Some Wounds Run Deep

AN: WARNING: This story is dark. I like to write dark pieces, on occasion, just to see if I can. And to see if the story can turn out the way I want it to and still be plausible to you readers. I have in mind that Neal attacked El (hence the 'dark' part.) But, first of all, it is TOTALLY out of character. Neal is not a heavy drinker. So he would not get sloppy drunk and do it. And Peter would not have gotten bent out of shape over a hug. He had to perceive his wife was in real danger.

So, if you don't mind, help me out here guys. Give me some ideas. I also want to be able to have office angst and trust issues after Neal gets better. Please keep that in mind. I look forward to hearing from you.

All that being said, I love a little Neal Whampage and Peter/Neal partner angst. ENJOY this little tasty tidbit.

Neal had to think fast. He allowed his body to go limp after enduring the repeated blows to his chest and head. He hoped his attacker would see that he was no longer moving, no longer fighting, and stop his assault. It worked. The blows and kicks stopped.

"Neal?!" Peter stopped, looking down at the bloody face that belonged to his C.I. and his friend. Stunned by what he had done, he pulled a now unconscious Caffrey into his arms. Neal had passed out seconds earlier. His head fell back against Peter's arm and his left arm hung limply from its socket.

Neal had been attacked in the Burke's small hallway behind the bookcase. He had blood oozing from his mouth and his nose. His ribs and nose were broken. He had a concussion, and he was bleeding internally.

Peter ignored the blood and moved his fingers to the correct spot on Neal's neck, checking for a pulse. It was weak, but it was there.

Peter was now also aware of his wife's voice. "He didn't' hurt me, Peter! He…he didn't' hurt me! I…." She moved her hands to touch Neal's face, as tears streamed down hers. She had never seen Peter so angry before. She had, only moments before, been screaming for Peter to stop.

Peter's assault on Neal had been short, but it had been brutal. He looked at his wife, a mixture of horror at the realization of what he had done and a deep, deep regret blended on his face.

El somehow managed to stand and went into the kitchen. She called the police. She then grabbed a dish towel and wet it, hoping to clean some of the blood from Neal's face. She was almost finished by the time the paramedics arrived.

The man and women team had to cajole Peter. He was not ready to give Neal over to them. He didn't to let go of his friend. He had been sitting, ever since he had realized what he had done, his back against the wall whispering apologies. There were tears streaming down his face when he looked up at the paramedics and agreed to let Neal go.

Peter stood up slowly, using the wall for support. His legs suddenly felt weak, and the female paramedic asked Peter to come along to be check out. Peter shook his head. He looked down at his shirt. It had a great deal of blood on it. But, he know, none of it was his. Peter looked at his bruised and bleeding knuckles also.

It was like he was waking up from a nightmare. Who was this guy who had attacked Neal?

TBC

END NOTES: Again, I thank you for your ideas. This is as far as I get. I just cannot see Neal and El in a 'rape scenario.' Plus, I just don't write those type stories. But that, right now, that seems to be the only thing that is plausible. I…I really, really need you guys' help. If I can't find a suitable reason…I'll just pull the story. Thanks again, Jackie.