julesthecoffeelady-99

[julesthecoffeelady-99]

** Hi friends, it’s been a while since my last chapter posted. My beloved kitty passed last week so I needed some time. Thanks for your understanding!!**

Ch. 8 Encounters and Exits

Right, so let's begin.  I find myself in a shitty-on-the-outside, slightly-less-shitty-on-the-inside bar in New York City. 

It was very exclusive...except to anyone with an ounce of magical experience. I had to read an invisible password and all that.  I guess it kept the complete posers out. Still...looking around, it's filled with a few too many people who are really trying to look magical, d’you know what I mean? Capes, white hair, black contacts.  Eh, really not my scene. But I'm looking for someone.

I don't spot them quite yet, so I have a little time to kill.  I approach the bar, and...lucky me. There's a gorgeous girl there—all raven hair, porcelain pale skin, bright blue eyes, rose lips.  Thank gods, she doesn't appear to be trying too hard....she has the looks of a goth princess, but those she seems to have come by naturally.  Sure, with some lipstick and all that.  She's wearing a white corset top and a semi-sheer long black shirt with a very generous slit to show off some toned thigh.  She has a paid of shiny heeled boots that hit at her ankle that I notice she's using the opposite leg to slide off a bit, then back on repeatedly, like a nervous habit.  If I'm being honest, I could do without the fishnet arm warmer glove things she has on, but I'm willing to overlook them given the rest of her. 

I casually prop my elbows on the bar in the empty spot beside her.  The bartender nods at me, and I ask for a "whiskey neat, if you please." Talking a little louder than I have to.

Bingo.. The beautiful woman glances at me upon hearing the accent. God save the queen.  She smiles when I shift my eyes her way, not embarrassed to be caught examining my face.  I like that. To be honest, I'm not often dazzled by gorgeous beings, but something about her gets to me.  I find myself unable to look away cooly like I intend.  There's a quiet confidence in her smile, but also a genuine kindness in her eyes.  That, plus the sexy goth girlfriend outfit are incredibly disarming.

"You here for the show?" she asks, breaking the silence (but not the eye contact).

I chuckle and glance down, noting that she knows I was looking, too.

"You know, I came on a whim.  Didn't even know about a show tonight.  Good act?"

She tilts her head in a "maybe, maybe not" gesture.

“I sure hope so."

"I was formerly in a band meself, so I guess that makes me somewhat of an armchair audience member.  If they're good, I really appreciate it. If they're bad....I'm wondering why they aren't trying harder."

The girl raises her eyebrows.

“Band member, huh?"

"Formerly."

"Anything I'd have heard?"

"Well, you know....no."

We both laugh a bit.

"Very modest," she nods. "It’s awesome that you tried it though. That's a lot of people's dream."

"Well, we had a good name going for us."

Gods, she's easy to talk to.  How someone that lovely who looks like that is sitting alone is beyond me.

"Oh?" She gives me an inquisitive look.

I open my jacket a bit to reveal the print of my t-shirt.

"Mucus Membrane…” She reads it aloud, her voice a mix of disgust, shock and a barely concealed giggle.

She snorts a bit, covering her mouth quickly. On her it's incredibly charming.

"That's right," I say, grinning. I’m extremely pleased to have made this goddess laugh.

"Wow, that is a name alright.  How could you fail with a name like that?" She lets out a few more giggles then says " Sorry." She's smirking at me behind her hand, her eyes lit up.

"Well, unfortunately you missed us on tour.  Perhaps I can do a solo gig for you, though."

She sits up straight, her expression serious all of a sudden. "Oh, I'm..." She starts just as I hand her my card. It makes her laugh again when she reads it.

"Johnny Con-Job? Please tell me that's a stage name."

"Of course. Very punk rock." I'm smiling. Even though she's taking the piss out of me, she's so lovely about it.

"VERY punk rock." She agrees solemnly.

"Alright, what's your name then?"

She looks me  in the eye again, like she's making a decision.

'You can call me Zee."

"And you can call me John."

"Ah, yes. The Con-Job part is only for business associates, I see."

Her eyes are sparkling, but she's turned into herself a bit, gotten a touch reserved.

"Well, John, it's nice to meet you. I better get going, if you'll excuse me."

It's not rude or abrupt, but it catches me off guard.

"Bye," I call out, a bit lamely.

Thought we were having an equally good time.

But maybe for the best, I shouldn't have distractions right now. I need to find....

And it's then I spot him, settling down into a booth facing the stage.

Nick Necro.  There's so many stories about him in occult circles.  He's the best mage there is right now.  And I want him to teach me.

I approach his table.  I'm younger than him, and I want something, so I opt for a little humility. Not really my style, but something tells me this guy likes a little stroking of his ego.

Most mages do, if we're being honest.

"Beg your pardon, Mr. Necro?"

His eyes flash to mine. He doesn't say anything, just gives a gruff nod and grunt of acknowledgement.  Probably thinks I'm a fan. Even though I kind of am, it's a bit of a dick move on his part. I admire it. And press on.

