Gotham

The day Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon got married was a momentous one for all those in the superhero community. Gotham's real power couple were finally tying the knot after nearly two decades of repetitive coursing through the motions. Dick Grayson woke up at Wayne Manor with a sense of slight dread. The fact that Diana, Kory and so many other cool people couldn't come wasn't exactly something he was looking forward to. But that wasn't what plagued his mind as he was roused from his slumber by the ringing of a bell. Sitting on the end of his bed was of all people, Damian Wayne, already wearing his suit. "Damian? It's 9am. The wedding's not for hours." "Do not worry. I asked Pennyworth last night what these ceremonies entailed in America. When he wasn't forthcoming, I watched many of those wedding romcoms you speak of. Hugh Grant taught me nothing I must say despite attending four of them. One nugget of information I garnered, is that the best man is supposed to prep you for your duties as the bridegroom. Drake is not here to do so at this moment. Very tardy."

"I told him to come at 11!"

"Well, that will hardly do. I have thereby risen to the occasion to aid you, Grayson."

"Go to bed!"

"But I found a copy of Drake's speech. Far too soporific. He doesn't even wish you and Gordon to have a fruitful union of many heirs in order to continue our crusade. Hardly seems appropriate for the guest you have labelled the best to not wish you the most obvious of things you wish to attain from your marriage."

"Damian, I am trying to get some sleep. I was on patrol last night and didn't get in until 6. I had to sleep here tonight because it's bad luck for me to see Babs on the morning of the wedding."

"Hardly. You have pledged your troth. Therefore, she will marry you. Besides, Gordon seems too intelligent to have the same superstitions as yourself."

"I am going to kill you if you do not let me have another hour's sleep!"

"Now Grayson, we both know that isn't true. Father would never permit…"

"It's a figure of speech! Now, get out!"

"Fine, but do not blame me when Drake fails you."

An hour later, Dick headed downstairs to find a pot of coffee prepared for him by Alfred as well as Bruce, Cass and Damian sitting at the table. Alfred coughed a little before putting his hands upon Dick's shoulders and breaking his affected demeanour for the first time in many years by unleashing, in his best Cockney accent, a rendition of "I'm Getting Married in the Morning". Dick put his hand on his face to sigh. "Morning, Al. How you keeping?" "Wonderful, Master Richard. It's been so long since we've been to a wedding, this family. And two of our own this time as well. Ah, I feel so proud." Alfred began crying a little as Dick gave him a big hug. "Hey, big fella', you're not losing us. Me and Babs are gonna' stay in the Clocktower until we can find a better place to settle."

"Perhaps the pitter patter of tiny feet will once again enter the manor?"

"We're not thinking about that yet, Alfred. But here's hoping. It would be strange being a father, I'm not going to lie. But I've had some good role models on that front over the years."

Cass walked up and hugged Dick very warmly. "You better be good to her. For me." "Well, I thought I'd be good to my wife for my own sake, but of course I'll take your feelings into account, Cass." Damian was still pouting from Dick rejecting his overtures earlier. Bruce looked up from his newspaper, like his son already wearing his suit. "Late night, Dick?" "Yeah, very. Ordinary crime might be down in Gotham, but that doesn't stop the Mad Hatter having a little plot hatching somewhere downtown."

"You should have called for backup."

"I had it covered. Tetch's back in Arkham where he belongs now. Did any of the rest of you get up to much?"

"No. Like you said, crime's down. It's getting sort of…dare I say it, boring."

"But isn't this what you've always wanted, Bruce. For people to be safe. It now looks like they are. Don't tell me you're actually upset that it's not because of Batman that's happened."

"What I'm upset about is how everyone is swallowing what this new government is doing as if there's nothing untoward going on."

"Yeah, well, we believe you. There is something fishy about how politics have turned. And yeah, I doubt these low crime statistics across the country are for some good reason. But Thawne's hardly going to execute his masterplan today. We just have to keep an eye."

"I hope you're right. But now I've been kicked out of the company, and men who I suspected of Black Glove connections are in charge. Not to mention Mayor Hady's skeleton being found outside. Clark just won't trust me. He seems less lucid these days. Like he's more easily led. The Black Mercy has really taken its hold on him. And the others just won't trust me because of Wally."

"Well, that is fair. But you're Batman, the World's Greatest Detective! Why don't they believe you?"

"I'm not sure if it's this Black Mercy dispersal or Thawne has something else up his sleeve. Or maybe I was right all along. They're clouded by sentiment."

"Now Bruce, you can't talk like that. Wouldn't you love it if your Mom and Dad were alive?"

"I suppose…"

"Then stop dismissing others feeling the same as mere sentiment. Are Roy, Donna and Barry any less entitled to feel relief at the dead returning than you? Not to mention, Clark and Lois are going to have those kids and he thinks its Eddie Thawne's fault. He may not be a good guy, but we can't dismiss how others are feeling when these miracles are happening because of him."

Bruce just went straight back to his paper and forgot he had even spoken to Dick in the first place. The man never listened. Finishing his breakfast, Dick headed upstairs to put his tuxedo on. A shower and a shave first as he thought back to the time, he had brought Barbara on a date to the circus, to help her once again feel what it was like to swing from a height since she had lost the use of her legs. They had swung in the trapeze with her legs tied up so she could keep balance while he held her. That was one of the best nights of his life. He hoped now they could make more memories like that. He imagined what it would be like to have a kid, a little boy or girl, and bring them to Haly's Circus to see what their father and grandparents had done. Dick cried a little thinking of that. He then thought what it would be like to have a kid with so many weird and wonderful uncles and grandfathers like Bruce Wayne and Jim Gordon. Maybe he was thinking too far ahead. Only the other night, he had thought about naming a son Wally, but then realised he was going a little mad thinking too much.

As he straightened his bow tie in front of the mirror, Dick saw his phone ringing and heard the sultry voice of the Black Canary on the other end. "Dick, this is Babs! I was in Vegas last night with that Gage guy Steph brought to the dinner. We so got married. Sorry, honey." "Now Dinah, please," Dick said with a great sense of levity, "as much as I love to hear your awful impression of your best friend, I'd like to talk to my fiancée." "She's all yours, kid."

