Past Haunts: Chapter 14
M'kay, so I'm going to get all serious on you guys. Just a minute let me get my face on... -_-
So, abuse is not okay, in any shape or form, on or to anyone! It is a horrible thing that insecure, selfish people use to destroy others. If you are experiencing it or know someone who is, don't hesitate to get help. This is very serious. No one should have to go through it. And just so you know, there is always someone who cares. God included.
I have said my piece, please take it seriously, and enjoy.
Warnings: -_- really guys? you should know the warnings by now...
Disclaimer: I don't own white collar, just this plot line and OC. *sigh*
Losing Control, More Crying, and Unwanted Help
Neal couldn't stop shaking. He just completely lost control. It was like he was Matthew Smithson again, flinching at anyone touching him and unable to stop having a crippling fear run through him every time Frank- No! He was Neal Caffrey, not Matt Smithson. That kid didn't exist anymore. He was Neal Caffrey, con extraordinaire , forging prodigy, and cool, suave, and charming out the wazoo. So, why couldn't he stop shaking?
When he felt Peter try to look at his back, he tried to fight. He really did, but it was like the fight had drained out of him. Hearing Peter's threat made him shake all the harder.
Neal failed at the one important thing in his life. Protect his family. If they got involved, they would get hurt, just like his parents. He couldn't let that happen. He tried to pull away again. Peter's arms just tightened, and then he found himself wrapped in another, smaller pair. He clenched his eyes tighter, not even able to bare the image in his mind of Elizabeth seeing. Everything hurt so bad but- the arms wrapped around him... Neal felt safe for the first time in a long time.
He surprised himself, when he felt a sob rip through his chest.
"It's okay to hurt, Neal. Let it out. You can't carry this by yourself anymore." That did it. He broke down right there, in the arms of his family. Neal Caffrey didn't want to run anymore, but he didn't know how to stop.
The sobs stopped after what felt like an eternity to Neal. Once he quieted down, both Peter and Elizabeth pulled back slightly to meet his eyes. They fully expected him to cry again or tell them everything. What they weren't expecting was for Neal to extricate himself from their embrace and walk into the kitchen and sit back down at his painting, all without looking at them. Peter and El shared a confused look.
"Neal?" El called out tentatively. When no answer came except the soft strokes of a brush on canvas, the couple stood and slowly walked towards their son.
"Neal, bud, what is this? Talk to us? We can't help you if you don't-"
"I don't want you to help." Peter raised his eyebrows.
"You don't want us to help. Well, if what I saw just a moment ago was something then-"
"I'm sorry for that, and I'm grateful for what you did, but... I don't want you to help."
"Neal, Sweetie, you don't have to be afraid of him anymore. We can-"
"You don't get it do you!" Neal jumped up so fast he knocked his stool over and sent his pallette to the floor with it.
"I can take it! All of it! I did it for years! It's nothing new! He's nothing new! I can take whatever he does to me, but if he... if he finds about that you... or," The Burkes could see how his flame was being quenched as fast as it had been lit.
"Neal, he won't find out until we go to arrest him and-" Neal's eyes widened almost to the point of being ridiculous.
"No! That's what I'm saying! If he even thinks that you know, or that I've told you anything then... he'll... he would..." His eyes filled with tears that spilled over as he dropped his gaze to the floor.
"I can't lose my family again." It was almost too quite to hear, but in the tense silence it was like a bomb went off. El wiped away the tears that had formed in her own eyes and teleported across the kitchen to wrap Neal in her arms once more. This time the young con clung to her like a lifeline. El rubbed her hands soothingly across his back, mindful of his injuries.
"It's alright, Neal. Sweetie, we know you're scared, but you have to trust us. We're your family now, and family takes care of each other. Let us protect you." Neal reluctantly pulled back then to meet her blue, watery gaze. Then he looked away to Peter's determined, restrained eyes. He had to tell them. His sigh was full of resignation and pain.
"You are my family. So, I have to tell you the real story." Peter put his hand up and stepped closer to his son.
"It's okay, Neal. Mozzie and Hughes filled us in on everything-" Neal gave a bitter chuckle and shook his head.
"I figured but that's the thing. Hughes probably gave you some more... let's say... correct information, but not all of it. Mozzie only told you what I told him, and-" Neal's eyes glazed over for a moment, before he pulled himself back.
"And I wasn't very honest. There are a lot of holes and... twisted truths left." Peter and El braced themselves as Neal led them back to the couch. Their hurting boy let out a deep breath he had been holding and began.
I know! Small chap and cliffie! And I will be gone so I wont be able to update next week! Wait? What?! Oh, yeah. *Hehe* Well, forgot to mention that...Don't kill me!
As always...review!
PS. I love hearing suggestions for directions of stories (like.. IDK what to do with Frank... food for thought). Also I am open to writing stories for people:) Keep in mind I don't do crossovers, slash, or rated M material. Keep it F/M and rated T or below and I'll be happy to give it a go.:)
P.S.S. I must say here, if I do not watch or read, or in general know the book, show, movie, or characters for a story you might suggest, I will turn it down in a desire to not ruin your fav shows and such. I would not want to do them an injustice by screwing them all up. So, sorry if that effects anyone's plans, but feel free to run anything by me, and I will gladly let you know:)