Be Murdered Only in the Building

"And you're certain that's what you saw the night Zoe Cassidy fell?"

"Yes. I swear. She and Oscar Torres were having some sort of fight. And then he got angry and shoved her off the ledge. I feel like that's pretty self-explanatory."

"Hmmm. I see. And you were able to see this because?"

"I was at the Dimas fundraiser. Like everyone else. I've been saying the same thing a hundred times now, Detective Peralta."

"Sigh. Alright. Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Kono. Please call us if anything new turns up."

It had been a few days since Zoe fell from the roof at the Arconia. Although nearly all the tenants and guests claimed not to have seen who pushed Zoe off, two interesting witnesses came forward to testify: Teddy Dimas, the Deli King, and Tim Kono, a tenant in 9A. Tim looked relatively young, aged somewhere in the mid-20s. He wore a suit and had slicked-back hair. Despite giving straightforward answers, there were some nervous tells like his foot constantly bouncing and his fingers constantly scratching his thumb. After Jake let Tim out of the interrogation room, he walked into the adjoining room behind the one-way mirror.

"Zzzzz," the occupant snored.

"Ugh seriously man?"

Annoyed, Jake kicked the leg of the sleeping occupant abruptly disrupting his nap.

"OW!"

"C'mon Dick. You slept through the whole interrogation?"

"Not like I could interrogate him anyway."

"You live in the building, Dick. He mighta recognized you."

"Fine," he stretched, "And for the record, I was paying attention."

"Oh yea? What did Tim say?"

"He was minding his own business in his apartment for the majority of the party. Eventually he got hungry and decided to go up to the roof to get some free catering. When he opened the roof door, he spotted Oscar angrily rounding the corner. That's when he saw the fight with Zoe and the subsequent push off the ledge."

"….H-how did…but you were…"

"Family secret," Dick winked.

"Fine," Jake rolled his eyes.

"Also Tim's lying."

"I agree. It seems too coincidental his story and Teddy Dimas's fit perfectly. But we don't have any way to prove it."

"We can do it. My gut tells me those two are hiding something."

"Well," Jake leaned down to whisper, "Can your friend 'Nathan' speed things up?"

"We'll see."

"Also, dude, you need some rest. When's the last time you slept?"

"I don't know. But no time. We've got a lot of work to do," Dick shakily got up.

"No man. You've been dead tired like a zombie for days. Is everything ok?"

"I'm fine, Jake."

"No you're not. Is 'Nathan' giving you a lot of trouble?"

At that question, Dick paused. He gritted his teeth a bit and refused to make eye contact with his friend. Jake, noticing the stress on his friend, put his hand on his shoulder and tried to reassure him.

"Dick, seriously. Go home and get some rest. I can work on this case and stall a little before the captain hands this over to Major Crimes."

"No Jake. I got this."

Dick tried to move and leave the room, but Jake pressed his hand on his chest.

"Jake, let me go."

"Dick the workday is almost over. Take some time off. Spend some time with 'Tanna."

"She's not...around right now," Dick scrunched his nose and looked away solemnly.

"Oh. Sorry."

"It's fine. You didn't know."

"Uh. Do you wanna talk about it?"

"Not really."

"Ok. Well, I'm here for ya buddy…But I will file a formal complaint to Captain Holt if you don't go home and get some rest."

"Sigh. Fine. But-"

"Nope. Go home. Your skin is pale. Your eyes are droopy. And your stubble is quickly becoming a beard. Seriously man. I know you're gonna go out with 'Nathan' anyway. At least get some sleep before then."

"Fine fine. I'm going. But keep digging into this case. We need to talk to Oscar Torres."

"I'm on it. Don't worry."

Truth be told, Dick was not handling the separation well. After giving the glamour charm to Artemis and letting her leave with Kaldur, Zatanna had not once contacted Dick. On the flipside, he was too scared and ashamed to reach out. Dick had hoped to bury himself in work to keep his mind busy. There was much to do anyway with this Zoe case and continuing to keep tabs on the Light. But working overtime both as a cop and as Nightwing was taxing. Normally he could compartmentalize and maintain his public demeanor, but at some point, he just stopped caring. His hair was a tad oily, and his stubble was indeed growing out.

