A/N: Another one shot from the deep depths of my imagination… again any one shots are welcomed, (except Rated M`s) they could be anything! Okay I`m babbling read one.
Fate
Zatanna didn't need the alarm to go off to wake up; she didn't need the calendar to know what day it was. She knew perfectly well what day it was and what happened years ago, the moment that left her father-less and the moment she really felt truly alone. She was usually so story at heart and never thought she could be broken…but she was, today was the day she lost her father to Fate.
The stared at the ceiling at MT. Justice like she did every day she woke up. Today was different though, today the memories of her father didn't flow and neither did her tears.
He alarm went off and she blinked. She needed to get ready for work.
XXX
"Batman`s ordered us to prepare for tomorrow." Nightwing stood facing the team and looking to the computer every now and them. Zatanna couldn't believe he was back, Nightwing, who still had not given his identity away, had left, for collage and come back new and improved.
"We`ll be holding another ceremony for the new chosen members to be elected into the Justice League. Batman wants us to make sure nothing happens."
"Black canary will be talking with everyone to see how much we`ve all progressed through the years." Nightwing said lifting his head a little. Zatanna looked behind her and saw Black canary and Martian Man hunter standing by the tubes. She looked back and realized Nightwing was done speaking.
Everyone went to the training grounds… again. Was it really going to be like this? Every time they had new heroes or side-kicks promoted then all they had was guard duty?
"What's wrong?"
Zatanna almost jumped, Nightwing still after everything that's changed knew how to surprises her.
She smiled at him, "Nothing."
Nightwing gave a small tilt of his head, "Nothing? Really?"
She smiled wider trying to make this day go by easier, "Why would there be anything wrong?"
Nightwing placed a hand on her shoulder, "I was there when…um… Zee I-"
She quickly shook off his hand from her shoulder and started to retreat to the training grounds, "Sorry Nightwing I`ve got to get to work, I practicing new spell and such." She smiled. She didn't stop as he headed to the field and worked on the same spells over and over.
XXX
After practice was over everyone headed to their own places. She slowly retreated to her room, trying to push the good and breaking memories of her long gone father from her head. The door slid open and the pitch black room was glaring at her with an undefined emotion. Slowly she sighed as she stared at the dark room as she reached into the darkness for the light switch.
Suddenly someone grabbed her wrist pulling her into the room and pushing her up against the wall using the other hand to cover her mouth. She was almost helpless she could knee the person or punch them with her other free hand, but even in the dead darkness she could always tell it was Nightwing.
"Darkness is better don't you think?" he chuckled at her obvious surprise. Slowly he released her from the hold and she took a deep breath to keep calm, "Nightwing, what are you doing here?"
He grabbed her hand gently again and she could picture him smiling. "Kid napping you…again."
She raised one eye brow, "Where are we going?"
He led her to the corner of the room, "Anywhere we want." His hand released hers and she heard him messing with what she thought was the vent, "Wouldn't it be easier to go out the front door?" she laughed at his sense of adventure.
"Where's the fun in that?" he asked from above. She smiled brightly and grabbed his head climbing into the vents with him. He had stop and waited a smile on his face. "If you're not up for this then we can do something- ."
"Are you implying I`m scared." She teased. He raised his hands innocently but didn't say a word.
They began to crawl through the vents hearing all different types of conversation, or Wally and Artemis making out which they avoided.
"This way!" Nightwing yelled and he grabbed her hand and the slid down another steeper vent. The vent was wide enough that they both could slide down side by side. Suddenly the over powering smell of old food somehow made its way beside them as the progressed down ward. "We`re in the garbage shoot!" She laughed.
Then the floor disappeared from beneath them and the landed into a large dumpster. Slowly she tried not to swallow any old food, as she laughed her way out of the dumpster. Nightwing stood next to her spitting out rapidly. She began to laugh even harder as she pulled the banana peel off his head.
"You're a fool!" she teased pushing him slightly as he flicked some food off of her shoulder.
"More like a great escape artist." He said proudly.
"Can you change that to great navigator and point us were we go now?" she laughed.
He nodded, "Gotham, can you get us therein less than an hour?" he challenged teasingly.
She thought for a moment then smiled at him, "Tropelet em dna gniwthgin ot Manthog Yti."
Suddenly they were in Gotham and crime was all around them.
XXX
"That was fun." Zatanna smiled siting on the roof top. Nightwing chuckled lightly, "You know, you're the only girl I now that would prefer to beat on crime lord than go see a good movie."
She shrugged, "Why watch a movie when I can live one?" She asked.
"Well said." He stated.
She let out a long sigh. Then finally…
"Zee, I`m sorry I`m here and not who you really want to be here." He said looking at her sadly.
"Who would I rather have here?" she asked looking at his forlorn expression.
"Your…your dad." He said, looking away.
Zatanna took a deep breath, "R-Nightwing I`m happy you're here, because… after all these years the pain is still so fresh, It hurt to think of him. But today I'm not thinking about the great times we had or , I`m thinking what a good time I'm having. I'm glad you're here." Fresh tears were ready to stream down the side of her face but Nightwing met her gaze.
"I know that feeling all too well." He said shaking his head. Zatanna scooted closer to him and laid her head on his shoulder, "Please tell me it goes away."
"Time heals everything I guess." He glace at her, "This seems deeper than what you telling me, is there more to it."
She bit her lip tears flowing down the side of her face, "I can never be part of the League, not with my father there, and I couldn't handle it."
"Zee," Nightwing said softly, Zatanna looked up slowly not sure if showing her year stained eyes was best. But she was glad she did because she saw bright blue eyes staring back at her and felt his lips brush against hers for a moment and then they broke apart, "If your chosen to be a part of the league, go for it, don't let Fate control your life."
Zatanna closed her eyes again and they sat in silence for a little long until they returned to MT. Justice.
XXX
"And finally last but not least Zatanna!" Superman called from his place at the stands. Zatanna heard the crowd below cheer with pride and happiness. But one stood out in the crowd Bright blue eyes met here and she smiled brighter, she never could have made it without the boy wonder, her father and most importantly the final vote that decided it all, Fate.
