Over the next week, Sara and Neal fell into a routine of sorts. He helped Jones and Diana when they called during the day while Sara worked remotely. Her boss wasn't a huge fan of the current set-up, but she'd made it clear she would either take an extended leave of absence, or quit, if necessary. She hadn't told Neal about the last part, though she suspected he had put two and two together.

In his spare time, Neal continued to search for his father, and in lieu of that, other evidence to free Peter. Sara called some of her contacts too, supporting Neal as much as she could. She had accumulated a number of high-profile colleagues and clients who owed her favors.

Mostly though, she tried to keep Neal grounded. He realized what she was doing, keeping him fed and centered enough that he didn't drive himself into a breakdown, and he appreciated it.

To say that he was surprised when Sara showed up at his apartment the day after Peter was arrested was understatement of the year. The fact that she apparently planned to stay indefinitely, was flooring.

It didn't seem like Neal deserved her kindness, her affection, especially after this latest disaster. Yet Sara insisted this was more important so he, selfishly, didn't push her to leave. If he had any decency, he would spin some story to convince Sara to go to London. The truth was, he didn't want to, because Sara remained the only bright spot in this entire mess.

Still, he was happy when Sara went out to help a colleague with a difficult recovery on Friday. She needed to have a purpose beyond him, even if just to assuage his own guilt.

Friday found Neal chasing down scant leads on his father with Mozzie since Jones and Diana hadn't needed him in the office. All they had were mediocre tips to go on, but at least it was something.

"I should have gone after him," Neal said, not for the first time when latest tip leading to an abandoned apartment didn't pan out. He settled his hands on his hips, turning towards the row of dirty windows that made up half the east side of the apartment, bitterness and frustration filling him.

"Neal, from what you said, your dad would have done whatever he needed to in order to escape," Mozzie reminded him with annoying sensibility. "What good would it do if her hurt you too."

He wanted to protest, to say that his father would never go so far as to hurt his own son, but he couldn't. Because he couldn't be sure it was true. After everything he knew now about the man, after he left Peter to be arrested in his place…well, James was probably capable of just about anything.

"I still could have stalled him long enough for Jones or someone to get there."

"You really will do anything for the Suit, won't you?" Mozzie asked, dismayed but not shocked.

"I owe him." For so many things. The least of which was getting Peter involved in this.

"Either way, we're out of ideas. You ready to head back?"

"Yeah. You want to come for dinner and a glass of wine?" Neal asked.

"That depends, will your Repo friend be there?" Mozzie returned with his usual suspicion. He'd made it clear that despite his improved relationship with Sara, he didn't care to spend more time around her than necessary.

"Most likely. Sara is staying with me for the time being."

"Then that's a negatory."

"C'mon Moz, you know we can trust her," Neal said, not having the energy for unnecessary drama. "It's not like she's going to turn either of us in."

"It's the principle of the matter. She testified against you before and; therefore, has the capability to do so again if the tides should change," Mozzie responded evenly and with the air that there was no other valid option.

"You sure it's not any other reason you don't want Sara around?" Neal asked, eyeing Mozzie pointedly.

"Certainly not. It's purely from a point of survival."

"Uh-huh. Alright, well call me if you hear anything."


On the way home, Neal stopped off to grab some ingredients for a simple Italian meal. Since he'd been so preoccupied and Sara, by her own admission, didn't venture beyond toasting bagels and occasionally boiling water, they'd relied on a lot of takeout. She deserved an actual home cooked meal, and it would give him a place to channel his restless energy.

"Hey Sara, I brought some—" he started as he walked through the unlocked door with a paper bag of groceries.

He broke off when he realized Sara sat on the couch and she wasn't alone.

"Elizabeth." He felt a sweet of happiness that always came with her presence, which was immediately followed by guilt.

"Neal," Elizabeth breathed, standing and rushing over to him. She enveloped him in her arms, warm, and familiar. Behind her, Sara approached more slowly.

"How are you doing?" he asked once Elizabeth eased back.

"Um, ok." She gave a shaky smile. "I had a visit with Peter today. And," she sighed deeply. "I guess I just needed to talk with someone."

"I'm glad you did. How was he?"

"Peter," El answered with a tired laugh. "You know, stubborn. Sure that things will work out."

"Of course he is," he said. He looked over her head towards Sara, who nodded before he could even voice any question. "I was going to make some dinner. Do you want to stay?"

An hour and a half later, they lingered over the remnants of spaghetti. It almost felt normal. Elizabeth told them about her recent catering jobs, a terrible client. Sara celebrated a recovered antique. It would have been like any other night. If Peter were only there, and not stuck in prison for across he didn't commit.

He could tell how hard El was working to seem normal too. He didn't know if it was for his or Sara's benefit, but he caught the random moments when her eyes would glaze over with fear and worry.

When he cleared their plates a little while later, Elizabeth followed him, automatically drying as he washed.

"How's the search going?" she asked eventually. He noticed she never referred to his father directly, as though she couldn't bear to say his name.

"We're still looking. Unfortunately, he's a master at disappearing," Neal answered. He didn't sugar coat the truth because Elizabeth usually could see right through any platitudes.

"So are you. I mean, how many years did you evade Peter?"

"That's true." He sighed, shifting his hip against the counter to face Elizabeth more directly. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Sara very deliberately opening her laptop over by the couch. Giving them the illusion of space. "El, honestly, I don't know if I'm going to be able to find James, but I'm going to do everything that I can. And if I can't find him, we'll figure out something else to get Peter out."

"Thank you," El said, squeezing his arm with a damp hand. She gave him an equally damp smile. Then she glanced back, eyeing Sara.

"So…what's the story with Sara?" she asked more quietly. "I thought she was moving to London."

"Yeah. She, uh, decided to stay after all," he said, not specifying the reason behind that decision. He smiled more genuinely than he had all night. "She's amazing."

"Yeah, I can see that." Her expression turned wistful, a glint of tears appearing in her eyes. "I'm happy for you." She brushed her thumb under her eye, glancing at her watch in the process. "Oh, I need to get home. Thank you for dinner, Neal."

"Anytime. Get home safe, Elizabeth."

She hugged him, and said goodbye to Sara, heading out. Once she was out the door, Neal turned back to the half-finished dishes. Sara's arms wrapped around his waist a few moments later, her head resting between his shoulder blades.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I know that was difficult for you."

"I like spending time with El," he said easily.

"Mm, but the whole time you were blaming yourself."

He didn't have an answer for that, so he just shrugged. Pressing a kiss to the middle of his back, Sara patted his chest. He turned, lightly tugging her against his chest.

"C'mon, let's go to bed," she suggested. "You need to rest."

"Actually, I'd love another glass of wine." Sara swiftly nudged his glass out of reach before he could take it.

"You promised me you wouldn't drown your sorrows," she reminded him gently.

"Don't know what I was thinking," he drawled. Sara smiled fondly, kissing his bottom lip and chip.

"No more wine, but I just might let you seduce me."

Cupping his neck, she kissed him fully on the mouth, her lips soft, and inviting. Neal let himself be drawn in, lifting Sara as she wrapped her legs around his hips. He carried her to the bed, finding solace and escape on her arms.


A/N: I'm changing things a little bit for the purposes of this story, aside from Sara staying, along with filling in some blanks. Thank you for your lovely comments on the first chapter!