Title: A Hero's Note
Author: SG1SamFan
Character(s): Zach, Claire
Pairing: Clach
Word Count: 325
Spoilers: Up to episode 1.14 "Distractions".
Rating: K
Summary: "By the time you get this, I'll be in New York City." Set between "Déjà Vu" and "Blood and Tears", but can stand alone. Zach POV. Clach. AU.
Disclaimer: I do not own Heroes or its characters and receive no profit from this story.
Archive: The Clach C2. All others please ask.
A/N: This is part three in my set of four companion pieces. Next up: "Honeysuckle", set after "Déjà Vu", "A Hero's Note", and "Blood and Tears".
It's 7:27 A.M., and I'm still fumbling with the stupid combination on my locker. If I want to make it to class by the 7:30 bell, I'll have to hurry. One more tardy to chemistry, and I'll be gracing Mrs. O'Hara's Tuesday detention with my presence.
I reach for my textbook, and a folded sheet of notebook paper crackles to the floor. Stooping to pick it up, I notice my name in Claire's now-familiar scrawl.
Zach,
I'm sorry I couldn't say goodbye in person.
I want to say it's because there wasn't time, but that would be a lie. The truth is, I was scared I'd never leave Odessa if I let myself talk to you.
By the time you get this, I'll be in New York City. I know that sounds crazy, even for me, but it's a long story and not one I want to risk putting on paper. Suffice it to say that destiny sucks.
But Zach, you're the best friend I've ever had. You've always been there for me, even when I tried to convince both of us I didn't want you there.
I know you don't remember a lot of things about us. I know they're just stories to you. But that night you told me to "embrace my inner freak" was the night I finally started to accept myself. And that's not just a story. That's real.
You are my hero. Don't let anyone take that memory away from you.
Claire
I read the first line over and over again, a wave of nausea slamming into me. Then I skip down and reread the last line.
I rush to flip open my cell phone and dial her number.
Screw fear. Screw protecting my heart. I just want to tell her how much I–… Pick up, Claire. Please pick up. But again and again, there is no answer.
The late bell rings, but I can't bring myself to care.
A/N 2.0: Thanks for reading! And as always, I appreciate any feedback, praise and constructive criticism alike, and will respond to every review. : )