"I wanted to talk to you about..."

"Shh!" He interrupts me. "It's about to start."

I turn around and look at the stage. I'd been so focused on getting to Necro that I hadn't paid much attention to the lights dimming and the hush settling over the room until now. 

A spotlight is aimed at the center of the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I ask you to please welcome....(drumroll sound effect)

ZATANNA ZATARA."

A glittery cloud of smoke appears on stage to raucous applause and cheers.

As the cloud disperses, Zee stands in it's place, radiant.

I smile to myself (so this is where she ran off to) then glance back at Nick. His eyes are glued to the stage. It's clear I'm not going to get anything out of him right now, so I may as well enjoy the show. 

Turns out, good thing Nick wasn't in the talking mood just then. I couldn't have torn my eyes away from her. 

When it ended and the lights came back.  I shook my head in a bit of awe at what I'd just witnessed.  Zatanna was a sight to behold on stage--seductive and playful and commanding.  She had everyone watching wrapped around her little finger.  What a woman. What a mage. Sure, this was a performance, but she clearly had a talent for magic.

I turned to Nick, who was throwing back what remained of his drink.  "Well now that was a show!'" I began jovially.  Now, Nick breaks into a huge grin. "She's something, isn't she?"

“She is.Way more than a pretty face...the best stage magic show I've seen." Nick glances at me, his face unreadable.  "Have a nice night." He's trying to get away.. 

"Mr. Necro, I came here to find you." He looks a little startled. Which, fair eough, that's a pretty stalker-y thing to say. I rush on: 'I want to learn from you."

He pauses, turns,, gives a half smile. "Look, guy. I'm flattered, but I've got my hands full."

"I can help you in exchange for lessons, work for you..." My voice trails off because Zatanna has emerged from backstage, saying quick, genuine thank yous to everyone who approaches her. She breaks into a run as she gets closer.

My smile must be close to cracking my face.  She must have regretted leaving before she got a chance to give me her number or card, maybe she wants a nightcap...

But she doesn't make it all the way to me.  Because she's jumped into Nick's arms, wrapping her legs around his waist as they kiss.

Bullocks.

[julesthecoffeelady-99]

Chapter 7 coming right up! Posted below, but if you enjoy and could visit on Wattpad I’d really appreciate it!

Ch. 7: Run-Ins and Blackouts

Nicholas Nolan has a smile that doesn't meet his eyes. He advances lazily towards Zatanna, as a lion who already knows he'll get what he wants. 

Zee stares at him, paralyzed.  She had once found this man irresistible—handsome, charming, witty.  With his 6'3" frame, midnight black hair, sensitive amber eyes and sculpted jaw, he was beautiful. However, it was his intensity, his moral code that had really sold her.  His hair now contained a slight salt-and-pepper effect, and his eyes....those now looked hungry, haunted.

She had been head over heels for him, despite their 17 year age difference. Then, everything changed.  And it started with Constantine entering their lives all those years ago...

She swallows. "Hi, Nick."

******

I'm staring at the love of my life—my kind of girlfirend, pretty much wife, and very occasionally the woman who hates me —and our ex-lover.  Don't get me wrong, if you were to see Nicky at a bar you'd think he was a fine-looking gent, but knowing him from way back, he's not looking so good.

I'm glued to the ground by the magic he's using, and Zee has just said hi to him.  While I'm betting she's just as shocked to see him as me, I'm also sure it's hitting her a lot harder.  Zee is a lot better than I am.  She has it in her to see the good, to appreciate where someone is coming from or what they once were.  While she might get uppity and fume when Nick is mentioned, I know it's mainly because I was in his crosshairs when we parted ways. Never mind that she was too—that she can forgive.  But not so much  messing with someone she cares about. Still, when she's face to face with him it can pull at her heartstrings a bit differently. 

But I know she loves ME. Despite everything that's happened, and all the reasons she shouldn't.  I don't doubt her loyalty, I just know she doesn't have it in her to look someone she used to love in the face and see all bad.

Which, is very lucky for me almost all the time.

Suddenly, that bastard manhole is magicked up again. I see it hovering above my head for just a moment before it crashes down, hard, on my skull.  Everything goes dark.

Oh, this is John, by the way. John Constantine.I'm really hoping you used context clues to get there.  So, here we are: Zee, Nicky and I, meeting up in a a park.  As you can likely tell using those keen observational skills of yours again, there is some history here. 

Our story is not too different from your typical meet-cutes.  Boy meets girl, girl has boyfriend already, boy wants to be taught mystic feats by said boyfriend, girl and boyfriend invite boy to...hmmm, ok. Might be a bit twisty. And seeing as how I'm blacked-bloody-out, I have time to tell it. Allright loves, let's buckle up and begin, shall we?

[julesthecoffeelady-99]

Part 6 up on Wattpad and below!! Eep!

Ch. 6: Down and Up

"Wouldn't it be just as good to wait by the sewer entrance above ground?" Zee asks.

Admittedly the question had just occurred to her --only after magicking them to the sewer itself.

