The Next Step [Claire]

[wade]

1st August 2009

Wade tap his foot on the table leg in his kitchen. He had no idea he was doing that, until he picked up on the noise, wondering where it comes from. When he saw what he was doing, Wade stopped. Maybe he was doing this, because he was nervous. Why was he nervous in the first place. All he was doing was accompanying Claire to a 21st birthday party, co-hosted by Jackson Poe, who was a member of the popular band, C-PAX. He could see the appeal for the female audience, but Wade liked it music enough to know that these guys will go far.

Looking at his watch, he saw that he told Claire that he would pick her up in like fifteen minutes. So with that, Wade put on his jacket, and headed out the door. Wade didn't know whether he should have gotten Emma Woods anything for her 21st, so he had bought a card. He didn't really know her, so it was best to just do that. It was something, and he didn't want to go there empty handed.

Soon enough, Wade was outside, and headed up to pick up Claire. He knocked on the door, and waited for someone to open the door.

[clairebear]

{ooc - Argh - meant to say to you Claire stayed at the White House in Washington, could it be that Wade was already in New York for business or something? If they're friends they should both be living in the one area, right? lol sorry}

Claire didn't really know Emma Woods very well, but she had been invited to Peter and Becca's wedding, and she had got to talk to the girl at some point. She had seemed nice enough, and just over a week ago she had been sent an invitation from C-PAX front man Jackson Poe to attend Emma's 21st party and like all invites, it was a plus one. Claire felt a little sad then, because at Peter & Becca's wedding she was still with West, but what with everything that had happened to her over the past few months, being kidnapped, having her baby be phased out of her, West's constant disappearing acts and then a third disappearing act from him, only days after the memorial service of their lost child she had enough.

West never came back, and Claire went right to her grandma Angela and asked her to help her with a quick divorce. Angela had only been too pleased to help her gorgeous granddaughter, and within a week Claire was free and single again. During these tough times, she had turned to her close friend Wade Murphy. Pouring her heart out to him about having her baby phased out of her while she survived, all about West's constantly mysterious disappearing acts and not even being around when she was kidnapped. Living in Washington at the White House was now where Claire felt safest, but because of this party she was to attend, she had got Nathan to fly her over to New York, and he'd agreed as he had wanted to spend some time with her grandma anyway.

So Wade was collecting her from the Petrelli mansion, where Becca and Peter's wedding reception had been held. She was just putting the finishing touches to her hair and make up when she heard a knock at the door. Of course, the butler would get it, but Claire already knew who it would be, so she quickly grabbed Emma's gift, putting it into her bag, and then made her way down the many stairs in the huge mansion until she reached the door, "It's alright, I'll get it." She managed to shout to the butler just in time. He bowed, "Very well Miss. Petrelli." She smiled at him, and he made his way back into the living room.

Claire opened the door, wearing a purple satin dress, with black embroidered flowers over it, and as it was quite a cool evening, she had on her white lacy cardigan, so her shoulders and arms were covered. "Hey Wade." She took in his appearance, and grinned at him, "You look really nice. Thanks for coming with me, I'd have died if I had to go on my own." Technically Claire couldn't die, and of course Wade knew this, and what Claire really liked about Wade was the fact he wasn't like her at all. He was like Noah, a normal human being. So, she could live a semi normal life around Wade, something she had wanted for a very long time.

She immediately, without thinking, grabbed his hand, "Let's go, I'm looking forward to a bit of fun, even though I was at Peter and Becca's wedding a few weeks back, you know I still wasn't really over everything then." She was really looking forward to spending this evening with one of her closest male friends. She'd be lost without him.

[wade]

Wade waited for the door to open to the massive mansion. He had never been to the Petrelli mansion before, mostly because he only saw Claire in Washington, where they both lived. Well, for her, she was living in the White House, with her father Nathan Petrelli. But he had clearance to be on the premises when he wanted to see her. They had been friends for quite some time now, and he was known to all the staff that worked there.

Soon enough the door opened, and instead of who he thought might open the door, it was Claire herself instead. She looked a vision in a purple satin dress. He noticed the flowers all over it, knowing she was a girly girl at heart. To finish off her outfit, he saw the cardigan she had on, and thought it suited her. "Hey Claire. Thanks. And you looked just gorgeous as always. And don't mention it. It is the least I can do for my best friend. How could I let you go alone. You need some eye candy there to show off." Wade laughed at what he just said. He knew he was okay looking, but decided to play off what she had said.

After this sort conversation, Claire took his hand, which kind of put him off guard. He hadn't really expected her to do that, but he soon pushed the thought out of his mind. He smiled, when Claire said taht she was looking forward to a bit of fun. But then the smile went a bit, when she mentioned about how she was at Peter and Becca's wedding. Without thinking, Wade squeezed her hand. "It's okay, and I do remember. But we don't need to rehash over that, do we? As you already said, you are looking foward to a bit of fun. I bet we will have a lot of it tonight."

He opened the door for Claire to get into the passenger side of the car he had hired for the week, as he had been at a conference on Thursday and Friday, but had the weekend free, till he continue the conference on Monday, throught to Wednesday. Once Claire was in, he went around to the driver's side, and then got it, and began to head the car in the direction of the party.

The trip to the party only took about ten minutes, but this time, they were able to talk. Wade knew that this would be the only quiet time that they would get, as the party, he guessed, would be a bit loud. "So, how have you been? I know I only spoke to you at the beginning of the week. But we were orgainising details for today. We never really got to speak."

