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The wedding was the talk of Gotham City, and the world for that matter. When the son of the wealthiest man in Gotham ties the knot, it makes noise. Lots of it. Society pages, entertainment sections, and news outlets alike all splashed similar headlines:
Richard Grayson Wayne, son of billionaire Bruce Wayne, to marry Barbara Joan Gordon, daughter of Gotham City Police Commissioner, James Gordon.
Much to the entire Wayne family’s dismay, it was the event of the year. Hell, probably the event of the decade. The only thing that would have eclipsed it was if Bruce Wayne himself got married—reporters and photographers throughout the city were twitching for that day to come. In the meantime, they had this juicy story to chew on and regurgitate for the masses.
This was why the wedding was taking place at Wayne Manor. Anywhere else, the event would have turned into a circus. That much they’d all agreed on.
Of course, considering his background, Dick had joked that he would have loved that. “We could get clowns, and fire eaters, and the bearded lady,” he’d said with a big grin. “The Flying Dumitris would love nothing more than to perform for me. We’re still in touch. They still beg me to come run Haley’s Circus again. And Bruce can be the ringmaster!” He’d laughed and waved his hand toward Bruce with a flourish, which Bruce merely ignored with the same exasperated patience he had when any one of his kids said something stupid.
This was during a family discussion about the best approach to take in handling the wedding. It was decided that Wayne Manor was the most logical—and safest—place to have it. All the members of the Wayne family offered their help, as did the father of the bride. There was one person who they needed a special favor from, though. Bruce had asked Zatanna if she would cast a cloaking spell over the Manor so that no drones or helicopters could take any photos or footage during the event. Of course, she had gladly complied.
On the day of the wedding, the entire superhero community flooded Wayne Manor, with a few exceptions. Kory had declined her invitation to the wedding and so was keeping an eye on Blüdhaven as Starfire for Dick. They were still good friends and Kory had wished him all the happiness, but said that she could not bring herself to watch Dick marry another woman. The “We Are Robin” crew was patrolling Gotham, while John Henry Irons looked after Metropolis in Superman’s absence. Wally, Dick’s best man, felt that Central City would be fine without the Flash for one day, and if there was an emergency, he could just zip right over. And a few other heroes who were not close friends or even acquainted with Dick and Barbara pitched in to ensure that everyone who was friends with the happy couple could attend the nuptials. Everyone there knew the Bat-Family’s identities, so no one had to hide or lie. This was a safe space.
Dick never thought he’d see an occasion like this. Certainly, not for him. But the fact that all these people were setting aside their duties and responsibilities for him and Barbara filled his chest with warmth and gratitude. He was so lucky in so many ways.
Now, here he was, standing with the love of his life, in front of all these amazing people, getting married. Red rose petals gently fluttered around their feet, contrasting starkly with the simple white Lily-of-the-valley bouquet in Barbara’s hands. Gazing into her beautiful green eyes, listening to the preacher go through the requisite words of the ceremony, Dick couldn’t help but remember the very first time he’d kissed her. Batgirl had just come onto the scene. They were on their motorbikes following a lead, and he’d leaned in and kissed her before driving away. Even then, Barbara had been fierce and a badass, and he’d fallen in love almost instantly.
M’gann M’orzz, known to the world outside the borders of that cloaking spell as Miss Martian, became ordained as a minister just for the occasion. M’gann put her finger in her book and clutched it to her middle. “And now, Richard and Barbara would like to share their vows.” She smiled and took a step back.
Dick lowered his gaze to hide his emotions. He’d never been afraid to let people know how he felt. That was where he and Batman always differed. Where Bruce kept his feelings bottled up—strangled, in fact—Dick’s emotions were always out there for everyone to see. And he was fine with that. He considered it healthy. Even Alfred, the stoic British, former MI6, butler, encouraged him to be his authentic self and let the world in. He’d always said that he’d failed Bruce in that way. He could never get him to let anyone in. Not really.
But now, holding hands with the woman who he had been in love with since he was a teenager, Dick was afraid to show his feelings. Because if he let go of the reins too much, he might lose control altogether. Right there in front of the entire crime-fighting community, he would probably cry. Not a good look for a superhero. He’d never live it down. He could just hear his brothers now, giving him a hard time. Damian, especially, would taunt him mercilessly until Dick cried again, only for a different reason.
He could picture it—Dick Grayson, the mighty Nightwing, protector of Blüdhaven, former Robin, partner of Batman, and once leader of the Titans, bawling his eyes out like a little baby.
He swallowed hard and lifted his gaze slowly. I’ve got this. I’ve fought the worst of the worst and saved the world. I will not be defeated by my hormones.
He cleared his throat and began. “Barbara, when I first met you…” Here he gave her a small sideways grin. “You kicked my ass.”
Laughter rose up among the guests. They knew it was true. Batgirl had literally kicked Robin’s ass. Beat him up like they were in a schoolyard brawl. Barbara smiled brightly and chuckled softly.
“And I think I knew right then, deep down inside,” Dick continued, swallowing down his laughter, “that I loved you. Of course, my pride was wounded and I had to play it tough. But, honestly, as a teenage boy, I thought it was so hot.”
Again, laughter filled the afternoon air, and Dick hoped that Jim would forgive him for that comment.
“But that’s not why I fell in love with you. Your strength, intelligence, courage, and skill are what make you the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. And you are stunningly beautiful. I wish my parents were alive so they could meet you. They would’ve loved you. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring—could be anything,” he added wryly. “But I want to face it, and all the tomorrows, with you.”
As Dick finished his vows, he heard sniffling from various points in the audience. But his focus remained on the mesmerizing emerald eyes of the woman in front of him.
