Slow Motion

It was probably a little after seven in the morning. He stirred, feeling the cool sheets around him, but not her. It was expected. This was the routine, one that neither of them felt compelled to break. Well, that was a lie. He very much wanted more. Of course, for that conversation to happen, they needed to actually be in the same room after sleeping together. At any rate, it was time to start the day. Dick stood up from the bed and walked towards the dresser. It may be Zatanna's apartment, but the layout was comfortably familiar to him. He'd been over countless times. He even had a drawer just for him, just like she had hers at his place. That was supposed to mean something, right?

To say Dick and Zatanna had an instant connection would be an understatement. After all, eager and infatuated were the only ways to describe how Dick shoved M'gann out the way just to say hi to the raven-haired newcomer all those years ago. Most girls would've found that first impression to be a bit much, but not Zatanna. She matched his energy and even flirted back. The rest of the team honestly felt exhausted at how the acrobat and the magician constantly danced around each other. Robin would always be the first to her aid during combat. While Zatanna graciously accepted the help, she oddly would keep him at arm's length. She laughed at his jokes and teased him back, but to most of the team, Robin was more in love than she was. Although subtle hints here and there sometimes revealed Zatanna's true feelings. After all, as Artemis liked to point out, it was Robin's motorcycle Zatanna stole on that memorable Halloween night. It was Robin whom Zatanna always paired up with during training. It was Robin whom Zatanna pulled in for a sweet New Year's kiss. It was Dick Grayson who held her when she wanted to cry about her father. Maybe that was how this all started.

Despite all the teasing and flirting, they never dated, not officially anyway. It could have been all the guilt she felt for letting her father be taken away by Fate. It could be that Dick despite walking around with an air of confidence, was always too scared to push any further. Even so, their natural attraction to each other could not be stopped. It was supposed to be a one-time thing. A night out clubbing for Wally's birthday had gone smoothly. The team danced the night away and developed a satisfying buzz from all the alcohol. But everyone paired off at the end of the night. Wally went back to Stanford with Artemis. Conner and M'gann went home to Mount Justice. Kaldur swam back to Atlantis while Raquel went home to be with her boyfriend, Noble. That just left Dick and Zee. Not wanting to end the night, they went back to Dick's apartment to watch a movie. Instead, clothes were haphazardly tossed onto the floor. They didn't even make it to the bed. By morning, Dick woke up on the couch, and his dress shirt from the night before was missing.

At first, they didn't really acknowledge what happened. But the effects of sleeping together for the first time were evident. A minor glance in her direction made Zatanna blush and bite her lip. Dick in turn sheepishly smiled and scratched his head. Despite the awkwardness, those two were still so magnetically drawn to each other. The entire team knew, but no one ever said anything. But now that this new door was opened, Dick and Zee found any and every chance to be together. After every mission, they'd go home together. After every big milestone like Dick becoming Nightwing or Zee opening her first show, they'd celebrate together by hooking up. Sometimes they wanted to be with each other just because. No reason needed. A simple text and moments later lips were on skin with passion and fervor. It felt good for a while. They were in each other's lives for the most part. But for some reason, it never went past "friends". After each hookup, one of them was always left alone in the morning. Dick hated that, but he hated ruining the balance they had even more. He tried once before anyway…

"I know we live in a world of magic and aliens, but somehow I can't wrap my head around making a three-piece suit bulletproof by sewing in a thing Kevlar lining," Zatanna mused as she slurped her noodles, "You're the expert. Is this a thing?"

"I mean, the stuff WayneTech makes for our suits are the thinnest and lightest in the world. And even then, I doubt Lucius can fit it in a tuxedo," Dick replied.

As John Wick continued gunning down assassins, Dick couldn't help but peek over at Zatanna curled up on the couch. Everything felt so normal and comfortable. Movie night was at his place for once. Even though she had her own drawer, Zatanna opted to don one of his hoodies for warmth. Dick could never say no to her. If anything, it made her more beautiful in his eyes.

"So," he started.

"Hmm?"

"A-anything new with you?"

