Heroes: Incognito (8/12)
Sep. 26th, 2010 05:40 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
lotus0kidRating: PG-13 (a little language, a little violence, a little sex)
Word Count: 1,566
Disclaimer: Heroes characters belong to Tim Kring.
A/N:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
heroes_bigboom fic. Thanks for the beta, ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
visiblemarket!
Summary: Notorious-inspired AU set chronologically in S1, in which a past schism pits the Company against Primatech. To prevent Primatech from destroying New York City, Company agent Peter Petrelli enlists ex-agent Claude Rains.
Chapter Seven
Two steaming cups of coffee sit on Thompson’s table in the café. Claude sits down as silently as possible, but Thompson still takes out his cell phone and holds it to his ear within thirty seconds.
“They do a great cappuccino here. Go ahead, try it.”
Claude’s hand on the cup makes it invisible. He picks it up and after a moment puts it back down. “Nice.”
“Isn’t it? I think they add cinnamon.”
Claude scowls and holds in an impatient sigh. “So, think I might get to see the clubhouse one of these days, or would that be too forward?”
“I’m pleased to see you so eager, Claude, but you know how it is. We need to be cautious in this day and age.”
Claude gives a small chuckle. “Too right about that.”
Thompson’s smirk dims slightly. “Care to qualify that, Claude?”
“Don’t mind me. Just thinkin’ how you aren’t the only friend from the old days I’ve seen recently.”
Claude can tell Thompson would like to level a penetrating gaze at him. “Noah Bennet didn’t turn up for work this morning.”
“No, he didn’t.”
Claude watches Thompson’s greasy little wheels turn. “Can you name a place he might turn up, then?”
“Maybe a list of John Does, at the police station next county over.” He takes his own cell phone out and slides it across the table. “Here are some photos of our reunion.”
Thompson picks up the phone and flicks through the shots. He could be looking at pictures of clouds for all it shows on his face. “I suppose this wasn’t motivated entirely by revenge, or I’d have my share of it too.”
“I know what I’m about, Eric. Know there’s not too much place in this world for people like me. I should’ve been happy with what I had. Can’t help it, I’m a restless soul.” He gives a winning grin even if it can’t be seen. Actually, though he smiles, Thompson hasn’t looked up from the pictures yet. “So, I thought I might show some appreciation. Take care of a threat.”
“And what made you decide Bennet was a threat?”
“Now, now, can’t give away all my tricks, can I?”
Thompson chuckles, “I’d be shocked if you did.” He finally turns off the phone and passes it back to Claude. “I’m going to go and have a few conversations. How about I meet you back here at five o’clock?”
“Make it six, will ya’?”
A few more chuckles as he stands. “Good to have you back, Claude.”
***
In his hotel room, Peter is being forcibly reminded how much waiting on the sidelines while others take action sucks. He hasn’t felt this unique combination of boredom and anxiety since his rookie days. He jumps when his phone rings, and seriously contemplates not answering when he checks the number. He takes a deep breath, and hits the button. “Hey.”
“What’s happening?” Nathan says.
“Claude’s meeting with Thompson, showing him the pictures. He should be at the park soon.”
“Where is he now? Find him.”
Peter frowns at the command, but closes his eyes and looks... and finds nothing. A block of ice falls into his stomach. There’s only one reason why he wouldn’t be able to find Claude: there isn’t a Claude to find. “I, uh...”
“Come on, Peter, we don’t have time for this. Where am I?”
“You? Okay, uh...” He looks- and still finds nothing. “Oh shit...”
“What do you mean ‘oh shit?’ What’s going on over there?”
“I don’t have it. I don’t have the finding ability.”
“Are you kidding me? How could-? Look, okay, what do you have, if not that?”
Peter lifts his hand and stares at the palm. He focuses, and it fades. “... Invisibility?” He can’t believe he was so careless. Though he can’t quite bring himself to feel bad about sleeping with Claude, he should’ve at least realized that this might happen.
“Great. That’s great, Pete. Good luck keeping track of him if he runs.”
“He’s not going to run,” Peter automatically snaps.
“You sound pretty sure of that. I’d like to see your proof. Was it the way he demanded a less experienced agent as his partner? Or maybe- what was his line? ‘Once I’m outside the blast radius, this isn’t my concern’?”