With a benevolent smile, M’gann turned her gaze to the bride. “And now we’ll hear from Barbara,” she said softly.
Barbara took a breath and began. “Dick, we’ve been through so much together. We were kids when we first met—and I thought you were an annoying boy.” Again, laughter rippled through the crowd, only a little heartier this time, as if many of them agreed with the bride. “But I saw in you something rare. A bravery that comes from the soul, and compassion that comes from tragedy. You are the kindest person I know. Despite all the heartbreaks and losses, you still are the first one to hold out a hand of understanding. I fell in love with you for so many reasons, but most of all, because you have the biggest heart of anyone I know. I want us to stand by each other’s side, today and always.”
M’gann indicated that it was time for the official vows, so Wally handed Dick and Barbara their rings. Barbara relayed her bouquet to Dinah Lance, her maid of honor, and took the ring from Wally. They pledged their love and fidelity and slipped the rings on each other’s fingers.
“You may now kiss your spouse,” M’gann stated happily. And they did.
When the ceremony concluded, Dick and Barbara walked up the aisle together, followed by the wedding party, to the sound of cheering and clapping. While they went to a different part of the estate to take photos, the guests made their way to the cocktail area for beverages and hors d’oeuvres.
Dick and Barbara had discussed the prudence of taking photos. They would be something tangible that amateur sleuths could study and deduce things that Dick and Barbara didn’t want anyone deducing. Hell, if Tim could figure out their identities by merely observing that Dick’s moves as Robin were exactly the same as Dick Grayson’s moves in his old trapeze act, who knew who else could put two and two together. True, Tim was a genius, but there were other geniuses out there.
Ultimately, they decided that to not have photos would be suspicious for the billionaire’s son and Commissioner’s daughter. The press would hound them for something, and wouldn’t stop snooping until they got it. So, they went ahead and did the standard wedding photography session, with Iris West acting as official photographer.
When that was done, they headed to the reception area to greet their guests. Garfield Logan took to the DJ booth and tried to sound like a real DJ by using his code name, Beast Boy. Then he introduced the wedding party. Each bridesmaid and her groomsman entered the main area, with Beast Boy announcing the names of each couple. Damian started the procession with Alysia followed by Kate and Duke, Stephanie and Tim, Cassandra and Jason, Dinah and Wally, and finally Barbara and Dick. It was a large wedding party, but Dick wanted all of his brothers to stand by his side on this one occasion. And Babs had wanted her soul sisters in it, too.
Dick and Barbara were pleased at how good they all looked together. The groomsmen wore fitted navy blue suits with blue bow ties, and vests embroidered with silver and gold threads, while the bridesmaids’ dresses were a complimentary periwinkle blue with matching gold and silver thread embroidery. Somehow, they’d managed elegance without being ostentatious.
It had been surreal when Garfield introduced them as Barbara and Richard Gordon Grayson Wayne. In a way, the name change was merely a formality, but hearing it being said—to everyone in the superhero community, no less—made it real.
At this point, the wedding party was finally able to refresh themselves with food and drinks. Dick was stuffing his face with a crab cake when Oliver Queen stepped up next to him. Despite the tension between Bruce and Oliver, Dick liked him, so he didn’t mind his being there. Besides, he was Dinah’s plus one.
“Who’s that guy in your wedding party? The tall one with the white streak in his hair,” Oliver asked, pulling on his blond goatee.
It was the first time that many of the guests had seen Jason, at least since he was Robin, and not everyone was in the loop about him. Dick wasn’t sure how to answer, and after thinking about it for a second, he realized there was only one way to do it. With the truth.
“That’s Jason.”
“Jason who?”
“Jason Todd. My brother.”
“Wait, what?” Oliver looked at him, confusion crinkling his flaxen brow. “Jason? Jason Jason? But he died. I was at his funeral.”
“Yeah, well, he didn’t stay dead. Does anyone really these days?” Dick replied, then chuckled. He tried to keep it light because he knew Jason wouldn’t want anyone’s pity, or to be plied with a thousand-and-one questions.
“What? I don’t—how?” Oliver tensed up and his hand reached behind his shoulder in what Dick assumed was an instinctive move for the Green Arrow. When unsure or uncomfortable, reach for your weapon, right? Of course, today there were no arrows to pull from a quiver.
“That, sir, is a very long story. I can tell you about it sometime. Today, though, I’d just like to celebrate my wedding, knowing that my brother is alive and my family is whole again. Well, I mean, in terms of everyone being alive.” He smiled.
Oliver quirked an eyebrow at that, but Dick merely slapped him on the shoulder and moved away. Today was not the day to recount his family’s tragedy. And it was time for dinner, anyway.
#
Roses, Phalaenopsis orchids, and Lily-of-the-valley, all in white, decorated the entire estate, some woven into garlands, some arranged in enormous vases. Alfred had done an amazing job with the preparations, having insisted on overseeing them himself. Dick knew that part of that was a sense of duty for the family butler, but part was that Alfred wanted to make sure that this wedding was all it should be for a Wayne. And his grandson.
Bruce sat off to the side of the stage, a few tables back. He was flanked by Selina and Alfred on one side and Jim Gordon on the other. It was only through his, Dick’s, and Barbara’s insistence that Alfred not work on this day and that he relinquish his duties as overseer of any Wayne Manor gala. It was a tough fight, but they had won. Bruce almost smiled at the way Alfred fidgeted, the way his eyes darted constantly around the property, looking for any signs that his supervision was required. Bruce just sighed and let him be.
Bruce glanced at Jim. Jim looked nice for a change. He’d shaved, and trimmed his mustache, and gotten a haircut. Bruce had sent him to his own personal groomer to ensure that he’d look his best when walking his daughter down the aisle.
