Timestamp Meme

[citrinesunset]

embroiderama recently did a time stamp meme, and I'm stealing/modifying it from her.

Pick any fic of mine (masterlist), give me some kind of prompt, and I'll write at least 100 words for it.

1. First come, first served. I'll engage that the first 6, say, will get filled soonish. After that, we'll see.

2. Please do give me some kind of direction on what you'd like me to write ("Peter POV" or "what happens next" or "a year later" or whatever), but beyond fic choice I won't take prompts as binding. I'll do my best to write to your prompt!

3. For the sake of variety, I'd rather not write 6 timestamps for the same fic. If I find more than two or three people have made the same choice, I might come back at you for a second choice.

Comments

[shyrenardpartdeux.wordpress.com]

Neal/Sara a year after the Best-Laid Plans

[citrinesunset]

Here you go. :) Sorry for the delay.

--

Sara had sounded tense over the phone, and when Neal went to meet her for lunch, he was on edge, expecting bad news.

Her expression when she arrived didn't do anything to alleviate his concern. She tried to smile, but there were lines on her forehead.

She sat down across from him. They exchanged greetings and were then silent as Sara picked up her menu.

After they placed their order, Neal said, "What did you want to discuss?"

Sara took a deep breath. "Something's come up. I don't know for sure, yet, but I thought I should tell you."

"What? Is it Sterling Bosch?"

Did they want her to move again? Was there a problem? There was no way they could pay for David's school on Neal's income alone.

"No, not that. I think I'm pregnant."

"I'm sorry, what?"

"Wasn't it clear? What else am I supposed to say?"

"How long...?"

"I don't know. At least a couple months. I thought it was just stress at first. I've been dealing with a major client at work, and I haven't had a lot of time to think about it."

"Have you taken a test?"

"Yeah. Four. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow."

Neal was sure that Sara knew as well as he did that the chances of four tests all being wrong were, well, slim.

"And it's mine," he said.

He knew as soon as he said it that it was the wrong thing to say. Sara's eyes flashed and she scoffed.

"Of course it's yours. Who else's could it be?"

"I know, of course. It's just...a lot to take in."

Sara ignored him. "Even if we weren't faithful to each other, I have never had this happen with anyone else. Not even a scare. This is your fault."

"My fault?" Neal said, smiling incredulously.

"I'm on the pill! Just like when I got pregnant with David. It's not my fault that even your sperm is good at breaking and entering."

"I don't think it works that way. Maybe you forgot—"

Sara jabbed a finger at Neal. "I did not forget a pill."

Before Neal could respond, their waitress arrived with their food. Neither of them spoke for a few minutes. Neal picked at his food, not sure if he was ready to resume the conversation.

"What are you planning to do?" he finally said.

Sara looked down at the table. "I don't know. I haven't decided yet."

"Do you want another child?"

She looked him in the eye. "Do you?"

"Yeah," he said softly. "I would."

He didn't say that he felt cheated out of the first few years of David's life, that he liked the thought of watching his child grow from infancy and that a new baby would give him this chance. Sara would feel pressured if he did, and he didn't want that.

"It's not that I don't," she said. "But Neal, I can't. I can't afford jeopardize work right now. When I had David, I didn't know how hard it would be. And I didn't have a five-year-old relying on me."

"But you know you won't be alone, right? I'm right here. It's different than last time. We're not on separate continents."

"I know, but when I'm up all night with a crying baby and you're asleep in your apartment, we might as well be on different continents."

"I could move in with you and David. My work is more flexible, and I could cut back."

"Neal—"

"I mean it. I can stay home with the baby. At least a few days a week."

"And what about your apartment?"

"My lease will be up in six months. And even if I earn less by cutting back, I'll come out even by not having the rent to worry about."

He was too ashamed to say it, but the reality of living in Manhattan without stealing to pay his bill was more daunting than he'd expected. He'd gotten spoiled living with June for as long as he had.

Sara looked away, blinking. Her eyes were glistening.

"What is it?" he asked.

"I just...didn't want it to be like this."

