It was a few weeks before the wedding. Summer was almost over, and although Rowan was mentally preparing for school, he knew he had one more moment ahead of him for which he was gathering courage.

Casey was going to be his best man, as they had agreed many months ago, and naturally, he had asked Lynnie to be his maid of honor. 

The villain didn't have many people he could invite to his wedding, and although the fact that two of them were standing right beside him meant he wouldn't see many faces he knew in the crowd, it didn't discourage him—quite the opposite. Only one last thing remained to be arranged.

“Max?” he addressed the older hero before he could change his mind again and falsely tell himself that this conversation still had time. In reality, he had put it off for so long that there was a chance his uncle would say no, even though it was unlikely.

“Yes?” Max asked, noticing his state of mind and frowning. “Is everything alright?”

“Fine.” The villain nodded. “Do you have time to talk?”

Right now, they were back at the house, and Max was off work. There was no reason for him to say no, but he asked the question anyway, as if hoping his uncle would refuse to talk to him, saying he had something better to do. Needless to say, that didn't happen.

“Of course.”

They were standing in the kitchen, and Rowan came closer so they could stand across from each other, though the table still separated them.

“I was thinking…” he began, but didn’t finish the sentence. He wasn't sure how to proceed, and although Max could have encouraged him to continue, he didn't, and instead waited patiently.

“You know Casey is my best man.” The villain decided on a better strategy after a moment.

The older hero nodded. It was one of the first pieces of information Rowan announced to everyone after they officially started planning the wedding. Not that he had many demands. He mostly just said no to all of Ciara's extravagant ideas and all of Sawyer's unconventional ones that he found entertaining.

“I still need someone to walk me down the aisle,” the villain finally got to the point. “Would you do it?”

It was clear that Max hadn't expected such a request. His expression was taken aback, while his gaze was full of emotion. Rowan was certain he wouldn't refuse, but he still wanted to hear it aloud.

The hero, whose hair was becoming increasingly gray with time, nodded first and then offered his nephew a smile. However, it was difficult for him to hold onto it, as it was obvious tears were welling up in his eyes and affecting the twitching of his mouth.

"Of course," he said aloud, his voice now carrying the weight of his emotions. "It would be an honor."