There were conflicting emotions on Jim’s face, and concern still lingered in his eyes. Hell, it probably always would. And Bruce understood that feeling. That feeling that your children will never be safe. Jim had had a hard time accepting that his own daughter was a vigilante. Not acknowledging it—accepting it. Bruce knew that Jim suffered with the idea that Barbara would never have a normal life, that her and her husband’s lives would always be in danger.
But unless he was mistaken, he also saw pride, trust, maybe even relief, in the police commissioner’s eyes. And he was never mistaken.
When Bruce and Jim had finally had “the talk,” shortly after their kids’ engagement, it was like a dam had burst, and Jim said he needed to know once and for all. So, Bruce told him. Yes, his little girl was indeed the vigilante known as Batgirl, and now Oracle. After contemplating this reality for a moment, he told Bruce that if his daughter had to be a vigilante, at least she was marrying someone he knew could protect her, even though she always insisted that she didn’t need protecting. Maybe not—obviously not—but the incident with the Joker set Jim’s nerves on edge every time he thought about it. Plus, Bruce reminded him, she had the entire Bat-Family in her corner. Jim hadn’t voiced that, logically, if she hadn’t been involved with the Bat-Family in the first place, her life would be safer, but Bruce knew that it was a thought in Jim’s head. Besides, no one told Babara what to do or not do. She had her own mind and her own will. So, if she was going to be a vigilante, might as well be a Bat. They would all have her back.
Jim had staggered at finding out that the ruthless, barbaric drug lord known as the Red Hood was actually Bruce’s son. His dead son, to be specific. The son who had been his second Robin. Bruce knew the kinds of questions that must have run through Jim’s head, like why would a Robin go bad like that? Jim knew everything else, he might as well know this, too, Bruce had thought.
So, Bruce told him about Jason’s resurrection, and how he was “different.” Bruce also told him that he hoped Jim would be a little more understanding and compassionate toward Jason.
As if picking up on Bruce’s thoughts, Jim spoke. “If anyone had told me,” he said, a little glassy-eyed, his words slurring a little, “that someday, the man who terrorized Gotham’s underworld, who decapitated a buncha drug lords and nonchalantly collected the heads in a bag, would one day stand at my daughter’s wedding, I’d’ve had them locked up in Arkham.”
Bruce knew that Jim was several bourbons in, because his lips were never this loose. But it was fine. Bruce was just glad Jim could walk his daughter down the aisle with no secrets between them, no shadow of lies, betrayal, or deceit.
Selina watched Bruce silently, a small smile playing on her face.
“What are you smiling about?” Bruce asked.
“You’re finally letting yourself be a papa today,” Selina replied. “Not Batman with his ‘team,’ but Dad. Just Dad. It’s…cute.”
“There’s nothing cute about me,” Bruce said dryly.
Selina chuckled. “Says you, Bat. Well, I don’t think it suits you often, but today it does. And I’m glad.” She pecked Bruce on the cheek before turning her attention to the lights that were coming on over the open lawn. The sun was setting, and as the grounds of Wayne Manor darkened, subtle lamps and torches flicked on automatically to illuminate the festivities.
The music also switched to sounds more suited to evening, with faster, heavier beats, and basslines practically thumping the very ground beneath them. Jason had apparently been designated as DJ for this part of the celebration. Colored lights popped on to animate the temporary wooden dance floor as Jason started the dance music from the DJ station. Bruce knew the songs because his kids had played them in the Batcave while working or training, but he wasn’t particularly fond of them.
Bruce’s attention shifted when many of the guests, mostly the younger ones, moved toward the stage area. The older heroes, those who were not particularly interested in dancing with kids to songs they didn’t know, sat at the tables. Those on the dance floor pressed in closer, completely ignoring the rule they were taught about not getting locked in a crowd, much to Bruce’s consternation. He kept an eye on the growing swell. The tighter it became, the more the pit in his stomach grew. He leaned forward, on alert. But then he remembered that they were in a completely secure bubble on his property.
At the next table were Clark, Lois, and Diana. They were in close enough proximity that they could all carry on intermittent conversations throughout the reception. Clark leaned in a little toward Bruce. “Don’t worry, Bruce. I know what you’re thinking. They’re fine.”
“Oh? I didn’t know mind reading was one of your powers, Clark,” Bruce replied without moving a single facial muscle beyond his lips.
“They know what they’re doing,” Clark continued, completely ignoring Bruce’s taunt. “And they know that everyone around them also knows what they’re doing.”
Bruce groused internally. Still, he may have to brush the young ones up on crowd containment rules.
“Come on, babe,” Selina crooned, trying to pull Bruce up from his seat. “Let’s go dance.”
Refusing to budge, Bruce let her tug on his arm, to no avail. “I’ll sit this one out, sweetie. You go ahead.”
Selina rolled her eyes. “Anyone else wanna dance?” She looked at each one and finally landed on Alfred. “Alfie, you want get jiggy with it?” Selina grinned. Bruce shot her a look as if to say, “Really?” Selina just grinned even wider.
Alfred looked like he wanted to laugh, but instead said, in his usual prim way, “I don’t quite know what getting jiggy with it is, Miss Kyle, but I feel it is probably something I should not do. Thank you just the same.”
Selina pouted and turned back expectantly toward the others. Lois got up. “Sure, why not? It’s been a minute since I got jiggy with it.” They both laughed.
“How about you, Clark?” Selina asked.
Clark put his hands up. “Oh, no. Not me. You don’t want to see me get jiggy with it, believe me.”
“Diana, come on.” Lois waved her hands, urging the Amazon to join them.
Selina laughed. “Yeah, Princess. Come shake your groove thing.”