"Don't go getting princess-y on me now, Zee." John drolls, winking at her. "Seriously, I thought about it, but there's a greater risk of being detected. Also, I have this spell I learned that only works in enclosed spaces. So, sewage it is."

"Fair enough. You're sure we're below the right manhole?"

"Seems like it. In every other incident, he's struck right by the northern most one in the park. That's this one."

Zee nods. "So now we wait."

"Indeed."

There's a beat of silence. John cricks his neck. Zee does a few wrist rolls and stretches her hands behind her back.

"I hate waiting" she says.

John chortles. "I remember."

She opens her mouth again but a metallic scraping cuts through the air.

Someone is above, pulling back the manhole cover.

Zee and John lock eyes and both stand stock still.

The sound emits again, this time they see the sliver of light disappear. Whoever is up there was testing it.

Zee gets in an action stance, ready to spring up.

John touches her arm and shakes his head.

She leans into him to hear what he's saying: "Get behind me."

She meets his eyes and snorts back a laugh.

"Please."

John smirks, plunges forward and connects his mouth with hers. "For luck" he whispers as they barely separate. Then they both take a step back and John softly begins to chant, going to touch the sewer walls as he does it--proving to what is being invoked that he's in an enclosed spot.

Every muscle of Zee's is tensed, hyper aware of any noise above. According to John, this incantation will allow him to connect with the water...which, if they're thinking right, will contain some element (blood, skin cells, hair) of the dead. Once the connection is made, he'll be able to "feel" their state at the time of death, which will hopefully provide more clues--and, the dead hopefully will respond and provide backup to trap the one that took their lives.

Hopefully. If John is his usual charming self...there's no telling.

Zee is on edge--John insisted they hold their position here, but what if the killer is already hurting the victim? True, except for John's chanting and the occasional drip of water she hears nothing but..

John goes silent. Zee looks at him and has to cover a gasp.

His eyes are wide and his body is being levitated.

He told her all he did was chant, walk some circles, touch the water....this wasn't right.

She runs over and reaches for him but whatever has hold of him abrubtly yanks him straight through the manhole cover to the ground above. Zee springs into action, flying out the opening and facing....

Her mind processes many images simultaneously.

There's John on his knees of the ground, clutching his head. There's the manhole cover said connected with. The soft grass under her feet, a soft man-made brook trickling near by--and standing by John is someone she never wanted to see again.

The man speaks.

"It's so funny running into old lovers, isn't it?"

[julesthecoffeelady-99]

Ch. 5: Breakfast and Bodies

Zee woke with her head on John's chest--she must have shifted during the night. He was on his back, his left arm thrown outward, hair rumpled, mouth slightly open. He looked adorable. And despite not being built like Dale, his lean muscles felt so...nice to be entangled with.

She gazed at him a second more, then started to gently shake him awake.

"Mmmalready awake" he murmured.

"Yes, I can tell by the fact that your eyes are closed"

"You seemed to be enjoying the view so I stayed like that. Just for you."

Zee laughed then pushed on his chest.

He pulled her back into him, firmly, and play-wrestled her back into her sleeping position.  He kissed her on the forehead, then on the lips--just a quick one.

She glowed, but pulled back.

Time to get to work.

They met Chas in the kitchen, and over coffee and toast they recapped their findings from last night.  Which was...not much.

"What we do have is an idea of the location," John said, in between great slugs of coffee.

"All three bodies were found in three parks, right near here." He points on a map.

"Each is the park nearest the next, you see? So, it stands to reason tonight's will be.."

He taps to the one that's right next to the last murder location.

Zee nods. Still, it seemed too easy

"That's ...such an obvious pattern."

Chas nods "That  was my first comment."

John agrees: "Yeah, 'tis. So either, our killer is not the brightest, is an amateur, or—"

"Wants to be caught," Zee finishes.

"Yeah. Maybe all three."

"I can't believe we haven't heard about this in the news...you'd think they want to warn civilians about those areas. Did you sense any glamour cast?"

"Good question, but no. As I said, they seem to like having a target on their back.  My guess? A new-to-the-game mage or asssassin or....mage assassin—that wants to get the attention of big guns."

John pauses to tip back his coffee for one final gulp, holding his finger up to indicate he still has a thought.

"Also, just because Officer Dull doesn't have a bead on this doesn't mean other enforcement doesn't.  I got the impression his brain didn't get a lot of bloodflow, what with those dreamy biceps taking up so much---hey!"

His face goes from devious to indignant as the last bite of toast turns into butterflies --"tsaot ot seilfrettub!" and leaves his hand.

Zee smiles wide, then says "So, plan of approach?"

"You and I go into the park, Chas waits near an exit in the car. Classic."

"We just stroll in and you'll be pulled where to go, right?"

"Wellllll..."

Zee sits up and stares at John, waiting for the rest. Chas looks down at the table.  Ok, so he knew this next bit of information that's about to drop.

"So, the murders have all taken place with close access to an underground exit."

"So, a sewer."

