Age Reminder:
Alfred- Immortal
Bruce – 45
Barbara -27
Dick-24
Jason – 21
Cass- 20
Tim- 17
Damian- 12
Steph- 8
Steph groans from her spot at her desk flexing her hand from cramps.
After getting back from her little adventure and bawling like a baby in front of the batman she was met with a long ass lecture and several punishments.
On top of the five-page paper on the dangers of sneaking out and disobeying rule. The sentence of one month of grounding and new, stricter rules were enforced.
Well in truth it started out at two weeks but her big mouth got it doubled when she called Bruce a control freak.
To which he replied with his previous comment that while in his care, she would follow his rules. With a frustrated huff she relented before he added more ridiculous new rules.
She was not to leave the manor without permission
She was not allowed to go into Gotham unsupervised for any reason
She will show everyone the respect they are owed
Alfred and Bruce's word is law. No arguments.
When Alfred and Bruce are gone, the older kids are in charge in chronological order.
Of course, right away Steph wanted to argue how unfair these were. But knew that would not get her anywhere.
In all honesty, the childish part of her craved the parental affection of the actions. Something that was always absent with her own parents. Though her mom tried, she was often to guilty to really be strict with her child. On the other hand, her dad only used his status as a parent to order her around.
Trying to avoid her mind from wandering down that depressing path, she picked up the pencil.
As she began to write the door burst open with Dick rushing in with that stupid grin plastered on his face. Honestly as this point it would be weird to see him without it.
Before a word could be uttered, he dropped a backpack at her feet. Steph turned around confused.
"Pack kiddo. We are leaving in the morning."
"For where?"
"Vacation." Dick offered as he plopped down on her bed where the stuffed monkey, he had recently bought her sat. Rolling her eyes and turning around. She tried to ignore the older boy.
"In case you forgot Dickie. Your ass of a dad grounded me. I don't think vacations are allowed."
"First off, watch the language. They will wash your mouth out. Second, I spoke with Bruce and he agreed that a trip out of town would be a good change of pace." What he really meant was it would be a good distraction from her dead parents and current situation.
Before she could protest, Dick jumped up to turn her chair around. Leaning on the arms of the chair he held her complete attention.
"Look I know you would rather curl up and ignore the world. But trust me when I say this is the best thing. Getting out and enjoying life."
"What exactly is there to enjoy!" Steph snapped
"My parents are dead. There is a crazy, psycho running around, and I have a life I can't remember. Not to mention that I am living with a bunch of strangers." Sadness passed through his brilliant blue, eyes before determination set in.
"Steph we are not strangers. I will admit we were not the closest when you were older. But I would truly like to change that." Regret filled his voice and Steph could not understand why he was that determined to connect with her. Sure, they apparently knew each other but she couldn't remember that.
"Why?" Looking down, she didn't want to her eyes to show the desire to believe his words.
With slight pressure, he lifted her chin up until her sky-blue eyes met his.
"Because you are family." He cemented with absolution.
No one had ever looked at her with such love. Sensing the seriousness of his words, all she could do was nod. Earning her a kiss to the forehead, resulting in a red face.
"Now pack since we will be leaving early tomorrow to get to the airport." He stated with a wave as he left the room.
Staring at the door where the bouncy boy had just left. She got up to pack with the small purple suitcase (she rolled her eyes but smiled) she couldn't help the excitement that began to build. She had never been on a vacation. Not when her parents barely had money to take care of her or they were too busy avoiding the cops.
Laying in bed later, she was able to fall asleep with that feeling overtaking her.
As the morning light peaked into the room, Steph awoke with a giant smile remembering what happened last night. Pulling to covers, she got dressed in jean shorts, black tank top, a blue and white plaid shirt, and white vans. Reaching to grab her bags she noticed they were gone.
After searching the main level, she catches a glimpse of Tim heading out through the main door.
Not seeing any better options, she follows to see that he leads to the others loading up one of their smaller limos.
"good morning Miss Stephanie." The comforting voice announces besides her and motions her towards the others.
"good morning." Steph offers a kind smile before glancing over to the others. Noticing Dick putting her bags in the trunk.
"Hey, Steph. Sleep well?" Tim asks with the same friendly look.
Somehow their smiles always meant something different. Tim's speaks of friendship, Dick's of affection, Jason's (more a smirk really) is playful, Alfred's is patient, and Bruce's (when he does actually smile) is protective and loving. She was not really able to read Cass yet and Damian never smiled.
"Yeah but I could sleep some more." She replies, moving closer to him and Dick. Jason leans against the side of the car yawning while Damian texts away on his phone slightly away from them. Bruce is talking business over the phone.
