One words frees us of all the weight and pain of life:
That word is love.
-Sophocles
The doors to the castle like mansion flew open and in stepped the bride and groom, hand in hand with smiles on their faces. Immediately they were greeted by their friends and family. Each person greeted them as the happy couple walked into the large room filled with round tables covered by white cloth and flowers of every sort. Dick and Kory came upon Galfore and Ryand'r.
Galfore shook Dick's hand while Ryand'r hugged his sister. They then switched and Galfore embraced Kory in a hug, whispering kind words to her. Ryand'r shook Dick's hand but just as they were about to pull away, Ryand'r pulled Dick close.
"You break my sister's heart, I'll break your neck." Ryand'r pulled away and patted Dick on the shoulder who looked a little nervous by his brother-in-law's words.
The next group of people to give their respects to Dick and Kory were Bruce, Alfred, Tim and Babs. Bruce offered a hand shake as well as Alfred, though Kory embraced them both in a hug. When she came across Tim she offered him a warm smile.
"So you are Tim?"
He nodded.
Kory embraced him in a hug. "It is good to finally meet you."
Tim pulled away and tugged at the collar of his shirt, blushing a deep shade of red. "U-uh... It's nice to meet you too."
"Dick has told me you are the new Robin."
Tim nodded.
"That is a big responsibility."
"Yeah, but I can handle it."
Dick smirked. "Tim's a good kid, Kory. He's the perfect one to continue the Robin legacy."
The next person that stepped up to them was Babs. Dick shook Babs hand.
"I'm glad you could make it." Dick said quietly. It was still a little bit awkward between them after their last encounter.
Babs turned to Kory, unsure of what to say or do.
"Babs," Kory opened her arms for a hug and Babs accepted. Kory kept her voice low. "Now you have to stay away from Dick."
Babs gulped nervously and nodded her head. They pulled away and Kory smiled as Dick lead her further into the room. Dick picked up a glass of champagne and handed one to Kory. There was the sound of a fork being tapped against glass and everyone turned to the front of the room where a stage was set up. Three people were standing on stage, Raven, Garfield and Victor.
"Can we have everyone's attention please," said Raven. "It's time to make the toast."
The room fell silent and all eyes focused on the bride's maid and best mans. Victor was the first to speak.
"Back when I was a teenager I first met Dick and Kory. Back then Dick was a spiky haired midget, he still is," Victor paused as a few laughs passed through the room. "And Kory was new to Earth. Since the first day they met, I knew that those two had a thing for each other. Though they were both to stubborn to admit it." Laughter was heard again in the very large room. "Their both like family to me, scratch that. They are my family and I have never met two people more in love. I wish them the best of luck and complete happiness."
Dick and Kory smiled at Victor's words and Garfield stepped up to say his speech.
"I've known Dick and Kory for along time now and just seeing them together is an inspiration. The two of them have taught me so much. kory has always been so kind to me. Laughing at my jokes, eating tofu when I knew she didn't like it," Garfield chuckled at that last part. "She's really a nice person and Dick is lucky to have her. Unfortunately Kory isn't so lucky. Now Dick is my family, but he is a pain in the ass." The crowd laughed at this. "But he has changed, thanks to Kory. I know that they will be very happy together and I'm happy for them."
Dick wrapped an arm around Kory's waist as Raven stepped up to say a couple of words of her own.
"Dick is like a brother to me. He's been thick headed and obsessive," Raven paused as the crowd laughed. "But above all caring. Kory is like my sister. She's happy and at time's annoying." A few laughs were heard. "But I've never met someone with a kinder heart. I consider myself lucky to have met them both. Although complete opposites, I never seen two people more made for each other. Dick and Kory complete each other and they have survived so much. I'm glad that they have each other and I know they will live long and happy lives together."
Everyone in the room raised their glasses in honor of the toast. Dick and Kory smiled. They were happy and they knew they always will be as long as they had each other and their friends.
"Alright people," Victor announced with a grin. "I am proud to announce the first dance of Dick and Kory as husband and wife."
Dick took Kory's champagne glass, as well as his own, and placed it on a near by table. He smiled at his wife and extended his hand. Kory smiled back at him and gladly accepted his offered hand. They made their way to the large dance floor and the music began to play. A soft melody filled the air and Dick and Kory began to move to the music. His hand held her's and his other hand went around her waist, pulling her close. Kory's other hand rested on his shoulder.
