Be Longing
"Ok ok. Let's just try and regroup. Start from the beginning. What do we know?" Jake groaned.
"Alright. Last month Zoe Cassidy was pushed off the roof of the Arconia during Teddy Dimas's fundraiser. Only two witnesses came forward, Teddy Dimas himself and Tim Kono. Both claim Zoe had a dispute with someone named Oscar Torres and he was the one who pushed her off…" Dick recapped.
"And just two days ago, Tim Kono was found dead in his apartment…" Amy finished.
The three detectives stood befuddled in the conference room as they looked at their murder board. Pictures of Teddy, Zoe, Oscar, and Tim were spread out along with multiple notecards and rubber bands connecting them all. Unfortunately, none of the rubber bands connected the four suspects properly as there were no solid concrete pieces of evidence bringing them together.
"There's gotta be something," Dick scratched his head, "Teddy and Tim's stories were way too similar not to be rehearsed. And why pin this whole thing on Oscar? Who is he to them?"
"And who is Oscar to Zoe? And who stands to benefit from all this?" Jake wondered aloud.
"Public records indicate that Oscar Torres and Zoe Cassidy are in their early twenties and unemployed. Tim on the other hand was working an internship at a bank," Amy added.
"So then does it all tie back to Teddy Dimas? What do we know of him?"
"He's the owner of the restaurant chain, Dimas Delis. His wife died five years ago, and his only known close relative is his son, Theo, who is deaf," Dick answered Jake.
"Which is why Teddy hosts a fundraiser for the deaf."
"Ok, so what does Teddy have to gain from Zoe's death and Oscar's incarceration?"
*BANG*
Amy and Jake jolted as Dick slammed his fist on the table. The two detectives looked at each other with concern as Dick buried his face in his hands. His frustration clearly evident.
"I'm sorry guys," Dick started, "I'm just tired."
"Hey uh Santiago, would you mind getting us some coffee?"
"Uhh sure."
Once Amy was out of the room, Jake sat next to Dick and bumped his shoulder slightly. Dick meanwhile remained motionless hiding his face.
"You ok?" Jake asked.
"I told you. I'm tired…"
"Buddy, you haven't seemed like yourself in a while. Your hair's growing out and normally I'd commend you for that awesome goatee you're nurturing, but this isn't like you."
"I've just got a lot going on."
"Right. Walker stuff."
"Walker stuff."
"And you won't tell me about it?"
"The less you know the better."
"Still, this doesn't sound like the kinda thing you should shoulder by yourself. I know Zatanna's not in the picture right now, but that doesn't mean you should be alone."
"I'm just lucky the Big Man investigation is on hold with all his cronies laying low."
"Yea. Or maybe they just gave up cuz Nathan Walker's too good at kicking butt," Jake joked to lighten the mood.
"I dunno man," Dick replied clearly not amused.
"How do you know? Criminals are a superstitious cowardly lot."
"Sure…"
Exhausted from the day, Dick trudged along back to the Arconia. Honestly, he had half a mind to just go straight to the Nest and sleep in one of the creaky cots, but then he remembered someone needed to feed Pocus. As the door opened, the little white bunny hopped towards his current owner. Smiling just a little, Dick picked up the little snowball and carried him to the kitchen.
"Hey there, bud. You doing ok?"
Pocus nodded as Dick opened the fridge. Both of them seemed unimpressed at the bareness of the shelves. One or two takeout containers containing half-eaten who-knew-what's were lazily placed on the glass platforms. Next to the nearly empty orange juice bottle was a single apple. Taking the lonely fruit out, Dick cut out little slices for Pocus to nibble on. With his only companion satisfied, he made his way to the couch. However, the poor guy could barely even relax before the doorbell rang.
*DING DONG*
Dick was hoping to just hide and force the visitor to simply leave, but this person was rather persistent.
*DING DONG*
*DING DONG*
*DING DONG*
"Ugh…"
Reluctantly, Dick walked over to open the door. To his surprise, there wasn't just one person hoping to see him. It was a trio.
"Oh good, you're here!" Oliver exclaimed as he welcomed himself into Dick's apartment.
"Uhhh what?" Dick looked around befuddled as the other two companions entered.
"Ugh what a mess," Mabel scrunched her nose, "I know for a fact you are not a bachelor."
