Be Transparent

Everyone in both the League and the Team were ecstatic that the Boy Wonder was cured of his incurable curse. Unfortunately, too caught up in the moment, Zatanna wasn't able to figure out a good cover story for exactly how Robin was cured. So, she told the truth and must now, with Dick, endure all the teasing and jeering from the Team involving their "true love's" kiss.

"Awww lil Princess Robin got saved by his one true love. Isn't that sweet, Arty?"

"Absolutely, Wally. I bet dashing Prince Zatanna was just in total AGONY while her beloved Princess laid sleeping in his bed."

"Oh for sure Artemis. Now that Princess Robin is awake, maybe he'll sing and bring in all the birds and little woodland creatures to help hem his dress for the upcoming wedding."

"Yes, and the palace will have Prince Zatanna's royal garb all pressed and pristine with the royal saber polished and sharpened. The whole kingdom will rejoice in the matrimony between these true lovers."

Robin, while slightly leaning on Zatanna, could only roll his eyes and groan at all the teasing. Zatanna was not much better.

"Zee, how about we pull a Romeo and Juliet and just die here on the Watchtower."

"As per usual, I'm in lock-step with you, honey."

"Ok ok we'll stop. But you gotta admit. What are the chances of a curse being cured by a kiss?"

"Considering we just fought the Queen of Fables, KF, I'd say pretty high….and I'm good with math."

"Yes, you are, baby," replied Zatanna as she kissed his temple.

"Alright alright, let's get you to the Zeta tube. I'm sure King Batman is pissed off for waiting on you two royal lovers," snarked Artemis as she turned towards the Zeta tubes.

Although Zatanna's kiss repelled the curse entirely from Robin's body, he was still shaken by having lightning literally pass through him. He still had some aches and pains here and there but ultimately, everyone thought it best to bench him for a while. Too tired to argue, Robin agreed. The new wrinkle however, was that Zatanna was adamant about staying by his side….literally. All night she never left his infirmary room while Dr. Fate and Dr. Leslie Thompkins ran their tests to ensure Robin could go home. When he was finally discharged, Artemis and Wally came to deliver her a suitcase full of clothes and essentials.

"Say, Zee, what's with the suitcase?"

"Oh, didn't Batman tell you? I'm moving in with you."

"Huh? But….why?"

"Because everyone knows you're an idiot and you're gonna go dashing off in a spare Robin suit the second you hear trouble. So, my job is to keep you in bed... or at least away from any hero business."

"Wait…so you're literally…"

"Yup, I'm the ol' ball and chain, inmate," she smirked as she kissed his cheek.

"Welp. I guess this will be an interesting honeymoon. We bid thee adieu Princess Robin and Prince Zatanna."

"Oh fuck off, Wally!"

Artemis and Wally could only snicker as they mocked bowed and entered the Zeta tube to return to the cave.

"Ugh I thought they'd never leave."

"Tell me about it. I wasn't sure how to enter the Batcave codes while Artemis was still here. I'm kinda worried she'd want to sneak in and take a selfie with the T-Rex."

"I mean….even I want a selfie with the T-Rex haha."

When Dick and Zatanna finally arrived at the Batcave, Bruce was typing away at the computer with his cowl off. Alfred stepped forward to greet the young couple.

"Master Dick, I'm glad you are recovering splendidly. Welcome again, Miss Zatanna. I'm delighted that you will be staying with us to keep Master Dick company."

"Hi Alfred! It's good to see you again. Hi, Bruce!"

Finally, Bruce turned around from his chair and walked over. He looked tired and a little slow.

"Hi, Zatanna. I wanted to thank you for being there for Dick when he really needs it. He's a stubborn piece of work but I have a feeling you have a way of chipping at the block more effectively than others."

"I hear Amazons are good at that too," Alfred mumbled softly.

Bruce shared a quick glance at Alfred before continuing, "Anyway, you're welcome to stay here as long as you like. You can ring Alfred for anything you need."

Just as Bruce was about to put his cowl on, Alfred grabbed his arm.

