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A/N thanks to everyone who has supported my white collar fics. This is a request made by Row (Whispercloud). This time it is a Chuck/White Collar/Batman fic. Enjoy.

For those who don't know Jones's first name is Clinton.

Neal's POV

His shoulder ached as he sat at his desk. The entire office was being tested on their self defense skills. It made him uneasy despite the fact he had not been called yet.

It wasn't that he was afraid that he would fail the test. He was afraid that he would pass it. No one knew that he could fight. Or even fight as well as he did. Despite his aches and pains he could still fight. Not as well as he once did but enough to defend himself against White Collar criminals.

Very few people had ever seen him without a shirt on. He was very careful about it when he changed. His scars would bring up questions that he could not answer.

The hairs on the back of his neck stood up on end suddenly. Someone was watching him and they didn't have the best intentions. There was little doubt in his mind who it was.

Slowly he turned his head to look back towards the conference room and higher offices. Standing at the railing was Phillip Kramer.

Blue green eyes met blue. A triumphant smirk crossed the elder man's face. It made Neal's skin crawl just seeing it. That man was up to something. Even after he and Peter made up the bastard still had yet to leave.

His commutation hearing was in just a few days. It would be what decided his future for the next two years. Would he be free? Or would he still be kept on a leash?

He hid a start when movement appeared at his desk. The pen he had been playing with tightened into his fist. It wasn't much of a weapon but it would do.

When he looked up he saw Jones standing there. The older man looked uncomfortable. Given what he wanted Neal didn't blame him. It was well known in the FBI that he didn't fight.

Jones said carefully, "Neal, Hughes wants you to be the next to be tested. Let's go down to the training room."

Neal sighed. He didn't really have a choice. Every member of the FBI was being tested. This included all the CI's.

Peter gave him a strange look as they passed. Peter knew that he had been acting strangely since the order went out.

Who could blame him? He practically begged Hughes not to give him the test. Hughes had denied his request.

Hughes blatantly told him if he couldn't pass the test then they would find a teacher. It wasn't that he was worried about. He could pass a defense exam. Fighting was drilled into him at a young age.

What he was afraid of was losing his position here. Proving that he could fight just chose not to could very well end his time at the FBI. He would have to be cautious not to show his true skills. Just show enough of them to be left alone.

Hesitantly he allowed Jones to take him to the training room. Neal took off his jacket immediately then began to roll up his sleeves. This was what he wore constantly if they were going to test him it would be on his terms.

Jones inquired curiously raising an eyebrow, "That's what you are going to fight in?"

Answered without looking at the man, "If you want to see how I fight. It would make sense to see how I fight in the clothes I wear all the time. Rather than clothes that I would wear only in practice."

Jones shrugged, "All right, Caffery. If that's what you want."

Jones removed his own jacket and took an open fighting stance. To Neal's trained eye he could see the man knew how to protect himself. That he had trained as a boxer before. Boxing however was too restrictive to be much use here. To fight for your life was to give it all you had to throw away the formal training and give it all you had. Boxing was good in a controlled setting but not here.

Neal didn't give the older man time to strike. He lunged forward feinted left and swung right. That attack hit its mark on Jones's jaw.

Neal could see that the other was seeing stars. He might not look like much but he packed one hell of a strike.

Jones quickly recovered blocking the second strike. Neal backed away waiting to see what he would do next.

Jones didn't let him retreat for long though. He went straight in for blows of his own. Neal blocked expertly ignoring the dangerous twinge that his shoulder was giving off. He could push through that. It wasn't on the verge of being useless. Not yet at least.

Neal chooses to go at Jones a second time. This time he slips around the other's guard and grabbed his wrist. With strength that few knew he had he spun the man around and twisted arm behind the other's back. Jerking it up and pushing on the wrist be put the agent into a painful wrist lock. Only to follow through with a kick to the back of Jones's knee.

Jones went down and that was the end of their fight. Neal growled as he applied a slight bit more pressure when the man tried to stand, "Do you yield?"

Jones yelped painfully, "I yield, Caffery. Let go."

Neal did as he was bid. It was only a moment later he realized what happened. The Larkin side of him had kicked in. He could have seriously injured Jones in what should have just been a sparring session.

Neal apologized quietly, "Sorry. It's been a long time and I went to far."

Jones shook his head as he rolled his shoulder and rubbed his wrist, "I shouldn't have underestimated you. You have proven time and time again that just because you won't. Doesn't mean you can't. Where did you learn to fight like that?"

"I learned from a young age," he answered truthfully.

Give just enough information to quell the questions. Not enough to trace it back to any point in time or place.

As he was rolling down his sleeves Peter said from the doorway, "Neal come on. We have a case."

That got him moving. Anything was better than standing here waiting. No more awkward questions. Immediately he left with Peter leaving Jones staring at his back.

Jones's POV

As he watched Caffery leave something caught his eye. Caffery's jacket was still laying where he left it. The fight must have really spooked him if he left his trademark jacket behind.

When he picked it up a picture fell out from the inside pocket. Curious, Clint picked it up. Anyone who had ever been in Neal's apartment knew the man didn't have pictures. There were artwork hanging up but nothing of him.

There was a betting pool about the man's past. 300 dollars on what kind of past Caffery had before. Considering nothing was known about him before the age of 18 it wasn't surprising.

He turned the picture over in his hands and started in surprise. It could have been a group of brothers. Or adopted some of them looked to different to be full blooded brothers.

Immediately he spied Neal the oldest of the group. He had a bright grin on his face. His arm was slung over a grumpy looking child. They almost looked as if they were brother.

To his trained eyes he noticed the difference between that smile and the smile he normally saw. It was less forced and truly happy. Who were these people?

Chapter Text

A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

21JumpStreetMcQuaids: thanks for your review my friend. Glad you enjoy it.

Neal's POV

The case was that a theft from one of the downtown museums. It wasn't an art museum or one he would frequent. If he was honest he didn't know much about it.

The others seemed to be distracted with something. He had a feeling that they were trying to keep him busy. Something had happened while he was having a test with Jones.

His eyes were drawn to the conference room door as the man arrived. On Jones's arm was his jacket causing Neal's eyes to widen. He had completley forgotten to grab his jacket. That was a stupid mistake even for him.

Jones said holding out the jacket, "You left this in the gym, Caffery."

Neal took it and said, "Thanks, Jones."

As he put it on he did a pat down of his pockets. A sense of terror washed over him. It drowned out everything else as he realized his picture was not in his jacket.

It took several moments of taking slow deep breaths for him to calm down. He was a trained CIA agent even if he was a retired one. It wasn't as if they found his badge. If that happened he would get a call from his handler.

When he looked up Jones had already moved to where Peter was sitting. Between the FBI and Mozzie it was getting harder to keep people off the trail of his past.

Mozzie had more questions than ever about the first day they met. The name Neal Caffery had been one he made up on the spot. It wouldn't lead back to his last two identities.

His hands shook violently at the thought of that first day. It wasn't just the day that he met Mozzie. It was the day he broke out of a CIA facility. One that he had woken open in after being riddled with bullets.

Then there was the FBI. Peter was asking uncomfortabel questions. Mainly it was about his father. Neal gave brief and vague answers. His father was a cop. Which was in a way true. Bruce Wayne worked with the police force as Batman. John Grayson was a gypsie true and true.

The picture would only bring out more uncomfortable questions. Anyone remotely familiar with Gotham would recognize the Wayne siblings. Not only that but he was obviously in the picture. That would bring to light questions about his past. Ones that could very well bring Bruce to New York.

He was so lost in his thoughts he almost didn't hear the silky question, "Is this where I am supposed to meet, Agent Burke?"

That voice... it couldn't be. He eyes shot up to meet the familiar green eyes of Selina Kyle. Her eyes widened with shock and recognition.

She inquired her voice held a feverent hope, "Dick?"

He knew that amongst his family she would miss him. It was Selena who first taught him the art of being a thief. How to spot even the best of forgeries. Without her he would have never made it as Neal Caffery.

Her question however was bringing about unwanted attention. He shook his head and put on a fake conman smile as he said holding out his hand, "Neal Caffery actually. It's nice to meet you, Miss Kyle."

Her green eyes narrowed taking in the room. She took in the room immediately. Her eyes then turned back to him. They told him this conversation wasn't over.

She shook his hand and replied, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Caffery. Thank you all for taking my case."

Selena... he really hoped she wasn't behind this. He really didn't want her around for long. The longer she was there the more likely Peter was to put together the clues.

Peter said drawing their attention, "Neal sit down. Miss Kyle thank you for coming. I understand that you were released despite the museum's suspicions."

Neal began to thumb through the file. It didn't take him long to find Selena's detention. Many people thought that she was Catwoman. While she in fact was no police could prove it.

It was a golden artifact from Egypt. A frown marred his face. While it was shiny it wasn't typical of Catwoman. She stole mainly from those who could afford it being stolen from.

Neal inquired curious, "Do we have any video from the museum?"

Peter nodded and pulled it up on the TV. He let the others speak while he listened with half an ear. They were asking about why Selena was there. Did she have enemies? Who would try to frame her for the robbery?

Neal's main focus was on the camera video. Everything seemed normal for the museum. People were moving through the room.

The cameras cut off right as Selina entered. There was a chance that he could recover the lost footage. It would reveal that he had some skill with a computer. That wasn't something he was willing to share.

He said vaguely, "We will need someone to see if they can't recover the footage. By the time the cameras come back on they have already taken Miss Kyle into custody."

He was watching it play out. If this was him how would he do it. Place a bug on Selina as he passed her. It was possible but extremely risky. As a thief herself she would be able to detect slight of hands and tricks like that.

He asked as the idea entered into his mind, "Do we have footage from the rest of the cameras?"

Petet only waved him off. Neal was able to pull it up from the laptop. This wasn't showing his skills with a computer. Just showing he wasn't a complete idiot when it came to them.

There it was. Cameras went off when someone entered the area. It wasn't Selina every time either. She had just been caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

He said over his shoulder, "Peter," his handler looked up, "Watch this."

Neal pulled it up so that every camera was on the screen. He then played it showing how their thief entered after Selina.

Peter praised, "Well done, Neal. I'll have our techs look at this footage. They should be able to bring back to rest of the recordings."

Selina inquired her eyes looking at him, "What about, Mr. Caffery? Could he not try to do that here?"

Peter shook his head and replied, "No. Neal here is out art and forgery expert. Computers and him don't tend to get along very well."

Selina's eyes narrowed at him. She knew that was a complete lie. Computers had been his forte even back when he first started with Batman. He shrugged as if asking what can you do.

The meeting didn't go on for much longer after that. Peter had Neal ask Mozzie to hit the pavement. Unofficially of course. Neal could only hope his friend was still in the mood.

They had something that wasn't quite a falling out after the treasure incident. Neal had chosen to stay and not go with his best friend. That had hit the older thief hard.

The only reason why Mozzie came back was that a set of Russian mobsters had kidnapped Elizabeth. They would only return her when they had the treasure. Neal had ended up shooting two of the four to keep them from hurting Peter. Elizabeth gravely injured another in her attempt to escape.

Neal's ears still have rang from the lecture he recieved from his CIA handler. That man could seriously lecture. Not that he could really take it seriously coming from the man who became a criminal mastermind to keep an eye on him.

Casey's POV

Keeping an on Chuckles had become easier in the last few months. With the improved Intersect the man boy could almost take care of himself. Still he kept an eye as was his duty on the man.

His night was spent the same as it always was. Cleaning his gun and trimming his bonsai. What should have been a peaceful night was interrupted by his phone ringing.

He answered it gruffly, "Casey."

A familiar voice said, "John I'm calling in the favor that you owe me. How soon can you get to New York?"

Casey growled low in his throat. The Dentist was calling in his favor now? Just when things were beginning to settle in Burbank. Still he owed the short man his life. For that he would go where he was asked.

He growled, "Give me a day."

Without an answer the line went dead. The General was trying to convince him to use his vacation time. Maybe he would use it now.

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A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

Fangtasia21: thanks for your review my friend. This this only just the beginning.

Neal's POV

When he finally returned to June's house, the older woman said happily, "Neal you didn't tell me you having a friend come over."

She didn't... looking up the stairs he could see Selina standing at the top. Her gaze was hard as she stared at him. It seemed she had.

Neal said calmly, "I'm sorry, June. Selina was a surprise visit. If Mozzie comes will you ask him to knock first."

June nodded sensing the tension in between them. Neal moved up the steps to where apartment was. Selina followed him into the apartment.

Once the door was shut behind them Selina turned on him asking, "What the hell, Dick?! Do you know how worried everyone was about you?"

Neal said moving to where he kept the wine, "I certainly didn't expect you to walk in the office where I work. Selina do you even know who Neal Caffery is?"

She replied her eyes narrowing in suspicion, "Art thief. You're not a criminal though. I've known you since you were a boy. Being a criminal isn't you."

Finding one of his good wines he held it up in question. She nodded and he poured them both generous glasses. Then he led her to the couch and chairs. Placing the second glass on the table he took a sip of his wine. He had to gather his thoughts before he answered her question.

It was only after his second sip that he answered, "People change Selina. I was 17 when I left."

Well he didn't exactly leave. He was feeling like the family no longer wanted him. Any time he tried to get everyone together his attempts were rebuffed. Most of the time it wasn't in a kind way.

Then when he was on his way back to Wayne manor when he was approached.

Flashback

Richard had a bag thrown over his shoulder. He would fill it with his essentials before leaving. It was obvious the family wanted nothing left to do with him.

A black car sat on the streets not far from him. It was obviously a government issue but for the moment he ignored it. They didn't bother him and he didn't bother them.

When a brown skinned man with cold brown eyes stepped out he paused. They were waiting for him. What did they want?

The man inquired but by the look in his eyes he already knew the answer, "Richard Graysom?"

Dick nodded cautiously. The man said coming closer, "My name is Langston Graham. I am the Director of the CIA. We have been watching you for quite some time."

Dick stiffened his eyes glancing discreetly around. Four men had formed something of a half circle around them. It didn't seem they had any ill will towards him. In fact they almost seemed bored with the assignment. If he wanted to he could knock the Director out and be gone before they had the chance to react.

He wasn't sure what stayed his hand however. Maybe it was that he was curious to hear what the other had to say. Maybe it was something else. He wasn't quite sure.

Unfazed by his lack of response Graham continued, "You are bored with your current life. Even your nightly activities cannot keep you occupied. As the way things are now you will have a falling out with your family. When you do call me. So far you have stuck to large cities in order to try and save them. We can give you a world and purpose to save."

Instead of approaching him Graham placed a card on the ground. Then he went back into his car with his men right behind himand left. Not allowing Dick to get over his shock enough to reply.

Slowly Dick picked up the card. It simply had the CIA logo, the man's name, and a number. Part of him wanted to throw it away. He squashed that part of him down. Just in case he would keep it.

Two days later on the anniversary of his parents deaths it happened. Not a single person had come to his final attempt to get the family together. Each of them had a sad past and he always made sure no one was alone on the anniversary. It seemed no one could do him the same. Not even Bruce.

It was pushed him over the edge to call the number. Something that would change his life in ways he never would have imagined.

End of flashback

By the look in her eyes she didn't believe him. So he inquired coldly, "Do you remember what day it was that everyone remembered seeing me last? How after that specific day I disappeared?"

She seemed to consider it for a moment. Then her eyes went wide as she exclaimed, "The anniversary of your parents death. That was the last anyone saw of you."

He nodded and said, "I always make sure no one is alone on their anniversaries. But no one could do the same for me. I wasn't wanted Selina so I left and found a new path."

A path where he died. Twice. That made him leave the CIA for good escaping out into the streets of New York. That's when he first met Mozzie and Neal Caffery was born.

Selina said her eyes on his, "Your father never stopped searching for you. He practically killed himself in search. Everyone came back to Gotham to help look. Even I answered the call. Dick tell me why? Why not just talk to us?"

"Because everytime I needed help from anyone I was blown off. Its just Dick he can take care of himself. I was 17 and I had no one rely on but myself," came his half snarled reply.

Neal had to take several sips of his wine to calm down. Maybe he should go to the boxing gym down the street. While he didn't approve of it as self defense it was a way for him to clear his mind.

Selina's presence here was only the start. Unless he could convince her otherwise she would call his father. Bruce was the last thing he needed here right now.

He stood suddenly startling Selina as he paced. This could not be happening at a worse time.

Kramer's POV

It seemed that their gamble had payed off. Caffery's commutation was put on hold considering the new evidence.

On the desk before him and his team was a CIA badge. They had found it in a safety deposit box rented out to one Neal Caffery. It was only luck that allowed them to track it.

The badge had the name Bryce Larkin on it. Most conmen didn't try to impersonate CIA given the heat thay would come down upon them. Caffery was known for doing the unexpected though.

When he examined the badge earlier he could find no faults with it. Everything with the badge said that it was real. It was only Phillip knowing the person who held it that told him differently.

Neal Caffery didn't do gun. Guns were apart of being an agent. CIA didn't do things by the book either. He would have to confirm that this id was fake or stolen. If it was then he would have the leverage he needed.

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A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

Fangtasia21: thanks for your review my friend. Yeah three lives one mind. It can't last forever.

Selina's POV

Leaving Dick's apartment was one of the hardest things she had done in a long time. There was something bothering him that he wasn't saying. Half way through her interrogating him he closed himself off. It was eerily similar to how Bruce would close himself off.

Out of all of the Wayne children Dick had always been the most open. She had shown him how to pick lock, pockets, how to spot fake jewels. Selina had been surprised at how well he took to it. If Bruce had not gotten to him first, he would have made a good student.

Finding out one of the leading art thief's was once here student and a vigilante was shocking. When she came to the apartment she found it very bare. There was paintings on the walls but no pictures. Almost as if he was afraid to get attached.

That observation had more correct than she realised. The longer she spent with Dick the more obvious it became. He was well liked by those he considered his colleagues and the owner of the house. Not one of them knew that he was the adopted son of Bruce Wayne. If they did she didn't doubt that word would have reached him.

Selina wasn't stupid. She knew that the family had taken advantage of Dick's kindness. Most of them family didn't realize how every insult meant or not hurt him. How they wore away at his kindness.

Bruce couldn't see what they were doing. His main focus had been the criminals of the city. Then Dick disappeared.

Flashback

Two am and Dick still had not shown up yet. They had the same time for their trainings. In the entire time she had known Dick, he never missed a meeting.

She dialed his number and waited. Almost immediately a voice came over the speaker, "The number you dialed is no longer in service. Please check the number and try again."

She froze. Dick wasn't one to switch numbers without alerting her. The first thing she did was check their drop off points.

From what she could tell Dick had not checked it from the last time she was in town. That was almost three months ago. At first she thought maybe he was just busy. Missing the meeting was not due to being busy. She would have heard from Bruce before then.

She immediately dialed Bruce's number. A familiar voice growled, "What is it, Selina?"

She asked looking out over the city, "Bruce where is Dick? He didn't show up to our usual meeting spot."

She could hear Bruce shuffling on the other end. He inquired worry lacing his tone, "You haven't seen him, either? It's been over four months since anyone has seen him in four months. I just got off the phone with Clark asking about him."

So she wasn't the only one to notice that Dick had disappeared. Where would he go? In their talks he hadn't show any interest in returning to the Circus. In fact he talked about going to college as a regular adult. Nothing was regular in their world though. She knew better than anyone how a past could haunt someone.

When she went to Bruce's later that morning the house was in a panic. Tim was going through the house with Wally. They were searching for anything that would lead them to Dick.

According to Damien, all of Dick's stuff was gone. It had gone to a storage facility. According to the owner he had only seen Dick once. No one had even seen him move his stuff.

Bruce was in a frenzy himself on the computer. Every one of Dick's files had been erased. They would have to search safe houses and hiding spots that they could remember.

The problem was Dick thought like a thief thanks to her training. He would have safe houses everywhere. Most of which he wouldn't tell anyone. It seemed he truly wanted to disappear.

End of flashback

New York was not a place she had expected to find him. Selina was only there to clear her name.

She was startled out of her thoughts when the door to Dick's house opened. Dick came out with a bag slung over his shoulder. He walked with a purpose down the street.

She wouldn't tell Bruce about him. Not yet at least. It went against everything the thieves stood for. Nothing was to stop her from dropping a hint to Cassandra. Out of all the Wayne children she would have the best chance at talking to him.

Neal's POV

With Selina on the prowl he couldn't stay at June's that night. There was too much of a chance that Selina would see something she wasn't meant to see. Scars that had a history. Recognizable signs of gunshot wounds. His body was littered with scars that he couldn't say where they were from.

Neal almost considered going to Peter's. Tensions still hadn't completely faded from the Russians kidnapping Elizabeth. There would still be questions if he went there.

Mozzie was acting stranger than normal. Going to one of his safe houses would mean risking the chance of running into him there.

That left one option. So he grabbed his keys and a bag to put his extra suit in. He didn't bother with a tie or undershirt.

As he left June's he saw Selina standing around a corner. She was either going to follow him or alert Bruce. He would have to be ready to run of she called Bruce.

It would be something to watch for later. At the moment he just wanted some rest.

Neal walked the mile and a half to a familiar set of apartment buildings. A light was on in the third story second room from the right. It seemed his friend was awake. They had always been night owls even back at the agency.

After climbing the stairs and finding the room he knocked. While he had keys to the place it was still common courtesy to knock. There was a grumble behind the door just before it opened.

A familiar dark brown haired man stood just inside the doorframe. He was wearing a white undershirt. It was wrinkled. He was wearing a pair of black pants that were wrinkled as well.

Hazel eyes blinked at him in surprise. He asked, "Bryce what are you doing here?"

Neal flinched at the use of his other name. Instead of answering he asked ducking his head slightly, "Can I come in?"

There was a sigh and the other man shifted so that Neal could walk in. As soon as he crossed the threshold he saw a massive mess. It looked like a book had exploded over the living room. Papers were thrown all about the floor. In the midst of it all was a photograph on a coffee table. That must have been what the other was up to when he arrived.

"You don't usually visit, Bryce," came the soft statement, "In fact since the FBI put you on your leash you have never visited. I've always had to come to you. Or we meet at the boxing gym. So why are you here?"

Neal took a deep breath before meeting his handler's eyes where he leaning against his couch, "Today a woman was accused of stealing a priceless artifact from a museum. Of course White Collar was brought in to investigate. Her name was Selina Kyle, Matt."

Matt, otherwise known as Matthew Keller was well known in the criminal underworld. Most people thought he and Neal Caffery were enemies. It was just in fact a cover.

Matthew had been assigned to him after he ran out of a CIA hospital. Where other agents failed to track him down Matthew succeeded. Rather than drag him back he kept close. He made a name for himself for doing any job at the right price.

Neal had been suspicious of the man and not easily trusting. After everything that he had been through no one could blame him. He had been betrayed by almost everyone.

Slowly Matthew had gone from being a nuisance to Keller, to Matthew, to eventually Matt. He trusted the man.

Matthew folded his arms across his chest as he said, "I thought no one knew you were Neal Caffery. Didn't you leave Richard Grayson behind when you joined the CIA?"

Neal ran a hand through his hair as he said, "I did. What I didn't expect was for one of them to show up here? I can't exactly leave right now. They are still trying to decide if I deserve a commutation."

Matthew said rubbing his eyes, "Its too late to be talking about this now. You can have the couch. Sleep, Bryce."

Neal opened his mouth to argue only for a pillow to hit him in the face. Grabbing he glared at the retreating back of his handler. Sleep did sound good and Matt always did have a comfortable couch.

Chapter Text

A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

guest: thanks for your review my friend. Glad you like it.

Linoria: thanks for your review my friend. Glad you like it.

Fangtasia21: thanks for your review my friend. One handler has a little more trust than the other.

Peter's POV

Peter knew there was something between Selina Kyle and Neal. Looking into both of their pasts however he couldn't find any place where they might have crossed. All their jobs had been thousands of miles from each other. It was almost as if they were purposely avoiding each other.

She had said something to Neal and Peter watched as all the color drained from his face. In the entire time he had known the younger man he had never seen such panic in the blue eyes. Not even when Kate died. Or when he was about to shoot Fowler.

Still he could not find the connection. Did Neal steal something from her? Or help her on a job?

Given his friend's record both were possible. There just wasn't any consistancy though. It wasn't as if he could ask either. Ever since the treasure incident their relationship was on the rocks. With Phillip breathing down both of their necks it seemed as if it would never improve.

What was even more worrying was what Phillip had come across. Neal apparently was renting out a safety deposit box and Phillip had found it. There was something in it that made the elder almost giddy.

Diane had recieved a copy of it and sent it to Peter. It was a CIA badge but she couldn't get the name that was on it. Neal claimed back at the beginning of their partnership that he never forged a major government badge. He also claimed to never have lied to Peter.

Was it all a lie? What use would he have for a CIA badge?

It was well beyond major. Most people thief or not would not do something so stupid.

Which was how he found himself outside of June's house earlier than normal. When he knocked the house keeper let him in with an odd look. Like he shouldn't be there.

"Peter?" He looked up to see June coming down the stairs. Her brown eyes held confusion.

Peter smiled as he inquired, "June, is Neal up yet?"

It was a stupid question. Neal didn't sleep much. According to June they were filled with cries in the middle of the night. Neal was plagued with nightmares even after Adler's death.

June said, "Neal didn't stay after his friend left last night. He packed a bag and hasn't come back yet. I thought he was staying with you."

Great. Neal was running loose in New York. He better call the Marshalls to find out where he was.

