It was late Friday night at the FBI office. The few agents that were still there were busy collecting their things for the weekend. Neal had made plans earlier to go and get drinks with Peter after work, but the agent in question said he had a few more things to finish before closing out for the night. Right now, he was chatting with Jones and Diana in the bullpen.
"You know what would be funny?" Jones asked.
Neal and Diana shook their heads.
"If you pulled a prank on Friday. A big one. Something for the whole office."
Diana laughed. "Or even better, on Hughes."
"I'll see what I can do." Neal winked.
The upcoming Friday would be his last day at the Bureau as their criminal consultant. His four year sentence was coming to a close. To be honest, Neal never thought he'd make it all the way. Nor did a lot of other agents. But they all came around in the end.
Neal glanced up at Peter's office. He was still busy typing something on his computer. After a moment, Peter looked down and they locked eyes. Neal mouthed come on and Peter held up a hand; just a few more minutes. He nodded and went back to talking with Jones and Diana, who were coming up with crazy ideas for pranks. Like removing the glass walls, or even painting Peter's Taurus gold.
Yeah, he was definitely going to miss this place.
He's discussed a few plans with Peter. Legal plans, of course. Neal told Peter of how he wants to take Sara all across Europe. They'd go all over, making sure they spent enough time at each place. And possibly stopping by a few museums here or there. As far as he was concerned, they had all the time in the world. Neal was actually relieved when Peter didn't object to the trip. Lately, Peter's opinion has started to be really important to him. Neal decided that wasn't such a bad thing after all.
That's why yesterday he booked two plane tickets to Paris for this Saturday. Since he made plans with Peter, Neal was going surprise Sara with the news tomorrow. He was sure she'd go with him. Their relationship had evolved from complicated to something a bit more serious.
The only thing that was left were the goodbyes. Neal was never good at saying goodbye. In his previous line of work, saying goodbye wasn't in the handbook, if there was a handbook. There was a reason for that. Saying goodbye made you second guess yourself. Mozzie was always good at reminding him of that rule.
Neal hasn't seen Mozzie for a few months. They had some disagreements ever since the U-boat mess was sorted out. One day, Mozzie just left. Neal wasn't surprised, he saw it coming. Though, every once in a while, Neal would find a pigeon waiting for him on June's balcony, with a little note tied to its leg.
The only goodbye Neal was really worried about was Peter's. He had no clue what to say, or even do for that matter. Neal wondered if he should give Peter some sort of gift. But what would be good enough for the agent who's given him everything? Neal didn't have the slightest clue. At least he still had until Friday to figure out what to do.
"Alright, I think I better head out. It's getting late and I promised Valarie I'd be home before 10," Jones said as he grabbed his suit jacket from his chair.
"How are things with Valarie going?" Diana asked.
"Pretty good, actually." Jones smiled.
"That's great." Neal said.
"I should be going too." Diana looked at the clock on the wall.
"I'll get the elevator." Jones walked to the front of the office and through the doors.
"Thanks. I'll just grab my purse." Diana got her things from her desk. "You leaving too, Neal?"
Neal shook his head. "I'm waiting on Peter."
Diana looked up to Peter's office. "Wonder what he's working on."
"I'll find out." Neal smiled.
"I'm sure you will, Caffrey."
Neal walked Diana past the doors and to the elevator, which Jones was holding for her.
"Oh, by the way," Diana turned to Neal, "Christy wanted me to thank you for the pesto recipe you gave her. It was fantastic."
"No problem, glad I could be of service."
"Any chance I can get my hands on this fantastic recipe?" Jones asked. "I've been wanting to cook something special for Val."
"Of course, the pesto is always a crowd pleaser. I'll email over the recipe when I get the chance," Neal said.
"Thanks, man." Jones patted Neal on the shoulder.
"See you Monday, Neal," Diana pressed the first floor button and the elevator doors closed.
Neal sighed. He was really going to miss Jones and Diana.
He turned around and headed up to Peter's office to find out what the agent was working so hard on.
Neal knocked before opening the door. "Hey, you ready?" He eyed the files in Peter's hand. "What are those for?"
"Oh, these? They're nothing, I'll show you later."
Some might have thought Peter would be a better at lying after being around a conman for four years, but he wasn't. Neal nodded anyway. "If you say so."
"Come on, let's get out of here. Drinks are on me." Peter quickly changed the subject.
"I'll hold you to that."
"I'm sure you will."
Neal stopped at his desk and flipped on his fedora.
"You good?" Peter asked.
"Now I am." Neal smiled as he adjusted the fedora before walking to the elevator with Peter.
Neal wasn't worried about his future without the anklet. After everything, he knew that Peter would always welcome him back with open arms.
(A/N): So, I actually wrote Neal's part! And yes, I gave Jones a girlfriend. I figured he needed a happy ending. And yeah, Mozzie left (for now!). I just think him and Neal need a break from each other. I've already started writing a few other chapters so I'll get those up when I'm ready. This one-shot is turning into something a bit longer! Thanks for reading :)