Fic: Fear Not For The Future (Peter/Gabriel) 5/5
Title: Fear Not For The Future (Chapter Five)
Fandom: Heroes
Pairing: Peter/Gabriel
Rating: NC-17
Peter held up a photo of the painting, comparing it to the building. They stood outside the Union Wells High School Physical Education Center. “Well, this is it.” There was shouting and music in the distance. Cars rumbled into the parking lot as students arrived for the big homecoming game.
“I don't see them,” said Mohinder, “Do you think we might be late?”
I don't know. I'm gonna take a look inside. Can you keep an eye out here?”
Gabriel nodded and Peter went inside. As the doors clanked shut an echo reverberated across the school yard, quickly drowned out by the noise from the nearby game. Gabriel stood back in the shadows and scanned the area around them. He spotted two figures heading towards them. He glanced nervously back at the doors where Peter had gone. No time. He placed a hand on Mohinder's shoulder and led him away, deeper into the shadows. “Walk with me,” he whispered. Mohinder's shoulders tensed under his touch.
“What is it?”
“Don't react. They're coming this way.”
Mohinder craned his neck to look. “Why are we walking away then? We need him to find my father.”
If they confronted him now, the girl might scream, bring attention they didn't need. And Gabriel had no idea if the man was armed. Better to wait until Peter was there and the man was alone. “He's with the girl. We'll wait until he's alone. Look they're saying goodbye now.”
The girl hugged the older man, her father, Gabriel guessed.
“Good luck, Claire-bear.”
“Dad,” the girl blushed at the nickname.
“I know, my little girl is all grown up and about to be crowned Homecoming Queen. We couldn't be prouder. Your mom and I will be cheering you on from the bleachers.”
“Thanks, Dad. I better get inside before Jackie gets any ideas about that crown.”
“After that black-eye you gave her, she wouldn't dare,” he replied, a tiny smile tugging the corners of his mouth.
Claire grinned, shaking her head. She ran off towards the doors. She turned slightly just before entering and gave a small wave over her shoulder. The man adjusted his horn-rimmed glasses and waited until she was out of sight, then headed to the field.
Gabriel turned to Mohinder. “Get Peter, I'll follow. Hurry.”
Mohinder nodded and ran off towards the doors. Gabriel followed the man, staying several yards behind and sticking to the shadows as much as he could. When they reached the throng of cheering students, bright lights flooded the field and bleachers. Gabriel had no choice but to walk out in the open. He snatched a small flag from a passerby and did his best to blend. The man stopped to scan the bleachers, looking for someone.
A hand tugged on the sleeve of his black coat and Gabriel turned to find Peter flushed and breathless. Mohinder was right behind him. “We ran as fast as we could. Is he...?”
“Over there,” Gabriel gestured.
Peter straightened and narrowed his eyes. Peter looked ready to attack. So did Mohinder. “There's too many people around. How are we going to get him alone?”
Gabriel smirked. “Leave that to me.” He stalked forward, pushing his way through the students. The man was waving at someone in the bleachers, when the crowd suddenly stood erupting in cheers, whistles, and applause. He turned to face the field and smiled proudly. Gabriel nonchalantly stepped beside him, pretending to watch the cheerleaders as they bounded out onto the field. He leaned closer to the man so he could be heard, “We need to talk.” Gabriel reached out with his telekinesis, holding him in place.
The man struggled against his invisible bonds. Through gritted teeth he asked, “Do I know you?”
“No, but I believe we have a mutual acquaintance. Dr. Chandra Suresh.” Gabriel saw a flash of recognition in the man's eyes and knew that they had the right guy. “Let's take this someplace more... private.”
“I'm not going anywhere with you.”
Gabriel tightened his grip, just quickly enough to wind the man, to let him know he was in no position to barter. “That's your daughter on the field isn't it? Cute girl, shame if something were to happen to her.”
Gabriel felt Peter grab his shoulder. “Gabe,” he hissed in his ear. A plead. A warning.
“Don't- I'll go,” the man said. Gabriel gave him a push with his telekinesis and led him to a secluded spot behind the bleachers.
As soon as they were out of sight, Mohinder rushed the man, ramming him into the metal support bars beneath the bleachers. “What have you done with my father? Where's Chandra Suresh?”
In a placating gesture, the man held up his hands. “I don't know any Dr. Suresh. You've got the wrong guy. I'm just a paper salesman.”
“Wrong answer,” said Gabriel. He tightened an invisible grip around the man's throat.
Peter grabbed his arm, throwing off his concentration. His eyes were all fire and fury. “He can't talk if you're choking him!”
The man coughed, rubbing his throat. “Maybe you should listen to the kid.”
Just the tiniest flicker of fear passed his eyes as Gabriel pushed Mohinder aside and stepped closer. He reached into the man's jacket searching his pockets. He pulled out a wallet, stepped back, and opened it. “Noah Bennet.” Gabriel cocked his head bemusedly. “Wouldn't have figured you for a Noah.” He flipped the wallet shut and tossed it to Mohinder. “So, Noah, we're going to try this again. Is Dr. Suresh still alive?”
Bennet remained silent. Mohinder watched intently, every fear and emotion clearly written on his face. Gabriel glanced at Peter, a question. Peter crossed his arms, his thoughts closely guarded. A heavy sigh and his eyes closed as he turned his back. Permission.
Bennet's toes scraped along the dirt as he was lifted. He clutched his throat and struggled to breathe. Finally the answer they'd been hoping for, “Yes.”
Mohinder's cry of relief was audible. Gabriel set Bennet back down, but held him in place just enough to keep him from running. Peter suddenly grabbed the collar of Bennet's jacket, startling all three of them. His face was cold, unreadable... dangerous. A chill ran down Gabriel's spine and something deep inside of him growled hungrily.
“Where is he,” demanded Peter.
“He's safe. Dr. Suresh has been doing some... research for us.”
“That wasn't my question.”
Gabriel gave him a little encouraging nudge.
“He's close,” Bennet gasped.
“Take us to him.”
Bennet nodded, giving in.