After saying goodbye to June he got the location from the Marshalls he was surprised to find it a mile and half away. It wasn't far but he didn't know the location. As far as Peter knew it wasn't one of his hidey holes.

It was further surprise to find the location was a set of apartments. After finding the exact area that Neal was in he knocked on the door. Peter liked the anklet his CI was on. It allowed him to keep better track of the younger man. Carefully he knocked.

There was a particularly vicious curse could be heard from behind the door. It didn't sound like it came from Neal. The walls were thinner than he expected but it was still enough that he could only hear muffled voices.

The door opened revealing a brown hair man wearing just sleep pants. For a moment they just blinked at each other.

The man inquired with a slight snarl, "Do you realize what time it is? Go away."

Peter asked his hands pushing back his jacket, "Is Neal Caffery here?"

A groan was heard inside that Peter recognized as Neal. The younger man asked sleepily, "Matt? Wazz wrong?"

The man glanced back his hazel eyes showing annoyance. He sighed, "Neal its your handler."

There was another groan but movement this time. Matt opened the door to allow Peter to pass with a look of suspicion.

The apartment was simple and there was a couch off to one side in front of a small tv. Neal was sitting up on the couch. His normally vibrant blue eyes were glazed over as he was just waking up. Neal was wearing a pair of work pants and a white button down shirt open. Under the open button down was a white undershirt.

Neal asked rubbing at his eyes still not fully awake, "Peter? Why are you here?"

Then it was as if a light went off in the younger's mind. The glazed over look cleared then hardened. It seemed Neal still had not forgiven him for calling Phillip.

Peter answered, "I got word this morning that Kramer found a safety deposite box of your," he was watching Neal so he didn't see the way Matt tensed. Just the way Neal's eyes widened with fear and surprise, "They pulled a CIA badge from it. Neal you told me that you never forged any major government badges."

Neal's POV

When a knock sounded early the next morning both Neal and Matthew woke up. They swore violently when they saw the time. It was too early to deal with people.

Neal rolled over in trying to go back to sleep. Until he heard his name and that had him sitting up.

The younger man asked sleepily, "Matt? Wazz wrong?"

The man glanced back his hazel eyes showing annoyance. He sighed, "Neal its your handler."

Neal groaned as he saw movement and Peter was let into the apartment. Neal asked rubbing at his eyes still not fully awake, "Peter? Why are you here?"

Then he froze. Peter Burke was in Matthew's apartment. An FBI agent was in his hidey hole.

Peter answered, "I got word this morning that Kramer found a safety deposite box of your," he was watching Neal so he didn't see the way Matt tensed. Just the way Neal's eyes widened with fear and surprise, "They pulled a CIA badge from it. Neal you told me that you never forged any major government badges."

Matthew mouthed, "Your badge."

Neal tapped yes in morse code on his leg. Matthew cursed under his breath but it was drowned out by Peter's questions. Neal did his best to answer without giving anything away.

His evasive answers were not cutting it with Peter. The man was obviously getting frustrated. He told Neal to get dressed.

Neal grabbed his bag to do just that. Peter wouldn't ask too many questions or give much information with an unknown person in the room.

Matthew couldn't do anything with Peter in there. Neal knew that his handler would look into what was happening at the FBI.

Chapter Text

A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

It was brought to my attention thanks Quinis that I like an idiot forgot that Matthew has had more interactions in the canon with the FBI. Here he has not had any so far. The know of him but he's not actually been seen by Peter before now. Sorry if I confused you guys with Peter not recognizing him. 

Guest: thanks for your review my friend. Thank you so much. I think it's because it changes the canon so much that's why we don't see it often. I mean you have to change a lot for season 3 to make it work. 

guest: thanks for your review my friend. Glad you enjoyed it. 

Linoria: thanks for your review my friend. Thank you!

Fangtasia21: thanks for your review my friend. Yeah he certainly has it rough. Especially considering a certain person in the FBI knows the name Bryce Larkin. 

Neal's POV 

Neal was evasive the entire ride to the FBI. His mind was on how Kramer could have found out about his CIA badge. 

If word only got back to Beckman he would be fine. She knew he was alive and causing trouble in New York. According to Matt she had decided he was the FBI's problem as long as he wanted. 

Not that he really blamed her. Ever since he left the CIA he didn't his best to avoid in interactions with them. Especially with Chuck and his new team. Part of him still couldn't believe that someone trained Morgan. 

Joining the FBI was one of the best decisions he ever made. There was a kind of bond that he didn't have when he was with the CIA. He didn't want to lose this bond because of a past that he put behind him. 

When he and Peter walked into the office Hughes was waiting. He did a double finger point at Neal. When Peter moved to follow he was given a stern look of reprimand. Neal warily went up alone. 

Once the door was shut behind him Hughes asked in his holding barely withheld anger, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Tell you what sir," he asked back confused. There was a lot he didn't tell the man and for good reason. He and Hughes didn't get along at all. 

Hughes slammed down a paper onto the desk. The man wasn't naturally violent and it surprised him. Cautiously he approached the desk to see the paper. 

It was a photocopy of him his badge name included. So that was what Hughes was wanting. 

"I worked with Orion on the Intersect project," Hughes said before Neal could say anything, "I also met Bryce Larkin on one occasion. He saved my life on a mission gone south. When you walked into my offices with Peter I thought you looked familiar. However I knew Bryce Larkin was dead. Killed in action. Twice. How did you manage it?"

Neal froze then his face became a familiar mask. One he had hoped to never use again. Hughes already knew most of story. He was just needing the few pieces to put Neal and Bryce together. 

Neal began his story coldly, "I was recruited when I was 17. At the time I didn't have what you would call a happy home. It was a chance to escape and I took it. You know my reputation and how good I was at my job. After the first time I died and I did die Hughes I started having my doubts. Nightmares came more frequently and I felt I just wasn't doing enough."

In truth he felt like he was losing his soul piece by piece. It was getting to the point he had been just shy of suicidal by the second time he died. He couldn't take the killing any longer. 

Hughes gave him his moment then Neal continued as if it was a debrief, "I was there at the second Intersect. It should have been me taking it not Chuck. As you know however I took a bullet. It did a lot of damage and I thought I was finally going to die. Then I woke up in that medical facility. I flipped out taking the doctor hostage until I could safely get away. Once I was clear of the building I stole some pair of clothes to blend in. It didn't take me long to realise I was in New York. Where I soon met my friend that everyone calls the little man. That was where Neal Caffery was born."

Hughes asked uncharacteristically soft, "Do they interfere with your life?"

Neal touched his shoulder where Casey first shot him then the second wound. He answered honestly, "I can't do some of the tricks I used to. If you have seen any of my earlier career stunts you would know I was something of an acrobat. My shoulder won't move that way anymore. I maybe have 50 percent mobility in it. I can fight well enough if it comes down to it but as you know I prefer not to."

Hughes sat back and thought about what was said. Neal knew there was little he could do should the man want to throw him into prison. Beckman could get him out but then he would be back under her thumb. Mozzie claimed he could get him out after the issue with Fowler. He wasn't sure if that still applied. They had been on the outs since the treasure incident. 

Hughes inquired his eyes meeting Neal's, "Who is your handler? Don't try to say you don't have one. Even I have someone I contact if things were to go south."

He wouldn't give Matt up that easily. A bond had formed between them and he would not risk it. Not even for the FBI. 

Neal leaned back on his heels and denied, "No. I may or may not have one. If I did I wouldn't put them under your speculation."

Regardless of the fact Matt would kill him if he did. That man enjoyed his privacy and being on the FBI radar was one way to piss him off. 

Almost unconsciously Neal's hand played with the necklace under his shirt. It was made of simple silver and that of a dragon. Matt thought it appropriate. 

Inside of the necklace was a tracker so that if things went wrong Matt could find him. It had come in handy on several occasions. 

Hughes said his eyes cold, "Does he at least know where you are," Neal nodded, "Fine. If he interferes in any way I can't protect either of you. I would recommend you getting in touch with your old friends. I will not be able to stop Phillip Kramer. Not when he has so much evidence on you."

Neal figured as much. Hughes might like Bryce Larkin but he would not risk his career for Neal. 

His phone buzzed in his pocket. It was a message from Mozzie. It seemed the other had found something. 

Neal said as he moved towards the door, "Despite everything, Hughes. I never intended for them to find my id. I never wished to return to that life."

Then he was gone out of the office not wanting to hear what Hughes might say. As he was heading towards Peter's office he got another text. 

Meet me in Central Park, alone. 

O

Neal froze at the letter. It was one he knew well. What could his old friend at the CIA want? Did it have anything to do with his case?

Chapter Text

A/N thanks for your reviews and support. Was working on one fic and was hit with sudden inspiration for this one.

Smelly Cat 420: thanks for your review my friend. I'm so glad you enjoy it. Maybe next time Peter will know Matthew.

Fangtasia21: thanks for your review my friend. Good guess. We will be seeing more of how it troubles him and the issues fighting will bring out.

Linoria: thanks for your review my friend.

Minor timeline discrepancy in Chuck. Orion is still alive.

Peter's POV

When Neal came out of Hughes office he looked pale. He barely glanced around the office before making his way down the stairs.

Peter watched silently. There was something different about his CI. Every single one of his moves were filled with determination.

Neal's first stop was his desk. There he pulled off his tie and opened his collar up. Peter had seen him do this before. It typically happened before he had to con someone.

After running a hand through his hair Neal started towards the door. That's when Peter stepped in.

Peter called out, "Neal," the dark haired man looked up.

Peter moved closer to them so that they weren't yelling. He asked watching for any cue the other was lying, "Where are you going? You just got in."

"Another contact," Neal replied calmly.

Not Mozzie then. The younger man seemed oddly nervous about it. Almost as if he wasn't sure about this meeting.

Peter inquired, "And this explains the change in your appearance, how?"

There was a flicker in the younger's eyes. Not the kind of flicker that came with a lie. One that came with a memory.

Neal answered sounding strange, "He's an old friend. It's been a long time since I have seen him. The last time wasn't under the best of circumstances."

Peter's sharp eyes caught the movement as Neal's hand briefly touched his right side just above the hip. There was a scar there recorded by the cameras when Neal was searched entering prison. The doctors were almost completely sure it was a healed gunshot wound.

Doctors also spotted a similar wound to his shoulder. One that could have been fatal. To be able to fight with such wounds must be painful.

Peter had his own injuries that gave him trouble. In cold weather his shoulder where he tore his rotor cuff would be stiff. It wouldn't pain him but it did make for difficulties moving it.

Then Neal blinked as if a thought occured to him. He pulled his jacket off and put it over the back of his chair.

Neal said with an impatient edge to his tone, "Peter I have to go. He could leave before I get there."

Peter sighed, "Go. Call if you need backup."

Neal was gone before he finished the sentence. Whoever he was meeting it seemed they were important.

Jones asked once Neal was in the elevator, "You want me to follow him, Peter. He seemed to be in a hurry."

"Yes. Let's see who he is meeting that is so important."

Neal's POV

He stood in central park just off the beaten path. Twice he had met Orion here before. However both times he had been Bryce Larkin. They had no connections as Neal Caffery and Orion. Or as Neal Caffery and Stephen Bartowski.

A hand touched his good shoulder causing Neal to turn. A tinge of worry went through him. His senses should have alerted him to the other's approach. It seemed he was out of practice.

A smile broke out on his face as he recognized the other. Orion stood a good deal shorter than him. Brown hair messily fell into his hazel eyes.

Orion looked him up and down before engulfing him in a bear hug. Despite the rockiness of their relationship they had always been nearly inseparable.

Bryce saw him as a mentor and a friend. Orion saw him as a student and a confidant. Especially once Bryce died the first time. He always looked after Chuck, Orion's son. Kept him safe even when others sought to use him.

Finally Orion released him and said, "Its damn good to see you, Bryce. I thought you died down in that lab."

"Its Neal now," he grimaced at the use of his old name, "Bryce Larkin died in the second Intersect room. How did you find me?'

Orion's lips quirked in a half smile as he replied, "Kid you're not that hard to find. Did you really shoot that Russian in the leg? With your shoulder I'm surprised you were able to make the shot with the recoil."

Neal winced at the memory. He certainly had shot out the man's leg. It was either that or let him kill Peter.

The recoil wasn't as bad as he expected given that it was an FBI service weapon.

Orion said suddenly his eyes watching something over Neal's shoulder, "You've got company. FBI seems to have followed you."

Over Orion's shoulder movement caught Neal's eye. It seemed he wasn't the only one that was followed.

"You too," he quipped back.

Orion's eyes widened. Then his hands rummaged around in his pockets. A pair of sunglasses appeared and were thrust into his hands.

Orion whispered, "Take these and for God's sake don't break them. Go! Before word gets back that your alive."

Not friendlies then. Neal's mind ran through possible escapes. Peter would be an option if it was just him. With Orion though they couldn't let them know. Too many questions that he couldn't answer.

His mind went to the safe houses in the area. Sunday was close. Mozzie would kill him if he ever found out that Orion was a spook. It might be their best shot.

Before he could grab Orion the man was already disappearing. Neal could hear Peter calling his name as he tried to go after the other. It was too late. Orion was gone.

"Damn it," he swore under his breath.

The figures he had seen but could not quite make out were leaving after Orion. He got why the man had done it. As it stood then Neal was a liability with his shoulder. On top of that Peter was there. If he got involved he would have to hold back so not to blow his nonviolent cover.

He was startled out of his thoughts were startled when Peter came up to his side. A frown marred the other's face as he inquired, "Neal, who was that?"

Neal slipped the glasses into his pants pocket as he answered, "An old friend."

"Care to elaborate, Neal?"

Neal shook his head but as his left hand found his other pocket he froze. There was a piece of paper that wasn't there before.

Orion... the man must have snuck it into his pocket during the bear hug. He should have known. His friend wasn't known for being physical.

Pulling out the paper he opened it to find a single word. Burton. For a moment Neal could only blink stupidly at the paper. Then he groaned.

Jack Button was a conman that he knew well. Not from his own time as a conman but from Sarah. His ex partner hated her father for leaving her. He didn't blame her for her anger. Being left was not something one could forget. Nor was being forgotten.

Neal stated drawing Peter's attention, "I may have a lead on our mystery thief. Seems my contact came through after all."

Chapter Text

A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

Linoria: thanks for your review my friend. Glad you enjoy it.

Neal's POV

He sat typin away at the laptop that the FBI had given him. Peter was hovering over him with a frown but Neal ignored him. If Burton was in town he needed the proof and it was in the video.

Neal was going through every program he knew to get through the blocked feed. It was times like this he wished he kept up his computer skills. Since becoming a conman he kept basic skills with hacking he didn't learn anything new. Instead he focused on learning to forge.

Finally as he shifted into a newer program he cracked it. The video showed Burton going through the museum and making off with the artifact. It was enough to let Selina go.

He leaned back in his chair. Finally proof. Peter would be proud of what he did. Or he would question where he learned to do that because Neal Caffery hated computers.

He heard the door open and turned to find Peter watching him. The question in his eyes was not hidden.

After taking a deep breath he said, "I have our guy. His name as I know him is Jack Burton. He's a conman that mostly focuses on stealing and very little in the area of forging. No doubt he recognized Kyle and used her as a scapegoat."

Neal would need to contact the fences in the area. Burton wouldn't risk taking it with him. Not with the FBI snooping around.

He also knew there was a danger for anyone going after the man. Burton wasn't particularly violent but would fight tooth and nail to get away if cornered. Surprise and caution would be there best weapons here.

A lightbulb went off. Neal occasionally did fence work when money was tight. If Mozzie vouched for him then he could bypass going through his other contacts. That would mean going through Mozzie though.

Another lightbulb went off. He might have an easier option. Matthew Keller to the criminal underworld was an arms dealer, thief, and fence. He was established as such all over the States.

"Neal!"

Neal looked up surprised by the short demanding call. Peter sighed, "I called your name three times. What's wrong?"

Neal said pulling out his phone, "I have an idea on how to trap him. A friend of mine might be able to act as a fence in order for us to trap Burton. You won't be able to go after him otherwise he won't agree to it."

There was a good chance Matthew wouldn't agree to it anyways. Still it was worth a try.

Under Peter's watchful gaze he sent off a quick message. It wasn't even two minutes later that he recieved a reply.

Will put feelers out. -MK.

That took care of that problem. With any luck Matthew will make contact with Burton. He knew that his handler didn't like the man anymore than Neal did.

Neal stated with a grin, "My friend is in. He will get back to me on when and where."

Peter nodded and said, "I will let Miss Kyle know. Neal does she knew you from somewhere?"

Neal shook his head and replied honestly, "Neal Caffery and Selina Kyle have never worked together or met before yesterday."

Peter nodded but didn't seem quite convinced. He stated carefully, "Its not Mozzie. Otherwise you would have just said so. Do I want to know who it is?"

Neal quipped back with a grin, "Probably not."

A tight smile crossed Peter's face. It seemed things were slowly getting back to normal between them.

Selina came back to the office later that day. This time however she was not alone. A familiar black haired young woman was with her. Neal's heart stopped at the sight. Cass... oh he was a dead man walking.

The glare Cassandra gave him was almost enough to send him running. In an FBI office however there were only a handful of places he could go to. Why in the name of God had Selina called her? Was she trying to kill him?

Cassandra marched right past Peter and straight for Neal. Her face was stormy with anger and hurt.

Neal winced as she grabbed his right arm and hauled him down the stairs. The jolting it caused on his shoulder made him see stars. It took all of his willpower not to hurt her.

Then again if he tried she could do more damage to his shoulder than he could afford. As it was now he could use to fight but only just. Damaging it further would make him a liability. If that happened and the FBI found out he would be back in prison before he could say oops.

Once they were past the door she shoved him against the wall. In the office Neal could see several agent stop to stare. Diana and Jones moved to intervene when Neal shook his head. This was not something he wanted them to hear.

Cass snarled, "Do you know how much trouble you caused everyone by leaving? What the hell were you thinking?"

"That I wasn't needed," he countered coldly, "that I could do more good out in the world than in Gotham. Without being tied to the vigilantes."

"As a thief?!"

Neal sighed, "Not at first. Neal Caffery didn't become my identity until five years ago. Cass," he looked around noting Peter heading their way, "This isn't the place for this. No one here knows about my past. Honestly I would like to keep it that way."

Cassandra's green eyes widened as she let him go. The full weight of his words sunk in.

No one knew him as Richard Grayson. On top of that there was an unknown identity between Grayson and Caffery.

Briefly his thoughts went to the he implanted deep within the League and the Batcave's computers. It would only become apparent if he did not send a code once a month to it. In his mind he thanked his lucky stars that he was allowed access to a computer in prison.

If he died he didn't want them forever wondering. Even when they pulled apart he still loved his family. To an orphan family meant everything. It just didn't feel as if they felt the same way towards him. Instead he felt more of an outsider to them. It was why he left.

She however wouldn't leave him be without some clue. So he hinted as Peter walked up, "Tell Barbara to look at the old files. There might be something there that wasn't before."

Her eyes widened but Neal was pushing himself off the wall. Peter asked concern lacing his tone, "Are you okay?"

Neal only nodded. Briefly he glanced over his shoulder at the one he considered a sister.

She had not changed at all since he left. Had any of them?

They wouldn't have a reason to. They didn't know why he left. The likelyhood of them giving up after awhile was strong. He wasn't one of the leaders. Or an heir like Damien.

Peter led him back in. Neal didn't look at Cassandra again. This wasn't over but he knew they would gather information. At least for the time being.

Chuck's POV

No matter how long he was a spy he didn't think he would get used to Sarah pulling him down to Castle during work hours. Thankfully Morgan would cover for him. Otherwise he would be in trouble.

Things were slightly more insane in the Buymore than normal. That morning Casey said he was going to take some time off. Chuck's handler said he had a personal issue he needed to take care of.

Chuck didn't have any reason to deny the request. In the entire time he knew his handler Casey never took a day off.

As soon as he granted the request Casey was gone. Sarah thought it was strange but she told him to let it go. If Casey wanted to take some time off then that was his choice.

This wasn't why he was dragged before Beckman. The General said as he entered, "Bartowski, I need you and your team to head to New York. An FBI agent has uncovered a retired agent's id. We need your team to handle the situation."

Sarah asked mirroring his thoughts, "Why send us? Normally you would just pull the agent. Or you would a single agent to deal with the issue. Why send our team?"

Beckman seemed to debate with herself. It was rare to see this in the woman. Whoever this agent was they were important.

Hazel eyes met brown as she said, "He has ties to Orion," Chuck sucked in a breath, "On top of that he works as a criminal consultant for the FBI. Before this he was to have a commutation hearing in few days. It would be whether or not he was released from his radius of two miles. Due to this incident the hearing has been put on hold."

Chuck asked curious, "Why would a retired agent become a criminal? Why are we helping him if he is one?"

Beckman responded coldly, "This agent has earned his commutation. Yes he has done some things that I wouldn't approve of. It was his choice and from the reports I have received he has changed. The FBI has given the spark of life that was missing. So yes, you will stop this agent."

Sarah said her eyes narrowing, "There is something you are not saying."

Beckman's eyes narrowed as she said, "Ring members were seen nearby. Your team has the most experience. If you see them take them out."

He glanced at Sarah who nodded. They had to go if Ring was involved. There were too many variables to leave it to another team.

Chuck straightened and said, "We will leave for New York immediately."

Chapter Text

A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

Fangtasia21: thanks for your review my friend. Its going to be a party here soon.

AziAchillesJackson: thanks for your review my friend. Glad you enjoyed it.

Neal's POV

Neal unwillingly let Peter drop him off at June's. He would rather have spent another night at Matthew's but Peter wouldn't hear of it.

Not unless Neal explained to him why he was avoiding Selina and Cassandra. That was about as likely as Neal telling him that he was Richard Grayson.

Once safely inside his apartment he checked it. Once he was sure that he was alone Neal pulled out the sunglasses that Orion had given him.

They were heavier than usual glasses. He pressed along the sides looking for any hidden compartments. Frustratingly there wasn't.

There was something about the glasses that felt familiar. He was sure he had seen them before. There was only one way to find out.

Neal put them up on and there was a scan of his retina. There was no going back at that point. Images began to flash before his eyes just like they had when he destroyed the Intersect the first time.

When the images stopped he collapsed back onto the floor. The world went black.

When Neal came back around he stayed still. He could hear voice around him. A hand on his neck was checking his pulse. The warmth of the hand was familiar.

Opening his eyes he found green eyes staring down at him. The sunglasses had been removed.

His breathing hitched as information in the form of pictures flashed before his eyes.

Cassandra Cain designation assassin. Works in Gotham and has ties to Batman. Possible ties to Ring but not confirmed.

He groaned as he felt the strain of the information, "Cass let me up."

Cassandra shook her head as she moved her hand from his neck to his chest as he tried to sit up. The information left him confused and with a pounding headache. That was not what he had expected of Orion.

What the hell was his friend thinking sending him an Intersect? More importantly how the hell did Chuck deal with this several times a mission?

When he looked at the window he noticed it was nearing dawn. He had been out for several hours.

Cassandra asked her tone holding a layer of warmth, "What the hell happened to you, Dick? I come to see where you live after Kyle told me where you live and find you passed out on the floor. I would expect this of Jason but not you."

Neal groaned finally succeeding in pushing her off, "I'm fine," the way his head swam as he sat up told him he was not fine.

Cassandra's eyes narrowed at the way he swayed. Everything about his appearance would say he just got home. Despite the hour. There was no alcohol on his breath to suggest he had been drinking.

She growled suddenly standing then held out her hand, "You're most certainly not fine, Dick. What the hell happened?"

He took it and allowed her to haul him to his feet. He swayed lightly on his feet. The Intersect was in him.

A ringing was heard muffled by the cloth of his pants. Sighing he pulled out his phone. Mozzie's number popped up.

He answered carefully, "Moz, what do you need?"

Mozzie said, "Neal I'm coming over. There is something I need to talk to you about."

He sighed glaring at Cassandra who was watching him with amused look, "Is it important, Moz? I have something of an unwelcome visitor."

"Yes," was the short reply.

Neal's headed pounded like a horse was kicking him. He said in a low growl, "You will have to make it quick, Moz."

The door opened and in walked Mozzie. That he expected. What he didnt expect was the person that came in behind him.

Neal didn't have a moment to react as the man pulled out a gun and fired. The bullet hit his jacket just above the heart. Right where he had been shot seven years prior.

The force of the shot sent him on his back. It knocked the breath from his lungs. His ears rang with the loudness of the shot.

Taking a breath he heard shouting as the ringing faded. Cassandra had a wrestled the gun away from Casey. The man scowled at her but his eyes were solely for Neal.

Mozzie was pushing Neal jacket away to apply pressure to the nonexistent wound. For his part Neal, was already sitting up. The clink of metal was heard in the next moment. The bullet hit the hard wood floor.

At first he thought that putting kevlar in his jacket wasn't a good idea. He considered as an added weight. Then he had almost taken a bullet right out of prison. Adjusting to the kevlar was a step he took.

Now he was glad that Matthew insisted he wear it. Otherwise Casey would have killed him, again.

Mozzie asked, "Neal, how?"

He replied, "A friend. Kevlar in the jacket."

Cassandra growled, "Why did you shoot him?"

Casey grunted, "He is supposed to be dead. How in the hell are you still alive, Larkin?"

Mozzie blinked in surprise and looked to Neal. Carefully Neal shook his head. Now was not the time or the place for such a question.

