Archive of Our Own ^beta

It was a normal Thursday at the 21st floor of the FBI building.

The resident conman was sitting at his desk focused on the content of the file he had in his hands. Or trying to focus on the file in between the glances he sneaked at the conference room. The glass walls making it easy to see what what going on in there, the angle his desk was in relation to the conference room making a bit harder to steal glances unnoticed. Not that anyone would blame him for looking. They all did. They all also knew they were talking about him, Neal Caffrey.

The day had been like any other day until shortly after lunch. That was when Agent Kramer had appeared with a well dressed middle aged woman. Neal recognised her, but hat yet to put a name or title with the face. The possibilities were just too many. Given that she had walked in to the office with Kramer, it did not bode well for the conman. He knew Kramer wouldn’t return to New York without some sort of backing. 

A few other things had been moved up a bit out of necessities, and he was trying to keep it all straight in his head, so forgive him for not remembering who she was immediately, even if he really should.

His musings were interrupted by Diana and Jones returning from interviewing a potential witness.

Diana took one look at the conference room and said.

“What’s D.A Hallstrom doing here?“

“That’s why I recognise her, shit that’s worse than I thought“ thought Neal to himself as he carefully activated his hidden earpiece and the transmitter hidden in his tie pin. 

The activator had been hidden in his watch a few days ago just in case. He had thought it unnecessary at the time, but was now grateful for it.

“And that’s Kramer, Hughes and Peter in there with her. What did you do now, Neal?“ Diana kept speaking, completely unaware of Neal’s inner monologue. 

“I haven’t done anything! But it looks like they want to arrests me or something“ Neal said, knowing that whoever was listening to his transmission would understand,

“Again, what did you do?“ 

“They dug up some evidence on something the statute of limitations hasn’t runt out on yet?“ Jones chimed in.

Neal knew he didn’t have a lot of trust with the department at the moment. Mozzie taking off with the treasure, Keller, Kramer wanting to drag hm to DC – seemingly no matter what. All throwing a lot of doubt around Neal, all taking a big toll on the sliver of trust Neal had had within the White Collar unit of the FBI.

He was a conman after all. Not trusting him completely was the smart thing to do for the agents. It was how it should be. Believing and knowing that to be a fact, didn’t make it sting less though. Contrary to the belief of some people, Neal was a living, breathing human with feelings same as everyone else.

He turned to Jones.

“As I said, I don’t know what they’re talking about. They showed up about fifteen minutes ago and went straight up there.”

There was a small click in his ear “I’m on my way. Try to not get arrested before I get there, I’m in the city. Keep getting the pieces to where they need to be.”

Mentally breathing a sigh of relief, he pulled up a file on his computer and started to type.

“If that’s all you two want to talk about, I, for now at least, have a job to do – and I intend to do it.”

As they both went to their respective desks, Jones with a slight detour to get a cup of coffee, Neal accessed one of the secret programs he had in his computer. As he used the program to communicate with the other players, he kept pretending to look things up in the paper file and stealing glances at the conference room. 

He saw Hughes and Peter argue with Kramer about something. He felt a warmth spread within. It looked like maybe Peter and Hughes didn’t want him gone after all. 

The voice in his ear updated him from time to time, letting him know they they were closing in.

Time passed slowly. 

He knew he wouldn’t stay arrested if they slapped the cuffs on him, but t would make things a bit more complicated. Especially if they also managed to remove him from the building. Things really didn’t need to be more complicated. It was in everyone’s best interest for him to not be arrested. Not that they knew that.

Neal stole another glance at the conference room, saw the D.A say something causing Peter to close his eyes a bit longer than normal. “Something is about to happen“ Neal said just loud enough for the small transmitter to pick up.

Neal entered a few more things in the computer before he saw Peter and Hughes look resigned at each other. Hughes giving Peter small nod. He saw Peter rise.

“I think I’m being arrested“ Neal mumbled – head now bowed down to give the impression of studying a photo in the file.

“Caffrey!“ Neal looked up to see the all too familiar double finger point. 

“In the lobby, stall if you can.“ He heard in his ear as he got up from his seat and made his way to the conference room. Debating with himself how to best handle the situation he now faced. 

He nodded at Hughes as he entered

“You rang“. He just couldn’t help himself. The cursing in his ear well worth it.

“Caffrey!“ the sharp clear warning from Hughes, maybe not. “This is not a laughing matter.“

Neal glanced around the room. “Agent Kramer“ he said as he laid eyes on the far too pleased looking DC Agent. He looked at the D.A “D.A Halllstrom, I’d say its a pleasure to meet you but…“

“Neal Caffrey, You’re under arrest.“ Kramer cut in. Voice filled with smugness.

“In the building.“ the voice in his ear said. 

“Oh, I don’t think so Philip.“ 

Peter frustratedly exclaimed “Don’t antagonise him!“

Kramer glared at him.

“That’s not up to you“ 

Neal did his best to stay calm as Kramer moved to get up, cuffs in hand. 

“It is actually more up to me than it is up to you“ He paused a few beats to stall for a few seconds. “The only one getting arrested here today is you“ he said as he looked straight into Kramer’s eyes. 

Kramer looked furious and made to move, but was interrupted by a commotion down in the bullpen.

A commanding looking woman flanked by several people in dark suits had entered and was making their way through the office. They wore no clear identifying emblems, but everyone could tell that they were government. 

The group headed straight for the conference room.

“What is the meaning of this?“ Kramer said furiously as the party entered the conference room. 

The woman discretely handed something to Neal as she entered. 

She nodded at Hughes, and glared at Kramer. 

“Be quiet and sit down.“ She said, leaving no room to argue.

Having felt the power scale tipping, Kramer did as he was told.

The woman turned to Neal “Do carry on“

“As I was saying before we were slightly interrupted, Philip Kramer, you are under arrest..“ Neal carried on reading him his rights as two of the suits positioned themselves behind the baffled Kramer.

“Is this some kind of sick joke?“ Kramer hissed out, not unlike a snake poised to strike.

“Larkin isn’t one to joke“ came the calm voice from the woman.

“Who the hell is Larkin, and who the hell are you.“ 

“Do something“ Kramer desperately looked from the D.A, to Hughes.

Hughes had settled back down in his chair, seemingly content to watch the scene unfold before him.

Peter didn’t recognise the newcomer, but trusted his boss. Therefore Peter followed Hughes lead, but kept his eyes on Neal.

The conman had become his friend. Yes, trust was fragile and had taken a few very heavy hits recently, but he felt that he knew the man behind the con. He knew that that man, whoever he was,  had a heart of gold. That man was his friend. And he had a feeling that right now, his friend needed to do what he did. Needed Peter to let him do his thing and trust that the woman, whoever she was, wasn’t a threat to Neal or Peter.

That doesn’t mean that was was happening in the room wasn’t affecting Peter. The Neal Peter saw in front of him right now, wasn’t the Neal he usually saw.

“I am Larkin.“ Neal said “ Agent Larkin – CIA/NSA task force“. Neal handed Peter an item, 

Peter turned it over in his hands. It felt heavy in his hand. As if the item new how significant it was. He opened the leather wallet. Inside he saw a badge and an ID–card. The ID had Neal’s face on it, proclaiming him to be Agent Bryce Larkin of the CIA.

Not quite believing what he was seeing, Peter handed it over to Hughes.

Hughes looked at the ID, and then he looked at the leader of the newcomers.

“Diane Beckman, director of the NSA – his boss“ she said before turning to Kramer “ now, as Larkin said. You’re under arrest, the game is up“ 

“I’m sorry you got dragged in to this Hallstrom, but you’re services are no longer needed here“ she kept talking as she turned to the D.A.

Reluctantly Hallstrom got up to leave. Naturally she was curious as to what was happening, but she knew of the director. She also knew she had no real reason to say in the room anymore. Curiosity was not a valid reason. So she quickly gathered her things and left.

During the short interaction, the suits had taken a hold on Kramer and cuffed him.

“Take him away“ Neal/Bryce ordered. And that’s just what the nameless suits did. Kramer was taken though the office and down in the elevator, headed for a secure location.

“Alright, they’re well out of earshot, let’s carry on. We have things to do“ The director said to Bryce.

Bryce then got his phone out, did something to it before speaking.

“This is pineapple. All teams – move in“

Peter and Hughes looked utterly confused, but stayed in their seats as Bryce moved to sit down at the end of the table.

Diane was pleased. She did love it when a plan came together. Yes, Larkin wasn’t supposed to be arrested, the trap wasn’t supposed to be slammed shut on Kramer here. They weren’t supposed to have to burn Caffrey, the bald criminal wasn’t supposed to disappear. (She could admit that there was some luck involved in them still managing to recover the treasure and discretely returning it to the rightful owners). But she thought to herself “maybe things had worked out for the best in the end anyway.“

Diane sat down closer to Peter and Hughes. “It’s good to see you again Reese, Larkin speaks highly of you, and your department.“

“It’s good to see you again too Diane, even if I don’t like not knowing what’s going on in my own office.“ Hughes said, while looking over at the man he knew as a conman. 