They escorted Bennet back to their rental car. Mohinder drove while Peter sat in the passenger seat nervously watching Gabriel and Bennet through the rearview mirror. They pulled into the parking lot of Primatech. Peter looked at the building skeptically.
It was after hours, the building was locked up for the night. Bennet got them inside and past the lone security guard. If the company was only a facade, it was a very good one. From the outside in it looked like any ordinary office building. Peter expected a shady organization to be more... shady. Bennet delivered when he used his pass key to reveal their secret offices.
“What is this place?”
Bennet answered Peter with a sideways glance. A door opened ahead of them and a man stepped out. He stood unmoving, blocking their path, his dark gaze sharp and penetrating. Defensively, Gabriel directed a burst of telekinetic energy at the man, but he remained unaffected. Gabriel tried again, concentrating harder, but still nothing. Bennet stepped away from them, joining the Haitian man's side. He smirked. “Your powers won't work here.”
Peter whipped around, but an armed guard had arrived blocking their retreat.
“Take care of them.” Peter heard Bennet's voice order. He was keenly aware of the footsteps approaching behind them and the gun trained on Gabriel. They were trapped. Peter stepped protectively in front of Gabriel. He didn't see the dark hands clutch Gabriel's head, until it was too late. Peter caught him as he fell. From the floor, he glared up at the Haitian and Bennet. Peter had no time to react before the Haitian placed a hand on his face too. Peter felt a strange sort static in his mind. The Haitian's eyes widened before he yanked his hand away. Silently he exchanged a confused glance with Bennet. Bennet shrugged and nodded to someone behind them. Peter yelped as something painfully pricked his neck. He only caught a brief glance of a petite woman with a pixie haircut holding a tranquilizer gun, before the world went blurry and he slumped onto the hard floor with Gabriel.
* * *
Gabriel was the first to claw his way back to consciousness. Cold concrete pressed against his back. A draft tickled his bare feet. He opened his eyes and squinted against the lights shining overhead. He turned his head and found Peter asleep nearby. He rolled over and crawled toward Peter. He was still breathing, still alive. He looked unharmed, apart from being unconscious. He gently caressed Peter's cheek and whispered his name. When he didn't stir, Gabriel tried a slightly firmer slap.
A light came on from the large window separating their cell from the room beyond. Gabriel looked up to find Bennet watching over them. “You might as well save your energy, you're friend won't be waking up for a few hours. I'm afraid we had to tranq him.”
Gabriel sneered and tried lashing out with his powers, but found they were still incapacitated. Instead, he growled, “When I get out of here-“
“You'll what? Fix my watch? I've read your file, Gabriel. Gabriel Gray the Watchmaker.”
Gabriel stood up and approached the window slowly. “I restore timepieces. Do you know why I'm so good at it?
“No, why don't you tell me.”
“Because I can see how things work. What makes things... tick. Like you.”
“We're interested in how things work as well. Everyone else we've... met has had only one ability. The two of you have the ability to take on several.”
Gabriel wondered which Suresh had betrayed them. “I guess that's what makes us special.”
“Hmm,” replied Bennet, “We'll soon see.” The door to their cell opened and a man in a white lab coat raised a tranquilizer gun and fired. Gabriel pulled the needle out and let it drop to the floor. The room spun as he fought to stay conscious. He stumbled towards the man, but a second shot did him in. He fell hard onto his knees and the world went black.
* * *
Peter woke, alone, in the dark. He sat up, rubbing his sore neck. A ray of light trickled in through a small grate. Peter blinked as his eyes adjusted to the dim light. Drab concrete walls surrounded him on all sides. He was in cell of some kind, bare except for a single bed and sink. He reached up to the bed and pulled himself up. The concrete was cold against his feet and Peter noticed that his clothes had been changed. The floor swayed as if he was at sea and Peter gripped the edge of the bed for support. He jumped as the lights suddenly clicked on and a door banged open. Two men gripped Gabriel by the arms. He was dressed in white like Peter. His feet dragged limply across the floor as the two men carried him inside. They were followed by Bennet, who kept a tranquilizer gun aimed at Peter. Peter scrambled back as they deposited the watchmaker onto the bed. Bennet stayed as the men walked out. Peter rushed to Gabriel's side. His eyes were blood shot and dilated, staring out unseeing. They'd shaved his head. Peter cradled his face with shaky hands. He glared at Bennet. “What did you do to him?”
“Oh, you'll find out soon enough.” Bennet smiled as he backed out. The door closed, locking them in, and Peter turned back to Gabriel.
He ran a hand through Gabriel's freshly cropped hair and stared into eyes that should never be so vacant. “I'm so sorry, Gabriel.” If he hadn't taken them to see Isaac... or if he'd at least taken more time to plan... or called the police, instead of rushing in trying to save the day like some kind of hero... Peter closed his eyes, fighting back the tears and guilt. He had to stay strong, for Gabriel and Mohinder. He wondered where the geneticist was, if he was being held in a cell nearby, if he was even alive. He pushed that thought away. They were going to get out alive, all of them.
Peter walked around the bed and slipped behind Gabriel. He wrapped an arm across his chest and pulled him close. He lay there, face pressed against his lover's neck, and waited.
An hour... maybe more, maybe less, Peter couldn't be certain... had passed before he felt Gabriel stir in his arms. Peter scooted back, letting Gabriel shift onto his back so he could see his face. Gabriel blinked at him groggily. “Peter?” His voice was hoarse.
Peter nodded. “I'm here.” He placed a hand over Gabriel's heart and smiled as comfortingly as he could. Gabriel lifted his arm weakly and brushed his fingers across Peter's cheek.
“Don't...” Gabriel shook his head. “Don't let them-“
Peter's heart ached as Gabriel tried to choke out his plea. Peter shook his head determinedly. “I won't let them take you again. I promise.”
“No.” Gabriel tugged on a strand of hair that hand fallen over Peter's face. “Don't let them cut your hair.”
Peter stared at him in disbelief. He was torn between laughing and crying. He settled on kissing him. “Are you okay?”
