(two years and a few days has passed since the events of chapter 1)

Part 1 of chapter 2: Bat comes a calling.

Nightwing was sneaking around in the shadows of this little magic shop. The owner had an anti Zatanna specific hex on the building. He wasnt a bad guy, just didnt like getting sucked into the crazy things Zatanna brought with her. And hated when she was confiscating items he shouldnt have, costing him money. Dick had almost got to the chest he was sent in to find when the lights turned on. "tsk tsk tsk. Well what do we have here, a cat burgalar? No, your that one feller. Mightding or No it was Nightwing, used to be robin right? Least thats the rumor. So cant be here just snooping, you got two choices, leave, or deal with me. " The older man's hands glowed a bright white. "Dont got time for that glowy hand guy. *thwip*" An escrima baton stick launched and hit the man, rebdering him unconcious. "Sorry, truly Zee tells me you mean well. But this chest here needs to be sent back to the whatever she said it was called realm, can never pronounce that stuff. " Dick said as he lifted the chest and bolted out of the back door. "Got the chest?" Zatanna said. "Yes." Nightwing spoke. "Time to leave, trust me, if he gets up you wont be able to cheap shot him again." Zatanna said. "tropelet " she spoke her magical words. *poof* *poof* Once in the house, Zatanna rifled through the chest. "Everything seems in order. " She said. " Dens kcab emoh dens kcab emoh dens kcab emoh!" she had to focus so hard she broke a sweat. The chest glew a dark red. It raised into the air. and *Poof* off to whatever that realm was called. Dick couldnt pronounce it. "*sigh* Thats a releif, dont need those coming to earth, how that man keeps finding things this dangerous, ill never know. " Zatanna spoke releived. "Another mission completed. " Dick said. *beep beep beep* A sound that Dick hadn't heard in quite awhile. His bat pager. "Whats bruce need?" Nightwing thought aloud. "Bruce? If he needs something, you should go." Zatanna said. "We should go you mean. Remember were partners, i know this isnt magical, but as intense as Gotham city gets, beleive me youll be entertained. " Dick said. "Alright then. You should reply to him. " Zatanna spoke. Dick looked at his pager, it read. - Could use back up, meet me at the top of the montello apartment building, lot 4 - Nightwing typed in his reply -On my way but im bringing a friend- "Alright, i figure we should take my cycle this time. Give you some recoup time from that hard spell you just performed. " Nightwing said. They walked to the garage. Nightwing hopped on his cycle, putting his blue helmet atop his head.He pulled out a black helmet and handed it to Zatanna. Zatanna slipped it on, getting on the back of the motorcycle.Hugging his torso. -This is kind of nice- she thought to herself. *vroom* The cycle revved to life and peeled out.

Part 2 of chapter 2: A painful reunion.