The man in question was furiously typing on his laptop (Hughes wondered how he missed one of the remainig suits going to get it for him), and quietly speaking with someone, or someones. 

Peter was again holding, and looking at the badge and ID–card, deep in thought. 

“Do you remember the Ring?“ Diane asked softly. Hughes nodded, eyes slightly blown in surprise. He hadn’t heard anything of them in quite a while. And he thought he wouldn’t here about them again after he resigned from the NSA.

“What you’re looking at is their downfall. Larkin is coordinating the teams taking them down right now. We’ve got teams all over the nation. This has been a long time coming, a long time planning. Larking getting arrested as Caffrey here today was not a part of our plan. Kramer coming here today of all days was not a coincidence. We don’t think they know about Caffrey being Larkin. We think this was a plan of theirs to get an agent placed in your department. Caffrey was up for commutation in a few weeks. We know you’ve been trying to find a way to offer him a permanent consultant position here. They most likely saw that as their opportunity to place someone else here.“ Diane explained. 

“Caffrey– Larkin“ He corrected himself “has been doing great work here, we’d be stupid to not try to keep him on after his sentence.“ 

Diane nodded and hummed “ not a lot of agents wants to move to other departments. Makes me think they saw the removal of Caffrey as their chance. You’d need another person in your department. We couldn’t allow that to happen. Larkin needed to be on hand to handle the operation today. We had a plan for him to be needed elsewhere all afternoon, but obviously had to make a few last minute changes, including my direct involvement.“

The three sat in silence as they waited for Bryce to finish. Each deep in thought and contemplation.

After a few more minutes, Bryce finished his mumbling, typed a bit more on the computer before closing the lid. “That’s it. They’ve all reported back. Some minor injuries reported, but all suspects have been taken into custody“

“Good job Larkin, I’ll take it from here for now. Why don’t you and Agent Burke have an.. enlightening conversation.“

“An enlightening conversation?“

“I said what I said, Larkin.“

With that, Diane nodded at Hughes and both of them exited the room.

The silence they left behind was heavy. 

Bryce didn’t know where to start. Peter didn’t know what to ask first.

Peter had, what he was sure was millions of questions running around in his head at the same time. Battling with thousands of thoughts and emotions.

He always needed a bit of time with emotions. Everyone knows that. Peter needs to mull things over for a bit before getting a handle on what his actual emotions are. Especially when it comes to a curveball like this.

“What did she mean?“ He finally settled on as a first question.

“That was her giving me permission to explain everything to you“ Bryce said as he sat down closer to Peter.

After a short conversation, they decided that the conversation they needed to have would be much better had away from the office.

June had an event at the mansion that day so they quickly settled on going to Peter and Elizabeth’s house.

Elizabeth had to deal with a picky client that afternoon and early evening, and Peter did need to go home relatively soon to take Satchmo for a walk, and to make sure that the dog wasn’t alone for too long.

––––––––––

 When they got to the house, Peter had taken Satchmo for a walk, Bryce had taken to the kitchen to prepare a meal for them.

Bryce was mentally preparing himself for the conversation, and for Peter’s reaction to what he was to learn shortly. This might very well be his last dinner at the house, he thought to himself. 

He knew that that was a risk he was taking when he was assigned to be Caffrey again.

He hadn’t counted on how much he’d come to enjoy working with Peter and the Team. How much he’d appreciate Elizabeth’s friendship and kindness.

He heard the door open and the clattering of Satchmo’s paws on the floor. “Here it goes“ he thought to himself.

––––––

Peter had some time to think on his walk with Satchmo. He came to realise how hurt he was, finding out that Neal wasn’t even a real person. It was just an alias made up to be used in government stings. It made him wonder if anything he knew about the man was real. If their friendship was real.

A heavy weight settled in his stomach as he opened the door to his house. He released Satchmo from the leash, and mentally squared his shoulders. Neal was the one who needed to explain himself. Peter had had enough time to sort out his emotions. It was time to get some answers. 

––––––

They both settled at the dining table. Both mostly just picking at the food. Bryce started to speak. Peter listened to a tale of Stanford - super spies - best friends - betrayals - The Ring - Fulcrum - super computers - more betrayals. And finally, about how Neal Caffrey came to be as a way to covertly gather information with the goal of finally permanently closing the trap on the Ring. He spoke about the non-mission things as Neal too, about finding friendships in the office, about trying to keep Mozzie from committing too many crimes. About trying to find him after the criminal had taken off with the treasure, only succeeding in finding the treasure. He told Peter about Keller, how he had caused Keller to get arrested in in Latvia a few years ago. Keller didn’t actually have proof of course, but he was certain.