"Yea, where is your wife, Zatanna anyway?" Charles tactlessly asked.
"Uhh she's away," Dick awkwardly answered.
"Ah right. Justice League business I presume."
"Sure…"
Dick walked around the apartment trying to tidy up a bit. The new intruders, Charles Haden-Savage, Oliver Putnam, and Mabel Moira all watched as Dick collected and threw away various paper plates and take-out containers. The dishes in the sink could not be helped.
"Sorry I don't have much to offer. I wasn't expecting guests…" Dick glared.
By this point, Pocus popped his head from behind a couch and scurried over to greet the newcomers. Oliver and Mabel knelt down to say hi while Charles slowly backed away.
"Well, we tried calling but you wouldn't pick up!" Charles said.
"I was at work."
"Speaking of!" Oliver pipped, "We have some stuff you might wanna check out."
"Huh?"
Oliver stood up holding a square package as Mabel continued scratching Pocus's ear, much to the bunny's delight. Dick took the package turning it around analyzing every little thing.
"Notice the labeling?" Mabel asked.
"Huh. This is Tim Kono's mail. From someplace called Angel Inc.?" Dick said spotting the name on the label.
"Not just that!" Charles exclaimed, "Look inside."
Dick did as he was told and pulled out a smaller velvet box which in itself contained a large emerald ring.
"Uhhh this is a really shitty way to propose to me, guys. And with an antique like this?"
"Oh please. If I were to propose to you, it would be much grander. I have better taste than this. Ask Cher circa 1985," Oliver joked.
"You knew Cher?" Dick asked.
"ANYWAY," Mabel pulled everyone back on track, "We found this in the trash because we saw Tim throwing away a large garbage bag the day he died."
"Wait you saw Tim the day he died!?"
"Yup!" Charles answered proudly, "We all shared an elevator for 23 seconds!"
"And none of you thought to disclose that information to the police?"
"Well I mean….we're doing it now with you aren't we?" Oliver shrugged.
"Ugh," Dick pinched his forehead, "What are you guys doing anyway? It's not like you knew Tim."
"R-right," Mabel shifted uncomfortably, not without Dick noticing.
"Well, we figured we could help in our own way! Solve a mystery with limited clues and whatnot, just like our favorite podcast: All is Not OK in Oklahoma," Charles tried explaining.
"…..Are you guys serious?!"
"Of course! What's a little excitement, huh? I mean a murder in the building? Ugh I haven't been this pumped up since Barry Manilow's white party in 1982!"
"Oliver, this is serious business. That goes for all of you! A murder just happened. The killer is probably still on the loose. A dangerous killer. I'm sorry guys, but you need to just lay low and leave this to the professionals."
The three friends were rather silent after Dick's outburst. All they wanted to do was help out a little. They had hoped that Dick would be a little more understanding. But alas. Charles and Oliver were about to leave defeatedly. But then Mabel emptied her purse. Suddenly, the kitchen counter was flooded with copious amounts of jewelry. Earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces were all spread out across the counter. All three men were stunned at the collection.
"Mabel? What the hell is this?" Dick asked.
"Tim Kono's been collecting jewelry, specifically from some company named Angel Inc."
"B-but where did you get all this?!"
"I went into his apartment and found a secret stash hidden in the closet."
"You what?!"
"Still think we should leave this to the professionals?" she smirked.
"Sigh. I don't appreciate you undermining the officers at work," Dick sternly told her.
"Just saying."
"Fine. I'll take it from here then and look into Angel Inc."
"Perfect! Thank you thank you!" Oliver walked over and hugged Dick.
"Uhh sure," Dick awkwardly patted him on the back, "Just stay out of trouble, ok?"
Just as the three oddball friends started making their way out of the apartment, Dick grabbed Mabel's sleeve signaling her to stay behind.
"You ok?" he asked.
"Y-yea. I'm fine," she answered with her eyes darting away.
"You don't seem ok."
"Just shaken up is all. Never really been so close to a murder, y'know?"
"Ok. But I mean it. You and those old coots shouldn't be snooping around too much. Things could get dangerous."
Nodding her head, Mabel left with the others. Dick squinted his eyes in contemplation as they disappeared. Something didn't sit right with him. He might be tired, but Dick could definitely sense that Mabel knew more than she let on. Nevertheless, the trio did give him a new lead. Angel Inc. A trip to the Nest's supercomputer would definitely help.
