Mohinder walked into the apartment, pausing as the twinkling lights blinded him for a brief second. He blinked and turned his attention to the little, scraggly Christmas tree that stood proudly in the corner of the living room. The tree's appearance still seemed foreign to him, he wasn't one to celebrate the holidays, but he never had a reason until now. He found himself smiling at the gaudy decorations that were hung on the tree and he couldn't help but recall the moment they found the tree the day before.

Molly had insisted on the tree that seemed as if it had better days. "It needs us." She pleaded with bright, doe like eyes. Mohinder couldn't refuse her, she seemed almost like a child again- her haunted eyes were full of love and laughter. He nodded and she squealed with joy, wrapping her small arms around his legs. She bounced with joy as she announced how she was going to decorate it.

And she did.

With two strands of bright twinkling lights, a strand of popcorn, a handful of blue crystal balls and a ton of handmade decorations. It was one of the most garish things he had ever laid his eyes on and yet it was one of the most beautiful things he has ever seen.

"Molly?" He called out as he dropped his satchel to the ground and stepped further into the apartment. "Molly?" He repeated once more, only to be met with silence.

His heart skipped a beat, fearing the worst. "Molly?" He continued as he crossed into the adjoining kitchen to see Molly sitting at the table alone. He glanced around her wondering where the sitter was, it wasn't like her to leave Molly by herself, she knew the rules. "Molly," he stated as she finally turned her head to him, her eyes seemingly haunted and he took pause. "Where's Tiffany?"

She shrugged, glancing back at the table. "Mumbled something about running next door and would be just a second."

Mohinder nodded, taking another step closer to see all the maps strewn over the table. His heart leapt in his throat, instantly realizing that Molly was using her special abilities, but why? No one had asked her to find anyone- in fact no one had spoken to them since the events at Kirby plaza over a month ago. "What are you looking at?"

She shrugged once more, her fingers trailing over a map of New York. "He's sick," she commented after a slight pause, gazing up at Mohinder, her eyes shimmering with tears. "Like I was."

Mohinder faltered, reaching out to the back of her chair, unable to wrap his mind over the new development. "You can feel them?" He questioned, not ever considering the fact that if she could locate them, that she could feel them in return.

Molly nodded her head slowly, lifting her gaze up to Mohinder as she worried her lower lip.

So many questions manifested from her simple statement, but his thoughts quickly zeroed on to her original statement, the reason for her current distress. "Who's sick?"

"He's so loud," Molly stated as her fingers continued to rub small circles over what he realized was Queens, New York. "He needs you."

"Who does?" He questioned as she turned her eyes once more to him, her gaze even more haunted.

"The boogeyman."

"The boogeyman," Mohinder exhaled, his eyes fluttering close as the image of the man that continued to haunt his dreams flickered in his mind. "That's not possible," he gasped, his heart squeezing tight in his chest. "He's dead."

Molly shook her head as she placed a small tack into the map in front of her, indicating his whereabouts. "He's sick."

He swallowed hard and dropped to the seat beside Molly, unable to do anything else as his thoughts raced. Mohinder stared at the tack, still unable to grasp what she was saying and why she would want him to help him, her boogeyman. The man he fell in love with as Zane, the cold calculated murderer he grew to hate as Sylar, and just recently he learned that his given name was Gabriel Gray- who would be the one that he saves?

"Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock. Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time. Dancing and prancing in Jingle Bell Square. In the frosty air-" Molly's sang softly, her eyes fluttering close as she tapped the tack with her hand before she added a few more tacks to the world map before her.

"Molly?" He questioned, her voice pulling him out of his self induced trance and she snapped her mouth shut. "Molly-" he repeated as he tried to form a coherent thought.

"He needs you," she whispered as she glanced over the map. "They all do."

Mohinder stiffened. "Even the boogeyman?"

Molly nodded. "It's Christmas."

"Of course," he replied, dumbfounded by her simple reasoning and he nodded. "It's Christmas."

She offered him a small smile and pushed away from the table. "What a bright time, it's the right time. To rock the night away-" she began to sing and all Mohinder could do was stare at all the tacks before him.

