Disclaimer: I do not own Heroes. NBC does, thanks to Tim Kring.

A/N: So I have bad news: posting will decrease. I know: I suck! But I'm going back to school tomorrow (so I'll be in a car all day) and classes start on Thursday. (gross.) I will be working on this every chance I get and I promise I'll try to update every week. I'll find a consistent day after a few weeks and I settle into a routine. So goes the life of a college student…anyway, hope you enjoy this. Love to all. Review if you can--it lets me know you're alive. : )

Chapter Eleven: Something

PETRELLI RESIDENCE

MANHATTAN

Dinner was finished. Angela's things were in her room upstairs while Angela made rounds to talk with each person in the room. Claire watched her as she moved and talked with Simon. Nathan's hand appeared on her shoulder just as she felt her anger boiling. Claire looked up at Nathan. "She's up to something. I can feel it." Claire whispered.

"Probably. Control yourself."

"How can she come here and act like that? I can't believe her. She's taunting us Nathan. She knows that seat is Peter's seat…she knows I hate her…how can she come and just sit in his seat like that?"

Nathan sighed. "Claire…Pete's gone. It's not his seat anymore." Claire's eyes filled with tears. He wasn't gone and she wished that she could tell Nathan that. "Has she cornered you yet?" Claire shook her head.

"Nathan…did you tell her about me?"

"Claire, I haven't talked to her in months. I wouldn't tell her even if I did. It's none of her business." Claire felt herself smile as she turned away from Nathan. Heidi joined them at the corner of the room.

"What do you think she wants?" Claire shook her head and Nathan shrugged as Angela's gaze fell upon the trio. Claire stiffened as she walked toward her, her heels clicking against the floor.

"Well, Claire. You look well." Claire forced a smile. "I have a something special for you with my things. Are you staying here?"

"No, Ma. She's still at Peter's apartment." Nathan shot. Angela nodded knowingly.

"Before you leave tell me, I want to give it to you." Claire nodded. "Nathan, come talk with your mother?"

Nathan sat down his drink. "Of course," he replied dryly as he followed her out of the room. Heidi scoffed as she walked away, leaving Claire standing alone in the corner with her suspicions.

ELLE BISHOP, SYLAR, RACHEL HOPKINS

BROOKLYN

"You'll meet me there Sylar?"

"Yes, we'll meet you there."

She locked her eyes on him. "You promise me." Sylar rolled his eyes. "I mean it; I want your word that you and Rachel will be there end of the week."

"Geez Sparky, I told you I would. Isn't that enough?"

"No." She snorted. "It's not enough. You've let me down before."

"Which I explained and apologized for…"

"And I don't want repeated again. Last time everything was nearly ruined. Promise."

He locked her eyes and grabbed her arm. "I promise we will meet you in New York, end of the week." She nodded and he let go of her arm. Elle turned and walked toward her things. "You sure you don't want to stay here? It's late; we have room."

"I don't think that's smart. I'd rather just go to the motel, fly back in the morning," Elle smiled as she picked up her bag. "You don't mind me taking your car back?"

"About that, why don't I drive you? I'd feel better; you don't even know where you're going."

"Yes I do," Elle held up the paper in her hand. "I'll be fine. Besides, it's like you said earlier: old habits die hard."

He chuckled as he followed her out the door. "I knew I'd regret saying that."

Elle stared at him before she closed the car door. "Don't let me down this time. There won't be another chance." Sylar nodded. "I won't. Be careful."

"Yes father, I'll be sure I call every time I stop so you know."

"That would be helpful with the timing." Elle laughed. "Seriously, it would. I know how long it takes to get back and forth. If you're not there on time…"

"Goodbye!" She rolled her eyes as she backed out and drove away.

Sylar stood and watched until his car disappeared. "You must really like her." Rachel stated as Sylar turned around.

"Why do you say that?"

"I've known you all my life and you've never let anyone drive that car, ever. When do we leave for New York?"

"Two days or so. We need to be there Thursday before eight." Sylar answered as he walked back to the front door.

"Why are you agreeing? After what you told me about these people I don't know why you care."

"Sometimes things just have to be reconciled. Life has to change in ways we don't always like in order to move forward and be someone different, someone better."

"There he is."

Sylar stopped in his tracks. "There who is?"

Rachel smiled and stopped in front of him. "A glimpse of the Gabriel I used to know, the one who hides under Sylar. Sometimes he makes an appearance." Sylar fought back a smile as Rachel walked in front of him. "You must really like her." Rachel taunted as she walked past him.

"Think what you want; I don't."

"Think what you want…" Rachel shrugged back at him as he closed the door.

MOHINDER SURESH, MONICA DAWSON, MICAH SANDERS, MOLLY WALKER

BROOKLYN

"It's really most incredible," Mohinder smiled at Monica. Molly and Micah sat on the couch, looking excited and smiling. "You've really never seen that before?"

"No, I promise."

"Micah told me you developed it since we last met but I never imagined this."

"It's cool huh?" Micah piped in with a glowing smile.

