Bat-family
The New Family
Barbara Gordon
Batman, Robin! What's the situation? ~over comms~
Batman
No sign of the Joker. ~over comms~
Robin
Nor Scarecrow. They must have known we were coming.
Barbara Gordon
Luckily, I'm going through Oracle's system. They'll soon turn up on my screen.
Batman
Got it. We'll keep patrolling till they show up.
Barbara Gordon
Batman, I got an alert on Joker's whereabouts, he's inside a building three blocks away west.
Batman
I'm in the middle of something here. ~put on a gas mask as Scarecrow filled the space with gas toxin~
Batman
Tell Robin not to engage alone. ~over comms~
Barbara Gordon
Don't worry, Backup is on the way.
Barbara Gordon
~sighed and turned around~
Alfred Pennyworth
Cookies, Miss Barbara?
Barbara Gordon
Yes! Thank you, Alfred.
Alfred Pennyworth
So, Joker is on the run again.
Barbara Gordon
Yeah, he's dangerous. But, isn't he tired of breaking out of Arkham and being put back there everytime?
Barbara Gordon
This time, he teamed up with Scarecrow. A fear toxin psychopath and an acid clown one makes me want to stay away from chemicals and lab for a lifetime.
Alfred Pennyworth
Is Master Damian aware about our guests?
Barbara Gordon
Nope, he'll be surprised and annoyed. I hope they won't fight each other instead of Joker.
Robin
~On top of a rooftop watching the building claimed to have Joker in~
Red Hood
What? Do you have flying fright, baby bird?
Robin
-tt- What are you doing in Gotham City, Hood?
Red Robin
Not even a single welcome back?
Robin
What is this reunion? Should I expect, Nightwing too?
Red Hood
You wish. That **** has alot of things to deal with in his own city.
Red Robin
Do you have eyes on Joker?
Robin
Of course, I do, imbecile! Third floor.
Red Hood
I packed a new set of guns, just for this occasion.
Robin
Don't order me around! 💢💢💢
A few minutes later, a girl opened a window from outside and snuck in, falling on hard floor making a loud noise
Red Hood
Who's there?! ~kicked the door open of the room where the girl was, with a gun in his hand aimed to shoot~
Vee
~shouted and had her hands up in the air~
Vee
Please, don't shoot! This is my house!
Red Hood
~lowered his gun~ It's just a kid.
Red Robin
The victims' Kid.
Red Hood
Oh, Shit. Those people, are her parents?
Red Robin
Yes, according to the photos in a bedroom, they live here.
Vee
W-what are you talking about? Did something happen to my parents?!
Vee
~Ran past him to the living room, where she saw so much blood and the corpse of two people~
Vee
M-mom, D-dad?! Wake up, wake up!
Red Robin
It's too late. They're already dead.
Vee
WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE?! DID YOU KILL MY PARENTS?!
Red Hood
Hold on! We didn't. ~raised his arms to calm her down as a self-defense~
Vee
Don't come closer to me!
Vee
~was terrified from the gun Red Hood had~
Robin
Joker killed you parents. We were trying to catch him. He flew away in the last second.
Vee
Joker? What does a lunatic like Joker want from my parents?
Red Hood
He runs around killing people for his own entertainment. There might not even be a reason why he killed your parents.
Red Robin
We're very sorry we weren't here in time to stop him, from....doing this.
Vee
~continued crying and sobbing as she couldn't believe the faces of her parents with blood~
Red Hood
GCPD is on her way to help, girl. Sit tight.
Red Robin
You're leaving her alone?
Red Hood
There's nothing we can do here to help her. We have to catch the joker instead.
Red Robin
Robin. Stay here with her, just in case till the police arrives.
Robin
I told you not to give me orders.
Robin
But, fine, -tt- go and leave this to me.
Vee
I'm sorry Mom, dad! This is all my fault!
Vee
I should have done what you asked me to do.
Bruce Wayne
Did you find something on why the joker targeted the couple, Barbara?
Barbara Gordon
No, it's strange. There's absolutely nothing between Joker and any of the victims.
Barbara Gordon
They're not family, not relatives, not even friends nor co-workers in joker's pre-criminal life.
Red Hood
Not surprising 😒
Joker is a maniac! None of his actions make any sense, Bruce. I'm sure he killed them to buy himself more time to escape.
Barbara Gordon
I think Jason's right.
Barbara Gordon
But, I'll keep on digging more.
Tim Drake
The girl must be devastated now. I'm doing a background check on her. And, without her parents who were just murdered tonight. She has no family.
Barbara Gordon
~was looking at her phone~
Barbara Gordon
Speaking of the girl. Dad sent me a message, he's saying that he'll send her to my house and he wants me to take care of her for the night. So, I gotta go.
Barbara Gordon
Call me, if you need something more.
Barbara Gordon
Yes, I know, I'll try to get something out of her. But, first, I'd like her to have some sleep and process what happened tonight.
Alfred Pennyworth
Miss Barbara, please, have some cookies for the poor girl. It might cheer her up.
Barbara Gordon
Thanks. Alfred. You're too good at this than Bruce.