"Jingle bell time is a swell time-" another voice joined with Molly's in song and it took Mohinder a second to realize that Tiffany had returned. "To go gliding in a one-horse sleigh."

"Come Dr. Suresh." Tiffany beckoned as Molly continued to sing by herself. "Sing with us."

Mohinder sighed, standing up as he glanced once more at the maps, burning the locations of the tacks into his memory. He knew that he would have to travel and see them soon- they all needed his help. Vancouver, Portland, Kansas City, Huston, Port-au-Prince, Brasilia, Paris, London- there were too many to even comprehend where to start. But, he knew where he had to begin, and that was here in New York.

"I have to go," he rushed as he reached for his satchel he dropped to the ground only moments before. "I need you to watch Molly a little longer-" he stated, not waiting for Tiffany to reply.

Tiffany nodded as she winked at Molly and they began to dance around the tree, continuing to sing the Christmas carol. Mohinder paused glad to see that Molly was relaxed and carefree for the moment.

"Wait!" Molly called out as she raced to the door, throwing her arms around him as he swung her up into his arms.

"I'll be back soon," He added softly as he kissed her brow. "Be good for Tiffany."

She shook her head no. "I want to go with you."

Mohinder tensed. "Molly-"

"Please, Mohinder," Molly pleaded as she held tight to her grasp around his neck.

He gazed into her eyes, unable to tell her no. "Okay, go get your coat." He stated as he placed her back on the ground and she raced to gather her things. He turned his attention to Tiffany and smiled. "Thank you for your help, it's much appreciated."

"No problem, Dr. Suresh." She smiled as she crossed over to him. "Have a great Christmas Eve."

Mohinder forced a smile to his face, knowing that he wasn't sure what the evening would bring. "You too," he nodded as he opened the door for her. "Good night." He stated as he quickly closed the door behind her and leaned against it, needing just a moment to gather his thoughts before he walked into the den of the lion.

He briefly closed his eyes and took another cleansing breath. He had to be strong for Molly- He opened his eyes as he felt a tug on his pants and he looked down to see Molly waiting for him in her coat and matching red scarf and mittens. "Ready?" He questioned as he offered her his hand and she took it with a hesitant nod.

~

They stopped briefly at Mohinder's makeshift lab to gather a few supplies that he would need to heal- he paused, once again wondering why he was even bothering. He couldn't deny that he loved the power that he suddenly had- did he have the strength to do what was needed? Was he going to end his suffering and heal him or kill him?

Mohinder sighed, picking up his things and turned back to Molly. "Lead the way," he smiled as she took his hand in hers.

~

They walked down the street, hand in hand, a light dusting of snow falling around them. They had gotten out of the taxi a block before, Molly being unsure of his exact location, she claimed he was fading and she could no longer feel him as well.

Molly stopped suddenly, causing Mohinder to skid to a halt. "Molly?" He questioned as she blinked and then pointed across the street. "Is that it?"

"Yeah," she nodded as she squeezed his hand tighter and he suddenly wished that he had left her at the apartment with Tiffany, this was no place for a child.

"Are you okay?" He questioned softly as he knelt down beside her. "I can take you back home."

"No," she whispered, raising her chin with defiance and tugging on his hand as she pulled him across the street to Sylar's location.

They found themselves in front of an old warehouse that was seemingly empty. The front door was open in a silent invitation that was meant only for them. "Sylar?" Mohinder called out as they made their way into the foyer, the door closing behind them with a soft thud. He stiffened, his breath hitching in fear at the small display of power. He glanced down at Molly, but she seemed unphased by it. If he was able to manipulate his surrounding from afar while he was ill, what could he do when he was healthy? He studied their immediate area, listening carefully for anything that might give him an idea to where he was.

"Sylar?" Molly called out, her soft voice sounding like a whisper in the vast silence.