Diana, a perplexed look on her face, stood. “Well, I’m not sure I can shake my groove thing like you ladies. I’m not even really sure what a groove thing is, but I’ll try.” She moved around the table to join the other two women, who each gripped one of Diana’s hands.
Bruce, Alfred, and Clark all stood, an ingrained automatic response to acknowledge Diana’s royal status. Jim, seeing them stand, did so himself, if a little awkwardly.
When the women had moved off, the men sat and continued watching the crowd of superheroes and their families and friends enjoy a well-deserved and much needed diversion. They all worked so hard. This time was earned. Everyone danced, ate, drank, and conversed in a way that Bruce and the others rarely saw.
It wasn’t often that Bruce could say this, but he was happy. Not only because all his friends and colleagues were enjoying themselves, but also because he knew that at least one of his kids had found true love. Actually, he was pretty sure that Tim had as well, considering how he lit up whenever he talked about Bernard. But marriage? That was something he never thought possible in their line of work, but Dick and Barbara were proving him wrong.
After a while of silent watching, Jim turned slightly so that he could speak to Bruce privately.
“Oh, don’t get me wrong,” Jim said, leaning in toward Bruce. “I like Dick very much. He was always a good guy.” Bruce blinked. Jim seemed to be continuing a conversation aloud that had only been taking place in his head.
“He was an amazing kid when he was Robin. I remember thinking in those days that whoever his father was must be very proud. Not knowing back then that you were his father, of course. And I even remember thinking, if only my own son....” Jim looked down at his lap. He didn’t need to continue that train of thought. Bruce knew what he was going to say, and sadness for Jim’s family situation tugged at his heart.
“Anyway,” Jim continued, “I wasn’t happy about Barbara getting back together with Dick because...well....”
“You didn’t want your daughter getting involved with a vigilante. Even though she’s a vigilante herself. She puts herself in danger as it is, so she didn’t need to be with a man who also puts himself in danger. And maybe any aggression directed toward him would also target her. Because that’s why the Joker shot her—he was looking to punish you. And what if that happens again with someone wanting to punish Nightwing?”
Jim stared at him, mouth hanging open. “Yes!” he said, clapping Bruce’s shoulder. Then, his face relaxed, and his eyes flashed with what Bruce interpreted as relief at not having to actually say all that. “Yeah.”
Bruce nodded. As stoic as he was, he had a better way with words than Jim did. And Bruce was happy to alleviate the uneasiness for his old friend.
“But I no longer feel that way. I mean, I still worry. But Dick is a brave, heroic man. I know now that he’s probably the only option for someone like my daughter, and I know he’ll lay down his life to protect her.” Jim’s voice cracked.
“Yes, he will.”
“You raised him well, Bruce.”
“I think most of the credit for that goes to Alfred,” Bruce replied, looking out at the crowd.
“We both did our best under the circumstances, Master Bruce,” Alfred said, his eyes glistening uncharacteristically. Alfred had a way of making himself inconspicuous, even while he was eavesdropping.
“Well, whoever the credit goes to,” Jim said, “he turned out an amazing young man. And I’m very happy to call him my son-in-law.”
The lines of Bruces’ face felt less tight, and he fought the lump in his throat. “You know how I feel about Barbara,” he said softly.
“Yeah.”
They sat in silence a while longer before Diana, Lois, and Selina made their way back. They were smiling and laughing, and clinging to each other playfully. Lois and Selina had a flush on their faces, and they breathed a bit heavily. Diana looked completely unfazed, but there was now a happy glitter in her eyes. All three sat and continued their chatter with each other and the men.
Clark, who had been sitting silently, affording Jim and Bruce some privacy, leaned over toward Bruce again. “You have some amazing kids, Bruce.”
“I know.”
#
The dinner tables had been set up in the rose garden, while cocktail tables were dispersed randomly throughout the English garden. It was in this section of the estate that a stage had been set up for one purpose: One of the bride’s requests for the party was to have everyone sing karaoke.
Beast Boy wasted no time in manning the karaoke system. It had been his job to pass around song sheets during the cocktail hour for people to write down their choices. Books listing hundreds of songs had been placed around the garden so the guests could peruse at their leisure. An hour after karaoke had started, many guests had belted out their favorite songs, including all the Wayne kids.
And now it was time for the main event. Before anything else happened, Dick had to make sure that Babs had a front row seat—a figure of speech, since it was standing room only. While he and the other boys got ready, he asked Wally to go situate Barbara—who had by now, changed into a short, plain white dress—at the front. With that done, Wally jumped on stage and grabbed the mic.
“Check, check.” Wally’s amiable voice resounded over the grounds, getting everyone’s attention.
“Hi, all. For anyone who doesn’t know me, I’m Wally, and I’m the best man. Hi.” He smiled big and waved goofily. Some called out woos and yays. “Get off the stage,” someone yelled playfully, which got some good-natured laughter in response.
Wally smiled again. “Okay, okay. My only function here is to introduce the next singers. That’s right, I said singers. You’ve heard them sing individually tonight, and now they’re doing it together.” Wally turned and looked at Dick, “The odds of this ever happening again are none to minus-hell-freezing-over, so pay attention and really drink it in. I saw one of the rehearsals, and it’s gonna blow your mind.” He threw one more glance at Dick, then turned back to the audience with a big grin. “Please welcome to the stage, the Robins.”
Excited and bewildered murmurs rippled through the crowd. Dick stepped up on the stage and took the mic to raucous applause. Jason, Tim, and Damian followed him and each grabbed a mic from a stash off to the side. They had removed their jackets and had a stylized “R” pinned on the left side of their vests. Like they were some boy band sporting their logo. Like a family, Dick thought proudly.
