Hi guys! As promised, here is yet another chapter of "Wonders of Depigmentation". I will try to publish every two days until the fic is complete, which should be by mid-March :)

In this one, writer's camera follows Peter as he decides to tell everything to Olivia. O.O

ON THE FOLLOWING MORNING, PETER was driving furiously towards the Fringe division laboratory.

The decision was made.

Two syringes quaintly rested in his pocket.

His father had gone over sooner since he had to analyze gazillion samples, as he himself told Peter.

Oh well. No harm done.

Local cabbies have gotten used to him and his spilt milkshakes by now.

And I got some more time to sleep over due to my recent beating.

On other days, I would be overjoyed about this.

Today of all days… I am nervous.

His knuckles tapped the car wheel with anxiety.

Today is the day, Bishop.

The day when you man up and tell her. To start with a clean slate.

Honesty will be necessary.

Olivia will understand. She must. She herself said I am a different man now.

The appropriate song was heard from the radio-station and Peter's chest trembled at the lyrics.

What more can I do, there's nothing I haven't tried
Still it's so hard for her to notice
I've tried hard to be straight
There's nothing left I can say
If only she would look my way

She don't know me, she don't know
She don't see me, she don't care
She can't hear me, can't hear
Can not help me, she don't want
She don't want me like I want her
Like I want her got to tell her
Got to tell her that I love her
That I love her
She doesn't even know my name

I dream of when she'll be mine
I dream of crossing that line
And holding her so tender
Dreaming it could come true
So many things I would do
If only you'd give me a chance

She don't know me, she don't know
She don't see me, she don't care
She can't hear me, can't hear
Can not help me, she don't want
She don't want me like I want her
Like I want her got to tell her
Got to tell her that I love her
That I love her
She doesn't even know my name

Excellent, Bon Jovi. Rub some more salt onto my wound.

She doesn't, really. Olivia truly doesn't even know my name.

The lie I invented…

It has returned to me as a boomerang and smacked me straight to the head.

"Do the right thing", Walter said.

As if it were that easy.

Still..

It would be the first time I did it in my life.

Damn it, I am so jealous of Eugene. I will never have Olivia in that way, as Peter.

The turmoil of emotions confounded him.

He was angry, furious with himself for having done that to Olivia.

Sad because he knew the serum couldn't last forever. Their bliss couldn't last an eternity.

He couldn't' stop thinking how he was about to annihilate Eugene and his faux existence.

It's only fair to stop deceiving her.

I want to use one of the two remaining doses to say goodbye as Eugene.

Gotta figure out some clever ruse today when she is alone in her office and then we can talk..

I'll invent some mumbo-jumbo crap about Eugene having to leave, refusing to undergo treatment.

I suppose Olivia will be sad but she will get over Eugene.

It was just casual enjoyable sex anyway.

His mind then wondered onwards to the more important matter.

And what of the case? The German prisoner, the field in Westford?

Those are all clues or vital importance, clues that have to be forwarded to her.

He left the car at the inconspicuous spot at a parking lot. His hands were in the pockets of his peacoat, as Peter strolled leisurely, trying to hide his trembling fingers.

He nonchalantly walked into the Kresge building.

The trio had already been there, huddled over something. Astrid was also impatiently explaining to Walter that she will absolutely not brush Gene's teeth.

They all looked intensely focused and Peter thought that it would be good to ease up the atmosphere.

-Good morning, team. How is everyone on this fine day?-he gave them all his most charming smile.

Olivia turned around returning his smile albeit much more shyly, and his heart fluttered as Peter took in her lithe, somber figure.

-Hey yourself. You are the last one to arrive-her tone of voice was rebuking but teasing at the same time and Peter got intoxicated with that perfect mixture of light flirting that never crossed the unwanted treshold.

The dinner last night. It worked. S

he felt me open up emotionally and she is grateful for it.

She wants to start over.

His face darkened and his features hardened.

Sweetheart. You don't know you but a scratched the superficial layer of my secrets.

Secrets that involve you. Secrets that… Hurt you.

-Is everything alright, Peter?-Olivia's penetrant gaze caressed his stubbled face worriedly.