He shook his head, not understanding what she meant. "It's not like we haven't talked about moving in together."

"Exactly. I wanted it to happen because we wanted to take that step. Not because we feel like we have to."

"I do want to," he said. "And maybe it's a good thing. It's a chance for us to make a move." He reached across the table and grasped her hand. "I want to be with you."

She squeezed his hand. "We've never actually lived together before. I don't want Mozzie barging in on us."

Neal smiled. "He doesn't need to have a key."

"And you'd really be happy staying home with a baby?"

"Yeah, I would. I could still work part time. And while the baby's sleeping I can work on my painting."

"It's not going to be that easy."

"I don't care." Neal's heart raced as he imagined the future. It wasn't exactly what he'd planned on, but it would be good.

Sara released his hand and picked up her fork. She picked at her salad. "We don't have to make a decision right now. I just wanted to tell you, in case you wanted to come to the doctor with me. The appointment's at noon."

"Of course. I'll be there."

[angelita26]

Love! I loved this story so much, and then the timestamp - Wow! I wasn't expecting Sara to say she was pregnant - How exciting! Neal is so hopeful *hugs him* Thanks for sharing!

[citrinesunset]

Thanks! I decided to use the timestamp as an excuse to write out a scene I was planning to do for a sequel. (Hopefully I'll get a chance to write the whole fic. I have a couple sequels planned.)

[shyrenardpartdeux.wordpress.com]

I love, love it! I can't wait for other fics on this verse! Thanks!

[citrinesunset]

Thanks! And yeah, I hope to write some more sooner rather than later.

[angelita26]

Sick Days Are Overrated - perhaps Neal pushes himself to go back to work too quickly :)

[citrinesunset.livejournal.com]

Here you go!

---

"Uh, Peter," Jones said, "isn't Caffrey supposed to be on sick leave?"

"'Til Monday. Why?"

"Look who just came in."

Peter looked up from his desk and saw Neal limping through the main doors. He was wearing a suit and tie, and looked more put-together than he had in previous days. But his exhaustion was still evident. With a frown, Peter got up and walked down to meet Neal.

Neal was slowly sitting down at his desk when Peter reached him.

"Hey, Peter," Neal said.

"What are you doing here? You're supposed to be on medical leave. You just had surgery."

Neal gave him a pitiful look. "I couldn't take sitting around at home anymore."

"You were able to survive four years in prison, but you can't handle a week of medical leave?"

"Mozzie came over last night with some videos to entertain me. We had a double feature of Aliens Cured My Lupus and I Was Married to Bigfoot. I need to work, Peter. I'm getting desperate."

Peter eyed Neal, skeptical. Neal was looking better, but he'd only had surgery a few days ago.

"I'm already here," Neal said. "What difference does it make if I sit at my desk and work or sit at home?"

Peter sighed. "All right, fine. But take care of yourself. If you don't feel great, let me know and I'll get you home."

He wasn't crazy about the idea. Neal was a liability in this state, and if anything happened, Peter didn't want to have to explain why his CI was at work just after having an appendectomy. And...he wanted Neal to be okay.

He knew Neal would resent any hovering, though, so he kept an eye on Neal from a distance. A couple times, Neal looked uncomfortable or tired, and Peter prepared to tell him to go home, but then Neal would pick himself back up and continue with his work. He stayed at his desk, and didn't appear to overexert himself, so Peter left him alone.

Later, Peter went out to meet Elizabeth for lunch. When he returned an hour later, Neal was conspicuously absent from his desk.

"Hey, Jones," Peter called out. "You seen Neal lately?'

Jones looked up. He glanced over at Neal's desk. "He was there a bit ago. Maybe he's in the restroom."

"Yeah," Peter said, "probably."

He didn't show his concern. Neal probably had just stepped out for a minute, and it would be silly to make a big deal over it. Still, Peter decided to take a quick look for Neal.

He checked the men's room, fully expecting to find Neal washing his hands, but it was empty.

Okay, now he was getting concerned. As he walked out of the men's room, he pulled out his phone, intending to call Neal. Hopefully, Neal had just gone out for lunch.

