1A: The Break In
Despite Elizabeth heading out of town, the weekend had its appealing qualities for Peter. Neal had legal plans to keep him occupied and out of trouble, there weren't any pressing cases, and he was free to enjoy the game with whatever food sounded appealing to him.
"Are you sure you have everything you need?" She checked with him one last time before her afternoon flight was scheduled to take off.
Kissing her at the door, Peter reassured her. "I am a grown man you know, and you will be back the day after tomorrow. It would be better if you could be here with us, but Satch and I will be fine."
Agreeing, she was still reluctant to leave the comforts of home and those she loved.
With a little coaxing, he reminded her how important it was to the business and how she needed to be going if she was going to make her flight.
"I'll see you on Sunday." She gave him one last kiss before going to her taxi.
Trying to ignore her absence, Peter went about getting ready for his evening. They had already eaten an early meal, so he was only going to be snacking while he watched the game.
Clapping his hands with some enthusiasm, he turned on the channel for the game to listen to the pregame show. Popping some popcorn and grabbing a cold drink from the fridge, he spread his case files out on the dining room table where there was more room.
Settling down to enjoy his evening, he got lost in the puzzles with the background noise of the baseball game. It was the perfect way to spend his alone time doing what he loved.
After a while, he felt a draft hit his back and glanced around to see what the cause of it was. Getting up, he did a walk through the house to ensure the doors and windows were shut. With nothing seemingly out of place, he settled back down and returned to his activities.
"Huh. And here I thought you were supposed to be so good with your gut instinct and FBI training." Came a mocking voice from behind.
He heard the familiar tones he expected from Neal when he was trying to get a rise out of him. Refusing to rise to the bait of his jab, or his obvious break-in, he continued with his work like he didn't even hear him. If Neal wasn't going to be nice, then he wasn't going to acknowledge him.
"Isn't it childish to use the silent treatment?" The voice continued.
Grabbing a fist full of popcorn, Peter ate the snack before washing it down with a drink.
"You aren't deaf, so this is obviously you being stubborn." The taunting continued.
While he continued to ignore Neal, he felt another draft of air hitting his back. Assuming the young man had given up on whatever game he was dared to play, he continued to focus on his pursuits.
"What are you doing? Are you an idiot? The guy is an FBI agent; you don't just go breaking into his home and then stand behind him taunting him?" Neal seemed to be having a conversation with himself.
Puzzled, Peter couldn't think of a viable reason for his behavior, but he chose to continue his effort to ignore Neal. If he kept it up, either Neal would put on a more elaborate show, or he would give up and behave more appropriately. Curious, Peter was interested to see if he would get entertaining or continue to be mean.
"I'm testing him. You know what kind of power he has over Neal. So far, he is playing a childish game of ignoring me. That doesn't make him a good kind of influence." The first voice repeated in a colder tone than the second, but the second was rather serious to help differentiate which character was saying what.
More insulted than entertained, Peter didn't know how long he was going to listen before he turned around and told Neal off.
"When you put it that way, I don't like him having such an influence either." There was a concern in the serious tone. Then the voice seemed to turn to Peter and question. "He hasn't turned around even with me joining you as a second voice? Does he think this is some kind of show? What makes him so interesting?"
Feeling the third draft hit his back, Peter had to admit that Neal had a point. What FBI agent in his right mind would let an intruder insult him without even turning around to confront them?
A third voice joined the conversation. "What. Are. You. Two. Doing?" It defined each word individually to express his anger and concern. This voice was more like he imagined Neal's to be should he discover an intruder in Peter's house. Maybe it was going to get more interesting after all?
"How can you look up to such an FBI agent? He hasn't even turned around or acknowledged our presence in his house beyond one brief check to find the cause of the draft. Even then he settled back in without confirming the cause." The serious voice said in disbelief.
"Why haven't you ever tested him? We know you don't trust people easily and tend to shy away from letting people get too close, but yet you work with this guy?" The cold voice said.
"I tested him, and he is the best FBI agent I know. Lately, he has been trying to find new ways to deal with me annoying him. He is probably guessing that I am playing some kind of game with him and he doesn't see me as a threat." The Neal-like voice defended him.
Having had enough, Peter turned around and choked on the popcorn in his mouth. Some of it went down the wrong way when he gasped while some of it sprayed across the floor as he coughed violently to dispel the bits.
There were three, count them, three, Neal Caffreys standing in his kitchen between him and the back door.
One moved to pound him on the back, he assumed the 'real' Neal Caffrey and tried to help him clear his system to regain his breath. "Sorry for the shock, Peter. My brothers are in town for the first time since our agreement… they decided to pay you a visit. I came as quickly as I could, but they made sure I was otherwise occupied until they had the chance to make some initial observations themselves."
With his system cleared of the popcorn and his color returning to normal as he breathed, Peter was relieved to know Neal wasn't behind the plan to invade his home, but he was also pleased to learn more about his friend. "So… breaking and entering runs in the family I see." He croaked.
"They're agents, so they have official training in such things," Neal said with a glare at his brothers.
