Page 48 of The Not So Super Hero
“I’m sure he does it because he’s worried about you.It’s not good to coop yourself up in your room all day.”
“Thanks for the advice, Mom.”Zane chuckled at Bailey’s immediate scowl.
“Whatever, I’m serious.You are a hermit to the extreme.I would go nuts staying in my room all day, every day.”Bailey shivered.
“It’s easier being alone,” Zane said.
The teasing atmosphere shattered, like they were treading on thin ice.Regardless, Bailey asked, “What makes you say that?”
“People are exhausting.”
Bailey shook his head, feeling disheartened that he received a half-hearted answer.What made people so exhausting?Bailey could think of several reasons that Zane would give.However, there seemed to be a very specific reason, or at least something that kept Zane from really opening up.
As much as Bailey wanted to push, as much as his mind screamed at him to pressure Zane, he knew that was a terrible thing to do.Bailey had to accept that, even if it drove him nuts.
With a nervous breath, he said, “If you ever want to talk about anything, I uh, I’ll listen.You know that, right?”
Bailey was glad he was driving.It gave him an excuse to not look at Zane.He could feel Zane’s gaze on him, a gaze that caused his breath to catch in his throat.After some time passed, Zane responded in a soft voice, “I know.”
Bailey grew a little more confident that they were actually growing closer and, one day, Zane would let him in.The thought of that put a smile on both their faces.
Zane’s phone suddenly went off.Bailey was mildly surprised he had a phone.He didn’t hesitate to answer, though.“What do you want, Chris?”
“Don’t sound so shocked to hear from me.I’m calling to check up on you since you refused to see a doctor,” Chris responded with a tone of annoyance that showed he was not up for Zane’s shit today.
Zane rolled his eyes.“You don’t need to check up on me.I’m not a kid.”
Bailey smirked, which earned him a harsh glare from Zane that was utterly ignored.What?It was cute that Chris checked up on Zane, though he was a full-grown adult.Bailey quickly realized he had no idea how old Zane was, probably around Bailey’s age?He made a mental note to ask.
“You act like one,” Chris snapped back.“I’m guessing that you’re feeling better.You’re acting like your usual self.”
Zane hummed, refusing to admit that he felt a lot better than usual.If Chris found out why, he would never let Zane live it down.
“Are you even home?Sounds like you’re in a car.”Chris asked.
“I’m out,” Zane replied because Chris would interrogate him to discover the truth, so he tried to give a half-lie.
“Out?”
“Yeah, out.”
Bailey took this as an opportunity to shout, “”Hi Chris, it’s Bailey!We met at the police station.Zane and I went to the arcade!"
Zane would have killed Bailey if he weren’t driving.
Chris laughed.“Ohoho, so you’re out, like on a date!”
“No,” Zane argued, giving Bailey the bird.Bailey snorted, then snickered to himself.His life felt a little more complete.
“And by no, you mean yes, because it was definitely a date.It’s ok.You have to find yourself someone eventually and Bailey will definitely do you some good,” Chris said.
Zane was going to kill both Chris and Bailey.He just wasn’t sure how yet.Going to trial would be a pain; he had to get rid of them silently and swiftly.
“I’m hanging up,” Zane stated, ready to do exactly that until he heard Chris’ serious tone that completely altered the atmosphere.
“You’re aware of what that means, though, right?Rebirth has their eye on you.You’re putting Bailey in danger by spending time with him.”
“I know, but it’s a little late for that.”
