Author's Note:

Adam: Bruce is what's known as a merchant prince. He's got the money. The fame. But not a title. If he loses his money, he'll lose everything, respect from other nations, all his power. His 'princedom' is as fluid as his money. And it's not really about Dick being worthy of marrying Starfire, we all know he is. There's a bigger issue here, one that Dick's only just starting to realise.

Chapter 11.

Cyborg's wedding was fairly well publicised. There was a small section in Bludhaven's paper that announced it. Hackle and Rogers teased me that I was going to the Cyborg's wedding, instead of my 'friend's', but I explained that my friend was a huge Cyborg fan and wanted bragging rights for the rest of his life that he was married on the same day as Cyborg. Plus, further decoy, I said that if I was planning to travel all the way to Jump, I would have had to take a week off, to fly there and meet with my friend. Anyone who decided to check my records would discover Dick Grayson's never been to Jump.

Convenient that the general population doesn't know about the teleporters. Oh, they would eventually, but for now they were just a Justice League, Titan thing.

Morning of the wedding I showered and shaved, did all my usual morning routine, dressed in my uniform, picked up my overnight back and went through the teleporter. Cyborg wasn't getting married until afternoon, so I had plenty of time, although I knew that most of it would be used in helping keep Cyborg calm. Starfire said she had everything ready for me at the hotel, where Cyborg and Beast Boy already were, so I hopped on my bike and drove down to Westbourne Plaza. After, of course, going up and seeing Silkie for a few minutes. Shh. Our secret.

The hotel room was empty, no surprise there, but Starfire had laid my tuxedo out on the bed for me, with a single red rose on it and a chocolate heart. She still hasn't quite grasped the concept that those presents are usually given to girls from guys. Or maybe she has, but liked to tease me.

I still had to wear the mask, after all, Nightwing was a groomsman, not Dick, but at least I wasn't going in uniform for once. I quickly dressed, locked my uniform in the safe, I'm paranoid, and then headed off to Cyborg's room.

Who was busy playing console games, completely dressed and polished, his head shone nicely, with his jacket over the back of the chair.

Beast Boy grinned sheepishly as he opened the door. He was still in a tracksuit and pants with his hair all messed up and day old growth. "Hey."

"Hey," I replied, smirking at him. "You look smashing, did you work a long time on that outfit?"

He wrinkled his nose at me. "Yeah, yeah, you're on keep Cyborg calm duties. I'll go shower. Then I have to go down and check that everything's sorted."

I nodded and headed over to sit beside Cyborg and took Beast Boy's controller. "Hey."

"Hey, Rob," Cyborg replied absently, his thumbs flashing on the controller as he crept through some sort of underground tunnel smiting zombies. Yup, he's nervous.

"So, today's the day."

"Yup."

"Awesome."

"Kill some zombies, Rob."

"Don't mind if I do."

"Good, 'coz BB's way behind my score. Catch up already."

"He's not that far behind," I said, glancing at the score. "You'd better hurry up."

"You ain't got game."

"I got heaps of game."

"Well, bring it then… oh oh, you so fuckin' didn't kill steal."

"Sure I did. You were too slow."

"That was mine."

"So sad. Too bad. Watch me do it again…"

"Hey!"

I laughed. "Told you."

"Right, well, it's on now."

"I thought you were bringing it."

"I am."

"Where's it at then?"

"Don't be a dick."

"You know I can't help it."

"Asshole."

"Bobsnar."

"Hiding behind Starfire again, are we? Clorbag."

"Zardnorf."

"Kleedlebarf."

"You pronounced that wrong."

"Bite me."

"That'd just break my teeth. HA! Take that!"

"Again, man? He was mine! Ragnertook!"

I grinned. I liked playing games with the guys. It's fun, relaxing, no matter how many names we call each other we're still friends when it's over. And we're completely not too old for it either. Never.

Beast Boy joined us a short while later, showered, gelled, clean. He planted a plate of sandwiches before us. "Star says to eat something."

I flicked him a look. "You saw her?"

"Best man," he replied cheekily. "I had to go check in with the girls. She looks mighty fine. So does Sarah."

We ate and laughed and drank sodas and kept Cyborg from thinking too much. Halfway into round two of our epic gaming marathon, there was a knock on the door. Cyborg and Beast Boy were playing, so I opted to answer it.

