Four and a half weeks later, Dick stood in one of the manor's larger guest bedrooms, seventy-five percent of his groomsmen talking and squabbling around him in various states of dress. He himself was ready, and had been for half an hour; now he simply leaned back against the door to the patio, a glass of wine in his hand, and watched the clock.

He'd sent Jason only two texts since the scene on the rooftop. The first had been three weeks earlier, and had merely contained information about the tuxedo fitting and the main event itself. He had sent the second just a few hours ago. 'I hope you know I haven't given up on you being here today. Don't worry about the tux; I've got a pretty good eye for measurements, and none of our costumes have ever left much to the imagination, haha. If you decide to come, there will be clothes here for you,' he re-read slowly. There had been no reply as of yet, but he refused to give up until zero hour. We have to be downstairs in twenty-five minutes. There's time.

"Hey, guys," he announced, "I'm going out on the balcony for a few minutes. Try not to kill each other, huh?"

"I maintain my argument that these tuxedos are hideous, Grayson," Damian stated, scowling into a mirror. "You should call this off until you find less offensive clothing for us."

"You said the same thing about every tux we tried on," Wally rolled his eyes as he fumbled with his tie.

"But you're right, it makes perfect sense to call off the whole thing because you hate dressing up," Tim backed the speedster up. "I'm sure everyone downstairs will understand perfectly."

"Drake, you-"

"Dami?" the groom interceded, sensing his youngest brother's ire rising exponentially.

"…What?"

"Help Wally figure out basic knots, would you?" He got a tiny smirk at that, and felt a little bad for chucking his best friend under the bus – Damian would probably ensure that the cloth was as tight against the man's throat as he could get away with – but at least the boy didn't have claws out for Tim any more. "I'll be outside."

It was blessedly cool on the balcony. He counted himself lucky that their dressing room protruded from the back of the house, away from the driveway and the wedding site on the expanse of the front lawn. Slouching against the railing with a heavy sigh, he sipped at his Tempranillo, feeling it steady him slightly. It's not the wedding I'm nervous about, he knew. It's whether or not I'm going to have the right number of groomsmen. No one had mentioned Jason's conspicuous absence at the fitting and the rehearsal, and no one had expected him at the bachelor party Wally had thrown the weekend before, but Dick knew his disappointment hadn't gone unnoticed by anyone.

But he hadn't wanted to push him. I want him to come of his own accord, he'd decided. Forcing him sure as hell won't work, and guilt…he's never reacted well to guilt trips. He had been able to tell, though, that part of his brother had wanted to say yes when the offer had been made, and that was what he was banking on. If he can just realize that there isn't as much ill-will towards him downstairs as he thinks there is, maybe it will be enough. He's still angry about so much, but...is it foolish to think he might find a little closure if he comes today?

His gaze wandered through the scattered trees towards the cemetery perched on the next hill. I wish you were here today, he whispered silently to his parents. …But I suppose if you were, it would be a completely different ceremony, in another place, and mostly likely to some other girl. He paused. No. It would still be Babs, or at least someone just like her. That part would be very, very close. He glanced down at his watch, a heavy Swiss behemoth that his soon-to-be-wife had given him as an engagement present. …Twenty minutes. Come on, Jay. Please.

The door behind him opened, and he didn't have to look to know it was Tim stealing up behind him. "…Dick?"

"What's up, Timmy?"

"I'm sorry," he said simply. "I…I know you really wanted him to be here today." He didn't understand why his brother had asked the second Robin to be present for what was supposed to be a happy day, but he knew that it would have made him glad had it worked out. Damn you, Jason, for making him anything less than bouncy today, he cursed as Dick's lips curved up slightly in a forgiving smile.

"…Thanks. But…there's time. He could still show."

He raised his eyebrows, but didn't object. That's so you, believing the best of everyone. Sometimes I'm not sure if it's a gift or a handicap. "Well…anyway. I should go make sure Damian hasn't strangled Wally with his tie yet."

"Ah, they're all right." He looked over at him. "So are you, by the way. I really appreciate you being here today, Tim."

"I appreciate that you asked me," he shrugged back frankly.

"Of course I asked you. You're my brother," he said seriously. "Nothing will ever change that fact."

"…Yeah," he nodded, gulping at the intensity in the eyes riveted to his own. Of course I'm here, Dick. I wouldn't miss this for anything. "You're right." Something crashed inside, ending the moment. "That sounded wonderful. I'll go, you stay out here and try and have five minutes of peace."

