Chapter Text
October 11th 2030
Stephanie was awoken by someone climbing into her bed. She opened her eyes and smiled at Cass, her lovely wife.
“Long night?”
“It’s four in the morning. Harper is still in the cave. Also I got shot a little.”
Stephanie glanced at Cass’s torso. She could see the bandages that might around her; either the bullet went through or Cass got shot in the front and back.
“Scars are sexy.” Stephanie smiled.
Cass kissed her forehead. “Go back to sleep, we both need our rest.”
“First, we have a guest. Her name is Cathy and she’s my daughter.” Stephanie said, sitting up.
“Your daughter? The baby from when you were a teen? Stephanie… are you doing okay?”
“No, I am. But she’s pregnant and alone. She’s older than I was when I had her but she’s still just a kid. Her adoptive parents and dead and I found her on the streets. I didn’t even know who she was until I meet her as Dr. Wayne in the clinic.” Stephanie frowned. Everything was still so confusing and difficult.
“We will make her feel at home and safe. Waynes are known for taking in kids who need a home.” Cass said.
“You’re right. But we can’t tell the kids who she is. She asked me not to tell anyone but I can’t just keep that from you and Harper.”
“Okay. Now, sleep.”
Stephanie was woken up again by a tiny body climbing on top of her. Timmy smiled at her. Barb was standing by the bedside.
“Hello little monsters that share my dna.”
“Gramps wants you. He said it’s important.” Barb said.
Stephanie frowned. “You should tell your grandpa that he’s a little bitch.”
“Mommy! That’s a potty word.” Timmy dramatically gasped.
Stephanie ruffled his hair and picked him up as she got out of bed. She followed Barb to Bruce’s office.
“Morning, old man.”
“Stephanie, I believe I have some apologizing to do, related to your... guest.” Bruce said.
“Barb. Timmy. Go now, me and your grandpa must talk about adults things.” Stephanie set Timmy down and he and Barb ran out of the office. She wasn’t ready for them to know that she had another daughter. Sure, their bedtime story told them that she did but they weren’t old enough to actually think too much about it. And besides, she never thought Cathy would show up in Gotham ever.
“I promised you she would never want for anything and I failed the promise. I kept tabs on her until I was lost for a year. And then Damian was mur- Damian died. I am sorry for putting her on the back burner.” Bruce frowned but not his usual frown; Stephanie had learned over the years that he had a different frown for when he actually felt bad. This was a bad one.
“You just apologized to me. Huh. I’m surprised you didn’t burst into flames. I honestly want to be pissed at you. You could have gotten her out of foster care or something. Anything. However, a lot of bad shit has happened since then. Last time you checked, she had a perfect and happy life.” Stephanie shrugged. She really couldn’t blame him. He tried his best and now he was sorry for something he couldn’t control.
Bruce nodded. “She’s in the dining room. Tallant has already became very interested in her and kept asking questions about her baby. And how it got there.”
Stephanie smiled. “Good girl, I’m going to go save her from the child that turns the legendary Talia al Ghul and Batman into putty.”
Bruce scoffed as she left the room but he did not deny it.
Stephanie found that Bruce was right and Tallant was busy talking to Cathy to even eat his oatmeal. Talia sat next to them smiling.
“Good morning. What time is it?”
“It’s seven.” Talia answered. Seven? Oh. Right. The kids had school in an hour and a half.
“I’m so glad I don’t work the day shift today. Cathy, did you sleep alright?” Stephanie asked.
“Yeah. The bed was so comfortable.” Cathy answered.
“Steph! Cathy said she plays piano! Just like you!” Tallant smiled.
Stephanie gave him a smile. “That’s cool.”
“Yeah! And she thinks it is valid to eat ice cream for breakfast.”
Talia and Stephanie both laughed at that.
Cathy smiled. “He asked if I had ever ate ice cream for breakfast and I said yes.”
“Tallant, you know you’re not suppose to pull guests into your personal battles. It’s not fair.” Stephanie said.
Tallant rolled his eyes. “I’ve seen you, Cass, and Harper given Barb and Timmy ice cream for breakfast. Why can’t I have it for breakfast?”
“Because you are my son, not Stephanie’s. Besides a healthy breakfast will help you grow up big and strong like me.” Talia ruffled his hair.
“Oummi!” He whined.
Cathy giggled. It was then Stephanie noticed she was still wearing the clothes from last night.
“Cathy, may I speak to you for just a moment alone?” Stephanie asked.
“Okay.” Cathy looked at her, brown eyes filled with confusion and just a tiny bit of worry.
Stephanie didn’t say a word until they were in the hall. “When’s the last time you changed your clothes?”
“I don’t know the day I left.” Cathy frowned.
“Alright. I should be able to find some clothes for you to wear but after you take a nice shower or bath and use all the fancy soaps you want and change clothes I want to take you shopping and you can get whatever you want.” Stephanie said. She didn’t want to overstep but Cathy was a kid.
“That sounds good. Thank you for everything. I think- I think I might want to stick around. This is the first place in years that has felt like a home I could be happy in. Talia was telling me about all of her kids and grandchildren and I know that my parents would have made wonderful grandparents but their gone and I want my baby to have a family in case something were to happen to me.” Cathy started to cry halfway through.
Stephanie hugged her. For the first time ever she hugged her first baby.