Selina moved closer to kiss his cheek gently, "But she wasn't...Honestly, if it wasn't for her in the first place, with Poppy surviving, we couldn't have known how it's like to be part of an amazing family...We couldn't have Damien who chose us after Poppy lost him...Hell, Poppy wouldn't have met Waylon in the first place, hence Caroline and Alfred, and so on...But we can't have all those what ifs of the past, Bruce...It's best to remember lessons from the past, yes, and tell stories of the family history, indeed, but we can look forward to the present we are in now, and to the future.".
Bruce took a deep sigh, smiling as he looked at her, "You quite are remarkably wise...", and Selina smiled warmly, "Lessons of the streets can teach too next to lessons of the home.".
Bruce nodded before caressing her back, "You think Damien could take after me in asking for a sibling, huh?", realizing why Selina brought up his childhood, and that Damien is 7, about to be 8 next year.
Selina hummed, shrugging a shoulder, "I don't know. I mean, next to Damien, there are three other kids in Jane and the twins. Seems like many to me...", and Bruce raised an eyebrow, "Really? I seem to recall when you watched that first episode of 17 Kids and Counting, you exclaimed, quote, 'That's so many kids!', unquote. So, four kids aren't really 'many' in the perspective of wealthy families...".
"Well, yeah, when you put it that way but I'm not exactly the fan of being parents to a bunch of kids. At a point, it would get that I start to probably forget a few and neither of us would want that.", Selina said as he nodded.
"True. I honestly don't know how Waylon and Poppy could've handled if all their children had been viable. Looking back, in some ways, might have been better if a bunch didn't exactly work; less questions to ask in terms of just having so many. We never would be able to hide more than a dozen all at once.", Bruce said.
Selina nodded, "True. I mean, Dad pointed out that the first 10 didn't work out, it was only the five that got unlucky in that accident. And it was ever so fortunate that Sean and Daphne were the strongest ones to survive it...", as she had asked the finer questions a doctor could answer.
"And we got the fifth one in Damien...The other four...Sure, I caught Poppy wondering on and off, wanting to know more since we got names, but not exactly their last names per sec, but she isn't wanting to be that parasitic lady which I can get very much, as they must be 8, almost 9 now, old enough to make choices.", Bruce hummed.
"Didn't you get their names?", Selina asked. "Like, didn't Kel tell you or something who the other four were?", with a tilt of her head. "Now that you mention it...", Bruce scratched his chin. "One of those names has been coming back to my head for some reason.".
Selina blinked, "Oh?", and Bruce nodded, "Yeah. Richard G. I don't know if Poppy is feeling the same way, since we're both Waynes, and even if she's my baby sister, I have a bond with Poppy. But I'd have to ask her nonetheless.".
"Richard G., huh? Do you think he's the first of the four to cross all our paths?", Selina asked curiously, and Bruce blinked, "As now you say it, yeah...He is...I can't be sure totally for the other three as their time isn't there yet for them to cross all our paths, but the order feels like Jason T. is the second one, Tim D. is the third one, and Carrie K. is the fourth one...".
"Pity the last names weren't included.", Selina said as Bruce nodded. "Yes, but also no, like we agreed that night, better to just let them live their lives and if we perhaps run into them... well, it would be nice but also, it would be responsible not to constantly get involved.", Bruce explained.
"Right. But then again, if Damien's any indication... they might share a few of Waylon and Poppy's traits.", Selina commented with a nod.
Bruce nodded, "Possibly, yeah. But perhaps just similarities in personality or their lifestyle on the other hand...After all, twerks isn't just habitual, but generational. I mean, look at me. I am hands-on in Wayne Enterprises like Dad. Or that Damien tends to be an animal lover like you while being an avid listener like Poppy.".
Selina chuckled warmly, "Indeed.", before glancing at the time on Bruce's phone, "Oops, looks like we went past the slot of your naptime. Better get you back on finishing up some of the paperwork at least.", leaving Bruce's warmth.
Bruce groaned lightly, "The bane of all bosses.", getting up resignedly, and Selina cooed, kissing him on the lips, "At least you had a very nice nap, and got rid of some pent-up energy, hmm?".
"Can't argue with you there, Selina.", Bruce chuckled, and Selina smiled, "Good.", taking her phone from the couch side table, and swayed her hips as she turned her back, leaving the office as Bruce half watched, half walked to his desk, and just before she was about to depart with the door opening, she turned her head, and winked with an air kiss, "See you soon at end of shift, husband.".
Bruce smiled, sitting casually in his chair, the very chair they recently made love in, and replied, "See you soon at end of shift, wife.", with a wink and a trailing finger on an armrest, air-kissing, feeling triumphed to see Selina fluster for a split second with a blush before composing herself and closed the door.
Grinning, Bruce went to work on finishing some of the paperwork with recovered vigor, and soon, after the hour passing, with Johnathan letting him know of Alfred's arrival, he closed up his office with the computer shutting down, filing away the completed paperwork into Johnathan's locked drawer at his secretary desk while putting the incomplete paperwork in one of his desk's drawers, turning off the coffee machine and turned off the lights.
