Ghostwriter

Chapter 22

Jason tugs at his tie and remembers just how much he hates tuxes. For Alfred's cookies, he reminds himself. He knocks on Antigone's door. "You two done in there?"

Maybe he should let Barbara and her be. He wouldn't mind being late.

"Give us a minute!" Barbara calls. He hears disgruntled noises and assumes that's his soulmate. Antigone never quite sold on the whole idea of the masquerade, and after the dress incident, she's worried for her safety.

He's assured her countless times that it's going to be fine. His entire family is in attendance, and it wouldn't surprise Jason if a few of Bruce's work buddies are there, too. Not that he could tell her any of that, because she knows no ones' identities and wants to keep it that way, but hey, still. The Wayne Halloween Masquerade Ball is probably the safest place in Gotham tonight.

Colton gurgles and plays on a blanket on the floor. He keeps doing these little curl-ups. Antigone says that's him trying to sit-up for the first time.

Jason scoops him up. Colton smiles and claps his hands. "Excited for a night without mommy?"

"Gaaaaaahhhh eeeeeeek!" Colton grabs Jason's nose.

"Alright, it's decided. I get to borrow mommy, and you get to have her out of your hair for tonight. Deal?"

Colton pulls Jason's face closer to give him an open-mouthed kiss on the cheek. Jason grins and nuzzles Colton's head. Colton, liking the praise, goes in for a second, but not before the door opens and Barbara catches them in the act.

"Aw, Jase..."

Jason snaps his head away. Colton looks at the ceiling.

Too late. Barbara saw it. A smile that could rival the sun shines on her face. "You two are cute. Speaking of, Antigone, get out here!"

Barbara wheels out of the room. She's all primped up—green dress, makeup, hair tied up in some fancy contraption. The works.

Antigone comes to the doorway.

Jason about has a conniption.

Jason's never seen her like this before. Normally, it's painfully obvious that Antigone is in survival mode. Mismatching socks, hair pulled back into a messy bun, and tennis shoes make up her everyday look. Beauty takes a backseat as she cruises with whatever cheap comfort she can slap onto her body before Colton starts whining in the mornings.

Now, she's a freaking swan. The dress hugs her torso and falls to her feet. She's right, yellow does compliment her skin well. Strands of hair, curled, frame her face; but most of it's tied behind her head in an elegant, swirly ponytail. Red lips call to him.

Jason starts to sweat. Colton claps and reaches for his mommy, who takes him from Jason.

"Aw, how's my baby boy doing?"

Barbara runs over Jason's foot with her wheelchair. Barbara tilts her head towards Antigone.

"You look beautiful, Antigone." He's proud that he didn't stutter. As blush flares up on her cheeks, and Jason smirks.

Making her blush has been a welcomed skill that popped up recently.

"Thanks. You don't look like you walked out of the sewer, either." She grins and bounces Colton. Colton sticks his fingers in his mouth.

Jason's chest puffs out and he regains his sense of being. He looks hot in his tux and he knows it. Antigone also knows it, if the wayward looks she's giving him are any indication.