The Heart is Still a Redwing (R) Peter/Neal AU (1/3)

[embroiderama]

Title: The Heart is Still a Redwing (1/3)
Author: embroiderama
Rating: R
Pairing: Peter/Neal
Word count: ~20k total, 6,400 words this part
AU notes/spoilers: I have taken some back-story elements that were revealed in S4 and shifted or twisted them around to suit my purposes.
Warnings: No major warnings apply however a number of potentially triggery issues are included/discussed. (highlight to read) Child abuse (non sexual), other violence, homophobia, illness and death (not of major characters), and mental health issues
Summary: Peter Burke, a detective with the NYPD, was investigating a series of violent muggings when he met Neal Caffrey, an artist with a complicated past.

Notes: The inspiration for this story came from angelita26, and thanks are due to her and to theatregirl7299 as well as the usual suspects in the WCWU chats for support and encouragement. The title is from Hem's song "Redwing." As I post part one, part two is being edited and part three in the works.

( Caffrey allowed Peter to make eye contact for the first time, and Peter looked back into his pale blue eyes steadily, calmly, willing him to take the offered card. Caffrey blinked and swallowed visibly, his Adam's apple bobbing in his long neck, then took the card and pushed the door shut the rest of the way. )