Looking up to watch the three, Peter noticed that a silent conversation appeared to be passing between the brothers. "Why do I get the feeling that you are talking by some method of twin communication?"
"Because we are." Neal was helpful, but not detailed.
"You weren't supposed to tell him about us." The cold voice accused.
Not intimidated, Neal continued to glare. "And you two weren't supposed to mess with him or reveal that there were three of us. So, I think we're even."
"Can I say something?" Peter piped up.
"NO." Three voices answered.
Ignoring them, he joined the conversation anyway. "I think you all wanted me to know about there being three of you. Otherwise, you wouldn't have all walked into my house, and you would have had your silent 'twins thing' conversation while spying on me from a distance."
Two of them turned towards him while the third smirked at them.
"Okay… maybe he isn't such a bad choice, but I still don't entirely understand your fascination with the man." The cold voice softened to a serious tone. Great, how was he supposed to tell two serious voices apart when he couldn't look at both of them simultaneously?
"Have you looked at his records to vet him?" Neal asked.
"Some…" One of the serious voices said. "Mostly to see if he was violent or likely to hurt Junior here for his stupid act of breaking and entering. There wasn't much time to look too closely after he was already in." The man shrugged.
Going quiet, all three seemed to be rather focused. Peter assumed Neal was doing some kind of 'twins thing' to share his records and let them know why he was so trusted. Too bad that wasn't being shared out loud. "Words, how about you share them, instead of talking about me right in front of me."
"You know your records, now they know something of them too," Neal said. "Oh, since they know more about you, I should introduce you to them. The eldest standing over towards the door is my brother, James 'Junior' Carson of the NSA. Then my younger brother is the one by the island and he is Bryce Larkin of the CIA. As you know, I am Neal Caffrey, of the FBI."
Looking them over, Peter sought ways to tell them apart. James was definitely from a military background, his stance screamed army. "Army Ranger?"
Putting his fingers up like a salute, the man seemed impressed. "Nice guess."
"Not a guess. And the other one is some kind of engineer. I've never seen a watch like that before." Peter noted.
Neal laughed at his brothers' expressions. Bryce seemed rather startled by his observance while the other brother, James, stared wordlessly.
"Why don't you tell me more about yourselves?" Peter invited them to join him at the table. When they moved toward accepting, he collected the files and put them away in the other room. "Would you like anything to drink?"
Playing the gracious host, he collected drinks and popped more popcorn. Neal suggested ordering a pizza since the brothers hadn't eaten and called in their favorite kind.
Settled in with food, drinks, and conversation, Peter got comfortable with Neal beside him and the other brothers across the table. "So…" he left his sentence hanging hoping to learn more about their stories.
"You've been dying to know more about me pre-eighteen, now here are two parts of that sitting across the table from you. I guess I should start…" Neal volunteered. "My brothers and I have always been close. We are able to know what each other is thinking as if we said everything out loud, and we know what is going on around each other as if we are always together. Still, we are able to… close? The connection between us should we wish to avoid distracting each other or keep a secret. It's hard to shut each other out, but it's also necessary at times."
"He's the best at it," Bryce said.
"Got well practiced early. In fact, it's because of his tendency to shut us out that we learned it was possible." Junior stated. He was obviously upset by that.
"That explains how they didn't know much about me." Peter surmised. "Why do you shut them out so much?"
Casting a glance around the table, Neal didn't want to answer. "I'm sworn not to tell." He shifted uncomfortably, but his body language showed a stubbornness that wouldn't be easily persuaded.
Letting the topic drop, Peter encouraged him to return to telling his story.
"At eighteen, I learned that my plans for my life weren't going to come to fruition. So I took a walk. The next thing I knew, I was hopping on a bus to clear my head, then I was walking again, before catching another bus. Soon enough, it was easy to pick a pocket for a meal or another bus ticket, and I kept getting further and further away from home. After a few years, I had learned a few basic cons to afford my needs and shown a talent for them. Entering New York City, I met Mozzie in the park as you know and we became partners. You know the basics from there." Neal had shared enough, he wasn't to go any further into his past.
Taking the conversation, Bryce seemed determined to irritate Neal. "My brothers and I are rather different, despite being identical triplets. James prefers being athletic and active so he is never still for long, Neal is the artist, and I'm the resident nerd who excels in computers. Growing up, our mother… wasn't the most attentive. When we faced a problem, James would come up with a master plan, Neal would work around the obstacles, and I would find how to execute it with precision. There was nothing we couldn't accomplish together. Then at eighteen he had a private conversation with our foster mom and left. We didn't see him again for years." He paused to glare at his brother.
"We've already had that conversation, and I'm not filling in those gaps at this time." Neal waved for him to get on with his story.
"Fine." Bryce obviously still held some anger against his older brother. "I went to college and got degrees in computer engineering and accounting. In my Junior year, I was recruited to the agency, and my best friend is my counterpart in the field. A few years ago we found Neal eluding the FBI before he dropped off the radar again. Something we recently learned was because he was in prison."