Johns eyes light up. "That's exactly right, love.  We should go in through the sewer, great idea."

Zee groans. She's not above getting her hands dirty, but traipsing around in the sewer is not appealing. Still, it's what needs to be done to help.

"You sure know how to show a girl a good time," she says resignedly.

"I do try," comes the chipper reply.

[julesthecoffeelady-99]

Ch. 4: Wards and Walls

The three of them cracked open books again, getting back to business.  John glances down at his pages for just a moment before closing the book again.

"Hey, what's going on with your warding magick?"

Zee glances at him. "Nothing....why?"

"Well, lovely Officer Dreamboat was able to just walk up here without any type of warning..."

Zee rolled her eyes.  "He doesn't have magical abilities.  He wouldn't have been detected. The wards are fine."

"You know, just because someone coming to your door doesn't possess magic doesn't mean they can't still be a pain in the ass...Mormons, for instance..."

"Yes, well, something to keep in mind next time I review them."

A pause as both shift back to their books.

John breaks the silence.

"Oh, and I was able to come in."

Zee shoots him a look.

"Before I realized you were at the theater.  I strolled right up and in."

He looks innocent as he states this. Zee knows where this is going...

"Hmm. Well, you taught me the wards.  So, perhaps you just had the ability to disarm them without real conscious thought."

John nods astutely. "Ah, yes.  Must be something like that."  He puts his chin in his hand and cocks it her way.

"Yes, I already said that." Zee says with a straight face.

"Come on, Zee.  You've gotten really crap at applying wards if I didn't even feel them. Even if I could get through them easily, I should still be able to feel them"

Zee fumes. she takes pride in her abilities, but the only way to admit that the wards are indeed working is intended would be to own up to something else. And she's not quite ready to do that yet...

John raises his eyebrows, that innocent look still plastered on his face.

Zee just stares at him, thinking "Does he suspect...? No, he couldn't possibly."

John raises his hands up in mock surrender. "Enough with the death stare. Just feedback from a colleague."

"Thank you so much" Zee intones, giving him a little shove.

They both turn back to their books, matching half-smiles on their lips.

The night goes on.  Book after book is combed through, with occasional utterances and pointing out of passages to the others. Mostly, though, they work in companionable silence.  Somehow, John and Zee's positions have shifted slightly. Just slightly. So her body is angled towards John's, and his toward hers.  His hand occasionally comes down to rest on her upper thigh, right below one of her favorite places to be touched.   When they give one hand a rest from holding the tomes, occassionally their fingers will linger on bits of each other's skin or clothes or hair.

At 3:30 in the morning they hit a wall. They've gone through all the texts between the three of them, and not found out much of note.

Chas stretches his lanky frame in the chair and yawns hugely.

"Chas, make yourself at home. You remember where the biggest guest room is?"

"I do. Thanks, Zee."  Chas gives her a little half-hug, gives John a clap on the back and heads down the hall.

John lets out a yawn, too.

"You can have any of the other guest rooms, unless Chas is cool with sharing..."

"Oh really, Zee?"

"What?"

"You know what."

"Hmmm. No?"

John looks at her a beat and then shrugs. "Ok, then. Separate bunks it is then."

Neither of them move off the loveseat.

"I'm just very tired.  that's why I haven't moved."

John gives a small mmm and nods. He's looking at her intently.

Internally, Zee is humming with nerves. She wants nothing more than to be close to John.  But things pretty much just imploded with Dale, John was maddening, he was opinionated, and difficult..

And the person she feels most at home with.

Oh, fuck it.

She leans her head back into him.  She just liked being close to him. And he liked being close to her.  It was comforting. That was all.

"Same bed. Pillow barrier between us."

She can't see his face from  her position under his chin, but she knows he's got a huge smile on his face.

"Shut up," she says.

"Didn't say anything, luv."

In Zee's room, John watches warily as she places several pillows down the middle of her king-sized bed.

"I told you--pillow barrier" she says as she places the last one.

John nods seriously. "You certainly showed me.  Do you know, the fun thing about pillow forts? They're very easily dismantled.  But I'm sure a temptation mastermind like yourself was aware of this."

"Don't worry, I'll cast a spell to make them as immovable as a brick and mortar fortress."

"Ah, very wise. Though if that spell is as puny as your protection wards, I fear it may not be enough to prevent you getting handsy with me..."

He dodged a pillow she hurled at him.

"Get into bed" she said, half commandingly, half playfully.

"Yes, ma'am."

They lay on their respective sides for a moment before Zee said into the quiet:

"When I made the wards for the house I left you on the exception list, so you could visit any time."

"I knew it."

Zee turned and broke down the pillow barrier closest to her head, revealing John's gleeful visage on the other side.

At the same time, they both move into each other and meet in a deep kiss.

"John?"

"Mmm?"

"It IS late.  Let's just sleep for now."

"Whatever you want, baby."

He kicks the remaining barrier out of the way, knowing what comes next.

Happily, Zee turns over and snuggles her back up to his front, his little spoon once more.