Alfred Pennyworth
Oh, I do know.
Barbara Gordon
~opened the door and found her father and a scared girl~
Barbara Gordon
Hey, Dad. Hey, there.
Barbara Gordon
You must be Vee.
Jim Gordon
The girl is still in shock. She didn't talk after giving two sentences about what happened.
Jim Gordon
I'd want to stay and take care of her, Babs. But...
Barbara Gordon
Busy night. I get it, Dad. I'm here. I'll make sure Vee is okay here. You should go back to the police station.
Jim Gordon
Thanks, Babs. Remember to lock the door and close the windows when you sleep.
Barbara Gordon
Okay! You know, I'm not a kid anymore.
Jim Gordon
You'll always be my little girl to me. ~smiled and kissed her cheek as a bye-bye kiss~
Jim Gordon
Vee, Barbara will keep you company, ok? She's my daughter. Now, I have to go.
Barbara Gordon
Well, Vee. You, hungry?
Vee
~didn't say a thing but her stomach growled from hunger~
Barbara Gordon
I'll take that as a yes. Come in, we have late night snacks.
Vee, followed Barbara and a few minutes later she found herself sitting together on the couch of a living room.
Barbara Gordon
How are you feeling, now? Still hungry?
Barbara Gordon
~gently carrassed Vee's head~ I know, you're trying to be very brave Vee. But, sometimes it's better to let it all out.
Barbara Gordon
Here, I'll listen to whatever you want to say, if you want to, of course.
Barbara Gordon
And, I promise, I'll try my best to help.
Vee
I...wasn't supposed to be out...at that time.....~tried to hold a sob~
Vee
They thought I was asleep and I snuck out.....I've done that alot these past few months.....
Vee
But, I really, I really didn't know! I....I...Robin and two others were there...in my house....I don't know why! They said Joker!
Vee's breathing started to become unstable. She was thinking faster than the words played in her mouth. She was showing guilt more than sadness and grief. She was in shock. Lost, in a storm of confusion and rage.
Barbara Gordon
Calm down, Vee. It's okay, I believe you, you didn't know. You did nothing wrong. If it's joker, then I'd want you to know that the police said he was caught and sent back to the asylum. And he won't hurt anyone again.
Barbara Gordon
You don't have to be afraid, anymore.
Vee
I'm not afraid. I'm not, afraid of him! It's just.....~sighed heavily~
Vee
I should have been there....
Vee
....It would have changed everything.
Vee
~started crying~ I didn't get to say I'm sorry for our last fight.
Barbara Gordon
Oh, Vee. ~hugged her closer trying to comfort her~
Barbara Gordon
I'm sure they've forgiven you.
Vee
How can I live without them? They've been there for me through all my highs and lows. They've scolded me more than they've praised me
Vee
But, I know now. It was all nothing but out of love for me. I shouldn't have gone out. Yet, I disobeyed them. And......it's all my fault....
Barbara Gordon
Shhhhh, now Vee, you have only memories. Memories filled with their love for you. You have to remember how it feels to be loved.
Barbara Gordon
And you have to live without blaming yourself for anything that you didn't do. Because your parents' love is much more stronger and more powerful than hating yourself.
Barbara Gordon
I'm sure they'll be proud of you if you just remember their love for you and live your life the way you want it to be.
Vee
~closed her eyes feeling the warmth of Barbara's presence, before falling into a deep sleep~
Barbara Gordon
Sweet dreams, Vee. ~gently let the girl lay down with her head on her lap thinking about what is going to happen to her~
Barbara Gordon
Gotham, still gets to me everytime.
Vee
~woke up to some noises coming from the kitchen~
Barbara Gordon
You awake? Perfect. I made us some breakfast. Go wash up and let's eat together.
Vee
~got up and did as Babs said~
Vee
~sat down at the table~
Barbara Gordon
Where? Is there some place you want to visit?
Barbara Gordon
~sighed~ Today, might not be a good time for the police. They might be still preserving the crime scene.
Vee
.....Oh, ok. I understand.
Vee
Then, when can I take my stuff from home?
Barbara Gordon
Idk, but soon. The police will tell you when they're done.
Vee
I don't understand why.
Vee
It's either joker or Robin and his friends who killed my parents.
Vee
But, Joker is caught, right? And if it's him, then why are they still investigating a closed case?
Vee
~anger started to slowly accumulate inside her veins~
Barbara Gordon
You're right. The case is closed. But, the police would like to know the motif of the murder. If Joker had a valid reason, Gotham City might have to suffer in between.
Barbara Gordon
The police cannot risk something like this about the Joker. Especially, when he's known for being one of many to use their crazy genius brain to do more harm than good.
Barbara Gordon
I know it's frustrating. But, sometimes, it's not something we can have under our control.
Vee
If Batman was there that night, would he have saved my parents?
Barbara Gordon
I don't know. But, he certainly would have tried his best, just like Robin, Hood and red Robin.
Barbara Gordon
You can say they're like Robin. On the same side as Batman. Fighting for the good of Gotham City.