As he brought up Neal's number, he passed by the interrogation room. He almost walked past, but stopped when he noticed something out of the corner of his eye.

Neal was inside, lying on the floor. His jacket was folded under his head like a makeshift pillow.

Peter pushed open the door and rushed inside. He knelt beside Neal and gently shook his shoulder.

"Neal...Neal!"

Neal jerked and opened his eyes. "Oh. Hey. What's going on?"

"What do you mean, what's going on? Why are you sleeping on the floor of the interrogation room?"

Neal sat up, wincing as he did so. "I was a little tired. Thought I'd take a break. I'm going back to work, now."

Peter put a hand on Neal's shoulder to keep him from standing. "Oh, no. You're obviously not ready for a full day at the office. C'mon, I'm taking you home."

He waited for Neal to argue, but Neal was silent. That only confirmed that he was in no shape to be at work.

"Listen," Peter continued, "the last thing you need is to wear yourself out so much that you have to be out of work even longer."

That got to Neal. His face fell. "I guess you're right."

Neal started to get up. He moved slowly and deliberately. Recognizing that he was having difficulty, Peter took his arm and helped him.

As they walked to Neal's desk to collect his things, Neal said, "I would've been all right, you know."

"I know. Tell you what—I'll stop by your place on my way home from work. I'll bring you some more files to study."

Clearly, he was going to have to keep Neal occupied. Monday couldn't come quickly enough.

[angelita26]

Awwww, this is awesome! Poor Neal - I would want to get out of my apartment too if Mozzie was bringing those movies by - LOL!

Thank you so much! I love it!! <3 <3 <3

[citrinesunset.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. (I think spending sick leave with Mozzie would get old quick. :P)

[embroiderama]

Aw, I love that! Neal sleeping on the floor of the interrogation room is quite an image.

[citrinesunset.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[embroiderama]

Trapped - maybe there are some consequences to what happened, like Neal was hurt worse or gets an infection or he was caught on tape, etc?

[citrinesunset.livejournal.com]

"—called the Suit instead of me. I thought we depended on each other."

Neal stepped back into the main area of the apartment in the middle of Mozzie's tirade. He wasn't sure if Mozzie had noticed that he'd left to get his jacket from the closet or not.

"I told you—I texted Peter by accident. I was trying to text you. But it's for the better I did text him. I don't think you could have rescued me on your own."

Mozzie crossed his arms and looked unhappy about that, but he didn't argue.

Neal sat on the sofa, wincing as he did so. He felt like—well, he felt like he'd had sharp pieces of wood digging into his ribs. He hoped his tetanus shot was up to date.

He examined the jacket he had in his hands. It was the one he'd been wearing earlier, when he'd gotten trapped in the warehouse. He'd set in the closet, but hadn't hung it up—it was still covered in dust and dirt.

There were a couple tears, and he as much as he wanted to believe otherwise, he could tell the jacket wasn't salvageable.

Prepared to discard the jacket, Neal reached into the pockets to empty them. When he reached into the right side pocket, he froze.

"What is it?" Mozzie asked.

"My keys. I don't think I have them."

"What do you mean, you don't have them?"

Neal stood up, ignoring the pain. "I think they were in my jacket pocket. I can't remember if I had them when I got home."

In all the chaos, he couldn't remember checking. He'd left his apartment door unlocked, knowing that Mozzie spent many afternoons there, and that June liked to sit out on the terrace.

"So, you think you left your keys at the warehouse?"

"They could've fallen out of my pocket when I fell through the floor." He started to pace. "I have to go back and check."

"Um, hello, the last time you went there, you had to be rescued."

"Hopefully if they fell, they'll be on the first floor."

Even so, Mozzie was right—Neal wasn't happy about the thought of going back to the warehouse, especially at night. But what could he do? If his keys were discovered....

"You know, I wouldn't normally recommend this, but maybe you should let the Suit know. I mean, you've already involved him."

"He's not going to be able to do anything without a warrant. Besides, he wasn't happy about earlier. No, I have to go check."

