Chapter 5

Neal's world narrowed down to that cup. For a split second that was all he could see, those bright blue letters screaming at him. The suddenly, it was as if the world started turning again. He looked away from the mug, trying to school his features. For once it wasn't an easy feat, that coffee mug had shook him. Glancing at Mozzie, he saw his friend still petting Satchmo. Obviously he hadn't yet noticed the mug.

"Would you like to see your rooms?" Elizabeth asked; Neal let her voice distract him from the thoughts racing through his head. Mozzie agreed enthusiastically, following her up the stairs, leaving Neal and Peter to follow. The wooden stairs creaked below their feet. Neal mentally stored that information for future reference. Reaching the top of the stairs, he looked down the tan walled hallway. There were only four doors: one on the right, two on the left and one at the end. "That is our room." She stated, gesturing to the door on the right. A few feet further down Elizabeth walked into the first door on the left. "And these are your rooms. This one and the one next to it are the same, so you can choose which one you want." Neal stopped in the doorway, taking in the plain room. It looked like all the others. White walls and an empty room. He felt the familiar stab of disappointment but he pushed it down, not like he would be staying long anyway.

A hand came down on his shoulder and gave a firm squeeze. "I know it's not much, but we didn't want to decorate until you both were here." Neal watched Peter as he spoke. His brown eyes reminded him a lot of Mozzie's. Peter leaned in closer. "And I'm sure El is just dying to take you two shopping." He said smiling, turning his face to his wife. "Why don't we let them get settled Elizabeth? We can figure out what to do for dinner." Elizabeth nodded, her brown waves bobbing.

"Alright boys, we'll be downstairs, com down when you're ready." She touched both teens' cheeks before following Peter, their voices echoing slightly on the stairs.

"Are you sure that we should have left them up there Peter?" Elizabeth asked, her eyes focusing on the top of the stairs, as if she thought she'd be able to see through the walls. Peter sighed, stroking Satchmo's head when the dog came and sat at his feet. In truth, he wasn't sure if it was the right decision, but he did know that if either felt even the tiniest bit stifled they'd be gone.

"I think so. We need to get them to trust us, especially Neal. They won't if we're constantly looking over their shoulder." He told her, looking for something to distract them. In a neat stack on the coffee table he saw a pile of takeout menus. Leaning over, he picked them up and began absentmindedly thumbing through them. "What do you think we should order for dinner El?" He asked, handing over half the stack. The effect was instantaneous; she immediately started saying the pros and cons of each. Peter gave a small smirk, in all honesty he could go for a good burger but he had a feeling he would be outnumbered. Oh well.

As soon as the echoes stopped, Neal turned to Moz. "Why didn't you tell me the guy was a fed?" He almost yelled before restraining himself. Mozzie shot around to look at him, his own eyes wide in shock.

"What do you mean he's a fed?" Mozzie shot back, flicking his eyes around the room.

"So you didn't know?" Neal asked, running a hand through his hair.

"Of course I didn't! But…" He paused as if losing himself in his thoughts.

"But what Mozzie?" Neal could hear the edge in his voice and he winced. They had only just got here and things were already going to hell.

"Honestly Neal, it would stop the forgeries and conning. We could finally leave that behind us and move one." This caused Neal snort in incredulity.

"You were the one who introduced me to it Moz. How can you say you want to back out now?" He watched as Mozzie sat heavily on the bare bed, rubbing his shaved head.

"I know I did. And I regret it every day." Neal shot him an angry look. "Yes, I know you're good at it and like doing it but that doesn't mean it's good for you. It got Greg killed." He ended, burying his head in his hands. Neal watched him sadly before moving to sit next to him. He pressed his shoulder against his friend in comfort.

"This is that important to you?" Neal asked, referring to living with the Burkes.

"Yes. I need this Neal. I need a family… away from that old life." Moz stopped, making eye contact with Neal he continued. "And I think you do too, even if you don't want to admit it."

"Then I'll give a chance." In all honesty Neal didn't want to stay, it made him feel on edge here, but friends were more important than his own feelings. Since Moz was the closest friend he had, he would try it for one last time. Besides the forgeries could wait the world will always be in business for them. He clapped his pseudo brother on the shoulder, much like what Peter did to him. "Well, let's go downstairs before they get worried about us." He said standing, waiting for Moz to lead the way.

Once they both made it down the stairs they found the couple sitting on the blue sofa surrounded by takeout menus. At the sound of the stairs their heads shot up. Peter gave a smile and a nod and Elizabeth stood and walked over to them. "Well what would you two like for dinner? Thai or there's a good diner not far-"

"Thai." Both boys said simultaneously, not letting her finish.

Elizabeth smiled before turning around. "Sorry Hun, but you're outvoted." Peter just laughed, shaking his head. Neal watched him walk over to the phone, before he was herded along with Mozzie for a full tour of the house.

Sorry for another long wait!
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