"What's up, Boy Wonder?"

"Nothing, Dinah prank called me on your phone. How are you?"

"Nervous? You?"

"Absolutely. But if I didn't feel jitters something would be wrong. Has your dad been around yet?"

"He's here, yeah. Helena is flirting with him a bit. It's kinda' funny."

"Oh, God. Listen, I'll see you later when you become Mrs Richard Grayson."

"Like Hell, you are. I am keeping my name and you know that!"

"Good, because Mrs Dick doesn't have a great ring to it."

"Oh, screw you."

"Love you, too."

Falling back on his bed lazily, Dick stared up at the ceiling, smiling through both nerves and joy at the fact he was going to marry Barbara Gordon. He was only awakened from his haze by Tim snapping his fingers in front of his face. "Tim! How you doing?," he groggily answered, hair askance, "You're late." "No, I'm not," was the nonchalant reply, "You said 11, it's 10.55." "Is it?," Dick said rubbing his hair and looking for a clock, "Sorry. Damian discombobulated me a bit trying to usurp you this morning." "Well, you're discombobulating me with this newfound high vocabulary."

"Huh. Must be from hanging with Damian. You seem to have perked up since the gala. You're looking a lot less wan for one thing."

"Thanks, I guess. Yeah, let's just say things aren't as harsh as they used to be. I'm on a lot more missions."

"So, Ra's is just okay with you coming here and being with us?"

"The way he sees it, I've got to keep up the whole 'Tim Wayne' persona to deflect suspicion. Going to my brother's wedding is hardly double-crossing him."

"Huh. You sure he hasn't sussed you yet?"

"No. But I'll be ready for him if he has."

"You all but destroyed his whole organisation last time you got close to him, Tim. I can't imagine he's going to let you get away easily this time."

"How about you let me worry about me, Dick? Babs is keeping an eye on me anyway. If you're not going to trust my judgement, trust your wife's."

"She's not my wife yet. And I do trust you. But last time we talked before New Year's you seemed really, really low. You know you can talk to me about anything, right?"

"Of course, Dick. But today's your and Barbara's day. It's not about me. I'm here to make you feel better."

"You know Steph will be there, right?"

"Barbara's her mentor and she knows you fairly well. I wouldn't expect anything less."

"Well, you just stick with the family anyway. And don't worry, you're beside me, Bruce will be further down the table."

"You don't need to go to these lengths for me, Dick."

"I just know you're still a little raw, bro. Don't want to upset you any more than I should." He placed his hand on his adopted brother's shoulder, trying to get a glimmer of him opening up. Tim, looked one of the few people he trusted absolutely in the whole world in the eye, and opened his mouth to begin a lengthy confession. "Dick, I-" Alfred then walked up the stairs with footsteps coming behind him. "Master Richard, two of the wedding guests have decided to come to the manor early. They wondered could they travel with us?" "Why not? Who are they, Al?" "Just a girl who hasn't seen you in months and a little boy who's been dying to see you again," Donna Troy said as she walked in with a young boy of about eleven trailing behind her. "Uncle Dick!" the little boy ran into the arms of the future groom while Donna gave Tim a hug. "Good to see you, Tim," she smiled, patting him on the shoulder, "Cassie says she you haven't been at the Tower in a while. All good?" "I'm alright thanks, Donna," he lied, "Been busy with Bat family work. You're so lucky to have this little one back."

"Hey, rascal. Can you remember me?" Dick said as he ruffled Robbie's hair. "Not really, but Mom talks a lot about you. She says you're really funny and she's always the one who stops you doing stupid stuff." "Yeah, she is. And I'm always the one who makes her feel better, aren't I, Donna?" "Absolutely, Dick," she said as she gave him a hug, "I'm so happy to see my boy getting married." "You could have talked to me at the reception, why come here?" "Because you remember my wedding?" she became nervous after saying that, "To Terry." "Yeah, of course."

"Someone came to visit me just before it when I was getting ready. It helped that his girlfriend at the time was bridesmaid. And such a nice fella' came and told me how much he loved me and we'd always be friends because we had seen so much together and been there for each other when we needed it. That fella' was Dick Grayson. And this is me, returning the favour. I love you, Dick. And I really hope you and Barbara have an amazing life together."

"Thanks, Donna. Means a lot hearing you say that. I love you, too."

"Now come on. You'd be late for your own funeral, Boy Wonder. We've got to get you to the chapel."

At the hotel in Burnley, Cassie Sandsmark was fitting her earrings in a mirror, her white Amazonian dress upon her while Conner Kent still slept naked in the bed behind her. He may be a super boy, but he was a lazy man to say the least. "Get up, Kon, the weddings in an hour." "What, aw Christ. My suit's in Kara's room!" Cassie threw it on the bed. "I dropped by and got it from her this morning. Lucky one of us is a morning person," she snickered, always finding it cute when Conner would show his more human foibles, "Is blue really your colour? Still, who am I to question a Kansas fashion sense?"

"You can talk! You're basically wearing one of those Amazon togas. Hardly conventional dress."

"Didn't you say last night we're not conventional people or something? And are you complaining?"

"About you looking beautiful in a dress? Never.

"Well, I can't say the same for you. You really do dress like you're from Kansas."

"Yeah, well you haven't seen me in my suit."

"Well, I'm sure you can rock the John Denver look all day long." Kara and Rose opened the door to see Conner butt naked about to put his suit on. "That thing powered by the Sun too, Superboy? 'Cos you could do with opening some curtains," Rose quipped. "Very funny. You ever hear of knocking, Rose?" "Well, considering this was meant to be my room and I ended up spooning with your cousin for the night, yeah I do think I'm entitled not to knock." Conner rolled his eyes and sped into his suit. "How do I look?"