Dick left the Nine-Nine without saying a word to anyone. His trip home went by in a blur. A quick and somber hello with Lester the Doorman later and Dick was already up the elevator and in his apartment. Pocus greeted him at the door, but even the little bunny could not distract him from the mess laid out in front of him. Empty cereal boxes and Chinese take-out containers were strewn about carelessly. Some fruits were starting to get wrinkled and dry. They weren't rotten yet but were definitely close to the edge. Not bothering to shower or change, Dick collapsed onto the couch and pulled up his blanket. With Zee gone, he just couldn't bear even being in their bedroom. Pocus hopped along trying to at least convince Dick to eat something, but the miserable hero wasn't feeling it. Instead, the little rabbit pressed on the remote with his little paws. The TV came to life and started the next podcast episode.

"All is not OK in Oklahoma."

For funsies and attempted distractions, Dick started listening to this murder mystery podcast. At first it was supposed to be a joke listen as the pun in the title was ridiculous yet something he would've definitely said. But an episode or two later convinced him to try and sharpen his deduction skills. He was a detective after all. Might as well get some harmless practice in. As the host, Cinda Canning, droned on and on about the mysterious death of Becky Butler, Dick slowly drifted off the sleep. His heavy eyes were just about to close until…

*BEEP BEEP BEEP*

He practically leapt off the couch into a defensive stance. Bright lights were flashing throughout the apartment as the fire alarm blared its warning signal. Pocus shivered as he hid under the table.

"Sigh. Fire alarm. Really?"

Tired and irritated, Dick picked up Pocus and grabbed a jacket. He opened the door and walked out into the hall. The lights had turned red and white flashing lights led to the nearest staircase. People were calmly filing out and walking down the stairs to the exits. Dick meant to go down, but his eyes, while still tired, noticed someone going up the stairs. The mysterious figure wore a tie-die hoodie with the hood up. The detective in him compelled Dick to investigate, but someone pulled him down instead.

"Move out of the way! Move out of the way!" a relatively short man in a scarf screamed, "You! You're Zatanna's husband! What are you doing just standing there?! It's an emergency!"

In a panic, Oliver Putnam, former theater director and fan of Zatanna's, grabbed Dick by the arm and dragged him downstairs. Soon, everyone was outside as the fire department rushed in. Dick and Oliver stood side-by-side watching the fire fighters talk with Bunny, the president of the Tenant's Association.

"Well, this is certain to be a huge headache for everyone," Oliver commented as he held his dog, Winnie, in his arms.

"You're telling me. I just wanted to get some sleep."

"Dick Grayson, right?"

"Uhh yea."

"It's good to see you. I would've invited you and Zatanna up for tea, but I just lost track of time. Y'know with trying to find a muse for my new show."

"It's no problem. We've all got things to do."

"Speaking of muses. Be honest with me. What's Zatanna's secret?"

"Uhhh secret?"

"Y'know. With her show. Making elephants disappear. Switching out bunnies for human volunteers. That sorta thing."

"I uh hehe don't know what to tell ya man," Dick shrugged, "She's got some real powers, but also some other trade secrets. My lips are sealed."

"Oh drat. You sure some food wouldn't be able to pry some secrets out of your vault?"

"Uhhhh…"

"C'mon, I insist. This is gonna take a while anyway. Why don't we go get something to eat?"

"I'm ok, really."

"Dick, please. Let me make it up to you for not having tea. We can even invite, Zatanna."

"Uhh well I mean she's kinda busy right now with her show and…"

"That's fine. Just you and me then!"

Not taking no for an answer, Oliver essentially dragged Dick to a local Italian restaurant, Librizzi's. Unfortunately, most of the building tenants had the same idea and filled up the restaurant. Not a booth was empty. However, again not one to take no for an answer, Oliver looked around and spotted a familiar white head of hair. Without warning, the old director made his way to that booth with a reluctant Dick following behind.

"Excuse me," Oliver asked, "Tonight seems to be packed and we've temporarily been ousted from our apartment. May we join you?"

The old man in the booth turned around with a grumble. On the table was a laptop and interestingly enough, a map of Chickasha, Oklahoma.

"Oh dear. Listen, if I've ever offended you when you auditioned for me, I am terribly sorry," Oliver pleaded.

"I've never auditioned for you…"

"Oh. You're not Scott Bakula?"

