Claire Crossing

He’s Her Hero/Villain; Claire/Pyro; PG-13

2008-07-29T23:21:06Z

Title: He’s Her Hero/Villain
Fandom: Heroes/X-Men
Ships: Claire/Pyro.
Summery: “You saved my life back there, didn’t you? What happened the whole I’m a villain hear me roar act, John?”
Disclaimer: Not Mine
For: Brokengem

“You saved my life back there, didn’t you? What happened the whole I’m a villain hear me roar act, John?”

‘The names Pyro, please try and wear it out, blondie’ the nagging voice inside of his head (that was slowly becoming hotter and hotter) that was dying to come out and tell the little thing before him off, but he swallowed his words and let a plastered smile (almost as fake as the one that drapes across hers, little miss fire-proof) drop on his lips.

“So what, what’s it to you? I couldn’t just stand there and doing nothing but from the way it turned out you didn’t really need my help, now did you Miss Miracle Grow?”

That smile (like fake snow that sticks to your skin) turned up even more and finally looked like a real one (full of so much laughter and knowing that he began to hate it).

“What?”

“Nothing Firestarter, just thanks for trying to save me (I lost all of my heroes on the way, full of blood and mocking smiles) even if it wasn’t really needed. So good-bye and thanks, John.”

The Pyro in him (the one that had been struggling to come out for days on end, with little Miss Claire Bennet and her broken smile that stretched for miles) reached out for her and blocked her from leaving him (like everyone and everything).

“Goodbye? What the hell is that? I’m not leaving you after that, you may grow your bones back and push out bullets (which I will hopefully never get to see), but that doesn’t mean you can’t get hurt. So, from now on I’m your personal body guard (from the boogieman and the big-bad company) Miss Bennet.”

“But-“

“No buts, ands or ifs, now get your little butt (which being me, Pyro, is all that I’m looking at) in the car.”

Sweet & Wasted - A Heroes/X-Men Movieverse Darkfic chap 3

2008-05-16T23:15:11Z

Title: Sweet & Wasted
Rating: Mature
Fandoms: Heroes/X-Men (Pre X3)
Pairings: Eventually Rogue/Claire
Warnings: Spoilers, mature content. Darkfic.
Notes: I took some Ultimate X-Men liberties with a part of this fic. Also, I'm assuming some character's pasts are similar than in the comics.
Disclaimer: I don't own them. Any of them. Neither do you.
Chapter 1, Chapter 2

Chapter 3 - Slumber Party.

They had all gathered in the main room, moving the couches aside to make room for mattresses and sleeping bags to be laid out on the floor. The doors had been shut and there were almost excessive amounts of snacks and overly sugared beverages. The movie "Mean Girls" was playing on the 50 inch hi-def flat-screen, but it could barely be heard over the loud giggling and gossip.

Kitty held a pillow to her chest as she and the others listened to Jubilee's story, about how she caught spotted Piotr Rasputin and Jean-Paul holding hands on their way to math class. The other girls -Claire, Rogue, Kitty and Teresa- reacted accordingly. Teresa, being the youngest, was giggling sheepishly, and Kitty was blushing.

"And?" Claire asked from her out-stretched position on her mattress, head propped up by resting her temple on her knuckles. Everyone else looked at her. She shrugged back at them. "It's pretty common where I come from I mean. You mean you've never met gay guys before?"

A general murmur of 'no' answered her.

"Well, they weren't like on this movie or anything. They were pretty normal."

"Totally," Jubilee nodded. "So-Cal was teeming with metros and stuff."

"Huh," Kitty muttered. "Are we really that sheltered?"

Rogue dipped a chip into a bowl of salsa and bit into it. She enjoyed the spicy burn for a moment before speaking. "I think as mutant we have other things to worry about."

Claire shrugged. "I think that mutants and gays have more in common than a lot of people think."

After a moment of reflecting on the comment, the other girls nodded.

"So how was the movie?" Claire asked Rogue.

"Oh, he hated it." Rogue grinned. "But he was a perfect gentleman."

"What did you go see?" asked Teresa.

"Love in the Moonlit Field." Rogue giggled.

The others squealed at the girly mischief.

"Oh God," Kitty squeaked through the laughter. "What did Bobby do to deserve a punishment like that?"

Rogue's smile grew stiff and false. "Can't a gal get treated to a chick flick now an' again?"

Quickly, Claire cleared her throat and sat up. "So, you wanna hear something funny?" She was grateful that all eyes turned to her. "Wanna know how I found out I was a ...er... mutant?" She still had not grown accustomed to the term. "I was practicing in cheer, top of the pyramid. Then I was tossed upwards, and they were supposed to catch me. My catchers missed me, and I land on the gym floor and snapped my leg. Everyone rushed around looking for a teacher or coach. But then my bones began to snap back into place on their own. Then the pain stopped. Everyone was too freaked out to notice."

"So you can heal." Theresa surmised, and Claire nodded at the little red headed girl.

"Party game!" declared Jubilee. "I say we play Truth or Dare. I'll go first. I pick truth. Someone ask me a truth. Claire, you're the new girl, ask me a truth."

"Um, alright," Claire thought for a moment. "How far have you ever gone with a guy?"

The Asian girl squirmed in embarrassment. "Second base." She confessed.

Kitty's jaw dropped, and Jubilee swatted her with a pillow. "O.k. Claire," she shot back. "Your turn. Truth or Dare?"

Claire squared her shoulders and brusher her blond waves of hair off her shoulder. "Dare."

"Really?" Jubilee said, eyes twinkling at the challenge. "I dare you," she began at length. "To...kiss Rogue."

There was a collective gasp in the room, and both Rogue and Claire reddened as they looked at each other.

"But what about Rogue's power?" Theresa asked.

"Claire's a healer, like Wolverine." Jubilee pointed out. "I'm sure she'll be fine. Besides, it doesn't have to be a long kiss."

Another shrug from the blond cheerleader, and she leaned into Rogue.

"Wait!" Rogue gasped, leaning back. "I, I dunno about this. What if Claire gets hurt?"

"Then she'll heal."

"Don't push her, Jubilee," Kitty said. "If they don't want to, they don't have to."

"Ok, then they're out of the game." Jubilee said. "And they have to spend the rest of the night with their panties on their heads."

"That's groooosss!" announced Theresa.

"What if one of them's on their ...you know..." Kitty said.

"Well, then it would be very embarrassing, wouldn't it?" Jubilee replied.

"But," Rogue protested. "I can't, I mean, wouldn't it be like cheatin'?"

Claire rolled her eyes. She did not want to say that quite honestly, if Bobby could look at other girls, than Rogue should be able to as well. Maybe he didn't deserve her.

"Hey, Rogue." Claire said.

Rogue turned to her. "Yeah?"

And it was over before Rogue realized it had started. A quick touch of lips, soft and tasting like honey, though Rogue did not realize that until she licked her own lips afterwards. Claire grinned as she watched Rogue blush terribly bright.

"Oh, come on!" Jubilee coaxed. "That was a peck. I said kiss. Kiss or panty-hats."

With a defeated sigh, and a glare at Jubilee, the southern girl leaned forward and pressed he lips to Claire's.

Rogue could almost smell the lip gloss, as well as Claire's shampoo that made her hair lily scented. Rogue inhaled the smell, and her chest brushed against Claire's. Even though pajamas covered their breasts, the involuntary contact that Claire did not seem to notice made Rogue feel a bit excited.

Claire began to feel just a little weak as Rogue's power began to weave it's way into her. As Rogue broke the kiss by pulling from the girl, Claire wobbled where she sat for just an instant. The two looked at each other, Rogue was red and Claire gave the shyest smile the confident girl had ever displayed in her life.

"Ok," Jubilee announced. "Rogue's turn. Truth or Dare?"

"Truth!" She answered immediately. In her home town, Rogue was one to pick dare, figuring that truth was too safe and boring, but right now, safe and boring was just what she wanted.

"So, what's it like kissing a girl?"

