Part 2

Three Months Later.

Basem and Sally were holding their wedding ceremony at a considerably smaller church than Terry and Max, primarily because they didn't have as many people attending. Despite the smaller number of attendees in comparison, New Light Church was almost filled to capacity with Sally and Basem's family and friends. Lita and Eddy were watching Grace and Stevie, along with their own daughter, Lita, as they sat on the front row of the church. Bilal and Adeline were sitting in the foyer with Sally's parents, Raymond and Grace Croft, waiting for the ceremony to begin. Even Alex, Ari, and Lance, Basem and Hayate's League friends from Paris, made it for the ceremony, as did Diana and Clark.

It was almost time for the ceremony to begin and everyone was in their final preparations of getting ready. In the bride's room, Sally was in her wedding dress, staring at herself in the mirror.

"To think," Sally mused, "I didn't think I'd be able to get in this dress."

"Because of the child you had out of wedlock," Max joked.

"That would sting, if you hadn't slept with Terry, literally, minutes after you two became official."

"You just keep bringing that up."

"So it won't happen again!"

Max gave Sally a droll look and narrowed her eyes.

Sally stared at herself a while longer. "I can do this. Right?"

"Are you seriously worried?" Max asked.

"It's not like I'll ever cheat or anything. Or that I'm worried Basem will. I'm just worried if I'm… enough for him."

"You said this same crap when you were worried about dating him."

"This is different." Sally stared in the mirror for a while. "He… didn't even get mad when I was pregnant. He was… so happy. He still is. He's such a good dad already. I… I'm scared I'll screw this up."

Max studied Sally for a moment. She smiled warmly, stood up, and walked over to her.

"Don't pinch my ear again!"

Max giggled, softly. "I'm not." She wrapped her arms around Sally, hugging her as they both looked in the mirror. "Sal. Relax. You're gonna get things wrong. Me and Terry still do. Everyone gets something wrong. You're gonna try. B's gonna try. You're both gonna try and try your best to be the best parents. That's what you need to do. That's always gonna make the difference. But… above everything else… you need to enjoy it."

"I'm just scared," Sally whispered.

"That's okay. He's scared, too."

"But he's so much more equipped to handle it."

"Sure, because he deals with supervillains on a regular. But… you're a doctor. You're a great… phenomenal friend. You are so strong! You might be one of the strongest people I've ever known. You know Basem's secrets, mine, Terry's, and Bruce's. And you're still here. You're still holding it together. You've held all of us together before. You're better equipped than you think."

Sally stared at herself and at Max. Tears began to fall. "I don't want to ruin Basem's life. After all he's been through… all he's fought back from, everything he lost… he deserves the best."

"And he's getting it. He knew that when he told you he loved you first. He cemented it when he proposed. Think about it, the main thing he didn't want Tumulus to do was hurt you. Yeah, he feels guilty about Marie but, at the end of the day… you were the most important person to him. Now… you and Stevie… you're both the most important people to him. And you always will be."

Sally took a second to let all of that sink in. "Am I a bad person for feeling like this?"

"Not at all, sis," Max said, immediately and warmly. "You're having a real, natural reaction. You're getting married. You're a new mom. It's a lot to take in. But you can handle it. Sally Croft… about to be Sally Asselah… can handle anything. Even if she gets scared sometimes."

Sally started to smile a bit. "You're the best, Max."

"So, are you, Sal. So are you." Max squeezed Sally. "So. You ready?"

Sally nodded. "Let's do this."

In the groom's room, Terry was sitting in a chair, reading information on his phone while Basem finished getting ready in the bathroom. After a few minutes, Basem stepped back into the room, buttoning his sleeves.

Terry looked up from his phone and observed Basem, curiously. "You're… surprisingly calm."

"Yeah, I noticed," Basem admitted. "I thought I'd be like you when you and Max were getting married." He sat down and sighed. "I honestly think because I dealt with so much with Rene."

"We're always gonna have that cloud hanging over our heads." Terry sighed. "That was a close one."

"I guess… that's one more reason I'm so calm about this."

"Meaning?"

"Sally," Basem replied. "She stuck by me through all of that. Through worst of times. Through the worst of me. She never left. Even yelled at me when I told her to leave so she could be safe."

"You did?" Terry asked.

Basem shrugged.

Terry smiled. "She cussed you out, didn't she?"

"Oh, yeah, she did!"

