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quirkysmuseFandom: Heroes
Title: Petrelli Land
Rating: R/M
Chapters: 9/17
Characters/Pairings: Mainly Peter/Claire, implied Mohinder/Gabriel(Sylar), Matt/Audrey, Isaac/Simone, Claude/Meredith mentioned
Warnings/Spoilers: AU and Canon Paire, Season One Spoilers, turns AU from "How to Stop an Exploding Man", will not follow Season Two storyline.
Notes: This fic is inspired by the Marvel comic series, "House of M". The inspiration belongs to Marvel, and the Heroes characters belong to NBC and Tim Kring, but the story is entirely mine.
NEW NOTES: The rating to this story has also changed to R (M for FFnet) because of adult situations in this chapter and most likely in future chapters.
FFnet Link: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3735029/1/
Summary: After Peter encounters someone with a dangerous ability, his lack of control causes him to shift reality to the desire of others, where most are happy except one, who vows revenge. Paire.
Chapter Summary: Claire and Peter get a visit from Dr. Suresh again, only this time he brings a surprise that causes Peter some distress. Matt and Audrey show up as well, happier than ever, worrying Peter about the state of this world even more.
[Previous Chapters]
Petrelli Land
Chapter Eight
Unlike the previous morning, waking up next to Claire felt different and more relaxed. This time she was up before him, and he’d stirred awake to the touch of her lips trailing kisses down his chest. He cracked open an eye and smiled down at her.
“Hey there,” he said tiredly and then let out a yawn. “What are you doing?”
“Testing your morning stamina.” Her kisses tread close to his heat below. Waking up next to her and feeling her touch was already stirring his morning excitement. He shifted quickly, and drew Claire up into his arms, capturing her mouth. She moaned against his lips.
“I could wake up every morning like this,” Peter confessed with contentment. Claire’s face only beamed brighter.
“As long as that memory stays intact, your wish will be granted,” Claire said playfully.
Peter sighed happily, and met her gaze. He cupped her jaw with his hand and intoned seriously, “I don’t think we have to worry about that again.” He leaned in and kissed her urgently, and he felt her weight move as she straddled him.
Before he could breathe she had guided him inside her again, and by the way she moved her hips and drew him in, the more she convinced him that he had reason to never think about changing this world again.
--
Claire and Peter lazily stayed in bed into the late morning, only to be disturbed by a phone call. Claire was more energetic than Peter at the moment, and she crawled over him and groaned as she reached her hand to the phone.
“Hello? This is Claire,” Claire spoke groggily into the receiver. Her eyes softened when she recognized the caller. “Sure, Dr. Suresh. You can come over. We’ll be ready in an hour. Sure.” There was a pause, and Claire laughed a little. “Of course your assistant can come. We’ll just make an extra helping. Okay. Bye.”
Claire looked over at Peter and pouted. “Well, looks like we have to get up. We’re having company for lunch.”
“Mohinder again?”
“Uh-huh, he’s planning on going back to India soon, but he wanted to check up on you first. He’s just worried about your memory,” Claire answered. Peter felt unsettled as Claire continued. “He wants to bring his assistant. He’s got an ability that can figure out things.”
“How does he do that?” Peter asked conversationally and followed her as she slid out of bed.
“I’m not sure,” Claire said. “I’ve never met him. We’ll just have to see.” She shot him a sunny smile while turning to the bathroom. “I’ll jump in the shower first if you want to get lunch started. I was thinking soup and sandwiches. There’s some soup stock you can use in the cupboard.”
“Okay,” Peter said; his thoughts still niggled about Mohinder’s guest. He met Claire’s bright eyes and grabbed onto an idle thought. “Sure you don’t need some help in the shower?” Honestly, it sounded much more appealing than making soup. Claire raised an eyebrow at him.
“Ha. There will be plenty of time for that later,” she said teasingly. “For now, we have guests coming.”
Peter groaned and threw on a pair of pajama bottoms lying on the floor. “Alright, alright, soup it is.” Claire chuckled as he sauntered in defeat toward the kitchen.
--
Peter was able to grab a lengthy, toe-tingling kiss from Claire before jumping in the shower himself. She moved to continue with preparing lunch, and as Peter showered, he gave into the lull of the soothing hot water against his skin. His mind drifted, and he wondered about Rena and why he couldn’t reach her anymore.
‘Rena, where are you? Are you content that I can handle this world all on my own now?’ he thought to himself, hoping somewhere inside his mind he’d eventually reach her.
When he heard nothing answer him back, he sighed. After he noticed his prune-looking skin from the length of his shower, he turned off the water and got out. Not being able to reach Rena was bothering him. She couldn’t just disappear, could she? Peter knew she was dead, but he thought she’d be reachable for a while. He still was unsure about these powers. They were far too dangerous and powerful to use without proper instruction.
He grunted as he dried off and dug through their bedroom for some clothes. Thoughts about Rena faded slightly, and Peter realized it wasn’t just Rena that was on his mind; Claire was too.