"I shot you,' Casey snarled, "Twice!Chuckles saw you die. We saw your body."

Neal snarled back, "And the last time you shot me, I told you aim for the head. You cant seem to kill me. Can you Casey?"

Mozzie had to get between them to stop the bickering. It was then he looked up. The entire time he had not really looked at Casey's face. That was his mistake.

Images that would have made the most hardened CIA agent sick flashed before his eyes. Innumerable people that Casey had killed. Some of them bad. Some of them because they knew too much. Information some he knew some he didnt came to him.

John Casey
Rank: Colonel.
Current assignment: Protection and handler detail of the asset Intersect.

Then came a brief overview of his kills and ties. It had been proven beyond a doubt that Casey had no ties to the Ring. The kill descriptions were brief but sickening. It left him feeling queasy both from the overload and seeing images he avoided for years.

Mozzie inquired too loudly for Neal, "Neal? What's wrong?"

Neal didn't get to answer as another body dropped to the ground beside him. Casey growled pressing his fingers into Neal's neck, "You flashed. When the hell did you get one? Chin up. Havershim shut up."

Casey despite being a bastard and terrible with people knew when to withhold information. He raised his chin up carefully aware of the finger's at his throat. Neal couldn't fight off the NSA agent. His nerve damage was too severe.

Mozzie who was about to say something closed his mouth. Cassandra hovered around them her green eyes holding barely worry.

Casey removed his hand and said, "Your heart rate is through the roof, Larkin. Someone get me a cold wet towel and a tylenol. How did you get one, Larkin?"

Water began running and he whispered, "On the floor. A friend of a friend," a little louder he growled, "Bite me, Casey. That was a long time ago."

Casey didn't respond instead pushed his head down. A cold wet towel was dropped over the back of his neck. Then two pills were pushed into his hand by Mozzie. Neal took them without hesitation.

A few minutes later the pain and nausea eased away. Casey was then on his feet hauling Neal up with him.

The older agent growled, "Outside Larkin. You and I need to have a talk."

Cassandra snarled back, "I think not! Who the hell are you?!"

"Cass," he tried to diffuse the situation.

"Shut it, Larkin!"

"Quiet, Grayson!"

Nothing further could have been said as the door was kicked in. If things weren't bad enough, now Peter was here.

Chapter Text

A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

Fangtasia21: thanks for your review my friend. That he is.

AziAchillesJackson: thanks for your review my friend. I'm so glad you like it. Oh the choas that ensues.

white tiger freak: thanks for your review my friend. If it was Jason I think he would have shot more than once.

Boxfin: thanks for your review my friend.

Peter's POV

He was awakened out of a dead sleep by his phone. It was too early to be anything good. Worry filled him as he checked number. It was June.

He answered his brow furrowing, "June what's wrong?"

"Peter! Shots have been fired upstairs!"

That had Peter sitting straight up and moving out of the bed. His movements woke Elizabeth. Her blue green eyes held worry.

He ordered, "June listen to me. You need to get to cover. I will be there in a few moments. Do not come out of cover until an FBI agent comes to get you."

Elizabeth asked softly, "Peter, what is happening?"

He mouthed, "Shots, fired. Neal."

A hand went up to her mouth. She understood he had to leave. He had to get to Neal's.

As soon as he hung up with June his next call was to Diana and Jones. They weren't far from Neal's. The moment the words shots fired left his mouth they were up and moving.

It took too long for his peace of mind for Peter to get suited up. Jones would make the call to the SWAT team. It would take too long for them to mobilize. Peter, Diana, and Jones would enter alone.

The drive to Neal's apartment was filled with nervousness and anxiety. Was Neal okay? Would he arrived to a homicide?

When he arrived Jones and Diana were already there. Their weapons were drawn and Peter did the same.

The first step was to clear the downstairs. They didnt need any susprirses. June was hiding in the backroom and silently they ordered her outside.

Once she was safe they silently made their way upstairs. There were the familiar voice of Mozzie and Neal heard at the top of the stairs.

"Outside Larkin. You and I need to have a talk."

Cassandra Cain snarled back, "I think not! Who the hell are you?!"

"Cass," that was Neal tried to diffuse the situation.

"Shut it, Larkin!"

"Quiet, Grayson!"

Peter nodded to them and held up three fingers. Two. One. They kicked in the door.

What they found surprised him. Cain was standing in the kitchen. Mozzie was kneeling down next to Neal. There was a wet towel over the back of Caffery's neck.

An unfamiliar brown haired man was on the other side of Neal. When Peter, Diana, and Jones came through all heads turned in their direction. He caught the twitch of the unknown's hand. It was as if he was reaching for a weapon.

Jones ordered, "Hands in the air!"

Not a single person complied. Neal barley twitched at the order. Something was wrong. He knew Neal well enough that the other would have at least looked at him.

Cassandra Cain raised her hands behind her a gun was on the counter. She stepped away from it and Diana moved to secure the weapon.

She stated nodding to the unknown man, "I took the weapon from that man. He was the one who shot at your CI."

Peter noticed that her green eyes held worry for Neal. He felt worry for his friend but he needed to finish securing the room.

To the brown haired man he ordered, "On your feet."

Hazel eyes met Peter's light green. They were focused on Peter's service weapon. Slowly the man gained his feet.

Peter nodded to Jones who went straight to the man. A quick pat down found no other weapons. Holstering his weapon Peter went to check on Neal.

Mozzie shifted to allow Peter to kneel down. Neal was shaking and pale. It looked like he would be sick at any moment. His hands shook slightly but the way they were clenched said a lot.

Mozzie admitted, "I'm not sure what's wrong with him, Suit. He saw Casey and it went downhill from there."

"Casey?"

Mozzie nodded towards the unknown brown haired man. Casey growled, "John Casey, NSA."

Neal sighed, "He is here about Kramer."

That's when things began to fall into place for Peter. The fake CIA badge must have put an alert out. CIA would have sent someone to investigate.

This person didnt seem like an investigator. No, John Casey seemed more like someone you sent to handle a problem. Which explained the gunshots.

Peter went to help Neal up only to notice a hole in his jacket just above Neal's heart. It was the same size of a nine millimeter bullet.

Peter moved his jacket back trying to find any injury. The jacket felt heavier in his hands though.

Kevlar was his first thought. How Neal got ahold of it and put it in his jacket was the question. He would have noticed if the quality of the jackets changed. Neal was very particular about what he wore.

"I learned my lesson from the first time I met, Casey," Neal answered his unasked question.

They had a history but it didn't seem as if his friend was inclined to expand on it. Neal was more subdued than he was used to.

When Peter finally caught Neal's eyes he saw only exhaustion and pain. Then the blue eyes rolled into the back of his head and Neal tumbled forward. On instinct Peter caught the dark haired man.

"Boss, he clear," came Diana's assessment.

Mozzie helped Peter bring Neal over to his bed. It didn't seem to have been slept in. Things weren't adding up.

Neal wouldn't have just left another's house at this time. He would have stayed and commuted to the office from wherever he was at.

Peter was sure that the jacket he was wearing was the same one from yesterday. What happened to the point where Neal wouldn't at least change clothes?

Keller's POV

He stood outside of the house that Bryce stayed in. His asset had not checked in last night or this morning. It wasn't like Bryce to not check in. When he did miss a check in he always caught the next one. Something had happened.

A little ways away from house stood the owner June Ellington. Even from his position across the street he could see that she was shaken.

Slowly he walked over to her and inquired, "What's happened here? A friend of mine lives up there."

June's dark eyes met his as she replied, "Someone shot a gun up there. I dont know if anyone is hurt or not. Are you one of Neal's friends?"

Shots fired? Bryce would have called him if he was conscious. A quick scan of the area showed three FBI vehicles. One he noted was Peter Burke's. That would explain it.

No ambulance however meant no one was injured. No coroner meant no one was dead. The FBI didn't know much about him so he couldn't go up there. Not until they came down at least.

Playing the part of a concerned friend was no difficult task. He was concerned about Bryce. That man got into more trouble than any other agent.

That was why Matthew insisted that Bryce have jackets lined with kevlar. If he was shot they would protect him. It was likely why there wasn't a coroner there.

His eyes widened with shock when the door opened and John Casey walked out. It was no wonder shots were fired in the apartment.

Casey and Bryce had turmoilous relationship. It seemed that everytime they met Casey shot Bryce. Every single time.

Casey's hazel eyes met him. Then there was a short nod of acknowledgement. They knew each other from a handful of missions that they worked together on. That had been before Bryce. Before the Intersect project.

Matthew wasn't stupid. He knew more than most agents about what happened in that project. Even as Bryce's handler he wasn't allowed the full knowledge. Not until Bryce deigned him with an answer.

Peter Burke was the next out. Upon seeing Matthew he left his agents to deal with Casey and made his way over. It seemed the agent remembered him.

June inquired worriedly, "How is Neal? Is anyone hurt?"

Burke answered truthfully, "Neal is upstairs sleeping. It does not appear that he slept in his bed last night. It seems that he had the foresight to have someone put kevlar into his jacket. While I approve I wish he had trust me with the information."

Burke's light green eyes met Matthew's hazel eyes. Burke said coolly, "You're the one that Neal stayed with. Matt?"

Matthew stuck his hand out as he replied, "Matthew Keller. I'm one of Neal's friends."

Burke sighed, "He hasn't spoken of you before. The first time I heard of you was when I showed up at your apartment."

Matthew sighed tiredly, "That was his choice. I was concerned when he didn't call me. It seems I was right to be concerned."

"He passed out and is sleeping off the night's excitement. Does Mozzie know you?"

Matthew nodded. He and Mozzie knew of each other. Mozzie tolerated him for Neal without knowing why.

Matthew's cover was that he was an art thief and arms dealer. Keller was well known throughout the criminal underworld. If Burke dug into his past he wouldn't be surprised. The main issue would be the arms dealer background. Neal didn't do guns but Bryce Larkin did.

Burke ordered, "Go. I'll be up in a moment."

Matthew didn't need to he told twice. He needed to check on Bryce before this went any further.

Chapter Text

A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

Boxfin: thanks for your review my friend. I'm glad you enjoy it.

white tiger freak: thanks for your review my friend. I was reading one where he wasn't a criminal. It got me thinking what if he was a good guy. Then I remembered the request I recieved and now here we are.

AziAchillesJackson: thanks for your review my friend. The facepalm of not realizing this sooner.

Just a heads up guys updates are going to be slow. I broke my collarbone and have at least three more weeks.

Keller's POV

Getting to Larkin' apartment only took a moment. It felt much longer to the trained agent. His agent had the dangerous habit of getting himself shot.

At the bottom of the stairs he passed two women. One he recognized immediately as Selina Kyle. Bryce had mentioned that she was in town. They seemed to have some kind of past but he couldn't find the connection when he dug.

The second one he knew from the agency. Cassandra Cain was one of the best killers in the world. Then she joined the vigilante group in Gotham. No one was quite sure why. Not that they were complaining. It was one less mess for the agency.

Officially the CIA and the rest of the government didn't approve of vigilantes. They would try to "capture" them.

Unofficially they looked the other way as long as the vigilantes didn't interfere in their work. The CIA avoided Gotham but unfortunately they could not do the same for the other hotspots. When they were their they turned a blind eye to the vigilantes who protected the cities.

He barely withheld a side as he let them pass. Then he made finished the track his thoughts returning to Larkin.

Matthew half the time wanted to lock the man in his apartment and never let him out. Realistically he knew that would only drive Larkin away. Which would make him run.

Chasing Larkin had been difficult the first time. It took months for him to trust his handler even slightly. There were still times that his agent didn't trust him. One wrong move and Matthew would lose all the progress he made.

When he opened the door he found Mozzie sitting in one of the chairs by Larkin's bed. Concern flashed through him as he saw how pale his agent was. He looked much healthier earlier. What had happened?

Mozzie growled at the sight of him. Larkin might trust him but his tiny friend did not.

Matthew soothed, "Agent Burke let me in. What happened to him?"

Mozzie replied his eyes narrowed in suspicion, "How did you hear about it? This just happened less than an hour ago."

"He didnt call me this morning," came his honest answer, "We keep in contact, Mozzie. I was worried when he didn't make his usual contact. What happened?"

There was a change about the smaller man. Worry in his eyes wasn't very well hidden. Despite their differences both of them cared about Larkin.

"I brought in someone who owed me a favor," there was a darkness in his eyes, "I don't know how they knew each other. But he shot Neal. I didn't even know when he put kevlar in the jackets but that saved him. Without it he would have died before anyone arrived."

So that was how Casey ended up here. That was better than he could have hoped. It meant agents weren't searching for Larkin.

Matthew questioned as he moved to stand by Larkin's side, "What else is wrong? Why is he so pale?"

Mozzie answered honestly, "I'm not sure. He saw John and seized up. I've never seen him do that before."

That was strange. Larkin didn't have a history of seizures or epilepsy. It was something that would have made it self know before now. It would explain the paleness.

Reaching over he gripped the man's wrist. He could feel the other's pulse. It flittered unequally and fast. It wasn't worrying but he would keep an eye on his asset.

"Flashed," interrupted his thoughts. What?

He blinked not understanding and Mozzie continued, "John said that Neal flashed."

Flashed. That didn't make any sense. Flash was a term used for Intersect assets.

Bryce wasn't an Intersect, he had sent it to his college friend. Sending it destroy the computer that it was sent on; using it did the same thing. There was no way Larkin had an Interest.

Even as his mind tried to deny it the rational part if him was putting the symptoms together. The words rang true despite the impossibility of it.

Footsteps interrupted to his thoughts. Unsurprisingly it was Burke. They had only met once before this. Matthew knew that his cover would be tested soon. It held up to the paranoid con man's scrutiny. The FBI couldn't be any worse than that.

Burke questioned, "How is he?"

"Nothing's changed," answered Mozzie.

There was something odd in Burke's voice. Concern was there but that wasn't all. It made Matthew turn frowning.

In the agent's hands was a photograph. Immediately he spied Larrkin the oldest of the group. He had a bright grin on his face. His arm was slung over a grumpy looking child. They almost looked as if they were brother.

To his trained eyes he noticed the difference between that smile and the smile he normally saw. It was less forced and truly happy.

The photo was taken before the man joined the CIA. Every agent had heard of Larkin and his exploits before they finished training. That was it though. Just his accomplishments. No one knew anything about him from before.

Matthew asked holding out his hand, "May I?"

Cautiously and with a good deal of suspicion Burke gave him the photo. Examining each person closer he began to put names to the faces. They were older now but there was no mistaking it.

These were the Wayne children. The grumpy one was Damien Wayne. After identifying all of them and finding one look left he knew why there was so much secrecy. Bryce Larkin was actually Richard Grayson.

As much as the revelation should have shocked him; it didnt. It explained so much of Larkin's behavior and knowledge.

Matthew handed the photo back to Burke. They both had questions but the one with the answers was unconscious. It was a waiting game from here.

Neal's POV

Coming to he was surprised that he didn't have any nightmares. They had been getting worse since the kidnapping of Elizabeth. The nightmares weren't really dreams but memories.

Being in the FBI he had lucky that so far he had not been shot; shot at but never actually hitting him. Every time though it would dredge up memories of Casey or the Ring shooting him.

Neal opened his eyes as he sat up on his bed. The room was alight by sunlight. Familiar snoring could be heard from the couch. It made him smile slightly. Mozzie had stayed with him despite their disagreements.

Movement could be heard inside the kitchen just beyond his line of sight. Palming the knife he kept under his pillow he stood. The first thing he noted was that he was still in his clothes from the day before.

Silently he peaked around the wall to find Matt cooking. With a sigh he placed the knife dow before questioning, "What are you doing here, Matt?"

The force with which Matt turned around had to give him whiplash. Wild hazel met blue. Then they softened when they recognized him.

Matt reprimanded without any heat, "You shouldn't sneak up on people. It's a good way to get hurt."

"I could say the same for you, Matt," he snarked back easily.

Neal's head still felt heavy from flashing earlier. He felt a sense of relief that he didn't flash at the sight of Matt. Three in one day would not have been good for his health.

Matt he noticed had three plates set out. It was then that Neal could hear the water in the bathroom.

"Its the Suit."

That almost made him chuckle. While Matt and Mozzie could not stand each other both called Peter, Suit.

Neal knew Peter well enough to know why he was there. Why Matt was there remained the question.

Matt ordered calmly placing a plate of eggs on the table, "Eat. I came by when you didnt call. With everything that's happened recently I was worried."

There was honesty in the hazel gaze. Matt cared more than most handlers did about their assets. For the most part he treated Neal like a friend.

That in itself had forged a strong bond between them. His bond with Peter had been strong but since the incident with the treasure it wasn't as strong as before.

Neal said as he picked at the eggs, "I'm guessing you know who's in town then," there was a sharp nod, "He caught me off guard."

Matthew's head shot up when the water turned off in the bathroom. Peter walked out noting both men staring at him.

Neal was the first to turn back to his food. The room was uncomfortably silent save for Mozzie's snoring.

"Neal, when we took John Casey away last night he called his director. As an active duty agent we couldn't hold him. You are not to wander around by yourself. I don't want to take the chance that he will try again."

Neal argued, "Peter he knows that you know he's out there. There's no way that he's stupid enough to try again."

A fierce glare was his answer. There would be no arguing with Peter. After he finished eating he was forced to shower and change. Even with all that happened there was still a job to do.

The look Matt gave him let him know their talk wasn't over. He would not be surprised if he came back to find Matt arguing with Mozzie later.

Chapter Text

A/N Thanks for your reviews and support.

Guest: thanks for your review, my friend. Sorry, it took so long. Hope you enjoy it.

Peter's POV

"I know you're afraid but we can't hide in this closet forever. I also do NOT want to be caught in an FBI supply closet with you, Larkin."

Peter paused in his walk past the supply closet. The file on the case he was working lay loosely in his hands.

That voice was familiar. What was the NSA agent still doing here?

A familiar voice growled, "Casey, get the fuck off. You're heavy," there was shuffling heard.

Why was Neal in one of the supply closets? Why was he even in the same building as the man who tried to kill him just hours before?

"I'm heavy? Who is that eats like a king? Be glad you didn't get that crummy ass apartment the feds tried to put you in."

Those two sounded like an old married couple. It seemed Neal had a history with Casey.

Peter decided he didn't want to know what was happening behind that door. There were things that no one wanted to know. Neal Caffery's current love life was one of them.

Neal's POV

Wincing he sat up as Casey rolled off of him. His shoulder ached painfully from the way he landed. Maybe pushing Casey into a supply closet had not been his best plan.

Casey growled, "Larkin if you ever do that again, I'll be sure to kill you. This time I'll make sure you don't come back."

He didn't doubt it. Casey didn't make false threats. If he wanted someone dead they would be. Bryce Larkin had felt that determination before and it killed him. Only for traitors to drag him back into the land of the living.

Neal rose to his feet mindful of his aching shoulder and looked outside. The hallway was clear this time of his meddling sister.

Cass was just like the rest of them. Stubborn to a fault but loyal to the family. She only wanted him to return or at the very least find out why he left.

Neal wasn't stupid he knew he couldn't avoid her forever. However, he would avoid her as long as he could. With any luck, she would not get his father to come. There would be no keeping his secrets if Bruce Wayne came to town.

A hard shove pushed him through into the hall. Casey followed out and growled, "To your office now, Larkin. I'm escorting you there since you only seem to cause trouble."

A hand enclosed around his collar and began to push him towards the office. Eyes were on them the moment Casey pushed him through the door.

His collar was released and Neal went to his desk with a glare. Arguing with the NSA agent in front of everyone would only arise suspicion. No one knew of his past with the agency and that's how he liked it.

The suspicious look from Casey said he had not fooled the other. Dropping his hat onto the desk Neal sat. With everything that had happened his mind was in disarray. If he wasn't careful then he would give everything away.

Looking up towards Peter's office he could see Cass talking to him. Even without being able to hear what was being said he could tell it was not a happy conversation. Her body language was tense and angry.

Jones said drawing Neal's attention to him, "They are arguing about you. Cain wants you pulled from the investigation but she won't say why."

He could guess why. Previous association with Selena Kyle could make him a liability if it was in fact her. There was no possibility that Cass could know about his association with Burton.

Diana said, "Burton was seen last night around another museum. We warned the Director this morning but they don't believe that he is a threat."

Of course, they didn't. Burton was one of the most skilled conmen he came across. He could fool most people into thinking that he was harmless.

Neal replied, "Its because he is a conman. There are those that have an easy-going attitude. It makes it easier for others to trust them. He's one of those people."

"Like yourself, Caffery," Jones quipped.

Jones wasn't wrong. With the way he set up his identity he was easy going. If provoked however he could cold and serious, like Bryce.

Diana questioned carefully, "Caffery what did you do to piss off that NSA agent?"

"I'm not sure. He seems to have mistaken me for someone else," he lied.

If they knew the truth they wouldn't trust him ever again. Things he had done weren't easily forgiven even amongst his fellow agents. It was why he worked solo until he died a second time.

Casey he could see was watching them from across the room. Neal had the feeling that the older agent wouldn't let him out of his sight. This could be troublesome with his work.

Peter's door slammed open and a very pissed off Cassandra Cain left. Her eyes met his and Neal could feel the blood leave his face.

Peter what in the name of God did you say to her? Her eyes met his a murderous aura coming off of her. Whatever his handler had said it brought back the assassin within his sister. Something not even Dick had seen in years leading up to his disappearance.

Peter came out and gave Neal a double finger point. With a sigh, Neal stood. This wasn't going to end well but he followed the order.

As soon as Neal entered, Peter closed the door. Whatever he had to say he didn't want the other's to hear.

Peter said as he came around to his chair, "With the information you gave us on Burton we were able to set up a meeting between the two of you. You will be acting as a fence."

Neal nodded. Normally he would act as a buyer but Mozz had taught him how to be a fence.

"Why aren't we in the conference room with the team?"

"Because of Miss Cain," answered Peter, "Right now she threatens this operation with her stubbornness. Diana is going to keep her away from the operation while the rest of us go after Burton."

Neal nodded. That made sense. Cass would try to make their lives hard. She wouldn't let him do his job the way he was supposed to. Especially when she found out about his scars.

Peter moved around the desk with the key to his anklet in hand. He lifts the leg of his pants to allow Peter to unlock his anklet. Out of his handler's came a familiar watch.

Neal slipped it onto his wrist tightening. Peter said clapping him on the shoulder, "Just confirm that it's the real thing. We will take it from there. Do not let your guard down."

Neal nodded. He had to be very careful here. Burton knew about Bryce Larkin. If he recognized Neal things could go south fast.

Peter's POV

Miss Cain's concerns about Neal were valid. There was more going on here than he knew. Ever since Kyle had come into the picture Neal had been acting strange.

A file lay on his desk given to him by Jones before Cain had interrupted him. They were able to find out about Matthew Keller. He had to wonder how Neal got mixed up with the man.

Keller was a conman just as Caffery was. The differences between the two men were as wide as the Grand Canyon.

Neal was a non-violent criminal who hated guns. Keller, on the other hand, had no such qualms. He was thought to have ties with arms dealers all over the United States. There were rumors that he had killed one of his own men for thinking he dropped his passport on a job.

Neal normally wouldn't go near such a person. His hatred of guns was ever-present.

There was something he was missing here. Nothing about this situation made any sense.

From Neal being around Matthew Keller. To this unknown relationship with John Casey. What the hell was he missing?

Experience taught him that confronting Neal would only give him half-answers. If he wanted the truth then he would have to work most of it out himself. Starting with the clue he had overheard. Larkin.

Chapter Text

A/N Thanks for your reviews and support.

Kitten6168: thanks for your review, my friend. I'm glad you enjoyed it! Peter will be uncovering more and more. Even as Neal tries to prevent it.

white tiger freak: thanks for your review, my friend. You got one of them right. There is certainly someone new coming in to play. But if I told you now that would ruin all the fun. So you will just have to wait and see.

Sorry if anyone seems to OOC.

Neal's POV

Burton's meeting place was just a rundown apartment. It was inconspicuous and a perfect meeting ground. If it was anyone else he would suspect a trap. A bullet to be meant for his chest.

That was not Burton's style, however. He like Neal did not like to use guns. It was the one thing about him that Neal could respect.

Still, he checked the area around the building for someone to be waiting. Even with the FBI watching, he could not afford to be caught off guard. Not in this instance. There was too much at stake for him not to double-check.

Neal found the perimeter clear of any ambushes. He slowly made his way inside. Two people were on the far right. They didn't give him any acknowledgment as he made his way up the stairs.

He knocked on the designated door and waited. Not even a moment later the door opened. Jack Burton stood in front of him.

The man had not changed much since the last time he had seen him. There was more grey in his hair but he still looked only a few years older than Peter. Hazel eyes widened with surprise.

Neal carefully did not show his own recognition on his face. This was going to end badly.

Burton said, "You must be the fence. Come in."

The man moved to the side to allow Neal in. The younger man took even steps forward. Hesitation could give the whole sting away.

The apartment itself was bare with a simple wooden table. On it was the Egyptian artifact. Without examining it he could guess it was from the King Tut era.

Burton questioned moving into the small kitchen area, "Do you want something to drink?"

"No thanks," he replied as he moved over to the table.

Moving around the table he examined the artifact. The gold looked to be real but the real test would come later.

He only had a few experiences with Egyptian artifacts but by all appearances it was real. Querying over his shoulder, "May I?"

"Go ahead," came the short reply as the man poured himself a drink.

