thank you to other anon for barbara/zatanna but also diana/zatanna
“You are suggesting,” she said carefully, “that I confess my feelings to the woman you are currently courting.”
Barbara let out a sharp, incredulous laugh.
“If the relationship between Zatanna and myself is harmed by honesty,” Diana continued calmly, “then it was not strong enough to endure it.”
Barbara stared at her like she’d just proposed setting the Hieron on fire to test its structural integrity.
“That’s not how this works.”
“How does it work, then?” Diana asked.
“You don’t introduce instability into something that is functioning.”
“You call honesty instability.”
Diana’s hand slid back to her own lap.
“I do not believe keeping your feelings hidden is better.”
Barbara stood abruptly, pacing a few steps before turning back toward the couch.
“It is not about ‘better.’ It is about appropriate.”
“You love her,” Diana said plainly.
“Then why must that love remain unspoken?”
“Because it is unreciprocated.”
Barbara’s laugh this time was quieter, more tired.
Barbara stared at her again.
“You are—this is reckless.”
Barbara crossed her arms.
“You are willing,” she said slowly, “to potentially destabilize your own relationship.”
“If she hears your truth and decides she loves only me, then nothing changes,” Diana continued evenly. “If she hears your truth and realizes she loves you also, then we adapt.”
Barbara laughed again, but there was no humor in it.
“You are talking about this like we’re rearranging furniture.”
“I am talking about this like adults capable of communication.”
Barbara ran a hand through her hair.
“And if she feels pressured?”
“I would never allow her to feel pressured.”
“And if she feels guilty?”
“Zatanna is not naïve,” Diana replied. “Nor is she foolish. She is perceptive. It is entirely possible she already knows.”
“She might be pretending not to,” Diana added.
That made Barbara stop entirely.
Spectacular. 10/10. No notes, except this one:
