#I care more about Neal and Alex than I do about Neal and Kate! | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

gpsoftun · 2 years

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It's often mentioned that Neal's weakness is his lady loves. Honestly, though, this was only true with Kate, his juvenile fixation. Sarah and Alex seemed more helpful than hindering while no one could have predicted how unhinged Rebecca turned out to be. The women mostly bring out his deep desire to put down roots, which seems to be his life goal way more than being a career criminal.

Like Johnny Storm with his older sister, Neal's emotional kryptonite is his surrogate father, Peter.

It's as beautiful as it is engaging that Neal is a romantic, artistic, intellectual con with an awe-inspiring skill set. By the power of irony, it's the salt-of-the-Earth, classic blue collar, traditionally masculine lawman who can tear down all of his smiling facades. The writers had to be careful not to drift Neal over into gary stu territory and Peter fulfills that among many other aspects. The two are both so human around each other, especially during private moments between the two of them. They stay men yet their relationship features interactions normally associated with female friends. Such as Neal giving Peter fashion advice, talking so openly about their lady problems, Peter's eagerness to have another romantically committed guy he can relate to (Peter likely doesn't fit in so well among the bachelor bros), and of course, their physical affection.

Yes, Neal can be defiant with Peter, but that's typically for specific goals. He doesn't try to hack his anklet to party downtown or anything. I believe he's also aware of where the line is with Peter before an action results in punishment or potential lock-up again.

Look at the way Neal speaks to the marshals, non-white collar agents, new bosses, and the rest of law enforcement in general. At best, he regards them as playthings. *None* of that with Peter. They snark and argue, but even then Neal doesn't put up much of a fight. Those moments don't really occur until late season 4. Peter treats him like a partner, but the agent is the alpha.

Not only does Neal not enjoy lying to Peter, doing so makes him fairly stomach sick. It significantly throws off his hypnotic charisma and persona as well. He has to outright avoid Peter at times because not only is tbe deceit uncomfortable, his father figure can see through his soul from a mile away. When he messes up, Neal is quick to bury himself in work to atone. Not because he's terrified of going back to prison, but because he hates being in disgrace with him. Notably, while Peter never directly apologizes, Neal frequently does.

While Neal loves and respects June and El, there's extra layers to his relationship with Peter. The reason is not the popular opinion of the current day, but it's no less true. There is no substitute for a strong male role model in a boy's life. Do all fatherless guys fail at life? Certainly not. But take a poll and most of them will admit to having a perpetual void because of it. Maternal figures can provide food, love, comfort, and instruction in etiquette, but we canNOT advise them through the difficult journey to manhood beyond how to treat a woman. Observing interactions between an unrelated adult and a younger male showcases this.The attentive awe on the boy's face as the man speaks about various subjects says it all.

Remember that Peter is not only his first real male elder, he's also the only adult to ever make him such a priority. Peter knows more about his CI (Child Informant) than Neal does himself at times.

Neal has Peter propped up on a high pedestal. He thought he could pull a fast one on him in early season 1, but very soon he realized Peter's full capabilities. Neal talks about him with so much reverence- in any context-, adoration, and occasionally intimidation. Even when it frustrates him, he knows Peter and his mean rules are only there to protect him. Compare this to Mike Ross, who adores Harvey Specter, but needs constant reassurance that his mentor cares about him despite all of the ample evidence.

Another reason, often overlooked in these types of discussions, is that Peter is not only his one male role model, but provides the bulk of his platonic affection. Definitely the only one capable of a feel-safe hug. Neal is so naturally affectionate yet he can probably barely remember receiving non-sexual human contact. On top of not wanting to lose his nice life in NY, Neal doesn't want to lose that.closeness. Even when he was on Goodnight Cinderella, Neal admitted to enjoying working with Peter and took his drugged up self straight to the Burkes' house. Seriously, one 'I'm here for you, precious' phone call is enough for anklet-attached Neal to say treasure-smeasure and stay with his fed father.

When Peter was at his angriest with Neal- no, not that irrational scene from No Good Deed- after El's kidnapping, he did the previously unimaginable. He forcefully shoved/pinned Neal and called him an SOB. On Suits, that's called Monday. On White Collar, stuff just got real! When he did it, Neal didn't try to fight back and he appeared more apologetic than afraid. If Peter had gone so far as to strike him- as in, jaw punch, not hand slap- Neal probably would have believed he deserved it.

Okay, now, I'm wondering if this was part of the reason for the boost in affection between them later in season 3. Peter had never gone that furiously far with Neal before and subconsciously wanted to make up for it. It's important to keep in mind how Divine their dynamic is, so it is a strong possibility.

Don't kill yourself.

Do remember you were designed by the Divine 💓

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queencatherynerhys · 4 years

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Stuck With You - Chapter 1

Summary: Neal Caffrey had met his fair share of interesting women over the years. Once or twice he thought he had known what love meant. But he learned what being in love was like when he met her. Now he must face a future without her. How will he survive?

A/N: I didn’t have time or energy to fully edit this chapter. I hope I got most of the grammar errors. I apologize in advance for any mistakes. I hope you enjoy. Don’t forget to like, and please comment if you do. Let me know if you want to be tagged for future updates.

Disclaimer: Most of the characters aren’t mine. They belong to the creators of the wonderful show, White Collar.

Tags: @kacie-0156

Four days earlier…

Earlier in the week, the FBI caught wind of an unidentified man that came into the city in the hopes of selling a stolen Rembrandt painting in New York. It sparked their attention because the particular piece hadn’t been seen or heard for at least two decades. The storm on the Sea of Galilee went missing in 1990 and now it has resurfaced.

Peter and Neal followed the trail of clues and they managed to set up an appointment with their mystery man in Gramercy Park. As per protocol, the FBI staked out and waited for their man to show up from the confines of a worn utility truck parked two blocks away from the meeting site. Peter, Neal, Jones, and Diana all took a screen of their own and watched for anyone suspicious to show up.

“There,” Neal pointed on his screen as an anonymous man sat down on one of the benches. He was a young man in his late 20s to early 30s with brown hair, but what caught Neal’s eye was his demeanor. His knee was bouncing up and down, his fingers were fidgeting, and his eyes kept glancing and looking around nervously. This man was no art thief. He was just a young man. He looked at Peter to tell him, but from the looks of it he already knew what he was going to say.

“Guys, I don’t think this guy is our man. Just look at him. He doesn’t even come close to the profile of an art thief. I don’t think this guy can steal a candy bar from a gas station. I think we are looking for another guy. This guy is just a middleman,” Peter told his team.

“I agree, boss, so what’s the plan?” Diana asked.

“We send Neal in to find out what he wants, and go from there,” he answered. He watched as Neal stood up, fixed his tie and suit, and flashed his signature, smug smile before exiting the van.

Neal confidently walked towards the bench the man was sitting on, but before he could even come near him the young man glanced at him, ducked his head, and appeared as if he whispered something to an earpiece. Guess that confirms the theory of this guy being just a patsy, but now Neal knew he’d been made. Without showing realization, Neal kept walking acting as if he was just taking a stroll through the park.

He made a big loop back towards the van and informed the others when he got there that the still unidentified knew who Neal was and he informed his partner, or employer, of him through the use of an earpiece.

“By the looks of it, he knew who I was. I don’t think this plan is much of a plan anymore, Peter,” Neal said.

Peter had his thinking, planning face on. Then, a brief look of hesitation flashed on his face. No one else would have caught it but Neal was a master at detecting facial expressions, subtle or otherwise. He saw it. When Peter turned to him, he saw it in his eyes. He beckoned him to talk outside the van so he followed.

