John Constantine

Since he was in no way innocent, it wasn’t hard for him to know exactly what he meant by that, it made a smirk of his own appear on his lips, “Nice, seems like the two of us had a fun night.”

Despite not knowing the other well, the moment that he met him, there was something about him, that made the hero know that he was just like him. That they had a lot in common, “Who said I didn’t have breakfast with her already? But I’m here because everyone in my family, tend to eat our weight in food,” he grinned, the Kents ate more than anyone else.

“Careful you don’t say that too loudly. People might get the wrong idea.” John joked, finding it easy to tease the younger man. No harm in playful banter.

“Not a problem at all love, I’ve been saving this…. specially for them.” Az;’s eyes flashed again in warning as he murmured his threat for John’s ears only, following him onto the property. He had been stuck on his leash long enough and now he was finally able to cut loose and stretch his wings, so to speak anyway. And he was itching to use all this pent up energy on the cowards who had foolishly ambushed him before.

He was so confident in his abilities at the moment that the sight of the opening door didn’t even phase him, he just followed right in without so much as a question as to why this was so easy. “Come on out gentlemen, your prayers have been answered.” he called into the house, his host’s accent causing each word to trail a bit slower from his lips as the threat left them.

A wicked smirk appeared on John’s lips at Asmodel’s warning. If the flash of power was any indication of what was to come, John was glad he didn’t sit this fight out.

After their greetings, the house sat eerily silent for a moment. Dark and empty like no one was home. John knew better though - Nick had always seemed to have a flare for the dramatic - and didn’t even flinch when the door slammed closed behind them and bolted locked.

“Asmodel.” the voice of their ‘host’ rang out in a false mockery of a seductive welcome. John’s eyes turned upward to the top of the staircase where Nick lazily leaned against the banister, looking down on them with an air of arrogance. “Pleasure to finally meet you in person... so to speak. Hope my friends weren’t too rough with you last encounter. They tend to be a bit... forceful.”

“Piss off, Nick. Enough with the false pleasantries, you tosser. Give us back what is rightfully ours.” John barked in harsh contrast to Nick’s smooth tone. His face taught and jaw clenched, ready for a fight. His fingers twitched, itching to make the first move, but he had learned from his mistake last time. He knew the serpent had been planning this encounter.

“Sit down, Johnny.” Any smoothness to his voice vanished with the command as he held out a hand and flicked his wrist, sending John backward into a high backed chair in what looked to be a formal parlor. “Let the grown ups talk.”

“Oh… no, he’s… he’s not around at the moment.” Patty muttered, her smile faltering just a little at the mention of Max. He hadn’t been around the station in a long time now, and she tried hard not to pay attention to the nasty rumours floating around about why that was. But it didn’t help that he had went radio silent with no warning. “But any friend of Detective Stone’s is a friend of mine. I’ll help if I can.”

John noted the small falter to the woman’s smile, guessing she was close to Max. Made sense - they were coworkers on the force. “Sorry to hear it.” John murmured. And he was. He didn’t think whatever task Max felt he had to do would keep him away for so long.

“Very well,” John weighed up the options and decided one detective’s opinion was better than none. “What do you know of that stolen box case from a while back? I dabble a little in mystery myself so was looking into it... however, the trail I had has run cold.”

Zatanna only giggled more when he teased her about her choice in drink, reminiscing about their trip to the beach just a few weeks ago. Of course it had been a work trip - under the guise of her working in her road show while the boys pursued leads on the book, but when they had nights off, it had been a lot more fun. A lot of time outside and on the beach…and she lacked the tan lines to prove it. “Well we both really enjoyed it so….”

When she felt something brush against her from the other side, she turned to see a larger fellow - larger than John and much larger than her smaller frame - standing beside her. She placed a hand on John’s chest, her thumb rubbing over the material of his shirt as she gently gave him the sign to hold off and stay back as she turned back to face the stranger. “Thanks for the drinks, handsome, much appreciated.” she smiled sweetly as she thanked him warmly. Free drinks weren’t terrible, it was her birthday after all.