Molly pulled him forward and they made their way down a narrow corridor and paused when they heard a faint voice singing from above them. "Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock. Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring. Snowing and blowing up bushels of fun. Now the jingle hop has begun-"

"Sylar," Mohinder hissed under his breath as they followed the voice up the stairs and into a dark room that appeared to be a makeshift bedroom. He could barely make out the silhouette of a man shivering on a cot bed. He dropped Molly's hand and took a step forward as the man turned to him, the soft moonlight illuminating his face. There was no mistaking the man before him. "Sylar," he stated as he stood before him, Molly standing behind him, her eyes wide as she looked on.

Sylar blinked up at him, a smirk gracing his lips. "I knew you would come."

"I'm glad to be so predictable," Mohinder clipped, crossing his arms over his chest, already on the defensive. "I didn't have to come."

Sylar smiled, rolling back to his previous position. "Yes, you did." He stated, sighing deeply. "You need me."

The statement caused Mohinder to laugh bitterly, shaking his head. "You wish."

"You need my blood," he reiterated, his voice dark as he forced himself to sit up, faltering ever so slightly. "You need me."

Mohinder shivered at his voice, and he couldn't deny it. Even if he didn't want to heal him, he needed him to test his blood and trial his serum. "Perhaps," he grated, not wanting to admit that he was right.

Sylar chuckled once more, dropping his gaze onto Molly, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly, his gaze almost predatory, "You."

Molly stiffened, clinging onto Mohinder's leg as she glanced up at him. Mohinder reached down and smoothed her hair. "Molly, this is Sylar."

"Hi," she squeaked, before tucking her head behind Mohinder's leg.

"She is the reason I'm here," Mohinder stressed as his gaze locked with Sylar's.

"The tracker," Sylar gasped as he continued to study her. "She's remarkable-"

"If I cure you, you will not touch her," He demanded, not giving him the choice of saying no. "Is that understood?"

"Understood," Sylar nodded after a moment of silent contemplation, tearing his gaze away from her and looking back up at Mohinder. He offered his arm willingly, his body trembling with the added exertion. "Mohinder," he whispered with a need that went beyond just healing.

His voice caused Mohinder to stiffen, his eyes fluttering close as he recalled the times he welcomed that voice, his body flushing with desire. He bit his lip as he tried to control his treacherous body. "You should save your strength," he stated turning away from him as he placed his bag onto the table. He refused to look at him or at Molly who remained close to his side.

Mohinder took a deep breath and glanced down at Molly, forcing a smile to his face. "Can you sit over here for me?" He questioned as he pointed to one of the old chairs at the table.

She nodded and quickly scrambled onto the chair, glancing between him and Sylar behind them. "Will he be okay?" She questioned softly and Mohinder's shoulders slumped ever so slightly.

"I- yes," he replied with confidence that he didn't quite feel. Molly smiled and reached out and squeezed his hand.

Sylar watched their interaction carefully, a small smirk curving at the corner of his lips as he fell back against the bed, no longer having the strength to sit up. He closed his eyes, "What a bright time, it's the right time to rock the night away. Jingle bell time is a swell time to go gliding in a-"

"Must you?" Mohinder gasped as he turned to Sylar, faltering slightly as he noticed the almost serene aura that surrounded around him, that reminded him of the forgotten nights that seemed like a lifetime ago. He swallowed hard.

"Hmmm?" He responded as he looked up at him, their gazes locking. "It's a classic," He simply stated, almost taunting Mohinder to stop him as he winked at Molly.

Mohinder grumbled more to himself as he turned back to his work and Sylar continued to sing the Christmas carol that seemed to be haunting him since this began a few hours ago. As Molly joined him in another round, he suddenly realized that Sylar was the reason that Molly had chosen that particular carol in the first place.

"Mohinder," he called for him once more, his voice barely above a whisper, causing Mohinder's thoughts to shift to a night he would always remember. The night he fell in love with Zane Taylor in a dirty motel room.

"Sylar," Mohinder bit out, trying his hardest to hide the feelings that were struggling to overcome him. Not wanting to give away what he felt to him or to Molly that seemed transfixed on Sylar's every movement.

"Mohinder," he repeated, this time in a breathy moan and Mohinder froze, his heart skipping a beat as he braced his hands on the table. After everything that had passed between them, he didn't expect Sylar to stir up so many emotions. He was a murderer, he killed his father and yet, those seem to be so inconsequential to the pressing moment at hand.