"Probably the photographer," Beast Boy said. "Saw him setting up downstairs earlier, he said he was going to come up here to get some shots before the wedding."

The man at the door looked pretty dishevelled, I could smell alcohol on his breath, but he didn't appear drunk, and he had no cameras. "Can I help you?" I asked politely.

The man looked me over, then tried to look past me, but I shifted to block his view of the room. "I'm here to see Victor."

I was getting some bad vibes. "And you are?"

"His father."

I shut the door in his face.

Cyborg and Beast Boy stared at me, Cyborg's face looking particularly blank, while Beast Boy looked incredibly nervous.

We all knew about Silas Stone. Never met the man, but we all knew. Ghastly experiments on intelligence enhancements conducted on his son for years. And then when Cyborg had his accident, his father went against his wishes and replaced most of his parts with cybernetics, even sections of him that were fine. The pain Cyborg endured just so Silas could test his new inventions.

I mean, I get that Silas probably loved his son, didn't want to lose him, but there are limits. There has to be. We knew he treated Cyborg more like an experiment than a son. We all knew there were times Cyborg had wished his father would have let him die, that if he'd had a choice, this wouldn't be the life he was forced to endure. Even if we all loved him the way he was, we all would have given anything for him to be human again.

Cyborg had had nothing to do with his father for many years. It was a special sort of arrogance for him to turn up after all these years, especially on Cyborg's wedding day.

"Beast Boy, call security," I said.

Cyborg sighed, slapped his hands on his knees and stood. "Let him in. I'll talk to him."

"No," I said protectively. "We'll get rid of him."

Cyborg waved his hand at me. "Dick, it's okay. It's my weddin' day. I'm marryin' a woman I love and makes me happy. Ain't nothin' he can say that's gonna ruin that for me."

I pressed my lips into a thin line and opened the door, giving Silas the bat glare. He shrunk back. Satisfied, I opened the door wider and allowed him passage, all the while watching him. He slunk into the room, edging around me.

Then he caught sight of Beast Boy, and realised I wasn't the most dangerous one in the room. Beast Boy's hands were clawed, his back hunched and he seemed to be a lot hairier and feral than normal. I could see fangs in his mouth. He growled, his eyes going completely black, his nose took on a feline cast.

Any other day, I would have found it amusing. Not today. I remained by the door, ready to throw Silas out at the word.

"You look good, Victor," Silas said.

Cyborg would have folded his arms across his chest, but I think he didn't want to wrinkle his shirt or vest. "What do you want, old man?" he asked, both resigned and angry.

"Is it a crime to want to wish my only son good luck on his wedding day?"

"Since you weren't invited," Cyborg said. "I'd say yes."

"Any reason why I wasn't invited?" Silas asked.

Beast Boy growled.

"I think we all know the reason why," I snarled, making Silas flinch and shift away from me.

"Say what you've come to say," Cyborg said.

"Could we talk in private? This should be kept in the family."

Cyborg lifted an eyebrow. "Meet Nightwing and Beast Boy. They're my family. Be thankful it's not my sisters here, they're the dangerous ones."

Silas hesitated. "I wanted to wish you well."

"A card would have done that," Beast Boy said.

Cyborg sighed. "Guys, can you wait outside for a minute?"

Beast Boy and I exchanged a glance. I considered Cyborg and he gave me a small nod. I sighed and opened the door. "Alright, dude," Beast Boy said, losing his animalistic appearance.

"Say it quick," Cyborg said as we exited. "Or I'll feed you to the green one."

I closed the door and leant on the wall beside it, propping one foot up behind me and folded my arms.

Beast Boy paced circles in the hallway. "This is so not good."

"Not much we can do," I said.

"Really like to tear him a new one."

"Actually, I wouldn't mind locking him in a room with Raven, and having her force feed him Cyborg's memory and make him live through what he did to Cyborg."

Beast Boy glanced at me and grinned. "That's not a bad idea."

I smirked. "Then you can tear him a new one."

"Definitely. And Starfire can roast him. Then you can make sure his body's never found."

We bumped fists. "Sounds like a plan."

"What are you two doing out here?"

We both flicked our heads over. "Speak of the devil," Beast Boy said.

Raven narrowed her eyes at him. "What?"