Dick grinned at her. "Did I tell you how beautiful you look in that dress?"
Kory giggled. "No, you did not."
Dick leaned in closer, inhaling the perfume scent drifting from her. "You look beautiful in that dress," he kissed her shoulder. "But I can't wait to see you out of it."
Kory giggled once more. "Save it for the honeymoon my husband."
Dick smirked. The way she had said 'my husband' made his heart leap in joy. It rolled off her tongue nicely, like she was meant to say it. "Of course my wife."
In the distance, Bruce looked at the dancing couple. He sipped his champagne slowly and noticed a presence stand besides him.
"They look happy." Diana said softly.
"I can see that." Bruce said dryly.
"You can learn something from them."
Bruce rose a brow. "What do you mean?"
"I read about the both of them on the Justice League's main computer. I know their stories. They've suffered Bruce, just as much as you have and yet they have managed to find happiness in their lives," Diana said as she watched the dancing couple. "Maybe it's time you do the same."
Bruce said nothing and walked away, leaving a disappointed Diana behind.
-
The reception party continued and finally it came to the cutting of the cake. Together, Dick and Kory grasped a knife and cut into the vanilla frosting cake with strawberry filling. Once they had their piece, everyone was free to a piece of their own. Either they could eat or they could go on to the dance floor. The happy couple moved to their own private table and sat down. Kory dug her fork in her piece of cake and presented it to her husband. Dick opened up his mouth as Kory carefully fed him a piece.
"This cake is delicious." Dick said with a smile. He gave Kory the same treatment and fed her a piece.
"Mmm, glorious."
A rush of wind sped past them and before Dick knew it, his face was covered in cake. Kory erupted into giggles. Dick used a napkin to wipe his eyes and immediately spotted the crime master. Wally West, aka: Kid Flash. Wally was laughing along side Victor and Garfield.
"Sorry, dude," Wally said in between laughs. "They convinced me."
"We couldn't help it." Victor said innocently.
Dick wiped his face and glared at them. "You guys are so dead."
He stood up but Kory quickly grasped his hand and pulled him back down in his seat. Before he could utter a single word, Kory locked her lips on to his. They stood like that for awhile before finally pulling away.
"Do you still want to kill them?" Kory asked sweetly.
Dick shook his head no and leaned in for another kiss.
The three boys grinned over the fact that they got away with their crime and moved on to go spend time with their girlfriends. Wally strode over to Jinx who was happily eating her piece of cake.
"How's me favorite girl?" Wally asked as he kissed her cheek and sat down besides her.
"Envious." Jinx replied once she finished her piece of cake.
"Dare I ask why?"
"Look around, Wally," said Jinx. "Everyone gets to drink champagne but me."
"Yeah, but's only like this until this little one is out." he said, patting her stomach with affection.
"You're right. Only seven more months. But until then I need something stronger then water."
Wally nodded in understanding and with in a flash he was gone. About five seconds later he returned with fruit punch.
"Better."
"Very." Jinx replied absently.
"Ain't ya'll two just the cutest."
Wally jumped in his seat and turned around in his seat. "Don't scare me like that."
"Sorry," said Barry, aka: The Flash, as he sat down next to Wally. "But I need to talk to you."
"About?"
"I'm retiring as the Flash."
Jinx and Wally were in a state of shock.
"Why?" Wally asked, sounding upset.
"I just think it's time that I do," replied Barry. "But I want you to do something for me, Wally."
"Sure, anything."
"I want you to be the Flash."
Wally froze on the spot. "D-does Bart know about this?"
Barry nodded. "It would make me proud if you took on the role. Besides, I think you're a little too old to be Kid Flash. So, what do you say?"
Jinx nudged Wally in the ribs.
"Yes," Wally answered loudly. "I would be honored."
"Alright then," said Barry as he stood up. "I'll leave you two alone."
Jinx smirked. "I guess they can't tease you about being a kid any more."
He walked away and it took everything in Wally's power to not squeal like a girl.
-
After much waiting the moment all unmarried women were waiting for finally came. The throwing of the bouquet. All the women in the room, except Elasti-Girl and Jinx, stood behind Kory. Jinx choose not to participate since Wally already promised that they would marry after the baby is born.
"Are you ready girls?" Kory asked happily.
