"…I need a connection. A friend. I don't want to be alone…somehow you're supposed to help me."

His face was sad as he looked at me. Yearning and reaching out so desperately. I hated how his words still echoed in my head. The way he'd expressed himself, it changed him somehow, making him…vulnerable. He was capable of feeling. I wasn't about to change how I felt about him just because of a few words and his puppy dog eyes.

"Claire? Are you ok?"

I looked up to see Peter next to me. He'd always been so understanding, and after telling me about his eight years spent in Sylar's head, they'd been as close as brothers. I could talk to him.

"I'm fine. Actually, can we talk?"

"Of course."

He guided me into the study, and closed the door behind us. I didn't know where to start. I hadn't told anyone about what happened at college with Sylar.

"Sylar kissed me."

"What? When?"

"He came to me when I was at college. Telling me things and then forced a kiss on me."

"What did he say to you?"

"He said that he needed a connection. A friend, and that he didn't want to be alone."

"Claire, have you thought that maybe that person is you? It was selfish of him to take your ability, but there are underlying reasons that would benefit the both of you. After everyone you love is gone, he'll still be around."

"I never thought about it like that."

"I know that you believe he doesn't deserve a chance after everything he's done to you. But you find the good in people; try to find the good in Sylar. He just might surprise you."

I've always trusted Peter and within reason made decisions based on his thoughts. But how exactly would I find any good in Sylar? I played with the leather band of my wrist watch as I went upstairs. I stopped abruptly before nearly bumping into Sylar of all people. An idea light bulb flicked in my brain. Sylar didn't say anything as he walked carefully past me.

"Sylar?"

"Yes?"

"Could you fix my watch?"

He looked a little dumbfounded at my request. I couldn't help but glance at the ground thinking he was going to say no. I was putting in the effort.

"Sure. There's not much to fix though, the time is just off by three minutes."

I struggled to unhook the clasp and unfold the leather.

"Here, let me help."

Sylar was as close as he was before when he kissed me. I was a bit uneasy by our closeness, but just as he got my watch off he went back the way he'd come from.

"I'll need to take the back off; I have a kit of tools in my room."

"Ok. I'll wait here."

I shuffled around, waiting as he left the door cracked open an inch. Leaning against the wall, my cell vibrated in my pocket. Taking it out, I saw it was my mom. I'd almost forgotten Lyle's birthday was this week. I texted back I'd be there. How was I getting out to Texas though? I let out a rather annoyed breath.

"Everything ok?"

"Yeah, I just need to figure out how to get home for my brothers birthday on Thursday."

"I could take you. Here's your watch."

I placed it back around my wrist.

"Thanks. You don't have to do that."

"I know that Angela won't let you drive her car, and Peter can't fly."

I was hesitant, but like Peter said, I should find the good in Sylar. I believe I just did. However I didn't quite like the idea of flying with him. I didn't have much of a choice, there was no other option.

"On one condition, my dad can't see you."

"Don't worry about that. Your father hated me long before you did."

Our conversation ended there as Peter called for him and I turned to shut myself in my room. It was a bit overwhelming from being alone with him. I was reminded of the last time we'd been alone together. No, I won't think about that again.

I took out clean clothes and went into the bathroom to take a shower. Turning on the water, I let it heat up before stepping into it. The hot water felt good as it turned my skin ever so slightly red. Just when it was getting cold, I turned off the water, towel dried and changed before leaving the bathroom.

"Claire."

I looked up to see Angela sitting on the end of my bed. What does she want now? She may be my grandmother and all, but I could only deal with so much from her.

"Angela."

"I need to talk to you about the dream I had."

"Let me guess, do I die this time? Or is it the end of the world?"

"Neither, Claire please, sit. It's about Sylar."