Page 71 of The Not So Super Hero

Zane hated the pure disappointment in his voice.

This was throwing Bailey’s insecurities into his face, making him accept that he’d be in too much danger.

But that was the truth. However, he didn’t want their next few days to be ones of tension and discomfort.

Who knew when they would see each other again?

There was no way he’d leave with Bailey looking like a kicked puppy, so he did the only thing he could think of.

“When this is all over, let’s go out.”

Bailey cast Zane a confused stare that only grew when he realized Zane was actually blushing. Sweet and adorable and everything that made Bailey’s heart flip. Was he breathing? Hell no. His entire body stopped function.

“O-Out?” Bailey squeaked.

“A date,” Zane muttered, bringing up his hand to rub nervously at the back of his neck. “A perfectly normal date.”

“And what’s that?”

“We’ll wake up early and fret over what we’re going to wear.”

Bailey wore the stupidest grin of his life.

“Then we’ll meet up to have an early lunch before going to the movies. The movie probably won’t be that great, but we won’t pay much attention to it.”

“Why not?” Bailey asked, his entire body shivering when Zane’s blue gaze fell on him.

“If I’m with you, I’m not going to pay attention to the movie.”

Bailey bit his lip, unsure of how to respond, although on the inside he was completely agreeing.

Swallowing the lump in his threat, he asked, “Then what?”

“Afterwards, we’ll walk around the mall, go to different stores to find out what the other person likes or dislikes.

Next, we’ll eat dinner and spend so much time there that they’ll probably have to kick us out at closing time.

Then I’ll walk you home, kiss you goodnight, and try desperately for more than that. ”

Bailey laughed, glancing at their intertwined hands. Zane’s thumb rubbed the back of his hand. He held tighter, imagining that date and how they’d be holding hands like this and kissing in the mall and laughing over a movie.

“Anything else?” he whispered.

Zane rested his fingers beneath Bailey’s chin. He caught Bailey’s gaze, smiling from ear to ear. “And we’ll set up another perfectly normal date, and another, and another and—"

Well, Zane was sure he got the picture. He leaned forward, kissing Bailey’s quirked lips.

He curled his fingers into Bailey’s soft hair, leaning in to the heat always coaxing him closer.

Their hands remained interlocked between them during the soft kisses they shared over and over.

Like they had forgotten the taste and wished to never do so again.

When they retreated, Bailey was sure his face would remain red for the rest of his life. Especially seeing Zane’s intoxicating smile. Eyes brilliant blue and glowing with delight when Bailey whispered, “It’s a date then.”

With that, the two had a peaceful next few days.

Zane was feeling much better and on the verge of a complete recovery.

Bailey was jealous, but more than happy to see Zane back on his feet.

Plus, it was nice getting pampered a bit.

Bailey had trouble getting around, so Zane couldn’t be his usual lazy self.

He got them food from the vending machines or helped Bailey into the bathroom.

He also tried to “help” Bailey change clothes a few times, but after a good whack to the head, that stopped.

However, as Zane got closer to leaving, Bailey knew they had more to discuss. Chris mentioned Zane couldn’t win against Antoine until he faced himself and his past. How does one do that exactly? Zane spoke to him about that past. Was that enough?

Zane’s mutation began with fear. Did that mean Zane had to face his fear in order to overcome Antoine?

What was his fear? How could he face it, and what could Bailey do to help?

The last thing he wanted was for Zane to run into Antoine and not be prepared.

He couldn’t handle hearing anything happened to Zane.

After their last encounter, he nearly died. What if Antoine got a hold of him and…

Bailey’s blood ran cold.

“Bailey, you ok?” Zane asked, causing Bailey to look up with wide eyes. “You look pale.”

Bailey didn’t know how to bring it up or where to begin. What did Zane have to face to prepare for Antoine? He mulled this over until something clicked.

“Have you ever considered finding Marceline?” he asked.

Zane froze, jaw slack and eyes dim. That might have been a sign that Bailey asked the right question. Or a very wrong one, if someone asked Zane.

“Why would I do that?” Zane asked, his voice barely carried over the sound of the TV.

“Because you know Antoine will use her against you, and I’m sure you’ve realized by now that he probably lied to you as a child.”

Zane snorted. “Doubtful.”

“I’m sure he did. Marceline, you need to find and talk to her.”

“What good would that do?” Zane grew defensive, arms crossed and tone low. Though he spoke to Bailey about his past, that didn’t change mean he had grown comfortable.

“The more you run away from it all, the more Antoine will use it against you. I know if you spoke with her, it’ll help, not only with Rebirth but also with your feelings too.”

Zane scowled. His brows creased, a mixture of frustration and discomfort set upon his features. Bailey hated to make him give such a look, but it had to be said. He was certain that if Zane spoke with her, it would help, and he was even more certain that she wanted to speak with Zane, too.

Antoine was a manipulative bastard. The likelihood of him lying to Zane during his youth about Marceline was high.

No, it was 100% because it was all he ever did with Zane.

So, if Zane faced Marceline, then he faced the past. At least part of it.

He had to start somewhere and if that was the place to do it, then so be it.

Bailey could only hope Zane took the advice.