The baby girl squeaked happily, and Poppy smiled warmly, "Daphne is so perfect...I haven't forgotten your pick for our perchance daughter...And since it's my turn for the middle name, how about Lena, as it sounds like Selina?", looking at the camera with a grateful look, knowing that the secret Wayne and Pennyworth phones are watching, and Bruce probably is with Selina to show this amazing event.
"I can take a wild guess why you've thought of that.", Waylon chuckled as she nodded. "Of course... these two... if it wasn't for Selina... they might not be here today.", Poppy almost started to tear up as Waylon comforted her.
"It's okay, it's okay, don't think about that... what's done is done and they're here... no need to shed tears for what tragedy might have happened.", Waylon spoke gently.
Daphne gave a confused purr, and Poppy reassured her daughter, "It's okay, Daphne...", and Daphne gave a happy squeak as Waylon chuckled, cradling her, "Daphne Lena Jones-Wayne...", before hearing grumbling growls as the twins gave hungry cries, realizing the familiar feeling.
The camera turned off to give them privacy as Waylon helped remove the bra, passing Daphne into Poppy's other arm, and instinctively, after with relief to see gummy lips, no teeth, the twins latched into Poppy's lactating breasts successfully, suckling hungrily with big appetites.
Waylon wrapped his arm around his mate, smiling as his gentle hand caressed the twins' heads, "They did it...We did it...They're perfect...", as Poppy rested into Waylon's body with content, happy tears, "We're parents, Wally...", smiling warmly as she kissed her beautiful children on the forehead.
Elsewhere, in Selina's bedroom, Bruce looked at Selina after he put away his secret Wayne phone, seeing her in shock, "Selina?", concerned about her, and Selina whispered, "I...I never thought...I'd be honored like that...I...I reacted like any other woman who would save any kid without being selfish...".
"Sometimes the little things can mean the world to others in ways you don't really expect.", Bruce told her. Wasn't that the damn truth? Selina's mind just kept replaying that event; how she probably easily could've avoided the pain and the bullet, but more than likely, would've come at the cost of the children. She knew somehow deep down if she had done that, she never would've forgiven herself if she managed to get away.
And to watch the amazing occasion of the hatching, to see and hear the children thrive, she had the feeling that she's the only non-related member to observe it all happening, all because she completely has the trust of Bruce and this remarkable family of Waynes and Pennyworths, to experience their world for the past 10 days that felt like longer, and strangely enough, she felt like she belonged here with all her quirks and questions.
It hit her in the heart that she actually wanted to put all of herself into Bruce's idea of being a good catburglar, an ethical catburglar, but deep down, she is afraid of failing herself with commitment of protecting this amazing family, to stick straightforward with Bruce...
"B-Bruce, I...I'm all in to try your idea of being an ethical catburglar...", Selina started, and Bruce saw the conflicted feelings in her eyes and posture, and waited patiently, "But?".
Selina took a deep breath, "You...Your family...they are so different than I imagined, considering that my father left me and my mother for crime, and my mother died when I was still a child...Foster care wasn't a picnic, but I survived...But I didn't survive to live...I survived to eat and not be helpless anymore...Sure, I made a life for myself later on, with my cats, and very few friends, but I never...never felt like I belonged until now...with your family making me feel like they weren't angry at me for asking questions and making me feel like...like I was just Selina...".
Bruce gave a gentle smile, "They've been through a lot, seen a lot like me...We aren't your typical normal family, but I wouldn't take it any other way...", and Selina gave a warm giggle, "Naturally...", before taking a deep breath again, "But that's the thing...I...I'm scared of failing myself...failing commitment to protect this amazing family...and sticking with you straightforward...".
"Do you need time?", Bruce asked. "I mean, I understand if you want to have a little distance for a time just to think about things. I don't want you to feel like you're being forced into anything uncomfortable if a part of you thinks that.".
Selina exhaled, "I know I have four days left before your dad checks out the stitches and all, and if I'm all good...I...Are you okay if I need a bit of time at home and the cats? Which I appreciate you updating me with their meals and wellbeing, but they must be missing me tons...".
Bruce took her hand, "Selina, you don't have to ask. Just...just be sure to pop up somewhere you are fine, either in public or as Catwoman, okay, if you need that time.", with a patient smile.
Selina choked up, "Thank you...", kissing his cheek gently, and they let it rest, changing the topic to talking about the adorable twins and wondering what Alfred or Caroline's planning for dinner.
And so, after meeting the twins properly by nighttime when the staff are gone, and recovering some more, at the end of the week, Thomas declared Selina as all healed up and intact, and had a ride by Alfred at a time where anybody was busy with work or distracted by traffic, and warmly reunited with her cats who was happy to see her.
