Dick didn't wake until 1:15 the next afternoon, if his bedside clock was to believed. He had stayed up as long as Starfire allowed him to (1:00 AM) at which point she had growled that he could finish the rest the next day and that if he didn't go to bed willingly, she would drag him there. He wasn't completely opposed to the idea, but Damian had pulled the most disgusted face that Dick had willfully submitted to sleep.

To his great joy and surprise, when he finally did fight his way back to consciousness, Starfire was still in bed with him. Her head was nestled into his pillow, crown pressed against the headboard. Under the covers, the toes of both feet were tucked under his left leg, which had been spared from most damage. Dick slid his arm under her neck, dragging her toward him and gathering her limp body against his. She made the most adorable sleepy grumble, eyes clenching shut as if to keep herself asleep.

"Richard?"

"Yeah, princess. Finally awake?" He greeted, pressing a chaste kiss to her lips.

She responded by opening her eyes, only to let them flutter back shut for a few moments. "Mmm. In fact, you are the one who has finally woken. I was up five hours ago. I checked on Damian who was also still asleep. I came back to bed about," She lifted her head briefly to check his clock, "two hours ago."

"Well, I'm glad you did." Dick stared at the ceiling, arm still wrapped tightly around Starfire. Now that his body had had time to recuperate, and danger had once again been defeated, his mind was free to work at a normal pace. It was also allowed to wander to things other than tactical plans, worst case scenarios and worry for loved ones. "Star. Let's get married." He blurted, not really thinking.

"Richard, I believe I have already agreed." Starfire rubbed his chest gently, as if to soothe him. Perhaps he was not as well rested as she thought he was. Had he woken in the night without her being aware of it?

"No, I mean, like, now." His dazzling, blue eyes were fixed on the chrome fire sprinkler above the bed.

"Now now?" She questioned, half concerned and half amused.

"I mean, now right now, but yeah. Soon. Why wait, right? There isn't too much planning to be done, since we're going small. Basically we just have to make sure all our friends can go. Why wait?" He repeated, a small smile gathering at the corner of his lips. His eyes finally drifted from the ceiling to her own, eyebrows still asking the question though his mouth was closed.

She met his steady gaze, trying to judge how aware he was, how serious he was. His eyes were clear, muscles loose. There was not even a hint of tension or anxiety. In fact, he mainly looked excited. He was thinking calmly. "Married. Soon." She smiled- the kind that engaged her whole face; her cheeks flushed, eyes crinkling at the corners, eyebrows arched perfectly upward. "Yes. I would be very amenable to that."

"What's our timeline?" Dick pushed himself up, eyes alight, white teeth flashing happily.

Starfire mirrored his actions, sitting up in bed, leaning ever so slightly toward him, as if they had developed their own gravitational pull. She found she quite liked it. "Two weeks?"

"Two weeks." The two sat for a whole minute, grinning wordlessly, hearts pounding and giddiness sending a tickle to the base of their throats. "TWO WEEKS!" Dick bellowed at last, tackling Starfire. He jumped off the bed, dragging her to the edge by her ankles. She squealed but did nothing to stop him as her threw her over his shoulder and barged into the living room-kitchen area. "TWO WEEKS!" He yelled, running a circle around the sofa a peal of laughter meeting his ears from behind him.

"TWO WEEKS!" She agreed through her infectious laughter.

Damian opened the door swiftly to see the almost ridiculous scene playing out before him. Dick whirled, grin fading a little, worried that Damian would still have some mixed feelings. Dick released Star, allowing her to slide along his body until her feet hit the floor. She too looked imploringly at Damian, who had said nothing yet.

"Two weeks until… the wedding?" Damian interrogated quietly, face unreadably blank.

"Yeah," Dick affirmed, sharing a quick glance with Starfire before turning back to the young boy.

"Well then." Damian muttered, approaching the couple. "I suppose congratulations are in order." Damian held his hand out to Dick, who slapped it away and pulled the boy in for a quick hug. Damian pulled away after a few seconds, facing Starfire as he did so. She bent over just the slightest bit, to make better eye contact with him. He reached a single arm toward her, so she followed suit. He wrapped his small, capable fingers around her forearm, gripping lightly. Starfire jolted in surprise before returning the action, a greeting customary to her people, and meant to be one of the highest forms of respect in her culture. Damian studied his form, likely because of her reaction, then asked with slight hesitation, "Did I do it wrong?"

Starfire's eyes sparked happily and she gripped his arm a little tighter, in a reassuring gesture. "Not at all."

Mere hours later, a small, fold out flip book rested on the countertop, facing the elevator. Everytime someone entered the apartment, they were greeted by the by the small calendar which read: Days until The Big Day: 14. Each number had a stack of numbers behind it, for the purposes of an easy countdown.