"Eh. Not really. Cecily's been trying to help me come up with a new act for my show."

"Ah. Gotta change it up every now and then, right?"

"Mmm hmm. What about you?"

"Um nothing really. Just regular team stuff."

"Training the newbies, huh?"

"Yea. But nothing could compare to Team Zero."

"Hahah yea. We really did catch lightning in a bottle as a group, didn't we."

"I think so. You can't really recreate the chemistry we all had," Dick reminisced.

"Yea…" she smiled, digging into her Chinese take-out again.

"Speaking of uh chemistry," Dick fidgeted.

"Hmm?"

"Are you uh…seeing anyone?"

Zatanna paused for a moment. If the question caught her off guard, she didn't show it, ever the stage performer. Dick looked away, immediately regretting the query. This was a side only Zatanna ever knew about. Shy and timid Dick. Behind all the cackling, the broad shoulders, and firm conviction as the team's leader, Dick was often unsure of himself, afraid to really push the envelope, especially with her.

"I-I mean y'know. Just wondering if you've met someone you like is all. No biggie," he stammered trying to face forward at the movie.

He didn't notice the coy smile forming on her face. She set down her noodles and crawled towards him. Without saying a word, Zatanna pulled his face towards her and kissed him. Like they'd done many times before, they fell into a rhythm. Her arms wrapped around his neck as he held her waist, neither breaking lip contact. Soon, they parted, and she settled in between his legs. With a mischievous smile, she pulled down his sweatpants and boxers. And just like that, they went back to the usual routine, the safer option. By morning, Zatanna was gone, and Dick never brought up the relationship question again.

They continued sleeping together, and things surprisingly were comfortable again. Well, at least until Barbara got into an accident. With each successful mission and each villain defeated, it was easy to forget how…..mortal the heroes really were. It all happened so fast. One minute they were disarming Joker bombs at the UN. The next, a League of Shadows assassin sliced right through the Kevlar, cutting Batgirl's spine. Aside from Zee, Barbara was one of Dick's closest confidants. He felt a responsibility towards her as the accident happened right in front of him. And so, the hookups with the magician became less frequent.

All her life, Zatanna had surprisingly never experienced jealousy. Her father had constantly shielded her from the outside world, and when he was gone, she practically fell into Dick's arms. And again, it was no secret he adored her. Upon meeting him, she thought he was cute. She wanted to be cute and felt like the flirting was a game. But then her father became trapped, and Dick was the only one who'd understand her. He was the only one who gave her the warmth and comfort she needed. But she didn't deserve him. He was the golden boy, beloved by all and praised by the likes of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. Dick Grayson, Robin, Nightwing, could do no wrong. He didn't need an orphan magician who trapped her father away for eternity. And yet, try as she may, Zatanna couldn't keep her hands off him. She had accepted being someone just to have sex with for him. It was why she gave him that glamour charm, no questions asked. Dick may have thought he was charming and subtle about it, but Zatanna knew something was up. Instead, she felt happy to be needed, to be in his life. Because again, she didn't deserve him.

So then, why was she so riled up at seeing him next to Barbara? Why did her chest tighten whenever she saw him push that wheelchair? Why did she clench her teeth whenever he laughed at one of Barbara's jokes? She had no claim to him. They were just fuck buddies. Barbara was better for him. Same style. Same interests. They were childhood friends. Dick and Zatanna? Friends and confidants, sure. But right now he was choosing to be with Barbara…..or so she thought anyway.

Finding Conner in a different dimension was proving to be difficult. Despite gathering some of the best magicians available, Zatanna was still unable to pinpoint exactly where the supposed Kryptonian was placed. But that vision was clear as day. Conner was practically screaming for help. She knew what she saw, and giving up was never an option. There was a trail. Clues were right in front of her. Zatanna just couldn't piece it all together. But a detective could…