Peter hardly asked any questions. The explanation pouring out of Bryce. It was clear to Peter that Bryce had needed to speak, and had been keeping everything bottled up for far too long. 

The story came to a halt at the point where Diane and Hughes left the room earlier that day. 

“The only thing I hadn’t counted on was how much I enjoy working with you and the team. Your friendship has come to mean more to me than I thought possible. I can’t tell you how sorry I am that I wasn’t able - or allowed to tell you the truth sooner.“ He finished. 

Peter reeled from the - at the core - very sad story he had just been told. He was struck by how lonely and isolated his friend had to have been before taking on the role as Neal Caffrey - and honestly probably still was. Being the criminal amongst agents couldn’t have been easy. Always not quite on the inside, always lacking in trust, always the first accused.

“Did you have no one here who knew?“ Peter knew that the more logical place to start would’ve been his own feelings of betrayal, but that wasn’t what his heart had decided to start with.

Bryce was surprised by the question. He’d anticipated anger from Peter. Not what sounded more like compassion. 

“No.. It was deemed too sensitive to read someone in.. I tried to get clearance to read you or Hughes in after a few months. When I was sure there were no moles in the office. It was denied.. I kept trying to get clearance every now and then. It was always denied.“

Peter did not look pleased. “That’s not how long term undercover missions are supposed to be handled! That’s breaching so many regulations and protocols.“ Peter was really outraged.

Bryce smiled at Peter’s outrage

“What?“

“That’s what makes you such a great team leader, Peter. You really care about the people under your command.“

“Of course I do! You have no business being a team leader if you don’t“ 

With that, Peter went off on a rant about proper undercover protocols and leadership.

They had finished their meal and moved to the living room couch. Each with a cup of green tea. Peter and Elisabeth was trying to cut down on coffee again. Peter more begrudgingly so.

Satchmo had joined them, and placed his head on Bryce’s lap, eyes begging for pets.

Bryce cherished the calming comfort of the lab, and happily gave Satchmo the demanded pets.

“How much of Bryce is in Neal?“

“How well do you know me, you mean?.. Well, Bryce is more direct than Neal is. Not as… creative with the full truth. Bryce is a computer nerd with a degree in accounting, and a rather extensive collection of graphic novels.“ He paused to scratch behind Satchmo’s ears. “Bryce is more likely to wear jeans and a T-shirt outside of the office rather than a three piece suit.“

Peter smiled a bit at that

Bryce took a sip of his tea before continuing. “ At the core, Neal and Bryce aren’t that different. You’ve said it before, Peter. Neal does what he believes to be right, and always has a reason, even if the reason isn’t clear until after. Bryce is like that too. Neal was largely based on me. Now, I’m not very likely to break in to a museum, or making forgeries. But art is a real passion of mine.“ Bryce shifted slightly to be able to look Peter in the eyes, while absentmindedly petting Satchmo. “What I brought in this friendship. The things behind the conman things needed for the mission, that is the real me. I understand if you don’t want anything to do with me after today, but I need you to know how much our friendship mean to me.“

Peter was moved by the raw openness he saw in Bryce’s face and eyes. He wanted to sweep the younger man up in his arms and tell him that everything would be okay. That their friendship would survive. But he honestly didn’t know if it would. 

He instead placed his hand on top of Bryce’s on Satchmo’s head and said

“I really appreciate how open you’ve been today Bryce. I really value our friendship too. Today has really thrown me for a loop. I thought I knew you, now I’m confronted by a lot of what I knew not being true. I understand that, to you at least, Neal and Bryce are very similar personality wise. But you know me.. I need some time to process this. It is a lot to take in. But I am sure of this“ He made sure to look Bryce in the eyes “ I do want you in my life in some way. I just don’t know in what way yet.“

“I understand, Peter. I really do. Take some time. Talk it over with Elizabeth. You know how to reach me if either one of you has more questions or anything..“ With a few final pets for Satchmo, Bryce left Peter to his contemplation.

He did know how Peter worked. The older man needed to sort through everything before coming to a conclusion and a course of action.

He’d swing by the Marshall’s office to return their anklet on his way home. He’d gotten used to having it around his ankle, and hadn’t even remembered to take it off until now. Good thing he had the key. After a quick stop at the Marshall’s he’d head home to take his mind off things by focusing on the mountain of paperwork he knew was waiting for him. For once he welcomed the paperwork, it would work as a great distraction while he waited for Peter to contact him.

––––––

In the end, Bryce didn’t have to wait long. Peter and Elizabeth had showed up at his loft on that Saturday, bringing lunch. Elizabeth bossed him and Peter both around to clear, and set the table.