"Like a million dollars, 'cos," Kara said as she gave him a kiss on the cheek. The blue suit did look well on him, no more than Kara's red dress suited her. Rose was looking pretty good with her hair parted over her eyepatch. Kara had insisted she didn't need to hide it, but when the Ravager insists otherwise people tend to listen. Even super strong Kryptonians. Her dress was light blue at Cassie's suggestion, having bought it for her when they were in San Francisco last. Their relationship had softened over the years, even if Rose could be a little harsh at times, but she always listened when it came to Cassie's fashion sense. After all, the girl had bagged Superboy.

"I'm pretty sure John Denver was worth more than a million," Rose said as Cassie gave her a high-five. "I literally said the same thing. Still, he scrubbed up well for a guy who just got out of bed." Spraying aftershave on his neck Cassie then straightened her boyfriend's bowtie. Kara then wiped a bit of dirt out from under his eye. "You know, Kara, I did say I'd stay with you so I wouldn't get the Ma Kent treatment." The girls all laughed, Rose most of all. "Listen, Superboy, you're never going to lose that woman in your life unless you end up a bachelor or finally admit your feelings for Red Robin. I'm sure Tim will wash your face when you like."

"Charming, Rose."

"I do try, Conner."

"Is Jackson coming, Rose?" Cassie asked knowing Rose was the closest to Aqualad of all the Teen Titans. "Nah, haven't heard from him since Mera was deported. He said he was going to go and find them or some crap. Hope he does, so that preacher fool and his puppet get knocked off their pedestals." "Well, Clark seems to think these guys aren't so bad," Conner corrected her, "He's talked to Eddie a few times about restoring diplomatic relations and he says he's not unreasonable." "Those bible thumping types are full of it, Superboy," the Ravager scoffed, "That big blue boy scout would believe anything. Me, I'm with Batman on this. Those creeps are bad news."

"You do tend to assume the worst in people, Rose."

"Just people I don't know. They say every stranger is a friend you haven't met yet. They're also a potential enemy."

Rose then grabbed a bottle of red wine from the minibar. "All these rooms courtesy of Bruce Wayne. Can't beat 'em." She poured a glass for each of them. "Just a quick snifter for courage before we head out." "Rose, they're not even married yet," Kara said impatiently. "No, but we can drink to the possibility they will be, which does seem more than likely now. But who knows? Maybe she'll dump him for that dad of his." The three of them just looked at Rose with sheer disdain. "Touched a nerve there, didn't I? Yeah, I really can't imagine them together. Not nice." She shivered before putting a full glass in each of her friends' hands.

"To Dick and Babs!"

"To Dick and Babs!" they all said as they downed their glasses. "Now, let's get to the chapel," Rose announced, "Looks like a nice day to…START AGAIN!" A collective groan came from the demi-goddess and the two Kryptonians as they followed the assassin outside. At the Clocktower, Jim Gordon drank a swig of whiskey for luck as he waited outside with Harvey Bullock, who was driving him, Babs, Dinah and Helena to the chapel. "Nervous, Commish?"

"It's not every day you give away your little girl, Harv."

"True that. Bit annoying you said I couldn't come."

"She's marrying one of the suits. She doesn't want you meeting every single one of them. Sure, the Martian could help, but he's only good at masking all the guests. We might get that witch of theirs to put a memory hex on you. But you know how it is, Harv. I respect you too much."

"Well, I hope she brings her old man's partner out for a beer or two later to thank him for driving her to the chapel. Hey, here she comes." The lift bell dinged as Dinah and Helena walked out in gorgeous pink dresses carrying bouquets of flowers. Right behind them, wheeling her way out the door was Barbara Gordon in her white dress carrying a similar bouquet. Jim was so happy to see his daughter so radiant on such a big day for both of them. "Miss Gordon, it would be my honour to take you to the chapel," Harvey said as he opened the door for her. Jim wanted to help Babs into the car but merely folded up the chair as he knew both Dinah and Helena were strong enough to lift an ox and would be the one to lift a person into anything. Jim took a seat in the back of the limousine Bruce had purchased for the occasion. "Well, it's good we can finally be honest with each other, Barbara. It's been hard for me not to acknowledge for all these years that Bruce is Batman. But showing up at Wayne Manor and finding Talia al Ghul saving Alfred's life before going to save her "beloved" really sealed the deal for me. And it doesn't take a genius to work out Dick is the first Robin from knowing Bruce is Batman."

"Don't tell Tim, that. His twelve-year-old self would never forgive you."

"I'll make sure not too. He's the third one, right? I lose track of all these kids."

"I hope you approve, Dad. I know you shouldn't really approve of vigilantes."

"Disapprove of you marrying a young man who helped to save the lives of however many people in this city several times including my own? I'm delighted, Barbara. I mean, considering all the work I've done with them it would be a tad hypocritical not to be."

"Thanks, Dad. That means a lot…to me and Dick and everyone else."

At the private chapel chosen by Dick on the outskirts of the city, crowds were gathering for the real wedding of the century. No journalists were able to pay attention to this event, as J'onn J'onzz projected a little cow shed onto the image of the chapel to anyone who passed by not on the list. Harvey Bullock found what he saw just a little bit odd. "Your girl's getting married here, Gordon? I thought you said Wayne was paying for this shit. He can't fork out to have your girl married in his goddamn tower." Jim just ignored Harvey and escorted his daughter into her wheelchair. "Your funeral, doll."

The chapel itself was pretty packed as Dick and Tim stood at the altar with the angel Zauriel presiding over the affair as he had done at Wally's funeral. Barbara was a bit of an agnostic, even though she had met gods, she didn't believe they were the omniscient creator of the universe all religions claimed them to be. Dick remained a Roman Catholic largely because his parents had been, and it brought him comfort to remember them in many ways including celebrating his father's Romani background. He never really thought about it but his father's mother had been a Roma, and his father always held to a lot of their sayings and traditions, and spoke Romanichal to him at times. While he wouldn't stress being Roma on Babs when it came to their wedding since his father had taught him little, he felt the Catholic part of his background was important just because of how John and Mary had said the rosary every evening. Dick couldn't think of anything more Christian than having his wedding be officiated by an angel to be fair.