As much as he liked the good Dr. Suresh, Peter honestly preferred spending more time alone with Claire. Last night had been a considerable turning point, and making love to her had changed his mind about many things.
Admittedly, he knew now that after one taste of Claire, he couldn’t get enough of her.
Peter huffed and looked into the mirror. He let a smile tug the muscles on his face as he remembered Claire’s touch. He almost wanted to make up for all the time she said he lost his memories of them. He truly felt bad about it, even though it was a situation fabricated by Rena’s powers. Still, it was real to Claire, and if he could feel her emotions, it became real to him too.
Peter turned his head to the door when her heard voices out in the dining room. Supposing the doctor was already here, Peter slung a black shirt over his drying hair and took a deep breath before he opened the door.
He hoped this visit was quick because he wanted to spend as much time as he could with Claire.
--
When Peter walked into the dining room, he was expecting Mohinder, but he was not expecting the surprise in front of him.
A bad surprise.
His blood ran cold when he saw him – like he was a ghost coming back to haunt him. Coming back for revenge. Peter swallowed hard as the man in front of him who wore Sylar’s face smiled at his fiancé and shook her hand.
Peter’s first instinct was to grab her out of the way, but when the man turned his soft, calm expression to Peter, he did a double take.
It was definitely Sylar – and yet there was something different about him.
“Ah, Peter, I want you to meet my assistant, Gabriel Gray,” Mohinder introduced. Peter weakly took his hand, unable to stop staring at the man-who-should-be-dead in front of him.
Wait… wasn’t Gabriel Gray Sylar’s birth name?
Gabriel took his hand in a firm grip and shook quickly before releasing it from his warm, sweaty touch. “Peter Petrelli, Dr. Suresh has told me so much about you.” His calm voice felt like sand paper against Peter’s ears, and his empathy couldn’t shake the unease. What was up with this bastard? His jaw clenched automatically after Gabriel smiled congenially at him. Then, Peter’s senses seemed to ebb on overload when the man gave him a sympathetic smile. “I’m sorry to hear about your memory.”
“Uh… thanks. It’s good to meet you too, Gabriel,” Peter answered dumbly, trying very hard to keep his cool and act normally. Claire and Mohinder looked at him, noticing the distress.
He turned to them and weakly made an excuse. “Oh sorry, I just have a lot on my mind. Just woke up,” he said with a sheepish smile. He topped it off with an innocent shrug.
Claire laughed to ease the tension in the room, and she ushered them into the dining room at a perfectly set table. “I hope you guys brought your appetite. I was just thinking soup and salad, but I got a little creative while Peter was in the shower.”
Peter looked at the table filled with soups, sandwiches, salads and corn muffins sitting next to a line of various jams. A candle was lit in the center, and the glasses were all filled with water. Empty coffee cups were laid neatly beside the tops of the dinner plates for dessert later on.
“Wow, Claire, you didn’t have to go to all this trouble,” Mohinder said. Gabriel nodded in agreement next to him. Peter couldn’t help but notice his action.
“Yes, Ms. Bennet, this really is too much. Thank you for your kindness,” Gabriel said, and he waited until Mohinder was seated before he took his place next to him.
Peter felt weird, sick and terribly awkward. There was still something so off about Gabriel. He didn’t know if it was because Sylar was a murderer in his world, or that seeing him so mellow in this world seemed so unnatural. Peter clutched his tensed stomach after he sat down. He really didn’t have an appetite right now, but if he didn’t eat, Mohinder and Claire would become worried.
And he wanted Mohinder and that assistant to leave their suite as soon as possible.
“Peter, could you pass the rolls?” Gabriel asked meekly. Peter’s sour mood intensified. He wanted to chuck the rolls at him, call him out as the dog that he was. But instead, he gave him a forced smile and passed the rolls over. He made sure to pay attention to what rolls he touched or even brushed against with his hand. Peter probably wasn’t going to eat them anyway. He inwardly stewed.
This wasn’t right. How could Sylar be so completely different in this world? Did Peter change him that much with Rena’s powers? The thought horrified and allured him. Was he that powerful that he could change a serial killer into a docile subservient to Dr. Mohinder Suresh?
Moreover, how come Mohinder didn’t see the connection between Sylar and Gabriel? If anyone knew Sylar’s stats and rap sheet, it was Dr. Suresh. But now, he acted as though Gabriel Gray couldn’t even hurt a fly. Unless…
‘No,’ Peter thought.
That was it. The connection between Sylar and Gabriel had been severed. Peter’s powers through Rena had given Sylar a second chance in a life beyond the murderer that he was.
Peter stabbed his fork into his salad and took a few mouthfuls to keep up appearances. He drew his attention away from Gabriel as much as he could, either to gaze longingly at Claire or to pay attention to one of Mohinder’s stuffy remarks.
Despite the warm and cozy atmosphere during lunch, Peter was becoming restless and going crazy inside. He wanted to pull Mohinder aside and warn his friend, but he didn’t know how to tell him. He didn’t know if Mohinder would even believe him if he explained Rena’s powers. However, the geneticist could be in danger, as well as Claire and everyone else, and he might even be too late to warn them.
