Over the Years

Part Seventeen

Disclaimer: So not mine

CLAIRE

We found him. Finally, we found Peter. That's all I could think. "Claire." Peter whispered. I smiled, tears running down my face. Then I started to run. I threw my arms around Peter and felt him bury his face in my hair. "Smile!" Micah said, snapping a picture. That's when Peter looked around and dropped his arms.

He was talking to everyone, but I wasn't paying any attention. I was to busy staring at Peter. Alive. He was alive. Then I heard that we were going home. To New York.

I walked behind Peter, and saw him staring around at his apartment, looking like he was some what in shock. "We knew you'd be back." I said softly.

Peter turned and flashed me a smile that made my knees weak. "I'm glad you all had such faith in me."

"More like Claire had faith in you." Nathan said, coming up behind me and putting a hand on my shoulder. "She's the one who wouldn't let us touch the place."

I blushed and looked down at the floor. "Well, I knew that I could live through that, so I figured he could too."

Nathan shrugged, and Peter smiled down at me. "Thanks Claire."

Peter sat down on the couch and Nathan looked at me. "Are you going home or do you want to stay with Peter for awhile?"

I shot Peter a questioning glance. He smiled at me. "I'd like you to stay."

I smiled back. "Alright."

Nathan nodded. "I figured as much." He made his way towards the door. "Don't be home to late."

The door shut behind him and I shifted uncomfortably. I saw Peter looking at me in amusement. This was slightly awkward. "You can sit you know."

I shot him a nervous smile and sat next to him on the couch. "Sorry. I just cant believe that you're here."

He smiled at me. "Its kind of hard for me to believe too."

I gave him a shaky smile, then looked down at the floor. I saw Peter slowly moved towards me, then put his arm around my shoulders. I tried to fight it, but ended up letting out a muffled sob and leaned against Peter, crying against his chest. I started to cry harder and Peter slowly put his other arm around me, rubbing my back. "I'm sorry." I cried. "I just…I hoped you were alive, but I never really thought I would see you again."

I felt Peter swallowed hard. "Well, I guess I'm glad you hoped."

I pulled away from him and wiped my eyes on the sleeve of my shirt. "I'm sorry. This should be a happy day."

Peter smiled at me softly. "Claire, this is a happy day. I'm here, I'm alive, I'm with you…"

I stared at her and he stared back. Slowly, Ihe started to lean down. I shut my eyes. Thoughts started to run through my head.

What are you doing?!

He isn't going to kiss you! He's your uncle!

Then his lips touched mine.

He kissed me. And now we have to pretend it never happened. Truthfully, it's killing me. Completely killing me. I mean, friends. Me and Peter? Friends? No! That completely goes against everything I want, everything I feel in my being.

What do I do now? I mean, am I just supposed to act like it didn't happen? Forever?