EPILOGUE

AN: This is as close to a 'make-up' between Peter and Neal that I want to have. I hate when they seemed forced. But this seems natural to me. I have made up the origins of the 'Cowboy Up' saying. I don't know if it's ever mentioned where Peter got it from.

"You know that 'Cowboy Up' thing. Not the most effective motivational speech." Neal said as he and Peter navigated traffic on their way to June's house.

Peter nodded. "I never liked it either."

Neal just stared at him.

"My dad was a big fan of spaghetti westerns." Peter explained.

"So you used it on me?" Neal said, somewhat indignant.

"It worked, Neal." Peter confessed. "What can you say after someone tells you that and NOT sound like a whimp?"

Neal thought about it for a second, he nodded, but remained silent.

"I just…I'm sorry." Peter started. "I should have paid more attention. I should have known you were in pain…."

"Don't turn this into a Hallmark moment." Neal said, shaking his head. "Or I swear…I will get out of this car in the middle of traffic and walk home."

Peter looked at him and smiled. "That would work for me. I live in the opposite direction. But the fact is…you can't. I have the child-proof locks on. You're stuck."

Neal reached for the door handle and pulled up. The door didn't open. He looked at Peter. "You really think I can't beat a child-proof lock?" Neal said, presenting it as a question and a challenge.

Peter shrugged his shoulders. He began to smile broadly, however, as he watched Neal struggling, yanking hard on the door handle a few times. He finally gave up.

"Damnit!" Neal said resigning himself to his current situation.

Peter laughed, and then he got serious again. "What I did to you was inexcusable as a partner and as a friend…and I'm sorry."

"So…what are we supposed to hug it out? Go out for coffee? Watch a football game together?' Neal asked.

"No, we're supposed to go to my house and have dinner." Peter stated, turning the car around. "El has been after me to get you to come over all week. And I think even Satch misses you."

THE END

END NOTE: I am very sorry I didn't thank my beta, ccluvshorses101, when I first posted this. So thank you, thank you, thank you, so, so much. All mistakes are mine. I hope you all enjoyed the read.