AN: It's finally here!! woohoo! sorry it took so long guys, my inspiration temperarily died. but it's back and I am currently hard at work at the 2 remaining chapters (dun dun dun) and the epiloge. this chapter has had major editing from the originally planned version so the new character hint is no longer fitting sorry to everyone who was kind enough to guess.

well I hope this chapter was worth the wait. here is the mostly Nathan chapter I promised!!! enjoy. (review replies and character guessing hints follow the story)

Chapter 5: The Debate Class Beauty

Gran leaned against the kitchen counter and watched her two grandsons in the adjoining breakfast room. Peter sat at the table; a sketchbook in one hand and a pencil in the other. His face was screwed up in a look of concentration that bordered on frustration as his pencil moved swiftly across the paper.

Nathan paced backward and foreword across the room, a notebook in his hands. He silently mouthed to himself; occasionally the words were even audible, which would end as soon as Peter looked up and glared.

Gran stifled a chuckle. After Angela grew up and left, there had been plenty of times when Gran had become truly lonely and even bored. Since Nathan and Peter came, however, neither of these things had been a problem.

Peter let out a cry of frustration. With one swift movement he crumpled up the paper and tossed it at the floor. Nathan stopped pacing and scowled at his brother.

"What's your problem?" Nathan asked, shortly.

"Art project," Peter grumbled. His eyes were now glued to the new paper. He began scribbling again. This time his hand moved slowly, and more precisely.

"Art project? Like for art class?" Nathan asked, surprise replacing the aggravation in his tone.

"Ya genius, art projects do tend to come from art class," Peter retorted, the sarcasm practically dripping from his voice.

"But your not an artist," Nathan replied, completely unfazed by his brother's surly remark.

"My problem exactly," Peter concluded throwing his hands up in defeat. As the friction in the room grew uncomfortable Gran decided intervention was necessary and walked over to the table. She glanced over at Peter's drawing.

"I don't see the problem Peter…it's a wonderful…um…" Gran's words trailed off as she turned her head in every direction trying to give the lines meaning. "…um…"

"Exactly," Peter replied. "I can't draw to save my life."

"Then why the heck did you join the art class?" Nathan inquired.

"You have to take an art class to be in the art club," Peter answered matter-of-factly.

"Why are you in the art club if you can't draw?" Nathan sighed; his practically non-existent patients were now really running thin. Peter's eyes fell to the notebook a little too quickly. "What's the matter? Hiding something?" Nathan asked, this time amusement rang all too obviously in his voice. Peter had a way of getting under Nathan's skin like no one else ever could. In the end, however, their arguments usually ended up in this comfortable- if even a bit enjoyable- verbal sparring.

"And you aren't acting the least bit strange tonight, huh?" Peter quickly changed the subject.

"What do you mean?" Nathan threw up his defenses; he wasn't the least bit happy about having the conversation turned out of his favor.

"If you pace much more you'll ware a hole in the rug," Peter replied, a mischievous smile playing at his lips. Nathan took a seat across from his little brother.

"It's just I have a debate meeting in a few hours. It's my first and I need to make a good impression to get on the team and I need to get on the team to get my face out there so I can become senior class president, and if I don't become class president then it won't go on my resume which might effect my chance to get into the college I want…"

"and if that doesn't happen your head with spontaneously combust causing a chain reaction that will end human life as we know it," Peter interjected. Nathan laughed despite himself.

"I guess I could use to relax a little…"

"Ya maybe," Peter replied teasingly. "Besides Nathan, if there is one thing you are good at…it's arguing."

OoOooOoO

Nathan walked down the hallway toward the classroom where the first debate meeting was set to be held. His nervousness had subsided, replaced by the confidence that always followed. It always happened that way. He would work himself into a complete frenzy and then relax right before set event was about to start. He had been that way since he was a kid.

He came to the intended door and pushed it slowly open. Inside was a room with a small round table. There were a few students scattered around it, some chatting and some reading. There was a black board on the far wall, beside it stood the teacher. He was probably in his upper thirties and was very distinguished looking, with peppered black hair and glasses.