“What’s up, Peter?” Neal inquired.

“I was thinking. This guy came to New York out of the blue to sell a valuable, stolen painting. What does that tell us? He’s desperate to get the piece out of his hand, so he needs to find a buyer fast. What if we put a middle man on the table?” Peter explained.

“A fencer?” Neal questioned although he knew it was the right answer. “Where are we going to find someone good enough to act as an art fencer? Diana? She’s good, but I have a hunch this guy is going to need someone more well-versed in the world of fine art. I would suggest Mozzie but he’s been…occupied…since the Cape Verde fiasco. So who else is there?” Neal explained.

Peter looked at him with a look of hesitation with just a dash of regret. It dawns on Neal why he was looking at him that way.

“Oh, no. No. No, Peter, No. You are not bringing her into this,” Neal began to object to his friend’s idea.

“Neal, listen, she’s the only chance we have of catching this guy. With her background in situations like this, who could be more perfect?” Peter tried to persuade. Neal was still not convince. He did not like this at all. Not one bit. Peter had one more card to play to try and get Ryne to do it.

“Well, how about we ask her opinion on it?” Peter slowly asked. He had come to know the young woman well in the year and a half she’s been in Neal’s life. He knew if anyone could change Neal’s mind, it’s her.

Neal had always been the romantic. Peter had seen him fall too easily and get heartbroken and dealt with loss no one should ever have to go through. He truly thinks that Neal loved them in his own way, but not the way he loves Ryne. Of all the women he’s seen come and go, Kate, Alex, Sara, even Rebecca, in his friends life she’s the only woman he was the most protective about. He could admit that seeing his friend care about someone the way he cared about Ryne gave him hope that Neal could have what he has with Elizabeth. A home, a family, love, happiness, contentment on where he is and what he has.

“Fine. Come by the apartment later,” Neal gave in and walked away but not back to the van.

“Where are you going?” Peter asked him.

Neal turned around and a flashed a bright smile, “To make my case before you show up.” He arrived at June’s house and as he does everyday since he moved in he went to say hello to his beautiful, kind landlord before making his way upstairs. He looked everywhere on the lower floors for her, but he figured she currently wasn’t home so he headed upstairs to his apartment.

The rich tones of a lively piano music being played gradually became louder as he ascended the narrow stairwell. A grin began to form on his face as he remembered the animated conversation they had about bringing getting a piano to his apartment.

“Come on, babe. It’s all I’m asking. Everything else in the apartment is yours. I just want one thing that’s for me. My own mark on Neal Caffrey’s perfect apartment,” she said in almost whiny, but endearing voice.

“Ryne, I just don’t see the practicality of having a piano in here. Do you know how hard it will be to get it up here? And where would we put it?” Neal reasoned while tying his tie in front of the tall mirror beside their bed . He turned around to face her after he finished fixing himself.

She sashayed toward him slowly, enticingly, until coming to a stop in front of him to fix the lapels of his designer jacket.

“There’s plenty of room in front of the bed,” she suggested, almost pouted, and looked at his blue eyes with her big, hazel one pleadingly. The only thing missing was batting eyes, but she was not a little girl begging for candy. She’s was a sophisticated woman who knew that the man in front of her would give her the world if she asked for it. He couldn’t resist her, and she knew it.

“Ugh, fine, you can have a piano in here,” he gave in and laughed when she jumped for joy at getting what she wanted. “The great Neal Caffrey tamed by big eyes and pouty lips. What have I become?” He looked down and shook his head with feign disappointment.

She lifted his face by the chin and flashed the brightest of smiles before she closed in and gave him a passionate kiss. One of his hands held the back of her head while the other wrapped around her waist to bring her closer to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and threaded her fingers through his brown locks.

Had he no plans of meeting Peter, he would have gladly had his way with her on the apartment they now shared. Funny, even though Sara lived in his apartment for a brief time he never considered them sharing his home. It was always his, and Sara was there conveniently due to circumstances at the time they were dating. That’s not the case with Ryne. She’s different. He wanted to share everything with her, to be with her, to spend every waking minute of his life in the comfort of her arms. It was at that moment he realized he wanted to be hers forever.

Neal Caffrey was smitten with her. He knew he had never felt like this with anyone before. Sara had been close to capturing his heart, but she demanded a life he couldn’t give her. With all the women that came to his life, she’s the only one that didn’t want anything from him. She didn’t demand him to change, to be less the conman and more the honest-living-type-of guy. She encouraged and loved that he needed to live an almost free-spirited life. She simply loved him, Neal Caffrey, and all his facets, no more and no less.

“I love you, Ryne Beneventi, more than anything in this world, more than the finest art or jewelry. If you would have me, I want to be yours forever,” Neal proclaimed as he pulled away from the kiss and looked deeply into her eyes. He held her closer to him. Neal had never in his life said those three words to anyone but her.

Kate knew he loved her, but he never said the words aloud. It was always implied, assumed. Alex was a spontaneous relationship. They had something, but not enough for those words. With Sara, he came close. He realized he fancied the “domestic” life with her. He cared for her perhaps a bit more than the others. He even proposed to her as part of a job they were doing. Rebecca, she, was a different case. A loose canon not worth mentioning.

But Ryne, she was the light in the darkness. She was his compass when he felt torn on which direction he should go. She was the breath he needed to live.

“I love you, Neal Caffrey. And I am yours as much as you are mine. Forever,” she replied with a bright smile as she caressed his cheek softly with a warm, soft hand. He leaned to her touch and kissed the back of her palm before pulling away.

He would have loved to have stayed with her the whole day, but almost in cue his phone began to ring. His leash beckoned.

In the present, Neal shook the memory away and proceeded up the flight of stairs towards their apartment. He opened the door quietly as to not disturb her. He leaned by the doorway mesmerized by the picture painted in front of him with Ryne lost in her world of music simultaneously filling him with joy and contentment he never knew he could feel

#White Collar #whitecollar #Neal Caffrey #nealcaffrey #neal caffrey x oc #neal x oc #mozzie white collar #Peter Burke #romance #fluff #angst #neal x peter

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wanderingxrivers · 4 years

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So remember when I said Neal Caffrey is a Hedge Witch. My brain did a thing.

One Untitled White Collar/Magicians xover WIP

Neal George Caffrey was many things depending on who you asked; con man, innocent man, grifter, forger, thief. All of the above were certainly true depending on who you asked and what you were asking about. What most people didn’t know, however, was that there was another title to which he could lay claim, hedge witch. His status as a hedge was something of a close guarded secret. While he could and did use magic, doing things manually when he could had a certain appeal that he just couldn’t shake. Outside of the few members of his safe house and an even fewer select allies, no one knew of the star tattoos that tumbled his forearm reflecting his status as a hedge.

It was one of the few things that even the famed Peter Burke didn’t know about but considering that Peter was a graduate of Brakebills, it was all too likely that the federal agent had never lowered himself to the level of hedges and safe houses and using just the barest bits of ambient magic that hung in the air in glittering motes.

The first time Neal used magic, he was still Danny Brooks; a terrified child shoved into WitSec with a mother too shell-shocked by the implosion of her life to notice when her son started sneaking out at odd hours to play with a power he barely understood. He had started with a rudimentary shielding charm cast in a moment of desperation and moved up to spells designed to disguise clothes often too threadbare to called second hand and the odd bruise left from the discipline meted out by his mom’s endless cycle of boyfriends.

