Greatest Love of All Series - Love's the Only House

The Greatest Love of All Series

By: Ry_Rain

Disclaimer: Although I wish I did, I do not own any characters except Ashley Wayne, Rachel Lance Wayne, and Jennifer Watson. The songs belong to Tim McGraw, Tori Amos, Martina McBride, and Bette Midler. The poem is from Jewel's book of poetry a night without armor.

Pairing(s): Barbara/f, Dinah/Gabby, Helena/Reese

Rating: R

Summary: A young Ashley ... two weddings ... and a dream

Warning: If the thought of a same sex relationship goes against your beliefs then don't read this.

A/N: >thinking< or <on the comm or phone>

Part Two: Love's the Only House

Prologue

December 22nd in the Media Center at New Gotham High …

Ashley and Barbara walked into the media center to find it draped in reds and greens. All the other teachers were already there, just walking around talking. They looked at each other and started to turn around but Jennifer Watson stopped them.

"Where do you two think you are going? Hey!" Ashley and Barbara smiled as Jennifer hugged both of them. "Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas Jennifer. Red, you want some punch?"

"Sure," Barbara said as she watched Ashley scamper away. >Chicken< she thought. Barbara looked up to see Jennifer smiling. "So, Jen, how has your vacation been so far?"

"It's been good. I'm surprised you and Ashley came together. I thought Ashley would have brought the person who gave her the flowers a couple of months ago." Just then Ashley came back with three cups of punch. She handed one to Barbara and Jennifer. "So, Ashley. Did you and B break up?"

"B?"

"The guy who sent you those flowers a couple of months ago."

Ashley looked at Barbara and smirked. "No, we're still together. Why? You looking for someone?"

"No, I just thought maybe you would bring him. I don't think anyone was expecting you to come with Barbara."

"Why not?" Barbara asked angrily. "Ashley and I have been best friends since high school. We were inseparable."

"Yeah but that was …"

"That was what? Before I was crippled?" Barbara asked.

Jennifer was fidgeting under Barbara's glare. "I didn't mean that. I just meant … she has a boyfriend. Why wouldn't she bring him?"

This time Ashley spoke up, "I said I liked to keep my private life private. Maybe I don't want all of you scaring B away." Ashley looked at Barbara. "Come on Red. Lets go mingle." Jennifer watched them move over and talk to another teacher.

A half hour later …

Ashley and Barbara were bored out of their minds. They had spent the last half hour talking to people they didn't even like. Suddenly Jennifer came on a microphone, "Alright everyone. Lets get our groove things on!" Ashley and Barbara looked at each other and laughed. Then they watched everyone start dancing.

Ashley looked down at Barbara and saw she was trying to keep a smile on her face, but was failing miserably. "You wanna go?" Barbara looked up at her, smiled and nodded. "Lets go. This party blows. I'll even braid you hair for tomorrow night." Barbara smiled and nodded again as they headed towards the door.

Chapter One

The next night …

"Barbara!" Ashley yelled through the bedroom door.

"I'm not going! Barbara yelled back.

"Come on! Its Helena's bachelorette party and I'm depressed because Rachel went to New York with Carolyn. It'll be like old times. I already braided your hair and we can go to the Warehouse and get dressed up."

Barbara ripped the door open and glared at Ashley, who flinched in return. "It will not be like old times! I'd rather wallow in my self-pity at home, alone, then sit in some club and watch everyone else have a good time dancing. Thanks, but no thanks." Barbara then went to slam the door shut but Ashley's hand stopped her. "What!?"

Ashley gave Barbara her best sad face and said, "I won't have a good time without you." Barbara just looked at her. "Besides, who said you would be sitting?"

"My only way to get my legs to work was destroyed when I fought Quinzel. Not only that, the device itself could have killed me and I can see that now."

"Yes, well, you haven't tried my device." Barbara quirked her eyebrows. "I told you I was shot. Hell, Helena even saw me get shot. I was in a wheelchair for a couple of years. I developed this device and it somehow even helped me walk again. It's at the Warehouse and I've been keeping it in good condition in case it was ever needed again."

Barbara looked around trying to think of another excuse but she couldn't. She sighed and said, "Fine. I'll go but only on one condition. I'm not wearing the black mini. Understood?" Ashley nodded. "Good, lets go. Where is Helena meeting us?"

"At the Warehouse."

At the Warehouse …

"Where are they?" Helena asked out loud as she waited outside, watching cars drive by. "Why couldn't she have given me the code to get in. Or a key maybe." Just then a black Hummer pulled up the driveway and parked. "Finally," Helena muttered as they pulled in the garage. Helena followed them as they got out of the car. "What took so long?"

"Calm down Helena," Barbara said. "It took Ashley a little longer to talk me into this. I'm gonna go change." Barbara turned to Ashley and asked, "Where should I change?"

"My room." Barbara nodded and pushed the buttons for the second and third floors. The ride up was silent. Helena and Ashley got off on the second floor. "I'll be up in a few minutes." Barbara nodded as the doors closed.

"Did you get it?" Helena asked. Ashley smiled and nodded. "Well, let me see."

Ashley walked into the kitchen with Helena following closely behind. She opened a jar that was on the island and pulled out a small black box. She opened it to reveal a gold engagement ring. "I still can't believe the Commissioner actually gave it to me. He hates me." Ashley looked at Helena and whispered, "You've talked to Reese about this right? Barbara has to catch the bouquet. No one else can."

"I know. I told him and he said he'd tell everyone he invited. You don't have to worry about any of us because, well, duh! We helped you plan the whole thing. You should head up to change."

"I know. Will you call Dinah and Gabby and tell them to meet us here."

"Will do."

Ashley headed upstairs and into her room. Barbara was already dressed. She was wearing charcoal pants and a black shirt that tied around the neck (Deadly Little Secret-esque). There was a blue shirt and a black mini skirt on the bed. "I am not wearing a mini skirt. I'll wear the shirt but I'm wearing pants as well."

"Fine." Barbara reached under the bed and pulled put a pair of black pants. "Here. Now, where's your device?"

"Its downstairs." Ashley changed her pants and went to pull her shirt off but Barbara's hands stopped her. Barbara pulled Ashley into her lap and started kissing her neck. "Barbara, we need to … get ready … and … Helena is downstairs." Barbara gave Ashley her puppy dog eyes. "No, not fair." Ashley stood up and quickly changed her shirt. "Lets go get the device so you can dance the night away with me."

"Party pooper," Barbara said. Ashley just chuckled and called the elevator.

When they made it downstairs Dinah and Gabby had already arrived. Their jaws dropped when they saw the two of them get off the elevator. Helena was the first to speak. "Reese is damn lucky I'm in love with him, cause the two of you are wicked hot!"

Barbara blushed as Ashley chuckled and walked into the other room. She came back with a black belt. "Here you go Red." Ashley lifted her up and put her on the island in the kitchen. "This should work perfectly." Ashley then put the belt on for Barbara and helped her down. "You wanna try it out?"

Barbara jumped and wrapped her legs around Ashley's waist. "I think it works." Everyone else just stared at them. Barbara unwrapped her legs and Ashley let go of her. She walked to her chair and grabbed her jacket. "Lets go."

"What car are we taking?" Gabby asked.

Barbara looked at Ashley as they all got in the elevator. "The ultimate clubbin' vehicle." The elevator doors opened and everyone got out. Ashley walked over to a covered car and pulled the cover off. "A black convertible."

"Cool!" Dinah yelled as she and everyone else piled in. Ashley and Barbara in the front while Dinah, Helena, and Gabby were in the back.

In a club …

Strobe lights were flashing all over the place. The music was blaring and people were dancing close to each other. The place was packed but the girls were able to find a table. They ordered their drinks with only Barbara and Helena ordering alcohol. Dinah and Gabby made their way to the dance floor soon followed by Helena.

The song from the club scene in Deadly Little Secrets came on. Ashley jumped up and held her hand out to Barbara. "Come on." Barbara shook her head. "Do I have to get you drunk before you would come out onto the dance floor?" Barbara nodded. "Come on! It's our favorite dance song. Dance with me! Please?"

"Fine." Ashley pulled her to the dance floor. As they were dancing guys were watching started wolf whistling. Barbara and Ashley would wink and wave at them. When the song was over they left the dance floor laughing. They stayed at the club for another couple of hours when Barbara started getting tired. "I'm sorry guys but I'm really getting tired. Do y'all mind going home?"

"Nah," Helena said. "This is getting boring. How's your back doing?"

"Surprisingly, it doesn't hurt at all." Barbara looked over at Ashley. "Why is that?" Ashley shrugged her shoulders. "You don't know? How can you not know? You developed it and you don't know how it works?" Ashley nodded. "How is that?"

"All it is, is a magnetized belt. There is no reason it should work but it does." Barbara glared at her. "Hey don't get angry at me. I told you I didn't know how hot it worked."

"No you did not," Barbara argued."

"Yes I did. I said it somehow helped me walk again. The somehow hinting that I didn't know how it worked."

"But I'm really walking. I can't just be a magnet. There's no way." Ashley shrugged as she stood up. "How did you find out it worked?" Barbara slid out of the booth as well as everyone else.

Ashley sighed as she helped Barbara pit on her jacket. "Truth?" Barbara nodded. "When the doctor took he bullet out he said the severed nerves would get iron deposits on the ends. The magnet connects them. The belt actually has two magnets. If you wear the belt for a long time the deposits themselves become magnets."

Everyone but Barbara looked perplexed. Helena finally spoke up, "And in English that means …"

"The nerves that were broken by the bullet have iron on the end. Iron is attracted to magnets," Barbara explained. "When iron is exposed to a magnet for a long time it becomes a magnet." (A/N: I know this could not possibly actually happen but it sounds good.) Helena still had a blank look. "That means the nerves stay connected."

"Oh," Helena said. "When did we get outside?" Everyone looked around extremely surprised. "And where's the car?"

"Dammit! We took the wrong car." Dinah quirked her eyebrow. "The car's invisible. I used it when I didn't want to take the bike. I must have sat on the button or something when we sat in the booth. Helena, go feral for a minute. It's the only way to see the car." Helena looked to the right and pointed to the car. "Hey!"

Barbara pulled Ashley's keys out of her back pocket. "What?" Barbara gave Ashley an innocent look and pushed a button on one of Ashley's key chains. "Can I drive?" Ashley looked at her. "I only had one drink and that was two hours ago." Barbara stuck her bottom lip out, "Please?"

"That's playing dirty," Ashley said as she handed over the keys she had grabbed after the car showed up.

"I know," Barbara said then kissed Ashley. "I'm sorry but I wanted to drive." Ashley glared at her. "Come on. You can't be that mad." Ashley smiled and climbed back into the front seat. Dinah, Gabby and Helena climbed in the back followed by Barbara in the driver's seat. Barbara started the car and put it into gear. "I don't wanna go home now. Where else can we go?" she asked as she pulled onto the road.

"I don't care," Ashley said as she gripped the door handle. "Just slow down please." Barbara looked over at Ashley, smiled, and put her foot on the accelerator. "Okay, I get the point. Will you please slow down?"

"I use to go faster then this on my bike back in the day."

"That's right and when you and Carolyn stole the Batmobile you got it up to 100mph." Barbara glared at her as she slowed down. "Was that supposed to be a secret? I'm sorry I didn't know."

