Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The first week after little Ava came into the world was a whirlwind. Mainly from the sleep deprivation. While she slept lots, she woke at two-hour intervals needing food or a change. And she hated not being held. Especially when Eve tried to put her down. Not that Eve put her down often. But how hard it was not to nod off all the time with how little sleep she got. 

Breastfeeding was not, in any way, magical. It was painful upmost. Before birth, her boobs swelled and nipples had enlarged and darkened, and became pointier to make it easier for the baby to see and latch. However the process of starting breast feeding was hard and painful. Figuring out how to get baby to latch, and small feeding at a time for the first couple of days until her milk really came in. And her nipples cracked and bled, becoming so sensitive. Eve decided to pump as well, so that way Ava could get used to bottle and then Dick or a sitter could feed her. While pumping did help bring the milk in faster, it was not enjoyable either. 

“I feel like a cow.” Eve had said once; Ava on one breast and the electric pump on the other making mechanical noises to use suction. 

“You’re a beautiful cow.” Dick held out her water for her to sip, she got incredibly thirsty feeding. 

Ever since the birth, Eve had become completely desensitized to being naked around him. He had seen practically everything already. And she had been so tired and still pumped full of hormones from her brain to care anymore. If he was bothered he could look away. It wasn’t like she was completely naked. She often was in a nursing bra and a giant diaper and would throw a robe over her shoulders when she got cold. But with the frequent feedings she needed something easy to take on and off. And it wasn’t like she was going anywhere. 

The giant diapers weren’t just diaper. Jean showed them how to load them with a giant pad saturated with witch hazel and dye free aloe and chilled in the freezer which Eve came to appreciated very quickly. 

Eve’s belly had deflated a bit since Ava came out. There was a significant deflate after the first day, and then slowly did it shrink down. Jean showed her how to belly bind to help with healing. So she had a diaper, a belly band, a nursing bra she’d pop on and off between feeding and pumping, and silver nipple covers when she wasn’t so the fabric would irritate her bleeding nipples, and a robe she put over her shoulders. Her hair she had put up into a bun that was getting matted. And since her privates were still a bleeding mess, she had to sit on a circle pillow and waddle from the bathroom to the bed. 

Dick was more than happy to take on the rest of the load. Eve kept her house clean and did some serious nesting/deep cleaning leading up to the birth, and since she stayed upstairs there wasn’t much to maintain. Alfred set up many frozen meals Dick reheated which was great as he struggled cooking. While the rest of the family, Maisie in particular was rabid with  impatience, he kept them updated how Eve and baby were doing but told them neither were ready for visitors yet. He did have some pictures sent to placate them. 

The rest of the time he spent helping Eve. Whether is was to the bathroom or a morning feeding to let her get some sleep or brushing her hair. Anything she needed help with he was right there. Happy to do diaper changes and clean spit-up. No matter how gross the messes were, he was already there to jump in and do them. 

Eve watched him walk up and down the hall with Ava on his shoulder, trying to sooth her to sleep. He seemed a natural dad; anyone would see him and think she was his. His confidence holding her had already gained more comfortability. He was ready to jump to feed or change her, or to take her when Eve was getting overwhelmed and need a moment. And when he wasn’t taking care of Ava, he was taking care of her. Like the perfect father and perfect partner. 

Only he wasn’t her partner. He was her friend. Her very involved friend. Maybe too involved. But she couldn’t push him away now; she was still in the early days of healing and had a newborn. She needed help. Once she got more healed and settled into a routine she could take on more and lessen his amount of help. If he’d step back of course. For now she’d take his help. Though it did make feelings about him get more… complicated. 

The pump stopped and Eve tore her eyes from the doorway to take off her milkers. Each day seemed to be getting a bit more. Her milk was in so theoretically it was getting easier. Once her nipples weren’t so raw it’d be easier. 

“Anyone who’s ever said breastfeeding was magical or natural should get punched in the face.” She grumbled to her other as she poured one into a bottle, then the other to see how much she got. 

“I got fresh milk if she’s hungry.” She called. 

“I think she’s out,” he said in a low voice as he walked-bounced in. One hand cradling her tiny head and the other her body so the newborn was practically hidden in his large hands. The most precious of cargo. 

“Good.” Eve grunted as she adjusted in her seat, snapping her nursing bra back on. 

Dick kept bouncing a little, shifting his weight from one leg to the other. Smiling kindly at the other of the tiny angle in his hands. “How are you Evie? Can I get you anything?” 

“No. I’ve milked myself and will do again in a few hours.” 

“All to feed sweet Ava.” 

“Yes… just like a cow.” 

Dick chuckled a little, not to make too much noise. “Like all good mothers. Is it getting any easier?” 

“They’re not as bloody.” She got the nipple covers off her nightstand and popped them on. The cool metal a relief. “Though I might loath it as much as the end of pregnancy now.” 

“I’m sorry.” 

She sat up and scooted to the edge of the bed, grabbling the pump parts to clean. 

“I can do that for you.” 

“You, have a baby in your hands.” She pointed out. 

“True, but I can trade you and then you don’t have to get up.” 

“I can do it.” Eve slowly turned to put her legs over the edge of the bed. Taking a pause to steady her weight. She slowly pushed forward, wincing a little as she transitioned. Getting up was easier than sitting back down. Walking had a bit more of a gate to it to try and not aggravate the open wound that was her vagina’s current state. Even with the faster healing she had as one of the perks of housing a Goddess. “I’m not completely incapable.” 

“Of course not. I would never say such a thing. But,” he followed her, “You did just have a baby. You get the right of having me do all the work while you recover. The ultimate trump card to veto everything you don’t want to do.” 

“I had a baby a week ago.” 

“Yes. And it took nine months to make her. Stands to reason it would take the same amount of time to fully recover.” 

She reached the bathroom where she had some cleaning brushes, soap and a drying mat set up by the sink so they didn’t have to go all the way down to the kitchen every time, though there was a similar setup there as well. “I’m not spending nine months in bed doing nothing. And second, like major surgery it takes like 6 weeks to recover, and in my case probably more like 3-4.” 

