A/N: Here's the end of book one. Book two is in the works. Fair warning: you'll be getting longer chapters, but less of them. That doesn't mean fewer updates (I hope) but means you'll switch perspectives inside chapters. If doing that during the first chapter (coming soon) drives anybody nuts, or confuses them a lot, please let me know. I'm thinking about breaking them into smaller chapters to make it less confusing. And now: on with the nightmare.

Part Three: Marital BlissPg. 86

Interlude: Back with Brainiac (2) Pg. 97

A Short Conversation Pg. 99

Part Three: Marital Bliss

He loves me! He loves me! He loves me!

I haven't been able to sleep. If I can finish this last bit- the worst bit- tonight, V can read it tomorrow after school. I know I'll be exhausted in school, but Gear's gone for two days without sleeping, so Richie Foley can do it too.

Okay, one last mile. Then I'll be able to show this to V… Err, Gear, how 'bout you write this part?

Richie and Virgil stood at the end of the aisle and considered the altar at the other end. Suddenly, a voice called-

Stop! Okay, Gear can't write this. As Gear, I can't show how I really felt. I can only tell facts. Guess it's time for Richie to be brave. Wish me luck, BP.

Richie fumbled with the buttons on his shirt-cuff. He had never been talented at buttoning things left-handed. Some super genius I am. I need ot invent an invention to do this for me. He shook his head. I have, but I can't use Backpack right now. Adam's waiting just outside the door. He could come in at any minute. Then my cover- and probably V's cover- would be blown. Gritting his teeth, he tried again, his frustration growing. I need to hurry up. I bet V's been dressed for half an hour. He grinned a little at himself when he remembered trying to decide on his costume as Gear. He'd been standing in front of a mirror, admiring the result, and had asked Virgil, "Well, what do you think?"

Typically, V was laughing with his eyes even as he tried to act exasperated. "I think you're spending more time in front of the mirror than my sister, and it's starting to worry me."

"You have a happy thought in your head."

Richie glanced up and smiled at Adam, Sharon's husband. "Yeah, I guess I do." He held up the still-unbuttoned cuff. "But this is driving me nuts. Would you mind?"

Adam stepped up and easily fastened the button. "There you go." He smiled at Riche. "Are you nervous?"

Richie hesitated. "Were you when you and Sharon got married?"

"Are you kidding? I was so scared I almost turned into Rubberband Man and pounced away."

Richie laughed. He was glad Rubberband Man and Static had, after several fights, at last made friends. He liked Adam, and didn't want to cause any friction between himself and Virgil. Adam was about six years older than he and Virgil, which out him just a year older than Sharon. But he'd never acted conceited or snobbish with Virgil and Richie, who had admittedly been very nosy, excitable teenagers.

"Well, I can't turn into anything, but my knees still feel like rubber." Richie glanced in the mirror, made sure his hair was as neat as it was going to get, and took a deep breath. "I'm ready."

Adam squeezed his shoulder. "You'll be fine."

As one, they left Richie and Virgil's bedroom. Virgil had gone to his father's house to change; they were following all practices to the letter. And since Richie was the "bride" first, being escorted by Mr. Hawkins and so forth, he and Virgil couldn't see each other until the ceremony.

"Do you have everything?" Adam asked as Richie slipped into his suit jacket.

Richie smiled. "Almost. I have to do one thing more- it's a Foley tradition. Can I be alone for a minute?"

Adam blinked, then nodded. "I'll be out in the car."

Richie waited until he was alone, then knelt down by the bed. "Here, BP," he whispered.

Backpack slipped out from under the bed and came to Richie, touching his arm lightly. He beeped softly.

"I know, buddy. I don't want to leave you here, but I have no choice. Stay here and I'll give you every detail when I get back."

Beep.

"Virg will take care of me. Hasn't he always?"

Beep.

"He did try to save me from Brainiac. He did save me. And besides, that was ten years ago. I don't think about it anymore, remember?"

Beep.

"So what if I did yesterday? I was just waking up from a nightmare or something…"

Beep.

