He's completely fascinated. You could not get this boy to look away if you set off fireworks directly behind him.

"What's the most complicated thing you can do? How much can you lift at once?"

The bracelet is very finely engraved.

"Well, I made this. And at last check, a couple tons."

It's good for art too? He is so thrilled.

"You've gotta make a weird giant sculpture at least once in your life."

"Who says I haven't?"

"...it still exists, right?"

"Eh, some of 'em."

He pretends to faint into his pasta.

He's still grinning when he comes up.

"You guys keep giving me more things I need to see before I die."

"...That's an odd way to put it."

"...yeah, I guess it is."

Pause.

"You didn't bring pictures to school or anything, did you?"

"Not really, no."

"Come home with us for Thanksgiving break," she suggests enticingly, "and see the sculptures and get checked out at the clinic."

"...you're serious?"

This is just way too good to be true.

"Of course I am."

Promise?

Absolutely. I promise.

"...count me in, then."

Right now, the part of him that expects this not to last is pretty easy to kick aside.

"Great!"

I wouldn't do that. Not to you, not to anyone.

yeah. i didn't think you would, really. sorry.

I don't need an apology. I know from peoples' brains being uncooperative.

[a vague feeling of gratitude.]

He decides to actually consume some of his pasta before it gets cold enough to qualify as pasta salad.

Mm yes. The food here is pretty good, too.

Pretty sure it won't just be the three of us here next year, mutant-wise.

Another point in favor of this cafeteria! He's sure that he'll love it forever, and nothing awful will happen here.

oh shit, really? who's coming in?

I don't know specifically for sure but, uh

we kind of had a social circle

some of them are probably going to want to follow us here.

already can't wait to meet 'em.

It's so convenient to be able to talk with food in your mouth without grossing anyone out.

One of 'em's the invulnerable one. He also has incontinent eye lasers.