Neal picked the artifact up testing it in his hands. The weight was certainly right to be made out of gold. Carefully he went through each of the tests that would determine if a metal and gems were authentic or not.

Silently he thanked Mozzie for all of the training. CIA didn't prepare one to be a thief. Or to catch them.

Agencies liked to think they knew all the tricks. It was thieves like Mozzie that always had one more trick. That last trick that would surprise even the most seasoned investigator.

Every test that he did come back the same. It was real. That meant Burton truly did try to frame Selina.

"You know the person I talked to called you, Halden," came Burton's voice from behind him. Neal slowly turned to face him the artifact still heavy in his hands, "However you and I both know differently. Don't we Larkin?"

Damn. It seemed he did recognize Neal. With the watch recording everything that was being said he was in trouble.

Neal said with a shake of his head in warning, "Its Nick Halden actually. This is real. What are you looking for it to be sold at?"

The man's eyes went down to the watch on Neal's wrist. If he was a lesser man he would have tugged at his sleeve. Instead, he stood stock still not moving away or forward.

Burton asked his hazel eyes flashing with anger, "CIA? Does Sarah know I'm here?"

"FBI. And no. I haven't had contact with Sarah in a long time."

It took a few seconds for his words to sink in. In those few seconds, Neal could hear footsteps coming towards the door. Slowly he stepped away from the door and Burton.

Burton growled angrily, "You turned Fed? What the hell Larkin?"

As the footsteps got closer Neal realized something was wrong. They were too light to Peter and the FBI. One set was closer than the other set. Could Cass have intercepted his watch transmission?

The footsteps stopped right outside the door. There wasnt even any warning as the door was kicked open. Cassandra marched in her blazing green eyes on the two conmen.

Neal began carefully, "Cass..."

She didn't give him a chance to finish. Instead, she lunged at Burton and had him by the collar.

FBI trained for long runs but nothing compared to the Bats training. The family could run and climb their way across cities all night long if needed. It was part of their duty and each of them had accepted this duty when they started their training.

It would have been a miracle if Diana was able to chase her all the way here. Then again she was probably just downstairs with Peter.

Cass had not yet released her captive her green eyes burned fiercely into the older man's. Neal tried to reason, "Cass you can't hurt him. That's not how things are done here."

She growled angrily back at him, "He was going to set you up, Dick. The moment that you were given out as the fence he was going to set you up."

That seemed more like Burton's style. It didn't surprise him at all considering Neal was an FBI consultant now. During his time with Peter, he had made a lot of enemies. Burton could have gotten into contact with any number of them.

Neal asked even as he picked up the heavy footfalls of the FBI, "Who have you sent after me Jack?"

The brown-haired man replied with a false smile, "You betrayed us, Larkin. All I did was push someone who was already looking for you in the right direction. Wilkes."

That wasnt possible Ryan Wilkes was in prison. At the same time, he could see the truth in Burton's face. He wasnt lying.

If having his family in New York wasnt bad enough. Now he had Wilkes to deal with as well. Things could not possibly get any worse.

Any further communication between Neal and Burton was interrupted by the FBI storming in. Peter let Jones put cuffs on Burton instead of choosing to check on him.

Burton said as Jones pushed him past, "You should have stayed away, Larkin."

Then he was gone leaving Neal with the FBI. His hands were clenched into tight fists at his side. The threat was clear.

They both knew that he would do whatever it took to save himself. It was part of being a conman. Look after themselves before anyone else. It was why he had been caught.

Despite everything that had happened he was still the boy who wanted to help people as Robin. That part of him was what influenced him into helping the FBI.

Peter asked checking him over, "Neal are you okay? What did he mean by that?"

Neal said carefully, "He knew me a time I wish to forget. Peter, he knew exactly who I was when I was set up as the fence."

"A leak?"

No. It had to have been Sarah or even Chuck. Both would have pictures of him somewhere. Both had ties to Burton.

Chuck's POV

After landing that morning in New York he and Sarah had gone straight to their hotel. Alex and Morgan had insisted on coming despite Chuck's objects. They chose to do reconnaissance on the FBI building.

Once their stuff was settled Sarah and Chuck had checked in with them. The only thing they had to report was that Agent Burke's team had left. They had been given very specific instructions to avoid that particular agent and his team. They were only to approach if lives were at stake.

Their main point of contact would be with an Agent Phillip Kramer. According to Beckman that was the one threatening the retired agent.

Chuck and Sarah stepped out onto the White Collar floor. Agents were all busy as they walked into the office. They seemed to have something important going on.

When Chuck looked up he found a grey-haired man with blue-green eyes staring down at them. At that moment the Intersect information flashed before his eyes.

Phillip Kramer
Age: 56
Agent Phillip Kramer has been a special agent for the FBI. A member of the DC art crimes division he takes on cases of theft and forgeries. Mentored Agent Peter Burke. He has level 4 security clearance. No known ties to the Ring.

So this was the man they were meant to stop him from investigating. There was a fierceness in the blue-green eyes that reminded Chuck of Casey. This was not someone who would give up so easily.

Sarah said drawing him from his thoughts, "I am Agent Sarah Carmichael and this is Agent Charles Carmichael. We are here to speak with Agent Kramer."

An agent pointed up to the conference room as he said, "He's up there."

Chuck and Sarah both made their way up the stairs. Blue-green eyes followed their progress coldly.

Kramer held out his hand when they stood before him, "I am Special Agent Phillip Kramer how can I help you?"

Chuck said taking the hand and shook it, "Agent Charles Carmichael. We are here for a confidential reason with the CIA. Is there a place we can talk without being overheard?"

"Yes follow me."

They went into the conference room after kicking out the man's agents. Chuck and Sarah both sat on one side of the table. Kramer sat on the other side.

He inquired coldly, "What do you need?"

Chapter Text

A/N Thanks for your reviews and support.

Fangtasia21: thanks for your review, my friend. Things are certainly about to get interesting.

Chuck's POV

Chuck replied trying to control his annoyance, "We are here about the CIA badge you found. The CIA wants you to back off of the agent."

Kramer looked at him with suspicion. Alarm bells were going off in the younger's head.

Kramer replied, "I think someone has you and your agency fooled. It's not an agent that I am investigating. It's a CI who has a track record of fooling people."

Well, that didnt work. A frown crossed his face. What to do now?

Sarah said, "We know about his past. The orders remain the same, however. Back off Agent Kramer."

For a moment it seemed as if the FBI agent would do as he was told. Then the brought out a file. It wasnt overly thick but Chuck could see the outline of a badge. The agent's badge.

They weren't supposed to investigate who but he was curious. More often than not they disobeyed Beckman. This was going to turn into one of those times. They just had to know who they were working with. Possibly against depending on who it was.

Kramer affirmed, "The badge does say CIA. However, I have seen what this man can do. He is one of the best forgers in the world. The name he currently gives by is Neal Caffery."

Images flashed before his eyes. Ones that he was familiar and should not have been possible.

Neal Caffery was the reinvention of the life of Bryce Larkin. Images of him being saved from the Intersect 2.0 room. It took then weeks to put the man back together.

That he chose to become an art forger almost immediately upon waking. As soon as he woke up he broke out of the facility that saved him.

From there Matthew Keller was assigned to be his handler. Then proceeded to chase Bryce all around the world.

It was true that Bryce had become a criminal. Eventually, he was caught by the FBI.

He was given four years in a maximum-security prison. Three months left on that sentence he broke out. Then he was caught once again on the same day.

Bryce as Neal Caffery then offered the man who caught him a deal. Help catching criminals for getting out of prison. Currently was serving a four-year sentence as a CI for the FBI. Never would he had considered that the CIA would catch up to him.

It was little wonder why Beckman didnt want them looking into this further. They were close to Bryce. They thought he had died that night.

He had to be sure of what he saw was the truth. The Intersect had never lied to him before but he couldn't believe what it was telling him. It just couldn't be right.

Quietly he inquired holding out his hand, "May I see the badge? I will be able to confirm whether or not it is real."

Kramer frowned but opened the folder. The elder man knew they were his best option in determining if the id was fake or real. He couldn't arrest Neal for forging the id without proof.

The badge was pushed across to him and he picked it up. The feel of the fabric was right. As was the hologram on the outside.

When he flipped it open he saw a very familiar face of Bryce Larkin staring back. It was his old CIA badge and picture. He looked significantly less worn in the picture.

Next to him, Sarah sucked in a breath. She didnt have the Intersect as he did. So the name Neal Caffery meant absolutely nothing to her.

He affirmed, "This is most certainly a real id. I'm sorry to say this Agent Kramer but you will have to stop your investigation immediately."

The man snapped back, "And if I refuse?"

Chuck sat straighter in his chair as he replied, "Then it will go into my report and you will be forced to return to DC without Mr. Caffery. This is not a threat but a promise Agent Kramer. If you in any way endanger our agent you will regret it. Do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal clear Agent Carmichael."

Neal's POV

Their arrival back at the agency was met with uneasy reception. All eyes were on the conference room. It seemed someone had come while they were gone and they were talking to Kramer.

Whoever they were though they were gone. Neal could see that the older agent was packing up his things.

Something had changed in the time that they were gone. What could make him pack up his bags like this?

Peter ordered stiffly, "Stay here a moment Neal."

Peter went up the stairs and into the conference room. The other agents went back to their normal duties. Those who had just finished the sting went to fill out reports.

Neal should be following their lead but he hated reports. The agents knew that he was always one of the last to fill them out. That Peter more often than not sent them back to be corrected.

He watched as Peter spoke with Kramer from the doorway. There was a pissed off look in the elder's eyes. Whatever had been done did not make him happy. Good.

Then Kramer moved past Peter and down the steps. When he stood in front of Neal the man said, "You have powerful friends, Mr. Caffery. But they can't protect you forever. When they cant I'll be there to bring you back to DC."

"Good luck with that," he snarked back.

The glare he received made it worth the trouble he had with the man. Inside he was curious to know who helped him. It couldn't have been Matt. His handler purposely stayed away from the agency. He didnt want to blow either of their covers.

No one else knew who he was or cared enough to stop Kramer. There had to be something he was missing here. Nothing was coming to him about who could have done this.

Most of the agency thought he was dead. So they couldn't have helped him unless told someone but that was unlikely. She barely tolerated him once he ran from the medical facility.

Only Cass and Selina from the Batfamily knew he was here. If they had told anyone else then the entire family would have converged on New York. He highly doubted that Kramer would have left the investigation so suddenly for them. If anything that would have made the man worse.

Neal looked up as Peter gave him the double finger point. With a sigh, he went up to his handler's office. If he asked Neal could at least answer truthfully that he had no idea who made Kramer back off.

Once he was in Peter's office the man said, "Apparently another agency has interfered in Phillip's investigation into you. They forced him to abandon it or risk his career."

If it was an agency then it had to be CIA. There was no doubt about it Beckman had gotten an alert on his id then sent someone to deal with it. With any luck, they would already be gone and not be waiting to speak to him or Matt.

If his luck held out whoever was here wasnt going to leave. He barely was able to keep from strangling his handler most days.

Neal said taking a deep breath to calm himself, "That's good though. It means they can finally make a decision on my commutation."

Peter sighed, "They will reconvene in a few weeks. All the paperwork still has to go through. Neal, I have to know. What aren't you telling me about this?"

"Peter I have never lied to you," he admitted, "I won't start now. I can't tell you."

"Go home, Caffery."

Tim's POV

When he got the call from Cass to look into the files Justice League he thought maybe someone had hacked it. It was something that was unheard of but it was extremely difficult.

Cass refused to say what it was for only that it was important. When he found a file it wasnt a surprise. The fact that it was locked by a timed time lock was. If a passcode wasnt input once every two weeks the Justice League would get the file.

The only one of their crazy family that did such things was Dick. Then again his brother had been missing for over a decade now. The encryption was several years old and it didnt take much of an effort to break.

The file was a set in report like messages. Normally he wouldn't mind this but something felt off.

What he found in the reports shocked him to his very core. Before he even finished the first report he was sending off a message to Jason and Damien. They needed to be in New York now!

A/N so the Bryce Larkin information was added in one of the updates. Since Chuck hasn't heard of Neal Caffery since then it would not have been triggered.

Chapter Text

A/N Thanks for your reviews and support.

Brandy Nelson: thanks for your review, my friend. New York is about to get a lot more exciting that's for sure. Unpredictable bat family and a CIA agent that just wants his life to return to normal. He is beginning to realize that you cannot hide from your past forever.

Neal's POV

Running a hand through his hair he went up the stairs to his apartment. The day had been average once Kramer had left. The fact that the agent who was dead set on putting him in jail or on a flight to DC worried him.

Something had happened that made Kramer back off. Or at the very make it look like he was back off. Not many people could do that and as far as he knew none of them were New York.

Worry ate at his mind but he did his best to push it to the side. With Kramer out of the way, he could finally find out if he received his commutation. It wouldn't change his day to day activities. Working with Peter had given him a purpose that was missing. With or without his anklet he would still work for the FBI.

As he stood in front of his apartment door he hesitated. He didnt know if he could face Matt right now. The man would have questions and he didnt have all of the answers.

Part of him felt like he would be betraying Orion if he told Matt about him. From what he understood the man was considered to be dead by the CIA. If his own experiences taught him anything though; it was that just because you are declared dead doesn't mean you stay that way.

When Peter told him to go home Neal decided to wander instead. He hoped if he was on the edge of his radius that Orion might drop by. The entire time he wandered he kept an eye out for a tail.

It was all for naught. In the several hours that he had been wandering or stopping in different stores there wasnt a tail. There was no contact made by Orion either.

The plan wasnt thought out or very smart of him. If Wilkes really was in town then the man could have kidnapped him. Again... the only real protection he had at the moment was the Intersect in his head. It wouldn't be much help considering he didnt even know how to use it.

It was almost dark now that he was back at June's. He didnt feel any better than when he left the FBI.

With a sigh, he pushed on the door only to find it locked. A frown marred his face. His door shouldn't be locked. He kept it unlocked unless June wasnt going to be home. Even then it wasn't often that he locked it.

Pulling out his keys he quietly unlocked the door. He almost wished he had allowed Matt to put a field box in here. He knew that Matt and Mozzie would not have locked the door. So whoever was in here wasnt one of his friends. That left Casey, Cass, or Selina. He truly hoped it was Selina. Already he was tired of dealing with Casey and Cass.

Cautiously he entered his own apartment. His eyes scanning the room as he entered. What he saw made him freeze halfway in.

Two familiar dark-haired men in his kitchen. The older of the two was Jason Todd who was glancing through his wine collection. At six years his junior Jason was more muscular and about three inches taller than Neal. Even when they were growing up the younger boy always seemed to be taller than him.

Neal made a note to check that everything was still there when they left. Jason had a tendency to take things that weren't his.

The younger who should only be 18 now was Timothy Drake. Out of all his siblings he was closest to Tim and Damien. They were the youngest of his brother's were the most like him.

It took him a long moment for him to figure out why they were there. Cass must have given his message to Tim instead of leaving to check it out herself.

Tim was the first to break the stunned silence, "Dick? So the file was real?"

Neal sighed as removed his jacket and loosened his tie, "It was. If something was to happen to me I wanted you guys to know."

He had the feeling that they only had gotten through to the first reports. That was his life as Neal Caffery and how he became a thief. There was a secondary set of files that were hidden with a deeper encryption. He didn't keep up with his computer skills but that didnt mean he didnt have a few tricks. The one he used he learned from Chuck back at Stanford. As far as he knew only the two of them knew how to break it.

Still, his escapades as Neal Caffery were enough to warrant attention. With how many times he had been shot and or shot at they would want to drag him back to Gotham. Specifically to drag him in front of Bruce.

Whether Dick or Neal he was not ready to face his adoptive father. Bruce would immediately notice the time gap between when he left and joining the FBI. The skill discrepancies would raise even more red flags. Questions he couldn't answer would be raised. It would be enough for Neal to consider running again. That was the last thing he wanted. Not when he was so close to getting his life on track.

The silence between the three brothers was defeating. Where they had once been closer than blood they were now divided. He honestly did miss the days were they were carefree. Or as carefree as one could get being apart of the vigilantes.

Neal greeted finally breaking the silence, "Tim, Jason."

Jason growled, "Grayson. Do you realize how much trouble you caused by disappearing?"

Neal's lips twitched in what could have been a smile if it had been years before. That carefree part of him that gave true smiles so easily died when he betrayed Chuck. If that hadn't completely ended it dying twice had.

Neal faked being carefree around Peter and Mozzie. It was good practice for the conman. He knew they both suspected that behind his smiles was pain but they didnt press. Pressing him they knew would only cause him to shut himself off even more.

"What happened to you, Dick?" Came Tim's soft question.

Neal's hand went through his hair again. That was a loaded question and one he didnt really know how to answer.

He answered tiredly, "That is such a loaded question. You are only here because you were able to crack the encryption on my first file."

Tim looked over at Jason and then asked, "There's more?"

A self-deprecating laugh escaped him. More? The file began at his time as Neal. There was some basic information from his time as Bryce but without names. Most of it was about computer skills and that he spent some time in college. He didnt go into details about the college.

Tim said his eyes widening within knowing, "You meant for us to find the file," Jason sucked in a breath, "It was a decoy for the real file that holds everything."

Never let it be said that Tim a detective like the rest. His analytical made worked differently than the rest. In his mind, he took in everything he saw and figured the most likely scenarios. The rest of them took several minutes. For Tim it only took seconds. It was what made him special.

Jason growled, "What the hell were you thinking disappearing like that for a decade?"

Neal glared at the taller man. There was no reason for him to answer that. They didnt need him then and they certainly didnt need him now. The White Collar unit did need help and he had the ability to help them. It was the path he had chosen and he didnt regret it.

Neal snapped back, "It's not like anyone..."

Anything that he would have said was interrupted by his door being thrown open. Matt stepped in his eyes searching the room for any threats. Neal saw the way his hands went towards where his sidearm was hidden.

When they landed on Neal they immediately searched for wounds. With as much time he spent with the older man it was the only way he knew of what each look meant. Something had happened and whatever it was he wasnt going to like what Matt had to say.

Chapter Text

A/N Thanks for your reviews and support. Updates are going to slow down majorly for the next six months or so. I'm starting a new class and just waiting for my months. I'll try to update as much as I can though.

Neal's POV

Jason snapped his eyes narrowing in anger and suspicion, "Who the hell are you? You can't just burst into another person's apartment."

Neal growled in return, "Actually unlike the two of you he has a standing invitation. Just as I have a standing invitation to his apartment if I need to get away."

"Dick," Tim tried to reason with him.

For his part, Neal wasnt having it. This was his life and them on the verge of destroying everything he had built. To make matters worse he still didn't know what had happened to his photo of everyone together.

Instinctively he knew if that fell into the wrong hands that someone could figure out who he was. Namely Peter. His handler was too smart for his own good most days.

Another part was worried about losing one of his closest friends. Neither Mozzie nor Peter knew the truth of his past. Finding out not from him could ruin the friendship he had with the older men.

Matt questioned carefully, "What can I do for two of the Wayne children? You do not normally go into other houses with the exception of your other selves."

Neal almost choked on the air in surprise. Matt knew that they were Teen Titan's leader and the Red Hood? How in the hell?

A sharp look was sent from the man telling him to be quiet. It seemed he wasnt the only one keeping secrets close to the chest. Then again he wondered sometimes how he and Bruce weren't figured out sooner.

Batman appeared not long after Bruce's return to Gotham. Robin's first appearance not long after him becoming a ward of Bruce's. The fallouts between Batman and Robin recognized when he left for Jump.

If one knew where to look their secret identities weren't really that secret. With Selina in town, it may have put Matt onto his real identity's trail. Jason and Tim weren't helping in that area either.

Neal sighed internally. Things weren't going his way this week.

Tim was the one who answered coldly, "What other selves? I think you are mistaking us for someone else."

Tim's eyes flickered to him in question asking if he had told. Subtly he shook his head. There were issues between him and the family. That wasnt something he could or would deny. Even with that though he would never betray his family in such away.

Matt answered honestly, "The CIA isn't stupid boys. They know most of the Justice League and associated sidekicks true names. There's a long-running agreement between the Justice League and intelligence agencies. We stay out of each other's way and don't reveal identities or code names. A fine line you are very close to breaking."

So that was how Graham found him originally.

How long had they been watching him? Given that Matt knew of his brother's identities did he know of Neal's own?

For the life of him, he hoped not. Graham was supposed to be the only one who knew the truth. And he was long since dead.

Tim had to stop Jason from lunging at Matt. Then he said, "We will leave for now. But this isn't over."

Neal watched as they left making sure to keep his distance. Matt stayed close enough to grab him if they tried anything. Though even if they did try to take him Matt had a way to track him beyond the anklet. Short of killing Matt they wouldn't be able to keep him for long. Casey would no doubt go after him just to keep him from dying. Again.

Tim and Jason would be looking harder now that they had a clue. Inadvertently Matt had given them a hint. He told them of the agreement between the CIA and the League. Only those with high-level security clearance would know that.

When he was sure that they were gone Matt inquired, "How are you? That wasn't what I expected when I came to give you an update."

Neal sighed as he faced his handler, "I am fine. They didn't do anything."

There wasn't a flash either. So he wasnt going to be sick or collapse on the man.

Matt asked, "Do you have the Intersect in your head? Don't bullshit me, Bryce. I need to know so that I can handle any situations that come our way."

Neal took in a deep breath and held it for a moment before releasing it. As much as he hated to admit it Matt was right. He couldn't help Neal without knowing the full story. With possibly being in danger Chuck would never forgive him if he didnt try to help Orion.

He gestured for Matt to take a seat on the couch. Neal took the chair across from him. This was going to be a long conversation.

Running a hand down his face he asked, "What do you remember of Orion?"

Matt sat back as he answered a thoughtful look crossing his face, "He was the original creator of the Intersect. It was thought that he had been killed in a mission a few years back. But there wasnt a body recovered so he is still considered MIA. What of him?"

"He's still alive and made contact with me," Neal held up a hand to stop his handler from asking questions just yet, "Last night when Casey shot me I had just come to from the Intersect downloading into my brain. Earlier he had sent me a message wanting to meet. That was when he gave me a pair of sunglasses that held an Intersect in them. I don't know which version it is. What I do know is that using it makes me sick. My head pounds and nausea takes over."

A speculative look quickly crossed the other's face. Matt was considering everything that had been said. Then he was piecing it together with what he knew of the project.

If there was anyone outside of Orion that could give him some answers it was Matt. This wasnt the only conversation they would be having tonight. Matt had come for another reason entirely. A reason that had just stopped Tim and Jason.

The threats that were implied were not idle threats. He had known his handler for too long to think that. If Tim or Jason pushed too far they would get more than they bargained for.

Matt could very few ruin the batfamily. Not that Neal would allow that to happen. Even if it meant revealing that he was Dick Grayson he would not allow harm to fall upon them. Not in a way he could stop.

Matt said finally, "From what I understand it would either be a malfunctioning Intersect. I highly doubt given who it was that gave it to you. Or your brain simply isn't able to handle the knowledge the way Agent Carmichael's brain is. This is more likely scenario. Under normal circumstances, you would be pulled from the city and sent to a secure medical facility to try and figure it out. With who you are and the fact that you still are among the living is classified beyond top secret that isn't a good option. Not to mention that you would have my head on a pike first."

Neal gave a small smile in return. The understanding between them as he was never to return to one of the CIA's facilities. If he did it would be by his choice. That would never happen he would rather die first.

Matt knew him well enough to understand his reasons. Even if he didnt agree with them.

Matt continued, "That wasnt the only reason I came tonight. You already know that Burton sold you out to Wilkes. That he was already looking for you. According to my information, he was looking to take you out of play by any means necessary for the next few weeks. This was moved up even further when his actual target decided they are going to leave New York day after tomorrow. His actual target is Phillip Kramer. He wants to kill the FBI agent. Whether it's a job or a message I'm not sure. But he knows you will try to stop him."

Neal almost wanted to leave Kramer to Wilkes. That would remove one problem from the list that seemed ever-growing. The Robin and the good guy in him yelled though. They would not allow such a thing.

Running a hand down his face tiredly he considered his options. He could go to Peter with this. There were a lot of things his handler overlooked. An FBI possibly in trouble was not one of them. He would want to know how he came about the information. Then he would want to talk to Matt. The two men would butt heads. Their personalities were so similar yet so different at the same time.

Another option would be to protect Kramer themselves. For that, they would need a full team. Right now it was just the two of them. Casey would probably help if only to keep an eye on him. Mozzie would help if Neal asked.

Four wasnt enough to keep an eye on an FBI agent. Unless he kept to his hotel room which wasnt likely. Kramer wanted to drag Neal back to Washington.

As if reading his thought Matt said , "There a team in New York now. They were ordered here when it came to Beckman's attention your cover was in danger. I can coordinate with them to keep an eye on Kramer. What I need you to do is find Orion. With the Intersect close to frying your brain I dont want you any closer to that side of things until we find a way to fix it."

Neal opened his mouth to argue but a quick glare and he shut it again. He knew Matt was right. If he tried to help in his current state he would only be a burden.

Chapter Text

A/N Thanks for your reviews and support.

nix: thanks for your review, my friend. So glad you enjoyed it!

Blood doesn't make family is not connected to this fic. They are completely separate.

Burke's POV

Annoyance filled him as he stared at the screen of his computer. This morning had started off just like any other. That was until he pulled up Neal's tracking data.