The first Robin looked out at the crowd to see the myriad of heroes of all ages who had come here today to see him marry a girl he'd been in love with since his teens. All of the Kryptonians were here, Barry and Iris had come with their children, and Kyle, John and Guy had come down from space. Not to mention all his old friends on the Titans. Jason Todd seemed to be sitting with Roy Harper awkwardly. As much as it was hard to warm to him, Dick realised he must feel like an outcast sitting with Roy. A wave of empathy made it hard for him to accept his little brother in this position, as much as he deserved to be ostracised by their family. But he was glad he had come. Then, he felt a tap on his shoulder from Tim. "She's coming in, Dick. Get ready."

Dick made himself stand upright as the traditional wedding march was played at full blast from the organ. The doors opened and Babs found herself being pushed forward by her father down the aisle, in the most amazing dress. Dick was taken aback by how beautiful she looked. He knew he had to find her beautiful to marry her but wearing the dress and coming down the aisle to be his bride made all that even more special. Dinah and Helena trailed behind her almost outshining the blushing bride as they made their way behind her. Dick could distinctly make out camera flashes from all corners of the room, especially from Supergirl, who was almost giddy to see this happening. Of course, Steph was doing the same. Then he distinctly noticed Bart Allen was taking one with his cousins snickering at him.

His fiancée was at the altar now and Jim pushed her up to sit beside Dick. He looked down at her and put his hand in hers as Jim moved it. Jim then sat down beside Bruce, Damian and Cass in a front pew and put his hand on Bruce's as he began crying. Dick could clearly see one of the few examples of public affection Bruce had ever shown by putting his arm around one of his oldest allies. To celebrate that their children were going to be man and wife. Looking at the gorgeous, red haired girl whose hand he was holding Dick said, "Well, you look…gorgeous, Miss Gordon." "Your butt looks good in that suit, Mr Grayson. But you're still as dumb as a post. I love you." "I love you, too. You amazing woman."

Zauriel raised his hands in the air to gain the attention of all present. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony. In the presence of myself, an angel of the Lord, and the people whom you love your intention to enter into marriage may be strengthened by the Lord with a sacred seal. Christ abundantly blesses the love that binds you. Through a special Sacrament, He enriches and strengthens those He has already consecrated by Holy Baptism, and your love be enriched with His blessing you, so that you may have strength to be faithful to each other for ever and assume all the responsibilities of married life. Richard and Barbara, have you come here to enter into marriage without coercion, freely and wholeheartedly?"

"We have."

"Are you prepared, as you follow the path of marriage, to love and honour each other for as long as you both shall live?"

"We are."

"Are you prepared to accept children lovingly from God, and to bring them up according to the laws by which you both hold dear?"

"We are."

"Since it is your intention to enter into the covenant of holy matrimony, join your right hands, and declare your consent before all present."

I, Richard Grayson, take you, Barbara Gordon, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do us part. I will love you and honour you for all the days of my life."

"I, Barbara Gordon, take you, Richard Grayson, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do us part. I will love you and honour you for all the days of my life."

"Richard, do you take Barbara to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to be faithful to her in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to have and to hold as long as ye both shall live?"

"I do."

"And do you, Barbara, take Richard to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to be faithful to him in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to have and to hold as long as ye both shall live?"

"I do."

"I will now call Timothy Drake to present the rings symbolising this union." Tim promptly delivered Dick both wedding rings from his coat pocket.

"Barbara, receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, of the Son, of the Holy Spirit."

"Richard, receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman."

The church all had a bit of a giggle as Dick fought back tears smiling at his new wife's brevity as he placed the wedding ring upon her finger, knowing they could now share their love with no need to part again.

"Then, by the power invested in me as an angel of the Lord and as a friend and comrade of all who serve the light on this mortal plane, I now pronounce you, Richard Grayson and Barbara Gordon, man and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

The church erupted in an applause unheard of since the eruption at Krakatoa. The sound of Kryptonians, demi-gods and the various other extraordinary people who had come to see two people they knew and loved as friends and family become which one nearly shook the foundations of the building. Dick let the first kiss of his married life linger for as long as it possibly could. Barbara Gordon was now his wife, and he would never let anything change that. He had done it. He had given himself happiness. He hoped that wherever Wally West was, he was looking down on him and smiling. Once their lips finally parted, Dick lifted her up into his arms and marched down the aisle with the woman he loved peppering his cheek with kisses. "Oh, Dick Grayson. You magnificent, gorgeous hunk of adorableness."

"Careful, darling. Someone might sue us for plagiarism with lines as corny as that."

"Oh, you never can quit, can you?" The bride and groom entered the limousine in front of them driven by Harvey Bullock, who mumbled to himself about how two good looking kids with plenty of money were so tight they had to get married in a cow shed. Then he remembered Wayne had paid for it, and a vein burst as he drove them to the Hotel Belle Monico. The hotel had been sequestered for guests and the enjoyment of the wedding reception of Barbara Gordon and Dick Grayson.

As all this was happening, an alarm went off in Arkham Asylum. A man in a green suit was handing himself over to authorities almost as if he were expecting them to take him in. A squadron of guards swarmed around the figure and were shocked to realise exactly who he was. The Head of Security, in riot armour, removed his visor, to make sure his eyes weren't fooling him.

"Nygma?! But you…you're dead. What the Hell. Put your hands up!"

"They are up? Tell me, Officer. What has many scars, none of them their own, but yet simultaneously theirs?"

"I…I don't know."

"ME!" Victor Zsasz screamed as he revealed himself as the guard beside the man and slit his throat. The next two guards quickly discovered their guns were duds as Zsasz hacked them to pieces while Nygma laughed and pressing some car keys in his pocket turned the alarm off. "Victor, when you're done cutting them and yourself, would you kindly direct me to cell control?" "I need to make the mark…" "And I appreciate that, dear, but one must be hasty with these things. We have a city to destroy after all!"