Terry laughed.

"But…" Basem continued, "I guess that's why I can deal with this easier. I already know she's the one. I already know that we can make it through anything, no matter how tough."

"Parenthood's gonna be tough," Terry pointed out.

Basem shrugged, "True. I'm gonna need some help with that one."

"Do I look like I'm going anywhere?"

"Nope." Basem paused. Then sniffed. "I… can't help but wish Marie was here."

Terry leaned forward, clasping his hands together. "If I had the power… I'd bring her here, bro. I really would. But… you know she wanted you to be a hero. You've done that. She would've wanted you to be happy. Go be that."

Basem thought about that for a while. He wiped his eyes. "Thanks, Terry."

Terry smiled. "It's why I'm here. Now!" He stood up. "Ready to be the happiest man in the world?"

Basem smiled, "Oh, God, yes!"

The wedding ceremony was beautiful yet simple. Basem and Sally wanted to keep things minimal; the bridal party only consisted of Terry as the best man and Max as the maid of honor. Basem and Sally didn't feel the need to have a huge overblown ceremony. They wanted their parents there, they wanted Max and Terry to play a role, they wanted Bruce present, they wanted Sally's father to walk her down the aisle. They got everything they wanted. Everything else was just an added blessing.

The reception was at a dance hall that Bruce rented out. Again, beautiful yet simple. Sally danced with her father then Basem with his mother, the newlyweds reserving their dance for last. They danced to the song "Like a Star" by Corinne Bailey Rae. Years ago, before they began dating, Sally was listening to the song and heard Basem humming the lyrics. They both realized they were fans of hers, immediately strengthening their bond as friends. Both saw the song as an anthem for the relationship.

After having their dances, the events of night were nice and calm. While Basem and Sally made their rounds at the tables, Terry and Max smiled at them.

Max looked at Terry, taking hold of his hand, "Remind you of us?"

"In the best ways," Terry answered. "Sal have a freak out?"

"Yup. What about B?"

"A breakdown of a different kind. But… he's okay."

"Yeah." Max sighed. "Sal, too." She fell silent. "They'll be okay. Right?"

"Yeah." He looked at her. "And so will we."

She looked at him. "Thanks, Terry."

"Anytime."

Hayate studied Sally and Basem and Terry and Max, a smile had been almost permanently etched on his face most of the day. He remembered hearing stories and looking at pictures and videos of Terry and Max's wedding. It was a blessing to see the happiness firsthand with Basem and Sally. Hayate checked his watch. The hour was growing late and, soon, he'd have to begin his nightly watch.

As Hayate sat, Ari, Lance, and Alex approached and sat down with him, "Hey, Tay!" Ari greeted first.

Hayate smiled at them, "Good friends."

They all looked at Basem and Sally.

"I've never seen Basem smile this much," Alex noted. "Like… ever."

"He and Sally are truly a match made in heaven," Hayate noted.

"You've gotten to witness it closer and longer than us."

"Indeed."

Alex sighed. "Really gonna miss him back home."

"For real," Ari agreed. "But…" she smiled, "if staying in Gotham means he smiles like that… I'll take it."

"Me, too."

Lance shrugged. "I guess."

Ari rolled her eyes.

Alex looked at Hayate, "Guess this means your 'student exchange program' will be coming to an end soon."

Hayate nodded, slightly, "It would seem."

"So, when are you moving back?" Lance asked.

Hayate thought for a moment. "Not sure. I've been debating that. But… I'll wait until Basem and Sally come back from visiting his family."

"Cool."

Ari and Alex looked at Hayate, noticing an interesting look in his eyes. They couldn't quite place it but they decided to let it drop for now.

The following morning, Terry and Max met with Sally, Basem, Bruce, and Hayate at the Manor at Basem and Sally's request.

"What's up?" Max asked as everyone gathered in the living room. "What's with the meeting of the dons we got goin' on here?"

"I really wish all of you would stop watching mob movies," Bruce rolled his eyes.

"Stop watching classics like Goodfellas and The Godfather?" Terry chuckled, "I. Don't. Think. So!"

Bruce rolled his eyes.

"Anyway…" Terry looked back at Basem, "seriously, what's this about? You guys should be heading off to France, already."

"Bags are packed," Sally replied.

"We just wanted to let all of you know…" Basem said. "Thanks for everything. And… thanks for saying we could take a month but…"

"We'll be back in two weeks."