It was one such discipline session that propelled him into leaving home and into the life that led him to crossing paths with Mozzie and then later, Kate. Mozzie knew, of course. He was a hedge himself but never called himself an ally to one safe house over another. He preferred his independence from the warring factions of hedges that spread their way across NYC and the world over. Kate never knew, but she certainly suspected. He had had his fair share of close shaves, some of which were only escapable by some well-timed spell work in conjunction with no small amount of sheer dumb luck.

In the end, though, despite his love for her, despite his attempts to keep them together, despite everything, she left. Her leaving left him bereft, leaving him to make mistakes he never would have made otherwise. Those mistakes left him in the situation he found himself in now, tethered to an anklet with a two mile radius and a classically trained Magician as his handler.

***

This was not the first time that Neal cursed his radius since accepting the deal that kept him from spending yet more time behind bars. An enchantment on a favored tie pin that gave his words just that extra push of believability was beginning to fade and he needed to strengthen it before the sting operation this weekend. He had all he needed for the spell save for a just a few herbal components. And of course, the one safe house he knew that carried them was right outside his radius.

Neal cast a baleful look at the tracker, cursing technology’s resistance to magical manipulation. He knew half a dozen different spells for slipping bonds, none of which would work on the tracker that wound itself around his ankle for the next 4 years. Instead, he found himself attaching a list to the leg of one of the pigeons that called the balcony of his penthouse home.

With the twitch of his fingers, he pushed the image of Mozzie into the bird’s head, tell the fowl that Mozzie was the home that the bird needed to return to. With any luck, Mozz would recognize the enchanted bird and fetch the supplies that Neal needed. If not, he would have to see about raiding the supply cabinet at the office and hope that no one would notice a few herbs missing.

Say what you would about Neal but he had standards when it came to magical manipulation of people. Marks were fair game. Marks all but invited him in for tea and let him use the enchantments and spells to rob them blind. People like Mozz, Alex, Marina, and Kady, were off limits for magical mischief, Mozz and Marina especially. The former being his closest ally and the latter being absolutely vicious in her vengeance if she felt she had been crossed.

He had heard rumors of a heist from Marina’s gone wrong where the offending party had bled out in front of her daughter with not a single weapon mark on her. Neal suppressed a shudder, Marina was not someone he wanted to cross. Not now, not ever. He abhorred blood and violence. Not the he was incapable of inflicting pain on someone else if the need arose but he did his best to keep that need from arising. It kept things neater, less likely to draw the attention of mundane officers and magical law enforcement.

Releasing the pigeon to fly home to Mozz, he padded back inside where his tie pin lay in a circle of crystals, awaiting the herbs to be burned and smoke wafted over the pin with chants spoken in Enochian. Until either the bird reappeared or Mozz knocked at his door, there was little for Neal to do outside of waiting. If there was anything that Neal was good at, it was waiting. He’d allegedly waited for hours in air ducts and hanging by his fingertips from windows just outside villas for just the right moment to swoop in and steal this piece of art or that precious gem. He’d waited for Kate. He was waiting for Clinton Jones to realize that he wasn’t just looking for a platonic friend but something more intimate. He could certainly wait on a pigeon.

***

As luck would have it, he didn’t have to wait long. A knock at his door told him that Mozz was there and hopefully came bearing gifts in the forms of small packets of sundry herbs and possibly a bottle of fine wine. Striding to the door with a purpose and bounce in his step, he opened it to the face of one Diana Barrigan. Shit. Shit. Shit. His thoughts ran in vaguely panicked circles. Diana didn’t know he was a hedge. She didn’t know about the stars on his arm and the sigils stitched carefully in the hems of his suits and etched in his cufflinks nor did she know about the enchantments on tie pins and glasses worn more for effect then an actual need. He pasted on a winning smile, positioning himself against the door frame in an effort to block her view of the impromptu altar he had set up in anticipation of Mozzie’s arrival.

“Hey Di! Wasn’t expecting to see you. Did Peter need something? Can I get you something?” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively. This was an old dance between them. He would flirt and she would shoot him down as they always did. He knew full well her predilections for the fairer sex and how their game would never go any further than this but the actions and words were as rote as breathing. “Or,” he said seeing the look on her face, “Did you and Christie get into it?”

“No, Caffrey. Peter did send me but,” she said, peeking around him, “it looks like you have your own thing going tonight. Looking to summons the ghosts of con-men past?” She raised an elegant eyebrow in a silent question, wondering what exactly he was up to now.

Neal’s shoulders slumped just slightly. This was his own fault. He should have had concealment spells going as a precaution. On any other day, he would have concealment spells and wards and Di would have never ever seen what she saw tonight. His desire to use as much ambient magic in the area to give him the oomph he needed for his enchantment had overruled good sense. Stupid, he thought bitterly to himself. This would teach him the folly of letting his guard down even in the privacy of his own home. He knew better and had no one to blame his current predicament on but himself.

Diana took advantage of Neal’s lapse in concentration to slip under his arm and let herself into his apartment. She circled the table, noting the placement of crystals, candles, and containers awaiting herbs to fill them. At the center sat a tie pin, a simple circle of gold with the initials “NC” engraved in the center in elegant script. Never let it be said that Diana Elizabeth Barrigan was completely stupid. She could be woefully ignorant at times, inobservant at others, but stupid, never. She could put two and two together and get four. In this case, however, two plus two did not make four. In this case, two and two equaled hedge witch.

Now, she knew about Peters’ status as a full-fledged Magician and the sanctioned usage of magic to close cases that almost no one else could. She was even aware of hedge witches having crossed paths with a few and dated a couple herself. What she didn’t know up until just a few moments ago was that Caffrey himself was a hedge and that the new found revelation of that particular skillset gave her pause to mentally review exactly how he had gotten out of some of the closer shaves he had had over his long and storied criminal career.

“So,” she drawled, tracing a finger around the table’s edge, taking care to not disturb the carefully laid out spell components. “When were you planning on telling us you were a hedge? Does Peter know?” Diana watched Neal through narrowed eyes, waiting for a patented Neal Caffrey denial complete with blinding smile. To be fair, the fact that Neal was a hedge shouldn’t have been a surprise. It was the fact that he’d managed to keep that information from her and the rest of the team. It was the fact that Peter Burke, his biggest cheerleader and head of the “Reform Neal Caffrey Club,” apparently had no clue that his CI was a hedge and that Neal himself had not volunteered the information, especially in light of how tenuous his status as CI was in light of Kate’s death and Neal’s aborted escape.

Diana was a diplomat’s daughter, she knew the truths hidden in lies and lies hidden in truths and how both sounded equally plausible. She only hoped that Caffrey would simply come clean and she could relay the information to Peter in person.

Neal tensed as he watched Diana walk around the table with his enchantment set up and how her finger trailed around its edge, careful to not disturb his carefully arranged items. He was aware of Diana’s propensity to detect lies almost as well as Peter’s infamous gut instinct. And honestly, it wasn’t as if he intended to lie to her. He simply never volunteered the information. It didn’t seem relevant to the work he did for the FBI at the time. It was simply a skill, just like picking a lock or forging a painting. Now with Diana here, in his apartment with all his defenses down and the evidence plain on the table, he had little choice but to confess.

“Yes, I am a hedge witch. No, Peter doesn’t know but I am sure he suspects.” He crossed his arms in a mirror image of Diana’s stance. “My status as a magic user is not something I prefer to advertise. It can bring unwanted attention from individuals I would rather avoid.” Like hedges from a rival safe house he finished silently. There were a couple of very unethical safe houses he tended to avoid for their tendency to use their magic for less savory purposes. He and Mozz had put quiet feelers out to some allies to see if they could put plans in motion to shut them down but this was something that he had no desire to involve the FBI unless needed and honestly was something he could toss on the backburner until some word came that would allow them to move. His more immediate concern was the junior agent in front of him who was teetering on the edge of stone cold fury at the discovery of a secret that should have been laid bare long ago.

