Acceptance

Sitting with his father in the waiting room, Peter found little comfort from the man, but at least he was able to learn the answers to some of his questions.

"We knew someone was coming after you and would likely attack us. Although your mother is the director of the NSA with extensive government and military background and I train at Langley, your brother insisted on sticking close to be safe. He felt that being younger, he'd be able to stand up to some challenges better than your mother or I could. In ways, he's right about us being too old for some of the work, but in other respects, our experiences make us more capable of handling difficulties. Anyway, combined, we managed to handle captivity and Chuck set himself up to slip in and drop off a few supplies. Since they had plans for a sniper, Neal was to be the target while Casey would retaliate. It was a risk, but we didn't have much choice." Peter stood up and paced at hearing this while Roan remained in his seat and continued with the report. "His reasoning for being the target was that he's younger and better able to handle the impact while also pointing out how he's survived being shot to death twice before. I know you don't know about our professional work as agents, but your brother isn't a legend for nothing. He knows how to balance the risks for the intended outcome."

Zoning out his father's voice, Peter pictured his brother reacting to the shot, but this time there wasn't a vest to protect him, and he didn't start breathing again as his body grew colder.

Suddenly, his movement was blocked and he nearly ran into his father. He only stopped because Roan was bodily standing in his path with his hands holding his harms forcing him to still.

"Listen to me, Peter. Neal, he's a strong man and will be just fine. Although he's been on a loan assignment playing what might have been, he's still a trained black ops agent with an extensive field history of his own. I know it's your job as his older brother to worry, but you're also going to have to find a way to balance that. We all do dangerous work, even you, and you're going to have to find a way to deal when situations arise. This time it was your enemy that targeted you through us, maybe next time it will be one of our enemies. No matter what happens, we're a family and we'll get through this together. Do you hear me?" Roan shook his arms slightly to ensure he had his attention.

"Yeah, I don't like seeing Neal in danger. It was bad enough before, but now he really is family, and somehow that makes it so much worse." Peter was surprised to find himself pulled into an awkward but well-meaning hug. Lifting his arms, he returned the action for the brief period before his father stepped back.

A nurse was approaching them and asked if they wanted to see Neal.

"Why don't you go get him? I'll be waiting here, and I think you need a few moments to talk." Roan encouraged him to go while he stayed behind in the waiting room.

Unsure at first, Peter was hesitant to go before Roan reassured him that Neal would probably rather see him anyway. "You're his brother, protector, and he needs you, not me."

Feeling reassured, Peter nodded before following the nurse back to where Neal was dressing as best he could in his soiled clothes. Looking him up and down, Peter was glad to see him looking healthy and listened enough to the nurse to know he didn't have any serious injury.

"Hey," he said softly to avoid hurting his brother's headache.

"Peter," Neal answered just as softly, but with greater uncertainty.

Stepping forwards, Peter gently pulled Neal into a hug and wrapped his arms around him. Holding his brother close, he started crying again when he felt his brother lift his arms and return the action. It was the first time since before the reveal of their genetic bond that his brother had let him in.

Remaining in place, Peter couldn't stop his emotions and only shifted between holding his brother's head or his shoulders close with one arm while his other remained solidly around his brother's torso refusing to let the man go.

Questioning, Neal asked, "Peter?"

"I know I've told you this, but I didn't know what I'd said until you quoted me. Once I'd confirmed it, I sat and cried right then and there fearing what I'd done without thinking. That was the biggest mistake of my life and I haven't yet managed to convey how much I regret what happened through that. It was easy to step between you and the bullet. I couldn't let you take it, not because you were bound up or because it's my responsibility to protect you, those apply, but because you're my friend, my brother, and I couldn't let them hurt you. Lately, you've been avoiding me with great skills. Our parents have assured me that you aren't missing out on time with them, but I wish I wasn't missing out on so much time with you, it would be so much better if we got to know them together. But the worst part of this all, was that feeling a little while ago, watching the bullet hit you and seeing the realistic effects you'd set up to look like you'd been shot. Nothing has scared me more than that moment, that fear of loss. I'm proud to have you as a brother, a friend. Neal, your brilliant, funny, fun, and although you might not always take the right path to get there, probably because of your black ops background creating a different approach, you do your best to help and protect those around you. Sometimes I forget your heart, the traits that make you someone to admire because I get distracted. Yeah, you are a convicted criminal as far as this loan assignment goes, you've done a lot of things I'm not proud of, but some actions don't define the man. In those defining moments, you've never let me down. So don't do that to me again, don't die on me, don't even fake it, because I don't think I can handle it." Peter was crying softly as he spoke, but he didn't care as long as Neal finally heard what he needed to say.