Molly nodded. "Very."

"Molly, go help Mohinder gather his belongings." Molly nodded and the duo left the room. "I didn't want to mention this in front of Micah but how's Niki?"

Monica sighed. "She's not admitting it but she's not well. I want to help her, everyone does, but I don't know what to do to help her. I wish I did. I don't know…" Mohinder nodded.

"Where's Matt? I was hoping to see him."

"He's out of town, had to go to Los Angeles to deal with some things."

"Ready!" Micah smiled. "Bye guys."

"Bye Micah!" Molly smiled. As soon as the door closed her smile disappeared and she plopped into the couch. "When is Matt coming home?"

"I don't know Molly."

"I hope things are okay there. I miss him. Can I call Claire?"

"Claire?"

"Yeah, I want to see her. Plus, I saw something last night that she might want to know."

Mohinder put down his notepad. "You didn't mention anything to me. What did you see?"

"Peter. I think he's in Japan with Hiro."

MATT PARKMAN

LOS ANGELES

Matt looked in the doorway as Harper slept. Janice snuck in behind him. "He's great." Matt smiled. "You've done a good job with him."

"Thanks. I've tried. You'll do a great job Matt."

Matt smiled. He'd been doing that a lot lately. "I'm scared to death."

"Well, if it helps at all, he likes you a lot."

"He's known me a week; his opinion might change."

Janice laughed. "I doubt that. I got the papers today." She rustled and sat a large stack of papers in front of Matt.

"Really?"

"All you have to do is sign them." Matt moved the papers closer toward him and read over the front slowly. He grabbed the pen from his pocket and signed his name on three pages. He handed the papers back to Janice. "Matt, thank you for doing this."

"No, it means a lot that you would trust me enough to raise him. I-I hope I don't screw him up." Matt laughed.

Janice shook her head. "That won't happen."

"I should go back to the hotel." Janice followed him to the door. He kissed her on the cheek before he walked out.

PETRELLI RESIDENCE

NATHAN & ANGELA

"The boys are growing up. Have you noticed how much they look like your father?"

"Sure Ma," Nathan replied robotically. Ten minutes he answered her meaningless remarks. He was almost to the breaking point.

"How are you dealing Nathan?"

"Be more specific ma. I deal with a lot." He didn't look up.

"With your brother being gone, how are you dealing with it?"

Nathan looked up at his mother. Her face was stern and etched with lines and behind her cold eyes was a glimmer of…something. Sadness maybe, Nathan couldn't tell. "You would know that if you were here. Monty asks about him week and ever week I have to tell him and myself that Pete's dead. I can't visit my daughter without being reminded of him; I can't eat dinner and not think of him." Angela didn't say anything. "Ma, why are you even here? It's been seven months since you left and you barely call."

Angela straightened herself in her seat. "I told you, my plans changed and since I haven't been here or called I would come visit my family. I didn't know that was a crime."

"Ma, you know why this is hard for everyone, especially Claire. The boys don't know anything. To them, you're their grandma. Please, don't try to play caring mother with me: I'm not ready. Just be here for them." Nathan's comment seemed to sting.

"You don't know what I've done for you!"

"I don't want to know! I know enough!" Nathan sighed. "I'm going back to my family now." He walked out the door, leaving her sitting in the chair.

MOHINDER & MOLLY

"Peter's dead, Molly." Mohinder said sternly.

"Then how did I see him?"

Mohinder swallowed. "I don't know. Maybe you had a dream about him and just thought you saw him."

"No! I didn't Mohinder. I know that I saw Peter. I want to tell Claire! What if he is alive?"

Mohinder stared at her. "You don't know that. Claire's dealing with a lot right now; there's no need to call her and bring up those emotions."

"But--"

"Molly, I said no! You can call Claire but don't mention seeing Peter to her, do you understand?"

"Fine," Molly huffed. Mohinder started to say something else but he was interrupted by the phone.

"Maybe it's Matt!" Molly yelled as she answered the phone. "Hello?"

"Hey Molly!"

"It is Matt! Hey Matt. When are you coming home?"

"I don't know yet. It could be longer."

"How much longer?"

"I don't know Moll."

"I really want to meet Harper. I've always wanted a brother."

"I know he'll love you. I want to talk to you but it's really important that I talk to Mohinder for a second okay?"

Molly agreed as she handed the phone to Mohinder. "Matt…"

"Hey Mohinder. I just wanted to see you'd heard anything from new."

"No, I haven't. There's been no movement."

"I don't know if that's good or not. How's Molly? I'd ask her but I know she won't be honest."

Mohinder looked at the girl who sat anxiously on the couch. He turned and walked toward the other side of the room. "There is something. She mentioned a dream she had. We were talking about it when you called actually. She told me she had a dream about Peter."

"Peter Petrelli?" Matt asked. "What did she dream?"

"She said she saw him in Japan with Hiro."

Matt breathed deep. "That's crazy…isn't it?"

"Yes, oh course it is." Mohinder shifted the phone uncomfortably.

Matt paused. "Anything else going on? Niki--how is she?"

