Happily Ever After AU - for conning

[abrightboy]

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[conning]

Neal loves it when that happens. Even if it is because of a serial killer, it’s still a very relatable reaction to interesting history.

They head back to the elevator. JT takes one look at the randomly-opening doors and takes the stairs. Neal watches him go with amusement. “He’s probably the smartest person in this group. Or at least had the best survival instincts.”

[abrightboy]

“He’s a soldier,” Malcolm replies, like that explains everything. Maybe it does.

A woman pushing a wheelchair containing an elderly man are in the elevator. She tells them about a fight she overheard between the architect and the owner of the building. She thinks it was because the architect fixed the elevator.

Once outside Malcolm turns to Neal. “I have to go talk to my sister. I’ll meet you after? Are we going to your place or mine?”

[conning]

Neal gives Malcolm another quick kiss. “Mine tonight? I’ve got the better wine selection.”

He rests his hands on Malcolm’s hips. “Call if you need me. Or text. If you need anything.”

[abrightboy]

Malcolm smiles up at him, a hand splayed on his chest.

“I’ll be home by eight,” he promises.

But after talking to Ainsley, he returns to the crime scene because he has an idea.

He doesn’t get home by eight. Someone pushes him from behind and sends him toppling three floors down the elevator shaft.

[conning]

Neal doesn't notice right away as 8pm approaches. He's painting, a miniature Goya, lost in the hyperfixation process.

He will though. Boy will he.

Malcolm will find Neal close at hand in the hospital when he wakes up, looking flustered, wearing a tux in dark jewel tones with a floral design. His bowtie is missing, his collar unbuttoned, and while Dani and JT are next to the bed, Neal is arguing with someone on the phone in the background. "I don't--I know it's not 'usual' for an artist to no-show his own gallery debut, Trudy, I'm not exactly a novice at this. I don't care. You can figure it out. Spin something mysterious and sexy and vague enough to drive people insane, you're good at that. No, you can't tell them--no! I'm hanging up."

He does.

[abrightboy]

“You didn’t have to skip your gallery opening,” Malcolm tells him, holding an ice pack to his head. “It’s barely anything.”

“It’s a concussion,” Dani says bluntly.

“The doctor says I’m fine.”

“No, she said it could have been worse,” she corrects.

Malcolm looks at Neal. “You didn’t have to come all the way down here.”

[conning]

Neal makes a dismissive gesture with the hand holding his phone. "There will be other gallery openings. Trudy will use this to build up my mystique or something." Clearly imitating a well-to-do someone's tone, he says, "Image is everything."

He stuffs his phone into his pocket, crossing back to Malcolm's bedside. Dani and JT step back as he moves in, giving each other an amused glance. Neal lifts a hand to Malcolm's cheek, the other going to gently hold the ice pack in place. Or help Malcolm do it. Whatever. "I'd rather be here."

[abrightboy]

“Why don’t you take him home?” JT tells Neal. “We’ll go arrest the developer.”

“Excuse me,” Malcolm interjects, “but this guy tried to kill me. I’m not going to miss the part where we put the cuffs on him!”

[conning]

"And I know better than to argue during moments like this," Neal says dryly. He kisses Malcolm's forehead. "I'm coming with you. Hanging back like a proper civilian, but coming with."

[abrightboy]

Malcolm looks pleased. Proud even. But Dani puts a hand up.

“Hold on there, Yoko.” She looks at Malcolm. “You can’t just bring your untrained civilian husband to crime scenes because you have an ouchie.”

[conning]

Neal sighs, somewhere between resigned and irritated. "You're going to arrest him, right? It's not technically a crime scene."

[abrightboy]

“It’s where the crime happened,” Dani counters. “Both crimes, actually. The murder of the architect and the attempted murder of my partner.”

Malcolm holds up a hand but she ignores it.

“And if you do come with us, you’ll have to ride in the back with the perp.”

That comment does make Malcolm look upset.

“So why don’t you go to your little gala and let us work, okay?”

[conning]

Neal starts to gear up to argue—but JT claps a hand on his shoulder. “You can ride with me. Two married guys shooting the shit away from prying ears.”

[abrightboy]

“I’m… a married guy…” Malcolm protests weakly.

[conning]

"Yes you are," Neal says, pleased, and kisses Malcolm's forehead then his mouth. He glances Dani's way and gives Malcolm one last kiss, tone dry and a little annoyed. "Your legal partner will see you at the crime scene."

[abrightboy]

Malcolm grins and hands Dani his ice pack as he hops off the table, though he’s not quite as steady on his feet as he thought and he has to grab Neal’s arm to steady himself.

[conning]

Neal promptly wraps Malcolm up in a supportive hug, worry clouding his expression. "Easy, cowboy. Take it one step at a time."

[abrightboy]

“I’m okay,” Malcolm insists, putting up his hands. “I’m fine. Honestly.”

[conning]

“Maybe we should get Ainsley or your dad to take a look.”

Neal reaches for the bruised spot as if to touch it and stops himself. “Should I call them?”

[abrightboy]

“Yeah,” Dani says, “why don’t you do that,” she suggests.

Malcolm looks over quickly and it makes his head swim, but he persists. “No! No, I’m coming.” He looks at Neal. “I’m going to make the arrest.”

[conning]

Neal is more reluctant to go with JT after that, but the other man convinces him. The interrogation of the developer is fruitful, at least, and when Dani and Malcolm walk out of the room Neal slides in next to his husband—nearly planting a kiss on the bruised side of his head before catching himself. “I probably shouldn’t touch that spot, huh.”

[abrightboy]

“It’s the good kind of hurt,” Malcolm tells him. “We’re done in time for family dinner. Come with me?” he asks.

[conning]

He brightens up at that. “Absolutely. I still haven’t convinced your dad to try my lamb marinade.”

[abrightboy]

When they walk into the Whitly family dining room, Malcolm pauses as he spots his mother and sister. Then his father makes an entrance and it’s like a bad television signal. He stumbles backwards, against the wall and clutches his head.

[conning]

His family, Neal included, crowds around until the doctors get Neal and Jessica to back up enough so they can take a look.

“He got pushed down an elevator shaft,” Neal says worriedly, wanting them to have the necessary information whether Malcolm plans to share or not.