DAKOTA CITY
This was probably going to be super awkward. Zatanna tapped her foot outside the country club anxiously trying to decide if she should walk in or not. On one hand, she was Raquel's maid of honor and needed to attend this bridal shower. On the other, she definitely was not in the mood for something this festive, especially with how she could feel Dick's exhaustion in her heart.
"Zatanna? Hi!"
The voice startled her a bit, but ever the stage performer, Zatanna was able to turn around a plaster a beaming smile on her face.
"M'gann! Good to see you."
"Same! Are you gonna go in?"
"Huh? Y-yea! Of course! I planned this shindig after all."
"Hahah right."
The two friends finally walked into the lobby making their way towards the private lounge Zee booked for the party. Never one to let the silence be uncomfortable, M'gann sparked the conversation.
"Can you believe that Raquel is getting married? It kinda feels out of the blue, don't you think?"
"A little," Zatanna nodded, "I'm slightly offended she kept someone like Noble a secret from us all this time."
"I know right! A secret mystery man. How spicy."
"Heh, yea."
"I don't mean to be that gal, but I always presumed you and Dick would get engaged first. Well either you two or Ar-…"
Zee recoiled a bit at the name. She tried to hide it, but M'gann was more perceptive than the magician gave her credit for.
"Sorry," M'gann sulked.
"No. It's ok. Sometimes things slip the mind when you're in good company."
"Yea…"
"How are you? I know La'Gann being captured doesn't help things."
"Sigh. I hope he's ok. I know Dick's working his hardest to find him. Give him my thanks."
"S-sure…"
As they reached the elevator, the uncomfortable silence finally won and fell upon them. The two friends entered without saying much. Again, ever chatty, M'gann spoke up.
"If I'm being honest, being chipper for Raquel is gonna take some effort from me," M'gann started.
"I understand. There's a lot going on."
"Not just that. Today is Conner's birthday."
"It is?! Oh my God, M'gann. I'm so sorry! It totally slipped my mind when I set the date!"
"It's fine. I'm just a little worried about him. He's never not had a birthday party. And well, if I'm not the one planning it, then who is?"
"O-oh. Well, I mean, with all due respect, M'gann, that's not your job anymore…"
"Right…But I just worry. You know how he is. Conner doesn't have many friends outside of….err us."
"I'm sure he'll be ok. Maybe a change of pace would do him some good."
"I guess….Hey! What do you usually do for Dick's birthday?" she tried changing the subject.
"U-uh…" Zatanna dug her toe into the elevator carpet.
"I really hope there's more than just sex all day," M'gann joked.
"It's not all day!" Zatanna retorted, "….It is most of the day though."
"Hehehe."
So far, the bridal shower had gone off without a hitch. Zatanna decided to keep the festivities simple and classy inviting all available female heroes. Since no one really wanted to cook (and some didn't know how to anyway), the lounge provided the perfect catering and ambience. In addition to Zee, Raquel, and M'gann, the guest list included Babs, Cassie, Karen, Donna, Kory, Kara, and even Dinah. After the nice luncheon, the ladies opted to chill on the couches and catch up.
"Friends," Kory started, "If I am correct, I believe it is Earth custom to play a sort of trivia game on these occasions?"
"Oooo that sounds fun!" Cassie exclaimed, "A classic truth or dare scenario!"
"Aren't we a little old for truth or dare?" Barbara asked.
"C'mon Babs! We're young and hip!" Kara protested.
"What did you do when Ollie proposed, Dinah?" Donna asked.
"Oh! Uhh nothing too crazy. Although, I guess if you girls want something spicy, Never Have I Ever might be fun."
"Oooooo yes yes yes!" Kara jumped, "I'll go get some champagne!"
"None for me please," Raquel noted, "I'll stick to water."
"Oh darn it. That's no fun! Someone's supposed to get drunk on these occasions!" Kara slumped.
"Hehe I believe current circumstances allow for exceptions," Dinah added.
"Yea! It'll be fine. Don't let my soon-to-be fat pregnant ass ruin your fun," Raquel reassured everyone.
