Ending 1:
They sat at the kitchen table, relieved to be safe at home. But they knew that as much as they were grateful to get past another adventure, there were still things they had to discuss.
Matt wanted to talk about what a great family they could be, what a great team they made. The fact that they had just proved that they are stronger when they worked together. But he gauged Mohinder's midset to decide the best way to approach him, and couldn't help but react to what he saw as Mohinder's deception.
. "I know there's something you're not telling me about the Company. Something beyond your and Bennet's plan," Matt said finally.
"We've been through this. I have a responsibility to science, to my father's legacy, to all the specials out there who are totally alone-"
"What about your responsibility to us?"
"I'm doing this for you two as well, Matt! With the threats out there, from the Company and elsewhere, I can't just pretend like we're safe and sound!"
"I'm not pretending! If we committed, both of us, we could keep ourselves safe!"
"You're not thinking of the larger issue!"
"I don't think there's any issue bigger than our family!"
Matt and Mohinder glared at each other as they rehashed their argument yet again. Finally, Mohinder put his head in his hands and said, "I am so sick of this. I still love you. I will always. But we can't live with each other."
"I don't understand why," Matt said, not accusing, just frustratedly.
Mohinder didn't answer out loud, but Matt sat up straighter all of a sudden.
Mohinder, alarmed, said, "Did you just - .... Matt! Did you just read my mind without my permission?"
Matt gave a guilty look.
"That is a complete violation, Matt! That's-"
"I know! I know, I'm sorry, you were just - thinking so loud!"
"That's your excuse?!"
"Well, at least now I know who this is all about."
"You're misinterpreting my thoughts!"
"Sylar's alive. You're making these deals with the Company so you can get revenge! This is all about him!"
"That is not fair, Matt. Sylar is a threat to -"
"To our family."
"To our planet!!!"
"So revenge is more important than building a life with us!?" Matt yelled.
"It's not about revenge! Sylar is still a threat!"
"You think I don't know that!! You think I don't remember that bastard every time I see the bullethole scars that are ALL OVER MY BODY?!? You think I don't think of him every time I have trouble getting out of bed? Every time Molly has a nightmare? You weren't there after Sylar slaughtered her parents right in front of her, but I was!!!"
Mohinder looked at Matt, determined but desperate for understanding. "He still wants Molly, Matt. I know Sylar, probably better than anyone. I know how he thinks, how he plans. And I know that he wants Molly's power more than anything. And once he finds out what your power is, he'll be after you. His list will be Molly first, and he'll use her power to find you and then Claire and then Peter, and then he'll be unstoppable. I have to stop him now. Before he destroys our family, Matt. And the only people who might even have a shot at succeeding are Bennett and the head of the Company."
Matt shook his head, "You should have told me."
"I knew you would respond like this."
"This is not the way. For all you know, Bob is just as bad as Sylar. And the things they're asking you to do."
"That's why I can't stay with you. I'm playing both sides, so it's safer for you two if I-"
"I don't need your protection, Mohinder!"
"Well, tough, because I know this is the best thing for our family, and I won't be persuaded."
"I could persuade you if I wanted," Matt muttered, then looked at Mohinder with regret in his eyes. He hadn't meant it as a threat, really.
But Mohinder recognized it as one, and said, "And that's the other reason why I have to leave. Because your respect for other people's autonomy seems to be dependent on your mood more than your principles."
Matt glared at him. Clenching his teeth, he said, "You're right, Mohinder. You do have to leave."
Mohinder glared back. He was so very, very tired of this. "I'll go to a hotel tonight. I'll come back for breakfast so we can tell Molly."
Matt didn't argue, and Mohinder left without another word.
You have just read the ANGSTY ENDING. If you prefer the SCHMOOPY ending, go to Chapter 3. (This is one story with two endings, and you get to choose which one you want to consider the 'real' ending.)