"Monica's here. She told me that Niki wasn't doing well again. I thought I had stabilized it. I don't know…I have to go see her yet. Aside from that, there's nothing going on."

"I hate hearing that. I should be home soon. I'm not really sure how things are going to go. I signed the papers today. Now I--I don't know what's going on now."

"Just take your time. Don't rush home for us. We're going to get everything you said you needed for Harper too--just so it would be here. I think Molly wanted to go tomorrow."

"Man, that's a great help. If anything changes…and let me know what Molly says about that dream."

"Will do. Here's Molly now." Mohinder barely finished his sentence before Molly stole it out of his hand.

"Matt…what have you been doing there?" Matt laughed as Molly asked him questions and told her about her days in his absence.

SYLAR

"Stop it!" Sylar roared to himself. "Stay focused." He closed his eyes. "Don't be a fool. Don't waste all that you've worked for." Sylar looked at himself in the mirror. As he did all the images of who was, what he'd done, who he killed, all his powers flashed before him. But for some reason, he didn't seem to care anymore. Two years ago he cared; a year and a half ago he cared. Somewhere in the last nine months, he stopped caring. It jus wasn't as important anymore.

He found himself only wanting chances to try again, to release himself from something…that thing that called him and tied him down the past. He didn't know exactly when it happened, exactly what had happened or exactly why it happened but it did. Something happened that he couldn't explain. But maybe--he could explain it. If he allowed himself to really think about it.

It all went back to her.

And he hated that.

He wasn't someone who was supposed to feel things. Feelings hindered responsibilities, prevented people from acting like they should. Since he became Sylar, he chose to ignore feelings…they made thing complicated. He knew that yet he was sitting here debating with himself about his feelings. He left nine months ago for a reason; he left so he wouldn't hurt her, hurt himself. He had to protect, especially after everything else he put her through in the months before his departure. She probably wouldn't have done some of the stuff she did if he hadn't been there. She wouldn't be living with the guilt he knew she ignored if he hadn't been there. The worst part of it was that he knew it was all his fault and he chose to taunt her with it. He hated himself for being that way to her.

"Damn you Rachel." Sylar hissed in the silence. It was all her fault for bringing it to view. He spent nine months getting over her, forgetting his feelings and then she had to tell him that Elle was coming. She had to tell remark that he liked her and make him remember. It had to be someone's fault. Blaming her was easier than blaming himself.

PETRELLI RESIDENCE

CLAIRE & ANGELA

"Thanks for having me over. It was great to be with my family," Claire smiled at Nathan as she hugged him.

"Claire, are you leaving?" Claire and Nathan darted their gazes toward Angela.

"Uh…yes. I need to get home."

"Did you forget? I have a gift for you--if you can spare a few minutes to come with your grandmother upstairs."

Claire glanced at Nathan. "Of course," she smiled faintly. Angela clapped her hands together and started up the stairs. Claire followed her hesitantly.

---

Angela closed the door once Claire entered behind her. "How has school been going Claire? Have you decided what you want to do with your future?"

Claire stared at her. "I think I might go into nursing." Angela jerked her focus back and Claire smiled to herself, grateful that she caught the sarcasm. "You don't really care about my schooling. Please don't pretend you do."

"Of course I care. My son is paying a fortune for you to continue your education." Claire didn't say anything; she just sighed. "I saw this in a little boutique and thought you would love it." Claire eyed the blue package before reaching out to take it. "Open it." Claire eyed Angela as she opened the packaging.

In her hand sat a carousel. It was small, blue and was ornately decorated with animals' faces and pearls. The pole in the middle went to the top and had a large pearl. It was beautiful, like something from a fairytale. Claire looked at Angela. "It's beautiful," she said cautiously.

"Good. I'm glad you like it."

"Why did you get this for me?"

"Like I said, it reminded me of you. And, I won't lie, of Peter."

At the mention of his name her eyes lit up and her face changed. "Peter?"

"He had one similar to it when he was a child. I thought it was fitting, since he was your favorite uncle." Claire froze. There was something about the way she said it that didn't feel right. "Tell me, how are you handling it?"

"Handling what?"

"Peter's death," Angela's face shifted as Claire looked at her.

"It's hard. Every day, every second of every day…but you should know that. You were his mother."

"I know your relationship with Peter was deeper than a typical relationship between niece and uncle. He saved your life multiple times. It was a strong bond, unbreakable even." Claire watched as Angela stood before. She was almost a different person, more vindictive--if that was possible..

"Yes and it's that much harder. Is there anything else?"

Angela stared at Claire. "Just one thing: You should be careful with the things you let into your house. Sometimes things aren't as safe as they seem. The same is true for what you let out of your house--they tend not to return when you want them to for reasons our feeble brains aren't able to understand."

Claire raised an eyebrow. "What are you saying?"

"Goodbye Claire." Angela waved her hand dismissively as she walked into the bathroom. Claire looked at the trinket in her hand then walked out the door. Angela knew something. She was hiding something and Claire was determined to find out what that something was.