"No I'm-"

"Charlse Haden-Savage," Dick interrupted.

"…Yes. Officer Grayson, right?" Charles pointed.

"Detective. But yes. You're finding refuge here too?"

"Yea. A new episode of this podcast came out and-"

"Shut up!" Oliver realized with glee, "All is not OK in Oklahoma?! What's in Bo's mouth?!"

The three men realized they were all caught up on the same podcast. Suddenly all the ice melted between them, and intense intrigue sparked their conversation. Immediately Dick and Oliver sat down with Charles, and they all plugged into the laptop to listen.

Around twenty minutes later, a young woman in a yellow sweater walked into the restaurant. Like those before her, she sighed realizing the place was packed. But she did spy a familiar sexy officer in the booth over. Dick looked up and made eye contact with her. Feeling a little sorry, he waved her over.

"Hey," he greeted, "Mabel, right?"

"Yup. Fire alarm?"

"Yea. You're welcome to join. We've all gotta eat."

"Thank you. I apprecia-WAIT. All is not OK in Oklahoma?! What the fuck is in Bo's mouth?!" she asked, realizing what the guys were listening to.

"Becky's panties!" the three said in unison.

What followed was the beginning of a newfound friendship. The four Arconia tenants ordered dinner and vigorously began discussing all the clues laid out in the murder mystery podcast.

"It is not Ray. Too obvious," Charles started.

"Exactly. I think he's a red herring," Dick agreed as he sliced a piece of lasagna.

"Look I'm just relieved that something of Becky Butler showed up. It's been ages since we got a clue. I almost forgot who was murdered," Oliver said as he snuck a meatball towards Winnie.

"I do feel that they're dragging it out a bit. I get that we need suspense and whatnot, but seriously, get to the point!" Mabel groaned.

"Well, Dick. You're the detective. What do you make of all this?"

"I agree that they're stretching things a bit here. Obviously, it's all for show and whatnot, but I really think we're discounting the mayor and the uncle here."

"Really?"

"Yea," Dick continued, "I mean the only mention of Becky's uncle was when they talked about him not being active in the search. And the mayor keeps poking his nose in the investigation."

"Beautiful," Oliver smiled, "Leave it to the detective to detect things we missed."

After a nice dinner, the four walked back towards their apartment building. Dick actually smiled for a bit. He and Zee hadn't really gotten to know their neighbors mainly because their day (and night) jobs kept them super busy. But meeting these people was something refreshing for Dick. A new change of scenery for a bit. Something different to get him out of his funk, even temporarily. Maybe Peralta was right. Maybe Dick was working too hard and needed to get away from work.

"Wait. Are those police cars?" Mabel pointed out as they approached the Arconia.

"Ah shit…" Dick groaned.

Indeed, three squad cars were parked outside the Arconia with tenants crowding around the entrance. Immediately, Dick ran up to the officers.

"Whoa there. This is a crime scene. Authorized personnel only," the officer said.

"I'm Detective Grayson of the Nine-Nine. Let me in."

"Badge please."

"I….ah shit," Dick groaned realizing he left his badge upstairs.

"It's alright, officer," a new voice chimed in, "I can vouch for him. He works with me."

"Are you sure? You know this guy, Detective Santiago?"

"Yes, I'm sure. Now let him in. I need a new set of eyes anyway."

The officer lifted the police tape to let Dick through. He and Amy then walked up the stairs towards the scene of the crime.

"Amy, what's going on?"

"Someone reported a dead body on the ninth floor. We don't have all the evidence yet, but this could be a suicide."

"Ninth floor? What apartment?"

"9A."

"…NINE A!?"

Worried, Dick practically sprinted up the steps. Not realizing what was going on, Amy did her best to keep up. Upon reaching the ninth floor, Dick sped right past the CSI officers and the evidence photographers. He stopped at the scene eyes wide open. Laying on the floor was indeed Tim Kono, who Dick had just seen earlier today. A gun was in Tim's hand as blood splattered the floor. From the looks of things, it appeared that Tim had killed himself with a clean shot to the head. Finally, Amy caught up to Dick and was out of breath.

"What's going on? Did you know this guy?" she asked.

"Yea…he was a suspect in my investigation on Zoe Cassidy."