There was a chorus of yes and Kory turned her back to the group of girls. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Kory threw her arms up and her bouquet of flowers went flying in the air behind her. The girls made a grab for it but only one girl was lucky enough to catch it.
And just who was this lucky girl?
Raven.
Raven stared awkwardly at the bouquet in her hands. She didn't actually think she would catch it. She looked up at the group of people staring at her.
"Uh... lucky me?" She made it sound more like a question.
Kory giggled, she was secretly hoping that Raven would catch the bouquet.
The next matter of occasion was the throwing of the garter. Almost all the men in the room lined up. Everyone but Galfore, Alfred, the male members of the Doom Patrol, Clark, Barry and Bruce. Once those who were participating lined up, Kory lifted up her dress some so only the garter was showing. Dick could have sworn he heard some wolf whistles in the crowd and quickly removed the garter, giving his wife a quick kiss on the lips. From the side lines sat Alfred, Diana, Barry, Clark and Bruce.
"Why don't you go and try to catch the garter, Bruce," said Clark. "It may be fun."
"I rather not." Bruce said dryly.
Dick spun the garter around his index finger, grinning at the group of men in front of him. "You guys ready?"
The guys mouthed off a chorus of yes and Dick turned his back to the group of men. He threw the garter over his head and spun around quickly to see who caught it. All eyes turned to look at the lucky guy who caught the garter. Surprise wasn't the word that the people were feeling.
The garter had fell into the hands of none other then Bruce Wayne, the Batman himself. Well, technically it fell on his shoulder but the main point was that the garter was his now. Bruce narrowed his eyes at Dick who just shrugged innocently. There was a chuckle behind him and Bruce turned to his friends.
"Not a word." Bruce said darkly.
The commotion died down and the guest went off to do their own business. Raven and Garfield made their way up to Bruce's table.
"It's tradition that those who catch the bouquet and garter dance together," Raven said dryly. "So let's just get this over with."
Garfield's eyes were downcast the entire time. He was hoping that he would have caught the garter.
"Garfield, here," Bruce said, handing Garfield the garter. "You take it."
Garfield blinked. "Really? Are you sure?"
"I'm sure."
"Thanks, dude." Garfield said happily as he took the garter.
"Don't call me dude."
"Sorry, won't happen again." Garfield took Raven's hand and lead her to the dance floor.
Bruce turned to the others who were grinning at him. "What?"
"That was really nice of you, Bruce." Diana said.
"How about a constellation prize then."
"Oh," Diana sat her glass of champagne down on the table. "Like what?"
"A dance."
Diana smiled. "I would love too."
Bruce offered his hand to her and she gladly took it. They walked to the dance floor and Alfred couldn't help but to smile.
-
Dick and Kory were in yet another dance during the reception. As they danced, Dick couldn't help but notice how well his wife could dance. She had gotten much better at dancing since the last time they moved to music.
"You're gotten better." Dick voiced his comment out load with out even realizing it.
Kory blushed. "Thank you. I have been practicing."
"Really?"
Kory nodded. "Victor has shown me many styles of ball room dancing," Kory said. "And there is another form of dancing I have picked up as well from watching one of Karen's movies at girl's night."
"Oh?"
"Yes. I believe the movie was called... Dirty Dancing."
Dick grinned. "What else did you learn from Dirty Dancing?"
Kory kissed Dick lightly on the lips. "You will find out soon enough."
"I can't wait."
Their flirting session was interrupted by a tap on the shoulder from none other then Alfred.
"Pardon me," said Alfred. "But Master Bruce would like to have a word with you Dick. He said it was rather important."
Dick sighed and turned to Kory. "Duty calls my sweet, sorry."
Kory shook her head and held up her hand. "There is no need to apologize. As a matter of fact I think I could use some fresh air."
"Alright," Dick gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'll meet you out on the balcony as soon as I can."
Kory nodded her head and parted from his side, heading towards the open balcony doors. Mean while, Dick followed Alfred to the table where Bruce, Clark, Diana and Barry sat. Dick looked at them one by one.
"What's this all about?" he asked. Dick had an idea about what it could be but he wanted to be clear about what they were talking about.
"I think you know," said Bruce. "It's about Tim, Conner, Cassie and Bart."
"We talked amongst ourselves about them becoming Titans." Diana said.
"And we agreed to allow it," Clark said with a small smile. "They are in your care now. You and the other Titans."
"Just don't let them become to rebellious," said Barry jokingly. "It took us a long time to whip them into shape."