Neal spent a lot more time in Central Park than was normal. The time of night that he was in it meant no one should be in the park. His movements were erratic and made it seem like he was trying to get noticed.

That was a thought he never would have put with Neal. The man's whole life revolved around not being noticed.

So what were you after Neal? What has you so fixated on this one point?

The only other out of the normal spot he went to was a gym down the street from June's. He went early in the morning before any normal person would be awake. A quick call to them that morning told him Neal was a regular in the gym. The only thing he was that he never came to the gym alone.

Neal always went to the gym with Matthew Keller. They used boxing tape and lightweight gloves. According to the owner, they would spend at least two hours sparing.

This morning was no exception. They had a vicious spar and Neal had limped away. It was not set in just boxing but all-around fighting. The owner mentioned that Neal gave just as good as he received.

Part of Peter had to wonder if it had anything to do with the picture. It took a lot longer than he would have liked to put the clues together.

The children in the picture after some digging were the Wayne children. All of them were far younger than any time Peter had seen them. It was why it had taken so long for recognition to hit him. When it did it felt like he had run headfirst into a brick wall.

Neal was obviously in the picture as the oldest of the group. The other children were all of Wayne's misfit family. Many of them were estranged from their adoptive father. One was dead according to the database.

Then there was the final piece to the puzzle. Richard John Grayson disappeared from Gotham without a trace when he was seventeen. Neal's past couldn't be traced back before the age of 18. This might be why.

There were holes in this theory. The past as he called it was barely two pages long before Neal turned 23. Neal wasnt the kind of person who would just hide like that. There was more to his CI's past he just had to find it.

When El had seen the picture that morning she confirmed his suspicion. That it was Richard Grayson in the picture. Neal Caffery was Richard Grayson.

Peter had so many questions that he wanted to ask Neal.

Why become a thief when your adopted father was one of the richest men on the planet? Why not use his connections to get out of prison early?

From what he knew of Neal and Mozzie they never went to Gotham. If he was the missing son of Bruce Wayne that would explain why.

Peter would leave that call for when he got back to the office. He could talk with Hughes about it was well. That man seemed to know a little about everything.

Saying goodbye to El was quick and he went straight to the office. Neal had sent a message earlier that he would be walking.

When he arrived at the office Neal was just entering an elevator. When he noticed Peter there he held the elevator.

Stepping in the agent noted the hidden bruise just behind Neal's ear. The way he was holding himself spoke of pain in the left leg. His breathing was shallower than it should have been. Most likely rib pain.

Peter queried, "Neal are you okay?"

Neal gave one of his half-smiles as he replied, "I'm fine Peter. Nothing some rest won't fix."

Peter frowned. It wasn't exactly a lie but he wasn't telling Peter the full truth. Then again that was how Neal worked. Pushing Neal would get him nowhere

When they stepped out onto the White Collar floor their eyes were drawn to the balcony. Hughes stood there with the NSA agent John Casey. Besides Peter, Neal stiffened but didnt turn away from them. Instead, he followed as they were ordered to Hughes's office.

As soon as the door was closed Hughes said, "Peter the NSA has requested Neal's presence for a few days. Seeing as they have the proper paperwork we have no legal right to refuse."

There wasnt even a moderate stiffening in Neal's posture. Somehow the conman expected this. Whatever was going on it was within the plan Neal had. And Peter had no doubt that the younger had a plan.

Casey snapped, "I need you to remove his anklet."

Neal already put his leg up on the chair for Peter. Strangely he was quiet and not arguing against this. For someone that had been shot by the man, Neal was awfully calm.

Peter frowned as he used the key to unlocked the anklet. Then he rolled his ankle as he stared at Casey.

The agent snapped, "Let's go, Caffery. Burke, I'll have him back to you in one piece as soon as we are done with him."

Neal gave Peter an unreadable look before he followed Casey out. Peter then turned towards Hughes.

Neal's POV

With his anklet off it was as if a weight was lifted from his shoulders. This ensured that Peter wouldn't be able to follow him. This wasn't something he wanted to invoke his handler in.

Their plan to only watch Kramer had changed early this morning. The kidnapping was professional and had the feeling of ties to the ring. It happened when the second team was on watch. Grabbed and gone before they could even react.

His search for Orion yielded little to no results either. Except for a message with a location. It was short just like all messages from the man. The feel of it wasn't right for it to be from Orion.

As soon as Matt saw it he began preparing for a rescue operation. He felt the same as Neal when it came to the message. Most likely Wilkes had captured both Orion and Kramer.

As such he used Orion's phone to message him. It was as good as a ransom message. Come or Orion would die.

Neal wouldn't allow Orion to die. He owed the man his life. Also, Chuck would never forgive him if something happened

Casey took him back to June's which was being used as a base of operations. Using Matt's apartment was out of the question as was Mozzie's safe houses. They weren't large enough nor did they have any of the necessary equipment.

When Neal walked through his apartment door he found it practically overrun. Familiar faces of Chuck's team were sitting at his table.

There was a flash of emotions in Chuck's eyes. They were ones that Neal was familiar with. Anger, confusion going through the dark eyes.

Sarah's eyes were a little better when she looked at him. Still there wasnt disbelief that should come with his second resurrection in their eyes. Somehow they already knew that Neal was alive.

In the kitchen was Matt who watched those by the balcony warily. The ones by the balcony were familiar to Neal the most. Members of the underground who owed him or Mozzie a favor.

Alex, Hayes who had been saved by Matt against the Russians, the others were fences. They came when asked because they trusted Neal to a point. It was a ragtag crew of people who came with a common goal.

Then one shifted catching Neal's attention. At first, he had overlooked the man for being a fence but getting a better look at his face he recognized him for a different reason.

Joseph Ruiz head of the Organized Crime division. It wasn't often that he was seen outside of the office. What was he doing here?

Looking at Matt the agent slowly shrugged. He wasnt sure either. Neal would find out before they went any further. He needed to know who could help here. If they couldn't help they needed to leave.

Matt shifted drawing himself to his full height. This drew the entire group's attention to him. Neal moved to stand beside him.

Matt said with a cold look towards the newest members, "Normally we wouldn't have this many people I don't know in this operation. Given who and what we are up against I can't go through normal channels. Everyone here has ties to myself or Neal here. If you have doubts about whether you can take orders from either of us leave now. This operation is too important for anyone not 100% sure. Two lives are at stake."

Several of the fences got up and gave silent nods to Neal. He figured that a good portion of fences wouldn't want anything to do with this. No one in their world wanted blood on their hands. Unsurprisingly Alex, Hayes, and Ruiz stayed.

Neal said with a look to Matt, "I need to talk to the man next to Alex for a moment before we get started."

"Go ahead."

Neal motioned for Ruiz to follow him outside onto the balcony. The air was warm and pleasant perfect for having a conversation outside.

Neal began as soon as the door was shut, "I know who you, Agent Ruiz. What are you doing here? I know that you don't like me or approve of Peter having me as his CI."

Ruiz answered with a low growl, "I was undercover with a few fences. Word has it that a big fish is in town and I was hoping to bring him down. Yet we were called here. All forgers and fences being called for an emergency meeting. What the hell is going on here Caffery?"

"An agent has been kidnapped," he answered honestly, "Kramer is his name and he was taken this morning. We can't exactly go to the FBI with this ragtag team. You don't like me but would you be willing to work me in order to save his life?"

For a moment the undercover agent was silent. He was watching Neal with an unreadable look. His dark eyes seemed to judge Neal for everything the conman was worth.

"Kramer isn't well-liked here in New York," said the agent, "I have heard that he made some powerful enemies. One in you particularly. Yet you are willing to risk your life for him. For an agent that could have you arrested. Even I could put a stop to this and have you arrested. I'll help."

"Even if you tried to stop us you wouldn't be able to," snapped a voice from behind them, "Larkin get back inside. We don't have much time and everyone needs to be on board with the plan."

Taking a deep breath he turned away from the agent. If there was one thing that could be counted on with the FBI it was that they were family. It didnt matter what division you belonged to the moment you joined you were family.

That was what kept Ruiz from turning him in. Not that he could get in trouble for this. Beckman sanctioned them though she didnt have a full roster of who was playing.

This agent had an honorable heart and he would do whatever it took to bring Kramer back. That was what family did after all.

Neal went back to Matt's side and found Mozzie in the background. He had left the corner that the fences claimed.

Alex was watching him and Matt curiously. She had heard about the third person of their group but never met him.

Matt inquired too softly for anyone else to hear, "Is he trustworthy?"

Imperceptibly Neal nodded. Ruiz was as trustworthy as anyone else in the room.

Taking a deep breath Matt began as he passed around two photos, "Two men have been taken by a high-end criminal known as Ryan Wilkes. Last year he kidnapped a child and Neal here to use against the FBI. At the time Neal was able to outwit him and put him in jail with his FBI handler. However, now he is out again this time taking Agent Kramer and Orion as hostages."

Neal caught a flinch from Chuck. This had to be hard on his ex-best friend. Orion was his father who left him and his sister behind in order to protect them.

Matt continued drawing attention back to him, "Normally this would be something the FBI would handle themselves. The world as a whole knows myself and Neal as conmen and thieves. But as Casey and the Carmichael team already know there is more to use. I am Agent Matthew Keller CIA agent and handler to Neal. Neal was known as Agent Bryce Larking CIA agent before he was forced to retire due to injuries received in the line of duty. If you look up Bryce Larkin you will find he died a number of years ago. Officially Bryce is Neal Caffery and will be for as long as he wishes. Usually, I'm just here to keep him from getting himself killed. However with Orion being kidnapped as well as Kramer this becomes a CIA and NSA issue."

Alex interrupted her eyes cold as she realized the implications, "If this is a CIA issue why bring in forgers? We don't have the security clearance for this. Nor do we fight using guns. So why us?"

Neal answered instead, "Because fences know the best hiding spots in the city. Thanks to Casey I am off my anklet. This will prevent the FBI from tracking me and finding hideouts. Anything said or done will be pardoned. We cant do this alone. Kramer once back at the FBI can take care of himself. It's Orion who needs extra protection."

Chuck stood as be said, "We will of course help, Bryce."

Neal raised his chin in acknowledgment. There were still issue they would need to work out. For now, that could wait though. Until lives were no longer at stake.

Alex and Mozzie exchanged looks before Mozzie said, "As will we. You have a lot to answer for Neal but now isn't the time."

A map was then laid out onto the table. The warehouse was marked as were the escape routes they would use. With Mozzie and Alex's help, they were able to put three safe houses on the map to hole the agents up in.

Neal fitted both of them with his jackets lined with kevlar. He had to protect his friends as much as he could.

When he went to prepare himself for the fight ahead Matt pulled him to the side. There was a look of resolve in his eyes. Neal had the feeling that whatever he was about to say that he wouldn't like it.

Matt ordered, "You are staying here."

"What?! Matthew you cant!" Neal snapped back anger coursing through him.

Matt folded his arms across his chest as he growled in return, "I can and I will. Bryce, you can't fight well enough to go on this mission. What if you flash? You flash and you will be nothing more than a liability. You're staying here. Direct us based on the maps but do not follow us into the field. I'm sorry Bryce but with that computer in your head and the nerve damage I can't risk it."

Chapter Text

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Neal's POV

Watching the others leave without him broke something in him. He hated that he couldn't go with them. It physically pained him not to be apart of the group.

This was his fault he should be with them. The realization hit him a moment later. This was how Chuck must have felt being told to stay in the car. Neal couldn't even be much help with hi Intersect. It would fry his brain at the rate it was going.

Matt wanted to protect him from the dangers. Neal knew this better than anyone. Still, he could not be afraid of the dangers. This was the life he chose and he would make the best of it.

Glancing at his hands he made his decision. Even if it meant going back on everything he had come to stand for. They would not be going in alone.

Neal went into the kitchen so that he could look under the sink. If he was right Matt would have left his field box here. Retired or not all agents had a field box. He had to pull out the cleaning supplies so that he could run his hand along the back of it. Looking for the false that he knew was there. A conman's house had more tricks and hide holes than anywhere else.

He pushed on the back when he found the false backing. Reaching through the opening he pulled out a black box. Upon seeing it his heart stopped at the sight. If he did this there would be no going back. He would need to use every skill he had learned in the CIA.

Kramer was not worth his sanity however Matt was. Neal hated Kramer with every fiber of his being. The man had almost cost him everything that was important to him in this world. Matt had shown him that his darkness could be abated if he found something worth living for.

It was time to face the darkness that had haunted him. Wilkes had to be brought to justice. He could not allow his handler to go in with the others.

Opening the box he found his secondary badge, two separate passports on top. Neal slipped the badge into his jacket pocket and set the passports aside. Then he pulled out the Glock his favored sidearm. The magazine was full and he grabbed the spare magazine sticking it in his jacket for easy access.

The final thing in the field box was a weighted knife. That went in his pocket. He knew there was a holster in the closet leftover from when Matt was staying over.

Neal stood from his position and went to the closet. He opened the bottom drawer in the far back. At the bottom under his pajama shirts.

The holster was a basic belt holster. It only took a few seconds to put on then holster his weapon. With that, he left the closet heading to where he knew Wilkes would be.

Keller's POV

It was a trap. Of course, it was. They couldn't have an easy mission when Larkin was involved. He wasnt even there!

Matthew and Casey were pinned behind a large box. They couldn't move forward or back without the risk of getting shot. He lost sight of the others as soon as the shooting M g started.

Casey growled, "Well this is going about as well as I expected. You sure it was a good idea to leave Larkin. He's not exactly one to listen."

Rolling his eyes he replied, "I have a tracker on him. For the most part, if I ask him to stay he will."

"You did remember to remove his field box then?" It was phrased as a question but Matthew's blood ran cold.

Casey knew he had not taken the field box. In it would everything Larkin would need to come after them. That meant the other would be arriving soon. Right into a gunfight.

The sound of curses being slung at someone in the back corner brought grim smiles to their faces. That would be Mozzie making trouble for the guards. At least they could count on the bald man on getting to the target quickly.

Above the glass broke as someone went through a window. Matthew looked up as gunfire started in that direction. He could see Bryce drop down onto in the back.

Well, that answered that. As unhappy as he was about the other being there they couldn't change it now.

Casey growled, "And Chuckles says they aren't alike. Neither of them are particularly good at following orders."

Matthew counted in his head waiting for the gunfire to stop before returning fire. He clipped one in the shoulder as they were reloading. Bryce, he could see in the corner with the bald man and the woman. Where was... there was the other conman. The dark-haired man was locked in a hand to hand battle with one of Wilkes's men.

They were outnumbered badly but not outmatched. As long as there weren't any surprises they should be able to get away. He felt his phone vibrate in his pocket.

Matthew answered with a growl, "I thought I told you to stay home."

Bryce answered amusement lacing his tone, "If you expected me to follow that order then you don't know me. I've got five people pinning Mozzie, Kramer and myself here. They won't shoot because Kramer is in the way. What's the plan?"

Matthew queried, "Is Orion there? We still have to get him and get out."

Bryce cursed, "Shit. I'll find him. Mozzie I'll provide cover fire you get to Matthew. Kramer stay close to Mozzie."

Chapter Text

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Neal's POV

Mozzie was hiding with them behind a set of boxes. He had zip-tied the men that Nela had shot hands together. Like good conman they had not come into the mission unprepared for it to go sideways. One would think that with all the time Matt spent with them he would have learned by now. On a job be ready for it to go absolutely sideways.

It was why he worked in small groups rather than large scale operations. The more people in on the operation the more likely it was going to go wrong. Whether it was as an agent or as a thief it remained true.

Working with Peter and his team was the biggest he allowed himself to go to. They were professionals just like he used to be. Still, it made him nervous whenever they had to work together. It was less that he didnt trust them and more that he didnt trust his luck. He had come to care about them and that made all the difference in the world.

Turning his attention to Kramer he shrugged off his jacket, "Agent Kramer I want you to listen to me closely," that had the man's focus entirely on him, "You are going to stay close to Mozzie here. He will lead you safely to the exit the best he can. This jacket is lined with kevlar. While it won't protect you completely it is better than nothing. I have to find Orion."

Kramer grabbed his upper arm to stop Neal. He asked in a low voice, "Why are you helping me, Mr. Caffery? You have no love for me after I almost got you thrown back in jail. So why?"

"Peter," Neal answered honestly, "If something were to happen to you it would hurt him. It might not seem like it in your eyes but I do care a good deal about my handler. He is my friend and one of the few people to believe in me. Believe that I could be more than just a conman."

His arm was hesitantly released a moment later. Kramer with some difficulty shrugged the jacket on.

For a moment he seemed as if he was going to follow Mozzie. At the last second, he turned and said, "The door on the far side hidden behind those boxes. I saw a man be dragged back there. If hes still alive then he would be back there. Caffery, I don't like and likely never will. For Peter, however, I will put that aside. Just as he is important to you. You are important to him. Come back from this alive."

Surprise and disbelief warred within Neal. The last thing he ever expected was for Kramer to accept him. Maybe people could change even at his age. In response to Kramer's words, Neal raised his chin and disappeared into the shadows.

Using the techniques he learned as a child he slipped past Wilkes men. Those he was close to he took out and dragged them into the shadows. A sharp blow to the back of the neck rendered them unconscious. Neal did take the time to check for extra magazines.

There was no telling what waited for him in the back room. He found two extra magazines which would have to be enough. Taking out any more people would be a risk. There was no guarantee that he could stop them without killing him. The last thing Neal wanted was there to be more blood on his hands.

When he found the door Kramer had pointed out he loaded a round into the chamber of his Glock. If it was Wilkes or one of the Ring inside they would not hesitate to kill him. He had to be prepared for whatever was on the other side. He was without a jacket and there was little if any chance of him surviving another death.

Opening the door slightly he glanced in. The room was dark the only light inside was coming from a window. He could see a bound and bloodied Orion tied to a chair. Someone had done a real number on the man. They were looking for information on something.

Neal couldn't see anyone within the room. That set off every alarm bell within his body. There was no way someone like Wilkes would leave Orion unguarded. He was an arrogant bastard but everything was too well planned out. There had to be some kind of trap waiting for him.

Neal bent to a knee checking the doorframe for sensors or a tripwire. He frowned when there was nothing that he could see. Cautiously he entered and still finding the room without threats he approached Orion.

Neal frowned at the sheer amount of damage that had been done. There were deep lacerations to his chest. The edges showed that it was done with a serrated blade. They would scar but as long as they were treated they would heal.

Orion appeared to have a dislocated right shoulder. His left leg appeared to be broken in at least two places. It was going to make moving the other difficult and painful.

Orion's hands were zip-tied to the chair. Neal holstered his Glock for the moment. Then with his knife, Neal cut the man free. He barely caught the other as the man slumped forward.

Orion slurred making it obvious he had a concussion, "Above you."

There was only half a second to react by falling back. He cradled Orion close so as not to injure the elder further. A sword went through the air where his head had been a moment before. Rolling he laid Orion down and redrew his sidearm.

What he saw sent shivers down his spine as he stood. A man in an orange and black kevlar uniform. His mask was made of high-grade metal it too was orange and black. Deathstroke the Terminator had been hired.

There was little doubt in his mind that he had caused the wounds to Orion. Deathstroke was a skilled assassin but would also be called for torture for information.

Deathstroke commented looking him up and down, "You must be Neal Caffery. Or do you go by Bryce Larkin? You've been a thorn in my employer's side for a while now."

Wilkes certainly wasnt playing around. To pay for Deathstroke meant having significant financial backing.

Frowning he considered the room. The chair was made of strong iron and would not break easily. His gun wouldn't be much use against Deathstroke. The mercenary's armor would prevent it from hitting him. It would simply be a waste of bullets.

In the back of his mind, he felt the Intersect react to his emotions. His hand twitched when images flashed before him. A feeling of knowing came with the images. Then came the nausea of the use of the Intersect.

The sword came towards him in what appeared to be slow motion. Neal moved to the side of it and grabbed the wrist. He tried to break the elbow but Deathstroke moved with the movement. Then the assassin kicked him just above his hip.

Excruciating resounded through his body. Neal gasped as he was forced to let go of the wrist. If it had been on his other side he would have been fine. His right side would always be tender to strikes.

The sword came back towards him. This time Neal wasnt fast enough to completely get out of the way. He felt it slice open his cheek almost completely down to his jaw. It was a deep wound but not life-threatening.

If he was alone he would fight to his full ability. With Orion there that was impossible. Neal wouldn't put it past Deathstroke to take Orion hostage. It would be the fastest way to get Neal to stand down.

Neal continued to ducked and dodged around the blade. He was careful to keep himself between the blade and Orion however. Even if it meant taking a few blows to push the assassin back a few steps.

In one of his attempts to bring Deathstroke to the ground, he was stopped before there was a single step back. A blade cut through his pant's leg cutting straight to the bone.

Neal's leg buckled and promptly gave out from under his. This sent the dark-haired man crashing to the ground. The sword was then thrust under his chin. Refusing to cower Neal glared at the man.

Chapter Text

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"Speaking"
:thoughts:

Neal's POV

Was this where he was going to finally die? There had been many times he thought that he was done. Every time he had been brought back with a little more missing from him than the last.

As strange as it was he was not afraid to die. If anything he would welcome it like an old friend. Finally, he would be at peace.

Then again dying at the hands of a mercenary was not the way he really wanted to go. Deathstroke was ruthless and it would be painful if his death was at the hands of this man.

Something was trying to make itself known in the back of his mind. It was important as if he knew it and not the computer that was hellbent on frying his brain.

Frowning he considered the villain's attire. Orange and black struck a chord with him. It was familiar but not in a way he would have liked. He faced a villain with those colors as a teenager. His mind flashed back to the fight and he paled. Slade was Deathstroke. That explained a lot.

Neal questioned wanting confirmation before his throat was cut, "Slade?"

Both Orion and Deathstroke stiffened in surprise. A single ice blue eye narrowed at him. Judging him behind the mask. He was right. This was Slade, no other villain had an eye like that. Or dressed like he was a Halloween costume.

: Come on Slade,: he thought, :Recognize me. Dying by your hand today would be a waste.:

The sword was removed from under his chin as the man gave a hollow laugh, "Never expected to see you here kid. Last I heard you were dead. Why are you..."

Slade didnt get to finish as a window was shattered above them. A familiar black-suited man dropped down between Neal and Slade. Now he wished he had kept his god damn mouth shut and let Slade kill him. This was the last person he wanted to see again.

Batman or Bruce Wayne as the real world saw him stood between Neal and Slade. He was in full costume and armed to the teeth. There weren't any pleasantries exchanged between the two. Instead, both hero and villain launched themselves into a fight.

Neal tried to regain his feet only for his leg to give way the moment he placed any weight on it. Damn it! He and Orion were sitting ducks at this point. They were a liability for Bruce and one that could get the man killed.

He moved back until he was next to Orion. The man was awake but his eyes were glassy and unfocused. Definitely a concussion then. Neal's knife was on the ground where he had dropped it catching Orion.

Using the knife as he cut up the sleeve to his shirt to make bandages. He barely glanced up when he heard Slade curse. Bruce was likely giving the other a run for his money. Neal focused on tending to Orion's wounds so he wouldn't bleed out.

There was a sound of leather on concrete. Neal tightened his grip on the knife. He caught a brief glimpse of Wilkes in the shadows. Shooting was too dangerous at the moment. He could try to throw his knife but missing would put them in a worse situation than they were already in.

All he could do was watch with gritted teeth as the man slipped out. Neal swore that he would find Wilkes and make sure he stayed in jail this time.

Slade snapped as he grabbed something from his utility belt, "Seems this battle will be a draw this time Batman. Kid," Neal looked over his shoulder to meet the man's icy gaze, "We will meet again."

Then he threw a smoke bomb down filling the area with heavy smoke. It was different from the ones that Robin used once upon a time. They were meant to stop any attacks as well as provide an escape. The smoke would get into the other person's lung causing coughing.

When the smoke cleared Slade was unsurprisingly gone. The ominous warning rang in his ears. A strike to his leg would be the least of his worries next time.

Neal's blood froze within his veins when Bruce turned to face him. Even with the cowl masking most of his expression the younger man could see the shock. He didn't know who called Bruce but there were a few suspects that were all in town.

Why couldn't he get to live a normal life? They were making it far more complicated than it needed to be. He wished for the more peaceful times within the FBI. Even if the agents were more suspicious of him then now.

Bruce breathed coming out of his surprise, "Dick."

"Not now," he growled, "Help Orion. He's worse off than I am."

That snapped Bruce out of it completely. His dark blue eyes said this was not over. Neal didnt doubt it. It wasn't like he could run away in his current condition.

"LARKIN!" Came two very pissed off shouts.

Son of a bitch! How he wished he could run away right now. Casey and Matt dropped beside him. They were already taking stock of his wounds.

Neal quipped unable to help himself, "Awe Casey I didn't know you cared."

Casey glowered at him but didnt say anything. He would pay for that comment later but for now, he would enjoy pissing off the NSA agent. It was a specialty of his from when he was still a CIA agent.

Matt growled as he slung Neal's arm around his shoulder, "You should have stayed home. If the Batman wasn't here Deathstroke would have killed you."

Casey was gathering Orion up who had fallen back into unconsciousness. Neal winced in sympathy before shooting Bruce a look. He needed to leave before the CIA arrived in full force.

Matt helped Neal limp out of the building and towards the ambulances. Kramer was sitting in the back on ambulance being checked out and Orion was immediately loaded into another. Out of everyone his friend was the worst off.