Vee
Can I leave for some fresh air, later?
Barbara Gordon
Yes, if you want. Do you want me to come with you?
Vee
No. I'd like to be alone for a while.
Barbara Gordon
Okay, don't pressure yourself.
-Gotham City Central Park, 9:40-
Vee was sitting on a bench alone, looking at kids and trees that were playing with the wind.
Vee
I wonder, what should I do from now on?
Vee
~wiped her tears as she saw kids with their parents~
Titus
~barked and barked before coming closer to Vee~
Vee
Oh, didn't see you there. Hey, doggie. ~tried to pat him~
Damian Wayne
His name is Titus, not doggie.
Vee
Huh? ~was surprised before understanding he was his owner~
Vee
Oh, then hey Titus. You got a nice name.
Damian Wayne
I'm Damian Wayne, and Titus is my dog.
Vee
I'm Vee blossom. Nice to meet you and Titus, Damian.
Damian Wayne
Don't worry, you can pat him, he doesn't bite strangers, if he doesn't feel danger from them.
Vee
~chuckled~ That's reassuring.
Vee
He looks scary. But, he's actually very cute.
Vee
~knelt on her knees to be able to hug Titus~
Titus
Roff, Roff! ~was very happy~
Vee
Damian, are you here and Titus, alone?
Damian Wayne
Yes. Why the question?
Vee
~tried to smile~ We look the same age. I thought maybe you came with one of your parents.
Damian Wayne
My mother is away on her business and my father is busy too.
Vee
Right, You're Bruce Wayne's son.
Damian Wayne
Meh, not that much. Titus is a very good companion whenever I feel...lonely.
Damian Wayne
~twitched his lip~
Vee
No wonder. ~turned to patting Titus~
Barbara Gordon
Vee, here you are. I was looking for you.
Barbara Gordon
Oh, hey Damian and Titus are here too.
Vee
Do you know each other?
Barbara Gordon
Yes, he's a family friend. ~Patted Titus~
Barbara Gordon
Dad called and said, that we can prepare for your parents' funeral.
Barbara Gordon
It's a lot to prepare. So, I'll help.
Vee
Thank you so much, Barbara.
Barbara Gordon
You can call me, Babs. ~smiled brightly at her~
Barbara Gordon
~put her hands on Vee's shoulders as a support~
Bruce Wayne
Vee, I'm sorry for your loss. If you need anything, you can give me a call.
Dick Grayson
Home sweet home.
Alfred Pennyworth
Welcome back, Master ****.
Dick Grayson
Hey, Alfred! How are you doing?
Alfred Pennyworth
I'm doing fine, fortunately. How are you dealing in Blüdhaven?
Dick Grayson
Busy at day, double-busy at night. But, nothing compared to Bruce calling me and telling me to come back home.
Dick Grayson
Do you know what he wants to talk about?
Alfred Pennyworth
I do, indeed. However, I think you should come in, first.
Dick Grayson
~walked into the living room~
Cassandra Cain
****! ~grinned happily as she saw him~
Dick Grayson
Cass? I thought you were out of the country.
Cassandra Cain
Bruce called.
Jason Todd
It seems he wants all of us to be here.
Damian Wayne
You're late, Grayson!
Stephanie Brown
He must have stopped to see Babs, first.
Dick Grayson
What? No! I was tired from a busy month and overslept missing Bruce's dozen calls.
Tim Drake
He called you dozens of times? He just called me twice then left a text.
Jason Todd
He called you?! Alfred called me and said Bruce wants to talk to me.
Stephanie Brown
Ooops, Do we need an invitation to come? I just came because I heard from Cass everyone's coming.
Damian Wayne
Alfred, do you know what my father wants with this family reunion?
Alfred Pennyworth
Yes. He and Miss Barbara are coming with a guest.
Stephanie Brown
I missed Babs! 🤩🤩🤩
Dick Grayson
Who's the guest?
Alfred Pennyworth
Her name is Vee Blossom.
Dick Grayson
Do we know her?
Jason Todd
You don't. And I think I know where this is going.
Tim Drake
Steph, Cass, congratulations. You're going to have a new sister.
Stephanie Brown
I thought Bruce said he was done with adopting children.
Dick Grayson
It might be just a coincidence. Why does he want to adopt her in the first place?
Damian Wayne
Oh, really? For a detective, you're slow. Because 4 or 5 days ago, her parents were killed by the joker.
Dick Grayson
BRUCE IS ADOPTING ANOTHER KID!!!!
Damian Wayne
Stop being overdramatic, Grayson.
Tim Drake
I wonder if that's really okay.
Alfred Pennyworth
They must have arrived.
Jason Todd
No no, Alfie, I'll open it.
Dick Grayson
I think he's going to punch Bruce in the face.
Jason Todd
~came back with a pizza box in his hands~
Stephanie Brown
You ordered pizza?
Jason Todd
Yes, is there a problem?
Jason Todd
I want to watch Bruce trying to explain things in this Family to the new kid while eating Pizza.
Bruce Wayne
I see everyone made it here.
Stephanie Brown
Hey Bruce.