"I didn't have any nightmares? I was just here? Backpack, you're not making any sense." Richie started to stand. "I have to go; I'll be late."

Backpack caught Richie's arm with two of his arms. Beep. Beep.

Richie groaned. "There are not two people inside me, Backpack. I was just confused when I woke up, that's all. Besides, how could there be two people inside me."

Beep.

"Sixteen? I haven't been sixteen in-"

Beep.

"Stop interrupting me! I haven't been sixteen-"

Beep.

"I am NOT sixteen!"

Beep.

Richie shivered. "No… No, Backpack, don't say that. Take it back!" Richie grabbed the robot and shook him. "I'm not sixteen! I'm not deluding myself! And I'm not with Brainiac!" Richie dropped Backpack and waved his arm around. "Look at this place! This is our apartment. This is the room I've shared with V since-"

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Richie burst into tears. "I'm not sixteen," he sobbed. "I'm twenty-six, and I'm about to marry Virgil Hawkins. Please don't do this to me, Backpack."

But you were disoriented when you woke up. You were weak.

Emotionally! twenty-six year old Richie snapped.

And physically. You were frightened and confused. Remember what I promised myself. If I realized that Brainiac might be controlling me, I would look for an escape hatch. Well, now Backpack's warning us both, and-

I don't want to hear it! Richie straightened and stalked from the room, slamming the door.

Please listen to me! sixteen-year old Richie cried. If I'm wrong, if we're not with Brainiac, then this won't matter. But if I'm right-

I won't even think about it! I'm getting married to V, and that's the end of it! Now shut up and leave me alone! Forcibly, Richie turned his mind from the voice in his head and focused only on walking down the stairs to where Adam was waiting to drive him to the church. Sixteen-year old Richie was carried along for the ride, and his protests slowly faded as he was filled with the other's excitement. And without Backpack to issue warnings, he was alone in trying to fight what was going to happen. And Richie- young, lost and frightened- was too tired to fight very hard. Brainiac seemed to have taken the last of his will.

"Rich, you look like an angel."

Richie had been standing at the back of the church, near the doors, staring at the altar. It looked so intimidating, like flashes of light in the distance that signaled a fierce battle, one that he and Static would join very soon. When Virgil spoke, the blond turned and smiled, his ears turning pick.

"V, we aren't supposed to see each other."

"Well, I didn't know you were going to be standing here, but when I saw you I couldn't just walk past." Virgil had been standing in an alcove, and he crossed to Richie, opening his arms.

Richie returned the embrace, but didn't kiss Virgil. "We'd better get going. You're supposed to be up there-" he nodded towards the altar, the choir room beyond- "and I'm supposed to be in back."

Virgil kissed Richie's cheek, then pulled away. But they couldn't quite leave each other yet. As one, they turned to gaze at the altar.

"Richie?" A voice spoke softly from behind them.

Richie turned, ready to smile at his mother. But the fear in her face froze the smile on his lips. He broke away from Virgil and walked to her. "What is it?"

"Your father is here." She refused to meet her son's gaze. "He swore that he just wants to make amends. He said he doesn't want to think about you being gay, but he wants to see you happy."

Virgil demanded, "Where is he?" He was standing very close to Richie.

"Outside." She bit her lip, just as Richie did many times. "I don't think he will do anything to upset you, Richie. Please give him this last chance. You are his only son. Shouldn't a father be able to see his son get married?"

I don't want him here! Richie longed to scream. I don't want him to ruin this! I want it to be perfect!

But he looked at Virgil first, and couldn't say anything. Virgil believed in giving people second chances. "He can come in," Richie said. "But if he says one thing wrong, to V or any of his family, he's gone."

She nodded, then grasped Richie's hand. "You're so forgiving, Richie." She turned and left the church.

At once, Richie turned to Virgil. "I'm going into the back. You'd better get up front. Everyone will be coming in soon." He started to turn away, but Virgil caught his arm.

"It will be all right, Richie; I promise. This will still be the best day of our lives so far." He squeezed Richie's arm. "Do you trust me?"

"With my life, V."

