Disclaimer: I obviously do not own DC comics, or else, among other things, they'd have had Nightwing make more than a one second appearance in the cartoon. And there's a bunch of other characters (namely the teen titans) who would have been on the show. All I own are Hector, his sister, and the couple of minor OCs that appear now and then.

Anyway, I just decided to do this chapter, because I wasn't getting anywhere with my Fire Emblem (don't understand why I'm so unmotivated), and it took longer than I'd have liked, but here it is. Enjoy!

Modern Day Knight

Zatanna was currently in a very good mood. She had slept wonderfully the night before, all of her performances had gone off perfectly, and she was looking forward to seeing Hector again. And as an added bonus, there had been no emergency or anything that would have demanded her presence on the Watchtower, therefore allowing her to avoid further embarrassing questions from Wally, Mari and Dinah. The young woman hummed to herself as she sat in front of the mirror in her dressing room, unwinding after her last show of the day. She turned her attention away when the door opened, frowning as a sleazy looking man wearing a ragged coat stepped in. "Great performance, Zee," the man said, taking a swig from the flash he was holding. "I've got to say, you look as dazzling as ever."

"What do you want, Constantine?" she shot back in annoyance.

"Come on, do you really have to be so rough? Why can't an old friend just drop by and say hello?"

"I'm not in the mood right now. Actually, I'm often not in the mood to see you anyway. But, as it happens, I'm going out with a nice, respectful, polite young guy." Zatanna said, stressing the qualities while looking Constantine straight in the eye. "And I said I'd meet up with him soon, so I'd rather not keep him waiting. Therefore, if you'd be kind enough to leave…"

"A date, huh? And what's the lucky guy's name then?"

"His name is Hector Anderson. He's well mannered, considerate, strong, intelligent, gentle and as I said, respectful. Plus, he's also an excellent cook."

Constantine snorted a little in amusement at this. "Is that right? Guy sounds like a downright saint or a half-baked wishful fantasy if you ask me."

"I'll show you…" Zatanna then grabbed her phone, put in Hector's number and waited a brief moment before he picked up.

"Hey Zee, what's up?"

"Hey, Hector. Can you come see me at my dressing room please? Just pass your phone over and I'll tell them to let you through."

"Sure, just a moment." There was a short pause on the line as Hector spoke to one of the theater's staff members, before passing his phone so that Zatanna could tell them to show him to her dressing room. "I'll be there in a minute."

"Thanks a lot." The two of them waited in silence until there was a knock at the door, which was followed by a middle aged man opening it for Hector to go in. "Hector, glad you're here," Zatanna said, standing up to go wrap an arm around his waist.

"Good to see you again," he replied. And although he felt a little surprised at the young woman's advance, he still gently laid an arm across her shoulders.

"Constantine, this is Hector Anderson, the guy I was just telling you about. Hector, John Constantine."

"So, you're the latest guy she's gone and fallen for," Constantine said, taking another swig from his flask. "I suppose she could do worse, although to be honest, you don't exactly look like much. Then again, her standards haven't always been that high."

"I'd say it's a pleasure, but that would be about as far from the truth as it gets," Hector shot back.

"Huh, what a rude ass you are. And here she was going on about how you were practically perfect and all that."

"Maybe you could just turn around and leave now," Zatanna said to Constantine, her tone implying that it was more than a simple suggestion.

"Come on, Zee. I thought we were friends."

"Do you have something in your ears?" Hector spoke up, a look on his face that Zatanna couldn't help but be reminded on the infamous 'Bat-Glare'. "She told you to leave. I'd advise you to do as she says."

"And just who do you think you-?"

"Leave. Now," Hector repeated himself, enunciating each word clearly.

"Come on, let's not stick around and wait until this gets ugly," Zatanna said, laying a hand on Hector's arm. "We're leaving, John, and I'd suggest you do the same, unless you want to be forcibly escorted out. So goodbye and don't follow us." The young woman then took her friend's hand and led him out.

"Prick," Constantine muttered under his breath, emptying his flask and throwing it at Hector, who moved his head a little to the side, causing it to sail past harmlessly.

"Sucker."