Dinah leaned forward and asked, "You and my mother stole the Batmobile?"

"How old were you?" Gabby asked from the backseat.

"Carolyn was a senior in high school and I was a … um … freshman." Dinah gasped. "It was a very bad thing to do."

"Yeah, especially since you didn't even have your learner's permit."

This time is was Helena who leaned forward. "You were driving without a permit?" Barbara glared at Ashley as she stopped at a red light. "Get down with your bad self." Barbara laughed and the light turned green. She took a left into a parking lot. "Where are we?"

Barbara smiled and winked at Ashley. "Oh just a little place me and Ashley used to hang out at." Barbara cut the engine.

Helena could smell something and started sniffing the air as Barbara and Ashley unbuckled and got out of the car. "I smell salt and fish."

"I hear water," Gabby said.

"Ms. Gordon, Ms. Wayne, where are we?"

Ashley walked over to the trunk and pulled out a blanket and a duffel bag. "We would be at the beach." The three girls in the car turned around to look at her. "Get out of the car if you don't believe me." The three of them got out and stepped in the sand. "See?"

"Come on slow pokes. Last one there is a rotten egg," Barbara said as she took off her shoes and took off running towards the beach.

Ashley laughed as she pulled jacket and shoes off. "You heard the lady. I know I will not be called a rotten egg." With that Ashley took off and easily passed Barbara. "Come on!" she yelled over her shoulder.

Barbara noticed Ashley had slowed down when she shouted over her shoulder. She also looked back and watched Dinah, Gabby, and Helena taking off their shoes and jackets. Barbara sped up and grabbed Ashley around the waist bringing them both down in the sand, "Gotcha!" she yelled. Ashley screamed and laughed as Barbara tickled her.

"Stop!" Ashley yelled as she rolled them over so she was straddling Barbara's sides. "I have suits in the bag." Barbara smiled, leaned up, and kissed Ashley. "You know I always come prepared." Ashley winked, grinned wickedly, and then stood up.

Dinah, Gabby, and Helena caught up then. Dinah looked around in surprise and awe. This place is beautiful," she said. Gabby and Helena nodded I agreement. "How do you guys know about this place?"

Ashley looked down at Barbara and held out her hand as she said, "I own it." She totally missed the shocked looks on the girls' faces. Barbara tool Ashley's hand and allowed her to help her up. "Well, actually, Bruce owns it but her gave it to me, not in writing though, before I left." Ashley bent down and unzipped her bag, pulling out several bathing suits. "Here, you can change behind the rocks."

Helena was given a red one, Dinah a orange one, and Gabby a purple one. Ashley then pulled out a green bikini and gave it to Barbara. "I hate you." Ashley just smiled as she took out a blue bathing suit for herself. "Why do you get a blue one?" Ashley raised an eyebrow and twirled a lock of hair that had a blue streak. "Oh never mind. Come on, lets go change." Barbara looked out to the water and said, "They're already out in the water."

"The water can wait," Ashley said and dragged Barbara behind a large rock. "I can't." Barbara smirked as Ashley kissed her.

Barbara pushed away and smiled wickedly before saying, "Well, I'm sorry to say but you'll have to wait. They'll probably come looking for us soon if we don't get out there." Barbara quickly changed into her suit and headed out. She stopped, turned around, and with a grin asked, "Are you coming?"

Ashley glared at her and said, "I hate you." Barbara just kept grinning cheekily and left. "I really hate it when she does that," Ashley muttered as she changed into her bathing suit. She walked out from behind the rock and watched Barbara splash around with Helena. >She's beautiful,< Ashley thought as Barbara saw her and smiled.

Helena watched as Barbara walked over to where Ashley had laid out the blanket and sat down. Dinah waded over to where Helena stood staring at something. "They're perfect for each other, aren't they?" Dinah looked at her with a confused expression. Helena pointed towards the beach. "Ashley and Barbara. I mean, look at them. Don't they look cute together?"

"Yeah, they do. When they started dating it was the first time I'd seen Barbara smile since Wade died. I think Ashley's good for her. I've never seen her so happy, not even when she was with Wade." Gabby came up behind Dinah and wrapped her arms around her waist. Dinah tilted her head up and kissed her. "Hey you."

"Hey yourself."

Helena looked over at Dinah and Gabby and smiled. "Aww, you guys are so cute!"

Dinah glared at her. Gabby just chuckled and said, "Stop teasing us Helena. You and Reese get all cute and mushy when you're together."

"I know that. I didn't say we didn't." The three of them just stood there, water up to the waist, watching Ashley and Barbara building a sand castle. "Come on, lets go play in the sand with them." Helena took off, "Last one there gets buried!"

10 minutes later …

"Its not fair!" Gabby whined. "The two of you have meta abilities." Barbara laughed as she watched Ashley, Dinah, and Helena throwing sand on Gabby. "Come on!"

"Ashley, come here please."

Ashley walked over to Barbara and plopped down in front of her in the sand. "What's up?"

Barbara looked at her. "Do you have your cell phone?" Ashley nodded. "Can I use it?" Ashley quirked her eyebrow as she pulled her cell phone out of her duffel bag and handed it to Barbara. "I'm gonna call Reese and tell him to get here before the sun comes up."

Ashley smiled. "You're a good person Red, you know that. You're the best damn person I've ever met. I can't believe you actually love me. Barbara just smiled and blushed as she took the phone. "But I'm glad you do."

“Reese?"

<Oracle, what's up?"

"Come down to Old Man's Beach. We're all down here for Helena's bachorette party. I thought you guys would like to watch the sunrise together." Ashley smiled as she moved behind Barbara carefully taking the belt off. Barbara didn't even notice. "So are you coming?" All Barbara heard was the dial tone. "I guess he's coming," she said as she leaned back into Ashley's arm.

Ashley smiled. "Come on, lets go play in the sand with the young `uns." Barbara laughed as they walked over to the others.

Chapter Two

One hour later …

"Dinah, why are you staring at me?!" Barbara was annoyed because Dinah had been staring at her for the past half hour.

"I'm sorry. It's just that something seems different about. I just can't quite put me finger on it."

"Oh." Everyone was now staring at Barbara. "Stop staring at me," she said as she grabbed a blanket and wrapped it tightly around herself. "Nothing is different."

"Ashley, can I have a blanket please?" Ashley nodded and handed Dinah a blanket. AS their hands touched Dinah saw several different scenes …

… Ashley digging through a box and pulling out an ordinary black belt…

… Ashley putting the belt on Barbara and helping her off the counter …

…Barbara on the phone as Ashley sat behind her and removed the belt…

"Thanks," she said distracted.

Barbara noticed something was wrong as Dinah walked back over to Gabby. She kept looking between Ashley and herself. "Dinah, is something wrong?"

"What? No nothing is wrong." Barbara's eyebrow quirked up.

"Did you see something when you took the blanket from Ashley?" Dinah nodded and Ashley's eyes went wide as she realized what Dinah saw. Barbara looked over at Ashley and just thought she was scared. "Well, what did you see?"

"It was nothing bad or anything. Just some events from tonight. Nothing major."

Barbara looked at Ashley and saw her eyes were still big. "Ashley, what's going on?" Ashley blinked and her eyes were normal again. She looked over at Barbara and saw a concerned expression. "Where did you go?"

Ashley just sat there doing nothing. Everyone was getting worried. Helena stood up from where she was sitting between Reese's legs and walked over to Ashley and Barbara. "Earth to Ashley," she said as she waved her hands in front of Ashley's face.

Ashley giggled and hugged Helena. "Funny person." She then waved her hands in front of Helena's face and said, "Ashley to Earth."

Everyone looked at Barbara. "I have no idea what's wrong with her. I've never seen her like this except in embarrassing home videos from when she was four or five."

Ashley crawled into Barbara's lap and laid her head down on Barbara's shoulder. "Awww!" Dinah said. "She's so cute like that." Barbara glared at her as Ashley started playing with her jacket. Maybe someone put something in her drink at the club and its just now taking effect."

"Yeah, maybe. We have to go to the Clocktower and try to find out what's wrong." Everyone moved around to get changed while Barbara tried to get Ashley to put her clothes on over her bathing suit. "Come on Ashley. You need to get dressed."

"No! Don't wanna!"

"Fine. At least put the jacket on?" Ashley shook her head. "Please?" Ashley stuck her arms out and Barbara put the jacket on her. "Thank you. Dinah will you pack the bathing suits and towels back in the trunk?" Dinah nodded and started packing. "Gabby, help me get Ashley in the car. I'm having trouble getting her to listen."

"Sure, how can I help?"

Barbara threw her the keys and said, "Turn the car on and out down the top. It will be easier to get her in the car without the risk of her hitting her head and getting a concussion on top of what's already wrong." Gabby did as she was told and opened the passenger side door. "Thank you. Come on Ashley. Lets go for a ride in the car, okay?" Ashley nodded.

When they got to the car Gabby went to help Barbara get Ashley in the car. "No!" Ashley screamed and backhanded Gabby who went sprawling in the sand. She clung onto Barbara. "Don't let her touch me. Don't let anyone touch me?" Ashley started crying.

"Shh. Its okay Ashley. Its okay. I'm not gonna let anyone hurt you. Okay?" Ashley stopped crying and nodded. "Will you get in the car now? Please?" Ashley nodded again and slowly got in the car. "I'll be right back okay?"

"O-kay."

Barbara smiled at Ashley and walked over to where everyone else was sitting around the fire. She examined Gabby's face. "Are you alright?" Gabby nodded. "I don't know what got in her. Reese do you have room for two more? I think it would be a good idea for Dinah and Gabby to ride with you guys."

"Sure. You want me to bring them to the Clocktower?" Barbara nodded. "Okay. Well, lets get going." Reese looked over at Ashley's car. "Are you going to be alright?" she asked, looking back at Barbara who had started limping.

"I'll be fine. Ashley would never hurt me, even in this condition I don't think she'd hurt me. I'm the only one who has actually tried to touch her without her freaking out. Helena got close but never tried to touch her."

"Actually, Ashley did hug Helena. Maybe she should ride with you to help," Gabby commented.

Helena looked over at Barbara. "That's a good idea Barbara. I believe she won't hurt you but you can never be too safe. Besides it looks like the belt if starting to not work. Just for our peace of mind let me go with you. She did hug me after the `Earth to Ashley' thing. She must of some memories from grown-up Ashley of me and you."

Barbara nodded. "You're right. Lets go then. We don't want this to be permanent. Who knows how long we have to cure this." Barbara and Helena walking in front of the car. Helena looked over at Ashley, smiled, and waved at her. She smiled and waved back. Barbara handed Helena the keys to the car. "You drive. I don't think I can."

As Helena took the keys Ashley stood up and screamed "No!" Helena jumped back and dropped the keys. As she bent down to pick them up Barbara walked over to Ashley. "She is not driving my car."

Helena stood up suddenly and cursed, "Fuck!" She looked over where Barbara was staring at Ashley. Helena was rubbing her head. "I found the keys," she said sheepishly. "What's up?" Helena brought her hand away from her forehead and saw blood. "Eww!"

Barbara was still staring at Ashley who was no longer staring back. "Ashley to Red. What's wrong?" she asked in a girlie voice.

"Nothing. Get in the backseat please."

"Is Earth driving?"