Virgil leaned close so that his lips brushed against Richie's ear. "I love you, my Gear, my Richie, my own. You be careful, I'll be careful, and we'll share a kiss when this is all over."

Richie smiled, and all was well again. They went their separate ways.

In a small room off the main sanctuary, Richie paced. The ceremony started in ten minutes, but he had been in the tiny room for almost a quarter of an hour already, and in that time some interesting forms of hell had begun to brew in his mind. What if his father screamed at he and Mr. Hawkins as they walked up the aisle? What if he shouted something at Virgil when the African-American put the ring on Richie's finger?

What if this is just Brainiac trying to mess with you/me/us? Richie's sixteen-year old self put in. It's not too late to stop this. Let's just get out of here, find Backpack and get out of this nightmare.

And of course there was the added frustration of the intruder in his mind.

If this all is an illusion, then Backpack isn't real.

Some part of him is. He wouldn't be trying to help if that wasn't true. Backpack is part of Brainiac, too, remember?

There is a lot about that time that I've forgotten, or made myself forget.

Or that Brainiac's trying to hide from you/me/u-.

Stop it! I'm getting married to Virgil Hawkins, and that's that. Whoever or whatever you are, leave me alone. You're probably just some sort of stress-creature, a thing created by my own mind because I'm nervous about Dad and-

I existed a long time before you knew your father was going to show up here. And say what you want to Adam, but I know you aren't that nervous about marrying Virg. You can't wait to be married. Your heart skips a beat every time you think of the future with him. Now, I'm not blaming you, but maybe you're the created one, sixteen-year old Richie tried again. Brainiac might have created you to distract me. And it's worked so far, but the more I think about it, the more sure I am that none of this really exists. I've got to find a way to get out of here. Please, if any part of you isn't under Brainiac's control, help me get back to where I belong. Maybe this is the future or something, and I've been transported into your mind. (He didn't believe it, but it behooved him to talk softly if he wanted the other's help.) If that's true, then all I need to do is find a way back, then you'll be free to love Virg. And I can get back to loving my own V in secret.

Why don't you tell him about- What am I saying? I'm losing my mind.

Damn it, Richard Osgood Foley, listen to me! And if you won't listen to me, Richie, please, Gear, think about this with that dangerously brilliant brain of yours! There is something seriously wrong here! Please help me figure out what's wrong! Please help me!

A hand was laid on his shoulder and Richie opened his eyes. He didn't know when he'd squeezed them shut, or when he'd put his hands over his face, or when he'd fallen to his knees, for that matter, but he was grateful for whoever had interrupted him.

Virgil's father was kneeling beside him, his face grave with concern. "Richie? Richie, what is it?"

"N-nothing, Mr. H. Just pre-marriage jitters, I guess."

"You're white as a sheet, Richie. Are you sure it isn't anything else?"

"Well, and Dad's here. Mom brought him. She wants me to give him one last chance."

Mr. Hawkins groaned. "That's what's wrong, then." He hugged Richie against him. "I promise, Richie; this will all go smoothly. And if he starts any trouble, I'll take care of him. He's in a room full of people that love you and Virgil deeply. I'm sure that even if it occurred to him to do something, he'd rethink it in a hurry. Please believe me, Richie."

"I do, Mr. H. I'll be okay." Richie closed his eyes for a moment. Look, he said to the annoying, scary voice in his mind, and to that part of himself that was Gear because that part, too, was starting to grumble, just let me get through this ceremony. Then I'll do whatever you want. Just let me get married to V.

That might be too late, Gear answered at once. If Backpack has already waned you-

Please? It will only be an hour. Then I swear I will help in each and every way I can.

He's going to do what he wants, with or without our permission, Gear told sixteen-year old Richie. We may as well go along. We'll get further if he agrees to help us later.

And what if he's lying?

He really is you, even if Brainiac is in control of this universe. I think you can still affect him, and can know what he'll really do.

And how can I trust you? What if you're part of Brainiac?

Gear said, Close your mental eyes. Richie obeyed. Now, open them.

Sixteen-year old Richie stared. He had never seen 'himself' in his mind. It was Gear, but he was still sixteen. Even as Richie watched, his twin removed his helmet.

