Title: Saving Lives Can Be a Thankless Job
Summary: The irony of having super speed was that when he moved, everything seemed to happen in slow motion. Set during "Hysterical Blindness"
The irony of having super speed was that when he moved, everything seemed to happen in slow motion. Peter could see and dodge past the people in his way as he ran up the sidewalk to get to the blonde woman in the path of the oncoming bus. He grabbed her and lifted her up into his arms in one sure movement. As he held her, his senses overloaded with data. He felt the softness of her body against his, heard her breath catch in surprise, smelled the softly perfumed scent of soap on her skin, saw the safe haven of the sidewalk waiting for him on the other side of the street.
It wasn't until he had put her down and stood looking into her eyes that he even felt the adrenaline kick in and his lungs burn with the need for oxygen. With a start, he realized he recognized the woman. She was the file clerk he had seen at the hospital the other day. As he took in deep breaths of air, he asked if she was okay.
She didn't answer him at first, then turned and began walking quickly away from him, but Peter was undeterred. He followed after her, finally having to grab her arm to get her to stop so he could talk to her. After all, she had almost been hit by a bus not five minutes ago. It was his professional duty to make sure she was all right.
As he attempted to question her again, he remembered the beautiful music she had played on the cello in the park the other night. The thought that that gift could have been lost forever made him glad he had been able to get to her in time. Who knew, maybe he would even be able to have a two-sided conversation with her this time.
But before he could even ask her name, the woman was walking away again, leaving him staring after her in surprise and confusion, his hopes dashed.
Peter felt his face grow warm, suddenly feeling stupid. Of course she would walk away from him. She didn't even know him, yet he had followed her down the street, pestering her with questions and comments. Still…
The least she could have done was say thank you, he thought.
"You're welcome," he mumbled after her before continuing on his way to work.