"We were just talking about you," I said. "You look beautiful."

She had on a dark blue, floor length evening dress, the same colour as her cape, really she looked incredible in that colour. The rounded neckline was beaded with a fabric belt clutching her hips, the skirt flowing from beneath. She'd put her long hair back in a French knot with some little mother of pearl clips. Diamond earrings, which I recognised as a gift from me and Starfire for her birthday last year, a little silver bracelet and minimal makeup, just enough to highlight her already fabulous beauty.

"Wow," Beast Boy said, going to greet his wife, giving her a big kiss on the cheek so as to not smudge her lipstick. "You look gorgeous."

She flushed and bobbed a curtsey. "Thank you. I just came to wish Cyborg luck in private."

Beast Boy and I looked at each other. "Ahh."

Her eyes narrowed. "What?"

"His father's here."

Raven blinked and opened four red eyes. "And you just let him in?"

I shifted so I was blocking the door. "Cyborg asked us to."

"Easy, Rae," Beast Boy soothed, patting her shoulder. "Calm."

"Don't tell me that," she snapped.

The door behind me opened, revealing a frowning Cyborg, whose expression cleared as he saw Raven. He didn't even mention the whole four eyed thing, just smiled at her. "Ahh, baby doll, you look beautiful."

She stared at him with four eyes. "Are you okay?"

"Yup." Cyborg stepped aside to reveal Silas, who looked at Raven with shock. "He was just leavin'."

"Victor—"

Cyborg gave his father a bland look. "You were just leavin'."

"We'll escort him out," Beast Boy said.

Raven shifted and I put my hand on her shoulder. "Stay with Cyborg. He comes first."

Raven shuddered and closed her two extra eyes, returning to her normal self as she followed Cyborg into his hotel room.

"We'll see you out," I said, overly polite as I gestured toward the elevator.

We stood in silence for a moment as the elevator descended before Silas spoke. "I just came to see if he needed my help."

Beast Boy growled. "Why would he need your help?"

"He's getting married. His wife's probably going to want children, I can make that happen—"

I'd like to say that we restrained ourselves, except that we couldn't help it. Beast Boy cracked his knuckles in the elevator and I hit the emergency stop on the elevator.

"We know all about you," Beast Boy snarled. "Don't you come near him again, you hear?"

"What you did was despicable," I included. "What you did as a father trumps everything our parents or mentors have ever done. And that includes Raven's father who tried to destroy the Earth." White lie, Starfire's father giving her to the Citadel after all, but no one really needed to know that. Besides, what Silas did, the experimentations then the implants against Cyborg's wishes, pretty much trumped everything.

"Cyborg's a good guy," Beast Boy snapped. "He's awesome. Sarah loves him for who he is. They don't need you."

"I—"

I hit the emergency stop button again, making the elevator go again. "It was so nice of you to drop in," I said with sickening sweetness. "Don't come back unless you're actually invited."

We escorted him to the door and watched as he flagged down a taxi. I went and made it known to the front desk that they're not to give out Cyborg's room to just anyone and that we were quite disappointed they'd given it out without first seeking permission, and that man was not to be allowed back. I then went up to Clair's room, where the bridesmaids were getting ready, to tell Starfire of what had occurred.

I knocked, the giggling on the other side of the door pausing, before it opened a crack and Starfire's eye peered through, I couldn't get a glimpse of what she was wearing, she was holding a towel or robe or something over the crack so I couldn't see. "You are not allowed in," she said, playfully stern.

I smiled. "Heads up," I said in Tamaranian. "We just escorted Cy's father off the premises."

The door shook slightly, Starfire's eye flashing green briefly. "I see."

"Do not let anyone in who you do not know. Just as a precaution."

She nodded. "Of course."

"What's wrong?" I heard Sarah call from within the room.

"Nothing is the wrong," Starfire called. "Nightwing was attempting to do the spying."

"Naughty Nightwing," Clair said, poking into the small gap in the door below Starfire's face. "Shoo."

I switched back to English. "I'm thwarted," I said, teasing. "See you guys in a bit."

Clair waved at me. "Bye," she cooed as the door closed.

Satisfied that Starfire would protect Sarah, not that I actually thought it would be necessary, I headed back to Cyborg.

The photographer had arrived by the time I got there, so we posed for some photos, pulling Raven in to a couple too, then all of us headed down to the wedding hall so we could start greeting guests.