"Not going to let me go to work, Alfred?"

"Precisely, sir. Now answer me this. Have you had anything to eat?"

"….No."

"Have you had any bedrest?"

"…...No."

"Now then. I took the liberty of preparing some lobster thermidor upstairs in the kitchen. Take the plate and heat it in the microwave for two minutes. You may eat while you brood. After that, you must have a minimum of eight hours bedrest. Then you may resume your work."

Grumbling, Bruce reluctantly headed towards the elevator.

"Sir, please remove your boots. I just waxed the floors and do not appreciate you tracking mud. I'll have to clean the floors down here as well after showing the young master and miss to their room."

Again, grumbling, Bruce moved to the changing area to get out of his uniform. Robin was starting to get a little drowsy from all the pain meds he was on so he didn't notice Alfred speaking about only one room for the couple…..but Zatanna did.

Finally, Alfred and the young couple made it up the elevator to Wayne Manor. Zatanna was completely in awe at the sheer grandeur of the mansion.

"Whoa….and I thought the Batcave was big and spacious."

"Yes, quite. This house has been passed down through many generations of Waynes. I do fear slightly that the current generation may be the last, but I digress. However, there are many exquisite art pieces and memorabilia scattered throughout the mansion. I would give you the grand tour, but Master Dick looks like he needs a bit of rest at the moment. Besides, I believe he'd prefer to give you the tour himself when he is well. Until then, I shall provide the basics. Here at this grandfather clock in Master Bruce's study is the entrance to the Batcave. Down the hall here is Master Dick's room. Miss Zatanna, your room is just next door along with an ensuite bathroom. The kitchen is downstairs to the left and the dining room is to the right."

After quickly showing Zatanna basic directions around the house, Alfred proceeded to open the door to Dick's room and bring her suitcase with him.

"Uhh Alfred? I thought you said my room was next door?"

"It is. I'm just putting your belongings in here for…. convenience sake."

Immediately, both Dick and Zee blushed hard and found the carpet of Wayne Manor the most interesting thing in the world.

"Of course, I trust you two shall remain….careful? We don't want anything or anyone..…unexpected do we?"

"Yessir! Of course, sir!" replied both Dick and Zee immediately.

"Good! Now, rest up. I shall provide dinner at eight o'clock. I will bring a tray up so please…..be presentable. I shall knock three times."

Steam was almost flying out of the young couple's ears. They could not believe that even Alfred of all people was teasing them. After leaving the two to settle in, Alfred made his way back to the Batcave to clean all the mud Bruce tracked in. As he descended the elevator, he rolled his eyes as he noticed the Batmobile missing. Over on the computer sat a warm plate with lobster shells and a half a glass of water.

"Sigh. Alright. Gloves are off. Time bring in the big guns..."

Back up in Dick's room, Zatanna gently led Dick to his bed and sat him down.

"Thanks, Zee. But you really don't have to do this. I'm fine."

"Babe, you can barely stand, and your joints are pretty stiff. It's ok. I'm happy to be Nurse Zee for a while. You just rest, ok?"

"Ok. Thanks, Zee. You're amazing."

"Of course I am. But I love it when you tell me," Zee smiled as she kissed him on the forehead,

"Now I'm going to change then let me help you, ok?"

"Ok"

Zatanna walked over to her suitcase and opened it. What she found inside both horrified and infuriated her. She had asked Artemis to pack her enough clothes to last at least a week along with all her essential shampoos, lotions, etc. However, evidently, Artemis had more nefarious plans in mind. The suitcase was filled with only short-shorts and a bunch of Zatanna's lacey bras and panties. There were no shirts, sweatpants, or even tank tops. The only real semblance of clothing was a skimpy nurse outfit and hat. At least Artemis played nice and did include the shampoo and lotion and some face masks. However, there was a paper baggy with a sticky note on it that said, "Be safe 😉." Zatanna wouldn't even dare open it. Frustrated, she grabbed a pair of shorts and closed the lid.

"Hey, Dick. Arty decided to not pack me anything warm. Do you mind if I borrow one of your shirts or something?"

