Newbie WC writer seeks advice from experienced hurt/comfort writers :)

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

Okay, so I read the rules and it seems like this type of post is allowed, but if it is not, feel free to delete with my apologies, mods :P

I'm brand new to this fandom, and write primarily hurt/comfort fics in all my other fandoms. I'm very drawn to Peter/Neal as a pairing, and in particular stories involving Neal as the one being hurt and comforted :P 

However, I seem to be having a hard time getting a good grasp on how to write hurt/comfort with a character as emotionally guarded and closed off as Neal is. His facade is sooo good, it's difficult to get past it enough to actually make him vulnerable. The only thing I have thought of so far is that it helps if the situation is *REALLY* extreme, like - intense slave!fic or prison abuse scenario or something of that nature, but I'd like to be able to handle situations with a little more subtlety, as well. :P

Anyone have any thoughts/ideas/advice for me? Anyone else struggle with this in writing for this fandom? I have a particular piece I'm struggling with at the moment, and anyone who could take a look and let me know how to fix it, the advice would be greatly appreciated. :)

Thanks so much for anyone who can help :)

Dreamsofspike