With renewed enthusiasm, Kara zoomed around with super speed giving everyone a glass of bubbly champagne (and Raquel a glass of water).
"Admittedly I am unfamiliar with this game. Can someone explain the rules?" Kory asked.
"It's quite simple really," Donna explained, "Basically someone in the group asks a question in the form of 'Never have I ever' yada yada yada. Then if you have actually done that particular action, you drink!"
"Ohhhh I see."
"Well! Who's gonna start?" Karen asked.
"The bride-to-be of course," Babs gestured to Raquel.
"Hmmm. Never have I ever…drunk-dialed someone I really shouldn't have," Raquel began.
It took a few moments, but ultimately Babs and Kara took a swig.
"Whoa!?" Karen exclaimed, "Prim and proper Barbara Gordon gets crunky? And drunk dialed someone!?"
"And Kara too?"
"Babs, who'd you call?"
"I uh…..rather not say," Babs bit her lip sending a shy subtle glance towards Zatanna.
It wasn't much, but Zee picked up on the minor hint. After all, she didn't recall getting a drunk voice mail from Barbara…
"And Kara! Who did you accidentally call with no inhibitions?" M'gann asked.
"Sigh….It's this guy Clark works with. Jimmy Olsen."
*BAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAAH*
"It's not THAT funny…" Kara blushed.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. It's just, you and famed photographer Jimmy Olsen? Wow. What did you even say!?" Cassie laughed.
"I uh….don't remember."
"Hahaha. You ever hook-up with him?" Donna asked.
"Mayyybe we should refrain from those kinds of questions," Babs worried seeing Kara blush even further.
"Why?"
"Cuz uh…" Babs once again sent a look, this time to the supposedly only mature woman of the group.
"Oh don't mind me," Dinah joked, "As a licensed therapist, I have a feeling you all are going to need me in an hour or two."
"Haha well alrighty then. Let's just go in a circle. Zee, you're next!"
"Huh uhhh," Zatanna was taken aback as she had mostly tuned out the conversations, "Never have I ever hmm….eaten a whole tub of ice cream."
*BOOOOOOO*
"What? It's a question!" Zee protested.
"Come on 'Tanna! Where's the juice?" Karen pleaded.
"Girls, please. If that's the burning question Zatanna wants to know then let her play how she wants," M'gann eased the crowd….but not without a subtle wink towards everyone.
Everyone drank their glass as apparently everyone had eaten a ton of ice cream. But suddenly the air felt…mischievous. Just like when she was younger, Zatanna could kind of sense that everyone was in a psychic conversation without her. In other words, she was about to drink a lot of champagne…
"Next up, Donna!"
"Hmm," Donna smirked, "Never have I ever worn my partner's underwear…"
Everyone paused. Zee thought for a second before realizing she did in fact wear Dick's boxers from time to time. Unfortunately, she was the only to drink her glass.
"Wait? None of you have done that? I know I'm not the only one here with a boyfriend" Zee asked.
"Nope," Raquel shrugged.
"Nah," Karen did the same.
"La'Gann doesn't wear underwear soo…."
"Ugh…" Zee slumped.
"Moving right along! Kory! You're up next."
"Oh my. Um hmm. I'm not sure I, as young Earthlings say, understand the assignment?"
Donna leaned over and whispered something into Kory's ear. Like a lightbulb, the Tamaranean's face lit up with glee.
"Oh! Ok! Never have I ever err….one more time, Donna?"
*WHISPER WHISPER WHISPER*
"Ok. I think I have it now. Never have I ever blacked out right after sex. Is that right?"
"Heheh perfect," Donna giggled.
Zatanna rolled her eyes as she took another sip of champagne…however once again, no one else did.
"SERIOUSLY?!" Zee groaned.
"My my Zatanna. Ever the spicy couple," Raquel winked.
"Ok but…Dick's not THAT good? Is he?" Babs asked.
Instead of answering, Zatanna just decided to try and hide her burning face behind her champagne glass. However, that was all the girls needed to figure out the answer.
"DANNNNNNG," they all exclaimed.
"GET SOME 'TANNA!" Cassie yelled.
"Alright alright," Dinah tried corralling the wild partygoers, "Let's try and ask less….targeted questions, hmm?"
