Calling All Matchmakers

Henry and Neal have often traded places, both literally and figuratively. They can imitate each other's voices. When they were younger, they looked enough alike that they could switch identities. They've also reversed roles. Henry assumed the role of big brother when Neal was an 18-year-old runaway. But Neal is always on the alert to act as protector for Henry when he gets into trouble.

One of the reasons they excel at switching roles is that they think so much alike. That can be scary for those who care about them. Peter worries about their tendency to be lone wolves. Usually, he's lucky and only one goes rogue at a time. Neal was the more responsible sibling when Henry was kidnapped in Caffrey Disclosure. Henry helped extricate Neal from the Braque mess he faced in Nocturne in Black and Gold. But what would happen if they go off-grid together? In Harlequin's Shadow, they act like that's what happened but it's only a con. Peter shudders at the thought of the real thing occurring.

El is more concerned about another shared personality trait: the erection of quarantine walls around whomever they're dating. Neal tried to keep Fiona in the dark about the dangerous aspects of his job, and it contributed to their breakup. Now Henry is committing the same mistake with Eric.

Neal's love life is complicated by his past failed romances. Henry too faces issues. In addition to the cons he's running, Henry has taken it upon himself to act as matchmaker for Neal. He's been attempting to bring Neal and Sara together since Caffrey Flashback. Has he become so preoccupied with helping Neal that he's neglecting his relationship with Eric? Does Eric wonder if he'll always play second fiddle to Neal?

Neal and Henry are alike in resisting suggestions when it comes to their personal lives, but they're not blind to the headwinds confronting them. Neal is trying a new tack. He's much more open with Sara than he was with his earlier girlfriends. Although he doesn't welcome advice, he can draw on his previous experiences to avoid repeating the same mistakes. Neal and Sara's relationship is also helped by her being a participant in the U-boat con. The secret Clueless con they're running gives an additional boost. The trajectory for them appears to be headed in the right direction.

Romance is an area where Henry doesn't have as much experience as Neal. He came out less than a year ago, and is now in his first serious relationship. El worries that he's destined to make the same mistakes Neal did, but his attitude appears to be "I'll deal with it later." It's an unsatisfactory situation, and given the nature of the U-boat con, not likely to be resolved any time soon.

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