It was the same for Selina, and upon thanking Johnathan, and giving him his payday of the week, Bruce and Selina headed down through elevators and bidding goodnights and such to coworkers and such, and waved to Alfred who smiled, tipping his hat as he opened the door for the couple, and closed it, to take his driver seat.
The couple happily reviewed the day with Alfred and spoke of their agreement for the carnival plans as they headed through traffic to the manor for 40 minutes, using a couple of shortcuts, and made it in time for dinner.
"Hello, family!", Bruce announced as they headed into the dining room, and Damien bounced in his seat, "Papa, Mama!".
Caroline cleared her throat, "Damien, you're not finished with your meal, young man!", and Damien settled back a bit, "Sorry, Gramma...I couldn't stop twitching. I finished my homework, I swear!".
Poppy nodded, "He's right...We checked over it after the twins had their turn, and Jane as well.", and Damien asked, "Can we go straight after dinner?".
Selina hummed, "Well...", and the quartet of kids pleaded with bright smiles, chorusing as one, "Please?", almost like Simba and Nala when they watched the animated Lion King. Selina and Bruce glanced at each other, and then smiled at the kids, with Bruce chuckling, "It's alright with us.".
The kids all cried with joy as some almost fell out of their seats. "Careful, careful...", Thomas chuckled. "Let's not spend the evening having someone in the hospital or something.".
"Sorry, Grandpa!", Sean replied, and Alfred chuckled as he sat next to Caroline, kissing his wife on the cheek, "Do not eat too fast or you'll have stomachaches, hmm?".
Jane nodded, "Okay, Pops.", as the other kids obeyed Alfred, resignedly having to eat steadily, but not wanting to end up with stomachaches or such to stop them from going.
The other adults chuckled as they resumed dinner, with Selina and Bruce happily tucking in to start their meals. 35 minutes later, the kids were done, and Waylon replied, "Go get cleaned up and grab your jackets and any of your birthday money and allowance to take along, you hear?".
"Yes, Waylon, Waddy, Dad!", the four kids replied before departing upon putting their dishes into the dishwasher, and Poppy chuckled, "Gosh, I know that the carnival was in other cities in the state over the past few years around this time of the season, but good timing for Gotham to have some exciting times...Funny thing is that I'm strangely anticipated to see what the carnival got. I'm starting to think that we could cross paths with one of the four, as Richard G. has been coming up to mind as of late.", with a hum.
"Why do you think that?", Waylon asked as Poppy sighed, "Just a feeling... and also quickly looked up things and one of the highlights happens to perhaps fit a bill...". She chuckled, "You familiar with the Amazing Graysons?".
Bruce blinked softly, "Yeah, I think the name came up on some commercials occasionally about that carnival around other cities...But that title only has two names behind the faces, John and Mary, no Richard...".
Poppy replied, "I think they may be the parents for Richard Grayson, and besides, it's possible that John and Mary don't want their son to be in the spotlight yet until he's ready, since they would have wanted him to spend his childhood as an online school kid and a well-rounded kid about circus life and such. I mean, if it was me, I wouldn't want a 5- or 6-year-old to be in the performances as it's dangerous, but since he's chronically close to the twins in age, 8, almost 9, he would be soon ready after practices for a year or two.".
"But... you think that they...?", Selina asked. "It's possible.", Poppy said. "Of course I could be wrong, it's just a coincidence; there's probably quite a few Richard G.s around the same age. Still, wouldn't hurt to check, after all.".
"And if it is him?", Waylon asked. "Maybe get a chance to say hi, but... don't say anything really else. Best to avoid trouble, you know? No one outside this family would really understand.", Poppy said.
Bruce replied, "Of course, Poppy. Best thing is probably being acquaintances/friends with his parents, and if the kids find him first, making their friendship strong, there wouldn't be really weirdness about it or anything.".
Poppy gave a small smile, "Exactly...All the same, I'd be just glad to see if he truly is happy being a circus kid and all, if it's him...".
Waylon rubbed her back, kissing her cheek as everybody else agreed on that, wanting to see Poppy's heart being healed a bit more from the possible chance of seeing Richard Grayson having a good, healthy, happy life, even if the twins have healed her heart mostly, they knew that Poppy still felt somewhat incomplete.
They left the table and went to get ready, and in 15 minutes, the kids came down to the main floor, and Selina looked at Damien, "Do you remember the rule, Damien Wayne?".
Damien nodded as he went over this a million times as soon as he understood, and recited the rule, "Yes, Mama. In public, I have to call Waddy and Pommy Uncle Waylon and Aunt Poppy.", as Damien had known some of the truth that he was essentially a gift from Poppy and Waylon, his first set of parents, to Bruce and Selina, his second set of parents, yet deep down, he knew he was lost, and he chose Bruce and Selina.