"Thanks," he chuckled, shaking his head as he raised his glass to his lips again. The door cut out most of the sound from the room when closed, but he would have sworn he heard Tim groan right before it clicked shut.

A light breeze had just sprung up, carrying the scent of some five thousand flowers around from the front of the house, when he caught a flash of movement at the edge of the woods. …Maybe? he allowed his hope a hint of encouragement. A few seconds later a figure separated itself from its surroundings and started towards the house, moving with a stealthy air that Dick would have recognized anywhere. Thank you, little brother. So much, he thought, wiping away a pair of tears.

Jason pretended not to see the man watching his approach from one of the second floor balconies. What am I doing? he wondered as he approached the imposing mansion he hadn't entered in years. Why am I even here? He'd wrestled with himself right up until a few hours ago, going back and forth between a very real sense of honor and disbelief that Dick would even want him as a groomsman and rage at the idea that the man would assume that he, and everyone else for that matter, could just put aside the past. He'd still been conflicted when he set out, and had started to turn back towards home several times during the drive. Eventually, however, he'd found himself pulling to the side of the old logging road that backed up against the large Wayne estate. By that point it had seemed like cowardice to not at least go see who all had showed up, from a distance if nothing else, and thus he found himself now walking through the perfectly manicured grass behind the manor.

This is going to be a disaster, he swore. Maybe…shit, is that why I'm here? He stopped halfway across the lawn, caught in the open and feeling like he needed to bolt back into the cover of the trees. …I can't be here just to ruin it. I…I do want to be here, but…if something starts, it would be my fault. Maybe I should just go. He was preparing to turn away when he chanced a look upwards. Ah, fuck. I didn't even know that pout of his still worked on me… Sighing, he pushed forward. This is crazy. I'm going to regret this. Stop giving me that tractor-beam look, you bastard, and let me leave…

As the last member of his wedding entourage finally drew up below him, Dick set his wine down and leaned over the balustrade, extending one hand. His brother stared at him for a minute, then backed up a couple of steps, took a running start, and leapt. A second later they were on the same level, still clasping one another's forearms.

"You can let go now," Jason said finally, loosening his fingers.

"I'm afraid you might run away," he answered without the slightest hint of jesting.

"…Never let anyone call you stupid, Dick. I'm just here to say…well…congratulations. I…I can't stay."

"Like hell you can't." Uh, no. You aren't going anywhere other than downstairs, in a tuxedo, with the rest of us.

"I'll just ruin everything," he shook his head.

"The fact that you're even worried about that tells me that you won't ruin anything. Besides, I've got a spot all picked out for you in the lineup. You'll like your walking partner; she's pretty." His expression was already so much happier that Jason could barely look at him.

"I'm not dressed to be the janitor at a wedding, let alone to be in one."

"Now I know you don't read the texts I send you," the elder male said amusedly. Using the grip he already had on his arm, he yanked him into a hug. "There's a tux inside for you. I hope the shoes aren't tight, I had to guess." He paused. "I'm so glad you're here, Jay. I can't tell you how much this means to me. I know it wasn't easy for you to come, but…" He pushed him back and stared at him. "Thank you."

He tore his eyes away. They felt hot for some stupid, sappy reason. "…I didn't get you guys a gift," he scoffed, trying to hide his amazement that there was an outfit waiting for him. "I guess that makes me a pretty lame groomsman, but…whatever." You…you never gave up on my coming, even after what I said that night and how I snubbed you for the fitting. Why are you so forgiving? Why…why can't I be even a sliver as gracious? Jesus, no wonder you're everyone's favorite.

"You're here. That's seriously the best thing you could have given me today. I mean that."

"Yeah. I know you do. Pansy." His eyes widened; he hadn't meant for the last word to actually hit the air. Well, so much for that.

Dick started, then burst out laughing. "Thanks. If I have any issues in bed tonight, now I can use your cutting insult to my manhood as an excuse."

"Good luck with that."

"…Dude, what are you laughing at? You'd better not be going insane out here. What will I tell Baaaaaahh!" Wally's pronunciation of the bride's name turned into an exclamation of surprise as he saw who his friend was standing with. "…Jason?!"

"Uh…hi, Wally."

"…Wals, how is your tie still screwed up?" Dick asked, crossing his arms.

"Ask Damian. It was a noose at one point," the redhead answered, still staring at the new arrival in blatant shock.