Diana shot him a look of sheer incredulity. “You stupid, stubborn, moron! You do realize that garnering that unwanted attention is part. Of. Your. Job.” She ground out the last words between clenched teeth, an ache in her jaw blooming from the effort it took not to simply scream at him until he saw sense. Further epithets flowed in multiple languages from her lips as she got into her groove. “You are a criminal informant. Getting information is your job. And that means sometimes getting attention you don’t want from people you don’t like. You can’t pick and choose who you get attention from. That’s not how this works. Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t slap cuffs on you and march you downtown right here and right now for this!”

Neal took a moment to pick his words carefully. As furious as Diana was, he knew that his position was precarious. She carried two sets of cuffs at all times and was not shy about using them. The first was plain, simple ordinary handcuffs he could pick in moments flat. The second, however, were specially enchanted to nullify magic, they would prevent even the smallest spell from being cast and leave him at a severe disadvantage were he left in them for too long.

#my brain did a thing #idk what i am doing with my life #white collar #the magicians #neal caffrey #hedge witch

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altankatt · 4 years

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Neal and Peter catch Keller

Neal knew Peter was likely going berserk but he had to reach there before Keller. He jumped into a cab, against the rules for how to transport himself on his own. He had no idea if Peter had sent his 'checked out' text to the Marshals or not. If he had, his anklet would be monitored and the speed of his transport would likely set off an alarm. It could not be helped.

"Manhattan Helicopters. FDR Drive," he told the cab driver. A convicted felon with an anklet going to a helicopter pad. He made a phone call to check what he already guessed. Then he called Peter.

"What the heck are you doing, Neal?" he almost yelled. "The Marshals called and—"

"I know. Keller is on his way to Manhattan Helicopters. So am I. Meet me there."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure. You can check Sergei's flight plan yourself."

"Sergei himself?"

"The one and only. I have to go. I'm there now."

He ended the call, paid the driver and rushed out on the pier. There was no sight of Keller yet, but he probably waited inside the terminal, waiting for a call from Grace.

A black helicopter approached and Neal saw Keller exit the terminal and walk towards the pad. They met by the helicopter when it turned off its engine.

"Bravo, Keller."

"Seriously? Wow. So you came by to see me off, huh, Caffrey?" Keller grinned. "Who knew you were a gracious loser?"

"I have to admit using the real Ben Franklin bottle, did not see that coming," Neal said with honest admiration. "Stroke of genius, really."

"Thanks. That actually means a lot coming from you," Keller replied and for a second he looked like a little brother getting praise from his older, adored brother. "Only wish Kate was around to see it," he added to hide his emotions. "We both know she always loved a winner. Who knows? Maybe I'll look her up, see if she still does."

Neal looked back with a blank face. That was Keller. Always hiding his emotions by hitting at other's vulnerable spots. Sad, really.

"So I'm curious," Keller continued. "How'd you find me?"

"Checked Sergei's travel plans." The short version was just fine. "See he does it in style. I also hear he doesn't take it lightly when someone owes him money."

"Owed," Keller corrected. "As in past tense. Yeah, you see, our little go-around with the bottle cleared my debts. In fact, I just got a text from my broker. Bottle went for seven figures."

Neal hid his smile of triumph behind one of fake admiration.

"Wow," he expressed. "Wow, congratulations, man." Keller did not have a clue.

"Thank you. Thank you."

"So it was a two birds, one stone thing. Humiliate me, turn a hefty profit while you're at it?"

"See? Now you're catching on, Neal." Though Neal knew Keller wanted to hurt him it was painful to hear him say it. They had been friends once. "Listen, I'd love to chat, buddy. But unless you got anything else, I should get going. Be good."

For a second Neal thought about not saying a word and let Keller leave. Without money to pay Sergei with, he was likely to end up dead somewhere. One less killer in the world. One less trouble for him. But that was not how it was done. That made him like Keller. And if it was one thing Neal was proud of in his life it was his ability to care for people, even though he was a criminal. He was pretty sure that ability was one of the reasons that Peter had taken the deal.

He turned to Keller who had his hand on the door to the helicopter where Sergei was waiting.

"I haven't made my offer yet."

Keller glanced at his watch.

"This should be good."

"I'd like to offer you the opportunity to make a full confession for your crimes. The robbery of the Natural History Museum, the murder of Manuel Campos anything else you wanna add in."

"You know what? I was wrong. This isn't good. This is sad, man," Keller said, disappointed. "This is a moment I'll cherish. Seeing you at your most desperate." He turned back towards the chopper.

"The winner of the Franklin bottle it wouldn't happen to be bidder number 57, would it?"

This made him stop. Neal beamed at him and saw in Keller's eyes that he knew that he had lost.

"Why?"

"Now, this is just awkward, but I don't have a million dollars. The auction house said they'd give me a week to put the money together."

Neal heard people approaching from behind. He felt more than heard that it was Peter and his agents.

"A week, huh? You know what? A week's not that long. I can buy that." That, if something, was desperate. Clutching for straws. Neal smiled.

Peter drove out on the helicopter pier, waving his badge to the guard. He saw Neal with his back to him facing a black helicopter. And between the young con-man and the helicopter was Keller, leaving. Peter stopped and got out of the car.

"The winner of the Franklin bottle it wouldn't happen to be bidder number 57, would it?" he heard Neal say as he approached.

Keller stopped and faced Neal.

"Why?"

"Now, this is just awkward, but I don't have a million dollars. The auction house said they'd give me a week to put the money together."

Now Keller saw Peter and his team too. He was not about to give up yet.

"A week, huh? You know what? A week's not that long. I can buy that."

"Did you tell him I'm launching a federal investigation on the bottle?" Peter said.

"Oh, yeah, yeah. There's that too," the kid added with enthusiasm and Keller made a face. "How long can a federal investigation go on for?"

"Not sure," Peter said. "Years." It could, even it was rare.

"Oh, years, wow," Neal grinned.

Keller did not seem that excited about it all.

"Son of a bitch," he said to his opponent and Peter knew that Keller knew that he had lost.

"How patient are Sergei and your Russian friends?" the kid asked.

"You can take a helicopter ride and find out," Peter suggested. "Or you can come with us. Your choice."

He watched his pet convict and his enemy eye each other. There was no gloating.

"Well played," Keller said. He held out his arm and dropped his bag to the ground.

"Good game, Keller," Neal replied.

Keller grinned.

"The game ain't over."

"Help the gentleman into the car," Peter told his team and two agents stepped forward. Keller put his hands behind his back without a fuss.

"Looks that way to me," the kid said.

"Yeah?" Keller glanced at his rival as he got his hands cuffed. "I mean, you were locked up, broke out. Maybe it's my turn to accept a challenge. Best two out of three." Peter was not happy about that statement and could see on Neal's body language that he did not either.

"I'll see you around, Caffrey."

Neal took a step forward and told Keller something for his ears only. Then they led him away to the car.

"Poor Sergei's going home empty-handed," Neal smiled at Peter who bent down and picked up Keller's bag.

He felt so proud of the kid. There had never been a doubt about Neal's intentions. When the marshals called he had yelled at them not to worry even before checking with his convict what was going on. And seeing the kid out there on the helicopter pad, winning over his rival without mockery, it was such pleasure to see. Peter was a strong believer in fair treatment and no gloating when a suspect was arrested. Even a guy like Keller who was hardcore on the surface could be scared when being cuffed.

He pattered the kid on the shoulder on the way back to the car.

