between watching Neal from above.

On the floor below, Neal spent the day with his head down as he worked on his pile of cases, but he seemed to be more alert than usual, as if he was expecting what occurred near the end of the day.

It was twenty minutes until they could clock out so Peter was struggling with his attention and chose to watch his brother instead. As he watched, he noticed when Neal's head lifted up and his hands stilled. Obviously, he could hear something, but what wasn't answered until two people walked into view from the elevator as they reached the glass doors to enter the White Collar Unit.

Turning his attention to them, Peter noted that the man was smoothly dressed in a nice blue suit with a pink shirt, his white hair was styled, and he smiled at the woman accompanying him in a charming fashion as he held the door for her. Beside him, a short-statured woman walked in wearing a light gray business suit while her rusty red hair was swept up into a tight twist behind her head.

Entering the office, the woman took the atmosphere in with a no-nonsense and stern resolution before turning her attention to Jones and Diana as they approached the visitors. "My name is Diane and I'm here to meet Peter Burke."

Eavesdropping through his open door, Peter heard the man introduce himself as Roan before stating the same purpose for his presence.

Jones and Diana indicated where his office was and turned to bring them up.

Unable to react at first, Peter stared at this couple. Based on the names, he had the feeling these were his parents. But, why were they visiting the office instead of waiting for the restaurant?

Getting up as they reached the landing, he was standing by his desk by the time they reached his door. He only partially heard Diana's introduction and a quick glance to the office below showed Neal's desk empty. Swallowing, his eyes were big as he tried to come to terms with the situation and his hands shook slightly as he reached out to shake their hands. "You wouldn't happen to be Diane Beckman and Roan Montgomery, would you?"

At their nods, he introduced them to Jones and Diana who were still standing by. "These are my biological parents. We were recently matched in DNA tests through the adoption agency that holds my files."

Surprised, Jones and Diana exchanged glances before congratulating him and excusing themselves to allow him to get to know them.

Waving for them to take the seats in front of his desk, Peter closed the door and returned to his seat. Folding his hands, he was trying to avoid fidgeting. "I can't help but wondering why you chose not to wait for the restaurant tonight?"

Taking charge, his mother answered. Her voice had a soft tone, but the clarity was that of someone used to taking charge. She was a director, and her voice had a ring of command. "This is a surprise visit so that you will hopefully be more comfortable this evening with the initial awkwardness of introduction at least started."

Nodding, Peter could understand the consideration of the move, but it still felt like something was a bit strange. Watching them, he thought about their entrance. They had each taken Neal in through their initial glances but had intentionally moved past his desk onto the general floor. "You know about Neal working here too, don't you?"

Smirking, his father was impressed and responded in a smooth voice. "Which one is he by the way?"

As much as he wanted to introduce his brother to their parents and hopefully soothe some of the feelings of abandonment there, he wasn't going to point him out to strangers with unknown intentions. "Neal removed himself from the system, how did you know about him?"

"We are aware of his existence to look for him while your file still states him as your biological brother. It wasn't difficult to research from there to find that a Neal Caffrey is here working as your consultant." Diane walked him through the basics of the process for how they deduced his brother's presence.

Taking mental notes, Peter had already cataloged that Neal obviously took after their father, but he himself felt a closer affiliation to their mother. She was direct and to the point, something he appreciated. "How do you know Neal?"

Blinking, his mother gauged him determining how to react. "We've crossed paths. What tipped you off?"

Growing more comfortable with the game, Peter was uncertain what was happening, but it was more familiar to discern motives than to meet family so he pursued the mystery. "Neal reacted when he heard your approach and although you made sure you each looked at him, you intentionally asked my agents where my office was. Even if he hadn't reacted in recognition and then left after you were passed him, the way you went out of your way to avoid drawing attention to an interaction between yourselves and him was telling. Anyone who first enters the office always stops at Neal's desk and asks the first person they come across for directions. Why the charades?"

"Your posture is more relaxed and the conversation is flowing. We've all got an initial read on each other and we know that you're protective of him." Diane explained while she loosened up enough to smile a little, but it didn't seem to be something she did very often. Then she continued to explain the reasoning for their behavior. "Neal, we didn't know he was our son until recently, but we've been aware of things about him for years. He didn't know about our connection either, but he called me while you were in the coma and he said enough that we knew things weren't going well between you two. With the DNA proof that you are the sons we gave up for adoption, we have some interest in the situation. By surprising you for a visit in the office we've confirmed to him who we are and we are able to gain a more real conversation with you. In addition, I'm sure dinner in a while is less intimating than it was."

Finding himself amused, Peter was glad their parents were smart. Things were going to be interesting as he had the feeling this wasn't going to be a simple or predictable family. "Well, I've learned where Neal and I get some of our abilities and such, and I'm intrigued to learn more."

"Good, we're looking forward to getting to know you and your brother as well. Although Neal won't be coming to dinner, we expect you to bring your lovely wife." Roan smiled congenially as he stood up.

"Neal, he can probably answer some of his questions himself now that he knows who we are and it's best to give him some time to work through his initial reactions on his own so that he'll be better prepared to talk when we catch up with him later." Moving to stand as well, Diane joined Roan. "Now, we'll leave you to finish your workday and we'll see you along with Elizabeth later this evening."

They insisted on letting themselves out, but Peter couldn't help but watch them leave anyway. It had been a relief to know that he and his brother had points of commonality with their parents, they knew his brother and would take his past into consideration at least as far as they could, and they were trying to be considerate as they introduced themselves. Maybe this wasn't going to be so nerve-wracking after all?

Standing outside of the restaurant later that evening, Peter wrapped his arms around his wife and leaned his chin against the back of her head as they watched his parents enter a taxi further up the street.

"You like them?" He was curious about her opinion. The evening had gone well, but it was going to be an interesting topic as they got to know his parents.

"Yes, I do. I was afraid of your mother when she seemed so serious and acted as she's used to taking command, but she wasn't pushy or controlling at all. It was nice how she encouraged us to try new things while letting us order whatever we wanted and her stories about the various dishes were fascinating. Your father though, well, it's obvious that you didn't inherit many of his traits while Neal did. However, he's such a smooth charmer I think it would be difficult not to like him." She teased before leaning back into him.

Waving, they both responded to Roan's gesture before he climbed into the taxi and closed the door. In a few moments, they merged into traffic and disappeared amidst the many taxis of the city.

Sighing, Peter gave his wife a gentle squeeze before releasing her to accompany him to their vehicle. "I'm glad. Somehow, Neal's known them for years, and we seem to get along with them. As long as the secrets they're keeping don't cause trouble, I think this could really work out for us." Peter clasped Elizabeth's extended hand to walk along through the crowds together.

"Secrets?" She was curious as they strolled towards the parking garage.

"Remember, they're a director and teacher, but they didn't say of what, and they know Neal. I'm not going to jump to a conclusion, but I've still got to wonder why they're being so secretive." Peter rubbed his thumb along the side of her hand.

"Time will tell, I guess. Maybe, maybe it's a good idea to keep possibilities in mind but to give them a chance to explain themselves when they're ready?" She squeezed his fingers comfortingly.

"That's the plan for now. We'll see what they have to say for themselves as we get to know them." Peter agreed.

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