Chapter 10

Five weeks later Neal found himself sitting up in bed for his final checkup before being released. "Well Mr. Caffrey you keep that leg up for another week and you'll be able to get that air cast off," the doctor said as he handed Neal his pair of crutches. Getting up on the crutches Neal balanced himself and sighed as he started to walk around carefully as Peter walked in with Ethan beside him. "Hey you're looking a lot better," he said as he grabbed Neal's bag of clothes and slung it over his shoulder as he walked out of the room toward the elevator. Heading home Peter helped Neal inside the Christmas decorated house. Neal smiled at everything and made his way over to the small couch and sat down letting Peter pamper him while he could still enjoy it. "I'm going to go get your prescription I'll be back in ten minutes at the most," Peter said as he made sure Neal was comfortable and Ethan had a coloring book to keep him busy.

Sighing softly Neal got comfortable and watched Ethan dump his crayons out on the coffee table before opening the book to a new picture. Smiling as he watched his son. Neal thought back to the week before when Peter and Mozzie had managed to pull some strings to get the judge that was hearing their adoption case to come to the hospital with the court reporter and do the adoption proceedings there.

Peter returned with Neal's pain killers and helped his husband upstairs to bed. "I can't wait to get this cast off my leg; I miss running around with Ethan and jogging in the morning… I'm glad that house hasn't sold yet we can still go look at it," Neal said with a huge grin as he got comfortable in bed. Peter gave a weak smile "Neal I know you have your heart set on that place but it's six million to buy it and that's not figuring in the taxes, we'll go look at it but I can't promise we'll get it," he said putting an arm around Neal and holding him a hidden smile on his lips when Neal looked away.

"I know it's a lot but it's also a lot of space that we could use especially with a son and a dog… it's not like we'll be moving to a whole new part of the city we would just be going a block over is all," Neal said trying to get Peter to his side of thought. "You rest, we'll talk more later about that house; oh by the way June called before I came to get you to say that she picked up everything you wrote on the list and she has it all at her place. As soon as you get your cast off you can pick it up. Also the insurance company has paid for a new car and I was thinking you were lucky this time with a sports car but maybe you should get something more family oriented and rated higher in safety. You need to buckle down and be more mature; Neal you need a car that is safe and one we can rely on…I won't go through all this again or worse," Peter said pulling Neal close.

Nodding Neal sighed he liked his sporty cars but he knew he could find something he and Peter both agreed on. "I have a feeling you already told my family not to even think of getting me another car for this Christmas," Neal said with a smile. Peter chuckled and kissed Neal's temple. "Get some rest maybe take a nap you look tired, I promise by the time you wake up I'll have dinner ready for you," the agent said as he slipped off the bed. Rolling on his side Neal kept his leg out a bit and relaxed on the large bed and slowly fell asleep.

Making his way downstairs Peter found Ethan drawing on the wall. "Hey buddy what are you doing down here?" Peter asked walking up behind Ethan and looking down at his son. "Art…" the little boy responded as he continued to doodle on the wall making quite a large mess that Peter knew he would end up cleaning up. "Well buddy you need to stop that right now and use a coloring book; remember you're not supposed to draw on the walls," the agent said putting down his foot on the subject as he grabbed Ethan's hand and pulled it from the wall. Pulling to get out of Peter's reach Ethan cried and stomped his feet before kicking the box of crayons all over the floor. "Okay mister you're on your way to a time out… now pick up your crayons and then go to your room," Peter said hating to always be the rule giver since Neal never punished Ethan. When Ethan made no move to obey Peter carried him upstairs and sat him on his bed. "Time out; now you sit right there and don't come out until you're ready to pick up your crayons," he said walking out of the room and heading into the master bedroom.

"I wish you wouldn't stifle him like that…so he drew on the wall with crayon it can be washed off. He's only three Peter let him be wild while he still can before he has to conform to the rules like everyone else," Neal said giving a sigh. "Neal you spent more than two hundred dollars on toys for him and art supplies. He has an easel to draw on; he can express his creativity on that not on our walls and since you're in bed I've got to go clean the mess he made," Peter said sighing. Neal sighed and sat up and looked down a bit "Peter…I'm not going to agree with you on this, I want Ethan to express himself with his art and if wants to draw on the wall then let him he's not hurting anyone," he argued looking up and throwing his legs off the bed and pushed himself up to stand on his good leg.