He didn’t know what to do. He noticed when Claire smiled at him, and he smiled back automatically. However, he was still so torn. One day he was holding out to wish this world back to the way it was, and now that Sylar, or for that matter Gabriel, was here, he wanted nothing more to save this new world that he created.
Knowing that Gabriel was capable of murder was the hardest thing of it all to digest. He doubted his powers. Maybe eventually Gabriel would realize what he could do and revert back to the way he was. The shadowy forgotten villain known as Sylar would just return and wreak havoc on them all.
Peter shuddered.
“Peter, are you okay?” Claire voice held concern and snapped him from his gloomy thoughts.
“Uh, yeah, I just… I got a chill,” he said, and he knew it sounded silly. He took a quick sip of his soup. He turned to Claire and smiled. “Mmm, getting better.”
Claire looked somewhat relieved, but she knew him better than anyone. She knew that something was up. He wasn’t looking forward to that conversation either. He still wasn’t too keen on talking to anyone about Rena, and she was the reason he was so agitated.
Looking into Claire’s concerned face, he knew he was going to have to make something up.
“Peter, I’m glad to see that you’re doing better despite having another memory lapse. I want to help, but I’m not sure what I can really do,” Mohinder chimed in, not seeming to notice the underlying communication between Peter and Claire.
“I’m not sure if there is anything you can do, Doctor. I feel better than ever. I’m starting to remember everything on each day that I wake up,” Peter said, catching Gabriel’s intense concern in the corner of his eye. Peter felt a shiver up his spine. His empathy was in overdrive today. He still didn’t feel secure in Gabriel’s presence, no matter how much he appeared ‘changed’ from the reality shift.
“Well, that’s good to hear. As long as you’re feeling better, and you are sure that this has nothing to do with your powers overloading anymore…”
“Oh, those aren’t a problem anymore,” Peter said confidently, making sure Gabriel felt his enthusiasm too. “I’ve never been more in control of my powers than now.” He smiled with a humble grin. “I only hope I can help Nathan and if he can give me a job.”
Mohinder’s interest perked and he seemed to mirror Peter’s excitement. “That’s good! I’m sure the President can find you something. Matt Parkman is always looking for someone to help him with a side project of Homeland Security. He hasn’t started it up yet because there’s been no one talented enough to take on the responsibility.”
“Side project?” Peter remembered Matt Parkman. He was a telepath he met in Odessa that tried to read his mind after saving Claire. He met him again later with Ted Sprague while he was helping Claire’s dad, Noah Bennet, try to take down the tracking system of the Company. Peter was glad to hear a familiar name – especially a name that was one of the good guys. He shot a quick glance at Gabriel and then back to Mohinder.
Mohinder answered, “Well, it is like Homeland Security in the manner of policy.” He paused, as if he was too excited to tell him but seemed to build suspense anyway. “Matt wants to start an International Security force to contain rogue meta-humans. I’ve heard him mention your name numerous times to head it up when you’re doing better.”
Peter’s jaw dropped, but Claire was quick to celebrate. “Oh Peter, that’s so awesome! You’d be great at that job.”
Peter agreed with a nod, but he was still flabbergasted. Mohinder seemed pleased with his reaction. Gabriel’s smile seemed a little too enthusiastic.
“Wow, well…I don’t know what to say,” Peter said.
“Well, you’ll have to think about it, and think about it quickly too. I called Matt Parkman the other day and told him you were doing better. He’s coming over to visit you later today.” Mohinder grinned but noticed Peter’s grimace. “Is something wrong?” He turned to Claire. “I didn’t over step my bounds.”
Claire gave him a cheeky smile. “Ah, Peter and I were kind of hoping on spending the rest of the afternoon together alone…” Claire’s voice trailed off, and Peter saw Mohinder’s cheeks turn pink.
“Well, I apologize for ah…” Mohinder stammered.
Claire giggled and shook her head. “Don’t worry about it, Mohinder! This is good news, and we’ll definitely be glad to see Matt again. Right, Peter?”
Peter nodded automatically, still not sure on what to think of the job offer.
He swallowed a hard lump, and for a second, tried to reach out to Rena in his mind once again. When he still couldn’t find her, he felt his shoulders slump in resolve.
He supposed that if he was going to accept this world he might as well get a job – especially something he was good at. A powerful ability-sponging empath would be perfect to muffle out international disturbances. Even the most powerful of villains would have some trouble once Peter absorbed their powers after he came within proximity.
He turned to Claire and gave her a genuine smile. She took his hand into hers. “It sounds great. Can’t wait to see him again.”
Mohinder said something agreeable, while Peter continued to revel in Claire’s content expression. In the corner of his eye, however, the gentle smile on Gabriel’s face had disappeared.
--
As Mohinder and his assistant, Gabriel, finally left after lunch, Peter felt a huge weight lift from his stomach. Gabriel’s presence had disturbed him greatly, and even after he was gone, Peter was left with conflicting thoughts.
He still didn’t know if it was wise to at least warn Mohinder of Peter’s situation. Maybe it was smarter to confide in Claire first.
