FIC: Broken Ice

[calis_1st]

Title: Broken Ice
Author: calis_1st
Rating: PG
Characters: Neal, Peter, Jones
Spoilers: 5.06, Ice Breaker, and earlier episodes.
Word count: ~ 3200

Disclaimer: Characters are all from the brilliant mind of Jeff Eastin.

Summary: What if Jones arrived a few seconds later ....  an alternate ending for "Ice Breaker"

Note: Written in response to a Collar

Comments

[kanarek13]

Wheee \o/ A new story from you always brings a smile to my face :D

What a great episode tag, with that AU flavor, awww. You have captured the spirit of the current season perfectly, the anger, the doubts,the secrets and both of our boys still trying to hold on to their friendsip ♥

Love it, thank you :D

[calis_1st]

Thank you! Your comments always bring a smile to my face :)

This was a bit tough to end (which is why it took so long to finish). The guys are so much easier to write when they're on the same side, but I totally understand where each has been at during the season. Here's hoping for better days and happy endings.

Cheers!

[sapphire2309]

That last line broke my heart.

Also, this? "Head, wall." Is perfect. :D

Lovely AU tag, and oh, thank god it isn't a death fic. *phew*

[calis_1st]

Thanks so much for your comments!

I felt badly for Neal, too, in that he still thought he could keep this all to himself.

[sheenianni]

I've had trouble reading Peter-Neal fanfiction lately, because most of it leaves me feeling either angry or almost physically hurting. This is the first story in a while that I enjoyed without cramps in my stomach. It's not a happy story, but it feels real for both Peter and Neal and it doesn't villify either of them. The relationship that used to be so strong is hanging on the last threads... "faith is on life support", indeed. And yet, despite all the misery, there is still hope there... not much, just a tiny spark that suggests that eventually they'll fix this, because deep down Peter still loves Neal and Neal loves Peter. Not that the love makes them any less miserable. But maybe, just maybe those last threads are stronger than they seem... and a new, stonger and better friendship will be reborn from what has been broken.

Not sure if the review is much coherent; anyway, thank you for writing this story and sharing it with us.

[calis_1st]

I'm so glad you were able to read and enjoy this. I really want them to be close again, and I think we'll get there, eventually. I agree that they still love each other, because if they didn't, everything between them wouldn't hurt them as much.

Thank you so much for your comments (and they were totally coherent).

[pooh_collector]

Beautiful, balanced portrayal of the angst, hurt and conflict between Peter and Neal this season.

Heartbreaking too!

Poor Neal, poor Peter. They are both hurting so much. It would be great if they could really be open with each other, about all of it, but alas season finale on Thursday and I don't think it will be in the mix.

Thanks for sharing this!

[calis_1st]

Thank you for your wonderful comments. i'm so glad that you think it's balanced; I was concerned it might come across as Peter-bashing, which was never my intention. There's just so much hurt between them in canon. I look forward to a resolution soon (but I think you're right that it won't be in the season finale).

[morganslady]

Excellently done. This story is so this season. I hope Peter and Neal get on the same page soon.

[calis_1st]

I hope they get back together soon, too.

I'm glad you enjoyed this - thanks so much for your comment.