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[conning]

"It's Caffrey. Remember the value of plausible deniability. I'll get back to you."

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[conning]

"Not for authenticators," Neal says. He can't help himself. He ducks his head and grins, then looks at Malcolm again. There's no mistaking the gratitude or wonder in him. "Thank you."

[abrightboy]

Malcolm absolutely beams at him.

“You’re welcome,” he says happily.

[conning]

Neal studies the... brush? pen? what does he even call it? with fascinated wonder. "I have no idea what to give you that could possibly match this."

[abrightboy]

Malcolm looks a little confused.

“…You don’t have to give me anything.”

[conning]

That breaks his trance somewhat, and he looks at Malcolm again finally, still--not dazed, exactly. Dazzled, more like. "No, I know, I know that. It's just..." He shakes his head. "Thank you."

[abrightboy]

Malcolm smiles brightly.

“You know I love you,” he says easily.

[conning]

The casualness of the words, how comfortably they're said, makes Neal's chest feel squeezed by something warm. He's not sure what else to say, or what he could say, so he just hugs Malcolm instead.

[abrightboy]

Malcolm hugs him tight.

“I’m so proud of you.”

[conning]

Neal eases out of the hug, giving Malcolm a flattered by slightly baffled look.

"Proud of me?"

[abrightboy]

“You’re doing more than anyone here to help everyone and you’re doing it just because that’s important to you. Justice and fairness are important to you. And you’re exemplifying those principles. I’m so proud,” Malcolm gushes.