At least this time, he had Mozzie with him. They took a cab to a spot a few blocks from the warehouse, and walked the rest of the way. At this time of night, this stretch of the city was fairly quiet, but Neal wasn't sure that was a good thing. If someone spotted them, it'd look more suspicious.

He told Mozzie to stand watch, and took out his lock picks.

It wasn't difficult to get back in. Neal only turned on his flashlight once he was inside, and hoped that the light couldn't be seen from the street.

He found the spot where he'd fallen through the floor. Shining his flashlight upward, he could see the jagged hole. He started to search on the floor, hoping to see the glint of metal.

There was nothing.

He paused to think. He really didn't want to go upstairs. He'd been lucky earlier, all things considered. If he fell again, he'd probably break both his legs.

As he thought about it, his phone vibrated. He jumped, and then grabbed his phone, worried it was Mozzie and that there was danger outside. But when he looked at the display, it was even worse. It was Peter.

Hesitantly, he answered. It was hard to push the button with his leather gloves on.

"Hey, Peter. What's up?"

He hoped Peter wasn't looking at his tracking data right now.

"Hey, listen, I was getting some stuff out of my car and found a set of keys. Looks like they may be yours."

"Uh, yeah, I was trying to find them. They were in your car?"

"Yeah, on the floor of the backseat. Do you need 'em tonight, or can it wait until morning?"

"No, morning will be fine."

"Great. I'll plan on picking you up, and bring them by then. By the way, how are you feeling?"

"I'm good. A little sore, but I'll be all right."

"Glad to hear it. Just get some rest tonight."

When he finally said goodbye and hung up, Neal's shoulders slumped in relief. Now, to get out of this place. He switched off his flashlight and hurried to the door to rejoin Mozzie.

He never wanted to see that warehouse again.

[embroiderama]

Oh, I love that. Thank you! I like that we don't know if Peter was looking at the tracking data or if he just happened to call at the right time.

[citrinesunset.livejournal.com]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[angelita26]

Awwwww, Neal really didn't want to go back in there. I'm glad he took Mozzie as backup and even more glad that his keys were in Peter's car all along. This was awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[citrinesunset.livejournal.com]

I figured Neal would have learned enough to bring backup this time.

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.

[cookiegirl]

Part of the Process - it's been delivered :D

[citrinesunset.livejournal.com]

The paddle has been delivered!

--

"I got a package yesterday."

Neal, who was in the passenger seat of Peter's car, tensed. "Oh, yeah?"

"Oh, yeah. When we get back to your place, I'll show it to you."

"You don't have to do that. I don't want to keep you...."

"It's no problem," Peter said, firmly.

Neal wished he hadn't let Peter drive him home. Now he knew why Peter had been so insistent. He should have snuck out of the office while he'd had the chance.

As they neared his apartment, Neal tried to think of a way out of what Peter had in sore for him.

"Listen, it's been a few days, now. I don't think I should be punished any more. It's too late. And I already chose the paddle like you wanted."

"I promised you a paddling when it arrived. If I don't follow through, it'll send the wrong message. But you know, you have a point."

"Thank you."

"I won't give you a hard paddling."

"Great...."

When they arrived, Neal stood on the curb as Peter got a nondescript box out of the trunk. Then, Neal led the way in side. At least June appeared to be out, and Mozzie was nowhere to be seen. Once in his apartment, Neal turned on the lights, took off his jacket, and hung it over a dining room chair.

Peter placed the box on the table and opened it, revealing the paddle Neal had selected online almost a week ago.

"We'll try it out as soon as you're ready," Peter said.

Neal didn't want to draw things out. "I'm ready."

Peter took off his own jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and carried the paddle over to the sofa. Neal followed.

Neal lowered his pants without being told, but was surprised when Peter tugged his boxers to his knees.

"Hey—!"

"I want to be able to see the effect the paddle has on your ass."

Neal wanted to complain that this was just going to make the paddle hurt more. But he wisely kept his mouth shut and lowered himself over Peter's lap. Peter lifted up the back of his shirt to expose his ass for the spanking. It was embarrassing, but not as bad as it might have been. His relative acceptance of Peter stripping him was probably a testament to how many times he'd found himself over Peter's lap.

