"Alfred, where's Daddy?" Caitlin asked sleepily as she walked into the kitchen.
"He's fixing the clock." Alfred said, handing her a tray. "If you're going to see him, bring him this." Caitlin nodded and took the tray, which held coffee and eggs. He added a poppy seed muffin for her as she walked off. Caitlin turned the hands on the clock and slipped in through the entrance to the Batcave.
"Daddy?" Caitlin called, walking down the stairs. Caitlin found him at his computer, looking over the monitors.
"Caitlin? What are you doing up?" He asked, taking her tray.
"Daddy it's already ten." Caitlin giggled, eating her muffin. "You should sleep." He shook his head, looking over the screens again before he clicked them off.
"What do you need, Pumpkin?" Caitlin took a deep breath. It was time to ask again. She was old enough now. She was sure of it.
"Daddy, I was wondering if I could come with you sometimes-."
"No." Bruce said without hesitation. "Caitlin you are not old enough to fight crime. What kind of father would I be if I let you do that?"
"A good one." Caitlin said, "Daddy I don't like that you're out there alone. And I can help! I'm good at fighting and-!"
"No." He growled, "The answer is no and that is final." Caitlin frowned and Bruce sighed. "Caitlin, I can't take you out. I would never forgive myself if you got hurt out there."
"I understand Daddy." Caitlin sighed, walking back upstairs. She knew when her daddy's mind was beyond being changed. But Caitlin had inherited something else from her daddy. She was stubborn too.
Caitlin pulled at the black fabric that made up her new costume. She wasn't planning on going out tonight; she just needed to make sure that the costume would fit. It was black with gray stitching all around it, like patchwork with only one piece of fabric. She had a belt around her waist that held some of the weapons that Batman used. On her feet were something like leather socks. They would let her move easily and grip the ground without making much sound. She had black gloves on her hands, knowing that you should never leave a fingerprint. She also had a domino mask to cover her eyes so that she could go out.
Who needs permission?
Caitlin knew that Batman would never approve, so she'd have to wait until he thought she'd given up before going out. Caitlin pulled on sweats and a shirt over the costume, making sure that it would never be visible, and went to her gym, making sure that she could move without issue in the clothes. Caitlin planned to go out for the first time in a week. She knew his patrol rout and planned to meet him out on it.
"Miss Wayne, there's someone here to see you." Alfred called from the door. Caitlin fell into the foam and nodded.
"I'll be right out, just let me change." Alfred nodded and Caitlin ran into the 'locker room' to change. It was one of the few places that she was sure there were no cameras, unlike in the gym. Once inside she pulled off her uniform and stuffed it into her bag, where she covered it with her sweats and shirt. When she walked out Caitlin was in shorts and a purple tank top.
"Caitlin."
"Uncle Clark!" Caitlin shrieked, running up to the giant of a man.
"Hey Kid!" He said, lifting her up and setting her on his shoulder.
"Uncle Clark, what are you doing here?" She asked. Caitlin loved Clark. He was often sent over to 'babysit' when Alfred and Bruce had to go out.
"I'm here for you Kid." He said with a laugh. "Your dad and Alfred have a party to go to."
"Cool!" Caitlin giggled from Clark's shoulder.
"Miss Wayne, your mother will be here for you tomorrow. Please get some sleep tonight." Alfred said, giving Clark a look.
"Don't worry Alfred," Clark said, "I'll put her to bed soon." Alfred gave Clark a disbelieving look before sighing.
"Take care of Daddy, Alfred."
"I always do." Alfred said, walking off.
"So Caitlin, what do you want to do tonight?" Clark asked, looking over at the little girl on his shoulder.
"We should go to the movies!"
"When we go to the movies you spend the whole night talking." Clark shook his head, smiling. "How about we do this instead?" He asked, grabbing her arms.
Caitlin giggled as Clark moved her from his shoulder onto his back. He handed her his glasses and his feet left the ground. She let out high pitched shriek and laughed as she gripped his jacket. Caitlin loved it when Clark came, because she loved to fly. She always had a love of heights, and ever since she found out about her Daddy being Batman Clark has taken it upon himself to let her fly. Her arms tightened around his neck and her hands gripped tighter as Clark started going up higher and then dove straight down.
By the time that Clark was putting her to bed Caitlin was so tired that she didn't even argue. She smiled as she crawled into her bed, snuggling close to her blankets.
"Good night Baby Bat."
"Night Uncle Clark." She breathed, closing her eyes.