When Paths Collide Chapter 2

By jjd022980

Author notes: Well this is going to be continuing of Agent Afloat: The Music Series but with a White Collar Twist. Basically this is going to continue a few months after where agent left off. Tony is still out of work since his lungs are not 100 % and he's still on Dr. Pitt's orders to take it easy. This story is going to have twist and turns and you'll get to meet a few new characters. So sit back and enjoy the ride. Oh, if you have the need to bully just don't read. Thank you.

Summary: With the outcome of "Judgment Day" Neal seeks help in DC from people from his past he kept hidden. Will this trip cause Neal to finally find what he is looking for? Or is prison his only way out for his life?

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She looked into his eyes as they made love. Looking into his eyes was like looking into a mirror; their souls intertwining made them one. Then it shattered into a million pieces like her heart.

Jess shot awake as the plane came to a complete stop. Wiping the tears from her eyes, she got up and stretched, accepting the bag from her assistant.

"Here you are miss. Your car is all set and ready to take you home."

She kissed him on the cheek. "You too good for me, Steve. Give Roger my love and we'll do lunch with dad and Tony."

Steve smiled. "It's a date love. Your dad said that your guest is set at home too. You sure you don't want me to come?"

She shook her head sadly. "Nah, it's okay. I just hope I can handle him being there and back in my life after all these years."

Steve nodded. "I know. We're here for you if you need us. Just say the word and we'll call reinforcements."

She patted his cheek, stepping off the plane and headed towards the awaiting car hoping that seeing him again wouldn't be another shattered piece of her heart.

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Neal stretched and sat up slowly. Looking around the room, he smiled. She did think of me after all these years. I'm hoping this won't blow up in our faces and I really do lose her forever. He knew after all these years he was still madly in love with her. She understood him like no one else could. She saw into his heart, touched it and never let go, even though he was the one that broke it. He still remembered that day clearly as it was yesterday.

Holding each other close, they snuggled together trying to get their breathing under control. Lifting up on her elbows against his chest, she kissed him.

"You never cease to amaze me Neal."

He gave her one of his smug smiles. "I aim to please, my lady."

She kissed him again. "I'll never stop amazing you. I love you."

He flipped her on her back, kissing her deeply. "I love you too."

They held each other as they made love again into the night.

Neal blinked away the tears as he scrubbed his face. After that night, everything went to hell. The fight was huge as he told her of the big score and how they were going to start a life together in luxury. She walked out on him that morning, with both the shattered pieces of their hearts. It wasn't the same after that as he went to New York, met Kate, and then the rest is history.

He got up and headed towards the bathroom and washed up. A few minutes later, he headed down the stairs to see if there was anything to eat. As soon as he walked into the kitchen, he froze.

She looked up from her coffee mug and smiled a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Hello Neal. I could say it's wonderful to see you again."

He blinked and looked at her as if seeing her for the first time. Her red hair, neatly straighten pass her shoulders and her shape was accented by her outfit. The jeans and t shirt hugged her body well. She still looks as beautiful as I met her. Swallowing for a few minutes, he finally spoke.

"Y…you too, Jess. I…I appreciate this."

She held up her hand. "Don't flatter yourself, Caffery. It was this or prison. I kind of figured prison isn't your style since you escaped to find Kate." I wish you escaped to find me.

Neal swallowed and ducked his head. "Well, yeah um…"

She finished the last of her coffee and put the cup in the sink. She looked back at him. "I've had a long flight and I'm tired. The house is yours to explore." She pulled out a set of keys, dropping them in his hand. "These are yours for your stay here. If you want to run, go right ahead, you're free to do so. I won't stop you."

She walked towards the stairs. Grabbing the rail, she turned back to him. "I hope you chose to stay." With that she walked up the stairs and headed to bed.

Neal looked down at the keys in shock. Still trusts me all these years. That was something he was afraid of not having her trust after he completely broke her heart. Putting the keys into his pocket, he took her advice and explored the house. Walking past the living room, he entered a room and froze. She did think of everything. Scratching his chin, he began to think. How can I make it up to her?

Smiling, he walked towards the blank canvas. Getting everything that he needed, he began to paint, hoping it would ease his mind and maybe get back into her good graces.

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She pulled out her cell phone as she sat on the bed. Dialing a number that was all too familiar, he picked up after the first ring.

"Have a good flight home, little one?"

She smiled at her nickname. "Yeah gunny, I did." She took a deep breath. "Just please tell me I did the right thing about having him here."

Gibbs heard the sharp intake and sighed. "You know Tony and I opposed from the get go when he called."

She sniffed holding the tears at bay. "I know dad I know." She pinched the bridge of her nose. "It's just seeing him again I…I can't hate him. I…I love him too damn much."

He nodded. "I know, Jess. You want me and Tony to come over to help do damage control? You know he's restless since Brad has him on light duty until his lungs heal. The team has been babysitting him, but you know he's dying to see you."

She shook her head, smiling at the mention of her brother. She knew about him being sent overseas and how his lungs suffered. She smiled a little. "You know that doesn't sound like a bad idea. They can talk clothes and stuff maybe ease some of the tension." Sighing, a tear finally escaped. Taking a few moments, she continued. "I…I saw him this morning in the kitchen. I…I just wanted to go up and hug him and just forget everything that ever happened."

Gibbs sighed. He knew that was bound to happen. He hoped later than sooner. "Jess, he's hurting bad right now and I know seeing him is going to bring all those feelings to the surface, but you have to look from both sides of the glass."

She gripped the phone. "I…I know. B…but dad…"

He took a deep breath knowing he had to be her father and knowing for a fact she didn't want to hear his answer, but he had to do it. "Jess, I'm going to tell exactly what I told him when I picked him up. You two have to talk this out. Maybe this is your second chance without barriers or anyone holding you back. I love both of you, but stop being so damn stubborn. I know you're hurting. I know you're scared, but also look from his point of view. He knows you won't use him to gain anything. Maybe this is a sign."

She sniffed and wiped the tears away. "You're right dad. Call the kettle black so to speak. I…I hear you loud and clear." She sighed knowing for certain her father was right and for that she was grateful. "I…I love you."

He heard the intake of breath knowing that his words struck a chord, but he knew it had to be done. "Love you too, Jess." He smiled, shaking his head. "Just try not to kill him."

She laughed, wiping away the last of the tears. "I'll just call Abs and she'll help me hide the body."

He laughed. "Get some sleep. I'll see you in a couple of days. Love ya, kiddo."

"Love you too, gunny." She hung up phone, putting it on the nightstand. She lay down on the pillows and sighed.

"I just hope I'm right about all of this."

She closed her eyes and dreamed of him.