Just a cute magicfam idea for Father’s Day
John really meant to sleep in his bed last night. Honest, he did. But Zee had gotten back from her show the same time he got done translating a scroll. A night cap lead to another….and another…until they made their way upstairs. Now sunlight creeps up the sheets. Zatanna shifts beside him, the smell of her honey body wash keeping him frozen. How long can they stay here until—
“Daddy?” A little hand pokes at his face. “Daddy, wake up.”
“Hmmm…” Through bleary eyes, John makes out the sweet face of Zachary Zatara, their six-year-old son. Running a hand over Zachary’s dark curls, John murmurs, “What are ye doing up so early, mate?”
“It’s Father’s Day.” Zachary says, accent matching John’s. Behind him, John hears Zatanna stirring. “I have a present for you.”
“C’mere,” John lifts Zachary up, putting him between himself and Zatanna. The Sorceress Supreme smiles when she sees their son in his rumpled jammies.
“Good morning, Tesoro.” She teases, kissing his temple.
“Mummy, did Daddy forget it’s Father’s day again?”
“Oi, that was one time,” John reminds him, playfully nudging his son’s head. “Besides, Little Zee, I told ye. I don’t need anything.”
“Uncle Jason says you need lots of things. Like a kick to the pants and a stay in the loony bin.”
John snorts at that, propping himself on the pillows, “Uncle Jason is a twat waffle.”
“John, don’t teach him that!” But she’s laughing too, sitting up. Rubbing her fingers through Zachary’s hair, “Do you have something for Daddy?”
Zachary pulls a drawing from under his sleep shirt. Holding it out to his father, he beams at John, “Happy Father’s Day, Daddy!”
John takes the paper from his son and grins. He recognizes the three people in the middle—himself, Zatanna, and Zachary. Around them are all sorts of protection wards and runes, the same ones Zachary watches them write out. Zachary moves closer, pointing to something in the background.
“That’s Zoe, my griffin.” He tells his parents matter-of-factly.
“Uh huh,” Zatanna nods, mischief in her eyes, “I remember us letting Zoe go back to her mommy.”
“I still think I should have one. Much more fun than a dog or cat.”
His parents laugh at that, earning a scowl from him. If they ever questioned who’s he is, these moments always solidify it for him.
“Ask us again when yer, I dunno, 17.” John shakes him head, setting the picture to the side.
“Do you like it, Daddy?” The curiosity in Zachary’s eyes nearly suffocates John. Because there’s no fear or apprehension mixed in. Zachary doesn’t fear him the way John once feared Thomas. A simple smile puts any of his son’s worry at ease.
“It’s perfect, mate.” Pulling his son to his chest, John relaxes against the pillows. Soaking in the rightness of this moment. “I love ye, Zachary. Ye know that, right?”
“I know. You tell me all the time.” Zachary doesn’t move away from his embrace. Just rests his head against his father’s chest.
“Oh? Then tell me, smartass, how much do I love ye?”
“You and Mummy would burn the world to keep me warm.” Zachary says simply. Like he’s always known it to be true. Which, to be fair, it is. Zatanna smiles and curls up against John’s side, an arm around Zachary.
“How much do you love Daddy?” She asks, tracing patterns on John’s arm. For a moment, it’s quiet while Zachary thinks. Then his words make John tear up.
“Too much and more. Like Daddy deserves.”