I am you, Richie. The other Gear- the older one- isn't here right now. I've isolated him from all of this. It is Brainiac- I know it is- but there's no way you'll get control of this body right now if you keep protesting. Let the other Richie lower his guard, then you can break free. If you struggle now, Brainiac will do what he did last time. He'll freeze you so you can't react at all, then he'll make you do what he demands.

The words made sense, and the younger Richie understood that he was talking to himself at last. All right, he said to the older Richie, I'll help you.

Thank you.

"Richie? Are you sure you're all right?" Mr. Hawkins asked.

"Yeah. I'll be okay. Is it time to go?"

"Yes." He helped Richie to his feet and then hugged him. "I love you, son."

Richie blushed. "I love you, too… Pops?"

"Pops is good. Or Mr. H., or whatever makes you comfortable."

The two of them left the small room, Mr. Hawkins following Richie, and entered the sanctuary. In the pews on the right sat more of Virgil's family than Richie had ever met all in one place. His father's three sisters, and his mother's brother, James, were there. So were many of his cousins, second cousins and family friends. There was a tight knot of friends from school, both high school and college. Richie spotted Frieda, Daisy, Jimmy and others. On the other side, close to the front, sat Sharon, Adam, their young son Ovid… and Richie's parents. Richie refused to look at the back of his father's head for long. At least his mother was sitting between his father and Sharon. A little closer to where Richie and Mr. Hawkins stood sat some of Richie's and Virgil's lesser-known friends. Perhaps that wasn't the best way to describe them. Many of them were well-known; it just wasn't known that they were friends of Virgil and Richie. Bruce Wayne (aka Batman) was there. So was Clark Kent (aka Superman). The rest of the Justice League (or their alter egos) had sent presents not wanting to attract too much attention, or have too many questions asked. Bruce was a millionaire; he was used to social gatherings. And Clark was a reporter in Metropolis. He knew how to dodge questions and give answers that weren't really answers at all.

And, up near the altar, glorious as a sunrise in his white suit, stood Virgil. His eyes shone and his megawatt smile beamed out at everyone.

Mr. Hawkins squeezed Richie's shoulder. "Ready?"

Richie grinned. "I'm ready."

Both sixteen-year old Richie and his twin, Gear, were stunned by how perfect Virgil looked, and for a moment they forgot where they really were, and what was really happening. He looks like a miracle, young Richie thought.

He looks like the superhero he is, Gear answered, slightly shaken.

The music began, and Richie began to walk, Mr. Hawkins keeping pace beside them. They walked slowly, but Richie felt as if he was floating. He couldn't take his eyes off Virgil. That smile was just for him, he thought. Just for him. Richie Foley. Very, very soon to be Richie Hawkins. Richie answered Virgil's megawatt smile with one of his own. I love you, V. I love you. Whatever happens, always remember that I love you.

Stop messing with me, Richie, the older Richie snapped, resisting the urge to shiver as the words flitted across his mind. This wasn't a battle he was going to. You promised you wouldn't interfere. Nothing's going to happen.

It wasn't me. I swear.

Gear?

My mental lips are sealed.

Richie shook his head and kept walking. Just keep quiet. Both of you. This is almost over.

He mounted the steps to the altar. Virgil reached out at once and took his hand, drawing him to his side. The two of them faced the pastor and knelt. Virgil kept Richie's hand in his.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join Virgil Ovid Hawkins and Richard Osgood Foley in holy matrimony…"

The preacher continued to speak, but Richie was taken up completely with the feel of Virgil's hand around his. He had never felt so at peace, even considering the voices in his head, and even the fact that his father sat only a few feet behind him. He had never felt better. In only a few minutes, I'll be married to V for the rest of my life. Tears formed in the corners of his eyes.

Virgil leaned close and squeezed Richie's hand. They both turned their eyes back to the preacher. They exchanged rings- Richie was shocked at how amazing it felt to actually wear the ring Virgil handed him- and then it was time for the final vows.

"Do you, Virgil Hawkins, swear to cherish Richard Foley? To love and to hold him, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer til death do you part?"