"Huh? Uhhhh sure that's fine."

"Cool. Thanks"

Absentmindedly, Zatanna took off her shirt and threw it on the chair. Unsurprisingly, Dick freaked out.

"Whoa WHOA…Zee! Uhh what are you doing?"

"Changing? Why….Ohhhh uh"

Immediately, she blushed and moved to cover her chest. (Fuck I'm wearing a lacey bra too….)

After a couple of seconds, she moved her hands behind her back, took a deep breath, and put on a façade of confidence. After all, one of them had to take charge at some point.

"Y'know, Dick. I've said this once before. I don't mind if you, and only you…..look."

"Yea but Zee….I mean…like this is…well" stuttered Robin as he held his arms up cover his eyes.

Zatanna sauntered over and grabbed his wrists moving them away from his face. She took his mask off and threw it across the room.

"Well what? Don't you like what you see?"

"Uhhhh…No?...I mean YES! Uhhhh 42?"

She began to straddle and sit in his lap. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around his neck while he held her waist.

"mmm I was thinking more….69?"

More steam blew out of Robin's ear as he turned beet red. Finally, deciding to let Dick off the hook, Zatanna laughed and just kissed his nose.

"Well that was fun."

"For you maybe…"

"Don't lie….you like what you see…I can…...feel it down there."

"…..C'MON ZEE"

Dick tried to push her off, but Zatanna kept her vice grip on his neck.

"Hehe I also recall telling you that I'm ok with this. I'm flattered really. Buuuuut enough teasing for today."

Finally, she kissed him and got off his lap.

"Why can't you change with magic like normal?"

"Ah well, that big lightning spell that took out the Queen of Fables kinda…..messed up my magical circuits or something. My spells are a little whack right now, so I've also been benched. Hence, why I get to stay with you."

"Are you gonna be ok?"

"Well, according to Fate, I just need a week or so to fully realign myself. Then I'll be right as rain. However, if you need more than a week to get back on your feet, I'll gladly stay here with you."

"Thanks, babe. You're the best."

"Again, I know!"

She took off her jeans and swayed her hips as she made her way to Dick's dresser.

"Zee you're killin me here!"

"Oh hush. Lemme find a shirt first."

She opened a few drawers and bent down to rummage and find a suitable shirt making it a point to stick her ass out prominently.

(OHMYGOD OHMYGOD OHMYGOD I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M DOING THIS. AM I CRAZY!? I'M BASICALLY NAKED IN MY BOYFRIEND'S ROOM…..I'M PUSHING IT TOO FAR. THIS IS TOO FAR. OH MY GOD IS HE STARING AT MY ASS? OF COURSE HE'S STARING! OH MAN, I HOPE I PUT ON GOOD UNDERWEAR TODAY….)

Dick was totally staring at her ass….

"Aha! This is perfect!" Zatanna exclaimed as she pulled out an olive-colored shirt with a picture of Yoda on it along with the text, "Size matters not!"

When she put on the shirt, it covered most of her, but her ass still peeked out a little. Either way, Dick finally let out the breath he was holding.

"I love that you have this shirt," Zatanna smiled as she put on her shorts.

"I mean, it's a nifty shirt."

"Of course, and plus, it totally fits your….predicament….Short-stack."

"Hey! C'mon Zee! I'm growing! I'll get taller!"

"But Dick…..size matters not"

"….ugh"

"Now c'mon. Let's get you changed."

"Wait…..what?"

"Dick, please. I've seen you without your shirt off like every time we sleep."

"It's uh….. well, you seeing my chest is not what I'm worried about…"

"Huh?...OH…..you're still….."

"Yea…"

After dinner, the young couple were snuggled under the covers in bed. Zatanna practically laid on top of Dick with her head on his chest and her legs tangled with his.

"Zee…..is there a reason you're sleeping on top of me like this?"

"This is a precautionary mechanism. This will make sure you don't sneak off into the night to do some work or whatever. There's no way you can push me off without waking me up. Besides…...your chest is really comfy."

