So hi. I'm trying to decide whether to apologize or not. I know it's been over a week since I updated. But if you guys are truly fans of this story, you'll be willing to wait for it, right? Is it worth it? I've been on and off the grid around FF for the past week. If I'm not PMing/reviewing/updating, I apologize. Life has been crazy busy for me (as I'm sure some of you know).

The good news is that I leave for vacation soon. I'm about 95% sure I can bring my laptop, and another 95% sure that we'll have WiFi. Which (if I did the math correct) means I'm about 90.25% sure I'll be on. :) (Chase would be proud! [I used a calculator; don't tell him!]) I will have A LOT of time to work on stories/catch up on stories I'm reading. So maybe I'll be back on the radar soon.

Anyway, I wasn't sure how this chapter would turn out, but I think I did a good job with it! This flashback is ANOTHER one people have been asking about for a while. Yes, I finally did it! I think the flashback is longer than the actual chapter, haha. I decided to stop worrying about it.

So enjoy, and, oh, Razara? You'll soon found out what happened to Douglas. ;) I don't own Lab Rats.

* * * Chapter 3: Justice * * *

"So, how was your first day of school, Marcus?" Chase asked as they entered their neighborhood.

"Actually, it was pretty cool," Marcus said with a grin. "Interacting with people was fun. And the learning part, too. I think I can see why you like it so much, Chase."

Chase threw a smug smirk in the direction of his siblings. They just rolled their eyes.

The five teens walked through the front door to find Donald pacing in the living room. His face lit up when the kids walked in. He ran over, shouting, "Where have you guys been?"

"School?" Chase said the word like it was a question.

"What's got you all excited, Uncle Donald?" Bree asked.

"The police called earlier."

Immediately the room was abuzz with every kid trying to explain away some kind of misdeed they thought they were in trouble for. Frantic confessions and finger-pointing were everywhere.

"Stop, stop!" Donald shouted, waving his hands around. Everything went quiet. "Wait, Leo, what were you saying about my guitar?"

Leo quickly bit his lip and feigned a smile. "We'll talk about it later, Big D," he said, his voice strained.

Donald raised an eyebrow in his step-son's direction, but nonetheless he continued on. "Anyway, the police called, and they had some news about Douglas."

Chase's heart jumped in his chest. Donald seemed excited, so maybe – just maybe – the news was good. Could he dare to hope?

"They caught him," Donald finished dramatically.

Smiles quickly slid across every face. Hearts were lightened and spirits merry. It was over. It was really, truly over.

"How?" Adam prodded.

"Apparently the FBI caught him while he was selling some illegal weapons," Donald said with a shrug. "I don't know all the details. All I know is that he's locked up now, and they will make absolutely sure that he won't be getting out this time."

"We're free," Bree murmured.

"No more Douglas," Marcus agreed.

For several minutes they all remained there, trying to work through what that meant for them. No more looking over their shoulders. No more fretting about if and when Douglas would show up again.

It was over. That one phrase summed it up perfectly. It was finally over.

Eventually Marcus headed up to his room, claiming he was fatigued from the day at school. Leo went with Donald down to the lab. Tasha apparently had gone shopping earlier that afternoon. That left Adam, Bree, and Chase alone in the living room. They sat on the couch and stayed silent for a few more minutes. Adam was in the middle with Bree and Chase on either side of him.

"I can't believe they really got him," Chase finally said.

"Do you think they really did?" Bree asked.

"Of course, Bree," Adam assured her. "Why would Uncle D lie about something like that?"

"I'm not saying he's lying," Bree said, drawing her knees up to her chest. "I'm just scared that history will repeat itself. Will Douglas break out of jail again?"

"Now that he's done it once, they'll be much more careful," Chase reminded her.

"I know," Bree sighed. "But . . . but it's Douglas! They thought they had him before, but they didn't."

"Bree, can't you just relax?" Adam asked. "Even if it's only temporary, we can enjoy it now."

"Adam's right," Chase agreed. Then he furrowed his brow and frowned a bit. "And there's something I'll never say again."