"What is it?" He snapped, turning sharply on his heels, pausing as he noted the gleam of sweat on Sylar's skin for the first time. Mohinder gasped, his hesitation crashing as he rushed to him. "Sylar?" He questioned, his voice dripping with concern as he knelt down beside him, reaching out for his wrist, seeking a pulse. "Oh, Sylar," he sighed as his fingertips felt a weak, thready pulse.

"What's wrong?" Molly gasped as she stood beside them, her hand tentatively reaching out and sweeping a damp strand of hair away from Sylar's face.

"He has a fever," Mohinder replied as he glanced around the room, cursing at the limited supplies and resources that they had.

"He needs soup," she announced and he couldn't help but smile at her, wondering if that was what her mother did when she had a fever.

He shook his head. "He needs a cool washcloth for his face," Mohinder explained and Molly nodded her head. "Do you think you could fetch some cold-"

"Yep." Molly grinned as she took off, leaving Mohinder alone with Sylar for the first time.

Mohinder glanced down at him, trailing his fingers over his brow. Sylar moaned in response and his eyes flickered up at Mohinder. "It hurts," he whimpered as he trembled, his eyes rolling back as a seizure took hold of him.

Mohinder cried out, reaching out to his shoulders, holding onto him as he willed his seizures away. Mohinder cursed, wishing he had the drugs that would calm him, but he only had the barest supplies. "Hold on," he whispered as his body stilled and he laid his head down on him, holding him for a brief moment before he turned away.

He stepped back, taking a deep breath, trying to calm his unsteady nerves. Mohinder's breathing hitched at the thought of losing him, the scorching pain settling in his chest unbearable. "Hold on," he repeated as he glanced around the room, looking for a better source of light but not finding one.

"Will this work," Molly asked, breaking him from his thoughts and he turned to her. She held up a bucket that was almost half her size. "It's snow." She whispered as she placed the bucket down and peered into it, reaching in with her gloved had to pull out a handful of snow.

Mohinder sighed with relief and nodded. "Yes," he smiled as he knelt down beside her. "Very clever," he praised her as he unwrapped the scarf from around his neck and placed it into the melting snow.

Molly beamed with pride as she glanced over at their patient. "Is he going to be okay?" She questioned softly and Mohinder nodded, unable to say for sure. "Oh, good, just in time for Christmas." She smiled as she took the scarf from his hands, hurrying over to Sylar and placing it carefully on his brow.

"Yes," Mohinder stated as he reached for Molly's hand and squeezed it as he nodded his head back to the table and Molly quickly returned to her seat.

"Sorry," Sylar whispered and Mohinder's gaze snapped to him. "Can't stop," he breathed and Mohinder stepped closer to him, for the first time he wondered if this was the true man behind all the masks.

"Gabriel," he whispered and was awarded by a small sheepish smile that reminded him vaguely of Zane. Mohinder's breath caught in his throat and he stood mesmerized by the small smile. "Gabriel," he stated once more as he knelt down beside him and trailed his fingers over his arm.

"Sorry," he repeated as he shifted ever so slightly and his fingers brushed up against Mohinder's.

The touch was electric and Mohinder sucked in a sharp breath as he pulled away and turned back to his supplies and to Molly's curious gaze. "I just need to focus," he chastised himself as he picked up the supplies to start the IV he needed to administer the serum.

Mohinder took a deep breath and returned back to Sylar- no Gabriel's bedside. He pulled the damp material away from his arm and tied the tourniquet tight around his upper arm, the vein he needed popping out with engorged blood. He wiped the heated skin with an alcohol pad, cleansing it, preparing his arm for the needle stick. Mohinder glanced up, wishing once more that he had better light, but continued on as he readied the needle and catheter. He inserted the needle and placed the catheter with efficiency, the blood slowly dripping into the specimen tube.

"Ohh," Molly gasped at the sight of the blood and Mohinder glanced briefly over at her, pale stricken face.