Jubilee got a handful of popcorn down her top as an answer.

X-men: Evolution Crossover > Claire & Kurt

2008-05-04T13:54:16Z

Title: Brother and Sister
Fandoms: Heroes and X-Men: Evolution
Pairings: none
Rating: G
Warnings/Spoilers: AU!S1 for Heroes. AU for X-men too since the world still doesn’t know that mutants exist.
Summary: Meredith reveals that she isn’t Claire’s birth mother and sends Claire to a man named Nightcrawler in New York.
Notes: Written for fivebyfiction prompt Family. Also written for Medie’s “Because We’re Awesome” Drabble-a-Thon – prompt Claire & Kurt – brother and sister. PLEASE NOTE that I tried to insert Kurt’s accent in this story, so yes a few words will look weird & spelled wrong.
[ ...Table... ]

( brother and sister................. )

Driving Me Crazy. Heroes/Drive. 1/1. NC17. Claire/Alex

2008-04-26T16:05:09Z

TITLE: Driving Me Crazy
AUTHOR: Susan / apckrfan
DISTRIBUTION: My site, my Yahoo Group, my ProBoard, my Network54, FanFiction.net and my LiveJournal. Anyone else, please just tell me where it's at.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own any characters. They are owned by Tim Kring, NBC, etc. and Tim Minear, FOX, etc. No profit is made from this fic.
RATING: FRAO / NC-17
SPOILERS: All of Drive and through Heroes Fight or Flight (2x05). This is AU after that.
SUMMARY: Claire wants Alex to know not all women are out to scam him like his wife did.
CHARACTERS/PAIRING: Claire Bennet & Alex Tully
DATE STARTED: March 2008
STATUS: Complete
WORD COUNT: 3,842
FEEDBACK: Please, I can't write better without it.
NOTES: This is written for LJ community mature_heroes challenge #4: Alternate Universe. It's a sequel to my Heroes/Drive crossover fic One Foot On the Brake. It's not imperative you read the first to get the latter, but I'd sure love it if you did because I'm kind of fond of that one to be honest!

"Thank you," she said to West, having the courtesy to at least look a little embarrassed she'd had to ask him for help.

"How are you going to get in there?"

She hadn't really thought of that until just now. She wasn't twenty-one, didn't even look close to it. Especially dressed as she was. He'd woken her up, so she hadn't taken the time to dress up or put makeup on.

"Well, I'll start by going to the door and asking the bouncer to get him."

West rolled his eyes. "I'll go with you."

"Why?"

"So nothing happens to you."

"Thanks," she said for the second time in a matter of minutes. She had to admit, she was a little surprised. She'd blown him off, pretty suddenly.

"I know you wouldn't have called me if you didn't think it was important."

"I've never seen him drink, so I'm not sure what's going on."

"Maybe there are a lot of things you haven't seen him do before."

"What's that supposed to mean?" she said. She knew she sounded defensive. Partly, because he was right. She didn't know much about Alex. For all she knew he got drunk every night. She didn't think so, though.

"Nothing. Let's go get your boyfriend," West said.

She could have corrected him, eased his pain a little. She didn't, though. They were sort of friends now. Sort of enough that she'd called him to see if he would get her to the bar where Alex was. She didn't want to ruin the progress they'd made by him thinking he had a chance with her.

And, okay, she'd spent almost every day the past month with Alex. She liked him. She didn't mind someone thinking he was her boyfriend. Even if it wasn't the case. And she was pretty pathetic!

"Whoa, kids, you've got to be twenty-one to get inside."

"We're looking for someone who called us to come get him. He said he was sitting by the bar."

"He got a name, chickie?"

"Alex Tully."

The bouncer opened the door and Claire and West were suddenly bombarded by loud music and the scents of stale beer. The bouncer said something to a guy standing on the other side of the door and closed it again.

"If you're friend's here he'll be out in a minute. I have to ask you to wait outside, though."

"All right," Claire said. "You can go," she said to West once they were back on the parking lot. She found Alex's car and walked to it, leaning against the side of it.

"I'm not leaving until I see him."

She was not going to thank him again, so she said nothing. It was a little chilly, so she folded her arms over her chest. She hadn't really thought when she dressed so all she had on was a rather flimsy top.

It seemed like a lot longer than a few minutes of standing in the parking lot of a bar waiting for him to come out. He walked okay, but she could tell that it took him a minute not just to find but also to find and focus on her.

"What's he doing here?" he said, walking up to them.

"He brought me here. I don't have a car, remember?"

"That's right, stolen or something."

"Right," she said with a wince.

"Does he need a ride?"

"No," she said. "And you're not driving anyway. That's why you called me, remember?"

"Well, now, that's not fair. Maybe I just wanted to see you."

"You just saw me a few hours ago."

"Not long enough evidently."

"Are you going to tell me why you went out to get drunk?"

"Didn't really go out to get that way, just happened."

"Okay."

"Claire," West said.

"I'm fine, West, thanks for bringing me here."

"Yeah, thanks for bringing her. Do I owe you anything for gas?" he said, pulling out his wallet. "Damn," he said, looking in it. "I had money when I started the evening. Will you take an I owe you?"

"You don't owe me anything," West said simply. "Be careful," he said to Claire and took off. Alex was too drunk to pay attention to what he'd just done. Then again, she wasn't sure West cared too much about people seeing him.

"Keys," she said simply, extending her hand.

"What? Now that's a fine way to say hello."

"Alex," she said, growing impatient. "You woke me up, got me to sneak out of my house by saying you'd had too much to drive to your place."

"Oh, right. That's right. I was wondering how you knew where I was."

She exhaled sharply and did the only logical thing just then. She reached into the front pocket of his jeans. He grabbed hold of her wrist, stopping her progress.

"What are you doing?"

"Getting your keys."

"I'll get 'em," he said.

He slid her hand out of his pocket, not letting go of her wrist right away. Too late, she realized that he hadn't been at all unhappy about her reaching into his pocket. Oops. Though if she wanted to be honest with herself, she liked knowing she got turned on by him.

"Sorry."

"No need to apologize. Just trying to be a gentleman about things, that's all."

He gave her his keys and walked to the passenger side of the car. She drove to his place in silence, assuming that if he wanted to talk, he would. Finally, when they'd gotten there she gave in, only because she was worried.

"Are you going to tell me why you got drunk?" she asked, giving him his keys back.

He didn't answer her at first. Instead, he took his keys and jingled them a bit.

"Today would have been my anniversary," he said, clutching the keys with his palm and doing his best to avoid looking at her.

"I'm sorry."

"It's all right. I just got awful thirsty thinking about it. And here I am."

"I'm glad you called me."

He regarded her for a minute. She wished there was something she could do to take away the look of hurt and pain in his eyes.

"Are you? If I interrupted you and your friend…"

"I called him because he could get me here. He lives down the street from me."

"Wasn't sure."

"I told you when you first saw him."

"I know, but minds have a tendency to change."

"Not this mind, not about that anyway."

"What's wrong with him? He seems nice enough."

"He's special like I am. I mean, different, but well, you know. Anyway, he doesn't seem to care if anyone finds out."

"Oh," he said simply.

"If he got caught and I was with him…"

"I get it, right. Makes sense."

"I'm glad it does to you."

"He's young, thinks he's invincible." He smiled with a soft laugh. "But that'd be you. That must kinda hurt."

"What?"

"You can save yourself. You don't need him."

"I hadn't thought of that," she said softly.

"You going to come in?"

"I can," she said, though she knew she probably shouldn't. Of course, she hadn't really thought the whole thing through. Like how she'd get back home if he was too drunk to drive himself home.

"Let me get a couple hours in and then I can take you home," he said, as if reading her mind.

"All right," she said, getting out of the car.

She bit her lip to prevent from laughing as he struggled to get the key in the door.

"Want some help?"

"I don't remember it being this difficult this afternoon."

"It probably wasn't," she said dryly, stepping in front of the lock to turn the key the right way.