Leaving the theater behind, Hector and Zatanna, the latter of who was still in her stage outfit, without her top hat and wearing a pair of flat, black boots, decided to walk into a small café, where they sat alone at a table. Both of them ordered a simple cup of coffee with a muffin and started chatting. "How did you do that thing back at the theater anyway? I mean, you weren't even looking at him when he threw his flask."

Hector merely shrugged his shoulders in response. "Instinct, plus I've had extensive martial arts training, including how to fight blind."

"No kidding. Just how extensive are you talking about?"

"Very."

"Come on, you don't need to worry about sounding full of yourself or anything. What kind of fighting have you been trained in?"

"Well, to give you an idea, there's Capoeira, Karate, Greco-Roman Wrestling, Kendo, Judo, Boxing, Aikido, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Pankration, Fencing, Archery, Savate, Tajiquan, Pencak Silat, Ninjutsu, Jujitsu, Quarterstaff, Nguni stick fighting and sword and buckler."

Zatanna sat still for a moment, blinking in surprise as she took this all in. "I think I lost count halfway through, and that's not even all of it?"

"Um, well… no, it's not," Hector answered, a sheepish look on his face.

"So, you know a dozen languages, over twenty fighting styles, you're an insanely good cook and super intelligent. I know you said you're human, but are you sure?" Zatanna asked jokingly.

"Yep, I'm pretty sure of that."

"Then how on earth did you acquire so many skills?"

"Well, after my father died, my mother started travelling around a lot as part of her job. Cassandra and I went with her wherever she was stationed, so we lived in many places around the world. Like I said before, I'd sworn to always take care of my sister, so I devoted myself to martial arts and anything else I could use to protect her. And I applied myself relentlessly in my studies so that my mother wouldn't have any problem giving Cassandra the education she deserved. Then, when my mother passed away, I became her legal guardian and crammed in as much useful household and other knowledge as I could."

"You're really dedicated to your sister, aren't you?" she spoke in a soft, kind voice, laying her hand on top of his.

"Yeah, as corny as it may sound, ever since Cassandra was born, I've lived my life for her."

Zatanna smiled in admiration at him. "I've gotta tell you, you are without a doubt the most impressive non-super I've met since Batman."

The two of them talked on and on, Hector explaining about his adventure at work when he'd met Wonder Woman, and the letter he'd received from Batman as thanks. And in return, Zatanna told him about the events from her end, more specifically the lengths that Batman had gone in order to ensure Wonder Woman's well-being. Hector couldn't help but smile and laugh a little at the thought of the Gotham Vigilante singing as he had done. After a while, the two found themselves in a club that had a fair crowd, though not so big that it was jam packed, Zatanna having convinced her slightly reluctant friend to come along.

"See, it's not so bad, hey?" Zatanna said once they were there.

"I guess not," Hector agreed. "I suppose I was just unfamiliar with the idea. I mean, I'd usually spend more time in a library, museum, park, or somewhere like that. I'm sure Cassandra would like it though."

"Where is your sister anyway?"

"She's spending the night at one of her friends."

"Hey, what's up, bro?"

"At least, that's what she told me," Hector said, turning around to face his sister who had just popped up with Sally and a few other girls.

"Now, now, no need to get into a fit of worry, Sally's mother is keeping an eye on us."

"She had better," Hector muttered under his breath.

"Hey Cassandra, you didn't mention your brother was dating a famous magician," one of the other girls piped up.

"Well, this is only their second date, Courtney."

"Still, from what you told us, I didn't think he had it in him, but looking at him now, I can see why she'd want to get with him," one of the other girls said, winking suggestively at the two young adults.

"I agree, Kara, I think they make a nice couple," the third one noted.

"Come on, Mary," Sally spoke up, though she had a teasing smile. "Don't embarrass them too much."

"Let's leave them and go dance," Zatanna said, a 'dear in headlights', embarrassed and pleading look as she tugged on Hector's arm.

"Umm, Zee, I'm really not a good- whoa!" he exclaimed when she pulled hard on him, forcing him to follow her onto the dance floor.

"Poor, poor Zatanna," Cassandra muttered, smiling in amusement.

"Why do you say that?" Mary asked, a confused look on his face.