Peter didn't waste any time before bringing the paddle down on Neal's ass. Neal swore Peter was eager to try the thing out. After getting used to Peter's hand, the paddle was a shock. Each slap left a slow-burning sting that seemed to get stronger with each second.

After several swats, Neal squirmed and said, "That hurts...." He didn't even try to keep the whine out of his voice. He wanted Peter to think he was suffering enough.

"It's supposed to hurt."

"You said you'd go easy on me."

"I am."

Neal wasn't looking forward to learning what a hard paddling was like.

"I'm going to give you five more," Peter said, "and then we're done."

Neal hadn't been counting the blows, but he could tell this spanking had been shorter than what Peter usually dished out. This must've been Peter's idea of going easy on him.

The final five swats were the worst. Peter assaulted Neal's tender upper thighs with the paddle, making his jump and squirm.

Then it was done.

Peter placed a hand on Neal's back, preventing him from getting up.

"Well?" he asked. "What do you think of the paddle you chose?"

"I'm not sure I'm satisfied." He should have chosen a cheaper paddle. Sure, it wouldn't look as nice, but maybe a lesser-quality paddle would be less...effective.

"Oh? Do you need more of a taste to help you decide?" There was a touch of playfulness under the sternness in Peter's voice.

"No," Neal said quickly. "I have a great impression already."

Peter chuckled and helped Neal to his feet.

[cookiegirl]

*bounces up and down* eeee, this is wonderful, thank you!! What an awesome surprise to wake up to! I love that Peter's eager to try it lol, and that Neal regrets going for the most stylish paddle! And I love the bit of banter at the end :D oh and Peter flipping his shirt up was yummy too! <3

[citrinesunset.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[doctor-fangeek.livejournal.com]

How about 'Full of Surprises' - the next time. I'm assuming Neal and Peter's arrangement won't be a one-time thing. :-)

[citrinesunset.livejournal.com]

Here you go!

--

Neal had been spanked by several people over the years.

Some of them hadn't been very good at it. Others only did it because they got off on it, and Neal was okay with that. He knew it was a lot to ask, as a favor. If his spanker enjoyed it, it was all the better.

But he couldn't figure Peter out. Peter had definitely liked spanking him, but Neal didn't get a sense that Peter wanted anything sexual from it.

And Neal certainly wasn't expecting Peter to be the one to bring up spanking again.

They were driving to Manhattan Prep, and Peter was still sore about Neal's commandeering of the junior English class.

Neal was mostly blocking him out, until Peter said, "Don't you think going behind my back deserves a spanking?"

Neal, who had been looking out the window, turned his head to Peter. "What?"

"You heard me."

"I thought the deal was that I'll go to you if I feel like I need a spanking."

"And I think that if we're going to have this 'deal,' I should be able to offer suggestions."

"I don't feel guilty for taking Mr. Cooper's class."

But maybe this was what having a regular disciplinarian meant. Neal concealed a smile at the thought.

"But if you think I deserve it," he continued, "I'll accept whatever punishment you think is fair."

Peter smiled. "Oh, I think this is more than fair."

Damn. Neal had created a monster. A good monster, but a monster nonetheless.

That evening, Peter came over while Neal was grading English homework.

"You alone tonight?" Peter asked.

"Moz goes drinking with anarchists on Tuesday night."

"Why am I not surprised?"

Peter stood there for a moment, looking awkward and not saying anything more.

Neal took pity on him, saying, "I guess you're here to give me my punishment."

Peter put his hands on his hips. "Do you think you deserve it?"

"I'll agree if you admit you like having an excuse to spank me."

Peter's jaw dropped and he stammered. Neal raised an eyebrow.

"Okay," Peter said, "maybe it's nice to have a way to keep you in line."

"In that case, I can accept your claim that I deserve a spanking."

That, apparently, was good enough for Peter, who nodded.

Neal stood by while Peter took off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. Peter took a seat on the sofa like he had last time. He nodded at the stack of papers on the coffee table.

"Doing some grading?"