Bruce Wayne
And Stephanie.
Stephanie Brown
Rude much, not to have invited me to the party!
Barbara Gordon
I'm glad you and Cass were able to come. ~hugged the two girls at the same time~
Cassandra Cain
Missed you too.
Bruce Wayne
Everyone. I want to introduce to you, Vee Blossom. From now on, she's part of our family.
Bruce Wayne
So, I'd appreciate it that you all came.
Vee
Hi, I'm Vee Blossom, nice to meet all of you.
Dick Grayson
Woah, I'm **** Grayson, I'm the first child Bruce adopted. So, you can see me as an older brother.
Vee
~smiled genuinely glad at his response~
Jason Todd
I'm Jason Todd, the second son though if you get tired of Bruce you can come crash at my place. Want a slice of pizza?
Vee
~nodded as he offered her one~ Thank you.
Tim Drake
I'm Tim Drake, the third son, Bruce adopted.An advice for you, Vee, you should come to me or **** first before consulting Jason or Damian.
Damian Wayne
What kind if advice is this supposed to be, Drake?!
Stephanie Brown
Hi, I'm Stephanie Brown, I may not be legally adopted like the rest. But, I'm also part of this family.
Stephanie Brown
A very very very important and most fun part about this family.
Vee
~laughed~ You seem like a fun person to hang out with, Stephanie.
Stephanie Brown
Awww, you can call me Steph 😍😍😍😍
Cassandra Cain
I'm Cassandra Cain. But, you can also call me Cass. I'm happy to meet you Vee.
Dick Grayson
Damian, what about your manners.
Dick Grayson
Please don't mind him, Vee.
Dick Grayson
The youngest of this family, Damian Wayne.
Vee
I know. I met Damian before. Titus too.
Alfred Pennyworth
Miss Vee. This is going to be the first time of many coming times I say this.
Alfred Pennyworth
Welcome home, Miss Vee.
Vee
~smiled genuinely as realization hit her one more time~
Bruce Wayne
Everyone, what do you say about giving Vee a tour of the Manor?
Stephanie Brown
Yup! Great idea!
Jason Todd
As soon as I finish my pizza.
Barbara Gordon
You sure have your own priorities set straight, Jay.
Damian Wayne
Such an ignorant Todd!
Dick Grayson
~was going for a slice of Jason's pizza~
Jason Todd
~slapped his hand~
Dick Grayson
Ouch, you can just say no.
Jason Todd
You didn't ask for permission first. And it's the last slice. I don't give last slices!
Tim Drake
You don't even give pizza, to begin with.
Jason Todd
That's not true!
Stephanie Brown
Tim's right! I just tried earlier to have one and you turned the box to the other side.
Jason Todd
You have no witness to back it up.
Jason Todd
While I have two witnesses who I shared my pizza with. Vee and Cass.
Tim Drake
When did Cass have pizza?
Jason Todd
I caught her glaring so dangerously at me, and when I offered her one, she accepted happily.
Jason Todd
You should have seen that look on her face.
Jason Todd
It's probably gonna hunt me for weeks 😱😱😱💀💀💀
Stephanie Brown
What are you talking about? You mean our Cass? Look at her she has such a baby face. 😍😍😍
Cassandra Cain
Jason's right. If he didn't caught me sooner, I might have not on purpose stole the rest of the pizza from him.
Vee
~laughed quietly at how chaotic but lovely the atmosphere between the adopted siblings could get~
Jason Todd
Okay! I'm done! Let's start the Wayne Manor tour.
Dick Grayson
Behind this door is Bruce's office. You may or may not find him there when you want to ask him something.
Tim Drake
But, when he's not there, you should never try to enter it.
Jason Todd
Meh, something like don't break the rules kind of thing.
Jason Todd
It's one of the rules that had been there since Bruce started adopting children. Even if you succeed to break in it, it has nothing of special.
Robin
Why do you talk like you already broke in father's office once, Todd?
Jason Todd
Could be because I actually did.
Vee
Really? Did Bruce catch you and punish you?
Jason Todd
~tried to look cool~ He tried his best to punish me, but failed. 😎😎😎
Dick Grayson
I heard from Alfred that he banished you from driving his most expensive and beloved car for two months.
Everyone expect Vee were able to understand **** who was talking about none other than the Batmobile.
Jason Todd
That punishment was nothing🤣🤣🤣
Jason Todd
🧠 Why did you have to remember that, Dicky!😭😭😭😭🧠
Barbara Gordon
And this is your room, Vee. ~reached another room~
Stephanie Brown
Hey, guys what do you say we go out and have fun?
Cassandra Cain
That sounds cool.
Dick Grayson
Yeah, why not?
Barbara Gordon
What about the rest of you?
Jason Todd
Let's have a pizza dinner.
Damian Wayne
As long as we don't have a pizza for dinner, I'm joining too.
Vee
Well, then if everyone is going, I just need to change first. I'll get a cold if I go out with this shirt.
Dick Grayson
We'll be waiting for you in the living room.