Gabriel nodded. “Can't feel a thing, like I'm floating on air.”
“They really pumped you full of drugs didn't they? Can you sit up?” Gabriel looked thoughtful for a moment, then shook his head. Peter settled back down onto the bed. He whispered, “We need a plan.”
* * *
“Well, isn't that touching?” Bennet adjusted his glasses and a sliver of light reflected off the lenses. Eden said nothing. The observatory was darkened, so they could not be seen. The two prisoners held each other close, exchanging hushed words. Eden averted her gaze. It seemed accessively cruel to her, what they were doing. She wasn't sure how much more of this life she could take. This life that wasn't hers. This life that she'd been forced into. She smirked, thinking it ironic. A new life was what she had always dreamed of and that's exactly what they had given her... a chance to start again, to re-write the past, to do better. It might not have been so bad, if it weren't for all the kidnapping and forced human experimentation. Erasing their memories of the whole thing, that was probably the worst part of it. Control was very important to her and the thought that she could be so easily manipulated, that the same could be done to her, made Eden shudder. It was also what kept her in line.
Bennet sighed and turned away. “Why don't you see how our new guest is settling in?”
Eden nodded and gladly left the room. Her shoes clicked noisily across the linoleum floor as she made her way down the hall to the office Mohinder was being held in. It was locked, of course, and she used her pass key to get in.
Mohinder was peering over his father's shoulder at something on the computer in front of them. When Mohinder glanced up at the door, for a second, he almost looked happy to see Eden. It was fleeting though and his expression quickly changed to a scowl.
“Eden,” he greeted curtly.
“Hi, Mohinder,” Eden replied softly. She smiled at Chandra. “Papa Suresh.”
Chandra sat back, pinching the bridge of his nose, tiredly. “If Mr. Bennet has sent you here for my research, I don't have anything new for him yet.”
“I'm just here to see how Mohinder is settling in, if you need anything?”
“Oh, how very kind of you,” Mohinder replied sarcastically.
Eden folded her arms. “It wasn't my choice to hold you here.”
“Then let us go,” said Mohinder.
Eden bit her lip. What if she did? What if she just let them go? What if she went with them? She could start over... again. The idea was a bit thrilling.
“Okay.”
Mohinder was taken aback. “What?”
“I'll get you out of here.”
Mohinder stepped closer, studying her skeptically. “And why would you do that?”
“I have my reasons. There is a condition.”
Mohinder narrowed his eyes. “And that would be?”
Eden smiled. “You take me with you.”
* * *
Peter helped Gabriel up into a sitting position. Gabriel clutched his head. “How are you feeling?”
Gabriel gave him a look. “Like I've been pumped full of tranquilizers and tested on.”
“What did they do to you?”
Gabriel shook his head, then instantly regretted it. “It's kind of fuzzy. They had me on a table, like they use in surgery, it was cold. There was a bright light overhead and they had me hooked to a machine.”
Peter spotted a bruise on gabriel's arm. He carefully lifted the arm to get a better look. He brushed his fingers gently around the small bruise. “Looks like they took blood.” Peter kissed the arm before giving it back to Gabriel. “What do they want from us?”
“He said... they want to know how we work, how our abilities work.”
“That explains why they took Suresh.” Peter hopped off the bed and walked over to the sink.
“You think he's still alive.”
“They're keeping us alive, that's got to be a good sign.” He turned the water on and splashed it onto his face. He slicked back his hair and turned to face Gabriel. He leaned back against the hard porcelain.
Gabriel looked around the cell. “So... what do we do now?”
Peter replied grimly, “We wait.”
“Right. But until then…”
“There's not a whole lot in here.”
“There's a bed.”
Peter walked back towards Gabriel shaking his head. “You can't even stand up straight.”
“Who said anything about standing?” Gabriel got a thoughtful look. “Although, that might be something to explore another time...”
Peter's legs bumped into the bed, as he stepped between Gabriel's parted knees. He placed his hands on the watchmaker's hips. “They're probably watching us.”
“Then let's give them something to watch.” Gabriel pulled him in for a kiss.
Peter let himself get lost in the kiss for awhile. It was nice, comforting. He could close his eyes and pretend they were home, just them, no one else, and that everything was okay. It felt so good, he didn't want to stop.
But he had to. He pulled back. “We can't.”
Gabriel sighed. “I know.”
Peter rested his forehead against Gabriel's and closed his eyes. Gabriel's hand grasped his neck.
“We're going to get out of this. I promise.”
Peter believed him.
* * *
Eden knocked on the door. There was no answer, but that was to be expected. It was unlocked, so she let herself in. The Haitian was sitting in the middle of the room on the floor. His eyes were shut and his arms lay limply in his lap. He looked asleep, but Eden knew better. She stepped closer and he opened his eyes. He raised a questioning brow. Eden held up the blue mug in her hand. “Thought you could use some coffee to help keep you awake?” They used the Haitian to block the prisoners' from using their powers. But he had to be conscious for it to work. The Haitian stretched as he stood and took the mug from her gratefully. Eden smiled as he took a sip. “Just the way you like it.”
It happened quickly. The Haitian stumbled back. The mug fell from his hands and shattered on the floor. He gripped the side of a desk as his knees buckled. He stared at Eden accusingly, before dropping into unconsciousness.
Eden prodded his side gently with the toe of her shoe. He didn't stir. “Sorry, but it was the only way.” She turned to leave, but paused to glance over her shoulder. “It's been fun.” She closed the door and headed to the cell. “Not.”
* * *
They had formulated a plan. It was a rather flimsy plan, as far as plans go, but it was the only one they had. The drugs had worn off enough that Gabriel could stand without falling over. They waited near the door and the next time it opened Peter was ready. He rushed at the person entering, slamming them against the concrete wall. The young woman gasped as she hit the wall. Peter looked at the girl in surprise, but didn't loosen his grip. She tried to raise her gun, but it was ripped from her hand and flew through the air.
Gabriel studied the gun. “Interesting. Guess I can use my powers now.” He flashed a predatory smile. He looked no less threatening as he staggered closer. Gabriel narrowed his eyes. “Say, I know you, don't I?”
