✦ 008 ✦ [VIDEO]

[backwordscompatible]

[It takes several on-camera seconds before Zatanna can finally figure out the right words for this; her mouth opens and closes twice before she gives up and just comes out with it:]

...is anybody else slightly concerned about the fact that some of the local bakeries've started selling cookies in the shapes of these thi--?

[And the Network is suddenly treated to a GIANT UPSIDE-DOWN TRIBBLE FACE taking up the entire camera.  Because it wanted to say hello, of course.]

[Zatanna can barely get out the shriek of surprise in the background before her unexpected visitor suddenly tumbles downward, taking the feed with it.  The screen goes dark, leaving one last audio cry before it cuts out completely:]

Get back here, you cheap horror film knockoff!

Comments

[raptorcanaria]

I didn't know you were vegetarian.

[No really, what's wrong with tribble meat?]

[backwordscompatible]

Not really something that comes up in everyday conversation.

What, was the other me not one?

[You mean, aside from the fact that it turned the entire house of El crazy? Specifically? The 'meat' part.]

[raptorcanaria]

It never came up. It's not like I ever cooked for her.

[Dinah and cooking never happens. And with Connor around, one more vegan/vegetarian doesn't really register.]

You're probably good with cookies. You eat gingerbread men, right?

[backwordscompatible]

[A shrug. Even if the other Zatanna had been an omnivore...or, heck, even a carnivore...it didn't matter much to her. Different universes. Different Zatannas. That was basically her attitude towards the whole thing.]

At Christmastime, yeah. Last time I checked, though, they weren't actually made of real men.

[raptorcanaria]

I'm sure it's the same with tribble-shaped cookies.

[backwordscompatible]

You sure about that?

[She had no proof. However, with all the talk about what to do with them...not to mention, some people openly admitting to killing them for food supply...it wasn't really something she was willing to chance.]

[raptorcanaria]

As sure as I can be.

[Unless they're cooked in tribble fat like bacon cookies.]

Have you tried asking the kedan you're buying them from?

[backwordscompatible]

I'm not buying them. No way.

[raptorcanaria]

The surely there's nothing to worry about?

[backwordscompatible]

I said I was 'slightly concerned', not worried.

[There's a difference.]

Besides, I don't actually have to eat any of them to be creeped out by the thought. Have you seen what happens to some people around them?

[raptorcanaria]

Based on the sound they make.

[Trust her, she knows that.]

Not that I'm against refusing to eat anything that makes powerful sounds.

[backwordscompatible]

[If Zatanna had been slightly older, there might have been a slightly more inappropriate comeback to that last line. As it was, her mind almost considered briefly going there before opting for the family friendly version.]

Remind me never to eat dinner at your place.

[raptorcanaria]

You're missing out. I know the best take out places in the Water Sector.

[backwordscompatible]

[This actually causes her to smirk a little.]

Does nobody from your world know how to cook?

[Mostly thinking of Kyle, and the fact that she would often make dinner for the two of them when she stayed with him.]

[raptorcanaria]

Spoken like someone who has never tried Queen Family Chili.

[Which is an acquired taste, she'll admit, but Dinah will defend it to the grave.]

Connor also makes a mean vegan version.

[backwordscompatible]

[This seemed to trigger a certain memory, and she glanced up and to the side for a moment. Thoughtful. Pleasantly so, going by the expression on her face.]

Oh, that's right. He did offer to cook for me once.

[Meaning she had definitely met her kindred dietary spirit before.]

...too bad he never got the chance.

[raptorcanaria]

[This surprises Dinah, who was under the impression that not-Titans' world had a her, an Ollie and a Roy, but none of the rest of the family.]

There's a Connor on your world?

[It's a good thing to hear.]

[backwordscompatible]

I don't know, actually. Maybe?

[...in other words, this isn't a 'her world' meeting she was talking about.]

[raptorcanaria]

[Yeah.]

...

You don't mean on your world, do you?

[Dinah's smile disappears, replaced by a curious frown.]

[backwordscompatible]

No, I don--

[It's around this point in the conversation that Zatanna looks back up and realize that Dinah's not taking this little reveal as casually as she was. Oh. ...oops?]

I didn't just accidently get somebody in trouble [again], did I?

[raptorcanaria]

No.

No, you didn't. It's okay.

[It's not true: suddenly she's mad at Bruce, and then at Kyle for not telling her, but that's nothing for Zatanna to worry about.]

You enjoy your non-tribble cookies. With rationing off there's food enough to enjoy.

[backwordscompatible]

[Experience tells her that she shouldn't take that 'no' at face value. Particularly considering she actually likes Kyle.]

Uh...yeah. I will.

[Slightly awkward.]

Just remember: you didn't hear it from me, deal?

[raptorcanaria]

Deal.

[Don't worry, Zee. This is the kind of mad Dinah will let boil up inside her unless someone actually comes clean about it.

But the way she smiles and then cuts the feed suggests that it's not a hurt that's going to go away quickly.]

[backwordscompatible]

[Well.]

[Crap.]

[...and, as if to rub it in, the tribble behind her lets out another shrill cry from beneath the pillows.]

[Cue the groaning.]