Claire could have kicked herself for acting so...lustful. Damn Alice and the feelings she had awakened inside of Claire. She had, of course, been aware of the male body before, but she had never reacted so much to it. It was hard to ignore, now that she knew first-hand the kind of ecstasy it could bring her. And Sylar, she had already known he was fit, but seeing him without clothes, she hadn't been prepared for. Then, she had to go and open her big mouth; she was so embarrassed.

The shower felt so good, raining down on her skin, she almost didn't want to get out. But her sated body craved sleep. For having done practically nothing all day, she was ridiculously tired. Sighing, she dried off and dressed in Sylar's clothes.

She hoped they'd do something soon about her father's situation; she wasn't sure how much longer she could stand being cooped up in the small trailer. Combing her hair out with her fingers, she left the emotional safety of the bathroom.

He sat sprawled in the chair, leg over the arm. His heavy lidded eyes zoomed straight to her breasts.

"Don't you look comfy?" She dropped onto his bed, crossing her arms over her chest to avoid too much bounce. After all, he was trying to be a gentleman and avoid having sex with her.

He grinned lazily at her and lifted his eyes to her face. "That was considerate of you."

"Just trying to return the favor."

"Hmm," he hummed, eyes lowering slowly over her body, "That's not necessary."

"Really? Are you immune to me now, too?"

"Never. I just enjoy the show."

"The show?"

"Any and every little glimpse of your body that you allow me. I store and save it for later, when you've left me."

She was quiet for a while, thinking about what he'd said. "I thought," she began softly, "that you always seemed so certain that I'd end up with you."

"Ah...the assurance of ignorance. I didn't understand."

"And you do now?" She raised a challenging eyebrow.

"Yes," he answered softly, looking away from her. "It doesn't matter whether you feel hatred or love for me."

"You think-"

"It's irrelevant. You'll never allow yourself to be with me. Even when we are quite possibly the last two people on the planet."

"I..." She didn't know what to say to that, so she said nothing.

"It's alright, doesn't really change anything."

"Doesn't it?"

"No. I still feel...what I feel for you. All the things I've done to receive your attention, even knowing it would be your wrath," he shook his head, "No, I'm through with that. I don't want your anger anymore, even if it means you forget all about me."

"As if I could ever forget you."

They were silent for so long, Claire started to fall asleep, slumping over her legs. She awoke several hours later, snuggled against Sylar's body. He was wrapped around her, from the arm around her chest, down to the leg thrown across hers. His chin pressed to the top of her head as he breathed deeply. Comfortable, though a little too warm, she easily drifted off before her conscious mind could pick up Hilda's call.

"Get out of here," Sylar snarled, not far away, waking Claire from a fitful sleep.

"I just want to see her." A male countered, he sounded vaguely familiar, although she couldn't place him.

"Out of the question."

"What are you afraid of? Think she'll jump me? Or just beg me to take her away from you?"

"Do you want to die, Charlie? Is that why you're here? Don't have the balls for suicide? Because, you should know, when I kill, it's never quick and painless."

"You wouldn't dare," the younger man said, sounding half amused.

"Oh, but I would. And I'd enjoy every second."

"Uncle Samuel would end you." He still sounded confident.

"He could try," Sylar challenged.

"You wouldn't stand a chance; Samuel is the most powerful man in the world." His voice had gone a tad shaky.

"Really? We could put this theory of yours to a test," he offered, half hoping the little punk would take him up on it.

"I just want to see Claire."

Sylar sighed loudly, "Why?"

"Because I want her when you're finished."

As her blood turned to ice, Sylar laughed.

"You think that's funny?"

"Of course I do. She's mine; there is no 'finished'."

"You'll get bored."

"no."

"Women get boring after you've had them so many times. Nothing to be ashamed of; we're men, we need variety."

"Leave."

"No."

"Can't say I didn't give you enough chances." He started to raise his hand.

"Sylar?" Claire called, sitting up.

"Ah, she awakens," Sylar said, half turning in the doorway, so he could watch them both. "This piece of filth would like to see you." He shoved his arm roughly through the door, knocking the other man back a step as he tried to get a look through the door.

"Is it necessary?" she grumbled.

"Yes!" Charlie sounded breathless as he struggled against Sylar's arm.

"Nope," Sylar countered, amused.

"Is he going to hurt himself out there?"

"Probably." Claire sighed, while she didn't have anything to say to him, she also didn't need to stir up more trouble. He saw the decision on her face before she could vocalize it. "Put something on first."

Groaning, she dug a dark button up shirt out of Sylar's drawer, pulling it over the white one she had slept in. "Let's make this quick." She crossed her arms and stood behind Sylar, where he blocked the doorway.

Charlie's eyes slid down her body, obviously assuming she wore nothing beneath the black shirt. "Looking good. But, how are you doing?"

"How do you think?" she bit.

"Could you step out here, please?" He gestured to the dirt walkway.

"That's not going to happen." Sylar moved a little farther in front of her.

"Fine," he responded, through gritted teeth. "Claire, Samuel has authorized me to offer you a walk around the carnival. There are few visitors here this early, so you'll be able to get some fresh air at minimal risk."

Before she could turn him down, Sylar blocked her entirely from view. "She's not going anywhere with you."

"She'll go wherever my uncle tells her."

Sylar grinned, "Really? Go on, order her on behalf of Uncle Sammy."

"Move and I will." He stepped aside, but didn't move his arm. "Claire, you are to take a walk with me."

"No thanks," she spat.

"Samuel has decreed-"

"I don't give a damn what that bastard says." She turned back to the room, headed for the toilet.

"Are you sure? I guess I'll just have to tell Alex you're not interested."