“Nathan, you don’t know-”
“No, now that I think about it, he agreed pretty damn quick to going back to Primatech and offering to become their agent again. If you had your finding ability, you might’ve been able to tell if he was coming to the hotel with Thompson and a whole pack of Primatech agents to come collect you. I bet it’d look even better than taking Bennet out, bringing you b-”
“Nathan, that’s enough! Claude hasn’t done anything you and the others haven’t asked him to do, okay? So just back off.”
There’s a long pause. “Look, all I’m saying is keep your eyes open, Pete. You don’t know this guy, nobody does. But unfortunately he’s our only hope of dealing with this situation, and somehow he seems to respond to you. Just be careful.”
Peter closes his eyes, the hint of true fraternal concern more painful than comforting for its parsimony. “I’ll be fine.”
“Okay. Keep me in the loop.”
“You got it.” He hangs up, heart heavy because as much as he can’t be sorry for getting closer to Claude, he can’t stay that close. There’s far too much at stake.
He goes to the park to wait. He stays invisible, figuring he might as well. When he spots Claude from his seat on a bench, he feels a thrill of accomplishment under the relief as the man walks right past him. “Over here.”
Claude turns back with a half-smile and sits beside him. “Didn’t see ya’, mate.”
“Yeah,” Peter replies. He swallows the truth, and the guilt that follows. “How’d it go?”
“It went right well. I’d almost be suspicious if I didn’t know what they’ve got going on. Broadly, anyway,” he winks at Peter, who smiles. “So, I’ve another date with Thompson at six, and I think this time, I’ll actually get somewhere.”
“That’s great, Claude.”
Silence descends. It’s another sunny day in Costa Verde, and the sounds of a busy playground elsewhere in the park drift on the air. Though he wracks his brain, Peter can’t think of anything else to say. He hates the growing unease in his gut as Nathan’s words cycle through his thoughts. He can’t deny the truth in them. Guilt and sadness so thoroughly capture his attention he almost misses Claude’s quiet, “You okay, Pete?”
“Oh, uh, yeah. Everything’s... going pretty well, right? Considering.”
“Is it backin’ up on you, what happened last year?”
Peter gets the strangest urge to smile at the question. No one who knows about his abduction would ever ask that question so bluntly. Just Claude. “Not... not really. Not like I expected it would.”
“Yeah?”
“I’m more worried about you, I guess.” It’s not until he says it that he realizes it’s true.
Claude sighs and leans back against the bench, draping his arms across it. “Well, I won’t lie. Would’ve rather snuck in and got what we needed myself, not made kissy face with my would-be murderers. But it’s the way it is, and if I can get out of it alive, well, the look on their faces back at the Company’ll be priceless, don’t ya’ think?”
A laugh bubbles up from Peter, and he looks over at Claude, who’s grinning that wicked grin of his that Peter just can’t help staring at. He leans back as well, and in that moment can’t believe a word of what Nathan said. It’s the easiest thing in the world to press his mouth to Claude’s in a brief kiss.
Claude gives an almost silent hum, “I thought I’d seen the last of those.”
Peter retreats with a frown, desperately hanging on to that feeling of peace, even as it’s trampled beneath all the rest. “Claude, I’m... I’m trying to do this right.”
“Then do it right. No one’s stopping you, Pete. I’m not... asking for anything you don’t want to give. In fact, the only thing I need from you is...”
Peter’s been glaring into his lap for the past few moments, but he looks at Claude now. “What?”
By contrast, Claude glares out into the sunshine, his profile hawk-like and angular. “Just believe- believe in me.” His eyes dart to Peter, and there’s a vulnerability in his gaze that makes the empath’s heart ache. “Can you do that?”
It kills Peter that he can’t say the “yes” that takes half a second to rise in his throat. “I want to,” he manages.
Claude’s face shutters. His gaze falls. The moment is painfully silent before he mutters, “Made a proper mess of you, didn’t they?”
“... Primatech?”
His gaze lifts up to the sky. “And the Company- the whole lot of ‘em. I should know, we can smell our own.”
Peter has to look away, brace his hands on his knees and take a breath. “Claude, I’m here for you as long as you’re here for me. That’s the best I’ve got.”
“Right then.” Claude stands. As he walks away, he says over his shoulder, “If you don’t find me here before nine, don’t wait up.”
Peter puts his face in his hands.
Chapter Nine
Word Count: 1,566
Disclaimer: Heroes characters belong to Tim Kring.
A/N:
heroes_bigboom fic. Thanks for the beta, visiblemarket!Summary: Notorious-inspired AU set chronologically in S1, in which a past schism pits the Company against Primatech. To prevent Primatech from destroying New York City, Company agent Peter Petrelli enlists ex-agent Claude Rains.