The dark knight himself, Batman, was sitting perched upon the rooftop, looking down, Nightwing's motorcycle, screeching to a halt in a nearby alleyway. Batman stood straight "Batgirl, remember stay in character Nightwing brought someone, we dont know if they know our other identities. " He said to Batgirl. Who walked out of the nearby shadows. "Of course batman." She said. *scuffle* *shuffle* *light thud* Nightwing leaped onto the roof, Zatanna riding him piggyback style. " Hey Bats, brought Za-" Dick stopped mid sentence seeing Barbara. Zatanna slid down off of Dick's back. "Zatanna, weve met, even you, Barbara." Barbara's name she spoke with a bit of an unpleasant connotation. "So Dick says you needed back up. Whats going on, joker? Penguin? Fighting a mutant in the sewers?" Zatanna said. "*clears throat* Zatanna, pleasure to see you again give your old man my regards next time you see him, so Nightwing, Riddler's built a city wide bomb thatll go off unless, well you should know." Batman explained. "We gotta solve a riddle, probably a highly difficult and deadly obstacle course too right?" Dick replied. "Yep, what else is new? hehe Certainly this buddying up of yours is. " Barbara said, inquiring but in a genuinely warm and friendly manner. "Was curious why you seemed to be AWOL there for awhile, but now i know, magic hijinks arnt played on the news useually. Anyways. were running out of time, lets swap tales later guys, the city is gonna blow up in two hours. Countless men, women, and children gone in an instant." Batman said eerily. "Right, lets save Gotham, and lock up Nygma, hopefully for good this time." Dick said. The tension in his voice wasnt hid well though. Zatanna looked at Barbara and glared a bit. If her ex, Constantine randomly showed up on a mission for her dad, shed be caught off gaurd too, and sure, She had to have her reasons, but the way she broke Dick's heart just didnt sit right with her. But alas another time. Lives were on the line. "I can get us down there in an instant, just let me see where we need to go. " Zatanna said. "Right there, the warehouse across the street." Batman spoke, gruffly. "tropelet su oot eht edisni fo taht ecalp" Zatanna spoke. *poof* *poof* *poof* *poof* "Whoa, cool, wish i could do that." Batgirl said impressed. "Yeah well your not Homo-Magi, so guess you cant." Zatanna quipped a tad bit cold sounding. Batman's face twisted a bit his left eyebrow raised, he was deducing the situation. "No time to compare abilities ladies, we got an obstacle course to beat. " Batman said. "I bet riddler didnt expect me though." Zatanna said. "ekam sselmrah ekam sselmrah tsac ytefas" zatanna focused. A bunch of magical transformations could be heard poofing and flashing. "We just need to get to the bomb and Nygma now. Ill go to the bomb, Zee you with me. Bats you and Batg-" Nightwing started to command but was cut off by Bruce. "That doesnt make sense. Zatanna could halt Riddler in place while Batgirl ties him up, you can keep up with me better than either of them, and your good, but im the best here at bomb disarming. You with me we deal with the bomb, Zatanna, go with Batgirl, lets end this." Batman spoke. The four in groups of two split up. "You know, i think its great, i felt horrible for how i ended things with Dick, he was amazing, but i just realized i needed to be my own woman, and Dick is more like my brother than a boyfriend. " Batgirl said as they leaped and jumped from place to place heading towards the riddlers location. "Think whats great? " Zatanna asked. "You and Dick, you make a cute couple. " Batgirl said. " Were not a couple, just really good friends, and partners, he helps me with my hero work, really good at it too." zatanna said. "Oh. interesting. " Batgirl said. Zatanna didnt know why she was flustered though. Batgirl grinned, noticing Zatanna blushing a tiny bit. They arrived in front of the Riddler."ezeerf" Zatanna quickly uttered. The riddler was stuck in place. Batgirl made fast work picking his pockets clean, and tieing him with her yellow cords. Putting her hand on her earpiece. " Riddlers taken care of." Batgirl said. "Spell will wear off in 8 hours. Didnt hit him too hard." Zatanna said. "Good me and Nightwing just disarmed the bomb, rendevouz at the third alley to the right of the warehouse." Batman spoke through the earpeice. Zatanna could hear it too.

Part 3 of chapter 2: Catching up.

(In the batcave) "So, you just up and disappear? 2 years and not even a phone call? I even tried looking for you, I deduced the last person you were with was somebody with magic, I'm no expert, but i know enough to understand when ropes are bound with magical essence. That bust of The Bludhaven brutes. Only their leader was tied up with your cords. Problem is I didnt know who, and you went completely inactive for, again, 2 years. Heard rumours you were clashing with various characters that tend to deal in magic goods. So I knew you were safe, but a heads up would've been nice."Batman spoke. "Sorry Bruce. Just been busy. And didnt know I still reported to you." Dick said. "Hmm, fair enough, glad you are doing well." Batman replied. "Wow! This place is amazing! Cant beleive I've never been here before." Zatanna said, walking around the cave. Nightwing smiled, looking at her being happy. "So, you and Zatanna huh?" Batman inquired. " Oh, uh, just business partners. Been a blast though, nice change of pace. " Nightwing said, looking a bit embarrassed. Bruce grinned. "Welp, I'm showered, heading out, bye Dick nice working with you again. Thanks for the assist Zatanna." Batgirl said as she headed for the exit. "Yeah, later..." Nightwing said disheartened. "So, this has been cool taking the tour and all, but we should head home. " Zatanna said. "Yeah. Bye Bruce, Nice seeing you." Nightwing said. "tropelet" Zatanna said. *poof* *poof* They teleported out, leaving Batman standing there by himself.