It was two weeks with occasional appearances of Catwoman where Batman gave directions to the crime-run jewelry stores, etc., with snippets of small talk before splitting up on their patrols, including Martha She-Hulk who has noticed even a gloomier air to Batman, but knew that decisions can't be rushed, as Bruce had explained everything which was understandable.
Then one night, Bruce heard a knock on his bedroom door, and he opened his eyes, figuring that it was Alfred or his dad needing him if Martha She-Hulk needs backup, getting up as the knocks became insistent yet still quiet, "Okay, I'm coming!", walking up to the door, opening it, "What is it, A-", before his eyes widened at the appearance of Selina looking beautiful if tired in her pajamas, "Selina...".
Selina bit her lip, "Called Alfred for a pickup...Bruce...I really thought a lot, and I...I discovered that my life felt lonely...without nobody to play games or talk to, my bed suddenly felt too big to sleep in...and I...I want to keep the penthouse as an escape safehouse for this family and us just in case, but...I was...I was hoping that you couldn't mind if I move in, with eventually some of my domesticated cats if the dogs don't have a problem with them?", holding a luggage bag Bruce didn't notice until now.
"And no, I'm not going to do a one-night stand or anything...I just...I just want to sleep with someone to hold me for the first time with meaning it and all, and I will wait for you to tell me when you're ready later on, Bruce, and-", Selina then explained quickly before Bruce put a finger on her lips.
He didn't say anything when he moved his finger away... and then just leaned forward to kiss her on the lips and wrapped his arms around her tightly. Selina quickly responded by doing the same.
Selina moaned lightly in pleasure as Bruce found entrance into her mouth, their tongues dancing together as they kissed deeply for a long minute before they parted away, panting heavily.
"You can move in, and of course, with careful supervision of Chess and Bandit to make sure they are fine about living with some of your best-behaved cats...Let me guess, the others don't know of your arrival apart from Alfred?", Bruce smiled warmly.
Selina chuckled, "You are right of that...", and Bruce nodded before whispering, "I missed you more than I thought...I got used to seeing you every day in that recovering bed and talking...And I'd love to hold you in my bed to sleep together, and don't worry, I'll let you know when I'm ready for later on, and it won't be too long, eh?".
Smiling and blushing, Selina nodded, and she was guided in, dropping her luggage bag by one of the dressers, as Bruce closed the door, and they went to Bruce's bed, with Bruce snuggling first, opening the blanket as a warm invitation for Selina with a happy, warm smile as Selina joined in, loosely holding each other's hands as they faced each other, not needing to say anything as they kissed each other and fell asleep.
In the morning, Bruce realized that he is truly not dreaming as he woke up to find a slumbering, content Selina in his arms, having gravitated toward each other through the night into a snug hold of each other, and he smiled happily, knowing that there will be someday he will say those little three words, and of course, take his biggest leap into a critical part of his personal life, but for now, he's just happy to develop this unique, beautiful relationship, to embrace their spark into something powerful.
Selina felt similarly as she woke up to see Bruce's loving, bright blue eyes looking at her like how Thomas looks at Martha, and she knew somehow that she's going to be happy. After turns of using the bathroom and morning kisses, they went off to join the rest of the family for breakfast, holding hands.
As the staff is having more free days since it's summertime, Poppy and Waylon felt safe to bring up the twins to experience sunshine and such over the past week, after the past month had made the staff concerned, as Poppy was said to have a summer cold between the surprise pregnancy, and not wanting to risk the staff to it, Thomas ordered them to have more off days, which was a relief, since the twins hadn't changed yet to their human selves, even if Fate assured them that they will be.
Jane is talking in baby language to point out things to the twins as they looked in curiosity while the adults talked conversationally, with amusement occasionally at the little ones, and Thomas glanced to see Bruce peeking in, "About time, sleepyhead, was about to ask Alfred to fetch...oh.", seeing Selina trailing alongside Bruce as they walked in.
"Morning...", Selina blushed. "I... I hope you don't mind that I decided to sleep here tonight... I had Alfred come pick me up...", she said as Thomas raised an eyebrow; obviously thinking more in terms of being a doctor at the moment when Bruce waved his hand.
"It was just sleeping over, Dad... last thing either of us want to do is risk her health until you give the go ahead.", Bruce said. It took him a moment before he closed his eyes and blushed when he realized what he meant by that last part.
Selina blushed, gently kissing Bruce on the cheek, "I don't blame your father to think like a doctor, since that's what he is. Mr. Wayne, I...I want to move in permanently with your son...I thought long and well, I hope this shows you, all of you that...that you couldn't mind having a found stray in the family...", rubbing her arm nervously at the last part.
"Please, Miss Kyle... don't think yourself like that...", Thomas tried to tell her. "You're not a stray, you're a hero to this family, especially to Poppy and Waylon.".