It was a small place, designed to be temporary. So, it suited him since he didn't plan on staying for very long. It came furnished, but only with the basics. He hadn't bothered to add many personal touches. The only thing that distinguished it from the place next to his was his clothes.

He wasn't the neatest person, but having so little there wasn't much for him to make a mess with. He had bought a few things since coming to LA. The shelves above the combination small refrigerator, two-burner stove, and sink had some food. He'd even bought a microwave and TV.

She reached for the light switch, but he stopped her with a simple "Don't."

"Sorry," she said, dropping her hand back to her side.

"It's all right. Just bright light isn't what the doctor ordered just now."

"Oh, right."

"Never been drunk before?"

"Once."

He smirked a little and she thought he might be laughing at her. He probably was, it sounded stupid, admitting she'd only been drunk once before. She didn't bother telling him she'd woken up with far worse than a hangover after that night of drinking. She wasn't sure he'd believe her anyway. And he seemed the type that would go postal on Brody if he found out what he'd tried to do anyway.

"Do you want something to eat?"

"I don't have much. If you can find something, I'll take it. I'll be out in a minute," he said, heading to his even smaller bathroom.

She found the makings for grilled ham and cheese, including butter for the bread. He even had a full bag of chips. There was beer in his fridge, but she figured he'd had enough already so pulled out a can of soda instead. She was just buttering the second slice of bread when he came out of the bathroom. He didn't say anything right away, but she knew he was watching her.

"So, I woke you up right?"

"Yes," she said, glancing at him.

"How is it exactly you look good then?"

"I don't know. Do I?"

He walked up behind her then and slid his arms around her. She took a deep breath as he nuzzled her neck. "You do. And you smell good, too."

"Thank you," she said, not able to ignore the floaty feeling in her stomach at hearing him compliment her.

"You intent on making me that sandwich?"

"Did you want something else?"

He slid his hands lower, over the front of her jeans and between her legs. She gave a soft whimper as his hand brushed against her clit. Even covered by her jeans it was sensitive.

"I had a thing or two in mind," he said, working the button and zipper of her jeans with one hand. He placed his hands at either hip and turned her to face him. She could have fought a little, but she really didn't want to. She had no business thinking of him in that way. At least that's what she'd been telling herself since she'd met him. He was older. He was never going to really see her. He was hurting.

He kissed her. And it wasn't a friendly kiss either. No more than a couple of seconds into it his lips parted and his tongue found hers. She wasn't really sure what to do. She'd kissed Brody and West, but it hadn't been like this.

He stopped suddenly.

"I'm sorry," she said, assuming it was her fault. And then he was kissing her jaw, nipping her neck lightly.

"Don't apologize. It turns me on something fierce that you aren't sure what to do."

"It does?"

He found her ear and she gasped, gripping his arms as he used his tongue there. That floaty feeling gave way to something more, baser, as he slid one hand under her shirt while the other slid inside of her jeans.

"My whole life has been lies. Full of them in one form or another. Your reaction to me is the most genuine thing I can remember experiencing."

"Well, it's not like I haven't…"

"Shh," he said, nipping her ear. He slid his hand higher still, pushing her shirt up as he went until his fingertips brushed the underside of her breast. Along with that something baser, she starting feeling anxious. Until his hand cupped her breast completely. And then she didn't feel anything but excitement and arousal.

He lowered his mouth to her other breast, causing her to gasp. She slid her hands to his head, holding him in place when he acted as though he might draw away.

"That was a good sound," she whispered.

His other hand slid further into her jeans, finding her clit with the pads of his fingers. She drew her shirt the rest of the way off, dropping it on the floor by their feet almost at the same time he slid his hand even lower, entering her with the tip of a finger.

He drew away from her breast and inside her pants long enough to pick her up and set her on the bed.

"As good as you looked before I like you much better like this."

She lowered her chin a little, embarrassed in a weird sort of way. She'd taken her own shirt the rest of the way off. It was still just weird.

He joined her on the bed, drawing her beneath him and took a nipple into his mouth again.

"Is this because you're drunk?"

"Wanting you?"

"Yes," she said softly, afraid of the answer but she had to ask.

"No, wanted you since that first night at the bed and breakfast. I woke up with the worst morning hard-on I've had in years."

"Then why…"

"I said it's not the alcohol making me want you. It is allowing me to act on that want." He grazed a nipple with his fingertip, regarding her through hooded eyes. "You want me to stop?"

She laughed then, arching into his touch as he took the same nipple in between his thumb and forefinger. There was that smirk again, only this time she didn't think he was laughing at her at all.

She thought he was going to do nothing but that all night, not that she was complaining exactly. It was just that now that they were here like this she wanted it all. Eventually, he worked his way to her jeans, touching her slowly. Too slowly. He was taking so much time to touch her everywhere but where she wanted him to.

"No bra and no panties?"

"I was in a hurry!"

"I ain't complaining. A little surprised is all. I didn't think girls like you did that."

"Like me?"

"Yeah, you know, homecoming queen types."

"Is that what you think of me?"

"It's not an insult, sweetheart."

"Hmm," she said as he removed her jeans entirely.

"Just I wasn't in their league when I was in school."

She reached for him, sliding her arms around his neck. "You are in my league," she whispered before kissing him. She slid one hand out, dropping it to his shirt so she could work the buttons. He felt so hard under her hand, well defined without being too bulky. Which was good, she wasn't really the bulky guy type.

He groaned softly into their kiss when she circled one of his nipples with a fingertip before brushing the pads of her fingers over it. She moved her leg, sliding it up so she could brush her thigh against the front of his pants. She may have never done this before but she knew how things worked.

He broke the kiss. Well, he stopped kissing her mouth, making a path of them from her mouth to each of her breasts and lower, finally stopping between her legs.

"You sure now," he whispered, biting her inner thigh lightly.

She didn't answer him. Not verbally anyway. She spread her legs a little more, allowing him better access. And he seemed to understand that was her answer because he was there. His mouth and his tongue and his teeth finding her clit, making her wetter than she already was. Her hips almost came off the bed when he slid his tongue inside of her. A finger joined it and then two and he moved his mouth a little higher to her clit again. Circling it, teasing it, sucking on it, working her to a point she wasn't sure she could think straight.

She cried out as she came. She hadn't been expecting it so soon or hard. Her sounds seemed to make him work harder. He thrust his fingers deeper, picking up the pace while using his mouth to stroke her clit almost to the point it was painful. And then he'd stop, pull away, kiss her thigh before starting all over again.

She watched as he knelt above her, working his jeans open and off.

"What if I wanted to do that?"

"There will be another time for that."

"You mean that?"

He chuckled then. "Abso-fucking-lutely," he said as he held his jeans in his hands for a second before tossing them to the floor. He slid on top of her again. She noticed he held a condom packet in his hand and she swallowed a little. She wasn't scared exactly, but it was just all happening so fast.

"You want to do it?"

"Me?"

"Yeah, sure, women have been known to. You get to touch me, I get to feel you touching me."

"I'm not even sure I'd put it on the right way."

"Well then watch and next time you can do it. I'd either fix it if you did it wrong or grab another one if that was necessary. Not that I went out and bought a case of them since coming to LA or anything."

"Okay," she said with a soft laugh. She watched as he tore open the packet and tossed the wrapper aside. He rolled the condom over the length of his cock his eyes never leaving hers as he worked it down slowly. "Too slow," she said.

"Am I now?"

"Yes!"

"That's not what you were saying a few minutes ago."

She smiled then, knowing she was blushing but that was all right. He slid on top of her and she took a second to touch him. His eyes fell closed and she got bolder, stroking him before lifting her hips to help guide him into her. He opened his eyes, surprised she guessed that she'd done that part.

"Too slow," she said again.

"I guess so." He slid his hands to her hips as he slid inside of her.

"Don't stop," she hissed when she felt him do just that.

"Have to, darlin'," he said, sliding out of her a little

"What?" He was going to stop? Now?