"I do."

"Do you, Richard Foley, swear to cherish Virgil Hawkins? To love and to hold him, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer til death do you part?"

Richie's mouth felt so dry he couldn't imagine how his voice was going to get out. He swallowed once, twice, three times. "I do."

"Then, by the power vested in me, I pronounce you married before all that are gathered here. I also beg you to see them as Virgil and Richard Hawkins from now on." The pastor smiled and mouthed, "Go ahead. Kiss."

Virgil turned to Richie and drew him so close Richie thought they would meld into one person. He closed his eyes and allowed himself to forget everything in the world except the taste and feel of Virgil's lips.

Then everyone was applauding (the group from the Center were whoopin' and hollerin' and pounding each other on the back) and Richie and Virgil stood, facing them.

Virgil put his arm around Richie's shoulders. "I love you, Richie," he whispered.

Richie's tears were obvious to everyone now, but he wasn't embarrassed. This is what my whole life has led to, he thought.

Everyone formed a line to shake hands with the two of them. Virgil reached up, removed Richie's glasses and wiped away his husband's tears. "Come on, Richie; smile. I need you to smile."

Richie did as he was asked, laughing a little as Virgil helped him put his glasses back on. "I can't help it, Virg. I never thought…"

Virgil turned Richie's head and kissed him chastely. "I know, Richie. I know."

As each person walked past, they offered hugs, hand shakes, and even a few kisses. Sharon kissed Richie's cheek, then smiled at Virgil, teasing with her eyes.

Virgil held out his hand very formally.

Sharon hugged him and kissed his cheek. "You've done well, little brother," she whispered, "but don't let it go to your head."

"I'll keep his head from swelling too much," Richie said, grinning.

Sharon moved on. Many of those from the Center slapped both Richie and Virgil on the back. Bruce Wayne shook their hands, and so did Clark.

The last two people in line were Maggie and Sean Foley. As they approached, Richie slipped his hand into Virgil's.

"I'm here," whispered Virgil.

Richie's mother beamed at her son. "Oh, Richie…" She opened her arms, hope in her eyes.

Richie let go of Virgil's hand and hugged her.

"I'm so happy for you, Richie," she murmured. "I'm so happy."

Mr. Foley circled around the two of them and held out his hand to Virgil. "I don't like you," he said, "but you're making my son happy. As long as I don't have to see the two of you kiss again, I'm fine with this. Don't expect visits or anything, but I'm… glad you're both happy."

Virgil shook the hand offered him, but didn't smile. "I will always be here to protect Richie," he said, his eyes meeting Mr. Foley's.

Richie stepped back from his mother, his eyes on his father. His voice tight, he managed to say, "Thank you for coming."

"Richie…" Mr. Foley sighed. "I know we've never been close, but I do want you to be happy. And if being with this… boy… is what it takes to make you happy, then it's okay with me."

And that's the closest I'll get to either an apology or a blessing. Richie shook his father's proffered hand. Now, Richie thought, now just go before something happens. Let's end this on a happy note. Please don't ruin this. I want this day to be perfect. He took his hand back. "Are you coming to the reception?"

"I can't. I have work to do. Your mother's coming, though."

Richie nodded. He felt as if little ice cubes were being dropped down the back of his shirt. "Well, thank you for coming. Virgil and I will be all right; don't worry about us." Don't feel the need to visit or call is what he meant, but things were going so well Richie was determined not to mess them up now.

His father stepped back. "I'd better go now. Take care of yourselves." He turned and started to walk back up the aisle. Maggie started after him, though more slowly. She glanced over her shoulder and offered Richie a smile that seemed completely and perfectly clear of pain or guilt or fear. Richie could never remember seeing her smile like that.

That's because she can't. She-

Shut up! Richie shouted at the younger Gear in his mind.

Listen to me! Gear roared. Something doesn't feel right. If Backpack were here, he'd say-

I don't want to hear it. Everything's all right now. After the reception, I'll take you home and-

No! cried sixteen-year old Richie. No! You promised you'd help as soon as the ceremony was over.