Unsurprisingly Matt sat on the back of the ambulance while the paramedics looked over Neal. His leg required stitches and there was a gunshot graze on his right arm that also needed stitches. Neal refused any kind of sedation or pain medication as they stitched up both wounds.

They were given an update on Kramer. The man only had minor lacerations and was released. Before he left Kramer returned the jacket Neal leant him. Neal breathed a sigh of relief when he found it undamaged. The last thing he wanted was to explain to June why two of her why two jackets needed extensive repairs.

Mozzie and the others had disappeared once the battle was over. No thief worth their salt would stick around in this situation. Matt might tolerate them to a point but the agency wasnt so kind.

The paramedic said, "There will be a scar but no permanent damage to your knee. Just keep the site clean and change the bandages. If it looks infected or you pull your stitches get yourself to a hospital."

With that, he was cleared to leave and Matt helped him down. They would have to get their own ride to the agency hospital. Agency paramedics or not they still had to be ready to go on a moment's notice.

Neal as much as he wanted to check on Orion he couldn't bring himself to go to the Agency hospital. Matt knowing him as well as he did dropped him off at his apartment. He was given a worried look by June as he painfully made his way up the stairs.

The door was unlocked just as he left it. Halfway to the kitchen he felt eyes on him and drew his sidearm. Pivoting on his heel he faced where the feeling was coming from. When he pivoted he was barely able to refrain from falling on his face. His leg tried to buckle out from under him.

Neal's face drained of any remaining blood when he saw who was standing there. This confrontation couldn't have waited until tomorrow?

Chapter Text

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Bruce's POV

Seeing Dick paused halfway to the kitchen made the reality of the situation crash down upon Bruce. It had been more than ten years since he last saw his son. Ten years of searching and wondering if the boy now a man was alive.

Getting a call from an FBI agent saying that they had a man who fit Dick's description was a shock. There were leads over the years. People from a distance looked like their lost Robin but none of them panned out. What the FBI had that was different was a picture.

All of the male Wayne children had the same picture. It was one of the few times Alfred could wrangle them together in one spot and it did not end in a fight. Bruce received a scanned copy of the picture and knew it had to be Dick. That had him on the first flight to New York he could get. An appointment was set up to meet one Special Agent Peter Burke the next morning.

Alfred who had been watching the activities in the city alerted him to trouble. Normally it would be something for the Titans East to handle but something told him to handle it himself. Especially considering with the CIA and NSA involved. When he found Deathstroke in the middle of the mess. That wasn't surprising rumors had been going around for a few days that Deathstroke was in the country. Finding Dick there kneeling with a sword at his throat immediately put him into action.

After the fight, he contacted Alfred to get where Dick was staying. He knew that the younger man would be treated and sent home due to his own stubbornness. It was only a matter of beating him home.

The house was well kept but the security needed updating. It didn't take much to break into the house. Bruce purposely kept the door unlocked as he searched the apartment. Then he began searching the apartment for any signs that Dick actually stayed there.

Wine bottles lined the kitchen counter. Less expensive bottles were in the front while middle and high-end bottles were behind them. It was as if he was hiding the wine from someone.

On the walls were paintings from different time periods. There wasn't a single picture of Dick or anyone else for that matter. If it wasnt for the wine he would have thought it was just a spare bedroom.

Hearing footsteps he put himself in the bedroom so that he wouldn't be noticed by whoever came in. There was a chance it was Dick but there was a chance it wasn't.

This led them to the point where they were now. A Glock was pointed at his chest with cold blue eyes staring at him. There was no doubt that this was Dick but the way he held himself was different. Then the gun was lowered and Dick groaned.

Dick growled throwing his chin towards the door, "Get out. I am done with people from the past for one day."

There was a twitch of his eyebrow in annoyance. While he wasnt expecting a warm welcome that was more than he was expecting.

Bruce crossed his arms over his chest as he said, "I'm not leaving Dick. I want answers on where the hell you have been for the last decade."

Dick groaned before limping towards the closet. He almost forgot that Dick had been injured fighting Deathstroke. Besides the wound to his leg, Bruce wasn't sure where else he had been injured.

Bruce questioned with a raised eyebrow, "Where do you think you are going?"

"To change!"

Bruce wouldn't past his son to escape through some unknown passage so he stood by the door. He could hear the other moving about the closet. Then there was a muffled thump followed by a string of creative curses.

Mildly worried about the injuries Bruce moved into the doorway. A flash of amusement went through him as he saw the state Dick was in.

Dick had lost his balance it seemed while putting on a pair of shorts. Unlike the suits that he seemed to favor they were just plain shorts. They were just enough to cover the top half of his leg wound. His dress shirt was half unbuttoned revealing a few small scars that weren't there when he left Gotham.

Brushing aside his amusement Bruce questioned, "Do you need help getting up?"

Dick frowned and tried to lever himself back up. Only for his arm to give way and collapse back onto the carpet. Alright, that was enough of that.

Bruce grabbed the uninjured arm and Glock. Then he helped Dick to his feet. The younger grumbled underneath his breath but allowed it. As he left he grabbed the clean white t-shirt from where it lay. Once out of the closet they went to the couch.

Dick sank into the couch with a groan. He sat on the other side of the couch watching his son. Immediately he began to unbutton his torn and bloody dress shirt. Saving it would be impossible even without the bloodstains. The entire right sleeve was gone along with half of the left. If he remembered correctly Dick used them as makeshift bandages.

Once the buttons were undone he shrugged off the shirt wincing as he did so. Bruce's heart stopped when he saw a scarred spot on Dick's heart. It was dark and dipped in a telltale sign of a gunshot. There was another large scar on his right side. They both appeared to be several years old.

As soon as Dick caught his staring he grabbed the clean shirt and pulled it over his head. Bruce was trying to process what he had seen. His son had been shot at least twice since he left.

"What are you doing here Bruce?" Asked Dick suddenly.

Neal's POV

:Well that was a mistake,: he thought tiredly.

Despite the inconveniences, he had with nerve damage he still forgot about the scars he had. The ones who had seen him without his shirt, namely Alex and Sara learned to stop asking about them. No one but Matt knew the truth.

Bruce replied as he placed the sidearm on the coffee table, "I was planning on coming to New York if Tim didn't return within the week. Imagine my surprise when an Agent Peter Burke called to say that he may know where one of my sons was. I thought it was Tim or Damien as they come and go regularly. Until he mentioned a photo of you boys together. I knew it could only be you as the others are accounted for."

Well, that explained where his missing photo was. He was going to strangle Jones and Peter when he made it back to the office. They had no right prying into his life.

Bruce continued on, "I want to know when and how you were shot? Dick that one of your shoulder..."

Neal sighed internally before snapping, "You have no right to ask. None of you have a right to barge back into my life."

"If I hadn't you would be dead," Bruce snapped back hotly.

"Deathstroke wouldn't have killed me," maybe, "There is an... understanding between us."

Bruce pointedly looked at his leg. To be fair. Neither Neal nor Deathstroke realized it was the other. Would that have stopped him from rescuing Orion? Absolutely not. All it meant was that when possible they would stay out of each other's way.

Neither of them had been expecting to run into each other. It was years since they last came across each other. Not since before he joined the agency.

Neal said coldly, "No matter what you may think Bruce I don't owe you an explanation. My life is my own and I choose to do as I wish with it."

Before Bruce could reply Neal's phone went off. With some difficulty, he was able to pull his phone out and answered, "Caffery."

Matt said, "It's me. Orion it seems will make it. Your actions allowed him to reach the Agency's hospital in time. With some physical therapy, he will be back to being a thorn in the Agency's side in no time."

Neal replied with a small smile, "That's great. Thanks for the update, Matt. Are you coming back to my apartment?"

"Yes, I need to check over your wounds. I should be there in an hour or so."

Well, great would have to deal with both Matt's persistent nature and Bruce wanting answers. There was no talking his handler out of it either. All he could do was give an affirmative before hanging up his phone.

"Who is Matt?" Came the blunt question.

This caused Neal to laugh harshly. It was such a loaded question. No matter what he said Bruce was going to keep pushing him. Unfortunately for his adoptive father though Neal when cornered would do one thing. Run.

Chapter Text

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Bruce's POV

Internally he winced at the sound of the harsh laugh. It was not the carefree laugh he had known for almost a decade. Even when he was leading the Titans, Dick didnt laugh like that. It was disconcerting to hear.

Bruce was honestly worried about his son. Everything was pointing to over a decade of hardship. The most concerning thing was the bullet wound to the shoulder. The way that Dick reacted to his questions gave hints at more training than what Bruce gave.

It left him with more questions than answers. The most pressing was who was who was Matt? The next most pressing was what kind of agreement did Dick have with Deathstroke?

"He is my friend. That's all you need to know," answered Dick coldly.

There was more to it than that. Bruce wasn't stupid. Matt must have some tie to the CIA or NSA. In turn, Dick must have one as well. It was the only way to explain why he was at an interagency raid.

Bruce had an idea of where he could find answers. On the kitchen counter had been a box. While he didn't get the chance to look at it before his son returned it would hold answers. If he had to guess the blood-stained jacket would as well.

If Dick was part of one of the agencies then he would have carried his id on the raid. It would also explain why he was off his anklet. Working with one of the agencies would keep the FBI from tracking him. If he needed to do something less than legal it would be the perfect time.

Bruce asked coolly meeting Dick's gaze, "What agency do you belong to? Don't take me for a fool, Richard. I know that was an interagency raid with the CIA and NSA. I will find out which you belong to regardless of whether or not you tell me."

If he had to guess it was the CIA. They seemed better suited to Dick's temperament. The NSA would have tried to curb the young man's temperament. Or turn it into something more destructive. As it stood his son was destructive enough.

The silence continued and Bruce could feel his frustration mounting. Dick was not going to answer him. That in itself was an answer in itself. If he wasnt an agent from the CIA or NSA then he would deny it vehemently.

So he questioned, "Why? You don't like guns, never have. Yet you joined one of the intelligence agencies. It doesn't make sense."

Dick sighed as he rubbed at his shoulder. There was a distant look in his eyes that scared Bruce. As Batman, he had seen that look more than once. Normally it came from officers who dealt with the Joker and those who came back from war. That look had no business being on his son's face.

"No one wanted me to stay in Gotham, Bruce," whispered Dick dully, "Graham offered me a place to do some good in the world. I don't regret what I became as I saved countless lives. The only thing I regret is making my friends believe I was dead."

What?! They did want him in Gotham with them. Why did he think that they didnt?

Bruce questioned softly, "What do you mean? Of course, we wanted you back in Gotham. Why did you think otherwise."

Cold fury flared within the blue eyes as Dick snapped, "When was the last time any of you actually saw me before I disappeared? When it wasn't for patrol. Do you remember? What about the day all the files were deleted? Do you know what day that was?"

Bruce froze in shock. He knew the boys were having one of their rough patches. They had one every few months. It always seemed as if they would work through it. Only this time Dick disappeared and that was what brought them back together. The search for their missing brother.

Dick bent his head down gripping his hair tightly within his fists. There was more pain in his posture that was emotional than any physical pain from his wounds. They had done a disservice to Dick. Now it was all on how to fix the damage that had been done. If it was even possible that was.

Dick's voice broke as he continued, "I... I am so tired of being used. It doesn't matter where I go. Gotham, CIA, Fulcrum I am constantly being used. The FBI is the first place that accepted me for who I am. They expect the best from me and Peter pushes me to be a better person. Not just a conman. A person who has feelings that matter. They don't use me like a tool to be discarded as soon as I'm not needed."

Was that really how he felt? Bruce never thought of Dick as a tool. Then again their dysfunctional family did always have difficulty expressing their feelings. Or even just basic communication. He was just as bad as the kids. Only Alfred had any semblance of normal communication skills.

There was only one thing he could say. It wouldn't make things right between them but maybe it could start mending the bridges. He did not want to keep wondering if Dick was alive. Or if he died while they were searching for him.

Softly he ordered, "Richard look at me," it took a long moment but finally his son looked up. Blue eyes held untold pain that tore at him, "We just want you to be safe and happy. To be able to talk to you like a family is supposed to."

"Bruce this family hasn't been able to communicate properly ever," shot back Dick without any heat.

Good Dick was at least listening to him if only subconsciously. He could work with this even if it only lasted a few moments. It would give him time to work his way back into his son's life.

Bruce continued on trying to get the other to see sense, "I know we aren't great at communicating but since your disappearance, it has gotten better. The current situation is the exception. I can honestly say no one expected to find you in New York of all places. Right under the Titans East nose. Like I said we want you safe and happy. Right now you might be happy but you're far from safe."

When Dick's blue eyes became almost like steel he knew that he made a mistake. Mentioning that he wasn't safe had been a bad idea. That should have waited for another conversation.

"And you think being a vigilante is safe?!" Snarled Dick like a rabid wolf, "You know better than anyone that there is nothing perfectly safe in this world."

Dick took a moment to take a deep breath to calm himself. Before Bruce could retort the younger man pressed on, "I'm not afraid of dying. I can die in any way that the Fates choose. That's not up to me. But what is within my power is to decide how I live. Courageously or timidly."

Chapter Text

A/N Thanks for your reviews and support.

gabelou1991: thanks for your reviews and support. I do not speak French unfortunately but I hope you like it and continue to.

Boxfin: thanks for your review, my friend. So glad you enjoy it!

Neal's POV

Blue clashed against blue as he stared down the man he considered his father for years. Their bond had diminished greatly over the years but it was still there. Part of him still considered Bruce to be his father.

It was the tiniest part of him that still felt like a child. He buried it when he joined the CIA. He buried most of his childhood self when he joined them. It was far easier to bury and forget than to remember and always wonder.

Having his past confront him headfirst brought back the buried memories. Slowly his hand reached up to grab the cross on the necklace that Matt had given him. A necklace that had saved his life more than once for the tracker that was embedded inside.

Flashback

A silver cross on a necklace was pushed across the table. Neal and Matt were in a safe house of the agency's in France having barely escaped Interpol for the third time.

Their escape had been a close call on Neal's part. He had been cornered in the far side of the building. To keep his nonviolent status he couldn't fight back and there wasnt a way to push through. Then Matthew had burst in and took out the agents that cornered him.

Neal raised an eyebrow as he questioned, "Why are you giving me this? I don't wear any kind of jewelry. It just gets in the way and makes you more identifiable."

Matt said coolly, "The chain can be shortened so it doesn't get in the way. Since it is near impossible to keep track of you otherwise I had this made. It has an undetectable tracker implanted in it. Only I have the activation sequence to pull it up."

"Why?" He questioned curious to know the answer.

Matt looked exhausted as he answered, "Because of last night's near capture. Police are one thing but the Ring are another. The Ring are still out there and if you are captured I need a way to find you again. That's why I had this made."

Neal stared down at it for a moment before sighing. It wasnt like the other was wrong. The Ring was still in fact after his head and likely would be for some time. There were those who believed that he had faked his death once again. Until the CIA brought them to their knees the Ring was still a threat. Both to his freedom and to his life.

So with slight hesitation, he slipped the necklace over his head. Then hid it underneath his shirt.

End of flashback

The necklace had saved his life more than once over the years. It got to the point that he never took it off. Being on the run or having someone out to kill you. He never knew when he would have to up and leave again. So taking it off and risking forgetting it was impractical.

A voice said from behind them, "Don't talk like that now, Larkin. I haven't worked so hard all these years to keep you alive only for you to give up. You might be a pain in my ass but you keep things interesting."

Neal turned to see Matt standing in the kitchen his arms folded over his chest. Hazel eyes glared at Bruce who met the gaze evenly.

Neal greeted with a small smile that didnt quite reach his eyes, "Matt. You can sooner than I expected. Is Orion..."

Matt's gaze softened slightly as the hazel eyes turned to him and said, "He will be fine as I said earlier. No doubt he is driving the doctors and nurses up the wall now. How's the leg?"

Bruce answered before Neal could, "It collapsed from under his as he got changed. His arm is weak as well. Now I have a question for you. Who are you to my son?"

Matt growled, "I am his handler obviously and unlike the rest of you I do care about him."

Matt... sometimes he went too far in what he said. On the other hand, he was right at this moment. Bruce and the other members of the family needed to understand he was not the same person from before. The naive kid he had been before had died. Only his cold exterior remained.

Bruce snapped his eyes going cold, "What would you know of his past? He left because of miscommunication between us and him. Our family has never been the best a communication but we can get better."

"Do you think of me as an idiot," questioned Matt, "You'd have him return to being a vigilante? A vigilante whose mantel has already been taken up by another. Not to mention Larkin isn't physically able to keep up with you much less his brothers in a fight. This isn't me being a bastard it's the truth. No medical doctor would ever sign off on him doing anything that has to do with fighting."

Bruce's eyes trailed over to where he had seen Neal's wounds. Matt had a point and he knew it. Neal would never be able to return to a full combat level of fighting. In fact, if he were to rejoin the vigilantes out on the streets he'd be lucky if he only got himself killed. That in itself would be the best-case scenario. Worst case his brothers or a civilian would die. That was not something he would be able to live with. Not now.

Neal said rubbing at his eyes, "He's right. Even if I did return to Gotham I would be nothing more than a liability. The damage from my time away is too severe to overlook. Staying here in New York is what I want. And if you try to take me by force Bruce you will not like the consequences."

There were those out there who still owed him a favor or two. No one was dumb enough not to pay a debt owed. If they tried the whole underground knew and they would be ostracised by the entire community.

Bruce stood his blue eyes narrowed as he said, "I'll leave for now but Dick this is not over. Not by a long shot."

Neal watched as Bruce left the apartment. He knew that this wasn't over yet. Matt could only keep his adoptive father and siblings at bay for so long. They would eventually demand his presence. For now, he would do his best to avoid any more confrontations.

Turning to Matt he questioned, "You know about my condition what about yours? Were you injured in the battle?"

Matt replied touching the upper part of his left bicep followed by another touch to his lower right, "A small cut to my lower arm from a knife it will heal on its own. A gunshot graze to my bicep that was stitched up at the hospital," Neal opened his mouth but was beaten by the sharp order, "Don't you dare apologize for not noticing. The wounds were small and practically nonexistent."

A small laugh escaped the dark-haired man. It was so like his handler to say something like that. A chuckle escaped the other. As a whole neither truly laughed very much anymore. When they did it was such a rare occasion that their fellow agents would stop and stare.

It lifted the weight that he didnt realize was bearing down on his shoulders. By Matt's own body language he felt the same way. They both had a darkness within their hearts that held them back. It was what allowed them to bond and work so well together.

Matt ordered coming around to stand in front of him, "Go to bed, Bryce. It's been a long day and you will go back to the FBI in the morning. I'll take the couch tonight."

Chapter Text

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Neal's POV

The next morning he woke to Matt making breakfast. It was a simple meal of eggs, bacon, and toast. Given how little he had eaten in the last few days it settled his stomach.

To be fair the familiarity of when he was on the run from the police settled his anxiety. There was no telling how much Peter had figured out on his own about his past. Given the fact that Bruce appeared back in his life, he was sure his handler was figured out more than he ever hoped for. Putting a life behind him was not as easy as people thought. The past rarely stayed where it belonged after all.

Once they had eaten Matt changed his bandages ignoring the argument he tried to give. Then he was left to change into a clean white button-down shirt, black slacks, and an undamaged jacket. To his amusement Matt found the extra pair of clothes from the few times he forgot his clothes at the apartment.

Between Neal and June, they made sure there were two pairs of clothes for everyone who visited on a regular basis. Even Peter had clothes in the closet for when he stayed overnight. It wasnt as common as it had been a year ago. Still, on occasion, he stayed over if Elizabeth was gone.

From there they left to make their way towards the FBI office. Outside of the FBI office, they were met by Casey. For a long moment, Casey and Neal just stared at each.

Casey grunted finally, "Good work, Larkin. Orion has already decided to disappear back to wherever he was caught at."

Neal's head cocked to the side his eyes carefully monitoring the other's facial expressions. It seemed though the older man was sincere. That was surprising. Despite their differences, they did work well together when they weren't trying to kill each other.

In response, he held out his hand and said, "Despite our differences Casey I know you'd have my back when it came down to it. Thank you for everything."

Casey gave him a distrustful look for a long moment. To his and Matt's surprise Casey then shook his hand as he said, "Try not to get shot again, Larkin. Now let's go meet with your FBI agent. I'm tired of you being my responsibility."

"I was never your responsibility, Casey," quipped back Neal with a small smile.

"No, you were mine," grumbled Matt good-naturedly.

Neal shot him an amused smile as he followed Casey inside. Matt would no doubt return to his apartment. There was paperwork to be done leftover from yesterday.

The two men took the elevator up to the White Collar floor. When they arrived agents were milling about. Neal could see Peter hunched over his desk worrying about something. To get to his handler though he would have to go upstairs. He gave a quick glance to his leg. Yeah, that wasnt happening. It was barely holding his weight as it was. If he tried to go up the stairs it would most certainly give out.

Casey did not allow him to stop for long as he grabbed Neal's bicep. To the younger's surprise, he took a good portion of his weight to keep his knee from giving out. It was only when they reached the top that Casey let go. Neal gave him a grateful nod and Casey simply raised his chin in acknowledgment.

Then they moved closer to Peter's office and knocked on the door. The brown-haired man looked up with an annoying light that faded into relief. Neal gave him a fake easy-going smile as he was pushed inside the office.

Casey growled, "Here is Caffery. Returned safe and sound. He is your problem now."

Neal gave the older man an innocent smile that fooled no one. All he received in return was a half-hearted growl as the man left. There was no pleasing Casey even when the mission was complete.

Peter questioned mildly amused as the other left, "What did you do to him, Neal?"

"You wouldn't believe it if I told you," Neal replied with a smile.

Peter frowned but Neal wasnt willing to go into more details. After a few moments, his friend sighed before rummaging in his desk. Then out came the ankle chafing tracking anklet. He could not wait for his commutation. If he was allowed to be free of his anklet he would likely stay with the FBI for a time. There was a good chance he would do traveling after he built up some cash but for a time he would stay in New York.

Peter said with a knowing look, "Time to put this back on until they decide about your commutation. While you were gone they decided to continue their discussions."

Well, that was something at least. It likely had to do with the insanity of yesterday. The insanity that pulled him back into the world he wished to stay out of.

After a brief moment, he realized Peter was waiting for his ankle. Internally Neal flinched at the thought of getting his leg up on the desk like he usually would. Externally he was stoic as he tried and failed to get his foot up. Almost to the point of overbalancing and falling.

He was just barely able to catch himself on the chair beside the desk. When he looked up he realized Peter had moved. A hand on his shoulder should not have surprised him the way it did. A heavy flinch went through him unabated.

Blue eyes looked up to see Peter's green eyes clouded with worry staring at him. The anklet still in his hand but only very loosely.

Peter questioned carefully examining his face, "Neal are you injured? What happened while you were gone?"

Neal said as he moved so that he was sitting in the chair, "There was a... situation that required immediate attention. There were two hostages one I've known for a long time. He was badly injured but alive when we arrived. I may have jumped the gun and entered the fight before it was safe. As such, I was injured for my trouble but it's nothing that won't heal."

Peter's eyes narrowed glancing back at his leg. Neal sighed and said, "My leg and upper arm. They have been stitched and bandaged appropriately. No permanent damage was done."

Peter sighed then bent to put the anklet on him. As he stood the man asked not dancing around the other elephant in the room, "Neal what is your relationship to Bruce Wayne?"

Chapter Text

A/N Thanks for your reviews and support.

Fangtasia21: thanks for your review, my friend. The past cannot be hidden any longer no matter how much he would like it to remain forgotten.

Neal's POV

Part of him wanted to lie and say that he didnt have a relationship with Bruce. Two things stopped him from going that route. One Bruce was already in town and Peter could ask him. He was making a conscious effort to try and build trust back between them. Lying would only make his situation worse than before.

The second was the fact he had never lied to Peter. Let him come to his own conclusions and not corrected him but never outright lied. It was something he was proud of. The fact was what made their partnership work as well as it did.

No the time for hiding was long past. Peter wanted the truth and if Neal was honest with himself he deserved it. There were things he would still play close to the chest but at the very least he would answer this.

Neal limped towards the door shutting it and making sure the blinds were firmly closed. If he was going to talk about this it would be with all the precautions he could have in place. There were still those out there that thought he should be in jail. Or dead. Many people thought he should be dead.

Sitting back in the chair Neal began firmly meeting Peter's concerned gaze, "Absolutely nothing must leave this office if you want the truth. You cannot tell Jones or Diana about this."

Peter watched him carefully for a moment before he agreed. For a long moment, there was silence between them. Neal searching for the right words to explain. He had to be careful about not revealing his vigilante past. It wouldn't take much to figure out the entire family was in on it if he accidentally revealed that he was a vigilante. There was still a nice bounty on Batman's real identity active as well. Villains would do anything to find out who he was.

Neal rubbed a hand down his face as he began, "Neal Caffery as you have guessed was not my birth name. Over the years I have avoided using or going near anything to do with it."

"Neal," Peter tried to interrupt.

"Peter, don't, "Neal stopped him, "If you interrupt me I dont think I'll be able to finish it."

Peter sighed but nodded. Neal continued, "You wanted to know my name for a while now. Know this not even Mozzie knows this about me. I was born Richard John Grayson. My family was part of the Haleys Circus as acrobats."

Shock crossed the elder man's face. He wasnt expecting a full answer. If he was going to tell Peter the story he would do it right.

