Elr!!! LOVED this. In so, so many ways. Neal going to those lengths to protect Peter - wow. Just wow. My heart went out to him and I just want to hug him gently, and I'm so glad that he did let Peter comfort him. I was so afraid that he would push Peter away and spend the night staring at the wall lost in a terrible place.

And then Neal taking the shiv was also so good. I'm (oddly for me) glad that he wasn't hurt worse. He'll still be there to protect Peter, and I'm very curious to see how the next part unfolds. I know that Peter's not okay with Neal going to such lengths to protect him, and I just can't wait for more to see how it all plays out.

And this killed me: Maybe someday he’ll wholly believe Peter’s words, that even though he is his father’s son, he is not James Bennett. He is not evil. Oh, Neal - *hugs him*

Thank you for this. I can't wait for more!