“You still just had a baby.” He lifted Ava’s tiny fist, it couldn’t even fit all the way around his finger. “A precious little angel.” 

Eve shook her head a little as she turned on the tap. Taking apart the pump to clean the parts that had touched her breasts and had milk in it. A quick scrub and rinse before setting them to dry. 

Ava made a little squeak in her sleep. Newborns made quite a deal of noise not just when crying. Dick found it all adorable. Squeaks, coos, and cries alike. And the tiny hairs on her still red head. The smell from her head. So sweet, sweet little Ava. 

Eve dried her hands and looked to her daughter. A sweet sight to see. Drawing her closer to get a whiff, and to kiss her baby’s head. It was impossible to resist. 

Dick smiled and cooed. One would look upon this little moment and think what a beautiful family. And truth be told, it was hard not to get caught up in the fantasy. At least for him. She was focused on Ava. Impossible not to be. Her tiny baby was so dependent on her still. Even though she was out now she needed constant touch and frequent feedings and changes. But… there were moments watching Dick with her daughter that made her feel funny things. She chalked it up to hormones running wild in her system plus sleep deprivation and a new stage of vulnerability. 

“I can’t wait for the family to meet her. Maisie’s getting rabid waiting.” Dick whispered. 

“She’s been rabid since I told her I was pregnant.” Eve said as Ava moved her head a little. “She can wait a bit longer.” 

“Sure, just how much longer? So I can tell them something?” 

“Dick, I’m not exactly presentable for guests these days. I haven't put on real clothes since this one came out of me. Or combed my hair. Or even brushed my teeth. The only people who is to see this mess is you and Ava and she can’t see much.”

“You look beautiful. Tired, but beautiful.” He looked at her. 

Her cheeks heated up, “I think the sleep deprivation has messed with your brain. Or eyesight.” 

“It hasn’t. Though if you wanted to take a shower, I got the little angel.”

That wasn’t a horrible suggestion. Only had one shower three days after giving birth and likely smelled ripe. Eve used to shower every other day. But now was tired all the time and also didn’t move much so didn’t feel as necessary. 

“You sure?” 

Ava started fussing, making him start move again. “Yes. Shower, brush your hair and teeth. I got her.” 

Eve didn’t argue much. Even though the mom guilt quickly rose up. Ava was safe with him. She was sleeping. He could handle watching her for a little bit. It was just very hard not to be around her. They were one for so long to be separate was alien. A shower felt like a luxury. Time alone felt like a luxury. Sleep even, had become a luxury. Felt good but limited in time and occurrence. Anything she could be doing, she could be taking care of her daughter she had worked so very hard at having. Only hoping one day when the hormones calmed down she would feel less conflicted about basic hygiene and self care. 

It was a bit awkward taking care of herself. Washing was a hurtle especially between her legs. She couldn’t touch much. Had to have the shower head on it’s gentlest setting and lightly run it across her undercarriage, watching the blood and tissue clots still falling out go down the drain like a horror movie. Only unscented, anti bacterial soap, and not too hot water. Gently pat dry with paper towels before getting her super diaper-pad combo on. It was annoying how much of a wound her vagina still was. The blood was annoying but the pain was the most inconvenient part. She couldn’t walk normal, couldn’t sit down, or even have normal bowel movements. Her first one after giving birth was… lets call it a bit intense. And even though peeing wasn’t horrible, she couldn’t wipe. She had to use a bottle with a long tube as a manual bidet basically, and then gently dab with some tissue after. 

Eve longed for when she was healed and could do such mundane things again without pain. It seemed like it was taking forever. Having been a bit spoiled with self healing provided via Goddess for a good chunk of her life was one of the factors. The other being she just hated being hurt. 

~You were the one who decided to make a child. Birthing is a consequence and you are already healing faster than most women in your position.~ Az told her. 

“Yet I feel as though you could make it just a bit faster.” Eve muttered. Suspecting the Goddess was slower as some way to get back at her for becoming pregnant. Her Other did have the capacity for resentment and spite. 

~This is entirely of your own doing.~

“I am aware.” She took down her unwashed hair to try and comb out the rat’s nest she was sure it was. She should just chop it off so she didn’t have to deal with it. She just didn’t have time to go find a hair stylist and get it done. 

Washing and detailing took longer but she did feel better. Once she towel dried, she braided her hair to get it out of her face and not tangle while it dried. She only put her adult diaper and robe on. Take a break from the belly band and honestly her nursing bra needed to be washed. And since she had just pumped she wasn’t in dire need of support. Taking a moment to take in her appearance when the fog had cleared enough from the glass. All things consider, she didn’t look too awful. Dark circles, acne, and her belly aside. She poked the super squishy torso of what used to be her belly bump. It had deflated a lot and now felt more like loose skin. Proof of the work her body had put in, despite knowing it would take a while to go, she was looking forward to not have the belly anymore. 

Tying the robe close, Eve exited the bathroom to a quiet bedroom. Feeling refreshed, there was something chore wise she could do. Perhaps strip the bed and change the sheets? Or run her dishes downstairs? Maybe sweep and run the vacuum, probably needed after a week?

Her musing was interrupted before she could make a decision by her phone ringing. She went over to her nightstand to see who was calling. The id was Mary (mom). Groaning, she picked it up and answered. Her mother didn’t call often, but when she did if she didn’t answer would repeat the attempt in frequent succession. 

“Hi Mom.” Eve started. She had a reserved relationship with her adopted Mother. By the time Eve was adopted she had built up a wall with others. They were also, fundamentally, very different people. Mary was vain, superficial, Waspy rich woman desperate to maintain social status above everything else. Eve, well, was not any of that. She didn’t like bragging with her money and status, nor did she see herself as particularly vain or superficial. Rather she tired to be humble. Keep to herself. The biggest annoyance was when her mother cared enough to talk she tried to push Eve to be more like her and didn’t seem to see her way of thinking was not how everyone thought. 

“Eve honey, how are you? I just got back from a trip to the Maldives with Janet and the girls on Ryan Swatson’s new Yacht. Gorgeous boat! Really out done himself this time. You should have been there it was marvelous.” As expected, Mary raved about her latest trip and gossip. Always feeling like her life was so interesting and catching up with a friend instead of her daughter who could care less. 