"Sigh….fine you win. I'll stay here."

"Oh Heaven forbid you have to stay here under this warm blanket cuddling with your hot girlfriend who's wearing your shirt."

"Ok ok point taken."

After a comfortable silence, Zatanna began drawing circles on the scar right over Dick's heart. She started to cry a little.

"Zee?"

"I'm sorry. I just…this mark...this...this horrible scar. It…just reminds me of my failure. My failure to protect you."

"Hey…hey that's not true. Zee, look at me."

"Hmm?"

"It is not a reminder of your failure. It's a reminder that our love literally saved me. True love's kiss right? And I love you so much. I know that what we do is…dangerous, so I can't guarantee that either of us will come back to each other even though I want to say it so badly. But I can promise you with absolute certainty, that I will fight heaven, hell, or whatever and whoever stands in my way so that I can come back to you and hold you in my arms like this."

"Thank you, Dick."

"Of course, Zee," Dick answered kissing her forehead and stroking her hair.

"Dick?"

"Yea?"

"….Can you still say it anyway? That you'll always come back to me? Please?"

"Zatanna Zatara. I will always come back to you and love you with all my heart."

"Richard John Grayson. I will always come back to you and paint as many stars in the sky as you want. No amount of stars in all the galaxies in the all the universes could ever measure up to my love for you."

With a sweet kiss, the couple fell soundly asleep.

In the morning, Zatanna carefully got off of a still snoring Robin and made her way downstairs to the kitchen.

"I wonder if Alfred will mind if I make Dick some waffles. Ooooo and maybe a strawberry yogurt shake."

As Zatanna was brainstorming breakfast ideas for her and Dick, she noticed out of the corner of her eye a new….guest at the manor.

"Diana?"

Wide-eyed and coffee cup in hand with her lips pursed as if she was just about to drink it, Diana stayed perfectly still, hoping Zatanna would think that she was dreaming.

"Uhhh what are you doing here?"

"Um, good morning, Zatanna! Hehe. How uh…..How are you today? Did you sleep well?"

"Yea…..I did. Um….did you uh…..spend the night?"

"Whaaaat? I mean…..haha what ever gave you that idea?"

"You're in a silk robe….and fuzzy slippers…and nothing else….."

"Zatanna hehe please. Get your mind out of the gutter haah. I mean….there's a perfectly reasonable explanation for my attire…..I um well…..you see…"

"We were out working a case last night," boomed Bruce as he entered the kitchen….also conveniently in a silk robe.

"oh thank Hera…" Diana mumbled.

"We ran into Clayface out by Bludhaven. We both got some mud on us. I offered her a shower and warm bed here at the manor because it was closer than her apartment in New York."

(More like YOUR warm bed and shower hehe) "Well ok then. Uh Bruce, do you think Alfred will mind if I borrow the kitchen to make Dick breakfast?"

"Not at all, Zatanna. Actually, I was just about to go visit him. How is he?"

"He's doing great! He slept so peacefully last night."

"And you know this because….."

Now it was Zatanna's turn to be caught in headlights.

"Uhhh I checked in on him ummm periodically throughout the night. Just to be sure haha. Y'know cuz my room is next to his! Haha….yea…"

Smirking, he decided that there were enough shots fired for this early in the morning.

"Well, I'll go see if he's up."

"Zatanna, I'm happy to help cook. I've never really learned how to make different types of man's food."

"Sure thing, Diana! First, can you crack an egg?"

Bruce reached Dick's door and gently opened it.

"Heya Bruce!"

"Good morning, Dick," Bruce replied as he entered, "How are you feeling?"

"Better. I'm feeling good."

Bruce stepped forward and sat down on the bed. He ruffled Dick's hair a bit.

"That's good to hear…... Dick, I just want you to know…that I was so proud of you the other day."

"What for?"

"During the battle with the Queen of Fables, you coordinated your attacks so well with everyone. I know about your little private sessions with Zatanna where you supposedly practice complimentary attacks. But you've also been working with the team to improve both yourself and everyone else. You know everyone's strengths and you make sure they all get the jobs they can excel in. Dick, I'm really proud of the leader you're becoming."

