With just a quick incantation, Zatanna could have this Christmas tree completely decorated in a matter of moments. But no spell or the familiar rush of magic beneath her fingertips could compare to how she felt right now.

Glittery.

For someone like Zee, it’s a rare occasion for her heart to feel like it’s been shaken up just like a snow globe. Or maybe that was her stomach? Either way, no hex or curse had been cast upon her — Unless she wanted to be cheesy and say she’d been swept up in the magic of the holiday season. But she has much better jokes hiding underneath her sleeve.

All it took was a quietly mumbled, “Lesnit eht parw,” and she and her decorating partner-in-crime were tangled together by soft and shimmering strands of gold. Their chests pressed against each other, legs intertwined, and faces much too close. “Oops,” the sorceress hummed, the corners of her lips curling into as innocent of a smile that she could give. “That didn't work out exactly the way that I imagined it. Happens to even the best of us, I’m afraid.”

An honest mistake. Or not. Who would ever be able to tell except for her? After all, a great magician never reveals their secrets. Why would she be exempt from that rule? And if the thought of casting another enchantment to get them out of this bind just so happened to slip her mind? That’s just human nature to be a little flustered in this situation, isn’t it?

It’s easier to just hide behind a carefully crafted bravado of confidence, as her shaky fingers tried to search for the end of the garland. Failing to ignore the fast thumps of her heart, with no one to blame for this scenario but herself. It was all so much more romantic and playful in her head, but the execution definitely could’ve used some work.