noitatnacni | 002 | Action + Voice

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002 | Action + Voice

So does your birthday still count if you technically skipped four months?

[This is an important question being posed over your journals, Luceti. Because if it does count, Zatanna's fifteen today. Not that she's been advertising it a lot. Holidays have been kind of hard on her since Halloween, and today really isn't an exception. It's the first birthday she's spent without her father, and in the superhero business? That's saying something.

She tries not to let it get her down, though--or at least, not to show that it is. Maybe if someone catches her when she's alone, they'll see hints of it. Staring off into space with a frown at some reminder. There's bound to be plenty, since she's raiding the library for books on magic and the item shop for more stage friendly props. The training she does daily at the battle dome (with her birthday being no exception) isn't the only thing she should keep up with.

So at some point during the afternoon, she'll try to find bored people in the plaza, cards in hand. It'll be better than just the "think of your card and I'll name it" bit, promise. Sometimes she sticks to sleight of hand, while others she may employ a backwards chant. Maybe it's not all that impressive in a place where anyone can learn magic, but she doesn't want those skills to deteriorate. It's the one connection she's got to her father, the person who taught her what she knows.

Eventually, she'll head back to Community House 5 when she starts thinking about dinner.]

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Really? That's too bad. Maybe you can have a make up party sometime?

[Which might not be a bad idea, given that Jason isn't the only one who seems to have gotten skipped.]

Not too much. I was thinking of going to the Item Shop to see if there was anything interesting. [Kind of a birthday gift to herself, in a way, except Zatanna means it as more of a distraction.]

Nah, it's a little too late for that now. Besides, there'll always be more birthdays.

Would you mind some company, then?

True. So what date should I prepare for?

Sure. I'm good with company. Just give me a little warning before you drop down from the rafters?

August 16th. Make sure you don't forget, I'll be expecting presents this time around.

[He's just teasing, of course, but her last comment makes him snicker a little.]

But where's the fun in that?

Edited 2013-06-25 03:39 (UTC)

I think I can manage that. Maybe if you're lucky, we'll even make a cake.

[Hey, teasing or not, everyone deserves to have a fun birthday.]

Hey, shock me if you want. Just don't say I didn't warn you if you end up floating right back into those rafters.

[Said ever so innocently.]

I'd be crazy to say no to cake.

And hey, maybe I like it in high places.

Edited 2013-07-03 03:10 (UTC)

Good. I'm glad you realize that birthday cake is one of life's essentials.

[Because you never know with Robins.]

How much would you like being stuck up there? Because I can leave you. Just floating, out in the open. Not one single shadow to hide in.

Aww, now that's just not fair. I wouldn't leave you hanging.

Speaking of which, I'll see you in a bit, okay?

Wouldn’t matter if you did. I can get out of ropes. [Provided she can talk, anyway. But she’s not exactly going to point out that Jason should gag her if he wants to keep her trapped, not even to tease him.]

Sure thing. I’ll see you soon.

Hey, it's the thought that counts.

[But true to his word, he heads over to the item shop to meet her. Also true to his word, there's no jumping down from high places or sneaking up on her. (Even if that would be totally fun. It's just kind of hard to sneak up on someone when they know you're coming!) He's even dressed normally, though that's pretty typical for him.

When he gets there, he calls out to her.]

Zatanna?

Hey! [She looks up at Jason with a wave when he calls out. She's standing in front of a display of games, although she hasn't picked any out.]

A greeting and everything. I'm impressed.

[He waves a hand when he sees her and makes his way over. He can't help but smirk at what she says.]

I think you've got me all wrong, Zee. I'm a good kid. Sweet and innocent. Not sneaky in the least!

Oh, sure you are. Because only sweet and innocent people would ever say something like that. [Yeah, she’s not buying it for a second. Sorry Jason. He may be the Cool, Not Grumpy Robin, but he’s still Robin.] So what’s up?

It was worth a try. [Not that he was trying very hard. He practically flaunted his mischievousness. He shrugs at her question, though.] Not much. I was thinking we could stop by the bakery and have some cake. Or ice cream. I'll have to give you an IOU on the present.

Chalk it up as practice for the people who don’t know you so well. [AKA the ones who might be on the receiving end of some of that mischievousness. Not that Zatanna thinks she’s exempt, but she also knows to expect it.]

That sounds good to me. Especially if it’s your treat. [And she won’t be too picky about the IOU gift; it’s not like they really had any warning.]

Well, as much of a treat as it can be when everything is free. [Not that he has a problem with that, but you know. It does seem a little less meaningful that way.] But I won't rush you if you're in the middle of something.

[Zatanna laughs, glancing at him over her shoulder.] Hey, I get to have dessert with a friend on my birthday. It’s a treat to me. [She winks, then turns back to the shelf as she shakes her head.] No, that’s okay. I’ve got most of what I wanted. [She holds up a small bag containing dice and marbles, small objects to practice palming and vanishing with. The last things are decks of cards, and Zatanna grabs two for now, both sealed and the same in appearance.] We can head out.

[Hey, if it works for her, then it works for him! Jason's glad she seems enthusiastic about the idea. He nods at her word, and starts to lead the way out. He gestures toward the bag she's holding as they walk.]

What's all that for?

Magic. [After all, it's not all done with spells and sorcery. Zatanna swings the bag as they walk, listening to the rattle of the contents inside.] I need to practice my sleight of hand so I don't get rusty. Nothing worse than going to vanish a coin or palm a card only to have the person see what you're doing.

Makes sense to me. Being stuck here's no reason not to practice. [Well, maybe it sort of was, but he didn't think about stuff like that. Only optimism here!] Maybe someday you could even put on a show.

Maybe, although I don't know how many people around here would be impressed. [Zatanna shrugs a shoulder.] I mean, it seems like just about every magic user I talk to can teleport like it's nothing, and that's something pretty much impossible even for my dad.

I think it's all about the application. [When they reach the front of the store, he'll step ahead to reach for the door and hold it open for her if she'll let him. Ladies first!] Sure, magic's no big deal for a lot of people here, but how many of them know anything about performing? I might be trained like an acrobat but you won't see me walking a tightrope for a crowd.

[Hey, she doesn’t mind. Zatanna slips inside, pausing long enough for Jason to follow after.] I guess that’s true. You know, I don’t think any of the other magicians I’ve met have talked about performing. [And that’s as much in Zatanna’s blood as the magic itself.]

[And follow after her he does!]

I can't say I'm surprised. This place is kind of known for its fighters. That's the only thing you ever really hear about people using their powers for.

It's a shame, if you ask me. If I had powers, I'd take every chance to show 'em off.

And you’d be breaking the first rule of performing. [Not that Zatanna has a lot of room to talk, given how she can throw magic around sometimes. But that doesn’t mean she can’t tease Jason a bit.] Plus you’d wear yourself out if you did it too much. Powers take energy, including magic.

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