"Oh no. Dick, I'm so sorry."

"Sigh….This sends the investigation into a whole new direction."

MEANWHILE…

"Mmm Baby, I'm cold," she whimpered shivering on the silk sheets, "Baby?"

Zatanna turned hoping to find a warm body next to her. Instead, she felt nothing but cool silk sheets. Realizing where she was, she buried her face into her pillow and groaned.

"Oh. Right…"

Moments later, the clanking footprints of a suit of armor could be heard. It kindly draped another blanket on top of her. While it did provide warmth, it wasn't the warmth she was looking for. That warmth she left behind at the Arconia. Finally annoyed enough to get up, she covered herself with the newly acquired blanket and looked around the room. It was a little dark and spooky but not too shabby. Still standing by was the suit of knight armor that brought the blanket. It tilted its helmet quizzically wondering if Zatanna still needed anything else.

"May I be of any service, ma'am?" it asked.

"Uhh no thank you. I'm fine."

"You said you were cold earlier. Would you like me to brew some tea?"

"Actually, some tea would be nice."

"Of course, ma'am. Only the finest of the Himalayan brew for the madam."

As the armor clanked away, Zatanna once again took a moment to observe her new surroundings. The walls were lined with dark purple paint. There was a large window that showed the night sky, but Zatanna didn't feel like looking at the stars right now. So instead, the sheer lavender curtains were closed. A lot of the furniture felt antique. They were wooden and held a gothic feel to them. Even the bed had a canopy and curtains. The shelves were lined with multiple magical books and a few knick-knacks here and there. Zatanna finally got up and approached what looked like a small griffin statue.

"I wonder where Dad got all this stuff," Zatanna wondered aloud.

"Master Giovanni obtained that statue while on a trip to Scottland. There is no magic to it. He found it at a renaissance fair and found it amusing," a voice chimed in.

Zatanna quickly turned around to find the suit of armor holding a tray of tea and biscuits.

"Oh. Uhhh thank you, sir…?"

"Over the years I have gone by many names. The different Zatara masters could never remember what to call me. As I am simply part of the house now, you may call me whatever you wish, Ms. Zatanna."

"Uhhh what would you like me to call you?"

"I-I don't know. It's been so long. I seem to have forgotten my own name as well."

"Well, that won't do. What did my father call you?"

"I was known as Captain to your father."

"Captain…hmmm. How about I call you Rex?"

"Rex, madam?"

"Yes. Rex. He was a formidable captain who served under the greatest of generals in the Clone Wars. He was a fierce warrior and above all, a loyal friend."

"I know not of these Clone Wars of which you speak. But I am honored to be bestowed such a powerful name. I shall remember the name, Rex, henceforth."

"Good. Thank you, Rex, for bringing me this snack."

"My pleasure, milady. Is there anything else?"

"No. Thank you, Rex."

The suit of armor bowed and left the room leaving Zatanna to her own devices. Though frowning, she still grabbed the cup of tea and sat on her bed for a sip.

"He would've loved to have met Rex," she murmured.

Zatanna sat and pondered all that had transpired in the past few days. Hearing that Dick had lied to her for so long still shook her to her core. She wasn't sure what was worse: that Dick hid the whole double agent plan from her or that he tried to circumvent their heart bond. That pact was sacred to the both of them, or so she thought. It was a vow to be honest and truthful to each other, to ease their burdens and shoulder the responsibility together. Knowing he hid his true feelings made the bond feel so perverse and violated. What would be the point if they still such crucial details from each other? Although, she wondered if she had any right to be so angry with him about it all. She did hide all of Greta's warnings from him until shit hit the fan. And based on how the connection currently felt, she could tell that he wasn't doing so well either. Maybe some time outside of the house would do her some good. She did feel bad about cancelling a couple of shows to get her mind right, but she desperately needed the space. Reaching over to the end table, Zatanna grabbed her phone to catch up on all her missed messages.

Kory: I have discovered a new fantastic Earth beverage! How could you not have told me about the glorious mustard!

Babs: Hey. Dick's not answering his phone. Can you tell him about a new software update I need to install on his "computer"?

Conner: So, Wolf's getting kinda stir crazy. I know this isn't a thing I normally ask for, but could you bring Pocus over for a play date?