The rest of the group looked at them surprised.

"But I told you it's fine," Bruce said. "A month is plenty."

"It is," Basem agreed. "And thanks, Bruce. But after Paris… we're coming back here. The work goes on."

Terry thought it over. "So, no… actual honeymoon?"

"Not yet," Basem answered.

"He took enough time off after that Graves mess," Sally said. "Hence why Stevie was born before the wedding."

"Yeah, but…" Max started to say.

"There are plenty of beaches to visit another time," Basem anticipated. "For now… Paris with the family then back to Gotham. We'll figure out some vacation time later."

Bruce could see Sally and Basem seemed content with this decision. "As long as you both are sure."

"We are, Bruce," Sally smiled. "But thank you, again, for everything."

Bruce nodded.

Basem looked at Hayate, "You sure you don't mind sticking around a while longer?"

"I'm almost offended you keep asking me that," Hayate replied.

Basem laughed.

"Yeah, B," Terry said. "Me and Hayate did just fine while you were getting yourself together in the first place. Honestly… yeah, you're totally replaced. He's way easier to be around."

"Bite me."

"Just enjoy the peace and quiet while you're gone," Bruce insisted. "You won't get any when you get back."

"Tell me about it," Sally scoffed. "Mom said Stevie is already fussy at all hours."

"Oh, he's a drama king!" Max put her hand to her chin. "Gee. I wonder which side of the DNA that comes from?"

"Oh, shut up, you… sexy smart person!"

"All of your insults always point out my brilliance and sex appeal. I'm not complaining. I'm just pointing out a fact that makes me happy." Max smiled.

Basem laughed. "We should get going."

"Yeah," Sally said. "Our folks are waiting." She looked at Bruce, "I still can't believe you paid for my parents' tickets."

"Oh, please," Bruce grunted. "First-class tickets to Paris. I used to do that on a weekly basis as a cover. I didn't even notice the money was gone."

"If only for five minutes to know what it must feel like to have that much money…"

"Sal, you do have that much money," Basem reminded. "Well, maybe not that much, but close enough. My parents are rich, and I'm their only, favorite son."

Terry stifled a laugh, "Favorite!"

"I will absolutely punch you in the teeth."

Terry just laughed.

Sally blinked. "Holy crap. I'M RICH!" Everyone laughed.

"You guys did sign a prenup right?" Max asked.

Sally glared at her. "I don't know who should've been more offended by that."

"Alright, alright, with all this!" Terry said. "You guys need to get going! Enjoy your vacation! And no supervillains!"

Basem sighed, "Right. We're going."

"And if y'all come back with another kid…" Max said.

"You're not the boss of us!" Sally fired back.

"I'm the boss of everyone around here except Bruce and Hayate!"

"Why not him?" Terry asked, pointing at Hayate.

"Because he's a pleasant person to be around and has done nothing to get on my bad side!" Max smiled.

"I do my best," Hayate bowed, quickly.

"Why does everyone like him more than us?" Basem asked Terry.

"I'd tell you, but you're supposed to be back in two weeks," Bruce responded. "I need twice that time to fully answer."

"You've only known him a year!" Terry shouted.

"And?" Max and Bruce asked, simultaneously.

Terry and Basem threw their heads back, at the same time, while Max, Sally, and Hayate laughed.

Terry looked at Basem, "Ya sure you wanna come back?"

"Not as much I was ten minutes ago," Basem answered.

That night, after Basem and Sally left for Paris, Batman was in the Batmobile, flying through the Gotham night sky. He looked to see Koutetsu, flying next to the Batmobile on his skyboard. The board was custom made for Koutetsu to stay magnetized to his boots, similar to the Royal Flush Gang's card boards. However, Koutetsu insisted the magnets be kept at a minimum as he used his own ki to focus on staying on the board.

Batman smiled and activated the communicator in the Batmobile. "Got the hang of it, buddy?"

"Very much so, my friend," Koutetsu smiled. "Thank you for your concern."

"Sure." Batman took a second before asking his next question. "So… when are you planning on heading back to Paris?"

Koutetsu just held his smile. "I think I'll wait until Runner returns before I finalize my plans."

Batman caught something in Koutetsu's tone. But he didn't mind it. "Sounds good to me, buddy. Just so you know… you're always welcome around here."

"Thank you, Batman."