John kisses her temple, then raises their interlocked hands and kisses the back of hers as well.

"Goodnight, John." Zee whispers.

"Goodnight, love."

[julesthecoffeelady-99]

Ch. 3: Opening the Door

**Note:this chapter is plot building—not spicy but EVERYTHING is building. Hope you enjoy!**

Zee says goodnight to the crew, spends a few minutes signing autographs for lingering fans, then steps outside the theatre.  She takes a deep breath of the night air as John appears by her side.

"Hullo, love.  Figured I'd walk with you.  I can catch you up while we stroll, save some time yeah?"

He looks so carefully casual as he says it.

"Oh yeah? Wouldn't it have been more efficient to tell me this as you were watching me walk to my dressing room?"

John raises his eyebrows, an impressed smile creeping on his face.

"You knew I was there?"

"Please. You're not that subtle."

John grins.. "Not with you, I guess."

Zatanna ignores the last remark "Besides, I was just going to magick home....I can bring you along. I suppose." She says the last words after a pause, a sly smile appearing on her face.

"Oh, well, since you clearly can't wait to get me back to your place, that's much better. I suppose."

Zee grabs his shirt, not enough to be threatening, but enough that he can feel her annoyance.  She takes them to her house.

Once they're in her foyer, John walks to the windows and peers out.

"Oh, be a love and let Chas in."

Zee points to the door--"Nepo" and Chas enters.  Tall, golden brown hair, wiry, his boyish face set in a resting state that always hints at sadness.  However, he breaks into a grin when he sees her.

"Zee, thanks for having us."

"Always glad to see you," she kisses him on the cheek.

"John's been pretty excited for a reason to see you" Chas says loudly.

"Chas, grow up, this is serious business.  I simply wanted to seek out the person best qualified to help."

Zee squeezes Chas's hand.  She knows that even though she and John are reunited (for now), there's something big going on.  Not only would he not use that as a pretense for seeing her if it wasn't at least somewhat true, but she can FEEL something.

She summons them all drinks.

"Ok, tell me what's going on."

"Right. I've found a bunch of sacrifices around the city.  Very specific stuff.  One man staked through each eye. Another with their tongue torn out. A woman with nails hammered into her ear drums. And I think more are on their way. They're building up to something."

"Any idea what might be next?"

"Well, at first I thought it was a very hacky "see no evil, etc etc" thing done by a rank amateur.  but there was a signature of intention.  And nothing was cast. Yet. They weren't just murdered for murder's sake.  They were done purposefully, and are leading to something.:I don't know how many days, but what little I could weedle out of the signature's essence leads me to believe there will be 7 total.:So far the sacrifices have been every other day. So, one tomorrow, going by that.:

"Those poor people." Zee gives a moment to those people who were brutally murdered. What horrible ways to go.

"Agreed, love.  So, let's get cracking and hopefully prevent any further sacrifices, yeah?"

Zee nods.  Let me go through the library catalog....

She uses her magic to connect with the books on another floor, performing a mental search, focusing on key words that may shed light on the events they're dealing with.

A stack of books appears on the sitting room table before then.  Zee hands a book to Chas, one to John, and grabs one for herself. Chas settles into the arm chair across from her, John sits on the loveseat and she sits beside him without much thought.

Before she can get settled, there's a knock at the door.

The three glance at each other. "did you see anyone else outside?" Zee asks Chas.

He shakes his head.

Zee shrugs and goes to the door.She's not expecting anyone, but if it was anyone with noticeable magick the wards would have blocked them, so she isn't worried.

She opens the door to find Dale. Dark unruly hair, tan skin, square jaw, bright, inquisitive eyes, and deliciously muscled upper body that was visible under his gray t-shirt.

He's her kind-of situationship.  They've worked together on a few things and he's taken her out for drinks and made out a few times. But that's it.  He seems torn between keeping it strictly business and furthering their relationship outside of work, and she's busy with her show.  And..other things.

She likes Dale, and when they're together she even feels like it could be something. But, she doesn't give him too much thought when they aren't together.  It's not that she doesn't have empathy and patience or even understand his hesitation. She just doesn't have time to ponder it too much.  And indecision is a decision anyways, right?

But now he's here, in the doorway. He's never showed up unannounced.  And her most significant ex-boyfriend..sometimes boyfriend...happens to be here.The one who she will always love, and the one that's almost-guarantee always be an asshole to any potential competition.

"Hi Zee." Dale offers her a smile "I saw you onstage tonight and just felt compelled to come tell you in person that I thought you were amazing."

He says all this while looking her in the eye.

"Dale," Zee begins softly. This is sweet. And he's so handsome.  And built...

"Zee?"" John's voice cuts through the moment.  He swings the door open wider, takes in Dale, then back at Zee with a slight frown before replacing it with a shit-eating grin. "AH! you must be the new conquest!"  He reaches for Dale's hand.  Dale frown as well, takes it, as John vigorously shakes it. "come in, come in!"

"Erm...hi. I'm sorry, Zatanna, I didn't know you had friends over..." he lowers his voice "who are these guys?"