"Right," Dick nodded in understanding. "Do they know the good news yet?"
"Tim and Bart know," said Bruce. "But we couldn't find Conner and Cassie."
"I wonder where they could be." Dick said absently.
"We've got it covered," Clark said." Don't worry."
When Clark said, "we've got it covered", he really meant that Roy and Donna had it covered. Diana had set the two of them off to go look for Cassie and Conner. Donna and Roy weren't ones to refuse a request from Wonderwoman herself, especially Donna. Not when Cassie was involved. And so the pair looked around for the pair, walking the halls of the mansion that the reception party was being held in.
"Can we please go back now." Roy whined.
"For the last time, Roy, no," Donna said irritated. "We have to find Cassie."
"And Conner."
"Right, and Conner."
A naughty thought passed in Roy's mind and he wrapped his arms around Donna's waist.
"How about we take a little break." he said seductively and he kissed her softly on the neck.
Donna fought to remain in control and although her mind was set on finding Cassie and Conner, she couldn't help but to ask, "What do you have in mind?"
"Me... you... a closet," he grinned wickedly. "Seven minutes in heaven."
Donna's control snapped and she grabbed his hand, pulling him along. "Only seven minutes," she said sternly. "Then we have to look for Cassie and Conner."
"What ever you say."
They found a near by closet and Roy opened the door excitedly. When he did, a feeling of complete shock filled the air. Four pairs of blue eyes met each other. Inside the closet was none other then Cassie and Conner, looking completely dishevel. Their clothes were wrinkled and their hair was a mess. Not to mention the fact that Conner had Cassie pinned to the wall in the closet with his hand on her thigh.
Conner smiled sheepishly, "Howdy neighbors."
Roy, although he was a young adult and mature, could only say one thing. "Ooooooh, you guys are in so much trouble."
"We weren't doing anything!" Conner said strongly, though he sounded a lot more nervous then he did strong.
"Yeah, we were...," Cassie looked to Conner expectantly. "We were looking for... his button."
"And we found it." Conner said proudly.
"Do you think I'm stupid?" Donna asked sternly, crossing her arms.
They shook their heads. "No."
Donna sighed. "I promise not to tell Diana or Clark about this. But I don't want to find out about another incident like this, okay."
"Okay." Cassie and Conner said, their eyes downcast.
"Now the both of you go before I change my mind."
Cassie and Conner stepped out of the closet, fixing their hair and clothes as they walked down the hall and back to the party. Just as Donna was about to leave as well, Roy pulled her back.
"What about us?" he asked, looking at her and then the closet.
Donna groaned and slapped his chest lightly. "Grow up, Roy."
With that said she walked away, heading back to the reception party, with a not so happy Roy following not to far behind.
-
As Dick followed Alfred, Kory headed towards the open balcony doors with a smile on her face. As soon as Kory stepped out on to the balcony, she closed the doors behind her. What she needed now was some alone time, some time to reflect on the today's events. Her smile got wider as she thought back to the wedding. She couldn't believe it, she had married Dick Grayson. The man of her dreams. It was like a dream come true. That's when she felt a presence behind her. She instantly knew who it was.
"Komand'r."
The figure stepped on to the balcony railing, presenting herself to Kory.
"Sister, I see you married Boy Blunder. Congratulations."
"You were at the wedding." Kory knew this to be a fact.
"Yeah, thought I just drop by," Blackfire stepped down from the railing. "Why are you smiling?"
Kory's smile only got wider. "Because me sister is here. That means a lot to me."
"Who's to say I'm not here to ruin your little party or kidnap you," Blackfire said coldly. "I could make it seem like you're a run away bride."
"If that were true you would have done it by now."
Blackfire looked away and crossed her arms. "This changes nothing you know."
Kory nodded in understanding. With out warning, Kory wrapped her sister in a hug. Even though Blackfire was evil and hated her, Kory still saw her as a sister and it meant a lot to have family here on her special day.
"Alright, enough," Blackfire said as she pulled away. "I have to go. I have a date with a thief." Blackfire jumped on to the railing and started to hover into the air. "And don't expect a invite to my wedding."
Kory said nothing but offered a warm smile as her sister flew away, becoming one with the night sky. A few minutes later, Dick stepped out on to the balcony and wrapped his arms around Kory's waist, leaning his chin on her shoulder.
"You okay?"
