Hey guys. It's been awhile since I've updated. So I'm giving you two chapters instead of just the one. :)

Read and enjoy, and if you feel like it; review. I always appreciate them.

Chapter 5

"Claire?" Gabriel's voice drifted through the air faintly. Claire felt like she was in a fish tank. All sounds were muddled and running together. She could make out the distant sound of water running. She tried to respond to him, but her voice only came out as a soft mumble. "Claire? Come on baby; you're going to be alright. Wake up." She felt his arms wrap around her shoulders as the cold sank into her body. She gasped against the icy sensation and her eyes flew open. Claire thrashed about, trying to get out; it felt like she was drowning, but Gabriel's hold on her was firm.

"Get me out," she shrieked. "It's cold." Reality hit her like a wrecking ball. She was sitting in a bath tub that was running with cold water. "Oh…" she sighed in relief.

"Claire! You're back!" Gabriel exclaimed and wrapped a fluffy towel around her. Claire curled into his lap; seeking out the warmth. "I missed you," he murmured against her wet hair.

"What the hell was that?" she gasped, still shivering.

"You passed out from blood loss."

"Oh… I guess I am human after all."

"Yes, yes you are," he pulled her into a tighter embrace and laughed a high and nervous laugh. "Don't do that again," he commanded.

"Aww… did I scare you?" she smiled at him and ran a finger over his bottom lip.

"Yes—yes you did," his laugh held a little more humor.

"You do love me!" Claire exclaimed with a girlish giggle.

"I wish you wouldn't say that." Gabriel frowned.

"I'm still here though—I didn't leave," she pouted. 'Not for lack of trying.'

"You should move in with me," he said suddenly.

"Now that's a little premature…" she trailed off.

"Apparently it isn't too soon for you to be throwing around words like love," he reminded her.

"I have to get home," she pouted slightly. "I have a game—and practice."

"My little Claire plays a sport?" he raised his eyebrows in confusion.

"Not exactly."

"Don't tell me," he barked and thought about it for a second. "Cheerleading…" Claire blushed and looked away in embarrassment.

"Yeah… You caught me," she admitted shyly.

"Well that isn't really something that I can take care of for you—are you feeling ok? You don't have to go if you are not," he asked hopefully.

"Physically," she muttered.

"Claire?"

"I do love you…"

"Enough of that. Now come on, let's get you clothed."

Claire smiled at his use of the word 'clothed'. Gabriel was strangely old fashioned that way; with his words. It did something to relieve the momentary wave of sorrow she felt wash over her upon his usual rejection. He may not have been able to admit it yet, but Claire knew that Gabriel loved her at least a little bit. He wasn't even mad at her for getting blood all over his bathroom and his clothing.

Claire finished showering and grabbed her cheer bag, making her way from her dorm, to the locker room. When she pulled the door open, she saw all of the other members on the squad giving her an odd mix of looks. "Hi guys," she greeted them shyly. When she got to her locker, a girl named Kate approached her.

"So is it true?" she asked in a gossiping tone.

"Is what true?"

"Are you really dating that geek?" she got in closer, "Gabriel Gray?" she gritted through her teeth as if Claire couldn't have anyone nearby hearing the name. Kate giggled, and Claire frowned in response.

"A geek?" Claire was emphatic. "What are you twelve?"

"At least I'm not having sex with Gabriel," she teased. Claire's temper began to flare.

"Say that again. I dare you," she spat. The subject was still kind of sore. The girl backed away slowly with her hands up.

"Freak," she muttered, and turned to leave.

Claire pulled the girl back by her shoulder and threw a solid punch into her face. Kate fell flat on her back where a group of girls crowded around her.

"Does anyone else have something to say? 'Cause I've had a real baaad morning." Kate was helped to her feet and looked at Claire with annoyance and a tinge of fear.

"Jesus Claire! It was just a joke. You didn't have to go all Buffy on me. God!" she huffed and turned on her heel. "Does anyone have any concealer? And a lot?" she mumbled something about it being game night as she stomped off. Another girl came up behind Claire and patted her on the back.

"Don't worry Claire," she chirped, "Kate's just on her period." She smiled and continued in a sign song voice, "and I think he's cuuute."

Claire openly gaped as she watched the girl walk off. She tried to think of her name as she pulled on her work out clothing. 'Lindsay!' she suddenly remembered, and instantly felt silly for putting so much importance behind a name. Gabriel… Sylar… they were all the same to her; though still she had to wonder what kinds of things Sylar did; he was seriously unhinged. Claire shrugged and made her way to the gym; pulling her hair into a tight ponytail.

Cheer practice started out the same as usual; a 5 mile run in the blistering California sun. It left Claire with a lot of time to think about what she had learned that morning. It was pretty clear to her at that point that she could not only heal fast, but she could also grow back limbs. Her mind was still reeling form that discovery, but what could she do? It certainly wasn't something she could just wish away, and even if she could; she wasn't sure if it was a blessing or a curse.