She kinda saw it as finally getting even. He needed her for that glamour charm, and now she needed him to save their friend. He wasn't hard to find. She was one of the few people who knew Dick would literally run away to a circus to relax for a bit. Secretly, she cherished still being a part of his inner circle. What Zatanna didn't account for was how good he looked without his shirt on. It had been a while since they last hooked up. They were still friends and shared pleasantries at work. But neither had visited the other's apartment in a while, even though Zatanna still kept his drawer nice and tidy for him. She wondered if he did the same. However, once Dick turned around and smiled with excitement, all thoughts left the magician's mind. Honestly, she could barely keep her composure. Sweat glistened off his skin. His muscles were so toned and defined. He probably wasn't flexing, but the contours of his abs stirred something inside her. Zatanna tried her best to maintain eye contact, but she couldn't help but drink in the sight before her, mentally mapping out each of his scars she'd intimately seen like a game of minesweeper. One boyish grin from him later broke everything. In the blink of an eye, they were in his trailer, lips biting and kissing one another, hands roaming, and clothes practically ripped off. It felt so refreshing, exciting. It kinda surprised her that he was so passionate, more than he'd ever been in the past. His lips left a fire trail on her skin. His hands, though firm, were gentle and loving. With each thrust inside her, there was intent, love, and even longing. If she didn't know any better, it was almost like he missed her just as much as she missed him. And for the first time, they both woke up together in the morning, on a lumpy mattress in a circus trailer.

A lot happened after that. Dick figured out the whole Conner mystery in twenty-four hours, just like she thought he would. A trip to the phantom zone here, a big fight with evil Kryptonians there, and all was well in the world. Unsurprisingly, Conner and M'gann could not wait any longer to get married. So, the fastest turn-around ever from mission to wedding took place. The crowd had a hodgepodge of heroes, family, and friends alike. When the wedding party was decided, Dick and Zee were the paired-up groomsman and bridesmaid. As they walked down the aisle for the procession, everything just felt so right. Zee wrapped her arm around his and leaned closely towards him. Even during the ceremony, they were completely distracted as Dick kept glancing at her and she returned his gaze in kind. Finally, after all the dancing and celebrating, they found a quiet spot by the house just to themselves.

"Thank you," she started.

"For what?"

"For not brushing off my hunch about Conner. For believing in me."

"I've always believed in you. Ever since we were kids," he smiled causing her to blush, "Besides, you did all the work. I just got us to the finish line."

"Hehe. Don't sell yourself short. You convinced everyone else as well."

"We both helped make this wedding happen. How's that?"

"Sigh," she rolled her eyes, "Ok."

As the sun set, Zatanna rested her head on his shoulder happy to drink in this moment with him. He squeezed her hand letting her know he was here, here with her. Even so, doubt started creeping in. Did she love him? Did he love her? Did she deserve him? Did she want him? Scared and wanting to run away again, Dick moved to get up. But she wouldn't let him, gripping his arm tightly.

"We uh should get back to the party," he shyly whispered.

"No. We should talk."

"O-ok…"

"What are we, Dick?"

"W-we're friends, right?"

"Are we?"

"Of course."

"Hmm. Right," she loosened her grip and moved to stand.

It was all the same. Nothing had changed after all these years. They were just dancing on the edge, afraid to take it too far. Every single time, they'd just leave before they loved one another.

"But we should be more than friends," he said grasping her wrist.

"Huh?" she turned around.

"I want more, Zee," he motioned her to sit back down.

"But I-I thought we erm agreed to-"

"We never agreed on anything. Honestly, we just jumped into the sex to make each other feel better. I-I've always wanted to be more. More than this. But you always pushed me away."

"I-I didn't think I was what you needed."

"…Zee?"

"You were so much better than me. So far away. The Boy Wonder. The man who'd lead the League someday. I was just some girl to trauma bond with…"

"You're so much more than that," he moved to cup her face, "You're a hero, a mistress of magic. You're someone who understands me, who will pull me up when I'm down and pull me back when I'm too far gone. You're everything to me."

"Dick…"

"And I'm not perfect. We both know that. I make mistakes too. Please don't put me on a pedestal anymore."

"I'm just so afraid sometimes," she started crying, "I've just felt so useless ever since my dad took my place as Fate. It took me years to free him. And even then, he's not fully free. I just traded one deal with Nabu for another. I didn't think I was worth anyone's love."