[clairebear]

Claire couldn't believe how handsome Wade was looking when she opened the door to him. Even after the time they had been friends for, she couldn't deny his hotness, but, obviously hadn't thought anything of it, because they had only ever been friends, what with the whole West thing, the baby thing, the kidnap thing. Other than Nathan himself, Wade was now the one person she trusted the most. She felt like she could tell him anything and he'd never judge her. Then again, was that a bad thing? She felt like she was beginning to depend on him a little too much now, and sometimes, she wondered if there could ever be anything more than just the friendship.

She never thought about pursuing anything more with him, because she didn't want to be talked about. She remembered how she had been talked about when she had switched so easily from Sam, her last best friend, to West when he'd come back suddenly. But then, it wasn't her fault, Sam had harboured secret feelings for her, and she had been vulnerable at the time with West having just disappeared on her, she fell for her best friend hook, line and they got married. Only weeks later, West was back, and everything with Sam fell through and Claire lost a very good friend. She didn't want that to happen with Wade.

Claire actually felt herself blush a little when Wade said she looked gorgeous as always. "Thanks Wade." He then went on to say, don't mention it, in regards to her thanking him for coming with her, and how he couldn't let her go alone, as she was his best friend. And she needed some eye candy there to show off. She rolled her eyes then, but couldn't stop from smiling brightly, "Well, I can't deny that, can I? I mean look at you? Surprised a woman hasn't snapped you up by now." However, saying that, left a slight bitter taste in her mouth, was she jealous of what she just said? Surely not? She shook her head, trying to clear her head of that thought. She couldn't be jealous of something she said herself, that was just ridiculous. They were friends, that's all.

When Claire had mentioned about wanting to have fun at the party they were going to, and mentioned having fun a few weeks back, but still wasn't completely over everything, she felt Wade squeeze her hand, just that touch, made her wonder if she had reason for her little jealousy spell shortly before. He had then said, that he remembered, but they didn't need to go over it, as she had already said she wanted to have fun. So she gave him a bright smile, "You're right, sorry. Just sometimes it still, but you're right." They didn't need to go over it again. But her mind went back to that one single squeeze of his hand, it had felt so good, and it had felt right. Yet, he was her friend, and he was older, he wouldn't be interested in her, she might have been 19, but at 24, soon to be 25, he was a good six years older than her.

"And I hope we have a lot of that fun you mention." She gave him her typical bright smile again then, the one she knew Wade liked to see from her, not the look she gave him when she was sad, upset or angry at something. It didn't matter what it was, he was always there, and that was the whole point, he was always there, West wasn't. Soon they were at Wade's car and he held the passenger door opened for her, and once she was settled, he went round to the driver's side.

Once they were on their way, Wade asked how she was, mentioning the fact they hadn't a chance to talk properly earlier, because of organising tonight. She smiled at him, "I'm fine, I guess. Dad made me go to that music event in California, glad he came with me though, that's a place, whether my adopted dad Noah lives there or not, I never want to go to alone again." So, she'd brought up what happened to her again, in a way, but sometimes it just wasn't easy to avoid. At least she wasn't having the nightmares anymore. She had been suffering them for weeks after it all.

Then she'd suffered the hormonal loss of losing a child, the doctor had put it down to her having a miscarriage, because, telling a doctor, that you had your unborn child phased out of you, while you healed, wasn't something you could tell normal hospital staff. Alright, time to get off this topic again, smiling again, "How about you? How's your week been since you arrived here?" Hoping that Wade wouldn't pick up on the fact, she had been thinking about that night again.

{ooc - oops, mega muse lol}

[wade]

Wade had some friends from work, that he could always talk to. But it was always Claire who he could really confide in. He didn't care much about the age difference, knowing that she would go through anything he may have gone through. Maybe she wouldn't make the mistakes that he did in his life. Wade hadn't made many, but he always went straight to Claire, talking to her about them, and he would get advice from her, to help. In turn, Wade was always there for Claire, listening to her problems, and giving advice where he could. He was a better listener, than a talker.

Wade saw that blush from Claire, when he complimented her. She didn't do it often, but never around him. He never thought about the connection at all, and smiled when she thanked him. After he had spoken about not letting her go alone, and that she needed some eye candy for the party, she rolled her eyes at him. "No, you can't." Then she went on about him, and that she was surprised a woman hadn't snapped him up by now. "Well." Then his thoughts went to a girl he worked with at the centre. She was very pretty, and they got on rather well, but they were just friends. Good friends, and nothing more. Wade had always wondered if he should persue it, but really, it was probably not a good idea. What would happen if they dated, and then it went all disasterously wrong. How could he face her at work. Wade would have to go and find a job somewhere else.

"Well, there was a prospect of someone, but we are just friends. So no woman in my life, but you babe." With that he put an arm around her shoulders and gave them a squeeze. He then took his arm away, so he could continue to talk to Claire face to face. Soon enough, it was cleared up that they would have a good time. That smile of Claire's made Wade give her a bright one of his own. He loved her smile. It always brighten up the place when it came out, and made him happy. That thought crossed his mind for a second, thinking about it more as he saw it.

Once they were in the car, Wade had asked Claire how she was going. She mentioned about the music event she went to in California, and then about not wanting to go there again alone. He understood where she was coming from, but decided to ask about the music event. "So how was the music thing? I did read that you were pretty damn good up on stage. That Connor Robertson is a pretty good reviewer. He seemed to like what he saw. Pity I couldn't come and see you up there, doing your thing. But work, you know."