Sniffling a little, Neal was clearly affected emotionally. "I forgive you, Peter." He put his face into Peter's shoulder.

Feeling the moisture collecting where his brother was crying into his shoulder, Peter cried harder. Kissing the side of his brother's head, he clung to him. "I love you, little brother."

Taking their time, they released their emotions.

When Peter went to step back, Neal tightened his grip. "I love you too, big brother."

Ducking his head into his brother's shoulder, Peter wondered again how he could have been so stupid to have initially rejected his brother. Then he lifted his head and stepped back before raising his hand to ruffle his brother's hair. "I can't believe I'm lucky enough to have you for a brother."

Smiling at each other, Peter threw his arm across Neal's shoulders reluctant to lose their comradery or contact before turning him towards the waiting room. Their father was waiting to take them home.

When they pulled up in front of his home, Peter realized that there were more vehicles about than was characteristic but it was soon explained when he spotted Chuck approaching the vehicle. There were others around to see Neal.

Exiting the vehicle, Peter greeted the agent as he moved around the vehicle to his brother's door. "Do I want to know how many people are about?"

"Just my wife and I, your parents, and Mrs. Burke, we're here to have a quick conversation with Neal and then we'll be off to our hotel. It's been years since I got the chance to talk to him, and I have a few things that need to be said while the rest can wait until later." Chuck assured him while remaining nearby in case he was needed to assist with helping Neal from the car.

Easily managing the task on his own, Peter woke Neal up and gave him a helping hand to stand up despite his fatigue and bruises. "Easy, you're going to be sore for a few days." He coached until Neal was standing on the grass of his own volition.

"Chuck?" Neal swayed in surprise so Peter reached out to steady the man with one hand while closing the car door with the other.

"Hey," Chuck greeted a little awkwardly, but in a soft and friendly tone. "We need to talk."

Watching his brother, Peter noticed how Neal blinked and tried to process what Chuck intended to say.

"I'm not leaving until we do so you might as well give me a few minutes." Chuck picked up a stubborn tone as he furrowed his brows and stared at Neal.

Swallowing, Neal still seemed uncertain, but didn't have a choice, "Okay."

Giving his shoulder a squeeze, Peter reminded his brother that he was there for support and was rewarded by his brother looking to him for reassurance. "He's not mad at you, give him a chance."

Turning back to Chuck, Neal's eyes were wider and his mouth relaxed like he didn't believe that could be possible.

Frowning deeper, Chuck looked worried. "Seriously? You think I still hate you, even after I learned the reason behind your actions and everything you did for me? Come on, Neal. You're my other best friend! Sure, there's always been Morgan and now Casey and I are close and I can't forget Sarah, but none of them are you. They don't replace those years spent programming in college, the future we talked about, or the general fun we had. Yeah, I used to hate you for the things you did, but I learned the truth, and I don't hate you anymore."

Standing still, Neal seemed to be gauging the emotion behind Chuck's words as his eyes were tracing over his friend's face while he talked. "When did that happen?" The words seemed to slip out when he opened his mouth because he quickly closed it afterward.

Sighing, Chuck shrugged as he thought before looking Neal in the eyes. "I forgave you for Stanford when I saw the recording, and that gave me hope that you had a good reason for what you did when you got me into government work. Everything else was just before you died again. Sarah chose to stay with me so the woman I love loved me in return. I didn't need to feel jealous of you, that you dated her first and she still had feelings for you, the superspy I didn't feel I could compare with. And, I finally learned those good reasons for why you got me into government work. After that, I wish I knew you were safely working with the FBI over here. It would have been a lot easier in recent years to play internet games with you and have you there to ask for advice when things got tough."

It was Neal's turn to frown.

Chuck seemed uncertain about the situation as he watched Neal's lack of response. "Are you going to make me take your position now? During those years where I hated you, when we did cross paths, you pretty much took it upon yourself to coach me for my own good. That I could be the super spy too, or that it was putting Sarah and me in danger to let our emotions get the better of us. I might not have appreciated it, but you were just trying to look out for me." Cocking his head to the side, Chuck continued, "Because if I have to coach you about your value, I know I'll have plenty of help like you did. Your brother and your sister-in-law, your parents, your friends, and your team will all be willing to help me knock some sense into you."

Pulling Neal into his side and putting his arm across his shoulders in a sideways hug, Peter added, "He's right you know, I have his contact information now so I can make sure you talk to someone, even if it isn't me for safety reasons. You are loved and cared for, remember that, and we all want to be here for you. We just need you to let us."

