tushanshu | ✦ 014 ✦ [VIDEO] ✦ (Open to ACTION) ✦

[Another day, another morning of having to ration her tea and breakfast. Of residual smoke lingering in the air from the explosions that had gone off down the street. Of the near radio silence and informational uncertainty that came with it. Of having to stare at the ugly remodeled palace and remember that, whatever was inside it, it had been enough to scare certain people into staying as far away as possible.]

[There was something particularly special about this day, however...or, at least, there was supposed to be.]

[The good news was that Zatanna seemed to be feeling a lot better. You'd never know from her expression, though, as she stared dully into the camera for a fleeting moment, before calmly holding up a sign (in English):]

WORST
"SWEET" SIXTEEN
EVER

[It was the most trivial of teen trivial things, but she didn't care. Malicant wanted to listen in on everybody's conversations? Find out what they were talking about? Fine. She would rant and rave all she wanted, and he would have no choice but to listen.]

[Because #F*@kYouMalicant]

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[He hums a bit in curiosity. He admittedly does not know much about Zatanna's work or the people she works with, but he has gotten a certain impression about them.]

Your employer's love of antiques extends beyond books then?

I'm not sure if it's antiques, specifically...but she's very fond of old-fashioned things, yeah. Kind of fits with the atmosphere of the job, I guess.

I will keep that in mind when I find things that are...I believe the term is "vintage."

[They don't look all that old fashioned to him, really, but then again, Atlantis is a few centuries behind in trends.] Are things well with you recently, Zatanna? You did seem rather displeased before.

[Vintage worked. Vintage was always in style. Even when it wasn't in style, it still worked for her. Because, as he put it, she had that "classic" look that worked with old fashioned things. Very well.]

A lot of things've happened since then, actually. Good things.

I guess the universe finally realized it owed me one.

[He smiles.] That is good to know. I am happy things have begun to turn out well for you.

[And he is. His habit of worrying is extensive and Zatanna gets particular worrying. She is the last one left from their world besides him and she does have a habit of getting into worrying situations.]

Should that change--although I hope it does not--you know that I will be there, should you need me to be. Do not hesitate to ask.

[She nodded back her appreciation for the sentiment. It was true. All of it. About Kaldur being the last remaining individual from her world. About him having a habit of worrying.]

[About her having a habit of getting herself into trouble.]

I'm fine, Kaldur. Really.

I mean, it's not exactly as if I'm alone here.

[She glanced to the far wall of her apartment as she said this. Here could have been referring to the city in general, sure. But it could just as easily refer to the housing complex.]

I know. You've made a lot of friends who seem to care a great deal about you.

[At least that is the way that Kaldur thought to take it. He knows Jack if no one else could be counted easily.]

It still felt like it could stand repeating. [And with that he backs away a little, attention shifting.] Now, I should probably be on my way.

[Jack and Korra ~~and Kyle~~ and Superman and Annabeth...]

[There was actually quite an extensive list. Even after all this time.]

What can I say? I'm a people person.

Yeah, sure. I wouldn't want to keep you from whatever plans you have.

I do not know how someone could take you for anything but.

[Slightly teasing.]

Water is still rebuilding and replanting crops that were damaged, as are the other Sectors. I give as much time as I can to assist. [Which is not much, but his hands are good enough for labor.]

Take care.

Just don't forget to come up for air once in a while, alright?

See you, Kaldur.

[He grins her a wry look as he heads for the door.] I am Atlantean. I believe we do well enough breathing while "under."

[And with that he lets himself out.]

✦ 014 ✦ [VIDEO] ✦ (Open to ACTION) ✦

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