Claire then soon after asked him how he was going, and how is week had been. "Well, it has been good. Busy, but good. I worked on Monday and Tuesday, had Wednesday off, giving me time to pack and so forth for this conference thing here in New York. Thursday and Friday was the first two days of the conference, and it was pretty much non stop. Now today was my first down time. So I am kind of looking forward to having some grown up fun." He didn't want to give Claire the wrong idea, so he continued. "Don't get me wrong. I love the kids, and find out new stuff in my job, but really. There is only so much you can do." Wade would never change careers. He loved working with kids so much.

He smiled to himself, knowing he had to tell Claire this story. "On Monday, one of my kids came over to me, with a dress up dress, and asked for some help. So I helped her with it. She then told me she was going shopping. I asked her if she could pick me up some bananas and some milk. Two seconds later, she came back, and handed me four plastic bananas. It was so cute." He laughed to himself, remembering that part of the day.

{ooc - it's okay, it can get like that when you rp with characters.}

[clairebear]

Claire couldn't help but laugh at Wade when she had said she couldn't deny she'd have some eye candy with her at the party and he replied saying, 'no you can't'. She then smiled at him brightly. He was certainly eye candy alright, he was so much more than eye candy, he was her best friend. More of a best friend than Sam had ever been, it saddened her to think back to those days. She should never have agreed to marry him. She should have told him they would be better remaining friends. Then Claire realised, there was no point in going down memory lane, especially when the memories were far from happy. She should be thinking of the now.

When Claire had said it was a surprise no woman had snapped him up by now, she couldn't help but feel another slight pang of jealousy as he spoke of prospect with someone, but they were just friends. The soon as he said friends, the pang of jealousy she felt melted away, and then she herself melted when he said there was no woman in his life but her, and called her babe. Then she felt his arm go around her shoulders and squeeze her a little. She felt a slight shiver go down her spine at that touch. In a way she was really glad that she was the only woman in his life, but didn't want to make it known that's how she felt.

"Well, I'm sorry for you, that I'm the only woman in your life, after all, who wants a freak in their life?" She was half teasing and half serious. It was well known Claire hated the special part of her, so being with Wade always made her feel like a normal human and that she could have a semi normal life. "But, at the same time, it's sure a nice feeling to know I'm the only woman in your life." Damn, did she just say that out loud? She did. Was she going to ruin this night before it even began?

However, trying not to think on what she said, she just put it to the back of her mind, and just continued to smile at him brightly. They were soon in the car, and he asked how she had been. So she had told him about the music event she had attended because Nathan had said she had a good voice after singing at Peter and Becca's wedding. Wade then asked her how the music event was and mentioned the report The Chronicle's Connor Robertson wrote on her and then apologised for not being there. "Yeah, I read his report, not sure he was just being a little biased because of who I am, even though he said that wasn't the case. I wish you had been there, but I understand why you couldn't. I still don't think I'm that great a singer, but that's dad's for you." She laughed a little then, remembering how pushy Nathan had been about her having a good voice and doing something with it.

Now she sort of had a semi professional career in singing, but still very much the hero, and kicking ass when it was required. Claire had then asked how Wade's week had been. She listened to him, turning her head every now and then and giving a nod and a smile, to let him know she was taking in everything he was saying. "You've been pretty busy then Wade, and I know where you're coming from, sometimes you just need to have some adult fun and conversation." Not that Claire worked with children, but being around her younger half brothers Simon and Monty, she knew they could be a handful. "We'll both have to make it a good night for the other then?" She gave him another bright smile. It certainly sounded to Claire like they both needed it.

Wade then went on to tell her a story about one of the kids, and Claire couldn't help but think how sweet it was, and deep within, even though her heart lurched at the same time, she knew he would make a good father. "It is very cute and you know Wade, I think you'd make a good father, just the way you speak of the kids, makes me think that." Claire then for a split second felt the sadness come back to her, as by this point, she would have been almost due to give birth, or not far off it. She had to stop thinking like this, it was crazy, she needed to have fun tonight and forget everything in the past.

[wade]

Wade raised his eyebrows, when Claire said that she was sorry that she was the only woman in his life, and who wants a freak in their life. He really looked at her then. "Claire. I don't think you are a freak. So what if you have this ability, where you can't die. Who cares. I never think about it." He looked away, and then back at her. "Well, maybe I sometimes do. But that might be because I am human, and don't have an ability." Then Claire continued on to say that it's sure a nice feeling to know that she was the only woman in his life. Wade kind of smiled, "Well it might be for a while yet. Just don't have time for any sort of social life. But I will always have time for you." He squeezed her shoulders again.

He listened to Claire, when she said that she had read the report by Connor, and commented on what he had said. "No. I don't think he was being bias because of who you are. I think that you would be good at anything you put your mind to." He smiled, when Claire said that she had wished he had been there. He had tried to be a part of all that Claire had done, but hated not being at something that was going to showcase her obvious talent. Wade heard her laugh. "I am sure that he was only being supportive, and I can't wait to hear you sing. We might have to go and have a night out at a karaoke bar." It would be nice to go out once in a while, besides working all the time.

When Claire said that he had been pretty busy, was definately an understatement. He really needed to break away from work sometimes, and just get out. Wade was then glad that she knew where he was coming from, in regards to what he said about having grown up fun. "Yes. I think that I need to get in there and maybe get to know others that you might know. I feel that all the friends that I have are from work, and nothing else." Then Claire mentioned about making the night good for the both of them. "Yes, we will. But knowing it is with you, then I am sure the night will go well."