Wondering what secrets Neal was keeping, even more, Peter sensed that there was something to them. Neal was never one for keeping simple things, so the effort he was putting into the secrets entailed something truly horrible. Throwing a concerned glance at Neal, he wasn't encouraged by the expression his CI was wearing, it was that stubborn determination again.
Clearing his throat, Junior decided he should take the conversation in another direction. He knew Neal wasn't going to talk, and he didn't want a fight breaking out again. "Growing up, I was the eldest. It was my responsibility to ensure we were taken care of and had what we needed. I spent a lot of time working with our foster mom to ensure we had bus tickets, lunch money, and the many other things we needed. If we didn't, then Neal was perfectly willing to forge or pool shark to fill in the gaps, but we only resorted to his skills when absolutely necessary. After Neal left, Bryce and I didn't know what to do. We were completely shut out. So, when he went to college, I joined the army. After a few years, I managed to work my way up through the ranks and drew the attention of the government for other work. The agency recruited me and that is where I am now."
"You didn't mention sending your best friend to keep an eye on me since his cover role is as a shadow man in the criminal underground," Neal added between bites of pizza.
Turning his sharp eyes on Neal, Peter questioned. "He sent his best friend to watch over you, as an undercover shadow man? You're talking about Mozzie?"
Tipping his drink in his direction, Neal indicated that he was correct. "They actually caught up with me when I entered New York City, so Mozzie was sent to watch over me, and I was… enlisted to help him with the Adler job." He shrugged.
"I thought he was your best friend." Peter found himself questioning. If Bryce's best friend came from his field, and Junior's best friend was Mozzie watching over Neal, then who did Neal have?
"You're my best friend," Neal answered. "I trust you to have my back, and I know I can tell you anything… if I choose to."
For some reason, Peter found that surprising. He knew they were close, but he had always perceived himself as the second best friend.
"That surprises you?" Bryce noted which caused Neal to look at him more closely.
"I always thought…" He didn't want to admit it.
"You were second best. Peter, don't sell yourself short." Neal finished for him anyway.
Embarrassed, Peter didn't want to continue talking about himself. "How about sharing what brought everyone to town?" Seeing the expressions from the brothers, he had a feeling clearance wasn't going to allow that conversation. "Okay, or maybe Neal can share what he was doing before chasing you two here?"
Having finished eating their pizza, and putting Peter through the awkward conversation of meeting them, two of the brothers appeared ready to leave. Getting up from the table, they each pulled a card and tossed it in front of the agent.
"That is how you can reach out to me if my brother does anything stupid," Bryce said before slipping out the back door.
"Don't be stingy with it. We know our brother has a knack for finding trouble." Junior added before he too slipped out the back.
Breathing out in relief, Peter was glad to be alone with Neal. He was more comfortable that way. "Apparently they aren't ones for hanging out, are they?"
"No, they usually drop in and complete their task before leaving again. They see me as being too weak for their work, and are still angry with me for things from our childhood." Neal explained sadly. It hurt him the way his brothers treated him, but he knew the reasons for his actions.
"Why do you shut them out?" Peter couldn't help but ask with the other two brothers gone.
"For their safety. They still have no idea what else was going on around them…" Neal alluded to something. "I should go too. We were never supposed to tell you so much, and I think I need a while to think through everything. Besides, I'm sure you would like to get back to the game while adding to your box about me." There was a hint of a smile, but something more suppressed.
Worried, Peter didn't want to hurt him. "Neal…"
"I'm fine, Peter. This just… stirred up a lot I thought I had left behind. They don't usually jab like that, but telling you about our past brought it up again." Seeing Peter's guilt start to show, he reassured him. "It isn't your fault, it was bound to happen again at some point, but at least you now know more about me." There was something of a peaceful smile.
Remembering that he was Neal's best friend, Peter could understand Neal's relief. They were closer for the experience. "Call if you need to. Lunch, tomorrow?" He managed to ask. It would allow him to check on Neal without hovering.
Nodding as he ducked out, Neal agreed to return the next day. He was glad Peter would be willing to help provide a distraction, but also nervous as to the inquisition he might face.
Passing Neal in the office on Monday, Peter threw him a smile as he directed him to follow him up to the conference room. Slapping the folders down on the table with Neal standing beside him, it felt good to announce the key to the case.
They had spent the rest of their weekend focused on the case and trying to act like Friday night hadn't happened. Although he didn't talk about it, Peter was happy to know that Neal returned his friendship just as strongly as he felt it, and he was pleased that his friend had finally shared more of himself by letting him into his family circle. Their friendship was stronger for the reveal and Peter looked forward to what the future would bring.
Thank you, everyone, for reading, choosing to favorite, following, commenting/reviewing, and leaving kudos :D
I've reposted most of this story with minor editing and changing the titles. It had a four-year intermission and apparently, I got Grammarly in there while the titles were annoying me since they weren't specific to the chapters. All chapters starting with 1 and a letter are a mini-story, followed by 2, and so on through the series in order of drafting. The chapters without numbers and letters are one-shots that stand alone. I hope this makes it easier to keep up with what chapters go together or finding specific stories for rereading later.