“I’m a very lucky man today,” Dick said into the mic, “and it’s because of this amazing woman right here.” He extended his hand toward his new wife. “And I would do anything to make her happy. So, with a little help from my brothers—” he glanced behind him—“that’s what I’m going to do.”
The murmurs grew, filled with anticipation. Dick could feel the buzz and energy in the air and it was affecting him, too. If he was honest with himself, though, he was a bit nervous. He’d been performing for an audience since he was a toddler, but this was different.
“Babs has been telling me for a long time,” Dick continued, shoring up his courage, “about this fantasy she has.”
A collective “whooooaaaaaa” and wolf whistles rose up. Dick smiled at Barbara, whose brows were furrowed in confusion. She scanned the other boys on the stage. They all looked back at her with mischievous grins, with the exception of Damian, who merely curled his lips in a weak attempt to look annoyed and bothered. Dick could see realization dawn on Barbara as her eyes grew wide and her jaw dropped in utter disbelief.
“Baby, this is for you,” Dick said with a loving smile. Then, he faced toward where he knew Bruce was sitting. “And if it shocks the hell out of our dad, then that’s a bonus.”
A brilliant smile broke out on Barbara’s face, almost ear to ear, and her eyes practically glittered. With her hands pressed together, she bounced on her heels.
The music began and the familiar strains of the song “Gloria” began. Dick raised his mic to his lips and began singing. Looks of surprise popped up on people’s faces as they realized that it wasn’t the English version that most people were familiar with—it was the original Italian version.
What many people didn’t know was that Dick and the other current and former Robins were all fluent in multiple languages. Bruce had insisted that each of his kids learn as many languages as possible because linguistic knowledge was helpful in the field, as well as in life. One never knew when one had to know another tongue to decode a message, communicate with an ally, listen in on comms between villains, go undercover convincingly, charm a business associate, or understand the names of cheeses at a fancy gala. Little did Bruce know that one day, his sons would put their vast linguistic knowledge to the best use of all—the ultimate karaoke performance.
Dick sang the first verse and was rewarded with massive cheering throughout the audience. Pride rippled through his chest, not only because he’d sung his part well, but also because he’d managed to do something for Barbara that she would always remember.
Jason was singing the second verse and was killing it. They had rehearsed the song a couple of dozen times, and he’d always done an amazing job. But this, this was beyond amazing. It was…powerful.
Dick looked at Barbara at the foot of the stage. She was dancing, along with everyone else. Every so often, she glanced at him and smiled, the smile she reserved just for him. But she quickly returned her attention to Jason. There was a place in her heart for all the Robins, Dick knew, and she had suffered just as much as Dick, Bruce, and Alfred had when Jason had died. She’d already become one of the family, and Jason was like a brother to her. And, like the others, her heart had broken back then. But whatever ache had lived deep in her heart was gone now. Her cheeks were round and high, and she was obviously having a great time.
Many of the guests started switcing on light sabers. Bruce had put his foot down about incorporating any tacky wedding accoutrements, such as sabers, glow sticks, leis, or anything else like that. Dick relented and scratched those off his list, but someone had apparently snuck some of those items in. He thought he knew who the culprit was. He’d have a talk with Wally later.
In the meantime, multicolored glow-in-the-dark sabers were waving around, and some people had glow sticks around their necks. Bruce definitely wouldn’t like it, but it sure did create a party atmosphere.
#
During quiet dates, like movie-and-popcorn nights on Bab’s couch, if she was in a giddy mood, she’d tell Dick how she had this fantasy of the four male Robins singing together in a boy band. At first, Dick rolled his eyes at the ridiculousness of it. But then, to make her happy, he indulged her and drew out more details. What would they sing? Would there be a leader? What would they wear? The answers changed each time for most things, but there was one thing she repeated almost every time.
“I imagine you guys singing ‘Gloria.’ Not the English version, the original Italian.”
“Why? Why that song and why in Italian?” he’d asked.
“Because,” she’d replied, “not only is it a great song, but I think vocally, you all could do it, and the verses are easily switched from person to person.” She paused with an expression that Dick recognized. It said that she was debating on saying something further. “And,” she continued, “Bruce once told me about how he would make you guys sing that song to practice your Italian.”
Dick had to admit, she was right on all counts. Aside from her extreme intelligence and eidetic memory, Bab’s life as Batgirl and Oracle had made her exceptionally astute. She knew how to put things together well. And she was usually right. But that reminder about Bruce and the song, that’s when it hit him that she had really given this fantasy a lot of thought.
For their wedding, Dick wanted to do something special. Although Babs was not one for jewelry, she did appreciate the few meaningful pieces she had, so he’d given her a more traditional gift of a bracelet, engraved with the words “Boy Wonder Loves Batgirl.” But he’d wanted to give her a special gift, do something she’d remember the rest of her life.
After practically—no, actually—begging his brothers for two months, they’d all finally relented and agreed to do a song during karaoke on the wedding day.
“I’m doing this for Babs, not for you,” Jason had said with a scowl during a supposed groomsmen’s meeting.
Dick already knew that. He knew that putting Barbara as the focal point of his request would be the thing that would get Jason to do it. All of them, in fact.
“I’ll do it,” Tim said eagerly. That made sense. Tim was the one who learned all the newest social media dances and played the latest songs in the Batcave relentlessly until they became ear worms.
“Thanks, Tim. Thanks, Jason.” Dick turned to the last holdout. “Damian, whaddya say? Huh? For Barbara?” He gave his littlest brother puppy eyes and a pouty face, knowing that as much as Damian would ridicule him, he was always suckered in by it.
Damian glowered. “Why should I lower myself and perform like a monkey? You’re the one who came from a circus, Grayson, not me.” Jason sputtered at that.
