Halloween has always been one of Neal's favorite holidays. Something about the majority of the people around him falling into playing characters other than their own just appeals, even after he's committed far more expert cons than simply dressing up. It doesn't surprise him one little bit that June loves it as well.
Her neighborhood is less door-to-door trick-or-treating and more fancy dress parties, but June is a grandmother at heart. She's figured out how to put on a carnival for her granddaughters and a few dozen of their friends. He isn't surprised that Cindy still participates, even though she's off to college.
"Some days I wonder if you'll ever refuse a request from me," June says, smiling warmly as she links her arm through his.
"Why would I ever do that?" Neal asks, returning the smile and enjoying June's easy affection. Growing up the way he did, with no extended family, he will always be grateful that June saw who - and what - he is and loves him anyway. "Even if you asked me to hide a body, you'd have a good reason for needing it gone."
"Well, tonight I was only referring to your willingness to dress up for Samantha's theme."
Neal shrugs, making the fringe of his costume rustle around his face. "She is a perfectly adorable Dorothy, and I'm happy to be her Scarecrow."
He'd have dressed up as Toto if Samantha asked, just to see that grin on her face when he appeared in full costume. Even better is seeing June dressed as the Cowardly Lion, and if he hunts long enough, Mozzie is around here somewhere as the Tin Man. Cindy pulls off the Toto costume far better than he could, anyway.
"I appreciate all the effort you've gone through for Samantha. You walked right into danger for her. That makes you family, my dear."
June has it a bit backwards in Neal's book. He walked into danger in that organ donation scheme because June made him feel part of her family. It got him drugged and could have been worse, and it still would have been worth it. Samantha got her kidney legally in the end, and she's thriving and healthy.
"You could have left me in that thrift store with a few spare suits, June, or simply been my landlady to tweak Peter's sensibilities. I never have to feel ashamed of how I got to where I am. That's worth more than a little walk on the wild side to get Samantha healthy."
"No matter how you see it, Neal, you will always have a place in my family. My home will always be your home." June presses a gentle kiss to his cheek before bustling off to see to her other guests.
Neal smiles before going to find Samantha to make sure all her friends see the entire trio of Dorothy companions are present. Her delighted clapping before she introduces him to the crowd of sixth graders makes the quirky costume completely worthwhile. No matter what he does, which side of the law he walks on, he's safe here, he's family, and for the first time since he learned his father was not the hero Neal thought he was, Neal wants to stay forever.