He listened to what Claire said, to his little story from work. Wade smiled, and didn't look at Claire, when she said about that he would make a good father. He did love working with the kids, but had never thought about how he would be with his own. He sometimes classes his kids at work as his own, only they aren't. Wade finally looked at Claire, just briefly, and then wondered what he could say. "It was cute. And thank you for the comment. I hope I will someday."

Finally they were at the party. He found a carpark, and parked the car. Wade got out, and opened the door for Claire. Once Claire was out, Wade offered his arm, and he led them inside.

[clairebear]

When Claire said she was sorry she was the only woman in his life and who wants a freak in their life anyway. She saw Wade really look at her. Oh, I'm in trouble now, she thought. It was typical of Wade to tell her off when she was being down on herself. So she just gave him a sheepish smile. When he spoke and told her he didn't think she was a freak, she gave him a slightly brighter smile, but Claire would never really appreciate her ability, even if it had saved her life when her unborn baby was phased out of her. Wade then went on to say that he sometimes thinks about her ability, but only because he didn't have one himself.

"You always seem to know the right thing to say to me Wade Murphy and I love you for it." Oh My God! Thought Claire, did she really just say that second part out loud? She did, damn, what was he going to say to that one? She was going to chase him away from her, of that she was sure. Then she calmed down, a friend could love their friend, right? So it was alright she said that, really, right? Wade then went on to say that she might be the only woman in his life for some time, as he didn't have time for any sort of social life, but he would always have time for her, and then he squeezed her shoulders again.

"That's nice to know Wade, and you always do well with giving me your time, and you have to know how much I appreciate it." She gave him a bright smile then, and thought back to when he'd squeezed her shoulders, thinking once again, just how wonderful that touch of his was. When they went into speaking about the music event she attended, again Wade came out with the compliments. "Well thank you. I mean, I don't think I've got a bad voice, just didn't think it was that good either, you know?" When she mentioned about her dad saying she had a good voice, Wade commented saying he was sure Nathan was only being supportive and he couldn't wait to hear her sing. He then suggested a night out at a karaoke bar. She couldn't help but grin then, "Well you know Wade Murphy, you might just be sorry you said that." It wasn't just the singing thing, it was the bar thing.

Technically at 19, Claire wasn't old enough to drink, at least not in the States anyway, you had to be 21, but with Claire being able to regenerate, she could never get drunk. She had tried it once when she was going through one of her rebelling stages, and of course it hadn't worked. She remained sober the whole time, while her friends were all passing out around her. "But it might be nice to go out like that, just the two of us, rather than having you accompany me to parties because I need..." She trailed off, rolling her eyes and giggling a little before adding, "Eye candy."

Claire gave Wade another bright smile when he spoke about getting into the party and getting to know people Claire knew because he felt most of his friends were from work. "Well, I'm sure you might make some good friends at the party then, a lot of nice people have been invited to it, from what I know. Might have to give that music reviews guy a wide berth though, not sure I could face him after what he said, might embarrass me." Claire laughed then, she didn't get embarrassed too easily, but if this Connor person was to say to her face what he said in that report, she might just get a red face.

Wade then said that knowing the night was with her, it was sure to go well. Claire felt herself blushing. Alright, what was happening here? She never blushed around Wade, and that was what? The second time tonight? Something was hitting a spot somewhere, but she shook her head slightly. She turned to him then and smiled brightly once more, "That is nice to hear, but I like to think it will be because you are there."

When Claire had commented on him making a good father one day, she hadn't meant anything by it, but she noticed he seemed to be quiet for a short time before he answered, and didn't look in her direction. But then, he was driving, she wasn't expecting him to be looking in her direction all the time anyway. Then he did look at her briefly and said thank you, and he hoped he might one day. She decided to leave it there, not wanting to go on that topic much longer, in case it wasn't something he was too interested in.

They soon reached the function suite the party was to be held at, and Wade parked the car, and soon came round to open the door for her. Once she was out, he offered his arm, which she took naturally. "Well, here goes, Claire Petrelli, walking in with some serious eye candy." She laughed lightly after saying that, but glancing up at his height, she couldn't deny it felt good to be on his arm right there.

{ooc - mega muse again lol}

[wade]

Wade gave Claire a warm smile then, as she said that he knew the right things to say. He did hear her say that she loved him for that, but only thought of it in the friends perspective. "Well I love you for being you." Wade did. So what if she had an ability, one that could stop her from dying. He never saw her as an evolved human. He saw her as his best friend, and one that he hoped that he would be friends with for a long time yet.

When he had sqeezed her shoulders again, Claire told him that he always did well with giving his time to her, and he had to know that she appreciated it. "I am glad that you like the company of someone like me. Well, I do love spending time with people I love, and you are one of them." He meant it, hoping to spend more time with Claire, after his busy schedule slowed down a bit. He loved working, but also loved having a social life, and made a mental note to chat more to Claire about making some time to do something just the two of them.

Wade noticed that grin of Claire's, when he mentioned going to a karaoke bar or something. He wondered if she was thinking about all the times that they sang with the SingStar at the White House. A couple of times they were told to turn it down a bit. Maybe it was because of Wade's bad singing. But it was just a bit of fun. "Well then, I don't think I will be sorry, when you have to sing the song that you performed at the music thing." But then something hit him. "I am so stupid. You aren't even old enough to be at the bars yet. I always forget that for some reason. You always seem older in my eyes." To Wade, Claire always seemed older than she really was. She was even more mature than some of the women he had ever dated, or had been friends with.