"Who?" Ashley pointed to Helena. "Oh, Helena. No, she is not driving. Here's a blanket. You might as well get some sleep." Barbara got in the driver's seat and Helena handed her the keys. "She's was back for a minute." Barbara looked in the back seat. "She's asleep." Barbara pulled over. "You drive. I'm tired and too worried to drive. If Ashley freaks out when she comes back then I'll take the blame."

They switched seats and Helena took off. "What do you think made her come back?" Barbara shrugged. "Isn't she really protective about her cars?" Barbara nodded. "That was probably it. She seemed to freak out when you were handing me the keys." Barbara nodded. She seemed really distracted. "Is everything alright with you guys?"

"I don't know. She's been really secretive lately. Does she really have to help you tomorrow?" Helena nodded as she turned onto the highway. "She hasn't been eating lunch with me. She leaves as soon as her last class is over instead of waiting for me." Barbara looked at Helena. "Do you think she's seeing someone else?"

"No!" Helena said. "There is no way she would even think about doing that. She loves you very much." Helena paused as she got off on her exit. "Have you ever thought that maybe she's being secretive to surprise you with something."

Barbara looked at her pointedly. "You know what she's doing don't you?" Helena just quirked her eyebrow in response. "Don't deny it. I know you do. Why else would you say something?"

"I don't know anything Barbara. Really. I don't know anything." Barbara just glared at her and turned to watch Ashley sleep. If she had waited another minute she would have seen Helena smirk.

An hour later in the Clocktower …

Barbara came out of her and Ashley's room in one of her spare wheelchairs. Everyone turned to look at her. "She's still asleep. We won't know anything until she wakes up." Barbara rubbed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. "You should all go to bed and get some rest. We all have a lot of work to do tomorrow, so we need it."

Helena walked over to the elevator with Reese. "Good night Barbara. Don't forget what I said in the car." Barbara nodded as they left.

Dinah and Gabby walked over to Barbara. Gabby hugged her. "Good night Ms. Gordon. I really hope Ms. Wayne is alright."

Dinah hugged her. "Me too. Goodnight Barbara."

"Good night girls. I'll see you guys in the morning." Barbara watched them walk to Dinah's room and closed the door. She sighed and wearily went into her room.

The next morning …

Barbara woke up to find the other side of the bed empty. She felt the spot where Ashley should have been and it was cold. She looked at her alarm clock. 10:30. >Of course. She's probably been up since 7:00 watching cartoons like all other four year olds … and grown up her and Helena. I'm sure that's where she picked up the habit.<

Ashley kicked the door open and walked in with a tray full of breakfast food. "Morning. Breakfast in bed."

Barbara looked at Ashley. "Are you, you again?" Ashley smirked, leaned over, and kissed her. "I'm not quite sure yet. I think I need more evidence." Ashley full out smiled and kissed Barbara again. They didn't part until oxygen became an issue. "You are definitely back to normal. What's for breakfast?"

Ashley laughed as she set the tray above Barbara's waist. "French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, and coffee. I was going to bring you orange juice but I know you were up all night watching me sleep. I figured you'd need a bit of a jolt this morning."

"How long have you been up?" Ashley shrugged as she stole a piece of bacon. "Did you watch Scooby Doo?" Ashley smiled sheepishly and nodded. "Okay so that would be seven o'clock."

"Shut up and eat Red." Ashley kissed her one more time. "I have to go. The reception hall isn't gonna decorate itself. Will you tell Gabby I said sorry about last night?" Barbara nodded. "Thanks." Ashley walked to the door. "Love ya."

Barbara smiled. "I love you too." Ashley then waved and left the room, closing the door behind her. A few minutes later there was a knock. "Come in."

Dinah walked in and saw Barbara was alone. "Morning. I see Ashley was normal this morning." Barbara nodded. "She left the TV on Cartoon Network. Is that who Helena got the habit from?"

"Most likely. Selena hated cartoons. Ashley loves them." Barbara laughed. "I remember one of the screens in the bat cave would always be showing Cartoon Network. Bruce hated it."

"Do you know what Ashley's tattoo stands for?"

"Which one?" Barbara asked with a smile, already knowing the answer.

"The fancy letters. I think they're AB&C."

"They are. They stand for Ashley, Barbara, and Carolyn. Ashley's and mine freshmen year, the other students always called us the ABCs. We thought it was funny so we got tattoos. And before you ask, yes I still have mine and no you can't see it."

"My mother has one too?" Barbara nodded. "Where did you and her get them put?" Barbara just blushed. "Never mind," Dinah said, laughing. "I don't think I want to know."

Barbara's eyes went wide. "Oh no! It's not anywhere bad. Its just in a place where I would have to stand up to show you."

"Please tell me it's on your hip." Barbara nodded emphatically. "Thank God. I was getting kind of scared there because of the blush earlier." Barbara nodded. The two of them just sat in silence until they heard a large crash. "What the-"

"Fuck!" They heard screamed from the loft. They looked at each other and started laughing. Gabby still hadn't learned her way around the Clocktower. They walked out to the living room area in the Clocktower. Gabby slowly came limping out, rubbing her head. "Morning," she grumbled.

"Morning babe," Dinah walked over and kissed her. "Are you alright? What happened?"

"I tripped over the sleeping bag you left on the floor and hit my head on you desk." Gabby removed her hand from her forehead. "And now I'm bleeding."

Barbara wheeled over to them. "Let me see." Barbara carefully examined her cut. "You need stitches. I can do them here or we can call your parents and have them take you to a hospital unless they gave you a letter saying I can bring you." Dinah ran upstairs. Barbara quirked an eyebrow at Gabby who just laughed. Dinah came running back downstairs with an envelope in her hand. "Okay. The two of you should get dressed and we'll go."

"Ms. Gordon, if you don't mind, I would like you to do it. I don't trust doctors at all."

Barbara smiled. "Okay. Dinah you know where the suture kit is." Dinah nodded and took off to get the kit. Barbara looked at Gabby. "I'll numb your forehead, stitch it up, then hack into the hospital so it's in you records. Don't want your parent getting mad at me. Also," Barbara glared at Gabby, "outside of school, do not call me Ms. Gordon. It makes me feel old. Call me Barbara."

Gabby smiled. "Sure thing Ms. … Barbara." Dinah came back and Barbara stitched up Gabby's cut. "Do I still get a name?"

Barbara nodded. "I even have one for you." Gabby perked up. "Klutz." Gabby scowled as Barbara and Dinah laughed. "I'm just joking Gabby, even though you know it fits you."

Gabby nodded and finally smiled. "I know. I might as well use it. I mean, it'll probably take too long to think of another one. Now all we need to do is get one for Dinah."

"I was thinking something along the line as the Seer," Dinah said.

"That sounds good. I don't think anyone has that yet." Barbara handed Dinah the suture kit. "Put this back please." Dinah took off to put the kit away.

"How was Ms. Wayne this morning?"

"Back to normal and she said sorry about last night." Gabby nodded. "I'm sure she wouldn't mind you calling her Ashley outside of school even if she is your teacher this year. She already left to help Helena decorate the reception hall." As Barbara turned her head around she caught Gabby smirking out of the corner of her eye. She whipped her head around and glared at Gabby. "What are you smirking at?" Gabby's smirk fell. "You know what she's planning don't you?"

Right then Dinah walked in the room. Gabby stood up and ran behind her. "Help me!" Dinah looked between her and Barbara. "She's trying to grill me about something."

Barbara just laughed. "I was just messing with you Gabby. I know she is planning something. Helena let on to that much last night. I just wanted to know how many people know what she's planning."

Dinah walked over to Barbara. "Don't worry about it. It's a good surprise. You'll be happy." >Unless you really care about that bet you guys made<.

At the reception hall …

Helena and Ashley were decorating the huge tree in the middle of the room. Helena was working at the top and Ashley at the bottom. All the lights and half the ornaments were on the tree. There was a huge star on the top of the tree. The back of the star had a hollow opening. "Is it going to fit in there?" Ashley looked up at Helena and nodded. "Okay."

About an half hour later all the ornaments were on. The girls stepped back to survey their work. "I say it looks beautiful."

"It better," Helena said. "Damn well took long enough." Helena cast a sidelong glance at Ashley. "How is she gonna find it?" Ashley smiled and took a long box out of a pocket on her coat. She opened it to show a charm bracelet with five charms that went in this order: a star, an eye, a heart, an `U' , and another star. "I get it because I know where the ring will be," she said as she climbed the ladder again. "But, will she? Throw it up here."

Ashley threw a ring box up to Helena. She put it in the star and pulled down a door to hide it. "I hope not until she catches the bouquet. If she does, I'll be lying and dealing with the consequences later." Ashley smiled as Helena came down next to her. "She still thinks I'm wearing a pant suit. I can't believe I let that shop lady talk me into wearing a dress." Ashley glared at Helena. "You are lucky you are my niece and I promised your mother if I were to attend your wedding I would wear a dress or she would kick my ass even if she wasn't alive."

Helena laughed. "That sounds like my mother." Helena turned serious all of a sudden. "I wish she was gonna be here."

Ashley put her arm around Helena's shoulders. "She will be." Ashley turned Helena to face her. "Helena look at me," Ashley said as she lifted Helena's chin. Helena was trying to blink back the unshed tears. "She may not be here in person but she'll definitely be here in spirit." Ashley hugged Helena as she finally let her sobs out. "Don't worry Helena," Ashley whispered. "She wouldn't miss it for the world."

Helena pulled herself together. "You're right," she said. She looked around at the rest of the room. "Lets finish decorating this place, shall we?" Ashley nodded and they got back to work.

Meanwhile at the Clocktower …

"Where's Ashley suit? Its not here," Barbara said.

Dinah walked into the room. "She got it sent to her apartment for some reason." She smirked. "I guess she didn't want you to see it." Barbara looked up at her and quirked her eyebrow. "What?" Dinah asked.

"Do you know something I don't know?" Barbara asked.

Dinah smirked again and said, "Maybe." She then winked at Barbara. "Don't worry, I've seen it and she won't be embarrassing you. She knows you would kill her."

"Yeah, well, she's right. This thing that she's planning better be good. I hate being out of the loop." Dinah looked at her sympathetically and nodded her head. "I'm bored now. We need to find something else to do before I go insane."

"Oww!"

Barbara looked at Dinah and said, "Gabby's back."

"Ha ha ha. Very funny Barbara. I could have been seriously hurt." Barbara and Dinah looked at each other and burst out laughing. Gabby just stood there, tapping her foot, waiting for them to finish. As they were wiping the tears from their eyes, she asked, "Are y'all finished?" They nodded. "Good. Helena called on your cell phone and said to get to the reception hall." They nodded and headed out.

An hour later …

Barbara, Dinah, and Gabby walked into the reception hall and gasped. "The tree is beautiful," Dinah whispered. Barbara and Gabby nodded in agreement. "Where are Ashley and Helena?" They looked all around but couldn't see them. Suddenly all the lights went out.

"What the hell!?" Barbara said. "Gabby are you sure it was Helena on the phone?" Gabby nodded. "Then where are they?" Just as sudden as the lights had gone off a million Christmas lights came on. The girls all gasped again. "Wow!" Barbara exclaimed.