“Eden,” she spat, “I was Suresh's neighbor.”
“That's right. So you were spying on him.”
Eden shrugged.
Peter glanced at the empty hallway. “You're alone?”
“What does it look like?”
Gabriel aimed the gun at her. Peter released her, knowing she couldn't run.
“You're not going to use that. You're going to hand it over to me.” Eden actually looked surprised when Gabriel didn't comply.
“No, you're going to help us escape.”
Eden rolled her eyes. “Idiots. That's what I'm trying to do.”
Peter and Gabriel exchanged glances.
“I like Papa Suresh and Mohinder. I don't like seeing them held against their will. You two... I don't care about so much, but Mohinder won't leave without you.” Reluctantly she added, “And we might need your powers.”
“Good to be needed, I guess.”
Eden tugged on Peter's arm. “Are we escaping or not?” They followed her out into the hall. It was empty, but Eden's nervous glances told him it wouldn't stay that way for long. She led them to another door and used a pass key to open it. Mohinder and Chandra were waiting inside, arms filled with folders and loose papers, Suresh's missing research.
“Suresh!”
Chandra smiled, “Gabriel. It is very good to see you. Both of you.”
“You can catch up over tea later, guys, right now we gotta go.”
They were almost to the door that led out of the secret offices when the alarm sounded.
“Crap,” Eden exclaimed. She tried her pass key, but the building had gone into lockdown. Gabriel pushed her aside. Sparks flew from the security panel as the door was blown off its hinges.
Footsteps sounded behind them as a guard barreled down on them, gun drawn. He fired. Gabriel waved his hand and the man was thrown against the wall.
“Gabe?”
Gabriel turned. Peter was looking down at his stomach. A bright red stain was spreading across his white shirt. Peter touched the blood, then looked up at Gabriel with wide watery eyes. He opened his mouth to say something, but choked on the words. He fell to his knees.
Gabriel ran to him. He gripped Peter's arms, keeping him upright.
“I'm sorry.” The words were barely audible. Sorry for what? Making me care about you, love you, and then leaving me? Alone. Again.
No, no, no, no! Gabriel had made a promise. This couldn't happen. If he'd been faster, he could have stopped the bullets. Why hadn't he stopped the bullets? There was so much blood. Gabriel concentrated on the wound, using his telekinesis to stop the blood flow. Peter gasped and passed out.
Eden ran a hand through her hair. “Shit. We have to go, I'm sorry, but we have to go. Now.”
“We're not leaving him,” Gabriel snarled.
Mohinder leaned down next to them. “We're not.” Gabriel nodded, took a deep breath, and lifted Peter up into his arms. Mohinder held his arm, bracing him as they stood.
Eden led them through the building and out a back way where a car waited for them. Mohinder helped Gabriel get Peter into the car. Chandra sat up front with Eden. The tires squealed as Eden peeled away from Primatech.
“We need to get him to a hospital,” exclaimed Mohinder. Peter was slumped in the seat, his head lolling to one side. He was deathly pale. Gabriel ripped his shirt open. Blood was still spilling out despite his efforts to keep the wound close.
“What are you doing,” gasped Mohinder.
Gabriel held his hand just above the wound. “I have to get the bullet out, it's in the way.” If he could get the bullet out, maybe, if was careful, if he concentrated hard enough, he could put things back the way they were suppose be. Long enough, at least, to keep Peter from bleeding to death until they could get him help.
“What? No, you can't-”
“There's no time.” Gabriel focused on the bullet, willing it to his hand. Peter's eyes shot open and he screamed. The bullet came free. Gabriel caught it in his hand. Peter panted, his eyes darting wildly around the car.
Gabriel looked down to inspect the wound. He blinked. The flesh was knitting itself back together. Within seconds it was completely healed. Gabriel ran his fingers over the smooth skin. He looked up at Peter, who looked just as shocked as Gabriel.
“How did you-?”
“I don't know.”
Gabriel shook his head. “Well, whoever you picked up that power from? Remind me to send them a thank you note.”
“Yeah, me too.” Peter coughed.
Gabriel pocketed the bullet, then slipped his hand behind Peter to rub his back as he coughed. Peter wiped his mouth and smiled gratefully up at him. Gabriel leaned over, brushing back Peter's hair and kissed him gently. He didn't think Peter would ever stop amazing him. He prayed so.
Stunned, Mohinder said, “I guess we won't need that hospital after all.”
They did however stop long enough to get Peter and Gabriel something less conspicuous and bloodstained, after which Eden drove them to the airport, at about 90 miles per hour. With Eden behind the wheel, Gabriel wasn't sure their lives were in any less danger. They left the car in the loading zone and rushed inside. Peter was still a bit wobbly, so Gabriel kept an arm around his waist. He watched enviously as Eden used her powers of persuasion to get them onto the next flight out.
Peter glanced at Mohinder and his father. He smiled. “We did it.”
Gabriel smiled back. “We did.”
Peter sighed, leaning into Gabriel. “Let's go home.”
* * *
Peter tucked his feet under him on Suresh's couch, leaning his head tiredly on Gabriel's shoulder. Mohinder and Eden stood off to the side, while Chandra poured them each a cup of tea.
Eden smiled as she took a sip. “You always make the best chai, Papa Suresh.”
Chandra smiled kindly. “Thank you, Eden.” The words expressed gratitude for so much more.
“They'll come after us, won't they,” Gabriel voiced all of their fears.
“I don't think they'll bother with you two. You're not important to them.”
Gabriel bristled.
Eden turned to Chandra. “You on the other hand...”
Chandra nodded. “I must leave New York.”
“Where will you go?”
“I think I'll travel. There are many more people with abilities yet to be found.” Chandra looked at his son, questioningly.
“I'm going to stay. Finish what you started here. There are still people to be helped... An entire city.” Mohinder looked at Peter and Gabriel meaningfully.
Peter nodded. He had a feeling they were going to need all the help they could get to stop the impending explosion.
“And you two,” asked Eden.