He chuckled and claimed her mouth just as he slid all of the way inside of her. He didn't stop this time and her eyes shot open in surprise of the prick of pain she felt. She wasn't sure what she'd expected. She'd heard other girls describe it ranging from the worst pain they'd ever experienced to nothing more than discomfort. It was somewhere in between for her, but more to the nothing more than discomfort side.

She didn't have much time to dwell on it. His tongue kept her occupied, freeing her mind from thinking about the discomfort. Eventually, he broke the kiss, finding her breasts again and she was more than happy for the attention there.

"I don't think I've ever had occasion to say this before," he murmured, glancing up at her in between sucking on her nipples.

"What?"

"I'm glad I'm wearing a condom."

"Uh why?" she asked, gripping his shoulders as he hit a particularly sensitive spot.

"Wouldn't have lasted this long if I was able to feel you without it."

"Oh," she said, raking her lower lip with her teeth as he hit that same spot again. "Ohhh," she repeated, letting her head fall back on the bed as she came again.

"I love the way you come."

"Mm," she said, sounding a little drunk herself just then. "I love the way you make me come. All hard and long and deep and thick and did I mention hard?"

He gave a soft groan, his lips found her nipple, and his hips stilled. He rubbed his cheek against her breast, murmuring something she couldn't understand. She probably wasn't meant to, and that was all right. She hugged him to her, arms going around him and wrapping her legs around him as best as she could.

He was still and quiet for so long she wasn't sure he was awake. And then he finally moved.

"Am I getting too heavy?" he asked, lifting himself off her.

"No."

"Just the same, I should take this off," he said, gesturing between their legs.

"Oh, right."

"Sorry, they're not exactly conducive to post-coital snuggling but I'll be back in a second."

"That's fine," she said, watching him as he got out of bed and walked to the bathroom.

"Has anyone told you that you have an exceptionally fine ass?" she asked.

He chuckled. "Is that right?"

"Yes, that shouldn't surprise me as the rest of you is pretty exceptionally fine."

"Baby, you haven't even actually seen the rest of me."

She laughed softly. "Just cuz I barely touched you doesn't mean I didn't see you."

"I know, I was just teasing," he said, returning to the bed. He sat at the edge, setting his alarm clock.

"I'd like to again."

"What's that?"

"Well, all of it, but touch you."

"Oh, well, no objections here. Help yourself any ol' time you get the hankering I'm pretty willing."

"Only pretty willing?"

"Well, I'm a might older than you, I don't want to get myself in trouble by making promises I can't keep."

"You're not that old."

"I know it, I'm just having some fun."

She snuggled against him as he slid an arm under her. "This isn't how I imagined it."

"What?"

"My first time."

"Oh, man, don't go telling me that."

"No, no. I just meant, I'm glad it was you."

"You are?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

She swallowed. "Because I like you. You're a good guy and I think you needed it as much as I did."

"You needed it, huh?"

"Well, just because I haven't done it doesn't mean I haven't thought about it."

"Oh?"

"And being around you every day this past month, I've wondered. Hoped."

"Did I live up to your expectations?"

"Beat them even."

"Well that's good to hear. You going to be okay falling asleep here for a little while?"

"Yeah."

"Okay. If you desire another go around, just wake me up."

"Really?"

He chuckled and leaned over to kiss her. "Uh, yes."

"So, I lived up to your expectations?"

"You exceeded them more than words can say."

"I wasn't sure I'd ever sleep with you again."

"Me neither."

"I'm glad I got the chance to again."

"Me, too. I'll get you home in a couple of hours, though I must admit I'm feeling better already."

She laughed then. "I bet you are."

"Night, Claire."

"Night," she whispered.

~The End~

One Foot On the Brake. Heroes/Drive. 1/1. PG-13. Claire/Alex.

2008-04-25T11:27:36Z

TITLE: One Foot On the Brake
AUTHOR: Susan / apckrfan
DISTRIBUTION: My site, my Yahoo Group, my ProBoard, my Network54, FanFiction.net and my LiveJournal. Anyone else, please just tell me where it's at.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own any characters. They are owned by Tim Kring, NBC, etc. No profit is made from this fic.
RATING: FRT / PG-13
SPOILERS: Through Heroes Fight or Flight and all of Drive (including interviews after the show's cancellation explaining about Alex Tully's wife's involvement in the race)
SUMMARY: Furious at discovering his marriage was a sham, Alex Tully speeds along the highway, encountering someone in the middle of the road.
CHARACTERS/PAIRING: Claire Bennet & Alex Tully
DATE STARTED: October 2007
STATUS: Complete
WORD COUNT: 6,467
FEEDBACK: Please, I can't write better without it.
NOTES: This is written for LJ community rare_heroes fic challenge #4: crossovers. It will also fulfill 50timesimetyou prompt #42: shadows.
ICONAGE: Many thanks to dragonydreams for the shiny icon.

He wasn't sure how exactly he'd ended up with a pretty blonde sleeping in his bed like Goldilocks. He knew more about Goldilocks than he did about the blonde. Blondes typically weren't his thing, not that this one was a thing. Hell, he was still raw from finding out his wife had betrayed him. It was a bit of a predicament, though, considering it was his only bed. He was a sentimental idiot is what he was. That was what led to this situation.

He'd been on the road for what seemed like weeks. Maybe it was, he couldn't be sure. Finding out he'd been duped, conned, had not sat well with him. He didn't imagine it would with anyone. He'd mulled it over in his mind for what seemed an eternity. Kathryn had seemed so genuine. Even knowing now what he did he still couldn't find a chink in the armor that had been her disguise. She'd been a good and loving wife. He'd had no complaints at any rate.

He'd taken this car and put that life behind him once he found out the truth. They'd brought it out of him again. He was a different man with this car. A man with the desire for a mission but no place to go. And so, he'd taken her for a ride, a more casual one this time. No race to a finish line that only resulted in having his whole existence crash down around him.

He'd been sucker-punched and that was nothing compared to his feelings of late. Hatred, anger, bitterness. Those were all things he felt tenfold. He'd fallen off the radar but good once he'd found out the truth. He'd taken a room at, of all things, a bed and breakfast. Certainly, no one would think to look for him at a place like that.

He was on his way back there, in fact, after spending a good portion of his evening at a bar. He'd watched the Dodgers play somebody; he'd lost track. All of the games he'd seen lately blended together.

He almost saw it too late, the bundle in the middle of the road. He almost hit it, was glad he didn't. No telling what it could be and the damage that could be done to his baby as a result. And it was his baby, this Dodge Challenger; the only thing that had never let him down.

He realized as he passed the thing in the road that it wasn't a thing at all. It was a person. A woman and she wasn't moving. He cursed as he automatically slammed on his brakes, shifted gears, and spun the vehicle around to go back. He should know better than to get involved, but the road was deserted and it was late at night. Who knew when someone would drive by again?

He left the lights on, aimed at the woman but off to the side a bit. He stopped to grab his trusty knife and a flashlight from the glove compartment before getting out. He didn't think it was a setup, but one never knew.

He stooped over her and saw her closed eyes. She hadn't moved which meant she was probably pretty hurt. She should have moved at the sound of a car speeding right at her. She was dressed so he couldn't see how hurt she was, but clearly she was unconscious. Had she been hit by a car out here? He glanced at the pavement, but saw no sign of tire marks other than his own. He had no cell phone with him. He'd thrown his into the ocean somewhere along the drive, not wanting anyone to be able to find him.

He felt to see if she had a pulse. She did. That was a good sign. Other than one of her arms bent at an odd angle and some scrapes and bruises she appeared to be okay. Besides the being unconscious part anyway.

He was torn.

Should he leave her be in case she was seriously injured and drive ahead to the nearest pay phone?

On the other hand, if he left her here in the middle of the highway, she was bound to get hurt even more. Or dead.

Not feeling as though he had much choice he took her into his arms. If he was going to move her, may as well go all out and move her to his car. It was easy enough to do; she was a slight thing. He had no blanket or anything to put over her, but at least in his car she was out of the elements. And away from the danger of getting hit by a car whose driver didn't have the reactions he did.

