Hey there! :) I'm still here. And thank you so much for your comments. I know there are a lot of mistakes in these chapters and I thought of finding a beta, but I think it's just not worth it. But I really think I'll try to correct as many obvious errors as possible soon. Thank you so much for reading! :)

Peter stood up while Neal watched his movements attentively. The agent held out his hand. Neal hesitated, then reached out and took it. Peter gently pulled him to his feet.

The boy swayed slightly. He met Peter's eyes.

"Last chance to change your mind." He smiled sheepishly, but Peter perceived a hint of uncertainty.

"No way, Caffrey. I told you, you cannot escape me.", he grinned.

"Come on." Peter turned to leave the gloomy cell, but the kid wasn't following.

"What's the matter?", Peter questioningly raised his eyebrows.

"I'm not sure I'm able to walk.", Neal admitted quietly. "The sedative… it was quite strong."

Peter watched him thoughtfully. "May I help you?", he offered.

Neal nodded, but avoided his gaze. The agent went back, carefully took the boy's arm and draped it over his shoulders. He could feel Neal tense up, could hear the kid's shallow breath.

"Relax, Neal. It's all right. We'll be outside soon, and you'll be able to sleep a while in my car.", Peter tried to soothe him.

Neal nodded slightly but didn't respond. They went through the door together, where the young guard waited.

"Shall I cuff him as usual?", he looked at them, irritated.

Neal, who hung limply in Peter's arm, threw him a tired and indifferent sidelong glance, ready to offer his wrists. The agent groaned.

"Does he look like a threat to you?"

The guard hurried to shake his head and Peter shook his head in disbelief, supported the boy as best as he could, almost had to carry him for most of their way through the endless corridors.

When they reached the changing room, they handed Neal his few belongings. Peter looked at the meager pile, then turned to face Neal.

"May I help you getting dressed?"

Neal sighted, then nodded. They both went into the changing room and Peter carefully placed Neal on a bench, helped him out of his orange jumpsuit.

"That really is a horrible colour! But even that suits you.", he tried to lighten the mood and smiled.

Neal smiled back, but obviously felt very uncomfortable. The agent could once more see the "traitor" scars all over his chest, together with all the bruises and half-healed wounds. Neal tried to cover his torso with his folded arms and Peter hurried to hand him his shirt. The agent knew that, sooner or later, they had to talk about it, but not here, not now.

When he reached for the boy's pants, he felt something small and solid in one corncer of his pockets. He raised his eyes to meet Neals

"May I?", he asked cautiously.

Neal shrugged.

"You don't need my permission.", he replied vaguely.

"Maybe not, but I want to ask and I won't look if you don't want me to.", Peter said gently.

Neal looked surprised, shrugged again.

"Go ahead.", he quietly said after a few seconds.

Peter smiled and reached into the pocket. A small golden item appeared. Peter met Neal's gaze.

"What's that?", he asked. The kid hesitated.

"I think I…I put it in my pocket in that… I mean when it happened.", he admitted, staring at his hands.

"And you didn't tell anybody?", Peter groaned.

Neal paused for a few seconds, then met his gaze again.

"Keller isn't someone you want to mess around with, Peter. Really, I just…I wanted it to stop.", he admitted, his expression very serious now.

Peter took a deep breath and sat down in front of Neal. The boy eyed him warily.

"Like I told you, Neal. You're not responsible for my safety. We have to get over this point. You have to accept that I'm the one in charge. That means you have to open up and finally trust me and my abilities as an agent."

He paused for a second, then grinned mischievously. Neal managed a smile himself.

"What?", he asked with knitted eyebrows.

"At least I was able to catch the one and only Neal Caffrey, so my capability can't be that bad.". Peter chuckled.

Neal snorted.

"Just because I allowed it to happen.", he answered cockily.

Peter smiled and put a hand on Neals knee. The boy flinched slightly but allowed him to. Peter got serious again and looked him straight in the eyes.

"You'll talk to me, won't you? About everything you know?"

Neal hesitated. He leaned back, his expression blank now.

"That's the reason why, isn't it? That's why I'm allowed to go. And after that I'll be sent straight back to prison.", Neal hated the sound of his own voice, tired and hollow with a hint of an offended toddler.

Peter groaned. "Come on, Caffrey. You can't truly believe that. After all I did to protect you. I just want you out of here, preferably for good!"

Neal nodded, seemingly unconvinced. Peter sighted and helped Neal to put on his socks and shoes.

"You're right kid, you really got a trust issue… One more thing, by the way.", he said hesitantly. "Your tracking anklet wasn't ready this morning, so Jones will come round later to equip you with that piece of jewellery."

He paused for a moment, watched Neal intensely, who returned his gaze questioningly.

"Do you think we can manage our way home without any restraints?"

