#stephen bartowski

Spider, 2x16: I'm just- I wanna make a joke, and I'm not manifesting, I don't wanna do predictions and if my joke turns out to be true which it won't I'm gonna eat a cow but wouldn't it be funny if the Orion they're talking about was Chuck and Ellie's dad that'd be funny and I'm saying it as a a joke universe I'm not predicting-*me smirking lightly* MouseRat why are you making that face.

Spider, after reaching episode 2x19:

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?

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