Ducking his head Neal allowed Peter to shelter him while he worked on his emotions. He seemed to be feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Roan patted his arm in passing before moving on to the house. He was leaving them to their conversation but silently adding his contribution before he left.

Pulling out his phone, Chuck started to type away with total focus until he'd completed his task. Then he put his phone back into his pocket and watched Neal expectantly.

Sure enough, within a few moments, Neal's phone went off. Shifting and pulling it out, he tried to continue hiding his emotions but the others knew he was affected. Opening it, Peter saw him check an email before a question popped up. Snorting something akin to a laugh, Neal read through the message and then typed his response. This allowed a link to be activated for him to follow which led him to a coded game and chat site.

"I expect to see you in a challenge at least a few times a week and you'd better bring some entertaining stories to tell, even if it's just how boring mortgage fraud is, I want to know how you're doing. This is a safe gaming platform I designed just in case you turned up alive again. It gave me some programming practice for fun while having some preparedness should I get a brief encounter with you in the field." Chuck moved closer as he talked causing Neal to look up despite his glistening eyes. "Will you be on there?"

It took a moment to compose himself, but he promised, "Wouldn't miss it."

Kissing his brother's head, Peter was happy for Neal. He had his family, his friends, and was finally being reassured of his value by the people most important to him. "Good for you."

Ducking his head, Chuck seemed to be smiling but giving some privacy for the brotherly moment before looking up again. "Come on, Mrs. Burke has the house ready and is waiting for you two so you should probably get inside and reassure her. Sarah's been keeping her company with Beckman as she also wants to talk to you, but then we'll get out of your way for some family time."

"You aren't staying?" Neal sounded disappointed as he looked up again.

Smiling, Chuck was glad to hear it. "Not at your brother's, we have our own hotel room by your parents. Don't worry, I'm planning to hang around for a few days to help with the wrap-up and to talk, but you've had a long day so you need to rest."

Nodding quietly, Neal seemed satisfied and allowed Peter to start walking him towards the house with Chuck accompanying them.

"Stanford?" Peter questioned the two to show he'd been listening, but also testing the waters to see if they'd talk.

"That's where I met Chuck, he was my college roommate." Neal supplied the answer before smirking up at him. He knew Peter's curiosity was piqued.

"And?" Peter prompted hopefully.

Breaking into a full-blown grin, Neal glanced up at him. "And, that's all for tonight. I can't divulge all of my secrets at once."

"But you will divulge some of them?" Peter queried. He knew Neal wasn't likely to reveal some things, that's just the way their relationship had always been, but he hoped the kid would share what he could as he was ready.

"I'm sure Chuck and others would be happy to share if I didn't so I might as well control how the stories are told." Neal gave in with a mock defeated air.

Laughing, Chuck added to Peter's curiosity. "Ask him about the college library some time. That's one of my favorite memories."

The fond expression Neal responded with had Peter making serious mental notes to pursue that topic. Whatever it was, it was something special.

Entering the house, Neal found himself first engulfed in a hug by Elizabeth as she wiped tears from her eyes. "I'm glad you're okay. Don't scare us like that, I've been so worried and Peter's been terrified." She kissed his cheek and wrapped him in another hug. "You might not be my only brother-in-law, but you're the only person who is a best friend to both of us."

After a few moments, she moved away to greet her husband and left Neal to the other guests.

Chuck had moved to the side and was talking to Roan then Diane joined their conversation while watching him in her peripheral.

Sarah was the next one to approach him and she lifted her head to talk to him. "You didn't tell us you were alive. I thought I spread your ashes where we had our first mission together." Her tone was edged before she dropped to a softer one, "We mourned for you, again."

Standing by for another speech, Neal wasn't sure how to handle this one either.

Continuing, Sarah told him about what had transpired since he'd been gone, the times Chuck lamented his loss, and how much they could have used his help when things got rough. "Just because I chose Chuck doesn't mean you had to leave, you're still our friend. I know you're settled as Neal Caffrey in New York, it's something more akin to a normal life and now you have your family about you, but don't forget to keep in touch with us too. We want to see you happy, but we also want to be a part of your life." She didn't touch him or move too close, but she made sure he looked her in the eyes as she spoke.

Following the same rules of conduct, Neal responded, "I died, I kind of had to go, and after I was revived… a lot was going on so it was believed best for me to return to my task force operation here. Even Beckman, my boss, hasn't been kept in the loop and only figured out my connection to Peter when he was in the coma and I called for help. Life, life doesn't always give you what you want and things don't always work out, but, I think things finally are. You're right, I am comfortable here, I have my family, friends, a team I can rely on, and now my history is catching up in a good way. Chuck's made me promise to keep in touch through a coded game and chat site. I'm sure he'd welcome the help at defeating me if you ever have something you want to say."