Peter and Gabriel exchanged a look. Peter replied, “We're going to save the world.”
* * *
Fandom: Heroes
Pairing: Peter/Gabriel
Rating: NC-17
Peter held up a photo of the painting, comparing it to the building. They stood outside the Union Wells High School Physical Education Center. “Well, this is it.” There was shouting and music in the distance. Cars rumbled into the parking lot as students arrived for the big homecoming game.
“I don't see them,” said Mohinder, “Do you think we might be late?”
I don't know. I'm gonna take a look inside. Can you keep an eye out here?”
Gabriel nodded and Peter went inside. As the doors clanked shut an echo reverberated across the school yard, quickly drowned out by the noise from the nearby game. Gabriel stood back in the shadows and scanned the area around them. He spotted two figures heading towards them. He glanced nervously back at the doors where Peter had gone. No time. He placed a hand on Mohinder's shoulder and led him away, deeper into the shadows. “Walk with me,” he whispered. Mohinder's shoulders tensed under his touch.
“What is it?”
“Don't react. They're coming this way.”
Mohinder craned his neck to look. “Why are we walking away then? We need him to find my father.”
If they confronted him now, the girl might scream, bring attention they didn't need. And Gabriel had no idea if the man was armed. Better to wait until Peter was there and the man was alone. “He's with the girl. We'll wait until he's alone. Look they're saying goodbye now.”
The girl hugged the older man, her father, Gabriel guessed.
“Good luck, Claire-bear.”
“Dad,” the girl blushed at the nickname.
“I know, my little girl is all grown up and about to be crowned Homecoming Queen. We couldn't be prouder. Your mom and I will be cheering you on from the bleachers.”
“Thanks, Dad. I better get inside before Jackie gets any ideas about that crown.”
“After that black-eye you gave her, she wouldn't dare,” he replied, a tiny smile tugging the corners of his mouth.
Claire grinned, shaking her head. She ran off towards the doors. She turned slightly just before entering and gave a small wave over her shoulder. The man adjusted his horn-rimmed glasses and waited until she was out of sight, then headed to the field.
Gabriel turned to Mohinder. “Get Peter, I'll follow. Hurry.”
Mohinder nodded and ran off towards the doors. Gabriel followed the man, staying several yards behind and sticking to the shadows as much as he could. When they reached the throng of cheering students, bright lights flooded the field and bleachers. Gabriel had no choice but to walk out in the open. He snatched a small flag from a passerby and did his best to blend. The man stopped to scan the bleachers, looking for someone.
A hand tugged on the sleeve of his black coat and Gabriel turned to find Peter flushed and breathless. Mohinder was right behind him. “We ran as fast as we could. Is he...?”
“Over there,” Gabriel gestured.
Peter straightened and narrowed his eyes. Peter looked ready to attack. So did Mohinder. “There's too many people around. How are we going to get him alone?”
Gabriel smirked. “Leave that to me.” He stalked forward, pushing his way through the students. The man was waving at someone in the bleachers, when the crowd suddenly stood erupting in cheers, whistles, and applause. He turned to face the field and smiled proudly. Gabriel nonchalantly stepped beside him, pretending to watch the cheerleaders as they bounded out onto the field. He leaned closer to the man so he could be heard, “We need to talk.” Gabriel reached out with his telekinesis, holding him in place.
The man struggled against his invisible bonds. Through gritted teeth he asked, “Do I know you?”
“No, but I believe we have a mutual acquaintance. Dr. Chandra Suresh.” Gabriel saw a flash of recognition in the man's eyes and knew that they had the right guy. “Let's take this someplace more... private.”
“I'm not going anywhere with you.”
Gabriel tightened his grip, just quickly enough to wind the man, to let him know he was in no position to barter. “That's your daughter on the field isn't it? Cute girl, shame if something were to happen to her.”
Gabriel felt Peter grab his shoulder. “Gabe,” he hissed in his ear. A plead. A warning.
“Don't- I'll go,” the man said. Gabriel gave him a push with his telekinesis and led him to a secluded spot behind the bleachers.
As soon as they were out of sight, Mohinder rushed the man, ramming him into the metal support bars beneath the bleachers. “What have you done with my father? Where's Chandra Suresh?”
In a placating gesture, the man held up his hands. “I don't know any Dr. Suresh. You've got the wrong guy. I'm just a paper salesman.”
“Wrong answer,” said Gabriel. He tightened an invisible grip around the man's throat.
Peter grabbed his arm, throwing off his concentration. His eyes were all fire and fury. “He can't talk if you're choking him!”
The man coughed, rubbing his throat. “Maybe you should listen to the kid.”
Just the tiniest flicker of fear passed his eyes as Gabriel pushed Mohinder aside and stepped closer. He reached into the man's jacket searching his pockets. He pulled out a wallet, stepped back, and opened it. “Noah Bennet.” Gabriel cocked his head bemusedly. “Wouldn't have figured you for a Noah.” He flipped the wallet shut and tossed it to Mohinder. “So, Noah, we're going to try this again. Is Dr. Suresh still alive?”
Bennet remained silent. Mohinder watched intently, every fear and emotion clearly written on his face. Gabriel glanced at Peter, a question. Peter crossed his arms, his thoughts closely guarded. A heavy sigh and his eyes closed as he turned his back. Permission.
Bennet's toes scraped along the dirt as he was lifted. He clutched his throat and struggled to breathe. Finally the answer they'd been hoping for, “Yes.”
Mohinder's cry of relief was audible. Gabriel set Bennet back down, but held him in place just enough to keep him from running. Peter suddenly grabbed the collar of Bennet's jacket, startling all three of them. His face was cold, unreadable... dangerous. A chill ran down Gabriel's spine and something deep inside of him growled hungrily.
“Where is he,” demanded Peter.
“He's safe. Dr. Suresh has been doing some... research for us.”
“That wasn't my question.”
Gabriel gave him a little encouraging nudge.
“He's close,” Bennet gasped.
“Take us to him.”
Bennet nodded, giving in.