-Absolutely, madam. I merely overslept and that does tend to leave a man a bit disoriented, as you yourself might have witnessed.-he smirked at her.

-Well, you are allowed to, today of all days-Olivia winked at him and his heart skipped a beat.

This is the smoothest, sweetest conversation I have ever had with her ever since we met.

Peter was so scared of telling her the truth about Eugene.

It might ruin this… This feeble, fragile connection.

The way we talk now, the way in which I am able to approach her.

It's like a wooden shack that is about to be swallowed by an upcoming tornado.

And there is nothing I can do about it.

Not if I want a clean slate.

-Peter-the softness of her voice reached him once again and he basked in it, closing his eyes. –Let me thank you once again for… Bluebell.

-You're welcome, Dunham. By the way, how is the little pipsqueak getting along with… What was it… Lemondrop?-he feigned he had forgotten the name of the male budgie.

-You know, there are recommendations to keep the birds separated for the first three weeks of so, in a quarantine. But after couple of hours of that, I just couldn't. They were both screeching and calling each other, it was obvious they wanted to be together. She looked healthy enough.

And Lemondrop… He is on cloud nine. They can't stop playing around and cooing. I mean, they still haven't kissed but-she bit on her lower lip and his breath caught as their eyes joined. –The…Olivia stuttered a bit seeing how Peter wouldn't release her from his blue insinuating gaze. –The internet says that it takes time for them to bond and form a firm…

Peter cleared his throat feeling his cock rise hungrily between his legs.

God dammit. All it takes us to lock eyes for a moment and I am all hot and bothered.

He quickly averted his face from hers and coughed uncomfortably.

-That, I can understand.-he was wearing a smug smile when he looked back at her, but his cheeks were a bit redder than a moment ago. –After all, isn't it the same with us humans?

She dismissed his flirt with a twinkle in her clear green eyes and a wave of her hand.

But Peter saw she was smiling widely and that beam lifted him up from the inside.

He was elated, full of warmth and happiness.

She was his personal sun he orbited for so long, always cautious and emotionally distant. Olivia has now finally consumed him and there was nothing left to do, nowhere to hide.

She melted away his inner being and forged a new Peter in his stead, the one who would do anything, be anything for her.

He never thought it possible.

It made him feel incredibly blissful and it frightened him, at the same time.

-I…-Olivia noticed his confoundedness. –I have to show something to Astrid. Will you join Walter, please, and resume the analyses of tissue samples?

-As you say, boss-Peter was also relieved the conversation has changed course as his erection abated.

His father looked at him knowingly as Peter approached.

-The syringes, son. Do you have them?

-They are right here-Peter's eyes followed the glitter in Olivia's blonde hair as she stood next to the window, bathed in sunlight, gesticulating towards Astrid.

–Listen, Walter. I am going to tell her now. Take this and… Hide it somewhere. Don't let Astrid see it…-one of the injections found their way into Walter's lab coat pocket. –I will keep the other one.

Walter accepted it without questioning, even though he looked at his son with worrying eyes.

-You know what-his voice magnitude was amplified now, as Peter turned towards his lab mate. –I simply can't work without a good breakfast.

-We all had our morning coffees, Peter-Astrid smiled in his general direction.

-Why Agent Farnsworth, I was thinking something more substantial-he flashed her one of his best boyish grins in Bishop collection. –Dunkin' Doughnuts is just around the corner. Permission to embark upon this mission, boss?-he turned towards Olivia with pleading puppy gaze. -I'll find some cereals for you, don't worry. I am well aware of the fact you hate doughnuts-his eyes were honest and steady as they connected to Olivia's.

-Granted-a small nod of her head and the way she was trying to suppress as smile but failing at it gave him wings.

-A box of twelve, right? It's on me, seeing how I arrived late today. And as soon as I return and we have all had our carbohydrate and lipids fill, we may resume the case.

Seeing how no one objected, Peter promptly left the lab.

He didn't, however, go far.

The nearest stall in the men's bathroom will do the trick.

People will think I am in the crapper but how wrong they will be…

Lucky for him, it turned out he didn't have to feign that he was going to go number two.

