Counsel

Walking up the stairs, he missed the week that Neal was staying over at his place. Mostly because he didn't have to walk up four flights of stairs to have lunch with his friend and ask some questions about his current case.

Entering the loft, he was quiet as he gently knocked on the door and swung it open letting himself in since it was unlocked.

Glancing over at the bed, he saw that Neal was sleeping so he paused as he considered whether or not he should stay and eat quietly, go out to the balcony table, or leave all together to avoid disturbing his friend.

The decision was made for him as Neal began to shift in his sleep before there was a muffled groan as Neal started to stretch but decided it was a bad idea as he woke up further.

Within a few moments, he was blinking and looking back at him. "Peter?"

Holding up the bag, he showed the obvious reason for his visit, "Came with lunch and a few questions if you feel up to it?"

Yawning, Neal was clearly enjoying his lazy wake-up from his morning nap. "Sure, just give me a few minutes to get there."

Smirking, Peter set about putting the food out and grabbed a couple glasses of water for them to drink. He was still on office hours and Neal was taking medicine that didn't mix with alcohol or coffee so their options were limited.

By the time he had the spread set up; Neal had leisurely gotten up and sauntered over to join him in the opposite chair.

Amused, Peter just asked him how he was doing.

"It doesn't hurt so much to stretch and I'm sleeping better, but I still feel so tired. I think I've slept through most of the morning." He yawned to emphasize, but it was obvious by the droop in his eyes that he looked like he'd be taking an afternoon nap when they were done.

Chuckling, Peter almost felt guilty for asking, but he really could use Neal's insight into his case. Giving it consideration again, he almost decided against asking for any assistance.

"What's the case?" Neal instigated the conversation as he slowly picked at his food munching through it, but not at his usual easy rate.

Explaining what he had and why he was puzzled, Peter held the conversation while Neal ate most of his meal. When he'd finished describing his situation, he let Neal mull it while they finished eating.

Still pondering, Neal started toying with the chess board that was nearby from his last game with Mozzie. As he randomly moved pieces around to process whatever was on his mind, he kept asking pointed questions to formulate his theory.

"Got anything?" Peter could tell that something was brewing, but he wondered if Neal was ready to share or still formulating it.

"Well, you said that there seems to be something missing. You get one side of the case," and he moved the black pieces about indicating one side of it, "And then you get the other," he moved the white pieces. "There are those who've committed the crime and those who are your witnesses."

"Yeah, but why is my gut saying there is something more going on here?" Peter was waiting for the show, the 'ta-da' move where it suddenly all made sense.

"You're missing me," Neal looked at the board as he shifted the pieces back to their starting positions.

Frowning, Peter wasn't sure why this was coming up now, but after everything that happened, he wasn't going to let it pass without saying something. "You know it; the office isn't the same without you."

He'd have continued, but Neal looked up at him with a grin.

"Glad to hear it, but that's not what I meant. See, I move the black pieces orchestrating the crime, and I move the white pieces manipulating the witnesses. There is a power moving the pieces, a person or persons that is making sure that everything happens without revealing their presence. Follow the money and interview everyone again to see what common thread or threads arise. That should lead you to the puppeteer…"

"What?"

Neal had trailed off in a way that indicated that he had something else to say and he wondered what it was.

"Peter, be careful. I know you're a skilled agent and that the team will be doing their best, but this kind of situation… I've seen it get more agents than you'd like to know killed. It's gotten me technically killed twice. Manipulative powers behind the curtain can pull some nasty sneak attacks so don't feel that there is any kind of paranoia that's too extreme, take precautions! Not only with you and the team; but also with Elizabeth. I can call Mozzie and have him keep an eye on her; he doesn't have anything too pressing going on right now so he can help. However, I won't be with you on this one, I can't have your back out there." There was fear reflected in his eyes and his coloring had paled. He was speaking from experience in more ways than one, not only as a victim but as someone who'd seen the carnage in general.

It felt good to see it. Not that he wanted Neal to be scared, but to know that he hadn't damaged their relationship beyond repair. He'd hurt Neal by suspecting him and not arriving in a timely fashion, but Neal had forgiven him and they'd regained the general semblance of their previous friendship. However, it had shifted in ways since he knew that Neal was actually a secret agent so the cop and con dynamic had drastically changed.

"Neal, I'll be okay. The team and I will take precautions, I'll have agents on Elizabeth, and I'd appreciate Mozzie's additional help to ensure her safety and any information he can pick up on what we're dealing with. Although I look forward to having you working with me in the field again, I need you to rest and recover, buddy." He kept Neal's eye contact and used his tone and his body language to reinforce how seriously he was taking the warning.

"Okay," Neal glanced down as he breathed deeper and his shoulders relaxed.

Picking up from their meal, Peter knew where things went and it was easier for him to do a quick wash-up job and put the dishes away than it was for Neal.

His injuries were healing, but especially his sternum was still a weakness so he couldn't reach or move too quickly without regretting it.

Stopping back by Neal before leaving, Peter ruffled his hair. "Thanks for the help, Neal. You've always got a way of making things make sense." It was one of the compliments he hadn't previously shared with his friend, but he'd been making sure to get them said since nearly losing the man.

Catching his arm, Neal held on and used it as a means of helping himself up with a little assistance. Then he put his arms around him and leaned his head against his shoulder. It was their almost hug again.

"Peter…"

Wrapping his arms around Neal, Peter cupped the back of his head in one hand while keeping his other on his back. "I know. I'll suggest that Elizabeth should come to have some dinner and a movie with you later this evening, and I'll try to join. As I work this case, I'll be careful, I'll take precautions. It still haunts my nightmares how we found you, and I understand that you have no desire to hear about something happening to me."

"Still, I'll sleep better when this is over," Neal spoke into his shoulder.

Leaning his head into Neal's, Peter relished the comfort of having his friend safely in his arms. It was something that he wasn't taking for granted after watching him die. "I understand, buddy."

They stood for a few more minutes, but then Neal felt confident enough to step back and let him go. "I'm sure they'll be wondering where you are so you'd better head back."

"No, everyone knows I was coming here and they're expecting me to come back with the solution to the case. I'm not the only one who's confident in your skills." He kept a hand on the back of Neal's shoulder for an extra moment before dropping it. "The whole team is looking forward to you getting back."

Instead of going back to his bed as he'd been intending to do, Neal settled back at the table and pulled his phone out. Dialing Mozzie, he started his efforts to protect him.

Knowing that there was no point in arguing, Peter figured Elizabeth would have better luck, especially once Mozzie was aiding in the operation to oversee their safety.

Heading back to work, he had a case to progress and a lot of protective measures to put in place. He had his wife and team to protect, and he would take precautions for himself too. They were counting on him.

Thank you, everyone, for reading, leaving kudos, and reviewing/commenting :D