chapter 6

Disclaimer: I do not own. Sorry for the delay. I was sick for so long here and then RL. Anyway, thanks for the reviews everyone! I didn't get that many for the last chapter which is fine but I wanted to make sure that there was still interest in the story is all. Enjoy and review if you are interested!

Peter watched with intent as Neal let Elizabeth care for him. Neal was like a doll being plied with cookies and tea at a child's party. He barely appeared to have the energy to refuse El and went along with her mothering. Peter knew El's intentions were good and that Neal did as well even if Neal 's heart was absent through it all. He sipped his coffee unaware of June coming up behind him.

"I came as soon as I could, Peter."

Peter spun around meeting the concerned eyes of Neal's newest confidant.

He stood up and embraced her gently.

"Is he alright?"

Peter gave a have shrug and nodded in Neal's direction.

"He's doing. It's a bit of a shock."

June nodded with tear filled eyes.

"It was for everyone."

Peter silently agreed.

"His tether is broken now, Peter. "

Peter diverted his attention from Neal to June.

"Whatever demons that boy hides are now free. He needs you more than ever even if he doesn't realize it yet."

June squeezed Peter's shoulder and walked to the man who had become more than tenant and embraced him slowly.

Peter let out a low breath suddenly fearing what demons Neal could possible be hiding.

After little negotiation, Peter and Neal arrived at the Hilton where Peter swore to protect his friend at all costs. Elizabeth had gone to her sister's, while Moz and June were under the watchful eyes of Jones and crew at least for the next 24 hours. Peter decided that being cautious was better than burying anyone else.

The two men arrived into the darkened hotel. Peter sought the light switch while Neal followed the moonlight to the bed closest to the window. Peter wondered if Neal's intention was to sleep furthest from the door incase anyone should come in or perhaps it was just to catch a glimpse of moonlight after so many years without. Watching Neal's shadow as he sat with a quiet thump onto the covers and said nothing. Peter forgo the light and wondered if Neal even noticed its absence.

Peter sat at the desk close to him but allowed him his space. The past 24 hours or so have been unbearable and smothering.

"Beautiful isn't it , Peter?"

Peter was thrown by the whispers after hearing nothing for over an hour now.

"Yeah." Peter watched Neal as he wrung his hands rhythmically squeezing them, feeling the blood course in his veins.

He was alive, damn it. He was still alive.

Neal's blue eyes solemn and empty, faced Peter.

"How long are we staying here?"

Peter waited for comments concerning the lack of a five star hotel...anything to get Neal back. Anything to get his Neal back.

"I don't know. Maybe 24 hours. Maybe more."

Neal nodded and returned his watch over the moon.

"You can't protect me forever, Peter."

Peter's heart clenched.

"I know." He resisted the urge to ask if anyone ever did.

Neal's dark head dropped a shilloettee against the shadows.

"What do I do now?"

Peter wasn't sure if he was suppose to hear the murmurs of despair, but he had and couldn't let Neal be alone in it.

"You have the life you always wanted."

Neal faced Peter as if his words mocked him, brandishing his wounds.

"What life, Peter. Kate was my life. " Quieter still, "She was a life I hadn't been able to touch in over 4 years."

Peter leaned forward.

"Listen to me, Neal." He hesitated a moment.

"Your life ...your life is so much more than one person. It's comprised of the things you do for others. The talents you share...the goodness in your heart. "

Neal's eyes glistened and drew into slits.

"Yeah, you have done good. you've done a lot of good like I told you before. Don't think that you haven't or won't in the future."

Neal desperately wanted to believe that but so much was rising... the ebb and flow ... he didn't know if he could handle the inevitable crash that was to come.

"I don't know who I am anymore or who I'm suppose to be."

Peter smiled at him in the dark realizing that that was Neal's first step to recovery.

"You will. Trust me, you will."

With that the two sat the remaining hours in silence.

Hope you liked. Drop me a line!!!