Before he could take a step Peter was in front of Neal "You might be okay with it but I will not sit back and let our son become like you and end up running from the FBI and in jail the rest of his life," Peter yelled back with enough force to scare the dog out of the room with his tail between his legs. "Drawing on the walls is not going to turn him into a criminal," Neal yelled back his hair falling into his face. Taking a step on his injured leg Neal crumbled to the floor hard. Forgetting his anger Peter was at Neal's side helping him back up and holding him close. "You realize we have years to keep him on the straight and narrow we shouldn't fight about this…" the ex con said putting his arms around his husband. Helping Neal back onto the bed Peter sighed and smiled. "You're right for all we know he could grow up to be a marine biologist… and worst case scenario male stripper," he said earning a groan from the younger man. "Don't even joke about that, now why don't you go get Ethan and bring him in here," he said sitting up and getting comfortable.

Leaving the bedroom Peter came back with his son and sat on the bed with him. "Now Ethan you know you're not supposed to draw on the walls but if you do it from time to time that's okay just don't make it huge," he said finally breaking down in the fight against the established rules of parenting. Nodding Ethan moved and hugged Peter before moving over to Neal. "Since that's been settled I'm going to the store to pick up some stuff for dinner, I also have to go into the city to pick up some things from work for a case they want some consulting done on… I said no before while you were still in the hospital but now I need to keep you busy so you don't go robbing everyone," Peter said with a smile as he watched Ethan get down from the bed and run off to play in his room.

"Peter…if you're going out could you leave your gun behind I don't want to be alone if I don't have to but if I do then I want some more protection," Neal said looking up worried. Peter put both his hands on the side of Neal's face and smiled at him. "You're going to be fine, Momo is here to protect you and Keller wouldn't dare come in here the FBI is looking all over the country for him not to mention some other means as well but if you really want it then here," Peter said pulling his gun out of his drawer and showed it to Neal before putting it back in and leaving the drawer unlocked. Making sure that Neal was okay with him leaving Peter went downstairs and found Momo chewing on a chew toy and crouched to the dog's level. "You guard this house alright…those two are the most important people in my life," Peter said looking into the dog's brown eyes knowing that they had a silent agreement.

Making sure the front door was locked tight Peter he got into his car and drove into the city and went to the office to actually get some work done finally after being cooped up in the hospital room with Neal and Ethan. After learning from his report that the hunt for Keller was going nowhere Peter sighed and changed tactics and ordered his agents to his neighborhood to ask neighbors about Keller. Sitting at his desk Peter stared at the family picture of him, Neal and Ethan at the park. Slowly standing up the agent paced his office trying to think of how to track the conman down.

Neal sighed as he tried to get comfortable in bed; he closed his eyes and sighed again when he couldn't get comfortable. Realizing the reason for his unrest was because he felt he wasn't someone other than him and Ethan was in the house Neal struggled to his feet he before limping out of the master bedroom with his cell phone in hand to the top of the stairs. "Peter…Peter is that you downstairs?" Neal called feeling a heavy sense of déjà vu. Limping into Ethan's room Neal saw his son playing with his blocks. Ethan looked up past Neal and gave a small wave; spinning around Neal looked out on the landing and saw Keller standing there with a small hand gun handle showing from his belt. Moving slowly Neal kept his eyes on Keller as he motioned for Ethan to stand up so he could bend down and pick him up. "Don't hurt us…the FBI is only after you for escaping prison…" Neal said moving back into the corner and keeping Ethan close.

"I'm not going to hurt you Caffrey at least not right away…now get over here we're going for a little trip," Keller said taking his gun out and waving it toward the bedroom door. Neal stood his ground and turned away slipping his cellphone into Ethan's pocket after hitting the speed dial for Peter's work number he waited until heard the other line pick up before speaking. "When Peter finds out he's going to find you… he won't take you threatening his family like this with a gun," Neal said hoping his phone picked up his voice.

Keller rolled his eyes "I told you I'm not going to hurt you so you can put the kid down. I'm also not going to hurt your kid I have some morals…"Keller said watching his ex-partner cower in the corner. Neal held Ethan closer to keep him calm before letting out a loud whistle. Keller wanted to roll his eyes again until he heard a deep growl behind him, turning around he saw the young German Sheppard moving closer his teeth barred. "I've got a gun you stupid…" but before he could finish his threat Neal hit him with a lamp knocking him to the floor while he kept Ethan on his hip. Momo walked over and sat on Keller keeping him pinned to the ground with his weight growling at every movement he made.