Aly: Just a reminder, next show is in three days. I know you're going through some stuff right now. And I don't want to bother you, but we do need at least one rehearsal before the show. We can recycle sets if that helps.

Raquel: GURLLLL. I HAS NEWS! NEED TO MEET ASAP!

Zatanna furrowed her brow when she realized Dick hadn't contacted her once. Although admittedly she had acted rather harshly last time they met. It wasn't a rather inviting vibe that she gave him. Maybe he just wanted to give her some time. Honestly, she wasn't really sure what she wanted to say to him. Seeing that Raquel's message seemed somewhat urgent, Zatanna messaged her first.

Zatanna: Hey! What's up?

Raquel: I have BIG news. Wanna go grab some coffee?

Zatanna: Sure

The next morning at Jitters, Zatanna and Raquel grabbed a table and some drinks. Zatanna was quite surprised that Raquel just opted for some orange juice instead of coffee, but the magician let it pass.

"So, what's so important that we had to meet in person?" Zatanna asked.

"Well. There's kinda a lot of things."

"Oh?"

"Umm. Don't freak out. Buuuuuut…." Raquel bit her lip but finally showed off her left hand…and the ring on it.

"Oh…Oh my gosh! Raquel!? You're….You're…"

"Engaged! Yup."

Zatanna froze for a bit. The ring was beautiful, simple, and elegant. A single diamond on a silver setting. Her heart twisted inside her for a bit remembering the last few words Jason spoke to her before he perished.

"'Tanna. He's got this ring and I think he's going to…Take care of him, ok? He needs you…So when he finally gets the balls to ask you, please say yes."

Zatanna blinked and shook her head to pull herself back to reality before Raquel got worried. Luckily Zatanna had a million questions anyway.

"Wait wait. So what's been going on!?"

"Ok so I'm sorry to spring this out of the blue, but I've been seeing someone."

"Yea no duhh!"

"I'm sorry! He's a childhood friend. His name is Noble. And we've been seeing each other for about six-ish months."

"Six months?! And you're marrying him?! Whoa. Are you sure about this?"

"I mean. I feel like I've known him all my life. We've been friends since we were kids."

"Yea but, Raquel, don't you think you'd need a bit more time to get to know him?"

"See that's the thing. We're also on a clock."

"Huh?"

"As in, we have a uh…nine-month timer going…"

"….Ohhhh. You mean?"

"Yup. Hehe I'm pregnant, 'Tanna."

"OH wow. That's uh congratulations?" Zatanna looked with a little skepticism.

"Har har. You are the last person who gets to comment on my sex life."

"I'm sorry I'm sorry. Seriously, congratulations, Raq. I'm really happy for you."

"Thank you. So yea, Noble and I kinda have to get this whole wedding thing going. In fact, that's why I asked you here."

"Huh?"

"Zatanna, would you be my maid of honor?"

"I-Oh my God, Raquel. I don't know what to say."

"Please say yes. It would mean the world to me."

Zatanna bit the inside of her cheek feeling a little conflicted. She wasn't in the best of moods given her current predicament, but perhaps this was the universe trying to cheer her up a bit. After all, she at least could be a little happy for her friend.

"Of course, Raquel. I'd be honored."

"Perfect! Thank you so much, 'Tanna! Oh this is great! I just wish we coulda gotten the timing right."

"What do you mean?"

"Well with the League's founding members out in space court, Kaldur turning to the dark side, and Artemis….it just feels weird trying to be happy right now."

"Believe me, it has definitely been a challenge. But something happy like a wedding may be just what we need."

"You think so?"

"Yea. I do."

"Hehe you sure you're not just taking notes for when Dick pops the question?"

"I uh hehe well," she nervously shrugged trying to deflect, "Dick will ask when he asks. He says he's trying to find just the right time."

"Hmm. I'm sure when he asks, it will be perfect."

"Yea. Sure…"

After the coffee date with Raquel, Zatanna briskly walked home. A pit stop at a grocery store yielded a tub of mint ice cream that she planned to devour once she arrived at Shadowcrest. While she was indeed happy for Raquel, a sinking feeling sat at the bottom of her stomach. It was supposed to be her and Dick announcing to everyone their engagement. And now, now she wondered where they stood. Trust was everything in their relationship. They had built so much trust over the years. She would only ever cry in his arms whenever it came to her father. She was the first to see his face when the team formed (well first after Wally anyway). And now that trust felt so shattered. Although…he was the one who spent years convincing Nabu to let her father out from time to time. He encouraged her to be a stage magician. There was so much good to simply throw it all away.