He laughed out loud then, when Claire said that it would be nice to go out, just the two of them, rather than him accompanying her because she needed eye candy. "Well, I am still available for that too still, if you ever need me." When Claire had said about him making some good friends at the party, Wade nodded. He hoped so, or at least one male friend. All the people that he knew were females, which sometimes wasn't a bad thing. Then the mention of her avoiding that Connor guy made him smile sarcastically. "Maybe. But you never know, he might just like to meet you either way. Why wouldn't he want to meet you. The First Daughter in the flesh."

Wade saw the blush, wondering why she was doing that with him. "Sorry if I embarrassed you Claire. But I am sure that you would have a good time if I wasn't there. I am sure that will be people there that you could talk to." He hadn't meant to make her uncomfortable or embarrassed at what he had said. Wade didn't think it would make much of an impact, which now got him thinking.

As they headed into the party, he had to laugh at her, when she said that she was walking in with some serious eye candy. He nudged her. "See, I told you." Wade smiled down at Claire, and continued to walk them into the party. The music was on, and there quite a few people there. He had no idea who was who, but he saw quite a few of them looking in their direction. Well, really, the only explanation was that it was Claire that they were looking at, which was fine. He was glad that he could be with her.

[clairebear]

Claire gave Wade a bright smile when he responded and said he loved her for being her too. She had secretly been dying inside wondering how he would have reacted to what she'd said. She didn't even blush when he'd said it, she just felt all warm inside. Hearing him say those words, made her feel really good. She nudged into him gently then, feeling good being with him, like she always did, only this time, it definitely felt different. Something was happening, and Claire didn't know what it was, but it seemed uncontrollable, and she actually liked what was happening. Was she falling for her best friend? No, no, she wasn't. She couldn't do that again, she couldn't. Sam kept drifting back into her mind, but Wade isn't Sam. Now her heart and head were having an argument.

When Wade said he was glad she enjoyed the company of someone like himself, she smiled at him. Why wouldn't she? He was kind, caring and protective to her, and he was drop dead gorgeous. Why wouldn't she enjoy his company? He then said he enjoyed spending time with people he loved and she was one of them. This time she felt butterflies in her stomach. The amount of times they'd spent together and spoken with each other since she'd moved to Washington, and she'd never felt like that before. So, they both loved each other, but just as friends, right? He didn't see her as more than a friend, did he? He'd never made it known. "Well, I'm glad you feel that way Wade."

Again Wade said the right thing, like he always does. She couldn't help but roll her eyes but grin when he said he couldn't wait to hear her sing the song she sung at the music event. Without even thinking, she put her hand on his chest, "Well, maybe I might just knock it out at the party, seeing as C-PAX are also performing, I'm sure Jackson will not mind me borrowing the stage for one song." She was half teasing and half serious, but she wouldn't mind performing her song for Wade, if he really wanted to hear it. She'd also feel like she had put a bit of effort into the party for getting the invite in the first place.

Then Wade picked up on what she had just been thinking about, the age thing. She rolled her eyes playfully and sighed, but followed it through with a laugh, "Doesn't mean I can't go into the bar and sing, I can have soft drink cocktails, besides, if I get in, I can always drink alcohol anyway, doesn't affect me. Stay stone cold sober, been there and done it, rebelling you know? Never worked, my friends all passed out drunk, me? Sat there with my wits about me the whole night." She shrugged lightly and laughed. She might like the idea of being normal like Wade, but she couldn't deny her ability did come handy from time to time.

"Thanks though, for saying you see me as older in your eyes." Claire couldn't wait until she was old enough to legally go into bars and drink. A lot of bars were strict on their rule for under 21's, but there were a few who allowed you in, providing you behaved. In other words, didn't drink alcohol. Maybe they could do that.

When Wade laughed at her eye candy comment, she laughed too, it was so easy to laugh along with Wade, his laugh was infectious. He then said he'd still be available for that when she needed him. "I'll be sure to keep that in mind." He was serious eye candy after all, who wouldn't want to walk in anywhere with him on their arm? Nathan and Peter aside, Claire knew she'd be walking into that party with the most handsomest guy she knew. Wade even topped her celebrity crushes.

When Claire spoke about avoiding Connor, the guy who'd reported on her, she couldn't help but smile at Wade's response. "Yeah, I guess you're right, surprised I was even able to get out without having the Men In Black following me." She was referring to the body guards of course, then she looked at Wade, "Guess they must think I'm safe enough with you." She smiled, and then playfully nudged him, "And they're right, you're the only other person I feel safe with, other than Nathan and Peter." Even with Angela, as much as she'd made amends and they were like grandmother and granddaughter, she still couldn't fully trust her, nor did she trust Noah completely either.

Claire waved her hand, and shook her head, giving Wade a bright smile, "You didn't embarrass me Wade, you never embarrass me, I can't explain the blushes, and I'm sorry, but I don't think I would enjoy myself the same without you. If you hadn't agreed to come with me, I wouldn't have accepted the invitation." She was being completely honest with him. Maybe she was falling for him. Head, heart, head, heart, having issues.

When Wade nudged her and said told you, when she said she was walking in with some serious eye candy, she had to laugh. "Yes, you did. And you are." That smile he gave her when he looked down at her, it melted Claire's heart. This night was definitely bringing out feelings, she never knew she had for Wade Murphy and she was beginning to think that maybe she was going to have to confront them, and talk to him about them. As they walked in, all eyes seemed to turn toward them, it was the whole First Daughter thing, she was sure of it, but then there was her serious eye candy. She looked up at him and smiled again. Noticing the wheelchair, she walked with Wade, and gave the birthday girl a kiss on the cheek and wished her a happy birthday and then handed over her the gift she'd bought, marking it from both herself and Wade of course.

