Peter and Neal walked a few blocks down to the bar. Peter held the two files with a firm grip, while Neal just walked normally; unaware of the offer hidden in one of the files. The bar they chose was surprisingly empty, which was perfectly fine with Peter. Sitting down at a table, Peter got a bottle of his favorite Heisler beer and Neal got his Kettle One on the rocks.
"So," Neal put down his drink, "You going to tell me what's so important in those files?"
"Sure," Peter handed over the file with Neal's job offer.
"This better not be a mortgage fraud case," Neal teased as he opened the file. Peter saw Neal's eyes widen as he scanned the file. "Is this for real?" he looked up.
Peter nodded. "It's all real. Papers came in from D.C. earlier in the week. All that's left is your signature."
"Peter, I don't know what to say." Neal put down the file. This would mean he could have a real job. He could continue working at the Bureau with Jones, Diana, and especially—Peter.
"You don't have to say anything," Peter smiled, "You just have to sign and the deal's done."
Neal didn't say anything; he just started at the file, considering his future.
"I'm sorry," Peter broke the silence, "I didn't mean to pressure you into signing. I just thought that…"
Neal stopped staring at the file and looked at Peter. "No, Peter, this is great. Really." He spotted a stray pen on another table and reached over to pick it up. Clicking the pen, he flipped to the last page of the file, and signed his name on the line. Neal didn't know what he was feeling. He was relieved that he didn't have to worry about finding work. Not many people would be keen on hiring an ex-con, even if he was reformed. He was also glad that he'd continue working with Peter. That was what truly sealed the deal.
"Have you made any plans yet?" Peter asked, bringing Neal back from his thoughts.
Neal reached inside his suit and pulled out two tickets and handed them to Peter.
"Paris? Wow." Peter handed back the plane tickets. "Have you asked Sara yet?"
"No. I'm asking her tomorrow." Neal put the tickets back in his suit. "Do you think she'll come?" he asked rather seriously.
"Neal, I think she'd be crazy not to," Peter had a reassuring smile on his face.
They sat together for a while, taking in the moment.
"El wants you to come over for dinner Thursday," Peter said after a while. "Think you can make it?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Neal took a sip from his drink. "So, what's in that file?" he gestured to the file next to Peter's elbow.
"This? It's nothing. Just something the Bureau asked me to write up."
"Can I read it?" Neal asked.
Peter nodded and handed Neal the file. He was a bit reluctant to let him read it, but Neal wouldn't read anything he didn't already know.
Neal flipped through this file, which was much different from the first. A few pages highlighted some of the best cases he's closed with Peter. Turning to the last page, he started reading it in his head.
Neal Caffrey (CC#071885) has successfully completed his four year agreement with the Bureau. Throughout the experience, he has assisted us in numerous high profile cases and provided our office with helpful information on a variety of white collar crimes. During the past four years, friendships and trust have been established between Caffrey and our office, which I believe have been crucial to his reform. In conclusion, Neal Caffrey has been a valuable addition to our team. I have no regrets.
"Peter," Neal put down the file.
"Right when you started, the higher ups wanted me to do a report about working with you," Peter explained, "I should have told you about it, but I didn't really think anything of it until recently."
"No, that's fine. I'm not mad. I just," Neal struggled for words, "it was very well written. Good job."
"Thank you," Peter smiled. Knowing that Neal approved of the paper meant a whole lot. "I send it in to D.C. on Monday. It'll probably be used during some conferences or something."
"That's nice."
Silence overtook them. It was a while before Peter looked at his watch.
"We should probably head home. I can drop you off at June's."
"That'd be great."
Peter threw some cash on the table and walked out with Neal. They both knew the upcoming week was going to be tough.
(A/N): Thanks for reading :)