Disclaimer: I do not own anyone or anything from Young Justice.

Yay, new fanfic! It's always fun when I'm obsessed enough about something to write about it. Anyway, this particular story won't really be following a chronological time line. To make it easy, I'll try to give you guys a reference point for each chapter. But essentially consider this a collection of Chalant one-shots because I am totally sold on this ship (Robin and Zatanna forever!).

Happy reading!

Setting: Sometime after Zatara became Doctor Fate

A is for Afterhours

The Cave was peacefully quiet as Zatanna made her way down the dark corridor, towards the kitchen. It was just past midnight and other members of the League and the Team had long retired for the night. The young magician however liked to roam the halls at this hour as it afforded her the stillness she needed to think and reflect. Almost a month had passed since she moved into the Cave, since her father Zatara sacrificed himself to Nabu and became Doctor Fate. The memory of that day still burned like salt on an open wound.

Pushing the thought out of her mind, Zatanna opened the fridge and perused the contents inside. After some time, she settled on the brownies M'Gann had baked earlier that day. Just as Zatanna was pouring herself a glass of milk, she spotted a silhouette emerging from the darkness. Soon enough, Robin stepped into the soft glow of the kitchen light as his lips pulled into a curious smile.

"Fancy seeing you here," he greeted.

"I'll say," Zatanna replied, tilting her head to one side. "Don't you have a big lavish mansion to go home to?"

"You mean Batman's big lavish mansion?" he joked as he came beside her and leaned back against the counter. "He likes to stay afterhours sometimes to run through reports and security footage. We just finished up."

"No rest for the weary," said Zatanna as she poured the Boy Wonder a glass of milk.

They clinked their glasses together before gulping down their drinks. Robin quietly observed Zatanna from the corner of his eye as she bit into a brownie. His crush on the young magician was no secret to anyone on the Team. Lately however, Robin found himself refraining from any flirtatious advances on Zatanna since losing her father. He didn't feel right about taking advantage of her vulnerable state.

"So," he said after a while. "What are you doing up so late? Couldn't sleep?"

"Well this is usually the only time I can get to myself around here," Zatanna replied. "It's hard to get any me time during the day between school, training, and mission briefings."

Robin frowned, suddenly feeling self-conscious of his abrupt intrusion.

"Sorry," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I can go if you–"

Zatanna giggled, both touched and amused by the blush that colored Robin's cheeks.

"It's okay," she said, placing a reassuring hand on his arm. "I like talking to you."

At this, Robin smiled.

"I know I keep asking this, but are you adjusting okay? I know that a change of scene isn't always easy."

"Everyone's been really nice and accommodating so I can't really complain."

Zatanna was thoughtfully silent for a moment before adding, "I just miss my father."

Her eyes suddenly threatened to overflow with tears. Zatanna hastily turned away from Robin and tried to regain her composure. Robin felt the urge to embrace her but as he reached out, uncertainty gripped him and his hand froze in midair. Ultimately, he opted for the safer bet and placed a hand on her shoulder in comfort.

"I know what it's like to keep blaming yourself for something awful that happened," he said in a measured voice, feeling Zatanna's shoulder tremble beneath his touch. "Replaying the moment over and over in your head, thinking about all the things you could've done differently."

Zatanna then remembered that Robin had also lost his parents at a young age. Overcome with empathy for his loss she slowly turned to face him, her icy blue eyes glazed with tears.

"But you have to remember this: your dad sacrificed himself so that you could live your life. He wouldn't want you to torture yourself with all this guilt and blame."

"I know you're right," Zatanna said with a defeated sigh. "It's just easier said than done."

Robin nodded his head in understanding. Before either of them could speak, an alert tone sounded from Robin's holographic computer. He pressed a button and Batman's gruff voice filled the otherwise quiet room.

"Just finished reviewing some satellite images. Meet me in the Batplane in five."

"Perfect timing," Robin quipped, rolling his eyes.

Zatanna giggled, feeling the somber mood lighten. "It's okay. I should be heading to bed myself."

To Robin's surprise, Zatanna wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a hug.

"Thanks for the pep talk," she whispered into his ear.

"Don't mention it," Robin said, feeling the blood rise to his face for the second time that night. "You can always come to me if you need someone to talk to."

Zatanna flashed him a knowing smile.

"Same to you," Zatanna said as she turned to leave. "You know where to find me."

The scent of lavender lingered in his nose as Robin watched Zatanna's figure disappear into the darkness. And once again, all was still in the Cave.

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