Written for Heroes_Contest's Drabble Challenge 33 (Defended).
-6-
Discrimination
After their little showdown in Kansas, Peter had been informed that he ought to take a break from work. They didn't say why, but Peter had a feeling his appearance in some of the biggest national news had something to do with it.
Until now, he hadn't been too obvious at work, but with common knowledge of the specials spreading, and certain fears growing at an even faster rate, he knew it was only a matter of time before the truth about him came out.
He decided not to make a scene, and chose to see how this all went; he had been nothing if not a dedicated employee, so there was no reason for them to kick him out of his job just because he happened to possess powers that even in worst-case scenarios helped to save lives.
Sylar didn't agree on his treatment, though – nor did Claire, who happened to stop by for a visit the very day Peter came home from work early.
"It's not right," Sylar said.
"If it's because you're a special, that's… discrimination!" Claire declared.
Peter allowed himself to take a while before replying. "You starting to speak for special rights now?" He didn't mean to make it sound so irritated, but the whole situation irked him a bit. Not to mention these two made him feel like he had done something wrong when he left work without protestations.
"Well, if this is how they're planning on treating specials who are contributing to this world by working like normal people, then of course they should have rights!" Claire decided. "Can't they see you're doing more good than anyone else, with your powers?"
"And when the people realize what I can do, and think I'm going to end more lives than I save?" Peter muttered.
"Why would they think that?" Claire asked, frowning. "Have you given anyone a reason to doubt you?"
"Because people fear what is different, and… I don't know," Peter snapped. He didn't think it was fair, if truth be told, and the more these two rubbed it in his face, the worse he felt. "I'll give them some time to think it over. I'm sure they'll see the benefits of the situation."
Claire still looked like she was going to organize a parade to support special rights – to defend their right to fit into society. How many specials actually wanted to be defended like that, one could only guess. So far, Claire's attempts to raise awareness and understanding had made things worse rather than better.
Sylar simply chose to look at him, probably wondering how long Peter was going to sit at home, waiting.
Peter was starting to wonder the same thing and it had only been a few hours since he was sent home.
to be continued…