"Well," Babs started, "Never have I ever sent someone a dirty pic…"
*ZEE SIPPED*
"Never have I ever cut fruit for my partner to apologize for a fight!" Kara gleefully asked.
*ZEE SIPPED AGAIN*
"Never have I ever had sex in a movie theater," Cassie smirked.
*ZEE SIPPED RELUCTANTLY*
"Never have I ever been someone else's alibi," Karen added.
Most of the girls took a sip. They were heroes after all. Their whole friend group needed cover stories here and there.
"Never have I ever been a maid of honor," M'gann joked.
"Ok now that's just unfair…" Zee protested.
"Rules are rules," M'gann winked back.
"Ugh," Zee groaned as she took a sip.
"Sigh. Let's keep it simple hmm? Never have I ever purposefully left the last bite of a meal to my partner," Dinah contributed to the mix.
Fortunately for the sake of Zatanna, a lot of the other girls took sips of champagne. Raquel however…
"Never have I ever stolen my crush's motorcycle for a joyride and then wrecked it immediately," Raquel grinned towards Zatanna.
"Hey! That happened before Dick and I started dating!"
"Hence the word 'crush' not boyfriend."
"…ugh," Zee groaned taking another sip, "Finally! Back to me! Never have I ever messed up on a mission and tried to hide it from Batman!"
As expected, everyone took a sip. Unfortunately, however, Donna turned the tables right back to Zee.
"Never have I ever had quickie sex before a big show I had to perform in."
"….This is gonna be a long game."
Despite Dinah's plea to stop targeting Zatanna, the other girls essentially kept the onslaught going. Next to the poor magician were at least five glasses that once contained champagne. Fortunately, her homo-magi genes kept her from being completely wasted, but there was definitely a buzz going through her head.
"Never have I ever had sex in a Ferris wheel," Kara asked.
"COME ON GUYS!" Zee shouted before downing more champagne.
That was pretty much how the afternoon was going. Have you had sex here? Did you have sex there? Did this happen during sex? Did that happen during sex? While some of the other girls did take a sip here and there, Zatanna had clearly drunken the most. Honestly, she had half a mind to just get up and leave. But Raquel looked like she was having a blast. And this party was meant for her enjoyment with the friends she had. Zee couldn't take that away, especially because she was the maid of honor. So, for now at least, Zee decided to stay and be the entertainment at the expense of her now very public sex life.
"Never have I ever been called my boyfriend's wife and not corrected it," Cassie threw in.
*SIP* (AN: At this point it's just Zee drinking)
"And how many times has that happened?" Babs asked.
Zee bit her lip at that thought. Honestly, the last thing she needed to be reminded of was that she and Dick were theoretically supposed to be engaged by now. But, ever the stage performer…
"At this point I just don't even bother," she put on her stage smile.
"Alrighty then. To move along. Never have I ever slept in because my boyfriend held me too tightly," Karen asked.
*SIP*
"Never have I ever….fallen out of love," M'gann asked.
The mood of the group dipped slightly. It was a rather somber question after all. But no one seemed to drink. They all just tried to find a spot away from each other hoping to avoid eye contact. Or maybe, no one really ever fell out of love.
"S-sorry," M'gann awkwardly laughed, "Kinda a bad question for a bridal shower."
"No no it's ok, M'gann," Dinah patted her shoulder, "I think it's time we moved onto presents. Annnd maybe cut back on the champagne."
"Right, of course. But really, thank you all for coming," Raquel stood up, "I know things haven't been great lately, but I'm really glad we could take this time and celebrate the little things. And thank you specifically, Zatanna, for booking this swanky place!"
"Hehe of course. I'm happy to help in any way," Zee shakily stood up.
"Honestly, this place is super nice! Can you imagine if we did this outside or something?" Donna asked.
"Right! And given our superhero luck, we'd be interrupted by Captain Cold or something…"
*BAHAHAHAHHAHA*
After the party, Zatanna didn't feel like going home. Dinah offered to walk her back to the Arconia, but Zee didn't really want to reveal that she and Dick were separated at the moment. Plus, given her mood, she felt like more alcohol was needed. Not as wobbly as earlier, Zatanna found herself at a pub closest to the Zeta tube. It wasn't late into the night, but the sun had just started to set. She sat down at the bar and tapped for a gin and tonic. Something light to start out with. Her face rested on her hand as she contemplated that question M'gann asked.
