The first thing Neal heard was an annoyingly steady beep of a machine. He was lying on something soft with something warm and soft over him. Forcing his eyes open, Neal waited for his world to swim into focus.
"What're you doin' here?" he slurred, seeing Peter sitting in a chair next to his bed.
The FBI agent stood up and wordlessly handed Neal a paper cup with water. Neal gratefully accepted the cup and drank.
"Who are you?" he whispered.
"Special Agent Peter Burke" came the cool response, "how are you feeling?"
"I've felt bett'r" Neal shrugged and tried to smile.
" You have a concussion and some bruising. The doctors want to keep you here for another night just to monitor you."
"And then?" Neal asked, his heart sinking at his assumed answer.
"You're coming home with me."
"What?!" Neal snapped, his blue eyes suddenly flashing with irritation.
Peter repeated what he had just said, gaining an incredulous look from Neal.
"I don't need your charity. I was doing fine until you came along" he said, as coldly as possible.
"Cowboy up. It's this or juvie."
Neal's face went white and fear flashed through his blue eyes at the mention of juvie and he weakly sank back against the pillows.
"Now, just get some sleep" Peter said, noting with concern the intensity of the fear in Neal's eyes.
"I-I-I can't" Neal mumbled, a blush staining his cheeks at the thought of having to admit he had a weakness.
"Why not?" Peter queried, turning around.
Neal didn't answer and only played with the blankets, twisting them into knots between his slim fingers.
"Do you want anything to help you sleep?" Peter tentatively asked.
Neal vehemently shook his head, wincing almost immediately as he realized that was not a good idea. Peter stepped out into the hall to call for the nurse.
She came in and Neal shrank back against the bed.
"Please—no—please—no" Neal whimpered, as the nurse gently inserted the needle into his arm. He instantly panicked, lashing out as Peter stepped forward, gathering Neal in his arms and holding the con until he calmed down.
"P'ter, don't go" Neal slurred, his eyelids too heavy to stay open any longer.
"I'm not going anywhere, kid," Peter said. Neal was already limp, his head resting on Peter's shoulder.
Sighing, Peter carefully lay Neal down and stepped out to get some coffee.
He smiled ruefully, realizing he should probably call El and tell her about the change of plans.
Although, Peter was sure, she was going to love this. El had always wanted a child, and while a con and forger may not have been exactly what she had in mind, he felt sure she was going to love this.
After making sure Jones was on guard outside Neal's room, Peter went to the hospital lobby for a cup of coffee.
When he got back, Peter could hear raised voices from the end of the hall, by Neal's room.
Thank you so much for all of your comments, I'm happy you all like this fic!