"This is Chas," who raises a hand and gives a turn and slight smile from his chair--"and this is John Constantine. They're dear friends."

"And ex-lovers. Well, me, anyways." John pipes up.

"Oh," Dale utters, looking unsure.

"Anyways, Dale, did you want a drink? It's only that we're researching kind of a pressing matter..."

"Really? Anything I should know about?" Dale was thrown by Constantine, but becomes calm and confident when back in his realm.

Zee pauses and glances at John, who shrugs.

"Murders...murders that happened every other day, three so far? Really violent.."

Dale looks shocked. "I've heard nothing.  This week? No, it's been quiet."

John looks faux sympathetic "There, there,, I'm sure it's one of these things they don't let just anyone know."

Dale shoots him a look and turns to Zee.  "And you knew about this? And went to someone else first? Is this guy  a detective, or what?"

"I came to Zee with this information, actually.  But I do typically make sure she comes first." John adds, grinning wickedly.

Zee gives a bright smiles to try to cover up John's innuendo.  "I heard about it maybe 15 minutes before you showed up."

Dale glances from Zee's serious face to  John's cocky grin.  "Well, consider me on it.  I'll see what I can find.  We'll keep in touch on this. Gentleman, Zee. " He nods and starts walking to the door.

"Dale--" Zee starts

He gives a strange smile. He says in a low voice "I like you Zee. You know I find you super-impressive...but I didn't know an ex-boyfriend was so heavily in this mix.  I...don't know. Yeah.  Great show. Goodnight." He hugs her briefly and is gone.

Zee presses her forehead to the door for a second before returning to the sitting area.  John and Chas appear to be absorbed in their reading.

"John, did you have to scare him off?"

"I did no such thing.  Just thought I'd start with the elephant in the room"

Zee puts her head in her hands.  She's a bit relieved if she's being honest....as much as she thought Dale was hot, she realized the excitement she got when John was close would be confusing if she actually committed to Dale. Or...anyone else. Still...

"Did you see those arms? they were ...nice arms."

John glances at her, then smiles slightly, nudging her knee with his.

"Tell you what, when I reach a stopping point, I'll do some pushups, then you can feel me biceps."

Zee can't help but laugh a little. "Oh, yeah.  That'll be the same," She rolls her eyes.  she's more atracted to John than anyone she's ever met, but he's definitely more wiry and leanly muscular than body-builder.

"Oh, I've never heard any complaints from you.:

There's just a moment where they catch eyes and look at each other adoringly, stupidly.

Then Chas's voice cuts in: "They were nice arms," he intones stoically.

"Why do I even bloody keep you around?"

[julesthecoffeelady-99]

Excited to see Superman tonight! Wishing everyone a great day!!

[julesthecoffeelady-99]

Ch. 3! This chapter is safely non-spicy, just flirty! Hope you enjoy 🙂

[julesthecoffeelady-99]

**CW**While this chapter is tame, the fic gets a bit spicy later on.**

Ch. 2: Setting the Stage

Zee is holding her pose, in perfect position just as intended when the lights come up. The first half of her show was a masterful demonstration of showboat magic, as it always was. The audience was eating out of her hand--loving her flourishes, her teasing of audience members and audibly gasping as she worked through the tricks.

Then the lights dimmed and smoke billowed up the stage, providing 30 seconds for a brief reset.

Now, when the stage was alight again, the audience would see Zatanna placed slightly stage right, poised with her arms loosely extended, feet apart in a power stance while her hip jutted slightly to the side--all about the angles when there's both amateur and professional photographers in the audience--everything in her body angling the audience's view to the large, telephone-booth-sized box that was now center stage. 

The audience cheered when Zee reflected in their sights again. She smiled, acknowledging them. After a minute of non-stop uproar, she broke her pose, playfully shushing them, which only got louder chants of "Zee! Zee! Zee!"

She let them go on a few seconds more, good-naturedly shaking her head and taking a little bow. She knew they loved her. This happened often. Still, it felt good and she wanted to acknowledge them. She loved building a bond with an audience, turning them from an unknown entity that were excited for a pretty girl with a famous name putting on a good show, to a group of  almost friends--"we're all in this together" vibes. 

There was never any doubt who was the star. Oh, how she did adore that.But now she was about to share the stage.

"Thank you everyone! Now, we are entering the second portion of our show. Here, things get a little more intense, more mystical and a lot more fun." Cheers, cheers. She twirls her wrists, and continues.

"Now, if you've been to my show before you may be familiar with Max--dark-haired, handsome, and normally up for some mischief?" The audience roars with approval as Zee cocks her eyebrows. There's been loud rumors that she and Max were romantic partners---but as much as she loved him, it was strictly in a big-brother sense. Still, he was much-loved by the audience for both his good-sport attitude as much as his strong featured good looks.