"We have a butler for a reason," the boy in question appeared from inside. "Not that he's here to help when we need him or anything." Catching sight of Jason, he knitted his eyebrows. "…Damn. I lost a bet."

"Language," Dick said mildly. "And who did you have a bet with?"

"Barbara. She said if anyone could make him," he nodded, "come today, it was you. I said no one would be able to get him here. I was incorrect."

"What are you guys all doing out heeeeoh, shit," Tim froze in the doorway. "…Dick, you're a snake charmer, I swear."

"I told you this wouldn't work," Jason hissed angrily. "They clearly don't want me here."

"Relax." He eyed the other three. "We talked about this," he reminded them. "Everyone just needs to take a chill pill, all right?"

"…Bro, nobody… nobody actually expected him to come," Wally explained gently. "I mean, I'm sorry, but…you were so set on it that nobody could stand to argue, especially since…well, who would have actually put money on us all standing here right now?"

"Babs, apparently," the groom retorted. "Which is why I'm marrying her and not one of you." He paused. "That came out wrong. But you know what I mean. The point is, Jason is here because I asked him to be. I asked him to be here in the same spirit that I asked all three of you. I know there's a lot of tension right now," he said, looking at Tim specifically, "and I know I'm calling in a big favor on this, but…can we all just get along for a few hours? Please?"

Damian was the first to answer. "I don't have any particular problem with you right now, Todd, other than that you're an idiot in general."

"Gee, thanks," he grimaced. What a resounding approval.

Wally only had to take one look at Dick's face to know what his answer had to be. "…You're not here to blow the place up or open a back door for your, ah, latest friends or anything, right?" he asked, just to be safe.

"I wouldn't tell you if I was," Jason shot back. "Seriously, what kind of a question is that? Fuck, man. I'm out." He began to turn away, but let a slightly desperate hand on his shoulder stop him.

"I'll vouch for him, Wally," his brother's calm voice overrode his anger. "He's not going to blow anything up."

"Then may we blow up these tuxedos after the ceremony?" Damian mumbled. The comment lightened the mood somewhat, drawing a few tense titters.

"They're Hugo Boss. Alfred would have your hide."

"…Wait, our tuxedos were made by the same company that outfitted the Nazis?" Tim made a face.

"That was seventy years ago, Timmy. Let it go," Dick teased.

"Besides, you have to admit," Jason threw in, "the Nazis had some bitchin' uniforms."

Everyone froze. "…He's not wrong, guys," the acrobat shrugged. "They were terrible, but their clothes were pretty nice."

"…Now I want to blow up my tuxedo, too," Tim sighed.

"Wait, you and Damian agree on something?" Wally asked. "Dick. You know what this means."

"End times," he nodded solemnly. "It's okay. We've prepared for this, remember?"

"Well, at least we'll go out looking good."

"Exactly." He turned to Tim, the only one who was still watching the last groomsman with excessive caution. "…Are we okay?" he inquired.

"I…" I have to stand next to him for the entire ceremony. I mean sure, I can hold me own against him now – sort of – if he tries anything, but… But bad old memories died hard, and looking at the man beside his brother, all he could see was someone who had done nothing these past few years but hurt the people Tim cared about the most. But Dick really wants him here today, and I won't be the one to screw that up. He'd go through hell and back for me; if I can't stand Jason's presence for a few hours, then I don't deserve to be up front with him today. And I want that honor more than anything right now, so… "I'm fine. As long as no one gets ugly, it's not a problem," he pushed out between his teeth.

"Good," Dick gave him a grateful smile, his posture relaying that they would talk in depth later. "Okay, we're due downstairs in…" he glanced at his watch and yelped. "Five minutes. Shit. Jay, please tell me you remember how a tuxedo goes on."

"I'm not dense."

"I'll take that as a yes," he waved everyone back inside. Jason, still carrying a sense of trepidation in the pit of his stomach, stuck close to him. Tim was careful to do the same, and for the exact same reason. You two are so funny. Nobody's going to attack either of you, the groom thought bemusedly. And if someone does without provocation, you know I'll back you up. That's what big brothers are for.

Wally had just shut the balcony off behind them when the bedroom door opened. "Hey, what's your stat…" Bruce, as impeccably dressed as the butler standing slightly behind him, trailed off. "…Jason," he managed finally. His eyes flew to his eldest. "…Dick?"

Uh oh. "Maybe you should both come inside and close the door," he suggested with a gulp. "This might take a minute."

Author's Note: Well, now it's going to be a four-shot, so...happy reading!