Neal remained where he was and Peter did not ask him to come along. He would not be involved in anything more concerning Keller. If the kid wanted to be alone as the adrenaline rush left him, it was his choice. Peter smiled. Neal would probably not be alone for long. He had a hunch a little bald fellow would turn up as soon as they left.

Neal enjoyed the temporary solitude. He watched the Statue of Liberty out in the bay and Brooklyn Heights on the other side of the river. He was outside his radius and Peter had let him remain there when they left. He took it as a gesture of trust. Still, Neal was pretty certain the moment he returned to his radius, Peter would send his text to the Marshals.

The imaginary freedom he felt down there by the water was worth a lot and he wanted to stay for a while.

Besides, he expected Mozzie to be around soon and was right.

"Did I miss Keller?" he heard his friend's voice. Neal barely needed to nod. The answer was obvious. "Damn. I wanted to see him do the perp walk."

"Sorry. Good news is he won't be bothering us for a while."

"How long is a while?"

"Maybe long enough to finish our chess game." Neal wished it was so.

"You think they have a prison that can hold him?" Moz asked.

"I don't know." He had broken out of one. Keller could probably do it too. Not with the same means, but if he wanted out he would get out. The question was if he wanted to, with an angry Russian mob breathing down his neck.

"Okay, so, what's the bad news?" Moz asked.

"You won't be drinking a million-dollar bottle of wine tonight."

Mozzie grinned

"I'll live."

Life was good. Right now at this moment, Neal had never been more certain that he would gladly spend the rest of his sentence working for Peter.

"You were right," he said and Mozzie glanced at him. "I could use one less mystery in my life."

"Oh, I rescind that comment," his friend said and Neal stared, not very thrilled of this new mystery. "There's suddenly been a lot of chatter about the music box. You need to talk to Alex."

"She won't tell me anything while I work for the FBI."

"Then… make it worth her while."

That was a challenge to Neal's liking.

Like this? Check out https://desnordlund.wixsite.com/altankatt

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paddypikala · 4 years

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April wrap-up

Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel by Sara Farizan

Finished on 1/04/2020

10/10

Sara Farizan doesn't disappoint. She has this amazing ability to make personal stories universal and serious things adorable. The book was really beautiful and I strongly recommend it, especially that it's not a very long read.

Dreadnought and Sovereign by April Daniels

Finished on 3 and 6/04/2020

9/10

The first book: A transgender superhero, a cyborg villain, a city in distress--a girl can't ask for more. The language and pace are on point and the book seamlessly blends together its two main topics, transitioning and becoming a superhero (metaphor alert). Beautiful! It gave me the feels since chapter one. I was afraid that the terf antagonist would be a little on the nose, but she stayed realistic (and remarkably annoying).

The second book: The first one was better. While it was still very interesting it talked way too much about magic (in a superhero book 😕), democracy, and the American way.

Not My Father's Son by Alan Cumming

Finished on 4/04/2020

10/10

There is something eerily delicate about an adult man being vulnerable and talking about abuse, shame, Eurovision, eating disorders and fake boobs. It was much darker than I'd thought it would be, but in the end, it felt bittersweet rather than daunting.

Lumberjanes, vol.1 by Noelle Stevenson

Finished on 6/04/2020

8/10

It was childish, but cute. Looking forward to the next volumes.

Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand

Finished on 8/04/2020

7/10

That was... a lot. So many complicated characters, so many relationships and interactions, dark magic and unique mythology, and finally, a decent redemption arc. I didn't like Zoey that much, she sounded rude most of the time, but I appreciate the asexual inclusion.

Pszczoły i grom w oddali by Riku Onda

Finished on 8/04/2020

8/10

The Terracotta Bride by Zen Cho

Finished on 9/04/2020

8/10

So this is how you write a novella! A story about the Chinese afterlife, destiny, and sisterhood, it was certainly something I have never read before. The non-linear narration definitely keeps you on your toes.

Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

Finished on 11/04/2020

8/10

Zombies + early America + badass girls. It's packed with action scenes, fights, and witty dialogue. Jane's voice and character are not only realistic (despite the crazy premise), but also unique - she's not just another fantasy protagonist. She's not the chosen one - just a girl protecting those she cares about and wishing to go back home, to her mother.

Autopsy by Donte Collins

Finished on 11/04/2020

5/10

It was... something? Man, poets can be so dramatic sometimes. Some parts of it were actually good, but some poems sounded a lot like those SNL High School Theatre Show sketches. A bit on the nose and too obvious. The cover was pretty, though.

The House of Impossible Beauties by Joseph Cassara

Finished on 17/04/2020

7/10

I finally finished reading this one. It was complicated like the lives of the main characters, it was dark and oddly uplifting, and in the end, it was sad. And it's not your usual novel, it was often difficult to follow--sometimes it focused on the details without giving enough context. I'm actually happy that I watched Pose before I read this, because otherwise I wouldn't understand what was going on.

The Gentleman Thief by Kate Gragg

Finished on 18/04/2020

8/10

The novella tells the story of a chimney sweep who can use magic, although only accidentally. He should clearly reconsider his career choices, since soot makes him cough, and coughing leads to unintended bursts of magic. And just like that, by accident, he turns money he stole for a dangerous mafia boss into a stack of potatoes and gets himself mixed up in some royal tournament mess. It was a ridiculously fun read that had me laughing since page 2, which is not what I expect of most books. Even despite the quirky world it was set in, it wasn't a difficult, high-concept fantasy book. Its light and funny tone reminded me of The Edge Chronicles--The Gentleman Thief was equally absurd, although not as complex. The book is filled with magic--the fun kind, not the dark kind. There was nothing predictable about this story, because it was too absurd to be predictable. In this world, everything was possible, and the author clearly took advantage of that fact. I'm actually glad I had a chance to read it now, after having read so many difficult books this week. It felt refreshing. After all, it's always nice to read a book that's pure fun, no emotional drama. And the characters! Lydia, the adventurous lady, in particular. I would love to read a story focused mainly on her. The only drawback of this story is that it finished too quickly. The ending felt a bit rush and I would enjoy about two hundred more pages of this book.

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

Finished on 19/04/2020

10/10

It's a good book, but also a difficult one. I haven't been this frustrated with fictional characters for a while. Sometimes, it was so difficult I could only read one chapter at a time, and that's why it seemed much longer than it really was. I need a break from heavy books.

The Toll by Neal Shusterman

Finished on 22/04/2020

9/10

Oh boy, I do have a sweet spot for omniscient AI systems which have learned how to love and care for a group of humans (wink wink Person of Interest wink wink). My experience with this series has been long and interrupted. I read the first book in November 2018, then the next one in one day in the middle of December 2018 and finally, today, I finished the last one. I must admit, I had to google some names, because I couldn't remember who was who. I've heard voices that The Toll is different than the two first books but in my opinion it was just as fun and even more sci-fi than the other ones. Who would have thought that I would care about feelings of an omnipresent machine? Well, I should have expected that. All rejoice!

Psy i demony. Ciemne strony Japonii by Alex Kerr

Finished on 23/04/2020

7/10

A realistic - or maybe even grim - look at today's Japan. Written with passion and brutal honesty, it's a screaming argument claiming that many things Japan claims to be are just a big, old lie.

Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman

Finished on 26/04/2020

9/10

This book is about a radical idea. Enter drum rolls. The idea is that most people are pretty decent. Can a book on history be sweet? Can it be hopeful? In this sweet, sometimes even cloying book, Rutger Bregman scans history in order to find proof that we are in fact not that bad of a species. That in cases of disaster or faced with tragedy, we don't think only about ourselves and that we come together to help the weakest. He refutes studies that were designed to prove that we're essentially evil, and finds hope and acts of decency in even the darkest moments of human history. It's a book written in a way that makes it easy to read in one sitting. And it was especially heartwarming to read it in this difficult time. I would like to believe Bregman's arguments. They are clear and convincing, and yet there is something so deep in me trying to question them. Is it because we remember the bad things that happens to us better than the good ones? Nowadays I hear of people coming together to make masks and protective gear for medical personnel, I hear about people delivering groceries to the elderly, and yet the only thing I think about is one community in my city trying get a doctor kicked out from her apartment, because they thought that she somehow threatens their safety. Maybe the book doesn't prove we're essentially good, but it at least proves that we're better than we think. And it's not that difficult to be a decent person. In the end, I'll take the Ten Rules to Live By Bregman offered in his epilogue over Harari's 21 lessons any day.

Only Words by Summer Kiska

Finished on 30/04/2020

7/10

It was a decent fantasy novel with all the right elements: magic, villains, cats, and insta-love. It was something I didn't expect, though. I thought it would be about a magical investigation agency--this is how I interpreted the blurb--but instead, the book was more about sibling rivalry and revenge. The idea was both simple and great--how can you do magic, let alone protect yourself against attacks, if you can only use a limited number of words? The book's strongest element were the characters--the villains were appropriately ruthless and brutal. Overall, It was a great read.

#wrapup #Wrap Up #wrap-up #wrapups #summer kiska #the toll

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officialotakudome · 7 years

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New Post has been published on Otaku Dome | The Latest News In Anime, Manga, Gaming, And More

New Post has been published on http://otakudome.com/comedy-central-announces-new-upfront-shows/

Comedy Central Announces New Upfront Shows

Comedy Central has announced its 2017-2018 slate:

NEW YORK, April 18, 2017 — Comedy Central today released its 2017-2018 development slate, including three series pick-ups and nine pilot orders. The slate is headlined by series orders for scripted series Corporate; stand-up and music hybrid variety series The New Negroes; and Taskmaster, a game show format imported from the U.K. which will be hosted by Reggie Watts. The 2017-2018 slate was announced by Kent Alterman, President, Comedy Central.

“There is more high-level talent in this announcement than I could ever hope to convey in a corporate quote,” said Alterman.

Following the recent additions to its storied late night line-up, including the upcoming premiere of The President Show on April 27, a Jim Jefferies weekly late night series debuting this summer, and the addition of Jordan Klepper’s Daily Show persona to its late-night line-up weeknights, beginning in the fall, Comedy Central’s current development slate continues to open the aperture with a focus on creator-driven projects helmed by burgeoning talent who write, produce and star in their own projects including: Awkwfina, Neal Brennan, Arturo Castro, Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider, Jak Knight, Franchesca Ramsey, Baron Vaughn and Open Mike Eagle and Flint Wainess and Noël Wells, among others.

Information on the slate follows:

2017-2018 CONTENT DEVELOPMENT SLATE

SERIES GREENLIGHTS

Corporate – From Pat Bishop, Matt Ingebretson, and Jake Weisman comes a dark, edgy look at life as a Junior-Executive-in-Training at your average, soulless multi-national corporation. Matt and Jake (Ingebretson and Weisman) are at the mercy of a tyrannical CEO Christian DeVille (Lance Reddick) and his top lieutenants, sycophants John and Kate (Adam Lustick and Anne Dudek). As Matt and Jake navigate an ever-revolving series of disasters their only ally is Hampton Deville Human Resources rep Grace (Aparna Nancherla). Executive produced by Ingebretson, Weisman, Bishop, who will also direct and Jake Fogelnest. Adam Londy and Ian Friedman are the Executives in Charge of Production for Comedy Central.

Taskmaster – Produced by Avalon Television, Taskmaster is based on the BAFTA and Royal Television Society award-nominated, internationally popular UK format. Reggie Watts will star as the Taskmaster who, with series creator Alex Horne as his loyal assistant, will judge five unwitting comedians as they compete against each other with creativity, cunning and genius in a series of stupefying tasks. Executive produced by Watts, Horne, Richard Allen-Turner, Rob Aslett, David Martin, James Taylor, Jon Thoday, Kara Baker and Andy Devonshire, who will also direct. Kellyn Parker, Adam Londy and Jordan Ellner are the Executives in Charge of Production for Comedy Central.

The New Negroes – Described by The New York Times as a show that “wants to do more than simply provoke laughter…Baron Vaughn and Open Mike Eagle want to challenge ideas about what constitutes black entertainment and expand the discussion about black life in America,” The New Negroes is a socially aware stand-up and musical series showcasing a collection of new and established comedians. Created, executive produced and co-hosted by Baron Vaughn, executive produced and co-hosted by Open Mike Eagle and executive produced by Betsy Koch, Funny Or Die, and Lance Bangs, who will direct. JoAnn Grigioni, Anne Harris and Kellyn Parker are the Executives in Charge of Production for Comedy Central.

PILOT DEVELOPMENT

(all titles listed are working titles)

Alternatino – based on the Comedy Central digital series, a half-hour sketch show hosted and performed by Arturo Castro (“Broad City”) as he attempts to navigate life as a modern Latino millennial – whatever that means. Executive Produced by Castro and Avalon’s David Martin, Jon Thoday, Richard Allen-Turner and Sam Saifer.

Delco Proper – based on the Comedy Central digital series, centers around a group of buddies from Delaware County, PA, who’ve worked together in the same lumberyard for years. In that time, they’ve learned one thing for sure: It’s hard to change in a town that doesn’t. Written by John McKeever and Tommy Pope, with McKeever set to direct. Executive Produced by McKeever, Pope, Eric Abrams, and Sam Saifer of Avalon.

Home for the Weekend – created, executive produced and hosted by comedian Neal Brennan, this mockumentary-style half-hour follows Neal and a celebrity guest as they take a weekend trip back to the guest’s hometown. In each episode, things veer off the rails and pleasant strolls down memory lane take unexpected turns which reveal surprising backstories and hidden details about high-profile stars. Executive produced by Brennan, Party Over Here’s Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone, along with Lindsay Hannon.

Power Couple – created, written and executive produced by Noël Wells (who is attached to star) and Flint Wainess, Power Couple is the story of Flint and Noel, a neurotic 20-something couple in Austin, Texas navigating the existential horrors of the Internet age while constantly clashing with friends, neighbors, and the absurdity of the world around them.

Untitled Awkwafina Project – written by Nora Lum and Teresa Hsiao, executive produced by Itay Reiss of Principato-Young Entertainment and Lum and co-executive produced by Hsiao, this half-hour scripted narrative focuses on a heightened version of Nora Lum, better known as rapper Awkwafina, as she navigates the underground hip hop community in Queens.

Untitled Chris Kelly And Sarah Schneider Project – written by Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider, features two struggling siblings who are forced to reevaluate their lives when their much younger 12-year-old brother becomes instantly famous without trying. Chris Kelly (Other People) is set to direct. Executive produced by Kelly, Schneider, Lorne Michaels and Andrew Singer of Broadway Video.

Untitled Franchesca Ramsey Project – led by Franchesca Ramsey, the most diverse set of comedians on TV will heal America through brutal comedy, surprising guests, and breakdowns of the most pressing cultural issues you never knew you cared about. Who knew the awful truth was so hilarious? Executive produced by Ramsey, Eric Brown and Andrew Kornhaber and Kara Welker of Generate.