“We’ll have to go back this summer.” John murmured a promise, sealing it with a kiss on her cheek before leaning back into his seat. He was well aware of their absent party member and knew Nick would have objections to going back to the beach. But they deserved a vacation.

The intruder gave John a look of disdain at his words before focusing solely on Zatanna. Despite her youth, John knew Z could handle herself so backed down as he felt her hand against his chest. Even when not on the stage, Z was able to capture an audience and put on a show worthwhile watching.

“She does indeed have a name,” Leonard said, sitting back in his chair.  “You know her, in fact, but I prefer to keep my relationships a bit more low key.”  He wasn’t one to advertise his emotional entanglments.

“I figure I paid my dues trapped in the time stream,” he siad, tapping the side of his head.  “Having things jumbled up here is enough of a cost.”

John narrowed his eyes a little at the mystery before him but there was still clear amusement on his features. Leonard was obviously a very private man and John respected that. He didn’t try to pry further.

“I know a lot of “her”s.” He replied instead, tone cheeky. “But I’ll leave it and wish you luck with whomever she may be.”

“That’s exactly what I mean,” Amaya reciprocated with a knowing smile. “I mean, some habits are worse than others. Perhaps you could find a positive one?” It was a bummer to hear that John had sold his guitar, but Christmas was around the corner. Maybe he’d get a new one soon enough. “That is a shame. And a much healthier alternative. Do you play any other instruments, or have some hobbies that might occupy your mind?”

Amaya understood the answer and his tentatively; she had been that way for quite a while with Mick. It was scary to put yourself wholly into something when you didn’t know where it was going. Still, John seemed happy, and she nodded in reply; a light laugh bubbling out. “That is. Scary, but fun. Before you know it you’ll be in the honeymoon stage.”

“But they’re not as fun.” John teased, pretending to be put off by the idea of doing something positive. While he knew he was capable of doing something positive, John had pessimistic leanings so tending to slide more into the negative.

He huffed out a laugh as Amaya continued, shaking his head and smiling. “You call it a shame. More like a blessing. I was in a band and we were absolute bollocks. But I could carry a tune if need be.” However, Amaya had a point. He needed some other hobby to occupy his mind. “I’m sure something will capture my attention eventually.”

        𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐄𝐘 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐍𝐄 who offered to pay for a drink, squinting her gaze to him, but liking the way he spoke. This place sounds… Interesting. ❛ Well, I can’t wait to drink there. ❜ She walked by his side, following wherever he was leading her. The blonde is not really exactly good at playing poker. Although, she and her ex entered a lot of gambling places together to steal. ❛ Curiosity, is there a machine with money there, like the ones in Las Vegas? ❜ What if she breaks it and gets all the money for herself, while the dumbass people were distracting playing cards? Or is it only Martian money, it’s only available to another planet? What kind of place is this? The voices in her head were making her confused, which explained her momentarily silence.

“Everything does taste better when it’s free, right love?” John replied with a wicked smirk as they continued on their path to their destination.

He chuckled and shook his head. “Sadly not.” There was no machines, no bright flashy lights. “But the venue’s host has a lot of shiny objects they wouldn’t miss. You like diamonds, don’t you?” John continued, before pausing outside what looked to be a regular apartment building. “I’ll play cards and distract them. You go shopping.”

“Of course. A pretty face offers you food and I doubt you say no.” she chuckled because little did he know, but she was well versed in the life of John Constantine. And maybe she should have known better than to agree - after all, she was supposed to be looking on from afar, not interacting with him face to face like this. It was against the guidelines and procedures….so maybe that thrill was why she ended up agreeing.

She followed his directed path, letting him lead despite knowing their intended destination already. “I don’t usually have much time for breakfast, so whatever is available will do.”

“Of course not.” John grinned at her chuckle. “Be rude of me if I did.” He did lead quite the colourful life but he also had enough respect for those he was with to not tell everyone about who he was with and what exactly they got up to.

John gave Azra a look of disbelief when she said she didn’t have breakfast, although there was no scolding behind his gaze. “Azra, my dear, you are in for a treat.”

