Thank you to wjobsessed, cherrystone, nsane1 and any other person that is going to review. I really appreciate you taking the time. I see that this story has had many visitors, yet few reviews C'est la vie! Fringe is not mine; neither is "Why Try To Change Me Now". Again, I implore you to listen to Fiona Apple's rendition while reading.

So where is Peter? Curious yet? Well, you're about to find out.

X

I'm sentimental
So I walk in the rain
Why try to change me now

Despite his father's forewarnings of rain, Peter snuck out of the hotel and walked to his new favorite little hole in the wall bar.

I've got some habits
That I can't explain
Could start for the corner
Turn up in Spain

Nursing his second glass of scotch and feeling slightly hazy Peter surveyed the bar. It was occupied by mostly single people with the exception of a few young couples. One particular crowd that night struck a chord. There along the bar were old men. All of them minding their own business and keeping to themselves. Peter chuckled and sneered when the Lost Supper image popped into his head. Suddenly overcome with sorrow and something he couldn't quite put his finger on he ordered another scotch—no rocks.

I sit and daydream
I've got daydreams galore
Cigarette ashes
There they go on the floor
I go away weekends
And leave my keys in the door

He was supposed to be drinking to forget and yet he was drinking and remembering. Was it the procession of old men lined up at the bar that reminded him of his father?

Guilt.

He should have told Walter he was leaving; hell, he shouldn't have even left. Why was he here now--alone? At that moment an attractive woman leaned against the bar and ordered a drink. Peter picked up on the fact she was only buying one. He opened his mouth and started, but thought twice about it and shut it. The woman sent seductive glares his way and he had to chuckle. Any other time he would have hopped on the opportunity. Not today. Something had changed.

Why try to change me now

"Olivia," he sighed.

Why can't I be more conventional
People talk
People stare
So I try

Why did he care so much for her? Sure, he's cared for other women in his life. What was it about him that made him love playing the Knight in Shinning Armor gig? Maybe that's why he loved being around Olivia so much. She was so stubborn and so was he.

"Why can't you just let go? Why won't you let people help you? You know I'm here for you if you need me, 'Livia."

She hung her head briefly and then snapped it up to look him dead in the eye.

"Because, I'm not conventional," and with that she left him standing there.

But that's not for me
Cuz I can't see
My kind of crazy world
Go passing me by

That was earlier today in the lab. He knew she was ready to break and he was adamant in being the one to catch her. But she didn't, at least not in front of him. Maybe he loved the thrill of the chase but he wasn't sure if he liked being left this exhausted and empty afterwards.

His thoughts shifted back to Walter. His mind was nagging him—reminding him that Walter was left at home, alone, while Peter fulfilled his selfish needs. Was he so prideful that he couldn't change? Wouldn't change?

He had had enough.

X

Jack, the elder with the white beard that often branded him as a hobo, noticed the half full scotch where the troubled man had left it. Eyeing it for almost a minute he scooted over to where Peter had sat a moment before and finished the drink.

X

So, where is Peter going? What possessed him to leave? Or maybe the greater question: can people change? More to come in the next chapter.

What did you think? Love it, hate it? I'm all ears!