Never have I ever fallen out of love
Searching deep into her heart, Zatanna found that no, she hadn't fallen out of love with Dick. She still deeply cared for him. All those other Never Have I Ever questions were also seared into her brain, bringing up sweet memories. Wearing his breezy boxers to tease him. Coming home tired and weary only to find him with warm tea and a hot meal. Ignoring the movie in the theater in favor of making out. Going to the carnival, playing games, and finishing the night with sex in a Ferris wheel. Honestly, being reminded of how much sex she and Dick had helped her recall how sweet and tender he could be when they got busy. How he'd often check up on her to make sure she was ok. How he'd cuddle and hold her all night when they finished. How even in the mornings, he'd cocoon her in his arms to keep her warm. The raunchy game reminded her that even with his faults, he was still the man she so deeply loved. But still, the lying, the circumventing the heart pact. There was so much good to Dick. Surely the bad wouldn't outweigh the nine years they had together?
"Oy, fancy meeting you round these parts?" a thick cockney accent asked.
"Huh?" Zee looked up.
Her nose scrunched a bit at the smell of cigarette smoke. Her tired glassy eyes picked up on that tuft of blonde hair and that unmistakable trench coat.
"Johnny?"
"In the flesh, Zat-Zat," he smiled sitting down next to her.
"Johnny, I live here. Bludhaven is my city. I should be asking you why you're here."
"Eh got places to be, places to go. I'm not one to simply pass on a good pint though," he took a sip but revolted slightly at the taste, "And here I thought this nice establishment had a better selection…"
"Uh huh…"
"Now a better follow-up question, what's a pretty lady like yourself doin in a pub all by her lonesome?"
"Careful, Johnny."
"Oy I'm just makin an observation," he backed away with his hands up, "You don't seem like a pub drinking gal."
"I'm….not. Not usually anyway."
"Care for a chinwag? You owe me one anyway."
"Sigh. I dunno."
"Well, like I always say, let the whiskey do the talkin. Barkeep!"
It had been a relatively uneventful night. The computer at the Nest was searching all possible records for this Angel Inc. It was taking a little longer than Dick would like, but there were just so many shell companies to get past. Fortunately, a fire broke out downtown causing Nightwing to jump into action and leave the computer running for a bit. Something to just break the boredom. Red Arrow had texted earlier with updates about the original Speedy. An assassination attempt on Luthor was definitely not on the bingo card, but it looked like things were taken care of. Nevertheless, here he was just sitting on a rooftop ledge watching the city lights. He had felt something weird in his heart earlier, presumably something to do with Zee. He probably should reach out and call or something. But what would he say? Would he beg for forgiveness? Would he try and explain himself? Every time he thought of how he'd talk to his girlfriend again, Dick would just freeze. Was she even his girlfriend anymore?
"Hey Skyguy!"
"Huh?"
Looking up, Dick was met with Kara's beaming face. She was floating a little to close, but Dick honestly didn't really notice. Gently, she scooted over and sat next to him on the ledge.
"What cha doing?" she asked.
"Just resting. Stopped a fire earlier."
"Ahh that explains why I can smell soot off you from a mile away."
"Hehe and why pray tell can you recognize my scent?" Dick joked.
"Uh cuz you sweat a lot! Not very breathable armor if you ask me," she covered tapping his armor plate.
"Sureee."
She leaned back and let her legs wiggle underneath. The conversation kinda died as Dick leaned forward to try and brood more. But ever the conversationalist…
"Is this your favorite spot in the city?" Kara asked.
"Uhh no. Not really."
"Hmm? What is then?"
"I dunno…"
"Dude, you've lived here for like what? Two or three years now? How do you not have a favorite spot?"
"Kinda hard to enjoy the sights with a city as corrupt as this. Besides, I've been busy."
"Fineee."
"What brings you to town anyway?"
"I wanted to check in on Zatanna. She got pretty tipsy at Raquel's bridal shower. Then I saw you here moping and brooding like you were Batman."
"Hmm. Wait…R-Raquel's getting married?!"
"You didn't know? Did Zatanna not tell you?"
"Uhhh," Dick looked away, "It's complicated."
"Oh. I'm sorry. Is everything ok?"
"No."
"I-I didn't know."