“Oh really. That’s nice.” Eve responded robotically as she carefully sat back down on her bed. She mastered a script of responses and could apply without actually listening to anything she said. Her mom had yet to notice. 

Dick appeared in the doorway with Ava while she was on the phone. Quietly stepping in as he lightly bounced the infant to keep her happy. Eve was already half listening to her mom and less so with her child in the room. 

“Anyways the reason I called is that Martha Honel is hosting a big event, some charity auction, gala what-have you. Big soirée. All the high class people.” 

“Ok, and?” 

“Well you should come dear! I can’t remember the last time you’ve been to one of those and, don’t take this the wrong way but you are getting on in years. You really need to find yourself a wealthy man before you’re deemed too old.” 

Eve scowled, “Mom I’m 25, that is not old. Second, we don’t live in the victorian era anymore. And I’m not interested in dating a snobby rich nobody. Also I don’t live in Gotham anymore.” 

“Honey youth is a high prized commodity us women only have for a short period and you’r best years are already almost behind you. The most you are valued is when you’re young! Which is why you need to land yourself a rich husband now to secure a comfortable life before you are too old and looked over for a younger model.” 

“Mom you know I own my own house. I have my own money I don’t need to get someone else’s.” 

“That tiny small town cottage? I’m sure it’s cute but hardly anything to show for.” Mary was very oblivious how being a homeowner was difficult for most people these days. “You need more! Multiple homes, vacation properties, portfolios, trusts! Things you can really live on!” 

Eve made eye contact with Dick and mouthed “Oh My God!” At him as her mother continued her tirade. 

“There’s even going to be some prospects within your age range if you’re picky about dating older men.” 

“Mom,” Eve interrupted wanting to end the conversation, “I, have a busy schedule and a house to run and a job.” 

“All the more reason you should come and introduce yourself to some eligible bachelors! Get a wealthy husband so you don’t have to work anymore!” 

“While I appreciate the thought, I am very busy for that right now. Look, I got to go. Regards to your friends, talk with you more later, bye.” Eve rushed the goodbye yada and ended the call before she exasperated herself further. 

Dick adjusted his position holding Ava, “your mom?” 

“Yeah. Trying to get me to go to some stupid rich people thing and find a husband. Like I’m some spinster in a period movie. Even if I hadn’t just given birth, I would rather snort saltwater that do that.” 

“You could have told her you just had a baby.” 

She gave him a sarcastic laugh, “No! I could not. That would have set Mary off on a tirade of how could I have a baby, not tell her, and not even be the result of trying to baby trap a rich man! She would be so offended at the idea of me being a single mom I would never hear the end of it. Are you out of your mind?” 

He frowned a little, “I know you’re not close, but you really going to keep your daughter a secret from her for the rest of your life?” 

“Dick, she knows NOTHING about my life. She calls, maybe 6-8 months to talk about herself and her friends and gossip over the most pointless things. All she cares about is herself and she has no interest in knowing anything about my life. Hell, I haven’t seen her in person in over three years. It was stupidly easy to keep my pregnancy a secret from her. I don’t live in Gotham anymore, don’t interact with anyone from her social circle, and I am certain she’d never pop by for a visit. So yes, choosing to keep my daughter a secret to spare her from being around a vain ‘grandmom’ and keep myself sane sounds like a great idea.” 

“What about your dad?” 

“We talk maybe twice a year over the phone and it last only three minutes tops. It is the long distance acquaintance relationship we have always had and frankly wish my mom would adopt as well.” 

“If your mom bothers you so much, why did you bother answering her call?” 

“I don’t feel like having her blow up my phone.” Eve wiped her eyes. Normally frustration wouldn’t send her to tears but she had so many hormones that she was still a cry risk. “It’s just easier to deal with this way ok!” 

“Ok, I’m sorry I brought it up.” He didn’t like seeing her get upset though. He forgot how much interacting with her adopted mother did that to her. He had met Mary a few times when they were younger and wasn’t much of a fan either. “You just seem upset having to talk to her.” 

“Yeah well,” Eve sniffed to wrangle her emotions, “I can’t completely cut her out without fear she’d do something stupid and try suicide.” 

“Come on, she wouldn’t-“ 

“She would. She tried before.” Eve interrupted him. “When the divorce got finalized she tried to overdose on sleeping pills and alcohol. She went to rehab.” 

Dick looked at her wide eyed. “Geez, I had no idea.” 

“I know. I didn’t tell you.” They weren’t talking then. Not frequently anyways. And like most things, she kept it to herself and worked through it on her own. 

He was rather concerned about this new information. “Do you want to talk about it?” 

“No it’s been over two years now, it’s in the past. I can deal with my pain in the ass mom how I want to. She doesn’t need to know about my baby and my baby doesn’t need to know about her. All I need is my baby and for this conversation to end.” 

She knew her family dynamics had some messed up things a therapist would tell her to unpack. But now was not the time to get into all that. She was supposed to be resting and healing and bonding with her newborn. Keep moving, keep her head above the water, keep things separated. Mom was a separate issue she wasn’t going to deal with right now as she had a bigger priority. She made that choice going into this. Frankly got lucky her mom didn’t bug her at all during her pregnancy. There was a strong chance it’d be another eight months before she hears from her again. 

“C’mon. Give me my baby.” 

He gingerly passed the newborn over seeing the tiny face scrunch up. “Need anything?” 

“No. I am showered. I have my baby. I’m good. Go do something for yourself.” She waved him off. He had been very helpful today aside from trying to argue on how she should deal with her family. He deserved a break too. Hopefully get out of the house a little. But she didn’t tell him that. 

He nodded and reminded her to let him know if she changes her mind before leaving. 

Eve listened to him go downstairs and adjusted herself. Trying to find a comfortable position without disturbing her daughter too much. The tiny head and hands and curled in the onesy seemingly a little big on her. Precious little sleeping face that made her want to kiss it over and over again. How fast her mood could change looking at her. Listening to her little squeaks and whimpers. She was obsessed with her and not just because of the hormones. 