Just then Ashley and Helena walked out from behind the tree. Ashley walked over to Barbara, bent down, and kissed her. "Hey beautiful." Barbara sat there, speechless. "I think we broke her," Ashley said, frowning. "Red, are you alright?" Barbara nodded as she continued to look around the room. "Did you guys bring all the presents?" Dinah lifted a large garbage bag. "Good. Could you guys put them under the tree?"

"Sure," Dinah said. Then her and Gabby walked over to the tree.

Ashley handed Helena the box with the charm bracelet as she headed towards the tree. Barbara noticed this. "What was that?"

Ashley jumped at hearing Barbara talk. "Geesh Barbara. Are you trying to kill me?" Barbara just glared at her. "You'll find out tomorrow. Be patient." Ashley knelt down next to Barbara. "Do you think Bruce will come?" she asked in a hushed voice.

Barbara looked over at her. "I have no idea. I just hope she isn't mad about us inviting him without asking her first."

"I don't think she will be. Otherwise she probably would have come over here and kicked our asses by now," Ashley said. Helena laughed, looked over at them, smiled, and winked. "See, she's not mad." Barbara just glared at her again. "What? I knew she could hear us."

"You just lost all kissing privileges." Ashley got a horrified expression on her face and started crying. Everyone turned around to see what was going on. "God, Ashley, I'm just playing with you." Ashley stopped crying. "I'm sorry."

Ashley lifted her head and smiled. "Gotcha!" Ashley said and then kissed Barbara.

"That was not playing fair!" Barbara complained. "What happened to playing fair?"

"Rules go out the window on kissing privilege seeking missions." Ashley smirked as Barbara glared at her. "I'm sorry but you cannot threaten to take away kissing and expect me to play fair."

Helena, being able to hear their conversation, said, "She's got you there Barbara. Technically, you weren't playing fair either." Barbara glared at her. "What? Its true. We of the Wayne line cannot survive a relationship without kissing." Ashley nodded as everyone else laughed. Barbara just rolled her eyes. "I think we won that argument." Ashley put on a mock serious face and nodded. "Oh shut up!"

Ashley and Barbara laughed. "Are we done here?" Barbara asked.

Ashley looked at Helena. "Yeah, we're done," she said. With that they all headed out the door. As they walked to the car, Helena asked, "Hey Barbara, do you think I can get Alfred to dress up as Santa and pass out presents?" SMACK! "Oww! What was that for?" Helena looked at everyone. "What?"

Chapter Three

The next morning in the Clocktower …

The entire Clocktower was silent. Dinah and Gabby were asleep on the couch upstairs. Ashley and Barbara were asleep in their room. Helena was sitting on the balcony watching the sunrise. "I'm getting married today. I'm getting married today," she sang.

Ashley came up behind her. "I bet its gonna rain today." Helena turned around and looked at Ashley like she was crazy. Ashley just sat down on the ledge, even closer then Helena would and began singing.

one day shy of eight years old, grandma passed away / i was a broken hearted little boy, blowing out that birthday cake / how i cried when the sky let go, with a cold and lonesome rain, / mamma smile, said don't be sad child, grandma's watching you today

cause theres holes in the floor of heaven / and her tears are pouring down, / that's how you know she's watching, / wishing she could be here now, / and sometime if your lonely, / just remember she can see, / there's holes in the floor of heaven, / and she's watching over you and me,

seasons come, and seasons go, nothing stays the same / i grew up, feel in love, met a girl who took my name / year by year, we made a life, in this sleepy little town / i thought we'd grow old together, lord, i sure do miss her now

But there's holes in the floor of heaven, / and her tears are pouring down, / that's how i know she's watching, / wishing she could be here now, / and sometimes when I'm lonely, / i remember she can see, / there's holes in the floor of heaven, / and she's, watching over you and me,

well my little girl, she's twenty three, I walk her down the aisle / it's a shame her mom can't be hear now, to see her lovely smile / they throw the rice, i catch her eye, as the rain starts coming down / she takes my hand, says daddy don't be sad, / cause i know mamma's watching now,

and there is holes in the floor of heaven, / and her tears are pouring down, / that's how you know she's watching, / wishing she could be here now, / and sometimes when I'm lonely, / i remember she can see, / yes, there's holes in the floor of heaven, / and she's, watching over you and me,

watching over you and me, / watching over you and me.

"That was beautiful. If it rains you should sing that at the reception," said a voice from behind them. Ashley jumped at the sound and fell off the ledge. "Shit! Ashley!" Barbara quickly rolled over to the ledge and saw Ashley hanging from a window ledge. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah. I'm fine. I fall off the balcony and hang from a window ledge everyday," Ashley responded sarcastically. "Its fun. You should try it one time." With that she climbed back up to the balcony. "The people downstairs are perverts. They have all kinds of pornographic anime posters all over the walls." Ashley shuddered. "I did not need to see that. And you," she pointed at Barbara and stomped over to her. She put her hands on the arms of the wheelchair and leaned over. "Don't ever do that again. You know when I'm singing I can't tell when someone comes up behind me."

"I know and I'm sorry." Barbara looked over at Helena. "Hey. Helena, are you alright?" She didn't say or do anything. Barbara noticed her shoulders were moving. She moved over and put her hand on Helena's lower back. "Hey, its alright. Your wedding is indoors. Trust me, it will rain."

"Yeah Helena," Ashley agreed. "I told you yesterday she wouldn't miss this for the world."

Helena nodded. "I know. I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me. I guess I'm just afraid something is going to go wrong." Just then the Delphi alarm went off. "Great. I knew this was going to happen. I just knew it." Helena stormed into the Clocktower behind Ashley and Barbara.

"Helena, calm down. There's probably just a couple of pieces missing from Reese's tux. I told him to go ahead and use the ring if he needed anything for today. Go start getting ready. Take a shower, you smell."

"No I do not. You just don't want me to hear you talk about what's going on," Helena whined. Barbara raised an eyebrow. "What?" Helena raised her arm and sniffed. "Okay, maybe I do smell a little, but that still is not the reason you are sending me away."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just go. Please." Helena glared at Barbara but headed towards the shower. Barbara waited till she could hear the water running and turned to Ashley. She smiled. "He's coming or actually he's already here. He will be at the church an hour before the wedding."

"Yes!" they heard yelled from upstairs. Ashley and Barbara looked at each other when they heard a crash from upstairs followed by the sound of a toilet flushing. "Ahh! DINAH! You better run for your life!" Ashley and Barbara chuckled.

Dinah came running down the stairs with Gabby slowly limping behind her. AS soon as Dinah made it downstairs Huntress pounced on her and started tickling her. "Helena stop! Barbara please make her stop!" Ashley and Barbara just sat there laughing until she started coughing.

"Alright Helena," Ashley said as she walked over to the two girls. She started to pull Helena off Dinah. "Please don't kill my daughter the day of your wedding." Once she got Helena away she helped Dinah up. "Are you alright?" Dinah nodded as Barbara handed her a bottle of water. "Good, now lets all start getting ready." Ashley turned to Barbara. "I have to go to my place to get ready. Rachel and Carolyn are coming in. We'll see you at the church."

"Okay." Barbara pulled Ashley's head down and kissed her. "I love you."

"Love you too." Ashley kissed Barbara again.

Barbara watched Ashley walk towards the door. "Bye." Ashley turned and waved right before she walked out the door. Barbara looked around and noticed everyone was staring at her. She blushed. "Y'all heard her. Lets get ready." Everyone nodded and headed to their respective rooms.

At the Warehouse …

"Shit!" Ashley said as the doorbell rang and she ruined yet another pair of panty hose. "Who the hell could that be?" She looked at her watch as she walked to the door. When she opened it all she saw was a blur run past her. She laughed. "You'd think she'd miss me more."

"She was miserable all week and she had to use the bathroom really bad if it makes you feel any better," Carolyn said as she walked in. She hugged Ashley and kissed her on the cheek. "How are you doing?"

"Good. Did you guys get your dresses?" Carolyn nodded. "Good. I need your help getting ready. I can't seem to get these dam-omphf!" Rachel hugged Ashley. "Hey girlie! Feeling better?" Rachel nodded. "How was the trip?"

"It was great. I wish Dinah could have came with us. Then she could have met Grandma and Grandpa. How is everyone else? Have you proposed to Ms. Barbara?"

"No not yet." Carolyn was about to say something. "And before you say anything, don't. I'm gonna propose tonight." Ashley headed towards the stairs then stopped. "I'm gonna propose tonight." Then she fainted.

A half hour later …

>Cold. Wet. Why am I wet?< "Ahh!" Ashley quickly sat up. "What happened?"

Carolyn was sitting next to her trying to get her to lay back down. "You need to lay down. You fainted."

"Why did I faint?" Ashley thought about what happened. "Never mind. I know why. I can't believe I fainted. Wait a minute, that doesn't explain why I am all wet. Why am I wet?"

"I was trying to wake you up." Ashley grinned and quirked an eyebrow at Carolyn's answer and she sighed in frustration. "So I threw water on your face. That and you broke out in a sweat." Rachel ran and hugged Carolyn. "Hey you. Mommy's up now."

Rachel looked over at Ashley and jumped in her lap. "Omphf! Hey you. Calm down. I'm alright. I just freaked out." Ashley looked at Rachel. "Why aren't you guys dressed yet? You and Mama should be ready by now. Why aren't you guys ready yet?"

"We were worried about you Mommy. I'll go start getting ready now." Rachel kissed Ashley on the forehead and took off to get ready.

"Come on," Carolyn said as she helped Ashley up. "Lets go and get ready as well." Ashley and Carolyn started walking upstairs. "Where's the ring? I want to see it."

"You'll have to wait till after I propose." Carolyn gave Ashley a confused look. "The ring is in the star on the top of the tree at the reception hall. I've planned this whole night and have had it planned for a while. After you left I actually went to the Commissioner's house and got her grandmother's ring." Ashley chuckled. "Her grandmother's maiden name was engraved on the inside and you won't believe what it was." Carolyn looked at her as though saying, "well…?" "It was Wayne."

"Well, I'll be damned. That's kind of funny. The two of you could be related." Ashley's eyes went wide when she realized this was true. "Then again, Wayne is a very common name. Besides you were adopted, remember? Technically you aren't a Wayne, at least not by blood." Ashley sighed in relief realizing this was also true. "Lets get you ready before I open my big mouth again."

"I agree. Right now I have to stay confident. If you say something like what you just said, I might lose it and say forget about it all."

"How are you gonna propose? I mean it will look kind of funny if you climb a ladder to get the star. I mean, come on. Barbara will know something is up."

"She already knows something is going on. She just doesn't know when or where. Oh and to answer you first question, I have it all planed out. I already told her she will get two presents tonight but one she will have to find."

"How will she find it?"

"She'll get a clue. Her first present is a charm bracelet. Two of the charms are stars. When Helena throws the bouquet, Barbara is certain to catch it. There will be a note that says to look at her bracelet. She'll see the two stars then come to look at the tree. I designed the star so I could push a button and the star will open. The ring box is already open."

"Wow," Carolyn said as Ashley finished getting dressed. "You've really thought about this."

"The only thing I haven't thought about is what I will do if she says no." Ashley turned around to face Carolyn. Carolyn just sat there staring at her. "What? Is there something on my dress?" Ashley asked as she spun around looking at her dress.

