Chapter 9 – 2 Petrelli's and a Bennet
Nathan gawked at Peter as he neared him. Claire moved to the side – giving the brother's their needed space. Nathan traced his brother's scar lightly, ruffled his brother's hair and as he let his emotional wall break he hugged his brother for dear-life.
"Pete…oh god Peter it's really you. You're alive!" Nathan gasped as he kept hugging his brother and Peter smiled as he felt his own emotional walls cracking.
"I…everyone thought you were…" but Nathan was unable to say the words and Peter nodded solemnly.
"I know and I'm sorry Nate. It's just that…when they found me and told me Claire… was dead I… I just." Peter stopped as he stared at Claire whose own eyes were full of tears. The brothers stepped away from each other and Nathan stared between the two of them.
"I couldn't live with myself knowing the love of my live was dead…" he spoke softly and Claire was in his arms in seconds as Peter pulled her tightly to him, kissing the top of her hair. Nathan sat back down on the desk as he saw this little exchange – only now realizing that she had said he was her boyfriend.
"Peter I'm here…" Claire urged and Peter nodded as he gave her a quick kiss.
"I know…and I'm never letting you out of my sight again…" he said seriously and Claire giggled.
"Wait what? Hold on you two are…?" Nathan sputtered and Peter nodded as Claire smiled and pressed her cheek into Peter's chest.
"Yeah Nate…Claire and I were together before the explosion…and now I love her even more." Peter informed his brother who held his head as he shook it.
"Oh my god. You two were together even when you thought she was my daughter!" he exclaimed and Peter sighed as Claire's smile fell.
"Please Nathan don't judge us. That's in the past and as we all know the past isn't the happiest place for any of us. I love Peter, that will never change, and all we're asking is for you to accept that." Claire said softly as she intertwined one of her hands with Peter's.
Nathan sighed as he watched them. Peter held Claire protectively to him and even though Nathan could see his brother had become a hard, even cold man, he saw the difference in how his brother acted with Claire. As Peter looked down at Claire Nathan could see his genuine concern and love for her…and Nathan knew that no matter what he thought about them sneaking around before, he had no say in their love.
Nathan sighed as he shook his head.
"This is utter madness. But I guess I should just be happy the two of you are alive and safe." Claire smiled and Peter nodded his head in appreciation.
"Claire…why don't you go tell my lovely assistant out there to call Matt Parkman and Mohinder Suresh. Tell her to tell them they are all invited to meet my guests." He emphasized his last word and Claire nodded as she quickly made her way out. Peter pushed his hands into his pockets as Nathan stepped closer to him.
"How long?" he asked quietly and Peter sighed.
"Seven months." He replied softly – yet staring his brother straight in the eye – and before he could even think of doing anything else Nathan's fist connected with Peter's jaw. Peter stumbled back before he shot up and walked closer to his brother.
"What the hell was that for? You said you were happy for us!" he shouted and Nathan nodded.
"Oh I am…happy now. That was for screwing my then daughter in secret."
Peter watched as his brother gave him a big toothy grin and he quickly pushed his jaw back into the right place. Nathan shook his hand and Peter had to fight the urge to laugh.
"Always the same Nathan…" he remarked and Nathan smiled.
"That's President Nathan to you little brother."
"I think jackass would be more appropriate don't you think?" Peter replied jokingly and Nathan could only laugh.
"You'll take care of her won't you?"
"With every single breath in my body." Peter smiled and walked to the back of the room – heading to Claire.
"Oh and Nate…if I have to deal with this tight security again…I'm kicking your ass." Nathan laughed and waved his hand.
"No no…don't worry that will be taken care of. I know everyone will be very glad to see you…so give me a few seconds and I'll be right out. You are after all guests in the white house."
oOoOoOoOoOo
After a very long day of meeting their old friends, tiresomely explaining their deaths and how they were actually alive and having to continuously explain their relationship – Peter and Claire were tired to the bone. Peter held on to Claire as he stumbled into their room – the one they would be sharing while they stayed in the white house – and as they saw the setup they both started to laugh.
There were two beds.
Peter's mother had not approved of this sudden change and it was certainly her doing that they were in a room with two beds.
"Ah your mom always has to spoil the fun…" Claire pouted as Peter laughed.
"Don't worry, I'll talk to Nathan in the morning about this…but for right now I have a very good solution which I might end up liking even more." He smirked at her and Claire watched him eagerly.
"Oh really? And how would that be?" she asked huskily and before she knew it Peter was lying on the bed and she was lying on top of him – like he was her mattress.
"You know what…I think I might like this position too…" Claire giggled but the only reply she got from Peter was when his lips met hers in an earth-shattering kiss.