He thanked God he hadn't had more than a couple of beers or he might not have been able to react fast enough.

He set her as carefully as he could on the backseat before sliding into the driver's seat and putting the car back into gear. He had no idea where a hospital was, but he could find one easy enough in town.

He was more than a little surprised when not too long after getting her settled in the car she made a noise. She sounded as if she was in pain, which was understandable considering how he'd found her.

"You all right back there?" he asked, gazing into his rearview mirror.

She didn't answer for a few minutes. In fact, she didn't give a verbal answer at all. Just all of the sudden there she was, looking back at him in the mirror.

"I guess you are then," he said softly.

"Where am I?"

"I'm taking you to a hospital as soon as I find one, found you on the road a ways back."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. What were you doing out in the middle of nowhere by yourself at night?"

"I wasn't, I mean, I didn't come out here by myself."

"Oh," he said simply.

"I can't go to the hospital."

"You were unconscious just a few minutes ago. I can't let you go wandering off by yourself."

"Where am I?"

He didn't need much light to see she was frowning.

"Monterey."

"How…?"

"I don't rightly now, as I said I just happened upon you in the middle of the road."

"Monterey," she murmured. "I still can't go to the hospital."

"I have to do something with you, you were injured."

"I'm fine."

"Uh huh."

"I can't explain it, all right, but I'm fine and can't go to a hospital. I'm not sure how I got up here, I live by LA."

"That's like three hundred miles, sweetheart. You telling me you wandered that far and don't recall it?"

Was she a runaway? In trouble? Running from the law? She didn't look like a criminal, but he knew first hand criminals came in all shapes and sizes.

She placed her hand on her head and shook it slightly. "I…I don't know."

"You in trouble? Wanted by the police?"

"No, nothing like that. I'm just…" her eyes met his again in the mirror. "I can't go to a hospital."

"Are you in trouble? You pregnant? Got a daddy back home who beats on you? Running away from overprotective parents who won't let you wear the clothes you want?"

She smiled and gave a light laugh.

"Glad I can be amusing."

"No, none of those things. I just, it's complicated. I can't go to a hospital. If I did, then I probably would have to run away. That's all really, there's nothing else to it."

"All right," he said, accepting that as strange as it sounded. Lord knew he didn't want anyone to find out where he was now either. Maybe she was hiding from someone.

He studied her via the rearview mirror. She had a trusting face and looked innocent enough. Not that looks couldn't be deceiving. That was another thing he had first hand knowledge of. She didn't look as though she was going to keel over and die. And he didn't have anything for her to steal or pilfer through anyway.

"Here's the deal. I've got me a room at a bed and breakfast not too far from here. I'll take you there so you can get cleaned up, scrounge up something to eat if you're hungry, and then call whoever can come get you. No hospitals."

She was quiet for a few minutes, he wasn't sure if she was going to turn him down. He wouldn't blame her. She didn't know him, but if she was three hundred miles away and, seemingly, didn't have anyone nearby to turn to it was him or nothing.

"Thank you."

"Welcome," he said through pursed lips. He didn't need to be responsible for someone else. He could barely look after himself. "I'm Alex," he added.

"I'm Claire," she said softly.

"Nice to meet you, Claire."

"You, too. Do you always rescue damsels in distress?"

"Only those in the middle of the road."

"I guess it's my lucky night then."

"Not sure how luck plays into it, but if you say so."

So, here he was, attempting to sleep in a chair that was not designed for such an activity. And not succeeding very well. The bed and breakfast was as horrific as he'd always pictured them being. Frilly lace, floral patterns everywhere, and furniture designed to look nice but not be very practical. Evidently, people weren't supposed to actually sit in these rooms because the chair wasn't even comfortable for that.

So, he watched while she slept. She was entirely too trusting and naïve - or just that tired - to fall asleep with a strange man nearby so easily. He supposed finding herself in this type of situation could be exhausting.

The scrapes and bruises he'd noticed earlier were gone. That was perplexing enough, but her arm was fine, too. He knew this because he'd seen her use it. He supposed he could have imagined it, but he didn't think so. He'd seen enough injuries in his time to know when medical attention was warranted. He'd been prepared to go out to an all-night drug store and get supplies for a makeshift sling or something.

"Quit staring at me."

"I'm not, just thinking is all."

"About?"

"How it is you can use your arm when I saw it injured earlier."

She stretched, sliding said arm under the pillow. "It wasn't as hurt as you thought it was?"

"All right, if that's the way you want to play it. I won't ask any more questions, not that you're accountable to me or anything. I just wondered is all."

"I can't tell you."

"Go back to sleep, Claire, you had a scare if nothing else."

***

She regarded him. This man who didn't know her and yet not only helped her but gave up his bed. Her mom and dad would freak if they knew she was spending the night in a strange man's room. She was probably stupid, but there was something about him that said she could trust him.

She'd seen the look in his eyes earlier in the car. He'd told her his story. It was a sad one. Beyond sad. She couldn't even imagine. You marry someone, you're supposed to be able to trust them above anyone else. Right? Maybe she was naïve to think like that.

She realized the look in his eyes was more than just being lost. She'd probably had the same look finding out her father had not just been lying to her but altering her memories. Betrayed. The ultimate disappointment. She didn't have a boyfriend or husband. West was a potential boyfriend, but still too new to say. There was a part of her that wasn't sure she should trust him. She considered betrayal by her father, though, almost as bad as what Alex Tully had gone through. He was the one man she should be able to trust entirely.

He said he'd been a race car driver then somehow had gotten involved in being a getaway driver. She wasn't sure why he'd admitted that to her. Hoping she'd tell him the truth? Or seeing if she'd threaten to do something with that information?

He'd turned his life around and he'd helped her when he didn't have to. She knew all about keeping secrets, she had her own to keep. His was safe with her, too.

"Have you slept?"

"No, this chair isn't made for someone like me I guess."

"You can sleep here. I won't tell or mind."

"I'm not sure that's a good idea. I haven't slept with anyone besides my wife in quite some time."

"You said you weren't even really married, though."

"It's more than that. This is all still rather new to me."

"I'm sorry."

"It's just hard to think of the person I slept with as living a lie to get me into some race."

"Maybe you need to sleep with someone who's not her."

His eyes narrowed. "You coming onto me?"

"No. You could have left me in the middle of the road, so that tells me you're a good man."

"You sleep with a woman for a length of time you do things instinctively."

She blushed.

"I don't mean to offend. I'm just saying that the chair seems the safer option."

"Is instinct going to make you do anything to hurt me?"

"No, of course not! I ain't never…"

"Well, then come on. I'm not going to bite." She sat up then, drawing her knees to her chest. "Unless maybe you want me to."

His eyes widened. "Sweetheart, saying things like that are liable to get you in trouble with the wrong man."

"I was kidding." Something like disappointment passed over his face. "I mean, not that you're not a good looking guy. I just don't feel right taking your bed when you don't even know anything about me. So, sleep on the bed with me. It will make me feel better."

"How did you get to Monterey?"

He was back to that again. She'd already told him a few times, apparently he didn't believe her. She couldn't blame him, really, considering he'd just find out his life the past few years had been a complete lie.

"I don't know!" She turned away from him.

"I shouldn't push. You get lied to, though, and it makes you a little gun shy."

"I know the feeling, you have no idea. I've been lied to, too," she said. "I said I don't know and I really don't."

He sighed heavily and stood, going to the bathroom. She heard running water and knew he was getting a drink of water. She felt his eyes on her as he regarded her from the doorway. He probably thought he was insane to take her up on her offer. She wasn't offering him sex, he had to know that. She thought she might be offering him something that maybe he needed even more. To know that someone could lie beside him because she wanted to, not because of some con she was running.

"You sure?" he asked.