Part 4 of chapter 2: Opening up

Back at the house, Dick quietly slumped off to his room. Tears forming in his eyes. - She doesnt even care, just moving on, like I was always just, her friend. Nothing more. Damn it Barbara.- He thought to himself. *knock knock* A light tap on the door. "Dick, it's me, was wondering if you wanted to watch a movie." Zatanna said through the door. "Umm, sure.Be right out. Just changing into civvies." Dick responded. He came out wearing a green tee shirt, with a superman logo on it and black basketball shorts. He looked at Zatanna sitting on the couch, tv on in front of her. Wearing one of her lace nighties, pink and near see through. Underneath, her black bra was visible. And her black panties. - Man she's gorgeous.- Dick thought to himself. He quickly shook his head of the thought. "So what you'd pick tonight?" Dick said. " 'Shells by the ocean' it's a fantasy about mermaids in Atlantis. Made before we knew real atlanteans existed. It's a good movie though. Black and white, but a classic." Zatanna said. She put her hand on the couch cushion next to her and tapped it twice, signaling him to sit. He walked over and sat down. The movie was playing, so far it was boring, but Dick was too caught up in his head to pay attention anyways. "Hey, you know you can talk to me right?" Zatanna said interrupting his thought process. " Uhh, yeah. Thanks. I'm a little down to be honest." Nightwing said. "I could tell, your ex, unexpectedly there. That's rough." Zatanna said. "It wouldn't bother me as much, if she didnt pretend like we never were even a thing. We had known each other since we were kids. Slowly we developed a relationship. Then the joker,that sicko. He paralyzed her. She tried to break it off then. didnt wanna burden me. I wouldn't have that. I stuck by her for 2 years. She eventually got function back. A few days later. She tells me we have to talk, and I told you the rest already." Dick said. "Not trying to cross lines. But sounds like a bitch move. After all that and she just ends it. Out of the blue? That's wrong. I'm sorry Dick. " Zatanna said genuinely comfortingly. She placed her hand on his. He turned to her, the two of them got close to one another's faces. Zatanna closed her eyes and leaned in, almost pressing her lips to his for a kiss. She stopped abruptly. - Oh my God, what was that? Dont be stupid- She thought to herself. Noticing Dick was still holding her hand though. "Thanks for listening. These past two years. Have been great. I really needed this change of scenery. Speaking of, what's up next on the 'magic agenda'? " Dick said. " Oh, well, not much. I guess, practicing, nothing crazy going down that I know of. " Zatanna said. "Well we have to find some way to stay busy." Dick said.

Part 5 of chapter 2:More than friends.

(In the morning) Dick woke up, realizing he had fallen asleep watching that film last night. He looked over. Zatanna was leaning on him, also asleep, her hair messily spread out, her head and shoulders pressed against his chest. Dick smiled. - Shes really a true friend.- He thought. He carefully moved out from under her, he fluffed up a pillow and rested it under her head. He headed to the kitchen. Figuring he should make breakfast this time. Grabbed two tofu sausages, and some rice. Began cooking. Zatanna stirred awake. Smelling the tofu cooking. She smiled to herself, remembering snuggling Dick last night. She walked towards him. "Well well, if it isnt Dick Grayson, cooking for himself. " She jokingly interrupted. "chuckles Hey, I can cook. Alfred made sure he tought me. Though this tofu is cooking different than real sausage. " He replied. Zatanna walked over and bailed him out, not wanting to eat burnt tofu. "Thanks Zee." Dick said. Soon they were eating. "Movie was fun huh?" Zatanna said. "Its was alright, a bit slow for my taste." Dick said. "Listen Zee-" Dick started to say. -What will she think, no I dont wanna ruin our friendship. - He thought. "Uhh, maybe tonight, I pick the movie?" He said. "giggles Oh sure. " Zatanna said. - That's not what he was gonna say at first is it? - She thought to herself. She was staring at him as he cleared his plate and washed it in the sink. "Hey Dick, wanna help me practice spells?" Zatanna said. "Sure. " He replied. " This one is a truth charm, dont worry it doesnt last forever. keaps hturt." She spoke backwards. Dick felt compelled to only speak honestly. "So, what did you think of the movie last night?" Zatanna asked to test it out, she knew he was downplaying how much it bored him. "Awful, too slow, cheap graphics, and storyline was lame." Dick blurted. "giggles So how do you feel about our partnership?" She asked, risking hearing some harsh criticism. "Its one of the best decisions I've ever made! I help you with your magic stuff, and it keeps my mind busy, and best of all I get to spend time with you! Your awesome and beau-" He forced himself to stop talking. Zatanna's heart skipped a beat, maybe he did have feelings for her. - Its wrong to use magic to hear his feelings - Zatanna thought to herself. " odnu lleps " she spoke. Dick felt normal once again. " Yeah, what I said, your awesome." He spoke embarrassed and rushing off to his room. Zatanna went to his door. *knock knock* "Hey, can I talk to you?" Zatanna said. "Okay." Dick said. Opening his door. "Look, last night, call me crazy, but I felt a miniature moment between us. Was that just in my head or?" Zatanna asked blushing. " I noticed, but you bailed, figured you just wanna be friends. And that's cool, I'm not trying to make things weird." Dick impishly replied. "What if, I wanted to be more." Zatanna said. "More than what?" he asked. Zatanna leaned in placing her hands on his chest. Getting close to his face. She closed her eyes and just went for it. She kissed him. He kissed back. After the kiss broke off, Dick looked into Zatanna's eyes."More than friends." Zatanna swooned. " I'd say, let's be more than friends then." Dick said. In a bit of a blissful haze.