"Well," Zee speaks over them as they quiet, "Max got a little tied up today--sadly, not by me"--the audience laughs appreciatively, a few wooos sprinkled in."BUT we do have a special guest who's up for the role of my assistant tonight." Zee crosses the stage to the wings and gives John's hand a big tug,leading him out onto the stage. Down her arm, Zee can feel his slight reluctance. He doesn't fill out Zach's suit, so he's in the clothes he came in, minus the trench coat, plus a bit of hair gel and shine to his shoes.

The audience is already roaring. They don't know who John is per se, but they trust Zatanna to give them a good show.

"This, beautiful humans, is John! John, meet the beautiful audience.”

The audience applauds him generously. 'I'm glad you like him," Zee says, making a show of stepping back and appraising him. "He's cute, right?" Loud, loud cheers, especially from a group of older women near the front.

She raises her hands slightly in a tone-it-down gesture, raising her voice to be heard above the roar "Don't worry--he knows." Laughter from the audience, and a half smile from John as he locks eyes with her.. She holds his gaze a second before languidly starting a half-circle walk around him. "John's actually an ex-boyfriend of mine." Pause for boooos and Zee quickly goes to John and touches his arm protectively.

"None of that now, we're on good terms. But you know the thing about all boyfriends...before they become exes, there are times you wish you could make them....*disappear*" 

She says the last word in a deliberately low and raspy voice, looking over her shoulder at the audience with a faux surprised grin that says "Oooh, I didn't mean to be that obvious but you forgive me, right?" 

Zee continues "So, I bet you guys can guess at least vaguely how this is going to go from here.." She uses her wand to point at the box, and its door flies open. Excited "ooo"s from the audience. "John will go into the box, just as he is. The box will be turned on it's side, cut through with a saw, and John split in two--did I mention I'm REALLY looking forward to this act tonight?" She continues talking through the laughter: 

"Now, you guys know this trick I bet, right? Easy enough to fake, yeah? Well, for my audience that won't do--you guys deserve the best. So, after the obligatory side ways split to separate torso from legs, we'll get him back together, then split him down right from the middle of his head to cut him down length wise. "  Excited gasps...

 Zee goes in front of John and traces a finger down the middle of his chest, stopping just above his waist band. He grins at her--he loves recognition that Zee wants him, especially publicly--"ALL the way, you get what I'm saying ladies?" She grins wickedly and gives an exaggerated nod to John's newly-formed fan club  as they and the rest of the audience half roars, half make groans of second-hand flinching. 

"Of course, he'll get together again after that. and finally...we'll send him to another dimension, make him disappear entirely...JUST briefly! Then we'll bring him back, he'll step out, handsome as ever, and you guys will give him the welcome of a man who just got cut up and transported to a hell dimension and that we're happy to have back! Sounds good?" The audience cheers, and it's go-time.

The trick goes just as described. Yes, of course the cutting both ways involves some slight of hand and design trickery. That's easy stuff. And the "make him disappear"part could be that simple as well--but Zee actually transported him, briefly, to another dimension. She picked a nice one, lots of cat-like creatures that liked ear rubs. As John emerges from the box after his "disappearance" he shoots her a bemused look, mouthing "I got bit" Zee whispers "baby" in his ear and then takes his hand in hers and raises it.

Again, the audience goes wild."He made it back! Now, for his first time up here I'd say that's a success! Let's give John a huge round of applause!" Everyone cheers appreciatively and Zee mouths "Thank you" and stands on her toes to give him a kiss on the cheek. 

John turns so that instead, their lips meets and he pulls her into a deep kiss.. This was NOT what they'd discussed, but in the most..pleasant...way possible. 

She plays it off, taking her top hat in her hand and dropping it back dramatically while raising her leg. John breaks away slightly and grins hugely at her "my pleasure.". He lifts her back to standing, gives a little wave and saunters off stage.

The audience cannot be contained now. Heart racing for reasons more than the adrenaline of a great performance,  Zee smiles and fans herself while making a shower of heart-shaped sparks emit from her wand. She's almost believing along with the audience--as though that finale was part of the plan all along.

[julesthecoffeelady-99]

Just to note: While the first part of the fic is not needing a mature rating, things do heat up down the road!

That being said, I will rate the whole thing/each chapter as it's posted as mature audience...I'd rather everyone know what they're getting into and be able to easily identify any content they aren't comfortable with viewing!

That being said, more to come today!

Thank you!

[julesthecoffeelady-99]

Ch. 1

A dark hallway in a big venue, leading to one of the city's biggest stages.

Zatanna  struts down it, fully in costume. She wears her signature fishnets, of course. Also tall black boots, satin black bikini bottom, crisp white shirt, vest and bow tie. Her wavy raven hair sashays around her shoulders and her sapphire blue eyes are set, focused on delivering a good show. Her painted ruby lips are parted in a slight smile--she's focused, but she loves these moments before the show starts.

Sitting one layer above this mental preparation is an awareness, like a gossamer fabric curtain covering a training arena. She knows she's not alone. If she's being honest, it's also partly the reason for her smile.

She reaches the end of the hallway and steps in her dressing room. Mikey, her friend and stagehand (to cover many bases--Mikey does everything a show could need. Praise be to Mikey) is waiting for her.