"Yes," she said softly. She really wasn't sure. She'd never shared a bed with anyone but her parents or her brother. She wasn't really afraid of those instinctual things he'd spoken of, but there was that bit of doubt that had her wondering if she wasn't crazy to even be here at all.

"All right then," he said finally. "I'll be out in a minute."

***

He closed the bathroom door then. It was too much to swallow. Part of him wondered if she wasn't part of the scheme, but how could she be?

He wasn't going to forget Kathryn or get over her in a night. Probably not even a number of nights. If he really wanted to get over her betrayal, he had to move on. To come to the conclusion first-hand that not everyone was out to deceive him. And moving on meant starting somewhere. And why not sleep with her, if sleeping was all that there was. He certainly wasn't betraying his wedding vows.

As crazy as it would sound to most, that still entered into the equation. He had a hard time processing the fact that they hadn't been married. He didn't feel any different and knew it would take time to adjust to the new reality he was faced with. That everything right down to that piece of paper had been planned and plotted.

He thought of himself as honorable, but he was still just a man and she was a pretty woman offering him a side of his own bed. Bathroom business taken care of, he returned to the bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed. He wanted - needed - to ensure she wasn't going to yell or scream foul. When she didn't, he joined her under the covers.

She scooted closer, not quite pressing against him. Certainly not much space separated them, and the bed was large enough there should have been.

"What's that for?"

"Maybe I need the closeness of someone, too."

"You scared of something?"

"I've been scared of something for a while now, waiting for it to catch up to me."

"But you can't tell me what."

***

"Someone bad, who wants to see me dead because I can," she paused. She hated talking in riddles, speaking half-truths. Telling him she was someone special who could regenerate was a little more farfetched then the tale he'd told. "Do things and he wants to be able to do them, too."

"You think that's how you got here?"

"I don't know, I really don't. Last thing I remember I was talking to a friend of mine. The next thing I knew I woke up in your car."

"You want to call this friend of yours and find out what they know?"

"It's late…"

He turned onto his side to face her. He hadn't turned the lamp off yet, so he could see her clearly. Could he see how scared she was? "You scared of what you might find out?"

"A little. My friend," she closed her eyes, not before he saw the tears though. "He can do things, too."

"So, you think that maybe this bad someone might have gone after both you and your friend?"

"It's possible."

"And you wouldn't call your parents because?"

"My dad would freak if he found out I was in Monterey!"

"I see," he said simply. "Won't he freak if he thinks you're gone all night?"

"Yes, but you said you'd give me a ride home. I figure it's better to come up with a story as to where I was then to admit spending the night with you."

"Good point."

"I really do appreciate you not taking me to the hospital."

"It goes against my better judgment, but I've been in a situation or two where I didn't need someone knowing what I'd done or where I was."

"Are you a dangerous man, Alex Tully?"

"Dangerous? No, I just drove a car, but I hung out with some people. Yeah, you could say they were dangerous."

"And now you're a landscaper?"

"I don't know what I am anymore, but yeah, that was my chosen vocation for the past little while."

She reached for him then, touching his cheek with the palm of her hand. It was the simplest touch, meant to comfort. "I'm sorry you're going through this, Alex. You seem like a good man."

***

"I'm not," he said, taking hold of her hand. He meant to push it away, touching him was the last thing she should be doing. He held onto it, though. Every touch he'd gotten from Kathryn was now in question. Had any of it been real? Sincere? So, to have someone touch him, really touch him, out of want shook him. "I'm really not."

"Everyone's done things…"

"You're too young to say things like that."

"But my dad's not. I'm sure he's done worse than you have."

"Yeah, well…"

"Maybe I'll just stay with you."

"I'm sorry. What did you say? Why'd you wanna go doing a thing like that?"

"Well, if someone found my friend and me, going home isn't an option. That means that not only am I in danger, they are, too."

"From the person after you and your friend?"

"And others like us."

"You've touched that 'like us' part, but haven't gone into detail."

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"Try me?"

She sat up in bed then. "You still have that knife?"

"What you need a knife for?"

"You won't believe me if I tell you, but if I show you," she shrugged. "You won't have any choice."

"Okay."

"Can you get a towel from the bathroom, too?"

"Anything else you need?"

She laughed softly. "No."

***

She watched as he stood and went to his things, coming back with the knife and towel. She took them from him and sat up straight, placing the towel over her lap. She'd cut off her toe, she could do this. She gave a sharp hiss from the pain as she sliced her forearm open with the blade of the knife. It was good and sharp so it didn't take much effort on her part.

She saw the look of horror on his face. She knew when he was going to reach out to stop her and took the knife away from her skin on her own.

"What the devil are you doing?"

"Just watch," she said, wiping the knife off on the towel. It always amazed her to see it happen. She imagined one day it would be so commonplace that it was no big deal, but she hadn't gotten to that point yet.

He pushed off the bed and took a step back as the wound started the process of healing. It was hard to describe, but it was fascinating to watch her body heal. Was it magic? He didn't seem fascinated so much as horrified.

"What the?"

"I told you wouldn't believe me."

"You can? I'm not sure I understand what I just saw."

"I regenerate," she said simply. "Want me to do it again so you know you aren't hallucinating?"

"No, once is plenty. And your friend?"

"He can do something else. There are a lot of us, genetically different I guess. There's a book, Activating Evolution by Chandra Suresh. You may have heard of it. Or maybe not. I haven't read the whole thing yet. Anyway, there are people looking for us. Some just me and my family, and some all of us who are different."

"So, that's how your arm?"

"Yes."

He sat on the bed again. She placed her hand on his forearm. "It's not something I just walk around telling people. You see that now?"

"Well, yeah, who'd believe you? I've seen it with my own eyes and am still trying to come up with some optical illusion that could explain it."

"I can do it again."

"No, please don't. Once is enough."

"You think I'm a freak."

"No, I didn't say that."

"You don't have to, I know what I am."

"But there are others like you, so you're not a freak."

She shrugged. "I have to hide what I am. It wasn't so bad when I was back home, but I'm not anymore. So what's even worse is now I can't tell anyone my real name, I can't do anything I want to do. All to stay under the radar of anyone looking for us. And all because I'm special."

"That's why you mentioned coming with me?"

"Sort of. I mean, I can't help but think my parents and brother are better off without me there to cause problems."

That wasn't entirely true because her father had his own issues with The Company. Certainly, though, knowing Claire was with him heightened their interest in him.

"I think in the morning you should call and find out if your friend made it home or what happened to him."

"Why?"

"Because if he didn't make it home that would indicate someone got a hold of him, like you think. You do think that, don't you?"

"Yes," she said softly. She couldn't explain what she and West were doing here without explaining about what West could do. She might expose herself, but she wasn't going to do the same with anyone else. She was still fuzzy on what had happened, but she remembered West dropping her knowing she'd survive the fall. She just didn't know why he'd done it.

"Well, then we'd know whether to bring you home or not. If you're really in danger, I wouldn't feel right just taking you home."

"What are you saying?"

"We'll see what's going on with your friend and family. You said earlier you just moved here from Texas?"

"Yeah," she said. "You have no idea how great it is to be honest with someone. The past month I've done nothing but lie to everyone, even my family. It sucks."

"Maybe they'll move again and you can hang with me until they're settled."

She smiled slightly. "I'd be in your way."

"I've got nowhere to go, just the open road calling me. And maybe some company would do me good while your family gets settled."

"I don't think my dad would like that."

"Yes, because you being here with me tonight when he has absolutely no idea where you are or who you're with would sit with him so much better."

"Good point."

"All right then," he said, collecting the knife and towel from her. "Not sure how I'm going to explain the towel to the maid. That's a little more than a cut from shaving."

***

He filled the sink with cold water and put the towel in it. That'd keep it from setting. Why he was concerned about that, he wasn't sure. His knife was another matter. He'd have to clean it properly tomorrow. He glanced at himself in the mirror, clutching the sides of the sink with his hands.

"What have you gotten yourself into, Tully?"

There was no answer, because he didn't have one.