"No. There is nothing on your dress. It's just … you in a dress." Ashley rolled her eyes and continued getting ready. Carolyn walked over to sit on the bed and watch Ashley since she was already ready. "You're not redoing your streaks?" Ashley shook her head.

Once she was finished Ashley stood back up and turned to face Carolyn. "How do I look?" she asked as she twirled around to show everything off. Her dress was ankle-length and black. The neckline and back were high. There was a silt on the right side that came up to her knee. She didn't have any shoes on yet. The jewelry she was wearing was very simple, a silver cross necklace and silver cross earrings. She never took off her claddagh ring so that wasn't anything different.

Carolyn looked at her, speechless. >She looks beautiful<. "Wow Ashley. You look … wow!"

Ashley blushed. "Thank you." She looked over at Carolyn as she stood up. "You look good too Tweety. Yellow's your color."

Carolyn rolled her eyes. "Very funny Ashley." Ashley just smirked as there was a knock on the door. "Come on in, Rach."

Rachel came in and twirled around. "How do I look Mommy?"

Ashley walked over and picked her up. "You look beautiful sweetie," she said as she twirled around with Rachel. "We all look beautiful. Lets get going before Huntress starts calling asking where we are."

At the church …

"Where the hell are they?" Huntress yelled while pacing back and forth. Dinah and Gabby just sat there watching not knowing exactly what to do. Just as Barbara came in Huntress started ranting again. "She needs to be here to give me away. She can't not be here." She spun around and her eyes softened as she saw Barbara. "Are they here?"

"I just ran into Carolyn and Rachel. I didn't see Ashley but they said she was here." Barbara said. Helena nodded, her eyes finally going back to their normal ice blue. "She's here. You can stay calm now. Stop worrying. Everything is fine. Okay?" Helena nodded. "Okay, Dinah, Gabby, why don't the two of you try to find Ashley. Tell her to get her ass in here." They nodded and headed out.

“Oracle, you need to calm down as well." Barbara looked at Helena. "You only boss people around when you are in Oracle mode. Therefore you need to calm down." Barbara rolled her eyes. "Don't you roll your eyes at me. Help me get this dress on."

Barbara helped Helena put the dress on. She zipped up the back and moved away. Helena turned around. "You look beautiful Helena." Barbara looked out the window as she heard rain. "Looks like you mother thinks so as well."

Helena sniffled. "I wish she could be here in person," she said as she walked towards the window. She watched the rain come down. She knew her mother was watching but it was already letting up.

"I know she is watching and would like to be here. Now I'm gonna go find your aunt and things you need." Barbara headed out the door. "What do you need?"

"Everything. Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue."

Barbara nodded and headed out the door. When she closed the door she could have sworn she felt someone pass by her. She looked around, "Is anyone there?" Barbara looked around again and thought >Great. Now I'm gone crazy<. Barbara shook her head and headed down the hallway.

Meanwhile, back in Helena's dressing room …

Helena stood in front of the mirror trying to fix a few loose pieces of hair. "Uggh! They won't stay!" All of a sudden Helena noticed Ashley in the mirror. "Only another meta could sneak up on me like that." Helena spun around pointed her finger in Ashley's smirking face. "Don't ever do that again!"

Ashley just slapped Helena's hand out of her face. "Turn around." Helena's eyebrow shot up at the way Ashley's voice sounded. "I'll explain the voice later. Turn around." Helena turned around and Ashley put a necklace on her that had a blue stone, "Something new and something blue."

Helena gingerly touched the stone, Ashley's voice forgotten. It was beautiful. "Its beautiful," she said. "Where did you get it?"

Ashley chuckled. "Well its actually something old as well. Your mother gave it to me when I first moved in. She was afraid she might not live to see your wedding and she didn't want you to see it until this day." Ashley looked in the mirror in font of them. She saw Helena was crying. "Hey. She's here today." Ashley turned her around and pointed to her heart. "As long as she's in here, she will be here at your wedding. She wouldn't miss it for the world."

“Cliché much. Forecast called for sun all day. Do you think it will rain some more today?" Ashley looked out the window and chuckled again. "What's so funny?" Ashley pointed out the window. Helena's eyes followed her finger. She chuckled and started crying a little. "I guess the weather man's ears are burning with everyone cussing him out right about now."

This time Ashley full out laughed. "Yeah. I'm sure they are. Good thing we're having the reception inside." Ashley looked in the mirror again. "You look great."

Helena wiped at her eyes. "Thank you." She looked over at Ashley and smirked. "I still can't believe you are wearing an actual dress. You look great."

Ashley blushed and mumbled, "Shut up," as she lightly punched Helena in the shoulder.

"You seriously haven't told Barbara yet?"

Ashley nodded. "I've gone into shadow mode every time she walks by."

Helena raised her eyebrow and gave Ashley a confused look. "Shadow mode?"

"Oh yeah. Haven't told you about that. I can turn myself into a shadow." Helena nodded. "Yeah, I'm actually thinking about stopping being Batgirl. I've talked to Barbara and she thinks it's a good idea. No one will think she was Batgirl anymore. I just have to think of a new code name to use but I can't."

Helena looked at Ashley and noticed she had quite a few qualities about her that Selena had but she had never noticed before because Catgirl always stood in Catwoman's shadow. >Wait a minute<. "How about Shadow Cat?" (A/N: I think I've heard this before but I'm not sure.)

Ashley looked up. "That's a great idea. Shadow Cat. I like the sound of that. What made you think of it?"

"Well, you remind me a lot of my mother. Also you were Catgirl and not many people heard of you but almost everyone knew of Catwoman. You lived in her shadow. Therefore your Shadow Cat or Shadow for short." Helena looked at Ashley's eyes. "Plus its compound of your two powers. The feline grace and shadow mode." There was a knock on the door. "Who is it?"

"Its Barbara. Have you seen Ashley yet?"

"No I haven't," Helena answered after she saw Ashley shake her head and go into Shadow mode when Barbara opened the door. "Why is something wrong?"

Barbara shook her head as she looked around. "Its awfully dark in here. Its strange because it seems like one of the shadows is moving towards the door as though its trying to get out of the room." Ashley stopped right next to the door. "Hey babe. You do know I can tell when you are in the room. Why have you been avoiding me?"

Ashley came out of the shadows. "Surprise," she said as she spun around to show her dress. Barbara saw her streaks were out. "I was hoping to wait till the last minute."

"Wow!" Barbara gasped. "You look … wow." Helena smiled and snuck out of the room. "You look beautiful." Barbara rolled over and kissed Ashley. "You said Helena picked out a pant suit."

Ashley laughed. "She did. I picked out the dress." Ashley looked at Barbara. She was wearing a long, dark green dress. "You look great too. What are the girls wearing?"

"Same thing except theirs is a lighter shade of green. Do you think we made a good choice?"

"Most definitely. I love that dress. And the color looks good on you." Barbara rolled her eyes as Ashley looked around. "Where's Helena?"

Barbara chuckled. "She must have snuck out after we started going all mushy on each other." Barbara suddenly remembered what she was in there for. "Oh, Ashley, I need to ask you something …"

Outside the room after Helena left …

As soon as Helena walked out the room, Dinah and Gabby crashed into her. "Hey slow down," she said. "What's going on?"

Both Dinah and Gabby were having trouble catching their breath. "Barbara … is going … to … propose … to … Ashley."

"When?"

"Right now." Helena's eyes went wide as she looked at the door.

"Helena," she looked up at the sound of someone calling her name. "Wow."

Back inside the dressing room …

"Dinah and Gabby were trying to stop me," Barbara said. "I don't know why, but”

There was a huge bang on the door. "Ashley, Barbara, let me in."

Ashley and Barbara looked at each other. "Bruce?" they asked in unison. The door opened and Bruce walked in. "Bruce!" they yelled. The two of them moved and hugged Bruce.

"Hey girls! How are the two of you doing? Hmm? I hear the two of you are back together again." Ashley and Barbara nodded as they looked at each other and smiled. "I'm glad. You two are meant for each other."

"Have you seen Helena yet?" Bruce nodded. Ashley looked at Barbara then asked, "What about Reese?" Bruce's eyebrows knitted together in confusion. "Oh, right. I mean Jesse. Have you met Jesse?"

"Oh, yes. I have met him. He looks strangely familiar. Have I met him before?" Ashley and Barbara glanced at each other trying to hide it from Bruce but he saw it. "What?" They looked at him scared. "Tell me now."

"Reese, um I mean, Jesse's father is … um … Barbara why don't you tell him."

Bruce looked at Barbara and raised his eyebrows in expectation. "Well, … you see … Reese'sfatherisAlHawke."

"What?!"

Ashley and Barbara looked at each other. >Uh oh< they thought. "Bruce, you need to calm down," Ashley said. "You don't need to worry about anything. He loves her very much. He's very nice and polite. Hell, he actually asked me if he could marry Helena. Asked me to find the perfect ring."

"Did you give him Selena's ring?" Ashley nodded. "Did she like it?" Ashley nodded again. "She's happy?" This time both Ashley and Barbara nodded. "Then maybe I won't kill him."

Barbara looked at her watch. "Its time to start. Are both of you going to walk Helena down the aisle?"

Bruce looked at Barbara. "Its up to her. If she wants me to I will walk her but I don't see why she would want me to walk her down the aisle."

"I want my father and aunt to walk me down the aisle," Helena said as she walked into the room. "Its only right." Helena walked over to Bruce. "Would you please walk me down the aisle … Dad?"

Bruce looked over at Helena and actually had tears in his eyes. "I would be honored to walk you down the aisle."

Chapter Four A: "The Wedding Ceremony"

"Dear beloved," the priest started. "We are gathered here today to join these two in holy matrimony. Who gives the bride away?"

Bruce and Ashley stepped up and said, "We do."

"Okay. If there are any objections to these two getting married, speak now or forever hold your peace." ::Silence; Crickets::: "Okay, now Helena repeat after me. I Helena Kyle."

"I Helena Kyle."

"Take thee Jesse."

"To have and to hold. For richer or for poorer. In sickness and in health. Till death do us part."

"With this ring, I thee wed."

"With this ring I thee wed," Helena finished and slid a ring on Jesse's finger.

The priest turned to Reese. "Repeat after me. I Jesse Reese."

"I Jesse Reese."

"Take thee Helena."

"To have and to hold. For richer or for poorer. In sickness and in health. Till death do us part."

"With this ring, I thee wed."

"With this ring, I thee wed," Reese finished and slid a ring on Helena's finger.

"Good. Now, Helena, do you take Jesse to be your lawful wedded husband?"

Helena looked in Reese's eyes and said, "I do."

The priest turned to Reese. "Jesse, do you take Helena to be your lawful wedded wife?"

Reese looked in Helena's eyes and said, "I do."

"With the power invest in be, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Helena and Reese kissed as everyone clapped and shouted. They walked out the church and into the limo. Birdseeds were thrown as the walked.

Chapter Four B: "The Reception"

Everyone was waiting in the reception hall for the bride and groom. The kids were running around the Christmas tree. The grown-ups were trying to get them to calm down and commented on how beautiful the hall looked. Dinah and Gabby were dancing with Rachel. Ashley, Barbara, and Carolyn were all sitting at the head table, talking to each other. Bruce just sat there, watching, as always.

"Ashley, the reception hall is beautiful. You and Helena did a great job," Carolyn said.