"My parents were murdered by a gangster by the name of Tony Zucco," said Neal, "I was only eight when it happened and I saw them fall from the trapeze without a net to catch them. From there I went to juvie until I was taken in by Bruce Wayne. He tried to show me a better life and for a while I was happy. There was a falling out between Bruce and I was 13 and I left for Jump to study away from Gotham. But eventually, I returned and Bruce and I settled our differences for a time. I met my brothers in Damian and Tim who were living with Bruce. It wasn't until I was 17 that I left Gotham again. I was... recruited into a special project and thus made my way to Stanford. I had dealings with different government agencies as you saw with John Casey. Though most are happy to leave me be now. You know everything that happened once I decided to put that behind me. I met Mozzie and the rest is history."

Peter took in his words silently. His eyes seemed to look into Neal's very soul. They both knew that he left a lot out just admitting to the very basics. His handler could try to pry more information out of him. Or he could back off for the moment and try again later. They were both equally as likely as the other.

A knock on the door prevented Peter from deciding, however. The look Neal was given said their conversation wasnt over. He would try to get more information from him. There would be questions about why he left and about what exact agencies he worked for. The latter being something he really couldn't talk about.

Peter stood and moved around his desk so that he could open the door. Jones stood waiting his brown eyes immediately zeroing in on Neal before going back to Peter.

He said firmly, "Peter, Bruce Wayne has arrived and is demanding to speak with you and Caffery."

It took all of his self-control to not reach up and pinch the bridge of his nose. Do not act like Bryce. Do not act like Bryce. It will not help you here. Punching your adoptive father in the face will only get you in trouble with the FBI... again.

Peter had no such inclinations he did reach up to pinch the bridge of his nose. He looked as fed up as if Neal and Mozzie had broken into a mob house again.

Then Peter to no one's surprise ordered, "Send him up. We will deal with him," without looking up to see that Neal had gotten to his feet fully intent on leaving through the other door of the office, "Neal if you leave this office I will send you back to prison."

"Aw Peter, no. I thought we were through with that threat."

Peter glowered at him as he replied, "It is not a threat but a promise. Sit down."

A little reluctantly Neal did as he was told taking a seat in the chair. A moment later Bruce was brought up by Jones. After a sharp look from Peter, the agent left closing the door behind him.

After Bruce had taken a seat Peter said, "Neal has given me a brief rundown of his past. I still have questions and I'm sure you have questions of your own."

Neal refused to sink into his chair like an errant student called to the principal's office. Bruce did not have power over him here. Officially he was mot Richard Grayson instead he was Neal Caffery no matter what anyone said. He left that life behind for the one he had now. If he had any say in it he would not return to being Grayson.

"Neal!"

Oops, he must have missed a conversation in there. Damn them for throwing him off in such away. Neal turned his head to the side in question.

Bruce was the one who answered his unasked question, "I asked about your deal with the FBI. Agent Burke explained how you're due up for your commutation. That they will be making a decision any day now. I was offering myself as a character witness to help your case."

Neal snarled angrily, "Dont you dare interfere Bruce! If I get my commutation it will by own merits not by whatever you have to say or do."

"Neal," came Peter's soft reprimand. Neal wasn't listening though his blue eyes were boring into Bruce's.

He had come this far without the help of anyone from his family. That was how he wanted to get his commutation. With the help of the friends he had made outside of Gotham and the CIA.

Chapter Text

A/N thanks for your reviews and support

Boxfin: thanks for your review, my friend. So glad you enjoy it!

Neal's POV

Two sets of blue eyes clashed against each other. One was furious and the other was simply tired. Seeing the exhaustion made the anger drain from the younger man. So easy was it to forget that Bruce Wayne was not a young man anymore. The toll that life as a vigilante took its toll on all of them but especially Bruce. He didnt have the luxury of starting as a child-like those he took in.

Neal took in a deep breath holding it for the count of five before releasing it. He repeated this a couple of times to calm his temper. Anger would not help him here. It would deter progress and make him seem like Casey.

Bruce questioned softly, "Dick are you okay?"

Honestly, no, no he was not okay. Things had been hell for years and it seemed he was always looking over his shoulder. That in itself was getting old. He was tired of looking over his shoulder constantly. Always wondering if his past would finally catch up to him.

Unsurprisingly it had in fact caught up with him. Now he had to wonder if it would come to bite him in the ass. Or if it already has. They were in Peter's office having this conversation that he specifically never wanted to have.

Neal answered honestly, "No I'm not. You're here. The life I left behind years ago has decided to come back and bite me in the ass. Who the hell would be okay with this?"

Peter sighed, "Neal..."

Bruce interrupted before Peter could go any further, "I still dont understand Dick. Why are you so against talking to us? To me? Before you left our relationship wasnt so bad that you couldn't talk to me."

Neal snarled, "No one wanted to be around me before I left. It was just like the events that made me leave the first. Except for this time I wasnt shot."

He didnt care anymore. If they were going to have this conversation he was going to say his piece. Regardless of what Peter or anyone else thought of him later.

"Dick... I..."

"No!" Roared Neal, "I refuse to go back to where I'm not wanted. Not when I finally have people that give a damn. That notice when something is wrong and care enough to make me talk. I won't leave behind the family I've made here."

With that, he stood up and stormed from the room. He was not dealing with any more of this today. Neal made his way towards down the hallway. As he turned a corner his leg gave out from under him again. This sent him down onto the soft carpet.

Extending his leg out carefully he rubbed at it. There wasnt any pain from the wound but there was a tingling around it. A groan escaped him as his leg twinged again.

Well, it seemed he was not going anywhere anytime soon. He wasnt sitting there for a long when he heard the doors of the office open. Footsteps were heading to the elevator. They were too heavy to be Peter and just enough to be Bruce.

Neal pressed himself into the wall to avoid the man's attention. The elevator dinged and he heard more footsteps. They belonged to Jones who he was less worried about than his adoptive father. He would leave Neal be if asked unless Peter told him to stay.

Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw Jones approaching him. His footsteps were loud and obvious so as not to startle him. Glancing up he noted that Jones was alone. He kept his hands in his pockets, his posture relaxed. Dark eyes looked him over ensuring that he was uninjured.

Neal questioned in a low tone, "What do you want, Jones? I'm not in the mood."

Jones sighed before he leaned against the wall before he sat beside Neal. The man said calmly, "Caffery I dont know what is going on with you. Peter won't talk about it since he doesn't want to ruin the trust you've place in him. But it's obvious that there is something going on between you and Wayne. Not to forget that picture that fell out of your jacket."

"You know about that?"

Jones smiled as he replied, "I was the one who found it and brought it to Peter. You want to talk about it?"

Neal shook his head. No, he had zero intention of talking about this with Jones. He doesn't trust the other as much as Peter or Mozzie.

Jones sighed, "Caffery, you have honestly been a pain in my ass since we met. That's part of your charm I guess. Did I think you deserved to have the commutation early? No, I didnt. Between you and the little guy, I dont want to know the mischief that would be caused. I do however respect Peter and he believes you should have that chance. He can't help you though if he doesn't have all the information."

Did he deserve the help? Would everyone turn their backs on him if they knew the truth? He was already going to have this conversation with Mozzie. Something he was not looking forward to. His friend no doubt would feel betrayed that he wasnt told sooner.

He doubted Peter would be any more understanding than Mozzie. One thing he asked for from Neal was the truth. There were times when he accepted the stretched and coming to his own conclusions as the truth. This would not be one of those times.

Peter would either drag the full truth out of him or he would figure it out on his own. Neither was pretty for the conman turned consultant. Both would leave them worse off than when they started. Especially if he had to go into the Intersect project. Because why not see how much he could piss Beckman off in one week. The General was going to kill him when this mess was over.

The only one he knew for a fact would stand by him was Matt. With how things were it was only a matter of time. Everyone he cared about seemed to leave him in the end.

A part of him cringed at the thought. There was a time he had a team he could count on. Before that, there was a time where he thought that Bruce and the others would always be by his side. It was just a stupid child's dream, however. When all was said and done they were alone in this world. Maybe it was time he accepted that.

Chapter Text

A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

Boxfin: thanks for your review, my friend. So glad you enjoyed it. These two definitely need to work on their communication.

Neal's POV

That night the trip to his apartment was made in silence. Peter was in contemplative silence. While Neal's was more aggravated. Everyone in the office wanted to know what Bruce Wayne had said when he finally made his way back to his desk.

Neal tried his best to ignore them during the day. The entire time his mind was on the past. From his position at his desk, he could feel eyes upon him. Peter was watching him that he didnt doubt. At this point the younger man didnt care. He just wanted to go sleep until the commutation mess was over. Just a few more days was the thought that kept him going.

Emotionally exhausted Neal made it to the apartment. At the top of the stairs and almost at the door was when he noticed a light on. One he was certain was not on when he left.

:Let that be, Mozzie coming for answers. Please,: came his thoughts. He needed a break.

Carefully he opened the door and was relieved to find a friendly face. While it was not Mozzie or Peter, Orion was still considered friendly. Orion for his part was sitting at Neal's table, a glass of one of his good wine's in hand.

"Orion," greeted Neal as he sat across from him and poured his own glass, "What are you doing here? I would have thought that you'd have skipped town by now."

Orion smiled lightly as he replied, "Not with Deathstroke hanging about. Not sure what you said to him Bryce but it's got him staying. I'd rather him not capture and torture me again. Besides you have what they are looking for even if it hurts to use it."

All the blood drained from Neal's face at that. He tried to sip on the wine but it was like ash going down his throat. There was only one thing the other could be talking about. The new Intersect. It had left Neal with more questions than ever. A frustrating turn of events to say the least.

He said tiredly, "Nothing we can do about it now. Intersects are not something I can just hack into and turn off."

"Well not exactly."

Neal's gaze sharpened as he looked at the man in front of him. What did he mean by that?

He snapped annoyed, "What do you mean? Is there a way to turn off the Intersect?"

Orion reached down into the bag by his feet to pull outbox. To the conman, it looked like an expensive box used for the top of the line watches. His curiosity was only peaked further by the man opening it to reveal a watch.

By Neal's estimate, it had to be worth a couple of hundred dollars at least. After a moment's hesitation, he picked it up to examine it. Carefully turning it over in his hands the cool metal-centered him.

There wasnt a manufacturing logo or signs of who made it. It was made to be mistaken for a forgery. As he turned it over again he noted that no matter how one wore their watches this particular one was meant to be right against the skin. For what reason was the question?

Orion said slowly reaching for Neal's wrist and the watch, "After the disaster the Agency had trying to make new Intersect Assets I built these. The watch you are holding is called a Governor. Most minds are not made for the Intersect. It was why the tests were planned the way they were."

And why Chuck was chosen originally. He got it. The Intersect was more likely to fry someone's brain than be useful. So why make this?

Orion continued as he fastened the watch snugly around the younger's wrist, "There that should do that. The system in it will synchronize with your brain waves and the Intersect. Flashes will slow down by a few milliseconds seconds to allow your brain to process them without overloading."

That made sense. If things kept going the way they were he would be rendered useless. Two flashes in a row were draining enough he couldn't imagine it happening anymore. He would have to be careful on undercover missions, however. They had a habit of destroying his watches thinking they were bugs.

Orion was about to say something more when there was a loud bang from downstairs. It sounded as if someone had kicked his door in.

The two former agents shared a look before Neal lunged for where his field box was. Orion was already sending out an emergency alert to those he trusted. With any luck, some would be in the area.

Neal had barely pulled his field box out when the door to his apartment crashed open. A brown-haired man with hazel eyes eerily familiar came through the doorway. He looked almost exactly like Peter but the key difference was in his eyes. They were far colder than any looks that his friend had given him before. This was a person who would not hesitate to kill him. Even at their worst Peter never gave him such a look.

A pistol in hand was aimed directly for Neal. He was followed by two other men all carrying similar weapons that trained on him and Orion.

Damn it! This was not his day. Getting a better look at the leader his mind flashed. Information from the CIA and NSA supplied him with why the man was so familiar. Kieran Ryker was Peter's estranged twin brother. Well, that explained a lot. Did not help him get out of this mess, however.

Ryker commanded in a growl, "Get up, Larkin. You're coming with us."

Neal raised an eyebrow as he asked with a bite, "Oh I am?"

The man aimed his gun at Neal's forehead and said menacingly, "You are. Unless you want me to blow your brains out and leave your body for the lovely owner of this house. Your choice."

Neither he nor Orion were in any position to fight. Ryker was a former agent himself so he knew all the tricks in the book. Slowly Neal raised his hands and carefully got to his feet. His knee threatened to buckle back out from under him but Neal didnt let it show in his face. Better to hide that he wasn't healed than for them to take advantage of it now.

To take their attention away he questioned, "What do you want with us, Ryker? I would have thought that you'd avoid the city your twin is an agent in. After all, you had a bad falling out and Peter said if he ever saw you again he'd shoot you."

That drew a snarl from the man and he bashed Neal with the butt of the gun. The amount of force used made him see stars. Both he and Orion were dragged towards an awaiting car. Before they put him inside though they cut his anklet.

Chapter Text

A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

Boxfin: thanks for your review my friend. So glad you enjoyed it!

Keller's POV

His asset and friend could not stay out of trouble for five minutes. An emergency signal from an unknown person. He wasnt stupid there was only one person it could have come from. What Orion was still doing in town he didnt know.

Matthew had barely grabbed his gun and jacket when a second alert went off. It sent chills down his spine to see that Bryce's anklet had been cut. There was no way that his friend would leave without saying anything to him. Or so close to being free of the FBI.

He left the apartment quickly and taking to the streets. Arriving at Neal's apartment he found it completely dark. It didnt appear that anyone was home. If he didnt get the notifications he would have guessed that nothing was wrong.

Searching around the street however proved fruitful. He found the cut anklet next to the sidewalk. Someone had taken Bryce and Orion. If he had to guess it was Wilkes again. The man would not allow them to keep interfering.

Further searching didn't provide any leads so he headed inside. Downstairs was about as useful as outside had been. It wasnt until he went upstairs that he found anything of use. The door had been kicked in with a tremendous amount of force.

Wilkes was a fairly big guy but he didnt have enough strength to do something like this. From the corner of his eye Matthew spotted Bryce's field box. That could only mean that they knew they were under attack.

Upon inspecting the field box he found everything the way it was supposed to be. Bryce never got the chance to draw his weapon. That meant at least three intruders entered. They had to have been armed otherwise Bryce would have taken his chances. A planned attack to get both of the retired agents. Someone who knew their tactics and could plan around it.

As much as he didnt like the idea it was probably a former agent. There were too many who knew Bryce to even make a guess at who it could be. Luckily for Matthew he couldn't find the necklace that he gave Bryce after getting tired of him been kidnapped.

The necklace acted much like the anklet did except there wasnt a range he couldnt leave. Bryce would never have agreed to wear it if it restricted his movements like the FBI did. By giving him freedom it made it easier to keep track of him. Something he was now grateful for.

Pulling his phone out he began to type into his phone. Bringing up the tracking information he found that Bryce was on the move. Behind him Matthew could hear the FBI finally arriving. They were a little late to the party.

Burke was the first into the apartment with his gun drawn. He saw Matthew and put away his gun eyeing the man carefully. For his part the agent was ignored as he tried to figure out where they were headed towards.

Burke called out to the other agents, "Clear no sign of Caffery. Keller is here."

Matthew didnt respond verbally but held out the cut anklet. Peter stated with a frown, "Neal wouldnt have run right now. He wanted to get his Commutation."

"He didnt run," Matthew snipped as the agent as the others came up, "Whoever took him was a former member of the agency. They knew the moment the took out the front door he would go for the field box. Exactly as predicted our mutual friend went for it and was able to get it out before being stopped. My best guess was there were three who entered each carrying a gun. They took our mutual friend and his companion."

He knew better than to use Bryce's name in this. Secrets were what kept them alive and he respected that. One day Bryce would be ready to tell them he would. Hopefully he would be alerted soon after that.

Matthew sighed as the tracker finally came to a stop. Taking note of the address he sent out a message to John Casey requesting aid with the address. A moment later he received a confirmation message. They would meet nearby to plan an attack strategy.

Peter asked as the younger man turned to leave, "Where do you think you're going? Do you know where Neal went?"

Matthew growled, "He was taken and I'm going go do my job and get him back. Thanks to the incompetence of others he was taken by Wilkes. I swear you people let him get kidnapped more often than anyone else."

Peter snapped, "Its not our fault he gets kidnapped."

"But it is your fault he's not better protected! He got into less trouble running around Europe."

Frustration was building in the handler over the situation. Everything that had happened in the last few days was getting to him. The FBI had done a poor job keeping Bryce safe.

"Why do you care?" Peter frowned then realization seemed to smack him in the face, "You are his handler. CIA or NSA if I had to guess."

Well then it seemed Bryce had given some information to the FBI. Matthew leaned back on his heels. Trusting Burke was not natural to him. There were only a few people he trusted. Casey to a point, Bryce, the General, Bartowski and his team, and the team he used to work with.

Finally he said, "He must have told you about where he was before. It doesnt matter now. I have to go stop Wilkes before they hurt him."

The three agents shared a look before Burke said, "We will go with you. We care about Caffery."

Matthew frowned but nodded.

Chapter Text

A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

Boxfin: thanks for your review my friend. Yeah!

Neal's POV

Well this was a right situation he got himself into. Matt was going to lecture him again. Neal knew it was inevitable. Every single time he got himself kidnapped for one reason or another he ended up with the same lecture.

It didnt matter that he had been kidnapped more often while working with the FBI than his entire career with the CIA. It was the mere fact that it happened at all annoyed his handler in more ways than could be put into words.

This was the reason he always wore his necklace under his shirt. Very few people had ever seen the necklace. No one but him and Matt knew the reason he rarely took it off. The tracker within it would allow Matt to find him anywhere in the world.

Most criminals would only look for an anklet or a wire. No one would look twice at a necklace. To them it was just a normal piece of jewelry. Expect the unexpected and do not give away your hand before it's time. Key points to being a conman.

Both he and Orion were tied to chairs. It was both with rope and duct tape. They were exceptionally done and without injuring himself he couldnt get free. Orion was in the same way.

Despite knowing it war fruitless he still tried to break free. Orion said gruffly, "Its no use, Bryce."

Neal growled, "I'm not just going to let them win."

Orion snorted, "They have already won. They won the moment they had us within their grasp. You wont be any help if they kill you before rescue arrives."

"Oh shut up, Orion."

Despite their situation his reply caused the man to laugh easily. It brought a small real smile to cross Neal's face.

Their amusement faded as the sound of footsteps sounded. Someone was coming for them. Most likely whoever it was would torture them. They wanted information and both Neal and Orion had it. Wilkes would want revenge for Neal's interference.

Squaring his shoulders he waited to see who was coming. The door opened and two familiar figures. One he expected, Wilkes, he could deal with. Easily could deal with the old foe. The other however sent a pit of dread into his stomach. An range and black mask and matching armor walked in.

Of all the people that could be chosen to torture them it had to be Deathstroke. He had let Neal go once already. The younger man, a former apprentice but he couldnt fight Deathstroke. Not in the same way he had done all those years ago. Torture was not the same as fighting. It was simply a testament to one's will.

Deathstroke questioned his voice distorted by the mask Neal hated when he was younger, "So you recaptured the original target. What about the second man?"

Wilkes growled, "I want him in as much pain as possible. Do as much damage to Caffery as possible without killing him. Caffery will be an example of what happens to those who stand against me. When you're done with Caffery ensure Orion cannot escape again."

"Understood."

With that Wilkes left the room a last hateful look sent to Neal then he was gone. Silence hung in the air as Deathstroke moved to stand before him. Neal's chin stuck out his teeth ground together in defiance.

Deathstroke folded his arms across his chest as he questioned in the same arrogant tone he spoke when Neal was still a kid, "What are you doing here, kid? I would have thought that you'd be long gone by now."

Neal shook his head allowing his dark hair to fall into eyes, "I cant exactly leave right now, Slade."

The single eye that could be seen narrowed as Slade his voice ringing in the younger's ears, "You allowed them to cage you. A cage robin."

Neal snorted, "I havent been a robin since I was a young teenager. When I left for the CIA the first time I left him behind. He died with my childhood when I killed my first man."

Slade raised his chin in acknowledgement and respect. Then he questioned in a mere whisper, "Do you have a plan to escape?"

Neal gave the man a wry grin as he said, "Of course I do. However there is no way we can do anything yet. I cant fight like I used to."

"Why?"

Indicating with his chin to his damaged shoulder. The one that had killed him once then to the side where the second old wound lay. A sigh escaped the killer who tried to break his youthful naivete.

Then there was the breaking of glass off to one side. A hidden corner of the warehouse that they were sequestered away in. A sense of foreboding overcame Neal. That would not be Matt or the FBI they would have come through the front door.

Neal looked over his shoulder trying to catch a glance at the intruders. All he saw was shadows moving across the warehouse. A pit formed in his stomach, now he was sure the breaking of glass had been for his benifit. If it was for his benifit then that narrowed the possibilities.

Orion breathed in surprise, "Men in kevlar jackets with bows across their backs and swords at their sides. I count at least four but there could be more."

Oh yes he knew who that was. Unfortunately if they were here that meant their leader wasnt far behind.

Deathstroke growled, "League of Shadows. Now what do you want? Is your leader around?

A familiar voice replied coldly, "The Demon's Head is not here currently. However he does wish to speak with young Grayson. Unharmed."

Neal replied craning his neck towards the sound of the voice, "Sayad, if Deathstroke wanted me dead I would be. You know of my condition."

Sayad snorted decisively, "That I do, Zil. However if you dont want him to be injured tell him to back off."

Deathstroke did so with a glare in the other's general direction. The man then turned to him a question in his eyes. It was obvious what the question was. What the hell did Zil mean?

Zil was Arabic for Shadow. A name he had earned on his first mission away from Stanford. The League and CIA had a common goal that night.

It was one of the few times he met Ra's Al Ghul alone. Cold grey eyes had watched him as he had efficiently killed his target. Something that would have been impossible if he was still the same child Ra's met a few times.

His ruthless efficiency and ability to hide within the shadows was what earned him the name. Ra's had shown him the same kind of respect that he did with Bruce. The man had agreed to keep his secret from his father. In exchange Neal would keep in touch with the League. On occasion work alongside them.

It wasn't the most legal work but then again it kept him relatively safe. The League helped him out of a few tight spots simply because of his agreement with Ra's. And he had gained a shadow, one that rarely left except when called back for a mission.

Sayad, the Hunter had been his shadow for many years. They had become something of allies during this time.

Deathstroke with a growl moved back away from him. Then one of the shadows moved across the far wall. A man in a kevlar vest with a bow strapped across his back. Two knives and a sword were belted at his side. A cowl was pulled up over his face marring the features.

Neal didnt flinch as the man drew a knife and approached. The ropes and tape were cut away from him and a strong arm pulled him to his feet.

The grip was familiar enough for Neal to greet with a tilt of his chin, "Sayad, it's been awhile. I hope you're well."

Sayad bit out annoyed, "I'm well but you're not. How is it that everytime I leave you, you get kidnapped? Let's get you and your friend..."

The door to the room opened and the three of them faced it. Wilkes with a frustrated and angry look on his face.

When he saw Neal unrestrained he shouted, "The prisoner is free. Kill them all."

Well shit!

Chapter Text

A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

Don1st: thanks for your review my friend. Yep.

xXxOtAkU-444xXx: thanks for your review my friend. ^_^

Neal's POV

Hitting the deck just seconds before gunfire erupted was probably the smartest thing he could have done. While Deathstroke and Sayad had kevlar armor he had only the very basics of protection within his jacket. It was not meant to withstand continued gunfire or large ammunition. Not with at least a dozen or so men entering the room.

As he had gone down he dragged Orion's chiar with him. Loud footsteps rang out on the floor as men entered. More guns no doubt came with them. That however wasn't his focus. Sayad and Deathstroke could take care of Wilkes and his men.

No, Neal's focus had to be on keeping himself and Orion out of the line of fire. Wilkes wanted him to die in pain and to torture him first. With a rescue attempt in progress though Neal was willing to bet the man would settle for his corpse.

From experience Neal knew what they were after. The Intersect was one of the only reasons anyone would go after Orion. Unluckily for them Orion was several steps ahead. If they killed Neal, then they would lose the newest Intersect. Without Orion there was very little chance that they would be able to recreate it.

Pushing himself up carefully he cut away at the ropes that held Orion. A few seconds later the man dropped to the floor beside him. A groan escaping him as he was still not fully recovered from his last capture.

Orion questioned over the gunfire, "Do you have a plan?"

"Yes! Stay out of their way," returned Neal.

Orion snarked, "Obviously. But how are we going to get out of here? Ninjas how do you know ninjas?"

Neal replied as he began to crawl across the floor on his stomach, "This is not the time or the place for me to answer that. Just don't let them here you calling them ninjas. Al Sayf is particularly aggressive towards that."

"Which one is he?"

Just as they reached cover a strong hand enclosed around the collar of Neal's jacket and hauled him to his feet. Not two seconds behind Orion was similarly hauled to his feet.

Looking at their intruder Neal grinned, "This is Al Sayf, Sword of the League second only to the Demon's Head himself."

"Your mouth certainly hasn't diminished, Zil," growled the man older than time itself.

Orion greeted, "I wish we could have met under better circumstances. I am..."

Al Sayf fixed the man with a cold withering stare as he said, "We know who you are, Stephen Bartowski, Callsign Orion. We also know what you have done over the years. I suggest if you do not wish to be on the end of my blade you will keep your mouth shut."