Back at the hotel, things were looking decidedly better for all involved. Clark Kent even gave Bruce Wayne a handshake despite their tension recently. "It's…it's good to see you," he stumbled, feeling a tad embarrassed he hadn't reached out to try and reconcile with his friend until now. "Likewise, Clark," was the taciturn reply, "And Lois. I hope you're not here to leak to the gossip columns an inside scoop on my son's wedding." "Bruce," Clark said sarcastically, "we'd have invited Cat Grant if we wanted that. I can't see her here, but I'm sure you've sequestered her somewhere."

"How are you both? It has been…quite a while."

"Well, as you can see from my stomach, Bruce. Clark and I have been a little busy."

"I knew that anyway from the gala. That's why I asked Lois to stay off the champagne."

"You liar, you just didn't want her drunk for her speech."

"Partly, yes. But even I could tell her figure was slightly larger as if to suggest conception."

"Bruce, you're really, really good looking and you're normally charming. But even I, hormonal pregnant lady that I am, cannot see anything attractive in this methodical approach to saying you knew I was pregnant. Most people would lie and say they saw me blossoming."

"Fine then. You were blossoming."

"I…Clark, you tell him."

"My wife…though I suspect she regrets it right now…has had a talk with me, Bruce. She thinks we have a lot of friends, which we do. And that some of them should have privileged positions in helping to raise our children."

"I'm far from the world's greatest father, so before—"

"Before nothing. Bruce Wayne, you are going to be the godfather of my son. We picked Jimmy for Lara."

"Lara? Already picking names then, Clark. What's the boy going to be called?"

"Jon. After Pa."

"A fitting name for someone I have no doubt will make a fine young man. I would be honoured to be Jonathan Kent II's godfather."

"Good. We were thinking of Lana for Jon's godmother and Diana for Lara's."

"Well, that depends on whether your beloved prophet lets her back into the country."

"Bruce, I have that in hand. He's promised to let her come back as Diana Prince. I just can't contact her. Will you do that for me? I know you've spoken to her."

"I'm sorry, Clark. Diana made me promise no one would know where she was. She would love to be here and celebrate Dick and Barbara being happy, but she can't. That's how far I'm willing to protect her."

"Is she with her mother?"

"No. That I can assure you. I won't answer any more questions until you move on from this insanity."

"Insanity? Bruce, the whole country is better thanks to Eddie Thawne. There's nearly no more crime!"

"Clark, he said it himself…the end is nigh. Are we going to stand by and let him make that happen?"

That was when Lois got in the middle of both men. "Listen guys, I've been going through a lot of mood swings recently. I love you both, obviously one more than the other since I'm married to him, but that doesn't mean I don't care about you, Bruce. Your son just got married today, and you're spending your time here arguing with my husband. And you, Clark, letting politics cloud the celebration of an old friend's wedding? Shame on both of you. Now I'm going to the bar and getting a cup of tea with lots of sugar! Clark, honey, do you want a beer?"

"I'm fine for the minute, thank you."

"Fine. Bruce?"

"A glass of water, please, Lois."

"No problem. Now kiss my husband and make up!" Lois then physically forced them to butt heads. Having two half-Kryptonian babies inside her had made the great journalist slightly stronger than normal under a yellow sun and allowed her to move Clark even when he didn't want to be moved. Last week when she had accidentally broken the arm of a Markovian diplomat had caused quite a stir.

On the other side of the ballroom, Dick and Babs made their way with Tim, Jim, Dinah and Helena up to the table. Bruce joined them eventually at the end as father of the groom. Cass, Alfred, Stephanie and Damian all sat down from him. A scrumptious meal paid for with Wayne money coupled with many glasses of wine made everyone that little bit cheerier by the time speeches came around. Jim stood up first. "Thank you everyone, for coming to see my little girl get married. I'd like to start off by welcoming Dick into the family. I'm sure he'll make as fine a son-in-law as he has a hero. It's a shame Barbara's brother, James can't be here, or his mother. And we all wish Sarah was here. You know I first took Barbara in when she was thirteen years old after my brother, Roger and his wife Thelma died in a car crash. Barbara was an orphan and she needed someone to turn too. I had recently ended my marriage with her namesake, her mom's best friend, Barbara Kean. She got full custody of James. It was a dark time for me but having Barbara enter my life made things a lot easier. She taught me to take care of myself as well as her. If it weren't for Barbara I'd never have remarried to Sarah. She'd loved to have been here today to see Barbara so happy after everything. I adopted Barbara as my daughter and put her through college. I couldn't have been prouder of her when I found out she had been Batgirl. After the accident, and she lost the use of her legs, I was ready to give up. Everything that had happened that day nearly broke me and someone else I cared about besides Barbara. The Batman. But all three of us proved a monster wrong that day. We all got better. We didn't sink into madness because of one bad day. Barbara became a lifeline for fighting crime in this city as Oracle, shining brighter than all of us. She earned the respect of heroes around the world and in many ways saved that world in her own right. She and Dick have known each other since they were kids. Fighting crime on rooftops, I had to deal with both of them not knowing who they were. He saved my life even more times than her when I think about it. As time passed, they became more than friends. There must be a bond that's hard for people to break when you both run around dressed in costumes. Bit like how Sarah and I loved each other because of our experience on the force. I hope these two can have even half the happiness we had. Because then they'd be in heaven here on Earth. To Dick and Barbara!"

"Dick and Barbara!"

