Title: A Hero's Note

Author: Emily Lydic (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”.

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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.

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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. : )