Adam sent his brother a glare. Chase just responded by flashing a teasing grin.

"I guess so," Bree said, a smile slowly coming across her face. "That one year without Douglas was amazing, so I'm excited to have that again. We're free."

That word sounded beautiful in Chase's ears. Free. A word that meant having rights. A word that meant not being held captive. A word that meant personal liberty; and for Chase it was certainly was personal.

No more beatings, overworking, threats, or impossible training. No more pain or guilt or sorrow or agony. No more anger or hatred or fear.

This second round of freedom was even sweeter than the first. It felt more satisfying, somehow. Perhaps it was because of the last year the siblings had spent together. Being with each other again strengthened their bond. With his brother and sister in his sights, Chase felt furiously protective of them. He knew they felt the same way about him.

"So life without Douglas," Bree said suddenly. "What does that look like?"

"This past year," Chase pointed out.

"But there were some times this year when life wasn't great, even without Douglas," Adam piped up. "Like when we had 'one of those days.'"

"Do you think those will still happen?" Bree asked tentatively.

"Probably," Chase said reluctantly. "I don't think it will be that easy to get over. But I know we can as long as we have each other." Chase smiled at his siblings.

"Aw," Bree said. "That's so cheesy."

Chase chuckled. "Cheesy or not, it's true."

"Great, now I want cheese," Adam complained. Then he looked left and right, from Bree to Chase. "Eh, you guys come first. Let's just get the awkward family hugging stuff over with."

Adam reached his arms over his siblings' shoulders. They pulled close. Chase felt comfort wash over him. He would always be safe with his siblings; he was sure of that. Together again; together forever. Chase loved them.

Donald was everywhere at once. One second he was fixing his hair in the mirror, another he was straightening his tie. All the while he was muttering to himself. It was a very amusing show.

Chase himself was a bit uncomfortable in his tuxedo, but he wasn't about to complain. This was a very special day, and he could suffer it for a few hours. Subconsciously he pushed up his sleeves, trying to relive himself of the suffocating heat.

"Do I look okay?" Donald asked, turning to face the three teenage boys sitting on the couch.

"For the last time, you look fine," Leo assured him.

"Yeah, aren't you always the one bragging about how 'handsome' you are?" Adam added.

Donald flashed a cocky smile. "Well, yes." Then he blushed a bit. "But today is . . . is different. I have to look perfect."

"Big D, my mom loves you just the way you are," Leo said. "Although smooth out the winkles on the tux; that'll bug her."

Donald turned to mirror and began frantically patting his suit. The boys chuckled together quietly.

"What do you think, Chase?" Donald asked, turning back.

"I'm no expert, but I think you look alright," Chase said. "Stop worrying."

"Thank you. Everything has to go perfect tonight. Don't mess anything up!"

"Hey, when have we ever messed anything up?" Leo said defensively.

"Hmm, let's see," Donald said, pretending to look thoughtful. "Would you like the list alphabetically or in chronological order?"

The boys shrugged and plastered various looks of guilt on their faces. It was true, they messed things up a lot. And Chase wasn't one to point fingers, but . . . it was mostly Leo!

"Uncle D, just relax!" Adam said, standing up and grabbing a glass of water. He handed it to his uncle.

"Thank you, Adam," he said, accepting the water gratefully. "A wedding is a huge day. I know Tasha wants it to be–"

"Perfect, we get it!" the boys said in unison.

Donald smiled faintly and raised the glass of water to his lips. All of a sudden Adam clapped him on the back, and Donald jumped. Some of the water splashed out of the glass and down his front.

"Adam!" Donald shrieked after he finished coughing.

Adam looked confused for a moment, then he shrugged and said, "Mazel tov?"

Donald just glared at him. He scrambled for some towels. Chase and Leo leapt up and began to help him. They dried off the water, but a dark trail could still be seen on the fabric.

"Just great," Donald muttered.

"It will dry," Chase reassured him. "Let's just finish you up. The ceremony is in an hour."