"Wow….thank you, Bruce."

"I'm also proud of the bonds you are forming. It took me a very long time to realize how important companionship and partners can be. I'm proud that you're building great trust amongst your teammates…..your friends. I think you can make that trust deeper."

"What….what are you saying?"

"You don't have to hide anymore, Dick. You can tell them."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Wow…thank you, Bruce!"

Bruce stood up and made his way to the door.

"Hey, Bruce?"

"Yes?"

"Do you…..do you think I'll make it into the League one day?"

"No."

Dick looked disheartened for a second, but Bruce continued.

"You're going to lead it."

Dick looked back up. He smiled and felt really honored that Bruce would think of him so highly.

"Now, I hope you're hungry, Zatanna and Diana are making some waffles downstairs."

"….Diana? What's she doing here?"

"Uhhhhh she came to check on you! She was worried just like everyone else!"

"….ok"

"huh? What's that Alfred? Well, I better go see what that's all about!"

Quickly, Bruce, scurried out of the room leaving a very amused Dick.

"…more like she came to check on you."

While Dick wanted to tell the whole team at once, Zatanna convinced him to tell Artemis in private. Partially because Artemis had been a great big sister for him, but also because Zee wanted payback for the clothes (or lack thereof) in her suitcase. The look on Artemis's face when she realized Dick flippin' Grayson was Robin would be priceless. To set up the whole shindig, Wally, Dick, and Zatanna coordinated a double date at Paulie's Diner in downtown Gotham. Dick and Zatanna arrived first and were hanging out by the jukebox browsing the groovy '80s tunes.

"Zee….I dunno about this. Isn't it a bit…..on the nose?"

"I think you look fabulous," she kissed his cheek, "daring," she kissed his other cheek, "and quite frankly…..super sexy," she kissed his lips.

Zatanna had chosen Dick's outfit for the night. He wore black jeans, a white shirt underneath, and a red jacket with a bright yellow R on the left side of his chest, and most importantly no sunglasses. Zatanna wore light purple jeans with stars printed on them with a purple t-shirt and one of Dick's black jackets with the sleeves rolled up.

"Zee, I mean this in the nicest possible way. I'm sorta upset that you pull off this jacket better than I ever could."

"Hehe what do you mean your jacket? It's mine now, handsome."

"Honestly, at this point we share a closet….but uh…..why don't you have any shirts at the manor again?"

"Because of Artemis."

"Huh?"

"You'll see."

"This isn't going to become a thing, is it? You stealing my clothes?"

"Huh? No, of course not." (It's absolutely going to be a thing)

Finally, Wally and Artemis walked into the diner. Artemis had on green capris, cowgirl boots, an olive tank top, and a green jean jacket. Wally wore red track pants and a white STAR Labs t-shirt along with a bright yellow jacket. As per the plan, everyone was to wear their hero colors to make the reveal that much more obvious to Artemis. It wasn't difficult to convince her without blowing the whole scheme. She wore green all the time anyway. She just didn't why Wally insisted so hard that she wore all green though.

"Hey, look there's Zatanna!...Hang on…..who's she with?"

"I dunno, Artemis….who IS she with?"

"….OH MY FUCKING GOD!"

Wally, Dick, and Zatanna all barreled over and laughed, but not before Dick used a spy camera to take a quick video of the gradual realization hitting Artemis's face.

"YOU?! YOU….YOU'RE… I MEAN…..ALL THIS TIME?!"

"Hi there Artemis. I'm Dick Grayson," He leaned in closer to whisper, "aka Robin the Boy Wonder."

"YOU COMPLETE ASS. YOU'VE BEEN TOYING WITH ME FOR A WHOLE FUCKING YEAR?!"

"I told you we'd laugh about this someday…."

AN: Thanks to 4shur4 for giving me the idea for the double date at the end. If you're curious about their attire, check out ghostpainters on Instagram for photos of the quartet on a double date.