Chapter Seven
Two steaming cups of coffee sit on Thompson’s table in the café. Claude sits down as silently as possible, but Thompson still takes out his cell phone and holds it to his ear within thirty seconds.
“They do a great cappuccino here. Go ahead, try it.”
Claude’s hand on the cup makes it invisible. He picks it up and after a moment puts it back down. “Nice.”
“Isn’t it? I think they add cinnamon.”
Claude scowls and holds in an impatient sigh. “So, think I might get to see the clubhouse one of these days, or would that be too forward?”
“I’m pleased to see you so eager, Claude, but you know how it is. We need to be cautious in this day and age.”
Claude gives a small chuckle. “Too right about that.”
Thompson’s smirk dims slightly. “Care to qualify that, Claude?”
“Don’t mind me. Just thinkin’ how you aren’t the only friend from the old days I’ve seen recently.”
Claude can tell Thompson would like to level a penetrating gaze at him. “Noah Bennet didn’t turn up for work this morning.”
“No, he didn’t.”
Claude watches Thompson’s greasy little wheels turn. “Can you name a place he might turn up, then?”
“Maybe a list of John Does, at the police station next county over.” He takes his own cell phone out and slides it across the table. “Here are some photos of our reunion.”
Thompson picks up the phone and flicks through the shots. He could be looking at pictures of clouds for all it shows on his face. “I suppose this wasn’t motivated entirely by revenge, or I’d have my share of it too.”
“I know what I’m about, Eric. Know there’s not too much place in this world for people like me. I should’ve been happy with what I had. Can’t help it, I’m a restless soul.” He gives a winning grin even if it can’t be seen. Actually, though he smiles, Thompson hasn’t looked up from the pictures yet. “So, I thought I might show some appreciation. Take care of a threat.”
“And what made you decide Bennet was a threat?”
“Now, now, can’t give away all my tricks, can I?”
Thompson chuckles, “I’d be shocked if you did.” He finally turns off the phone and passes it back to Claude. “I’m going to go and have a few conversations. How about I meet you back here at five o’clock?”
“Make it six, will ya’?”
A few more chuckles as he stands. “Good to have you back, Claude.”
***
In his hotel room, Peter is being forcibly reminded how much waiting on the sidelines while others take action sucks. He hasn’t felt this unique combination of boredom and anxiety since his rookie days. He jumps when his phone rings, and seriously contemplates not answering when he checks the number. He takes a deep breath, and hits the button. “Hey.”
“What’s happening?” Nathan says.
“Claude’s meeting with Thompson, showing him the pictures. He should be at the park soon.”
“Where is he now? Find him.”
Peter frowns at the command, but closes his eyes and looks... and finds nothing. A block of ice falls into his stomach. There’s only one reason why he wouldn’t be able to find Claude: there isn’t a Claude to find. “I, uh...”
“Come on, Peter, we don’t have time for this. Where am I?”
“You? Okay, uh...” He looks- and still finds nothing. “Oh shit...”
“What do you mean ‘oh shit?’ What’s going on over there?”
“I don’t have it. I don’t have the finding ability.”
“Are you kidding me? How could-? Look, okay, what do you have, if not that?”
Peter lifts his hand and stares at the palm. He focuses, and it fades. “... Invisibility?” He can’t believe he was so careless. Though he can’t quite bring himself to feel bad about sleeping with Claude, he should’ve at least realized that this might happen.
“Great. That’s great, Pete. Good luck keeping track of him if he runs.”
“He’s not going to run,” Peter automatically snaps.
“You sound pretty sure of that. I’d like to see your proof. Was it the way he demanded a less experienced agent as his partner? Or maybe- what was his line? ‘Once I’m outside the blast radius, this isn’t my concern’?”
“Nathan, you don’t know-”
“No, now that I think about it, he agreed pretty damn quick to going back to Primatech and offering to become their agent again. If you had your finding ability, you might’ve been able to tell if he was coming to the hotel with Thompson and a whole pack of Primatech agents to come collect you. I bet it’d look even better than taking Bennet out, bringing you b-”
“Nathan, that’s enough! Claude hasn’t done anything you and the others haven’t asked him to do, okay? So just back off.”
There’s a long pause. “Look, all I’m saying is keep your eyes open, Pete. You don’t know this guy, nobody does. But unfortunately he’s our only hope of dealing with this situation, and somehow he seems to respond to you. Just be careful.”