Neal limped out of Ethan's room and sat against the wall as he kept Ethan close while he waited for the FBI to show up and arrest Keller. Sitting there Neal took in a shuddering breath as he heard the front door crash open. "We're up here…" Neal called out as he looked down the stairs and saw Peter standing there. "Do I get a reward?" he asked with a small chuckle as Peter and Jones moved upstairs and arrested Keller with a chuckle. Helping his husband to his feet Peter smirked. "Yes you do, it's called dinner with you family tonight," he said putting his arms around Neal. "Best reward ever then," Neal said as he watched Jones lead the other con down the stairs.

When the FBI finally left Neal brought Ethan into the master bedroom and sat down and held him close. Peter walked into the room and pulled his family into his arms as Momo came in and put his head on Peter's leg. "Good boy Momo you're get a new bone for this one," Peter said as he stroked the dog's head. "Can we watch a movie?" Ethan asked as he stayed in Neal's arms. Peter nodded and turned the television on and looked through the movie channels for something they could watch as a family.

Halfway through the movie Peter looked over and saw Neal and Ethan curled against him on either side asleep. Moving off the bed Peter slipped downstairs and made some dinner and ate quickly before feeding Momo. Opening his laptop Peter began to write an email in response to one he had gotten the day before. Hearing the telltale sound of Neal coming down the stairs he saved the email and closed his laptop quickly and turned to see Neal looking at him. "I was wondering where you went too, I just wanted to say thank you for getting here so fast," Neal said as he leaned over Peter's shoulder and kissed him. "You know…Ethan is sound asleep upstairs," Neal said as he slipped onto Peter's lap and smirked at his husband.

"I know and I also know that it's been a while," Peter remarked pulling Neal into another kiss. When they broke for air Neal sighed. "Christmas is in two weeks and I didn't get to do any shopping yet for your gifts yet," Neal said softly feeling like a terrible person. Peter smiled and kissed the other man again. "You and Ethan being alive is the best gift I could have this year," he said softly putting his forehead against Neal's before leaning in and kissing him again with more force. Lost in their own world they didn't hear Ethan come downstairs. Peter jumped when he felt Ethan tug on his arm and dropped Neal on the floor. "Ouch… jeez Peter," Neal remarked rubbing his backside to take away the sting of the wood floor.

Rolling his eyes Peter looks at his son and smiles. "Hey buddy, what's up?" he asked with a smile. "I'm hungry…"the little boy said with a smile. "Okay how about macaroni and cheese and chicken fingers?" Peter asked as he helped Neal up and sat him in a chair before helping Ethan onto a chair as well before he started to make dinner. Once dinner was placed before them Peter grabbed a beer and sat beside Neal and stole some food from Neal's plate. As soon as Ethan was done Peter looked at the clock. "Well it's getting late time for your bath," Peter said smiling as Ethan got off his chair and took Peter's hand and went upstairs.

Taking advantage of being alone Neal grabbed Peter's laptop and opened it and was met with a prompt for a password. Tapping his fingers on the table he stared at the screen before trying a few different passwords. After ten failures Neal sighed and looked around the hoping a clue would just hit him. "You're not going to figure out my password so don't even think about it…"Peter said as he moved closer and shut the computer down and took it from Neal. Huffing loudly Neal sat back and pouted that he was caught. "Why don't you go up there Ethan wants you to read to him before he falls asleep," Peter said softly. "Okay I'll be up in a minute, hey you don't have to take your computer with you, you know," Neal remarked as Peter made his way downstairs.

Peter stopped and looked at Neal. "Nice try… but you're not allowed to touch my laptop for a while," Peter said as he disappeared downstairs and sat on the couch with his laptop and checked his email. Smirking at the most recent email he received Peter wrote another back before shutting his computer down and putting his laptop on the top of the bookshelf making sure it was out of sight and out of reach before heading back upstairs to be with his family only to find Neal and Ethan asleep on the master bed together the book Neal had been reading on his chest. Getting ready for bed Peter shut the light off and got into bed as well.

As the week dragged on Neal did some online shopping looking for the perfect gift for Peter. Looking up he watched Ethan watching the children programing on the television. "Ethan what do you want to get Peter for Christmas?" Neal asked as the little boy came over and shrugged as he crawled onto the couch. Neal thought for a moment and found a sports memorabilia site and started to scroll through everything baseball related until he found some Yankees signed balls and cards. "I wish I knew what Peter liked more…" he groaned as he put his head back and sighed.