"Being a substitute teacher is a lot of work."

Peter didn't ask him to, but Neal lowered his jeans to his knees. He lay across Peter's lap.

This time around, Peter started the spanking more quickly, and with much more confidence. The force of his hand made Neal suck in his breath.

Peter was a natural. Neal definitely didn't need to worry about receiving subpar spankings.

Neal tried not to make any sounds. He'd asked for this, after all, and he didn't want Peter to think he was changing his mind.

It took him a moment to register it when Peter stopped spanking him. His ass stung so much that he could barely differentiate between blows anymore.

Peter patted him on the back, gave his arm a squeeze, and helped him to his feet.

"That good?" Peter asked.

"Yeah," Neal said, reaching back to rub his ass. "You're really getting the hang of this."

He had a new disciplinarian, all right.

[elrhiarhodan]

If you're up to it, a timestamp for Between Friends. I have a thing for Neal/Keller - always.

[citrinesunset.livejournal.com]

In Spain, Keller got them a single room, with a single bed. Neal hadn't asked if the hotel had offered any other choices.

That evening, while Keller was in the shower, Neal was the phone with Mozzie.

"I thought you'd be back in New York by now," Mozzie said.

"Yeah, I did too, but another opportunity came up."

"An opportunity...this isn't some sort of rebound thing, is it?"

Neal's heart jumped and his voice shook as he said, "What?"

"A rebound. From Kate. Did you meet a woman or something?"

"There's no woman, Moz."

"Then what aren't you telling me? Is it another job with Keller? Because you know, it's only a matter of time before he screws you over. I know his type."

The water shut off in the bathroom, and Neal said, "Listen, I should be going. I'll call you tomorrow, okay?"

He hung up before Mozzie could protest.

A minute later, Keller came out of the bathroom, toweling off his hair. He was naked, and drops of water ran down his chest.

"You talking to someone?"

"I was just calling Mozzie."

"Oh, yeah? What's that strange little man up to?"

"The usual, I guess. We didn't talk long."

Keller sat down on the other side of the bed and set the towel down. "You didn't tell him about the job?"

Neal raised his eyebrows. "You wanted it kept between us, didn't you?"

Keller squeezed Neal's bare thigh. "Exactly. We don't need any third wheels."

When Keller had told Neal about the gold doubloons he planned to steal, he'd claimed he just wanted another person for the job. But Neal didn't see any reason why Keller's plan wouldn't work with just one. No, Keller just wanted him there.

Neal was more flattered by that than he should have been.

Keller worked his hand up to the waistband of Neal's boxers, and slipped his hand inside.

"I'm glad you took me up on my offer, Caffrey. I was hoping you would."

"Should we go over our plan again?"

They were robbing the museum tomorrow night.

"No, no, we're good. I don't believe in stressing out the night before a job. Life's too short. If we're not ready now, we'll never be, right?"

With his free hand, Keller cupped Neal's cheek. He leaned over and kissed him on the lips.

Neal was caught off-guard by it. Somehow, this seemed more intimate than the rough, dirty handjobs they'd given each other. His heart pounded as he parted his lips for Keller's tongue.

With one hand, Keller stroked Neal's hardening cock. With the other, he ran his fingers through Neal's hair. He tugged on his hair, pulling Neal's head back, and Neal moaned against Keller's mouth.

No, there would not be any planning done tonight.

[elrhiarhodan]

You should have heard the sound I just made. It send the dogs howling.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[citrinesunset.livejournal.com]

LOL, thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it! (I enjoyed writing more Neal/Keller :D)

[elrhiarhodan]

It was just what I wanted today. And everyday, to tell you the truth.

[citrinesunset.livejournal.com]

Won't lie, I wouldn't mind writing a long fic detailing Neal and Keller's hot but kind of dysfunctional relationship sometime. It's a fun pairing.

[pooh-collector.livejournal.com]

Yay!

That was adorable. I'm a real sucker for hurtingNeal!comforting,protective Peter!

Whoops this was supposed to be under your timestamp to the appendectomy story. My bad.

[citrinesunset.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked that.