Chapter 13

Moving Forward

The next three days passed in slow motion for everyone, except for Neal, who probably didn't realize anytime had passed at all from the time he went into surgery to the time he woke up seventy-two hours later. Peter and El were told the surgery was successful. They had gone in to relieve the pressure that had built up in his skull which, coupled with the fever, triggered Neal's seizure. Peter shuddered at the memory. After Neal had gone into surgery, the nurse who had been there since the beginning urged them to go home. Reluctantly, they did. Peter couldn't sleep though, and he barely slept for the two nights after that. His worry for Neal was overpowering, and every time he closed his eyes he was greeted with flashes of Neal in pain, whether it be in the cabin, the submarine, or the hospital. No matter what he did, he couldn't get Neal out of his head.

June came by the hospital and shared comforting words with Peter and Elizabeth. She stayed for over an hour by Neal's bedside, pushing locks of his hair back and stroking his cheeks all while telling him stories about Byron's old adventures. Mozzie came too, and to their surprise, stayed with them for most of the day. Peter could tell he hadn't slept either.

But luckily for all of them, Neal woke up. The three days leading up to his waking were filled with anxiety and sorrow, but once they caught sight of those blue eyes again, all the worry seemed to fade away. The nurses checked him over thoroughly, noting that he no longer had a fever and the medication they had switched him to fought off the infection. Also, his head was healing nicely and his hand was no longer bandaged heavily, instead replaced by a contraption that reminded Peter of the Terminator.

It took a while, but over the next week Neal became more coherent. Peter still wouldn't leave his bedside, only running into the office when he was asleep. When he woke, they shared a few words, although Neal was still exhausted and slurring most of them, but Peter could tell he was getting better. The vibrancy in his eyes was slowly returning and he started to get his color back, and Neal would smile every time he woke to see Peter or El sitting next to him. It filled their hearts with warmth seeing that.

Once when Neal awoke, twelve days after the first night in the hospital, he turned to Peter and blinked up at him sleepily. "P'ter…the case."

"Hey buddy good to see you awake." He said as he put a file down and leaned towards him. "What case?"

"Uhh…cold." He said tiredly.

"What are you cold?"

"No no no…the case." He said insistently, closing his eyes and shaking his head, somewhat frustrated.

"You aren't much help here Neal. What are you talking about?" Peter said, like he was trying to reason with a three year old who had limited grammar.

"They're twins." Neal said.

Peter looked over to El, who looked just as puzzle as he did. "Neal, look at me." Neal complied, and when he opened his eyes and caught sight of Peter he smiled again. Why does he always have to do that? Neal's sleepy smile melted Peter's heart. He couldn't understand how no matter what, every time he woke up he would smile, despite all he'd been through. "Now, Neal" he said as he put his hand on his shoulder. "Tell me what you are getting at here."

"Ah P'ter c'mon you're a better agent th'n that." He said. "The case…the cold one…from…from the night…"

Oh…He's referring to the cold case we were pondering the night he was taken.

"What about the case, Neal?" Peter asked skeptically, wondering if Neal's meds were set a little too high.

"They were twins." He said, eyeing Peter like he was expecting praise.

"Who was?"

"The insurance fraud guy! It wasn't just him, there were two!" Neal said excitedly, as if he had found the Holy Grail.

"Oh my God Neal." Peter said in disbelief. "That's how none of the crimes matched up. The aliases, the different states, the mismatching dates, it all makes sense." Neal had closed his eyes again. Peter looked toward El, "How the hell does he do this?"

"'cause 'm smart." Came the slurred reply.

Peter just shook his head and laughed. God, was he happy to have Neal back, well mostly back.

Gradually, Neal began to stay awake longer. By day fourteen, he was able to stay awake for most of the day, and they had started to give him solid food. After a rather bland lunch, Peter asked him, "So, how are you feeling?"

Neal shrugged. "Been better, but I'm alright." He looked down at his hand, which was still in the immovable metallic device that connected all the way up to his bicep. He frowned.

"You know they said the x-rays look good. They said you should regain full use after some physical therapy." Peter said, sensing Neal's discomfort.

"And you bet your ass you are completing all of that therapy." El chimed in.

"And, speaking of therapy…" Peter began. "El, can you give us a moment?" She rose and walked out of the room, nodding at Peter. They'd discussed this earlier in the day.

Peter continued, "I know that what you went through was…bad…to say the least. Don't bite my head off, but I think talking to someone, a professional, might help."

"Oh Peter." Neal rolled his eyes. "I don't need a shrink. The fact that Wesley is locked up is all the therapy I need."

Peter saw that Neal tried to be convincing, but he couldn't hide the chill that went up his body when he said Wesley's name.

"Don't try to con me Neal. What he did to you…" Peter saw Neal look away.

"I'm fine aright?" He said sharply, still looking toward the other side of the room.

"No you're not."

"How would you know? And how would you know that therapy would help me?"

"Because I'm talking to a professional too. I've been seeing him for over a week now…" Peter said hesitantly and averted his eyes as Neal turned back toward him in shock.

"You? Really you are? But…why?" Neal asked, a sudden innocence and guilt in his voice.

"This whole thing…it wasn't easy for me. I can get over Wesley kicking my ass but the thought of him hurting you…and thinking I wasn't going to find you…and seeing you code multiple times…waiting in the hospital…" Peter stopped before the tears that were welling had a chance to fall.

"Peter…"

"It was just too much for me, I guess. El suggested seeing someone…so I did."

"I'm sorry." Neal said quietly.

"For what?"

"For making you worry so much. I didn't…" He stopped.

"You didn't what?" Peter asked, looking up at him.

"I…I've never had anyone really care about me. I didn't realize I meant that much to you."

The words were like a knife twisting into Peter's heart.

"Oh, Neal." Peter said as he reached a hand up and rested it on Neal's shoulder. "Besides El, you are the most important person in my life. You're my best friend, buddy."

Neal smiled and blushed slightly. "Thanks, Peter."

They were silent for a few seconds, taking in the heart to heart conversation that had surprisingly happened between them.

Neal continued, "Remember in the Howser Clinic, I told you that you were the only one I trust?"

"Yeah, when you were drugged off your ass?" Peter replied with a small laugh.

"Yeah, yeah. But I meant what I said Peter." Neal locked eyes with him. "You're the only person I trust. The only one I can rely on. Thank you for that."

Neal leaned back and closed his eyes again, and Peter took that as his cue to go find El. Before he stepped through the door, he looked back at his CI and smiled.

Son of a bitch. Peter couldn't believe how this con man had weaseled his way into the depths of his heart. He was more than a consultant, he was a true friend, and Peter was more than happy to finally have him back.

End.

So? What did you think? Short and sweet ending. You can infer what happens, or I'll leave it up to your imagination. My intention is everything goes back to normal after some good bonding and therapy and such, and Neal and Peter's relationship is much more meaningful of course. Thanks for sticking along for the ride, I'd really appreciate a review to let me know how I did!

FIRST FANFICTION IS COMPLETE! (I will take new requests/prompts!)