She supposed if it was just a genetic variation, then it would be something as constant and concrete as having green eyes, or blonde hair. True one could fairly easily hide those things about themselves if they so desired; as was evident from the girls around her. So she guessed all she had to do was hide her newly discovered trait. Decking girls in defense of her weirder boyfriend probably wouldn't make her any less conspicuous.

Claire huffed as she finished her third mile and thought about Gabriel. Running had always helped her to clear her mind a bit. So who Gabriel Gray anyhow? Even after she had sat him down and he agreed to answer all of her questions; there were still so many empty spaces and pauses between them both. Gabriel may have been ready to tell her the truth, but he still didn't know himself well enough to share everything; there were still and always would be hours of his life that he could not account for. It was official, next time she saw Gabriel; she would have to piss him off. Claire would have to draw Sylar out if she wanted any answers.

Claire ran up to the pitch they used for practice and set her mind to practicing their routine for nationals. Go competitive cheerleading. The captain sat them down in a group as she paced in front of them and took note of who was there. Claire was glad that she didn't go on power trips like Jackie. Everything about college was different; easier going. She remembered how her team at Costa Verde had reacted when she started hanging out with her friend Zach. Her attention was called back to the matter at hand, when the captain looked at her pointedly. "Claire," she called her out. "Where were you yesterday?"

"I'm sorry Nikki," I was busy getting shit faced, "I was at the hospital for a friend."

"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that Claire. You'll have to work harder today though."

"Right," Claire nodded, "thanks Nikki."

Thirty seconds into their practice routine, Claire prepared to do her scorpion double down; she grimaced when she saw who her base was. Of course it would be Kate, but she trusted that the girl wouldn't let her fall; after all, that would look bad on her. So Claire got into position and perfectly performed the stunt while she was being held up, but when Kate threw her up in the air, she had taken two steps back; just out of reach. Claire hit the ground with a loud snap and the wind was knocked out of her. She panicked as she found herself at a loss for air, someone had stretched her arms behind her head so she could breathe, and she felt excruciating pain shoot down her spine.

"Damn it," Claire ground out, "Please, just don't touch me," she squeaked.

"Oh Claire I'm so sorry," Kate dropped down beside her. Claire panicked, she couldn't move. "Are you ok?" she was asked by a few people at once.

"Oh yeah I'm fine," she croaked, "I just need a second," for my spine to repair itself. When the pain was gone, Claire sat up; confident that she was alright. She shot Kate a pointed look that told her not to try that again. For the first time she was thankful to be a freak.

"Sorry you guys!" she jumped up and put some extra perkiness behind her voice. "Let's do it over."

Claire always felt half ridiculous when she was cheering at a game. Even in college, they weren't competitive cheers that they performed for the crowds; mostly just synchronized promiscuous posing and shaking pompoms. On the other hand, Claire enjoyed getting all dolled up so that every guy in the room would look at her. She shook her hips with the rest of the girls and snuck a look out at the crowd. Claire nearly froze when she saw that Gabriel was there; she felt completely ridiculous instead of just partially so. He wore no expression; he just stared intently at her. Claire was secretly pleased that he wasn't checking out any of the other girls, but to be fair; it didn't appear that he was looking at her that way either, not like he had that morning at least. Still it made her feel wanted that he only had eyes for her. Claire turned up the sex appeal behind her movements and stared back at him for the rest of the game; she wanted him to know that she was putting on a show just for him. Gabriel's expression darkened slightly, but he seemed angry in a sense. Stanford won their home game that night, and the team was fired up. The running back approached Claire after the game.

"Hey Claire, I couldn't help but notice how great you looked out there tonight," he told her.

"Oh thanks," Claire replied shyly. "So did you, you guys were great; hence the winning of the game…" She meant to give him proper congratulations, but it came out a little strange. He just shook his head and put a hand on her hip.

"So listen, Claire—a bunch of us guys were going to go out and celebrate tonight. I was hoping you would come along—as my date."

"As your date," Claire repeated doubtful. The running back's name was Richard Louis and he was another cute all-American boy from the South; that was really all she knew about him, but honestly he didn't seem like her type anyway.

Claire spoke up, "I'm sorry. My boyfriend is here actually, and I don't think he would like that too much."

"Oh that's too bad. Let me know when he's not around." Richard smiled at her and left to join the rest of the team in the parking lot.

Gabriel was still standing near but not quite in the stands, waiting and staring; he looked remarkably out of place at a football game. Claire mad her way over to him in all his Gabrielesque glory; with his glasses, faded black sweater and jeans, and his hair combed in a funny way. He looked so different to her now that Claire knew what was underneath it all. His shoulders that had once seemed so narrow, now boasted about his incredible height. His long limbs were lean and muscular as opposed to gangly. Claire especially enjoyed his standoffish stance that screamed he was a complete bore. Gabriel Gray was the most exciting man she had ever met.

"Hey you!" she jumped up and wrapped her legs around his waist. "You came," she smiled brilliantly at him.

"Apparently to watch you with other men," he seethed.

"Boy," Claire corrected, "and you know what I told him?"

"Please enlighten me." She nuzzled her nose against his in a display of affection that he wasn't entirely comfortable, so she settled for resting her forehead against his.