Nathan quickly stepped inside. The teacher, and several of the students, looked up.

"Hello," the teacher said pleasantly. "And who might you be?"

"Nathan Petrelli," he replied putting on a slight smile.

"Welcome Mr. Petrelli. I am Mr. Bradford. Take a seat where you like and we'll start in a moment." Nathan nodded in response and made his way around the table. He found an empty seat and took it. To his right sat a preppy looking freshman boy that was completely oblivious to the world. Nathan glanced to his right and felt his heart miss a beat. There sat the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. Golden curls cascaded around her flawless face. Her nose was round and her lips were full.

Nathan realized he was staring because she looked up from her book and turned her perfect blue eyes on him.

"Hey," She said. He never remembered hearing a voice more beautiful than that.

"Hey," Nathan was surprised that he didn't stumble over his words, what with his mind tumbling over itself. "I'm Nathan."

"I'm Meredith." The teacher ended their conversation as he addressed the class. With one last look at the beauty to his side, Nathan turned his attention where it belonged.

The rest of the meeting passed quickly. They did several debate drills and Nathan quickly felt himself being pulled into the spirit of things. Still every time he made a particularly good point his gaze would dart to Meredith, seeking out the approval in her eyes. He was never disappointed.

When class ended Nathan went to stand by the door waiting on Meredith to collect her books. He hoped to talk to her at least once more before leaving. She started coming towards him and he felt his heart race. Nathan had never been the kind to get nervous around girls before, but he had never been in the presence of this girl before. Her hips swayed hypnotically as she moved towards him.

"Mr. Petrelli," a very different voice that the one he had expected called him. He looked toward the teacher, trying his best to keep the disappointment from his features. Mr. Bradford motioned him over. Nathan nodded acceptingly and turned back right as Meredith walked past him. She was so close her hair brushed against his face—it smelled like flowers—then she was gone. He resisted the urge to watch her leave and walked over to the teacher.

"Mr. Petrelli, it is rare to find this in first time members but you showed yourself to be an exceptional asset out there tonight," Mr. Bradford informed him. Nathan looked at the man in surprise. Half of the time he had only been showing off for Meredith.

"Thank you sir," he replied politely.

"You have great potential Mr. Petrelli, and I would like to see your skills one on one with another top of the class. Can you be up to it?"

"Absolutely," Nathan responded. "Thank you." Mr. Bradford gave him the information he needed than sent him on his way. Nathan was seriously doubting that the night could get any better when he walked out side and saw Meredith leaning against his car. He put on the classic Petrelli smile and waltzed over.

"How'd you know which one was mine," He asked motioning to the car.

"Oh is it yours?" She replied, touching her cheek coyly. A playful smile tugged at her lips. "Are you going to see the Lions play tomorrow?" she added abruptly.

"The Lions?"

"You know school team. They're having an important game tomorrow." She informed him. "I'm going with a few friends and I thought I might see you there."

"You might." Now it was Nathan's turn to be coy.

"Good," She replied. "Bye Nathan." Meredith dazzled him with a smile before walking off. This time he did watch her go and continued to watch until he could no longer see her.

OoOoO

Nathan bounded down the stairs. He did not remember being this excited about anything in a long time. He'd bought the tickets, and he would see Meredith that night. There was only one problem. Meredith was going with a few friends and there was no way he was going to show up alone. How would that look? So he did what any other self respecting teenager would do. Bought two tickets. One for him and one for…

"Morning Peter," He said walking into the breakfast room. Peter was sitting at the table but he hadn't touched his food. Instead he was sketching away on his notepad. Nathan furrowed his brow and walked over. He looked at the sketch book. Peter was no Rockwell, but he had obviously been working hard. Nathan could even distinguish what it was this time. Still when he looked at the latest work he felt the need to ask…

"Peter is that…"

"Yup," the younger Petrelli answered without looking up.

"You're drawing breakfast?"

"The assignment was to draw something that reminds us of the morning," Peter replied tiredly. "I tried drawing the sun rise over the distant hills but…"

"Right." Nathan grabbed a seat beside him. "So, how would you like to do something fun tonight?"