"Zee, stop. You're worth mine. I love you. I've always loved you," he moved to kiss her tears, "All I've ever wanted was to be yours, fully yours. But you kept turning me away."

"I turned you away because you can do better."

"No. No I can't. Because all I want is you. Every time we're together, I'd wait all day and all night to get a moment like this with you. A moment where I can tell you I love you. But I'd worry. I'd worry that you'd say you liked where we were going and that we should leave it at that."

"R-really?"

"Mmm hmm. It hurt me every time you left in the morning without saying anything. But I didn't want to push you."

"Oh Dick. I just…I mean….I thought that was what we agreed upon."

"Then I want a new agreement. If you'll have me…"

Golden hour fell upon the pair. The yellow light hit his face at just the right angle, accentuating his handsome features. Same with her as the light made her tears look like little crystals. Their blue eyes never broke apart as the world around them simply faded. It was just Dick and Zee staring at each other. No music. No wedding. Just a man holding the woman he loved waiting for her to love him back.

"W-will you promise me you'll be here tomorrow?" she whispered.

"Always. And if you'll have me, I will give you all of me tonight."

"T-then yes. Be mine, Dick Grayson."

"I've always been yours."

He leaned forward to kissing her, albeit a little too suddenly. Zatanna fell back onto the bench with Dick on top of her, but it didn't matter. Things were finally perfect. She wrapped her arms around his neck holding him in place as they moved in sync. Though they had kissed countless times, this one felt different. It felt so right, so freeing. It felt like the first time, because for once they were right where they were supposed to be. After breaking for air, Dick and Zee pressed their foreheads together, letting their breaths mix and mingle.

"I like where this is going," Zee smiled, "But we're still at Conner and M'gann's wedding. Maybe we should take it a little slow?"

"Zee, I love you, but I waited ten years for this moment. We literally cannot go any slower…"

"Hehehe, Dick people will be asking for us eventually."

"Let them. I don't care. The only thing that'll be slow is how I'll make love to you tonight. Slow and agonizing. Until you beg for me," he mischievously grinned while peppering her with kisses.

"Dick Grayson!" she exclaimed at how vulgar he was being before being interrupted with yet another kiss.

"I'm just doing as you said: Being as Chalant as I like…"

The next morning was perfect. For just the second time ever, Dick and Zee woke up together. Covers upon them, they couldn't help but snuggle closely together. He held her waist tightly, afraid to lose her. She half-straddled him and pressed her nose into his neck taking in the scent that was uniquely his.

"Hey, Baby," she kissed his neck.

"Hello, Beautiful," he kissed her forehead.

"We should get going. Don't wanna be late."

"Of course."

On this joyous morning after the reception, the original team decided to go for brunch. All eight members somehow squeezed into a booth. Dick and Zee found themselves smushed together in the middle. But they didn't mind. If anything, they felt like giddy kids all over again. He fed her a bit of his blueberry pancake and she licked a smidge of butter off his cheek. Caught up in their own little world, they didn't even notice the rest of the group staring at them. Feeling sheepish, Dick and Zee decided to make an announcement.

"Sooo I guess it's about time you all knew," Dick started.

"Yeaa. Um. Well, Dick and I are dating. Officially."

The response was not what the couple was expecting. Instead of a round of congratulations or "it's about times," everyone just burst out laughing.

"I thought you two were already dating?!"

AN: Slow Motion - Jonas Brothers & MarshmellowHello everybody! Welcome to Chalant 2025! Admittedly at this point I might as well just call this a Jonas Brothers playlist. I had other plans but recently, they came out with this new song and I was just immediately hooked. It's a curse and a blessing how with every song I listen to, my mind just tries to come up with a Chalant scenario. I even promised myself I would update The Pink Princess and her Prince before going back to Chalant. And even then the plan was to update How to Be Chalant right after! But when have things ever gone to plan hahah...

Anyway, I do have another song to add into this Playlist at some point. Yes, it is a Jonas song. Can you guess which one it is? Hehehe.