"Yeah... I... I guess it's just hard to wrap my head around that still...", Selina admitted. Poppy looked at Selina, "We will remind you of it every day if Daphne gets into a bit of mischief. You saved my babies, Selina...I...", glancing at Waylon who comforted her with a rub of her back, gently smiling.
"You saved me from major depression and devastation...I would have thought I was not deserving to be a mother and all if...if they shot them in the egg...Sean and Daphne weren't the only children...There was a reason why Waylon mentioned Sean being the 16th child technically...I...there was five other viable eggs when I was unknowingly in labor...The others weren't viable, having failed in successful conception...I think I saw tv filming the competition meet, but I don't know if you watch that sort of things.", Poppy replied softly.
"Had an accident and miscarried, am I guessing is what happened?", Selina asked as Poppy nodded. "That's what everyone keeps trying to tell me... that I don't blame myself so much to the point of...", Poppy quickly shook her head.
Selina exhaled, "I wouldn't wish that on anyone, even my worst enemy, or my best ally. But perhaps they are happy again somewhere, either in heaven or reborn in good families that you'd approve of, Poppy, that at least I think so.".
Poppy gave a grateful smile, "Thank you, Selina, you are very much perfect to belong in this family. The others have said the same as you.", not going to reveal Fate or his magic either as it's one thing with the whole situation of the egg almost-kidnapping, but another thing with Fate as he's a powerful person who can take care of himself just fine.
"See? And you got two incredible twins who would make things look bright.", Selina smiled warmly, and Caroline replied, "Selina's right. Those little ones certainly make things look bright, especially Jane. I thought I was to lose her when I was sick, but if it wasn't for Martha to pay for the best medicine and all, we wouldn't be here with Alfred, and Waylon to be with Poppy, to make this family happy.".
Jane clapped, smiling in her booster seat as she agreed in her baby language, eating baby food from Alfred who chuckled, "Easy, Janey-girl, you're making a mess. Come on, don't you want Mama's milk for dessert if you behave for Daddy?", as Selina and Bruce sat down to enjoy servings of breakfast.
Jane giggled, calling out eagerly, "Mama! Dada! Fammy!", and the dining table went silent, looking at Jane, and Martha replied, "Did she say 'Family' there?", in surprise.
"Probably.", Poppy chuckled. "She's a very smart baby for her age after all...". Of course, being passed on and living for a short time beyond the grave before returning probably had a contributing factor as opposed to, say, when Poppy was growing up and her genes that gave her a faster developmental mind.
Caroline laughed with happy tears, "Did you hear that, Alfred? Come on, say Mama, Dada again!", and Jane smiled, "Mama, Dada!".
Alfred smiled, "Atta girl, Jane! You officially get Mama's milk, but first, finish this for me, hmm?", and Jane leaned in, taking her baby food eagerly with a hum, as Caroline smiled, "That's my smart girl!".
Seeing that Jane is getting milk as a reward, Daphne wanted the same too, and gave a clicking purr with her twin brother, Sean who nodded, and they remembered very hard of how their parents changed from their usual she-hulk and croc forms as they were used to seeing them like that, and now is getting used to the fact of seeing their parents as human.
Sean whimpered in pain as his tail shrunk back, enabling Poppy to comfort her son, looking down, "Shh, it's okay, Sean, oh! Wally, they're changing!", and the family turned their eyes to see the twins steadily changing.
Sean is now having teal eyes, a beautiful combo of green and blue from Poppy and Martha's side and Thomas's side, Waylon's human nose and dimples, dark tan skin with now chocolate ebony freckles mainly on his shoulders and legs from Waylon's side, and his black tuft of fine hair is still the same, next to now human fingernails and toenails.
And as for Daphne, she got Waylon's amber brown eyes now, along with still her fine tuft of Waylon's dark-ish brown hair without the dark green highlights, while having Poppy's nose and smile still, but her skin tone, it's her grandfather Thomas' warm tan skin with an undertone of her grandmother Caroline's caramel brown skin.
"That's a neat trick...", Selina admitted. "Probably a sense of defense instincts. How they were born is actually their true selves, similar to Poppy.", Martha suggested. "It was the same when she was born; though she never turned back until she was much older so it remains to be seen if puberty years down the road will retrigger their traits.".
Selina nodded, "That explains a lot. I couldn't blame them with that scare and being protected like...well, like eggs in a nest.".
Daphne and Sean cooed happily as Poppy kissed their heads, "Oh, I'm so proud of you! Good job! You got all of us including your grandpa Thomas and grandma Caroline!".
Waylon smiled, "They sure do...They're even more adorable than ever...", and the twins gurgled proudly before Daphne whined hungrily, grasping into Poppy's maternity nursing shirt, and Poppy raised an eyebrow, "Oh, let me guess, you changed forms because you want my milk, hmm?".