"We did, didn't we?" Everyone nodded in agreement. "They're here. I can here them talking." Just then Dinah, Gabby, and Rachel came over to where everyone else was sitting. "Hey girls." Rachel climbed into Ashley's lap. Ashley looked at Dinah and Gabby and said, "The two of you need to go with Barbara to walk in with Helena."

Ashley and Carolyn watched the three of them leave. "She's growing up to be a beautiful young woman."

"Just like her mother."

"Mothers," Carolyn corrected.

"Oh yeah," Ashley said. "I wasn't including you Tweety. I guess I should though considering she looks just like you, except the eyes. She has my blue eyes." Carolyn nodded. "Your mother has blue eyes, right?"

Carolyn looked over at Ashley, somewhat confused and said, "Yeah. Why?"

"Genetics. There was a 25% chance of our kids to come out with blue eyes. Brown is dominant."

"I have blue eyes mommy."

Ashley looked down at Rachel and into her big blue eyes. "Yes, sweetie. You do and they're as blue and deep as the ocean."

"Ladies and gentlemen," the DJ said over the microphone. "Please welcome Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Reese!" Everyone applauded as the newlyweds walked in. "Now, for their first dance they have a chosen a song that is very special to them."

Unbroken

(Holly Lamar/Annie Roboff)

How I ever lived and breathed before you loved me, I don't recall / If I walked around at all, it was in bits and pieces / Of a jagged heart / You kissed me and every piece went back in place, every pain got erased / You held me up to the light

No one ever left me out in the rain / Cold words still remain unspoken / And I never got lost, spent years in the dark / You're here, now my heart's unbroken / When I see your smile fill my soul again / I'm unbroken

If I doubted the power of love, baby now I understand / I thank God for every day I wake up to the soft touch / Of your magic hands / In this world sometimes the only thing that's real is the way you make me feel / Babe, the changes day and night / I swear it's life

I still see the night, I fell into your eyes / And when we made love it felt like the first time

When I see your smile fill my soul again / I'm unbroken / I'm unbroken, oh yeah / I'm unbroken

After they danced Helena walked over to the DJ and took the mic. "Okay, everyone its time to open presents. Lets let all the kids go first then the adults."

Rachel looked at Ashley and Carolyn. "Mommy, Mama, I want to open presents with you guys."

Helena walked over just then. "You can squirt. I just knew some of those kids wouldn't be able to wait any longer. Okay?" Rachel nodded. "Good," Helena said as she picked Rachel up. "Now, come dance with your cousin."

About a half hour later all the kids and most of the grown-ups were done opening presents. The bride's side was waiting for everyone else because their gifts were completely under the tree. Barbara was nagging Ashley about her gifts. "Why won't you tell me where my second one is? You told me where the first one was."

Ashley just smiled and looked at the tree. "Look everyone is gone. Lets go open our presents. I'll go get Alfred." Barbara nodded and everyone headed towards the tree. Helena and Reese had already been over there opening their gifts from Reese's family. A few minutes later Ashley came in with Alfred. "Alright. Now we can open presents."

"I want to give you ours first," Helena said. "They're nothing big but … here." She handed everyone a small box. Inside each box were two pictures. Everyone had different pictures :

Alfred – 1. Ashley, Barbara, Bruce, Carolyn, and Dick; 2. Ashley, Barbara, Dinah, and Helena

Ashley – 1. Barbara with Rachel asleep on the couch; 2. Carolyn and Dinah

Barbara – 1. Ashley with Rachel asleep on the couch; 2. Alfred, Ashley, Bruce, Carolyn, and Dick

Bruce - 1. Helena and Selena; 2. Ashley, Barbara, Carolyn, and Dick

Carolyn – 1. Ashley and Rachel; 2. Dinah and Gabby

Dinah – 1. Ashley, Barbara, Carolyn, and Rachel; 2. Her and Gabby

Gabby – 1. Everyone; 2. Her and Gabby

Rachel – 1. Ashley and Barbara; 2. Carolyn and Dinah

"Wow," Barbara said. "These pictures are great Helena. Where did you get some of these?"

"Well, the one's in the Batcave, Ashley gave me. The others I took."

"Now you two have to open oour presents. Here."

Helena opened all the presents while Reese just watched smiling. They got:

Alfred – his services; Ashley and Rachel – a picture of her and Selena; Barbara – a leather coat; Bruce – keys to a motorcycle; Carolyn – a famous painting; Dinah and Gabby – a pair of leather pants.

"Thank-you so much and I don't mean to be rude but only two of these gifts can be enjoyed by both of us."

"Four," Reese said. Helena raised an eyebrow and looked at him. "You were talking about Alfred and the painting, right?" Helena nodded. "Well, we can also both enjoy the motorcycle and the leather pants."

Helena rolled her eyes and everyone laughed. Ashley cleared her throat and pulled an envelope out of her purse. "There is one more thing both of you can enjoy." Ashley handed Reese the envelope and explained what it was as he opened it (in an announcers voice). "It's a trip for two to … Hawaii! Where will you be staying you might ask? Well, you will be staying in the honeymoon suite of the finest resort we could find!"

"Courtesy of everyone," Barbara added. Ashley just smiled and sat down next to Barbara. "Shall we open the rest of our presents?" Everyone nodded and started tearing into wrapping paper. Ashley handed Barbara a long, thin box. Inside it was the charm bracelet. "Its beautiful Ashley. What's my clue?" Ashley laughed, smiled, and went to open other presents.

"Alright. Now that everyone's done opening presents, I think its time for me to throw the bouquet. All the females crowd around to catch!" Helena turned around once everyone was around her. She looked over her shoulder and saw that Ashley had already gotten the star off the tree. "Here we go!" Helena threw the bouquet and everyone moved out of the way. It landed right in Barbara's lap.

Barbara looked up at Helena who just smiled. She then looked at the flowers and saw there was a small card in them. "What the-?" She opened the card and the message inside read: HERE'S YOUR CLUE. LOOK AT YOUR CHARM BRACELET. She looked at her bracelet and she remembered Ashley had said she would never give her two identical charms. She turned and the crowd parted as she made her way to the tree. Suddenly, Barbara saw Ashley down on one knee, holding the star from the top of the tree. "Oh, my god."

"Hey Red." Barbara laughed as she tried not to cry. "The only reason why I would celebrate Christmas before was because of Rachel. I never celebrated Valentine's Day because I never had someone to share it with." Ashley then opened the star and pulled out the ring box. She got up and moved closer to Barbara where she once again, went down on one knee. She opened the box and showed the ring to Barbara, who gasped. "If you would, I want you to be my valentine forever and always. Barbara Gordon, will you marry me?"

Barbara looked down at Ashley. She had tears running freely down her face. She nodded and said, "Yes! Yes, I will marry you!" Ashley put the ring on Barbara's finger and they kissed. Everyone started clapping. "How did you?" Barbara asked as she realized what ring it was. "I mean, this is my birth mother's ring."

"You know that night when I was over at your father's house?" Barbara nodded. "I was actually there to ask him your hand in marriage and for your mother's ring. Believe me, I was extremely surprised when he said yes and even more so when he invited me to stay for dinner." Barbara smiled and they kissed again.

Everyone walked over to congratulate the two of them. When Dinah hugged Barbara she had a vision.

… Barbara was sitting at the Delphi station. Everything seemed different, older. A little girl with red hair came running in. "Mama! I got straight As on my first report card!"

Barbara turned around and smiled at the young girl. "That's great Selena. Let me see." The girl looked up and she had the bluest eyes. Dinah only knew one person with eyes that blue.

"Honey, I'm home!"

"Mommy!" Selena jumped out of Barbara's lap and ran towards Ashley. Then Barbara stood up as Selena said, "I got straights As on my first report card!" …

When Dinah came back to reality she realized she was sitting in Barbara's lap. "Dinah, are you alright?" Dinah nodded then Barbara asked, "What did you see?"

Dinah looked at Barbara and Ashley. She knew the little girl in her vision was theirs but she didn't want to tell them just yet. "It was nothing bad. Don't worry about it." Dinah then started to stand up but was still a little dizzy. "Woah," she said. As she fell Ashley caught her and she was brought into another vision.

… Ashley is in the kitchen cooking. The same little girl from before is sitting at the table coloring. Ashley checks the sauce in the pot and decides its ready. "Selena, would you go help your bother get ready while I tell your mother dinner is ready."

"Okay Mommy." Selena ran out the room yelling, "Bruce! Dinner's ready!" She ran pass a picture of Ashley, Barbara, her, and a little boy with brown hair and green eyes.

Barbara slowly came into the room using a walker. Ashley turned around, saw her, and ran over to help. "Red! What are you doing? You know I would come and get you."

Barbara shook her off. "I know but I need to walk on my own if I'm going to get the strength back in my legs."

"You will. Don't rush it." Ashley kissed Barbara and then continued to help her to the table. "Kids! Get your butts down here now!" …

When Dinah came back again everyone was looking at her worried. "That's the first time that's happened," she said. "Don't worry about it. I don't want to tell you about it because I'm afraid if I do, it won't come true." Everyone nodded as Dinah realized the rest of the guest were gone. "Where is everyone?"

Ashley helped Dinah to her feet as Barbara said, "They all left while you were gone. We're going back to the Clocktower so Helena can pack. They leave early in the morning." Dinah nodded. "Are you sure you are alright?"

"Yeah, I am fine Barbara. I just want to go home and get some sleep. Having two visions has wiped me out. I want to get some rest before sweeps." Barbara nodded and everyone headed to the cars.

Chapter Five

I was standing in the grocery store line / The one they marked express / When this woman came though with about 25 things / And I said don't you know that more is less / She said this world is moving so fast / I just get more behind everyday / And every mornin' when I make my coffee / I can't believe my life's turned out this way / All I could say was

Love's the only house big enough for all the pain in the world / Love's the only house big enough for all the pain

The next morning Ashley and Barbara were laying in bed, just enjoying the feeling of being in each other's arms. Ashley was absently stroking Barbara's hair. "Who was your first?" she asked out of nowhere.

Barbara blushed. She looked up at Ashley through long eyelashes. "You," she answered. Ashley looked at her confused. "That night when I accidentally killed that mugger and you … comforted me." Barbara shyly glanced down as Ashley chuckled.

He was walking by the other day and I said / Hey baby...how you been? / Yeah, I got me a little girl now and she's 4 years old / And she's got her daddy's little grin / You only wanted what you can't have / And baby you can't have me now / I gave my heart to another / Yeah I'm a mother / And he's a father and we're a family and we got each other / And I found out the hard way that

Love's the only house big enough for all the pain in the world / Love's the only house big enough for all the pain

"I thought you invisible boyfriend was your first."

"Yeah, well, by that comment I'm sure you know there never was a boyfriend." Ashley smirked and nodded. "What about you? I'm gonna guess it wasn't me."

You drive three miles from all this prosperity / Down across the river and you see a ghetto there / An' We got children walking around with guns / And they got knives and drugs and pain to spare / And here I am in my clean, white shirt, / With a little money in my pocket and a nice warm home / And we got teenagers walking around in a culture of darkness / Living together alone...all I could say is

Love's the only house big enough for all the pain in the world / Love's the only house big enough for all the pain

Ashley shook her head. "No, it wasn't. Mine was Carolyn." Barbara sat up to look at her, wanting to know the whole story. "You know I love you and always have, right?" Barbara slowly nodded, not liking where this was going. "It was freshman year, a month before you came into our lives as Batgirl."

