I'm writing a backstory about Neal's childhood and teenage years right now. So the balancing act of a) keeping him realistically young while b) sowing the recognisable seeds of adult behaviours / attitudes / traits is at the forefront of my mind.

Well, actually, I just got sidetracked into writing a werewolf!AU for Hawaii Five-0. *facepalm* But that should be done soon, so I can go back to the Neal story!