Neal smiled slightly and nodded. "I promise I won't run or do something stupid, Peter. And, well, in my condition, even you could catch up with me, don't you think?", he said mockingly.

"Let's not push our luck.", Peter laughed.

When they finally left the detention centre, Neal struggled to walk upright and Peter hat to support him once more. After they reached his car, he placed Neal on the passenger seat and hurried around his Taurus. He eyed Neal sideways, his narrow, pale face and the dark circles under his eyes and the sweat on his forehead.

"Don't you think you should see a proper doctor first?", he asked, truly worried now.

Neal sat upright immediately, met his gaze with wide eyes, shook his head.

"No! Please, Peter. I just want a quiet place to rest. No more hospitals or doctors, please! My body just has to get rid of theses stupid drugs.", he begged.

The agent nodded with a sight and started the engine. After a few minutes of silence, he threw the boy a sideway glance. The kid was still awake, staring into space.

"What did they do to you in the last few days?", he asked cautiously.

Neal raised his head slightly, but his eyes remained empty. "I told them I couldn't do this anymore. But they didn't listen. And I… I lost my temper.", he admitted quietly.

"You couldn't do … what anymore?", Peter asked after a moment.

Neal didn't say anything and just as Peter had decided not to push him any further, the kid turned his head to face him.

"I've spent too much time tied up in a dark cell, all alone. It scares me. I just panicked. I didn't mean to harm anyone.", he answered, almost emotionless on the surface, but Peter could see the pain, despair and anger in his eyes.

"Who did that to you, Neal?", he asked calmly.

Another pause.

"Keller, recently. And…my dad. It wasn't a cell, though. He used my bedroom, covered my window and locked the door from time to time, if he wasn't satisfied.", Neal stared at his hands.

Peter swallowed hard and almost missed a red light. He pulled over and turned off the engine.

"When he wasn't satisfied with what?", he asked sternly.

The kid shrugged.

"With my work.", he replied quietly.

"What kind of work? And when did it start?", Peter fired back before he could stop himself.

Neal met his gaze once more. He looked like a trapped animal now.

"Has this become an official interrogation, Agent Burke? Do you want a full confession? What do you want? A detailed description of all the fake artwork, the bonds and all the other stuff I did? Pick something, I'm guilty on all counts!", he almost yelled.

Peter could see pure rage and exhaustion in the boy's expression. He slowly stretched out his arm and gently touched the young offender's shoulder. Neal eyed him but managed to tolerate his touch.

"I'm sorry, that wasn't my intention, kiddo. I went too far... Thank you for telling me.", he said softly. "I'm… I'm not mad at you. What Keller and your father did to you is … it's cruel, disgusting. You were just a child… you ARE just a child. Even though you will have to stand up for at least some of your crimes, it wasn't your fault when these bastards forced you. Understand?".

Neal slumped against the door, avoiding Peter's gaze again.

"No. I'm not just a child Peter. And I'm responsible for everything I've done. I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me lately. I just wished…", he stopped and didn't go on.

"You just wished what, kiddo?", Peter asked gently. Neal shook his head.

"Doesn't matter. I'm sorry, Peter."

Peter sighted again and turned to start the engine to go on driving. He could literally feel the wall building up again which the boy had built around him during all he went through. But at least he had the chance to take a look behind it and he would do anything to earn his trust.

When they reached the Burke's home, Neal had been sleeping for half an hour. Peter stopped the engine and watched his angelic features.

The kid stirred, suddenly was fully awake and looked around bewildered. When his gaze fell on Peter, his expression softened and he smiled, slightly embarrassed.

"I briefly thought it was just a dream.", he admitted and grinned.

"A dream come true.", Peter chuckled. "Are you all right, kiddo?"

Neal nodded. "But Peter, are you sure Elizabeth wants me back in your home? I mean… I caused you so much trouble and …"

Peter interrupted him. "Cut the crap, Neal. She spent hours with redecorating our guest room for you. She fell in love with you the moment you stepped over our doorstep."

Neal smiled. "You're a lucky man, Peter. She's a lovely woman!", he said, a deep sadness in his voice.

"I know, kiddo. And she's got so much love to share. So come on, she'll be waiting for us."

Peter had to help Neal out of his car, even though he seemed a bit more secure on his feet.

When they entered the front door, a thrilled Satchmo almost knocked them both over. He howled and spun around and tried to lick their faces. Neal carefully freed himself out of the agents grip and crouched down to greet the overexcited dog.

"Hello there, Satchmo! I missed you too!", he said, his voice full of love and admiration.

Peter felt a warmth rising up in him at their sight.

His wife appeared in the hallway. Their eyes met and they both smiled, but Peter could also see the concern in El's eyes. The boy looked even worse than the last time they had him here.