"Molly?" He called out to her and she just shook her head. "Why don't you step out into the hallway? We're almost done here."

She nodded, slipping off the chair and running back out to the stairwell.

Mohinder sighed, turning back to his task at hand. He capped the tube, obtaining the blood sample he needed to begin the treatment. With masterful hands he quickly attached the IV tubing and secured it with tape, flushing it with ease.

"Just a moment," Mohinder stated as he stepped away, labeling the sample and placed it in the container. He withdrew the serum made from his distilled blood and pulled it back into a syringe. He knelt back down beside Gabriel and inserted the needled into the IV hub. "This is going to burn," he added as he injected the serum into his body, followed by a flush, making sure that he received every drop of the serum.

The scream that pierced the air reminded Mohinder of Sylar and he flinched, wondering what would happen. He stood back and watched as tremors overtook Sylar's body and he waited for the sign that the serum had worked. He briefly glanced back toward the hallway, concerned for Molly's safety and he hoped that Sylar would keep his word.

Suddenly the lights flared to life and illuminated the room, Mohinder blinked, his eyes adjusting to the brightness. When he opened his eyes, he was shocked to see Sylar standing before him as if he wasn't deathly ill a moment ago.

"Mohinder," he drawled, a smirk crinkling at his lips as he held up his hand, freezing Mohinder to his spot.

"Sylar," Mohinder managed to reply, his throat closing in on itself and he couldn't help but stare at him.

"Why?" He questioned, his voice dropping in octave as he took a step forward, tracing his hand over Mohinder's face.

"Don't." He hissed, unable to move away from his touch due to the hold on him. But, he couldn't help but wonder if he could have moved away, would he have attempted to do so? He felt conflicted, his heart skipping a beat.

"Why?" Sylar repeated, closing the distance between them, leaning in to brush his lips against his ear. "Why did you heal me, Doctor Suresh?"

Mohinder exhaled sharply, his eyes fluttering close as he suddenly felt the hold on him release, but he didn't move away, he was intoxicated by his mere presence. "It's Christmas," he whispered in reply, echoing Molly's reasoning only a few hours ago.

Sylar chuckled. "This is when you run away."

Mohinder opened his eyes, their gazes locking as he reached out and touched Sylar's face with his hand, unable to stop himself. "I don't-" he began as he was silenced with a pair of cool lips on his own.

The kiss was soft, innocent, and ever so reminiscent to the kiss they shared so many months before- their first kiss. Sylar pulled away, leaning his forehead against Mohinder's. "Run."

"No." Mohinder protested as he ran his fingers over Sylar's chest, wondering which one of his masks was kissing him, but he found at that moment he didn't care anymore. He tilted his head and moved up, capturing his lips in another kiss. This one more heated then the last.

"Mohinder," he moaned wrapping his arms around him, breathing him in. "I've missed you," Sylar confessed as he pushed him back against the table behind him.

"I've hated you," Mohinder replied honestly, not even attempting to move away from his grasp.

"There's such a thin line between love and hate," Sylar replied as he nipped at his lips, trailing his hands over his back and Mohinder moaned into his mouth, wrapping his arms around him.

They broke apart as they heard a faint giggle and they turned to see Molly grinning at them from the doorway. Mohinder flushed, turning away from Sylar, unable to look at either of them as he quickly gathered his things. "Come Molly," he stated as he reached for her hand and she quickly took it.

He walked forward, pausing as he realized Molly wasn't following him. Mohinder sighed and glanced down at her. "What about-" her voice trailed off as she looked over her shoulder at Sylar.

Mohinder paused, lifting his gaze to follow hers. "Sylar," he stated as their gazes locked. "He'll return to what he does-" he grumbled, looking away quickly, feeling his body flush once more with the intensity of his gaze.

"But, it's Christmas," Molly sighed with exasperation as she tugged on his hand. "And he has no tree!" She pointed out and Mohinder couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head.

"Molly," Mohinder stressed as he pulled her up into his arms, not daring another look at Sylar, finding it odd that he didn't protest their departure. "It's time for us to go," he stated as he began to walk toward the door.