Smiling softly, Sarah correct him, "Are you sure I wouldn't be a hindrance? I don't play games so I'd be a total rookie."

"Eh, you'd catch on fast enough and have us both trumped. You know, maybe Chuck would need my help to defeat you?" Neal raised his eyebrow causing Sarah to laugh.

"What is this?" Chuck joined the conversation with a pretend scowl that quickly turned into a smile. He was happy to see them talking.

"I was just telling Sarah that if she ever has something to say to me I'm sure you'd be happy to have her play and that given some practice you'd probably need my help to beat her. She doesn't seem convinced." Neal included Chuck and initiated a short conversation about gaming until Chuck got too enthusiastic and squeaked at something Sarah said which hurt Neal's head.

Calming down, Chuck winced and apologized before saying they should probably be going. "We've had our conversation for tonight, we'll see you tomorrow." He gave Neal a hug and then moved to wait for his wife as she kissed Neal's cheek before joining her husband to leave for the night.

Left with his family, Neal suddenly realized that he had a soft smile on his face despite the ache in his head when Elizabeth approached with some pills and a glass of water. She was smiling with glistening tears in her eyes.

"I don't think I've ever seen you this calm and happy before."

Looking around at them after he took the pills and drank some of the water, Neal cataloged their reactions to his glance. Roan lifted his glass in acknowledgment with an expression of fatherly pride, Diane's expression was soft but yet observant keeping a maternal eye on him, Elizabeth was smiling happily at him glad to see him happy, and Peter was looking contentedly at him as if all was right in his world.

Neal realized that he hadn't ever been this calm and happy, at least not in the life he could remember. "I don't think I've been this way before."

Spending his recovery at his brother's, Neal found it to be the most pleasant recuperation period he'd ever experienced. Instead of being restricted to a medical facility or curling up in some safe house on his own, he was surrounded by love and laughter.

Chuck and Sarah visited every day with conversations full of memories and friendship until they had to go back to California. Then they linked him into gaming every few days to enjoy a digital version of their interaction.

Mozzie brought board games and stories to entertain them all. He also spent a few hours playing chess with Neal alone and indulging in the quiet companionship of an old friend.

June helped Elizabeth feed everyone by bringing food along on her visits. She joined them at dinner a few times and helped relax Neal with a soothing song or two when he was restless but still restricted from returning to the office for technical recovery time.

Jones and Diana dropped by with news from the office and teases about being the boss's kid brother. They meant well and helped ease him towards the reactions awaiting him when he returned to normal routines.

Hughes even dropped by once, but he had some revised paperwork for their agreement now that his agent status was known by a few more personnel.

Roan and Diane hadn't hung around long as Diane had a lot of work to keep up with in Washington and Roan was eager to move. However, they'd set Peter's TV up for two way communication and would call just to check in every few days.

As for Peter and Elizabeth, they enjoyed getting to know Neal's other friends, Mozzie had them wondering if he was government or not but he wouldn't confirm one way or the other, they finally got to converse with Roan and Diane as a family, and most importantly, they got to spend time with Neal getting to know him as their brother. Both showed joy and comfort with the arrangement and when it was time for Neal to return home, they made him promise to be by for dinner several nights a week and welcomed him to visit anytime.

After his two weeks were up, Neal was returning to the office with a new lease on life.

Walking off of the elevator, he welcomed Peter's arm slung across his shoulder as they approached the White Collar office. Everyone knew they were siblings now, so they might as well enjoy their comradery.

Entering the office, Neal stopped in his tracks. There was a banner on the back railing that said 'Welcome Back/Congratulations Neal!' and everyone in the room stopped to applaud him.

"The team has been worried about you," Peter mentioned in an aside as he looked away from the agents. "They've known something was wrong between us but not what. Your abduction brought it all out and now they want to welcome you back from the abduction and congratulate you on finding your family."

Realizing that his brother had known but allowed the surprise, Neal was glad that Jones and Diana had been preparing him. He hadn't expected such a welcome, but it wasn't as overwhelming thanks to the buildup.

Feeling genuinely at home, Neal smiled for everyone and in a Caffreyesque gesture, he doffed his hat before twirling it around in a complicated motion followed by his trademark flip onto his head and sliding his fingers along the brim much to everyone's amusement. He was back and better than ever!

Thank you, everyone, for reading, leaving kudos, commenting/reviewing, and choosing to favorite :D

Next week is the epilogue which will finish this story. This means that it's time for you all to cast your vote from my finished stories list on my profile page for what you would like to see next :D