"I told him that my amazing boyfriend was here waiting for me." Gabriel showed obvious distaste at her use of the word 'boyfriend'.

"Boyfriend?" he repeated.

"Lover?" Claire offered.

"Boyfriend will be fine," he swallowed.

"I missed you."

"And I you," he kissed her on the forehead and let her hair down for her, tousling it about a little bit. "I'm more used to seeing you like this though," he grinned. "The uniform is a nice touch."

"Gabriel Gray," she teased in faux shock, "do you have a thing for cheerleaders?"

"No," he replied flatly. The single word knocked her good mood down a few pegs. "Just you," he continued silkily. "Let's you and I find some place far away from here," he suggested archly.

"I like this plan already," Claire replied coquettishly and laid a light kiss upon his lips.

"I have something that I want to tell you Claire." Gabriel murmured softly as he held Claire against his chest." She gazed out at the ocean below, and wondered if the secluded ocean spot Gabriel had taken her to for the second time was to be their special place.

"And what might that be?" she asked.

"You are the most intelligent girl I have ever known," he replied simply.

"Oh," she was expecting something a bit more profound. "That's—nice."

"So why do you waste your time cheerleading?"

"Why do you waste your time repairing watches?" He glared at her and she returned the look.

"Because I enjoy it," his tone was sharp.

"There you have it."

"You're a strange animal Claire Bennet."

"So are you."

"That works out nicely then."

Claire was thankful for the silence as she prepared to do something she wasn't looking forward to. She had to know him though, both sides. The memory of the way her father had looked at him had yet to escape her mind, and even if he did knowingly almost kill the man she love; Claire loved her father as well as Gabriel, they both had a place in her heart.

"This place is boring. I should have gone out with Richard instead," Claire remarked. Gabriel gave her a strange look.

"Claire?"

"No it's not this place, it's you. You always lie to me, and everybody hates you; it was embarrassing to be seen with you tonight. I'll never hear the end of it."

"Why would you say something like that?" Gabriel looked hurt and confused, but not angry. At that point she knew she had messed up; she tried to recreate the night at the hospital in a way of sorts.

"Richard gave me his number before he left. He told me to call him when you're not around. The thing is though… I'm not sure I want you around anymore." Gabriel released her as if she were some deadly and poisonous thing.

"It was a mistake to get involved with you. All you do is sit around and lament about how awful your childhood was, and how nobody loved you; your own mother couldn't even love you. You make me sick."

"What are you doing Claire?" he looked bewildered.

"Trying to make you mad," she admitted meekly.

"Yes… why?"

"Is it not working?"

"No it's definitely working," he continued to stare at her. Claire raised a fist and hit him, hard. He was hardly fazed, so she did it again, and he just let her. Claire was weak from her emotional upset at having to hurt him, but the difference was palpable; so she tried for a third. Gabriel caught her fist in his hand that time.

"Stop it Claire," he growled at her.

"Why isn't it working?" she barely managed to say between tears.

"Yes! I'm really pissed off right now, you just hit me."

"Then why—" she trailed off.

"Why am I not turning into a crazy psychotic killer right now? Is that what you want? Do you want me to try to kill you?" his tone was bitter and injured.

"I don't know what I'm looking for—I think that's the point."

"Claire," he sighed. "I told you I would never hurt you I meant hat."

"I want to meet him."

"I told you—I feel grounded when I'm with you Claire; I'm not two people."

"Oh."

"Yes oh. What the hell is wrong with you?" She felt awful, but she was pleased to see that he was more angry than hurt now. "I guess I was right,' his voice was cold and distant. "Remember how I said I had something for you last night?"

"Yes…"

"I was going to give it to you tonight." Claire's heart sank and shattered into a million pieces at the bottom of her stomach.

"God I'm sorry… I should go."

"I wouldn't if I were you," he said darkly.

"Why not?"

"You wanted to get me upset; and a job well done, I must say. But if you leave; I'm not quite certain that I'll be me for very long after."

"I can't stay with you forever," she remarked meanwhile thinking, 'though I would'.

"Well then you better get to making me the happiest man on this planet."

"What do you want me to do?" Claire asked skeptically.

"Use your imagination," he suggested. Claire knelt down in front of him and tried to kiss him, but Gabriel pushed her away. "That's not very imaginative," he reproved her. "Come on—you're a smart girl Claire, think."

Claire sat back and made a mental list of the things she knew about Gabriel in the order that she discovered them; he collected and restored time pieces, he hated germs, he didn't much care for people either, his mother was important to him (whether he liked her or not), he got jealous very easily (that could be useful), he was a funny drunk, he was a firm supporter of monogamy, he was abandoned and adopted, and misunderstood, he didn't know himself that well, and he knew almost everything there was to know; except her, he didn't know her very well. That was it. She was the only thing that wouldn't make him more upset at that point.

"Ok Gabriel. I've never actually done this for anybody," she said nervously.

"Oh? Let's see and/or hear it."

"You get twenty questions; I have to answer them, no matter what they are," she smiled.

"I like this game, how do I know if you're lying though?"

"I'm an awful liar."

"Very true," he agreed. "Ok first question… Why Biochemistry?"

Tbc.