"But," she protested as she pushed herself back to the ground and folded her arms over his chest. "It's Christmas."

"Molly," Mohinder sighed as he knelt down beside her.

"Doesn't he deserve a Merry Christmas too?" She questioned softly, with all the innocence of child. "He needs us."

Mohinder stared at her, not knowing what to say to that. Before he could think of an answer, he felt Sylar standing behind him and he stood up, his body practically melting into his.

"What will it be?" Sylar whispered into his ears as he wrapped an arm around his waist, holding him close.

Mohinder's heart skipped a beat and he couldn't deny her request any more than his desire for him. "Okay," Mohinder stammered.

"Yay!" Molly grinned as she circled her arms around them both. She laughed, pulling back slightly to look up at Mohinder. "Let's go home."

~

An hour later, Mohinder tucked Molly into her bed. "Night," he whispered as he kissed her brow and she smiled happily at him. "Sleep well."

"I will," she yawned, blinking up at him with sleepy eyes. "The boogeyman will protect me against the nightmares-" she whispered, her voice trailing off as she drifted off to sleep.

"Yes, he will." He vowed as he tucked her hair behind her ear and looked up to see Sylar standing only a few feet away, his brow raised in question.

"Nightmares?" Sylar questioned as Mohinder joined him.

Mohinder shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck as he walked toward his bedroom. "She says there is someone out there, he haunts her dreams-"

"Who?" He questioned sharply as he trailed his long fingers over Mohinder's back, releasing the tension with a single touch.

Mohinder sighed. "I wish I knew."

"I will find him," Sylar vowed and Mohinder knew that he would, if not to protect them, but to absorb his powers.

"Naturally," he grunted, pulling away from his masterful touch, still unable to process the last few hours.

Sylar growled, claiming him once more in a searing kiss, pinning him to the wall. "Mohinder," he moaned, nipping at his lips.

"Sylar," he gasped as his fingers dug into arms. "Wait-"

Sylar pulled away sharply, baring his teeth. "No."

"Please," Mohinder pleaded, rubbing his hands over his shoulders, his heart aching as he stared up at the murderer in his arms. He wanted this, but his mind wouldn't let him surrender to him.

Sylar sighed, shifting his body against him. He breathed against his skin, nuzzling at Mohinder's neck. "I have been close to death twice in the last month-" he whispered, trailing his hands over Mohinder's lithe body. "Each time I was left with one lingering thought."

Mohinder swallowed hard, whimpering slightly at his words. "Sylar-"

"Something was missing in my life," he confessed as he pulled away to gaze into Mohinder's eyes.

"What was missing?" He questioned as he ran his hands over Sylar's back, pulling him closer.

"You."

Mohinder exhaled sharply, forcing himself to look away from his intense gaze. "I-"

"I can't change the past," Sylar added. "I don't have the luxury of that power."

"You can't just take-" Mohinder protested as Sylar cut him off with a kiss.

"I'll never hurt you, Mohinder," he vowed, nipping at his lips, rubbing his hand over Mohinder's obvious arousal.

He groaned in response, his eyes flickering close, letting himself feel the passion within him for a moment. He shook his head, blinking up at Sylar. "You already have," he moaned, feeling tears burn his eyes, thinking on his father, the victims he had lead him too.

"Let go," Sylar urged. "Heal with me," his voice softer and almost calming as he started to unbutton Mohinder's shirt.

"Yes," he agreed, letting go as Sylar begin to undress him, his heart speeding up and his breathing hitching ever so slightly at the teasing caresses. Mohinder leaned in and kissed him, pulling him close, needing him more than ever.

Soon they were both only in their boxers and they tumbled into bed. Mohinder trailed his hands over Sylar's abdomen, his fingers tracing over his fresh scar. He remembered with vivid clarity the events at Kirby's plaza and he found the need to kiss him once more, to show him that there was someone that dared to love him.

Sylar responded to the kiss, wrapping his arms around him. With Molly only a few feet away, they didn't let their kisses escalate to more, but they had time- Mohinder sighed, their bodies molding together as if they were made for each other.

After all it was Christmas.

The end.

The End