“Because you love Barbara, that’s why,” Dick said, ignoring Jason. He knew Damian had a soft spot for Barbara. They all did.
“Yeah,” Tim added. “Besides, I’ve heard you singing when you thought no one was around,” he said to Damian.
Damian’s eyes went wide with horror and indignation. “Have you been spying on me, Drake?” He huffed.
“Hell, no, Little D. I have better things to do. I just happened to be around, doing my own thing, when you were singing.” Damian crossed his arms in a snit and turned his face away. “My point is, I know you like singing, and…well, if I’m being honest, you’re pretty good.”
There wasn’t much that shocked this kid, but Dick was pretty sure he saw a little bit of surprise in Damian’s eyes. After a moment, he said, “Fine. I’ll do it for Barbara.” Then he turned to Tim. “And don’t call me Little D. I’m fifteen.”
Dick wasn’t sure, though, if the surprise for Damian was that he was a good singer, that he was told he was good, or that it was Tim who told him. Well, it didn’t matter. As long as it worked.
“Fine,” Tim said with a grin. “I’ll go back calling you Demon Spawn, then. How’s that?”
Damian gritted his teeth. Under his breath, he muttered, “It’s preferable.”
“We should probably do this, anyway,” Jason added. “Because if she ever finds out that we talked about it and didn’t do it, she’ll kick our asses.”
Damian looked at him with disdain. “Tch. Some Robin you were. Allowing anyone to kick your ass.”
“I’m sorry,” Jason replied, a bite in his tone. “Have you ever fought Batgirl?”
Damian paused. “Well, no. Not directly.”
Jason grinned. “Well, please do challenge her to a fight. And let me know when that goes down because I would love to watch Batgirl give your scrawny little ass a beatdown.”
Damian curled his lips and looked away.
“Okay, then. It’s settled,” Dick said with a clap of his hands and a toothy smile. “When is everyone good to start rehearsing?”
#
“Pfffft. There’s a formally dead former drug lord singing karaoke at my daughter’s wedding.” Jim shook his head at what he must have viewed as the absurdity of it all. Then his face softened. “But Barbara seems to be having the time of her life. As it should be. She deserves this. She deserves to be happy, and have a good time, and sing and dance and laugh. She works so hard and she’s been through so much.” He looked wistful for a moment. “If she’s happy, I’m happy.” He raised his glass, sat back, and, waiting for no one, sipped his bourbon.
Bruce looked at his boys on the stage and something inside him shook. He wasn’t big on emotions, but his eyes stung with the threat of tears. Especially seeing Jason there, his chest tightened. His sons were all together.
The fact that all four of them had cooperated long enough to practice a song for karaoke was a bit of a surprise to Bruce. Sure, they could collaborate long enough to successfully complete missions, execute strategies, or even decide on what movie to watch. But karaoke?
When the intro notes had begun, Bruce recognized it as the song he had given the kids to practice their Italian, going on the old saying, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” Music was always a good learning tool and he figured singing songs would be a good way to understand foreign languages.
Jim leaned over to him. “Is that…Italian?”
“Yes,” Bruce replied in his usual terse manner.
“You know,” Jim continued, “not that I’m surprised that your boys can sing—I mean, it’s just another ability in an endless arsenal of abilities, right? I’m just surprised they had time to hone this particular skill.”
“Yes, my sons are amazing.” Bruce didn’t mind showing a little of his pride. And he could do that now with Jim. He peeked over at Alfred. The man who’d been a father figure to all of them had a satisfied little twinkle in his eyes.
When Dick’s part of the song was over, there was cheering and whistling. The next son to step up was Jason. That made sense. Second oldest, second Robin. Was that how they were working this? By that logic, the next one up would be Tim, and finally Damian. He deduced that since Duke was not part of whatever this was, it had something to do with the boys on the stage being current or former Robins.
As Jason belted out the next refrain, more guests scurried toward the stage and within seconds, the entire lawn looked as if it were hosting an outdoor music festival. Bruce wasn’t sure if the uptick in interest was because it was Jason—who, up until recently, everyone had thought was dead—or because the performance was simply getting good.
The sounds of whooping and whistling grew louder. Roy Harper ran past them, saying to seemingly no one in particular, “I heard the Robins were all singing together.” Connor Kent also ran past, knocked over a chair, bounded over it, and continued, not stopping to right it.
Meanwhile, Selena, Clark, Lois, and Alfred all stood up and swayed and clapped along with everyone else. Jim remained seated, a look of bewilderment on his face. Bruce thought he understood why. This was the first time since finding out that Bruce was Batman, and the identity of the others, that Jim was joining the Wayne family for…well, anything. This was the first time he was seeing Bruce’s family as they really were. The real people. Real people who did real things. Like get married. Like dance and sing karaoke.
“I didn’t know the boys could sing. They’re fantastic,” Clark said, clapping his hands in time with the music, although his steps were a little out of sync. Bruce gave him credit for trying.
Of course they were, Bruce thought. His sons were not mediocre in anything they did. A swell of pride made him warm. And for another bit of surprise for the evening, he felt…joy.
#
Dick could tell that Babs was having a blast, exactly what he’d been hoping for. But they were only halfway through. Next up was Damian. Of course, everyone was probably expecting Tim to go next, as he was both chronologically and age-wise the next Robin in line. But they had planned their lineup carefully. They had decided that since Tim was the strongest singer, he should go last. Well, everyone except Damian, who felt that he was the strongest singer. In the end, he’d relented and agreed to Tim bringing it in.
Damian repeated the verse that Dick had sung. The energy and buzz of the audience heightened and they showed their approval. Jonathan Kent flew up above the crowd and pointed his phone at Damian to record it, and yelled, “That’s my best friend!” Cheers rose up at this adorable outburst.