{ooc - Wade is bringing out mega Claire muse - sorry lol}

[wade]

Wade was liking this friendly banter between them right now. He was either squeezing her shoulders, and now she had started nudging him. She was the best friend that he never had before her. Age was never an issue with either of them, and even now it still wasn't. He always saw her as the most caring, loving person, and her status now, what with being the first daughter and all, never made him see her in a different light. She was still the same old Claire in his book.

He smiled, when Claire had said that she was glad he felt that way about her. Well, they were very close friends, after all, what more could he say. Wade was only speaking the truth, and always did, and always will, when it came to Claire. Looking at her in what she was wearing, he was liking it. Then he wondered why he was thinking that. Lately, Claire had been looking great in his eyes, and now that he thought about it, he had been looking at her in a different way. Before, they were all being normal, but now he felt that he was now feeling a bit different. It was a good different.

"Well, I am sure that they will make room for you to sing." He would have to have a word with the ones who had organised the party. But really, it was Claire. How could they say no to that face. All of a sudden, Wade had to stop that thought. What the hell was he thinking? Now he was getting confused at what he was thinking. Trying to push those thoughts out of his head, he continued to chat with Claire.

Wade had to grin at what Claire had to say about drinking. It was true, well from what he had heard from her, that the alcohol never affected her in any way. "Lucky you. I think I have been fully off my face once, and am not proud of that night." He still couldn't believe that his so called friends back then could have gotten him so drunk. They never did tell him the full story of that night. When Claire had thanked him for saying about how she looked older in his eyes, Wade grinned, and glanaced at Claire. "That's okay."

Yes, the bodyguards, thought Wade, when Claire mentioned about getting out tonight without them. "I was a little surprised as well. But they might have thought that, what with me being with you. Though if anything did happen, I am only human, and could never protect you. Though really, you can do that all on your own." He smiled, when Claire had said that she felt safe with him. "So. If there was no one else, but me, around, I would be your human who would be there for you forever?" That word, forever, was a big word, with so many different meanings to him right now. After his thoughts soon turned to him noticing Claire in a different light for a few seconds, made him think that maybe he was seeing Claire as more than just the best friend he had never had.

He heard her reply to him, thinking that he had embarrassed her somewhat. "I am sure that you would have gone. You would have found someone else to go with. I am sure that I am not your only true friend out there." He touched her hand then, trying to reassure her. That brief touch, brough his earlier thoughts to light. He quickly removed his hand, and then just grinned. It felt like a silly grin to him, for some reason, and hoped that he didn't look silly to Claire.

When they walked in, all eyes were on them, but he knew that they were looking at Claire. He felt kind of proud to be standing with her, with her on his arm. In the people's eyes, he was a no body. Just someone that was with Claire. Soon enough they headed over to obviously the birthday girl, Emma Woods, and he stood back, as Claire kissed Emma on the cheek, wishing her a happy birthday. Wade smiled at Emma, and said happy birthday, as Claire handed over the present. He smiled a bit more, when she stated that the present was from both of them. Wade, at the same time, handed over his card, that he had brought with him.

Once the exchanges were done, Wade looked at all the food. "Do you want to eat now? Or just sit and chat for a bit more?" Wade didn't really mind either way. He was sort of hungry, but wanted to chat to Claire, as they hardly saw each other any more.

[clairebear]

Claire couldn't stop looking at Wade and smiling, as he either squeezed her shoulders or she playfully nudged into him. Anybody looking at them, would probably think they were a couple, instead of just best friends. But would it be so wrong for them to think of them, and see them as a couple? Claire was beginning to think not. She felt comfortable around Wade, she felt safe around him, and what was more, she trusted him completely. There wasn't many people Claire trusted, but Wade was one of them.

When Wade said he was sure they would make room for her to sing, she gave him a bright smile. Although, that was something Claire did most of the time when in Wade's company, smile brightly at him. She was always just so happy being with him. "Maybe, and it would be nice, but if not, maybe I can give you a private concert of your own later." Oh My God! She thought, did I really just say that, tell me I didn't just say that out loud. Shit, shit, shit! She thought, as she felt her face flush furiously. She was of course meaning she could sing the song to just him, when they were alone, but still, the way it sounded, the way it came out, it just sounded very much an Oh My God moment.

Claire laughed a little, "Yeah, about one of the things about this ability which I probably do like, even if it did spoil my whole 'rebelling stage' thing." Using her fingers to say the words rebelling stage. She remembered how Noah had reacted when she went in and gave him a hug, without thinking how her breath would have smelled, even if she wasn't acting drunk. He'd given her such hell, and then went from anger to confusion when he couldn't figure out why she wasn't drunk. That's when they realised her ability could do much more than just heal wounds.

Claire shook her head slightly, when Wade said if anything were to happen he wouldn't be able to protect her. "Aside from the fact I can self heal, I know you'd do what you can to protect me, and that's all that matters." He might not be able to fight off people as such, what with having no ability, but he did have the ability to use his feet and hands, and was pretty certain whoever tried to attack her, would get a severe kick or punch from him at least. Although, knowing Claire, she wouldn't even let him try to protect her, knowing she could take anything that was thrown at her and heal from it. If anything, she'd end up protecting him, and she would do it without even thinking.

