It could be one of Neal's old criminal contacts. Maybe someone he double - crossed in the past and now they're out for revenge. For example, a former forger he worked with who didn't get his share of the profits.
There's a fanfiction titled 'In the Clutches of Danger: Neal'. This one is unique as it not only focuses on Neal's physical situation but also on the relationships that are affected by his kidnapping. For example, how his friends and colleagues react and how it changes their perception of him. Another good one is 'Neal's Captivity', which is a more psychological take on the kidnapping, exploring how Neal copes with being held against his will.
One idea could be that Neal gets hurt while chasing a suspect in an art heist case. He could trip and fall, injuring his leg, which would then slow him down and make the team worry about his ability to continue the investigation. This could add a lot of tension to the story.
One common theme is the relationship between Neal and Peter. It could be about their friendship evolving into something deeper, like a father - son or a mentor - mentee relationship with a lot of emotional depth. Another theme is their adventures outside of the main plot of the show. For example, they might go on a secret mission together that wasn't in the original series.
Friendship is a very common theme. The unique bond between the law - abiding Peter and the con - artist Neal is often explored, like how they learn to trust each other despite their different backgrounds.
Another theme is friendship. They start as an FBI agent and a con - man, but over time, a deep friendship forms. Fanfictions often show how they support each other outside of work, like when Neal has personal problems and Peter is there for him, and vice versa.
It could be a vengeful criminal that Neal put away in the past. This person has been planning their revenge for a long time and finally sees the opportunity to kidnap Neal.
Perhaps Neal is kidnapped by an underground syndicate that has a vendetta against his old forger friends. They hope to use Neal as bait to draw out those friends. In the fanfiction, it could show Neal's resourcefulness in trying to escape while his friends and the FBI are on a race against time to rescue him. This would involve a lot of twists and turns as the syndicate moves Neal from one hidden location to another.
One popular storyline could be Neal getting injured during a dangerous undercover operation. For example, he might be caught in a fight while trying to infiltrate a criminal group and end up with a serious wound. This could lead to Peter being extra protective and worried about him.
Well, it's hard to name just a few as there are many talented authors out there. But some authors who are known for their well - written Neal hurt fanfictions are often those who really understand the characters from the show. They capture Neal's charm and vulnerability, especially when he's hurt. One such author might be someone who has been writing in the White Collar fanfiction community for a long time and has a lot of positive reviews.