“We don’t need that drama.” She said in a lighter voice. “Just you and me. That’s all we need. I’ll take care of you all by myself. Who needs extended family? Just a loving mom and some well meaning pseudo uncles and aunt. Grandparents are overrated anyways. We don’t need them.” 

~a week old and already you’re trying to transfer your bitterness~ Az chided unexpectedly.

“I’m not! I- am just simply stating a fact.” Eve flushed in embarrassment.

~Sure. You don’t need anything or anyone. Aside from your live in wannabe baby daddy.~ 

“Azu-lyn! Don’t refer to him like that ever again.” Eve almost woke her daughter up. 

While her mom might exasperate and frustrate her, her Other seemed to know exactly how to embarrass her. 

Chapter Text

Maisie was vibrating in her seat. Alfred was driving them up to EagleWood after they had finally gotten the long awaited invite. Felt like a long wait. Two weeks since Eve had her baby. And while Dick had been giving them pictures and little updates, what she really wanted was to see in person. But he had told her and the rest of the family she wanted alone time with the baby and to heal. Which while hard to hear, she respected. 

“I can’t wait until we get there!” She told Jason for the fourth time. They were a little crammed with all of them loaded up in a single car. Not even a limo as to keep a low profile. So they were crammed a little. But it would be worth it to meet the newborn. 

Eve had sent out a list of rules and expectations for them as part of the invitation.

1. No illness. Even if you think your might have a cough or a spike in temperature stay away. 
2. No gifts unless it’s a prepared meal. Something easily microwaveable. 
3. Must wash hands upon arrival if you want to hold the baby. 
4. No kissing the baby or breathing directly in her face. 
5. When I ask for the baby back, hand her over promptly without fuss. 

Reasonable rules for meeting a newborn. Even though Eve had super healing powers it made sense she didn’t want to expose her brand new baby to germs. Ava’s immune system was too new! 

Maisie didn’t know about the rest of them, but this would be the first time she would be around a baby. She had seen them in public and on tv and stuff, but hadn’t spent any actual time with them. She had Alfred coach her how to hold one with some cleverly folded towels with apples to give some weight. Course she knew it wouldn’t be like the real thing but the practice did make her feel slightly better. She only hoped that her hands won’t shake too much. 

By the time they arrived Ava had woken from her nap but needed a feeding. Dick went to go greet the guests and get everything situated downstairs. Greeting his family warmly. Lots of hugs. Maisie had the biggest longest one of course. 

“Hi! Feels like forever since we saw you. How are you? How’s things been? Where’s Evie and the baby?” 

“Slow down Maisie, he can’t answer if you keep rapid firing him.” Jason told her. 

“Eve is upstairs feeding Ava right the moment, but they’ll come down when they’re done.” Dick answered what he figured was the most pressing question first. “Come on in and sit down.” He answered the rest of the questions while everyone took a seat in the cozy living room. Just enough seats with a couple foldable chairs added in. 

Jason didn’t listen so much to his answers but watched his brother. Taking in the changes. Dick looked tired. Like up for 72-hours straight tired. Still seemed to find time to shower and shave though. But the bags under his eyes and the paleness of his skin did not lie. Yet he sat with a smile and talked with them instead of taking a nap or something.

“Have you been staying here?” Bruce asked. 

“I’ve been home a couple of times. Mostly stayed around here to help out. Take care of the house and stuff.” He nodded. 

“Did you watch the birth?” Damien asked. 

Tim added quickly, “Did you faint? Lot of guys faint.” 

“Uh- I was in the room and no I did not faint.” 

“How’s Miss Eve been transitioning into Motherhood?” Alfred asked after putting the prepared meals he made into the fridge and freezer. 

“Yeah, how’s everything been?” Maisie asked. 

Dick crossed his leg over his knee. “It’s… I mean Eve is amazing. You know? Pregnancy and birth and, now taking care of a newborn. She’s just, I mean I think she’s been adapting well. Breastfeeding took some getting used to, and she was basically bed bound for a week which isn’t something she’s used to. But I think she’s starting to get into a groove with it. And Ava is just the sweetest little baby! She just wants to sleep and cuddle all the time, hates being put down in the cot.”

“I can’t wait to meet her.” Maisie kicked her feet in excitement. “How much longer do we got to wait?” 

“I’m sure they’ll be down any minute.” Dick assured. 

Upstairs, Eve was sat on her bed with Ava at her breast. Feeling rather anxious knowing they had an audience waiting downstairs. She had gotten ready; showered, teeth brushed, dressed in clean clothes that were comfortable and hit her deflating bump and diaper. Ava was in a clean outfit and diaper ready to go. Until she started fussing for food. So Eve had to take off her sweat shirt and unclip her bra to pop out one of her boobs and get Ava to latch on. And while normal she wouldn’t be so self conscious about it, knowing there were people in her house waiting to see her baby changed that. 

It was a very vulnerable feeling having people in her house. Wanting to see her baby. A new baby that was very fragile and new. She didn’t want to share her. Dick was an acceptation, he had been there since Ava took her first breath and gently, in a non threatening way, assisted in take care of her and the house for her. He knew what to do, how to be around a baby. How to be with Ava particularly. The rest of them didn’t know. And now she was just supposed to hand over her tiny baby and not be worried?

~The group of people you are concerned over are competent world savers. I’m sure they can handle holding your offspring for a few minutes without challenge.~ Az’s voice of reason spoke clear in her head. ~Stop entertaining your dramatic anxiety.~ 

“I’m not being dramatic!” Eve snapped outloud. 

Az may had wisdom but she knew nothing about being a mom. The Goddess could never understand the absolutely strong sense of protection and nurturing Eve felt. Ava had been in her body for months. Been apart of her. When she was inside of her she had been safe and taken care of. 

But now Ava was outside of her. And still needed her. It’s impossible not to feel anxious about other people being around. They wouldn’t understand how hard it was not being near her baby constantly. Even when she was exhausted and sore and so overwhelmed she didn’t want to be touched anymore. She missed her. Did it make any logical sense? No. Logic did not exist in postpartum reality. Insane levels of hormones and maternal override ruled here.   