-In the living Room of Wayne Manor-
Cassandra Cain
~was standing in the middle of the stairs keeping watch on whenever Vee's coming~
Jason Todd
Well, it was not much of a show for Bruce's explanation, when the first second after Vee's introduction he dissappears.
Barbara Gordon
You know the city shines more at night.
Tim Drake
But, it is still early for that. It's still evening.
Damian Wayne
Crime doesn't have a bed-time, Drake.
Jason Todd
And yet, here we are, the same as him, playing good host.
Stephanie Brown
I wonder if Vee would find out about this. I mean all the kids Bruce adopted eventually knew.
Tim Drake
Correction, almost. I knew about it before he even took me in.
Damian Wayne
And I'm his biological son, He never took me in. I was already his responsibility when mother had let us meet. I also knew his secret identity since I first walked.
Dick Grayson
And how old were you, then?
Jason Todd
Jeez, Talia sure is crazy.
Cassandra Cain
And you still slept with her.
Damian Wayne
Can we guys talk about anything else other than my Mother and Todd?!
Jason Todd
Okay, baby bird, sometimes I forget how sensitive you can actually be.
Damian Wayne
Don't.you.even.dare! 💢💢💢 ~had a Robin thrower in his hand just in case~
Barbara Gordon
~snatched it from Damian's hand~
Barbara Gordon
I really don't think going around with that stuff is a good thing.
Stephanie Brown
We still didn't talk about the important topic here, guys.
Stephanie Brown
Dinner, remember? What are we going to choose?
Cassandra Cain
I'm up for burgers and fries.
Barbara Gordon
No. Vee is allergic to fish.
Stephanie Brown
How do you know that?
Barbara Gordon
Oh, believe me the hard way. The kid almost went to the ER, just yesterday.
Tim Drake
Guys, I really think we should be discussing Bruce's plans about Vee.
Tim Drake
Are we going to hide it from her or tell straight now?
Damian Wayne
Isn't it obvious, Drake? We're going to hide it of course.
Tim Drake
NO, IT WASN'T OBVIOUS!!!
Alfred Pennyworth
Master Tim, I'd like to point out your unmistakably rise of voice volume. ~yelled from the kitchen~
Dick Grayson
Whatever the case with Bruce is, let's just forget it and just have fun while we're out.
Cassandra Cain
Vee's coming. ~warned everyone else so that they would watch their words~
First day in the New Family
Everyone was walking to the restaurant that they had finally chose to go to.
Stephanie Brown
So, Vee. Who's your favorite superhero?
Vee
My favorite superhero? As in a hero who has powers?
Vee
Well, I'd say Wonder woman.
Cassandra Cain
What about a hero without superpowers?
Dick Grayson
💭Seriously, girls?💭
Vee
Well, in that case, I'd obviously say Batman. But, sometimes I think he does have some hidden superpowers.
Jason Todd
A batman fan, check.
Barbara Gordon
What are you saying, Jay?
Jason Todd
I'm doing a quick likely to turn into a masked vigilante in less than 2 months list. First qualification is being a batman fan.
They were whisperering, so that Vee wouldn't be able to hear their conversation.
Dick Grayson
Vee, I've been meaning to ask, how old are you?
Tim Drake
Damian is also 13.
Damian Wayne
I'm going to be 14 in 3 weeks. 💢💢💢
Jason Todd
So, you two are in the same grade?
Vee
I'm first grade of middle school.
Dick Grayson
So is, Damian.
Barbara Gordon
Vee and I talked with Bruce about school, and she's going to be transferred to Damian's middle school.
Tim Drake
In other words, Damian and Vee are going to be attending the same class.
Tim Drake
Vee, advice from an older brother, watch out for Damian.
Damian Wayne
What is that supposed to mean, Drake?! 💢💢💢💢💢
Dick Grayson
Okay, you two don't start now, we've arrived to the restaurant.
Everyone sat in a big round table and after ordering, **** and Barabara kept on telling many funny potentially embarrassing stories about everyone else. It got to Vee laughing, and to really getting to know them better.
Stephanie Brown
~yawned~ Well, I'm tired, guys. I'm going to sleep.
Barbara Gordon
~already went home~
Jason Todd
Tim and Cass are already asleep too.
Cassandra Cain
~asleep on the couch, beside her Tim who was resting his head on her shoulder~
Vee
It's late. Is Bruce coming home?
Dick Grayson
Don't worry about him. Sometimes, there are some work emergency that he needs to take care of real late at night.
Damian Wayne
Your turn, Steph.
Stephanie Brown
I just said that I'm tired.
Damian Wayne
Let's finish this round, first! You're pretending to be tired because you're losing.
Jason Todd
Say that to the 20 cards of UNO in your hands.
As the round of UNO finished, Damian was the first to finish, following him was **** then Vee and Jason.
Stephanie Brown
I'm going to sleep!
Vee
~stood up~ I'm also going to sleep, too.
Dick Grayson
Good night, Step, Vee.
Stephanie Brown
Are you going back to Blüdhaven, soon?
Vee
Why? Don't you guys live here?
Dick Grayson
Actually, some of us moved out of the Manor and Gotham City.