And that was Al Sayf for you. Rough and harsh to anyone and everyone. He was older than the current Ra's Al Ghul himself. It was thought the man was between 700 and 1000 years old. All thanks to the healing properties of the Lazarus Pit. Somehow he didn't have any of the insanity that typically came with it either. It was almost as if it took the man's emotions instead of his mind.

But Neal knew that wasn't true either. He had seen Al Sayf use his emotions all of once. Only when Neal's life had been threatened while on a shared mission. The bloody scene thag Al Sayf left behind still haunted his dreams.

The two fighting groups were interrupted by the entrance being kicked in. Several familiar faces entered with guns drawn. Matt, Casey, Peter, and his team of FBI agents entered.

Neal brought two fingers to his lips and let out a sharp whistle. Despite all the noise it carried across the room to Matt. Who snapped his head over in the direction of Neal and Orion. Careful eyes noted that a member of the League stood with them. No intention to harm were visible.

He gave a sharp nod of acknowledgement to Neal before trying to clear out the kidnappers. Wilkes was done for. The moment Matt entered the battle was theirs. There was no way his handler and friend would allow them a loss like this. For now he and Orion just had to wait out the madness.

Al Sayf pushed him and Orion behind boxes and ordered, "Stay here," looking Neal up and down he reiterated, "I mean it, Zil. Stay here."

Neal said turning his head to the side, "I'm not sure what you think I am. But I'm not suicidal."

"That's questionable, Zil," snarked the ancient assassin.

"Fuck you," growled Neal without any real heat.

Instead he just sounded tired and he was. Neal was more tired than any living creature had a right to be. It was as if no amount of sleep could ever make him feel rested again.

Something softened in the man's features as he stared at Neal. He said, "Just stay here. We will clear them out and not hurt your FBI agents or your handler."

Carefully Neal nodded. Then like that the assassin was gone. From behind the boxes Neal and Orion watched the battle happen.

Watching the battle showed just how outmatched Wilkes and his team was. Even without the FBI team, the League's assassins were picking them off. Some via arrows. Others via slit throats.

Wilkes had been backed into a corner far away Neal. He was in a firefight with Peter and the agents. Matt was hidden behind another set of boxes.

Everything was going well. It was in their favor. Right up until Matt had come out from cover intent on taking down one of Wilkes men who was trying to skirt around the outside of the battle. Trying to get to Neal and Orion.

A single shot rang out. Blood exploded out drenching the concrete floor. And a body went down. A body from their side.

"MATT!"

Chapter Text

A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

xXxOtAkU-444xXx: thanks for your review my friend.

Neal's POV

Blood pounded in his ears as he tried to get to Matt. Strong arms grabbed him preventing Neal from entering the battle. He tried to throw the other off but pain in his shoulder kept him from getting too far.

A low growl rumbled in his ear, "Enough, Zil. Getting yourself killed will not help you here."

Sayad. Neal couldn't just obey. He had to protect his handler, his friend. If someone didn't get to Matt he would die. So he renewed his struggles to get to the man's side.

Neal snarled as he threw his elbow back into Sayad's abdomen, "I can't just leave him. Let me go, Sayad."

Neal watched as a bullet tore through Wilkes's shoulder. It came from Peter's gun. Casey was already finishing up with the other members of Wilkes's men. And Neal broke free of Sayad's hold.

Rushing to Matt's side he found the other still breathing, though labored. The wound itself was fatal and no amount of pressure would stop the bleeding. That didn't stop him from trying.

Shrugging off his jacket he pressed it into the wound. It didn't take long for blood to soak through his jacket. Matt rasped in pain but he didn't try to move. Which was for the best as it would only make the situation.

There had to be a way to save Matt. The CIA could possibly perform the same treatments that they had used on Neal. The only problem with that was it would still leave permanent damage. It would ruin any career plans that his handler may have. Neal had ruined enough lives of those trying to protect him. He couldn't handle it again. There had to be another way.

Peter was making his way towards Neal as was Sayad. The shadows around them were moving with the retreating ninjas. They would likely return to bring him before Ra's Al Ghul. Al Sayf would be the most likely to make contact. Wait...

He called out loud and clear, "Al Sayf I need your help."

Peter arrived at his side. Hearing the call out he raised an eyebrow at Neal. Then worry crossed his eyes as he looked at Matt. The best way for them to save Matt was not the ambulance. It was to ask a favor of the Sword of the League. Which could very well mean that he was giving away his freedom. Only this time it was to the League instead of the FBI.

Al Sayf appeared out of nowhere his brow furrowed. His cowl and hood were pooled around his neck. Grey stubble lay across his face. Grey eyes that held no comfort in them. Just pure understanding.

Neal knew the rules. Nothing would ever be freely offered by the League. Whether it was an initiate, someone like Al Sayf, or if it was Ra's Al Ghul himself. If he wanted something from them he would have to ask. Either he would need something to make it worth their while. Or he was left at their mercy for when they wish to collect his debt.

Currently he had nothing physical to offer Al Sayf. Which meant if he wanted to save Matt there was only one way. He looked up and caught the eyes of the assassin.

Formally he said, "Al Sayf of the League of Shadows I request your aid. I will owe a debt to the League in exchange for Matthew Keller's life."

Al Sayf stiffened then questioned, "Are you sure, Zil? If you do this the Demon's Head can ask anything of you in return."

There was no hesitation as he said, "I'm positive. Save him."

Peter questioned unsurely, "Neal what are you saying? That's not a bullet wound that can be survived without a hospital."

"Quiet, Peter," ordered Neal.

Al Sayf could see his resolve. Neal was placing all of his trust into the man. They had worked together before just as he had worked with Sayad before. There was a good deal of trust to be able to ask for something knowing they could ask for anything in return. And he would have to give it.

Al Sayf reached under his jacket and shirt to pull out a necklace. There was a clear liquid in the necklace. No mistaking what that was. Lazarus Pit waters. The only thing that could save Matt now. It was said that there was consequences to using the waters. That they could cause insanity but only if the body is already dead and the soul was departed. Luckily for them, Matt was still alive. For now at least.

Behind them, he could hear Sayad's intake of breath.

Sayad whispered, "Al Sayf, you can't. The sacred laws of the League."

"Zil knows what he has asked of me," replied the man coldly, "I'm sure the Demon's Head will forgive this. After all he has agreed to give anything in exchange. I will leave it up to the Demon's Head to decide what to ask."

Neal bit back a nervous gulp. He knew what he was agreeing to the moment he asked for Al Sayf to save Matt. There was no way that he would stop the assassin from saving his handler and friend.

The man pulled off the top of the necklace and Neal knew what was going to happen. He removed his jacket from the wound and pulled Matt's shirt away from the wound. His handler's breathing was becoming raspy and was barely there. If they did not hurry then he would die.

Al Sayf dropped to his knees and poured the waters over the wound. Matt's body jack knifed up and it took all of Neal's strength to keep his handler down. Peter dropped down to help Neal hold him down.

They watched as the bullet wound began to close. For those who had worked for and against the League before it wasn't all that surprising. Even when he worked against them he had seen this done at least once before.

It didn't fully heal. Neal hadn't expected it to given how it was only a small amount of the waters. Rather than the full soaking that the Lazarus Pit would have provided. It would take longer for the wound to fully heal but it would heal.

Bowing his head to Al Sayf he whispered, "Thank you, Al Sayf. I owe you and Ra's immensely."

Sayad groaned, "I hope you know what you're getting yourself into, Zil. This is not a little thing that Al Sayf has done. He could be thrown out of the League."

Neal and Al Sayf snorted, "The Demon's Head wouldn't throw him out. Punish him yes. But he wouldn't throw him out."

The group shared a knowing look. From the corner of his eye he could see Peter's frown. Peter would never understand why he felt so at ease with these men. In fact Neal himself could not understand it himself. Their companionship had only formed after he joined the CIA. After he had killed his first man.

There were so many things that he couldn't easily talk about. Not with Peter. Not with Bruce or his brothers.

Al Sayf ordered suddenly, "On your feet. We will take him to one of the League's safe houses," at Peter's mutineous look he growled, "He cannot go to a hospital. They won't understand what I have done here. It's safer for him to heal at one of the safe houses. I'll return you, Zil when his friend is healed."

Peter glanced at Neal. He nodded showing that this would work. Al Sayf wouldn't go back on his word. After a moment of consideration Peter nodded.

Neal grabbed Matt and helped the unconscious man up. With the help of Sayad he was able to take the man to a waiting van. Matt was laid out across the back of one of the seats. Neal took the seat next to him while the assassins took the front seats. Without a word they left.

Chapter Text

A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

xXxOtAkU-444xXx: thanks for your review my friend ^_^.

The safe house was exactly what he had expected from the League. It had the bare essentials needed to run an operation. Nothing more nothing less. There were extra changes of clothes in all sizes in the dressers of the two bedrooms. A single bathroom was in the corner out of the way.

Neal sat at the table waiting. They were all waiting for the same thing. For Matt to wake up and for the Demon's Head to arrive. It was only a matter of which happened first. He knew that Ra's was on his way. With some minor difficulties he had overheard Al Sayf checking in with him. He also knew that Al Sayf knew he had overheard the conversation. The man wasn't the Sword of the League for nothing. Underestimating him was stupid and would end in one's death.

His brow furrowed a he considered what would happen next. Most likely Ra's would allow him to stay long enough for his commutation. Then he would ask for a lifetime of service. A life for a life. A balance must be achieved that was what the League if Shadows sought after.

Neal wouldn't be in any position to negotiate either. He had given his word when he asked for Al Sayf to save Matt. Did he regret it? Not even for a second. He knew exactly what would be expected of him the moment he had made the request. Unlike some others he would not turn away from his actions.

"What are you thinking about, Zil?" Came the cool tones of Sayad.

Looking up at the other who held out a mug he said, "My fate."

Sayad looked up to the ceiling with a look of mild frustration. What the hell did he have to be frustrated about? Neal was the one who had been so very close to his freedom. Only to have it taken away again because he couldn't lose Matt. Matt was the one person he refused to lose. That was why he had done what he did.

Then he said, "Our liege isn't evil personified you know, Zil. No matter what the Bat may say about him, the Demon's Head has always been fair in his judgment. I do not believe he will ask for a lifetime of service from you."

That had Neal looking up. Confusion was written plain as day across his face. He wouldn't? From every interaction he has had with the man all signs pointed to the fact that he would.

Then again most of his interactions with the League had been on opposites sides. Only after he had joined the CIA was there a semblance of an alliance between them. One that had been tenuous at best. There wasn't much in the way of unbiased information that he had.

Neal sighed as he ran a hand idly through his hair, "I know he is not the monster that Bruce claimed him to do. My few interactions with him proved that. He proved that the night he named me, Zil. At the time it was only honorary. But now I owe him and the League strives for balance. A life for a life."

Sayad frowned but didn't say anything. Instead his eyes flickered over Neal's shoulders and his eyes widened with surprise. Surprise and just the barest flicker of fear and respect. Swiftly he bowed his head to the one standing behind Neal. That told the conman all he needed to know. The Demon's Head had arrived.

Not waiting for Ra's or Sayad to say anything he stood from the chair. He spun on his heel so that he faced the newcomers. As he expected Ra's stood there his dark grey eyes on Neal.

Ra's wore an green ornamental robes over a black dress shirt and pants. Belted on one side was his sword. A sword Neal knew had killed thousands. Black hair that grayed around the edge fell into his eyes. If it wasn't for the hardness of his face it would have made him appear to be in his early forties. Neal knew better though. This man was ancient somewhere around 600 years old.

Swallowing he bent his head in respect to the man. For a long moment he stood there waiting for Ra's to say something. To acknowledge him beyond quiet staring. Neal did not dare say anything as he awaited judgement.

No matter what Peter thought he did not have a death wish. Interrupting Ra's thoughts would the fastest way to lose one's head. Footsteps sounded from in front of him. They were light and deliberate to let him know that Ra's was approaching. He kept his head bowed waiting for the man to speak.

Finally he did, "Look at me, Zil."

Neal looked up and squared his shoulders. Al Sayf slipped into the room giving Neal a nod of acknowledgement. He may have showed difference to Ra's but he refused to show weakness. Approval shined in his grey eyes.

Ra's said clasping his hands behind his back meeting Neal's eyes evenly, "Al Sayf has told me of the events leading you to one of my safe houses. That you now owe me the life of your beloved."

Neal opened his mouth to argue that last point. A single eyebrow was raised. Then he closed it. There was no point of arguing against it. Ra's wasn't wrong in Neal's feelings for his handler. Not that he would ever admit as such. No to do so was dangerous in their line of work. They could be used against each other. The current situation was case and point.

Ra's continued after a moment, "My men saved your beloved and now you owe me a debt. You told Al Sayf that you would be willing to do anything in exchange. Is this true?"

"It is," declared the younger.

Ra's hummed before moving past him and headed around the table. Neal followed the movement never allowing his back to be to the assassin. It wasn't until he stood with his back to the master bedroom that he stopped.

Ra's said easily, "I could ask of you a lifetime of service. It would be the closest to an equal exchange. A life for a life balance must be achieved."

Neal nodded his throat tightening. That was the conclusion he had come to. Though he wasn't sure how useful he would be to the assassin. With all the damage done to his body he was next to useless.

Ra's continued as if reading his thoughts, "You would have to spend time in the Lazarus Pit. As it stands now you wouldn't be of much use to the League," well that fixed that issue, "Alas it is fortunate that this is not the plan I have for you."

Neal's eyes widened with surprise. Come again? Ra's didn't want him to be bound to the League for his life? Sayad smirked at the dumbfounded look on his face.

"Al Sayf spoke of how we need more eyes on the ground. Those that it is not obvious they are members of the League. So I offer you this. Five years of service as one of my Horseman. I will even allow you to heal your injuries within the pit. As a favor to the Detective I will not require you to kill unless it is absolutely necessary. What say you, Richard Grayson?"

There was no choice here so he agreed. Five years. As a Horseman of the Demon. Though he wasn't sure what that meant.

Chapter Text

A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

Don1st: thanks for your review my friend. Nor would it be wise to try.

white tiger freak: thanks for your reviews and support. 💙💙💙

xXxOtAkU-444xXx: thanks for your review my friend. 💙💙💙

...

Waking up in an unfamiliar room set his nerves on fire. The room was bare with a single dresser and mirror on one side of the room. There was two doors one he assumed that went to bathroom and other rooms. Where was he? How was he still alive? That wound should have been fatal.

He knew that if the agency had come across the fight then maybe he would be saved by them. That however would have been impossible. The CIA didn't know about Bryce and the kidnapping.

A trickle of fear went down his spine. What if it was the Ring? They would try to use him to get Bryce to do as they want. That had him trying to sit up. Pain shot through his chest where he had been shot.

Looking down at his chest he saw where he had been shot. It was red and angry but smaller than what he expected. Like it had healed almost instantly. But how?

Suddenly the door was opened startling him. Matthew watched in relief as he saw it was just Bryce. That was until he saw the dark circles under the other's eyes. A traitorous twinge pulled at his heart. One he ignored. It couldn't happen. There was no way the other felt the same. Even if he did it wouldn't be appropriate between handler and asset.

When Bryce saw him there was genuine relief in his eyes. He said his voice breaking slightly with emotion, "Matt, you're okay."

Matthew said tiredly, "Apparrently. What happened, Bryce? The last thing I remember is getting shot. The wound should have killed me."

Suspicion filled him when Bryce suddenly wouldn't meet his eyes. His shoulders raised all the way to his ears. The full lack of confidence was concerning.

"Bryce what did you do?" Questioned Matthew without judgement.

His friend was not one to lie to him. Just like with Burke, Bryce did not lie to him. If he was avoiding the topic that meant he was trying to avoid lying.

Matthew pushed his dark eyes catching Bryce's, "Bryce! What did you do?"

There was a long moment before he replied, "I made a deal with the League of Shadows. Al Sayf saved you and in turn I met with Ra's Al Ghul for him to make a decision on what I would give in exchange."

Oh no. A deal with the League was something that couldn't be predictable. To make one without knowing what you would have to give in return was stupid.

Matthew croaked out, "What did he want in exchange?"

Bryce wouldn't meet his eyes as he said, "I have sworn to be his Horseman. Five years of service. With the service comes a perk of having my old injuries healed by the same waters that saved you."

If his injuries were healed to the point they never existed, he wouldn't need Matthew. In fact he wouldn't need anyone. Matthew had seen the way Bryce fought before the injuries. There were only a few that could take him down.

"Why?" He questioned, "Why would you risk your freedom in such a way?"

Bryce whispered so soft that Matthew had to strain to hear, "For you I would have sworn to a lifetime of service."

There was a jolt. Bryce wasn't joking. Nor was he exaggerating his words or feelings. They shouldn't show their feelings in such a way. Not unless they wanted to be taken advantage of.

Why hadn't Ra's Al Ghul used the obvious weakness to his advantage? Given who the man was it would make sense.

A dark chuckle came from the doorway where a man in green ornamental robes over a black dress shirt and pants. Belted on one side was his sword. Black hair that grayed around the edge fell into his eyes.

A twinge of dread went through the handler. For years he had heard stories about the power this man held. Matthew knew that Bryce had a few encounters with him but he never realized what sort of presence someone like this had. How in the hell had Bryce been able to fight him as a child? Simply lying here made him feel unworthy.

Ra's said meeting Matthew's gaze coldly, "So you're the one, Zil was ready to give everything up for. Interesting. You're not what I expected to be his chosen."

Both Matthew and Bryce choked before trying to make excuses. Both men had a slight blush creeping up the back of their necks.

A bark of laughter came from Al Sayf, "You two are the biggest pair of idiots I have ever met. Watching the two of you dance around each other is amusing. Life for those who don't have access to the pit is too short. Put aside your pasts and come to recognize what most already know."

Matthew retorted coolly, "What we do is our own business assassin."

Al Sayf snorted, "Yeah if someone doesn't pull your heads out of your ass you two won't recognize it."

"Al Sayf," chided Ra's, "Drop it."

Al Sayf for his part simply bowed his head before smirking at the two. Ra's let out a tired sigh before returning his attention to the two younger men. Both Matthew and Neal felt as if they were insects being scrutinized. Or children preparing for a lecture from their parents.

Ra's then explained to Matthew on the terms of the deal. The handler in him wanted to murder Bryce. The idiot had done it. He wasn't kidding when he said he had sworn himself to Ra's. An official ceremony would be made when he went to Nanda Parbat. Bryce wouldn't meet his eyes throughout the explanation. Instead he seemed resigned as if he expected to be beaten down.

Matthew sighed. He pushed himself completely up into a sitting position. Bryce flinched at the movement.

Ra's said as Matthew reached for his asset and friend, "As soon as you both are done speaking you can leave. Keller take it easy for a few days and allow yourself to heal. Zil I expect you in Nanda Parbat within two weeks. Your friend may come as well but he will not be allowed to attend the ceremony or when you are healed."

...

After a few more moments of Ra's explaining what he expected before they were left alone. Neal looked over to his friend, to the person he would do anything for. Matt was staring off into space his eyes glazed over with thought.

Then after what seemed to be an eternity he said, "You shouldn't have done this. You should have let me die so that you could have your freedom."

Neal shook his head as he said, "I won't leave you to die. Not when I could do something to save you."

"Bryce," groaned the man.

Neal shook his head as he headed towards the door. At the door he hesitated then he said, "I know what you're going to say. We can't be anything more than asset and handler. It poses too much of a risk but I cannot help myself. If you were in such a situation again, knowing what it would cost me I still would not hesitate."

With that he was gone.

Chapter Text

A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

xXxOtAkU-444xXx: thanks for your review my friend.

...

The day had finally come. It was the days after his return to June's house after the kidnapping. Peter had given him a new anklet but true relief had shown in his eyes. There was no doubt he had been worried about Neal even if he had seen him go with Matt's savior. With the anklet back he was given a few days to relax.

Neal couldn't keep himself from telling Peter what was going to happen at least part of it. His friend needed to know that he would disappear for a short time. It was the price he paid for the "ninjas" to save Matthew. Peter was understandably not happy about it but he understood. Neal had given his word and the younger man that he wouldn't go back on. Or else the League would come after anyone he cared about. Even Matthew.

So Peter agreed to see him off if he got his commutation. In exchange Neal had to promise that he would return. Neal agreed, but he knew there was always the chance that he would die. It was part of the lifestyle of Nanda Parbat. Not that he would tell Peter that. He wasn't stupid after all.

Now he sat before the probationary panel his stomach turning with nervousness. It took all of his self control not to show his nervousness. All he wanted was to be freed from the anklet. Even if it meant he was to go to Nanda Parbat.

A pain went through his chest at the thought. So far he had told no one from his new or old family about his intentions. Bruce would not approve of his intentions to join the League. In fact he was sure his father would have a fit if he found out. That was just his father it didn't include his brothers' finding out. That would be a tongue lashing of the ages.

Still his focus returned to the group in front of him. The panel was watching Neal intently but so far no one had said anything. He met their looks evenly but refused to make the first sound.

Finally the woman in the middle broke the long silence, "Neal Caffery over this time we have been studying your case files and the reports of your handlers. What we have found is that you are an invaluable member of the White Collar team. So I have to ask. What do you plan on doing should we give you your freedom?"

Neal took a breath opened his mouth to respond with a lie. Then he paused and genuinely thought about it. The lie had been practiced over and over knowing he would have to go to Nanda Parbat.

Then he replied, "A friend of my father's has reached out to me. He wishes to help me heal my wounded shoulder through special physical therapy. In order to be less of a liability to Agent Burke and other agents I work with."

It was in his files about the injury to his shoulder. There wasn't anything on how he was injured. Just that it was and that it could affect his work. For the most part it hadn't affected his work as he avoided conflict if at possible.

The younger man to her left said curious, "Interesting. Do you believe this will help you injuries? From what I understand everything that has been done to help has done nothing to give you more range of motion."

Neal said, "I do believe that there is the chance. So I'm going to take it. If it helps make me a better asset to the agents I work with."

The three looked between each other and began to quietly discuss something. Quietly he watched them waiting for them to make their decision.

Then the woman said after a moment, "Neal Caffery after much reviewing and speaking to different agents you have worked with as well as those around you we have made a decision. Mr. Caffery we have decided to give you the commutation. From today forward you are a free man."

Neal felt a rush of relief. He was free, free to be to be himself again. Barely he heard them continue with their prepared speech. When he was dismissed with his papers he dazedly walked out where Peter was waiting for him.

Peter questioned carefully, "Well?"

Neal said still unbelieving and holding out the papers, "I got it. I'm no longer bound to the anklet."

Peter took the papers without saying a word. The man's eyes widened before he said, "Congratulations Neal. You earned your commutation."

Neal gave him a grateful smile and Peter pulled the keys out. Under the watchful eyes of the guards he removed Neal's anklet. There wasn't any great feelings that came with the removal. Not the relief or the weight being lifted off of him like he expected. Maybe it just hadn't sunk in yet.

Shaking his head he followed Peter out and they headed back to Peter's house where the others were waiting. They all wanted to know if he got his commutation. Or if there would be another two years of him being with them.

When they arrived Neal was surprised to find Bruce, his brothers, Sarah, and Matt were also there. Matt was in the corner glaring at the the Gotham vigilantes. As soon as the two walked in however all eyes were upon them. Mozzie came out into the living room with El right behind him. Silence reigned as they waited to see the verdict.

With a grin he raised the leg of his pants showing the lack of an anklet. The room erupted into cheers at that. Mozzie clapped him on the back and others began to congratulate him. Neal took the thanks in stride without a word.

El brought out the cake for his freedom and it was cut. Everyone was given a piece even those who tried to refuse. Neal moved between them thanking those who wished him well. His brothers dutifully ignored him but he could constantly feel his father's eyes. He had the feeling that Bruce was going to confront him.

Neal knew there was only so much he could do to avoid him at this point. Bruce would likely make a scene if Neal continued to avoid him. Making a scene would only draw questions he didn't want to answer.

However it was Sara who came up to him first. She congratulated him on his commutation and once again offered him a position. One he had to decline as he would be heading for Nanda Parbat. There was a flash of hurt but she accepted his words.

When she left however a hand touched his shoulder. It was Bruce and Neal sighed before pointing his chin to the porch outside. Staying where they could be overheard wouldn't be good for him.

Outside the air was warm and the sun was out. It was a good day to be out and about rather than stuck in the FBI office. It was going to be nice to get out again.

Then he turned to face Bruce and asked, "What do you want? You can't just be here to celebrate my commutation."

Bruce questioned his blue eyes catching Neal's, "I can't? Dick, I am proud of you for getting your commutation."

Neal blinked in surprise before he said, "Bruce..."

He was interrupted a second later, "Don't think I don't know about Ra's being here. You made a deal with the League more specifically the Demon."

How?

Bruce said, "Burke told me about what happened with the kidnapping. There are only a handful of things that can do what we done. It was easy to deduce who stepped in when they are described."

He should have warned Peter against telling Bruce. There was nothing to be done about it now. Lying would be of no use.

Neal sighed, "I'll only be gone for a short time. Ra's has offered to heal the damage done from my time with the agency. I have sworn five years in his service but it will be here. Unless something major happens I can choose my location."

"Are you sure about this? Dick the League requires its members to kill."

Neal said with a shake of his head, "Honestly no but I gave him my word. They saved Matt and for I'll be eternally grateful for. Surely you of all people can understand that."

Bruce sighed, "Just because careful."