This is set before 4x01 "Most Wanted" but with slight spoilers for the episode.
I don't own White Collar or any of its characters.
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Title: The Best Possession.
A true friend is the best possession. - Ben Franklin.
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Neal and Mozzie sat side by side, enjoying the gorgeous view from their gorgeous villa on a gorgeous island blessedly free of extradition treaties with the US.
He studied the different shades of blue, white, and green that worked together to create the beautiful natural scenery before him, fingers itching for brush and paint, as well as a good canvas. They were just settling in, though, so that would have to wait for a bit longer.
It was truly a breathtaking paradise they found themselves in- and it would have been perfect were it not for the reason that brought them here, and everything he was forced to leave behind.
Neal almost couldn't believe Mozzie had arranged everything by himself so fast, from their escape route to their final destination and their eventual place of retreat. He had been too useless to do anything but follow his friend's lead the first few hours. Except it was Mozzie, so of course, he could believe it.
Mozzie could very well rule the world if he ever chose to do so. Fortunately for the world (or not), he was too busy doing other things to bother with that.
He hid his amused smile behind his glass as he downed the liquid in it.
"Hey, Moz."
"Huh?"
"I never said thank you."
"No thanks necessary," Mozzie assured with a tip of his glass. He tilted his head slightly. "Out of curiosity, what are you referring to exactly?"
"Everything," Neal replied without a moment's pause, a fond smile pulling at the corner of his lips.
Mozzie blinked in surprise. "Oh?"
Neal looked down at the empty glass between his hands before meeting his friend's gaze once again.
"Thank you for thinking that some random kid that beat you at a three-card Monte game could be a good apprentice and partner, and for not deciding to find someone better when I let my heart lead me away from our first big con."
"Neal, that's not-" Mozzie hurried to say, blue eyes wide behind his glasses.
"Please, Moz." He cut him off. "I need to say it."
Mozzie looked like he wanted to be anywhere but there, but he didn't try to stop him.
"I need to thank you for accepting Kate into our partnership because I asked you, and for staying by my side when she left. For trying to look after me when all I wanted was to get her back." His lips twitched upward. "For not cutting your losses when I let myself get caught, or when I decided working for the FBI was a good idea."
Even with the solemnity of the moment, Mozzie couldn't hold back a soft snort as he heard the last part, making Neal's smile widen in response.
"Thank you for working with me and helping me even when I was working for the government you distrust so much. For accepting Peter and Elizabeth. Thank you for being there for me when I lost Kate." Neal had to pause for a moment before continuing. "Thank you for staying by my side even after I almost got you killed." Mozzie opened his mouth to protest but he didn't give him the chance. "Thank you for never giving up on me even when you had every reason to do that. And for being willing to run away with me one more time.
"Like I said," Neal finished with a thick voice and a wave of his hand. "Everything."
"Yes, well," Mozzie averted his eyes and had to clear his throat before speaking again. He patted the head of the little Hawaiian doll beside the wine bottle on the table. "I can tell you Lolana and I are very pleased to accompany you in this thrilling new adventure."
Neal's answering laugh was more a release of pressure than a show of amusement, and was quickly followed by a couple of tears that finally escaped from his eyes. He didn't bother to disguise the hand he raised to wipe them away and didn't say a word when he saw Mozzie take off his glasses to do the same.
"I sure hope this isn't how you plan us to spend every afternoon in this exotic paradise, mon frére."
"Definitely not," Neal was quick to answer with a small twitch of his lips. "It was just something I should have said a long time ago."
The distant sound of the waves filled the silence between them, and Neal took the time to refill their glasses.
"You know I, uh, appreciate our partnership as well," Mozzie said without meeting Neal's gaze, attempting to appear nonchalant. "And for every 'thank you' you have bestowed upon me now, I must express the same, and perhaps add a few more."
"Thanks, Moz," Neal got out through the lump in his throat. "And you're welcome."
Mozzie offered him a curt nod before reaching for his glass and taking a small sip. He cleared his throat. "Can we be done with this now?"
"Yes, please."
Two pairs of blue eyes met for a moment as they shared a smile.
Neal raised his glass in a toast. "To good friends and partners."
"May we continue to be blessed with reasons to be thankful," Mozzie added as they clinked their glasses.
Under the warm and bright sun of Cape Verde, two friends (and Lolana) set out to enjoy the rest of their lives together away from home.
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A/N: Rest in Peace, Willie Garson. You and your work will be forever remembered and cherished. Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed this short piece.
I was saddened and shocked to learn about Willie Garson's passing just last week, and so I started working on this short piece as a small and humble but very heartfelt tribute to honor his wonderful portray of Mozzie and the beautiful relationship he and Neal shared. I almost added this to the collection, but I actually think it stands much better on its own as the tribute it's mean to be.
I know this is probably OOC, but with Neal still reeling after having to leave New York and everyone there, I think he would be messed up enough to let his walls down and say out loud how grateful he is to be able to keep Mozzie with him.
This is unbetaed and I'm not a native speaker, so please feel free to point out any mistake you may find.