"There is no time for sleeping monkey. We have a vacation to have fun on!" Dick shouts with excitement, shutting the trunk and turns to her with that 1,000-watt smile.
"Monkey?"
"Yeah since you are always moving and automatically liked the trapeze." Dick proudly states.
Steph wasn't sure why the name made her happy. No one had ever called her an endearing name before.
"Get used to it blondie. Dickie loves to give nicknames." Jason clarified as he pushed off the car.
"He's not the only one." Tim whispered with a roll of the eyes. Though not quietly enough as Jason smacked the back of his head. Causing a giggle from Steph.
"You are just upset yours is baby bird." Jason smirked.
"How can I be that when Damian and now Steph are younger than me?"
"Because Timmy, at one point you were the baby of the family and you were so dang cute! Plus, Steph wasn't that young when she came, and Damian would probably attack me for that name." Dick wrapped him in a hug from behind. Tim shoved him off. Steph smiled at their closeness and was overjoyed to be a part of it.
The boys continued to poke fun of each other when Bruce finally finished his call.
"Alright let's go." He commanded. Steph was still amazed he agreed to do this and let her come. He could have just taken the boys and left her here with Alfred.
"What about breakfast?" the street kid in her coming out in worry of not getting food. Having been her for almost a month had spoiled her as there was always food available.
"We will get something at the airport." Bruce explained he explained with a kind smile. Something he had being doing a lot more often.
Ever since he told her about her parents. A part of her was happy to have the support, a part was angry at what appeared to be pity, and another part of her was uncertain with the amount of care she was receiving.
Still she nods in understanding and offers a timid smile of her own before climbing into the car next to Tim. Sitting between him and Jason with their backs to Alfred. Bruce, Dick and Damian sat across from them.
"What time is the flight?" Dick asks as they pull away.
"In two hours." Tim answers while responding to a text. Damian makes a disgruntled noise at the situation.
"I don't see why we must fly with those annoying people. Why couldn't we have taken your jet father?"
"The pilot has the next month off to be with his newborn Dami."
"We could have flown it." Damian responds with what he thought was perfect logic
"Damian you know why we can't now stop complaining and enjoy the experience." Bruce shuts down the argument before it can go any further. Then turns to look at the sole blonde in the car.
"Now Stephanie." Said child looks up from Dick's phone that she was playing on. She met the eyes of the stern bat.
"As you know you only completed a week of your grounding." Steph tenses at the stern atmosphere taking over the vehicle. The rebellious nature in her wanting to come out.
"Bruce-." Dick directed a mild glare at the Wayne patriarch before he put a hand up. Stopping the younger man from his rant.
"But if you prove you can follow the rules and listen. The grounding will be over when we get back." Steph's eyes widened. Usually Bruce was firm in all his decisions.
"Okay." The boys smiled (except Damian of course) at their father's attempt to build a bond with the little girl.
"Now list the rules." And there went that moment as Dick, Jason, and Tim groaned.
Steph wanted to snap about how bossy he could be sometimes. Sensing his friends' distress, Tim takes her hand in silent support. Steph gracefully holds it before sighing and looks back at the oldest male patiently waiting for her response.
"No wandering, listen to you guys, no lying, and be respectful." She quickly throws out all the while resisting the desire to roll her eyes. Never liking to be bossed around. Expecting a stoic nod, she was surprised by the endearing look in his eyes.
"Good girl." She ducked her head at the praise.
Upon arriving at the airport Steph was handed her backpack and told it was her responsibility to keep track of, while Bruce carried her suitcase.
Surprisingly the trip through check in and security was uneventful. Having reached the terminal, Steph was awarded with some pancakes and fruit. Though not waffles they were pretty good.
It was until after breakfast that Steph out they would be going to Barcelona. Which she was super excited about. But when she said that she didn't have a passport. Bruce told her it was taken care of and not to worry. Though she wanted to know what he meant she also knew she was too tired to argue with the man.
While waiting to board Steph pulled out her tablet and started watching the next of the many Disney movies Dick had insisted, she watch. Right now, it was Beauty and the Beast. Though she hated romances, the badassiery of Belle was great. Right as Belle was entering the forgotten castle looking for her father. A finger poked her forehead.
Looking up, she saw Jason was standing before letting her know it was time to go. Upon boarding the plane her eyes widened at being told they would be in first class. Though she should not be completely surprised with how much money they had.
Being ushered to the window seat of a row of two massive seats. Steph was seated besides Bruce with Jason and Tim in front of them and Dick and Damian across the aisle from them.
Taking her shoes off and sliding her bag under the seat. She stood on the seat to talk to the older boys in front of her. Who humored her with response.