When Wade spoke again, saying if there was no one else around but him, he would be her human who would be there for her, forever. Claire felt warm inside when she heard him say that. The thought of him being there forever, being with her forever, made her feel so happy and so special. "Yes!! And you know, I like the sound of that. Forever." She then squeezed his side, with her hand as she hugged into him again. What was happening here? Was it just her who was feeling like this? Feeling this different, like something more could happen between them? Or was Wade feeling it too?

Claire shrugged when Wade said he was sure she would have gone, that he wasn't her only true friend out there. As Claire thought about it, she really didn't have any girl friends out there. There was Elle, but she was hardly a friend, more a nemesis, whom annoyed the hell out of Claire, and she always gave as good as she got. There was Carla as well, but Claire hadn't seen her for a very long time, and the only Carla she knew of now, was the one from the future, and neither of them were really in contact with each other. "Nope, not really Wade, if it weren't for you, I'd probably have either not gone, or just tagged along with Peter and Becca." She laughed a little then. Then she felt Wade touch her hand, briefly, but enough for it to cause shivers to run down her spine. It felt magical, and just in that second alone, Claire knew there was something more going on with her feelings for Wade, than just that of friendship now.

She could have gone with Peter and Becca, but she knew, deep down, she wouldn't have gatecrashed on the couple like that, they hadn't long got married really, and didn't need Claire there getting between them. However, it didn't matter, because Claire did have someone with her, she had Wade, and she was going to make sure she enjoyed herself, and hopefully Wade would enjoy himself as well.

Once they were inside, and Claire managed to get used to the fact, that all eyes seemed to be on her and Wade, they had made their way over to Emma. Claire had wished her a Happy Birthday and handed over their gift for her, and she watched as Wade handed over a card. When Claire was finished and Emma had thanked them both for their gift and card and for coming, Wade asked Claire if she wanted to eat, or just sit and talk some more. Looking around at the food, Claire was quite hungry, but she also wanted to talk to Wade some more as well.

"How about we do a bit of both then? We could go get some food, and then go sit somewhere quietly, just the two of us, and talk?" Claire suggested, hoping he would go for that, that way, they could eat something and still sit and talk. Claire really wanted to talk to Wade now, more than ever, since the touch of his hand, if something was happening between them, or could happen between them, then they had to speak about.

{ooc - freaking heck, where is this muse coming from? lol Even Brendan's aren't reaching this size just now. Sheesh.}

[wade]

Wade had to give a cheeky grin, when Claire said that she would have to give him a private concert later. He smiled at her, as he noticed her blushing, thinking. "Well, it would be nice. Just hearing what you have been singing." He had heard one song on the radio, but it would be nice to hear the song from Claire herself. He then thought, would it lead to anything else, besides her singing for him? Why woud he think that? He was with the best friend he ever had, and now was thinking of her more than that.

When Claire had said that she knew that he would do what he could to be able to protect her, and that's all that matter, he smiled warmly at her. "I would do whatever I could do that was humanly possible. Even if it would mean a few punches, or even a kick in the family jewels, if it was a guy." Wade had only ever gotten into one good fight when he was in school, and it was over a girl, who he later dated. So since then, Wade hadn't had a serious girlfiend, but would Claire be the next one? Only time would tell, if and when they spoke of it. The whole 'forever' thing then confirmed what he had been thinking. When Claire hugged into his body, he closed his eyes for a second, taking in how amazing that it felt for her to do that.

Wade couldn't believe that she wouldn't have had anyone else to take to the party, but it made him priviledged to have been asked by her. When she had mentioned about tagging along with Peter and Becca, he nodded. But he thought that it might have felt like she would have been a third wheel, like he would have felt like. "Well, Miss Petrelli. I am glad that you asked me." With that, he kissed her forehead.

Once they had given over the present and card to Emma Woods, Wade had suggested that they either go and eat or just sit and chat. So when Claire suggested that they do a bit of both, Wade nodded. "Sounds good. Let's go." With that, Wade put his arm out for her to take, and then led them over to the food tables. Looking at the array of food, Wade didn't know where to start. He soon saw pizza, and grabbed a few slices.

After a few moments, Wade had piled his plate with quite a bit of food. There was pizza, chicken, and a small portion of fruit. He looked at Claire sheepishly. "I think I mght have gone a bit overboard. Oh well, I am a growing boy after all." He laughed at what he just said. Once Claire was ready to move away, Wade scanned the room, seeing two chairs, away from the dance floor and away from the other guests somewhat. Wade gestured over to the chairs. "Let's go and sit over there." He offered his arm again, and he led them over to the chairs.

Once seated, Wade went straight for a strawberry that was on his plate. He popped it in his mouth, and then closed his eyes. "Oh my God. This is so good. You have to try this." Without thinking or hesitating, Wade picked up another strawberry, and put it in Claire's mouth.

[clairebear]

Even though Claire had felt completely embarrassed about mentioning giving Wade a private concert she couldn't help but notice the cheeky grin he gave her. She felt the blush begin to die down and then he smiled at her before speaking. When she heard what he said, she couldn't help but give him a smile back. She was kind of lost for words at that point, and could only reply with a "Thanks Wade." She would love to sing to him, she would love to spend more time with him. Just the two of them. But then they spent a lot of time together anyway, but it was only as friends, Claire was beginning to think she wanted more. What was making Claire look at Wade in a whole new light, but she didn't care, she was finding she quite liked it.

Hearing Wade say he would do what ever he humanly could to protect her, made her feel good inside, and warm. She grinned at him, "Seeing you kick a guy in the family jewels protecting me, now that's something I'd love to see, makes me almost wish you'd been around when..." But she trailed off, she was not going to down that path again. It was over with, it was in the past, it was time to move on with her life.