Part 6 of chapter 2: Socializing.

(The next day) "Come on, you look fine. It's nothing to be nervous about, it's just Garfield's birthday. Trust me the fact your magic, will impress him enough. hehe" Nightwing spoke, as Zatanna was taking forever to get ready. Kept casting clothing spells to pick the right outfit. " Well, it's a big deal for me, it's our first time out as a couple. I want your friends to like me. " She said from her room. She walked out. Tall black stiletto heels, Fishnets, a black bikini bottom, and instead of her traditional top, she was wearing, her white corset top. "It is a club right? " She said. "Wow, your gorgeous. " Nightwing said. He was wearing his traditional Nightwing suit, but the bird design was red not blue. " ekat su ot srehsad." Zatanna cast her magic. *poof* *poof* her and Dick appeared in Dashers, a club. Beast boy also known as Garfield. Was there dancing on the dance floor. It was his birthday party. Cyborg walked up, his normally blue lit circuits were blinking changing colors from blue to red to purple to green in a strobe. "Boy wonder! How ya been?! Booyah!" He blurted, once he saw Dick. Beast boy stopped mid moves, he rushed over to The others. "Hell yeah, the three of us reunited! " He shouted in excitement. He was in a purple and black tuxedo. techno bump music was blasting, the crowd was so full of celebrities that people weren't even caring that superheroes were there. "Great to see you both, Happy birthday Beastboy, by the way, this is Zatanna." Nightwing said. "Pleasure, weve bumped shoulders a few times at certain functions but it's nice to finally meet you formally, Dicks told me all about the countless adventures you had on the teen titans. " She said. " Salutations friends!" A voice interjected. It was Starfire. Wearing a tight pleated shiny purple mini skirt. It barely covered her. And a micro crop top also shiny purple. "Starfire!" Nightwing got excited. " Hmmf!" Zatanna groaned to herself. "Hi, I'm Zatanna, Nightwing's girlfriend." Zatanna boldly stated. Staring at starfire. " Wonderful!" Starfire beamed. Zatanna could see that Starfire was too innocent to perceive her jealousy. It made her abit uncomfortable that Starfire and Dick, dated abit back on the titans. Unlike his relationship with Barbara they ended more amicably though. But Zatanna was feeling a bit self conscious. Starfire was so pretty. "Come on babe let's bust a move, if we dont Gar wont shut up til next year. " Dick said, grabbing Zatanna and dragging her to the dance floor. Beast boy was breakdancing, Cyborg was with him as well, Starfire was just floating in the air just below the ceiling, smiling and pumping her fist in the air repetitively. Zatanna saw Nightwings hips moving and his feet shuffling. She decided to turn around and grind against him placing her arm around his neck. The two kept dancing until the night went on. (Hours later) The group was leaving the club, they were going to Cyborgs house to give Beastboy gifts. Arriving at Cyborg's place Beastboy opened his gifts. "Thanks everyone!" Beastboy beamed. "Happy birthday Beastboy, we should head in though. Enjoy that copy of 'Battle monkeys 7!'" Dick said, as they were leaving. "I will, hey dont be a stranger!" Beastboy called after him. "tropelet " Zatanna cast. *poof* *poof*

End of chapter 2