Pairing: Claire/Gabriel

Theme: Introductions

Dimension: Alternate

Word Count: 1,203

Introductions

Somewhere in the vast expanse of space and time, there is a crack. In that crack there are thousands of dimensions running parallel to each other. Out of the hundred and hundreds of cracks that run together, split off and vein out in the expanse of time, One of those splinters is our own. It holds and records everything every human has ever done in the course of history, and it will continue to hold and record our actions until God chooses otherwise. In this dimension, the battle between good and evil rages on as those with abilities fight to live, to rule and to disappear.

In our dimension, a young cheerleader has begun a deadly game of cat and mouse with a man resting on the edge of sanity. They dance around each other, making complicated movements and fluidly following music only they can hear. Neither can die, and both have everything to lose.

However, running along this dimension flows another, one that has splintered just enough to change the entire view. In this time, abilities are very much a reality, but different paths have been taken, altering everything. Thus, the story begins…

Gabriel Gray sat in his small shop, hunched over a gold Rolex, meticulously picking through each gear and cog to search out the many secrets of the small bit of machinery. He'd always been good with things like this. The man who'd brought it to him had been nonchalant about the thing, tossing it to him and demanding that it be fixed immediately. The dark haired man just shook his head in resignation.

' Some people just don't respect anything.'

'You could have killed him easily.' The dark voice was a constant in his head, reminding him that the Hunger would not rest. He closed his eyes and took a calming breath. He would not allow it to take over him. His abilities were to help people, not hurt them.

'You could be so much more if you'd let me take over, you sniveling little fool.'

"Silence! You do not get to speak. Now go back to your hellhole and leave me alone." The door bell chimed and the Watchmaker turned towards the door with a snap.

She was beautiful. It was the only thing running through his head as the young blonde woman stepped over his threshold, immediately drawn to the many different watches and clocks that littered every open space in the cramped compartment.

She was dressed with money, her clothing much sharper and nicer than his old and worn ones. She wore expensive looking jewelry, and her shoes looked as if they'd cost him a year's salary. Her coat alone looked to be worth more than all of his clothing combined. He couldn't help but feel that familiar shame in himself. However, he refused to be intimidated by money and looks. He'd learned long ago that those things could never make one happy.

Her tiny hands touched an old grandfather clock in the corner, not seeming to mind the fine sheen of dust that covered the etched glass. From his vantage point behind the partially hidden table, Gabriel could see fascination glittering in her emerald colored eyes.

"Hello? Is anyone here?" She was calling out now, looking around with slight confusion marring her complexion.

"Ahem." He stood awkwardly, knocking over his chair in his haste. She turned with a start, but her smile was radiant.

"Hi. Are you the Watchmaker?"

"I…I am. How may I help you?" She moved forward, pulling a small object from the front pocket of her black woolen coat.

"This is my dad's old pocket watch. I was wondering if you might be able to fix it. His birthday is in a few weeks and it would make him so happy." Gabriel took the watch from her, careful not to touch her hand as he lifted the solid gold piece from her. It was very old, an antique dating back to the civil war. It depicting a prized racehorse on the cover, though the image had begun to fade with time and touch. He flipped up the cover, taking in the faded face and dusty numbers. From the looks of it, the little timekeeper had not run in well over eighty years.

"Well, it is very old. I don't…" Her face fell, and suddenly it was very important that she be happy. He cleared his throat quickly. "Listen, I'll take a look at it, and if you come back tomorrow, I can let you know if I can fix it." He didn't know why he was lying to her. He could fix anything, his ability saw to that. Well, he could fix almost anything. Her broken heart was very much out of his reach. She smiled at him though, and all other thoughts fled.

"Thank you! Oh, that would be wonderful!" She laughed and his entire body tingled.

"Well, good. I shall see you tomorrow then." Gabriel turned away, but her hand stopped him cold.

"Wait. Do I know you?" Know him? If they'd been in school together, she would not have even looked in his direction.

"No, I don't think so. I really must get back-"

"I'm sorry, I just could swear we've met. It's like… like I should know your name." He'd felt it too, but those thoughts were shoved in the far reaches of his mind. He would not dream outside his means. Disappointment was a hard teacher.

"No," he reiterated firmly, "I do not believe we have met. Now if you'll excuse me…" Her brilliant eyes darkened with a hint of anger as she took his hint.

"Tomorrow then? What time will you expect me?" Gabriel took another deep breath and glanced at her sideways.

"Uh… Around two. Does that suit you?"

"Right. Two 'o clock. Good-bye, then." She seemed reluctant to go, and this astounded Gabriel. Most people couldn't stand to be around him for more than a few minutes. Yet this girl almost needed to be pushed out of his shop. She was nearly gone when sense returned.

"Uh, Miss? Your name?" she turned back.

" My name? Oh! Oh, my name, of course…" She blushed prettily and he wondered if everything she did was pretty. "My name is Claire. Claire Petrelli."

I am so excited about this! I hope everyone liked this, please review and let me know what you think!