Barbara held her father's hand tightly as he seemed to cry tears of joy and sorrow at remembering his dead wife and thinking positively about his daughter's future. Bruce Wayne then stood up to a slightly hollower applause than what Jim had received. "Thank you, Jim. My sentiments exactly. I'm sure Sarah would be happy to be here. As to absent family, I am sad to say my son, Jason, could not be at the reception this evening, but his friend Roy sends fraternal greetings. Neither could Diana or Arthur due to reasons beyond any of our control at the moment. I'd like to say I'm welcoming Barbara into the family, but as we all know she's been very much a part of it for so many years now. I would like to say I am happy to now call her my daughter-in-law no more than I am to call Dick my son. I first met Dick Grayson on a night as innocent as any, no more than a night I remember from my own childhood. I saw a talented young acrobat and his parents pirouetting across the sky, only for their whimsy to turn into tragedy. I saw an all too familiar sight that evening as I saw a little, black haired boy collapse to his knees before the prostrate forms of the two people who had given him life. I couldn't help myself. I took him in. Initially, I didn't want my young charge to lead a dangerous life, just to make sure he was looked after. I am a bit of a soft touch it might surprise some of you to know. But then he joined me on my crusade, and for the first time in my life things changed for the better. I had a friend, a partner, a confidante…a son. Not to say I was completely alone before him. Alfred was always there, of course, but he didn't bring that innocence and optimism Dick had by the bucketful. Many will say I made Dick Grayson who he is today more than anyone else, but the reverse is also true. If I had never met that boy, I'd probably be long dead. He made me calm down, and see that life is not just tragic, but also fun and full of love. So, very much, full of love. Then Barbara came on the scene, and there were three of us. It was good sport. I would never have thought romance could blossom between that happy go lucky, slightly annoying little boy and such a confident, attractive young woman. Shows you what I know. After her accident, I never really forgave myself. I tried to help Barbara, but in the end, she did more help for herself. We were both people who never gave up on each other even when we were at the brink. She's been a rock for me and the entire family, and a shining example to us all that no matter what life throws at us we can overcome it. I love her just as much as I do Dick. And I could not be happier to see them together." The whole room gave a thundering applause to that. Bruce still had his misgivings about the marriage, but he knew to mask those feelings, and talk about all the positive things he thought concerning this new Dynamic Duo. Dick stood up to begin his own brief speech before Tim's.

"Thank you, Jim and Bruce. To Jim, I'd like to say I'm very proud to make an honest woman of your beautiful daughter and to Bruce, I'd like to say that we love you too and we're always going to stand by you and by Gotham, no matter what. I'd like to thank everyone here for coming and for all the wonderful gifts. It's great to see that so many people we've met over the years would want to celebrate mine and Barbara's happiness. Like Jim and Bruce have mentioned, Barbara and I first met each other when she was starting off as Batgirl. We were never really a thing back then. She was older, I was an annoying kid like Bruce said. Closest thing we got to romance was being locked in a safe for six hours. I'll never forget how awkward that was. Then I left Batman and Gotham behind for the Titans and got into another relationship with Koriand'r. Shame she's not here, she and Babs actually get along. But I'm happy to see so many more of the Titans here especially since we lost Wally not too long ago. We're all going to miss him, but every time I think of him, I think of the wonderful life he led. Married to a beautiful, intelligent woman with two great kids and loved by everyone who knew him…even the Rogues, as we all saw. I thought if I could have half of what my best friend had I'd be a richer man than even Bruce. And today I've gotten that by marrying Barbara Gordon, the girl of my dreams. My childhood sweetheart. My beautiful Batgirl." He sat down and looked to Tim who was fidgeting slightly while everyone else applauded. "You okay?" "Yeah, man. Good speech…" With that, Tim stood for all to see, but avoided eye contact with anyone in the crowd who might try and catch his attention.

"I'd like to first do something Dick skipped over and note how absolutely gorgeous the bridesmaids are as well as the bride. Dinah Lance and Helena Bertinelli, everybody!" Dinah and Helena stood up and took a bow thanks to the compliment from Tim. "Dick and Babs really do make a great couple. I could have told them that before I even met them, and when I met Dick he was still with Kory and the Titans. Both he and Barbara have been like a big brother and sister to me in the years when I've lost a lot. My mom, my girlfriend, my dad and my best friend all died within a few short years. Dick and Babs were some of the people who were there for me when all that occurred. I went over the deep end and both of them pulled me out of it. It was Babs who told Bruce he should adopt me before the thought even entered his or Alfred's head. And it was Dick who was always on the other end of a phone if I needed to talk to anyone, no matter what about. They both don't realise how lucky they are to be with one another. When Dick asked me to be his best man, knowing that with Wally dead he would need a new one, I couldn't help but be overcome by the thought that someone loved me that much. I think Bruce and Jim put it best in describing how wonderful they both are...but to me they're more than that. They're two people I've come to rely on in a different way. As someone young, who needed support when they decided to join them on this rampage we call being a superhero. I can never thank either of them enough. To, Dick and Babs, the best big brother and sister anyone could ask for!"

"To Dick and Babs!"

Meanwhile, back at Arkham Asylum, somewhere far less bright and positive than where our heroes are, with all the guards butchered in record time thanks to Victor Zsasz and the other homicidal maniacs indigenous to this home for the criminally insane, things were on the up for the forces of evil. The Riddler announced himself to the assembled horde of monsters like Caesar addressing the Roman Forum. "Feeble wits of Arkham Asylum, abase yourself before the great wit that is I, the Enigma! Riddle me this. What has wings but cannot fly, and is a man but yet a rodent?"

"The Batman!"

"And what will we do to this Batman's city, my brethren?"

"Burn it."

"Yes, and we shall begin with the homes of the wealthy. They will have nowhere to flee so they can die with the masses when we butcher them too!"

And with that, Zsasz activated a tape playing the Elephant March from the Jungle Book, as the wedding band at the Hotel Belle Monico began playing an altogether different song for the first dance between Nightwing and Oracle as man and wife. That song was Just Like Heaven by The Cure. An odd song for an odd couple. Dick lifted Babs ever so gently from her chair and began waltzing, allowing her what control he could as he balanced her above the floor, just as he had done when he had taken her on that date to his old home, the circus all those years ago. Tim Drake hung back a bit in the crowd as he received three taps on his shoulder, and turning around, he was dwarfed in a bear hug from Conner Kent, Cassie Sandsmark and Bart Allen. Then they released him and immediately all gave him a punch in the arm. "Hey!"