Days until The Big Day: 13

Dick was just as pale as Starfire had ever seen him, sitting on the couch, back stiff as a board, knee bouncing about as fast as Wally's normally did. His cheeks had taken on a faintly green shade. Damian cast a critical eye on his older brother before meeting Starfire's worried glance. She held up a glass of water, nodding her head in the direction of the man they were both silently communicating about, very subtly asking Perhaps this will help? Damian gave a faint nod, a vague shrug, as if to say It won't do much good, but go ahead.

Starfire stood in front of her soon to be husband, whose eyes hadn't left the elevator door since he had made his call. She placed her hand on his ever quivering knee, offering him the glass. His eyes oh so briefly darted to the cup before he vigorously shook his head, shifting his gaze back to the elevator door.

"Richard. Try not to be so nervous. Bruce will be happy for you, if you are happy. You have to believe that." She kept her voice low, soothing, brushing her hand down his cheek gently.

He nodded a couple times, but she could tell he didn't really agree at all. A sharp buzz pierced the quiet room before Starfire could say anything encouraging. Damian leapt from his seat on the bar stool seating at the kitchen counter, allowing the callers below access to their floor. "Oh, God." Dick muttered, cheeks flushing a more distinct green pallor. "I think I'm going to be sick."

Starfire pulled him up by his elbow, helping him to his abnormally shakey feet. "No, you will not." She assured calmly, keeping her grip on his arm.

"No, I really think I might be." He gritted his teeth, bile rising in his throat. What the hell was Bruce going to say when he told him that he was going to marry Starfire? He had never quite approved of their relationship, though he had tolerated it at Alfred's behest.

Starfire scowled, placing her thumb on his chin, fingers curled beneath. She forced his face away from the elevator to just an inch in front of hers.

"No. You. Will. Not." She spoke each word with great force. She knew that he and his father had a very complicated relationship, and normally, she wouldn't interfere in such affairs. But this was important and more right than anything she had ever done. Bruce had been wrong all those years ago when he had said they wouldn't last. "Richard. This is right. He will either understand or he will not. But this is right."

Apparently this caught his attention, because his hands stopped shaking so much and then suddenly his thumbs were hooked under her jaw and his lips had crashed against hers. A bell tone indicated that the elevator car had arrived at their floor and Dick pulled back a couple of inches. "This is right." He agreed firmly, voice ringing with certainty.

Bruce and Selina stepped surely off the elevator, arm in arm. Alfred entered behind them, his presence quiet and reassuring to Dick. With a final nod, Dick put an arm around Starfire's waist and approached the group of guests. Bruce raised an eyebrow as they walked toward him but he placed a polite smile on his face at the sharp prick of Selina's nails in his shoulder. "Dick." Bruce greeted, shaking his former partner's hand firmly, before addressing Damian. "Damian. Glad to hear you weren't badly injured the other night."

"Thank you father. You are looking well." Damian noted politely, remaining in his place, leaning against the kitchen sink. God, any more stiff formalities in his home, and Dick really would be sick. Selina had released Bruce's arm, and hugged Starfire. Dick watched her purr into Starfire's ear, pulling away to eye Bruce, a look of unguarded approval on her face. "Mm. I do like this one. She's a pretty little tigress, isn't she?"

A rouge blush spread its way up the back of Starfire's neck, who had turned and been mid reciprocal-death-grip hug with Alfred during the comment. "Um. Thank you? I do not believe we have had the fortune to meet. Starfire." She pressed a hand to her chest.

Selina did the same. "Selina Kyle, dear."

A look of instant recognition passed over Starfire, who visibly relaxed. Dick had told her plenty about the infamous Catwoman. "And Bruce. It is lovely to see you again." Bruce took her hand civilly, though he didn't reciprocate the sentiment verbally. Great. Off to an awesome start.

Dick opened his arm back up and Starfire appreciatively cozied back into it. Alfred took a step closer, still a step behind Bruce but just barely. Damian too moved, walking to stand slightly across from Alfred, beside Dick. It was almost like they were squaring off, Dick thought. He didn't much care for that passing thought, and he silently cursed out his own brain.

"So, Dick, what was so important that we had to come all the way down just to hear?" Bruce asked in his externally calm, but ever analytical manner.

Dick's eyes glanced from Alred's calm, wizened face, to Bruce's broad, confident one and finally to Selina's all to knowing expression. "Well, Dad," Dick played the 'dad' card, knowing it had a softening effect on Bruce, if just the tiniest bit. "Starfire and I have talked about this for a long time and we decided that we're going to get married, at Titan's Tower in two weeks. This is your… formal invitation."