The particular bathroom he wandered into was completely empty.

Students must be in the class.

It's 10.30 a.m. anyway.

Peter closed his tired eyes and lifted his left sleeve, adding yet another tiny puncture next to the previously existent marks.

The invisibility wave crashed fast over him and he rode the omnipotent high for the last time.

Never again.

He went back to the lab, only five minutes after his poignantly announced absence, to find Walter and Astrid combing Gene.

The cow was mooing contently but as he approached it got tense and hit Astrid with its head slightly, causing her to jump away.

Peter could have sworn Gene was looking straight at him.

-What's wrong with her?-Astrid was puzzled.

-Well of course she is reacting to you like this, Aspen. Miss, I recall I particulary told you to peruse long, soft brushing strokes…

The rest of their jabbing words was lost to Peter as his invisible self zoomed in on what he wanted to see most.

She was right where he wanted her to be.

In her office.

Olivia was standing next to the window, her hair loose. She seemed to be lost in thought.

Peter wished she was looking through the window because she was waiting for him to come back.

That's illusory, Bishop.

Even if it were so, it's the cereals she wants and expects, not you.

But still… It's nice to have a dream.

He entered to join her as slowly as he could, yet he failed in being inaudible.

The door slightly creaked and beautiful Agent Dunham instantaneously turned around, scanning her surroundings for the source of noise.

When she couldn't find a thing, she let out a small sigh and resumed her window gazing.

Peter crept next to her, now standing impossibly close.

He was drinking in her lovely features, caring emerald eyes and soft strands of her long, perfectly combed waterfall that was now cascading down her back.

The inner peace she was feeling got transmitted to him as well.

-Olivia-he whispered into her ear and she jumped a little, unnerved, but not nearly as much as Peter thought she would be.

He encompassed her body with his long arms and for the split second, she leaned backward into him, resting comfortably in his embrace.

Peter lowered his head on her shoulder.

This embrace, it feels so right. It's as if we were two pieces of the puzzle that belong together-were Peter's thoughts.

-Eugene-her voice reverberated around them, surprised yet gentle. –I haven't seen you in such a long time.

-Not since you have asked me to do a favour for you-he let out a small laughter. Broyles and Nina Sharp, remember?

-How could I ever forget that-she pouted childishly but promptly eased into the conversation. –You have never come to seek me out at the lab. Is there an urgent matter? Or…-her voice became playful-you merely wanted to stop and say hi.

She is in a good mood.

-I do wish to talk to you about something-Peter started and as he was doing so, Olivia raised her arm to interrupt him.

She peeked out the office door and shouted out to Walter and Astrid:

-I will be working here for an hour. Have some important fires to quash. Please don't disturb me. I am following a lead.

Both of them looked at her, puzzled, but then they merely nodded, obliging.

Walter was smirking too knowingly for his own good, Peter thought, noticing the look on his father's face.

Olivia then locked the door and lowered the blinds.

-Listen, Eugene. Before you begin, I would like to apologize to you-she fiddled with the collar of her shirt, her eyes briefly darting left and right before her gaze finally steadied.

Something died in Peter a little at those words.

Oh, honey, he thought. I am the one who needs to do the apologizing..

-Last time we saw each other I… I was wrong to do what I did. I overstepped my boundaries. I was so selfish. I needed you to be someone for me, someone who you are not. And this is why I was speeding up your cure searching process-she spoke hastily, with a trembling voice, looking at the floor. –I know now that I… I had no right to do that. Forcing you to see Walter, forcing you to… I crossed the line. Your life is your own, Eugene and so are your decisions. I… I understand your reasons, your insecurity and desire to wait.

-Don't apologize. You spoke about it because you felt strongly about the cause.