"It's been months, Tim," Cassie said with a tinge of concern but also annoyance, "We've all heard nothing from you, except Bart one time." "You're never good when you shut yourself out, man," Conner reminded him with a heartfelt hand on his shoulder, "Do you need to talk?" "Like I told, Bart," Tim said almost without feeling, "I'm doing undercover work for Barbara. I can't afford to walk out on this. If I do, I could be putting a whole heap of people I care about in trouble." "Yeah, but," Cassie said slowly but surely, "you could have at least called." "I took time out to see Bart in his grief, I figured you two were strong enough to be without me."

"Well, we are. Just…we do love you, Tim. And we just want to know you're okay."

"I'll be fine, Cassie. Hopefully this isn't the end for any of us. I'm glad I could see you all again and I hope you enjoy your night, but…"

"But nothing," Bart shouted, "You may be undercover at the moment and not able to tell us, and that's okay. That's kind of your family's thing. But don't use it as an excuse not to let us spend time with you." "You're right Bart," Tim smiled a little, "I'm being selfish. Would you guys like a drink?" "Absolutely," Rose Wilson said jumping on Tim's back nonchalantly, "After a dance first, Boy Wonder?" "Maybe later, Rose." They all laughed a little as they walked to the bar. On the dance floor, Jim was now with Barbara while Dick was dancing with Helena. Bruce was taking Zatanna for a dance while Dinah sat at a table with a glass of champagne to herself. She thought of her own wedding to Oliver over a year ago, and how it hadn't worked out. She loved him as much as Babs loved Dick, but he was a loose cannon. If only he were back, maybe they could find a way to salvage things with Lian here. She then noticed Lian running towards Dick who hoisted her in the air and swung her around the place. Her granddaughter was an amazing little girl. She was really the only young child most of these heroes knew, and her warm, kind demeanour and wisdom beyond her years always made those older than her naturally like her. Dinah was amazed Roy and Cheshire were the kid's parents. But even more amazed how like Robbie Long, a boy of a similar age to her, they were now...older. Roy had said something to her about Thawne pulling her soul from another dimension where it had been imprisoned and time moved differently, but he didn't sound like he bought it entirely, he just accepted any explanation given.

"God, it's great that she's back, right?" a familiar male voice said behind her. "You said it." "Almost like the timeline's getting back on track." "Have we met? Your voice sounds…Ollie!" The blonde man with his cheesy Robin Hood goatee shushed her slightly. "Nice to see you too, pretty bird. But don't announce me here. I'm here on a mission." "Where the Hell have you been? No one's seen you since Wally died!"

"Wally died? Oh, the Watchtower. Aw, that poor kid. Christ. Still, there's worse things going on."

"Yeah, you can say that again. Some demented pastor is controlling the government, which is basically a military dictatorship. Clark seems to be supporting them, even though they kicked Diana and the Atlanteans out of the country."

"What really? That's bizarre. How did they justify that?"

"I don't know…but it seemed kind of…right when they did it. Which didn't make sense. Diana, Arthur and Mera have been our friends and comrades for years. And yet I thought it was okay for them to be exiled. Ollie, what the hell is going on?"

"Rip mentioned something about the Black Mercy in the air. Clark must have taken a heavy dose, or something more sinister."

"Is there anything we can do?"

"I'm with a team right now. We're trying to save time and space, but I told them we could do with you on the team."

"And I said we needed Zatanna," a far less couth looking fellow said who sat beside Ollie, lighting a cigarette for himself, "This your bird, is it, Ollie? She's a cracker alright, she can come too. What's your name again, love?" "Dinah Lance," Oliver sighed, "It is not my pleasure to introduce you to John Constantine." "Ah, don't mind the Squire of Locksley here darling, he loves me really," Constantine chuckled, his cigarette now out of his mouth and between two fingers in his right hand, "Black Canary, isn't it? We've met before, I think. Something to do with Nergal and Oracle's computer."

"Oh yeah, Constantine. Yeah, that was…fun."

"Who'd have thought one demonic entity could have so many fangs. Your scream sorted us out though. And I met you once when I had a different face and called myself Kipling. Not my finest hour."

"What the hell is going on?"

"We're building a team, love. A team that can help save history. Turns out the modern day isn't all it's cracked up to be. Right now, Bruce Wayne and Zatanna Zatara are going to be having the same conversation with another friend of ours."

In a corridor outside, Bruce and Zatanna had gotten to talking. "I'm sorry about everything with the League, Bruce." "Don't apologise, Zatanna," he said, not really thinking, "Why did you dance with me?" "Because I didn't want Selina hogging you all night, she hasn't exactly been your girlfriend for a long time, so you're free and easy," she joked, but then took on a serious tone, "Also, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me for everything with Dr Light."

"I already have. I just don't trust you."

"Fair enough, I guess. Not what I wanted to hear, but it's better than nothing. Are you okay with everything concerning your company?"

"No. There's something happening. I have a feeling my city is going to need me more than ever. I hope you'll be able to help us."

"I can try, Bruce. But…"

"Sorry to interrupt you both," a brown-haired bearded man said as he walked up to them with an older blonde man, "Your city does need you, Batman, but history needs you more. Specifically, we need the World's Greatest Detective to help us out of a bind." Bruce was flabbergasted yet he recognised both men instantly. "Rip Hunter? Booster Gold? How did you—" The time traveller formerly known as Booster Gold lost his patience a tad then.

"Yeah, I get it alright, Bruce. I'm old! It was never my plan to meet you all at this age but we need you to help us stop Eobard Thawne."

"What do you know about Thawne?"

"We know that he's damaged the timeline. The future we come from is slowly but surely…fading from existence. There seems to be rot set in deep by your time, but we can't ascertain what the root problem is. We'll need your help to defeat Thawne and set reality back on course."

"What do you need me to do?"

"Travel with us. In the Waverider. Rip and I need the two of you to join us. We need as many heroes as we can get."

"I can't just leave—"

"Bruce, if you want to save this city from Thawne then you need to come with us. If you don't you will die! He will murder you and your entire family. I can't guarantee we'll save the day, but I can assure you that will happen if you don't come with us."

"You give me your word, Booster?"

"Absolutely. And I just go by Michael these days."

"What do you think, Zatanna?"