They escorted Bennet back to their rental car. Mohinder drove while Peter sat in the passenger seat nervously watching Gabriel and Bennet through the rearview mirror. They pulled into the parking lot of Primatech. Peter looked at the building skeptically.
It was after hours, the building was locked up for the night. Bennet got them inside and past the lone security guard. If the company was only a facade, it was a very good one. From the outside in it looked like any ordinary office building. Peter expected a shady organization to be more... shady. Bennet delivered when he used his pass key to reveal their secret offices.
“What is this place?”
Bennet answered Peter with a sideways glance. A door opened ahead of them and a man stepped out. He stood unmoving, blocking their path, his dark gaze sharp and penetrating. Defensively, Gabriel directed a burst of telekinetic energy at the man, but he remained unaffected. Gabriel tried again, concentrating harder, but still nothing. Bennet stepped away from them, joining the Haitian man's side. He smirked. “Your powers won't work here.”
Peter whipped around, but an armed guard had arrived blocking their retreat.
“Take care of them.” Peter heard Bennet's voice order. He was keenly aware of the footsteps approaching behind them and the gun trained on Gabriel. They were trapped. Peter stepped protectively in front of Gabriel. He didn't see the dark hands clutch Gabriel's head, until it was too late. Peter caught him as he fell. From the floor, he glared up at the Haitian and Bennet. Peter had no time to react before the Haitian placed a hand on his face too. Peter felt a strange sort static in his mind. The Haitian's eyes widened before he yanked his hand away. Silently he exchanged a confused glance with Bennet. Bennet shrugged and nodded to someone behind them. Peter yelped as something painfully pricked his neck. He only caught a brief glance of a petite woman with a pixie haircut holding a tranquilizer gun, before the world went blurry and he slumped onto the hard floor with Gabriel.
* * *
Gabriel was the first to claw his way back to consciousness. Cold concrete pressed against his back. A draft tickled his bare feet. He opened his eyes and squinted against the lights shining overhead. He turned his head and found Peter asleep nearby. He rolled over and crawled toward Peter. He was still breathing, still alive. He looked unharmed, apart from being unconscious. He gently caressed Peter's cheek and whispered his name. When he didn't stir, Gabriel tried a slightly firmer slap.
A light came on from the large window separating their cell from the room beyond. Gabriel looked up to find Bennet watching over them. “You might as well save your energy, you're friend won't be waking up for a few hours. I'm afraid we had to tranq him.”
Gabriel sneered and tried lashing out with his powers, but found they were still incapacitated. Instead, he growled, “When I get out of here-“
“You'll what? Fix my watch? I've read your file, Gabriel. Gabriel Gray the Watchmaker.”
Gabriel stood up and approached the window slowly. “I restore timepieces. Do you know why I'm so good at it?
“No, why don't you tell me.”
“Because I can see how things work. What makes things... tick. Like you.”
“We're interested in how things work as well. Everyone else we've... met has had only one ability. The two of you have the ability to take on several.”
Gabriel wondered which Suresh had betrayed them. “I guess that's what makes us special.”
“Hmm,” replied Bennet, “We'll soon see.” The door to their cell opened and a man in a white lab coat raised a tranquilizer gun and fired. Gabriel pulled the needle out and let it drop to the floor. The room spun as he fought to stay conscious. He stumbled towards the man, but a second shot did him in. He fell hard onto his knees and the world went black.
* * *
Peter woke, alone, in the dark. He sat up, rubbing his sore neck. A ray of light trickled in through a small grate. Peter blinked as his eyes adjusted to the dim light. Drab concrete walls surrounded him on all sides. He was in cell of some kind, bare except for a single bed and sink. He reached up to the bed and pulled himself up. The concrete was cold against his feet and Peter noticed that his clothes had been changed. The floor swayed as if he was at sea and Peter gripped the edge of the bed for support. He jumped as the lights suddenly clicked on and a door banged open. Two men gripped Gabriel by the arms. He was dressed in white like Peter. His feet dragged limply across the floor as the two men carried him inside. They were followed by Bennet, who kept a tranquilizer gun aimed at Peter. Peter scrambled back as they deposited the watchmaker onto the bed. Bennet stayed as the men walked out. Peter rushed to Gabriel's side. His eyes were blood shot and dilated, staring out unseeing. They'd shaved his head. Peter cradled his face with shaky hands. He glared at Bennet. “What did you do to him?”
“Oh, you'll find out soon enough.” Bennet smiled as he backed out. The door closed, locking them in, and Peter turned back to Gabriel.
He ran a hand through Gabriel's freshly cropped hair and stared into eyes that should never be so vacant. “I'm so sorry, Gabriel.” If he hadn't taken them to see Isaac... or if he'd at least taken more time to plan... or called the police, instead of rushing in trying to save the day like some kind of hero... Peter closed his eyes, fighting back the tears and guilt. He had to stay strong, for Gabriel and Mohinder. He wondered where the geneticist was, if he was being held in a cell nearby, if he was even alive. He pushed that thought away. They were going to get out alive, all of them.
Peter walked around the bed and slipped behind Gabriel. He wrapped an arm across his chest and pulled him close. He lay there, face pressed against his lover's neck, and waited.
An hour... maybe more, maybe less, Peter couldn't be certain... had passed before he felt Gabriel stir in his arms. Peter scooted back, letting Gabriel shift onto his back so he could see his face. Gabriel blinked at him groggily. “Peter?” His voice was hoarse.
Peter nodded. “I'm here.” He placed a hand over Gabriel's heart and smiled as comfortingly as he could. Gabriel lifted his arm weakly and brushed his fingers across Peter's cheek.
“Don't...” Gabriel shook his head. “Don't let them-“
Peter's heart ached as Gabriel tried to choke out his plea. Peter shook his head determinedly. “I won't let them take you again. I promise.”
“No.” Gabriel tugged on a strand of hair that hand fallen over Peter's face. “Don't let them cut your hair.”
Peter stared at him in disbelief. He was torn between laughing and crying. He settled on kissing him. “Are you okay?”
Gabriel nodded. “Can't feel a thing, like I'm floating on air.”
