Title: The Secret Heart

Disclaimer: I own none of the familiar characters; they belong to the Network & the show's creators etc. Anything else might just be of my own creation.

Important Author's Note: Apologies for any inconstancies with either the timeline of existing events or American stuff (I tried).

Volume One: With Every Heart Beat

Nathan Petrelli shifted uncomfortably as he pretended to stretch his legs in the back seat of the black town car. He gently tapped his fingers on the leather arm rest. Next to him a motionless figure stared darkly out the window.

Nathan cleared his throat, as he studied his brother. Peter, a younger more honest version of himself, had said nothing the entire journey. His handsome face awash with unhappiness.

Peter felt his brother's eyes on him. He suddenly relaxed into a smile, but his soft brown eyes betrayed the deadness inside.

"What?"

"Nothing." Nathan let him continue sulking for a few more minutes before he could stand it no longer.

"You need to sort this once and for all."

"What?" Peter feigned ignorance.

"You and Claire. This thing between you. It's been going on for years."

"You don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh, I don't? Why is it that she's in town and suddenly your mood changes dramatically?"

Peter fidgeted, and flicked his eyes away.

"And when she's not around you sink into a deep depression," Nathan continued.

"It's not like that."

"No? Peter, you are so hung up on this girl."

"So what?" Peter's eyes narrowed. "She has her own life these days and I have mine."

"Some life Peter, you've barely dated in months."

"My fiancée left me, remember? I'm allowed a mourning period."

Nathan threw his hands up in an exasperated fashion. "But I'm talking about Claire. Do you love Claire, Pete?"

Peter swallowed, hard. "With every heart beat."

"It's time to be honest with yourself. Honest with her."

Peter hesistated. "Even after everything that has happened wouldn't a relationship with Claire still be considered illegal?"

"When two people love each other the way you do, the crime is not being together."

A flicker of emotion crossed Peter's face, a sudden passionate hope in his eyes.

"Tell her or you'll always regret it," Nathan said quietly.

"I can't."

"You have to. I'm not going to just sit by and let this happen again." Nathan called to the driver, "Max ... We're taking a little detour on the way home. To the Four Seasons."

"Yes Sir," Max replied.

"This is crazy. She's with Victor now." Peter knew arguing with Nathan was pointless.

"If you love her, you have to fight for her."

"We've been down this road before. What makes you think this time will be different?"

"Because this time it can be different, Pete. Just don't let your foolish pride get in the way, again."

Peter gathered his thoughts as he rode the elevator towards Claire's floor. "You can do this." However, the moment he reached her room his confidence was gone. He stood, stung with regrets, trying in vain to get the courage to knock when the door swung open. Her familiar face took his breath away.

"Peter?" Claire's beautiful green eyes searched his own. "Is everything okay? I thought you weren't coming to see me and yet now you're here." Without hesitation she placed herself gently in his arms for an affectionate hug.

"I ... ah ... can I come in?" Peter said, as he awkwardly removed his arms from around her.

"Sure." Claire led the way through into the elegant sitting room of the hotel suite.

Peter looked around nervously. "Is Victor here?"

"No, he is down at the bar having a drink with a colleague. I was just finishing my packing before we fly out tomorrow."

Peter nodded.

"Why are you here?" She stared at him closely.

"I came to say goodbye."

A quizzical look crossed her face. "Goodbye? You just got here ... I know I'm leaving tomorrow, but ..." her voice trailed off.

"I know, but I really need to talk to you."

Claire picked up a cream blouse and started folding it into a nearby suitcase. "Okay," she said, a little hesitant about what was to come.

"Claire," Peter began. "I ... ah ... I ..." He tripped over his words again.

Claire stopped folding. "What?"

"Please don't leave New York," he blurted out suddenly. "Stay another few days."

Claire gave a soft chuckle. "Stay in New York? Peter, I've got deadlines. Victor has clients to meet in Paris."

"I miss you."

Claire's heart froze at his words. He met her gaze and she instantly feared and longed for his next words.

"I'm ... I've fallen in love with you, Claire. "

Claire blinked and stared hard at him for a few seconds. "Oh Pete," she gasped.

Peter was silent.

"Oh my God." She paced around, nervously fiddling with a piece of clothing. "Peter ... this is ..."

"I know. I'm sorry, this is crazy. I'm crazy for even coming here. It was Nathan's idea," Peter rambled.

"Nathan?"

"Um, yeah."

"He knows?"

"He kind of brought me here."

"I don't know what to say." His face blurred and she quickly dropped her eyes to the floor.

Peter found his confidence again. He moved closer to her, gently placing his hands on her shoulders willing her to look at him. She lifted her green eyes back to his. "It's the truth, Claire. I don't think I've ever been more honest with myself, or with you. I'm in love with you, and I ... please stay," he said firmly. "Stay and be with me."

As Peter studied her face, every inch of his being hoped her answer would be yes. Claire could hardly believe this was happening. At one time, this was all she ever wanted yet even now she hesistated.

"Pete," she softly began her reply. "After all that's passed between us ..."

AN: Edited 12/11.