“Well, I wonder if we should get too comfortable,” Claire said, coming up behind him and wrapping her arms around his torso. He felt her head rest against his back. “If Matt is coming over, we might just be interrupted. It’s no telling when he’ll come.”
Peter sighed heavily, and as he turned around, he drew Claire up into his arms and twirled her around, setting her flush against the front door. His lips fell on hers before he could exhale a breath, and she moaned softly in his mouth with need.
She’d been as restless as he; he could tell by the way the heat pulsated between them as their bodies met.
“Peter,” Claire whispered, and Peter snaked his hand down her flowing blue skirt, finding the wetness and pushing his fingers inside as she arched against him.
His lips trailed down her neck like wildfire. His hand pushed under the cup of her bra, and she sighed with urgency as his hand lightly traced languidly over the soft curve.
He growled in her hair, and he could feel his muscles tense. Peter was ready, and so was Claire. His next thought was to drag her to the bed.
Then, the doorbell rang and both of them jumped. Peter snapped his eyes over to Claire, and she immediately pouted.
‘Damn’, Peter thought. Matt Parkman had terrible timing. The doorbell rang again, only adding to the strain on his nerves.
“Coming,” Claire called out, and she started to shift her clothes back into place. Peter walked away, trying to calm the excitement that burgeoned between his legs.
The door opened, and he met the face of an elated Matt Parkman – and the blonde that grinned beside him.
“Well if it isn’t Peter Petrelli, looking healthy as a horse,” Matt joked, and he strode in and clapped Peter on the shoulder and shook his hand.
“Matt Parkman, what a surprise,” Peter said with a wry grin. The telepath was lost on his meaning. Claire laughed softly at the side of the door, and Matt suddenly realized he had missed something.
Audrey folded her arms. “Ah, I see what’s going on here.” She punched Matt playfully in the arm. “You dope. We didn’t have to rush over here once Mohinder had called us.”
Matt stared dumbly at her and then he looked back at Peter and Claire. Peter opened his mind as wide as a canyon to the telepath, who promptly caught the message and blushed.
“Oh sheesh, man, I’m sorry. That sucks. I hate when that happens to us,” Matt said apologetically as Audrey patted him on the shoulder. He looked up at Audrey like a wounded puppy, which only fueled Claire’s laughter.
“It’s totally fine, Matt. You didn’t know, so just come in and make yourself at home,” Claire said, ushering the guests past the door. Her smile and reassurance seemed to cure Matt’s embarrassment.
“I suppose Audrey is right. I shouldn’t have rushed over,” Matt said. He turned to Peter, and he seemed energetic – and happier than Peter had ever seen the former policeman. “But when I heard that you were gonna take the job, Peter, I just had to come over here and thank you, and of course, tell you more about my plans.”
“Wow, Mohinder works fast,” Claire said, pleasantly surprised.
“Well, he did call me,” Matt said, though he looked guilty of something else, “but I will admit to putting a mental tap on his mind. When I talked to Mohinder the other day and he mentioned you were doing better, I just had to keep tabs when he’d see you again and mention the plans.”
“Wait you can mind-tap people?” Peter blanched. “That is seriously not cool, Parkman.”
Matt laughed, and he rubbed his neck nervously after a sigh. “Well, there are pros and cons to it. I discovered things in Mohinder’s mind that have scarred me for life.” He laughed, and it became contagious. Even the no-nonsense Audrey chuckled lightly beside him.
Peter was continually astounded at how happy people were in this world. And now things were great for Matt and Audrey, who had some attraction in the past (or so he felt), but were never able to progress it due to Matt’s wife and dealings with the Company. Peter was relieved that things had changed for the better and they finally looked happy – together.
“Well, listen, we’ll go and you can think more about the job. I’ll be over again some other time, when you call me and I won’t just barge in. Just … think about it and when you’re ready, we can get started.” Matt smiled broadly, his eyes glittering with hope. “There’s so much we’re gonna do, man. We’ll make things a whole lot better.”
“Is that even possible?” Peter turned around and walked toward the window. He looked outside for a moment, but he felt everyone’s eyes upon him.
“According to President Nathan Petrelli, the world is perfect enough already,” Peter said, as his tone laced with light sarcasm. Audrey and Matt seemed unaffected and continued to bask in the joy.
“Well thanks to us, President Petrelli can keep thinking that way, and if he can think that way, so can the rest of the world,” Matt explained proudly.
Matt’s words left Peter with a lot of stirring thoughts after they both departed. Later, he held Claire as she slept and stared at the ceiling, pondering the things to come in this new world.
Peter became too caught up in the euphoria, but it did not deter him away from his bothersome thoughts. Knowing that Sylar was alive as Gabriel still made him uneasy. And seeing him without Rena’s sage advice to guide him was even more unnerving. He wanted to talk to her more than ever, and though he knew he shouldn’t rely on her too much, he really wanted to know if he should tell Claire and Mohinder about Gabriel and Rena’s powers.
He just didn’t know if he could make that decision all on his own.