And I can't explain it, and I can't understand / But I'll come down and get my hands dirty and together we'll make a stand

*Flashback*

<Oracle, how's it going?>

Ashley changed gears before she answered. "I'm doing fine. I'll be there in three minutes tops." Ashley could hear typing in the background, then a grunt of frustration as she zoomed down alleys and side streets on her bike. "What are you trying to do Canary? Maybe I can help you out considering I'm much better at things involving technology. That and I developed the system before I was even in high school."

<You brag way too much girlie, you know that?> Ashley just chuckled. <I'm looking for any new crimes to check out but I can't get it to search. How do I do it almighty Oracle?> Carolyn asked sarcastically.

"You don't have to. It does a constant search for anything the police may not be able to handle on their own." Ashley cut the engine and looked around. She was outside some amusement park. "Canary, are you sure this is the right place?" Carolyn gave her an affermative grunt. "Its an amusement park."

"Yeah, but I don't see any warehouses." Ashley switched her vision, something she recently found out she could do. She heard someone scream and looked up at the ferris wheel. "Shit! Someone is hanging from the top of the ferris wheel and I'll give you two guess who put her up there and the second doesn't count."

<Joker.>

"I'm going in." Ashley heard no response and headed in.

*End Flashback*

"I ran as fast as I could and started climbing. Everyone was trying to stop me." Ashley was staring off in space. Barbara could tell she was reliving the whole thing and knew not to say anything. "I tried to climb fast but everyone was pulling on my legs, trying to stop me." Tears were falling from her eyes. "Right as I was able to kick them off she … fell. I screamed no and let the people pull away. When the police got there they kept asking me questions until your father came. He recognized my voice from when he helped us once and was given a two-way. He told them to leave me alone, asked me a few questions, and then let me go. He knew I was just in high school. I got on my bike and headed back to the cave. That was Joker's first victim."

"You never told me that before Ashley. Is that why you hate ferris wheels?" Ashley nodded. "Oh sweetie. I knew you weren't afraid of heights. If I had known that I never would have forced you on the ferris wheel at the school carnival."

"I didn't tell because I would have to tell you the rest of the story." Barbara quirked an eyebrow. "Meaning what happened when I got back to the Batcave."

*Flashback*

Carolyn was sitting in front of the computer still when Ashley walked in. She didn't even move until Ashley fell down crying next to her. "Oh Ash. Its alright. You did the best you could." Carolyn knelt down next to Ashley and wrapped her arms around her. "Come on. Lets get you off the floor. You're freezing and it can't be good for you. Is it raining?"

Ashley nodded as Carolyn moved her into a chair. "Its all my fault. I could have tried harder. Climbed faster. But those damn people wouldn't stop trying to pull me down. If only I could control my meta powers. I could have gone into shadow mode and they wouldn't have been ably to see me. I would have made it if I wasn't so worried about hurting them."

Carolyn was rubbing soothing circles on Ashley's back. "Its not your fault. You did the right thing. Stop letting it bother you so much."

"It's the first person I've lost. I've been able to save everyone else. I'm a failure!" and with that she buried her face in her hands.

Carolyn lifted Ashley's head but she wouldn't look at her. "Ashley, look at me." Ashley still wouldn't look at her. "Fine, but you are not a failure. Only losing one person is a great thing in our line of business," she said. >I can't believe I'm gonna do this but I don't know what else to do<. "Ashley, please look at me." This time Ashley looked up. When she did Carolyn kissed her.

Somewhere 'cross the parking lot, some bands playin' out of tune / City streets are gonna burn if we don't do something soon / Senorita can't quit crying, baby's due now any day / Don Juan left, got sick of trying...no one there to show him the way / She came down to the grocery store and / She said I, I wanna buy a little carton of milk, but I don't have any money / I said Hey I'll cover you honey, cause the pain's gotta go somewhere / Yeah the pains gotta go someplace... / So come on down to my house / Don't ya know that

Love's the only house big enough for all the pain in the world / Love's the only house big enough for all the pain

*End Flashback*

"I later found out Bruce was her first. I wish I had found out a different way." Barbara quirked her eyebrow again. "There were cameras in every room and I found the tape. It was the same night as her first accidental death. I remember she came home devastated and I didn't know what to do, so I just left her alone."

"When did you first accidentally kill someone?"

Ashley looked at Barbara and smiled. "I haven't," she said. "And I plan to keep it that way." Barbara nodded. "Don't worry. I won't brag. I've lost too many people."

"I still love you and always will. Don't you ever forget that." Ashley nodded and put on a brave smile. "Come on. Lets get dress and get something to eat. I know you're hungry."

Ashley started to protest but a rumble from her stomach stopped her. "Well, I guess I could eat something as long as you don't cook." Barbara glared at her as she chuckled and got dress. "What?"

Barbara quickly got dressed and shook her head. "Nothing. Lets just go get something to eat." Ashley got up and headed towards the door. "Umm, excuse me." Ashley turned around and smiled. She walked back over to the bed and picked Barbara up. "You forgot, didn't you?"

"Of course not. I was just messing with you." Ashley carefully put Barbara in her chair. She knelt down and put her hands on the armrests. "I could never forget about you. By the way, why are you using the manual chair? What's wrong with your usual one?"

"First, can you hand me those leather gloves on my nightstand?" Ashley nodded and gave them to her. As she put them on she said, "I think some rice got in the gears at the wedding. I didn't notice until after you went on sweeps. You didn't notice it last night?" Ashley chuckled and started pushing Barbara out of the room. "You know you are the only person who can get away with pushing me?"

"Yes I do know this, which is why I am taking full advantage of it." Ashley pushed her into the kitchen. "What do you want to eat?" Ashley asked as she read a note on the fridge. Barbara shrugged as she watched Ashley rummage through the cupboards. "I take it its Alfred's week off since Bruce is here?" Barbara grinned sheepishly and nodded. "Come on. Get your coat on. The girls went out and so are we. My treat."

"Can't refuse a free meal now can I?" Ashley shook her head. "Where to?"

"Anywhere you want."

"Anywhere?" Ashley nodded. "Do you have food at the Warehouse?" Ashley nodded again as her eyebrows scrunched up in confusion. "Well, lets go eat breakfast with Rachel and Carolyn." Ashley smiled and nodded. As she went to get their coats Barbara asked, "What?"

"Nothing, its just … never mind. You'll think its stupid."

"When have I ever thought you were stupid?" Ashley quirked an eyebrow as she helped put her coat on. "Okay, I don't understand your obsession with Scooby Doo but I never said it was stupid. Just weird because you are an adult."

"I do have a five year old daughter." Barbara just looked at her. Ashley sighed and rolled her eyes as she put her coat on. "Its just, I hope me and you can have a child of our own someday. You have a mini us."

Barbara looked at Ashley. "A mini us?"

Ashley huffed. "See, I told you would think it was stupid. Come on, lets go. I'm hungry." Barbara watched Ashley stomp off to the elevator. She turned around. "Are you coming?"

"Yeah." >At least now I know where Helena got it from. Unless a friends, family member, ot herself were being threatened, Selena was way too cheerful.<

The ride over to the Warehouse was silent. Ashley was upset and Barbara didn't know what to do. When they got to the Warehouse, Ashley got out of the car and helped Barbara into her chair. The elevator ride was just as silent. Muzak would have been better then the silence. When they stepped out of the elevator the first thing they noticed was the smell of bacon. They were both in their own worlds though, so neither of them saw the blur come running towards Ashley's legs. "Mommy!" Rachel yelled as she grabbed onto Ashley's leg. Luckily, Ashley was able to keep her balance. "Are you and Miss Barbara gonna eat breakfast with us?" Rachel asked.

"Yep," Ashley said as she picked up Rachel. The three of them walked into the kitchen. "Is Mama cooking?" Ashley asked as she kissed Carolyn on the cheek.

"Yes I am." Carolyn turned around and was surprised to see Barbara. "Hey Babs." She noticed the serious expression on Barbara's face and how Ashley wouldn't even look at her. "Is something wrong?"

"Nothing you need to worry your pretty little head about," Ashley said as she helped Rachel set the table. Carolyn looked at Barbara, who just shrugged and blinked, trying to keep the tears from falling. "Are we going to eat?" Ashley asked looking at the two of them.

Barbara nodded and moved to sit at the head of the table until Rachel said, "Miss Barbara, come sit next to me." Ashley glared at her. "I mean, will you please sit next to me?" Ashley nodded and smiled at her.

Barbara smiled as well. "Sure thing sweetie." Rachel moved the chair next to her out of the way. "Thank-you." Carolyn then laid all the food on the table and sat down next to Ashley. "Everything smells wonderful Carolyn."

"Thank-you. Rachel, you want to say grace?" Rachel nodded as everyone joined hands. "Okay. Go ahead."

Right before Rachel started she looked at Ashley who winked. "God is good. God is great. Thank you for this food that is about to be ate. Also, please bless Mr. Reese and Helena's marriage and my mommy and Miss Barbara's engagement. Amen."

Ashley and Barbara looked at each other as Carolyn and the two of them said, "Amen." Everyone then started eating.

Later that morning …

Carolyn looked at Ashley as she helped put the dishes away. She had been watching her and Barbara and could tell something was bothering them but she just didn't know what and she didn't know how to ask. So she decided to be blunt and just right out ask what happened. "What did you do this time?"

Ashley spun and glared at Carolyn. Carolyn took a step back when she saw Ashley's eyes change. "What makes you think I did something?" Ashley growled. "What, its always my fault? Perfect Barbara can't do anything wrong, right?" Ashley took a step towards Carolyn who took a step back. Ashley noticed this and closed her eyes trying to calm down. When she knew her eyes were back to normal she continued. "You wanna know what happened? I mentioned I would like to have kids with Barbara someday and she was on the verge of laughter. Now tell me how this is my fault. Give me one good reason why this is my fault and I'll go right into the living room and apologize to Red right now."

Carolyn looked at Ashley and saw she was on the verge of tears. Just then Rachel came running in followed by Barbara. "Mommy! Mommy! Scooby Doo is on! You have to come watch it with me! PLEASE!?"

Everyone laughed at Rachel. Ashley picked her up and headed into the living room as she said, "Sure sweetie. There's nothing I'd rather do then watch Scooby Doo with you."

Barbara smiled as she watched Ashley go out the room with Rachel. "Rachel is definitely Ashley's daughter." Carolyn laughed at that. "Still need help since Ashley just left you?"

"Nah, but I do want to talk to you." Carolyn looked at Barbara.

"What about?"

"Don't give me that shit Barbara. You know full well what I mean." Barbara nodded and looked at Carolyn, her eyebrows raised in expectation. >Probably not the best time to point out that she looks just like Bruce when she does that< "What happened between you and Ash? Yesterday you guys couldn't had been any happier and today, you haven't said a word to each other since you've been here."

Barbara sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "Honestly, I have no idea what happened. I suggested us coming over here for breakfast, she smirked, and I asked her why she was smirking. She said it was stupid but I told her to tell me anyway. She said, and I quote, `It's just, I hope me and you can have a child or our own someday. You know, a mini us.'"

"She actually said `a mini us'?"

