For just a second…

Summary: A double drabble written for the Tumblr hurt/comfort dialogue prompts: "You can lie to yourself all you want, but we both know you're not okay."

Set a few weeks after Neal's 'death', June seeks Peter's help taking on the DOJ.


"You can lie to yourself all you want, but we both know you're not okay. We both know you're not happy with how the FBI treated Neal, used him. Changed the rules, denied him his freedom, repeatedly. I can see the guilt eating at you Peter. Maybe supporting me in this will help ease that pain a little?"

"What's the point June? It's too late. It won't bring him back. There's so many things I wish I'd …"

Peter choked back a sob. June gently squeezed his arm.

"They denied him his freedom in life. Don't you think Neal deserves his freedom now, in death?"

"How'd it go with June?" Elizabeth asked as Peter sank despondently onto the couch.

"She's hired lawyers. They're going to ensure the DOJ abides by the contract they had with Neal. Posthumously have his freedom granted."

"Can she do that?"

"She's a formidable woman. My money's on her. I told her I'd do whatever I can to help."

"Then what's the problem?"

"The way she said 'Neal deserves his freedom now, in death'. For just a second… Her manner, her tone, she was talking as if he was still alive."

"That's just her coping mechanism Hon."

"Yeah, probably..."