"I am fine," Kory wiggled in his arms so she was now facing him. "Would you like to go back inside?"
"Sure."
He held her hand as they walked towards the door. As soon as he opened the door he stilled and turned around quickly. To the visible eye, it appeared as nothing was there, but Dick knew he heard something.
"Is something wrong, Dick?"
"No, nothing's wrong," he turned to look at her. "Do you mind if I stay out here a little bit longer?"
"No, not at all."
"Thanks," Dick kissed her cheek. "I'll meet you inside."
Kory nodded her head and walked back inside. Dick closed the door behind her and stepped further out into the balcony.
"I know someone is there so just come out." Dick said with a strong voice.
A masked figure jumped down from the roof behind him. "Lighten up chuckles. After all, this is your wedding day."
Dick turned around. "Red X... or should I say Jason Todd."
Red X felt like the wind was knocked right out of him. "How did you -"
"The same material art moves like me. You were able to break into Titans Tower and steal my suit. Before you as Red X appeared Jason Todd suddenly disappeared. It was said that you died," the corner of Dick's lips moved into a smile. "I put two and two together."
Red X laughed. "So you finally figured it out. After all these years."
"Not all of it," said Dick. "I still don't know why you left Batman's side. You were well on your way to becoming his new partner after I left Gotham and started the Titans. Why did you abandon it?"
"Sorry bird boy but that's a trade secret."
"Why are you here?"
"Well we are kind of like family, in a weird almost non-existent way," Red X shrugged. "It felt right coming here. And it was nice to see the old man's face."
"I'm glad you came," Dick was about to walk back inside but stopped. "Oh, and if we cross paths on the opposite side of the law, you better not flirt with my wife."
"No worries chuckles. Besides, I have a thing with this alien girl who calls herself Blackfire.'
Dick almost laughed out load. "Good luck with that."
They parted ways as Dick rejoined the reception party.
-
The reception party had been a complete success and after many hours or rejoicing in the new married couple's honor, the party was finally coming to an end. It was already dark outside and the sky had turned completely black with twinkling stars that looked like diamonds. Outside of the mansion that the reception party had took place was a long white limo waiting for the married couple to say goodbye to all the guest so the driver, which was Alfred, could drive them to the air port so the newly weds could start their honeymoon.
"Kory and I would like to thank everyone for joining us on our special day," Dick announced to the crowd with his arm wrapped around Kory's waist. "It means a lot to the both of us that you could all come."
"We are extremely grateful." Kory said with a warm smile.
"Wait a second," Victor said, walking up to them. "You can't leave with out giving us a proper goodbye."
Kory knew what he meant and wrapped her arms around him in a hug. Victor then went to Dick and the two exchanged, what they called, a 'man hug'. A man hug was a hug that only lasted for about five seconds with a pat on the back.
"See you in six weeks, man." Victor said.
Next to say goodbye was Karen.
Kory have her a hug as well. "I look forward to having you as a roommate."
"Me too," said Karen, pulling away. "Take care."
The next two people to say goodbye was Raven and Garfield. Raven embraced Dick while Kory embraced Garfield.
"Do not be worried, Garfield," Kory said quietly for only him to hear. "I am sure Raven will say yes."
Garfield smiled with confidence and nodded his head.
Once the goodbyes were all said and done, the newlyweds parted from their friends and family and stepped into the waiting limo. They waved goodbye and the limo took off, driving away. Inside the limo, Kory rested her head on Dick's shoulder and had one arm wrapped around the front of his waist. Dick had an arm wrapped around her waist as well.
"I love you, Dick."
"I love you too, Kory."
And as the limo drove away, the stars continued to sparkle into the night sky.
Two friends, two lovers... A story that would never end.
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I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS EVER READ/REVIEWED THIS STORY. WITH OUT YOU GUYS I COULD HAVE NEVER DONE THIS STORY AND YOU ALL HAVE BEEN A BIG HELP. THANK YOU!
SPECIAL THANKS TOO Dana-Fire, Ace.04, SaffireStarz, Harry Potter Fan 1994, Koriand'r Grayson. RoseXxxXThorn, CERTiFiED02, QueenOfSalvation, BerryDrops, Pirategirl0, chaylorfan, allieownsxyourfacebabe, cookiesruletheworld, toonfan820, Karol!na07 AND jumpstarter FOR THE WONDERFUL REVIEWS. YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME.
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