[Chapter Nine]
Title: Petrelli Land
Rating: R/M
Chapters: 9/17
Characters/Pairings: Mainly Peter/Claire, implied Mohinder/Gabriel(Sylar), Matt/Audrey, Isaac/Simone, Claude/Meredith mentioned
Warnings/Spoilers: AU and Canon Paire, Season One Spoilers, turns AU from "How to Stop an Exploding Man", will not follow Season Two storyline.
Notes: This fic is inspired by the Marvel comic series, "House of M". The inspiration belongs to Marvel, and the Heroes characters belong to NBC and Tim Kring, but the story is entirely mine.
NEW NOTES: The rating to this story has also changed to R (M for FFnet) because of adult situations in this chapter and most likely in future chapters.
FFnet Link: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3735029/1/
Summary: After Peter encounters someone with a dangerous ability, his lack of control causes him to shift reality to the desire of others, where most are happy except one, who vows revenge. Paire.
Chapter Summary: Claire and Peter get a visit from Dr. Suresh again, only this time he brings a surprise that causes Peter some distress. Matt and Audrey show up as well, happier than ever, worrying Peter about the state of this world even more.
[Previous Chapters]
Petrelli Land
Chapter Eight
Unlike the previous morning, waking up next to Claire felt different and more relaxed. This time she was up before him, and he’d stirred awake to the touch of her lips trailing kisses down his chest. He cracked open an eye and smiled down at her.
“Hey there,” he said tiredly and then let out a yawn. “What are you doing?”
“Testing your morning stamina.” Her kisses tread close to his heat below. Waking up next to her and feeling her touch was already stirring his morning excitement. He shifted quickly, and drew Claire up into his arms, capturing her mouth. She moaned against his lips.
“I could wake up every morning like this,” Peter confessed with contentment. Claire’s face only beamed brighter.
“As long as that memory stays intact, your wish will be granted,” Claire said playfully.
Peter sighed happily, and met her gaze. He cupped her jaw with his hand and intoned seriously, “I don’t think we have to worry about that again.” He leaned in and kissed her urgently, and he felt her weight move as she straddled him.
Before he could breathe she had guided him inside her again, and by the way she moved her hips and drew him in, the more she convinced him that he had reason to never think about changing this world again.
--
Claire and Peter lazily stayed in bed into the late morning, only to be disturbed by a phone call. Claire was more energetic than Peter at the moment, and she crawled over him and groaned as she reached her hand to the phone.
“Hello? This is Claire,” Claire spoke groggily into the receiver. Her eyes softened when she recognized the caller. “Sure, Dr. Suresh. You can come over. We’ll be ready in an hour. Sure.” There was a pause, and Claire laughed a little. “Of course your assistant can come. We’ll just make an extra helping. Okay. Bye.”
Claire looked over at Peter and pouted. “Well, looks like we have to get up. We’re having company for lunch.”
“Mohinder again?”
“Uh-huh, he’s planning on going back to India soon, but he wanted to check up on you first. He’s just worried about your memory,” Claire answered. Peter felt unsettled as Claire continued. “He wants to bring his assistant. He’s got an ability that can figure out things.”
“How does he do that?” Peter asked conversationally and followed her as she slid out of bed.
“I’m not sure,” Claire said. “I’ve never met him. We’ll just have to see.” She shot him a sunny smile while turning to the bathroom. “I’ll jump in the shower first if you want to get lunch started. I was thinking soup and sandwiches. There’s some soup stock you can use in the cupboard.”
“Okay,” Peter said; his thoughts still niggled about Mohinder’s guest. He met Claire’s bright eyes and grabbed onto an idle thought. “Sure you don’t need some help in the shower?” Honestly, it sounded much more appealing than making soup. Claire raised an eyebrow at him.
“Ha. There will be plenty of time for that later,” she said teasingly. “For now, we have guests coming.”
Peter groaned and threw on a pair of pajama bottoms lying on the floor. “Alright, alright, soup it is.” Claire chuckled as he sauntered in defeat toward the kitchen.
--
Peter was able to grab a lengthy, toe-tingling kiss from Claire before jumping in the shower himself. She moved to continue with preparing lunch, and as Peter showered, he gave into the lull of the soothing hot water against his skin. His mind drifted, and he wondered about Rena and why he couldn’t reach her anymore.
‘Rena, where are you? Are you content that I can handle this world all on my own now?’ he thought to himself, hoping somewhere inside his mind he’d eventually reach her.
When he heard nothing answer him back, he sighed. After he noticed his prune-looking skin from the length of his shower, he turned off the water and got out. Not being able to reach Rena was bothering him. She couldn’t just disappear, could she? Peter knew she was dead, but he thought she’d be reachable for a while. He still was unsure about these powers. They were far too dangerous and powerful to use without proper instruction.
He grunted as he dried off and dug through their bedroom for some clothes. Thoughts about Rena faded slightly, and Peter realized it wasn’t just Rena that was on his mind; Claire was too.
As much as he liked the good Dr. Suresh, Peter honestly preferred spending more time alone with Claire. Last night had been a considerable turning point, and making love to her had changed his mind about many things.