Soon, Zatanna reached the mansion and wasted no time opening the ice cream. She plopped onto the couch in the drawing room and a spoon floated into her hand. Just when she was about to take in the first scoop…

"Milady. You have a guest at the door," Rex chimed in.

"Oh?"

"Yes, ma'am. A Sir Alfred Pennyworth."

"Huh!?"

Immediately, she set her ice cream down and made her way to the front door. Sure enough, the comforting smile of Alfred Pennyworth greeted her along with the whimsical face of Ace the German Shepherd.

"Alfred! Ace!"

"Hello there, Ms. Zatanna. It's been a while."

"WOOF!"

"Come in! Come in!" she hugged the old man before leading her guests into the house, "How on Earth did you find this place? It's supposed to be cloaked by magic!"

"Madam, please. When you've lived as long as I have, you ought to have certain tricks of the trade up your sleeve. After all, I raised the World's Greatest Detective," he smirked.

"Uh huh," she raised her eyebrow skeptically.

"And it helps when a rather talkative little ghost is able to lead the way."

"Ahh. Greta."

"Yes. Ms. Greta was rather insistent that I pay you a visit. Come to my surprise that you weren't at the Arconia."

"Yea…"

"Ms. Greta didn't know the details. Just that you weren't at home with Master Dick these few days. Although part of me wonders if she was more concerned about being able to watch Netflix."

"Hehe. I think she's upset at missing the new season of Miraculous Ladybug."

"Or perhaps she's just as concerned about what's been going on with you and Master Dick."

"Sigh…"

"This seems like a story best told over ice cream."

"Huh?"

"Specifically mint ice cream," he gestured to the tub sitting on the coffee table.

"Hehe have a seat Alfred…"

"Some tea would be nice too!"

"Alfred…"

"I am a guest in your home after all. You can't expect me to prepare everything!"

Moments later Zatanna and Alfred sat on the couch with steaming cups of tea and half-eaten bowls of ice cream. Ace laid down on the floor having had his fill of water and whipped cream. Rex knelt down to pet and stroke the dog's fur.

"I see. I can understand the hurt you feel in your heart, Ms. Zatanna."

"Right! I just-I've always supported Dick, even when I disagreed with his plans. But this? This feels so wrong. To have lied to me about something this crucial. And part of me still wonders if he would've bothered telling me if he didn't need that glamour charm."

"While I do not necessarily agree with Master Dick's methods, I at least understand the good intentions he held."

"But what about trust?"

"Madam, I unfortunately see it all the time in Master Bruce."

"Oh?"

"Yes. Like father like son as they say. Master Bruce keeps things very close to the chest. Even from me. Not because he doesn't trust anyone. But because he's afraid."

"Afraid? But he's…."

"Batman. Yes. But deep down, Master Bruce is still a young boy mourning the death of his parents. He has it in his mind that he alone must bear all these burdens regarding saving the world or protecting the people and so on. Unfortunately, while he had hoped Master Dick would be better, it seems the young protégé also inherited the Batman's sense of responsibility. He had lost so much in such a short span of time. He still believed he could have saved Jason had he been faster. Tula died under his command. Every day he had to pray the Light had not discovered Kaldur's true allegiance. And he's doing it all to keep you and the rest of the world safe."

"But he could have talked to me! He knows I'd be willing to shoulder the burden with him."

"Ah such is the noble hubris of the House of Wayne. Everyone thinks they're the hero and they must do everything."

"It's such a sigh a ridiculous notion."

"Yes. Quite. However, both Master Bruce and Master Dick are simply scared of losing the people they love. Nobody is perfect. That's why they need people like us. Just because someone stumbles and loses their way, doesn't mean they're lost. Sometimes we all need a little help. That's where we come in. To help pull them back to their true path. We just need to be a tad persistent. Men like Master Bruce and Master Dick can be quite stubborn."

"But what if he never learns? What if he continues to hide things from me for the sake of protecting me? I'm strong. I can take it."