"Neal!", she said, still smiling.

Neal got up and smiled back, a bit reluctantly.

"Hello Elizabeth! How are you?", he returned politely.

"I think I should rather ask you that… Come on in, off to the couch. You look like you could use a break.", she said and touched his arm lightly when Peter helped him to cross the hallway and enter the living-room.

He placed him on the couch and fetched a blanket to cover his lap.

Neal chuckled, slightly embarrassed.

"Thank you, Agent Burke.", he said mockingly and grinned, but Peter could see how much he enjoyed the soft cushions and the warm blanket.

Elizabeth watched him closely, her smile not as bright as usual.

"I'll prepare a nice cup of hot tea before we can eat. Peter, could you come round and help me?", she asked, happily on the surface.

Peter looked at Neal, but before he could say something, the kid raised both hands.

"I know, I know, Peter. I won't move an inch, don't worry. Just go help your wife and talk about what you need to talk about. I'll be right here when you'll come back.", he said, smiling knowingly, tired and with heavy eyelids now.

When they reached the kitchen, Elizabeth' smile vanished.

"What did they do to him in there, Peter? He looks horrible. I didn't think it could be worse."

Peter shrugged. "I know honey, but he'll be better soon. He's safe now. And I'm confident he'll stay this time. We'll try our best to change his condition, won't we?", he said, avoiding the answer to her question.

His wife nodded, tears in her eyes. "I'm just... I'm not sure someone who went through so much … horror, can fully recover … I mean, ever.", she whispered in a choked voice.

Peter gently touched her face and kissed her on the forehead. "People can take a lot, El. He's stronger than he seems to be, I promise. We just have to help him a little to gain his inner strength back."

El smiled slightly and nodded. The doorbell rang.

"That will be Jones!", Peter told his wife.

"You go and let him in and I'll prepare a little something to feed the poor thing!", she turned and immediately started working and he once more admired her willpower and empathy.

Peter went through the living-room, where Neal sat upright on the sofa and watched him warily, his face white like chalk.

"It's just Jones, calm down. He's here to put you in chains, remember?", he grinned.

Neal smiled slightly.

When Jones entered the living-room, he sat down in a chair in front of the kid and watched him, a genuine smile on his face.

"It's good to see you, Caffrey! I'm sorry for what happened.", Peter recognized, that it sounded like something his team member wanted to say for a long time.

Neal smiled back. "It wasn't your fault, Agent Jones. Not at all. You did what you had to do. I appreciate how you treated me."

Peter didn't really know what they were talking about, but he could see a weight falling off his agent's shoulders. Peter sat down next to Neal. The kid looked uncomfortably between the two of them.

"So, Agent Jones, I think there's something you want to adorn the young man with?", Peter said, chuckling.

"Oh, yes, of course.", Jones pulled a slim black plastic ring out of his pocket.

"May I?", he said in Neal's direction. Neal nodded and willingly pulled up his pants and let him attach the anklet without making any fuzz.

"My property again.", Peter announced mockingly, placing a hand on the kid's shoulder.

He noticed with satisfaction, that the young one didn't even flinch.

Neal grinned sheepishly, looking at his ankle.

"At least it isn't mainstream!", he announced with an exaggerated smile.

After that, they had a pleasant dinner, including Jones.

Even though Neal wasn't able to eat much, he joined their conversation and even answered a few harmless questions about his former life.

When Peter noticed that Neal struggled to sit upright, he threw his wife a meaningful glance and stood up.

"Clinton, thanks for coming. I'll see you in the office. I think it's time for our young felon to go to bed.", he announced.

Neal looked slightly embarrassed but didn't protest.

"Thank you, Agent Jones. And thanks for the wonderful meal, Elizabeth.", he said politely and stood up himself, slightly swaying again.

Peter went to help him, which caused a touch of red on the kid's pale cheeks.

Jones smiled. "See you soon, Caffrey. Don't do anything stupid … again.", he teased, but Neal felt too tired to react and simply nodded.

Peter almost carried him upstairs and helped him sit down on his freshly made bed.

"Thank you, Peter.", he said, grasping for air and avoiding his gaze again.

Peter nodded. "Shall I help you undress?".

Neal sighted again, then met his gaze and nodded.

Peter began with the kid's pants but stopped when he helped him out of his shirt. Neal watched him warily.

"Don't you think we should treat that?", Pete asked carefully, pointing at the red and swollen letters on the kid's chest.

Neal shook his head. "I'm fine!", he insisted and tried to reach the well-known FBI shirt in Peter's hands, but the agent denied it.

"I'm sorry, kiddo, but I really think we should take care of these wounds. They look horrible. Instead of pumping you full of drugs, they should have treated you properly."