"It's ok. There's no way you could've known."
"Are you ok?" she placed a hand on his shoulder.
"…no."
In all her years of knowing Dick Grayson, Kara had never seen him so tired and vulnerable. He was always the cocky one with jokes and confidence. So daring and full of hope. It was why she fell for him in the first place. Sensing his displeasure, she curled around his arm and rested her head against his shoulder.
"I'm sure it'll be ok," she whispered.
"I really hope so."
*GRRRRR*
Embarrassed, Kara looked away hoping Dick didn't hear her stomach growl. Unfortunately, his confused glare and raised eyebrow told her probably half of Bludhaven heard it.
"You hungry?" he asked.
"…..no."
"Kara…"
"Ok fine maybe."
"Come on. I know a solid pizza joint that's still open this late."
"So let me get this straight," John slurred his words, "Ol' Dickie boy lied to your face, even going around your lil heart spell for errr what exactly?"
"Hehehe. I can't tell you that Johnny! Issa seeeecret," Zee giggled, very clearly inebriated.
The pair were merrily strolling down the street or trying to anyway. They hugged each other side by side hoping to maintain some semblance of balance. Zatanna wrapped her arm around John's neck as he held her waist. Left and right they wobbled laughing and hiccupping after running quite the tab at the pub.
"Oh c'mon now Z-Zat-Zat! You can tell Johnny anything! I can keep a secret!"
"I duuuunnooo. This issa preeeetty big secret. My boyfriend would be suuuuper pissed if I spilt this one."
"Innit he pissed already?"
"Noooooo. I'm the one pissed. Keeep up stoopid."
"Haha whatever. Hey, you remember when we were kids and when we played under the oak tree?" Johnny stammered.
"Uhhhh maaayybe? Is that the time you tried to show me your tr-tr-tttr? Uhhhh," Zee slurred her words.
"Transfiguramaration," Johnny fumbled.
"THAT'S IT! Hahaha. You tried to turn a flower into a b-b-butterflyyyy."
"And I did!"
"Noooo you didn't! You kept turning it into a caterpillar."
"Close enough!"
"Not to science! They're clear twooooo differmarent things. Sorta."
"Bah. Science is bullshit anyway! More importantly, how far is this pizza place of yours?"
"We're alllmost there! Just a biiiit further."
In their inhibited state, neither was able to notice a slight crack along the sidewalk. Zatanna sadly tripped and fell towards Johnny. The drunk Brit also lost his balance and ended up slamming against the nearby wall. Zatanna meanwhile landed on his chest. Both ended up laughing at the near accident for a bit. But then, Zatanna suddenly felt an intense twist in her chest. It was as if all the air in her lungs evaporated. Anger and rage began boiling inside her. But why? Looking up from Constantine's sweaty unbuttoned shirt, she immediately realized why she was filled with fury. Her glassy eyes made contact with blue ones, her favorite blue ones. Just a few feet away stood a speechless Dick Grayson. He looked stunned. Sobering up quickly, Zee pushed off John and tried to stand up straight. But it was too late. Dick gritted his teeth and clenched his fist. No heart pact was needed to figure out how angry he felt. Zee was just about to reach out and say something, but it was pointless. Dick wasn't having it. He immediately turned away and walked. It was so fast and brisk, even Kara stood by completely bewildered. Zee didn't even wonder or cared why Kara was with Dick in the first place. She just ran. Sadly, still very drunk, Zatanna ended up tripping on the sidewalk again, this time falling onto her knees.
"Dick! Dick wait! Please! Let me explain!"
Nothing. He never turned around. Zatanna got up and ran again just as he went around the corner. But tonight was not her night. Right when she got there, like the Bat he was, Dick was nowhere to be seen. Immediately, Zatanna slammed her fist to the wall and began sobbing. Kara and John looked at each other unsure of how to deal with this. John stepped up first, putting a hand on her shoulder, but Zee quickly recoiled and brushed him off.
"Don't touch me!" she spat with venom.
"Oy! You can't seriously blame this on me?"
"Grrr FUCK. I should have never gone drinking with you!"
"Not my fault you can't handle your liquor!"
"I….GAH JUST FUCK OFF! I CAN'T THINK RIGHT NOW!"