The wedding hall was decorated, filled with white roses. Blue ribbons draped along the backs of long wooden benches on either side of the red carpet down the middle. A podium at the end of the carpet, where Cyborg and Sarah would wed. A small desk and chair for signing the register. Cyborg had hired a string quartet to play music, including the wedding march, and they played softly in the background now. It was really very elegant, I'm sure Sarah would be pleased.

The photographer flittered around, checking lighting and taking some snapshots of Cyborg greeting people, while Kid Flash had been given the duty of taping everything on a video camera. He'd been instructed to get as many congratulations as he could and was taking some time to get some now.

There were a lot of people expected for the wedding itself. Most of Cyborg's co-workers at STARR Labs, all Sarah's co-workers and some of her students, friends and family, all of the Titans and some members of the Justice League. There would be refreshments afterward before the wedding party and immediately family would disappear for personal photos, Westbourne Plaza had a really picturesque staircase than many couples favoured, as well as a nice hanging garden wall for photos.

Cyborg met everyone at the double wooden doors at the entrance, while Beast Boy and I ushered people to seats. Beast Boy took the Justice League, Titans and partners, because he already knew all of their names, while I dealt with Sarah's enormous family. Mainly because a lot of them were rather squeamish about heroes, even Cyborg, getting tongue tied or embarrassed or plain scared to be close. Plus, I had an excellent memory and a knack to be able to set people at ease. And I'm purely human.

Cyborg and Sarah had originally decided on having four groomsmen and bridesmaids (Starfire and Raven would be 'groomswomen'), but Sarah's side of the family erupted in a bitter brawl over which of her female cousins would be bridesmaids. Clair was a given, they'd been friends since Kindergarten, but the other three positions were up for grabs. It became so bad, Sarah had just wanted to elope until Raven suggested that instead of four groomsmen, Cyborg have two, and they make Starfire the second bridesmaid.

Sarah and Starfire got on famously, but then I don't know anyone beside Wonder Woman who Starfire doesn't get along with, so Sarah was quite happy with that arrangement. None of her family dared protest either. Cyborg protested a little, he wanted Raven involved in the wedding so Raven mentioned that since she was already a priest of Azar, it probably wouldn't be very hard to become a celebrant and marry then, if Sarah approved. Which she did.

So now, Raven waited patiently at the podium at the end of the room, a long, wide ribbon around her neck, draped over her shoulders until it reached the floor, while Cyborg greeted and Beast Boy and I ushered.

There was a surge of wind and then Flash draped himself on my shoulder. "Hey dude, dig the treads."

I chuckled as I glanced at him, then double took. "You managed to find a red and canary yellow tuxedo?"

Flash preened. "Tailor made to my specifications. Includes a butt load of food compartments so I don't get hungry."

I shook my head. "Idiot. Go sit down."

"What?" he asked. "I look hot and you know it."

"You stick out like a sore thumb."

"Have you seen Clair yet?" Flash asked, looking around. "Do the bridesmaids look hot?"

I rolled my eyes. "Dude, you're not hitting on Clair, are you?"

"She wants me. Wedding night sex is always awesome, the girls are so hot for it."

I shook my head. "I know that, Wal, now sit down. Working here."

Flash chuckled. "Save me a dance."

"In your dreams."

"Even in my dreams, I'm quick, Dick."

I had to laugh. He gave my shoulder a shake and headed off to his seat, high fiving Arsenal and Tempest on the way.

The room was looking decidedly full, all of the guests murmuring and talking among themselves. I waved at Robin as he entered with Superboy and they sat up the back.

Eventually, Cyborg checked his watch, shook his shoulders, readjusted his cuffs and strode to the podium near Raven. Beast Boy and I ceased sitting guests, really any stragglers should have to seat themselves. I waited at the door to escort Sarah's mother when she arrived while Beast Boy went to stand beside Cyborg. I noticed him surreptitiously checking his pocket for the rings, before he looked a little relieved.

Once my escort the mother duty was done –not long to wait now– I took my place beside Beast Boy, grinning at him, and clasped my hands in front of me to wait. Wasn't hard to see how nervous poor Cyborg was, one of his legs was jiggling restlessly. It got so bad, I saw Raven step closer, place her hand on Cyborg's shoulder, and siphoned off a little of his apprehension.