~Evena, you know it’s not healthy to hoard your offspring away. She will need socializing and exposure and you will have to go outside again at some point. An hour visit with you in the room to monitor and take the infant back will not kill either of you.~ 

Ava grunted and seemed to be finished for the moment. Eve lifted her to be upright, cupping her head under her chin and leaned her forward to burp her and alleviate the gas. Once she got a burp out, Eve set her down on the bed and set about getting her top back on and looking presentable. One slightly deflated boob back into the nursing bra and the sweatshirt back over. Checking for any leaking or spit up. 

Ava whimpered and stretched tiny fists in the air. Lips in a pout satiated from milk, eyes already closed in a cute scrunch. Everything about her was adorable. Her face, her tiny limbs and fingers, even the noises she made. 

Eve scooped her up and kissed her little face, “Ok, my love. Let’s go show you off for a little bit to some well meaning people.” 

Cradling the newborn with one arm and her chin against her chest, Eve walked carefully out of the bedroom and towards the stairs. Using her free to run along the wall and to the railing incase she missed a step. She hadn’t but with such precious cargo she didn’t even risk it. 

The stairs creaked a little as she made her slow decent. Whatever conversation was going on ceased as the attention was drawn to her. Maisie gasped excitedly and Jason put a hand on her knee to prevent her from jumping up. 

“Here they are!” Dick got up to his feet and went to the base, “Need a hand?” 

“No. I got it.” Eve told him as she finished her decent. “Hello everyone.” 

“Hi! Oh my goodness! It’s so good to see you!” Maisie hopped up to hug her despite Jason’s attempt. Going in for a side squeeze before cooing at the tiny baby. “Oh! She’s so tiny! So precious! Hi little baby.” 

“This is Ava.” Dick reminder her. 

“Why are you talking like that?” Jason asked him. 

“Like what?” 

“You just did a baby voice.” Tim told him. 

“There’s a baby here.” Maisie pointed out, her voice up an octave. “And she’s so cute I could just explode. Yes!” 

“Why don’t you let Eve take a seat instead of hovering.” Bruce suggested. 

Maisie backed off to her seat on the couch with Jason and Tim again. Dick gave his chair to Eve. Before she sat however Alfred approached. 

“I just washed. May I hold Ava?” He asked politely. 

Out of everyone there, he was the most trustworthy to hold a newborn. Aside from Dick. That still didn’t mean Eve wasn’t having a hard time with it. “Ok, make sure you support her head.” 

Alfred knew that new babies skulls weren’t fused which is why you support the head. He also knew it was difficult for a new mom to relinquish control. So he nodded rather saying ‘I know.’ Expertly accepting the newborn with steady confidence of experience and tucking her to his shoulder. 

“Awe look at her all scrunched up.” Maisie cooed as everyone watched the exchange. 

Ava made a little grunting. Once he had her Alfred began patting her and she soon settled. 

Eve watched closely for any signs of distress before Dick touched her shoulders. Carefully sitting down but keeping an eye on her baby. 

“Why are you moving like that?” Damien asked. 

Dick gave him a look, “Because she just had a baby?” 

“Wasn’t that two weeks ago?” 

“What, if you had major surgery you think you’d be walking and sitting normally?” Jason countered. 

“Idiot.” Tim sneered. 

Damien snapped back at bit. Eve tried not to get overwhelmed with all the sudden bickering and conversation happening while resisting asking for her baby back. Reminding herself Ava was alright. Alfred knew how to hold a newborn. Alfred knew everything. He could be trusted. 

~Breath~

“How are you doing? Now that your officially a mom?” Maisie asked. 

“Uh, alright. I mean, hard but good. Aside from the exhaustion, and the pain, and breastfeeding’s a real bitch and pumping makes me feel like a cow. But she’s good. So I guess it was worth it.” 

Dick gave her shoulder a squeeze. “A big adjustment for sure but Ava is so amazing. You’ve done great and are a very good mom.” 

Jason watched them. If Dick was trying beat the allegations he didn’t have feelings he was doing a shitty job. The touching, the attentiveness, the guy was acting like a new dad. Way too involved for ‘not his kid’. 

Eve didn’t seem to respond much to the touches or assurances. Rattling on about her postpartum life but her eyes were glued onto the baby. Her anxiousness was easy to read. Her brain probably pumping all sorts of hormones to nurture and protect and seeing someone else hold her baby instead of her made her uneasy. 

As for the baby herself he didn’t get much impression other than she was very small and fragile. Slightly wriggly. Alfred had her so she was in expert hands. The old man was soaking it in though. His usual dry, blank expression had been traded for a soft smile. Been a bit since Jason had seen Alfred so expressively happy and suspected the baby would be the received of a lot of affection from the old man. 

Jason didn’t get the excitement around babies. Maisie was practically bouncing in her seat, Alfred swooped in to hold the baby first chance he got. Damien and Tim were mildly curious. Bruce was observing with no expression as usual to make it hard to read what he was thinking. 

But for Jason, he didn’t get the appeal. Babies were too small and couldn’t do anything. Sure, he got the sense of paying attention to the helpless and protectiveness. That was biological. Protect the young and helpless. The last time he was around a baby was probably Damien and his memory about that time was… spotty. 

Tim was curious about the baby. A little more than the usual amount. He wondered how she’d develope coming from a single parent genetically and some magic. If she’d have any powers or magic inclination like her mom. Probably be some time before they saw any signs but he was interested regardless. 

Damien was curious in a more general way. He’d never been around infants or children even when he was a small child. On other animals, young often could walk and move about like miniature adults such as hoof stock or primates. Some who young were in the helpless stage like dogs, cats, birds only were in that stage for a short period. Human young were quiet helpless and utterly dependent for years. Partially due to longer lifespan but also human’s having such large brains compared to body ratio. He got a particular upbringing that he knew was not common and while he knew he was exceptional, he did have a curiosity to observe a upbringing in a more ‘regular’ setting. 

“Can I hold the baby next?” Maisie asked. “After I wash my hands of course. And if you show me how.” 