As the stewardess came on the intercom system informing them that they would be taking off soon. Bruce pulled on the girl's shirt to get her to sit down.
Throughout the flight Steph could not playing with all the buttons of the seat and screen in front of her or talking to Bruce about everything under the sun. Who chuckled at her childish behavior and patiently answered all her questions. Which filled her with joy at having so much positive attention directed at her.
This was quickly becoming the best day ever.
The next thing Steph knew they had landed in Barcelona and sleep had yet to leave her body fully. Feeling Bruce gently shaking her awake, she ignored him in favor of curling in on herself and turned to the window.
The next second, she was lifted out of the seat sans shoes and carried by a pair of strong, protective arms. For a reason unknown to her she decided to wrap her arms around his neck and buried her face in it.
Vaguely she heard the flight attendants tell Bruce how cute his daughter was to which she tightened her grip around his neck. Which only earned her more coos
Before she even realized that they had made their way through the airport. The daze from the setting sun and Bruce's calls awoke her fully.
"You awake now?" he asked as he put her on the ground. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes she looked down at her socked feet.
Sensing what she was thinking, Jason brought them over.
"Here you go kiddo." Steph yawned a thanks before putting them on.
"Where are we going now?" she asked
"We'll go get some food and then check into the hotel." Bruce answered as the boys loaded up the rental SUV. Steph climbed into the back next to Tim, with Jason and Damian in the middle, and Bruce and Dick up front.
On the way to restaurant, the kids chattered about all the interesting activities to do. Dick wanted to go to the local festival/fair, Jason and Tim wanted to check out the old parts of the city and museums, Damian wanted to relax on the beaches and par take in the horseback riding (that sounded fun to her too), and Steph wanted to try everything.
As they joked and discussed they pulled up to a fancy restaurant. It had valet parking with a lighted pathway. Walking up Steph was amazed how big and beautiful the building was. It looked like it was taken out of time.
As they entered, the host led them through the dining room to the back onto the outdoor patio over looking a harbor with hundreds of boats.
"Yo runt come on." Looking away from the harbor she saw Jason was waiting for her as the others had already say down at the table. Running past, him, he chuckled has she took a seat closer to the water to watch the people and boats go by.
When handed a menu she scrunched her nose at the strange items it listed. Not knowing what half of the words even meant.
Looking through she found the kids portion with a few normal (more American) options. Below that was a listing of sweet drinks that had no alcohol in them. To her young mind the names made them sound amazing.
"See something you like?" Tim asks from across the table. On his side out to in it was him, Bruce and then Damian (Steph noticed that Tim and Damian were never put next to each other). On her side it was Jason, Dick, and then her.
She pointed out the section she was looking at.
"Steph that is just pure sugar. I don't think that is a good idea this late." Not being what she wanted to hear. She looked up at her favorite of the brothers with wide blue eyes. Though all that got her was an apologetic smile.
"Hey, it is not me you need to convince." Understanding what he meant. She turned her puppy dog eyes on Bruce.
"Tim is right Stephanie. You don't need all the sugar before bed. You already slept on the plane. Bruce explained with the logic of a parent as he resisted the eyes. While he was used to the boys trying this tactic on him constantly. He had never received from a girl.
"Bruce please! I can handle it." She defended.
"No Stephanie." His resolve firming. Steph pouted as she turned away to glare at the menu.
Ever the peace maker, Dick decided to cheer up the youngest of their little family.
"How about some ice cream when we go to the festival tomorrow?" of course an alternate solution to her denying of sugar was perfect as happiness returned full force to her young face.
"That would be fine." Bruce flashed a grateful smile at his oldest.
The rest of the meal lacked any form of drama aside from the insults and jests made each other expense. Jason would fling food at Damian which of course angered the younger boy. Which would result in Dick jumping in trying to calm him and Tim effortlessly shutting down all arguments with perfect logic.
Steph couldn't help but enjoy her time with the rag tag family. They were without a doubt one of a kind.
Now at the hotel
Steph sat on top of one of the larger four, wheeled suitcases as the boys kept her company and Bruce checked them in. She was laughing at an insult Jason threw at Damian when Bruce walked over with three room keys.
"Alright, Dick you are with Damian. Stephanie you are with Jason and Tim. The rooms are joining."
What about you?" Steph asked. Not wanting to sound like a baby, she had yet to fully accept that Bruce's protective presence was a treasured comfort.
"I will be across the hall." His eyes filling with tenderness as he calmed the child. Steph smiled and held on has Jason pushed the large suitcase to the elevator.