Admittedly, he knew now that after one taste of Claire, he couldn’t get enough of her.
Peter huffed and looked into the mirror. He let a smile tug the muscles on his face as he remembered Claire’s touch. He almost wanted to make up for all the time she said he lost his memories of them. He truly felt bad about it, even though it was a situation fabricated by Rena’s powers. Still, it was real to Claire, and if he could feel her emotions, it became real to him too.
Peter turned his head to the door when her heard voices out in the dining room. Supposing the doctor was already here, Peter slung a black shirt over his drying hair and took a deep breath before he opened the door.
He hoped this visit was quick because he wanted to spend as much time as he could with Claire.
--
When Peter walked into the dining room, he was expecting Mohinder, but he was not expecting the surprise in front of him.
A bad surprise.
His blood ran cold when he saw him – like he was a ghost coming back to haunt him. Coming back for revenge. Peter swallowed hard as the man in front of him who wore Sylar’s face smiled at his fiancé and shook her hand.
Peter’s first instinct was to grab her out of the way, but when the man turned his soft, calm expression to Peter, he did a double take.
It was definitely Sylar – and yet there was something different about him.
“Ah, Peter, I want you to meet my assistant, Gabriel Gray,” Mohinder introduced. Peter weakly took his hand, unable to stop staring at the man-who-should-be-dead in front of him.
Wait… wasn’t Gabriel Gray Sylar’s birth name?
Gabriel took his hand in a firm grip and shook quickly before releasing it from his warm, sweaty touch. “Peter Petrelli, Dr. Suresh has told me so much about you.” His calm voice felt like sand paper against Peter’s ears, and his empathy couldn’t shake the unease. What was up with this bastard? His jaw clenched automatically after Gabriel smiled congenially at him. Then, Peter’s senses seemed to ebb on overload when the man gave him a sympathetic smile. “I’m sorry to hear about your memory.”
“Uh… thanks. It’s good to meet you too, Gabriel,” Peter answered dumbly, trying very hard to keep his cool and act normally. Claire and Mohinder looked at him, noticing the distress.
He turned to them and weakly made an excuse. “Oh sorry, I just have a lot on my mind. Just woke up,” he said with a sheepish smile. He topped it off with an innocent shrug.
Claire laughed to ease the tension in the room, and she ushered them into the dining room at a perfectly set table. “I hope you guys brought your appetite. I was just thinking soup and salad, but I got a little creative while Peter was in the shower.”
Peter looked at the table filled with soups, sandwiches, salads and corn muffins sitting next to a line of various jams. A candle was lit in the center, and the glasses were all filled with water. Empty coffee cups were laid neatly beside the tops of the dinner plates for dessert later on.
“Wow, Claire, you didn’t have to go to all this trouble,” Mohinder said. Gabriel nodded in agreement next to him. Peter couldn’t help but notice his action.
“Yes, Ms. Bennet, this really is too much. Thank you for your kindness,” Gabriel said, and he waited until Mohinder was seated before he took his place next to him.
Peter felt weird, sick and terribly awkward. There was still something so off about Gabriel. He didn’t know if it was because Sylar was a murderer in his world, or that seeing him so mellow in this world seemed so unnatural. Peter clutched his tensed stomach after he sat down. He really didn’t have an appetite right now, but if he didn’t eat, Mohinder and Claire would become worried.
And he wanted Mohinder and that assistant to leave their suite as soon as possible.
“Peter, could you pass the rolls?” Gabriel asked meekly. Peter’s sour mood intensified. He wanted to chuck the rolls at him, call him out as the dog that he was. But instead, he gave him a forced smile and passed the rolls over. He made sure to pay attention to what rolls he touched or even brushed against with his hand. Peter probably wasn’t going to eat them anyway. He inwardly stewed.
This wasn’t right. How could Sylar be so completely different in this world? Did Peter change him that much with Rena’s powers? The thought horrified and allured him. Was he that powerful that he could change a serial killer into a docile subservient to Dr. Mohinder Suresh?
Moreover, how come Mohinder didn’t see the connection between Sylar and Gabriel? If anyone knew Sylar’s stats and rap sheet, it was Dr. Suresh. But now, he acted as though Gabriel Gray couldn’t even hurt a fly. Unless…
‘No,’ Peter thought.
That was it. The connection between Sylar and Gabriel had been severed. Peter’s powers through Rena had given Sylar a second chance in a life beyond the murderer that he was.
Peter stabbed his fork into his salad and took a few mouthfuls to keep up appearances. He drew his attention away from Gabriel as much as he could, either to gaze longingly at Claire or to pay attention to one of Mohinder’s stuffy remarks.
Despite the warm and cozy atmosphere during lunch, Peter was becoming restless and going crazy inside. He wanted to pull Mohinder aside and warn his friend, but he didn’t know how to tell him. He didn’t know if Mohinder would even believe him if he explained Rena’s powers. However, the geneticist could be in danger, as well as Claire and everyone else, and he might even be too late to warn them.