“Sure.” Dick said. “The big thing is supporting her head.” 

Eve twitched with him answering before her.

Maisie jumped up to wash her hands as soon as she got an answer. Rushing to get it done in excitement. 

Which made Eve feel like she would be a bit of a bitch to say no. They did come all the way. Maisie meant well. She just had to breathe. Breathe. Ava was ok with Alfred. She’d be ok with Maisie. Maybe. 

“Ok, I’m ready.” Maisie came back and sat down. “I think, just show me.” 

Alfred moved around to the couch in smooth steps. “You can use your lap to help support. I’ll lower her down, you’ll put your hands were mine are. Smooth and steady.”

“Ok.” Maisie nodded. 

Alfred glanced at Eve before he began to lower Ava down. Keeping ahold of her until he was confident she had the baby in her lap. 

“Oh my gosh.” Maisie whispered as she received the tiny baby. Ava scrunched her face and began wriggling. “Oh, you’re so cute.”

Ava made a noise. 

“Oh, don’t be sad. What am I doing wrong?” Maisie started to worry as she wriggled more. 

“It’s okay, she is just fussing a little.” Dick said. 

Eve however did not have the same calm as him. “She’s gonna cry.” She thought to herself anxiously watching. 

“What do I do?” Maisie asked as Ava wriggled more. 

“Probably doesn’t feel secure and want you to hold her closer.” Jason suggested. 

“What?” 

“You know, like Alfred did.” He suggested. 

“How do I do that?” 

Jason moved before Eve could. Sliding his large hands under Maisie’s to help her lift the infant up to her chest. Suggesting she add movement like patting or rocking once she was set which helped. 

Bruce looked at him bewildered. “When did you learn to hold a baby?” 

Jason shrugged, “I don’t know… some time when demon spawn was one?” 

“Lies!” Damien leapt up. “Full blown lies Todd!” 

“My memory might be shit sometimes but I do remember being on the Island same time you were a baby, Demon breath!” 

“Hey, don’t fight around the baby.” Maisie fretted. “You’re making her upset.” 

Eve had watched enough. Standing up with a wince, she moved around to the couch to take back her fussing baby. “Ok, I think that’s enough holding. Here we go, it’s ok my love. Mommy’s right here.” 

Maisie passed her back without complained. Letting Eve bring her daughter to her own chest to kiss and sooth Ava was down from crying. “Shhhh. Shhh. It’s alright. I’m here. Mommy’s got you. I’m right here.” 

Being in the safe arms of her mother, Ava soon settled down. Which brought relief to Eve. Her baby back in her arms was just much better. That was enough of an adventure for both of them.

Chapter Text

Eve kept it together long enough for the guest to leave and have Ava settled down in the bassinet for a nap. Only then, when she was downstair at a big enough distance not to wake her daughter, did she lose her shit. 

Dick had set her off with a simple, “I think that went-“

“What the hell were you thinking!?” She hissed at him. 

“Huh? What?” 

There was a heat that over took her in a way she had never experienced before. “With Maisie- I cannot believe how you over stepped! You can’t just tell people ok to hold Ava.” 

“Wh-Eve, it was just Maisie. They came to see here, I don’t understand why you’re so upset.” 

“You don’t get it! She’s MY baby! I made her. I grew her in MY body. You don’t get how hard it is not being near her and watching people who don’t know what they;re doing pass her around. And then you go and make calls that you are not allowed to make. You’re overstepping.” 

“What?” He asked, bewildered. 

“Ava’s MY baby Dick, not yours!” The words bit harshly. “She’s not your daughter. You don’t get to speak for her. Ok, I’M her mom. I decide who get’s to hold and when and if she’s fussing she comes back to me. I decide because I know what she needs, not you. I’m her mom not you. Ok? So you need to back off!” 

Eve hadn’t intended to start crying as she chewed him out. An unfortunate side affect to being so mad at him. Completely uncontrollable though. She had never been as mad as she was now at him. But she did not her feelings were justifiable to her. 

Dick flinched and looked crestfallen. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that would upset you. I-I’ll back off. Let you make decisions on that.” 

Later on, after she cooled down she’d feel bad about how kicked he looked. A duality of feeling guilt for verbally beating him up, and justified for setting a hard boundary in protecting Her daughter. It was had to explain the intense maternal drive. To want to be near her baby all the time. How hard it was watching other people hold her. Logically she knew he meant well. They all meant well and it was unlikely something bad would have happened. But Eve was not acting on logic. It was a deep, primordial, mama-bear instinct that controlled her actions. And it was frustrating that Dick didn’t understand. No one understood. No one, but other moms. 

Eve was hesitant to join a ‘mommy group’. Hell, she had been hesitant to leave her house all together after her daughter was born. But after four weeks and constant nudging from her Other she knew she had to start making ventures. From the outside it seemed like barely any effort but climbing mountains might bean easier feat. 

Despite the reluctance, she did eventually find one and make the pilgrimage on the idea of going once just to get her Other off her back. Not intending to return. But, there was camaraderie amongst fellow new moms she found. People who actually knew what she was going through. People who had gone through it and could give advice that bore some weight. 

Technically it was called a new parents group, and there were some dads amongst them. But it was the fellow mom’s advice she took to. They knew the connection between mom and baby and how strong it was. They validated her insane feelings and championed her for being a single parent in the trenches. Sharing in her frustrations with breast feeding and sharing her baby. Gave her hope that she wouldn’t be so crazy forever. 

Eve wouldn’t say she’d taken to new friends. That would be a big leap for her. But she did find comfort in fellow new parents in a way that her current friends didn’t have. Which helped ease her out of the fog that came with a newborn. 

The first month is truly the hardest. The adjustment, the hormones, and lack of sleep was a difficult combination to work through. And yes, while she did have steady help from Dick, Eve insisted on taking charge of baby care. She had to get used to being primary parent anyways. Taking over the night shift completely. Dick got to relieve her at 5 for a few hours to let her catch up on sleep. A tricky adjustment at first, but they got into a routine and bonus was Dick didn’t have to stay the night anymore.  