As everyone was settling, Steph was in tears from the comedy she was currently watching. Ever since moving in with the Wayne's. Tv was something that was not activity promoted. Sure, they could watch it every so often, but they were usually too busy to indulge that opportunity. Not to mention that Alfred frowned upon excessive use.
As the man on stage gave another sexual joke, Dick walks through the joining door (that he insisted stay open).
"Jay! What are you letting her watch?" Dick grabs the remote and turns it off.
"Hey!" Steph glares.
"Steph that is not for your age group." He states with crossed arms.
"Relax Dickie. She has heard far worse around Gotham." Jason rebuts as he leans against the headboard. Tim walks out of the bathroom freshly showered. Looking up he sees the protective anger radiating off his oldest brother.
"What is wrong?" Dick tells Tim the same thing and Jason's relaxed response.
"I mean Jay does have a point Dick." Tim explains as he gets his laptop out and sits on his and Steph's bed closer to the window.
Jason smirks back at his older brother and Dick shoots a "seriously?" look back to the younger boy. Sensing an argument brewing, Tim directs his attention to Steph.
"Alright no more inappropriate shows Steph. You know better." Rolling her eyes, she sighs.
"Fine." Reaching for the remote she is surprised when it is pulled away.
"It is time for bed."
"what?! It is only 9:30!" She glared up at him. Though it had little effect.
"Come on Steph. The more rested you are. the more you will want to do stuff tomorrow." Tim peacefully offered in hopes of stopping the headache that was sure to come. Though it was not enough as she turned to face him with wide, pleading eyes.
"But is not fair!"
"Sorry but life is not fair and as the older brother-." Dick explained before getting cut off.
"You are not my brother." Steph snapped but instantly regretted it when his face fell. The room grew tense with silence.
Thinking he was going to storm off, yell at her, or ignore it. She was surprised when he sat on the couch facing her with a serious expression.
"We may not be related or share the same last name. but that doesn't make us any less family." Steph looked down in embarrassment at having acted so harshly.
"And you might not see me as an older brother, but I think of you as sister. I care about you very much Steph." Her eyes snapped up at his admission to see the sincerity that shown in his.
"Why?" she whispered as she focused on her lap.
"Why what?"
"Why do you care? No one else does. No one else ever has." She explained fighting off the tears. Feeling a gentle hand on her head, she looks up to see not only Dick, but that Tim and Jason have moved closer as well. Tim sitting on the table in front of her and Jason to her other side.
"Because you are you Steph. A girl who is funny, kind, smart, a smartass, forgiving, and strong." Tim clarified with confidence.
She couldn't look up for fear of them seeing the happiness and sadness in her eyes.
No one had ever loved her this much. Sure, her mom had but never to this level. With this kind of intensity and surety. An over whelming feeling of warmth and love overtook her as her vision got blurry.
"Never doubt how much you mean to us. I know you don't remember much. But never forget that." Dick pushed her chin up to wipe away the tears from her sky-blue eyes. Planting a kiss to her forehead.
"You know. I think this calls for a special cheer up session." Jason stated. Steph looked over confused before strong arms pulled her back into an equally strong chest as hands attacked her side.
"Jay! No!" laughter erupted from her.
"I am going in for a frontal attack." Dick charged forward as she was assaulted from both sides. Laughter filled the room.
Though none of them noticed Tim snapping pictures of this rare moment.
"Say it." Jason ordered as he continued to tickle her.
"Say what?" Steph giggled as she tried to move out of his grip but with no such luck.
"Say you understand how much we care about you." Stopping her struggle, she got quiet before leaning back to look at him upside down. Resting fully against his chest.
"I understand, and I care about you guys too." She offered with a small smile. Afraid of announcing too much emotion and scaring them off. But deciding to take a leap.
"I am sorry for what I said. I do think of you as a brother. All of you." Steph told them as red dusted her cheeks and she looked away.
Feeling someone pushing the hair behind her ear, she looked up to feel the emotion radiating around the room as Tim continued to soothe her.
Instead of the rejection she feared, she was greeted with the love she craved.
Relaxing once again on Jason's chest, sleep began to tug at her body and mind.
Without realizing she was laying in her bed as Dick pulled the covers up. No one had ever tucked her in since after the age of four.
Some how such a simple act from her new-found brother made her feel safer that she had in a long time. Though she might still deny it, this family was quickly becoming her only family.
"Good night." Steph yawned as she nuzzled the pillow and Dick moved her hair out of the way again.
"Sweet dreams baby sister." Her heart fluttered at the name as Tim and Jason also came over.
"Night pretty bird."
"Good night Steph."
As the three left the room, the turned off the lights and left the door slightly cracked.
Steph couldn't help but have the best night sleep in weeks.