"That guy's a master in a ton of different martial arts, including some you'd think would help him in this case," Sally spoke up. "He's also fluid, graceful, balanced, and agile enough to make most fighters seem like bumbling idiots who've never trained a day in their life. And on top of that, he's one of the most intelligent people I've ever met. However, despite all of this, he is an absolutely ho-rri-ble dancer." The girls looked on in mild amusement, despite feeling sorry for Zatanna when she grimaced as Hector stepped on her feet. "And I do stress the word 'horrible' a lot."

"Well, if he's lucky, she might let him make it up to her once they're finished," Courtney suggested.

"I'm sure she'd appreciate it, especially if they keep going on like this," Kara pitched in at the same time as Zatanna's feet were once again trod upon by her mortified dance partner. "Maybe he could give her a foot massage, and then work his way from there. I'm sure you'd get a kick poking at him about that."

"Girl," Cassandra spoke up, grinning like the Cheshire cat. "I like the way you think."

After numerous dancing mishaps, including having her feet repeatedly stepped on, nearly getting dropped, being grabbed in the wrong spot (completely by accident, of course), actually getting dropped and a few other similar incidents, Zatanna decided that she'd had enough. "I'm really, really sorry about this," Hector apologized for the umpteenth time, his face red with embarrassment at his clumsiness.

"It's okay, I accept your apology," Zatanna replied. "No need to let it ruin the whole evening."

"I know, but I'm sorry I didn't warn you about me being such an impossibly incompetent dancer. I should've let you known before-"

"Hey, I told you to stop worrying about it. Besides, this isn't entirely your fault. After all, I'm the one who dragged you out onto the dance floor before you could warn me and made assumptions I shouldn't have. So don't beat yourself up over this."

"I still need to make it up to you Zee," Hector insisted. "Just tell me whatever you want and I'll do it for you."

"Well… I wouldn't be averse to the idea of going back to your apartment for a movie, and a piece of that absolutely delicious apple pie. Also, if you wouldn't mind helping me walk, then that would be much appreciated."

"Done," he said immediately. Zatanna then wrapped an arm around her friend, leaning into him to be able to walk without hurting her feet as much. Hector held her with surprising gentleness, considering his size, leading her out of the club, but not before shooting a glare at his sister's friends. As they were making their way towards his apartment, they stopped at a convenience store, where a short, brunette Japanese girl with a blue bow sitting on top of her head was standing behind the counter.

"Kon'nichiwa, tashita yatsu. Ogenkidesuka?" (Hello, big guy. How are you?) the teenager asked in a familiar tone.

"Genki, sukoshi Amaya. Anata wa?" (I'm fine, little Amaya. How about you?) was Hector's reply.

"Watashi wa dōyō ni genkidesu." (I'm fine as well.) She then took notice of Zatanna leaning on him, confused due to her not understanding their words. "Anata no gārufurendo?" (Your girlfriend?) Amaya inquired, an innocent look on her face.

"No! She's not my- I mean… you know what I mean!" Hector exclaimed loudly, his cheeks turning an interesting shade of red.

"I'm not your what?" Zatanna asked, curious.

"It's… nothing. Really, just forget about it," he pleaded.

"Anyway… what're you guys looking for? No wait, let me guess. You want a movie and… ice cream, right?"

"Pretty much, yeah. So, Zee, what do you feel like watching?"

"Well, let's see," she muttered, going over the selection of DVDs available for rent. "How about 'Gladiator'?"

"Sweet, I love that movie. And what kind of ice cream would you like to eat with the pie?"

"I think I'm in the mood for butterscotch, if you're good with that."

"Hey, like I said, whatever you want." Amaya then took care of their purchase, getting them the movie they asked for, but not without smirking suggestively. They then made their way out and arrived at their destination shortly, where Hector carried Zatanna up the stairs in his arms. Once at the right door, he managed to unlock it without letting her go or causing discomfort, then walked in, closing the door with his foot and setting her down on the couch. "Let me help you with those," he said, gently taking off her boots. Running off to the small kitchen area, he soon came back with two generous slices of mouthwatering apple pie topped with the chosen ice cream.

"Yum, yum, that looks tasty," Zatanna said, eyes lighting up as he offered her the dessert. Hector then turned on the small TV, got the movie running and sat on the couch next to the female magician.