He didn’t know what to do. He noticed when Claire smiled at him, and he smiled back automatically. However, he was still so torn. One day he was holding out to wish this world back to the way it was, and now that Sylar, or for that matter Gabriel, was here, he wanted nothing more to save this new world that he created.
Knowing that Gabriel was capable of murder was the hardest thing of it all to digest. He doubted his powers. Maybe eventually Gabriel would realize what he could do and revert back to the way he was. The shadowy forgotten villain known as Sylar would just return and wreak havoc on them all.
Peter shuddered.
“Peter, are you okay?” Claire voice held concern and snapped him from his gloomy thoughts.
“Uh, yeah, I just… I got a chill,” he said, and he knew it sounded silly. He took a quick sip of his soup. He turned to Claire and smiled. “Mmm, getting better.”
Claire looked somewhat relieved, but she knew him better than anyone. She knew that something was up. He wasn’t looking forward to that conversation either. He still wasn’t too keen on talking to anyone about Rena, and she was the reason he was so agitated.
Looking into Claire’s concerned face, he knew he was going to have to make something up.
“Peter, I’m glad to see that you’re doing better despite having another memory lapse. I want to help, but I’m not sure what I can really do,” Mohinder chimed in, not seeming to notice the underlying communication between Peter and Claire.
“I’m not sure if there is anything you can do, Doctor. I feel better than ever. I’m starting to remember everything on each day that I wake up,” Peter said, catching Gabriel’s intense concern in the corner of his eye. Peter felt a shiver up his spine. His empathy was in overdrive today. He still didn’t feel secure in Gabriel’s presence, no matter how much he appeared ‘changed’ from the reality shift.
“Well, that’s good to hear. As long as you’re feeling better, and you are sure that this has nothing to do with your powers overloading anymore…”
“Oh, those aren’t a problem anymore,” Peter said confidently, making sure Gabriel felt his enthusiasm too. “I’ve never been more in control of my powers than now.” He smiled with a humble grin. “I only hope I can help Nathan and if he can give me a job.”
Mohinder’s interest perked and he seemed to mirror Peter’s excitement. “That’s good! I’m sure the President can find you something. Matt Parkman is always looking for someone to help him with a side project of Homeland Security. He hasn’t started it up yet because there’s been no one talented enough to take on the responsibility.”
“Side project?” Peter remembered Matt Parkman. He was a telepath he met in Odessa that tried to read his mind after saving Claire. He met him again later with Ted Sprague while he was helping Claire’s dad, Noah Bennet, try to take down the tracking system of the Company. Peter was glad to hear a familiar name – especially a name that was one of the good guys. He shot a quick glance at Gabriel and then back to Mohinder.
Mohinder answered, “Well, it is like Homeland Security in the manner of policy.” He paused, as if he was too excited to tell him but seemed to build suspense anyway. “Matt wants to start an International Security force to contain rogue meta-humans. I’ve heard him mention your name numerous times to head it up when you’re doing better.”
Peter’s jaw dropped, but Claire was quick to celebrate. “Oh Peter, that’s so awesome! You’d be great at that job.”
Peter agreed with a nod, but he was still flabbergasted. Mohinder seemed pleased with his reaction. Gabriel’s smile seemed a little too enthusiastic.
“Wow, well…I don’t know what to say,” Peter said.
“Well, you’ll have to think about it, and think about it quickly too. I called Matt Parkman the other day and told him you were doing better. He’s coming over to visit you later today.” Mohinder grinned but noticed Peter’s grimace. “Is something wrong?” He turned to Claire. “I didn’t over step my bounds.”
Claire gave him a cheeky smile. “Ah, Peter and I were kind of hoping on spending the rest of the afternoon together alone…” Claire’s voice trailed off, and Peter saw Mohinder’s cheeks turn pink.
“Well, I apologize for ah…” Mohinder stammered.
Claire giggled and shook her head. “Don’t worry about it, Mohinder! This is good news, and we’ll definitely be glad to see Matt again. Right, Peter?”
Peter nodded automatically, still not sure on what to think of the job offer.
He swallowed a hard lump, and for a second, tried to reach out to Rena in his mind once again. When he still couldn’t find her, he felt his shoulders slump in resolve.
He supposed that if he was going to accept this world he might as well get a job – especially something he was good at. A powerful ability-sponging empath would be perfect to muffle out international disturbances. Even the most powerful of villains would have some trouble once Peter absorbed their powers after he came within proximity.
He turned to Claire and gave her a genuine smile. She took his hand into hers. “It sounds great. Can’t wait to see him again.”
Mohinder said something agreeable, while Peter continued to revel in Claire’s content expression. In the corner of his eye, however, the gentle smile on Gabriel’s face had disappeared.
--
As Mohinder and his assistant, Gabriel, finally left after lunch, Peter felt a huge weight lift from his stomach. Gabriel’s presence had disturbed him greatly, and even after he was gone, Peter was left with conflicting thoughts.
He still didn’t know if it was wise to at least warn Mohinder of Peter’s situation. Maybe it was smarter to confide in Claire first.