Finally, it was Tim’s turn to take the mic. He began the repeat of the second verse, the one Jason had sung. At this point, the audience was loud and rowdy and out of their minds. Electricity ran through the crowd and it became frenzied. Even the older heroes were on their feet, cheering and clapping. Then, an unexpected thing happened.
Numerous people began holding up money. Several handed Barbara some bills and nudged her to the edge of the stage. A diabolical grin slashed across her face as she began waving the money at Tim. Others followed her lead and started waving money, too, including Tim’s boyfriend, Bernard. Standing next to Barbara, Bernard smiled wickedly as he enticed his boyfriend over.
Jason turned to Dick and snickered. Dick tried not to, but couldn’t control himself, and began laughing as well. Tim, still singing, looked at them quizzically. He’d been so engrossed in his part of the song that he apparently hadn’t noticed what was happening. Jason jutted his chin, directing Tim’s gaze toward the foot of the stage.
Tim, the easy-going guy that he was, threw himself into the moment. He moved to the edge of the stage and squatted. Immediately, Babs, Bernard, and a few others launched themselves closer to stuff the bills in Tim’s pants and pockets. Bernard really got into it, smiling provocatively and stuffing money down the front of his boyfriend’s pants. Tim wiggled and shimmied, like any good little erotic dancer would.
The audience cheered wildly and threw in a few wolf whistles for good measure. At the beginning of the second chorus, Tim straightened up and moved back to his original position on the stage, bills of various denominations fluttering off him and sticking out of his pants.
Jason and Dick laughed, while Damian rolled his eyes and shook his head. But Dick saw a little lift at the corners of his lips. Whether he would admit it or not, and whether he liked it or not, Damian had softened toward his brothers. Funny, joyful, or emotional moments actually got through the kid’s thick, desensitized assassin skin, even if he did his best not to show it.
Tim’s cheeks were red but his eyes sparkled, and he had clearly loved the attention. He completed his part of the song spectacularly, and a happy smile spread across his face.
The four of them raised their mics to do the outro together—not actual words, but vocalizations. Their voices melded perfectly and the harmony they created was stellar. When they finished, they set down their mics on a box behind them. The four boys took a few steps to the edge of the stage and reached into their pockets, where a batarang waited for each of them.
With batarangs in hand, they pulled back their arms in unison and swung them toward the sky, sending the batarangs flying in formation. The batarangs pierced the enormous floating capsule that had seemingly gone unnoticed by the less observant of the guests. A flotilla of acrylic Batgirl symbols showered down on the lawn, and the crowd erupted in even louder cheers and applause.
As the last notes of the music rang out, Barbara, her dress hitched up, climbed the three steps at the side of the stage. She threw her arms around Tim and kissed him on the cheek. “You rocked it, Tim. Thank you. I love you.”
Next, she hugged Damian. She squeezed him and rocked him back and forth like a mamma bear. She kissed him on the cheek. “Love you, Damian. Thank you.” Damian looked both put out and humbled…and slightly embarrassed, if his reddened cheeks and pink ear tips were any indication.
When she got to Jason, she hugged him tightly and for little bit longer than the others. Dick knew that the fact that Jason had participated in this performance meant the world to Barbara. She had witnessed the painful, antagonistic behavior from Jason toward his family members and how far he’d come to reconciling with them. This was a major step.
Finally, she went to Dick. She jumped into his arms, and he lifted her and swung her around. “You like?” Dick asked.
Barbara threw her head back and laughed. “Yes,” she said, nodding her head vigorously. “I love! Thank you so much for this. This is the best gift I’ve ever gotten.”
With his arms still wrapped around his wife’s waist, Dick said, “I expect you to remember that the next time I forget your birthday.”
“I’ll let one birthday slide, Boy Wonder.” Barbara smiled.
It was a smile that told him so much more than words ever could. Loving, trusting, believing, and something more. They looked at each other, communicating something silently. Something for which words didn’t exist. It was a look designed for two people who had lived in a rarified world of darkness, death, and evil, but who found one another again and again to pull each other back into the light. They’d fought side by side, and almost died together many, many times. Their hold on survival was inevitably fragile, but in the end, the lifeline that tethered them together was stronger than steel.
#
“Your boys are something else, Bruce,” Diana said, applauding the performance with a wide smile.
“Yes,” Bruce replied. “Yes, they are.”
Bruce didn’t give himself much room for enjoyment, but he had genuinely enjoyed this evening. Watching his boys get together and do something creative and bonding was more than he could’ve asked for.
Although he didn’t care for the light sabers or glow sticks that had somehow made their way onto the property, he had to admit that they were festive and everyone seemed to enjoy them. And he actually appreciated the little flourish at the end with the Batgirl symbols falling from the sky. Alfred was going to have a hell of a time with the lawn. Bruce would have to insist on bringing in a cleaning crew.
As the boys stood around on the stage waiting for their turn to receive love from Barbara, Bruce looked at each one of them. They all looked proud of what they’d just done. Damian shot him a quick glance that held a hint of smugness. Damian knew he’d floored his father, and Bruce would be lying if he said he hadn’t. Bruce couldn’t have been prouder of his sons than he was in that moment. They weren’t risking their lives, weren’t saving anyone else’s, the fate of the city or the world wasn’t at the moment relying on them. But they had put their differences aside and cooperated to do this vulnerable thing for the sake of two people they loved—their brother and the woman who they’d always thought of as their sister. If you asked them, they would probably say it was for Barbara only, but Bruce knew better. When push came to shove, his boys would protect each other with their lives. They had, in fact, again and again. This performance was just as much for Dick as it was for Babs.