By lunch time Peter arrived home and found Neal freaking out over gifts for him. "You know what…stop worrying," Peter said in Neal's ear making him jump. "Hey… I was wondering when you were going to get home…" Neal said putting his arms around Peter and pulling him into a kiss. Breaking for air Peter smirked. "If you feel the need to get me a gift I could use some new ties… and suits… and you would love to shop for me wouldn't you?" he asked chuckling. Neal smirked and kissed his husband again. "Only the best for you, Armani and Gucci," Neal mumbled with a smile. Peter pulled away after one more kiss and made his way to the kitchen to make something to eat. "Don't forget I'm taking you to your appointment in an hour to get your cast off," Peter said sitting at the table.

After a long appointment Neal looked at his leg that was cast free and smiled. "Feels good to be free even if I'm on a cane for a week," Neal said smirking as he walked out of the doctor's office with Peter and Ethan. Peter smiled as he kept close to Neal as they walked to the car. "So are we still heading to Ireland for the holidays?" Peter asked as they got Ethan strapped into his car seat. "Actually I called my mom from the hospital and told her we're going to spend the holidays at home this year and since your sister offered to watch Ethan on New Year's so that we can go to this party we've been invited to in the city at the Rush Art Gallery. There is a small art show and wine tasting don't worry it's not all night then we can go home and do whatever we like to ring in the new year, unless you rather we stay home and just have a private date," the ex con said as he snapped his seatbelt in.

"We should have a date night. It has been too long," Peter said as he drove home with his family. "I've got to go back to work and I'll be late coming home so don't wait up for me. I have to make up all the hours I keep missing and besides this way you can shop online for my gifts," Peter remarked as he pulled up to the house and dropped Neal and Ethan off. Neal watched Peter drive off, "Come on kiddo let's go get Momo so we can take a walk to the park and the store for something to eat before we order Peter's gifts," he said as he led Ethan inside and got the dog hooked up and left the house.

When Christmas finally arrived Neal was ecstatic that it was Christmas Eve. Sitting on the loveseat Neal watched Peter as he poured a couple glasses of wine. "This is our first Christmas as a family, and last year doesn't count we were engaged only…" he remarked getting up and carrying a small gift over to Peter. "Open it…"After ripping the paper off the small box Peter looked up with a quizzical look on his face. "A set of house keys; what are these for?" Peter asked sounding a bit worried. Neal smiled and waited for Peter to go through the rest of the box that held a deed and a picture. "It's a fixer upper cabin on the opposite side of the lake where we had our honeymoon," Neal said just as Peter pulled him into a deep kiss before breaking away. "I don't say this enough but I do love you so much Neal," the agent said glancing at the clock.

"It's after midnight, so I guess I can give you your gift as well but we have to go downstairs for it," Peter said handing Neal one glass of wine before leading him downstairs to the couch by the hand. Sitting Neal down Peter grabbed a good sized box from under the tree and handed it over. Neal weighed the gift in his hand before peeling the paper back and opening the box Neal looked up a look of pure shock on his face. "Peter…this is real… but how…the market value is well a lot," Neal remarked his brain slowly shutting down at the sight in front of him. Neal looked down again at the painting Peter had given him by his favorite artist. Though it wasn't his most famous works it was still expensive.

Getting up Neal put the painting safely on the desk in the corner before smirking. "I'll be right back, oh and no peeking, I had another gift for you…" he said as he went into the downstairs bathroom and came back out after a few minutes very quietly. "You know I might not get anything from Santa tonight you know how he dislikes naughty people… but I know you like it when I'm naughty," Neal said as he walked into Peter's line of sight dressed in red pants that hung low on his hips the top and cuffs at the bottom lined with fake white fur. Peter looked Neal over and smirked.

"You will stay on the naughty list for sure if you keep dressing like that," he remarked with a smirk.

"Ho…ho… ho," Neal said laughing getting a smirk from Peter. "Look who's talking," Neal laughed and straddled Peter's lap and yanked Peter into a kiss. Smirking into the kiss Peter broke for air and pulled Neal closer and looked at him. "Come on let's head upstairs," he mumbled letting Neal climb off his lap. Heading back upstairs Neal looked in on Ethan for a moment he smiled at the sight and closed the door before going into their room and closing the master room door and sat on the bed. "Merry Christmas, Babe," Neal said with a smirk.