He hopped the stairs up to his apartment building door two at a time and let himself into the old terrace house, holding the door open so Azra may enter first. Directly in front of the entry way was a sharp set of stairs upward - of which, John climbed, moved around the small landing and climbed a further set of stairs.

The lack of answer just allowed his imagination to fill in the blanks and they were likely more vividly coloured that way. Indeed, he conjured images of a frat house atmosphere on board the time ship, shared showers and experimental experiences included. 

“When am I ever unprofessional?” Lucfier smirked, licking the inside of his lip, a token tilt of his head thrown into the mix to make him seem a little more innocent. 

“Save the silver tongue for those you’re trying to convince into letting you near that blade.” John replied trying to hide his amusement at the innocent look Lucifer was offering.

Turning his attention to the tome he had open on the table, John waved a hand over it and muttered a few words. The pages flew by before landing on an object replication spell. His eyes studied the notes, frowning a little at the ingredient list.

“You’re in luck. Most of what’s required I have on hand.” John finally announced, moving into the kitchen. Adam looked up briefly from his colouring to see where the grown ups were going but didn’t comment.

“I’m working on that,” Zatanna smiled as he pulled her back towards the light - he was always pretty good at that. When he mentioned changing, she paused and quickly looked down at her current attire as it just donned on her. “Oh! You know, I completely forgot…” She dropped his hand before waving it over her body, muttering the words egnahc tiftuo, and a flash she was out of her stage attire.

Instead, she was dressed in a white button down, complete with a black vest and red bow tie. Her black cargo pants rode low on her hips, with a chunky belt, and topped off with strappy white heels. “There. Much better.” she glanced back up to him with a grin and took his hand once more, intertwining their fingers. “I’m thinking….burgers.”

When Z said she had forgot, John had to chuckle as he turned slightly to give her some privacy while she changed. Soon as the flash of light dimmed, John turned back and unashamedly took in the sight of her in her new outfit. “Very nice, love. New shoes?” His eyes drifted lazily back up to meet hers, smirk playing on his features.

Threading his fingers with hers, John ran his thumb over hers unconsciously and then let her tug him out the dressing room door. “Burgers it is. I know just the place.” He grinned at her choice, continuing to walk hand in hand with her and her pace. 

He saluted the security guard with his free hand on their way passed. “Goodnight Charles,” John bid a cheeky farewell. “Give that husband of yours a kiss from me.”

“I’ll do no such thing.” came the gruff reply before his attention softened toward Zatanna. “Have a good night, Miss Zatara.”

“Not right outside the police station, I’m afraid. Surprised no one carted you to the drunk tank.” Patty noted, standing back as she shook the man awake with a bemused smile. He looked like he had a rough night, though not necessarily from drink. “Were you looking to talk to an officer?”

“That might have been a slight more comfortable than this bench.” John grumbled back as he righted himself to seated and took in the sight of the pretty blonde before him. His lips ticked upward in a brief return smile.

“Actually I was looking for a detective.” He answered before being interrupted with a yawn. “Detective Stone. He’s a... friend.” There was a small pause as John figured out what title he should give Max. “Haven’t heard from him in a while so wondered if he dropped off the planet.”

Naturally, John’s reason he gave was a complete fabrication. He knew where Max was... kind of. But it sounded like a plausible excuse to loiter outside a police station.

Honestly, he wouldn’t ever be able to sleep in a public place, nor he would choose to. He got his energy from the sun, so he didn’t need rest, though when he slept, he preferred doing so on his bed, “Ah, I see,” he said, “What made you so tired that you slept in a coffee shop though?”

He knew it could be personal, but he just made a question, he wasn’t forced to answer him. He wouldn’t mind if he just lied or told him that he didn’t want to talk.

“I slept at someone’s house,” his words were vague, but he would probably get what he meant, “She lives across the street.”

“Extra curricular activities.” The reply was said with a smirk and an air of smugness that knew the other man would understand what he meant. Of course, it wasn’t the whole truth but it was the most fun response.

