The cool leather felt comfortingly familiar against her downturned palms. She pressed her fingertips into the material, trying to gather her breath after their mad sprint to the car. The driver had a grim expression and was quick to lock the doors behind them. but at least he was alive unlike their last one. She made not protest at the slight weight of Chuck's arm around her shoulders. Under any other circumstances she would have angrily shoved him away with a pointed remark, but even Blair could see that the gesture was about needing comfort, rather than his usual
She looked resolutely ahead of her, refusing to glance out the tinted windows for fear of what she'd see. The night had already provided enough traumatizing images to fuel her nightmares for the rest of her life. The aftermath was still apparent on Chuck's bloodied clothing and the tears and few stains on her gown. Suddenly recalling how she'd acquired those particular stains, Blair risked a quick furtive glance at Chuck.
"Three cheers for Bart," she said weakly, just for something to say. Talk of zombies, student bloodbaths, and inappropriate kisses were off the table for now. "We'll be at the Palace in no time."