"Really?" Peter looked up, his brown eyes shining.

"Ya." Nathan laid the tickets on the table between them. Peter looked at them then back up at Nathan, a very different expression on his face.

"Football?"

"Yeah!"

"No."

"Come on Peter where's your school spirit?"

"I don't have any."

"Peter you can't seriously tell me that you don't want to go to a football game with you big brother," Nathan coxed.

"Look Nate, it's not the company it's what the company is trying to drag me to."

"Ok how bout this? If you dear brother humor me, your big brother just this once I'll help you with your silly art project."

"You're not an artist."

"Neither are you," Nathan retorted. "But two is always better than one right?" Nathan ruffled his younger brother's dark hair. Peter pulled away but smiled.

"You'll explain the game to me?"

"You got it."

OoOoO

Nathan scanned the bleachers with his eyes. She was not there yet. He glanced sideways at his brother. Peter was watching the cheerleaders bounce around the field with a bored expression on his face.

"So a touch down is…?" Peter asked. Nathan felt slightly guilty. Peter really hated sports but he was really trying to get it for Nathan's sake.

"It's when they run all the way to where those words are written on the field," Nathan explained patiently.

"And a field goal is…"

"When they kick it through the polls."

"Which is three points," Peter concluded.

"You're getting it," Nathan replied.

"Peter!" Nathan looked toward the unfamiliar girl who had called out.

"Hey," Peter responded. The girl took a seat on their bleacher.

"I didn't know you were gona be here," She told him.

"Me either," Peter replied with a chuckle. "Simone this is my brother Nathan, Nate this is Simone Deavux from my art class." Nathan smiled, suddenly the reason Peter spent so much time struggling with art was clear as her brown eyes.

"So is Isaac here?" Peter asked once Simone and Nathan had exchanged pleasantries.

"Isaac at a sporting event? Funny," She replied with a laugh.

"That would be quite a sight," Peter noted. Nathan didn't hear anymore of their conversation because at that moment a certain blonde walked in.

She was heading for a bleacher several down and over from his. She talked rapidly to the girls with her, but when she met his gaze one of those stunning smiles flashed across her face. He made his way down to where she was.

"Hey."
"Hey back," She replied. "Here alone?"

"Nah," he answered coolly, "I'm here with my brother." He motioned toward Peter who was still chatting away, unaware that Nathan had left. Nathan looked back at Meredith and saw that he had defiantly said something right.

"It's really cool that you hang out with your brother!" She exclaimed.

"Well you know he's basically my best friend," Nathan added watching her practically swoon. I am seriously going to have to thank Peter later. He inwardly noted.

Nathan noticed that most of the seats were now full and the players were on the field. The sudden cheers from the rowdy crowd made it almost impossible to hear so Meredith leaned in close. Her warm breath tickled his face.

"See you after the game?" She asked him. Nathan flashed her a smile and nodded. He made his way back to Peter and Simone. The younger Petrelli was looking at Nathan quizzically.

"A friend," Nathan mouthed. The slight rise of his eyebrow showed that Peter didn't believe Nathan, but he asked nothing further.

The game wasn't a particularly good one, but Nathan would not have noticed if it had been. He glanced at Meredith every chance he got and was reward by the fact that she was often looking back. The game ended and Nathan did not even know who won, nor did he care.

"I'll be back," he told Peter over his shoulder as he headed toward the girl of his dreams.

Peter watched his brother head back over to the gorgeous blonde. He sighed feeling used and yet not at all surprised. He turned back to Simone and smiled. Peter decided that he really did hate sports, but he'd spent most of the time talking to Simone. So in the end he really had enjoyed the 'game'.

"So that's football," He commented lightly.

"I still can't believe you've never watched it before!" Simone exclaimed.

"Never interested me, and Nathan is basically a baseball fan so he never stuffed it down my throat…until tonight." Simone laughed.

A ring broke into their conversation and Simone quickly answered her phone. She spoke briefly then hung up.

"My dad is here so I gotta get going," She explained. "Need a ride?"

"Nah, Nathan should eventually remember that I'm here."

