Note: So there is admittedly an awful lot of 'flash backs' in this story that kind of interrupt the traditional narrative. With an AU it's not easy to seamlessly introduce new pasts and destinies...so I thought I'd go with the 'Christopher Nolan' method. Some back and forth, past and present, somewhat out of order. It's a different style, but I'm going to go with it and hopefully it works. Once we get a better base for Peter's past (Neal's isn't nearly as changed obviously) then I'll get more into a traditional story arc.

Chapter Six

"What about this company?" Elizabeth asked holding up a file. "Looks like they haven't been having a good year, might be a good time to step in and acquire them."

"No." Peter shook his head. "They are only acting weak. I found several discrepancies in their books that suggest that they are hiding how well they are doing. They probably started hiding profits to save on taxes, but now they see an opportunity to get in with a larger company and then what starts off as an acquisition might just turn into them attempting a hostile take over."

"Clever." Elizabeth said with a hint of admiration. "I would have never seen that, you really are good at this."

"Thank you. If you want a company to invest in this one is a strong candidate." Peter picked up one of the folders off the desk and offered it to Elizabeth. "They aren't as flashy as the other candidates, but they have the potential to be a much more solid investment long term."

"Flashy is over rated anyway." Elizabeth chuckled.

Elizabeth took the file on the company and brushed against Peter's hand as she did so. They had been working together for over a month and he'd become more comfortable with the idea, but he still found that his heart jump any time they made casual contact. Elizabeth had noticed the way he froze momentarily any time she touched his skin. She wished that he could relax around her a little better, but she had to admit that part of her enjoyed the fact that something as simple as her touch could enthrall him, even if it was only for a second. While they were working quietly she often caught him watching her, but at the same time he caught her watching him just as frequently.

Reading the file Elizabeth's stomach suddenly growled at her. She glanced up at the clock and noticed that it was nearly two in the afternoon. The once all too long work day had become far too short now that Peter was there. Elizabeth didn't look forward to the end of the work day when she went to a house that was empty except for her dog. More and more she was going home only to sit around and count the hours before she could come back into the office. No matter how early she came in Peter was always standing outside of her office door waiting for her. She was pulling almost twenty extra hours a week at work now, but it didn't bother her in the slightest.

"We should break for lunch," Elizabeth suggested "I know this wonderful Italian place just a few blocks over."

Peter just nodded. Elizabeth got up from the desk and stretched out her back. She had gotten a chair for Peter for the far side of her desk, although it had taken him nearly two weeks to get used to the idea of being seated while she was present. It was usually expected that Animula stood while around their owners in order to be at the ready for any orders. He always got to his feet whenever she did and now was no exception. Elizabeth headed towards the door, expecting Peter to follow her but he just stood at the desk watching her leave.

"Peter? What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Aren't you coming with me?"

"Elizabeth, you...you do realize I'm not welcome in a public restaurant, right?"

"I'm so sorry," Elizabeth flushed as she walked back over to Peter "I forget you are Animula so easily."

"It's okay, I keep forgetting you're human." Peter said without thinking, instantly regretting his words. "I...I'm so sorry, Mistress Mitchell."

Elizabeth found it almost physically painful to hear Peter calling her 'Mistress Mitchell' again after a month of them getting closer. She cherished the rare moments when he actually smiled or laughed. Not understanding why he'd suddenly fallen back on old habits she stepped closer in concern. Looking fearful of her Peter took a step back and averted his eyes away from her.

"It's okay, Peter..."

"It really isn't." Peter insisted. "I didn't mean to insult you."

"Insult me?" Elizabeth asked confused.

"I didn't mean to suggest that you are anything like me."

"I don't think I'm like you," Elizabeth said gently "I think you're like me."

Shocked by her words Peter automatically looked up at her. Taking a chance Elizabeth stepped closer hoping that he wouldn't just draw further away. When he didn't move she brought her hand up to touch him. She hesitated for a moment before she rested her hand against his cheek. Peter's heart was pounding in his ears from the intimate contact to the point of making him slightly dizzy. He knew he should pull away from her but he was pinned to the spot.

"No one can tell me that you don't have a soul, not even you could convince me of it." Elizabeth smiled brightly. "I can see it, and I feel sorry for anyone who can't, because it's beautiful."

Elizabeth stared up at Peter almost daring him to contradict her. They remained motionless for a moment until Elizabeth took her hand off his cheek and rested it against his chest over his heart. In the most dangerous move he'd made in his entire life Peter suddenly closed the small space that separated them by leaning down and capturing her lower lip in a tentative kiss. When she didn't instantly pull away Peter became more passionate about the kiss and Elizabeth returned it in kind. He slipped his hand down to her lower back and drew her warm body closer. When his better judgment finally caught up with his actions Peter broke off the kiss and released her as he quickly took a step back.

"Peter..."

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that." Peter sighed. "At the same time I don't regret it. You can send me back to the Market right now, I don't care. It was worth it."

"Send you back? Never..."