Neal remained quiet but shook his head again in defence.

"It's all right, kiddo, done in a minute. Wait here!"

He left the room to get some antiseptic lotion and a few huge plasters out of the bathroom. Neal stared at him when he went back in.

"Please lay down.", Peter said.

The kid hesitated, then obeyed silently. Peter sat down beside him, recognizing the boy stiffening again.

"Calm down, you know I won't hurt you.", Peter said soothingly. He started to apply the lotion and to cover the wounds with the plasters.

"Almost over.", Peter said gently and finished his work.

He passed the shirt over to Neal, who sat up and quickly pulled it over his head, then slid back to sit at the head of the bed, breathing heavily. Peter watched him closely.

"Who did that to you?", he asked gently. Neal raised his tired eyes and shook his head.

"Peter, please, I have to sleep…", he said silently in a flat voice.

"Just one simple answer: Who did that to you?", Peter insisted.

Neals looked sideways, shook his head again.

Peter paused, then flipped back the blanket, tapped on the mattress.

"Come on, lay down.", he said.

Neal hesitated again, obviously overwhelmed by now. He slowly let himself slide under the blanket. Peter pulled it up.

He could see that the boy struggled to tolerate the closeness, so he stood up with a sight and sat down on an armchair a few feet away.

Neal visibly relaxed and closed his eyes.

"It's a message.", he admitted quietly.

"A message from whom?"

"What do you think? It's Keller. He knows what I did, he wants me to know that he's still out there and that he still has power. I … I never knew who else would try to harm me in prison."

Neal stopped for a few seconds, then opened his eyes, a desperate expression on his face.

"I shouldn't be in your house, Peter. It's selfish. I just couldn't endure it anymore. I'm the one he wants, me and that stupid golden key. I caused all that trouble. Prison wasn't that bad. Just let me…", his voice was shaking, and he made the attempt to leave his bed.

Peter stood up and intervened. He sat down next to the boy once more and gently pushed him back, surprised by the sudden outbreak.

"No, Peter…", Neal was almost yelling now, struggling to free himself out of the agent's grip. "I know what you're going to say. But please believe me, it's nothing you can control. He is a dangerous man. He won't stop until he gets what he wants. I know you're good at what you're doing. But it's a risk you and your wife shouldn't be willing to take."

Peter noticed pure panic in his young charge's eyes.

"Neal!", he said firmly, but the kid didn't stop struggling, beside himself now.

"Neal! Stop that, now!", Peter tried again, with no effort, the kid lashed out in pure rage.

The agent felt helpless now, trapped in a vicious circle.

How many times had he been in the same position now?

Out of an impulse, he pulled Neal into a tight hug.

For a moment, the young felon went completely berserk and tried to push Peter away with great force. The agent just pulled him tighter against his chest. He could feel the kid's heart pounding heavily and he was breathing unsteadily.

"It's all right… everything will be all right.", Peter said gently over and over again.

The kid in his arms calmed down slowly and felt limp in the agent's arms. He was silently sobbing now. When it felt safe enough, he let they boy slowly sink back on the pillow.

Neal looked utterly exhausted, his look empty now. Their eyes met.

"I don't know what's wrong with me, Peter. I don't know how many times I had to say I'm sorry.", he managed to say.

Peter smiled. "Quite I few times, I suppose."

Neal simply nodded. "Did I hurt you?", he asked, clearly ashamed.

Peter chuckled. "I'm not made of sugar, kiddo. Even though I wouldn't recommend treating a federal agent like that under normal circumstances."

Neal managed a little smile. "I don't think it's common behaviour that a federal agent hugs his criminals to calm them down, is it?"

Now Peter chuckled. They both remained quiet for a while.

"They ambushed me everywhere. At night in my cell, in the showers, during mealtimes, outside… I didn't get much sleep or food. I had to be careful all the time, but it didn't work. I really think your underestimating how dangerous he is, Peter. Your home is a huge target now. And I just can't stand to cause even more trouble.", his voice sounded powerless now.

Peter gently touched his arm. "I promise, I'll figure something out. I won't underestimate it. For tonight, I'll position a police car in front of our house. I'll protect you as well as us. No matter what!", he said, squeezing the boy's arm slightly.

Neal nodded reluctantly.

"Do you think you'll be able to sleep now and let me do my job?", he added, still smiling.

Neal looked at him again, then nodded once more, with a sigh.

"And you'll stay this time?", Peter asked and gently reached over to touch the anklet, as if to make sure that it was in its place.

Neal stared down his leg.

"I promise!", he said silently.

Peter nodded and stood up.

"We'll talk tomorrow. And I'll be able to tell you how we handle the situation by then.", he said in a firm voice.

"Try to get some sleep!" He turned to leave the room, haunted by the pale face behind him.