"Ok," Simone chuckled "Give me a call about the project later ok?" She smiled brightly at him as she made her way out.

"Alright. Later," He called after her as she disappeared into the crowd.

Peter perched on the edge of the bleacher and turned to watch Nathan chatting away with that girl. The crowds were quickly dispersing and yet they talked on.

Finally Peter got up and walked over to his brother.

"Ah Peter there you are," Nathan said, slinging his arm around Peter's shoulder. The younger Petrelli had expected a very different response for interrupting their pow-wow.

"Um…ya," Peter managed to reply.

"Meredith this is my little brother, Peter this is my friend from debate class." Peter gave her a slight smile, which she meet with a full on grin.

"Nice to meet you Peter," she said excitedly. "Nathan's told me all about you. Do you ever get tired of his doting?"

"Doting?" Peter echoed dumbly. He felt Nathan steering him away.

"Give us a second," Nathan said to Meredith as he led Peter out of her hearing range. The younger Petrelli gave him a questioning look.

"Doting?"

"Look Pete, Meredith needs a ride home. Mind if I take her?" Nathan asked, ignoring Peter's question.

"No…but," Peter began when Nathan cut him off.

"Ok good. Get a ride with your friend ok?" Eager to return to Meredith, Nathan left without waiting for a response. Peter's glare was wasted on the back of Nathan's head.

Not happy with the prospect of having to walk all the way home…again, Peter headed quickly out to of the stadium hoping that Simone hadn't left yet.

A quick scan of the parking lot resulted in nothing, but in the growing darkness it was hard to tell who was there and who wasn't. He let out a frustrated moan.

"Hey Petrelli, here to help us celebrate our win?" Peter turned around and came face to face with Brody and his posse. It seemed like the entire football team was there. A sinking feeling hit Peter when he realized that he was alone in a dark parking lot with his rival and his rival's small army.

"What's the matter Petrelli, cat got your tongue?"

Peter turned on his heels and ran full speed back into the stadium. He tore up the bleachers with speed even he was unaware he possessed.

"Where you going Petrelli?" Brody called after him.

He chanced a look at his procures to find them several rows below him. He looked forward find he had reached the top. Brody was quickly closing the remaining distance between them and Peter had no where left to go. Peter glanced right and left looking for something, anything to save him. He glanced back just in time to see Brody grab hold of his leg.

Peter thrust out his hands but there was nothing to grab. Peter felt his balance shifting forward and he fell…

AT: I hope you enjoyed this chapter! it was a fun one to write.

ok so as promised here is your Hint. in the next chapter two characters enter, both are main heroes. let the guessing begin!

Review Replies: So many reviews for one chapter!! you guys are too kind to me

GreenLeoFiend: my muse! you have helped me sooo much with all my writting, you keep me in character and you always taste test my chapters. you rock Stef! thanks a ton! I agree, the tongue is a dangerous weapon. I'm glad you like my Charles scene that was my favorite and most challenging scene to write. Charles is one of my favorite characters, I only wish we could have seen more of him in the show...though I think we will,

RBDFAN: thanks for you ever constent support of this story, and for being the first to review this chapter! woohoo

SpySkater: thanks for the review! you guys seem to like Ando...hmmm well he will be coming in soon but not in this story. sorry!

Tera Earth: An excellent question one I will go into great detail answering in my newest blog entery, the link is in my profile so check it out. thanks for the review.

JacksTortugaLass: hahah this is my far one of the best ussernames I have ever seen! hahahah. are you the one who slapped him? anyways to answer you thought, yes it is hard! some are easier than others. Nathan for instance I find easy to write at this age, oh and Meredith too. Isaac I found difficult. Simone and Peter are slightly difficult but not to bad. thanks for reviewing JTL.

Ally-617-luv-tv: that's perfectly fine I'm always happy to get a review no matter when it comes uber glad you liked the last chapter hope you like this one too.;

Nakeli Makilo: glad you liked it! thanks for dropping this note. I apperciate it.

XxHotBloodSirenxX: well that is an interesting question...you will not be disapointed.

Troian: thank you for reviewing, hope to see you again next chapter!