“They really pumped you full of drugs didn't they? Can you sit up?” Gabriel looked thoughtful for a moment, then shook his head. Peter settled back down onto the bed. He whispered, “We need a plan.”
* * *
“Well, isn't that touching?” Bennet adjusted his glasses and a sliver of light reflected off the lenses. Eden said nothing. The observatory was darkened, so they could not be seen. The two prisoners held each other close, exchanging hushed words. Eden averted her gaze. It seemed accessively cruel to her, what they were doing. She wasn't sure how much more of this life she could take. This life that wasn't hers. This life that she'd been forced into. She smirked, thinking it ironic. A new life was what she had always dreamed of and that's exactly what they had given her... a chance to start again, to re-write the past, to do better. It might not have been so bad, if it weren't for all the kidnapping and forced human experimentation. Erasing their memories of the whole thing, that was probably the worst part of it. Control was very important to her and the thought that she could be so easily manipulated, that the same could be done to her, made Eden shudder. It was also what kept her in line.
Bennet sighed and turned away. “Why don't you see how our new guest is settling in?”
Eden nodded and gladly left the room. Her shoes clicked noisily across the linoleum floor as she made her way down the hall to the office Mohinder was being held in. It was locked, of course, and she used her pass key to get in.
Mohinder was peering over his father's shoulder at something on the computer in front of them. When Mohinder glanced up at the door, for a second, he almost looked happy to see Eden. It was fleeting though and his expression quickly changed to a scowl.
“Eden,” he greeted curtly.
“Hi, Mohinder,” Eden replied softly. She smiled at Chandra. “Papa Suresh.”
Chandra sat back, pinching the bridge of his nose, tiredly. “If Mr. Bennet has sent you here for my research, I don't have anything new for him yet.”
“I'm just here to see how Mohinder is settling in, if you need anything?”
“Oh, how very kind of you,” Mohinder replied sarcastically.
Eden folded her arms. “It wasn't my choice to hold you here.”
“Then let us go,” said Mohinder.
Eden bit her lip. What if she did? What if she just let them go? What if she went with them? She could start over... again. The idea was a bit thrilling.
“Okay.”
Mohinder was taken aback. “What?”
“I'll get you out of here.”
Mohinder stepped closer, studying her skeptically. “And why would you do that?”
“I have my reasons. There is a condition.”
Mohinder narrowed his eyes. “And that would be?”
Eden smiled. “You take me with you.”
* * *
Peter helped Gabriel up into a sitting position. Gabriel clutched his head. “How are you feeling?”
Gabriel gave him a look. “Like I've been pumped full of tranquilizers and tested on.”
“What did they do to you?”
Gabriel shook his head, then instantly regretted it. “It's kind of fuzzy. They had me on a table, like they use in surgery, it was cold. There was a bright light overhead and they had me hooked to a machine.”
Peter spotted a bruise on gabriel's arm. He carefully lifted the arm to get a better look. He brushed his fingers gently around the small bruise. “Looks like they took blood.” Peter kissed the arm before giving it back to Gabriel. “What do they want from us?”
“He said... they want to know how we work, how our abilities work.”
“That explains why they took Suresh.” Peter hopped off the bed and walked over to the sink.
“You think he's still alive.”
“They're keeping us alive, that's got to be a good sign.” He turned the water on and splashed it onto his face. He slicked back his hair and turned to face Gabriel. He leaned back against the hard porcelain.
Gabriel looked around the cell. “So... what do we do now?”
Peter replied grimly, “We wait.”
“Right. But until then…”
“There's not a whole lot in here.”
“There's a bed.”
Peter walked back towards Gabriel shaking his head. “You can't even stand up straight.”
“Who said anything about standing?” Gabriel got a thoughtful look. “Although, that might be something to explore another time...”
Peter's legs bumped into the bed, as he stepped between Gabriel's parted knees. He placed his hands on the watchmaker's hips. “They're probably watching us.”
“Then let's give them something to watch.” Gabriel pulled him in for a kiss.
Peter let himself get lost in the kiss for awhile. It was nice, comforting. He could close his eyes and pretend they were home, just them, no one else, and that everything was okay. It felt so good, he didn't want to stop.
But he had to. He pulled back. “We can't.”
Gabriel sighed. “I know.”
Peter rested his forehead against Gabriel's and closed his eyes. Gabriel's hand grasped his neck.
“We're going to get out of this. I promise.”
Peter believed him.
* * *
Eden knocked on the door. There was no answer, but that was to be expected. It was unlocked, so she let herself in. The Haitian was sitting in the middle of the room on the floor. His eyes were shut and his arms lay limply in his lap. He looked asleep, but Eden knew better. She stepped closer and he opened his eyes. He raised a questioning brow. Eden held up the blue mug in her hand. “Thought you could use some coffee to help keep you awake?” They used the Haitian to block the prisoners' from using their powers. But he had to be conscious for it to work. The Haitian stretched as he stood and took the mug from her gratefully. Eden smiled as he took a sip. “Just the way you like it.”
It happened quickly. The Haitian stumbled back. The mug fell from his hands and shattered on the floor. He gripped the side of a desk as his knees buckled. He stared at Eden accusingly, before dropping into unconsciousness.
Eden prodded his side gently with the toe of her shoe. He didn't stir. “Sorry, but it was the only way.” She turned to leave, but paused to glance over her shoulder. “It's been fun.” She closed the door and headed to the cell. “Not.”
* * *
They had formulated a plan. It was a rather flimsy plan, as far as plans go, but it was the only one they had. The drugs had worn off enough that Gabriel could stand without falling over. They waited near the door and the next time it opened Peter was ready. He rushed at the person entering, slamming them against the concrete wall. The young woman gasped as she hit the wall. Peter looked at the girl in surprise, but didn't loosen his grip. She tried to raise her gun, but it was ripped from her hand and flew through the air.
Gabriel studied the gun. “Interesting. Guess I can use my powers now.” He flashed a predatory smile. He looked no less threatening as he staggered closer. Gabriel narrowed his eyes. “Say, I know you, don't I?”