"Hey, um, do you… maybe… want me to… massage your feet?" Hector hesitantly asked shortly after the movie had started. "I promise that I know what I'm doing this time, and I will be a perfect gentleman and everything."

"Sure, I think I'd like that," she answered, pulling her feet up and turning on the couch so she could rest them in his lap. Zatanna shivered a little as his strong, yet gentle hands massaged her feet, making it feel more relaxed and intimate at the same time. As he got to her ankles, she couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to have his hands higher, moving along her legs until- Zatanna blushed at this, attempting to focus more towards the movie and away from her indecent line of thought. "This is… nice."

"Yeah… um… glad to know," Hector muttered. For his part, the young man was having a hard time paying attention to the movie, as his eyes were currently staring at her long, slender legs in their fishnet stockings. Having not even been on a date since high school, as his sister had pointed out before, and being so close, he found himself noticing every curve, the smoothness of her skin, how her hair fell down, her cute little nose, full lips, elegant neck and wondrous figure, thinking about how incredibly beautiful and sexy she was.

"Oh, yeah… that's good," Zatanna moaned, her voice taking on a more sensual tone, setting him aflame with desire. After going on like this for a bit, Hector stopped, feeling a little too hot to continue.

"Well… how're you feeling now?" he asked nervously, tugging at the collar of his shirt.

"Much better, thank you."

"You're welcome."

They both remained silent after this, forcing themselves to pay attention to the TV for the rest of the movie, despite not being entirely focused on it. "So, good movie, wasn't it?"

"Agreed," Hector answered, still feeling a little awkward. "It's my favorite. I like the part where he says 'My name is Gladiator' most of all, probably because it's really bad-ass."

"Yeah, that was pretty cool. By the way, what were you and that Japanese girl at the store talking about?"

"Hey, look at the time, it's getting pretty darn late, isn't it?" Hector piped up.

"True, but you're not answering my question, and I'd like to know the answer."

"Um… the thing about that is…"

"Come on, I'm not going to bite, or get angry."

"Well… she was asking if you were my girlfriend."

"Oh… and is the idea so unappealing?" she questioned him in an innocent and curious manner. "As I recall, you seemed pretty fervent in telling her you didn't want any of this."

"No, no, no, it's definitely not that. You're a gorgeous, wonderful woman with a great personality, and I love being with you. I just… don't want you to feel like I'm pressuring you in any way."

"You really think I'm gorgeous?" Zatanna asked timidly.

"Without a doubt. You're also intelligent, kind, forgiving, funny, and you have a list of qualities I could go on and on about."

"That's very sweet of you," she said, smiling brightly, cupping his face in her hands and placing a light kiss on his cheek. Hector stood there stunned after she pulled back, touching his cheek as if to make sure that what he thought had happened had actually happened.

"Hey, since it's already late, not to mention pretty dark out, do you want to sleep here tonight?"

"I don't see why not."

"Great. So, since Cassandra's staying over at her friend's place, you can sleep in her bed."

"Okay, where are you going to sleep then?"

"Where I always sleep, on the couch."

"You sleep on the couch all the time?"

"I can't really afford to buy another bed. I'm… not exactly rich. Anyway, bathroom's right there, Cassandra's bed is already made and should have enough covers, and if you want a change of clothes to sleep in, you could always look in her closet, although her stuff might be too small. But, I could always lend you a t-shirt or something if you wanted."

"No problem. Egnahc otni samajap." As Zatanna performed her spell, her stage outfit changed into a blue flannel pajama shirt and pants, with simple white slippers.

"Neat trick," Hector said, impressed. "Do you need a toothbrush, toothpaste or anything?"

"No, but are you sure you want to sleep on the couch? The bed looks big enough for two."

"I'm afraid I must decline. I don't want to pressure you or anything, plus, it wouldn't be gentlemanly of me."

"A real modern day knight, aren't you? Alright, but in exchange, I'd like to go out with you on an official date. Preferably sometime soon."

"I'll be looking forward to it."

"So will I. Good night, Hector."

"Good night, Zee."

So, I hope you all liked it, and if you would please review, then that would be appreciated. If you have constructive criticism to offer, that's good, if you're just going to go on a mindless rant, that's not so good.

Toodles!