Dick Grayson
I'm going back to Blüdhaven. Cass came from Hong Kong for today and Jason lives in Gotham but, not with Bruce for some...little inconveniences.
Jason Todd
Yeah, little inconveniences.
Vee, went to her now new room. She tried to sleep. Really tried her best to sleep. But, something about this new unusual bed and room, made her stay awake for an hour looking at the ceiling, before eventually falling to sleep.
Nightwing
So, Bruce, Do you want to tell me about what you're going to do with Vee?
Batman
What does it look like? I'm going to provide her a home and with all of you being her family.
Nightwing
I hope you won't be considering training her to become a Vigilante like the rest of us.
Batman
~was on the batcomputer, uninterested in this conversation~
Batman
You say it like it's a bad thing.
Dick Grayson
Maybe because it is?
Batman
Nightwing, I don't have any intention to make her into one of my sidekicks. I already told Alfred that Vee will remain unaware about the double life we're all leading here.
Dick Grayson
If you're not going to, then why did you adopt her yourself? You know she'll somehow eventually will find out, whether it'll need months or years, whether it'll be on accident or not.
Batman
I did, what I thought was best.
Nightwing
Are you taking this as a joke, Bruce?!
Nightwing
Do you even know what it feels like to be in a house with a parent that's never there?!
Batman
I do! We all do! We're all here because we do.
Batman
Because of a thief, Tony Zucco, Joker, Cluemaster, Lady Shiva, Talia Ra's Al Ghoul. But, did any of us heal from the pain and anger to get real help?
Batman
No. We turned into masked people going in the night, giving the best we could to protect Gotham City, even if sometimes it wasn't enough.
Batman
So, I'm not going to drag any more teenagers into this big black hole that there's no coming back from.
Nightwing
Well, that's certainly not what I expected to hear from you. But, glad we're kinda seeing eye to
eye in not making Vee's life like ours.
Batman
I wanted all of you to come to actually try to become like a family to her, that's all.
Nightwing
Yeah, just another Kid. I already have the hang of this with all the ones that came after me.
Nightwing
At least this one won't be fighting Damian or Tim over becoming Robin.
Batman
~smiled but was still facing the screen~
Batman
You have been a great older brother all this time.
Nightwing
I don't know much about that.
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of footsteps coming closer.
Nightwing
~turned around~ Robin, Hood, you two are ready to take some bad guys out?
Robin
Hell yeah! I'm always ready.
Red Hood
Let's get this over with as quickly as possible. I got things to take care of.
Robin
Like what, Todd? Or are you just scared?
Red Hood
~smacked Damian who smirked at his own sassy comment~
Red Hood
I didn't have sleep for the past couple of days and last time I did, I only slept for 2 hours, maybe even less.
Red Hood
So, yeah, sometimes, my sleep is worth saving more than Gotham.
Nightwing
Why didn't you have sleep in the first place, Jason?
Red Hood
I was making sure Vee was safe, even after Joker's capture.
Red Hood
I got a bad feeling about why he killed her parents.
Robin
But, I thought you were the one who said Joker can kill with no reason.
Red Hood
I'm still thinking about this.
Nightwing
We'll take care of it later, we have a penguin to catch and bust his whole operation.
Vee was sweating and moving her body trying to shake herself to wake up from the nightmare she was having.
Her subconscious was trying its best to wake her up from the scenes that she was seeing in her dream world. The blood and the corpses. The joy that turned to a tragedy.
Her old friends, her fights with them, the betrayals, the secret sneaking up from home, her parents scolding, her parents....
And Alfred, Damian, Jason, **** and the rest of her new family.
She saw blood. The same living room where they were all chatting and having fun, turn into a dark room, filled with their corpses piling on each other.
Just like how were her parents holding onto each other even in their last breaths and moments together.
Vee
~Almost jumped out of bed awake panting~
Vee
~tried to calm herself down by taking few deep and steady breaths in and out~
Vee
This isn't working. I have to get out of here.
Soundlessly, she was able to open her door and tiptoe herself out to the corriodrs.
Vee
💭Everyone must be already asleep. I wonder what I should do?💭
After standing alone for 2 seconds searching hard for an answer, Vee just decided to just give up and go back to her room, not to bother anyone.
Vee
~As she turned around she came face to face with Cassandra who she didn't know was behind her, startling her~
Cassandra Cain
Don't shout. Everyone's asleep.
Vee
~put her hands around her mouth before muttering a sorry~
Vee
But, what are you doing awake, Cassandra? ~whispered~
Cassandra Cain
I ask you the same question.
Vee
It's kinda embarrassing that I had a nightmare...~kept on whispering~
Cassandra Cain
I heard your body movements. I knew you weren't asleep.
Vee
So, in other words I woke you up. Sorry. ~whispered~
Cassandra Cain
It's okay. I don't sleep much, anyway. ~whispered unaware that her body reflexes made her copy the whipereeing thing with Vee~
Cassandra Cain
Oh, Vee you don't have to whisper. No one, will hear us.
