The Flightless

Birds of a Feather

"You know me better than anyone else in this world, and somehow still you manage to love me. Today, I promise you, Sera, that I choose you over all others, even myself."

From the few seats around my dining room table, Harleen sniffles into her sleeve.

"I love you Os," I say, "I love what I know of you, and trust what I don't. Home is wherever you are. You are the love of my life. I promise to be there for you, forever."

Jim closes the small notebook. "It is with pleasure that I conclude the ceremony of renewing the vows of marriage that joined you as husband and wife. You may kiss your wife."

Penguin's lips meet easily with mine. Our small group of friends claps and cheers for our reunion.

All is well once again. The heart in my chest feels light; the air in my lungs is cool and clean; the smile on my face is genuine and true.

We've gathered in merry fellowship, eating delicious, non-rationed food and wine. Barbara, Jim, and Lee leave pretty early to make sure Barbara Lee gets a good night's rest. Alfred shortly follows them out. Harvey Bullock and Lucius Fox leave last after a massive helping of cake and rum.

"Are you sure you can handle her?" I ask, checking Dinah's vitals once more.

Harleen pushes me out the door. "We're fine here, Sera. Go enjoy your husband for the first time in like a year and a half."

"No harm shall come to your child on our watch," Nabu attempts to assure us. "Enjoy your evening."

We finally find it in ourselves to pull away, but Edward stops us before we leave the driveway.

He hands my husband a condom between two fingers. "Please wear this. While I've grown to tolerate the little... songbird, please keep everyone else in mind. I really don't think you can afford another mistake."

Oswald snatches the preventive from his best friend. "My daughter is not a mistake, Nygma."

"Sure. Have fun, but not irresponsible fun. See you tomorrow."

We arrive at our grand hotel shortly.

"Well, my dear? What do you think?"

My eyes are drawn to the city, as they have been for so many years now. Our room rests high above the Gotham horizon. In the distance, I can make out the bright lights from the construction workers as they wrap up work on our bridges. Amanda Waller has kept up every promise since she arrived six months ago.

Gotham waits with bated breath for the storm to hit. One of these days, she's going to strike against my husband and his growing crime family. He's done all he can to keep his name out of people's mouths, but it's rather difficult as the King of Gotham once again.

However, Amanda Waller can wait one more night.

"It has a nice view of our kingdom," I chuckle.

Os pours two glasses of wine and joins me at the window. For the first time since Gotham's been declared safe, we take a moment to be together in the quiet. Our hands find each other.

"It does, doesn't it?"

We've always been fascinated by our hometown. We share a bond with Gotham like no one else. Our DNA is woven within these very streets and alleyways. That's where it all started. If Jim hadn't taken me to Bamonte's so long ago, I would've never had the random, wonderful chance of introducing myself to the best of my life.

I rest my head against his shoulder and set my drink on the window sill. I need no alcohol to appreciate this pure, innocent moment. "I love you, Oswald."