-I did. My life has been a mess in the past eight months-Olivia sat, holding her head between her palms. -You know it better than anyone. You were there. You saw everything. The man I loved, vanishing before my eyes, dying without me being able to save him. All the nightmares, the loneliness…-she was now trembling in earnest and Peter stood behind her chair, pressing her to his chest. –The time we had, the companionship you brought into my life, no matter how strange and frightening it seemed to me at first… In the end it turned out to be beautiful. What I am trying to say is… I valued it, a lot. It was just what I needed and it was no weirder than any other things I had been experiencing lately. The invisible man was just an icing on the cake-Olivia managed a little smile. –Especially a benevolent one at that. And very good in bed-she winked at him next and he let out a deep sigh.

-I got to know you more than you think, Olivia. You are an amazing human being and extremely caring when it comes to people you cherish the most. I am glad we were able to be there for each other during the period of time when we both hurt. It was an honour to meet you. To fulfil the needs you had at the time.-his words sounded final and they both knew this would be the last time they would see each other.

-I hope you will eventually look for help, Eugene. If not from Walter, from whoever you wish to. There are so many scientists that would be interested in your case. You deserve a normal life-her voice was tender and earnest as she hugged him firmly. –I can help you if the need be and you… You can come to me any time for an advice. I owe you so much. You lifted me up in the most difficult times of my life. I would… I would like to stay friends with you-she looked up and Peter was able to start counting the numerous freckles on her face.

-I would like that very much as well-he muttered melancholically, baring his soul to her, that solitary serious man, standing next to the women he respected more than anything in the world.

He was dying of shame.

The next words she uttered completely threw him off the rails and he almost exploded in a supernova of emotions.

-There is something more-she coughed nervously, scratching at her hair. -I… I think I am starting to care for someone else.

What? What? What…-Peter's brain was a train derailed in an instant.

-He… It.. It just happened so fast. I should have seen it sooner. The parts of the mosaic were lying all around and I… Picked them up and they clicked. It was all there right in front of me and I… I think he might have feelings for me too. It's complicated and I still haven't told anyone. He doesn't even know it yet and I-Olivia held her head between her hands again for the moment. –It's not the time nor the place for us. I am usually very open and straightforward and I would have told him personally. It's just that I am in a middle of this case and I… I need to wait for time to pass.

-You can tell me whatever you want to-the fear, pain and anticipation were building up inside his system and he felt as if he was going to burst out of his own body.

-I know, Eugene. You have grown to become the person I trust a lot. I… I don't know whom else I could confide in. You know me so well, you have gotten to know me so well over these months. I sometimes feel that we have known each other longer.

You wouldn't believe me if I told you, Peter thought. Which I will do in some minutes.

-And I…-his favourite blonde agent was clearly in distress. -And I think I owe you an explanation for wishing to stay friends. I have to tell you-her words became incoherent as she disentangled her body from his embrace.

She started pacing nervously around the room.

Peter picked a dark office corner and sat on a chair, steadying himself with his trembling palms.

She… She is about to open up to me.

I.. If I don't hear what I want to hear, I don't want to live anymore. Well, I guess there is only one way to find out.

Let it be me. Oh god, let it be me.

But what if it's not?

Has she gone so far away so as to think about John Scott again? He has been popping up a lot in our recent cases and who knows… Maybe Walter filled her head with hope of bringing him back.

That's stupid, Bishop, stupid. She said she fell in love with someone else.

Well I hope Lucas isn't on the menu again.

He fought with his own thoughts inwardly, harming himself in the process.

They haven't talked since Frankfurt incident and you know it.

Charlie? Naah. He is a friend. But she did say the pieces of mosaic were there, waiting to be ordered properly. It could be… That Charlie was there all along for her and she… Just realized it now.

Damn it, Charlie is married.

I can't stand the wait any longer.

-Who is he?-those three words shot out of his mouth before he could contain himself.

The syllables then lightly floated in the air around them, like expectant, demanding, shiny fireflies.

-He… He is…-she sat on the chair opposite him, next to her desk. –Please don't judge me and I know that maybe you won't think it's the best choice…

-I know him?-Peter's throat was dry.

-Yes, you… You most certainly have at least seen him here in the lab-she was now biting her lower lip with such fury Peter thought it might bleed.

That leaves Lucas out.

Next words knocked him out cold.

-He is the son of the scientist I told you about, the one whom I was suggesting you to go to for your cure. Walter? His name is Peter Bishop.