Vee
Really? ~didn't doubt Cass but couldn't stop herself from continuing to whisper~
Stephanie Brown
Why are you two whispering in front of my room? ~whispered as she came in between them~
Vee
~was startled again by the sudden addition of presence~
Vee
Sorry, did we wake you up?
Stephanie Brown
Nah, I was going to drink some water. What about you, Vee? Why are you awake?
Vee
Well.....I kept on having nightmares that didn't let me sleep.
Stephanie Brown
Oh, that must have been tough. What do you say you spend tonight with me or Cass? Or maybe even both, we can make a girls' sleepover night.
Cassandra Cain
But, it's now 3:10. Sleepover nights don't begin this late.
Stephanie Brown
Then, we'll make a girls' sleepover dawn. What do you say, girls?
Vee
💭Anything but to stay more alone with my nightmares.💭
As Stephanie went to the kitchen to have a glass of water, the other two girls each went to their own rooms to bring pillows and blankets to start their first girls' sleepover dawn.
-In Stephanie Brown's room-
Stephanie Brown
Okay, now what do we do? Do we watch something or try to sleep already?
Vee
Let's watch something.
Cassandra Cain
It's more fun.
Stephanie Brown
Great. Then, let me get my laptop first, and let's decide on something.
Stephanie Brown
~As she opened her laptop and the screen switched from black to not. It showed the wallpaper. It was a photo of everyone in the family Vee just saw tonight, taking a picture of themselves in what seemed to be Damian's 13 birthday~
Vee
~smiled at the photo and didn't know why but she was happy and grateful that she was adopted into such a family that even though most of them are also adopted, they do care about each other like they're more than just that~
Stephanie Brown
Movies or TV shows?
Vee
I don't mind either one.
Stephanie Brown
Then, Cass wins. I don't mind too.
Stephanie Brown
Okay, I'd recommend, Brooklyn99 or IZombie or teenwolf.
Vee
Why are the suggestions go from funnier to darker?
Stephanie Brown
I like supernatural shows.
Stephanie Brown
Oh! What about supernatural?!
Stephanie Brown
It's been ages since I dropped it on season 6 because I was kinda busy.
Cassandra Cain
I finished season 12, 5 days ago.
Stephanie Brown
What? But, you started watching it wayy after me.
Vee
That's funny, I finished the whole series.
Cassandra Cain
Vee, no spoilers. 😠😠😠
Vee
Just let's not talk about it or I'll forget.
Stephanie Brown
Okay, back to our 3 first choices.
Cassandra Cain
Is Brooklyn 99 funny?
Stephanie Brown
YUP! It's a police sitcom.
Vee
So, the episode only lasts for 25 minutes?
Stephanie Brown
But, it's worth every second.
Stephanie Brown
I'm a huge fan!
Stephanie Brown
I finished it, but am considering rewatching with you.
Cassandra Cain
I'd like to watch something funny.
Vee
It's my first time too, so let's do it.
Stephanie Brown
It's my first time too, title of your sex tape! ~started laughing~
Stephanie Brown
Hahha, Oh. It's a reference you'll understand after watching it.
Stephanie Brown
Come on, let's start our b99 Marathon!
The three of them got cozy with Stephanie in between Cassandra and Vee who were each holding a pillow and putting their head on each of Stephanie's shoulder.
3 hours and a half passed with the girls still watching the show that really took a great space in Vee and Cassandra's hearts.
That was till they hears a knock and the door opening.
Alfred Pennyworth
Miss Stephanie, do you know where Miss Vee is?
Vee
Hey, Alfred. ~waved at him~
Alfred Pennyworth
Thank you for the invitation, Miss Cassandra. But, it's now almost 7 am.
Stephanie Brown
Oh, it's morning already?
Alfred Pennyworth
Oh, sorry to interrupt your bonding time. I did not know you were having a girls' sleepover night.
Stephanie Brown
It is more of a girls' sleepover dawn.
Alfred Pennyworth
Is that a thing?
Stephanie Brown
I don't know. But, we created it. So, from now on yup!
Alfred Pennyworth
Well, since you three are awake, breakfast is almost ready.
Stephanie Brown
Okay, 15 minutes and we'll be downstairs.
Vee
Good morning, Bruce, Tim.
Tim Drake
~was sipping coffee from a mug that had ''TIRED AF' written on it~
Tim Drake
'Morning, girls.
Bruce Wayne
You have black bags under your eyes, Vee. Weren't you able to sleep, last night?
Vee
Something like that, but mostly because I was watching a sitcom with Cass and Steph since 3am.
Cassandra Cain
It's really funny too. It became my favorite. 😁😁😁
Stephanie Brown
You know it, Tim. I annoyed you into watching it with me a couple of months ago.
Tim Drake
A sitcom? Was it friends? Or the office.
Cassandra Cain
Title of your sex tape!
Vee
Title of your sex tape!
Stephanie Brown
Nice one, girls.
The three of them high-fived together.
Tim Drake
So, B99. I'll have to watch what I say from now on, so you won't make it weird and sexual.