After their talk of Wade being her human forever, Claire had hugged into him, squeezing his side lightly. She had then mentioned she wouldn't have had anybody else to ask to the party and would have had to tag along with Becca and Peter instead. When Wade then said he was glad that she asked him calling her Miss. Petrelli, she looked up at him and grinned. "Well, Mr. Murphy, you're welcome, and I couldn't ask for better company." That was true, what could have been better than going to the party with her best friend. Best friend? Was that all he was? Soul Mate? Looking up at him and sighing gently, he was so handsome, and he was with her tonight. She loved him. She was getting butterflies in her stomach at the thought of walking into this party with him. Every touch he gave her, her skin tingled and she felt like she couldn't speak. Was Claire falling in love with her best friend?

When he kissed her forehead, she thought she was going to pass out from the touch. It was magical, and that was just a kiss on the head, imagine what a kiss on the lips might do to her? It might very well take the feet away from her. Claire had to shake the thoughts from her head. Wade only liked her as a friend, he'd laugh if he thought she was having thoughts like this. He knew everything about her, her friend and relationship with Sam, and then West, the baby, the kidnap, the fact she was adopted by the Bennets, he knew everything there possibly was to know about her, she was his best friend, nothing more. Knowing what happened between Claire and her other best friend Sam, would be sure to put Wade off of thinking about her in any other way other than a friend.

After Claire had suggested they could do a bit of both with regards to getting something to eat, or talk, Wade agreed and held his arm out for he to take before saying 'sounds good, let's go.' She took his arm and smiled up at him. Claire wasn't sure what to choose, but she knew she was hungry, so she basically picked up a bit of everything which was on offer at that moment. Claire had to laugh at what Wade had on his plate, but then looking at her own, she wasn't too far behind with the amount.

Shrugging her shoulders, "Well, looks like I'm in competition with you." Her plate had a slice of pizza, a piece of chicken, sausage rolls, sandwiches, basically a bit of everything, along with some fruit. "I don't think you've got much to grow." She raised her eyebrows when she said that, and then immediately smirked before blushing, what the hell was wrong with her tonight? It was almost as if her mouth had a mind of its own. She then watched as Wade scanned the room and soon pointed out a table and chairs a bit away from the dance floor and the other guests. Perfect she thought. Some alone time.

"Perfect." She smiled at him, and once again took his arm and walked with him to the table and chairs he had seen. Once they were sat down Claire noticed Wade pick up a strawberry to eat. She was about to go straight for the savoury food, but then Wade said the strawberries were so good and she had to try one, and before she knew it, Wade had put one into her mouth. Just that one simple move alone, made Claire melt. She felt her whole body begin to shake. As she closed her mouth to eat the strawberry, her lips and tongue brushed against his fingers, and as it happened, Claire had to close her eyes thinking how wonderful the feeling was of that simple touch.

When she'd swallowed the strawberry, she looked at him, "Delicious, although right now I'm not sure what was more delicious, the strawberry or the taste of your fingers when my tongue touched them." Oh My God!!! My mouth's done it again she thought, what was he going to think of her?

[wade]

Wade burst out laughing, when Claire commented on seeing kick a guy in the family jewels. He loved that grin of hers, and that made what she said all the more amusing in his eyes. Wade was glad then, when Claire had mentioned that she couldn't have asked for better company at the party. Again that grin formed on her lips and face. Wade just wished that he could watch her grin, and smile all night. He hoped nothing bad happened to let them fade.

They soon decided to sit and chat, and when Claire once again smiled, as she took his arm, all Wade could do was smile back. He loved that he was able to be available for Claire to attend this party. Just knowing it was Claire was enough of an incentive to come. She had been through so much, and it was time for her to get out and have some fun, even if it was with someone like him, who knew how to have a good time, but sometimes needed that encouragement.

Wade again laughed a little, looking at Claire's plate, as she commented on how she was in competition with him. She had almost as much food as he had, but a bit more of a variety. "Maybe." But then, Claire of cause commented on what he said about being a growing boy. Well, he was probably done growing at his age, but it was nice to muck about with Claire. "I don't think so either. But us guys do take a bit longer to fully mature. Though I hope in some ways I am already finished with that."

As soon as they had sat down, Wade had gone for the strawberries, and had eaten one. After commenting about how good they tasted, he hadn't hesitated at all, and put one in Claire's mouth. He watched as Claire closed her eyes, as the strawberry went into her mouth. As it was a normal size strawberry, Wade's finger tips were in there, in Claire's mouth as well. He felt her tongue touch a couple of his fingers, and he felt his fingers tingle a bit.

The thoughts of before came flooding back again. Maybe he was having feelings for Claire. But would he risk everything they had now, for a love relationship? Was it not enough to have a best friend relationship, with someone who he knew everything about, and vise versa? Maybe not with these feelings that he was feeling now. Just looking at her as she ate that strawberry, Wade just wanted to get in there and just kiss those strawberry covered lips.

He soon found his mouth open slightly, and quickly closed it, hoping that Claire hadn't seen. But knowing his luck, she had. Then she looked at him, and commented about the strawberries. Then she said that she wasn't sure what was more delicious, the strawberry, or the taste of his fingers when her tongue touched them. Oh my God, Wade thought. He lent in close to her then, mere inches away from her face. "Maybe we could test that theory out again." Without hesitation, not even seeing this side of him come out, he lent in, and kissed her, instead of feeding her another strawberry.