Jason drums his fingers against the steering wheel, a nervous tick, “If it’s still as bad as you think by lunchtime you can call me and I’ll come get you, alright?“
Bruce frowns, “Just like that?“
“Just like that,“ Jason affirms, “As long as you promise me to give it a try.“
Bruce fiddles with the string of pearls tucked into the right pocket of his blazer. “But if I call you’ll pick me up?“
Jason sighs and a second later there’s a hand gently ruffling Bruce’s hair. Not that it matters. Apparently part of his ‘disguise’ are subpar hairstyles and non-tailored suits. Bruce just knows mom would gasp if she— well. Bruce thinks he looks stupid attending school like this, is all.
“Yes. I promise.“
The entrance looks like a gigantic maw, swallowing unsuspecting victim after victim. Everyone so eager to follow through on their own slaughter. Bruce wonders what it says about him that he’d rather face down several thugs than leave the car and submit himself to this torture chamber the government calls an “educational institution“.
“Fine,“ he grouses, releasing the seatbelt with a little more force than necessary, “I’ll see you at lunch.“
— The Antithesis of Magic, chpt. 4 sneak peek