Bruce didn't look surprised in the least. The muscles in his jaw tensed a fraction of an inch, and he made no move to speak. Selina's mouth quirked into her signature smirk. Knowing it would probably piss Bruce off and not giving a shit, she strode forward and placed her slender, calloused hand on his shoulder. "Congratulations, Dick. I can tell by looking at her that she's a keeper." She gave his cheek a solid pat. "Atta boy, just like I taught you."

She grinned like a cheshire, eyes glinting with the shared memory. Many years ago, before Bruce and she had been a thing but Catwoman and the Batman had been very… physically active. She had sidled up to Dick- as Robin of course- one brisk Gotham Night and looked him dead in the eye saying point blank and without prompting, "Don't you toy with a girl when you find her. You settle down and you treat her like a queen. Get me?" Wide eyed, Dick had muttered something eloquent like, "Uh, sure?" At her terrifyingly piercing eyebrow lift he had amended, "Yeah. I promise." Well, she had slunk off soon after, of course, but something about that night had always stuck with Dick.

Alfred, also tired of waiting for Bruce's official opinion either way, stepped forward, drawing Dick into a very warm, tender hug. "So very pleased for you, Master Dick. And so very proud." Dick had the chance to catch the crinkly-eyed smile Alfred wore before his face was hidden among the masses of Starfire's mahogany curls. He could see Alfred whispering to her, eyes tear bright with joy. It did Dick good to see the old man so happy. Alfred was a man of very restrained emotion. And more than anyone, he was a man who had little reward for all his effort. It was good to see him like this and Dick felt his heart swell with the understanding that he had made his surrogate grandfather so proud.

Bruce studied the old man, watched the reactions of the others. He even managed to gauge Damian out of the corner of his eye. The boy looked quietly pleased, which Bruce certainly hadn't been expecting. Finally, Bruce regarded Dick, who was watching him with well hidden apprehension. Bruce took a step forward, knowing that every eye in the room followed his movements. "I've never been the two of you's biggest fan." Bruce began. He saw his eldest son's shoulders droop, though it would have been imperceptible to someone who didnt know him as well as Bruce did. A quick survey told him that Starfire too had noticed the change. "But it's not hard to see that you two love each other and take care of each other. That's all a father could ask for."

The look of amazement that ran through Dick made Bruce smile, and he watched as Dick dove at Star, squeezing a quick hug around her shoulders before he lunged at Bruce himself. "That means a lot, Bruce." Dick said, awkwardly pulling away, a sheepish grin on his face.

Bruce placed a firm hand on Dick's shoulder, leaning in so as not to be overheard. "Treat her well. Alfred and I will both have your head if you don't." Bruce pulled back, a smile in his eyes. At Dick's questioning glance he responded, "Starfire and I had a lot of time to talk when you were recovering from your fight with Talia."

"Wha-" Dick sent a flabbergasted look at Starfire who only grinned. "What did you guys talk about?" Dick demanded.

"Wouldn't you like to know." Bruce smirked. He raised a hand to Starfire, who high fived him eagerly.

Days until The Big Day: 12

Dick climbed the steps of the precinct with a little less spring in his step than usual, trying to go easy on his still mending leg. It wouldn't put him out of commision (pain relievers worked miracles, if you asked him) but he was trying to allow it to heal without the aggravation of undue movement.

However, news had come out that Nightwing had solved the case of the crazed peace officers and it would not do for Dick to be out of the office, especially after reports that Nightwing had been injured in his latest encounter with Simon Hurt.

Besides, the evidence had finally been analyzed by department labs, records confirmed and tests rerun. Which meant that the officers- who had shown no lasting side effects after their initial outburst- would be released today. There was no way he wouldn't be standing there when Svoboda stepped out of that holding cell.

Dick nodded at his colleagues, smiling at those leaving for their shifts and quirking a brow and smirk at those who were taking statements from a strange array of pick-pockets they had undoubtedly picked up at the boardwalk. He received respectful nods and exasperated eye rolls respectively, even as he continued his march to the back of the precinct.

With a swipe of his ID, the outside door of the holding area unlocked with a resounding click. Dick slid a file home in front of the holding cell officer- Officer Boyle- in charge of intake and discharge. The man eyed the file, surprise flashing across his face. "No way. They're cleared?"

Dick responded with a wide grin. "Yeah, man. All the evidence Nightwing dropped off for the commissioner checked out. They're cleared of all charges." Dick beamed as he followed Boyle to the cell in which Elise Svoboda had been unwillingly kept for the past three days.

Svoboda looked up from where she was sitting on a terribly uncomfortable looking, thin, plastic covered palette. Her frown melted the second she read Grayson's face and she jumped up. "Grayson. You didn't."

