Don't Do It

Chapter 17

General POV

That night was spent with family. Jones and Diana were surprised that they didn't notice anything and took the news fairly well.

The only news they didn't take well was the one with Neal ending up in jail again. They hated that Neal was going to pay four years for something someone else did. They thought that all the good Neal has done would pay off but it didn't. He would still go to jail.

All his hard work was for nothing. He would still go to jail for the 2nd time since he started working for the FBI. He wasn't the same person as he was 7 years ago. He was a good man and one that was loyal.

They all sat around Neal's table. Neal was drinking wine while the others were drinking a series of wines or beers. They were joking around and reminiscing about old cases or playful times in the office. Kate sat beside Neal at the table. She was laughing along with the team as if they all shared the same memories. Christopher sat in Neal's lap with a cup of apple juice. He was very happy and healthy now. He was sick for a while but he was all better now.

More memories and laughter was shared though out the night. Neal was enjoying his last day out of a cell room. Christopher fell asleep in Neal's lap so Peter carried him to Neal's bed. Neal let Peter take him and lay him down. Neal followed Peter's movements with his eyes. He loved watching Peter in full dad mode. Neal smiled at Peter when he came back.

Peter patted Neal on the shoulder as he passed. Neal turned back around to face the group. He was very happy he met these people. Each one has changed his life in some way and for that, he was very grateful.

Neal looked around the table at each and every one of his friends he calls family. Just looking at them made Neal's eyes water. "I'm going to miss this."

Everyone smiled at Neal. A way for them to keep their own tears from shedding. "I haven't said how grateful I am about everything. You guys have been there through everything. I love you guys. All of you."

Everyone said their pieces after Neal and at the end of the night, they felt very sad. They would miss Neal but they would write him letters and visit him. They wouldn't cut him out of their lives.