Sylar focused all of his attention on the soft, plump lips on his. Claire didn't linger or let her hands wander, but it was the best kiss of his life, simply because it was from her and it was totally voluntary. She pulled back again and looked at their hands sitting on her lap, pink cheeked.

He wanted more from her, but he also didn't want her skittish, so he settled for brushing the hair out of her face. "I'll get you out of this mess, I promise."

She half smiled, "That's not why I kissed you."

"Yet, the fact remains." Sylar sighed and relaxed back onto the mattress. He had the sudden urge to yank her down beside him, rip her clothes off and bury himself deep inside of her. Instead, he groaned and wiped a hand over his face. "She's here."

"Who?"

"Alice. Don't you feel it yet?" His body was already pulsing with need.

Claire took a deep, shaky breath. "Yes," she whispered, biting her bottom lip. Her grip on his hand tightened as she whimpered softly.

After assuring himself that his hormones were in check, Sylar pulled the girl down beside him. "Lie back," he said softly, moving up to his elbow for leverage. Once she was reclined back on the bed, he hovered over her, hands gliding over her body, barely making contact and she whimpered again, louder and more desperately.

He slid a knee between her legs. Lips trembling, Sylar kissed her delicately for several minutes until she could no longer stand it.

"Please? Please," she begged, pressing her body up to his as snugly as possible.

Sylar grunted, deepening the gentle kisses he was planting. Their tongues twirled around each other as Sylar settled his full weight on her. Never had he wanted anyone as much as he wanted Claire, needed her.

But, she needed him, too. Needed him to take control and not screw everything up. Groaning inwardly, he rolled off of her.

"No! Where are you going?" She reached desperately for him.

"Relax, Claire. I'm going to take care of you." He slid her pants off, cotton panties going with them.

"Yes," she gasped as he moved between her eager thighs. "No!" she cried as he lay on his belly. He quickly changed her mind again. "Oh god, please," she begged.

Her body twitched uncontrollably, then seized, not allowing her even a breath, as she fisted his hair roughly.

"I'll give you a few minutes," he said, standing from the bed.

Quicker than was casual, he exited to the bathroom and kicked on the water. Cold? No, nice and warm, add a little soap, close his eyes, picture Claire's body, remember all the little (and big) sounds she made, and...sweet release.

Sagging against the wall, he took a moment to listen to the noises from the other room. She was in his dresser, pulling out clothes, but not dressing? Pacing began on the other side of the door; she wanted a shower. There was no sniffling, no crying sounds at all. Sluggishly, he finished showering and climbed out.

Realizing he forgot his clothes, he wrapped a towel low around his waist and opened the door.

Claire paced in front of the bathroom; it had taken a few minutes before she had managed to get her legs steady enough to stand on. In a rush, she pulled her underwear on, but left off the jeans. After mustering some energy, she rose and found a pair of Sylar's boxers and one of his plain, soft, white T-shirts, they were unbelievably comfortable to sleep in.

Not knowing what to do with herself, she walked, back and forth. Finally, the door opened and her mouth dropped.

He stood, dripping in front of her, towel slung low on his slim hips. Flat stomach, muscular arms, large feet, and she had to remind herself to pull her tongue in and shut her mouth.

"Excuse me," he whispered, turning sideways to pass her.

"Sorry," she blurted overly loud, eyes still on his body, following the drops of water as they trailed down his abs to the towel, blocking her view. "Is Alice back?" Her throat had gone dry, making her voice a bit hoarse.

Sylar laughed, head falling back for a minute. "No." He pushed her gently inside the bathroom and shut the door, but she could still hear him chuckling as he dressed.

A/N: Thanks for reading! Hoped you liked it. Don't forget to review! Let me know what you're thinking. What are you expecting? What are you dreading? How will I know, if you won't tell me?