"I'm here to inform you, officer Elise Svoboda, that you have been cleared of all wrongdoing and that the charges against you will be dropped immediately, without any repercussions." Grayson stated with half-mocking, half-elated ceremony.

"Nah, Grayson." She scoffed, tears springing to her eyes despite the wide smile she wore. "Don't mess around like that." She huffed disbelievingly. Even despite his grin, despite his presence here, she was still unsure. Probably, there were questions she would never have the answer to. She wasn't ready to be given false hope. Thankfully, all the hope he was offering was genuine.

He straightened, heels clicking together, left arm down, loosely fisted at his side. He raised his right hand in a salute to her, answering her silent plead. "You are reinstated as a peace officer in the Bludhaven Police Department, 5th precinct."

"Son of a bitch," she said, straightening to return the salute, rubbing the tears from her eyes, "How the hell did you manage that one, you dog?" She busted into the biggest smile he'd ever seen before she closed the distance, crushing him in a friendly, very relieved hug.

"Wish I could take all the credit, Elise." Dick admitted, taking a step back to meet her eyes. "But actually it was that- oh, how do you always put it?- that prick in the tights who came to your rescue."

Svoboda lifted one perfectly plucked eyebrow, striding out of the cell and shaking Boyle's hand absentmindedly. "Is that so? Then why do you sound pleased as shit?" She interrogated sharply.

Dick guffawed. Already, he was feeling better about going to work again. "Because, partner, by my reckoning, it means that I was right. Nightwing isn't so bad after all."

"Damn it." She said, spinning on her heel and heading back for her cell. "I think I liked it better in here. At least the cinderblocks muffled the gloating." She was tugged back toward the exit, toward the middle of the precinct building by her considerably taller partner.

"Alright, alright," Dick appeased, "Since you just got sprung, I will temporarily take a step off my high horse. I'll do that for you, partner."

"Gee. I really hit the jackpot with you." She replied sardonically.

"Damn straight. You up for Thai?"

She pursed her lips, considering. "Nah. This feels more like a steakhouse kind of occasion."

"You're the boss." Dick said in way of agreement. "Mind if we make a stop by the captain's office? I've got to put in for some time off."

"Oh, got some hot date coming up, Grayson?"

"Yeah." Dick chuckled, imagining the look on her face when he would announce that the girlfriend she had been pestering him to meet for a year was soon to be his wife. "Something like that."

They entered the bullpen only to be stalled by a crowd of officers- on duty and off, clapping and whistling. A mob descended on his partner as they welcomed her back, congratulating her on being cleared, declaring their relief that she would be back to her post soon.

Days until The Big Day: 10

Barbara had arrived in a whirlwind of excited giggles, bone crushing hugs which nearly matched Starfire's in force, and proclamations that she and Raven were going to be bridesmaids, without question and that they would be taking Starfire dress shopping right now. The next few minutes were a blur of bouncing, squealing, and high pitched shouts of celebration (conducted only by the two redheads; Raven had retained her quiet composure, and had companionably stood next to Damian, cringing in unison with him at the high frequency freak out).

The two young women had found no resistance from Starfire, who had immediately and wholeheartedly agreed to both the bridesmaid demand, and the request to go dress shopping. The three had all but instantly rushed out, save for a brief pause in which, after having made it halfway to the elevator, Babs had whirled back around and planted a sisterly kiss on Dick's forehead. With a ruffle of his immaculate hair, she had beamed at him. "Took you long enough, Boy Wonder. I was wondering if I would have to propose to her for you." Though her tone was teasing, her eyes conveyed a deep and loving sentiment. Truly, she was happy for both of them.

Dick had no idea what could possibly have taken the trio three hours, but when Starfire had arrived home alone that evening, she had been lugging several bags, which she stowed in the back of her closet at once, issuing the warning, "You are not to look in those bags, Richard."

"Aw, come on, what did you get?" He urged, dragging her against him with a hand at the small of her back. Their stomachs pressed together firmly and her eyes flashed. Suddenly, a good majority of the blood in his head had migrated elsewhere.

"That is for me to know and you to find out." She retorted huskily, eyes half lidded.

"What's the fun in that?" Dick questioned against her jaw, lips just barely grazing her skin.

"This." Starfire answered. He felt her fingers move at his waist. He was just about to reciprocate when he found himself flat on his butt in the middle of the floor, blinking stupidly, a gloating Starfire standing over him.

"Since when are you so easily distracted?" She grinned wickedly, already dashing out of the bedroom, Dick hot on her tail, hands at the ready for an all out tickle war.


A/N: Almost done. One more chapter to go! I decided to reward you, my readers, with a generous amount of fluff, for sticking with me through all the angst. Leave me some comments!