“I knew those boys of yours were talented, Bruce,” Clark said, “but they always manage to surprise me.”
“Same here,” Bruce replied.
Clark looked at him thoughtfully, then smiled. “That’s probably the first time I’ve ever heard you admit to being surprised by someone. As far as admissions go, that’s a good one.” He chuckled.
Lois leaned over from the other side of Clark. “Bruce, I think the fact that Dick did that for Barbara is so romantic. And very creative.” She beamed at Bruce, and an overwhelming sense of pride rushed through him. He simply nodded in response.
#
When Barbara had finished squeezing her new husband, she and Dick and the others all walked off the stage while the guests, in full party mode, chanted “Go, Robins!” over and over.
Dick thought it was the funniest thing and chuckled. Jason smirked. Tim grinned from ear to ear, and Damian rolled his eyes. But, again, Dick saw the tiniest of smiles forming on his face. Yes, Damian was loving it, even if he would never admit it.
Acrylic Batgirl symbols were still coasting down, landing on the stage and their heads. Dick couldn’t recall any other Wayne family festivities that were as joyful or chaotic as this one. Not even Alfred’s birthday. And no one missed showing up for that. Not even Jason. Alfred’s birthdays were sacred, always festive, full of food and music, and brimming with Waynes. But this topped even those gatherings.
Before the group had a chance to disperse, Bruce approached them. He sported an expression that might have made others think he was constipated, but Dick knew this was actually a smile. A private kind of smile that he only gave his family members. As Batman, he never smiled. That would break the serious, fearsome “I am vengeance/I am the night” image that he’d worked so hard to cultivate. As Bruce Wayne, billionaire playboy and philanthropist, he smiled for the media and the board members and anyone else he had to placate. But within his family circle, his smiles were smaller and less frequent, but genuine when given. This was when he was just Dad.
Babs gave Bruce a toothy grin. “Well, Bruce, what did you think of your sons’ performance?” she asked. She practically challenged him to remain silent about it.
Bruce looked at his Robins’ faces, one to the other, and said, “It was incredible. I’m very proud...of all of you.”
And then his smile grew into a real, legit, teeth-showing, corner-of-lips-curving-up smile. Dick couldn’t believe it. That smile was as rare as Wally passing up a double bacon-cheeseburger. It was a freaking unicorn. And Bruce had given it to them.
Dick’s brain went into error-code mode for a moment. He stared, unable to speak. But as he watched Bruce put his hand on Damian’s shoulder and nod his head to all of them, Dick realized the gesture had been real. The fuzzies began to spread in Dick’s chest, and dammit if he didn’t feel tears forming.
#
Dick and Barbara made their way through the crowd toward their table. Everyone had something to say—to Dick about the Robins’ performance and to Barbara about how right she was to offer the boys money. There were playful comments about lap dances and going out on tour. Someone even suggested that next time, everyone should pool their money ahead of time and pay for a less-clothed performance. At that, Dick replied, “You know that Damian is only fifteen, right?”
Barbara, so giddy with her surprise gift, didn’t stop laughing the whole way from the stage to the table. When they finally sat in their chairs, they drank, threw smiles at people who commented on the show, and kissed in response to the traditional clanking of utensils against water glasses.
Then, Barbara turned to Dick quietly, cupped his face in her hands, and kissed him, sweetly and softly. “I still can’t believe you did that. That was amazing.”
“I always told you I’d do anything for you, babe.”
“I know, but this was so unexpected. Did Bruce know?”
“Nope. I mean, I know he suspected something was going on because the four of us were meeting without him. He cornered each of us at different times and interrogated us. And, as you know, Bruce knows just how to get each one of us to talk. But we managed to keep a tight lip.” He chuckled. “Although, I was a little worried about Damian. He can keep a secret, if necessary, but you know how he is. You ask him a question, he’ll answer you straight up, even if it’s offensive.”
Dick laughed at being able to keep a secret from their father—from Batman. It had been so much fun, especially when Bruce got that little frustrated twist to his face. It was probably more fun than the actual singing.
“Did Alfred know?” Barbara asked, chuckling.
“We told him we were planning something special for the wedding, but we didn’t give him any specifics. We wanted the two of them to be surprised as well.” Dick smiled brightly with smug satisfaction. It wasn’t an easy task keeping secrets from Batman. Or Alfred, for that matter. Maybe even especially Alfred. In fact, Dick could only recall a handful of times when anyone in the family did something without either of them finding out.
“Do I detect a whiff of self-satisfaction?” Barbara asked, playfully raising an eyebrow.
Dick’s smile morphed into a one-sided grin. “Aww, it wasn’t about fooling Bruce, you know that. This was about me giving you the gift you wanted.”
“Riiiigghhht. Sure it was.” Barbara snorted and gave him a peck on the cheek.
“You know, I asked Duke if he wanted to participate, but he said that since he was never officially a Robin, he didn’t fit. He also insisted he can’t sing, but did you catch him doing Bruno Mars earlier?”
“Yeah, he was amazing.”
There was a pause as the two of them looked out into the sea of superheroes before Dick spoke again. “You know, we’re thinking of going out on tour,” he said, with feigned seriousness.
A wide grin split Barbara’s face. “Really? Is it going to be worldwide?”
“If we’re lucky. Wanna be our manager?”
“Ha!” Barbara bent over briefly to emphasize the hilarity of that statement. “I’m going to be spending the rest of my life trying to manage one Robin. No way I can manage four.”
Dick nodded. “Understood. I love you, Batgirl.” He tugged on her waist to pull her close.
Barbara wrapped an arm around Dick’s neck, pulling his head down. “I love you, too, Boy Wonder.”