They spent the day talking and getting to know each other again. Everyone now aware of his real identity and occupation. Well, he thought,  more them getting to know him again. They were still Peter and Elizabeth. 

A few more explanations - mostly about Mozzie. Yes, Mozzie was a real criminal. No, Mozzie did not know about Bryce being an agent. No, Bryce really didn’t know where Mozzie went. The man had gone even more off grid than usual. Probably even off the continent. 

“So, what are your plans now then, Bryce?“ Elizabeth asked.

“I honestly don’t know. I need to finish wrapping up the case first “ he gestured to the laptop that had been relegated to the coffee table during the lunch set-up “and then.. we’ll see.“

“Would you stay here?“ Peter asked.

“What?“

“If you had the choice, would you like to stay here with us, and at White Collar?“ Elizabeth explained what Peter was trying to say.

“If it was possible.. yes, It’d like to stay. It not just up to me.. Would you even want me to stay?“ Bryce aimed the last bit at Peter, uncertainty evident in his voice.

“Even as Neal, you were one of the best I’ve ever worked with. I’d be an idiot to not want you to stay.. To not want you to come to the FBI.. I’ve actually talked with Hughes about it. If you want.. he is willing to reach out to the director about getting you a transfer to the FBI. You might need a few weeks at Quantico before you can start if it all works out though.“

Bryce clearly hadn’t expected anything like that from Peter. He didn’t know what to say.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen him that quiet while awake before“ the slight teasing evident in Elizabeth’s voice.

“Really? You’d want that? Hughes would do that for me?“ Poaching another agent was not something done easily.. or lightly.

“Yes, Bryce. You’re important to us - to the office. Everyone was asking about you yesterday“

Bryce had spent the whole day doing paperwork and coordinating with the other operatives involved in the take down on Thursday, and hadn’t even thought about what people in the office thought about his absence.

“I told them you were taking a day to deal with what Kramer had tried to pull“ Peter answered the not yet asked question.

“Good to know“ Bryce said with a small smile. “I would really miss everyone. If it is possible, I’d love to officially work at White Collar“.

Peter then did what his instinct had been to do on Thursday, and gave Bryce a quick hug “I’m glad to hear it“, before stepping out to call Hughes.

———-

The trio was in the middle of a fierce scrabble-battle when Bryce’s phone rang. 

Bryce had tried to play words in Klingon, Peter had tried for latin, before Elizabeth really put her foot down about the words having to be in English. Elizabeth Herself wasn’t completely innocent. He’d caught her trying to sneak a peak at his pieces a time or two.

So, as he stepped away to take the call, he stood where he could keep a sharp eye on the board, and his competition.

“I’ve been in conversations with Reese“ the director greeted him. “I understand that you wish to transfer to the FBI - White Collar“

“I do“

“Can’t really say that I’m surprised, Larkin. You will need to complete the last bits of paperwork for the case first“

“I’m done. I sent the last of it a few hours ago“ Bryce had completed his bit of the paperwork while the Burkes had taken Satchmo and Bugsy for a walk“

“Alright Larkin.. I’ll agree to this. Expect a call from Reese shortly. Don’t go back inside just yet“ 

Bryce stood staring at his phone. How did she know he was on the balcony? The traffic wasn’t loud enough to leak through, was it?

He barely had time to reflect on how agreeable she’d been before his phone rang again. This time, it was Hughes.

“Agent Larkin, I’m looking forward to seeing what you can do now that you’re official. You can start on Monday if that’s agreeable with you“ The gruff older man was not one to mince words.

“Thank you, sir. I look forward to it. And I’m sorry about all the trouble I brought as Neal“

“Nonsense, I spoke with Diane. She explained everything. Now, is Monday good, or do you want more time off?“

“What about Quantico? Peter said it might be needed“

“There is no need for that. You have adequate training. All you need is a firearms re-qualification and a more formal FBI - procedure course. You know the procedures, you just need the paper. We can do that in house“

“In that case.. Monday sounds good.“

“Alright, see you Monday, Larkin. Welcome to the FBI.“

Bryce took a few minutes to get his head to stop spinning with how quickly that had happened before he went back inside. 

Both Burke looked at him expectantly when he opened the door.

“So..that was Diane…. and then it was Hughes“ he started.

Peter motioned for him to continue.

“I start at the FBI White Collar unit in New York on Monday“

———

After the initial whoops and celebratory hugs, Elizabeth brought out a bottle of champagne to continue the continued adventures of Burke and Caffrey - now Burke and Larkin.