Bruce Wayne
~smiled at their conversation~
Jason Todd
One of the things I miss about this place is Alfred and his cooking. ~came from upstairs~
Damian Wayne
Good morning, everyone. ~walked into the kitchen~
Stephanie Brown
Dami, aren't you going to have breakfast?
Damian Wayne
~Came out with a dog plate filled with food in his hands~ I am. I'm feeding Titus, first.
Vee
He sure does adore him.
Jason Todd
He has a very weak spot for animals. Even if he doesn't look like it.
Tim Drake
True, there's even a cat that he called Alfred.
Cassandra Cain
Now that you mention it, I haven't seen Cat Alfred, anywhere yesterday.
Tim Drake
That's normal. Cats tend to go out alot and might not come back home for a day or two.
Dick Grayson
DAMIAN! ~came running downstaris~
Damian Wayne
What is it, this early in the morning, Grayson?
Dick Grayson
Have a little control on you cat, can you?
Vee
~turned to see his face~ Oh...
Jason Todd
~started laughing with Stephanie at the few scratches from a cat he had~
Cassandra Cain
I don't have to worry anymore, about Cat Alfred.
Dick Grayson
This isn't funny, guys!
Bruce Wayne
So, who won, Alfred or you ****?
Dick Grayson
Not you too, Bruce.
Damian Wayne
My Alfred doesn't lose to you Grayson.
Dick Grayson
Oh, believe she won't anymore. 💀💀💀
Damian Wayne
~became scary~ GRAYSON, IF YOU TOUCHED ONE HAIR OF MY ALFRED, I'LL RIP YOU TO PIECES!
Damian Wayne
~ran upstairs to search for Cat Alfred~
Dick Grayson
I'm the victim here, why does he think I can do something to a cat?
Alfred Pennyworth
Why is Master Damian yelling? He was having a good chill morning 3 minutes ago. ~came with a cat in his hands~
Alfred Pennyworth
Oh, my! Master ****, I now see why.
Jason Todd
Alfred, don't let Dami find the cat. I want to see how bloody this can get.
Vee
That's kind of cruel to do, to Damian.
Dick Grayson
No, it will be a perfect lesson for him to take care of his pets more.
Tim Drake
I feel like there's more to the story than just Alfred Cat attacked you.
Dick Grayson
It's embarrassing enough to have scratches, you won't hear the whole story.
Bruce Wayne
By the way, Vee, I've been thinking about your school and I thought to transfer you to Damian's school.
Vee
Babs mentioned this. Thank you, Bruce.
Bruce Wayne
The meeting with the Headmaster is in a couple of hours. So, I thought I should take you there with me to see your new school, first.
Jason Todd
Something even better, As her older brothers, we can go enroll her there ourselves.
Jason Todd
Yeah, we just need the keys to one of your cars and you can leave the rest to us.
Jason Todd
~whispered to **** who was sitting besides him~ We can teach Vee how to drive a car along the way, ****.
Dick Grayson
WE'RE NOT GOING TO DO THAT!
Bruce Wayne
Jason, you're forbidden from driving any of my cars.
Jason Todd
What?! Could you have been any more discreet ****?!
Dick Grayson
I'm not going to let Vee's second day be spent in a police station arrested for underage driving.
Vee
Oh! I wanna learn driving! 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺
Jason Todd
See! I was sure she was going to love learning to drive.
Dick Grayson
Sorry Vee, but you will in a few more years from now.
Vee
~sighed dissapointed~ Okay.
Bruce Wayne
~stood up~ I have a meeting in 15 minutes. I'll be back in a couple of hours, Vee, be ready till then.
Vee
~nodded as she took a bite of her toast~
Cassandra Cain
Do we continue watching B99 together, girls?
Stephanie Brown
Great idea!
Vee
Yeah. After breakfast.
Vee
I'm back. ~entered the Waybe Manor~
Alfred Pennyworth
Welcome back, Miss Vee. How was your new school?
Vee
It's really big. I thought I was lost when I didn't find Bruce or the headmaster.
Alfred Pennyworth
~smiled~ you wouldn't be the first to do that.
Alfred Pennyworth
Master **** and Master Jason too. When they came back home, they also told me stories how they thought that the school is big enough to have secret doors that they can escape by using them.
Vee
~giggled at the silliness of the once 15-year old Jason and ****~
Vee
I think they both make wonderful older brothers. ~smiled as she was talking about them with something strange in her eyes~
Vee was an only child. So, besides her parents that most of the times warned her, she didn't have anyone else to call family.
For the past 13 years of her life.
Suddenly, she loses them with not much of an explanation why would a clown lunatic like Joker kill them, only to be adopted by the wealthiest and most powerful man in Gotham City, and be welcomed by the family he created with no blood relation.
Vee only learned to look out for herself and not to stand out too much, either with her friends or with strangers. Making her think that maybe, she shouldn't get too close to this new Family.
Yet, it was hard to do so when everyone is already too nice to her and they act like she has been part of it for years now.
It left her to be confused and perplexed on what to do and how to act from now on.
However, one thing for sure to her was that she won't br able to talk about it anymore.
that one thing her parents were warning her about her whole life.
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