"All ready?" Mikey is wearing her signature backstage tomboy-cool look: barely fitted black jeans and a black polo shirt. Black high top sneakers. The necessary color scheme for backstage at a show. It offsets Mikey's bright flaxen hair nicely, though Zee knows she prefers a slightly more colorful wardrobe.

"You know it." Zee grins, a masterful mix of casual confidence and genuine thrill about going onstage. It never gets old. Showman's blood. Or showwoman's in her case.Mikey hugs her "Everything is all set, so you just break a leg. Like always." She starts to exit the door. 

Zatanna had been looking in the mirror, affixing her gloves, but she does a tiny pause and listens as Mikey opens the door and--

"Ow!"

A distinct British voice floats into Zee's room.Like music to her ears. Not that she'd admit it to him. At least not yet.

"John!! What the hell..."

Zee's smile widens. She can tell the exact moment when John starts to open his mouth.

"No...NO, actually, I don't want to hear it. No distracting Zee before a show. You can find her backstage after, I'm sure...IF she tells me she wants to even see you..."

"Well, let's find out then, eh? I can't even BE a distraction if she's not interested in my showing up, can I? Honestly, Mikey, you're a smart bird but you're not using your head today..."

Zee crosses the few steps to the door and opens it fully. In front of her she sees a flustered Mikey and her sometimes love, sometimes friend, often-time pain-in-the-ass ex, John Constantine.

Not looking at him, she smiles at her stagehand--hoping it communicates the combined energies of: resigned "thanks-for-trying"/ confident "don't-worry-I've-got-this"/and slightly sheepish but slightly exhilarated "forgive-me-but-I-want-this-distraction."

"Zeeeeeee" John bursts through the threshold. He seems to be thinking about moving in for a more familiar greeting but Zee steps back.

"Johnnnnn" exaggerating his greeting with a playful lilt in her voice.She wants to be stern with him, but she can't keep her enthusiasm totally at bay. Still, that doesn't mean she has to greet him with kisses and touches...

He stands there for a moment, just a moment, where neither of them say anything. He takes her in, just as she does to him. 

He looks good, but then she always thinks he does, no matter how scruffy. Same ol' uniform (though he'd hate to hear it called that) of black pants, white dress shirt, scuffed black shoes, tie (black today), and tan trench coat. His blonde hair is wild, as it always is, and his eyes, often brooding,shine a bit as he looks at her.  And Zee, in her stage clothes, knows she looks great.

The moment passes, and John says "Wow, you look spectacular..."

Zee makes a show of being exasperated: "I'm wearing the same thing almost every time you see me."

John grins "Yeah, but it's a really great look."

In an instant, he's closed the gap between them and his hand is hovering just above her upper thigh.

Zee smiles sweetly up at him "Uh huh..." then gives him a playful shove. "I'm about to go on, so whatever brings you here, make it fast."

John holds up his hands in supplication. "Ok, quickie version: I need your help in locating....something. Big Bad Energy. "

She blinks, pushing quickly past the deflated hope she'd felt.  Of course it was for a reason beyond just seeing her.

"Wow, impressively succinct.  Of course I don't mind helping, but it'll be later-- after the show.." her eyes flash up and meet his, which are extra-bright now that his smirk his widened. Of course, that's just what he planned.

She won't let him get too excited. "Going to stick around?"

"Oh sure. Can you get me close to the front, or I'll just watch back here?" She suppresses a grin. John thinks all the pomp and circumstance of stage magic is overwrought and cheesy. 

It is, but it's in her blood, just as the darker stuff is...And even though it's not his cup of tea, John has always liked to see her shine.

Zee opens her mouth to respond, just as Mikey bursts in. 

"Zee, sorry to interrupt but urgent news. Max is stuck in mega-traffic and there's no way he's going to get here in time..."

Mikey is expertly going through the plan to adjust the show now that they are down one assistant..

"...and not to be a drag, but I did remind you several times that just because he's one of your good friends  doesn't mean you shouldn't get an understudy..."

"Mikey, it's all good. I've found someone to stand in."

'Wait, wha...?"

Both women's eyes alight on John.

He's patting his trench coat pockets, feeling for cigarettes.

Feeling their gaze, he looks up.

"What?"

[julesthecoffeelady-99]

Zatanna, John Constantine...I love these characters so much, I gave into the urge and wrote my first fic. I hope all the JohnZee fans enjoy it!

Stage magician (and actual magician) Zatanna's life is going according to plan. She loves performing, she loves her crew, and she's finally dating again (kind of)…until she receives a visit from the love she can't forget. John Constantine needs her help investigating dark events. When following the clues unlocks a passionate, painful past, Zatanna and John have to face up to what their meeting is worth…and what it might cost.

**** I plan on posting each chapter here on Tumblr, and on Wattpad—link below!

🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ **Just to note: While the first part of the fic is not needing a mature rating, things do heat up down the road!

That being said, I will take care to note chapters I post here if they are spicier !

Thank you!