Barbara nodded. "And I was trying not to laugh at her choice of words but it was funny. I wasn't laughing at the thought, just how she said it."

"Oh my god Barbara. She thinks you were laughing at the thought. You need to talk to her. Look, I can't tell you what it was about but after you two broke up she had a vision and it was the only thing that kept her sane all those years." Barbara nodded and looked at Ashley and Rachel, watching them laughed at some stupid thing Shaggy had said.

Chapter Six

The same night …

Ashley and Barbara were lying in bed reading their respective books. Barbara put her book down and looked at Ashley. "Hey Ash, can I talk to you for a couple of minutes?"

"Sure Barbara, what's up?" Ashley asked, not even putting her own book down.

"I would like to talk to you about what happened this morning. I think there may have been a slight misunderstanding." Ashley nodded still looking at her book. "I know it may have seemed like I was laughing at you but I was just laughing at your choice of words. I would love to have kids with you." Ashley finally put her book down and looked at Barbara. "I've thought of a date for the wedding." Ashley smiled and nodded. "Valentine's Day."

"This upcoming Valentines or the next one?"

"Whichever are you'd prefer. I was thinking this year though. I know its soon but after what happened this morning, the sooner the better I think." Barbara looked over at Ashley. "What do you think?" Ashley just stared straight ahead. "Ashley?"

Suddenly Ashley was straddling Barbara's waist. She leaned in close, passionately kissing Barbara. "I … love … you … so … much," she said between kisses as she gasped for breath, each on lasting longer then the one before. "Valentine's it is. I'm sorry about this morning. That's just a sore subject for me and I thought you were laughing at me."

"You don't have to apologize Ash. I totally understand." Just then Barbara yawned. "God, I'm tired all of a sudden."

"Go to sleep Red. We have less then two months to prepare. We'll tell everyone in the morning that we set the date."

"Are we alright now?" Barbara asked.

Ashley kissed Barbara. "Yeah, we're fine Red. Now go to sleep. We'll talk in the morning."

January Fourteenth at a tux shop …

"I can't believe you Ashley. You'll wear a dress to my wedding but not your own?"

"I only wore a dress because your mother asked me too before she died." Ashley spun around. "How do I look?"

"You looked great. Who's you best man?"

"Very funny." Ashley changed into her street clothes. "I though about asking you but then I remembered Barbara was gonna ask you to be her maid of honor so I asked Bruce. Carolyn and Dick will be the others." Ashley put her jacket on. "Rachel's gonna be the flower girl. Her dress is so cute." Ashley and Helena headed out to the car. "I don't know who Barbara asked to be her bride's maids in the end. Did she ask you?"

"Yep. I'm maid of honor and Dinah and Gabby are her bride's maids."

The Clocktower …

"Is anyone else having a sense of deja-vu?" Dinah asked.

Gabby laughed and sat in between Dinah's legs with her back up against the couch. "Yep, except we don't have any secrets this time." Gabby watched Barbara moving around the Clocktower. "What are you looking for Barbara?"

"That belt I used on the night of Helena's bachelorette party. Have either of you seen it?" Dinah and Gabby both shook their heads. "Damn. Maybe Ashley took it back to the Warehouse."

Just then Ashley and Helena walked in the room. "What did I take back to the Warehouse?"

"That belt that helps me walk but doesn't hurt. I wanna walk down the aisle at our wedding." Barbara glared at Ashley, "with my father." Ashley made a face. "I'm inviting him Ashley. I don't see why you are so against this. He gave you my mother's ring."

Just then Carolyn walked in. "I thought you said it was her grandmother's?" she said.

"That's what her father told me." Ashley looked at Barbara and asked, "Why would he lie to me?" Barbara shrugged. "So I take it that ring is a big deal?"

"Dick asked him for it when we were in college and he wouldn't give it to him, not because we were too young but because he didn't think Dick was good enough for me." Barbara smiled at Ashley and Ashley smiled back.

February First …

Ashley was pacing back and forth in the kitchen. She was on the phone talking to someone. "What do you mean you can't do it? You said you would." Ashley nodded even though she knew the person on the phone could not see her. "I understand that but you said that you would. Well, where am I supposed to find a priest who will marry a lesbian couple in two weeks?" Ashley listened to the man on the phone. "Yeah, thanks. Bye."

Ashley hung up the phone as Carolyn walked into the room. "What's wrong?"

"The priest just pulled out. What am I gonna do?" Carolyn shrugged. "I'm going to Gibson's. Maybe he knows a meta-priest who will be willing to marry us."

Gibson's …

"Hey Gibson."

"Ah, dear Ashley. What may I ask is wrong?"

"You know how Barbara and I are getting married, right?" Gibson nodded. "Well, the only priest we could find who would be willing to marry us just pulled out. You wouldn't happen to know anyone who could marry us, would ya?"

Gibson put a glass in front of Ashley. "As a matter of fact I do."

"Well …"

"Me." Ashley looked at Gibson and smiled.

The night before the wedding at the Clocktower …

"This sucks!" exclaimed Barbara. "Why can't Ashley stay here?"

"Its bad luck Babs," said Dinah as she set a bowl of popcorn on the coffee table. "Helena stayed here the night before her wedding so you can too."

"It'll be fine Barbara. We'll have fun. Helena went and rented all of your favorite movies. Then Dinah and I went and bought a bunch of junk food," Gabby said.

"I wonder what Ashley is doing at the Warehouse," mused Barbara.

At the Warehouse …

"This sucks!" Ashley yelled.

"Quiet down Ash. Rachel is sleeping," Carolyn scolded Ashley.

"Sorry," Ashley said. "I'm just bored out of my mind and I miss Barbara. We've never spent an entire night apart since we got back together. I don't know if I can survive."

"Stop be so dramatic," Bruce said. "Barbara is probably just as bored as you Sis. Be happy. You get married tomorrow. If you don't want to suffer go to sleep. The sooner you get to sleep the sooner tomorrow will come."

>And I can sneak out the window to see Barbara,< Ashley thought. She jumped up and ran to her bedroom. "Goodnight!" she yelled over her shoulder.

Back at the Clocktower …

Barbara woke with a start when she heard a someone or something knocking on her bedroom window. >There are only two people who can get to that window and one is asleep on the couch<. Barbara moved over to the window and opened it.

Ashley stuck her head in. "Hey Red," she said then climbed all the way in. She kissed Barbara and handed her a belt. "Forgot to give this to you earlier. You should put it on now so you can get use to walking again. That one night you were a little wobbily at first."

"Thanks," Barbara said. She watched Ashley look at the door. "What's wrong?"

"Helena's up. Gotta go." Ashley quickly kissed Barbara and jumped out the window. She stuck her head back in and said, "Love ya. Bye."

"Bye."

Helena opened the door. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, just talking to myself. Can't sleep?" Helena shook her head. "Come on. Neither can I," Barbara said as she led Helena out of her bedroom.

The next day at the church … (A/N: I borrowed their vows from Charmed with a few alterations)

Ashley stood at the altar shifting from foot to foot. She was watching the door that Barbara would soon be coming though. She watched Helena, Dinah, and Gabby come out followed by her little girl throwing flowers. Her face lit up when they started the wedding march and Barbara and her father came into view. Tears were running down her face by the time she reached the altar. Barbara wiped the tears away when she reached Ashley.

"Dearly beloved," Gibson started. "We are gathered here today to join these two in holy matrimony. Who gives the bride away?"

Commissioner Gordon stepped up and said, "I do."

"Okay. If there are any objections to these two getting married, speak now or forever hold your peace." Helena gave anyone who might have talked a look that if looks could kill they would be dead. "The couple have asked that Mr. Gordon now read a poem."

Commissioner Gordon walked up. "My daughter gave me a book of poetry to pick a poem from. With several pages marked off for me to look at." Everyone laughed. "I think this one is the best."

Steady Yourself

Jewel

Steady yourself, love / steady yourself / for victory is near / Shut out the world / with its tyranny of noise / none of this matters now / Draw strength from the vision the deepest / folds of your soul / so longs for / For it is a song we all sing / Steady yourself, love, / upon my gaze / in this corridor / & waver not in the face / of the battle cry

We will not be beaten / Lose not your faith now / for I need it to strengthen my own / and should your steps / falter, mine would / grow lonely in this / world of coal and roses

We are the living / and the living / must love the world / It is our duty / to fill our hearts / with all the anguish and joy / of our brothers and sisters / Steady yourself, love, / be strong beside me / and know our / unrelenting gives them / dis-ease, and that / the clearer your mouth / raises itself in / songs of freedom / the more others will come to / warm themselves around / the flag of your faith / For our numbers grow / and soon will outweigh / their tattered armies / and I want you heart / to rejoice in its / inevitable victory

Both Ashley and Barbara hugged and thanked the Commissioner. "Now the couple will recite their vows that they have written."

"Ashley, through all the tears and struggles, I always knew in my heart that we would make it here. I promise to love and respect you from this point forever as your wife. As my wife, my lover, my friend, and my soulmate. All I am is yours." Barbara then slid a silver claddagh ring on Ashley's left ring finger.

"Barbara, your the best thing that's ever happened to me. I was afraid that you were too good to be true. That maybe I didn't deserve someone so pure, and beautiful and loving as you are. But here we are surrounded by the people I love the most and I feel so proud to be your wife. Red, I was born to love you, and I always will." Ashley then slid a claddagh ring onto Barbara's left ring finger as well.

"Ashley Wayne, do you take Barbara Gordon to be you lawful wedded wife?"

"I do."

"Barbara Gordon, do you take Ashley Wayne to be your lawful wedded wife?"

"I do."

"Then, by the power invest in me I now pronounce you wife and wife. You may kiss the bride." Everyone in the church clapped as Ashley and Barbara sealed their marriage.

Epilogue

At the reception hall …

"Ladies' and gentleman, for their first dance as a wedded couple, the bride's have chosen "Wind Beneath My Wings."

Ohhhh, oh, oh, oh, ohhh. / It must have been cold there in my shadow, / to never have sunlight on your face. / You were content to let me shine, that's your way. / You always walked a step behind.

So I was the one with all the glory, / while you were the one with all the strain. / A beautiful face without a name for so long. / A beautiful smile to hide the pain.

Did you ever know that you're my hero, / and everything I would like to be? / I can fly higher than an eagle, / for you are the wind beneath my wings.

It might have appeared to go unnoticed, / but I've got it all here in my heart. / I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it. / I would be nothing without you.

Did you ever know that you're my hero? / You're everything I wish I could be. / I could fly higher than an eagle, / for you are the wind beneath my wings.

Did I ever tell you you're my hero? / You're everything, everything I wish I could be. / Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle, / for you are the wind beneath my wings, / 'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

Oh, the wind beneath my wings. / You, you, you, you are the wind beneath my wings. / Fly, fly, fly away. You let me fly so high. / Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings. / Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.

Fly, fly, fly high against the sky, / so high I almost touch the sky. / Thank you, thank you, / thank God for you, the wind beneath my wings.

The rest of the party went on without a hitch. Everyone was having a great time and there was plenty to eat. The newlyweds couldn't have been happier. The DJ came on over the microphone and said, "Alright everyone. Its time to cut the cake." Everyone gathered around as Ashley and Barbara both held the knife and made the first cut.

THE END

Ry_Rain

Birds of Prey

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