Untitled Jak Knight Stand-Up Project – Jak Knight hosts an underground stand-up show featuring three comedians from different genres and a unique performance from an emerging musical artist. Produced by Den of Thieves, executive produced by Knight, Molly Mandel, Lisa Mierke, Jared Morell, Jordan Barrow, Evan Prager, and Jesse Ignjatovic and directed by Chris Storer.

Untitled South Side Project – Written by Bashir Salahuddin, Diallo Riddle and Sultan Salahuddin, this workplace comedy is set in and around a rent-to-own business on the South Side of Chicago (where the Salahuddins grew up). All three writers will have roles on the show. The show will be executive produced by Bashir Salahuddin and Riddle as well as executive produced and directed by Michael Blieden.

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queencatherynerhys · 4 years

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Stuck With You - Chapter 1

A/N: I know I haven’t been non-existent in Tumblr world and TRR fandom. I’ve been working on this story for a while. I was looking through fanfiction stories and realized there’s never really been a Neal/Female OC angst story that caught my eye. I just don’t know why, so I decided to write one of my own.

The character’s voices might be a little different than you’ve come to know if you’ve watched the amazing show. If not, I highly recommend it. White Collar is one to binge through these uncertain times we live in. I’ve rewatched it several times now.

I apologize for any errors. I feel like I didn’t capture it very well. But please leave a like or better yet a comment if you like it and I will post the next chapter.

Disclaimer: Characters mostly belong to Jeff Eastin. OCs and the plot concept are mine.

Tags: @devineinterventions2 @madaraism @theroyalweisme @drakewalkerwhipped @drakesfiance @hhiggs @hellospunkiebrewster @alicars @mrswalkerreynolds @mfackenthal @simplyaiden-blog @hopefulmoonobject @blackcatkita @cocomaxley @boneandfur @lizeboredom @crayziimaginations @umccall71 @zarina-x-zig @writtenbycandy @ranishajay @heatherfilliez @drakelover78 @indiacater @pens-girl-87 @katurrade @speedyoperarascalparty @greyeyedsmile14 @barbaravalentino @zilch3 @mynameiskaylabella @darley1101 @blznbaby @trashbagfullofflannels @bella-ca @highlyselectiveextrovert @kacie-0156 *I just used my usual tag list. Let me know if you want to be taken off if you don’t want to receive notifications about this story. Also let me know if you want to be added.*

Four days earlier...

Earlier in the week, the FBI caught wind of an unidentified man that came into the city in the hopes of selling a stolen Rembrandt painting in New York. It sparked their attention because the particular piece hadn't been seen or heard for at least two decades. The storm on the Sea of Galilee went missing in 1990 and now it has resurfaced.

"There," Neal pointed on his screen as an anonymous man sat down on one of the benches. He was a young man in his late 20s to early 30s with brown hair, but what caught Neal's eye was his demeanor. His knee was bouncing up and down, his fingers were fidgeting, and his eyes kept glancing and looking around nervously. This man was no art thief. He was just a young man. He looked at Peter to tell him, but from the looks of it he already knew what he was going to say.

"Guys, I don't think this guy is our man. Just look at him. He doesn't even come close to the profile of an art thief. I don't think this guy can steal a candy bar from a gas station. I think we are looking for another guy. This guy is just a middleman," Peter told his team.

"I agree, boss, so what's the plan?" Diana asked.

"We send Neal in to find out what he wants, and go from there," he answered. He watched as Neal stood up, fixed his tie and suit, and flashed his signature, smug smile before exiting the van.

Neal confidently walked towards the bench the man was sitting on, but before he could even come near him the young man glanced at him, ducked his head, and appeared as if he whispered something to an earpiece. Guess that confirms the theory of this guy being just a patsy, but now Neal knew he'd been made. Without showing realization, Neal kept walking acting as if he was just taking a stroll through the park.

"By the looks of it, he knew who I was. I don't think this plan is much of a plan anymore, Peter," Neal said.

"What's up, Peter?" Neal inquired.

"I was thinking. This guy came to New York out of the blue to sell a valuable, stolen painting. What does that tell us? He's desperate to get the piece out of his hand, so he needs to find a buyer fast. What if we put a middle man on the table?" Peter explained.

"A fencer?" Neal questioned although he knew it was the right answer. "Where are we going to find someone good enough to act as an art fencer? Diana? She's good, but I have a hunch this guy is going to need someone more well-versed in the world of fine art. I would suggest Mozzie but he's been...occupied...since the Cape Verde fiasco. So who else is there?" Neal explained.

Peter looked at him with a look of hesitation with just a dash of regret. It dawns on Neal why he was looking at him that way.

"Oh, no. No. No, Peter, No. You are not bringing her into this," Neal began to object to his friend's idea.

"Neal, listen, she's the only chance we have of catching this guy. With her background in situations like this, who could be more perfect?" Peter tried to persuade. Neal was still not convince. He did not like this at all. Not one bit. Peter had one more card to play to try and get Ryne to do it.

"Well, how about we ask her opinion on it?" Peter slowly asked. He had come to know the young woman well in the year and a half she's been in Neal's life. He knew if anyone could change Neal's mind, it's her.

Neal had always been the romantic. Peter had seen him fall too easily and get heartbroken and dealt with loss no one should ever have to go through. He truly thinks that Neal loved them in his own way, but not the way he loves Ryne. Of all the women he's seen come and go, Kate, Alex, Sara, even Rebecca, in his friends life she's the only woman he was the most protective about. He could admit that seeing his friend care about someone the way he cared about Ryne gave him hope that Neal could have what he has with Elizabeth. A home, a family, love, happiness, contentment on where he is and what he has.

"Fine. Come by the apartment later," Neal gave in and walked away but not back to the van.

"Where are you going?" Peter asked him.

Neal turned around and a flashed a bright smile, "To make my case before you show up." He arrived at June's house and as he does everyday since he moved in he went to say hello to his beautiful, kind landlord before making his way upstairs. He looked everywhere on the lower floors for her, but he figured she currently wasn't home so he headed upstairs to his apartment.

"Come on, babe. It's all I'm asking. Everything else in the apartment is yours. I just want one thing that's for me. My own mark on Neal Caffrey's perfect apartment," she said in almost whiny, but endearing voice.

"Ryne, I just don't see the practicality of having a piano in here. Do you know how hard it will be to get it up here? And where would we put it?" Neal reasoned while tying his tie in front of the tall mirror beside their bed . He turned around to face her after he finished fixing himself.

She sashayed toward him slowly, enticingly, until coming to a stop in front of him to fix the lapels of his designer jacket.

"There's plenty of room in front of the bed," she suggested, almost pouted, and looked at his blue eyes with her big, hazel one pleadingly. The only thing missing was batting eyes, but she was not a little girl begging for candy. She's was a sophisticated woman who knew that the man in front of her would give her the world if she asked for it. He couldn't resist her, and she knew it.

"Ugh, fine, you can have a piano in here," he gave in and laughed when she jumped for joy at getting what she wanted. "The great Neal Caffrey tamed by big eyes and pouty lips. What have I become?" He looked down and shook his head with feign disappointment.

Had he no plans of meeting Peter, he would have gladly had his way with her on the apartment they now shared. Funny, even though Sara lived in his apartment for a brief time he never considered them sharing his home. It was always his, and Sara was there conveniently due to circumstances at the time they were dating. That's not the case with Ryne. She's different. He wanted to share everything with her, to be with her, to spend every waking minute of his life in the comfort of her arms. It was at that moment he realized he wanted to be hers forever.

