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Chapter 7

Neal paused in the middle of a brushstroke. For some reason he just did not have the motivation to paint today. He felt oddly on edge. It was the type of feeling Neal had right before he took off from somewhere. Stepping back he looked at the beginnings of the New York mural the Burkes had let him paint. He was still surprised that had let him. Even more surprised when they got him the paints to do it. Elizabeth peaked in everyday to see how it was coming, at first Neal was annoyed by that but gradually he was getting used to someone complimenting his own work for once.

He sighed, reaching up to run a hand through his hair before remembering it was smeared with paint. Instead he turned his bright blue eyes to the window, more lost in thought than looking at the scenery. It had only been a week since he and Moz moved in and he was already restless. The first couple days were awkward but the Burkes seemed to be genuinely nice people, besides the fact Peter was a fed. While the awkwardness had faded, it left Neal more uncomfortable in a way. They all knew each other now but not completely, it made him feel unsure and he hated that. Neal would never break his promise to Moz about giving Peter and Elizabeth a chance but it was hard. He constantly felt watched and he was never left alone. Neal gave an annoyed snort, that was probably Mozzie's doing. The teen obviously thought Neal was more likely to run if he was by himself but right now he just felt trapped, like he needed to get out even more.

Setting down his brushes, Neal decided to do just that. He quickly went and rinsed off the excess paint, not bothering to clean up. He just needed to get out. Snagging his jacket, he made his way downstairs, doing his best not to run even though he wanted to. He paused with his hand on the door handle; he couldn't walk out without at least telling Moz. They would think he left. Neal sighed again and let go of the handle. He walked back through the house, before finding Elizabeth and Moz sitting at the dining table with all sorts of color swatches spread out. Both looked up as he approached.

Neal cleared his throat before speaking. "I'm going to go for a quick walk."

Mozzie spoke first. "Neal, I don't think-" But he stopped when a feminine hand covered his. Both boys looked over and met her soft, blue eyes. Surprisingly, she was smiling.

"I think that's a great idea Neal, why don't you take Satchmo with you? He hasn't been on a decent walk in quite a while." He knew what she was doing; she was making sure he had a reason to come back. He nodded anyway, just needing to get out. Thankfully, it didn't take long to gather Satchmo and be out the door.

The first block he almost ran. The need to get away was that strong. It wasn't that far, however, when he slowed down. Now that Neal was out and moving the restless feeling was fading somewhat. But he still felt on edge. He tightened his hand on the leash and kept going, determined to walk it off.

Once Peter made it through the doorway he immediately loosened his tie and took off his suit jacket. It was always a good feeling to come home and get comfortable. Peter personally thought it was the best. The first thing he noticed after closing the door was the lack of a dog greeting. Usually Satchmo would be overjoyed when he walked in the door, so it was odd when he was absent. Peter just shrugged; maybe El had let him outside. Just as he was about to ask loudly, she walked around the corner. The first thing he noticed was she looked worried. Peter was instantly on alert. "What's wrong El?" He asked, wrapping his arms around her.

"Neal went out." Peter swallowed, fearing the worse. "He went for a walk over an hour ago, and he's not back yet. He took Satchmo with him because I thought- Oh Peter was I wrong to let him go?" She buried her head into Peter's chest, but he saw the tears in her eyes. She was really worried.

He looked up and met his other adopted son's eyes. They too looked worried but they had a confidence in them. "What do you think Mozzie? Should we be worried?" Mozzie kept eye contact for a second but looked away when El turned around to face him. Both watched as the teen nervously rubbed his head before answering.

"No. I don't think so. He came down and told us. If he was really running, then he would just be gone." El gave an almost whimper, before turning back to Peter. He, in turn, gave Mozzie a look, telling him that was not the best way to say that. Mozzie gave him an apologetic look before walking over to try and comfort El. "That's just how Neal is, Elizabeth. It has nothing to do with either He doesn't like to stay in one place for very long. Even I was like that once." He now had both of their attentions.

"What do you mean, Mozzie?" El asked, drying her eyes.

"Neal's been on his own, doing whatever he wants for a long time. He hasn't ever wanted to stop moving. He thinks anything that stops him from that is a cage." Mozzie was starting to look uncomfortable. Obviously he didn't want to betray his brother but he also seemed to think this was important for them to know.

"What made you change?" Peter asked this time. Mozzie gave a sigh, looking very sad.

"A friend of ours was hurt. I realized that I was tired of worrying about my friends being hurt. I was tired of constantly being on the move, it was hard and I just wanted to a part of a home." He looked away, staring absently at the wall. "Neal hasn't had that realization yet." The next words were almost impossible to distinguish. "But I wish that he would."

"Oh Mozzie." Elizabeth began, grabbing him in a very motherly hug. After a hard squeeze she released him, only to cup both his cheeks. "Now listen to me, Mozzie." Peter smirked at her change in tone. It still amazed him how she could jump between gushing and ordering. "No matter what, you have found a home here with us." She gave him warm smile. "And we won't let anyone take that from you."

"Thanks Elizabeth." This time Mozzie initiated the hug, leaning his head to rest on her shoulder. Peter's smirk turned to soft smile at the scene, before looking back to the door, but they were still missing one person.

Neal lost track of how much time he spent walking. All he knew is that when he finally stopped, the sun was starting to set. He felt the guilt rise when he realized how worried everyone would be. Turning on his heel, Neal tugged Satchmo back in the direction they came.

"Caffery." The one word made his stomach drop. Neal turned his head and watched the young man walk out from the alley.

"Keller." He replied, keeping his tone deliberately short.

"I have another job for you, Neal." The man gave him something that looked to heinous to qualify as any sort of smile.

"Not interested." Neal started to walk away, hoping in vain that the man would leave him alone.

"My buyers absolutely loved those Degas, Neal. But now they want something more." The man stayed where he was, watching Neal continue to walk away. "You know, it would be such a shame if your new Mommy and Daddy found out about your and Mozzie's little business." The threat made Neal freeze. Honestly, he couldn't care less about what happened to him, but Mozzie had finally found what he wanted. He had a family now. Neal wouldn't let anyone screw that up for him.

"What do you want Keller?" Neal asked, finally turning around, glaring at the man.

"Just a few pieces, maybe a Monet or a Rafael. They're not picky." Keller tossed Neal a phone, presumably an untraceable one. "Keep that and I'll let you know." With that he walked away, disappearing the way he came.

Neal looked down to the phone. He was worried. Working with Keller was never a good idea. Someone always seemed to end up hurt. But what choice did he have? If a fed like Peter found out about their secrets he'd throw them out like everyone else had. Neal pocketed the phone, resolving to not let that happen.

Thanks for reading!