"Oh I get it now," John rolled his eyes, "See this is the trouble with that spell. You're letting his rage out on us!"
"I-I just….that's not it! I'm just…..GAHHHH I'M JUST SO FRUSTRATED RIGHT NOW," Zee screamed with tears falling down her cheeks.
"Z-Zatanna maybe we should go home. I can take you," Kara pleaded trying to ease the tension.
"No! I-I'm fine. But more importantly, what are you doing here…" Zatanna sneered at Kara.
"I-I was just in the neighborhood hoping to check in on you! And then I saw Dick moping and uhhh."
"And what? Swoop in because I'm not around?"
"Whoa hold on. 'Tanna I would never!"
"I see the way you look at him, Kara. Everyone knows!"
"Oy Zat-Zat maybe you should calm down before-"
"BEFORE WHAT?! The only man I've ever loved thinks I cheated on him with the likes of YOU. And this bitch is out here trying to steal him from me."
"HEY!" Kara growled, "Fuck you!"
"FUCK YOU!"
"OY! That's enough!" John bellowed ending the fight before it began, "Christ almighty I can't believe I'm the voice of reason here. Clearly, we all need some space and WATER. Let's just all go home and then we can kiss and make up in the morning? Sound good?"
Huffing, both girls turned away from each other. Without saying a word, they walked in separate directions leaving John exhausted on the street corner. Now that everyone had left, John pulled a cigarette from his jacket and lit up a smoke.
"Boy, that escalated quickly…"
Tired and completely drained of energy, Zee stumbled through the entrance of Shadowcrest. Her eyes now too dry to spill any more tears. Rex awkwardly watched as Zee just carelessly shed her boots and jacket on the floor. Ace came running with a chipper attitude but immediately stopped in his tracks upon seeing Zatanna's miserable demeanor. Both armored butler and loyal doggo watched as Zatanna made her way to the bedroom and slammed the door shut. Once inside, Zatanna jumped onto her bed and buried her face into her pillow.
"GGGRRRAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH," she screamed.
For countless minutes she just laid there. Just when she somewhat felt comfortable having a conversation with Dick, any chance of that just blew up in flames, so she believed anyway. At least for now, she could still feel boiling anger from his end. After a few beats, her body rolled so that she was on her side. Her hand reached out to the empty space, where Dick would normally be. Another bout of tears began falling down her cheeks…
Meanwhile, Dick didn't bother going back to the Arconia. It didn't feel like home anymore. He texted Alfred to feed Pocus in the morning. Hopefully the old butler would believe the lie that Dick was working late, though very unlikely. Honestly, deep in his heart of hearts, Dick knew that Zee wouldn't just move onto another man in lieu of their current disagreement. But just the image of her pressing up against John's chest spun him out of control. He just felt so….possessive. They were supposed to still be dating, right? And yet the way she laughed with that man, the way she touched him. It all made Dick just want to smash everything in sight. Or maybe she was through with him? Doubt was starting to creep in his mind. The lies did go on longer than he'd like. And admittedly, there was a possibility that he wouldn't have let her into the circle if they hadn't needed the glamour charm. Maybe….she should move on.
As he rested on the lumpy makeshift bed in the cot, Dick turned onto his side facing the spot Zatanna normally would have occupied. His hand reached out to brush across the cold surface. Despite being apart, Dick and Zee felt as if they were reaching out to each other longing for the warm contact they once had…
"I really wish you were here right now…"
AN: Hi Everyone! As you can see, HTBC is NOT DEAD!
I'm so sorry this took forever to get updated. I honestly struggled a little because I feel as though I wrote myself into a bit of a hole. I don't want to exactly follow the plot points of the show I'm referencing and honestly, I wasn't exactly sure how to structure this chapter. I knew I wanted this angsty bit, and I was kinda on a fluff high so I just didn't have the correct mood for how this chapter was supposed to go. Luckily, I've been much more motivated thanks to the new wave of Chalant coming in. Specifically, blame HumbugZee (on AO3) for fueling my angst for this chapter.
Anyway, obviously we're moving along with the events of season 2 with the B-plot of the Murder in the Building. If I recall, a certain mountain is supposed to go up in flames. And more angst to come I suppose huehuehue.
Leave a fav and a comment please! Have a great Holiday Season...despite the rather dour circumstances in this story hehehe...