"Listen," he said, walking back into the bedroom. "I've been thinking on this whole situation."

His words, however, weren't heard by anyone but himself. She'd fallen asleep. He walked to the bed, taking hold of her arm as gently as he could. He grazed his thumb along her forearm in the general area he knew the cut to have been. There wasn't a mark, a scar, an indication of any kind she'd been bleeding moments ago.

He was surprised she felt normal, like any other human he'd ever touched. He expected, he guessed, after seeing what she could do that she'd feel different somehow. He let go of her arm, having no business really touching her and sat in the chair. That seemed to wake her up a bit.

"I told you to sleep in the bed."

"I know."

She lifted her head a little, regarding him. "If you don't I'm going to think you think I'm a freak."

"You aren't."

He stood then and moved back to the bed next to her. He slid an arm behind his head, staring at the ceiling.

Freak. There was a word.

What kind of man gets duped so badly that he doesn't even realize his whole life is a sham? Alex Tully hadn't always been that type of man. Hell, he never would have expected him to fall for such a con.

"Neither are you."

"How'd you know what I was thinking?"

"Not hard to know."

"Yeah, well, it's still a bitter pill to swallow. It casts doubt on your whole existence. Whether you're a good man. Whether you're any good at any of the things you thought you were. The things that you thought mattered."

"Nothing should change that, Alex."

"You'd think not."

She did something incredible then. Well, maybe not so incredible as just surprising. She leaned in and kissed him. It was just a light brush of her lips along his cheek. She was so quick about it he almost thought he'd imagined it.

"I know not."

"You don't even know her."

"I don't need to."

He wasn't sure what to say to that.

"Good night," she said softly.

"G'night," he said, sounding irritable even to his own ears. What had brought that on?

***

He woke when the alarm went off and found two things. One, he'd slept better then he had in weeks even if it hadn't been a lot in quantity. First had been the race, thinking his wife was in danger. And then the rest had unfolded. And two, he hadn't done anything stupid or embarrassing while they slept. They were both fully clothed and while she was snuggled against his chest that seemed to be her doing not his.

He knew he should get up, but he couldn't help but enjoy feeling her warmth and closeness. He certainly didn't have anything to do today, other than a drive down to LA. That brought him to the problem at hand. She had phone calls to make and he really had no business enjoying the way she felt pressed up against him. His hand, resting innocently at the small of her back now would be easy enough to move.

She murmured and shift slightly in her sleep. He lifted his hand from her back and rested it against the top of her head, smoothing down her hair. It was the right thing to do, even if his body rebelled against his mind.

"You awake?"

"Mm, getting there."

"Good. You've got phone calls to make and I really should hit the shower."

She chuckled lightly and instead of letting go actually pressed closer against him. He stifled a groan. Closer was not what he needed right now. His body was doing what any warm-blooded male's body would do with a pretty thing pressed up against it. Reacting.

"Problems?"

"What do you mean?"

She laughed then. "I had health class."

"Claire…"

"Sorry, should I not say anything?"

"No. Yes. I need to get up and you need to make your phone calls. Find out about your friend and then you can decide what to do about going home after that."

"All right."

"And in case I don't say it later, thank you."

"For what?"

"For letting me sleep in the bed. It was much more comfortable then that chair."

"You're welcome."

"It occurs to me, you told me something about yourself that maybe you shouldn't have. Are you all right with that?"

"Are you going to go tell everyone?"

"No."

"And I don't think The Company is going to come looking for a race car driver, so I think I'm fairly safe."

"They'd be hard-pressed to get information out of me anyway."

"That's good to know."

They grew quiet. He ran his fingers through her hair. Her fingers were toying with one of the buttons on his shirt. It seemed such a natural, normal thing to do. It was a little bothersome actually, how comfortable it was.

"What are you thinking?" he asked.

She shrugged, glancing up at him. "I've never spent the night with someone before."

"I'd guessed that."

"My dad…"

"Will probably have a noose ready when I bring you home."

"I had sort of assumed you'd drop me off."

"Is that the way you want to play it?"

"It's safest. He won't meet you, you won't see where I actually live."

"Right," he murmured, shifting under her touch. "Well, let's get on with it then. Make your calls so we know what we're doing."

"Okay."

***

The day had been almost unbearable. Luckily, Alex had gotten her home early enough that she'd been able to sneak inside without her parents even knowing she hadn't come home. She'd barely made it through school, though. And West. Well, she'd had to break things off with him, which didn't make him happy at all.

She'd come to realize last night that while she thought of her dad as being overly paranoid, he probably had reason to be. Hanging out with West while exhilarating was dangerous. Two specials together was bound to attract attention. Especially as careless as he seemed to be about the fact he was different. He almost seemed to be begging The Company to find him again.

She knew, though, that The Company would do exactly as her dad said they would to her. They would poke, prod and push her knowing all the while she'd heal and recover from the damage of everything done to her. All in the name of science, to find out what she could do, how she worked. Well, she wasn't a watch or a TV, she was a human being and she did not want to be someone's living experiment.

He'd taken a huge risk the night before and he didn't even seem to care. Granted, she'd let him and gone along with it. She hadn't really stopped to think about the danger, though. She was lucky it was someone like Alex who had found her. There were so many other possibilities. Imagine what a rapist or serial killer would do to her if they found out she could heal. It almost made her gag thinking about it.

"Claire!" She turned at the voice. It was West. Of course it was. He didn't seem to know when to give up. That was partially her fault, too, she'd been wishy-washy about the yes and no thing until now. Because truth was, she liked him and it was so nice to spend time with someone she didn't have to lie to or pretend to be something she wasn't with.

"West, I," she paused, not sure what to say.

"Just hear me out."

"No, I have heard you out. You told me to give you one date. I gave you two and I'm just… not ready for that yet."

"I thought we had a good time."

"We did," she said sincerely. She did have a good time with him. Until he'd dropped her lord knew how many feet from the sky. He said he'd thought someone was watching them and he'd wanted to protect her. She believed him.

And, yet, there was doubt in the back of her mind. That doubt is what made her want to take a step back more than anything did. When it got down to it, she knew nothing about him other than what he claimed. As farfetched, and as paranoid sounding as her father, he could be a plant for all she knew. Of course, if that was the case it was too late now because they'd know where she was.

The revving of an engine in the parking lot caught her attention. She smiled as recognition took hold and started toward the car, forgetting for a minute West was even there.

"So you just walk away from me?"

She stopped but wasn't happy about it. "West," she said. "Please don't make this any more difficult than it is. I like you and there's nothing saying I can't be your friend, but if you keep harassing me I'm not going to want to even be that."

"Whoa! I'm not harassing you," he said, taking a step back. "I just thought we connected, shared something in common that made us different and unique yet not so alone."

She looked both ways before stepping onto the parking lot and walking toward the car. She leaned in the passenger's side window, which was down. She smiled, tucking some hair behind her ears.

"What are you doing here?"

"Well, I had this whole thing worked out in my head about offering you candy or something, but now that I'm here that doesn't play out so well. I don't feel like getting arrested today. So, I thought maybe you could use a ride."

"I thought you were going back?"

"Change of plan. Of course, I have no plan so there wasn't much to change. I thought I'd stay a spell."

"I see."

"Is that all right?"

"It's a free country."

He chuckled. "I meant, my coming to pick you up."

"Oh sure."

"Claire," West said from behind her. "Who is this guy? You know him?"

"Well, yeah, he's a friend, Alex."

"Oh," he said and she saw something pass through his eyes. "I'll see you tomorrow then, or later if you're around the neighborhood."

"Sure," she said, tossing her books into the backseat before getting in. She realized West probably thought Alex was a much-older boyfriend. She started to laugh then.

"What's so funny?"

"You just helped me a second time I think."

"How's that?"

"That guy. I'd gone out with him a couple of times. He was getting a little pushy."

"Understandable. If I had a girl like you showing even the slightest interest in me I'd be pushy, too."

"Thank you, but I'm not ready for pushy. I'm not even ready for a boyfriend I don't think."