Then Sarah's brother, Chris, arrived, opening the double entrance doors the whole way and nodded to the musicians. They started playing their music just a little louder, the theme heading toward a traditional bridal walk. Voices quietened, Cyborg's back went stiff and expectant and all eyes turned toward the entrance way.

A flower girl, one of Sarah's little cousins, walked through, tossing pink rose petals from her basket. She was a little performer this one, happily dancing around as she threw her petals, beaming at everyone she passed. As she reached the podium, she bobbed into a cute little curtsey, to which Cyborg pressed a hand to his heart and bowed, then she flounced off to join Sarah's mother.

Starfire walked through the door, smiling brightly to all those in attendance. God, she was so beautiful, my knees went weak. Beside me, Beast Boy covered a laugh, causing me to remember myself. I swallowed, shot him a look and closed my mouth.

The bridesmaids wore light Cyborg blue, as we called it, a colour similar to Cyborg's enhancements. It'd had been the theme for the wedding, the three of us guys all wore the darker blue colour of his implants as vests beneath the jackets. The strapless bodice was pleated and so very tight against Starfire's chest. There was a transparent flowing ruffle, almost like a second skirt, which cascaded down the front of the dress. Sarah had had both bridesmaids' hair curled and adorned with little baby breath flowers. They each wore a drop pendant choker and Clair had matching earrings. They both held a small bundle of soft pink roses.

Starfire walked first, with Clair behind her, slow, demure steps, smiling at the guests until they reached us and stood opposite. My eyes connected with Starfire's and I grinned at her, entranced by her appearance. She blushed at me and jerked her eyes to the entrance way as Sarah came through.

I think all three of our mouths dropped as Sarah was revealed, clutching her father's arm. She'd worn a white princess cut dress, the ones that hug at the bodice and flare out from the hips into a huge skirt. It was strapless with golden flowers and vines embroidered on the front of it, similar embroidery on the train at the back. She'd worn her hair down too, golden ringlets, complete with a veil with golden trimmings and a princess tiara to hold it in place. She shone, she really did. I could see she was nervous, her bouquet was shaking slightly as she walked toward us, her hand curled around her father's arm.

Beast Boy reached forward and gripped Cyborg's shoulder. "Dude, if I wasn't married to Raven, you'd totally have competition."

"Likewise," I agreed. "She looks incredible."

Cyborg swelled with pride. "Thanks."

Raven stepped forward as Sarah and her father reached the podium, clearing her throat, lifting her voice in greeting.

Weddings, once you've been to one, you've been to most of them. Really, the ceremony itself is only important to the bride and groom, the rest of us endure it and wait for the celebration afterward, even those of us standing at the front. We listen intently, smile and nod in the right places, but I could tell by his stance Beast Boy had already switched off and was flirting with Raven with his eyes. Hell, I was doing the same with Starfire, even though she couldn't see mine, she knew.

There was the welcome speech. The giving away of the bride, often the proudest moment for a father and Nick was no exception. I swear I saw a tear in his eye as he handed over his precious daughter. Clair passed her small bunch of roses to Starfire, before taking Sarah's bouquet so Sarah could clasp hands with Cyborg for the vows themselves.

There was the vows, short, sweet and totally in tune with the relationship Sarah and Cyborg had. Sarah's voice shook a little, but I knew it was from nerves and not cold feet. Cyborg stroked his thumb against Sarah's hand as he spoke the same vows to her.

Then came the giving of the rings, which I had to nudge Beast Boy so he'd get them from his pocket.

Then, finally, was the moment Cyborg and Sarah had been waiting for the moment she walked into the room. With a tear in her eye, Raven proudly announced them to be husband and wife, joined by the strings of love for eternity.

A great cheer arose as Cyborg eagerly lifted Sarah's veil, gathered her tiny frame into his massive, protective arms and kissed his new wife.

Comic lore cite: Silas Stone originally experimented on Victor with intelligence enhancing drugs. He was also the one to make him into Cyborg after an accident. Understandable yes, I wouldn't like to lose my children if I could prevent it, however Silas went on to use Cyborg as an experiment in cybernetics. In a few Cyborg histories, Silas was also the one who caused the accident that made it necessary for the implants. They are estranged.