“Well, I wonder if we should get too comfortable,” Claire said, coming up behind him and wrapping her arms around his torso. He felt her head rest against his back. “If Matt is coming over, we might just be interrupted. It’s no telling when he’ll come.”
Peter sighed heavily, and as he turned around, he drew Claire up into his arms and twirled her around, setting her flush against the front door. His lips fell on hers before he could exhale a breath, and she moaned softly in his mouth with need.
She’d been as restless as he; he could tell by the way the heat pulsated between them as their bodies met.
“Peter,” Claire whispered, and Peter snaked his hand down her flowing blue skirt, finding the wetness and pushing his fingers inside as she arched against him.
His lips trailed down her neck like wildfire. His hand pushed under the cup of her bra, and she sighed with urgency as his hand lightly traced languidly over the soft curve.
He growled in her hair, and he could feel his muscles tense. Peter was ready, and so was Claire. His next thought was to drag her to the bed.
Then, the doorbell rang and both of them jumped. Peter snapped his eyes over to Claire, and she immediately pouted.
‘Damn’, Peter thought. Matt Parkman had terrible timing. The doorbell rang again, only adding to the strain on his nerves.
“Coming,” Claire called out, and she started to shift her clothes back into place. Peter walked away, trying to calm the excitement that burgeoned between his legs.
The door opened, and he met the face of an elated Matt Parkman – and the blonde that grinned beside him.
“Well if it isn’t Peter Petrelli, looking healthy as a horse,” Matt joked, and he strode in and clapped Peter on the shoulder and shook his hand.
“Matt Parkman, what a surprise,” Peter said with a wry grin. The telepath was lost on his meaning. Claire laughed softly at the side of the door, and Matt suddenly realized he had missed something.
Audrey folded her arms. “Ah, I see what’s going on here.” She punched Matt playfully in the arm. “You dope. We didn’t have to rush over here once Mohinder had called us.”
Matt stared dumbly at her and then he looked back at Peter and Claire. Peter opened his mind as wide as a canyon to the telepath, who promptly caught the message and blushed.
“Oh sheesh, man, I’m sorry. That sucks. I hate when that happens to us,” Matt said apologetically as Audrey patted him on the shoulder. He looked up at Audrey like a wounded puppy, which only fueled Claire’s laughter.
“It’s totally fine, Matt. You didn’t know, so just come in and make yourself at home,” Claire said, ushering the guests past the door. Her smile and reassurance seemed to cure Matt’s embarrassment.
“I suppose Audrey is right. I shouldn’t have rushed over,” Matt said. He turned to Peter, and he seemed energetic – and happier than Peter had ever seen the former policeman. “But when I heard that you were gonna take the job, Peter, I just had to come over here and thank you, and of course, tell you more about my plans.”
“Wow, Mohinder works fast,” Claire said, pleasantly surprised.
“Well, he did call me,” Matt said, though he looked guilty of something else, “but I will admit to putting a mental tap on his mind. When I talked to Mohinder the other day and he mentioned you were doing better, I just had to keep tabs when he’d see you again and mention the plans.”
“Wait you can mind-tap people?” Peter blanched. “That is seriously not cool, Parkman.”
Matt laughed, and he rubbed his neck nervously after a sigh. “Well, there are pros and cons to it. I discovered things in Mohinder’s mind that have scarred me for life.” He laughed, and it became contagious. Even the no-nonsense Audrey chuckled lightly beside him.
Peter was continually astounded at how happy people were in this world. And now things were great for Matt and Audrey, who had some attraction in the past (or so he felt), but were never able to progress it due to Matt’s wife and dealings with the Company. Peter was relieved that things had changed for the better and they finally looked happy – together.
“Well, listen, we’ll go and you can think more about the job. I’ll be over again some other time, when you call me and I won’t just barge in. Just … think about it and when you’re ready, we can get started.” Matt smiled broadly, his eyes glittering with hope. “There’s so much we’re gonna do, man. We’ll make things a whole lot better.”
“Is that even possible?” Peter turned around and walked toward the window. He looked outside for a moment, but he felt everyone’s eyes upon him.
“According to President Nathan Petrelli, the world is perfect enough already,” Peter said, as his tone laced with light sarcasm. Audrey and Matt seemed unaffected and continued to bask in the joy.
“Well thanks to us, President Petrelli can keep thinking that way, and if he can think that way, so can the rest of the world,” Matt explained proudly.
Matt’s words left Peter with a lot of stirring thoughts after they both departed. Later, he held Claire as she slept and stared at the ceiling, pondering the things to come in this new world.
Peter became too caught up in the euphoria, but it did not deter him away from his bothersome thoughts. Knowing that Sylar was alive as Gabriel still made him uneasy. And seeing him without Rena’s sage advice to guide him was even more unnerving. He wanted to talk to her more than ever, and though he knew he shouldn’t rely on her too much, he really wanted to know if he should tell Claire and Mohinder about Gabriel and Rena’s powers.
He just didn’t know if he could make that decision all on his own.
[Chapter Nine]