The next hour was filled with hurried preparation and last minute details being added. The wedding was going to take place in Mission Creek Community Church. They had a large sanctuary that would be just right for the event.

The guests – there weren't many since Tasha and Donald wanted a small wedding – showed up and started filling in the seats. Chase, Adam, and Leo went to their positions. Chase caught sight of Bree and waved at her. She smiled and waved back.

Bree's bridesmaid dress was a beautiful shade of light blue. A pink flower sat elegantly on her shoulder. The sleeveless dress fell just below her knees. Tasha and Bree had picked out the dresses earlier that week. Chase could see why his sister had been so excited about them.

The bridesmaids – Bree and a few of Tasha's best friends – stood on one side of the alter. Chase, Adam, and Leo stood off to the other. The pastor stood between them. Donald came up and stood in his designated spot. He fiddled with his fingers and grinned nervously.

The music began to play and everyone stood. Slowly the heavy oak doors at the end of the aisle swung open. Tasha stood there. Her spotless white wedding dress flowed around her, sweeping her up in waves of fabric. A veil covered the front of her face, but it couldn't cover her beaming smile.

Tasha's father was beside her. He clasped her arm and together they began to walk down the aisle. Chase could almost feel the nervousness leave Donald. The groom now wore a silly grin characteristic of those in love.

The bride reached the alter. Slowly her father handed her over to Donald, whispering something Chase didn't quite hear. Probably something about taking care of his daughter.

The pastor began his little speech, emphasizing the love of a husband and a wife. He droned on while Donald and Tasha held hands and stared lovingly into each other's eyes.

The exchange of vows was very sweet. Chase saw Bree dabbing her eyes with a tissue, as were many other people in the room. No one was in doubt that Tasha and Donald were truly in love. It was a beautiful sight.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. "Donald Davenport, do you take Tasha Dooley to be your wedded wife, to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, and forsaking all others, be faithful only to her, for as long as you both shall live? "

"I do," Donald said softly

"Tasha Dooley, do you take Donald Davenport to be your wedded husband to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health and forsaking all others, be faithful only to him so long as you both shall live?"

"I do," Tasha replied.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You many now kiss the bride."

Donald lifted Tasha's veil slowly. Then he grabbed her waist and pulled her to him, kissing her passionately. Clapping erupted throughout the room. For once in their life, the teenagers didn't gag.

Later that night, as everyone was celebrating, the three bionics and their new cousin stood off to the side. Donald and Tasha had already danced and cut their wedding cake together.

"Well, would you look at that?" Leo said. "Tonight went off without a hitch. See, things don't always go wrong when I'm around!"

Suddenly there was a loud crash, followed by frantic crying. On the other side of the room, there was a little girl sitting flat on her butt, a white tablecloth on the ground beside her and a shattered glass bowl not far away. Red punch stained the floor. People scrambled to clean up the mess.

"Hey, at least it wasn't me this time!" Leo insisted.

"No, but you were in the room," Bree said.

"We'll still blame you," Adam added.

Leo's face paled. "L-Do out!" he shouted, running off to who-knows-where. The three bionics simply laughed and exchanged sly looks.

Perhaps not the best ending, but oh well. Okay, so I haven't been to a wedding in a long time (as in, over ten years), so I don't really remember how it goes. I got the vows off of some wedding website. :P If I messed anything up, I'm sorry. But wasn't it sweet? I had fun writing that. Dasha is one of my all-time favorite ships. :3

Yay, no more Douglas! How do you feel about that? Happy? Sad? Confused? Some other adjective I can't think of right now? Or maybe you don't think he's really gone? Will something happen? How was he even caught? Why am I asking so many questions?

And this story draws even closer to a close. Three more chapters and an epilogue. *sobs*

So, let me know what you thought of the chapter! Hopefully I'll be able to update again soon; maybe even by the end of the week! But no promises. I will have a lot of time to write, though. And again, if I have not been PMing you/reviewing your stories, I'm sorry. I will get on that as soon as I can. See you all soon!