I slash these two like anything, but your take on this situation was perfect. Peter manages to be loving and protective without being paternal. Neal has always been so guarded and closed off, not letting anyone, even Peter, see any weakness or vulnerability. When he asked if Peter had meant what he said about loving him, you made me believe that it was the first time in his adult life he'd let his guard down that much (at least without being drugged to the gills). This is where I'd love to see their relationship after the hiatus.