Disclaimer : I do not own Heores. Nor do I own "The Mixed Tape". I just love Jack's Mannequin and I want people to be exposed to their greatness. Go check them out now.

A/N : So, in regards to the last chapter, Claire didn't know the name of the woman. She thought it was something like "Eve". The woman's name who was killed is actually Eden, and I know that. Sorry for not putting that in the previous Author's Note. Anywho, enjoy this chapter. :)

It was awkward living together. There was no way in getting around it. Being sexually attracted to a minor was not something Peter ever thought he could say about himself. That was clearly not the case as he woke from a dream about Claire Bennet and found himself with a hard on.

"No no no no no! Go away! Be gone!"

The morning salute did not budge. He could hear Claire singing slightly off key in the shower. That meant she was up. That meant she would be coming out to where Peter was soon. Her hair would be wet and her skin would be freshly moisturized and…

"Stop it! Think of sickening thoughts. Nathan in a Speedo. Mom in a Speedo. Hiro in a Speedo..."

Peter shuddered at the forced thoughts but he found them working. Slowly, Little Peter was vanishing. And none too soon. The slight squeak of the bathroom door sounded and Claire stepped out into the hallway. Her skin was glistening in the morning sunlight and mist mix and her hair had that "towel dried" look. She saw Peter staring and smiled.

"What?" She asked innocently.

Little Peter was on the verge of making a comeback. He had to think quick.

"Just getting up. Want some pancakes?"

"You seemed… up… before my shower." Claire told him with a giggle.

Peter turned bright red.

"Pancakes it is." He said and got up to make them breakfast.

Claire went into her room and turned on a mix CD Zach had made her a while back. The first few bars of "The Mixed Tape" by Jack's Mannequin came over the speakers of the small boombox Peter had gotten her.

This is morning
That's when I spend the most time
Thinking 'bout what I've given up

Zach had been really into them mostly because he thought the lead singer was "foxy". Claire didn't find him that attractive but she had fallen in love with their music.

This is a warning
When you start the day just to close the curtains
You're thinking 'bout what I've given up

Claire pulled on a cute tank top and some Capri pants. Maybe she and Peter could go for another walk today… Maybe they could kiss some more. Claire had never had a real boyfriend and she was very excited that Peter was interested in her. And he knew what kind of a freak she was. Of course, he had powers too but still. He could hide his easily.

Where are you now?
As I'm swimming through the stereo
I'm writing you a symphony of sound

Claire could smell the buttery pancake smell wafting in from down the short hallway. They smelled so good. Claire switched the music off and darted out of the room, towards the kitchen.

"Smells amazing!" She told the cook cheerily.

Peter looked up at the young girl. She was beaming at him. He couldn't help but smile back.

"Thanks. Here's the first two. You want syrup?" He asked as he handed over the plate.

"Yes please. You can have one of them. I should pace myself." She told Peter.

"It's okay. I'll wait."

"Okay." Claire replied as she poured maple syrup all over the golden pancakes.

Peter watched her eat as he continued to cook. Almost 10 pancakes and a few cups of coffee later the pair were sprawled out on the unmade futon.

"I think we should rent a movie." Claire suggested.

"I'm too full to move. Plus, if I did move it would be to work. We need money for groceries."

"I thought Nathan was paying for them. I mean, ever since he won didn't he get like, a raise or something?"

"Yeah, he's helping. But I don't want to be dependant on him. I plan on paying him back eventually. Maybe…"

"I could get a job. It's not like I'm in school or anything."

"You should go back to school. When it's safe."

"When Sylar's gone?"

"Yeah."

There was a long, awkward pause.

"Um, Peter? Do you think we'll be able to beat Sylar? Ever?"

He thought it over. He didn't want to worry Claire anymore. She was so young and emotionally fragile after being taken away from the only home she had ever known. Would they be able to destroy the one person who could destroy each of them?

"Of course. We just need a little time."

He reached over and gave Claire's hand a little squeeze. She squeezed back and awkwardly scooted over to Peter who immediately infolded her in his arms.

"I hope it doesn't take much longer." Claire sighed.

"Don't worry. I'll protect you." Peter reassured her. He kissed the top of her head and felt her snuggle closer to him.

He hoped the same thing.

And this is my mixed tape for her
It's like I wrote every note
With my own fingers