Dick didn’t particularly liked the change but he accepted it. Her words had wounded him when she blew up on him as a painful reminder that he was not involved as he wanted to be. Ava wasn’t his and He wasn’t romantically involved with Eve. The lines had gotten blurred during the pregnancy he had blurred them. 

The snap was a bit of a wakeup call. Eve was in baby survival mode. Obviously all her focus was on Ava. He understood that her emotions were strong right now. Even at the extreme level. And while it stung and he felt she might have over reacted, he knew better than to say anything. He took what he could to continue to help out and spend time with them. Careful not to set her off again. 

Of course Dick wanted to talk about them. Where they stood. He tried once when he realized he had feelings beyond friendship. But she got this freaked out look and was pregnant and he didn’t want to stress her too much at the time. And since there wasn’t a good time. Clearly still wasn’t a good time. But it was on his mind. Especially in the mornings when he was watching Ava and Eve was asleep. 

At a month old Ava couldn’t do much. Dick didn’t care though, any time with her was great. Watching her look around with those big blue eyes after she had been fed and changed. The simplest things like the lights and shadows on the ceiling capturing her attention. Sometimes he’d read to her or use some of the baby toys to ‘play’ with her. Watching her tacked the movement. Sometimes reaching a tiny hand out at a rattle. It was the cutest thing. Made him slow down and appreciate the simple things in a new light. After all, a baby didn’t need much. 

Learning about her was another fun thing. Ava wouldn’t be able to speak for a while so he had to learn to read her through body cues. Which cries meant she was hungry vs gassy vs soiled. What comforted her and what irritated her. Technically she didn’t smile yet; she did make the smile motion with her mouth but it was more for gas and playing with her expression than actually smiling at him. But Dick didn’t care. He still tried to get her to smile. 

But his greatest feeling of accomplishment with Ava so far was when he was able to sooth her to sleep. He figured out early she preferred gentle bouncing to rocking as he walked, accompanied being swaddled, fed, and had some type of noise. Sometimes he would turn on the tv to use low volume, or pull up white noise on his phone. But recently, he had been emboldened enough to try singing softly. Dick did not claim to be a great singer. But he wasn’t awful. He knew how to carry a tune and was somewhat aware of his range. He picked songs that he could remember that had a simple enough melody. Classics like ‘Rock-a-bye-baby’ and ‘Twinkle-Twinkle’ but he also sometimes used old songs from his childhood. The pieces of them he could remember. It had been a long time he had thought about them. Now here he was using them to lull baby Ava to sleep. 

“Iată vine şi-o broscuţă, Ţop, ţop, ţop, sărind mereu. Dacă e loc în căsuţă, Tare aş vrea să stau şi eu!” Dick sang softly as he walk-bounce around the living room and kitchen with ava on his shoulder. “Ţop, ţop, ţop, ţop, ţop, ţop,Tare aş vrea să stau şi eu!”

Eve, hearing his voice, wandered down in curiosity. “What are you doing?” 

Dick faltered in singing but kept moving. “Uh… getting Ava to sleep?” 

“No, I mean, what were you saying?” 

“Oh, just this old song my mom taught me when I was a kid.” 

“Really?” She drew closer; he didn’t talk about his parents often. 

“Yeah. I started remembering some stuff, and Ava seems to like it so.” He shrugged his free shoulder. 

Eve watched him light bounce her daughter who seemed to be sleeping. “Well, if it works to get her to sleep then cool.”

Dick didn’t say anything but that made him extremely happy. He forgot sometimes how disconnected he’s gotten from his culture. His parents immigrated from Romania to live in the circus and travel the world. When he lost them and got taken in by Bruce, he made a great effort to integrate into America. It had been too long sense he spoke the language. Now, thanks to Ava, he was remembering forgotten songs and phrases again. Maybe Eve will let him teach her some of them. 

Chapter Text

Time was a funny thing when you had a newborn. The day revolved around Ava. When she needed to be fed or held or changed, it impacted and took priority. Any hour, every hour. Little sleep mixed in. Eve often did not know what hour or day it was, let alone week or month. Hell, a year could have passed and she would not know. Only marking time by her daughter. 

Ava was a wonder in her mother’s eyes. New things she seemed to be able to do. Longer wake windows and more engagement. She started lifting her head for brief periods and seemed to be tracking some things with her eyes. 

Eve tried to do the progress stuff; tummy time and gentle simulations of her muscles and mind. Tracking how long she fed and how many diapers she went through in a day. How long she slept and new developments. Outings were still difficult to do. Doctor visits forced her to take Ava out to start. Then mom group and grocery runs. Eve hated going out now. She didn’t think she’d become such a hermit. It was difficult getting out of the house to start. She worried about making sure they had everything. And every time she thought she had everything, there was something she forgot. Or, Ava would need to be fed or changed right as they were going out the door. Ava hated the car seat, was mixed on the stroller, and preferred being held or wrapped. 

But the biggest thing that gave Eve the most apprehension about leaving the house with her daughter was other people. 

Ava drew attention naturally. She was a tiny adorable baby after all. But Eve did not like when people came up cooing at her wanting to touch her and ask personal questions about her. Friends were one thing, strangers in the cereal aisle was another. The urge to throw her leg out to push strangers away from getting too close was so strong Eve was shocked when she didn’t do it. 

It forced Eve to get creative with wrapping and covering her baby up when she went out. The alternative was to send Dick out and she stay home but she couldn’t do that. Didn’t want to rely on that anyways. She chose to have a baby single parent style. She had to own that. He could say up and down how he was here for them and not alone but she wasn’t gonna budge. This wasn’t his responsibility. 

~Keep giving him an out and tell yourself you won’t be disappointed when he eventually takes it~ Az mused knowingly. 

“I won’t because he’s not my baby daddy or my boyfriend.” Eve changed her daughter’s diaper. “Dick has his own life to get back to. No reason to involve himself further than a friend.” 

~Pushing people away has always been your strong suit~

Eve did not dignify with a response. It was an argument they already had before many times. Not at all shocking. She grew up in the system. Literally abandoned at birth. Of course she had abandonment and trust issues, most foster/adopted kids did. You get hurt enough times to learn it was easier to push away than to open yourself up to more hurt. Vulnerability was dangerous. When you had been through the worse at the most vulnerable age, you live guarded the rest of your life. 