Peter closes his eyes, the hint of true fraternal concern more painful than comforting for its parsimony. “I’ll be fine.”
“Okay. Keep me in the loop.”
“You got it.” He hangs up, heart heavy because as much as he can’t be sorry for getting closer to Claude, he can’t stay that close. There’s far too much at stake.
He goes to the park to wait. He stays invisible, figuring he might as well. When he spots Claude from his seat on a bench, he feels a thrill of accomplishment under the relief as the man walks right past him. “Over here.”
Claude turns back with a half-smile and sits beside him. “Didn’t see ya’, mate.”
“Yeah,” Peter replies. He swallows the truth, and the guilt that follows. “How’d it go?”
“It went right well. I’d almost be suspicious if I didn’t know what they’ve got going on. Broadly, anyway,” he winks at Peter, who smiles. “So, I’ve another date with Thompson at six, and I think this time, I’ll actually get somewhere.”
“That’s great, Claude.”
Silence descends. It’s another sunny day in Costa Verde, and the sounds of a busy playground elsewhere in the park drift on the air. Though he wracks his brain, Peter can’t think of anything else to say. He hates the growing unease in his gut as Nathan’s words cycle through his thoughts. He can’t deny the truth in them. Guilt and sadness so thoroughly capture his attention he almost misses Claude’s quiet, “You okay, Pete?”
“Oh, uh, yeah. Everything’s... going pretty well, right? Considering.”
“Is it backin’ up on you, what happened last year?”
Peter gets the strangest urge to smile at the question. No one who knows about his abduction would ever ask that question so bluntly. Just Claude. “Not... not really. Not like I expected it would.”
“Yeah?”
“I’m more worried about you, I guess.” It’s not until he says it that he realizes it’s true.
Claude sighs and leans back against the bench, draping his arms across it. “Well, I won’t lie. Would’ve rather snuck in and got what we needed myself, not made kissy face with my would-be murderers. But it’s the way it is, and if I can get out of it alive, well, the look on their faces back at the Company’ll be priceless, don’t ya’ think?”
A laugh bubbles up from Peter, and he looks over at Claude, who’s grinning that wicked grin of his that Peter just can’t help staring at. He leans back as well, and in that moment can’t believe a word of what Nathan said. It’s the easiest thing in the world to press his mouth to Claude’s in a brief kiss.
Claude gives an almost silent hum, “I thought I’d seen the last of those.”
Peter retreats with a frown, desperately hanging on to that feeling of peace, even as it’s trampled beneath all the rest. “Claude, I’m... I’m trying to do this right.”
“Then do it right. No one’s stopping you, Pete. I’m not... asking for anything you don’t want to give. In fact, the only thing I need from you is...”
Peter’s been glaring into his lap for the past few moments, but he looks at Claude now. “What?”
By contrast, Claude glares out into the sunshine, his profile hawk-like and angular. “Just believe- believe in me.” His eyes dart to Peter, and there’s a vulnerability in his gaze that makes the empath’s heart ache. “Can you do that?”
It kills Peter that he can’t say the “yes” that takes half a second to rise in his throat. “I want to,” he manages.
Claude’s face shutters. His gaze falls. The moment is painfully silent before he mutters, “Made a proper mess of you, didn’t they?”
“... Primatech?”
His gaze lifts up to the sky. “And the Company- the whole lot of ‘em. I should know, we can smell our own.”
Peter has to look away, brace his hands on his knees and take a breath. “Claude, I’m here for you as long as you’re here for me. That’s the best I’ve got.”
“Right then.” Claude stands. As he walks away, he says over his shoulder, “If you don’t find me here before nine, don’t wait up.”
Peter puts his face in his hands.
Chapter Nine
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2010-10-01 01:21 am (UTC)Also, I love how the touch-needed aspect of Peter's power shows up in fics now. I mean they're touchy enough in canon that there's no way Peter wouldn't end up with invisibility a solid 50% of his time, if not more.
no subject
Date: 2010-10-01 01:26 am (UTC)Peter's empathy going from autonomic to touch was the best thing the Heroes writers ever did. It's seriously a million times better, or at least more interesting, from a story-writing standpoint.
no subject
Date: 2010-10-01 01:41 am (UTC)Yeah, it was a pretty great development. It just made me sad to never see him use invisibility again.
no subject
Date: 2010-10-01 01:44 am (UTC)True. :(
no subject
Date: 2010-10-01 01:47 am (UTC)*sigh* And he used it so often before then, too.