“Eden,” she spat, “I was Suresh's neighbor.”
“That's right. So you were spying on him.”
Eden shrugged.
Peter glanced at the empty hallway. “You're alone?”
“What does it look like?”
Gabriel aimed the gun at her. Peter released her, knowing she couldn't run.
“You're not going to use that. You're going to hand it over to me.” Eden actually looked surprised when Gabriel didn't comply.
“No, you're going to help us escape.”
Eden rolled her eyes. “Idiots. That's what I'm trying to do.”
Peter and Gabriel exchanged glances.
“I like Papa Suresh and Mohinder. I don't like seeing them held against their will. You two... I don't care about so much, but Mohinder won't leave without you.” Reluctantly she added, “And we might need your powers.”
“Good to be needed, I guess.”
Eden tugged on Peter's arm. “Are we escaping or not?” They followed her out into the hall. It was empty, but Eden's nervous glances told him it wouldn't stay that way for long. She led them to another door and used a pass key to open it. Mohinder and Chandra were waiting inside, arms filled with folders and loose papers, Suresh's missing research.
“Suresh!”
Chandra smiled, “Gabriel. It is very good to see you. Both of you.”
“You can catch up over tea later, guys, right now we gotta go.”
They were almost to the door that led out of the secret offices when the alarm sounded.
“Crap,” Eden exclaimed. She tried her pass key, but the building had gone into lockdown. Gabriel pushed her aside. Sparks flew from the security panel as the door was blown off its hinges.
Footsteps sounded behind them as a guard barreled down on them, gun drawn. He fired. Gabriel waved his hand and the man was thrown against the wall.
“Gabe?”
Gabriel turned. Peter was looking down at his stomach. A bright red stain was spreading across his white shirt. Peter touched the blood, then looked up at Gabriel with wide watery eyes. He opened his mouth to say something, but choked on the words. He fell to his knees.
Gabriel ran to him. He gripped Peter's arms, keeping him upright.
“I'm sorry.” The words were barely audible. Sorry for what? Making me care about you, love you, and then leaving me? Alone. Again.
No, no, no, no! Gabriel had made a promise. This couldn't happen. If he'd been faster, he could have stopped the bullets. Why hadn't he stopped the bullets? There was so much blood. Gabriel concentrated on the wound, using his telekinesis to stop the blood flow. Peter gasped and passed out.
Eden ran a hand through her hair. “Shit. We have to go, I'm sorry, but we have to go. Now.”
“We're not leaving him,” Gabriel snarled.
Mohinder leaned down next to them. “We're not.” Gabriel nodded, took a deep breath, and lifted Peter up into his arms. Mohinder held his arm, bracing him as they stood.
Eden led them through the building and out a back way where a car waited for them. Mohinder helped Gabriel get Peter into the car. Chandra sat up front with Eden. The tires squealed as Eden peeled away from Primatech.
“We need to get him to a hospital,” exclaimed Mohinder. Peter was slumped in the seat, his head lolling to one side. He was deathly pale. Gabriel ripped his shirt open. Blood was still spilling out despite his efforts to keep the wound close.
“What are you doing,” gasped Mohinder.
Gabriel held his hand just above the wound. “I have to get the bullet out, it's in the way.” If he could get the bullet out, maybe, if was careful, if he concentrated hard enough, he could put things back the way they were suppose be. Long enough, at least, to keep Peter from bleeding to death until they could get him help.
“What? No, you can't-”
“There's no time.” Gabriel focused on the bullet, willing it to his hand. Peter's eyes shot open and he screamed. The bullet came free. Gabriel caught it in his hand. Peter panted, his eyes darting wildly around the car.
Gabriel looked down to inspect the wound. He blinked. The flesh was knitting itself back together. Within seconds it was completely healed. Gabriel ran his fingers over the smooth skin. He looked up at Peter, who looked just as shocked as Gabriel.
“How did you-?”
“I don't know.”
Gabriel shook his head. “Well, whoever you picked up that power from? Remind me to send them a thank you note.”
“Yeah, me too.” Peter coughed.
Gabriel pocketed the bullet, then slipped his hand behind Peter to rub his back as he coughed. Peter wiped his mouth and smiled gratefully up at him. Gabriel leaned over, brushing back Peter's hair and kissed him gently. He didn't think Peter would ever stop amazing him. He prayed so.
Stunned, Mohinder said, “I guess we won't need that hospital after all.”
They did however stop long enough to get Peter and Gabriel something less conspicuous and bloodstained, after which Eden drove them to the airport, at about 90 miles per hour. With Eden behind the wheel, Gabriel wasn't sure their lives were in any less danger. They left the car in the loading zone and rushed inside. Peter was still a bit wobbly, so Gabriel kept an arm around his waist. He watched enviously as Eden used her powers of persuasion to get them onto the next flight out.
Peter glanced at Mohinder and his father. He smiled. “We did it.”
Gabriel smiled back. “We did.”
Peter sighed, leaning into Gabriel. “Let's go home.”
* * *
Peter tucked his feet under him on Suresh's couch, leaning his head tiredly on Gabriel's shoulder. Mohinder and Eden stood off to the side, while Chandra poured them each a cup of tea.
Eden smiled as she took a sip. “You always make the best chai, Papa Suresh.”
Chandra smiled kindly. “Thank you, Eden.” The words expressed gratitude for so much more.
“They'll come after us, won't they,” Gabriel voiced all of their fears.
“I don't think they'll bother with you two. You're not important to them.”
Gabriel bristled.
Eden turned to Chandra. “You on the other hand...”
Chandra nodded. “I must leave New York.”
“Where will you go?”
“I think I'll travel. There are many more people with abilities yet to be found.” Chandra looked at his son, questioningly.
“I'm going to stay. Finish what you started here. There are still people to be helped... An entire city.” Mohinder looked at Peter and Gabriel meaningfully.
Peter nodded. He had a feeling they were going to need all the help they could get to stop the impending explosion.
“And you two,” asked Eden.
Peter and Gabriel exchanged a look. Peter replied, “We're going to save the world.”
* * *