"So, why's that funny?"

"I think he thinks you're my boyfriend."

"I'm a little…"

"Old?" She shrugged and leaned over to kiss him. Maybe if West thought there was another guy he'd move on from her without much of a fight. Or without feeling the need to expose her secret. She could tell Alex was surprised, it wasn't like she was Frenching him. It was just a kiss. She drew away after what she thought was long enough. "If it gets him off my back for a while I'm okay with that."

"So, is that your way of saying you want me to pick you up while I'm in town?"

"If you can and want to, sure."

"Driving pretty girls home has always been an interest of mine."

"Well, then, far be it for me to disappoint."

"Sweetheart, I doubt the word disappoint crosses the minds of many who come up against you each day."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"Is he still standing there?"

"Yup."

"Watching us?"

"Pretty much."

"Listening."

"He's too far back for that. That why you kissed me?"

"Yes."

"Thought so."

"Sorry. I probably shouldn't have done that, especially knowing…"

"Claire, it's all right," he said. "Now, where to for the afternoon?"

"I don't have a lot of homework so pretty much anything."

"All right. I'll see what I can come up with."

"I think I can handle that."

"You're not expected home?"

"Not until dinner and I can always call with an excuse."

"Well, then I'd best make skipping dinner worth your while."

"I can't wait."

~The End~

Vampire Challenge

2008-03-23T00:36:35Z

CLAIRECROSSING VAMPIRE CHALLENGE!!!
Rules:

Post a new entry with a fanfic involving a vampire or vampire myth/legend. Which means when you cross Claire with another fandom it should probably be a vampire fandom such as Buffy/Angel, Twilight, Blood Ties or Moonlight.
There is NO deadline.
Subject line should include (in this format): Vampire Challenge Entry: Title - Pairing/Character(s) - Rating.
Minimum of at least 100 words... if its close, like 98 or something, then its fine. No maximum.
You can write as many as you want!
Must tag entries as .challenge entry along with the other proper tags.

and the most important rule: HAVE FUN!

If you have any comments/questions/concerns, comment here, thanks!

New Layout!!

2008-03-23T00:28:12Z

The other one got on my nerves, so I hope you all don't mind, but I changed the layout... again.

Let me know what you think of it please!

Also on the sidebar under "fast links", you can see that I added a link where you can post a new entry here at clairecrossing!

Kiss Challenge!!!

2008-01-25T20:49:40Z

CLAIRE BENNET KISS CHALLENGE!!!Rules:
1. Post a new entry with a fanfic involving a kiss (platonic, romantic, or candy!).
2. There is NO deadline.
3. Subject line should include (in this format): Kiss Challenge Entry: Title - Pairing/Character - Rating.
4. Minimum of at least 100 words... if its close, like 98 or something, then its fine.
5. You can write as many as you want!
6. Must tag entries as .challenge entry along with the other proper tags.

and the most important rule: HAVE FUN!

If you have any comments/questions/concerns, comment here, thanks!

Spring Fanfic Challenge!

2008-01-25T20:45:01Z

CLAIRE BENNET CROSSOVER SPRING CHALLENGE!!!
Rules:
1. Post a new entry with a fanfic involving a spring holiday (Easter, Hōnen Matsuri, Nowruz, etc) or something springy in it - flowers blooming, spring cleaning, april showers, etc.
2. There is NO deadline.
3. Subject line should include (in this format): Spring Challenge Entry: Title - Pairing/Character - Rating.
4. Minimum of at least 100 words... if its close, like 98 or something, then its fine.
5. You can write as many as you want!
6. Must tag entries as .challenge entry along with the other proper tags.

and the most important rule: HAVE FUN!

If you have any comments/questions/concerns, comment here, thanks!

Heroes/Gilmore Girls - Paradox

2008-01-18T12:30:05Z

Title: Paradox
Fandoms: Heroes, Gilmore Girls
Author: leezh
Beta reader: karathephantom
Characters: Claire, Zach, Jess
Word Count: approx. 2600
Rating: PG-13 'coz of a little bit of curse words
Summary: Zach cannot believe he agrees to go to New York with Claire to look for a guy that she claims cannot possibly be her uncle. His name, Jess Mariano, resembles nothing like Peter Petrelli, and didn't she say that Uncle Peter had gone nuclear - or something?
Notes: It is set after 'How to Stop an Exploding Man'. A crossover with Gilmore Girls, also a companion piece (sort of sequel) to ' Doppelganger' , which I recommend to be read before proceeding with this piece. Written for fivebyfiction challenge at Livejournal, though it supposed to be Paire... I guess you can still see it that way, though now it leans more to Jess/Claire! =) As for a continuation, I include a hint of it in the fic, but to be truthful it's still in the brainstorming cabinet. =)
Disclaimer: If I did own both of these awesome shows, the Heroes universe would be fused with Gilmore Girls already.

follow the fake lj-cut...

Winter Holiday Challenge

2007-11-30T03:51:25Z

CLAIRE BENNET CROSSOVER WINTER HOLIDAY CHALLENGE!!!

Rules:
1. Post a new entry with a fanfic involving a winter holiday (Christmas, New Year, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc).
2. Characters can be from the comics, cartoons, movies or TV shows.
3. Subject line should include (in this format): Winter Challenge Entry: Title - Pairing/Characters
4. No minimum or maximum!
5. NO dead line!
6. You can write as many as you want!
7. Must tag entries as .challenge entry along with the other proper tags.

and the most important rule: HAVE FUN!

Supernatural Crossover

2007-10-27T05:18:23Z

Summary: Claire and Dean meet at a bar. Claire has a inkling that she saw him before though.

Couples: Claire/Dean

Characters: Claire, Dean,
Disclaimer: Don't own anyone or anything.

Warnings: Spoilers for the episode Skin (Season 1) and the episode Nightshifter (Season 2) for Supernatural.

Notes: I had a fun time writing this… it was easier then the Sam/Claire fanfic I was trying to write (Runaway), lol. And I don’t mind the pairing at all now, lol.

Requested by: Scoob2222.

( Read more... )

Supernatural/BTVS Crossover

2007-10-27T05:15:48Z

Summary: Claire runs away and stops at Harvelle’s Roadhouse. There she meets up with the Winchester boys and Faith.

Couples: Dean Winchester/Faith, Claire Bennet/Sam Winchester (implied)

Characters: Claire Bennet, Sam Winchester, Dean Winchester, Faith, Jo Harvelle, (mentions of:) Ellen Harvelle, Peter Petrelli,

Rating: PG
Warnings: AU. Alcohol.
Disclaimer: Don't own anyone or anything.

Notes: My first entry for the LJ Community spn_btvs, along with my first three-way-crossover fanfic.
This is an alternative world for Heroes where Claire is actually eighteen instead of sixteen & she runs away to find Peter after she finds out about her dad (Mr. Bennet).

Challenge: spn_btvs #7 - Incorporate a THIRD universe into your crossover.

( Read more... )

X-Men Crossover

2007-10-27T05:12:19Z

Title: Teasing & Singing

Pairing: Claire/Scott
Rating: G
Characters: Claire, Cyclops

Words: 214

Summary: “Haven’t we already seen this movie before?”

A/N: Inspired by </a></b></a>comiskey 's </font>Peter, You're Harry Potter.

( Read more... )

X-Men Crossover

2007-10-27T05:09:54Z

Title: Don't Want to Lose You
Rating: G
Fandoms: Heroes/X-Men
Characters: Claire, Cyclops,
Pairings: none
Word Count: 390-ish
Disclaimer: Don’t own anyone.

( Read more... )

Heroes/Life With Derek

2007-10-27T04:59:25Z

Claim: Casey MacDonald and Derek Venturi (Life with Derek)
Title: Smoke Inhallation
Rating: PG
Fandoms: Life With Derek/Heroes
Pairings: Claire/Derek
Word Count: 236
Prompt: Fire
Disclaimer: Don’t own anyone.
Table

( Read more... )