"Good boy.", Selina rubbed his head as Damien chuckled. "Now then, I think we're all ready to go as long as all of you promise to be on your best behavior. Let's not give them an excuse to kick us out or anything.".
The kids nodded their heads vehemently, "Yes, Aunt Selina, Mama!", and Thomas chuckled, "Then let's go!", being the patriarch of the family.
They filled into the family limo with Alfred at the wheel, all outfitted for major family fun and such, and headed out to the carnival.
The kids decided to make their first night of carnival fun a mix of rides and food and two performances between the rides and the food, and so, the first hour was the wild animal performance, and after that, the kids returned to their favorite rides again.
It wasn't even 15 minutes in when the family came out of the latest roller coaster as Damien nearly bounced on his feet, "Come on, guys!", and Thomas replied, "Damien, easy now...That was not easy on some of us...".
Caroline replied with a groan, "Shouldn't had that caramel apple...", and Jane replied, "Ma, can soda help?", with a frown. Alfred replied, "Yeah, go get soda, Janey-girl. Give us some air to rest, alright?".
The kids replied, "We'll get the soda!", before sprinting off to the closest food stand, as Martha replied, "Whose idea was to take the rides again after eating some food during that performance?".
"Not me!", Bruce replied, his hands up, as the others protested, with Waylon as the last one, sheepishly smiling, "Adrenaline, I guess?", and they chuckled, not blaming him.
Meanwhile, the kids looked at the list, with Sean replying, "Looks like we went a bit crazy on the rides, guys...I barely got enough for soda and a snack, but not enough for another drink.".
"Me too.", Daphne replied, and Jane replied, "Ditto.", and Damien replied, "Should we ask our parents for more money?", with a groan, as they were in the middle of the line, and he didn't want to leave his spot.
The kids looked conflicted before a voice piped up, "Hello, can I help too? I got a discount for food and soda, considering that I'm a circus kid, and everybody knows me.".
They turned to see the young boy that was behind them, dark haired and strangely looked a bit in some places that he and Damien could honestly be brothers. "And you are?", Jane asked.
"Richard Grayson... though I usually go by Dick. And yeah, I know; kinda weird these days than, say... early last century or something.", Dick said.
Sean and Daphne shared a look that twins only can have, and replied as they looked back at Dick, "You're really a circus kid?", feeling a funny connection that Dick is familiar like their godbrother/cousin Damien.
"Yep. I'll show ya, we're up next, look!", Dick grinned, and walked up, "Freddy!", and one of the chefs laughed, "Dickie! What can I do for ya?", as he made a fist pump.
Dick replied, "My new friends are stuck.", bringing out a wristwatch of an app, "Four discount specials for them, and...you got 6 parents?", looking back at the quartet.
Damien replied, "And two grandparents!", and Dick nodded, turning back to Freddy, "Make those 8 adult sodas, Freddy.", and Freddy nodded, "Sure thing. Kids, what type of soda for your folks?".
They relayed their folks' favorite sodas, with Freddy writing them down, and smiled, "And something on the house for ya, Dickie?". Dick replied, "Cheese curds, please.".
"You got it.", Freddy replied, dialing up all the total, and nodded to Dick who held up his wrist, and Freddy scanned it, and then smiled, "Alright, 5 minutes, and then ready to go.".
"Jeez, you know you didn't have to do all this for us... we easily could've paid in full.", Jane said as Dick chuckled, "It's fine. Besides, don't usually meet a lot of kids my age. Honestly, you'd be surprised how many people don't usually come.".
"Yeah. Probably home playing games or something. I guess it's little kids would be the ones coming with their families?", Damien asked.
Dick nodded with a hum, "More or less. Oh, sure, there are teenagers too, but older than me, and they wouldn't want me to tag along when they are lovey-dovey or hanging out with their friends. Honestly, there are quite some families like you guys and occasionally, grandparents who want some nostalgia here and there.".
Sean replied, "If you're a circus kid, does that mean that your folks are like trainers or performers?", and Dick grinned, "Performers, and it's the best thing ever. My folks are warming up and all for the performance in a half hour before they get up into the air by climbing the ladders and such to the top.".
Daphne widened her eyes with an excited smile, "Wait, are they acrobats?!", having heard snippets of the upcoming performances over this weekend and upcoming weekends from her parents, and acrobats are some of them.
"Yeah. I've been doing some of the stunts too... I'd be joining them pretty soon.", Dick said. "Sounds dangerous.", Jane admitted as Dick smirked.
"Isn't training wild animals dangerous too?", Dick replied, and Damien said, "He got a point there, Jane. I'm Damien, and they are Sean and Daphne, the twins, and that's Jane, the oldest of us.".
Dick blinked, "You all related?", and Damien smirked, "Yep, but when we explain it, it turns people out like wide-eyed monkeys.".
"What do you mean?", Dick asked curiously, and Jane replied, "You wouldn't believe us.", before Freddy called out for Dick, and they went to pick up two cup trays of their folks' soda, four trays of the specials along with water, and Dick's cheese curds.