THE HEROS OF GODOLKIN | GEN V AND THE BOYS FIC |

4.

After class, Claire strolled down the bustling hallway of Godolkin University, her thoughts drifting aimlessly as she made her way back to her dorm. The day had been long, filled with lectures and the usual chatter from her peers. She had almost reached her door when she heard the sound of hurried footsteps behind her. Turning slightly, she saw Max jogging up to her, his expression a mix of determination and nervousness.

"Hey, Claire, uh... do you wanna maybe hang out?" Max asked, his voice betraying a hint of awkwardness as he caught up to her. He ran a hand through his hair, clearly unsure of himself.

Claire's lips curved into a genuine smile, the offer brightening her mood. "Sure!" she replied enthusiastically, the prospect of spending time with him instantly lifting her spirits.

Together, they headed towards Claire and Cate's dorm room. The walk was filled with easy conversation, though Claire couldn't help but notice the tension in Max's voice. When they arrived, the dorm was empty, as she'd expected. Cate was likely out with Andre, probably discussing Luke and the aftermath of his death. The campus still buzzed with whispers about the tragic event, but Claire tried to push those thoughts aside as she opened the door, letting Max inside.

Once they were settled in, Max looked around the room, his eyes landing on various objects scattered about. He seemed to be searching for something to break the silence when an idea sparked in his mind. "Maybe we could try out our powers on random things," he suggested, his voice casual, though there was an underlying eagerness in his tone.

Claire's gaze drifted to her gloved hands, the playful glint in her eyes fading as the weight of his suggestion sank in. She let out a sigh, her mood shifting as she considered the implications. "Yeah, I don't know..." she replied, her voice trailing off as uncertainty took hold.

Max noticed the change in her demeanor and tilted his head slightly, curiosity and concern mingling in his expression. "You act like you're scared of your powers," he observed gently, trying to coax her out of her hesitation.

A bitter chuckle escaped Claire's lips as she nodded. "I'm not it's just," she admitted, her tone serious, devoid of the usual levity she carried. "Indira had to give me medication because it was painful."

Max's eyes widened slightly at her admission, the gravity of her words sinking in. He hadn't expected that, and it was clear Claire's powers were a source of deep conflict for her. "Painful?, Claire... , you're taking Criminology-you're training to be a hero. And you can't be a hero that's afraid of her own powers," Max said, his voice firm but filled with understanding.

He reached out and gently took hold of her hands, his touch reassuring.

"Max..." Claire whispered, a mix of protest and fear lacing her voice. She didn't want him to see-didn't want him to understand just how dangerous she could be. But Max continued, his determination unwavering.

"When my powers first appeared," Claire began, her voice softening as she recalled the memory. "I had gotten into this fight with a boy, He started it. I wish He didn't but He did. I grabbed his wrist and told him to break his own arm.. and he did. That was when my powers came in." Claire paused, her eyes darkening as she remembered.

Max's breath hitched at her words,

"It's not easy," Claire said quietly, her voice thick with emotion. "Having something inside you that you wish you never had. I can't touch someone without accidentally making them do whatever I say."

Max's voice trembled with emotion as he began, his words carefully chosen. "Claire... that must've been terrifying for you. But that doesn't make you a monster. It was an accident. You didn't mean to hurt him."