Neal Caffrey was smitten with her. He knew he had never felt like this with anyone before. Sara had been close to capturing his heart, but she demanded a life he couldn't give her. With all the women that came to his life, she's the only one that didn't want anything from him. She didn't demand him to change, to be less the conman and more the honest-living-type-of guy. She encouraged and loved that he needed to live an almost free-spirited life. She simply loved him, Neal Caffrey, and all his facets, no more and no less.

"I love you, Ryne Beneventi, more than anything in this world, more than the finest art or jewelry. If you would have me, I want to be yours forever," Neal proclaimed as he pulled away from the kiss and looked deeply into her eyes. He held her closer to him. Neal had never in his life said those three words to anyone but her.

Kate knew he loved her, but he never said the words aloud. It was always implied, assumed. Alex was a spontaneous relationship. They had something, but not enough for those words. With Sara, he came close. He realized he fancied the "domestic" life with her. He cared for her perhaps a bit more than the others. He even proposed to her as part of a job they were doing. Rebecca, she, was a different case. A loose canon not worth mentioning.

But Ryne, she was the light in the darkness. She was his compass when he felt torn on which direction he should go. She was the breath he needed to live.

"I love you, Neal Caffrey. And I am yours as much as you are mine. Forever," she replied with a bright smile as she caressed his cheek softly with a warm, soft hand. He leaned to her touch and kissed the back of her palm before pulling away.

He would have loved to have stayed with her the whole day, but almost in cue his phone began to ring. His leash beckoned.

#white collar #whitecollar #neal caffrey #nealcaffrey #neal x oc #neal caffrey x oc #peter burke #mozzie white collar #mozzie #angst #romance #hurt #comfort #neal x peter #friendship

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altankatt · 4 years

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Peter shoots Fowler and takes the music box

In the car back to the office Diana called.

"Fowler left for his break. I'm about to enter his office."

"Aim for his laptop, Diana. But be careful."

"I'll be out before his first sip of macchiato."

She hung up. Peter hoped she was right. It was their chance to get anything on Fowler.

The phone rang again. It was from El.

"Hi hon, what's up?"

"It's Neal…" she answered.

"Yes?"

"I think he just said goodbye. For good."

"What?"

She told him about flowers and a phone and that Neal would arrange for her to get a big event.

"And when I said we would talk later he just said 'goodbye Elizabeth' and hung up. It was something very final about it."

Peter drove to the side and parked. Was Neal about to escape? He pulled out his phone to check the app when he remembered that Neal's anklet was tampered with.

"Damn it!" he cursed.

"Isn't he going back for life if he escapes?" El asked and he could hear she was worried.

"Yeah…" Peter agreed. "I'll see if I can find him before Hell breaks loose. Bye, hon."

He stared out through the windshield. Neal would not run unless he had a solid plan. And somehow he figured Fowler and Kate and that music box had something to do with it. He needed a walk to clear his head.

As he did, Diana phoned again.

"Hey," he said.

"I'm headed to the garage. I've got everything on Mentor. You're not gonna believe it."

"Is Neal involved?"

"Heavily. There's another file, but it's encrypted."

"See you in a moment."

He was close to the OPR's office. And they only had part of the building to the garage was easily accessible. He jogged down the stairs but stopped when he heard voices.

"Why is D.C. looking at my operation?"

It was Fowler's voice.

"OPR appropriating resources for Neal Caffrey, an art thief, raises questions," Diana replied.

Peter did not want to expose the connection between him and Diana if it could be avoided.

"It's all legitimate," Fowler said.

"I know."

"And what else did you find?"

"Encrypted file. I couldn't open it."

Then Peter heard something. A gun being cocked.

"I'd like it back."

Peter rushed down the corridor and out in the parking area, orientating himself and found himself standing behind Diana, in front of Fowler. Diana stood with her hands in the air.

"Burke."

"Fowler. What the hell are you doing?"

"Of course you're involved in this," Fowler realized with a sigh. "Stay where you are."

"Lower your weapon," Peter said.

"You have no idea what you're—"

"Lower your weapon!"

Diana raised her hands a bit more and Peter noted that she exposed her gun to him, tucked in the back of the waist of her pants.

"You just stay where you are," Fowler repeated.

Peter did not follow this command. He took a step forward, arms wide.

"Why are you doing this?" he asked. "We're on the same team."

"Stay where you are. You're out of your league. You have no idea what you're getting involved in."

Peter was now within the reach of Diana's gun.

"You don't wanna shoot an agent," he told Fowler. Then he grabbed Diana's gun.

"Gun down!" he yelled, pointing his new weapon at Fowler. "Drop the weapon!"

"Put your gun down!" Fowler returned.

"Drop the weapon!"

"Put the gun down!"

"Drop the weapon! Now!"

Diana pulled her other gun and Fowler's aim swung to her. Peter placed two bullets right into the man's chest. Fowler fell towards the car.

Both of them rushed forward. There was no blood. Peter ripped his shirt open and they saw he had a bulletproof vest on.

Peter was relieved. He had every cause to shoot, but he had never shot someone in the line of duty before. He did not like the idea.

The vest prevented the bullets from penetrating the body, but the impact still hit you like a sledgehammer. Peter grabbed Fowler's neck and bent him forward.

"Breathe, breathe. Breathe, Fowler."

He kicked Fowler's gun in under the car.

"How did you know he was wearing a vest?" Diana asked.

"I didn't."

Diana smiled. Peter returned it. Not that he enjoyed shooting, but he had reacted as his training told him to. He had protected Diana as first priority.

Fowler seemed to get his breath back and he pulled the man up to standing again.

"What the hell is Mentor?"

"Mentor is legit," Fowler answered. "Caffrey works for us now. He and Kate are deep undercover for OPR."

"OPR doesn't have deep cover agents," Peter protested. "You are helping him disappear."

"He wants to go," Fowler whispered.

"You met with him again," Peter realized. He glanced into the car and saw something that could be little else than an amber music box. Alex had ran with it and somehow it had ended up in Neal's hands after all. And he had delivered it to Fowler to get Kate back. And considering what El said, there was no time to lose.

"Neal is gonna disappear. I need to know where he is." Peter grabbed the front of Fowler's clothes. "Tell me!"

"Why do you care?"

"Give me the drive." Diana handed him the USB-stick. Peter held it up to Fowler. "You want me to upload this to D.C.? Or do we have something to talk about?"

Fowler sighed.

"Airstrip by the Hudson, hangar four."

Operation Mentor was only legit so far. It was not sanctioned by D.C.

"Diana, take care of that music box he has in the backseat."

"Don't…" Fowler protested.

"Why? Are you going to stop me?"

Fowler shook his head.

"As I said, Burke, you're out of your league."

Diana got the bag with the music box.

"You've got a car?" he asked Diana who nodded. "Good. Let's go."

They got inside and she got the car out of the garage in no time. She was an excellent driver and for once Peter did not care about her pressing the speed limits.

"You've no badge, boss," she said. "Want me to arrest Caffrey?"

"I'm not going to arrest him. His deal is all legal."

"Then why…?"

"Because I want him to stay."

Diana glanced at him.

"Wow. You really like him."

"I do. He's smart and he did a great job for us. And yes, he's become a friend. I don't want to lose him. But most of all, I think he's making a mistake leaving."

They arrived at the airstrip and they saw a taxi leaving and a man looking like Neal enter the hangar. Peter jumped out of the car as soon as Diana stopped outside.

"Wait here!"

He ran inside.

Like this? Read more at https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13445460/1/White-Collar-An-unofficial-novel-part-5

https://archiveofourown.org/works/21661231

#white collar #white collar fan fiction #white collar fanfic #jeff eastin #tim dekay #matt bomer #neal caffrey #peter burke #neal and peter #peter and neal #diana barrigan #garrett fowler #music box

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