Young Justice: College AU | Complete

Chapter 2

He just stood there in shock staring at her. Why were there so many bruises? Shakily walking to the washroom he wet a hand towel with cold water and walked back to put it on her forehead. He waited and slowly she awoke as she sat up quickly. "What time is it?" She asked looking for a clock. "Woah Zee calm down okay" he said in a soft voice as she looked down at herself. He had seen the bruises which made her begin to panic. "How did you get those?" He asked sitting on the couch next to her.

She wrapped her arms around herself as she shook her head. "From nowhere" she said looking down trying to fight off the oncoming tears. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder as she flinched. "I would never hit you Zatanna" he said as she continued shaking her head. If she wasn't back at her apartment soon he was going to hurt her again. "I h-have to go" she stuttered out as she slipped her hoodie back on and zipped it up. "Thanks for lunch though" she said standing up as he followed her.

Sighing he gave her a look of sympathy. She reached for the doorknob as he placed his hand on hers. "Zatanna if you go out this doorway right now I won't be able to help you" he said as she looked down and shook her head. Twisting the doorknob she opened the door and left without looking back. Hurrying back to her rundown apartment she sighed seeing that she was ten minutes early. "Your late" a voice grumbled as she bit her lip and began shaking her head. "No I'm not I'm ten minutes early s-see?" She said pointing to the clock on the wall.

He grunted and grabbed her wrist squeezing it hard as she winced. "The clocks off by thirty minutes" he grumbled as she gulped trying to keep a brave face on. Within a matter of seconds she was hit to the ground as she held her stinging cheek looking at the floor. Tears began rolling down her cheeks and hitting the floor softly. "What? Are you going to cry like a little child now?" He taunted as she gulped and kept her gaze trained on the ground. How did her life turn to shit so fast?

Why didn't she stay when Dick told her to? Oh that's right, fear. The fear that he would hunt her down if he found out she was there. "Are you going to start dinner?" He growled as she nodded hurrying to her feet and walking into the kitchen. There wasn't a lot in the refrigerator so she worked with what she had. Quickly preparing a sandwich she handed it to him. His feet were propped up on the dusty coffee table as he looked at the food. "Why a sandwich?" He asked as she began to fiddle with her fingers.

Crystal blue eyes looking up to meet his frightening gaze. "There wasnt a-a lot to w-work with" she said in a quiet shaky voice. He growled but didn't say anything as he waved her off. Walking into the grimy bedroom she sat on the bed and opened her bag. Taking out a granola bar she quickly scarfed it before slipping the bag under the bed. At least she went to bed with only earning a couple smacks unlike the night before. God she really should have stayed with Dick.

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It was quiet as she sat in the Townhouse reading a book. Kaldur had been looking really frustrated and angered lately. The sound of the front door opening made her glance up. Kaldur walked in and gave her a smile as he walked over and kissed the top of her head. "How was swim practice?" She asked as he shrugged leaning over the couch to see what she was reading. "The Lost City of Atlantis?" He asked as she nodded closing the book and showing the cover to him. "You know how much that stuff interests me" she said as he smiled.

They had been spending summer break together. Pictures decorated the wall as a few empty frames were stacked on the side table. "What are these for?" He asked picking up one of the empty frames. "I haven't gotten the photos developed yet. I'll go tomorrow and get them done" she said placing her book to the side and standing up. The two had just gotten back from their trip to Hawaii. Many pictures were taken hence the many empty frames she just bought. "You've been acting weird lately Kal. Is everything alright?" She asked as he glanced at her and nodded.