Unrequited || N.C (#2) ONGOING

10

After the almost day trip it took to be back in New York, it was fair to say I was pretty pissed off at whatever we had to be back here for. Travelling back home and then having to come back to New York again was not my favourite thing. Although it did end up being a great christmas present for mum, dad and Ian. We had sorted mum and dad into their accommodation in a flat just near mine and Neal's and we decided that Ian would come stay with us, after all we wanted to give mum and dad a break from Ian for a while at least...

The flat was nice and it meant that we wouldn't have to travel far to see them, it had lots of space and it made sure all of their belongings were fine, I offered to help them unpack but of course presents were in there so I wasn't allowed, neither was Ian or Neal. Mum and dad said they'd have a day of rest while me and Neal went to the station to see what was the matter, and Jake was already starting at his precinct today.

"You okay?" Neal asked on the drive to the FBI office, looking over at me as I looked out of the window. Christmas was beautiful in New York, snow everywhere and frost adorning all the trees. It really was stunning.

"Yeah, I just wish I didn't have to do work over the holidays" I joked and Neal smiled, reaching to hold my hand with his free hand. It didn't take us long until we reached the car park and of course Neal had parked unconsciously sideways, and there's a stereotype about girls not being able to drive.

I could tell that Neal missed peter, he was looking his best self today wearing his grey suit, his shoes were polished and his hat firmly on his head, I smiled when I realised it was the one that me and June had given him as a 'get well soon' present. "It'll be nice going back" I said as we walked to the elevator and I pressed the 11th floor button, "it'll be nice to see mozzie, peter, El, Jones and obviously satchmo." I smiled and Neal smiled back at me whilst intertwining my hand with his and squeezed it for comfort which I squeezed back.

"Peter!" Neal exclaimed as the doors to the elevators opened and we were faced with peter. "I know you missed us, but having us travel all the way from England-"

"Ha ha" peter laughed sarcastically and then laughed in his normal way and pulled Neal and me into an embrace. "I wish it was that easy of just missing you" he sighed.

It must be serious. Shit.

"Come on follow me" peter said as we walked behind him and followed him to his office as he shut the door behind him. "This case is very sensitive and we wanted Caffrey and you back here as the case is relatively simple but we know no one that could go undercover as well as what you two demonstrated in the past." I looked over at Neal and saw his grin widening even more, just plain cocky arrogant Neal that I loved. "We've got a suspected murder, and he is the type for the ladies and gambling, we have reason to believe he's been spending most of his time with prostitutes through a service and the rest of the time we have no idea, so we thought for Lily to go undercover as a prostitute in the service and-"

"Okay" I nodded as soon as Neal started to disagree, me and Peter looked at Neal as he looked defeated. "It's only for a case" I laughed and Neal nodded.

"Like I was saying" Peter started again "Lily to go undercover as a prostitute and Neal to get buddy with the man himself, we have different alias for each of you. Come this way" He said ushering us out of the office and into the brief room. 

"You don't have to do this" Neal whispered as we walked into the brief room, he looked worried and I smiled, he really was a big softie. 

"They wouldn't have phoned me if it wasn't important, I'll be fine." I smiled stopping as I kissed his cheek "trust me" I whispered before walking ahead of him to the brief room. 

"Welcome back" Jones and Diana simled as I entered the room and I smiled back in return, "I'd say long time no see but" Jones laughed and I rolled my eyes back at him but embracing him in a hug and then Diana as Neal just tipped his hat. 

"You're two alias are here, Scarlet you will now be known as Ellie Young and Neal will be known as Charlie Jones." Peter said putting two case files on the desk, we've already made sure that Charlie will be in the mob, and Ellie, you will have to go to an interview tonight, we've already arranged some clothes for you and a microphone chip, Caffrey you'll be in the van with us."

"not the van" Caffrey complained sarcastically as I just stuck my tongue out at him playfully. Peter chuckled before rolling his eyes, I looked at the time around 4pm, I guess I'll be going undercover sooner rather than later. 

"Is that all?" I asked and Peter nodded. "I'm going to visit a friend, first day in NYPD, I'll be back for 5 and get changed in the van" I stated and Peter smiled, as Neal looked at me almost as if to ask if he could come with me and I nodded. I walked out of the brief room and Neal followed. 

"Get changed in the van?" He questioned and I shrugged my shoulders. 

"What?"

"No-one is seeing you get changed in the van" His tone deeped and my stomach turned as he pressed the button for the elevator. 

***

"Jake!" I smiled as we walked into the Brooklyn 99 Precinct, I saw Jake sat at his desk with a short man with brown hair sat on his desk, Jake turned around and smiled widely. "Thought I'd visit you on your first day" I smiled as he walked towards me hugging me and smiling at Caffrey. 

"It's going good so far, just paperwork really. How about yours?" he asked pulling back from the hug as Neal pushed me against his waist, with his arm around my back protectively. 

"Yeah good, me and Caffrey have to go undercover soon but I thought I'd give you a quick visit." I smiled and Jake smiled back at me.

"That's so cool" He said in awe. 

"Wait, I thought I recognized you" The short man said, talking to me and Neal. "Neal Caffrey right? Art thief, turned into the FBI, I was on the swat team to come catch you." 

"Pleasure to see yourself again" Neal smiled while shaking his hand "And you are?-"

"Charles Boyle" He smiled.

"Lily can I talk to you for a minute" Jake said and I nodded following him to the coffee table. "Neal was a criminal?" He questioned "Are you serious? are you alright?"

"Jake I'm fine, I know about his past and I trust him." I said truthfully as I saw Jake's face drop almost "I love him. And it would be nice for you to trust him too" I snapped defensively, Jake always stood by my decisions, I understood why he didn't want to trust Neal, but at least he should trust my decision of being with him.  "What happened to the Jake who always trusted me?" I asked hurtfully before walking away. 

"I only want to protect you Lily!" Jake exclaimed and I shook my head and laughed. 

"You're a great friend!"