“I use caution yes but I also don’t let myself feel.” Zatanna didn’t mean to hurt him with any of her words. She wasn’t blaming him anymore for the pain that had crept into her life. Those were her choices and she needed to accept the consequences - some she wasn’t even sure she would do differently. “I shut things out and it can be rather lonely. And you don’t give yourself enough credit, you have grown John. And what’s left makes you, well, you.”

She had expected to get into this but the words just spilled out. Thoughts she had over the past couple weeks of him recovering but hadn’t said anything about. Her teeth raked over her bottom lip as she considered her options. “How about some real food.” she grinned, pulling him along after her as she headed out of the room. “And then maybe popsicles.”

A little half smile that didn’t reach his eyes tugged at his lips briefly at Zatanna’s admission. It felt like something he would have said about himself. However, the whole line he used to say about walking his path alone was stale and didn’t seem to apply anymore.

“You don’t have to be lonely.” John replied, voice twisting to that cheeky air that he was known for - trying to lighten the mood from the dark path the conversation could have taken them on. “Least not tonight. Go, get out of your show attire and come join me for a bite to eat.”

He knew something was on her mind. John had known Z for too long to not know what her tells were. His eyes watched her teeth drag over her bottom lip in thought, but he wasn’t game enough to inquire what those thoughts may be.

“Well, I think that could be interesting, but I’ve been out of the loop for a bit and am looking to touch base with an old…friend before I try out any new tastes,” Leonard drawled.  “Tempting though they may be.”

Downing his drink, Leonard grimaced.  “There are always consequences, aren’t there.”

“An old friend, hmm?” John hummed, not put off by the obvious decline in invitation. “Does this friend of yours have a name? Perhaps I could be of assistance in getting reacquainted with them.” Despite his initial grumbles, John actually did lend a helping hand more often than not.

“Just making sure you were okay, I don’t know if you noticed, but you’re in a public place,” he wasn’t used to seeing someone laying down on the couch of a coffee shop, and he was almost sure that the manager would soon kick him out if he continued, “I was actually looking after you, since I’m almost sure you would be kicked out.”

John gave the younger man an open glance over, not disapproving of the sight before him. “I noticed.” He responded, slowly shifting upright to a seated position. “And I appreciate you looking after me, mate, but they wouldn’t have kicked me out. I pay them far too much for their over priced swill they think is tea.”

John knew he was a menace at times, but he was mostly harmless. Besides, the small coffee shop didn’t have half the foot traffic a bustling place like Jitters had. It was quaint and comfortable and best of all, a lot quieter than the ruckus that was in his apartment these days.

“I guess you could call them a guilty pleasure…” Zatanna’s cheeks flushed as he called out her childish tendencies. He always knew more about her than she expected him to. He paid attention and he remembered - she had forgotten that about him, but it was refreshing. “It just means you wear your heart on your sleeve. I’ve just….I’ve just learned to be more guarded. And that’s not always a good thing.”

“Sounds like a fun night in.” Her blues flickered briefly to their hands as his thumb ran over her skin before meeting his eyes again. She also didn’t pull away when he stepped closer. “My choice?” she repeated, a smile slowly spreading across her features. “Well I am really hungry…” she started, swinging their clasped hands slightly as she accepted his offer for the evening together.

John chuckled as Z’s cheeks took on a faint hint of crimson. As carefree and aloof he acted, John still paid close attention. Especially to the things that mattered most to him.

He dipped his head a little as she pointed out a flaw he tried so hard to bury. Z’s statement dealing a further blow as she continued. Remembering the trouble free, youthful woman and his own hand in being the reason she put walls up around herself. “There’s nothing wrong with being a strong young woman that can take care of herself. You use caution now - a lesson I am still yet to learn.”

A hum that he agreed rumbled from John, his eyes carefully taking in Zatanna’s actions as he tried to get a read as to what was going on in her mind. She wasn’t completely repulsed by him as she didn’t pull away, so that was at least something. But John wasn’t willing to push his luck.