Dick had been pre-vied to a more vulnerable side of her. Slowly over the course of years. But even then he hadn’t seen the full picture. Hard the full story of her damage. Only got glimpses from what she’s shown but the walls had never fully come down. Not completely. The closest he’d gotten was watching her give birth. 

And that was as far as Eve wanted him to get. He was already entangled in her and Ava’s life too much. Now was the time to reassert herself. Single parent, do it all herself. She spent most of her life doing it all alone. What was doing it all with a baby? 

So Eve made a plan. She was gonna clean the house and get it back in order; pick up and organize, laundry, dishes. She was gonna clean herself up, and she was going to go grocery shopping. All by herself with no help from Dick. Wasn’t even going to tell him so he wouldn’t try to offer help. 

Started out strong; she finished changing Ava and started picking up her bedroom. Made the bed and put her daughter in the middle of it. Now that she wasn’t encumbered by pain from giving birth, she could move fully. Squatting, walking, bending over all things she had taken for granted for that first month. And while she wasn’t in ‘running on rooftops after bad guys’ level shape yet it was progress. 

Eve reorganized and restocked her baby cart she kept next to the cot and her bed. Then put on a baby wrap to put Ava on her before taking the full trash can of diapers down and out to the bin. 

“See? We can get things done just fine!” Eve said aloud. 

The living room and the Kitchen were both in similar states of messy. Diapers, wipes, clean and dirty baby clothes, cloths, dishes, and other miscellaneous things scattered about. Looking at it was overwhelming. But Eve was nothing if not stubborn. 

Starting in the living room, she moved about reorganizing. Putting things into piles then figuring out where the pile to go. Clothes and cloths to the laundry which was off of the kitchen. Dishes, bottles, and pump parts also to the kitchen to be cleaned. If Eve had really been efficient, she’d make all the piles first and then start moving things. But instead she’d gather from one area, walk it to the other room, then come back and get more stuff. Lots of back and forth. At least Ava liked movement. That was until she pooped again in the middle of mom’s tidying. 

First diversion took her ten minutes to clean up and handle. A little longer than Eve wanted but she shook it off. She still had time. Getting the larger stuff cleared up and what needed to go to the kitchen at least. 

The second diversion came not long after with Ava needing to feed. Eve wasn’t comfortable feeding her in the wrap yet so she had to stop, get her out, and get her latched on. Breast feeding had gotten easier, didn’t hurt as much, but she wouldn’t say she loved it. She worried if Ava was getting enough food, if the latch was good, and if she was doing everything right still. Second guessing herself all the time. Though, she did get some positive moments. Like right now, when Ava mouth moved as she suckled so adorably that it distracted Eve from the uncomfortableness of feeling her milk drop. Or the little grunts she made while eating. Sometimes Ava would open her eyes and look at her and Eve swore it was like connecting on a soul level with her. 

Ava nursed for a bit both sides then just dozed on her mother’s nipple. Something that Eve used to worry about but now knew was just a soothing thing. But it did mean it would take longer to get back to cleaning. 

One thing Eve still wasn’t used to was how frequently she got tired. Wasn’t as bad as when she was pregnant. But after 6-7 weeks she thought she’d be more adjusted. Eve was the type of person who liked doing stuff. A daily to do list to check off. Accomplishing tasks as a way to prove her self sufficient independence. Having a baby disrupted that. Things that used to take less than ten minutes now took hours to complete if at all. Hence why she was trying to take care of the house today.   

“It’s hard to be mad about not cleaning when napped trapped by the cutest babe in the world.” Eve sighed to her daughter. “Yes, you are.”

~You’re only saying that because she’s your offspring.~ 

“It’s a fact.”

~And your perception of that isn’t warped by hormones to keep you from abandoning your young manufactured by years of evolution.~  

“Hush.” Eve attempted to move Ava, who started and started suckling again.

Waiting another ten minutes, she tried again and was successful. As much as she’d like to let her continue to contact nap, Eve really wanted to work on the kitchen. Carefully transferring her onto the couch and then making a makeshift barrier with a towel and putting pillows on the floor in case she suddenly developed how to barrel roll off. That didn’t stop her from poking in to check on her ever ten seconds. Fantom cries were very real. 

Between picking things up, checking the baby, and cleaning, Eve was reminded of other things. Like hunger and need to pee. Funny how those things would get forgotten till she had a moment alone and then come in with a desperate urge to get resolved. 

Thus, cleaning the kitchen took way longer than Eve intended. Tidying one mess just to make another. And in the end, while it was better, it wasn’t to the level pre baby she wanted. But Eve was exhausted and Ava needed her again. So after taking care of her daughters needs, they curled up together for a nap in bed. By the time she woke up it was late in the day and she didn’t end up fully completing all her tasks. There was still things to pick up in the living room, dishes in the kitchen, and laundry to move. Eve hadn’t taken a shower, brushed her hair or teeth but at least she had eaten and drank water. And she hadn’t gotten to the grocery shopping. But she needed a nap. 

At the end of the day, as Dick reminded her more often than not, the most important thing she did was take care of her baby. 

“You’re a mom, if all you did today was take care of your daughter then you did a full day’s work and the most important work.” He said after bringing Thai food for dinner. 

“Yeah, but-“

“What? 

“I- I just wanted to get more done.” Eve signed, unable to tell him she wanted to do it all by herself without hurting his feelings. 

“Like what?” 

“I didn’t finish cleaning, or got to grocery shopping,” 

“You hate grocery shopping.” He chimed in.

“I don’t hate grocery shopping,” she corrected, “I hate people come up to try and touch my baby while I’m shopping. Different thing.” 

“Ok, well I can do that for you so you can avoid people.” He offered. 

“You can’t do my grocery shopping every time.” Eve said, knowing the conversation would go round and round. Dick would always offer a solution of help one way or another. Run her errands or watch her baby or clean her house. As stubborn as she was with being independent, he was just as stubborn on helping her. Only a matter of will and time to see who’d win out.