"I think you shouldn't just walk out of your son's wedding."

"I never liked weddings anyway. Far too happy affairs. And besides, saving people is what I do and I know where I'm needed."

"Will you come too, Zatanna?"

"Well, if you guys want me…I haven't got any shows booked at the minute. Come on. Show us this Waverider then."

Back at the bar, Tim Drake had managed to get himself away from his friends whose concern he found a little overbearing. God, he was sounding like Bruce. Shutting out the people who loved him. Did he really want to be like that? Dick wasn't like that because of his relationship with Kory. Tim was a bit more introverted than the other Robins, but then again how could someone who ran around the city in tights really be all that introverted. He had help from more people than Dick in his life. His core four friends from his days on Young Justice and the Teen Titans were very important to him but that didn't change Tim Drake all that much. When he was low, he wanted to be alone and hush it up. They were the opposite. They wanted to be there for him.

"Any chance of a dance, Boy Wonder?" Tim turned around to see his ex-girlfriend, Stephanie Brown behind him. "Uh, hey Steph," he stammered, displaying a nervousness he hadn't ever really shown before her. Then again, he hadn't spoken to her since that night with the Man-Bat. Rubbing the back of his head awkwardly, he stumbled out, "I mean I don't really dance, but…" "Oh shush! Everyone dances at weddings. Even the drunk guys who take their ties off, sadly." "Are you not here with Nick Gage?" Tim asked with one of his eyebrows raised. "No," she laughed, "We're not really seeing each other. He wasn't really comfortable at the Wayne Foundation being with a college student. Gordon gave him a talking to the next day. Babs told him to mind his own business, but Gordon called him a pervert. He does know I'm eighteen, right?"

"Sorry about that."

"What about you? Still with Lynx now that Tam's not on the scene?"

"Not really. She follows me around and kisses me from time to time…I don't really care for it."

"Well, you should like it, I mean she is hot," was Steph's sardonic yet genuine reply, "Anyway, I love this song." The song ironically playing was Tainted Love by Soft Cell. All Tim could think was that this DJ was some kind of mind reader. As they went on the dance floor Dick looked over at Steph and winked at her though Babs didn't look too pleased. "Leave them at it, honey," he said, kissing her on the side of her head. "But she keeps toying with him…" "Bit like the girl in the song?" Dick asked, "Our little bro can look after himself." "Why are you so keen on the two of them?" Barbara laughed. "You saying you don't care about Steph?" Dick flinched. "You know that isn't true," Barbara scoffed, "But...I don't know if she's good for him...or him her. Why do you?" "Because I know she's the only woman I met who makes Tim happy and keeps him down to Earth," was the earnest reply, "Even when he's mad. Bit like you and me." The other two seemed to be enjoying the dance, even though Tim was a little awkward at first, Steph took the lead. "There comes a time when every little boy must learn to dance, Timothy Drake. And it would be my honour to teach you." "Do I have a choice?" "No."

Eventually, the night began to die down and the couples were all back on the dance floor to the great wedding classic, You Do Something to Me by Paul Weller. Dick and Babs were back in their classic pose from earlier while Clark and Lois, Tim and Steph along with Conner and Cassie all went for a more traditional slow dance. Donna Troy looked on at the happiness of all these people she cared about and smiled wishing Diana was here. Eddie kept trying to communicate with her all day. To tell her something was happening. She didn't really care. Today, she got to see all the people she loved except Diana and the Amazons together and happy. But then again…What love did she hold for Stephanie Brown or Conner Kent? She didn't have anything against them, but she didn't know either of them really. But for some reason…something at the back of her mind was telling her to feel like she belonged with these people more than with Diana. She couldn't shake it. It was almost like something clawing at her psyche was telling her she had no place with the Amazons...only in America. She then felt a little something tug at her arm. It was her little man looking so adorable in his three-piece suit. Lifting him up she headed onto the dancefloor just as Roy did with Lian at the exact same moment. Their children back. Feeling complete came naturally. Just as Thawne wanted…

The next morning, Tim Drake headed out from the hotel room he had slept with Stephanie Brown in the night before. Hooking up like that wasn't part of his or her plan. She had just wanted to see him again and Tim had just wanted to get through the wedding as painlessly as possible before going back to Ra's. Eventually, one thing had led to another after their slow dance and she had told him she still loved him, and the rest was history. It was immature of Tim to want to be with her that night. It was consensual of course, and safe. But, like it or not, he couldn't resume his relationship with Steph. So, he had pulled a Bruce on her and left the gorgeous girl in her bed at 6 in the morning while he headed out on Redbird in the dark hours before the coming of the Sun. Did he regret it? Of course. That wasn't who he was. In a lot of ways that wasn't who Bruce was either, but like Tim was now he always put the mission ahead of matters of the heart. Why was he still comparing himself to Bruce? He sighed in utter self-loathing as he parked Redbird on a hill outside of town, then deliberately cut a scar into his hand in an act of self-harm with a little razor blade he kept in his pocket. This time, he felt like he actually deserved it, instead of hurting himself just to feel something. He had felt something that night, and like Bruce he held it all back and tried to forget about it the next day. Sighing, he closed his eyes and cried a little as he thought of Steph waking up in a few hours and seeing a letter from him saying he was putting Red Robin and the mission first, and that she should never see him again. As he opened his eyes, he spied in the distance something on fire…

A much happier awakening occurred at the Hotel Belle Monico in the honeymoon suite as the newlyweds awoke early enough. Dick rubbed his eyes and kissed his wife's head as she held herself close to him. His wife. Great to think that was finally the case. "Dick, it's not even seven o'clock yet," she grumbled, "Go back to sleep." "I can't yet, there's something glowing outside." "Abuse or Ragman will handle it, just go back to bed," Babs said as she shuffled herself to the other side of the bed. Finding a pair of binoculars handy on the table…typical Batfamily fair come rain or shine…he looked out in the distance to focus on the fire on the outskirts of town. "Babs wake up," he frantically shouted, "You're not going to believe this." "Can't it wait?" "No. Wayne Manor is on fire!"