Keep your promise, Gear ordered. Then you'll be free again to do as you please. You can make an excuse to get out of here for a few minutes, then come back.

"Oh, Richie…"

Richie blinked and looked at his father. The man was standing in the center of the aisle, gazing at the two of them. "Yes… Dad?"

"I'm glad your marriage was a happy one." He pulled a gun from inside his coat.

"No!" Bruce Wayne, on the other side of the church started to move.

"Duck!" Robert shouted from where he stood, too far away to get there in time.

This isn't happening! Richie thought.

News flash, Gear snapped, it isn't, but not in the way you mean.

Richie started to move, to get between his father and Virgil.

Virgil activated his powers, obviously not caring that everyone would know.

The gun went off twice and then Virgil's powers hit the man. An instant later, one bullet whizzed by Virgil's neck, and the other buried itself in his temple. Virgil stumbled back, tripped up the stairs and fell.

This isn't happening… Richie was sobbing, but he didn't realize it. It isn't happening. It isn't happening.

No, it isn't happening! Gear shouted. You're inside Brainiac! This isn't happening! You're- I'm- sixteen, not twenty-six! This isn't happening. Virgil's fine! He's just fine! I don't know where he is right now, but I do know he's alive.

Richie turned his eyes to Virgil. There was blood everywhere. Half of Virgil's face was gone. Gagging, choking, Richie turned away and threw up.

Stop! sixteen-year old Richie screamed. Stop it! It's not real! It's not real!

Richie lifted his head, wiping his hand across his mouth. He started to stumble towards his husband. "V! V! V!"

It's not real! Gear tried again.

Sixteen-year old Richie, horrified by the sight before him, moaned. Maybe…

It's NOT real! Gear snapped, mentally slapping his twin. Don't you even think it. If you do, Brainiac wins. Don't let him win. You owe it to Virgil to be strong.

Okay… okay… The young Richie swallowed while the other Richie, the one who had never lived, screamed.

Sixteen-year old Richie whispered, It's not real. I'm still with Brainiac. None of this happened. This is just another nightmare, like the mess with Klux. This isn't real. It isn't real. It-

Interlude: Back with Brainiac

'Are you ready to concede?' Brainiac asked. 'I will not tire of this. You were having some very interesting doubts during the vision. You even doubted your sanity. Another vision will surely break you.'

Richie longed to cry or scream. Everything was dark around him. Brainiac had finished building the android body around his own. Gear took over for a moment.

'Fuck you, bastard. I'll find a way out of anything you throw at me. And since every time Virgil gets hurt, or hurts me, it isn't really happening, there's no reason for me to grieve.' He focused his mind, determined that Brainiac wouldn't hear him. Is there, Richie?

No… none at all.

'So you may as well give up,' Richie thought.

'No one escapes from Brainiac.'

A Short Conversation

And that's where it ends. Before Brainiac could send me another vision, V showed up and, with a little help from Batman, rescued me. I woke up back in the gas station with J'onn leaning over me, checking to make sure that Brainiac was really gone from my mind. And Static was right there, of course.

Here's a question that should be guaranteed to keep me up for a night or ten: how do I know I'm finally living the real life, my life? How do I know this is all real? I don't. I can't. But it feels true, and I will not do Brainiac's work for him. I will not go insane. Whatever happens, I will love Virgil until the end of my days and beyond.

You know what? I do feel better. Writing this all down helped. I almost can't believe it. Maybe there is some truth to talking things out. Now, the question is, do I really want to show this to Virg?

What, BP? Oh. You don't think it's a choice of wanting; I'm supposed to say something. You're probably right. Oh, and Backpack? Thank you. You saved me.

I'll write what he said. Maybe then V will believe that I'm not just talking to myself.

Richie, I'm here for you. Once I found a way to enter the nightmare, I was determined to save you. I'm only glad you're all right. And this is the real world, Richie. Never doubt it.

I'm so lucky to have you, BP.

Get some sleep, Richie. You're going to need it….Richie?

Hmm?

No matter what happens, no matter where they send you, I will always be here for you.

I know.