"Well, that matter you must ask yourself. Are you willing to show him a better path?"

"I-I don't know just yet."

"It's not a question to answer in a day. Take some time, Ms. Zatanna. Search your heart. Although I have a feeling you are already leaning towards an answer. After all, why place this magical mansion still in Bludhaven when you could live anywhere in the world?"

"I-Uh…"

"It's alright. As I have said, take some time to search your feelings. I know Master Dick is doing the same right now."

"Have you visited him? How's he doing?"

"Unfortunately, I have not seen him yet. He's been working overtime at the precinct, no doubt burying himself in work as a distraction."

"Yea. I can feel that he's very tired."

"Take all the time you need. I shall visit Master Dick when I can."

"Thank you, Alfred."

The two of them hugged before Zatanna walked the loyal butler to the door. Interestingly, Ace did not move from his spot on the carpet. Alfred meanwhile got his coat and was ready to leave.

"Uhh Ace. C'mon boy! Time to go home," Zatanna whistled.

"Actually, I thought he might stay here for a bit."

"Huh?"

"I believe he's more needed here than in a big mansion with an old man like me. You seem like you could use the company."

"Oh. But Alfred? Won't you be lonely?"

"Master Tim keeps me plenty busy. It's alright. If you think you've got relationship problems, try getting a teenager to ask out an Amazon."

"Hehe. Wait…Tim and Cassie?"

"Shhh you didn't hear it from me," he winked before walking out the door.

Looking back inside the house, Zatanna spotted Ace who was looking at her with his tongue out. As if sensing her mood, he got up tail wagging and walked over nuzzling his nose along her thigh. Smiling, she petted the ever-loyal pup.

"Good boy," she scratched behind his ear.

"Shall I prepare a bed for the young master?" Rex asked.

"Could you prepare a bed in my room?"

"Of course, ma'am," he bowed briskly before turning.

"And Rex?"

"Yes, milady."

"I appreciate everything you've done and are trying to do."

"Thank you, milady. It….means a lot."

As the knight walked away with Ace in tow, Zatanna pulled out her phone. It didn't take long for her to find the contact she was looking for. He was favorited and titled "My Birdy" anyway. She thought long and hard about what she would say or what she should text. Opening their chat, their last messages were rather cold.

Zee🐰: It's done.

Dick 😉: Ok. Thank you. Bludhaven Docks. 4am

She scrolled up a bit to find some more lighthearted messages.

Zee🐰: Hey! I was thinking about experimenting tonight with some duck. Any ideas?

Dick 😉: Oooo I may have a recipe with a balsamic glaze!

Zee 🐰 : Sounds delish. Text it to me?

Dick 😉: Kinda busy. Getting Teddy Dimas's statement today regarding the Zoe case.

Zee 🐰 : Oh. Ok…..you sure you're not just withholding it from me so you can cook!?

Dick 😉: No! Of course not!

Zee 🐰 : Hmmmm. Surree. When are you coming home?

Dick 😉: Err 5-ish. Then we'll cook TOGETHER. I promise.

Zee 🐰 : Fineee. Ok. See you soon, babe.

Dick 😉: I love you 3

Zee 🐰 : I evol uoy! :3

Tears began rolling down her cheeks as she remembered simpler times. They felt so bittersweet. They were happy, but even during those simple domesticated times, he was hiding his secret. The memory felt so corrupted to her. She wanted to take Alfred's words to heart, but she just needed more time. Although it was late, Zatanna grabbed her coat and headed out the door. It was a clear night with the moon out in full. She looked up into the night sky and wondered aloud:

"There aren't as many stars out….without you."

AN: Hello hello! It's been quite some time since I've updated HTBC. I'm so sorry for the delay and greatly appreciate everyone who's stuck around. It's summer so I have a bit more time on my hands as I continue cycling through my three main fics. Admittedly I struggled with this chapter as I wasn't entirely sure how to proceed after previous events. I also sorta worried that I was copy pasta in a little too much, but I think the amount in this chapter is ok. Anywho, I know not a lot of things happened in this chapter, but we're still moving along and lots of things will come up! After all we still have the rest of season 2. Plus, Dick has to solve these peculiar murders. Hmm Only Murders in the Building. Strange.

Thank you all again for the support! Let me know what you think in the comments!